bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic Manipulation of Ticks: A Paradigm Shift in Tick and Tick-Borne Diseases Research
Authors: Nuss Andrew , Sharma Arvind , Gulia-Nuss Monika 
Published: May 2021

Ticks are obligate hematophagous arthropods that are distributed worldwide and are one of the most important vectors of pathogens affecting humans and animals. Despite the growing burden of tick-borne diseases, research on ticks has lagged behind other arthropod vectors, such as mosquitoes. This is largely because of challenges in applying functional genomics and genetic tools to the idiosyncrasies unique to tick biology, particularly techniques for stable genetic transformations. CRISPR-Cas9 is transforming non-model organism research; however, successful germline editing has yet to be accomplished in ticks. Here, we review the ancillary methods needed for transgenic tick development and the use of CRISPR/Cas9, the most promising gene-editing approach, for tick genetic transformation.
Subsequent Fertility in Women Treated for Caesarean Scar Pregnancy With Hysteroscopy: A 5-Year Follow-Up Descriptive Study in a Tertiary Hospital
Authors: Sun Xinyi , Liu Yang , Tang Yunhui , Yu Hongying , Zhao Min , Chen Qi 
Published: May 2021

ObjectiveThe outcomes of subsequent pregnancies and fertility in women with a history of caesarean scar pregnancy have not been well described. In this study, we followed up 149 women with a history of caesarean scar pregnancy and analysed the effect on their fertility.Methods149 women with a history of caesarean scar pregnancy were followed up for five years. Of them, 53 women had unprotected sexual intercourse attempting to become pregnant again. Data including clinical parameters and treatment options at the time of diagnosis of caesarean scar pregnancy, and the outcomes in subsequent pregnancy were collected. In addition, a questionnaire about the menstrual cycle after treatment was voluntarily completed by these women.ResultsOf the 53 women, 46 (84%) women had a subsequent pregnancy, while seven (14%) women did not. There was no association between the clinical parameters in previous caesarean scar pregnancy or treatment and future fertility. From the questionnaire, there was no difference seen in the length of the menstrual cycle and menses between the two groups. However, a higher number of women with light menstrual bleeding were seen in women without a subsequent pregnancy (67%), compared with women who did (28%). In addition, six women (13%) who had a subsequent pregnancy experienced foetus death in the first trimester.ConclusionWe reported that 14% of women with a history of cesarean scar pregnancy did not have a subsequent pregnancy, after unprotected sexual intercourse for more than two years. Light menstrual bleeding after treatment may be associated with this adverse effect. Our findings need to be further investigated with large sample size.
Economic Study of 2-Stage Exchange in Patients With Knee or Hip Prosthetic Joint Infection Managed in a Referral Center in France: Time to Use Innovative(s) Intervention(s) at the Time of Reimplantation to Reduce the Risk of Superinfection
Authors: Serrier Hassan , Julien Christell , Batailler Cécile , Mabrut Eugénie , Brochier Corinne , Thevenon Sylvie , Maynard-Muet Marianne , Henry Agnes , Lustig Sébastien , Huot Laure , Ferry Tristan ,   The Lyon BJI Study group
Published: May 2021

