bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pediatric Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease Diagnosis by Ultrasound-Guided Needle Biopsy
Authors: Liang Yan , Chen Xing , Pan Min , Guo Chunyan , Liu Fengqin , Yang Juan , Ding Ning 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) is a rare form of non-malignant and self-limited disease. It is quite susceptible to be misdiagnosed because of a lack of diagnostic guidelines. Lymph node biopsy has shown promising results to confirm KFD pathology.
Methods

This is a retrospective study of patients younger than 18 years old diagnosed with KFD between May 2016 and May 2020 in Shandong Provincial Hospital. Electronic medical records and pathological data were thoroughly reviewed. Ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy (US-CNB) method was performed in all 20 patients.
Results

A total of 20 pediatric patients were recruited to the study. There were 14 boys and 6 girls (boy:girl = 2.3:1) with a median age of 9.1 ± 3.5 years. Fever and lymphadenopathy were the most frequent complaints. The duration of fever ranged from 6 days to 70 days, with a median of 24.2 days. Leukopenia (45.0%) was more predominant than leukocytosis (10.0%) in this cohort. Laboratory findings showed elevated levels of serum amyloid A (SAA), C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) in 13 (13/20, 65.0%), 5 (5/20, 25.0%) and 17 patients (17/20, 85.0%), respectively. Past episodes of EBV infections in 16 patients (16/18, 88.9%) were confirmed by positive EB-specific viral capsid antigen (EB-VCA) and nuclear antigen (EBNA)-specific IgG antibody tests. Elevated IgE levels were also detected in 9 patients (9/16, 56.3%). The sizes of lymph node swelling ranged from 15–34 mm in long diameter with a median of 23.2 mm. The biopsy sites were mostly selected in the left cervical lymph node (10/20, 50.0%). The histopathological subtype analysis revealed proliferative type (4/20, 20.0%), necrotizing type (13/20, 65.0%), and xanthomatous type (3/20, 15%) of lymphadenopathy. Immunohistochemical staining showed that the infiltrated histiocytes were positive for CD163 (7/20,35.0%), CD68 (15/20, 75.0%), CD123 (6/15, 40.0%) and myeloperoxidase (14/20,70.0%). Corticosteroid therapy remained effective. Patients were followed up for 1 to 4.5 years. All patients had a good prognosis. Recurrence occurred in 3 patients (3/20, 15.0%).
Conclusion

Diagnosis of KFD depends on pathological and immunohistochemical examinations. US-CNB can serve as a primary pathological diagnostic method for children and young adult patients.
Outcomes of Stroke Patients Undergoing Thrombolysis in Sri Lanka; an Observational Prospective Study From a Low-middle Income Country
Authors: Herath HMMTB , Rodrigo Chaturaka , Alahakoon AMBD , Ambawatte Sathyajith Buddhika , Senanayake Sunethra , Senanayake Bimsara , Fernando Arjuna 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
BackgroundStroke related deaths are relatively higher in low- and middle-income countries where only a fraction of eligible patients undergo thrombolysis. There is also limited evidence on post-thrombolysis outcomes of patients from Asian countries in these income bands. MethodsThis is a single center prospective observational study of a patient cohort with acute ischaemic stroke, undergoing thrombolysis with alteplase (low and standard dose), over a 24-month period in 2019/2020. Demographic, clinical (including scoring systems for functional impairment) and imaging data of all patients were recorded prior to thrombolysis, within 24-hours post-thrombolysis and at 3-months follow up. Incidence of symptomatic intracranial haemorrhages and all-cause mortality by 3 months was also recorded.ResultsEighty-nine patients (males – 61, 69%, mean age: 60 years ± 12.18) were recruited. Time from symptom onset to reperfusion was 174 minutes ± 56.50. Ten (11%) patients died and 19 (21%) developed symptomatic intracranial haemorrhages (sICH) by 3 months. Functional independence at 3 months (measured by Barthel index, National Institutes of Health Stroke Score – NIHSS, or modified Rankin scale - mRS) was independently associated with NIHSS on admission (p<0.05). Thrombolysis with low dose alteplase was associated with better NIHSS or mRS scores (p<0.05) at 3 months compared to standard dose.ConclusionsOn admission NIHSS is predictive of functional independence at 3 months and reducing the time from symptom onset to thrombolysis, may further improve outcomes. The preliminary observations on low dose alteplase efficacy must be confirmed by a randomized controlled trial in the local population.
