bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long‐term effect of everolimus in recurrent thymic neuroendocrine neoplasia
Authors: Lang Matthias , Hackert Thilo , Anamaterou Chrysanthi 
Published: July 2021

AbstractPurposeNeuroendocrine neoplasia (NEN) of the thymus is a very rare entity with a poor prognosis. None of the treatments was proofed by studies. Usually, therapy protocols for bronchopulmonary carcinoids are used. So far no data exist on the effect of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors. We describe our long‐term experience with everolimus and give a thorough review of the therapeutic strategies used so far.Patients and MethodsFour patients (mean age 46 years, range 37–55) with progressing thymic NEN (t‐NEN) (two well‐differentiated atypical carcinoids and two atypical carcinoids with large cell characteristics) were treated with everolimus 10 mg/day after the failure of at least one previous medical therapy. Everolimus was applied after a mean interval of 32.4 months (range 5–56) after the first diagnosis. The follow‐up included clinical examination, imaging and chromogranin A testing in 3 or 6 monthly intervals.ResultsWe observed stable disease for a mean of 20.8 months. Both patients with large cell characteristics t‐NEN (Ki‐67 of 20%) had rapid progress after 7 and 10 months and had more previous therapies (three and six) than the patients with well‐differentiated t‐NEN (Ki‐67 5% and 10%, progress after 24 and 42 months, one and two previous therapies). No severe side effects occurred. In three of four patients, everolimus led to stable disease for the longest compared to the other nonsurgical therapies used.ConclusionComparing the sparse data available everolimus is a promising treatment for t‐NEN at least in second‐line therapy. A low Ki‐67 index was associated with a better outcome.
Civilian penetrating neck trauma at a level I trauma centre: A five‐year retrospective case note review
Authors: Zakaria Benjamin , Muzaffar Jameel , Borsetto Daniele , Fussey Jonathan , Kumar Raghu , Evans Kate , Pickering Christopher , Reid Conor , Coulson Christopher , Orr Linda , Pracy Paul , Nankivell Paul , Sharma Neil 
Published: July 2021

AbstractObjectivesTo report the experience of civilian penetrating neck trauma (PNT) at a UK level I trauma centre, propose an initial management algorithm and assess the degree of correlation between clinical signs of injury, operative findings and radiological reports.DesignRetrospective case note review.SettingUK level I trauma centre April 2012–November 2017.ParticipantsThree hundred ten cases of PNT were drawn from electronic patient records. Data were extracted on hard and soft signs of vascular or aerodigestive tract injury, clinical management, radiological imaging and patient outcomes.Main outcome measuresPatient demographics, mechanism of injury, morbidity and mortality. The correlation between clinical signs, and radiological reports to internal injury on surgical exploration.ResultsTwo hundred seventy‐one (87.4%) male and 39 (13.6%) female patients with a mean age of 36 years (16–87) were identified. The most common causes of injury were assault 171 (55.2%) and deliberate self‐harm 118 (38%). A knife was the most common instrument 240 (77.4%). Past psychiatric history was noted in 119 (38.4%), and 60 (19.4%) were intoxicated. 50% were definitively managed in theatre with a negative exploration rate of 38%, and 50% were managed in ED. Pre‐operative radiological reports correlated with operative reports in 62% of cases with venous injury the most common positive and negative finding. Multivariate correlation was r = 0.89, p = 0.045, between hard signs plus positive radiology findings and internal injury on neck exploration.ConclusionsManagement of PNT by clinical and radiological signs is safe and effective, and can be streamlined by a decision‐making algorithm as proposed here.
