bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of ascending aortic diameter and long‐term prognosis in patients with ascending aortic dissection
Authors: Wu Yuduo , Gong Ming , Fan Ruixin , Gu Tianxiang , Qian Ximing , Zhang Hongjia 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectivesThis study was designed to review the ascending aortic diameter of patients undergoing surgery for AAD in China and its influence on prognosis.MethodsIn the period between January 2018 and January 2020, 265 patients eligible for analysis of ascending aorta were included in this study. The maximum diameter of the ascending aorta was assessed using preoperative computed tomography (CT) scan for patients.ResultsThe mean diameter of the ascending aorta of the reference population was 48.16 ± 9.37 mm, and the percentage of subjects with an aorta <55 mm was 80.38%. In this study, we found that BMI, hypertension, and bicuspid aortic valve are the main factors affecting the widening of the ascending aorta, and the diameter of the ascending aorta in patients with AAD is negatively correlated with the patient's long‐term prognosis. However, there is no significant difference in survival rates among patients with different ascending aortic diameter.ConclusionsAscending aortas with smaller diameter are also prone to dissection, most of which occur at a lower surgical threshold than recommended by current guidelines. Therefore, the diameter of ascending aorta cannot be used as an independent risk factor for high‐risk patients with aortic dissection, but it can be used as an important indicator to evaluate the long‐term prognosis of patients.
CDK 4/6 inhibitors are associated with a high incidence of thrombotic events in women with breast cancer in real‐world practice
Authors: West Malinda T. , Smith Claire E. , Kaempf Andy , Kohs Tia C. L. , Amirsoltani Ramin , Ribkoff Jessica , Choung Josh Lee , Palumbo Alison , Mitri Zahi , Shatzel Joseph J. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPurposeCyclin‐dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6 inhibitors are integral treatment for advanced hormone receptor positive breast cancer; however, venous thromboembolic events (VTE) occurred in 1%‐5% of clinical trial patients. Thrombosis rates in the real‐world setting remain unclear. We aimed to define the rate of thromboembolic events, risk factors for thrombosis on CDK 4/6 inhibitors and evaluate the Khorana VTE risk score as a predictive tool for VTE in patients on CDK 4/6 therapy.MethodsMulticenter retrospective analysis of adult breast cancer patients prescribed palbociclib, ribociclib, or abemaciclib. The primary endpoint was thrombosis during treatment or within 30 days of CDK inhibitor discontinuation. Cox regression was used to model time‐to‐thrombosis, starting from a patient's initiation of CDK 4/6 therapy. The extended Kaplan‐Meier method and Cox modeling were used to assess the effect of time‐varying thrombosis status on overall survival.ResultsTwo hundred and sixty‐six patients were included (89% on palbociclib, 14% on abemaciclib, 7% on ribociclib). Twenty‐nine thrombotic events occurred in 26 (9.8%) women. Of these events, 72% were venous and 34% were arterial. The 1‐year incidence of thrombosis was 10.4% overall, 10.9% on palbociclib, 8.3% on ribociclib, and 4.8% on abemaciclib. Hemoglobin less than 10 g/dL was a statistically significant predictor of thrombosis (HR 3.53, P: .014). Khorana score ranged from 0‐3, with the majority between 0 and 1 and was not predictive of VTE. Thrombosis was associated with reduced overall survival (HR 1.28, P: .128, median 7.3 months) compared to not having a CDK‐associated clot (median 35.7 months).DiscussionVTE in our analysis is higher than reported in clinical trials and arterial thrombosis comprised over one‐third of events. The highest incidence was with palbociclib, followed by ribociclib. Khorana score did not predict VTE risk. Larger, real‐world studies are needed. The role for prophylactic anticoagulation is yet to be defined in this patient population.
The role of prostaglandins in androgenetic alopecia
Authors: Chovarda Eleni , Sotiriou Eleni , Lazaridou Elizabeth , Vakirlis Efstratios , Ioannides Demetrios 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundThough androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is one of the most common diseases affecting both sexes and all races, its pathogenesis is not completely clarified. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the four major prostaglandins (PGs) (PGE2, PGD2, PGF2α, and PI2 or prostacyclin) in the pathogenesis of AGA in males and females.MethodsHuman scalp biopsies were obtained from 30 adults (17 males and 13 females) suffering from AGA and from 30 healthy adults (18 males and 12 females). In each subject, two skin biopsies were performed, one from the frontal bald area and another one from the occipital area with normal hair growth. In the healthy group, biopsies were taken from both areas too. In each sample, all four PGs were measured.ResultsIn the patient group, PGD2 and prostacyclin or PGI2 levels were increased in bald compared to haired scalp. On the contrary, measurements of PGE2 and PGF2α showed that they were diminished in bald areas compared to haired areas. PG levels in healthy samples were comparable to the haired areas.ConclusionThese results support that there is a fine balance between these four proteins in scalp hair follicles, and its maintenance may be crucial for hair growth. Furthermore, their receptors could be potential targets for treatment of AGA.
