bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of mTOR inhibitors in the regression of left ventricular hypertrophy in elderly kidney transplant recipients
Authors: David‐Neto Elias , Filho Marcelo Paes Menezes , de Sá Ítalo José Araújo Silveira , Agena Fabiana , de Andrade José Lázaro , de Paula Flávio Jota 
Published: June 2022

AbstractEnd‐stage kidney disease is frequently associated with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), a condition more prevalent in the elderly, that may increase mortality after renal transplantation (RTx). Previous studies suggested that mTOR inhibitors (mTORi) can improve LVH, but this has never been tested in elderly kidney transplant recipients. In this prospective randomized clinical trial, we analyzed the impact of Everolimus (EVL) on the reversal of LVH after RTx in elderly recipients (≥60 years) submitted to different immunosuppressive regimens: EVL/lowTacrolimus (EVL group, n = 53) or mycophenolate sodium/regularTacrolimus (MPS group, n = 47). Patients performed echocardiograms (Echo) up to 3 months after RTx and then annually. At baseline, mean age was 65±3 years in both groups and LVH was observed in 63.6% of patients in EVL group and in 61.8% of MPS group. Last Echo was performed at mean time of 47 and 49 months after RTx in EVL and MPS groups, respectively (P = .34). LVH regression was observed in 23.8% (EVL group) and 19% (MPS group) of patients (P = 1.00). Mean eGFR, blood pressure, and use of RAS blockers were similar between groups throughout follow‐up. EVL did not improve LVH in this cohort, and this lack of benefit may be attributed to concomitant use of TAC, senescence, or both.
Rosette‐like formations in melanocytic neoplasms: A case report and literature review
Authors: Jaeger Zachary J. , Dehner Carina , Dehner Louis P. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractHomer‐Wright‐like rosettes are a common finding in neural tumors but seldom seen in melanocytic nevi and melanoma. We report a case of a 23‐year‐old male with a compound melanocytic nevus with such rosette‐like structures and summarize the current literature on this histopathological feature in melanocytic neoplasms. A symmetric, well‐circumscribed, compound nevus consisting of aggregations of epithelioid melanocytes with eccentric nuclei and central eosinophilic cytoplasm, resembling Homer‐Wright rosettes, was present on biopsy. Immunohistochemical stains strongly supported a melanocytic entity and were negative for NTRK1/2/3, a fusion protein potentially associated with rosette‐like structures. We found 17 other cases of benign melanocytic nevi, including 9 atypical Spitz tumors and 6 Spitz nevi, and 11 malignant melanomas, including 3 Spitz melanomas and 4 metastases. We observed remarkable diversity among lesion morphologies containing rosettes, as well as level of prominence and cytology of the rosettes themselves. This case illustrates the morphologic malleability of neural‐crest‐derived lesions to share microscopic and phenotypic attributes.
Social network analysis for cross‐evaluation in data envelopment analysis
Authors: Ang Sheng , Wu Hui , Chen Menghan , Yang Feng 
Published: June 2022

