bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Predictive Value of the Eighth Edition of the Clinical TNM Staging System for the Likelihood of Eye Salvage for Intraocular Retinoblastoma by Systemic Chemotherapy and Focal Therapy
Authors: Yousef Yacoub A. , Mohammad Mona , Mehyar Mustafa , Sultan Iyad , Al-Hussaini Maysa , Alhourani Joud , Halalsheh Hadeel , Khzouz Jakub , Jaradat Imad , Qaddoumi Ibrahim , Al-Nawaiseh Ibrahim 
Published: March 2021

Background:
The American Joint Committee on Cancer/Union for International Cancer Control (AJCC/UICC) cTNM staging is emerging as a universal staging for all cancers, including retinoblastoma.

Methods:
Here we evaluated the predictive value of the eighth edition AJCC/UICC cTNM staging in comparison with the International Intraocular Retinoblastoma Classification for eye globe salvage by primary systemic chemotherapy and focal therapy (CRD) using logistic regression model for the probability of treatment failure.

Results:
The eye salvage rate for 565 treated eyes was 95% (n=139/147) for T1 tumors (98% for T1a and 93% for T1b), 56% (n=230/410) for T2 (81% for T2a and 53% for T2b), and 0% for T3 tumors, and was 98%, 93%, 76%, and 44% for group A, B, C, and D tumors, respectively. As estimated by odds ratios, T2 were 13.6-fold more likely to fail treatment than T1, and T1b, T2a, and T2b were 2.8-, 9.4-, and 35.1-fold more likely to fail treatment than T1a, respectively. Group B, C, and D tumors were 2.8-, 12.7-, and 50.1-fold more likely to fail treatment than group A tumors, respectively. Eye salvage rate was 62% for eyes with focal seeds (3 mm close to the tumor), and 42% for eyes with diffuse seeds (clouds more than 3 mm from tumor edge) (P<0.0001).

Conclusion:
Both, the eighth edition cTNM classification and the International Intraocular Retinoblastoma Classification systems, can effectively predict eye salvage rates for retinoblastoma by CRD. Eyes with higher cT stages are more likely to experience treatment failure. Because the cT2b group is very heterogeneous, our findings suggest further division of this group based on the severity of vitreous/subretinal seeds, this should be revised in the next edition of cTNM system.
Preparing Teaching Assistants in Nursing
Authors: Heitkemper Elizabeth M. , Hafermann Kelly A. , Honig Judy C. , Smaldone Arlene 
Published: March 2021

Background
Teaching assistants (TAs) serve an important role in schools of nursing, but their educational needs are poorly understood.

Purpose
To better prepare TAs, our School of Nursing identified and evaluated current TA practices to create tailored educational materials.

Methods
A 16-item survey captured how faculty used TAs. Focus groups with current faculty and former TAs explored the TA role and identified areas to target for future training. Focus groups were analyzed using thematic content analysis.

Results
Survey response rate was high (88%). Most faculty meet with TAs before the semester, and typical TA duties included attending lecture (71%) and facilitating examination review sessions (64%). Qualitative themes focused on faculty/TA communication, faculty guidance, knowing the policies, and TA/student boundary negotiation.

Conclusions
Findings demonstrate the importance of preparing TAs. Since this study, the university and school of nursing have each developed educational materials to better prepare TAs and faculty.
Bacterial RTX toxins and host immunity
Authors: Ahmad Jawid Nazir , Sebo Peter 
Published: March 2021

Purpose of review
RTX toxin action often defines the outcome of bacterial infections. Here, we discuss the progress in understanding the impacts of RTX toxin activities on host immunity.

Recent findings

Bordetella pertussis CyaA activity paralyzes sentinel phagocytic cells by elevating cellular cAMP levels and blocks differentiation of infiltrating monocytes into bactericidal macrophages, promoting also de-differentiation of resident alveolar macrophages into monocyte-like cells. Vibrio cholerae multifunctional autoprocessing repeats-in-toxins (MARTX), through Rho inactivating and α/β-hydrolase (ABH) domain action blocks mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling in epithelial cells and dampens the inflammatory responses of intestinal epithelia by blocking immune cell recruitment. The action of actin crosslinking effector domain and Ras/Rap1-specific endopeptidase (RRSP) domains of MARTX compromises the phagocytic ability of macrophages. Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans LtxA action triggers neutrophil elastase release into periodontal tissue, compromising the epithelial barrier and promoting bacterial spreads into deeper tissue.

