bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Full thickness vs sliced mosaic cartilage graft in tympanoplasty: a comparative study
Authors: Elfouly Mahmoud S. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background
Tympanoplasty is one of the most performed procedures in otorhinolaryngology—head and neck surgery. Reconstruction of hearing is one of its targeted goals (Jeffery et al., J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 46:48, 2017). Closure of tympanic membrane was accomplished by various grafts. Temporalis fascia is commonly used in tympanoplasty but it could not withstand pressure variations due to its low elasticity (Sözen et al., J Craniofac Surg 23:e280-e283, 2012). Cartilage was preferred in this condition owing to its rigidity (Zhang et al., Otol Neurotol 32:1234-1238, 2011). However, this rigid character is thought to hinder the acoustic transfer through the cartilage (Bozdemir et al., ORL J Otorhinolaryngol Relat Spec 74:28-32, 2012).
This study was conducted to determine the acoustic characteristics of sliced mosaic cartilage tympanoplasty.

Results
Comparable success rates were found among the 2 groups at 3 months postoperatively; 14 cases (88%) in group 1 and 20 cases (91%) in group 2. One year postoperatively, two cases with healed perforation in group 2 showed re-perforation; resulting in decreasing success rate to 81%, in contrast to constant success rate (88%) in the corresponding follow-up in group 1. However, the difference between the two groups remained insignificant (P = 1 in both follow ups).

Conclusion
Using split thickness cartilage slices arranged in mosaic pattern in type I tympanoplasty successfully overcame the hindering effect of cartilage on acoustic transfer, with no fear regarding take rate or complications.
Tracing the horizontal transport of microplastics on rough surfaces
Authors: Laermanns Hannes , Lehmann Moritz , Klee Marcel , J. Löder Martin G. , Gekle Stephan , Bogner Christina 
Published: July 2021

AbstractOccurrence and distribution of microplastics in different ecosystems have recently become subjects of numerous studies. However, to date the research has focused mainly on marine and freshwater ecosystems and widely neglected terrestrial environments. Only recently, first studies investigated the microplastics contamination of soils. Therefore, we know little about the transport mechanisms of microplastics in soils and sediments and virtually nothing about their surface transport. In this study we investigate surface transport mechanisms by tracking fluorescent, irregularly shaped polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) particles in real time in a laboratory setup. In 108 experimental runs, we vary the irrigation rates, inclinations and surface roughnesses. Additionally, we simulate the small-scale flow patterns to resolve the role of the roughness-induced microrelief. Our results suggest that microplastics are transported along preferential pathways resulting from the micro- and macrorelief, which can be correlated to the flow pattern observed in the computer simulation. Our model study facilitates a deeper insight into microplastic transport on different soil surfaces and serves as a pilot for investigating mechanisms of horizontal microplastic transport. However, microplastics are a diverse group of contaminants with varying shapes, densities and sizes. Therefore, for a full understanding of transport of microplastics in terrestrial environments, it is important to address these properties as well as more variable surfaces for horizontal migration and to include vertical transport mechanisms in future research.
DNA Methylation Changes Associated With Type 2 Diabetes and Diabetic Kidney Disease in an East Asian Population
Authors: Kim Hakyung , Bae Jae Hyun , Park Kyong Soo , Sung Joohon , Kwak Soo Heon 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Context
There is a growing body of evidence that epigenetic changes including DNA methylation influence the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and its microvascular complications.

Objective
We conducted a methylome-wide association study (MWAS) to identify differentially methylated sites (DMSs) of T2D and diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in a Korean population.

Methods
We performed an MWAS in 232 participants with T2D and 197 nondiabetic controls with the Illumina EPIC bead chip using peripheral blood leukocytes. The T2D group was subdivided into 87 DKD patients and 80 non-DKD controls. An additional 819 individuals from 2 population-based cohorts were used to investigate the association of identified DMSs with quantitative metabolic phenotypes. A mendelian randomization (MR) approach was applied to evaluate the causal effect of metabolic phenotypes on identified DMSs.

