bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of proximal priority and distal priority robotic priming techniques with impairment-oriented training of upper limb functions in patients with chronic stroke: study protocol for a single-blind, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lee Yi-chen , Li Yi-chun , Lin Keh-chung , Chen Chia-ling , Wu Yi-hsuan , Kuo Chihchieh , Yeh Yi-ping , Liu Ting-xuan 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
The sequence of establishing a proximal stability or function before facilitation of the distal body part has long been recognized in stroke rehabilitation practice but lacks scientific evidence. This study plans to examine the effects of proximal priority robotic priming and impairment-oriented training (PRI) and distal priority robotic priming and impairment-oriented training (DRI).

Methods
This single-blind, randomized, comparative efficacy study will involve 40 participants with chronic stroke. Participants will be randomized into the PRI or DRI groups and receive 18 intervention sessions (90 min/day, 3 days/weeks for 6 weeks). The Fugl-Meyer Assessment Upper Extremity subscale, Medical Research Council Scale, Revised Nottingham Sensory Assessment, and Wolf Motor Function Test will be administered at baseline, after treatment, and at the 3-month follow-up. Two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance and the chi-square automatic interaction detector method will be used to examine the comparative efficacy and predictors of outcome, respectively, after PRI and DRI.

Discussion
Through manipulating the sequence of applying wrist and forearm robots in therapy, this study will attempt to examine empirically the priming effect of proximal or distal priority robotic therapy in upper extremity impairment-oriented training for people with stroke. The findings will provide directions for further studies and empirical implications for clinical practice in upper extremity rehabilitation after stroke.

Trial Registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04446273. Registered on June 23, 2020.
Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) to change quality of life for adults with recurrent rhinosinusitis: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kaski Heidi M. , Alakärppä Antti , Lantto Ulla , Laajala Aleksi , Tokola Paulus , Penna Tomi , Ohtonen Pasi , Alho Olli-Pekka 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) has been used for decades to treat recurrent acute rhinosinusitis episodes (RARS) in adults. RARS results in infectious symptoms, antibiotic courses, sick leaves, and impaired quality of life. Theoretically, the ESS procedure, through improving the drainage of the paranasal sinuses, decreases the symptoms and enhances the quality of life of the RARS patients. Whether this is true has not been reported in a randomized trial yet.

Methods
We conduct a single-center, non-blinded, randomized, 6-month, parallel group superiority clinical study including 80 adult participants referred to surgical treatment for RARS. The participants will either have ESS or conservative medical treatment (control group). The primary outcome will be the difference between the mean disease-specific Sinonasal Outcome Test 22 (quality of life questionnaire) change scores (from baseline to 6 months) of ESS and control group.

Discussion
This study will add significant new information to the effect and harms of ESS procedure in the treatment of adults with RARS.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.govNCT04241016. Registered on 17 January 2020
A systematic review assessing the potential for release of vector species from competition following insecticide-based population suppression of Anopheles species in Africa
Authors: Qureshi Alima , Connolly John B. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundWhile insecticide-based vector control can effectively target vector species in areas of high malaria endemicity, such asAnopheles gambiaein Africa, residual disease transmission can occur. Understanding the potential role of competitive displacement between vector species could inform both current insecticide-based vector control programmes and the development of future complementary interventions.MethodsA systematic review was conducted to identify published studies of insecticide-based vector control ofAnophelesspecies in Africa that reported indices for absolute densities of vector species. After screening against inclusion, exclusion and risk of bias criteria, studies were assigned to three categories based on whether they showed population density changes involving decreases in two or more vector species (D), increases in two or more vector species (I), or increases in one vector species concomitant with decreases in another vector species (ID). Category ID studies could thus provide evidence consistent with the release of vector species from competition following the insecticide-based population suppression ofAnophelesspecies.ResultsOf 5569 papers identified in searches, 30 were selected for quantitative and qualitative analysis. Nineteen studies were assigned to category D and one to category I. Ten studies categorised as ID provided evidence ranging from weak to persuasive that release from competition could have contributed to changes in species composition. Category ID showed no statistical differences from category D for reductions in malaria transmission and levels of insecticide resistance, but did so for insecticide type, pyrethroids being associated with category ID. A qualitative assessment identified five studies that provided the most convincing evidence that release from competition could have contributed to changes in species composition.ConclusionsThis review identified evidence that insecticide-based reductions in the density ofAnophelesspecies in Africa could facilitate the release of other vector species from competition. While it remains uncertain whether this evidence is representative of most entomological sequelae of insecticide-based vector control in the field,five studies provided persuasive evidence that insecticide use could lead, at least under some circumstances, to competitive release of non-targeted vector species. These results should inform current and future integrated vector management approaches to malaria control.Graphical abstract
Treatment patterns in rheumatoid arthritis patients newly initiated on biologic and conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug therapy and enrolled in a North American clinical registry
Authors: Mease Philip J. , Stryker Scott , Liu Mei , Salim Bob , Rebello Sabrina , Gharaibeh Mahdi , Collier David H. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
Understanding the evolving treatment patterns in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is important for rheumatologists to make the best practice decisions and optimize treatment. Here, we describe treatment patterns among patients newly initiated on biologic and/or nonbiologic RA therapy over time after enrollment in the US Corrona RA registry.