Environmental and evolutionary factors favouring the coexistence of sarcosaprophagous Calliphoridae species competing for animal necromass
Authors: Boudreau Denis R. , Hammami Nada , Moreau Gaétan 
Published: July 2021

1. Sarcosaprophagous flies from the Calliphoridae family provide clues about the circumstances of death in criminal investigations, and apparently occupy the same ecological niche because they depend on the same ephemeral resource, namely, carrion.2. An empirical study was conducted in southeastern New Brunswick, Canada to identify differences in Hutchinsonian hypervolume/ecological niche that allow for competitive coexistence of calliphorid species. To do this, calliphorids were trapped for a calendar year in urban, periurban, and forest habitats.3. About 20 576 calliphorid specimens distributed among 14 different species were collected. The composition of species assemblages changed with seasons, abiotic factors, habitats, and was related to the evolutionary history of species. Each species had a distinct centroid when their response to study variables was illustrated in canonical space, thus suggesting that their ecological niches differed.4. Examining the Hutchinsonian hypervolumes of these forensically important insects is critical because it expands our knowledge of the factors regulating the activity of calliphorid species, thereby increasing our ability to use these insects in forensic investigations.
Latitudinal gradient in the intensity of biotic interactions in terrestrial ecosystems: Sources of variation and differences from the diversity gradient revealed by meta‐analysis
Authors: Zvereva Elena L. , Kozlov Mikhail V. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe Latitudinal Biotic Interaction Hypothesis (LBIH) states that the intensity of biotic interactions increases from high to low latitudes. This hypothesis, which may partly explain latitudinal gradients in biodiversity, remains hotly debated, largely due to variable outcomes of published studies. We used meta‐analysis to identify the scope of the LBIH in terrestrial ecosystems. For this purpose, we explored the sources of variation in the strength of latitudinal changes in herbivory, carnivory and parasitism (119 publications) and compared these gradients with gradients in the diversity of the respective groups of animals (102 publications). Overall, both herbivory and carnivory decreased towards the poles, while parasitism increased. The latitudinal gradient in herbivory and carnivory was threefold stronger above 50–60° than at lower latitudes and was significant due to interactions involving ectothermic consumers, studies using standardised prey (i.e. prey lacking local anti‐predator adaptations) and studies aimed at testing LBIH. The poleward decrease in biodiversity did not differ between ectothermic and endothermic animals or among climate zones and was fourfold stronger than decrease in herbivory and carnivory. The discovered differences between the gradients in biotic interactions and biodiversity suggest that these two global macroecological patterns are likely shaped by different factors.
Clarifying the Terminology of Validity and the Investigative Stages of Validation
Authors: Russell Michael 
Published: July 2021

AbstractDespite agreement about the central importance of validity for educational and psychological testing, consensus regarding the definition of validity remains elusive. Differences in the definition of validity are examined and reveals that a potential cause of disagreement stems from differences in word use and meanings given to key terms commonly employed when discussing validity. A proposal for the meaning and use of specific terms is offered and a framework that divides issues associated with validity is presented. Specifically, the framework divides what Messick termed “an integrated evaluative judgment” into three components: Instrument Validity, Verification of Interpretation and Decision, and Utility of Actions.
Shear‐bond strength and optical properties of short fiber‐reinforced CAD/CAM composite blocks
Authors: Mangoush Enas , Lassila Lippo , Vallittu Pekka K. , Garoushi Sufyan 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe aim of this study was to assess the shear‐bond strength (SBS) of resin‐luting cement to experimental short fiber‐reinforced CAD/CAM composite (SFRC) compared to conventional CAD/CAM (Cerasmart 270), 3D printed (GC TEMP PRINT, Pro3dure GR‐17), and laboratory (Gradia Plus) composites. Moreover, translucency parameter values and light transmission were evaluated. For each of the five types of composites, discs were prepared (n = 16/group) and divided into subgroups (n = 8/group) according to surface treatment protocol (hydrofluoric acid or air‐particle abrasion). SBS test was performed using universal testing machine until failure, and failure modes were visually analyzed. Translucency parameter and curing‐light transmission values through 1, 2, and 3 mm thickness were quantified using spectrophotometry and the MARC resin calibrator, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine the CAD/CAM composites after surface treatment. Composite type and surface treatment had a significant effect on SBS. Laboratory composite showed the highest SBS value (22.4 MPa). Cerasmart 270 exhibited higher translucency parameter values (19.8, 11.0, 5.0) than SFRC (14.5, 5.2, 1.6) at the three composite thicknesses tested. Air‐particle abrasion was more effective in enhancing SBS than acid etching. Experimental SFRC CAD/CAM composite showed higher SBS values than Cerasmart 270. For all composites, translucency parameter values and light transmission decreased as thickness increased.
