bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Implantable arterial doppler efficacy in free flap reconstruction: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wu Kevin G. , Chong Christian T. , Hanlon Hunter , Langenfeld Tyler L. , Johnson R. Michael , Crawford Timothy N. , Wax Mark K. , Kadakia Sameep P. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe implantable arterial doppler (IAD) is frequently used to postoperatively monitor free flaps with high accuracy, but there are no guidelines for its use. Bedside exam is used adjunctively to determine necessary intervention. This systematic review seeks to discover why the doppler is used adjunctively despite its established record of accuracy. Criteria for inclusion and exclusion were established. In total, 280 articles were found on PubMed and Web of Science, then screened accordingly. Data from 22 articles were analyzed using a bivariate hierarchical random effects model. Twenty‐two studies yielded 2996 total patients undergoing 3127 free flap procedures. The meta‐analysis found a high sensitivity of 0.809 (95% CI = 0.709, 0.880) and specificity of 0.966 (95% CI = 0.947, 0.979). False‐positive rate was found to be 0.034 (95% CI = 0.021, 0.053). Positive and negative predictive values were 0.711 (95% CI = 0.581, 0.817) and 0.979 (95% CI = 0.966, 0.988). Positive and negative likelihood ratios were 24.7 (95% CI = 14.5, 39.5) and 0.20 (95% CI = 0.12, 0.30). The established efficacy of the IAD is supported by this study. Clinical exams may remain as the final adjunct due to the risks of inaccurate IAD signals. Further studies are warranted to optimize its use for future practice guidelines.
Irrigation development as a booster of the multifunctional roles of paddy rice
Authors: Garcia‐Vila Margarita , Suzuki Hanae , Ahmad Waqas , Ali Akhter , Pek Eva , Salman Maher 
Published: August 2023

AbstractTo promote sustainable production and the multiple roles of paddy rice, it is essential to expand our understanding of the impacts of different management options, with particular emphasis on irrigation development. The impact of various management practices (supplementary irrigation during the rainy season, improved fertilization, cropping during the dry season and mulching practices) on irrigation water requirements, crop productivity and the multifunctional roles of irrigated paddy rice was evaluated in diverse agro‐ecological zones of Zambia, by using the AquaCrop model. Irrigation development has been demonstrated to boost paddy rice production (by 8%) in the southern districts by providing supplementary irrigation (about 150 mm) during the rainy season. Additionally, supplementary irrigation during the rainy season can make improved fertilization more attractive, doubling the yield rise under rainfed conditions. The required irrigation development would also enable paddy rice cropping intensification by allowing for dry season sowing (with net irrigation requirements from 700 to 800 mm). Moreover, the associated straw production increase could also play an important role as mulch during the dry season, reducing the net irrigation requirements by 15%. These findings will enable policymakers to make informed decisions regarding investment strategies and policies.
Efficacy and safety of V1a receptor antagonists in autism spectrum disorder: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Kimi Sneha , Maiti Rituparna , Srinivasan Anand , Mishra Biswa Ranjan , Hota Debasish 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThis meta‐analysis has evaluated the efficacy and safety of V1a receptor antagonists in ASD compared to placebo. The reviewers extracted data from four relevant clinical trials after a literature search on databases and clinical trial registries. Quality assessment was done using the risk of bias assessment tool, and the random‐effects model was used to estimate effect size. Subgroup analysis, meta‐regression and sensitivity analysis were done. PRISMA guidelines were followed in the selection, analysis and reporting of findings. V1a receptor antagonists did not reduce Vineland II Adaptive behaviour composite score significantly (SMD: 0.14; 95% CI: −0.06–0.35; p = 0.16; PI: −0.44–0.73), communication domain subscale score and socialization domain subscale score. The change in daily living skills domain subscale score was significant and favourable for V1a receptor antagonists (SMD: 0.15; 95% CI: 0.03–0.26; p = 0.01). The subgroup analysis revealed a significant improvement in Vineland II Adaptive behaviour composite score with doses <10 mg (SMD: 0.45; 95% CI: 0.11–0.78; p = 0.009). Meta‐regression does not show a significant association between SMD of ASD symptom score reduction with the duration and dose of V1a receptor antagonist therapy. Treatment‐emergent adverse effects were not serious and dose dependent. Low doses (<10 mg) of V1a receptor antagonist may be effective in reducing the core symptoms of ASD compared to placebo; however, future active‐controlled clinical trials are necessary to generate conclusive evidence.
