bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
DigitSeis: software to extract time series from analogue seismograms
Authors: Ishii Miaki , Ishii Hiromi 
Published: October 2022

AbstractA vast amount of analogue seismograms recorded between the end of the nineteenth century and late twentieth century are often inaccessible for seismological research since they are not available as digital time series. This manuscript describes freely available software, DigitSeis, that takes a digital image of an analogue seismic record and returns waveforms either as a function of their x-y position on the image or as time–amplitude information. The overall structure and approach of the software are provided along with how they have evolved over different versions. The effectiveness of the software is demonstrated with three examples. The first example is a long-period east–west seismogram recorded at the Harvard Seismographic Observatory on photographic paper in May of 1938, which contains signals associated with a magnitude 7.7 earthquake that occurred off the coast of Northern Ibaraki, Japan. The second example is an analysis of a 35-mm microfilm copy of the short-period vertical seismogram recorded at Tucson, Arizona, on July 16, 1945, that shows blast signals from the first nuclear bomb detonation. The final example uses a 70 mm microfiche image of a long-period north–south seismogram recorded at College, Alaska in December of 1966, which shows a pair of earthquakes with nearly identical waveforms. The software is, by no means, perfect, and discussion of its limitations such as the compatibility with pen- and Develocorder-type seismograms is included, as well as comments about challenges of incorporating machine learning into the digitization process.
Melanoma stem cells promote metastasis via exosomal miR-1268a inactivation of autophagy
Authors: Li Xiaoshuang , Liu Doudou , Chen Hao , Zeng Bin , Zhao Qiting , Zhang Yuhan , Chen Yuting , Wang Jianyu , Xing H. Rosie 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
Metastatic melanoma has a high mortality rate and poor survival. This is associated with efficient metastatic colonization, but the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Communication between cancer stem cells (CSCs) and cancer cells plays an important role in metastatic dissemination. Whether cancer stem cells can alter the metastatic properties of non-CSC cells; and whether exosomal crosstalk can mediate such interaction, have not been demonstrated in melanoma prior to this report.

Results
The results revealed that exosomes secreted by highly metastatic melanoma CSCs (OL-SCs) promoted the invasiveness of the low metastatic melanoma cells (OL) and accelerated metastatic progression. miR-1268a was up-regulated in cells and exosomes of OL-SCs. Moreover, OL-SCs-derived exosomal miR-1268a, upon taking up by OL cells, promoted the metastatic colonization ability of OL cells in vitro and in vivo. In addition, the pro-metastatic activity of exosomal miR-1268a is achieved through inhibition of autophagy.

Conclusion
Our study demonstrates that OL cells can acquire the “metastatic ability” from OL-SCs cells. OL-SCs cells achieves this goal by utilizing its exosomes to deliver functional miRNAs, such as miR-1268a, to the targeted OL cells which in turn augments metastatic colonization by inactivating the autophagy pathway in OL cells.
Age- and sex-related differences in the retinal capillary plexus in healthy Chinese adults
Authors: Su Binbin , Zhu Xiaoxuan , Yang Kai , Xiao Yunfan , Li Chunmei , Shi Keai , Qu Jia , Lu Fan , Li Ming , Cui Lele 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
To assess age- and sex-related changes in the superficial retinal capillary plexus (SCP) and deep retinal capillary plexus (DCP) in healthy Chinese adults.

Methods
In this cross-sectional study, all data were derived from the community-based Jidong Eye Cohort Study. Participants underwent optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and other ocular and systemic examinations. The vessel densities of the whole measured area, parafovea, and four quadrants in the SCP and DCP were measured.

Results
We recruited 1036 eyes of 1036 healthy participants; the mean age was 40.4 ± 9.8 years, and 449 (43.3%) participants were males. The SCP and DCP vessel densities in all regions, except for temporal and nasal regions in the SCP, non-linearly decreased with age. The DCP vessel densities began to decrease at approximately 35 years of age, while the SCP vessel densities began to decrease at approximately 40 years of age. The DCP vessel densities decreased more rapidly than the SCP vessel densities at 35–50 years of age. The DCP vessel densities remained stable or slightly decreased after the age of 50 years in females, while those decreased linearly in most regions in males.

