bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An evaluation of the Victorian Salt Reduction Partnership’s advocacy strategy for policy change
Authors: Rosewarne Emalie , Moore Michael , Chislett Wai-Kwan , Jones Alexandra , Trieu Kathy , Webster Jacqui 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundPublic health advocacy strategies facilitate policy change by bringing key health issues to the forefront of public and political discourse, influencing decision-makers and public opinion, and increasing policy demand. The Victorian Salt Reduction Partnership (VSRP) was established in 2014 in response to inadequate government action to improve population diets in Australia. This study aimed to evaluate the success of the VSRP’s advocacy strategy in achieving policy change.MethodsDocumentation of VSRP activities and outputs were collected, and semi-structured interviews conducted as part of a comprehensive process evaluation. For this study, the Kotter Plus 10-step public health advocacy evaluation framework was used to guide data extraction, analysis, and synthesis.ResultsA sense of urgency for salt reduction was generated by producing evidence and outlining the potential impact of a state-based salt reduction programme. This enabled the creation of a coalition with diverse skills and expertise, which facilitated the development of an innovative and collaborative advocacy action plan. A clear change vision was established, but communication of the vision to decision-makers was lacking, which reduced the impact of the programme as decision-makers were not provided with a clear incentive for policy change. As a result, while programme outputs were achieved, these did not translate to achieving broader strategic goals during a limited-term intervention in a political climate unconcerned with salt.ConclusionsThe Kotter Plus 10-step framework was a useful tool for evaluating the success of the VSRP advocacy strategy. The framework enabled the identification of key strengths, including the creation of the guiding coalition, and areas where efforts could be improved in future similar strategies, such as effective communication within partnerships and to decision-makers, to better influence policy and improve public health impact.
The impact of gut microbiota metabolites on cellular bioenergetics and cardiometabolic health
Authors: Tomasova Lenka , Grman Marian , Ondrias Karol , Ufnal Marcin 
Published: July 2021

AbstractRecent research demonstrates a reciprocal relationship between gut microbiota-derived metabolites and the host in controlling the energy homeostasis in mammals. On the one hand, to thrive, gut bacteria exploit nutrients digested by the host. On the other hand, the host utilizes numerous products of gut bacteria metabolism as a substrate for ATP production in the colon. Finally, bacterial metabolites seep from the gut into the bloodstream and interfere with the host’s cellular bioenergetics machinery. Notably, there is an association between alterations in microbiota composition and the development of metabolic diseases and their cardiovascular complications. Some metabolites, like short-chain fatty acids and trimethylamine, are considered markers of cardiometabolic health. Others, like hydrogen sulfide and nitrite, demonstrate antihypertensive properties. Scientific databases were searched for pre-clinical and clinical studies to summarize current knowledge on the role of gut microbiota metabolites in the regulation of mammalian bioenergetics and discuss their potential involvement in the development of cardiometabolic disorders. Overall, the available data demonstrates that gut bacteria products affect physiological and pathological processes controlling energy and vascular homeostasis. Thus, the modulation of microbiota-derived metabolites may represent a new approach for treating obesity, hypertension and type 2 diabetes.
Comparison of walking variations during treadmill walking test between neurogenic and vascular claudication: a crossover study
Authors: Houle Mariève , O’Shaughnessy Julie , Tétreau Charles , Châtillon Claude-Édouard , Marchand Andrée-Anne , Descarreaux Martin 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundLumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) are two distinct conditions characterized by similar symptoms including leg pain and walking limitations due to claudication. Differentiation between both origins can be difficult and characteristics such as symptom manifestations, time to relief in rest position and pain localization should be considered when determining diagnosis and the treatment plan. The objectives of this study were to compare changes in walking time to symptom change during treadmill tests and self-reported outcomes measures related to claudication, kinesophobia and global health between individuals with LSS, PAD and non-specific low back pain (nLBP).MethodFifty-five patients (23 with LSS, 14 with PAD and 18 with nLBP) were recruited from May 2018 to March 2020 to complete a treadmill walking test involving two 5-min walking tasks (Upright and Forward Leaning Trunk (FLT) Walking tasks). The speed was set at 1.9 km/h (1.2 mph), and each task was followed by a 5-min rest period.Walking time to symptom changeandTotal walking timewere recorded during each walking task. Patients were asked to complete four questionnaires related to the impact of claudication, walking impairment, kinesiophobia and global health. One-way ANOVAs were performed to compare walking time difference from theUprightto theFLT walking tasksand to compare questionnaires results between groups.ResultsOne-way ANOVAs showed a significant difference between groups regarding difference in Walking time to symptom change between both tasks (F = 4.12,p = 0.022). The LSS group improved its Walking time to symptom change from the Upright to the FLT walking tasks more than the PAD (p = 0.34) and the nLBP group (p = 0.12). The nLBP group was less impacted by claudication and less impaired during walking compared to the LSS and PAD groups (ps < 0.001). The nLBP group also had less kinesiophobia than the LSS one (p < 0.001), but was similar to the PAD group. The global health rating was not statistically different between groups (p = 0.118).ConclusionThe test was able to distinguish neurogenic from vascular or nLBP related claudication. However, further studies are needed to validate this new treadmill walking test.Trial registrationclinicaltrials.gov (NCT04058171), Registered August 15, 2019 –Registered during recruitment
Raman spectroscopy enables phenotyping and assessment of nutrition values of plants: a review
Authors: Payne William Z. , Kurouski Dmitry 
Published: July 2021

