bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Colorectal cancer databases and registries in Australia: what data is available?
Authors: Tham Nicole , Skandarajah Anita , Hayes Ian P 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundThere are multiple data sources relating to colorectal cancer (CRC) nationwide. Prospective clinical cancer databases, population‐based registries and linked administrative data are powerful tools in clinical outcomes research and provide real‐world perspective on cancer treatments. This study aims to review the different Australian data sources for CRC from the perspective of conducting comparative research studies using a PICO (patient, intervention, comparison, outcome) framework.MethodsData dictionaries from the different data sources were evaluated for the types of exposure and outcome variables contained to highlight their differing research utility.ResultsState or territory‐based cancer registries contain limited histology, cancer staging and treatment detail. They enable investigation of population‐level patterns in overall survival (OS) of cancer patients with different demographics. Prospective clinical cancer databases contain more detail, especially surgical. Their strength is in auditing short‐term surgical outcomes. They vary in the amount of data collected for other cancer treatments and completion of follow up data. Linked administrative databases have broad population coverage but less surgical detail. They provide population‐level data on treatment patterns, short‐term outcome measures and OS, as well as long‐term surgical outcomes such as identifying patients who did not undergo stoma reversal. These databases cannot assess disease‐free survival.ConclusionOf the various CRC data sources within Australia, linked administrative databases have the potential to provide the widest population coverage combined with the broadest range of exposures and outcomes, and arguably the most research utility.
Artificial vision: the effectiveness of the OrCam in patients with advanced inherited retinal dystrophies
Authors: Nguyen Xuan‐Thanh‐An , Koopman Jan , van Genderen Maria M. , Stam Henk L.M. , Boon Camiel J.F. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the impact of the OrCam MyEye 2.0 (OrCam) on the quality of life and rehabilitation needs in patients with advanced retinitis pigmentosa (RP) or cone‐rod dystrophies (CRD). The OrCam is a wearable low‐vision aid that converts visual information to auditive feedback (e.g. text‐to‐speech, barcode and facial recognition).MethodsPatients with a clinical diagnosis of RP (n = 9, 45%) or CRD (n = 11; 55%), and a best‐corrected visual acuity of ≤20/400 Snellen were invited to participate in this study. Questionnaires were administered at baseline and after 5.2 (standard deviation ± 1.5) weeks, which included the Dutch version of the National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire (NEI‐VFQ), the Participation and Activity Inventory (PAI) and the OrCam Function Questionnaire (OFQ).ResultsFollowing OrCam testing, significant improvements were observed in the ‘near activities’ subscale of the NEI‐VFQ (p < 0.001); the ‘visual functioning’ subscale of the re‐engineered NEI‐VFQ (p = 0.001); the ‘reading’ rehabilitation goal of the PAI (p = 0.005) and the overall score of the OFQ (p < 0.001). The observed changes in questionnaire scores did not differ between phenotypes. Advantages and limitations of the OrCam were reported by patients. Three patients (15%) continued rehabilitation with the OrCam after completion of this study.ConclusionsThe OrCam mainly improves reading domains in patients with advanced stages of RP or CRD. Further improvements in the OrCam are needed to address current limitations, which may enhance its utility for patients with RP or CRD.
Comparison of a polypharmacy‐based scale with Charlson comorbidity index to predict 6‐month mortality in chronic complex patients after an ED visit
Authors: Enríquez‐Gómez Andrés , Ortega‐Navarro Cristina , Fernández‐Cordón Clara , Díez‐Villanueva Pablo , Martínez‐Sellés Manuel , de Lorenzo‐Pinto Ana , de Miguel‐Yanes José M. 
