bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Portal Biliopathy and Cavernous Transformation of the Portal Vein Revealed by 68Ga-FAPI PET/CT
Authors: Wang Rongxi , Gao Xuehan , Han Xianlin , Zhu Zhaohui , He Xiaodong 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
A 47-year-old man presented with right upper abdominal pain for 1 month. Contrast-enhanced CT revealed hilar bile duct stenosis with dilatation of the intrahepatic bile ducts, and his serum CA19-9 and CA242 levels were significantly elevated. 18F-FDG and 68Ga-FAPI PET/CT were performed for differential diagnosis. 18F-FDG PET/CT showed only mild FDG uptake in the hepatic hilum. Astonishingly, in 68Ga-FAPI PET/CT, intense radioactivity was presented on the same region, which indicated massive fibroblasts aggregation in hepatic hilum. The patient was finally diagnosed as portal biliopathy caused by cavernous transformation of the portal vein.
CXCR4 Expression Demonstrated by 68Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT Imaging in a Case of Systemic Mastocytosis Mimicking Lymphoma
Authors: Kiran Murat Yilmaz , Apaydin Arikan Evsen , Sanli Yasemin , Yegen Gulcin , Kuyumcu Serkan 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

68Ga-Pentixafor is a novel radiotracer for imaging chemokine receptor subtype 4 (CXCR4) receptors, which are expressed exceptionally high in several hematologic malignancies, including various types of lymphoma. Herein we report a case of a 64-year-old man patient with suspected hematologic malignancy who underwent 18F-FDG and 68Ga-pentixafor PET/CT. Both scans demonstrated diffusely increased activity related to bone marrow involvement. 68Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT demonstrated CXCR4-expressing intra-abdominal lymph nodes that were not detected by 18F-FDG PET/CT. The patient was highly suspicious of lymphoma; however, histopathological examination of the bone marrow revealed systemic mastocytosis with associated myelofibrosis.
A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis on the Incidence of Patients With Lower-Limb Amputations Who Developed Symptomatic Neuromata in the Residual Limb
Authors: Huang Yongxu J. , Assi Patrick E. , Drolet Brian C. , Al Kassis Salam , Bastas Gerasimos , Chaker Sara , Manzanera Esteve Isaac V. , Perdikis Galen , Thayer Wesley P. 
Published: July 2021

Background
Neuromata developed after major extremity amputation can cause pain, limit the use of prosthetics, and negatively affect the quality of life. The frequency of postamputation neuroma varies widely. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of patients who developed symptomatic neuromata after lower-limb amputation through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods
A systematic review of the literature was performed on 4 major databases. Studies that reported the incidence of symptomatic neuroma in lower-limb amputees were included. A meta-analysis was performed to calculate the pooled incidence of neuromata.

Results
Thirteen studies consisting of 1329 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The reported incidence of patients who developed symptomatic neuromata ranged between 4% and 49%. The median duration of follow-up was 8.6 years (interquartile range, 2.0–17.4 years). The pooled percentage (95% confidence interval [CI]) of lower-limb amputees who developed symptomatic neuromata was 19% (12%–29%). In studies with a duration of follow-up at least 3 years, the pooled percentage (95% CI) of lower-limb amputees who developed symptomatic neuromata was 30% (22%–40%). In studies with a follow-up period of fewer than 3 years, the pooled percentage (95% CI) of neuroma incidence was 3% (2%–6%).

