bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Outcomes of combination treatment with MARS and TIPS for hepatic veno-occlusive disease: a report of 12 cases
Authors: Deng Li , Yin Xiuli , Zhao Yingying , Yang Jing , Yang Hongli , Xu Changqing , Li Kun 
Published: December 2020

Background In patients with acute liver injury caused by hepatic veno-occlusive disease (HVOD), molecular adsorbent recirculation system (MARS) may be used to improve liver function in conjunction with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) to reduce portal hypertension. Methods Twelve patients were admitted to our hospital following treatment for HVOD for 10 to 21 days at other hospitals. All patients were treated with a combination of MARS and TIPS, and they were evaluated clinically including liver function tests. Results After the initial treatment with MARS, liver function improved significantly in all patients. TIPS placement decreased the hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) to 10.17 ± 2.26 mmHg from a pre-TIPS HVPG of 23.58 ± 9.43 mmHg. The outcomes of combination treatment with MARS and TIPS in 12 patients with HVOD were as follows: 1) improvement of various clinical and biological parameters leading to full recovery in 1 year in 6 patients; 2) full recovery following liver transplantation for acute liver failure in three patients; and 3) three patients died due to hepatic failure after TIPS placement. Conclusion The combination of MARS and TIPS creation is promising as a potential treatment for acute HVOD, and it showed an improvement in overall survival.
Exercise Training for Pulmonary Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Albanaqi Alsaeedi L. , Rahimi Gholam Rasul Mohammad , Smart Neil A. 
Published: December 2020

Background: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a chronic disease with a notable health burden; regular exercise may improve specific health outcome measures. Objective: The objective of this meta-analysis was to estimate the effectiveness of exercise training for PH patients. Data sources: PubMed, CINAHL, SportDiscuss and Google Scholar databases and reference lists of included studies were searched. Study selection: The selection criteria were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) employing an exercise training intervention. Data were extracted from the entered studies for analysis. The primary outcomes were peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), anaerobic threshold (AT), 6-minute walk distance (6-MWD), and quality of life (QoL) measures (physical component score and mental component score). The analysis included 9 articles with a total of 302 participants: intervention (n = 154), and control (n = 148). Results: In the pooled analysis, improvements were seen in: VO2peak, mean difference (MD) 2.79 ml/kg/min (95% CI 2.00 to 3.59, p < 0.00001); AT, MD 107.83 ml/min (95% CI 39.64 to 176.00, p = 0.002); and 6-MWD, MD 46.67 meters (95% CI 32.39 to 60.96, p < 0.00001). Differences were found in the SF-36 physical component score MD 3.57 (95% CI 2.04 to 5.10, p < 0.00001) and the SF-36 mental component score MD 3.92 (95% CI 1.92 to 5.91, p = 0.001). Conclusion: This meta-analysis demonstrates exercise training has a beneficial effect on fitness, walking performance, and self-reported QoL in PH patients.
Finnish translation and validation of the FACE-Q Eye module
Authors: Homsy Pauliina , Uimonen Mikko , Lindford Andrew , Repo Jussi , Lassus Patrik 
Published: December 2020

Background and objective: The aim of this study was to first produce and cross-culturally validate a Finnish version of the FACE-Q Eye module, a patient-reported outcome measure designed for patients undergoing eyelid surgery for esthetic reasons, and second assess the suitability of this instrument for use in a university hospital setting. Methods: The FACE-Q Eye module and the general FACE-Q components Satisfaction with Facial Appearance, Appearance-Related Psychosocial Distress, and Satisfaction with Outcome were translated according to established guidelines. A postal survey study was conducted with the translated instrument and the generic health-related quality of life instrument 15D on 245 patients operated in the Helsinki University Hospital between 2009 and 2019. Cronbach’s alpha, floor and ceiling effects, measurement reliability with repeat administration, and convergence with 15D dimensions were analyzed. Results: The FACE-Q Eye module and general components translated readily into Finnish. Eighty-one patients (33%) responded to the survey, most of whom (78%) had undergone blepharoplasty. Most subscales demonstrated acceptable internal consistency with Cronbach’s alphas 0.79–0.96. A ceiling effect was observed for four of the seven subscales evaluated. Intra-class correlation coefficients were high (0.82–0.91) indicating good reliability. Results of the FACE-Q subscales correlated at best moderately with the 15D dimensions. Conclusions: The Finnish versions of the FACE-Q Eye module and the FACE-Q components Satisfaction with Facial Appearance, Appearance-Related Psychosocial Distress, and Satisfaction with Outcome perform well when assessing outcomes relevant to patients after eyelid surgery. However, when used in patients operated on for mainly functional reasons, subtle variations may be missed.
Taking part in the community occupational therapy in dementia UK intervention from the perspective of people with dementia, family carers and occupational therapists: A qualitative study
Authors: Burgess Jane , Wenborn Jennifer , Di Bona Laura , Orrell Martin , Poland Fiona 
Published: December 2020

