bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The relationship between hepatic fibrosis and arterial stiffness in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Guzel Fatma Betul , Ozturk Ilyas , Gisi Kadir , Ispiroglu Murat , Akkus Gulsum , Erken Ertugrul , Altunoren Orcun , Gungor Ozkan 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIntroductionThe main cause of death in hemodialysis patients is cardiovascular diseases. Increased arterial stiffness is a predictor of cardiovascular events for hemodialysis patients. Among the nondialysis patient population, arterial stiffness increases in those with hepatic fibrosis and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. This study aims to examine the relationship between hepatic fibrosis and arterial stiffness in hemodialysis patients for the first time in the literature.Material and methodThe study includes chronic hemodialysis patients over 18 years of age who had been treated for hemodialysis for at least 6 months. Patients with chronic liver disease, chronic viral hepatitis (HBV and HCV), alcohol use, or liver disease accompanied by polycystic kidney disease and active infection were excluded. Hepatic fibrosis scores were measured using the FibroScan device. Single‐cuff Mobil‐o‐Graph was used for measurement of arterial stiffness.ResultsFifty‐nine patients were enrolled; 54.2% of the patients were male, and the mean age was 53.9 ± 12.9 years. Thirty‐nine percent of the patients had diabetes. Average pulse wave velocity (PWV) value of the patients was 8.3 ± 1.6 m/s, and it had positive correlation with age, CAP score, fibrosis score, and body mass index and showed negative correlation to albumin. It was seen that the patients with a PWV value ≥ 10 m/s have significantly higher CAP score compared with the patients with a PWV < 10 m/s. When the factors predicting PWV were examined in the regression analysis, age and systolic blood pressure were found to be determinants.ConclusionIncreased hepatic fibrosis in hemodialysis patients is associated with increased arterial stiffness, but this relationship is not independent.
Single‐nucleus RNA sequencing of plant tissues using a nanowell‐based system
Authors: Sunaga‐Franze Daniele Y. , Muino Jose M. , Braeuning Caroline , Xu Xiaocai , Zong Minglei , Smaczniak Cezary , Yan Wenhao , Fischer Cornelius , Vidal Ramon , Kliem Magdalena , Kaufmann Kerstin , Sauer Sascha 
Published: August 2021

SUMMARYSingle‐cell genomics provides unprecedented potential for research on plant development and environmental responses. Here, we introduce a generic procedure for plant nucleus isolation combined with nanowell‐based library preparation. Our method enables the transcriptome analysis of thousands of individual plant nuclei. It serves as an alternative to the use of protoplast isolation, which is currently a standard methodology for plant single‐cell genomics, although it can be challenging for some plant tissues. We show the applicability of our nucleus isolation method by using different plant materials from different species. The potential of our single‐nucleus RNA sequencing method is shown through the characterization of transcriptomes of seedlings and developing flowers from Arabidopsis thaliana. We evaluated the transcriptome dynamics during the early stages of anther development, identified stage‐specific activities of transcription factors regulating this process, and predicted potential target genes of these transcription factors. Our nucleus isolation procedure can be applied in different plant species and tissues, thus expanding the toolkit for plant single‐cell genomics experiments.
Transfusion requirements and alloimmunization to red blood cell antigens in orthotopic liver transplantation
Authors: Uzuni Ajna , El‐Bashir Jaber , Galusca Dragos , Yeddula Sirisha , Nagai Shunji , Yoshida Atsushi , Abouljoud Marwan S. , Otrock Zaher K. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesOrthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) has been associated with high blood transfusion requirements. We evaluated the transfusion needs and frequency of alloimmunization to RBC antigens among OLT recipients pre‐ and post‐transplantation.Materials and MethodsWe reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent a first OLT between January 2007 and June 2017. Transfusions given only during the perioperative period, defined by 1 week before OLT until 2 weeks following OLT, were included in this study. Records were reviewed in June 2019 for updated antibody testing results.ResultsA total of 970 patients underwent OLT during the study period. The median age of patients was 57 years; 608(62.7%) were male. During the perioperative period, transfused patients received an average of 10.7 (±10.7) RBC units, 15.6 (±16.2) thawed plasma units and 4.1 (±4.3) platelet units. At the time of OLT, a total of 101 clinically significant RBC alloantibodies were documented in 58(5.98%) patients. Fifty‐three of these antibodies were directed against Rh blood group antigens. Twenty‐two (37.9%) patients had more than one alloantibody. Patients with alloimmunization before OLT (N = 58) received perioperatively comparable number of RBCs to non‐alloimmunized patients (10.5 ± 10.6 vs. 9.6 ± 10.7; p = 0.52). There was no significant difference in perioperative or intraoperative RBC transfusion between patients with one alloantibody and those with multiple alloantibodies. Only 16 patients (16/737; 2.17%) developed new alloantibodies at a median of 61 days after OLT. The overall alloimmunization rate was 9.8% (72/737), and female patients were more likely to be alloimmunized.ConclusionBlood transfusion requirements in OLT remain high. However, the rate of RBC alloimmunization was not higher than the general patient population.
Effect of patient activation interventions on health-related behavioral outcomes in adults with chronic kidney disease: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Lunardi Laura E. , Bennett Paul N. , Hill Kathy , Eckert Marion , Corsini Nadia 
Published: August 2021

