bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Global health training in Canadian family medicine residency programmes
Authors: Jalan Divyanshi , Morakis Helene , Arya Neil , Tcholakov Yassen , Carpenter Jennifer , Cherniak William 
Published: March 2020

ObjectiveCanadian family medicine (FM) residency programmes are responding to the growing demand to provide global health (GH) education to their trainees; herein, we describe the various GH activities (GHAs) offered within Canadian FM programmes.DesignA bilingual online survey was sent out to all 17 Canadian FM program directors (PDs) and/or an appointed GH representative.SettingOnline survey via QualtricsParticipantsAll 17 Canadian FM PDs and/or an appointed GH representative.ResultsThe response rate was 100% and represented 3250 first-year and second-year FM residents across English and French Canada. All schools stated that they participate in some form of GHAs. There was variation in the level of organisation, participation and types of GHAs offered. Overall, most GHAs are optional, and there is a large amount of variation in terms of resident participation. Approximately one third of programmes receive dedicated funding for their GHAs, and two thirds wish to increase the scope/variety of GHAs.ConclusionThese results suggest nationwide interest in developing a workforce trained in GH, but show great discrepancies in training, implementation and education.
Compound kushen injection relieves tumor-associated macrophage-mediated immunosuppression through TNFR1 and sensitizes hepatocellular carcinoma to sorafenib
Authors: Yang Yang , Sun Mayu , Yao Wenbo , Wang Feng , Li Xiaoguang , Wang Wei , Li Jingquan , Gao Zhihu , Qiu Lin , You Rongli , Yang Chenghua , Ba Qian , Wang Hui 
Published: March 2020

BackgroundThere is an urgent need for effective treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Immunotherapy is promising especially when combined with traditional therapies. This study aimed to investigate the immunomodulatory function of an approved Chinese medicine formula, compound kushen injection (CKI), and its anti-HCC efficiency in combination with low-dose sorafenib.MethodsGrowth of two murine HCC cells was evaluated in an orthotopic model, a subcutaneous model, two postsurgical recurrence model, and a tumor rechallenge model with CKI and low-dose sorafenib combination treatment. In vivo macrophage or CD8+T cell depletion and in vitro primary cell coculture models were used to determine the regulation of CKI on macrophages and CD8+T cells.ResultsCKI significantly enhanced the anticancer activity of sorafenib at a subclinical dose with no obvious side effects. CKI and sorafenib combination treatment prevented the postsurgical recurrence and rechallenged tumor growth. Further, we showed that CKI activated proinflammatory responses and relieved immunosuppression of tumor-associated macrophages in the HCC microenvironment by triggering tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 1 (TNFR1)-mediated NF-κB and p38 MAPK signaling cascades. CKI-primed macrophages significantly promoted the proliferation and the cytotoxic ability of CD8+T cells and decreased the exhaustion, which subsequently resulted in apoptosis of HCC cells.ConclusionsCKI acts on macrophages and CD8+T cells to reshape the immune microenvironment of HCC, which improves the therapeutic outcomes of low-dose sorafenib and avoids adverse chemotherapy effects. Our study shows that traditional Chinese medicines with immunomodulatory properties can potentiate chemotherapeutic drugs and provide a promising approach for HCC treatment.
A homozygousUBA5pathogenic variant causes a fatal congenital neuropathy
Authors: Cabrera-Serrano Macarena , Coote David Joseph , Azmanov Dimitar , Goullee Hayley , Andersen Erik , McLean Catriona , Davis Mark , Ishimura Ryosuke , Stark Zornitza , Vallat Jean-Michel , Komatsu Masaaki , Kornberg Andrew , Ryan Monique , Laing Nigel G , Ravenscroft Gina 
Published: March 2020

