bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An MRI framework for respiratory motion modelling validation
Authors: Meschini Giorgia , Paganelli Chiara , Vai Alessandro , Fontana Giulia , Molinelli Silvia , Pella Andrea , Vitolo Viviana , Barcellini Amelia , Orlandi Ester , Ciocca Mario , Riboldi Marco , Baroni Guido 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIntroductionRespiratory motion models establish a correspondence between respiratory‐correlated (RC) 4‐dimensional (4D) imaging and respiratory surrogates, to estimate time‐resolved (TR) 3D breathing motion. To evaluate the performance of motion models on real patient data, a validation framework based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is proposed, entailing the use of RC 4DMRI to build the model, and on both (i) TR 2D cine‐MRI and (ii) additional 4DMRI data for testing intra‐/inter‐fraction breathing motion variability.MethodsRepeated MRI data were acquired in 7 patients with abdominal lesions. The considered model relied on deformable image registration (DIR) for building the model and compensating for inter‐fraction baseline variations. Both 2D and 3D validation were performed, by comparing model estimations with the ground truth 2D cine‐MRI and 4DMRI respiratory phases, respectively.ResultsThe median DIR error was comparable to the voxel size (1.33 × 1.33 × 5 mm3), with higher values in the presence of large inter‐fraction motion (median value: 2.97 mm). In the 2D validation, the median estimation error on anatomical landmarks’ position resulted below 4 mm in every scenario, whereas in the 3D validation it was 1.33 mm and 4.21 mm when testing intra‐ and inter‐fraction motion, respectively. The range of motion described in the cine‐MRI was comparable to the motion of the building 4DMRI, being always above the estimation error. Overall, the model performance was dependent on DIR error, presenting reduced accuracy when inter‐fraction baseline variations occurred.ConclusionsResults suggest the potential of the proposed framework in evaluating global motion models for organ motion management in MRI‐guided radiotherapy.
Granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor initiates amniotic membrane rupture and preterm birth in a mouse model
Authors: Nold Christopher , Esteves Kristyn , Jensen Todd , Vella Anthony T. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractObjectivePreterm premature rupture of membranes is associated with 30% of all preterm births. The weakening of amniotic membranes is associated with an increase in matrix metallopeptidases (MMPs) along with a decrease in their inhibitors, tissue inhibitor metallopeptidases (TIMPs). Additionally, granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) has been shown to weaken fetal membranes in‐vitro. We hypothesize pregnant mice treated with GM‐CSF lead to increased MMPs:TIMPs resulting in membrane rupture and preterm birth.Study DesignPregnant CD‐1 mice on gestational day 17 received either an intrauterine injection of GM‐CSF or vehicle control. A second series of mice were administered an intrauterine injection of Lipopolysaccharide along with either anti‐mouse GM‐CSF or control antibody. Mice were evaluated for rupture of membranes and/or preterm birth and the uterus, amniotic fluid, and serum were collected for analysis.Results87.5% of GM‐CSF mice exhibited evidence of membrane rupture or preterm birth, compared with 0% in control mice (p < .001). Treatment with GM‐CSF decreased the expression of TNFα (p < .05) while increasing the ratio of MMP2:TIMP1 (p < .05), MMP2:TIMP2 (p < .05), MMP2:TIMP3 (p < .001), MMP9:TIMP1 (p < .01), MMP9:TIMP2 (p < .05), MMP9:TIMP3 (p < .001), and MMP10:TIMP1 (p < .05). Mice treated with LPS and the GM‐CSF antibody resulted in a decrease in the ratio of MMP2:TIMP1 (p < .0001) compared with controls.ConclusionThese studies demonstrate GM‐CSF will result in membrane rupture and preterm birth by increasing the ratio MMPs:TIMPs in our animal model. By increasing our understanding of the molecular pathways associated with GM‐CSF, we may be able to develop future therapies to prevent preterm birth and reduce neonatal morbidity.
