bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Using drone imagery to upscale estimates of water capacity in tank bromeliads on steep neotropical inselbergs
Authors: Lehmann Jan R. K. , Prior Milan D. , de Paula Luiza F. A. , Azevedo Luísa , Porembski Stefan , Buttschardt Tillmann K. , Solar Ricardo 
Published: September 2021

AbstractA substantial fraction of stored freshwater available on neotropical inselbergs is impounded within the rosettes of bromeliads. Their high water retention capacity can potentially have an outcome on the inselberg community as well as on the surrounding environment. However, there are no studies measuring and extrapolating the water retention capacity of bromeliads from single observations to larger spatial scales. Using simple drone‐based imagery, we were able to calculate and upscale the water tank capacity of Alcantarea distractila, a bromeliad genus which is widespread on inselbergs in Southeastern Brazil. Our results provide a firstarge scale quantification of the estimated availability of water tank reservoir of inselbergs, which highlights the potential provisional ecosystem service delivered by bromeliad species.
The role of hydrodissection in native tissue repair of anterior vaginal wall defects
Authors: Schwarzman Polina , Samueli Benzion , Shaco‐Levy Ruth , Baumfeld Yael , Leron Elad , Weintraub Adi Y. 
Published: September 2021

AimsA variety of surgical techniques are available for vaginal prolapse repair, indicating a lack of consensus. A debate regarding the utility of hydrodissection for splitting the surgical plane of the vaginal wall exists. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of hydrodissection in anterior colporrhaphy (AC).MaterialsPatients undergoing primary AC were randomly assigned to an approach with (study group) versus without (control group) hydrodissection. Five surgeons performed both techniques, and the trimmed vaginal tissue was retrieved for histological analysis. Two pathologists, blinded to the surgical approach, evaluated the presence of a loose connective tissue at the surgical dissection plane (controversially deemed ‘fascia’, as explained in this article). In addition, we compared the operative time, pain score and haemoglobin levels. After statistical analysis, data were presented using percentile, and statistical significance was tested using the χ2 and Fisher’s exact tests.ResultsForty‐six patients underwent primary elective AC, with 23 patients in each, the study and control groups. The groups were comparable regarding age (study group 60.33 ± 11.95 years and control group 59.86 ± 12.04, P = 0.90), menopausal status (study group 17 (73.9%) and control group 15 (68.2%), P = 0.67) and other characteristics. We found no difference in sample characteristics between the two groups. Connective tissue was found in only 13.6% (n = 3) of patients after hydrodissection and in 27.3% (n = 6) of patients without hydrodissection (P = 0.46). The hydrodissection group had significantly less bleeding than the control group (ΔHB 0.66 ± 0.66 vs 1.21 ± 0.84, P = 0.05).ConclusionsAfter hydrodissection, less bleeding was noted without compromise the surgical planes.
Etiology, risk factors, and prognosis of patients with syncope: A single‐center analysis
Authors: Ling Lin , Feng Tingting , Xue Xiaofeng , Ling Zicheng 
Published: September 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the main causes, risk factors, and prognosis of patients hospitalized with syncope.MethodsThe patients admitted due to syncope were included. We analyzed the etiology, risk factors, and prognosis of patients with an average follow‐up of 15.3 months.ResultsHigh‐risk factors for cardiogenic syncope included age ≥60, male, hypertension, palpitation, troponin T‐positive, abnormal ECG, CHD history, and syncope‐related trauma. Mortality rate was 4.6%, recurrence rate of syncope was 10.5%, and the rehospitalization rate was 8.5%. Univariate analysis showed that prognosis of syncope was related to age ≥60 years old, hypertension, positive troponin T, abnormal electrocardiogram, and coronary heart disease (p < .05). Multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis showed that age ≥60 years old (p = .021) and high‐sensitivity troponin‐positive (p = .024) were strongly related to the prognosis of syncope. Kaplan–Meier curve showed statistical difference in the survival rate between the groups divided by age ≥60 years (p = .028), hs‐TnT‐positive (p < .001), abnormal ECG (p = .027), and history of CHD (p = .020).ConclusionHigh‐risk factors for cardiogenic syncope included age ≥60, male, hypertension, palpitation, troponin T‐positive, abnormal ECG, CHD family history, and syncope‐related trauma. Age, hypertension, troponin T‐positive, abnormal ECG, and CHD history were associated with the prognosis of syncope.
