bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Management of severe asthma: a European Respiratory Society/American Thoracic Society guideline
Authors: Holguin F. , Cardet J. C. , Chung K. F. , Diver S. , Ferreira D. S. , Fitzpatrick A. , Gaga M. , Kellermeyer L. , Khurana S. , Knight S. , McDonald V. M. , Morgan R. L. , Ortega V. E. , Rigau D. , Subbarao P. , Tonia T. , Adcock I. M. , Bleecker E. R. , Brightling C. , Boulet L. P. , Cabana M. , Castro M. , Chanez P. , Custovic A. , Djukanovic R. , Frey U. , Frankemölle B. , Gibson P. , Hamerlijnck D. , Jarjour N. , Konno S. , Shen H. , Vitary C. , Bush A. 
Published: June 2021

This document provides clinical recommendations for the management of severe asthma. Comprehensive evidence syntheses, including metaanalyses, were performed to summarise all available evidence relevant to the European Respiratory Society/American Thoracic Society Task Force’s questions. The evidence was appraised using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) approach and the results were summarised in evidence profiles. The evidence syntheses were discussed and recommendations formulated by a multidisciplinary Task Force of asthma experts, who made specific recommendations on six specific questions. After considering the balance of desirable and undesirable consequences, quality of evidence, feasibility, and acceptability of various interventions, the Task Force made the following recommendations:• suggest using anti-interleukin (IL)-5 and anti-IL-5 receptor α for severe uncontrolled adult eosinophilic asthma phenotypes;• suggest using a blood eosinophil cut-point ≥150 μL−1 to guide anti-IL-5 initiation in adult patients with severe asthma;• suggest considering specific eosinophil (≥260 μL−1) and exhaled nitric oxide fraction (≥19.5 ppb) cut-offs to identify adolescents or adults with the greatest likelihood of response to anti-IgE therapy;• suggest using inhaled tiotropium for adolescents and adults with severe uncontrolled asthma despite Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) step 4 – 5 or National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP) step 5 therapies;• suggest a trial of chronic macrolide therapy to reduce asthma exacerbations in persistently symptomatic or uncontrolled patients on GINA step 5 or NAEPP step 5 therapies, irrespective of asthma phenotype;• suggest using anti-IL-4/13 for adult patients with severe eosinophilic asthma and for those with severe corticosteroid-dependent asthma regardless of blood eosinophil levels.These recommendations should be reconsidered as new evidence becomes available.
The Balakrishnan-Alpha-Beta-Skew-Normal Distribution: Properties and Applications
Authors: Shah Sricharan , Hazarika Partha Jyoti , Chakraborty Subrata , Ali M. Masoom 
Published: June 2021

In this paper, a new form of alpha-beta-skew distribution is proposed under Balakrishnan (2002) mechanism and investigated some of its related distributions. The most important feature of this new distribution is that it is versatile enough to support both unimodal and bimodal as well as multimodal behaviors of the distribution. The moments, distributional properties and some extensions of the proposed distribution have also been studied. Finally, the suitability of the proposed distribution has been tested by conducting data fitting experiment and comparing the values of Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) and Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) with the values of some other related distributions. Likelihood Ratio testis used for discriminating between normal and the proposed distributions.
Overcoming Language Barriers in Content-Area Instruction
Authors: Ashcraft Nikki 
Published: June 2021