Conclusions
In summary, the overall incidence of patients who developed symptomatic neuromata was 19% or approximately 1 in 5 lower-limb amputees. Symptomatic neuromata are more commonly diagnosed when the follow-up period is longer than 3 years. These findings suggest that neuroma after amputation might be underestimated in studies with a short duration of follow-up.
Anatomical Variations of Anterior Ethmoidal Foramen and Cribriform Plate: Relations With Sex
Authors: Gibelli Daniele , Cellina Michaela , Gibelli Stefano , Floridi Chiara , Termine Giovanni , Sforza Chiarella 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Position of anterior ethmoidal artery and height of lateral lamella of cribriform plate (LLCP) represent critical variants in endoscopy.
In 200 maxillofacial computed tomography scans of patients the position of anterior ethmoidal foramen (AEF) in relation to ethmoid roof was recorded. The height of LLCP was measured and classified according to Keros classification.
Differences in AEF position and distribution of Keros types, and LLCP height according to sex were assessed through chi-square test (P < 0.05) and 1-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) test, respectively (P < 0.05). Differences in LLCP height according to different AEF position were assessed through Mann–Whitney test (P < 0.05).
No differences were observed in prevalence of AEF exposure according to sex (P > 0.05); LLCP height was higher in males than in females, with a higher frequency of Keros type 3 (P < 0.05). Moreover, subjects with AEF exposure had a significantly higher LLCP height (P < 0.01).
Results highlighted innovative data useful for improving the knowledge of these sensitive variants.
Single-Session Evidence-Based Intervention and Fall Risk Awareness in Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Howard Brenda S. , Brown Jones Fiona , Sellers Steenblock Aundrea , Ham Butler Kiersten , Thomas Laub Ellen , Winters Crull Meghan , Zaborowicz Grant Katherine 
Published: July 2021

Purpose:
To determine effects of a fall risk educational program on fall risk awareness.

Methods:
Twenty-five community-dwelling older adults 65 years and older attended a single-session intervention. Investigators held focus groups 1 month post-intervention. Investigators administered the Short Falls Efficacy Scale-International (S-FES-I) pre- and post-intervention.

Results:
Raw S-FES-I scores trended toward reduced fear of falling. Older adults reported heightened awareness of fall risks and reinforcement of fall prevention behaviors. Social support and narrative storytelling helped motivate participants.

Conclusion:
A single-session educational program reinforced existing fall risk reduction knowledge and behaviors but was limited in its ability to prompt behavioral change.
Rituximab Desensitization in Liver Transplant Recipients With Preformed Donor-specific HLA Antibodies: A Japanese Nationwide Survey
Authors: Akamatsu Nobuhisa , Hasegawa Kiyoshi , Sakamoto Seisuke , Ohdan Hideki , Nakagawa Ken , Egawa Hiroto 
Published: July 2021

Background.
The significance of preformed donor-specific anti-HLA antibodies (DSAs) in liver transplant recipients is controversial. Moreover, there has been no established desensitization protocol for DSA-positive recipients.

Methods.
A Japanese nationwide survey was performed to investigate the clinical practice among preformed DSA-positive patients with special reference to rituximab desensitization.

Results.
There was a total of 47 cases, including 2 pediatric cases, in which rituximab (287 ± 159 mg [319 (50–916)/m2]) was administered to desensitize preformed DSA. The decision for the indication of rituximab desensitization was based on a single-antigen assay in the majority of cases (83%, 39/47), and the most frequent protocol was rituximab monotherapy (n = 12) followed by quadruple treatment with rituximab tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and plasmapheresis (n = 11). The overall 1-, 3-, and 5-y graft and patient survival rates among adult patients were 85%, 83%, 83%, and 81%, 77%, 74%, respectively, while neither graft loss nor death was observed in the 2 pediatric cases. The 1-, 3-, and 12-mo cumulative incidence of antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) was 11%, 13%, and 13%, respectively. The incidence of AMR was significantly higher in the lower rituximab dose group than in the higher rituximab dose group (cutoff 300 mg/m2, 4% versus 24%, P = 0.041). The rate of infusion-related adverse drug reactions (ADRs) was 4.4%, and all ADRs were mild and self-limiting. A total of 99 ADRs among 27 patients were reported, none of which were severe adverse events associated with rituximab.

Conclusions.
The rituximab induction was well tolerated among DSA-positive liver transplant recipients with a satisfactory outcome. A rituximab dose >300 mg/m2 was observed to achieve less incidence of the development of AMR.
Antibody testing in neuropathy associated with anti-Myelin-Associated Glycoprotein antibodies: where we are after 40 years
Authors: Latov Norman 
Published: July 2021

Purpose of review
The diagnosis of Myelin-Associated Glycoprotein (MAG) neuropathy is based on the presence of elevated titers of IgM anti-MAG antibodies, which are typically associated with IgM monoclonal gammopathy, and a slowly progressive, distal demyelinating phenotype. The condition, however, can be under or over diagnosed in patients with mildly elevated antibody titers, absent monoclonal gammopathy, or an atypical presentation. The purpose of this paper is to examine recent advances in our understanding of the currently available anti-MAG antibody assays, their reliability, and their use in deciding treatment or monitoring the response to therapy.

