bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Precritical abnormalities in routine blood parameters in necrotizing fasciitis
Authors: Fukuda Masahiro , Nobeyama Yoshimasa , Asahina Akihiko 
Published: March 2022

AbstractNecrotizing fasciitis is a rare and severe infectious disease that is often fatal and is characterized by the extensive necrosis of subcutaneous tissue and fascial planes. A number of clinical parameters have been intensively investigated to diagnose and assess the severity and prognosis of necrotizing fasciitis. Since it currently remains unclear whether these parameters are also abnormal before disease onset, the present study investigated this issue. We retrospectively recruited 38 patients, including 12 and 26 patients with necrotizing fasciitis and cellulitis, respectively. The results of routine blood examinations were collected at disease onset and also at baseline, which was defined as the time point before disease onset. No significant differences were observed in age or sex between the necrotizing fasciitis and cellulitis groups. However, significant differences were noted in the levels of hemoglobin, lymphocyte count, platelet count, neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, sodium, creatinine, albumin, D‐dimer, and Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis (LRINEC) score at disease onset. Significant differences were also observed in the levels of hemoglobin, lymphocyte count, monocyte count, platelet count, creatinine, D‐dimer, and LRINEC score at baseline. Hemoglobin, platelet count, C‐reactive protein, creatinine, albumin, and D‐dimer levels were already abnormal at baseline in the necrotizing fasciitis group. In conclusion, the present results revealed precritical abnormalities in routine blood parameters in patients with necrotizing fasciitis. Therefore, individuals predisposed to necrotizing soft tissue infection may be identified prior to disease onset.
Dually‐enrolled patients choose providers with lower wait times: Budgetary implications for the VHA
Authors: Yee Christine A. , Feyman Yevgeniy , Pizer Steven D. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo estimate the effect of wait times on patients' choice of provider and simulate changes in choice of provider due to compliance with VA MISSION Act wait time targets.Data SourcesWe use nationwide administrative data (2014–2017) on Veterans who are enrolled in Medicare and the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), the Survey of VHA Enrollees, Area Health Resource Files, and other data provided by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.Study DesignWe use an instrumental variables approach to identify the effect of VHA wait times on the proportion of total (Medicare and VHA) services that are paid for by the VHA (“reliance”). We exploit shocks to VHA provider supply to isolate supply‐driven changes in wait times and estimate the effect on VHA reliance. We control for market and time fixed effects and local demand factors.Data Collection/Extraction MethodsWe use monthly aggregated data on 140 markets (groups of counties). VHA reliance is computed among patients aged 65 years or older who are dually enrolled in VHA and Medicare. VHA wait times and reliance are calculated for multiple specialties: cardiology, gastroenterology, orthopedics, urology, dermatology, and ophthalmology/optometry.Principal FindingsA 10% increase in the mean wait time (+2.8 days) reduces VHA reliance by 2.3 percentage points (95% CI: 2.3, 2.7), or 7.9% of the sample mean. This implies that meeting the MISSION Act wait time targets may have multi‐billion‐dollar budgetary impacts. Effects vary across specialties. For example, a 10% increase in the mean wait time for cardiology services (+2.0 days) reduces reliance by 1.8 percentage points (95% CI: 1.6, 2.1), or 6.3% of the sample mean for cardiology services.ConclusionsMeeting statutory wait time targets may have substantial unforeseen impacts on federal health care spending as patients sort to providers who have lower wait times.
