bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bovine adapted transmissible mink encephalopathy is similar to L-BSE after passage through sheep with the VRQ/VRQ genotype but not VRQ/ARQ
Authors: Cassmann E.D. , Moore S.J. , Kokemuller R.D. , Balkema-Buschmann A. , Groschup M. H. , Nicholson Eric M , Greenlee Justin 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BackgroundTransmissible mink encephalopathy (TME) is a fatal neurologic disease of farmed mink. Evidence indicates that TME and L-BSE are similar and may be linked in some outbreaks of TME. We previously transmitted bovine adapted TME (bTME) to sheep. The present study compared ovine passaged bTME (o-bTME) to C-BSE and L-BSE in transgenic mice expressing wild type bovine prion protein (TgBovXV). To directly compare the transmission efficiency of all prion strains in this study, we considered the attack rates and mean incubation periods. Additional methods for strain comparison were utilized including lesion profiles, fibril stability, and western blotting. ResultsSheep donor genotype elicited variable disease phenotypes in bovinized mice. Inoculum derived from a sheep with the VRQ/VRQ genotype (o-bTMEVV) resulted in an attack rate, incubation period, western blot profile, and neuropathology most similar to bTME and L-BSE. Conversely, donor material from a sheep with the VRQ/ARQ genotype (o-bTMEAV) elicited a phenotype distinct from o-bTMEVV, bTME and L-BSE. The TSE with the highest transmission efficiency in bovinized mice was L-BSE. The tendency to efficiently transmit to TgBovXV mice decreased in the order bTME, C-BSE, o-bTMEVV, and o-bTMEAV. The transmission efficiency of L-BSE was approximately 1.3 times higher than o-bTMEVV and 3.2 times higher than o-bTMEAV.ConclusionsOur findings provide insight on how sheep host genotype modulates strain genesis and influences interspecies transmission characteristics. Given that the transmission efficiencies of L-BSE and bTME are higher than C-BSE, coupled with previous reports of L-BSE transmission to mice expressing the human prion protein, continued monitoring for atypical BSE is advisable in order to prevent occurrences of interspecies transmission that may affect humans or other species.
Medical Students’ Attitudes towards Careers in Primary Care in Singapore
Authors: Zainal Humairah , Smith Helen Elizabeth 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Singapore needs more family doctors to care for its ageing population and their chronic conditions. While there is a shifting of care from acute care settings to more community care, this has not been reflected in the primary care training in local medical schools. Furthermore, no research has explored how different aspects of the medical school curricula in Singapore influence students’ perceptions of careers in General Practice and Family Medicine- a gap that is filled by this study. Methods: Six focus groups involving 54 students from all three medical schools in Singapore were conducted. Discussions focused on their primary care experience, their professional and career aspirations, and perceptions towards the opportunities and challenges of primary care careers. Qualitative content analysis was used to interpret the data. Results: The respondents shared eight key concerns of pursuing primary care careers including limited professional opportunities, emphasis on lifestyle benefits rather than professional characteristics, need for business acumen, conflicts created by business in clinical care, mundane case mix, lack of continuity of care, limited consultation time, and specialists’ negative attitudes towards family doctors. The positive views articulated included the opportunities for entrepreneurialism and a portfolio career, breadth of clinical problems presented, and an improved future for primary care.Conclusions: Improving students’ perceptions of careers in primary care in Singapore would benefit from a concerted effort from multiple stakeholders; medical schools, healthcare providers, professional and regulatory bodies, and government.
