bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of lateral entry and crossed entry pinning for pediatric supracondylar humeral fractures: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Zhao Huaguo , Xu Song , Liu Guanyi , Zhao Jingyu , Wu Shandong , Peng Linrui 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
Closed reduction and pinning entry fixation have been proposed as treatment strategies for displaced supracondylar humeral fractures (SCHFs) in children. However, controversy exists regarding the selection of the appropriate procedure. Hence, this meta-analysis was conducted to compare the effect of lateral and crossed pin fixation for pediatric SCHFs, providing a reference for clinical treatment.

Methods
Online databases were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing lateral pinning entry and crossed pinning entry for children with SCHFs. The primary endpoints were iatrogenic ulnar nerve injuries, complications, and radiographic and functional outcomes.

Results
Our results showed that iatrogenic ulnar nerve injuries occurred more commonly in the crossed pinning entry group than in the lateral pinning entry group (RR = 4.41, 95% CI 1.97–9.86, P < 0.05). However, its risk between the crossed pinning with mini-open incisions group and the lateral pinning entry group was not significantly different (RR = 1.58, 95% CI 0.008–29.57, P = 0.76). The loss of reduction risk was higher in the lateral pinning entry group than in the crossed pinning entry group (RR = 0.66; 95% CI 0.49–0.89, P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the carry angle, Baumann angle, Flynn scores, infections, and other complications between these two groups.

Conclusions
The crossed pinning entry with mini-open incision technique reduced the loss of reduction risk, and the risk of iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury was lower than in the lateral pinning entry group. The crossed pinning entry with mini-open incision technique is an effective therapeutic strategy for managing displaced supracondylar humeral fractures in children.
Using four decades of FDA orphan drug designations to describe trends in rare disease drug development: substantial growth seen in development of drugs for rare oncologic, neurologic, and pediatric-onset diseases
Authors: Miller Kathleen L. , Fermaglich Lewis J. , Maynard Janet 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
Orphan drug designations are a useful proxy to investigate trends in rare disease drug development. Drug developers must receive a designation before they are eligible for the economic incentives of the Orphan Drug Act in the United States. We created a database of all orphan drugs designated between 1983 and 2019 that included numerous drug characteristics, including therapeutic area. In addition, we constructed a “broad disease” categorization of designations as an alternative to therapeutic area, based on disease etiology and age of onset rather than organ system. By looking at the pattern of orphan drug designations over the past four decades, this analysis studied the impact of the evolving rare disease drug development landscape and considers the future of rare disease therapies over the coming decades.

Results
Between 1983 and 2019, a total of 5099 drugs and biologics received orphan drug designation. Designations more than doubled between the 1980s and 1990s, almost doubled between the 1990s and 2000s, and almost tripled in number between the 2000s and 2010s. The top three therapeutic areas represented in the orphan drug designations were: oncology (1910, 37%), neurology (674, 13%), and infectious diseases (436, 9%). The broad disease categorization found that the proportion of designations for pediatric-onset diseases has increased in the most recent decade to 27%.

