bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How COVID-19 pandemic changed our management strategies for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients: Egyptian study
Authors: Rashed Hebatallah R. 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background
There are several studies that have discussed the efficacy of telemedicine with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients; however, this approach is still preliminary in Egypt and in North Africa. The objective of the current study is to discuss current experience with telemedicine in monitoring patients in the specialized ALS clinic in Egypt. Efficacy of Revised Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS-R) in monitoring disease progression remotely will be discussed.

Results
This is a prospective study. Forty-three ALS patients were included in this study in the period between July 1, 2020, and February 6, 2021. Fifty-three telemedicine encounters and 13 post-telemedicine office visits were available. None of the participating patients had COVID-19 infection. Eight patients showed decline in ALSFRS score. ALSFRS-R score reported during telemedicine encounters was confirmed during office visits. Three bulbar onset ALS patients had gastrostomy, and 2 bulbar onset ALS patients had Botox injection for drooling. All eight patients with declining ALSFRS-R were maintained on non-invasive ventilation (NIV) based on their symptoms.

Conclusion
This is the first study discussing telemedicine in the field of ALS in Egypt and North Africa. ALSFRS-R showed feasibility and reliability in detecting disease progression remotely.
Data-driven nonlinear constitutive relations for rarefied flow computations
Authors: Zhao Wenwen , Jiang Lijian , Yao Shaobo , Chen Weifang 
Published: October 2021

AbstractTo overcome the defects of traditional rarefied numerical methods such as the Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method and unified Boltzmann equation schemes and extend the covering range of macroscopic equations in high Knudsen number flows, data-driven nonlinear constitutive relations (DNCR) are proposed first through the machine learning method. Based on the training data from both Navier-Stokes (NS) solver and unified gas kinetic scheme (UGKS) solver, the map between responses of stress tensors and heat flux and feature vectors is established after the training phase. Through the obtained off-line training model, new test cases excluded from training data set could be predicated rapidly and accurately by solving conventional equations with modified stress tensor and heat flux. Finally, conventional one-dimensional shock wave cases and two-dimensional hypersonic flows around a blunt circular cylinder are presented to assess the capability of the developed method through various comparisons between DNCR, NS, UGKS, DSMC and experimental results. The improvement of the predictive capability of the coarse-graining model could make the DNCR method to be an effective tool in the rarefied gas community, especially for hypersonic engineering applications.
Does dehydration prior to primary total joint arthroplasty increase risk of perioperative complications?
Authors: Moore Harold G. , Justen Marissa A. , Kirwin David S. , Burroughs Patrick J. , Rubin Lee E. , Grauer Jonathan N. 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background
Prior studies have suggested that preoperative dehydration increases odds of perioperative complications in several areas of orthopedic surgery. This study aimed to evaluate whether preoperative hydration status is associated with the incidence of short-term complications after primary total joint arthroplasty.

Methods
The 2012–2019 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database was used to explore the relationship between preoperative dehydration (ratio of preoperative BUN divided by preoperative Creatinine (BUN/Creatinine) > 20) and perioperative outcomes of total hip (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients. Univariate comparisons and multivariate regression analyses were conducted to identify specific complications that occurred more often in patients with preoperative dehydration.

Results
Of 188,629 THA and 332,485 TKA patients, 46.3 and 47.0% had preoperative dehydration, respectively. After controlling for demographics and comorbidities, dehydrated THA patients were no more likely to experience a complication compared to their non-dehydrated counterparts (relative risk [RR] = 0.97, 99.7% Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.92–1.03, P = 0.138) nor increased risk of blood transfusion (RR = 1.02, CI = 0.96–1.08, P = 0.408). Similar to THA patients, dehydrated TKA patients were not more likely to have a complication after surgery (RR = 0.97, CI = 0.92–1.03, P = 0.138) and were at no greater risk of transfusion (RR = 1.02, CI = 0.96–1.07, P = 0.408). A sub-analysis covering only patients with BUN and Cr values determined within 24 h after surgery was performed and similarly found no significant increase in perioperative complications or transfusion.

