bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cancer Stage, Treatment, and Survival Among Transgender Patients in the United States
Authors: Jackson Sarah S , Han Xuesong , Mao Ziling , Nogueira Leticia , Suneja Gita , Jemal Ahmedin , Shiels Meredith S 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundTransgender persons face many barriers to health care that may delay cancer diagnosis and treatment, possibly resulting in decreased survival. Yet, data on cancer in this population are limited. We examined cancer stage at diagnosis, treatment, and survival among transgender patients compared with cisgender patients in the National Cancer Database (NCDB).MethodsGender (male, female, or transgender) was extracted from medical records from patients diagnosed with cancer between 2003 and 2016. Logistic regression estimated odds ratios (ORs) for the associations between gender and stage at diagnosis and treatment receipt. Cox proportional hazards regression estimated hazard ratios (HRs) for associations between gender and all-cause survival.ResultsAmong 11 776 699 persons with cancer in NCDB, 589 were transgender. Compared with cisgender patients, transgender patients may be more likely to be diagnosed with advanced stage lung cancer (OR = 1.76, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.95 to 3.28); be less likely to receive treatment for kidney (OR = 0.19, 95% CI = 0.08 to 0.47) and pancreas (OR = 0.33, 95% CI = 0.11 to 0.95) cancers; and have poorer survival after diagnosis with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (HR = 2.34, 95% CI = 1.51 to 3.63), prostate (HR = 1.91, 95% CI = 1.06 to 3.45), and bladder cancers (HR = 2.86, 95% CI = 1.36 to 6.00). Similar associations were found for other cancer sites, although not statistically significant.ConclusionTransgender patients may be diagnosed at later stages, be less likely to receive treatment, and have worse survival for many cancer types. Small sample size hampered our ability to detect statistically significant differences for some cancer sites. There is a need for transgender-focused cancer research as the population ages and grows.
High-Altitude Adaptation: Mechanistic Insights from Integrated Genomics and Physiology
Authors: Storz Jay F. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPopulation genomic analyses of high-altitude humans and other vertebrates have identified numerous candidate genes for hypoxia adaptation, and the physiological pathways implicated by such analyses suggest testable hypotheses about underlying mechanisms. Studies of highland natives that integrate genomic data with experimental measures of physiological performance capacities and subordinate traits are revealing associations between genotypes (e.g., hypoxia-inducible factor gene variants) and hypoxia-responsive phenotypes. The subsequent search for causal mechanisms is complicated by the fact that observed genotypic associations with hypoxia-induced phenotypes may reflect second-order consequences of selection-mediated changes in other (unmeasured) traits that are coupled with the focal trait via feedback regulation. Manipulative experiments to decipher circuits of feedback control and patterns of phenotypic integration can help identify causal relationships that underlie observed genotype–phenotype associations. Such experiments are critical for correct inferences about phenotypic targets of selection and mechanisms of adaptation.
Levels of seminal tRNA-derived fragments from normozoospermic men correlate with the success rate of ART
Authors: Grosso Julieta B , Zoff Luciana , Calvo Karina L , Maraval María Belén , Perez Mariana , Carbonaro Marines , Brignardello Claudia , Morente Carlos , Spinelli Silvana V 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Decreased fertility is becoming an important social and medical problem and the male factor is involved in at least half of infertility cases. Since conventional semen analysis provides limited prediction of male fertility; in this work, we evaluated the potential use of seminal small RNAs (sRNA) as markers of semen quality in ART. Our bioinformatic analyses of available sRNA-seq databases showed that the most abundant sRNA species in seminal plasma of normozoospermic men are tRNA-derived fragments (tRFs), a novel class of regulatory sRNAs. These molecules not only exert their function within cells but also are released into the extracellular environment where they could carry out signaling functions. To evaluate whether the assessment of seminal tRFs in normozoospermic men has a predictive value for the clinical outcome in ART, we performed a prospective study with couples who underwent ICSI cycles with donated oocytes. The results obtained demonstrated that levels of 5’tRF-Glu-CTC, 5’tRF-Lys-CTT, and 5’tRF-Gly-GCC are significantly elevated in seminal samples from cases with repeated failed ICSI cycles, suggesting a potential association between increased seminal tRFs and unexplained male infertility. Interestingly, these tRFs showed a negative association with seminal testosterone, highlighting their involvement in male endocrinology. Our findings also suggest that tRFs could play a role in modulating male reproductive function in response to physiological stress since they showed significant associations with the levels of sperm DNA fragmentation in couples that achieved pregnancy but not in cases with failed ICSI cycles where seminal cortisol levels correlate with sperm quality.
