bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of intravenous ferric carboxymaltose on right ventricular function – insights from the IRON‐CRT trial
Authors: Martens Pieter , Dupont Matthias , Dauw Jeroen , Nijst Petra , Bertrand Philippe B , Tang W.H. Wilson , Mullens Wilfried 
Published: March 2022

AimsFerric carboxymaltose (FCM) improves left ventricular function in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Yet, the effect of FCM on right ventricular (RV) function remains insufficiently elucidated.Methods and resultsThis is a pre‐defined analysis of the IRON‐CRT trial in which symptomatic HFrEF patients with iron deficiency and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) despite optimal medical therapy and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) underwent 1:1 randomization to FCM or placebo in a double‐blind fashion. RV function was measured as the change from baseline to 3‐month follow‐up in RV fractional area change (FAC), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and pulsed Doppler peak velocity at the RV lateral annulus (RV S′), systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP) and its coupling to the right ventricle (TAPSE/SPAP ratio). The RV contractile reserve was measured as the change in TAPSE during incremental pacing at 70, 90 and 110 bpm. A total of 75 patients underwent randomization and received FCM (n = 37) or placebo (n = 38). At baseline 72.5% had RV dysfunction and 70% had RV dilatation. At 3‐month follow‐up, patients receiving FCM had a significant improvement in RV FAC (+4.1% [+1.4% − +6.9%] vs. −2.2% [−4.9% − +0.6%] in the placebo group, p = 0.002) and TAPSE (+0.98 mm [+0.28 mm − +1.62 mm] vs. −0.19 mm [−0.85 mm − +0.48 mm] in the placebo group, p = 0.020), but not RV S′. Patients receiving FCM had a numerically lower SPAP (p = 0.073) and significant improvement in TAPSE/SPAP ratio (+0.097 [+0.048 − +0.146] vs. +0.002 [−0.046 − +0.051] in the placebo group, p = 0.008). At baseline both groups had diminished RV contractile reserve during incremental pacing, which was attenuated at 3‐month follow‐up in the FCM group (p = 0.004). Patients manifesting more RV function improvement were more likely to exhibit higher degrees of LVEF improvement (p < 0.05 for all).ConclusionsTreatment with FCM in HFrEF patients results in an improvement in RV function and structure and improves the RV contractile reserve.
PharmRF: A machine‐learning scoring function to identify the best protein‐ligand complexes for structure‐based pharmacophore screening with high enrichments
Authors: Kumar Sivakumar Prasanth , Dixit Nandan Y. , Patel Chirag N. , Rawal Rakesh M. , Pandya Himanshu A. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractStructure‐based pharmacophore models are often developed by selecting a single protein‐ligand complex with good resolution and better binding affinity data which prevents the analysis of other structures having a similar potential to act as better templates. PharmRF is a pharmacophore‐based scoring function for selecting the best crystal structures with the potential to attain high enrichment rates in pharmacophore‐based virtual screening prospectively. The PharmRF scoring function is trained and tested on the PDBbind v2018 protein‐ligand complex dataset and employs a random forest regressor to correlate protein pocket descriptors and ligand pharmacophoric elements with binding affinity. PharmRF score represents the calculated binding affinity which identifies high‐affinity ligands by thorough pruning of all the PDB entries available for a particular protein of interest with a high PharmRF score. Ligands with high PharmRF scores can provide a better basis for structure‐based pharmacophore enumerations with a better enrichment rate. Evaluated on 10 protein‐ligand systems of the DUD‐E dataset, PharmRF achieved superior performance (average success rate: 77.61%, median success rate: 87.16%) than Vina docking score (75.47%, 79.39%). PharmRF was further evaluated using the CASF‐2016 benchmark set yielding a moderate correlation of 0.591 with experimental binding affinity, similar in performance to 25 scoring functions tested on this dataset. Independent assessment of PharmRF on 8 protein‐ligand systems of LIT‐PCBA dataset exhibited average and median success rates of 57.55% and 74.72% with 4 targets attaining success rate > 90%. The PharmRF scoring model, scripts, and related resources can be accessed athttps://github.com/Prasanth-Kumar87/PharmRF.