Conclusion
Overall, preoperative dehydration in patients undergoing THA/TKA did not appear to increase risk of transfusion or other perioperative complications. Further research is needed to characterize the role of hydration prior to elective total joint arthroplasty.
Development and evaluation of the refined zenith tropospheric delay (ZTD) models
Authors: Yang Fei , Meng Xiaolin , Guo Jiming , Yuan Debao , Chen Ming 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe tropospheric delay is a significant error source in Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) positioning and navigation. It is usually projected into zenith direction by using a mapping function. It is particularly important to establish a model that can provide stable and accurate Zenith Tropospheric Delay (ZTD). Because of the regional accuracy difference and poor stability of the traditional ZTD models, this paper proposed two methods to refine the Hopfield and Saastamoinen ZTD models. One is by adding annual and semi-annual periodic terms and the other is based on Back-Propagation Artificial Neutral Network (BP-ANN). Using 5-year data from 2011 to 2015 collected at 67 GNSS reference stations in China and its surrounding regions, the four refined models were constructed. The tropospheric products at these GNSS stations were derived from the site-wise Vienna Mapping Function 1 (VMP1). The spatial analysis, temporal analysis, and residual distribution analysis for all the six models were conducted using the data from 2016 to 2017. The results show that the refined models can effectively improve the accuracy compared with the traditional models. For the Hopfield model, the improvement for the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and bias reached 24.5/49.7 and 34.0/52.8 mm, respectively. These values became 8.8/26.7 and 14.7/28.8 mm when the Saastamoinen model was refined using the two methods. This exploration is conducive to GNSS navigation and positioning and GNSS meteorology by providing more accurate tropospheric prior information.
Study of white matter integrity in fathers of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: ElShahawi Heba H. , Effat Safeya M. , Shorab Eman M. , Sakr Hossam M. , Azab Safaa E. , Aufa Ola M. 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is an early-onset neurodevelopmental disorder that can extend into adulthood with multiple reported neuroimaging abnormalities. The focus of this research was to assess white matter impairments in ADHD children’s fathers with and without potential adult ADHD to see if these differences are connected with the persistence of ADHD into adulthood.

Results
The occurrence rate of the potential adult ADHD diagnosis among fathers of children with ADHD was 60%. There were statistically significant differences between fathers with ADHD and the non-ADHD population, due to the fact that the mean FA of the left superior corona radiata and the right posterior corona radiata were lower in the ADHD group than in the non-ADHD group, while the FA of the ADHD group was significantly greater than that of the non-ADHD group in terms of the left and right anterior thalamic radiations, the right superior longitudinal fasciculus and the left anterior corona radiata.

Conclusions
We observed an increased prevalence of ADHD in fathers of children diagnosed with ADHD. Fathers with potential adult ADHD have a variety of white matter abnormalities that reflect the neurobiological basis of ADHD, even in sub-threshold cases. This may provide insight into the neuroanatomical locations associated with the maintenance of ADHD throughout adulthood.
Erythema marginatum: an uncommon presentation of acute rheumatic fever in a Nigerian adolescent girl—a case report
Authors: Animasahun Barakat Adeola , Lawani Faith O. , Lamina Moriam Omolola 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background
Erythema marginatum is an uncommon presentation in children with acute rheumatic fever and it is one of the major criteria needed to make a diagnosis. It is seen in less than 10% of cases. It is also reported to be difficult to detect in black-skinned children. This is the first and only patient to present with the above since the inception of the unit about 14 years ago and also the first to be reported in Nigeria as far as the authors are aware, after a careful literature search; hence, we report this case based on the rarity of this symptom of acute rheumatic fever.

