bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Systematic Classification of Spina Bifida
Authors: Schindelmann Kim Hannah , Paschereit Fabienne , Steege Alexandra , Stoltenburg-Didinger Gisela , Kaindl Angela M 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Spina bifida (SB) is an umbrella term for multiple conditions characterized by misclosure of vertebral arches. Neuropathologic findings in SB cases are often reported with imprecise and overlapping terminology. In view of the increasing identification of SB-associated genes and pathomechanisms, the precise description of SB subtypes is highly important. In particular, the term “myelomeningocele” is applied to various and divergent SB subtypes. We reevaluated 90 cases with SB (58 prenatal; 32 postnatal). The most frequent SB phenotype in our cohort was myeloschisis, which is characterized by an open neural plate with exposed ependyma (n = 28; 31.1%). An open neural plate was initially described in only in two-thirds of the myeloschisis cases. An additional 21 cases (23.3%) had myelomeningocele; 2 cases (2.2%) had a meningocele; and 21 cases (23.3%) had an unspecified SB aperta (SBA) subtype. Overall, the SB phenotype was corrected in about one-third of the cases. Our findings highlight that “myelomeningocele” and “SB aperta” cannot be used as synonymous terms and that myeloschisis is an underreported SB phenotype. Based on our findings and a review of literature we propose a classification of SB subtypes in SB occulta and the 3 SBA subtypes, meningocele, myelomeningocele, and myeloschisis.
Hurricane Irma induces divergent behavioral and hormonal impacts on an urban and forest population of invasiveAnolislizards: evidence for an urban resilience hypothesis
Authors: Fokidis H Bobby , Brock Taylor 
Published: February 2021

AbstractHurricanes can have both profound short-term effects on animal populations and serve as long-term drivers of evolutionary change. Animals inhabiting varying habitats may differ in their response to hurricane impacts. Increasing evidence suggests that animals from urban areas exhibit different behavioral and physiological traits compared to rural counterparts, including attenuated hormonal stress responses and a lowered propensity for flight behavior. A unique opportunity was presented when Hurricane Irma hit Florida on 10 September 2017 and interrupted a study of invasive brown anoles (Anolis sagrei) at an urban and a forest. Using data collected before and after Hurricane Irma, we documented that forest anoles exhibited a greater avoidance of people and more male territorial behavior for a longer period of time following the hurricane. Post-hurricane both populations increased corticosterone concentrations post-capture stress, but urban anoles recovered 2 weeks faster than forest conspecifics. A dexamethasone suppression experiment suggested that these population differences were the result of forest anoles having a less effective negative feedback regulating corticosterone secretion. In the brain, forest anoles had higher corticosterone concentrations within the amygdala and parts of the cortex associated with stress than urban lizards. One explanation may be Hurricane Irma brought flooding and debris that altered the landscape leading to behavioral instability, and urban lizards already exhibited ecological adjustments that permitted a more rapid recovery (i.e. the ‘urban resilience’ hypothesis). Testing if urban animals are more resilient to natural disasters can inform conservationists interested in understanding their role in facilitating invasive species expansion and what their increasing presence may indicate for animal populations.
Accuracy of the Tuning Fork Test for Determination of Presence and Location of Tibial Stress Fractures in a Military Training Population
Authors: May Todd , Marra Janelle , Leu Amy , Torbert Denise , VanWagner Tricia , Alexander Zachary , Rainie-Lobacz Robin , Ryan Margaret 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Stress fractures or bone stress injuries arise from trauma or overuse, often as a result of rapid increase in training. This rapid increase in training occurs frequently as military recruits begin their entry-level training, as many individuals are not accustomed to the level of activity required during boot camp. Tibial stress fractures are the most common bone stress injuries in the military setting. MRI is the gold standard test for identification of stress fractures, but MRI may not be available in field settings. Although limited evidence has suggested that a vibrating tuning fork may be beneficial in determining the presence of a stress fracture, the tuning fork has become a frequent tool used to detect or diagnose stress fractures.

