bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reaudit of transvaginal ultrasound practice in a general gynecology clinic
Authors: Ooi Rucira , Ooi Setthasorn , Wilson David , Griffiths Anthony 
Published: April 2020

AbstractPurposeA recent pilot audit found that the quality of transvaginal ultrasound practice in a teaching hospital did not reflect current guidelines. This was a concern given the frequency and importance of ultrasound examinations in approaching a diagnosis. Interventional measures involved ad hoc training sessions coincident with installation of updated equipment. A reaudit was performed to assess any changes in the standard of ultrasound practice.MethodsData were collected by random direct observation. To minimize the Hawthorne effect, staffs were not made aware of when active data collection took place. Observations of both patients and end user were compared with current guidelines. Data collected maintained the anonymity of users throughout. Practice was graded as: compliant, partially‐compliant, or noncompliant. Descriptive statistics were used to demonstrate any change post‐intervention.ResultsObservations (n = 48) of completed gynecology ultrasound practice were recorded, and results described as percentage frequencies (%). Image optimization noncompliant rates declined in the reaudit from 65.1% to 41.67% (P = .07) and noncompliant rates of global examination of gynecology decreased from 60.47% to 14.58% (P < .05). Substantial improvements were seen in terms of image annotations (initial audit, 41.9% vs reaudit, 66.67%), and end user examination of bladder, vagina and cervix when indicated (initial audit, 25.6% vs reaudit, 77.08%).ConclusionRegular audit, ad hoc ultrasound training sessions and updated ultrasound equipment resulted in considerably improved compliance of transvaginal ultrasound practice in gynecology.
Invasion of poorly differentiated large‐cell neuroendocrine tumor of the lung through right pulmonary veins into the left atrium: A very rare case report
Authors: Nosrati Anahita , Nabati Maryam , Vahedi Laleh , Shokri Mojtaba 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIntracavitary cardiac metastasis is a rare manifestation of primary lung cancer which can be associated with a very poor prognosis. In this condition, the right chambers of the heart are more commonly involved and the invasion of the left atrium (LA) through the venous routes is highly exceptional. Poorly differentiated large‐cell neuroendocrine tumors also include only 3% of all primary lung carcinomas which can have adverse outcomes. Therefore, in this report, a rare case of a 72‐year‐old male patient with poorly differentiated large‐cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the right lung spreading to the LA through the right pulmonary veins was described.
LC‐MS/MS method for the differential diagnosis of treatable early onset inherited metabolic epilepsies
Authors: Mathis Déborah , Beese Karin , Rüegg Carmen , Plecko Barbara , Hersberger Martin 
Published: April 2020

AbstractRapid diagnosis and early specific treatment of metabolic epilepsies due to inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs) is crucial to avoid irreversible sequalae. Nowadays, besides the profile analysis of amino‐ and organic acids, a range of additional targeted assays is used for the selective screening of those diseases. This strategy can lead to long turn‐around times, repeated sampling and diagnostic delays. To replace those individual targeted assays, we developed a new liquid chromatography mass spectrometry method (LC‐MS/MS) for the differential diagnosis of inherited metabolic epilepsies that are potentially treatable. The method was developed to simultaneously quantify 12 metabolites (sulfocysteine, guanidinoacetate, creatine, pipecolic acid, Δ1‐piperideine‐6‐carboxylate (P6C), proline, Δ1‐pyrroline‐5‐carboxylate (P5C), and the B6‐vitamers) enabling the diagnosis of nine different treatable IEMs presenting primarily with early‐onset epilepsy. Plasma and urine samples were mixed with internal standards, precipitated and the supernatants were analyzed by LC‐MS/MS. In comparison with previous assays, no derivatization of the metabolites is necessary for analysis. This LC‐MS method was validated for quantitative results for all metabolites except P6C and P5C for which semiquantitative results were obtained due to the absence of commercially available standards. Coefficients of variation for all analytes were below 15% and recovery rates range between 80% and 120%. Analysis of patient samples with known IEMs demonstrated the diagnostic value of the method. The presented assay covers a selected panel of biochemical markers, improves the efficiency in the laboratory, and potentially leads to faster diagnoses and earlier treatment avoiding irreversible damage in patients affected with IEMs.
