bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Retrospective European Multicentric Evaluation of Selective Transarterial Chemoembolisation with and without Balloon-Occlusion in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Propensity Score Matched Analysis
Authors: Golfieri Rita , Bezzi Mario , Verset Gontran , Fucilli Fabio , Mosconi Cristina , Cappelli Alberta , Paccapelo Alexandro , Lucatelli Pierleone , Magand Nicolas , Rode Agnes , De Baere Thierry 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this retrospective multicentric study was to compare the tumour response rates of Balloon-occluded Transarterial Chemoembolisation (B-TACE) to non-B-TACE using propensity score matching (PSM) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and to investigate the clinical benefit, such as lower rates of TACE re-intervention achieved using B-TACE.

Material and Methods
The B-TACE procedures (n = 96 patients) were compared with a control group of non-B-TACE treatments (n = 434 pts), performed with conventional (cTACE) or drug-eluting microspheres TACE (DEM-TACE). Data were collected from six European centres from 2015 to 2019.
Objective responses (OR) and complete response (CR) rates after the first session and the number of TACE re-interventions were evaluated using PSM (91 patients per arm).

Results
The best target OR after PSM were similar for both B-TACE and non-B-TACE (90.1% and 86.8%, p = 0.644); however, CR at 1–6 months was significantly higher for B-TACE (59.3% vs. 41.8%, p = 0.026). Patients treated with B-TACE had a significantly lower retreatment rate during the first 6 months (9.9%% vs. 22.0%, p = 0.041). Post-embolisation syndrome (PES) rates were 8.8% in non-B-TACE and 41.8% in B-TACE (p < 0.001), with no significant differences between groups regarding major adverse events.

Conclusion
B-TACE is safe and effective, achieving higher CR rates than non-B-TACE. Patients undergoing B-TACE had a significantly lower retreatment rate within the first 6 months but higher PES rates.

Level of Evidence III
Level 3, retrospective study.
Novel disease resistance gene paralogs created by CRISPR/Cas9 in soy
Authors: Nagy Ervin D. , Stevens Julia L. , Yu Neil , Hubmeier Chris S. , LaFaver Nona , Gillespie Megan , Gardunia Brian , Cheng Qianshun , Johnson Steven , Vaughn Audrey L. , Vega-Sanchez Miguel E. , Deng Mingqui , Rymarquis Linda , Lawrence Richard J. , Garvey Graeme S. , Gaeta Robert T. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Key message
Novel disease resistance gene paralogues are generated by targeted chromosome cleavage of tandem duplicated NBS-LRR gene complexes and subsequent DNA repair in soybean. This study demonstrates accelerated diversification of innate immunity of plants using CRISPR.

Abstract
Nucleotide-binding-site-leucine-rich-repeat (NBS-LRR) gene families are key components of effector-triggered immunity. They are often arranged in tandem duplicated arrays in the genome, a configuration that is conducive to recombinations that will lead to new, chimeric genes. These rearrangements have been recognized as major sources of novel disease resistance phenotypes. Targeted chromosome cleavage by CRISPR/Cas9 can conceivably induce rearrangements and thus emergence of new resistance gene paralogues. Two NBS-LRR families of soy have been selected to demonstrate this concept: a four-copy family in the Rpp1 region (Rpp1L) and a large, complex locus, Rps1 with 22 copies. Copy-number variations suggesting large-scale, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated chromosome rearrangements in the Rpp1L and Rps1 complexes were detected in up to 58.8% of progenies of primary transformants using droplet-digital PCR. Sequencing confirmed development of novel, chimeric paralogs with intact open reading frames. These novel paralogs may confer new disease resistance specificities. This method to diversify innate immunity of plants by genome editing is readily applicable to other disease resistance genes or other repetitive loci.
Neuropsychological profiles in children and young adults with spina bifida
Authors: Rendeli C. , Ausili E. , Moroni R. , Capriati M. , Massimi L. , Zanetti C. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Purpose
A total of 43 Italian children, aged between 6 and 16 years, diagnosed with spina bifida, myelomeningocele, and shunted hydrocephalus have been described clinically and completed a neuropsychological battery in order to evaluate their cognitive, personality, and behavior profile.

