bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The prediction of intraoperative cervical cord function changes by different motor evoked potentials phenotypes in cervical myelopathy patients
Authors: Wang Shujie , Ren Zhifu , Liu Jia , Zhang Jianguo , Tian Ye 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Surgery is usually the treatment of choice for patients with cervical compressive myelopathy (CCM). Motor evoked potential (MEP) has proved to be helpful tool in evaluating intraoperative cervical spinal cord function change of those patients. This study aims to describe and evaluate different MEP baseline phenotypes for predicting MEP changes during CCM surgery.

Methods
A total of 105 consecutive CCM patients underwent posterior cervical spine decompression were prospectively collected between December 2012 and November 2016. All intraoperative MEP baselines recorded before spinal cord decompression were classified into 5 types (I to V) that were carefully designed according to the different MEP parameters. The postoperative neurologic status of each patient was assessed immediately after surgery.

Results
The mean intraoperative MEP changes range were 10.2% ± 5.8, 14.7% ± 9.2, 54.8% ± 31.9, 74.1% ± 24.3, and 110% ± 40 in Type I, II, III, IV, and V, respectively. There was a significant correlation of the intraoperative MEP change rate with different MEP baseline phenotypes (r = 0.84, P < 0.01). Postoperative transient new spinal deficits were found 0/31 case in Type I, 0/21 in Type II, 1/14 in Type III, 2/24 in Type IV, and 4/15 in Type V. No permanent neurological injury was found in our cases series.

Conclusions
The MEP baselines categories for predicting intraoperative cervical cord function change is proposed through this work. The more serious the MEP baseline abnormality, the higher the probability of intraoperative MEP changes, which is beneficial to early warning for the cervical cord injury.
Beyond coverage: a qualitative study exploring the perceived impact of Gabon’s health insurance plan on access to and quality of prenatal care
Authors: Sanogo N’doh Ashken , Fantaye Arone Wondwossen , Yaya Sanni 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Access to affordable and adequate healthcare in a health system determines the universal health coverage achievement for all residents in a country. Achieving access to healthcare requires the availability of a financing system that ensures access to and provision of adequate care, regardless of the ability to pay. In sub-Saharan Africa, accessibility, use and coverage of prenatal visits are very low and poor, which reduces the quality of care. This paper explored the impact of a social health insurance scheme on the quality of antenatal care in Gabon.

Methods
This qualitative study involved the analysis of data collected from semi-structured interviews and non-participant observations to assess the quality of antenatal care. The study elicited perceptions on the demand side (pregnant women) and the supply side (health professionals) in health facilities. Fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with pregnant women (aged between 15 and 49) and 5 with health professionals, who each had a seniority of at least 10 years, at different levels of care. Nine non-participant observations were also conducted. Coded transcripts were reviewed and analyzed using the Canadian Institute for Public Administration of Citizen-Centered Services model as an analytical guide.

Results
On the demand side, women were generally satisfied with the prenatal services they receive in health facilities. However, complaints were made about the rudeness of some nurses, the high price of the delivery kit (50,000 XAF), and the fact that some essential medicines for maternity are not covered. On the supply side, participants agreed that compulsory health insurance is important in providing antenatal care access to those who need it the most. However, some problems remain. The participants outlined some logistical problems and a lack of medical equipment, including the stock of drugs, disinfectants, and the absence of clean water.

Conclusion
Understanding the perceptions of pregnant women and health professionals regarding the quality of antenatal care can help to inform refinements to methods through which the services can be better provided. In addition, the study findings are vital to increasing the use of care, as well as combating high maternal mortality rates. Compulsory health insurance has improved the accessibility and utilization of healthcare services and has contributed to improved quality of care.
LINC00173.v1 promotes angiogenesis and progression of lung squamous cell carcinoma by sponging miR-511-5p to regulate VEGFA expression
Authors: Chen Jiarong , Liu Aibin , Wang Zhihui , Wang Bin , Chai Xingxing , Lu Wenjie , Cao Ting , Li Ronggang , Wu Minyan , Lu Zhuming , Pang Wenguang , Xiao Lin , Chen Xiangmeng , Zheng Yan , Chen Qiong , Zeng Jincheng , Li Jun , Zhang Xin , Ren Dong , Huang Yanming 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Anti-angiogenic therapy represents a promising strategy for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) but its application in lung squamous cell carcinoma (SQC) is limited due to the high-risk adverse effects. Accumulating evidence indicates that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) mediate in tumor progression by participating in the regulation of VEGF in NSCLC, which might guide the development of new antiangiogenic strategies.

