bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Paediatric diagnostic reference levels in computed tomography: a systematic review
Authors: Satharasinghe D M , Jeyasugiththan J , Wanninayake W M N M B , Pallewatte A S 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
This study aims to review the existing literature on diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) in paediatric computed tomography (CT) procedures and the methodologies for establishing them. A comprehensive literature search was done in the popular databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar under the key words ‘p(a)ediatric DRL’, ‘dose reference level’, ‘diagnostic reference level’ and ‘DRL’. Twenty-three articles originating from 15 countries were included. Differences were found in the methods used to establish paediatric CT DRLs across the world, including test subjects, reference phantom size, anatomical regions, modes of data collection and stratification techniques. The majority of the studies were based on retrospective patient surveys. The head, chest and abdomen were the common regions. The volume computed tomography dose index (CTDIvol) and dose–length product (DLP) were the dosimetric quantities chosen in the majority of publications. However, the size-specific dose estimate was a growing trend in the DRL concept of CT. A 16 cm diameter phantom was used by most of the publications when defining DRLs for head, chest and abdomen. The majority of the DRLs were given based on patient age, and the common age categories for head, chest and abdomen regions were 0–1, 1–5, 5–10 and 10–15 years. The DRL ranges for the head region were 18–68 mGy (CTDIvol) and 260–1608 mGy cm (DLP). For chest and abdomen regions the variations were 1.0–15.6 mGy, 10–496 mGy cm and 1.8–23 mGy, 65–807 mGy cm, respectively. All these DRLs were established for children aged 0–18 years. The wide range of DRL distributions in chest and abdomen regions can be attributed to the use of two different reference phantom sizes (16 and 32 cm), failure to follow a common methodology and inadequate dose optimisation actions. Therefore, an internationally accepted protocol should be followed when establishing DRLs. Moreover, these DRL variations suggest the importance of establish a national DRL for each country considering advanced techniques and dose reduction methodologies.
Improving TiO2 gas sensing selectivity to acetone and other gases via a molecular imprinting method
Authors: Yang Wangyang , Shen Honglie , Ge Jiawei , Xu Binbin 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Various gas sensors have made considerable improvements to the quality of people’s lives. However, in most cases, changing of materials is necessary to adapt to the changing of the target gas, which limits the further application of gas sensors. To meet this challenge, in this work, molecular imprinting (MI) technology is introduced. Acrylic acid is used as a functional monomer, while gas molecules, including acetone, are used as templates. The MI process with an acetone template helps improve the acetone selectivity of TiO2 by up to 1.74–2.80 times. Moreover, it proved that other templates can increase the corresponding selectivity by at least 1.5 times by using the same matrix material. These results demonstrate the potential importance of the MI process in constructing a highly compatible gas sensor industry. Beyond this, the MI process has proved to achieve an ultrahigh specific surface area of 384.36 m2 · g−1. The optimal acetone sensor exhibits desirable comprehensive performance compared with other reports. An excellent TiO2 based prototype acetone sensor working at 300 °C with a low detection limit of 18 ppb is obtained.
Decoding hindlimb kinematics from descending and ascending neural signals during cat locomotion
Authors: Fathi Yaser , Erfanian Abbas 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Objective. The main objective of this research is to record both sensory and motor information from the ascending and descending tracts within the spinal cord to decode the hindlimb kinematics during walking on a treadmill. Approach. Two different experimental paradigms (i.e. active and passive) were used in the current study. During active experiments, five cats were trained to walk bipedally while their hands were kept on the front frame of the treadmill for balance or to walk quadrupedally. During passive experiments, the limb was passively moved by the experimenter. Local field potential (LFP) activity was recorded using a microwire array implanted in the dorsal column (DC) and lateral column (LC) of the L3–L4 spinal segments. The amplitude and frequency components of the LFP formed the feature set, and the elastic net regularization was used to decode the hindlimb joint angles. Main results. The results show that there is no significant difference between the information content of the signals recorded from the DC and LC regions during walking on the treadmill, but the information content of the DC is significantly higher than that of the LC during passively applied movement of the hindlimb in the anesthetized cats. Moreover, the decoding performance obtained using the recorded signals from the DC is comparable with that from the LC during locomotion. However, the decoding performance obtained using the recording channels in the DC is significantly better than that obtained using the signals recorded from the LC. The long-term analysis shows that robust decoding performance can be achieved over 2–3 months without a significant decrease in performance. Significance. This work presents a promising approach to developing a natural and robust motor neuroprosthesis device using descending neural signals to execute the movement and ascending neural signals as the feedback information to control the movement.
A comprehensive survey for human transcription factors on expression, regulation, interaction, phenotype and cancer survival
Authors: Hu Hui , Zhang Qiong , Hu Fei-Fei , Liu Chun-Jie , Guo An-Yuan 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Transcription factors (TFs) act as key regulators in biological processes through controlling gene expression. Here, we conducted a systematic study for all human TFs on the expression, regulation, interaction, mutation, phenotype and cancer survival. We revealed that the average expression levels of TFs in normal tissues were lower than 50% expression of non-TFs, whereas TF expression was increased in cancers. TFs that are specifically expressed in an individual tissue or cancer may be potential marker genes. For instance, TGIF2LX/Y were preferentially expressed in testis and NEUROG1, PRDM14, SRY, ZNF705A and ZNF716 were specifically highly expressed in germ cell tumors. We found different distributions of target genes and TF co-regulations in different TF families. Some small TF families have huge protein interaction pairs, suggesting their central roles in transcriptional regulation. The bZIP family is a small family involving many signaling pathways. Survival analysis indicated that most TFs significantly affect survival of one or more cancers. Some survival-related TFs were also specifically highly expressed in the corresponding cancer types, which may be potential targets for cancer therapy. Finally, we identified 43 TFs whose mutations were closely correlated to survival, suggesting their cancer-driven roles. The systematic analysis of TFs provides useful clues for further investigation of TF regulatory mechanisms and the role of TFs in diseases.
Diarrheal Pathogens Associated With Growth and Neurodevelopment
Authors: Donowitz Jeffrey R , Drew Jeannie , Taniuchi Mami , Platts-Mills James A , Alam Masud , Ferdous Tahsin , Shama Talat , Islam Md Ohedul , Kabir Mamun , Nayak Uma , Haque Rashidul , Petri William A 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Background
Diarrheal pathogens have been associated with linear growth deficits. The effect of diarrheal pathogens on growth is likely due to inflammation, which also adversely affects neurodevelopment. We hypothesized that diarrheagenic pathogens would be negatively associated with both growth and neurodevelopment.

