bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Elevations of monocyte and neutrophils, and higher levels of granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor in peripheral blood in lung cancer patients
Authors: Yin Wencheng , Lv Jiaoyun , Yao Yanhong , Zhao Yang , He Ziyi , Wang Qiqi , Cui Liyan , Dai Hui 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIntroductionImmune cells and molecules are considered as clinical biomarkers and potential targets for immunotherapy. Analyses of the composition of peripheral blood cells hold promise for providing a basis for diagnosing and prognosis lung cancer. In this study, we assessed correlations between immune cell subset profiles in peripheral blood and disease prognosis in patients with lung cancer.MethodsOne hundred and thirteen patients with lung cancer and 99 age‐matched healthy people were enrolled in this study. The percentage and cell count of monocytes, neutrophils, T cells, B cells, natural killer (NK), and NKT cells in peripheral blood were analyzed by flow cytometry or peripheral blood analyzer. Serum cytokines and colony‐stimulating factors were detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).ResultsA reduction in antitumor NK cells (p < 0.0001) and an increase in the protumor MDSCs (p < 0.0001) were observed in the lung cancer patients compared with the controls. Monocyte counts were significantly higher in lung cancer patients with histories of smoking (p < 0.05) or drinking (p < 0.01) than in patients with no relevant history or healthy controls. The number of neutrophils and the neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were particularly higher in patients with liver metastasis (p < 0.01) compared with no metastasis patients or healthy controls. Levels of the monocyte‐derived cytokine interleukin‐6 (p < 0.05), granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) (p < 0.0001), and granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) (p < 0.0001) were higher in patients than in controls. G‐CSF levels decreased during the remission phase (p < 0.05), and positively correlated with carbohydrate antigen 19–9 (p < 0.05) and gene mutation (p < 0.05).ConclusionMonocyte and neutrophil counts were higher in peripheral blood in lung cancer patients than in controls, especially when patients had histories of smoking, drinking, and liver metastasis. Serum levels of G‐CSF and GM‐CSF were higher in lung cancer patients, and G‐CSF levels positively correlated with disease severity.
Pests of Australian dairy pastures: distribution, seasonality and potential impacts on pasture production
Authors: Umina Paul A , Kemp Stuart , Babineau Marielle , Maino James L , Roberts Isobel , Govender Alana , McDonald Garrick , Popay Alison J , Hume David E , Hardwick Scott , Richards Nicola K , Reynolds Olivia , Chirgwin Evatt 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe dairy industry provides an important contribution to the Australian economy, but its productivity relies on grass pastures that suffer significant damage from invertebrate pests. Managing these pests remains a challenge as information on their abundance and impact is only available for a handful of taxa in a few Australian dairy regions. In this study, we undertook an extensive survey of above‐ and below‐ground pest communities across seven dairy regions in south‐eastern Australia by repeatedly sampling 57 paddocks in 2017 and 2018. We then applied energetic models to estimate the amount of metabolisable energy produced by pastures that are potentially consumed by pests. Our survey indicates that dairy farmers encounter a similar composition of above‐ground pests in most sampled regions, with a few pests, especially Sminthurus viridis (lucerne flea) and Rhopalosiphum padi (bird cherry‐oat aphid), dominating pest communities. Below‐ground pests were more variable between regions and are more likely to require region‐specific control strategies. Our energetic modelling suggests that pests consume a threefold greater percentage of metabolisable energy produced by pastures during autumn than spring. S. viridis and R. padi were among the most economically important pests across all regions and seasons, while other pests, including several species of scarabs and the small pointed snail, Prietocella barbara, were predicted to be particularly damaging in specific regions. Together, our field survey and energetic modelling provide baseline information to assist dairy farmers manage invertebrate pests and help guide future research in the Australian dairy industry.
Current allergy educational needs in primary care. Results of the EAACI working group on primary care survey exploring the confidence to manage and the opportunity to refer patients with allergy
Authors: Cabrera Martha , Ryan Dermot , Angier Elisabeth , Losappio Laura , Flokstra ‐ de Blok Bertine M. J. , Gawlik Radoslaw , Purushotam Dan , Bosnic‐Anticevich Sinthia 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe aim of this survey was to explore the specific educational needs of a cohort of European GPs with regards to allergy training so that future educational initiatives may better support the delivery of allergy services in primary care. Method: This study took the form of a cross‐sectional observational study in which a structured electronic questionnaire was distributed to primary care providers, in eight languages, across 8 European countries between September 2019 and November 2019. Data associated with demographic parameters, professional qualifications, type of employment, level of confidence regarding competencies for diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases, referral of patients to allergist and preferred method of learning and assessment were collected. A 5‐point Likert scale was used to assess level of confidence. Exploratory analysis was carried out. Results: A total of 687 responses were available for analysis, with 99.3% of responders working within Europe. 70.1% of participants were female; and 48.0% and 48.0% of participants respectively had received some undergraduate and/or postgraduate allergy education. Confidence in dealing with different aspect of allergy management differed between countries. The main reason for specialist referral was a perceived need for tertiary assessment (54.3%), and the main barrier for referral was the consideration that the patient's condition could be appropriately diagnosed and treated in a primary care facility. Up to 44.7% and 55.3% of participants reported that they preferred e‐Learning over traditional learning. Conclusions: This study identified the specific areas of skills training and educational needs of GPs in managing allergic conditions in primary care, and provided insights into possible strategies for more feasible and cost‐effective approaches.