Case presentation
This is a case report of O.E, a 12-year-old Nigerian girl who presented with features of acute rheumatic fever, and these features included the rare manifestation of erythema marginatum. She presented with generalized skin eruptions on the trunk and extremities, sparing the face, migratory polyarthritis, features of congestive heart failure and high grade continuous fever. The skin lesions consisted of papules, patches, plaques and polycycles with a reticular pattern having serpiginous and raised borders. Diagnostic investigations revealed elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate of 83mm/h, anti-streptolysin O titer of 2020IU/L and echocardiography which showed thickened mitral valves with grade II mitral regurgitation and a mild pulmonary artery hypertension. The patient was treated with anti-inflammatory and anti-failure drugs and commenced secondary prophylaxis with benzathine penicillin. Skin eruptions resolved within 3 weeks of management and are currently on follow up.

Conclusions
We present the above to increase awareness on the possibility of acute rheumatic fever presenting with erythema marginatum in our region, to encourage early diagnosis of acute rheumatic fever to reduce morbidity and mortality from its sequel, rheumatic heart disease.
Restricted diffusion MRI as a functional biomarker for the assessment of acute calcular upper urinary tract obstruction: initial experience
Authors: El Atta Heba M. Abou , Sakrana Amal Abdelsattar , Shebel Haytham 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background
Acute renal obstruction due to stone is a prevalent scenario. The diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) of the kidneys provides a noninvasive information on renal function. Our objective is to prospectively assess the potential role of DWI to predict the signal changes of a kidney with acute calcular obstruction.

Results
Chi-square and Fissure exact tests were used to assess the association of diffusion signal changes among patients and control groups. Cohen's Kappa test was run to determine the degree of agreement between the two radiologists. An independent sample t-test was performed to assess the significant difference among ADC values between the two groups. Restricted signals of the obstructed kidneys showed a statistically significant difference when compared with contralateral unobstructed kidney and control group with p value (0.001) and (0.01), respectively. Furthermore, there is a moderate agreement between the two radiologists K = 0.7, p = 0. 001. There is no statistically significant difference in ADC values when comparing the obstructed kidney and the contralateral unobstructed kidney of the patient group or with the control group p value (0.06) and (0.05), respectively.

Conclusion
Restricted signals of the obstructed kidney by DWI may be a helpful tool in diagnosing acute unilateral renal obstruction and can affect its management; however, it needs further validation by more studies.
Insights on the left ventricular thrombus in patients with ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Mehana Elsayed M. , Shawky Abeer M. , Abdelrahman Heba S. 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background
Left ventricular thrombus (LVT) formation represents a common complication of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). LVT is usually underestimated with transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) while cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) is promising as an alternative imaging modality for cardiac thrombus detection. The study aims to compare TTE and CMRI in their ability to detect LVT, also, to assess the clinical and imaging parameters to determine variables that may predispose for thrombus formation. The study population includes seventy-six patients with ischemic DCM. They were divided into 2 groups based on the presence of LVT as detected by delayed-enhancement CMRI (DE-CMRI) [Group A included 20 patients with a LVT and Group B included 56 patients without].

Results
All of the current study population had ischemic DCM with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 50%. DE-CMR detected thrombus in 20 cases of the studied population that represented group A. From group A, conventional TTE detected LVT only in 8 and cine-CMR detected 13 cases out of the out of 20 cases. The ejection fraction of the left ventricle as measured by functional CMRI was significantly lower in group A (P = 0.045). Interestingly, the myocardial scarring in group A was seen significantly more extensive than in group B (the P value is < 0.00001), paralleling the increased prevalence of thrombus.

Conclusions
DE-CMRI provides superiority for the detection of LVT compared with standard TTE or cine-CMRI and the amount of myocardial scarring detected by DE-CMRI can be considered an independent marker for thrombus presence.
Characterization and In-silico toxicity prediction of degradation products of felbamate
Authors: Chodankar Rahul S. , Mahajan Anand A. 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background
The objective of the work carried out was to assess the toxicity of the degradation products (DPs) for the drug felbamate. Stress studies were performed in the condition specified in the international council of harmonization (ICH) guideline Q1A (R2).