AbstractOur civilization has to enhance food production to feed world’s expected population of 9.7 billion by 2050. These food demands can be met by implementation of innovative technologies in agriculture. This transformative agricultural concept, also known as digital farming, aims to maximize the crop yield without an increase in the field footprint while simultaneously minimizing environmental impact of farming. There is a growing body of evidence that Raman spectroscopy, a non-invasive, non-destructive, and laser-based analytical approach, can be used to: (i) detect plant diseases, (ii) abiotic stresses, and (iii) enable label-free phenotyping and digital selection of plants in breeding programs. In this review, we critically discuss the most recent reports on the use of Raman spectroscopy for confirmatory identification of plant species and their varieties, as well as Raman-based analysis of the nutrition value of seeds. We show that high selectivity and specificity of Raman makes this technique ideal for optical surveillance of fields, which can be used to improve agriculture around the world. We also discuss potential advances in synergetic use of RS and already established imaging and molecular techniques. This combinatorial approach can be used to reduce associated time and cost, as well as enhance the accuracy of diagnostics of biotic and abiotic stresses.
High-dose thoracic radiation therapy for non-small cell lung cancer: a novel grading scale of radiation-induced lung injury for symptomatic radiation pneumonitis
Authors: Szejniuk Weronika Maria , Nielsen Martin Skovmos , Takács-Szabó Zsuzsanna , Pawlowski Jacek , Al-Saadi Sahar Sulaiman , Maidas Panagiotis , Bøgsted Martin , McCulloch Tine , Frøkjær Jens Brøndum , Falkmer Ursula Gerda , Røe Oluf Dimitri 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background
Symptomatic radiation pneumonitis (RP) may be a serious complication after thoracic radiation therapy (RT) for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This prospective observational study sought to evaluate the utility of a novel radiation-induced lung injury (RILI) grading scale (RGS) for the prediction of RP.

Materials and methods
Data of 41 patients with NSCLC treated with thoracic RT of 60–66 Gy were analysed. CT scans were scheduled before RT, one month post-RT, and every three months thereafter for one year. Symptomatic RP was defined as Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events grade ≥ 2. RGS grading ranged from 0 to 3. The inter-observer variability of the RGS was assessed by four senior radiologists. CT scans performed 28 ± 10 days after RT were used to analyse the predictive value of the RGS. The change in the RGS severity was correlated to dosimetric parameters.

Results
The CT obtained one month post-RT showed RILI in 36 (88%) of patients (RGS grade 0 [5 patients], 1 [25 patients], 2 [6 patients], and 3 [5 patients]). The inter-observer agreement of the RGS grading was high (Kendall’s W coefficient of concordance = 0.80, p < 0.01). Patients with RGS grades 2–3 had a significantly higher risk for development of RP (relative risk (RR): 2.4, 95% CI 1.6–3.7, p < 0.01) and RP symptoms within 8 weeks after RT (RR: 4.8, 95% CI 1.3–17.6, p < 0.01) compared to RGS grades 0–1. The specificity and sensitivity of the RGS grades 2–3 in predicting symptomatic RP was 100% (95% CI 80.5–100%) and 45.4% (95% CI 24.4–67.8%), respectively. Increase in RGS severity correlated to mean lung dose and the percentage of the total lung volume receiving 5 Gy.

