bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic yield of computed tomography‐guided biopsy and aspiration for vertebral osteomyelitis
Authors: Ang Megan T , Wong Geoffrey R , Wong Davy R , Clements Warren , Joseph Tim 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIntroductionThe diagnostic yield of and best approaches for imaging‐guided percutaneous biopsy for vertebral osteomyelitis is controversial. Early studies suggest yields of up to 90%; however, recent evidence shows lower yields of 30–40%. We aim to determine yield and predictors of yield in percutaneous CT‐guided biopsies in vertebral osteomyelitis.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective observational single‐centre study cohort study of all patients presenting for vertebral biopsy or aspiration between 2014 and 2018. Only patients undergoing biopsy for suspected infection were included. Patients with malignant indications were excluded. Comprehensive review of medical records was performed for clinical presentation, comorbidities, imaging, biomarkers, microbiology and treatment.ResultsOverall, 40 out of 88 biopsies were performed for suspected infection, in 36 patients. Mean age was 59 ± 18 years; 29 (81%) were male. Of the 40 samples, an organism was identified in 14 samples (35%). Gram‐positive organisms were most commonly identified; Staphylococcus aureus was cultured in 7 (50%) of samples. Mean admission CRP was significantly higher in patients with identified organisms compared to those without (137 ± 106 vs 54 ± 78, P = 0.008). Aspiration was a strong independent predictor of positive microbiological growth on multivariate analysis (OR 6.52 [1.25–34.02], P = 0.026). Biopsy or aspiration aided clinical decision‐making in half of cases.ConclusionsPercutaneous CT‐guided biopsy has a modest yield for identifying the culprit organism in suspected cases of vertebral osteomyelitis. Elevated CRP and aspiration of fluid collections are associated with improved microbiological yield and should be considered in deciding when and where to biopsy.
Cohesive framework for modelling plant cover class data
Authors: Irvine Kathryn M. , Wright Wilson J. , Shanahan Erin K. , Rodhouse Thomas J. 
Published: July 2019

Abstract

The study of plant distribution and abundance is a fundamental pursuit in ecology and conservation biology. Measuring plant abundance by visually assessing percent cover and recording a cover class is a common field method that yields ordinal data. Statistical models for ordinal data exist but entail cumbersome interpretations and sometimes restrictive assumptions.

We propose a Bayesian hierarchical framework for analysing cover class data that allows for linking ordinal observations to a latent beta distribution and accounts for zero inflation. Harnessing a latent beta distribution supports interpreting changes in abundance in terms of mean percent cover rather than odds ratios of cumulative cover classes as for cumulative link models. The zero augmentation allows for simultaneous inferences on both occurrence (distribution) and abundance. We show how our model can account for true and false zeros, misclassification of cover classes, multiple species and hierarchical sampling designs, using empirical examples and simulations.

Simulated observation errors, when ignored, led to models overestimating abundance and underestimating occurrence. Based on simulations, we found no substantial difference between mean percent cover estimates when analyzing ordinal cover classes versus continuous percent cover as the response. Our empirical datasets displayed high probability of detection (>0.85 on average for all species), likely due to the sampling design used and training of observers. Probability of occurrence was slightly underestimated for bare ground, Artemisia tridentata, Elycap medusae, and Poa secunda using a model that ignored imperfect detection. Estimated mean percent cover was not substantially impacted by ignoring measurement error for five plant species and bare ground.

Our modelling framework for cover class data allows for an explicit separation of distribution from abundance and, importantly, allows for interpreting species–environment relationships in terms of variation in mean percent cover as compared to cumulative odds ratios. The beta distribution inherently accommodates heteroscedasticity and skewness, statistical properties that are a consequence of spatially aggregated patterns common to plant survey data. Recording cover classes provides a reliable, efficient way to measure plants and our simulations suggest little loss of information compared to assuming continuous percent cover. We provide JAGS and Stan model code for implementation.
Evaluation of posterior vitreous detachment using ultrasonography and optical coherence tomography
Authors: Moon Su Young , Park Sung Pyo , Kim Yong‐Kyu 
Published: July 2019

