bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mathematical models in GnRH research
Authors: Voliotis Margaritis , Plain Zoe , Li Xiao Feng , McArdle Craig A. , O’Byrne Kevin T. , Tsaneva‐Atanasova Krasimira 
Published: December 2021

AbstractMathematical modelling is an indispensable tool in modern biosciences, enabling quantitative analysis and integration of biological data, transparent formulation of our understanding of complex biological systems, and efficient experimental design based on model predictions. This review article provides an overview of the impact that mathematical models had on GnRH research. Indeed, over the last 20 years mathematical modelling has been used to describe and explore the physiology of the GnRH neuron, the mechanisms underlying GnRH pulsatile secretion, and GnRH signalling to the pituitary. Importantly, these models have contributed to GnRH research via novel hypotheses and predictions regarding the bursting behaviour of the GnRH neuron, the role of kisspeptin neurons in the emergence of pulsatile GnRH dynamics, and the decoding of GnRH signals by biochemical signalling networks. We envisage that with the advent of novel experimental technologies, mathematical modelling will have an even greater role to play in our endeavour to understand the complex spatiotemporal dynamics underlying the reproductive neuroendocrine system.
Effectiveness of nurse‐led clinics on healthcare delivery: An umbrella review
Authors: Connolly Carmel , Cotter Patrick 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundHealthcare provision remains challenging leading to a focus on health service redesign including the development of nurse‐led clinics. While there is a belief that nurse‐led services positively impact on healthcare delivery, it is necessary to inform development through examination of the evidence.MethodsA search was conducted of Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus and the Cochrane Library for systematic reviews evaluating the effectiveness of nurse‐led clinics when compared with usual care published between 2015 and 2020. Outcomes of interest were clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction and patient access to health care. Study quality was appraised using the AMSTAR 2 tool (A MeaSurement tool to Assess Systematic Reviews). A narrative analysis was conducted.ResultsFrom 681 identified studies, nine were included, with reporting quality rated from very low to high quality. Patient clinical outcomes were reported as equal to or better than usual care across all studies included. There was evidence of high levels of patient satisfaction with nurse‐led clinics across the included systematic reviews. While access to health care was the least reported variable, there were reports that access to health care increased or patient reliance on other healthcare providers reduced due to nurse‐led clinics.ConclusionsDespite the heterogeneous nature of the systematic reviews, along with some quality issues in reporting, there was evidence that nurse‐led services provided comparable or superior care to usual care with high levels of patient satisfaction. There was a lack of reporting on the impact of nurse‐led clinics on patient access to health care; further research is required on this area. Health service managers should consider nurse‐led clinics an effective innovation in health service provision.
Parechovirus infection in infants: Evidence‐based parental counselling for paediatricians
Authors: Silcock Robyn A , Doyle Rebecca , Clark Julia E , Kynaston J Anne , Thomas Marion , May Meryta L 
Published: December 2021

AimHuman parechovirus (HPeV) is an increasingly recognised cause of severe illness and central nervous system infection in infants. Medium‐ to long‐term neurodevelopmental outcomes post‐HPeV infection remain unknown. This study aims to assess neurodevelopmental outcomes for children hospitalised as infants with HPeV infection in their second and third years of life.MethodsThis prospective cohort study followed children hospitalised with HPeV in Brisbane, Queensland during the 2017/2018 outbreak. Serial application of Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) was used to assess developmental progress in the second and third years of life. Data from clinical follow‐up, audiology and neuroradiology were included.ResultsIn the second year of life, 63% (n = 29) of children showed some or significant concerns for developmental delay. This had largely been ameliorated by the third year of life when only 30% (n = 14) reported developmental concerns. Prematurity and apnoeas were associated with developmental concerns at 27–36 months of age. Communication was the most common domain of concern.ConclusionsThe majority of infants hospitalised with HPeV infection in 2017–2018 showed normalisation of developmental progress by 27–36 months of age. Further investigation into more subtle neurological impairments in later childhood is required. These results can help guide clinicians in counselling parents during the acute illness and in planning appropriate follow‐up.
