bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Whole-genome sequencing of human Pegivirus variant from an Egyptian patient co-infected with hepatitis C virus: a case report
Authors: Soliman Hany K. , Abouelhoda Mohamed , El Rouby Mahmoud N. , Ahmed Ola S. , Esmat G. , Hassan Zeinab K. , Hafez Mohammed M. , Mehaney Dina Ahmed , Selvaraju Manojkumar , Darwish Rania Kamal , Osman Yehia A. , Zekri Abdel-Rahman N. 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Human pegivirus (HPgV) is structurally similar to hepatitis C virus (HCV) and was discovered 20 years ago. Its distribution, natural history and exact rule of this viral group in human hosts remain unclear. Our aim was to determine, by deep next-generation sequencing (NGS), the entire genome sequence of HPgV that was discovered in an Egyptian patient while analyzing HCV sequence from the same patient. We also inspected whether the co-infection of HCV and HPgV will affect the patient response to HCV viral treatment. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report for a newly isolated HPgV in an Egyptian patient who is co-infected with HCV.

Case presentation
The deep Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technique was used to detect HCV sequence in hepatitis C patient’s plasma. The results revealed the presence of HPgV with HCV. This co-infection was confirmed using conventional PCR of the HPgV 5′ untranslated region. The patient was then subjected to direct-acting-antiviral treatment (DAA). At the end of the treatment, the patient showed a good response to the HCV treatment (i.e., no HCV-RNA was detected in the plasma), while the HPgV-RNA was still detected. Sequence alignment and phylogenetic analyses demonstrated that the detected HPgV was a novel isolate and was not previously published.

Conclusion
We report a new variant of HPgV in a patient suffering from hepatitis C viral infection.
Release kinetics of the model protein FITC-BSA from different polymer-coated bovine bone substitutes
Authors: Lommen Julian , Schorn Lara , Landers Alexis , Holtmann Henrik , Berr Karin , Kübler Norbert R. , Sproll Christoph , Rana Majeed , Depprich Rita 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Controlled release of proteins bound to conventional bone substitutes is still insufficient. Therefore, this study evaluates in-vitro release kinetics of the model protein FITC-BSA (fluorescein conjugated bovine serum albumine) from insoluble bovine collagenous bone matrices (ICBM) with different polymer coatings. Analyzes aim at comparing FITC-BSA release from uncoated versus coated ICBM over time to find bone substitute coatings with consistent release profiles.

Methods
Release kinetics of FITC-BSA from uncoated as well as coated ICBM with five different polymers (RESOMER R 203 H, RG 503 H, RG 504 H, RG 505, L 206 S) were measured over a period of 11 days (d). Measurements were conducted after 6 h (h), 12 h, 24 h, 3 d, 5 d, 7 d, 9 d and 11 d with six samples for each coated ICBM. Two groups were formed (1) with and (2) without medium change at times of measurement. For each group ANOVA with post-hoc Bonferroni testing was used. Scanning electron microscopy assessed morphologic differences between ICBM coating.

Results
In group 1 approx. 70% of FITC-BSA release from uncoated ICBM occurred after 6 h compared to approx. 50% in group 2. Only polymers with medium inherent viscosity, i.e. RESOMER RG 503 H, constantly showed significantly more FITC-BSA release throughout 11 d than uncoated ICBM (p = 0.007). The same was found for group 2 (p = 0.005). No significant differences between PLA and PLGA polymers were found. Scanning electron microscopy results indicate a weak adhesion of polymer coatings to ICBM explaining its rather weak retentive effect on overall FITC-BSA release.

Conclusions
Medium molecular size polymers reduce the overall released FITC-BSA from ICBM over time. In clinical practice these polymers may prove ideal for bone substitute materials.
Fentanyl assisted treatment: a possible role in the opioid overdose epidemic?
Authors: Bardwell Geoff , Wood Evan , Brar Rupinder 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
The current opioid overdose epidemic affecting communities across North America is increasingly driven by illicitly manufactured fentanyl and its related analogues. A variety of public health interventions have been implemented and scaled up, including opioid agonist treatments (OAT). While these treatments are successful for many individuals, they have a variety of limitations. It is critical to trial alternative treatments if conventional opioid agonist treatment options are not successful for a proportion of patients who use illicit fentanyl.