The emergence of a novel coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2) disease and their neuroinvasive propensity may affect in COVID‐19 patients
Authors: Yashavantha Rao H.C. , Jayabaskaran Chelliah 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAn outbreak of a novel coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection has recently emerged and rapidly spreading in humans causing a significant threat to international health and the economy. Rapid assessment and warning are crucial for an outbreak analysis in response to serious public health. SARS‐CoV‐2 shares highly homological sequences with SARS‐CoVs causing highly lethal pneumonia with respiratory distress and clinical symptoms similar to those reported for SARS‐CoV and MERS‐CoV infections. Notably, some COVID‐19 patients also expressed neurologic signs like nausea, headache, and vomiting. Several studies have reported that coronaviruses are not only causing respiratory illness but also invade the central nervous system through a synapse‐connected route. SARS‐CoV infections are reported in both patients and experimental animals' brains. Interestingly, some COVID‐19 patients have shown the presence of SARS‐CoV‐2 virus in their cerebrospinal fluid. Considering the similarities between SARS‐CoV and SARS‐CoV‐2 in various aspects, it remains to clarify whether the potent invasion of SARS‐CoV‐2 may affect in COVID‐19 patients. All these indicate that more detailed criteria are needed for the treatment and the prevention of SARS‐CoV‐2 infected patients. In the absence of potential interventions for COVID‐19, there is an urgent need for an alternative strategy to control the spread of this disease.
Evaluation of the auxiliary diagnostic value of antibody assays for the detection of novel coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2)
Authors: Yong Gao , Yi Yuan , Tuantuan Li , Xiaowu Wang , Xiuyong Li , Ang Li , Mingfeng Han 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) has taken on pandemic proportions, affecting over 100 countries in a matter of weeks. The goal of this study was to assess the diagnostic values of different methods of detecting and estimating the SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, and the auxiliary diagnostic potential of antibody assays. By retrospectively analyzing the data of viral RNAs and serum immunoglobulin M‐immunoglobulin G antibodies against SARS‐CoV‐2 from 38 cases with confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 in the Second People's Hospital of Fuyang, we found that, in the early phase of the illness, the viral RNA was most abundant in the sputum specimens, followed by that in the throat swabs, while the antibody assays identified fewer positive cases at this stage. However, the sensitivity of the antibody assays overtook that of RNA test from the eighth day of disease onset. Simultaneous use of antibody assay and reverse transcription‐quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction improved the sensitivity of the diagnoses. Moreover, we found that most of these cases with no detectable viral RNA load during the early stages were able to be seropositive after 7 days. Our findings indicate that the antibody detection could be used as an effective supplementary indicator of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in suspected cases with no detectable viral RNA, and in conjunction with nucleic acid detection in confirming the infection.
Decontamination of face masks with steam for mask reuse in fighting the pandemic COVID‐19: Experimental supports
Authors: Ma Qing‐Xia , Shan Hu , Zhang Chuan‐Mei , Zhang Hong‐Liang , Li Gui‐Mei , Yang Rui‐Mei , Chen Ji‐Ming 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus SARS‐CoV‐2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) has claimed many lives worldwide. Wearing medical masks (MMs) or N95 masks ([N95Ms] namely N95 respirators) can slow the virus spread and reduce the infection risk. Reuse of these masks can minimize waste, protect the environment, and help solve the current imminent shortage of masks. Disinfection of used masks is needed for their reuse with safety, but improper decontamination can damage the blocking structure of masks. In this study, we demonstrated using the avian coronavirus of infectious bronchitis virus to mimic SARS‐CoV‐2 that MMs and N95Ms retained their blocking efficacy even after being steamed on boiling water for 2 hours. We also demonstrated that three brands of MMs blocked over 99% viruses in aerosols. The avian coronavirus was completely inactivated after being steamed for 5 minutes. Altogether, this study suggested that MMs are adequate for use on most social occasions and both MMs and N95Ms can be reused for a few days with steam decontamination between use.