Conclusions
Analysis of the last four decades of orphan drug designation indicates seismic shifts have occurred in the rare disease drug development space. The number of designations granted more than quadrupled between the 1990s and 2010s. While these substantial increases led to growth in the absolute number of designations within all therapeutic areas (bar one) and broad disease categories, the relative proportions have seen considerable change over time. In the most recent decade, there have been notable increases in the proportion of drugs in oncology, pediatric-onset diseases, and neurologic disorders. The dramatic rise in overall orphan designations over the past four decades suggests we may continue to see an upward trajectory in designations leading to an increased number of approvals for drugs and biologics designed specifically for diagnosing, preventing, and treating rare diseases in the coming decades.
Chromosome-level genome assembly of a regenerable maize inbred line A188
Authors: Lin Guifang , He Cheng , Zheng Jun , Koo Dal-Hoe , Le Ha , Zheng Huakun , Tamang Tej Man , Lin Jinguang , Liu Yan , Zhao Mingxia , Hao Yangfan , McFraland Frank , Wang Bo , Qin Yang , Tang Haibao , McCarty Donald R. , Wei Hairong , Cho Myeong-Je , Park Sunghun , Kaeppler Heidi , Kaeppler Shawn M. , Liu Yunjun , Springer Nathan , Schnable Patrick S. , Wang Guoying , White Frank F. , Liu Sanzhen 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe maize inbred line A188 is an attractive model for elucidation of gene function and improvement due to its high embryogenic capacity and many contrasting traits to the first maize reference genome, B73, and other elite lines. The lack of a genome assembly of A188 limits its use as a model for functional studies.ResultsHere, we present a chromosome-level genome assembly of A188 using long reads and optical maps. Comparison of A188 with B73 using both whole-genome alignments and read depths from sequencing reads identify approximately 1.1 Gb of syntenic sequences as well as extensive structural variation, including a 1.8-Mb duplication containing the Gametophyte factor1 locus for unilateral cross-incompatibility, and six inversions of 0.7 Mb or greater. Increased copy number of carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase 1 (ccd1) in A188 is associated with elevated expression during seed development. Highccd1expression in seeds together with low expression of yellow endosperm 1 (y1) reduces carotenoid accumulation, accounting for the white seed phenotype of A188. Furthermore, transcriptome and epigenome analyses reveal enhanced expression of defense pathways and altered DNA methylation patterns of the embryonic callus.ConclusionsThe A188 genome assembly provides a high-resolution sequence for a complex genome species and a foundational resource for analyses of genome variation and gene function in maize. The genome, in comparison to B73, contains extensive intra-species structural variations and other genetic differences. Expression and network analyses identify discrete profiles for embryonic callus and other tissues.
TBP and SNAP50 transcription factors bind specifically to the Pr77 promoter sequence from trypanosomatid non-LTR retrotransposons
Authors: Macías Francisco , Afonso-Lehmann Raquel , Carreira Patricia E. , Thomas M. Carmen 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
Trypanosomatid genomes are colonized by active and inactive mobile DNA elements, such as LINE, SINE-like, SIDER and DIRE retrotransposons. These elements all share a 77-nucleotide-long sequence at their 5′ ends, known as Pr77, which activates transcription, thereby generating abundant unspliced and translatable transcripts. However, transcription factors that mediates this process have still not been reported.

Methods
TATA-binding protein (TBP) and small nuclear RNA-activating protein 50 kDa (SNAP50) recombinant proteins and specific antibodies raised against them were generated. Protein capture assay, electrophoretic mobility-shift assays (EMSA) and EMSA competition assays carried out using these proteins and nuclear proteins of the parasite together to specific DNA sequences used as probes allowed detecting direct interaction of these transcription factors to Pr77 sequence.

Results
This study identified TBP and SNAP50 as part of the DNA-protein complex formed by the Pr77 promoter sequence and nuclear proteins of Trypanosoma cruzi. TBP establishes direct and specific contact with the Pr77 sequence, where the DPE and DPE downstream regions are docking sites with preferential binding. TBP binds cooperatively (Hill coefficient = 1.67) to Pr77 and to both strands of the Pr77 sequence, while the conformation of this highly structured sequence is not involved in TBP binding. Direct binding of SNAP50 to the Pr77 sequence is weak and may be mediated by protein–protein interactions through other trypanosomatid nuclear proteins.

Conclusions
Identification of the transcription factors that mediate Pr77 transcription may help to elucidate how these retrotransposons are mobilized within the trypanosomatid genomes and their roles in gene regulation processes in this human parasite.

