bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Autologous Facial Fat Transfer: Soft Tissue Augmentation and Regnenerative Therapy
Authors: Clauser Luigi 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Soft-tissue contour deficiencies depend on various origins including esthetics, congenital and post trauma asymmetries, post tumor defects, and chronic wound sequelae. Reconstructions or repairs are still a challenge today. Fat grafting is an old reconstructive technique dating back to 1893, but it has only recently become popular, especially among plastic surgeons. Being generally disregarded by medical practitioners for many years, adipose tissue has come into the spotlight because it is omnipresent and easily obtainable in substantial quantities with little patient discomfort and no relevant donor-site morbidity. Particularly, adipose tissue contains more multipotent cells per cc than bone marrow does. For example, 1 g of adipose tissue yields ∼5 × 103 stem cells, that is, 100-fold higher than the number of mesenchymal stem cells in 1 g of bone marrow. In reconstructive surgery, both adipose tissue aspiration and fat transfer have become typical surgical procedures. It is quite easy to harvest an abundant volume of tissue, obtaining a large amount of isolated stem and therapeutically active cells without needing cell expansion in tissue culture facilities. This procedure will likely mark the beginning of a new era in both regenerative medicine and facial–craniofacial reconstructions.
The Power of Predictive Model for Age and Sex Using Nasal Parameters
Authors: Obaje Godwin Sunday , Mbagwu Martins , Egwu Augustine Ogugua 
Published: August 2020

Like languages, facial features have been linked to ethnicities. Basically, nasal index is ratio of nasal breadth to nasal length, which varies greatly among different anthropometric groups and climate regions. Aim: to investigate sexual dimorphic characterization in nasal parameters of the Ikwo population in South-east, Nigeria.

Materials and Methods:
The study recruited 250 Ikwo samples (males = 130, females = 120), after ethical approval gotten from University Research Committee and informed consents signed by the participants. Nasal length, width and indices were measured.

Results:
Age and nasal indices appeared positively correlated but with weak R 2 Adjusted value (Age = 146 + 1.91 × Nasal indices, 35%). Also, sex and nasal indices were positive and very strong adjusted level (NI = 61+0.24 × Male and 61 + 0.084 × Female, and 82%).

Conclusion:
The mean nasal indices for both sexes in Ikwo population belong to platyrrhine nose classification, with predictive power that can be helpful in forensic science, craniofacial surgery, neurosurgery and developmental biology.
Castleman Disease: An Unusual Cause of an Isolated Neck Mass
Authors: Abuzayed Bashar , Said Anas , Jamous Osama , Al-Abadi Husesein , Al-Ashqar Omar , Alawneh Khaled 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
A 15-year old female patient was complaining from swelling in the left side of the neck since 3 months. Physical examination showed palpable and mobile left supraclavicular neck mass in the carotid triangle, uvula deviation to the left side and normal vocal cords position and function. Neck imagings showed well-defined, well-encapsulated left neck mass in the left carotid sheath pushing the internal jugular vein anteriorly and the common carotid artery posteriorly. The mass was extending from the level of C4 superiorly and the supraclavicular region inferiorly. Patient was operated with left anterior approach and circumferential dissection and enucleation was performed. Post-operative period was uneventful and devoid of any complications or deficits. Histopathological examination revealed Castleman disease.
SARS-CoV-2 Is Present in Peritoneal Fluid in COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Coccolini Federico , Tartaglia Dario , Puglisi Adolfo , Giordano Cesira , Pistello Mauro , Lodato Marianna , Chiarugi Massimo 
Published: August 2020

Background:
The excretion pathomechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 are actually unknown. No certain data exist about viral load in the different body compartments and fluids during the different disease phases.

Material and Methods:
Specific real-time reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction targeting 3 SARS-CoV-e genes were used to detect the presence of the virus.

Results:
SARS-CoV-2 was detected in peritoneal fluid at a higher concentration than in respiratory tract.

