bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Why eat flowers? Symphonia globulifera flowers provide a fatty resource for red-tailed monkeys
Authors: Ross Abigail C. , Bryer Margaret A.H. , Chapman Colin A. , Rothman Jessica M. , Nevo Omer , Valenta Kim 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Flowers are ubiquitous in primate environments, yet their nutritional advantages are underexamined. Symphonia globulifera is a widely distributed tree exploited by a variety of animals in Africa and the Americas. We collected S. globulifera flower samples consumed by red-tailed monkeys (Cercopithecus ascanius) and compared them nutritionally to flower samples from other plant species in Kibale National Park, Uganda. Flowers were assayed for three fiber fractions (NDF, ADF, lignin), fat, crude protein, acid detergent insoluble nitrogen (ADIN), ash, and soluble sugars. We estimated available protein, total nonstructural carbohydrates (TNC), and metabolizable energy (ME). We calculated the mean and standard deviation for all nutrient categories and applied nutritional geometry to illustrate the balance among the energetic gains from available protein, fat, fiber, and TNC across flower species. Our results suggest that S. globulifera flowers provide an unusually high fat resource (14.82% ± 1.41%) relative to other flowers (1.38% ± 5.79%) and other foods exploited in the same habitat.
The Best Interests of the Child and the Right to Inclusive Education
Authors: Veerman Philip 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
The drafters of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (crpd) incorporated the concept of inclusive education into Article 24 of the crpd. Many consider this to be a new children’s right. The inclusive education idea has played since 2006 a role in interpreting crc Article 23 (rights of children with disabilities), Article 28 (right to education) and Article 29 (aims of education). The relationship between these two complementary human rights Conventions (crc and crpd) is described and the question raised by Sandland and discussed here is if there is a “Clash of Conventions”. The disability rights perspective created an ideological battle between advocates of the closure of special education and those who oppose it. The author supports the proposal (More and More Inclusive, 2020) by the Dutch Education Council to the Minister of Education to bring special and regular education closer to each other, but not closing special education.
Telemedicine and Otolaryngology in the COVID-19 Era
Authors: Nguyen Brandon K. , Eltahir Hafiah Z. , Barinsky Gregory L. , Ying Yu-Lan Mary , Hsueh Wayne D. 
Published: March 2022

Objective: The global Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in an expansion of telemedicine. The purpose of this study is to present our experience with outpatient telemedicine visits within a single institution’s Department of Otolaryngology during the initial COVID-19 era. Study Design: Retrospective chart review. Methods: This was a single-institution study conducted within the Department of Otolaryngology at an urban tertiary care center. Data on outpatient visits was obtained from billing and scheduling records from January 6 to May 28, 2020. Visits were divided into “pre-shutdown” and “post-shutdown” based on our state’s March 23, 2020 COVID-19 shutdown date. Results: A total of 3447 of 4340 (79.4%) scheduled visits were completed in the pre-shutdown period as compared to 1451 of 1713 (84.7%) in the post-shutdown period. The proportion of telemedicine visits increased (0.7%-81.2%, P < .001). Overall visit completion rate increased following the shutdown (80.2%-84.7%, P < .001). Subspecialties with an increase in visit completion rate were general (76.9%-88.0%, P = .002), otology (77.4%-87.2%, P < .001), and rhinology (80.0%-86.2%, P = .003). Patients with Medicaid and Medicare had higher appointment completion rates following the transition to telemedicine visits (80.7%-85.7%, P = .002; 76.9%-84.7%, P = .001). Older age was associated with decreased appointment cancellation pre-shutdown (OR 0.994 [0.991-0.997], P < .001) but increased appointment cancellation post-shutdown (OR 1.008 [1.001-1.014], P = .015). Mean COVID-19 risk scores were unchanged ( P = .654). Conclusions: COVID-19 has led to major changes in outpatient practice, with a significant shift from in-person to telemedicine visits following the mandatory shutdown. An associated increase in appointment completion rates was observed, reflecting a promising viable alternative to meet patient needs during this unprecedented time.
Prospective Associations between Physical Activity and Memory in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging: Examining Social Determinants
Authors: Hammond Nicole G. , Stinchcombe Arne 
Published: March 2022

