bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Summary of GFS Ensemble Integrated Water Vapor Transport Forecasts and Skill along the U.S. West Coast during Water Years 2017–20
Authors: Cordeira Jason M. , Ralph F. Martin 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe ability to provide accurate forecasts and improve situational awareness of atmospheric rivers (ARs) is key to impact-based decision support services and applications such as forecast-informed reservoir operations. The purpose of this study is to quantify the cool-season water year skill for 2017–20 of the NCEP Global Ensemble Forecast System forecasts of integrated water vapor transport along the U.S. West Coast commonly observed during landfalling ARs. This skill is summarized for ensemble probability-over-threshold forecasts of integrated water vapor transport magnitudes ≥ 250 kg m−1 s−1 (referred to as P250). The P250 forecasts near North-Coastal California at 38°N, 123°W were reliable and successful at lead times of ~8–9 days with an average success ratio > 0.5 for P250 forecasts ≥ 50% at lead times of 8 days and Brier skill scores > 0.1 at a lead time of 8–9 days. Skill and accuracy also varied as a function of latitude and event characteristics. The highest (lowest) success ratios and probability of detection values for P250 forecasts ≥ 50% occurred on average across Northern California and Oregon (Southern California), whereas the average probability of detection of more intense and longer duration landfalling ARs was 0.1–0.2 higher than weaker and shorter duration events at lead times of 3–9 days. The potential for these forecasts to enhance situational awareness may also be improved, depending on individual applications, by allowing for flexibility in the location and time of verification; the success ratios increased 10%–30% at lead times of 5–10 days allowing for flexibility of ±1.0° latitude and ±6 h in verification.
Comparative study of morbidity and mortality pre- and postoperative of laparoscopic nephrectomy for inflammatory versus tumoral cause according to the Clavien–Dindo classification: prospective study over 2 years
Authors: Ncir Hicham , Errehan Mouhssine , Oubihi Mohammed , Lakmichi Mohammed Amine , Dahami Zakaria , Moudouni Said Mohammed , Sarf Ismail 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
For 29 years, Laparoscopic Nephrectomy has steadily established itself as a technique for kidney excision. Patients as well as surgeons appreciate the benefits of this less invasive technique. Although the morbidity and mortality of this minimally invasive technique are relatively low, the risks it entails must be taken into account seriously. The purpose of this study is to evaluate and compare the intra- and postoperative morbidity and mortality factors connected to Laparoscopic Transperitoneal Nephrectomy for inflammatory kidney versus tumoral kidney according to the Clavien–Dindo classification.

Methods
A prospective comparative mono-centric study was carried out over a period of 24 months (January 2018–January 2020) on patients having benefited from a Laparoscopic Transperitoneal Nephrectomy for Inflammatory (Group 1) or Tumoral (Group 2) causes. Postoperative morbidity and mortality were assessed according to the Dindo–Clavien classification.

Results
This study included 60 patients. Group 1 consisted of 32 patients (median age: 50.4 years) and Group 2 of 28 patients (median age: 61 years). Drainage of inflammatory kidneys was done preoperatively by nephrostomy drain (11 cases) and double J probe (3 cases). The mean operating time was longer in Group 1 (234 vs 186.8 min, p = 0.1). The conversion rate was statistically significant in Group 1 (6 vs 1, p < 0.05). The rate of Grade 1 complications is very significant in Group 1: ileus (6 vs 2, p = 0.02), postoperative antibiotic therapy (26 vs 3, p = 0.001) and infection of the wall (4 vs 0, p < 0.001). The rate of severe complications (Clavien ≥ 3) was the same in the two groups. The average length of hospital stay was higher in Group1.