Methods
We conducted a longitudinal birth cohort study of 250 children with diarrheal surveillance and measured pathogen burden in diarrheal samples using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Pathogen attributable fraction estimates of diarrhea over the first 2 years of life, corrected for socioeconomic variables, were used to predict both growth and scores on the Bayley-III Scales of Infant and Toddler Development.

Results
One hundred eighty children were analyzed for growth and 162 for neurodevelopmental outcomes. Rotavirus, Campylobacter, and Shigella were the leading causes of diarrhea in year 1 while Shigella, Campylobacter, and heat-stable toxin–producing enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli were the leading causes in year 2. Norovirus was the only pathogen associated with length-for-age z score at 24 months and was positively associated (regression coefficient [RC], 0.42 [95% confidence interval {CI}, .04 to .80]). Norovirus (RC, 2.46 [95% CI, .05 to 4.87]) was also positively associated with cognitive scores while sapovirus (RC, –2.64 [95% CI, –4.80 to –.48]) and typical enteropathogenic E. coli (RC, –4.14 [95% CI, –8.02 to –.27]) were inversely associated. No pathogens were associated with language or motor scores. Significant maternal, socioeconomic, and perinatal predictors were identified for both growth and neurodevelopment.

Conclusions
Maternal, prenatal, and socioeconomic factors were common predictors of growth and neurodevelopment. Only a limited number of diarrheal pathogens were associated with these outcomes.
Whole-genome sequence diversity and association analysis of 198 soybean accessions in mini-core collections
Authors: Kajiya-Kanegae Hiromi , Nagasaki Hideki , Kaga Akito , Hirano Ko , Ogiso-Tanaka Eri , Matsuoka Makoto , Ishimori Motoyuki , Ishimoto Masao , Hashiguchi Masatsugu , Tanaka Hidenori , Akashi Ryo , Isobe Sachiko , Iwata Hiroyoshi 
Published: January 2021

AbstractWe performed whole-genome Illumina resequencing of 198 accessions to examine the genetic diversity and facilitate the use of soybean genetic resources and identified 10 million single nucleotide polymorphisms and 2.8 million small indels. Furthermore, PacBio resequencing of 10 accessions was performed, and a total of 2,033 structure variants were identified. Genetic diversity and structure analysis congregated the 198 accessions into three subgroups (Primitive, World, and Japan) and showed the possibility of a long and relatively isolated history of cultivated soybean in Japan. Additionally, the skewed regional distribution of variants in the genome, such as higher structural variations on the R gene clusters in the Japan group, suggested the possibility of selective sweeps during domestication or breeding. A genome-wide association study identified both known and novel causal variants on the genes controlling the flowering period. Novel candidate causal variants were also found on genes related to the seed coat colour by aligning together with Illumina and PacBio reads. The genomic sequences and variants obtained in this study have immense potential to provide information for soybean breeding and genetic studies that may uncover novel alleles or genes involved in agronomically important traits.
SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence Survey Estimates Are Affected by Anti-Nucleocapsid Antibody Decline
Authors: Bolotin Shelly , Tran Vanessa , Osman Selma , Brown Kevin A , Buchan Sarah A , Joh Eugene , Deeks Shelley L , Allen Vanessa G 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
We analyzed 21 676 residual specimens from Ontario, Canada collected March–August 2020 to investigate the effect of antibody decline on SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence estimates. Testing specimens orthogonally using Abbott (anti-nucleocapsid) and Ortho (anti-spike) assays, seroprevalence estimates were 0.4%–1.4%, despite ongoing disease activity. The geometric mean concentration (GMC) of antibody-positive specimens decreased over time (P = .015), and GMC of antibody-negative specimens increased over time (P = .0018). Association between the 2 tests decreased each month (P &lt; .001), suggesting anti-nucleocapsid antibody decline. Lowering Abbott antibody index cutoff from 1.4 to 0.7 resulted in a 16% increase in positive specimens.
Surgical management of a massive choledochal cyst