Patterns of azithromycin use in obstructive airway diseases: a real‐world observational study
Authors: Thomas Dennis , McDonald Vanessa M. , Simpson Jodie L. , Smith Amber , Gupta Sachin , Majellano Eleanor , Gibson Peter G. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundLow‐dose long‐term azithromycin is recommended in clinical practice guidelines for obstructive airway diseases (OAD); however, an optimal therapeutic regimen is not yet established.AimTo understand the patterns of azithromycin use in OAD, characterise the patients who received it and evaluate its safety and efficacy using real‐world data.MethodsWe audited 91 patients who had received azithromycin for at least 4 weeks for the management of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or non‐cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis.ResultsThe mean age was 65 ± 18 years, 60% were female and 48% were ex‐smokers. The majority had asthma (75%), either alone (50%) or in combination with COPD (12%) or bronchiectasis (13%). Most (64%) reported cough or sputum at baseline. The most common treatment regimen was azithromycin 250 mg daily (73%) for more than 1 year (57%), with only seven adverse events. There was a significant reduction in the proportions of patients requiring emergency department visits (48% vs 32%; P < 0.001) and hospital admissions (35% vs 31%; P < 0.001) after starting azithromycin. In 88% of cases, physicians favoured the use of azithromycin.ConclusionPhysicians are currently using low‐dose azithromycin for a long duration of more than 1 year for the management of OAD. The typical case definition is an older non‐smoking adult with persistent asthma, often in combination with another OAD and presenting with bothersome cough or sputum. Azithromycin was well tolerated and led to reduced healthcare utilisation. Further research is required to establish an optimal dosage regimen of azithromycin in OAD.
Beyond platitudes: a qualitative study of Australian Aboriginal people's perspectives on biobanking
Authors: Hermes Azure , Wiersma Miriam , Kerridge Ian , Easteal Simon , Light Edwina , Dive Lisa , Lipworth Wendy 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundBiobanks are vital resources for genetics and genomics, and it is broadly recognised that for maximal benefit it is essential that they include samples and data from diverse ancestral groups. The inclusion of First Nations people, in particular, is important to prevent biobanking research from exacerbating existing health inequities, and to ensure that these communities share in the benefits arising from research.AimsTo explore the perspectives of Australian Aboriginal people whose tissue – or that of their family members – has been stored in the biobank of the National Centre for Indigenous Genomics (NCIG).MethodsSemi‐structured interviews with 42 Aboriginal people from the Titjikala, Galiwinku, Tiwi Islands, Yarrabah, Fitzroy Crossing, Derby, One Arm Point and Mulan communities, as well as a formal discussion with A. Hermes, an Indigenous Community Engagement Coordinator at the NCIG who had conducted the interviews. The interviews and the structured discussion were double coded using a procedure informed by Charmaz's outline of grounded theory analysis and Morse's outline of the cognitive basis of qualitative research.ResultsIn this article, we report on A. Hermes' interviews with members from the above Aboriginal communities, as well as on her personal views, experiences, and interpretations of the interviews she conducted with other community members. We found that participation in the NCIG biobank raised issues around broken trust, grief and loss, but also – somewhat unexpectedly – was perceived as a source of empowerment, hope and reconnection.ConclusionsThis research reminds us (again) of the need to engage deeply with communities in order to respond appropriately with respect for their cultural values and norms, and to develop culturally relevant policies and processes that enhance the benefits of biobank participation and minimise potential harms.
The challenge of biological control of Cosmopolites sordidus Germar (Col. Curculionidae): A review
Authors: Tresson Paul , Tixier Philippe , Puech William , Carval Dominique 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe banana weevil (also known as banana root borer) Cosmopolites sordidus Germar (Coleoptera Curculionidae) is the major pest of banana and plantain. Because banana ranks 2nd in fruit production worldwide, this pest has substantial social and economic importance. The biological control of the C. sordidus remains challenging because of its behaviour and resistance to parasitism and predation. The last review concerning the biological control of C. sordidus was published two decades ago, and relevant knowledge and methods have developed in the interim. The present paper provides an update of that knowledge and summarizes past and current challenges as well as providing perspectives on achieving sustainable control of C. sordidus. We first discuss studies on the classical biological control of C. sordidus, underlining the limits of classical biological control methods such as the importation of predators, parasitoids or pathogens. Next, we consider conservation biological control of C. sordidus, with a focus on ants. We also highlight an ‘arthropod bias’ that has led to a lack of information on the role of vertebrates in the regulation of C. sordidus.