Real‐life impact of COVID‐19 pandemic lockdown on the management of pediatric and adult asthma: A survey by the EAACI Asthma Section
Authors: Eguiluz‐Gracia Ibon , van den Berge Maarten , Boccabella Cristina , Bonini Matteo , Caruso Cristiano , Couto Mariana , Erkekol FerdaOner , Rukhadze Maia , Sanchez‐Garcia Silvia , del Giacco Stefano , Jutel Marek , Agache Ioana 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe restrictions imposed by the COVID‐19 pandemic impact heavily the management of chronic diseases like asthma. This study aimed to evaluate the management of adults and children with asthma during COVID‐19‐related lockdown.MethodsA survey was launched by the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) via e‐mail, website, and social media to EAACI members and members of peer societies.ResultsThe survey was completed by 339 healthcare professionals from 52 countries. 79% of follow‐up consultations were replaced by phone calls, whereas 49% of newly referred patients attended the clinic. 62%, 76%, 66%, 76%, and 87% of responders did not conduct spirometry, impulse oscillometry, bronchodilator test, FeNO, or methacholine provocation, respectively, for asthma diagnosis in adults. The numbers were similar for children. 73% of responders based the initial asthma diagnosis and the prescription of inhaled therapy on clinical parameters only. Lung function tests were used in 29% of cases to monitor asthma worsening, and only 56% of participants were recommended to their patients ambulatory peak expiratory flow (PEF) measurements. Using a 1 (not at all) to 5 (very much) scale, the responders considered that the quality of healthcare provided and the patients’ asthma status had deteriorated during the lockdown with 3.2 points and 2.8 points, respectively.ConclusionCollectively, these results suggest that all necessary resources should be allocated to ensure the performance of lung function tests for initial diagnosis, whereas digital remote monitoring should be reinforced for the follow‐up of children and adults with asthma.
CytoBas: Precision component‐resolved diagnostics for allergy using flow cytometric staining of basophils with recombinant allergen tetramers
Authors: McKenzie Craig I. , Varese Nirupama , Aui Pei M. , Wines Bruce D. , Hogarth Philip Mark , Thien Francis , Hew Mark , Rolland Jennifer M. , O’Hehir Robyn E. , van Zelm Menno C. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundDiagnostic tests for allergy rely on detecting allergen‐specific IgE. Component‐resolved diagnostics incorporate multiple defined allergen components to improve the quality of diagnosis and patient care.ObjectiveTo develop a new approach for determining sensitization to specific allergen components that utilizes fluorescent protein tetramers for direct staining of IgE on blood basophils by flow cytometry.MethodsRecombinant forms of Lol p 1 and Lol p 5 proteins from ryegrass pollen (RGP) and Api m 1 from honeybee venom (BV) were produced, biotinylated, and tetramerized with streptavidin‐fluorochrome conjugates. Blood samples from 50 RGP‐allergic, 41 BV‐allergic, and 26 controls were incubated with fluorescent protein tetramers for flow cytometric evaluation of basophil allergen binding and activation.ResultsAllergen tetramers bound to and activated basophils from relevant allergic patients but not controls. Direct fluorescence staining of Api m 1 and Lol p 1 tetramers had greater positive predictive values than basophil activation for BV and RGP allergy, respectively, as defined with receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curves. Staining intensities of allergen tetramers correlated with allergen‐specific IgE levels in serum. Inclusion of multiple allergens coupled with distinct fluorochromes in a single‐tube assay enabled rapid detection of sensitization to both Lol p 1 and Lol p 5 in RGP‐allergic patients and discriminated between controls, BV‐allergic, and RGP‐allergic patients.ConclusionOur novel flow cytometric assay, termed CytoBas, enables rapid and reliable detection of clinically relevant allergic sensitization. The intensity of fluorescent allergen tetramer staining of basophils has a high positive predictive value for disease, and the assay can be multiplexed for a component‐resolved and differential diagnostic test for allergy.
