bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Methods for exploring the faecal microbiome of premature infants: a review
Authors: Westaway Jacob A. F. , Huerlimann Roger , Miller Catherine M. , Kandasamy Yoga , Norton Robert , Rudd Donna 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe premature infant gut microbiome plays an important part in infant health and development, and recognition of the implications of microbial dysbiosis in premature infants has prompted significant research into these issues. The approaches to designing investigations into microbial populations are many and varied, each with its own benefits and limitations. The technique used can influence results, contributing to heterogeneity across studies. This review aimed to describe the most common techniques used in researching the preterm infant microbiome, detailing their various limitations. The objective was to provide those entering the field with a broad understanding of available methodologies, so that the likely effects of their use can be factored into literature interpretation and future study design. We found that although many techniques are used for characterising the premature infant microbiome, 16S rRNA short amplicon sequencing is the most common. 16S rRNA short amplicon sequencing has several benefits, including high accuracy, discoverability and high throughput capacity. However, this technique has limitations. Each stage of the protocol offers opportunities for the injection of bias. Bias can contribute to variability between studies using 16S rRNA high throughout sequencing. Thus, we recommend that the interpretation of previous results and future study design be given careful consideration.
Ruptured intra-abdominal testicular seminoma with hemorrhage shock, after inadequate surgical exploration for undescended testis: a case report
Authors: Gonda Hirotake , Saito Takuya , Osawa Takaaki , Kurahashi Shintaro , Matsumura Tatsuki , Fukami Yasuyuki , Komatsu Shunichiro , Kaneko Kenitiro , Hiramatsu Kazuhiro , Kato Takehito , Sano Tsuyoshi 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundUndescended testes are associated with an increased risk of malignancy and infertility, and surgical treatment in childhood is recommended.Case presentationA 35-year-old man presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain and vomiting. Despite a history of surgery for a left undescended testis in infancy, his left-sided scrotum appeared underdeveloped. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed a pelvic mass, involving a major axis of approximately 15 cm, with high-density ascites suggestive of hemorrhage. A ruptured gastrointestinal stromal tumor was suspected. As he was in hemorrhagic shock, an emergency laparotomy was indicated. The active bleeding mass was controlled through complete resection. A pathological evaluation of the mass revealed a seminoma arising from an undescended testis. His post-operative course was uneventful, and he was discharged on post-operative day 6. Recurrence on the retroperitoneal lymph nodes was detected 1 year postoperatively, and a retroperitoneal lymph node dissection was performed after chemotherapy. He remains well without any apparent signs of recurrence.ConclusionsPaying close attention to an empty scrotum is advisable, even postoperatively, for undescended testis because of possible subsequent potential malignancy presenting with hemorrhage, as our patient demonstrated.
The potential of herbal extracts to inhibit SARS-CoV-2: a pilot study
Authors: De Pellegrin Michela Luisa , Rohrhofer Anette , Schuster Philipp , Schmidt Barbara , Peterburs Philipp , Gessner André 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Herbal medicinal products have a long-standing history of use in the therapy of common respiratory infections. We sought to assess the potential of five validated herbal extracts regarding their ability to restrict SARS-CoV-2 replication in vitro: Bronchipret thyme-ivy (BRO TI), Bronchipret thyme-primrose (BRO TP), Imupret (IMU), Sinupret extract (SINx) and Tonsipret (TOP).

Methods
Vero cells were incubated with different concentrations of herbal extracts and infected with SARS-CoV-2 for 48 hours. The inhibition of viral replication was assessed by determination of the viral RNA load in the cell culture supernatant using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).

Results
SARS-CoV-2 RNA load was reduced by non-cytotoxic concentrations of BRO-TP (up to approximately 1,000-fold) and, to a lesser extent, IMU and TOP (approximately 10-fold).

