bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in nerve conduction studies predate clinical symptoms onset in early onset Val30Met hereditary ATTR amyloidosis
Authors: Castro José , Miranda Bruno , de Castro Isabel , Conceição Isabel 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackground and purposeHereditary amyloidosis related to transthyretin (ATTR) is a rare and progressive disease that, despite the phenotypic heterogeneity, a length‐dependent sensorimotor axonal neuropathy (ATTR‐PN) is the classic hallmark. Timely diagnosis is paramount for early treatment implementation.MethodsSixty‐nine asymptomatic gene carriers (Val30Met) were assessed during a 4‐year period to identify those remaining asymptomatic versus those converting to ATTRV30M‐PN. Conversion to symptomatic was defined as presenting with two definite symptoms of ATTRV30M‐PN. Composite neurophysiological scores of sensory (SNS), motor (MNS), and sympathetic skin response (SSRS) amplitudes were used to assess neuropathy progression. We used mixed‐effects modeling and ordinal logistic regression to assess neurophysiological evolution over time.ResultsOf all asymptomatic gene carriers, 55.1% (n = 38/69) converted over the period of this analysis. The progression of the SNS relative to baseline was different between groups (asymptomatic gene carriers vs. converters), the decline being greater in the converter group (time × group interaction p = 0.040), starting about 2 years before symptom onset. No significant change occurred regarding MNS or SSRS. Moreover, the percentage of cases with an annual decline on the SNS of at least 25%, gradually and significantly increased in the converter group, representing a 1.92 increase in risk of developing symptoms for those with such reduction on the last evaluation.ConclusionsA simple composite neurophysiological sum score can predict the onset of ATTRV30M‐PN symptoms by as much as 2 years, highlighting the importance of a systematic follow‐up of asymptomatic gene carriers, allowing a timely diagnosis, and management of symptomatic disease.
NC‐1 coating combined with 1‐MCP treatment maintains better fruit qualities in honey peach during low‐temperature storage
Authors: Zhang Wangshu , Jing Luyang , Chen Huiyun , Zhang Sheng 
Published: November 2021

SummaryThe effect of carnauba wax‐based nanoemulsion coating‐1 (NC‐1) combined with 1‐methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP) treatment on the storage of honey peach fruit ‘Yulupantao’ for 28 days under 0 ± 0.5 °C, and 90% RH conditions was studied. The results showed that NC‐1 or 1‐MCP treatment alone and in combination were proved to be more effective in maintaining fruit qualities compared to the control group with no treatment. However, the application with the combination of NC‐1 and 1‐MCP treatment had the most significant effect on reducing mass loss and decay rate, maintaining firmness, total soluble solids (TSS), ascorbic acid (AsA) and titratable acid (TA) contents, suppressing malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation and conductivity ascend. Moreover, the activities of peroxidase (POD) were maintained, and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and phenylalanine ammonialyase (PAL) were effectively suppressed in NC‐1, 1‐MCP and combined treatment than that of control. Therefore, the combination of NC‐1 and 1‐MCP treatment could be an efficient way to maintain the qualities of peach fruit during low‐temperature storage after harvest.
The utility of hereditary thrombophilia testing among patients with unprovoked venous thromboembolism
Authors: Olivo Freites Cristina , Naymagon Leonard 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIntroductionHereditary‐thrombophilia (HT) testing is often sent during the evaluation of patients with unprovoked venous thromboembolism (VTE). This remains a frequent practice even though the results of such testing are often of unclear practical significance.MethodsWe conducted a multicenter retrospective study to assess whether HT is associated with risk of recurrent VTE among patients who discontinue anticoagulation (AC) following an unprovoked VTE.ResultsA total of 528 adult patients were included, 28% of whom (N = 110) tested positive for HT. Median follow‐up was 55 months (IQR 40‐66 months) following AC discontinuation. One hundred and twenty‐four patients (23%) had a recurrent VTE during follow‐up, including 29/110 with HT (26%) and 95/418 without HT (23%). Risk of recurrent VTE over time was similar between the two groups (logrank P = .47). The HR for recurrence among patients with HT was 1.17 (95% CI 0.76 to 1.81). On multivariable analysis, HT was not associated with recurrence of VTE (HR with HT = 1.07 (95% CI 0.69‐1.65), P = .74). The only factor significantly associated with risk of VTE recurrence on multivariable analysis was presence of PE (as opposed to DVT alone) (HR = 1.54, 95% CI 1.02‐2.30, P = .035).ConclusionThe presence of HT was not associated with risk of recurrent VTE in this cohort of patients. These findings underscore the questionable clinical utility of routine thrombophilia testing among patient with unprovoked VTE and suggest that such testing should not be routinely pursued.
