bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The influence of facility volume on patient treatments and survival outcomes in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Goshtasbi Khodayar , Abiri Arash , Lehrich Brandon M. , Haidar Yarah M. , Tjoa Tjoson , Kuan Edward C. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundThis study evaluates the influence of facility case‐volume on nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) treatments and overall survival (OS).MethodsThe 2004–2015 National Cancer Database was queried for patients with NPC receiving definitive treatment.ResultsA total of 8260 patients (5‐year OS: 63.4%) were included. The 1114 unique facilities were categorized into 854 low‐volume (treating 1–8 patients), 200 intermediate‐volume (treating 9–23 patients), and 60 high‐volume (treating 24–187 patients) facilities. Kaplan–Meier log‐rank analysis demonstrated significantly improved OS with high‐volume facilities (p < 0.001). On cox proportional‐hazard multivariate regression after adjusting for age, sex, income, insurance, comorbidity index, histology, AJCC clinical stage, and treatment type, high‐volume facilities were associated with lower mortality risk than low‐volume (HR = 0.865, p = 0.019) and intermediate‐volume facilities (HR = 0.916, p = 0.004). Propensity score matching analysis confirmed this association (p < 0.001).ConclusionHigher facility volume was an independent predictor of improved OS in NPC, suggesting a possible survival benefit of referrals to high‐volume medical centers.
Design and testing of varying magnetic field effect in a pulsatility blood flow of viscoelastic material: Flexibility analysis in a curved channel
Authors: Javed Maryiam , Imran Naveed , Rao Areeba I. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis paper attempts to investigate the peristaltic mechanism of Williamson fluid in a pipe flow under the influence of variable radial magnetic field along with slip effects and compliant walls. Viscous dissipation and thermophoresis effects are also considered. The solutions of coupled nonlinear ordinary differential equations are obtained using the perturbation technique and results are graphically represented. The effects on heat, mass, velocity, and heat transfer coefficient are studied under various pertinent parameters. The outcomes of the present model can be applied in various fields of biomedical engineering where smart peristaltic pumps can be engineered to transport the biological fluids without any contamination. The scope of the present article is valuable in explaining the blood transport dynamics in small vessels while considering the important wall features with chemical reaction characteristics.
Trends in subdermal contraceptive implant use in Mexico 2009–2018: A population‐based study
Authors: Darney Blair G. , Fuentes‐Rivera Evelyn , Corbin Andrea , Saavedra‐Avendano Biani , Schiavon Raffaela 
Published: May 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo describe subdermal implant use in Mexico over time, by state and by age.MethodsWe conducted a repeated cross‐sectional study using the 2009, 2014, and 2018 waves of the National Survey of Demographic Dynamics (Encuesta Nacional de la Dinámica Demográfica [ENADID]). Our outcome was current use of contraception, by type, with a focus on the implant. We used visualizations, descriptive and bivariate statistics, and multinomial models to assess change over time, geographic patterns, method mix, and factors associated with implant use (vs intrauterine device [IUD] or other hormonal methods).ResultsImplant use is increasing over time in Mexico, from 1.1% of women who have ever used a method in 2009 to 4.5% in 2018 (P < 0.001); the change is greatest among adolescents (2.5% in 2009 to 12.2% in 2018; P < 0.001). Change in implant use as a fraction of modern method use was heterogeneous across Mexican states. The adjusted relative likelihood of using an implant compared with IUD was 34% higher for adolescents compared with women aged 20–29 years (relative risk ratio 1.34, 95% confidence interval 1.16–1.55, P < 0.001), controlling for other variables in the model.ConclusionUse of subdermal implants is increasing over time in Mexico and is concentrated among adolescents. Implants have the potential to expand access to highly effective contraception in Mexico.
Maternal mental health and early childhood development: Exploring critical periods and unique sources of support
Authors: Farewell Charlotte V. , Melnick Emily , Leiferman Jenn 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe objective of this study was to explore associations between maternal depression and anxiety during early sensitive periods, child social–emotional and behavioral problems and the moderating roles of financial, instrumental, and partner emotional support.MethodsAnalyses was conducted using data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study. Hierarchical linear regression modeling was used to explore associations between maternal depression and anxiety at 1‐ and 3‐years postpartum, three unique types of social support, and childhood behavioral problems at 5‐years of age (n = 2,827).ResultsMothers who were depressed at one or both timepoints, compared to nondepressed mothers, reported higher externalizing behavioral problems scores of 1.96 and 2.90, and internalizing behavioral problems scores of 1.16 and 2.20, respectively, at 5‐years of age (both p < .01), after controlling for covariates. Financial, instrumental, and partner emotional support were independently and inversely associated with behavioral problems (p < .05); however, none of these types of support moderated the relationship between maternal depression and behavioral problems, after controlling for covariates.ImplicationsPromoting maternal mental health as well as different sources of support throughout the first five years of life, instead of one critical period, may help to reduce the burden of chronic disease in the next generation.
Improvement of farmland drainage calculation method under environmental change in Huaibei plain*
Authors: Wang Jun‐feng , Zhu Mei , Wang Zhen‐long , Zhang Tian‐tong , Qi Yin‐fan , Zhu Ling‐ling 
Published: May 2021