Recent findings
Higher titers of anti-MAG antibodies are more likely to be associated with the typical MAG phenotype or response to therapy. Mildly elevated antibody levels can occur in patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. Testing for cross-reactivity with HNK1 can add to the specificity of the antibody assays. Patients with MAG neuropathy can present with an atypical phenotype and in the absence of a detectable monoclonal gammopathy.

Summary
Assays for anti-MAG antibodies by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay can be improved by testing for antibody binding at multiple serum dilutions, the inclusion of antigen-negative microwells as internal controls for each sample, testing for cross-reactivity with HNK1, and formal validation. The diagnosis needs to be considered in patients with demyelinating neuropathy, even in the absence of a monoclonal gammopathy or typical phenotype. The change in antibody levels needs to be considered in evaluating the response to therapy with B-cell depleting agents.
Opsoclonus in Uremia With Resolution After Hemodialysis
Authors: Changa Abhinav R. , Rucker Janet C. , Drummond Patrick S. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract:
A 78-year-old man was evaluated for altered mentation in the setting of significant uremia. On examination, he was found to be encephalopathic with generalized myoclonus and spontaneous opsoclonus. He had no known risk factors for the development of opsoclonus and upon undergoing hemodialysis, experienced near resolution of his eye movement abnormalities, thus highlighting a possible link between the uremic state and opsoclonus.
Automated Detection Model in Classification B-Lymphoblast Cell from Normal B-Lymphoid Precursors in Blood Smear Microscopic Images Based on the Majority Voting Technique
Authors: Ghaderzadeh Mustafa , Hosseini Azamossadat , Asadi Farkhondeh , Abolghasemi Hassan , Roshanpour Arash 
Published: July 2021

IntroductionAcute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) is a deadly white blood cell disease that affects the human bone marrow. Detection of ALL, the most common type of leukemia, has been always riddled with complexity and difficulty in its early stages. Peripheral blood examination as a common method at the beginning of the ALL diagnosis process is a time-consuming, tedious process and greatly depends on the experts’ experience, keeping up with the advances in artificial intelligence in the diagnosis process. Keeping up with the growth and development of artificial intelligence algorithms a model was developed to classify B-ALL lymphoblast cells from lymphocytes.Materials and MethodsA Fast, efficient and comprehensive model based on Deep Learning (DL) was proposed by implementing eight well-known Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) models for feature extraction on all images and evaluating in classifying B-ALL lymphoblast and Normal. After evaluating their performance, four best-performing CNN models were selected to compose an ensemble classifier, by combining the model performance of each classifier.ResultsDue to the close similarity of the nuclei of cancerous and normal blood B-ALL cells, the state-of-the-art CNN models alone did not achieve acceptable performance in diagnosing these two classes and their sensitivity was low. The proposed classification model Based on the majority voting technique was adopted to combine the CNN models. The sensitivity of 99.4, the specificity of 96.7, AUC of 98.3, and accuracy of 98.5 were obtained for the proposed model.ConclusionTo classify blood cancerous cells from normal cells, the proposed method can achieve high accuracy without the intervention of the operator in cell feature determination. Thus, the DL-based model can be recommended as an extraordinary tool for the analysis of blood samples in digital laboratory equipment to assist laboratory specialists.
The required size of cluster randomized trials of non-pharmaceutical interventions in epidemic settings
Authors: Sheen Justin K. , Haushofer Johannes , Metcalf C. Jessica E. , Kennedy-Shaffer Lee 
Published: July 2021