Creating a return to work Medical Readers’ Theatre
Authors: Kek B , Stewart W A , Adisesh A 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
Previous work on sickness absence has shown that conversations about return to work can be challenging. The perception of competing interests and multiple stakeholders in the return to work process may also complicate and erode trust, further impacting health and well-being.

Aims
This study aims to explore the themes arising from the experiences of physicians and patients on the impact of health and return to work. The goal was to use these results to develop a Medical Readers’ Theatre workshop focusing on negotiating challenging return to work scenarios to serve as an educational support for stakeholders.

Methods
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 physicians and 15 patients from the Canadian Maritime Provinces on their experiences in return to work following an injury or illness. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed. Using the emergent themes, an educational workshop in the modality of Readers’ Theatre was developed.

Results
The findings confirm there are multiple stakeholders involved in the return to work process and the factors influencing successful return are not always medically related. Six recurring themes were identified for the patient group and five for the physicians’, allowing the development of storylines and four return to work scenarios. The scenarios have been used in teaching sessions.

Conclusions
The themes reinforced that challenges in return to work are not always medical in nature. This Readers’ Theatre adopts perspectives of patients, physicians and other stakeholders whilst focusing on return to work with the goal of providing engagement in reflective and purposeful discussion.
EMBRYO SAC DEVELOPMENT 1 affects seed setting rate in rice by controlling embryo sac development
Authors: Wang Tiankang , Li Yixing , Song Shufeng , Qiu Mudan , Zhang Licheng , Li Chengxia , Dong Hao , Li Lei , Wang Jianlong , Li Li 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Seed setting rate is one of the critical factors that determine rice yield. Grain formation is a complex biological process, whose molecular mechanism is yet to be improved. Here we investigated the function of an OVATE family protein, Embryo Sac Development 1 (ESD1), in the regulation of seed setting rate in rice (Oryza sativa) by examining its loss-of-function mutants generated via clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated9 (Cas9) technology. ESD1 was predominantly expressed at Stage 6 of panicle development, especially in the ovules. esd1 mutants displayed reduced seed setting rates with normal stamen development and pollen tube growth but abnormal pistil group. Investigation of embryo sacs revealed that during the mitosis of functional megaspores, some egg cells degraded during differentiation in esd1 mutants, thereby hindering subsequent fertilization process and reducing seed setting rate. In addition, the transcriptional level of O. sativa anaphase-promoting complex 6, a reported embryo sac developing gene, was significantly reduced in esd1 mutants. These results support that ESD1 is an important modulator of ESD and seed setting rate in rice. Together, this finding demonstrates that ESD1 positively regulates the seed setting rate by controlling ESD in rice and has implications for the improvement of rice yield.
Towards Understanding the COVID-19 Case Fatality Rate
Authors: Yan Donghui , Chen Aiyou , Yang Buqing 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAn important parameter for COVID-19 is the case fatality rate (CFR). It has been applied to wide applications, including the measure of the severity of the infection, the estimation of the number of infected cases, risk assessment etc. However, there remains a lack of understanding on several aspects of CFR, including population factors that are important to CFR, the apparent discrepancy of CFRs in different countries, and how the age effect comes into play. We analyze the CFRs at two different time snapshots, July 6 and Dec 28, with one during the first wave and the other a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. We consider two important population covariates, age and GDP as a proxy for the quality and abundance of public health. Extensive exploratory data analysis leads to some interesting findings. First, there is a clear exponential age effect among different age groups, and, more importantly, the exponential index is almost invariant across countries and time in the pandemic. Second, the roles played by the age and GDP are a little surprising: during the first wave, age is a more significant factor than GDP, while their roles have switched during the second wave of the pandemic, which may be partially explained by the delay in time for the quality and abundance of public health and medical research to factor in.