Evaluation of features associated with urinary incontinence in women
Authors: Senturk Erenel Ayten , Cicek Ozdemir Sevil 
Published: November 2021

AbstractWe aimed to evaluate the features (occurrence, type, severity, risk factors and quality of life) associated with urinary incontinence in women. Urinary incontinence is a global issue. Many factors can lead to urinary incontinence, but some factors remain debatable. It is thought that the rate of urinary incontinence will decrease with the determination of risk factors. According to Abrams et al., urinary incontinence is three times more prevalent in women than in men. In a systematic review including 12 studies conducted by Seshan et al., it was concluded that the main risk factors for urinary incontinence are age, parity, body mass index, menopause, recurrent urinary tract infections, hysterectomy, miscarriage, fetal weight and comorbid conditions such as diabetes, chronic lung disease. Average life expectancy is increasing around the world. According to Milsom and Gyhagen with the increase in average life expectancy, it is predicted that the frequency of incontinence and the rate of women needing treatment will rise in the future and that health expenditures will increase consequently. A descriptive, cross‐sectional study was conducted from September to December 2020 using an online questionnaire. In total, 400 women were recruited. The online questionnaire contains questions to determine the socio‐demographic of women and urinary incontinence for risk factors in women and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire‐Urinary Incontinence Short Form. Data were entered and analysed using SPSS. Chi‐square tests were used to assess associations between categorical variables. Statistically significant variables (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001) were then analysed by logistic regression. Occurrence of urinary incontinence was 39% (156/400). The top three types of urinary incontinence were found to be stress (38.5%), urgency (27%) and mixed (23.7%) incontinence. Frequency of urinary incontinence was once a week or less frequent in 54.5% of the women with urinary incontinence and that the severity of the urinary incontinence was mild in 70.5%. Risk factors for urinary incontinence included age, educational status, body mass index, history of macrosomic baby (birth weight > or =4 kg), consuming acidic beverages and spicy foods, episiotomy, type of birth, menopause, recurrent urinary tract infection, having a member of family with a history of urinary incontinence, and lack of physical activity. It was determined that factors increasing the risk for urinary incontinence the most are age and body mass index. Urinary incontinence is an important public health problem affecting women in the reproductive age, too.Highlights
Urinary incontinence is a global issue.
Many factors can lead to urinary incontinence, but some factors remain debatable.
Urinary incontinence is an important public health problem affecting women in the reproductive age, too.
Average life expectancy is increasing around the world. Therefore, the number of women with incontinence problems is expected to increase.
Using capture‐recapture methods to estimate influenza hospitalization incidence rates
Authors: Balasubramani Goundappa K. , Nowalk Mary Patricia , Clarke Lloyd G. , Dauer Klancie , Silveira Fernanda , Middleton Donald B. , Yassin Mohamed , Zimmerman Richard K. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundAccurate population estimates of disease incidence and burden are needed to set appropriate public health policy. The capture–recapture (C‐R) method combines data from multiple sources to provide better estimates than is possible using single sources.MethodsData were derived from clinical virology test results and from an influenza vaccine effectiveness study from seasons 2016–2017 to 2018–2019. The Petersen C‐R method was used to estimate the population size of influenza cases; these estimates were then used to calculate adult influenza hospitalization burden using a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) multiplier method.ResultsOver all seasons, 343 influenza cases were reported in the clinical database, and 313 in the research database. Fifty‐nine cases (17%) reported in the clinical database were not captured in the research database, and 29 (9%) cases in the research database were not captured in the clinical database. Influenza hospitalizations were higher among vaccinated (58%) than the unvaccinated (35%) in the current season and were similar among unvaccinated (51%) and vaccinated (49%) in the previous year. Completeness of the influenza hospitalization capture was estimated to be 76%. The incidence rates for influenza hospitalizations varied by age and season and averaged 307–309 cases/100,000 adult population annually.ConclusionUsing C‐R methods with more than one database, along with a multiplier method with adjustments improves the population estimates of influenza disease burden compared with relying on a single‐data source.
