bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vegetative propagation of native tree species: an alternative restoration strategy for the tropical Andes
Authors: Díaz‐Páez Mónica , Werden Leland K. , Zahawi Rakan A. , Usuga Julian , Polanía Jaime 
Published: November 2021

Pastures in the Neotropics are usually planted with exotic forage grasses, which are one of the most challenging barriers to the restoration of tropical forests. We evaluated the efficacy of vegetatively planting large stakes or cuttings (approximately 2 m) of four tree species (Brugmansia arborea, Erythrina edulis, Ficus americana, and Trichanthera gigantea) in areas dominated by three common exotic pasture grasses previously used for forage (Cynodon nlemfuensis, Melinis minutiflora, and Pennisetum clandestinum). We monitored stake survival and growth metrics (e.g. height, diameter at breast height, and crown area) for 12 months and quantified changes in forage grass biomass during the same period. We evaluated how initial diameter of planted stakes, exotic grass species, and species identity influenced stake survival; the degree to which planting stakes reduced exotic grass biomass; and assessed interspecific stake survival, growth, and morphological parameters (crown area, number of resprouts). Across all forage grass treatments, E. edulis and B. arborea had the highest survival (81 and 64%, respectively) and growth in terms of height (2.2 and 1.8 m) and crown area (0.74 and 0.60 m2). Stake survival was strongly influenced by species identity and the exotic grass species into which stakes were planted. Survival was also tied to initial stake diameter, but to a much lesser degree. The biomass of the forage grass P. clandestinum was reduced by 45% in plots where E. edulis was planted, and by 18% in plots planted with B. arborea. Planting vegetatively propagated trees in the tropical Andes can help facilitate forest recovery by establishing woody vegetation that outcompetes aggressive forage grasses and improves conditions for plant community reassembly.
Experimental Characterization of Losses in Bladeless Turbine Prototype
Authors: Renuke Avinash , Reggio Federico , Traverso Alberto , Pascenti Matteo 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Multidisk bladeless turbines, also known as Tesla turbines, are promising in the field of small-scale power generation and energy harvesting due to their low sensitivity to down-scaling effects, retaining high rotor efficiency. However, low (less than 40%) overall isentropic efficiency has been recorded in the experimental literature. This article aims for the first time to a systematic experimental characterization of loss mechanisms in a 3 kW Tesla expander using compressed air as working fluid and producing electrical power through a high-speed generator (40 krpm). The sources of losses discussed are stator losses, stator–rotor peripheral viscous losses, end-wall ventilation losses, and leakage losses. After description of experimental prototype, methodology, and assessment of measurement accuracy, the article discusses such losses aiming at separating the effects that each loss has on the overall performance. Once effects are separated, their individual impact on the overall efficiency curves is presented. This experimental investigation, for the first time, gives the insight into the actual reasons of low performance of Tesla turbines, highlighting critical areas of improvement, and paving the way to next-generation Tesla turbines, competitive with state-of-the-art bladed expanders.
Renal outcomes of diabetic patients treated with combination therapy of ACE inhibitors plus either thiazide diuretics or calcium channel blockers: comparative retrospective cohort study in Northwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Netere Adeladlew Kassie , Muhammad Esmael Ali , Asres Mezgebu Silamsaw , Teklie Masho Tigabie 
Published: November 2021