AbstractChanges and new thoughts are vital if the farmland drainage method in the Huabei Plain is to be improved. In this article, drainage flow was chosen as the research object. Based on long‐series precipitation data, the spatial distribution of precipitation was analysed. The peak value relation index (m) was either adjusted or unadjusted in contrast calculations with the empirical formula and the average draining formula. The adjustment rationality and adjustment range of m were researched. Results of calculations were analysed and used to improve the applicability of the empirical formula. The spatial distribution of precipitation showed a decreasing trend from south‐west to north‐east. Before adjustment, the result of the empirical formula was equivalent to the flow of 1 day of draining water. After adjusting m to 0.84–0.87, the result was equivalent to the flow of 1.5 days of draining water. With the decrease of rainfall frequency, the drainage flow of the average draining formula was greater than that of the empirical formula and the ratio was 1.13 times when the runoff depth was 50 mm. m can be selected from 0.84 to 0.87 for calculating drainage flow in the Huabei Plain by using the empirical formula and has a direct ratio with precipitation.
Components of the Gut Microbiome That Influence Bone Tissue-Level Strength
Authors: Luna Marysol , Guss Jason D , Vasquez-Bolanos Laura S , Castaneda Macy , Rojas Manuela Vargas , Strong Jasmin M , Alabi Denise A , Dornevil Sophie D , Nixon Jacob C , Taylor Erik A , Donnelly Eve , Fu Xueyan , Shea M Kyla , Booth Sarah L , Bicalho Rodrigo , Hernandez Christopher J 
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACT
Modifications to the constituents of the gut microbiome influence bone density and tissue-level strength, but the specific microbial components that influence tissue-level strength in bone are not known. Here, we selectively modify constituents of the gut microbiota using narrow-spectrum antibiotics to identify components of the microbiome associated with changes in bone mechanical and material properties. Male C57BL/6J mice (4 weeks) were divided into seven groups (n = 7–10/group) and had taxa within the gut microbiome removed through dosing with: (i) ampicillin; (ii) neomycin; (iii) vancomycin; (iv) metronidazole; (v) a cocktail of all four antibiotics together (with zero-calorie sweetener to ensure intake); (vi) zero-calorie sweetener only; or (vii) no additive (untreated) for 12 weeks. Individual antibiotics remove only some taxa from the gut, while the cocktail of all four removes almost all microbes. After accounting for differences in geometry, whole bone strength was reduced in animals with gut microbiome modified by neomycin (−28%, p = 0.002) and was increased in the group in which the gut microbiome was altered by sweetener alone (+39%, p &lt; 0.001). Analysis of the fecal microbiota detected seven lower-ranked taxa differentially abundant in animals with impaired tissue-level strength and 14 differentially abundant taxa associated with increased tissue-level strength. Histological and serum markers of bone turnover and trabecular bone volume per tissue volume (BV/TV) did not differ among groups. These findings demonstrate that modifications to the taxonomic components of the gut microbiome have the potential to decrease or increase tissue-level strength of bone independent of bone quantity and without noticeable changes in bone turnover. © 2021 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
The clinical significance of spondin 2 eccentric expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in bronchial asthma
Authors: Zhou Peng , Xiang Cai‐xia , Wei Jin‐feng 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundBronchial asthma (BA) was a heterogeneous disease characterized by chronic airway inflammation. Spondin 2 (SPON2) was reported to be implicated in the integrin pathway, protein metabolism, and drug‐induced lupus erythematosus. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the significance of SPON2 in BA diagnosis and treatment.MethodsPeripheral blood samples were obtained from 137 BA pediatric patients (61 mild‐to‐moderate BA and 76 severe BA) and 59 healthy children. Subject's information, clinical indexes, pulmonary ventilation functions were recorded in the two groups. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from patients’ samples. qRT‐PCR and ELISA assays were employed to examine the levels of SPON2 and inflammatory cytokines, respectively. Pearson's correlation analysis confirmed the association between SPON2 and inflammatory cytokines. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to evaluate the potentials of SPON2 in terms of BA detection and discriminating against the severity of BA.ResultsBioinformatics analysis showed that SPON2, OLFM4, XIST, and TSIX were significantly upregulated, while KDM5D and RPS4Y1 were reduced in BA. GO analysis verified that these six genes were mainly involved in neutrophil degranulation, neutrophil activation involved in immune response, neutrophil activation, and neutrophil‐mediated immunity. After isolating PBMCs, we found that SPON2 was remarkably increased in BA pediatric group compared with healthy children, and the relative levels of SPON2 were related to the severity of BA. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed the high potentials of SPON2 in BA diagnosis (AUC was 0.8080) and severity distinctions (AUCs were 0.7341 and 0.8541, respectively). Also, we found that there were significant differences in fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)%, FEV1/ forced vital capacity (FVC)%, immunoglobulin E (IgE), serum eosinophils, and serum neutrophils between mild‐to‐moderate BA group and severe BA group. Finally, SPON2 was negatively correlated with IL‐12 while positively associated with IL‐4, IL‐13, and IL‐17A.ConclusionsSPON2 was a viable biomarker for diagnosing and degree of severity in BA, providing more insight into exploring BA and treatment's pathogenesis.
Trajectories of depression in aging veterans and former prisoners‐of‐war: The role of social support and hardiness
Authors: Bachem Rahel , Zhou Xiao , Levin Yafit , Solomon Zahava 
Published: May 2021

