bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of combined computed tomographic angiography and digital subtraction angiography in the management of cervico-facial vascular lesions
Authors: Kassem Ahmed Mostafa Mohamed , Fathy Alaa Mohamed , Alnekidy Abdel Aziz Mohamed , Morsy Mohamed Ahmed , El Shafei Mohamed Mahmoud 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Cervicofacial vascular lesions are one of the most challenging diseases managed by intervention radiologists and specialized surgeons. These lesions were diagnosed to be vascular in origin by other imaging techniques such as Duplex and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). All patients underwent computed tomographic angiography (CTA) to confirm the diagnosis as well as to decide the most effective choice of management based on multidisciplinary team (MDT). Then, Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) was done as it is offering an accurate vascular map for the vascular lesions which is inevitable for successful super-selective endovascular embolization which can be done at same sitting. Small cases of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) were sufficiently managed by only embolization, whereas cases of adequately embolized large AVMs as well as juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) cases were followed by surgery with the advantage of less blood loss and decreasing operation time as well as complications. This prospective study was done to highlight the role of combined CTA and DSA in cervicofacial vascular lesion management.

Results
Twenty patients were included in our study: 16 patients were males, and 4 were females; 17 of them were under 40 years, and three were above 40 years. Preoperative embolization was done in 12 patients, which were all the cases of JNAs and large AVMs. Four patients were managed by only embolization as a definitive treatment. Complete technical success rate was about 94%, while only 6% (single case) of the partial technical success rate which was due to a very small accessory feeder that could not be catheterized even with repeated trials.

Conclusions
Combined CTA and DSA is the cornerstone for managing vascular lesions in the cervicofacial region, which necessitates a MDT to decide the most beneficial and least complicated way for management.
Erasing a majority-logic bit
Authors: Proesmans Karel , Bechhoefer John 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
We study finite-time bit erasure in the context of majority-logic decoding. In particular, we calculate the minimum amount of work needed to erase a majority-logic bit when one has full control over the system dynamics. We show that although a single unit bit is easier to erase in the slow-driving limit, the majority-logic bit in general outperforms the single unit bit in the fast-erasure limit. Our results also suggest optimal design principles for majority-logic bits under limited control.
Dynamically tunable plasmon-induced transparency in waveguide based on Dirac semimetal
Authors: Li Yong , Wang Shiyu , Ou Yanghong , Lin Qi , Zhai Xiang , Li Hongjian , Liu Huangqing , Wang Lingling 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
We report a numerical and theoretical study of the plasmon-induced transparency (PIT) effect in bulk Dirac semimetal (BDS) waveguide. This plasmon waveguide system is composed of a bus waveguide side coupled with two stub photoactive silicon resonators. The coupled mode theory (CMT) is introduced to analyze this system, and the theoretical results are perfectly consistent with the numerical calculation results. The numerical results show that the spectral characteristics of the structure depend on the coupling distance between the two stub photoactive silicon resonators. Intriguingly, the resonance characteristics of the transparent window can be actively controlled by adjusting the Fermi energy of the BDS or the intensity of the incident pump light. Finally, the group time delay of the PIT window can reach 3.7 ps, which is more suitable for applications with slow-light devices. Such a simple and multi-functional plasmon system is more conducive to the potential applications of composite high-performance devices.
A continuous family of fully frustrated Heisenberg models on the Kagome lattice
Authors: Li Tao 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
We find that the antiferromagnetic Heisenberg model on the Kagome lattice with nearest-neighboring exchange coupling (NN-KAFH) belongs to a continuous family of fully frustrated Heisenberg model on the Kagome lattice, which has no preferred classical ordering pattern. The model within this family consists of the first-, second- and the third-neighboring exchange coupling J
1, J
2, and J
3, with

. We find that when

, the lowest band of

, namely, the Fourier transform of the exchange coupling, is totally non-dispersive. Exact diagonalization calculation indicates that the ground state of the spin-

NN-KAFH is locally stable under the perturbation of J
2 and J
3 when and only when