Graphical Abstract
Management of patellofemoral joint osteoarthritis using biomechanical device therapy: a systematic review with meta-analysis
Authors: Callaghan Michael J. , Palmer Elizabeth , O’Neill Terence 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
Current clinical guidelines recommend conservative management including non-pharmacologic therapy prior to considering surgery for knee OA. There is a paucity of clinical trials investigating the use of biomechanical device therapies on those with patellofemoral joint osteoarthritis (PFJOA). The aim was to systematically review the effectiveness of biomechanical devices (bracing, taping, and footwear) in the management of symptomatic PFJOA.

Method
The Cochrane, PEDro, MEDLINE, CINAHL, AMED and EMBASE electronic databases were search from inception to October 31, 2020. Included studies were randomised controlled or clinical trials studying any form of biomechanical device therapy in the management of PFJOA in the English language. Studies included in the search were quality-appraised using the PEDro scoring system.

Result
Eleven studies were identified which included assessment of either patellar taping, or foot orthotics, knee bracing or combined physiotherapy treatments. Trial quality ranged from ‘poor’ through ‘fair’ to ‘good’. For patellar bracing, pooled analysis of two good quality randomised controlled trials showed no overall significant improvement on a visual analogue scale (VAS) (random effects (RE) standardised mean difference (SMD) = −0.42 (95%CI −1.12 to +0.29).
Pooled data from the same two studies showed a non-significant improvement in favour of bracing assessed by the KOOS/WOMAC (RE SMD = −0.18 (95%CI −0.66 to +0.31). Two studies of ‘fair’ and ‘good’ quality applying patellar tape showed a significant reduction in pain immediately after application and after 4 days. A randomised trial of a foot orthotic showed a non-significant improvement in pain after 6 weeks with a between groups adjusted mean difference for maximum VAS of 21.9 mm (95% CI − 2.1 to 46.0) and 8.1 (95% CI− 6.9 to 23.1) for KOOS pain. A multimodal physiotherapy intervention (which included taping in two studies) showed a pooled significant improvement in VAS (SMD = −0.4; (95% CI −0.71 to −0.09) at 3 months compared to controls.

Conclusion
There is some good quality evidence that a combined physiotherapy approach significantly reduces short-term pain in those with PFJOA. Long-term effects of all interventions are still unknown, which indicates the need for further research to determine the longer term impact of all biomechanical devices on outcomes in symptomatic PFJOA.
A survey of methodologies on causal inference methods in meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Markozannes Georgios , Vourli Georgia , Ntzani Evangelia 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
Meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been considered as the highest level of evidence in the pyramid of the evidence-based medicine. However, the causal interpretation of such results is seldom studied.

Methods
We systematically searched for methodologies pertaining to the implementation of a causally explicit framework for meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and discussed the interpretation and scientific relevance of such causal estimands. We performed a systematic search in four databases to identify relevant methodologies, supplemented with hand-search. We included methodologies that described causality under counterfactuals and potential outcomes framework.

Results
We only identified three efforts explicitly describing a causal framework on meta-analysis of RCTs. Two approaches required individual participant data, while for the last one, only summary data were required. All three approaches presented a sufficient framework under which a meta-analytical estimate is identifiable and estimable. However, several conceptual limitations remain, mainly in regard to the data generation process under which the selected RCTs rise.