AbstractTo control the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and future pathogen outbreaks requires an understanding of which non-pharmaceutical interventions are effective at reducing transmission. Observational studies, however, are subject to biases, even when there is no true effect. Cluster randomized trials provide a means to conduct valid hypothesis tests of the effect of interventions on community transmission. While they may only require a short duration, they often require large sample sizes to achieve adequate power. However, the sample sizes required for such tests in an outbreak setting are largely undeveloped and the question of whether these designs are practical remains unanswered. We develop approximate sample size formulae and simulation-based sample size methods for cluster randomized trials in infectious disease outbreaks. We highlight key relationships between characteristics of transmission and the enrolled communities and the required sample sizes, describe settings where cluster randomized trials powered to detect a meaningful true effect size may be feasible, and provide recommendations for investigators in planning such trials. The approximate formulae and simulation banks may be used by investigators to quickly assess the feasibility of a trial, and then more detailed methods may be used to more precisely size the trial. For example, we show that community-scale trials requiring 220 clusters with 100 tested individuals per cluster are powered to identify interventions that reduce transmission by 40% in one generation interval, using parameters identified for SARS-CoV-2 transmission. For more modest treatment effects, or settings with extreme overdispersion of transmission, however, much larger sample sizes are required.
Global research priorities for COVID-19 in maternal, reproductive and child health: results of an international survey
Authors: Etti Melanie , Alger Jackeline , Salas Sofía P. , Saggers Robin , Ramdin Tanusha , Endler Margit , Gemzell-Danielsson Kristina , Alfvén Tobias , Ahmed Yusuf , Callejas Allison , Eskenazi Deborah , Khalil Asma , Doare Kirsty Le 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe World Health Organization’s “Coordinated Global Research Roadmap: 2019 Novel Coronavirus” outlined the need for research that focuses on the impact of COVID-19 on pregnant women and children. More than one year after the first reported case, significant knowledge gaps remain, highlighting the need for a coordinated approach. To address this need, the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Working Group (MNCH WG) of the COVID-19 Clinical Research Coalition conducted an international survey to identify global research priorities for COVID-19 in maternal, reproductive and child health.MethodThis project was undertaken using a modified Delphi method. An electronic questionnaire was disseminated to clinicians and researchers in three different languages (English, French and Spanish) via MNCH WG affiliated networks. Respondents were asked to select the five most urgent research priorities among a list of 17 identified by the MNCH WG. Analysis of questionnaire data was undertaken to identify key similarities and differences among respondents according to questionnaire language, location and specialty. Following elimination of the seven lowest ranking priorities, the questionnaire was recirculated to the original pool of respondents. Thematic analysis of final questionnaire data was undertaken by the MNCH WG from which four priority research themes emerged.ResultsQuestionnaire 1 was completed by 225 respondents from 29 countries. Questionnaire 2 was returned by 49 respondents. The four priority research themes were 1) access to healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic, 2) the direct and 3) indirect effects of COVID-19 on pregnant and breastfeeding women and children and 4) the transmission of COVID-19 and protection from infection.ConclusionThe results of these questionnaires indicated a high level of concordance among continents and specialties regarding priority research themes. This prioritized list of research uncertainties, developed to specifically highlight the most urgent clinical needs as perceived by healthcare professionals and researchers, could help funding organizations and researchers to answer the most pressing questions for clinicians and public health professionals during the pandemic. It is hoped that these identified priority research themes can help focus the discussion regarding the allocation of limited resources to enhance COVID-19 research in MNCH globally.
Detection and whole-genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617.2 and B.1.351 variants of concern from Pakistan during the COVID-19 third wave
