bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long‐term trend analysis in annual, seasonal and monthly rainfall in East Northeast of Brazil and the influence of modes of climate variability
Authors: Abreu Marcel Carvalho , de Souza Fraga Micael , Lyra Gustavo Bastos , de Oliveira Junior José Francisco , de Jesús Villar‐Hernández Bartolo , de Souza Amaury , Zeri Marcelo 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe study of rainfall trends is crucial for food security and water availability in Alagoas state, Northeast of Brazil. In this work, monthly, seasonal and annual rainfall trends have been studied (1960–2016) for homogeneous rainfall regions over the eastern part of the Northeast Brazil (ENEB) and later related to climate variability. Cluster analysis was applied to identify homogeneous rainfall regions while the Mann–Kendall (MK), modified Mann–Kendall (MMK) and Pettitt tests were used in the analysis and identification of trends on a spatial and temporal scale. To relate rainfall and climate variability modes, Spearman's correlation was used in each homogeneous region. The rainfall series provided evidence of a general decrease in rainfall in the rainy period and an increase in the dry period, mainly over the driest region. The break points of time series occurred mostly in periods of great variations in values of modes of climate variability, especially the Monthly Niño3.4 Index and the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI), both having a robust influence across the region. Moreover, the probable rainfall in the time series with trends was different in most months before and after the breakpoint. After the breakpoint, probable rainfall was lower, influenced by the breakpoint year (size of the series before and after the breakpoint), which mainly occurred in the 1980s and 1990s and presented a warm phase and a greater number of El Niño events. The MK and MMK trend tests showed the ability to detect trends, although there is no established standard on which test or version to use due to self‐correlated, nonhomogeneous series with nonrandom or nonindependent data. Rainfall is an important variable for water and food security and in the monitoring of natural disasters. The changes detected in this study can be used as reference information for public policies on water resources and future studies for Alagoas and similar regions.
Comparative evaluation of semaphorin‐4D, peptidylarginine deiminase‐2, and matrix metalloproteinase‐8 levels of gingival crevicular fluid in periodontally healthy and Stage III periodontitis smoker and non‐smoker patients before and after non‐surgical periodontal therapy
Authors: Ikhar Aishwarya S. , Kolte Rajashri A. , Kolte Abhay P. , Rathi Prachi R. , Ghoderao Dhanashree G. , Dahake Rahul N. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundThis study was designed to assess the influence of non‐surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) on gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) levels of semaphorin‐4D (SEMA‐4D), peptidylarginine deiminase‐2 (PAD‐2), and matrix metalloproteinase‐8 (MMP‐8) levels in periodontally healthy, Stage III periodontitis non‐smoker and smoker patients.MethodsSixty patients were equally divided into three groups, Group I: Periodontally healthy, Group II: Non‐smokers with Stage III periodontitis, and Group III: Smokers with Stage III periodontitis. The patients underwent NSPT with clinical and biochemical parameters examined at baseline and 3 months post therapy. GCF was collected for levels of SEMA‐4D, PAD‐2, and MMP‐8 through enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).ResultsGreater values of PPD (8.06 ± 0.19 mm), CAL (8.94 ± 0.19 mm), PI (2.58 ± 0.19) while lower PBI (1.39 ± 0.19%) and GI (1.72 ± 0.19) scores were seen in Group III as compared to Group II, which reduced significantly from baseline to 3 months in both the groups after NSPT. Minimum values of SEMA‐4D, PAD‐2, and MMP‐8 levels in GCF were seen for Group I, which increased incrementally to Group II and III. Also, among Group II and III the SEMA‐4D, PAD‐2, and MMP‐8 levels in GCF reduced from baseline to 3 months indicating a favorable response within the tissues.ConclusionGreater levels in GCF of Levels of SEMA‐4D, PAD‐2, and MMP‐8 in Group II and III, which reduced significantly post NSPT, implied that these biomarkers play a pivotal role in the inflammatory process and can be utilized for early diagnosis.
