bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differential Diagnoses That Final-Year Medical Students Need to Consider: A Modified Delphi Study
Authors: Urushibara-Miyachi Yuka , Kikukawa Makoto , Ikusaka Masatomi , Otaki Junji , Nishigori Hiroshi 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Contrastive learning is known to be effective in teaching medical students how to generate diagnostic hypotheses in clinical reasoning. However, there is no consensus on comprehensive lists of differential diagnoses across different medical disciplines regarding the common symptoms that should be learned as part of the undergraduate medical curriculum. In Japan, the national model core curriculum for undergraduate medical education was revised in 2016, and lists of differential diagnoses for 37 common symptoms were introduced into the curriculum. This study aimed to validate the list of items based on expert consensus for use as a reference worldwide.Methods: The authors used a modified Delphi method to develop consensus among a panel of 23 expert physician-teachers in clinical reasoning from across Japan. The panel evaluated the items on a 5-point Likert scale, based on whether a disease should be hypothesized by final-year medical students considering a given symptom. They also added other diseases that should be hypothesized. A positive consensus was defined as both a 75% rate of panel agreement and a mean of 4 or higher with a standard deviation of less than 1 on the 5-point scale. The study was conducted between September 2017 and March 2018. Results: This modified Delphi study identified 275 essential and 67 supplemental items corresponding to the differential diagnoses for 37 common symptoms that Japanese medical students should master before graduation. Conclusions: The lists developed in the study can be useful for teaching and learning how to generate initial hypotheses by encouraging students’ contrastive learning. Although the lists may be specific to the Japanese context, the lists and process of validation are generalizable to other countries for building national consensus on the content of medical education curricula.
Facile Synthesis of High Lateral Graphene Oxide Sheets for Visible Light-driven Photocatalytic Degradation of Industrial Dyes towards Water Treatment Applications
Authors: Singh Jagpreet , Kaur Harpreet , Batoo Khalid Mujasam , Kumar Sanjeev , Rawat Mohit , Farooq Syed Adil , Raslan Emad H. , Pandiarajan Saravanan , Andrews Nirmala Grace , MR Muthumareeswaran 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
In this work, a facile synthesis of multilayer graphene oxide (GO) sheets having a two-dimensional structure has been realized using the modified Hummers and Offeman method. The as-synthesized GO was analyzed by UV-visible, FTIR, Powder X-ray Diffraction (PXRD), HRTEM, FESEM, and EDX for optical, chemical, structural, morphological, topographical, and elemental analysis respectively. The results reveal that GO shows an absorption band at 232 nm. The FTIR spectrum shows the oxygen-rich groups in GO, and PXRD confirms the major GO peak at 10.35° along with few minor peaks. HRTEM and FESEM confirm the two-dimensional GO sheets along with high lateral dimensions. The as-synthesized GO with a number of available functional groups and high lateral dimension was efficiently used for the photocatalytic degradation of Coralline Red BS (CR BS) and Reactive Blue 81 (RB81) dyes. This study reveals that, compared to graphene, pristine GO sheets significantly influence the degradation of CR BS and RB81 dyes. This work significantly contributes to the use of pristine GO for the removal of toxic dyes from wastewater. The evaluation of the dye degradation rate and GO reusability along with the kinetic studies is explained in detail.
Readout-segmented diffusion tensor imaging for assessing sciatic nerve invasion by soft tissue tumor
Authors: Wu Gang , Wang Shili , Pan Chu , Wang Ting 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
There are few publications regarding feasibility of readout-segmented diffusion tensor imaging (rsDTI) in assessing nerve invasion by soft tissue tumor. 64 patients with soft tissue mass in upper leg suspected of sciatic nerve invasion underwent rsDTI. Nerve invasion was confirmed in 28 cases by operation or electromyogram. The sciatic nerve was better depicted with diffusion weighted map versus b = 0 map of rsDTI. Inter-reader agreement in using rsDTI to rate nerve invasion was excellent. Sensitivity and specificity of rsDTI in identifying nerve invasion were 93% (26/28) and 92% (33/36) respectively. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) was significantly higher in invaded nerves versus normal nerves (1.45 ± 0.67 × 10− 3mm2/s vs. 1.39 ± 0.46 × 10− 3mm2/s, P༜0.05). DTI derived FA was significantly lower in invaded nerves versus normal nerves (0.22 ± 0.11 vs. 0.37 ± 0.13, P༜0.05). Readout-segmented DTI was feasible in assessing sciatic nerve invasion by soft tissue tumor in selected patients.