Conclusion
Our work (study) showed a higher rate of severe complications in Laparoscopic nephrectomies for inflammatory causes.
A comparison of laryngeal mask airway-supreme and endotracheal tube use with respect to airway protection in patients undergoing septoplasty: a randomized, single-blind, controlled clinical trial
Authors: Karaaslan Erol , Akbas Sedat , Ozkan Ahmet Selim , Colak Cemil , Begec Zekine 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundThere are doubts among anesthesiologists on the use of the Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) in nasal surgeries because of concerns about the occurrence of blood leakages to the airway. We hypothesized that the use of LMA-Supreme (LMA-S) in nasal surgery is comparable with endotracheal tube (ETT) according to airway protection against blood leakage through the fiberoptic bronchoscopy, oropharyngeal leakage pressure (OLP), heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and postoperative adverse events.MethodsThe present study was conducted in a prospective, randomized, single-blind, controlled manner on 80 patients, who underwent septoplasty procedures under general anesthesia, after dividing them randomly into two groups according to the device used (LMA-S or ETT). The presence of blood in the airway (glottis/trachea, distal trachea) was analyzed with the fiberoptic bronchoscope and a four-point scale. Both groups were evaluated for OLP; HR; MAP; postoperative sore throat, nausea, and vomiting; dysphagia; and dysphonia.ResultsIn the fiberoptic evaluation of the airway postoperatively, less blood leakage was detected in both anatomic areas in the LMA-S group than in the ETT group (glottis/trachea,p = 0.004; distal trachea,p = 0.034). Sore throat was detected less frequently in the LMA-S group at a significant level in the 2nd, 6th, and 12th hours of postoperative period; however, other adverse events were similar in both groups. Hemodynamic parameters were not different between the two groups.ConclusionThe present findings demonstrate that the LMA-S provided more effective airway protection than the ETT in preventing blood leakage in the septoplasty procedures. We believe that the LMA-S can be used safely and as an alternative to the ETT in septoplasty cases.Trial registrationThis trial is registered at the US National Institutes of Health (ClinicalTrials.gov) #NCT03903679on April 5, 2019.
Urinary coenzyme Q10 as a diagnostic biomarker and predictor of remission in a patient with ADCK4-associated Glomerulopathy: a case report
Authors: Zhang Yan , Liao Xiaohua , Jiang Yupeng , Lv Xin , Yu Yue , Dai Qin , Ao Liyun , Tao Lijian , Peng Zhangzhe 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
AarF domain-containing kinase 4 (ADCK4)-associated glomerulopathy is a mitochondrial nephropathy caused by mutations in the ADCK4 gene, which disrupt coenzyme Q10 biosynthesis.

Case presentation
We report the case of a 25-year-old female patient with ADCK4-associated glomerulopathy presenting with proteinuria (and with no additional systemic symptoms). A known missense substitution c.737G > A (p.S246N) and a novel frameshift c.577-600del (p.193-200del) mutation were found. We followed the patient for 24 months during supplementation with coenzyme Q10 (20 mg/kg/d – 30 mg/kg/d) and describe the clinical course. In addition, we measured serum and urine coenzyme Q10 levels before and after coenzyme Q10 supplementation and compared them with those of healthy control subjects. The patient’s urinary coenzyme Q10 to creatinine ratio was higher than that of healthy controls before coenzyme Q10 supplementation, but decreased consistently with proteinuria after coenzyme Q10 supplementation.

Conclusions
Although the use of urinary coenzyme Q10 as a diagnostic biomarker and predictor of clinical remission in patients with ADCK4-associated glomerulopathy should be confirmed by larger studies, we recommend measuring urinary coenzyme Q10 in patients with isolated proteinuria of unknown cause, since it may provide a diagnostic clue to mitochondrial nephropathy.
Effects of ER-resident and secreted AGR2 on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and survival in PANC-1 pancreatic cancer cells
Authors: Hong Xian , Li Zhi-Xuan , Hou Jie , Zhang Hui-Yu , Zhang Chun-Yan , Zhang Jian , Sun He , Pang Li-Hong , Wang Tao , Deng Zhi-Hui 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Anterior gradient-2 (AGR2) is a proto-oncogene involved in tumorigenesis and cancer progression. AGR2, predominantly localized in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), is also a secreted protein detected in the extracellular compartment in multiple cancers. However, the biological functions of intracellular and extracellular AGR2 remain to be elucidated.

Methods
Based on the biochemical structure of AGR2 protein, PANC-1 pancreatic cancer cells stably expressing ER-resident or secreted AGR2 were generated by a lentivirus-mediated stable overexpression system. The capacities of cell proliferation, migration, invasion and survival were assessed in PANC-1 stable cells. Moreover, EGFR expression and activation were determined to explore the possible mechanism of AGR2 roles in pancreatic cancer tumorigenesis.

Results
It was discovered that secreted AGR2, but not ER-resident AGR2, promotes cell proliferation, migration and invasion of PANC-1 cells. Moreover, the data indicated that both the ER-resident and the secreted AGR2 enhance the survival capacity of PANC-1 cells after tunicamycin-induced ER stress and gemcitabine treatment. However, EGFR expression and activation were not found to be involved in AGR2-dependent oncogenic phenotypes in PANC-1 cells.

