bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combined haploidentical and cord blood transplantation for refractory severe aplastic anaemia and hypoplastic myelodysplastic syndrome
Authors: Childs Richard W. , Tian Xin , Vo Phuong , Purev Enkhtsetseg , Kotecha Ritesh R. , Carlsten Mattias , Clara Joseph , Flegel Willy A. , Adams Sharon D. , Khuu Hanh M. , Stroncek David F. , Cook Lisa , Worthy Tat’yana , Geller Nancy L. , Wells Brian , Wilder Jennifer , Reger Robert , Aue Georg 
Published: May 2021

SummaryUmbilical cord blood (UCB) transplantation is a potentially curative treatment for patients with refractory severe aplastic anaemia (SAA), but has historically been associated with delayed engraftment and high graft failure and mortality rates. We conducted a prospective phase 2 trial to assess outcome of an allogeneic transplant regimen that co‐infused a single UCB unit with CD34+‐selected cells from a haploidentical relative. Among 29 SAA patients [including 10 evolved to myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)] who underwent the haplo cord transplantation (median age 20 years), 97% had neutrophil recovery (median 10 days), and 93% had platelet recovery (median 32 days). Early myeloid engraftment was from the haplo donor and was gradually replaced by durable engraftment from UCB in most patients. The cumulative incidences of grade II–IV acute and chronic graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) were 21% and 41%, respectively. With a median follow‐up of 7·5 years, overall survival was 83% and GVHD/relapse‐free survival was 69%. Patient‐ and transplant‐related factors had no impact on engraftment and survival although transplants with haplo‐versus‐cord killer‐cell immunoglobulin‐like receptor (KIR) ligand incompatibility had delayed cord engraftment. Our study shows haplo cord transplantation is associated with excellent engraftment and long‐term outcome, providing an alternative option for patients with refractory SAA and hypoplastic MDS who lack human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐matched donors.
Influence of different asparaginase formulations in the prognosis of children with acute lymphocytic leukaemia in Brazil: a multicentre, retrospective controlled study
Authors: Michalowski Mariana Bohns , Cecconello Daiane Keller , Lins Mecneide Mendes , Carvalho Maria do Perpétuo Socorro Sampaio , Silva Klerize Anecely de Souza , Cristofani Lilian , Bonilha Thais Alcantra , Baglioli Bianca Faustini , Pianovski Mara Albonei Dudeque , Kuczynski Ana Paula , Santiago Pablo , Rechenmacher Ciliana , Alegretti Ana Paula , Rodrigues Karla , de Magalhães Mariana Rodrigues , Daudt Liane Esteves 
Published: May 2021

SummaryOur group recently showed that the (ASNase) formulation available in Brazil from 2017 to 2018 when used at the same dose and frequency as the formulation provided previously did not reach the activity considered therapeutic. Based on these, our goal was to assess the impact of these facts on the prognosis of children with ALL at different oncology centers. A multicentre retrospective observational study followed by a prospective follow‐up. Patients aged >1 and <18 years in first‐line treatment followed up at 10 referral centres, between 2014 and 2018 who received the formulation Leuginase® were identified (Group B). For each patient, the centre registered 2 patients who received ASNase in the presentation of Aginasa® exclusively (Group A). Data collection was registered using (Redcap®). A total of 419 patients were included; 282 in Group A and 137 in B. Group A had a 3‐year OS and EFS of 91·8% and 84·8% respectively, while Group B had a 3‐year OS of 83·8% (P = 0·003) and EFS of 76·1% (P = 0·008). There was an impact on 3‐year OS and EFS of children who received a formulation. This result highlights the importance of evaluating ASNase and monitoring its activity.
