bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endonuclease Increases Efficiency of Osteoblast Isolation from Murine Calvariae.
Authors: Asano Yosuke , Matsumoto Yoshinori , Rose Jose , He Fang , Katsuyama Takayuki , Ziyi Wang , Tsuji Shigetomo , Kamioka Hiroshi , Rottapel Robert , Wada Jun 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Bone is a highly dynamic organ that undergoes remodeling equally regulated by osteoblast-mediated bone formation and osteoclast-mediated bone resorption. To clarify the regulation of osteoblastogenesis, primary murine osteoblasts are required for an in vitro study. Primary osteoblasts are isolated from neonatal calvariae through digestion with collagenase. However, the number of isolated cells from one pup is not enough for further in vitro experiments, leading to an increase in the use of euthanized pups. In the present study, we hypothesized that the viscosity of digested calvariae and digestion solution supplemented with collagenase would result in cell clumping and reduction of isolated cells from bones. We simply added Benzonase, a genetically engineered endonuclease that shears all forms of DNAs/RNAs, in order to reduce nucleic acid-mediated viscosity. We found that addition of Benzonase increased the number of isolated osteoblasts by three fold compared to that without Benzonase through reduction of viscosity. Additionally, Benzonase has no effect on cellular identity and function. The new osteoblast isolation protocol with Benzonase minimizes the number of neonatal pups required for an in vitro study and expands the concept that isolation of other populations including osteocytes that are hard to be purified could be modified by Benzonase.
Hand-held Dual-particle Imager Implemented with a Multiplexed Low Sampling-rate Readout of a SiPM-based Pixelated Stilbene Array
Authors: Boo Jihwan , Hammig Mark , Jeong Manhee 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Dual particle imaging, in which both neutrons and gamma-rays in the environment can be individually characterized, is particularly attractive for monitoring mixed radiation emitters such as special nuclear materials (SNM). Typical dual particle imagers (DPIs) are not readily deployable and easily portable for hand-held applications because they are implemented using bulky single-crystal scintillators and photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) implemented with a 1:1 channel readout. Effective SNM localization and detection also benefits from high instrument sensitivity so that real-time imaging or imaging with a limited number of acquired events is enabled. We have developed a hand-held type DPI equipped with a pixelated stilbene-silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) array module and low sampling-rate analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) processed via a multiplexed readout. The stilbene-SiPM array (12 × 12 pixels) is capable of effectively performing pulse shape discrimination (PSD) between gamma-ray and neutron events and neutron/gamma-ray source localization on the imaging plane, as demonstrated with 252Cf neutron/gamma and 137Cs gamma-ray sources. The low sampling rate ADCs connected to the stilbene-SiPM array module result in a compact instrument with high sensitivity that provides a gamma-ray image of a 137Cs source, producing 6.4 μR/h at 1 m, in less than 69 seconds. A neutron image for a 3.5 × 105 n/s 252Cf source can also be obtained in less than 6 minutes at 1 m from the center of the system. The instrument images successfully with field of view of 50° and provides angular resolution of 6.8°.
Welfare Technology – You Need to do it Right! A Qualitative Study of the Work of Care Workers to Provide Patient Safety at Home through Technology.
Authors: Stokke Randi , Obstfelder Aud , Andreassen Hege Kristin , Melby Line , Isaksen Jørn 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background In health care, the work of keeping the patient safe and reducing the risk of harm is defined as safety work. In our digitised and technology-rich era, safety work usually involves a relationship between people and technologies. Welfare technology is one of the fastest-growing technology-domains in western health care systems. In the marketing of welfare technology, the expectation is that safety is provided simply by being present in patients’ homes. Whilst both research and health authorities are concerned with developing cost-benefit analysis and measuring effects, there is a lack of attention to the daily work needed to ensure that technologies deliver patient safety. This paper aims to describe how patient safety in home care is performed through and with welfare technology. We base our exploration on the social alarm, an established technology that care workers are expected to handle as an integrated part of their ordinary work. MethodsWe draw on empirical data from three case studies, involving five Norwegian municipalities that use social alarm systems in home care services. Building on a qualitative explorative design, we analyse observations of practice and interviews with the actors involved, in accordance with King's outline of template analysis.ResultsOur analysis illuminated three co-existing work processes where patient safety is secured: “Aligning people and technologies”; “Being alert and staying calm”; and “Coordinating activities depending on people and technology”. Attention to these work processes exposes the detailed practices of safety, and how it is produced in relational practices involving multiple people and technologies.ConclusionsWe conclude that the three work processes identified are essential if the safety alarm is to function for the end-user’s safety. Home-dwelling patients' safety is reliant on the people involved with technologies, and technologies do not create this on their own. The efforts of care workers are a central feature of creating safety in a patient's home, and in doing so, they utilise a repertoire of skills and knowledge.