Conclusion:
Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in peritoneal fluid has never been reported. The present article represents the very first positive result describing the presence of the virus in peritoneal fluid during an emergency surgical procedure in a COVID-19 sick patient. This article thus represents a warning for increasing the level of awareness and protection for surgeon especially in emergency surgical setting.
Underrepresented Minorities in Surgical Residencies
Authors: Keshinro Ajaratu , Frangos Spiros , Berman Russell S. , DiMaggio Charles , Klein Michael J. , Bukur Marko , Welcome Akuezunkpa Ude , Pachter Hersch Leon , Berry Cherisse 
Published: August 2020

Objective:
To describe and evaluate trends of general surgery residency applicants, matriculants, and graduates over the last 13 years.

Summary of Background Data:
The application and matriculation rates of URMs to medical school has remained unchanged over the last three decades with Blacks and Hispanics representing 7.1% and 6.3% of matriculants, respectively. With each succession along the surgical career pathway, from medical school to residency to a faculty position, the percentage of URMs decreases.

Methods:
The Electronic Residency Application Service to General Surgery Residency and the Graduate Medical Education Survey of residents completing general surgery residency were retrospectively analyzed (2005–2018). Data were stratified by race, descriptive statistics were performed, and time series were charted.

Results:
From 2005 to 2018, there were 71,687 Electronic Residency Application Service applicants to general surgery residencies, 26,237 first year matriculants, and 24,893 general surgery residency graduates. Whites followed by Asians represented the highest percentage of applicants (n = 31,197, 43.5% and n = 16,602, 23%), matriculants (n = 16,395, 62.5% and n = 4768, 18.2%), and graduates (n = 15,239, 61% and n = 4804, 19%). For URMs, the applicants (n = 8603, 12%, P < 0.00001), matriculants (n = 2420, 9.2%, P = 0.0158), and graduates (n = 2508, 10%, P = 0.906) remained significantly low and unchanged, respectively, whereas the attrition was significantly higher (3.6%, P = 0.049) when compared to Whites (2.6%) and Asians (2.9%).

Conclusion:
Significant disparities in the application, matriculation, graduation, and attrition rates for general surgery residency exists for URMs. A call to action is needed to re-examine and improve existing recommendations/paradigms to increase the number of URMs in the surgery training pipeline.
A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Sippel Rebecca S. , Robbins Sarah E. , Poehls Jennifer L. , Pitt Susan C. , Chen Herbert , Leverson Glen , Long Kristin L. , Schneider David F. , Connor Nadine P. 
Published: August 2020

Objective:
The aim of this prospective randomized-controlled trial was to evaluate the risks/benefits of prophylactic central neck dissection (pCND) in patients with clinically node negative (cN0) papillary thyroid cancer (PTC).

Background:
Microscopic lymph node involvement in patients with PTC is common, but the optimal management is unclear.

Methods:
Sixty patients with cN0 PTC were randomized to a total thyroidectomy (TT) or a TT+ pCND. All patients received postoperative laryngoscopies and standardized radioiodine treatment. Thyroglobulin (Tg) levels and/or neck ultrasounds were performed at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year.

Results:
Tumors averaged 2.2 ± 0.2 cm and 11.9% had extra-thyroidal extension. Thirty patients underwent a pCND and 27.6% had positive nodes (all ≤6 mm). Rates of postoperative PTH < 10 (33.3% vs 24.1%, P = 0.57) and transient nerve dysfunction (13.3% vs 10.3%, P = 1.00) were not significantly different between groups. Six weeks after surgery, both TT and TT + pCND were equally likely to achieve a Tg < 0.2 (54.5% vs 66.7%, P = 0.54) and/or a stimulated Tg (sTg) <1 (59.3% vs 64.0%, P = 0.78). At 1 year, rates of Tg < 0.2 (88.9% vs 90.0%, P = 1.00) and sTg < 1 (93.8% vs 92.3%, P = 1.00) remained similar between groups. Neck ultrasounds at 1 year were equally likely to be read as normal (85.7% in TT vs 85.1% in pCND, P = 1.00).