Effects of β‐hydroxy β‐methylbutyrate (HMB) supplementation on muscle mass, function, and other outcomes in patients with cancer: a systematic review
Authors: Prado Carla M. , Orsso Camila E. , Pereira Suzette L. , Atherton Philip J. , Deutz Nicolaas E. P. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractLow muscle mass is prevalent among patients with cancer and a predictor of adverse clinical outcomes. To counteract muscle loss, β‐hydroxy β‐methylbutyrate (HMB) supplementation has been proposed as a potential therapy for older adults and various diseases states. This systematic review aimed to investigate the effects and safety of HMB supplementation in relation to muscle mass and function and other clinical outcomes in patients with cancer. A systematic search of MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus, ProQuest, and grey literature for reports published from inception to December 2021 was conducted. Included studies provided supplements containing any dose of HMB to adult patients with active cancer. A synthesis without meta‐analysis was conducted using a vote‐counting approach based solely on the direction of the effect (i.e. regardless of statistical significance). Risk of bias was assessed for each outcome domain, and evidence from higher‐quality studies (i.e. those with either low or moderate risk of bias) was examined. Safety was evaluated using both lower‐quality and higher‐quality studies. Fifteen studies were included, in which six were randomized controlled trials in patients with various cancer types and treatments. Studies prescribed HMB combined with amino acids (73.3%), HMB in oral nutritional supplements (20.0%), or both supplement types (6.7%); Ca‐HMB doses of 3.0 g/day were provided in 80.0% of the studies. Four studies had high risk of bias across all outcome domains. Considering the higher‐quality studies, evidence of a beneficial effect of HMB supplementation was found in four of four studies for muscle mass, two of two for muscle function, three of three for hospitalization, and five of seven for survival. In contrast, no beneficial effects of HMB on quality of life or body weight was found in two of four and three of five studies, respectively. A limited number of higher‐quality studies evaluating the impact of HMB on cancer therapy‐related toxicity, inflammation, and tumour response were observed. No serious adverse effects directly related to the nutrition intervention were reported. Although limited, current evidence suggests that HMB supplementation has a beneficial effect on muscle mass and function in patients with cancer. Well‐designed trials are needed to further explore the clinical benefit of HMB supplementation in this patient population.
Inferior vena cava ultrasonography in the assessment of intravascular volume status and fluid responsiveness in the emergency department and intensive care unit: A critical analysis review
Authors: Spiliotaki Eleni , Saranteas Theodosios , Moschovaki Nefeli , Panagouli Konstantina , Pistioli Efstathia , Kitsinelis Vasilios , Briasoulis Panagiotis , Papadimos Thomas 
Published: March 2022

AbstractRapid evaluation of intravascular volume status is vital; either excessive or limited fluid administration may result in adverse patient outcomes. In this narrative review, critical analysis of pertinent diagnostic accuracy studies is developed to delineate the role of inferior vena cava ultrasound measurements in the assessment of both intravascular volume status and fluid responsiveness in the emergency department and intensive care unit. In addition, limitations, and technical considerations of inferior vena cava ultrasound measurements as well as directions for future research are thoroughly discussed.
Localized stomach cancer: Perioperative or postoperative approach? A meta‐analysis of phase III studies
Authors: Ben Kridis Wala , Rejab Haitham , Mzali Rafik , Daoud Jamel , Khanfir Afef 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackground and AimDespite the development and standardization of surgical techniques in the treatment of localized gastric adenocarcinoma, the loco‐regional and metastatic recurrence rate remains high. A combined radiochemotherapeutic regimen (the MacDonald regimen) as well as perioperative chemotherapy allows a significant improvement in the survival of patients with localized gastric adenocarcinoma with a reduction in the recurrence rate compared to surgery alone. The purpose of this review is to specify the best therapeutic approach in the treatment of localized gastric cancer.MethodsWe performed a systemic search of Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials using PubMed, Google Scholar, and Ovid without language restriction. Hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was reported.ResultsWe pooled 727 patients from two phase III randomized controlled trials. There was a benefit of perioperative chemotherapy versus surgery alone on the overall survival (OS) (HR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.55–0.95) and on disease free survival (DFS) (HR = 0.65, CI: 0.50–0.85). Adjuvant chemotherapy was superior to surgery alone based on OS and disease free survival (CLASSIC study HR = 0.72, CI: 0.52–1 and HR = 0.56, CI: 0.44–0.72, respectively). Adjuvant radiochemotherapy was superior to surgery alone (HR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.09–1.66; P = 0.005).ConclusionA face‐to‐face comparison of perioperative chemotherapy versus adjuvant chemotherapy versus chemoradiotherapy is necessary.