Summary
Action of RTX toxins enables bacterial pathogens to cope with the fierce host immune defenses. RTX toxins often block phagocytosis and bactericidal reactive oxygen species and NO production. Some RTX toxins can reprogram the macrophages to less bactericidal cell types. Autophagy is hijacked for example by the activity of the V. cholerae ABH effector domain of the MARTX protein. Subversion of immune functions by RTX toxins thus promotes bacterial survival and proliferation in the host.
Features and Strategies in the Management of Choanal Atresia: A 6-Year Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Kalentakis Zacharias , Stamataki Sofia , Chalkiadakis Vasileios , Papapetropoulos Nektarios 
Published: March 2021

Introduction:
Choanal atresia although rare, is the most common inborn nasal deformity and an important cause of newborn airway obstruction. This study aims to describe a single-center experience in the management of choanal atresia and emphasize the ambiguous issues regarding its surgical repair.

Patients and Methods:
The authors retrospectively analyzed the treatment strategy of 18 patients with choanal atresia and their outcomes during the follow-up period.

Results:
Bilateral choanal atresia was diagnosed in 9 patients, 6 of those had mixed bony-membranous type (67% versus 33% who had pure bony type). Almost half of the 18 patients had a mixed bony-membranous type of atresia (56%). Interestingly, 89% of patients with bilateral atresia underwent transnasal endoscopic repair with stenting, compared to 44% of those with unilateral atresia (P = 0.04). A trend to preference of stent procedure in patients with bony type was also observed, in comparison with mixed bony-membranous type (89% versus 50%, P = 0.09). No significant difference in the need for revision treatment was noticed among the two treatment groups.

Conclusions:
Both in our data and literature there is no clear supremacy of stenting. Considering the high incidence of re-stenosis, all patients should be under close follow up for a long-term period. Inevitably, further investigation is necessary to establish an ideal surgical procedure.
Clinical Staging, Angioarchitecture Type, and Surgical Treatment of Arteriovenous Malformations in the Head and Neck: A Single-Center Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Sheng Bin , Wang Min , Xu Yuan , Chen Yong , Yuan Si-Ming 
Published: March 2021

Objective:
Head and neck are the predilection sites of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Although embolization is the first-line treatment for AVMs, complete surgical removal of the lesion still has its value due to the best outcome with low recurrence rate. Here, the authors made a retrospective analysis on the surgical treatment of AVMs in the head and neck.

Methods:
From January 2006 to December 2019, a total of 18 patients with AVMs in the head and neck were enrolled in this study, including 10 males. The Schobinger clinical staging, Yakes’ angioarchitecture type, and surgical treatment were analyzed. The follow-up data were collected. Then, individual treatment strategies were summarized.

Results:
According to Schobinger clinical classification system, 6 patients were at stage I, 7 patients at stage II, and 5 patients at stage III. According to Yakes’ AVM classification system, 3 Type I, 4 Type II, 5 Type III, and 3 Type IV were confirmed. 3 patients cannot be confirmed due to lacking of arteriographic data. Surgical treatments included simple surgical excision (8 patients), dilator therapy (6 patients), and skin grafting after surgical excision (4 patients). In the follow-up period, 2 patients had recurrence and accepted operation again. All patients were satisfied with the appearance.

Conclusions:
Individual surgical treatment based on the clinical stage and angioarchitecture type can achieve satisfactory results in AVMs in the head and neck.
The Evolution of Unilateral Cleft Lip Repair
Authors: Raghuram Anjali C. , Jacob Laya , Wlodarczyk Jordan R. , Munabi Naikhoba C.O. , Tomaro Micaela , Nagengast Eric , Chong David K. , Yao Caroline A. , Magee William P. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The understanding of cleft lip etiology and approaches for surgical repair have evolved over time, allowing for improved ability to restore form and function. The variability of cleft lip presentations has necessitated a nuanced surgical approach with multidisciplinary cleft care. The earliest documentation of unilateral cleft lip repair predates the 19th century, with crude outcomes observed before the advent of curved incisions and advancement flaps. In the 20th century, straight line, quadrilateral flap, and triangular flap repairs were introduced to mitigate post-repair surgical scarring, increase lip length, and restore the symmetry of the Cupid's bow. Towards the latter part of the century, the development of rotation-advancement principles allowed for improved functional and aesthetic outcomes. Future technical improvements will continue to address the goals of lip and nasal symmetry, muscular continuity, precise scar concealment, and improved patient satisfaction in an increasing range of cleft phenotypes and during subsequent years of growth.
Evaluation of the Clinical Features Accompanied by the Gene Mutations
Authors: Eryilmaz Isil E. , Bakar Mustafa , Egeli Unal , Cecener Gulsah , Yurdacan Beste , Colak Dilara K. , Tunca Berrin 
Published: March 2021