Methods
This was a retrospective, cohort study of adult patients with RA enrolled in the Corrona RA registry. Patients were included in this study if they initiated therapy with conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (csDMARD) monotherapy, TNF inhibitor (TNFi) monotherapy, other (non-TNFi) biologic monotherapy, or combination therapy (index therapy); initiated therapy between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2015 (index date), after enrollment in the Corrona RA registry; had at least 6 months of follow-up time after the index date; and had at least one follow-up visit. Time periods of interest were based on the year of index therapy initiation: 2004–2007, 2008–2011, and 2012–2015.

Results
This study included 8027 patients. csDMARD monotherapy and TNFi + csDMARD combination therapy were the most common index therapies in the registry (39.9% and 44.9%, respectively, in the 2004–2007 period; 38.6% and 38.2%, respectively, in the 2008–2011 period; and 35.2% for both in the 2012–2015 period). At therapy initiation, a higher proportion of patients who initiated other biologics, whether as monotherapies (54.0%) or in combination with csDMARD (49.9%), had high disease activity than those who initiated csDMARD monotherapy (28.4%). For 2012–2015 vs 2004–2007 and 2008–2011 periods, persistence on a given therapy appeared to decrease for the TNFi monotherapy cohort (48.2% vs 64.3% and 52.4%) and other biologic monotherapy cohort (52.3% vs 71.4% and 54.5%) over 12 months; switching from one therapy to another was common in the Corrona RA registry.

Conclusions
Increased switching from one therapy to another and decreased time on a given therapy was observed in the Corrona RA registry in the 2012–2015 period. This observation is most likely due to the increased availability of additional treatment options and/or the change in clinical focus, particularly the emphasis on achievement of treat-to-target goals of remission or low disease activity along with more aggressive treatment.
First diagnosis of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C): an analysis of PoCUS findings in the ED
Authors: Delmonaco Angelo G. , Carpino Andrea , Raffaldi Irene , Pruccoli Giulia , Garrone Emanuela , Del Monte Francesco , Riboldi Lorenzo , Licciardi Francesco , Urbino Antonio F. , Parodi Emilia 
Published: September 2021

AbstractChildren with multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) tend to develop a clinical condition of fluid overload due both to contractile cardiac pump deficit and to endotheliitis with subsequent capillary leak syndrome. In this context, the ability of point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) to simultaneously explore multiple systems and detect polyserositis could promote adequate therapeutic management of fluid balance. We describe the PoCUS findings in a case-series of MIS-C patients admitted to the Emergency Department. At admission 10/11 patients showed satisfactory clinical condition without signs and symptoms suggestive for cardiovascular impairment/shock, but PoCUS showed pathological findings in 11/11 (100%). In particular, according to Rapid Ultrasound in SHock (RUSH) protocol, cardiac hypokinesis was detected in 5/11 (45%) and inferior vena cava dilatation in 3/11 (27%). Peritoneal fluid was reported in 6/11 cases (54%). Lung ultrasound (LUS) evaluation revealed an interstitial syndrome in 11/11 (100%), mainly localized in posterior basal lung segments. We suggest PoCUS as a useful tool in the first evaluation of children with suspected MIS-C for the initial therapeutic management and the following monitoring of possible cardiovascular deterioration.
Clinical and genetic features of maturity-onset diabetes of the young in pediatric patients: a 12-year monocentric experience
Authors: Passanisi Stefano , Salzano Giuseppina , Bombaci Bruno , Lombardo Fortunato 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
A retrospective observational study was conducted to assess the prevalence of maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY) in a large paediatric population of Southern Italy newly diagnosed with diabetes. Clinical and genetic features of the identified MODY patients were also described.

