bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum transglutaminase antibodies do not always detect the persistent villous atrophy in patients with celiac disease on a gluten-free diet
Authors: Stefanelli Gianpiero , Navisse Sara , Valvano Marco , Vernia Filippo , Ciccone Antonio , Melideo Dina , Necozione Stefano , Calvisi Giuseppe , Coletti Gino , Viscido Angelo , Latella Giovanni 
Published: May 2021

Background and aim
Serum transglutaminase antibodies (tTGs) are used for celiac disease screening and to monitor celiac disease patients on a gluten-free diet (GFD). The need for histology of duodenal biopsies to assess mucosal healing after a GFD is still a matter of debate. We evaluated whether tTGs are adequate to detect the persistence of histological lesions of duodenal mucosa in celiac patients after a GFD.

Methods
In total 253 patients with histological diagnosis of celiac disease according to Marsh criteria, both at the time of diagnosis (T0) and 18–24 months after starting a GFD (T2), were included. tTGs were evaluated both at T0 and T2; endomysial antibodies (EMAs) only at T0.

Results
At T0, 9.2% of patients had both tTG and EMA negative values, despite the evidence of duodenal lesions: 33.3% of Marsh 1, 14.3% of Marsh 2 and 5.2% of Marsh 3. At T2, tTGs were negative in 77.6% of patients: 82.2% of Marsh 0, 79.8% of Marsh 1, 70.0% of Marsh 2 and 59.1% of Marsh 3. At T2, approximately 60% of patients with the persistence of mucosal atrophy had negative tTGs. At T0, tTG median values were lower in patients with Marsh 1 and Marsh 2 than patients with Marsh 3 (P < 0.001), whereas no difference was found at T2 regardless of Marsh’s grade (P = 0.4).

Conclusions
The results of our study highlight how histologic evaluation of duodenal biopsies remains the gold standard for both celiac disease diagnosis and the evaluation of mucosal recovery after 18–24 months of a GFD.
Application of Hemocoagulase Bothrops Atrox in the submucosal injection for endoscopic submucosal dissection: a preliminary trial
Authors: Liu Yiting , Li Rui , Tan Chenhuan , Ma Yifan , Feng Ji , Xu Qingpeng , Sun Jianing 
Published: May 2021

Objective
This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of using Hemocoagulase Bothrops Atrox in the submucosal injection solution for endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD).

Methods
A total of 120 patients with superficial neoplastic lesions of the esophagus, stomach, and colon receiving ESD were randomly divided into two groups: The epinephrine group used epinephrine-containing submucosal fluid cushion for ESD, while the hemocoagulase group used Hemocoagulase Bothrops Atrox-containing submucosal fluid cushion for ESD. The preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative clinical parameters and postoperative adverse events of the two groups were recorded, and comparative analysis within and between groups was performed.

Results
There was no significant difference in the demographic and clinical characteristics between the hemocoagulase and epinephrine group (all P > 0.05). ESD surgery was completed in all patients. The hemocoagulase group had significantly shorter surgery time (P = 0.003) and less number of intraoperative bleeding (P = 0.010) than the epinephrine group. However, there was no significant difference in the incidences of postoperative delayed hemorrhage, and adverse events between the two groups (all P > 0.05). Multivariate linear regression demonstrated that the epinephrine group had significantly more number of intraoperative bleeding (B: 0.98, 95% confidence interval: 0.04–1.93) as compared with the hemocoagulase group.

Conclusion
Compared with epinephrine, using Hemocoagulase Bothrops Atrox in the submucosal injection for ESD surgery can significantly reduce the number of intraoperative bleeding, shorten the operation time, and did not elevate the incidence of adverse events.
Central obesity is a contributor to systemic inflammation and monocyte activation in virally suppressed adults with chronic HIV in Kenya
Authors: Temu Tecla M. , Wagoner Jessica , Masyuko Sarah , O’Connor Aidan , Zifodya Jerry S. , Macharia Paul , Wanjalla Celestine N. , Mogaka Jerusha N. , Chohan Bhavna , Omodi Victor M. , Gervassi Ana L. , Oyugi Julius , Page Stephanie T. , Farquhar Carey , Polyak Stephen J. 
Published: May 2021

Objectives:
Heightened systemic inflammation is common in obese individuals and persons with HIV (PWH) and is independently associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). We investigated the combined effect of central obesity, a surrogate measure of visceral fat and HIV on circulating levels of inflammatory cytokines among Kenyan adults.