AbstractPurposeTo compare the diagnostic ability of ultrasonography (US) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) in evaluating posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) status.MethodsIn total, 124 eyes in 63 patients were prospectively enrolled. Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) status was evaluated by two examiners independently using US and OCT (transverse scan with/without peripapillary scan). By combining all examination results from both examiners, a final agreement on the PVD status was made. Inter‐observer agreement and inter‐examination agreement on PVD detection were evaluated.ResultsThe inter‐observer agreement on PVD grading based on US was substantial (kappa = 0.628). The inter‐observer agreement on PVD grading based on OCT was almost perfect (transverse and peripapillary scan, kappa = 0.893; transverse scan only, kappa = 0.923). The PVD grading based on transverse and peripapillary OCT perfectly matched the final PVD grading (kappa = 1.00). The PVD grading made based on US and transverse scan only showed almost perfect agreement with the final PVD grading (US, kappa = 0.834; transverse scan only, kappa = 0.906).ConclusionBoth US and OCT could accurately evaluate PVD. The interpretation of the US images was more subjective, leading to lower inter‐examiner agreement than that of the OCT. By adding peripapillary OCT scan images, the diagnostic ability of OCT was improved.
A prospective evaluation of photorefractive intrastromal cross‐linking for the treatment of low‐grade myopia
Authors: Fredriksson Anneli , Näslund Sofie , Behndig Anders 
Published: July 2019

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate photorefractive intrastromal cross‐linking (PiXL) treatment for low‐grade myopia, comparing three treatment protocols.MethodsHealthy individuals, 25.6 ± 3.6 years of age, with low‐grade myopia underwent epi‐on PiXL with either: 4‐mm zone treated in high oxygen environment (4 mm‐HIGH; n = 15), 4‐mm/room air (4‐mm LOW; n = 6), or 6‐mm/high oxygen (6‐mm HIGH; n = 6). Efficacy was determined by change in uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), manifest refractive spherical equivalent (MRSE) and corneal curvature (Kmean) over a 12‐month follow‐up. Safety was determined by best spectacle corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), corneal endothelial cell loss and registration of side‐effects.ResultsTwenty‐seven subjects were included. Due to insufficient effect with the 4‐mm LOW treatment and an unacceptable degree of initial light sensitivity/ocular irritation in the 6‐mm HIGH group, the inclusions to these treatments were stopped after inclusion of 6 patients in each group. The 4‐mm HIGH treatment showed a significantly larger improvement in UCVA (−0.45 ± 0.27 LogMAR) and MRSE (+0.99 ± 0.44 D) at 1, 6 and 12 months compared with the 4‐mm LOW treatment (p < 0.05). At 12 months posttreatment, endothelial cell count and BSCVA were unaltered. More initial side‐effects were noted with the 6‐mm HIGH treatment, compared with the 4‐mm HIGH treatment (p < 0.05).ConclusionEpi‐on PiXL may become a safe and effective non‐ablative treatment for low‐grade myopia. The effect is augmented by high oxygen environment and remains stable for 12 months. The initial ocular irritation is acceptable with a 4‐mm treatment zone. The present results justify further clinical studies on PiXL, including refinements of the technique and long‐term results.
Understanding the impact of age, gender, height and body mass index on children's balance
Authors: Kolic Jessica , O'Brien Kaitlyn , Bowles Kelly‐Ann , Iles Ross , Williams Cylie M. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAimThis research aimed to understand the influence of age, gender, height and body mass index (BMI) on balance ability in children aged 4‐12 years. The secondary aim was to develop normative values for three balance tests on the Balance Master system.MethodsChildren were recruited in 2017 through community advertising. Balance testing occurred at three recreational centres in Frankston, Victoria, Australia. Data were collected by the Rhythmic Weight Shift, modified Clinical Test of Sensory Integration and Limits of Stability balance tests of the Balance Master equipment. Multiple regression analysis determined associations between variables including age, gender, height and BMI.ResultsThere were 91 children recruited and consented. Children were aged between 4 and 12 years old. Balance ability was shown to improve with age (P < .05), with girls demonstrating more mature balance strategies at earlier ages. Decreased BMI was associated with greater balance ability and postural control (P < .05).ConclusionThe normative values established may be used to support clinical paediatric assessment with this equipment. Findings of this study suggest that increased BMI may be associated with poorer balance ability in children. However, further research studies are needed to explore this assertion.
Alien plants alter the growth form ratio and structure of Australian grasslands
Authors: Guerin Greg R. , Martín‐Forés Irene , Munroe Samantha E. M. , Sparrow Ben , Lowe Andrew J. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractQuestionsNiche complementarity is often invoked to explain co‐existence between native and alien plant species in grasslands. However, positive correlations between native and alien plant diversity observed in recent studies could mask the displacement of particular native species and functional groups or the negative effects of particular alien species. We asked: do alien species alter the species composition or proportions of growth forms in grasslands? Do particular alien species decrease native plant diversity?LocationSouth Australian grasslands.MethodsWe performed RDA ordination on growth form abundances or Hellinger‐transformed species abundances obtained from plot‐based surveys, constrained by alien species richness and cumulative cover. Control variables (climate, soil, land use and geographic space) were partialled out. We related individual alien species abundances to native richness, diversity and cover. We tested for functional differences between coexisting growth forms using trait hypervolumes.ResultsWhile alien richness and cover explained just 2% of variance in native species composition (control variables 17%), aliens explained 18% of variance in native growth form abundance (control variables 33%), and were associated with increased herb and grass cover. Few individual alien species were associated with strong negative or positive differences in native richness, diversity or cover: correlations followed a Gaussian distribution with near‐zero mean. Trait hypervolumes differed between native and alien herbs with an overlap of 0.44, indicating substantial, but not complete, functional differences.ConclusionsGiven environmental context, alien cover was a good predictor of native herb and grass abundance relative to woody growth forms, but not of species composition per se. While the direction of causality is equivocal, aliens may facilitate native grasses and herbs, and niche complementarity may be involved. Due to functional redundancy across the species pool, the resulting species composition appears to be spatially contingent. Importantly for management, we identify alien species associated with reduced native diversity.
Levetiracetam concentration in hair is associated with the time schedule of administration: Study on rats
Authors: Zakrzewska Alicja , Kuczyńska Julita , Dermanowski Michał , Wyszogrodzka Edyta , Dominiak Monika , Mierzejewski Paweł 
Published: July 2019