Aim Community Occupational Therapy in Dementia (COTiD-UK) is a manualised intervention delivered to the person with dementia and their identified family carer primarily in their own home. The focus is on enabling both the person with dementia and their family carer to engage in personally meaningful activities. This qualitative study examines the experiences of people with mild to moderate dementia, their family carers and occupational therapists, of taking part in the COTiD-UK intervention. Method A purposive sample of 22 pairs of people with dementia and a family carer and seven occupational therapists took part in semi-structured interviews that were audio recorded, transcribed and inductively analysed using thematic analysis. Findings Themes from the occupational therapist interviews relate to the COTiD-UK intervention philosophy and content, aspects of delivering it in practice and thinking ahead to it becoming usual practice. Themes from the pair interviews relate to the focus of COTiD-UK sessions on meaningful occupation and working together and a sense of being able to plan to live well with dementia in the short- and longer-term as a result of the intervention. Conclusion This person-centred occupation-focussed intervention was highly valued by people with dementia and their family carers and the occupational therapists delivering it.
Impact of glucagon like peptide-1 receptor agonist and sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors on type 2 diabetes patients with renal impairment
Authors: Hiramatsu Takeyuki , Ito Hiroki , Okumura Shota , Asano Yuko , Iguchi Daiki , Furuta Shinji 
Published: December 2020

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a progressive disease with cardiovascular complications. We evaluated the impact of a glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist and sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors dapagliflozin and empagliflozin on renal and cardiac function in type 2 diabetes patients with renal impairment. Materials and methods: A total of 156 patients referred with suboptimal glycemic control were assigned to Group G (GLP-1): n = 72 or Group S (SGLT-2 inhibitor)—dapagliflozin ( n = 52) or empagliflozin ( n = 32). Renal function was assessed every 3 months for 36 months. Cardiovascular parameters were evaluated every 12 months for 36 months. Results: Compared with baseline, HbA1c and systolic blood pressure significantly decreased in both groups ( p < 0.05). The estimated glomerular filtration rate decreased, but without significance. Albuminuria decreased significantly in both groups and then subsequently increased after 30 months in Group S. Diastolic cardiac function, assessed by E/e′ or left atrial volume index, decreased only in Group G at 36 months. Conclusions: The GLP-1 receptor agonist and SGLT-2 inhibitors were effective for glycemic and blood pressure control and for maintaining renal function. The GLP-1 receptor agonist improved diastolic function at 36 months.
Development of a Win Production Function and Evaluation of Cross-Sectional Dependence
Authors: Lee Jin , Lee Young Hoon 
Published: December 2020

We consider correlations between pairs of teams when deriving a win production function for professional baseball teams. Previous empirical studies derived win production estimates based on the assumption that the error terms were independent, but this is not reasonable given that a win is a relative output. The total number of wins per season is fixed: all teams share wins, in that a win for one team is a loss for the opponent. We applied spatial panel data models to a Major League Baseball dataset to control for cross-sectional dependence. A strong negative dependence was found; our estimates differ somewhat from previous estimates that assumed cross-sectional independence. JEL: L83, L80, Z20
Comparison of Clinical Outcome following Cartilage Repair for Patients with Underlying Varus Deformity with or without Additional High Tibial Osteotomy: A Propensity Score–Matched Study Based on the German Cartilage Registry (KnorpelRegister DGOU)
Authors: Faber Svea , Angele Peter , Zellner Johannes , Bode Gerrit , Hochrein Alfred , Niemeyer Philipp 
Published: December 2020

