bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel ANO5 intronic Roma variant alters splicing causing muscular dystrophy
Authors: Mavillard Fabiola , Servián‐Morilla Emilia , Rivas Eloy , Paradas Carmen , Cabrera‐Serrano Macarena 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe pathogenic role of intronic variants is generally difficult to assess, except for those near known splice sites for which aberrant splicing is suspected, although deeper intronic variants can also alter splicing. We have identified a novel (NM_213599.2:c.1180+6T>C) ANO5 variant that causes the exclusion of exon 12. The mutation, identified in a Roma individual, has an estimated carrier rate of 1.68% among the Iberian Roma population, this being the first ANO5 pathogenic variant communicated in this ethnic group. In this study, we have also characterized the ANO5 splice forms expressed in human muscle with the detection of an alternative transcript, in which exons 8 and 9 are spliced out.
Clinical and etiological analysis of co‐infections and secondary infections in COVID‐19 patients: An observational study
Authors: Chen Shuyan , Zhu Qing , Xiao Yanyu , Wu Chi , Jiang Zhaofang , Liu Lei , Qu Jiuxin 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundCo‐infections, secondary bacterial or fungal infections, are important risk factors for poor outcomes in viral infections. The prevalence of co‐infection and secondary infection in patients infected with SARS‐CoV‐2 is not well understood.AimsTo investigate the role of co‐infections and secondary infections in disease severity of hospitalized individuals with COVID‐19.Materials and MethodsA retrospective study was carried out between 11 January 2020 and 1 March 2020 among 408 laboratory confirmed COVID‐19 patients in China. These patients were divided into three groups based on disease severity: mild or moderate, severe, or critically ill. Microbiological pathogens in blood, urine, and respiratory tract specimens were detected by the combination of culture, serology, polymerase chain reaction, and metagenomic next‐generation sequencing (mNGS).ResultsThe median age of participants was 48 years (IQR 34–60 years). Fifty‐two patients (12.7%) had at least one additional pathogen, 8.1% were co‐infected, and 5.1% had a secondary infection. There were 13 Mycoplasma pneumoniae cases, 8 Haemophilus influenzae cases, 8 respiratory viruses, and 3 Streptococcus pneumoniae cases, primarily detected in mild and moderate COVID‐19 patients. Hospital‐acquired infection pathogens were more common in critically ill patients. Compared to those without additional pathogens, patients with co‐infections and/or secondary infections were more likely to receive antibiotics (p < 0.001) and have elevated levels of d‐dimer (p = 0.0012), interleukin‐6 (p = 0.0027), and procalcitonin (p = 0.0002). The performance of conventional culture was comparable with that of mNGS in diagnosis of secondary infections.ConclusionCo‐infections and secondary infections existed in hospitalized COVID‐19 patients and were relevant to the disease severity. Screening of common respiratory pathogens and hospital infection control should be strengthened.
Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato seroconversion after intravenous immunoglobulin treatment: A cohort study
Authors: Lucke Ilse M. , Vrijlandt Amber , Lim Johan , van der Kooi Anneke J. , van Schaik Ivo N. , Zaaijer Hans L. , Hovius Joppe W. , Eftimov Filip 
Published: April 2021

AbstractObjectiveIntravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) consists of pooled donor immunoglobulins (IgG), possibly including anti‐Borrelia burgdorferi (Bbsl) antibodies. Apparent IVIg‐related Bbsl seroconversion could lead to incorrect diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis. This cohort study was designed to determine how often IVIg treatment leads to apparent Bbsl seroconversion and whether antibodies disappear post‐treatment.MethodsSera from chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) and myositis patients were analyzed, drawn pre‐treatment and 6–12 weeks after the start of IVIg. In patients with apparent seroconversion, follow‐up samples after treatment withdrawal were analyzed, if available. Patients treated with corticosteroids were included as controls. A two‐tier protocol was used for serological testing consisting of the C6 Lyme ELISA (Oxford Immunotec) and confirmation by immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) immunoblot (Mikrogen®).ResultsWe included 61 patients: 51 patients were treated with IVIg and 10 with dexamethasone. Of the patients treated with IVIg, 42 had CIDP (82%) and were treated with Nanogam® (Sanquin Plasma Products). Nine patients had myositis (18%) and were treated with Privigen® (CSL Behring). Anti‐Bbsl IgG seroprevalence pre‐treatment was 3% (2/61). Apparent seroconversion during IVIg treatment occurred in 39% (20/51) of patients, all treated with Nanogam. Post‐treatment seroreversion occurred in 92% (12/13) of patients with available follow‐up samples; in 78% (7/9) seroreversion was observed within 3 months.ConclusionsTransient presence of anti‐Bbsl IgG antibodies after IVIg is regularly observed. This effect appears to be dependent on the IVIg brand, probably reflecting variation in Bbsl exposure of plasma donors. Lyme borreliosis serological testing during, and weeks to months after, IVIg is therefore of limited utility.