Conclusions:
cN0 PTC patients treated either with TT or TT + pCND had similar complication rates after surgery. Although microscopic nodes were discovered in 27.6% of pCND patients, oncologic outcomes were comparable at 1 year.
The prospects of targeting DUX4 in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy
Authors: Bouwman Linde F. , van der Maarel Silvère M. , de Greef Jessica C. 
Published: August 2020

Purpose of reviewFacioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is a neuromuscular disorder, which is caused by incomplete repression of the transcription factor double homeobox 4 (DUX4) in skeletal muscle. To date, there is no DUX4-targeting treatment to prevent or delay disease progression. In the present review, we summarize developments in therapeutic strategies with the focus on inhibiting DUX4 and DUX4 target gene expression.Recent findingsDifferent studies show that DUX4 and its target genes can be repressed with genetic therapies using diverse strategies. Additionally, different small compounds can reduce DUX4 and its target genesin vitroandin vivo.SummaryMost studies that show DUX4 repression by genetic therapies have only been testedin vitro. More efforts should be made to test themin vivofor clinical translation. Several compounds have been shown to prevent DUX4 and target gene expressionin vitroandin vivo. However, their efficiency and specificity has not yet been shown. With emerging clinical trials, the clinical benefit from DUX4 repression in FSHD will likely soon become apparent.
Nonomuraea nitratireducens sp. nov., a new actinobacterium isolated from Suaeda australis Moq. rhizosphere
Authors: Ou Yixin , Sheng Yong , Hu Xiaojing , Leng Dongjin , Huang Jiafu , Hu Zhiyu , Bai Linquan , Deng Zixin , Kang Qianjin , Wu Yingying 
Published: August 2020

A novel actinomycete, designated WYY166T, was isolated from the rhizosphere of Suaeda australis Moq. collected in Dongfang, PR China. The taxonomic position of this strain was investigated using a polyphasic approach. Phylogenetic analysis based on its 16S rRNA gene referred strain WYY166T to the genus

Nonomuraea

, and it was most closely related to the type strains

Nonomuraea candida

HMC10T,

Nonomuraea turkmeniaca

DSM 43926T,

Nonomuraea maritima

NBRC 106687T and

Nonomuraea polychroma

DSM 43925T (98.35, 97.60, 97.36 and 97.30% sequence similarity, respectively). Genome sequencing revealed a genome size of 11.27 Mbp and a G+C content of 71.10 mol%. The genome average nucleotide identity (ANI) values and the digital DNA - DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between strain WYY166T and the other species of the genus were found to be low (ANI 81.63~85.23 %, dDDH 23.6~31.6 %), suggesting that it represented a new species. The physiological evaluation showed that it had remarkable nitrate reduction activity. The whole-cell hydrolysates contained meso-diaminopimelic acid and madurose. The N-acyl type of muramic acid was acetyl. The major menaquinones were MK-9 (H4) (86.9 %) and MK-9 (H2) (13.1 %). The predominant fatty acids were iso-C16 : 0 (53.2 %), 10-methyl C17 : 0 (10.7 %), C17 : 1
ω6c (8.3 %) and iso-C16 : 1 h (7.3 %). These physiological, biochemical and chemotaxonomic data suggested that strain WYY166T should be classified as representing a novel species of the genus

Nonomuraea

, for which the name Nonomuraea nitratireducens sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is WYY166T (=MCCC 1K03779T=KCTC 49343T).
Protocol for a Rapid Scoping Review of Evidence of Outdoor Transmission of COVID-19
Authors: Weed Mike , Foad Abby 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic is both a global health crisis, and a civic emergency for national governments, including the UK. As countries across the world loosen their lockdown restrictions, the assumption is generally made that the risk of COVID-19 transmission is lower outdoors, and this assumption has shaped decisions about what activities can re-commence, the circumstances in which they should re-commence, and the conditions under which they should re-commence. This is important for events and activities that generate mass gatherings, particularly mass participation sports events such as running, but also events in other sectors such as concerts, carnivals and festivals.This paper sets out a protocol for a rapid scoping review of evidence of incidents of outdoor transmission of COVID-19, including the settings, environments and circumstances of such transmission, and their comparative prevalence to incidents of indoor transmission.Its purpose is to inform discussions about the recommencement of activities that generate mass gatherings.
The effect of early-stage public health policies on the transmission of COVID-19 in South American countries
Authors: Valcarcel Bryan , Avilez Jose L. , Torres-Roman J. Smith , Poterico Julio A. , Bazalar-Palacios Janina , La Vecchia Carlo 
Published: August 2020