Methods
Enrolled children underwent cognitive assessment by means of the Weschler WISC-IV cognitive test and assessment of the attention sustained through the LEITER test. In addition, parents were asked, in order to obtain a personality and behavior profile of the children, to fill in a “CBCL 6-18 years” questionnaire and to fill in a Barthel Index questionnaire.

Results
Processing Speed Index of the WISC-IV QI scale was statistically significant (p = 0.027), with the highest value presented by autonomous patients (95.8 ± 12.8) and the lowest by patients using a wheelchair (75.5 ± 19). WISC-IV QI mean value is 98 (±15.7) for lipoma patients and 78.7 (±17.6) for LMMC and MMC patients (p = 0.001). In more detail, Perceptual Reasoning (p < 0.0005), Working Memory (p = 0.01), and Processing Speed Index (p = 0.001) highlighted a significant difference between the groups. The attention sustained subscale of the LEITER presented a mean of 6.9 (±3.1) for lipoma patients and a men value of 4.6 (±3.1) for LMMC and MMC patients (p = 0.024). Patients with hydrocephalus had statistically significant worse cognition and autonomy (Barthel Index) score (p < 0.001) compared with those without hydrocephalus, and normal scores regarding attention and depression scales.

Conclusion
These results can be useful in planning dedicated therapeutic protocols such as suitable rehabilitation treatments, speech therapy, psychomotor skills, and cognitive enhancement and to develop prevention protocols particularly tailored for children with hydrocephalus who appear to have the more deficient skills.
The dignity of the human corpse in forensic medicine
Authors: Schwarz Clara-Sophie , Münch Nikolai , Müller-Salo Johannes , Kramer Stefan , Walz Cleo , Germerott Tanja 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWorking with the dead is a very specific kind of work. Although a dignified handling of the corpses is demanded by the legislator and by the general public, neither the legal status of the corpse is undisputed nor is it obvious what a dignified handling of the deceased should consist of. In our hypothesis generating pilot study, we asked which concrete considerations are involved in daily practice of forensic specialists. We used an online questionnaire (invitations via e-mail) consisting of questions with single choice, multiple choice, and free text entries. The answers to single or multiple choice questions were displayed in pivot tables. The data was thus summarized, viewed, descriptively analyzed, and displayed together with the free text answers. 84.54% of the physicians and 100% of the autopsy assistants stated that considerations concerning the dignity of the deceased should play a role in daily autopsy practice. 45.87% stated that the conditions surrounding the autopsy need improvement to be ethically suitable. The analysis of the survey’s results was based on Robert Audi’s ethics, according to which three aspects need to be lightened in order to evaluate the conduct of a person morally: the actions, the motivation, and the way in which the actions are carried out. This systematization helps to identify the need for improvement and to make the vague demands for a dignified handling of corpses more concrete.
Intravenous immunoglobulin response in new-onset refractory status epilepticus (NORSE) COVID-19 adult patients
Authors: Manganotti Paolo , Furlanis Giovanni , Ajčević Miloš , Moras Cristina , Bonzi Lucia , Pesavento Valentina , Buoite Stella Alex 
Published: March 2021

AbstractNeurological manifestations may be common in COVID-19 patients. They may include several syndromes, such as a suggested autoimmune abnormal response, which may result in encephalitis and new-onset refractory status epilepticus (NORSE). Quickly recognizing such cases and starting the most appropriate therapy is mandatory due to the related rapid worsening and bad outcomes. This case series describes two adult patients admitted to the university hospital and positive to novel coronavirus 2019 (SARS-CoV-2) infection who developed drug-resistant status epilepticus. Both patients underwent early electroencephalography (EEG) assessment, which showed a pathological EEG pattern characterized by general slowing, rhythmic activity and continuous epileptic paroxysmal activity. A suspected autoimmune etiology, potentially triggered by SARS-CoV-2 infection, encouraged a rapid work-up for a possible autoimmune encephalitis diagnosis. Therapeutic approach included the administration of 0.4 g/kg intravenous immunoglobulin, which resulted in a complete resolution of seizures after 5 and after 10 days, respectively, without adverse effects and followed by a normalization of the EEG patterns.
The mediating role of lifestyle in the relationship between shift work, obesity and diabetes
Authors: Hulsegge Gerben , Proper Karin I. , Loef Bette , Paagman Heleen , Anema Johannes R. , van Mechelen Willem 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Purpose
Shift work has been related to obesity and diabetes, but the potential mediating role of lifestyle is yet unknown. Our aim was to investigate this mediating role of physical activity, diet, smoking, and sleep quality in the relationships between shift work, and obesity and diabetes.

