bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Accuracy comparison of various quantitative [99mTc]Tc-DPD SPECT/CT reconstruction techniques in patients with symptomatic hip and knee joint prostheses
Authors: Braun Martin , Cachovan Michal , Kaul Felix , Caobelli Federico , Bäumer Markus , Hans Vija A. , Pagenstert Geert , Wild Damian , Kretzschmar Martin 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
There is a need for better diagnostic tools that identify loose total hip and knee arthroplasties. Here, we present the accuracy of different 99mTc-dicarboxypropandiphosphate ([99mTc]Tc-DPD) SPECT/CT quantification tools for the detection of loose prostheses in patients with painful hip and knee arthroplasties.

Methods
Quantitative reconstruction of mineral phase SPECT data was performed using Siemens xSPECT-Quant and xSPECT-Bone, with and without metal artefact reduction (iMAR) of CT-data. Quantitative data (SUVmax values) were compared to intraoperative diagnosis or clinical outcome after at least 1 year as standard of comparison. Cut-off values and accuracies were calculated using receiver operator characteristics. Accuracy of uptake quantification was compared to the accuracy of visual SPECT/CT readings, blinded for the quantitative data and clinical outcome.

Results
In this prospective study, 30 consecutive patients with 33 symptomatic hip and knee prostheses underwent [99mTc]Tc-DPD SPECT/CT. Ten arthroplasties were diagnosed loose and 23 stable. Mean-SUVmax was significantly higher around loose prostheses compared to stable prostheses, regardless of the quantification method (P = 0.0025–0.0001). Quantification with xSPECT-Bone-iMAR showed the highest accuracy (93.9% [95% CI 79.6–100%]) which was significantly higher compared to xSPECT-Quant-iMAR (81.8% [67.5–96.1%], P = 0.04) and xSPECT-Quant without iMAR (77.4% [62.4–92.4%], P = 0.02). Accuracies of clinical reading were non-significantly lower compared to quantitative measures (84.8% [70.6–99.1%] (senior) and 81.5% [67.5–96.1%] (trainee)).