S‐Allyl cysteine in garlic (Allium sativum): Formation, biofunction, and resistance to food processing for value‐added product development
Authors: Yudhistira Bara , Punthi Fuangfah , Lin Jer‐An , Sulaimana Andi Syahrullah , Chang Chao‐Kai , Hsieh Chang‐Wei 
Published: March 2022

AbstractS‐allyl cysteine (SAC), which is the most abundant bioactive compound in black garlic (BG; Allium sativum), has been shown to have antioxidant, anti‐apoptotic, anti‐inflammatory, anti‐obesity, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, and hepatoprotective activities. Sulfur compounds are the most distinctive bioactive elements in garlic. Previous studies have provided evidence that the concentration of SAC in fresh garlic is in the range of 19.0–1736.3 μg/g. Meanwhile, for processed garlic, such as frozen and thawed garlic, pickled garlic, fermented garlic extract, and BG, the SAC content increased to up to 8021.2 μg/g. BG is an SAC‐containing product, with heat treatment being used in nearly all methods of BG production. Therefore, strategies to increase the SAC level in garlic are of great interest; however, further knowledge is required about the effect of processing factors and mechanistic changes. This review explains the formation of SAC in garlic, introduces its biological effects, and summarizes the recent advances in processing methods that can affect SAC levels in garlic, including heat treatment, enzymatic treatment, freezing, fermentation, ultrasonic treatment, and high hydrostatic pressure. Thus, the aim of this review was to summarize the outcomes of treatment aimed at maintaining or increasing SAC levels in BG. Therefore, publications from scientific databases in this field of study were examined. The effects of processing methods on SAC compounds were evaluated on the basis of the SAC content. This review provides information on the processing approaches that can assist food manufacturers in the development of value‐added garlic products.
Pre‐hospital emergency anaesthesia in trauma patients: An observational study from a state‐wide Australian pre‐hospital and retrieval service
Authors: Maclure Paul , Gluck Samuel , Kerin Kate , Boyle Laura , Ellis Daniel 
Published: March 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the performance of an Australian pre‐hospital and retrieval medicine (PHRM) service against the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) standard which recommends that pre‐hospital emergency anaesthesia (PHEA) in trauma patients should be conducted within 45‐min of first contact with emergency services.MethodsRetrospective observational study of all adult trauma patients in which PHEA was conducted by the PHRM service covering a 5‐year period from January 2015 to December 2019.ResultsOver the 5‐year study period, 1509 (22%) of the PHRM service workload comprised primary retrievals from scene. Most 1346 (89%) of these cases had a primary diagnosis of trauma. Of these we have complete data for 328 of the 337 cases requiring a PHEA and 121 (37%) patients received this within the recommended 45‐min time frame. The service attended in rapid response vehicles (n = 160, 49%), rotary wing (n = 151, 46%) and fixed wing (n = 17, 5%) transport modalities. For a service covering 983 482 km2, the median distance travelled to patients was 35 (16–71) km and the median time to PHEA was 54 (38–80) min.ConclusionsIn a cohort of 337 patients treated by a dedicated PHRM service in South Australia, the median time to PHEA was 54 (38–80) min with only 37% of patients receiving PHEA within 45 min from the activation of the team. Despite differing patient demographics, the percentage of patients receiving PHEA within the recommended time frame was greater than a similar cohort from the UK. However, both data sets still fall short of recommended targets.
Circ_ZFR affects FABP7 expression to regulate breast cancer progression by acting as a sponge for miR‐223‐3p
Authors: Tian Xiuling , Yang Hong , Fang Qian , Quan Hongmei , Lu Hongyu , Wang Xin 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundBreast cancer (BC) is a common malignancy in women. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been reported to play a key role in the development of BC; however, the effect of circular RNA zinc finger RNA binding protein (circ_ZFR) in BC is unknown.MethodsAbundances of circ_ZFR, fatty acid binding protein 7 (FABP7), and microRNA‐223‐3p (miR‐223‐3p) were measured by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). The circular structure of circ_ZFR was validated by RNase R treatment. Cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis were assessed by colony formation, cell counting kit‐8, Transwell, flow cytometry assays, respectively. All protein levels were determined by Western blot. Dual‐luciferase reporter assay was used to confirm the relationship between miR‐223‐3p and circ_ZFR or FABP7. A xenograft model was established to understand the effect of circ_ZFR on BC cell growth in vivo.ResultsThe expression levels of circ_ZFR and FABP7 were higher in BC tissues and cell lines, whereas miR‐223‐3p expression was lower. Knockdown of circ_ZFR or FABP7 in BC cells reduced proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), and induced apoptosis in vitro, whereas the opposite effects were observed in circ_ZFR‐overexpressed cells. Furthermore, circ_ZFR might act as a sponge for miR‐223‐3p to regulate FABP7 expression, thereby promoting the progression of BC cells in vitro and in vivo.ConclusionCirc_ZFR might act as a miRNA sponge for miR‐223‐3p to regulate FABP7, thereby promoting proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT of BC cells, and inhibiting cell apoptosis.
