bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mitigation the adverse effect of salinity stress on the performance of the tomato crop by exogenous application of chitosan
Authors: Ullah Naeem , Basit Abdul , Ahmad Imran , Ullah Izhar , Shah Syed Tanveer , Mohamed Heba I. , Javed Shahryar 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundIn recent years, ecofriendly compounds such as chitosan has been used to alleviate the destructive effects of salt stress. Chitosan is a natural biodegradable compound with no toxicity in nature and act as a stress tolerance inductor involved in physiological processes and prevent water loss through transpiration. Tomato cv. Rio Grande grown in pots was subjected with salinity stress in the form of 4 levels (0, 50, 100 and 150 mM) whose effect was mediated by treating it with different concentration of chitosan (0, 50, 100 and 150 mg L−1).ResultsThe data revealed that various application of salinity had a negative effect on almost all the studied parameters. Tomato plants treated with distilled water having no salinity (control) recorded maximum plant height (cm), average number of compound leaves plant−1, leaf area (cm2), stem diameter (mm), number of fruits plant−1, fruit firmness (kg cm−2), leaf chlorophyll content (SPAD), fruit juice pH, yield plant−1(kg) and minimum total soluble solids (Brix°). Whereas, minimum plant height (cm), average number of compound leaves plant−1, leaf area (cm2), stem diameter (mm), number of fruits plant−1, fruit firmness (kg cm−2), leaf chlorophyll content (SPAD), fruit juice pH, yield plant−1(kg) and maximum total soluble solids (Brix°) were found in plants treated with salinity level of 150 mM. Chitosan concentration of 150 mg L−1significantly mediated the effect of salinity stress and recorded maximum plant height (cm), average number of compound leaves plant−1, leaf area (cm2), stem diameter (mm), number of fruits plant−1, fruit firmness (kg cm−2), leaf chlorophyll content (SPAD), total soluble solids (Brix°) and yield plant−1(kg) with minimum fruit juice pH.ConclusionIt is concluded that foliar application of chitosan at the rate of 150 mg L−1and salinity stress 150 mM could have positive impact on performance of tomato.
Combined subthalamic and nucleus basalis of Meynert deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s disease with dementia (DEMPARK-DBS): protocol of a randomized, sham-controlled trial
Authors: Daniels Christine , Steigerwald Frank , Capetian Philipp , Matthies Cordula , Malzahn Uwe , Heuschmann Peter U. , Volkmann Jens 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Introduction
Dementia in Parkinson’s disease (PDD) is a common non-motor symptom of advanced disease, associated with pronounced neocortical cholinergic deficits due to neurodegeneration of the nucleus basalis of Meynert (NBM) and its cholinergic terminals. In advanced PD, patients often require advanced therapies such as infusion therapy or deep brain stimulation (DBS) to improve motor control. However, patients with associated dementia are commonly excluded from DBS because of potential deterioration of cognitive functions. Yet marked reductions in dopaminergic medication and the subsequent risk of side effects (e.g., cognitive decline, psychosis, delirium) suggest that critical re-consideration of DBS of the subthalamic nucleus (STN-DBS) for advanced stages of PD and PDD is worthwhile. In this Phase 1b study, we will provide STN-DBS to a cohort of PDD patients with severe motor fluctuations and combine two additional electrodes for augmentative neurostimulation of the NBM.

Methods
We aim to include 12 patients with mild-to-moderately severe PDD who fulfill indication criteria regarding motor symptoms for STN-DBS. Eligible patients will undergo implantation of a neurostimulation system with bilateral electrodes in both the STN and NBM. After 12 weeks of STN-DBS (visit 1/V1), participants will be randomized to receive either effective neurostimulation of the NBM (group 1) or sham stimulation of the NBM (group 2). NBM-DBS will be activated in all participants after 24 weeks of blinded treatment (visit 2/V2). The primary outcome will be the safety of combined bilateral STN- and NBM-DBS, determined by spontaneously-reported adverse events. Other outcome measures will comprise changes on scales evaluating cognition, activities of daily living functioning and clinical global impression, as well as motor functions, mood, behavior, caregiver burden and health economic aspects, and several domain-specific cognitive tests. Changes in scores (V1 – V2) for both treatment arms will undergo analysis of covariances, with baseline scores as covariates.