Conclusion
Quantification with [99mTc]Tc-DPD xSPECT-Bone-iMAR discriminates best between loose and stable prostheses of all evaluated methods. The overall high accuracy of different quantitative measures underlines the potential of [99mTc]Tc-DPD-quantification as a biomarker and demands further prospective evaluation in a larger number of prosthesis.
Diversity and metagenome analysis of a hydrocarbon-degrading bacterial consortium from asphalt lakes located in Wietze, Germany
Authors: Eze Michael O. , Hose Grant C. , George Simon C. , Daniel Rolf 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe pollution of terrestrial and aquatic environments by petroleum contaminants, especially diesel fuel, is a persistent environmental threat requiring cost-effective and environmentally sensitive remediation approaches. Bioremediation is one such approach, but is dependent on the availability of microorganisms with the necessary metabolic abilities and environmental adaptability. The aim of this study was to examine the microbial community in a petroleum contaminated site, and isolate organisms potentially able to degrade hydrocarbons. Through successive enrichment of soil microorganisms from samples of an historic petroleum contaminated site in Wietze, Germany, we isolated a bacterial consortium using diesel fuel hydrocarbons as sole carbon and energy source. The 16S rRNA gene analysis revealed the dominance of Alphaproteobacteria. We further reconstructed a total of 18 genomes from both the original soil sample and the isolated consortium. The analysis of both the metagenome of the consortium and the reconstructed metagenome-assembled genomes show that the most abundant bacterial genus in the consortium, Acidocella, possess many of the genes required for the degradation of diesel fuel aromatic hydrocarbons, which are often the most toxic component. This can explain why this genus proliferated in all the enrichment cultures. Therefore, this study reveals that the microbial consortium isolated in this study and its dominant genus, Acidocella, could potentially serve as an effective inoculum for the bioremediation of sites polluted with diesel fuel or other organic contaminants.
Asymptotic behavior of random coupled Ginzburg–Landau equation driven by colored noise on unbounded domains
Authors: Chen Zhang , Li Lingyu , Yang Dandan 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIn this paper, a random coupled Ginzburg–Landau equation driven by colored noise on unbounded domains is considered, in which the nonlinear term satisfies a local Lipschitz condition. It is shown that the random attractor of such a coupled Ginzburg–Landau equation is a singleton set, and the components of solutions are very close when the coupling parameter becomes large enough.
Linking the International English Language Competency Assessment suite of examinations to the Common European Framework of Reference
Authors: Hidri Sahbi 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe study investigated the alignment process of the International English Language Competency Assessment (IELCA) suite examinations’ four levels, B1, B2, C1 and C2, onto the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) by explaining and discussing the five linking stages (Council of Europe (CoE 2009). Unlike previous studies, this study used the five linking stages altogether to make fair judgements and informed decisions about the practical consequences and validity arguments of this mapping task. Findings indicated that the useful and in-depth discussions of the relevant CEFR descriptors resulted in a deeper awareness of establishing succinct re-familiarisations and re-definitions of the salient features of the different skills and items, thus making them more specific to reflect the CEFR descriptors. The ample alignment activities provided fertile ground for dependable results. For instance, teacher estimates confirmed the cut scores with high agreement percentages, ranging from 74.4 to 99.34. Also, the FACETS analyses showed a good global model fit with a high reliability value of the judgement process, only after undergoing rater training sessions. Specifically, the majority of item difficulty estimates were within the typical range, thus indicating that the IELCA examinations were measuring the underlying construct traits; however, the empirical validation called for additional data and further implementation practices regarding other judgements on the levels’ boundary for IELCA examinations. Further mapping challenges, implications, and future research were also discussed.
DaLiF: a data lifecycle framework for data-driven governments
Authors: Shah Syed Iftikhar Hussain , Peristeras Vassilios , Magnisalis Ioannis 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe public sector, private firms, business community, and civil society are generating data that is high in volume, veracity, velocity and comes from a diversity of sources. This kind of data is known as big data. Public Administrations (PAs) pursue big data as “new oil” and implement data-centric policies to transform data into knowledge, to promote good governance, transparency, innovative digital services, and citizens’ engagement in public policy. From the above, the Government Big Data Ecosystem (GBDE) emerges. Managing big data throughout its lifecycle becomes a challenging task for governmental organizations. Despite the vast interest in this ecosystem, appropriate big data management is still a challenge. This study intends to fill the above-mentioned gap by proposing a data lifecycle framework for data-driven governments. Through a Systematic Literature Review, we identified and analysed 76 data lifecycles models to propose a data lifecycle framework for data-driven governments (DaliF). In this way, we contribute to the ongoing discussion around big data management, which attracts researchers’ and practitioners’ interest.
Incidence of acute kidney injury among COVID-19 patients in Egypt
Authors: El-Sayed Enass E. , Allayeh Abdou K. , Salem Amany A. , Omar Sheren M. , Zaghlol Salwa M. , Abd-Elmaguid Hala M. , Abdul-Ghaffar Mohammed M. , ElSharkawy Magdy M. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
Despite the fact that the fundamental characteristics of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) are respiratory manifestations, multi-organ failure including the kidney has been documented. There are no clear comparisons of COVID-19 cases with and without acute kidney injury (AKI) to show whether there are aspects of acute kidney injury progression path or outcome that are unique to this disease.

Methods
In this work, we analyzed the data of 734 COVID-19 cases admitted to the Ahmad Maher Teaching Hospital in Cairo, Egypt, between June 6 and July 25, 2020. Data on demographics, comorbidities, laboratory results, and outcomes were assessed. To assess the incidence rate of AKI in Egyptian COVID-19 patients, comparisons were carried out between home-isolated COVID-19 patients, hospitalized COVID-19 patients, and ICU COVID-19-patients with or without AKI.