Objectives To examine associations between physical activity (PA) and prospectively assessed memory in a cohort of cognitively healthy adults, after accounting for understudied social determinants. Methods We used data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA). PA (exposure) and memory (outcome) were assessed using validated measures in 2013–2015 and 2015–2018, respectively. Respondents reported their daily number of hours spent engaging in five different PAs. We conducted multiple imputation and used linear regression ( n = 41,394), adjusting for five categories of covariates: demographics, sensory health characteristics, health behaviors, health status, and social determinants (sex/gender, education, income, social support, perceived social standing, race, and sexual orientation). Results In crude models, nearly every intensity and duration of PA was associated with better memory. In fully adjusted models, protective associations were attenuated; however, some associations held: all durations of walking, most durations of light activities, moderate activities for ≥1 hour, and strenuous activities for 1 to <2 hours. Discussion Some forms of PA may be associated with better memory. The benefits of higher intensity PA may only be realized after social determinants are addressed.
Effect of Application Screening Methods on Racial and Ethnic Diversity in Otolaryngology
Authors: Dorismond Christina , Farzal Zainab , Shah Rupali N. , Ebert Charles S. , Buckmire Robert A. 
Published: March 2022

Otolaryngology–head and neck surgery (OHNS) lags behind other surgical subspecialties in the representation of underrepresented minorities in medicine (URMs). Given the recently announced changes to Step 1 scoring, we aimed to assess the effect of alternative application screening methods—Step 2 Clinical Knowledge scores and Alpha Omega Alpha membership—on the racial/ethnic diversity of the OHNS applicant pool. After reviewing OHNS residency applications submitted to our institution for the 2015‐2020 matches (N = 2177), we determined that a significantly greater proportion of URM vs non‐URM applicants would be screened out from interview consideration if any the following were used as an initial screening method: Step 2 cutoff score of 240, Step 2 cutoff score of 253 or non–Alpha Omega Alpha membership (P <. 01 for each). Given that using these metrics to screen applications disproportionately affects URMs, programs should consider implementing alternative application review methods, such as holistic evaluation, which may promote more equitable distribution of interviews.
Acupuncture-related treatments improve cognitive and physical functions in Alzheimer's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Lin Chuan-Ju , Yeh Mei-Ling , Wu Shu-Fang , Chung Yu-Chu , Lee Justin Chen-Hao 
Published: March 2022

Objective To determine acupuncture-related treatments’ effects and duration on improving cognitive function, physical function, and quality of life in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Data sources Eight electronic databases were searched for eligible randomized controlled trials from database inception to January 2021, including Medline, PubMed, EBSCO, Embase, Cochrane, Airiti Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and China Journal Full-text Database. Review methods A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted on acupuncture types, cognitive function, activity of daily life, muscle strength and quality of life. Results Sixty-six studies in total with 4191 participants, the overall risk of bias was classified 60% as low and 24% as high. Acupuncture-related treatments for cognitive function and self-care ability revealed a moderate effect size, with a significant difference in noninvasive and invasive remedies ( p < 0.001). Cognitive function showed significant differences in 6, 8, 12, and 24 weeks while self-care ability in the latter two weeks ( p < 0.001). Meta-regression analysis showed cognitive function increased by 0.05 points ( p = 0.002) and self-care ability decreased by 0.02 points ( p = 0.04) after weekly treatment. There was a significant difference in muscle strength ( p = 0.0003). Conclusion Acupuncture-related treatments effectively improved cognitive function with the treatment lasted 6 weeks at least, but self-care ability started showing effects after 12 weeks of treatment. The improvement of muscle strength was also confirmed. Acupuncture-related treatments, particularly noninvasive ones, have few complications and high safety, perhaps providing patients and caregivers diversified choices and clinical care guidelines for reference.
Interdependencies between family and friends in daily life: Personality differences and associations with affective well-being across the lifespan
Authors: Buijs Vera L , Jeronimus Bertus F , Lodder Gerine MA , Riediger Michaela , Luong Gloria , Wrzus Cornelia 
Published: March 2022

