bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Responding to the COVID-19 second wave in Thailand by diversifying and adapting lessons from the first wave
Authors: Rajatanavin Nattadhanai , Tuangratananon Titiporn , Suphanchaimat Rapeepong , Tangcharoensathien Viroj 
Published: July 2021

Thailand’s first wave of COVID-19 in March 2020 was triggered from boxing events and nightclubs in Bangkok, which spread to 68 provinces. The nation responded rapidly with strong public health and social measures on 26 March 2020. Contact tracing was performed by over 1000 surveillance and rapid response teams with support from 1.1 million village health volunteers to identify, isolate and quarantine cases.Thailand implemented social measures in April 2020 including a full-scale national lockdown, curfews and 14-day mandatory quarantine for international travellers. With a strong health system infrastructure, people’s adherence to social measures and a whole-of-government approach, the first wave recorded only 3042 cases and 57 deaths with 1.46% case fatality rate. Economic activities were resumed on 1 May 2020 until the end of the year. On 17 December 2020, a second wave was carried by undocumented migrants who were not captured by the quarantine system. As the total lockdown earlier led to serious negative economic impact, the government employed a targeted strategy, locking down specific areas and employing active case finding. Essential resources including case finding teams, clinicians and medicine were mobilised.With synergistic multisectoral efforts involving health, non-health and private sector, the outbreak was contained in February 2021. Total cases were seven times higher than the first wave, however, early admission and treatment resulted in 0.11% case fatality rate. In conclusion, experiences of responding to the first wave informed the second wave response with targeted locking down of affected localities and active case findings in affected sites.
Clinical significance of pulmonary hypertension in patients with constrictive pericarditis
Authors: Lim Kyunghee , Yang Jeong Hoon , Miranda William R , Chang Sung-A , Jeong Dong Seop , Nishimura Rick A , Schaff Hartzell , Soo Wern Miin , Greason Kevin L , Oh Jae K 
Published: July 2021

ObjectivesWe investigated haemodynamics and clinical outcomes according to type of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in patients with constrictive pericarditis (CP).BackgroundAs the prevalence of CP with concomitant myocardial disease (mixed CP) grows, PH is more commonly seen in patients with CP. However, haemodynamic and outcome data according to the presence or absence of PH are limited.Methods150 patients with surgically confirmed CP who underwent echocardiography and cardiac catheterisation within 7 days at two tertiary centres were divided into three groups: no-PH, isolated postcapillary PH (Ipc-PH) and combined postcapillary and precapillary PH (Cpc-PH). Primary outcome was all-cause mortality during follow-up.ResultIn this retrospective cohort study, 110 (73.3%) had PH (mean pulmonary artery pressure ≥25 mm Hg). Cpc-PH, using defined cut-offs for pulmonary vascular resistance (>3 Wood units) or diastolic pulmonary gradient (≥7 mm Hg), was seen in 18 patients (12%). The Cpc-PH group had a higher prevalence of comorbidities (diabetes and atrial fibrillation) and concomitant myocardial disease as an aetiology of CP than other groups. Pulmonary vascular resistance had a significant direct correlation with medial E/e′ by Doppler echocardiography (r=0.404, p<0.001). Survival rate was significantly lower in the Cpc-PH than the no-PH (p=0.002) and Ipc-PH (p=0.024) groups. On multivariable analysis, age, New York Heart Association functional class IV, medial e′ velocity, Cpc-PH and Ipc-PH were independently associated with long-term mortality.ConclusionCombined postcapillary and precapillary PH develops in a subset of patients with CP and is associated with long-term mortality after pericardiectomy.
The impact of digital contact tracing on the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic—a comprehensive modelling study
Authors: Pollmann Tina R. , Schönert Stefan , Müller Johannes , Pollmann Julia , Resconi Elisa , Wiesinger Christoph , Haack Christian , Shtembari Lolian , Turcati Andrea , Neumair Birgit , Meighen-Berger Stephan , Zattera Giovanni , Neumair Matthias , Apel Uljana , Okolie Augustine 
Published: July 2021

