bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
General practitioners’ approaches to prostate-specific antigen testing in the north-east of the Netherlands
Authors: Kappen Sanny , Koops Lisa , Jürgens Verena , Freitag Michael H. , Blanker Marco H. , Timmer Antje , de Bock Geertruida H. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
There is wide variation in clinical practice for the early detection of prostate cancer, not least because of the ongoing debate about the benefits of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing. In this study, we aimed to assess the approaches, attitudes, and knowledge of general practitioners (GPs) regarding PSA testing in primary care in the Netherlands, particularly regarding recommendations for prostate cancer.

Methods
Questionnaire surveys were sent to 179 GPs in the north-east of the Netherlands, of which 65 (36%) were completed and returned. We also surveyed 23 GPs attending a postgraduate train-the-trainer day (100%). In addition to demographic data and practice characteristics, the 31-item questionnaire covered the attitudes, clinical practice, adherence to PSA screening recommendations, and knowledge concerning the recommendations for prostate cancer early detection. Statistical analysis was limited to the descriptive level.

Results
Most GPs (95%; n = 82) stated that they had at least read the Dutch GP guideline, but just half (50%; n = 43) also stated that they knew the content. Almost half (46%; n = 39) stated they would offer detailed counseling before ordering a PSA test to an asymptomatic man requesting a test. Overall, prostate cancer screening was reported to be of minor importance compared to other types of cancer screening.

Conclusions
Clinical PSA testing in primary care in this region of the Netherlands seems generally to be consistent with the relevant guideline for Dutch GPs that is restrictive to PSA testing. The next step will be to further evaluate the effects of the several PSA testing strategies.
The protective role of intracellular glutathione in Saccharomyces cerevisiae during lignocellulosic ethanol production
Authors: Raghavendran Vijayendran , Marx Christian , Olsson Lisbeth , Bettiga Maurizio 
Published: December 2020

AbstractTo enhance the competitiveness of industrial lignocellulose ethanol production, robust enzymes and cell factories are vital. Lignocellulose derived streams contain a cocktail of inhibitors that drain the cell of its redox power and ATP, leading to a decrease in overall ethanol productivity. Many studies have attempted to address this issue, and we have shown that increasing the glutathione (GSH) content in yeasts confers tolerance towards lignocellulose inhibitors, subsequently increasing the ethanol titres. However, GSH levels in yeast are limited by feedback inhibition of GSH biosynthesis. Multidomain and dual functional enzymes exist in several bacterial genera and they catalyse the GSH biosynthesis in a single step without the feedback inhibition. To test if even higher intracellular glutathione levels could be achieved and if this might lead to increased tolerance, we overexpressed the genes from two bacterial genera and assessed the recombinants in simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) with steam pretreated spruce hydrolysate containing 10% solids. Although overexpressing the heterologous genes led to a sixfold increase in maximum glutathione content (18 µmol gdrycellmass−1) compared to the control strain, this only led to a threefold increase in final ethanol titres (8.5 g L− 1). As our work does not conclusively indicate the cause-effect of increased GSH levels towards ethanol titres, we cautiously conclude that there is a limit to cellular fitness that could be accomplished via increased levels of glutathione.
Comparison of Precision and Accuracy of Five Methods to Analyse Total Score Data
Authors: Wellhagen Gustaf J. , Karlsson Mats O. , Kjellsson Maria C. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractTotal score (TS) data is generated from composite scales consisting of several questions/items, such as the Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS). The analysis method that most fully uses the information gathered is item response theory (IRT) models, but these are complex and require item-level data which may not be available. Therefore, the TS is commonly analysed with standard continuous variable (CV) models, which do not respect the bounded nature of data. Bounded integer (BI) models do respect the data nature but are not as extensively researched. Mixed models for repeated measures (MMRM) are an alternative that requires few assumptions and handles dropout without bias. If an IRT model exists, the expected mean and standard deviation of TS can be computed through IRT-informed functions—which allows CV and BI models to estimate parameters on the IRT scale. The fit, performance on external data and parameter precision (when applicable) of CV, BI and MMRM to analyse simulated TS data from the MDS-UPDRS motor subscale are investigated in this work. All models provided accurate predictions and residuals without trends, but the fit of CV and BI models was improved by IRT-informed functions. The IRT-informed BI model had more precise parameter estimates than the IRT-informed CV model. The IRT-informed models also had the best performance on external data, while the MMRM model was worst. In conclusion, (1) IRT-informed functions improve TS analyses and (2) IRT-informed BI models had more precise IRT parameter estimates than IRT-informed CV models.
Rainbow spacetime from a nonlocal gravitational uncertainty principle
Authors: El-Refy Omar , Masood Syed , Wang Li-Gang , Farag Ali Ahmed 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The occurrence of spacetime singularities is one of the peculiar features of Einstein gravity, signalling limitation on probing short distances in spacetime. This alludes to the existence of a fundamental length scale in nature. On the contrary, the Heisenberg quantum uncertainty relation seems to allow for probing arbitrarily small length scales. To reconcile these two conflicting ideas in line with a well-known framework of quantum gravity, several modifications of Heisenberg algebra have been proposed. However, it has been extensively argued that such a minimum length would introduce nonlocality in theories of quantum gravity. In this letter, we analyze a previously proposed deformation of the Heisenberg algebra (i.e.,