Risk factors for ventricular tachyarrhythmic events in patients without left bundle branch block who receive cardiac resynchronization therapy
Authors: Younis Arwa , Aktas Mehmet K. , Zareba Wojciech , McNitt Scott , Kutyifa Valentina , Goldenberg Ilan 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIntroductionCardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) may be pro‐arrhythmic in patients with non‐left bundle branch block (non‐LBBB). We hypothesized that combined assessment of risk factors (RF) for ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VTAs) can be used to stratify non‐LBBB patients for CRT implantation.MethodsThe study comprised 412 non‐LBBB patients from MADIT‐CRT randomized to CRT‐D (n = 215) versus ICD only (n = 197). Best‐subset regression analysis was performed to identify RF associated with increased VTA risk in CRT‐D patients without LBBB. The primary end point was first occurrence of sustained VTA during follow‐up. Secondary end points included VTA/death and appropriate shock.ResultsFour RFs were associated with increased VTA risk: blood urea nitrogen >25mg/dl, ejection fraction <20%, prior nonsustained VT, and female gender. Among CRT‐D patients, 114 (53%) had no RF, while 101 (47%) had ≥1 RF. The 4‐year cumulative probability of VTA was higher among those with ≥1 RF compared with those without RF (40% vs. 14%, p < .001). Multivariate analysis showed that in patients without RF, treatment with CRT‐D was associated with a 61% reduction in VTA compared with ICD‐only therapy (p = .002), whereas among patients with ≥1 RF, treatment with CRT‐D was associated with a corresponding 73% (p = .025) risk increase. Consistent results were observed when the secondary end points of VTA/death and appropriate ICD shocks were assessed.ConclusionCombined assessment of factors associated with increased risk for VTA can be used for improved selection of non‐LBBB patients for CRT‐D.
Reimagining the global food regimes for relational spaces
Authors: Wang Kuan‐Chi 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAs the food regime approach was originally built on the influential world‐system analytical framework, it is worth highlighting human geographers’ efforts to transcend world‐system theory (and the food regime approach) to emphasise how different types of political‐economic processes operate relationally and differentially across regions in the capitalist world. Meanwhile, other geographical perspectives and approaches, such as “critical GIS,” have contributed to the re‐imagination of regions relationally at a range of geographical scales, operating as distinct pathways for commodities over time. Accordingly, drawing on the more‐than‐qualitative relational approach supported by critical GIS and the regional and political geography literature, this paper applies centrality analysis – a quantitative social network analysis – and time‐series analysis to explore and visualise the transformation of the trade networks of high‐value crops in Asia. The paper argues that applying a more‐than‐qualitative relational approach to food regime scholarship can advance our understanding of the emerging regional dynamics in the global food system. Particularly, the findings of this paper show that the rise of China in the global food system has been accompanied by the emergence of Thailand and Vietnam as central actors. Such a multipolar food regime is applicable to address a regional food system, as its regional centrality is defined by clusters of states with more diffuse centrality.
On integrative social contracts theory and corporate decision‐making in a polarized political economy
Authors: Baird Catharyn , Mayer Don 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe priority rules in Donaldson and Dunfee's Integrative Social Contracts Theory (ISCT) provide a useful tool for firms facing polarizing social issues in the United States. ISCT and its priority rules are applied here to divisive social issues such as contraception, gun control, and LGBTQ rights. The ISCT process also benefits firms that serve parts of the world where norms are evolving, and can help firms clarify and communicate their own values.
Prenatal exposure to antipsychotic agents and the risk of congenital malformations in children: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Zixuan , Brauer Ruth , Man Kenneth K. C. , Alfageh Basmah , Mongkhon Pajaree , Wong Ian C. K. 
Published: March 2021

ObjectiveTo evaluate the association between antipsychotic use in pregnancy and the risk of congenital malformations in children.Data sourcesSearches of PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO and Cochrane Library were conducted from inception to 06 January 2020 using keywords: antipsychotics, pregnancy, pregnancy complication and congenital abnormalities.Study selectionOf 38 reports initially identified as being of potential interest, 13 studies met our inclusion criteria: English observational studies that examined the association between gestational antipsychotic use and congenital malformations in children.Data extractionData were extracted independently by 2 investigators including the publication year, study site, study period, data source, study design, sample size, medication exposure, exposure period and pregnancy definition, exposure as well as outcome ascertainment, selection of study and comparison group, confounding adjustment, statistical analysis, and method of linkage between mother and children. Risk estimates were pooled using a random‐effect model and the I2 statistic was used to evaluate the degree of heterogeneity.ResultsThirteen studies met our systematic review inclusion criteria. Six studies with a total of 2 515 272 pregnancy episodes were included in our meta‐analysis, which provided a pooled adjusted risk ratio of 1.23, 95% confidence interval: 0.96–1.58. The I2 result showed moderate heterogeneity between studies (I2 = 35.2%, P = .173).ConclusionWe did not find strong evidence of an association between prenatal exposure to antipsychotic medications and the risk of congenital malformations in children. We recommend further studies investigate this association, focusing on specific medication classes and dose responses, which would help clinicians decide whether to prescribe certain antipsychotics during pregnancy.
