bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Nomogram Based on Aspartate Aminotransferase/Alanine Aminotransferase (AST/ALT) Ratio to Predict Prognosis After Surgery in Gastric Cancer Patients
Authors: Li Linfang , Zeng Qiuyao , Xue Ning , Wu Miantao , Liang Yaqing , Xu Qingxia , Feng Lingmin , Xing Shan , Chen Shulin 
Published: September 2020

Introduction: Using the TMN classification alone to predict survival in patients with gastric cancer has certain limitations, we conducted this study was to develop an effective nomogram based on aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase (AST/ALT) ratio to predict overall survival (OS) in surgically treated gastric cancer. Methods: we retrospectively analyzed 190 cases of gastric cancer and used Cox regression analysis to identify the significant prognostic factors for OS in patients with resectable gastric cancer. The predictive accuracy of nomogram was assessed using a calibration plot, concordance index (C-index) and decision curve. This was then compared with a traditional TNM staging system. Based on the total points (TPS) by nomogram, we further divided patients into different risk groups. Results: multivariate analysis of the entire cohort revealed that independent risk factors for survival were age, clinical stage and AST/ALT ratio, which were entered then into the nomogram. The calibration curve for the probability of OS showed that the nomogram-based predictions were in good agreement with actual observations. Additionally, the C-index of the established nomogram for predicting OS had a superior discrimination power compared to the TNM staging system [0.794 (95% CI: 0.749-0.839) vs 0.730 (95% CI: 0.688-0.772), p < 0.05]. Decision curve also demonstrated that the nomogram was better than the TNM staging system. Based on TPS of the nomogram, we further subdivided the study cohort into 3 groups including low risk (TPS ≤ 158), middle risk (158 < TPS ≤ 188) and high risk (TPS > 188) categories. The differences in OS rate were significant among the groups. Conclusion: the established nomogram is associated with a more accurate prognostic prediction for individual patients with resectable gastric cancer.
CT features of feline lipiduria and renal cortical lipid deposition
Authors: Schwarz Tobias , Shorten Eimear , Gennace Marisa , Saunders Jimmy , Longo Maurizio , Costa Fabiano Séllos , Parys Maciej , Gunn-Moore Danièlle 
Published: September 2020

Objectives The aims of this study were to document the presence and prevalence of feline lipiduria and renal lipid deposition on CT, and to search for associations between the presence of lipiduria and sex, urinary tract abnormalities and urolithiasis. Methods The CT examinations of 252 cats were reviewed for the presence of an antigravitational hypodense bubble in the urinary bladder with density values between −180 Hounsfield units (HU) and −20 HU. To identify associations between lipiduria and sex, urinary tract abnormalities and urolithiasis, Fisher’s exact test was used. Renal cortical density measurement was performed in all cats. The Mann−Whitney test was performed to compare renal cortical density between lipiduric and unaffected cats. Results A total of 27 domestic cats (10.7%) had CT evidence of lipiduria. Lipiduric cats had a significantly lower renal cortical density than unaffected cats ( P <0.01). Male neutered cats had a significantly higher frequency of lipiduria and lower renal cortical density compared with female neutered cats ( P <0.01). There was no significant difference between the groups regarding renal, ureteral or urethral abnormalities. Conclusions and relevance Lipiduria is a common physiological phenomenon in cats that can be detected on routine CT examinations. Decreased renal cortical density is associated with lipiduria. This may aid in the diagnosis of feline lipiduria and help to differentiate its presence from other pathological depositions and excretions.
Role of placenta accreta index in prediction of morbidly adherent placenta: A reliability study
Authors: Agarwal Shubhra , Agarwal Arjit , Chandak Shruti 
Published: September 2020