ObjectiveThe study determined the comparative renal functions on patients with diabetes treated with ACE inhibitors (ACEIs) plus either thiazide diuretics or calcium channel blockers (CCBs) in Northwestern Ethiopia.DesignRetrospective cohort study design was employed to collect the data from medical records of patients with diabetes followed for 1–5 years (N=404).SettingThe medical records of patients in chronic diabetic follow-up clinics of the hospital.ParticipantsAll the patients with diabetes medical records in Northwestern Ethiopian specialised hospital.Main outcome measuresExposures were ACEIs plus thiazide diuretics or CCBs collected from March to June 2020. Outcomes were defined as declining in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) values by ≥30% from the baseline recorded from 2015 to 2019. Descriptive and analytical statistics were illustrated to compare the study groups. Kaplan-Meier with log- rank test was used to plot the survival analyses curve. Potential factors substantially associated to renal events were examined using cox proportional hazards model.ResultAbout 20% of patients developed renal events and significant numbers were from hydrochlorothiazide (HCT) users. The mean eGFR levels were significantly higher in patients on CCBs users over the follow-up years compared with HCT-based users. The CCBs users had an 18.8 mL/min/1.73 m2higher in eGFR levels at the end of the follow-up period than HCT users (p<0.001). HCT users had shorter survival probability overtime to develop the outcomes compared with CCBs users (p=0.003). The CCBs-based regimen prevented risks of declining in renal function by 56.4% than HCT (p=0.001). Hazards of declining in eGFR levels were 93% higher for the patients with initial systolic blood pressure (SBP) levels were more than 150 mm Hg (p=0.006).ConclusionCompared with HCT, patients on CCBs had significantly prevented risks of renal events. However, both groups appeared with the same cardiovascular events. HCT-based regimen and higher initial SBP levels were significantly associated with eGFR reductions.
Early-pregnancy prediction of risk for pre-eclampsia using maternal blood leptin/ceramide ratio: discovery and confirmation
Authors: Huang Qianyang , Hao Shiying , You Jin , Yao Xiaoming , Li Zhen , Schilling James , Thyparambil Sheeno , Liao Wei-Li , Zhou Xin , Mo Lihong , Ladella Subhashini , Davies-Balch Shantay R , Zhao Hangyi , Fan David , Whitin John C , Cohen Harvey J , McElhinney Doff B , Wong Ronald J , Shaw Gary M , Stevenson David K , Sylvester Karl G , Ling Xuefeng B 
Published: November 2021

ObjectiveThis study aimed to develop a blood test for the prediction of pre-eclampsia (PE) early in gestation. We hypothesised that the longitudinal measurements of circulating adipokines and sphingolipids in maternal serum over the course of pregnancy could identify novel prognostic biomarkers that are predictive of impending event of PE early in gestation.Study designRetrospective discovery and longitudinal confirmation.SettingMaternity units from two US hospitals.ParticipantsSix previously published studies of placental tissue (78 PE and 95 non-PE) were compiled for genomic discovery, maternal sera from 15 women (7 non-PE and 8 PE) enrolled at ProMedDx were used for sphingolipidomic discovery, and maternal sera from 40 women (20 non-PE and 20 PE) enrolled at Stanford University were used for longitudinal observation.Outcome measuresBiomarker candidates from discovery were longitudinally confirmed and compared in parallel to the ratio of placental growth factor (PlGF) and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase (sFlt-1) using the same cohort. The datasets were generated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric assays.ResultsOur discovery integrating genomic and sphingolipidomic analysis identified leptin (Lep) and ceramide (Cer) (d18:1/25:0) as novel biomarkers for early gestational assessment of PE. Our longitudinal observation revealed a marked elevation of Lep/Cer (d18:1/25:0) ratio in maternal serum at a median of 23 weeks’ gestation among women with impending PE as compared with women with uncomplicated pregnancy. The Lep/Cer (d18:1/25:0) ratio significantly outperformed the established sFlt-1/PlGF ratio in predicting impending event of PE with superior sensitivity (85% vs 20%) and area under curve (0.92 vs 0.52) from 5 to 25 weeks of gestation.ConclusionsOur study demonstrated the longitudinal measurement of maternal Lep/Cer (d18:1/25:0) ratio allows the non-invasive assessment of PE to identify pregnancy at high risk in early gestation, outperforming the established sFlt-1/PlGF ratio test.
How do National Health Service (NHS) organisations respond to patient concerns? A qualitative interview study of the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
Authors: Shepard Keegan , Buivydaite Ruta , Vincent Charles 
Published: November 2021

