bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Proximity to high densities of pastoral settlements reduces grassland regrowth in a protected tropical savanna
Authors: Wana Desalegn , Smith Stuart W. , Coleman Kjirsten E. R. , Speed James D. M. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractSedentarization of pastoralist communities is reshaping the structure and functioning of tropical savannas. Of particular concern is how permanent pastoral settlements change grassland vegetation inside “protected” areas. In this study, we investigate the spatial impact of pastoral settlements on grassland regrowth in Nech Sar National Park, Ethiopia. Within the National Park, we established herbivore exclosures across the central grassland plains at varying distances from a high concentration of pastoral settlements. Plant species composition, biomass, and regrowth after clipping were measured every 6 months, inside and outside exclosures in close proximity and further away from pastoral settlements. After 18 months, close proximity to high densities of pastoral settlements negatively influenced grassland regrowth compared to further away from pastoral settlements. Excluding herbivores resulted in lower regrowth compared to grazed swards independent of distance from high densities of pastoral settlements. Cover of the dominant grass species Bothriochloa insculpta was lower when grazed and following clipping, whereas Chrysopogon plumulosus cover was higher closer to settlements. These grasses were dominant across the plain; yet further away from settlements there was a higher number of co‐dominant grassland species. These findings suggest that subtle changes in grassland community composition, likely following livestock grazing, contribute to spatial differences in savanna grassland regrowth near to and far from pastoral settlements. Furthermore, specific grassland species may be used as indicators of the wider spatial impact of pastoral settlement sedentarization on savanna regrowth.
Using a ‘Family Language Policy’ lens to explore the dynamic and relational nature of child agency
Authors: Smith‐Christmas Cassie 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThis article contributes to a dialogue between childhood studies and the sociolinguistic subfield ‘Family Language Policy’ (‘FLP’). The article argues that the two fields provide complementary vantage points for exploring child agency. It explains a revised version of a model I developed to conceptualise child agency in FLP, consisting of four intersecting dimensions: compliance regimes; linguistic norms; linguistic competence and generational positioning (Smith‐Christmas,Handbook of home language maintenance and development. De Gruyter Mouton, pp. 218–235, 2020a). The article examines two conversational excerpts as a means to illustrating the dynamic and relational nature of child agency and how it is bothshaped byas well asshapesinteractional practices over time and space.
‘Self’ (ziji), ‘others’ (taren) and ‘collective’ (jiti): Friendships at school embedded with China's Confucian–collectivist sociocultural values
Authors: Zhu Yan 
Published: June 2021

AbstractFriendship, an important type of interpersonal relationship, has been studied in various disciplines. When studying friendship, sociologists highlight the importance of placing friendships in context to build up a connection between friendship, a type of interpersonal relationship between individuals, and the surrounding social and cultural environment. In sociological studies of friendship, children's friendships in the Chinese context have not been explored thoroughly. To contribute to closing this gap, this article places children's peer friendships in a rural Chinese primary boarding school context and focuses on exploring Chinese Confucian–collectivist sociocultural values that emerged in these children's daily practices of peer friendships.