Main body
Prescription fentanyl has been widely used for pain management. The use of transdermal fentanyl, specifically, which provides long acting and stable drug levels post-titration over several days, should be explored as an opioid agonist treatment option. The use of transdermal fentanyl for patients who use illicit fentanyl is currently being piloted in Vancouver, Canada. To address potential diversion, the patch is signed, dated, and a film dressing is applied to mitigate tampering. Evaluation outcomes are still pending, but there have been no adverse outcomes thus far and clinical improvements have been noted for many patients. This exploratory therapeutic approach should be considered across multiple settings and rigorously evaluated.

Conclusions
There are known limitations to existing OAT options and there is a need to urgently evaluate alternative strategies for patients who are using illicit fentanyl not successfully treated with conventional OAT. Many patients may be attracted to, and retained in, fentanyl assisted treatment. This may be another strategy for certain patients to prevent harms caused by illicit fentanyl use, including overdose and death.
Electrospun nanofibers for the fabrication of engineered vascular grafts
Authors: Karkan Sonia Fathi , Davaran Soodabeh , Rahbarghazi Reza , Salehi Roya , Akbarzadeh Abolfazl 
Published: November 2019

AbstractAttention has recently increased in the application of electrospun fibers because of their putative capability to create nanoscale platforms toward tissue engineering. To some extent, electrospun fibers are applicable to the extracellular matrix by providing a three-dimensional microenvironment in which cells could easily acquire definite functional shape and maintain the cell-to-cell connection. It is noteworthy to declare that placement in different electrospun substrates with appropriate physicochemical properties enables cells to promote their bioactivities, dynamics growth and differentiation, leading to suitable restorative effects. This review paper aims to highlight the application of biomaterials in engineered vascular grafts by using electrospun nanofibers to promote angiogenesis and neovascularization
Re-routing photosynthetic energy for continuous hydrogen production in vivo
Authors: Ben-Zvi Oren , Dafni Eyal , Feldman Yael , Yacoby Iftach 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Hydrogen is considered a promising energy vector that can be produced from sustainable resources such as sunlight and water. In green algae, such as Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, photoproduction of hydrogen is catalyzed by the enzyme [FeFe]-hydrogenase (HydA). Although highly efficient, this process is transitory and thought to serve as a release valve for excess reducing power. Up to date, prolonged production of hydrogen was achieved by the deprivation of either nutrients or light, thus, hindering the full potential of photosynthetic hydrogen production. Previously we showed that the enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) can enhance HydA activity in vitro, specifically when tied together to a fusion protein.

Results
In this work, we explored the in vivo hydrogen production phenotype of HydA–SOD fusion. We found a sustained hydrogen production, which is dependent on linear electron flow, although other pathways feed it as well. In addition, other characteristics such as slower growth and oxygen production were also observed in Hyd–SOD-expressing algae.

Conclusions
The Hyd–SOD fusion manages to outcompete the Calvin–Benson cycle, allowing sustained hydrogen production for up to 14 days in non-limiting conditions.
Virtual methylome dissection facilitated by single-cell analyses
Authors: Yin Liduo , Luo Yanting , Xu Xiguang , Wen Shiyu , Wu Xiaowei , Lu Xuemei , Xie Hehuang 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Numerous cell types can be identified within plant tissues and animal organs, and the epigenetic modifications underlying such enormous cellular heterogeneity are just beginning to be understood. It remains a challenge to infer cellular composition using DNA methylomes generated for mixed cell populations. Here, we propose a semi-reference-free procedure to perform virtual methylome dissection using the nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF) algorithm.

