bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A predictive algorithm using clinical and laboratory parameters may assist in ruling out and in diagnosing MDS
Authors: Oster Howard S. , Crouch Simon , Smith Alexandra , Yu Ge , Abu Shrkihe Bander , Baruch Shoham , Kolomansky Albert , Ben-Ezra Jonathan , Naor Shachar , Fenaux Pierre , Symeonidis Argiris , Stauder Reinhard , Cermak Jaroslav , Sanz Guillermo , Hellström-Lindberg Eva , Malcovati Luca , Langemeijer Saskia , Germing Ulrich , Holm Mette Skov , Madry Krzysztof , Guerci-Bresler Agnes , Culligan Dominic , Sanhes Laurence , Mills Juliet , Kotsianidis Ioannis , van Marrewijk Corine , Bowen David , de Witte Theo , Mittelman Moshe 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
We present a noninvasive Web-based app to help exclude or diagnose myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a bone marrow (BM) disorder with cytopenias and leukemic risk, diagnosed by BM examination. A sample of 502 MDS patients from the European MDS (EUMDS) registry (n &gt; 2600) was combined with 502 controls (all BM proven). Gradient-boosted models (GBMs) were used to predict/exclude MDS using demographic, clinical, and laboratory variables. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity were used to evaluate the models, and performance was validated using 100 times fivefold cross-validation. Model stability was assessed by repeating its fit using different randomly chosen groups of 502 EUMDS cases. AUC was 0.96 (95% confidence interval, 0.95-0.97). MDS is predicted/excluded accurately in 86% of patients with unexplained anemia. A GBM score (range, 0-1) of less than 0.68 (GBM &lt; 0.68) resulted in a negative predictive value of 0.94, that is, MDS was excluded. GBM ≥ 0.82 provided a positive predictive value of 0.88, that is, MDS. The diagnosis of the remaining patients (0.68 ≤ GBM &lt; 0.82) is indeterminate. The discriminating variables: age, sex, hemoglobin, white blood cells, platelets, mean corpuscular volume, neutrophils, monocytes, glucose, and creatinine. A Web-based app was developed; physicians could use it to exclude or predict MDS noninvasively in most patients without a BM examination. Future work will add peripheral blood cytogenetics/genetics, EUMDS-based prospective validation, and prognostication.
Efficacy of the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine in patients with B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Perry C. , Luttwak E. , Balaban R. , Shefer G. , Morales M. M. , Aharon A. , Tabib Y. , Cohen Y. C. , Benyamini N. , Beyar-Katz O. , Neaman M. , Vitkon R. , Keren-Khadmy N. , Levin M. , Herishanu Y. , Avivi I. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Patients diagnosed with B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL), particularly if recently treated with anti-CD20 antibodies, are at risk of severe COVID-19 disease. Because studies evaluating humoral response to COVID-19 vaccine in these patients are lacking, recommendations regarding vaccination strategy remain unclear. The humoral immune response to BNT162b2 messenger RNA (mRNA) COVID-19 vaccine was evaluated in patients with B-NHL who received 2 vaccine doses 21 days apart and compared with the response in healthy controls. Antibody titer, measured by the Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2S assay, was evaluated 2 to 3 weeks after the second vaccine dose. Patients with B-NHL (n = 149), aggressive B-NHL (a-B-NHL; 47%), or indolent B-NHL (i-B-NHL; 53%) were evaluated. Twenty-eight (19%) were treatment naïve, 37% were actively treated with a rituximab/obinutuzumab (R/Obi)–based induction regimen or R/Obi maintenance, and 44% had last been treated with R/Obi &gt;6 months before vaccination. A seropositive response was achieved in 89%, 7.3%, and 66.7%, respectively, with response rates of 49% in patients with B-NHL vs 98.5% in 65 healthy controls (P &lt; .001). Multivariate analysis revealed that longer time since exposure to R/Obi and absolute lymphocyte count ≥0.9 × 103/μL predicted a positive serological response. Median time to achieve positive serology among anti-CD20 antibody-treated patients was longer in i-B-NHL vs a-B-NHL. The humoral response to BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine is impaired in patients with B-NHL who are undergoing R/Obi treatment. Longer time since exposure to R/Obi is associated with improved response rates to the COVID-19 vaccine. This study is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT04746092.
Defect and Doping Engineered Penta-graphene for Catalysis of Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Hao Jinbo , Wei Feng , Zhang Xinhui , Li Long , Zhang Chunling , Liang Dan , Ma Xiaoguang , Lu Pengfei 
Published: August 2021