Early peri‐implant bone loss as a predictor for peri‐implantitis: A 10‐year prospective cohort study
Authors: Windael Simon , Collaert Bruno , De Buyser Stefanie , De Bruyn Hugo , Vervaeke Stijn 
Published: June 2021

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the effect of early bone loss (EBL), on long‐term bone stability and future peri‐implantitis development.Materials and methodsPatients referred for implant placement between 2005 and 2009 were consecutively treated and followed for 10 years. After 10 years, patients were invited for a scientific diagnostic visit to evaluate implant survival and bone loss. Bone level changes were compared with baseline. Non‐parametric testing was performed in cross‐tabs (Pearson Chi‐square and Fishers's exact test). Kaplan–Meier‐estimated survival curves were plotted for different thresholds for EBL at different timepoints. Generalized linear mixed models with binomial distribution and logit link for peri‐implantitis were fitted. An adjusted logistic mixed model was made to evaluate peri‐implantitis, in relation with smoking status, history of periodontitis, and EBL > 0.5 mm.ResultsFour hundred and seven patients (mean age of 64.86 years [range 28–92, SD 10.11]), with 1482 implants, responded to the 10‐year recall invitation. After an average follow‐up time of 10.66 years (range 10–14, SD 0.87), implant survival was 94.74%. Mean crestal bone loss after 10 years was 0.81 mm (SD 1.58, range 0.00–17.00). One hundred and seventy five implants in 76 patients had peri‐implantitis (11.8% on implant level, 18.7% on patient level). EBL of 0.5, 1, and 2 mm were significant predictors for peri‐implantitis and implant loss after 10 years. Implants with EBL ≥0.5 mm during the first year of function showed a 5.43 times higher odds for future peri‐implantitis development. Probability in developing peri‐implantitis was 52.06% when smoking, Periodontal history and EBL of >0.5 mm was combined.ConclusionThe present study suggests that EBL is a predictor for long‐term peri‐implant pathology, with a significant higher risk for peri‐implantitis when early bone loss exceeds the thresholds of 0.5 and 1 mm, especially when additional risk factors such as smoking or susceptibility for periodontal disease prior to implant treatment are present.Clinical trial registration number B670201524796.
Tracking changes in age distribution of head and neck cancer in the United States from 1975 to2016
Authors: Bajpai Shilpika , Zhang Nan , Lott David G. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIntroductionSeveral independent studies report an alarming increase in patients younger than 40 being diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma. There is currently a lack of available data clearly tracking changes in the age distribution of head and neck cancer (HNC) within the United States. This study attempts to elucidate any trends in oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx and hypopharynx cancer age distribution in the United States population from 1975 to 2016. Unlike previous studies, this paper does not track incidence but rather reports proportional changes of prevalence within age cohorts over time.MethodsThis is a retrospective chart review centred on data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program of the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Each decade interval from 1975 to 2016 displays the proportion of HNC patients, classified by primary tumour subsite, within each age cohort.ResultsMean age at diagnosis increased for all subsites except oropharynx. Oropharyngeal cancer was the only subsite to show a decrease in the mean age at diagnosis. In addition, oropharyngeal cancer was the only subsite to demonstrate an overall increase in proportional prevalence, largely due to increased incidence in middle‐age (40–59 years) patients. Cancers of the oral cavity were the only subset to show a true increase in the proportion of young (0–39 years) patients, but its mean age at diagnosis still increased. When stratifying by gender, the proportion of young patients in female HNC cases is higher than the young male proportion.ConclusionOverall, this study demonstrates an increased proportion of older HNC patients that is consistent with the ageing population. Oral cavity cancer demonstrated a true increase in the proportion of young patients, likely due to the increased incidence of young women diagnosed with this cancer. Oropharyngeal cancer was the only subsite to show a decrease in the mean age at diagnosis. The increased proportion of middle‐age patients with oropharyngeal cancer likely reflects the increase in HPV‐related cancers.
Utility of abdominal skin punch biopsy for detecting systemic amyloidosis
Authors: Wu Bicong , Pak Daniel M. , Smith Kelly D. , Shinohara Michi M. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundEarly and accurate diagnosis of systemic amyloidosis (SA) is critical for optimal patient outcomes. Biopsy of clinically uninvolved skin and subcutaneous tissue including abdominal skin punch biopsy (ASPB) is often used as a surrogate for affected organ sampling. There is a lack of published data on the sensitivity and specificity of ASPB for diagnosing SA.MethodsRetrospective chart review between 2000 and 2020 of all ASPB was performed to diagnose SA. Amyloid deposition was confirmed by Congo red stain. Study group includes patients with histopathologically and clinically confirmed diagnosis of SA. Control group includes patients without histopathology of amyloid deposition and no clinical SA.ResultsForty‐one patients meeting inclusion criteria were analyzed; 23 study group and 18 control group patients. The overall diagnostic sensitivity of ASPB was 43% (95% CI 23%‐66%) and the specificity 100% (95% CI 81%‐100%). The AL amyloidosis diagnostic sensitivity was 64% (95% CI 35%‐87%). ASPB >10 mm in depth had 100% (95% CI 54%‐100%) sensitivity compared to 24% for depth ≤10 mm (P = .002).ConclusionsASPB is a minimally invasive and highly specific method of diagnosing SA. It is particularly sensitive for diagnosing AL amyloidosis and the diagnostic sensitivity can be significantly improved with adequate biopsy depth and diameter.
