bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The respiratory microbiome associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease comorbidity in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Shimizu Masamitsu , Miyanaga Akihiko , Seike Masahiro , Matsuda Kuniko , Matsumoto Masaru , Noro Rintaro , Fujita Kazue , Mano Yoko , Furuya Nobuhiko , Kubota Kaoru , Gemma Akihiko 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundResearch has shown that some microbiomes are linked to cancer. Hence, we hypothesize that alterations in the respiratory microbiome might be associated with lung cancer.MethodsThrough droplet digital polymerase chain reaction analysis, we investigated the abundance of Acidovorax in surgically resected primary tumors and corresponding nontumor lung tissues obtained from 50 Japanese patients with non‐small cell lung cancer.ResultsThe rate of positivity for Acidovorax in tumor and nontumor tissues was 44 and 26%, respectively. The abundance of Acidovorax in tumor tissues was significantly higher in patients with nonsquamous cell carcinoma complicated by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and those who relapsed after surgical resection (p < 0.05). In tumor tissues, the results of the univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that only COPD exerted a direct effect on the abundance of Acidovorax (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the presence of Acidovorax was high in lung cancer patients with COPD comorbidity (65%) and TP53 gene mutation; only one of the nontumor tissues was positive for Acidovorax. In patients with lung cancer complicated by COPD, Acidovorax tended to be present in both the tumor and nontumor areas.ConclusionsThis study identified novel microbiota involved in lung cancer with COPD comorbidity. The results suggested that Acidovorax may be a useful biomarker in the screening for lung cancer. Further studies are warranted to validate the clinical significance of the microbiome in a larger independent patient cohort.
Development of a novel behaviourally anchored instrument for the assessment of surgical trainees
Authors: Pan Tzong‐Yang , Piscioneri Frank , Owen Cathy 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) created its competency framework in 2003 which initially consisted of nine competencies each regarded as equally important for a practising surgeon. The JDocs Framework is aligned to these competencies and provides guidance for junior doctors working towards the Surgical Education and Training program.MethodsA novel assessment instrument was designed around the JDocs framework using 48 behaviourally anchored questions. The study was completed in 2020 across five public hospitals in the ACT and NSW. Participants were invited to complete the self‐assessment form online.ResultsThirty‐six of 59 (61%) trainees participated in the study, with 67 of 68 (98.5%) supervisors having completed the assessment form. Trainee self‐rating scores were lower than that of supervisor ratings across all competencies except communication. The self‐rating scores were negatively correlated with the seniority of a trainee's level in all nine competencies. The years of post‐graduate experience was positively correlated with seven of the nine competencies. For gender and International Medical Graduate status, correlation was only identified for health advocacy and medical expertise. There was no correlation identified with a trainee's age.ConclusionThis pilot study has provided an opportunity to explore a new assessment instrument for surgical trainees that is aligned to the RACS competency framework using behaviourally anchored questions. Looking ahead, a better understanding of this instrument will potentially be helpful in early identification of underperforming trainees in order to facilitate early intervention, or its use as a selection tool for formal training programs.
Asymmetric trade liberalizations and current account dynamics
Authors: Barattieri Alessandro 
Published: May 2022

AbstractI propose asymmetric trade liberalizations as a new potential determinant of current account dynamics. I focus on South Korea, which experienced a rise and fall of its current account in the period from 2010 to 2018, when it signed preferential trade agreements (PTAs) with its main trading partners. First, I develop a model where the current account depends on the timing of present and future relative changes of trade costs. Second, I provide empirical evidence supporting the key predictions of the model using the Canada–Korea PTA. PTAs provide predictable, potentially asymmetric, future tariff paths on many products. I use information for over 2,500 HS‐6 products to build relative trade liberalization measures, and show that current (future) high relative trade liberalizations tend to decrease (increase) the trade balance, consistent with the model. Finally, I propose a quantitative investigation of the Korean surplus based on the asymmetric dynamics of trade costs between South Korea and its main trading partners. I develop a two‐country international real business cycle model augmented with trade costs. When fed with the actual asymmetric trends found in the data, the model generates a current account surplus of about 2.15% of GDP, roughly 66% of what was observed in the Korean data.