Materials and Methods
Military personnel with suspected unilateral tibial stress fractures were asked to participate in evaluation of tuning forks as a diagnostic tool, in addition to receiving standard diagnostics and treatment. Points of maximal shin tenderness to palpation and vibration, followed by the application of a tuning fork, were evaluated. Each service member also underwent an abbreviated MRI evaluation with a 1.5T magnet consisting of coronal and sagittal STIR (Short Tau Inversion Recovery) and T1 (weighted longitudinal relaxation time) sequences. The results of tuning fork testing were compared to the MRI findings, considering grade 1 changes on MRI to represent a true stress fracture. A two-by-two table was used to determine the performance of tuning fork testing, relative to MRI findings, applying conventional definitions of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value.

Results
Among 63 male active duty members with suspected tibial stress fractures, 39 had MRI-confirmed stress fractures. Tuning fork testing, relative to MRI, demonstrated overall sensitivity of 61.5%, specificity of 25.0%, positive predictive value of 57.1%, and negative predictive value of 28.6%. A sub-analysis restricting to grade 3 and grade 4 MRI findings did not improve the diagnostic performance of tuning forks.

Conclusions
The tuning fork is an ineffective tool for diagnosing tibial stress fractures.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus, glycaemic control, associated therapies and risk of rheumatoid arthritis: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zemedikun Dawit T , Gokhale Krishna , Chandan Joht Singh , Cooper Jennifer , Lord Janet M , Filer Andrew , Falahee Marie , Nirantharakumar Krishnarajah , Raza Karim 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the incident risk of RA in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and to explore the role of glycaemic control and associated therapeutic use in the onset of RA.MethodsThis study was a retrospective cohort study using patients derived from the IQVIA Medical Research Data (IMRD-UK) database between 1995 and 2019. A total of 224 551 newly diagnosed patients with T2DM were matched to 449 101 patients without T2DM and followed up to assess their risk of RA. Further analyses investigated the effect of glycaemic control, statin use and anti-diabetic drugs on the relationship between T2DM and RA using a time-dependent Cox regression model.ResultsDuring the study period, the incidence of RA was 8.1 and 10.6 per 10 000 person-years in the exposed and unexposed groups, respectively. The adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) was 0.73 (95% CI 0.67, 0.79). In patients who had not used statins in their lifetime, the aHR was 0.89 (95% CI 0.69, 1.14). When quantifying the effects of glycaemic control, anti-diabetic drugs and statins using time-varying analyses, there was no association with glycaemic control [aHR 1.00 (95% CI 0.99, 1.00)], use of metformin [aHR 1.00 (95% CI 0.82, 1.22)], dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors [DPP4is; aHR 0.94 (95% CI 0.71, 1.24)] and the development of RA. However, statins demonstrated a protective effect for progression of RA in those with T2DM [aHR 0.76 (95% CI 0.66, 0.88)], with evidence of a duration–response relationship.ConclusionThere is a reduced risk of RA in patients with T2DM that may be attributable to the use of statins.
Upadacitinib improves patient-reported outcomes vs placebo or adalimumab in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: results from SELECT-COMPARE
Authors: Strand Vibeke , Tundia Namita , Bergman Martin , Ostor Andrew , Durez Patrick , Song In-Ho , Enejosa Jeffrey , Schlacher Casey , Song Yan , Fleischmann Roy 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Objective
To evaluate the impact of upadacitinib vs placebo and adalimumab treatment, on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in SELECT-COMPARE in an active RA population with inadequate responses to MTX (MTX-IR).

Methods
PROs in patients receiving upadacitinib (15 mg QD), placebo, or adalimumab (40 mg EOW) while on background MTX were evaluated over 48 weeks. PROs included Patient Global Assessment of Disease Activity (PtGA) and pain by visual analogue scale (VAS), the HAQ Disability Index (HAQ-DI), the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36), morning (AM) stiffness duration and severity, the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy–Fatigue (FACIT-F), and work instability. Least squares mean (LSM) changes and proportions of patients reporting improvements ≥ minimal clinically important differences (MCIDs) and scores ≥ normative values were evaluated.

