bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cerebral cavernous malformations: Prevalence of cardiovascular comorbidities and allergic diseases compared to the normal population
Authors: Dammann Philipp , Saban Dino Vitali , Herten Annika , Chen Bixia , Zhu Yuan , Santos Alejandro , Rauschenbach Laurèl , Wrede Karsten , Jabbarli Ramazan , Schmidt Börge , Jöckel Karl‐Heinz , Kleinschnitz Christoph , Forsting Michael , Sure Ulrich 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundTo determine the prevalence of cardiovascular comorbidities and allergic diseases in patients with cavernous malformations of the central nervous system compared to the normal population.MethodsClinical and magnetic resonance imaging data of 1352 patients with cerebral cavernous malformations (CCM) from an observational, cross‐sectional, single‐institutional study were analyzed and compared to an age‐and‐gender stratified and matched sample from a population‐based, epidemiological study assessing cardiovascular risk factors in the local normal population of the same area (RECALL study).ResultsOf 1352 patients, 810 (60%) were female. Mean age was 40.4 ± 16 years. 221 patients (16%) suffered from familial disease. Presence of cardiovascular risk factors and intake of certain drugs in the overall cohort was mostly equal to the normal population reference sample (n = 786). The prevalence of allergic diseases was found to be significantly higher in all CCM patients compared to the normal population (30% vs. 20%, odds ratio [OR] 1.35 [1.12–1.63]) and in sporadic CCM cases compared to the normal population and familial cases (32% vs. 20% (OR 1.46 [1.19–1.78], p = 0.0001) and 22% vs. 20%, respectively).ConclusionsWe present novel data on CCM using a large single‐institution and population‐based setup. The study elaborates disease characteristics of CCM patients in detail. For the first time, evidence for an unexplained high prevalence of allergic diseases in this patient population is described (differing between sporadic and familial cases), supporting the hypothesis that immune response is involved in the pathogenesis of CCM.
Inhibition of pyruvate oxidation as a versatile stimulator of the hair cycle in models of alopecia
Authors: Flores Aimee , Choi Sekyu , Hsu Ya‐Chieh , Lowry William E. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractHair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) are known to be responsible for the initiation of a new hair cycle, but typically remain quiescent for very long periods. In alopecia, or hair loss disorders, follicles can be refractory to activation for years or even permanently. Alopecia can be triggered by autoimmunity, age, chemotherapeutic treatment, stress, disrupted circadian rhythm or other environmental insults. We previously showed that hair follicle stem cells and the hair cycle can be manipulated by regulation of pyruvate entry into mitochondria for subsequent oxidation to fuel the TCA cycle in normal adult mice with typical hair cycling. Here, we present new data from our efforts to develop murine models of alopecia based on environmental triggers that have been shown to do the same in human skin. We found that inhibition of pyruvate transport into mitochondria can accelerate the hair cycle even during refractory hair cycling due to age, repeated chemotherapeutic treatment and stress. Hair cycle acceleration in these alopecia models led to the formation of histologically normal hair follicles within 30–40 days of treatment without any overt signs of toxicity or deleterious effects. Therefore, we propose inhibition of pyruvate entry into mitochondria as a versatile treatment strategy for alopecia in humans.