Can measurements from an anteroposterior radiograph predict pelvic sagittal inclination?
Authors: Uemura Keisuke , Atkins Penny R. , Okamoto Masashi , Tokunaga Kunihiko , Anderson Andrew E. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractPelvic sagittal inclination (PSI) is often evaluated in patients with hip pathology using lateral radiographs. However, it would be useful if PSI could be predicted from an anteroposterior radiograph since this film is ubiquitous in the evaluation of hip pathology. Herein, computer‐modeling was applied to predict PSI from radiographic measurements assessed in the anteroposterior plane. Three‐dimensional surface models of the pelvis, femur, and sacrum were reconstructed from computed tomography images of 50 women with hip dysplasia. This study cohort was selected as changes in PSI alter femoral head coverage, which is relevant to the diagnosis and treatment of hip dysplasia, a known cause of hip osteoarthritis. Five radiographic parameters commonly used to independently estimate PSI were evaluated after bone surfaces were projected to an anteroposterior plane, including the symphysis to sacrococcygeal joint distance (S‐S distance), the pelvic foramen aspect ratio (PF ratio), the distance between the symphysis and a line connecting the femoral head centers (S‐H distance), the sacro‐femoral‐pubic angle (SFP angle), and the pelvic vertical ratio (PVR). Regression models determined the ability of these parameters to predict PSI from −20° to 20° at 1° increment. All five parameters showed a strong correlation with the PSI (all r > 0.9). From the regression models, PSI was estimated with a median (maximum) absolute error of 3.6° (18.4°), 3.8° (17.7°), 5.2° (17.9°), 5.8° (28.8°), and 3.2° (23.5°) for the S‐S distance, PF ratio, S‐H distance, SFP angle, and PVR, respectively. The regression model for S‐S distance had a mean slope of 2.18 that ranged from 1.98 to 2.41 when the sacrococcygeal joint was located superior to the symphysis. Results indicated that substantial errors occur when estimating the actual value of PSI from an anteroposterior radiograph. However, the change in PSI could be estimated from the S‐S distance, which may aid surgeons to successfully increase head coverage through periacetabular osteotomy and to locate the acetabular cup in a functional position for total hip arthroplasty.
The potential function ofmiR‐135b‐mediated JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway during osteoblast differentiation
Authors: Zhang Xiang‐Tao , Sun Min , Zhang Li , Dai Yi‐Ke , Wang Fei 
Published: April 2020

AbstractMC3T3‐E1 cells were divided into Blank, miR‐135b mimics, miR‐135b inhibitors, AG490, and miR‐135b inhibitors + AG490 groups. Cell viability was determined by MTT, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity by the corresponding kit, and mineralization by alizarin red staining. Furthermore, miR‐135b, osteoblast‐specific genes, and JAK2/STAT3 were detected through quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. MiR‐135b downregulation was identified with increased JAK2 during osteoblast differentiation.JAK2was confirmed as a target gene of miR‐135b by dual‐luciferase reporter assay. MC3T3‐E1 cells in both miR‐135b mimics and AG490 groups manifested decrease in cell viability, ALP activity, and mineralized nodes, as well as reductions in osteoblast‐specific genes and proteins of JAK2, p‐JAK2, and p‐STAT3, but increase in cell apoptosis. However, opposite changes of the above factors were shown in cells from miR‐135b inhibitors group. Notably, AG490 could reverse promotion effects of miR‐135b inhibitors on osteoblast differentiation. Inhibiting miR‐135b could activate the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway, thereby improving the cell viability and promoting the osteoblast differentiation.
