bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
4 Validation of PROMIS-29 Among Adult Burn Survivors
Authors: McMullen Kara , Bamer Alyssa M , Schneider Jeffrey C , Ryan Colleen M , Gibran Nicole S , Stewart Barclay T , Holavanahalli Radha K , Mroz Tracy , Wolf Steven E , Amtmann Dagmar 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Introduction
Patient-reported outcomes are important for burn injury research and clinical practice. The PROMIS-29 profile has been validated for use in diverse populations and numerous conditions, though not among people living with burn injuries. The purpose of this study was to examine validity and reliability of PROMIS-29 scores in adults with burn injury.

Methods
Data were provided by adult burn survivors participating in a multi-center longitudinal study of outcomes after burn injury. The PROMIS-29 Profile, which includes 4 items for each domain of physical function, anxiety, depression, fatigue, sleep disturbance, ability to participate in social roles, and pain interference, was evaluated for validity and reliability. Floor and ceiling effects, unidimensionality, internal consistency, and reliability were examined. Differential item functioning (DIF) with respect to age, sex, education, race, ethnicity and burn size was assessed using ordinal logistic regression models and McFadden’s pseudo R2-change of ≥2% as critical value. Correlations with other measures (Community Integration Questionnaire, Satisfaction with Life Scale, Post-Traumatic Stress Checklist-Civilian, and Veteran’s Rand-12) and known group differences were examined to assess validity.

Results
876 burn survivors with moderate to severe injury from 6 months-20 years post burn provided responses on PROMIS-29 domains. Participant ages ranged from 18–93 years at time of assessment; mean years since injury was 3.4. All PROMIS-29 domains showed high internal consistency (Cronbach’s α=0.87–0.97). Substantial portions of the sample reported no symptoms (anxiety [42.6%], depression [50.9%], fatigue [26.3%], pain [47.7%]). There was a large ceiling effect on social roles (39.7%) and physical function (43.3%). One-factor confirmatory factor analyses supported unidimensionality for all domains (all CFI &gt;0.95). We found no bias (DIF) across any demographic or clinical groups. Reliability was high (&gt;0.9) across trait levels for all domains except sleep, which reached moderate reliability (&gt;0.85). Known-group differences by demographic and clinical characteristics performed as hypothesized except burn size categories, which showed no significant relationship with PROMIS-29 physical function, fatigue, and pain interference scores.

Conclusions
The results provide strong evidence of reliability and validity of PROMIS-29 scores among adult burn survivors. Reliability of the extreme scores can potentially be increased and the ceiling effects reduced by administering PROMIS-43, which includes 6 items per domain.
557 Amniotic Fluid Injections in Chronic Non-Healing Wounds in Pediatric Patients: A Case Series
Authors: Darelli-Anderson Anna M , South Samuel , Lewis Giavonni M 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Introduction
Amniotic tissues are used to support wound healing in a variety of fields and wound types including chronic stasis ulcers, lower extremity wounds in diabetic patients, poorly healing injuries associated with burns, and surgical wounds associated with intestinal fistulas. To date, the use of amniotic fluid (AF) alone has not been described in the literature. The properties of AF alone would suggest the potential for regenerative and accelerated healing. This descriptive, retrospective review evaluates the effects of AF injected into chronic, poorly healing burn wounds.

Methods
We conducted a retrospective chart review across five years and identified a total of 39 pediatric patients with chronic, poorly healing burn wounds, nine of whom were treated with AF injections. Five of these patients were excluded due to incomplete post-treatment data. All patients were managed in the ambulatory care setting. We evaluated Vancouver Burn Scar Scale (VBSS) and Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) scores as well as pre- and post-treatment photos of the wounds.

