bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Utilization of Modified Rhomboid Flap to Reconstruct Limb Defect after Wide Resection of Large Soft-tissue Sarcoma: Novel Application of an Old Technique
Authors: Liang Miaomiao , Chen Yu 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Reconstruction of limb defects following wide resection of large soft-tissue sarcomas (STS) is challenging. Effectiveness of rhomboid flaps in covering these wounds remains to be addressed. Methods: From March 2018 through February 2019, we utilized modified rhomboid flaps to reconstruct limb defects following wide resection of the large STS (≥5 cm in diameter) in 6 patients. There were 3 males and 3 females. The average age was 65 years (47-77 years). Diagnoses included leiomyosarcoma in 3 patients, synovial sarcoma, undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma, and myxoid liposarcoma in 1 respectively. The anatomic locations included the anterior knee in 3 cases, upper arm in 2, and thigh in 1. The mean diameter of the tumor measured 10 cm (5-17 cm). The mean defect size was 113 cm2(38-270 cm2). Results: The mean follow-up duration was 10 months (range, 6-12 months), no patients were lost to follow-up. Skin grafts were utilized in 2 cases. The mean time to heal was 7 weeks (range, 3-13 weeks). At final follow-up, there were no recurrence and metastasis. One case had cerebral hemorrhage and 1 had wound dehiscence, whereas no reoperation was performed. The range of motion of the joints adjacent to the flap reconstructions were comparable to preoperative status. The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score was 27 (range, 24-30). Conclusions: The modified rhomboid flap affords great versatility and is easy to design. This technique yields satisfactory effectiveness in reconstructing limb defects after resection of large STS. Long-term studies of large sample size are warranted.
Strategies for Diagnosis of Fetal right atrium dilation: Based on fetal cardiac anatomy and hemodynamics
Authors: Zhao Leisheng , Wang Yu , Zhang Ying 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background Fetal right atrium (RA) dilation is frequently detected in routine screenings while it remains a challenge to clarify the reasons. This study aimed to analyze the cardiac anatomy and hemodynamics of fetal RA dilation and the changes of hemodynamic indexes. Methods 420 fetuses with RA dilation were included, which were classified into 4 types: volume overload (Group A, n=117), pressure overload (Group B, n=85), Ebstein’s anomaly (Group C, n=16), and physiological enlargement (Group D, n=202). All the types was divided into two control groups according to different gestational weeks (19-31 gestational weeks and 32-36 gestational weeks). The ratio of RA and left atrium (RA/LA) were measured at Four-chamber view (4CV) . Peak velocity of tricuspid regurgitation (V TR ) was recorded in each diseases. Results RA/LA in 19-31GW were: A: 1.45±0.24, B: 1.28±0.15, C: 1.22±0.10, D: 1.28±0.18. RA/LA in 32-36GW were: A: 1.68±0.25, B: 1.46±0.23, C: 1.64±0.19, D: 1.45±0.27. V TR in Group B (3.29±0.58 m/s) was higher than that in Group A (1.85±0.49 m/s), C (1.86±0.22 m/s), and D (0.88±0.45 m/s), respectively. As for V TR, there was statistical significance among the ductus arteriosus anomalies (3.98±0.41 m/s), the pulmonary artery anomalies (3.03±0.38 m/s) and the restrictive FO (2.23±0.30 m/s) (all P<0.05). Conclusions We proposed a protocol by which fetal cardiac anatomy and hemodynamics was used to clarify the reasons of fetal RA dilation. We compared the degree of right atrial enlargement in different types of diseases. We also provided a reference value of V TR for each type of reasons of RA dilation.