Conclusions
Secreted AGR2 is predominantly involved in cell proliferation, migration and invasion in PANC-1 pancreatic cancer cells. Both secreted and ER-resident AGR2 contribute to the survival of PANC-1 cells under the challenging conditions. These findings provide insight into how different localizations of AGR2 have contributed to pancreatic cancer growth, metastasis, and drug sensitivity.
Presence of one ecto- and two endoparasite species of the black stork (Ciconia nigra) in Portugal
Authors: Ramilo David W. , Caetano Inês , Brazio Erica , Mira Manuela , Antunes Leonor , da Fonseca Isabel Pereira , Cardoso Luís 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe black stork (Ciconia nigraLinnaeus, 1758) is a recognized endangered species in Europe and most of the specimens from the Western Palearctic region breed in the Iberian Peninsula. Available works regarding parasites in black storks are scarce. This work reports the presence one ecto- and two endoparasite species from a black stork in Portugal.Case presentationA black stork was found in southern Portugal after colliding against electric cables. The specimen did not survive its sustained injuries and a post-mortem exam was performed. During the procedure, several ecto- and endoparasite specimens were found. The collected parasites were lice (Neophilopterus tricolor), nematodes (Desportesius sagittatus) and trematodes (Cathaemasia hians).ConclusionsThree different species of parasites are reported from a black stork in Portugal. Ecto- and endoparasites ofC. nigrahave not frequently been described in the literature, and this case report is a contribution to the field. Additional studies will be important to better understand the impact that parasites can have onC. nigrahealth and survival.
ACTN1 supports tumor growth by inhibiting Hippo signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Chen Qian , Zhou Xiao-Wei , Zhang Ai-Jun , He Kang 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundAlpha actinins (ACTNs) are major cytoskeletal proteins and exhibit many non-muscle functions. Emerging evidence have uncovered the regulatory role of ACTNs in tumorigenesis, however, the expression pattern, biological functions, and underlying mechanism of ACTN1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain largely unexplored.MethodsImmunohistochemical analysis of a HCC tissue microarray (n = 157) was performed to determine the expression pattern and prognostic value of ACTN1 in HCC. In vitro loss-of-function study in HCC cells were carried out to investigate ACTN1 knockdown on cell proliferation. In vivo subcutaneous xenograft model and intrahepatic transplantation model were generated to decipher the contribution of ACTN1 in the tumor growth of HCC. Gene set enrichment analysis, quantitative real-time PCR, Co-immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence and western blotting were performed to identify the underlying molecular mechanism.ResultsIt was found that ACTN1 was significantly upregulated in HCC tissues and closely related to llpha-fetoprotein level, tumor thrombus, tumor size, TNM stage and patient prognoses. Knockdown of ACTN1 suppressed in vitro cell proliferation and in vivo tumor growth of HCC cells. Mechanistically, knockdown of ACTN1 increased Hippo signaling pathway activity and decreased Rho GTPases activities. Mechanistically, ACTN1 could competitively interact with MOB1 and decrease the phosphorylation of LATS1 and YAP. The growth-promoting effect induced by ACTN1 was significantly abrogated by pharmacological inhibition of YAP with verteporfin or super-TDU.ConclusionsACTN1 is highly expressed in HCC tissues and acts as a tumor promoter by suppressing Hippo signaling via physical interaction with MOB1. ACTN1 may serve as a potential prognostic marker and therapeutic target for HCC.
Patient survey of value in relation to radiology: results from a survey of the European Society of Radiology (ESR) value-based radiology subcommittee
Authors:   European Society of Radiology (ESR)
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Rationale and methodology
A survey of patients was carried out between January and June 2019, to better understand how patients interpret value in relation to radiology as a means to refining the concept of Value-Based Radiology (VBR) in Europe, ensure radiology’s value is properly weighted in Value-Based Health Care (VBH) metrics, and maximise the value of radiological services to patients. The survey was disseminated via various heads of radiology departments, ESR officers, patient organisations, and ESR website and social media channels.

Results
Responses were received from 400 patients from 22 countries. Whilst most expressed general satisfaction with the radiological services they received, certain aspects of the radiological services they received left room for improvement. Thirty-six percent of respondents reported that they were not satisfied with the information provided about the risks and benefits of procedures, and thirty-three percent reported not being satisfied with the availability of radiologists for consultation, potentially suggesting that some patients lack sufficient information to participate fully in treatment decisions. Patients were often unaware of what information they were entitled to receive. Over eighty percent of respondents were unfamiliar with the concepts of Value-Based Radiology and/or Value-Based Health Care.

