bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Selection of the promising fig (Ficus carica L.) accessions using fruit‐related characters
Authors: Khadivi Ali , Mirheidari Farhad 
Published: April 2022

AbstractNowadays, fig (Ficus carica L.) fruits are consumed either fresh or dried and used for jam or spirit beverage production. Morphological and pomological diversity of 49 wild edible fig accessions sampled was evaluated. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the wild accessions studied using the morphological data recorded. Ripening time ranged from late July to mid‐August. Fruit skin ground color showed high variability, including cream–purple (4 accessions), purple–yellow (8), light purple (7), purple (15), dark purple (5), purple–cream (3), and cream (7). The range of fruit‐related traits was as follows: fruit length: 12.65–22.60 mm, fruit width: 10.67–24.18 mm, fruit fresh weight: 2.52–6.13 g, and fruit flesh thickness: 0.85–1.89 mm. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed 10 independent components that could explain 84.11% of total variance. Ward dendrogram created according to the data obtained revealed the variation among the accessions and showed two major clusters. The present results showed that the studied accessions had remarkable phenotypic variation, and among them, some accessions with high‐quality fruits in size, color, and taste can be planted and then used in the breeding programs. Information on the current levels of genetic diversity of germplasm is essential for devising strategies for wild forms conservation.
A novel WWTR1::AFF2 fusion in an intra‐abdominal soft tissue sarcoma with associated endometriosis
Authors: Dashti Nooshin K. , Dermawan Josephine K. , Schoolmeester J. Kenneth , Halling Kevin C. , Antonescu Cristina R. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractApplication of molecular testing in clinical practice has led to significant advances in the classification of soft tissue sarcomas. Despite remarkable progress, there are still challenging cases that remain unclassified. In this study, we present an unusual spindle cell sarcoma arising in the abdominal cavity of a 37‐year‐old female. An extensive panel of immunostains was nonspecific for a line of differentiation and the tumor was subjected to targeted RNA sequencing for further classification. The findings showed a novel WWTR1::AFF2 fusion, which was further confirmed by break‐apart FISH analysis for WWTR1 gene rearrangement. The tumor was attached to the wall of sigmoid colon and showed a highly cellular proliferation of plump spindle to epithelioid cells arranged in intersecting fascicles. Areas of extensive endometriosis were identified adjacent to the tumor. The immunoprofile was significant for reactivity with desmin, calponin, WT‐1, ER, and PR, while negative for CD10, SMA, caldesmon, pan‐keratin, ALK, CD117, and S100. The patient is alive and well after 11 months of follow‐up. The exact histogenesis of this sarcoma remains unclear, however, the presence of adjacent endometriosis and coexpression of WT1/ER/PR raises the possibility of an unusual endometrioid stromal sarcoma, occurring outside the GYN tract. Additional cases are needed to establish the recurrent potential of this fusion event and to better define its pathogenesis and clinical behavior.
Cortical imbalance following delayed restoration of bilateral hearing in deaf adolescents
Authors: Anderson Carly A. , Cushing Sharon L. , Papsin Blake C. , Gordon Karen A. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractUnilateral auditory deprivation in early childhood can lead to cortical strengthening of inputs from the stimulated side, yet the impact of this on bilateral processing when inputs are later restored beyond an early sensitive period is unknown. To address this, we conducted a longitudinal study with 13 bilaterally profoundly deaf adolescents who received unilateral access to sound via a cochlear implant (CI) in their right ear in early childhood before receiving bilateral access to sound a decade later via a second CI in their left ear. Auditory‐evoked cortical responses to unilateral and bilateral stimulation were measured repeatedly using electroencephalogram from 1 week to 14 months after activation of their second CI. Early cortical responses from the newly implanted ear and bilateral stimulation were atypically lateralized to the left ipsilateral auditory cortex. Duration of unilateral deafness predicted an unexpectedly stronger representation of inputs from the newly implanted, compared to the first implanted ear, in left auditory cortex. Significant initial reductions in responses were observed, yet a left‐hemisphere bias and unequal weighting of inputs favoring the long‐term deaf ear did not converge to a balanced state observed in the binaurally developed system. Bilateral response enhancement was significantly reduced in left auditory cortex suggesting deficits in ipsilateral response inhibition of new, dominant, inputs during bilateral processing. These findings paradoxically demonstrate the adaptive capacity of the adolescent auditory system beyond an early sensitive period for bilateral input, as well as restrictions on its potential to fully reverse cortical imbalances driven by long‐term unilateral deafness.