Methods
Differential lncRNA expression in SQC was analyzed in AE-meta and TCGA datasets, and further confirmed in lung cancer tissues and adjacent normal tissues with RT-qPCR and in-situ hybridization. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the clinical correlation between LINC00173.v1 expression and survival characteristics. A tube formation assay, chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane assay and animal experiments were conducted to detect the effect of LINC00173.v1 on the proliferation and migration of vascular endothelial cells and tumorigenesis of SQC in vivo. Bioinformatics analysis, RNA immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter assays were performed to elucidate the downstream target of LINC00173.v1. The therapeutic efficacy of antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) against LINC00173.v1 was further investigated in vivo. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and high throughput data processing and visualization were performed to identify the cause of LINC00173.v1 overexpression in SQC.

Results
LINC00173.v1 was specifically upregulated in SQC tissues, which predicted poorer overall and progression-free survival in SQC patients. Overexpression of LINC00173.v1 promoted, while silencing LINC00173.v1 inhibited the proliferation and migration of vascular endothelial cells and the tumorigenesis of SQC cells in vitro and in vivo. Our results further revealed that LINC00173.v1 promoted the proliferation and migration of vascular endothelial cells and the tumorigenesis of SQC cells by upregulating VEGFA expression by sponging miR-511-5p. Importantly, inhibition of LINC00173.v1 via the ASO strategy reduced the tumor growth of SQC cells, and enhanced the therapeutic sensitivity of SQC cells to cisplatin in vivo. Moreover, our results showed that squamous cell carcinoma-specific factor ΔNp63α contributed to LINC00173.v1 overexpression in SQC.

Conclusion
Our findings clarify the underlying mechanism by which LINC00173.v1 promotes the proliferation and migration of vascular endothelial cells and the tumorigenesis of SQC, demonstrating that LINC00173.v1-targeted drug in combination with cisplatin may serve as a rational regimen against SQC.
Omega-3 fatty acid exposure with a low-fat diet in patients with past hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute pancreatitis; an exploratory, randomized, open-label crossover study
Authors: Dunbar Richard L. , Gaudet Daniel , Davidson Michael , Rensfeldt Martin , Yang Hong , Nilsson Catarina , Kvarnström Mats , Oscarsson Jan 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Omega-3 fatty acids (OM3-FAs) are recommended with a low-fat diet for severe hypertriglyceridemia (SHTG), to reduce triglycerides and acute pancreatitis (AP) risk. A low-fat diet may reduce pancreatic lipase secretion, which is required to absorb OM3-ethyl esters (OM3-EEs), but not OM3-carboxylic acids (OM3-CAs).

Methods
In this exploratory, randomized, open-label, crossover study, 15 patients with SHTG and previous AP were instructed to take OM3-CA (2 g or 4 g) and OM3-EE 4 g once daily for 4 weeks, while adhering to a low-fat diet. On day 28 of each treatment phase, a single dose was administered in the clinic with a liquid low-fat meal, to assess 24-h plasma exposure. Geometric least-squares mean ratios were used for between-treatment comparisons of baseline (day 0)-adjusted area under the plasma concentration versus time curves (AUC0–24) and maximum plasma concentrations (Cmax) for eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

Results
Before initiating OM3-FA treatment, mean baseline fasting plasma EPA + DHA concentrations (nmol/mL) were 723 for OM3-CA 2 g, 465 for OM3-CA 4 g and 522 for OM3-EE 4 g. At week 4, mean pre-dose fasting plasma EPA + DHA concentrations increased by similar amounts (+ 735 − + 768 nmol/mL) for each treatment. During the 24-h exposure assessment (day 28), mean plasma EPA + DHA increased from pre-dose to the maximum achieved concentration by + 32.7%, + 45.8% and + 3.1% with single doses of OM3-CA 2 g, OM3-CA 4 g and OM3-EE 4 g, respectively. Baseline-adjusted AUC0–24 was 60% higher for OM3-CA 4 g than for OM3-EE 4 g and baseline-adjusted Cmax was 94% higher (both non-significant).

