bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Complex foot deformities associated with lower limb deformities: a new therapeutic strategy for simultaneous correction using Ilizarov procedure together with osteotomy and soft tissue release
Authors: Boquan Qin , Yi Ren , Tingjiang Gan , Xi Liu , Hui Zhang 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Aim
The aim of the current study is to introduce a new therapeutic strategy for simultaneous correction of complex foot deformities (CFD) and the associated lower limb deformities (LLD) by using Ilizarov technique with osteotomy and soft tissue procedure and to report its early clinical results.

Methods
A retrospective review of CFD associated with LLD simultaneous correction utilizing the Ilizarov procedure together with osteotomy and soft tissue balance from 2015 to 2019 was conducted.

Results
Thirty-two patients were followed for an average of 42.8 months. The mean external fixation time (EFT) was 6.5 months. The mean healing index (HI) was 1.7 months/cm. At the time of fixator removal, plantigrade feet were achieved in all patient and lower limb deformities were corrected. No recurrence of the deformities occurred. The mean LLRS AIM score was improved from 7.5 to 0.3. At the final follow-up, the ASAMI-Paley score was graded as excellent in all limbs in the aspect of bone results, and functional results were defined as excellent in 29 (90.6%) limbs and good in 3 (9.4%) limbs. The mean modified Dimeglio score was significantly improved from 7.2 to 1.3. No deep infection of the osteotomy site or nonunion was noted in the current study.

Conclusion
The therapeutic strategy by using the Ilizarov procedure together with osteotomy and soft tissue balance is a safe and effective way to simultaneously correct CFD and LLD.

Level of evidence
Level IV, retrospective case series
Apparently benign craniocervical signs in achondroplasia: “neurologic leftovers” identified through a retrospective dataset
Authors: Smid Cory J. , Legare Janet M. , Modaff Peggy , Pauli Richard M. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
Achondroplasia is the most common dwarfing disorder. It can result in a variety of sequelae, including neurologic complications, among which high cervical myelopathy is one of particular concern. However, some individuals with achondroplasia appear to have persistent signs by physical examination that, while they might suggest the presence of high cervical myelopathy, remain isolated, non-progressive and apparently benign. To document and quantify these apparently benign craniocervical signs (ABCS) a cohort of 477 individuals with achondroplasia was retrospectively analyzed and information regarding persistent neurologic features suggestive of high cervical myelopathy was recorded in a REDCap database.

Results
Within this cohort, 151 individuals (31.7%) had neurologic examinations that were in some manner concerning.
Of these, 46 (30.5% of the subpopulation) required cervicomedullary decompressive surgery. The remaining 105 had concerning signs by examination but no apparent evidence for clinically significant cervical myelopathy. Of those 105 individuals, 88 (83.8%; 18.4% of the entire population) remained neurologically intact throughout their follow-up, and without clinical sequelae.

Conclusions
It appears that many individuals with achondroplasia, if carefully examined, may demonstrate isolated, initially concerning signs suggestive of cervical myelopathy, but in the vast majority these are benign and do not indicate need for aggressive neurosurgical intervention. Further investigations may help to identify ways to differentiate these benign features from the less common but more problematic true myelopathic ones. We postulate that the “neurologic leftovers” may arise from temporally remote, subtle damage to the spinal cord at the craniocervical junction, which damage otherwise does not reach clinical relevance.
Fabrication of polylactic acid/paclitaxel nano fibers by electrospinning for cancer therapeutics
Authors: Chi H. Y. , Chan Vincent , Li Chuan , Hsieh J. H. , Lin P. H. , Tsai Ya-Hui , Chen Yun 
Published: October 2020