Comparing Clinical Outcomes of Piperacillin-Tazobactam Administration and Dosage Strategies in Critically Ill Adult Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Fawaz Sarah , Barton Stephen , Nabhani-Gebara Shereen 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Recently, continuous administration of piperacillin-tazobactam has been proposed as a valuable alternative to traditional intermittent administration especially in critically ill patients. However, antibiotic dosing remains a challenge for clinicians as antibiotic dosing regimens are usually determined in non-critically-ill hospitalized adult patients. The aim was to conduct a systematic review to identify and highlight studies comparing clinical outcomes of piperacillin tazobactam dosing regimens, continuous/prolonged infusion vs intermittent infusion in critically ill patients. Meta-analyses were performed to assess the overall effect of dosing regimen on clinical efficacy. Methods: Studies were identified systematically through searches of PubMed and Science Direct, in compliance with PRISMA guidelines. Following the systematic literature review, meta-analyses were performed using Review Manager. Results: Twenty-three studies were included in the analysis involving 3828 critically ill adult participants in total (continuous/prolonged infusion = 2197 and intermittent infusion = 1631) from geographically diverse regions. Continuous/prolonged resulted in significantly: higher clinical cure rates (OR 1.56, 95% C.I 1.28-1.90, P = 0 .0001), lower mortality rates (OR 0.68, 95% C.I 0.55-0.84, P = 0 .0003), higher microbiological success rates (OR 1.52, 95% C.I 1.10-2.11, P = 0.01) and decreasing the length of hospital stay (OR -1.27, 95% C.I -2.45—0.08, P = 0.04) in critically ill patients. Conclusion: There is a significant level of evidence that clinical outcome in critically ill patients is improved in patients receiving piperacillin-tazobactam via continuous/prolonged infusion. Therefore, this alternative infusion strategy could be recommended in clinical practice.
Long-term outcomes of tracheal stents removal under fluoroscopy guidance: comparison of tracheal fistulas with tracheal stenosis
Authors: Bi Yonghua , Li Jianzhuang , Bai Liangliang , Wu Gang , Han Xinwei , Ren Jianzhuang 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: No study compared the techniques and complications of stent removal under fluoroscopy guidance for tracheal fistula and tracheal stenosis.Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 152 patients who underwent fluoroscopy-guided stent removal from January 2011 to June 2017. Eighty-five patients underwent stent removal for tracheal fistula (TF group), and 67 patients for tracheal stenosis (TS group). All patients underwent tracheal CT scans before stent removal and during follow up. The technical success rate, complications, survival rate were compared between the two groups.Results: The technical success rate of stent removal was 98.9% and 97.4% for tracheal fistula and tracheal stenosis, respectively. Except for the routine removal for half of patients, excessive granulation tissue was the common indications for stent removal, which was found 142.1±25.9 days later for tracheal fistula, and 89.9±15.0 day for tracheal stenosis. The total incidence of complications was 21.1% and 22.4% for tracheal fistula and tracheal stenosis, respectively. One perioperative death of asphyxia was found in TF group, and 2 deaths in TS group. Recurrence of fistula or stenosis requiring stenting was the most comment complication in both groups. The 0.5-, 3-, 6-year survival rates were 90.3%, 59.6%, and 36.1% for TF group, and 80.4%, 75.7%, 75.7% for TS group.Conclusions: Fluoroscopic removal of tracheal stent is safe and effective for both tracheal fistula and tracheal stenosis, with no significant difference. Recurrence of fistula or stenosis requiring stenting was the most comment complication.
Chronic hypoxaemia and gender status modulate adiponectin pathway in severe COPD patients: new endotypic presentation?
