bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of alcohol use disorder and its associated factors among alcohol users of medical and surgical outpatients attending a specialized hospital in Gondar, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Demilew Demeke , Boru Berhanu , Tesfaw Getachew , Kerebih Habtamu , Salelew Endalamaw 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Alcohol use disorder increase the risk of physical harm, mental or social consequences for patients and others in the community. Studies on alcohol use disorder and associated factors among medical and surgical outpatients in Ethiopia are limited. Therefore, this study is meant to provide essential data on alcohol use disorder and associated factors among alcohol user medical and surgical outpatients to intervene in the future.

Methods
An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted by using the systematic random sampling technique. Alcohol use disorders were assessed using the World Health Organization’s 10-item Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed, a P-value less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant in the multivariate analysis and the strength of association was measured at a 95% confidence interval.

Results
The prevalence of alcohol use disorder was 34.5% with a 95% CI (29.20, 39.80) among study participants. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, male sex (AOR = 3.33, 95%CI: 1.40, 7.93), history of mental illness (AOR = 2.68, 95%CI: 1.12, 6.38), drinking for relaxation (AOR = 1.88, 95%CI: 1.02, 3.48) and history of lifetime tobacco use (AOR = 5.64, 95%CI: 1.95, 16.29) were factors significantly associated with alcohol use disorder.

Conclusion
The prevalence of alcohol use disorders among medical and surgical outpatients was found to be high. Male sex, history of mental illness, alcohol use for relaxation and lifetime cigarette smoking need more attention during the assessment of patients in the medical and surgical outpatient departments.
Fujita type theorem for a class of coupled quasilinear convection–diffusion equations
Authors: Zhou Yanan , Leng Yan , Nie Yuanyuan 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn this paper, we establish the Fujita type theorem for a homogeneous Neumann outer problem of the coupled quasilinear convection–diffusion equations and formulate the critical Fujita exponent. Besides, the influence of diffusion term, reaction term, and convection term on the global existence and the blow-up property of the problem is revealed. Finally, we discuss the large time behavior of the solution to the outer problem in the critical case and describe the asymptotic behavior of the solution.
EuroScore and IL-6 predict the course in ICU after cardiac surgery
Authors: Bauer Andreas , Korten Insa , Juchem Gerd , Kiesewetter Isabel , Kilger Erich , Heyn Jens 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundDespite modern advances in intensive care medicine and surgical techniques, mortality rates in cardiac surgical patients are still about 3%. Considerable efforts were made to predict morbidity and mortality after cardiac surgery. In this study, we analysed the predictive properties of EuroScore and IL-6 for mortality in ICU, prolonged postoperative mechanical ventilation, and prolonged stay in ICU.MethodsWe enrolled 2972 patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The patients either underwent aortic valve surgery (AV), mitral valve surgery (MV), coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), and combined operations of aortic valve and coronary artery bypass grafting (AV + CABG) or of mitral and tricuspid valve (MV + TV). Different laboratory and clinical parameters were analysed.ResultsEuroScore as well as IL-6 were associated with increased mortality after cardiac surgery. Furthermore, a higher EuroScore and elevated levels of IL-6 were predictors for prolonged mechanical ventilation and a longer stay in ICU. Especially, highly significant elevated IL-6 levels and an increased EuroScore showed a strong association. Statistics suggested superiority when both parameters were combined in a single model.ConclusionOur results suggest that EuroScore and IL-6 are helpful in predicting the course in ICU after cardiac surgery, and therefore, the use of intensive care resources. Especially, the combination of highly elevated levels of IL-6 and EuroScore may prove to be excellent predictors for an unfortunate postoperative course in ICU.
What place for virtual reality in the intensive care unit during medical procedures?
Authors: Puel Floriane , Minville Vincent , Vardon-Bounes Fanny 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn the intensive care unit, patients are subject to discomforts and pain. Their management is essentially based on pharmacologic approaches. Immersive virtual reality could represent an adjunctive non-invasive and non-pharmacological pain control technique. It is based on real-time interaction with an artificial 360° immersive world using interfaces that enable physical and emotional perceptions to make the user feel better trying to reduce pain perception and to limit anxiety. Evaluation of virtual reality in intensive care unit is lacking and further studies are necessary before to introduce this alternative method for critical patients.
A survived case of penetrating neck injury with intrathoracic organ damage
Authors: Kagimoto Atsushi , Mimura Takeshi , Hiraiwa Nanami , Yamashita Yoshinori 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Thoracic surgeons rarely encounter stab wounds with injury to the intrathoracic organs. However, such sudden and urgent situations could arise; therefore, experiences in managing such cases are invaluable.