AbstractPolylactic acid (PLA) is a thermoplastic and biodegradable polyester, largely derived from renewable resources such as corn starch, cassava starch and sugarcane. However, PLA is only soluble in a narrow range of solvents such as tetrahydrofuran, dioxane, chlorinated solvents and heated benzene. The limited choices of solvent for PLA dissolution have imposed significant challenges in the development of specifically engineered PLA nanofibers with electrospinning techniques. Generally, the electrospun polymeric materials have been rendered with unique properties such as high porosity and complex geometry while maintaining its biodegradability and biocompatibility for emerging biomedical applications. In this study, a new anticancer drug delivery system composed of PLA nanofibers with encapsulated paclitaxel was developed by the electrospinning of the respective nanofibers on top of a spin-coated thin film with the same chemical compositions. Our unique approach is meant for promoting strong bonding between PLA-based nanofibers and their respective films in order to improve the prolonged release properties and composite film stability within a fluctuative physiochemical environment during cell culture. PLA/paclitaxel nanofiber supported on respective polymeric films were probed by scanning electronic microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectrometer and water contact measurement for determining their surface morphologies, fibers’ diameters, molecular vibrational modes, and wettability, respectively. Moreover, PLA/paclitaxel nanofibers supported on respective spin-coated films at different loadings of paclitaxel were evaluated for their abilities in killing human colorectal carcinoma cells (HCT-116). More importantly, MTT assays showed that regardless of the concentrations of paclitaxel, the growth of HCT-116 was effectively inhibited by the prolonged release of paclitaxel from PLA/paclitaxel nanofibers. An effective prolonged delivery system of paclitaxel based on PLA nanofiber-based film has demonstrated exciting potentials for emerging applications as implantable drug delivery patch in post-surgical cancer eradication.
The histone and non-histone methyllysine reader activities of the UHRF1 tandem Tudor domain are dispensable for the propagation of aberrant DNA methylation patterning in cancer cells
Authors: Vaughan Robert M. , Kupai Ariana , Foley Caroline A. , Sagum Cari A. , Tibben Bailey M. , Eden Hope E. , Tiedemann Rochelle L. , Berryhill Christine A. , Patel Varun , Shaw Kevin M. , Krajewski Krzysztof , Strahl Brian D. , Bedford Mark T. , Frye Stephen V. , Dickson Bradley M. , Rothbart Scott B. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe chromatin-binding E3 ubiquitin ligase ubiquitin-like with PHD and RING finger domains 1 (UHRF1) contributes to the maintenance of aberrant DNA methylation patterning in cancer cells through multivalent histone and DNA recognition. The tandem Tudor domain (TTD) of UHRF1 is well-characterized as a reader of lysine 9 di- and tri-methylation on histone H3 (H3K9me2/me3) and, more recently, lysine 126 di- and tri-methylation on DNA ligase 1 (LIG1K126me2/me3). However, the functional significance and selectivity of these interactions remain unclear. In this study, we used protein domain microarrays to search for additional readers of LIG1K126me2, the preferred methyl state bound by the UHRF1 TTD. We show that the UHRF1 TTD binds LIG1K126me2 with high affinity and selectivity compared to other known methyllysine readers. Notably, and unlike H3K9me2/me3, the UHRF1 plant homeodomain (PHD) and its N-terminal linker (L2) do not contribute to multivalent LIG1K126me2 recognition along with the TTD. To test the functional significance of this interaction, we designed a LIG1K126me2 cell-penetrating peptide (CPP). Consistent with LIG1 knockdown, uptake of the CPP had no significant effect on the propagation of DNA methylation patterning across the genomes of bulk populations from high-resolution analysis of several cancer cell lines. Further, we did not detect significant changes in DNA methylation patterning from bulk cell populations after chemical or genetic disruption of lysine methyltransferase activity associated with LIG1K126me2 and H3K9me2. Collectively, these studies identify UHRF1 as a selective reader of LIG1K126me2 in vitro and further implicate the histone and non-histone methyllysine reader activity of the UHRF1 TTD as a dispensable domain function for cancer cell DNA methylation maintenance.
The effect of abolishing instructions to fast prior to contrast-enhanced CT on the incidence of acute adverse reactions
Authors: Tsushima Yoshito , Seki Yuko , Nakajima Takahito , Hirasawa Hiromi , Taketomi-Takahashi Ayako , Tan Shogo , Suto Takayuki 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Objectives
To evaluate the effect of abolishing instructions to fast prior to contrast-enhanced CT on acute adverse reactions (AARs).