Microstructural and infiltration properties of woven preforms during chemical vapor infiltration
Authors: Cha Chong M. , Liliedahl David , Sankaran Ramanan , Ramanuj Vimal 
Published: November 2021

AbstractInterface‐resolved direct numerical simulations (DNSs) of chemical vapor infiltration (CVI) have been performed over a range of furnace‐operating conditions (Thiele moduli) and for practical woven preform geometries. A level‐set method is used to resolve the geometry of the initial preform at tow scale. The interface between the vapor and solid phase is then evolved in time through the entire CVI densification cycle, fully resolving the time‐varying topology between the two phases. In contrast to previous level‐set methods for CVI simulation, the physical reaction and diffusion processes govern the level‐set movement in the current approach. The surface deposition kinetics is described by the usual one‐step model. In this paper, the DNS data are used to study the evolving porosity, surface‐to‐volume ratio, and flow infiltration properties (permeability and effective diffusivities). Comparisons are made to popularly‐assumed structure functions and the standard, Kozeny–Carmen porous media model commonly employed in modeled CFD simulations of CVI. The virtual DNS experiments reveal a Thiele modulus and preform geometry (fabric layup) dependence which the existing microstructural and infiltration models are not able to describe throughout the entire densification process. The DNS‐based, woven geometry‐specific correlations can be applied directly to mean‐field, furnace‐scale CFD simulations.
All‐inorganic flexible high‐temperature strain sensor based on SrRuO3/muscovite heteroepitaxy
Authors: Li Yilong , Zhou Peng , Qi Yajun , Zhang Tianjin 
Published: November 2021

AbstractDesign and fabrication of flexible strain sensors are still challenging for high‐temperature application in the aerospace, metallurgical industry, and underground energy exploration. In the present work, an all‐inorganic flexible strain sensor has been fabricated based on single‐crystal SrRuO3 (SRO) thin films epitaxially grown on muscovite. A high resistive tunability ((∆R/R0%) ∼ 26.05%), excellent linearity (correlation coefficient of 0.93), and large gauge factor (GF ∼ 101) have been achieved in the as‐prepared SRO‐based sensors with great bending durability. The mechanism for the tunability of the electrical transport in flexible SRO thin films under mechanical bending is proposed based on the Raman and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy results. The sensors have been confirmed to work properly from ambient temperatures up to ∼425 K, showing the potential application in high‐temperature environments. Moreover, the flexible sensors have the ability to monitor the hand joint movements.
Electrical resistivity of Si3N4 ceramics with Yb2O3 additive
Authors: Yahagi Tsukaho , Kawai Daisuke , Takahashi Takuma , Iijima Motoyuki , Tatami Junichi 
Published: November 2021

AbstractSi3N4 ceramics with excellent mechanical properties are used for heat dissipation substrates and so on. In order to improve their reliability and expand their application fields, it is desirable to understand and control the electrical properties of Si3N4 ceramics. In this study, the electrical resistivity of Si3N4 ceramics with Yb2O3 additive was investigated by applying various voltages at temperatures ranging from 25°C to 300°C. When Yb2O3 was added as a sintering aid to Si3N4 ceramics, a crystalline J‐phase (Yb4Si2O7N2) was formed and their electrical resistivity was significantly lower than that of Y2O3 additive. The electrical resistivity of the Yb2O3‐added ceramics decreased with an increase in temperature and applied voltage. Yb existed in multiple valence states, Yb2+ and Yb3+, in the Si3N4 ceramics and the decrease in the electrical resistivity can be attributed hopping conduction through the J‐phase. The J‐phase in the Si3N4 ceramics was observed to be continuous, and percolation analysis suggested that the J‐phase formed an infinite cluster. Therefore, the decrease in the electrical resistivity of the Yb2O3‐added Si3N4 ceramics was found mainly to result from the formation of an infinite cluster of J‐phase, which exhibits hopping conduction.