Low muscularity increases the risk for post‐operative pneumonia and delays recovery from complications after oesophago‐gastric cancer resection
Authors: Murnane Lisa C. , Forsyth Adrienne K. , Koukounaras Jim , Pilgrim Charles H. C. , Shaw Kalai , Brown Wendy A. , Mourtzakis Marina , Tierney Audrey C. , Burton Paul R. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundLow muscularity is associated with adverse surgical outcomes. We aimed to determine whether low muscularity is associated with an increased risk of post‐operative complications and reduced long‐term survival after oesophago‐gastric cancer surgery.MethodsPatients who underwent radical oesophago‐gastric cancer surgery with preoperative abdominal computed tomography (CT) imaging were included. Low skeletal muscle index (SMI), measured by CT, was determined using pre‐defined cut‐points. Oncological, surgical, complications and outcome data were obtained from a prospective database.ResultsOf 108 patients, 61% (n = 66) had low SMI preoperatively. Patients with low SMI had a higher rate of post‐operative pneumonia (30 vs. 7% normal muscularity, P = 0.004). Median length of stay (LOS) was higher in patients with low SMI if they had any complication (19.5 vs. 14 days, P = 0.026) or pneumonia (21 vs. 13 days, P = 0.018). On multivariate analysis, low SMI (OR 3.85, CI 1.10–13.4, P = 0.025), preoperative weight loss (OR 1.13, CI 1.01–1.25, P = 0.027), and smoking (OR 5.08, CI 1.24–20.9, P = 0.024) were independent predictors of having a severe complication. There was no difference in 5‐year overall (62% vs. 69%, P = 0.241) and disease‐free (11% vs. 21.4%, P = 0.110) survival between low SMI and normal muscle mass groups.ConclusionLow SMI is associated with a significantly increased risk of pneumonia and increased LOS for patients with complications. Assessment of muscle mass may require additional muscle quality, strength, and physical performance measures to enhance preoperative risk assessment.
Rehabilitation protocols following rotator cuff repair: a meta‐analysis of current evidence
Authors: Bandara Udara , An Vincent V. G. , Imani Sahand , Nandapalan Haren , Sivakumar Brahman S. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundRotator cuff tears are a common shoulder pathology with an increasing incidence. The optimum post‐operative rehab protocol remains unclear and can consist of either conservative rehabilitation or more aggressive early range‐of‐motion. Multiple studies have assessed these treatment protocols. This meta‐analysis aims to compare post‐operative clinical outcomes following either conservative or aggressive rehabilitation post rotator cuff repair.MethodsA systematic electronic literature search was undertaken using a number of databases. Eligible studies included randomized control trials published between January 2013 and April 2019 in English with patients having had received rotator cuff repair. Post‐operative clinical outcomes considered included shoulder range‐of‐motion, overall function status (Costant–Murley score) and rates of rotator‐cuff re‐tear. Studies were evaluated for methodological quality in accordance with the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. Summarized pooled statistics were calculated using Review Manager (v5.3) software.ResultsA total of six randomized controlled trials were included. Standardized mean difference (SMD) in shoulder flexion, abduction and external rotation was not statistically significant at either 6 or 12 months post rotator cuff repair. Functional assessment suggests a slight benefit in Constant–Murley Score (SMD = 1.77; 95% CI −3.93, 7.47) in aggressive treatment groups with no significant risk increase for cuff re‐tear (RR = 1.22; 95% CI 0.60, 2.47).ConclusionThis meta‐analysis suggests there is no clear benefit of either rehabilitation protocol when considering range‐of‐motion, with a possible benefit in functional outcome at the cost of increased re‐tear risk post aggressive rehabilitation. Both protocols have been shown to offer safe reproducible short‐ and long‐term outcomes.
