bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Care and disposal of the remains of stillborn babies from the parents’ perspective in Taiwan: A phenomenological study
Authors: Sun Jui-Chiung , Rei Wenmay , Chang Min-Yu , Sheu Shuh-Jen 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background

Each year, 2.6 million of pregnancies end as stillbirth. Recent literature began to understand parents’ traumatic experience in stillbirth and its profound impact on parents’ mental health and psychosocial effect. But there is little understanding on the actual care and disposal of the stillborn baby, nor is there an agreement on how hospitals should care for the stillborn baby to mitigate parents’ profound loss. The purpose of this study is to understand parents’ perspective on hospital’s care for their stillborn babies, hoping to make suggestions on how can hospitals improve their care to mitigate parents’ grieves.
Methods

A descriptive phenomenological approach was adopted and twenty couples (40 individuals) who had to decide how to care for the remains of their stillborn babies participated in the study. The data were collected through in-depth interviews, which involved semi-structured and open-ended questions. The phenomenological methods of Giorgi were applied to analyze the data.
Results

Parents felt unprepared and lack of support when they had to handle their stillborn babies’ remains. The research results revealed two major themes: 1) Handling stillborn babies remain ignorantly; 2) Pacifying the disturbed soul on both sides. Given stillbirth’s profound implication for parents’ identity and psychosocial role, hospitals need to be more sensitive and proactive to parents’ cultural and religious needs when they care for stillborn baby and handle its body.
Conclusions