Conclusions
Some herbal extracts showed a promising in vitro effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2, suggesting an antiviral potential of herbal medicinal products. The potential of herbal medicines to restrict SARS-CoV-2 and to treat COVID-19 should be investigated further in a clinical setting.
A survey on the current status and future perspective of informed consent management in the MIRACUM consortium of the German Medical Informatics Initiative
Authors: Hampf Christopher , Bialke Martin , Geidel Lars , Vass Albert , Bahls Thomas , Blasini Romina , Blumentritt Arne , Boeker Martin , Bruns Christian , Jandrig Burkhard , Fünfgeld Maximilian , Heinrich Philipp , Leddig Torsten , Michel-Backofen Achim , Pirkl Anna , Rautenberg Michael , Simons Fabian , Stahl Dana , Prokosch Hans-Ulrich , Hoffmann Wolfgang 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
The consent management is an essential component for supporting the implementation of consents and withdrawals and thus, the realisation of patient’s rights. In MIRACUM, one of the four consortia of the Medical Informatics Initiative (MII), ten university hospitals intend to integrate the generic Informed Consent Service® (gICS) in their Data Integration Center (DIC). To provide a tool that supports the local workflows of the MIRACUM sites, the gICS should be improved.

Methods
We used three standardised questionnaires with 46 questions to elicit requirements from the ten sites. Each site answered the questions from the current and the desired future perspective. This made it possible to understand the individual processes at each site and it was possible to identify features and improvements that were generally necessary.

Results
The results of the survey were classified according to their impact on the gICS. Feature requests of new functionalities, improvements of already implemented functionalities and conceptual support for implementing processes were identified. This is the basis for an improved gICS release to support the ten sites’ individual consent management processes.

Conclusions
A release plan for the feature requests and improvements was coordinated with all sites. All sites have confirmed that the implementation of these features and enhancements will support their software-based consent management processes.
Two deaths due to explosion of cylinders of liquid petroleum gas
Authors: Sonwani Nagendra Singh , Ateriya Navneet , Kumar Arvind , Kohli Anil 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundCylinder blasts can inflict multi-system life-threatening injuries to one or many persons simultaneously if they are nearby. The explosion in high-pressure equipment produces injuries due to its varied effects. Cases have been reported where the blast occurred in balloon gas cylinder, oxyacetylene gas cylinder, oxygen cylinder, coffee machine, and compressor of a split air conditioner (AC). Most of the cases are accidental. The investigation into the blast circumstances is of utmost importance to find out the manner and device involved.Case presentationHere, we present a report of two cases where victims suffered blast injuries at the same location due to the explosion of two different capacity liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) domestic cylinder and died on the spot.ConclusionThe investigation into the blast circumstances is of utmost importance to find out the manner and device involved. Malpractice involving use of cylinder to fill another one might be dangerous for the person involved and present in the vicinity. This practice should be discouraged by lay person.
First results of BDS positioning for LBS applications in the UK
Authors: Xia Yan , Meng Xiaolin , Yang Yusong , Pan Shuguo , Zhao Qing , Gao Wang 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe last satellite of BeiDou Navigation Satellite System with Global Coverage (BDS-3) constellation was successfully launched on June 23rd, 2020, and the entire system began to provide Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) services worldwide. We evaluated the performance of location services using BDS with a smartphone that can track the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) satellites in Nottingham, UK. The static and kinematic experiments were conducted in an open meadow and a lakeside route covered by trees, respectively. Experimental results show that BDS has good visibility, and its overall signal carrier-to-noise density ratio (C/N0) is comparable to that of Global Positioning System (GPS). The average C/N0 of BDS-3 satellites with elevation angles above 45° on B1 band is the highest among all systems, reaching 40.0 dB·Hz. The noise level of the BDS pseudorange measurements is within 0.5 m, and it has a good consistency among satellites. In the static experiment, the standard deviations of BDS positioning in the east, north and up directions are 1.09, 1.16, and 3.02 m, respectively, and the R95 value of the horizontal position is 2.88 m. In harsh environments, the number of BDS satellites tracked by the smartphone is susceptible to environmental factors. The bias Root Mean Squares (RMS) in the three directions of the whole kinematic positioning are 6.83, 6.68, 11.67 m, in which the positioning bias RMS values in a semi-open environment are only 2.81, 1.11, 3.29 m. Furthermore, the inclusion of BDS in multiple GNSS systems can significantly improve the positioning precision. This study intends to provide a reference for the further improvements of BDS global PNT services, particularly for Location-Based Services (LBS).
The role of glutathione S-transferase omega gene polymorphisms in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a case-control study
Authors: Yassa Marianne E. , Arnaout Hanaa H. , Botros Shahira K. , Obaid Emad N. , Mahmoud Wael M. , Morgan Dalia S. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common childhood cancer. Glutathione-S-methyl transferase (GSTs) enzymes’ family is known to catalyze carcinogens detoxification. Overexpression of (GSTO) omega class was reported in cancer occurrence. The purpose of the study was to investigate the association of GSTO1*A140D (rs4925) and GSTO2*N142D (rs156697) polymorphisms with the susceptibility to childhood ALL and to evaluate their prognostic impact. Genotyping was performed using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism technique in 96 Egyptian pediatric ALL patients and 99 controls.