Results
Four patients aged 1–16 years met inclusion criteria with TBSA ranging from 1% to 57.5%. All patients tolerated the procedure well and none suffered adverse events associated with treatment. The average time from injury to treatment with AF was 14 months. Patient A is a 1-year-old male with bilateral posterior thigh wounds that remained open following skin grafting of a 57.5% TBSA injury who received injection of AF 5 months after injury. One month after treatment with AF injections, both posterior thigh wounds were closed (Figure 1). Patient B is a 9-year-old male with posterior thigh wounds that remained open following grafting of an 8% TBSA injury who received an injection of AF 10 months after injury. Following injections with AF the wounds closed over a period of 6 months (Figure 1). Patient C is a 10-year-old female with extensive contracture scarring across the upper torso, bilateral axilla and neck from a 25% TBSA injury who received an AF injection at 37 months post-injury. Areas of open wound in the axilla closed following a combination of laser treatment to scar areas and AF injections. Patient D is a 16-year-old female with 1% TBSA injury to the posterior thigh treated with split thickness skin grafting that failed to close. Following injection with AF four months after injury, the wound closed over a period of 3 months (Figure 1). VBSS scores and POSAS scores did not significantly correlate with wound healing observed.

Conclusions
Injection of amniotic fluid is a low-risk treatment adjunct that can be used to improve chronic burn wounds.
Finding the Signal in the Noise
Authors: Freeman Lindsay , Vazquez Llorente Raquel 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The constituent documents of the International Criminal Court (ICC) were formulated in the 1990s, at a time when the internet was still relatively new to most of society. In the four years between the signing of the Rome Statute in 1998 and its entry into force in 2002, there was a surge in technological development. The replacement of dial-up connections by home broadband and wireless internet, the commercial launch of 3G, and the introduction of camera phones all took place during that period, followed only a few years later by the founding of Google, YouTube and Facebook. This trend has only continued. Advanced technologies have changed the way in which societies create information and share it, generating an ever-growing volume of data. The availability and accessibility to new sources of information open up opportunities for international criminal investigators, but the task of using them effectively is not without its challenges. Recent cases before the ICC indicate that digital evidence will play an increasingly central role in investigations and prosecutions. In national jurisdictions, digital evidence is now introduced in the majority of criminal cases, and there have been significant reforms in domestic statutes on evidentiary and procedural rules from admissibility to e-discovery. However, such reforms have not yet materialized at the ICC. This article assesses whether the Rome Statute and Rules of Procedure and Evidence, and their current interpretation, remain effective and appropriate in the face of technological change. The authors examine the emerging challenges related to the use and handling of digital evidence, as well as the unique nature of the internet and other dissemination channels. By drawing attention to the main issues with the existing rules and practices, and raising unresolved questions, the authors highlight the importance of reassessing rules based on obsolete assumptions and expectations as we move towards the future.
Optimization of timing of next-generation emergence inAmaranthus hybridusis determined via modulation of seed dormancy by the maternal environment
Authors: Fernández Farnocchia Rocio Belen , Benech-Arnold Roberto Luis , Mantese Anita , Batlla Diego 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe timing of emergence of weed species has critical ecological and agronomical implications. In several species, emergence patterns largely depend on the level of dormancy of the seedbank, which is modulated by specific environmental factors. In addition, environmental conditions during seed maturation on the mother plant can have marked effects on the dormancy level at the time of seed dispersal. Hence, the maternal environment has been suggested to affect seedbank dormancy dynamics and subsequent emergence; however, this modulation has not been adequately examined under field conditions, and the mechanisms involved are only partly understood. Combining laboratory and field experiments with population-based models, we investigated how dormancy level and emergence in the field are affected by the sowing date and photoperiod experienced by the mother plant in Amaranthus hybridus, a troublesome weed worldwide. The results showed that an earlier sowing date and a longer photoperiod enhanced the level of dormancy by increasing the dormancy imposed by both the embryo and the seed coat. However, this did not affect the timing and extent of emergence in the field; on the contrary, the variations in dormancy level contributed to synchronizing the emergence of the next generation of plants with the time period that maximized population fitness. Our results largely correspond with effects previously observed in other species such as Polygonum aviculare and Arabidopsis, suggesting a common effect exists within different species.
Detectability of kilonovae in optical surveys: post-mortem examination of the LVC O3 run follow-up
Authors: Sagués Carracedo A , Bulla M , Feindt U , Goobar A 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT
The detection of the binary neutron star (BNS) merger GW170817 and the associated electromagnetic (EM) counterpart, the ‘kilonova’ (kN) AT2017gfo, opened a new era in multimessenger astronomy. However, despite many efforts, it has been proven very difficult to find additional kNe, even though LIGO/Virgo has reported at least one BNS event during their latest run, O3. The focus of this work is the exploration of the sensitivity of the adopted optical surveys searching for kNe during O3. We propose ways to optimize the choices of filters and survey depth to boost the detection efficiency for these faint and fast-evolving transients in the future. In particular, we use kN models to explore the dependence on ejecta mass, geometry, viewing angle, wavelength coverage, and source distance. We find that the kN detection efficiency has a strong viewing-angle dependence, especially for filters blueward of i-band. This loss of sensitivity can be mitigated by early, deep, observations. Efficient gri counterpart searches for kNe at ∼200 Mpc would require reaching a limiting magnitude mlim = 23 mag, to ensure good sensitivity over a wide range of the model phase-space. We conclude that kN searches during O3 were generally too shallow to detect BNS optical counterparts, even under optimistic assumptions.
Differences in Switching Away From Smoking Among Adult Smokers Using JUUL Products in Regions With Different Maximum Nicotine Concentrations: North America and the United Kingdom
Authors: Goldenson Nicholas I , Ding Yu , Prakash Shivaani , Hatcher Cameron , Augustson Erik M , Shiffman Saul 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Introduction
Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) may improve public health if they facilitate smokers switching away from cigarettes. Conceptually, switching is facilitated when ENDS provide adequate nicotine delivery. Switching rates among smokers who purchased the JUUL System (“JUUL”) were compared in the United Kingdom (UK), where regulations limit nicotine concentration to 20 mg/mL versus North America (N.Am.; United States and Canada), where higher concentrations are available.