Introduction:
Early-onset Alzheimer disease (EOAD) is an earlier Alzheimer disease form which is characterized by the mutations in the amyloid precursor protein, presenilin-1/2 (PSEN1/2), and triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2). However, it is still necessary to report mutational screening in multiethnic groups to improve the genetic background of EOAD due to the variant classification challenge.

Methods:
We performed targeted sequencing for the amyloid precursor protein, PSEN1, PSEN2, and TREM2 genes in 74 patients and 1 family diagnosed with EOAD.

Results:
Among the detected variants, 8 were coding and 6 were noncoding in 15 of 74 patients. In PSEN1, 2 pathogenic coding variants (T274K and L364P) detected in 2 patients were novel and 3 coding variants (G183V, E318G, and L219P) detected in 2 patients were previously reported. We found 4 patients with the compound heterozygosity for the PSEN2 A23= and N43= and a family with the coexistence of them, and 1 patient with TREM2 Y38C. The coding variation frequency was 12.1%. In silico analysis indicated pathogenic potentials and clinical interpretations of the detected variants.

Conclusion:
Our study reveals the rare gene variants including novel ones from the Turkish EOAD cohort and provides to clinicians the list of detected variants in the screened genes, which may also be useful for accurate genetic counseling.
A small number of early introductions seeded widespread transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in Québec, Canada
Authors: Lía Murall Carmen , Fournier Eric , Galvez Jose Hector , N’Guessan Arnaud , Reiling Sarah J. , Quirion Pierre-Olivier , Naderi Sana , Roy Anne-Marie , Chen Shu-Huang , Stretenowich Paul , Bourgey Mathieu , Bujold David , Gregoire Romain , Lepage Pierre , St-Cyr Janick , Willet Patrick , Dion Réjean , Charest Hugues , Lathrop Mark , Roger Michel , Bourque Guillaume , Ragoussis Jiannis , Shapiro B. Jesse , Moreira Sandrine 
Published: March 2021

