bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic significance of histopathological response to preoperative chemotherapy in unilateral Wilms' tumor: An analysis of 899 patients treated on the SIOP WT 2001 protocol in the UK‐CCLG and GPOH studies
Authors: Vujanić Gordan M. , D'Hooghe Ellen , Graf Norbert , Vokuhl Christian , Al‐Saadi Reem , Chowdhury Tanzina , Pritchard‐Jones Kathy , Furtwängler Rhoikos 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIn the SIOP Wilms' tumor (WT) studies, preoperative chemotherapy is used as primary treatment, and tumors are classified thereafter by pathologists. Completely necrotic WTs (CN‐WTs) are classified as low‐risk tumors. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether a subset of regressive type WTs (RT‐WTs) (67%‐99% chemotherapy‐induced changes [CIC]) showing an exceptionally good response to preoperative chemotherapy had comparably excellent survivals as CN‐WTs, and to establish a cut‐off point of CIC that could define this subset. The study included 2117 patients with unilateral, nonanaplastic WTs from the UK‐CCLG and GPOH‐WT studies (2001‐2020) treated according to the SIOP‐WT‐2001 protocol. There were 126 patients with CN‐WTs and 773 with RT‐WTs, stages I‐IV. RT‐WTs were subdivided into subtotally necrotic WTs (>95% CIC) (STN‐WT96‐99) (124 patients) and the remaining of RT‐WT (RR‐WT67‐95) (649 patients). The 5‐year event‐free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) for CN‐WTs were 95.3% (±2.1% SE) and 97.3% (±1.5% SE), and for RT‐WTs 85.7% (±1.14% SE, P < .01) and 95.2% (±0.01% SE, P = .59), respectively. CN‐WT and STN‐WT96‐99 groups showed significantly better EFS than RR‐WT67‐95 (P = .003 and P = .02, respectively), which remained significantly superior when adjusted for age, local stage and metastasis at diagnosis, in multivariate analysis, whereas OS were superimposable (97.3 ± 1.5% SE for CN‐WT; 97.8 ± 1.5% SE for STN‐WT96‐99; 94.7 ± 1.0% SE for RR‐WT67‐95). Patients with STN‐WT96‐99 share the same excellent EFS and OS as patients with CN‐WTs, and although this was achieved by more treatment for patients with STN‐WT96‐99 than for patients with CN‐WT, reduction in postoperative treatment of these patients may be justified.
Evaluating irrigation scheme performance in a tropical environment: The Guanacaste scheme, Costa Rica*
Authors: Benavides Juan , Mateos Luciano , García‐Vila Margarita , Fereres Elías 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIrrigation is expanding in the tropics and could make an important contribution to the intensification of production in those tropical areas where a dry season limits productivity. A study was carried out to characterize irrigation performance and the yield gaps of a tropical irrigation scheme that covers more than 41 000 ha in northern Costa Rica. The study covered a 5‐year period, from 2014 to 2018. The performance indicator relative irrigation supply (RIS) ranged between 2.48 and 3.78, values higher than those typically observed in schemes of temperate areas, but in the low range of those documented in the tropics. Despite the excess of water usage, it was found that there were farms with water shortages, especially in the canal tails during the dry season, but there was also damage caused by excess of water in the rainy season. The potential yield of the two main crops (rice and sugar cane) was determined with the AquaCrop simulation model. Actual yields were determined via a farmers' survey that also inquired about irrigation management issues. Yield gaps were determined for each of the two sectors that make up the irrigation scheme (South and West canals). The mean yield gap of rice in the South Canal sector (3.34 t ha−1) was smaller than that of the West Canal sector (4.84 t ha−1). The highest yield gap of rice occurred in the rainy season in the West canal sector. The yield gap of sugar cane in the West canal sector was significantly larger than that in the South canal sector (170 and 148 t ha−1, respectively). A farmers' survey, combined with an examination of soil maps, revealed that poor drainage through the heavy soils that predominate in the West canal sector is one of the main causes of the large yield gap, in both rice and sugar cane. While users are relatively satisfied with the provision of irrigation water and its cost, several opportunities (e.g. water delivery, amount of fertilizer in sugar cane, water supply and irrigation system on farms) for improving scheme performance and for closing the yield gaps are discussed.