Family and friends are central to human life and well-being. Most people maintain both family and friendship relationships and these relationships might show interdependencies that have scarcely been addressed. We examined the relative frequency of daily contact with family and friends (i.e. friends/family-contact) and its link with personality traits and affective well-being. In an experience sampling study with 396 participants ( Mage= 40 years, range 14–88 years, 52% females), we studied how friends/family-contact was associated with Big Five traits and affective well-being across six daily measurements on nine days (average of 55 assessments). Most participants reported more daily contact with family than friends (i.e. held a family orientation), but individual differences were substantial, moderately stable over time, and largely independent from Big Five traits. With advancing age, participants were relatively more often with friends than family. Furthermore, participants were happier when they were with friends compared to family, and this effect was even stronger with higher extraversion. We discuss how examining friends/family-contact extends previous knowledge on personality differences in social relationships, and how this concept yields promising, yet challenging, future directions in personality-relationship associations.
Effects of lysophosphatidic acid receptor 5 on NLRC4 inflammasome in brain tissues of transient cerebral ischemia/reperfusion rat
Authors: Zhang Xuling , Huang Tao , Lang Lubo , Yu Ling 
Published: March 2022

Aim To explore whether LPA5 was involved in the inflammatory responses in CI/R injury by regulation of NLRC4. Method The cerebral I/R model in rats was constructed with ischemia of 2h and different time points of reperfusion. After that, western blot was used to determine protein expression (LPA5, NLRC4, AIM2, caspase-1, cleaved-caspase-1, mature IL-1β, and precursor IL-1β). And LPA5 and NLRC4 expression were also detected by using immunofluorescence experiment. Afterward, two sequence of LPA5-siRNA were injected into rats via intracerebroventricular administration. TTC staining and HE staining were performed. Result As the reperfusion time was prolonged, LPA5 content was continuously increased, and the highest expression of NLRC4 was found at 4h of reperfusion. And protein expression of AIM2, cleaved-caspase-1, and mature IL-1β was also at highest level at 4h. And after reperfusion of 4h, LPA5 siRNA1# or 2# was injected into lateral ventricles. LPA5 silence markedly reduced the infract volume and improved the histological change of ischemic zone. And LPA5 silence significantly downregulated NLRC4, AIM2, and the ratio of cleaved-caspase-1/caspase-1 and mature IL-1β/precursor IL-1β. And compared with LPA5-siRNA2#, LPA5-siRNA1# exerted a more significant effect. Conclusion Low expression of LPA5 can protect against the inflammatory responses in CI/R model of rats through inhibiting NLRC4 inflammasomes.
Fatal Pediatric Streptococcal Infection: A Clinico—Pathological Study
Authors: Nagy Anita , Reyes Jeanette A. , Chiasson David. A. 
Published: March 2022

Purpose and Context Streptococcal Infection (SI) is an important cause of pediatric death in children, yet limited reports exist on autopsy findings in fatal SI cases. Method Case records (1997–2019) of SI with no pre-existing risk factors were reviewed and selected. Their clinical and pathological findings in the autopsy reports were analyzed. Results In our cohort of 38 cases based on bacterial culture results, SI was most commonly caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae (SPn; 45%) and Streptococcus pyogenes (SPy; 37%). 92% of decedents had some prodromal symptoms prior to terminal presentation. The clinical course was often rapid, with 89% found unresponsive, suddenly collapsing, or dying within 24 hours of hospital admission. 64% of deaths were attributed to sepsis, more frequently diagnosed in the SPy group than in the SPn group (71% vs 48%). Pneumonia was found in both SPn and SPy groups, whereas meningitis was exclusively associated with SPn. Conclusion Our study shows fatal SI is most commonly caused by either SPn or SPy, both of which are frequently associated with prodromal symptoms, rapid terminal clinical course, and evidence of sepsis. Postmortem diagnosis of sepsis is challenging and should be correlated with clinical features, bacterial culture results, and autopsy findings.
The efficacy and safety profile of cataract procedures performed with a sensor-embedded handpiece and a new hybrid phaco tip
Authors: Sabur Huri , Unsal Ugur 
Published: March 2022