Impact of seed-applied fungicide and insecticide on Azospirillum brasilense survival and wheat growth-promoting ability
Authors: Takahashi W.Y. , Galvão C.W. , Urrea-Valencia S. , Gonçalves D.R.P. , Hyeda D. , Caires E.F. , Etto R.M. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The use of Azospirillum brasilense as a crop inoculant has increased in recent years. Thus, the compatibility of the inoculation technology with seed treatments using pesticides needs to be evaluated. In this study, we evaluated the effect of an insecticide and fungicide formulation on A. brasilense strain FP2 population by culturing and culture-independent approaches. In addition, we evaluated the impact of these pesticides on the ability of A. brasilense to promote plant growth by monitoring biometric traits (root and shoot dry mass and length) of wheat grown in Greenhouse conditions. Seed pesticide dressings, mainly fungicide, led to a significant mortality of A. brasilense over time. The ability of A. brasilense to promote wheat growth also decreased due to pesticide treatments combined with sowing delay. Considering that pesticides confer fitness advantages to the wheat in field condition, our results suggest that sowing within the first 4 h after inoculation maintain the beneficial effects of A. brasilense on wheat growth promotion. Furthermore, we conclude that inoculation and treatment of seeds with pesticides may be compatible techniques when carried out immediately before sowing.
Nanoscale mineralogy and organic structure in Orgueil (CI) and EET 92042 (CR) carbonaceous chondrites studied with AFM‐IR spectroscopy
Authors: Phan Van T. H. , Rebois Rolando , Beck Pierre , Quirico Eric , Bonal Lydie , Noguchi Takaaki 
Published: December 2021

AbstractMeteorite matrices from primitive chondrites are an interplay of ingredients at the sub‐µm scale, which requires analytical techniques with the nanometer spatial resolution to decipher the composition of individual components in their petrographic context. Infrared spectroscopy is an effective method that enables the probing of vibrations at the molecule atomic scale of organic and inorganic compounds but is often limited to a few micrometers in spatial resolution. To efficiently distinguish spectral signatures of the different constituents, we apply here nano‐infrared spectroscopy (AFM‐IR), based on the combination of infrared and atomic force microscopy, having a spatial resolution beyond the diffraction limits. Our study aims to characterize two chosen meteorite samples to investigate primitive material in terms of bulk chemistry (the CI chondrite Orgueil) and organic composition (the CR chondrite EET 92042). We confirm that this technique allows unmixing the IR signatures of organics and minerals to assess the variability of organic structure within these samples. We report an investigation of the impact of the widely used chemical HF/HCl (hydrogen fluoride/hydrochloric acid) extraction on the nature of refractory organics (insoluble organic matter [IOM]) and provide insights on the mineralogy of meteorite matrices from these two samples by comparing to reference (extra)terrestrial materials. These findings are discussed with a perspective toward understanding the impact of post‐accretional aqueous alteration and thermal metamorphism on the composition of chondrites. Last, we highlight that the heterogeneity of organic matter within meteoritic materials extends down to the nanoscale, and by comparison with IOMs, oxygenated chemical groups are not affected by acid extractions.
Age and sickness absence: Testing physical health issues and work engagement as countervailing mechanisms in a cross‐national context
Authors: Shao Yiduo , Goštautaitė Bernadeta , Wang Mo , Ng Thomas W. H. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractWorkforces are aging rapidly and older workers are typically assumed to take more sickness absence. However, the relationship between age and sickness absence is not well understood, as research has yielded mixed findings and has neglected broader societal factors that cascade to shape the age‐sickness absence relationship. To advance the literature, we adopted a resource‐based perspective and investigated the relationship between employee age and sickness absence as mediated by two countervailing mechanisms: physical health issues and work engagement. We also highlighted two country‐level boundary conditions (health expenditure per capita and labor force participation rate) for these mechanisms. We tested our hypotheses with two archival datasets. In Study 1, using a sample of 28,553 employees from 35 European countries, we tested a multilevel model and found that age was positively related to the number of physical health issues, which in turn was positively associated with sickness absence. Country‐level health expenditure per capita was found to mitigate this relationship. We also found that age was positively related to work engagement, which was negatively related to sickness absence, and country‐level labor force participation rate strengthened this relationship. In Study 2, using a multi‐wave dataset (N = 304) from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) in the United States, we found further support for the two hypothesized mechanisms (physical health issues and work engagement) between age and sickness absence. Our findings have cross‐national implications for understanding and managing sickness absence by helping workers stay healthier and be more engaged in the context of population aging.