Minimal important difference metrics and test–retest reliability of the PTSD Checklist for DSM‐5 with a primary care sample
Authors: Blanchard Brittany E. , Johnson Morgan , Campbell Sarah B. , Reed David E. , Chen Shiyu , Heagerty Patrick J. , Marx Brian P. , Kaysen Debra , Fortney John C. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe PTSD Checklist for DSM‐5 (PCL‐5) is a measure of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom severity that is widely used for clinical and research purposes. Although previous work has examined metrics of minimal important difference (MID) of the PCL‐5 in veteran samples, no work has identified PCL‐5 MID metrics among adults in primary care in the United States. In this secondary analysis, data were evaluated from primary care patients (N = 971) who screened positive for PTSD and participated in a large clinical trial in federally qualified health centers in three U.S. states. Participants primarily self‐identified as women (70.2%) and White (70.3%). We calculated test–retest reliability using clinic registry data and multiple distribution‐ and anchor‐based metrics of MID using baseline and follow‐up survey data. Test–retest reliability (Pearson's r, Spearman's ρ, intraclass correlation coefficient) ranged from adequate to excellent (.79–.94), with the shortest time lag demonstrating the highest reliability estimate. The MID for the PCL‐5 was estimated using multiple approaches. Distribution‐based approaches indicated an MID range of 8.5–12.5, and anchor‐based approaches indicated an MID range of 9.8–11.7. Taken together, the MID metrics indicate that PCL‐5 change scores of 9–12 likely reflect real change in PTSD symptoms and indicate at least an MID for patients, whereas PCL‐5 change scores of 5 or less likely are not reliable. These findings can help inform clinicians using the PCL‐5 in similar populations to track patient responses to treatment and help researchers interpret PCL‐5 score changes in clinical trials.
Amyopathic anti‐TIF1‐γ antibody‐positive dermatomyositis in a young man
Authors: Kluger Nicolas 
Published: October 2023

AbstractDermatomyositis (DM) is a rare idiopathic inflammatory disorder characterized by the association of typical skin and myositis. It may be associated with interstitial lung disease and/or malignancy. Diagnosis is usually easy in patients with fair skin due to very peculiar clinical features, but, among persons of colour (PoC), diagnosis can become challenging for an unexperienced eye, especially in case of lack of clinical myositis. We present the case of a young man with amyopathic DM that has evolved for 4 years before the proper diagnosis has been made. Our case highlights the pitfalls related to the clinical presentation of DM in PoC.
Limitations in Faculty Advancement for Underrepresented Groups in Academic Otolaryngology
Authors: Kim Sul Gi , Russel Sarah M. , Stack Taylor J. , Frank‐Ito Dennis O. , Farzal Zainab , Ebert Charles S. , Buckmire Robert A. , Demason Christine E. , Shah Rupali N. 
Published: October 2023

ObjectiveDespite the increasing racial diversity of the United States, representation in academic medicine faculty does not reach concordance with the general population and worsens with higher rank. Few studies have examined this within academic Otolaryngology and surgical subspecialties. This project aims to compare rank equity in academic Otolaryngology on self‐reported gender and race/ethnicity between the years 2000 and 2020.MethodsPublicly available data were obtained from the Association of American Medical Colleges under the “Data & Reports” section for the years 2000 and 2020. The report comprised of full‐time faculty from all U.S. medical schools. To determine parity between faculty ranks across gender and race/ethnicity, rank equity index (REI) was calculated for associate/assistant, professor/associate, and professor/assistant professor comparisons.ResultsThe percentage of women faculty in Otolaryngology has increased from 21% in 2000 to 37% in 2020; however, they did not achieve parity at all rank comparisons for both years. On the contrary, men were above parity at all rank comparisons. Improvements in rank equity occurred for Black/African American (Black) and Hispanic Latino/Spanish Origin (Latine) faculty between the years 2000 and 2020; however, when accounting for gender, benefits were concentrated among men.ConclusionAdvancement along the academic ladder is limited for women of all racial groups in academic Otolaryngology. While improved rank equity was seen for Black and Latine faculty, these improvements were largely among men. Future directions should aim to identify barriers to recruitment, retention, and promotion for women and underrepresented in medicine (URiM) academic otolaryngologists and create interventions that diversify Otolaryngology faculty at all ranks.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 134:1625–1632, 2024
Occult Nodal Metastases in Individuals with Clinically Node‐Negative Salivary Gland Malignancies
Authors: Zhang Emily S. , Hair Bryan B. , Lamarre Eric D. , Koyfman Shlomo A. , Burkey Brian B. 
