bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Motor sequence learning in a goal‐directed stepping task in persons with multiple sclerosis: a pilot study
Authors: Veldkamp Renee , Moumdjian Lousin , van Dun Kim , Six Joren , Vanbeylen Antoine , Kos Daphne , Feys Peter 
Published: October 2021

AbstractMotor sequence learning in persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) and healthy controls (HC) under implicit or explicit learning conditions has not yet been investigated in a stepping task. Given the prevalent cognitive and mobility impairments in pwMS, this is important in order to understand motor learning processes and optimize rehabilitation strategies. Nineteen pwMS (the Expanded Disability Status Scale = 3.4 ± 1.2) and 18 HC performed a modified serial reaction time task by stepping as fast as possible on a stepping tile when it lit up, either with (explicit) or without (implicit) knowledge of the presence of a sequence beforehand. Motor sequence learning was studied by examining response time changes and differences between sequence and random blocks during the learning session (acquisition), 24 h later (retention), and in three dual‐task (DT) conditions at baseline and retention (automaticity) using subtracting sevens, verbal fluency, and vigilance as concurrent cognitive DTs. Response times improved and were lower for the sequenced compared with the random blocks at the post‐ and retention tests (P's <0.001). Response times during DT conditions improved after learning, but DT cost improved only for the subtracting sevens DT condition. No differences in learning were observed between learning conditions or groups. This study showed motor sequence learning, by acquisition and retention, in a stepping task in pwMS with motor impairments, to a similar degree as HC and regardless of learning conditions. Whether automaticity increased remains unclear.
Changing pattern of pediatric anaphylaxis in Hong Kong, 2010–2019
Authors: Leung Agnes S. Y. , Li Rebecca M. Y. , Au Ann W. S. , Rosa Duque Jaime Sou , Ho Po Ki , Chua Gilbert T. , Wong Chi Hang , Luk David C. K. , Kwan Mike Y. W. , Yau Yat Sun , Wong Gary W. K. , Leung Ting Fan 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundAnaphylaxis is a significant health burden in most Western countries, but there are little published data on the incidence and pattern of anaphylaxis in Asia. We aim to determine the incidence rate and pattern of anaphylaxis over the past decade among the pediatric population in Hong Kong.MethodsMedical records of patients presenting with allergy‐related symptoms during the period 2010 to 2019 were examined. Pediatric patients aged below 18 years who fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for anaphylaxis laid out by the NIAID/FAAN were analyzed. Incidence rates were calculated using population statistics as the denominator. All information pertaining to the anaphylaxis events and patients’ characteristics was retrieved using standardized data collection forms.ResultsThe overall 10‐year estimated incidence of anaphylaxis was 9.76 per 100,000 person‐years, with a rising trend of anaphylaxis incidence across time. Food‐induced anaphylaxis accounted for the majority of hospital presentations, of which peanut and shellfish were the top food triggers in our population. Majority of anaphylaxis episodes were of Grade 4 severity, and young age was a significant predictor of severe allergic reactions. Half of the anaphylaxis episodes were misdiagnosed and adrenaline was only utilized in 42.2% of cases, of which 9.4% were administered adrenaline prior to hospital arrival.ConclusionsAn increasing trend of anaphylaxis incidence over the past decade is evident in Hong Kong children, with a discrepantly low accuracy in diagnosis and suboptimal management of anaphylaxis. There is a pressing need to heighten public and physicians’ awareness of the distinctive features of anaphylaxis in the pediatric age‐group.
Modelling extreme wide‐angle lens cameras
Authors: Lichti Derek D. , Tredoux Wynand , Maalek Reza , Helmholz Petra , Radovanovic Robert 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe use of consumer cameras fitted with extreme wide‐angle (EWA) lenses for photogrammetric measurement is increasing. Conventional modelling of EWA systems relies on the pinhole camera model and up to five radial lens distortion terms. Aiming to reduce model complexity, this paper reports on an investigation into an alternate approach using fisheye lens models for EWA systems, despite them not falling strictly into the fisheye category. Four fisheye models were tested on four different cameras under laboratory conditions. The self‐calibration results show superior model fit for all fisheye models over the pinhole‐plus‐radial model in terms of residual RMS. The number of radial distortion terms required for the fisheye models was lower in all cases, so model complexity was reduced. Independent assessment revealed very similar 3D reconstruction accuracy for all models. The results suggest that fisheye modelling is an advantageous alternative for EWA lens systems.
Nutrient loading Artemisia cana seedlings in greenhouse increases nitrogen tissue content and post‐outplanting survival
Authors: Watkinson Autumn D. , Naeth M. Anne , Pruss Shelley D. 
Published: October 2021

