bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Defining inclusion criteria and endpoints for clinical trials: a prospective cross‐sectional study in CRB1‐associated retinal dystrophies
Authors: Talib Mays , van Schooneveld Mary J. , Wijnholds Jan , van Genderen Maria M. , Schalij‐Delfos Nicoline E. , Talsma Herman E. , Florijn Ralph J. , ten Brink Jacoline B. , Cremers Frans P.M. , Thiadens Alberta A.H.J. , van den Born L. Ingeborgh , Hoyng Carel B. , Meester‐Smoor Magda A. , Bergen Arthur A. , Boon Camiel J.F. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the retinal structure and function in patients with CRB1‐associated retinal dystrophies (RD) and to explore potential clinical endpoints.MethodsIn this prospective cross‐sectional study, 22 patients with genetically confirmed CRB1‐RD (aged 6–74 years), and who had a decimal best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) ≥ 0.05 at the last visit, were studied clinically with ETDRS BCVA, corneal topography, spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT), fundus autofluorescence, Goldmann visual field (VF), microperimetry, full‐field electroretinography (ERG) and full‐field stimulus testing (FST). Ten patients were from a genetic isolate (GI).ResultsPatients had retinitis pigmentosa (n = 19; GI and non‐GI), cone‐rod dystrophy (n = 2; GI) or macular dystrophy (n = 1; non‐GI). Median age at first symptom onset was 3 years (range 0.8–49). Median decimal BCVA in the better and worse‐seeing eye was 0.18 (range 0.05–0.83) and 0.08 (range light perception‐0.72), respectively. Spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT) showed cystoid maculopathy in 8 subjects; inner retinal thickening (n = 20), a well‐preserved (para)foveal outer retina (n = 7) or severe (para)foveal outer retinal atrophy (n = 14). All retinal layers were discernible in 13/21 patients (62%), with mild to moderate laminar disorganization in the others. Nanophthalmos was observed in 8 patients (36%). Full‐field stimulus testing (FST) provided a subjective outcome measure for retinal sensitivity in eyes with (nearly) extinguished ERG amplitudes.ConclusionsDespite the generally severe course of CRB1‐RDs, symptom onset and central visual function are variable, even at advanced ages. Phenotypes may vary within the same family. Imaging and functional studies in a prospective longitudinal setting should clarify which endpoints may be most appropriate in a clinical trial.
Adolescent vocational interests predict early career success: Two 12‐year longitudinal studies
Authors: Hoff Kevin A. , Chu Chu , Einarsdóttir Sif , Briley Daniel A. , Hanna Alexis , Rounds James 
Published: February 2021

AbstractVocational interests are relatively stable individual differences that can change across the lifespan. However, little is known about the importance of interest changes, relative to stable interest levels, for predicting career outcomes. This study assessed the long‐term predictive power of adolescent interest levels and interest growth for five career outcomes: degree attainment, occupational prestige, income, and career‐ and job‐satisfaction. The study used two 12‐year longitudinal samples (N1 = 485; N2 = 1290) with vocational interests measured across multiple waves from late adolescence to young adulthood. Results from both samples converged on three key findings. First, adolescents who showed better interest fit with their eventual vocation were more satisfied with their jobs over a decade later. Second, adolescent interests predicted objective career outcomes (i.e. degree attainment, occupational prestige, and income), revealing that early interests shaped educational and career choices. Third, interest changes were typically not associated with career outcomes, indicating that adolescent interest levels played a larger role. Together, these findings highlight the critical importance of childhood and adolescent interest development for guiding career trajectories and outcomes. We discuss implications for interest development theories, educational policies, and applied interventions.