Objective: Chronic prosthetic joint infections (PJI) are serious complications in arthroplasty leading to prosthesis exchange and potential significant costs for health systems, especially if a subsequent new infection occurs. This study assessed the cost of chronic PJI managed with 2-stage exchange at the Lyon University Hospital, CRIOAc Lyon reference center, France. A threshold analysis was then undertaken to determine the reimbursement tariff of a hypothetical preventive device usable at the time of reimplantation, which possibly enables health insurance to save money according to the risk reduction of subsequent new infection. This analysis was also performed for a potential innovative device already available on the market, a dual antibiotic loaded bone cement used to fix cemented prosthesis that releases high concentrations of gentamicin and vancomycin locally (G+V cement).Method: Patients &gt;18 years, admitted for a hip or knee chronic PJI managed with 2-stage exchange, between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2015, were retrospectively identified. Following, resource consumption in relation to inpatient hospital stay, hospitalization at home, rehabilitation care, outpatient antibiotic treatments, imaging, laboratory analysis, and consultations were identified and collected from patient records and taken into account in the evaluation. Costs were assessed from the French health insurance perspective over the 2 years following prosthesis reimplantation.Results: The study included 116 patients (median age 67 y; 47% hip prosthesis). Mean cost of chronic PJI was estimated over the 2 years following prosthesis reimplantation at €21,324 for all patients, and at €51,697 and €15,745 for patients with (n = 18) and without (n = 98) a subsequent new infection after reimplantation, respectively. According to the threshold analysis the reimbursement tariff (i) should not exceed €2,820 for a device which can reduce the risk of a new infection by 50% and (ii) was between €2,988 and €3,984 if the G + V cement can reduce the risk of a new infection by 80% (this reduction risk is speculative and has to be confirmed by clinical trials).Conclusion: This study revealed that chronic PJI requiring a 2-stage revision is costly, with significant costs in relation to the reimplantation procedure (about 15 k€). However, following reimplantation the rate of subsequent new infection remained high, and the cost of reimplantation following a new infection is considerable, reaching 50k€ per patient. These first cost estimates of managing chronic PJI with 2-stage exchange in France underline the economic interest of preventing new infections.
Accuracy of Support-Vector Machines for Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease, Using Volume of Brain Obtained by Structural MRI at Siriraj Hospital
Authors: Vichianin Yudthaphon , Khummongkol Anutr , Chiewvit Pipat , Raksthaput Atthapon , Chaichanettee Sunisa , Aoonkaew Nuttapol , Senanarong Vorapun 
Published: May 2021

Background: The determination of brain volumes using visual ratings is associated with an inherently low accuracy for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). A support-vector machine (SVM) is one of the machine learning techniques, which may be utilized as a classifier for various classification problems. This study exploratorily investigated the accuracy of SVM classification models for AD subjects using brain volume and various clinical data as features.Methods: The study was designed as a retrospective chart review. A total of 201 eligible subjects were recruited from the Memory Clinic at Siriraj Hospital, Thailand. Eighteen cases were excluded due to incomplete MRI data. Subjects were randomly assigned to a training group (AD = 46, normal = 46) and testing group (AD = 45, normal = 46) for SVM modeling and validation, respectively. The results in terms of accuracy and a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis are reported.Results: The highest accuracy for brain volumetry (62.64%) was found using the hippocampus as a single feature. A combination of clinical parameters as features provided accuracy ranging between 83 and 90%. However, a combination of brain volumetry and clinical parameters as features to the SVM models did not improve the accuracy of the result.Conclusions: In our study, the use of brain volumetry as SVM features provided low classification accuracy with the highest accuracy of 62.64% using the hippocampus volume alone. In contrast, the use of clinical parameters [Thai mental state examination score, controlled oral word association tests (animals; and letters K, S, and P), learning memory, clock-drawing test, and construction-praxis] as features for SVM models provided good accuracy between 83 and 90%.
Combining 68Ga-PSMA-PET/CT-Directed and Elective Radiation Therapy Improves Outcome in Oligorecurrent Prostate Cancer: A Retrospective Multicenter Study
Authors: Kirste Simon , Kroeze Stephanie G. C. , Henkenberens Christoph , Schmidt-Hegemann Nina-Sophie , Vogel Marco M. E. , Becker Jessica , Zamboglou Constantinos , Burger Irene , Derlin Thorsten , Bartenstein Peter , Ruf Juri , la Fougère Christian , Eiber Matthias , Christiansen Hans , Combs Stephanie E. , Müller Arndt-Christian , Belka Claus , Guckenberger Matthias , Grosu Anca-Ligia 
Published: May 2021