Recreational cannabis legalizations associated with reductions in prescription drug utilization among Medicaid enrollees
Authors: Raman Shyam , Bradford Ashley C. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe potential substitution of cannabis for prescription medication has attracted a substantial amount of attention within the context of medical cannabis laws (MCLs). However, much less is known about the association between recreational cannabis laws (RCLs) and prescription drug use. With recent evidence supporting substitution of cannabis for prescription drugs following MCLs, it is reasonable to ask what effect RCLs may have on those outcomes. We use quarterly data for all Medicaid prescriptions from 2011 to 2019 to investigate the effect of state‐level RCLs on prescription drug utilization. We estimate this effect with a series of two‐way fixed effects event study models. We find significant reductions in the volume of prescriptions within the drug classes that align with the medical indications for pain, depression, anxiety, sleep, psychosis, and seizures. Our results suggest substitution away from prescription drugs and potential cost savings for state Medicaid programs.
Broad scale assessment of key drivers of streamflow generation in urban and urbanizing rivers
Authors: Ariano Sarah S. , Oswald Claire J. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractUrbanization is characterized by increased impervious cover, artificial drainage via sewers, soil compaction, and vegetation removal, which fundamentally alters how water moves across landscapes. Less rainwater and snowmelt infiltrate the subsurface and stream responses to precipitation are faster and larger compared to natural environments. While the impacts of catchment imperviousness on hydrologic processes have been widely investigated, the relationship between stream hydrologic response and infrastructure‐mediated hydrologic connectivity across a wide range of urban watersheds has not. This study examines the relative magnitude of control that catchment characteristics, total impervious area (TIA), and sewer‐corrected TIA have on broad‐scale spatial variability in hydrologic response. Sewer‐corrected TIA accounts for inter‐catchment water transfer via storm and/or combined sewer pipes and is feasible to estimate at the watershed‐scale using urban drainage asset data. Daily stream discharge data were used to calculate the Richards‐Baker Flashiness Index for 96 watersheds located across southern Ontario, Canada. For a subset of watersheds (n = 39) with suitable stream discharge and rainfall data, watershed average event runoff ratio (RR) was calculated, and watersheds with spatial sewer network data (n = 24), were used to assess if sewer‐corrected TIA is a better predictor of hydrologic response than TIA. As expected, stream flashiness and RR increased linearly as a function of TIA and sewer‐corrected TIA, however, sewer‐corrected TIA did not explain any additional variability in the response variables. Likewise, the relative control of catchment characteristics on the spatial variability in streamflow generation were negligible. Despite sewer‐corrected TIA not improving our understanding of broad scale variation in runoff response, it could be a useful metric to consider when assessing inter‐event variability in runoff response of, heavily urbanized sub‐catchments for improved understanding of flooding and water quality.
L1CAM expression as a predictor of platinum response in high‐risk endometrial carcinoma
Authors: Romani Chiara , Capoferri Davide , Reijnen Casper , Lonardi Silvia , Ravaggi Antonella , Ratti Martina , Bugatti Mattia , Zanotti Laura , Tognon Germana , Sartori Enrico , Odicino Franco , Calza Stefano , Pijnenborg Johanna M. A. , Bignotti Eliana 
Published: April 2022

AbstractFor high‐risk endometrial cancer (EC) patients, adjuvant chemotherapy is recommended to improve outcome. Yet, predictive biomarkers for response to platinum‐based chemotherapy (Pt‐aCT) are currently lacking. We tested expression of L1 cell‐adhesion molecule (L1CAM), a well‐recognised marker of poor prognosis in EC, in tumour samples from high‐risk EC patients, to explore its role as a predictive marker of Pt‐aCT response. L1CAM expression was determined using RT‐qPCR and immunohistochemistry in a cohort of high‐risk EC patients treated with Pt‐aCT and validated in a multicentric independent cohort. The association between L1CAM and clinicopathologic features and L1CAM additive value in predicting platinum response were determined. The effect of L1CAM gene silencing on response to carboplatin was functionally tested on primary L1CAM‐expressing cells. Increased L1CAM expression at both genetic and protein level correlated with high‐grade, non‐endometrioid histology and poor response to platinum treatment. A predictive model adding L1CAM to prognostic clinical variables significantly improved platinum response prediction (C‐index 78.1%, P = .012). In multivariate survival analysis, L1CAM expression was significantly associated with poor outcome (HR: 2.03, P = .019), potentially through an indirect effect, mediated by its influence on response to chemotherapy. In vitro, inhibition of L1CAM significantly increased cell sensitivity to carboplatin, supporting a mechanistic link between L1CAM expression and response to platinum in EC cells. In conclusion, we have demonstrated the role of L1CAM in the prediction of response to Pt‐aCT in two independent cohorts of high‐risk EC patients. L1CAM is a promising candidate biomarker to optimise decision making in high‐risk patients who are eligible for Pt‐aCT.