Results
Upadacitinib and adalimumab resulted in greater LSM changes from baseline vs placebo across all PROs (P &lt; 0.05) at week 12, and pain and AM stiffness severity (P &lt; 0.05) at week 2. More upadacitinib- vs placebo-treated (P &lt; 0.05) and similar percentages of upadacitinib- vs adalimumab-treated patients reported improvements ≥ MCID across all PROs at week 12. Upadacitinib vs adalimumab resulted in greater LSM changes from baseline in PtGA, pain, HAQ-DI, stiffness severity, FACIT-F, and the SF-36 Physical Component Summary (PCS) (all P &lt; 0.05) at week 12. More upadacitinib- vs adalimumab-treated patients reported scores ≥ normative values in HAQ-DI and SF-36 PCS (P &lt; 0.05) at week 12. More upadacitinib- vs adalimumab-treated patients maintained clinically meaningful improvements in PtGA, pain, HAQ-DI, FACIT-F, and AM stiffness through 48 weeks.

Conclusion
In MTX-IR patients with RA, treatment with upadacitinib resulted in statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements in PROs equivalent to or greater than with adalimumab.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov, http://clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02629159.
Xiamen Xinjingdi Group Co Ltd v Eton Properties Limited: clarifying the steps and issues to consider when lodging a trust claim in cross-border disputes
Authors: Chung Benny , Yeon Thomas 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Xiamen Xinjingdi Group Co Ltd v Eton Properties Limited is a recent Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal judgment which concerns a very complex commercial dispute and covers multiple areas of law. In this article, we will focus on Lord Sumption NPJ’s analysis of the trust claims and evaluate the judgment as well as its potential implications. We argue that while this judgment has helpfully clarified the law in relation to trust claims with a cross-border context, the legal reasoning and conclusions reached therein cannot be said to be free of errors.
Preparedness and response of a tertiary hospital to the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria: challenges, opportunities and lessons
Authors: Obaseki Darlington E , Osaigbovo Iriagbonse I , Ogboghodo Esohe O , Adeleye Omokhoa , Akoria Obehi A , Oko-oboh Gregrey A , Okwara Benson U , Omuemu Casmir E , Okugbo Stanley 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Africa was the last continent to be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Much of the discourse on Africa's response captured in scientific journals revolves around nations, public health agencies and organizations, but little is documented about how individual healthcare facilities have fared. This article reports the challenges faced in a tertiary hospital in Nigeria, including space constraints, diagnostic challenges, shortages in personal protective equipment and health worker infections. The opportunities and strengths that aided the response are also highlighted. The lessons learned will be useful to similar facilities. More information about health facility response at various levels is needed to comprehensively assess Africa's response to the pandemic.
A possible role for ticks in the transmission of Madurella mycetomatis in a mycetoma-endemic village in Sudan
Authors: Azrag Rasha S , Bakhiet Sahar M , Mhmoud Najwa A , Almalik A M , Mohamed A H , Fahal Ahmed H 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Background
Currently there is a wide knowledge gap in our understanding of mycetoma epidemiological characteristics, including the infection route.

Methods
A cross-sectional descriptive epidemiological study was carried out to determine the role of exposure to animals and insects such as ticks in the transmission of eumycetoma in two adjacent villages at eastern Sudan.

Results
Significant differences were found between the two villages in the level of contact and exposure to animals and ticks, the percentages of people bitten by ticks, participation in cleaning animal pens and knowledge of the medical importance of ticks. In the village with a high mycetoma prevalence rate, there were high infestation rates of ticks in domestic animals. Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus species were the most prevalent species in houses with mycetoma patients and together they constituted 83% of the total collection. Pool screening of vectors for the detection of Madurella mycetomatis recombinant RNA genes showed one positive pool from Rhipicephalus evertsi following amplification of the universal fungal primer and one positive sample from Hyalomma rufipes following the use of a specific primer.

Conclusion
The findings indicate a possible role of ticks in the transmission of eumycetoma causative agents. However, further in-depth studies are needed to verify this.
Association between psychosocial factors and mental health symptoms to cervical spine pain with or without radiculopathy on health outcomes: systematic review protocol
Authors: Mansfield Michael , Spahr Nicolas , Smith Toby , Stubbs Brendon , Haig Lesley , Thacker Mick 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Introduction:
Cervical spine pain with or without radiculopathy (CSp ± R) has significant negative impacts to a person's quality of life. Psychosocial factors and/or mental health symptoms are associated with spinal pain with or without radiculopathy and negatively impact health outcomes. This area of research is not yet established for CSp ± R. Our objective is to conduct a systematic review assessing the association between psychosocial factors and/or mental health symptoms and health outcomes in adults with CSp ± R.