AbstractContact tracing is one of several strategies employed in many countries to curb the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Digital contact tracing (DCT) uses tools such as cell-phone applications to improve tracing speed and reach. We model the impact of DCT on the spread of the virus for a large epidemiological parameter space consistent with current literature on SARS-CoV-2. We also model DCT in combination with random testing (RT) and social distancing (SD).Modelling is done with two independently developed individual-based (stochastic) models that use the Monte Carlo technique, benchmarked against each other and against two types of deterministic models.For current best estimates of the number of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 carriers (approximately 40%), their contagiousness (similar to that of symptomatic carriers), the reproductive number before interventions (${R_{0}}$

R
0

at least 3) we find that DCT must be combined with other interventions such as SD and/or RT to push the reproductive number below one. At least 60% of the population would have to use the DCT system for its effect to become significant. On its own, DCT cannot bring the reproductive number below 1 unless nearly the entire population uses the DCT system and follows quarantining and testing protocols strictly. For lower uptake of the DCT system, DCT still reduces the number of people that become infected.When DCT is deployed in a population with an ongoing outbreak where $\mathcal{O}$
O
(0.1%) of the population have already been infected, the gains of the DCT intervention come at the cost of requiring up to 15% of the population to be quarantined (in response to being traced) on average each day for the duration of the epidemic, even when there is sufficient testing capability to test every traced person.
Study of thermal properties of Ga0.5In1.5Se3 by differential scanning calorimetry
Authors: Ibrahimova S. I. 
Published: July 2021

The crystal structure and thermal properties of the [Formula: see text] compound have been investigated. Structural studies were performed by X-ray diffraction at room temperature. The crystal structure of this compound was found to correspond to the hexagonal symmetry of the space group P61. Thermal properties were studied using a differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). It was found in the temperature range [Formula: see text] that thermal effects occur at temperatures [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. The thermodynamic parameters of these effects are calculated.
Optimizing Tourniquet Pressure in Upper Extremity Surgery
Authors: Othman Sammy , Pistorio Ashley L. , Lopez Stephen , Orengia Adam , Born Michael W. 
Published: July 2021

Background: Pneumatic tourniquet is an effective tool to achieve hemostatic control of the surgical field in upper extremity (UE) operations. Elevated pressures have been associated with adverse effects despite various methods of pressure determination. We aim to demonstrate the usage of reduced tourniquet pressures and examine factors associated with achieving reduced pressures. Methods: A prospective study was conducted (2016–2018) at a Level 1 Trauma Center and an Outpatient Surgical Center, totaling 226 operations, involving a reduction of cuff pressures over time from a standard baseline of limb occlusion pressure for UE operations. Results: A gradual reduction of pressures was successfully achieved with a mean pressure of 187 mmHg and average time of tourniquet application being 25 minutes. We found chronological surgical number and patient BMI to be significantly associated with tourniquet pressure (p < 0.05). 4.5% of cases resulted in breakthrough bleeding, but did not reliably occur with any pressure thresholds, patient demographics, or operative factors (p > 0.05, for all). Conclusions: Reduced tourniquet pressures can mitigate complications associated with tourniquet use. Our research shows reduced pressures are successful in maintaining field visibility and we encourage an adoption of pressures below 200 mm Hg in most procedures that require a tourniquet.
Beaufort–Mackenzie Tectono-Sedimentary Element
Authors: Chen Zhuoheng , Dietrich Jim , Lane Larry S. , Li Maowen , Dixon Jim 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The Beaufort–Mackenzie Tectono-Sedimentary Element (TSE) is a post-rift sequence of the Canada Basin that consists of Late Cretaceous–Pleistocene sedimentary strata with a maximum thickness of over 12 km. The tectonics of the Canada Basin formation and the Cenozoic contractional deformation associated with the Cordilleran Orogeny jointly shaped and controlled the architecture and the depositional systems of the TSE. In the west, contractional deformation prevails, whereas in the east extensional deformation dominates, and gravitational deformation associated with growth faults is prominent in the far north. Early successions of Cenomanian–Early Maastrichtian age are composed of thin but commonly organic-rich muds (Boundary Creek, Smoking Hills and Mason River sequences) that were deposited on the continental margin. The main phase of sedimentation started in the Late Maastrichtian with the deposition of a series of large progradational delta complexes, which migrated oceanwards from the SW margin in the Paleogene to the central part of the TSE in the Pliocene in response to the rising Cordilleran orogen in the SW. Coal seams and gas-prone terrestrial-derived organic-rich interbeds in the Cenozoic sequences are the main source rocks for gas generation, whereas organic-rich marine shales in Cretaceous sequences are probably the source rocks for oil generation. The Beaufort–Mackenzie TSE is a proven petroleum province with many significant discoveries and a large undiscovered resource potential in oil, gas and methane hydrate.
Evaluation of the Clinical and Imaging Findings of Breast Examinations in a Tertiary Facility in Ghana
Authors: Edzie Emmanuel Kobina Mesi , Dzefi-Tettey Klenam , Gorleku Philip Narteh , Amankwa Adu Tutu , Aidoo Eric , Agyen-Mensah Kwasi , Idun Ewurama Andam , Quarshie Frank , Kpobi Joshua Mensah , Kusodzi Henry , Edzie Richard Ato , Asemah Abdul Raman 
Published: July 2021