Exploiting Generative Self-Supervised Learning For The Assessment of Biological Images With Lack of Annotations: A COVID-19 Case-Study
Authors: Mascolini Alessio , Cardamone Dario , Ponzio Francesco , Cataldo Santa Di , Ficarra Elisa 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Computer-aided analysis of biological images typically requires extensive training on large-scale annotated datasets, which is not viable in many situations. In this paper, we present GAN-DL, a Discriminator Learner based on the StyleGAN2 architecture, which we employ for self-supervised image representation learning in the case of fluorescent biological images. We show that Wasserstein Generative Adversarial Networks combined with linear Support Vector Machines enable high-throughput compound screening based on raw images. We demonstrate this by classifying active and inactive compounds tested for the inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 infection in VERO and HRCE cell lines. In contrast to previous methods, our deep learning-based approach does not require any annotation besides the one that is normally collected during the sample preparation process. We test our technique on the RxRx19a Sars-CoV-2 image collection. The dataset consists of fluorescent images that were generated to assess the ability of regulatory-approved or late-stage clinical trials compounds to modulate the in vitro infection from SARS-CoV-2 in both VERO and HRCE cell lines. We show that our technique can be exploited not only for classification tasks but also to effectively derive a dose-response curve for the tested treatments, in a self-supervised manner. Lastly, we demonstrate its generalization capabilities by successfully addressing a zero-shot learning task, consisting of the categorization of four different cell types of the RxRx1 fluorescent images collection.
Effects of a 1-mm Difference in Bearing Thickness on Intraoperative Bearing Movement and Kinematics in Oxford Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Kawaguchi Kohei , Inui Hiroshi , Taketomi Shuji , Yamagami Ryota , Kono Kenichi , Sameshima Shin , Kage Tomofumi , Tanaka Sakae 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: The choice of mobile bearing (MB) thickness is essential for obtaining successful results after mobile-bearing Oxford unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). This study aimed to investigate the effects of a 1-mm difference in bearing thickness on intraoperative MB movement and intraoperative knee kinematics in Oxford UKAs.Methods: We prospectively investigated the intraoperative MB movement and knee kinematics of 25 patients who underwent Oxford UKAs when surgeons didn’t know which bearing thickness to choose with 1-mm difference. A trial tibial component that was scaled every 2 mm was used to measure the intraoperative MB movement, and the tibial internal rotation relative to the femur and the knee varus angle was simultaneously evaluated using the navigation system as the knee kinematics. We separately evaluated sets of two MB thicknesses with 1-mm differences, and we compared the intraoperative parameters at maximum extension; 30º, 45º, 60º, and 90º flexion; and maximum flexion between the thicker MB (thick group) and the thinner MB (thin group).Results: The MB in the thin group was located significantly posteriorly at 90º flexion compared with that in the thick group; however, there were no differences at the other flexion angles. There was significantly less tibial internal rotation in the thin group at 90º flexion than that in the thick group; however, there were no differences at the other flexion angles. The knee varus angles in the thick group were significantly smaller than those in the thin group by approximately one degree at all angles other than at 30º and 45º flexion. Conclusion: The thicker MB could bring the less posterior MB movement and the more tibial internal rotation at 90º flexion, additionally the valgus correction angle in the thicker MB should be paid attention. These results could help surgeons to decide the thickness of MBs when they wonder the thickness of MB.