AbstractWater electrolysis is a sustainable and clean method to produce hydrogen fuel via hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Using stable, effective and low-cost electrocatalysts for HER to substitute expensive noble metals is highly desired. In this paper, by using first-principles calculation, we designed a defect and N-, S-, P-doped penta-graphene (PG) as a two-dimensional (2D) electrocatalyst for HER, and its stability, electronic properties and catalytic performance were investigated. The Gibbs free energy (ΔGH), which is the best descriptor for the HER, is calculated and optimized, the calculation results show that the ΔGH can be 0 eV with C2 vacancies and P doping at C1 active sites, which should be the optimal performance for a HER catalyst. Moreover, we reveal that the larger charge transfer from PG to H, the closer ΔGH is to zero according to the calculation of the electron charge density differences and Bader charges analysis. Ulteriorly, we demonstrated that the HER performance prefers the Volmer–Heyrovsky mechanism in this study.
Transcriptome-wide m6A profiling reveals mRNA post-transcriptional modification of boar sperm during cryopreservation
Authors: Qin Ziyue , Wang Wencan , Ali Malik Ahsan , Wang Yihan , Zhang Yan , Zhang Ming , Zhou Guangbin , Yang Jian-dong , Zeng Changjun 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundCryopreservation induces transcriptomic and epigenetic modifications that strongly impairs sperm quality and function, and thus decrease reproductive performance. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation varies in response to stress and has been implicated in multiple important biological processes, including post-transcriptional fate of mRNA, metabolism, and apoptosis. This study aimed to explore whether cryopreservation induces m6A modification of mRNAs associated with sperm energy metabolism, cryoinjuries, and freezability.ResultsThe mRNA and protein expression of m6A modification enzymes were significantly dysregulated in sperm after cryopreservation. Furthermore, m6A peaks were mainly enriched in coding regions and near stop codons with classical RRACH motifs. The mRNAs containing highly methylated m6A peaks (fts vs. fs) were significantly associated with metabolism and gene expression, while the genes with less methylated m6A peaks were primarily involved in processes regulating RNA metabolism and transcription. Furthermore, the joint analysis of DMMGs and differentially expressed genes indicated that both of these play a vital role in sperm energy metabolism and apoptosis.ConclusionsOur study is the first to reveal the dynamic m6A modification of mRNAs in boar sperm during cryopreservation. These epigenetic modifications may affect mRNA expression and are closely related to sperm motility, apoptosis, and metabolism, which will provide novel insights into understanding of the cryoinjuries or freezability of boar sperm during cryopreservation.
Effect of a self-care educational intervention to improve self-care adherence among patients with chronic heart failure: a clustered randomized controlled trial in Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Dessie Getenet , Burrowes Sahai , Mulugeta Henok , Haile Dessalegn , Negess Ayenew , Jara Dubie , Alem Girma , Tesfaye Bekele , Zeleke Haymanot , Gualu Tenaw , Getaneh Temsgen , Kibret Getiye Dejenu , Amare Desalegne , Worku Mengesha Endalkachew , Wagnew Fasil , Khanam Rasheda 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundAs the burden of cardiovascular disease increases in sub-Saharan Africa, there is a growing need for low-cost interventions to mitigate its impact. Providing self-care health education to patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) is recommended as an intervention to prevent complications, improve quality of life, and reduce financial burdens on fragile health systems. However, little is known about health education’s effectiveness at improving CHF self-management adherence in sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore the present study aimed to assess the effectiveness of an educational intervention to improve self-care adherence among patients with CHF at Debre Markos and Felege Hiwot Referral Hospitals in Northwest Ethiopia.MethodsTo address this gap, we adapted a health education intervention based on social cognitive theory comprising of intensive four-day training and, one-day follow-up sessions offered every four months. Patients also received illustrated educational leaflets. We then conducted a clustered randomized control trial of the intervention with 186 randomly-selected patients at Debre Markos and Felege Hiwot referral hospitals. We collected self-reported data on self-care behavior before each educational session. We analyzed these data using a generalized estimating equations model to identify health education's effect on a validated 8-item self-care adherence scale.ResultsSelf-care adherence scores were balanced at baseline. After the intervention, patients in the intervention group (n = 88) had higher adherence scores than those in the control group (n = 98). This difference was statistically significant (β = 4.15,p < 0.05) and increased with each round of education. Other factors significantly associated with adherence scores were being single (β = − 0.25,p < 0.05), taking aspirin (β = 0.76,p < 0.05), and having a history of hospitalization (β = 0.91,p < 0.05).ConclusionsWe find that self-care education significantly improved self-care adherence scores among CHF patients. This suggests that policymakers should consider incorporating self-care education into CHF management.Trial registration number: PACTR201908812642231
Prolonged viral shedding of SARS-CoV-2 in two immunocompromised patients, a case report
Authors: Niyonkuru Melissa , Pedersen Rune Micha , Assing Kristian , Andersen Thomas Emil , Skov Marianne Nielsine , Johansen Isik Somuncu , Madsen Lone Wulff 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
The duration of viable Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) shedding in immunocompromised patients is still unknown. This case report describes the duration of viable SARS-CoV-2 in two immunocompromised patients with completely different clinical courses and further addresses the immunological aspects.