Design:
A cross-sectional study.

Methods:
We analysed and compared data from 287 virally suppressed PWH and 277 noninfected Kenyan adults, including biomarkers of gut epithelial dysfunction (intestinal fatty acid binding protein), monocyte activation (soluble CD163 and CD14) and inflammation [interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and hsCRP] by HIV/central obesity status (HIV-positive/obese, HIV-negative/obese, HIV-positive/nonobese and HIV-negative/nonobese). Central obesity was defined as waist circumference more than 80 cm for women and more than 94 cm for men. We assessed the association of HIV/obesity status with elevated biomarkers (>75th percentile) using logistic regression.

Results:
Median age for participants was 44 years and 37% were centrally obese. Levels of all biomarkers were higher among the HIV-positive/obese compared with the HIV-negative/nonobese (P < 0.05 for all comparisons). The HIV-positive/obese group had the greatest odds of having elevated inflammatory biomarkers compared with other groups even after adjustment of age, BMI and other conventional CVD risk factors (P < 0.05 for all). Additional adjustment for sCD163 in the multivariate model substantially attenuated the association for HIV-positive/obesity with IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α but not hsCRP. The contribution of HIV-positive/obesity to inflammation was independent of the degree of immunosuppression.

Conclusion:
Central obesity is prevalent among virally suppressed African PWH and is associated with greater inflammation and monocyte activation independent of other comorbidities and HIV-specific factors.
Diffuse Cutaneous Angiosarcoma in the Scalp and Face Demonstrated on FDG PET/CT Imaging
Authors: Xiao Liu , Zhang Wenjie , Li Lin 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Diffuse cutaneous angiosarcomas are rare. Herein, we reported FDG PET/CT findings of cutaneous angiosarcoma in a 59-year-old man. FDG PET/CT imaging was performed for staging, showing diffuse intense FDG uptake with an SUVmax of 19 in the scalp and face. Chemotherapy was recommended for this patient because surgery and radiotherapy were not appropriate due to the widespread skin involvement. Our case suggests that cutaneous angiosarcoma can present with diffuse skin involvement, and FDG PET/CT plays an important role in determining the treatment plan to avoid unnecessary surgery and radiotherapy.
Incidentally Detected Hypermetabolism in Pons Suggestive of Pontine Myelinolysis on 18F-FDG PET/CT Scan
Authors: Zade Anand , Ingule Amol , Trivedi Chintan , Jha Smriti , Agrwal Anup 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Central pontine myelinolysis (CPM) is demyelinating condition of pons caused by osmotic stress due to rapid correction of hyponatremia. We present a case where CPM was an incidental finding on FDG PET/CT scan. To the best of our knowledge, only 3 case reports have been published till date describing CPM on 18F-FDG PET/CT scans.
Multiple-Organ Involvement in Familial Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Type 2 Shown on FDG PET/CT
Authors: Wang Wei , Yang Xu , Yang Jigang 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
FDG PET/CT in an 18-year-old man with known familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) type 2 demonstrated abnormally in the brain, liver, and lymph nodes. Pathology showed no sign of lymphoproliferative disease. The patient underwent the chemotherapy of HLH. Six months after chemotherapy, a follow-up FDG PET/CT did not show any abnormal 18F-FDG activity, suggesting a complete response. The present case shows FDG PET/CT might not only be useful in staging the familial HLH but also able to evaluate the therapy response.
68Ga-DOTATATE and 68Ga-NODAGA-JR11 PET/CT Images in a Patient With Gastric Neuroendocrine Tumor
Authors: Lin Zefang , Lin Rong , Zhang Jiaying , Yao Shaobo , Miao Weibing 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
A 52-year-old man with newly diagnosed gastric neuroendocrine tumor (NET) underwent 68Ga-NODAGA-JR11 and 68Ga-DOTATATE imaging. 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT showed no 68Ga-DOTATATE uptake in the lesion, where 68Ga-NODAGA-JR11 showed intense uptake. The patient subsequently received endoscopic submucosal dissection and en bloc resection of the lesion, which was pathologically confirmed as gastric NET (G2). The positive findings of 68Ga-NODAGA-JR11 in the current case highlighted that 68Ga-NODAGA-JR11 PET/CT may be a promising molecular imaging technique for the detection of NETs with high sensitivity.
FDG PET/CT Findings of a Primary Paravertebral Liposarcoma
Authors: Wang Rang , Shen Guohua , Tian Rong 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Liposarcoma is a soft tissue tumor that commonly appears in the retroperitoneum and the extremities. Herein, we presented the imaging findings of a 68-year-old man with a paravertebral liposarcoma involving the adjacent vertebral bodies, appendices, and ribs. MRI revealed this mass located in the left side of T9 to T10 vertebral bodies. FDG PET/CT demonstrated the mass with intense FDG uptake. Finally, the pathological findings were consistent with a diagnosis of a primary paravertebral liposarcoma.
