bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dose‐Lowering in Contrast‐Enhanced MRI of the Central Nervous System: A Retrospective, Parallel‐Group Comparison Using Gadobenate Dimeglumine
Authors: DeLano Mark C. , Spampinato Maria Vittoria , Chang Eric Y. , Barr Richard G. , Lichtenstein Richard J. , Colosimo Cesare , Vymazal Josef , Wen Zhibo , Lin Doris D. M. , Kirchin Miles A. , Pirovano Gianpaolo 
Published: May 2021

BackgroundConcerns over gadolinium (Gd) retention encourage the use of lower Gd doses. However, lower Gd doses may compromise imaging performance. Higher relaxivity gadobenate may be suited to reduced dose protocols.PurposeTo compare 0.05 mmol/kg and 0.1 mmol/kg gadobenate in patients undergoing enhanced MRI of the central nervous system (CNS).Study TypeRetrospective, multicenter.PopulationThree hundred and fifty‐two patients receiving 0.05 (n = 181) or 0.1 (n = 171) mmol/kg gadobenate.Field Strength/Sequences1.5 T and 3.0 T/precontrast and postcontrast T1‐weighted spin echo/fast spin echo (SE/FSE) and/or gradient echo/fast field echo (GRE/FFE); precontrast T2‐weighted FSE and T2‐FLAIR.AssessmentImages of patients with extra‐axial lesions at 1.5 T or any CNS lesion at 3.0 T were reviewed by three blinded, independent neuroradiologists for qualitative (lesion border delineation, internal morphology visualization, contrast enhancement; scores from 1 = poor to 4 = excellent) and quantitative (lesion‐to‐brain ratio [LBR], contrast‐to‐noise ratio [CNR]; SI measurements at regions‐of‐interest on lesion and normal parenchyma) enhancement measures. Noninferiority of 0.05 mmol/kg gadobenate was determined for each qualitative endpoint if the lower limit of the 95% confidence interval (CI) for the difference in precontrast + postcontrast means was above a noninferiority margin of −0.4.Statistical TestsStudent's t‐test for comparison of mean qualitative endpoint scores, Wilcoxon signed rank test for comparison of LBR and CNR values; Wilcoxon rank sum test for comparison of SI changes. Tests were significant for P < 0.05.ResultsThe mean change from precontrast to precontrast + postcontrast was significant for all endpoints. Readers 1, 2, and 3 evaluated 304, 225, and 249 lesions for 0.05 mmol/kg gadobenate, and 382, 309, and 298 lesions for 0.1 mmol/kg gadobenate. The lower limit of the 95% CI was above −0.4 for all comparisons. Significantly, higher LBR and CNR was observed with the higher dose.Data Conclusion0.05 mmol/kg gadobenate was noninferior to 0.1 mmol/kg gadobenate for lesion visualization.Evidence Level2Technical EfficacyStage 3
High commitment human resource management practices and hotel employees' work outcomes in Bangladesh
Authors: Rubel Mohammad Rabiul Basher , Kee Daisy Mui Hung , Rimi Nadia Newaz 
Published: May 2021

AbstractStudies in the field of high commitment human resource management have pointed to the importance of interpersonal relationships in the workplace. In line with this, the focus of this study is on identifying how high commitment human resource management creates and sustains employee relationships. Viewing high commitment human resource management as a relational process, we identify six distinct practices ‐ selective hiring, training and development, participation, promotion opportunity, teamwork, and reward and recognition ‐ that influence three employee‐related outcomes ‐ organizational commitment, organizational citizenship behavior, and employee retention. Based on data from 365 front‐line employees in 5‐star hotels in Bangladesh, and using social exchange theory as a lens, we explore how high commitment human resource management can influence work outcomes. The results provide additional evidence of the role that high commitment human resource management plays in ensuring positive work outcomes, and indicates how organizations might benefit from this knowledge.