Conclusions
We undertook a review of methodologies on causal inference methods in meta-analyses. Although all identified methodologies provide valid causal estimates, there are limitations in the assumptions regarding the data generation process and sampling of the potential RCTs to be included in the meta-analysis which pose challenges to the interpretation and scientific relevance of the identified causal effects. Despite both causal inference and meta-analysis being extensively studied in the literature, limited effort exists of combining those two frameworks.
Perennial forage legume cultivation and their above-ground mass management methods for weed suppression in arable organic cropping systems
Authors: Arlauskienė Aušra , Jablonskytė-Raščė Danutė , Šarūnaitė Lina , Toleikienė Monika , Masilionytė Laura , Gecaitė Viktorija , Kadžiulienė Žydrė 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundIn organic crop farms, growing crop yields are limited by insufficient nitrogen supply to plants and crop weediness. In such farms, legume swards are proposed as a service crop to improve nitrogen cycling. However, a positive effect of nitrogen is not only on cereals but also on weeds. In crop rotation, legume swards can stimulate the competition of cereals using the above-ground mass of legume to control the spread of weeds.The effects of the following methods for weeds control were analyzed: (i) forage legumes (Trifolium pratenseL. andT. repens) undersown in cereals, (ii) forage legumes (T. pratense L., Medicago sativaL.) and their mixture with festulolium (x Festuliolium) and their above-ground mass management methods, and (iii) plant-based fertilizers (red clover above-ground mass fermented and composted).ResultsOat with red clover undersown reduced weediness more than red clover monocrops, pea, and their mixture with oats. Incorporated undersown white clover mass increased spring barley competitiveness with weeds. When growing legume swards for a longer period of time (green fallow), red clover and their mixture with festulolium are the most suitable for this purpose. The lowest weed dry weight (average 34%, compared with the removal from the field) was obtained while using the mixed management. The cultivation of cereals after forage legumes and their mixtures with festulolium (as a preceding crop) increases its grain yield and competitive ability against weeds. Fermented red clover and fermented pea and spring wheat mixture mass, as a manure, did not increase weediness.ConclusionsIt was concluded that the effectiveness of the perennial forage legumes is determined by the uses of the above-ground mass: soil cover, mulching, application of green manure, and intensity of mass mineralization. Type of activity of forage legumes on weeds were competition for environmental resources, disruption/promotion of germination, destruction of above-ground mass, reduction of the amount of matured seeds, creation of a physical barrier (mulch), and increase of competitiveness of cereals. Growing forage legumes in pure crops usually leads to a loss of marketable production.Graphic abstract
Virtual Exchange in Global Health: an innovative educational approach to foster socially responsible overseas collaboration
Authors: Bowen Keith , Barry Michele , Jowell Ashley , Maddah Diana , Alami Nael H. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractEducators who design and manage study abroad programs face a series of ethical responsibilities. Meeting these responsibilities is critical in the field of global health, where study abroad programs are often designed to provide healthcare services in under-resourced communities. Leaders in global health have thus formed working groups to study the ethical implications of overseas programming and have led the way in establishing socially responsible best practices for study abroad. Their recommendations include development of bidirectional programming that is designed for mutual and equitable benefits, focused on locally identified needs and priorities, attentive to local community costs, and structured to build local capacity to ensure sustainability. Implementation remains a key challenge, however. Sustainable, bidirectional programming is difficult and costly. In the present study, authors questioned how technology could be used to connect students of global health in distant countries to make socially responsible global health programming more accessible. Drawing on empirical research in the learning sciences and leveraging best practices in technology design, the authors developed a Virtual Exchange in Global Health to connect university students in the U.S. with counterparts in Lebanon, who worked in teams to address humanitarian problems in Syrian refugee camps. Early results demonstrate the value of this approach. At dramatically lower cost than traditional study abroad—and with essentially no carbon footprint—students recognized complementary strengths in each other through bidirectional programming, learned about local needs and priorities through Virtual Reality, and built sustaining relationships while addressing a difficult real-world problem. The authors learned that technology could effectively facilitate socially responsible global health programming and do so at low cost. The program has important implications for teaching and learning during the COVID-19 crisis and beyond.
Association between preoperative level of hemoglobin A1c and the incidence of acute kindey injury after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery: a cohort study
Authors: Samir Ghada Mohamed , Omar Omar Mohamed Ali Mohamed , Zidan Madiha Metwally , Fawzy Hazem Abd El Rahman , El Far Marwa Mamdouh Mohamed 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
The development of acute kidney injury (AKI) is an important indicator of clinical outcomes after cardiac surgery. Elevated preoperative hemoglobin A1c level may be associated with acute kidney injury in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. This study will investigate the association of preoperative HbA1c levels with AKI after isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