AbstractObjectivesDepression is a prevalent outcome of traumatic experiences, such as combat and war captivity. This study explores the heterogeneity of changes over time and assesses the contribution of trauma exposure (combat vs. war captivity), hardiness, and social support for depression trajectories.MethodsTwo groups of Israeli veterans were assessed in 1991, 2003, 2008, and 2015: 149 former prisoners‐of‐war (ex‐POWs) and 107 combat veterans. Protective factors were evaluated in 1991. Group‐based trajectory modeling was conducted to identify latent trajectories of change.ResultsFour trajectories of “resiliency” (62.8%), “delayed onset” (25.1%), “exacerbation” (6.2%), and “chronicity” (5.9%) were found. The majority of the resilient group were combat veterans whereas the clinical groups consisted primarily of ex‐POWs. Lower hardiness and social support were related to more deleterious trajectories.ConclusionsSpirals of loss involving hardiness and social support, normative experiences, and contextual factors may present explanations for the various depression trajectories.
Relational ethics meets principled practice in community research engagements to understand and address homelessness
Authors: Hodgetts Darrin , Rua Mohi , Groot Shiloh , Hopner Veronica , Drew Neil , King Pita , Blake Denise 
Published: May 2021

AbstractGrowing homelessness in Aotearoa New Zealand stems primarily from rising inequalities and poverty. Drawing from scholarship on relational ethics, principled practice and Māori cultural concepts, this paper offers our reflections on nearly two decades of collective work to document and address homelessness. Central to the approach outlined are enduring community partnerships, the cultivation of reciprocal relations, and time spent with homeless people and those trying to work with them. We present exemplars for how we draw on everyday interactions with homeless people and agency staff to enhance local service and broader systemic responses to homelessness.
Cinchona‐alkaloid‐based zwitterionic chiral stationary phases as potential tools for high‐performance liquid chromatographic enantioseparation of cationic compounds of pharmaceutical relevance
Authors: Tanács Dániel , Bajtai Attila , Berkecz Róbert , Forró Enikő , Fülöp Ferenc , Lindner Wolfgang , Péter Antal , Ilisz István 
Published: May 2021