Validation of a two‐step approach combining serum biomarkers and liver stiffness measurement to predict advanced fibrosis
Authors: Fujii Hideki , Enomoto Masaru , Fukumoto Shinya , Kimura Tatsuo , Nadatani Yuji , Takashima Shingo , Hagihara Atsushi , Uchida‐Kobayashi Sawako , Tamori Akihiro , Nishimoto Naoki , Kawada Norifumi 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackground and AimThe Gut and Obesity in Asia Workgroup recently reported that a two‐step approach using fibrosis scores followed by liver stiffness measurement (LSM) could accurately detect patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) having advanced fibrosis in low‐risk fibrosis populations. This study aimed to validate the utility of this approach using a Japanese health checkup registry.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study included subjects who underwent a health checkup from 2014 to 2019. Using estimated fibrosis stage measured by LSM as a standard, we calculated the percentage of misclassification from assessments made based on fibrosis scores (NAFLD fibrosis score [NFS] or Fibrosis‐4 score [FIB‐4]) and LSM, alone or in combination.ResultsOf 630 subjects with NAFLD, 4 (0.8%) had advanced fibrosis. In the first‐step evaluation, only 21.4–38.0% of subjects needed further testing. This approach was associated with a high specificity of approximately 100% and a negative predictive value of 99.7%. The percentage of misclassification based on NFS or FIB‐4 values followed by LSM in all subjects and using LSM after NFS or FIB‐4 determination only in subjects with indeterminate/high NFS or FIB‐4 values (two‐step approach) was 0% and 0.3% and 0.16% and 0.3%, respectively. In addition, very few false negatives occurred for both NFS and FIB‐4.ConclusionThe two‐step approach helps to identify the subjects with NAFLD who have advanced fibrosis during a routine health checkup and is associated with only a few false negatives.
A registry study of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma pre‐exposed to three or more prior therapies including a proteasome inhibitor, an immunomodulatory agent and CD38‐targeted monoclonal antibody therapy in England
Authors: Elsada Ahmed , Zalin‐Miller Amy , Knott Craig , Caravotas Leonidas 
Published: June 2021

AbstractSome patients with multiple myeloma are receiving treatment in clinical practice in England after prior exposure to a proteasome inhibitor, an immunomodulatory agent, and an anti‐CD38 monoclonal antibody. We investigated the characteristics of these patients, their outcomes, and the salvage therapies they received using the national cancer registry for England and linked healthcare data. After a median follow‐up time of 6.4 months from T0, median overall survival and time to next treatment were 8.2 and 5.3 months, respectively. This real‐world data provide useful clinical insight into a little‐studied patient population and highlight the poor outcomes in the UK setting.
Prospective multicenter evaluation of moving cell metallic stents in endoscopic multiple stent deployment for hepatic hilar obstruction
Authors: Kawai Junichi , Ogura Takeshi , Takenaka Mamoru , Shiomi Hideyuki , Ueshima Kazuya , Ueno Saori , Okuda Atsushi , Matsuno Jun , Minaga Kousuke , Omoto Shunsuke , Nakai Atsushi , Ikegawa Takuya , Hakoda Akitoshi , Higuchi Kazuhide 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackground and AimBilateral stent deployment for malignant biliary obstruction (MHBO) can be achieved using side‐by‐side (SBS) or stent‐in‐stent (SIS) procedures. Compared with SBS techniques, the procedural steps of SIS are technically complex due to the necessity of introducing the delivery system into a contralateral biliary tract through the mesh of the SEMS. To overcome this issue, a novel uncovered SEMS, the HILZO Moving Cell Stent (MCS) has been released. The present study examined the technical feasibility of treating MHBO using bilateral deployment of this novel stent without dilating the mesh of the first stent to achieve insertion of the second stent within a single session, using a prospective, multicenter setting.MethodThe primary outcome in the present study was the technical success rate. Technical success was defined as deployment of bilateral MCSs into two or more biliary tracts using SIS without a dilation device in a single‐session.ResultsA total of 27 patients with complications of MHBO were enrolled in this study. Bilateral SIS using two MCS was successfully performed in 23 patients without using dilation devices among 27 patients (initial technical success rate; 85.2%). Median time to recurrent biliary obstruction (TRBO) was 271 days. Stent dysfunction was observed in 12 patients (44.4%), and re‐intervention was successfully performed in all patients without one patient who instead received best supportive care.ConclusionsThe SIS technique using MCS without dilation of the mesh may be technically feasible and safe. In addition, this may be useful for re‐intervention. Further comparative randomized trials are needed.