Differential platelet oxidation-inflammatory phenotype in coronary artery disease versus peripheral artery disease supports diverse pathophysiological processes
Authors: Jain Kanika , Tyagi Tarun , Hwa John , Ionescu Costin 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Platelets are major contributors to atherothrombosis. There is emerging evidence that atherothrombosis pathogenesis may be different between vascular beds. In a prospective case-control study, we compared platelet oxidation-inflammatory status from patients with coronary artery disease CAD, peripheral artery disease (PAD) and a young healthy cohort. All patients had stable disease with no recent acute CAD or PAD events. Assessment of 75 eligible patients revealed a typical outpatient cardiology cohort. A significant increase in platelet activation (soluble P-selectin and CD40L) was seen in CAD. Consistent with this platelet activation, the CAD group had the highest levels of oxidants (reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation) and the lowest levels of antioxidants (catalase and superoxide dismutase enzyme activity). IL1bwas significantly increased in the PAD group. The significant differences in the oxidation-inflammatory parameters, between patients with CAD versus PAD, may explain different atherothrombosis pathology, as well differential response to therapies, such as aspirin and P2Y12 inhibitors. Whether these are the cause or consequence of disease or both, requires further extensive exploration. Such mechanistic understanding is important in developing disease targeted therapies.
Impact of Pre and Post Variant Filtration Strategies on Imputation
Authors: Charon Celine , Allodji Rodrigue , Meyer Vincent , Deleuze Jean-François 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Quality control methods for genome-wide association studies and fine mapping are commonly used for imputation, however, they result in loss of many single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). To investigate the consequences of filtration on imputation, we studied the direct effects on the number of markers, their allele frequencies, imputation quality scores and post-filtration events. We pre-phrased 1,031 genotyped individuals from diverse ethnicities and compared the imputed variants to 1,089 NCBI recorded individuals for additional validation.Without variant pre-filtration based on quality control (QC), we observed no impairment in the imputation of SNPs that failed QC whereas with pre-filtration there was an overall loss of information. Significant differences between frequencies with and without pre-filtration were found only in the range of very rare (5E-04-1E-03) and rare variants (1E-03-5E-03) (p < 1E-04). Increasing the post-filtration imputation quality score from 0.3 to 0.8 reduced the number of single nucleotide variants (SNVs) <0.001 2.5 fold with or without QC pre-filtration and halved the number of very rare variants (5E-04). As a result, to maintain confidence and enough SNVs, we propose here a 2-step post-filtration approach to increase the number of very rare and rare variants compared to conservative post-filtration methods.
