bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of COVID-19 on liver transplantation: impact, practice patterns, therapeutics, and next steps
Authors: Hutchison Alan L. , Pillai Anjana 
Published: April 2021

Purpose of review
To assess the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the pandemic on liver transplant candidates, recipients, and donors, and review guidelines and recommendations for integrating COVID-19 therapies into current practice.

Recent findings
COVID-19 has high morbidity and mortality for transplant candidates; interestingly, posttransplant comorbidities play a larger role than immunosuppression status. COVID-19 therapies and vaccinations are well tolerated in pre and postliver transplant patients with few exceptions, although further research is needed regarding effectiveness in this patient population. Provider practice patterns should evolve to minimize contagion during the current pandemic and prepare for an increase in liver disease due to after-shocks of missed diagnosis and progression of liver disease.

Summary
COVID-19 has spurred new research and technologies to ensure the safety of liver transplant candidates, recipients, and donors, and most COVID-19 therapies are safe in this patient population. Further work needs to be done regarding the use of COVID-19 positive organs and the efficacy of vaccines in the transplant population.
Is Fecal Calprotectin a Useful Marker for Small Bowel Crohn Disease?
Authors: D'Arcangelo Giulia , Imondi Chiara , Terrin Gianluca , Catassi Giulia , Aloi Marina 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACTObjectives:The identification of reliable non‐invasive biomarkers of Crohn disease (CD) activity is crucial. Fecal calprotectin (FC) is the most promising one. We aimed to define whether its performance for isolated ileal CD could be as useful as for colonic and ileocolonic disease.Methods:Retrospective observational study of all pediatric patients affected with CD with FC and inflammatory blood markers performed within one week from an ileocolonoscopy or magnetic resonance enterography. The sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, positive predictive value and accuracy of FC >50 mcg/g were evaluated for isolated ileal CD (L1), colonic CD (L2) and ilecolonic CD (L3) using ilecolonoscopy and magnetic resonance enterography as the reference standard. The best FC cut‐off for each disease location was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curves.Results:One‐hundred seventy‐six FC measurements from a total of 98 patients were collected (14.3% L1, 10.2% L2, 75.5% L3). The sensitivity and specificity of FC for L1 CD were 36% and 91%, respectively, compared to 93% and 75% for L2 and 70% and 95% for L3. An FC of 95 mg/kg was identified as the best cut off for identification of active isolated ileal disease, with a sensitivity of 77% and a specificity of 56% [area under the curve (confidence interval [CI] 0.56– 0.97) 0.77, P = 0.02].Conclusions:With a sensitivity of 36%, FC alone does not accurately reflect isolated L1 disease activity. A significantly lower threshold should be applied for increasing its performance for isolated small bowel CD monitoring.
Sexual Risk Behavior and Sexually Transmitted Infections Among College Students With Disabilities
Authors: Argenyi Michael S. , James Tyler G. 
Published: April 2021

Background
In the past 20 years, there has been an increase in the number of college students with disabilities (SWDs) in the United States. Students with disabilities may have not received relevant, or accessible, sexual health education from medical providers, parents, or school health educators. Because of the lack of this education, the college social environment, and developmental timing of traditional college aged students, SWDs are at risk of engaging in health compromising sexual behavior.

Methods
We conducted a secondary data analysis of traditionally aged (18- to 24-year-olds) college students who completed the National College Health Assessment administered in Fall 2017 and Spring 2018 (N = 95,119). We use prevalence and generalized linear models to describe self-reported sexual health behavior and outcomes among college students without disabilities and SWDs, by disability category.

Results
Findings indicate that college students with disabilities—particularly students with attention-deficient hyperactivity disorder, psychiatric conditions, and multiple disabilities—are at higher risk than students without disabilities to engage in health compromising sexual health behavior and that students with multiple disabilities have higher adjusted prevalence ratios of being diagnosed and/or treated for a sexually transmitted infection.