Ultra‐high‐frequency ultrasound and machine learning approaches for the differential diagnosis of melanocytic lesions
Authors: Faita Francesco , Oranges Teresa , Di Lascio Nicole , Ciompi Francesco , Vitali Saverio , Aringhieri Giacomo , Janowska Agata , Romanelli Marco , Dini Valentina 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMalignant melanoma (MM) is one of the most dangerous skin cancers. The aim of this study was to present a potential new method for the differential diagnosis of MM from melanocytic naevi (MN). We examined 20 MM and 19 MN with a new ultra‐high‐frequency ultrasound (UHFUS) equipped with a 70 MHz linear probe. Ultrasonographic images were processed for calculating 8 morphological parameters (area, perimeter, circularity, area ratio, standard deviation of normalized radial range, roughness index, overlap ratio and normalized residual mean square value) and 122 texture parameters. Colour Doppler images were used to evaluate the vascularization. Features reduction was implemented by means of principal component analysis (PCA), and 23 classification algorithms were tested on the reduced features using histological response as ground‐truth. Best results were obtained using only the first component of the PCA and the weighted k‐nearest neighbour classifier; this combination led to an accuracy of 76.9%, area under the ROC curve of 83%, sensitivity of 84% and specificity of 70%. The histological analysis still remains the gold‐standard, but the UHFUS images processing using a machine learning approach could represent a new non‐invasive approach.
On‐line modelling and planning for urban traffic control
Authors: Pozanco Alberto , Fernández Susana , Borrajo Daniel 
Published: March 2021

AbstractUrban Traffic Control is a key problem for most big cities. Current approaches to handle the city traffic rely on controlling traffic lights. The systems in operation range from static control of traffic light phases to adaptive systems based on numeric models and traffic sensors. Recently, some planning‐based approaches have also been proposed. These approaches work at a higher level of abstraction, but have been found to work well if complemented by low‐level systems. We have identified two main difficulties for the wide use of planning techniques in this domain: generating the control models is a difficult task; and some algorithms scale poorly. In this paper we present Automated Planning for Traffic Control (APTC), a control system based on Automated Planning, that successfully overcomes these two problems. It combines techniques that continuously: learn an accurate planning model; and also divide the city for distributed reasoning in order to scale to large city networks. Experimental results show that APTC outperforms static approaches as well as other planning‐based systems. We also show that the combination of both approaches improves compared with using only one of them.
Speaking ability progress of language learners in online and face‐to‐face courses
Authors: Peterson Jeff 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis study's goal was to determine if appropriately designed, completely virtual formats of language courses are able to engender in students speaking ability progress comparable to that fostered within traditional face‐to‐face (F2F) classrooms. The study further sought to clarify language learners' perceptions of online Japanese courses. The speaking ability of all participants was assessed at the beginning and end of their Japanese language course. A mixed‐design analysis of variance was conducted to analyze the effect of course type on speaking ability. Results showed that participant speaking ability improved significantly over time regardless of course type (online or F2F). This study also revealed that the majority of participants were able to use online tools with ease and found the online format to be an effective method of learning Japanese. Two principal reasons for studying Japanese online are reported. Implications and suggestions are discussed.
Changing climate associated with the range‐wide decline of an estuarine finfish
Authors: Erickson Kenneth A. , West Joe , Dance Michael A. , Farmer Troy M. , Ballenger Joseph C. , Midway Stephen R. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractSouthern flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma) are a coastal flatfish species that supports recreational and commercial fisheries but are currently experiencing range‐wide declines. To quantify the range‐wide declines and investigate the role of climate in these declines, fishery‐independent sampling data of age‐0 flounder were obtained from 34 estuaries representing four states in the Gulf of Mexico (TX, LA, AL, and FL) and three states in the Southeastern United States Atlantic Ocean (FL, SC, and NC) spanning from 1976 to 2019. Generalized additive models (GAM) were used to estimate age‐0 recruitment trends. Spatial and temporal synchrony analyses were then conducted using annual GAM‐predicted values to determine if trends were similar between estuaries in close proximity, and if declines occurred at the same time. Because the species is dependent on physical transport (i.e., winds and tides) for recruitment, hourly wind speed, wind direction, water temperature, and air temperature were obtained for estuaries with non‐zero sampling totals and long‐term data sets. Only six estuaries showed significant relationships between age‐0 flounder indices and growing degree days. However, all estuaries with wind data showed significant relationships between age‐0 flounder indices and hourly summed wind speed. Southern flounder also have environmental sex determination, meaning warming estuaries could also account for population changes and declines. We document that water temperatures in the same space and time where southern flounder sexually determine are warmer now than even a decade ago, which could masculinize populations and substantially change population demographics. These results illustrate the vulnerability of estuarine finfish populations to climate change and increased climate variability. Understanding how climate acts on southern flounder biology may help managers respond to and prevent fishery collapses.
