bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ileosigmoid knotting: An update for Atamanalp classification
Authors: Atamanalp Sabri Selcuk 
Published: February 2021

Ileosigmoid knotting (ISK) is an extremely rare double-loop bowel obstruction. ISK is treated by emergency surgery with a relatively poor prognosis. Although some classification methods have been developed for ISK to date, the most comprehensive method was defined in 2018. Then, some subjects concerning this issue were evaluated in the literature. The aim of this paper is to update the last classification method in light of both the evaluations in the literature and our clinical experience with 80 ISK cases, which is one of the largest published single-centre ISK series.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.3.3179
How to cite this:Atamanalp SS. Ileosigmoid knotting: An update for Atamanalp classification. Pak J Med Sci. 2021;37(3):913-915. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.3.3179
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Reverse transcription PCR to detect low density malaria infections
Authors: Christensen Peter , Bozdech Zbynek , Watthanaworawit Wanitda , Renia Laurent , Malleret Benoit , Ling Clare , Nosten Francois 
Published: February 2021

Background: Targeted malaria elimination strategies require highly sensitive tests to detect low density malaria infections (LDMI). Commonly used methods for malaria diagnosis such as light microscopy and antigen-based rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are not sensitive enough for reliable identification of infections with parasitaemia below 200 parasites per milliliter of blood. While targeted malaria elimination efforts on the Thailand-Myanmar border have successfully used high sample volume ultrasensitive quantitative PCR (uPCR) to determine malaria prevalence, the necessity for venous collection and processing of large quantities of patient blood limits the widespread tractability of this method. Methods: Here we evaluated a real-time reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) method that reduces the required sample volume compared to uPCR. To do this, 304 samples collected from an active case detection program in Kayin state, Myanmar were compared using uPCR and RT-PCR. Results: Plasmodium spp. RT-PCR confirmed 18 of 21 uPCR Plasmodium falciparum positives, while P. falciparum specific RT-PCR confirmed 17 of the 21 uPCR P. falciparum positives. Combining both RT-PCR results increased the sensitivity to 100% and specificity was 95.1%. Conclusion: Malaria detection in areas of low transmission and LDMI can benefit from the increased sensitivity of ribosomal RNA detection by RT-PCR, especially where sample volume is limited. Isolation of high quality RNA also allows for downstream analysis of malaria transcripts.
­­­­­­­A type I IFN, prothrombotic hyperinflammatory neutrophil signature is distinct for COVID-19 ARDS­­­
Authors: Reyes Leila , A. Sanchez-Garcia Manuel , Morrison Tyler , Howden Andy J. M. , Watts Emily R. , Arienti Simone , Sadiku Pranvera , Coelho Patricia , Mirchandani Ananda S. , Zhang Ailiang , Hope David , Clark Sarah K. , Singleton Jo , Johnston Shonna , Grecian Robert , Poon Azin , McNamara Sarah , Harper Isla , Fourman Max Head , Brenes Alejandro J. , Pathak Shalini , Lloyd Amy , Blanco Giovanny Rodriguez , von Kriegsheim Alex , Ghesquiere Bart , Vermaelen Wesley , Cologna Camila T. , Dhaliwal Kevin , Hirani Nik , Dockrell David H. , Whyte Moira K. B. , Griffith David , Cantrell Doreen A. , Walmsley Sarah R. 
Published: February 2021

Background: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a severe critical condition with a high mortality that is currently in focus given that it is associated with mortality caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Neutrophils play a key role in the lung injury characteristic of non-COVID-19 ARDS and there is also accumulating evidence of neutrophil mediated lung injury in patients who succumb to infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Methods: We undertook a functional proteomic and metabolomic survey of circulating neutrophil populations, comparing patients with COVID-19 ARDS and non-COVID-19 ARDS to understand the molecular basis of neutrophil dysregulation. Results: Expansion of the circulating neutrophil compartment and the presence of activated low and normal density mature and immature neutrophil populations occurs in ARDS, irrespective of cause. Release of neutrophil granule proteins, neutrophil activation of the clotting cascade and upregulation of the Mac-1 platelet binding complex with formation of neutrophil platelet aggregates is exaggerated in COVID-19 ARDS. Importantly, activation of components of the neutrophil type I interferon responses is seen in ARDS following infection with SARS-CoV-2, with associated rewiring of neutrophil metabolism, and the upregulation of antigen processing and presentation. Whilst dexamethasone treatment constricts the immature low density neutrophil population, it does not impact upon prothrombotic hyperinflammatory neutrophil signatures. Conclusions: Given the crucial role of neutrophils in ARDS and the evidence of a disordered myeloid response observed in COVID-19 patients, this work maps the molecular basis for neutrophil reprogramming in the distinct clinical entities of COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 ARDS.
Advancing Surface Water Pesticide Exposure Assessments for Ecosystem Protection
Authors: Fox Garey A. , Muñoz-Carpena Rafael , Brooks Bryan , Hall Tilghman 
Published: February 2021