Long‐term outcomes of androgen deprivation therapy in prostate cancer among Japanese men over 80 years old
Authors: Blas Leandro , Onozawa Mizuki , Shiota Masaki , Hinotsu Shiro , Sakamoto Shinichi , Kitagawa Yasuhide , Kawai Taketo , Eto Masatoshi , Kume Haruki , Akaza Hideyuki ,   Japan Study Group of Prostate Cancer (J‐CaP)
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis study aimed to analyze the survival rate and to examine the risk of death from prostate cancer when accounting for competing risk of death, in men aged ≥80 y treated with primary androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Data of patients with prostate cancer who had received ADT were extracted from a nationwide community‐based database established by the Japan Study Group for Prostate Cancer. Prognostic variables, including progression‐free survival, cancer‐specific survival, overall survival, and death rates were compared between men stratified by prostate cancer risk. Overall, 4760 patients older than 80 y were included. The proportion of low‐, intermediate‐, high‐, or very high‐risk, regional, and metastatic prostate cancer among super‐elderly men was 9.5%, 14.6%, 48.8%, 9.0%, 3.2%, and 24.9%, respectively. Survival rates decreased with increasing risk stratification. The cumulative 5‐y death rate by prostate cancer for low‐, intermediate‐, high‐, or very high‐risk, regional, and metastatic prostate cancer, was 0.92% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.2%‐3.6%), 1.6% (95% CI: 0.8%‐3.4%), 5.75% (95% CI: 4.25%‐7.75%), 15.6% (95% CI: 11.6%‐23.3%), 20.7% (95% CI: 13.1%‐31.7%), and 36.9% (95% CI: 32.8%‐41.4%), respectively. Our findings support that there is no need for immediate ADT for low‐ and intermediate‐risk groups. Conversely, in high‐ or very high‐risk, regional, and metastatic prostate cancer, more efforts for curative therapy and intensive therapy are needed in selected patients.
Greater extent of blood‐tumor TCR repertoire overlap is associated with favorable clinical responses to PD‐1 blockade
Authors: Aoki Hiroyasu , Ueha Satoshi , Nakamura Yoshiaki , Shichino Shigeyuki , Nakajima Hiromichi , Shimomura Manami , Sato Akihiro , Nakatsura Tetsuya , Yoshino Takayuki , Matsushima Kouji 
Published: May 2021

AbstractWith the widespread use of programmed death receptor‐1 (PD‐1) blockade therapy, sensitive and specific predictive biomarkers that guide patient selection are urgently needed. T‐cell receptor (TCR) repertoire, which reflects antitumor T‐cell responses based on antigen specificity, is expected as a novel biomarker for PD‐1 blockade therapy. In the present study, the TCR repertoire of eight patients with gastrointestinal cancer treated with anti‐PD‐1 antibody (nivolumab) was analyzed. To analyze the tumor‐associated T‐cell clones in the blood and their mobilization into the tumor, we focused on T‐cell clones that presented in both blood and tumor (blood‐tumor overlapping clones). Responders to PD‐1 blockade tended to exhibit a higher number of overlapping clones in the tumor and a higher total frequency in the blood. Moreover, a higher total frequency of overlapping clones in blood CD8+ T cells before treatment was associated with a favorable clinical response. Collectively, these results suggest the possibility of blood‐tumor TCR repertoire overlap to predict clinical response to PD‐1 blockade and guide patient selection before the treatment.
Neovascular age‐related macular degeneration: A review of findings from the real‐world Fight Retinal Blindness! registry
Authors: Nguyen Vuong , Barthelmes Daniel , Gillies Mark C. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe use of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors has revolutionised the treatment of neovascular age‐related macular degeneration (nAMD) since the pivotal Phase III studies demonstrated their efficacy more than 10 years ago. The Fight Retinal Blindness! project was developed to track the treatment outcomes of patients with nAMD in real‐world practice. Data from this registry have been used to answer several clinically relevant questions related to the treatment of nAMD including the effect of under‐treatment, the comparative effectiveness of different anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor agents, long‐term treatment outcomes, identifying optimal treatment regimens and the rate and outcomes of rare adverse events. Observational studies are a valuable complement to the shortcomings of clinical trials and a combination of data from real‐world settings and clinical trials are necessary to provide evidence on how to achieve the best outcomes for individual patients with nAMD.