AbstractAs one of the important extensions of data envelopment analysis (DEA) methodology, cross‐evaluation combines self‐evaluation and peer‐evaluation processes for each decision making unit (DMU) to effectively eliminate unrealistic weight schemes and differentiate all the units for ranking. Differing from previous research, which mainly pays attention to either secondary goals for generating weights for peer evaluation or aggregation of self and peer‐evaluation efficiencies, our study focuses on evaluating the relationships among all DMUs. If we view each unit as a node to be evaluated, then peer‐evaluation among pairs of DMUs forms a bidirectional network among all the DMUs. Based on this idea, we introduce a data‐driven tool combining social network analysis and cross‐evaluation to examine self‐evaluated and peer‐evaluated scores in the network. Using the hyperlink‐induced topic search algorithm, we develop the concepts of self‐evaluation and peer‐evaluation objectivity coefficients based on how well DMUs accept the analysis results. The rankings based on our self‐evaluation and peer‐evaluation scores adjusted with objectivity coefficients are shown to be consistent. Our study provides a novel perspective for cross‐evaluation and DEA research. An application case study illustrates our new method.
On the effect of confining pressure on fatigue failure of block‐in‐matrix soils exposed to multistage cyclic triaxial loads
Authors: Wang Yu , Su Yujie , Xia Yingjie , Wang Hongjian , Yi Xuefeng 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThis paper discusses the multi‐level cyclic triaxial testing of bimsoils (block‐in‐matrix soils), which are chaotic, mechanically and/or spatially heterogeneous geological masses in geotechnical construction. The cyclic triaxial tests simulate the behavior of bimsoil material under varying number of passing vehicle wheels. It is found that the applied confining pressure alters the stress state of the tested bimsoil and a transmission from strain softening to strain hardening occurs. The bimsoil deformation, strength, fatigue life, and stiffness are improved as the ambient pressure increases. The strain rate analysis reveals that the strong volumetric dilatancy occurs earlier for a bimsoil under relatively low confining pressure. Post‐test CT scanning shows the mesoscopic structural changes inside the bimsoil, including the multiple interface cracking behaviors and crack propagation surrounding the rock blocks. It is suggested that the contact, interlocking, occlusion, and separation among the existing blocks greatly contribute to the volume dilatancy characteristics of bimsoil under high ambient pressure.
Deterministic assembly and anthropogenic extinctions drive convergence of island bird communities
Authors: Triantis Kostas A. , Rigal Francois , Whittaker Robert J. , Hume Julian P. , Sheard Catherine , Poursanidis Dimitrios , Rolland Jonathan , Sfenthourakis Spyros , Matthews Thomas J. , Thébaud Christophe , Tobias Joseph A. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractAimWhether entire communities of organisms converge towards predictable structural properties in similar environmental conditions remains controversial. We tested for community convergence in birds by comparing the structure of oceanic archipelago assemblages with their respective regional species pools.LocationEighteen major oceanic archipelagos of volcanic origin with global distribution.Major taxa studiedTerrestrial birds.MethodsWe compiled a comprehensive database of morphological trait and phylogenetic data for 6,579 bird species, including species known to have become extinct owing to human activities. We quantified morphological and phylogenetic dissimilarity among species between pairs of archipelagos, using a modified version of the mean nearest taxon distance. We tested for convergence by estimating whether overall mean turnover