bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The mobile surgical outreach program for management of patients with genital fistula in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Maroyi Raha , Keyser Laura , Hosterman Lauren , Notia Amisi , Mukwege Denis 
Published: January 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo describe components of the mobile surgical outreach (MSO) program as a model of care delivery for women with genital fistula; present program results; and discuss operational strengths and challenges.MethodsA retrospective observational study of routinely collected health data from women treated via the MSO program (2013–2018). The program was developed at Panzi Hospital in the Democratic Republic of Congo to meet the needs of women with fistula living in remote provinces, where travel is prohibited. It includes healthcare delivery, medico‐surgical training, and community sensitization components.ResultsThe MSO team cared for 1517 women at 41 clinic sites across 18 provinces over the study period. Average age at presentation was 31 years (range, 1–81 years). Most women (n=1359, 89.6%) presented with vesicovaginal fistula. Most surgeries were successful, and few women reported residual incontinence postoperatively. Local teams were receptive and engaged in clinical skills training and public health education efforts.ConclusionThe MSO program addresses the backlog of patients awaiting fistula surgery and provides a template for a national strategic plan to treat and ultimately end fistula in DRC. It offers a patient‐centered approach that brings medico‐surgical care and psychosocial support to women with fistula in their own communities.
Rising trends in iatrogenic urogenital fistula: A new challenge
Authors: Tasnim Nasira , Bangash Kauser , Amin Oreekha , Luqman Sobia , Hina Hadia 
Published: January 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo analyze trends in iatrogenic urogenital fistula among patients admitted for fistula repair at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad.MethodsIn this longitudinal study, all patients who presented for fistula repair between 2006 and 2018 were included in the study. Patient data were collected on age, parity, and type and etiology of fistula, which was classified as ischemic or iatrogenic.ResultsOf 634 fistula patients, 371 (58.5%) had iatrogenic fistula, while 263 (41.5%) patients developed ischemic fistula due to obstructed labor. Mean age of patients was 31.6 years. Yearly trends showed an increase in iatrogenic fistula from 43.2% in 2006–2008 to 71.4% in 2017–2018. The major etiological contributor to iatrogenic fistula was hysterectomy (52.5%), followed by cesarean hysterectomy (26.4%), and cesarean delivery (19.9%).ConclusionA rising trend in iatrogenic fistula was observed. This emphasizes the need for optimization of surgical approaches and surgical skills. Moreover, gynecologic surgeries should be restricted to authorized gynecologic surgeons.
Congenital lipoid adrenal hyperplasia: Immunohistochemical study of testosterone synthesis in Leydig cells
Authors: Matsuoka Kanako , Sato Yuichi , Hoshi Seiji , Koguchi Tomoyuki , Ogawa Soichiro , Ishii Tomohiro , Haga Nobuhiro , Hasegawa Tomonobu , Kojima Yoshiyuki 
Published: January 2020

IntroductionCongenital lipoid adrenal hyperplasia is a rare disease that causes disorders of sex development. The 46,XY patient presents with female external genitalia and inguinal testes. We describe the case of a patient with congenital lipoid adrenal hyperplasia and investigated the testes of this patient in detail.Case presentationA 15‐day‐old 46,XY neonate presented with severe adrenal insufficiency. Congenital lipoid adrenal hyperplasia was diagnosed after detection of steroidogenic acute regulatory gene mutations. At 2 years and 5 months, she underwent bilateral gonadectomy. Leydig cells were observed both with and without lipid droplets in the testes of this patient. We also demonstrated immunohistochemically that some testosterone‐synthesizing enzymes were maintained in this patient.ConclusionThe results indicated transcription of testosterone‐synthesizing enzymes remained despite lipid accumulation in this patient. The pattern of expression of testosterone‐synthesizing enzymes suggested fetal Leydig cells may have remained after birth in the testes of this patient.
