bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Meta-analysis of serum and/or plasma D-dimer in the diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection
Authors: Li Cheng , Margaryan Donara , Ojeda-Thies Cristina , Perka Carsten , Trampuz Andrej 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
The purpose of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the diagnostic value of D-dimer in detecting periprosthetic joint infection (PJI).

Methods
A systematic search and screening of relevant studies was performed in the databases PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase using the following medical subject headings (MeSH) or keywords: “arthroplasty or joint prosthesis or joint replacement or periprosthetic joint or prosthetic joint”, “infection or infectious or infected”, and “D-dimer or serum D-dimer or plasma D-dimer or fibrin degradation products”. Data were subsequently analysed and processed using Meta-Disc.

Results
Seven studies with 1285 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and diagnostic odds ratio were 0.75 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.70–0.79), 0.69 (95% CI 0.66–0.72), 3.01 (95% CI 1.84–4.93), 0.32 (95% CI 0.19–0.53), and 10.20 (95% CI 3.63–28.64), respectively. Subgroup analyses showed that the use of serum D-dimer had better sensitivity and specificity than plasma D-dimer for the diagnosis of PJI.

Conclusions
Serum D-dimer was shown to have a better diagnostic value than plasma D-dimer for the diagnosis of PJI. Further research is required for clarification.
Characterization of tracheobronchomalacia in infants with hypophosphatasia
Authors: Padidela Raja , Yates Robert , Benscoter Dan , McPhail Gary , Chan Elaine , Nichani Jaya , Mughal M. Zulf , Myer Charles , Narayan Omendra , Nissenbaum Claire , Wilkinson Stuart , Zhou Shanggen , Saal Howard M. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Perinatal and infantile hypophosphatasia (HPP) are associated with respiratory failure and respiratory complications. Effective management of such complications is of key clinical importance. In some infants with HPP, severe tracheobronchomalacia (TBM) contributes to respiratory difficulties. The objective of this study is to characterize the clinical features, investigations and management in these patients.

Methods
We report a case series of five infants with perinatal HPP, with confirmed TBM, who were treated with asfotase alfa and observed for 3–7 years. Additionally, we reviewed respiratory function data in a subgroup of patients with perinatal and infantile HPP included in the clinical trials of asfotase alfa, who required high-pressure respiratory support (positive end-expiratory pressure [PEEP] ≥6 cm H2O and/or peak inspiratory pressure ≥18 cm H2O) during the studies.

Results
The case series showed that TBM contributed significantly to respiratory morbidity, and prolonged respiratory support with high PEEP was required. However, TBM improved over time, allowing weaning of all patients from ventilator use. The review of clinical trial data included 20 patients and found a high degree of heterogeneity in PEEP requirements across the cohort; median PEEP was 8 cm H2O at any time and some patients presented with high PEEP (≥8 cm H2O) over periods of more than 6 months.

Conclusion
In infants with HPP presenting with persistent respiratory complications, it is important to screen for TBM and initiate appropriate respiratory support and treatment with asfotase alfa at an early stage.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov numbers: NCT00744042, registered 27 August 2008; NCT01205152, registered 17 September 2010; NCT01176266, registered 29 July 2010.
The SLC36 transporter Pathetic is required for neural stem cell proliferation and for brain growth under nutrition restriction
Authors: Feng Shiyun , Zacharioudaki Evanthia , Millen Kat , Bray Sarah J. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Drosophila neuroblasts (NBs) are neural stem cells whose maintenance relies on Notch activity. NBs proliferate throughout larval stages to generate a large number of adult neurons. Their proliferation is protected under conditions of nutrition restriction but the mechanisms responsible are not fully understood. As amino acid transporters (Solute Carrier transporters, SLCs), such as SLC36, have important roles in coupling nutrition inputs to growth pathways, they may have a role in this process. For example, an SLC36 family transporter Pathetic (Path) that supports body size and neural dendrite growth in Drosophila, was identified as a putative Notch target in genome-wide studies. However, its role in sustaining stem cell proliferation and maintenance has not been investigated. This study aimed to investigate the function of Path in the larval NBs and to determine whether it is involved in protecting them from nutrient deprivation.

