bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Systems model identifies baseline cytokine concentrations as potential predictors of rheumatoid arthritis inflammatory response to biologics
Authors: Nakada Tomohisa , Mager Donald E. 
Published: March 2022

Background and PurposeCirculating cytokines are central pathological mediators of inflammatory autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. Immunological diversity in patients might contribute to inadequate responses to biological drugs. To address this therapeutic challenge, we developed a mathematical model that simultaneously describes temporal patterns of drug disposition for several biologics and their corresponding targeted cytokines, which were linked to triggering inflammatory responses.Experimental ApproachA modelling framework was applied to rheumatoid arthritis‐relevant cytokines regulating C‐reactive protein (CRP) as an inflammatory marker. Clinical data were extracted from the literature for anakinra, canakinumab, infliximab, secukinumab and tocilizumab, along with their corresponding cytokines, interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist, IL‐1β, tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα), IL‐17A and IL‐6 receptor (IL‐6R). Based on prior knowledge of regulatory mechanisms, cytokines were integrated with CRP profiles.Key ResultsThe model well captured all serum concentration–time profiles of cytokines and CRP ratios to respective baselines following drug treatment with good precision. On external validation, reasonable model performance on CRP dynamics, including rebound effects, was confirmed with clinical data not used in model development. Model‐based simulations demonstrated that serum infliximab concentrations were accurately recapitulated in both a dose‐ and baseline TNFα‐dependent manner. Furthermore, high baseline profiles of both IL‐1β and/or targeted cytokines could be predictors of poor responses to biologics targeting TNFα and IL‐6R, although the impact of IL‐1β must be carefully interpreted.Conclusions and ImplicationOur model provides a quantitative platform to guide targeting and dosing strategies, including combination and/or sequential therapy, according to distinct baseline cytokine patterns in rheumatoid arthritis patients.
Incidental superficial soft tissue epithelioid angioleiomyoma
Authors: Val‐Bernal José‐Fernando , Fontanil Natalia , García‐Montesinos Belén , Martino María 
Published: March 2022

AbstractEpithelioid angioleiomyoma (EALM) is rare in the skin and subcutaneous tissues. To the best of our knowledge, only two previous cases of this tumor have been reported. We document here the case of an 83‐year‐old woman who underwent complete removal of a squamous cell carcinoma of the retromolar trigone and lymph node dissection of the neck. An incidental EALM was observed in the adipose tissue. The tumor formed a unilocular, poorly demarcated neoplasm measuring 0.3 cm, and showed cavernous angiomatous spaces with villiform growth of large epithelioid cells arranged in clusters. Besides the epithelioid cells of muscular origin, bundles of well‐differentiated smooth muscle cells were observed. Epithelioid cells accounted for 70% of the total. The neoplasm originated in the wall of a medium‐sized vein. Epithelioid and spindle cells were positive for alpha‐smooth muscle actin, calponin, h‐caldesmon, and muscle‐specific actin. The endothelial cells lining the vascular spaces showed intense and diffuse positivity for CD31 and ERG. The main differential diagnosis includes metastatic carcinoma, melanoma, perivascular epithelioid cell neoplasm, myopericytoma, glomangiomyoma, epithelioid glomus tumor, and epithelioid leiomyosarcoma. This report expands the morphological spectrum of the EALM. Awareness of this uncommon morphologic variant of angioleiomyoma and the use of adequate techniques can avoid misdiagnosis.
