bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Altered methylation pattern in EXOC4 is associated with stroke outcome: an Epigenome- Wide Association Study
Authors: Cullell Natalia , Soriano-Tárraga Carolina , Gallego-Fábrega Cristina , Cárcel-Márquez Jara , Muiño Elena , Llucià-Carol Laia , Lledós Miquel , Esteller Manel , Moura Manuel Castro , Montaner Joan , Rosell Anna , Delgado Pilar , Martí-Fábregas Joan , Krupinski Jerzy , Roquer Jaume , Jiménez-Conde Jordi , Fernández-Cadenas Israel 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background and PurposeThe neurological course after stroke is highly variable and is determined by demographic, clinical, and genetic factors. However, other heritable factors such as epigenetic DNA methylation could play a role in neurological changes after stroke.MethodsWe performed a three-stage epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) to evaluate DNA methylation associated with the difference between the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at baseline and at discharge (ΔNIHSS) in ischemic stroke patients. DNA methylation data in the Discovery (n = 643) and Replication (n = 62) Cohorts were interrogated with the 450K and EPIC BeadChip. Nominal CpG-sites from the Discovery (p-value < 10-06) were also evaluated in a meta-analysis of the Discovery and Replication cohorts, using a random-fixed effect model. Specific cell type methylation was assessed using EpiDISH. We integrated the methylation data with 1305 plasma protein expression levels measured by SOMAscan and measured RNA expression with RT-PCR in a subgroup of 13 subjects. Results The meta-analysis revealed an epigenome-wide significant association in EXOC4 (p-value = 8.4x10-08) and in MERTK (p-value = 1.56x10-07). Only the methylation in EXOC4 was also associated in the Discovery and in the Replication cohort (p-value = 1.14x10-06 and p-value = 1.3x10-02, respectively). EXOC4 methylation negatively correlated with the long-term outcome (coefficient = -4.91) and showed a tendency towards a decrease in EXOC4 expression (rho = -0.469, p-value = 0.091). Pathway enrichment from the meta-analysis revealed significant associations related with the exocytic process. Seventy-nine plasma proteins were differentially expressed in association with EXOC4 methylation. Pathway analysis of these proteins showed an enrichment in Natural Killer cell activation.ConclusionsDNA methylation of EXOC4 is associated with a worse neurological course after stroke. Pathway analysis suggests that the exocytic pathway could be a potential biological mechanism underlying this association.
Discrimination of serum metabolomics profiles in infants with sepsis, based on liquid chromatography-mass spectrometer
Authors: Wang Li , Cha Xinyi , Zhang Zhongxiao , Qian Jihong 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background: Sepsis is one of the most important problems to be addressed in pediatrics, characterized by insidious onset, rapid progression, and high rates of severe infection and even mortality. There is an urgent clinical need for sensitive and robust biomarkers to assist in the early diagnosis of infant sepsis.Methods: We used serum metabonomics approach based on liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to analyze the samples from 30 infants with sepsis at an early stage and 30 infants with noninfectious diseases. Multivariate statistical analysis was used to screen for differential metabolites and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to find potential biomarkers. Subsequently, the relationship between potential biomarkers and classical infection indicators (CRP and PCT) was analyzed with Spearman's correlation coefficient. Lastly, metabolic pathway analysis was performed to explore the metabolic and signaling pathways associated with the differential metabolites.Results: Seven lipid metabolites (phosphatidic acid (PA), phosphatidyl ethanolamine (PE (16:0/18:2(9Z,12Z))), cytidine 5'-diphosphocholine (CDP-CHO), pubescenol, sphingomyelin (SM (d18:0/16:1(9Z))), prolylhydroxyproline and phosphorylcholine(P-CHO)) significantly different were identified between the sepsis group and control group. ROC curve analysis showed that pubescenol (Area Under the Curve (AUC) = 0.814) and prolylhydroxyproline (AUC = 0.832) have potential diagnostic values for infant sepsis. The AUC value of the diagnostic model constructed using the two biomarkers was 0.888 (CI: 0.807, 0.969). Pubescenol, PE and prolylhydroxyproline were found to be correlated with CRP and PCT levels, and CDP-CHO with PCT levels. Pathway analysis indicated that glycerophospholipid metabolism and phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthetic pathways played important roles in infant sepsis. Network analysis showed that these differential metabolites were associated with extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase, nuclear factor-κB, AMP-activated protein kinase, mammalian target of rapamycin, and other classical inflammatory and metabolic signaling pathways. Conclusion: This study identified serum metabolite profiles and potential lipid biomarkers in infants with sepsis. These findings will help improve the early diagnosis of sepsis in infants.