Liver and spleen stiffness on ultrasound elastography are predictors of the occurrence of esophagogastric varices after balloon‐occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration
Authors: Furuichi Yoshihiro , Abe Masakazu , Yoshimasu Yuu , Takeuchi Hirohito , Itoi Takao 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundBalloon‐occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) is an effective treatment for gastric varices, but predictors associated with overall survival rate (OS) and occurrence of esophagogastric varices (EGV) have not yet been clarified. In this study, we clarified these predictors by performing ultrasound elastography and blood tests at various time points.MethodsA total of 34 patients were enrolled. The primary endpoint was to identify predictors associated with OS and EGV occurrence by univariate and multivariate analyses. Secondary endpoints were to extract the cut‐off values for OS and EGV occurrence, and to clarify chronological changes in liver stiffness (LS), spleen stiffness (SS), spleen index (SI), and portal vein flow volume (PVF). Time points were set as before BRTO (Bf), and 1 day (D1), 7 days (D7), 1 month (1M), 3 months (3M), and 6 months (6M) after BRTO.ResultsAlbumin‐bilirubin score Bf, fibrin‐4 index change 6M, and branched chain amino acids tyrosine molar ratio (BTR) 1M were predictors of OS on univariate analysis (P = .021, .033, and .019, respectively) but were not extracted by multivariate analysis. The factors of LS 6M > 19.9 kPa and SS D7 > 21.7 kPa were predictors of the occurrence of EGV on multivariate analysis (P = .029 and .025, respectively). PVF significantly increased with time after BRTO.ConclusionAlbumin‐bilirubin score and BTR had the possibility to associate with OS, and the predictors of reduced occurrence of EGV were LS < 19.9 and SS < 21.7.
MRI‐Based Computer‐Aided Diagnostic Model to Predict Tumor Grading and Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Authors: Yang Yuhan , Zhou Yin , Zhou Chen , Zhang Xuemei , Ma Xuelei 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundMRI acts as a potential resource for exploration and interpretation to identify tumor characterization by advanced computer‐aided diagnostic (CAD) methods.PurposeTo evaluate and validate the performance of MRI‐based CAD models for identifying low‐grade and high‐grade soft tissue sarcoma (STS) and for investigating survival prognostication.Study TypeRetrospective.SubjectsA total of 540 patients (295 male/female: 295/245, median age: 42 years) with STSs.Field Sequence5‐T MRI with T1WI sequence and fat‐suppressed T2‐weighted (T2FS) sequence.AssessmentManual regions of interests (ROIs) were delineated for generation of radiomic features. Automatic segmentation and pretrained convolutional neural networks (CNNs) were performed for deep learning (DL) analysis. The last fully connected layer at the top of CNNs was removed, and the global max pooling was added to transform feature maps to numeric values. Tumor grade was determined on histological specimens.Statistical TestsThe support vector machine was adopted as the classifier for all MRI‐based models. The DL signature was derived from the DL‐MRI model with the highest area under the curve (AUC). The significant clinical variables, tumor location and size, integrated with radiomics and DL signatures were ready for construction of clinical‐MRI nomogram to identify tumor grading. The prognostic value of clinical variables and these MRI‐based signatures for overall survival (OS) was evaluated via Cox proportional hazard.ResultsThe clinical‐MRI differentiation nomogram represented an AUC of 0.870 in the training cohort, and an AUC of 0.855, accuracy of 79.01%, sensitivity of 79.03%, and specificity of 78.95% in the validation cohort. The prognostic model showed good performance for OS with 3‐year C‐index of 0.681 and 0.642 and 5‐year C‐index of 0.722 and 0.676 in the training and validation cohorts.Data ConclusionMRI‐based CAD nomogram represents effective abilities in classification of low‐grade and high‐grade STSs. The MRI‐based prognostic model yields favorable preoperative capacities to identify long‐term survivals for STSs.Evidence Level3Technical EfficacyStage 4
Magnetic Resonance Imaging‐Based Nomogram to Antenatal Predict Cesarean Delivery for Cephalopelvic Disproportion in Primiparous Women