First record of Macrohomotoma gladiata Kuwayama, 1908 (Hemiptera: Psylloidea: Homotomidae), a pest of ornamental Ficus microcarpa L. f., in Morocco
Authors: Afechtal Mohamed , Chrif Smaili Moulay , Abou Kubaa Raied 
Published: July 2021

AbstractFicus microcarpa L. f. (Moraceae) is a popular ornamental plant that grows in many urban zones in Morocco. The psyllid Macrohomotoma gladiata (Kuwayama, 1908) was found for the first time from Morocco, in August 2019, on 21 ornamental Ficus microcarpa L. f. trees in the urban area of Kénitra, on the Atlantic coast of Morocco. The new psyllid caused serious damage on leaves and twigs of this host plant. Rolled leaves at the tip of the twigs, white and woolly waxy secretions were also observed in the infested trees. This first record of M. gladiata in Morocco, although still regarding a limited geographic area, represents a serious threat to Ficus in the country. A morphological description of this new pest is given.
Cognitive‐behavioral couple therapy for same‐sex female couples: A pilot study
Authors: Pentel Kimberly Z. , Baucom Donald H. , Weber Danielle M. , Wojda Alexandra K. , Carrino Emily A. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractDespite comparable levels of relationship satisfaction and intimacy, same‐sex couples break up faster and more often than different‐sex couples, highlighting a need for quality couple therapy. Research suggests that culturally tailored services are desired by same‐sex couples and may be more effective and better received. Although efficacious couple therapies exist to treat relationship distress, they have been overwhelmingly studied with different‐sex couples. Sexual minority (SM) affirming couple therapies have not been systematically developed or evaluated. The current study involved developing and pilot testing a couple therapy tailored for distressed same‐sex female couples. This treatment integrates the SM stress model with the empirically supported cognitive‐behavioral couple therapy framework and is the first culturally tailored couple therapy for same‐sex couples to be empirically evaluated. Therapists delivered the treatment in an open‐trial format to a pilot sample of 11 same‐sex female couples experiencing relationship distress and SM stress. Treatment was delivered with high adherence to the treatment manual. Participants reported high treatment satisfaction. As hypothesized, participants experienced significant decreases in relationship distress and improvements in couple coping with SM stress from pre‐ to post‐therapy. Limitations precluded clear conclusions regarding anticipated improvements in individual mental health. Participants experienced comparable or stronger improvements in relationship functioning compared to couples in a similar benchmark study. Given this is a small pilot study, results are interpreted with caution. Implications for culturally tailoring evidence‐based couple therapy for marginalized groups are discussed.
Efficacy and safety of fremanezumab for chronic migraine prevention: Multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group trial in Japanese and Korean patients
Authors: Sakai Fumihiko , Suzuki Norihiro , Kim Byung‐Kun , Igarashi Hisaka , Hirata Koichi , Takeshima Takao , Ning Xiaoping , Shima Tomoko , Ishida Miki , Iba Katsuhiro , Kondo Hiroyuki , Koga Nobuyuki 
Published: July 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the efficacy and safety of fremanezumab administration in Japanese and Korean patients with chronic migraine (CM).BackgroundAvailable preventive treatments for CM are limited by various efficacy and safety issues. Fremanezumab, a monoclonal antibody that targets the calcitonin gene‐related peptide pathway involved in migraine pathogenesis, has been shown to be effective and well tolerated in large‐scale, international Phase 3 trials.MethodsRandomized, placebo‐controlled trial of patients with CM who received subcutaneous fremanezumab monthly (675 mg at baseline and 225 mg at weeks 4 and 8), fremanezumab quarterly (675 mg at baseline and placebo at weeks 4 and 8), or matching placebo. Primary endpoint was the mean change from baseline in the monthly (28‐day) average number of headache days