Methods
Genetic testing was performed in children and adolescents newly diagnosed with diabetes who presented autoantibody negativity and fasting C-peptide levels ≥ 0.8 ng/mL. Patients with a low insulin daily dose and optimal glycaemic control after two years from diabetes onset were also investigated for monogenic diabetes, regardless of their autoimmunity status and/or C-peptide levels.

Results
A prevalence of 6.5% of MODY was found. In particular, glucokinase-MODY was the most common type of MODY. The mean age at diagnosis was 9.1 years. Clinical presentation and biochemical data were heterogeneous also among patients belonging to the same MODY group.

Conclusions
We found a relatively high prevalence of MODY among paediatric patients with a new diagnosis of diabetes in comparison to literature data. Our findings highlight that a more detailed clinical evaluation along with easier and less expensive approachability to genetic testing may allow diagnosing an increasing number of MODY cases. A correct, prompt diagnosis is crucial to choose the most appropriate treatment and offer adequate genetic counselling.
Diagnostic significance of serum lncRNA HOTAIR and its predictive value for the development of chronic complications in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Wang Huiyun , Xia Yu , Zhang Yanxia 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) affects the social economy and quality of life, and has become a major threat to human health. This observation aimed to study the possibility of serum HOTAIR as a diagnostic index in patients with T2DM and to explore the prognostic potential of HOTAIR in the development of T2DM.

Methods
The expression of HOTAIR in serum of 96 patients with T2DM and 82 healthy controls was detected by the qRT-PCR technique. The related biochemical indexes of all participants were determined, such as total cholesterol (TC) and fasting blood glucose (FBG). The value of serum HOTAIR in the diagnosis of T2DM in the two groups was analyzed by the ROC curve. Moreover, the prognostic value of HOTAIR on T2DM was examined by the K-M curve and COX multivariate analysis.

Results
The results of the qRT-PCR analysis showed that the serum level of HOTAIR in patients with T2DM was significantly higher than that in healthy controls. ROC analysis showed that HOTAIR in serum was a diagnostic factor of T2DM. Further multivariate analysis showed that HOTAIR could be an independent biomarker in the prediction of chronic complications for T2DM patients, such as diabetic retinopathy and diabetic nephropathy.

Conclusions
We found the augment of HOTAIR expression was a character of T2DM. The high expression of serum HOTAIR was a potential non-invasive diagnostic marker and independent prognostic factor in patients with T2DM.
Exercise induced anaphylaxis in kiwi allergic patient: case report
Authors: Ukleja-Sokołowska Natalia , Zacniewski Robert , Lis Kinga , Żbikowska-Gotz Magdalena , Kuźmiński Andrzej , Bartuzi Zbigniew 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
An allergy to kiwi is rare in Poland. Most (65–72%) of the patients who are allergic to kiwi report symptoms of an oral allergy syndrome (OAS); however, systemic manifestations (18–28%) have also been reported.

Case report
A 27-year-old male patient, previously not suffering from chronic diseases, exercised in the gym. He began with isometric training and then continued with aerobic exercise on a treadmill. After exercise, he ate 2 kiwi (Actinidia deliciosa) fruits. He experienced a swelling of the lips after eating the fruit, followed by an itchy scalp and a swollen face. Approximately 60 min later, the symptoms worsened: the patient suffered from generalized hives, general weakness and a "rumbling" sensation in ears. The patient's condition improved upon the consumption of antihistamines. However, the swelling of the face persisted for 24 h despite previously eating a kiwi without any side effects. By means of diagnostics based on allergen components, an allergy to grass allergen components, especially timothy grass—Phl p 1, Phl p 2 and Phl p 5, was confirmed. The presence of IgE that is specific for Act d 2 kiwi was also found. The patient had an oral food challenge with kiwi fruit at rest and after exercise provocation test. The challenge was negative at rest and positive after exercise. A food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis gathered with a kiwi sensitization was diagnosed.