Published: October 2023

ObjectivesSalivary gland malignancies comprise a heterogeneous group of pathologies, for which treatment of the clinically negative neck may vary depending on numerous factors. Herein we present data on occult nodal metastases (ONM) as well as survival and recurrence from a large series of cN0 salivary gland malignancies.MethodsRetrospective chart review was conducted on 532 patients, with 389 patients with major salivary gland cancers and 143 patients with minor salivary gland cancers. Demographic and treatment data were included and rates of ONM, overall survival, local recurrence, regional recurrence, and distant recurrence were analyzed.ResultsWe found that the overall rate of ONM for parotid was 27% (63/235), for submandibular/sublingual was 35% (18/52), and for minor was 15% (4/26). Analysis of ONM rate at each nodal level was also performed, finding higher rates of level IV and V ONM than prior studies. Submandibular/sublingual and minor salivary gland malignancies showed a predominance of ONMs at levels I–III. Our survival and recurrence rates were similar to those found in previous studies.ConclusionOur data also demonstrate a predominance of ONM in levels I–III for submandibular/sublingual and minor salivary gland cancers, suggesting elective dissection in these levels.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 134:1705–1715, 2024
Role of the otologist/neurotologist in managing auricular and periauricular cutaneous malignancies: A 10‐year otologic oncology experience
Authors: Patel Tirth R. , Prince Andrew D. P. , Benjamin William J. , Basura Gregory J. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractObjectiveAuricular/periauricular cutaneous malignancies can be challenging to manage surgically due to the complex anatomy of the region. Otologists/neurotologists have unique skillsets that are well‐suited to surgically treat these patients. We aim to highlight the role of otologists and neurotologists in providing surgical care of patients with auricular and periauricular malignancies by describing the experience of a single fellowship‐trained neurotologist over a 10‐year period.MethodsRetrospective chart review of 387 patients with auricular and periauricular malignancy treated by a single neurotologist between 2012 and 2022 was completed. Tumor histology and procedures performed for each patient were extracted. Additional data was collected for a subset of 84 patients with complex cases requiring selective neck dissection, parotidectomy, lateral temporal bone resection, regional advancement or rotational flap reconstruction, and/or free tissue transfer reconstruction.ResultsWithin the series of 387 patients, squamous cell carcinoma was the most common histology (42.6%, n = 165), followed by basal cell carcinoma (40.8%, n = 158), and melanoma (9.8%, n = 38). Common surgical procedures included wide local excision (61.8%, n = 239), partial/sub‐total auriculectomy 18.3% (n = 71), or total auriculectomy 5.2% (n = 20). Within the 84‐patient subset, median age at diagnosis was 71.9 years. Dermatologists provided most patient referrals (50.0%, n = 42). Most common tumor locations included: auricular (58.3%, n = 49), pre‐auricular (21.4%, n = 18), and parotid (27.4%, n = 23). Revision surgery occurred in 22.6% of cases (n = 19), of which 26.3% (n = 5) for positive margins and 31.6% (n = 6) for recurrence. Mean follow‐up was 22.8 months. Disease‐specific 5‐year survival was 91%.ConclusionsWe demonstrate the feasibility of an otologist/neurotologist incorporating the surgical management of auricular and periauricular malignancies into their practice.Level of Evidence4.
Addition of Bone‐Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells to 3D‐Printed Alginate/Gelatin Hydrogel Containing Freeze‐Dried Bone Nanoparticles Accelerates Regeneration of Critical Size Bone Defects
Authors: Bastami Farshid , Safavi Seyedeh‐Mina , Seifi Sina , Nadjmi Nasser , Khojasteh Arash 
Published: October 2023

AbstractA 3D‐printed biodegradable hydrogel, consisting of alginate, gelatin, and freeze‐dried bone allograft nanoparticles (npFDBA), is developed as a scaffold for enhancing cell adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation when combined with rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (rBMSCs). This composite hydrogel is intended for the regeneration of critical‐sized bone defects using a rat calvaria defect model. The behavior of rBMSCs seeded onto the scaffold is evaluated through scanning electron microscope, MTT assays, and quantitative real‐time PCR. In a randomized study, thirty rats are assigned to five treatment groups: 1) rBMSCs‐loaded hydrogel, 2) rBMSCs‐loaded FDBA microparticles, 3) hydrogel alone, 4) FDBA alone, and 5) an empty defect serving as a negative control. After 8 weeks, bone regeneration is assessed using H&E, Masson's trichrome staining, and immunohistochemistry. The 3D‐printed hydrogel displays excellent adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation of rBMSCs. The rBMSCs‐loaded hydrogel exhibits comparable new bone regeneration to the rBMSCs‐loaded FDBA group, outperforming other groups with statistical significance (P‐value < 0.05). These findings are corroborated by Masson's trichrome staining and osteocalcin expression. The rBMSCs‐loaded 3D‐printed hydrogel demonstrates promising potential for significantly enhancing bone regeneration, surpassing the conventional clinical approach (FDBA).