Objective To estimate the level of interobserver agreement in the calculation of placenta accreta index (PAI) as well as to evaluate the accuracy of PAI in prediction of morbidly adherent placenta. Materials and methods This was a prospective study where 45 pregnant women (from 28 to 37 weeks of gestational age) with at least one previous Caesarean section and ultrasound-proven placenta previa were included. A known and previously published scoring system, the PAI, was evaluated independently by two radiologists and the cases were followed for the delivery and histopathology outcome. The accuracy of the PAI and the level of interrater agreement was analysed using cross-table analysis, intraclass correlation efficient and Cohen’s kappa as statistical variables. Results Adherent placenta was found in 15 patients accounting for 33% of cases. The PAI showed nearly 90% sensitivity, specificity and the predictive values. Interrater agreement in calculation of PAI by the two radiologists was perfect with an intraclass correlation efficient of 0.959. An easy-to-use morbid adherent placenta score was also predicted to simplify the results of PAI, which showed moderate agreement (κ = 0.746). Conclusions The PAI can be helpful in stratifying the individual risk of placental invasion above the baseline risk. The PAI-derived, simplified scoring system called morbid adherent placenta score can be used as a simple tool to interpret and convey the results of PAI.
Social media representation of female genital cutting: A YouTube analysis
Authors: Wondwossen Fantaye Arone , Konkle Anne TM 
Published: September 2020

Introduction: Female genital cutting is a practice that has incited controversy and conflicting discourses across the international community. There is a need to analyze social media data on the portrayal of the practice in order to gather insights and inform strategic planning and interventions design. This study aims to explore and describe the portrayal of female genital cutting in the comments section of YouTube comment posts. Methods: This mixed-method study employs a content analysis approach with a sequential exploratory design. A total of 150 YouTube comment posts were analyzed through qualitative content analysis and quantitative descriptive content analysis on NVivo 11 and Microsoft Excel, respectively. Results: Salient subthemes from the qualitative component included likening female genital cutting with male genital cutting, differentiating female genital cutting from male genital cutting, branding female genital cutting as a harmful and unethical practice, branding female genital cutting as a normal tradition, contribution of religion and culture to female genital cutting, gender inequality issues, and the need for education or cultural relativism to change or cope with the practice. The quantitative component identified neutral, positive, mixed, and neutral tones; and formal, colloquial, and mixed language types; as well as targets of stigma with patterns in the themes. Conclusion: The portrayal of female genital cutting in the YouTube comment posts revealed the range of perceptions, beliefs, and opinions of users with various stances on the practice. Study findings are useful for strategic planning and the development of interventions with informative goals. Study findings can also help to gage and evaluate the effectiveness of existing programs that aim to reduce misinformation about female genital cutting or aim to reduce stigmas surrounding the practice.
Knee Intraosseous Injections: A Systematic Review of Clinical Evidence of Different Treatment Alternatives
Authors: Di Matteo Berardo , Polignano Alberto , Onorato Francesco , La Porta Agostino , Iacono Francesco , Bonanzinga Tommaso , Raspugli Giovanni , Marcacci Maurilio , Kon Elizaveta 
Published: September 2020

Objective To systematically review the available clinical evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of knee intraosseous injections for the treatment of bone marrow lesions in patients affected by knee osteoarthritis. Design A literature search was carried out on PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar databases in January 2020. The following inclusion criteria were adopted: (1) studies of any level of evidence, dealing with subchondral injection of bone substitute materials and/or biologic agents; (2) studies with minimum 5 patients treated; and (3) studies with at least 6 months’ follow-up evaluation. All relevant data concerning clinical outcomes, adverse events, and rate of conversion to arthroplasty were extracted. Results A total of 12 studies were identified: 7 dealt with calcium phosphate administration, 3 with platelet-rich plasma, and 2 with bone marrow concentrate injection. Only 2 studies were randomized controlled trials, whereas 6 studies were prospective and the remaining 4 were retrospective. Studies included a total of 459 patients treated with intraosseous injections. Overall, only a few patients experienced adverse events and clinical improvement was documented in the majority of trial. The lack of any comparative evaluation versus subchondral drilling alone is the main limitation of the available evidence. Conclusions Knee intraosseous injections are a minimally invasive and safe procedure to address subchondral bone damage in osteoarthritic patients. They are able to provide beneficial effects at short-term evaluation. More high-quality evidence is needed to confirm their potential and to identify the best product to adopt in clinical practice.
Does the four-glass test still have a place in microbiological evaluation of chronic prostatitis? Findings from an Indian tertiary care centre
Authors: Tiwari Punit , Choudhary Arpan 
Published: September 2020