Conclusion
To our knowledge, this case is the first report of a kiwi-allergic patient in whom exercise was a necessary cofactor to induce an anaphylactic reaction.
The effects of molar activity on [18F]FDOPA uptake in patients with neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: Stormezand Gilles N. , Schreuder Romano S. B. H. , Brouwers Adrienne H. , Slart Riemer H. J. A. , Elsinga Philip H. , Walenkamp Annemiek M. E. , Dierckx R. A. J. O. , Glaudemans Andor W. J. M. , Luurtsema Gert 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
6-[18F]fluoro-l-3,4-dihydroxyphenyl alanine ([18F]FDOPA) is a commonly used PET tracer for the detection and staging of neuroendocrine tumors. In neuroendocrine tumors, [18F]FDOPA is decarboxylated to [18F]dopamine via the enzyme amino acid decarboxylase (AADC), leading to increased uptake when there is increased AADC activity. Recently, in our hospital, a new GMP compliant multi-dose production of [18F]FDOPA has been developed, [18F]FDOPA-H, resulting in a higher activity yield, improved molar activity and a lower administered mass than the conventional method ([18F]FDOPA-L).

Aims
This study aimed to investigate whether the difference in molar activity affects the [18F]FDOPA uptake at physiological sites and in tumor lesions, in patients with NET. It was anticipated that the specific uptake of [18F]FDOPA-H would be equal to or higher than [18F]FDOPA-L.

Methods
We retrospectively analyzed 49 patients with pathologically confirmed NETs and stable disease who underwent PET scanning using both [18F]FDOPA-H and [18F]FDOPA-L within a time span of 5 years. A total of 98 [18F]FDOPA scans (49 [18F]FDOPA-L and 49 [18F]FDOPA-H with average molar activities of 8 and 107 GBq/mmol) were analyzed. The SUVmean was calculated for physiological organ uptake and SUVmax for tumor lesions in both groups for comparison, and separately in subjects with low tumor load (1–2 lesions) and higher tumor load (3–10 lesions).

Results
Comparable or slightly higher uptake was demonstrated in various physiological uptake sites in subjects scanned with [18F]FDOPA-H compared to [18F]FDOPA-L, with large overlap being present in the interquartile ranges. Tumor uptake was slightly higher in the [18F]FDOPA-H group with 3–10 lesion (SUVmax 6.83 vs. 5.19, p < 0.001). In the other groups, no significant differences were seen between H and L.

Conclusion
[18F]FDOPA-H provides a higher activity yield, offering the possibility to scan more patients with one single production. Minor differences were observed in SUV’s, with slight increases in uptake of [18F]FDOPA-H in comparison to [18F]FDOPA-L. This finding is not a concern for clinical practice, but could be of importance when quantifying follow-up scans while introducing new production methods with a higher molar activity of [18F]FDOPA.
Assessment of early metabolic progression in melanoma patients under immunotherapy: an 18F-FDG PET/CT study
Authors: Sachpekidis Christos , Kopp-Schneider Annette , Hassel Jessica C. , Dimitrakopoulou-Strauss Antonia 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
The usage of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) is the standard practice for the treatment of metastatic melanoma. However, a significant amount of patients show no response to immunotherapy, while issues on its reliable response interpretation exist. Aim of this study was to investigate the phenomenon of early disease progression in 2-deoxy-2-(18F)fluoro-D-glucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in melanoma patients treated with ICIs.

