bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Urological stone disease: a 5‐year update of stone management using Hospital Episode Statistics
Authors: Jour Ibrahim , Lam Angela , Turney Ben 
Published: March 2022

ObjectiveTo reassess the trends in upper urinary tract (UUT) stone disease burden and management in the UK during the last 5 years.MethodsThe present paper is our third quinquennial analysis of trends in the management of renal stones in England. Data were collected using the Hospital Episode Statistics database for the years 2015–2020 inclusive. These were then analysed, summarized and presented.ResultsThe number of UUT stone episodes increased by 2.2% from 86 742 in 2014–2015 to 88 632 in 2019–2020 but annual prevalence remained static at 0.14%. The number of UUT stone episodes in those of working age has remained static but increased by 9% for patients aged > 60 years (from 27 329 to 29 842). The number of shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) treatments decreased by 6.8%. There was a further increase in the use of ureteroscopy (URS) between 2015 and 2020 of 18.9%. Within this subgroup, flexible URS had the most rapid increase in use, with a rise of 20.4% from 7108 to 8558 recorded cases. Over the 20‐year period from 2000 to 2020 there was a remarkable 257% increase in URS cases. There was a further decline in open surgery for UUT stone disease by 40%. Stone surgery day‐case numbers have increased by 14.7% (from 31 014 to 35 566), with a corresponding decline in the number of bed days of 14.3%. Emergency cases increased by 40%, while elective cases saw a slight increase of 1.9%.ConclusionThe present study shows a plateauing in the prevalence of UUT stone disease in England in the last 5 years, with a move towards day‐case procedures and an increase in the proportion of emergency work. For the first time in England, URS has overtaken SWL as the most common procedure for treating UUT stone disease, which might reflect patients' or physicians' preference for a more effective definitive treatment.
Burden of allergic disease among ethnic minority groups in high‐income countries
Authors: Jones Christina J. , Paudyal Priyamvada , West Robert M. , Mansur Adel H. , Jay Nicola , Makwana Nick , Baker Sarah , Krishna Mamidipudi T. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic raised acute awareness regarding inequities and inequalities and poor clinical outcomes amongst ethnic minority groups. Studies carried out in North America, the UK and Australia have shown a relatively high burden of asthma and allergies amongst ethnic minority groups. The precise reasons underpinning the high disease burden are not well understood, but it is likely that this involves complex gene–environment interaction, behavioural and cultural elements. Poor clinical outcomes have been related to multiple factors including access to health care, engagement with healthcare professionals and concordance with advice which are affected by deprivation, literacy, cultural norms and health beliefs. It is unclear at present if allergic conditions are intrinsically more severe amongst patients from ethnic minority groups. Most evidence shaping our understanding of disease pathogenesis and clinical management is biased towards data generated from white population resident in high‐income countries. In conjunction with standards of care, it is prudent that a multi‐pronged approach towards provision of composite, culturally tailored, supportive interventions targeting demographic variables at the individual level is needed, but this requires further research and validation. In this narrative review, we provide an overview of epidemiology, sensitization patterns, poor clinical outcomes and possible factors underpinning these observations and highlight priority areas for research.