Results
The drug degraded under the alkaline stress conditions to generate two degradation products (DPs). They were separated on a Phenomenex C8 column (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 µm); mobile phase composition was 10 mM ammonium formate (pH adjusted to 3.7 with formic acid) and acetonitrile (80:20, v/v); flow rate and wavelength for recording absorbance were 1.0 ml/min and 206 nm, respectively. The structures of the degradation products were characterized by LC–MS/MS analysis.

Conclusion
The drug was prone to hydrolysis in the presence of alkali. It was found to be stable under other stress conditions, viz., acidic, neutral, thermal, photolytic and oxidative. The structures of the impurities were characterized by LC–MS/MS. The drug and the DPs were screened through ADME and toxicity prediction software’s like pkCSM, Toxtree and OSIRIS property explorer. Felbamate was flagged for possible hepatotoxicity.
Geomorphologic evolution of the northern Tibetan Plateau in the Quaternary: Tectonic and climatic controls
Authors: Liu Weijing , Liu Keyu , Liu Jianliang , Zhang Yifan 
Published: October 2021

Situated in the northwestern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the Qaidam Basin is the largest Cenozoic terrestrial intermountain (enclosed) basin in the world. It is an ideal place for understanding the coupling control of tectonics and climate on sedimentary evolution. Numerous studies on the Quaternary sedimentary evolution of the Qaidam Basin have been done, most of which are local, conceptual, and qualitative in nature. We have investigated the entire Qaidam Basin and its surrounding mountains quantitatively as a single entity to probe the Quaternary evolution of the basin-range system in the northern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. We used a basin and landscape dynamics ( Badlands) modeling algorithm that is capable of modeling landscape evolution by simulating erosion, sediment transport, and deposition in a source-to-sink context by considering climate changes and tectonic uplift/subsidence. We have simulated the evolution of the Qaidam Basin and its surrounding mountains since 2.5 Ma quantitatively. Tectonic uplift and climate changes appear to have a direct impact on the denudation and deposition rates, but the impact varies through time. The deposition in the Qaidam Basin was mainly affected by tectonic movement during the period of 2.5–0.6 Ma, reaching a maximum deposition thickness of 2130 m at the end of 0.6 Ma, which was prevailed by climate after 0.6 Ma during the last four glacial-interglacial periods, reaching a maximum deposition thickness of 3200 m. The Qilian Mountains and the Kunlun Mountains contributed the bulk sediments to the Qaidam Basin of approximately 35% and 40%, respectively. The Altun Mountains made a significant contribution to the sediments in the Qaidam Basin during the early period of the Quaternary from 2.5 to 2.4 Ma due to a high denudation rate. The findings provide new insights for analyzing geomorphic and landscape evolution as well as source-to-sink systems in the Northern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau or elsewhere.
Bioanalytical Challenges due to Prior Checkpoint Inhibitor Exposure: Interference and Mitigation in Drug Concentration and Immunogenicity Assays
Authors: Dengler Andrew F. , Weiss Rachel , Truong Tiffany , Irvin Susan C. , Gadhia Nidhi , Hassanein Mohamed , Georgaros Camille , Taylor Jessica-Ann , Paccaly Anne , Sumner Giane , Andisik Matthew D. , Torri Albert , Partridge Michael A. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractMonoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are a leading class of biotherapeutics. In oncology, patients often fail on early lines of biologic therapy to a specific target. Some patients may then enroll in a new clinical trial with a mAb specific for the same target. Therefore, immunoassays designed to quantify the current mAb therapy or assess immunogenicity to the drug may be susceptible to cross-reactivity or interference with residual prior biologics. The impact of two approved anti-PD-1 mAbs, pembrolizumab and nivolumab, was tested in several immunoassays for cemiplimab, another approved anti-PD-1 mAb. The methods included a target-capture drug concentration assay, a bridging anti-drug antibody (ADA) assay and a competitive ligand-binding neutralizing antibody (NAb) assay. We also tested bioanalytical strategies to mitigate cross-reactivity or interference in these assays from other anti-PD-1 biologics. Both pembrolizumab and nivolumab cross-reacted in the cemiplimab drug concentration assay. This was mitigated by addition of antibodies specific to pembrolizumab or nivolumab. ADA specific for pembrolizumab and nivolumab did not interfere in the cemiplimab ADA assay. However, pembrolizumab and nivolumab generated a false-positive response in a target-capture NAb assay. Our results demonstrate that similar exogenous pre-existing anti-PD-1 mAbs (biotherapeutics) such as pembrolizumab and nivolumab are detected and accurately quantified in the cemiplimab drug concentration assay. However, once steady state is achieved for the new therapy, prior biologics would likely not be detected. Cross-reactivity and interference in immunoassays from previous treatment with class-specific biotherapeutic(s) pose significant bioanalytical challenges, especially in immuno-oncology.
Graphical abstract
Prolactin mediates behavioural rejection responses to avian brood parasitism
Authors: Ruiz-Raya Francisco , Ibáñez-Álamo Juan Diego , Parenteau Charline , Chastel Olivier , Soler Manuel 
Published: October 2021