Graphene oxide quantum dot exposure induces abnormalities in locomotor activities and mechanisms in zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Yan Jinhui , Chen Shujing , Zuo Zhenghong , He Chengyong , Yi Muqing 
Published: January 2020

AbstractGraphene oxide quantum dots (GOQDs) have broad applications such as bioimaging and drug delivery, among others, even expanding into the aquatic environment. However, reports on the adverse effects of GOQDs on fish development are limited. In this study, we exposed zebrafish embryos to GOQDs for 7 days after fertilization and found that GOQDs exposure at low concentrations (12.5, 25, 50 or 100 μg/L) decreased the total distance and the mean velocity of larvae movement. Additionally, the GOQDs significantly reduced the enzyme activity related to energy supply and locomotor capacity, including Ca2+‐ATPase in the 12.5, 25, 50 and 100 μg/L GOQDs groups and Na+/K+‐ATPase in the 25 and 50 μg/L GOQDs groups. Moreover, GOQD exposure altered the mRNA expression of genes involved in energy supply and calcium transport. The levels of the atp2a2b, atp2a1, and cacna1sb genes were significantly downregulated in the 25, 50 and 100 μg/L GOQDs groups, and ryr3 expression was significantly reduced in the 25 and 50 μg/L GOQDs groups. The expression level of cacna1c was significantly upregulated in the 50 and 100 μg/L GOQDs groups. In summary, GOQD exposure induced a decrease in locomotor capacity in zebrafish, which may be due to the reduction of Ca2+‐ATPase and Na+/K+‐ATPase activity levels, and dysregulated expression of the genes involved in energy metabolism and calcium transport. Our study provides novel insight into the effects of GOQDs on the embryonic development of fish, which will be useful for the development of environment‐friendly GOQDs that reduce the potential hazard to aquatic species.
Increasing lithium extraction performance by adding sulfonated poly (ether ether ketone) into block‐copolymer ethylene vinyl alcohol membrane
Authors: Zhang Chunfeng , Song Jianfeng , Huang Tao , Zheng Hongxing , He Tao 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDHigh efficiency membrane extraction (ME) of lithium from brine has been constrained by membrane mass transfer resistance. We report here a new solvent‐resistant membrane produced from ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVAL) and sulfonated polyether ether ketone (SPEEK).RESULTSThe effect of the SPEEK on the thermodynamics and kinetics of demixing to the membrane morphology was investigated systematically. Addition SPEEK created extra resistance to the movement of the polymer chains in solution which was reflected in the reduced gelation diffusion coefficient. About 0.5 wt% of SPEEK was sufficient to reduce the mass transfer resistance of lithium ions (Li+). Membrane thickness showed linear correlation with Li+ flux, but was limited by its weak mechanical strength. Finally, a composite EVAL/SPEEK membrane supported by a thin loose nonwoven fabric showed a stress of 12.5 MPa, nearly 10‐fold greater than the unsupported membrane, and the highest lithium extraction flux of 4.80 × 10−8 mol cm−2 s−1.CONCLUSIONThe work provides a rationale for developing mechanically stable, high extraction flux membranes for ME. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Recognition of synthetic polyanionic ligands underlies “spontaneous” reactivity of Vγ1 γδTCRs
Authors: Dunst Josefine , Glaros Vassilis , Englmaier Lukas , Sandoz Patrick A. , Önfelt Björn , Kisielow Jan , Kreslavsky Taras 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Although γδTCRs were discovered more than 30 yr ago, principles of antigen recognition by these receptors remain unclear and the nature of these antigens is largely elusive. Numerous studies reported that T cell hybridomas expressing several Vγ1-containing TCRs, including the Vγ1Vδ6 TCR of γδNKT cells, spontaneously secrete cytokines. This property was interpreted as recognition of a self-ligand expressed on the hybridoma cells themselves. Here, we revisited this finding using a recently developed reporter system and live single cell imaging. We confirmed strong spontaneous signaling by Vγ1Vδ6 and related TCRs, but not by TCRs from several other γδ or innate-like αβ T cells, and demonstrated that both γ and δ chains contributed to this reactivity. Unexpectedly, live single cell imaging showed that activation of this signaling did not require any interaction between cells. Further investigation revealed that the signaling is instead activated by interaction with negatively charged surfaces abundantly present under regular cell culture conditions and was abrogated when noncharged cell culture vessels were used. This mode of TCR signaling activation was not restricted to the reporter cell lines, as interaction with negatively charged surfaces also triggered TCR signaling in ex vivo Vγ1 γδ T cells. Taken together, these results explain long-standing observations on the spontaneous reactivity of Vγ1Vδ6 TCR and demonstrate an unexpected antigen presentation-independent mode of TCR activation by a spectrum of chemically unrelated polyanionic ligands.
