bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Clinical Significance of Remnant Thyroid Tissue in Thyroidectomized Differentiated Thyroid Cancer Patients on 131I-SPECT/CT
Authors: Wang Feng , Nie Hui , Li Wei , Zhang Rusen , Li Wen 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
BackgroundTo explore the 131I-SPECT/CT characteristics of remnant thyroid tissue (RTT) in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), further assess the risk factors and clinical significance. Methods 52 DTC patients after total thyroidectomy had undergone neck 131I-SPECT/CT before 131I ablation. The diagnosis of RTT was based on SPECT/CT and follow-up at least 3 months. The anatomic locations and features of SPECT/CT of RTT were assessed by reviewers. The risk factors of RTT with CT positive were analyzed by the chi-square test. Results A total of 80 lesions of RTT were diagnosed in this study, most of them were mainly located in the regions adjacent to trachea cartilage (37/80) or lamina of thyroid cartilage(17/80). On SPECT/CT of RTT, low, moderate and high uptake were respectively noted in 10, 24 and 46 lesions, definite positive, suspected positive and negative CT findings were respectively noted in 10, 21 and 49. The RTT lesions with definite positive CT findings were mainly located adjacent to lamina of thyroid cartilage (5/10). Primary thyroid tumor (P=0.029) and T stage (P=0.000) were the effective risk factors of CT positive RTT.Conclusion: RTT has certain characteristic distribution and appearances on SPECT/CT. Most of RTT with definite CT abnormalities located adjacent to lamina of thyroid cartilage, which suggest surgeons should strengthen the careful removal in this region, especially primary thyroid tumor involving bilateral and T4 stage. This study can provide a certain value for the improvement of thyroidectomy quality in DTC patients.
Identify glioma recurrence and treatment effects with triple-tracer PET/CT
Authors: Li Cong , Yi Chang , Chen Yingshen , Xi Shaoyan , Guo Chengcheng , Yang Qunying , Wang Jian , Sai Ke , Zhang Ji , Ke Chao , Chen Fanfan , Lv Yanchun , Zhang Xiangsong , Chen Zhong-ping 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Purpose: Differential diagnosis of tumour recurrence (TuR) from treatment effects (TrE), mostly induced by radiotherapy and chemotherapy, is still difficult by using conventional computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. We have investigated the diagnostic performance of PET/CT with 3 tracers, 13N-NH3, 18F-FDOPA, and 18F-FDG, to identify TuR and TrE in glioma patients following treatment. Methods: Forty-three patients with MR-suspected recurrent glioma were included. The maximum and mean standardized uptake values (SUVmax and SUVmean) of the lesion and the lesion-to-normal grey-matter cortex uptake (L/G) ratio were obtained from each tracer PET/CT. TuR or TrE was determined by histopathology or clinical MR follow-up for at least 6 months. Results: In this cohort, 34 patients were confirmed to have TuR, and 9 patients met the diagnostic standard of TrE. The SUVmax and SUVmean of 13N-NH3 and 18F-FDOPA PET/CT at TuR lesions were significantly higher compared with normal brain tissue (13N-NH3 0.696±0.558, 0.625±0.507 vs 0.486±0.413; 18F-FDOPA 0.455±0.518, 0.415±0.477 vs 0.194±0.203; both P<0.01), but there was no significant difference in 18F-FDG (6.918±3.190, 6.016±2.807 vs 6.356±3.104, P=0.290 and 0.493). L/G ratios of 13N-NH3 and 18F-FDOPA were significantly higher in TuR than in TrE group (13N-NH3, 1.573±0.099 vs 1.025±0.128, P=0.008; 18F-FDOPA, 2.729±0.131 vs 1.514±0.141, P<0.001). The sensitivity, specificity and AUC (area under the curve) by ROC (receiver operating characteristic) analysis were 57.7%, 100% and 0.803, for 13N-NH3; 84.6%, 100% and 0.938, for 18F-FDOPA; and 80.8%, 100%, and 0.952, for the combination, respectively.Conclusion: Our results suggest that although multiple tracer PET/CT may improve differential diagnosis efficacy, for glioma TuR from TrE, 18F-FDOPA PET-CT is the most reliable. The combination of 18F-FDOPA and 13N-NH3 does not increase the diagnostic efficiency, while 18F-FDG is not worthy for differential diagnosis of glioma TuR and TrE.