Comparison of clinical outcomes and FOXP3, IL‐17A responses in Helicobacter pylori infection in children versus adults
Authors: Yörgüç Eda , Gülerman Hacer Fulya , Kalkan İsmail Hakkı , Güven Burcu , Balcı Mahi , Yörgüç Mustafa Çağlar 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of this study was to compare the clinical symptoms and pathological consequences of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection between children and adults and determine the levels of expression of FOX3P and IL‐17A to examine the Th17/Treg balance.MethodsForty pediatric and 40 adult patients who were followed up at the Pediatric Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine Gastroenterology Departments were enrolled in the study. In our case‐control study, gastric tissue specimens were evaluated using the updated Sydney system, and the number of cells expressing FOXP3/IL‐17A (Treg and Th17 cell markers) was analyzed immunohistochemically. In addition, each case was evaluated using a clinical follow‐up questionnaire.ResultsClinical signs and symptoms of children and adults were similar. IL‐17A and FOXP3 levels were significantly higher in children and adults with H. pylori (+) than in those without H. pylori (−) (p < .001). In patients with H. pylori (+), the mean FOXP3 level was significantly higher, whereas the mean IL‐17A level was significantly lower in children than in adults (p < 0001 for both groups). In children with H. pylori (+), bacterial density was negatively correlated with IL‐17A level and positively correlated with FOXP3 level. In adults with H. pylori (+), there was a statistically significant, highly positive correlation between bacterial density and levels of IL‐17A and FOXP3.ConclusionsTreg cells are suggested to more predominant in children than in adults, IL‐17A levels decrease as H. pylori bacterial density increases. In conclusion, immune responses incline toward Treg, which increases the susceptibility to persistent infections.
Salivary counts ofStreptococcus mutansandLactobacillusin patients with and without cleft lip and/or palate undergoing orthodontic treatment: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Vale Francisco , Correia Liliana , Guimarães Adriana , Caramelo Francisco , Francisco Inês 
Published: April 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo conduct a systematic review with meta‐analysis to assess if cleft lip and palate (CLP) patients undergoing orthodontic treatment have a higher colonization ofStreptococcus mutansand Lactobacillus than patients without this condition.MethodsFive electronic databases were searched systematically. The inclusion criteria were as follows: randomized clinical trials, non‐randomized, or quasi‐randomized controlled trials, prospective and retrospective studies published until March, 2021; articles that evaluatedS. mutans and Lactobacillusprofile in patients with and without cleft lip and palate undergoing orthodontic treatment. The random‐effect model was used to perform the analysis of all the data collected. Statistic heterogeneity was evaluated withI2test.ResultsIn this systematic review, 2 cohort studies were included. The data analysis from 160 patients revealed that patients without cleft lip and palate had 4.5 times more predisposition to oral colonization withS. mutansthan CLP patients. No statistical significant difference was found between these patients for colonization withLactobacillus.ConclusionsDespite the limitations in the included studies, this systematic review suggested that CLP patients have a lower predisposition to oral colonization withS. mutanswhen compared to healthy patients.
Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans in pregnancy: a case series and review of the literature
Authors: Kibbi Nour , Wang David , Wang Wei‐Lien , Galan Anjela , Leffell David J. , Christensen Sean R. , Panse Gauri 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundDermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a rare cutaneous sarcoma, which has been reported in pregnancy. This case series reports the clinical and histopathological findings of DFSP in pregnancy.MethodsEighteen cases of DFSP, including six unreported cases and 12 cases from the literature, were identified. Age, anatomic location, tumor size, changes in tumor characteristics during pregnancy, histopathological features, and treatment were recorded. Follow‐up data, when available, were noted.ResultsThe average age of the cohort was 30.6 years (range 19–38). Ten tumors (55.6%) were located on the trunk, four (22.2%) on the head and neck, three (16.7%) on the extremities, and one (5.6%) in the genitalia. Most tumors demonstrated features of conventional DFSP (12/18, 66.7%), while the remaining were identified as DFSP with fibrosarcomatous (FS) change (3/18, 16.7%), atrophic DFSP (2/18, 11.1%), and myxoid DFSP (1/18, 5.6%). Treatment was reported in 17 cases, at least nine of which were treated postpartum. Ten patients were treated with excision, while seven underwent Mohs micrographic surgery. Three patients recurred on follow‐up, one with local recurrence and two with distant metastasis.ConclusionsDFSP can undergo enlargement or change in size or color in pregnancy, possibly mediated by hormones. While the majority of cases in this series represented conventional DFSP, unusual clinical and histopathological variants were also present. Treatment in most cases can be safely delayed until after delivery, but recurrent or very large tumors may require treatment prepartum. Close monitoring for recurrence or metastasis is advised.
International joint ventures, technology licensing and ownership structure
Authors: Beladi Hamid , Hu May , Lee Tan (Charlene) 
Published: April 2021

AbstractTo enter into a host country market with significant technological distance, a multinational corporation forms a joint venture affiliate with a local partner and collects licensing royalties from the affiliate. Both parties to the joint venture simultaneously decide their respective equity shares and the capital capacity of a continuous investment project via Nash bargaining. Since the multinational corporation receives licensing royalties from its local partner, it will therefore hold a share smaller than its relative bargaining power. In addition, the multinational firm will demand a larger ownership share if the royalty rate is lower, or the repurchase price of capital becomes lower. The joint venture firm will install a higher capital capacity when entering the host‐country market if the price either to repurchase or to resell capital becomes higher. This capacity installation decision, however, will not be affected by the licensing royalty rate.
Nanoliposomal encapsulation of chia oil for sustained delivery of α‐linolenic acid
Authors: Choudhary Pintu , Dutta Sayantani , Moses Jeyan A. , Anandharamakrishnan Chinnaswamy 
Published: April 2021

SummaryChia oil is a popular source of ω‐3 fatty acids, typically α‐linolenic acid. This study reports the encapsulation of chia oil in nanoliposome to protect ω‐3 fatty acids and to obtain a sustained release of chia oil during digestion. Nanoliposomal encapsulation was carried out using solvent evaporation, followed by sonication. The encapsulation process was conducted using different lipid contents, with different concentrations of soy phosphatidylcholine (S), Tween 80 (T) and volumes of the aqueous phase. The maximum encapsulation efficiency was found to be 88.31%, and the average particle size was 49.25 nm; a moderate repulsion among the particles was observed. Differential scanning calorimetry study revealed enhanced thermal stability of chia oil in nanoliposomes. A negligible release (3.39%) of encapsulated chia oil was observed in the simulated gastric fluid, and a 74.72% sustained release was recorded in the simulated intestinal fluid. This formulation can be a suitable supplement of ω‐3 fatty acids for food and therapeutic applications.