Impact of donor age on liver transplant outcomes in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: Analysis of the SRTR dataset
Authors: Zhou Jie , Huang Zhichao , Chen Zheng , Xu Fangshen , Tong Rongliang , Zheng Shusen 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Donor age is an important predictor for liver transplant recipients. Studies have not fully explored its impact on transplant outcomes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients, and its involvement in tumor recurrence has not yet been fully explored.Methods: HCC recipients who received liver transplants from 2010–2017 from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients database were included. The recipients were divided into four groups on the basis of donor age: I (18–34 years), II (35–49 years), III (50–64 years), and IV (≥65 years). Transplant outcomes, including the overall survival (OS), tumor recurrence, and risks, were evaluated.Results: A total of 13,276 HCC recipients were included in this study. The OS was significantly different among four groups. The best 5-year survival was 76.0% in group I, followed by 73.5% in group II, 72.8% in group III, and 69.2% in group IV (P < 0.001). Donor age, recipient age, recipient race, recipient serum creatinine, sum of tumor diameter, and α-fetoprotein (AFP) were found to be independent predictors of OS. In subgroup analysis, OS was significantly different in hepatitis C virus (HCV) recipients, but there was no significant difference between recipients with hepatitis B virus (HBV), alcoholic diseases and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The cumulative tumor recurrence rates and the mean time to recurrence post-transplantation did not differ among the four groups.Conclusions: Older donor age was associated with decreased OS in HCC recipients, but it was not correlated with post-transplant tumor recurrence. Older donor age also had different effects in patients with different underlying liver diseases
Outcome of Scleral Buckling With or Without Gas Tamponade for Recurrent Retinal Detachment in Post-vitrectomy Eyes
Authors: Bai Jun-Xing , Zhang Xiao-Jian , Duan An-Li , Peng Xiao-Yan 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Treatment of recurrent retinal detachment (re-RD) following vitrectomy (post-gas/air tamponade and post-silicone oil removal) is challenging. Previously reported treatment is commonly revision pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) combined with tamponade, which is invasive and a burden both economically and emotionally when compared with scleral buckling (SB). The purpose of this study is to report anatomical and functional outcomes of SB with or without gas tamponade in eyes with recurrent retinal detachment (re-RD) that previously underwent PPV at least once.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 14 patients (14 eyes) who underwent PPV at least once and were treated with SB after re-RD. Preoperative characteristics, intraoperative complications, and postoperative data were assessed. The final anatomical and functional outcomes were analyzed.Results: The first PPV was performed for primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in 11 eyes, macular hole retinal detachment in 2 eyes, and myopic foveoschisis in 1 eye. Previously, 3 eyes underwent one PPV with gas tamponade, and the remaining 11 (79%) eyes underwent 2–5 operations. The re-RD involved the fovea in 7 (50%) eyes. There was no break detected in 2 eyes, suspected break in 5 eyes, 1 break in 4 eyes, 2 breaks in 2 eyes, and 3 breaks in 1 eye. Seven eyes underwent the procedure with gas injection. At the last follow-up, 13 eyes achieved total retinal attachment and 1 eye had re-RD. The postoperative intraocular pressure was within the normal range, except in 1 eye (6 mmHg). The finest postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/25. There was a significant improvement in BCVA from 20/160±20/63 at baseline to 20/80±20/50 at the last visit in the 13 successfully treated eyes (P=0.025).Conclusions: SB can be effective for re-RD after PPV in specific cases.