Methods
In this cross-sectional study, 3188 shift workers and 6395 non-shift workers participated between 2013 and 2018 in periodical occupational health checks. Weight and height were objectively measured to calculate obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2). Diabetes status, physical activity, diet, smoking, and sleep quality were assessed using standardized questionnaires. Structural equation models adjusted for relevant confounders were used to analyze the mediating role of lifestyle in the relationships between shift work, and obesity and diabetes.

Results
Shift workers were more often obese (OR: 1.37, 95% CI 1.16–1.61) and reported more often to have diabetes (OR:1.35, 95% CI 1.003–1.11) than non-shift workers. Shift workers had lower physical activity levels, ate fruit and vegetables less often, smoked more often, and had poorer sleep quality (p < 0.05). Mediation analysis revealed that shift workers had a higher odds of obesity (OR: 1.07, 95% CI 1.01–1.15) and diabetes (OR: 1.13, 95% CI 1.02–1.27) mediated by poorer sleep quality. Lower physical activity levels (OR: 1.11, 95% CI 1.05–1.19) and lower intake of fruit and vegetables (OR: 1.04, 95% CI 1.01–1.15) were also mediators in the relationship between shift work and obesity, but not in the relationship between shift work and diabetes (p ≥ 0.05).

Conclusion
These results imply that interventions targeting diet, physical activity and in particular sleep problems specifically developed for shift workers could potentially reduce the adverse health effects of shift work.
Performance determinants, running energetics and spatiotemporal gait parameters during a treadmill ultramarathon
Authors: Howe Christopher C. F. , Swann Nicola , Spendiff Owen , Kosciuk Anna , Pummell Elizabeth K. L. , Moir Hannah J. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Purpose
The objective of this study was to investigate the changes in metabolic variables, running energetics and spatiotemporal gait parameters during an 80.5 km treadmill ultramarathon and establish which key predictive variables best determine ultramarathon performance.

Methods
Twelve participants (9 male and 3 female, age 34 ± 7 years, and maximal oxygen uptake ($$\dot{V}$$

V
˙

O2max) 60.4 ± 5.8 ml·kg−1·min−1) completed an 80.5 km time trial on a motorised treadmill in the fastest possible time. Metabolic variables: oxygen consumption ($$\dot{V}$$

V
˙

O2), carbon dioxide production ($$\dot{V}$$

V
˙

CO2) and pulmonary ventilation ($$\dot{V}$$

V
˙

E) were measured via indirect calorimetry every 16.1 km at a controlled speed of 8 km·h−1 and used to calculate respiratory exchange ratio (RER), the energy cost of running (Cr) and fractional utilisation of $$\dot{V}$$

V
˙

O2max (F). Spatiotemporal gait parameters: stride length (SL) and cadence (SPM) were calculated via tri-axial accelerometery.

Results
Trial completion time was 09:00:18 ± 01:14:07 (hh:mm:ss). There were significant increases in $$\dot{V}$$

V
˙

O2, Cr, F, $$\dot{V}$$

V
˙

E and heart rate (HR) (p < 0.01); a significant decrease in RER (p < 0.01) and no change in SL and SPM (p > 0.05) across the measured timepoints. F and Cr accounted for 61% of the variance in elapsed finish time ($$R_{{{\text{adj}}}}^{{2}}$$

R

adj

2

= 0.607, p < 0.01).

Conclusion
A treadmill ultramarathon elicits significant changes in metabolic variables, running energetics and spatiotemporal gait parameters. With F and Cr explaining 61% of variance in finish time. Therefore, those able to maintain a higher F, while adopting strategies to minimise an increase in Cr may be best placed to maximise ultramarathon performance.
Long-term physical training in adolescent sprint and middle distance swimmers alters the composition of circulating T and NK cells which correlates with soluble ICAM-1 serum concentrations
Authors: Notbohm Hannah L. , Schumann Moritz , Fuhrmann Stefan , Klocke Jan , Theurich Sebastian , Bloch Wilhelm 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Purpose
It remains unknown how different training intensities and volumes chronically impact circulating lymphocytes and cellular adhesion molecules. First, we aimed to monitor changes in NK and T cells over a training season and relate these to training load. Second, we analyzed effects of training differences between swimmers on these cells. Finally, we examined if changes in lymphocytes were associated with sICAM-1 concentrations.