. Interestingly, we find that the same flat band physics is also playing an important role in the RVB description of the spin liquid state on the Kagome lattice. In particular, we show that the extensively studied U(1) Dirac spin liquid state on the Kagome lattice can actually be generated from a continuous family of gauge inequivalent RVB mean-field ansatz, which host very different mean-field spinon dispersion.
Population Vitamin D Stores Are Increasing in Tasmania, and This Is Associated With Less BMD Loss Over 10 Years
Authors: Thompson Michael , Aitken Dawn , Balogun Saliu , Cicuttini Flavia , Jones Graeme 
Published: March 2021

AbstractContextVitamin D deficiency is a common, modifiable determinant of musculoskeletal health.ObjectiveThere are limited data that examine the longitudinal change in population 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) and none that evaluate the long-term skeletal outcomes of longitudinal vitamin D status.MethodsA prospective cohort analysis was conducted of community-dwelling adults aged 50 to 80 years who had 25(OH)D assessed by radioimmunoassay and bone mineral density (BMD) by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry at baseline (n = 1096), 2.5 (n = 870), and 10 (n = 565) years. Sun exposure was quantified by questionnaire and supplement use at clinic review. 25(OH)D less than 50 nmol/L was considered deficient. Participants were provided with their 25(OH)D results.ResultsOver 10 years 25(OH)D increased (52.2 ± 17.0 to 63.5 ± 23.6 nmol/L, P &lt; .001). Participants with baseline deficiency had larger 25(OH)D increases than baseline sufficient participants (19.2 ± 25.3 vs 1.6 ± 23.3 nmol/L, P &lt; .001). Longitudinal change in 25(OH)D was associated with baseline summer (β = 1.46, P &lt; .001) and winter (β = 1.29, P = .003) sun exposure, change in summer (β = 1.27, P = .002) and winter (β = 1.47, P &lt; .001) sun exposure, and vitamin D supplement use (β = 25.0-33.0, P &lt; .001). Persistent vitamin D sufficiency was associated with less BMD loss at the femoral neck (β = 0.020, P = .027), lumbar spine (β = 0.033, P = .003), and total hip (β = 0.023, P = .021) compared to persistent vitamin D deficiency. Achieving vitamin D sufficiency was associated with less BMD loss at the lumbar spine (β = 0.045, P &lt; .001) compared to persistent vitamin D deficiency.ConclusionsPopulation 25(OH)D concentration increased because of a combination of increased sun exposure and supplement use. Maintaining or achieving vitamin D sufficiency was associated with less BMD loss over 10 years.
Recurrence-Free Survival Analysis in Locally Advanced Pheochromocytoma: First Appraisal
Authors: Moog Sophie , Castinetti Frédéric , DoCao Christine , Amar Laurence , Hadoux Julien , Lussey-Lepoutre Charlotte , Borson-Chazot Françoise , Vezzosi Delphine , Drui Delphine , Laboureau Sandrine , Raffin Sanson Marie-Laure , Lamartina Livia , Pierre Peggy , Batisse Ligner Marie , Hescot Ségolène , Al Ghuzlan Abir , Renaudin Karine , Libé Rosella , Laroche Suzanne , Deniziaut Gabrielle , Gimenez-Roqueplo Anne-Paule , Jannin Arnaud , Leboulleux Sophie , Guerin Carole , Faron Matthieu , Baudin Eric 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Context
The behavior of locally advanced pheochromocytoma (LAP) remains unknown.

Objective
We characterized the population with LAP and recurrence-free survival (RFS).

Methods
This retrospective multicentric study was run within the ENDOCAN-COMETE network and French Group of Endocrine Tumors (GTE) from 2003 to 2018, including patients from 11 French referral centers with LAP as defined by capsular invasion, vascular invasion, adipose tissue invasion, and/or positive locoregional lymph nodes at diagnosis without evidence of distant metastasis. The main outcome measure was recurrence, defined as tumor reappearance, including local site and/or distant metastasis. The primary endpoint was RFS analysis; secondary endpoints were characterization, overall survival (OS), and prognostic factors of recurrence.

Results
Among 950 patients, 90 (9%) exhibited LAP criteria and 55 met inclusion criteria (median age, 53 years; 61% males; 14% with germline mutation; 84% with catecholamine excess). LAP was defined by 31 (56%) capsular invasions, 27 (49%) fat invasions, 6 (11%) positive lymph nodes, and 22 (40%) vascular invasions. After median follow-up of 54 months (range, 6-180), 12 patients (22%) had recurrences and 3 (5%) died of metastatic disease. Median RFS was 115 months (range, 6-168). Recurrences were local in 2 patients, distant in 2, and both local and distant in 8 patients. Median OS of patients was not reached. Size above 6.5 cm (P = 0.019) and Ki-67 &gt; 2% (P = 0.028) were identified as independent significant prognostic factors in multivariate analysis.