18F-FDG PET/CT Findings of Myeloid Sarcoma in the Pancreas
Authors: Filizoglu Nuh , Ozguven Salih 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Myeloid sarcoma (MS) is a rare neoplasm of leukemic cells that infiltrates an extramedullary soft tissue. MS may present at initial diagnosis of any myeloproliferative disease or relapse after treatment. It is most commonly associated with acute myeloid leukemia. The incidence of pancreatic involvement of MS is very rare. Herein we present FDG PET/CT findings of a rare case of MS involving the pancreas, which was initially misdiagnosed as pancreatic carcinoma.
Mask mandate and use efficacy for COVID-19 containment in US States
Authors: Guerra Damian D. , Guerra Daniel J. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundCOVID-19 pandemic mitigation requires evidence-based strategies. Because COVID-19 can spread via respired droplets, most US states mandated mask use in public settings. Randomized control trials have not clearly demonstrated mask efficacy against respiratory viruses, and observational studies conflict on whether mask use predicts lower infection rates. We hypothesized that statewide mask mandates and mask use were associated with lower COVID-19 case growth rates in the United States.MethodsWe calculated total COVID-19 case growth and mask use for the continental United States with data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. We estimated post-mask mandate case growth in non-mandate states using median issuance dates of neighboring states with mandates.ResultsEarlier mask mandates were not associated with lower total cases or lower maximum growth rates. Earlier mandates were weakly associated with lower minimum COVID-19 growth rates. Mask use predicted lower minimum but not lower maximum growth rates. Growth rates and total growth were comparable between US states in the first and last mask use quintiles during the Fall-Winter wave. These observations persisted for both natural logarithmic and fold growth models and when adjusting for differences in US state population density.ConclusionsWe did not observe association between mask mandates or use and reduced COVID-19 spread in US states. COVID-19 mitigation requires further research and use of existing efficacious strategies, most notably vaccination.
How COVID-19 challenged care for women and their newborns: a qualitative case study of the experience of Belgian midwives during the first wave of the pandemic
Authors: Huysmans Elise , Audet Constance , Delvaux Thérèse , Galle Anna , Semaan Aline , Asefa Anteneh , Benova Lenka 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn this article, we describe the results of a rapid qualitative study conducted between May 19 and June 25, 2020 on the work experience of midwives during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brussels and Wallonia (Belgium). Using semi-structured interviews conducted with fifteen midwives working in hospitals or practicing privately, we investigated the impact of the first COVID-19 wave on their work experience, the woman-midwife relationship, and midwife-perceived changes in quality of care. Findings include high levels of stress and insecurity related to the lack of resources and personal protective equipment, feelings of distrust from midwives towards the Belgian State and public health authorities, as well as structural and organizational challenges within maternity wards which negatively affected quality of care. Moreover, based on the midwives’ experiences, we demonstrate the need to recognise the views of all stakeholders involved in maternal and newborn care provision, and share five essential lessons learned from this study: 1) it is crucial to acknowledge the central role of midwives for maintaining maternal and newborn care amidst the pandemic and beyond; 2) creating unified national guidelines could support ensuring best practice; 3) efforts must be put in place to diminish the climate of mistrust towards health authorities and to repair the relationship between midwives and decision-makers which was damaged during the pandemic; 4) caring for front-line healthcare workers’ mental health is critical, and 5) quality of maternal care can be improved, even in the midst of a pandemic, through team effort and creative solutions tailored to the needs and demands of each setting.
Monoclonal Antibody Treatment, Prophylaxis and Vaccines Combined to Reduce SARS CoV-2 Spread
Authors: Kamal Mohamed A. , Kuznik Andreas , Qi Luyuan , Więcek Witold , Hussein Mohamed , Hassan Hazem E. , Patel Kashyap , Obadia Thomas , Toroghi Masood Khaksar , Conrado Daniela J. , Al-Huniti Nidal , Casciano Roman , O’Brien Meagan P. , Barnabas Ruanne V. , Cohen Myron S. , Smith Patrick F. 
Published: May 2021