It was found in the study that reflection and identification were the emerging themes, which can enable healthcare professionals to understand parents’ concerns in a meaningful way, as they deal with the remains of stillborn babies. Moreover, it is hoped that hospital administration and health care personnel should consider stillborn parents’ concerns and incorporate their needs into nursing assessment and treatment practices.
Comparative study of pine reference genomes reveals transposable element interconnected gene networks
Authors: Voronova Angelika , Rendón-Anaya Martha , Ingvarsson Pär , Kalendar Ruslan , Ruņģis Dainis 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background Sequencing the giga-genomes of several pine species belonging to the ancient gymnosperm clade has enabled comparative genomic analyses of these widely distributed outcrossing tree species. Initial sequence studies have revealed the wide distribution and extraordinary diversity of transposable elements (TEs) that occupy the large intergenic spaces. Our previous investigations revealed significant variations of class I TEs within pine subpopulations, but inoculation with pathogen induced correlated expression of TE families in pine seedlings, suggesting TE co-localisation with stress-responsive genes. In this study, we analyzed the distribution of TEs in gene regions of the assembled genomes of Pinus taeda and Pinus lambertiana using high-performance computing resources.Results The quality of draft genomes and the genome annotation have significant consequences for the investigation of TEs and these aspects are discussed. Several TE families were identified in both species genomes frequently inserted into genes or their flanks. The non-autonomous MITE3321 family found in gene flanking regions and provide TATA boxes, several ARR1, DOF, WRKY and GT-binding sites, which are important signals in plant transcription activation and stress-response regulation. Distribution of MITE3321 across gene non-coding regions suggests action of selective pressure on this sequences and formation of gene sub-networks, depending on the location of MITE insertions. DNA TE DTX184 could potentially form microRNAs or provide its target site, thereby connect about 200 important stress-responsive genes in both pine species. Several retrotransposons propagated in gene regions were also identified, such as Copia-1813 containing important light-responsive regulative sequences, however full-length structures of low-copy-number TEs couldn’t be verified in the current genome assemblies. Only rare gene homologs carried similar insertions, indicating that most transposition events occurred after separation of investigated pine species. Node genes that contain many types of interspersed repeats were identified and observed in multiple potential transposable element associated networks.Conclusions This study demonstrated the increased accumulation of TEs in the introns of stress-responsive genes of pines and the probability of rewiring them in responsive networks and sub-networks interconnected with node genes containing multiple TEs. Many such regulatory influences could lead to the adaptive environmental response clines that are characteristic of naturally spread pine populations.
Validation of the Thai Version of Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (Th-ECOHIS)
Authors: Leelataweewud Pattarawadee , Jirarattanasopha Varangkanar , Ungchusak Chantana , Vejvithee Warangkana 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Early childhood caries (ECC) has been prevalent in Thailand. There has never been an appropriate tool to measure its impact on children. Early childhood oral health impact scale (ECOHIS) is a proxy-reported questionnaire developed in the United States for measuring the oral health related quality of life of preschool children and their families and widely adopted into many countries. This study translated it into Thai (Th-ECOHIS) and investigated its psychometric properties in Thai caregivers and their children. Methods: Forward–backward translation by expert was used for the scale development. A face and content validation test were conducted among a group of caregivers to revise and attain the final Th-ECOHIS. Psychometric testing was done on caregivers of 3-year-olds in Bangkok with the interviewer-administered mode. Children’s oral health was indicated by caries experience (decayed, missing and filled primary teeth, dmft). The caregivers answered the Th-ECOHIS and global questions regarding perception of their children’s oral health. Reliability was assessed by measuring internal consistency and reproducibility using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Test-retest reliability was managed at 2-week interval in 10% of samples using the intraclass correlation coefficient calculated by two-way analysis of variance. The discriminant validity was tested by the relationship between the severity of dental caries and Th-ECOHIS scores using Kruskal- Wallis test.Results: A total of 214 child-parent pairs participated. Of the 214 children, 22% had ECC (dmft 1-3) and 17.3% had severe ECC (dmft 4 or higher). The mean (SD) dmft score was 1.63 (2.92). All items in the original ECOHIS were retained in the Thai version. The test-retest reliability of Th-ECOHIS was 0.87; internal consistency was 0.85; the total of Th-ECOHIS scores were significantly correlated with the global rating of oral health questions (r = 0.604). The child impact section, family impact section and total Th-ECOHIS scores were significantly associated with the severity of dental caries (p < 0.001).Conclusions: Psychometric evaluation of the Th-ECOHIS demonstrated good reliability and validity and could be used to assess impacts of early childhood caries on quality of life of Thai pre-school children through caregivers and be compared with studies in other languages.
Cryopreserved, Thin, Laser-Etched Osteochondral Allograft Maintains the Functional Components of Articular Cartilage After Two Years of Storage
Authors: Rorick Carolyn B , Mitchell Jordyn A , Bledsoe Ruth H , Floren Michael L , Wilkins Ross M 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background : Despite improvements in treatment options and techniques, articular cartilage repair continues to be a challenge for orthopedic surgeons. This study provides data to support that the 2-year Cryopreserved, Thin, Laser-Etched Osteochondral Allograft (T-LE Allograft) embodies the necessary viable cells, protein signaling, and extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffold found in fresh cartilage in order to facilitate a positive clinical outcome for cartilage defect replacement and repair.

Methods: Viability testing was performed by digestion of the graft, cells were counted using a trypan blue assay. Growth factor and ECM protein content was quantified using biochemical assays. A fixation model was introduced to assess tissue outgrowth capability and cellular metabolic activity in vitro . Histological and immunofluorescence staining were employed to confirm tissue architecture, cellular outgrowth, and presence of ECM. The effects of the T-LE Allograft to signal bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell (BM-MSC) migration and chondrogenic differentiation were evaluated using in vitro co-culture assays. Immunogenicity testing was completed using flow cytometry analysis of cells obtained from digested T-LE Allografts and fresh articular cartilage.

Results: Average viability of the T-LE Allograft post-thaw was found to be 94.97 ±3.38%, compared to 98.83 ±0.43% for fresh articular cartilage. Explant studies from the in vitro fixation model confirmed the long-term viability and proliferative capacity of these chondrocytes. Growth factor and ECM proteins were quantified for the T-LE Allograft revealing similar profiles to fresh articular cartilage. Cellular signaling of the T-LE Allograft and fresh articular cartilage both exhibited similar outcomes in co-culture for migration and differentiation of BM-MSCs. Flow cytometry testing confirmed the T-LE Allograft is immune-privileged as it is negative for immunogenic markers and positive for chondrogenic markers.