Methods
In our institution, we instructed patients to fast one meal before contrast-enhanced CT examinations. However, we abolished these instructions at the end of March 2019, and solid food intake was not restricted before contrast-enhanced CT after this date. The differences in the incidence of AARs before (December 2015–November 2018, n = 43,927) and after (April 2019–March 2020, n = 14,676) abolishing instructions to fast were compared. We allowed 4 months (December 2018–March 2019) for this policy change to fully permeate the CT referrals. The medical records of patients who vomited were retrospectively reviewed by one of the authors for notations of aspiration or aspiration pneumonia attributable to vomiting.

Results
The overall incidence of AARs before (1.60%, n = 705) and after abolition (1.40%, n = 205) did not change significantly. As the chemotoxic reactions, the incidence of nausea decreased significantly (0.31 to 0.18%, p = 0.006). The incidence of vomiting did not change (0.12 to 0.16%), and there were no cases of aspiration pneumonia attributable to vomiting during the study period. The incidence of severe hypersensitivity/allergy-like reactions did not change (0.06 to 0.05%).

Conclusions
Abolishing instructions to fast decreased the incidence of nausea, but did not affect the incidence of vomiting. No cases of aspiration pneumonia attributable to vomiting were found. Our study confirmed that fasting is not required prior to contrast-enhanced CT.
Giant isolated hydatid lung cyst: two case reports
Authors: Lodhia Jay , Chugulu Samwel , Sadiq Adnan , Msuya David , Mremi Alex 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
Echinococcosis is a parasitic disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus and causes cystic lesions in the liver and lungs commonly. It is endemic in many parts of the world, and though humans are incidental hosts of the parasite, the disease can have severe consequences.

Case presentation
We present two patients from pastoralist (Maasai) communities in rural Tanzania with long-standing chest pain accompanied by hemoptysis. Both were managed surgically after diagnosis, but one patient died of the complications following rapture of the cyst during surgery. Histopathological evaluation of the specimens confirmed the diagnosis of giant hydatid cysts.