Results
We identified 8 DMSs (each at BMP8A, NBPF20, STX18, ZNF365, CPT1A, and TRIM37, and 2 at TXNIP) that were significantly associated with the risk of T2D (P &lt; 9.0 × 10–8), including 3 that were previously known (DMSs in TXNIP and CPT1A). We also identified 3 DMSs (in COMMD1, TMOD1, and FHOD1) associated with DKD. With our limited sample size, we were not able to observe a significant overlap between DMSs of T2D and DKD. DMSs in TXNIP and CTP1A were associated with fasting glucose and glycated hemoglobin A1c. In MR analysis, fasting glucose was causally associated with DMS in CPT1A.

Conclusion
In an East Asian population, we identified 8 DMSs, including 5 novel CpG loci, associated with T2D and 3 DMSs associated with DKD at methylome-wide statistical significance.
The Association of Gut Microbiota With Osteoporosis Is Mediated by Amino Acid Metabolism: Multiomics in a Large Cohort
Authors: Ling Chu-wen , Miao Zelei , Xiao Mian-li , Zhou Hongwei , Jiang Zengliang , Fu Yuanqing , Xiong Feng , Zuo Luo-shi-yuan , Liu Yu-ping , Wu Yan-yan , Jing Li-peng , Dong Hong-Li , Chen Geng-dong , Ding Ding , Wang Cheng , Zeng Fang-fang , Zhu Hui-lian , He Yan , Zheng Ju-Sheng , Chen Yu-ming 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Context
Several small studies have suggested that the gut microbiome might influence osteoporosis, but there is little evidence from human metabolomics studies to explain this association.

Objective
This study examined the association of gut microbiome dysbiosis with osteoporosis and explored the potential pathways through which this association occurs using fecal and serum metabolomics.

Methods
We analyzed the composition of the gut microbiota by 16S rRNA profiling and bone mineral density using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in 1776 community-based adults. Targeted metabolomics in feces (15 categories) and serum (12 categories) were further analyzed in 971 participants using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry.

Results
This study showed that osteoporosis was related to the beta diversity, taxonomy, and functional composition of the gut microbiota. The relative abundance of Actinobacillus, Blautia, Oscillospira, Bacteroides, and Phascolarctobacterium was positively associated with osteoporosis. However, Veillonellaceae other, Collinsella, and Ruminococcaceae other were inversely associated with the presence of osteoporosis. The association between microbiota biomarkers and osteoporosis was related to levels of peptidases and transcription machinery in microbial function. Fecal and serum metabolomics analyses suggested that tyrosine and tryptophan metabolism and valine, leucine, and isoleucine degradation were significantly linked to the identified microbiota biomarkers and to osteoporosis, respectively.

Conclusion
This large population-based study provided robust evidence connecting gut dysbiosis, fecal metabolomics, and serum metabolomics with osteoporosis. Our results suggest that gut dysbiosis and amino acid metabolism could be targets for intervention in osteoporosis.
The pioneer transcription factors Foxa1 and Foxa2 regulate alternative RNA splicing during thymocyte positive selection
Authors: Lau Ching-In , Rowell Jasmine , Yanez Diana C. , Solanki Anisha , Ross Susan , Ono Masahiro , Crompton Tessa 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACT
During positive selection at the transition from CD4+CD8+ double-positive (DP) to single-positive (SP) thymocyte, TCR signalling results in appropriate MHC restriction and signals for survival and progression. We show that the pioneer transcription factors Foxa1 and Foxa2 are required to regulate RNA splicing during positive selection of mouse T cells and that Foxa1 and Foxa2 have overlapping/compensatory roles. Conditional deletion of both Foxa1 and Foxa2 from DP thymocytes reduced positive selection and development of CD4SP, CD8SP and peripheral naïve CD4+ T cells. Foxa1 and Foxa2 regulated the expression of many genes encoding splicing factors and regulators, including Mbnl1, H1f0, Sf3b1, Hnrnpa1, Rnpc3, Prpf4b, Prpf40b and Snrpd3. Within the positively selecting CD69+DP cells, alternative RNA splicing was dysregulated in the double Foxa1/Foxa2 conditional knockout, leading to &gt;850 differentially used exons. Many genes important for this stage of T-cell development (Ikzf1-3, Ptprc, Stat5a, Stat5b, Cd28, Tcf7) and splicing factors (Hnrnpab, Hnrnpa2b1, Hnrnpu, Hnrnpul1, Prpf8) showed multiple differentially used exons. Thus, Foxa1 and Foxa2 are required during positive selection to regulate alternative splicing of genes essential for T-cell development, and, by also regulating splicing of splicing factors, they exert widespread control of alternative splicing.
Demographic profile and clinical picture of patients presented with Paraphenylene Diamine (PPD)/ Kala Pathar poisoning at a District Teaching Hospital
Authors: Akbar Sheraz , Siddiqui Zahid Kamal , Diwan Rana Aamir , Rehm Muhammad Hassam 
Published: July 2021