Evaluating Team-Based Learning in a Transnational Post Registration Bachelor of Nursing Program in Singapore
Authors: Burton Rob , Mortel Thea van de , Kain Victoria 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Team-Based Learning (TBL) is growing in popularity as a method to create active learning within larger group lectures. It is facilitated through phases of individual work, teamwork and immediate feedback, to develop students’ understanding and assessment of conceptual knowledge. A single facilitator can manage many groups within larger lectures. The study aim was to evaluate the impact of TBL on the engagement, learning and satisfaction of students enrolled in a transnational post registration Bachelor of Nursing (BN) program in Singapore.Methods: A cross-sectional design was employed. The TBL approach was delivered during lecture sessions within a post registration BN program delivered in a Higher Education Institution in Singapore. A sample of BN students was drawn from 305 students undertaking the program. Participation in the surveys was voluntary with informed consent protocols followed. An online anonymous university-delivered student evaluation of course (SEC) survey and an online anonymous survey using the Student Assessment Instrument, were used to collect quantitative and qualitative data. Student performance in the course was also reviewed.Results: Eighty-two students (27%) completed the SEC scoring a median of 4/5 for satisfaction, and 68 (22%) completed the online survey. As 93 was the neutral score for the survey, there was a moderately positive evaluation with an overall score of 108.5/155 for TBL in accountability for learning, TBL preference and satisfaction with TBL compared to traditional lecture approaches. Conclusions: Implementation of TBL with this cohort demonstrated evidence of moderately positive engagement, learning and satisfaction when compared to traditional didactic lectures.
Aortoiliac Diameter and Length in a Healthy Cohort
Authors: Kim Hyangkyoung , Kwon Tae-Won , Choi Eol , Jeong Seonjeong , Kim Hong-Kyu , Han Youngjin , Cho Yong-Pil , Choe Jaewon , Kim Won Hong 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Objective: Diameter is currently the only screening and diagnostic criterion for asymptomatic aneurysms. Therefore, aortic and lower-extremity arterial diameter has diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic importance. We aimed to determine aortic and lower-extremity arterial reference diameters in a general population and compare them according to age, sex, and other characteristics.Methods: We evaluated consecutive 3,692 patients who underwent computed tomography as part of a general health checkup from 2015–2019 in a single tertiary center. Aortic and lower-extremity arterial diameters and the most important factor related to arterial diameters were evaluated.Results: The mean diameter of the abdominal aorta was 17.490 ± 2.110 mm, while that of the common iliac artery was 10.851 ± 1.689 mm. The mean diameter of the abdominal aorta was 18.377 ± 1.766 mm in men and 15.884 ± 1.694 mm in women. Significant intersex differences were observed for all mean diameters and lengths. Multilinear regression analysis showed that age, sex, and body surface area impacted mean diameters of all measured sites except aorta and common iliac artery length. Between male and female patients matched for body surface area, there were significant intersex differences for all measured sites, except for common iliac artery length.Conclusions: The mean diameter of the abdominal aorta in this healthy cohort was 17.490 ± 2.110 mm overall, 18.377 ± 1.766 mm in men, and 15.884 ± 1.694 mm in women. Arterial diameter increased with male sex, older age, and increased body surface area, and aortic diameters were larger in men than in women with the same body surface area.
Smoking is associated with constant cough which is resistant to oseltamivir therapy for suspected COVID-19
Authors: Chiba Satoru 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Smoking depresses pulmonary immune function and is a risk factor contracting more serious outcomes among people who become infected. The association between smoking and persistent respiratory symptoms which are resistant to oseltamivir for suspected coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was evaluated.Methods: A total of 22 COVID-19 suspected medical personnel and their cohabitation families without hypoxia and lung diseases, who came to the adult fever clinic from March to September 2020 were studied. All patients received oseltamivir and antibacterial therapy together. And four patients suffering from constant cough were started on inhaled ciclesonide 400 μg twice a day for a week.Results: Most of the infected patients were female [13 (59%)], 2 had diabetes (9%) and 4 hypertension (18%). The median age was 40 years (interquartile range [IQR] 25–47 years). The study patients were divided into 2 groups; individuals who currently smoke in 11 patients (current smokers) and never smoked in 11 (never smokers). Four (36%) of 11 current smokers experienced constant cough even after oseltamivir administration, compared with 0% of never smokers (χ2=4.90; p<0.05). The cough score decreased from 1.5±0.5 at baseline to 0.3±0.5 during the one week after ciclesonide administration (p<0.001) and constant cough disappeared in three cases out of four current smokers. Conclusion: Because current smokers are at a higher risk to develop constant cough which is resistant to oseltamivir therapy for suspected COVID-19 as compared to never smokers, smoking cessation should be recommended at an early stage. Ciclesonide may improve the constant cough in suspected COVID-19.