First‐year weight loss following gastric band surgery predicts long‐term outcomes
Authors: Carvalho Silveira Flavia , Maranga Gabrielle , Mitchell Fernanda , Nowak Brittany A. , Ren‐Fielding Christine J. , Fielding George A. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundLaparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) continues to be a valid surgical treatment option to address severe obesity. However, outcomes are varied and can be difficult to predict. Early prediction of suboptimal weight loss following LAGB may enable adjustments to postoperative care and consequently improve surgical outcomes. Therefore, our aim is to investigate the prognostic utility of using early weight loss following LAGB to predict long‐term weight outcomes.MethodsClinical data from patients undergoing LAGB between 2001 and 2007 at a single institution were retrospectively collected and analysed. The data was used to inform a model for predicting long‐term weight loss after LAGB surgery. Percent total weight loss (%TWL) greater than 20% 1 year after surgery was considered a measurement of success since it has been associated with the improvement of comorbidities and increased patient satisfaction.ResultsThe average %TWL 1 year after LAGB surgery was 23.73% (n = 1524, SD = 8.68%). Weight loss of less than 10% in 1 year was a negative predictor of weight loss >20% in 8–12 years (OR = 0.449; p = 0.002; 95% CI = 0.272–0.742). Moreover, weight loss >20% in 1 year was a strong predictor of weight loss >20% in 8–12 years (OR = 5.33; p < 0.001; 95% CI = 3.17–8.97).ConclusionTotal body weight reduction of less than 10% 1 year after LAGB surgery suggests a lesser weight loss at 8–12 years. For these patients, targeted interventions would be appropriate to increase the chances of long‐term success.
Effect of time to relapse on overall survival in patients with mantle cell lymphoma following autologous haematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Riedell Peter A. , Hamadani Mehdi , Ahn Kwang W. , Litovich Carlos , Brunstein Claudio G. , Cashen Amanda F. , Cohen Jonathon B. , Epperla Narendranath , Hill Brian T. , Im Annie , Inwards David J. , Lister John , McCarty John M. , Ravi Kiran Pingali Sai , Shadman Mazyar , Shaughnessy Paul , Solh Melhem , Stiff Patrick J. , Vose Julie M. , Kharfan-Dabaja Mohamed A. , Herrera Alex F. , Sauter Craig S. , Smith Sonali M. 
Published: September 2021

SummaryIn young and fit patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), intensive induction therapy followed by a consolidative autologous haematopoietic cell transplant (autoHCT) is the standard of care in the front‐line setting. Recently, time‐to‐event analysis has emerged as an important risk assessment tool in lymphoma, though its impact in MCL is not well defined. We utilized the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research database to evaluate the effect of post‐autoHCT time to relapse on overall survival (OS) over time in 461 patients who underwent autoHCT within 12 months of MCL diagnosis. On multivariate analysis, the impact of relapse on OS was greatest at the six‐month [hazard ratio (HR) = 7·68], 12‐month (HR = 6·68), and 18‐month (HR = 5·81) landmark timepoints. Using a dynamic landmark model we demonstrate that adjusted OS at five years following each landmark timepoint improved with time for relapsing and non‐relapsing patients. Furthermore, early relapse (<18 months) following autoHCT defines a high‐risk group with inferior post‐relapse OS. This retrospective analysis highlights the impact of time to relapse on OS in MCL patients undergoing up‐front autoHCT and emphasizes the need to consider novel therapeutic approaches for patients suffering early relapse.