CircPCBP2 promotes the stemness and chemoresistance of DLBCL via targeting miR‐33a/b to disinhibit PD‐L1
Authors: Dong Lihua , Huang Jingjing , Gao Xue , Du Jianwei , Wang Yesheng , Zhao Lingdi 
Published: May 2022

AbstractDiffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common lymphoid malignancy with a high relapse rate of up to 40%. The prognosis of the disease needs improvement and requires a understanding of its molecular mechanism. We investigated the mechanisms of DLBCL development and its sensitivity to chemotherapy by focusing on circPCBP2/miR‐33a/b/PD‐L1 axis. Human DLBCL specimens and cultured cancer cell lines were used. Features of circPCBP2 were systematically characterized through Sanger sequencing, Actinomycin D, RNase R treatment, and FISH. The expression levels of circPCBP2, miR‐33a/b, PD‐L1, stemness‐related markers, ERK/AKT and JAK2/STAT3 signaling were measured using qRT‐PCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. Stemness of DLBCL cells was assessed through spheroid formation assay and flow cytometry. Cell viability and apoptosis upon cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP) treatment were determined using MTT assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Interactions of circPCBP2‐miR‐33a/b and miR‐33a/b‐PD‐L1 were validated using dual luciferase activity assay and RNA‐RIP. Nude mouse xenograft model was used to assess the function of circPCBP2 in DLBCL growth in vivo. circPCBP2 was upregulated in human DLBCL specimens and cultured DLBCL cells while miR‐33a/b was reduced. Knockdown of circPCBP2 or miR‐33a/b overexpression inhibited the stemness of DLBCL cells and promoted cancer cell apoptosis upon CHOP treatment. circPCBP2 directly bound with miR‐33a/b while miR‐33a/b targeted PD‐L1 3’‐UTR. circPCBP2 disinhibited PD‐L1 signaling via sponging miR‐33a/b. miR‐33a/b inhibitor and activating PD‐L1 reversed the effects of circPCBP2 knockdown and miR‐33a/b mimics, respectively. circPBCP2 knockdown restrained DLBCL growth in vivo and potentiated the anti‐tumor effects of CHOP. In conclusion, circPCBP2 enhances DLBCL cell stemness but suppresses its sensitivity to CHOP via sponging miR‐33a/b to disinhibit PD‐L1 expression. circPCBP2/miR‐33a/b/PD‐L1 axis could serve as a diagnosis marker or therapeutic target for DLBCL.
Label‐free multiphoton excitation imaging as a promising diagnostic tool for breast cancer
Authors: Matsui Takahiro , Iwasa Akio , Mimura Masafumi , Taniguchi Seiji , Sudo Takao , Uchida Yutaka , Kikuta Junichi , Morizono Hidetomo , Horii Rie , Motoyama Yuichi , Morii Eiichi , Ohno Shinji , Kiyota Yasujiro , Ishii Masaru 
Published: May 2022

AbstractHistopathological diagnosis is the ultimate method of attaining the final diagnosis; however, the observation range is limited to the two‐dimensional plane, and it requires thin slicing of the tissue, which limits diagnostic information. To seek solutions for these problems, we proposed a novel imaging‐based histopathological examination. We used the multiphoton excitation microscopy (MPM) technique to establish a method for visualizing unfixed/unstained human breast tissues. Under near‐infrared ray excitation, fresh human breast tissues emitted fluorescent signals with three major peaks, which enabled visualizing the breast tissue morphology without any fixation or dye staining. Our study using human breast tissue samples from 32 patients indicated that experienced pathologists can estimate normal or cancerous lesions using only these MPM images with a kappa coefficient of 1.0. Moreover, we developed an image classification algorithm with artificial intelligence that enabled us to automatically define cancer cells in small areas with a high sensitivity of ≥0.942. Taken together, label‐free MPM imaging is a promising method for the real‐time automatic diagnosis of breast cancer.