Conclusions
The RGS is a simple radiologic tool associated with symptomatic RP. A validation study is warranted.
Historical and future carbon stocks in forests of northern Ontario, Canada
Authors: Ter-Mikaelian Michael T. , Gonsamo Alemu , Chen Jing M. , Mo Gang , Chen Jiaxin 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundForests in the Far North of Ontario (FNO), Canada, are likely the least studied in North America, and quantifying their current and future carbon (C) stocks is the first step in assessing their potential role in climate change mitigation. Although the FNO forests are unmanaged, the latter task is made more important by growing interest in developing the region’s natural resources, primarily for timber harvesting. In this study, we used a combination of field and remotely sensed observations with a land surface model to estimate forest C stocks in the FNO forests and to project their future dynamics. The specific objective was to simulate historical C stocks for 1901–2014 and future C stocks for 2015–2100 for five shared socioeconomic pathway (SSP) scenarios selected as high priority scenarios for the 6th Assessment Report on Climate Change.ResultsCarbon stocks in live vegetation in the FNO forests remained relatively stable between 1901 and 2014 while soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks steadily declined, losing about 16% of their initial value. At the end of the historical simulation (in 2014), the stocks were estimated at 19.8, 46.4, and 66.2 tCha−1in live vegetation, SOC, and total ecosystem pools, respectively. Projections for 2015–2100 indicated effectively no substantial change in SOC stocks, while live vegetation C stocks increased, accelerating their growth in the second half of the twenty-first century. These results were consistent among all simulated SSP scenarios. Consequently, increase in total forest ecosystem C stocks by 2100 ranged from 16.7 to 20.7% of their value in 2015. Simulations with and without wildfires showed the strong effect of fire on forest C stock dynamics during 2015–2100: inclusion of wildfires reduced the live vegetation increase by half while increasing the SOC pool due to higher turnover of vegetation C to SOC.ConclusionsForest ecosystem C stock estimates at the end of historical simulation period were at the lower end but within the range of values reported in the literature for northern boreal forests. These estimates may be treated as conservatively low since the area included in the estimates is poorly studied and some of the forests may be on peat deposits rather than mineral soils. Future C stocks were projected to increase in all simulated SSP scenarios, especially in the second half of the twenty-first century. Thus, during the projected period forest ecosystems of the FNO are likely to act as a C sink. In light of growing interest in developing natural resources in the FNO, collecting more data on the status and dynamics of its forests is needed to verify the above-presented estimates and design management activities that would maintain their projected C sink status.
Glaucoma in mucopolysaccharidoses
Authors: Kong Weijing , Zhang Jing , Lu Cheng , Ding Yingxue , Meng Yan 
Published: July 2021

AbstractMucopolysaccharidoses are a group of lysosomal storage disorders that are caused by deficiency of enzymes involved in glycosaminoglycans degradation. Due to low prevalence and high childhood mortality, researches on mucopolysaccharidoses were mainly focused on the fatal manifestations. With the development of treatments, more and more mucopolysaccharidoses patients were treated by approved therapies, thereby getting prolonged life span and improved quality of life. Abnormal accumulation of glycosaminoglycans in the eye may block trabecular meshwork, thicken sclera and change mechanical behavior of lamina cribrosa, which, by increasing intraocular pressure and damaging optic nerve, could cause glaucoma. Glaucoma was the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, but it was rarely reported in mucopolysaccharidoses patients. Although non-fatal, it seriously affected quality of life. Prevalence of glaucoma in mucopolysaccharidoses patients (ranged from 2.1 to 12.5%) indicated that glaucoma in patients with mucopolysaccharidoses was worthy of attention and further study, thereby improving the quality of life for MPSs patients.
Navigating the U.S. health insurance landscape for children with rare diseases: a qualitative study of parents’ experiences
Authors: Pasquini Tai L. S. , Goff Sarah L. , Whitehill Jennifer M. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundParents of children with rare diseases often face uncertainty about diagnosis, treatment, and costs associated with healthcare for their child. Health insurance status impacts each of these areas, but no U.S. study has explored parents’ perceptions of the health insurance impacts on their child’s care. This study aimed to qualitatively explore how these parents navigate the complex health insurance system for their children and their experiences in doing so.MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted with parents of children with metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), chosen for specific disease characteristics and orphan drug status. Participants were recruited via e-mail through patient advocacy organizations between September and December 2018. Interviews were conducted via Skype, were recorded, and professionally transcribed. Modified grounded theory was utilized as a methodology to analyze transcripts in an iterative process to determine themes and sub-themes based on participant described experiences.ResultsMajor themes and subthemes that emerged across the 15 interviews included: (1) difficulties obtaining secondary insurance based on state eligibility criteria; (2) difficulty accessing needed healthcare services; and (3) need for repeated interactions with insurance representatives. The absence of clearly documented or widely recognized clinical guidelines exacerbated the difficulty accessing care identified as necessary by their healthcare team, such as therapy and equipment. An explanatory model for parent’s experiences was developed from the themes and subthemes. The model includes the cyclical nature of interacting with insurance for redundant reauthorizations and the outside support and financial assistance that is often necessary to address their child’s healthcare needs.ConclusionsWith complex health conditions, small setbacks can become costly and disruptive to the health of the child and the life of the family. This study suggests that patients with rare diseases may benefit from time limits for processing coverage decisions, increasing transparency in the claims and preauthorization processes, and more expansive authorizations for on-going needs. Additional studies are needed to understand the full scope of barriers and to inform policies that can facilitate better access for families living with rare diseases.
Haploidentical haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for malignant infantile osteopetrosis and intermediate osteopetrosis: a retrospective analysis of a single centre
Authors: Zhu Guanghua , Wei Ang , Wang Bin , Yang Jun , Yan Yan , Wang Kai , Jia Chenguang , Luo Yanhui , Li Sidan , Zhou Xuan , Wang Tianyou , Zheng Huyong , Qin Maoquan 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Objective
To evaluate the clinical efficacy of haploidentical haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (haplo-HSCT) for the treatment of malignant infantile osteopetrosis (MIOP) and intermediate osteopetrosis.