Results
In the pipeline that we implemented to predict cell-subtype percentages, putative cell-type-specific methylated (pCSM) loci were first determined according to their DNA methylation patterns in bulk methylomes and clustered into groups based on their correlations in methylation profiles. A representative set of pCSM loci was then chosen to decompose target methylomes into multiple latent DNA methylation components (LMCs). To test the performance of this pipeline, we made use of single-cell brain methylomes to create synthetic methylomes of known cell composition. Compared with highly variable CpG sites, pCSM loci achieved a higher prediction accuracy in the virtual methylome dissection of synthetic methylomes. In addition, pCSM loci were shown to be good predictors of the cell type of the sorted brain cells. The software package developed in this study is available in the GitHub repository (https://github.com/Gavin-Yinld).

Conclusions
We anticipate that the pipeline implemented in this study will be an innovative and valuable tool for the decoding of cellular heterogeneity.
The role of cigarette smoke-induced epigenetic alterations in inflammation
Authors: Zong Dandan , Liu Xiangming , Li Jinhua , Ouyang Ruoyun , Chen Ping 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Exposure to cigarette smoke (CS) is a major threat to human health worldwide. It is well established that smoking increases the risk of respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases and different forms of cancer, including lung, liver, and colon. CS-triggered inflammation is considered to play a central role in various pathologies by a mechanism that stimulates the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. During this process, epigenetic alterations are known to play important roles in the specificity and duration of gene transcription.

Main text
Epigenetic alterations include three major modifications: DNA modifications via methylation; various posttranslational modifications of histones, namely, methylation, acetylation, phosphorylation, and ubiquitination; and non-coding RNA sequences. These modifications work in concert to regulate gene transcription in a heritable fashion. The enzymes that regulate these epigenetic modifications can be activated by smoking, which further mediates the expression of multiple inflammatory genes. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the epigenetic alterations triggered by CS and assess how such alterations may affect smoking-mediated inflammatory responses.

Conclusion
The recognition of the molecular mechanisms of the epigenetic changes in abnormal inflammation is expected to contribute to the understanding of the pathophysiology of CS-related diseases such that novel epigenetic therapies may be identified in the near future.
High-quality cooperative research: studies that represent a triumph in the rheumatology community
Authors: Simon Teresa A. 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Over the past 20 years, the rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment landscape has been continuously evolving. A range of novel biologic agents, different from the conventional therapies, became available. However, some understandable concerns, such as long-term safety, accompanied their development. Over the years in rheumatology research, I aimed to broaden the knowledge of the new treatments of RA through real-word research, which proved to be valuable in providing important evidence to clinicians and enabling them to make informed treatment decisions. Nevertheless, many unanswered questions remain—it will be interesting to see how the research progresses over the next 20 years.
Third or fourth branchial pouch sinus lesions: A case series and management algorithm
Authors: Li Yun , Lyu Kexing , Wen Yihui , Xu Yang , Wei Fanqin , Tang Haocheng , Chen Siyu , Wang Zhangfeng , Zhu Xiaolin , Wen Weiping , Lei Wenbin 
Published: November 2019