Aims and Methods
Adult established smokers (age ≥21, smoked ≥100 cigarettes, smoking some days or every day at baseline) who newly purchased JUUL were recruited into a longitudinal study (UK: N = 1247; N.Am.: N = 8835). Complete switching (no smoking for ≥30 days) was assessed 1, 3, and 6 months after purchase; propensity score matching (PSM) and logistic regression compared switching after adjusting for baseline characteristics.

Results
In both N.Am. and UK, ≥82% of participants reported using the highest JUUL nicotine concentration available (UK: 18 mg/mL; N.Am.: 59 mg/mL). Unadjusted switching rates did not differ at 1 month (17%–18%); unadjusted and adjusted rates were significantly higher in N.Am. (vs. UK) at 3 and 6 months. In the PSM sample, after additional covariate adjustment, rates were significantly higher in N.Am. (vs. UK) at 3 months (31.5% vs. 22.7%; odds ratio [95% confidence interval, CI] = 1.59 [1.25, 2.02]) and 6 months (38.0% vs. 26.0%; odds ratio [95% CI] = 1.79 [1.37, 2.35]).

Conclusions
These results suggest availability of ENDS in nicotine concentrations greater than 20 mg/mL may be associated with increased switching among adult smokers. Differences in smoking and ENDS use characteristics did not explain associations of location and switching; however, between-country differences may be affected by unmeasured factors.