Methods
The expression and regulation of Path in the Drosophila larval brain was analysed using a GFP knock-in allele and reporter genes containing putative Notch regulated enhancers. Path function in NB proliferation and overall brain growth was investigated under different nutrition conditions by depleting it from specific cell types in the CNS, using mitotic recombination to generate mutant clones or by directed RNA-interference.

Results
Path is expressed in both NBs and glial cells in the Drosophila CNS. In NBs, path is directly targeted by Notch signalling via Su(H) binding at an intronic enhancer, PathNRE. This enhancer is responsive to Notch regulation both in cell lines and in vivo. Loss of path in neural stem cells delayed proliferation, consistent with it having a role in NB maintenance. Expression from pathNRE was compromised in conditions of amino acid deprivation although other Notch regulated enhancers are unaffected. However, NB-expressed Path was not required for brain sparing under amino acid deprivation. Instead, it appears that Path is important in glial cells to help protect brain growth under conditions of nutrient restriction.

Conclusions
We identify a novel Notch target gene path that is required in NBs for neural stem cell proliferation, while in glia it protects brain growth under nutrition restriction.
Evaluation of different storage times and preservation methods on phlebotomine sand fly DNA concentration and purity
Authors: Sales Kamila Gaudêncio da Silva , Miranda Débora Elienai de Oliveira , da Silva Fernando José , Otranto Domenico , Figueredo Luciana Aguiar , Dantas-Torres Filipe 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundDifferent methods have been used to preserve phlebotomine sand flies for research purposes, including for taxonomic studies and detection ofLeishmaniaspp. Here, we evaluated the effect of various preservation methods at different storage times on phlebotomine sand fly DNA concentration and purity.MethodsField-collected phlebotomine sand flies were individually stored in 70% ethanol (G1) and 95% ethanol (G2) at room temperature, 70% ethanol (G3) and 95% ethanol (G4) at 8 °C or frozen dry (i.e. no preservation solution) at − 20 °C (G5). DNA concentration and purity were assessed at various storage times (T1, ≤ 12 h; T2, 3 months; T3, 6 months; T4, 9 months; and T5, 12 months). Fragments of the cytochromecoxidase subunit 1 (cox1) and cacophony (CAC) genes of phlebotomine sand flies were also amplified.ResultsMean DNA concentration (P = 0.178) and 260/280 purity ratios (P = 0.584) did not vary significantly among various preservation methods and storage times. Within each group, DNA concentration varied in G1 (Kruskal-Wallis H-test,P = 0.009) for T3vsT4 (Dunn’spost-hoc,P < 0.05), and in G2 (Kruskal-Wallis H-test,P = 0.004) for T1vsT2 and T1vsT4 (Dunn’spost-hoc,P < 0.05). For 260/280 purity ratios, the only statistically significant difference was found for G5 (Kruskal-Wallis H-test,P = 0.020) between T1vsT4 (Dunn’spost-hoctest,P < 0.05). Thecox1 andCACgenes were successfully amplified, regardless of the preservation method and storage time; except in one sample from G2 at T1, for which theCACgene failed to amplify.ConclusionsThe preservation methods and storage times herein evaluated did not affect the concentration and purity of DNA samples obtained from field-collected phlebotomine sand flies, for up to 12 months. Furthermore, these preservation methods did not interfere with PCR amplification ofCACandcox1 genes, being suitable for molecular analyses under the conditions studied herein.
Influence of Initial Damage Degree on the Degradation of Concrete Under Sulfate Attack and Wetting–Drying Cycles
Authors: Lv Yujing , Zhang Wenhua , Wu Fan , Li Huang , Zhang Yunsheng , Xu Guodong 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe previous researches on the degradation process of concrete under sulfate attack mainly focus on non-damaged concrete. It may lead to an excessive evaluation of the durability of the structure, which is detrimental to the safety of the structure. In this paper, three different damage degrees of concrete specimens with non-damaged (D0) and initial damage of 10% (D1) and 20% (D2) were prefabricated and subjected to sulfate attack and wetting–drying cycles. With the increase of sulfate attack cycles (0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 cycles), the changes in mass loss, relative dynamic modulus of elasticity, and the stress–strain curve were studied. The results show that the mass of the D0 specimen had been increasing continuously before 150 sulfate attack cycles. The mass of D1 and D2 had been increasing before 60 cycles, and decreasing after 60 cycles. At 150 cycles, the mass loss of D0, D1, D2 were − 1.054%, 0.29% and 3.20%, respectively. The relative dynamic modulus of elasticity (RDME) of D0 specimen increases continuously before 90 sulfate attack cycles. After 90 cycles, the RDME gradually decreases. However, for D1 and D2 specimens, the RDME began to decrease after 30 cycles. The damage degree has an obvious influence on the compressive strength and elastic modulus. For the D0 specimen, the compressive strength and elastic modulus increased continuously before 90 cycles and decreased after 90 cycles. The compressive strength and elastic modulus of D1 and D2 specimens began to decrease after 30 cycles. The stress–strain curves of concrete with different initial damage degrees were established, and the fitting results were good. Finally, based on the analysis of experimental data, the degradation mechanism of concrete with initial damage under the sulfate wetting–drying cycle was discussed.
Role of platelet biomarkers in inflammatory response
Authors: Chen Yufei , Zhong Haoxuan , Zhao Yikai , Luo Xinping , Gao Wen 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBeyond hemostasis, thrombosis and wound healing, it is becoming increasingly clear that platelets play an integral role in inflammatory response and immune regulation. Platelets recognize pathogenic microorganisms and secrete various immunoregulatory cytokines and chemokines, thus facilitating a variety of immune effects and regulatory functions. In this review, we discuss recent advances in signaling of platelet activation-related biomarkers in inflammatory settings and application prospects to apply for disease diagnosis and treatment.
An investigation of novice ESL writers’ cognitive processes and strategy use of paraphrasing
Authors: Di Zhang Emily 
Published: August 2020