Economic analysis and drying kinetics of a geothermal‐assisted solar dryer for tomato paste drying
Authors: Hadibi Tarik , Boubekri Abdelghani , Mennouche Djamel , Benhamza Abderrahmane , Kumar Anil 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe economic value of many fruit and vegetables is often linked to the ability to preserve such natural products. In the case of tomatoes, the manufacture of 1 kg of powder or concentrate requires the evaporation of about 16 kg water kg−1 dry matter. In the present work, the effectiveness and economic analysis of solar drying systems for drying of tomato paste with and without geothermal water heat exchanger (GWHE) were studied.RESULTSThe GWHE integration significantly increased the recorded drying temperature up to 53.41 °C, with an improvement of 11.5 °C compared to the conventional dryer. Moreover, the drying temperature inside the drying chamber exceeded ambient temperature after sunset and at night by 30.8 °C. GWHE ensured a continuous drying process, while drying time was 22 consecutive hours, compared to the basic dryer with 18 h in 3 days. Effective moisture diffusivity was found to be 1.617 × 10−9 and 1.202 × 10−9 m2 s−1 for hybrid and basic drying systems, respectively, using the slope. Three methods were used to perform economic analysis. The cumulative present worth of savings, at 23 382.6 USD, is much higher than the capital cost of the hybrid dryer, at 467 USD. The payback period is quite acceptable, at 2.21 years as compared to dryer lifetime of 15 years. Therefore, the hybrid dryer will dry tomato paste without additional charges for 12.79 years and is recommended for a large‐scale tomato paste dryer.CONCLUSIONThe hybrid system with GWHE ensures a continuous drying process during night‐time, in addition to reduced drying time. The economic study revealed a high feasibility for the hybrid dryer, with a short payback period. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Comparative evaluation for phytochemical composition and regulation of blood glucose, hepatic oxidative stress and insulin resistance in mice and HepG2 models of four typical Chinese dark teas
Authors: Zhu Jiangxiong , Yu Chuang , Zhou Hui , Wei Xinlin , Wang Yuanfeng 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDDark tea, comprising one of the six major teas, has many biological activities, which originate from their active substrates, such as polyphenols, polysaccharides, and so on. The hypoglycemic effect is one of its most prominent activities, although less is known about their evaluation and potential role in the hypoglycemic mechanism.RESULTSIn the present study, we separately analyzed the phytochemical composition, glycosidase inhibition and free radical scavenging activities, and hypoglycemic activity in type 2 diabetes mellitus mice, as well as the alleviation of insulin resistance in HepG2 cells of four dark tea aqueous extracts. The results showed that the phytochemical composition of dark tea aqueous extracts was significantly different, and they all had good glycosidase inhibition and free radical scavenging activities, in vivo hypoglycemic activity and alleviation of insulin resistance, and could also activate the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase‐Akt‐perixisome proliferation‐activated receptor cascade signaling pathway to regulate glucose and lipid metabolism, change the key enzyme activities related to glucose metabolism and antioxidant activity, and reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory factor levels. Among them, Liubao brick tea (LBT) and Pu‐erh tea (PET) possessed better glycosidase inhibitory activity, in vivo hypoglycemic activity and improved insulin resistance activity, whereas Qingzhuan brick tea and Fuzhuan brick tea had better free radical scavenging activity, which may be explained by their distinct phytochemical compositions, such as tea proteins, polysaccharides, polyphenols, catechins, and tea pigments and some elements.CONCLUSIONDark tea is a highly attractive candidate for developing antidiabetic food, LBT and PET may be good natural sources of agricultural products with anti‐diabetic effects. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
A Comparison of Dimensional and Categorical Approaches to Characterizing the Association Between Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Future Suicide Attempts
Authors: Lee Daniel J. , Kearns Jaclyn C. , Stanley Ian H. , Spitzer Elizabeth G. , Woodward Bonnie , Keane Terence M. , Marx Brian P. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe present study compared the utility of categorical (i.e., diagnostic status) and dimensional (i.e., symptom severity) approaches to measuring posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in predicting future suicide attempts among participants in a nationwide, longitudinal study of U.S. military veterans who were deployed in support of operations in Iraq or Afghanistan after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks (9/11) and were enrolled in Veterans Health Administration services (N = 1,649). Following an initial assessment of PTSD symptoms, we assessed for suicide attempts at two subsequent time points (M = 28.74 months, SD = 8.72 and M = 55.11 months, SD = 6.89 following the initial assessment). Between the initial and final assessments, 125 participants (7.58%) made at least one suicide attempt. All categorical and dimensional indicators of PTSD predicted suicide attempts at both time points except the categorical indicator for reexperiencing symptoms. Categorical indicators predicting suicide attempts demonstrated excellent sensitivity but poor specificity and overall accuracy. The point along the continuum at which PTSD symptom severity was most accurate regarding the prediction of future suicide attempts was well above the threshold previously established as indicating a probable diagnosis. Although this score was less sensitive than diagnostic indicators, it demonstrated greater specificity and overall accuracy in predicting future suicide attempts. The present results indicate that veterans whose PTSD symptoms satisfy the diagnostic criteria have a higher risk of future suicide attempts, but this risk appears to be even higher for veterans with symptom levels above the diagnostic threshold.