Conclusions
The retinal vessel density decreased earlier and more rapidly in the DCP than in the SCP, and the effect of aging on the DCP vessel density was sex-dependent. Our findings suggest that age and sex should be considered when interpreting clinical quantitative OCTA data.
Improving the safety and experience of transitions from hospital to home: a cluster randomised controlled feasibility trial of the 'Your Care Needs You' intervention versus usual care
Authors: Baxter Ruth , Murray Jenni , Cockayne Sarah , Baird Kalpita , Mandefield Laura , Mills Thomas , Lawton Rebecca , Hewitt Catherine , Richardson Gerry , Sheard Laura , O’Hara Jane K. ,   on behalf of the PACT research team
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
The ‘Your Care Needs You’ (YCNY) intervention aims to increase the safety and experience of transitions for older people through greater patient involvement during the hospital stay.

Methods
A cluster randomised controlled feasibility trial was conducted on NHS inpatient wards (clusters) where ≥ 40% of patients were routinely ≥ 75 years. Wards were randomised to YCNY or usual care using an unequal allocation ratio (3:2). We aimed to recruit up to 20 patients per ward. Follow-up included routine data collection and questionnaires at 5-, 30-, and 90-days post-discharge. Eligible patients were ≥ 75 years, discharged home, stayed overnight on participating wards, and could read and understand English.
The trial assessed the feasibility of delivering YCNY and the trial methodology through recruitment rates, outcome completion rates, and a qualitative evaluation. The accuracy of using routinely coded data for the primary outcome in the definitive trial was assessed by extracting discharge information for up to ten nonindividual consenting patients per ward.

Results
Ten wards were randomised (6 intervention, 4 control). One ward withdrew, and two wards were unable to deliver the intervention. Seven-hundred twenty-one patients were successfully screened, and 161 were recruited (95 intervention, 66 control). The patient post-discharge attrition rate was 17.4% (n = 28). Primary outcome data were gathered for 91.9% of participants with 75.2% and 59.0% providing secondary outcome data at 5 and 30 days post-discharge respectively. Item completion within questionnaires was generally high. Post-discharge follow-up was terminated early due to the COVID-19 pandemic affecting 90-day response rates (16.8%). Data from 88 nonindividual consenting patients identified an error rate of 15% when using routinely coded data for the primary outcome. No unexpected serious adverse events were identified.
Most patients viewed YCNY favourably. Staff agreed with it in principle, but ward pressures and organisational contexts hampered implementation. There was a need to sustain engagement, provide clarity on roles and responsibilities, and account for fluctuations in patients’ health, capacity, and preferences.

Conclusions
If implementation challenges can be overcome, YCNY represents a step towards involving older people as partners in their care to improve the safety and experience of their transitions from hospital to home.