Do corporate governance mechanisms and ESG disclosure drive CSR narrative tones?
Authors: Albitar Khaldoon , Abdoush Tony , Hussainey Khaled 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThis study explores the underlying drivers of the tone of corporate social responsibility (CSR) narratives by considering four corporate governance mechanisms and examining whether there is a relationship between environmental, social, and governance (ESG) disclosure and the CSR narrative tone based on a sample of UK firms from 2008 to 2017. The results show that more independent directors would lead to a less optimistic language (positive tone) and a more pessimistic language (negative tone) in the CSR report. The results also show that a higher ESG disclosure score leads to a more positive CSR narrative tone. However, gender diversity has a positive impact on the positivity of CSR tone when the ESG score is medium or high and when the board size exceeds 10 members. These findings are relevant for policymakers, investors, and firm managers. For instance, the findings inform regulators and policymakers about the relevant governance mechanisms that affect the tone of CSR reports.
Racial equity in opioid prescribing: A pharmacist‐led multidisciplinary health system assessment
Authors: Peppard William , Sheldon Holly , Endrizzi Sarah , Walker Rebekah , Kirchen Gwynne , Schrang Alexis , Nagavally Sneha , Egede Leonard 
Published: April 2022

AbstractIntroductionRacial and ethnic inequity in pain management have been well documented in peer‐reviewed literature. A recent publication suggested inequity in opioid prescription rates for Black and White patients among 310 large and racially diverse health systems, including Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin (F&MCW). This prompted F&MCW to further investigate its own opioid prescription data. Pharmacists have led similar investigations to evaluate racial inequities in health care, and are well‐positioned to assess opioid prescribing.ObjectiveTo investigate opioid prescription inequity between Black and White patients treated by F&MCW.MethodsThe pain stewardship pharmacist led a multidisciplinary team to collect and analyze ambulatory opioid prescription data for fiscal year 2021. Primary outcomes included number of prescriptions, minimum morphine equivalent daily dose (MinMEDD), and maximum morphine equivalent daily dose (MaxMEDD). The primary independent variable was the reported race/ethnicity in the medical record. Linear regression models for each outcome were performed first unadjusted, and secondly adjusted for patient demographics, complexity, and comorbidities.ResultsA total of 122 738 prescriptions for 47 939 patients were analyzed. Using the unadjusted model, non‐Hispanic Black (NHB) patients had a significantly higher number of prescriptions compared with non‐Hispanic White patients (beta: 0.62; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.52, 0.71; P < .001) as well as MinMEDD (beta: 3.33; 95% CI: 2.58, 4.08; P < .001) and MaxMEDD (beta: 2.32; 95% CI: 1.36, 3.28; P < .001). However, the degree of significance decreased for all measures in models adjusted for patient demographics and complexity, and significance was lost when adjusted for individual comorbidities.ConclusionObserved racial differences in unadjusted and partially adjusted analyses were primarily due to higher rates of key comorbidities in NHB patients. This analysis demonstrates the importance of adjusting for relevant confounding variables before drawing conclusions for differences in care between patient populations. Pharmacists can use their position and skill set to take a leading role in such assessments.