Evaluation of Procalcitonin (PCT) As a Marker of Infection in Early Post Living Donated Liver Transplant Period.
Authors: Mahmoud Eman Ibrahim El-Desoki , Algendy Mohammad A. , Al-Ansary Adel M. , Noaman Maissa K. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Procalcitonin (PCT) has been increasingly used as a biomarker of bacterial infection and as a tool to guide antimicrobial therapy. Despite its increased use, data in patients with solid organ transplants are limited. The study aim is to assess the frequency of rising procalcitonin associated with infectious complications in immunosuppressed living donated liver transplantation.Methods: A single center, retrospective observational study. Preoperative patients' demographic data, operative, anesthetic data and postoperative clinical course are analyzed till discharge from intensive care unit.Results: Sixty patients were classified according to the culture results' into a positive culture group & a negative one, then following up sepsis variables in each group. Total leukocyte count (TLC) and procalcitonin (PCT) were high in the positive culture group in the first 4 and 5 days respectively and was statistically significant (P-value < 0.05).PCT at a cutoff value ≥ 9ng/ml had higher specificity, especially on day three postoperative (90.7%). The TLC cutoff value of ≥ 17.3/mm3on day one; had the specificity of > 90%. Conclusions: following up PCT level on day one with TLC is essential and will help to detect sepsis and guide early antimicrobial initiation post liver transplantation.Trial registration: NHTMRI, NCT03389360. Registered 7 February, 2018,https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/prs/app/action/SelectProtocol?sid=S0007O6F&selectaction=Edit&uid=U0003W0U&ts=2&cx=fwyacz
Clusterin, TNF-α, and IL-6 polymorphism and implications on Alzheimer’s disease risk determination in Saudi population
Authors: Algamdi Amani Ahmad , Abdi Saba , Almutairi Reem Muteb , Sarwar Sadia , Aldaghri Nassser , Haq Samina Hyder , Alamro Abir , Muayqil Taim Abdullah 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: In the wake of the warning by WHO that the prevalence of dementia may rise by 125% in Middle East by 2050, identification of genetic risk factors in Arab population is urgent.Methods: To genotype the Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in clusterin (CLU) rs11136000, rs1532278; tumor necrotic factor (TNF-α) -308 rs1800629 A/G and -857 rs1799724 T/C; interleukin-6 (IL-6) rs1800796 G/C (-572 G/C) and rs1800795 G/C (-174 G/C), and to determine their association with Alzeimer’s Disease (AD), DNA was isolated from the blood of 42 elderly Saudi AD patients (19 male, 23 female) and 23 healthy controls (11 male, 12 female), recruited for this study. Total serum cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, and triglyceride levels were measured using an autoanalyzer. Serum concentrations of beta-amyloid 1–40 (Aβ1-40), beta-amyloid 1–42 (Aβ1-42), CLU, and inflammatory biomarkers (IL-6, TNF-α, and the C-reactive protein) were assessed by ELISA. The gene polymorphisms were analyzed by RT-PCR using the TaqMan assay. Results: The results show that in the rs1532278 SNP of CLU gene, GA heterozygous allele was significantly higher in AD patients (57.1%) than in the control subjects (26.1%; OR = 3.67, CI = 1.10-12.32; p=0.036), thus it may be a risk factor for AD. On the other hand, the AD patients who carried genotype GG for TNF-α SNP rs1800629 showed significantly higher levels of serum IL-6 (p = 0.04), and hence may increase susceptibility to AD in Saudi population.