Case presentation
An 84-year-old woman with depression who had a stab injury in the neck caused by a broad-bladed kitchen knife was brought to our facility by ambulance. She was stable in the emergency room; however, a computed tomography scan revealed that the blade had penetrated the right thoracic cavity. A right hemopneumothorax was seen. Considering the possibility of injury to the major vessels, a median sternotomy was performed. During the dissection around the blade, the patient started bleeding profusely, which required repair of an injury to the right internal jugular vein. The blade tip had penetrated the dorsal right upper lung lobe; however, it did not reach the hilum, and the knife was carefully removed. The damaged area of the lung was removed by wedge resection.

Conclusion
Patients with deep stab wounds from knives are often hemodynamically stable because the blade acts as tamponade and prevents hemorrhage. Therefore, a surgical approach that allows for good visualization should be considered for the extraction of the blade.
Update on fetal cardiovascular magnetic resonance and utility in congenital heart disease
Authors: Sun Liqun , Lee Fu-Tsuen , van Amerom Joshua F. P. , Freud Lindsay , Jaeggi Edgar , Macgowan Christopher K. , Seed Mike 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common birth defect, affecting approximately eight per thousand newborns. Between one and two neonates per thousand have congenital cardiac lesions that require immediate post-natal treatment to stabilize the circulation, and the management of these patients in particular has been greatly enhanced by prenatal detection. The antenatal diagnosis of CHD has been made possible through the development of fetal echocardiography, which provides excellent visualization of cardiac anatomy and physiology and is widely available. However, late gestational fetal echocardiographic imaging can be hampered by suboptimal sonographic windows, particularly in the setting of oligohydramnios or adverse maternal body habitus.

Main body
Recent advances in fetal cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) technology now provide a feasible alternative that could be helpful when echocardiography is inconclusive or limited. Fetal CMR has also been used to study fetal circulatory physiology in human fetuses with CHD, providing new insights into how these common anatomical abnormalities impact the distribution of blood flow and oxygen across the fetal circulation. In combination with conventional fetal and neonatal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques, fetal CMR can be used to explore the relationship between abnormal cardiovascular physiology and fetal development. Similarly, fetal CMR has been successfully applied in large animal models of the human fetal circulation, aiding in the evaluation of experimental interventions aimed at improving in utero development. With the advent of accelerated image acquisition techniques, post-processing approaches to correcting motion artifacts and commercial MRI compatible cardiotocography units for acquiring gated fetal cardiac imaging, an increasing number of CMR methods including angiography, ventricular volumetry, and the quantification of vessel blood flow and oxygen content are now possible.

Conclusion
Fetal CMR has reached an exciting stage whereby it may now be used to enhance the assessment of cardiac morphology and fetal hemodynamics in the setting of prenatal CHD.
Role of CNTNAP2 in autism manifestation outlines the regulation of signaling between neurons at the synapse
Authors: Agarwala Swati , Ramachandra Nallur B. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Autism is characterized by high heritability and a complex genetic mutational landscape with restricted social behavior and impaired social communication. Whole-exome sequencing is a reliable tool to pinpoint variants for unraveling the disease pathophysiology. The present meta-analysis was performed using 222 whole-exome sequences deposited by Simons Simplex Collection (SSC) at the European Nucleotide Archive. This sample cohort was used to identify causal mutations in autism-specific genes to create a mutational landscape focusing on the CNTNAP2 gene.