WITHDRAWN: The effect of a group counselling program to reduce the level of future anxiety and psychological stress among gifted students
Authors: Mahasneh Ahmad M. , Mhaiat Fatin A. , Abood Mohammad H. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Background: This study explores the effect of a group counselling program in reducing the level of future anxiety and psychological stress among a sample of gifted students.Methods: With a counselling program consisting of 15 sessions, a future anxiety scale, and psychological stress scale. The study sample was divided into two groups, the control group (N= 30), not included in counselling sessions, and the experimental group (N= 30) included in the counselling program.Results: The results showed a statistical analysis of differences between the experimental group and the control group recorded a lower level of future anxiety and psychological stress in the experimental group.
Exoscopic vs. microscopic transsphenoidal surgery for Cushing’s disease: A retrospective single-center study on 388 patients
Authors: Sumisławski Piotr , Piffko Andras , Huckhagel Torge , Ryba Alice , Burkhardt Till , Aberle Jens , Saeger Wolfgang , Flitsch Jörg , Rotermund Roman 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Microscopic or endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery represent the standard treatment for Cushing’s disease (CD). At our institution a new exoscopic approach was implemented. After proof of the general use for transsphenoidal pituitary surgery, the aim of this study was to compare the exoscopic 4K3D video microscope with the microscopic transsphenoidal surgery for patients with CD.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective analysis on 388 patients with CD treated in our medical center via microscopic transsphenoidal surgery (MTS) between January 2008 and July 2019 or via exoscopic transsphenoidal surgery (ExTS) between May 2019 and May 2021. Parameters investigated included histology, pre- and postoperative MRI with tumor size, pre- and postoperative ACTH and cortisol levels, duration of surgery, perioperative and postoperative complications as well as clinical outcome.
Results
Patients who underwent ExTS in CD experienced a lower incidence of SIADH/Diabetes insipidus (p = 0.0164), a higher rate of remission (p = 0.0422) and a shorter duration of surgery (p < 0.0001) compared to MTS. However, there was no significant difference regarding new postoperative pituitary insufficiency and intraoperative CSF space opening.
Conclusions
We found that ExTS had multiple benefits compared to MTS for tumor resection in case of CD. These results are in line with our previous publication on the general applicability of an exoscope in pituitary surgery. To our knowledge, this is the first clinical study proving the superiority of ExTS in CD. These results are promising, nevertheless further studies comparing exoscopic with the endoscopic approach are necessary to finally evaluate the utility of the new technique.
[68Ga]Ga-Prostate-specific membrane antigen PET/CT in ovarian tumours: potential to differentiate benign and malignant tumours before surgery. A preliminary report
Authors: Kunikowska Jolanta , Bizoń Magdalena , Pełka Kacper , Derlatka Paweł , Olszewski Maciej , Królicki Leszek 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Purpose Ovarian cancer is usually diagnosed in an advanced stage of disease due to the absence of specific symptoms and a lack of sensitive diagnostic methods. Prostate‑specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is expressed on prostate cancer cells, but can be found in other tumours such as ovarian cancer. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility of using [ 68 Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT in detection of ovarian neoplasm before surgical treatment. Material and methods: Eight women with mean age of 56.0±16.2 years were included in the study. All patients underwent transvaginal ultrasound followed by CT scan of the chest and abdomen as qualification for surgery. Within a 1-week interval, PET/CT was performed on a Siemens Biograph scanner, 60 min after injection of 2 MBq/kg [ 68 Ga]Ga-PSMA-11. Results: In three cases (37.5%) the [ 68 Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT was positive, whereas histological examination confirmed two serous ovarian cancer cases and one ovarian borderline tumour. The SUVmax in the serous ovarian cancer was 8.7 and 4.1, and in the borderline ovarian tumour it was 13.8. No correlation was found between antigen CA 125 level and [ 68 Ga]Ga-PSMA expression. Range of tumour SUVmax was not correlated with stage of disease. The remaining 62.5% (5/8) were negative in [ 68 Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT and histopathology confirmed benign pelvic tumour. Conclusion The initial experience supports the potential to use [ 68 Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 in ovarian cancer to differentiate malignant and benign tumours before surgery. This study was approved by the Ethical Committee of the Medical University of Warsaw (KB/2/A/2018).