Knock out of Specific Maternal Vitellogenins in Zebrafish (Danio Rerio) Evokes Vital Changes in Egg Proteomic Profiles that resemble the Phenotype of Poor Quality Eggs
Authors: YILMAZ Ozlem , Patinote Amelie , Com Emmanuelle , Pineau Charles , Bobe Julien 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background We previously reported the results of CRISPR/Cas9 knock-out (KO) of type-I and type-III vitellogenins (Vtgs) in zebrafish, which provided the first experimental evidence of essentiality and disparate functioning of specific types of Vtg at different times during vertebrate development. However, the lack of knowledge on specific contributions of different types of Vtg to molecular functions related to major developmental processes remained to be investigated. The present study employed liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to observe proteomic profiles of zebrafish eggs lacking three type-I Vtgs (Vtg 1, 4 and 5) simultaneously (vtg1-KO), or lacking type III Vtg (vtg3) only (vtg3-KO), as compared to those of wild type (Wt) eggs. Obtained spectra were searched against a zebrafish proteome database and identified proteins were quantified based on normalized spectral counts.Results The vtg-KO in zebrafish revealed impaired proteomes of 1 hour post fertilization (hpf) zebrafish eggs which were highly resembled the proteomic phenotype of poor quality eggs of the same developmental stage reported in our prior studies. Proteomic profiles of vtg-KO eggs and perturbations in abundances of hundreds of proteins revealed unique, noncompensable contributions of multiple Vtgs in protein homeostasis (synthesis and degradation) and in energy homeostasis even after zygotic genome activation. Increase in endoplasmic reticulum stress, Redox/Detox activities, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, enrichment in cellular proliferation and human neurodegenerative disease related mechanisms in both vtg1- and vtg3-KO eggs point to severe molecular changes and consecutive dysfunctions in the abovementioned cellular activities. Distinctive increase in apoptosis and Parkinson disease pathways and decrease in lipid metabolism related activities in vtg3-KO eggs implies compelling roles of Vtg3, the least abundant form of Vtgs in vertebrate eggs, in mitochondrial activities. Several differentially abundant proteins representing the altered molecular mechanisms were unveiled to be considered as strong candidate markers to study details of these mechanisms during early embryonic development in zebrafish and potentially other vertebrates. Conclusions These findings indicate that the global egg proteome is subject to extensive modification depending on the presence or absence of specific Vtgs and that these modifications can have a major impact on developmental competence.
Healthcare clinic and pharmacy chains in Kenya and Nigeria: How are they regulated, and what opportunities and risks do they present to national regulatory systems?
Authors: Wafula Francis , Onoka Chima , Musiega Anita , Okpani Arnold , Ogira Dosila , Ejughemre Ufuoma , Miller Rosalind , Goodman Catherine , Hanson Kara 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Introduction Regulating highly fragmented healthcare markets is a major challenge in low- and middle-income countries, with compliance often very poor. We investigated market consolidation through the emergence of clinic and pharmacy chains in Kenya and Nigeria and explored the regulatory opportunities and risks that chains present. Methods The study was conducted in Nairobi, Kenya and the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria, with chains defined as businesses with four or more establishments. Data were collected through document reviews and 26 interviews with chain operators, professional associations and regulators between September and December 2018. A thematic analysis was conducted. Results While chain clinics and pharmacies still accounted for a relatively small share of these markets, their importance was growing. We identified both organic-growth chains which had started as single business locations and gradually expanded, and investor-driven chains that used external investment capital to rapidly buy out businesses or establish new ones. In both countries, chains were regulated in an identical manner to independents, with all branches treated as independent units. Regulators neither capitalized on opportunities presented nor guarded against potential risks. The chains’ brand visibility and centralized management systems were seen as having the potential to encourage self-regulation, and improve regulatory efficiency, but regulators were not exploiting this. Potential risks identified were chains gaining excessive market power, and encouraging greater commercialization of professional healthcare, putting public health at risk. Chains tended to have regular interaction with regulators, which some feared could lead to excessive influence over the regulatory process. Conclusion As the market shares of clinic and pharmacy chains continues to rise, regulatory bodies should modify regulatory requirements and process to take advantage of chains’ brand visibility and centralized management and quality assurance systems, as well as guarding against the risks of monopolization, commercialization and regulatory capture.
Low Temperature Synthesis and Growth Model of Thin Mo2C Crystals on Indium
Authors: Caylan Omer , Buke Goknur 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
CVD method is a promising technique to produce Mo2C crystals with large-area, controlled thickness, and reduced defect density. Typically, liquid Cu is used as a catalyst substrate; however, its high melting temperature (1085 C) prompted a research for alternatives. In this study, we report the synthesis of large-area thin Mo2C crystals on liquid In surface at 1000 C for the first time. SEM, EDS, Raman Spectroscopy, XPS and XRD studies show that the hexagonal shaped Mo2C crystals, that are orthorhombic, grow along the [100] direction together with amorphous carbon thin film on In. The growth mechanism is examined and discussed in detail and a model is proposed. The AFM studies agree well with the proposed model showing that the vertical thicknesses of the Mo2C crystals decrease inversely with the thickness of the In for the given reaction time.