Implications
Switching rates were lower among smokers who purchased the JUUL System (“JUUL”) in the UK, where regulations limit nicotine concentration to 20 mg/mL versus N.Am. (United States and Canada), where higher concentrations are available—before and after controlling for differences in smoking and ENDS use characteristics. These results suggest availability of ENDS in nicotine concentrations greater than 20 mg/mL may be associated with increased switching among adult smokers. Between-country differences may be affected by unmeasured factors; future research should consider these factors and the extent to which regulatory policy environments may explain differences in switching among adult smokers.
A seed coat-specific β-ketoacyl-CoA synthase, KCS12, is critical for preserving seed physical dormancy
Authors: Chai Maofeng , Queralta Castillo Indira , Sonntag Annika , Wang Shixing , Zhao Zhili , Liu Wei , Du Juan , Xie Hongli , Liao Fuqi , Yun Jianfei , Jiang Qingzhen , Sun Juan , Molina Isabel , Wang Zeng-Yu 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Physical dormancy in seeds exists widely in seed plants and plays a vital role in maintaining natural seed banks. The outermost cuticle of the seed coat forms a water-impermeable layer, which is critical for establishing seed physical dormancy. We previously set up the legume plant Medicago truncatula as an excellent model for studying seed physical dormancy, and our studies revealed that a class II KNOTTED-like homeobox, KNOX4, is a transcription factor critical for controlling hardseededness. Here we report the function of a seed coat β-ketoacyl-CoA synthase, KCS12. The expression level of KCS12 is significantly downregulated in the knox4 mutant. The KCS12 gene is predominantly expressed in the seed coat, and seed development in the M. truncatula kcs12 mutant is altered. Further investigation demonstrated that kcs12 mutant seeds lost physical dormancy and were able to absorb water without scarification treatment. Chemical analysis revealed that concentrations of C24:0 lipid polyester monomers are significantly decreased in mutant seeds, indicating that KCS12 is an enzyme that controls the production of very long chain lipid species in the seed coat. A chromatin immunoprecipitation assay demonstrated that the expression of KCS12 in the seed coat is directly regulated by the KNOX4 transcription factor. These findings define a molecular mechanism by which KNOX4 and KCS12 control formation of the seed coat and seed physical dormancy.
Agency, Power, and Injustice in Metalinguistic Disagreement
Authors: Podosky Paul-Mikhail Catapang 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In this paper, I explain the kinematics of non-ideal metalinguistic disagreement. This occurs when one speaker has greater control in the joint activity of pairing contents with words in a context. I argue that some forms of non-ideal metalinguistic disagreement are deeply worrying, namely those that involves certain power imbalances. In such cases, a speaker possesses illegitimate control in metalinguistic disagreement owing to the operation of identity prejudice. I call this metalinguistic injustice. The wrong involves restricting a speaker from participating in the processes that determine the epistemic/linguistic resources of a conversation, and/or undermining a speaker's ability to affect metalinguistic outcomes.
Assessing number and quality of urology open access journals: 2011 to 2018
Authors: AlRyalat Saif Aldeen , alessa Zeyad , Mansour Mustafa , Hamidi Mohammed , Obeidat Muhannad , Odtallah Omar 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Background/Aims:
There is clear evidence that publishing research in an open access (OA) journal or as an OA model is associated with higher impact, in terms of number of reads and citation rates. The development of OA journals and their quality are poorly studied in the field of urology. In this study, we aim to assess the number of OA journals, their quality in terms of CiteScore, percent cited and quartiles, and their scholarly production during the period from 2011 to 2018.

Methods:
We obtained data about journals from www.scopus.com, and we filtered the list for urology journals. We obtained data for all Scopus indexed journals during the period from 2011 to 2018. For each journal, we extracted the following indices: CiteScore, Citations, scholarly output, and SCImago quartiles. We analyzed the difference in quality indices between OA and non-OA urology journals.

Results:
Urology journals have increased from 66 journals in 2011 to 99 journals in 2018. The number of OA urology journals has increased from only 10 (15.2%) journals in 2011 to 33 (33.3%) journals in 2018. The number of quartile 1 (the top 25%) journals has increased from only 1 journal in 2011 to 5 journals in 2018. Non-OA urology journals had significantly higher CiteScore compared with OA journals till the year 2015, after which the mean difference in CiteScore became smaller with insignificant p-value.

Conclusion:
Number and quality of OA journals in the field of urology have increased throughout the last few years. Despite this increase, non-OA urology journals still have higher quality and output.
HLA-B Allele, Genotype, and Haplotype Frequencies in a Group of Healthy Individuals in Colombia
Authors: Romero-Sánchez Consuelo , Hernández Natalia , Chila-Moreno Lorena , Jiménez Karen , Padilla Diana , Bello-Gualtero Juan Manuel , Bautista-Molano Wilson 
Published: April 2021

Background
The sequencing of alleles of the HLA-B, a human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I gene, was established as the most polymorphic of chromosome 6 and of the entire human genome. In this locus, the HLA-B*27 allele is highly polymorphic and has clinical relevance. Literature about the subtypes and singular frequency of these alleles in Colombia’s healthy population is scarce.

Objective
The aim of this study was to establish the HLA-B allele, genotype, and haplotype frequencies in a healthy Colombian population and analyze their association with the sex and geographical distribution of the individuals studied.