Invasion of water hyacinth and water lettuce inhibits the abundance of epiphytic algae
Authors: Lv Tian , Fan Shufeng , Wang Huiyuan , Li Dexiang , Wang Qiuyue , Lei Xinyi , Liu Chunhua , Yu Dan 
Published: March 2022

AbstractAimThe invasion of exotic macrophytes causes native biodiversity loss in aquatic ecosystems of China. However, the influence of invasive free‐floating macrophytes on epiphytic algal communities has rarely been reported, especially in comparison with those of native free‐floating macrophytes.RegionSouthern China.MethodsWe investigated the interrelationship between epiphytic algal communities on the roots of three free‐floating macrophytes [two invasive species (Eichhornia crassipes and Pistia stratiotes) and one native species (Hydrocharis dubia)] and environmental factors in 40 natural freshwater ecosystems throughout southern China. We also tested the relationship between allelochemicals from the macrophytes and epiphytic algae. A mesocosm experiment was conducted to verify the discoveries of the field investigation.ResultsThe abundance of epiphytic algae on the invasive macrophytes was lower than that on the native species in the field investigation and mesocosm experiment. Macrophyte traits were the main factor explaining the epiphytic algal abundance in both the field investigation and mesocosm experiment. In linear models, the slopes of epiphytic algal abundance were lower across gradients of native macrophyte biomass and coverage than across gradients of invasive macrophyte biomass and coverage. The allelochemical contents secreted by the invasive macrophytes were significantly higher than those secreted by the native species. The composition of allelochemicals was another factor that drove the decrease in epiphytic algal abundance. Among the allelochemicals, organic acids and alkaloids were abundant.Main ConclusionsThe inhibitory effect of two invasive free‐floating macrophytes on epiphytic algae is stronger than that of the native macrophyte H. dubia. The main reason for this finding is that the invasive macrophytes have greater biomass and occupied more space, resulting in greater limitations on spatial niches and resources. Moreover, invasive macrophytes release more allelochemicals than native macrophytes, leading to stronger inhibitory effects on epiphytic algae.
The Pro‐Diab Melbourne Perioperative Study: A structured pre‐admission perioperative diabetes management plan to improve medication usage in elective surgery
Authors: Qi Qi Yang Damien , Kyi Mervyn , Pemberton Elizabeth , Colman Peter Grahame , Fourlanos Spiros 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundPerioperative diabetes management has become increasingly complex; management is often inconsistent resulting in dysglycaemia and associated morbidity.AimTo evaluate a structured pre‐admission perioperative diabetes management plan (PDMP) for safe and appropriate recommendation, prescription and administration of diabetes medications in the perioperative period for people with diabetes undergoing elective, non‐cardiac surgery.MethodsA multidisciplinary team developed the intervention, a structured PDMP (including diabetes medication reconciliation, management guide, individualised plan) to standardise optimal perioperative diabetes management. A single centre prospective pre‐ and post‐intervention pilot study was performed, including all individuals with diabetes medications attending the pre‐admissions clinic during two 4‐month periods (February to May) in 2016 (control period) and 2017 (intervention period). The primary outcome was appropriate recommendation, prescription and administration of diabetes medications (including insulin), according to the PDMP, in the perioperative period. Secondary outcomes measures were glycaemia. Analysis was by intention to treat.ResultsControl and intervention groups included 131 and 133 participants, respectively; they were well matched in clinical characteristics. The PDMP was completed correctly in 100 (75%) individuals in the intervention group. The appropriate use of diabetes medications increased from 30% in the control group to 71% in the intervention group (p < 0.001). Following the PDMP implementations, glycaemia improved in the overall perioperative period (8.7 ± 2.9 vs. 9.8 ± 3.3 mmol/L, p = 0.005) and at all time points (from admission and over entire hospital stay).ConclusionA structured pre‐admission perioperative diabetes management plan for elective surgery improved safe and appropriate diabetes medication use and glycaemia in the perioperative period.
Developing a resist‐accept‐direct (RAD) framework for managing freshwater fish species shifting in and out of political jurisdictions
Authors: Alofs Karen M. , Wehrly Kevin E. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractFactors including human dispersal, climate change and varied environmental stressors are altering fish species distributions. Range expansions are producing new records of freshwater species which were rare or previously absent from regional jurisdictions (states, provinces and territories). Simultaneously, species are facing declines and local extirpations in some areas of their distribution. The Resist‐Accept‐Direct (RAD) framework can provide guiding principles for how declining, newly arrived, or range expanding freshwater fishes should be managed and how range‐wide trends can be considered in local management and conservation decisions. We examine the principles of the framework and provide an example decision tree which is applied to examples ranging from resisting the establishment of potentially harmful non‐native fishes, to accepting and providing refuge to those species threatened in other parts of their ranges, to directing the migration of fishes which improve ecosystem services. Applying this framework may improve coordination between agencies aiming to improve the resilience of freshwater ecosystems.