The role of cognitive control and emotion regulation in predicting mental health problems in children with neurodevelopmental disorders
Authors: Tajik‐Parvinchi Diana , Farmus Linda , Tablon Modica Paula , Cribbie Robert A. , Weiss Jonathan A. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundMany youth with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) experience mental health problems such as anxiety, depression or anger, and these are often associated with impairments of cognition and emotion regulation. The mechanisms that may be linking cognitive difficulties, emotion regulation and mental health are not known.AimsThe current study examined whether adaptive and maladaptive (dysregulated) emotion regulation mediated the link between different cognitive control processes (working memory, inhibition and shifting) and internalizing/externalizing symptoms in children with NDDs.MethodsParticipants included 48 children (8–13 years of age) with one or more diagnoses of autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, cerebral palsy and learning disability, who were enrolled in a larger study of cognitive behaviour therapy targeting emotion regulation. Multiple mediation analyses were implemented using the PROCESS macro. The mediation effects of adaptive and maladaptive emotion regulation were examined on the relationships between (1) working memory and internalizing/externalizing symptoms, (2) inhibition and internalizing/externalizing symptoms and (3) shifting and internalizing/externalizing symptoms. All data were collected prior to intervention, at baseline.ResultsShifting, inhibitory control and working memory predicted increased emotion dysregulation, which functioned as a full mediator to both internalizing and externalizing problems in children with NDDs.ConclusionsIn the presence of emotionally triggering situations, children with greater cognitive challenges experience greater maladaptive emotion regulation, which results in both internalizing and externalizing problems. For youth with NDDs, therapeutic plans that include strengthening of working memory, inhibition and shifting abilities in addition to emotion regulation skills training may be helpful in alleviating externalizing and internalizing behaviour.
Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Di Benedetto P , Ruscitti P , Berardicurti O , Vomero M , Navarini L , Dolo V , Cipriani P , Giacomelli R 
Published: March 2021

SummarySystemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by significant vascular alterations and multi-organ fibrosis. Microvascular alterations are the first event of SSc and injured endothelial cells (ECs) may transdifferentiate towards myofibroblasts, the cells responsible for fibrosis and collagen deposition. This process is identified as endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), and understanding of its development is pivotal to identify early pathogenetic events and new therapeutic targets for SSc. In this review, we have highlighted the molecular mechanisms of EndMT and summarize the evidence of the role played by EndMT during the development of progressive fibrosis in SSc, also exploring the possible therapeutic role of its inhibition.
Accelerating clinical research in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders
Authors: Oertel Frederike C. , Paul Friedemann 
Published: March 2021

AbstractNeuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders are rare relapsing inflammatory central nervous system diseases with a heterogenous immunological and clinical spectrum. International collaborations are required to: (i) reach a better understanding of the disease and its subtypes; (ii) develop laboratory and imaging biomarkers; and (iii) ultimately improve treatments.
Intensive intervention with families experiencing multiple and complex challenges: An alternative to child removal in a bi‐ and multi‐cultural context?