AbstractEnantiomers of cationic compounds of pharmaceutical relevance, namely tetrahydro‐ß‐carboline and 1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroisoquinoline analogs, were separated by high‐performance liquid chromatography. Separations were performed on Cinchona‐alkaloid‐based zwitterionic ion exchanger type chiral stationary phases applied as cation exchangers using mixtures of methanol and acetonitrile or tetrahydrofuran as bulk solvent components containing triethylammonium acetate or ammonium acetate as organic salt additives. On the zwitterionic ZWIX(+) and ZWIX(−) columns investigated, retention and enantioseparation of the studied basic analytes were influenced by the nature and concentration of the organic components of the mobile phase. The effect of organic salt additives on the retention behavior of the studied analytes can be described by the stoichiometric displacement model related to the counterion concentration. Investigations on the structure–retention relationships were performed applying different mobile phase systems for the two types of cationic analytes. For the thermodynamic characterization, parameters such as changes in standard enthalpy (Δ(ΔH°)), entropy (Δ(ΔS°)), and free energy (Δ(ΔG°)) were calculated on the basis of van't Hoff plots derived from the ln α versus 1/T curves. In most cases, enthalpy‐driven enantioseparations were observed, with a consistent dependence of the calculated thermodynamic parameters on the mobile phase composition. Elution sequences of the studied compounds were determined in all cases.
Antifibrotic Role of Nintedanib in Tracheal Stenosis After a Tracheal Wound
Authors: Fan Yuhua , Li Xin , Fang Xing , Liu Yalan , Zhao Suping , Yu Zicheng , Tang Yaoyun , Wu Ping 
Published: May 2021

Objectives/HypothesisTracheal stenosis is an obstructive disease of the upper airway that commonly develops as a result of abnormal wound healing. We evaluated the anti‐inflammatory and antifibrotic properties of nintedanib on tracheal stenosis both in vitro and in vivo.Study DesignProspective controlled animal study and in vitro comparative study of human cells.MethodsAn animal model of tracheal stenosis was induced via tracheal trauma. Postsurgical rats were orally administered with nintedanib (10 or 20 mg/kg/d) or saline (negative control) for 2 weeks, and tracheal specimens were harvested after 3 weeks. Degree of stenosis, collagen deposition, fibrotic surrogate markers expression, and T‐lymphocytic infiltration were evaluated. Human fetal lung fibroblast‐1 (HFL‐1) cells were cultured to determine the effects of nintedanib on changes of cellular biological function induced by transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1).ResultsRat tracheal stenotic tissues exhibited thickened lamina propria with irregular epithelium, characterized by significantly increased collagen deposition and elevated TGF‐β1, collagen I, α‐SMA and fibronectin expressions. Nintedanib markedly attenuated the tracheal stenotic lesions, reduced the collagen deposition and the expression of fibrotic marker proteins, and mitigated CD4+ T‐lymphocyte infiltration. Additionally, cellular proliferation and migration were decreased dose‐dependently in TGF‐β1‐stimulated HFL‐1 cells when treated with nintedanib. Furthermore, nintedanib inhibited TGF‐β1‐induced HFL‐1 differentiation and reduced the mRNA levels of the profibrotic genes. TGF‐β1‐activated phosphorylation of the TGF‐β/Smad2/3 and ERK1/2 pathways were also blocked by nintedanib.ConclusionNintedanib effectively prevented tracheal stenosis in rats by inhibiting fibrosis and inflammation. The antifibrotic effect of nintedanib may be achieved by inhibiting fibroblasts' proliferation, migration and differentiation and suppressing the TGF‐β1/Smad2/3 and ERK1/2 signaling pathways.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 131:E2496–E2505, 2021
Structural Transitions During Formation and Rehydration of Proton Conducting Polymeric Membranes
Authors: Viviani Marco , Lova Paola , Portale Giuseppe 
Published: May 2021