Authors: Nawabi Atta , Jabbari Javaneh , Nawabi Perwaiz 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Choledochal cysts (CC) are congenital bile duct anomalies, typically present in children. The size of CC vary, but they rarely exceed 9 cm. Surgical resection is the mainstay of treatment. This case report presents 18-year-old female with jaundice and abdominal pain. On imaging she was found to have a type I CC versus a type IVa CC. She was taken to the operating room where she was found to have a 20 cm type I CC. The patient experienced complete recovery after total resection of the extrahepatic cyst with reconstruction with a Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy. Preoperative diagnosis of the type of CCs can be challenging. Proper imaging preoperatively can aid in diagnosis of these cysts, but delineation of anatomy and type may not always be possible. If treated in a timely manner, it can help prevent both long- and short-term complications.
Uncertainties in galaxy rotation curves
Authors: Sellwood J A , Spekkens Kristine , Eckel Carter S 
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACT
Assessing the likelihood that the rotation curve of a galaxy matches predictions from galaxy formation simulations requires that the uncertainties in the circular speed as a function of radius derived from the observational data be statistically robust. Few uncertainties presented in the literature meet this requirement. In this paper, we present a new standalone tool, makemap, that estimates the fitted velocity at each pixel from Gauss–Hermite fits to a 3D spectral data cube, together with its uncertainty obtained from a modified bootstrap procedure. We apply this new tool to neutral hydrogen spectra for 18 galaxies from the THINGS sample, and present new velocity maps with uncertainties. We propagate the estimated uncertainties in the velocity map into our previously described model fitting tool DiskFit to derive new rotation curves. The uncertainties we obtain from these fits take into account not only the observational errors, but also uncertainties in the fitted systemic velocity, position of the rotation centre, inclination of the galaxy to the line of sight, and forced non-circular motion. They are therefore much better-defined than values that have previously been available. Our estimated uncertainties on the circular speeds differ from previous estimates by factors ranging up to of five, being smaller in some cases and larger in others. We conclude that kinematic models of well-resolved H i data sets vary widely in their precision and reliability, and therefore potentially in their value for comparisons with predictions from cosmological galaxy formation simulations.
Results of mental support for health care professionals and mental care during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: de Vroege Lars , van den Broek Anneloes 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) resulted into a global pandemic and continues to thrive until vaccines have been successfully developed and distributed around the world. The outcomes of COVID-19 contaminations range from death to minor health-related complaints. Furthermore, and not less significant, the increasing pressure on local as well as global health care is rising. In The Netherlands but also in other countries, further intensified regulations are introduced in order to contain the second wave of COVID-19, primarily to limit the number contaminations but also to prevent the health care professionals for giving in to the rising pressure on them. The results of the campaign for health care professionals in The Netherlands show that health care professionals are increasingly searching for information regarding psychological symptoms such as feeling of uncertainty, pondering and advice regarding the support of care teams. In this short update, we provide the results of the previous campaign and stress the importance of support after COVID-19 based on these results.
New insights into the epidemiology of ANCA-associated vasculitides in Germany: results from a claims data study
Authors: Hellmich Bernhard , Lamprecht Peter , Spearpoint Philip , Götte Dieter , Deichmann Angelika , Buchholz Ina , Schönermark Matthias P , Rutherford Peter 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Objective
ANCA-associated vasculitides (AAV) are rare, potentially life-threatening autoimmune diseases characterized by systemic inflammation and organ damage. AAV prevalence rates reported in Europe vary considerably and robust data sources are often lacking. This study aimed to examine the feasibility of claims data analysis as a complementary method to registry-based studies to assess the epidemiology of AAV.