Sustainability disclosures in emerging economies: Evidence from human capital disclosures on listed banks' websites in Bangladesh
Authors: Absar Mir Mohammed Nurul , Dhar Bablu Kumar , Mahmood Monowar , Emran Md. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractA company reports its most important resource—human capital (HC) under the social sustainability disclosures as per the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards. Based on stakeholder theory, the study examines the level of voluntary HC disclosures (HCD) in the websites of all the 30 listed banks of Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), Bangladesh. Applying content analysis with a comprehensive 30‐item disclosure index shows that the intensity of HC disclosure on banks' websites is very stumpy in Bangladesh's context. Employee training was found as the highest disclosed item. In contrast, no bank has disclosed information about HC's financial values, employees' age profile, employee education, whistleblower policy, trade union activity, employee satisfaction, employee attrition, employee disability, HR designated section, and child labor. In this age of information, the HC disclosure index formulated in this study can be used as a replica by the banks of Bangladesh and other emerging economies to improve their voluntary HCD practices through the websites. The present study adds to the existing HCD literature, where there has been a divergent lack of research on corporate websites.
Respiratory diseases in patients with bed bugs
Authors: Sheele Johnathan M. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIntroductionSome arthropods such as cockroaches can exacerbate asthma, but it is unknown is this is true of bed bugs.ObjectivesThe objective of this work is to determine if bronchospastic diseases like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) would be higher for ED patients who have bed bug infestation compared with patients who do not have bed bug infestation.MethodsA case–control study was performed with 332 adult emergency department (ED) patients with bed bug infestation and 4952 without infestation. Univariable and multivariable regression analysis was performed.Results and ConclusionPatients with bed bug infestation were not more likely to have a past history of or an ED diagnosis of asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, bed bug infested patients were significantly more likely to undergo chest radiography, be admitted to the hospital, and receive albuterol in the ED (P < 0.05). Infested patients receiving albuterol in the ED were more likely to be admitted to the hospital compared with uninfested patients receiving albuterol (P < 0.001). Patients with an ED or inpatient diagnosis of asthma or COPD and bed bugs (compared with those without bed bugs) had significantly more ED visits during the study (P < 0.03). Bed bug infestations may be associated with respiratory pathology, which requires further investigation.
The use of state‐and‐transition models in assessing management success
Authors: Sato Chloe F. , Lindenmayer David B. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractState‐and‐transition models (STM) are valuable tools that aid understanding and management of ecosystems. There also is potential for STMs to be used as a framework to assess whether management actions are achieving desired conservation objectives. However, few published examples exist where STMs have been used in this way. Using high‐quality empirical field data collected in endangered temperate woodlands across a 6‐year period, we explore whether a Box Gum Grassy Woodland STM employed in an Australian agri‐environment scheme can be used to assess whether management interventions are achieving an improvement in woodland Condition State. We found there was insufficient contextual information in the STM to facilitate its robust use as a framework for assessing whether management interventions were achieving conservation outcomes in Box Gum Grassy Woodlands. Weather was a key driver influencing management effectiveness, but its effects were absent from the STM, as were probabilities and time frames for transitions between Condition States. The deficiencies in the STM may preclude accurate conclusions about the effectiveness of the program. Given the influence of weather on the system, longer time frames are required to adequately assess the influence of management on key variables (e.g., native plant richness, native ground cover) underpinning the STM. This case study provides opportunities to understand the potential implications of using insufficiently contextualized STMs as frameworks for assessing whether management actions are achieving desired conservation objectives. It also provides opportunities to learn from what went wrong. To this end, based on our findings, we provide practical recommendations (applicable beyond our case study system) for improving the construction and implementation of STMs for the purposes of evaluating the success of management interventions in ecological restoration and conservation programs.
Can direct oral anticoagulants be used in kidney transplant recipients?