Modeling scale up of anthropogenic impacts from individual pollinator behavior to pollination systems
Authors: Gegear Robert J. , Heath Kevin N. , Ryder Elizabeth F. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractUnderstanding how anthropogenic disturbances affect plant–pollinator systems has important implications for the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Previous laboratory studies show that pesticides and pathogens, which have been implicated in the rapid global decline of pollinators over recent years, can impair behavioral processes needed for pollinators to adaptively exploit floral resources and effectively transfer pollen among plants. However, the potential for these sublethal stressor effects on pollinator–plant interactions at the individual level to scale up into changes to the dynamics of wild plant and pollinator populations at the system level remains unclear. We developed an empirically parameterized agent‐based model of a bumblebee pollination system called SimBee to test for effects of stressor‐induced decreases in the memory capacity and information processing speed of individual foragers on bee abundance (scenario 1), plant diversity (scenario 2), and bee–plant system stability (scenario 3) over 20 virtual seasons. Modeling of a simple pollination network of a bumblebee and four co‐flowering bee‐pollinated plant species indicated that bee decline and plant species extinction events could occur when only 25% of the forager population showed cognitive impairment. Higher percentages of impairment caused 50% bee loss in just five virtual seasons and system‐wide extinction events in less than 20 virtual seasons under some conditions. Plant species extinctions occurred regardless of bee population size, indicating that stressor‐induced changes to pollinator behavior alone could drive species loss from plant communities. These findings indicate that sublethal stressor effects on pollinator behavioral mechanisms, although seemingly insignificant at the level of individuals, have the cumulative potential in principle to degrade plant–pollinator species interactions at the system level. Our work highlights the importance of an agent‐based modeling approach for the identification and mitigation of anthropogenic impacts on plant–pollinator systems.
Brain–computer interface‐based target recognition system using transfer learning: A deep learning approach
Authors: Chen Ning , Zhang Yimeng , Wu Jielong , Zhang Hongyi , Chamola Vinay , de Albuquerque Victor Hugo C. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe traditional target recognition and classification is mostly done manually, with low efficiency and high cost. Improving the level of target recognition automatically has become an important research topic. This paper proposes a target recognition method based on transfer learning to effectively complete the classification and recognition of targets using a brain–computer interface (BCI) model. Based on the construction of the faster‐RCNN deep learning model, the pre‐training of the model is achieved by VGG‐16 and Inception‐v2, and the transfer learning algorithm is used to optimize the faster‐RCNN deep learning model based on the kinematics model. Experiments are carried out with the aim to detect tableware by the persons whose brain signals recognition rate has been substantially improved using faster‐RCNN. Compared with the traditional recognition methods, the results at the lab‐scale level illustrated that the proposed algorithm can effectively improve the speed and accuracy of target recognition by using the BCI model to classify tableware of different colors and shapes in a complex background.
Modification in induction immunosuppression regimens to safely perform kidney transplants amid the COVID‐19 pandemic: A single‐center retrospective study
Authors: Von Stein Lauren , Witkowsky Olya , Samidurai Lakshmi , Doraiswamy MohanKumar , Flores Karen , Pesavento Todd E. , Singh Priyamvada 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe COVID‐19 pandemic has negatively impacted organ donation and transplantation across the globe.MethodsThis study analyzed transplant outcomes during the pre‐pandemic [PPE, 1/2019–2/2020] and pandemic era [PE, 3/2020–8/2020] based on changes in induction immunosuppression. During PPE, high immunological risk patients received 4–6 mg/kg, moderate risk 2–4 mg/kg, and low risk 1–2 mg/kg of ATG. During PE, ATG doses were reduced to 3–4 mg/kg for high risk, 1–2 mg/kg for moderate, and low changed to basiliximab. Primary outcomes are as follows: biopsy‐proven rejection [BPAR], de‐novo donor‐specific antibody [DSA], delayed graft function [DGF], infection rates, graft loss, and all‐cause of mortality.ResultsDuring PPE, 224 kidney transplants [KTx] and 14 kidney/pancreas transplants [KP] were included, while 180 KTx and 5 KP were included for PE. Basiliximab use increased by 30% in the PE. The odds of DGF were statistically significant between PE vs PPE, OR 1.7 [1.05, 2.8, p‐value = .042]. The odds of developing DSAs and BPAR during the PE vs. PPE were 0.34 [0.16, 0.71, p‐value = .004] and OR 0.34 (0.1 to 1.1, p‐value, .104)], respectively. Cytomegalovirus [19% in PE, 37% in PPE] and BK virus [5.4% PE vs. 16% PPE] incidence reduced during PE vs. PPE. COVID‐19, graft loss, and mortality were comparable between groups.ConclusionKTx and KP transplants were performed safely during the COVID‐19 pandemic with a reduction of induction immunosuppression.