AbstractKnowledge of the transitions occurring during the formation of ion‐conducting polymer films and membranes is crucial to optimize material performances. The use of non‐destructive scattering techniques that offer high spatio‐temporal resolution is essential to investigating such structural transitions, especially when combined with complementary techniques probing at different time and spatial scales. Here, a simultaneous multi‐technique study is performed on the membrane formation mechanism and the subsequent hydration of two ion‐conducting polymers, the well‐known commercial Nafion and a synthesized sulfonated poly(phenylene sulfide sulfone) (sPSS). The X‐ray data distinguish the multi‐stage processes occurring during drying. A sol‐gel‐membrane transition sequence is observed for both polymers. However, while Nafion membrane evolves from a micellar solution through the formation of a phase‐separated gel, forming an oriented supported membrane, sPSS membrane evolves from a solution of dispersed polyelectrolyte chains via formation of an inhomogeneous gel, showing assembly and ionic phase separation only at the end of the drying process. Impedance spectroscopy data confirm the occurrence of the sol‐gel transitions, while gel‐membrane transitions are detected by optical reflectance data. The simultaneous multi‐technique approach presented here can connect the nanoscale to the macroscopic behavior, unraveling information essential to optimize membrane formation of different ion‐conducting polymers.
Simultaneous detection of hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide based on off‐axis integrated cavity output spectroscopy using a near‐infrared distributed feedback diode laser
Authors: Tian Xing , Cheng Gang , Cao Yanan , Chen Jiajin , Liu Kun , Gao Xiaoming 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAn optical scheme for simultaneous detection of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and carbon dioxide (CO2) is demonstrated. A near infrared tunable diode laser operating at 1.578 μm including the absorption lines of H2S at 6336.62 cm−1 and CO2 at 6336.24 cm−1 was used as the light source for spectroscopic measurements of H2S and CO2. A high‐finesse cavity with a base length of 21 cm and a pair of high reflectivity mirrors with a reflectivity of 99.999% were employed based on off‐axis integrated cavity output spectroscopy. Allan variance analysis shows that the minimum detection limits of 150 ppbv for H2S in 170 s averaging time and 1.03 ppmv for CO2 in 209 s, respectively.
Ocean‐scale footprint of a highly mobile fishing fleet: Social‐ecological drivers of fleet behaviour and evidence of illegal fishing
Authors: Collins Claire , Nuno Ana , Benaragama Aloka , Broderick Annette , Wijesundara Isuru , Wijetunge Dilhara , Letessier Tom B. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Managing the footprint of highly mobile fishing fleets is increasingly important due to continuing declines in fish populations. However, social‐ecological drivers for fisher behaviour remain poorly understood for many fleets globally.

Using the Sri Lankan fleet as a case study, we explored the role of social, environmental and policy drivers of effort distribution and illegal fishing. We used semi‐structured interviews and participatory mapping with 95 fishers, combined with explanatory modelling (GLM) and multivariate statistics, including principal component analysis (PCA).

Our findings highlighted the broad footprint (~3,800,000 km2) of this fleet, with fishing effort expended in high seas (53.9%), domestic (40.9%) and, illegally, in foreign waters (5.2%). Twenty‐six per cent of fishers directly admitted to fishing illegally in foreign waters during interviews, whereas 62% of fishers indicated doing so during participatory mapping.

GLMs explained underlying decisions of where to fish (36% of the total deviance in effort distribution) as a function of social variables (14%), notably distance from landing sites (13%), and environmental variables (11%), notably sea surface temperature (10%).

Multivariate analysis revealed that individual fisher characteristics associated with illegal fishing, such as a level of reliance on sharks, vary across the fleet. The analysis of qualitative data suggested that the influence of interpersonal and community social networks and perceptions of higher catch value, particularly of sharks, may be important.

Our approach demonstrated the utility of mixed methods research, including the collection of qualitative data, for creating a detailed understanding of spatial behaviour, including decisions of whether to fish illegally.

Results highlighted the importance of adopting a social‐ecological lens to investigate drivers for human behaviour and non‐compliance with rules. We advocate for a nuanced approach to monitoring and managing of fleets, including investigating localised social drivers for illegal fishing and enhancing regional transparency in fleet monitoring.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.