Ultrasound-Guided Erector Spinae Plane Block Versus Thoracic Paravertebral Block on Postoperative Analgesia After Laparoscopic Nephroureterectomy: Study Protocol of A Randomized, Double Blinded, Non-Inferiority Design Trial
Authors: Xu Zhen-Zhen , Li Xue , Zhang Zhen , Liu Zheng-Ye , Song Lin-Lin , Zhang Hong , Li Xue-Ying 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Introduction: Erector spinae plane block (ESPB) is a novel inter-fascial plane block, which is applied more and more in postoperative pain control, especially in chest surgery. Attention is increasingly paid to its premium analgesia in urological surgery. Therefore, we aimed to explore whether ESPB would have similar analgesia compared with thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) in laparoscopic nephroureterectomy surgery.Methods and analysis: This prospective, randomized, double-blinded, non-inferiority trial will enroll 166 patients undergoing laparoscopic nephroureterectomy. Participants will be randomly assigned 1:1 into receiving ESPB or TPVB before surgery. Both ultrasound-guided ESPB or TPVB will be performed with an injection of 0.375% ropivacaine 0.4ml/kg before anesthesia induction. Standardized patients controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) will be applied for each patient. The primary endpoint is the joint of cumulative 24h opioid (sufentanil) consumption and average pain score via numeric rating scale (NRS) at 24th h after surgery. Secondary endpoints include rescued analgesic demand, cumulative opioid consumption and pain NRS scores at different preset timepoint within 48h after surgery. Other predefined outcomes include clinical features of blockage, quality of recovery, subjective sleep quality, time to ambulation and flatus, and adverse events, as well as length of stay in hospital and anesthesia cost. Discussion: Previous studies investigating the analgesic efficacy of ESPB only concentrated on a single endpoint for postoperative pain evaluation, while studies focusing on the direct comparation between ESPB and TPVB in urological surgery is still lacking. Our study is the first trial in non-inferiority design of comparing ESPB and TPVB in patient undergoing laparoscopic nephroureterectomy surgery, and the primary outcome is the joint endpoint of opioid consumption and pain NRS score.Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR 2000031916. Registered on 14 April 2020. http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=50782
Magnetic resonance imaging of the normal dromedary camel tarsus
Authors: Hagag Usama , Almohamad Zakriya Ali , Tawfiek Mohamed Gomaa , Nahas Ayman El 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most versatile and informative imaging modality for the diagnosis of locomotor injuries in many animal species; however, veterinary literature describing the MRI of the dromedary camel tarsus is lacking. Our purpose was to describe and compare the MRI images of twelve cadaveric tarsi, examined in a 1.5 Tesla MRI scanner, with their corresponding anatomical gross sections. Turbo spin-echo (TSE) T1-weighted (T1), T2-weighted (T2), proton density-weighted (PD), and short tau inversion recovery (STIR) sequences were obtained in 3 planes. Tarsi were sectioned in sagittal, dorsal, and transverse planes. MRI images from different sequences and planes were described and compared with the anatomical sections.Results: The soft and osseous tissues of the dromedary camel tarsus corresponded extensively with the gross anatomic sections. T1 and PD images provided high anatomical details and the synovial fluid had high signal intensity on T2, PD, and STIR sequences and intermediate signal intensity on T1 images. The tibial cochlea, tarsal bones, and the proximal metatarsus were evaluated in all planes. The sagittal and dorsal images were useful for the evaluation of articular cartilage and subchondral bone. Articular cartilage had homogenous intermediate signal intensity on the T1 images and low signal intensity on the T2 and PD images. The Subchondral and cortical bone had low signal intensity on all sequences, and the cancellous bone expressed heterogeneous signal intensity on PD, T1, and T2 images. The tarsal tendons and ligaments had low signal intensity in all sequences including: the tendons of fibularis tertius, long digital extensor, cranial tibial, fibularis longus, lateral digital extensor muscles; the common tendon of the caudal tibial and lateral digital flexor muscles; the medial digital flexor tendon; the long and short bundles of the medial and lateral collateral ligaments; the superficial and deep digital flexor tendons; and the long plantar ligament. Conclusions: MRI images provided a thorough evaluation of the normal dromedary camel tarsus. Information provided in the current study is expected to serve as a basis for interpretation in clinical situations.
Effectiveness of A Home-Based Telerehabilitation System in Patients After Total Hip Arthroplasty: Study Protocol of A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Busso Chiara , Castorina Gabriele , Monaco Marco Di , Rodriguez Daniel , Mahdavi Hadis , Balocco Simone , Trucco Marco , Conti Marco , Castagna Alessandro , Minetto Marco Alessandro 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: The demand for total hip arthroplasty (THA) is quickly rising given the escalating global incidence of hip osteoarthritis and it is widely accepted that the post-surgery rehabilitation is key to optimize outcomes. The overall objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a new telerehabilitation solution, ReHub, for the physical function and clinical outcome improvement following THA. The specific aim of this manuscript is to describe the study design, protocol, content of interventions, primary and