Background: Chronic prostatitis (CP) is a bothersome disease affecting young and middle-aged men. Routine cultures often fail to localize the source of infection. Although the four-glass test is considered the gold-standard test for evaluating CP, it has found less favour in clinical practice. We re-inspected its utility in patients suffering from CP. Methods: Seventy cases of CP of Indian origin were enrolled. The four-glass test was conducted, and the samples were labelled as VB1, VB2, VB3 and EPS. A quantitative culture and drug sensitivity test for 16 antimicrobials was performed. Results: Samples from 61 patients ( Mage=36 years) were analysed. Chronic bacterial prostatitis was identified in 29 (47.5%) cases. Enterococcus spp. were the most common isolate, followed by Escherichia coli. A wide variability in positivity pattern was noted in the four-glass test. The most common pattern was for only the EPS sample to be positive (nine cases; 16.1%), followed by all four samples to be positive (seven cases; 12.5%). High susceptibility was found (94–100%) against third-generation cephalosporins, meropenem, amikacin, gentamicin and nitrofurantoin. Conclusions: The four-glass test is still important in the evaluation of CP. In about half of the cases examined in this study, bacterial localization could be made to the prostate. Level of evidence: Level IIIb.
Primary duodenal plasmacytoma with associated primary (amyloid light-chain) amyloidosis in a cat
Authors: Tamura Yu , Chambers James K , Neo Sakurako , Goto-Koshino Yuko , Takagi Satoshi , Uneyama Mizuho , Uchida Kazuyuki , Hisasue Masaharu 
Published: September 2020

Case summary A 14-year-old spayed female American Shorthair cat was presented with weight loss and a palpable abdominal mass. Abdominal ultrasound and CT revealed a duodenal mass with suspected perforation and an enlarged jejunal lymph node. Cytological evaluation from a fine-needle aspiration of the abdominal mass displayed many atypical round cells, some with a small amount of light pink material at the cellular edge. The duodenal mass was surgically removed, and was diagnosed as a plasma cell tumour immunohistochemically positive for CD79 alpha, IgA and lambda immunoglobulin light chains. In addition, amyloidosis was detected. PCR to assess the antigen receptor rearrangement of the tumour cells showed a monoclonal rearrangement of the immunoglobulin heavy chain gene. Postoperatively, the cat received chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide and prednisolone. Owing to progressive enlargement of the jejunal lymph node, different chemotherapy protocols were used sequentially, namely chlorambucil, lomustine and L-asparaginase. However, the cat died 96 days after the initial diagnosis. Post-mortem examination confirmed systemic dissemination of tumour cells. The cause of death was considered to be a result of a complication of the tumour itself and associated amyloidosis. Relevance and novel information This patient was diagnosed with a primary duodenal plasmacytoma, and primary (amyloid light-chain) amyloidosis. In cats, intestinal plasmacytoma is rarely reported and associated amyloidosis is an uncommon feature, when compared with humans. To our knowledge, this is the first clinical report of duodenal plasmacytoma in a cat. The present report shows that feline plasmacytomas should be included in the differential diagnosis of a duodenal mass.
Education Under Siege: Exploring How International Economic Sanctions Create Crises of Pedagogy
Authors: Hwami Munyaradzi 
Published: September 2020