Incidence of missing pathology specimens in dermatology
Authors: Johnson Amy G. , Behrens Kimberley G. , Delozier Sarah J. , Honda Kord S. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundOccasionally specimen containers are received in the dermatopathology laboratory without an accompanying specimen. The consequences in this scenario can range from delay in care and inconvenience to patients to increased morbidity and even mortality. Data regarding incidence and associated characteristics of missing specimens are scant.MethodsOver a 10‐year period (7 January 2010 to 7 January 2020) all cases with a missing specimen in a single academic dermatopathology laboratory and a single dermatopathology practice embedded within a dermatology practice were reviewed.ResultsOut of 270,754 specimens received, 83 empty specimen containers were identified for an incidence of 0.031%. There were 14 (0.005%) cases in which patients had a separate procedure and a second container with both specimens in it accompanying the empty container. The most common missing specimen‐generating procedures were shave biopsies (51%) with most common clinical diagnosis being unspecified (30%). The most common specimen location from the 97 total specimen bottles containing either zero or two specimens was head/neck (53%). Although no further procedures were performed after the specimen was lost for 48% of cases, re‐biopsy occurred for 28%.ConclusionsFailure to insert specimens into the correct container is rare, but represents a potential significant negative event where vigilance and improvement is required.
A principle‐based approach to justify the use of HIV self‐testing in South Africa
Authors: Hermanus Tandile , O’Grady Mary 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe South African government introduced the use of an HIV self‐testing (HIVST) kit in 2016 to expand access to HIV testing services and to increase HIV testing uptake among men and key populations who may otherwise not test. By reviewing existing empirical data, including existing guidelines regarding the implementation and use of HIV self‐testing, this research explores the ethical implications of using the HIV self‐testing kit and draws arguments from the ethical principles: respect for autonomy, beneficence, non‐maleficence, and social justice. The implementation of HIV self‐testing in South Africa does not violate any ethical principles; however, the potential occurrences of coercion and intimate partner violence surrounding HIV self‐testing remain issues of concern challenging the principle of non‐maleficence. Furthermore, the available empirical data on potential harm does not provide compelling ethical grounds for restricting the sale of HIVST kits in South Africa. Hence, HIVST in South Africa remains an ethically justified intervention.
TNF‐α antagonism rescues the effect of ageing on stroke: Perspectives for targeting inflamm‐ageing
Authors: Liberale Luca , Bonetti Nicole R. , Puspitasari Yustina M. , Vukolic Ana , Akhmedov Alexander , Diaz‐Cañestro Candela , Keller Stephan , Montecucco Fabrizio , Merlini Mario , Semerano Aurora , Giacalone Giacomo , Bacigaluppi Marco , Sessa Maria , Ruschitzka Frank , Lüscher Thomas F. , Libby Peter , Beer Jürg H. , Camici Giovanni G. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAimsEpidemiologic evidence links ischemic stroke to age, yet the mechanisms that underlie the specific and independent effects of age on stroke remain elusive, impeding the development of targeted treatments. This study tested the hypothesis that age directly aggravates stroke outcomes and proposes inflamm‐aging as a mediator and potential therapeutic target.Methods3 months‐ (young) and 18‐20 months‐old (old) mice underwent transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) for 30 minutes followed by 48 hours of reperfusion. Old animals received weekly treatment with the TNF‐α neutralizing antibody adalimumab over 4 weeks before tMCAO in a separate set of experiments. Plasma levels of TNF‐ α were assessed in patients with ischemic stroke and correlated with age and outcome.ResultsOld mice displayed larger stroke size than young ones with increased neuromotor deficit. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed impairment of the blood‐brain barrier in old mice, i.e. increased post‐stroke degradation of endothelial tight junctions and expression of tight junctions‐digesting and neurotoxic matrix metalloproteinases. At baseline, old animals showed a broad modulation of several circulating inflammatory mediators. TNF‐α displayed the highest increase in old animals and its inhibition restored the volume of stroke, neuromotor performance, and survival rates of old mice to the levels observed in young ones. Patients with ischemic stroke showed increased TNF‐α plasma levels which correlated with worsened short‐term neurological outcome as well as with age.ConclusionsThis study identifies TNF‐α as a causative contributor to the deleterious effect of aging on stroke and points to inflamm‐aging as a mechanism of age‐related worsening of stroke outcomes and potential therapeutic target in this context. Thus, this work provides a basis for tailoring novel stroke therapies for the particularly vulnerable elderly population.