Conclusions
Students with disabilities are not a monolithic population and there is cross-disability variability of engaging in health compromising and health promoting behavior. These findings highlight the need for college health promotion specialists and clinicians to advocate for accessible, sex positive, disability inclusive sexual health education.
Methods in Genetic Analysis for Evaluation Mandibular Shape and Size Variations in Human Mandible
Authors: Yamaguchi Tetsutaro , Kim Yong-Il , Mohamed Adel , Hikita Yu , Takahashi Masahiro , Haga Shugo , Park Soo-Byung , Maki Kotaro 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The human mandible has been investigated from both clinical and evolutionary perspectives. Recent advances in genome science have identified the genetic regulation of human mandibular shape and size. Identification of genes that regulate mandibular shape and size would not only enhance our understanding of the mechanisms of mandibular growth and development but also help define a strategy to prevent mandibular dysplasia. This review provides a comprehensive summary of why and how the mandible was evaluated in the human mandible genome study. The variation in human mandibular shape and size has been progressively clarified, not only by focusing on the mandible alone but also by using extremely diverse approaches. The methods of data acquisition for evaluating human mandibular shape and size variation are well established. Furthermore, this review explains how to proceed with future research.
Influence of Age on Calvarial Critical Size Defect Dimensions: A Radiographic and Histological Study
Authors: Hudieb Malik , Haddad Adeeb , Bakeer Mohammad , Alkhazaaleh Ahmad , AlKhader Mustafa , Taani Dafi , Kasugai Shohei 
Published: April 2021

AbstractCalvarial critical-size defect has been used to assess techniques and materials in the bone regeneration field. Previous studies utilized young adult rats with 3 months of age, which might not reflect the geriatric conditions. This study aimed to assess the dimensions of the calvarial critical-size defect in aged rats.Seventy-two rats in a randomized block design were allocated into a control young adult (11–12 weeks), and a test old group (22–24 months). Both groups were divided according to bone defect's size: 3 mm, 5 mm, and 7 mm defects, which were surgically created and followed for 4 and 8 weeks. Radiographic and histologic analyses were performed. Based on the results, additional groups with 4 mm defect size were added following the same protocols. Young groups yielded higher bone volumes, defect closure percentages, and density of newly formed bone. Closure of cranial defects was only observed in 3 mm defects in both age groups after 8 weeks; however, the 4 mm defect group demonstrated bony bridging after 8 weeks in young but not old rats. Results confirmed that 5-mm defect is considered a critical size for calvarial bone defects in young adult rats; however, 4 mm defect might be considered critical size for the aged rats after 8 weeks.
The United States Swine Pathogen Database: integrating veterinary diagnostic laboratory sequence data to monitor emerging pathogens of swine
Authors: Anderson Tavis K. , Inderski Blake , Diel Diego G. , Hause Benjamin M. , Porter Elizabeth G. , Clement Travis , Nelson Eric A. , Bai Jianfa , Christopher-Hennings Jane , Gauger Phillip C. , Zhang Jianqiang , Harmon Karen M. , Main Rodger , Lager Kelly M. , Faaberg Kay S. 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACTVeterinary diagnostic laboratories annually derive thousands of nucleotide sequences from clinical samples of swine pathogens such as porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), Senecavirus A, and swine enteric coronaviruses. In addition, next generation sequencing has resulted in the rapid production of full-length genomes. Presently, sequence data are released to diagnostic clients for the purposes of informing control measures, but are not publicly available as data may be associated with sensitive information. However, public sequence data can be used to objectively design field-relevant vaccines; determine when and how pathogens are spreading across the landscape; identify virus transmission hotspots; and are a critical component in genomic surveillance for pandemic preparedness. We have developed a centralized sequence database that integrates a selected set of previously private clinical data, using PRRSV data as an exemplar, alongside publicly available genomic information. We implemented the Tripal toolkit, using the open source Drupal content management system and the Chado database schema. Tripal consists of a collection of Drupal modules that are used to manage, visualize, and disseminate biological data stored within Chado. Hosting is provided by Amazon Web Services (AWS) EC2 cloud instance with resource scaling. New sequences sourced from diagnostic labs contain at a minimum four data items: genomic information; date of collection; collection location (state or province level); and a unique identifier. Users can download annotated genomic sequences from the database using a customized search interface that incorporates data mined from published literature; search for similar sequences using BLAST-based tools; and explore annotated reference genomes. Additionally, because the bulk of data presently are PRRSV sequences, custom curation and annotation pipelines have determined PRRSV genotype (Type 1 or 2), the location of open reading frames and nonstructural proteins, generated amino acid sequences, the occurrence of putative frame shifts, and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) classification of GP5 genes. Genomic data from seven major swine pathogens have been curated and annotated. The resource provides researchers timely access to sequences discovered by veterinary diagnosticians, allowing for epidemiological and comparative virology studies. The result will be a better understanding on the emergence of novel swine viruses in the United States (US), and how these novel strains are disseminated in the US and abroad.Database URLhttps://swinepathogendb.org
Genetic lineage of the Amami islanders inferred from classical genetic markers
Authors: Nishikawa Yuri , Ishida Takafumi 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe genetic structure of the people of mainland Japan and Okinawa has been gradually unveiled in recent years. However, previous anthropological studies dealing with people in the Amami islands, located between mainland Japan and Okinawa, were less informative because of the lack of genetic data. In this study, we collected DNAs from 104 subjects in two of the Amami islands, Amami-Oshima island and Kikai island. We analyzed the D-loop region of mtDNA, four Y-STRs, and four autosomal nonsynonymous SNPs to clarify the Amami islanders’ genetic structure compared with peoples in Okinawa, mainland Japan, and other regions of East Asia. We found that the Amami islanders showed a genetically intermediate position between mainland Japan and Okinawa in mtDNA and Y-STR. However, the frequencies of several autosomal SNPs in the Amami islanders indicated a significant difference from mainland Japanese, which may be because of the gene flow from Okinawa but not natural selection. Moreover, extremely high or low frequencies of several alleles implied a founder effect in Kikai islanders. Note that there is room for the interpretation of the results because of the small sample size and number of alleles in the present study. Geographically broad and detailed samplings and genome-wide analyses are awaited.
A bacterial “shield and sword”: A previously uncharacterized two-component system protects uropathogenicEscherichia colifrom host-derived oxidative insults and promotes hemolysin-mediated host cell pyroptosis
Authors: Gu Hongwei , Cai Xuwang , Zhang Xinyang , Luo Jie , Zhang Xiaoyang , Cai Wentong , Li Ganwu 
Published: April 2021