Authors: Pierard Mélany , Tassin Alexandra , Legrand Antoine , Legrand Alexandre 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Disease progression in COPD patient is associated to lung function decline, leading to a higher risk of hypoxaemia and associated comorbidities, notably cardiovascular diseases (CV). Gender is also known to influence CV risk. Adiponectin (Ad), a cardio-protective hormone, was suggested as a biomarker for COPD risk management. However, determinants and consequences of Ad pathway modulation in COPD are unknown and gender specificities are poorly understood. We postulated that hypoxaemia and gender could influence Ad pathway and contribute to the appearance of a distinct endotype associated to an altered CV risk.Methods: The Ad plasmatic (Adpl) level and proportion of its different forms were evaluated in hypoxemic and non-hypoxemic COPD men or women. The relationship between these measures and BMI, blood gas analysis (PaO2, PaCO2), or lung function (FEV1, FEV1/FVC, TLCO, TLC, RV) were tested.Results: Despite similar age, BMI and obstruction severity, women had a higher TLC and RV than men. Adpl level was higher in women and negatively associated with hyperinflation and hypercapnia. The proportion of the most active forms of Ad (HMW) is increased in hypoxemic women but not in men. A positive correlation between TLCO and HMW form proportion was observed in hypoxemic men, whereas a negative correlation was detected in non-hypoxemic men.Conclusion: Physiopathology of COPD seems to be gender specific. Hypoxaemia, hypercapnia and hyperinflation are associated to gender-specific Ad pathway alterations. Given CV properties of Ad, the impact of such modulation on co-morbidities development have to be considered in future studies.
Genetic diversity and genotype multiplicity of Plasmodium falciparum infection in patients with uncomplicated malaria in Chewaka district, Ethiopia
Authors: Abamecha Abdulhakim , El-Abid Hassan , Yilma Daniel , Addisu Wondimagegn , Ibenthal Achim , Bayih Abebe Genetu , Noedl Harald , Yewahlaw Delenesaw , Moumni Mohieddine , Abdissa Alemseged 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Genetic diversity in Plasmodium falciparum poses a major threat to malaria control and elimination interventions. Characterization of the genetic diversity of Plasmodium falciparum strains can be used to assess intensity of parasite transmission and identify potential deficiencies in malaria control programmes, which provides vital information to evaluating malaria elimination efforts. In this study, we investigated the P. falciparum genetic diversity and genotype multiplicity of infection in parasite isolates from cases with uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria in Southwest Ethiopia.Methods: A total of 80 P. falciparum microscopy and qPCR positive blood samples were collected from study participants aged six months to sixty years, who visited the health facilities during the evaluation of a therapeutic efficacy study of arthemeter-lumefantrine from September-December, 2017. Polymorphic regions of the msp-1 and msp-2 were genotyped by nested polymerase chain reactions (nPCR) followed by gel electrophoresis for fragment analysis.Results: Of 80 qPCR-positive samples analyzed for polymorphisms on msp-1 and msp-2 genes, the efficiency of msp-1 and msp-2 gene amplification reactions with family-specific primers were 95 % and 98.8%, respectively. A total of 29 msp alleles (10 for msp-1and 19 for msp-2) were detected. In msp-1, K1 was the predominant allelic family detected in 47.7% (42/88) of the samples followed by Mad20 and RO33. For msp-2, the frequency of FC27 and IC/3D7 were 77% (57/74) and 76% (56/74), respectively. Eighty percent (80%) of isolates had multiple genotypes and the overall mean multiplicity of infection was 3.2 (95% CI: 2.87- 3.46). The heterozygosity index was 0.43, and 0.85 for msp-1 and msp-2, respectively. There was no significant association between multiplicity of infection and age or parasite density.Conclusions: The study revealed high levels of genetic diversity and mixed-strain infections of P. falciparum populations in Chewaka district, Ethiopia; reflecting both the endemicity level and malaria transmission remained high and more strengthened control efforts are needed in Ethiopia.
Measurement for p–3He elastic scattering with a 65 MeV polarized proton beam
Authors: Nakai Shinnosuke , Sekiguchi Kimiko , Miki Kenjiro , Watanabe Atomu , Shibuya Shun , Watanabe Masataka , Kawahara Katsumasa , Sakai Daisuke , Wada Y. , Umetsu Hiroo , Itoh Masatoshi , Hatanaka Kichiji , Tamii Atsushi , Kobayashi N. , Inoue A. , Nakamura S. , Wakasa Tomotsugu , Mitsumoto Shinji , Ohshiro H. , Goto Syuhei , Maeda Yukie , Sakai Hideyuki 
Published: February 2020