Isolation, characterization, and fibroblast uptake of bacterial extracellular vesicles from Porphyromonas gingivalis strains
Authors: Haugsten Helene R. , Kristoffersen Anne K. , Haug Trude M. , Søland Tine M. , Øvstebø Reidun , Aass Hans C. D. , Enersen Morten , Galtung Hilde K. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractPeriodontitis is an inflammatory condition caused by bacteria and represents a serious health problem worldwide as the inflammation damages the supporting tissues of the teeth and may predispose to systemic diseases. Porphyromonas gingivalis is considered a keystone periodontal pathogen that releases bacterial extracellular vesicles (bEVs) containing virulence factors, such as gingipains, that may contribute to the pathogenesis of periodontitis. This study aimed to isolate and characterize bEVs from three strains of P. gingivalis, investigate putative bEV uptake into human oral fibroblasts, and determine the gingipain activity of the bEVs. bEVs from three bacterial strains, ATCC 33277, A7A1‐28, and W83, were isolated through ultrafiltration and size‐exclusion chromatography. Vesicle size distribution was measured by nano‐tracking analysis (NTA). Transmission electron microscopy was used for bEV visualization. Flow cytometry was used to detect bEVs and gingipain activity was measured with an enzyme assay using a substrate specific for arg‐gingipain. The uptake of bEVs into oral fibroblasts was visualized using confocal microscopy. NTA showed bEV concentrations from 108 to 1011 particles/mL and bEV diameters from 42 to 356 nm. TEM pictures demonstrated vesicle‐like structures. bEV‐gingipains were detected both by flow cytometry and enzyme assay. Fibroblasts incubated with bEVs labeled with fluorescent dye displayed intracellular localization consistent with bEV internalization. In conclusion, bEVs from P. gingivalis were successfully isolated and characterized, and their uptake into human oral fibroblasts was documented. The bEVs displayed active gingipains demonstrating their origin from P. gingivalis and the potential role of bEVs in periodontitis.
MUC16 C terminal fragment activates YAP1 through Src signaling to promote gallbladder cancer growth
Authors: Fan Kun , Wang Jiwen , Zhu Kaihua , Ni Xiaojian , Shen Sheng , Gong Zijun , Bo Xiaobo , Wang Changcheng , Cheng Xi , Zhang Cheng , Suo Tao , Liu Han , Ni Xiaoling , Liu Houbao 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe Hippo pathway is crucial to organ size control and its dysregulation contributes to tumorigenesis. The aberrant activation of YAP1 was identified in gallbladder cancer (GBC). However, the underlying mechanism and role in GBC remains unclear. The C terminal fragment of Mucin16, also known as carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) encoded product, MUC16c, plays extensive roles in tumor initiation and development. Our study showed that MUC16c binding with 14‐3‐3ε disrupted the interaction of 14‐3‐3ε and phosphorylated yes‐associated protein 1 (YAP1), which led to the activation of YAP1 in GBC. Furthermore, MUC16c decreased the phosphorylation of YAP1 at serine 397 (ser397) by inhibiting LATS1, which upregulated YAP1 protein stability. Interestingly, there was a potential Src kinase site in the MUC16c fragment. The MUC16c_del15Y polypeptides with the deletion of the Src kinase site promoted the interaction of YAP1 with 14‐3‐3ε and downregulated the YAP1 protein levels. Consistently, SU6656, a Src kinase inhibitor also blocked the activation of YAP1 by MUC16c. The MUC16c_del15Y polypeptides decreased GBC cell proliferation in vitro and the growth of xenograft tumors in vivo. Our study revealed the underlying mechanism of the activation of MUC16c on YAP1 mediated by Src signaling and the antitumor effect of MUC16c_del15Y, providing a potential target for GBC therapy.