Computational models of exploration and exploitation characterise onset and efficacy of treatment in methamphetamine use disorder
Authors: Robinson Alex H. , Chong Trevor T.‐J. , Verdejo‐Garcia Antonio 
Published: March 2022

AbstractPeople with Methamphetamine Use Disorder (PwMUD) spend substantial time and resources on substance use, which hinders their ability to explore alternate reinforcers. Gold‐standard behavioural treatments attempt to remedy this by encouraging action towards non‐drug reinforcers, but substance use often persists. We aimed to unravel the mechanistic drivers of this behaviour by applying a computational model of explore/exploit behaviour to decision‐making data (Iowa Gambling Task) from 106 PwMUD and 48 controls. We then examined the longitudinal link between explore/exploit mechanisms and changes in methamphetamine use 6 weeks later. Exploitation parameters included reinforcement sensitivity and inverse decay (i.e., number of past outcomes used to guide choices). Exploration parameters included maximum directed exploration value (i.e., value of trying novel actions). The Timeline Follow Back measured changes in methamphetamine use. Compared to controls, PwMUD showed deficits in exploitative decision‐making, characterised by reduced reinforcement sensitivity, U = 3065, p = 0.009, and less use of previous choice outcomes, U = 3062, p = 0.010. This was accompanied by a behavioural pattern of frequent shifting between choices, which appeared consistent with random exploration. Furthermore, PwMUD with greater reductions of methamphetamine use at 6 weeks had increased directed exploration (β = 0.22, p = 0.045); greater use of past choice outcomes (β = −0.39, p = 0.002) and greater choice consistency (β = −0.39, p = 0.002). Therefore, limited computational exploitation and increased behavioural exploration characterise PwMUD's presentation to treatment, while increased directed exploration, use of past choice outcomes and choice consistency predict greater reductions of methamphetamine use.
Understanding the role of myoglobin content in Iberian pigs fattened in an extensive system through analysis of the transcriptome profile
Authors: Fernández‐Barroso Miguel Ángel , García‐Casco Juan María , Núñez Yolanda , Ramírez‐Hidalgo Luisa , Matos Gema , Muñoz María 
Published: March 2022

AbstractMeat color is the first perceived sensory feature and one of the most important quality traits. Myoglobin is the main pigment in meat, giving meat its characteristic cherry‐red color, highly appreciated by the consumers. In the current study, we used the RNA‐seq technique to characterize the longissimus dorsi muscle transcriptome in two groups of Iberian pigs with divergent breeding values for myoglobin content. As a result, we identified 57 differentially expressed genes and transcripts (DEGs). Moreover, we have validated the RNA‐seq expression of a set of genes by quantitative PCR (qPCR). Functional analyses revealed an enrichment of DEGs in biological processes related to oxidation (HBA1), lipid metabolism (ECH1, PLA2G10, PLD2), inflammation (CHST1, CD209, PLA2G10), and immune system (CD209, MX2, LGALS3, LGALS9). The upstream analysis showed a total of five transcriptional regulatory factors and eight master regulators that could moderate the expression of some DEGs, highlighting SPI1 and MAPK1, since they regulate the expression of DEGs involved in immune defense and inflammatory processes. Iberian pigs with high myoglobin content also showed higher expression of the HBA1 gene and both molecules, myoglobin and hemoglobin, have been described as having a protective effect against oxidative and inflammatory processes. Therefore, the HBA1 gene is a very promising candidate gene to harbor polymorphisms underlying myoglobin content, whereby further studies should be carried out for its potential use in an Iberian pig selection program.