) for a particle confined in a box subjected to a gravitational field. For the problem in hand, such deformation seems to yield an energy-dependent behavior of spacetime in a way consistent with gravity's rainbow, hence demonstrating a connection between non-locality and gravity's rainbow.
Radiomics for intracerebral hemorrhage: are all small hematomas benign?
Authors: Zhan Chenyi , Chen Qian , Zhang Mingyue , Xiang Yilan , Chen Jie , Zhu Dongqin , Chen Chao , Xia Tianyi , Yang Yunjun 
Published: December 2020

Objectives:
We hypothesized that not all small hematomas are benign and that radiomics could predict hematoma expansion (HE) and short-term outcomes in small hematomas.

Methods:
We analyzed 313 patients with small (&lt;10 ml) intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) who underwent baseline non-contrast CT within 6 h of symptom onset between September 2013 and February 2019. Poor outcome was defined as a Glasgow Outcome Scale score ≤3. A radiomic model and a clinical model were built using least absolute shrinkageand selection operator algorithm or multivariate analysis. A combined model that incorporated the developed radiomic score and clinical factors was then constructed. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to evaluate the performance of these models.

Results:
The addition of radiomics to clinical factors significantly improved the prediction performance of HE compared with the clinical model alone in both the training {AUC, 0.762 [95% CI (0.665–0.859)] versus AUC, 0.651 [95% CI (0.556–0.745)], p = 0.007} and test {AUC, 0.776 [95% CI (0.655–0.897) versus AUC, 0.631 [95% CI (0.451–0.810)], p = 0.001} cohorts. Moreover, the radiomic-based model achieved good discrimination ability of poor outcomes in the 3–10 ml group (AUCs 0.720 and 0.701).

Conclusion:
Compared with clinical information alone, combined model had greater potential for discriminating between benign and malignant course in patients with small ICH, particularly 3–10 ml hematomas.

Advances in knowledge:
Radiomics can be used as a supplement to conventional medical imaging, improving clinical decision-making and facilitating personalized treatment in small ICH.
Challenges of implementing voluntary assisted dying in Victoria, Australia
Authors: O'Connor Margaret , Philips Janet 
Published: December 2020

Background: Staff working in community palliative care services are accustomed to the intimate conversations that a patient being at home can engender. Being at home can provide a safe space for a patient to express difficulties, including expressing a desire for hastened death. With the implementation of voluntary assisted dying in Victoria in mid-2019, palliative care services have needed to review and adapt policies and practices to incorporate this new procedure. While it was anticipated that a small percentage of people would request access to voluntary assisted dying, in the wake of such significant change, there were numerous implications for palliative care services to consider. This paper describes both the organisational and individual changes undertaken by one community-based palliative care service, in anticipation of legalised assistance in dying. The range of responses to the issues raised are discussed, in preparation for, and in the early days of, voluntary assisted dying.
Bladder and bowel preferences of patients at the end of life: a scoping review
Authors: Smith Nicholas , Rajabali Saima , Hunter Kathleen F , Chambers Thane , Fasinger Robin , Wagg Adrian 
Published: December 2020