Results
The authors account for the identification of 15 high confidence genes with 24 variants for autism with Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI) gene scoring. These genes encompass critical autism pathways such as neuron development, synapse complexity, cytoskeleton, and microtubule activation. Among these 15 genes, overlapping variants were present across multiple samples: KMT2C in 167 cases, CNTNAP2 in 192 samples, CACNA1C in 152 cases, and SHANK3 in 124 cases. Pathway analysis identifies clustering and interplay of autism genes—WDFY3, SHANK2, CNTNAP2, HOMER1, SYNGAP1, and ANK2 with CNTNAP2. These genes coincide across autism-relevant pathways, namely abnormal social behavior and intellectual and cognitive impairment. Based on multiple layers of selection criteria, CNTNAP2 was chosen as the master gene for the study. It is an essential gene for autism with speech-language delays, a typical phenotype in most cases under study. It showcases nine variants across multiple samples with one damaging variant, T589P, with a GERP rank score range of 0.065–0.95. This unique variant was present across 86.5% of the samples impairing the epithelial growth factor (EGF) domain. Established microRNA (miRNA) genes hsa-mir-548aq and hsa-mir-548f were mutated within the CNTNAP2 region, adding to the severity. The mutated protein showed reduced stability by 0.25, increased solvent accessibility by 9%, and reduced depth by 0.2, which rendered the protein non-functional. Secondary physical interactors of CNTNAP2 through CNTN2 proteins were mutated in the samples, further intensifying the severity.

Conclusion
CNTNAP2 has been identified as a master gene in autism manifestation responsible for speech-language delay by impairing the EGF protein domain and downstream cascade. The decrease in EGF is correlated with vital autism symptoms, especially language disabilities.
Management of liver disease patients in different clinical situations during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Zaky Samy , Alboraie Mohamed , El Badry Mohamed , Metwally Mohamed A. , Abdelaziz Ahmed , Fouad Yasser , Abd-Elsalam Sherief , Mahmoud Abdelmajeed , Shiha Gamal , Baki Amin Abdel , El Kassas Mohamed , Esmat Gamal 
Published: March 2021

AbstractChronic liver diseases are common worldwide, especially in developing countries. The rapid spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)/(COVID-19) leads to the infection of many patients with underlying chronic liver diseases. As a relatively new disease, management of COVID-19, in the context of chronic liver disease, is mainly based on the experience of the treating physician and the available data. In this review, we summarize the available evidence about the management of liver disease patients, in the context of COVID-19 infection, which can increase the severity of viral hepatitis B. Also, its clearance in HBV patients is delayed. A sixfold increased severity of COVID-19 was reported in obese patients with metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFDL). In patients with autoimmune liver disease (AILD), it is not recommended to change their immunosuppressive therapy (as long as they are not infected with COVID-19), in order to avoid a flare of liver disease. However, immunosuppressant drugs should be modified, in the case of infection with COVID-19. To date, no data suggest an increased risk or severity in metabolic liver diseases, such as hemochromatosis, Wilson’s disease, or alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Patients with liver cirrhosis should be carefully managed with minimum exposure to healthcare facilities. Basic investigations for follow-up can be scheduled at wider intervals; if patients need admission, this should be in COVID-19-clean areas. Patients with hepatocellular carcinomas may have a poor prognosis according to preliminary reports from China. The course of COVID-19 in liver transplant recipients on immunosuppression seems to have a benign course, based on few reports in children and adults. The hepatotoxicity of COVID-19 drugs ranges from mild liver enzyme elevation to a flare of underlying liver diseases. Therefore, the decision should be customized. Telemedicine can minimize the exposure of healthcare workers and patients to infection with COVID-19 and decrease the consumption of personal protective equipment.
Sequence phylogenetic analysis and associative genetic diversity of Sarcocystis hirsuta based on 18S rRNA gene
Authors: Sudan Vikrant , Kumar Rahul , Shanker Daya , Singh Amit 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundSarcocystis hirsuta, a tissue cyst-forming coccidian parasite of cattle, is worldwide in distribution. In spite of its global presence, limited literature is available on its characterization studies. No literature is available from India on molecular aspects ofS. hirsuta.The present study was designed to characterize the isolates ofS. hirsutaon the 18S gene locus. A total of five isolates ofS. hirsutawere characterized. PCR products were cloned, sequenced, and compared with other sequences across the world. A phylogenetic tree was constructed based on the maximum parsimony (MP) method with the tree–bisection–regrafting (TBR) algorithm.ResultsAn appreciable genetic variability was noticed between variousS. hirsutaisolates at the 18S gene locus. Sequences generated from the present study (MN121567–MN121571) represented two haplotypes with 99.74–100.00% nucleotide homology within themselves. Alongside, a nucleotide homology of 97.82–99.92% was observed between Indian isolates and isolates across the globe. The two haplotypes were markedly distinct from each other with 3 nucleotide substitutions within themselves. Overall, Indian isolates ofS. hirsutawere close to those from China and Vietnam than to those from New Zealand, Brazil, and Germany.ConclusionThe present communication describes the first report of phylogenetic characterization ofS. hirsutafrom India. The findings are very much important in delineating the evolutionary phylogenetics ofS. hirsuta.
Cross-channel contributions to vortex patterns in photoionization by a pair of counter-rotating circularly polarized attosecond pulses
Authors: Zhen Q. , Zhang S. Q. , Yang Z. J. , Liu X. S. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
We theoretically investigate the cross-channel contributions to vortex patterns in photoionization of