Authors: Parker Kathrine , Chu Janette , Morton Muir , Bhutani Shiv , Picton Michael , Mitra Sandip , Thachil Jecko 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackground: Kidney transplant recipients(KTRs) are at an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and atrial fibrillation(AF). Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have shown important advantages over vitamin K antagonists; however, in KTRs, concerns regarding interactions and use in severe kidney disease may limit their use. This evaluation describes a large UK kidney transplant center's experience of DOACs in KTRs with CrCl > 15 mL/min.MethodsElectronic records were reviewed for all adult KTRs at Manchester University Foundation Trust Hospitals taking DOACs between January 2018 and October 2020 with VTE or AF. The primary outcome was trough and peak DOAC levels within the expected reference ranges and secondary outcomes included bleeding and thrombotic events.ResultsIn 31 KTRs taking DOACS, eight patients had a CrCl < 30 mL/min. Overall, 94% (62/66) of DOAC levels were within the recommended ranges. There were no thrombotic events and four bleeding events (two major and two clinically relevant non‐major bleeds). The overall bleeding rate was 6.9 per 100 patient‐years at risk.ConclusionsThere was no evidence of a significant interaction of apixaban or rivaroxaban with CNIs based on expected DOAC and CNI levels. Their use was found to be safe and effective with no VTE events and bleeding episodes similar to published trial data.
Echoing and re‐echoing refugee policies in the international system: The Lebanese state and its political imaginary
Authors: Fakhoury Tamirace 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThis article sets out to contribute to the debate on how Arab refugee hosting states, generally regarded as norm recipients and recalcitrant implementers of refugee law, have sought to shape, localize, and reconfigure understandings and practices of asylum. More broadly, it also hints at how states draw on the question of asylum to craft “political imaginaries” defined as certain ways of seeing, representing, and enacting the political to entrench power structures and strategies of governance. Drawing on the example of Lebanon, traditionally considered as a peripheral actor in the Euro‐Mediterranean migration system, I explore how the small state has recast the understandings of refugee reception and resisted some prescriptions for refugee solutions. In doing so, the Lebanese polity, I argue, has twinned its refugee politics with a broader logic of governmentality vying on sectarian and geopolitical imaginings.
Mapping and contesting peer selection in digitalized public sector benchmarking
Authors: Chua Wai Fong , Graaf Johan , Kraus Kalle 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThis paper investigates the influence of digitalization on different modes of peer selection in public sector benchmarking. We do so in the context of a field study of the impact of “Kolada”—a digital database and benchmarking device comparing the performance of Swedish municipalities. We find that the municipal quality controllers often used algorithmically selected peer groups to identify “pure” performance gaps for a range of performance indicators. Politicians, departmental managers, and the citizenry, however, continued to prefer benchmarking against neighboring municipalities. Drawing on Gieryn's concept of cultural cartography, differences in peer selection are characterized as a form of credibility contest between digitally generated and local maps. Our paper contributes to the literature in three main ways. First, we demonstrate how peer selection involves a mutual interplay between new digitally generated, abstract maps of performance and local cartographic legacies sustained by complex social attachments. Second, our paper illustrates the importance of often overlooked social ties informing processes of peer selection, highlighting the importance of professional ties, neighborly familiarity, and affective relations. Third, our paper characterizes the power of “native truths.” More generally, our paper indicates the epistemic authority of digital “truths” is contestable and may be resisted. Ultimately, the coexistence of “old” and new epistemic maps confers choice, which contributes to the legitimacy of new technologies enabling digitalized benchmarking to persist in shifting and locally meaningful ways.
Fatigue life prediction and effects of cerium oxide‐filled vulcanized natural rubber on fatigue life under multiaxial loading
Authors: Pan Zheng , Lai Yaling , Wang Yanping , Duan Wuwei , Qiao Yu , Liu Yuanwen , Song Chengkai 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIn this study, a rubber dumbbell cylindrical tube specimen is used as an example to study the effect of cerium oxide on the multiaxial fatigue life of vulcanized natural rubber (rb) under different strain amplitudes and different loading paths. The cracking energy density (CED), strain energy density (SED), Smith–Watson–Topper (SWT), Chen–Xu–Huang (CXH), and Fatemi–Socie fatigue life prediction models were used to evaluate the experimental data. The results show that the multiaxial fatigue life of the specimen increases with decreasing strain amplitude, the loading path has a significant influence on the life of rb, the SWT model and the CXH model have good prediction results for both materials, and the filling of cerium oxide can improve the fatigue resistance of vulcanized natural rubber.