ABSTRACT

Objective:
This review aims to examine the effect of patient activation interventions compared with usual care on health-related behavioral outcomes in adults with chronic kidney disease stages 3-5.

Introduction:
Chronic kidney disease is a global health problem associated with a high mortality, reduction of health-related quality of life, and high health care costs. The chronic nature requires active involvement and self-management of the person with chronic kidney disease. Patient activation is a self-management approach that refers to the knowledge, confidence, and skills of people to enable them to manage their own health needs. However, the effectiveness of patient activation interventions on health-related behavioral outcomes in this population have not yet been systematically evaluated.

Inclusion criteria:
This systematic review will include primary research studies measuring the effect of behavioral change interventions addressing beliefs, knowledge, confidence, and/or skills to optimize self-management in adult patients with chronic kidney disease stages 3-5 who are not receiving dialysis. Studies included in this review will be randomized controlled trials.

Methods:
Published studies will be searched in MEDLINE, Embase, Emcare, and PsycINFO. Unpublished studies and gray literature sources will also be searched. Titles and abstracts of search results published in English from 2005 onward will be screened, and the full text of potentially relevant studies will be assessed in detail. Studies selected for inclusion will undergo critical appraisal. Data extracted will include specific details about population, study methods, interventions, and outcomes. Studies will be pooled in statistical meta-analysis, if possible.

Systematic review registration number:
PROSPERO CRD42020205084
Fluid and protein exchange in microvascular networks: Importance of modelling heterogeneity in geometrical and biophysical properties
Authors: Guidoboni Giovanna , Marazzi Nicholas M. , Fraser Joshua , Sacco Riccardo , Palaniappan Kannappan , Huxley Virginia H. 
Published: August 2021