Searching for causal relationships among latent variables concerning performance, carcass, and meat quality traits in broilers
Authors: Silva Hugo Teixeira , Paiva José Teodoro , Botelho Margareth Evangelista , Carrara Eula Regina , Lopes Paulo Sávio , Silva Fabyano Fonseca , Veroneze Renata , Ferraz José Bento Sterman , Eler Joanir Pereira , Mattos Elisangela Chicaroni , Gaya Leila Gênova 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIn causal relationship studies, the latent variables may summarize the phenotypes in theoretical traits according to their phenotypic correlations, improving the understanding of causal relationships between broilers phenotypes. In this study, we aimed to investigate potential causal relationships among latent variables in broilers using a structural equation model in the context of genetic analysis. The data used in this study comprised 14 traits in broilers with 2,017 records each, and 104,154 animals in pedigree. Four latent variables (WEIGHT, LOSSES, COLOUR, and VISCERA) were defined and validated using Bayesian Confirmatory Factor Analysis. Subsequently, a search for causal linkage structures was performed, obtaining a single causal link structure between the latent variables. Then, this information was used to fit the structural equation model (SEM). The results from the SEM indicated positive causal effects of the variables WEIGHT and LOSSES on the variables VISCERA and COLOUR, respectively, with structural coefficient estimates of 1.006 and 0.040, respectively. On the other hand, an antagonist causal effect of the variable WEIGHT on the variable LOSSES was verified, with a structural coefficient estimate of −4.333. These results highlight the causal relationship between performance and meat quality traits, which may be associated with the natural processes involved in the conversion of muscle into meat and the structural changes in muscle tissues due to intense selection for high growth rates in broilers.
Faecal microbial biomarkers in early diagnosis of colorectal cancer
Authors: Olovo Chinasa Valerie , Huang Xinxiang , Zheng Xueming , Xu Min 
Published: November 2021

AbstractColorectal cancer (CRC) is ranked as the second most common cause of cancer deaths and the third most common cancer globally. It has been described as a ‘silent disease’ which is often easily treatable if detected early—before progression to carcinoma. Colonoscopy, which is the gold standard for diagnosis is not only expensive but is also an invasive diagnostic procedure, thus, effective and non‐invasive diagnostic methods are urgently needed. Unfortunately, the current methods are not sensitive and specific enough in detecting adenomas and early colorectal neoplasia, hampering treatment and consequently, survival rates. Studies have shown that imbalances in such a relationship which renders the gut microbiota in a dysbiotic state are implicated in the development of adenomas ultimately resulting in CRC. The differences found in the makeup and diversity of the gut microbiota of healthy individuals relative to CRC patients have in recent times gained attention as potential biomarkers in early non‐invasive diagnosis of CRC, with promising sensitivity, specificity and even cost‐effectiveness. This review summarizes recent studies in the application of these microbiota biomarkers in early CRC diagnosis, limitations encountered in the area of the faecal microbiota studies as biomarkers for CRC, and future research exploits that address these limitations.
Analysis of pigment cell composition, pigment content, tyrosinase content and activity of three kinds of loaches Misgurnus anguillicaudatus from Poyang Lake
Authors: Sheng Junqing , Guan Le , Sheng Bin , Geng Shiyu , Wu Di , Hu Beijuan , Li Zhixiong , Le Shunlong , Hong Yijiang 
Published: November 2021

AbstractPigment cell composition, pigment content, tyrosinase content and activity analysis were investigated on three kinds of loaches Misgurnus anguillicaudatus: big blackspot loaches (BBL), small blackspot loaches (SBL) and non‐blackspot loaches (NBL), from Poyang Lake. Results showed that there were three types of skin pigment cells, namely melanophores, xanthophores and iridophores. Melanophores in dorsum were more than those in abdomen. Melanophore cytosomes in BBL were larger than those in SBL and NBL, and melanosomes were the largest in stage four. The melanophores in dorsal skin of SBL or NBL were small cell bodies, spindle‐like and in chain distribution. There was an extremely significant difference in melanin content in BBL between the dorsum and abdomen (P < 0.01). There were no significant differences in melanin abdominal content, lutein and carotenoid contents among three kinds of loaches (P > 0.05). In dorsal skin, tyrosinase content was the highest in BBL, and it was significantly lower in NBL than in BBL and SBL (P < 0.01). This study reveals the differences in pigment and tyrosinase content in three kinds of loaches and provides a theoretical basis for further study of the mechanism of black spot formation.