Quercetin relaxes human gastric smooth muscles directly through ATP‐sensitive potassium channels and not depending on the nitric oxide pathway
Authors: Modzelewska Beata , Drygalski Krzysztof , Kleszczewski Tomasz , Chomentowski Andrzej , Koryciński Krzysztof , Kiełczewska Aleksandra , Pawłuszewicz Patrycja , Razak Hady Hady 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundQuercetin has recently become a remarkably popular subject of research due to its broad beneficial pharmacological properties. The goal of our study was to observe its effects on contractility of human gastric smooth muscles in reference to the NO pathway and direct influence of potassium channels.MethodsTissues were obtained from patients undergoing sleeve gastrectomy due to morbid obesity (n = 10 aged 24–56; BMI 47.16 ± 1.84). The following parameters were evaluated in the recordings: area under the curve (AUC), average baseline muscle tone, and relative change in muscle contraction.Key ResultsQuercetin induced noticeable, dose‐dependent relaxation of the carbachol treated gastric strips. The substantial effect was noted at concentrations higher than 10−7 mol/L and maximal at 10−4 mol/L (81.82 ± 3.32%; n = 10; p < 0.0001) of the control. Neither NOS blockers nor guanylyl cyclase blockers had inhibitory effects on the relaxation of strips induced by examined polyphenol. Glibenclamide inhibited the relaxing effect of quercetin, significant at concentrations higher than 5⋅10−5 mol/L. Preincubation with charybdotoxin or apamin extended the relaxing effect of quercetin (from 10−6 mol/L). Tamoxifen, in turn, significantly increased muscle relaxation at all quercetin concentrations.Conclusions & InferencesIn conclusion, the current study was the first to show that quercetin‐induced relaxation of human gastric smooth muscle occurs directly through K+ATP channels and independently to NO pathways. The present results suggest that quercetin is a potential nutraceutical in the treatment of functional gastrointestinal dyspepsia and other minor gastric muscle motility disturbance.
Plant low‐K responses are partly due to Ca prevalence and the low‐K biomarker putrescine does not protect from Ca side effects but acts as a metabolic regulator
Authors: Cui Jing , Davanture Marlene , Lamade Emmanuelle , Zivy Michel , Tcherkez Guillaume 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPotassium (K) deficiency is a rather common situation that impacts negatively on biomass, photosynthesis and N assimilation, making K fertilization often unavoidable. Effects of K deficiency have been investigated for several decades and recently progress has been made in identifying metabolomics signatures thereby offering potential to monitor the K status of crops in the field. However, effects of low K conditions could also be due to the antagonism with other nutrients like calcium (Ca) and the well‐known biomarker of K deficiency, putrescine, could be a response to Ca/K imbalance rather than K deficiency per se. To sort this out, we carried out experiments in sunflower grown at either low or high K, at high or low Ca, with or without putrescine added to the nutrient solution. Using metabolomics and proteomics analysis, we show that a significant part of the low K response, such as lower photosynthesis and N assimilation, is due to calcium and can be suppressed by low Ca conditions. Putrescine addition tends to restore photosynthesis and N assimilation but unlike low Ca does not suppress but aggravates the impact of low K conditions on catabolism, including the typical fall‐over in pyruvate kinase. We conclude that (a) the effects of K deficiency on key metabolic processes can be partly alleviated by the use of low Ca and not only by K fertilization and (b) in addition to its role as a metabolite, putrescine participates in acclimation to low K via the regulation of the content in enzymes involved in carbon primary metabolism.
Hume on Nonhuman Animals, Causal Reasoning, and General Thoughts
Authors: Tanaka Ryo 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn both theTreatiseand theEnquiry, as a naturalist philosopher Hume is committed to recognizing continuity between humans’ and other animals’ cognitive capacities. In particular, Hume maintains that humans share with other intelligent animals the basic psychological mechanism that underlies their capacities for causal reasoning. In this article, I will address the question whether Hume’s philosophical system can coherently attribute to animals the ability to engage in causal reasoning as he intends. First, I formulate an apparent problem for Hume that his views on causal reasoning and general thinking may seem to yield the following inconsistent triad: (1) causal reasoning requires general thinking; (2) general thinking requires language; (3) nonhuman animals lack language but can engage in causal reasoning. Then, I will develop a Humean solution to the problem by distinguishing two kinds of general thinking, which I call “level‐1” and “level‐2” general thinking, respectively. Level‐1 general thinking does not require language and must play the foundational role in Hume’s account of causal reasoning, as well as his account of language acquisition. Level‐2 general thinking, on the other hand, requires language, and it presupposes the capacity for level‐1 general thinking in several important ways.
Beyond ‘Borderism’: Overcoming Discriminative B/Ordering and Othering
Authors: van Houtum Henk 
Published: February 2021