Shortening the Haemophilia Activities List (HAL) from 42 items to 18 items
Authors: Kuijlaars Isolde A. R. , van der Net Janjaap , Buckner Tyler W. , Kempton Christine L. , Schutgens Roger E. G. , Fischer Kathelijn 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIntroductionThe Haemophilia Activities List (HAL) was developed to measure activities and participation in persons with haemophilia (PWH). Shortening the questionnaire may facilitate use of the HAL.AimThe aim of this study was to determine which items of the HAL are redundant, to construct a shorter version of the HAL, and to determine the construct validity of the HALshort.MethodsA secondary analysis was performed on pooled data of two published studies using the HAL (seven domains, 42 items, optimum score: 100) in adults with haemophilia A/B. Data were divided into a derivation (62%) and a validation set (38%). Redundant items were identified by evaluation of: floor and ceiling effects, proportions of missing and ‘not applicable’ responses, inter‐item correlations, component loadings in an exploratory factor analysis, internal consistency, and item‐total correlations. Correlations with the SF‐36 and EQ‐5D‐5L were used to determine construct validity of the HALshort.ResultsData on 680 PWH were evaluated. In the derivation dataset (n = 420), median age was 30 years (range 18–80), 43% had severe haemophilia and 61% received prophylaxis. Median (IQR) HAL sum score was 65.0 (55.7–88.8). The stepwise procedure resulted in a HALshort of 18 items with a median sum score of 63.3 (54.4–86.7). Construct validity was similar for the HAL and HALshort in the validation dataset (n = 260).ConclusionThis clinimetric study resulted in a >50% shortening of the HAL. The 18‐item HALshort reduces patient burden and is expected to capture the information on activities and participation. The HALshort needs further validation.
Glypican‐1 as a target for fluorescence molecular imaging of bladder cancer
Authors: Polikarpov Dmitry M , Campbell Douglas H , Zaslavsky Alexander B , Lund Maria E , Wu Angela , Lu Yanling , Palapattu Ganesh S , Walsh Bradley J , Zvyagin Andrei V , Gillatt David A 
Published: September 2021

ObjectivesTo investigate whether anti‐glypican‐1 antibody Miltuximab conjugated with near‐infrared dye IRDye800CW can be used for in vivo fluorescence imaging of urothelial carcinoma.MethodsThe conjugate, Miltuximab‐IRDye800CW, was produced and characterized by size exclusion chromatography and flow cytometry with glypican‐1‐expressing cells. Balb/c nude mice bearing subcutaneous urothelial carcinoma xenografts were intravenously injected with Miltuximab‐IRDye800CW or control IgG‐IRDye800CW and imaged daily by fluorescence imaging. After 10 days, tumors and major organs were collected for ex vivo study of the conjugate biodistribution, including its accumulation in the tumor.ResultsThe intravenous injection of Miltuximab‐IRDye800CW to tumor‐bearing mice showed its specific accumulation in the tumors with the tumor‐to‐background ratio of 12.7 ± 2.4, which was significantly higher than that in the control group (4.6 ± 0.9, P < 0.005). The ex vivo imaging was consistent with the in vivo findings, with tumors from the mice injected with Miltuximab‐IRDye800CW being significantly brighter than the organs or the control tumors.ConclusionsThe highly specific accumulation and retention of Miltuximab‐IRDye800CW in glypican‐1‐expressing tumors in vivo shows its high potential for fluorescence imaging of urothelial carcinoma and warrants its further investigation toward clinical translation.
Microstructure evolution and mechanical behavior of a mullite fiber heat‐treated from 1100 to 1300°C
Authors: Zhang Wen , Yang Xiang , Huang Ming , Zhi‐hang Peng 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIn this paper, the effect of phase transformation on microstructure evolution and mechanical behaviors of mullite fibers was well investigated from 1100 to 1300°C. In such a narrow temperature range, the microstructure and mechanical properties showed great changes, which were significant to be studied. The temperature of the alumina phase transformation started at below 1100°C. The main phases in fibers were γ‐Al2O3 and δ‐Al2O3 with amorphous SiO2 at 1150°C. The stable α‐Al2O3 formed at 1200°C. Then the mullite phase reaction occurred. As the alumina phase reaction took place, the tensile strength increased with the increasing temperature. In particular, the filaments achieved the highest strength at 1150°C with 1.98 ± 0.17 GPa, and the Young's modulus was 163.08 ± 4.69 GPa, showing excellent mechanical performance. After 1200°C, the mullite phase reaction went on with the crystallization of orthorhombic mullite. The density of surface defects increased rapidly due to thermal grooving, which led to mechanical properties degrade sharply. The strength at 1200°C was 1.01 ± 0.15 GPa with a strength retention of 63.13%, and the Young's modulus was 184.14 ± 10.36 GPa. While at 1300°C, the tensile strength was 0.64 ± 0.14 GPa with a strength retention of only 40.00%.