AbstractSource use competence is becoming increasingly important in English-medium universities, and inability to appropriately use reading sources leads to plagiarism which has serious punishable consequences. As one effective strategy to help academic writers to avoid plagiarism, paraphrasing is highly recommended for students to master. However, studies on paraphrasing are product-oriented, and few examined the processes and strategies of paraphrasing. The elusive construct of paraphrasing exerted a negative influence on the instruction and assessment of paraphrasing. Only specific paraphrasing strategies were examined in prior studies, and little has been done on more general strategies like cognitive and metacognitive strategies. Moreover, as for the studies of learner strategy and language performance, no consensus has been reached about the relationship between strategy use and language performance. Prior studies mainly adopted Purpura’s questionnaire (1997) with cognitive and metacognitive strategies excluding other important learner strategies, and prior studies mainly examined language performance in non-integrated tasks. Questionnaire and interview were employed in previous studies, but few has adopted think-aloud protocols to capture test takers’ online cognitive processes. To address the research gap, the present study purports to shed light on the cognitive processes and strategy use in the paraphrasing task with the method of think-aloud protocols and strategy use questionnaire. A total of 212 first-year non-English-major college students were recruited to respond to a seven-item paraphrasing task. Think-aloud protocol was conducted to capture test takers’ thinking processes while responding to the task. In addition, test takers’ strategy use in paraphrasing was elicited by a paraphrasing strategy use inventory. Findings of the study are as follows: test takers employed numerous strategies including cognitive, metacognitive, compensation, and affective strategies with a variety of sub-strategies; metacognitive strategies are significantly correlated with cognitive strategies; more proficient test takers used a smaller number of strategies and more metacognitive strategies. However, structural equation modeling analysis reported that all those strategies exert a negligible effect on participants’ paraphrasing performance. Other factors which might contribute to the language performance were analyzed, including language knowledge, test methods, personal attributes, and errors of measurement.
Fostering computational thinking through educational robotics: a model for creative computational problem solving
Authors: Chevalier Morgane , Giang Christian , Piatti Alberto , Mondada Francesco 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Educational robotics (ER) is increasingly used in classrooms to implement activities aimed at fostering the development of students’ computational thinking (CT) skills. Though previous works have proposed different models and frameworks to describe the underlying concepts of CT, very few have discussed how ER activities should be implemented in classrooms to effectively foster CT skill development. Particularly, there is a lack of operational frameworks, supporting teachers in the design, implementation, and assessment of ER activities aimed at CT skill development. The current study therefore presents a model that allows teachers to identify relevant CT concepts for different phases of ER activities and aims at helping them to appropriately plan instructional interventions. As an experimental validation, the proposed model was used to design and analyze an ER activity aimed at overcoming a problem that is often observed in classrooms: the trial-and-error loop, i.e., an over-investment in programming with respect to other tasks related to problem-solving.