HighlightsCrop protection and pest management programs continue to be integral for modern food production.Potential ecological impacts of pesticides must be assessed, and key mitigation practices adopted.Efforts are needed to advance surface water pesticide exposure assessments from field to landscape scales.Ensuring effective pesticide mitigation practices requires quantifying dynamic site-specific characteristics.Ecological assessments must improve prediction of adverse population and community-level outcomes.Abstract. As the global food demand increases, the use of pesticides will continue to increase with significant growth in low- and middle-income countries. Agricultural systems in which pesticides are used are complex with significant and often unknown biological, human, and physical-chemical interactions. These interactions include climate and hydrology, soil type, selection and use of best management practices, chemical fate and transport, application technology, and land use socioeconomics. The objective of this review article is to highlight key research opportunities identified from recent special meetings and workshops on advancing pesticide exposure assessments and mitigation. Research is needed in using advanced analytics and forensics to better understand the distribution of pesticides in the environment through novel monitoring and detection. Higher-tier modeling approaches can help inform monitoring a priori to better characterize pesticide distributions in the environment. Current pesticide exposure assessments are largely focused on the field or watershed scale, but advancements are needed to move toward landscape-scale analyses capable of analyzing for interacting ecosystems. Assessing the effects of complex, low-dose chemical mixtures on non-target aquatic organisms must advance with new quantitative high-throughput experimental methods focused on identifying interactions and not just additive effects. Field mitigation measures are currently considered as part of the pesticide exposure and risk assessment process using qualitative, fixed-efficiency type approaches, but we specifically call for the use of existing quantitative tools moving forward. These mechanistic modeling and simulation tools can capture the inherent complexity within an agroecological system. There is a need for risk assessment to be more predictive of population and community-level impacts as part of environmentally relevant scenarios. Finally, it is imperative that professional societies take a more proactive role in promoting the transdisciplinary collaboration of biological and agricultural engineers with other disciplines contributing to advances in ecological risk assessment. Keywords: Ecosystem, Exposure assessment, Landscape scale, Mechanistic modeling, Mitigation, Pesticides, Surface water quality.
Modeling of optical fiber dispersion on QAM protocol in affordable RF-over-fiber channels
Authors: Granot Er’el 
Published: February 2021

We investigate the effect of optical chromatic dispersion on ordinary double-sided modulation (DSM) quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM-M) protocol in RF-over-fiber (RFOF) channels. QAM-M protocol is common in RFOF communications channels. An analytical expression was derived for the channel’s response, the standard deviation of the QAM’s clusters, and for the estimations of the channel’s bit error rate (BER). The main findings are as follows: (A) unlike single-sided modulation (SSM) QAM or coherent QAM, ordinary DS QAM is governed by three length scales, and therefore it is much more susceptible to dispersion; (B) the QAM’s clusters cannot be bounded, even for weak dispersion, and therefore, zero-error detection is unattainable without dispersion compensation; and (C) a linear dispersion compensation filter was derived to mitigate the dispersion effects post-detection. These results suggest that it is not essential to operate the channel in a SSM QAM mode. A simpler and affordable option may be to operate the channel in an ordinary DSM QAM method and to apply a dispersion compensating filter in the electrical or even in the digital domain. This method is a low-cost solution to improve substantially the RFOF channels performances.
Distributed optomechanical fiber sensing based on serrodyne analysis
Authors: Zaslawski Simon , Yang Zhisheng , Thévenaz Luc 
Published: February 2021

Distributed measurement of forward stimulated Brillouin scattering (FSBS) attracted substantial attention for its ability to probe media surrounding optical fibers. Currently, all techniques extract the information from the FSBS-induced local energy transfer among distinct optical tones, this transfer being fundamentally sensitive to intensity perturbations imposed by nonlinear effects. Instead, here we propose to extract the local FSBS information by measuring the frequency shift of a short optical pulse subject to the phase chirp modulation caused by harmonic FSBS oscillation. In full contrast with existing techniques, the optical pulse is much shorter than the period of the acoustic oscillation, enabling ultrashort spatial resolutions, and its frequency shift is precisely probed by a standard Brillouin optical time-domain analyzer. The proposed technique is validated in both remote and integrally distributed sensing configurations, demonstrating spatial resolutions of 0.8 m and 2 m, respectively, substantially outperforming state-of-the-art techniques.
Self-Sovereign Identity als Grundlage für universell einsetzbare digitale Identitäten
Authors: Ehrlich Tobias , Richter Daniel , Meisel Michael , Anke Jürgen 
Published: February 2021