As new English-medium universities open their doors in the Arabian Gulf andsome Arabic-medium universities switch to using English as the language ofinstruction, instructors in all disciplines face the challenge of teaching theircourses in English to students who have learned (and who are continuing tolearn) English as a foreign language. This article reviews theories and practicesfrom the field of Applied Linguistics and Teaching English as a SecondLanguage (TESOL) which can help content-area instructors understand andreach these learners.
Second language acquisition research has produced several concepts ofinterest to content-area instructors. Krashen’s theory of comprehensible inputfocuses on the language used by the instructor, while Swain’s of comprehensibleoutput emphasizes providing opportunities for students to produce language. Cummins differentiates between two types of language proficiency: BasicInterpersonal Communication Skills (BICS), which are needed for dailyinteractions, and Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency (CALP), which isrequired for academic tasks. Interlanguage and first language interference mayalso influence students’ second language production in classroom settings.
Specific classroom practices for improving students’ language comprehensionand facilitating content learning are recommended. These include modifyingspeech, using visual aids, utilizing a variety of questioning techniques, andextending the time instructors wait for students to respond. Instructors canemploy strategies, such as mind-mapping and quickwriting, to activate students’linguistic and conceptual schemata at the beginning of a lesson. Scaffoldingprovides structure and support for students to complete tasks until they are ableto realize them on their own. Collaborative/cooperative learning lowers students’affective filters and offers opportunities for participation and language practice. Graphics illustrate some of the suggested practices.
Uncomplicated gallbladder mucoceles – is it better for prognosis to perform cholecystectomy or medically manage?
Authors: Griffiths Rachel T. , Gordon-Evans Wanda J. 
Published: June 2021

PICO question
In dogs with an uncomplicated gallbladder mucocele, is the long-term survival when surgically managed superior, inferior, or equal to those medically managed?

Clinical bottom line
Category of research question
Treatment and prognosis
The number and type of study designs reviewed
Three papers were critically reviewed. All of the studies were retrospective analyses of medical records, two of which were cohort studies, and one which was a case control study
Strength of evidence
Weak
Outcomes reported
There is some evidence that surgical management of gallbladder mucoceles is associated with longer survival times than medically managed cases, although there is no direct analysis of uncomplicated vs complicated cases
Conclusion
We cannot clearly make a conclusion based on the available evidence. To date, there is only one retrospective analysis that directly compares the long-term survival of cases medically vs surgically managed, but this study does not separate uncomplicated vs complicated cases of gallbladder mucocele. In order to more accurately determine which type of treatment should be recommended for uncomplicated cases of gallbladder mucoceles, a prospective study comparing long-term survival with each treatment should be performed. These studies should also standardise medical management in order to more accurately compare survival time to surgical treatment

How to apply this evidence in practice
The application of evidence into practice should take into account multiple factors, not limited to: individual clinical expertise, patient’s circumstances and owners’ values, country, location or clinic where you work, the individual case in front of you, the availability of therapies and resources.
Knowledge Summaries are a resource to help reinforce or inform decision making. They do not override the responsibility or judgement of the practitioner to do what is best for the animal in their care.
Readability of Patient Educational Materials in Pediatric Orthopaedics
Authors: Ó Doinn Tiarnán , Broderick James M. , Abdelhalim Muthana M. , Quinlan John F. 
Published: June 2021

Background:
Parents are increasingly turning to the internet to seek pediatric health information. Numerous organizations advise that patient educational materials (PEMs) should not surpass the sixth-grade reading level. We aimed to assess the readability of online pediatric orthopaedic PEMs.

Methods:
The readability of 176 articles pertaining to pediatric orthopaedics from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA), and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) websites was assessed with the use of 8 readability formulae: the Flesch-Kincaid Reading Grade Level, the Flesch Reading Ease Score, the Raygor Estimate, the SMOG, the Coleman-Liau, the Fry, the FORCAST, and the Gunning Fog. The mean reading grade level (RGL) of each article was compared with the sixth and eighth-grade reading levels. The mean RGL of each website’s articles also was compared.

Results:
The cumulative mean RGL was 10.2 (range, 6.6 to 16.0). No articles (0%) were written at the sixth-grade reading level, and only 7 articles (4.0%) were written at or below the eighth-grade reading level. The mean RGL was significantly higher than the sixth-grade (95% confidence interval [CI] for the difference, 4.0 to 4.4; p < 0.001) and eighth-grade (95% CI, 2.0 to 2.4; p < 0.001) reading levels. The mean RGL of articles on the POSNA website was significantly lower than the mean RGL of the articles on the AAOS (95% CI, −1.8 to −1.0; p < 0.001) and AAP (95% CI, −2.9 to −1.1; p < 0.001) websites.