Key points
Microvascular network architecture defines coupling of fluid and protein exchange.
Network arrangements markedly reduce capillary hydrostatic pressures and resting fluid movement at the same time as increasing the capacity for change
The presence of vascular remodelling or angiogenesis puts constraints of network behaviour
The sites of fluid and protein exchange can be segregated to different portions of the network
Although there is a net filtration of fluid from a network of exchange vessels, there are specific areas where fluid moves into the circulation (reabsorption) and, when protein is moving into tissue, the amount is insufficient under basal conditions to result in changes in oncotic pressure.
AbstractIntegration of functional results obtained across scales, from chemical signalling to the whole organism, is a daunting task requiring the marriage of experimental data with mathematical modelling. In the present study, a novel coupled computational fluid dynamics model is developed incorporating fluid and protein transport using measurements in an in vivo frog (Rana pipiens) mesenteric microvascular network. The influences of network architecture and exchange are explored systematically under the common assumptions of structurally and functionally identical microvessels (Homogeneous Scenario) or microvessels classified by position in flow (Class Uniform Scenario), which are compared with realistic microvascular network components (Heterogeneous Scenario). The model incorporates ten quantities that vary within a microvessel; pressure boundary conditions are calibrated against experimental measurements. The Homogeneous Scenario standard model showed that assuming a single ‘typical’ capillary hides the influence of vessels arranged into a network architecture, where capillary hydrostatic pressures (pT) are reduced, resulting in both a nonuniform distribution of blood flow and reduced volume flow rate (Jf,T). In the Class Uniform Scenario pT was further attenuated to produce a ∼60% reduction in Jf,T. Finally, the Heterogeneous Scenario, incorporating measures of individual vessel surface area, demonstrates additional lowering of pT from inlet values favouring a >70% reduction of Jf,T in the face of a ∼120% increase in protein movement into the tissues relative to the Homogeneous Scenario. Beyond the impacts of network architecture, an unanticipated finding was the influence of a blind‐end microvessel on model convergence, indicating a profound influence of the largely unexplored dynamics of vascular remodelling on tissue perfusion.
Semantic Networks for Engineering Design: State of the Art and Future Directions
Authors: Han Ji , Sarica Serhad , Shi Feng , Luo Jianxi 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
In the past two decades, there has been increasing use of semantic networks in engineering design for supporting various activities, such as knowledge extraction, prior art search, idea generation and evaluation. Leveraging large-scale pre-trained graph knowledge databases to support engineering design-related natural language processing (NLP) tasks has attracted a growing interest in the engineering design research community. Therefore, this paper aims to provide a survey of the state-of-the-art semantic networks for engineering design and propositions of future research to build and utilize large-scale semantic networks as knowledge bases to support engineering design research and practice. The survey shows that WordNet, ConceptNet and other semantic networks, which contain common-sense knowledge or are trained on non-engineering data sources, are primarily used by engineering design researchers to develop methods and tools. Meanwhile, there are emerging efforts in constructing engineering and technical-contextualized semantic network databases, such as B-Link and TechNet, through retrieving data from technical data sources and employing unsupervised machine learning approaches. On this basis, we recommend six strategic future research directions to advance the development and uses of large-scale semantic networks for artificial intelligence applications in engineering design.
Lid-Driven Square Cavity Flow: A Benchmark Solution With an 8192 × 8192 Grid
Authors: Marchi Carlos Henrique , Santiago Cosmo Damião , Carvalho, Jr. Carlos Alberto Rezende de 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The incompressible steady-state fluid flow inside a lid-driven square cavity was simulated using the mass conservation and Navier–Stokes equations. This system of equations is solved for Reynolds numbers of up to 10,000 to the accuracy of the computational machine round-off error. The computational model used was the second-order accurate finite volume (FV) method. A stable solution is obtained using the iterative multigrid methodology with 8192 × 8192 volumes, while degree-10 interpolation and Richardson extrapolation were used to reduce the discretization error. The solution vector comprised five entries of velocities, pressure, and location. For comparison purposes, 65 different variables of interest were chosen, such as velocity profile, its extremum values and location, and extremum values and location of the stream function. The discretization error for each variable of interest was estimated using two types of estimators and their apparent order of accuracy. The variations of the 11 selected variables are shown across 38 Reynolds number values between 0.0001 and 10,000. In this study, we provide a more accurate determination of the Reynolds number value at which the upper secondary vortex appears. The results of this study were compared with those of several other studies in the literature. The current solution methodology was observed to produce the most accurate solution till date for a wide range of Reynolds numbers.
Verification and Validation of High-Fidelity Open-Source Simulation Tools for Supersonic Aircraft Aerodynamic Analysis
Authors: Stoldt Henry H. , Korobenko Artem , Ziade Paul , Johansen Craig T. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractSmall supersonic vehicle concepts used as research platforms to test new aerospace technologies, such as advanced propulsion systems or large sensor payloads, require major modifications to conventional, large-scale, manned, supersonic airframe design. High-fidelity numerical simulation of these concepts in academic settings often requires the use of in-house or available open-source tools instead of expensive commercial software or those with export-control restrictions. A verification and validation analysis of two widely-used open-source compressible-flow solvers, rhoCentralFoam (rCF) and su2, is performed for several flow problems relevant to the supersonic aerodynamics of small-scale, autonomous aircraft concepts. The one-dimensional shock tube problem, two-dimensional supersonic turbulent boundary layer, and three-dimensional delta wing are simulated with both solvers. The effects of flux scheme, flux limiters, and Courant–Friedrichs–Lewy (CFL) number on solution accuracy, stability, and solver speed are assessed. The solvers' limitations and their usefulness as supersonic aircraft design tools in a holistic sense are discussed.
Placental growth factor in assessment of women with suspected pre-eclampsia to reduce maternal morbidity: a stepped wedge cluster randomised control trial (PARROT Ireland)
Authors: Hayes-Ryan D , Khashan A S , Hemming K , Easter C , Devane D , Murphy D J , Hunter A , Cotter A , McAuliffe F M , Morrison J J , Breathnach F M , Dempsey E , Kenny L C , O’Donoghue K 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Objective
To determine whether the addition of placental growth factor (PlGF) measurement to current clinical assessment of women with suspected pre-eclampsia before 37 weeks' gestation would reduce maternal morbidity without increasing neonatal morbidity.