ABSTRACT
Adaptations resulting from co-evolutionary interactions between avian brood parasites and their hosts have been extensively studied, yet the physiological mechanisms underlying antiparasitic host defences remain little known. Prolactin, one of the main hormones involved in the regulation of avian parental behaviour, might play a key role in the orchestration of the host responses to avian brood parasitism. Given the positive association between prolactin and parental behaviour during incubation, decreasing prolactin levels are expected to facilitate egg-rejection decisions. We tested this prediction by implanting Eurasian blackbird (Turdus merula) females with an inhibitor of prolactin secretion, bromocriptine mesylate, to experimentally decrease their plasma prolactin levels. Bromocriptine mesylate-implanted individuals ejected mimetic model eggs at higher rates, and showed shorter latency to egg ejection, than placebo-treated birds. To our knowledge, this is the first experimental evidence that behavioural host defences against avian brood parasitism are mediated by prolactin.
Is maternal thyroid hormone deposition subject to a trade-off between self and egg because of iodine? An experimental study in rock pigeon
Authors: Sarraude Tom , Hsu Bin-Yan , Ruuskanen Suvi , Groothuis Ton 
Published: October 2021

ABSTRACTMaternal hormones constitute a key signalling pathway for mothers to shape offspring phenotype and fitness. Thyroid hormones (THs; triiodothyronine, T3; and thyroxine, T4) are metabolic hormones known to play crucial roles in embryonic development and survival in all vertebrates. During early developmental stages, embryos exclusively rely on exposure to maternal THs, and maternal hypothyroidism can cause severe embryonic maldevelopment. The TH molecule includes iodine, an element that cannot be synthesised by the organism. Therefore, TH production may become costly when environmental iodine availability is low. This may yield a trade-off for breeding females between allocating the hormones to self or to their eggs, potentially to the extent that it even influences the number of laid eggs. In this study, we investigated whether low dietary iodine may limit TH production and transfer to the eggs in a captive population of rock pigeons (Columba livia). We provided breeding females with an iodine-restricted (I−) diet or iodine-supplemented (I+) diet and measured the resulting circulating and yolk iodine and TH concentrations and the number of eggs laid. Our iodine-restricted diet successfully decreased both circulating and yolk iodine concentrations compared with the supplemented diet, but not circulating or yolk THs. This indicates that mothers may not be able to independently regulate hormone exposure for self and their embryos. However, egg production was clearly reduced in the I− group, with fewer females laying eggs. This result shows that restricted availability of iodine does induce a cost in terms of egg production. Whether females reduced egg production to preserve THs for themselves or to prevent embryos from exposure to low iodine and/or THs is as yet unclear.