Trial registration
ISRCTN: 51154948.
Evaluating polymeric biomaterials to improve next generation wound dressing design
Authors: Hodge Jacob G. , Zamierowski David S. , Robinson Jennifer L. , Mellott Adam J. 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Wound healing is a dynamic series of interconnected events with the ultimate goal of promoting neotissue formation and restoration of anatomical function. Yet, the complexity of wound healing can often result in development of complex, chronic wounds, which currently results in a significant strain and burden to our healthcare system. The advancement of new and effective wound care therapies remains a critical issue, with the current therapeutic modalities often remaining inadequate. Notably, the field of tissue engineering has grown significantly in the last several years, in part, due to the diverse properties and applications of polymeric biomaterials. The interdisciplinary cohesion of the chemical, biological, physical, and material sciences is pertinent to advancing our current understanding of biomaterials and generating new wound care modalities. However, there is still room for closing the gap between the clinical and material science realms in order to more effectively develop novel wound care therapies that aid in the treatment of complex wounds. Thus, in this review, we discuss key material science principles in the context of polymeric biomaterials, provide a clinical breadth to discuss how these properties affect wound dressing design, and the role of polymeric biomaterials in the innovation and design of the next generation of wound dressings.
Effective techniques of teaching vocabulary in Afghan EFL classrooms
Authors: Akramy Sayeed Asif , Noori Abdul Qawi , Orfan Sayeed Naqibullah , Hashemi Aminuddin 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThe present study investigated effective techniques of teaching vocabulary in an Afghan EFL setting. It also attempts to determine the impacts of the participants’ demographic profile ((i.e., gender, age, first language, and teaching experiences) on their responses. The data were collected from 93 randomly selected English teachers through a questionnaire containing 25 items. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0 was employed to analyze the data. To answer the reserach questions, descriptive and inferential statistics (independent sample T-test and one-way ANOVA tests) were used. The findings revealed that the overall attitude of Afghan EFL instructors towards applying effective techniques of teaching vocabulary in an Afghan EFL setting is positive. The respondents also reported that they warmly welcomed the techniques which led students to enhance their motivation for learning English vocabulary. Moreover, the study revealed that the participants’ gender, age, first language, and teaching experiences had a signficant impact on their responses.
Case–control study exploring the short-term association of bronchiolitis with high blood pressure and hypertension in hospitalized children
Authors: Giang Sophia , Padovani Andrew J. , Butani Lavjay 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
Unlike in adults, there are limited pediatric data exploring the association between acute respiratory illnesses and blood pressure abnormalities. The aim of our study was to explore the association of bronchiolitis, a common respiratory illness, with elevated blood pressure in hospitalized children.

Methods
In this single center retrospective case–control study, we evaluated the association between bronchiolitis and elevated blood pressure and hypertension in hospitalized children, compared to a control group admitted with nonrespiratory conditions, using multivariate regression analyses. Standard published normative data on pediatric blood pressure were used to classify children in various blood pressure categories.

Results
A high prevalence of elevated blood pressure (16%) and hypertension (60%) was noted among children with bronchiolitis; this was not statistically different from the control group (18% for elevated blood pressure; 57% for hypertension; P-values, 0.71 and 0.53, respectively). On multivariate regression analyses, only length of stay was associated with hypertension. No patient with blood pressure abnormalities received antihypertensives nor were any nephrology consults documented.

Conclusions
A high prevalence of blood pressure abnormalities, without documentation of their recognition, was noted in hospitalized children regardless of diagnosis, pointing to the need for more data on outcomes-driven significance of pediatric inpatient blood pressure measurements.
Quantitative measures of the vascular and neural components of the retina in adult individuals with congenital and untreated growth hormone deficiency
Authors: Menezes Nelmo V. , Barros-Oliveira Cynthia S. , Salvatori Roberto , Gois Vinicius C. , Marinho Cindi G. , Oliveira Carla R. P. , Campos Viviane C. , Oliveira-Santos Alécia A. , Santos-Júnior Hertz T. , Santos Elenilde G. , Melo Enaldo V. , Faro Augusto C. N. , Oliveira Neima V. , Gumes-Felix Hérika M. , Melo Gustavo B. , Aguiar-Oliveira Manuel H. 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
The somatotrophic axis, including hypothalamic growth hormone (GH)-releasing hormone (GHRH), pituitary GH and circulating IGF-I, is critical for body size. However, the local production of GH/IGF-I (and IGF-II) and other peptides is relevant for other body functions, such as vascular, brain, and retinal function. The consequences of GH deficiency (GHD) on the retinal structure are still unclear, possibly reflecting the heterogeneity of patients and the different types of assessment in previous publications. Our purpose was to assess quantitative measures of the vascular and neural components of the retina in subjects with severe congenital isolated GHD (IGHD).

Methods
A cross-sectional study was carried out in 25 adult IGHD subjects and 25 age- and gender-matched controls. Interview, physical examination, laboratory data, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA) were performed.

Results
OCT revealed no difference in the areas of the nerve fiber layer average, nor in the areas of superior, inferior, or nasal quadrants, between the two groups. However, areas of the temporal quadrant (p = 0.041), the optical disc (p = 0.042), the cup (p < 0.0001), as well as the cup/disc ratio (p < 0.0001), were higher in IGHD subjects than controls. The rim area was smaller (p = 0.002), although still normal. In OCTA, there was no difference in the minimum foveal thickness, central fovea, foveal avascular zone, and retinal density in any assessed area.