Inpatient Frailty Assessment Is Feasible and Predicts Nonhome Discharge and Mortality in Decompensated Cirrhosis
Authors: Serper Marina , Tao Sunny Y. , Kent Dorothea S. , Garren Patrik , Burdzy Alexander E. , Lai Jennifer C. , Gougol Amir , Bloomer Pamela M. , Reddy K. Rajender , Dunn Michael A. , Duarte‐Rojo Andres 
Published: May 2021

Objective inpatient frailty assessments in decompensated cirrhosis are understudied. We examined the feasibility of inpatient frailty measurements and associations with nonhome discharge, readmission, and all‐cause mortality among patients admitted for cirrhosis complications. We conducted a prospective study at 3 liver transplantation (LT) centers. Frailty was assessed using the liver frailty index (LFI). Multivariable logistic and competing risk models evaluated associations between frailty and clinical outcomes. We included 211 patients with median MELD‐Na score 21 (interquartile range [IQR],15‐27); 96 (45%) were women, and 102 (48%) were on the LT waiting list. At a median follow‐up of 8.3 months, 29 patients (14%) were nonhome discharged, 144 (68%) were readmitted, 70 (33%) underwent LT, and 44 (21%) died. A total of 124 patients (59%) were frail, with a median LFI of 4.71 (IQR, 4.07‐5.54). Frail patients were older (mean, 59 versus 54 years) and more likely to have chronic kidney disease (40% versus 20%; P = 0.002) and coronary artery disease (17% versus 7%; P = 0.03). Frailty was associated with hospital‐acquired infections (8% versus 1%; P = 0.02). In multivariable models, LFI was associated with nonhome discharge (odds ratio, 1.81 per 1‐point increase; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14‐2.86). Frailty (LFI≥4.5) was associated with all‐cause mortality in models accounting for LT as competing risk (subhazard ratio [sHR], 2.4; 95% CI, 1.13‐5.11); results were similar with LFI as a continuous variable (sHR, 1.62 per 1‐point increase; 95% CI, 1.15‐2.28). A brief, objective inpatient frailty assessment was feasible and predicted nonhome discharge and mortality in decompensated cirrhosis. Inpatient point‐of‐care frailty assessment prior to hospital discharge can be useful for risk stratification and targeted interventions to improve physical fitness and reduce adverse outcomes.
Standardized Feeding Protocol Improves Delivery and Acceptance of Enteral Nutrition in Children Immediately After Liver Transplantation
Authors: Miserachs Mar , Kean Penni , Tuira Lori , Al Nasser Yasser , De Angelis Maria , Van Roestel Krista , Ghanekar Anand , Cattral Mark , Mouzaki Marialena , Ng Vicky Lee , Mtaweh Haifa , Avitzur Yaron 
Published: May 2021

Delivery of adequate nutrition after liver transplantation (LT) surgery is an important goal of postoperative care. Existing guidelines recommend early enteral nutrition after abdominal surgery and in the child who is critically ill but data on nutritional interventions after LT in children are sparse. We evaluated the impact of a standardized postoperative feeding protocol on enteral nutrition delivery in children after LT. Data from 49 children (ages 0‐18 years) who received a LT prior to feeding protocol implementation were compared with data for 32 children undergoing LT after protocol implementation. The 2 groups did not differ with respect to baseline demographic data. After protocol implementation, enteral nutrition was started earlier (2 versus 3 days after transplant; P = 0.005) and advanced faster when a feeding tube was used (4 versus 8 days; P = 0.03). Protocol implementation was also associated with reduced parenteral nutrition use rates (47% versus 75%; P = 0.01). No adverse events occurred after protocol implementation. Hospital length of stay and readmission rates were not different between the 2 groups. In conclusion, implementation of a postoperative nutrition protocol in children after LT led to optimized nutrient delivery and reduced variability of care.