Authors: Chen Cheng , Yang Mengmeng , Zheng Weizeng , Yang Xiaofu , Chen Yuan , Dong Tian , Lv Min , Xi Fangfang , Jiang Ying , Ying Xia , Li Wen , Xu Jian , Zhao Baihui , Luo Qiong 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundCephalopelvic disproportion (CPD)‐related obstructed labor is associated with maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Accurate prediction of whether a primiparous woman is at high risk of an unplanned cesarean delivery would be a major advance in obstetrics.PurposeTo develop and validate a predictive model assessing the risk of cesarean delivery in primiparous women based on MRI findings.Study TypeProspective.PopulationA total of 150 primiparous women with clinical findings suggestive of CPD.Field Strength/SequenceT1‐weighted fast spin‐echo sequences, single‐shot fast spin‐echo (SSFSE) T2‐weighted sequences at 1.5 T.AssessmentPelvimetry and fetal biometry were assessed independently by two radiologists. A nomogram model combined that the clinical and MRI characteristics was constructed.Statistical TestsUnivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were applied to select independent variables. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed, and the discrimination of the model was assessed by the area under the curve (AUC). Calibration was assessed by calibration plots. Decision curve analysis was applied to evaluate the net clinical benefit. A P value below 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.ResultsIn multivariable modeling, the maternal body mass index (BMI) before delivery, bilateral femoral head distance, obstetric conjugate, fetal head circumference, and fetal abdominal circumference was significantly associated with the likelihood of cesarean delivery. The discrimination calculated as the AUC was 0.838 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.774–0.902). The sensitivity and specificity of the nomogram model were 0.787 and 0.764, and the positive predictive and negative predictive values were 0.696 and 0.840, respectively. The model demonstrated satisfactory calibration (calibration slope = 0.945). Moreover, the decision curve analysis proved the superior net benefit of the model compared with each factor included.Data ConclusionOur study might provide a nomogram model that could identify primiparous women at risk of cesarean delivery caused by CPD based on MRI measurements.Evidence Level2Technical EfficacyStage 2
Strain‐dependent effectivity, and protective role against enzymes of S‐layers in Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strains
Authors: Alp Duygu 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe present study investigated whether the surface layer (S‐layer), which is known to have a varying effect from strain to strain on aggregation, adhesion ability, also has an effect on the resistance of bacteria to digestive enzymes, phenol, lysozymes. The effect of S‐layers on the resistance against various enzymes, aggregation and adhesion abilities, and strain specificity were determined of eight Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strains. Strains were treated with 5 M lithium chloride (LiCl) to extract the S‐layers, the presence of this layer in those microorganisms was demonstrated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Scanning electron microscopy was used to visualize the separation of the S‐layer, which surrounds the microorganism, from the microorganism by the LiCl. The images were taken three times, once at the beginning, once 30 min later, and once at the end of this process, which took 2 h in total. The effect against enzymes varied depending on the strain, but it was determined that all the tested strains had a serious loss of viability against phenol in the absence of an S‐layer. Lpb. plantarum DA100 showed a maximum decrease against gastrointestinal system enzymes after the LiCl (96.48 ± 0.03% before and 66.46 ± 0.01% after LiCl). Lpb. plantarum DA255 showed a significant decrease against lysozyme (99.11 ± 0.00% before and 62.80 ± 0.0% after LiCl). Removal of the S‐layer greatly affected the adhesion ability of some strains, while for others there was hardly any change. The results showed that the role of the S‐layer may be strain‐specific, the rate of effect can vary. The primary function of S‐layer proteins is thought to contribute to the adhesion ability of bacteria. There are limited studies that have reported the protective property of this layer against various enzymes, however, our results showed that S‐layer could be one of the resistance strategies developed by bacteria against enzymes.