Perspective
The feasibility and safety of combined STN-NBM-DBS in patients with PDD will be assessed to determine whether additional NBM-DBS improves or slows the progression of cognitive decline. Positive results would provide a basic concept for future studies evaluating the efficacy of NBM-DBS in larger PDD cohorts. Indirectly, proof-of-safety of STN-DBS in PDD might influence patient selection for this standard treatment option in advanced PD.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov identifier (NCT number): NCT02589925.
Feminizing genitoplasty in childhood: aiming for achievable outcomes
Authors: AbouZeid Amr Abdelhamid 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundEarly genital reconstruction may be recommended in cases of congenital adrenal hyperplasia to avoid the stigma that can affect these individuals with variable degrees through different cultures. However, the separation and mobilization of a high vagina has remained challenging with less satisfactory surgical outcomes. Therefore, the value of early vaginal reconstruction has been questioned in favour of delaying the whole repair after puberty. In this report, the author has adopted the third option in-between, which comprises early reconstruction of the external genitalia and delaying the more challenging vaginal reconstruction (if needed) to be performed after puberty.ResultsThe study included ten consecutive cases of CAH who underwent feminizing genitoplasty during the period 2016 through 2019. Their age at operation ranged from 8 to 84 months (mean 31; median 15).In five cases (50%), the technique of limited urogenital sinus mobilization adopted in this report succeeded in bringing the vaginal introitus down to the perineum. Those cases had originally a low vagina. In the rest of cases, labial retraction showed a common but wide urogenital introitus perfectly lined by urogenital mucosa. The outcomes have been considered satisfactory to a great extent for both parents and doctors regarding cosmesis and lack of functional complications (voiding problems). Longer follow up is still needed to assess the sexual function when these girls become sexually active.ConclusionIn cases of congenital adrenal hyperplasia, reduction clitoroplasty combined with partial urogenital sinus mobilization can achieve predictable and satisfactory outcomes. In about 50% of cases, this approach is sufficient to bring the vagina down to the perineum. In the other half of cases with higher vagina, the possibility of satisfactory sinus intercourse can be studied when these girls grow and become sexually active; otherwise, a delayed vaginal reconstruction may turn to be necessary.
Rising Circulating Tumor DNA As a Molecular Biomarker of Early Disease Progression in Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Velimirovic Marko , Juric Dejan , Niemierko Andrzej , Spring Laura , Vidula Neelima , Wander Seth A. , Medford Arielle , Parikh Aparna , Malvarosa Giuliana , Yuen Megan , Corcoran Ryan , Moy Beverly , Isakoff Steven J. , Ellisen Leif W. , Iafrate Anthony , Chabner Bruce , Bardia Aditya 
Published: October 2020

PURPOSE Accurate monitoring of therapeutic response remains an important unmet need for patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Analysis of tumor genomics obtained via circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) can provide a comprehensive overview of tumor evolution. Here, we evaluated ctDNA change as an early prognostic biomarker of subsequent radiologic progression and survival in MBC. PATIENTS AND METHODS Paired blood samples from patients with MBC were analyzed for levels of ctDNA, carcinoembryonic antigen, and cancer antigen 15-3 at baseline and during treatment. A Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments–certified sequencing panel of 73 genes was used to quantify tumor-specific point mutations in ctDNA. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the association between ctDNA rise from baseline to during-treatment (genomic progression) and subsequent radiologic progression and progression-free survival (PFS). RESULTS Somatic mutations were detected in 76 baseline samples (90.5%) and 71 during-treatment samples (84.5%). Patients with genomic progression were more than twice as likely to have subsequent radiologic progression (odds ratio, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.74 to 2.41; P < .0001), with a mean lead time of 5.8 weeks. Genomic assessment provided a high positive predictive value of 81.8% and a negative predictive value of 89.7%. The subset of patients with genomic progression also had shorter PFS (median, 4.2 v 8.3 months; hazard ratio, 2.97; 95% CI, 1.75 to 5.04; log-rank P < .0001) compared with those without genomic progression. CONCLUSION Genomic progression, as assessed by early rise in ctDNA, is an independent biomarker of disease progression before overt radiologic or clinical progression becomes evident in patients with MBC.
Estrogen Receptors in Nonfunctioning Pituitary Neuroendocrine Tumors: Review on Expression and Gonadotroph Functions
Authors: Haydar Ali Tajuddin Amalina , Kamaruddin Norazmi , Sukor Norlela , Azizan Elena Aisha , Omar Ahmad Marzuki 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAbstractEstrogen (17β-estradiol or E2) is a crucial regulator of the synthesis and secretion of pituitary reproductive hormones luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and prolactin. In this review, we summarize the role of estrogen receptors in nonfunctioning pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (NF-Pitnets), focusing on immunoexpression and gonadotroph cell proliferation and apoptosis. Gonadotroph tumors are the most common subtype of NF-Pitnets. Two major estrogen receptor (ER) isoforms expressed in the pituitary are estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and estrogen receptor beta (ERβ). Overall, estrogen actions are mostly exerted through the ERα isoform on the pituitary. The G protein–coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) located at the plasma membrane may contribute to nongenomic effects of estrogen. Nuclear immunoreactivity for ERα and ERβ was highest among gonadotroph and null cell tumors. Silent corticotroph tumors are the least immunoreactive for both receptors. A significantly elevated ERα expression was observed in macroadenomas compared with microadenomas. ERα and ERβ may act in opposite directions to regulate the Slug-E-cadherin pathway and to affect invasiveness of NF-Pitnets. In the cellular pathway, ERs regulate estrogen-induced proliferation and differentiation and impact several signaling pathways including the MAPK and PI3K/Akt pathway. Estrogen was the first-discovered inducer of pituitary tumor transforming gene 1 that was abundantly expressed in NF-Pitnets. ERα can be a potential biomarker for predicting tumor size and invasiveness as well as therapeutic target for NF-Pitnets. Selective estrogen receptor modulators or antiestrogen may represent as an alternative choice for the treatment of NF-Pitnets.
Healthcare providers’ perspective on barriers to optimal HIV index testing: an interview-based study
Authors: Katamba Cibangu 
Published: October 2020

