bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Can Whole-body MRI Replace CT in Management of Metastatic Testicular Cancer? A Prospective, Non-inferiority Study.
Authors: Larsen Solveig Kärk Abildtrup , Løgager Vibeke , Bylov Catharina , Nellemann Hanne , Agerbæk Mads , Als Anne Birgitte , Pedersen Erik Morre 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Purpose Concerns of imaging-related radiation in young patients with high survival rates have increased the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in testicular cancer (TC) stage I. However, computed tomography (CT) is still preferred for metastatic TC. The purpose of this study was to compare whole-body MRI incl. diffusion-weighted whole-body imaging with background body signal suppression (DWIBS) with contrast-enhanced, thoracoabdominal CT in metastatic TC.Methods A prospective, non-inferiority study of 84 consecutive patients (median age 33 years) with newly diagnosed metastatic TC (February 2018 - January 2021). Exclusion criteria were age <18 years, claustrophobia and MRI contraindications. Patients had both MRI and CT before and after treatment. Anonymised images were reviewed by experienced radiologists.Lesion malignancy was evaluated on a Likert scale (1 benign – 4 malignant). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy were calculated on patient and lesion level. For non-inferiority testing, the difference in sensitivity between CT and MRI was calculated. The level of significance was set at 5%. ROC curves and interobserver agreement were calculated.Results On patient level, MRI had 98% sensitivity and 75% specificity compared to CT. On lesion level within each modality, MRI had 99% sensitivity and 78% specificity, whereas CT had 98% sensitivity and 88% specificity. MRI sensitivity was non-inferior to CT (difference 0.57% (95% CI -1.4-2.5%)). The interobserver agreement was substantial between CT and MRI. Conclusion MRI with DWIBS was non-inferior to contrast-enhanced CT in detecting metastatic TC disease. Trial registration www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT03436901, finished July 1st 2021.
Phytocompounds of Bistorta macrophylla (D. Don) Sojak. as bioavailability enhancers of fluconazole and amphotericin B to better manage Candida species infections
Authors: Rolta Rajan , Shukla Shivani , Kashyap Anjali , Kumar Vikas , Sourirajan Anuradha , Dev Kamal 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Bistorta macrophylla (D. Don) Sojak. is a medicinal plant of high altitude and so far, not been scientifically explored? Since prehistoric times, B. macrophylla has been used to cure stomach pain, pyretic fever, flu, lungs infections, diarrhea, vomiting. The present research was aimed to examine the phytochemicals, antifungal, and synergistic potential of methanolic extracts of B. macrophylla. Methanolic extract of B. macrophylla was found to have high phenolic (191.18 ± 29.18 mg g−1 GAE) and flavonoid (26.71 ± 3.21 mg g−1 RE) content. Methanolic extract also demonstrate strong antifungal action with diameter of zone of inhibition of 17.5±0.5 mm (fungicidal) against both the strains of C. albicans (MTCC277 and ATCC90028). The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of methanolic extract was found to be 62.5 µg ml−1 against C. albicans (MTCC277 and ATCC90028). In addition, the combination of methanolic extract of B. macrophylla with antifungal antibiotics (fluconazole and amphotericin B) showed synergistic interaction with MIC reduction from 4-128 folds against both candida strains. GC-MS analysis of methanolic extract revealed the presence of 15 major phytocompounds with area more than 1%. Molecular docking showed that sucrose and 9,9-Dimethoxybicyclo [ 3.3.1] nona-2,4-dione has highest binding energy of -6.3 and -5.1 KJ/mol against Cytochrome P450 14 alpha-sterol Demethylase (PDB ID: 1EA1) protein respectively. Combination of methanolic extract of B. macrophylla with antifungal antibiotics (fluconazole, amphotericin B) can be used to treat drug-resistant candida.
Why do people consent to receiving SARS-CoV2 vaccinations? A Representative Survey in Germany