Conclusions
Greater 24-h exposure of OM3-CA versus OM3-EE was observed for some parameters when administered with a low-fat meal at the clinic on day 28. However, increases in pre-dose fasting plasma EPA + DHA over the preceding 4-week dosing period were similar between treatments, leading overall to non-significant differences in baseline (day 0)-adjusted AUC0–24 and Cmax EPA + DHA values. It is not clear why the greater 24-h exposure of OM3-CA versus OM3-EE observed with a low-fat meal did not translate into significantly higher pre-dose fasting levels of DHA + EPA with longer-term use.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02189252, Registered 23 June 2014.
Experiences, opinions and current policies on users’ choice and change of the allocated primary mental health professional: a survey among directors of community mental health centers in the Emilia-Romagna region, Italy
Authors: Rioli G. , Ferrari S. , Henderson C. , Galeazzi G. M. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
The subject of how the initial allocation of the primary mental health professional (PMHP) in community mental health services is made and the frequency and management of users’ requests to choose and/or change their allocated PMHPs has been scarcely investigated. The present paper is aimed at exploring the experiences and opinions of directors of community mental health centers (CMHC) on this topic.

Methods
A cross-sectional survey was conducted. Electronic ad hoc questionnaires with both multiple choice and open-ended questions were e-mailed to the institutional addresses of CMHC directors in the Emilia-Romagna Region (Northern Italy) with the consent of their heads of department and the Ethical Committee. Quantitative data were analysed by means of Microsoft Excel software and STATA 14.2 (College Station, TX), while the qualitative analysis was performed using the Nvivo12 software.

Results
Twenty-eight questionnaires were collected (response rate: 71.8%) that were equally distributed between males and females. For the initial PMHP allocation, casual allocation by “fixed-rota” was commonly performed (39.3%). Moreover, hope for a change of prescription by a different psychiatrist was the most frequent reason for users’ requests to change their PMHP. In two mental health departments only (Parma and Bologna), written guidelines to manage users’ requests of change of PMHP were available. In this context, most participants classified the explored topics as relevant and believed that written policies, especially if shared with users, could be useful.

Conclusions
In Emilia-Romagna CMHCs, neither users nor professionals were generally involved in the initial choice of the PMHP. Further national-level studies should be conducted in order to confirm this finding. Additionally, written and shared guidelines for managing users’ request to choose/change their PHMP may be useful.
Safety and efficacy of direct Cardiac Shockwave Therapy in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (the CAST-HF trial): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Pölzl Leo , Nägele Felix , Graber Michael , Hirsch Jakob , Lobenwein Daniela , Mitrovic Martina , Mayr Agnes , Theurl Markus , Schreinlechner Michael , Pamminger Matthias , Dorfmüller Christian , Grimm Michael , Gollmann-Tepeköylü Can , Holfeld Johannes 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Coronary artery diseases (CAD) remains a severe socio-economic burden in the Western world. Coronary obstruction and subsequent myocardial ischemia result in progressive replacement of contractile myocardium with dysfunctional, fibrotic scar tissue. Post-infarctional remodeling is causal for the concomitant decline of left-ventricular function and the fatal syndrome of heart failure. Available neurohumoral treatment strategies aim at the improvement of symptoms. Despite extensive research, therapeutic options for myocardial regeneration, including (stem)-cell therapy, gene therapy, cellular reprogramming or tissue engineering, remain purely experimental. Thus, there is an urgent clinical need for novel treatment options for inducing myocardial regeneration and improving left-ventricular function in ischemic cardiomyopathy.
Shockwave Therapy (SWT) is a well-established regenerative tool that is effective for the treatment of chronic tendonitis, long-bone non-union and wound-healing disorders. In preclinical trials, SWT regenerated ischemic myocardium via the induction of angiogenesis and the reduction of fibrotic scar tissue, resulting in improved left-ventricular function.