Performance evaluation of STANDARD Q COVID‐19 Ag home test for the diagnosis of COVID‐19 during early symptom onset
Authors: Shin Hyoshim , Lee Seungjun , Widyasari Kristin , Yi Jongyoun , Bae Eunsin , Kim Sunjoo 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundSurveillance and control of SARS‐CoV‐2 outbreak through gold standard detection, that is, real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), become a great obstacle, especially in overwhelming outbreaks. In this study, we aimed to analyze the performance of rapid antigen home test (RAHT) as an alternative detection method compared with RT‐PCR.MethodsIn total, 79 COVID‐19‐positive and 217 COVID‐19‐negative patients confirmed by RT‐PCR were enrolled in this study. A duration from symptom onset to COVID‐19 confirmation of <5 days was considered a recruiting criterion for COVID‐19‐positive cases. A nasal cavity specimen was collected for the RAHT, and a nasopharyngeal swab specimen was collected for RT‐PCR.ResultsSensitivity of the STANDARD Q COVID‐19 Ag Home Test (SD Biosensor, Korea), compared with RT‐PCR, was 94.94% (75/79) (95% [confidence interval] CI, 87.54%–98.60%), and specificity was 100%. Sensitivity was significantly higher in symptomatic patients (98.00%) than in asymptomatic (89.66%) patients (p‐value = 0.03). There was no difference in sensitivity according to the duration of symptom onset to confirmation (100% for 0–2 days and 96.97% for 3–5 days, respectively) (p‐value = 1.00). The RAHT detected all 51 COVID‐19 patients whose Ct values were ≤25 (100%), whereas sensitivity was 73.33% (11/15) among patients with Ct values >25 (p‐value = 0.01).ConclusionThe RAHT showed an excellent sensitivity for COVID‐19‐confirmed cases, especially for those with symptoms. There was a decrease in sensitivity when the Ct value is over 25, indicating that RAHT screening may be useful during the early phase of symptom onset, when the viral numbers are higher and it is more transmissible.
The role of educators, mentors, and motivation in shaping dental students to become life‐long learners: A pan‐Canadian survey
Authors: Khehra Anahat , Steinberg Noam , Levin Liran 
Published: April 2022

AbstractPurposeThe core values taught in dental school will arguably stay with the student for their whole career. An instructor has the power to influence a student's education through guidance, mentorship, and encouragement. This influence could be the factor that determines whether a student will become a motivated practitioner. The aim of this study was to identify whether dental schools are providing motivation to students to excel in their career and to become life‐long learners.MethodsA web‐based questionnaire was distributed electronically during 2020–2021 to Canadian dental students via email, social media, etc. The questionnaire included questions on demographics, the dental school environment, instructor evaluation, and dental student perspectives on education.ResultsOf the 318 participants, 95.7% indicated their school follows a pass/fail system in some to all courses. Note that 61.2% found didactic components were weighted more heavily than clinical components. A greater number of participants found that their clinical instructors were more invested than their didactic instructors, in seeing their students become successful (53.0%) and excellent (44.6%) in their future careers. A total of 84.7% have not found a mentor, and 76% are not interested. Most participants indicated they are “moderately” motivated by their instructors to take continuing education courses (41.3%) and “not at all” motivated to continue their studies in a hospital (42.1%) or speciality residency program (56.3%).ConclusionsInstructors, educators, and mentors play a vital role in shaping dental student motivation in didactic and clinical courses, and beyond the school environment. Teaching institutions should incorporate opportunities for mentorship and student feedback to improve the delivery of dental education. Further studies may include assessing the role of mentorship at dental schools.
First‐line treatment of stage IIB to stage IV classical Hodgkin lymphoma in Italy, Israel, and Spain: Patient characteristics, treatment patterns, and clinical outcomes
Authors: Avigdor Abraham , Trinchese Fabrizio , Gavini Francois , Bent‐Ennakhil Nawal , Dalal Mehul , Zomas Athanasios , Gettner Broun Sharmeen , Gini Guido 
Published: April 2022

AbstractClassical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) is curable in 90% of cases, but advanced stage patients who do not respond well to first‐line (1L) therapy have poorer outcomes. This retrospective study examines patient characteristics, treatment patterns, clinical outcomes, and safety management of 1L cHL therapies in common clinical practice in Italy (IT), Israel (IL), and Spain (SP). The overall sample (n = 256) included patients with stage IIb to IV cHL, of which 86.3% received ABVD as 1L therapy (n = 221). Clinical outcomes were similar for the overall population and ABVD subsample: complete response (CR) in 75% and 76.5%; 30‐month (30‐mo) survival (OS) of 92.5% and 93.6%; and 30‐mo progression‐free survival (PFS) of 70.7% and 72.6%. Thirty‐month PFS was significantly lower for patients ≥ 60 years and/or with high (4–7) IPS. Treatment‐induced pulmonary and cardiac toxicities, and febrile neutropenia occurred, respectively, in 10%, 2.3%, and 6.8% of ABVD‐treated patients. Interim PET or PET‐CT scans were performed after two cycles of 1L therapy (PET2) for 70.3% and 66.6% of the overall and ABVD cohorts, respectively. PET2 positive rates were nearly 30% (49/173), yet PET‐adapted strategy of dose modification only occurred in a small fraction of patients.