The concept of nonlinear phase shifter and its application to element of sensing RISs
Authors: Bian Chenge , Zhou Dongfang , Zhang Dewei , Deng Hailin , Liu Qing , Zhang Yi , Lv Dalong 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIn this study, the concept of the nonlinear phase shifter is proposed to provide a new idea for the hardware architecture of sensing reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISs). First, the equivalent circuit of the proposed phase shifter is given to provide theoretical guidance for the design. Then, the nonlinearity analysis of the nonlinear phase shifter is presented. Finally, two simplified sensing RIS elements operating at 4 GHz was fabricated and measured to validate the design. The measured scanning range was from 16° to −18° with the input power increasing from 5 to 23 dBm. The nonlinear phase shifter shows great application potential in sensing RISs.
Effect of lying position on gastric residual volume in premature infants: A systematic review
Authors: Özgörü Hande , Mutlu Birsen , Erkut Zeynep 
Published: October 2023

AbstractPremature infants' gastric residual volume may be affected by position. This systematic review was conducted to examine the effect of lying position on the gastric residual volume of preterm newborns fed by gastric tube. Electronic databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, MEDLINE Complete, Academic Search Ultimate, CINAHL Complete, Cochrane, and Scopus) were searched for randomized controlled experimental or quasiexperimental studies in English published between 2011 and 2022 investigating the effect of one or more lying positions on gastric residual volume in premature newborns. The PICOS strategy was used in preparing and reporting the systematic review. A total of 304 articles were retrieved, and the full texts of 12 articles were evaluated for suitability. After eliminating the excluded articles, 10 articles were included in the analysis. The quality of evidence varied, with four studies judged to have poor quality whereas the remaining six were considered to range from moderate to good in quality. Based on the results obtained from the studies, it was determined that gastric residual volume was the least in the right lateral and prone positions and more in the left lateral and supine positions compared with the other two positions, with no difference between the two latter positions. The methodological differences, such as the evaluation of different positions, the timing of positioning and the duration of maintaining in the same position, and the measurement times of gastric residual volume made it difficult to reach a definitive proof. We concluded that high‐evidence studies evaluating all positions are needed.
Challenges in undertaking nonlinear Mendelian randomization
Authors: Wade Kaitlin H. , Hamilton Fergus W. , Carslake David , Sattar Naveed , Davey Smith George , Timpson Nicholas J. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractMendelian randomization (MR) is a widely used method that exploits the unique properties of germline genetic variation to strengthen causal inference in relationships between exposures and outcomes. Nonlinear MR allows estimation of the shape of these relationships. In a previous paper, the authors applied linear and nonlinear MR to estimate the effect of BMI on mortality in UK Biobank, providing evidence for a J‐shaped association. However, it is now clear that there are problems with widely used nonlinear MR methods, which draws attention to the likely erroneous nature of the conclusions regarding the shapes of several explored relationships. Here, the authors explore the utility and likely biases of these nonlinear MR methods with the use of a negative control design. Although there remains good evidence for a causal effect of higher BMI increasing the risk of mortality, the pattern of this association across different levels of BMI requires further characterization.
A comparison of virtual and in person delivery of a full meal replacement program for obesity
Authors: Skeldon Matthew , Harris David , Dent Robert , Shiau Judy Y. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractObjectiveFull meal replacement (FMR) Intensive Lifestyle Interventions (ILI) have been used for weight management. However, predictors of efficacy with these programs are less clear. The primary objective was to assess weight loss predictors in a community‐based FMR ILI program. A secondary objective was to determine if weight loss was different between virtual and in person ILI.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study involving 234 patients who started the program between 1 January 2016 and 3 March 2021. In the 24‐week program, patients spent 12 weeks on FMR and then transitioned back to food for the remainder, with weekly follow up with a physician and group sessions with a dietitian. Visits were in person prior to March 2020 and virtual afterward.ResultsPatients' average age was 47.5 years (SD = 12.0) and 73.5% were female. Average weight loss was 14.3% (SD = 6.2%). There was no significant difference in weight loss between virtual and in person programs. Patients on a Glucagon‐like Peptide‐1 Receptor Agonist prior lost less weight. Other significant associations between groups were baseline Hemoglobin A1C, classes attended, as well as the age since peak weight.ConclusionWeight loss from virtual ILI was not significantly different from person ILI. More research is needed to determine how to best stratify care as virtual or in person using FMR programs.