Myocardial Extracellular Volume Fraction Allows Differentiation of Reversible Versus Irreversible Myocardial Damage and Prediction of Adverse Left Ventricular Remodeling of ST‐Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Chen Bing‐Hua , An Dong‐Aolei , He Jie , Xu Jian‐Rong , Wu Lian‐Ming , Pu Jun 
Published: January 2020

BackgroundThe relationship between dynamic changes of myocardial injury in ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients and long‐term prognosis is still unclear.PurposeTo evaluate the extracellular volume fraction (ECV) in the differentiation of reversible from irreversible myocardial injury and the prediction value of left ventricular adverse remodeling in patients with STEMI after reperfusion.Study TypeProspective.PopulationTwenty‐four STEMI patients after reperfusion were includedField Strength/Sequence3.0 T, T1 mapping, ECV, T2‐STIR, and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE).AssessmentAll the patients underwent cardiac MRI at four timepoints (days 1, 3, and 7, and at 6 months). The regions of interest (ROIs) were selected at the infarcted myocardium (with/without intramyocardial hemorrhage [IMH] and microvascular obstruction [MVO]).Statistical TestsOne‐way analysis of variance and the Kruskal–Wallis test were used for the statistical analysis.ResultsNative T1 of MI (without MVO/IMH) gradually decreased after reperfusion (P < 0.05). The ECV of MI increased during the first 3 days and then slowly declined. Native T1 of MI with MVO/IMH was the lowest (1184 msec; 1108.5–1266), while ECV (78%; 65.5–87%) was the highest, P < 0.001. Native T1 and ECV of salvageable myocardium were higher than those of the remote myocardium but lower than those of the MI without MVO or IMH (P < 0.001). ROC analysis revealed an area under the curve (AUC) of ECV (0.85, P < 0.001) for differentiating infarcted and salvageable myocardium was higher than that of native T1 mapping (AUC: 0.63, P < 0.001) in the first week after STEMI (P < 0.0001). T1 and ECV differed significantly between patients with and without left ventricle adverse remodeling (P < 0.05).Data ConclusionDynamic temporal changes in reversibly and irreversibly damaged myocardia were differentiated via native T1 and ECV mapping after primary percutaneous coronary intervention in STEMI patients. ECV may better reflect microvascular injury severity and myocardial viability. MI with higher native T1 and ECV or with severe microvascular injury (MVO and IMH) was correlated with adverse LV remodeling.Level of Evidence: 2Technical Efficacy Stage: 2J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;52:476–487.
Impact of knee joint loading on fragmentation of serum cartilage oligomeric matrix protein
Authors: Firner Sara , Zaucke Frank , Heilig Juliane , de Marées Markus , Willwacher Steffen , Brüggemann Gert‐Peter , Niehoff Anja 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe aim of the study was to examine the effect of mechanical knee joint loading on the fragmentation pattern of serum cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP). Ten healthy men ran with knee orthoses that were passive or active (+30.9 N·m external flexion moments) on a treadmill (30 minute; v = 2.2 m/s). Lower‐limb mechanics, serum COMP levels, and fragmentation patterns (baseline; 0, 0.5, 1, 2 hours postrunning) were analyzed. Running with active orthoses enhanced knee flexion moments, ankle dorsiflexion, and knee flexion angles (P < .05). There was an increase in serum COMP (+25%; pre: 8.9 ± 2.4 U/l; post: 10.7 ± 1.9 U/l, P = .001), COMP pentamer/tetramer (+88%; 1.88 ± 0.81, P = .007), trimer (+209%; 3.09 ± 2.65, P = .005), and monomer (+78%; 1.78 ± 0.85, P = .007) after running with passive orthoses and in serum COMP (+41%; pre: 8.5 ± 2.7 U/l; post: 11.3 ± 2.1 U/l, P < .001), COMP pentamer/tetramer (+57%; 1.57 ± 0.39, P = .007), trimer (+86%; 1.86 ± 0.47, P = .005), and monomer (+19%; 1.19 ± 0.34, P = .114) after running with active orthoses. Increased fragmentation might indicate COMP release from cartilage while running. Interestingly, 0.5 h up to 2 hours after running with passive orthoses, trimer (0.5 hour: 2.73 ± 3.40, P = .029; 2 hours: 2.33 ± 2.88, P = .037), and monomer (0.5 hour: 2.23 ± 2.33, P = .007; 1 hour: 2.55 ± 1.96, P = .012; 2 hours: 2.65 ± 2.50, P = .009) increased while after running with active orthoses, pentamer/tetramer (1 hour: 0.79 ± 0.28, P = .029), and trimer (1 hour: 0.63 ± 0.14, P = .005; 2 hours: 0.68 ± 0.34, P = .047) decreased. It seems that COMP degradation and clearance vary depending on joint loading characteristics.