Background: HIV testing services (HTS) and antiretroviral therapy have seen a substantial scale-up. Poorly targeted HTS have continued to miss people living with HIV who do not know their HIV status. This requires new and targeted approaches to reach undiagnosed people with HIV, such as HIV partner services. The aim of this study was to assess the barriers to optimal index testing for improved HIV testing yield in Lusaka, Zambia. Methods: One-to-one interviews were conducted with index testing providers to explore provider-related and client-related barriers to testing, and document other experiences arising during the process of HIV index testing. An interview guide was utilized for consistency of information collected. Results: Provider related challenges included inadequate elicitation skills among healthcare workers; low number of volunteers trained in index testing; inadequate index testing knowledge among staff; limited elicitation of index partners to only wife and husband (not eliciting all sexual partners); and limited transport for contact tracing. On the other hand, client-related challenges were mobile communities due to seasonal activities such as cross boarder trades, sex work and farming; some key populations and adolescent index clients do not have contact details for their casual relationships; provider’s age or gender difference for some clients; missing details on client locator forms or wrong details provided; and limited space dedicated to conduct elicitation of index clients. Discussion: The challenges identified have future implications for index partner testing. These barriers were also gender and age specific. HIV testing services need to adapt to the social context of Zambia where HIV-related stigma and discrimination is still persistent and overwhelming. As Zambia makes significant progress towards achieving HIV epidemic control, more effort is needed to reach specific high risk but hard to reach populations in HIV programs, such as men and adolescent girls and young women.
The influence of human genetic variation on early transcriptional responses and protective immunity following immunization with Rotarix vaccine in infants in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam: A study protocol for an open single-arm interventional trial
Authors: de Alwis Ruklanthi , My Phuc Tran , Yu Hang Bai Benjamin , Le Thi Quynh Nhi , Thi Thanh Tam Pham , Thi Ngoc Dung Tran , Thi Thanh Nhan Nguyen , Vinh Chau , Van Hien Ho , Thanh Hoang Nhat Le , Thi Thu Hong Nguyen , Thi Mong Tuyen Nguyen , Thi Thuy Trang Hoang , Phuong Thao Le , Thi Ngoc Diep Vo , Thi Hai Chau Pham , Quan Thinh Le , Thi Ngoc Thu Huynh , Nguyet Hang Ngo , Cong Danh Mai , Doan Hao Tran , Anh Dao Truong , Dai Lam , Thi Huyen Diu Vo , Thi En Nguyen , Thi Tuyet Hanh Nguyen , Thi Hanh Le , Pham Thu Hien Huynh , Thi Thuy Linh Nguyen , Darton Thomas C. , Thwaites Guy E , Kestelyn Evelyne , Lan Vi Lu , Thi Thuy Tien Bui , Thi Diem Tuyet Hoang , Anderson Carl , Baker Stephen 
Published: October 2020