Results
No statistically significant different GSTO1*A140D genotype and allele distribution was observed among ALL cases and controls; however, a statistically significant different GSTO1*A140D genotype distribution was found between de novo ALL cases and controls [CC (37% vs. 56.6%), CA (47.8% vs. 40.4%), and AA (15.2% vs. 3.0%), respectively] (0.008). GSTO1*A140D variant genotypes’ frequency was significantly higher in de novo cases than in controls (63% vs. 43.4%) (0.028). The minor allele frequency (MAF) of GSTO1*A140D-A was significantly higher in de novo cases compared to controls (0.39 vs. 0.23) (0.005). Genotyping of GSTO2*N142D revealed a statistically significant difference of genotype distribution between ALL patients and controls [AA (26% vs. 36.3%), AG (62.5% vs. 61.6%), and GG (11.4% vs. 2.0%), respectively] (0.017) and between de novo ALL cases and controls [AA (37% vs. 36.3%), AG (45.7% vs. 61.6%), and GG (17.3% vs. 2.0%), respectively] (0.002). The MAF of GSTO2*N142D-G was significantly higher in ALL patients than in controls (0.42 vs. 0.32) (0.046). The high-risk ALL group had a higher frequency of GSTO1*A140D and GSTO2*N142D variant genotypes compared to corresponding wild genotypes and a higher frequency of combined polymorphisms compared to single polymorphisms and wild genotypes but with no statistically significant difference.

Conclusion
A statistically significant difference of GSTO1*A140D and GSTO2*N142D genotype distribution was detected between de novo ALL cases and controls. Compared to the control group, the MAF of GSTO1*A140D-A was overexpressed in de novo ALL cases and that of GSTO2*N142D-G was significantly higher in ALL patients. These findings suggest that the studied polymorphisms might play a significant role in the susceptibility to de novo childhood ALL in Egypt; however, GSTO1*A140D and/or GSTO2*N142D polymorphisms have no impact on ALL prognosis.
Advance MR evaluation of synchronous multifocal osteosarcoma with pathologic fracture
Authors: Setiawati Rosy , Lay Eveline Stephanie , Testini Valentina , Rahardjo Paulus , Edward Mouli , Mustokoweni Sjahjenny , Guglielmi Giuseppe 
Published: March 2021