by a pair of left-right circularly polarized attosecond pulses by numerically solving the two-dimensional (2D) time-dependent Schrödinger equation (TDSE). It is found that the contribution of the ionization cross-channel only worked with a short time delay and the ionization cross-channel will lead to the difference in the brightness of the vortex patterns. The sensitivity of the vortex pattern to the time delay can be employed to control the ionized electron distributions by adjusting the time delay between two laser pulses. These phenomena can be explained by the attosecond perturbation ionization theory.
Relationship between charge density wave, filamentary superconductivity and bulk superconductivity in ZrTe3
Authors: Nomura A. , Kobayashi S. , Ohta S. , Sakata H. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
We investigated the relationship between a charge density wave (CDW) with a transition temperature

of

, filamentary superconductivities (SCs) along the a-axis and the b-axis with transition temperatures (

’s) of

, and a bulk SC with a

below 2.5 K in ZrTe3, by measuring electrical resistance and magnetization for several crystals synthesized at different growth temperatures. As the growth temperature increased, the

decreased, the

of the bulk SC increased, and the

’s of the filamentary SCs did not show a clear change. The anisotropy of the upper critical field

was different between the filamentary SCs and the bulk SC. These differences in the growth temperature dependence of

and the anisotropy of

indicate that the filamentary SCs are unrelated to the bulk SC. Moreover, the growth temperature dependence of the transition temperatures indicates that the CDW has a competitive relationship with the bulk SC, but a non-competitive coexistence with the filamentary SCs. Based on the anisotropies of

, we also infer that the filamentary SCs and the bulk SC occur on quasi-one-dimensional Fermi surfaces and a three-dimensional Fermi surface, respectively, and that the relationship between the three states in ZrTe3 cannot be explained solely in terms of conventional competition for a Fermi surface.
Long-Term Results of a Phase II Trial of Apatinib for Progressive Radioiodine Refractory Differentiated Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Lin Yan-Song , Zhang Xin , Wang Chen , Liu Yan-Qing , Guan Wen-Min , Liang Jun 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Context
Radioiodine refractory differentiated thyroid cancer (RAIR-DTC) has been a global challenge due to its poor prognosis and limited treatment options.

Objective
We report here the long-term results of the phase II clinical trial of apatinib, an anti-angiogenic tyrosine kinase inhibitor, for RAIR-DTC.