Conclusions
In conclusion, congenital IGHD does not affect quantitative measures of the vascular and neural retina, and it is associated with increased optical disc in this genetically homogeneous cohort.
Large inferior retinectomies for proliferative vitreoretinopathy in silicone oil-filled eyes
Authors: Barbosa Gabriel Castilho Sandoval , Silva Allan Gomes da , Daher Gonçalves Monteiro dos Reis Guilherme , Bermudes Frederico Hackbart , Lemos Carolina Maria Barbosa , Garcia Rafael , Mazzeo Thiago José Muniz Machado , Machado Cleide Guimarães , Gomes André Marcelo Vieira 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
To describe the anatomical and functional outcomes and late complications in patients who developed inferior proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) in silicone oil-filled eyes and who required reoperation with large inferior retinectomy.

Methods
This is a single-center, retrospective, interventional case series analysis. The study involved 18 individuals with tractional retinal re-detachment due to PVR development inferiorly in eyes who had undergone prior pars plana vitrectomy and silicone oil as a tamponade. All patients included in the study underwent secondary surgery with large inferior retinectomy (from 120° to 270°) and silicone oil filling.

Results
The mean follow-up period was 44.0 ± 31.5 (± SD) months (range: 4 to 96 months. The anatomical success, defined as the complete reattachment of the retina until the last follow-up, was observed in 88.9% of the cases. The postoperative visual acuity ranged from 20/100 to hand motion at 60 cm. Only two cases (11.1%) did not achieve anatomical success at the last follow-up due to recurrent PVR and retinal re-detachment (one including hypotony). All of the patients were pseudophakic. The PVR grade, as well as the presence of PVR prior to primary surgery, showed no statistical correlation with BCVA, the extent of retinectomies, and final macular status. There was a statistically significant correlation between "Final BCVA" and "Initial BCVA" (r = 0.654) and between "Final BCVA" and "Extent of Retinectomy" (r = 0.615).

Conclusions
Reoperation in eyes filled with silicone oil may be required when PVR is developed. Secondary surgery in these cases with large inferior retinectomy and silicone oil implantation may reach good anatomical success with low rates of late complications, besides improving visual acuity. A better BCVA at the time of re-RD diagnosis and cases of retinectomies with greater extensions showed a positive correlation with better functional outcomes.
Trial registration Research Ethics Committee of the Suel Abujamra Institute reviewed and approved this study protocol (approval number, 5.404.961).
Echocardiographic strategy for early detection of cardiotoxicity of doxorubicin: a prospective observational study
Authors: Sampaio Diogo Pereira Santos , Silva João Batista Masson , do Carmo Rassi Daniela , Freitas Aguinaldo F. , Rassi Salvador 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
Cancer chemotherapy using anthracyclines is associated with cardiotoxicity (CTX), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) analysis is not sensitive to early cardiotoxic changes. Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV GLS) monitoring helps screen subclinical CTX; however, the intervals at which it should be performed remain unclear. We aimed to evaluate the incidence of CTX in women with breast cancer and the associated factors and compare two echocardiographic monitoring strategies using two cutoff points for LV GLS variation.

Methods
Patients with breast cancer prescribed doxorubicin underwent serial LVEF and LV GLS assessments using two-dimensional echocardiography every 3 weeks for 6 months.

Results
We included 43 women; none developed a clinical CTX. Considering a relative reduction of LV GLS > 15%, subclinical CTX was present in 12 (27.9%) and six (14%) patients at 3-week and 3-month intervals, respectively (P = 0.28). Additionally, considering a reduction of > 12%, subclinical CTX was present in 17 (39.5%) and 10 (23.3%) patients (P = 0.16), respectively. There were no significant differences in either reference value at 3-week (P = 0.19) and 3-month intervals (P = 0.41). Age ≥ 60 years (P = 0.018) and hypertension (HTN) (P = 0.022) were associated with subclinical CTX in the univariate analysis.