Background Even though realignment procedures have gained popularity as concomitant techniques in cartilage repair approaches with underlying malalignment, the clinical efficacy has not been proven to full extent. Methods Out of 5474 patients from the German Cartilage Registry, 788 patients with focal cartilage defects on the medial femoral condyle having received either no accompanying surgery or high tibial osteotomy (HTO) were identified. After a 1:1 propensity score matching, outcome of 440 patients was evaluated using KOOS (Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score), VAS (visual analogue scale), and satisfaction during the 3-year follow-up. Results Patients having received a concomitant HTO had significantly higher postoperative KOOS values (12 months: 67.26 ± 15.69 vs.75.10 ± 16.12, P = 0.001; 24 months: 67.14 ± 23.85 vs. 77.11 ± 16.50, P = 0.010; 36 months: 74.40 ± 16.57 vs. 81.75 ± 14.22, P = 0.023) and lower pain levels (6 months: 3.43 ± 2.18 vs. 2.89 ± 2.15, P = 0.009; 12 months: 3.64 ± 2.20 vs. 2.17 ± 1.96, P < 0.001; 24 months: 4.20 ± 3.12 vs. 2.94 ± 2.45, P = 0.005; 36 months: 3.20 ± 2.18 vs. 2.02 ± 1.98, P = 0.003). One and 3 years postoperatively, concomitant HTO led to significantly higher satisfaction in patients. These advantages of accompanying HTO were also seen in the group of patients with a varus deformity of 5° or more, in which pain levels without concomitant HTO even increased during the 3-year follow-up. Conclusion The results of the present study underline the importance and safety of concomitant HTO in patients with cartilage defects and varus deformity. HTO should therefore be considered and recommended generously in patients with focal cartilage defects of the medial femoral condyle and varus deformity.
Smoker profiles and their influence on smokers’ intention to use a digital decision aid aimed at the uptake of evidence-based smoking cessation tools: An explorative study
Authors: Gültzow Thomas , Smit Eline Suzanne , Hudales Raesita , Dirksen Carmen D , Hoving Ciska 
Published: December 2020

Objectives Evidence-based smoking cessation support tools (EBSTs) can double the quitting chances, but uptake among smokers is low. A digital decision aid (DA) could help smokers choose an EBST in concordance with their values and preferences, but it is unclear which type of smokers are interested in a digital DA. We hypothesized that smokers’ general decision-making style (GDMS) could be used to identify early adopters. This study therefore aimed to identify smoker profiles based on smokers’ GDMS and investigate these profiles’ association with intention to use a digital DA. Design A cross-sectional dataset (N = 200 smokers intending to quit) was used to perform a hierarchical cluster analysis based on smokers’ GDMS scores. Methods Clusters were compared on demographic and socio-cognitive variables. Mediation analyses were conducted to see if the relationship between cluster membership and intention was mediated through socio-cognitive variables (e.g., attitude). Results Two clusters were identified; “ Avoidant Regretters ” (n = 134) were more avoidant, more regretful and tended to depend more on others in their decision making, while “ Intuitive Non-regretters ” (n = 66) were more spontaneous and intuitive in their decision making. Cluster membership was significantly related to intention to use a DA, with “ Avoidant Regretters ” being more interested. Yet, this association ceased to be significant when corrected for socio-cognitive variables (e.g., attitude). This indicates that cluster membership affected intention via socio-cognitive variables. Conclusions The GDMS can be used to identify smokers who are interested in a digital DA early on. As such, the GDMS can be used to tailor recruitment and DA content.
Reforming Our School Systems Around a Humanizing Curriculum: Schooling During and After COVID-19
Authors: Wong Lok-Sze , Mishra Punya 
Published: December 2020