Authors: Walach Harald , Ofner Michael , Ruof Viviane , Herbig Markus , Klement Rainer J. 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Objective: to answer the question: Why do people consent to being vaccinated with novel vaccines against SARS-CoV2? Design: Representative survey Setting: Online panel Participants: 1032 respondents of the general German population Method: a representative survey among German citizens in November/December 2021 which resulted in 1032 complete responses on vaccination status, socio-demographic parameters and opinions about the COVID-19 situation. Results: Almost 83% of the respondents were vaccinated. The major motivation was fear of medical consequences of an infection and the wish to lead a normal life again. The major motivation to be not vaccinated was the fear of side effects and skepticism about long-term effectiveness and safety. Sixteen percent of vaccinated respondents reported some serious side effect, while more than 30% reported health improvements, mostly due to the relief of psychological stress and social reintegration. We also validated a “Corona Orthodoxy Score – COS” consisting of 7 items reflecting opinions on Covid-19. The scale is reliable (alpha = 0.76) and unidimensional. The COS was a highly significant predictor of vaccination status and readiness to be vaccinated in a multivariable logistic regression model. Those who were vaccinated were more likely to live in smaller households (OR = 0.82, p=0.024), had a higher income (OR = 1.27, p<0.001), a higher COS score (OR 1.4, p<0.0001) and utilized less alternative media (OR = 0.44, p=0.0024) and scientific publications (OR=0.42, p=0.011) as information sources. Conclusions: The major motives for being vaccinated are fear of medical symptoms and the wish to lead a normal life. Those not wanting to be vaccinated cite a lack of knowledge regarding long-term safety and side effects as reasons. This can likely only be overcome by careful and active long-term efficacy and safety monitoring.
Factors Controlling the Extreme Storm Surge Flooding - Insights From Coastal Sedimentary Record of the Southern Baltic Sea
Authors: Leszczyńska Karolina , Stattegger Karl , Moskalewicz Damian , Jagodziński Robert , Kokociński Mikołaj , Niedzielski Przemysław , Szczuciński Witold 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Climate change and related sea-level rise pose significant threats to sandy lowland coasts, which account for approximately 30% of the global coastline. However, the role of key controlling factors responsible for the frequency and extent of extreme storm surge of inundation regime is not yet fully understood. Here, we present the longest to date, high-resolution sedimentary record of extreme storm surge flooding from the microtidal southern Baltic Sea, spanning two periods: 3.6-2.9 ka BP and 0.7 ka BP until present. Wetland sediments, including sandy event layers, were analyzed by sedimentological (grain size, loss-on-ignition, micromorphology), geochronological (14C, 210Pb, 137Cs), geochemical (XRF), mineralogical (heavy minerals) and micropaleontological (diatoms) methods. Our results revealed that both periods are characterized by high-frequency storm surge flooding in order of 1.3 – 4.2 events per century. They are correlated to widely recognized enhanced storminess periods in NW Europe and took place during both rising and fluctuating sea levels. The presented results show that the storm surge driven coastal inundation frequency and extent largely depend on the development of coastal barriers (e.g., beach ridges). Thus, in the context of the future coastal storm surge hazard, the protection of existing coastal barriers is essential.
Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Findings and Prognosis in Type 1 Myotonic Dystrophy
Authors: Leali Marco , Aimo Alberto , Ricci Giulia , Torri Francesca , Todiere Giancarlo , Vergaro Giuseppe , Grigoratos Chrysanthos , Giannoni Alberto , Aquaro Giovanni Donato , Siciliano Gabriele , Emdin Michele , Passino Claudio , Barison Andrea 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Purpose