A deep learning‐based approach for diagnosing COVID‐19 on chest x‐ray images, and a test study with clinical experts
Authors: Sevli Onur 
Published: May 2022

AbstractPneumonia is among the common symptoms of the virus that causes COVID‐19, which has turned into a worldwide pandemic. It is possible to diagnose pneumonia by examining chest radiographs. Chest x‐ray (CXR) is a fast, low‐cost, and practical method widely used in this field. The fact that different pathogens other than COVID‐19 also cause pneumonia and the radiographic images of all are similar make it difficult to detect the source of the disease. In this study, automatic detection of COVID‐19 cases over CXR images was tried to be performed using convolutional neural network (CNN), a deep learning technique. Classifications were carried out using six different architectures on the dataset consisting of 15,153 images of three different types: healthy, COVID‐19, and other viral‐induced pneumonia. In the classifications performed with five different state‐of‐art models, ResNet18, GoogLeNet, AlexNet, VGG16, and DenseNet161, and a minimal CNN architecture specific to this study, the most successful result was obtained with the ResNet18 architecture as 99.25% accuracy. Although the minimal CNN model developed for this study has a simpler structure, it was observed that it has a success to compete with more complex models. The performances of the models used in this study were compared with similar studies in the literature and it was revealed that they generally achieved higher success. The model with the highest success was transformed into a test application, tested by 10 volunteer clinicians, and it was concluded that it provides 99.06% accuracy in practical use. This result reveals that the conducted study can play the role of a successful decision support system for experts.
Chlormethin‐Gel zur Behandlung der Mycosis fungoides: Ein Expertenkonsens aus Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz (DACH‐Region) zum Therapiemanagement
Authors: Assaf Chalid , Booken Nina , Dippel Edgar , Guenova Emmanuella , Jonak Constanze , Klemke Claus‐Detlev , Nicolay Jan P. , Schlaak Max , Wobser Marion , Trautinger Franz 
Published: May 2022

ZusammenfassungHintergrundChlormethin‐Gel ist in Europa zur Therapie von Patienten mit Mycosis fungoides in allen Krankheitsstadien zugelassen. Die optimalen Behandlungsregime hinsichtlich Frequenz, Dosierung, Kombinations‐ oder Erhaltungstherapien sind noch nicht vollständig etabliert.MethodikZehn in der Erforschung und Behandlung kutaner T‐Zell‐Lymphome erfahrene Experten aus Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz (DACH‐Region) wurden schriftlich zu Indikation, Anwendungsfrequenz, Beurteilung des Therapieerfolgs, Begleittherapie, Nebenwirkungen, Kombinationstherapien in späteren Krankheitsstadien, Erhaltungstherapie und Adhärenz im Rahmen der Therapie der Mycosis fungoides mit Chlormethin‐Gel befragt. Die strukturiert aufbereiteten Ergebnisse der Umfrage wurden in einer Konsensuskonferenz diskutiert und Empfehlungen zum Management der Therapie mit Chlormethin‐Gel entwickelt.ErgebnisseWesentlich für die Therapie mit Chlormethin‐Gel ist ein individuelles, symptomorientiertes Therapiemanagement. Systemische Nebenwirkungen des Wirkstoffs sind wegen der fehlenden systemischen Verfügbarkeit bei topischer Anwendung unwahrscheinlich. Die häufig auftretende allergische oder irritativ‐toxische Kontaktdermatitis kann durch eine Anpassung des Therapieregimes, Therapiepausen sowie nebenwirkungsspezifische und unterstützende Maßnahmen häufig beherrscht werden. Ein einschleichender Therapiebeginn mit Anwendung von Chlormethin‐Gel jeden zweiten Tag kann die Tolerabilität wesentlich verbessern, insbesondere wenn die Therapie alternierend mit topischen Kortikosteroiden erfolgt.SchlussfolgerungenDie Anwendung von Chlormethin‐Gel bei Mycosis fungoides wird durch die begleitende Kontaktdermatitis häufig eingeschränkt. Mit einem geeigneten Therapie‐ und Nebenwirkungsmanagement können vermeidbare Therapieabbrüche verhindert werden und mehr Patienten von der Therapie profitieren.
Therapy of psoriasis during pregnancy and breast‐feeding
Authors: Balakirski Galina , Gerdes Sascha , Beissert Stefan , Ochsendorf Falk , von Kiedrowski Ralph , Wilsmann‐Theis Dagmar 
Published: May 2022

SummaryThere have been multiple systemic drugs approved for the therapy of psoriasis vulgaris and psoriasis arthritis (PsA) in the last decade. However, treatment decisions are difficult to make in women planning a pregnancy and in pregnant and lactating women due to the paucity of data for such cases. The strongest evidence for psoriasis therapy during pregnancy exists for topical corticosteroids. Medically controlled use of UVB‐therapy is also considered safe. The best evidence regarding systemic therapy during pregnancy and lactation is available for the group of TNF‐alpha inhibitors, which is also reflected in the respective medical product information. This is especially important in cases of psoriatic arthritis. Among traditional systemic therapeutics, the largest clinical experience exists for ciclosporin, which, if medically necessary, may be continued during gestation. However, TNF‐alpha inhibitors, especially the pegylated form, should be preferred in case of pregnancy. Furthermore, an elective pregnancy termination is not necessary due to systemic therapy of psoriasis with many further substances during the first pregnancy weeks. The current work provides a comprehensive review of the scientific literature on treatment of psoriasis during pregnancy and lactation. Based on the available scientific information, severity of psoriasis and patient’s comorbidities, the best possible therapeutic approach can be found in consensus with the patient.