SummaryBackgroundAntiviral monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) developed for treatment of COVID-19 reduce the magnitude and duration of viral shedding and can thus potentially contribute to reducing transmission of the causative virus, severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). However, use of these mAbs in combination with a vaccine program has not been considered in public health strategic planning.MethodsWe developed an agent-based model to characterize SARS-CoV-2 transmission in the US population during an aggressive phase of the pandemic (October 2020 to April 2021), and simulated the effects on infections and mortality of combining mAbs as treatment and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) with a vaccine program plus non-pharmaceutical interventions. We also interrogated the impact of rapid diagnostic testing, increased mAb supply, and vaccine rollout.FindingsAllocation of mAbs as PEP or targeting those ≥65 years provided the greatest incremental benefits relative to vaccine in averting infections and deaths, by up to 17% and 41%, respectively. Rapid testing, facilitating earlier diagnosis and mAb use, amplified these benefits. The model was sensitive to mAb supply; doubling supply further reduced infections and mortality, by up to two-fold, relative to vaccine. mAbs continued to provide incremental benefits even as proportion of the vaccinated population increased.InterpretationUse of anti-viral mAbs as treatment and PEP in combination with a vaccination program would substantially reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmission and pandemic burden. These results may help guide resource allocation and patient management decisions for COVID-19 and can also be used to inform public health policy for current and future pandemic preparedness.FundingRegeneron Pharmaceuticals.
Childhood body composition and BMI as a predictor of cardiometabolic non-communicable diseases in adulthood: A systematic review
Authors: Bander Amela , Murphy-Alford Alexia J , Owino Victor O , Loechl Cornelia U , Wells Jonathan CK , Gluning Imara , Kerac Marko 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThere is growing evidence that childhood malnutrition is associated with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in adulthood and that body composition mediates some of this association. This review aims to determine: if childhood body composition can be used to predict later-life cardiometabolic NCDs; which measures of body composition best predict future NCDs. Three electronic databases were searched for studies where: children aged under 5 year had body composition measured; cardiometabolic health outcomes were measured a minimum of 10 years later. 29 studies met the inclusion criteria. Though a poor proxy measure of body composition, Body mass index (BMI) was commonly reported (n=28, 97%). 25% of these studies included an additional measure (Ponderal Index or skinfold thickness). Only some studies adjusted for current body size (n=11, 39%). Many studies reported that low infant BMI and high childhood BMI increased the risk of NCD-related outcomes in later life but no conclusions can be made about exact timing of child malnutrition and consequent impact on NCD. Because studies focused on BMI rather than direct measures of body composition, nothing can be said about which measures of body composition in childhood are most useful. Future research on child nutrition and long-term outcomes is urgently needed and should include validated body composition assessments as well as standard anthropometric and BMI measurements.
Variants of concern are overrepresented among post-vaccination breakthrough infections of SARS-CoV-2 in Washington State
Authors: McEwen Abbye E. , Cohen Seth , Bryson-Cahn Chloe , Liu Catherine , Pergam Steven A. , Lynch John , Schippers Adrienne , Strand Kathy , Whimbey Estella , Mani Nandita S , Zelikoff Allison J. , Makarewicz Vanessa A. , Brown Elizabeth R. , Mohamed Bakhash Shah A. , Baker Noah R. , Castor Jared , Livingston Robert J. , Huang Meei-Li , Jerome Keith R. , Greninger Alexander L. , Roychoudhury Pavitra 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAcross 20 vaccine breakthrough cases detected at our institution, all 20 (100%) infections were due to variants of concern (VOC) and had a median Ct of 20.2 (IQR=17.1-23.3). When compared to 5174 contemporaneous samples sequenced in our laboratory, VOC were significantly enriched among breakthrough infections (p < .05).
COVID-19 gender difference pattern in Iranian population compared to the global pattern; a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Rajabinejad Misagh , Asgarian-Omran Hossein 
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACTThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has highlighted Sex-related immune responses. In this review, gender differences in seroprevalence, severity, mortality, and recovery in the Iranian population were systematically compared to the COVID-19 global pattern. This compressive meta-analysis was conducted on studies published up to April 1, 2021, examining seroprevalence in the general population as well as disease outcomes in hospitalized patients. Data were analyzed based on gender to determine differences between men and women in COVID-19. The PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, WOS, medRxiv, and bioRxiv were searched. The odds ratio (OR) was calculated based on the random-effects model, with a corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI), according to the number of participants reported in papers. Subgroup analyses were performed according to the age, antibody isotype, and detection assay. Overall, 61 studies with 225799 males and 237017 females were eligible for meta-analysis. Seroprevalence was 1.13 times higher (95% CI: 1.03, 1.24), mortality was 1.45 times higher (95% CI: 1.19, 1.77), and severity was up to 1.37 times higher (95% CI: 1.13, 1.67) in males than those of females in the general population across the globe. Mortality was higher in Iranian patients up to 26% in men (95% CI: 1.20, 1.33), but no significant difference was observed between disease severity and serum prevalence between men and women. Besides, the rate of recovery was 29% (global pattern) and 21% (Iran pattern) lower in males than in females. The results of subgroup analyses for seroprevalence were not significant for the age, antibody isotype, and detection methods. The results of our meta-analyses showed that the patient mortality and recovery patterns are similar in Iran and other countries in the context of gender differences, and the disease is more fatal in men.
Mating duration and prolonged post-copulatory associations in Arrenurus water mites (Actinotrichida: Parasitengonina: Hydrachnidiae)
Authors: Więcek Mariusz , Dabert Jacek , Proctor Heather 
Published: May 2021