of at least moderate severity during the 12 weeks after the first dose.ResultsAmong 571 patients randomized (safety set,n = 569; full analysis set,n = 566), the least‐squares mean (±standard error [SE]) reduction in the average number of headache days of at least moderate severity per month during 12 weeks was significantly greater with fremanezumab monthly (–4.1 ± 0.4) and fremanezumab quarterly (–4.1 ± 0.4) than with placebo (–2.4 ± 0.4). The difference from the placebo group in the mean change (95% confidence interval [CI]) was −1.7 days (−2.54, −0.80) for the fremanezumab monthly group and −1.7 days (−2.55, −0.82) for the fremanezumab quarterly group (p < 0.001 vs. placebo for both fremanezumab groups). The percentage of patients with a ≥50% reduction in the average number of headache days of at least moderate severity per month (response rate) was higher with fremanezumab monthly (29.0%) and fremanezumab quarterly (29.1%) than with placebo (13.2%) in addition to other improvements in secondary endpoints, including reduction of acute medication use (mean change from baseline during 12‐week period ± SE: fremanezumab monthly, –3.7 ± 0.4; fremanezumab quarterly, –3.9 ± 0.4; placebo, –2.4 ± 0.4) and improvements in disability scores (mean change from baseline in six‐item Headache Impact Test score at 4 weeks after third injection ± SE: fremanezumab monthly, –8.1 ± 0.7; fremanezumab quarterly, –8.0 ± 0.7; placebo, –6.5 ± 0.7). Fremanezumab was well tolerated with a similar incidence of adverse events including injection‐site reactions as placebo (patients with at least one treatment‐emergent adverse event: fremanezumab total,n = 232 [61.4%]; placebo,n = 118 [61.8%]).ConclusionFremanezumab effectively prevents CM in Japanese and Korean patients and was well tolerated. No safety signal was detected.
Prospective English language teachers’ projected identities in personal statements plus experienced teachers’ reactions
Authors: Kessler Matt 
Published: July 2021

AbstractWhile explorations involving teacher identity have been prevalent in applied linguistics, studies have often focused on the teacher's vantage point and explored the identities of teachers who are currently practicing. Using a constructivist grounded theory approach, this study explores the projected identities of two undergraduates with no teaching experience as they attempt to position themselves as potential future EFL teachers in their personal statements submitted for a teaching grant. Following the text analysis, three experienced teachers read the applicants’ statements using think‐alouds, revealing how teacher education community gatekeepers received the prospective teachers’ identities. The findings show three identities shared by the novices. Additionally, the experienced teachers had clear positions regarding what identities they prescribed value to. Implications for prospective teachers and future research are discussed.
Experimental observations of amorphization in multiple generations of boron carbide
Authors: Xie Kelvin Y. , Yang Qirong , Marvel Christopher J. , He Mo‐Rigen , LaSalvia Jerry C. , Harmer Martin P. , Hwang Chawon , Haber Richard A. , Hemker Kevin J. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBoron carbide is an excellent armor material due to its light weight and ultrahigh hardness. However, high‐rate mechanical behavior can be degraded by stress‐induced amorphization. In this paper, we review the progressive advances in the understanding of amorphization in three successive generations of boron carbide: stoichiometric (undoped), B‐rich, and B/Si codoped boron carbides. For each generation of boron carbide, the crystal structure and microstructure are first discussed. Then, we outline the experimental observations of amorphization made by Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The susceptibility of amorphization in each generation of boron carbide will be compared and the fundamental mechanisms that explain the reduction in amorphization for B‐rich and B/Si codoped boron carbides elucidated. Comments on future research directions to further broaden and deepen the understanding of stress‐induced amorphization of boron carbide are also provided.