Results
Forty patients undergoing elective CABG were enrolled in this cohort study. Patients are divided into 2 equal groups who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG): patients with preoperative HbA1c 5.7–6.4% (group A) (prediabetics) and patients with preoperative HbA1c > or = 6.5% (group B) (diabetics). Acute kidney injury according to the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes criteria developed in 11 patients (27.5%). There was a significant difference between the two groups as regards postoperative urinary NGAL, creatinine level on the 1st day, creatinine level on the 2nd day, urine output on the 1st day, and urine output on the 2nd day (p value was 0.001, 0.002, 0.006, 0.0002, and 0.012 respectively). Postoperative ICU stay duration was statistically significant in the diabetic group (P value 0.009). The need for renal replacement therapy was higher in the diabetic group, but it was not statistically significant between the two groups. Roc analysis shows AUC 0.922 with a significant p value (< 0.0001) and cut of value (≥ 7) with sensitivity 81.82 and specificity 93.10.

Conclusion
This study revealed that elevated preoperative HbA1c level above 7% showed an increase in incidence of post CABG acute kidney injury along with increase length of postoperative ICU stay.
A comprehensive review of the benefits of Taraxacum officinale on human health
Authors: Di Napoli Agnese , Zucchetti Pietro 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
Taraxacum officinale (G.H. Weber ex Wiggers), commonly known as dandelion, is a herbaceous plant native to North America, Europe and Asia. This plant has been used for health purposes since ancient times. The phytochemicals present in different parts of the plant are responsible for its medicinal properties. In this review, we describe the main health properties of Taraxacum officinale.

Main body of the abstract
We searched for the main medicinal properties of Taraxacum officinale in the scientific literature, using the PubMed database. We selected 54 studies and we described twelve therapeutic properties, which are reported in previous studies. These properties are diuretic, hepatoprotective, anticolitis, immunoprotective, antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial, antiarthritic, antidiabetic, antiobesity, antioxidant and anticancer effects. We also found that the most frequently reported therapeutic effects include hepatoprotective, antioxidant and anticancer activities.

Short conclusion
In this review, we describe the medicinal properties of Taraxacum officinale reported in previous studies. Antioxidant, hepatoprotective and anticancer effects are mostly found in the scientific literature.
Lung perfusion findings on perfusion SPECT/CT imaging in non-hospitalized de-isolated patients diagnosed with mild COVID-19 infection
Authors: Evbuomwan Osayande , Engelbrecht Gerrit , Bergman Melissa V. , Mokwena Sello , Ayeni Oluwatosin A. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
The aim of this retrospective study is to assess the incidence and type of lung perfusion abnormalities in non-hospitalized patients diagnosed with mild COVID-19 infection after de-isolation. Data from 56 non-hospitalized patients diagnosed with COVID-19 infection referred to our nuclear medicine department from July–December 2020 for a perfusion only SPECT/CT study or a ventilation perfusion SPECT/CT study were collected. Images were assessed for the presence and type of perfusion defects. The CT component of the study was also assessed for the presence of mosaic attenuation and COVID pneumonia changes.

Results
Thirty-two (57.1%) cases had perfusion defects. There were 20 (35.7%) cases with defects in keeping with pulmonary embolism, 17 (30.4%) cases with defects associated with mosaic attenuation but not due to pulmonary embolism, and 6 (10.7%) of cases with defects due to pulmonary infiltrates from COVID pneumonia. A total of 24 (42.9%) cases had mosaic attenuation on CT, with 10 (17.9%) of them showing a pattern likely consistent with shunting on the perfusion images.

Conclusion
Lung perfusion abnormalities are a common finding in non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients with mild disease. They are usually either due to pulmonary embolism, parenchymal infiltrates, or other causes of mosaic attenuation related to, but not specific to the pathophysiology of COVID-19 infection. The value of VQ SPECT/CT imaging is also shown in this study, in detecting and differentiating the various types of perfusion abnormalities.