Understanding “Alexandrian” extinctions using genomic DNA from fluid-preserved museum specimens of Desmognathus salamanders
Authors: Pyron Alex , Beamer David A. , Holzheuser Chace R. , Lemmon Emily Moriarty , Lemmon Alan R. , Wynn Addison H. , O’Connell Kyle A. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Species that went extinct prior to the genomic era are typically out-of-reach for modern phylogenetic studies. We refer to these as “Alexandrian” extinctions, after the lost library of the ancient world. This is particularly limiting for conservation studies, as genetic data for such taxa may be key to understand extinction threats and risks, the causes of declines, and inform management of related, extant populations. Fortunately, continual advances in biochemistry and DNA sequencing offer increasing ability to recover DNA from historical museum specimens, including fluid-preserved natural history collections. Here, we report on success in recovering nuclear and mitochondrial data from the apparently-extinct subspecies Desmognathus fuscus carri (Neill 1951), a plethodontid salamander from spring runs in central Florida. The two specimens are 50 years old and were likely preserved in unbuffered formalin, but application of a recently derived extraction procedure yielded usable DNA and partially successful Anchored Hybrid Enrichment sequencing. These data suggest that the populations of D. f. carri from peninsular Florida are conspecific with the D. auriculatus A lineage as suggested by previous authors, but likely represented an ecogeographically distinct genetic segment that has now been lost. Genetic data from this Alexandrian extinction thus confirm the geographic extent of population declines and extirpations as well as their ecological context, suggesting a possibly disproportionate loss from sandy-bottom clearwater streams compared to blackwater swamps. Success of these methods bodes well for large-scale application to fluid-preserved natural history specimens from relevant historical populations, but the possibility of significant DNA damage and related sequencing errors in additional hurdle to overcome.
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice Related to COVID-19 Among Healthcare Workers in the United Arab Emirates: A Cross-sectional Study.
Authors: Marzouqi Amina M. Al , Otim Michael E. , Hijazi Heba H. , Kehail Leena S. , Kamal Ramsha A. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Objectives: The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) outbreak is a global health pandemic that continues to have an impact on many aspects of everyday life. This study investigates the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) related to COVID-19 among healthcare workers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods: This study uses a cross-sectional study design. The original data were collected using an online questionnaire distributed via a Google Forms link. Participants were healthcare workers currently working in the UAE healthcare facilities and recruited using snowball sampling. The questionnaire collected information on demographic variables and COVID-19-related knowledge, attitudes, and practice.Results: In total, the sample of 107 healthcare workers completed the survey. About 92% of the participants worked in public institutions, 87% were from Dubai, and 673% were female. The majority were aged 31–40 years (34.6%), and 43% were radiographers. 66.4% held bachelor’s degrees and Indian nationalities were (28%) and the Philippinos were (28%). Most (90.7%) participants knew the absence of fever did not mean that the virus could not transmit from an infected person, and 84.1% agreed that wearing general medical masks prevented one from contracting COVID-19. However, only 36.4% strongly believed that wearing a well-fitting face mask was effective. In addition, only 15.9% reported confidently managing patients with symptoms of COVID-19, and 54.2% reported that they were afraid of contracting the virus from patients. Almost half of the participants avoided patients who had symptoms of COVID-19. Conclusion: Overall, healthcare workers’ COVID-19-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices for healthcare workers in UAE healthcare facilities was very high. However, we found gaps in awareness regarding the spread of the pandemic. Our study recommends that providing healthcare workers with education programs and counseling services would help increase their confidence in treating patients with COVID-19.
Recipient And Donor PTX3 rs2305619 Polymorphisms Increase The Susceptibility To Invasive Fungal Disease Following Haploidentical Stem Cell Transplantation: A Prospective Study
Authors: Zhao Chen , Zhao Xiao-Su , Xu Lan-Ping , Zhang Xiao-Hui , Huang Xiao-Jun , Sun Yu-Qian 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background Invasive fungal disease (IFD) is a severe complication after haploidentical stem cell transplantation (haplo-HSCT) and has a poor prognosis. It has been shown that genetic polymorphism may be one possible reason for the increased risk of IFD. This study aimed to assess the role of genetic polymorphisms in the level of susceptibility to IFD in after haplo-HSCT. Methods In this study, we prospectively enrolled 251 patients who received haplo-HSCT at the Peking University Institute of Hematology from to 2016-2018. Forty-three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the genomic DNA were genotyped in blood samples from both recipient and donor. Results Twenty-two patients (8.8%) were diagnosed with proven or probable IFD. The independent risk factors for IFD were grades 3-4 acute graft-versus-host disease, cytomegalovirus reactivation, and recipient and donor rs2305619 (PTX3) (P<0.05) in multivariate analysis. Meanwhile, we combined the variables to develop the IFD risk scoring system and stratified patients into low- (0), intermediate- (1-2), and high-risk (3-4) groups. The 30-day and 100-day cumulative incidence of IFD in the low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups were 0.1%, 2.4%, 10.2% and 4.5%, 4.1%, 20.3%, respectively (P=0.015). Conclusions PTX3 rs2305619 polymorphisms increase the susceptibility of IFD after haplo-HSCT in the Chinese Han population, and the IFD scoring system could be considered as a new standard for risk stratification for IFD after HSCT.