Highlights • The COVID-19 pandemic provides an opportunity to create new school systems that are centered around a humanizing curriculum. • A humanizing curriculum values self, social, and cultural knowledge in addition to academic knowledge, celebrating students as whole human beings who are learning about and creating their place in society. • This curriculum is co-created and co-implemented with students and families. • Through this co-creation and co-implementation process, we shift school systems to support a humanizing curriculum.
Red panda: a novel method for detecting variants in single-cell RNA sequencing
Authors: Cornish Adam , Roychoudhury Shrabasti , Sarma Krishna , Pramanik Suravi , Bhakat Kishor , Dudley Andrew , Mishra Nitish K. , Guda Chittibabu 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundSingle-cell sequencing enables us to better understand genetic diseases, such as cancer or autoimmune disorders, which are often affected by changes in rare cells. Currently, no existing software is aimed at identifying single nucleotide variations or micro (1-50 bp) insertions and deletions in single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data. Generating high-quality variant data is vital to the study of the aforementioned diseases, among others.ResultsIn this study, we report the design and implementation of Red Panda, a novel method to accurately identify variants in scRNA-seq data. Variants were called on scRNA-seq data from human articular chondrocytes, mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs), and simulated data stemming from the MEF alignments. Red Panda had the highest Positive Predictive Value at 45.0%, while other tools—FreeBayes, GATK HaplotypeCaller, GATK UnifiedGenotyper, Monovar, and Platypus—ranged from 5.8–41.53%. From the simulated data, Red Panda had the highest sensitivity at 72.44%.ConclusionsWe show that our method provides a novel and improved mechanism to identify variants in scRNA-seq as compared to currently existing software. However, methods for identification of genomic variants using scRNA-seq data can be still improved.
Gamete binning: chromosome-level and haplotype-resolved genome assembly enabled by high-throughput single-cell sequencing of gamete genomes
Authors: Campoy José A. , Sun Hequan , Goel Manish , Jiao Wen-Biao , Folz-Donahue Kat , Wang Nan , Rubio Manuel , Liu Chang , Kukat Christian , Ruiz David , Huettel Bruno , Schneeberger Korbinian 
Published: December 2020

AbstractGenerating chromosome-level, haplotype-resolved assemblies of heterozygous genomes remains challenging. To address this, we developed gamete binning, a method based on single-cell sequencing of haploid gametes enabling separation of the whole-genome sequencing reads into haplotype-specific reads sets. After assembling the reads of each haplotype, the contigs are scaffolded to chromosome level using a genetic map derived from the gametes. We assemble the two genomes of a diploid apricot tree based on whole-genome sequencing of 445 individual pollen grains. The two haplotype assemblies (N50: 25.5 and 25.8 Mb) feature a haplotyping precision of greater than 99% and are accurately scaffolded to chromosome-level.
Effect of a probiotic on blood pressure in grade 1 hypertension (HYPRO): protocol of a randomized controlled study
Authors: Mähler Anja , Wilck Nicola , Rauch Geraldine , Dechend Ralf , Müller Dominik N. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundArterial hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and leads to target organ damage including stroke, heart failure, and kidney disease. About 1.5 billion people worldwide have hypertension, and it is estimated that it causes about 8 million deaths each year. Although there are several drugs available to lower blood pressure (BP), a great proportion of treated patients does not reach recommended treatment targets. Typical antihypertensive drugs target the vessels, the kidneys, and the heart. However, our gut microbiota also influences cardiovascular health, and gut dysbiosis is associated with hypertension. In this study protocol, we investigate the potential BP-lowering effect of a probiotic in patients with grade 1 hypertension.MethodsThis study is an exploratory, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study. One hundred ten patients with grade 1 hypertension (treated or untreated) will be randomized to either the probiotic Vivomixx® or placebo. The primary endpoint is the nocturnal systolic BP measured by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring after 8 weeks adjusted for the baseline value. The secondary endpoints are changes from baseline in nocturnal diastolic BP, antihypertensive medication, fecal microbiome composition, fecal and serum metabolome, immune cell phenotypes, glucose variability after three standardized breakfasts, and health-related quality of life (PROMIS-29). We also assess the safety profile of the intervention.DiscussionWe postulate that various administrated bacteria (Lactobacilli,Bifidobacteria, andStreptococcus thermophilus) convert dietary components into active metabolites that positively affect immune cell function. A reduction of pro-inflammatory immune cell function could promote a BP-lowering effect.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.govNCT03906578. Registered on 08 April 2019
Enhanced xylitol production using non-detoxified xylose rich pre-hydrolysate from sugarcane bagasse by newly isolated Pichia fermentans
Authors: Prabhu Ashish A. , Bosakornranut Ekkarin , Amraoui Yassin , Agrawal Deepti , Coulon Frederic , Vivekanand Vivekanand , Thakur Vijay Kumar , Kumar Vinod 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
Integrated management of hemicellulosic fraction and its economical transformation to value-added products is the key driver towards sustainable lignocellulosic biorefineries. In this aspect, microbial cell factories are harnessed for the sustainable production of commercially viable biochemicals by valorising C5 and C6 sugars generated from agro-industrial waste. However, in the terrestrial ecosystem, microbial systems can efficiently consume glucose. On the contrary, pentose sugars are less preferred carbon source as most of the microbes lack metabolic pathway for their utilization. The effective utilization of both pentose and hexose sugars is key for economical biorefinery.