Background:Following patient preferences at the end of life should improve outcomes of care, yet patient preferences regarding bladder and bowel care are not often accommodated, as they are not well known in the literature.Aims:This scoping review sought to identify bladder and bowel care preferences of patients at the end of life in published literature.Methods:Papers published in or after 1997 (in English) that focused on adult preferences for bladder and bowel care at the end of life were included.Findings:Scant literature exists on preferences for bladder and bowel care for adult patients at end of life. Further investigation is warranted to arrive at a better understanding of preferences regarding bladder and bowel symptom management.Conclusions:Future research should explore if prioritising the symptoms caused by incontinence, among the many symptoms experienced at the end of life, could be achieved through careful questioning and development of a standardised tool focused on improving patient care and incorporating patient preferences for care.
Nursing diagnoses clusters: survival and comfort in oncology end-of-life care
Authors: Marques Karine , Alves Cristine 
Published: December 2020

Background: Holistic care and nursing diagnoses are essential in end-of-life, since interventions based on these ensure greater patient comfort and quality of life. Aims: To identify clusters of nursing diagnoses and repercussions for patient comfort and survival. Methods: A prospective cohort of 66 end-of-life patients with cancer was examined. Diagnostic groupings were created based on the Kolcaba's theory of comfort. Pearson's chi-square test and Kaplan–Meier estimator were used to assess the relationship between clusters, comfort, and survival. Findings: Three diagnostic groups and 23 nurse diagnoses were used. The first and most prevalent diagnosis cluster was related to intestinal tract disorders and sleep. The second was related to neuropsychological characteristics and fatigue associated with lower survival, while the third cluster was related to functionality and perception, which was shown to be associated with less comfort. Conclusion: The three clusters were significantly associated with comfort and survival.
Using an injection-locked VCSEL to produce Fourier-transform-limited optical pulses
Authors: Rowland Jed , Perrella Christopher , Light Philip , Sparkes Ben M. , Luiten Andre N. 
Published: December 2020

In this Letter, we present Fourier-transform-limited, nanosecond scale optical pulses from a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) using injection locking with a narrow-band seed laser. We examine two different injection-locking architectures and show that we can achieve an effective injection-locking range of over 8 GHz with an extinction ratio of 20,000:1. These results indicate that injection-locked VCSELs could become a key component of large-scale photonic quantum networks.
Pre-test probability for SARS-Cov-2-related infection score: The PARIS score
Authors: Tordjman Mickael , Mekki Ahmed , Mali Rahul D. , Saab Ines , Chassagnon Guillaume , Guillo Enora , Burns Robert , Eshagh Deborah , Beaune Sebastien , Madelin Guillaume , Bessis Simon , Feydy Antoine , Mihoubi Fadila , Doumenc Benoit , Mouthon Luc , Carlier Robert-Yves , Drapé Jean-Luc , Revel Marie-Pierre 
Published: December 2020

Introduction
In numerous countries, large population testing is impossible due to the limited availability of RT-PCR kits and CT-scans. This study aimed to determine a pre-test probability score for SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Methods
This multicenter retrospective study (4 University Hospitals) included patients with clinical suspicion of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Demographic characteristics, clinical symptoms, and results of blood tests (complete white blood cell count, serum electrolytes and CRP) were collected. A pre-test probability score was derived from univariate analyses of clinical and biological variables between patients and controls, followed by multivariate binary logistic analysis to determine the independent variables associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Results
605 patients were included between March 10th and April 30th, 2020 (200 patients for the training cohort, 405 consecutive patients for the validation cohort). In the multivariate analysis, lymphocyte (<1.3 G/L), eosinophil (<0.06 G/L), basophil (<0.04 G/L) and neutrophil counts (<5 G/L) were associated with high probability of SARS-CoV-2 infection but no clinical variable was statistically significant. The score had a good performance in the validation cohort (AUC = 0.918 (CI: [0.891–0.946]; STD = 0.014) with a Positive Predictive Value of high-probability score of 93% (95%CI: [0.89–0.96]). Furthermore, a low-probability score excluded SARS-CoV-2 infection with a Negative Predictive Value of 98% (95%CI: [0.93–0.99]). The performance of the score was stable even during the last period of the study (15-30th April) with more controls than infected patients.