Reliability of combined fine needle aspiration and core needle biopsies in the diagnosis of liver lesions: An 8‐year institutional experience
Authors: Shen Yuan , Angelova Evgeniya , Prats Mariana Moreno , Clement Cecilia , Schnadig Vicki , Stevenson‐Lerner Heather , He Jing 
Published: March 2022

AbstractObjectiveFine needle aspiration (FNA), followed by core needle biopsy (CNB) when needed, was adopted as the standard care for liver lesions in our institution. This study explores the diagnostic efficacy of combined image‐guided FNA and CNB in liver lesion diagnosis.MethodWe retrospectively reviewed all liver FNA cases performed in our institution between January 2010 and September 2018. A total of 550 cases from 531 patients (173 females) with a median age of 59 years (range, 13–90) were identified. All FNA cases were initially assessed with rapid on‐site evaluation, and cell blocks were prepared. A total of 459 FNA specimens with concurrent CNBs were included in the study. Both FNAs and CNBs in the paired sampling were read by a cytopathologist, with expert consultation as needed.ResultsThe concordance rate between FNA and CNB was 85.2%. Combined FNA/CNB showed higher sensitivity in detecting malignant tumours when compared to FNA or CNB alone (98%, vs 87% and 92%, p < 0.001), especially for detecting metastatic tumours, hepatocellular carcinoma, and haematopoietic neoplasms (98%, 97%, and 94%, respectively; all p < 0.001). Combined FNA/CNB showed a lower false negative rate in malignant tumours than FNA or CNB alone (2%, vs 13% and 8%, p < 0.001). There was no significant difference among FNA, CNB, and combined FNA/CNB in diagnosing benign liver lesions.ConclusionsCombined liver FNA/CNB has high diagnostic efficacy for malignancy and a lower false negative rate than either procedure alone, especially in metastatic tumours, hepatocellular carcinoma, and haematopoietic neoplasms.
New‐onset refractory status epilepticus as an early manifestation of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in adults after COVID‐19
Authors: Nawfal Omar , Toufaili Hassan , Dib Georgette , Dirani Maya , Beydoun Ahmad 
Published: March 2022

AbstractMultisystem inflammatory syndrome in adults (MIS‐A) is a rare hyperinflammatory complication with multi‐organ involvement that manifests a few weeks after recovering from a typically mild coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) infection. Although encephalopathy and seizures can occur in the acute phase of COVID‐19, the nervous system is infrequently involved in patients with MIS‐A. Herein, we describe the case of a young woman who presented with new‐onset refractory status epilepticus (NORSE) following a mild COVID‐19 infection associated with symptoms, signs, and laboratory findings that satisfy the updated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) definition of MIS‐A. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed symmetric T2‐signal increase involving both orbitofrontal lobes, insulae, and hippocampi. One of the notable findings in our patient was the quick response and significant clinical recovery that occurred following initiation of treatment with intravenous methylprednisolone and intravenous immunoglobulin. Our case expands the clinical spectrum of MIS‐A and documents the occurrence of NORSE as one of its early clinical manifestations. A routine comprehensive clinical and laboratory assessment is needed to screen for this underdiagnosed condition, especially in patients with post‐COVID‐19 inflammatory complications.
International court curbing in Geneva: Lessons from the paralysis of the WTO Appellate Body
Authors: Pollack Mark A. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe 21st century has witnessed a backlash against many international courts (ICs). Studies of IC backlash have generally taken an optimistic tack, noting that most courts have survived backlash intact or—in the case of the paralyzed Appellate Body (AB) of the World Trade Organization (WTO)—are likely to do so after a temporary period of slumber. In this context, this paper analyzes the United States' successful effort to paralyze the AB, deriving lessons from this deviant case of backlash against one of the world's most active and independent ICs. Undertaken in the context of the “Reversing Delegation” research project, this account is organized in five parts. First, I demonstrate that the creation of the AB was a classic instance of delegation of dispute‐settlement power, and that the AB quickly emerged as an active agent of trade liberalization. Second, I explore the roots of politicization, noting that dissatisfaction with AB jurisprudence preceded the Trump administration, although Trump's delegitimation of the AB was more far‐reaching than that of his predecessors. Third, I examine the administration's use of the veto power to paralyze the AB, an act of de facto de‐delegation. Fourth, I assess the pushback from the many other WTO members that sought to defend the AB, showing how they failed to blunt the US campaign. Fifth, I analyze the remarkably successful outcome of the US attack, and draw lessons for judicial independence and the rule of law in international politics.