Methods:
A systematic electronic search of 3 online databases will retrieve studies in which adults (older than 18 years) with CSp ± R, assessing how psychosocial factors or mental health symptoms impact outcomes related to disability, pain, and/or healthcare utilisation. Data extracted will include study design, CSp ± R definition, psychosocial and/or mental health symptoms, and health outcomes. Reporting study quality through the Newcastle–Ottawa Quality Scale Assessment and certainty through Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations will be completed. Studies will be assessed from a clinical perspective, methodology design, and statistical testing to determine whether studies can be pooled for meta-analysis. If there is significant clinical heterogeneity, narrative description will be undertaken.

Perspective:
This will be a comprehensive synthesis review to enhance understanding of the association of psychosocial factors and/or mental health symptoms and CSp ± R on health outcomes. The findings will support the formulation of prognosis, collaborative management decisions, and guide healthcare resources to improve outcomes for this patient group. The review will identify gaps in research, thereby informing future experimental and observational study design.
Ex Situ Dual Hypothermic Oxygenated Machine Perfusion for Human Split Liver Transplantation
Authors: Thorne Adam M. , Lantinga Veerle , Bodewes Silke , de Kleine Ruben H. J. , Nijkamp Maarten W. , Sprakel Joost , Hartog Hermien , Polak Wojciech G. , Porte Robert J. , de Meijer Vincent E. 
Published: February 2021

Background.
Liver splitting allows the opportunity to share a deceased graft between 2 recipients but remains underutilized. We hypothesized that liver splitting during continuous dual hypothermic oxygenated machine perfusion (DHOPE) is feasible, with shortened total cold ischemia times and improved logistics. Here, we describe a left lateral segment (LLS) and extended right lobe (ERL) liver split procedure during continuous DHOPE preservation with subsequent transplantation at 2 different centers.

Methods.
After transport using static cold storage, a 51-year-old brain death donor liver underwent end-ischemic DHOPE. During DHOPE, the donor liver was maintained <10 °C and oxygenated with a Po
2 of >106 kPa. An ex situ ERL/LLS split was performed with continuing DHOPE throughout the procedure to avoid additional ischemia time.

Results.
Total cold ischemia times for the LLS and ERL were 205 minutes and 468 minutes, respectively. Both partial grafts were successfully transplanted at 2 different transplant centers. Peak aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase were 172 IU/L and 107 IU/L for the LLS graft, and 839 IU/L and 502 IU/L for the ERL graft, respectively. The recipient of the LLS experienced an episode of acute cellular rejection. The ERL transplantation was complicated by severe acute pancreatitis with jejunum perforation requiring percutaneous drainage and acute cellular rejection. No device-related adverse events were observed.

Conclusions.
Liver splitting during continuous DHOPE preservation is feasible, has the potential to substantially shorten cold ischemia time and may optimize transplant logistics. Therefore liver splitting with DHOPE can potentially improve utilization of split liver transplantation.
Methane-derived carbon flow through host-virus trophic networks in soil
Authors: Lee Sungeun , Sieradzki Ella T. , Nicolas Alexa M. , Walker Robin L. , Firestone Mary K. , Hazard Christina , Nicol Graeme W. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe concentration of atmospheric methane continues to increase with microbial communities controlling soil-atmosphere fluxes. While there is substantial knowledge of the diversity and function of organisms regulating methane production and consumption, the frequency and impact of interactions with viruses on their activity in soil is unknown. Metagenomic sequencing of soil microbial communities has enabled identification of linkages between viruses and hosts. However, determining host-virus linkages through sequencing does not determine whether a virus or a host are active. In this study, we identified active individual interactionsin situby following the transfer of assimilated carbon from active hosts to viruses. Using DNA stable-isotope probing combined with metagenomic analyses, we characterized methane-fueled microbial networks in acidic and neutral pH soils, specifically primary and secondary utilisers of carbon, together with the recent transfer of methane-derived carbon to viruses. Sixty-three percent of viral contigs from replicated soil incubations contained genes associated with known methanotrophic bacteria. Genomic sequences from13C-enriched viruses were present in clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) arrays of multiple, closely-relatedMethylocystispopulations, revealing differences in their history of viral interaction. Viruses infecting non-methanotrophic methylotrophs and heterotrophic predatory bacteria were also identified through the analysis of shared homologous genes, demonstrating that carbon is transferred to a diverse range of viruses associated with methane-fueled microbial food networks.
Targeted enzyme assisted chemotherapy (TEAC) – a novel microRNA-guided and selenium-based regimen to specifically eradicate hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Selvam Arun Kumar , Jawad Rim , Gramignoli Roberto , Achour Adnane , Salter Hugh , Björnstedt Mikael 
Published: February 2021