Results
AKI was more common in hospitalized mild COVID-19 patients than in home-isolated and ICU COVID-19 patients (15.0% versus 10.8% and 14.2%, respectively). The overall occurrence rate of AKI was significantly higher in COVID-19 patients (n=91, 14%). Hemodialysis, on the other hand, was required in 76% of the extreme ICU COVID-19 patients who developed AKI (22/29). The absolute number of patients with AKI COVID-19 who required hemodialysis was 34 (37%). This accounted for 5.2% of all COVID-19 patients and 37% of those with AKI. The mortality rate in COVID-19 patients with or without AKI was 15.4% and 4.8%, respectively.

Conclusion
AKI in our COVID-19 patients is associated with a high mortality rate in ICU-COVID-19 patients. Our findings suggest that COVID-19 patients, particularly ICU COVID-19 patients, should be closely monitored for the development of AKI. Early identification of AKI, as well as prompt intervention, can improve COVID-19 patient outcomes.
Lost in mobile? Exploring the mobile internet digital divide among Chinese college students
Authors: Wang Lian , Liu Chun 
Published: June 2021

AbstractMobile has become the primary mode of Internet access for many people. Existing studies have generally indicated that mobile Internet represents an inferior substitute for traditional PC-based Internet. In particularly, mobile-only users are often found to be the most disadvantaged. This paper explores the usage characteristics of multimodal users by differentiating mobile-reliant users, who primarily rely on mobile phones to access the Internet, and non-mobile-reliant users, who primarily use PCs to access the Internet, and investigates the socioeconomic characteristics of mobile-reliant users, the association of the access preference and usage patterns, and whether a new type of digital divide has emerged. Based on data collected in a major public research university in southwest China, this study demonstrates that mobile-reliant users are not disadvantaged compared to non-mobile-reliant users in terms of usage, with the development of advanced mobile technology and the wealth of mobile-friendly content available therein. Practical implications for higher educators are also discussed.
Case report: fast reversal of malignant obesity hypoventilation syndrome after noninvasive ventilation and pulmonary rehabilitation
Authors: Hao Shengyu , Pang Lingling , Xie Liang , Wu Xu , Liu Zilong , Yu Pengfei , Li Shanqun 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
Malignant obesity hypoventilation syndrome (MOHS) is described as a subtype condition of OHS, characterized by extreme obesity, obese-related hypoventilation, and multiorgan dysfunction. Because of low awareness and inadequate treatment, MOHS leads to high morbidity and mortality.

Case presentation
A 53-year-old man was diagnosed with MOHS evidenced by extreme obesity and multiorgan abnormalities. After taken noninvasive ventilation (NIV) treatment, he was rescued. And at the end of the six-month pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) program, improvement in terms of respiratory parameters, BMI, apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), and pulmonary hypertension were observed in the patient. Two years later, the patient was still in good condition.

Conclusions
This case highlights the awareness and proper use of NIV to rescue MOHS patients. Furthermore, the benefits of PR were explored in this case, which has not been considered within the therapeutic options for MOHS patients.
Accuracy of registration techniques and vascular imaging modalities in fusion imaging for aortic endovascular interventions: a phantom study
Authors: Sieren M. M. , Schareck C. , Kaschwich M. , Horn M. , Matysiak F. , Stahlberg E. , Wegner F. , Oechtering T. H. , Barkhausen J. , Goltz J. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
This study aimed to assess the error of different registration techniques and imaging modalities for fusion imaging of the aorta in a standardized setting using a anthropomorphic body phantom.

Materials and methods
A phantom with the 3D printed vasculature of a patient suffering from an infrarenal aortic aneurysm was constructed. Pulsatile flow was generated via an external pump. CTA/MRA of the phantom was performed, and a virtual 3D vascular model was computed. Subsequently, fusion imaging was performed employing 3D-3D and 2D-3D registration techniques. Accuracy of the registration was evaluated from 7 right/left anterior oblique c-arm angulations using the agreement of centerlines and landmarks between the phantom vessels and the virtual 3D virtual vascular model. Differences between imaging modalities were assessed in a head-to-head comparison based on centerline deviation. Statistics included the comparison of means ± standard deviations, student’s t-test, Bland-Altman analysis, and intraclass correlation coefficient for intra- and inter-reader analysis.