We measured the cross section and the proton analyzing power
A_yAy
for pp–^33He
elastic scattering at the angles \theta = 26.9^{\circ}θ=26.9∘–170.1^{\circ}170.1∘
in the center of mass system with a 65 MeV polarized proton beam. We
compared the data with the rigorous numerical calculations based on the
various nucleon–nucleon potentials. For the cross section, clear
discrepancy is seen at the angles where the cross section takes minimum.
For the proton analyzing power A_yAy,
the calculations have moderate agreements with the data. In this
proceedings, we show only the experimental results.
Biograficzne trajektorie sylwetek uczonych jako perspektywa ujmowania ludzkich warunków tego, co specyficznie ludzkie
Authors: Gara Jarosław 
Published: February 2020

Recenzja książki: Uczeni z odległej i nieodległej przeszłości. Rekonstrukcje. Interpretacje. Refleksje. (2019). Żywczok A., Kitlińska-Król M. (red.). Katowice: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Śląskiego, 184 s.
Hospice Volunteers – Their Social and Emotional Competences
Authors: Seredyńska Anna 
Published: February 2020

Przedmiotem artykułu są kompetencje społeczne i emocjonalne, które mają podstawowe znaczenie dla wolontariuszy posługujących w hospicjach. Celem autorki jest opracowanie metody umożliwiającej określenie poziomu kompetencji społecznych i emocjonalnych, którymi dysponują kandydaci na wolontariuszy. Wiedza ta będzie przydatna w procesie rekrutacji wolontariuszy do posługi przy chorych i umierających. W części teoretycznej artykułu wyjaśniono, czym jest hospicjum, jakie miejsce zajmują w jego strukturze wolontariusze i jakie stawia się wobec nich oczekiwania odnośnie kompetencji. W części dotyczącej badania główny problem badawczy brzmi: Jakie kompetencje społeczne i emocjonalne posiadają kandydaci na wolontariuszy hospicyjnych? Na podstawie uzyskanych wyników można stwierdzić, że szczególnie cenione są kompetencje emocjonalne związane wynikające z dojrzałości osobowej.
Pre-service teachers’ Perceived Concerns and Benefits during Practicum
Authors: Pekoz Bayram 
Published: February 2020

The study focused on pre-service teachers’ benefits from teaching practice, and the problems they experienced during practicum. Using document analysis method, the data were obtained from their portfolios which included self-evaluation forms, weekly journal entries, and summary reports of their teaching experience. The results indicate that a) teaching practice is a turning point for pre-service teachers, b) it was the practicum opportunity rather than the coordinating teachers’ support that mattered, c) selection of the coordinating teachers was not done effectively, d) longer-service coordinating teachers followed conventional methods, e) the more practical the university courses the less problems the pre-service teachers experienced.
Is Galanin a Promising Therapeutic Resource for Neural and Nonneural Diseases?
Authors: Oliveira Volpe Caroline Maria , Vaz Tatiana , Rocha-Silva Fabiana , Villar-Delfino Pedro Henrique , Nogueira-Machado José Augusto 
Published: February 2020

Background:
Galanin (GAL) constitutes a family of neuropeptides composed of four peptides:
(i) galanin (GAL), (ii) galanin-message associated peptide (GAMP), (iii) galanin-like peptide
(GALP), and (iv) alarin. GAL contains 29/30 amino acids, and its biological action occurs through the
interactions with its various receptors (GALR1, GALR2, and GALR3). The neuropeptide GAL regulates
several physiological and pathophysiological functions in the central nervous system, the peripheral
nervous system, and the peripheral organs. GAL is secreted mainly by oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, and
the gastrointestinal tract, and its effect depends on the interaction with its different receptors. These receptors
are expressed mainly in the central, peripheral nervous systems and the intestines.

Objective:
The present review evaluates the role of GAL family in inflammatory diseases. An overview
is given of the signaling and pharmacological effects due to the interaction between GAL and
GALR in different cell types. The potential use of GAL as a therapeutic resource is critically discussed.

Conclusion:
GAL is suggested to have an anti-inflammatory function in some situations and a proinflammatory
function in others. The literature on GAL is controversial and currently not conclusive.
This could be due to the complexity of the metabolic network signaling induced by the interactions between
GAL and GALR. In the next future, GAL might be a promising therapeutic resource for several
diseases, but its practical use for disease control is presently not advisable.
Analysis of Vpr Genetic Variations between Chinese Major Circulating Recombinants CRF01_AE and CRF07_BC
Authors: Du Ling , Wang Lina , Yu Tong , Xin Ruolei , Meng Zhefeng 
Published: February 2020

Background:
HIV-1 CRF01_AE and CRF07_BC recombinant strains are responsible for
more than 80% of new infections in China since the beginning of the 2000s. These two strains may
have distinct genetic mutations, which resulted in distinct patterns of pathogenesis related to the viral
gene, Vpr.

Objective:
The amino acid pattern and genetic diversity of Vpr were analyzed and characterized in
HIV-1 CRF01_AE and CRF07_BC HIV-1 strains.

Methods:
The Vpr gene was amplified from extracted viral RNA and DNA sequencing was performed
using an ABI3730 analyzer. The positional amino acid composition, genetic variation and
distance of Vpr sequence were analyzed by Bio-Edit 7.2 and Mega 6.01 software packages.

Results:
A total of 162 CRF01_AE and 80 CRF07_BC derived Vpr sequences were obtained by
DNA sequencing. CRF01_AE patients showed higher viral load and lower CD4 counts than
CRF07_BC patients (P<0.05). Higher genetic distance and more polymorphic amino acids were
found in CRF01_AE Vpr than CRF07_BC Vpr (P<0.05). The common conservative amino acid region
was identified as 29EAVRHFP35 in both CRF07_BC and CRF01_AE. Of note, the R77Q mutation
was found in both the most recently Chinese derived CRF07_BC and CRF01_AE Vpr.