Development and characterization of microsatellite primers for Triops granarius (Branchiopoda: Notostraca) using MiSeq technology
Authors: Ahmed Lina , Al-Najjar Yousef , Cramer Emily R. A. , Thareja Gaurav , Suhre Karsten , Chen Kuei-Chiu 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background: Next-generation sequencing technology has allowed for the rapid development of microsatellites, neutral polymorphic markers that can be used for the analysis of population structure. Methods and Results: In this study, we performed whole-genome sequencing using the Illumina MiSeq system and de novo assembly to design microsatellite primers for Triops granarius populations in Qatar. The developed microsatellites are suitable for future studies of genetic structuring among geographically isolated freshwater pools. A total of 23 different primer pairs produced typical microsatellite results, with each pair successfully amplified in up to 40 individuals. Only five of the loci produced a significant departure from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Conclusion: These HWE deviation results could be attributed to several factors. The homozygosity of rare alleles in certain individuals could have inflated the impact from the frequencies of these alleles in the population. Additionally, the Wahlund effect often found in substructured populations, may have also contributed to the deviations.
Single molecule analyses of Salmonella translocated effector proteins reveal targeting to and dynamics in host cell endomembranes
Authors: Göser Vera , Schulte Marc , Scharte Felix , Franzkoch Rico , Liss Viktoria , Psathaki Olympia , Hensel Michael 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Bacterial pathogens deliver proteins in temporal and spatial coordinated manner to manipulate mammalian host cells. The facultative intracellular pathogen Salmonella enterica remodels the host endosomal system for survival and proliferation inside host cells. The pathogen resides in a membrane-bound compartment termed Salmonella-containing vacuole (SCV). By Salmonella-induced fusions of host endomembranes, the SCV is connected with extensive tubular structures termed Salmonella-induced filaments (SIF). The intracellular lifestyle of Salmonella critically depends on effector molecules translocated by the SPI2-encoded type III secretion system (SPI2-T3SS) into host cells. A subset of these effectors is associated with, or integral in SCV and SIF membranes. It remained to be determined how SPI2-T3SS effectors reach their subcellular destination, and how these effectors interact with endomembranes remodeled by Salmonella. We deployed self-labeling enzyme (SLE) tags as novel approach to label translocated effector proteins in living host cells, and analyzed their dynamics on single molecule level. We found that SPI2-T3SS effector proteins diffuse in membranes of SIF with mobility comparable to membrane-integral host proteins in endomembranes. Dynamics differed between various effector proteins investigated and was dependent on membrane architecture of SIF. In the early infection, we observed host endosomal vesicles associated with Salmonella effector proteins. Effector-positive vesicles continuously fused with SCV and SIF membranes, providing a route of effector delivery by SPI2-T3SS translocation, interaction with endosomal vesicles, and ultimately fusion with the continuum of SCV/SIF membranes. This novel mechanism controls membrane deformation and vesicular fusion to generate the specific intracellular niche for bacterial survival and proliferation.