Conclusion
LAP represents 9% of pheochromocytoma’s population and has a metastatic behavior. This study paves the way for future pathological TNM classification.
Diminishing Value from Multiple Serial Bone Densitometry in Women Receiving Antiresorptive Medication for Osteoporosis
Authors: Kline Gregory A , Morin Suzanne N , Feldman Sidney , Lix Lisa M , Leslie William D 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Context
The value of serial bone mineral density (BMD) monitoring while on osteoporosis therapy is controversial.

Objective
We determined the percentage of women classified as suboptimal responders to therapy with antiresorptive medications according to 2 definitions of serial BMD change.

Methods
This was a cohort study using administrative databases at a single-payer government health system in Manitoba, Canada. Participants were postmenopausal women aged 40 years or older receiving antiresorptive medications and having 3 sequential BMD measures. Women stopping or switching therapies were excluded. The percentage of women whose spine or hip BMD decreased significantly during the first or second interval of monitoring by BMD was determined. Suboptimal responder status was defined as BMD decrease during both monitoring intervals or BMD decreased from baseline to final BMD.

Results
There were 1369 women in the analytic cohort. Mean BMD monitoring intervals were 3.0 (0.8) and 3.2 (0.8) years. In the first interval, 3.2% and 6.5% of women had a decrease in spine or hip BMD; 8.0% and 16.9% had decreases in the second monitoring interval; but only 1.4% showed repeated losses in both intervals. Considering the entire treatment interval, only 3.2% and 7.4% showed BMD loss at spine or hip. Results may not apply to situations of poor adherence to antiresorptive medication or anabolic therapy use.

Conclusion
Among women highly adherent to antiresorptive therapy for osteoporosis, a very small percentage sustained BMD losses on repeated measures. The value of multiple serial BMD monitoring to detect persistent suboptimal responders should be questioned.
Cholesterol Contributes to Male Sex Differentiation Through Its Developmental Role in Androgen Synthesis and Hedgehog Signaling
Authors: Kothandapani Anbarasi , Jefcoate Colin R , Jorgensen Joan S 
Published: March 2021

