bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of LDPE microplastics on chemical properties and microbial communities in soil
Authors: Palansooriya Kumuduni Niroshika , Shi Liang , Sarkar Binoy , Parikh Sanjai J. , Sang Mee Kyung , Lee Sang‐Ryong , Ok Yong Sik 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe accumulation of plastics in the soil ecosystem poses an increasing environmental concern worldwide. However, little is known about the effect of plastic concentrations on soil properties and soil biota. In this study, we investigated the effect of low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) microplastics (MPs) on the chemical and microbial properties of agricultural soil using a set of microcosm experiments. The soil was incubated for 100 days with LDPE at concentrations of 0%, 0.1%, 1%, 3%, 5%, and 7% at 25°C with 70% water‐holding capacity. Along with soil chemical analysis, we conducted an analysis of soil microbial properties on the first day and again after 100 days of incubation. LDPE concentrations of ≥1% significantly (p < .05) decreased the pH but increased the electrical conductivity of the soil in comparison with the control (0% LDPE at 100 days). Increasing the LDPE concentration did not affect the soil exchangeable cation content or the available Pb concentration. Firmicutes were the most abundant phyla in the soil on the first day, whereas Proteobacteria, Firmicutes and Actinobacteria became dominant in all treatments after 100 days. An increasing LDPE concentration increased the abundance of Actinobacteria and decreased Proteobacteria. Principal component analysis demonstrated that only 7% LDPE was positively correlated with Actinobacteria, indicating that higher concentrations of LDPE contributed to the growth of this phylum. The findings of this study imply that MP contamination could affect soil chemical properties and microbial activity and that these effects primarily depend on MP concentrations in soil.
Abnormal foveal morphology in carriers of oculocutaneous albinism
Authors: Kuht Helen J , Thomas Mervyn G , McLean Rebecca J , Sheth Viral , Proudlock Frank A , Gottlob Irene 
Published: April 2022

Background/aimsTo investigate the foveal morphology in carriers of oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). A cross-sectional, observational study.MethodsHandheld SD-OCT (Envisu C2300) was used to acquire horizontal scans through the centre of the fovea in biological parents of patients with OCA (n=28; mean age±SD=40.43±8.07 years) and age-matched and ethnicity-matched controls (n=28; mean age±SD=38.04±10.27 years). Sequence analysis was performed for variants in known genes associated with OCA. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), presence of foveal hypoplasia and grade, foveal, parafoveal and perifoveal thickness measurements of total retinal layers (TRL), inner retinal layers (IRL) and outer retinal layers (ORL) thickness were measured.ResultsFoveal hypoplasia was identified in 32.14% of OCA carriers; grade 1 in all cases. OCA carriers demonstrated significant thicker TRL thickness (median difference: 13.46 µm, p=0.009) and IRL thickness (mean difference: 8.98 µm, p<0.001) at the central fovea compared with controls. BCVA of carriers was between −0.16 and 0.18 logMAR (mean: 0.0 logMAR). No significant differences in BCVA was noted between OCA carriers or controls (p=0.83). In the OCA carriers, we identified previously reported pathogenic variants inTYR,OCA2andSLC45A2, novelOCA2variants (n=3) and heterozygosity of the pathogenicTYRhaplotype.ConclusionWe have, for the first time, identified foveal abnormalities in OCA carriers. This provides clinical value, particularly in cases where limited phenotype data are available. Our findings raise the possibility that previously reported mild cases of foveal hypoplasia or isolated foveal hypoplasia could correspond to OCA carrier status.
Utilisation of composite endpoint outcome to assess efficacy of tocilizumab for non-infectious uveitis in the STOP-Uveitis Study
Authors: Hassan Muhammad , Sadiq Mohammad Ali , Ormaechea Maria Soledad , Uludağ Günay , Halim Muhammad Sohail , Afridi Rubbia , Do Diana V , Sepah Yasir Jamal , Nguyen Quan Dong 
Published: April 2022