Results
Two groups of primary school students participated in an ER activity using the educational robot Thymio. While one group completed the task without any imposed constraints, the other was subjected to an instructional intervention developed based on the proposed model. The results suggest that (i) a non-instructional approach for educational robotics activities (i.e., unlimited access to the programming interface) promotes a trial-and-error behavior; (ii) a scheduled blocking of the programming interface fosters cognitive processes related to problem understanding, idea generation, and solution formulation; (iii) progressively adjusting the blocking of the programming interface can help students in building a well-settled strategy to approach educational robotics problems and may represent an effective way to provide scaffolding.

Conclusions
The findings of this study provide initial evidence on the need for specific instructional interventions on ER activities, illustrating how teachers could use the proposed model to design ER activities aimed at CT skill development. However, future work should investigate whether teachers can effectively take advantage of the model for their teaching activities. Moreover, other intervention hypotheses have to be explored and tested in order to demonstrate a broader validity of the model.
Involvement of the maxillary sinus ostium (MSO) in the edematous processes after sinus floor augmentation: a cone-beam computed tomographic study
Authors: Sakuma Shigeru , Ferri Mauro , Imai Hideki , Fortich Mesa Natalia , Blanco Victorio Daniel José , Apaza Alccayhuaman Karol Alí , Botticelli Daniele 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
After sinus floor augmentation, a thickening of the sinus mucosa has been described. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the involvement of the maxillary sinus ostium in the edematous processes after a sinus floor augmentation procedure.

Methods
Seventy-two cone-beam computerized tomographies (CBSTs) were taken before sinus floor augmentation and after 1 week and 9 months from surgery and analyses. Sinus mucosa thickness and area, ostium diameter and patency, and extension of the post-surgical transient mucosal thickening in relation to the ostium were evaluated on the CBCTs for all three periods. The term “virtual” when referring to sinus mucosa thickness and area was introduced because of the edema and bleeding that both contributed to a transient thickening and additional elevation of the sinus mucosa.

Results
The mean virtual thickness of the sinus mucosa was 2.7 ± 4.0 mm, 7.7 ± 7.1 mm, 1.7 ± 2.0 mm before surgery, and after 1 week and 9 months. The virtual mucosa area was 37.2 ± 52.5 mm2, 184.5 ± 153.8 mm2, and 34.0 ± 50.7 mm2. The ostium diameter at the three periods evaluated was 1.8 ± 0.5 mm, 1.1 ± 0.6 mm, 1.5 ± 0.8 mm, respectively. Three infundibula (4.2%) were found out of patency before surgery while this number increased to 14 (19.4%) after 1 week. Nine months after surgery, only one infundibulum (1.4%) was out of patency, however, without presenting signs of sinus pathologies. The extension of the mucosal edema on the palatal sinus was reduced after 9 months of healing.

Conclusions
One week after sinus floor augmentation, the maxillary sinus mucosa increased in dimensions and in several cases involved the ostium, reducing its diameter and producing a transient loss of patency. After 9 months of healing, the initial conditions were recovered.
A case of Barrett’s esophageal cancer with gastric mucosa-associated lymphoma
Authors: Shiratori Fumiaki , Hoshino Isamu , Gunji Hisashi , Takiguchi Nobuhiro , Nabeya Yoshihiro , Shimada Hideaki 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Although the first-line therapy for early-stage gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma is the eradication of Helicobacter pylori, the effect of eradication in Helicobacter pylori-negative cases is unclear. In this case report, we describe a surgical option for a case of Barrett’s esophageal cancer with concurrent gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma.