Conclusions: Using our novel, proprietary cryopreservation method, the T-LE Allograft retains excellent cellular viability, with native-like growth factor and ECM composition of healthy cartilage after two years of storage at -80 o C. The successful cryopreservation of the T-LE Allograft alleviates the limited availably of conventionally used fresh osteochondral allograft (OCA), by providing a readily available and simple to use allograft solution. The results presented in this paper supports clinical data that the T-LE Allograft can be a successful option for repairing chondral defects.
Association of Serum Adipokines Levels with Glycemic Control and Metabolic Dyslipidemia in Sudanese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Eltahir Halima Babiikir , Ali Elmahadi Mohamed , Mohamed Abdelrahim Osman 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background:The pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus is due to two major abnormalities including insulin resistance and dysfunction, which lead to the inability to regulate blood glucose level. Adiponectin is a hormone secreted by the adipose tissue and it takes part in glucose metabolism with insulin-sensitising properties. Low levels of adiponectin leads to reduction of fatty acid oxidation decreased glucose uptake in skeletal muscle cells and increased level of free fatty acids leading to insulin resistance. Leptin is another adipokine produced by adipose tissue involved in the control of food intake via its action on the hypothalamus, suppressing appetite and stimulating energy expenditure. Leptin plays a critical role in pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus.The aim of the study was to investigate the association of serum adipokines levels with glycemic control and metabolic dyslipidemia in Sudanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.Methods: This was a case control study. 202 patients with type 2 diabetes and 102 non-diabetic controls participated after signing written consent. Weight (kg) and height (m) were measured thenthe body mass index (kg/m2) was determined. Blood samples were collected after an overnight fasting. FBG, HbA1c and lipid profiles were measured using enzymatic methods. Adiponectin and leptin were measured using sandwich ELISA.Results: Adiponectin concentrations was significantly lower in patients with type 2 diabetes compared with the controls (p<0.001) and it was inversely correlated with HbA1c (Pearson Correlation -.160, P value = 0.005), total cholesterol and LDL levels (P = 0.05) and direct correlated HDL levels (P = 0.05). Leptin concentrations was significantly higher in patients with type 2 diabetes compared with the controls (p<0.002) and it was positively correlated with HbA1c (Pearson Correlation .155, P value = 0.02), total cholesterol and LDL levels (P = 0.05), there were no correlation with HDL and TG levels. Patients had significantly higher fasting blood glucose, HbA1c levels, total cholesterol and LDL levels compared with the controls. Conclusion: Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus had decreased levels of serum adiponectin, high levels of serum leptin. There were significant correlations found between adiponectin and leptin levels with glycemic control and metabolic dyslipidemia
Isolation and characterization of high affinity and highly stable anti-Chikungunya virus antibodies using ALTHEA Gold Libraries™
Authors: Pedraza-Escalona Martha , Guzmán-Bringas Omar , Arrieta-Oliva Ivan , Gómez-Castellano Keyla , Salinas-Trujano Juana , Torres-Flores Jesus , Muñoz-Herrera Juan , Camacho-Sandoval Rosa , Contreras-Pineda Paola , Chacón-Salinas Rommel , Pérez-Tapia Sonia Mayra , Almagro Juan Carlos 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background

More than three million infections were attributed to Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) in the 2014–2016 outbreak in Mexico, Central and South America, with over 500 deaths directly or indirectly related to this viral disease. CHIKV outbreaks are recurrent and no vaccine nor approved therapeutics exist to prevent or treat CHIKV infection. Reliable and robust diagnostic methods are thus critical to control future CHIKV outbreaks. Direct CHIKV detection in serum samples via highly specific and high affinity anti-CHIKV antibodies has shown to be an early and effective clinical diagnosis.
Methods

Chikungunya virions isolated from serum of a patient in Veracruz, México, were purified and characterized via electron microscopy, SDS-PAGE and binding to diverse well-characterized anti-CHIKV monoclonal antibodies. UV-inactivated CHIKV particles were used as selector in a solid-phase panning coupled with ELISA-based screening and Next-Generation Sequencing to discover specific and high affinity anti-CHIKV antibodies from ALTHEA Gold Libraries™.
Results