ObjectivesTo describe the current work of the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) and assess the service’s potential to resolve concerns and contribute to organisational learning.DesignA qualitative study using semistructured interviews.SettingFour mental health trusts and four acute trusts in the English National Health Service, a total of eight PALS across different trusts.ParticipantsTwenty-four participants comprising of PALS staff and clinicians working with PALS teams.MethodsSemistructured interviews were undertaken with participants using video conferencing software. The framework method was used for the analysis of the large qualitative dataset, which is a conventional method of analysis, similar to thematic or qualitative content analysis.ResultsPALS teams fulfil their core responsibilities by acting as point of contact for patients, providing information and resolving a variety of recurrent problems, including PALS staff communication, staff attitudes and waiting times. The remit and responsibilities of each PALS has often broadened over time. Barriers to resolving concerns included a lack of awareness of PALS, limited to no policies informing how staff resolve concerns, an emphasis on complaints and the attitude of clinical staff. Senior management had widely differing views on how the PALS should operate and the management of complaints is a much higher priority. Few PALS teams carried out any analysis of the data or shared data within their organisations.ConclusionsPALS teams fulfil their core responsibilities by acting as point of contact for patients, providing information and resolving concerns. PALS staff also act as navigators of services, mediators between families and staff and, occasionally, patient advocates in supporting them to raise concerns. PALS has the potential to reduce complaints, increase patient satisfaction and provide rapid organisational feedback. Achieving this potential will require more awareness and support within organisations together with updated national policy guidance.
Cross-sectional study comparing cognitive function in treatment responsive versus treatment non-responsive schizophrenia: evidence from the STRATA study
Authors: Millgate Edward , Kravariti Eugenia , Egerton Alice , Howes Oliver D , Murray Robin M , Kassoumeri Laura , Donocik Jacek , Lewis Shôn , Drake Richard , Lawrie Stephen , Murphy Anna , Collier Tracy , Lees Jane , Stockton-Powdrell Charlotte , Walters James , Deakin Bill , MacCabe James 
Published: November 2021

Background70%–84% of individuals with antipsychotic treatment resistance show non-response from the first episode. Emerging cross-sectional evidence comparing cognitive profiles in treatment resistant schizophrenia to treatment-responsive schizophrenia has indicated that verbal memory and language functions may be more impaired in treatment resistance. We sought to confirm this finding by comparing cognitive performance between antipsychotic non-responders (NR) and responders (R) using a brief cognitive battery for schizophrenia, with a primary focus on verbal tasks compared against other measures of cognition.DesignCross-sectional.SettingThis cross-sectional study recruited antipsychotic treatment R and antipsychotic NR across four UK sites. Cognitive performance was assessed using the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS).ParticipantsOne hundred and six participants aged 18–65 years with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizophreniform disorder were recruited according to their treatment response, with 52 NR and 54 R cases.OutcomesComposite and subscale scores of cognitive performance on the BACS. Group (R vs NR) differences in cognitive scores were investigated using univariable and multivariable linear regressions adjusted for age, gender and illness duration.ResultsUnivariable regression models observed no significant differences between R and NR groups on any measure of the BACS, including verbal memory (ß=−1.99, 95% CI −6.63 to 2.66, p=0.398) and verbal fluency (ß=1.23, 95% CI −2.46 to 4.91, p=0.510). This pattern of findings was consistent in multivariable models.ConclusionsThe lack of group difference in cognition in our sample is likely due to a lack of clinical distinction between our groups. Future investigations should aim to use machine learning methods using longitudinal first episode samples to identify responder subtypes within schizophrenia, and how cognitive factors may interact within this.Trail registration numberREC: 15/LO/0038.
Body mass index trajectory from childhood to puberty and high blood pressure: the China Health and Nutrition Survey
Authors: Ji Yiman , Zhao Xiangjuan , Feng Yiping , Qu Yanlin , Liu Ying , Wu Sijia , Wu Yutong , Xue Fuzhong , Liu Yunxia 
Published: November 2021