Conclusions:
Pediatric orthopaedic PEMs that are produced by the AAOS, the POSNA, and the AAP have readability scores that exceed recommendations. Given the increasing preference of parents and adolescents for online health information, the growing body of online PEMs, and the critical role that health literacy plays in patient outcomes, substantial work is required to address the readability of these materials.
Pelvic Osseointegration for Unilateral Hip Disarticulation
Authors: Hoellwarth Jason S. , Tetsworth Kevin , Al-Maawi Qutaiba , Tarbosh Ali M. , Roberts Claudia , Al Muderis Munjed 
Published: June 2021

Case:
A 24-year-old man with right unilateral hip disarticulation, intolerant of a traditional socket-mounted prosthesis (TSP), underwent pelvic transcutaneous osseointegration and was fit with a prosthetic lower extremity 7 months later. Twenty-four months after osseointegration, he remains pain-free and complication-free, wears his prosthesis all waking hours, walks without assistive devices and can carry 2-handed objects, and works as a livestock farmer.

Conclusion:
Through 24 months, the world's first patient with pelvic osseointegration has no complications and better mobility than most patients with unilateral hip disarticulation using TSPs. Pelvic osseointegration seems reasonable to further consider in carefully selected patients.
Multifocal Disruption of the Extensor Mechanism of the Knee
Authors: Dedhia Nicket , Ranson Rachel A. , Konda Sanjit R. , Jazrawi Laith M. , Egol Kenneth A. 
Published: June 2021

Case:
A 41-year-old man presented with a transverse patella fracture and proximal patellar tendon avulsion after a fall from standing. Disruption of the extensor mechanism of the knee at multiple points is rare. He was treated operatively for his patella fracture and patellar tendon avulsion but experienced early failure of the patellar tendon fixation requiring reoperation. Both components of injury ultimately healed, and he returned to function.

Conclusion:
This case describes a rare presentation of an uncommon injury pattern affecting the extensor mechanism. This is the first report to describe multifocal failure of the extensor chain from a low-energy mechanism.
An Unusual Foreign Body–Caused Chondral Lesion of the Talar Dome
Authors: Hummel Amelia , Cody Elizabeth 
Published: June 2021

Case:
A patient presented with chronic ankle pain and instability. Imaging revealed a talar osteochondral lesion as well as intra-articular loose bodies. Intraoperatively, an unusual, well-demarcated chondral defect was found. A glass fragment was also identified in the joint. The patient subsequently recalled a minor ankle laceration from a shattered glass bottle, suggesting unrecognized foreign body retention as the cause of the cartilage damage.

Conclusion:
This is the first reported example of glass migrating into the ankle joint, leading to significant cartilage damage. This case highlights the elusive nature of foreign bodies and the difficulty of diagnosis with standard imaging.
Trapezial Acrometastasis as the First Presentation of Occult Lung Cancer
Authors: Nivar Isaac , Panico Leighann C. , Yoo Charlie , Parrish William 
Published: June 2021

Case:
Acrometastasis is extremely rare, accounting for 0.1% of all skeletal metastases. Metastases to the carpus are rarer still. This condition can be the first manifestation of an occult malignancy and generally indicates advanced disease. We present the case of a 53-year-old woman with acrometastasis of squamous cell lung cancer to the trapezium as the initial presentation of her malignancy.