AbstractDespite progress in the treatment of non-visceral malignancies, the prognosis remains poor for malignancies of visceral organs and novel therapeutic approaches are urgently required. Here we introduce a novel therapeutic regimen by treatment with Se-methylselenocysteine (MSC) and concomitant tumor-specific induction of Kynurenine aminotransferase 1 (KYAT1) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines, using either vector-based and/or lipid nanoparticle-mediated delivery of mRNA. Supplementation of MSC in KYAT1 overexpressed cells resulted in significantly increased cytotoxicity as compared to MSC alone. Furthermore, microRNA antisense targeted sites for miR122, known to be widely expressed in normal hepatocytes whilst downregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma, were added to specifically limit cytotoxicity in HCC cells, thereby limiting off-target effects. KYAT1 expression was significantly reduced in cells with high levels of miR122 supporting the concept of miR-guided induction of tumor-specific cytotoxicity. The addition of alpha-ketoacid favored the production of methylselenol, enhancing the cytotoxic efficacy of MSC in HCC cells, with no effects on primary human hepatocytes. Altogether, the proposed regimen offers great potential to safely and specifically target hepatic tumors that are currently untreatable.
Unexpected organellar locations of ESCRT machinery in Giardia intestinalis and complex evolutionary dynamics spanning the transition to parasitism in the lineage Fornicata
Authors: Pipaliya Shweta V. , Santos Rui , Salas-Leiva Dayana , Balmer Erina A. , Wirdnam Corina D. , Roger Andrew J. , Hehl Adrian B. , Faso Carmen , Dacks Joel B. 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACTComparing a parasitic lineage to its free-living relatives is a powerful way to understand how the evolutionary transition to parasitism occurred.Giardia intestinalis(Fornicata) is a leading cause of gastrointestinal disease world-wide and is famous for its unusual complement of cellular compartments, such as having peripheral vacuoles instead of typical endosomal compartments. Endocytosis plays an important role inGiardia’s pathogenesis. Endosomal sorting complexes required for transport (ESCRT) are membrane-deforming proteins associated with the late endosome/multivesicular body (MVB). MVBs are ill-defined inG. intestinalisand roles for identified ESCRT-related proteins are not fully understood in the context of its unique endocytic system. Furthermore, components thought to be required for full ESCRT functionality have not yet been documented in this species.We used genomic and transcriptomic data from several Fornicata species to clarify the evolutionary genome streamlining observed inGiardia, as well as to detect any divergent orthologs of the Fornicata ESCRT subunits. We observed differences in the ESCRT machinery complement betweenGiardiastrains. Microscopy-based investigations of key components of ESCRT machinery such asGiVPS36andGiVPS25 link them to peripheral vacuoles, highlighting these organelles as simplified MVB equivalents. Unexpectedly, we show ESCRT components associated with the Endoplasmic Reticulum, and for the first time, mitosomes. Finally, we identified the rare ESCRT component CHMP7 in several fornicate representatives, includingGiardia, and show that contrary to current understanding, CHMP7 evolved from a gene fusion of VPS25 and SNF7 domains, prior to the last eukaryotic common ancestor, over 1.5 billion years ago. Our findings show that ESCRT machinery inG. intestinalisis far more varied and complete than previously thought, and associating to multiple cellular locations and presenting changes in ESCRT complement which pre-date adoption of a parasitic lifestyle.