Bioengineering methods for organoid systems
Authors: Saleh Jad , Mercier Barbara , XI Wang 
Published: September 2021

AbstractOrganoids have been widely used in fundamental, biomimetic, and therapeutic studies. These multicellular systems form via cell‐autonomous self‐organization where a cohort of stem cells undergoes in vivo‐like proliferation, differentiation, and morphogenesis. They also recapitulate a series of physiological cell organization, complexity and functions that are untouchable by conventional bio‐model systems using immortal cell lines. However, the development of organoids is often not easily controlled and their shape and size are yet fully physiological. Recent research has demonstrated that multiple bioengineering tools could be harnessed to control important internal and external cues that dictate stem cell behavior and stem‐cell based organoid development. In this review, we introduce the current development of organoid systems and their potentials, as well as their limitations that impede their further utility in research and clinical fields. In comparison to conventional autonomous organoid system, we then review bioengineering approaches that offer improved control over organoid growth and development. We focus on the genetic editing tools that allow the program of build‐in responses and phenotypes for organoid systems with enhanced physiological relevance. We also highlight the advances in bioengineering methods to modify cellular external milieus to generate desirable cell composition, 3D micro‐architectures, and complex microfluidic systems. We conclude that the emerging biomimetic methods that employ multidisciplinary approaches could prevail in the future development of organoid systems.
Evaluation of small molecule kinase inhibitors as novel antimicrobial and antibiofilm agents
Authors: King Ashley , Blackledge Meghan S. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAntibiotic resistance is a global and pressing concern. Our current therapeutic arsenal is increasingly limited as bacteria are developing resistance at a rate that far outpaces our ability to create new treatments. Novel approaches to treating and curing bacterial infections are urgently needed. Bacterial kinases have been increasingly explored as novel drug targets and are poised for development into novel therapeutic agents to combat bacterial infections. This review describes several general classes of bacterial kinases that play important roles in bacterial growth, antibiotic resistance, and biofilm formation. General features of these kinase classes are discussed and areas of particular interest for the development of inhibitors will be highlighted. Small molecule kinase inhibitors are described and organized by phenotypic effect, spotlighting particularly interesting inhibitors with novel functions and potential therapeutic benefit. Finally, we provide our perspective on the future of bacterial kinase inhibition as a viable strategy to combat bacterial infections and overcome the pressures of increasing antibiotic resistance.
Reduced ELANE and SLPI expression compromises dental pulp cell activity
Authors: Sriwattanapong Kanokwan , Sa‐Ard‐Iam Noppadol , Boonprakong Lawan , Subbalekha Keskanya , Trachoo Vorapat , Suratannon Narissara , Porntaveetus Thantrira , Shotelersuk Vorasuk 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundPatients with ELANE variants and severe congenital neutropenia (SCN) commonly develop oral complications. Whether they are caused only by low neutrophil count or the combination of neutropenia and aberrant dental cells is unknown.MethodsGenetic variant was identified with exome sequencing. Dental pulp cells isolated from the SCN patient with an ELANE mutation were investigated for gene expression, enzyme activity, proliferation, colony formation, wound healing, apoptosis, ROS, attachment, spreading and response to lipopolysaccharide.ResultsELANE cells had diminished expression of ELANE and SLPI and reduced neutrophil elastase activity. Moreover, ELANE cells exhibited impaired proliferation, colony forming, migration, attachment and spreading; and significantly increased ROS formation and apoptosis, corresponding with increased Cyclin D1 and MMP2 levels. The intrinsic levels of TGF‐β1 and TNF‐α were significantly increased; however, IL‐6, IL‐8 and NF‐kB1 were significantly decreased in ELANE cells compared with those in controls. After exposure to lipopolysaccharide, ELANE cells grew larger, progressed to more advanced cell spreading stages and showed significantly increased SLPI, TNF‐α and NF‐kB1 and tremendously increased IL‐6 and IL‐8 expression, compared with controls.ConclusionThis study, for the first time, suggests that in addition to neutropenia, the aberrant levels and functions of ELANE, SLPI and their downstream molecules in pulp cells play an important role in oral complications in SCN patients. In addition, pulp cells with diminished neutrophil elastase and SLPI are highly responsive to inflammation.