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of the new Intrepid Hybrid tip and Active Sentry handpiece in comparison to the Intrepid Balanced tip and Centurion Ozil handpiece.MethodsOne hundred sixty-eight eyes were included in the study and randomized into Group 1 (Active Sentry handpiece + Intrepid Hybrid tip, n = 86) and Group 2 (Centurion Ozil handpiece + Intrepid Balanced tip, n = 82). Data were collected from the phaco device, including total U/S time, cumulative dissipated energy (CDE), the total number of active surge mitigation actuations (ASM actuations), torsional amplitude, torsional amplitude on time, estimated fluid of aspirated, and aspiration time. Endothelial cell count (ECC) and central corneal thickness (CCT) were assessed. A correlation analysis was performed between ASM actuations, phaco metrics, and patient characteristics in Group 1.ResultsThe CDE, torsional amplitude measured in Group 1 (8.8 ± 3.9, 51.2 ± 13.3, respectively) were significantly lower than those of Group 2 (10.4 ± 4.2, 65.2 ± 9.3, respectively). While no complications were observed in group 1, there were posterior capsule rupture in 2 eyes and iris damage in 1 eye in group 2. The mean ECC and CCT were similar at 1 month. The ASM actuations were more engaged in the eyes with pseudoexfoliation and small pupils.ConclusionThe combination of the new Intrepid Hybrid tip and Active Sentry handpiece enables safer cataract procedures without compromising efficacy due to its surge prevention mechanisms and special tip design. It could be a good option for residents in training.
Safety experience with continued exposure to ofatumumab in patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis for up to 3.5 years
Authors: Hauser Stephen L , Cross Anne H , Winthrop Kevin , Wiendl Heinz , Nicholas Jacqueline , Meuth Sven G , Giacomini Paul S , Saccà Francesco , Mancione Linda , Zielman Ronald , Bagger Morten , Das Gupta Ayan , Häring Dieter A , Jehl Valentine , Kieseier Bernd C , Pingili Ratnakar , Stoneman Dee , Su Wendy , Willi Roman , Kappos Ludwig 
Published: March 2022

Background: Ofatumumab is approved for the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS). Ongoing safety reporting is crucial to understand its long-term benefit–risk profile. Objective: Report the safety and tolerability of ofatumumab in RMS after extended treatment up to 3.5 years. Methods: Patients completing ASCLEPIOS I/II (phase 3), APLIOS, or APOLITOS (phase 2) trials could enter ALITHIOS, a phase 3b, open-label, long-term safety study. We analyzed cumulative data of continuous ofatumumab treatment and of patients newly switched from teriflunomide. Results: The safety population had 1969 patients: 1292 continuously treated with ofatumumab (median time-at-risk 35.5 months, 3253 patient-years) and 677 newly switched (median time-at-risk 18.3 months, 986 patient-years). A total of 1650 patients (83.8%) had ⩾1 adverse events and 191 (9.7%) had ⩾1 serious adverse events. No opportunistic infections or progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy events were identified; the risk of malignancies was low. Mean serum immunoglobulin (Ig) G levels remained stable. Mean IgM levels decreased but remained above the lower limit of normal in most. Serious infection incidence was low; decreased Ig levels were not associated with serious infections. Conclusion: In patients with up to 3.5 years’ exposure, ofatumumab was well tolerated, with no new safety risks identified. These findings, with its established effectiveness, support a favorable benefit–risk profile of ofatumumab in RMS.
Efficacy of second-line dolutegravir plus 2 nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors by baseline nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor resistance and nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor use in the DAWNING study
Authors: Brown Dannae , Kaplan Richard , Losso Marcelo , Brites Carlos , Wang Ruolan , Underwood Mark , Hopking Judy , Aboud Michael , Sievers Jörg 
Published: March 2022