The impact of liquor legislation changes on police‐recorded serious assault in Queensland, Australia
Authors: Coomber Kerri , de Andrade Dominique , Puljević Cheneal , Ferris Jason , Livingston Michael , Taylor Nicholas , Clough Alan , Miller Peter G. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIntroduction and AimsIn July 2016, the Queensland government introduced the Tackling Alcohol‐Fuelled Violence policy, with some amendments over the subsequent 12 months. Key measures included restricting alcohol sales to 3 am in safe night precincts (SNPs), limiting the annual number of extended trading permits (i.e. trading until 5 am) and introducing mandatory networked identification scanners. We examined the policy impact on the number of serious assaults across all combined SNPs and in five major SNPs: Fortitude Valley, Cairns, Surfers Paradise, Toowoomba and Townsville.Design and MethodsUsing police data (July 2009–June 2019), we examined the impact of the policy on serious assaults during high‐alcohol hours (high‐alcohol hours; 8 pm–6 am, Friday and Saturday), employing time series methods.ResultsAcross all SNPs there was no significant change in the number of serious assaults during overall high‐alcohol hours, but a significant 49% decrease in the monthly number of serious assaults between 3 am and 6 am on Friday/Saturday. A significant decrease in the monthly count of serious assaults during high‐alcohol hours and specifically 3 am–6 am on Friday/Saturday was evident in Fortitude Valley SNP (52%), and during high‐alcohol hours in Toowoomba SNP (43%).Discussion and ConclusionsAlthough results were mixed, there was evidence of some promising reductions in alcohol‐related violence in SNPs. It is likely that factors such as extended trading permits (venues not closing at 3 am), continued drinking in some venues and 24‐h trading in casinos have reduced the potential impacts seen elsewhere.
Multisensory enhancement of overt behavior requires multisensory experience
Authors: Smyre Scott A. , Wang Zhengyang , Stein Barry E. , Rowland Benjamin A. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe superior colliculus (SC) is richly endowed with neurons that integrate cues from different senses to enhance their physiological responses and the overt behaviors they mediate. However, in the absence of experience with cross‐modal combinations (e.g., visual–auditory), they fail to develop this characteristic multisensory capability: Their multisensory responses are no greater than their most effective unisensory responses. Presumably, this impairment in neural development would be reflected as corresponding impairments in SC‐mediated behavioral capabilities such as detection and localization performance. Here, we tested that assumption directly in cats raised to adulthood in darkness. They, along with a normally reared cohort, were trained to approach brief visual or auditory stimuli. The animals were then tested with these stimuli individually and in combination under ambient light conditions consistent with their rearing conditions and home environment as well as under the opposite lighting condition. As expected, normally reared animals detected and localized the cross‐modal combinations significantly better than their individual component stimuli. However, dark‐reared animals showed significant defects in multisensory detection and localization performance. The results indicate that a physiological impairment in single multisensory SC neurons is predictive of an impairment in overt multisensory behaviors.
The effect of calcium hydroxide on dentine composition and root fracture resistance of human teeth: An in vitro study
Authors: Al‐Hiyasat Ahmad S. , El‐Farraj Hamza S. , Alebrahim Mohammad A. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] on dentine composition and root fracture resistance. Root canals of fifty extracted mandibular premolars were prepared and divided into five groups (N = 10). Canals were filled with non‐setting Ca(OH)2 or left empty and were subsequently stored in phosphate buffered saline for 7, 14, 30, or 90 days, respectively. Ca(OH)2 was then washed out, and roots were separated from the crowns and subjected to fracture strength test. Fractured fragments were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The results showed a significant and progressive reduction in fracture resistance the longer the duration of exposure to Ca(OH)2, and the fracture resistance in teeth exposed for 90 days was significantly lower than in any other group. SEM revealed cracks in the dentine surfaces that had been exposed to Ca(OH)2. FTIR showed a significantly lower mineral to matrix ratio in roots exposed to Ca(OH)2 for 30 and 90 days than seen in roots exposed for a shorter duration. XRD analysis revealed a reduction in dentine crystallinity. It was concluded that Ca(OH)2 significantly reduced the fracture resistance of the roots overtime. Exposure to Ca(OH)2 reduced the mineral to matrix ratio and crystallinity of the dentine.