Methods
In this retrospective observational study, anonymized longitudinal claims data from years 2013–2016 from German statutory health insurance companies (data source: InGef, Institute for Applied Health Research) have been analysed on an age- and gender-stratified cohort of ∼3 million persons representative of the German population. In this cohort, granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) and microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) patients were identified.

Results
The study cohort revealed a prevalence for GPA and MPA of 210 and 46 cases per million people, respectively. The annual incidence comprised 34 GPA cases and 13 MPA cases per million people per year. Hence, 17 500 AAV patients (GPA and MPA) are estimated to live in Germany, with an annual increase of 3200 patients. According to their demographic and disease-specific characteristics, AAV patients identified in this claims data approach are representative.

Conclusion
This is the first study using claims data to assess the epidemiology of AAV. In Germany, AAV was diagnosed more frequently than it was estimated by previous self-reporting registry-based studies. The findings indicate that epidemiological data of AAV may have been underestimated but may also reflect improved diagnostic methods and disease recognition.
THERMOLUMINESCENCE AND KINETIC PARAMETERS OF MICRO-NANO MATRIX OF LITHIUM TRIBORATE AND ZINC OXIDE NANOPARTICLE
Authors: Samuel Ajayi Oladele , Samuel Oluyamo Sunday , Uche Ofiwe Collins , Ayoade Aborisade Caleb , Ayodele Oke James 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
This study presents the first report on the kinetic parameters of micro-nano interaction of lithium triborate microparticles doped with zinc oxide nanoparticles (LBZ) in 0.1 to 0.4% dopant concentrations. The parent-dopant mix was synthesized using high-temperature solid-state method. The materials were subjected to X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) to ascertain their structural, physical properties as well as gamma irradiation and thermoluminescence (TL) analysis for their dosimetric properties. XRD and DTA confirmed the formation of polycrystalline lithium triborate compounds, while SEM and EDS showed the presence of the dopant. TL analysis presented a simple glow curve structure with the main temperature peak for different dopant concentrations varying from 243 to 327°C. The activation energy (E) and frequency factor (s) were calculated for each peak shape parameter τ (low temperature half width), δ (high temperature half-width) and ω (total half width) using Chen’s peak shape (PS) method and the order of kinetics was deduced from the symmetry factor (μg) and gamma dose–response curves. The activation energy and frequency factor with respect to the peak shape parameters Eτ, Eδ, Eω and sτ, sδ, sω across the dopant concentrations were in the range of 1.14 to 2.2 eV and 3.92 × 1010 to 7.71 × 1022 s−1, respectively. Comparing the methods for the determination of the order of kinetics, LBZ 0.2% agrees with the conditions of first-order kinetics, while second-order kinetics is assigned to LBZ 0.1, 0.3 and 0.4%. The results present simple glow curve structure which relates to stability, high-temperature peaks and E values which correspond to deep trap states.
Predicting Syndesmotic Injury in OTA/AO 44-B2.1 (Danis–Weber B) Fractures
Authors: Kellam Patrick J. , Dekeyser Graham J. , Haller Justin M. , Rothberg David L. , Higgins Thomas F. , Marchand Lucas S. 
Published: January 2021