Using text mining to measure mobile banking service quality
Authors: Leem Byung-Hak , Eum Seong-Won 
Published: March 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to propose a method of measuring service quality as well as suggesting to detect customer complaints through analysis of customer online reviews of mobile bank, which is unstructured data.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses text mining approach for customer online reviews analysis. The research procedure includes: (1) extracting users' reviews for Kakao Mobile Bank, (2) pre-processing of the extracted review data, (3) analyzing the sentiment of each review, (4) measuring the service quality score of each dimension by analyzing keyword frequency and network for each polarity, (5) evaluating total score for mobile bank service quality, and (6) detecting customer complaints on online reviews.FindingsThere are some findings. First, from the customer's point of view, it was possible to see which factors are important among the various dimensions of service quality and which factors should be managed well in mobile banking setting. Second, by periodically finding customer complaints, service failures can be prevented early, and service quality and customer satisfaction can be improved.Practical implicationsFrom a practical point of view, mobile bank managers should pay more attention to the service quality dimensions of practicality and enjoyment. In addition, the results mean that the app design and aesthetics with the most negative reviews should be reviewed from the user's perspective rather than from the company's point of view. Second, it is possible for them to establish a systematic complaint management system that can prevent service failure in advance by detecting customer complaints early. Third, it is possible for them to make quick decisions regarding service quality with the help of real-time customer response through dashboard construction.Originality/valueThis paper is a pioneer study measuring service quality with sentiment analysis, one of the text mining applications, using customers' reviews of a mobile bank.
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus impacts on gut microbiome in a strain virulence‐dependent fashion
Authors: Argüello Héctor , Rodríguez‐Gómez Irene Magdalena , Sánchez‐Carvajal Jose María , Pallares Francisco José , Díaz Iván , Cabrera‐Rubio Raúl , Crispie Fiona , Cotter Paul D. , Mateu Enric , Martín‐Valls Gerard , Carrasco Librado , Gómez‐Laguna Jaime 
Published: March 2021

SummaryPorcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is a viral disease defined by reproductive problems, respiratory distress and a negative impact on growth rate and general condition. Virulent PRRS virus (PRRSV) strains have emerged in the last years with evident knowledge gaps in their impact on the host immune response. Thus, the present study examines the impact of acute PRRS virus (PRRSV) infection, with two strains of different virulence, on selected immune parameters and on the gut microbiota composition of infected pigs using 16S rRNA compositional sequencing. Pigs were infected with a low virulent (PRRS_3249) or a virulent (Lena) PRRSV‐1 strain and euthanized at 1, 3, 6, 8 or 13 days post‐inoculation (dpi). Faeces were collected from each animal at the necropsy time‐point. Alpha and beta diversity analyses demonstrated that infection, particularly with the Lena strain, impacted the microbiome composition from 6 dpi onwards. Taxonomic differences revealed that infected pigs had higher abundance of Treponema and Methanobrevibacter (FDR < 0.05). Differences were more considerable for Lena‐ than for PRRS_3249‐infected pigs, showing the impact of strain virulence in the intestinal changes. Lena‐infected pigs had reduced abundancies of anaerobic commensals such as Roseburia, Anaerostipes, Butyricicoccus and Prevotella (P < 0.05). The depletion of these desirable commensals was significantly correlated to infection severity measured by viraemia, clinical signs, lung lesions and immune parameters (IL‐6, IFN‐γ and Hp serum levels). Altogether, the results from this study demonstrate the indirect impact of PRRSV infection on gut microbiome composition in a strain virulence‐dependent fashion and its association with selected immune markers.