Photoinduced regioselective olefination of arenes at proximal and distal sites
Authors: Maiti Debabrata , Saha Argha , Guin Srimanta , Ali Wajid , Bhattacharya Trisha , Sasmal Sheuli , Goswami Nupur , Prakash Gaurav , Sinha Soumya , Chandrashekar Hediyala , Anjana S. S. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The Fujiwara-Moritani reaction has had a profound contribution in the emergence of contemporary C-H activation protocols. Despite the applicability of the traditional approach in different fields, the associated reactivity and regioselectivity issues had rendered it redundant. The revival of this exemplary reaction requires the development of a mechanistic paradigm that would have simultaneous control on both the reactivity and regioselectivity. Often high thermal energy required to promote olefination leads to multiple site functionalization. To this aim we established a photoredoxcatalytic system constituting a merger of palladium/organo-photocatalyst that forges oxidative olefination in an explicit regioselective fashion of diverse arenes and heteroarenes. Visible light plays a significant role in executing ‘regio-resolved’ Fuijiwara-Moritani reaction without the requirement of silver salts and thermal energy. The catalytic system is also amenable towards proximal and distal olefination aided by respective directing groups (DGs), which entails the versatility of the protocol in engaging the entire spectrum of C(sp2)-H olefination. Furthermore, streamlining the synthesis of natural products, chiral molecules, drugs and diversification through late-stage functionalizations underscore the importance of this sustainable protocol. The photoinduced attainment of this regioselective transformation is mechanistically established through control reactions, kinetic studies and theoretical calculations.
Promotion of Early and Exclusive Breastfeeding in Neonatal Care Units in Rural Rwanda: a Quasi-experimental Study
Authors: Gato Saidath , Biziyaremye Francois , Kirk Catherine M. , Sousa Chiquita Palha De , Mukuralinda Alain , Habineza Hamissy , Asir Maya , Silva Himali de , Manirakiza Marie Louise , Karangwa Egide , Nshimyiryo Alphonse , Tugume Alex , Beck Kathryn 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Early initiation of breastfeeding after birth and ongoing exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months improves child survival, nutrition and health outcomes. However, only 42% of newborns worldwide are breastfed within the first hour of life. Small and sick newborns are at greater risk of not receiving breastmilk and often require additional support for feeding. This study compares breastfeeding practices in Rwandan neonatal care units (NCUs) before and after the implementation of a package of interventions aimed to improve breastfeeding, aligned with the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative for small and sick newborns.Methods: A pre-post quasi experimental study was conducted at two District hospital NCUs in rural Rwanda from October 2017–December 2017 (pre-intervention) and September 2018–March 2019 (post-intervention). Only newborns admitted before their second day of life (DOL) were included. Data was extracted from patient charts for clinical and demographic characteristics, feeding throughout admission, and patient outcomes. Bivariate analyses were conducted using Fisher’s exact and Wilcoxon rank sum tests. Logistic regression was used to evaluate factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding at discharge following a backwards stepwise procedure.Results: Pre-intervention, 255 newborns were admitted in the NCUs and 793 were admitted in the post-intervention period. The percentage of infants who were exclusively breastfed on their day of birth, or day-of-life zero (DOL0) increased from 5.4% to 35.9% (p<0.001). For newborns discharged alive, the proportion exclusively breastfeeding increased from 69.6% to 87.0% (p<0.001). The mortality rate for all admitted newborns decreased from 16.1% to 10.5% (p<0.019). Factors associated with greater odds of exclusive breastfeeding at discharge included post-intervention time point (Odds Ratio (OR): 4.91, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.99-12.11, p<0.001), and admission for infection (OR 2.99, 95%CI 1.13-7.93, p=0.027). Home deliveries (OR 0.15, 95%CI 0.05-0.47, p=0.001), preterm delivery (OR 0.36, 95%CI 0.15-0.87, p=0.0260 and delayed first breastmilk feed (OR=0.04 for DOL3 vs. DOL0, 95%CI 0.01, 0.35, p=0.004) reduced odds of exclusive breastfeeding at discharge. Conclusion: Expansion and adoption of evidenced-based guidelines, using innovative approaches, aimed at the unique needs of small and sick newborns should be expanded and adapted in similar settings to improve outcomes for these infants.