Cardiac involvement is a major determinant of prognosis in type 1 myotonic dystrophy (DM1), but limited information is available about myocardial remodelling and tissue changes. Aim of the study was to investigate cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) findings and their prognostic significance in DM1.
Methods

We identified all DM1 patients referred from a neurology unit to our CMR laboratory from 2009 to 2020.
Results

Thirty-four patients were included (aged 45±12, 62% males). At CMR, 5(15%) had a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)<50% and 4(12%) a right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF)<50%. Compared to age- and sex-specific reference values, 12(35%) had a decreased end-diastolic volume index (LVEDVi), 7(21%) a decreased mass index (LVMi), and 29(85%) a reduced LVMi/LVEDVi. Nine (26%) showed mid-wall late gadolinium enhancement (LGE; 5±2% of LVM), and 14(41%) fatty infiltration. In a subset of 13(38%) patients, native T1 in the interventricular septum (1,041±53 ms) approached the upper reference limit (1,089 ms) and the extracellular volume was slightly increased (33±2%, reference<30%). Over 2.5(1.5-4.0) years, 2(6%) patients died for infectious and respiratory complications, 5(15%) underwent device implantation; 4/21(19%) with Holter developed repetitive ventricular ectopic beats (VEBs). Lower RV volumes (p=0.043), higher anteroseptal wall thickness (p=0.024) and LV fatty infiltration (p=0.029) were associated with device implantation, LGE mass was associated with VEBs (p=0.003) and death (p<0.001).
Conclusion

DM1 patients display structural and functional cardiac abnormalities, with variable degrees of cardiac muscle hypotrophy, fibrosis and fatty infiltration. Such changes, as evaluated by CMR, may anticipate the worsening of electrical disturbances.
Influenza and Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Acellular Pertussis Vaccination During Pregnancy, Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System, 2019
Authors: Oduyebo Titilope , Kortsmit Katie , Simeone Regina , Kahn Katherine , Razzaghi Hilda , Galang Romeo , Ellington Sascha , Ruffo Nan , Barfield Wanda , Warner Lee , Cox Shanna 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background

Influenza and tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccines is recommended for pregnant women to protect themselves and their infants from adverse health outcomes.
Objectives

To estimate the prevalence of maternal influenza and Tdap vaccination and determine factors associated with receipt of these vaccines.
Methods

We analyzed 2019 data from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System, from 43 jurisdictions. We estimated the overall prevalence of women reporting receipt of a healthcare provider offer or recommendation for influenza vaccine (n=44,528), and influenza vaccine during the 12 months before delivery (n=44,213). We also estimated Tdap vaccine receipt during pregnancy from the 21 jurisdictions (n=22,972). Maternal influenza and Tdap vaccination were examined by selected maternal characteristics and by jurisdiction.
Results

Overall, 86.4% of women reported being offered or recommended an influenza vaccination, and 60.8% of women reported receiving an influenza vaccination in the 12 months prior to their delivery, ranging from 36.0% in Puerto Rico to 82.1% in Rhode Island. Tdap receipt during pregnancy was 73.7%, ranging from 52.2% in Mississippi to 85.1% in Vermont. Prevalence of influenza vaccination was lower among women aged 18–24 years (52.2%), who are non-Hispanic black (44.5%), with a high school diploma or less education (51.3%), with no prenatal insurance (43.2%), having no (42.0%) prenatal care, with ≥3 previous live births (49.3%) and not offered or recommended the influenza vaccine by a healthcare provider (20.0%). Tdap vaccination also varied by all characteristics examined and was lower among similar groups of women observed to have lower influenza vaccination uptake.
Conclusion