No overall impact on body mass index for age change after dolutegravir initiation in a French paediatric cohort
Authors: Frange Pierre , Avettand‐Fenoel Veronique , Veber Florence , Blanche Stephane 
Published: March 2022

AbstractObjectivesIncreased weight gain with dolutegravir use is increasingly scrutinized in adults, but published data in paediatrics are limited and conflicting. This study aimed to provide long‐term data about changes in body mass index (BMI) in French children (aged 3–9 years) and adolescents (aged 10–17 years) receiving dolutegravir.Patients and methodsThis retrospective monocentric study included 97 subjects who received a dolutegravir‐based regimen for ≥12 months in 2014–2021. We evaluated the mean change in age‐ and sex‐matched standardized BMI z score (BMIz) per year of dolutegravir exposure and compared the dynamics of BMIz change during the 12 months pre‐ vs. post‐dolutegravir use when these data were available.ResultsAt the time of dolutegravir initiation, most of the subjects were antiretroviral therapy (ART) experienced (89.7%), displayed virological suppression (73.2%), and had normal weight for their age (78.4%). Median follow‐up was 30 months (interquartile range [IQR] 19–45). The mean rate of change in BMIz was +0.03 z score/year of dolutegravir exposure (95% confidence interval [CI] −0.08–0.13) in the entire cohort. It was lower in children than in adolescents (−0.08 [95% CI −0.23–0.08] vs. +0.16 [95% CI 0.06–0.26], respectively; p = 0.04) and in individuals with baseline BMI ≥50th percentile than in those with lower BMI (−0.06 [95% CI −0.14–0.01] vs. +0.08 [95% CI −0.07–0.23], respectively; p = 0.001). Trajectories of BMIz change 12 months pre‐ vs. post‐dolutegravir were similar, except in subjects with baseline BMI ≥50th percentile, whose rate of BMIz change was lower post‐dolutegravir (difference: −0.23 [95% CI −0.46–0.00]; p = 0.04).ConclusionWe found no evidence of change in BMIz in French children initiating dolutegravir. These reassuring findings maintain the primary position of dolutegravir among paediatric therapeutic options.
High‐strength TiB2‐B4C composite ceramics sintered by spark plasma sintering
Authors: Chen Daimeng , Zhang Kuibao , Zeng Jianjun , Guo Haiyan , Li Bo 
Published: March 2022

AbstractSpark plasma sintering (SPS) is an advanced sintering technique because of its fast sintering speed and short dwelling time. In this study, TiB2, Y2O3, Al2O3, and different contents of B4C were used as the raw materials to synthesize TiB2‐B4C composites ceramics at 1850°C under a uniaxial loading of 48 MPa for 10 min via SPS in vacuum. The influence of different B4C content on the microstructure and mechanical properties of TiB2‐B4C composites ceramics are explored. The experimental results show that TiB2‐B4C composite ceramic achieves relatively good comprehensive properties and exceptionally excellent flexural strength when the addition amount of B4C reaches 10 wt.%. Its relative density, Vickers hardness, fracture toughness, and flexural strength reach to 99.20%, 24.65 ± .66 GPa, 3.16 MPa·m1/2, 730.65 ± 74.11 MPa, respectively.
Effect of local ion concentrations on the in vitro reactions of bioactive glass 45S5 particles
Authors: Siekkinen Minna , Karlström Oskar , Hupa Leena 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBioglass 45S5 is the most widely used bioactive glass composition in orthopedics to regenerate bone tissue. Although its reactions in vitro and in vivo are well established, the impact of the local environment on the dissolution behavior in the dynamic environment is not fully understood. Here, we show that the ion concentrations released from 45S5 into Tris‐buffer solution and simulated body fluid (SBF) in a cascade system of three reactors in a series significantly differed depending on the ion concentrations in the inflow solutions to each reactor. The ion concentrations and pH of the solutions were measured after each reactor for up to 7 days. Also, the reaction layers at the glass particles were analyzed. The release of Si species into Tris decreased in the consecutive reactors from 92% to 26% and 24% at 168 h. Correspondingly, the release of Si species into SBF decreased from 35% to 20% and 19%. The share of elements in the remaining glass particles markedly varied between the reactors throughout the dissolution. The results imply that gradients of local ion concentrations have an essential effect on the dissolution of 45S5. The results provide guidelines for utilizing Bioglass 45S5 in different bone and soft tissue applications.