Objective: Synchronous multifocal osteosarcoma is a rare condition in which the osteosarcoma presents with multiple bone lesions at the time of diagnosis, usually without any visceral metastases. The first case was described in early 1930s by Silverman. To report a case of synchronous multifocal osteosarcoma in adolescent with pathologic fracture. Methods: An 18-year-old girl presented with a painful mass in the right thigh of 4 months’ duration and a history of thigh bone fracture a month ago. Patient’s medical records and family history was unremarkable. Physical examination showed angulation and shortening at right femoral region with tenderness and swelling. Initial radiograph and magnetic resonance (MR) images showed multiple lesions in right femoral shaft and pelvic bone with primary tumor in right distal femur with pathologic fracture and multiple bone marrow lesions found in the contralateral bones. Imaging and histopathological results supported the diagnosis of synchronous multifocal osteosarcoma. After following the chemotherapy as the treatment of choice, the radiograph and MRI evaluation were done and showed reduction of the mass size with union of the destructed part with the formation of callus. The advance MRI revealed reduction of the overall mass and the composition of the viable area compared to previous study. The patient had satisfying response to chemotherapy series and a better functional outcome on subsequent visits. Results: Diagnosis of synchronous multifocal osteosarcoma was based on patient and family history and finding of multiple lesions in the MR images, meanwhile the plain radiograph only revealed the primary tumor. Amstutz described multifocal osteosarcoma as presence of one primary tumor and several smaller lesions. Most recent reviews concluded that multifocal osteosarcoma is bone-to-bone metastatic process rather than multicentric origin. The limitation in this case was absence of thoracic CT which is suggested to rule out any pulmonary metastases instead of routine chest radiograph. Conclusion: Although satisfying improvement was clinically achieved, further advanced MRI would be indicated to evaluate the progression of tumor and its respond to therapy.
Calculated relative biological effectiveness (RBE) for initial DNA double-strand breaks (DSB) from flattening filter and flattening filter-free 6 MV X-ray fields
Authors: Nakano Hisashi , Kawahara Daisuke , Tanabe Satoshi , Utsunomiya Satoru , Takizawa Takeshi , Sakai Madoka , Nakano Toshimichi , Ohta Atsushi , Kaidu Motoki , Ishikawa Hiroyuki 
Published: March 2021

Objectives: We evaluated the radiobiological effectiveness based on the yields of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) of field induction with flattening filter (FF) and FF-free (FFF) photon beams. Methods: We used the particle and heavy ion transport system (PHITS) and a water equivalent phantom (30 × 30 × 30 cm3) to calculate the physical qualities of the dose-mean lineal energy (yD) with 6 MV FF and FFF. The relative biological effectiveness based on the yields of DNA-DSBs (RBEDSB) was calculated for standard radiation such as 220 kVp X-rays by using the estimating yields of SSBs and DSBs. The measurement points used to calculate the in-field yD and RBEDSB were located at a depth of 3, 5, and 10 cm in the water equivalent phantom on the central axis. Measurement points at 6, 8, and 10 cm in the lateral direction of each of the three depths from the central axis were set to calculate the out-of-field yD and RBEDSB. Results: The RBEDSB of FFF in-field was 1.7% higher than FF at each measurement depth. The RBEDSB of FFF out-of-field was 1.9 to 6.4% higher than FF at each depth measurement point. As the distance to out-of-field increased, the RBEDSB of FFF rose higher than those of FF. FFF has a larger RBEDSB than FF based on the yields of DNA-DSBs as the distance to out-of-field increased. Conclusions: The out-of-field radiobiological effect of FFF could thus be greater than that of FF since the spreading of the radiation dose out-of-field with FFF could be a concern compared to the FF. Advances in knowledge: The RBEDSB of FFF of out-of-field might be larger than FF.
Barriers and facilitators to implementing clinical imaging guidelines by healthcare professionals using theoretical domains framework: a mixed-methods systematic review protocol
Authors: Kisembo Harriet Nalubega , Nassanga Ritah , Ameda Faith Ameda , Ocan Moses , Kinengyere Alison A , Abdirahaman Sahal Omal , Malumba Richard , Salama Dina Husseiny , Kawooya Michael Grace 
Published: March 2021