Methods
Thirty-one patients under ICIs serially monitored with 18F-FDG PET/CT were enrolled. All patients exhibited progressive metabolic disease (PMD) after two ICIs’ cycles according to the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) criteria, and were characterized as unconfirmed PMD (uPMD). They were further followed with at least one PET/CT for either confirmation of PMD (cPMD) or demonstration of pseudoprogression remission. Patients were also evaluated with the PET Response Evaluation Criteria for Immunotherapy (PERCIMT). Moreover, in an attempt to investigate immune activation, the spleen to liver ratios (SLRmean, SLRmax) of 18F-FDG uptake were measured.

Results
Median follow up was 69.7 months [64.6–NA]. According to EORTC, 26/31 patients with uPMD eventually showed cPMD (83.9%) and 5/31 patients showed pseudoprogression (16.1%). Patients with cPMD (n = 26) had a median OS of 10.9 months [8.5–NA], while those with pseudoprogression (n = 5) did not reach a median OS [40.9–NA]. Respectively, after application of PERCIMT, 2/5 patients of the pseudoprogression group were correctly classified as non-PMD, reducing the uPMD cohort to 29 patients; eventually, 26/29 patients demonstrated cPMD (89.7%) and 3/29 pseudoprogression (10.3%). One further patient with pseudoprogression exhibited transient, sarcoid-like, mediastinal/hilar lymphadenopathy, a known immune-related adverse event (irAE). Finally, patients eventually showing cPMD exhibited a significantly higher SLRmean than those showing pseudoprogression after two ICIs’ cycles (p = 0.038).

Conclusion
PET/CT, performed already after administration of two ICIs’ cycles, can identify the majority of non-responders in melanoma immunotherapy. In order to tackle however, the non-negligible phenomenon of pseudoprogression, another follow-up PET/CT, the usage of novel response criteria and vigilance over emergence of radiological irAEs are recommended. Moreover, the investigation of spleen glucose metabolism may offer further prognostic information in melanoma patients under ICIs.
Inferring SARS-CoV-2 functional genomics from viral transcriptome with identification of potential antiviral drugs and therapeutic targets
Authors: Pan Xu , Li Xin , Ning Shangwei , Zhi Hui 
Published: September 2021

AbstractCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an emerging infectious disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and has posed a serious threat to global health. Here, we systematically characterized the transcription levels of the SARS-CoV-2 genes and identified the responsive human genes associated with virus infection. We inferred the possible biological functions of each viral gene and depicted the functional landscape based on guilt-by-association and functional enrichment analyses. Subsequently, the transcription factor regulatory network, protein–protein interaction network, and non-coding RNA regulatory network were constructed to discover more potential antiviral targets. In addition, several potential drugs for COVID-19 treatment and prevention were recognized, including known cell proliferation-related, immune-related, and antiviral drugs, in which proteasome inhibitors (bortezomib, carfilzomib, and ixazomib citrate) may play an important role in the treatment of COVID-19. These results provided novel insights into the understanding of SARS-CoV-2 functional genomics and host-targeting antiviral strategies for SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Multi-Lah numbers and multi-Stirling numbers of the first kind
Authors: Kim Dae San , Kim Hye Kyung , Kim Taekyun , Lee Hyunseok , Park Seongho 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIn this paper, we introduce multi-Lah numbers and multi-Stirling numbers of the first kind and recall multi-Bernoulli numbers, all of whose generating functions are given with the help of multiple logarithm. The aim of this paper is to study several relations among those three kinds of numbers. In more detail, we represent the multi-Bernoulli numbers in terms of the multi-Stirling numbers of the first kind and vice versa, and the multi-Lah numbers in terms of multi-Stirling numbers. In addition, we deduce a recurrence relation for multi-Lah numbers.
Myiasis absent Wohlfahrtiimonas chitiniclastica bacteremia in a lung cancer patient: a case report
Authors: Dovjak Peter , Kroißenbrunner Michael , Iglseder Bernhard 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
A gruesome infection was found in a woman with advanced lung tumor and associated malnutrition. Worldwide, bacteremia with Wohlfahrtiimonas chitiniclastica was only found in 13 cases yet.

Case presentation
This is the first case in Austria and the first case without infestation of maggots.

Conclusions
This germ is an emerging human pathogen not only in patients with poor personal hygiene, difficult social circumstances, alcohol dependence or chronic wounds. It must be included in the differential diagnosis of immunocompromised patients with pneumonia.