The effects of values and information on the willingness to pay for sustainability credence attributes for coffee
Authors: Fuller Katherine , Grebitus Carola , Schmitz Troy G. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThis research estimates consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for coffee labeled for sustainability credence attributes using non‐hypothetical experimental auctions. We examined consumers’ WTP for Fair Trade, USDA Organic, Rainforest Alliance, Direct Trade, and a combination of Fair Trade and USDA Organic labels on coffee. Additionally, we investigated the underlying motivations of WTP for sustainable coffee. Specifically, we focused on altruistic, egoistic, and biospheric value orientation, and the warm glow effect. Our results indicate that consumers are willing to pay a premium of $2.57 for a 12oz coffee bag labeled for both, Fair Trade and USDA Organic, $2.04 for USDA Organic, $1.79 for Fair Trade, $1.96 for Rainforest Alliance, and $1.71 for Direct Trade. We also find that consumers react positively to information about the labels’ claims, increasing the premium by approximately 55% for Rainforest Alliance coffee and 72% for Fair Trade coffee. Although some consumers exclusively pursue their self‐interest and do not care about social goals “per se”, this does not hold for everyone. Our study demonstrates that the warm glow effect on consumers that like coffee influences bids for coffee that carries sustainability labels.
Trajectories of prescription opioid and heroin use in adulthood
Authors: Veliz Philip , Schulenberg John E. , McCabe Vita V. , McCabe Sean E. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesDue to a reduction in the availability of prescription opioids in the United States, the potential transition from prescription opioids to heroin is a public health concern. We assessed trajectories of both nonmedical prescription opioid (NMPO) and heroin use from adolescence (age 18) to adulthood (age 50) and how these trajectories were associated with substance use disorder (SUD) in adulthood (age 35–50).MethodsA national sample of 26,569 individuals from eleven cohorts of US high school seniors (1976–1986) who were followed until age 50 (2008–2018). The analysis focuses on respondents who engaged in past‐year NMPO and heroin use. Outcomes included the endorsement of two or more SUD symptoms.ResultsAmong NMPO users, 7.5% had used heroin by the age of 50. The latent profile analyses assessing individuals who reported both NMPO and heroin use during the 32‐year study period found four unique trajectory groups: (1) “age 18 concurrent use” (81.2%); (2) “mid‐30s NMPO‐to‐heroin use transition” (10.7%); (3) age 19/20 NMPO‐to‐heroin use transition, followed by 40s heroin‐to‐NMPO use transition (4.3%); and (4) “mid‐20s NMPO‐to‐heroin use transition” (3.7%). Respondents in the “mid‐30s NMPO‐to‐heroin use transition” trajectory group had the highest odds of indicating two or more SUD symptoms between ages 35–50.Conclusion and Scientific SignificanceThis is the first study to assess NMPO and heroin use trajectories among a national probability‐based sample followed from age 18 to 50. The findings suggest that prescription opioid misuse is a risk factor in the development of SUDs and has a long‐term impact.
Incidental findings on single‐photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) lymphoscintigraphy in breast cancer: the proposed Westmead SPECT/CT incidental findings classification
Authors: Quah Gaik Si , French James R. , Gordon Damon J. , Juvarkar Laximi Y. , Meybodi Farid , Hsu Jeremy , Elder Elisabeth 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of incidental radiological findings detected on SPECT/CT performed as part of pre‐operative lymphoscintigraphy for sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in patients undergoing breast cancer surgery and development of a modified classification to workup these lesions.MethodsA retrospective audit was performed of all SPECT/CT performed in combination with lymphoscintigrams in breast cancer patients presenting with clinically node negative axillae and operated on by breast surgeons at the Westmead Breast Cancer Institute over a 12‐month period.ResultsFour hundred and nineteen patients were included in the study. In 149 patients (35.6%), there was a total of 205 incidental findings. The most common findings were, pulmonary abnormalities (38.5%), abdominal findings (27.8%), thyroid nodules (14.6%), cardiac abnormalities (10.7%) and others (8.3%). Using our proposed Westmead SPECT/CT incidental findings (WSIF) classification, 7.8% were known, 17.6% were major findings, 48.3% were minor findings, 15.1% were minimal findings and 11.2% were equivocal findings. 17.6% (n = 36) underwent further workup and investigation and 3.4% of patients (n = 5) required therapeutic intervention, including chemotherapy for primary lung cancer(n = 1) and surgeries (thoracotomy, n = 1; thyroidectomy, n = 2; colonoscopy, n = 1). 93.8% (n = 393) had at least one SLN mapped, most commonly located in Level 1 of the axilla.ConclusionThe incidental findings on SPECT/CT in combination with lymphoscintigraphy is within the range of previous studies (27.3–59.5%). A small proportion of patients required significant major interventions (3.4%). We propose that all incidental findings should be assessed according to our WSIF classification to aid in triaging need for further investigation and management.