Adsorption of Cr(VI) onto a low‐cost ceramsite: Preparation, kinetics, and thermodynamics
Authors: Li Bin , Zhao Mingxing , Qi Yanxia , Wang Qidong , Jiang Nan , Luo Wenqin 
Published: February 2021

AbstractA novel composite ceramsite derived from bamboo powders and bentonite was developed as adsorbents for waste water treatment. The microstructure, morphology, and thermal properties of ceramsite were characterized by X‐ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence, and differential thermal analysis. The effect of compositions, sintering temperatures, sintering time, pH, and adsorption time on the adsorption performance of the ceramsites were studied. The results revealed that the maximum Cr(VI) removal rate of 99% can be obtained in the ceramsite with weight ratio bamboo to bentonite of 6:4, the annealing temperature of 1000°C, the solution pH 1 and contact time of 12 h. The adsorption kinetics and adsorption isotherm analysis revealed that the adsorption process best followed pseudo‐second‐order reaction kinetics and the Freundlich adsorption isotherm. The adsorption mechanism was discussed and both chemisorption and physiosorption were proposed as adsorption mechanism of Cr(VI). Moreover, the thermodynamic parameters, including changes in Gibbs free energy, entropy, and enthalpy, were studied in detail. The bamboo powder/bentonite composite ceramsite developed in this work is a promising candidate as an effective and economical adsorbent for Cr(VI) ions removal.
Effects of alpha lipoic acid on iron overload, lipid profile and oxidative stress indices in β‐thalassemia major patients: A cross‐over randomised controlled clinical trial
Authors: Sharifi‐Zahabi Elham , Abdollahzad Hadi , Mostafa Nachvak Seyed , Moloudi Jalal , Golpayegani Mohammad Reza , Asiaei Sahar , Rezavand Laya , Iraji Zeynab , Jamshidi Khadijeh 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAimsβ‐Thalassemia major (β‐TM) is associated with iron overload, abnormal lipid levels and oxidative stress. Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) showed anti‐oxidant and iron chelating properties, but its effect in β‐TM patients is unclear. We investigated the effects of ALA on iron levels, lipid profile and oxidative stress.MethodsIn this cross‐over randomised clinical trial, 26 β‐TM patients were assigned to receive 600 mg/d ALA or placebo (corn starch), for 8 weeks with a 21‐days washout period. Serum ferritin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), LDL‐C/HDL‐C, total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde (MDA) and MDA/LDL‐C were assessed at baseline and the end of each intervention phase.ResultsTwenty‐two patients completed the study. Serum ferritin (P = .004), MDA (P = .025) and MDA/LDL‐C ratio (P =.002) were decreased and HDL‐C (P =.035) increased significantly during ALA consumption. In comparison with placebo, ALA decreased the serum ferritin significantly (P = .02). Also, the changes in serum ferritin between ALA and placebo (−123.1 ± 40.0 vs −34.3 ± 21.0, P =.03) was significant in women subgroup. ALA had no significant effects on the other biomarkers.ConclusionThe results of this study indicated that supplementation with 600 mg/d ALA may decrease serum ferritin in β‐TM. Further studies are needed to confirm the findings.
Using cone beam CT scans to reveal headfirst ingestion and possible prey manipulation tactics in sawsharks
Authors: Burke Patrick J. , Williamson Jane E. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPrey manipulation through headfirst ingestion is a common foraging tactic in predatory taxa. Sawsharks possess a toothed rostrum that is thought to assist in prey capture, but the process from prey contact to ingestion is unknown. This study provides evidence of headfirst ingestion and possible prey orientation in situ through the use of cone beam CT scans in the common sawshark (Pristiophorus cirratus). CT scans provide an efficient method for assessing ingestion and proposing plausible behavioural tactics for food manipulation in a species difficult to observe in the wild or maintain in captivity.
Deletion of adipocytes induced by a novel device simultaneously delivering synchronized radiofrequency and hifem: Human histological study
Authors: Goldberg David J. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundRadiofrequency (RF) is commonly recognized treatment option for fat reduction, utilizing heat‐induced adipocyte deletion. HIFEM treatment has been proven to be an effective tool for body shaping.ObjectivesTo document the structural changes in human subcutaneous tissue induced by the combination of RF treatment with the HIFEM procedure.MethodsFour subjects (51.50 ± 6.35 years, 22.59 ± 3.21 kg/m2) received three 30‐minute abdominal treatments consisting of RF therapy and HIFEM. One subject (57 years, 23.60 kg/m2) served as a control. Punch biopsies were collected at baseline, 1‐week, and 1‐month post‐treatment. Samples were sliced and stained with H&E. Waist circumference, digital photographs, satisfaction, and therapy comfort were assessed. Subjects were monitored for any adverse event, and fat temperatures were measured.ResultsBaseline samples showed a healthy appearance of adipocytes, composed of round‐shaped unilocular cells of uniform size. At follow‐up, treated adipocytes demonstrated nuclear and shape changes with consequent fat reduction. Adipocytes were found to be flattened/shrunken and of smaller size (−33.5% at 1 week; −31.7% at 1‐month) along with occasional ruptures of the cytoplasmic membrane. In contrast to baseline, pyknotic nuclei with condensed nuclear chromatin were seen at 1‐week and 1‐month post‐treatment. The control samples showed no treatment‐related changes. Waist circumference decreased by an average of 2.20 cm in the treated patients. No adverse events were observed. The fat temperature reached 42‐45°C, during treatment; the therapy was comfortable with high patient satisfaction.ConclusionsResults suggest the efficacy and safety of the therapy combining RF and HIFEM. The adipocyte deletion and shrinkage resulted in overall reduction of fat tissue.