In 2019, influenza and Tdap vaccination were suboptimal among women with a recent live birth. It is important that U.S. jurisdictions provide equitable access to these vaccines during pregnancy. These results may also inform efforts for vaccination for other infectious diseases among pregnant women.
“…All of a sudden, I realized I was not well prepared for the transition”: A Qualitative Exploration of University Students’ Perspectives on the Emergency Distance Education amidst the COVID-19 Crisis in Jordan
Authors: Al-Tammemi Ala'a B. , Nheili Rana , Jibuaku Chiamaka H. , Tamimi Dua’a Al , Aljaberi Musheer A. , Khatatbeh Moawiah , Barakat Muna , Al-Maqableh Hindya O. , Fakhouri Hussam N. 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Our current study aimed at exploring the university students’ perspectives on the emergency distance education strategy that was implemented during the COVID-19 crisis in Jordan, one of the countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Utilizing a qualitative design supported by Moore’s theory of transactional distance, a total of 17 semi-structured interviews were conducted with university students of various study levels and disciplines. Data were inductively analyzed using thematic analysis as suggested by Braun and Clarke. Seven themes have emerged, including, (i) psychological response, (ii) digital preparedness and equality, (iii) technical competencies and technostress, (iv) interpersonal communication, (v) learning materials, (vi) non-reliable evaluation methods, and (vii) opportunities. Our findings provide evidence that the sudden transition from traditional on-campus to the online distance education was significantly challenging in many aspects and was not a pleasant experience for many participants. Various factors under the jurisdiction of academic institutions and decision-makers are considered main contributing factors to the students’ educational experiences amid the pandemic crisis. Therefore, better planning and more sustainable utilization of educational resources have paramount importance in providing a high-quality education. Additionally, more dedicated efforts in terms of equitable, reliable, and credible evaluation systems should be considered in Jordan’s distance education strategy.
Phylogeny of different Helicobacter pylori strains could not be explained by 16S rRNA gene due to high similarity in gene sequence across strains
Authors: Ng Wenfa 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Understanding the evolutionary relatedness of different strains of a species helped identify strain-specific differences that may be useful for disease diagnosis and treatment. Typically, such strain level typing would be augmented by molecular assays such as DNA sequencing, and phylogenetic tree analysis. This work utilizes public data on the 16S rRNA gene sequence of different strains of Helicobacter pylori to help plot the phylogenetic tree that describes the evolutionary trajectories of the different strains. Results from multiple sequence alignment reveals high level of conservation in 16S rRNA gene sequence across strains. This then translates into a phylogenetic tree structure that suggests very close evolutionary relationships of the different strains except for one outlier strain. Even in the case of the outlier strain, its evolutionary distance from other brethren was also not large. Overall, the results obtained in this study indicates that 16S rRNA gene may not capture strain-level phylogeny between different strains of the same species, and point to efforts in elucidating this phylogenetic effect in other genes of the species. Such genes may be involved in virulence during pathogenesis in humans, and may thus be subjected to higher evolutionary pressure and natural selection.
Effect of Deep Mixing Grid Spacing On The Settlement of Liquefied Soil, Using Numerical Approach
Authors: Rahmani Fereshteh , Hosseini Seyed Mahdi 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Liquefaction occurs in a loose and saturated sand layer, induces quite large damages to infrastructures, the importance of liquefaction mitigation has been emphasized to minimize earthquake disasters for many years. Many kinds of ground improvement techniques based on various improvement principles have been developed for liquefaction mitigation. Among them, deep mixing method with grid pattern was developed for liquefaction mitigation in the 1990s, where the grid of stabilized column walls functions to restrict the generation of excess pore pressure by confining the soil particle movement during earthquake. In this study, a parametric study of the grid-form deep mixing wall is performed using numerical modeling with GID+OpenSees interface V2.6.0. The finite element method with a three-dimensional analysis model can be used to estimate the foundation settlement over liquefiable soil layer. The validity of the developed model was evaluated by comparing the results obtained from the model with the results of numerical studies and the experimental centrifuge test to investigate the effect of deep mixing grid wall on the settlement and generation of excess pore pressure ratio of liquefiable soil. Based on the analysis, the settlement for improved soil was 69% smaller than the settlement for unimproved soil. The results also indicated that the grid wall space, relative density, and stiffness ratio between soil-cement columns and enclosed soil plays an important role in the occurrence of liquefaction and volumetric strains.