Conclusion
Animal-keeping communities such as the Maasai are at risk of echinococcosis because of their close proximity to animals. The diagnosis can be made on the basis of history and radiological as well as laboratory findings. Surgery is a recommended mode of treatment, though it carries a high risk, especially when the cyst ruptures. Primary preventive measures are thus necessary in order to avoid the secondary and tertiary complications of the management of giant hydatid cysts, which is difficult in resource-limited endemic areas.
Resolution and implementation of the nonstationary vorticity velocity pressure formulation of the Navier–Stokes equations
Authors: Abdelwahed Mohamed , Alharbi Ebtisam , Chorfi Nejmeddine , Ouertani Henda 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
This paper deals with the iterative algorithm and the implementation of the spectral discretization of time-dependent Navier–Stokes equations in dimensions two and three. We present a variational formulation, which includes three independent unknowns: the vorticity, velocity, and pressure. In dimension two, we establish an optimal error estimate for the three unknowns. The discretization is deduced from the implicit Euler scheme in time and spectral methods in space. We present a matrix linear system and some numerical tests, which are in perfect concordance with the analysis.
A hybrid method for solving time fractional advection–diffusion equation on unbounded space domain
Authors: Azin H. , Mohammadi F. , Heydari M. H. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIn this article, a hybrid method is developed for solving the time fractional advection–diffusion equation on an unbounded space domain. More precisely, the Chebyshev cardinal functions are used to approximate the solution of the problem over a bounded time domain, and the modified Legendre functions are utilized to approximate the solution on an unbounded space domain with vanishing boundary conditions. The presented method converts solving this equation into solving a system of algebraic equations by employing the fractional derivative matrix of the Chebyshev cardinal functions and the classical derivative matrix of the modified Legendre functions together with the collocation technique. The accuracy of the presented hybrid approach is investigated on some test problems.
Radiation-induced occult insufficiency fracture or bone metastasis after radiotherapy for cervical cancer? The nomogram based on quantitative apparent diffusion coefficients for discrimination
Authors: Zhong Xi , Jiang Huali , Mai Hui , Xiang Jialin , Li Jiansheng , Huang Zhiqing , Wu Songxin , Luo Liangping , Jiang Kuiming 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundRadiation-induced insufficiency fractures (IF) is frequently occult without fracture line, which may be mistaken as metastasis. Quantitative apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) shows potential value for characterization of benign and malignant bone marrow diseases. The purpose of this study was to develop a nomogram based on multi-parametric ADCs in the differntiation of occult IF from bone metastasis after radiotherapy (RT) for cervical cancer.MethodsThis study included forty-seven patients with cervical cancer that showed emerging new bone lesions in RT field during the follow-up. Multi-parametric quantitative ADC values were measured for each lesion by manually setting region of interests (ROIs) on ADC maps, and the ROIs were copied to adjacent normal muscle and bone marrow. Six parameters were calculated, including ADCmean, ADCmin, ADCmax, ADCstd, ADCmeanratio (lesion/normal bone) and ADCmeanratio (lesion/muscle). For univariate analysis, receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was performed to assess the performance. For combined diagnosis, a nomogram model was developed by using a multivariate logistic regression analysis.ResultsA total of 75 bone lesions were identified, including 48 occult IFs and 27 bone metastases. There were significant differences in the six ADC parameters between occult IFs and bone metastases (p < 0.05), the ADC ratio (lesion/ muscle) showed an optimal diagnostic efficacy, with an area under ROC (AUC) of 0.887, the sensitivity of 95.8%, the specificity of 81.5%, respectively. Regarding combined diagnosis, ADCstdand ADCmeanratio (lesion/muscle) were identified as independent factors and were selected to generate a nomogram model. The nomogram model showed a better performance, yielded an AUC of 0.92, the sensitivity of 91.7%, the specificity of 96.3%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 97.8% and negative predictive value (NPV) of 86.7%, respectively.ConclusionsMulti-parametric ADC values demonstrate potential value for differentiating occult IFs from bone metastasis, a nomogram based on the combination of ADCstdand ADCmeanratio (lesion/muscle) may provide an improved classification performance.
Testing allometric scaling relationships in plant roots
Authors: Deng Qiang , Yuan Zhiyou , Shi Xinrong , Lock T. Ryan , Kallenbach Robert L. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
Metabolic scaling theory predicts that plant productivity and biomass are both size-dependent. However, this theory has not yet been tested in plant roots.

Methods
In this study, we tested how metabolic scaling occurs in plants using a comprehensive plant root dataset made up of 1016 observations from natural habitats. We generated metabolic scaling exponents by log-transformation of root productivity versus biomass.

Results
Results showed that the metabolic scaling exponents of fine root (< 2 mm in diameter) productivity versus biomass were close to 1.0 for all ecosystem types and functional groups. Scaling exponents decreased in coarse roots (> 2 mm in diameter).

Conclusions
We found isometric metabolic scaling in fine roots, a metabolically active organ similar to seedlings or saplings. Our findings also indicate a shift in metabolic scaling during plant development. Overall, our study supports the absence of any unified single constant scaling exponent for metabolism-biomass relationships in terrestrial plants, especially for forests with woody species.
Midwifery students better approximate their self-efficacy in clinical lactation after reflecting in and on their performance in the LactSim OSCE
Authors: Grabowski Aria , Anderson Olivia S. , Zielinski Ruth , Scott Melisa , Hammer Lisa , Bassil Muriel , Chuisano Samantha A. , Sadovnikova Anna 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Midwives are expected to support women with lactation initiation and maintenance. Midwifery students engaged in a simulation-based exercise (LactSim OSCE) where they role-played the clinician and the breastfeeding patient by wearing a high-fidelity breast model. We provided participants opportunities for reflecting in and on practice to compare their perceived self-confidence in clinical lactation skills to actual clinical performance. We also describe feasibility of implementing the LactSim OSCE with an emphasis on preparation and time spent on tasks during the OSCE.

Methods
Audio-video recordings from the LactSim OSCE were viewed and assessed using a technical skills checklist by an independent rater and by the study participants as part of the self-reflection. Mixed data on participants’ self-efficacy in clinical lactation, experience with the LactSim OSCE, and self-assessment of clinical performance were collected in survey instruments and a focus group. Time spent on each component and clinical lactation skill during the LactSim OSCE was documented.