Anatomical patterns of biliary atresia including hepatic radicles at the porta hepatis influence short‐ and long‐term prognoses
Authors: Sasaki Hideyuki , Nio Masaki , Ando Hisami , Kitagawa Hiroaki , Kubota Masayuki , Suzuki Tatsuya , Taguchi Tomoaki , Hashimoto Takashi ,   The Japanese Biliary Atresia Society
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackground/PurposeThe biliary atresia (BA) inflammatory process leads to various obstructive patterns of extrahepatic biliary trees. The significance of the various BA obstructive patterns is unclear. This study aimed to determine the relationship between the anatomical patterns of the biliary tract and short‐ and long‐term prognoses in BA.MethodsBetween 1989 and 2018, 3483 patients were registered in the Japanese Biliary Atresia Registry. For this study, we selected 2649 patients who underwent Kasai portoenterostomy (KP) between the ages of 31 and 90 days to eliminate the influence of age at KP as much as possible.ResultsRegarding the main type, there were significant differences in the jaundice clearance rate (JCR; Type I: 67.9%, Type I‐cyst: 79.4%, Type II: 74.5%, Type III: 60.9%; P < .0001) and the native liver survival rate (NLSR; P < .0001). In subgroups with hepatic radicles in Types I, II, and I‐cyst, there was a significant difference in JCR (P = .0004) and NLSR (P = .0026). In subgroups with hepatic radicles in Type III, there was a significant difference in JCR (P = .0148) and NLSR (P = .0421).ConclusionsAnatomical patterns of obstruction influenced short‐ and long‐term prognoses in BA. These patterns were suggested to be prognostic factors following KP.
A five biases, three layers graphene basedTHzabsorber: Exploiting dual bias periodic arrays of grapheme ribbons
Authors: Cyrus Sindokht , Ghahramany Masood 
Published: June 2021

AbstractWave absorbers are considered main operational block for light manipulation. Numerous optical and electromagnetic systems can be realized via wave absorbers such as wave modulators, filters, and detectors. Here in this work, a highly tunable wave absorber is proposed, which includes three layers of grapheme patterns on dielectric. While whole device is placed on top of a relatively thick metallic reflector. Leveraging dual bias scheme for periodic arrays of grapheme ribbons and exploiting impedance matching concept give the opportunity to adjust absorption response via external bias voltages. All consisting parts of the device are modeled by passive circuit elements include resistor, inductor, and capacitor. Compared to conventional methods of full wave numerical modeling like finite element methods, the presented design methodology requires less CPU time and occupied memory. According to the simulation results, proposed wave absorber shows a multi‐band absorption with four peaks, which make it perfect choice for several application from medical imaging to indoor communication.
Plasma high‐resolution metabolomic phenotyping of lean mass in a United States adult cohort
Authors: Bellissimo Moriah P. , Jones Dean P. , Martin Greg S. , Alvarez Jessica A. , Ziegler Thomas R. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundRapid loss of lean mass during catabolic states is associated with impaired convalescence and increased mortality rates. An understanding of metabolic pathways related to lean mass is needed to enable future interventions designed to combat malnutrition. This study assessed the plasma metabolome in relation to lean mass in clinically stable working adults in a US cohort.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study included 180 adults (mean ± SD, aged 49.7 ± 10.0 years; body mass index, 27.3 ± 5.5 kg/m2; 64% female [n=116]). Fasting plasma was analyzed using high‐resolution metabolomics (HRM) via liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. Lean mass was assessed by dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry and expressed as lean mass index (LMI, lean mass kg/height m2). Multiple linear regression, metabolic pathway enrichment, and module analyses were used to characterize systemic metabolism associated with LMI.ResultsOf 5360 metabolites used in analyses, 593 were related to LMI, either upregulated or downregulated (P< .05). These were enriched within 11 metabolic pathways, including branched‐chain amino acid degradation, metabolism of alanine and aspartate and other amino acids, butyrate, purines, and niacin metabolism. Module analysis revealed central associations between LMI and L‐glutamate, L‐leucine/L‐isoleucine, L‐valine, L‐phenylalanine, L‐methionine, and L‐aspartate, among other validated metabolites.ConclusionThese novel plasma HRM data demonstrate the wide‐reaching associations of lean mass with systemic metabolism in a single snapshot. Such data may inform targeted nutrition support interventions designed to mitigate loss of lean mass and promote regaining skeletal muscle mass and function after illness or injury.