Results
3D-3D registration was superior to 2D-3D registration, with the highest mean centerline deviation being 1.67 ± 0.24 mm compared to 4.47 ± 0.92 mm. The highest absolute deviation was 3.25 mm for 3D-3D and 6.25 mm for 2D-3D registration. Differences for all angulations between registration techniques reached statistical significance. A decrease in registration accuracy was observed for c-arm angulations beyond 30° right anterior oblique/left anterior oblique. All landmarks (100%) were correctly positioned using 3D-3D registration compared to 81% using 2D-3D registration. Differences in accuracy between CT and MRI were acceptably small. Intra- and inter-reader reliability was excellent.

Conclusion
In the realm of registration techniques, the 3D-3D method proved more accurate than did the 2D-3D method. Based on our data, the use of 2D-3D registration for interventions with high registration quality requirements (e.g., fenestrated aortic repair procedures) cannot be fully recommended. Regarding imaging modalities, CTA and MRA can be used equivalently.
Optic disc drusen mimicking Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH): rely on ultrasound
Authors: Bakola Eleni , Alonistiotis Dimitrios , Arvaniti Chryssa , Salakou Stavroula , Nana Niki , Foska Aikaterini , Kotsali-Peteinelli Vasiliki , Voumvourakis Konstantinos , Tsivgoulis Georgios 
Published: June 2021

AbstractOptic nerve ultrasound is an established routine supplementary diagnostic tool for idiopathic intracranial pressure but it can also be helpful in avoiding misdiagnoses. We describe a case of an obese 15- year-old girl with persistent headaches, fundoscopic findings suggesting papilledema, normal brain imaging who underwent two lumbar punctures with unremarkable cerebrospinal fluid findings before ultrasound revealed optic disc drusen as the cause of the optic disc elevation.
Caffeine consumption, intoxication, and stress among female university students: a cross-sectional study
Authors: AlAteeq Deemah A. , Alotaibi Razan , Al Saqer Raneem , Alharbi Njoud , Alotaibi Maram , Musllet Reema , Alraqibah Rana 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
University students use caffeine to cope with stress in spite of its adverse effects. The purpose of this study is to explore caffeine consumption among university students in Saudi Arabia, as well as its correlation with stress and caffeine intoxication. This cross-sectional study examined a convenience sample of 547 students at Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University (PNU). A self-administrated questionnaire was used to assess caffeine consumption in milligrams per day, stress was assessed by the perceived stress scale (PSS), and caffeine intoxication was assessed using the DSM-5 criteria.

Results
The mean total caffeine consumption was 424.69 ± 385.31 mg/day. High levels of caffeine consumption were found among students of non-health colleges and students who were undiagnosed with psychiatric disorders (p values <0.040 and 0.027, respectively). A significant positive correlation was found between caffeine consumption and perceived stress (p<0.045). Only 13.26% of all participants fulfilled the DSM-5 criteria for caffeine use disorder. The majority of participants showed moderate and high stress levels (69.9% and 18.7%).

Conclusion
This study revealed high caffeine consumption and perceived stress levels among female undergraduate students with a significant positive association between them. The results emphasize the importance of educational campaigns about caffeine consumption and intoxication. They also encourage the development of stress management programs. Longitudinal studies need to be designed for evidence-based intervention.
Patient and Provider Perspectives on Postsurgical Recovery of Cushing Syndrome
Authors: Acree Rachel , Miller Caitlin M , Abel Brent S , Neary Nicola M , Campbell Karen , Nieman Lynnette K 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Context
Cushing syndrome (CS) is associated with impaired health-related quality of life (HRQOL) even after surgical cure.

Objective
To characterize patient and provider perspectives on recovery from CS, drivers of decreased HRQOL during recovery, and ways to improve HRQOL.

Design
Cross-sectional observational survey.

Participants
Patients (n = 341) had undergone surgery for CS and were members of the Cushing’s Support and Research Foundation. Physicians (n = 54) were Pituitary Society physician members and academicians who treated patients with CS.