Dose‐dependent inactivation of airway tryptase with a novel dissociating anti‐tryptase antibody (MTPS9579A) in healthy participants: A randomized trial
Authors: Rymut Sharon M. , Sukumaran Siddharth , Sperinde Gizette , Bremer Meire , Galanter Joshua , Yoshida Kenta , Smith Jordan , Banerjee Prajna , Sverkos Viyia , Cai Fang , Steffen Verena , Henderson Lindsay M. , Rhee Horace , Belloni Paula N. , Lin Joseph H. , Staton Tracy L. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractTryptase is the most abundant secretory granule protein in human lung mast cells and plays an important role in asthma pathogenesis. MTPS9579A is a novel monoclonal antibody that selectively inhibits tryptase activity by dissociating active tetramers into inactive monomers. The safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PKs), and systemic and airway pharmacodynamics (PDs) of MTPS9579A were assessed in healthy participants. In this phase I single‐center, randomized, observer‐blinded, and placebo‐controlled study, single and multiple ascending doses of MTPS9579A were administered subcutaneously (s.c.) or intravenously (i.v.) in healthy participants. In addition to monitoring safety and tolerability, the concentrations of MTPS9579A, total tryptase, and active tryptase were quantified. This study included 106 healthy participants (82 on active treatment). Overall, MTPS9579A was well‐tolerated with no serious or severe adverse events. Serum MTPS9579A showed a dose‐proportional increase in maximum serum concentration (Cmax) values at high doses, and a nonlinear increase in area under the curve (AUC) values at low concentrations consistent with target‐mediated clearance were observed. Rapid and dose‐dependent reduction in nasosorption active tryptase was observed postdose, confirming activity and the PK/PD relationship of MTPS9579A in the airway. A novel biomarker assay was used to demonstrate for the first time that an investigative antibody therapeutic (MTPS9579A) can inhibit tryptase activity in the upper airway. A favorable safety and tolerability profile supports further assessment of MTPS9579A in asthma. Understanding the exposure‐response relationships using the novel PD biomarker will help inform clinical development, such as dose selection or defining patient subgroups.
Human Capital Expansion and Global Value Chain Upgrading: Firm‐level Evidence from China
Authors: Wu Lamei , Chen Guifu , Peng Shuijun 
Published: September 2021

AbstractFirms actively participate in the production of the global value chain (GVC), which is an important driving force for economic development. Using a difference‐in‐difference method, our research shows that industries that are relatively more human‐capital intensive experienced a larger GVC position upgrading after 2003 than they had in prior years. Second, mechanism analysis shows that human capital expansion increases firms’ GVC position not only through an imported intermediate input effect but also through an innovation effect. Third, this study shows that increases in the college‐educated labor force have a heterogeneous effect on a firm's GVC position across firms’ various characteristics. Human capital expansion has the largest positive effect on state‐owned firms relative to foreign and domestic private firms. Human capital expansion has also significantly improved the GVC position of firms located in China's eastern and central regions. The findings of this study indicate that it helps upgrading the GVC position of Chinese firms.
Does the Belt and Road Initiative Promote Bilateral Political Relations?
Authors: Lu Yue , Gu Wei , Zeng Ka 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThis paper examines the role of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in enhancing political relations between China and its partner countries. We postulate that an international economic cooperation scheme such as the BRI may facilitate commercial exchanges and increase the participating countries’ economic gains. This should generate incentives for these countries to avoid political tensions that may jeopardize mutually beneficial economic exchanges, and to expand the constellation of domestic coalitions in support of cordial diplomatic and political relations. We test the effect of the BRI on bilateral political relations using data on political relations between China and 91 countries along the BRI route between 2006 and 2018. Treating the promulgation of the BRI in 2013 as a policy shock, our difference‐in‐difference analysis lends substantial support to our hypotheses. Further analyses of the underlying causal mechanisms suggest that the BRI bolsters political relations by strengthening economic ties with partner countries through trade and investment related to economic cooperation.