ZusammenfassungIn diesem Beitrag werden die Rolle digitaler Identitäten für eine funktionierende digitale Wirtschaft thematisiert und Anforderungen an das Management digitaler Identitäten abgeleitet. Bislang hat sich kein Ansatz für das Management digitaler Identitäten in der Breite etabliert, was zu einer Fragmentierung der ID-Landschaft sowie einer Vielzahl von Benutzerkonten für den Anwender führt. Mangels Standards ist zudem die Interoperabilität von digitalen Identitäten eingeschränkt. Dies führt zu einer Reihe von Problemen, die den effizienten und sicheren Umgang mit digitalen Identitäten behindern. Abhilfe verspricht das Konzept der Self-Sovereign Identities (SSI) und den damit verbundenen Standards „Verifiable Credentials“ und „Decentralized Identifiers“. Sie erlauben den flexiblen Austausch von manipulationssicheren digitalen Nachweisen zwischen Benutzern und Systemen und bilden damit die Grundlage für den Aufbau von Vertrauensbeziehungen im digitalen Raum. In diesem Beitrag werden das SSI-Paradigma vorgestellt und die Hürden diskutiert, die dem breitenwirksamen Einsatz dieses Konzepts entgegenstehen. Damit erhält der Leser einen kompakten Überblick verschiedener Ansätze für das Identitätsmanagement und die Potenziale selbst-souveräner Identitäten. Für die Gestaltung digitaler Dienste in Wirtschaft und Verwaltung sollte dieser Ansatz stärker berücksichtigt werden, um von den damit verbundenen Vorteilen zu profitieren.
Immune response dynamics and Lutzomyia longipalpis exposure characterize a biosignature of visceral leishmaniasis susceptibility in a canine cohort
Authors: Solcà Manuela da Silva , Arruda Maiara Reis , Leite Bruna Martins Macedo , Mota Tiago Feitosa , Rebouças Miriam Flores , de Jesus Matheus Silva , Amorim Leila Denise Alves Ferreira , Borges Valéria Matos , Valenzuela Jesus , Kamhawi Shaden , Veras Patrícia Sampaio Tavares , Fraga Deborah Bittencourt Mothé , Brodskyn Claudia Ida 
Published: February 2021

Background
Reports have shown correlations between the immune response to vector saliva and Leishmaniasis outcome. We followed dogs in an endemic area for two years characterizing resistance or susceptibility to canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) according to Leishmania infantum diagnosis and clinical development criteria. Then, we aimed to identify a biosignature based on parasite load, serum biological mediators’ interactions, and vector exposure intensity associated with CVL resistance and susceptibility.

Methodology/Principal findings
A prospective two-year study was conducted in an area endemic for CVL. Dogs were evaluated at 6-month intervals to determine infection, clinical manifestations, immune profile, and sandfly exposure. CVL resistance or susceptibility was determined upon the conclusion of the study. After two years, 78% of the dogs were infected with L. infantum (53% susceptible and 47% resistant to CVL). Susceptible dogs presented higher splenic parasite load as well as persistence of the parasite during the follow-up, compared to resistant ones. Susceptible dogs also displayed a higher number of correlations among the investigated biological mediators, before and after infection diagnosis. At baseline, anti-saliva antibodies, indicative of exposure to the vector, were detected in 62% of the dogs, reaching 100% in one year. Higher sandfly exposure increased the risk of susceptibility to CVL by 1.6 times (CI: 1.11–2.41). We identified a discriminatory biosignature between the resistant and susceptible dogs assessing splenic parasite load, interaction of biological mediators, PGE2 serum levels and intensity of exposure to sandfly. All these parameters were elevated in susceptible dogs compared to resistant animals.

Conclusions/Significance
The biosignature identified in our study reinforces the idea that CVL is a complex multifactorial disease that is affected by a set of factors which are correlated and, for a better understanding of CVL, should not be evaluated in an isolated way.
Long-term maxillary anteroposterior changes following maxillary protraction with or without expansion: A meta-analysis and meta-regression
Authors: Lee Wei-Cheng , Shieh Yi-Shing , Liao Yu-Fang , Lee Cho-Hao , Huang Chiung Shing 
Published: February 2021

Background
Maxillary protraction with or without expansion is a widely known orthopedic treatment modality in growing skeletal Class III patients. However, limited data are available regarding the outcomes of long-term changes in the maxilla. Aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the effectiveness of the long-term maxillary anteroposterior changes following a facemask therapy with or without rapid maxillary expansion in growing skeletal Class III patients.

Methods
A comprehensive literature search was conducted using the databases of PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Embase. Randomized controlled trials and cohort studies, published up to Sep. 2020, with maxillary protraction and/or expansion as keywords were included in this meta-analysis. Risk of bias within and across studies were assessed using the Cochrane tools (RoB2.0 and ROBINS-I) and GRADE approach. Overall and subgroup comparisons with the random-effect model were performed in this meta-analysis. Meta-regression models were designed to determine potential heterogeneity.