The relationship of educational environment and preparedness to practice ‐ perceptions of Malaysian dental graduates
Authors: Mohd Yani Azri A. , Ahmad Mas S. , Ngah Nurul A. , Md Sabri Budi A. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractGauging dental graduates' perceptions of their university training and of how it prepares them for professional practice is useful in measuring the quality and adequacy of the curriculum to which they were exposed.ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the perceptions of dental graduates' educational environment as well as preparedness to practice, and how these two components are correlated.MethodsA self‐administered, validated questionnaire, developed from previous studies, was distributed to dental graduates of a public Malaysian university (n = 178, response rate = 60%) via online and postal surveys. Bivariate analyses were carried out using Spearman's rank‐order correlation (Spearman's Rho, significance level p < .01) to determine the correlation between (1) Global Preparedness Score and Global DREEM Score, (2) domains of DREEM Inventory and perceived preparedness, and (3) domains of perceived preparedness and DREEM Score.ResultsThe Global Preparedness Score was 191.52, with more than 90% of respondents feeling well prepared in the “General Patient Management,” “Drug and Emergency Management” and “Practice Management” domains. The Global DREEM Score was 148.99/200, interpreted as “more positive than negative.” The DREEM Inventory domains with the highest and lowest scores were “Students’ Academic Self‐Perception” (78.03%) and “Students' Social Self‐Perception” (71.86%), respectively. A moderate positive correlation was found between Global Preparedness Score and Global DREEM Score (p < .01). In addition, moderate to large positive correlations were noted between perceived preparedness and “Student Perception of Learning,” “Student Perception of Atmosphere” and “Student Academic Self‐Perception” (p < .01). Moderate positive correlations were also found between the DREEM Score and most domains of perceived preparedness (p < .01).ConclusionsThe majority of graduates were well prepared to perform in most areas of clinical practice and perceived their overall educational environment as positive. In particular, those who viewed the educational environment in a positive light were also found to possess a good level of preparedness.
Acoustic emission and computed tomography investigation on fatigue failure of fissure‐contained hollow‐cylinder granite: Cavity diameter effect
Authors: Wang Yu , Yi Xuefeng , Han Jianqiang , Xia Yingjie 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThis work aims to investigate the influence of cavity diameter on fracture behaviors for fissure‐contained hollow‐cylinder granite subjected to multistage cyclic loads, using acoustic emission detection, and post‐test computed tomography (CT) scanning. The influence of the cavity diameter on rock fracture was revealed in terms of volumetric deformation, stiffness degradation, AE output activities, hole spalling, and crack coalescence pattern. The testing results show the both the volumetric strain and AE b value decrease with increasing cavity diameter. An increase of volumetric strain and a decrease of AE b value are found during rock failure and their relationship was established. In addition, damage is quantificationally characterized by the released energy, and a damage evolution model is defined to characterize rock damage process. Moreover, post‐test CT visualization highlights the communication between the hole and fissures at the rock bridge segment, and it is suggested that failure severity decreases with the increase of hole diameter.