Brain-Wide Functional Networks Associated With Anatomically- and Functionally-Defined Hippocampal Subfields Using Ultrahigh-Resolution fMRI
Authors: Chang Wei-Tang , Langella Stephanie , Tang Yichuan , Ahmad Sahar , Zhang Han , Yap Pew-Thian , Giovanello Kelly , Lin Weili 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The hippocampus is critical for learning and memory and may be separated into anatomically-defined hippocampal subfields (aHPSFs). Hippocampal functional networks, particularly during resting state, are generally analyzed using aHPSFs as seed regions, with the underlying assumption that the function within a subfield is homogeneous, yet heterogeneous between subfields. However, several prior studies have observed similar resting-state functional connectivity (FC) profiles between aHPSFs. Alternatively, data-driven approaches investigate hippocampal functional organization without a priori assumptions. However, insufficient spatial resolution may result in a number of caveats concerning the reliability of the results. Hence, we developed a functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) sequence on a 7T MR scanner achieving 0.94 mm isotropic resolution with a TR of 2s and brain-wide coverage to 1) investigate the functional organization within hippocampus at rest, and 2) compare the brain-wide FC associated with fine-grained aHPSFs and functionally-defined hippocampal subfields (fHPSFs). This study showed that fHPSFs were arranged along the longitudinal axis that were not comparable to the lamellar structures of aHPSFs. For brain-wide FC, the fHPSFs rather than aHPSFs revealed that a number of fHPSFs connected specifically with some of the functional networks. Different functional networks also showed preferential connections with different portions of hippocampal subfields.
Transaminase concentrations cannot separate NAFL and NASH in morbidly obese patients independent of histological algorithm
Authors: Lemmer Peter , Selbach Nicole , Baars Theodor , Özcürümez Mustafa , Heider Dominik , Canbay Ali , Sowa Jan-Peter 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in the German population is 20–30%. Liver biopsy to detect non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) let alone for NAFLD monitoring is not feasible. Current practice regards elevated serum concentrations of liver enzymes as indicator for NAFLD or NASH. In this study we analyzed if an adjustment of the upper limit of normal (ULN) ​​for serum liver enzymes can improve their diagnostic accuracy. Methods: Data from 363 morbidly obese patients (42.5±10.3 years old; mean BMI: 52±8.5 kg/m²), who underwent bariatric surgery were retrospectively analyzed. All patients had histologically confirmed NAFL or NASH (NAS and SAF). Results: In 121 women (45%) and 45 men (46%) elevated values ​​for at least one serum parameter (ALT, AST, γGT) were present. The serum concentrations of ALT (p <0.0001), AST (p <0.0001) and γGT (p = 0.0023) differed significantly between NAFL and NASH, independent of classification method (NAS, SAF). Concentrations of all three serum parameters correlated significantly positively with the NAS and the SAF score, with correlation coefficients between 0.33 (ALT/NAS) and 0.40 (GGT/SAF). The AUROCs to separate NAFL and NASH by liver enzymes achieved a maximum of 0.70 (ALT applied to NAS-based classification). For 95% specificity the ULN for ALT would be 47.5 U/l; for 95% sensitivity, the ULN for ALT would be 17.5 U/l, resulting in 62% uncategorized patients. Conclusion: ALT, AST and GGT are unsuitable for non-invasive screening or diagnosis of NAFL or NASH. Utilizing liver enzymes as an indicator for NAFLD/NASH should generally be questioned.