AbstractUropathogenicEscherichia coli(UPEC) deploys an array of virulence factors to successfully establish urinary tract infections. Coordinated expression of these various virulence factors is critical for UPEC’s overall fitness in the host. Two-component signaling systems (TCSs) are a major mechanism by which bacteria sense environmental cues and initiate adaptive responses. Here, we report a previously uncharacterized TCS encoded on a pathogenicity island in UPEC that directly activates the expression of a putative methionine sulfoxide reductase system (C3566/C3567) and a pore-forming α-hemolysin in response to host-derived hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) exposure. The TCS increases UPEC resistance to H2O2in vitroand survival in macrophages in tissue culture via C3566/C3567. Additionally, the TCS mediates α-hemolysin-induced renal epithelial cell and macrophage death via a pyroptosis pathway. Taken together, our data suggest a paradigm in which this signal transduction system coordinates both bacterial pathogen defensive and offensive traits in the presence of host-derived signals.
On the Driver of Blood Circulation Beyond the Heart
Authors: Li Zheng , Pollack Gerald H. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe heart is widely acknowledged as the unique driver of blood circulation. Recently, we discovered a flow-driving mechanism that can operate without imposed pressure, using infrared (IR) energy to propel flow. We considered the possibility that, by exploiting this mechanism, blood vessels, themselves, could propel flow. We verified the existence of this driving mechanism by using a three-day-old chick-embryo model. When the heart was stopped, blood continued to flow, albeit at a lower velocity. When IR was introduced, flow increased, by ∼300%. When IR energy was diminished under otherwise physiological conditions, blood failed to flow. Hence, this IR-dependent, vessel-based flow-driving mechanism may indeed operate in the circulatory system, complementing the action of the heart.
A Fatty Acid Anabolic Pathway in Specialized-Cells Remotely Controls Oocyte Activation inDrosophila
Authors: Poidevin Mickael , Mazuras Nicolas , Bontonou Gwénaëlle , Delamotte Pierre , Denis Béatrice , Devilliers Maëlle , Petit Delphine , Wicker-Thomas Claude , Montagne Jacques 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACTPheromone-mediated partner recognition is crucial for maintenance of animal species. Here, we discover a metabolic link between pheromone and gamete physiology. In female genital tract, oocyte maturation is arrested at a specific meiotic-phase. Release of this arrest, called oocyte-activation, is triggered by a species-dependent signal. We show inDrosophila melanogasterthat oenocytes, which produce the fatty acids (FAs) used as precursors of cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs), including pheromones, are also essential for oocyte activation. We identified a set of FA-anabolic enzymes required within oenocytes for the synthesis of a particular FA that is not a CHC precursor but controls oocyte activation. Our study thus reveals that two tightly linked FA-anabolic pathways act in parallel, one to produce sexual pheromones, the other to initiate embryonic development. Given that pheromone-deficientDrosophila melanogasterfemales are highly attractive for males irrespective of their species, this oenocyte function might have evolved to prevent hybrid development.
Prospective cohort study: Causes of stillbirth in Australia 2013–2018
Authors: Sexton Jessica K. , Mahomed Kassam , Marsden Tania , Coory Michael , Gardener Glenn , Ellwood David , Gordon Adrienne , Shand Antonia W. , Yee Khong Teck , Gordon Louisa G. , Flenady Vicki 
Published: April 2021