Objective: To document demographic profile, clinical features and management of patients presented with PPD/Kala Pathar poisoning at District Teaching Hospital Sahiwal, Pakistan.
Methods: This cross-sectional study utilized data for cases of PPD poisoning presented at study place from 1st July 2019 to 30th June 2020. Relevant information was recorded on a proforma.
Results: A total of 111 cases were included in study. Mean age was 23.01 ± 7.24 years. Majority of cases were observed in females (82%) and majority presented from rural areas (87.4%). Cervico-facial edema (78.4%) and respiratory distress (66.7%) were the most common findings. Evidence of some level of organ damage was recorded in following manner: kidneys (44.1%), musculoskeletal (50.5%) and cardiac (45.9%). Tracheostomy was carried out in 47.7% cases and dialysis in 11.7% cases. All cases ingested PPD in raw form. Mortality rate was 50.5%.
Conclusion: PPD poisoning is associated with high rate of morbidity and mortality. Effective clinical management requires multidisciplinary approach. Measures to restrict access to this means of suicide are urgently needed. We need to set up a surveillance system for cases of attempted suicide.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.5.4251
How to cite this:Akbar S, Siddiqui ZK, Diwan RA, Rehm MH. Demographic profile and clinical picture of patients presented with Paraphenylene Diamine (PPD)/ Kala Pathar poisoning at a District Teaching Hospital. Pak J Med Sci. 2021;37(5):1397-1401. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.5.4251
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.
Bilingual Aphasia Test in Urdu and its Clinical Implications
Authors: Ali Nadir , Rafi Muhammad Shaban 
Published: July 2021

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.5.4572
How to cite this:Ali N, Rafi MS. Bilingual Aphasia Test in Urdu and its Clinical Implications. Pak J Med Sci. 2021;37(5):1545-1546. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.5.4572
Importance of respiratory syncytial virus as a predictor of hospital length of stay in bronchiolitis
Authors: Buendia Jefferson Antonio , Guerrero Patino Diana 
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Bronchiolitis is the leading cause of hospitalization in children. Estimate potentially preventable variables that impact the length of hospital stay are a priority to reduce the costs associated with this disease. This study aims to identify clinical variables associated with length of hospital stay of bronchiolitis in children in a tropical middle-income country Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study in 417 infants with bronchiolitis in tertiary centers in Colombia. All medical records of all patients admitted to the emergency department were reviewed. To identify factors independently associated we use negative binomial regression model, to estimate incidence rate ratios (IRR) and adjust for potential confounding variables Results: The median of the length of hospital stay was 3.68 days, with a range of 0.74 days to 29 days, 138 (33.17%) of patients have a hospital stay of 5 or more days. After modeling and controlling for potential confounders age <6 months, comorbidities (CHD or neurological), BPD, chest indrawing, RSV isolation, and C-reactive protein were independent predictors of LOS Conclusions: Our results show that in infants with bronchiolitis, RSV isolation, age <6 months, comorbidities (CHD or neurological), BPD, chest indrawing, and C-reactive protein were independent predictors of LOS. As a potentially modifiable risk factor, efforts to reduce the probability of RSV infection can reduce the high medical cost associates with prolonged LOS in bronchiolitis.
Low-threshold 1150  nm single-polarization single-frequency Yb-doped DFB fiber laser
Authors: Tao Yue , Jiang Man , Li Can , Zhou Pu , Jiang Zongfu 
Published: July 2021