Outcomes of granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor use in pediatric kidney transplant recipients: A Pediatric Nephrology Research Consortium study
Authors: Engen Rachel M. , Weng Patricia L. , Shih Weiwen , Patel Hiren P. , Richardson Kelsey , Dowdrick Shauna L. , Ashoor Isa F. , Misurac Jason , Traum Avram Z. , Semanik Michael G. , Jain Namarata G. , Mansuri Asifhusen , Sreedharan Rajasree 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundNeutropenia is common in the first year after pediatric kidney transplant and is associated with an increased risk of infection, allograft loss, and death. Granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) increases neutrophil production, but its use in pediatric solid organ transplant recipients remains largely undescribed.MethodsWe performed a multicenter retrospective cohort study of children with neutropenia within the first 180 days after kidney transplant. Multivariable linear regression and Poisson regression were used to assess duration of neutropenia and incidence of hospitalization, infection, and rejection.ResultsOf 341 neutropenic patients, 83 received G‐CSF during their first episode of neutropenia. Median dose of G‐CSF was 5 mcg/kg for 3 (IQR 2–7) doses. G‐CSF use was associated with transplant center, induction immunosuppression, steroid‐free maintenance immunosuppression, hospitalization, and decreases in mycophenolate mofetil, valganciclovir, and trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole dosing. Absolute neutrophil count nadir was also significantly lower among those treated with G‐CSF. G‐CSF use was not associated with a shorter duration of neutropenia (p = .313) and was associated with a higher rate of neutropenia relapse (p = .002) in adjusted analysis. G‐CSF use was associated with a decreased risk of hospitalization (aIRR 0.25 (95%CI 0.12–0.53) p < .001) but there was no association with incidence of bacterial infection or rejection within 90 days of neutropenic episode.ConclusionG‐CSF use for neutropenia in pediatric kidney transplant recipients did not shorten the overall duration of neutropenia but was associated with lower risk of hospitalization. Prospective studies are needed to determine which patients may benefit from G‐CSF treatment.
Online Misinformation and “Phantom Patterns”: Epistemic Exploitation in the Era of Big Data
Authors: Fritts Megan , Cabrera Frank 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIn this article, we examine how the availability of massive quantities of data, that is, the “Big Data” phenomenon, contributes to the creation, spread, and harms of online misinformation. Specifically, we argue that a factor in the problem of online misinformation is the evolved human instinct to recognize patterns. While the pattern‐recognition instinct is a crucial evolutionary adaptation, we argue that in the age of Big Data, these capacities have, unfortunately, rendered us vulnerable. Given the ways in which online media outlets profit from the spread of misinformation by preying on this pattern‐finding instinct, we conceptualize the problem that we identify as a morally objectionable form of “epistemic exploitation.” As we argue, the consumer of digital misinformation is often exploited by having her pattern‐recognition instinct used against her. This exploitation is morally objectionable because it deprives her of an epistemic good to which she has a right. This epistemic good is the integrity of the pattern‐recognition instinct itself, which, we argue, is a capacity that allows us to participate in uniquely human goods. While our primary goal is to bring attention to this form of epistemic exploitation, we conclude by briefly evaluating some general solutions to the growing problem of online misinformation.
Transfusion practice in the bleeding critically ill: An international online survey—The TRACE‐2 survey
Authors: de Bruin Sanne , Eggermont Dorus , van Bruggen Robin , de Korte Dirk , Scheeren Thomas W. L. , Bakker Jan , Vlaar Alexander P. J. ,   Cardiovascular Dynamics Section and Transfusion Task Force of the ESICM
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundTransfusion is very common in the intensive care unit (ICU), but practice is highly variable, as has recently been shown in non‐bleeding critically ill patients practices survey. Bleeding patients in ICU require different blood products across a range of specific patient categories. We hypothesize that a large variety in transfusion practice exists in bleeding patients.Study design and methodsAn international online survey was performed among physicians working in the ICU. Transfusion practice in massively and non‐massively bleeding patients was examined, including transfusion ratios, thresholds, and the presence of transfusion guidelines.ResultsSix hundred eleven respondents filled in the survey of which 401 could be analyzed, representing 64 countries. Among the respondents, 52% had a massive transfusion protocol (MTP) available at their ICU. In massively bleeding patients, 46% of the respondents used fixed transfusion component ratios. Of those who used fixed blood ratios, the 1:1:1 ratio (red blood cell [RBC] concentrates: plasma: platelet concentrates) was most commonly used (33%). The presence of an MTP was associated with a more frequent use of fixed ratios (p < .001). For RBC transfusion in the general non‐massively bleeding ICU population, a hemoglobin (Hb) threshold of 7.0[7.0–7.3] g/dl was reported. In the general ICU population, a platelet count threshold of 50[26–50] × 109/L was applied.DiscussionHalf of the centers had no massive transfusion protocol available. Transfusion practice in massively bleeding critically ill patients is highly variable and driven by the presence of an MTP. In the general non‐massively bleeding ICU population restrictive transfusion triggers were chosen.
CT perfusion: stroke, seizure or both?