ObjectivesThe prevalence of childhood hypertension is rising in parallel with the increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity in children. How growth trajectories from childhood to puberty relate to high blood pressure (HBP) is not well defined. We aimed to characterise potential body mass index (BMI) dynamic changing trajectories from childhood to puberty and investigate their association with HBP.DesignA dynamic prospective cohort.SettingChina Health and Nutrition Survey 1991–2015.ParticipantsThere were 1907 participants (1027 men and 880 women) in this study.OutcomesThe primary outcome was HBP defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP)/diastolic blood pressure (DBP) exceeding the standards or diagnosis by medical records or taking antihypertensive medication.ResultsA model of cubic parameters with three groups was chosen, labelled as normal increasing group (85.16%, n=1624), high increasing group (9.81%, n=187) and resolving group (5.03%, n=96). Compared with the normal increasing group, the unadjusted HRs (95% CIs) for the resolving and high increasing groups were 0.91 (0.45 to 1.86) and 1.88 (1.26 to 2.81), respectively. After adjusting for baseline age, region, sex, baseline BMI z-score, baseline SBP and baseline DBP in model 3, the HRs (95% CIs) for the resolving and high increasing groups were 0.66 (0.30 to 1.45) and 1.56 (1.02 to 2.38).ConclusionsThese results indicate that the BMI trajectories from childhood to puberty have significant impact on HBP risk. Puberty is a crucial period for the development of HBP.
Mortality in hospitalised older patients: the WHALES short-term predictive score
Authors: Steinmeyer Zara , Piau Antoine , Thomazeau Joséphine , Kai Samantha Huo Yung , Nourhashemi Fati 
Published: November 2021

ObjectiveTo develop and validate the WHALES screening tool predicting short-term mortality (3 months) in older patients hospitalised in an acute geriatric unit.MethodsOlder patients transferred to an acute geriatric ward from June 2017 to December 2018 were included. The cohort was divided into two groups: derivation (n=664) and validation (n=332) cohorts. Cause for admission in emergency room, hospitalisation history within the previous year, ongoing medical conditions, cognitive impairment, frailty status, living conditions, presence of proteinuria on a urine strip or urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio and abnormalities on an ECG were collected at baseline. Multiple logistic regressions were performed to identify independent variables associated with mortality at 3 months in the derivation cohort. The prediction score was then validated in the validation cohort.ResultsFive independent variables available from medical history and clinical data were strongly predictive of short-term mortality in older adults including age, sex, living in a nursing home, unintentional weight loss and self-reported exhaustion. The screening tool was discriminative (C-statistic=0.74 (95% CI: 0.67 to 0.82)) and had a good fit (Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test (X2(3)=0.55, p=0.908)). The area under the curve value for the final model was 0.74 (95% CI: 0.67 to 0.82).Conclusions and implicationsThe WHALES screening tool is a short and rapid tool predicting 3-month mortality among hospitalised older patients. Early identification of end of life may help appropriate timing and implementation of palliative care.
LGI1 antibody encephalitis: acute treatment comparisons and outcome
Authors: Rodriguez Andrew , Klein C J , Sechi Elia , Alden Eva , Basso Michael R , Pudumjee Shehroo , Pittock Sean J , McKeon Andrew , Britton Jeffrey W , Lopez-Chiriboga A Sebastian , Zekeridou Anastasia , Zalewski Nicholas L , Boeve B F , Day Gregory S , Gadoth Avi , Burkholder David , Toledano Michel , Dubey Divyanshu , Flanagan Eoin P 
Published: November 2021