Breast diseases have been one of the major battles the world has been fighting. In winning this fight, the role of medical imaging cannot be overlooked. Breast imaging reveals hidden lesions which aid physicians to give the appropriate diagnosis and definitive treatment, hence this study, to determine the clinical and imaging findings of breast examinations to document the radiologic features in our setting. This cross-sectional retrospective study reviewed the sociodemographics, imaging reports (mammography and ultrasonography with BI-RADS scores and their features), and the clinical data of 425 patients from September 2017 to September 2020 in the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital. 72 solid lesions with their histology reports were also reviewed. Data obtained were organized, coded, and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) version 20.0. The results obtained were presented in appropriate tables and charts. A chi-squared test was employed for associations and statistical significance was specified at

p
≤
0.05

. 63.29% of the patients were married, but only 18.59% had a positive family history of breast cancer. BI-RADS scores 1(57.46%) and 2(27.99%) were the most recurrent findings. The most common BI-RADS 2, 3, 4, and 5 imaging features were benign-looking axillary lymph nodes (66.33%), well-defined solid masses (61.54%), ill-defined solid masses (42.86%), and ill-defined solid masses with suspicious-looking axillary lymph nodes (100.00%), respectively. The most frequent indications were routine screening (49.18%), mastalgia (26.59%), and painless breast masses (19.77%). There was significant association between duration of symptoms and breast cancer (

p

value
=
0.007

). In conclusion, routine breast screening and mastalgia were the topmost indications for breast imaging. BI-RADS 1 and 2 were the commonest BI-RADS scores, and benign-looking axillary lymph nodes and simple cysts were the most frequent imaging features for BI-RADS 2 and ill-defined solid masses and suspicious-looking axillary lymph nodes for BI-RADS 4 and 5.
Comparison of Chemical Composition and Fatty Acid Profile of Traditional Meat Products from Croatia and Montenegro
Authors: Pleadin Jelka , Lešić Tina , Vujačić Vesna , Milićević Dragan , Buneta Anamarija , Šušnić Saša , Lukanić Ingrid , Krešić Greta 
Published: July 2021

The aim of this study was to compare chemical composition and fatty acid profile of Croatian and Montenegrin dry-cured meat products and dry-fermented sausages produced using a similar technology. Five types of products (n = 60) from both countries, i.e., prosciutto, sausages, pancetta, dry sirloin, and dry rack, were analysed. Basic chemical compositions and fatty acid methyl esters were determined using the accredited ISO methods. The obtained results showed no significant differences between Croatian and Montenegrin meat products in most of their chemical components, except for pancetta, in which significant differences in moisture (

p

= 0.007), fat (

p

= 0.016), and sugar (

p

= 0.027) contents were established. The highest protein share, significantly differing between the countries of origin, was determined in prosciutto (

p

= 0.018) and dry sirloin samples (

p

= 0.014). As for individual fatty acids, the most represented was oleic acid (C18 : 1n − 9c, OA) in prosciutto (42.29%–42.34%), followed by palmitic (C16 : 0, PA) and stearic acid (C18 : 0, SA) in Croatian dry sirloin (27.60%) and dry rack (16.08%). The obtained monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), saturated fatty acid (SFA), and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) shares are typical of pork meat products and were in the following decreasing order: 41.97–49.75%, 39.96–45.94%, and 7.69–14.96%, respectively. The n − 6/n − 3 ratios, which were five- to eight-fold higher than recommended, ranged from 14.82 (pancetta, Montenegro) to 25.83 (pancetta, Croatia) with differences between the countries of origin seen only in pancetta samples (

p

< 0.001). Lipid quality indices (PUFA/SFA ratios), spanned from 0.17 (dry sirloin, Croatia) to 0.38 (pancetta, Montenegro), were also not in accordance with health recommendations. Since Montenegrin traditional meat products are unexplored yet, the obtained results could facilitate the procedure of their designation of origin and consequently contribute to their valorisation and recognisability in the international market.
TP53 Mutations with Low Variant Allele Frequency Predict Short Survival in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Bomben Riccardo , Rossi Francesca Maria , Vit Filippo , Bittolo Tamara , D'Agaro Tiziana , Zucchetto Antonella , Tissino Erika , Pozzo Federico , Vendramini Elena , Degan Massimo , Zaina Eva , Cattarossi Ilaria , Varaschin Paola , Nanni Paola , Berton Michele , Braida Alessandra , Polesel Jerry , Cohen Jared A. , Santinelli Enrico , Biagi Annalisa , Gentile Massimo , Morabito Fortunato , Fronza Gilberto , Pozzato Gabriele , D'Arena Giovanni , Olivieri Jacopo , Bulian Pietro , Pepper Chris , Hockaday Anna , Schuh Anna , Hillmen Peter , Rossi Davide , Chiarenza Annalisa , Zaja Francesco , Di Raimondo Francesco , Del Poeta Giovanni , Gattei Valter 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Purpose:
In chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), TP53 mutations are associated with reduced survival and resistance to standard chemoimmunotherapy (CIT). Nevertheless, the clinical impact of subclonal TP53 mutations below 10% to 15% variant allele frequency (VAF) remains unclear.

Experimental Design:
Using a training/validation approach, we retrospectively analyzed the clinical and biological features of TP53 mutations above (high-VAF) or below (low-VAF) the previously reported 10.0% VAF threshold, as determined by deep next-generation sequencing. Clinical impact of low-VAF TP53 mutations was also confirmed in a cohort (n = 251) of CLL treated with fludarabine-cyclophosphamide-rituximab (FCR) or FCR-like regimens from two UK trials.

Results:
In the training cohort, 97 of 684 patients bore 152 TP53 mutations, while in the validation cohort, 71 of 536 patients had 109 TP53 mutations. In both cohorts, patients with the TP53 mutation experienced significantly shorter overall survival (OS) than TP53 wild-type patients, regardless of the TP53 mutation VAF. By combining TP53 mutation and 17p13.1 deletion (del17p) data in the total cohort (n = 1,220), 113 cases were TP53 mutated only (73/113 with low-VAF mutations), 55 del17p/TP53 mutated (3/55 with low-VAF mutations), 20 del17p only, and 1,032 (84.6%) TP53 wild-type. A model including low-VAF cases outperformed the canonical model, which considered only high-VAF cases (c-indices 0.643 vs. 0.603, P &lt; 0.0001), and improved the prognostic risk stratification of CLL International Prognostic Index. Clinical results were confirmed in CIT-treated cases (n = 552) from the retrospective cohort, and the UK trials cohort.