Results
Immediately following the LactSim OSCE, participants’ confidence in clinical lactation was high (5.7/7), but after a guided video reflection exercise, their self-efficacy was 4.4/7. Participants spent approximately 2 of the allotted 10 min per case scenario discussing the OSCE logistics due to inadequate preparation. Participants spent approximately 2 min of the total encounter performing hands-on clinical lactation skills by touching, looking at, or using the high-fidelity breast model worn by their peer.

Conclusion
We described the development and evaluation of the first simulated experience in clinical lactation with all three components of fidelity: conceptual, psychological, and physical. Multiple opportunities for reflecting on performance allowed the nurse-midwifery students to evaluate their competence in decision-making, technical, and counseling skills which resulted in a more realistic approximation of their perceived self-confidence in breastfeeding skills. Another innovation of this pilot work is the documentation of how long a learner spends on various tasks relevant to lactation support in a simulated encounter. Our findings highlight the importance of providing multiple opportunities for self-reflection using guided video reflection and checklists for objective self-assessment in the clinical lactation field.
Impaired inhibitory processing: a new therapeutic target for autism and psychosis?
Authors: Heinze Kareen , Barron Helen C. , Howes Emma K. , Ramaswami Mani , Broome Matthew R. 
Published: October 2020

SummaryIn the healthy brain, homeostatic balance between excitation and inhibition maintains neural stability. Reduced inhibition may explain shared symptoms observed in autism and psychosis. Here we review evidence suggesting that altered levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) may underlie both disorders, providing a potential cross-diagnostic therapeutic target.
G-RMSD: Root Mean Square Deviation Based Method for Three-Dimensional Molecular Similarity Determination
Authors: Fukutani Tomonori , Miyazawa Kohei , Iwata Satoru , Satoh Hiroko 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
We present the Generalized Root Mean Square Deviation (G-RMSD) method. G-RMSD is an optimization method to calculate the minimal RMSD value of two atomic structures by optimal superimposition. G-RMSD is not restricted to systems with an equal number of atoms to compare or a unique atom mapping between two molecules. The method can handle any type of chemical structure, including transition states and structures which cannot be explained only with valence bond (VB) theory (non-VB structures). It requires only Cartesian coordinates for the structures. Further information, i.e. atom- and bond types can also be included. Applications of G-RMSD to the classification of α-d-glucose conformers and 3D partial structure search using a dataset containing equilibrium (EQ), dissociation channel (DC), and transition state (TS) structures are demonstrated. We find that G-RMSD allows for a successful classification and mapping for a wide variety of molecular structures.
A first draft genome of the Sugarcane borer, Diatraea saccharalis.
Authors: Borges dos Santos Lucas , Paulo Gomes Viana João , José Biasotto Francischini Fabricio , Victoria Fogliata Sofia , L. Joyce Andrea , Pereira de Souza Anete , Gabriela Murúa María , J. Clough Steven , Imaculada Zucchi Maria 
Published: October 2020

Background: The sugarcane borer (Diatraea saccharalis), a widely distributed moth throughout the Americas, is a pest that affects economically important crops such as sugarcane, sorghum, wheat, maize and rice. Given its significant impact on yield reduction, whole-genome information of the species is needed. Here, we report the first draft assembly of the D. saccharalis genome. Methods: The genomic sequences were obtained using the Illumina HiSeq 2500 whole-genome sequencing of a single adult male specimen. We assembled the short-reads using the SPAdes software and predicted protein-coding genes using MAKER. Genome assembly completeness was assessed through BUSCO and the repetitive content by RepeatMasker. Results: The 453 Mb assembled sequences contain 1,445 BUSCO gene orthologs and 1,161 predicted gene models identified based on homology evidence to the domestic silk moth, Bombyx mori. The repeat content composes 41.18% of the genomic sequences which is in the range of other lepidopteran species. Conclusions: Functional annotation reveals that predicted gene models are involved in important cellular mechanisms such as metabolic pathways and protein synthesis. Thus, the data generated in this study expands our knowledge on the genomic characteristics of this devastating pest and provides essential resources for future genetic studies of the species.