Conclusion
In addition to procedural correctness (correct diagnosis, appropriate procedures performed), patients highly value information and communication with their radiologist (information provided about procedures, explanation of results, personal consultation). Lack of communication was found to be a cause of dissatisfaction in many cases. This could suggest a means of improving patient outcomes as measured by Value-Based Health Care metrics.
Feasibility of Monte-Carlo algorithm in comparison with collapse-cone dose calculation algorithm of a commercial treatment planning system in the presence of high-density metallic implant: a dosimetric study
Authors: Bhushan Manindra , Tripathi Deepak , Yadav Girigesh , Kumar Lalit , Chowdhary Rahul Lal , Pahuja Anjali K. , Suresh Tamilarasu , Shukla Sushil Kumar , Mitra Swarupa 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
The number of people with implanted hip prosthesis has grown worldwide. For radiotherapy planning of patients with hip implants, few main challenges are encountered. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility of different planning algorithms in the presence of high-density metallic implant in the treatment of patients with carcinoma cervix.

Results
It was found that D98% were 44.49 ± 0.11, 44.51 ± 0.13, 44.39 ± 0.22, and 44.45 ± 0.16 Gy for 4FMC6MV (4-field technique calculated with Monte-Carlo algorithm and 6 MV photon energy), 4FMC6MV_WP (4-field technique calculated with Monte-Carlo algorithm and 6 MV photon energy without prosthesis), 4FCC6MV (4-field technique calculated with collapse-cone-convolution algorithm and 6 MV photon energy), and 4FCC6MV_WP (4-field technique calculated with collapse-cone-convolution algorithm and 6 MV photon energy without prosthesis) respectively. Similarly, D2% were 49.40 ± 0.84, 49.05 ± 0.76, 48.97 ± 0.91, and 48.57 ± 0.85 Gray (Gy) for 4FMC6MV, 4FMC6MV_WP, 4FCC6MV, and 4FCC6MV_WP respectively. The present study has not suggested any major difference between the Monte-Carlo (MC) and collapse-cone-convolution (CCC) calculation algorithm in the presence of high-Z metallic implants. Volume of bowel receiving 15 Gy dose has shown a significant difference with prosthesis cases. This study investigates that hip prosthesis creates considerable changes in the treatment planning of cervical malignancies.

Conclusion
CCC algorithm is in good agreement with MC calculation algorithm in the presence of high-density metallic implants in terms of target coverage and avoidance organ sparing except few parameters.
Isolation and characterization of bioactive compounds from Euphorbia cotinifolia
Authors: Jayalakshmi B. , Raveesha K. A. , Amruthesh K. N. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Green plants are found to be an effective reservoir for bioactive molecules and can provide appreciable sources of antimicrobial agents. Antibacterial activity of solvent extracts of Euphorbia cotinifolia leaves was tested by agar cup diffusion and broth microdilution methods against some common human pathogenic bacteria viz., Bacillus cereus, Klebsiella pneumonia, Enterobacter aerogenes, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and Salmonella typhi. The methanol extract of Euphorbia cotinifolia was subjected to a silica gel column, leading to the isolation of a bioactive compound 1. The structure of compounds was elucidated by spectroscopic techniques and assessed for their antibacterial activity against several human pathogenic bacteria.

Results
The inhibition zone ranged against some common human pathogenic bacteria was 15.25–19.50 mm, 13.50–19.25 mm, 12–18.50 mm, 15–20 mm, and 13–19 mm for ECMF1, ECMF2, ECMF3, compounds 1, respectively. The MIC was found to be in the range 91–729 μg/ml for the fractions. The inhibition range was recorded between 12–19 and 10–14 mm for methanol and ethyl acetate extracts, respectively. K. pneumoniae, E. aerogenes, and B. subtilis were highly susceptible to methanol extract with the maximum inhibition zone of 19 mm. The MIC of the compound 1 against human pathogens was 78–833 μg/ml.