Unconditional adoption rules out the need for parent–offspring recognition in a single‐brooded colonial seabird
Authors: Becciu Paolo , Campioni Letizia , Massa Bruno , Dell'Omo Giacomo 
Published: May 2021

AbstractParent–offspring recognition (POR) is fundamental in colonial birds when the potential intermingling of chicks is higher due to the large number and proximity of nests. In species with isolated nests, where chick presence in the nest is strong contextual evidence of kinship, there might be circumstances when the parent might doubt the identity of the chick, but not enough to reject it. Olfactory‐based recognition of conspecifics and nest sites in birds has gained strong evidence suggesting a potential role of olfaction in POR. Despite that, there are no studies testing it. We used Scopoli's shearwater (Calonectris diomedea) as model colonial single‐brooded species with a developed olfactory sense, usually breeding in well‐spaced nests with low probability of chicks mixing. We tested the parent's ability to selectively respond to their own chick as opposed to a simpler rule of feeding any chick found in the nest by means of chick‐fostering experiments. We designed two cross‐fostering experiments using chicks of different ages to test whether the ability of parents to recognize a related chick develops over time, possibly after acquiring an own distinctive odour. Finally, we also manipulated nests’ odour to disentangle the confounding effect of nest site recognition from POR when parents return at night. All experimental chicks were adopted by parents as the weight and bill growth of cross‐fostered chicks did not differ significantly from the control group. We recorded a small difference in weight when foster chicks were inside an odour‐manipulated nest; although we did not record weight loss in experimental chicks, only a steeper increase in weight was observed in control chicks. In conclusion, adoption in Scopoli's shearwater seems to follow the rule "if the young is in my nest, accept it" proposed by Beecher (1991) for species with spatially separated nests and low chick mobility.
Does the Federal Open Market Committee cycle affect credit risk?
Authors: Huang Difang , Li Yubin , Wang Xinjie , Zhong Zhaodong (Ken) 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis paper studies the returns of credit default swap (CDS) indices over the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) cycle. We document that the CDS return is significantly higher in even weeks than in odd weeks of the FOMC cycle. The biweekly pattern in the CDS market is not a mere reflection of that in the stock market. A simple trading strategy based on the biweekly pattern yields an annual excess return of 8.8%. This pattern is linked to the resolution of macroeconomic uncertainty by the biweekly schedules of the Fed Reserve internal Board of Governors meetings. We provide further evidence that the Fed affects the CDS market via unexpected information signals and monetary policies that lead to reductions in the risk premium.
Soil organic carbon in irrigated agricultural systems: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Emde David , Hannam Kirsten D. , Most Ilka , Nelson Louise M. , Jones Melanie D. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractOver the last 200 years, conversion of non‐cultivated land for agriculture has substantially reduced global soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks in upper soil layers. Nevertheless, practices such as no‐ or reduced tillage, application of organic soil amendments, and maintenance of continuous cover can increase SOC in agricultural fields. While these management practices have been well studied, the effects on SOC of cropping systems that incorporate irrigation are poorly understood. Given the large, and expanding, agricultural landbase under irrigation across the globe, this is a critical knowledge gap for climate change mitigation. We undertook a systematic literature review and subsequent meta‐analysis of data from studies that examined changes in SOC on irrigated agricultural sites through time. We investigated changes in SOC by climate (aridity), soil texture, and irrigation method with the following objectives: (i) to examine the impact of irrigated agriculture on SOC storage; and (ii) to identify the conditions under which irrigated agriculture is most likely to enhance SOC. Overall, irrigated agriculture increased SOC stocks by 5.9%, with little effect of study length (2–47 years). However, changes in SOC varied by climate and soil depth, with the greatest increase in SOC observed on irrigated semi‐arid sites at the 0–10 cm depth (14.8%). Additionally, SOC increased in irrigated fine‐ and medium‐textured soils but not coarse‐textured soils. Furthermore, while there was no overall change to SOC in flood/furrow irrigated sites, SOC tended to increase in sprinkler irrigated sites, and decrease in drip irrigated sites, especially at depths below 10 cm. This work sheds light on the nuances of SOC change across irrigated agricultural systems, highlights the importance of studying SOC storage in deeper soils, and will help guide future research on the impacts of irrigated agriculture on SOC.