We demonstrate a stable single-polarization single-frequency distributed feedback Bragg (DFB) fiber laser at 1150 nm based on a 5 cm long Yb-doped fiber which, to the best of our knowledge, is the first demonstration of a Yb-doped fiber-based single-frequency laser with a wavelength longer than 1120 nm. The threshold is as low as 10 mW. The measured maximum output power is 10.6 mW, and the spectrum at the highest power shows an excellent optical signal-to-noise ratio of about 70 dB, considering the amplified spontaneous emission in a short wavelength. The polarization extinction ratio is 25 dB, and the spectral linewidth is 20 kHz. This fiber laser is suitable for seeding high-power 1150 nm narrow-linewidth laser amplifiers, which can be used as high brightness pump sources for rare-earth-doped fiber lasers and Raman fiber lasers, or to generate visible radiation in the yellow spectral range, facilitating medical and astronomic applications.
Effect of carbon-enriched digestate on the microbial soil activity
Authors: Holatko Jiri , Hammerschmiedt Tereza , Kintl Antonin , Danish Subhan , Skarpa Petr , Latal Oldrich , Baltazar Tivadar , Fahad Shah , Akça Hanife , Taban Suleyman , Kobzova Eliska , Datta Rahul , Malicek Ondrej , Hussain Ghulam Sabir , Brtnicky Martin 
Published: July 2021

Objectives
As a liquid organic fertilizer used in agriculture, digestate is rich in many nutrients (i.e. nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, calcium, potassium); their utilization may be however less efficient in soils poor in organic carbon (due to low carbon:nitrogen ratio). In order to solve the disadvantages, digestate enrichment with carbon-rich amendments biochar or humic acids (Humac) was tested.

Methods
Soil variants amended with enriched digestate: digestate + biochar, digestate + Humac, and digestate + combined biochar and humic acids—were compared to control with untreated digestate in their effect on total soil carbon and nitrogen, microbial biomass carbon, soil respiration and soil enzymatic activities in a pot experiment. Yield of the test crop lettuce was also determined for all variants.

Results
Soil respiration was the most significantly increased property, positively affected by digestate + Humac. Both digestate + biochar and digestate + Humac significantly increased microbial biomass carbon. Significant negative effect of digestate + biochar (compared to the control digestate) on particular enzyme activities was alleviated by the addition of humic acids. No significant differences among the tested variants were found in the above-ground and root plant biomass.

Conclusions
The tested organic supplements improved the digestate effect on some determined soil properties. We deduced from the results (carbon:nitrogen ratio, microbial biomass and activity) that the assimilation of nutrients by plants increased; however, the most desired positive effect on the yield of crop biomass was not demonstrated. We assume that the digestate enrichment with organic amendments may be more beneficial in a long time-scaled trial.
Chemopreventive Effect of Statin on Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients With Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Cirrhosis
Authors: Pinyopornpanish Kanokwan , Al-Yaman Wael , Butler Robert S. , Carey William , McCullough Arthur , Romero-Marrero Carlos 
Published: July 2021

INTRODUCTION:
To estimate the annual incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with advanced liver fibrosis, to determine the risk factors for the development of HCC, and to evaluate the chemoprotective effect of statin use stratified by fibrosis stage.

METHODS:
We conducted a retrospective study at 2 US tertiary academic centers, including patients with NASH-related advanced liver fibrosis (bridging fibrosis [F3] and cirrhosis [F4]) followed between July 2002 and June 2016. Patients were followed from the date of diagnosis to the time of last abdominal imaging, liver transplantation, or HCC diagnosis. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was performed to evaluate the risk factors associated with HCC development, stratified by fibrosis stage.

RESULTS:
A total of 1,072 patients were included: 122 patients with F3 fibrosis and 950 patients with cirrhosis. No HCC was observed during 602 person-year follow-up among F3 patients. Among patients with cirrhosis, HCC developed in 82 patients with the annual incidence rate of 1.90 per 100 person-years (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.53–2.35). Multivariable analysis in patients with cirrhosis demonstrated that HCC development was associated with male sex (hazard ratio [HR] 4.06, 95% CI, 2.54–6.51, P < 0.001), older age (HR, 1.05, 95% CI, 1.03–1.08, P < 0.001), and CTP score (HR, 1.38, 95% CI, 1.18–1.60, P < 0.001). Statin use was associated with a lower risk of developing HCC (HR, 0.40, 95% CI, 0.24–0.67, P = 0.001). Each 365 increment in cumulative defined daily dose of statin use reduced HCC risk by 23.6%.