The effect of storage method on selected physicochemical and microbiological qualities of wild boar meat
Authors: Kasałka‐Czarna Natalia , Bilska Agnieszka , Biegańska‐Marecik Róża , Montowska Magdalena 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBACKGROUNDThis study investigated the influence of the storage method on the physicochemical characteristics and microbial growth of m. longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL), m. biceps femoris (BF) and m. vastus lateralis (VL) of wild boar. Muscles were stored in a vacuum (VAC), in a modified high‐oxygen atmosphere (MAP) or meat seasoning cabinet (DRY‐AGED) for 21 days.RESULTSWild boar meat was characterised by a high protein and low fat content and a good amount of potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, zinc and iron. Significantly higher (P < 0.05) pH values were noted for DRY‐AGED muscles stored for 21 days (up to 5.89 for VL). On day 21, a significant decrease in pH was noted for all MAP muscles (down to 5.23 for BF). Storage losses due to desiccation and water loss were significantly higher for DRY‐AGED samples and ranged from 25.63% to 32.89% on day 21. MAP affected protein and lipid oxidation, which was also reflected in Warner–Bratzler shear force VAC and DRY‐AGED had positive results regarding tenderness, whereas on day 21 the MAP‐stored meat had toughened significantly (from 35.3 N to 50.7 N in LTL). Lipids were oxidised much faster than proteins during prolonged storage in MAP. Compared to the other methods, DRY‐AGED had the best effect on microbial growth.CONCLUSIONThese results indicate that the recommended methods for the storage of wild boar meat are either vacuum packing or dry ageing. The high oxygen content of MAP negatively affected the quality of wild boar meat and carried a risk of increased protein carbonylation. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Motivations and constraints of developing agritourism under the challenges of climate change: The case of Samoa
Authors: Pratt Stephen , Magbalot‐Fernandez Alminda , Ohe Yasuo 
Published: March 2022

AbstractAgritourism has the potential to link agriculture with culture and tourism, as an alternative to 3S tourism. This study examines motivations, opportunities, and challenges of agritourism development in Samoa using a qualitative approach, under the challenges of climate change. The love of the land, education, culture, employment, additional income, and farming sustainability are the main motivations. Constraints were predominantly structural, which include excessive business regulations, a lack of funds to expand their agricultural activities, a limited labor force, and a lack of coordination between the public and private sectors. The ever‐present threat of climate change jeopardizes agriculture, tourism, and agritourism.
Medial Meniscal Extrusion Evaluation With Weight‐Bearing Ultrasound
Authors: Falkowski Anna L. , Jacobson Jon A. , Cresswell Mark , Bedi Asheesh , Kalia Vivek , Zhang Bin 
Published: March 2022

ObjectivesTo compare medial meniscal extrusion on weight‐bearing ultrasound (US) with supine US and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging correlating with meniscal pathology and reported symptoms.MethodsIRB approved study with informed consent. Patients obtaining routine knee MR imaging for suspected knee pathology were prospectively evaluated with supine and weight‐bearing US of the medial meniscus. Meniscal extrusion was measured independently by two fellowship‐trained musculoskeletal radiologists. Correlation was made to presence or absence of meniscal degeneration or tear on MR imaging, as well as reported symptoms. Statistical significance was calculated via intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and analysis of variance (ANOVA).ResultsNinety‐nine knees from 95 subjects (50 males, 45 females; mean age 45 ± 15 years) were included. Mean medial meniscal extrusion measured at US for a normal meniscus (n = 36) was 0.8 mm when supine, increasing to 1.6 mm on weight‐bearing. Mean meniscal extrusion in subjects with mucoid degeneration (n = 20) and those with meniscal tears (n = 43) was 1.6 mm, increasing to 2.3 mm with weight bearing. Inter‐reader reliability showed ICC values of 0.853 to 0.940. There was a significant difference in medial meniscal extrusion comparing subjects with a normal medial meniscus at magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and subjects with either meniscal degeneration or tear. There was no significant difference in degree of meniscal extrusion between subjects with meniscal degeneration or tear. There was trend of worsening symptoms and increasing functional limitations moving from normal meniscus to meniscal degeneration to meniscal tear.ConclusionsA normal meniscus shows lesser mobility between supine and upright position, than a pathologic meniscus. Both mucoid degeneration and meniscal tear demonstrate extrusion in the supine position, which increases with weight‐bearing position.