Objective:
To establish if preoperative radiographs could predict the rate of syndesmotic injury.

Setting:
Level 1 trauma center.

Design:
Retrospective cohort study.

Patients/Participants:
There were 548 OTA/AO 44-B2.1 fractures that were reviewed, and 287 patients were included in the study.

Main Outcome Measurements:
Ankle radiographs were used to determine the zone of distal extent of the proximal fracture fragment. Syndesmotic injury was defined as positive intraoperative stress examination that required syndesmotic fixation.

Results:
There were 191 zone 1 (ending below the plafond) injuries, 57 zone 2 (ending between the physeal scar and the plafond) injuries, and 39 zone 3 (ending above the physeal scar) injuries. Of these, 17% (33 patients) of zone 1, 42% (24) of zone 2, and 74% (29) of zone 3 fractures had syndesmotic injuries. The relative risk of syndesmotic injury of zone 1 compared with zone 2 was 2.4 (P < 0.001), zone 1 to zone 3 was 4.3 (P < 0.001), and zone 2 to zone 3 was 1.8 (P = 0.002). The interobserver and intraobserver reliability was excellent (κ = 0.86, 0.94).

Conclusion:
OTA/AO 44-B2.1 fractures have a varying rate of syndesmotic injury. Weber B fractures that end between the level of the plafond and the physeal scar (zone 2) are 2.4 times more likely to have a syndesmotic injury compared with those that end below the plafond (zone 1). This is magnified in those injuries ending above the scar (zone 3). This simple classification of OTA/AO 44-B2.1 fractures is predictive of syndesmotic injury and may aid in preoperative counseling and planning.

Level of Evidence:
Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
The Silent Pandemic COVID-19 in the Asymptomatic Population
Authors: Stout Robert L. , Rigatti Steven J. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAs the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage the world there is a great need to understand the dynamics of spread. Currently the seroprevalence of asymptomatic COVID-19 doubles every 3 months, this silent epidemic of new infections may be the main driving force behind the rapid increase in SARS-CoV-2 cases.Public health official quickly recognized that clinical cases were just the tip of the iceberg. In fact a great deal of the spread was being driven by the asymptomatically infected who continued to go out, socialize and go to work. While seropositivity is an insensitive marker for acute infection it does tell us about the prevalence COVID-19 in the population.ObjectiveDescribe the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the United States over time.MethodologyRepeated convenience samples from a commercial laboratory dedicated to the assessment of life insurance applicants were tested for the presence of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, in several time periods between May and December of 2020. US census data were used to estimate the population prevalence of seropositivity.ResultsThe raw seroprevalence in the May-June, September, and December timeframes were 3.0%, 6.6% and 10.4%, respectively. Higher rates were noted in younger vs. older age groups. Total estimated seroprevalence in the US is estimated at 25.7 million cases.ConclusionsThe seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 demonstrates a significantly larger pool of individuals who have contract COVID-19 and recovered, implying a lower case rate of hospitalizations and deaths than have been reported so far.