Automated Solvent‐Free Polymerization of Hyperbranched Polyglycerol with Tailored Molecular Weight by Online Torque Detection
Authors: Wallert Matthias , Plaschke Johann , Dimde Mathias , Ahmadi Vahid , Block Stephan , Haag Rainer 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPolymerization processes with high reproducibility, traceability, and nontoxic compounds are required for biomedical applications. Here an automated solvent‐free polymerization of hyperbranched polyglycerol has been established on a multiple‐hundred gram scale. Performed is an anionic ring‐opening multibranching (ROMB) polymerization with slow addition of glycidol. The solvent‐free approach avoids commonly used organic solvents during the polymerization and work‐up. Due to the automation of the polymerization process a high reproducibility and traceability is accomplished. The used reactor is equipped with an anchor stirrer and stirrer control, which measures the applied torque. A linear correlation of the increasing torque and the degree of polymerization is observed, which can be used to monitor the molecular weight in situ during the polymerization.
Dual Cross‐Linked Polymethacrylic Acid Hydrogels with Tunable Mechanical Properties and Shape Memory Behavior
Authors: Gulyuz Umit 
Published: May 2021

AbstractHerein, a series of poly(methacrylic acid) hydrogels are prepared via bulk polymerization of methacrylic acid (MAAc) and grafting of Triton X‐100 (TX‐100). One‐pot and extremely simple chemistry consist of only mixing and subsequently heating of commercially available monomer and surfactant. The polymer chains are interconnected through dual physical cross‐link points formed by the hydrophobic associations in the center of TX‐100 micelles and hydrogen bonds stabilized by hydrophobic α‐methyl groups of MAAc. The hydrogels exhibit tunable mechanical properties ranging between softness and stiffness by adjusting the surfactant/monomer molar ratio, such as Young modulus of 0.6−22 MPa, elongation at break of 750−1700%, tensile strength of 0.21−3.6 MPa, and compressive strength of 41−93 MPa. The synergistic effect of high‐density hydrogen bonds with hydrophobic associations endows a plastic‐like hydrogel with high strength and shape memory (SM) behavior, while a high concentration of micelles with low‐density hydrogen bonds endows a stretchable elastic hydrogel. The combination of temperature‐induced SM property and wide‐ranging mechanical performance will make such hydrogels useful in diverse applications.
Lycopene Modulates Placental Health and Fetal Development Under High‐Fat Diet During Pregnancy of Rats
Authors: Sun Shishuai , Cao Chunyu , Li Jibo , Meng Qingwei , Cheng Baojing , Shi Baoming , Shan Anshan 
Published: May 2021

AbstractLycopene plays an important role in improving immunity, promoting antioxidant capacity, and regulating fat metabolism. The placenta, an important organ for nutrients exchange between mother and child during pregnancy, directly affects fetal development. This study aims to characterize effects of lycopene on placental health and fetal development under a high‐fat diet, and utilize RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) to investigate and integrate the differences of molecular pathways and biological processes in placenta. For placental health, high‐fat diet during pregnancy increases placental oxidative stress, inflammation, and fat deposition. However, lycopene reduces the negative effects of high‐fat diet on placenta to some extent, and further promotes fetal development. Under high‐fat diet, lycopene reduces the levels of Interleukin 17 (IL‐17), Interleukin 6 (IL‐6), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α) in placenta (p < 0.05) through the IL‐17 pathway. Furthermore, lycopene supplementation in high‐fat diet increases Glutaredoxin (Glrx) gene and protein expression in the placenta (p < 0.05), increases Glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) and Total antioxidant capacity (T‐AOC) levels (p < 0.05), decreases reactive oxygen species (ROS) (p < 0.01) and Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels (p < 0.05) in placenta. In addition, lycopene supplementation in high fat diet increases the expression of Lep gene and protein in placenta and increases the level of leptin (p < 0.05). In terms of fetal development, the average fetal weight and fetal litter weight are increased by lycopene compared to high‐diet treatment.