AbstractMeasurement of hair drug content may be a reliable biomarker of the history of drug exposure, allowing to assess patient long‐term compliance. Studies on correlations between antiepileptic drugs intake and their hair contents are limited. The aim of the study was to determine the association between the history of levetiracetam administration and its content in rat hair in controlled laboratory conditions. Additionally, the effects of levetiracetam on hair growth rate and body‐weights were examined. Three groups of 12 rats each were exposed to different schedules of levetiracetam administration (10 mg/kg i.p.: every 24, 48 and 72 hours) for 30 days. The control group received daily saline injection. Levetiracetam concentrations in hair were assessed by validated LC‐MS/MS method. The mean hair concentrations were as follows: 300 (±100), 170 (±60) and 130 (±80) ng/mg for rats receiving levetiracetam every 24, 48 and 72 hours, respectively. The levetiracetam accumulation in the hair was correlated with the total number of doses received (r = .699, P < .001). Levetiracetam did not affect the hair growth rate and rat body‐weight. The concentration of levetiracetam measured in rat hair represents a reliable marker. It may reflect the adherence to levetiracetam treatment; however, further studies on human beings are needed.
A functional generalized F‐test for signal detection with applications to event‐related potentials significance analysis
Authors: Causeur David , Sheu Ching‐Fan , Perthame Emeline , Rufini Flavia 
Published: July 2019

AbstractMotivated by the analysis of complex dependent functional data such as event‐related brain potentials (ERP), this paper considers a time‐varying coefficient multivariate regression model with fixed‐time covariates for testing global hypotheses about population mean curves. Based on a reduced‐rank modeling of the time correlation of the stochastic process of pointwise test statistics, a functional generalized F‐test is proposed and its asymptotic null distribution is derived. Our analytical results show that the proposed test is more powerful than functional analysis of variance testing methods and competing signal detection procedures for dependent data. Simulation studies confirm such power gain for data with patterns of dependence similar to those observed in ERPs. The new testing procedure is illustrated with an analysis of the ERP data from a study of neural correlates of impulse control.
Allocation to groups: Examples of Lord's paradox
Authors: Wright Daniel B. 
Published: July 2019