Congenital cataract surgery: long‐term refractive outcomes of a new intraocular lens power correction formula
Authors: Touzé Romain , Dureau Pascal , Edelson Catherine , Borella Ysé , Barjol Amandine , de Laage de Meux Patrice , Caputo Georges 
Published: March 2022

AbstractPurposeThe final refraction after intraocular lens (IOL) implantation remains a challenge in the management of paediatric cataracts. No consensual guidelines exist for the choice of IOL power. The aim of this study was to validate a method of IOL power calculation by evaluating the final refractive error in all patients with IOL implantation operated at our institution.MethodsWe retrospectively studied all children under 7 years of age who underwent cataract surgery with IOL implantation at our institution between 2010 and 2015. Intraocular lens (IOL) power was calculated as follows: After B‐scan determination of the emmetropic IOL power, a reduction of 40%, 35%, 30%, 25%, 20%, 15%, 10% and 5% was applied to children 0–3, 3–6, 6–12, 12–18, 18–24, 24–30, 30–36, 36–48 months, respectively. The following data were collected: follow‐up, age at surgery, uni‐ or bilaterality, implanted IOL power and final refraction.ResultsDuring this period, 81 children (125 eyes) met the inclusion criteria with a median follow‐up of 60 months (36–97). The median age at surgery was 6.61 months (0.76–48). We included 52 children with bilateral cataract (96 eyes) and 29 children with unilateral cataract (29 eyes). The mean implanted IOL power was 23.3 ± 4.6 diopters (D). The mean spherical equivalent at last follow‐up was 0.07 ± 3.5 D.ConclusionOur undercorrection formula for IOL implantation after congenital cataract surgery leads to long‐term refractive results globally close to emmetropia.
Creating meaning by taking initiative: Proactive work behavior fosters work meaningfulness
Authors: Fay Doris , Strauss Karoline , Schwake Christopher , Urbach Tina 
Published: March 2022

AbstractWe argue that proactive work behavior's future orientation allows individuals to establish a connection with the future and thus to experience their work as meaningful. We further expect that this effect is enhanced when individuals are faced with an unpredictability of the future in their core job.We tested our hypotheses in three independent studies with employees. We first established the effect of proactive work behavior on work meaningfulness in a scenario‐based experiment (n = 140). A second experiment (n = 116) replicated this and also demonstrated that the effect was not driven by the benefits of proactive work behavior to others. A daily diary study (n = 107, k = 391) showed that day‐level proactive work behavior was positively associated with daily work meaningfulness and that this effect was again independent from having benefitted others. The results also confirmed that this relationship was stronger when an individual's job was characterized by unpredictability of the future. Our findings highlight the active role employees play for the experience of work as meaningful and suggests that encouraging proactive work behavior may be one avenue to promote work meaningfulness.
Silver linings around dark clouds: Tourism, Covid‐19 and a return to traditional values, villages and the vanua
Authors: Movono Apisalome , Scheyvens Regina , Auckram Sophie 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe global pandemic has adversely affected tourism globally, particularly in small island states heavily dependent on tourism. The closure of borders to regular flights for over a year in places such as Fiji, Samoa, Cook Islands and Vanuatu, where this research was undertaken, has resulted in massive job losses. Many tourism employees have left the once‐bustling tourist hubs, returning to villages and family settlements. Such clear urban to rural migration behaviours do not dominate movement patterns in the Pacific, but are an important and enduring strategy when shocks strike. In the case of the pandemic‐induced migration to villages, former tourism workers have had to engage in a complicated process of adapting to the communal setting, employing new – as well as traditional – strategies to sustain a livelihood. Thus, this paper will discuss how the pandemic has influenced return migration patterns in the Pacific, and the implications of this shift. Findings suggest that, despite their financial struggles, people have adapted to life in their ancestral homes by rekindling their relationships with kin and increasing their engagement on their customary land. They have relearned about traditional Indigenous knowledge, diversified their skills and reconnected with their social and ecological systems. This spiritual homecoming observed in the Pacific ultimately shows that there can be silver linings to the dark clouds of the current disorder.