Conclusions
There was no difference in the incidence of subclinical CTX between the two cutoff points and no benefit in performing echocardiography every 3 weeks compared with quarterly monitoring. Advanced age and HTN were associated with the development of subclinical CTX.
Liraglutide for Weight Management in Children and Adolescents With Prader–Willi Syndrome and Obesity
Authors: Diene Gwenaëlle , Angulo Moris , Hale Paula M , Jepsen Cecilie H , Hofman Paul L , Hokken-Koelega Anita , Ramesh Chethana , Turan Serap , Tauber Maïthé 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Context
Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) is characterized by lack of appetite control and hyperphagia, leading to obesity. Pharmacological options for weight management are needed.

Objective
To determine whether liraglutide treatment for weight management is superior to placebo/no treatment in pediatric individuals with PWS.

Methods
This was a multicenter, 52-week, placebo-controlled trial with a 16-week double-blinded period. Adolescents (n = 31, aged 12-17 years; Tanner stage 2-5) and children (n = 24, aged 6-11 years; Tanner stage &lt;2) with PWS and obesity were included. Patients were randomized 2:1 to liraglutide 3.0 mg (or maximum-tolerated dose) or placebo for 16 weeks, after which placebo was stopped. Liraglutide was continued for 52 weeks. All patients followed a structured diet and exercise program throughout the trial. The coprimary endpoints were change in body mass index (BMI) standard deviation score (SDS) from baseline to 16 and 52 weeks. Secondary endpoints included other weight-related parameters, hyperphagia, and safety.

Results
Change in BMI SDS from baseline to weeks 16 and 52 was not significantly different between treatments in adolescents (estimated treatment difference: −0.07 at week 16 and −0.14 at week 52) and children (−0.06 and −0.07, respectively). Changes in other weight-related parameters between treatments were not significant. At week 52, hyperphagia total and drive scores were lower in adolescents treated with liraglutide vs no treatment. The most common adverse events with liraglutide were gastrointestinal disorders.

Conclusion
Although the coprimary endpoints were not met, changes in hyperphagia total and drive scores in adolescents warrant further studies on liraglutide in this population.
Leukocyte Telomere Length in Children With Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
Authors: Raftopoulou Christina , Abawi Ozair , Sommer Grit , Binou Maria , Paltoglou George , Flück Christa E , van den Akker Erica L T , Charmandari E 
Published: October 2022

AbstractContextExposure to chronic stress and hypercortisolism is associated with decreased leukocyte telomere length (LTL), a marker for biological aging and cardiovascular disease. Children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) are treated with glucocorticoids.ObjectiveTo investigate LTL in children with CAH.MethodsIn this prospective observational cohort study, conducted at 4 academic pediatric endocrinology outpatient clinics, children with genetically confirmed CAH were assessed at 2 follow-up visits (mean 4.1 ± 0.7 months apart). At each visit, LTL was determined by quantitative real-time PCR. All subjects underwent detailed clinical and endocrinologic evaluation and were classified as undertreated, optimally treated, or overtreated, accordingly. The influence of clinical factors on LTL was investigated using linear mixed models adjusted for age, sex, and BMI-z.ResultsWe studied 76 patients, of whom 31 (41%) were girls, 63 (83%) had classic CAH, 67 (88%) received hydrocortisone, and 8 (11%) prednisolone. Median age at first visit was 12.0 years (IQR, 6.3-15.1), and median BMI-z was 0.51 (IQR, −0.12 to 1.43). LTL was shorter in patients with classic vs nonclassic CAH (−0.29, P = 0.012), in overtreated than in optimally treated patients (−0.07, P = 0.002), and patients receiving prednisolone compared with hydrocortisone (−0.34, P &lt; 0.001). LTL was not associated with undertreatment or daily hydrocortisone-equivalent dose (P &gt; 0.05).ConclusionLTL is shorter in patients with classic than nonclassic CAH, and in those who are overtreated with hydrocortisone or treated with long-acting glucocorticoids. These findings may be attributed to chronic exposure to supraphysiologic glucocorticoid concentrations and indicate that LTL may be used as a biomarker for monitoring glucocorticoid treatment.