BackgroundIn case of oligo-recurrent prostate cancer (PC) following prostatectomy, 68Ga-PSMA-PET/CT can be used to detect a specific site of recurrence and to initiate metastasis-directed radiation therapy (MDT). However, large heterogeneities exist concerning doses, treatment fields and radiation techniques, with some studies reporting focal radiotherapy (RT) to PSMA-PET/CT positive lesions only and other studies using elective RT strategies. We aimed to compare oncological outcomes and toxicity between PET/CT-directed RT (PDRT) and PDRT plus elective RT (eRT; i.e. prostate bed, pelvic or paraaortal nodes) in a large retrospective multicenter study.MethodsData of 394 patients with oligo-recurrent 68Ga-PSMA-PET/CT-positive PC treated between 04/2013 and 01/2018 in six different academic institutions were evaluated. Primary endpoint was biochemical-recurrence-free survival (bRFS). bRFS was analyzed using Kaplan–Meier survival curves and log rank testing. Uni- and multivariate analyses were performed to determine influence of treatment parameters.ResultsIn 204 patients (51.8%) RT was directed only to lesions seen on 68Ga-PSMA-PET/CT (PDRT), 190 patients (48.2%) received PDRT plus eRT. PDRT plus eRT was associated with a significantly improved 3-year bRFS compared to PDRT alone (53 vs. 37%; p = 0.001) and remained an independent factor in multivariate analysis (p = 0.006, HR 0.29, 95% CI 0.12–0.68). This effect was more pronounced in the subgroup of patients who were treated with PDRT and elective prostate bed radiotherapy (ePBRT) with a 3-year bRFS of 61% versus 22% (p &lt;0.001). Acute and late toxicity grade ≥3 was 0.8% and 3% after PDRT plus eRT versus no toxicity grade ≥3 after PDRT alone.ConclusionsIn this large cohort of patients with oligo-recurrent prostate cancer, elective irradiation of the pelvic lymphatics and the prostatic bed significantly improved bRFS when added to 68Ga-PSMA-PET/CT-guided focal radiotherapy. These findings need to be evaluated in a randomized controlled trial.
Micro-Ureteroscopy as a Treatment of Renal Pelvis Lithiasis in Young Children
Authors: Parente Alberto , Ortiz Ruben , Fernández-Bautista Beatriz , Burgos Laura , Angulo José Maria 
Published: May 2021

Aim: Miniaturization of endoscopic instruments has allowed to improve the efficacy of kidney stone treatment in young children. Aim of the study is to evaluate the usefulness of microureteroscopy with 4.85F sheath in the treatment of renal stones in children.M&amp;M: We present 4 cases of microureteroscopy in 3 younger than 3 years patients with renal pelvic stones. Lithiasis was unilateral in 2 female patients and bilateral in 1 male patient. Microureteroscopy was performed using a MicroPerc set 4.85F sheath, without placing a safety guide or dilating the meatus in 3 procedures. The lithotripter system used was Ho:YAG Laser with 200-μm fiber in all cases.Results: Mean operating time was 100 ± 16 min. There were no intraoperative complications. In all procedures, complete pulverization of the lithiasis was achieved, except in the coraliform lithiasis in which 5 mm residual lithiasis remained in the lower calyx. All patients were discharged 24 h after the intervention.Conclusion: Microureteroscopy can be considered a new alternative for treatment of selected cases of renal pelvic stones in infants and children.
Resilience as the Mediating Factor in the Relationship Between Sleep Disturbance and Post-stroke Depression of Stroke Patients in China: A Structural Equation Modeling Analysis
Authors: Zhao Lina , Yang Fengzhi , Sznajder Kristin K. , Zou Changqing , Jia Yajing , Yang Xiaoshi 
Published: May 2021

Background: Stroke patients may suffer from a variety of symptoms which can result in sleep disturbance and post-stroke depression (PSD). Whereas, resilience can alleviate sleep disturbance and help maintain well-being after stroke.Objective: The aim of this study is to explore whether resilience plays a mediating role in the relationship between sleep disturbance and PSD of stroke patients in China.Methods: A cross-sectional study with a multi-stage sampling was carried out in Liaoning Rehabilitation Center and the Third People's Hospital of Chongqing in China from May to September 2019. A total of 353 stroke patients were enrolled in this study. Structural equation model (SEM) was used to test the mediating effect of resilience on the relationship between sleep disturbance and PSD.Results: The prevalence of PSD of stroke patients was 34.56%. Sleep disturbance contributed most to the variance of PSD and had a significantly positive association with PSD among stroke patients (P &lt; 0.01). Resilience was negatively associated with PSD, and acted as a mediator between sleep disturbance and PSD (a * b = 0.201, BCa 95% CI: 0.156~0.254).Conclusions: The prevalence of PSD was high among the Chinese stroke patients. Sleep disturbance was highly associated with PSD, resulting in the increased risk of PSD. Furthermore, resilience has a mediating effect on the relationship between sleep disturbance and PSD, and could reduce the negative effect of sleep disturbance on the development of PSD.
Oral Health Care Delivery for Children During COVID-19 Pandemic—A Retrospective Study
Authors: Fux-Noy Avia , Mattar Luna , Shmueli Aviv , Halperson Elinor , Ram Diana , Moskovitz Moti 
Published: May 2021