Background/aimsTo use a composite endpoint scoring system in assessing efficacy of two doses of intravenous tocilizumab (TCZ), in eyes with non-infectious uveitis.MethodsData from STOP-Uveitis Study (a phase 2 multicentre, randomised, interventional clinical trial), where monthly intravenous infusions of 4 mg/kg (Group 1) or 8 mg/kg (Group 2) TCZ until month 6 (M6) were administered, were used. Efficacy was ascertained by a composite endpoint scoring system consisting of: (1) visual acuity; (2) intraocular inflammation; (3) central retinal thickness; (4) posterior segment inflammation on fluorescein angiographic and (5) steroid taper. Each component of grading system was graded as ((+1) improvement, (−1) worsening or (0) no change) based on specific criteria. The clinical response was classified as positive (improvement in at least one parameter and worsening in none), negative (worsening of any parameter) or stable (neither improvement nor worsening of any parameter). The percentage achieving various clinical responses was compared between groups.ResultsThirty-seven patients were analysed. At M6, 31 (83.8%) subjects demonstrated a positive clinical response (Group 1=14 (77.8%) and Group 2=17 (89.5%)). Three (8.1%) subjects (all Group 1) met the criteria for treatment failure, whereas three (8.1%) subjects showed a stable clinical response (Group 1=1 and Group 2=2). The difference in clinical responses between study groups was not significant (p>0.05).ConclusionsBoth doses of intravenous TCZ were effective in either improving or maintaining stability in patients using the composite endpoint scoring system. A composite scoring system as used in this study may be a better measure to assess efficacy outcomes as compared with only vitreous haze or other single outcome measures.
Study to investigate the prevalence of human papillomavirus in Barrett’s oesophagus using a novel screening methodology
Authors: White Jonathan Richard , Ragunath Krish , Whitton Aimee , Marsh Elizabeth , Kaye Philip , Knight Gillian 
Published: April 2022

IntroductionHuman papillomavirus (HPV) is strongly associated with Barrett’s dysplasia and oesophageal cancer suggesting a role in carcinogenesis. HPV persistence predicts treatment failure after endotherapy for Barrett’s dysplasia. This pilot study applies a novel HPV screening tool (previously only used in the oropharynx) to detect HPV DNA directly and determine the prevalence rates in Barrett’s oesophagus (BO).MethodDNA was extracted from 20 formalin-fixed BO samples. HPV DNA was detected using real-time PCR and gel electrophoresis.Results5 out of 20 patients were identified as positive for HPV. Prevalence was 25% in patients with BO.ConclusionThis method can be used in BO’s tissue to determine HPV infection. Adoption of this as a screening test could potentially revolutionise future research in this area. If a clear link between HPV and Barrett’s dysplasia can be confirmed, this qPCR method has the potential to aid in monitoring and/or dysplasia detection by stratifying those most at risk and aid in the development of new therapies.
Identification of circulating microRNAs as potential biomarkers for hepatic necroinflammation in patients with autoimmune hepatitis
Authors: Saeki Chisato , Matsuzaki Juntaro , Kuroda Masahiko , Fujita Koji , Ichikawa Makiko , Takizawa Satoko , Takano Keiko , Oikawa Tsunekazu , Nakanuma Yasuni , Saruta Masayuki , Ochiya Takahiro , Tsubota Akihito 
Published: April 2022

ObjectiveMicroRNAs (miRNAs) are implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases and could be biomarkers of disease activity. This study aimed to identify highly expressed circulating miRNAs in patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and to evaluate their association with clinical characteristics.MethodsMicroarray analyses were performed, and miRNA expression profiling for AIH, primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and overlap syndrome (OS) using the serum of patients and healthy individuals was done. Samples were divided into discovery and test sets to identify candidate miRNAs that could discriminate AIH from PBC; the former included 21 AIH and 23 PBC samples, while the latter included five AIH and eight PBC samples.ResultsAmong 11 candidate miRNAs extracted in the discovery set, 4 (miR-3196, miR-6125, miR-4725–3 p and miR-4634) were specifically and highly expressed in patients with AIH in the test set. These four miRNAs discriminated AIH from PBC with high sensitivity (0.80–1.00) and specificity (0.88–1.00). In situ hybridisation analysis revealed that these miRNAs were expressed in the cytoplasm of hepatocytes in patients with AIH. Their expression levels were highest in untreated patients with AIH, followed by those in untreated patients with OS. They drastically or moderately decreased after prednisolone treatment. Histological analysis demonstrated that the expression levels of miR-3196, miR-6125 and miR-4634 in patients with AIH and OS were correlated with severe hepatic necroinflammatory activity.ConclusionThese circulating miRNAs are suggested to reflect hepatic necroinflammatory activity and serve as AIH-related and treatment-responsive biomarkers. These miRNAs could be beneficial in developing new therapeutic strategies for AIH.
Point-of-care testing for tetanus immunity: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Low Rachel , Young Kieron , Verani Lorenzo , Cotton Daniele T , Welman Ted , Moore Luke S P , Horwitz Maxim D 
Published: April 2022