Circ_0021087 acts as a miR‐184 sponge and represses gastric cancer progression by adsorbing miR‐184 and elevating FOSB expression
Authors: Yu Yin , Li Hong , Wu Chunhua , Li Jinfeng 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundGastric cancer (GC) ranks third among the causes of cancer‐related deaths in the world. Circular RNA hsa_circ_0021087 (circ_0021087) plays a repressive role in GC. Nevertheless, the mechanism by which circ_0021087 constrains GC advancement is unclear.Materials and MethodsExpression patterns of circ_0021087, microRNA (miR)‐184 and FBJ murine osteosarcoma viral oncogene homolog B (FOSB) mRNA were assessed by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR). Gain‐of‐function experiments were conducted to verify the biological function of circ_0021087 in vitro and in vivo, including cell counting kit‐8 (CCK‐8), 5‐ethynyl‐2ʹ‐deoxyuridine (EdU), flow cytometry, transwell and xenograft assays. Protein levels were analysed by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The regulatory mechanism of circ_0021087 was analysed by bioinformatics analysis, dual‐luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays.Results and ConclusionCirc_0021087 and FOSB were lowly expressed in GC, whereas miR‐184 had an opposite result. Circ_0021087 overexpression repressed GC cell proliferation and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) in xenograft models in vivo and induced GC cell apoptosis, repressed GC cell proliferation, EMT, migration and invasion in vitro. Circ_0021087 could elevate FOSB expression by adsorbing miR‐184. MiR‐184 mimic reversed the inhibitory influence of circ_0021087 overexpression on GC cell malignancy. Also, FOSB knockdown offset the suppressive impact of miR‐184 silencing on GC cell malignancy. In conclusion, circ_0021087 played a repressive influence on GC progression by elevating FOSB expression by adsorbing miR‐184, offering a new mechanism for circ_0021087 to inhibit the progression of GC.
Ga‐68 EDTA aerosols in evaluation of inhaled‐particle deposition and clearance of obstructive pulmonary diseases: A pilot prospective study compared with Galligas
Authors: Wang Shao‐Ting , Bao Cheng , Liu Qingxing , Zhang Tengyue , Yang Yanli , Tian Xinlun , Zhu Zhaohui , Xu Kai‐Feng 
Published: June 2021

AbstractPurpose68‐gallium (Ga‐68) ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) aerosols and Galligas were compared in evaluation of inhaled‐particle deposition and clearance in volunteers with or without obstructive pulmonary diseases.MethodsNonsmoking healthy volunteers, healthy smokers, asthma patients and patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were recruited to undergo the dynamic lung ventilation positron emission tomography/computerized tomography (PET/CT) scans within two consecutive days. The inhaled particles were Ga‐68–labelled carbon nanoparticles (Galligas, 30‐60 nm in size) and Ga‐68–labelled EDTA aerosols (1‐2 μm in size), respectively. The volunteers’ lung function parameters were measured for comparison.ResultsCentral deposition and inhomogeneity of both tracers were negatively correlated with lung function parameters, including the ratio of forced expiratory volume at 1 second to forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC). The central or hilum deposition of Galligas, but not 68‐gallium (Ga‐68) EDTA, was negatively correlated with the maximal expiratory flow at 25%, 50% and 75% of the forced vital capacity. Compared with Galligas, Ga‐68 EDTA aerosols were more concentrated in the central region in all groups except for the healthy nonsmokers. Ventilation inhomogeneity was more evident when using Ga‐68 EDTA aerosols, especially in patients with COPD and asthma patients. In the healthy smokers, the central region accumulated more Ga‐68 EDTA at 30 minutes after inhalation than immediately after inhalation. Ga‐68 EDTA cleared faster in lungs than Galligas.ConclusionsBoth Galligas and Ga‐68 EDTA aerosols can be used for PET/CT lung ventilation scan. However, Ga‐68 EDTA aerosols showed more advantages in diagnosis and evaluation of obstructive airway diseases by revealing the inhaled‐particle deposition and clearance.