Authors: Atwool Nicola 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWhen concerns about child safety and wellbeing are substantiated, decisions are made in the context of the options available—child(ren) remaining supported within family, short‐term removal with a plan for return home when parental issues are addressed, or permanent care placement. In New Zealand, families facing possible removal experience multiple challenges including poverty, family violence, parental mental health and substance abuse issues and historical and inter‐generational trauma. Lack of resources to facilitate the intensive intervention needed to address such complexity increases the risk that removal is seen as the only way to ensure safety. Criticism of increasing removal rates for young children with significant over‐representation of indigenous children has led to allocation of funding to establish Intensive Intervention services. New Zealand has a history of importing ‘evidence‐based’ models from other countries. A review of what is currently known about intensive intervention with families where there is risk of a child removal was undertaken to explore the challenges that might arise in our bi‐ and multi‐cultural environment. Critical factors for effective intervention are discussed before concluding with consideration of implications for other countries with histories of colonization and culturally diverse populations.
Fiscal decentralization and the default risk of Chinese local government debts
Authors: Ouyang Alice Y. , Li Rui 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis paper examines the effects of fiscal decentralization on the default risk of Chinese local government debts based on data from both urban construction investment bonds and local government bonds. The empirical evidence indicates that while fiscal revenue decentralization tends to mitigate the default risk of local government debts, fiscal expenditure decentralization increases it. Four policy measures, namely, fiscal transparency, hard budget constraints, debt quotas, and local officials' ability to manage debt are also introduced to investigate how they affect the influence of fiscal decentralization on Chinese local government debt risk.
Conservation reliance and its influence on support for carnivore recovery
Authors: Serenari Christopher 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe number of species reliant on consistent human intervention is rising. These species are labeled conservation‐reliant, which affords them unique resources to propagate them. A conservation reliance designation has important implications for recovery of large carnivores, particularly where private lands encompass historical ranges. As a policy tool, a conservation reliance designation may be used in conjunction with other popular instruments such as financial incentives or co‐governance to promote coexistence between carnivores and key cohorts such as landowners and hunters, who are often vocal dissidents of carnivore recovery, especially wolf recovery projects. Yet, the nascent literature on conservation reliance has yet to address the influence of conservation reliance on landowner or hunter support for carnivore conservation. This paper fills this gap with an analysis of responses from 639 landowners to explore the influence of a conservation reliance designation on intention to coexist with wild red wolves (Canis rufus) in northeast North Carolina. Findings suggest that respondents living in the red wolf recovery zone generally oppose a conservation reliance designation, a critical means to red wolf recovery. Hence, a conservation reliance designation may actually erode the value of some species they intend to preserve. Disapproval of conservation reliance poses new confronts to restoration politics and its diversity of strands, which must be woven into new ways of thinking about the ethical and political aspects of carnivore policy and management.
Repeated onabotulinum neurotoxin A injections for drooling in children with neurodisability
Authors: Bekkers Stijn , Leow Theresa YS , Van Hulst Karen , Orriëns Lynn B , Scheffer Arthur RT , Van Den Hoogen Frank JA 
Published: March 2021

AimTo evaluate the effect of repeated onabotulinum neurotoxin A injections for the treatment of drooling in children with neurodisabilities.MethodThis was a retrospective cohort study, in which the first, second, and third onabotulinum neurotoxin A injection were compared within children treated between 2000 and 2020. Primary outcomes included drooling quotient, visual analogue scale (VAS), and treatment success defined as ≥50% reduction in drooling quotient and/or VAS 8 weeks after treatment. Each outcome was obtained at baseline and 8 weeks posttreatment.ResultsSeventy‐seven children were included (mean age at first injection: 8y 3mo, SD 3y 7mo, range 3–17y; 44 males, 33 females; 51.9% with cerebral palsy, 45.5% wheelchair‐bound). The objective (drooling quotient) and subjective (VAS) effect after the second injection was lower compared to the first injection. The third injection showed less objective and significantly less subjective effect compared to the first injection. An overall success rate of 74.0%, 41.6%, and 45.8% were found for the first, second, and third injection respectively.InterpretationAlthough onabotulinum neurotoxin A remained effective throughout the entire treatment course, there is less effect of subsequent onabotulinum neurotoxin A injections compared to the first. Although there might be a loss of effect after repeated injections, there is continued improvement for most children.
What this paper adds

Repeated injections show a diminished treatment effect after the second injection.

A continued improvement is seen in most patients.