among archipelagos and pairwise turnover between archipelagos were lower than expected by chance.ResultsFor all land birds, we found that turnover in body plan, body mass and phylogeny among archipelagos was significantly lower than expected. Seventeen (of 18) archipelagos showed significant body plan and phylogenetic similarity with at least one other archipelago. Similar convergent patterns of community assembly were detected in different subsamples of the data (extant species, endemics, native non‐endemics, and Passeriformes only). Convergence was more pronounced for extant species than for extant and extinct species combined.Main conclusionsConsistent convergence in phylogenetic and morphological structure among archipelagic communities arises through a combination of non‐random colonization andin situadaptation. In addition, by including data from extinct taxa, we show that community convergence both precedes and is accentuated by the anthropogenic extinction of endemic lineages. Our results highlight the potential role of non‐random extinction in generating patterns of community convergence and show that convergence existed even before anthropogenic extinctions, owing to deterministic community assembly in similar environmental settings at the global scale.
Migraine and peripheral pain models show differential alterations in neuronal complexity
Authors: Bertels Zachariah , Mangutov Elizaveta , Conway Catherine , Siegersma Kendra , Asif Sarah , Shah Pal , Huck Nolan , Tawfik Vivianne L. , Pradhan Amynah A. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractObjectiveOur laboratory has recently shown that there is a decrease in neuronal complexity in head pain processing regions in mouse models of chronic migraine‐associated pain and aura. Importantly, restoration of this neuronal complexity corresponds with anti‐migraine effects of known and experimental pharmacotherapies. The objective of the current study was to expand this work and examine other brain regions involved with pain or emotional processing. We also investigated the generalizability of our findings by analyzing neuronal cytoarchitectural changes in a model of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), a peripheral pain disorder.MethodsWe used the nitroglycerin (NTG) model of chronic migraine‐associated pain in which mice receive 10 mg/kg NTG every other day for 9 days. Cortical spreading depression (CSD), a physiological corelate of migraine aura, was evoked in anesthetized mice using KCl. CRPS was induced by tibial fracture followed by casting. Neuronal cytoarchitecture was visualized with Golgi stain and analyzed with Simple Neurite Tracer.ResultsIn the NTG model, we previously showed decreased neuronal complexity in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis (TNC) and periaqueductal gray (PAG). In contrast, we found increased neuronal complexity in the thalamus and no change in the amygdala or caudate putamen in this study. Following CSD, we observed decreased neuronal complexity in the PAG, in line with decreases in the somatosensory cortex and TNC reported with this model previously. In the CRPS model there was decreased neuronal complexity in the hippocampus, as reported by others; increased complexity in the PAG; and no change within the somatosensory cortex.ConclusionsCollectively these results demonstrate that alterations in neuronal complexity are a feature of both chronic migraine and chronic CRPS. However, each type of pain presents a unique cytoarchitectural signature, which may provide insight on how these pain states differentially transition from acute to chronic conditions.
Understanding the strengthening effect of curdlan on the quality of frozen cooked noodles: studies on water characteristics and migration during cooking
Authors: Liu Hao , Liang Ying , Guo Shibo , Liu Mei , Chen Zilu , He Baoshan , Zhang Xia , Wang Jinshui 
Published: June 2022