Mechanisms of immune regulation by the placenta: Role of type I interferon and interferon‐stimulated genes signaling during pregnancy*
Authors: Ding Jiahui , Maxwell Anthony , Adzibolosu Nicholas , Hu Anna , You Yuan , Liao Aihua , Mor Gil 
Published: March 2022

AbstractPregnancy is a unique condition where the maternal immune system is continuously adapting in response to the stages of fetal development and signals from the environment. The placenta is a key mediator of the fetal/maternal interaction by providing signals that regulate the function of the maternal immune system as well as provides protective mechanisms to prevent the exposure of the fetus to dangerous signals. Bacterial and/or viral infection during pregnancy induce a unique immunological response by the placenta, and type I interferon is one of the crucial signaling pathways in the trophoblast cells. Basal expression of type I interferon‐β and downstream ISGs harbors physiological functions to maintain the homeostasis of pregnancy, more importantly, provides the placenta with the adequate awareness to respond to infections. The disruption of type I interferon signaling in the placenta will lead to pregnancy complications and can compromise fetal development. In this review, we focus the important role of placenta‐derived type I interferon and its downstream ISGs in the regulation of maternal immune homeostasis and protection against viral infection. These studies are helping us to better understand placental immunological functions and provide a new perspective for developing better approaches to protect mother and fetus during infections.
Improved chloride binding stability for hydration products of calcium aluminates by phosphorus modification
Authors: Wang Jia‐Ao , Wang Shoude , Henkelman Graeme 
Published: March 2022

AbstractImproved chloride binding stability for calcium aluminate cements is proposed by the doping of phosphorus. Phosphorus‐modified aluminates clinker has an improved chloride binding stability compared to pristine aluminates, ordinary Portland cement and sulfur‐modified calcium aluminates, as verified by experimental observation. The existence of the newly found phosphorus‐modified Friedel's salt (PFS) accounts for the excellent chloride binding stability, which was understood by density functional theory calculations. Local density of states of the valence band minimum is predominantly localized around P atoms in the PFS, but evenly distributed in the Friedel's salt (FS). The frontier band energy of the partial density of states on Cl and O elements in the PFS is lower than that in the FS by 0.21 and 0.05 eV, respectively. This makes the PFS more stable than the FS salt to ionic attack.
Development of a quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay for detection of the aetiological agents of piscine lactococcosis
Authors: Shahin Khalid , Mukkatira Kaveramma , Yazdi Zeinab , Richey Christine , Kwak Kevin , Heckman Taylor I. , Mohammed Haitham H. , Ortega Cesar , Avendaño‐Herrera Ruben , Keleher Bill , Hyatt Michael W. , Drennan John D. , Adkison Mark , Griffin Matt J. , Soto Esteban 
Published: March 2022

AbstractPiscine lactococcosis is an emergent bacterial disease that is associated with high economic losses in many farmed and wild aquatic species worldwide. Early and accurate detection of the causative agent of piscine lactococcosis is essential for management of the disease in fish farms. In this study, a TaqMan quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) targeting the 16S–23S rRNA internal transcribed spacer region was developed and validated. Validation of the qPCR was performed with DNA of previously typed L. petauri and L. garvieae recovered from different aquatic hosts from distinct geographical locations, closely related bacterial species and common pathogens in trout aquaculture. Further diagnostic sensitivity and specificity was investigated by screening of fish, water and faecal samples. The developed qPCR assay showed high specificity, sensitivity and accuracy in detection of L. petauri and L. garvieae with lack of signals from non‐target pathogens, and in screening of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) posterior kidney and environmental samples. The detection limit of the qPCR was four amplicon copies. Moreover, the sensitivity of the qPCR assay was not affected by presence of non‐target DNA from either fish or environmental samples. The robustness, specificity and sensitivity of the developed qPCR will facilitate fast and accurate diagnosis of piscine lactococcosis to establish appropriate control measures in fish farms and aquaria.