Background The purpose of this study was to develop an effective management algorithm for lesions of third or fourth branchial sinuses. Study design Case series with chart review. Methods Data from patients who were identified as having third or fourth branchial pouch sinus lesions in a single institution between January 2014 and December 2018 were retrospectively collected. Results All 67 patients underwent fistulectomy. First, we classified the patients into five types based on their anatomic features. Then, we considered four optimized surgical methods and adopted the appropriate method with full consideration of the patient's clinical characteristics. The great majority of cases occurred on the left side of the neck (68.7%) and most commonly presented as either a recurrent low-neck abscess or cutaneous discharging fistula with neck infection. Effective preoperative examination included administering contrast agent prior to a computed tomography (CT) scan and in-office laryngoscopy during the quiescent period of inflammation. Ultrasound was also very helpful in determining the presence of thyroiditis. The mean follow-up duration after excision of the lesion was 25.8 months. To date, only 1 (1.5%) recurrence and no obvious complications have been observed. Conclusion Refining fistula subtypes and adopting corresponding treatment measures can reduce the recurrence rate and improve curative effects. We propose and advocate this treatment algorithm for all third and fourth branchial pouch lesions.
An adaptive and real-time based architecture for financial data integration
Authors: Fikri Noussair , Rida Mohamed , Abghour Noureddine , Moussaid Khalid , El Omri Amina 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
In this paper we are proposing an adaptive and real-time approach to resolve real-time financial data integration latency problems and semantic heterogeneity. Due to constraints that we have faced in some projects that requires real-time massive financial data integration and analysis, we decided to follow a new approach by combining a hybrid financial ontology, resilient distributed datasets and real-time discretized stream. We create a real-time data integration pipeline to avoid all problems of classic Extract-Transform-Load tools, which are data processing latency, functional miscomprehensions and metadata heterogeneity. This approach is considered as contribution to enhance reporting quality and availability in short time frames, the reason of the use of Apache Spark. We studied Extract-Transform-Load (ETL) concepts, data warehousing fundamentals, big data processing technics and oriented containers clustering architecture, in order to replace the classic data integration and analysis process by our new concept resilient distributed DataStream for online analytical process (RDD4OLAP) cubes which are consumed by using Spark SQL or Spark Core basics.
Effect of family control on corporate dividend policy of firms in Pakistan
Authors: Yousaf Imran , Ali Shoaib , Hassan Arshad 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
This study examines the impact of family control on the dividend policy of firms in Pakistan, covering the period from 2009 to 2016. It also investigates whether family control moderates the impact of firm-specific factors on the dividend policy. The GMM model for panel data estimation is used. The mean difference univariate analysis shows that family firms differ from nonfamily firms based on financial characteristics. The multivariate analysis shows that family firms pay lower dividends than nonfamily firms. Besides, firm size inversely affects the dividend policy, whereas tangibility positively affects it. Moreover, family control does not moderate the impact of all firm-specific factors on the dividend policy. Overall, family control, size, and tangibility are found to be the main determinants of the dividend policy in Pakistan.
Applying IDC theory to education in the Alps region: a response to Chan et al.’s contribution
Authors: Dillenbourg Pierre , Kim Kevin Gonyop , Nasir Jauwairia , Yeo Shuqing Teresa , Olsen Jennifer K. 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
In this paper, we present a response to the Interest-Driven Creator (IDC) theory from a European perspective. Specifically, we raise six questions intended to start a dialog with respect to IDC theory’s placement in existing learning theories, its adoption in educational systems, and how it can be influenced by emerging learning technologies and digitalization, which is currently a driving force in the Alps region. By referring to our own work in vocational education and classroom orchestration, we demonstrate how IDC can begin to play a part in guiding innovations and its potential impact on education both in and outside of Asia. With respect to digitalization, rather than allowing technological innovations to fully guide educational decisions, we call for IDC theory to be part of the conversation to help guide future educational designs.
Accuracy of computer-assisted image analysis in the diagnosis of maxillofacial radiolucent lesions: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Silva Virginia K S , Vieira Walbert A , Bernardino Ítalo M , Travençolo Bruno A N , Bittencourt Marcos A V , Blumenberg Cauane , Paranhos Luiz R , Galvão Hebel C 
Published: November 2019