Methods
We analyzed weekly training volume, training intensity, proportions of T and NK cells and serum sICAM-1 in eight sprint (SS) and seven middle-distance swimmers (MID) at three points over a 16-week training period: at the start (t0), after 7 weeks of increased training load (t7) and after 16 weeks, including 5-day taper (t16).

Results
Training volume of all swimmers was statistically higher and training intensity lower from t0–t7 compared to t7–t16 (p = 0.001). Secondly, training intensity was statistically higher in SS from t0–t7 (p = 0.004) and t7–t16 (p = 0.015), while MID had a statistically higher training volume from t7–t16 (p = 0.04). From t0–t7, NK (p = 0.06) and CD45RA+CD45RO+CD4+ cells (p < 0.001) statistically decreased, while CD45RA−CD45RO+CD4+ cells (p = 0.024) statistically increased. In a subgroup analysis, SS showed statistically larger increases in NK cells from t7–t16 than MID (p = 0.012). Lastly, sICAM-1 concentrations were associated with changes in CD45RA−CDRO+CD4+ cells (r = − 0.656, p = 0.08).

Conclusion
These results indicate that intensified training in swimmers resulted in transient changes in T and NK cells. Further, NK cells are sensitive to high training volumes. Lastly, sICAM-1 concentrations may be associated with the migration and maturation of CD4+ cells in athletes.
Transient elastography correlated to four different histological fibrosis scores in children with liver disease
Authors: Teufel-Schäfer Ulrike , Flechtenmacher Christa , Fichtner Alexander , Hoffmann Georg Friedrich , Schenk Jens Peter , Engelmann Guido 
Published: March 2021

AbstractCurrently, liver histology is the gold standard for the detection of liver fibrosis. In recent years, new methods such as transient elastography (TE) have been introduced into clinical practice, which allow a non-invasive assessment of liver fibrosis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the predictive value of TE for higher grade fibrosis and whether there is any relevance which histologic score is used for matching. For this purpose, we compared TE with 4 different histologic scores in pediatric patients with hepatopathies. Furthermore, we also determined the aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio (APRI) score, another non-invasive method, to investigate whether it is equally informative. Therefore, liver fibrosis in 75 children was evaluated by liver biopsy, TE and laboratory values. Liver biopsies were evaluated using four common histological scoring systems (Desmet, Metavir, Ishak and Chevalier’s semi-quantitative scoring system). The median age of the patients was 12.3 years. TE showed a good correlation to the degree of fibrosis severity independent of the histological scoring system used. The accuracy of the TE to distinguish between no/minimal fibrosis and severe fibrosis/cirrhosis was good (p = 0.001, AUC-ROCs > 0.81). The optimal cut-off value for the prediction of severe fibrosis was 10.6 kPa. In contrast, the APRI score in our collective showed no correlation to fibrosis.Conclusion: TE shows a good correlation to the histological findings in children with hepatopathy, independent of the used histological scoring system.

What is Known:• The current gold standard for detecting liver fibrosis is liver biopsy. Novel non-invasive ultrasound-based methods are introduced to clinical diagnostics.• Most histological scores have been developed and evaluated in adult populations and for only one specific liver disease.What is New:• Transient elastography (TE) in children showed a good correlation to fibrosis severity irrespective of the utilized histological scoring system.• The aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio (APRI) showed no correlation with different stages of liver fibrosis in children.
Submarine lava deltas of the 2018 eruption of Kīlauea volcano
Authors: Soule S. Adam , Zoeller Michael , Parcheta Carolyn 
Published: March 2021