Conclusion:
The presentation of acrometastasis can mimic infectious or inflammatory processes, leading to an erroneous diagnosis. Although exceptionally uncommon, it is important to consider as a differential diagnosis for a destructive hand lesion.
The Study of Boron-Nitride Nanotube Behavior as an Atomic Nano-Pump for Biomedicine Applications
Authors: Sabetvand Roozbeh , Jami Hesamodin 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
In this study we use molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to describe the nanopumping process of Boron Nitride Nanotube (BNNT) with fullerene molecule displacement for the first time. Technically, for the simulation of BNNT and fullerene structures, we used Tersoff force-field. The result of the equilibrium process of these structures shows the excellent stability of them which this atomic behavior arises from the appropriate settings in our MD simulations. Further, to describe the BNNT nanopumping process, we calculate the velocity and translational/rotational kinetic energy of fullerene molecule. Numerically, by increasing of simulated structures temperature from 275 K to 350 K, the nanopumping time varies from 9.31 ps to 8.55 ps, respectively. Further, the atomic wave producing in BNNT is an important parameter for nanopumping process and we decrease the nanopumpint time to 7.79 ps by this atomic parameter optimization.
Poly(catechol) modified Fe3O4 magnetic nanocomposites with continuous high Fenton activity for organic degradation at neutral pH
Authors: Hua Yani , Wang Chuan , Wang Sha , Xiao Juan 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have been widely used as a recyclable catalyst in Fenton reaction for organic degradation. However, the pristine MNPs suffer from the drawbacks of iron leaching in acidic conditions as well as the decreasing catalytic activity of organic degradation at a pH higher than 3.0. To solve the problems, Fe3O4 MNPs were modified by poly(catechol) (Fe3O4/PCC MNPs) using a facile chemical co-precipitation method. The poly(catechol) modification improved both the dispersity and the surface negative charges of Fe3O4/PCC MNPs, which are beneficial to the catalytic activity of MNPs for organics degradation. Moreover, the poly(catechol) modification enhanced the efficiency of Fe(II) regeneration during Fenton reaction due to the acceleration of Fe(III) reduction by the phenolic/quinonoid redox pair. As a result, the Fenton reaction with Fe3O4/PCC MNPs could efficiently degrade organic molecules, exampled by methylene blue (MB), in an expanded pH range between 3.0 and 10.0. In addition, Fe3O4/PCC MNPs could be reused up to 8 cycles for the MB degradation with negligible iron leaching of lower than 1.5 mg L-1. This study demonstrated Fe3O4/PCC MNPs are a promising heterogeneous Fenton catalysts for organic degradation.
An Approach to Identify Urban Waterlogging on a Deltaic Plain using ArcGIS on CHD based Flow Accumulation Models
Authors: Bhaumik Kaushik , Das Subhasish 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The gradient for any point on the land surface can be calculated using the digital-elevation model. Some empirical correlations are available to determine the gradient of any points. A few studies were conducted for hilly forest areas to determine the aspect and gradient of various points using computational hydrodynamics (CHD) based techniques. On a plain surface, the accuracy of such techniques was rarely verified. The application of such techniques for a plain surface is also extremely challenging for its small slope. Therefore, the prime objective of the present study is to find out an advanced technique to more accurately determine the gradient of various points on a plain surface which may help in determining the key areas affected by run-off, subsequent flow accumulation, and waterlogging. Here, Kolkata city as a deltaic plain surface is chosen for this study. Upto 600 m × 600 grid sizes are used on the DEM map to calculate the run-off pattern using a D8 algorithm method and second-order, third-order, and fourth-order finite difference techniques of CHD. After finding out the gradient, the run-off pattern is determined from relatively higher to lower gradient points. Based on the run-off pattern, waterlogging points of a plain surface are precisely determined. The results obtained from all the different methods are compared with one other as well as with the actual waterlogging map of Kolkata. It is found that the D8 algorithm and fourth-order finite-difference-technique are the most accurate while determining the waterlogging areas of a plain surface. Next, true gradients of waterlogging points are calculated manually to compare the calculated gradient points using each method. This is also done to determine the relationship and error between the true and calculated gradient of waterlogged points using various statistical analysis methods. The relationship between true and calculated gradients is observed from weak to strong if the D8 algorithm is replaced by the newly introduced fourth-order finite difference technique. Better accuracy and stronger relationships can be achieved by using a smaller grid size.
Household’s Agricultural Vulnerability to Climate Induced Disasters: A Case on South-west Coastal Bangladesh