Rapid screening and identification of anticoagulation component from carthami flos by two‐dimensional thrombin affinity chromatography combined with HPLC‐MS/MS
Authors: Qiao Yanru , Shi Yingdi , Wu Chen , Hou Xiaofang , Pan Xiaoyan , Deng Zijie , Wang Sicen 
Published: June 2021

AbstractCarthami flos, commonly known as Honghua in China, is the dried floret of safflower and widely acknowledged as a blood stasis promoting herb. The study aimed at investigating the relationship between thrombin and carthami flos through a high‐performance thrombin affinity chromatography combined with a high‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry system. First, thrombin was immobilized on the glutaraldehyde‐modified amino silica gel to prepare the thrombin affinity stationary phase, which was packed into a small column (1.0 × 2.0 mm, id) for recognizing the anticoagulant active components of carthami flos. The target component was enriched and analyzed by the high‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry system. Finally, hydroxysafflor yellow A was screened out and identified as the active component. The anticoagulant effects of hydroxysafflor yellow A were analyzed by anticoagulant experiments in vitro, and the interaction of hydroxysafflor yellow A with thrombin was investigated by the molecular docking method. The results proved that hydroxysafflor yellow A (30 μg/mL, 0.05 mM) and carthami flos extract (30 μg/mL) could prolong activated partial thrombin time and thrombin time by 50 and 11%, respectively. Moreover, hydroxysafflor yellow A exhibits a good hydrogen bond field and stereo field matching with thrombin. Overall, it was concluded that hydroxysafflor yellow A might exert an anticoagulation effect by interacting with thrombin and thus could be potential anticoagulant drugs for the prevention and treatment of venous thrombosis.
Effects of corticosteroids vs halofuginone on vocal fold wound healing in an ovine model
Authors: Allen Jacqueline 
Published: June 2021

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate antifibrotic effects of corticosteroids and halofuginone, a small molecule inhibitor of Smad3, in an ovine model of vocal fold (VF) injury.MethodsThirty sheep, using a paired study design, underwent controlled right VF injury by biopsy and then were treated with either no treatment, oral dexamethasone, intralesional triamcinolone, or oral halofuginone. Larynges were evaluated for histological evidence of fibrosis, immunohistochemical presence of Smad3, and vibratory parameters. Outcomes were compared across treatment groups.ResultsFollowing injury, VF collagen density decreased in both halofuginone‐treated and dexamethasone‐treated sheep but not in triamcinolone treated sheep. A significant difference was noted between halofuginone and triamcinolone treated sheep (27.8% vs 37%, P = .017). Elastin was preserved postinjury by halofuginone treatment in contrast with all steroid treated animals where significant loss of elastin was noted (P <.05). Smad3 staining was up‐regulated at all injury sites compared to normal left VFs however halofuginone and dexamethasone treatment reduced Smad3 activity significantly whereas triamcinolone treatment did not (P <.05). Ex‐vivo stroboscopic evaluation demonstrated mucosal wave in all excised larynges with a normalized glottal gap less than 3, suggesting adequate glottal closure.ConclusionsVF injury in an ovine model results in a wound response able to be modified by Smad3 inhibitor, halofuginone, with benefit to vibratory function. Halofuginone treated sheep demonstrated reduced collagenization of lamina propria with greater elastin density after injury, than sheep treated with either steroid medication. These data support this pathway as a suitable target for manipulation to prevent or reverse fibrosis in the glottis and restore voice quality.Level of Evidence: NA.