Background: Rotavirus (RoV) remains the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis in infants and children aged under five years in both high- and low-middle-income countries (LMICs). In LMICs, RoV infections are associated with substantial mortality. Two RoV vaccines (Rotarix and Rotateq) are widely available for use in infants, both of which have been shown to be highly efficacious in Europe and North America. However, for unknown reasons, these RoV vaccines have markedly lower efficacy in LMICs. We hypothesize that poor RoV vaccine efficacy across in certain regions may be associated with genetic heritability or gene expression in the human host. Methods/design: We designed an open-label single-arm interventional trial with the Rotarix RoV vaccine to identify genetic and transcriptomic markers associated with generating a protective immune response against RoV. Overall, 1,000 infants will be recruited prior to Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) vaccinations at two months of age and vaccinated with oral Rotarix vaccine at two and three months, after which the infants will be followed-up for diarrheal disease until 18 months of age. Blood sampling for genetics, transcriptomics, and immunological analysis will be conducted before each Rotarix vaccination, 2-3 days post-vaccination, and at each follow-up visit (i.e. 6, 12 and 18 months of age). Stool samples will be collected during each diarrheal episode to identify RoV infection. The primary outcome will be Rotarix vaccine failure events (i.e. symptomatic RoV infection despite vaccination), secondary outcomes will be antibody responses and genotypic characterization of the infection virus in Rotarix failure events. Discussion: This study will be the largest and best powered study of its kind to be conducted to date in infants, and will be critical for our understanding of RoV immunity, human genetics in the Vietnam population, and mechanisms determining RoV vaccine-mediated protection. Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT03587389. Registered on 16 July 2018.
Quantifying the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on orthopaedic trainees
Authors: Sheridan Gerard A. , Hughes Andrew J. , Quinlan John F. , Sheehan Eoin , O'Byrne John M. 
Published: October 2020

AimsWe aim to objectively assess the impact of COVID-19 on mean total operative cases for all indicative procedures (as outlined by the Joint Committee on Surgical Training (JCST)) experienced by orthopaedic trainees in the deanery of the Republic of Ireland. Subjective experiences were reported for each trainee using questionnaires.MethodsDuring the first four weeks of the nationwide lockdown due to COVID-19, the objective impact of the pandemic on each trainee’s surgical caseload exposure was assessed using data from individual trainee logbook profiles in the deanery of the Republic of Ireland. Independent predictor variables included the trainee grade (ST 3 to 8), the individual trainee, the unit that the logbook was reported from, and the year in which the logbook was recorded. We used the analysis of variance (ANOVA) test to assess for any statistically significant predictor variables. The subjective experience of each trainee was captured using an electronic questionnaire.ResultsThe mean number of total procedures per trainee over four weeks was 36.8 (7 to 99; standard deviation (SD) 19.67) in 2018, 40.6 (6 to 81; SD 17.90) in 2019, and 18.3 (3 to 65; SD 11.70) during the pandemic of 2020 (p = 0.043). Significant reductions were noted for all elective indicative procedures, including arthroplasty (p = 0.019), osteotomy (p = 0.045), nerve decompression (p = 0.024) and arthroscopy (p = 0.024). In contrast, none of the nine indicative procedures for trauma were reduced. There was a significant inter-unit difference in the mean number of total cases (p = 0.029) and indicative cases (p = 0.0005) per trainee. We noted that 7.69% (n = 3) of trainees contracted COVID-19.ConclusionDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, the mean number of operative cases per trainee has been significantly reduced for four of the 13 indicative procedures, as outlined by the JCST. Reassignment of trainees to high-volume institutions in the future may be a plausible approach to mitigate significant training deficits in those trainees worst impacted by the reduction in operative exposure.
Selektion von Geschäftsprozessen zur Anwendung von Robotic Process Automation am Beispiel einer Versicherung
Authors: Eggert Mathias , Moulen Tobias 
Published: October 2020