Authors: Khan Md. Ayatullah , Kabir Kazi Humayun , Hasan Kamrul , Sultana Rashmia , Imran Sardar Al , Karmokar Sanju 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Climatic events have a significant impact on south-western coastal agriculture in Bangladesh. The purpose of this study was to assess household’s agricultural vulnerability to climate-induced disasters and to identify the sub-indicators of adaptive capacity that determine the agricultural vulnerability to climate-induced disasters of south-western coastal households in Bangladesh. The vulnerability has been calculated by taking the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) concept through an Agricultural Vulnerability Index (AVI). Then, the ordered logit model has been employed to identify the key sub-indicators of adaptive capacity that determine the agricultural vulnerability to climate-induced disasters. A survey of 346 household heads from the two villages (181 household’s head from Sutarkhali and 165 household’s head from Nalian) of Sutarkhali Union of Dacope Upazila under Khulna District has been used in this study. Findings reveal that the mean score of Sutarkhali is 0.703 (high) for exposure, 0.762 (high) for sensitivity, 0.397 (low) for adaptive capacity and finally, the AVI is 0.689 (high). In the same fashion, Nalian has an average score of 0.658 (high) for exposure, 0.681 (high) for sensitivity, 0.410 (low) for adaptive capacity, and finally 0.643 (high) for the AVI. Non-farm employment, ownership of livestock, access to irrigation pump, improved crop diversification/ saline tolerant High Yielding Variety (HYV) crops, and access to farm credit have been found statistically significant sub-indicators of adaptive capacity that determine the agricultural vulnerability of both study sites. Finally, it is recommended that the intervention required for coastal adaptation of agriculture should be initiated by respective authorities.
Risk Association of MTHFR Polymorphisms for Severity of the Disease in Children with Sickle Cell Disorder
Authors: Patel Suprava , Kumar Santosh , Naik Gitismita , Rachita Nanda , Hussain Nighat , Mohapatra Eli , Patra Pradeep 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The MTHFR variants, C677T and A1298C have been reported to contribute towards higher severity in sickle cell disorder. Hence the study was conducted on children with sickle cell disease to find out the association of the genotypes of MTHFR and disease severity. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on 249 children aged 5–15 years, diagnosed with sickle cell disorder. Severity Index was assigned to each child based on the clinical history of frequency of episodes of painful crisis, vascular crisis, joint pain, hemoglobin levels and hospitalization required. The children were grouped as SI ≤ 6 (Mild) and SI > 6 (Severe). The study participants comprised of 221 (88.76%) and 28 (11.24%) children in SI ≤ 6 and SI > 6 respectively. The SI score in the children was significantly associated with the MTHFR genotype variants C677T (p = 0.000), A1298C (p = 0.049), plasma homocysteine levels (p = 0.03), blood hemoglobin values (p = 0.000) and frequency of hospitalization (p = 0.000). Weight (p = 0.006), BMI (p = 0.000) and hemoglobin levels (p = 0.000) were significantly lower in children with SI > 6 whereas plasma homocysteine was found higher (p = 0.000). Genotypes CT and TT showed higher odds of SI > 6 as compared to CC genotype and genotype C’C’ showed higher odds of having SI > 6 as compared to genotypes AA and AC’ combined. The genotypes CC-AC’, CT-C’C’ and TT-AA were found to be associated with SI > 6. The study reported significant association of MTHFR polymorphisms, C677T and A1298C with severity index score in children with sickle cell disorder. The variants forms of the studied SNPs (TT and C’C’) were found to have significant implication with the severity of the disease.
Petrographic and Mechanical Analyses of Selected Granitic Rock Deposits in Ado-Ekiti, South-West Nigeria.
Authors: Sanya Olajide Tunmilayo , Jimoh Braimoh Olanrewaju , Dada Boluwatife Olayide , Nenuwa Olushola Bamidele , Taiwo Israel Oluwaseun 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
In this study, the petrographic and mineralogy of selected granitic rocks on their physical and mechanical strength were evaluated. Granitic rock samples sourced from seven locations were analyzed to investigate their mineral micro-texture and compositions using petrographic examination and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis respectively. Mechanical properties including compressive strength and hardness of the examined rocks were performed following ASTM D7012–10 and EN 1534 standards. Their physical properties in term of specific gravity, porosity and water absorption were examined following ASTM C97/C97M. Results show that the predominant minerals in rock samples are quartz and kaolinite. Stress-strain curve displays plastic fragmentation after initial fracture in most granitic rock samples with rock samples from Olorunda Zone 9 and Olorunda Zone 2 exhibiting superior plastic deformation over a wide strain elongation. Their physical properties were within the acceptable range for construction applications.