ABSTRACTObjectivesThe analysis of transmission dynamics is crucial to determine whether mitigation or suppression measures reduce the spread of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This study sought to estimate the basic (R0) and time-varying (Rt) reproduction number of COVID-19 and contrast the public health measures for ten South American countries.MethodsData was obtained from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. Country-specific R0 estimates during the first two weeks of the outbreak and Rt estimates after 90 days were estimated.ResultsCountries used a combination of isolation, physical distancing, quarantine, and community-wide containment measures to staunch the spread of COVID-19 at different points in time. R0 ranged from 1.52 (95% confidence interval: 1.13-1.99) in Venezuela to 3.83 (3.04-4.75) in Chile, whereas Rt after 90 days ranged from 0.71 (95% credible interval: 0.39-1.05) in Uruguay to 1.20 (1.19-1.20) in Brazil. Different R0 and Rt values may be related to the testing capacity of each country.ConclusionR0 in the early phase of the outbreak varied across the South American countries. The public health measures adopted in the initial period of the pandemic appear to have reduced Rt over time in each country, albeit to different levels.
Predicting the future SARS-COV-2 reproductive rate
Authors: Ellis DSJ , Papadopoulos DI , Donkov I , Bishara S 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAimsTo generate a predictive model for the SARS-COV-2 viral reproductive rate, based on government policy and weather parameters.MethodsA multivariate model for the log10 of viral reproductive rate was constructed for each country using lockdown stringency (Oxford University tracker), temperature and humidity, for the 1st 110 days of 2020. This was validated by extrapolating to the following 51 days, and comparing the predicted viral rate and cumulative mortality with WHO data.The country models was extrapolated to July 2021 using projected weather forecast for four scenarios; continuing with the 11/6/2020 lockdown policy, 100% lockdown, 20% lockdown and no lockdown.ResultsFrom pooled data (40 countries), lockdown stringency had a strong negative correlation with log10viral reproductive rate (−0.648 at 21 days later). Maximum temperature correlated at -0.14, 14 days later and humidity correlated at +0.25, 22 days later. Predictive Models were generated for 11 countries using multivariate regression of these parameters. The R2 correlation for log10R0 ranged from 0.817 to 0.987 for the model generation period. For the validation period, the Pearson’s coefficient of correlation ranged from 0.344 to 0.984 for log10R0 and from 0.980 to 1.000 for cumulative mortality.Forward extrapolation of these models for 5 nations, demonstrate, that removing the lockdown will result in rapid spread of the disease ranging from as soon as July 2020 for Russia, UK, Italy and India to January 2021 for the USA. The current (11/6/20) lockdown in the USA, Spain, UK, France, Germany, Turkey can control the disease but other nations will need to intensify their lockdowns to prevent future resurgence. Most nations will require more stringent lockdowns in January than in July.ConclusionThe viral reproductive rate is highly predicted by a combination of lockdown stringency, temperature and humidity. Country specific predictive models can provide useful forecast of policy requirements.
Effects of universal masking on Massachusetts healthcare workers’ COVID-19 incidence
Authors: Lan Fan-Yun , Christophi Costas A , Buley Jane , Iliaki Eirini , Bruno-Murtha Lou Ann , Sayah Assaad J. , Kales Stefanos N. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundHealthcare workers (HCWs) and other essential workers are at risk for occupational infection during the COVID-19 pandemic. Several infection control strategies have been implemented. Particularly, evidence shows that universal masking can mitigate COVID-19 infection, though existing research is limited by secular trend bias.AimsTo investigate the effect of hospital universal masking on COVID-19 incidence among HCWs compared to the general community population.MethodsWe compared the 7-day averaged incidence rates between a Massachusetts (USA) healthcare system and Massachusetts residents statewide. The study period was from March 17 (the date of first incident case in the healthcare system) to May 6 (the date Massachusetts implemented public masking). The healthcare system implemented universal masking on March 26, we allotted a 5-day lag for effect onset, and peak COVID-19 incidence in Massachusetts was April 20. Thus, we categorized March 17-31 as the pre-intervention phase, April 1-20 the intervention phase, and April 21-May 6 the post-intervention phase. Temporal incidence trends (i.e. 7-day average slopes) were compared using standardized coefficients from linear regression models.ResultsThe standardized coefficients were similar between the healthcare system and the state in both the pre- and post-intervention phases. During the intervention phase, the healthcare system’s epidemic slope became negative (standardized β: -0.68, 95% CI: –1.06 - -0.31), while Massachusetts’ slope remained positive (standardized β: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.94 – 1.05).ConclusionsUniversal masking at the healthcare system was associated with flattening the COVID-19 curve among HCWs, while the infection rate continued to rise in the surrounding community.