Results
There was a statistically significant increase (Mean difference, 2.29°; 95% confidence interval, 1.86–2.73; and p < 0.001 after facemask (FM) protraction. Mean difference, 1.73°; 95% confidence interval, 1.36–2.11; and p < 0.001 after rapid maxillary expansion(RME) and facemask protraction) in the Sella-Nasion-A point (SNA) angle in the treatment groups as compared with the control groups, when measured during the less than 3-year follow-up period. However, no statistically significant changes (Mean difference, 0.28°; 95% confidence interval, -0.57–1.13; and p = 0.52 after facemask protraction. Mean difference, 0.34°; 95% confidence interval, -0.64–1.33; and p = 0.50 after rapid maxillary expansion and facemask protraction) were observed in the SNA angle in the groups, when measured after 3 years of follow-up. Meta-regression analysis also showed that with increased follow-up duration, the effectiveness of maxillary protraction decreased.

Conclusion
This meta-analysis revealed that maxillary protraction therapy could be effective for a short-term in correcting maxillary hypoplasia and the treatment result was not affected by mean age and sex. However, with increased follow-up duration, the sagittal maxillary changes gradually decreased. Limitations on this review were only the SNA angle was used and clinical heterogeneity was not discussed. The quality of evidence was moderate. Further long-term observational studies are necessary for a comprehensive evaluation of the effects on maxillary skeletal changes.
Observing COVID-19 related behaviors in a high visitor use area of Arches National Park
Authors: Miller Zachary D. , Freimund Wayne , Dalenberg Douglas , Vega Madison 
Published: February 2021

Introduction
Visitation to parks and protected areas is a common COVID-19 coping strategy promoted by state and national public health officials and political leadership. Crowding and congestions in parks has been a perennial problem and the ability to socially distance within them is an unproven assumption. Is it possible to socially distance in a busy national park that has been designed to concentrate use?

Methodology/Principal findings
An observational study was conducted in July 2020 at the outside foyer of the Visitor Center of Arches National Park. Motion sensor cameras were placed to record one-minute videos when a person entered the field of view. Number of groups, group size, facial coverings and encounters within 6 feet (1.83 meters) of other groups were recorded. Groups were smaller on average than recorded in previous studies. Approximately 61% of the visitors wore masks. Most groups (69%) were able to experience the visitor center with no intergroup encounters. We model the probability of intergroup encounters and find as group size and number of groups increases, the probability of encounters rises. With four groups present, the probability of one or more encounters ranges from 19% to 40% for common group sizes, while if eight groups are present, the probability of one or more encounters increases from 34% to 64% for common group sizes.

Conclusions/Significance
Under conditions in which park visitors have the physical space to avoid close encounters with other groups they are taking advantage of the opportunity. Visitors are minimizing group size, wearing masks, and remaining socially distant. However, encounters increase as the number or the size of the groups increases. In other areas of the parks this ability to avoid encounters may not be as possible. We recommend that park managers continue to appeal for compliance with CDC guidelines, especially the wearing of masks and encouraging visitors to split up into small groups when visiting.
Image quality and diagnostic value of diffusion-weighted breast magnetic resonance imaging: Comparison of acquired and computed images
Authors: Ahn Hye Shin , Kim Sung Hun , Kim Ji Youn , Park Chang Suk , Grimm Robert , Son Yohan 
Published: February 2021

Purpose
To compare the image quality of acquired diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and computed DWI and evaluate the lesion detectability and likelihood of malignancy in these datasets.

Materials and methods
This prospective study was approved by our institutional review board. A total of 29 women (mean age, 43.5 years) underwent DWI between August 2018 and April 2019 for 32 breast cancers and 16 benign breast lesions. Three radiologists independently reviewed the acquired DWI with b-values of 1000 and 2000 s/mm2 (A-b1000 and A-b2000) and the computed DWI with a b-value of 2000 s/mm2 (C-b2000). Image quality was scored and compared between the three DWI datasets. Lesion detectability was recorded, and the lesion’s likelihood for malignancy was scored using a five-point scale.

Results
The A-b1000 images were superior to the A-b2000 and C-b2000 images in chest distinction, fat suppression, and overall image quality. The A-b2000 and C-b2000 images showed comparable scores for all image quality parameters. C-b2000 showed the highest values for lesion detection among all readers, although there was no statistical difference in sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy between the DWI datasets. The malignancy scores of the DWI images were not significantly different among the three readers.

Conclusions
A-b1000 DWI is suitable for breast lesion evaluations, considering its better image quality and comparable diagnostic values compared to that of A-b2000 and C-b2000 images. The additional use of computed high b-value DWI may have the potential to increase the detectability of breast masses.