Sagebrush (Artemisia) is a vital habitat component for many grassland species and continued loss, fragmentation, and degradation of sagebrush habitats has increased the need for their restoration. Conventional revegetation methods have resulted in extremely low plant establishment and survival inhibiting the success of sagebrush restoration efforts. During greenhouse production, we sought to improve Artemisia cana seedling quality and post‐planting growth and survival by increasing tissue nutrient content. We conducted a preliminary 12‐week greenhouse study and a subsequent 26‐week greenhouse + 2‐season field study, investigating 12 nutrient loading treatments (application of 70, 105, 175, and 245 mg nitrogen [N] plant−1 at single, constant, exponential, and modified exponential rates). Nitrogen content of seedling leaves and roots at 26 weeks indicated that application of 175 and 245 mg N plant−1 on exponential or modified exponential dosing schedules resulted in nutrient‐loaded seedlings. Seedlings were planted into a cleared plot in Grasslands National Park, SK. After 60 weeks in the field, nutrient‐loaded seedlings had significantly greater survival (75%) than non‐loaded seedlings (65%) and greater crown area (1,351 vs. 1,004 cm2). Rhizomatous reproduction (sprouting) occurred within 4 weeks of planting. New sprouts had disproportionately larger crown areas (2,237 cm2) and greater survival (86%) than planted seedlings. Nutrient loading was an effective method to overcome high mortality that has inhibited restoration outcomes. Where plant materials and resources are limited, nutrient loading could be especially useful by improving seedling survival and crown area without increasing planting densities.
Child access prevention legislative language and pediatric firearm injury rates
Authors: James Bradford , Khallouq Bertha Ben , Swana Hubert 
Published: October 2021

BackgroudFirearm injuries are a significant public health problem facing young people in the USA. In 2015, a total of 16 878 people under 19 years old were injured or killed by firearms. To reduce firearm injuries, 29 states and Washington, DC have enacted child access prevention (CAP) legislation. CAP legislation is intended to reduce the likelihood of a minor obtaining a weapon and subsequent injury or death. This study evaluates the impact of CAP legislation based on language of the legislation, specifically it evaluates a relationship of the legal threshold of liability and the number of firearm injuries per capita of minors.MethodsData were collected from the Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System for patients less than 19 years of age who presented to emergency departments with firearm injuries in 2016. The Giffords Law Center classification was used to group states into three categories (strong/weak/no CAP) based on CAP language. Differences of firearm-related injury rates per capita were assessed.ResultsWhen controlling for population, states with CAP legislation had a 22% decrease in firearm injuries per capita compared with states without CAP legislation. States with ‘strong’ CAP legislation had a 41% decrease in firearm injuries per capita compared with states with ‘weak’ or no CAP legislation when controlling for population.ConclusionsStates with ‘strong’ CAP legislation had lower pediatric firearm injury rates per capita, but more complete data and further studies are needed to evaluate this relationship as well as other factors that may impact firearm injury rates.
Quantum information distance
Authors: Dai Songsong 
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we give a definition for quantum information distance. In the classical setting, information distance between two classical strings is developed based on classical Kolmogorov complexity. It is defined as the length of a shortest transition program between these two strings in a universal Turing machine. We define the quantum information distance based on Berthiaume et al.’s quantum Kolmogorov complexity. The quantum information distance between qubit strings is defined as the length of the shortest quantum transition program between these two qubit strings in a universal quantum Turing machine. We show that our definition of quantum information distance is invariant under the choice of the underlying quantum Turing machine.
Application of the 3′ mRNA-Seq using unique molecular identifiers in highly degraded RNA derived from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue
Authors: Jang Jin Sung , Holicky Eileen , Lau Julie , McDonough Samantha , Mutawe Mark , Koster Matthew J. , Warrington Kenneth J. , Cuninngham Julie M. 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background
Archival formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples with clinical and histological data are a singularly valuable resource for developing new molecular biomarkers. However, transcriptome analysis remains challenging with standard mRNA-seq methods as FFPE derived-RNA samples are often highly modified and fragmented. The recently developed 3′ mRNA-seq method sequences the 3′ region of mRNA using unique molecular identifiers (UMI), thus generating gene expression data with minimal PCR bias. In this study, we evaluated the performance of 3′ mRNA-Seq using Lexogen QuantSeq 3′ mRNA-Seq Library Prep Kit FWD with UMI, comparing with TruSeq Stranded mRNA-Seq and RNA Exome Capture kit. The fresh-frozen (FF) and FFPE tissues yielded nucleotide sizes range from 13 to > 70% of DV200 values; input amounts ranged from 1 ng to 100 ng for validation.