Use of allograft dermal matrix for repairing large oral epithelial defects: Outcomes of patients with lingual and buccal leukoplakia
Authors: Zhou Bin , Yuan Kai‐fang , Chen Wei‐liang 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe best treatment approach for wide oral leukoplakia (OL) remains to be determined.AimsTo evaluate the outcomes of using an allograft dermal matrix (ADM) for reconstructing large oral epithelial defects following resection of OLs.Patients and MethodsA total of 27 OLs in 26 patients were excised, and residual large lingual and buccal epithelial defects were reconstructed using an ADM, which ranged in size from 3.0 × 5.0 to 6.0 × 6.0 cm. The patients were classified into mild (n = 1), moderate (n = 13), and severe dysplasia (n = 12) groups; 57.7% of the patients were tobacco smokers, 46.2% were alcoholics, 47.2% were both smokers and alcoholics, and 11.5% were both smoking and betel quid chewers. Patients who underwent surgery were advised to quit smoking, drink alcohol in moderation, or quit betel quid chewing.ResultsTwo patients developed slight hematomas that resolved spontaneously within 2 weeks. A total of 76.9% of the smokers followed the advice to quit smoking, 83.3% of the alcoholics followed the advice to drink in moderation, and all three betel quid chewers followed the advice to quit chewing betel quid. The mean follow‐up was 26.7 months. No MT occurred and recurrence was seen in two patients.ConclusionsLarge epithelial defect reconstruction using an ADM following resection of wide lingual and buccal OLs was safe and reliable for preventing MT of OL. The recurrence of OL may be related to patient habits such as tobacco smoking or/and drinking alcohol.
The relationship between patient obesity and nursing workload: An integrative review
Authors: Huang Sizhao L. , Cheng Heilok , Duffield Christine , Denney‐Wilson Elizabeth 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAims and objectivesTo explore the relationship between patient obesity and nursing workload, and discuss the nursing activities most affected by patient obesity.BackgroundThe increasing number of patients with obesity, and the severity of obesity, impacts the healthcare workforce, particularly to nurses who provide most direct care to patients. There is growing evidence to suggest that patient obesity may increase nursing workload and time taken for clinical care.DesignIntegrative review.MethodsA comprehensive search of academic databases for primary research related to patient obesity and nursing workload, published since 2000, was conducted. References of relevant articles were hand‐searched.Results27 articles were analysed. Analysis was undertaken at the levels of patient characteristics, nursing work and the healthcare system. The increasing number of patients with obesity, and the severity of patient obesity, increases nursing workload by affecting nursing time needed to deliver care. An increased number of nurses, particularly with increased clinical skill, are needed to deliver care meeting these increased needs. Organisational change is required to provide infrastructure and bariatric equipment that enables effective nursing care of patients with obesity. Organisations must consider additional time and staff needs when delivering care for patients with obesity.ConclusionsThe current health system is not established to address the challenge of providing nursing care to the increasing numbers of patients with obesity. Further research on accurately and objectively quantifying the impact and severity of patient obesity on nursing clinical activities is required.Relevance to clinical practiceWhen determining staffing, healthcare organisations must consider the increased nursing staff, time and clinical skill required to provide care for patients with obesity. Healthcare organisations should implement policies that ensure sufficient staffing in areas where care of patients with obesity is prevalent, and provide training for and workplace availability of bariatric equipment.