AbstractTwo specialized functions of cholesterol during fetal development include serving as a precursor to androgen synthesis and supporting hedgehog (HH) signaling activity. Androgens are produced by the testes to facilitate masculinization of the fetus. Recent evidence shows that intricate interactions between the HH and androgen signaling pathways are required for optimal male sex differentiation and defects of either can cause birth anomalies indicative of 46,XY male variations of sex development (VSD). Further, perturbations in cholesterol synthesis can cause developmental defects, including VSD, that phenocopy those caused by disrupted androgen or HH signaling, highlighting the functional role of cholesterol in promoting male sex differentiation. In this review, we focus on the role of cholesterol in systemic androgen and local HH signaling events during fetal masculinization and their collective contributions to pediatric VSD.
Three functional polymorphisms in CCDC170 were associated with osteoporosis phenotype
Authors: Liu Xinhong , Li Yu-Gang , Tan Fang , Liu Jia , Yi Ruokun , Zhao Xin 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play essential roles in regulating bone formation and homeostasis. Genomic variations within miRNA target sites may therefore be important sources of genetic differences in osteoporosis risk. The function of CCDC170 in bone biology is still unclear. To verify the function of CCDC170, we knocked down CCDC170 in cells and mice and searched for miRNA recognition sites within CCDC170 using the TargetScan, miRNASNP, and miRBase databases. In this study, our results demonstrated that CCDC170 plays an important role in the positive regulation of bone formation. MiR-153-3p, miR-374b-3p, miR-4274, miR-572 and miR-2964a-5p inhibited CCDC170 expression in an allele-specific manner by binding GWAS lead SNPs rs6932603, rs3757322 and rs3734806. These findings may improve our understanding of the association between CCDC170, miRNAs, GWAS lead SNPs, and osteoporosis pathogenesis and may provide a potential therapeutic target for osteoporosis therapy.
Non-canonical argonaute loading of extracellular vesicle-derived exogenous single-stranded miRNA in recipient cells
Authors: Ghoshal Bartika , Bertrand Edouard , Bhattacharyya Suvendra N. 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACTMicroRNAs (miRNAs), the tiny regulators of gene expression, can be transferred between neighbouring cells via extracellular vesicles (EVs) to control the expression of genes in both donor and recipient cells. How the EV-derived miRNAs are internalized and become functional in target cells is an unresolved question. We have expressed a liver-specific miRNA, miR-122, in non-hepatic cells for packaging in released EVs. With these EVs, we have followed the trafficking of miR-122 to recipient HeLa cells that otherwise do not express this miRNA. We found that EV-associated miR-122 is primarily single-stranded and, to become functional, is loaded onto the recipient cell argonaute proteins without requiring host Dicer1. Following endocytosis, EV-associated miR-122 is loaded onto the host cell argonaute proteins on the endosomal membrane, where the release of internalized miRNAs occurs in a pH-dependent manner, facilitating the formation of the exogenous miRNP pool in the recipient cells. Endosome maturation defects affect EV-mediated entry of exogeneous miRNAs in mammalian cells.This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
A guide to accurate reporting in digital image acquisition – can anyone replicate your microscopy data?
Authors: Heddleston John M. , Aaron Jesse S. , Khuon Satya , Chew Teng-Leong 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACTRecent technological advances have made microscopy indispensable in life science research. Its ubiquitous use, in turn, underscores the importance of ensuring that microscopy-based experiments are replicable and that the resulting data comparable. While there has been a wealth of review articles, practical guides and conferences devoted to the topic of maintaining standard instrument operating conditions, the paucity of attention dedicated to properly documenting microscopy experiments is undeniable. This lack of emphasis on accurate reporting extends beyond life science researchers themselves, to the review panels and editorial boards of many journals. Such oversight at the final step of communicating a scientific discovery can unfortunately negate the many valiant efforts made to ensure experimental quality control in the name of scientific reproducibility. This Review aims to enumerate the various parameters that should be reported in an imaging experiment by illustrating how their inconsistent application can lead to irreconcilable results.
Case Report: Thalamomesencephalic stroke in a patient with HIV
Authors: George Jerry , Joseph Sibi , Tau Mongezi , Ibanez Valdes Lourdes de Fatima , Dubula Thozama , Foyaca-Sibat Humberto 
Published: March 2021

We present a 41-year-old HIV-positive female patient complaining of complete right palpebral ptosis, diplopia, and inability to balance herself. On examination, the right eye was able to move laterally and downwards. The motor exam showed left hemiparesis (4/5) on upper and lower limbs, bilateral Babinski sign with left hemiataxia without the sensory disorder. CT scan and magnetic resonance imaging angiography demonstrated an ischemic infarct on the right paramedian branch of the posterior cerebral artery territory. This patient did not present clinical manifestations of the thalamic lesion. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a young patient presenting a unilateral thalamomesencephalic ischemic stroke secondary to HIV vasculitis with bilateral Babinski signs and without thalamic signs in the medical literature.
Attitudes of healthy volunteers to genetic testing in phase 1 clinical trials
Authors: Levesque Sebastian , Polasek Thomas M. , Haan Eric , Shakib Sepehr 
Published: March 2021

Background: Genetic testing in clinical trials introduces several ethical and logistical issues to discuss with potential participants when taking informed consent. The aim of this study was to explore the attitudes of healthy volunteers in phase 1 studies to the topics of genetic security, genetic privacy and incidental genetic findings. Methods: Healthy volunteers presenting for screening appointments at a phase 1 clinical trial unit (CMAX Clinical Research, Adelaide, Australia) took an anonymous paper survey about genetic testing. Results: There were 275 respondents to the survey. The mean age was 27 years (range 18-73); 54% were male and 53% were of North/Western European ethnicity. Just over half the healthy volunteers thought genetic security (56%) and genetic privacy (57%) were “important” or “very important”. However, the security of their genetic information was ranked less important than other personal information, including mobile phone number, internet browser search history and email address. Two-thirds of respondents would trade genetic privacy for re-identifiability if information relevant to their health were discovered by genetic testing. Healthy volunteers favoured the return of incidental genetic findings (90% indicated this was “important” or “very important”). A level of risk (10 to 90%) for developing a serious medical condition that would “trigger” the return of incidental genetic findings to participants was not identified. Conclusions: Healthy volunteers screening for phase 1 clinical trials have mixed views about the importance of genetic security and genetic privacy, but they strongly favour the return of incidental genetic findings that could affect their health. These issues should be discussed with potential participants during informed consent for phase 1 clinical trials with genetic testing.
Contact tracing during the COVID-19 outbreak: a protocol for enabling rapid learning from experiences and exploring the psychological impact on contact tracers
Authors: O'Donovan Róisín , Buckley Claire , Crowley Philip , Fulham-McQuillan Hugh , Gilmore Brynne , Martin Jennifer , McAuliffe Eilish , Moore Gemma , Nicholson Emma , Ní Shé Éidín , O'Hara Mary Clare , Segurado Ricardo , Sweeney Mary Rose , Wall Patrick , De Brún Aoife 
Published: March 2021