Disturbance in invasion? Idiopathic necrotizing hepatopancreatitis in the signal crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus (Dana, 1852) in Croatia
Authors: Bekavac Ana , Beck Ana , Dragičević Paula , Dragun Zrinka , Maguire Ivana , Ivanković Dušica , Fiket Željka , Gračan Romana , Hudina Sandra 
Published: November 2021

AbstractAs the most successful crayfish invader and possible vector for infectious agents, signal crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus is among the major drivers of the native crayfish species decline in Europe. We describe histopathological manifestation and frequency of newly detected idiopathic necrotizing hepatopancreatitis along the invasion range of the signal crayfish in the Korana River in Croatia. Our results show extremely high prevalence of necrotizing hepatopancreatitis (97.3%), with 58.9% of individuals displaying mild and 31.5% moderate histopathological changes in the hepatopancreas, also reflected in the lower hepatosomatic index of analysed animals. Recorded histopathological changes were more frequent in the invasion core where population density is higher. Our preliminary screening of co‐occurring native narrow‐clawed crayfish Pontastacus leptodactylus showed lower incidence (33.3%) and only mild hepatopancreatic lesions, but potentially highlighted the susceptibility of native crayfish populations to this disease. Pilot analyses of dissolved trace and macro elements in water, sediment fractions and crayfish hepatopancreas do not highlight alarming or unusually high concentrations of analysed elements. Hepatopancreas microbiome analysis, using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, identified taxonomic groups that should be further investigated, along with impacts of the disease on health and viability of both invasive and native crayfish populations.
Modified non‐flared fully covered self‐expandable metal stent for preoperative biliary drainage in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Shin Il Sang , Moon Jong Ho , Lee Yun Nah , Chung Jun Chul , Jeong Jaehong , Choi Seo‐Youn , Lee Tae Hoon , Yang Jae Kook , Cha Sang‐Woo , Cho Young Deok , Park Sang‐Heum 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackground and AimDurable biliary drainage is essential in patients with pancreatic cancer in the era of effective neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). Plastic stent (PS) tends to occlude easily, and current metal stents are designed for nonresectable cancer. We evaluated the efficacy of a modified non‐flared fully covered self‐expandable metal stent (M‐FCSEMS) during the perioperative period in patients with resectable or borderline resectable pancreatic cancer.MethodsConsecutive patients with resectable or borderline resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma had a 12‐mm M‐FCSEMS (M‐FCSEMS group) or 7‐Fr PS (PS group) placed for biliary decompression before NACT or curative‐intent surgery. The primary outcome was the re‐intervention rate, and secondary outcomes were technical success, stent patency, and adverse events (AEs).ResultsEndoscopic stent placement was technically successful in all 60 patients. Twenty‐three patients underwent surgery and 37 NACT before surgery. Re‐intervention was performed in 10.0% (3/30) of patients in the M‐FCSEMS group and 36.7% (11/30) of patients in the PS group (P = 0.030). The stent patency at 180 days was 89.8% (95% confidence interval, 77.3–100.0%) in the M‐FCSEMS group and 30.2% (95% confidence interval, 11.4–80.0%) in the PS group (P < 0.0001). Stent‐related AEs occurred in 10.0% (3/30) in the M‐FCSEMS group and 40.0% (12/30) in the PS group (P = 0.015). Surgery‐related AEs occurred in 10.5% (2/19) and 14.3% (3/21) in the M‐FCSEMS and PS groups (P = 0.549).ConclusionsModified non‐flared fully covered self‐expandable metal stents are effective and safe for durable biliary drainage in patients with resectable or borderline resectable pancreatic cancer during the perioperative period.