Feasibility of magnetic resonance imaging‐ultrasound guided high‐dose‐rate brachytherapy for localized prostate cancer: Preliminary results from a prospective study
Authors: Kamitani Nobuhiko , Miyaji Yoshiyuki , Tamada Tsutomu , Yoden Eisaku , Kawata Yujiro , Watanabe Kenta , Tokiya Ryouji , Nagai Atsushi , Katsui Kuniaki 
Published: March 2022

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate preliminary outcomes of a prospective trial of magnetic resonance imaging‐ultrasound fusion‐guided ultrafocal high‐dose‐rate brachytherapy in localized prostate cancer.MethodsIn our prospective study, data from patients who underwent this treatment between April 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021 were analyzed. In the procedure, the applicator needle was inserted through the perineum to target the lesion on the multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging, which was fused onto the transrectal ultrasound image. The prescription dose was set at a single fraction of 19 Gy. Data from patients who received whole‐gland high‐dose‐rate brachytherapy were extracted and compared with data from patients who received ultrafocal high‐dose‐rate brachytherapy, to evaluate the frequency of acute adverse events.ResultsEight patients underwent ultrafocal high‐dose‐rate brachytherapy with a median observation period of 7.75 months (range 5.96–15.36 months). No acute genitourinary or gastrointestinal adverse events were observed in this cohort. The planned procedure was completed in all patients, and no unexpected adverse events were observed; however, prostate‐specific antigen failure was detected in one patient. In the 25 patients who underwent whole‐gland high‐dose‐rate brachytherapy, acute genitourinary and gastrointestinal adverse events were observed in 88% and 20% of the patients, respectively. Ultrafocal high‐dose‐rate brachytherapy was a significant factor in avoiding acute adverse genitourinary events in univariate and multivariate analyses (P < 0.001 and P = 0.032, respectively).ConclusionsMagnetic resonance imaging‐ultrasound fusion‐guided ultrafocal high‐dose‐rate brachytherapy in localized prostate cancer is a safe and feasible treatment without acute genitourinary and gastrointestinal adverse events. Long‐term observation and further investigation are warranted.
Doubly heterogeneous monetary spillovers
Authors: Shah Nihar 
Published: March 2022

AbstractMonetary spillovers are heterogeneous in two ways: how central banks generate them and how countries receive them. First, the Fed is mostly unique in its ability to affect other countries' financial markets, among ten developed central banks. This is noteworthy given the lack of data on other central banks' spillovers. This paper makes public a novel data set of these ten central banks' monetary shocks to support future research. Second, the Fed affects recipient countries in different ways, with the bonds and currencies of countries with high‐interest rates reacting differently than those of low‐rate countries. This can help shed light on theories around the Fed's spillovers, and this paper demonstrates how the exact pattern is inconsistent with models in which developed central banks react to the Fed.
Costs of seasonal influenza vaccination in South Africa
Authors: Fraser Heather , Tombe‐Mdewa Winfrida , Kohli‐Lynch Ciaran , Hofman Karen , Tempia Stefano , McMorrow Meredith , Lambach Philipp , Ramkrishna Wayne , Cohen Cheryl , Hutubessy Raymond , Edoka Ijeoma 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundInfluenza accounts for a substantial number of deaths and hospitalisations annually in South Africa. To address this disease burden, the South African National Department of Health introduced a trivalent inactivated influenza vaccination programme in 2010.MethodsWe adapted and populated the WHO Seasonal Influenza Immunization Costing Tool (WHO SIICT) with country‐specific data to estimate the cost of the influenza vaccination programme in South Africa. Data were obtained through key‐informant interviews at different levels of the health system and through a review of existing secondary data sources. Costs were estimated from a public provider perspective and expressed in 2018 prices. We conducted scenario analyses to assess the impact of different levels of programme expansion and the use of quadrivalent vaccines on total programme costs.ResultsTotal financial and economic costs were estimated at approximately USD 2.93 million and USD 7.91 million, respectively, while financial and economic cost per person immunised was estimated at USD 3.29 and USD 8.88, respectively. Expanding the programme by 5% and 10% increased economic cost per person immunised to USD 9.36 and USD 9.52 in the two scenarios, respectively. Finally, replacing trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (TIV) with quadrivalent vaccine increased financial and economic costs to USD 4.89 and USD 10.48 per person immunised, respectively.ConclusionWe adapted the WHO SIICT and provide estimates of the total costs of the seasonal influenza vaccination programme in South Africa. These estimates provide a basis for planning future programme expansion and may serve as inputs for cost‐effectiveness analyses of seasonal influenza vaccination programmes.