Methods
Children with MIOP and IOP who underwent haplo-HSCT in Beijing Children’s Hospital, Capital Medical University, from January 2010 to May 2018 were retrospectively analysed. Data relating to the clinical manifestations, engraftment, and prognosis of the children were extracted from medical records.

Results
Twenty-seven patients, including 18 males and 9 females, with an onset age of 12 (0.04–72) months were enrolled in this study. The median time from diagnosis to transplantation was 4 (1–23) months. All patients received haplo-HSCT with a myeloablative conditioning regimen (including fludarabine, busulfan, and cyclophosphamide). Graft versus host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis was based on anti-human T lymphocyte porcine immunoglobulin/anti-human thymus globulin, methotrexate, and mycophenolate mofetil. The median observation time was 55.2 (0.3–126.2) months. By the end of follow-up, twenty patients survived and seven patients died. The 5 year overall survival rate was 73.9%. Stage I-II acute GVHD was observed in 20 patients, stage III GVHD in 1 patient and no patients had stage IV disease. Chronic GVHD was observed in 11 patients (40.7%) and was controlled by anti-GVHD therapy.

Conclusions
Haplo-HSCT was an effective treatment for MIOP and IOP, with a high survival rate and significantly improved clinical symptoms. For patients with a vision impairment before HSCT, the improvement was slow after transplantation. The incidence of GVHD was high but mild and was effectively controlled by appropriate treatment. These data indicated that haplo-HSCT was a feasible treatment for MIOP and IOP.
Knock-in models related to Alzheimer’s disease: synaptic transmission, plaques and the role of microglia
Authors: Benitez Diana P. , Jiang Shenyi , Wood Jack , Wang Rui , Hall Chloe M. , Peerboom Carlijn , Wong Natalie , Stringer Katie M. , Vitanova Karina S. , Smith Victoria C. , Joshi Dhaval , Saito Takashi , Saido Takaomi C. , Hardy John , Hanrieder Jörg , De Strooper Bart , Salih Dervis A. , Tripathi Takshashila , Edwards Frances A. , Cummings Damian M. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background
Microglia are active modulators of Alzheimer’s disease but their role in relation to amyloid plaques and synaptic changes due to rising amyloid beta is unclear. We add novel findings concerning these relationships and investigate which of our previously reported results from transgenic mice can be validated in knock-in mice, in which overexpression and other artefacts of transgenic technology are avoided.

Methods
AppNL-F and AppNL-G-F knock-in mice expressing humanised amyloid beta with mutations in App that cause familial Alzheimer’s disease were compared to wild type mice throughout life. In vitro approaches were used to understand microglial alterations at the genetic and protein levels and synaptic function and plasticity in CA1 hippocampal neurones, each in relationship to both age and stage of amyloid beta pathology. The contribution of microglia to neuronal function was further investigated by ablating microglia with CSF1R inhibitor PLX5622.

Results
Both App knock-in lines showed increased glutamate release probability prior to detection of plaques. Consistent with results in transgenic mice, this persisted throughout life in AppNL-F mice but was not evident in AppNL-G-F with sparse plaques. Unlike transgenic mice, loss of spontaneous excitatory activity only occurred at the latest stages, while no change could be detected in spontaneous inhibitory synaptic transmission or magnitude of long-term potentiation. Also, in contrast to transgenic mice, the microglial response in both App knock-in lines was delayed until a moderate plaque load developed. Surviving PLX5266-depleted microglia tended to be CD68-positive. Partial microglial ablation led to aged but not young wild type animals mimicking the increased glutamate release probability in App knock-ins and exacerbated the App knock-in phenotype. Complete ablation was less effective in altering synaptic function, while neither treatment altered plaque load.

Conclusions
Increased glutamate release probability is similar across knock-in and transgenic mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease, likely reflecting acute physiological effects of soluble amyloid beta. Microglia respond later to increased amyloid beta levels by proliferating and upregulating Cd68 and Trem2. Partial depletion of microglia suggests that, in wild type mice, alteration of surviving phagocytic microglia, rather than microglial loss, drives age-dependent effects on glutamate release that become exacerbated in Alzheimer’s disease.