Results
Compared with patients, physicians underestimated the time to complete recovery after surgery (12 months vs 18 months, P = 0.0104). Time to recovery did not differ by CS etiology, but patients with adrenal etiologies of CS reported a longer duration of cortisol replacement medication compared with patients with Cushing disease (12 months vs 6 months, P = 0.0025). Physicians overestimated the benefits of work (26.9% vs 65.3%, P &lt; 0.0001), exercise (40.9% vs 77.6%, P = 0.0001), and activities (44.8% vs 75.5%, P = 0.0016) as useful coping mechanisms in the postsurgical period. Most patients considered family/friends (83.4%) and rest (74.7%) to be helpful. All physicians endorsed educating patients on recovery, but 32.4% (95% CI, 27.3-38.0) of patients denied receiving sufficient information. Some patients did not feel prepared for the postsurgical experience (32.9%; 95% CI, 27.6-38.6) and considered physicians not familiar enough with CS (16.1%; 95% CI, 12.2-20.8).

Conclusion
Poor communication between physicians and CS patients may contribute to dissatisfaction with the postsurgical experience. Increased information on recovery, including helpful coping mechanisms, and improved provider-physician communication may improve HRQOL during recovery.
Hypomorphic and hypermorphic mouse models of Fsip2 indicate its dosage-dependent roles in sperm tail and acrosome formation
Authors: Fang Xiang , Gamallat Yaser , Chen Zhiheng , Mai Hanran , Zhou Pei , Sun Chuanbo , Li Xiaoliang , Li Hong , Zheng Shuxin , Liao Caihua , Yang Miaomiao , Li Yan , Yang Zeyu , Ma Caiqi , Han Dingding , Zuo Liandong , Xu Wenming , Hu Hao , Sun Ling , Li Na 
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACT
Loss-of-function mutations in multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF)-associated genes lead to decreased sperm motility and impaired male fertility. As an MMAF gene, the function of fibrous sheath-interacting protein 2 (FSIP2) remains largely unknown. In this work, we identified a homozygous truncating mutation of FSIP2 in an infertile patient. Accordingly, we constructed a knock-in (KI) mouse model with this mutation. In parallel, we established an Fsip2 overexpression (OE) mouse model. Remarkably, KI mice presented with the typical MMAF phenotype, whereas OE mice showed no gross anomaly except for sperm tails with increased length. Single-cell RNA sequencing of the testes uncovered altered expression of genes related to sperm flagellum, acrosomal vesicle and spermatid development. We confirmed the expression of Fsip2 at the acrosome and the physical interaction of this gene with Acrv1, an acrosomal marker. Proteomic analysis of the testes revealed changes in proteins sited at the fibrous sheath, mitochondrial sheath and acrosomal vesicle. We also pinpointed the crucial motifs of Fsip2 that are evolutionarily conserved in species with internal fertilization. Thus, this work reveals the dosage-dependent roles of Fsip2 in sperm tail and acrosome formation.
Spc1 regulates the signal peptidase-mediated processing of membrane proteins
Authors: Yim Chewon , Chung Yeonji , Kim Jeesoo , Nilsson IngMarie , Kim Jong-Seo , Kim Hyun 
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACT
Signal peptidase (SPase) cleaves the signal sequences (SSs) of secretory precursors. It contains an evolutionarily conserved membrane protein subunit, Spc1, that is dispensable for the catalytic activity of SPase and whose role remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the function of yeast Spc1. First, we set up an in vivo SPase cleavage assay using variants of the secretory protein carboxypeptidase Y (CPY) with SSs modified in the N-terminal and hydrophobic core regions. When comparing the SS cleavage efficiencies of these variants in cells with or without Spc1, we found that signal-anchored sequences became more susceptible to cleavage by SPase without Spc1. Furthermore, SPase-mediated processing of model membrane proteins was enhanced in the absence of Spc1 and was reduced upon overexpression of Spc1. Spc1 co-immunoprecipitated with proteins carrying uncleaved signal-anchored or transmembrane (TM) segments. Taken together, these results suggest that Spc1 protects TM segments from SPase action, thereby sharpening SPase substrate selection and acting as a negative regulator of the SPase-mediated processing of membrane proteins.