Design
Stepped wedge cluster randomised control trial from 29 June 2017 to 26 April 2019.

Setting
National multisite trial in seven maternity hospitals throughout the island of Ireland

Participants

Women with a singleton pregnancy between 20
+0
to 36
+6
weeks’ gestation, with signs or symptoms suggestive of evolving pre-eclampsia. Of the 5718 women screened, 2583 were eligible and 2313 elected to participate.

Intervention
Participants were assigned randomly to either usual care or to usual care plus the addition of point-of-care PlGF testing based on the randomisation status of their maternity hospital at the time point of enrolment.

Main outcomes measures
Co-primary outcomes of composite maternal morbidity and composite neonatal morbidity. Analysis was on an individual participant level using mixed-effects Poisson regression adjusted for time effects (with robust standard errors) by intention-to-treat.

Results
Of the 4000 anticipated recruitment target, 2313 eligible participants (57%) were enrolled, of whom 2219 (96%) were included in the primary analysis. Of these, 1202 (54%) participants were assigned to the usual care group, and 1017 (46%) were assigned the intervention of additional point-of-care PlGF testing. The results demonstrate that the integration of point-of-care PlGF testing resulted in no evidence of a difference in maternal morbidity—457/1202 (38%) of women in the control group versus 330/1017 (32%) of women in the intervention group (adjusted risk ratio (RR) 1.01 (95% CI 0.76 to 1.36), P=0.92)—or in neonatal morbidity—527/1202 (43%) of neonates in the control group versus 484/1017 (47%) in the intervention group (adjusted RR 1.03 (0.89 to 1.21), P=0.67).

Conclusions
This was a pragmatic evaluation of an interventional diagnostic test, conducted nationally across multiple sites. These results do not support the incorporation of PlGF testing into routine clinical investigations for women presenting with suspected preterm pre-eclampsia, but nor do they exclude its potential benefit.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov
NCT02881073
.
Arabic COVID-19 Psychological Distress Scale: development and initial validation
Authors: Fares Zine.El.Abiddine , Al-Tammemi Ala'a B. , F. Gadelrab Hesham , Lin Chung-Ying , Aljaberi Musheer A. , Alhuwailah Amthal , Roubi Mohammed Lakder 
Published: August 2021