Rescuing gender: An exploration of embodied resilience‐making in the Chilean miners' catastrophe
Authors: Valenzuela Francisco , Sanfuentes Matías , Castillo Alejandro 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn this paper, we explore the theoretical and empirical links between gender and resilience within the context of crisis management by developing a theoretically oriented analysis of the iconic case of the 33 Chilean miners rescue. Analytic focus is placed on the capacity of resilience‐promoting actors to embody and transform the discursive and practical dimensions of gendered regimes that predominate at an organizational level. As a result, we can distinguish four distinct modalities—normative redefinition, emotional reaccommodation, resistance, and affective affirmation—through which the gendered dimension of resilience becomes undone and redone, based on the action of alternative rationalities and affects. Overall, our findings indicate that resilience cannot be made possible without effectively disputing the norms that dispose how bodies, in all their diversity, are able to be recognized and socially experienced to face and manage crises effectively.
Case report of Capnocytophaga canimorsus septicemia with infective endocarditis in a hemodialysis patient: A not widely known dog pathogen
Authors: Oluyombo Rotimi , Tsiouli Eleni , Gunda Smita S. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractKeeping pets as a companion is a global phenomenon. This relationship, however, is not entirely free of risk as some diseases can be transmitted to human beings. It is important to emphasize safety among pet owners, particularly in people with chronic illness as they may have increased vulnerability to infection which could arise from an intimate relationship. We report an uncommon etiology of sepsis complicated with infective endocarditis in a 63‐year old dog‐owner who was on hemodialysis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of Capnocytophaga canimorsus infective endocarditis (IE) ever reported in a patient undergoing hemodialysis.
Bismuth salts with versus without acid suppression for Helicobacter pylori infection: A transmission electron microscope study
Authors: Chiang Tsung‐Hsien , Chen Chieh‐Chang , Tseng Ping‐Huei , Liou Jyh‐Ming , Wu Ming‐Shiang , Shun Chia‐Tung , Lee Yi‐Chia , Graham David Y. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundBismuth oxychloride produced by interaction of bismuth compounds with gastric acid is believed to damage Helicobacter pylori. The effect of bismuth salts on H. pylori in the presence of strong acid suppression is unknown. This randomized trial aimed to determine effects of bismuth subcitrate on H. pylori with and without acid suppression.MethodsH. pylori ‐positive participants were allocated (1:1:1) to receive (a) no treatment (control), (b) colloidal bismuth subcitrate (CBS, 125 mg/tab), or (c) CBS plus high‐dose proton‐pump inhibitor (PPI), esomeprazole 40 mg q.i.d. for 3 days. In the treatment groups, CBS was given: 1 dose, 1 hour before endoscopy, 1 dose, 4 hours before endoscopy, or q.i.d. 24 hours before endoscopy. The study end‐points were evaluated using transmission electron microscopy to observe the morphological changes of H. pylori in antral and corpus biopsies.ResultsTwenty‐seven H. pylori carriers were enrolled in this trial with qualitative end‐points. In the no treatment group, active budding and replication of H. pylori were observed. In the CBS group, cellular swelling, vacuolization, structural degradation, and cell wall eruption of H. pylori were observed, with no apparent association with when the CBS was given. Among those receiving high‐dose PPI‐plus CBS or CBS only, there were no differences in number of H. pylori present or severity of bacterial damage whether CBS was given 1, 4, or 24 hours before endoscopy.ConclusionsBased on direct morphological evaluation, the toxic effect of CBS treatment on H. pylori was demonstrated independent of acid suppression with PPI.