The effect of an orally‐dosed Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract (ActivAMP®) on body composition in overweight, adult men and women: A double‐blind, randomised, placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Rao Amanda , Clayton Paul , Briskey David 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe present study examined the effect of a herbal supplement containing a Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Gpp) extract (ActivAMP®) with respect to improving body composition in overweight males and females.MethodsOne‐hundred and seventeen men and women aged over 18 years completed 16 weeks of daily supplementation with either Gpp or a placebo. Participants underwent dual‐energy X‐rays to assess body composition (fat mass, lean mass and mass distribution), as well as anthropometric measures (weight, height, hip and waist circumference), in addition to blood tests to assess inflammatory and safety markers.ResultsFollowing 16 weeks of treatment, the Gpp group had a significant reduction in total body weight, body mass index, total fat mass and gynoid fat mass compared to the placebo group. Blood measures showed plasma triglyceride, alanine aminotransferase and tumour necrosis factor‐α to be statistically different between groups at week 16. Subgroup analysis of gender for fat distribution showed males in the Gpp group had a significant reduction in visceral fat compared to males in the placebo group and females in the Gpp group had a significant reduction in gynoid fat compared to the placebo group.ConclusionsGpp was capable of altering fat mass and fat distribution in overweight and obese males and females compared to a placebo.
Dietary strategies for remission of type 2 diabetes: A narrative review
Authors: Brown Adrian , McArdle Paul , Taplin Julie , Unwin David , Unwin Jennifer , Deakin Trudi , Wheatley Sean , Murdoch Campbell , Malhotra Aseem , Mellor Duane 
Published: July 2021

AbstractType 2 diabetes (T2DM) is a growing health issue globally, which, until recently, was considered to be both chronic and progressive. Although having lifestyle and dietary changes as core components, treatments have focused on optimising glycaemic control using pharmaceutical agents. With data from bariatric surgery and, more recently, total diet replacement (TDR) studies that have set out to achieve remission, remission of T2DM has emerged as a treatment goal. A group of specialist dietitians and medical practitioners was convened, supported by the British Dietetic Association and Diabetes UK, to discuss dietary approaches to T2DM and consequently undertook a review of the available clinical trial and practice audit data regarding dietary approaches to remission of T2DM. Current available evidence suggests that a range of dietary approaches, including low energy diets (mostly using TDR) and low carbohydrate diets, can be used to support the achievement of euglycaemia and potentially remission. The most significant predictor of remission is weight loss and, although euglycaemia may occur on a low carbohydrate diet without weight loss, which does not meet some definitions of remission, it may rather constitute a ‘state of mitigation’ of T2DM. This technical point may not be considered as important for people living with T2DM, aside from that it may only last as long as the carbohydrate restriction is maintained. The possibility of actively treating T2DM along with the possibility of achieving remission should be discussed by healthcare professionals with people living with T2DM, along with a range of different dietary approaches that can help to achieve this.
Developmental genes controlling neural circuit formation are expressed in the early postnatal hypothalamus and cellular lining of the third ventricle
Authors: Freeman Alice Katherine , Glendining Kelly A. , Jasoni Christine L. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus is central in the regulation of body weight homeostasis through its ability to sense peripheral metabolic signals and relay them, through neural circuits, to other brain areas, ultimately affecting physiological and behavioural changes. The early postnatal development of these neural circuits is critical for normal body weight homeostasis, such that perturbations during this critical period can lead to obesity. The role for peripheral regulators of body weight homeostasis, including leptin, insulin and ghrelin, in this postnatal development is well described, yet some of the fundamental processes underpinning axonal and dendritic growth remain unclear. Here, we hypothesised that molecules known to regulate axonal and dendritic growth processes in other areas of the developing brain would be expressed in the postnatal arcuate nucleus and/or target nuclei where they would function to mediate the development of this circuitry. Using state‐of‐the‐art RNAscope® technology, we have revealed the expression patterns of genes encoding Dcc/Netrin‐1, Robo1/Slit1 and Fzd5/Wnt5a receptor/ligand pairs in the early postnatal mouse hypothalamus. We found that individual genes had unique expression patterns across developmental time in the arcuate nucleus, paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus, dorsomedial nucleus of the hypothalamus, median eminence and, somewhat unexpectedly, the third ventricle epithelium. These observations indicate a number of new molecular players in the development of neural circuits regulating body weight homeostasis, as well as novel molecular markers of tanycyte heterogeneity.