Methods
This was an open-label, exploratory phase II clinical trial among progressive RAIR-DTC patients. Apatinib treatment was given once daily until disease progression, unmanageable toxicity, withdrawal, or death. The primary end points were objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR). Progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), duration of response, long-term safety, and the association between patients with different tumor genotype (BRAFV600E and TERT promotor mutation) and their PFS rates were also assessed.

Results
The ORR was 80%, and the DCR was 95%. The overall median PFS was 18.4 months (95% CI, 9.2-36.8 months) and the median OS was 51.6 months (95% CI, 29.2-not reached [NR]). Patients with BRAFV600E mutation (10 of 18 evaluated) had a longer median PFS compared with patients with BRAF wild-type (NR vs 9.2 months; P = 0.002). The most common adverse events included palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome (19/20), proteinuria (18/20), and hypertension (16/20).

Conclusion
In this long-term evaluation, apatinib displayed sustainable efficacy and tolerable safety profile, warranting it as a promising treatment option for progressive RAIR-DTC.
PRL Mutation Causing Alactogenesis: Insights Into Prolactin Structure and Function Relationships
Authors: Moriwaki Mika , Welt Corrine K 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Context
Isolated prolactin deficiency is a rare disorder manifesting as absence of puerperal lactation. We identified a 2-generation family with 3 women experiencing alactogenesis.

Objective
We hypothesized a heterozygous genetic mutation.

Methods
This was a family-based study. Two generations of women (proband, sister, and niece) with puerperal alactogenesis and one control were studied. Prolactin levels in the 3 women ranged from 0.618 to 1.4 ng/mL (range, 2.8-29.2 ng/mL). All the women had regular menstrual cycles during their reproductive years. The niece required fertility treatment to become pregnant and the proband and sister underwent menopause before age 45 years. Prolactin gene (PRL) exons 1 to 5 were sequenced. We sought a heterozygous, deleterious gene variant with functional consequences.

Results
We identified a heterozygous mutation (c.658C &gt; T) changing CGA to TGA (p.Arg220Ter) in exon 5 of the prolactin gene. Transfection of PRL containing the stop gain mutation resulted in similar intracellular prolactin levels compared to PRL wild type, but little detectable immunoactive or bioactive prolactin in conditioned medium. Prolactin secretion was also impaired by a PRL stop gain mutation deleting both of the terminal cysteine amino acids (c.652A &gt; T; p.Lys218Ter).

Conclusion
This is the first report of a PRL mutation causing familial prolactin deficiency and alactogenesis. The loss of the terminal cysteine resulted in failure of prolactin secretion. Secretion was not rescued by deleting the penultimate cysteine, with which it forms a disulfide bond. These data suggest that the PRL C terminal is critical for protein secretion.
Compounding Racialized Vulnerability: COVID-19 in Prisons, Jails, and Migrant Detention Centers
Authors: Denney Matthew G. T. , Valdez Ramon Garibaldo 
Published: March 2021

AbstractContext: Carceral institutions are among the largest clusters of COVID-19 in the United States. In response, activists and detainees have rallied around decarceration demands: the release of detainees and inmates to prevent exposure to COVID-19. This article theorizes the compounding racial vulnerability that has led to such a marked spread behind bars, mainly among race-class subjugated (RCS) communities.Methods: The authors provide an in-depth account of COVID-19 in American correctional facilities and the mobilization to reduce contagions. They also use two survey experiments to describe public support for harm reduction and decarceration demands and to measure the effects of information about racial inequalities in prison and poor conditions inside migrant detention centers.Findings: The authors found only one-third to one-half of respondents believe that response to COVID-19 in prisons and immigrant detention centers should be a high priority. They also found Americans are more supportive of harm reduction measures than decarceration efforts. Information about racial disparities increases support decarceration. They did not find any significant effect of information about poor conditions in migrant detention centers.Conclusions: The conditions in carceral institutions during the pandemic—and public opinion about them—highlight the realities of compounding racialized vulnerability in the United States.