Background In the DAWNING study, dolutegravir + 2 nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) demonstrated superior efficacy at Week 48 and a favourable safety profile compared with lopinavir/ritonavir + 2 NRTIs in adults with HIV-1 failing first-line therapy of a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor + 2 NRTIs. Methods Participants at 58 centres in 13 countries were randomised (1:1) to 52 weeks of open-label treatment with dolutegravir or lopinavir/ritonavir combined with 2 investigator-selected NRTIs, including at least one fully active NRTI based on screening resistance testing. The primary endpoint was the proportion of participants achieving HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/ml at Week 48 (Snapshot algorithm). Post-hoc efficacy analyses were performed based on baseline NRTI resistance profile and second-line NRTI use. Results Of 624 participants randomised and treated, 499 (80%) received <2 active NRTIs at Baseline. NRTI resistance was present in 561 participants (90%). Among participants receiving lamivudine or emtricitabine in the presence of M184V/I, 85% (187/220) of participants on dolutegravir versus 72% (152/210) on lopinavir/ritonavir had HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/ml at Week 48 (difference, 12.6%; 95% CI: 4.9–20.3%). High responses were also observed in the dolutegravir group, when zidovudine or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate were included in the background regimen in the presence of thymidine analogue mutations or K65R, respectively; however, participant numbers in these subgroups were small. Conclusions Response rates were high in participants receiving dolutegravir + 2 NRTIs as second-line treatment regardless of pre-existing resistance to one of the NRTIs, including in participants using lamivudine or emtricitabine in the presence of M184V/I.
Outcome and technical evolution of type 2 endoleak embolization with ethylene-vinyl-alcohol copolymer
Authors: Vance Ansar Z , Graif Assaf , Patel Ramkrishna , Chedrawy Christelle , Chohan Omar , Garcia Mark J , Kimbiris George , Leung Daniel A 
Published: March 2022

Purpose This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of novel approaches to type 2 endoleak access for the purpose of embolization using ethylene-vinyl-alcohol copolymer (EVOH) in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) sac expansion post endovascular abdominal aortic repair (EVAR). Methods A retrospective review of 43 consecutive patients (mean age = 80.2 ± 6.7 years) who underwent 52 embolization procedures for type 2 endoleaks using EVOH was performed at a single institution. Catheterization of the endoleaks was achieved using the transarterial (TA) and direct translumbar approaches (DTL), in addition to the novel direct transabdominal (DTA) and perigraft (PG) approaches. Endpoints included technical success of endoleak catheterization, technical success of endoleak embolization, endoleak persistence, endoleak recurrence, AAA sac area change, and adverse events. Results The TA, DTL, DTA, and PG approaches were used 25, 2, 14, and 19 times respectively, including nine procedures where a combination of approaches was used. The technical success rate of endoleak embolization was 98%. Five patients developed recurrent type 2 endoleaks, while five patients developed a type 1 endoleak. The persistent endoleak rate at a mean initial follow-up of 3 months was 34%. At a mean follow-up of 18 months, 58% of patients demonstrated absence of an endoleak, and 71% showed freedom from AAA sac enlargement. No major adverse events were recorded. Conclusion The DTA and PG approaches were safe and effective in this cohort of patients undergoing embolization of type 2 endoleaks with EVOH.
Designing and implementing methodology for double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials using blood products within the Department of Veterans Affairs
Authors: Miller Elliott K , Goldberg Alexa M , Janoff Edward N , Brown Sheldon T , Curtis Jeffrey L , Bonomo Robert A , Shih Mei-Chiung , Gleason Theresa C 
Published: March 2022

Background: Success in conducting clinical trials during the coronavirus disease of 2019 pandemic requires the ability to innovate and adapt. There are well-established procedures for the blinding of investigational agents, especially medications, in placebo-controlled randomized clinical trials within the Veterans Health Administration. However, these procedures, managed by research pharmacists, may not apply to investigational agents that are not exclusively managed by pharmacy, such as blood products, including coronavirus disease of 2019 convalescent plasma (plasma). In the absence of established blinding procedures, such studies require special design considerations to minimize uncertainty or bias. Methods: We describe the processes and procedures developed for blinding of plasma in “Veterans Affairs CoronavirUs Research and Efficacy Studies-1” as a prototypical study using this class of investigational therapeutic agents. Veterans Affairs CoronavirUs Research and Efficacy Studies-1 is an ongoing multicenter randomized clinical trial testing the efficacy of plasma added to conventional therapy for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 infection. Results: We report the design of procedures to supply investigational blood products or 0.9% normal saline (saline) control while ensuring the integrity of the blind. Key aspects include workflow considerations, physical blinding strategies, and methods for engaging stakeholders. These procedures leverage the well-established Veterans Affairs research pharmacist’s research infrastructure, and Blood Bank Services, which is responsible for blood-based investigational products. Conclusion: By describing the methods used to deliver blood products in a blinded manner in Veterans Affairs CoronavirUs Research and Efficacy Studies-1, we strive both to educate and to increase awareness to improve the implementation of these biological therapeutics for future, high-quality research studies.