Conclusion
The present study results suggest that tested plant extracts have moderate to potent antibacterial activity due to the occurrence of phenols and flavonoids in the extracts. The defensive property of natural antibacterials is mainly due to the presence of these major groups, vitamins, phenols, flavonoids, and carotenoids. In the present study, biologically active diterpene was isolated and the structures of the new diterpenoids isolated from E. cotinifolia were closely related to an ingenol ester.
Association of mental disorders with SARS-CoV-2 infection and severe health outcomes: nationwide cohort study
Authors: Jeon Ha-Lim , Kwon Jun Soo , Park So-Hee , Shin Ju-Young 
Published: January 2021

BackgroundEpidemiological data on the association between mental disorders and the risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) severity are limited.AimsTo evaluate the association between mental disorders and the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and severe outcomes following COVID-19.MethodWe performed a cohort study using the Korean COVID-19 patient database based on national health insurance data. Each person with a mental or behavioural disorder (diagnosed during the 6 months prior to their first SARS-CoV-2 test) was matched by age, gender and Charlson Comorbidity Index with up to four people without mental disorders. SARS-CoV-2-positivity risk and the risk of death or severe events (intensive care unit admission, use of mechanical ventilation and acute respiratory distress syndrome) post-infection were calculated using conditional logistic regression analysis.ResultsAmong 230 565 people tested for SARS-CoV-2, 33 653 (14.6%) had mental disorders; 928/33 653 (2.76%) tested SARS-CoV-2 positive and 56/928 (6.03%) died. In multivariable analysis using the matched cohort, there was no association between mental disorders and SARS-CoV-2-positivity risk (odds ratio OR = 0.95; 95% CI 0.87–1.04); however, a higher risk was associated with schizophrenia-related disorders (OR = 1.50; 95% CI 1.14–1.99). Among confirmed COVID-19 patients, the mortality risk was significantly higher in patients with than in those without mental disorders (OR = 1.99, 95% CI 1.15–3.43).ConclusionsMental disorders are likely contributing factors to mortality following COVID-19. Although the infection risk was not higher for people with mental disorders overall, those with schizophrenia-related disorders were more vulnerable to infection.
EDITORIAL
Authors: Silva Silvio Bitencourt da , Coelho Arnaldo Fernandes Matos , Weersma Laodicéia Amorim 
Published: January 2021

A inovação distribui-se por várias disciplinas e pesquisas no campo da economia, da administração, das engenharias, do direito, entre outras. Em particular, tem atraído atenção de pesquisadores, gestores e formuladores de políticas públicas quanto a seu papel no desenvolvimento econômico e social. [...].
The effect of acute complicated appendicitis on liver function test
Authors: MoulaBux Kulsoom , Parveen Sughra , Iqbal Mazhar , Mehboob Ayesha 
Published: January 2021

Objectives: To determine the diagnostic role of hyperbilirubinemia in acute appendicitis like suppurative and gangrenous appendicitis.
Methods: This observational study was conducted at Ward-3, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center (JPMC), Karachi from 1st June 2019 to 1st June 2020. Males and females above 12 years of age were included. Serum liver function tests and leukocyte counts were carried out. Appendectomies were done, the operative findings and histopathology reports were noted. Hyperbilirubinemia was related with the stages of appendicitis. Results were analyzed by SPSS version 25.
Results: There were one hundred twenty patients. Thirty-eight (31.66%) were females and eighty-two (68.33%) were males. Age range was 13 to 60 years. Ten patients (8.33%) were between 13 – 20 years, sixty five (54.16%) were 21 to 30 years, thirty (25%) were 31 – 40 years, ten (8.33%) were 41 – 50 years and five patients (4.17%) were above 50 years of age. Sixty-two (51.66%) patients had simple appendicitis and fifty-four (45%) had complicated appendicitis like suppurative (26.66%) and (16.66%) gangrenous appendicitis. Negative appendectomy was found in four (3.33%). Hyperbilirubinemia was found (100%) in gangrenous, (94.12%) in suppurative and (12.3%) in catarrhal appendicitis. Enzymes like Alanine transaminase and Aspartate transaminase were raised (50%) in gangrenous, (50%) in suppurative and (9.67%) in catarrhal appendicitis. TLC was raised in 112 (96.55%) out of 116 patients and total leukocyte count was normal in negative appendectomies.
Conclusions: It is concluded that hyperbilirubinemia is strong diagnostic predictor for complicated appendicitis.\
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.2.3356
How to cite this:MoulaBux K, Parveen S, Iqbal M, Mehboob A. The effect of acute complicated appendicitis on liver function test. Pak J Med Sci. 2021;37(2):351-354. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.2.3356
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.