SummaryThis study aimed to further clarify the influence of curdlan on the quality of frozen cooked noodles (FCN) by exploring the changes in the microstructure, rheological properties and water status of FCN during cooking. The addition of curdlan delayed the disappearance of the white core in FCN during cooking. Compared with FCN without curdlan, the microstructure of FCN with curdlan was more homogeneous, and 0.5% curdlan showed the best improvement. Furthermore, higher G′ and G′′ values and lower strain values were measured in the presence of 0.5% curdlan. Throughout the cooking process, the freezable water content significantly increased. Combined with the result of water distribution, it can be inferred that the reduction of freezable water content induced by curdlan was occurred by changing the status of water. Moreover, the result of magnetic resonance imaging indicated that the water migration rate decreased after the addition of curdlan. The results demonstrate that curdlan mitigates the degradation of FCN structure during cooking by limiting the mobility of water, which also provides new insights for improving the quality of FCN and the application of curdlan.
Penttinen syndrome‐associated PDGFRB Val665Ala variant causes aberrant constitutive STAT1 signalling
Authors: Nédélec Audrey , Guérit Emilie M. , Dachy Guillaume , Lenglez Sandrine , Wong Lok San , Arts Florence A. , Demoulin Jean‐Baptiste 
Published: June 2022

AbstractPenttinen syndrome is a rare progeroid disorder caused by mutations in platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor beta (encoded by the PDGFRB proto‐oncogene) and characterized by a prematurely aged appearance with lipoatrophy, skin lesions, thin hair and acro‐osteolysis. Activating mutations in PDGFRB have been associated with other human diseases, including Kosaki overgrowth syndrome, infantile myofibromatosis, fusiform aneurysms, acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and myeloproliferative neoplasms associated with eosinophilia. The goal of the present study was to characterize the PDGFRB p.Val665Ala variant associated with Penttinen syndrome at the molecular level. This substitution is located in a conserved loop of the receptor tyrosine kinase domain. We observed that the mutant receptor was expressed at a lower level but showed constitutive activity. In the absence of ligand, the mutant activated STAT1 and elicited an interferon‐like transcriptional response. Phosphorylation of STAT3, STAT5, AKT and phospholipase Cγ was weak or undetectable. It was devoid of oncogenic activity in two cell proliferation assays, contrasting with classical PDGF receptor oncogenic mutants. STAT1 activation was not sensitive to ruxolitinib and did not rely on interferon‐JAK2 signalling. Another tyrosine kinase inhibitor, imatinib, blocked signalling by the p.Val665Ala variant at a higher concentration compared with the wild‐type receptor. Importantly, this concentration remained in the therapeutic range. Dasatinib, nilotinib and ponatinib also inhibited the mutant receptor. In conclusion, the p.Val665Ala variant confers unique features to PDGF receptor β compared with other characterized gain‐of‐function mutants, which may in part explain the particular set of symptoms associated with Penttinen syndrome.
Dissemination of a successful dementia care program: Lessons to facilitate spread of innovations
Authors: Reuben David B. , Evertson Leslie Chang , Jackson‐Stoeckle Rebecca , Epstein‐Lubow Gary , Spragens Lynn Hill , Haggerty Kristin Lees , Serrano Katherine Sy , Jennings Lee A. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractBackgroundDespite the effectiveness of innovations to improve the care of persons with dementia, there has been limited diffusion of these into widespread clinical practice. We aimed to identify common barriers and address them directly in the initial phase of dissemination of a successful dementia care program.MethodsDescription of and early experience with a dissemination strategy of the UCLA Alzheimer's and Dementia Care Program to health care systems nationwide. We measured site‐identified goals for the program and indicators of success, number of adopting sites, and participants in their programs.ResultsFrom January 2019 to December 2021, 80 sites expressed interest in adopting the program, 14 (18%) sites adopted it, and 10 of these sites have begun caring for patients. Another 4 sites have implemented the program as part of a randomized clinical trial. To date, over 1690 persons living with dementia and their caregivers have received Alzheimer's and Dementia Care (ADC) care at 14 adopting sites. Key lessons from the early dissemination efforts include the importance of identifying a strong product champion at the adopting site, creating a business case for adoption, training of clinical staff and adapting the model to fit local cultures and workflow, as well as recognizing the likely long length of time needed for the decision to adopt and implementation process.ConclusionsDespite many obstacles to dissemination, with local champions and technical assistance, successful innovations in dementia care can be implemented in diverse health systems. The ability to adopt sites to bring the program to full scale and achieve comparable outcomes to the original program remains to be determined.
Effects of prenatal group program in rural Tanzania: A quasi‐experimental study
Authors: Oka Miyuki , Madeni Frida , Horiuchi Shigeko 
Published: June 2022

AbstractAimThis study conducted in rural Tanzania examined the effects of a midwife‐led prenatal group program on: (1) improvement of knowledge of the physiological symptoms of pregnancy; (2) promotion of pregnancy‐related empowerment; (3) enhancement of intention to self‐care behaviors for safer childbirth; and (4) gaining satisfaction with antenatal care visits.MethodsThis work was a quasi‐experimental study with a control group using a pre‐post study design conducted in two district hospitals in Tanzania. Data were collected from 108 analyzed pregnant women from the prenatal group program (n = 54) and control program (n = 54) using questionnaires before (baseline) and after (endline) the program. The program consisted of lecture, sharing, and review sessions. The control program consisted of the same lectures. The contents of both programs included physiological symptoms of pregnancy and self‐care behaviors. The primary outcome was knowledge of common symptoms of pregnancy. The secondary outcomes were Pregnancy‐Related Empowerment Scale score, intention to self‐care behaviors, and satisfaction.ResultsThe primary outcome of knowledge of common symptoms of pregnancy was significantly increased in the intervention group compared with the control group (t = 2.677, p = .009). The secondary outcome of one of the Pregnancy‐Related Empowerment Scale statements about midwife's respectful attitude toward women's decision was significantly increased in the intervention group compared with the control group (U = 2.076, p = .038).ConclusionsThe interventional prenatal group program during pregnancy was effective in increasing knowledge of common symptoms of pregnancy and in identifying favorable midwife connectedness.
Thermodynamic constraints on the composition of orogenically thickened lower crust
Authors: Li Yi‐Bing , Wu Yu‐Wen , Su Bin , Chen Si , Zhang Qing‐Hua , Chen Yi 
Published: June 2022