Genome-wide scans for signatures of selection in Mangalarga Marchador horses using high-throughput SNP genotyping
Authors: Santos Wellington Bizarria dos , Schettini Gustavo , Maiorano Amanda Marchi , Bussiman Fernando Oliveira , Balieiro Júlio Carvalho , Ferraz Guilherme Camargo , Pereira Guilherme , Baldassini Welder Angelo , Neto Otávio Rodrigues Machado , Oliveira Henrique Nunes de , Curi Rogério Abdallah 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: The Mangalarga Marchador horse (MM) is one of the breeds shaped over generations by local adaptations and specific preferences of Brazilian breeders to morphology, functionality, and locomotion. The animals genetically have “batida” or “picada” natural gait trait, which is a trademark of the breed. The movement biomechanics of this breed promote stability during the execution, comfort, and softness of the ride. The detection of signatures of selection in genomic regions provides insights into the evolutionary process, enabling discoveries regarding complex phenotypic traits. In this research, we focused on the identification of genomic regions affected by different selection pressures, mainly highlighting recent selection, as well as understanding the candidate genes and functional pathways associated with the signatures of selection in the MM genome. A broader discussion of genes and traits of importance in this breed, especially traits related to the type and quality of the gait, temperament, conformation, and locomotor system, was also provided.Results: Three different methods were used to search for signals of selection: Tajima’s D (TD), the integrated haplotype score (iHS), and runs of homozygosity (ROH). The samples were composed of males (n=62) and females (n=130) that were initially chosen considering well-defined phenotypes for gait: picada (n=86) and batida (n=106). All horses were genotyped using a 670k Axiom ® Equine Genotyping Array​ (Axiom MNEC670). In total, 169 pruned candidate genes harboring important biological processes were found, highlighting the following: anterior/posterior pattern for the set of genes (GLI3, HOXC9, HOXC6, HOXC5, HOXC4, HOXC13, HOXC11, and HOXC10); limb morphogenesis, skeletal system, proximal/distal pattern formation, JUN kinase activity (CCL19 and MAP3K6); and muscle stretch response (MAPK14). Other candidate genes were associated with energy metabolism, bronchodilator response, NADH regeneration, reproduction, keratinization, and the immunological system.Conclusions: Collectively, our findings revealed for the first time some pieces of evidence for selection signals acting on athletic performance, gait type, and energy to muscle activity in the MM breed, with the particular involvement of the HOX family of genes. Gene network analysis showed no relationship between the signals observed in this population and the DMRT3 gene, a relevant gene associated with gait trait, however candidate genes that were located close (~28Mb) to DMRT3 were identified.
The relation of preoperative 25-OH Vitamin D Levels with Postoperative Complications in Patients undergoing Colorectal Cancer Surgery
Authors: Balci Bengi , Cetindag Ozhan , Kilinc Gizem , Calik Bulent , Aydin Cengiz 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: To investigate the effect of preoperative 25-OH vitamin D levels on postoperative complications in patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery.Methods: Consecutive newly diagnosed colorectal cancer patients who met the inclusion criteria were prospectively included in this single-center observational study. Preoperative 25-OH vitamin D levels were measured and analyzed for association with postoperative complications using univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses.Results: A total of 104 colorectal cancer patients were included in this study. Preoperative 25-OH vitamin D levels were found to be <10 ng/ml in 31 (29.8%) patients, 10-20 ng/ml in 42 (40.4%) patients, between 20-30 ng/ml in 25 (24%) patients and >30 ng/ml in 6 (5.8%) patients. In patients with infective complications, the mean value of 25-OH vitamin D levels were 12.33 (±6.306) ng/ml which was found to be statistically significant (p:0.026). In univariable logistic regression analyses, variables found to be associated with postoperative complications were age ≥ 65, male gender and preoperative 25-OH vitamin D levels, whereas in multivariable analyses, preoperative levels of 25-OH vitamin D were not found to be related with postoperative complications.Conclusions: We demonstrated that vitamin D deficiency is a significant risk factor for development of infective complications and seems to be independently associated with postoperative complications in patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery.