bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nature and extent of outpatient podiatry service utilisation in people with diabetes undergoing minor foot amputations: a retrospective clinical audit
Authors: Linton Clare , Searle Angela , Hawke Fiona , Tehan Peta Ellen , Chuter Vivienne 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundPeople with diabetes are at high risk of foot complications that can lead to lower extremity amputations. National standards suggest that early assessment and management by a podiatry led multidisciplinary high‐risk foot clinic (HRFC) helps to reduce complications. This review is a retrospective audit of the Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) podiatry department service utilisation in people with diabetes who had undergone a minor foot amputation.MethodsAll people with diabetes who had minor foot amputations in the calendar year 2017 in the CCLHD in New South Wales were identified. Podiatry occasions of service from all podiatry service clinics (e.g. general, orthoses, wound, HRFC) and hospital stays for 12 months prior to, and 12 months, post the minor foot amputation were extracted.ResultsData on 74 people with diabetes who underwent 85 minor foot amputations were collected. In the 12‐month period leading up to their minor foot amputation less than half, 42% (n=31), of the patients had attended any of the available podiatry service clinics within the CCLHD system. Post‐amputation and discharge from hospital there was an overall rise of 26% in numbers attending all CCLHD podiatry‐ led clinics bringing the total to 68% (51). However, attendance at the HRFC rose by only 2% from 16% (n=12) to 18% n= (13).ConclusionThis study shows that there was underutilisation of Podiatry Services in the CCLHD in 2017 with some participants not meeting national treatment guidelines for foot health services. Revision of current referral pathways both prior to, during and following hospitalisation and expanding the multidisciplinary HRFC to accommodate the population by providing more accessible locations has since been undertaken to increase service access. Further provision of education to those highlighted to be at high risk has also been implemented.
The variant call format provides efficient and robust storage of GWAS summary statistics
Authors: Lyon Matthew S. , Andrews Shea J. , Elsworth Ben , Gaunt Tom R. , Hemani Gibran , Marcora Edoardo 
Published: January 2021

AbstractGWAS summary statistics are fundamental for a variety of research applications yet no common storage format has been widely adopted. Existing tabular formats ambiguously or incompletely store information about genetic variants and associations, lack essential metadata and are typically not indexed yielding poor query performance and increasing the possibility of errors in data interpretation and post-GWAS analyses. To address these issues, we adapted the variant call format to store GWAS summary statistics (GWAS-VCF) and developed open-source tools to use this format in downstream analyses. We provide open access to over 10,000 complete GWAS summary datasets converted to this format (https://gwas.mrcieu.ac.uk).
Morphological, molecular and ecological characterization of a native isolate of Steinernema feltiae (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae) from southern Chile
Authors: Flores Patricia , Alvarado Andrea , Lankin Gabriela , Lax Paola , Prodan Simona , Aballay Erwin 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Steinernema feltiae is an entomopathogenic nematode used in biological control programs with a global distribution. Populations of this species show phenotypic plasticity derived from local adaptation and vary in different traits, such as location and host penetration. The aim of this work was to describe a Chilean isolate of this nematode species, using integrative approaches.

Methods
Nematode morphological and morphometric studies were conducted along with molecular analysis of nuclear genes. The symbiotic bacterium was also identified by sequencing the 16S rRNA gene. Some ecological characteristics were described, including the temperature requirements for the nematode life cycle and the effect of soil water content for optimal reproduction.

Results
Morphometric characterization revealed a large intra-specific variability. The isolate identity was also corroborated with the analysis of nuclear genes. Based on the 16S gene, its symbiont bacteria, Xenorhabdus bovienii, was identified. The lowest, optimal and highest temperatures found to limit the infestation and reproduction on Galleria mellonella were 10, 20 and 30 °C, respectively; the emergence from the host larvae occurred approximately 10 days after inoculation. Differences were observed in offspring, and 120 infective juveniles (IJ)/larva was the most prolific dose at 20 °C. The soil water content did not affect the number of IJ invaders, penetration efficacy and IJ emergence time or offspring per larva, but it caused a delay in achieving full mortality at the permanent wilting point with respect to saturation and field capacity.

Conclusions
For the first time, a Chilean isolate of S. feltiae is described in detail considering morphological, molecular and ecological aspects. The isolate was shown to be efficient in soil containing water, with optimal temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 °C for host infestation and production of an abundant offspring; these characteristics would allow its potential use as control agents in a wide geographical area of the country.

Graphical Abstract
Long-term remission and biologic persistence rates: 12-year real-world data
Authors: Murray Kieran , Turk Matthew , Alammari Yousef , Young Francis , Gallagher Phil , Saber Tajvur , Fearon Ursula , Veale Douglas J. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Biologic therapies have greatly improved outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Yet, our ability to predict long-term remission and persistence or continuation of therapy remains limited. This study explores predictors of remission and persistence of the initial biologic therapy in patients after 12 years. Furthermore, outcomes with adalimumab and etanercept are compared.

Patients and methods
RA and PsA patients were prospectively recruited from a biologic clinic. Outcomes on commencing therapy, at 1 year and 12 years were reviewed. Demographics, medications, morning stiffness, patient global health score, tender and swollen joint counts, antibody status, CRP and HAQ were collected. Outcomes at 1 year and 12 years are reported and predictors of biologic persistence and EULAR-defined remission (DAS28-CRP < 2.6) are examined with univariate and multivariate analysis.

Results
A total of 403 patients (274 RA and 129 PsA) were analysed. PsA patients were more likely to be male, in full-time employment and have completed higher education. PsA had higher remission rates than RA at both 1 year (60.3% versus 34.5%, p < 0.001) and 12 years (91.3% versus 60.6%, p < 0.001). This difference persisted when patients were matched for baseline disease activity (p < 0.001). Biologic continuation rates were high for RA and PsA at 1 year (49.6% versus 58.9%) and 12 years (38.2% versus 52.3%). In PsA, patients starting on etanercept had lower CRP at 12 years (p = 0.041). Multivariate analysis showed 1-year continuation [OR 4.28 (1.28–14.38)] and 1-year low-disease activity [OR 3.90 (95% CI 1.05–14.53)] was predictive of a 12-year persistence. Persistence with initial biologic at 12 years [OR 4.98 (95% CI 1.83–13.56)] and male gender [OR 4.48 (95% CI 1.25–16.01)] predicted 12 year remission.

Conclusions
This is the first study to show better response to biologic therapy in PsA compared to RA at 12 years. Long-term persistence with initial biologic agent was high and was predicted by biologic persistence and low-disease activity at 1 year. Interestingly, PsA patients had higher levels of employment, educational attainment, and long-term remission rates compared to RA patients.
N-linked glycosylation at site 158 of the HA protein of H5N6 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus is important for viral biological properties and host immune responses
Authors: Gao Ruyi , Gu Min , Shi Liwei , Liu Kaituo , Li Xiuli , Wang Xiaoquan , Hu Jiao , Liu Xiaowen , Hu Shunlin , Chen Sujuan , Peng Daxin , Jiao Xinan , Liu Xiufan 
Published: January 2021

AbstractSince 2014, clade 2.3.4.4 has become the dominant epidemic branch of the Asian lineage H5 subtype highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) in southern and eastern China, while the H5N6 subtype is the most prevalent. We have shown earlier that lack of glycosylation at position 158 of the hemagglutinin (HA) glycoprotein due to the T160A mutation is a key determinant of the dual receptor binding property of clade 2.3.4.4 H5NX subtypes. Our present study aims to explore other effects of this site among H5N6 viruses. Here we report that N-linked glycosylation at site 158 facilitated the assembly of virus-like particles and enhanced virus replication in A549, MDCK, and chicken embryonic fibroblast (CEF) cells. Consistently, the HA-glycosylated H5N6 virus induced higher levels of inflammatory factors and resulted in stronger pathogenicity in mice than the virus without glycosylation at site 158. However, H5N6 viruses without glycosylation at site 158 were more resistant to heat and bound host cells better than the HA-glycosylated viruses. H5N6 virus without glycosylation at this site triggered the host immune response mechanism to antagonize the viral infection, making viral pathogenicity milder and favoring virus spread. These findings highlight the importance of glycosylation at site 158 of HA for the pathogenicity of the H5N6 viruses.
Elevated plasma IL-6 and CRP levels are associated with adverse clinical outcomes and death in critically ill SARS-CoV-2 patients: inflammatory response of SARS-CoV-2 patients
Authors: Lavillegrand Jean-Rémi , Garnier Marc , Spaeth Agathe , Mario Nathalie , Hariri Geoffroy , Pilon Antoine , Berti Enora , Fieux Fabienne , Thietart Sara , Urbina Tomas , Turpin Matthieu , Darrivere Lucie , Fartoukh Muriel , Verdonk Franck , Dumas Guillaume , Tedgui Alain , Guidet Bertrand , Maury Eric , Chantran Yannick , Voiriot Guillaume , Ait-Oufella Hafid 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
SARS coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for high morbidity and mortality worldwide, mostly due to the exacerbated inflammatory response observed in critically ill patients. However, little is known about the kinetics of the systemic immune response and its association with survival in SARS-CoV-2+ patients admitted in ICU. We aimed to compare the immuno-inflammatory features according to organ failure severity and in-ICU mortality.

Methods
Six-week multicentre study (N = 3) including SARS-CoV-2+ patients admitted in ICU. Analysis of plasma biomarkers at days 0 and 3–4 according to organ failure worsening (increase in SOFA score) and 60-day mortality.

Results
101 patients were included. Patients had severe respiratory diseases with PaO2/FiO2 of 155 [111–251] mmHg), SAPS II of 37 [31–45] and SOFA score of 4 [3–7]. Eighty-three patients (83%) required endotracheal intubation/mechanical ventilation and among them, 64% were treated with prone position. IL-1β was barely detectable. Baseline IL-6 levels positively correlated with organ failure severity. Baseline IL-6 and CRP levels were significantly higher in patients in the worsening group than in the non-worsening group (278 [70–622] vs. 71 [29–153] pg/mL, P < 0.01; and 178 [100–295] vs. 100 [37–213] mg/L, P < 0.05, respectively). Baseline IL-6 and CRP levels were significantly higher in non-survivors compared to survivors but fibrinogen levels and lymphocyte counts were not different between groups. After adjustment on SOFA score and time from symptom onset to first dosage, IL-6 and CRP remained significantly associated with mortality. IL-6 changes between Day 0 and Day 3–4 were not different according to the outcome. A contrario, kinetics of CRP and lymphocyte count were different between survivors and non-survivors.

Conclusions
In SARS-CoV-2+ patients admitted in ICU, a systemic pro-inflammatory signature was associated with clinical worsening and 60-day mortality.
Long-term survival with multiple metastasectomies for pulmonary osteosarcoma: a case report
Authors: Takamori Satoshi , Oizumi Hiroyuki , Suzuki Jun , Suzuki Katsuyuki 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Repeat pulmonary metastasectomy (PM) considerably improves the prognosis of patients with pulmonary metastases of osteosarcoma. Reports have demonstrated a significantly improved prognosis in patients who have undergone repeat metastasectomy for osteosarcoma; however, there have been no reports with more than six metastasectomies. Herein, we describe the long-term survival of a patient following resection of multiple tumors and other treatments for metastatic osteosarcoma.

Case presentation
A 28-year-old woman underwent extensive resection and postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy for right tibial sarcoma. Over the years, she developed repeated pulmonary metastases. First, 116 metastases were removed from the bilateral lungs. After that, multiple PMs of approximately 250 tumors and other treatments for deep metastatic lesions were performed. The patient died of the underlying disease 24 years after the primary surgery.

Conclusions
This case report demonstrates the long-term survival benefit of a multidisciplinary treatment centered on multiple metastasectomies.
High prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis among female sex workers, men who have sex with men, and transgender women in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Willie Barne , Hakim Avi J. , Badman Steven G. , Weikum Damian , Narokobi Rebecca , Coy Kelsey , Gabuzzi Josephine , Pekon Simon , Gene Samson , Amos Angelyn , Kupul Martha , Hou Parker , Dala Nick M. , Whiley David M. , Wapling Johanna , Kaldor John M. , Vallely Andrew J. , Kelly-Hanku Angela 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Papua New Guinea (PNG) has a tuberculosis (TB) case notification rate of 333 cases per 100,000 population in 2016 and is one of the 14 countries classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as “high-burden” for TB, multi-drug-resistant TB (MDR-TB), and TB/HIV. HIV epidemic is mixed with a higher prevalence among key populations, female sex workers (FSW), men who have sex with men (MSM), and transgender women (TGW).

Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional HIV biobehavioral survey (BBS) using respondent-driven sampling method among FSW, MSM, and TGW in Port Moresby, Lae, and Mt. Hagen (2016–2017). As part of the study, participants were screened for the four symptoms suggestive of TB infection using the WHO TB screening algorithm. Sputum and venous whole blood samples were collected and tested for pulmonary TB and HIV infection, respectively. Pulmonary TB testing was performed using GeneXpert®MTB/RIF molecular point-of-care test, and HIV testing was done following the PNG national HIV testing algorithm. All data discussed are weighted unless otherwise mentioned.

Results
Among FSW, 72.6%, 52.0%, and 52.9% in Port Moresby, Lae, and Mt. Hagen, respectively, experienced at least one symptom suggestive of TB infection. Among MSM and TGW, 69% and 52.6% in Port Moresby and Lae, respectively, experienced at least one symptom suggestive of TB infection. Based on GeneXpert®MTB/RIF results, the estimated TB prevalence rate among FSW was 1200, 700, and 200 per 100,000 in Port Moresby, Lae, and Mt. Hagen, respectively. Among MSM and TGW, the estimated TB prevalence rate was 1000 and 1200 per 100,000 in Port Moresby and Lae, respectively. Co-prevalence of TB/HIV among FSW was 0.1% in Port Moresby and 0.2% in Lae. There were no co-prevalent cases among FSW in Mt. Hagen or among MSM and TGW in Port Moresby and Lae.

Conclusions
Key populations have a higher estimated rate of pulmonary TB than the national rate of pulmonary and extra-pulmonary TB combined. This showed that screening key populations for TB should be integrated into HIV programs regardless of HIV status in PNG’s national TB response.
Characterization and typology of goat production systems in Algeria based on producers survey
Authors: Ouchene-Khelifi Nadjet Amina , Ouchene Nassim , Lafri Mohamed 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Goats, often associated with sheep, are a vital part of the national economy in many countries around the world, and goat farming contributes significantly to the family economy, sustainable livelihoods and poverty reduction. In order to study the goat farming system in Algeria, this study, which started between September 2012 and June 2015, involved 141 farms in 104 villages and 21 wilayas in Algeria.

Results
The results showed that 99.29% of the goats producers were male, most of which (74.47%) were not the owners of the animals. Goat farming represents a main activity for only 18.44% of the farmers surveyed. They are generally found in small numbers often associated with a large sheep herd (78.72%). Of the 141 farms visited, 50.35% use a sedentary farming system, 17.71% practice seasonal transhumance during the dry season (May to October), and 31.91% are semi-sedentary. However, it is worth noting that females (85.82%) are often more numerous than males (14.18%) in the herd. The farm that generally constitutes the shelter is reduced in most cases to a simple pen, without a roof, inside which the animals are enclosed and whose space is delimited by a metal or wooden fence. Hygiene is in the majority of cases poor (57.45%). Most of the farms (78.01%) do not contain goats of the same breed, and crossbreeding is generally not controlled (78.72%) and is very rarely done with bucks of the same breed (14.89%). Most breeders (92.20%) largely neglect the health of their goats compared to sheep.