DISCUSSION:
Our findings suggest that patients with NASH and bridging fibrosis have a low risk of HCC. Dose-dependent statin use reduced HCC risk significantly in patients with NASH cirrhosis.
CFD simulation of the ethylbenzene dehydrogenation reaction in the fixed bed reactor with a cylindrical catalyst of various sizes
Authors: Solovev Sergei A. , Soloveva Olga V. , Paluku Daniel L. , Lamberov Alexander A. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
In this paper, the Discrete Element Method of simulation was used to study the catalytic granule size effect on the efficiency of a bed reactor for the ethylbenzene dehydrogenation reaction. The model constructed for the laboratory experiment was made of catalyst granules of lengths 3, 6 and 9 mm, and diameters 2.8, 3, and 3.2 mm. A detailed evaluation of the catalyst total surface area and porosity effect was conducted owing to the analysis of particles size effect on the packing. Different results were observed for a wide feed gas mixture rate. Calculations performed allowed to deduce dependences of the reaction product concentration, the pressure drops, and the reactor productivity for all the particle sizes investigated.
Systematic review and cumulative meta-analysis of the diagnostic accuracy of glial fibrillary acidic protein vs. S100 calcium binding protein B as blood biomarkers in observational studies of patients with mild or moderate acute traumatic brain injury
Authors: Mastandrea Paolo , Mengozzi Silvia , Bernardini Sergio 
Published: July 2021

AbstractTraumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and sports-related concussions (SRCs) are the leading causes of hospitalization and death in subjects <45 years old in the USA and Europe. Some biomarkers (BMs) have been used to reduce unnecessary cranial computed tomography (CCT). In recent years, the astroglial S100 calcium-binding B protein (S100B) has prevented approximately 30% of unnecessary CCTs. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) has also been studied in direct comparison with S100B. The aim of our cumulative meta-analysis (cMA) is to compare – in the context of hospital emergency departments or SRC conditions – the differences in diagnostic accuracy (DA), sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) of GFAP and S100B. The main cMA inclusion criterion was the assessment of both BMs in the included subjects since 2010, with blood samples drawn 1–30 h from the suspected TBI or SRC. The risk-of-bias (RoB) score was determined, and both the publication bias (with the Begg, Egger and Duval trim-and-fill tests) and sensitivity (with the box-and-whiskers plot) were analyzed for outliers. Seven studies with 899 subjects and nine observations (samples) were included. The diagnostic odds ratios (dORs) with their prediction intervals (PIs), Se and Sp (analyzed with a hierarchical model to respect the binomial data structure) were assessed, and a random-effects MA and a cMA of the difference in the BMs dOR natural logarithms (logOR(G-S)) between the BMs were performed. The cMA of dOR(G-S) was significant (5.78 (CI 2–16.6)) probably preventing approximately 50% of unnecessary CCTs. Further work is needed to standardize and harmonize GFAP laboratory methods.
An overview of mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Chen Patrick J. , Pusica Yanna , Sohaei Dorsa , Prassas Ioannis , Diamandis Eleftherios P. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Since its initial outbreak in late 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected the global community. In addition to the negative health consequences of contracting COVID-19, the implementation of strict quarantine and lockdown measures has also disrupted social networks and devastated the global economy. As a result, there is rising concern that the pandemic has taken a toll on the mental health of the general population. To better understand its impact, an increasing number of studies examined the effects of the pandemic on mental health and psychosocial implications of enforced quarantine and lockdown. In this article, we aim to review and summarize the findings from a variety of studies that have explored the psychosociological effects of the pandemic and its impact on the mental well-being of the general population. We will also examine how various demographic groups, such as the elderly and youth, can be more susceptible or resilient to the pandemic’s mental health effects. We hope to provide a broader understanding of the underlying causes of mental health issues triggered by the pandemic and provide recommendations that may be employed to address mental health issues in the population over the long-term.