Conclusions
The PARIS score has a good performance to categorize the pre-test probability of SARS-CoV-2 infection based on complete white blood cell count. It could help clinicians adapt testing and for rapid triage of patients before test results.
Coronavirus-induced coagulopathy during the course of disease
Authors: Friedrich Marie Sophie , Studt Jan-Dirk , Braun Julia , Spahn Donat R. , Kaserer Alexander 
Published: December 2020

BackgroundA significant proportion of patients with coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) suffer from excessive coagulation activation and coagulopathy which is associated with an increased risk of venous and arterial thromboembolism and adverse outcome. Our study investigates coagulation markers and the incidence of thromboembolic events in COVID-19 patients receiving recommended anticoagulation strategies.MethodsIn a retrospective single-center analysis at the University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland, we investigated 31 adult COVID-19 patients between April 6thand May 13th, 2020 and with at least one laboratory assessment of the coagulation markers prothrombin time/Quick, thrombin time, fibrinogen and D-dimers. For antithrombotic prophylaxis low-molecular-weight-heparin or unfractionated heparin was administered and two patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia received argatroban.ResultsWe analyzed 31 patients (68% male, mean age 60± SD 15 years). 22 (71%) of these required intensive care unit treatment, 5 (16%) were hospitalized in a ward, and 4 (13%) were outpatients. Mean fibrinogen levels were markedly elevated to 6.4± SD 1.8g/l, with a peak in the third week of the disease and no significant decrease over time. D-dimers were elevated to a mean value of 5.1±4.4mg/l with peak levels of 6.8±5.3mg/l in the fourth week of disease, and a subsequent decrease. Platelet count (308±136G/l) and PT/Quick (85±22%) showed no significant changes over time. Sensitivity analyses for patients treated in the ICU showed that D-dimer levels were higher in this group. The results of other sensitivity analyses were comparable. Thromboembolic events were diagnosed in 4 (13%) patients and 5 (16%) patients died during the observation period.ConclusionWe find coagulation alterations in COVID-19 patients indicating significant hypercoagulability. These alterations are visible despite antithrombotic treatment, and peak around week 3–4 of the disease.
Effect of family history, occupation and diet on the risk of Parkinson disease: A case-control study
Authors: Torti Margherita , Fossati Chiara , Casali Miriam , De Pandis Maria Francesca , Grassini Paola , Radicati Fabiana Giada , Stirpe Paola , Vacca Laura , Iavicoli Ivo , Leso Veruscka , Ceppi Marcello , Bruzzone Marco , Bonassi Stefano , Stocchi Fabrizio 
Published: December 2020

BackgroundThe aetiology of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is still very controversial, with a peculiar lack of established risk factors or protective behavior.MethodsWe carried out a case–control study of 634 idiopathic PD patients admitted from 2011 to 2015 to two hospitals located in central Italy and 532 controls matched by hospital, gender and age (± 5 years). The study questionnaire included questions on host factors, family history, residence, occupation and lifestyle. Odds ratios (ORs) for PD and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated with logistic regression, adjusting for actual and potential confounders.ResultsA lower OR was observed in females (0.74; 95%CI:0.58–0.96), while older age classes showed a constantly increased risk for PD (p<0.005) starting from the class 65–69 years. Subjects who reported a first degree relative affected by PD showed a borderline increase which was more evident in those enrolled in the urban center of Rome (OR = 1.65; 95%CI: 1.09–2.50). Significant reduction of the risk was associated to current smoking (OR = 0.48; 95%CI: 0.24–0.54), and to vegetables consumption (p<0.03), while borderline increases were associated to meat and cold cut consumption. Occupational activities classified according to ISCO-08 categories did not show increased risk, while higher ORs’ were found for pilots and physicians.ConclusionsThe results from this study confirmed the higher risk of PD in males and in elderly, and the inverse association with smoking habit. The possible etiological role of familial clustering, dietary habit, and some job tasks is suggested.
Development and validation of a NanoString BASE47 bladder cancer gene classifier
Authors: Kardos Jordan , Rose Tracy L. , Manocha Ujjawal , Wobker Sara E. , Damrauer Jeffrey S. , Bivalaqua Trinity J. , Kates Max , Moore Kristin J. , Parker Joel S. , Kim William Y. 
Published: December 2020