Background: Given the unprecedented nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Irish health system required the redeployment of public sector staff and the recruitment of dedicated contact tracing staff in the effort to contain the spread of the virus. Contact tracing is crucial for effective disease control and is normally carried out by public health teams. Contact tracing staff are provided with rapid intensive training but are operating in a dynamic environment where processes and advice are adapting continuously. Real-time data is essential to inform strategy, coordinate interconnected processes, and respond to needs. Given that many contact tracers have been newly recruited or redeployed, they may not have significant experience in healthcare and may experience difficulties in managing the anxieties and emotional distress of the public. Aim: (i) identify emerging needs and issues and feed this information back to the Health Service Executive for updates to the COVID-19 Contact Management Programme (CMP); (ii) understand the psychological impact on contact tracers and inform the development of appropriate supports. Methods: We will use a mixed-methods approach. A brief online survey will be administered at up to three time points during 2021 to measure emotional exhaustion, anxiety, general health, and stress of contact tracing staff, identify tracing systems or processes issues, as well as issues of concern and confusion among the public. Interviews will also be conducted with a subset of participants to achieve a more in-depth understanding of these experiences. Observations may be conducted in contact tracing centres to document processes, practices, and explore any local contextual issues. Impact: Regular briefs arising from this research with data, analysis, and recommendations will aim to support the work of the CMP to identify problems and implement solutions. We will deliver regular feedback on systems issues; challenges; and the psychological well-being of contact tracing staff.
Knowledge, attitudes and practices relating to antibiotic use and resistance among prescribers from public primary healthcare facilities in Harare, Zimbabwe
Authors: Olaru Ioana D. , Ferrand Rashida A. , Yeung Shunmay , Chingono Rudo , Chonzi Prosper , Masunda Kudzai P.E. , Dixon Justin , Kranzer Katharina 
Published: March 2021

Background Overuse of antibiotics is one of the main drivers for antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Globally, most antibiotics are prescribed in the outpatient setting. This survey aimed to explore attitudes and practices with regards to microbiology tests, AMR and antibiotic prescribing among healthcare providers at public primary health clinics in Harare, Zimbabwe. Methods This cross-sectional survey was conducted in nine primary health clinics located in low-income suburbs of Harare between October and December 2020. In Zimbabwe, primary health clinics provide nurse-led outpatient care for acute and chronic illnesses. Healthcare providers who independently prescribe antibiotics and order diagnostic tests were invited to participate. The survey used self-administered questionnaires. A five-point Likert scale was used to determined attitudes and beliefs. Results A total of 91 healthcare providers agreed to participate in the survey. The majority of participants (62/91, 68%) had more than 10 years of work experience. Most participants reported that they consider AMR as a global (75/91, 82%) and/or national (81/91, 89%) problem, while 52/91 (57%) considered AMR to be a problem in their healthcare facilities. A fifth of participants (20/91, 22%) were unsure if AMR was a problem in their clinics. Participants felt that availability of national guidelines (89/89, 100%), training sessions on antibiotic prescribing (89/89, 100%) and regular audit and feedback on prescribing (82/88, 93%) were helpful interventions to improve prescribing. Conclusions These findings support the need for increased availability of data on AMR and antibiotic use in primary care. Educational interventions, regular audit and feedback, and access to practice guidelines may be useful to limit overuse of antibiotics.