Comparison of clinical manifestation among Australian Indigenous and non‐indigenous patients presenting with pleural effusion
Authors: Heraganahally Subash S. , Silva Sampathawaduge A. M. S. , Howarth Timothy P. , Kangaharan Nadarajah , Majoni Sandawana W. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundThere is sparse evidence in the literature in relation to the nature and causes of pleural effusion among Australian Indigenous population.AimTo investigate the clinical and demographic characteristics of adult indigenous patients presenting with pleural effusion in the Northern Territory of Australia.MethodsIn this retrospective study, indigenous and non‐indigenous adults diagnosed to have pleural effusion over a 2‐year study period were included for comparative analysis.ResultsOf the 314 patients, 205 (65%) were non‐indigenous and 52% were male. In comparison with non‐indigenous patients, the indigenous patients were younger (50 years (interquartile range (IQR) 39–60) vs 63 years (IQR 52–72); P < 0.001), female (61% vs 41%; P = 0.001), had a higher prevalence of renal and cardiovascular disease and tended to have exudative effusion (93% vs 76%; P = 0.032). Infections were judged to be the most common cause of effusion in both groups, more so among the indigenous cohort. Effusion secondary to renal disease was higher (13% vs 1%; P < 0.001) among Australian Indigenous patients, but in contrast, malignant effusions were higher (13% vs 4%; P = 0.004) among non‐indigenous patients. Length of hospital stay was longer for indigenous patients (P = 0.001), and a greater proportion received renal dialysis (13% vs 1%; P < 0.001). Intensive care unit admission rates were higher with infective aetiology of pleural effusion (82% vs 53% indigenous and 44% vs 39% non‐indigenous respectively). Re‐presentations to hospital were higher among indigenous patients (46% vs 33%; P = 0.046) and were associated with renal and cardiac disease and malignancy in non‐indigenous patients.ConclusionThere are significant differences in the way pleural effusion manifests among Australian Indigenous patients. Understanding these differences might facilitate approaches to management and to implementation of strategies to reduce morbidity and mortality in this population.
Absconding: A qualitative perspective of patients leaving inpatient psychiatric care
Authors: Muir‐Cochrane Eimear , Muller Amanda , Oster Candice 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAbsconding from inpatient psychiatric care is a complex problem with significant and broad ranging effects for patients, staff, family/carers, and the broader community. Absconding includes leaving the ward without permission and failing to return from leave at an agreed time. This study is a retrospective chart audit of a data set of absconding events from 11 psychiatric wards in a metropolitan Australian city. The data set included both quantitative and qualitative data. The focus of this study is analysis of the qualitative data documenting what happened during events, with quantitative data provided to contextualize the qualitative analysis. A total of 995 absconding events by 488 patients were reported between January 2016 and June 2018, representing a rate of 1.6 per 100 admissions. Two themes were identified in the qualitative analysis. ‘Having things to do’ encompassed opportunistic absconding and volitional absconding. ‘Something changed’ represented predisposing events that affected the absconding behaviour, such as being stepped down in care (moving from a more acute to a less acute psychiatric unit), receiving bad news, or interpersonal conflict either between patients or between nursing staff and patients. Results highlight the importance of harm minimization strategies to reduce the incidence of absconding.
A low‐permittivity microwave dielectric ceramic BaZnP2O7 and its performance modification
Authors: Chen Xiaoqing , Li Hao , Zhang Pengcheng , Hu Houlin , Chen Gongtian , Li Gaosheng 
Published: April 2021

AbstractComplex pyrophosphates compounds have attracted much attention as promising candidates for substrate applications. In the work, a low‐permittivity BaZnP2O7 ceramic was synthesized through solid‐state reaction. The pure phase BaZnP2O7 was crystallized in the triclinic P−1 space group. Excellent microwave dielectric properties of the BaZnP2O7 ceramic with εr = 8.23, Qf = 56170 GHz, and τf = −28.7 ppm/°C were obtained at 870°C for 4 h. The substitution of Mg2+ for Zn2+ was found to have positive effects on grain morphology and dielectric properties. Optimized performance of εr = 8.21, Qf = 84760 GHz, and τf = −21.9 ppm/°C was yielded at 900°C for the BaZn0.98Mg0.02P2O7 ceramic. Intrinsic dielectric properties of BaZn1‐xMgxP2O7 ceramics were studied via Clausius–Mossotti equation and complex chemical bond theory.