BackgroundEducational and developmental psychologists often examine how groups change over time. Two analytic procedures – analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and the gain score model – each seem well suited for the simplest situation, with just two groups and two time points. They can produce different results, what is known as Lord's paradox.AimsSeveral factors should influence a researcher's analytic choice. This includes whether the score from the initial time influences how people are assigned to groups. Examples are shown, which will help to explain this to researchers and students, and are of educational relevance. It is shown that a common method used to measure school effectiveness is biased against schools that serve students from groups that are historically poor performing.Methods and resultsThe examples come from sports and measuring educational effectiveness (e.g., for teachers or schools). A simulation study shows that if the covariate influences group allocation, the ANCOVA is preferred, but otherwise, the gain score model may be appropriate. Regression towards the mean is used to account for these findings.ConclusionsAnalysts should consider the relationship between the covariate and group allocation when deciding upon their analytic method. Because the influence of the covariate on group allocation may be complex, the appropriate method may be complex. Because the influence of the covariate on group allocation may be unknown, the choice of method may require several assumptions.
Mucin 21 is a key molecule involved in the incohesive growth pattern in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Yoshimoto Taichiro , Matsubara Daisuke , Soda Manabu , Ueno Toshihide , Amano Yusuke , Kihara Atsushi , Sakatani Takashi , Nakano Tomoyuki , Shibano Tomoki , Endo Shunsuke , Hagiwara Koichi , Fukayama Masashi , Denda‐Nagai Kaori , Irimura Tatsuro , Mano Hiroyuki , Niki Toshiro 
Published: July 2019