Conclusions:
TP53 mutations affected OS regardless of VAF. This finding can be used to update the definition of TP53 mutated CLL for clinical purposes.
Improving Risk Stratification for Pediatric Patients with Rhabdomyosarcoma by Molecular Detection of Disseminated Disease
Authors: Lak Nathalie S.M. , Voormanns Timon L. , Zappeij-Kannegieter Lily , van Zogchel Lieke M.J. , Fiocco Marta , van Noesel Max M. , Merks Johannes H.M. , van der Schoot C. Ellen , Tytgat Godelieve A.M. , Stutterheim Janine 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Purpose:
Survival of children with rhabdomyosarcoma that suffer from recurrent or progressive disease is poor. Identifying these patients upfront remains challenging, indicating a need for improvement of risk stratification. Detection of tumor-derived mRNA in bone marrow (BM) and peripheral blood (PB) using reverse-transcriptase qPCR (RT-qPCR) is a more sensitive method to detect disseminated disease. We identified a panel of genes to optimize risk stratification by RT-qPCR.

Experimental Design:
Candidate genes were selected using gene expression data from rhabdomyosarcoma and healthy hematologic tissues, and a multiplexed RT-qPCR was developed. Significance of molecular disease was determined in a cohort of 99 Dutch patients with rhabdomyosarcoma (72 localized and 27 metastasized) treated according to the European pediatric Soft tissue sarcoma Study Group (EpSSG) RMS2005 protocol.

Results:
We identified the following 11 rhabdomyosarcoma markers: ZIC1, ACTC1, MEGF10, PDLIM3, SNAI2, CDH11, TMEM47, MYOD1, MYOG, and PAX3/7-FOXO1. RT-qPCR was performed for this 11-marker panel on BM and PB samples from the patient cohort. Five-year event-free survival (EFS) was 35.5% [95% confidence interval (CI), 17.5%–53.5%] for the 33/99 RNA-positive patients, versus 88.0% (95% CI, 78.9%–97.2%) for the 66/99 RNA-negative patients (P &lt; 0.0001). Five-year overall survival (OS) was 54.8% (95% CI, 36.2%–73.4%) and 93.7% (95% CI, 86.6%–100.0%), respectively (P &lt; 0.0001). RNA panel positivity was negatively associated with EFS (Hazard Ratio = 9.52; 95% CI, 3.23–28.02), whereas the RMS2005 risk group stratification was not, in the multivariate Cox regression model.

Conclusions:
This study shows a strong association between PCR-based detection of disseminated disease at diagnosis with clinical outcome in pediatric patients with rhabdomyosarcoma, also compared with conventional risk stratification. This warrants further validation in prospective trials as additional technique for risk stratification.
Bidirectional Regulatory Cross-Talk between Cell Context and Genomic Aberrations Shapes Breast Tumorigenesis
Authors: Kumar Brijesh , Bhat-Nakshatri Poornima , Maguire Calli , Jacobsen Max , Temm Constance J. , Sandusky George , Nakshatri Harikrishna 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Breast cancers are classified into five intrinsic subtypes and 10 integrative clusters based on gene expression patterns and genomic aberrations, respectively. Although the cell-of-origin, adaptive plasticity, and genomic aberrations shape dynamic transcriptomic landscape during cancer progression, how interplay between these three core elements governs obligatory steps for a productive cancer progression is unknown. Here, we used genetic ancestry-mapped immortalized breast epithelial cell lines generated from breast biopsies of healthy women that share gene expression profiles of luminal A, normal-like, and basal-like intrinsic subtypes of breast cancers and breast cancer relevant oncogenes to develop breast cancer progression model. Using flow cytometry, mammosphere growth, signaling pathway, DNA damage response, and in vivo tumorigenicity assays, we provide evidence that establishes cell context–dependent effects of oncogenes in conferring plasticity, self-renewal/differentiation, intratumor heterogeneity, and metastatic properties. In contrast, oncogenic aberrations, independent of cell context, shaped response to DNA damage-inducing agents. Collectively, this study reveals how the same set of genomic aberration can have distinct effects on tumor characteristics based on cell-of-origin of tumor and highlights the need to utilize multiple “normal” epithelial cell types to decipher oncogenic properties of a gene of interest. In addition, by creating multiple isogenic cell lines ranging from primary cells to metastatic variants, we provide resources to elucidate cell-intrinsic properties and cell-oncogene interactions at various stages of cancer progression.

Implications:
Our findings demonstrate that how an interplay between the normal cell type that encountered genomic aberrations and type of genomic aberration influences heterogeneity, self-renewal/differentiation, and tumor properties including propensity for metastasis.