Calcaneal Tuberosity Fracture (Beak Fracture) Fixation Using a Pre-contoured “L-form” Hook Plate: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Zhu Chan , Wu Zongde 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: The treatment of calcaneal tuberosity fracture (beak fracture) is very tricky. Patients’ ankle function may be badly affected by skin flap necrosis and internal fixation failure. This study presented a simple, and safe internal fixation technique which is to fix the fracture fragment with a pre-contoured “L-form” hook plate.Methods: A retrospective study was done to analyze patients with calcaneal tuberosity fracture who were treated with pre-contoured “L-form” hook plate fixation from January 2015 to February 2020. When the patients could complete single-legged heel raise tests, and when they achieved clinical healing criteria were reviewed. Functional assessment was performed according to the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot (AOFAS-AH) scores and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was recommended for assessment of pain intensity (PI).Results: There were a total of 15 patients of calcaneal tuberosity fracture (beak fracture) treated with the pre-contoured “L-form” hook plate fixation technique, among which eight patients were female and the others were male, with the age ranging from 35 to 69 years (average of 55.3±9.0 years). And the mean duration of follow-up was 22.53±5.78 months (range: 12 to 36 months). 11 cases underwent emergency surgery. After the operation, there were no complications such as wound dehiscence, poor wound healing, infections, or plate exposure, no sural nerve injuries or venous thromboembolic events. Also, there was no loss of reduction or fixation failure in the follow-up. All 15 cases achieved clinical healing at 8-13 weeks (average 10.5±1.4 weeks) postoperatively. They were able to perform the test on their affected leg after 3.7±0.7 months (3-5 months) on average. The preoperative VAS and AOFAS-AH scores were 5.7±0.6 and 24.0±9.9 respectively, while the postoperative VAS and AOFAS-AH scores at the last follow-up were 1.3±0.5 and 93.8±5.2 (p<0.001).Conclusion: Emergency open reduction and internal fixation should be provided as soon as possible. For patients with Beavis type II beak fractures, the pre-contoured “L-form” hook plate fixation technique helps them restore normal ankle function. This simple, safe, and strong internal fixation technique can be one of the treatment options for avulsion fractures of the calcaneal tuberosity.
General and Illness-specific Predictors of Adaptation to Chronic Illnesses: Cognitive Appraisals and Illness-related Beliefs
Authors: Pankowski Daniel , Wytrychiewicz-Pankowska Kinga , Janowski Konrad , Pisula Ewa , Fal Andrzej Mariusz 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
The literature indicates that cognitive appraisals and illness-related beliefs are the key cognitive factors that affect the outcomes of psychological adaptation to chronic illnesses. The main aim of the study was to identify which cognitive appraisals and illness-related beliefs are the best predictors of adaptation to living with chronic illnesses as well as which of these predictors are universal and which are illness-specific.
Methods
This study analyzed data collected online from 505 participants who reported diagnoses of rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, hypothyroidism, diabetes, and hypertension.
Results
Adaptation indicators (i.e., depressive symptoms and level of acceptance of living with the disease) differed significantly across samples with different medical diagnoses. Additionally, illness-related cognitive appraisals but not illness-related beliefs made a statistically significant specific contribution to explaining the variance in adaptation indices.
Conclusions
The predictors of adaptation to living with the disease differ between the diagnoses and the adjustment indicators. The results can contribute to a better matching of therapeutic interventions as well as social campaigns aimed at the ill people.