Published: September 2021

AimsThe aim of this study was to test whether a newly designed polypharmacy‐based scale would perform better than Charlson's Comorbidity Index (CCI) to predict outcomes in chronic complex adult patients after a reference Emergency Department (ED) visit.MethodsWe built a polypharmacy‐based scale with prespecified drug families. The primary outcome was 6‐month mortality after the reference ED visit. Predefined secondary outcomes were need for hospital admission, 30‐day readmission, and 30‐day and 90‐day mortality. We evaluated the ability of the CCI and the polypharmacy‐based scale to independently predict 6‐month mortality using logistic regression, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and cumulative survival curves using Kaplan–Meier estimates and the log‐rank test for three‐category distributions of the polypharmacy‐based scale and the CCI. Finally, we sought to replicate our results in two different external validation cohorts.ResultsWe included 201 patients (53.7% women, mean age = 81.4 years), 162 of whom were admitted to the hospital at the reference ED visit. In separate multivariable analyses accounting for gender, age and main diagnosis at discharge, both the polypharmacy‐based scale (P < .001) and the CCI (P = .005) independently predicted 6‐month mortality. The polypharmacy‐based scale performed better in the ROC analyses (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.838, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.780–0.896) than the CCI (AUC = 0.628, 95% CI = 0.548–0.707). In the 6‐month cumulative survival analysis, the polypharmacy‐based scale showed statistical significance (P < .001), whereas the CCI did not (P = .484). We replicated our results in the validation cohorts.ConclusionsOur polypharmacy‐based scale performed significantly better than the CCI to predict 6‐month mortality in chronic complex patients after a reference ED visit.
Botulinum toxin A promotes the transdifferentiation of primary keloid myofibroblasts into adipocyte‐like cells
Authors: Dai Xing , Lei Tie‐Chi 
Published: September 2021

AbstractKeloid is a type of unusually raised scar. Botulinum toxin A (BTX‐A) has a great application potential in keloids treatment. Here, we investigated the functional role of BTX‐A in keloids. We separated keloid tissues and normal skin tissues from keloid patients and found that the expression of myofibroblast markers, α‐SMA, Collagen I, and Collagen III was increased in the keloid tissues as compared with normal skin tissues. Keloid fibroblasts derived from keloid tissues were treated with TGF‐β1 to induce the differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts. The keloid myofibroblasts displayed a significant up‐regulation of α‐SMA. BTX‐A enhanced the expression of adipocyte markers, PPARγ and C/EBPα, and increased the accumulation of lipid droplets, and reduced the expression of α‐SMA, Collagen I, and Collagen III in the keloid myofibroblasts. Moreover, BTX‐A enhanced the expression of BMP4 and p‐smad1/5/8. Noggin (BMP4 antagonist) treatment reversed BTX‐A‐mediated increase of PPARγ and C/EBPα expression and lipid droplets, and down‐regulation of α‐SMA, Collagen I, and Collagen III in primary keloid myofibroblasts. In conclusion, BTX‐A promoted the transdifferentiation of primary keloid myofibroblasts into adipocyte‐like cells, which may attribute to activate BMP4/Smad signalling pathway. Thus, this study provides new insights into the mechanism of BTX‐A in keloid.
Early detection of kidney cancer using urinary proteins: a truly non‐invasive strategy
Authors: Flitcroft Jordan G. , Verheyen Jeroen , Vemulkar Tarun , Welbourne Emma N. , Rossi Sabrina H. , Welsh Sarah J. , Cowburn Russell P. , Stewart Grant D. 
Published: September 2021

ObjectivesTo review urinary protein biomarkers as potential non‐invasive, easily obtainable, early diagnostic tools in renal cell carcinoma (RCC).MethodsA PubMed database search was performed up to the year 2020 to identify primary studies reporting potential urinary protein biomarkers for RCC. Separate searches were conducted to identify studies describing appropriate methods of developing cancer screening programmes and detection of cancer biomarkers.ResultsSeveral urinary protein biomarkers are under validation for RCC diagnostics, e.g. aquaporin‐1, perilipin‐2, carbonic anhydrase‐9, Raf‐kinase inhibitory protein, nuclear matrix protein‐22, 14‐3‐3 Protein β/α and neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin. However, none has yet been validated or approved for clinical use due to low sensitivity or specificity, inconsistencies in appropriate study design, or lack of external validation.ConclusionsEvaluation of biomarkers’ feasibility, sample preparation and storage, biomarker validation, and the application of novel technologies may provide a solution that maximises the potential for a truly non‐invasive biomarker in early RCC diagnostics.