Authors: Umair Massab , Ikram Aamer , Salman Muhammad , Badar Nazish , Haider Syed Adnan , Rehman Zaira , Ammar Muhammad , Rana Muhammad Suleman , Ali Qasim 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACTThe viral lineages reflecting variants of concern have emerged worldwide and among them B.1.1.7 (Alpha), B.1351 (Beta) and B.1.617.2 (Delta) variants are the most significant ones and merit close monitoring. In Pakistan, very limited information is available on the circulation of these variants and only the alpha variant has been reported as the main circulating lineage. The objective of this study was to detect and explore the genomic diversity of B.1.351 and B.1.617.2 during the third wave in the indigenous population. During the current study, a total of 2274 samples were tested on real-time PCR for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 from May 14 to May 31, 2021, and among these, 17% were spike positive, whereas 83% of samples had the spike gene target failure (SGTF). From these spike positive samples, 22 samples were processed for whole-genome sequencing. Among VOCs, 45.5% (n=10) belonged to B.1.351 followed by B.1.617.2, 36% (n=8). The delta variant cases were reported mostly from Islamabad (n = 5; 63%) followed by Peshawar and Azad Kashmir (n = 1; 13% each). Beta variant cases originated from Islamabad (n=5; 56%), Peshawar (n=2; 22%), Azad Kashmir and Rawalpindi (n=1; 11% each). The mutation profile of delta variant isolates reported significant mutations, L452R, T478K, P681R, and D950N. The beta variant isolates reported characteristic mutations, D215G, K417N, E484K, N501Y, and A701V. Notably, a characteristic mutation, E484Q was also found in delta variant, B.1.617.2. Our current findings suggest detection of these VOCs from the local population and warrants large-scale genomic surveillance in the country. In addition, it provides timely information to the health authorities to take appropriate actions.
The temporal correlation between positive testing and death in Italy: from the first phase to the later evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: d’Alessandro Vincenzo , Balasco Nicole , Ferrara Pietro , Vitagliano Luigi 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAfter the global spread of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), research has concentrated its efforts on several aspects of the epidemiological burden of pandemic. In this frame, the presented study follows a previous analysis of the temporal link between cases and deaths during the first epidemic wave (Phase 1) in Italy (March-June 2020). We here analyze the COVID-19 epidemic in the time span from March 2020 to June 2021. The elaboration of the curves of cases and deaths allows identifying the temporal shift between the positive testing and the fatal event, which corresponds to one week from W2 to W33, two weeks from W34 to W41, and three weeks from W42 to W67. Based on this finding, we calculate the Weekly Lethality Rate (WLR). The WLR was grossly overestimated (~13.5%) in Phase 1, while a mean value of 2.6% was observed in most of Phase 2 (starting from October 2020), with a drop to 1.4% in the last investigated weeks. Overall, these findings offer an interesting insight into the magnitude and time evolution of the lethality burden attributable to COVID-19 during the entire pandemic period in Italy. In particular, the analysis highlighted the impact of the effectiveness of public health and social measures, of changes in disease management, and of preventive strategies over time.
Identification of G Protein αi Signaling Partners by Proximity Labeling Reveals a Network of Interactions that Includes PDZ-RhoGEF
Authors: Chandan Naincy R. , Abraham Saji , SenGupta Shuvasree , Parent Carole A. , Smrcka Alan V. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractG protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that couple to the Gi family of G proteins are key regulators of cell and tissue physiology. Our recent work has discovered novel roles for Gαi in migration of neutrophils and fibrosarcoma cells downstream of activated chemoattractant receptors, but the molecular target(s) of Gαi in these processes remain to be identified. We adopted an intact cell proximity-based labeling approach using BioID2 coupled to tandem mass tag (TMT)-based quantitative proteomics to identify proteins that selectively interact with the GTP-bound form of Gαi1. Multiple targets were identified and validated for selective biotinylation by active BioID2-Gαi1(Q204L), suggesting a previously unappreciated network of interactions for activated Gαi proteins in intact cells. Extensive characterization of one candidate protein, PDZ-RhoGEF (PRG), revealed that active-Gαi1 strongly activates PRG. Strikingly, large differences in the ability of Gαi1, Gαi2, and Gαi3 isoforms to activate PRG were observed despite over 85% sequence identity. We also demonstrate the functional relevance of the interaction between active Gαi and PRG ex vivo in primary human neutrophils. Identification and characterization of new targets regulated by Gαi both individually and in networks provide insights that will aid not only in investigation of diverse functional roles of Gi-coupled GPCRs in biology but also in the development of novel therapeutic approaches.SummaryProximity-based labeling approach was used to identify signaling networks and signaling mechanisms downstream of Gi-coupled receptors.