Results
The total mapped reads of QuantSeq 3′ mRNA-Seq to the reference genome ranged from 99 to 74% across all samples. After PCR bias correction, 3 to 56% of total sequenced reads were retained. QuantSeq 3′ mRNA-Seq data showed highly reproducible data across replicates in Universal Human Reference RNA (UHR, R > 0.94) at input amounts from 1 ng to 100 ng, and FF and FFPE paired samples (R = 0.92) at 10 ng. Severely degraded FFPE RNA with ≤30% of DV200 value showed good concordance (R > 0.87) with 100 ng input. A moderate correlation was observed when directly comparing QuantSeq 3′ mRNA-Seq data with TruSeq Stranded mRNA-Seq (R = 0.78) and RNA Exome Capture data (R > 0.67).

Conclusion
In this study, QuantSeq 3′ mRNA-Seq with PCR bias correction using UMI is shown to be a suitable method for gene quantification in both FF and FFPE RNAs. 3′ mRNA-Seq with UMI may be applied to severely degraded RNA from FFPE tissues generating high-quality sequencing data.
Cardiovascular disease and its management among Pacific people: a systematic review by ethnicity and place of birth
Authors: Winter-Smith Julie , Selak Vanessa , Harwood Matire , Ameratunga Shanthi , Grey Corina 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background
Pacific people experience a disproportionate burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD), whether they remain in their country of origin or migrate to higher-income countries, such as Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand or the United States of America. We sought to determine whether the CVD health needs of Pacific people vary according to their ethnicity or place of birth.

Methods
We conducted a systematic review of medical research databases and grey literature to identify relevant data published up to 2020. Texts were included if they contained original data stratified by Pacific-specific ethnicity or place of birth on the burden or management of CVD, and were assessed as having good quality using a National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute quality assessment tool. The protocol for this review was registered with the Open Science Forum (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/X7NR6).

Results
Of 3679 texts identified, 310 full texts were reviewed and the quality of 23 of these assessed, using the pre-defined search strategy. Six items (four reports, one article, one webpage) of good quality met the review eligibility criteria. All included texts provided data on epidemiology but only one reported on the management of CVD. Four texts were of Pacific populations in Pacific Island countries and two were of Pacific diaspora in other countries. Data from the Global Burden of Disease study, which provided estimates for the greatest number of Pacific countries, showed substantial differences in mortality rates between Pacific countries for every CVD type. For example, the mortality rate per 100,000 for ischemic heart disease (IHD) ranged from 103.41 in the Cook Islands to 430.35 in the Solomon Islands. A New Zealand-based report showed differences in CVD rates by Pacific ethnicity (e.g. the age-standardised prevalence of IHD per 1,000 population in Auckland ranged from 107.8 (Niuean) to 138 among Cook Islands Māori (p < 0.001)).