Optimizing convection‐permitting ensemble via selection of the coarse ensemble driving members
Authors: Khain Pavel , Shtivelman Alon , Levi Yoav , Baharad Anat , Amitai Eyal , Carmona Yizhak , Vadislavsky Elyakom , Savir Amit , Stav Nir 
Published: August 2023

AbstractNowadays, several global ensembles (GEs) which consist of several tens of members are being run operationally. In order to locally improve the probabilistic forecasts, various forecasting centers and research institutes utilize the GEs as initial and boundary conditions to drive regional convection permitting ensembles (RCPEs). RCPEs demand significant computer resources and often a limited number of ensemble members is affordable, which is smaller than the size of the driving GE. Since each RCPE member obtains the initial and boundary conditions from a specific GE member, there are many options to select the GE members. The study uses the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) GE consisting of 50 members, to drive 20 members of COSMO model RCPE over the Eastern Mediterranean. We compare various approaches for automatic selection of the GE members and propose several optimal methods, including a random selection, which consistently lead to a better performance of the driven RCPE. The comparison includes verification of near surface variables and precipitation using various verification metrics. The results are validated using several methods of model physics perturbation. Besides the selection of the optimal ensemble configurations, we show that at high precipitation intensities spatial up‐scaling is recommended in order to obtain useful probabilistic forecasts.
A somatic splice‐site variant in PIK3R1 in a patient with vascular overgrowth and low immunoglobulin levels: A case report
Authors: Wilke Matheus V. M. B. , Schimmenti Lisa , Lopour Madeline Q. R. , Tollefson Megha M. , Klee Eric W. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe PI3K/AKT pathway, extensively studied in cancer, is vital for regulating cell metabolism, differentiation, and proliferation. Pathogenic variants in the PIK3R1 gene, which encodes three regulatory units of class IA PI3Ks, have been found in affected tissue of individuals with vascular lesions. These variants predominantly occur in the iSH2 domain, disrupting inhibitory contacts with the catalytic unit and leading to PI3K activation. Germline variants in this gene are also linked to an immunological condition called Activated PI3K delta syndrome type 2 (APDS2).MethodsThis is a case report and literature review. Clinical data were retrieved from medical records.ResultsA male patient presented with extensive vascular malformation covering over 90% of his body, along with complete 2–3 toe syndactyly, suggesting a vascular malformation syndrome called PROS. Low levels of IgA and IgG were detected. The patient achieved his developmental milestones and had above‐average weight, height, and head circumference. Exome sequencing of skin and blood DNA revealed a de novo variant in PIK3R1 (c.1746‐2A>G, p.?) in 9% of the patient's blood cells and 25% of cultured fibroblasts. Initially, classified as a variant of uncertain significance, this variant was later confirmed to be the cause.ConclusionsThis is the first intronic SNV in a canonical splice site within iSH2 described, highlighting the importance of iSH2 in the regulation of the PI3K/AKT pathway and its involvement in the development of vascular overgrowth and antibody deficiency.