BackgroundThe current standard of care for tetanus prophylaxis management in patients with open wounds likely results in overtreatment and unnecessary costs. Point-of-care immunochromatographic tests, known as Tetanus Quick Sticks (TQS), have been developed to qualitatively measure tetanus immunoglobulin levels. Multiple studies advocate their use in EDs. We aim to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and cost-effectiveness of TQS to assess their relevance in frontline emergency care.MethodsA systematic review was undertaken following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, Global Health, The Health Management Information Consortium and The Cochrane Library. Studies were eligible if sensitivity, specificity or cost-efficacy of TQS was reported. At least two authors independently assessed and extracted data from each study. A meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate summary sensitivity and specificity estimates for TQS.Results12 studies were suitable for inclusion (n=1 662 865 participants): 1 modelling and 11 prospective observational cohort studies. Eight studies assessed diagnostic accuracy; the summary estimate for sensitivity was 90% (95% CI, 89% to 90%) with specificity 97% (95% CI, 95% to 100%). Six studies investigated cost-efficacy, reporting lower healthcare costs when using TQS instead of the current method of vaccination history, due to a decrease in unnecessary tetanus vaccine and immunoglobulin administration. Based on the current NHS supply chain data, TQS use could save £173.05 per tetanus-prone patient.ConclusionTQS could confer the greatest cost savings if used in combination with vaccination history in patients with tetanus-prone wounds. A quality assurance process is recommended prior to implementation of TQS in EDs.
Understanding current and projected emergency department presentations and associated healthcare costs in a changing thermal climate in Adelaide, South Australia
Authors: Wondmagegn Berhanu Yazew , Xiang Jianjun , Dear Keith , Williams Susan , Hansen Alana , Pisaniello Dino , Nitschke Monika , Nairn John , Scalley Ben , Xiao Alex , Jian Le , Tong Michael , Bambrick Hilary , Karnon Jonathan , Bi Peng 
Published: April 2022

BackgroundExposure to extreme temperatures is associated with increased emergency department (ED) presentations. The resulting burden on health service costs and the potential impact of climate change is largely unknown. This study examines the temperature-EDs/cost relationships in Adelaide, South Australia and how this may be impacted by increasing temperatures.MethodsA time series analysis using a distributed lag nonlinear model was used to explore the exposure–response relationships. The net-attributable, cold-attributable and heat-attributable ED presentations for temperature-related diseases and costs were calculated for the baseline (2014–2017) and future periods (2034–2037 and 2054–2057) under three climate representative concentration pathways (RCPs).ResultsThe baseline heat-attributable ED presentations were estimated to be 3600 (95% empirical CI (eCI) 700 to 6500) with associated cost of $A4.7 million (95% eCI 1.8 to 7.5). Heat-attributable ED presentations and costs were projected to increase during 2030s and 2050s with no change in the cold-attributable burden. Under RCP8.5 and population growth, the increase in heat-attributable burden would be 1.9% (95% eCI 0.8% to 3.0%) for ED presentations and 2.5% (95% eCI 1.3% to 3.7%) for ED costs during 2030s. Under the same conditions, the heat effect is expected to increase by 3.7% (95% eCI 1.7% to 5.6%) for ED presentations and 5.0% (95% eCI 2.6% to 7.1%) for ED costs during 2050s.ConclusionsProjected climate change is likely to increase heat-attributable emergency presentations and the associated costs in Adelaide. Planning health service resources to meet these changes will be necessary as part of broader risk mitigation strategies and public health adaptation actions.
Cost-effectiveness in diagnosis of stable angina patients: a decision-analytical modelling approach
Authors: Nazir Muhummad Sohaib , Rodriguez-Guadarrama Yael , Rua Tiago , Bui Khan Ha , Buylova Gola Anna , Chiribiri Amedeo , McCrone Paul , Plein Sven , Pennington Mark 
Published: April 2022