BackgroundStillbirth is a major public health problem that is slow to improve in Australia. Understanding the causes of stillbirth through appropriate investigation is the cornerstone of prevention and important for parents to understand why their baby died.AimThe aim of this study is to assess compliance with the Perinatal Society of Australia and New Zealand (PSANZ) Perinatal Mortality Clinical Practice Guidelines (2009) for stillbirths.MethodsThis is a prospective multi‐centred cohort study of stillbirths at participating hospitals (2013–2018). Data were recorded into a purpose‐built database. The frequency of the recommended core investigations was calculated, and χ2 test was performed for subgroup analyses by gestational age groups and timing of fetal death. A 70% compliance threshold was defined for investigations. The cause of death categories was provided according to PSANZ Perinatal Death Classification.ResultsAmong 697 reported total stillbirths, 562 (81%) were antepartum, and 101 (15%) were intrapartum. The most common cause of death categories were ‘congenital abnormality’ (12.5%), ‘specific perinatal conditions’ (12.2%) and ‘unexplained antepartum death’ (29%). According to 2009 guidelines, there were no stillbirths where all recommended investigations were performed (including or excluding autopsy). A compliance of 70% was observed for comprehensive history (82%), full blood count (94%), cytomegalovirus (71%), toxoplasmosis (70%), renal function (75%), liver function (79%), external examination (86%), post‐mortem examination (84%) and placental histopathology (92%). The overall autopsy rate was 52%.ConclusionsCompliance with recommended investigations for stillbirth was suboptimal, and many stillbirths remain unexplained. Education on the value of investigations for stillbirth is needed. Future studies should focus on understanding the yield and value of investigations and service delivery gaps that impact compliance.
Comparison of ethanol concentrations after drinking in patients who underwent total gastrectomy versus healthy controls
Authors: Honda Michitaka , Hori Soshi , Kobayashi Hiroshi , Hamada Koichi , Kawamura Hidetaka , Nakayama Yujiro , Todate Yukitoshi , Miyakawa Teppei , Takano Yoshinao , Sato Atai , Konno Shinichi 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe safety of drinking in patients who have undergone total gastrectomy for gastric cancer has not been established. We conducted a clinical trial to investigate the trend in alcohol absorption in actual patients.MethodsPatients who received total gastrectomy with lymph‐node dissection and Roux‐en‐Y reconstruction six or more months ago were enrolled. Participants drank 1 unit (20 g) of ethanol within 1 h starting at least 1 h after a meal. The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was then estimated by a measurement of the breath alcohol concentration. The peak and trend in the BAC in patients was compared with that in healthy volunteers who were matched with patients for the alcohol‐sensitive genotype.ResultsTen patients and 10 healthy people were enrolled in the BAC evaluation. The peak BAC (%) was 0.158 in patients after total gastrectomy versus 0.110 in control (P < 0.001). The mean half‐life of BAC was 58.0 min in the patient group and 94.0 min in the control group, although the mean time to complete drinking was significantly longer in the patient group than in the control group at 40.8 versus 21.9 min (P = 0.009).ConclusionDrinking alcohol is likely to carry a risk of increasing the BAC in patients who have undergone total gastrectomy.
Paleo‐thermal constraints on the origin of native diagenetic sulfur in the Messinian evaporites: The Northern Apennines foreland basin case study (Italy)
Authors: Rossi Francesco Paolo , Schito Andrea , Manzi Vinicio , Roveri Marco , Corrado Sveva , Lugli Stefano , Reghizzi Matteo 
Published: April 2021