AbstractConflicts of interest between the sexes over control of mating can be reflected in various aspects of morphology and behaviour, including structure of genitalia and copulation duration. In Arrenurus water mites (Hydrachnidia: Arrenuridae) there are two main patterns of sperm transfer that differ in degree of potential male control of sperm uptake by females. In some species, males are equipped with an intromittent organ (the ‘petiole’) that is used to forcefully insert sperm into the female reproductive tract. In others, males lack an intromittent organ and females appear to push sperm into their reproductive opening themselves. Theory suggests that the amount of time spent in courtship after sperm transfer should differ between males with and without an intromittent structure. We predicted that male Arrenurus able to push sperm into the female’s reproductive tract (petiolate males) should spend less time courting females after transferring sperm than apetiolate males, which may have to ‘convince’ females to take up their sperm. Here, we examined durations of mating for 10 species of Arrenurus with males that differ in genital morphology: six species with males equipped with a well developed petiole (= ‘petiolate’ species) and four species with males that either completely lack a petiole or have a minute peg-like petiole that does not appear to function as an intromittent organ (= ‘apetiolate’ species). We tested whether males of petiolate species spend less time in the stage of courtship that takes place after sperm transfer (= ‘post-transfer courtship’) than apetiolate males. In contrast to our prediction, we found that species with well developed petioles spent significantly more time in post-transfer behaviours than species lacking petioles. The possible function of protracted post-transfer courtship in the genus Arrenurus is discussed.