ObjectiveGiven recent data on published diagnostic accuracies, this study sought to determine the most cost-effective diagnostic strategy for detection of significant coronary artery disease (CAD) in stable angina patients using invasive coronary angiography (ICA) and fractional flow reserve (FFR) as the reference standard.MethodsA probabilistic decision-analytical model was developed which modelled a cohort of patients with stable angina. We investigated 17 diagnostic strategies between standalone and combination of different imaging tests to establish a correct diagnosis of CAD, using no testing as the baseline reference. These tests included CT coronary angiography (CTCA), stress echocardiography, CT-based FFR, single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), positron emission tomography, ICA, and ICA with FFR. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were calculated as the additional cost per correct diagnosis.ResultsSPECT followed by CTCA and ICA-FFR is the most cost-effective strategy between a cost-effectiveness threshold (CET) value of £1000–£3000 per correct diagnosis. CMR followed by CTCA and ICA-FFR is cost-effective within a CET range of £3000–£17 000 per correct diagnosis. CMR and ICA-FFR is cost-effective within a CET range of £17 000–£24 000. ICA-FFR as first line is the most-cost effective if the CET value exceeds the £24 000 per correct diagnosis. Sensitivity analysis showed that direct ICA-FFR may be cost-effective in patients with a high pre-test probability of CAD.ConclusionFirst-line testing with functional imaging is cost-effective at low to intermediate value of correct diagnosis in patients with low to intermediate risk of CAD. ICA is not cost effective although ICA-FFR may be at higher CET.
Predicting tunnel-boring machine penetration rate utilizing geomechanical properties
Authors: Karrari Seyed Sajjad , Heidari Mojtaba , Hamidi Jafar Khademi , Khaleghi-Esfahani Mohammad , Teshnizi Ebrahim Sharifi 
Published: April 2022

Predicting the penetration rate plays a key role in tunnel projects using a tunnel-boring machine (TBM). Developing accurate prediction models can improve project management, and save budget and time in tunnel projects. In this research, the Gelas water-tunnel project data were used to obtain new statistical models for predicting the TBM penetration rate per revolution (PRev) utilizing the toughness index (
T
i
), modulus ratio (
E
/UCS) and joint parameters (
J
P
). The relationships between various geomechanical properties and rock classification systems, including uniaxial compressive strength, Brazilian tensile strength, Young's modulus, joint parameter, toughness index, rock quality designation, rock mass rating, geological strength index, rock mass quality and rock mass index, were analysed and considered on the TBM performance in sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks. The statistical analysis clearly showed that
T
i
revealed a significant correlation with the actual PRev (
R
2
= 0.75). In addition, the PRev was computed using
T
i
, and
J
P
showed good agreement with the coefficient of determination (
R
2
): i.e. 0.79. The results indicated that the
T
i
decreased by increasing the modulus ratio, so the PRev increased. This model can be used easily as it provides a straightforward predictive model using a multi-parameter model.
The Prognostic Potential of Neurokinin 1 Receptor in Breast Cancer and Its Relationship with Ki-67 Index
Authors: Al-Keilani Maha S. , Elstaty Rana , Alqudah Mohammad A. 
Published: April 2022

Background. Neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R) is a promising biomarker and therapeutic target in breast cancer. This study was aimed at investigating the expression level of NK1R in breast cancer tissues and its relationship with proliferation index as measured by Ki-67, clinicopathological characteristics of patients, and overall survival rate. Methods. Immunohistochemical expression of NK1R and Ki-67 was measured in 164 paraffin-embedded breast cancer tissues of four molecular subtypes (42 HER2-enriched, 40 luminal A, 42 luminal B, and 40 triple negative). NK1R was scored semiquantitatively, while Ki-67 was obtained by the percentage of total number of tumor cells with nuclear staining. The optimal cutoff values for NK1R and Ki-67 were assessed by Cutoff Finder. Pearson’s Chi-square (