Conclusions
This review of published studies reveals that the epidemiology of CVD among Pacific people varies by specific ethnic groups, place of birth, and country of residence. There is a critical need for high-quality contemporary ethnic-specific Pacific data to respond to the diverse CVD health needs in these underrepresented groups.
Risk factors and clinical characteristics for bronchopulmonary dysplasia associated pulmonary hypertension in very-low-birth-weight infants
Authors: Sun Junfang , Weng Bowen , Zhang Xiaoyue , Chu Xiaoyun , Cai Cheng 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundPulmonary hypertension (PH) is a common complication of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in very-low-birth-weight infants (VLBWIs). Although recent studies have increased awareness that PH contributes significantly to the high morbidity and mortality of BPD, the risk factors and clinical characteristics for PH in VLBWIs are little known.ObjectivesTo investigate the risk factors and clinical characteristics for BPD-associated pulmonary hypertension (BPD-PH) in VLBWIs.MethodsA retrospective case–control observational study of VLBWIs with BPD admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) over 4 years. According to echocardiograms confirming elevated pulmonary artery pressure after 28 days after birth, we divided BPD infants into PH group (n = 18) and non-PH group (n = 65). We compared pre- and postnatal characteristics between VLBWIs with or without PH. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted with backward selection.ResultsA total of 83 infants with BPD were divided into PH group (n = 18) or non-PH group (n = 65). The average birth weight of the infants with BPD was 1078.1 g. Compared with those infants of the non-PH group, the birth weight of BPD-PH infants was significantly lower (968.1 ± 187.7 vs. 1108.5 ± 185.8,P = 0.006). Infants in the PH group had a higher incidence of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and underwent longer durations of oxygen therapy and mechanical ventilation compared to those in the non-PH group. In all subjects, birth weight (OR 0.995; 95% CI 0.991–0.999;P = 0.025) and PDA (OR 13.355; 95% CI 2.950–60.469;P = 0.001) were found to be specific risk factors for BPD-PH in this cohort.ConclusionsThe study shows PDA and birth weight are specific risk factors for BPD-PH in VLBWIs.
Direct oral anticoagulants increase bleeding risk after endoscopic sphincterotomy: a retrospective study
Authors: Masuda Sakue , Koizumi Kazuya , Nishino Takashi , Tazawa Tomohiko , Kimura Karen , Tasaki Junichi , Ichita Chikamasa , Sasaki Akiko , Kako Makoto , Uojima Haruki , Sugitani Ayumu 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background
Bleeding can be a serious adverse event of endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST). However, the risk of EST bleeding between direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) users and those who received no antithrombotic agents has not been clarified. This study analyzed the risk factors for bleeding after EST in patients on DOAC and evaluated the Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society (JGES) guidelines for gastroenterological endoscopy in patients undergoing antithrombotic treatment.

Methods
We retrospectively analyzed 524 patients treated with EST who received DOAC or no antithrombotic drug from May 2016 to August 2019. We investigated the risk factors for bleeding. DOAC was typically discontinued for ≤ 1-day based on the JGES guideline. Although DOAC therapy recommenced the next morning after EST in principle, the duration of DOAC cessation and heparin replacement were determined by the attending physician based on each patient’s status.

Results
The number of patients on DOAC (DOAC group) and those not on antithrombotic drug (no-drug group) was 42 (8.0%) and 482 (92.0%), respectively. DOAC was discontinued for ≤ 1-day in 17 (40.0%) patients and for > 1-day in 25 (60.0%). Of the 524 patients, 21 (4.0%) had EST bleeding. The bleeding rate was higher in the DOAC group (14.0%) (p = 0.004). Multivariate analysis showed that bleeding occurred more frequently in patients on DOAC (odds ratio [OR] 3.95, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.37–11.4, p = 0.011), patients with low platelet counts (< 100,000/µl) (OR 6.74, 95% CI 2.1–21.6, p = 0.001), and elderly patients (> 80 years old) (OR 3.36, 95%CI 1.17–9.65, p = 0.024).