Cutaneous solitary fibrous tumor: Report of three cases with review of histopathological mimics
Authors: Vincek Vladimir , Kallis Penelope , Vause Ava , Vincek Erik , Ilkovitch Dan , Motaparthi Kiran 
Published: September 2021

AbstractSolitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is a relatively uncommon spindle cell mesenchymal neoplasm that is most often based on the pleura but may rarely arise in extrapleural locations, including the skin. Herein, we describe three cases of cutaneous SFTs. SFT is characterized by epithelioid and spindle cells arranged in random patterns with focal prominent stromal collagen and pericytomatous vessels. Immunohistochemical evaluation is required for definitive distinction of SFT from other benign and malignant cutaneous spindle cell neoplasms. Although aggressive biologic behavior is uncommon, accurate diagnosis of it is required for prognostication and counseling. CD34, bcl‐2, and CD99 stains are positive in SFT, but not specific. STAT6 is the most sensitive and specific immunohistochemical marker to confirm diagnosis of SFT.
Vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging in COVID‐19‐associated cryptogenic ischemic stroke
Authors: Mazzacane Federico , Zito Antonio , Magno Serena , Persico Alessandra , Mazzoleni Valentina , Asteggiano Carlo , Rognone Elisa , Pichiecchio Anna , Padovani Alessandro , Cavallini Anna , Morotti Andrea 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackground and purposeAcute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a common complication of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), but the underlying biological mechanisms remain unclear. We aimed to describe the prevalence of vessel wall alterations in patients with cryptogenic stroke through vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging (vwMRI).MethodsAll consecutive patients admitted for AIS and COVID‐19 to a single neuro‐COVID unit from 10 November to 31 December 2020 were prospectively evaluated and underwent a complete etiologic workup for AIS. In patients with cryptogenic stroke, the diagnostic workup was completed with vwMRI study.ResultsAfter the exclusion of four patients ineligible for MRI, a total of 10 patients were included (median age = 78 years, 50% males), of whom four (40%) had a cryptogenic stroke. vwMRI showed vascular changes consistent with inflammation of intracranial artery walls in three subjects (75%). Two patients had focal and one multifocal involvement.ConclusionsvwMRI detected signs of vascular inflammation in the majority of patients with cryptogenic AIS, leading to an etiologic definition with potential therapeutical implications. Our findings are best interpreted as hypothesis‐generating, suggesting the possibility of expanding the diagnostic workup of cryptogenic stroke with vessel wall imaging.
First record of the giant date palm mealybug, Pseudaspidoproctus hyphaeniacus (Hall 1925) (Hemiptera: Monophlebidae), from Jordan
Authors: Katbeh Bader Ahmad , Al‐Jboory Ibrahim 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe giant date palm mealybug, Pseudaspidoproctus hyphaeniacus (Hall 1925) (Hemiptera: Monophlebidae), is recorded from Jordan for the first time based on material collected from a farm located in Ghawr Kabid in the central Jordan Valley. Infestations were found on date palm, Phoenix dactylifera L., Canary Island date palm, Phoenix canariensis Hort. ex Chabaud and fan palms, Washingtonia sp. Photographs of the infestation in the field, different stages of the insect and slide preparations are provided. Specimens were deposited at the University of Jordan Insects Museum. A survey for the pest and its natural enemies in Jordan is needed to determine its distribution in the country and plan an integrated management program for the pest.
Unequal sample sizes according to the square‐root allocation rule are useful when comparing several treatments with a control
Authors: Neuhäuser Markus , Mackowiak Malwina M. , Ruxton Graeme D. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractA common situation in experimental science involves comparing a number of treatment groups each with a single reference (control group). For example, we might compare diameters of fungal colonies subject to a range of inhibitory agents with those from a control group to which no agent was applied. In this situation, the most commonly applied test is Dunnett's test, which compares each treatment group separately with the reference while controlling the experiment‐wise Type I error rate. For analyses where all groups are treated equivalently, statistical power is generally optimised by dividing subjects equally across groups. Researchers often still use balanced groups in the situation where a single reference group is compared with each of the others. In this case, it is in fact optimal to spread subjects unequally: with the reference group getting a higher number of subjects (n0) than each of the k treatment groups (n in each case). It has been previously suggested that a simple rule of thumb, the so‐called square‐root allocation rule n0 = , offers better power than a balanced design, without necessarily being optimal. Here, we show that this simple‐to‐apply rule offers substantial power gains (over a balanced design) over a broad range of circumstances and that the more‐challenging‐to‐calculate optimal design often only offers minimal extra gain. Thus, we urge researchers to consider using the square‐root allocation rule whenever one control group is compared with a number of treatments in the same experiment.