Purpose: This article examines the adverse impact of international economic sanctions on pedagogy. The article considers the contemporary times as a period of misinformation, false news, and untruths. Utilizing anti-hegemonic literature, international economic sanctions are viewed as neoliberalism’s instrument of coercion, a Western weapon used to enforce Western values on those with different perceptions toward the free market system. Design/Approach/Methods: This article utilizes critical scholarship to unmask authoritarian neoliberalism and a scoping review of sanctioned societies. Critical analytics are deployed to interpret and make sense of the dominant educational policy framework that appears to be against diversity. Findings: Neoliberalism has caused a crisis in pedagogy. Education is under siege as academics and scientific evidence are being disregarded. The call is for pedagogues from all over the world to continue to avail evidence to power by practicing critical education. Literature is utilized to propose critical pedagogy when scientific evidence is disputed, and non-Western epistemologies are considered anachronous. Originality/Value: Linking sanctions and neoliberalism is relatively novel, as is the contribution of the same lenses to authoritarian neoliberalism. The assault on divergent epistemologies is critical, and the defense of critical scholarship is every academic’s duty. The article joins conversations on the neoliberal assault on education and society.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, the SARS-CoV-2 cellular receptor, is widely expressed in human myometrium and uterine leiomyoma
Authors: Racilan Alexon M , Assis Wiviane A , Casalechi Maíra , Spagnolo-Souza Ananda , Pascoal-Xavier Marcelo A , Simões-e-Silva Ana C , Del Puerto Helen L , Reis Fernando M 
Published: September 2020

Objective: Angiotensin-converting-enzyme 2 (ACE2), the cell surface receptor for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is found in a variety of reproductive tissues. The present study evaluated whether uterine fibroids and normal myometrium express ACE2 and, if so, at which tissue compartments. Methods: We included 13 premenopausal women (age range 33–50 years, median 40 years) with uterine fibroids undergoing elective hysterectomy or myomectomy. Samples of leiomyoma ( n = 12) and normal myometrial tissue ( n = 8) were analyzed by immunohistochemistry for protein localization or by real time PCR for mRNA detection. Results: In normal myometrium, ACE2 immunoreactivity was localized in smooth muscle fibers, arteriolar walls, and endothelial cells. In uterine leiomyoma, ACE2 staining was more intense in smooth muscle cells than in the extracellular matrix, and was also present in vascular endothelium. ACE2 mRNA was detected in myometrium as well as in fibroid samples. Conclusion: Human myometrium and uterine leiomyoma express ACE2 mRNA and have abundant distribution of ACE2 protein in their smooth muscle cells and microvasculature.
Electromyography of the Shoulder Musculature during Passive Rehabilitation Exercises
Authors: Cross Janelle A , deVries John , Mocarski Mason , Ketchum Nicholas C , Compty Eileen , Krimmer Matthew , Fritz Jessica M , Vetter Carole S 
Published: September 2020

Background Medical professionals remain conflicted about the best rehabilitation protocol a patient should perform after rotator cuff repair surgery. Exercises deemed passive may be activating the shoulder muscles to a moderate level, thus putting the surgical repair construct at risk for re-injury. The purpose of this study was to measure the activation of the rotator cuff and surrounding musculature during exercises used in physical therapy following rotator cuff repair surgery using electromyography (EMG). Methods Muscle activation was recorded in fourteen participants performing sixteen exercises. Four fine wire electrodes (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, teres minor) and six surface electrodes (upper and middle division of the trapezius, anterior, medial and posterior head of the deltoid, biceps brachii) were utilized. EMG activity values for each muscle were normalized to the maximum voluntary isometric contraction and activation levels were assessed. Results Twelve of the sixteen exercises tested were moderately active in the subscapularis muscle. The results show the subscapularis muscle was activated in all three planes of motion. Discussion Most exercises were found to have low activation levels for the supraspinatus, infraspinatus and teres minor muscles. While the exercises examined in this study appear to be safe for the more commonly repaired supraspinatus, caution should be used when administering exercises to individuals with repairs involving the subscapularis.
Systems-based hematology: highlighting successes and next steps
Authors: May Jori E. , Irelan Patrick C. , Boedeker Kailee , Cahill Emily , Fein Steven , Garcia David A. , Hicks Lisa K. , Lawson Janice , Lim Ming Y. , Morton Colleen T. , Rajasekhar Anita , Shanbhag Satish , Zumberg Marc S. , Plovnick Robert M. , Connell Nathan T. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractSystems-based hematology is dedicated to improving care delivery for patients with blood disorders. First defined by the American Society of Hematology in 2015, the idea of a systems-based hematologist arose from evolving pressures in the health care system and increasing recognition of opportunities to optimize the quality and cost effectiveness of hematologic care. In this review, we begin with a proposed framework to formalize the discussion of the range of initiatives within systems-based hematology. Classification by 2 criteria, project scope and method of intervention, facilitates comparison between initiatives and supports dialogue for future efforts. Next, we present published examples of successful systems-based initiatives in the field of hematology, including efforts to improve stewardship in the diagnosis and management of complex hematologic disorders (eg, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombophilias), the development of programs to promote appropriate use of hematologic therapies (eg, blood products, inferior vena cava filters, and anticoagulation), changes in care delivery infrastructure to improve access to hematologic expertise (eg, electronic consultation and disorder-specific care pathways), and others. The range of projects illustrates the broad potential for interventions and highlights different metrics used to quantify improvements in care delivery. We conclude with a discussion about future directions for the field of systems-based hematology, including extension to malignant disorders and the need to define, expand, and support career pathways.
Surface Morphology Analysis of Knit Structure-Based Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Enhancing the Transfer Charge
Authors: Niu Li , Miao Xuhong , Li Yutian , Xie Xinkai , Wen Zhen , Jiang Gaoming 
Published: September 2020