AbstractUsing genomic epidemiology, we investigated the arrival of SARS-CoV-2 to Québec, the Canadian province most impacted by COVID-19, with >280,000 positive cases and >10,000 deaths in a population of 8.5 million as of March 1st, 2021. We report 2,921 high-quality SARS-CoV-2 genomes in the context of >12,000 publicly available genomes sampled globally over the first pandemic wave (up to June 1st, 2020). By combining phylogenetic and phylodynamic analyses with epidemiological data, we quantify the number of introduction events into Québec, identify their origins, and characterize the spatio-temporal spread of the virus. Conservatively, we estimated at least 500 independent introduction events, the majority of which happened from spring break until two weeks after the Canadian border closed for non-essential travel. Subsequent mass repatriations did not generate large transmission lineages (>50 cases), likely due to mandatory quarantine measures in place at the time. Consistent with common spring break and ‘snowbird’ destinations, most of the introductions were inferred to have originated from Europe via the Americas. Fewer than 100 viral introductions arrived during spring break, of which 5-10 led to the largest transmission lineages of the first wave (accounting for 36-58% of all sequenced infections). These successful viral transmission lineages dispersed widely across the province, consistent with founder effects and superspreading dynamics. Transmission lineage size was greatly reduced after March 11th, when a quarantine order for returning travelers was enacted. While this suggests the effectiveness of early public health measures, the biggest transmission lineages had already been ignited prior to this order. Combined, our results reinforce how, in the absence of tight travel restrictions or quarantine measures, fewer than 100 viral introductions in a week can ensure the establishment of extended transmission chains.
Cash transfers may increase the no-show rate for surgical patients in low-resource settings: A randomized trial
Authors: Shrime Mark G. , Harter Elizabeth A. , Handforth Becky , Phillips Christine L. , Bos Hendrika W.C. , Hamer Mirjam , Alcorn Dennis , Bennette Tirzah , Millimouno Etienne Faya , Nieba Jacqueline , Oumar Barry Alpha , Zogbe Koko Madeline 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACTBackgroundOver two-thirds of the world’s population cannot access surgery when needed. Interventions to address this gap have primarily focused on surgical training and ministry-level surgical planning. However, patients more commonly cite cost— rather than governance or surgeon availability—as their primary access barrier. We undertook a randomized, controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the effect on compliance with scheduled surgical appointments of addressing this barrier through a cash transfer.Methods453 patients who were deemed surgical candidates by a nursing screening team in Guinea, West Africa, were randomized into three study arms: control, conditional cash transfer, and labeled unconditional cash transfer. Arrival to a scheduled surgical appointment was the primary outcome. The study was performed in conjunction with Mercy Ships.ResultsThe overall no-show rate was five-fold lower in Guinea than previously published estimates, leading to an underpowered study. In a post-hoc analysis, which included non-randomized patients, patients in the control group and the conditional cash transfer group demonstrated no effect from the cash transfer. Patients in the unconditional cash transfer group were significantly less likely to arrive for their scheduled appointment. Subgroup analysis suggested that actual receipt of the unconditional cash transfer, instead of a lapse in the transfer mechanism, was associated with failure to show.ConclusionWe find that cash transfers are feasible for surgical patients in a low-resource setting, but that unconditional transfers may have negative effects on compliance. Although demand-side barriers are large for surgical patients in low-resource settings, interventions to address them must be designed with care.
Serological profiles of pan-coronavirus-specific responses in COVID-19 patients using a multiplexed electro-chemiluminescence-based testing platform
Authors: Chaudhury Sidhartha , Hutter Jack , Bolton Jessica S , Hakre Shilpa , Mose Evelyn , Wooten Amy , O’Connell William , Hudak Joseph , Krebs Shelly J. , Darden Janice M. , Regules Jason A. , Murray Clinton K. , Modjarrad Kayvon , Scott Paul , Peel Sheila , Bergmann-Leitner Elke S. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractSerological assessment of SARS-CoV-2 specific responses are an essential tool for determining the prevalence of past SARS-CoV-2 infections in the population especially when testing occurs after symptoms have developed and limited contact tracing is in place. The goal of our study was to test a new 10-plex electro-chemiluminescence-based assay to measure IgM and IgG responses to the spike proteins from multiple human coronaviruses including SARS-CoV-2, assess the epitope specificity of the SARS-CoV-2 antibody response against full-length spike protein, receptor-binding domain and N-terminal domain of the spike protein, and the nucleocapsid protein. We carried out the assay on samples collected from three sample groups: subjects diagnosed with COVID-19 from the U.S. Army hospital at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, South Korea; healthcare administrators from the same hospital but with no reported diagnosis of COVID-19; and pre-pandemic samples. We found that the new CoV-specific multiplex assay was highly sensitive allowing plasma samples to be diluted 1:30,000 with a robust signal. The reactivity of IgG responses to SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein and IgM responses to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein could distinguish COVID-19 samples from non-COVID-19 and pre-pandemic samples. The data from the three sample groups also revealed a unique pattern of cross-reactivity between SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV-1, MERS-CoV, and seasonal coronaviruses HKU1 and OC43. Our findings show that the CoV-2 IgM response is highly specific while the CoV-2 IgG response is more cross-reactive across a range of human CoVs and also showed that IgM and IgG responses show distinct patterns of epitope specificity. In summary, this multiplex assay was able to distinguish samples by COVID-19 status and characterize distinct trends in terms of cross-reactivity and fine-specificity in antibody responses, underscoring its potential value in diagnostic or serosurveillance efforts.
A standardized analytics pipeline for reliable and rapid development and validation of prediction models using observational health data
Authors: Khalid Sara , Yang Cynthia , Blacketer Clair , Duarte-Salles Talita , Fernández-Bertolín Sergio , Kim Chungsoo , Park Rae Woong , Park Jimyung , Schuemie Martijn , Sena Anthony , Suchard Marc A. , You Seng Chan , Rijnbeek Peter , Reps Jenna 
Published: March 2021