CO2 Laser Punch‐Assisted Minimally Invasive Surgery for Sebaceous Cysts
Authors: Wang Zheng‐Cai , Zhao Wan‐Yi , Fang Qing‐Qing , Wu Li‐Hong , Tan Wei‐Qiang 
Published: January 2020

Background and ObjectivesTraditional surgical excision for a sebaceous cyst can completely eradicate the cyst, but the surgical processes are relatively complicated and may cause obvious scarring. Some patients are reluctant to choose this method because of the inconvenient procedures and the risk of conspicuous scarring, especially in esthetically important areas. We present a simple treatment method to prevent formation of a conspicuous scar.Study Design/Materials and MethodsFirst, the cyst wall was pre‐separated from the surrounding tissues by injecting a large volume of anesthetic around the cyst. Then, the cyst contents were removed through a small hole created by using a CO2 laser on the skin surface, which adhered closely to the cyst. Finally, the cyst wall was removed using a hemostat that clamps it at the base. Between August 2017 and July 2019, 32 patients with 33 sebaceous cysts (12 infected and 21 uninfected) were treated by this method to remove the cyst contents and cyst wall. Mean operative time, complications, and patient satisfaction were evaluated.ResultsAll patients were satisfied with the good esthetic outcome and the simplicity of the surgical procedure. Only two of the 33 cysts (6.0%) recurred 2 and 3 months postoperatively, including 0 of 21 uninfected cysts (0.0%) and 2 of 12 infected cysts (16.7%). No complications were found during the follow‐up period. The mean operation time was 13 ± 2.1 minutes.ConclusionsCO2 laser punch‐assisted surgery was associated with minimal scarring and high patient satisfaction. With acceptable recurrence rates, it is a convenient, effective and minimally‐invasive treatment option for sebaceous cysts. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Optical spectroscopic and electrochemical characterization of oxide films on a ferritic stainless steel
Authors: Fan Changfeng , Shi Jianmin , Sharafeev Azat , Lemmens Peter , Dilger Klaus 
Published: January 2020

AbstractColored oxide films that form on ferritic stainless steel in a high‐temperature, oxidizing environment and correspond to different chemical compositions can cause a deterioration of pitting resistance and corrosion performance. Herein, optical spectroscopic and electrochemical techniques have been used to reveal the relationship between color, chemical composition, and corrosion resistance of oxide films formed in the temperature range from 400°C to 800°C for 30 min and at 800°C for 10, 20, 30, and 60 min. The substrate with a thin and dense passivation film leads to a low pitting potential but high corrosion resistance. Oxide films of yellowish or brownish color formed below 600°C are mainly iron oxides, which correspond to low corrosion resistance. No passivation characteristics can be observed for polarization curves of oxide films formed at 500°C and 600°C. The color of oxide films varies from blue to dark gray with the increase of oxidation time at 800°C. Corrosion resistance changes with different proportions of Fe3O4, Cr2O3, and FeCr2O4. The gray oxide films formed at 800°C for 30 min exhibit the lowest pitting susceptibility and the highest corrosion resistance.
LncRNA IGFL2‐AS1 functions as a ceRNA in regulating ARPP19 through competitive binding to miR‐802 in gastric cancer
Authors: Ma Yu , Liu Yi , Pu Yan‐Song , Cui Ming‐Liang , Mao Zhi‐Jun , Li Zhen‐Zhen , He Li , Wu Min , Wang Jian‐Hua 
Published: January 2020

AbstractGastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignancies of the digestive system worldwide. Multiple long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) participate in the regulation of GC development and metastasis. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the expression and function of lncRNA IGFL2‐AS1 in GC. We found that IGFL2‐AS1 was highly expressed in GC tissues and cell lines. Knockdown of IGFL2‐AS1 suppressed GC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro. Furthermore, we identified that IGFL2‐AS1 exerted its function as a molecular sponge of miR‐802. MiR‐802 was demonstrated to be a tumor suppressor, and overexpression of miR‐802 suppressed GC cell growth, migration, and invasion. Mechanistically, we revealed that the cAMP‐regulated phosphoprotein 19 (ARPP19) was a direct target of miR‐802 and could reverse the inhibitory function of miR‐802. Moreover, our results confirmed that knockdown of IGFL2‐AS1 inhibited GC tumor development in an in vivo GC tumor xenograft model. In summary, our data suggest that the IGFL2‐AS1/miR‐802/ARPP19 axis plays a critical role in the progression and metastasis of GC. Therapies targeting the IGFL2‐AS1/miR‐802/ARPP19 axis can potentially improve GC treatment.