Regional Variation and Factors Associated With Fetal Macrosomia in Ethiopia
Authors: Nugussu Gurmessa , Banbeta Akalu , Abdisa Jaleta 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background: Globally, there is an increase in the prevalence and incidence of fetal macrosomia. In Sub-Sahara African countries including Ethiopia, all infants were not weighed at birth, and there is a limit to knowledge regarding fetal macrosomia in Ethiopia. The main objective of this study is to assess the regional variation and determinants of fetal macrosomia using the multilevel logistic regression model.Methods: The study was based on the recent Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey of 2016. A total of 2110 weighted infants at birth were extracted. Multilevel logistic regression analysis is performed to identify the factors associated with fetal macrosomia after various candidate models for their efficiency have been compared based on Akaike’s Information Criteria. Chi-square test of association and the inter-class correlation (ICC) are used to test and compute the variation of fetal macrosomia among the regions, respectively.Results: The overall prevalence of fetal macrosomia among the weighted infants at birth is 219 (10.4%). Based on the estimated chi-square test, there is a significant difference in fetal macrosomia across the regions of Ethiopia. The ICC reveals that 14% of the variation in fetal macrosomia can be explained by grouping the infants into the regions. Random intercept with fixed slope model fits the study data well as compared to the other competitors. Based on this model, the age of the mother, residence, educational level of mother, body mass index of mother, gestational age, wealth index, multiple pregnancies, and the infant sex are the significant factors associated with fetal macrosomia in all regions of Ethiopia.Conclusion: Concerned bodies, including the ministry of health and its hierarchical body, need to give special support and attention to women aged between 35 and 49, post-term pregnant women, and overweight or obese women to minimize the prevalence of fetal macrosomia.
Longitudinal Surface Measurements of Human Blastocysts Show That The Dynamics of Blastocoel Expansion Are Associated With Fertilization Method And Ongoing Pregnancy
Authors: Marion Eva Sophie van , Chavli Effrosyni A. , Laven Joop S.E. , Steegers-Theunissen Régine P.M. , Koster Maria P.H. , Baart Esther B. 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background: Despite all research efforts during this era of novel time-lapse morphokinetic parameters, a morphological grading system is still routinely being used for embryo selection at the blastocyst stage. The blastocyst expansion grade, as evaluated during morphological assessment, is associated with clinical pregnancy. However, this assessment is performed without taking the dynamics of blastocoel expansion into account. Here, we studied the dynamics of blastocoel expansion by comparing longitudinal blastocoel surface measurements using time-lapse embryo culture. Our aim was to first assess if this is impacted by fertilization method and second, to study if an association exists between these measurement and ongoing pregnancy. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study including 225 couples undergoing 225 cycles of in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment with time-lapse embryo culture. The fertilization method was either conventional IVF, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with ejaculated sperm or ICSI with sperm derived from testicular sperm extraction (TESE-ICSI). This resulted in 289 IVF embryos, 218 ICSI embryos and 259 TESE-ICSI embryos that reached at least the full blastocyst stage. Blastocoel surface measurements were performed on time-lapse images every hour, starting from full blastocyst formation (tB). Linear mixed model analysis was performed to study the association between blastocoel expansion, the calculated expansion rate (µm2/hour) and both fertilization method and ongoing pregnancy. Results: The blastocoel of both ICSI embryos and TESE-ICSI embryos was significantly smaller than the blastocoel of IVF embryos (beta -1121.6 µm2; 95% CI: -1606.1 to -637.1, beta -646.8 µm2; 95% CI: -1118.7 to 174.8, respectively). Still, the blastocoel of transferred embryos resulting in an ongoing pregnancy was significantly larger (beta 795.4 µm2; 95% CI: 15.4 to 1575.4) and expanded significantly faster (beta 100.9 µm2/hour; 95% CI: 5.7 to 196.2) than the blastocoel of transferred embryos that did not, regardless of the fertilization method. Conclusion: Longitudinal blastocyst surface measurements and expansion rates are promising non-invasive quantitative markers that can aid embryo selection for transfer and cryopreservation.
Pregabalin Abuse During Pregnancy and Global Developmental Delay in Infants
Authors: Khan Jahan Zeb , Fletcher Emma , Collins Aishling , Fenton Fiona 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Pregabalin is a medication licensed for the treatment of epilepsy and anxiety disorders. In addition, Pregabalin is increasingly recognised as a drug of abuse. Teratogenic effects have been demonstrated in animal models, however, there is a dearth of research relating to potential teratogenic effects in humans. This case highlights the potential role of intrauterine exposure to Pregabalin in contributing to Global Developmental Delay in two children.