Aim: COVID-19 outbreak and the lockdown period following was a very challenging time for pediatric dentistry. We aimed to find whether the characteristics of dental care provided to children at the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at Hadassah medical center, Jerusalem, Israel, differed between the periods, before COVID-19 outbreak, during the lockdown period and during the period that followed it.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed computerized records of patients who visited the pediatric dental clinic at three different periods: pre-lockdown period, lockdown period, and post-lockdown period.Results: Nine-hundred and forty-nine children were included in the study; most of them were healthy children between 3 and 6 years old. During lockdown, all scheduled appointments except for treatments under general anesthesia and deep sedation were canceled due to the government's restrictions; the frequency of treatments with non-pharmacological behavior management, general anesthesia or deep sedation was higher than in the previous or subsequent periods and the use of inhaled/conscious sedation was significantly lower. During lockdown most of the children were diagnosed with dentoalveolar abscess (32.3%), compared to 14 and 21% at the previous or subsequent periods, respectively (P &lt; 0.001). Treatments combination during lockdown included more extractions, pulpectomies and pulp extirpation and less permanent restorations (P &lt; 0.001). None of the staff members was infected with COVID-19 at the clinic during these periods. We concluded that dentists should be updated about Covid-19 modes of transmission and the recommended infection control measures in dental settings. Effective management protocols can help the dental staff to continue to provide efficient treatment and prevent Covid-19 contamination.
Effect of Sedation on the Neurological Examination of the Patellar and Withdrawal Reflexes in Healthy Dogs
Authors: Horsley Kristen T. , Olby Natasha J. , Mitchell Mark A. , Aulakh Karanvir S. , Gines J. Alberto 
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Pain, temperament, fear, and anxiety can prevent safe and accurate evaluation of common neurologic reflexes in dogs. When sedation is used it is unknown how the neurological examination, and specifically patellar and withdrawal reflexes are affected, and, if present, how long any effect might last. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of sedation on the evaluation of select common limb spinal reflexes in healthy dogs.Material and Methods: Fourteen healthy dogs with normal neurologic exams were included. After placing joint landmarks, patellar reflex and pelvic and thoracic limb withdrawal reflexes were tested. Joint angles were measured, obtaining reflex angle endpoints, change in angle, and change in time to reflex completion. These measurements were recorded at different time points: prior to sedation (awake timepoint), 15 and 30 min following administration of standardized sedation protocol of dexmedetomidine and butorphanol, and 15 and 30 min following administration of a standardized reversal agent, atipamazole.Results: For patellar reflex, the stifle end angle increased from 91.5 to 108.55 degrees (p &lt; 0.0001) 15 min following sedation, and remained increased at 104.5 degrees (p &lt; 0.0001) 30 min following sedation. Stifle change in angle increased from 9.6 to 24.4 degrees (p &lt; 0.0001) 15 min following sedation, and remained increased at 20.85 degrees (p &lt; 0.0001) and 11 degrees (p = 0.012) at 30 min sedation and 15 min reversal. Tarsal joint in pelvic withdrawal and elbow in thoracic withdrawal reflexes did not differ in at any timepoint of sedation or reversal when compared with the awake timepoint, for end angle or change in angle. The increases in end angle and change in angle for patellar reflex generated a change in time for patellar reflex from 0.12 s (awake) to 0.129 s (15 min sedation) which was statistically significant (p = 0.041). Change in time did not differ for pelvic withdrawal or thoracic withdrawal.Discussion/Conclusions: Reflexes were elicited in all dogs under sedation. Sedation does not affect the evaluation of the withdrawal reflex on any limb but improves the visualization of the patellar reflex in this group of neurologically normal dogs.
Educational Level, but Not Income or Area Deprivation, is Related to Macrovascular Disease: Results From Two Population-Based Cohorts in Germany
Authors: Ptushkina Violetta , Seidel-Jacobs Esther , Maier Werner , Schipf Sabine , Völzke Henry , Markus Marcello Ricardo Paulista , Nauck Matthias , Meisinger Christa , Peters Annette , Herder Christian , Schwettmann Lars , Dörr Marcus , Felix Stephan B. , Roden Michael , Rathmann Wolfgang 
Published: May 2021