ObjectiveTo develop a psychometrically reliable instrument to assess psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic across Arab countries.DesignThe new instrument was developed through the review of relevant literature. We adapted multiple items from the following tools: The Fear of COVID-19 Scale, Social Phobia Inventory, Health Anxiety Inventory, Swine Influenza Anxiety Scale and the Arabic Scale of Death Anxiety to design our new assessment tool which is called COVID-19 Psychological Distress Scale (CPDS). For psychometric analyses and validation, we conducted a cross-sectional study that solicited data through a web-based survey using the newly developed CPDS.Setting and participantsThis validation study was conducted in four Arab countries, including Algeria, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Yemen. A total of 1337 participants from these countries have voluntarily responded to our survey questionnaire that included the newly developed scale.ResultsThe final version of the CPDS comprised 12 items. Participants from Algeria (n=447), Kuwait (n=437), Saudi Arabia (n=160) and Yemen (n=293) have completed the 12-item CPDS. Exploratory factor analysis (used on the Algerian sample) suggested a two-factor structure of the CPDS. The two-factor structure was then supported by the confirmatory factor analysis with an independent sample. Additionally, Rasch analyses showed that all the items fit well in their embedded construct; only one item showed somewhat substantial differential item functioning across gender and country.ConclusionThe 12-item CPDS was found to be measurement invariant across country and gender. The CPDS, with its promising psychometric properties, might help healthcare professionals to identify people with COVID-19-induced psychological distress.
Risk stratification for hydronephrosis in the evaluation of acute kidney injury: a cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Tummalapalli Sri Lekha , Zech John R. , Cho Hyung J. , Goetz Celine 
Published: August 2021

ObjectiveTo validate an existing clinical decision support tool to risk-stratify patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) for hydronephrosis and compare the risk stratification framework with nephrology consultant recommendations.SettingCross-sectional study of hospitalised adults with AKI who had a renal ultrasound (RUS) ordered at a large, tertiary, academic medical centre.ParticipantsTwo hundred and eighty-one patients were included in the study cohort. Based on the risk stratification framework, 111 (40%), 76 (27%) and 94 (33%) patients were in the high-risk, medium-risk and low-risk groups for hydronephrosis, respectively.OutcomesOutcomes were the presence of unilateral or bilateral hydronephrosis on RUS.ResultsThirty-five patients (12%) were found to have hydronephrosis. The high-risk group had 86% sensitivity and 67% specificity for identifying hydronephrosis. A nephrology consult was involved in 168 (60%) patients and RUS was recommended by the nephrology service in 95 (57%) cases. Among patients with a nephrology consultation, 9 (56%) of the 16 total patients with hydronephrosis were recommended to obtain an RUS.ConclusionsWe further externally validated a risk stratification framework for hydronephrosis. Clinical decision support systems may be useful to supplement clinical judgement in the evaluation of AKI.
Exploring community perceptions, attitudes and practices regarding the COVID-19 pandemic in Karachi, Pakistan
Authors: Shahil Feroz Anam , Ali Naureen Akber , Feroz Ridah , Akber Noshaba , Nazim Meghani Salima 
Published: August 2021

BackgroundThe Government of Pakistan is facing difficulty to contain the surge of COVID-19 due to the country’s social, political, economical and cultural context. Experiences from the previous epidemic suggest that community perceptions, social norms and cultural practices can impede COVID-19 containment. To understand social responses towards COVID-19, the study aims to explore the understanding of COVID-19 and the acceptance of control measures among community members.MethodsWe conducted an exploratory qualitative study using a purposive sampling approach, at two communities of Karachi, Pakistan. In-depth interviews were conducted with community members including, young, middle-aged and older adults of both genders. Study data were analysed manually using the conventional content analysis technique.ResultsA total of 27 in-depth virtual interviews were conducted, between May and June 2020. Six overarching themes were identified: (1) community knowledge and perceptions around COVID-19; (2) trusted and preferred sources of health information; (3) initial thoughts and feeling towards COVID-19 pandemic; (4) community practices to prevent exposure from COVID-19; (5) perceived risks associated with poor adherence to infection control practices; and (6) future preparedness of community to avoid the second wave of the outbreak. Generally, community members had good knowledge about COVID-19, and positive behaviour and attitude towards using standard precautions. The knowledge is mainly acquired through electronic, print and social media platforms, which have pros and cons. However, some community members including younger individuals had poor adherence to safety measures. This may necessitate concentrated efforts to raise awareness through community mobilisation and sensitisation activities.ConclusionThis study provides an initial evidence base of communities’ perceptions, and attitudes towards COVID-19 in an early stage of pandemic. The study emphasises that sufficient knowledge and awareness about COVID-19, adequate training and drills, and adherence to safety measures, are necessary to better prepare for the second wave of COVID-19.