Wild apple-associated fungi and bacteria compete to colonize the larval gut of an invasive wood-borer Agrilus mali in Tianshan forests
Authors: Bozorov Tohir , Toshmatov Zokir , Kahar Gulnaz , Zhang Daoyuan , Shao Hua , Gafforov Yusufjon 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: The gut microflora of insects plays important roles throughout their lives. Different foods and geographic locations change gut bacterial communities. The invasive wood-borer Agrilus mali causes extensive mortality of wild apple, Malus sieversii, which is considered a progenitor of all cultivated apples, in Tianshan forests. Recent analysis showed that the gut microbiota of larvae collected from Tianshan forests showed rich bacterial diversity but the absence of fungal species. In this study, we explored the antagonistic ability of gut bacteria to address this absence of fungi in the larval gut. Results: The results demonstrated that gut bacteria were able to selectively inhibit wild apple tree-associated fungi. However, Pseudomonas synxantha showed strong antagonistic ability, producing antifungal compounds. Using different analytical methods, such as column chromatography, mass spectrometry, HPLC and NMR, an antifungal compound, phenazine-1-carboxylic acid (PCA), was identified. Activity of the compound was determined by the minimum inhibitory concentration method and electron microscopy. Moreover, sequence alignment and cluster analysis showed that gut bacteria could originate from noninfested apple microflora during infestation. Conclusions: Overall, the results showed that in newly invaded locations, A. mali larvae changed their gut microbiota and adopted new gut bacteria that prevented fungal colonization in the gut.
Iron Overload and Outcomes in Very Low Birth Weight Infants
Authors: Barrett Michael J , McCarthy Roberta , McGrath Ailbhe , Slevin Marie , Donoghue Veronica , Macken Alan , Freyne Bridget , Kissoon-Harrison Ghia , Isweisi Eman , Quigley John , Molloy Eleanor J 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Iron is essential for growth and haematopoiesis but iron overload can have detrimental effects. The aim of this study is to correlate iron indices at 1 month of age in very low birth weight infants undergoing intensive care prior to additional iron supplementation and correlate results with clinical measures and 2 year corrected neurodevelopmental outcomes.A prospective observational cohort study was undertaken of very low birth weight infants at a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit. In 45 eligible infants, iron overload existed in 14 (31%) who had significantly decreased: mean (SD) gestational age at birth [26(2) v 28(2) weeks], birth weight [814(231)g v 1011(238)g], weight on assessment [1180(369)g v 1502(423)g], haemoglobin level at birth [13.8(3.1)g/dL v 16.1(2.5)g/dL] and mean corpuscular volume at assessment [85(4)fL v 90(6)fL] with increased number of red cell transfusions [4(2.5-5) v 1(0-2)] and volume of transfusions [65 (38)mL v 27 (23)mL]. Regression analysis determined the number of transfusions had the strongest correlation with iron status on testing. Neurodevelopmental outcomes at 2 years were not significantly different.Conclusion: Very low birth weight infants at risk of iron overload (≥2 red cell transfusions) may benefit from the measurement of iron indices prior to oral iron supplementation.
Exploring heavy element distribution in soil profiles to assess the geochemical background and contamination extent in soils of a metallurgical and industrial area in Kosovo
Authors: Protano Giuseppe , Lella Luigi Antonello Di , Nannoni Francesco 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This paper reports the results of a geochemical study focused on the distribution of heavy elements (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Sb, Tl, U, Zn) in soil profiles, with the aim of defining their geochemical background, contamination threshold, surface and vertical extent of contamination in soils of a metallurgical and industrial area in Kosovo. The geochemical background of heavy elements in soil was assessed by exploratory data analysis of their concentrations in soil profiles, and the contamination threshold was used as reference value to quantify their anthropogenic enrichment. Cadmium, Pb, Sb, Zn were the primary soil contaminants, As, Cu, Tl the secondary ones. The main sources of soil contaminants were the Zvecan smelter for Pb, Sb, As, Cu, Tl, and the Trepca industrial complex for Cd and Zn. The highest levels of Pb and Sb contamination were found up to depths between 30 and 60 cm in soil profiles within 5 km north and south-east of the Zvecan smelter. Contamination by Pb and Sb decreased with depth in soil profiles and affected the whole thickness of soils closer the metallurgical plant. Cadmium and Zn contamination declined with distance from the Trepca industrial complex and decreased with depth, generally extending down to depths of 40–90 cm and 30–70 cm, respectively. Cobalt, Cr, Ni, U were geogenic heavy elements. Anomalous natural concentrations of Co, Cr, Ni were found in soils collected in the northern part of the study area, where the geology consists mainly of ultrabasic and basic magmatic rocks.