AbstractHawaiian and other ocean island lava flows that reach the coastline can deposit significant volumes of lava in submarine deltas. The catastrophic collapse of these deltas represents one of the most significant, but least predictable, volcanic hazards at ocean islands. The volume of lava deposited below sea level in delta-forming eruptions and the mechanisms of delta construction and destruction are rarely documented. Here, we report on bathymetric surveys and ROV observations following the Kīlauea 2018 eruption that, along with a comparison to the deltas formed at Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō over the past decade, provide new insight into delta formation. Bathymetric differencing reveals that the 2018 deltas contain more than half of the total volume of lava erupted. In addition, we find that the 2018 deltas are comprised largely of coarse-grained volcanic breccias and intact lava flows, which contrast with those at Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō that contain a large fraction of fine-grained hyaloclastite. We attribute this difference to less efficient fragmentation of the 2018 ‘a‘ā flows leading to fragmentation by collapse rather than hydrovolcanic explosion. We suggest a mechanistic model where the characteristic grain size influences the form and stability of the delta with fine grain size deltas (Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō) experiencing larger landslides with greater run-out supported by increased pore pressure and with coarse grain size deltas (Kīlauea 2018) experiencing smaller landslides that quickly stop as the pore pressure rapidly dissipates. This difference, if validated for other lava deltas, would provide a means to assess potential delta stability in future eruptions.
A flexible framework for anomaly Detection via dimensionality reduction
Authors: Vafaei Sadr Alireza , Bassett Bruce A. , Kunz M. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAnomaly detection is challenging, especially for large datasets in high dimensions. Here, we explore a general anomaly detection framework based on dimensionality reduction and unsupervised clustering. DRAMA is released as a general python package that implements the general framework with a wide range of built-in options. This approach identifies the primary prototypes in the data with anomalies detected by their large distances from the prototypes, either in the latent space or in the original, high-dimensional space. DRAMA is tested on a wide variety of simulated and real datasets, in up to 3000 dimensions, and is found to be robust and highly competitive with commonly used anomaly detection algorithms, especially in high dimensions. The flexibility of the DRAMA framework allows for significant optimization once some examples of anomalies are available, making it ideal for online anomaly detection, active learning, and highly unbalanced datasets. Besides, DRAMA naturally provides clustering of outliers for subsequent analysis.
Multidimensional profiles of learning orientations and school achievement: a person-oriented approach in middle-school students
Authors: Vettori Giulia , Vezzani Claudio , Bigozzi Lucia , Pinto Giuliana 
Published: March 2021

AbstractA person-oriented approach was applied to the study of early adolescents’ learning orientations to identify different profiles and their association with school achievement. A total of 244 middle-school students (male: 128; female: 116; M-age ± SD = 12.51 ± .93) completed a self-report questionnaire to explore cognitive, metacognitive, and affective dimensions of learning orientations. School achievements were collected in a range of school subjects. Cluster analyses and one-way MANOVA were carried out to verify the existence of profiles. Chi-square tests were used to test the association between profiles of learning orientations and school achievement. The results showed two profiles differently associated with school achievement: students “Dragged by the current” (Profile 1) showed low school achievement across school subjects, meanwhile students “At the helm” (Profile 2) reached excellent school achievement. In promoting middle-school students’ achievement, it is important for teachers to consider students’ profiles of learning orientations.
Industrial biochar systems for atmospheric carbon removal: a review
Authors: Fawzy Samer , Osman Ahmed I. , Yang Haiping , Doran John , Rooney David W. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn the context of climate change, there is an urgent need for rapid and efficient methods to capture and sequester carbon from the atmosphere. For instance, production, use and storage of biochar are highly carbon negative, resulting in an estimated sequestration of 0.3–2 Gt CO2 year−1 by 2050. Yet, biochar production requires more knowledge on feedstocks, thermochemical conversion and end applications. Herein, we review the design and development of biochar systems, and we investigate the carbon removal industry. Carbon removal efforts are currently promoted via the voluntary market. The major commercialized technologies for offering atmospheric carbon removal are forestation, direct air carbon capture utilization and storage, soil carbon sequestration, wooden building elements and biochar, with corresponding fees ranging from 10 to 895 GBP (British pounds) per ton CO2. Biochar fees range from 52 to 131 GBP per ton CO2, which indicates that biochar production is a realistic strategy that can be deployed at large scale. Carbon removal services via biochar are currently offered through robust marketplaces that require extensive certification, verification and monitoring, which adds an element of credibility and authenticity. Biochar eligibility is highly dependent on the type of feedstock utilized and processing conditions employed. Process optimization is imperative to produce an end product that meets application-specific requirements, environmental regulations and achieve ultimate stability for carbon sequestration purposes.