Role of glycodeoxycholic acid to induce acute pancreatitis in Macaca nemestrina
Authors: Fauzi Achmad , Suhendro  , Simadibrata Marcellus , Rani Abdul Azis , Sajuthi Dondin , Permanawati  , Amanda Rosvitha , Makmun Dadang 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundAcute pancreatitis exhibits a rapid clinical progression which makes it difficult to observe in human; hence, an experimental animal model is needed. This preliminary study performed an induction of acute pancreatitis using glycodeoxycholic acid (GDOC) in an experimental macaque model.MethodsGDOC injections (initial dose of 11.20 mg/kg) were administered in an escalating manner at specific time points. The injection was given along the bilio‐pancreatic duct, followed by measurement of vital signs, serum amylase‐lipase, TNF‐α, procalcitonin, oxidative stress parameters, and microscopic and macroscopic findings.ResultsThe results indicated that acute pancreatitis occurred following induction with low‐dose GDOC. Serum amylase and lipase levels increased with subsequent GDOC injections. Blood pressure and heart rate were elevated, indicating abdominal pain. Changes in TNF‐α, procalcitonin, and oxidative stress values showed active inflammation. We observed histologic features of pancreatitis and as the dose increased, vasodilation of the splanchnic vasculatures was observed.ConclusionsSmall dose GDOC injection in the bilio‐pancreatic duct may have a role to induce acute pancreatitis in Macaca nemestrina.
Foxes who want to be hedgehogs: Is ethical pluralism possible in psychology's replication crisis?
Authors: Sullivan Paul , Ackroyd John 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIn this article, we draw attention to public‐private dilemmas among psychologists that make sense of the debates around the replication crisis, citation practices and networking practices. We argue that the values of justice and caring map onto the public sphere and private sphere respectively and create the horns of a dilemma for academics. While bureaucratic justice is a publicly revered value of modernity in psychological research that underpins ethics, validity, reliability and equality of opportunity, ‘caring’ is a more subtle value of traditionalism that runs in parallel and is detected only by our psychological practices. In particular, we argue that it is detected by practices such as disputes between the replicated and their replicators in replication studies (understood as a dramatic counter reality) as to who is more ‘careless’ with procedure; citation (including the self‐care of self‐citation) as thanksgiving and incantation of powerful others in enchantment rituals, and the system of professional indebtedness that accrues in ‘kinship’ networks – where kinship is understood broadly as adoption into a research group and its network. The clashes between these values can lead to a sense of hypocrisy and irony in academic life, as incommensurate values split between private and public expression. From this position, we delve into Isaiah Berlin's work on incommensurate values to suggest that ethical pluralism, involving more public recognition of the equal but different ethical demands of these values can help overcome these everyday dilemmas in the public sphere.
16S rRNA gene sequencing reveals altered composition of gut microbiota in postoperative individuals with renal stones
Authors: Deng Qiong , Wang Zhu , Wang Jieyan , Zhang Jianwen , Zhang Ying , Liang Hui 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Renal stones are a common urological disease with high prevalence and recurrence rates. Characterizing gut microbiome profiles of first-onset renal calculi patients, both before and after surgery, may provide valuable insights and identify potential biomarkers for the disease. In this study, we explored the associations between the gut microbiome and renal stone formation using 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing. In brief, 20 patients were recruited, and information on health and eating habits within the previous 1–3 months was collected upon admission. A total of 493 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were detected in 40 specimens, with an average of 67,888 ± 827 reads per sample. The results of OTU-based partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) analysis showed differences between RS1 (fecal specimen before surgery) and RS2 (one month later after surgery) groups, with a significantly higher level of OTU7 in the RS2 group. Taxonomy‑based comparisons of the gut microbiome showed differences in the flora composition, with the prevalence of Enterobacteriales, Enterobacteriaceae, Gammaproteobacteria and Escherichia being higher in the RS2 group and the prevalence of Pseudomonadaceae, Pseudomonadales and Pseudomonas being higher in the RS1 group. Correlation analysis showed that an increased prevalence of Enterobacteriaceae, Gammaproteobacteria and Escherichia associated with a decreased level of urea, and a decreased creatinine level was correlated with an increased prevalence of Escherichia. These data strongly suggest that the gut microbiome plays an important role in kidney stone formation, and these findings may provide new insights for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of renal stones.