BackgroundUBA5 is the activating enzyme of UFM1 in the ufmylation post-translational modification system. Different neurological phenotypes have been associated withUBA5pathogenic variants including epilepsy, intellectual disability, movement disorders and ataxia.Methods and resultsWe describe a large multigenerational consanguineous family presenting with a severe congenital neuropathy causing early death in infancy. Whole exome sequencing and linkage analysis identified a novel homozygousUBA5NM_024818.3 c.31C>T (p.Arg11Trp) mutation. Protein expression assays in mouse tissue showed similar levels of UBA5 in peripheral nerves to the central nervous system. CRISPR-Cas9 edited HEK (human embrionic kidney) cells homozygous for the UBA5 p.Arg11Trp mutation showed reduced levels of UBA5 protein compared with the wild-type. The mutant p.Arg11Trp UBA5 protein shows reduced ability to activate UFM1.ConclusionThis report expands the phenotypical spectrum of UBA5 mutations to include fatal peripheral neuropathy.
Lupus patient decisions about clinical trial participation: a qualitative evaluation of perceptions, facilitators and barriers
Authors: Arriens Cristina , Aberle Teresa , Carthen Fredonna , Kamp Stan , Thanou Aikaterini , Chakravarty Eliza , James Judith A , Merrill Joan T , Ogunsanya Motolani E 
Published: March 2020

ObjectiveAlthough SLE disproportionately affects minority racial groups, they are significantly under-represented in clinical trials in the USA. This may lead to misleading conclusions in race-based subgroup analyses. We conducted focus groups to evaluate the perceptions of diverse patients with lupus about clinical trial participation.MethodsA qualitative research design employed three 90 min focus groups led by a trained moderator and guided by the Theory of Planned Behaviour. Open-ended questions about trial participation included advantages and disadvantages (behavioural beliefs), approving and disapproving significant others (normative beliefs), and participation enhancers and barriers (control beliefs). Discussions were recorded, transcribed and analysed to identify emerging themes.ResultsPatients with SLE (n=23) aged 21–72, with increased proportion of minority groups (65%), participated. Reported advantages of trial participation included altruism and personal benefit. Disadvantages included uncertainties, disappointment, information burden, and life–health balance. Although some patients had discussed research participation with approving or disapproving family or friends, self-approval superseded external approval. Barriers included logistics and time, and facilitators included flexibility in scheduling, advance notice of studies, streamlined forms, and hope for SLE improvement.ConclusionsKnowledge about potential benefits of clinical trial participation was high. Minority patients demonstrated confidence in making their own informed decisions, but major barriers for all participants included burdensome forms, travel, childcare, and work. These suggest a major impact on minority and all recruitment from behavioural and control aspects, which should be considered in the logistics of trial design. This does not minimise the potential importance of improved access and education about clinical research.
Impact of preinterventional tricuspid regurgitation on outcome of MitraClip therapy in patients with severely reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Gyoten Takayuki , Messroghli Daniel , Schenk Soeren , Rochor Kristin , Grimmig Oliver , Just Soeren , Fritzsche Dirk 
Published: March 2020

AimTo evaluate the impact of preinterventional moderate-to-severe functional tricuspid regurgitation (FTR) on early outcome after percutaneous edge-to-edge mitral valve repair (pMVR) with MitraClip procedures for functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).Methods and resultsFrom January 2013 to December 2017, 80 patients with HFrEF (ejection fraction 22%±5.3%) and FMR (grade 3.0±0.36) underwent successful pMVR. The 3-year actuarial survival was 58%. However, 73% (n=22) of non-survivors died of cardiac failure within 1 year. Patients were categorised into none-to-mild (n=36) and moderate-to-severe (n=44) postinterventional FTR groups according to pre-MitraClip tricuspid regurgitation grade. Cox regression analysis on 1-year survival demonstrated an impact of FTR severity (HR=1.8, 95% CI 1.01% to 3.09%, p=0.047), preoperative New York Heart Association class (HR=2.8, 95% CI 1.2% to 6.5%, p=0.015) and peripheral artery disease (HR=5.4, 95% CI 1.6 to 18, p=0.0054). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that 1-year cardiac death was higher in the moderate-to-severe FTR group (p=0.048). In our study, 77% of pre-MitraClip moderate-to-severe FTR cannot be significantly reduced. Post-MitraClip moderate-to-severe FTR grade was related to lower survival (p<0.001).ConclusionIn patients with HFrEF treated with MitraClip for FMR, moderate-to-severe FTR was an independent predictor of cardiac death within 1 year. To improve survival, additional therapy to residual FTR should be considered in early phase after MitraClip therapy.
Surgical Complexity and Outcome of Patients Undergoing Re-do Aortic Valve Surgery
Authors: Greco Renata , Muretti Mirko , Djordjevic Jasmina , Jin Xu Yu , Hill Elaine , Renna Maurizio , Petrou Mario 
Published: March 2020