Identification of SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron variant using spike gene target failure and genotyping assays, Gauteng, South Africa, 2021
Authors: Subramoney Kathleen , Mtileni Nkhensani , Bharuthram Avani , Davis Ashlyn , Kalenga Beauty , Rikhotso Mikateko , Maphahlele Mpho , Giandhari Jennifer , Naidoo Yeshnee , Pillay Sureshnee , Ramphal Upasana , Ramphal Yajna , Tegally Houriiyah , Wilkinson Eduan , Mohale Thabo , Ismail Arshad , Mashishi Bonolo , Mbenenge Nonhlanhla , de Oliveira Tulio , Makatini Zinhle , Fielding Burtram C. , Treurnicht Florette K. ,   Network for Genomics Surveillance in South Africa
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe circulation of Omicron BA.1 led to the rapid increase in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) cases in South Africa in November 2021, which warranted the use of more rapid detection methods. We, therefore, assessed the ability to detect Omicron BA.1 using genotyping assays to identify specific mutations in SARS‐CoV‐2 positive samples, Gauteng province, South Africa. The TaqPath™ COVID‐19 real‐time polymerase chain reaction assay was performed on all samples selected to identify spike gene target failure (SGTF). SARS‐CoV‐2 genotyping assays were used for the detection of del69/70 and K417N mutation. Whole‐genome sequencing was performed on a subset of genotyped samples to confirm these findings. Of the positive samples received, 11.0% (175/1589) were randomly selected to assess if SGTF and genotyping assays, that detect del69/70 and K417N mutations, could identify Omicron BA.1. We identified SGTF in 98.9% (173/175) of samples, of which 88.0% (154/175) had both the del69/70 and K417N mutation. The genotyped samples (45.7%; 80/175) that were sequenced confirmed Omicron BA.1 (97.5%; 78/80). Our data show that genotyping for the detection of the del69/70 and K417N coupled with SGTF is efficient to exclude Alpha and Beta variants and rapidly detect Omicron BA.1. However, we still require assays for the detection of unique mutations that will allow for the differentiation between other Omicron sublineages. Therefore, the use of genotyping assays to detect new dominant or emerging lineages of SARS‐CoV‐2 will be beneficial in limited‐resource settings.
Possible relationship between heatwaves in Korea and the summer blocking frequency in the Sea of Okhotsk
Authors: Choi Jae‐Won , Song Chan‐Yeong , Kim Eung‐Sup , Ahn Joong‐Bae 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThis study examined the relationship between heatwaves in Korea and blocking in the Sea of Okhotsk (OK) region, which significantly influences the Korean climate in summer. According to the analysis, negative correlations were observed between the blocking frequency in the OK region and heatwave days (HWD) and the surface air temperature (SAT) in Korea over the past four decades (1979–2018). These negative correlations suggest that when the blocking frequency in the OK region increases in summer, the HWD and SAT decrease in Korea. This study selected 10 years of high blocking frequency years (high BF years) and 10 years of low blocking frequency years (low BF years) and analysed the differences between the two groups to explain the negative relationship between the HWD in Korea and the blocking frequency in the OK region. The difference between the two groups revealed strong anomalous anticyclonic and cyclonic circulations that developed in the north Siberia region and northeast Australia (NEA), respectively, throughout all layers in the troposphere. The large anomalous anticyclonic pattern in the North Siberia region was related to the blocking high, while the anomalous cyclonic pattern that developed in NEA was related to the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) front. The difference in the sea surface temperature (SST) between the two groups was also analysed. In the North Atlantic Ocean, a tripole structure appeared with a cold anomaly in the high latitudes, a warm anomaly in the mid‐latitudes and a cold anomaly again in the low latitudes, which is a typical spatial distribution of the SST anomaly related to the positive North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) phase.