Objectives: An inverse relationship between education and cardiovascular risk has been described, however, the combined association of education, income, and neighborhood socioeconomic status with macrovascular disease is less clear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of educational level, equivalent household income and area deprivation with macrovascular disease in Germany.Methods: Cross-sectional data from two representative German population-based studies, SHIP-TREND (n = 3,731) and KORA-F4 (n = 2,870), were analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression models were applied to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for the association between socioeconomic determinants and macrovascular disease (defined as self-reported myocardial infarction or stroke).Results: The study showed a higher odds of prevalent macrovascular disease in men with low and middle educational level compared to men with high education. Area deprivation and equivalent income were not related to myocardial infarction or stroke in any of the models.Conclusion: Educational level, but not income or area deprivation, is significantly related to the macrovascular disease in men. Effective prevention of macrovascular disease should therefore start with investing in individual education.
Gene Expression Correlation Analysis Reveals MYC-NAC Regulatory Network in Cotton Pigment Gland Development
Authors: Cheng Hailiang , Feng Xiaoxu , Zuo Dongyun , Zhang Youping , Wang Qiaolian , Lv Limin , Wu Chaofeng , Li Shuyan , Dai Yuanli , Qu Da , He Man , Liu Shang , Song Guoli 
Published: May 2021

Plant NAC (NAM, ATAF1/2, and CUC2) family is involved in various development processes including Programmed Cell Death (PCD) associated development. However, the relationship between NAC family and PCD-associated cotton pigment gland development is largely unknown. In this study, we identified 150, 153 and 299 NAC genes in newly updated genome sequences of G. arboreum, G. raimondii and G. hirsutum, respectively. All NAC genes were divided into 8 groups by the phylogenetic analysis and most of them were conserved during cotton evolution. Using the vital regulator of gland formation GhMYC2-like as bait, expression correlation analysis screened out 6 NAC genes which were low-expressed in glandless cotton and high-expressed in glanded cotton. These 6 NAC genes acted downstream of GhMYC2-like and were induced by MeJA. Silencing CGF1(Cotton Gland Formation1), another MYC-coding gene, caused almost glandless phenotype and down-regulated expression of GhMYC2-like and the 6 NAC genes, indicating a MYC-NAC regulatory network in gland development. In addition, predicted regulatory mechanism showed that the 6 NAC genes were possibly regulated by light, various phytohormones and transcription factors as well as miRNAs. The interaction network and DNA binding sites of the 6 NAC transcription factors were also predicted. These results laid the foundation for further study of gland-related genes and gland development regulatory network.
Habilidades del pensamiento computacional en docentes en formación de la universidad La Gran Colombia
Authors: Camargo Pérez Alvaro Josserand , Munar Ladino John Alvaro 
Published: May 2021

En la actualidad, uno de los grandes retos de los docentes es atender a los procesos de transformación digital que afronta la sociedad contemporánea. Sin embargo, los profesores no cuentan con las habilidades técnicas ni pedagógicas para desarrollar en sus estudiantes el pensamiento computacional. Una de las principales razones es la falta de programas o currículos formales para la cualificación docente que brinden la posibilidad de desarrollar habilidades como: la descomposición, generalización de patrones, la abstracción y el pensamiento algorítmico.
El objetivo de este proyecto es identificar el nivel de habilidades relacionadas con el pensamiento computacional de los futuros docentes vinculados a la Universidad la Gran Colombia, que quieren ser profesores para luego, establecer estrategias, generar planes de orientación docente, nuevas propuestas curriculares, entre otros. Se utiliza la metodología de enfoque dominante prevaleciendo lo cuantitativo y se utilizó la encuesta como técnica para recopilar información y establecer la relación entre las habilidades y las técnicas de estudio.