Case presentations
Oropharyngeal swaps were collected continuously during hospitalization for two immunocompromised patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 and sent for analysis to real time
reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), viral culture assessed by plaque assay and full genome sequencing. Blood samples for flow cytometry and further immunological analysis were taken once during admission. One patient was without symptoms of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) whereas the other had severe respiratory symptoms requiring a stay at an intensive care unit (ICU) and treatment with remdesivir and dexamethasone. Despite their difference in clinical courses, they both continuously shed SARS-CoV-2 with high viral loads in culture. Both patients had undetectable anti SARS-CoV-2 IgG levels about 2 weeks after the first positive real time RT-PCR test of SARS-CoV-2, marked expansions of virus reactive CD8+ T cells but cellular markers indicative of attenuated humoral immunity.

Conclusions
Our case illustrates the importance of distinguishing isolation guidelines for patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 according to their immunological status. Furthermore, it demonstrates the need for immune markers relating to viral shedding in immunocompromised patients.
Empyema necessitans with osteomyelitis of fifth rib due to Nocardia farcinica: a case report
Authors: Tripathi Swapnil , Meena Durga Shankar , Rohila Amit Kumar , T.R. Neetha , Jain Vidhi , Kumar Deepak , Yadav Taruna , Garg Mahendra Kumar 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
Empyema necessitans is a rare pulmonary condition described as the presence of pus in the pleural cavity with insidious extension into the surrounding soft tissue. The common microbial aetiology of empyema necessitans is tuberculosis. Nocardiosis a cause of empyema necessitans is rarely described in the literature. We herein present a case of an 80-year-old male with empyema necessitans with osteomyelitis of rib caused by Nocardia farcinica.

Case presentation
An 80-year-old male presented with complaints of soft swelling on the left lower posterior chest wall associated with dry cough and breathlessness on exertion. Computed Tomography (CT) thorax demonstrated empyema necessitans with features of left fifth rib osteomyelitis. Radiological guided aspiration of the chest wall collection revealed Nocardia species and surgical drainage of abscess was performed. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) identified the isolate as Nocardia farcinica. He was treated with three-drug regimen: Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, amikacin and ceftriaxone for 2 weeks. After showing improvement patient was discharged and advised to take oral Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for the next 6 months with periodic follow-up.