Treatment age and neurocognitive outcomes following proton beam radiotherapy for pediatric low‐ and intermediate‐grade gliomas
Authors: Heitzer Andrew M. , Kahalley Lisa S. , Minard Charles G. , Stafford Claire , Grosshans David R. , Okcu M. Fatih , Raghubar Kimberly P. , Gragert Marsha , McCurdy Mark , Warren Emily H. , Gomez Jocelyn , Ris M. Douglas , Paulino Arnold C. , Chintagumpala Murali 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe relationship between age and neurocognitive functioning following proton beam radiotherapy (PRT) in low‐ and intermediate‐grade gliomas (LIGG) has yet to be examined. Eighteen LIGG patients treated with PRT were prospectively enrolled and received annual neurocognitive evaluations of perceptual/verbal reasoning, working memory, and processing speed postradiotherapy. The median age at diagnosis was 8.2 years (range 1.0–14.7) and the median age at PRT was 9.9 years (range 4.2–17.0). Patients' neurocognitive performance did not change on any measure following PRT (p ≥ .142). We did not observe significant changes in cognitive function over time among a small group of LIGG patients treated with PRT.
Association of language proficiency, sociodemographics, and neurocognitive functioning in dual‐language Latino survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia and lymphoma
Authors: Bava Laura , Freyer David R. , Radbill Linda M. , Johns Alexis L. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundSurvivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia and lymphoma (ALL/LL) are at risk for cognitive dysfunction, but little is known about its relationship with language proficiency and sociodemographics.ProcedureIn this cross‐sectional cohort study of Latino survivors of childhood ALL/LL, English and Spanish language proficiency and cognitive and academic functioning were measured and their associations determined using paired t‐tests, Pearson correlations, and linear regressions.ResultsParticipants (N = 57; 50.9% female) had mean ages (years ± SD) of 4.3 ± 2.6 at diagnosis and 10.6 ± 2.9 at testing (range 6–16); mean time post treatment was 3.7 ± 2.6 years. The majority (73.7%) had low socioeconomic status (SES). Most (78.8%) were dual‐language learners in English and Spanish. English proficiency was graded as limited‐to‐fluent and was significantly higher than Spanish (p < .001). Higher SES was correlated with higher English proficiency (r = 0.31, p = .020). Males had higher Spanish proficiency (r = −0.32, p = .034). Controlling for SES and sex, English proficiency accounted for 43% of cognitive functioning variance (F = 14.86, p < .001), 55% of reading comprehension variance (F = 22.14, p < .001), and 21% of mathematics variance (F = 5.76, p = .002).ConclusionsLow language proficiency correlated with SES but was independently associated with lower cognitive and academic functioning. Research and surveillance for neurocognitive late effects in Latino ALL/LL survivors should incorporate measures of language proficiency and SES to account for their effects on cognitive and academic functioning.
Treatment of posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder with poor prognostic features in children and young adults: Short‐course EPOCH regimens are safe and effective
Authors: Rubinstein Jeremy D. , Shah Rachana , Breese Erin H. , Burns Karen C. , Mangino Jennifer L. , Norris Robin E. , Lee Lynn , Mizukawa Benjamin , O'Brien Maureen M. , Phillips Christine L. , Perentesis John P. , Pommert Lauren , Absalon Michael J. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractNo guidelines exist for which intensive chemotherapy regimen is best in pediatric or young adult patients with high‐risk posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD). We retrospectively reviewed patients with PTLD who received interval‐compressed short‐course etoposide, prednisone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin (SC‐EPOCH) regimens at our institution. Eight patients were included with median age of 12 years. All patients achieved a complete response with a manageable toxicity profile. Two patients developed second, clonally unrelated, EBV‐positive PTLD and one patient had recurrence at 6 months off therapy. No graft rejection occurred during therapy. All eight patients are alive with median follow‐up of 29 months.
Testicular thrombotic microangiopathy: An unrecognized complication
Authors: Sabulski Anthony , Szabo Sara , Myers Kasiani C. , Davies Stella M. , Jodele Sonata 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) causes global endothelial damage and multiorgan injury. No study has described reproductive organ involvement in TMA. Our study aimed to characterize testicular involvement in TMA. We reviewed autopsies from four patients who underwent hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) complicated by TMA. Three patients had striking histologic evidence of TMA, while the fourth had normal testicular histology. This suggests that TMA injures the testicles and may adversely affect fertility. There is now an urgent need for a larger analysis of reproductive organ involvement in TMA.