Objectives: This study aimed to search for scientific evidence concerning the accuracy of computer-assisted analysis for diagnosing maxillofacial radiolucent lesions. Methods: A systematic review was conducted according to the statements of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses Protocols and considering 10 databases, including the gray literature. Protocol was registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42018089945). The population, intervention, comparison and outcome strategy was used to define the eligibility criteria and only diagnostic test studies were included. Their risk of bias was assessed by the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tool. Random-effects model meta-analysis was performed and heterogeneity among the included studies was estimated using the I2 statistic. The grade of recommendation, assessment, development, and evaluation (GRADE) tool assessed the quality of evidence and strength of recommendation across included studies. Results: Out of 715 identified citations, four papers, published between 2009 and 2017, fulfilled the criteria and were included in this systematic review. A total of 191 lesions, classified as periapical granuloma and cyst, dentigerous cyst or keratocystic odontogenic tumor, were analyzed. All selected articles scored low risk of bias. The pooled accuracy estimation, regardless of the classification method used, was 88.75% (95% CI = 85.19-92.30). Heterogeneity test reached moderate values (I2 = 57.89%). According to the GRADE tool, the analyzed outcome was classified as having low level of certainty. Conclusions: The overall evaluation showed all studies presented high accuracy rates of computer-aided diagnosis systems in classifying radiolucent maxillofacial lesions compared to histopathological biopsy. However, due to the moderate heterogeneity found among the studies included in this meta-analysis, a pragmatic recommendation about the use of computer-assisted analysis is not possible.
Validity of micro-CT for in vitro caries detection: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Oliveira Luciana Butini , Massignan Carla , Oenning Anne Caroline , Rovaris Karla , Bolan Michele , Porporatti André Luís , De Luca Canto Graziela 
Published: November 2019

Objective: To investigate the validity of micro-CT for in vitro caries detection in comparison with histology as the reference standard. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in the databases Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences (LILACS), LIVIVO, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science from their inception to 16 January 2019. Grey literature was searched on Open Grey, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Database and Google Scholar. In vitro studies assessing the validity of micro-CT for caries detection were included when compared with histology as the reference standard were included. Two authors independently collected the information and sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios, as well as diagnostic odds ratios were calculated. The risk of bias of the included studies was assessed using the QUADAS-2 tool. Certainty of evidence was assessed with GRADE. Results: A total of 270 papers were identified, and after a 2-phase selection, 12 studies were included in qualitative and three in quantitative synthesis. For enamel caries diagnostic, sensitivity values ranged from 29.0 to 84.0% indicating high variability while specificity varied from 88.0 to 95.0% indicating good to excellent micro-CT capability do identify the true negative. For dentine caries diagnostic, sensitivity values ranged from 61.0 to 77.0% indicating fair-to-good probability of micro-CT to identify the true positives, while specificity varied from 88.0 to 94.0%. The majority of the included studies presented low risk of bias and moderate certainty of evidence. Conclusions: This study demonstrated the validity of micro-CT for in vitro caries detection in comparison with histology.
Prevalence and predictors of medication non-adherence among patients with multimorbidity: A systematic review protocol
Authors: Foley Louise , Larkin James , Lombard-Vance Richard , Murphy Andrew W. , Molloy Gerard J. 
Published: November 2019

Introduction: Patients with multimorbidity are expected to adhere to complex medication regimens in order to manage their multiple chronic conditions. It has been reported the likelihood of adherence decreases as patients are prescribed more medications. Much medication adherence research to date is dominated by a single-disease focus, which is at odds with the rising prevalence of multimorbidity and may artificially underestimate the complexity of managing chronic illness. This review aims to describe the prevalence of medication non-adherence among patients with multimorbidity, and to identify potential predictors of non-adherence in this population. Methods: A systematic review will be conducted and reported according to PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL and PsycINFO will be searched using a predefined search strategy from 2009–2019. Quantitative studies will be considered eligible for review if prevalence of medication non-adherence among adults with two or more chronic conditions is reported. Studies will be included in the review if available in English full text. Titles and abstracts will be screened by single review, with 20% of screening cross-checked by a second reviewer. Full-text articles will be screened by two independent reviewers, noting reasons for exclusions. Data extraction will be performed using a predefined extraction form. Quality and risk of bias assessment will be conducted using criteria for observational studies outlined by Sanderson et al. (2007). A narrative synthesis and, if feasible, meta-analysis will be conducted. Discussion: By exploring medication non-adherence from a multimorbidity perspective, the review aims to inform an evidence base for intervention development which accounts for the rising prevalence of patients with multiple chronic conditions. Study registration: The systematic review is prospectively registered in PROSPERO (CRD42019133849); registered on 12 June 2019.