Comparison of iron staining and scoring methods on canine bone marrow aspirates
Authors: Pawsat Grace A. , Fry Michael M. , Schneider Liesel , Schaefer Deanna M. W. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundInsufficient iron for erythropoiesis can occur in multiple conditions, including absolute iron deficiency, which is often caused by chronic external hemorrhage in dogs. Distinguishing this from other causes of iron‐restricted erythropoiesis allows appropriate intervention. Decreased marrow iron assessed by Prussian blue staining is a method to diagnose absolute iron deficiency, but scoring systems for marrow iron are not validated in dogs.ObjectivesOur objectives were to (a) evaluate the technical performance of two bone marrow iron scoring systems used in human medicine and (b) examine the effects of destaining and restaining on iron stores after Wright‐stained marrow slides are destained and restained with a Prussian blue stain.MethodsTwo marrow aspirate slides were included from each of 12 ill dogs in which marrow was collected during clinical evaluation. One slide was directly stained with Prussian blue. The other was first stained with Wright stain, then destained and restained with Prussian blue. Three blinded observers scored the presence of iron in each of the 24 randomized slides using the Gale (scale 0‐6) and sideroblast methods (percentage score). Slides were then re‐randomized and rescored.ResultsFor the Gale method, interobserver agreement was fair, and intraobserver agreement was substantial to perfect. There was less agreement using the sideroblast method, with a significant observer effect. Iron scores were significantly lower in destained slides compared with those stained directly.ConclusionsInterobserver and intraobserver agreements were acceptable for the Gale method, but the sideroblast method should be used cautiously. A destaining procedure before Prussian blue staining could decrease marrow iron scores.
Calculation of Load and Stroke in Oil-Well Pump Rods
Authors: Langer B. F. , Lamberger E. H. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The sucker-rod pump as used in oil wells is treated as a problem in the longitudinal vibration of bars. Solutions are obtained for the forces and motions at both ends of the rod string, thus giving formulas for the calculation of polished-rod load and plunger travel. The results of the calculations are compared with test results.
We Need to Talk About Codeine: an Implementation Study to reduce the number of Emergency Department patients discharged on high-strength co-codamol using the Behaviour Change Wheel
Authors: Raman Rajendra , Fleming Laura 
Published: March 2021

BackgroundThe crisis of prescription opioid addiction in the USA is well-documented. Though opioid consumption per capita is lower in the UK, prescribing has increased dramatically in recent decades with an associated increase in deaths from prescription opioid overdose. At one Scottish Emergency Department high rates of prescribing of take-home co-codamol (30/500 mg) were observed, including for conditions where opioids are not recommended by national guidelines. An Implementation Science approach was adopted to investigate this.MethodsA Behaviour Change Wheel analysis suggested several factors contributing to high opioid prescribing: poor awareness of codeine addiction risk, poor knowledge of NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) guidelines on common painful conditions, mistaken assumptions about patient expectations and ready access to a large stock of take-home co-codamol. Based on this analysis a combined Education/Persuasion intervention was implemented over a 1-month period (January 2019) reaching 93% of prescribers. An Environmental Restructuring intervention was introduced at 4 months, and co-codamol prescriptions were monitored over a 12-month follow-up period. Unplanned re-attendances and complaints related to analgesia were monitored as balancing measures.ResultsThe Education/Persuasion intervention was associated with a 59% reduction in co-codamol prescribing that was maintained over 12 months. The Environmental Restructuring intervention was not associated with any further reduction in prescribing. No increase in unplanned re-attendances occurred during the study period and no complaints were received relating to pain control.ConclusionsThe increasing incidence of prescription opioid addiction in the UK suggests the need for all clinicians who write opioid prescriptions to re-evaluate their practice. This study suggests that knowledge of addiction risk and prescribing guidelines is poor among Emergency Department prescribers. We show that a rapid and sustained reduction in prescribing of take-home opioids is feasible in a UK Emergency Department, and that this reduction was not associated with any increase in unplanned re-attendances or complaints related to analgesia.