secondary outcomes and to discuss the clinical rehabilitation impact of the expected experimental results.Methods/design: This prospective, randomized, controlled, parallel-group trial will include 56 patients who had undergone primary THA. Patients are randomized to a control group (standard rehabilitation during the 2-week stay in the rehabilitation clinic followed by 3 weeks of unsupervised home-based rehabilitation) or an experimental group (standard rehabilitation during the 2-week stay in the rehabilitation clinic followed by 3 weeks of home-based ReHub-assisted telerehabilitation). The primary outcome is physical performance assessed through the Timed Up-and-Go (TUG) test. Secondary outcomes include independence level, pain intensity, hip disability, hip range of motion, muscle strength and patient’s perception of clinical improvement.Discussion: Proving the clinical and cost-effectiveness of a home-based telerehabilitation program for physical and muscle function following THA could support its systematic incorporation in post-surgical rehabilitation protocols, that should be tailored to individual and collective needs.Trial registration: ClinicalTrial.gov: NCT04382729. Registered 22 November 2019 - https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04176315
Performance of the QPLEXTM Alz plus assay, a novel multiplex kit for screening cerebral amyloid deposition
Authors: Park Jong-Chan , Jung Keum Sim , Kim Jiyeong , Jang Ji Sung , Kwon Sunghoon , Byun Min Soo , Yi Dahyun , Byeon Gihwan , Jung Gijung , Kim Yu Kyeong , Lee Dong Young , Han Sun-Ho , Mook-Jung Inhee 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an irreversible neurodegenerative disease characterized by the hallmark finding of cerebral amyloid deposition. Many researchers have tried to predict the existence of cerebral amyloid deposition by using easily accessible blood plasma samples, but the effectiveness of such strategies remains controversial.Methods: We developed a new multiplex kit, the QPLEXTM Alz plus assay kit, which uses proteomics-based blood biomarkers to prescreen for cerebral amyloid deposition. A total of 300 participants who underwent Pittsburgh compound B (PiB)-positron emission tomography (PET) which allows imaging of cerebral amyloid deposition were included in this study. We compared the levels of QPLEXTM biomarkers between patients who were classified as PiB-negative or PiB-positive, regardless of their cognitive function. Logistic regression analysis followed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed. The kit accuracy was tested using a randomized sample selection method.Results: The results obtained using our assay kit reached 89.1% area under curve (AUC) with 80.0% sensitivity and 83.0% specificity. Further validation of the QPLEXTM Alz plus assay kit using a randomized sample selection method showed an average accuracy of 81.5%.Conclusions: Our QPLEXTM Alz plus assay kit offers a highly effective way to predict cerebral amyloid deposition through a convenient blood test, and should enable easy prediction of AD in daily life.
Sensory Experiences and Cues among E-Cigarette Users
Authors: Piazza Jennifer Di , Caponnetto Pasquale , Askin Gulce , Christos Paul , Maglia Marilena , Gautam Richa , Roche Samantha , Polosa Riccardo 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background and Aims: We characterized the extent and quality of respiratory sensations and sensory related smoking cues associated with e-cigarette use among those who failed to quit combustible tobacco cigarette (CTC) use with traditional FDA approved medications but succeeded in doing so with e-cigarettes. Further, we sought to understand former smokers’ perceptions about the influence of sensory experience with e-cigarette use on CTC cessation outcomes.Methods: A nonrandom purposive sample of 156 participants recruited in the U.S. through the Consumer Advocates for Smoke Free Alternatives Association Facebook page completed an online cross-sectional survey to assess sensory experiences and smoking cues associated with e-cigarette use. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and the ANOVA/Kruskal-Wallis test with post-hoc testing and the two-sample t-test/Wilcoxon rank-sum test, as appropriate based on distribution, were used to assess the association between sample characteristics and sensory experiences and cues using investigator constructed questions, the Modified Cigarette Evaluation Questionnaire (mCEQ) and the Smoking Cue Appeal Survey (SCAS). Results With e-cigarette use, participants reported feeling the vapor in their throats, windpipes, noses, lungs, and on their tongues; reductions in nicotine craving; and enjoyment of their e-cigarette, including tasting, smelling, and seeing the vapor and touching the device. Women had greater craving reduction than men (p=0.023). Those who began smoking at 13 years of age or younger had more smoking satisfaction and had greater sensory enjoyment than those who began smoking at 16-17 years of age (p=0.015 and p=0.026, respectively), as well as greater sensory enjoyment than those who began smoking at 14-15 years of age (p=0.047). There was a significant overall association between the number of years a respondent smoked and e-cigarette sensory enjoyment (p=0.038). Participants 18-34 years old rated e-cigarettes as being more pleasant compared to 45+ year olds, (p=0.012). Eighty four percent of participants reported the sensation of the vapor as important in quitting CTCs, and 91% believed the sensations accompanying e-cigarette use contributed to their smoking cessation success. Conclusions: For those who failed to quit previously using approved cessation medications to stop smoking cigarettes, sensory experiences associated with e-cigarette use may help smokers quit smoking.
Engineering cofactor metabolism for improved protein and glucoamylase production in Aspergillus niger
Authors: Sui Yu-fei , Schütze Tabea , Ouyang Li-Ming , Lu Hong-zhong , Liu Peng , Xiao Xian-zun , Qi Jie , Zhuang Yingping , Meyer Vera 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) is an important cofactor ensuring intracellular redox balance, anabolism and cell growth in all living systems. Our recent multi-omics analyses of glucoamylase (GlaA) biosynthesis in the filamentous fungal cell factory Aspergillus niger indicated that low availability of NADPH might be a limiting factor for GlaA overproduction.Results: We thus employed the Design-Build-Test-Learn cycle for metabolic engineering to identify and prioritize effective cofactor engineering strategies for GlaA overproduction. Based on available metabolomics and 13C metabolic flux analysis data, we individually overexpressed seven predicted genes encoding NADPH generation enzymes under the control of Tet-on gene switch in two A. niger recipient strains, one carrying a single and one carrying seven glaA gene copies, respectively, to test their individual effects on GlaA and total protein overproduction. Both strains were selected to understand if a strong pull towards glaA biosynthesis (seven gene copies) mandates a higher NADPH supply compared to the native condition (one gene copy). Detailed analysis of all 14 strains cultivated in shake flask cultures uncovered that overexpression of the gsdA gene (glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase), gndA gene (6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase) and maeA gene (NADP-dependent malic enzyme) supported GlaA production on a subtle (10%) but significant level in the background strain carrying seven glaA gene copies. We thus performed maltose-limited chemostat cultures combining metabolome analysis for these three isolates to characterize metabolic-level fluctuations caused by cofactor engineering. In these cultures, overexpression of either the gndA or maeA gene increased the intracellular NADPH pool by 45% and 66%, and the yield of GlaA by 65% and 30%, respectively. In contrast, overexpression of the gsdA gene had a negative effect on both total protein and glucoamylase production.Conclusions: This data suggests for the first time that increased NADPH availability can indeed underpin protein and especially GlaA production in strains where a strong pull towards GlaA biosynthesis exists. This data also indicates that the highest impact on GlaA production can be engineered on a genetic level by increasing the flux through the pentose phosphate pathway (gndA gene)reverse TCA cycle (maeA gene) followed by engineering the flux through the reverse TCA cycle (maeA gene) pentose phosphate pathway (gndA gene). We thus propose that NADPH cofactor engineering is indeed a valid strategy for metabolic engineering of A. niger to improve GlaA production, a strategy which is certainly also applicable to the rational design of other microbial cell factories.
Primary localized retroperitoneal sarcomas. Report from Slovenian sarcoma referral center.
Authors: Novak Marko , Perhavec Andraz , Povsic Milena Kerin , Arnus Matej , Erzen Darja 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Sarcoma patients should be treated in high volume referral sarcoma centers. Compartmental resection is proposed as the best treatment option in retroperitoneal sarcoma patients. Methods: Institute of Oncology Ljubljana is the only referral sarcoma center in Slovenia. Having population of 2.1 million poses a unique situation. We manage all sarcoma patients in the country and operate on patients with soft tissue tumors of extremities, trunk and abdomen. Data for all consecutive patients surgically treated from January 1999 to December 2018 for primary localized retroperitoneal sarcoma was extracted from a prospective surgical database. Data about the incidence of sarcoma patients in Slovenia was extracted from the Cancer Registry of Republic of Slovenia. Clinicopathologic variables and the outcome were analyzed.Results: In total 89 patients were included. Median age was 62 years. Dedifferentiated liposarcoma was the most common histology (38.2 %). Median tumor size was 21 cm. Compartmental resection was performed in 47.2 % (42/89). Postoperative complication grade 3a or higher according to Clavien-Dindo classification had 30.3 % (27/89) of patients. The 30-day and 90-day mortality rate was 2.2 % and 5.6 %. Median follow-up was 62.1 months. Corresponding 5-year overall survival was 67.2 %, 5-year disease specific survival was 72.6 % and 5-year local recurrence-free survival was 81.5 %, respectively. Conclusion: Results from our institution show that referral sarcoma centers may achieve very good results in management of retroperitoneal sarcoma patients, despite not meeting the criteria for high volume hospitals, as long as they have multidisciplinary team, appropriate facilities and expertise.
Sex-dependent alterations in the physiology of entorhinal cortex neurons in old heterozygous 3xTg-AD mice
Authors: Arsenault Dany , Tremblay Cyntia , Emond Vincent , Calon Frederic 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
While the higher prevalence of Alzheimer Disease (AD) is clear, studies suggest that biological sex may also influence its pathogenesis. However, mechanisms behind these differences are not clear. To investigate physiological differences between sexes at the cellular level in the brain, we investigated the intrinsic and synaptic properties of entorhinal cortex neurons in heterozygous 3xTg-AD mice of both sexes at the age of 20 months. This brain region was selected because of its early association with AD symptoms. First, we found physiological differences between male and female non-transgenic mice, providing indirect evidence of axonal alterations in old females. Second, we observed a transgene-dependent elevation of the firing activity, post-burst after hyperpolarization (AHP) and spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic current (EPSC) activity, without any effect of sex. Third, the passive properties and the hyperpolarization-activated current (Ih) were altered by transgene expression only in female mice, whereas paired-pulse ratio (PPR) of evoked EPSC was changed only in males. Fourth, both sex and transgene expression were associated with changes in action potential properties. Consistent with previous work, higher levels of Aβ neuropathology were detected in 3xTg-AD females, whereas tau deposition was similar. In summary, our results support the idea that aging and AD neuropathology differentially alter the physiology of entorhinal cortex neurons in males and females.