Conclusions
DOAC treatment, low platelet count, and old age (> 80 years old) are risk factors for EST bleeding. Although the bleeding incidence increased in patients on DOAC who received antithrombotic therapy according to the JGES guidelines, successful hemostasis was achieved with endoscopy in all cases, and no thrombotic events occurred after cessation of DOAC. Thus, the JGES guidelines are acceptable.
Demographic, clinical, and laboratory factors associated with renal parenchymal injury in Iranian children with acute pyelonephritis
Authors: Fahimi Daryoosh , Khedmat Leila , Afshin Azadeh , Jafari Mohsen , Bakouei Zakeyeh , Beigi Effat Hosseinali , Kajiyazdi Mohammad , Izadi Anahita , Mojtahedi Sayed Yousef 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background
The association between renal parenchyma changes on dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scans and demographic, clinical, and laboratory markers was assessed in pediatric patients with acute pyelonephritis.

Methods
A retrospective study of 67 Iranian babies and children aged 1-month to 12-year with APN was conducted between 2012 and 2018. The presence of renal parenchymal involvement (RPI) during APN was determined using technetium-99m DMSA during the first 2 weeks of hospitalization. The association of DMSA results with demographic data, clinical features (hospitalization stay, fever temperature and duration), and laboratory parameters such as pathogen type, and hematological factors (ESR, CRP, BUN, Cr, Hb, and WBC) was evaluated.

Results
92.5% of children with an average age of 43.76 ± 5.2 months were girls. Twenty-four children (35.8%) did not have renal parenchymal injury (RPI), while 26 (38.8%) and 17 (25.4%) patients showed RPI in one and both kidneys, respectively. There was no significant association between RPI and mean ESR, CRP, BUN, and WBC. However, there were significant associations between RPI and higher mean levels of Cr, Hb, and BMI.

Conclusions
Low BMI and Hb levels and increased Cr levels might be indicative of the presence of RPI in children with APN.
Gender differences among patients with drug resistant tuberculosis and HIV co-infection in Uganda: a countrywide retrospective cohort study
Authors: Baluku Joseph Baruch , Mukasa David , Bongomin Felix , Stadelmann Anna , Nuwagira Edwin , Haller Sabine , Ntabadde Kauthrah , Turyahabwe Stavia 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background
Gender differences among patients with drug resistant tuberculosis (DRTB) and HIV co-infection could affect treatment outcomes. We compared characteristics and treatment outcomes of DRTB/HIV co-infected men and women in Uganda.

Methods
We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients with DRTB from 16 treatment sites in Uganda. Eligible patients were aged ≥ 18 years, had confirmed DRTB, HIV co-infection and a treatment outcome registered between 2013 and 2019. We compared socio-demographic and clinical characteristics and tuberculosis treatment outcomes between men and women. Potential predictors of mortality were determined by cox proportional hazard regression analysis that controlled for gender. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results
Of 666 DRTB/HIV co-infected patients, 401 (60.2%) were men. The median (IQR) age of men and women was 37.0 (13.0) and 34.0 (13.0) years respectively (p < 0.001). Men were significantly more likely to be on tenofovir-based antiretroviral therapy (ART), high-dose isoniazid-containing DRTB regimen and to have history of cigarette or alcohol use. They were also more likely to have multi-drug resistant TB, isoniazid and streptomycin resistance and had higher creatinine, aspartate and gamma-glutamyl aminotransferase and total bilirubin levels. Conversely, women were more likely to be unemployed, unmarried, receive treatment from the national referral hospital and to have anemia, a capreomycin-containing DRTB regimen and zidovudine-based ART. Treatment success was observed among 437 (65.6%) and did not differ between the genders. However, mortality was higher among men than women (25.7% vs. 18.5%, p = 0.030) and men had a shorter mean (standard error) survival time (16.8 (0.42) vs. 19.0 (0.46) months), Log Rank test (p = 0.046). Predictors of mortality, after adjusting for gender, were cigarette smoking (aHR = 4.87, 95% CI 1.28–18.58, p = 0.020), an increase in alanine aminotransferase levels (aHR = 1.05, 95% CI 1.02–1.07, p < 0.001), and history of ART default (aHR = 3.86, 95% CI 1.31–11.37, p = 0.014) while a higher baseline CD4 count was associated with lower mortality (aHR = 0.94, 95% CI 0.89–0.99, p = 0.013 for every 10 cells/mm3 increment).

Conclusion
Mortality was higher among men than women with DRTB/HIV co-infection which could be explained by several sociodemographic and clinical differences.