Impact of Sarcopenia on the Hip Fracture Treatment Outcomes: A Single-institution Case-control Study
Authors: Iida Hiroki , Seki Taisuke , Sakai Yoshihito , Watanabe Tsuyoshi , Wakao Norimitsu , Matsui Hiroki , Imagama Shiro 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Although sarcopenia has been known as a risk factor for hip fractures, only a few reports have described the impact of sarcopenia on hip fracture treatment outcomes. The current study therefore sought to investigate the effect of sarcopenia on treatment outcomes of patients with hip fractures.Methods: This case–control study involved 337 patients (67 males and 270 females) with hip fractures aged ≥ years (mean age: 84.1 ± 7.1 years) who underwent surgery from January 2013 to June 2019. The mean follow-up period was 17.1 (1–60) months. All patients were assessed for sarcopenia using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry upon hospitalization. Treatment outcomes and one-year mortality rates were compared between patients with and without sarcopenia. Furthermore, we determined whether sarcopenia was a risk factor for one-year mortality in hip fracture patients using a Cox proportional hazards model.Results: The prevalence of sarcopenia in patients with hip fracture was 231(68.5%). Those with sarcopenia had a lower Barthel index (P < 0.0001) and hospital discharge rate (P = 0.035). Cox proportional hazards regression analysis adjusted for age and sex found that sarcopenia was a risk factor for one-year mortality (hazard ratio, 3.173, 95% confidence interval, 1.095–9.199, P = 0.033).Conclusions: Patients with hip fracture who had sarcopenia had a lower Barthel index, lower hospital discharge rate, and higher one-year mortality. Moreover, sarcopenia was identified as a risk factor for one-year mortality among those with hip fractures. The aforementioned findings may help clinicians better manage those with hip fracture.
“The Effect of Obstructive Sleep Apnea on Peripheral Blood Amino Acid and Biogenic Amine Metabolome at Multiple Time Points Overnight“
Authors: Kiens Ott , Taalberg Egon , Ivanova Viktoria , Veeväli Ketlin , Laurits Triin , Tamm Ragne , Ottas Aigar , Kilk Kalle , Soomets Ursel , Altraja Alan 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
There are no clinical studies that have investigated the differences in blood serum metabolome between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients and controls. In a single-center prospective observational study, we compared metabolomic profiles in the peripheral blood of OSA patients with apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) > 15/h and control individuals. Blood was obtained at 3 different time points overnight: 21:00 p.m.; 5:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. We used a targeted approach for detecting amino acids and biogenic amines and analyzed the data with ranked general linear model for repeated measures. We recruited 31 patients with moderate-to-severe OSA and 32 controls. Significant elevations in median concentrations of alanine, proline and kynurenine in OSA patients compared to controls were detected. Significant changes in the overnight dynamics of peripheral blood concentrations occurred in OSA: glutamine, serine, threonine, tryptophan, kynurenine and glycine levels increased, whereas a fall occurred in the same biomarker levels in controls. Phenylalanine and proline levels decreased slightly, compared to a steeper fall in controls. The study indicates that serum profiles of amino acid and biogenic amines are significantly altered in patients with OSA referring to vast pathophysiologic shifts reflected in the systemic metabolism.
Survey of Medical Student Empathy at a Canadian Medical School
Authors: Adatia Safina , Tellier Pierre-Paul 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Purpose: Within a medical context, empathy is defined as "an appropriate understanding and communication of a patient's experience." While it has been established that empathy is an important quality to have as a future doctor, studies have shown that empathy in medical students declines during their clinical years. However, there are no studies to date that evaluate medical student empathy in Canada. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate medical student empathy at McGill University Medical School using the Jefferson Scale of Empathy (JSE). Methods: We used a cross-sectional study design and invited medical students across all 4 years, in October 2019, to complete the JSE. The JSE is a validated psychometric tool that measures empathy at one point in time. The survey was distributed via email and on social media. We offered the chance for participants to win a prize if they completed the survey. Results: A total of 133 students from all 4 years responded, proportionate across each year. Differences in mean questionnaire were not statistically significant for gender (p=0.364), age (p=0.2746) or specialty interest (p=0.436). The ANOVA for differences in year of medical school was significant (p=0.0104). Between groups analysis revealed a statistically significant decrease between Med-2 empathy scores (average score 117.6) and Med-3 (107.5), p<0.01. Conclusion: Our statistical analysis determined that medical students’ empathy declines between the second and third year of medical school in a Canadian context, consistent with global results. This information can help us target changes in the medical curriculum to preserve empathy in students, and prevent this decline, which could then be applied to other medical schools internationally.