Methods/design
In this prospective, randomized controlled, single-blind, monocentric study, 80 patients with reduced left-ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF≤ 40%) are subjected to coronary-artery bypass-graft surgery (CABG) surgery and randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive additional cardiac SWT (intervention group; 40 patients) or CABG surgery with sham treatment (control group; 40 patients). This study aims to evaluate (1) the safety and (2) the efficacy of cardiac SWT as adjunctive treatment during CABG surgery for the regeneration of ischemic myocardium. The primary endpoints of the study represent (1) major cardiac events and (2) changes in left-ventricular function 12 months after treatment. Secondary endpoints include 6-min Walk Test distance, improvement of symptoms and assessment of quality of life.

Discussion
This study aims to investigate the safety and efficacy of cardiac SWT during CABG surgery for myocardial regeneration. The induction of angiogenesis, decrease of fibrotic scar tissue formation and, thus, improvement of left-ventricular function could lead to improved quality of life and prognosis for patients with ischemic heart failure. Thus, it could become the first clinically available treatment strategy for the regeneration of ischemic myocardium alleviating the socio-economic burden of heart failure.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT03859466. Registered on 1 March 2019.
Landform type mediates compositional change in a hurricane-disturbed sub-tropical forest
Authors: Spicer Robert L. , Lugo Ariel E. , Ruhl Nathan 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundCategorization of topographical features into landform type is a long-standing method for understanding physiographic patterns in the environment. Differences in forest composition between landform types are driven primarily by concurrent differences in soil composition and moisture, but also disturbance regime. Many studies have focused on the interaction between fire disturbance, succession, and landforms, but the effects of hurricane disturbance on compositional differences between landforms are poorly understood. In the study presented here, we assess compositional and structural differences between landform types in the tree community of a young sub-tropical forest that is frequently subjected to hurricanes. Specifically, we ask whether the tree community (1) changed structurally over the study period, (2) experienced compositional change over the study period, (3) is compositionally different between landform types, and (4) exhibits compositional change mediated by landform type.ResultsThe tree community experienced significant structural change over the course of our study, but compositional change was only significant for some landforms.ConclusionDespite large-scale, intense, and frequent hurricane disturbance to our study system, compositional change in the tree community was localized and only significant for some landform types.
Structural dimensions depending on light intensity in a 3D printing method that utilizes in situ light as a guide
Authors: Lim Jongkyeong , Lee Sangmin , Kim Joonwon 
Published: May 2020