A gradient mapping guided explainable deep neural network for extracapsular extension identification in 3D head and neck cancer computed tomography images
Authors: Wang Yibin , Rahman Abdur , Duggar William Neil , Thomas Toms V. , Roberts Paul Russell , Vijayakumar Srinivasan , Jiao Zhicheng , Bian Linkan , Wang Haifeng 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundDiagnosis and treatment management for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is guided by routine diagnostic head and neck computed tomography (CT) scans to identify tumor and lymph node features. The extracapsular extension (ECE) is a strong predictor of patients' survival outcomes with HNSCC. It is essential to detect the occurrence of ECE as it changes staging and treatment planning for patients. Current clinical ECE detection relies on visual identification and pathologic confirmation conducted by clinicians. However, manual annotation of the lymph node region is a required data preprocessing step in most of the current machine learning‐based ECE diagnosis studies.PurposeIn this paper, we propose a Gradient Mapping Guided Explainable Network (GMGENet) framework to perform ECE identification automatically without requiring annotated lymph node region information.MethodsThe gradient‐weighted class activation mapping (Grad‐CAM) technique is applied to guide the deep learning algorithm to focus on the regions that are highly related to ECE. The proposed framework includes an extractor and a classifier. In a joint training process, informative volumes of interest (VOIs) are extracted by the extractor without labeled lymph node region information, and the classifier learns the pattern to classify the extracted VOIs into ECE positive and negative.ResultsIn evaluation, the proposed methods are well‐trained and tested using cross‐validation. GMGENet achieved test accuracy and area under the curve (AUC) of 92.2% and 89.3%, respectively. GMGENetV2 achieved 90.3% accuracy and 91.7% AUC in the test. The results were compared with different existing models and further confirmed and explained by generating ECE probability heatmaps via a Grad‐CAM technique. The presence or absence of ECE has been analyzed and correlated with ground truth histopathological findings.ConclusionsThe proposed deep network can learn meaningful patterns to identify ECE without providing lymph node contours. The introduced ECE heatmaps will contribute to the clinical implementations of the proposed model and reveal unknown features to radiologists. The outcome of this study is expected to promote the implementation of explainable artificial intelligence‐assiste ECE detection.
Core competencies for first contact physiotherapists in a direct access model of care for adults with musculoskeletal disorders: A scoping review
Authors: Vervaeke Robin , Lafrance Simon , Demont Anthony 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIntroductionTo optimise the management of Musculoskeletal disorders (MSKDs), many countries have implemented direct access to physiotherapy; however, the core competencies required for first contact physiotherapists (PTs) have not been precisely defined. The aim of this scoping review is to identify and describe the core competencies required for first contact PTs treating adults with MSKDs.MethodsWe conducted a scoping review of the literature by searching eight databases and grey literature up to July 2023. We performed a thematic analysis of the competencies identified based on predefined themes relevant to first contact physiotherapy in direct access models in primary or emergency care settings.ResultsSixty‐five articles were included. Seventeen core competencies were identified and grouped into 5 themes: (1) Assessment and examination; (2) Management and interventions; (3) Communication; (4) Cooperation and collaboration; and (5) Professionalism and leadership.ConclusionsOur findings provide an international perspective on the core competencies required for first contact PTs.
Long‐term effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic on children's physical activity and sedentary behavior
Authors: Moore Kristen N. , Do Bridgette , Wang Shirlene D. , McAlister Kelsey , Chapman Tiffany M. , Belcher Britni R. , Dunton Genevieve F. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundDuring the early months of the COVID‐19 pandemic, decreases in physical activity (PA) and increases in sedentary behavior (SB) were reported among children in the United States (U.S.). This follow‐up analysis examines 13‐month effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic on children's PA and SB one year into the pandemic.MethodsParents of 5–13‐year‐old children in the U.S. (N = 71) reported on their child's PA and SB during the early COVID‐19 period (April‐May 2020) and again 12–14 months later (June‐July 2021).ResultsPaired t‐tests showed significant within‐subject reductions in SB minutes per day (Mdiff = −86.20, t = 3.26, p < 0.01) but no changes in PA minutes per day. Separate mixed‐model repeated‐measures analysis of covariance procedures found that within‐subject changes in PA and SB did not differ by child sex or age.ConclusionAs COVID‐19 restrictions lessened, there were more opportunities for children to reduce SB, but there were still barriers to engage in PA.