New insights into the microscopic interactions associated with the physical mechanism of action of highly diluted biologics
Authors: Woods Kristina N. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In this investigation, we report the effect on the microscopic dynamics and interactions of the cytokine interferon gamma (IFN-g) and antibodies to IFN-g (anti-IFN-g) and to the interferon gamma receptor 1 (anti-IFNGR1) prepared in exceptionally dilute solutions of initial proteins. Using both THz spectroscopy and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations we have uncovered that the high dilution method of sample preparation results in the reorganization of the sample surface residue dynamics at the solvent-protein interface that leads to both structural and kinetic heterogeneous dynamics that ultimately create interactions that enhance the binding probability of the antigen binding site. Our results indicate that the modified interfacial dynamics of anti-IFN-g and anti-IFGNR1 that we probe experimentally are directly associated with alterations in the complementarity regions of the distinct antibodies that designate both antigen-antibody affinity and recognition.
The Prenatal High Risk Factors in Non-syndromic Cleft Lip or/and Palate Fetuses: A Nested Case-control Study Based on Maternal Health Care Records of a Population
Authors: Li Bing , Xiao Xiao-hua , Chen Ang , Li Ying , Lin Hui-fang , Lin Hua-zhao , Liu Feng-hua 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: To determine the associations of different prenatal factors with the development of non-syndromic cleft lip or/and palate (NSCL/P), as there are still no consensus to the risk factors of NSCL/P.Methods: Nested case-control study based on the gestational period health care record data of all singleton NSCL/P (n=197) and fetuses without birth defects (n=192706) born in-hospital of Zhongshan between 2016 and 2019. Results: Vagina infected (OR 3.43, 95%CI 1.34-7.19), assisted conception (OR 11.57, 95% CI 0.65-54.29), folic acid intake <3 moths during pre- and early pregnancy (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.10-2.30), incomplete placenta or rough surface placenta (OR 4.65, 95% CI 3.23-6.57), abnormal amniotic fluid (OR 2.74, 95% CI 2.04, 3.67), low birth weight of newborns (OR 5.44, 95% CI 3.41-8.54), preterm delivery (OR 3.29, 95% CI 2.07-5.24), and post-term delivery (OR 5.94, 95% CI 0.97-18.93) were associated with a higher risk of NSCL/P. Conclusions: The status of placenta and fluid were discovered as risk factors with NSCL/P, which strengthens the importance role of interaction between the placental barrier and various environmental factors on the development of NSCL/P.
Unraveling Genetics of Semi-Determinancy and Identification of Markers for Indeterminate Stem Growth Habit in Chickpea (Cicer Arietinum L.)
Authors: Nagraj Ambika , Hegde Venkatraman , Nimmy M S , Bharadwaj C , Tripathi Shailesh , Singh Rajesh Kumar , Kumar Rajendra 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
BackgroundChickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is predominantly an indeterminate plant and tends to generate vegetative growth when the ambient is conducive for soil moisture, temperature and certain other environmental conditions. The semi-determinate (SDT) types are comparatively early, resistant to lodging and found to be similar in their yield potential to indeterminate (IDT) lines. Indeterminate types and semi-determinate genotypes are found to be similar during early stage, which makes it difficult to distinguish between them. Thus, there is a need to identify molecular marker linked either to indeterminate or semi-determinate plant type. The present study was carried out to study the genetics of semi-determinacy and identify molecular markers linked to stem growth habit. MethodsThe study was undertaken in the cross involving BG 362(IDT) X BG 3078-1(SDT). All F1 plants were indeterminate, which indicates that indeterminate stem type is dominant over semi-determinate. In further advancement to F2 generation, F2 plants are segregated in the ratio of 3(Indeterminate): 1(Semi-determinate) that indicates that the IDT and SDT parents which are involved in the cross differed for a single gene. The segregation pattern observed in F2 is confirmed in F3 generation. The parental polymorphic survey was undertaken for molecular analysis using total of 246 SSR markers, out of which 41 polymorphic markers were found to distinguish the parents and were utilized for bulked segregant analysis (BSA). ResultsThe segregation pattern in F2 indicates that the IDT(Indeterminate) and SDT(Semi-determinate) parents which are involved in the cross differed for single gene. The segregation pattern of F2 and F3 derived from the cross BG 362 (IDT) x BG 3078-1 (SDT) confirmed the genotypic structure of the newly found SDT genotype BG 3078-1 as dt1dt1Dt2Dt2. Three SSR markers TA42, Ca_GPSSR00560 and H3DO5 were found to be putatively linked to Dt1 locus regulating IDT stem growth habit.ConclusionOur results indicate that the SSR markers identified for Dt1 locus helps to differentiate stem growth habit of chickpea in its early growth stage itself and can be efficiently utilized in Marker Assisted Selection (MAS) for changed plant type in chickpea.