AbstractRecent studies on the genesis of sedimentary native sulfur deposits indicate diagenetic mid‐low temperature Bacterial Sulfate Reduction (BSR) as the main process, involving organic compounds (kerogen/hydrocarbons), bacterial colonies and gypsiferous rocks. In the peri‐Mediterranean area (Southern Spain, Sicily, Northern Apennines, Israel), the main sulfur accumulations are always associated with late Miocene sulfates and organic‐rich successions encompassing the Messinian salinity crisis (MSC). In particular, the Messinian successions of the Apennine‐Adriatic foreland basin system, due to a large amount of high‐resolution stratigraphic data, represent a perfect case study for understanding the diagenetic conditions controlling the development of the BSR process during sedimentary basin evolution. In this work, thermal models performed in three sub‐basins in a sector of the Northern Apennines comprised of the Sillaro and Marecchia rivers (Italy), calibrated by means of organic and inorganic geothermometers, indicate a general thermal immaturity of the studied successions attained as a result of a constant heat flow similar to the present day one (ca. 40 mW/m2) since Late Tortonian and lithostatic loads between 615 and 1,710 m depending on different sub‐basins. These results suggest that the MSC deposits experienced maximum temperatures between about 39°C and 65°C. Temperatures derived from thermal models have been used to constraint occurrence of the diagenetic BSR associated with evaporitic deposits providing thermal constraints in sulfur genesis as well as new useful thermal‐constraints for basin analysis studies.
The clinical outcomes of COVID‐19 infection in patients with a history of thyroid cancer: A nationwide study
Authors: Sahin Mustafa , Haymana Cem , Demirci Ibrahim , Tasci Ilker , Rıfat Emral , Unluturk Ugur , Satman Ilhan , Demir Tevfik , Cakal Erman , Ata Naim , Ertugrul Derun , Salman Serpil , Sahin Ibrahim , Dagdelen Selcuk , Celik Osman , Caglayan Murat , Atmaca Aysegul , Sonmez Alper 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundThere are scarce published data in differentiated thyroid cancer patients about new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) disease outcomes and mortality. Here, we evaluated COVID‐19 infection outcomes and mortality in thyroid cancer patients with COVID‐19 infection.Design and methodsWe included a cohort of patients with thyroid cancer with PCR‐confirmed COVID‐19 disease from 11 March to 30 May 2020 from the Turkish Ministry of Health database in our nationwide, retrospective study. We compared the mortality and morbidity of COVID patients with or without thyroid cancer. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess the independent factors for mortality, length of hospital stay and intensive care unit (ICU) admission and mechanical ventilation. We also analysed the effect of radioiodine treatment on severity and death rate of COVID‐19 disease.ResultsWe evaluated 388 COVID‐19 patients with thyroid cancer [median age: 54 years, interquartile range (IQR) 18 years, males: 23%] and age and gender‐matched 388 COVID‐19 patients without thyroid cancer. Patients with thyroid cancer had a similar mortality ratio compared with the non‐cancer group. Among patients with thyroid cancer, age, presence of diabetes mellitus, asthma/COPD, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, prior coronary artery disease, RAS blocker usage and low lymphocyte count were associated with mortality. Radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment and cumulative radioactive iodine dosage did not negatively affect the severity and mortality of COVID‐19 disease in our patient group.ConclusionsOur study indicated that history of thyroid cancer did not have an increased risk of mortality or morbidity in COVID‐19 disease. Besides, RAI therapy history and doses of radioactive iodine did not affect mortality or outcome.