ObjectivesRe-do aortic valve surgery carries a higher mortality and morbidity compared with first time aortic valve replacement (AVR) and often requires concomitant complex procedures. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is an option for selective patients. The aim of this study is to present our experience with re-do aortic valve procedures and give an insight into the characteristics of these patients and their outcomes.MethodsRetrospective review of 80 consecutive re-do aortic valve procedures.ResultsMean patients’ age was 51.80±18.73 years. Aortic regurgitation (AR) was present in 51 (65.4%) patients and aortic stenosis (AS) in 38 (48.7%). Indications for reoperation were: infective endocarditis (IE) (23.8%), bioprosthetic degeneration (12.5%), mechanical valve dysfunction (5%), paravalvular leak (6.2%), patient–prosthesis mismatch (3.8%), native valve disease (25%), aortic aneurysm, pseudoaneurysm and dissection (35%), aortic root/homograft degeneration (27.5%). Forty-one (51.2%) patients underwent re-do AVR, 39 (48.8%) re-do complex aortic valve surgery (28 root, 23 ascending aorta and 6 hemiarch procedures) and 37.5% concomitant procedures. A bioprosthesis was implanted in 43.8%, a mechanical valve in 37.5%, a composite graft in 2.5%, a Biovalsalva graft in 6.2% and a homograft in 10% of patients. In-hospital mortality was 3.8% and incidence of major complications was low.ConclusionsA significant proportion of patients were young (61%<60 y), required complex aortic procedures (49%) or presented with contraindications for TAVR (mechanical valve, AR, IE, proximal aortic disease, need for concomitant surgery). Re-do aortic surgery remains the only treatment for such challenging cases and can be performed with acceptable mortality and morbidity in a specialised aortic centre.
Malignant trigeminal nerve Schwannoma diagnosed via biopsy of the infraorbital nerve in a dog
Authors: James Matthew , Pumarola Marti , Targett Mike , vanLelyveld Shirley , Lowrie Mark 
Published: March 2020

A 12‐year old, female neutered English Pointer presented with right‐sided temporalis muscle atrophy and facial irritation over 2 weeks. Neurolocalisation was consistent with a right trigeminal neuropathy. MRI revealed a severely enlarged trigeminal nerve with involvement of the infraorbital nerve, which was palpable as a firm swelling over the maxilla. Incisional biopsy of the infraorbital nerve was performed and histopathological diagnosis was a malignant Schwannoma. Palliative chemotherapy was initiated. Two months following diagnosis the owner reported that the dog was doing well. This is the first report of a trigeminal nerve sheath tumour diagnosed via biopsy of the infraorbital nerve in a dog. Consideration should be given to evaluating the infraorbital nerve on clinical examination as well as MRI in cases of trigeminal neuropathy.
Effects of probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus D2/CSL (CECT 4529) on the nutritional and health status of boxer dogs
Authors: Marelli Stefano Paolo , Fusi Eleonora , Giardini Alberto , Martino Piera Anna , Polli Michele , Bruni Natascia , Rizzi Rita 
Published: March 2020

BackgroundThe aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus D2/CSL (CECT 4529) probiotic strain on nutritional status and faecal and microbiological parameters in a group of purebred boxers.MethodsForty healthy adult boxer dogs were randomly assigned to a treated (LACTO) group receiving a commercial diet supplemented with L acidophilus D2/CSL (CECT 4529) to a final concentration of 5.0 x 109 colony‐forming unit/kg of food, and a control (CTR) group receiving the same diet but without the probiotic (placebo). Nutritional status (body weight, skinfold thickness, body condition score) and faecal quality parameters were analysed.ResultsNo differences in body weight and skin thickness were found during the whole experimental period. Dogs in the LACTO group showed a significantly higher body condition score than those in the CTR group (4.86±0.55 v 4.65±0.65), and no significant differences were recorded in body weight and skinfold thickness. The LACTO group showed a significantly lower faecal moisture (in per cent) compared with the CTR group (0.67±0.007 v 0.69±0.007). Faecal hardness (in kg) was higher in the LACTO group than in the CTR group (0.86±0.047 v 0.70±0.051), and faecal score also improved in the LACTO group (3.78±0.95 v 4.25±0.91). A significant difference in total Escherichia coli counts as well as in lactobacilli counts between the CTR and LACTO groups was only detected at 28 days.ConclusionSupplementation of L acidophilus D2/CSL (CECT 4529) significantly improved the nutritional status and faecal parameters of dogs.
Comparison of a continuous indwelling glucometer with a point‐of‐care device in healthy adult horses
Authors: Cunneen Alexandra , Wood Kelly A , Mathison Kylie , Herndon Aaron M , Bertin Francois R 
Published: March 2020