Functional Connectivity of Vermis Correlates with Future Gait Impairments in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Maiti Baijayanta , Rawson Kerri S. , Tanenbaum Aaron B. , Koller Jonathan M. , Snyder Abraham Z. , Campbell Meghan C. , Earhart Gammon M. , Perlmutter Joel S. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundDysfunction of cerebellar vermis contributes to gait abnormalities in multiple conditions and may play a key role in gait impairment in Parkinson's disease (PD).ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate whether altered resting‐state functional connectivity of the vermis relates to subsequent impairment of specific domains of gait in PD.MethodsWe conducted morphometric and resting‐state functional connectivity MRI analyses contrasting 45 PD and 32 age‐matched healthy participants. Quantitative gait measures were acquired with a GAITRite walkway at varying intervals after functional connectivity data acquisition.ResultsAt baseline, PD participants had significantly altered functional connectivity between vermis and sensorimotor cortex compared with controls. Altered vermal functional connectivity with bilateral paracentral lobules correlated with subsequent measures of variability in stride length, step time, and single support time after controlling for confounding variables including the interval between imaging and gait measures. Similarly, altered functional connectivity between vermis and left sensorimotor cortex correlated with mean stride length and its variability. Vermis volume did not relate to any gait measure. PD participants did not differ from controls in vermis volume or cortical thickness at the site of significant regional clusters. Only altered lobule V:sensorimotor cortex functional connectivity correlated with subsequent gait measures in exploratory analyses involving all the other cerebellar lobules.ConclusionsThese results demonstrate that abnormal vermal functional connectivity with sensorimotor cortex, in the absence of relevant vermal or cortical atrophy, correlates with subsequent gait impairment in PD. Our data reflect the potential of vermal functional connectivity as a novel imaging biomarker of gait impairment in PD. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
A new GNPAT variant of foetal rhizomelic chondrodysplasia punctata
Authors: Cordisco Adalgisa , Pelo Elisabetta , Di Tommaso Mariarosaria , Biagiotti Roberto 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundRhizomelic chondrodysplasia punctata (RCDP) is a clinical entity resulting from defects of peroxisomal metabolism whose clinical phenotype is characterized by rhizomelia, calcified foci in periarticular cartilage, coronal lesions of vertebral bodies, cataracts and severe cognitive delay. Usually, survival does not exceed the first decade of life. Transmission is autosomal recessive and is related to mutations in the PEX7, GNPAT or AGPS.MethodsA detailed description of the prenatal ultrasound signs of RCDP found in two successive pregnancies in a consanguineous couple is reported. Molecular genetic investigations included the study of the coding regions and the exon–intron junctions of the GNPAT (high‐throughput amplification and sequencing performed with Roche NimbleGen SeqCap Target kit on Illumina platform); the confirmation test was carried out by amplification and Sanger sequencing with automatic capillary sequencer.ResultsIn addition to the typical prenatal ultrasound signs described in the literature in association with RCDP, the presence of prefrontal oedema, never previously described, has been detected in both pregnancies. Moreover, genetic investigations have found a new splicing variant c.924+1G>A of the homozygous GNPAT.ConclusionThe role of mutation in the GNPAT suggests a likely association with the clinical phenotype.
Location of temporary buildings at LNG site based on quantitative studies
Authors: Vithal Sushen , Y. Guo Susan , Ganjam Sanjay 
Published: June 2021

AbstractTemporary buildings, installed on site during the construction phase, may not be removed until the commissioning, completion, or beginning of normal operation. Once the hydrocarbons are introduced, these buildings have the potential to be exposed to process hazards (fire, explosion, toxicity, etc.) resulting in injury or fatality of the personnel inside the building. Providing safe location to these portable building is imperative and should be determined based on detailed hazard analysis, building siting study as per API 753. Facility siting study is done to calculate the potential impact of blast overpressure, thermal radiation from jet fires, pool fires, and toxicity hazards and evaluate the safe distance to the temporary buildings. Simultaneous operations is also evaluated in order to optimize temporary building location and further risk management strategies are implemented such as mitigation measures based on the hazard impacts, like, adding gas detectors at the air intake of HVAC to shut down the power supply to the temporary buildings, public announcement system, evacuation drills, and so on. This paper will address the temporary building siting study and associated mitigation measures with the highlight of its application into the risk management, using a large LNG facility as an example.