Association of advanced age with intubation-related adverse events in the emergency department: a multicentre prospective observational study
Authors: Takahashi Jin , Goto Tadahiro , Funakoshi Hiraku , Okamoto Hiroshi , Hagiwara Yusuke , Watase Hiroko , Hasegawa Kohei 
Published: March 2021

BackgroundWhile the older population accounts for an increasing proportion of emergency department (ED), little is known about intubation-related adverse events in this high-risk population. We sought to determine whether advanced age is associated with a higher risk of intubation-related adverse events in the ED.MethodsThis is an analysis of data from a prospective, 15-centre, observational study—the second Japanese Emergency Airway Network (JEAN-2) study. The current analysis included adult (aged ≥18 years) patients who underwent intubation in the ED between 2012 and 2018. The primary exposure was age (18–39, 40–64, 65–74, 75–84 and ≥85 years). The primary outcome was overall intubation-related adverse events during or immediately after an intubation. Adverse events were further categorised into major (hypotension, hypoxaemia, oesophageal intubation, cardiac arrest, dysrhythmia and death) and minor (endobronchial intubation, oesophageal intubation with early recognition, dental/lip trauma, airway trauma and regurgitation) adverse events. We constructed multivariable logistic regression models adjusting for seven potential confounders with generalised estimating equations that account for patients clustering within the ED.ResultsAmong 9714 patients eligible for the analysis, 15% were aged ≥85 years, and 16% had adverse events. In the unadjusted models, advanced age was not significantly associated with the risk of overall adverse events. In the adjusted models, the association was significant (adjusted OR 1.41 in age ≥85 years (95% CI, 1.09 to 1.81) compared with age 18–39 years). Specifically, older patients had a significantly higher risk of major adverse events (adjusted OR in age ≥85 years 2.65 (95% CI, 1.78 to 3.94)), which was driven by the association of advanced age with an increased risk of hypotension (adjusted OR in ≥85 years, 5.69 (95% CI, 3.13 to 10.37)). By contrast, advanced age was not associated with minor adverse events.ConclusionBased on the data from a prospective multicentre study, advanced age was associated with higher risks of major adverse events.
Using Tertiary Sulci to Map the “Cognitive Globe” of Prefrontal Cortex
Authors: Miller Jacob A. , D'Esposito Mark , Weiner Kevin S. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Stuss considered the human PFC as a “cognitive globe” [Stuss, D. T., & Benson, D. F. Neuropsychological studies of the frontal lobes. Psychological Bulletin, 95, 3–28, 1984] on which functions of the frontal lobe could be mapped. Here, we discuss classic and recent findings regarding the evolution, development, function, and cognitive role of shallow indentations or tertiary sulci in PFC, with the goal of using tertiary sulci to map the “cognitive globe” of PFC. First, we discuss lateral PFC (LPFC) tertiary sulci in classical anatomy and modern neuroimaging, as well as their development, with a focus on those within the middle frontal gyrus. Second, we discuss tertiary sulci in comparative neuroanatomy, focusing on primates. Third, we summarize recent findings showing the utility of tertiary sulci for understanding structural–functional relationships with functional network insights in ventromedial PFC and LPFC. Fourth, we revisit and update unresolved theoretical perspectives considered by C. Vogt and O. Vogt (Allgemeinere ergebnisse unserer hirnforschung. Journal für Psychologie und Neurologie, 25, 279–462, 1919) and F. Sanides (Structure and function of the human frontal lobe. Neuropsychologia, 2, 209–219, 1964) that tertiary sulci serve as landmarks for cortical gradients. Together, the consideration of these classic and recent findings indicate that tertiary sulci are situated in a unique position within the complexity of the “cognitive globe” of PFC: They are the smallest and shallowest of sulci in PFC, yet can offer insights that bridge spatial scales (microns to networks), modalities (functional connectivity to behavior), and species. As such, the map of tertiary sulci within each individual participant serves as a coordinate system specific to that individual on which functions may be further mapped. We conclude with new theoretical and methodological questions that, if answered in future research, will likely lead to mechanistic insight regarding the structure and function of human LPFC.