A novel mutation deep within intron 7 of the GBA gene causes Gaucher disease
Authors: Malekkou Anna , Sevastou Ioanna , Mavrikiou Gavriella , Georgiou Theodoros , Vilageliu Lluisa , Moraitou Marina , Michelakakis Helen , Prokopiou Chrystalla , Drousiotou Anthi 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundMutations in the GBA gene that encodes the lysosomal enzyme acid β‐glucocerebrosidase cause Gaucher disease (GD), the most common lysosomal storage disorder. Most of the mutations are missense/nonsense, however, a few splicing mutations within or close to conserved consensus donor or acceptor splice sites have also been described. The aim of the study was to identify the mutation(s) in a Cypriot patient with type I GD.MethodsThe genomic DNA of the proband was screened for nine common mutations using Polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR–RFLP) analysis. All exons and exon‐intron boundaries, and the 5’UTR and 3’UTR regions of the GBA gene, were investigated by Sanger sequencing. RNA analysis was performed using standard procedures, and the abnormal transcript was further cloned into pGEM‐T‐Easy plasmid vector and sequenced. The relevant intronic region was further sequenced by the Sanger method to identify the genetic variant.ResultsA novel point mutation, g.12599C > A (c.999 + 242C > A), was detected deep in intron 7 of the GBA gene. This type of mutation has been previously described for other diseases but this is the first time, as far as we know, that it is described for GD. This mutation creates a new donor splice site leading to aberrant splicing and resulting in the insertion of the first 239nt of intron 7 as a pseudoexon in the mRNA, creating a premature stop codon.ConclusionThis study expands the mutation spectrum of GD and highlights the importance of RNA sequencing for the molecular diagnosis of patients bearing mutations in nonexonic regions.
Method to quickly and accurately calculate absorbed dose from therapeutic and stray photon exposures throughout the entire body in individual patients
Authors: Wilson Lydia J. , Newhauser Wayne D. , Schneider Christopher W. , Kamp Florian , Reiner Michael , Martins Juliana C. , Landry Guillaume , Giussani Augusto , Kapsch Ralf‐Peter , Parodi Katia 
Published: January 2020

PurposePhoton radiotherapy techniques typically devote considerable attention to limiting the exposure of healthy tissues outside of the target volume. Numerous studies have shown, however, that commercial treatment planning systems (TPSs) significantly underestimate the absorbed dose outside of the treatment field. The purpose of this study was to test the feasibility of quickly and accurately calculating the total absorbed dose to the whole body from photon radiotherapy in individual patients.MethodsWe created an extended TPS by implementing a physics‐based analytical model for the absorbed dose from stray photons during photon therapy into a research TPS. We configured and validated the extended TPS using measurements of 6‐ and 15‐MV photon beams in water‐box and anthropomorphic phantoms. We characterized the additional computation time required for therapeutic and stray dose calculations in a 44 × 30 × 180 cm3 water‐box phantom.ResultsThe extended TPS achieved superior dosimetric accuracy compared to the research TPS in both water and anthropomorphic phantoms, especially outside of the primary treatment field. In the anthropomorphic phantom, the extended TPS increased the generalized gamma index passing rate by a factor of 10 and decreased the median dosimetric discrepancy in the out‐of‐field region by a factor of 26. The extended TPS achieved an average discrepancy <1% in and near the treatment field and <1 mGy/Gy far from the treatment field in the anthropomorphic phantom. Characterization of computation time revealed that on average, the extended TPS only required 7% longer than the research TPS to calculate the total absorbed dose.ConclusionsThe results of this work suggest that it is feasible to quickly and accurately calculate whole‐body doses inside and outside of the therapeutic treatment field in individual patients on a routine basis using physics‐based analytical dose models. This additional capability enables a more personalized approach to minimizing the risk of radiogenic late effects, such as second cancer and cardiac toxicity, as part of the treatment planning process.