AbstractHarvesting waste biomechanical energy has provided a promising approach to improve the power supplement of wearable devices for extending usage life. Surface morphology is a significant factor for enhancing output performance of triboelectric nanogenerator; however, there is a limitation for evaluating the morphology of the surface and its impact on power generation. To evaluate the relationship between the surface morphology and transfer charge, there is a mathematical theory that is the fractal geometry theory that has been proposed to analyze the characteristic of irregular surface morphology. This theory provided a good understanding of the contact area and roughness of the surface. We have designed three categories of knit structures with cord appearance by using a flat knitting machine and analyzed their surface characteristics. Meanwhile, the geometric structures can be demonstrated through the fractal dimension for evaluating the generated output performance during contacting and separation. The present research exhibits that, with the increasing number of knitted units, the triboelectric power-generation performance continued to reduce due to the available contact area decreasing. After calculating the fractal dimension of different knit structures, the m*n rib structures show the high transfer charge when the fractal dimension is close to number one, especially the fractal dimension of the 1*1 rib structure that can reach 0.99. The fractal theory can be further used as an approach to evaluate the influence on the output performance of irregular surface morphology, unrelated to the uniform convex unit distraction. The result of this research also demonstrated the feasibility of a knitted-based triboelectric nanogenerator in scavenging biomechanical energy for powering portable electronics integrated into garments.
Carbon Dots as New Generation Materials for Nanothermometer: Review
Authors: Mohammed Lazo Jazaa , Omer Khalid M. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractHighly sensitive non-contact mode temperature sensing is substantial for studying fundamental chemical reactions, biological processes, and applications in medical diagnostics. Nanoscale-based thermometers are guaranteeing non-invasive probes for sensitive and precise temperature sensing with subcellular resolution. Fluorescence-based temperature sensors have shown great capacity since they operate as “non-contact” mode and offer the dual functions of cellular imaging and sensing the temperature at the molecular level. Advancements in nanomaterials and nanotechnology have led to the development of novel sensors, such as nanothermometers (novel temperature-sensing materials with a high spatial resolution at the nanoscale). Such nanothermometers have been developed using different platforms such as fluorescent proteins, organic compounds, metal nanoparticles, rare-earth-doped nanoparticles, and semiconductor quantum dots. Carbon dots (CDs) have attracted interest in many research fields because of outstanding properties such as strong fluorescence, photobleaching resistance, chemical stability, low-cost precursors, low toxicity, and biocompatibility. Recent reports showed the thermal-sensing behavior of some CDs that make them an alternative to other nanomaterials-based thermometers. This kind of luminescent-based thermometer is promising for nanocavity temperature sensing and thermal mapping to grasp a better understanding of biological processes. With CDs still in its early stages as nanoscale-based material for thermal sensing, in this review, we provide a comprehensive understanding of this novel nanothermometer, methods of functionalization to enhance thermal sensitivity and resolution, and mechanism of the thermal sensing behavior.