χ

2

) and Fisher’s exact tests were used to compare the staining scores between groups. The Kaplan-Meier method with log-rank test was used for survival analysis. ANOVA and Student’s

t

-test were used to compare group means. Results. A total of 164 patients were included in the study which represented females with invasive ductal carcinoma. NK1R was expressed at high levels in about 34% of investigated cases. The mean Ki-67 level was about 27% and 41.5% of sample had high Ki-67 (

expression

level
>
22
%

). NK1R expression levels were associated with higher tumor grade (

p
=
0.021

) and high Ki-67 (

p
=
0.012

). NK1R expression negatively impacted overall survival in grade II tumors (

p
=
0.027

). Conclusion. NK1R contributes to cellular proliferation and is associated with negative prognosis in breast cancer. These findings suggest the potential role of NK1R as a therapeutic target in breast cancer.
Role of Aspirin in Gastric Cancer Prevention
Authors: Umar Asad , Loomans-Kropp Holli A. 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
The role of aspirin in cancer prevention has been well described for multiple cancers, with strong data for gastrointestinal cancers. Studies, primarily conducted in colorectal cancer, suggest that aspirin exerts its cancer-preventive effects through the inhibition of gastrointestinal inflammation. Compared with colorectal cancer, the role of aspirin in gastric cancer prevention is less well described, however it stands to reason that aspirin and/or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may inhibit gastric cancer progression through the inhibition of COX-2. As discussed in this issue of Cancer Prevention Research, aspirin may prevent gastric cancer, albeit it appears to exert a disparate effect in men and women, the reason for which remain unclear. These results expand upon prior studies by prospectively examining aspirin use at a wider range of doses and durations in non-Asian participants and lend support to observations from previously conducted studies in Asian populations.
See related article, p. 265
Two new species and taxonomical and geographical notes on Aegomorphus Haldeman (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Lamiinae)
Authors: Heffern Daniel , Santos-Silva Antonio , Botero Juan Pablo 
Published: April 2022

Acanthoderes crocostigma Bates, 1880 is transferred to Acakyra Martins & Galileo, 1996. Acanthoderes umbrata Bates, 1885 is synonymized with Acanthoderes purulensis Bates, 1885. Variation of the elytral pubescent pattern in Aegomorphus longitarsis (Bates, 1880) is reported, and the species is recorded for the first time from Colombia (Boyacá) and Brazil (Amazonas). The variation of the elytral pubescent pattern in Aegomorphus doctus (Bates, 1880) is reported, and the species is recorded for the first time from the Mexican state of Jalisco. We comment on the type-locality of Aegomorphus borrei (Dugès, 1885). Two new species are described from Mexico (Jalisco): Aegomorphus cunninghami and A. nogueirai.
Influence of Hospital Characteristics on Hospital Transfer Destinations for Patients With Stroke
Authors: Zachrison Kori S. , Amati Viviana , Schwamm Lee H. , Yan Zhiyu , Nielsen Victoria , Christie Anita , Reeves Mathew J. , Sauser Joseph P. , Lomi Alessandro , Onnela Jukka-Pekka 
Published: April 2022

Background:
Patients with stroke are frequently transferred between hospitals. This may have implications on the quality of care received by patients; however, it is not well understood how the characteristics of sending and receiving hospitals affect the likelihood of a transfer event. Our objective was to identify hospital characteristics associated with sending and receiving patients with stroke.

Methods:
Using a comprehensive statewide administrative dataset, including all 78 Massachusetts hospitals, we identified all transfers of patients with ischemic stroke between October 2007 and September 2015 for this observational study. Hospital variables included reputation (US News and World Report ranking), capability (stroke center status, annual stroke volume, and trauma center designation), and institutional affiliation. We included network variables to control for the structure of hospital-to-hospital transfers. We used relational event modeling to account for complex temporal and relational dependencies associated with transfers. This method decomposes a series of patient transfers into a sequence of decisions characterized by transfer initiations and destinations, modeling them using a discrete-choice framework.

Results:
Among 73 114 ischemic stroke admissions there were 7189 (9.8%) transfers during the study period. After accounting for travel time between hospitals and structural network characteristics, factors associated with increased likelihood of being a receiving hospital (in descending order of relative effect size) included shared hospital affiliation (5.8× higher), teaching hospital status (4.2× higher), stroke center status (4.3× and 3.8× higher when of the same or higher status), and hospitals of the same or higher reputational ranking (1.5× higher).

Conclusions:
After accounting for distance and structural network characteristics, in descending order of importance, shared hospital affiliation, hospital capabilities, and hospital reputation were important factor in determining transfer destination of patients with stroke. This study provides a starting point for future research exploring how relational coordination between hospitals may ensure optimized allocation of patients with stroke for maximal patient benefit.