Long‐term monitoring in endangered woodlands shows effects of multi‐scale drivers on bird occupancy
Authors: Hingee Kassel L. , Westgate Martin J. , Lindenmayer David B. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractAimsThe effect of spatial scale on the location and abundance of species has long been a major topic of interest in ecology. Accounting for key drivers at multiple scales is critical for rigorous description of patterns of species distribution and biodiversity change. We quantified the effects of potential drivers of bird occupancy across a geographically dispersed, but heavily disturbed and fragmented ecosystem.LocationThreatened Box‐Gum Grassy Woodlands in south‐eastern Australia, which stretch across 9° of latitude (~900 km).TaxonBirds (Class Aves).MethodsWe grouped data from four monitoring studies of birds that spanned 10–22 years in Box‐Gum Grassy Woodlands. We then employed joint species distribution modelling to investigate multi‐species responses to environmental drivers measured at patch, landscape and regional scales, and selected combinations of all three.ResultsWe show that in Box‐Gum Grassy Woodlands: vegetation structure influences bird occupancy beyond the presence of the despotic Noisy Miner (Manorina melanocephala); woodland cover is more important than vegetation productivity and topographic position; bird occupancy is sensitive to a combination of average climate, seasonality, and summer and winter extremes; and there is limited redundancy between drivers of bird occupancy at different scales. Species differ most in their response to presence of the Noisy Miner, high summer temperatures and nearby woodland cover.Main ConclusionsQuantifying the influence of environmental drivers that act at different spatial scales is valuable for understanding patterns of bird species occurrence. Fine‐scale studies can benefit from considering the climate and biogeographical context in which the research occurs. Conversely, large‐scale studies should recognise that downscaling species occupancy projections from continental to patch scales requires careful consideration of the role of patch‐scale vegetation.
Phosphorus (P) in animal diets as a driver of embodied P in animal products and net anthropogenic P inputs
Authors: Algren Mikaela , Costello Christine , Landis Amy E. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractOne approach to address both the environmental and scarcity issues that occur with phosphorus (P) losses from human systems is to improve understanding of the P demands of bio‐based products. Most P demand in the United States is driven by production of crops for animal feed and mineral P feed supplements for animals. In this research, we used the Commodity‐Specific Net Anthropogenic Phosphorus and Nitrogen Inputs (CSNAPNI) model to (1) assess the contributions of individual feed products such as corn, soy, and mineral P supplements to the embodied P of animal products and (2) estimate net anthropogenic phosphorus inputs (NAPIs) for the contiguous United States for two animal P‐intake scenarios. Results show that P supplements may contribute up to 30% of embodied P in pork and dairy products, up to 60% in chicken, and up to 75% in turkey. Other major contributors to animal product‐embodied P are grains, which are responsible for around 60% of embodied P in pork and dairy products, at least 30% in chicken, and at least 20% in turkey products. Results also show that animal P intake is such a significant driver of anthropogenic phosphorus that a reduction of animal P intake by 25% could reduce NAPI to the contiguous United States by 30%. Considering promising research on methods to improve digestibility of both mineral P supplements and grain P in animal diets, these results are encouraging.