AbstractDecreased cell adhesion has been reported as a significant negative prognostic factor of lung cancer. However, the molecular mechanisms responsible for the cell incohesiveness in lung cancer have not yet been elucidated in detail. We herein describe a rare histological variant of lung adenocarcinoma consisting almost entirely of individual cancer cells spreading in alveolar spaces in an incohesive pattern. A whole exome analysis of this case showed no genomic abnormalities in CDH1 or other genes encoding cell adhesion molecules. However, whole mRNA sequencing revealed that this case had an extremely high expression level of mucin 21 (MUC21), a mucin molecule that was previously shown to inhibit cell‐cell and cell‐matrix adhesion. The strong membranous expression of MUC21 was found on cancer cells using mAbs recognizing different O‐glycosylated forms of MUC21. An immunohistochemical analysis of an unselected series of lung adenocarcinoma confirmed that the strong membranous expression of MUC21 correlated with incohesiveness. Thus, MUC21 could be a promising biomarker with potential diagnostic and therapeutic applications for lung adenocarcinoma showing cell incohesiveness.
Overproduction of thrombopoietin by BRAFV600E‐mutated mouse hepatocytes and contribution of thrombopoietin to hepatocarcinogenesis
Authors: Tanaka Hiroki , Horioka Kie , Yamamoto Masahiro , Asari Masaru , Okuda Katsuhiro , Yamazaki Kosuke , Shimizu Keiko , Ogawa Katsuhiro 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIn hepatocarcinogenesis induced by diethylnitrosamine (DEN) in B6C3F1 mice, the BrafV637E mutation, corresponding to the human BRAFV600E mutation, plays a pivotal role. The livers of transgenic mice with a hepatocyte‐specific human BRAFV600E mutation weighed 4.5 times more than that of normal mice and consisted entirely of hepatocytes, resembling DEN‐induced preneoplastic hepatocytes. However, these transgenic mice spontaneously died 7 wk after birth, therefore this study aimed to clarify the causes of death. In the transgenic mice, the liver showed thrombopoietin (TPO) overexpression, which is associated with eventual megakaryocytosis and thrombocytosis, and activated platelets were deposited in hepatic sinusoids. TPO was also overexpressed in the DEN‐induced hepatic tumors, and sinusoidal platelet deposition was observed in the hepatic tumors of humans and mice. Podoplanin was expressed in some of the Kupffer cells in the liver of the transgenic mice, indicating that platelet activation occurred via the interaction of podoplanin with C‐type lectin receptor 2 (CLEC‐2) on the platelet membrane. Additionally, erythrocyte dyscrasia and glomerulonephropathy/interstitial pneumonia associated with platelet deposition were observed. In the transgenic mice, aspirin (Asp) administration prevented platelet activation, reduced the liver/body weight ratio, decreased the platelet deposition in the liver, kidney, and lung, and prevented erythrocyte dyscrasia and ameliorated the renal/pulmonary changes. Thrombopoietin overproduction by BRAFV600E‐mutated hepatocytes may contribute to hepatocyte proliferation via thrombocytosis, platelet activation, and the interaction of platelets with hepatic sinusoidal cells, while hematologic, renal, and pulmonary disorders due to aberrant platelet activation may lead to spontaneous death in the transgenic mice.
Circular RNA circCRIM1 inhibits invasion and metastasis in lung adenocarcinoma through the microRNA (miR)‐182/miR‐93‐leukemia inhibitory factor receptor pathway
Authors: Wang Lin , Liang Yingkuan , Mao Qixing , Xia Wenjie , Chen Bing , Shen Hongyu , Xu Lin , Jiang Feng , Dong Gaochao 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIn recent years, circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been revealed to have important roles in carcinogenesis. Metastasis is the leading cause of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAC) death. However, the contributions of circRNA to the metastasis of LUAC remain largely unknown. Based on circBase data and our biobank tissues, we identified circCRIM1 (a circRNA derived from exons 2, 3 and 4 of the CRIM1 gene, hsa_circ_0002346) as having a significantly decreased expression in LUAC samples compared with matched normal control samples. Both in vivo and in vitro experiments revealed that circCRIM1 suppresses the invasion and metastasis of LUAC. In vitro precipitation of circRNAs, luciferase reporter assay, and biotin‐coupled microRNA capture were carried out to investigate the Ago2‐dependent interaction of circCRIM1 and microRNA (miR)‐93/miR‐182. Mechanistically, we found that circCRIM1 could promote the expression of leukemia inhibitory factor receptor, a well‐known tumor suppressor, by sponging miR‐93 and miR‐182. In the clinical and pathological analyses, the downregulation of circCRIM1 in LUAC was significantly correlated with lymphatic metastasis and TNM stage, which served as an independent risk factor for the overall survival of patients with LUAC. Our study showed that circCRIM1 inhibits the invasion and metastasis of lung adenocarcinoma cancer cells, which makes it a potential therapeutic target.
Social Pragmatics: Preschoolers Rely on Commonsense Psychology to Resolve Referential Underspecification
Authors: Jara‐Ettinger Julian , Floyd Sammy , Huey Holly , Tenenbaum Joshua B. , Schulz Laura E. 
Published: July 2019

Four experiments show that 4‐ and 5‐year‐olds (total N = 112) can identify the referent of underdetermined utterances through their Naïve Utility Calculus—an intuitive theory of people’s behavior structured around an assumption that agents maximize utilities. In Experiments 1–2, a puppet asked for help without specifying to whom she was talking (“Can you help me?”). In Experiments 3–4, a puppet asked the child to pass an object without specifying what she wanted (“Can you pass me that one?”). Children’s responses suggest that they considered cost trade‐offs between the members in the interaction. These findings add to a body of work showing that reference resolution is informed by commonsense psychology from early in childhood.
Longitudinal Associations of Identity Processing Styles With Prodiversity and Proequality Values in Adolescence
Authors: Erentaitė Rasa , Vosylis Rimantas , Crocetti Elisabetta 
Published: July 2019

In adolescence, the formation of personal identity and values may be intertwined, since values are among the main issues considered when building one's identity. This study examined how sociocognitive strategies used in the process of identity formation were related with adoption of prodiversity and proequality values, which are critically important for socially diverse contemporary societies. Participants were 916 adolescents (51.4% females, Mage = 15.65, SDage = 0.73 at baseline) involved in a three‐wave longitudinal study with annual assessments. The results of cross‐lagged analyses suggest that more rational and deliberate processing of self‐relevant information is related to stronger adoption of prodiversity and proequality values over time. In turn, endorsement of prodiversity and proequality values is related to more rational and deliberate processing of self‐relevant issues.