AbstractOrogenically thickened lower crust is the key site of crustal differentiation, crustal deformation, and Moho modification. However, the composition of thickened lower crust is still highly debated. Here, we calculate a set of pseudosections with mafic lower crust compositions in the Na2O–CaO–K2O–FeO–MgO–Al2O3–SiO2–H2O–TiO2–O2 (NCKFMASHTO) system. Our modelling results show that the maximum thickness of the mafic lower crust increases with the Moho temperature (TMoho). In addition, the lithologies of stable mafic crust are characterized by medium‐pressure (MP) to high‐pressure (HP) granulites at 40–50 km, HP granulites and garnet‐omphacite granulites at 50–60 km, and garnet‐omphacite granulites at 60–70 km. Under the Pamir geothermal conditions, mafic rocks with high SiO2 (>50.2 wt%), XMg (>0.70), XCa (>0.49), or low XAl (<0.11) could be stable at 70 km; however, only ~10% of global mafic granulite xenoliths lie within this compositional range. Further modelling indicates that if TMoho reaches 900–1000°C, neither the lower crust nor the upper mantle has significant strength relative to the upper crust and that only ~5–37% of mafic materials are gravitationally stable at 70 km. This implies that the base of doubly thickened (70 km) crust is dominated by intermediate‐felsic rocks, consistent with the low Vp and Vp/Vs values seismically observed in young orogenic crustal roots. Thus, most mafic materials at >70 km could delaminate into the deep mantle. Our results provide insights on the formation of extremely thick crust with a predominantly intermediate‐felsic base and the crustal thickness variation in continental collision zones.
How Children's participation ought to be practiced: A preliminary ethical framework to optimise the participation of children with osteogenesis imperfecta in health care
Authors: Wang Yi Wen , Carnevale Franco A. , Chougui Khadidja , Tsimicalis Argerie 
Published: June 2022

AbstractBackgroundA three‐phase ethnography was conducted at a paediatric orthopaedic hospital exploring the actual and desired participation of children with Osteogenesis Imperfecta in discussions, decisions and actions in the hospital and community. Phase I and Phase II revealed how childhood ethics are understood and practiced in the hospital using artmaking to engage children in discussions about their health‐related experiences. Children expressed frustration, anger and disappointment when their desired level of participation in care was not actualized due to forgone opportunities for engagement by clinicians or lack of child‐oriented health resources.ObjectivesThe objective of this study (Phase III) was to specify how childhood ethics ought to be understood and practiced in the hospital by (1) convening hospital stakeholders in a collaborative setting to disseminate findings, identify ethical concerns and generate action steps; and (2) develop a preliminary ethical framework to optimise the participation of children with OI in health care.DesignFocused ethnography reported using the SRQR checklist.MethodsA focus group was conducted with 14 interdisciplinary hospital stakeholders. Data were analysed using qualitative, thematic analysis to understand primary ethical concerns and accompanying action steps. The findings were consolidated into a preliminary ethical framework and worksheet for clinicians.ResultsFour main factors impeding children's voices and desired participation were identified: legal and contextual factors; variations in clinicians' skills, practice and knowledge; difficulties incorporating alternative engagement methods into practice; and need for interprofessional collaboration. Five action steps were identified: Recognise, Elicit, Interpret, Act and Optimise.Relevance to clinical practiceThe focus group and creation of clinician resources were important steps towards addressing the ethical concerns of children with OI, such as marginalisation or exclusion in their OI care. This study better prepares us to disseminate our findings on a larger scale and create ethical frameworks and resources to improve how vulnerable children's voices are heard, understood and acted upon in healthcare settings.
Associational resistance through intercropping reduces yield losses to soil‐borne pests and diseases
Authors: Chadfield Victoria G. A. , Hartley Sue E. , Redeker Kelly R. 
Published: June 2022

Summary

Associational resistance to herbivore and pathogen attack is a well documented ecological phenomenon and, if applied to agriculture, may reduce impact of pests and diseases on crop yields without recourse to pesticides.

The value of associational resistance through intercropping, planting multiple crops alongside each other, as a sustainable control method remains unclear, due to variable outcomes reported in the published literature. We performed a meta‐analysis to provide a quantitative assessment of benefits of intercropping for target plant resistance to plant‐parasitic nematodes and soil‐borne diseases.

We found that intercropping reduced damage to focal crops from nematodes by 40% and disease incidence by 55%. Intercropping efficacy varied with biological variables, such as field fertilisation status and intercrop family, and methodology, including whether study samples were potted or in fields.

Nematode control using intercropping was sufficient to offset reductions in focal crop yield from intercrop presence, making intercropping a viable agricultural tool. We identify key drivers for underpinning the success of intercropping and indicate areas for future research to improve efficacy. This study also highlights the potential benefits of harnessing ecological knowledge on plant–enemy interactions for improving agricultural and landscape sustainability.