Background and ObjectiveAs a response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, several prediction models have been rapidly developed, with the aim of providing evidence-based guidance. However, no COVID-19 prediction model in the existing literature has been found to be reliable. Models are commonly assessed to have a risk of bias, often due to insufficient reporting, use of non-representative data, and lack of large-scale external validation. In this paper, we present the Observational Health Data Sciences and Informatics (OHDSI) analytics pipeline for patient-level prediction as a standardized approach for rapid yet reliable development and validation of prediction models. We demonstrate how our analytics pipeline and open-source software can be used to answer important prediction questions while limiting potential causes of bias (e.g., by validating phenotypes, specifying the target population, performing large-scale external validation and publicly providing all analytical source code).MethodsWe show step-by-step how to implement the pipeline for the question: ‘In patients hospitalized with COVID-19, what is the risk of death 0 to 30 days after hospitalization’. We develop models using six different machine learning methods in a US claims database containing over 20,000 COVID-19 hospitalizations and externally validate the models using data containing over 45,000 COVID-19 hospitalizations from South Korea, Spain, and the US.ResultsOur open-source tools enabled us to efficiently go end-to-end from problem design to reliable model development and evaluation. When predicting death in patients hospitalized for COVID-19 adaBoost, random forest, gradient boosting machine, and decision tree yielded similar or lower internal and external validation discrimination performance compared to L1-regularized logistic regression, whereas the MLP neural network consistently resulted in lower discrimination. L1-regularized logistic regression models were well calibrated.ConclusionOur results show that following the OHDSI analytics pipeline for patient-level prediction can enable the rapid development towards reliable prediction models. The OHDSI tools and pipeline are open source and available to researchers around the world.
Importance of serological testing in the convalescence phase in patients with pulmonary impairment due to COVID 19 - a health care workers analysis
Authors: Pereira José Rodrigues , Santoro Ilka Lopes , Santos Maria Silvia Biagioni , de Toledo Andreia Padilha , Copelli Greice Elen , de França Caroline Villela Galvão , Caboclo Edmundo Di Giaimo 
Published: March 2021

1AbstractSince its discovery, more than 37 million people have been infected by SARS-CoV-2 with deaths around 1 million worldwide. The prevalence is not known because infected individuals may be asymptomatic. In addition, the use of specific diagnostic tests is not always conclusive, raising doubts about the etiology of the disease.The best diagnostic method and the ideal time of collection remains the subject of study. The gold standard for diagnosing COVID 19 is the RT PCR molecular test, usually using an oropharynx and nasopharynx swab. Its sensitivity is 70% and drops significantly after the second week of symptoms. Serological tests, in turn, have increased sensitivity after 14 days, and can contribute to the diagnosis when SARS-CoV-2 infection is suspected, even with negative RT PCR.Our study showed sensitivity and specificity of 100% of the serological test (ELISA method) for cases of viral pneumonia caused by the new coronavirus, suggesting that this test could assist in the diagnosis of pulmonary interstitial changes that have not yet been etiologically clarified. We found a greater immune response in men, regardless of the severity of symptoms. The greater the severity, the higher the levels of IgA and IgG, mainly found in patients with multilobar impairment and in need for oxygen. We concluded that the serological test collected around 30 days after the onset of symptoms is the best diagnostic tool in the convalescence phase, not only for epidemiological purposes, but also for the etiological clarification of pulmonary changes that have not yet been diagnosed.
Dynamic Data-Driven Algorithm to Predict the Cumulative COVID-19 Infected Cases Using Susceptible-Infected-Susceptible Model
Authors: Anand Abhinav , Kumar Saurabh , Ghosh Palash 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn recent times, researchers have used Susceptible-Infected-Susceptible (SIS) model to understand the spread of pandemic COVID-19. The SIS model has two compartments, susceptible and infected. In this model, the interest is to determine the number of infected people at a given time point. However, it is also essential to know the cumulative number of infected people at a given time point, which is not directly available from the SIS model’s present structure. In this work, we propose a modified structure of the SIS model to determine the cumulative number of infected people at a given time point. We develop a dynamic data-driven algorithm to estimate the model parameters based on an optimally chosen training phase to predict the same. We demonstrate the proposed algorithm’s prediction performance using COVID-19 data from Delhi, India’s capital city.