Evidence-based practice in well-child care
Authors: De Schipper JJ , Hermans AJM , Jaarsma ADC , Noordik FW , Reijneveld SA 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Purpose: Evidence-based practice (EBP) significantly improves the quality of healthcare, but its use in community pediatrics has not yet been proven. We aimed to assess how Dutch community pediatricians use scientific findings and apply evidence-based practice in everyday well-child care.Methods: We interviewed a purposive sample of 14 community pediatricians in the Netherlands regarding their professional activities in daily practice, focusing on instances in which their professional knowledge was insufficient to address the issue at hand. We transcribed the interviews verbatim, and coded them using ATLAS.ti software. We structured the information using template analysis. Results: Community pediatricians relied largely on guidelines of their own profession. If these were not sufficient, they first consulted other medical specialists or colleagues, or used different sources that they considered reliable. They only rarely performed an EBP-search, and if so, only for somatic problems. For psychosocial problems they used a strategy of extensive interaction with clients and members of multidisciplinary teams. We identified five barriers to performing an EBP-search: (1) a conviction that not every community pediatrician needs to be able to perform an EBP-search; (2) a conviction that an EBP-search is not suitable for psychosocial problems; (3) lack of confidence in one’s own abilities to perform an EBP-search; (4) limited access to literature; (5) lack of time. Conclusions: Community pediatricians rely on professional guidelines; this indicates a need to keep these up-to-date and user-friendly. Furthermore, pediatricians should be better trained in performing EBP-searches, and in working in multidisciplinary teams, especially for psychosocial problems.
Incidence, Risk Factors, Prevention and Treatment of Postmastectomy Pain Syndrome in Breast Cancer: a Multicenter Study
Authors: Kong Xiangyi , Yang Qinheng , Ouyang Liquan , Liu Qiang , Dong Hao , Wang Zhongzhao , Fang Yi , Wang Jing , Ren Yinpeng 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Postmastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS) is a common postoperative condition after breast cancer surgery, The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence rate and risk factors of PMPS, and to propose prevention and treatment methods. The study included 1790 postoperative breast cancer patients from three hospitals from 2017 to 2021, of which 302 (13.0%) patients with PMPS were included in the study. Age, breast surgery type, axillary surgery type and radiotherapy are the risk factors of PMPS. Age, radiotherapy and chemotherapy affect the pain degree of PMPS during movement. For breast cancer patients with high risk factors, pain should be actively prevented during perioperative period. Oral pharmacological agents, multidisciplinary combination therapy, local anesthetics and regional anesthesia are the most common treatment of PMPS.
Evaluation of Effectiveness of Dexamethasone versus Hydrocortisone in Reducing Hospital Length, Peak Expiratory Flow,Oxidative Stress Factors and Inflammatory Mediators in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Exacerbation Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Moslem Sedaghattalab , Hossein Doustimotlagh Amir , Afrasiabifar Ardashir , ahad hosseini 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background: Corticosteroids are routinely used in management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation. The main goal of present study was to compare the efficacy of hydrocortisone(HCT) and dexamethasone (DXM).Methods: Adult COPD patients entered the present randomized clinical trial.All patients received standard treatment on admission and then divided into 2 groups of intravenous HCT and sdyspnea, cough and general wellbeing on a 1-10 scale.Blood pressure and peripheral edema (as main corticosteroids side effects) measured and scaled 1-4 by researcher. Baseline parameters such as O2 saturation, arterial blood gas parameters, white blood cell (WBC) count, malondialdehide (MDA) level, serum potassium level and c-reactive peptide (CRP) were compared on admission and discharge day using SPSS 22. Results: 70 patients were randomly divided in 2 equal groups with 35 patients. The baseline characteristics of the two groups were similar (p < 0.05). Comparison of treatment outcomes showed a significant increase of edema in HCT group (p = 0.009). There was a significant improvement of Peak Expiratory Flow (P= 0.02, Mean 1.1 Lit/sec in DXM group vs 0.9 Lit/Sec in HCT group) and dyspnea (p = 0.01) in DXM group. There were no significant differences between the two medications regarding drug side effects on admission and discharge day after treatment. Conclusion: It seems that DXM is more effective than HCT andhave less side effects in treatment of COPD exacerbation.Trial registration: This study has been retrospectively registered in Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials at 2021-11-10, with registration reference: IRCT20200818048447N1. http://www.irct.ir/
A Rare Case of Telangiectasia Macularis Eruptive Perstans in a Toddler
Authors: Shah Rohan R. , Schwartz Robert A. , Patel Aman M , Lambert W. Clark 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Telangiectasia macularis eruptive perstans is an uncommon, cutaneous form of benign mast cell disease rarely delineated in children and tends to be overlooked because of its rarity and common presentation as blanchable, reddish-brown telangiectatic macules. It is a form of cutaneous mastocytosis that is differentiated from other forms such as urticaria pigmentosa, solitary mastocytoma, and diffuse or systemic mastocytosis by its refractory nature and lack of systemic association. Skin biopsy specimens often require special stains (c-Kit, Giemsa, toluidine blue) to detect the fibroblast-appearing non-cuboidal perivascular mast cells and to distinguish it from a normal skin biopsy specimen. Currently no standard cure exists for mastocytosis, but some cases may be self-limited and the lesions are generally refractory to treatment. This condition has almost exclusively affected adults, but we report a unique case of telangiectasia macularis eruptive perstans in a child. Pediatric patients with this condition may be at greater risk of developing a systemic mastocytosis so appropriate precautions should be conveyed.