Incidence and prevalence of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures in a Norwegian county: A 10‐year population‐based study
Authors: Villagrán Antonia , Eldøen Guttorm , Duncan Roderick , Aaberg Kari Modalsli , Hofoss Dag , Lossius Morten Ingvar 
Published: June 2021

AbstractObjectiveThis study was undertaken to measure the incidence and prevalence of active psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) in a Norwegian county.MethodsUsing the Norwegian patient registry, we identified patients in Møre and Romsdal County in Norway diagnosed with F44.5 (conversion disorder with seizures or convulsions) or R56.8 (convulsions, not elsewhere classified) in the period January 2010 to January 2020. A review of the patients' medical records and an assessment of diagnostic validity were performed. PNES were diagnosed according to the recommendations by the International League Against Epilepsy Nonepileptic Seizures Task Force. Point prevalence of PNES on January 1, 2020 and incidence rates for the period 2010–2019 were determined.ResultsBased on PNES within the past 5 years, we found a PNES prevalence of 23.8/100 000 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 17.9–29.6), including all levels of diagnostic certainty. For the highest level of diagnostic certainty (video‐electroencephalographically confirmed), the prevalence was 10.6/100 000 (95% CI = 6.7–14.5). The highest prevalence was found in the age group 15–19 years, at 59.5/100 000 (95% CI = 22.6–96.3). The mean annual incidence rate between 2010 and 2019 was 3.1/100 000/year (95% CI = 2.4–3.7).SignificanceWe report for the first time a population‐based estimate of the prevalence of PNES. Our findings suggest that the prevalence of PNES is within the range of estimates from non‐population‐based data. We found a strikingly high prevalence of PNES in the 15–19‐year age group.
Window data envelopment analysis approach: A review and bibliometric analysis
Authors: Peykani Pejman , Farzipoor Saen Reza , Seyed Esmaeili Fatemeh Sadat , Gheidar‐Kheljani Jafar 
Published: June 2021

AbstractWindow Data Envelopment Analysis (WDEA) is a popular, effective, and applicable methods for dynamic performance assessment of peer decision making units (DMUs). WDEA is a non‐parametric panel method that operates based on the principle of moving averages and establishes efficiency measures by treating each DMU in different periods as a separate DMU. By applying the WDEA approach, a decision‐maker (DM) can measure the efficiency of different DMUs in different periods through a sequence of overlapping windows. Also, WDEA can increase the discrimination power by increasing the number of DMUs when a limited number of DMUs is available. Given the advantages of the WDEA approach and its applications in real‐world problems, this paper surveys and analyses 387 WDEA papers published from 1985 to 2020. The paper also recommends some suggestions, guidelines, and opportunities for future research. Notably, the findings show the applicability and efficacy of WDEA in the literature.
Domestic isomorphic pressures in the design of FOI oversight institutions in Latin America
Authors: Piñeiro Rodríguez Rafael , Muñoz Paula , Rosenblatt Fernando , Rossel Cecilia , Scrollini Fabrizio 
Published: June 2021

AbstractEven though many countries in Latin America have adopted FOI Laws, there are significant differences in the institutional design of FOI oversight institutions. Most explanations highlight the role of political competition in motivating political actors to design strong de jure FOI oversight institutions. The design of FOI oversight institutions in Chile, Peru and Uruguay, however, cannot fully be explained by political competition. We show how isomorphic pressures help explain variation in the de jure strength of the FOI oversight institutions. Our findings highlight the importance of considering domestic constraints on the diffusion of one‐size‐fits‐all models. To analyze each case, we conducted a systematic process‐tracing analysis. Our in‐depth analysis allowed us to assess different theories concerning the specific institutional design of FOI oversight institutions.