Authors: Davis Elizabeth , Elnagi Fathalla , Smith Thomas 
Published: December 2021

An 88-year-old male with a history of hypertension, ischaemic heart disease and Bell’s palsy presented with symptoms and signs of an acute ischaemic stroke. National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) was 19 at presentation, indicative of potential large vessel occlusion. The initial CT scan revealed evidence of small vessel disease and arterial calcification. As there were no contraindications, he received thrombolytic treatment. CT angiography and CT perfusion imaging were performed in preparation for possible thrombectomy. There was no evidence of a large vessel thrombus, and changes on CT perfusion were suggestive of seizure activity, with relative hyperperfusion on the cerebral hemisphere of interest. Post thrombolysis, his NIHSS was 5. An MR scan revealed evidence of bilateral thalamic infarcts. After a period of rehabilitation, he was discharged home and independently mobile but with cognitive impairment.Acute stroke care increasingly uses multimodal imaging to confirm the clinical diagnosis and help optimise initial emergency management. Such imaging is useful in determining whether the presentation is a vascular event or stroke mimic. Moreover, seizures complicate and mimic acute strokes, which can lead to therapeutic uncertainty. This case highlights the increasingly sophisticated investigation of patients presenting with suspected acute stroke, with the attendant need for accurate interpretation by experienced clinicians.
Religion and cancer prevention: study protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Kretzler Benedikt , König Hans-Helmut , Brandt Linéa , Hajek André 
Published: December 2021

IntroductionSeveral studies explored a relationship between religiousness and the utilisation of cancer screenings, as religious people may obtain an increased social network or could have certain personality traits that enhance screening use. To the best of our knowledge, there is no systematic review that sums up the evidence gained from research on that relationship. Thus, our review aims to appraise the findings of observational studies regarding that relationship. Its findings may be useful in addressing specific target groups to increase ineffectively the low cancer screening rates.Methods and analysisEmploying a predefined search algorithm, three online databases (CINAHL, PsycInfo and PubMed) will be searched. In addition, the bibliographies of the studies included in our review will be searched through manually and independently by two reviewers. We are looking for observational studies (both cross-sectional and longitudinal) which examine the association between religion and cancer screening utilisation. However, studies regarding specific samples (as ethnic minorities or religious sects) will be excluded. We expect that the studies examine various dimensions of religion, such as religious attendance or religious intensity. We will extract data that describe methodology, sample characteristics and the findings concerning our object of investigation. Moreover, a quality assessment will be performed. Two reviewers will independently select the studies, extract the data and assess the studies’ quality. Disagreements will be dissolved by discussion or by inclusion of a third party. The findings will be presented narratively in text and tables. If possible, a meta-analysis will be carried out.Ethics and disseminationAs no primary data are collected, the approval from an ethics committee is not required. Our review will be published in a peer-reviewed, scientific journal.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42021229222.
Predictive effect of molecular and clinical characteristics for the OS and PFS efficacy of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy in patients with NSCLC: a meta-analysis and systematic review
Authors: An Rui , Zhao Feng , Wang Liqian , Shan Jikang , Wang Xianjun 
Published: December 2021

ObjectiveTo evaluate the predictive effect of molecular and clinical characteristics for the efficacy of anti-programmed cell death 1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) immunotherapy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis.SettingTwelve randomised controlled trials (RCTs) with 7442 patients were retrieved from all over the world.MethodsElectronic databases were searched for eligible RCTs. The HRs and 95% CIs for overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) for the whole and subgroup population were extracted for meta-analysis using Review Manager V.5.3 software.Primary and secondary outcome measureOS was the primary outcome and PFS was the secondary outcome.ResultsTwelve RCTs with 7442 patients were included. For the trial population, anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy significantly improved OS (HR=0.78, 95% CI 0.70 to 0.86, p<0.00001) and objective response rate (ORR) (risk ratio=1.37, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.74, p=0.009). Subgroup analysis results showed an improved OS at PD-L1≥1%, ≥5% and ≥50% levels, and a longer PFS at PD-L1≥5% and ≥50% levels. Moreover, OS and PFS benefits were observed in the non-first line treatment, squamous cell carcinoma histology, male, smoking, non-central nervous system (CNS) metastasis, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) wild-type and Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) mutant subgroups.ConclusionsAnti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy significantly improved OS and ORR and reduced the rate of Adverse Events (AEs) compared to chemotherapy. PD-L1 expression, line of therapy, histology, sex, smoking history, CNS metastases, EGFR and KRAS mutational status might be potential predictors for the therapeutic effect of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy in specific patients with NSCLC.