Background
Recent molecular characterization of urothelial cancer (UC) has suggested potential pathways in which to direct treatment, leading to a host of targeted therapies in development for UC. In parallel, gene expression profiling has demonstrated that high-grade UC is a heterogeneous disease. Prognostic basal-like and luminal-like subtypes have been identified and an accurate transcriptome BASE47 classifier has been developed. However, these phenotypes cannot be broadly investigated due to the lack of a clinically viable diagnostic assay. We sought to develop and evaluate a diagnostic classifier of UC subtype with the goal of accurate classification from clinically available specimens.

Methods
Tumor samples from 52 patients with high-grade UC were profiled for BASE47 genes concurrently by RNAseq as well as NanoString. After design and technical validation of a BASE47 NanoString probeset, results from the RNAseq and NanoString were used to translate diagnostic criteria to the Nanostring platform. Evaluation of repeatability and accuracy was performed to derive a final Nanostring based classifier. Diagnostic classification resulting from the NanoString BASE47 classifier was validated on an independent dataset (n = 30). The training and validation datasets accurately classified 87% and 93% of samples, respectively.

Results
Here we have derived a NanoString-platform BASE47 classifier that accurately predicts basal-like and luminal-like subtypes in high grade urothelial cancer. We have further validated our new NanoString BASE47 classifier on an independent dataset and confirmed high accuracy when compared with our original Transcriptome BASE47 classifier.

Conclusions
The NanoString BASE47 classifier provides a faster turnaround time, a lower cost per sample to process, and maintains the accuracy of the original subtype classifier for better clinical implementation.
Microalgae Grown in Cheese Whey and β-galactosidase Production
Authors: Bosso Alessandra , Da Silva Veloso Naiale Fernanda , Fernanda Alba Camila , Da Silva Josemeyre Bonifácio , Ito Morioka Luiz Rodrigo , Hiroshi Suguimoto Helio 
Published: December 2020

O soro de queijo é o principal subproduto da indústria de laticínios e a alta demanda biológica e química de oxigênio (DBO e DQO) pode causar vários problemas ambientais. Estudos recentes apontam os potenciais usos biotecnológicos do soro de queijo, como o meio de fermentação, para a produção de β-galactosidase. A enzima é muito importante para hidrólise da lactose em galactose e glicose, monossacarídeos mais digeríveis pelo organismo humano. As microalgas podem produzir a β-galactosidase através de processos fermentativos. O objetivo da presente revisão é descrever sucintamente o progresso recente sobre o uso de microalgas na produção de β-galactosidase. No geral, o artigo resume o estado atual do conhecimento sobre microalgas, beta-galactosidase e soro de queijo como fonte de carbono para o crescimento de microalgas e dentro do conceito de economia circular. No entanto, ainda são necessários estudos adicionais sobre as melhores condições de cultivo de microalgas com o objetivo de produzir a enzima em questão.

Palavras-chave: Indústria de lacticínio. Biotecnologia. Economia Circular. Valor Agregado.

Abstract
Cheese whey is the main by-product of dairy industry and due to high biological and chemical oxygen demands (BOD and COD) can cause several environmental problems. Recent studies have pointed the biotechnological potential uses of cheese whey such as fermentation medium to the β-galactosidase production. The enzyme is very important to breakdown the lactose into galactose and glucose, monosaccharide sugars more digestible than lactose. Microalgae can produce β-galactosidase through fermentative processes. The purpose of the current mini-review is to succinctly describe recent progress about the use of microalgae to β-galactosidase production. Overall, the paper summarizes the current state of knowledge about microalgae, beta-galactosidase and cheese whey as carbon source to growing of microalgae and within circular economy concept. However, there is still a need for further studies regarding the best microalgae cultivation conditions with the objective of producing the enzyme in question.

Keywords: Dairy industry. Biotechnology. Circular Economy. Added Value.