BackgroundBlood glucose is tightly regulated in horses; however, since hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia are associated with poor prognosis, close monitoring is warranted. This study aimed at evaluating a continuous indwelling glucometer (CIG) by comparing performance with a point‐of‐care glucometer (POC).MethodsTen horses were equipped with CIG and an intravenous catheter. Interstitial glucose concentrations were determined by CIG every 5 min at rest, during insulin‐induced hypoglycaemia and dextrose‐induced hyperglycaemia, and compared with blood glucose determined by POC. Glucose concentrations were compared by two‐way repeated measures analysis of variance and weighted kappa with Bland‐Altman plots to determine agreement between assays.ResultsHorses tolerated CIG well; however, five devices had to be replaced. There were no statistically significant differences between assays at rest or during hyperglycaemia; however, during hypoglycaemia, glucose concentrations determined by CIG were significantly higher (P=0.01). The mean bias (95% limits of agreement) between assays ranged from −0.03 (−2.46 to 2.52) mmol/l (hyperglycaemia) to 0.97 (−1.23 to 3.16) mmol/l (hypoglycaemia). Assay agreement was ‘good’ with observed agreements of 87.04% (κ=0.67).Conclusions of the studyCIG has acceptable accuracy in horses as compared with POC but overestimates glucose concentrations during hypoglycaemia and requires frequent replacement, limiting its clinical application.
Prolonged static stretching causes acute, nonmetabolic fatigue and impairs exercise tolerance during severe-intensity cycling
Authors: Colosio Alessandro L. , Teso Massimo , Pogliaghi Silvia 
Published: March 2020

We tested the hypothesis that static stretching, an acute, nonmetabolic fatiguing intervention, reduces exercise tolerance by increasing muscle activation and affecting muscle bioenergetics during cycling in the “severe” intensity domain. Ten active men (age, 24 ± 2 years; body mass, 74 ± 11 kg; height, 176 ± 8 cm) participated in identical constant-load cycling tests of equal intensity, of which 2 tests were carried out under control conditions and 2 were done after stretching. This resulted in a 5% reduction of maximal isokinetic sprinting power output. We measured (i) oxygen consumption, (ii) electromyography, (iii) deoxyhemoglobin, (iv) blood lactate concentration; (v) time to exhaustion, and (vi) perception of effort. Finally, oxygen consumption and deoxyhemoglobin kinetics were determined. Force reduction following stretching was accompanied by augmented muscle excitation at a given workload (p = 0.025) and a significant reduction in time to exhaustion (p = 0.002). The time to peak oxygen consumption was reduced by stretching (p = 0.034), suggesting an influence of the increased muscle excitation on the oxygen consumption kinetics. Moreover, stretching was associated with a mismatch between O2 delivery and utilization during the isokinetic exercise, increased perception of effort, and blood lactate concentration; these observations are all consistent with an increased contribution of the glycolytic energy system to sustain the same absolute intensity. These results suggest a link between exercise intolerance and the decreased ability to produce force. Novelty We provided the first characterization of the effects of prolonged stretching on the metabolic response during severe cycling. Stretching reduced maximal force and augmented muscle activation, which in turn increased the metabolic response to sustain exercise.
Phase structures emerging from holography with Einstein-gravity-dilaton models at finite temperature
Authors: Zöllner R. , Kämpfer B. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAsymptotic AdS Riemann space-times in five dimensions with a black brane (horizon) sourced by a fully back-reacted scalar field (dilaton) offer—via the holographic dictionary—various options for the thermodynamics of the flat four-dimensional boundary theory, uncovering Hawking–Page, first-order, and second-order phase transitions up to a cross-over or featureless behavior. The relation of these phase structures to the dilaton potential is clarified and illustrating examples are presented. Having in mind applications to QCD, we study probe vector mesons with the goal to figure out conditions for forming Regge-type series of radial excitations and address the issue of meson melting.
Effects of mixing processes on the property of the LiFePO4/C cathode material via high-temperature ball milling route
Authors: Li Xuetian , Yu Lina , Shao Hongmei , Zhang Wei 
Published: March 2020