The Link between Poverty and COVID-19 Case and Mortality Rates in Germany
Authors: Ettensperger Felix 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe effects of poverty on the case and mortality rates of Covid-19 has emerged as a controversial but understudied topic. In previous studies and reports from the UK and US evidence emerged that poverty related indicators had a significant statistical effect on case and mortality rates on district level. For Germany, it has largely been assumed that poverty is an equally relevant factor influencing the transmission rates of the outbreak mostly due to anecdotal evidence from local outbreaks in meat processing plants and reported incidents in poorer city districts. This paper addresses the lack of statistical evidence and investigates thoroughly the link between poverty related indicators and case and mortality rates of the outbreak using multivariate, multilevel regression while also considering the urban-rural divide of the country. As proxies for poverty the unemployment rate, the per capita presence of general practitioners (physicians), per capita GDP, and the rate of employees with no professional job training is evaluated in relation to the accumulated case and mortality numbers on district level taken from RKI data of June and July 2020. Interestingly, the study finds no evidence for a poverty-related effect on mortality for German districts. Furthermore, only employment in low qualification jobs approximated by the job training variable consistently affected case numbers in urban districts in the expected direction.
The COVID-19 Pandemic Vulnerability Index (PVI) Dashboard: monitoring county level vulnerability
Authors: Marvel Skylar W. , House John S. , Wheeler Matthew , Song Kuncheng , Zhou Yihui , Wright Fred A. , Chiu Weihsueh A. , Rusyn Ivan , Motsinger-Reif Alison , Reif David M. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractWhile the COVID-19 pandemic presents a global challenge, the U.S. response places substantial responsibility for both decision-making and communication on local health authorities. To better support counties and municipalities, we integrated baseline data on relevant community vulnerabilities with dynamic data on local infection rates and interventions into a Pandemic Vulnerability Index (PVI). The PVI presents a visual synthesis of county-level vulnerability indicators that can be compared in a regional, state, or nationwide context. We describe use of the PVI, supporting epidemiological modeling and machine-learning forecasts, and deployment of an interactive, web Dashboard. The Dashboard facilitates decision-making and communication among government officials, scientists, community leaders, and the public to enable more effective and coordinated action to combat the pandemic.One Sentence SummaryThe COVID-19 Pandemic Vulnerability Index Dashboard monitors multiple data streams to communicate county-level trends and vulnerabilities and support local decision-making to combat the pandemic.
A multi-task convolutional deep learning method for HLA allelic imputation and its application to trans-ethnic MHC fine-mapping of type 1 diabetes
Authors: Naito Tatsuhiko , Suzuki Ken , Hirata Jun , Kamatani Yoichiro , Matsuda Koichi , Toda Tatsushi , Okada Yukinori 
Published: August 2020

AbstractConventional HLA imputation methods drop their performance for infrequent alleles, which reduces reliability of trans-ethnic MHC fine-mapping due to inter-ethnic heterogeneity in allele frequency spectra. We developed DEEP*HLA, a deep learning method for imputing HLA genotypes. Through validation using the Japanese and European HLA reference panels (n = 1,118 and 5,112), DEEP*HLA achieved the highest accuracies in both datasets (0.987 and 0.976) especially for low-frequency and rare alleles. DEEP*HLA was less dependent of distance-dependent linkage disequilibrium decay of the target alleles and might capture the complicated region-wide information. We applied DEEP*HLA to type 1 diabetes GWAS data of BioBank Japan (n = 62,387) and UK Biobank (n = 356,855), and successfully disentangled independently associated class I and II HLA variants with shared risk between diverse populations (the top signal at HLA-DRβ1 amino acid position 71; P = 6.2 ×10−119). Our study illustrates a value of deep learning in genotype imputation and trans-ethnic MHC fine-mapping.