ECOSTRESS reveals pre‐fire vegetation controls on burn severity for Southern California wildfires of 2020
Authors: Pascolini‐Campbell Madeleine , Lee Christine , Stavros Natasha , Fisher Joshua B. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractAimTopography, climate and plant water stress influence the spatial patterns of burn severity (damage to soils and vegetation associated with wildfires); however, the relative importance of these predictors remains contested. We hypothesized that high‐resolution pre‐fire vegetation water stress, measured using evapotranspiration (ET), evaporative stress index (ESI) and water use efficiency (WUE), are strong predictors of burn severity.LocationCalifornia, USA.Time period2019–2020.Major taxa studiedForests, chaparral, oaks and grasslands.MethodsWe used random forest regression modelling with remotely sensed ECOsystem and Spaceborne Thermal Radiometer Experiment on Space Station (ECOSTRESS) plant water stress from the spring–summer and year before the fires, predictors to represent spatial autocorrelation, and topography to predict the spatial patterns of burn severity for six fires in the Sierra Nevada and the Southern California Mountains.ResultsPlant water stress was the dominant predictor for the Southern California Mountains, and spatial autocorrelation in Sierra Nevada. Elevation was a leading predictor for burn severity for both regions, with greater predictability in higher‐elevation and steeper terrain. Model results varied by vegetation type: for the Southern California Mountains, grasslands had the highest predictability [R2 = .50 (high elevation); R2 = .58 (steep)], followed by savanna and open shrublands, which are typified by chaparral‐type vegetation [R2 = .43 (savanna, high elevation); R2 = .40 (open shrubland, high elevation)]. For grasslands, annual ET was the leading predictor (R2 = .58), consistent with the idea that growing season grassland enhancement increases fuel availability. The predictability of burn severity was also sensitive to the time of day of the ECOSTRESS acquisition and varied by vegetation type. Afternoon ET was the leading predictor for high‐elevation grasslands (R2 = .50), and morning predictors were important for steep‐sloped woody savanna (R2 = .18).Main conclusionsOur findings provide insights on how antecedent plant water stress predicts burn severity and can inform pre‐fire season monitoring and fuel management.
Making the most of public policy in health libraries and information services: Example of the Health and Care Bill 2022
Authors: Carlyle Ruth 
Published: May 2022

AbstractPublic policy changes, such as new legislation, can seem distant from health knowledge and libraries services. The changes can provide, however, opportunities for health libraries and information services across sectors to demonstrate their value, supporting their ongoing funding and integration. The Health and Care Bill 2022 is an example of a public policy change that has specific implications in England, but also demonstrates the elements to look out for in new legislation as opportunities for health libraries and information services.
Effectiveness of vital pulp treatment in managing nontraumatic pulpitis associated with no or nonspontaneous pain: A systematic review
Authors: Jakovljevic Aleksandar , Jaćimović Jelena , Aminoshariae Anita , Fransson Helena 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe exposed pulp has been the topic of numerous studies, but well‐designed and well‐executed comparative trials on the outcome and treatment of these teeth have been limited.ObjectivesThis study was conducted to answer the following questions: in patients with nontraumatic pulpitis associated with no or nonspontaneous pain in permanent teeth, (i) is direct pulp capping or pulpotomy (partial/full) as effective as selective or stepwise caries removal [Population/participants, Intervention(s), Comparator(s)/control, Outcome(s) (PICO) 1], (ii) is pulpotomy (partial/full) as effective as direct pulp capping (PICO 2) and (iii) is pulpotomy (partial/full) as effective as a pulpectomy (PICO 3), in terms of a combination of patient and clinical reported outcomes, with ‘tooth survival’ as the most critical outcome?MethodsA literature search was conducted using Clarivate Analytics' Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception to November 3rd 2021. Grey literature and contents of the major subject journals were examined. Eligibility criteria followed the PICO questions. Two independent reviewers performed study selection, data extraction and appraisal; disagreements were resolved by a third reviewer. The risk of bias was assessed by the revised Cochrane risk‐of‐bias tool for randomized trials.ResultsThree randomized clinical trials (RCTs) were included in the review. No study fulfilled the criteria to answer PICO 1. There were no significant differences in the reported outcomes between investigated treatments in all included RCTs. None of the included studies reported the most critical outcome ‘tooth survival’. A high loss of patients during the follow‐up period was observed.DiscussionAlthough a few studies fulfilled strict eligible criteria, the results of this systematic review clearly highlight a paucity of available evidence. At the present time, clinical decisions cannot be substantiated by direct comparative trials.ConclusionsBased on limited evidence, this systematic review discovered no significant differences in effectiveness between compared vital pulp treatments in managing nontraumatic pulpitis associated with no or nonspontaneous pain. Further high‐quality RCTs are necessary to investigate the effectiveness of direct pulp capping or pulpotomy (partial/full) compared to selective or stepwise caries removal.RegistrationPROSPERO database (CRD42021259742).