[Formula: see text] samples were obtained via high-temperature ball milling route with different mixing processes. Ultrasonic radiation and wet mechanical agitation were used as mixing processes, respectively. The effects of different mixing processes on the structure and electrochemical performance of [Formula: see text] were investigated. The results exhibited that [Formula: see text] prepared by high-temperature ball milling with ultrasonic irradiation as mixing processes displayed the best rate capability and cycle stability among all the samples: it delivered discharge capacities of [Formula: see text] (0.1 C), [Formula: see text] (5.0 C) and [Formula: see text] (10 C) [Formula: see text], respectively. The discharge capacity was [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] at 0.5 C-rate over 100 cycles with capacity retention of 95.0%. It is concluded that ultrasonic irradiation is an effective mixing process for the preparation of [Formula: see text] cathode material via high-temperature ball milling route.
ION BEAM IRRADIATION EFFECTS ON SURFACE MORPHOLOGY AND OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF ZnO/PVA COMPOSITES
Authors: ATTA A. , ABDEL REHEEM A. M. , ABDELTWAB E. 
Published: March 2020

Polymer nanocomposites composed of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs)-doped polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) polymer matrix have been synthesized using solvent casting preparation method. The ZnO/PVA polymer nanocomposite films are irradiated with different argon ion beam fluences using broad-beam ion source. The prepared films are characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and UV–visible spectroscopy. The XRD shows that ZnO NPs are successfully formed on PVA polymer and the mean size of ZnO NPs is 31.2[Formula: see text]nm. The FTIR peaks indicate that ZnO NPs are attached to the polymer chains, whereas the SEM analysis shows that ZnO NPs are homogeneously dispersed into the PVA polymer surface. The optical bandgap, band tail width and number of carbon atoms in cluster are obtained and discussed using UV–visible spectroscopy. The transmittance is shown with low transmittance intensity in the UV region with the addition of ZnO NPs and ion beam irradiation. The optical bandgap [Formula: see text] showed significant decrease from 5.25[Formula: see text]eV for pristine PVA to 3.10[Formula: see text]eV by adding ZnO and from 3.10[Formula: see text]eV for un-irradiated ZnO/PVA to 2.98[Formula: see text]eV after being irradiated by [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text]. The number of carbon atoms in cluster [Formula: see text] is increased by ZnO addition, whereas the Urbach energy [Formula: see text] is decreased. These results confirmed that there are significant modifications in PVA polymer, and the produced flexible ZnO/PVA is a good polymer nanocomposite film for technological applications.
Harold Cohen and AARON: Collaborations in the Last Six Years (2010–2016) of a Creative Life
Authors: Sundararajan Louise 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
This article documents Harold Cohen’s last phase of creativity from 2010 until his death in 2016, a period that witnessed an accelerated coevolution of Cohen’s relationship with the artificial intelligence program AARON on the one hand and his technological and artistic innovations on the other, culminating in a new art form featuring the void. Implications for the human and machine interface are discussed.
Conversations in Caves
Authors: Parrott Flora , Hawkins Harriet 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
This article takes the form of a discussion between Flora Parrott (an artist) and Harriet Hawkins (a geographer), who first brought together their existing interests in caves and the underground in 2015. Gully Cave (southwest England), a site of their shared “fieldwork,” and two experimental workshops offer the context to reflect on their evolving work together. This exchange, edited from a series of emails, reflects the evolving, looping form their collaboration has taken, circling around key themes including the importance of time, failure and trust in the process of development, and discussions around expertise and experimentation.
Biomorphic Protein Art: The Ensemble of Aesthetic Intuition and Scientific Intelligence in Protein Structures
Authors: Shin Jongcheon , Yoon Joonsung 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
This article explores the process by which biomorphic art influenced by Henri Bergson's philosophy encounters protein structures and becomes biomorphic protein art. The biomorphic presentation of proteins is a kind of art practice that applies biomorphs to protein structures by practically utilizing Bergson's “aesthetic intuition.” It not only has aesthetic peculiarity in itself but also is used to reveal the structure-function relationship and structure-identity relationship of proteins. As a result, biomorphic protein art, which presents information about the structure, function and identity of proteins through aesthetic intuition, helps us to analyze proteins in a novel way and restores our potential creativity.