Performance evaluation of fungal DNA PCR amplification from formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissue for diagnosis: Experience of a tertiary reference laboratory
Authors: Lysen Colleen , Silva‐Flannery Luciana , Zaki Sherif R. , Gary Joy M. , Lockhart Shawn R. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundDiagnosis of invasive fungal infections from formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) tissues by PCR amplification is a developing technology. One of the difficulties of establishing a validated protocol for this testing is that the gold standard, culture, is much less sensitive than the test being validated.ObjectivesTo validate FFPE PCR as a refence laboratory identification methodology in the absence of abundant gold standard specimens.MethodsIn this validation, PCR from FFPE tissue was compared to other diagnostic methods for genus/species identification. Four different groups of correlative data from FFPE tissues were used to validate this procedure. Thirteen specimens had culture or serology results and FFPE PCR results, 49 specimens had both immunohistochemistry (IHC) identification and FFPE PCR results, 118 specimens had histological evidence of fungal elements, 64 of which also had FFPE PCR results, and 36 fungal mock tissues or fungal negative tissues were used.ResultsThe sensitivity determined from the tissues with positive fungal histopathology was 54%. The specificity of the cases for which there were both culture and FFPE PCR results was 100%. For the correlation with IHC, the specificity was 98%. For the mock tissues and fungal negative tissues, the calculated analytical sensitivity was 94%, specificity was 95%, and accuracy was 94%.ConclusionsBy uniquely combining various data sources, this study provides a comprehensive framework for how validation can be achieved in the absence of a gold standard and outlines the excellent performance of PCR from FFPE tissue, despite relatively the low sensitivity when compared to histopathology.
Cerebral autoregulation in infants during sevoflurane anesthesia for craniofacial surgery
Authors: Jildenstål Pether , Widarsson Norbeck Daniel , Snygg Johan , Ricksten Sven‐Erik , Lannemyr Lukas 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundData on cerebral pressure‐flow autoregulation in the youngest children are scarce. We studied the correlation between mean arterial pressure and cerebral tissue oxygen saturation (rSO2) by near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in patients undergoing nose, lip, and palate surgery.AimWe tested the hypothesis that cerebral pressure‐flow autoregulation is impaired in children less than 1 year undergoing surgery and general anesthesia with sevoflurane under controlled mechanical ventilation.MethodAfter approval from the Ethical board, 15 children aged <1 year were included. Before anesthesia induction, a NIRS sensor (INVOSTM, Medtronic, Minneapolis, USA) was placed over the cerebral frontal lobe. Frontal rSO2, a surrogate for cerebral perfusion, mean arterial pressure, end‐tidal CO2‐ and sevoflurane concentration, and arterial oxygen saturation were sampled every minute after the induction. A repeated measures correlation analysis was performed to study correlation between mean arterial pressure and cerebral rSO2, and the repeated measures correlation coefficient (rrm) was calculated.ResultsFifteen patients, aged 7.7 ± 1.9 months, were studied. rSO2 showed a positive correlation with mean arterial pressure ([95% CI: 9.0‐12.1], P < 0.001) with a moderate to large effect size (rrm = 0.462), indicating an impaired cerebral pressure‐flow autoregulation. The slopes of the rSO2‐mean arterial pressure correlations were steeper in patients who were hypotensive (mean arterial pressure <50 mm Hg) compared to patients having a mean arterial pressure ≥50 mm Hg, indicating that at lower mean arterial pressure, the cerebral pressure dependence of cerebral oxygenation is even more pronounced.ConclusionDuring sevoflurane anesthesia in the youngest pediatric patients, cerebral perfusion is pressure‐dependent, suggesting that the efficiency of the cerebral blood flow autoregulation is limited.