ObjectiveTo compare acute treatment responses and long-term outcome in leucine-rich glioma-inactivated 1 (LGI1) antibody encephalitis.MethodsRetrospective case series of 118 patients with LGI1 antibody encephalitis evaluated at Mayo Clinic across all US sites from 1 May 2008 to 31 March 2019. Patient clinical data were identified and analysed through the neuroimmunology laboratory and electronic medical record. LGI1 antibody detection was by cell-based indirect immunofluorescence assay of serum, cerebrospinal fluid or both. Clinical outcomes were faciobrachial dystonic seizure (FBDS) resolution, modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score, Kokmen Short Test of Mental Status (STMS) score (0–38 point scale) and neuropsychometric testing results.ResultsCompared with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) (n=21), patients treated with single-agent acute corticosteroids (intravenous, oral or both) (n=49) were more likely to experience resolution of FBDS (61% vs 7%, p=0.002) and improvements in mRS score (ΔmRS score 2 vs 0, p=0.008) and median Kokmen STMS scores (ΔKokmen STMS score 5 points vs 0 points, p=0.01). In 54 patients with long-term follow-up (≥2 years), the median mRS score was 1 (range 0–6) and the median Kokmen STMS score was 36 (range 24–38) after all combinations of immunotherapy. Neuropsychometric testing in 32 patients with long-term follow-up (≥2 years) demonstrated short-term memory impairments in 37%.ConclusionsCorticosteroids appeared more effective acutely than IVIg in improving LGI1 antibody encephalitis in this retrospective comparison of immunotherapies. While improvement with immunotherapy is typical and long-term outcome is favourable, short-term memory deficits are noted in approximately a third of the patients.
Neighbourhood tobacco retail access and tobacco use susceptibility in young adolescents in urban India
Authors: Mistry Ritesh , Kleinsasser Michael J , Puntambekar Namrata , Gupta Prakash C , McCarthy William J , Raghunathan Trivellore , Adhikari Keyuri , Narake Sameer , Hsieh Hsing-Fang , Desai Maruti , Assari Shervin , Alberts Joseph , Pednekar Mangesh S 
Published: November 2021

BackgroundNeighbourhood tobacco retail access may influence adolescent tobacco use. In India, we examined the association between neighbourhood tobacco retail access and cognitive risks for tobacco use during early adolescence.MethodsIn 2019–2020, a population-based sample (n=1759) of adolescents aged 13–15 years was surveyed from 52 neighbourhoods in Mumbai and Kolkata. Neighbourhood tobacco retail access was measured as the frequency of visits to tobacco retailers, mapped tobacco retailer density and perceived tobacco retailer density. We estimated associations between neighbourhood tobacco retail access and cognitive risks for tobacco use (perceived ease of access to tobacco, perceived peer tobacco use and intention to use tobacco).ResultsThere was high neighbourhood tobacco retail access. Tobacco retailer density was higher in lower income neighbourhoods (p<0.001). Adolescent frequency of tobacco retailer visits was positively associated with cognitive tobacco use risks. Mapped tobacco retailer density was associated with perceived ease of access in Kolkata but not in Mumbai, and it was not associated with perceived peer tobacco use nor intention. Perceived tobacco retailer density was associated with perceived ease of access and perceived peer use, but not with intention. In Kolkata, higher perceived retailer density and frequency of tobacco retailer visits were negatively associated with perceived ease of access.ConclusionsEfforts to reduce neighbourhood tobacco retail access in India may reduce cognitive tobacco use risk factors in young adolescents. The frequency of tobacco retailer visits and perceived tobacco retailer density increased cognitive risks, though there were some exceptions in Kolkata that further research may explain.
Crossed product Leavitt path algebras
Authors: Hazrat Roozbeh , Vaš Lia 
Published: November 2021

If [Formula: see text] is a directed graph and [Formula: see text] is a field, the Leavitt path algebra [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] over [Formula: see text] is naturally graded by the group of integers [Formula: see text] We formulate properties of the graph [Formula: see text] which are equivalent with [Formula: see text] being a crossed product, a skew group ring, or a group ring with respect to this natural grading. We state this main result so that the algebra properties of [Formula: see text] are also characterized in terms of the pre-ordered group properties of the Grothendieck [Formula: see text]-group of [Formula: see text]. If [Formula: see text] has finitely many vertices, we characterize when [Formula: see text] is strongly graded in terms of the properties of [Formula: see text] Our proof also provides an alternative to the known proof of the equivalence [Formula: see text] is strongly graded if and only if [Formula: see text] has no sinks for a finite graph [Formula: see text] We also show that, if unital, the algebra [Formula: see text] is strongly graded and graded unit-regular if and only if [Formula: see text] is a crossed product. In the process of showing the main result, we obtain conditions on a group [Formula: see text] and a [Formula: see text]-graded division ring [Formula: see text] equivalent with the requirements that a [Formula: see text]-graded matrix ring [Formula: see text] over [Formula: see text] is strongly graded, a crossed product, a skew group ring, or a group ring. We characterize these properties also in terms of the action of the group [Formula: see text] on the Grothendieck [Formula: see text]-group [Formula: see text]