Role of radiosurgery in the treatment of Cushing's disease
Authors: Losa Marco , Albano Luigi , Bailo Michele , Barzaghi Lina Raffaella , Mortini Pietro 
Published: March 2022

AbstractRadiotherapy is a useful adjuvant treatment for patients with Cushing's disease that is not cured by surgery. In particular, Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) has been increasingly used worldwide as the preferred radiation technique in patients with persistent or recurrent Cushing's disease. The most widely accepted criterion for hormonal remission after GKRS is normalization of urinary free cortisol (UFC) levels. When a clear biological target is not identified, irradiation of the whole pituitary gland can be considered. The 5‐year probability of remission is 65%–75%. Normalization of hypercortisolism usually occurs within 3 years from GKRS treatment and control of tumor growth is optimal, approaching more than 90%. No clear predictor of a favorable outcome has emerged up to now, except for the experience of the treating team. In the largest series, development of partial or complete hypopituitarism occurred between 15% and 36%. Severe side effects of GKRS, such as optic neuropathy and oculomotor palsy, are uncommon but have been documented in patients previously exposed to radiation. Recurrence of disease has been reported in as high as 16%–18% of the patients who achieved normalization of UFC levels in the two largest series, whereas smaller series did not describe late failure of GKRS. The reason for this discrepancy is unclear, as is the relationship between hormonal and tumoral recurrence. Another unresolved issue is whether treatment with adrenal blocking drugs can jeopardize the results of GKRS. GKRS is an effective second‐line treatment in patients with Cushing's disease not cured by surgery. Hypopituitarism is the most frequent side effect of GKRS, whereas severe neurologic complications are uncommon in radiation‐naïve patients.
Clinical efficacy evaluation of 595‐nm pulsed dye lasers, microwave tissue coagulation, and liquid nitrogen cryotherapy in the treatment of verruca vulgaris in children
Authors: Zhuang Binyu , You Yan , Zhang Liang , Zhao Fangqing , Guo Yanping 
Published: March 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of 595‐nm pulsed dye laser in the treatment of verruca vulgaris in children and to compare the efficacy of this method against two other methods, microwave tissue coagulation and liquid nitrogen cryotherapy.MethodsA total of 90 children being treated in the dermatology outpatient department of our hospital from 2019 to 2021 were selected and divided into three groups: the treatment group A (n = 30, treated with a 595‐nm pulsed dye laser), treatment group B (n = 30, treated with microwave tissue coagulation), and treatment group C (n = 30, treated with liquid nitrogen cryotherapy). All the patients in the treatment group A, treatment group B, and treatment group C were treated once every two weeks, with a maximum of six treatments.ResultsThe response rate of the treatment group A was 93.3%, which was higher than the 83.3% rate of treatment group B and the 66.7% rate of treatment group C. The average treatment times of the treatment group A (2.45 ± 1.10) were lower than group B (3.51 ± 0.98) and group C (4.63 ± 0.96). The adverse reaction rate in the treatment group A (16.7%) was significantly lower than that in treatment group B (56.7%) and treatment group C (63.3%). The differences were statistically significant (all p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe 595‐nm pulsed dye laser is safe and seems to be the most effective treatment for verruca vulgaris in children. Further high‐level clinical trial is warranted to verify our results.
Frontal medial cortex and angular gyrus functional connectivity is related to sex and age differences in odor sensitivity
Authors: Takatsuru Yusuke , Motegi Shunichi , Nishikata Tatsuya , Sato Hideyasu , Yonemochi Keita 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackground and PurposeOdor preference is one of the key factors for the rehabilitation of the swallowing function. On the other hand, sensitivity to odor differs between sexes and decreases with age. These factors rely on brain neuronal circuits. However, it remains not fully clarified which neuronal circuit determines the sex and age differences in odor sensitivity. In this study, we carried out both the odor sensitivity test and functional MRI (fMRI) to find the key neuronal circuits determining sex and age differences in odor sensitivity.MethodsHealthy volunteers (28 males, aged 27‐62 years, and 30 females, aged 21‐59 years) participated in this study. Some of them (seven males and seven females) underwent fMRI. We prepared five odorous test substances and presented each substance at 1 minute intervals. After 5 minutes of questioning about food intake, the subjects were asked to recall each of the test substances presented from the list. In the fMRI study, all the subjects underwent 15 minutes of the prestimulation, stimulation with peppermint odor, and poststimulation sessions.ResultsThe odor test score was significantly higher in females than in males and showed an age‐dependent decrease. We found four functional connectivities whose degrees were significantly different between males and females. One of them, the functional connectivity between the frontal medial cortex (MedFC) and the left angular gyrus (AG. l), showed an age‐dependent change.ConclusionsThe functional MedFC‐AG.l connectivity is one of the important neuronal circuits that affect the sex‐ and age‐dependent odor sensitivity.