Conclusions
As our case demonstrates, the possibility of invasive Nocardiosis should not be overlooked even in immunocompetent patients. Clinicians should aware of this rare entity while treating patients with empyema necessitans.
Tuberculosis infection screening in children with close contact: a hospital-based study
Authors: Sun Lin , Qi Xue , Guo Yajie , Qi Hui , Li Jieqiong , Wu Xirong , Yin Qingqin , Guo Yan , Xu Baoping , Wang Yacui , Jin Qi , Gao Lei , Shen Adong 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
Identifying and prioritizing at-risk populations is critical for pediatric tuberculosis control. We aimed to identify a latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) screening strategy that is appropriate for the Chinese context among children with different TB exposure levels and to explore its clinical importance.

Methods
During 2013–2015, we enrolled hospitalized children with suspected respiratory infectious disease (RID) for LTBI screening using the tuberculin skin test (TST) and interferon-γ release assay (IGRA) T-SPOT.TB as part of a work up for their RID. Participants with confirmed diagnosis were classified into three subgroups according to level of exposure to TB: no reported contact risk, with household contact risk, and with non-household contact risk.

Results
A total 6202 children (median age: 4.76 years; interquartile range: 1.0–8.0 years) were enrolled. Children with no reported contact risk had the lowest proportions of positive results for the IGRA (0.7%) and TST (3.3%). The proportion of positive results for each test was higher for household contacts than non-household contacts. The TST positive proportion was much higher than that for the IGRA in all three groups. Children with IGRA+/TST+ results had larger indurations than those with IGRA− /TST+  results (15 mm vs. 13 mm, P = 0.02). For IGRA, older age (> 5 years) and non-household or household contact risk were associated with a positive result.

Conclusions
Positive IGRA results in children with a contact risk can serve as a critical reference for LTBI management. IGRA can be used, in preference to TST, for Chinese children with a TB exposure risk.
A cluster randomized trial of interferon ß-1a for the reduction of transmission of SARS-Cov-2: protocol for the Containing Coronavirus Disease 19 trial (ConCorD-19)
Authors: Iturriaga Carolina , Eiffler Nat , Aniba Rad , Ben-Othman Rym , Perez-Mateluna Guillermo , Meyer Jessica K. V. , Fish Eleanor N. , Kollmann Tobias R. , Severino Nicolas , Stick Stephen , Borzutzky Arturo , Perret Cecilia , Castro-Rodriguez José A. , Garcia-Huidobro Diego 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundSARS-CoV-2 infection rapidly spreads in populations due to the high rates of community transmission. Interrupting the shedding of SARS-CoV-2 may reduce the incidence of Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19). Herein we provide a protocol for a cluster randomized trial that will examine the effectiveness of treatment with interferon (IFN) ß-1a compared to standard of care in limiting the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Co-primary objectives are to determine whether IFN therapy reduces (a) the proportion of infected cases shedding SARS-CoV-2 at day 11 post randomization and (b) the incidence of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection from index cases to treatment-eligible household post-exposure contacts at day 11 after randomization. Secondary objectives include assessing the impact of IFN treatment on duration of viral clearance, hospitalizations and fatalities, and evaluating the safety of IFN treatment.MethodsThree hundred and ten households, each including an index case with a recent COVID-19 diagnosis and at least one asymptomatic treatment-eligible household contact, will be randomized to receive 3 doses of 125 μg IFN ß-1a by subcutaneous administration (days 1, 6, and 11), or standard of care. All participants will be followed until day 29.DiscussionThe results from this trial will identify whether IFN ß treatment of mild or moderate COVID-19 cases accelerates viral clearance and prevents disease progression and whether IFN ß treatment of post-exposure contacts of COVID-19 cases reduces transmission of infection.Trial Registration:This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04552379; date of registration September 17, 2020.
The elusive diagnosis and emergent management of a late-presenting ruptured interstitial pregnancy: a case report
Authors: Ahlschlager Lauren M. , Mysona David , Beckham A. Jenna 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
Interstitial pregnancies are rare and often difficult to diagnose given their proximal position to the uterine cavity, however most are identified by 12 weeks gestation. Delayed or missed diagnosis contributes to heightened incidence of poor outcomes including hemorrhage and death.