Objectives:To identify, categorize, and develop an aggregated synthesis of evidence using the theoretical domains framework (TDF) on barriers and facilitators that influence implementation of clinical imaging guidelines (CIGs) by healthcare professionals (HCPs) in diagnostic imagingMethods:The protocol will be guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewers’ Manual 2014. Methodology for JBI Mixed Methods Systematic Reviews and will adhere to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines (PRISMA-P). Information source will include databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE and The Cochrane Library), internet search (https://www.google.com/scholar), experts’ opinion, professional societies/organizations websites and government bodies strategies/recommendations, and reference lists of included studies. Articles of any study design published in English from 1990 to date, having investigated factors operating as barriers and/or facilitators to the implementation CIGs by HCPs will be eligible. Selecting, appraising, and extracting data from the included studies will be independently performed by at least two reviewers using validated tools and Rayyan – Systematic Review web application. Disagreements will be resolved by consensus and a third reviewer as a tie breaker. The aggregated studies will be synthesized using thematic analysis guided by TDF. Results: Identified barriers will be defined a priori and mapped into 7 TDF domains including knowledge, awareness, effectiveness, time, litigationand financial incentivesConclusion:The results will provide an insight into a theory-based approach to predict behavior-related determinants for implementing CIGs and develop strategies/interventions to target the elicited behaviors. Recommendations will be made if the level of evidence is sufficientAdvances in knowledge:Resource-constrained settings that are in the process of adopting CIGs may opt for this strategy to predict in advance likely impediments to achieving the goal of CIG implementation and develop tailored interventions during the planning phase. Systematic review Registration: PROSPERO ID = CRD42020136372 (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO).
Comparison of quantitative and qualitative scoring approaches for radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis as applied to a preliminary investigation into the efficacy of mesenchymal stem cell delivery methods in a rat model
Authors: Wang Li Ming , Jung Sungmi , Serban Monica , Chatterjee Avishek , Lee Sangkyu , Jeyaseelan Krishinima , El Naqa Issam , Seuntjens Jan , Ybarra Norma 
Published: March 2021

Objectives: Compare a quantitative, algorithm-driven, and qualitative, pathologist-driven, scoring of radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis (RIPF). And using these scoring models to derive preliminary comparisons on the effects of different mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) administration modalities in reducing RIPF. Methods 25 rats were randomized into 5 groups: non-irradiated control (CG), irradiated control (CR), intraperitoneally administered granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor or GM-CSF (Drug), intravascularly administered MSC (IV), and intratracheally administered MSC (IT). All groups, except CG, received an 18 Gy conformal dose to the right lung. Drug, IV and IT groups were treated immediately after irradiation. After 24 weeks of observation, rats were euthanized, their lungs excised, fixed and stained with Masson’s Trichrome. Samples were anonymized and RIPF was scored qualitatively by a certified pathologist and quantitatively using ImageScope. An analysis of association was conducted, and two binary classifiers trained to validate the integrity of both qualitative and quantitative scoring. Differences between the treatment groups, as assessed by the pathologist score, were then tested by variance component analysis and mixed models for differences in RIPF outcomes. Results: There is agreement between qualitative and quantitative scoring for RIPF grades from 4 to 7. Both classifiers performed similarly on the testing set (AUC = 0.923) indicating accordance between the qualitative and quantitative scoring. For comparisons between MSC infusion modalities, the Drug group had better outcomes (mean pathologist scoring of 3.96), correlating with significantly better RIPF outcomes than IV [lower by 0.97, p = 0.047, 95% CI = (0.013, 1.918)] and resulting in an improvement over CR [lower by 0.93, p = 0.037, 95% CI = (0.062, 1.800]. Conclusion: Quantitative image analysis may help in the assessment of therapeutic interventions for RIPF and can serve as a scoring surrogate in differentiating between severe and mild cases of RIPF. Preliminary data demonstrate that the use of GM-CSF was best correlated with lower RIPF severity. Advances in knowledge Quantitative image analysis can be a viable supplemental system of quality control and triaging in situations where pathologist work hours or resources are limited. The use of different MSC administration methods can result in different degrees of MSC efficacy and study outcomes.