Effect of surfactant type on oxygen barrier behavior of polyvinyl alcohol/α‐zirconium phosphate nanocomposites
Authors: Lei Fan , Feng Minsheng , Li Ying , Li Jiang , Sue Hung‐Jue 
Published: August 2023

AbstractSurfactants used to exfoliate and disperse nanoparticles are expected to have an impact on polymer nanocomposite properties. In this work, both ionic tetrabutylammonium hydroxide (TBA) and amphiphilic polyoxyalkyleneamine (M1000) surfactants were used to exfoliate α‐zirconium phosphate (ZrP) in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix through simple solution blending. The oxygen barrier properties of the nanocomposites were investigated as a function of ZrP content based on the above two surfactant types. At a low ZrP loading level (≤2.4 vol%), regardless of the surfactant type, the ZrP nanoplatelets in PVA matrix do indeed create a “torturous pathway” to improve barrier properties even though the crystallinity in PVA/ZrP‐M1000 system is decreased. In addition, the PVA/ZrP‐TBA films exhibit excellent transparency as good as the neat PVA films. Furthermore, it is found that the high molecular weight amphiphilic M1000 surfactant is less effective than the low molecular weight ionic TBA surfactant in dispersion and exfoliation of ZrP in PVA. This relative incompatibility of ZrP‐M1000 compared to ZrP‐TBA in PVA leads to its dramatic drop in oxygen barrier properties. This facile aqueous solution blending technique is eco‐sustainable and expected to facilitate the preparation of effective polymer nanocomposites for barrier properties applications.
RAFT emulsion polymerization of methyl methacrylate mediated by protonated poly(2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) macromolecular chain transfer agent: A mechanism study
Authors: Wang Chen , Zhang Jie , Zhao Hanying 
Published: August 2023

AbstractSurfactant‐free reversible addition‐fragmentation transfer (RAFT)‐mediated emulsion polymerization has been used in the synthesis of latex particles. Although this method has been developed for some time, some detailed mechanisms are not clear. Herein, RAFT emulsion polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) mediated by protonated poly(2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (H+‐PDMAEMA) macromolecular chain transfer agent (macro‐CTA) is studied. The effects of the molar ratios of MMA/macro‐CTA and initiator/macro‐CTA, and the macro‐CTA chain length on the emulsion polymerizations are investigated. At the nucleation stage, H+‐PDMAEMA‐CTA is chain extended with MMA dissolved in aqueous phase; and when the length of PMMA block is above a critical length, the formed amphiphilic block copolymer (BCP) chains self‐assemble into micellar particles. The nucleation time in the emulsion polymerization is strongly dependent on the chain length of H+‐PDMAEMA‐CTA, and the molar ratio of free radical initiator/macro‐CTA. The emulsion polymerization rate is in direct proportion to the molar ratio of free radical initiator/macro‐CTA. The size and the size distribution of the latex particles can be tuned through control of the macro‐CTA chain length and MMA/macro‐CTA molar ratio. Monodispersed latex particles can be synthesized under proper conditions. It is expected that well‐defined latex particles with a variety of hydrophilic polymers (or biomacromolecules) on the surfaces can be synthesized by this approach.
Recurrent thoracic air leak syndrome in patients affected by pulmonary graft‐versus‐host disease: Surgical strategies and outcome
Authors: Persano Giorgio , Crocoli Alessandro , Martucci Cristina , Pardi Valerio , Di Paolo Pier Luigi , Petreschi Francesca , Cafiero Giulia , Inserra Alessandro 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackground and AimsThoracic air leak syndrome (TALS) is a complication related to chronic pulmonary graft‐versus‐host disease (pGvHD) that affects approximately 0.83%−3.08% patients after allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Such complication is defined as the occurrence of any form of air leak in the thorax, including spontaneous pneumomediastinum or pneumopericardium, subcutaneous emphysema, interstitial emphysema and pneumothorax and has a negative impact on post‐transplant survival. The aim of the present study is to describe a single‐center experience in the surgical management of recurrent TALS in adolescents and young adults and its outcome.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the clinical notes of patients with previous allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplant who underwent surgical procedures for recurrent TALS from January 2016 until March 2021. We analyzed clinical data, number of episodes of thoracic air leak, surgical procedures and relative outcome.ResultsIn the examined period, four patients, aged 16−25 years, underwent surgical procedures for TALS, including thoracostomy tube placement, thoracoscopic pleurodesis and thoracotomy. All the patients had been diagnosed with pGvHD before the onset of TALS, with a mean time lapse of 276 days (range 42–513). These patients experienced on average 4.5 air leak episodes (range 3–6). All the patients experienced at least two episodes before surgery. One patient underwent emergency tube thoracostomy only, three patients underwent thoracoscopic pleurodesis and two patients underwent thoracotomy. After surgery, patients were free from air leak symptoms for a mean time of 176 days (range 25–477). Pulmonary function progressively deteriorated, and all the patients eventually died because of respiratory failure after a mean time of 483 days (range 127–1045) after the first episode of air leak.ConclusionsSurgery provides temporary relief to symptoms related to TALS but has limited effects on the underlying pathophysiologic process. The development of TALS in a sign of progressive pulmonary function worsening and is associated with high risk of respiratory failure and mortality.