Case presentation
A 35-year-old woman at 15 weeks gestation with confirmed intrauterine pregnancy on first trimester ultrasound and prior negative MRI presented in hemorrhagic shock and was found to have a ruptured interstitial pregnancy. Exploratory laparotomy revealed the fetus to be in the abdomen as well as a large cornual defect and abnormal placentation that resulted in supracervical hysterectomy.

Conclusions
Interstitial pregnancy should be considered in a patient presenting with symptoms consistent with ectopic rupture, especially in the setting of equivocal or suboptimal prior imaging. Earlier diagnosis may allow for fertility-sparing intervention and decreased risk of morbidity and mortality.
Case report: risk of skin necrosis related to injectable vancomycin in critically ill newborn infants
Authors: Gilliot Sixtine , Boukhris Mohamed Riadh , Masse Morgane , Storme Laurent , Décaudin Bertrand , Odou Pascal , Le Duc Kevin 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
Vancomycin is commonly used as part of empiric antibiotic therapy in the preterm infants who develop signs and symptoms of infection. Although skin necrosis has been noted to occur following injection of vancomycin into a peripheral vein in an adult patient, this complication has not been previously described in a preterm infant.

Case presentation
We report the case of a very low birthweight male infant born at 30 weeks gestational age who developed skin necrosis, most likely as a complication of vancomycin administration via a peripheral venous catheter. The immature skin and endothelial cells of this preterm infant may have increased the risk of drugs related venous and skin toxicity. In this case, assumption of a cumulative toxicity with other drugs administered concomitantly via the same catheter can’t be excluded.

Conclusions
To prevent the risk of skin damage, we advocate that in newborn infants, the administration of vancomycin should be limited to a concentration of < 2.5 mg/mL via a peripheral intravenous catheter if a central venous catheter is not available.
COVID-19 related poor mental health and sleep disorders in rheumatic patients: a citizen science project
Authors: Ingegnoli Francesca , Buoli Massimiliano , Posio Cristina , Di Taranto Raffaele , Lo Muscio Alessandro , Cumbo Enrico , Ostuzzi Silvia , Caporali Roberto 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
Patients with chronic rheumatic diseases (RDs) are more vulnerable and the containment measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic might have severe psychological consequences. We investigated the presence of and risk factors associated with poor mental health, sleep disorders among RDs during the pandemic.

Methods
This cross-sectional Italian citizen science project evaluated the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in patients with RDs. Between May and September 2020, eleven RD patients’ associations sent the survey by using their mailing list and the related webpage and social network. 507 RD patients completed an ad-hoc anonymous online survey including the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Impact Event Scale-Revised (IES-R).

Results
The mean scores on the PSS-10 and the IES-R were 18.1 and 29.7, respectively. Higher PSS scores were associated with younger age (p <  0.01), female gender (p <  0.01), overweight/obesity (p = 0.01), psychiatric pharmacotherapy (p <  0.01), and anxiety for loss of income (p <  0.01). Higher IES-R scores were associated with female gender (p <  0.01), intestinal diseases (p = 0.03), anxiety (p <  0.01), and health concern (p <  0.01). Among 375 patients with inflammatory arthritis, 246 (65.6%) had trouble staying asleep, 238 (63.5%) falling asleep, and 112 (29.9%) had dreams about the pandemic. Older age (OR = 1.038, CI 1.002–1.076), psychiatric pharmacotherapy (OR = 25.819, CI 11.465–58.143), and COVID infection (OR = 2.783, CI 1.215–6.372) were predictive of insomnia during the pandemic.

Conclusions
A considerable COVID-19 related psychosocial burden has been detected in RDs. Different factors were predictive of poor mental health and sleep disorders in these patients. Focused supportive strategies should be implemented to improve the psychological well-being of fragile patients during pandemics.