Circular ribonucleic acid nei‐like deoxyribonucleic acid glycosylase 3 governs the microribonucleic acid ‐3150b‐3p/laminin subunit gamma 1 network to partially promote the development of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Li Zhenjie , Zhang Jinping , Jiang Yuanyuan , Bao Jie , Li Dongying 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAimHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors, and its progression is implicated in the dysregulation of circular ribonucleic acids (RNAs). This study aimed to investigate the role of circular RNA nei‐like DNA glycosylase 3 (circNEIL3) in HCC.MethodsReal‐time quantitative PCR was used for expression analysis of circNEIL3, microRNA‐3150b‐3p (miR‐3150b‐3p) and laminin subunit gamma 1 (LAMC1) message RNA. MTT assay, colony formation assay, wound healing assay, transwell assay, and flow cytometry assay were performed for functional analyses on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, and cycle. The expression of marker proteins and LAMC1 protein was quantified by western blot. The interaction between miR‐3150b‐3p and circNEIL3 or LAMC1 was confirmed by dual‐luciferase reporter assay or RNA immunoprecipitation assay. An animal study was performed to confirm the role of circNEIL3 in vivo.ResultsCircNEIL3 was upregulated in tumor tissues and HCC cell lines. CircNEIL3 knockdown significantly suppressed HCC cell proliferation, migration and invasion and induced cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. MiR‐3150b‐3p was a target of circNEIL3, and its inhibition largely reversed the functional effects of circNEIL3 knockdown on cell behaviors. Moreover, LAMC1 served as a target of miR‐3150b‐3p, and its expression was elevated in HCC tissues and cells. LAMC1 overexpression recovered HCC cell proliferation, migration and invasion that were blocked by miR‐3150b‐3p restoration. Additionally, circNEIL3 knockdown inhibited tumor growth in mice.ConclusionCircNEIL3 dysregulation was responsible for the partial development of HCC by regulating the miR‐3150b‐3p/LAMC1 regulatory network.
Mycophenolate mofetil as adjunctive therapy to corticosteroids for the treatment of pyoderma gangrenosum: a case series and literature review
Authors: Hrin Matthew L. , Bashyam Arjun M. , Huang William W. , Feldman Steven R. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPyoderma gangrenosum is a rare neutrophilic dermatosis that is commonly treated with systemic corticosteroids; however, their potent side effects may warrant tapering, and non‐steroidal systemic immunosuppressants may help maintain or bolster disease clearance during weaning. Although cyclosporine is regarded as a favorable corticosteroid‐sparing agent, it is associated with several side effects, such as renal toxicity and hypertension, that may limit its feasibility. Mycophenolate mofetil is a well‐tolerated alternative with limited data. Institutional review board approval was obtained to review patients from a single institution who received mycophenolate mofetil for pyoderma gangrenosum between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2019. A systematic MEDLINE (PubMed) review was performed of articles containing linked keywords: “mycophenolate mofetil” and “pyoderma gangrenosum”. Patient demographics, presentation details, and treatment regimen characteristics were recorded. Fourteen of our pyoderma gangrenosum patients were treated with mycophenolate mofetil concomitantly with prednisone. Ninety‐three percent of our patients achieved improvement within 12 months (mean 4.5 months), including five patients who experienced complete healing. Outcomes in literature patients were comparable; 77% either improved or maintained clearance with mycophenolate mofetil. Greater than 80% of total patients experienced healing or adequate disease control at a median dose of 2000 mg daily. The most common side effects of mycophenolate mofetil were myelosuppression and gastrointestinal upset, which were both seen in 18% of patients. Although this study is subject to publication bias, mycophenolate mofetil appears to be an efficacious and well‐tolerated adjunctive therapy option for pyoderma gangrenosum.