Outcomes of pediatric community‐acquired pneumonia before and after national pneumococcal immunization in Taiwan
Authors: Chang I‐Fan , Lin I‐Fan , Liu Yun‐Chung , Chou Chia‐Ching , Chang Tu‐Hsuan , Yen Ting‐Yu , Lu Chun‐Yi , Chang Luan‐Yin , Lai Feipei , Huang Li‐Min 
Published: August 2023

AbstractObjectiveIn Taiwan, the incidence of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) in children declined after the catch‐up primary vaccination programs and the full national immunization program (NIP) with PCV13. The objective of the study was to investigate the clinical outcomes of pediatric community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP) before and after the NIP.MethodsThe study included patients aged 3 months to 17 years who were diagnosed with CAP and treated at the National Taiwan University Hospital between 2007 and 2019. Patients were assigned to three birth cohorts according to their birth years and vaccination eligibility: non‐NIP, catch‐up, and full NIP. We compared the rates of severe outcomes, including case fatality and pathogens.ResultsA total of 6557 patients who met the CAP criteria were enrolled during the study period. The case‐fatality rate decreased from 3.2% (94/2984) in the non‐NIP cohort to 0.3% (7/2176) in the catch‐up cohort and 0.8% (11/1397) in the full NIP cohort (p < 0.001). Furthermore, there was a significant decrease in invasive ventilation from the non‐NIP (17.9%) to both catch‐up (6.8%) and full NIP cohorts (9.1%). The rate of IPD declined from the non‐NIP cohort to the catch‐up cohort (1.8% vs. 0.6%, p < 0.001) and from the catch‐up to the full NIP cohort (0.6% vs. 0.07%, p = 0.014). In contrast, the rates of infections with other pathogens increased after NIP.ConclusionThe introduction of PCV13 showed significant reduction in case‐fatality and IPD rates. The increasing rates of other pathogens warrant further surveillance for their clinical significance.
Natural anti‐inflammatory products for osteoarthritis: From molecular mechanism to drug delivery systems and clinical trials
Authors: Su Jianbang , Yu Minghao , Wang Haochen , Wei Yingliang 
Published: August 2023

AbstractOsteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that affects millions globally. The present nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug treatments have different side effects, leading researchers to focus on natural anti‐inflammatory products (NAIPs). To review the effectiveness and mechanisms of NAIPs in the cellular microenvironment, examining their impact on OA cell phenotype and organelles levels. Additionally, we summarize relevant research on drug delivery systems and clinical randomized controlled trials (RCTs), to promote clinical studies and explore natural product delivery options. English‐language articles were searched on PubMed using the search terms “natural products,” “OA,” and so forth. We categorized search results based on PubChem and excluded “natural products” which are mix of ingredients or compounds without the structure message. Then further review was separately conducted for molecular mechanisms, drug delivery systems, and RCTs later. At present, it cannot be considered that NAIPs can thoroughly prevent or cure OA. Further high‐quality studies on the anti‐inflammatory mechanism and drug delivery systems of NAIPs are needed, to determine the appropriate drug types and regimens for clinical application, and to explore the combined effects of different NAIPs to prevent and treat OA.