AbstractNow, 20 years after our article “Bordering, Ordering and Othering”, the editorial team ofTESGhas asked me to look back on its formation, and to comment on the appraisals of its continued relevance and influence offered by Anssi Paasi, Bastian Vollmer, James Scott and Chiara Brambilla in this Forum. To this end, I will first explain what the inspiration was for our essay and will shortly revisit the geopolitical triadic frame that we proposed; then, I will discuss the reflections of the commentators while briefly analyzing how the field of border studies has developed; and lastly, I will look ahead and offer, also using their reflections, a brief research agenda to address present and upcoming b/ordering and othering challenges.
The Sleep of Elite Australian Rules Footballers During Preseason: A Comparison of Men and Women
Authors: Roberts Spencer S.H. , Falkenberg Emma , Stevens Alysha , Aisbett Brad , Lastella Michele , Condo Dominique 
Published: February 2021

Purpose: Australian football has elite men’s (Australian Football League; AFL) and women’s (Australian Football League Women’s; AFLW) competitions. This study compared AFL and AFLW players’ sleep and characterized players’ sleep in the context of current sleep recommendations. Methods: A total of 70 players (36 AFL, 34 AFLW) had their sleep monitored via actigraphy over a 10-day preseason period. Sleep outcomes and their intraindividual variation, were compared between AFL and AFLW players using linear mixed models. Proportions of players sleeping ≥7 and ≥8 hours per night, and achieving ≥85% sleep efficiency, were compared using chi-square analyses. Results: Compared with AFL players, AFLW players slept less (7.9 [0.5] vs 7.1 [0.6] h, P = .000), had lower sleep efficiency (89.5% [2.8%] vs 84.0% [4.4%], P = .000), and greater intraindividual variation in sleep efficiency (3.1% [0.9%] vs 5.1% [2.1%], P = .000). A total of 47% of AFLW versus 3% of AFL players averaged <7 hours sleep (χ2 = 18.6, P = .000). A total of 88% of AFLW versus 50% of AFL players averaged <8 hours sleep (χ2 = 11.9, P = .001). A total of 53% of AFLW versus 14% of AFL players averaged <85% sleep efficiency (χ2 = 12.1, P = .001). Conclusions: AFLW players slept less and had poorer sleep quality than AFL players. Many AFLW players do not meet current sleep duration or sleep quality recommendations. Research should test strategies to improve sleep among Australian rules footballers, particularly among elite women.
Prospective validation of Canadian TIA Score and comparison with ABCD2 and ABCD2i for subsequent stroke risk after transient ischaemic attack: multicentre prospective cohort study
Authors: Perry Jeffrey J , Sivilotti Marco L A , Émond Marcel , Stiell Ian G , Stotts Grant , Lee Jacques , Worster Andrew , Morris Judy , Cheung Ka Wai , Jin Albert Y , Oczkowski Wieslaw J , Sahlas Demetrios J , Murray Heather E , Mackey Ariane , Verreault Steve , Camden Marie-Christine , Yip Samuel , Teal Philip , Gladstone David J , Boulos Mark I , Chagnon Nicolas , Shouldice Elizabeth , Atzema Clare , Slaoui Tarik , Teitlebaum Jeanne , Abdulaziz Kasim E , Nemnom Marie-Joe , Wells George A , Sharma Mukul 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Objective
To validate the previously derived Canadian TIA Score to stratify subsequent stroke risk in a new cohort of emergency department patients with transient ischaemic attack.