AbstractConventional 3D printing methods require the addition of a supporting layer in order to accurately and reliably fabricate the desired final product. However, the use of supporting material is not economically viable, and during the process of removing the supporting material, the shape or the properties of the final product may be distorted. In our previous work, we proposed and demonstrated the concept of a new 3D printing method that utilizes the in situ light as a guide for the fabrication of freestanding overhanging structures without the need for supporting material. In this study, the influence of the light intensity on the diameter of the structure and the thickness of the layer produced per droplet is analyzed in order to identify the geometric range of structures that can be fabricated by the new 3D printing method. As the intensity of the light increased, the diameter of the structure also increased and the thickness of the layer per droplet decreased. This result is determined by a combination of factors; (1) the rebound motion of the photocurable droplet and (2) the surface area of the structure that needs to be covered.
RIPK2 Dictates Insulin Responses to Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Obese Male Mice
Authors: Duggan Brittany M , Cavallari Joseph F , Foley Kevin P , Barra Nicole G , Schertzer Jonathan D 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) used in cancer are also being investigated in diabetes. TKIs can improve blood glucose control in diabetic cancer patients, but the specific kinases that alter blood glucose or insulin are not clear. We sought to define the role of Receptor Interacting Serine/Threonine Kinase 2 (RIPK2) in mouse models of insulin resistance. We tested the TKI gefitinib, which inhibits RIPK2 activity, in wild-type (WT), Nod1–/–, Nod2–/–, and Ripk2–/– mice fed an obesogenic high-fat diet. Gefitinib lowered blood glucose during a glucose tolerance test (GTT) in a nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)–RIPK2-independent manner in all obese mice. However, gefitinib lowered glucose-stimulated insulin secretion only in obese Ripk2–/– mice. Gefitinib had no effect on insulin secretion in obese WT, Nod1–/–, or Nod2–/– mice. Hence, genetic deletion of Ripk2 promoted the insulin-sensitizing potential of gefitinib, since this TKI lowered both blood glucose and insulin only in Ripk2–/– mice. Gefitinib did not alter the inflammatory profile of pancreas, adipose, liver, or muscle tissues in obese Ripk2–/– mice compared with obese WT mice. We also tested imatinib, a TKI that does not inhibit RIPK2 activity, in obese WT mice. Imatinib lowered blood glucose during a GTT, consistent with TKIs lowering blood glucose independently of RIPK2. However, imatinib increased glucose-stimulated insulin secretion during the glucose challenge. These data show that multiple TKIs lower blood glucose, where actions of TKIs on RIPK2 dictate divergent insulin responses, independent of tissue inflammation. Our data show that RIPK2 limits the insulin sensitizing effect of gefitinib, whereas imatinib increased insulin secretion.
Characteristics of Liquid Product of Alkaline Treated Sargassum polycystum C.A. Agardh. from Lange Beach, Aceh
Authors: Asmara Anjar Purba , Sedyadi Endaruji , Zette Ilma Fistannisa 
Published: May 2020

Sargassum is known to have potential ingredients, such as essential nutrients and minerals, which are important for agroindustry and the environment. This study aims to determine the proximate properties of Sargassum polycystum C.A. Agardh from Lange beach and the optimum extraction period arising the liquid product. The dried seaweed was extracted using 0.1% KOH at a constant temperature of 80°C for 120–600 mins. Furthermore, nutrients content, pH, electrical conductivity (EC) and total dissolved solids (TDS) of the afforded filtrate were quantified. As a result, the moisture, ash, fibre, carbohydrate, protein, and fat content were 7.16, 13.057, 20.33, 51.77, 6.12, and 1.57%, respectively. The value of pH, EC, and TDS ranged around 4.69–7.27, 0.013–0.078 dS.m-1, and 6.24–39.75 mg.L-1, respectively. The level of N, P, K, and organic C, were estimated around 0.30–0.81, 0.16–0.28, 0.15–0.20, and 0.32–0.80%, respectively. Meanwhile, the content of Na, Mg, Ca, Fe, Mn, and Zn were observed from 112.04–212.61, 24.60–33.57, 146.59–280.92, 416.22–630.69, 18.25–27.73, and 19.86–26.53 ppm, respectively. In conclusion, extraction for 120 mins seems to be preferable, as the observed parameters were above the minimum range.
Advances in the Production of Minor Ginsenosides Using Microorganisms and Their Enzymes
Authors: Geraldi Almando 
Published: May 2020

AbstractMinor ginsenodes are of great interest due to their diverse pharmacological activities such as their anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, neuroprotective, immunomodulator, and anti-inflammatory effects. The miniscule amount of minor ginsenosides in ginseng plants has driven the development of their mass production methods. Among the various production methods for minor ginsenosides, the utilization of microorganisms and their enzymes are considered as highly specific, safe, and environmentally friendly. In this review, various minor ginsenosides production strategies, namely utilizing microorganisms and recombinant microbial enzymes, for biotransforming major ginsenosides into minor ginsenoside, as well as constructing synthetic minor ginsenosides production pathways in yeast cell factories, are described and discussed. Furthermore, the present challenges and future research direction for producing minor ginsenosides using those approaches are discussed.