The CHIKV isolate showed the typical morphology of the virus. Protein bands in the SDS-PAGE were consistent with the size of its capsid proteins. UV-inactivated CHIKV particles bound tightly the control antibodies. The lead antibodies here obtained showed high expression yield, monomeric content over 95% after a single-step Protein A purification, and importantly, a thermal stability above 75oC. Most of the antibodies recognized linear epitopes on E2, including the highest affinity antibody called C7. A sandwich ELISA implemented with C7 and a potent neutralizing antibody isolated elsewhere, also specific for E2 but recognizing a discontinuous epitope, showed a dynamic range of 0.2–40.0 µγ/mL of UV-inactivated CHIKV purified preparation. The number of CHIKV particles estimated based on the concentration of E2 in the extract suggested that the assay could detect clinically meaningful amounts of CHIKV in serum.
Conclusions

The newly discovered antibodies offer valuable tools for characterization of CHIKV isolates and development of robust diagnostic tools for CHIKV infection surveillance. Application of ALTHEA Gold Libraries™ in combination with viral particles other than CHIKV could expedite the discovery and development of antibodies for detection and control of emergent and quickly spreading viral outbreaks such as SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19).
Are Patients with Elevated Inflammatory Indications are at Higher Risk for Developing the Severe form of COVID-19?
Authors: Rokni Mohsen , Ahmadikia Kazem , Asghari Somaye , Mashaei Shahabodin , Hassanali Fahimeh 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
BackgroundSince December 2019, when SARS-CoV-2 emerged with a cluster of unknown pneumonia cases in Wuhan city and rapidly spread throughout in worldwide and Iran, data have been needed on the clinical and diagnostic features of the affected Iranian patients.MethodsWe extracted data regarding 233 patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 from Buali Hospital in Iran; clinical/praclinical and inflammatory indexes data were collected and analyzed. The data of laboratory examinations and chest CT findings were compared between death and non-severe patients.ResultsThe mean age of the patients was 49 years, (63%) of the patients were male. The acute respiratory distress syndrome occurred in 64 patients, including 53 who were admitted to the ICU and underwent invasive mechanical ventilation, and 28 who died. On the admission in death group, lymphopenia (79%), neutrophilia (79%), and thrombocytopenia (21%) were usually observed. Most patients had a high SII index of > 500 (68%), increased CRP level (88%). A high level of inflammatory index’s such as NLR, PLR and SII in death comparison with moderate groups were observed (P < 0.001). The most common symptoms were fever (70%) and cough (63%) on admission. Headache was uncommon (11%). On admission, ground-glass opacity with consolidation (mixed) was the most common radiologic finding on chest CT (51%). No radiographic or CT abnormality was found in 15 of 204 patients (7%). In ConclusionThese patients often presented without fever, and some did not have abnormal radiologic findings. Elevated NLR, PLR and SII can be considered as prognostic and risk stratifying factor of severe form of disease.
Glycosylated Haemoglobin A1c as An Independent Marker Predicting Coronary Artery Disease in Non-diabetic Patient Population in Primary Healthcare in Turkey: A crosssectional study
Authors: Kayali Yildiz , Ozder Aclan 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: In our role as a preventive physician, there is a need for cheap and accessible biochemical markers that will allow the determination of the risk of coronary artery disease. We aimed to research the value of glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) in the prediction of coronary artery disease. Methods: Patients aged between thirty and ninety years who were admitted to outpatient clinic of Cardiology department in a university hospital between January 2016 and June 2018 for angiography for various reasons were retrospectively screened. Patients with known diabetes or patients with HbA1c of 6.5 or above were excluded from the study. Comparative HbA1c data were obtained according to the stenosis groups and statistical significance was sought. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the risk factors affecting stenosis positivity. Results: A total of 247 patients were identified, 120 patients without any stenosis in any coronary artery, 56 patients with> 50% stenosis in one coronary artery, and 71 patients with > 50% stenosis in more than one coronary artery. There was a statistically significant difference between HbA1c measurements according to the degree of stenosis (p = 0.001 and p <0.01, respectively). The odd ratio for HbA1c was 6.260 (95% CI: 3,160-12,401). According to the stenosis positivity, the cut off point for HbA1c was found to be 5.6 and above. In the regression analysis, HbA1c was an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease. One unit increase in HbA1c measurements increases the risk of stenosis positive to 12.424 times (95% CI: 5,990-25,767).Conclusions: The study showed HbA1c can be used as an independent marker in determining the probability and severity of coronary artery disease in non-diabetic individuals and as an useful marker in primary care predicting coronary artery disease (CAD).
Experimental pilot study for augmented reality-enhanced elbow arthroscopy
Authors: Yamamoto Michiro , Oyama Shintaro , Otsuka Syuto , Murakami Yukimi , Yokota Hideo , Hirata Hitoshi 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate a novel elbow arthroscopy system with superimposed bone and nerve visualization based on preoperative computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data.

Methods: We obtained bone and nerve segmentation data by CT and MRI, respectively, of the elbow of a healthy human volunteer and cadaveric Japanese monkey. A life size 3-dimensional (3D) model of human organs and frame was constructed using a stereo-lithographic 3D printer. Elbow arthroscopy was performed using the elbow of a cadaveric Japanese monkey. The augmented reality (AR) range of error was examined at 1 cm and 2 cm scope–object distances.

Results: We successfully performed AR arthroscopy using the life-size 3D elbow model and the elbow of the cadaveric Japanese monkey by making anteromedial and posterior portals. The computer graphics (CG) position and shape were initially different because of lens distortion. The CG position and shape were corrected to match the arthroscopic view using lens distortion parameter estimates based on the calibration pattern. AR position and shape errors were 2.3 mm at 1 cm scope–object distance and 3.6 mm at 2 cm scope–object distance.

Conclusion: We attained reasonable accuracy and demonstrated the working of the designed system. Given the multiple applications of AR-enhanced arthroscopic visualization, it has the potential to be the next-generation technology for arthroscopy. This technique will contribute the reduction of serious complications associated with elbow arthroscopy.
Genetic spectrum of Brazilian suspected Bartter Syndrome Patients
Authors: Messa Ana Carola Hebbia Lobo , Ferreira Juliana Caires de Oliveira Achili , Fonseca Fernanda , Rangel-Santos Andreia , Vaisbich Maria Helena 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background

This paper’s goal is to show the genetic study results of suspected Bartter syndrome (BS) patients followed in a pediatric nephrology reference center in Sao Paulo/Brazil, verify a possible genotype-phenotype correlation and compare the genetic results with those from other regions of the globe.
Results

This descriptive study included 22 patients (21 families) with clinical diagnosis of BS. Pathogenic variants in BS-related genes were detected in 19/22 patients. No BS-related genes were detected in three patients (one case of Congenital Chloride Diarrhea and two siblings with clinical Antenal BS that, in fact, had Gitelman Syndrome). We observed that 16/19 BS-confirmed patients had CLCNKB mutations (BS type 3) with a large phenotypical diversity. Among them, the deletion of the entire gene (del 1–20) was the most frequent variant detected. Interestingly, we observed that patients with homozygous or heterozygous del 1–20 presented earlier manifestations than patients with other CLCNKB mutations. They presented no other clinical significant difference.
Conclusion

This study demonstrates the importance of an appropriate investigation of clinically suspected BS patients to rule out pseudo-BS. This data also confirms the difficult to differentiate these patients based just on clinical findings, similar to what has been reported in other studies. There were patients with clinical Antenatal BS in whom the genetic analysis confirmed the final diagnosis of GS or BS type 3. Among BS cases, BS type 3 was the most frequent in this Brazilian cohort and del 1–20 was the most frequently variant detected. In addition, BS type 3 patients with homozygous or heterozygous del 1–20 had earlier manifestations than patients with other CLCNKB mutations. Brazilian community has a particular characteristic miscegenation as well as different origins such as Europeans, Africans and Asians and comparing our results with those from other regions we can suppose the genetic background of this Brazilian cohort is related to African and Portuguese inheritance, probably originated in the early period of immigration (colonization and slavery period). Limitations: low number of patients from a single center. However, as a rare disease all data can contribute to the improvement for diagnosis and treatment.