Methods
This is a nonexperimental and descriptive study. The data from whole-blood samples whose HLA genes were genotyped by protocol with the Luminex 100/200 xMAP technology were evaluated. HLA-B*27 positivity was confirmed by the new-generation sequencing technology. The associations between the HLA-B alleles and demographic variables were evaluated by χ2 and Fisher exact tests.

Results
Twenty-seven HLA-B genotypes were identified in 255 individuals, with the highest frequencies for HLA-B*35 (44.7%), B*40 (19.6%), and B*44 (16.8%). Additionally, 89 HLA-B alleles were found; the most common were HLA-B*35:01 (6.7%) and B*40:02 (6.5%). Nine individuals tested positive for the HLA-B*27 allele with genotype and allele frequencies of 3.5% and 1.8%, respectively; the HLA-B*27:05:02 subtype predominated.

Conclusions
Here, we report the most common HLA-B allele, genotype, and haplotype frequencies in a healthy Colombian population group and analyzed their association with the sex and geographical distribution of the individuals studied. Results for the HLA-B*27 allele confirm racial mixing in Colombia with a high degree of Caucasian influence, as well as the repopulation of Colombia's central region, attributed to the migration phenomena. Results agree with data published in Colombia that was obtained from cord blood samples.
Dosing Patterns In Treatment of Disabling Spasticity With Intrathecal Baclofen
Authors: Gunnarsson Stina , Lemming Dag , Alehagen Siw , Berntsson Shala , Ertzgaard Per , Samuelsson Kersti 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Purpose
The aim of this study was to describe and analyze dosing patterns for patients with ITB treatment over time and to identify possible subgroups demonstrating diversity in patterns.

Design
A retrospective design.

Methods
For 81 patients from six different hospitals, baclofen doses from the first 2 years of treatment were identified using medical records. Line graphs of each patient’s doses were analyzed and grouped based on similarities in dosing pattern.

Findings
The analyses of the dosing patterns resulted in four different subgroups classified as stable, slow increase, rapid increase, and fluctuating.

Conclusion
The results highlight the clinical challenge of predicting dose development over time.

Clinical Relevance to Rehabilitation Nursing
This study provides rehabilitation healthcare professionals with a better understanding of intrathecal baclofen dose development. Illustrations of the four subgroups can be used as an educational tool for patients, family, and caregivers.
Visible and real sizes of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ukraine
Authors: Nesteruk Igor 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACTTo simulate how the number of COVID-19 cases increases versus time, various data sets and different mathematical models can be used. In particular, previous simulations of the COVID-19 epidemic dynamics in Ukraine were based on smoothing of the dependence of the number of cases on time and the generalized SIR (susceptible-infected-removed) model. Since real number of cases is much higher than the official numbers of laboratory confirmed ones, there is a need to assess the degree of data incompleteness and correct the relevant forecasts. We have improved the method of estimating the unknown parameters of the generalized SIR model and calculated the optimal values of the parameters. It turned out that the real number of diseases exceeded the officially registered values by about 4.1 times at the end of 2020 in Ukraine. This fact requires a reassessment of the COVID-19 pandemic dynamics in other countries and clarification of world forecasts.
Degradable endovascular neural interface for minimally invasive neural recording and stimulation
Authors: Fanelli Adele , Ferlauto Laura , Zollinger Elodie Geneviève , Brina Olivier , Reymond Philippe , Machi Paolo , Ghezzi Diego 
Published: March 2021

AbstractNeural recording and stimulation have been widely used to mitigate traumatic injuries, neurodegenerative diseases or mental disorders. Most neural interfaces commonly require invasive surgery, potentially entailing both transient and permanent complications. A promising strategy designed to overcome these risks involves exploiting the cerebrovascular system as an access route to the neural tissue. Here we present a novel endovascular neural interface for neural recording and stimulation, fully polymeric and degradable. This concept might allow for better integration of the device in the body, reduced inflammatory reaction, the possibility of replacing the implant after degradation, and avoiding removal surgeries. The vasculature’s strategic distribution and the use of soft polymers for the device’s fabrication will permit targeting both the brain vasculature and the peripheral system. Therefore, this novel endovascular neural interface will broaden the range of applications from neurological diseases and mental disorders to bioelectronics medicine.