Conclusion
Finally, the Algerian goat seems to be largely neglected and considered as a secondary species associated with sheep. For this reason, it is mandatory to give more importance to this species. The Algerian government must carry out activities related to the conservation and improvement of breeding systems through the development of breeding programs and ensure the sustainable management of ecosystems used for food production.
Working and short-term memory defects in Egyptian dyslexic children
Authors: Hamouda N. H. , El-Shafaei R. A. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundMemory is the process of encoding, storing, consolidating, and retrieving information. Short-term memory (STM) describes the process of passively holding small amounts of material to be later produced in an untransformed fashion. Tasks that measure STM typically involve situations that do not vary their initial encoding (recall a sequence of items in the order in which they were presented). In children with dyslexia, deficits in working memory have not been well specified.ResultsThere is statistically significant between group I and group II regarding all items of the TOMAL-2.ConclusionsDyslexic children are distinctively disadvantaged compared with average readers on working and short term memory tasks.
Lenalidomide-Epoetin Alfa Versus Lenalidomide Monotherapy in Myelodysplastic Syndromes Refractory to Recombinant Erythropoietin
Authors: List Alan F. , Sun Zhuoxin , Verma Amit , Bennett John M. , Komrokji Rami S. , McGraw Kathy , Maciejewski Jaroslaw , Altman Jessica K. , Cheema Puneet S. , Claxton David F. , Luger Selina M. , Mattison Ryan J. , Wassenaar Timothy R. , Artz Andrew S. , Schiffer Charles A. , Litzow Mark R. , Tallman Martin S. 
Published: January 2021

PURPOSE Impaired response to erythropoietin underlies ineffective erythropoiesis and anemia in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). We investigated whether treatment with lenalidomide (LEN), which augments erythropoietin receptor signaling in vitro, can restore and improve hemoglobin response to epoetin (EPO) alfa in patients with lower-risk, non-del(5q) MDS who have anemia that is refractory to or have low probability of benefit from treatment with recombinant erythropoietin. METHODS In a phase III, US intergroup trial, we randomly assigned patients to receive either LEN and EPO alfa or LEN alone following stratification by serum erythropoietin concentration and prior erythropoietin treatment. RESULTS A total of 195 evaluable patients were randomly assigned: 99 patients to the LEN-EPO alfa cohort and 96 to LEN alone. After four cycles of treatment, the primary end point of major erythroid response (MER) was significantly higher (28.3%) with the combination compared with LEN alone (11.5%) ( P = .004). Among 136 patients who completed 16 weeks of study treatment, 38.9% and 15.6% achieved MER, respectively ( P = .004). Additionally, minor erythroid response was achieved in 18.2% and 20.8% of patients, for an overall erythroid response rate of 46.5% versus 32.3%. Among LEN nonresponders, 38 crossed over to the addition of EPO alfa with 10 patients (26.3%) achieving a MER. Responses to the combined treatment were highly durable with a median MER duration of 23.8 months compared with 13 months with LEN alone. CONCLUSION LEN restores sensitivity to recombinant erythropoietin in growth factor–insensitive, lower-risk, non-del(5q) MDS, to yield a significantly higher rate and duration of MER compared with LEN alone (funded by the National Cancer Institute; E2905 ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02048813 ).
Correlation between two quantum concepts within shape phase transitions in nuclei
Authors: Ait El Korchi S. , Chabab M. , El Batoul A. , Lahbas A. , Oulne M. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The present work consists in studying a correlation that we have observed, for the first time, between two well-known quantum concepts, namely: the Minimal Length (ML) and the Deformation-Dependent Mass (DDM) which are widely used in different fields of physics. This correlation was revealed in transitional nuclei near the Critical Point Symmetries (CPS) X(3) and Z(4) through calculations of their energy spectra, moments of inertia and transition probabilities. Based on this correlation which could be considered as a new signature for CPS, we have found eventual new candidate nuclei for these critical points.
Multifunctional Applications of Engineered Extracellular Vesicles in the Treatment of Cancer
Authors: Kugeratski Fernanda G , McAndrews Kathleen M , Kalluri Raghu 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are key players of intercellular communication in the physiological and pathological setting. In cancer, EVs mediate complex signaling mechanisms between cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME), and can influence tumor progression and the response to existing therapies. Importantly, EVs can be loaded with therapeutic agents and modified to display tumor-targeting molecules. In the field of nanomedicine, EVs have been engineered to serve as therapeutic delivery vehicles for several anticancer agents, including antibodies, chemotherapy, compounds, CRISPR/Cas9 (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats–associated endonuclease 9), and small interfering RNA (siRNA). Notably, the engineered EVs were shown to suppress malignant features of cancer cells, to elicit antitumor immunity, and to decrease tumor angiogenesis. Here, we review the EV-based therapies designed to target cancer cells and to educate components of the TME to drive antitumor responses. These studies illustrate the multifunctional applications of EVs in the development of anticancer therapies and their translational potential for cancer treatment.