Effect of early pelvic floor muscle exercises (Kegel’s) after Robotic Prostatectomy in Prostate cancer patients
Authors: Chitre Ankita , Kulkarni Jagdeesh 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Post Prostatectomy Urinary incontinence (PPUI) due to open or robotic surgery has a negative impact on the patient’s psycho-social well-being and leads to altered quality of life [1]. Sphincteric incompetence overall remains the primary cause of PPUI, believed due to direct damage and manipulation intraoperatively [9]. Pelvic ﬂoor muscle (PFM) rehabilitation appears to be beneﬁcial at hastening return of continence [3]. Hence, there is a need to re-educate or strengthen the pelvic ﬂoor muscles. Aim & Objectives: To study the return of continence, time duration required for the pelvic ﬂoor muscles to regain strength and endurance, thereby, leading to urinary continence and its effect on quality of life after Kegel's exercises on post robotic prostatectomy patients. Methodology: Pelvic ﬂoor muscle grading, 24 hour pad test, and International Prostate symptom scoring (IPSS) had been used to assess the effect in incontinence status at 3 and 6 weeks post operatively. Results & Analysis: 69 patients were screened between the duration of 3 year i.e. 2017-2020. 4 patients had incontinence 3 months post-surgery. Whereas, 65 patients gained continence. Conclusion: There is an effect of early Kegel’s exercise, the patients gains good pelvic floor muscle strength, show a reduction in dribbling or leakage of urine and there is an improvement in the quality of life after Robotic Prostatectomy in Prostate cancer patients after 6 weeks of surgery. 94.20 % of the patients have shown a have gained continence by 3 months post robotic prostatectomy following a regular exercise regime of Kegel’s exercise.
Estimates of prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among blood donors in South Africa in March 2022
Authors: Bingham Jeremy , Cable Russel , Coleman Charl , Glatt Tanya Nadia , Grebe Eduard , Mhlanga Laurette , Nyano Cynthia , Pieterson Nadia , Swanevelder Ronel , Swarts Avril , Sykes Wendy , Berg Karin van den , Vermeulen Marion , Welte Alex 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
In line with previous instalments of analysis from this ongoing study to monitor ‘Covid Seroprevalence’ among blood donors in South Africa, we report on an analysis of 3395 samples obtained in mid-March 2022 from all provinces of South Africa – a timepoint just after the fourth (primarily omicron) wave of infections. As in our previous analyses, we see no evidence of age and sex dependence of prevalence, but significant variation by race. Differences between provinces have largely disappeared, as prevalence appears to have saturated. In contrast to previous estimates from this study, which reported only prevalence of anti-nucleocapsid antibodies, this present work also reports results from testing for anti-spike antibodies. This addition allows us to categorise those donors whose only antibodies are from vaccination. Our race-weighted national extrapolation is that 98% of South Africans have some antibodies, noting that 10% have anti-spike antibodies but not anti-nucleocapsid antibodies - a reasonable proxy for having both 1) been vaccinated and 2) avoided infection.