Results
Bioprospecting the food waste and selective enrichment on xylose-rich medium led to screening and isolation of yeast which was phylogenetically identified as Pichia fermentans. The newly isolated xylose assimilating yeast was explored for xylitol production. The wild type strain robustly grew on xylose and produced xylitol with > 40% conversion yield. Chemical mutagenesis of isolated yeast with ethyl methanesulphonate (EMS) yielded seven mutants. The mutant obtained after 15 min EMS exposure, exhibited best xylose bioconversion efficiency. This mutant under shake flask conditions produced maximum xylitol titer and yield of 34.0 g/L and 0.68 g/g, respectively. However, under the same conditions, the control wild type strain accumulated 27.0 g/L xylitol with a conversion yield of 0.45 g/g. Improved performance of the mutant was attributed to 34.6% activity enhancement in xylose reductase with simultaneous reduction of xylitol dehydrogenase activity by 22.9%. Later, the culture medium was optimized using statistical design and validated at shake flask and bioreactor level. Bioreactor studies affirmed the competence of the mutant for xylitol accumulation. The xylitol titer and yield obtained with pure xylose were 98.9 g/L and 0.67 g/g, respectively. In comparison, xylitol produced using non-detoxified xylose rich pre-hydrolysate from sugarcane bagasse was 79.0 g/L with an overall yield of 0.54 g/g.

Conclusion
This study demonstrates the potential of newly isolated P. fermentans in successfully valorising the hemicellulosic fraction for the sustainable xylitol production.
Reflections on the past and future of urban conservation in Iran
Authors: Yadollahi Solmaz 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe material authenticity of cultural heritage has been questioned by societies in which the modern paradigm of conservation has not developed from within the native culture. This paper examines the philosophical and practical traditions in Iran regarding the materiality and authenticity of past structures. By reviewing the emergence of the Western conservation paradigm in Iran, this paper highlights two key factors: the rapidness of this paradigm shift and the remarkable contradiction between the new and old paradigms. By borrowing the Deleuzo-Guattarian concept of a ‘body without organs’ (BwO), this paper problematises the rapidness and radicality of the paradigm shift in Iran. It suggests exploring the under-investigated possibilities between the pre-modern and modern paradigms to address the gap between native circumstances and Western standards.
Effects of decision aids for depression treatment in adults: systematic review
Authors: Alarcon-Ruiz Christoper A. , Zafra-Tanaka Jessica Hanae , Diaz-Barrera Mario E. , Becerra-Chauca Naysha , Toro-Huamanchumo Carlos J. , Pacheco-Mendoza Josmel , Taype-Rondan Alvaro , De La Cruz-Vargas Jhony A. 
Published: December 2020

Aim and Method
To determine the effect on decisional-related and clinical outcomes of decision aids for depression treatment in adults in randomised clinical trials. In January 2019, a systematic search was conducted in five databases. Study selection and data extraction were performed in duplicate. Meta-analyses were performed, and standardised and weighted mean differences were calculated, with corresponding 95% confidence intervals. The certainty of the evidence was evaluated with GRADE methodology.

Results
Six randomised clinical trials were included. The pooled estimates showed that decision aids for depression treatment had a beneficial effect on patients’ decisional conflict, patient knowledge and information exchange between patient and health professional. However, no statistically significant effect was found for doctor facilitation, treatment adherence or depressive symptoms. The certainty of the evidence was very low for all outcomes.

Clinical implications
Using decision aids to choose treatment in patients with depression may have a a beneficial effect on decisional-related outcomes, but it may not translate into an improvement in clinical outcomes.