Different climate scenarios alter dominance patterns among aquatic primary producers in temperate systems
Authors: Hansson Lars‐Anders , Ekvall Mattias K. , He Liang , Li Zhongqiang , Svensson Marie , Urrutia‐Cordero Pablo , Zhang Huan 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIn a future climate change perspective, the interactions among different life‐forms of primary producers will likely be altered, leading to changes in the relative dominance among macrophytes, filamentous, and planktonic algae. In order to improve the possibilities to forecast future ecosystem services and function, we therefore conducted a long‐term mesocosm study where primary producers were exposed to different climate scenarios, including both a mean increase in temperature (4°C) and a similar energy input, but delivered as “heat waves” (fluctuations 0–8°C above ambient). We show that in shallow systems, future climate change scenarios will likely lead to higher total macrophyte biomasses, but also to considerable alterations in the macrophyte community composition. The biomass of filamentous algae (Cladophora) showed no significant difference among treatments, although effect size analyses identified a slight increase at heated conditions. We also show that future climate change will not necessarily lead to more phytoplankton blooms, although a considerable alteration in phytoplankton community composition is to be expected, with a dominance of cyanobacteria and Cryptophytes, whereas Chlorophyceae and diatoms will likely play a less pronounced role than at present. In a broader context, we conclude that the total biomass of macrophytes will likely increase in shallow areas, whereas phytoplankton may not show any strong changes in biomass in a future climate change scenario. Instead, the major changes among primary producers will likely be mirrored in a considerably different species composition than at present.
Optimization of hexagonal‐pattern minibeams for spatially fractionated radiotherapy using proton beam scanning
Authors: Charyyev Serdar , Artz Mark , Szalkowski Gregory , Chang Chih‐Wei , Stanforth Alexander , Lin Liyong , Zhang Rongxiao , Wang C.‐K. Chris 
Published: April 2020

PurposeIn this study, we investigated computationally and experimentally a hexagonal‐pattern array of spatially fractionated proton minibeams produced by proton pencil beam scanning (PBS) technique. Spatial fractionation of dose delivery with millimeter or submillimeter beam size has proven to be a promising approach to significantly increase the normal tissue tolerance. Our goals are to obtain an optimized minibeam design and to show that it is feasible to implement the optimized minibeams at the existing proton clinics.MethodsAn optimized minibeam arrangement is one that would produce high peak‐to‐valley dose ratios (PVDRs) in normal tissues and a PVDR approaching unity at the Bragg peak. Using Monte Carlo (MC) code TOPAS we simulated proton pencil beams that mimic those available at the existing proton therapy facilities and obtained a hexagonal‐pattern array of minibeams by collimating the proton pencil beams through the 1–3 mm diameter pinholes of a collimator. We optimized the minibeam design by considering different combinations of parameters including collimator material and thickness (t), center‐to‐center (c‐t‐c) distance, and beam size. The optimized minibeam design was then evaluated for normal tissue sparing against the uniform pencil beam scanning (PBS) by calculating the therapeutic advantage (TA) in terms of cell survival fraction. Verification measurements using radiochromic films were performed at the Emory proton therapy center (EPTC).ResultsOptimized hexagonal‐pattern minibeams having PVDRs of >10 at phantom surface and of >3 at depths up to 6 cm were achieved with 2 mm diameter modulated proton minibeams (with proton energies between 120 and 140 MeV) corresponding to a spread‐out‐Bragg‐peak (SOBP) over the depth of 10–14 cm. The results of the film measurements agree with the MC results within 10%. The TA of the 2 mm minibeams against the uniform PBS is >3 from phantom surface to the depth of 5 cm and then smoothly drops to ~1.5 as it approaches the proximal edge of the SOBP. For 2 mm minibeams and 6 mm c‐t‐c distance, we delivered 1.72 Gy at SOBP for 7.2 × 7.2 × 4 cm3 volume in 48 s.ConclusionsWe conclude that it is feasible to implement the optimized hexagonal‐pattern 2 mm proton minibeam radiotherapy at the existing proton clinics, because desirable PVDRs and TAs are achievable and the treatment time is reasonable.
Intrathecal delivery of nusinersen in individuals with complicated spines
Authors: Cartwright Michael S. , Ward Zachary T. , White Eric P. , West Thomas G. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) with nusinersen requires intrathecal medication administration, which can be challenging in individuals with complicated spines. This retrospective case series reviews the nusinersen treatment experience at one academic medical center with children and adults with SMA and complicated spines.MethodsTwenty medical records of individuals receiving nusinersen were reviewed and administration methods summarized and assessed.ResultsTen children and 10 adults were treated, and 55% had complicated spines. In total, 163 treatments were given, 91 in those with complicated spines. In the complicated spines, 74% of treatments were done by means of fluoroscopic lumbar puncture, 22% by means of intrathecal Ommaya reservoir, 3% by means of palpation, and < 1% by means of computed tomography‐guided transforaminal approach.ConclusionsA large majority of individuals with complicated spines can receive intrathecal nusinersen using fluoroscopic guidance in the lumbar region. Other delivery methods are available but less frequently used.
A People's Preservation: Urban Erasures in Essex County, NJ
Authors: Matthews Christopher N. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe value of historic preservation is defined by an appreciation for old buildings as contributing to the sense of place of communities, both large and small. A recent national effort to develop a “preservation for people,” however, suggests that the inherent good of preservation is being challenged and rethought. This article considers this self‐assessment a retrenchment aimed at ensuring the preservation of the preservation field. Looking specifically at the urban and suburban landscape of Essex County, New Jersey, since the passing of the National Historic Preservation Act in 1965, I examine how preservation has developed a tradition of serving only those that can support its agenda. I then turn to show how those neglected by the preservation field in the county nevertheless practice preservation on their own terms, developing the foundations of what I call “a people’s preservation.” This counternarrative produces a different frame for preservation, showing how it can serve not a generic people but specific communities whose self‐determination can be the real focus of preservation practice.
Role of Microbiome and Antibiotics in Autoimmune Diseases
Authors: Vangoitsenhoven Roman , Cresci Gail A. M. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe global rise in the incidence of autoimmune diseases has paralleled the widespread use of antibiotics. Recently, the gut microbiome has been shown to be key in the development and maturation of a normal immune system, and a range of microbial disturbances have been associated with the development and activity of several autoimmune diseases. Here, we aim to provide an overview of the mechanistic crosstalk between the human microbiome, the immune system, and antibiotics. The disease‐associated microbial gut dysbiosis, the potential role of antibiotics in the development and treatment of autoimmune diseases, and the manipulation of the gut microbiome with prebiotics and probiotics is discussed using 2 key autoimmune diseases as an example: inflammatory bowel disease and type 1 diabetes. Although some data suggest that widespread use of antibiotics may facilitate autoimmunity through gut dysbiosis, there are also data to suggest antibiotics may hold the potential to improve disease activity. Currently, the effect of fecal microbiota transplantation on several autoimmune diseases is being studied in clinical trials, and several preclinical studies are revealing promising results with probiotic and prebiotic therapies.
Comparison of pre‐hospital triage training by role playing and lecture on nursing students' knowledge, attitude and performance
Authors: Heidarzadeh Hamid , Heidarzadeh Zeinab , Azadi Arman 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAimThe objective of this study was to determine and compare the effectiveness of two methods of role playing and lecture on knowledge, attitude and performance of nursing' students in the context of pre‐hospital triage.DesignThis was a pre‐test–posttest quasi‐experimental study.MethodsA total of 66 nursing students (third year) were assigned to two groups, the control group (N = 23) and intervention group (N = 23). START pre‐hospital triage was taught to two groups by using a lecture (control group) and role playing (intervention group) method. Immediately before the intervention and 4 weeks after the training, students' knowledge, attitude and practice in both groups were assessed through a questionnaire and a checklist. Data were analysed using SPSS software version 21.ResultsThe results showed that the mean scores of knowledge, attitude and performance increased after intervention in both groups (p < .05). The mean (SD) difference of total performance score from baseline to follow‐up in the experimental group and the control group was 23.91 (13.83) and 7.00 (13.20), respectively (p < .001). While there was no significant difference between the mean (SD) difference of knowledge and attitude scores in the experimental group and the control group before and after the intervention (p > .05).