Case presentation
A 79-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with Barrett’s esophageal cancer and gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma. Initially, we performed endoscopic submucosal dissection for Barrett’s esophageal cancer. Since residual tumor was observed after the endoscopic submucosal dissection, we performed an esophagectomy with two-field lymph node dissection, which was followed by placement of a gastric conduit via the posterior mediastinal route. He was discharged 14 days after surgery. Although no additional treatment exists for mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma, no recurrent disease has been detected to date.

Conclusion
An option to use a portion of the stomach with low-grade malignant mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma as a conduit after esophagectomy was suggested.
Association between serum bilirubin and migraine in children and adolescents
Authors: Elshony Hosna S. , El Sheikh Wafik M. , Melake Mostafa S. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Migraine in children and adolescents is very common and can be associated with equivalents, psychiatric disorders, or abnormal electroencephalogram findings. Neurogenic inflammation is involved in migraine pathogenesis where pro-inflammatory cytokines play a significant role. Recent studies have demonstrated that serum bilirubin can be considered as an antioxidant and cytoprotective agent and that its concentration may be influenced in migraine by neurogenic inflammation. Various studies have observed reduced serum bilirubin in migrainous adults, and few studies investigated the association between serum bilirubin and migraine in children and adolescents.

Objectives
To study the association between serum bilirubin and migraine in children and adolescents.

Patients and method
Serum samples were collected from 40 migrainous children and adolescents and from 40 controls. Total, direct, and indirect bilirubin concentrations were measured. Headache features, migraine equivalents, psychiatric comorbidity, and electroencephalogram findings were documented in migraineurs.

Results
Serum total, direct, and indirect bilirubin concentrations were significantly lower in migraineurs than controls. This was statistically significant associated with abnormal electroencephalogram findings during headache-free periods and not statistically significant associated with any headache feature, abnormal electroencephalogram findings during headache attacks, or psychiatric comorbidity.

Conclusion
Serum bilirubin concentration is lower in migrainous children and adolescents compared to control, with no association with specific migraine type or features, and thus may be considered a useful marker for neurogenic inflammation in migraine.
Prognostic value of CIP2A gene expression in adult Egyptian acute myeloid leukemia patients
Authors: Shafik Roxan E. , Ibrahim Azza M. , Said Fadwa , Hassan Naglaa M. , Shafik Hanan E. , Shokralla Hala A. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) functions as a tumor suppressor in many cancers. Cancerous inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2A (CIP2A) inhibits PP2A proteolytic degradation of c-Myc and enhances cell growth and tumor formation in several tissues. CIP2A expression in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and its effect on outcome of treatment were not reported in Egyptian patients.

Results
No significant difference was detected in CIP2A expression between AML and control groups (P = 0.48). However, in AML patients, those with low CIP2A expression had a longer median overall survival than those with high expression (P = 0.059). CIP2A expression was not related to the clinical and laboratory variables and did not affect response to treatment.

Conclusion
High-CIP2A expression was associated with a trend of shorter overall survival in adult Egyptian AML patients. It might serve as a useful marker to predict poor prognosis. CIP2A may represent a potential target for cancer therapy.
The Tragicomic Philosophy of Waiting for Godot
Authors: Turley Elliott 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Samuel Beckett’s interest in tragicomedy has been clear since he attached the subtitle A Tragicomedy in Two Acts to the English translation of Waiting for Godot. This article articulates what exactly Beckettian tragicomedy does. Godot, Beckett’s foremost tragicomedy, stages the interplay of his wide-ranging literary and philosophical influences. Drawing on figures such as Arthur Schopenhauer, Jean Racine, Henri Bergson, Arnold Geulincx, and Fritz Mauthner, the play bends toward tragedy but undercuts any sense of finality with its slow unrolling. More than a metaphysical statement, this temporal model of tragicomedy offers a Beckettian ethics insistent on both the resigned compassion of tragedy and comedy’s power to critique. In outlining Godot’s tragicomic philosophy, the essay charts Beckett’s deployment of the various figures who inspire his play but also shows how this tragicomic paradigm functions in the theater—and how it inspires future dramatists.