ZusammenfassungHäufig bremsen geringe IT-Ressourcen, fehlende Softwareschnittstellen oder eine veraltete und komplex gewachsene Systemlandschaft die Automatisierung von Geschäftsprozessen. Robotic Process Automation (RPA) ist eine vielversprechende Methode, um Geschäftsprozesse oberflächenbasiert und ohne größere Systemeingriffe zu automatisieren und Medienbrüche abzubauen. Die Auswahl der passenden Prozesse ist dabei für den Erfolg von RPA-Projekten entscheidend. Der vorliegende Beitrag liefert dafür Selektionskriterien, die aus einer qualitativen Inhaltanalyse von elf Interviews mit RPA-Experten aus dem Versicherungsumfeld resultieren. Das Ergebnis umfasst eine gewichtetet Liste von sieben Dimensionen und 51 Prozesskriterien, welche die Automatisierung mit Softwarerobotern begünstigen bzw. deren Nichterfüllung eine Umsetzung erschweren oder sogar verhindern. Die drei wichtigsten Kriterien zur Auswahl von Geschäftsprozessen für die Automatisierung mittels RPA umfassen die Entlastung der an dem Prozess mitwirkenden Mitarbeiter (Arbeitnehmerüberlastung), die Ausführbarkeit des Prozesses mittels Regeln (Regelbasierte Prozessteuerung) sowie ein positiver Kosten-Nutzen-Vergleich. Praktiker können diese Kriterien verwenden, um eine systematische Auswahl von RPA-relevanten Prozessen vorzunehmen. Aus wissenschaftlicher Perspektive stellen die Ergebnisse eine Grundlage zur Erklärung des Erfolgs und Misserfolgs von RPA-Projekten dar.
WYZNACZNIKI PROFESJONALIZMU NAUCZYCIELA – DYSKUSJA GLOTTODYDAKTYCZNA A POLITYKA I PRAKTYKA OŚWIATOWA
Authors: Jaworska Mariola 
Published: October 2020

The professionalism of a teacher is their competence, expertise, “knowledge of the craft”, but also the ability to meet high cognitive, operational and ethical standards. On the one hand, this is rooted in social and cultural expectations, related to the educational needs of society, but on the other it has a personality dimension, connected with the teacher’s individuality, which is evidenced in the specific relations they have with students.
This article aims to analyse the determinants of the professionalism of the contemporary foreign language teacher found in recent glottodidactic discussion and compare these to the current educational policy and practice. It will present both theoretical approaches and the selected results of studies and reports on this topic.
Bleomycin-induced pulmonary toxicity in Hodgkin`s lymphoma patients
Authors: Shakhtarina S. V. , Danilenko A. A. , Afanasova N. V. , Falaleeva N. A. , Ivanov S. A. , Kaprin A. D. 
Published: October 2020

Bleomycin used as part of many chemo-therapeutic programs for treating Hodgkin lymphoma is associated with pulmonary toxicity. Development of complications after mediastinal radiotherapy is also well-known. However, the synergistic effect of the combination of radiotherapy and bleomycin is considered in the literature much less frequently and mainly when using the total focal doses (SOD) of 36 – 40 Gy. Since 1998 the chemo-radiotherapeutic regimens applied to the treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma in the MRRC (Obninsk) has involved subradical TTD of 20 – 30 Gy. The goal of the study is to evaluate pulmonary toxicity in Hodgkin lymphoma patients treated with chemo-radiotherapy involving ABVD and mediastinal treatment with TTD of 20 – 30 Gy.Methods. A series of 142 Hodgkin lymphoma patients received ABVD and mediastinal radiotherapy at the TTD 20 – 30 Gy. Conventional film and digital chest X-rays, linear and digital tomograms taken at different stages of treatment and follow up were analysed.Results. Changes in lungs in the form of a pathologic pulmonary pattern (interstitial pneumonitis) were seen in 39 (27.5%) of 142 patients. In 10 (25.6%) of 39 patients focal or confluent pneumonitis infiltration were found, that was 7% of the whole study group. Clinical evidence of bleomycin-induced pneumonitis was found in 6 (15.4%) of 39 patients. With follow-up terms up to 60 months fibrotic changes in lungs were absent. The occurrence of radiation pneumonitis was 17.6%, radiation fibrosis – 35.9%. Fibrotic changes were mainly grade 1 (94.1%). In HL patients with bleomycin-induced pneumonitis the occurrence of radiation pneumonitis was 43.6% (17 of 39 patients), radiation fibrosis – 58.9% (23 of 39 patients) while the corresponding figures for patients who did not have bleomycin-induced pneumonitis were 8.7% (9 of 103 patients) and 27.2% (28 of 103 patients), respectively (p < 0.001).Conclusion. A statistically significant increase in occurrence of radiation pneumonitis and radiation fibrosis was defined in HL patients who suffered bleomycin-induced pneumonitis.