B6‐Dct‐H2BGFP bitransgenic mice: A standardized mouse model for in vivo characterization of melanocyte development and stem cell differentiation
Authors: Tandukar Bishal , Kalapurakal Emmanual , Hornyak Thomas J. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractMelanocyte stem cells (McSCs) are key components of the hair follicle (HF) stem cell system that regenerate differentiated melanocytes during successive HF cycles. To facilitate continued research on melanocyte development and differentiation and McSCs, we backcrossed inducible Dct‐H2BGFP mice into the C57BL/6J background (B6‐Dct‐H2BGFP). We compared the expression pattern of B6‐Dct‐H2BGFP to that of Dct‐H2BGFP mice on a mixed genetic background reported previously. To characterize B6‐Dct‐H2BGFP mice, we confirmed not only the expression of GFP in all melanocyte lineage cells, but also doxycycline regulation of GFP expression. Furthermore, ex vivo culture of the McSC subsets isolated by fluorescence‐activated cell sorting (FACS) showed the propensity of bulge/CD34+ McSCs to differentiate with expression of non‐melanocytic, neural crest lineage markers including glia (Gfap and CNPase, 73 ± 1% and 77 ± 2%, respectively), neurons (Tuj1 26 ± 5%), and smooth muscle (α‐Sma, 31 ± 9%). In contrast, CD34−/secondary hair germ (SHG) McSCs differentiated into pigmented melanocytes, with higher expression of melanogenic markers Tyr (71 ± 1%), Tyrp1 (68 ± 4%), and Mitf (75 ± 7%). These results establish the utility of B6‐Dct‐H2BGFP bitransgenic mice for future in vivo studies of melanocytes requiring a defined genetic background.
Solid organ transplant–specific antibiogram in a tertiary pediatric hospital in Canada
Authors: Kitano Taito , Science Michelle , Nalli Nadya , Timberlake Kathryn , Allen Upton , Teoh Chia Wei , Campigotto Aaron 
Published: February 2021

AbstractSOT recipients are more vulnerable to infections with antimicrobial‐resistant organisms, and therefore, it may be useful for transplant centers to create transplant‐specific antibiograms to direct empirical antimicrobial regimens and monitor trends in antimicrobial resistance. SOT‐specific antibiograms were created using antimicrobial susceptibility data on isolates from 2012 to 2018 at The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The CLSI guidelines were followed to generate the antibiograms except that results from 2 years of data were pooled on a rolling basis to achieve larger sample sizes. The 3 most frequent organisms in one analysis period of the SOT antibiogram were Escherichia coli (average sample size ±standard deviation; n = 28.7 ± 3.8), Staphylococcus aureus (n = 27.8 ± 5.0), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (non‐CF) (n = 19.8 ± 8.8). For E.coli, susceptibilities in the SOT antibiogram were significantly lower than those in the hospital‐wide antibiogram in 2017–2018 for ampicillin (27% vs 47%; p = .014), piperacillin/tazobactam (55% vs 88%; p < .001), cefotaxime (59% vs 89%; p < .001), ciprofloxacin (71% vs 88%; p = .007), and trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole (41% vs 69%; p = .001), but not significantly different for aminoglycosides and meropenem. In the SOT antibiogram of E. coli, decreased susceptibility trend was confirmed in some antibiotics, including piperacillin/tazobactam (83% in 2012–2013 vs 55% in 2017–2018). At our center, the solid organ transplant–specific antibiogram revealed important differences in E. coli susceptibilities and trends in antimicrobial resistance. Developing a SOT antibiogram will assist in revising and improving empiric treatment guidelines as well as monitoring antimicrobial resistance in this population.
Adapting our Flood Risk Policies to Changing Conditions
Authors: Kousky Carolyn , Kunreuther Howard , Xian Siyuan , Lin Ning 
Published: February 2021

AbstractFlooding causes more damage and severely impacts more people worldwide than any other natural disaster. Flood risk in many parts of the United States is projected to increase due to both continued floodplain development and climate change. Many of our institutions and public policies are not designed to address these changing risk conditions. The practice of grandfathering insurance premiums in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)—allowing an insured to keep a lower rate even when risk has increased—is one such policy. We link a flood hazard model to a flood insurance premium calculator in order to provide illustrative calculations of the possible impact of grandfathering on program revenue and policyholder premiums due to sea level rise for a New York City neighborhood. We conclude by discussing how to preserve the financial soundness of the NFIP while addressing the affordability of insurance in the face of increasing flood risk.
Introduction to the Forum: Bordering, Ordering and Othering
Authors: Van Melik Rianne 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACT‘Bordering, Ordering and Othering’ (2002) by Henk van Houtum and Ton van Naerssen is one of the most cited and read papers published in TESG in the last two decades. This Introduction to the third TESG Forum briefly summarises the key points of the paper, followed by contributions of four border scholars who reflect upon the paper’s contribution and continued relevance to the field, but also discuss some of its shortcomings. Van Houtum closes this Forum with a reflection on these commentaries. Jointly, these five scholars also present a future border research agenda.