Dnmt3aa But Not Dnmt3ab Is Required for Maintenance of Gametogenesis in Nile Tilapia
Authors: Wang Feilong , Qin Zuliang , Li Zhiqiang , Yang Shuangyi , Gao Tian , Sun Lina , Wang Deshou 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Dnmt3a , a de novo methylatransferase, is essential for both male and female germ line DNA methylation. Only one Dnmt3a is identified in mammals, and homozygous mutation of Dnmt3a is lethal, while two Dnmt3a , dnmt3aa and dnmt3ab , are identified in teleosts due to the third round of genome duplication, and homozygous mutation of dnmt3aa and dnmt3ab is viable in zebrafish. Dnmt3aa and dnmt3ab were demonstrated to have essential and non-overlapped functions on modulating behavioral control, however, their function in gonadal development is unclear in fish. Results: In this study, the expression patterns of dnmt3aa and dnmt3ab in developing gonads of Nile tilapia was analyzed by quantitative real time PCR and fluorescence in situ hybridization. Both dnmt3aa and dnmt3ab displayed sexually dimorphic expression in developing gonads. Dnmt3aa was widely expressed in gonadal germ cells and somatic cells, highly expressed in oogonia, phase I and II oocytes and granulosa cells in ovaries and spermatogonia and spermatocytes in testes, while dnmt3ab was mainly expressed in ovarian granulosa cells and testicular spermatocytes. Mutation of dnmt3aa and dnmt3ab was achieved by CRISPR/Cas9 in tilapia. Lower GSI (Gonadosomatic index), increased apoptosis of oocytes and spermatocytes and significantly reduced sperm quality were observed in dnmt3aa −/− mutants, while no obvious phenotype was observed in dnmt3ab −/− mutants. Consistently, the expression of apoptotic genes was significantly increased in dnmt3aa −/− mutants. In addition, dnmt3aa and dnmt3ab were found to have certain compensatory effects in the gonads. The global DNA methylation level in ovaries and testes of dnmt3aa −/− mutants was decreased significantly, compared with that of dnmt3ab −/− mutants and WT. Conclusions: Taken together, our results suggest that dnmt3aa , not dnmt3ab , plays important roles in maintaining gametogenesis in teleost. Our results enrich the understanding of the function of DNA methyltransferases in gonads of non-mammalian vertebrates.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (Kap) on Diabetic Foot Care Among Patients With Diabetes in District Bahawalpur, Pakistan
Authors: Shamim Tahira , Sumreen Laila , Asif Hafiz Muhammad 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic multifactorial metabolic illness that is characterized by numerous chronic complications. Diabetes affects almost every system of the body. Among these diabetic foot is one of the major complications of diabetes mellitus. Its main objective was to investigate the knowledge, attitude and foot care practices in diabetic patients suffering from diabetic foot lesions. An institutional-based cross-sectional study was designed to be conducted at Civil Hospital, Bahawalpur, Pakistan. Total 150 diabetic patients were selected by systematic random sampling method. Ratio of Type II diabetes was 91.3% whereas 23.3% patients were having family history of diabetes. 44.35% patients were having some knowledge about diabetes related complications whereas 45.44% patients were having a positive attitude towards control and prevention of diabetes related complications. Good foot care and footwear practices were being carried out by just 33.62% of the patients. Education regarding reducing increased body weight, knowledge about foot care practices, early detection and management of peripheral neuropathy and strict glycemic control could be very helpful in decreasing the diabetic foot complication.
In Vivo Antitumor Efficacy of 17-AAG Loaded PMMA in a Multiple Myeloma Patient-Derived Xenograft Mouse Model
Authors: Shi Xiangjun , Wei Yanzhe , Yao Xingchen , Du Boran , Wu Xiaoguang , Kong Xiangyu , Du Xinru 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a monoclonal malignancy characterized by abnormal proliferation of plasma cells. Its main clinical symptoms are osteolytic damage, severe bone pain, spinal instability, and pathological fracture and are collectively referred to as multiple myeloma bone disease (MMBD). Due to its good biomechanical properties and fast curing, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) bone cement is widely used for bone repair after MMBD surgery. However, whether drug-loading PMMA can inhibit tumor growth and angiogenesis has not been reported. Here, we report that 17-AAG-loaded PMMA bone cement inhibits MM growth in vivo and suppresses tumor diffusion to peripheral tissues. 17-AAG-loaded PMMA promotes MM apoptosis by downregulating Bax and active Caspase-3.