Design
Prospective cohort study.

Setting
13 Canadian emergency departments over five years.

Participants
7607 consecutively enrolled adult patients attending the emergency department with transient ischaemic attack or minor stroke.

Main outcome measures
The primary outcome was subsequent stroke or carotid endarterectomy/carotid artery stenting within seven days. The secondary outcome was subsequent stroke within seven days (with or without carotid endarterectomy/carotid artery stenting). Telephone follow-up used the validated Questionnaire for Verifying Stroke Free Status at seven and 90 days. All outcomes were adjudicated by panels of three stroke experts, blinded to the index emergency department visit.

Results
Of the 7607 patients, 108 (1.4%) had a subsequent stroke within seven days, 83 (1.1%) had carotid endarterectomy/carotid artery stenting within seven days, and nine had both. The Canadian TIA Score stratified the risk of stroke, carotid endarterectomy/carotid artery stenting, or both within seven days as low (risk ≤0.5%; interval likelihood ratio 0.20, 95% confidence interval 0.09 to 0.44), medium (risk 2.3%; interval likelihood ratio 0.94, 0.85 to 1.04), and high (risk 5.9% interval likelihood ratio 2.56, 2.02 to 3.25) more accurately (area under the curve 0.70, 95% confidence interval 0.66 to 0.73) than did the ABCD2 (0.60, 0.55 to 0.64) or ABCD2i (0.64, 0.59 to 0.68). Results were similar for subsequent stroke regardless of carotid endarterectomy/carotid artery stenting within seven days.

Conclusion
The Canadian TIA Score stratifies patients’ seven day risk for stroke, with or without carotid endarterectomy/carotid artery stenting, and is now ready for clinical use. Incorporating this validated risk estimate into management plans should improve early decision making at the index emergency visit regarding benefits of hospital admission, timing of investigations, and prioritisation of specialist referral.
Effects of physical fitness training on metabolic syndrome among military personnel in Taiwan
Authors: Chang Che-Fu , Wu Y-C , Lai C-H , Chen P-C , Guo Y-L 
Published: February 2021

IntroductionMetabolic syndrome (MS) is strongly associated with cardiovascular diseases and diabetes but can be prevented with regular physical activity. This study aimed to assess the impact of a physical fitness training programme on MS among military personnel.MethodsThis retrospective observational study included volunteer army soldiers who underwent annual health examinations between 2011 and 2014. In 2011, the reformed physical fitness training programme and physical fitness test were introduced to the participants. MS evaluation and physical fitness performances were evaluated before and after implementing the training programme using a mixed-effects model and generalised estimating equation, adjusted for sex, age and smoking.ResultsFrom 2011 to 2014, 1720 soldiers underwent the annual health examination. In 2011, before the fitness programme, 246 soldiers (14.3%) had MS. After implementation, decreases in blood pressure and fasting glucose levels were observed and maintained for 3 years. Running performance was negatively correlated to triglycerides (ß=−11.37; p<0.001) and waist circumference (ß=−0.42; p<0.001) and positively correlated to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (ß=2.14; p<0.001). The severity of MS was reduced following introduction of the physical fitness programme.ConclusionsMS and its components improved after introducing the reformed fitness programme, with running performance proving to be most relevant to MS. Clinicians should encourage increased physical activity to prevent MS among military personnel.