Social dominance does not increase oxidative stress in a female dominance hierarchy of an African cichlid fish
Authors: Funnell Tyler R. , Fialkowski Robert J. , Dijkstra Peter D. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIn many group living animal species, individuals use aggression to gain and maintain social dominance to secure access to ecological resources and potential mates. While social dominance has many fitness benefits, there are also potential costs associated with frequent agonistic interactions and status display. One potential cost of social dominance is oxidative stress, the imbalance of reactive oxygen species and antioxidant capacity. In the cichlid species Astatotilapia burtoni, dominant males are aggressive, hold a breeding territory, and have an activated reproductive system resulting in larger gonads. Subordinate males are submissive, school with females, and are nonreproductive. Females are submissive under natural conditions, but in a female‐only group, a dominance hierarchy will form with dominant females taking on male‐typical behaviours including aggression, territory defence, and increased androgen levels. However, in contrast to males, social dominance is not linked to increased activation of the reproductive system in females, allowing us to test whether social dominance alone exposes individuals to increased oxidative stress. We compared dominant and subordinate females in female‐only groups in five markers of oxidative stress. Dominant females did not have higher levels of oxidative damage compared to same‐sex subordinates. This result contrasted to the trend in males in which dominant males had higher oxidative damage than their subordinate counterparts. Our findings suggest that the oxidative cost of social dominance is limited and support the notion that previously reported associations between high rank and increased oxidative stress is most likely driven by increased investment in reproduction.
“Oral Nutritional Supplements: Sugar Content and Potential Dental Implications”
Authors: Coffey Niamh , O’ Leary Fiona , Burke Francis , Roberts Anthony , Howlett Ciara , Plant Barry , Hayes Martina 
Published: September 2021

AbstractObjectivesThe objectives of this article are to list the most commonly prescribed Oral Nutritional Supplements in the UK and Ireland and their sugar content; and to raise awareness among the dental profession regarding their uses and potential dental risks involved.BackgroundMany older patients benefit from Oral Nutritional Supplements. Prescribers may not consider dental implications of these. Patients may not think to disclose these medications to their dentist.Materials and MethodsA list of commonly prescribed Oral Nutritional Supplements in the UK and Ireland was compiled. Nutritional information was obtained from the manufacturers’ website and arranged in order of decreasing sugar content. Potential dental implications are discussed and recommendations made for dental practitioners.ResultsPre‐formed Oral Nutritional Supplements can contain between 6.6 and 27.2 g of sugar per serving. Powdered Oral Nutritional Supplements, which are to be mixed with 200 ml whole milk, contain between 16.4 and 35.0 g sugar per serving. The “shot”‐type Oral Nutritional Supplements contain less sugar, ranging from 0.0 to 4.0 g per serving.ConclusionsThe sugar content of frequently prescribed Oral Nutritional Supplements can be high. While they are beneficial in assisting the patient to maintain a healthy BMI, they may increase the risk of dental caries. Dental professionals should enquire specifically about Oral Nutritional Supplements during history taking, particularly in groups who are likely to be prescribed such supplements. Consideration should also be given to increasing caries‐preventive measures for patients who take these supplements.