Future outcomes and health needs of chronic hepatitis C patients after receiving antiviral therapy
Authors: Hsiao Yu‐Hsuan , Chen Wei‐Ming , Chang Chia‐Hao , Chen Mei‐Yen 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAimsTo study the future outcomes and health needs of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients after receiving direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) therapy based on the health promotion perspectives and cardiometabolic risks in a rural setting.DesignThis cross‐sectional study was conducted from May to December 2019 in coastal western and southern Taiwan.MethodsWe included CHC patients who were diagnosed and transferred by the gastroenterologist and hepatologist in outpatient clinics and completed DAA treatments. Data on demographic characteristics, health‐related behaviours and physiological biomarkers were collected through one‐on‐one interview using a questionnaire and from medical records obtained from a teaching hospital.ResultsIn total, 124 participants were enrolled. Most participants (87.1%) had no side effects and 79.8% felt satisfied after treatment. However, 62.1% had metabolic syndrome, 48.4% had hypertension and 37.9% had diabetes. Furthermore, 71.8% patients were considered to have medium‐to‐high risk based on Framingham risk scores. In the multiple regression model, after adjusting for education level, other chronic diseases were negatively associated with health‐promoting behaviours in participants.ConclusionsAlthough there were few side effects and most patients were satisfied after treatment, there was a high prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors and cardiometabolic diseases and less adoption of healthy behaviours in CHC patients. Despite the small sample size, the study suggests that clinicians can reduce the burden of the aforementioned comorbidities by providing adequate treatment and individualized lifestyle modification.ImpactThis study highlights that primary healthcare providers should consider the health needs of CHC patients after DAA treatment since many patients have high cardiometabolic risks, but only a few adopt a healthy lifestyle. Further studies are needed to initiate health‐promoting programs for these patients to reduce further injury to vital organs.
Cognitive tasks in the core content areas: Factors that influence students' technology use in high‐school classrooms
Authors: Hawk Nathan A. , Vongkulluksn Vanessa W. , Xie Kui , Bowman Margaret A. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractPrior studies have focused on general technology use and technology use in domain‐general applications and quantity of technology use. Recent evidence suggests that investigations should consider how technology is used in more contextually specific ways, including how technology is used for various cognitive tasks in specific classrooms. The purpose of this study was to examine the ways in which classroom content area and student goal orientation have a coordinated influence for how students used technology to support learning. The sample included high school students in a Midwestern state who were surveyed on their motivation and how they used technology to support learning. The study employed hierarchical linear modelling to examine how goal orientation and classroom content area predicted various levels of Bloom's Digital Taxonomy. Students who adopted mastery‐oriented goals were more likely to use technology for various cognitive tasks, especially those at higher levels of complexity. Lastly, the association between mastery goal orientation and some aspects of technology use was conditioned on content area, although effect sizes were small. This study showed that, overall, technology is used differentially across four core content areas. Students in mathematics classrooms used technology less, however much of technology use was evident at lower cognitive levels. Second, students' goal orientation, and in particular their mastery goals influence how technology is used across content areas, and this is marginally conditioned on content area. Technology use should match the instructional context to maximize technology use and students' goal orientation.
Low basal serum testosterone level is detrimental to the embryo implantation in the patients with severe endometriosis
Authors: Huang Ling , Chen Minghui , Long Lingli , Tuo Ying , Wang Zengyan , Zhou Canquan , Li Yubin 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAimAndrogens have been reported to be associated with female fertility. The mean serum testosterone concentration in the patients with endometriosis was reported to be significantly lower than that without endometriosis. Our study was designed to investigate the influence of basal serum testosterone levels on the clinical outcome of in vitro fertilization (IVF) in the patients with III‐IV stage endometriosis.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included 407 patients with III‐IV stage endometriosis diagnosed by laparoscopic surgery. We studied the association of the basal serum testosterone level and the reproductive outcome of IVF.ResultsThe basal serum testosterone concentration was significantly higher in the pregnant group of patients with III‐IV stage endometriosis. The further analyses demonstrated that the implantation rate of the basal serum testosterone concentration < 0.305 ng/mL group was significantly lower than the testosterone ≥ 0.305 ng/mL group (24.1% vs. 32.7%, p = 0.007). The clinical pregnancy and live birth rate of the basal serum testosterone < 0.305 ng/mL group were also lower than that of the testosterone ≥ 0.305 ng/mL group. Both initial and total dose of gonadotropins in the testosterone <0.305 ng/mL group are significantly higher than that of the testosterone ≥0.305 ng/mL group.ConclusionsOur study demonstrated, for the first time, that the basal serum testosterone <0.305 ng/mL had an adverse impact on pregnancy outcomes of IVF‐embryo transfer in the patients with III‐IV stage endometriosis. Besides, the basal serum testosterone is also helpful in making individual stimulation protocol for the patients with advanced endometriosis before entering IVF cycles.