Lung cancer screening in Australia and New Zealand: the evidence and the challenge
Authors: Manners David , Dawkins Paul , Pascoe Diane , Crengle Sue , Bartholomew Karen , Leong Tracy L. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractLung cancer remains the commonest cause of cancer death in Australia and New Zealand. Targeted screening of individuals at highest risk of lung cancer aims to detect early stage disease, which may be amenable to potentially curative treatment. While current policy recommendations in Australia and New Zealand have acknowledged the efficacy of lung cancer screening in clinical trials, there has been no implementation of national programmes. With the recent release of findings from large international trials, the evidence and experience in lung cancer screening has broadened. This article discusses the latest evidence and implications for Australia and New Zealand.
Altered bowel habit and rectal bleeding in pregnancy: the importance of recognising undiagnosed inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Singh Gurpreet , Prentice Ralley , Langsford David , Christensen Britt , Garg Mayur 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWorsening of disease activity during pregnancy in patients with known inflammatory bowel disease, especially ulcerative colitis (UC), is well recognised, but the diagnosis of new‐onset or previously undiagnosed UC in pregnancy has been inadequately studied to date. Recognition of gastrointestinal symptoms in pregnancy as potentially indicating UC is of paramount importance, as this allows appropriate investigation and instigation of therapies to optimise maternal and foetal outcomes. Here, we report three cases of women with gastrointestinal symptoms in pregnancy with disparate outcomes.
Real‐world off‐label use of icatibant for acute management of non‐hereditary angioedema
Authors: Le Thanh‐Thao (Adriana) , Smith William , Hissaria Pravin 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWe retrospectively examined the indications and efficacy of off‐label use of the bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist icatibant. The clinical heterogeneity, variability of response to icatibant and lack of efficacy of adrenaline described in this audit highlights both the need for biomarkers that can rapidly distinguish between histaminergic and non‐histaminergic angioedema, and for guidelines to improve the utility of icatibant in the non‐hereditary angioedema setting.
Lessons from China on different approaches to pension coverage extension
Authors: Zhao Litao , He Xiaobin 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAchieving universal pension coverage is both an aspiration and a challenge for many developing economies. Traditional contributory schemes are less effective in extending pension coverage to workers who are not in the formal sectors of the economy. As an alternative, non‐contributory schemes have gained popularity in recent years. China’s pension reforms mirror this global trend. The introduction of a contribution‐based pension scheme for urban employees (Employees’ Pension) was followed by a scheme for rural and urban residents (Residents’ Pension), which is partly government financed and partly contributory, with multiple options for premium payment. This study uses nationally representative survey data collected in 2016 to compare the inclusiveness of the two schemes. It finds that access to the Residents’ Pension scheme is more equal than the Employees’ Pension. Lower status workers in terms of education, employment, income and hukou‐migration are more likely to participate in the Residents’ Pension as opposed to the Employees’ Pension, compared with higher status workers. The Chinese experience suggests that a workable solution for pension extension in low‐ and middle‐income countries is to have a scheme that is flexible, affordable and responsive to the diverse needs of the population.
The sustainability of China’s Urban Employees’ Pension Programme: A case of getting old before getting rich?
Authors: Cousins Mel 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis article examines the sustainability of China’s Urban Employees’ Pension Programme – the main component in China’s overall old‐age support system. It looks at the sustainability of the programme generally and, in particular, at case studies of two areas (Tianjin municipality and Guangxi province) to highlight both the extent of regional variations and the common challenges facing Chinese policy‐makers. It discusses a number of key issues that should assist policy‐makers to address the challenge of population ageing. It concludes that the challenge facing China is no more severe than that already faced by other countries in Europe and Asia. Moreover, the ageing of the population is not uniform across the regions of China. Consequently, those areas where the demographic shift is more advanced will provide some opportunity for policy experimentation. Given the experience to date of slow progress on various aspects of pension policy reform, the article suggests that it seems unlikely that paradigmatic change will be significant. Nonetheless, the study suggests a range of parametric policy measures that China should consider. The challenge facing China’s policy‐makers is to ensure that China gets old and rich at the same time.