Replacement of owl monkey centromere satellite by a newly evolved variant was a recent and rapid process
Authors: Nishihara Hidenori , Stanyon Roscoe , Tanabe Hideyuki , Koga Akihiko 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAlpha satellite DNA is a major DNA component of primate centromeres. We previously reported that Azara's owl monkey has two types of alpha satellite DNA, OwlAlp1 and OwlAlp2. OwlAlp2 (344 bp) exhibits a sequence similarity throughout its entire length with alpha satellite DNA of closely related species. OwlAlp1 (185 bp) corresponds to the part of OwlAlp2. Based on the observation that the CENP‐A protein binds to OwlAlp1, we proposed that OwlAlp1 is a relatively new repetitive DNA that replaced OwlAlp2 as the centromeric satellite DNA. However, a detailed picture of the evolutionary process of this centromere DNA replacement remains largely unknown. Here, we performed a phylogenetic analysis of OwlAlp1 and OwlAlp2 sequences, and also compared our results to alpha satellite DNA sequences of other primate species. We found that: (i) OwlAlp1 exhibits a higher similarity to OwlAlp2 than to alpha satellite DNA of other species, (ii) OwlAlp1 has a single origin, and (iii) sequence variation is lower in OwlAlp1 than in OwlAlp2. We conclude that OwlAlp1 underwent a recent and rapid expansion in the owl monkey lineage. This centromere DNA replacement could have been facilitated by the heterochromatin reorganization that is associated with the adaptation of owl monkeys to a nocturnal lifestyle.
Measurement of multiple spleen lengths is not necessary for non‐invasive prediction of high‐risk esophagogastric varices
Authors: Hirooka Masashi , Tanaka Takaaki , Koizumi Yohei , Yano Ryo , Sunago Kotarou , Watanabe Takao , Yoshida Osamu , Tokumoto Yoshio , Abe Masanori , Hiasa Yoichi 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAimTo validate an appropriate spleen size measurement technique for the prediction of high‐risk esophagogastric varices.MethodsThis retrospective cross‐sectional study included 369 patients who underwent ultrasonography and computed tomography (CT) of the spleen and esophagogastroduodenoscopy between January 2018 and December 2020. Maximum spleen length, width, and craniocaudal length were measured in a longitudinal view. The two‐dimensional (2D) spleen index (maximum length × maximum width in the longitudinal view) was calculated. A three‐dimensional (3D) spleen index was then defined as follows: 2D spleen index × maximum length in the transverse view. The similarity in spleen volume measured by CT and ultrasonography (spleen index) was assessed by the correlation coefficient. The diagnostic accuracies of the spleen index, platelet/spleen length, and platelet/spleen index were calculated to determine the overall diagnostic accuracy.ResultsCompared to the other spleen indices, our 3D spleen index was significantly better correlated with spleen volume on CT (r = 0.91, 95% confidence interval 0.89–0.92, p < 0.001). Receiver‐operating characteristic curve analyses revealed no significant difference between the 3D and 2D indices (p = 0.228) but did show a significant difference between the 3D and one‐dimensional indices (p = 0.020). Although the area under the curve for the platelet count combined with the spleen index or length was higher than that for our 3D index, there was no significant difference between platelet count and spleen index or length (p = 0.078).ConclusionsPlatelet/spleen length has a reasonable ability to predict high‐risk esophagogastric varices, even though measurement of two or three factors can be correlated with spleen volume.
Role of fiber–matrix adhesion at CFRP stage on microstructure and mechanical properties of C/C–SiC composite
Authors: Dai Jixiang , Zhang Zhaofu , Zu Yufei , Sha Jianjun 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIn order to understand the role of fiber–matrix adhesion (FMA) at carbon fiber‐reinforced polymer (CFRP) stage on the microstructure and mechanical properties of C/C–SiC composite via liquid silicon infiltration (LSI) process, the FMA was adjusted by thermal treatment of carbon fibers at different temperatures and evaluated by means of single fiber push‐out technique. The microstructure was characterized by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The mechanical properties were measured by the double‐notched shear test, three‐point flexural test, and single edge‐notched beam test, respectively. Results indicated that the microstructure and mechanical properties of C/C–SiC composite via LSI were closely associated with the FMA at CFRP stage. The microstructure of C/C–SiC composite fabricated by using the CFRP with high FMA presented nonhomogeneous distribution and concentration of SiC matrix. In contrast, the C/C–SiC composite fabricated by using the CFRP with low FMA, the high content of SiC distributed homogeneously and surrounded the fiber, which resulted in a strong bonded C–SiC interface. The strong C–SiC interface is detrimental to the fracture toughness, but it is beneficial to the improvement of oxidation resistance. To obtain desired mechanical properties of C/C–SiC composite, the control of interface bonding is important, which can be realized by modifying the FMA at CFRP stage.