WITHDRAWN: Inflammatory Metabolic Profile of South African Patients with Prostate Cancer
Authors: Cacciatore Stefano , Wium Martha , Licari Cristina , Ajayi-Smith Aderonke , Masieri Lorenzo , Anderson Chanelle , Salukazana Azola Samkele , Kaestner Lisa , Carini Marco , Carbone Giuseppina M , Catapano Carlo V. , Loda Massimo , Libermann Towia A. , Zerbini Luiz Fernando 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Men with African ancestry are more likely to develop aggressive prostate cancer (PCa) and to die from this disease. A distinct genomic landscape associated with specific ethnic groups may lead to different metabolic adaptations and inflammatory responses that permit tumor cells to proliferate and to grow. We hypothesize that a higher risk of lethal PCa in men with African ancestry may be associated with high level of systemic inflammation. Methods: In this study, plasma samples were profiled from a cohort of 41 South African men with PCa using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. A total of 41 features, including metabolites, lipid classes, total protein, and the inflammatory NMR markers, GlycA and GlycB were quantified from each NMR spectrum. The Bruker’s B.I.-LISA protocols were used to characterize 114 parameters related to the lipoproteins, such as HDL, LDL and VLDL, and their relative subclasses. The unsupervised KODAMA method was used to stratify the patients of our cohort based on their metabolic profile. Results: We found that the plasma of patients with very high risk, aggressive PCa and high level of C-reactive protein have a peculiar metabolic phenotype (metabotype) characterized by extremely high levels of GlycA and GlycB. The inflammatory processes linked to the higher level of GlycA and GlycB are characterized by a deep change of the plasma metabolome that leads the stratification of patients with PCa. We also identified a not previously relationship between high values of very-high density lipoprotein and low level of GlycB in a different metabotype of patients characterized by lower risk PCa. Conclusions: Systemic inflammation plays a role in the metabolic profile of cancer. This study advances our understanding of the relationship between metabolome and systemic inflammation in the context of PCa and opens the door to a totally innovative approach for biomarker discovery and to the development of new therapies aiming to reduce the systemic inflammation in these patients.
Effect of Surface Electrical Stimulation in a Seated Position on Pelvic Floor Muscle Functions, Urinary Leakage, and Quality of Life in Women With Stress Urinary Incontinence
Authors: Hwang Ui-jae , Lee Min-seok , Jung Sung-hoon , Kim Young-shin , Kwon Oh-yun 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe aim of this study was to demonstrate the effect of surface electrical stimulation in a seated position (SESSP), as pelvic floor muscle (PFM) training, on PFM functions (time to reach maximal pressure [TRMP], muscle strength, power and endurance), urinary leakage and quality of life in patients with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). MethodsWomen with SUI were randomized into an SESSP group (n = 18) or control group (n = 18). Quality of life were assessed by the Incontinence Quality of Life Questionnaire (I-QOL). Ultra-short pad test results and PFM functions were measured by perineometer. Changes in the outcomes were assessed before and 8 weeks after SESSP training. ResultsThirty-three participants were included in the analysis. There were significant differences in I-QOL (avoidance and limiting behaviors, psychosocial impacts, social embarrassment and total score) in between (SESSP vs. control group) and within (pre vs. post) group analyses. Significant increases in PFM strength, power, and endurance, and significant decreases in the TRMP and pad weight, were observed between (SESSP vs. control group) and within (pre vs. post) groups. ConclusionSESSP in a seated position can be recommended to improve QOL, urinary leakage, and PFM functions in SUI patients.Trial registrationCurrent Controlled Trials KCT0003357 (the date of registration: 2018.11.16) and retrospectively registered