Conclusion:
CRF01_AE derived Vpr has higher genetic variation and pathogenesis in comparison
to the CRF07_BC strain.
Exploring the Protective Effect of ShenQi Compound on Skeletal Muscle in Diabetic Macrovasculopathy Mice
Authors: Duan Yuhong , Gao Hong , Su Hongxia , Liu Aixia , Liu Ya , Yuan Haipo , Xie Chunguang 
Published: February 2020

Objective:
ShenQi compound (SQC) is a traditional herbal formula, which has been used to
treat Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and complications for years. The aim of this study was to explore
the preventive and protective effects of SQC recipe on the skeletal muscle of diabetic macrovasculopathy
mice, which provides a theoretical basis for the clinical use of this formula.

Methods:
We evaluated the effect of SQC in a diabetic vasculopathy mouse model by detecting a series
of blood indicators (blood glucose, lipids and insulin) and performing histological observations.
Meanwhile, we explored the molecular mechanism of SQC treatment on skeletal muscle by genome
expression profiles.

Results:
The results indicated that SQC could effectively improve blood glucose, serum lipids (total
cholesterol (TC), Triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density
lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)) and insulin (INS) levels in diabetic vasculopathy mice, as well as
alleviating skeletal muscle tissue damage for diabetic macrovasculopathy. Meanwhile, compared with
rosiglitazone, SQC showed a better effect on blood glucose fluctuation. Moreover, the gene microarray
analysis indicated that SQC might improve T2DM by affecting biological functions related to cell
death and cell adhesion. Moreover, 7 genes (Celsr2, Rilpl1, Dlx6as, 2010004M13Rik, Anapc13,
Gm6097, Ddx39b) might be potential therapeutic targets of SQC.

Conclusion:
All these results indicate that SQC is an effective preventive and protective drug for
skeletal muscle in diabetic macrovasculopathy, and could alleviate skeletal muscle tissue damage
through affecting biological functions related to cell death and cell adhesion.
Accentuate the Positive: Strengths-Based Therapy for Adolescents
Authors: Yuen Eunice , Sadhu Julie , Pfeffer Cynthia , Sarvet Barry , Daily R. Susan , Dowben Jonathan , Jackson Kamilah , Schowalter John , Shapiro Theodore , Stubbe Dorothy 
Published: February 2020

Purpose:
The field of psychiatry has conventionally employed a medical model in
which mental health disorders are diagnosed and treated. However, the evidence is amassing
that using a strengths-based approach that promotes wellness by engaging the patient’s assets
and interests may work in synergy with the medical model to promote recovery. This harmonizes
with the patient-centered care model that has been promoted by the Institute of Medicine.

Methods:
The article uses a clinical case to highlight the attributes of a strength-based model
in the psychiatric treatment of adolescents.

Results:
Outcome metrics from a number of studies have demonstrated enhanced youth and
parent satisfaction and decreased use of hospital level of care with the implementation of
strengths-based therapeutic modalities.

Implications:
Incorporating strengths-based interventions into conventional psychiatric practice
provides a multi-faceted treatment approach that promotes recovery in children and adolescents
with psychiatric disorders.
Enhanced Pharmacokinetic Activity of Zotepine via Nanostructured Lipid Carrier System in Wistar Rats for Oral Application
Authors: Tirumalesh Cernam , Suram Dinesh , Dudhipala Narendar , Banala Nagaraj 
Published: February 2020

Background:
Zotepine (ZT) is a substituted dibenzothiepine tricyclic molecule
and second generation antipsychotic drug. It is available as the parenteral and oral solid
dosage form, but, orally administered ZT has a poor oral bioavailability (10%) that might
be due to either poor water solubility, high lipophilicity (Log P 4) and also first-pass hepatic
metabolism.

Objective:
The oral bioavailability of ZT was improved by loading into a nanostructured
lipid carriers (NLCs) system.

Methods:
Hot homogenization with probe sonication method was used for the preparation
of ZT-NLCs formulations and characterized for an optimal system based on physicochemical
characteristics and in vitro release. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction
(XRD) analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies were used to
confirm the crystalline nature and shape of the optimized ZT-NLC formulation. The physical
stability of the optimized ZT-NLC formulation was evaluated at the refrigerator and
room temperature over two months. Furthermore, in vivo pharmacokinetic (PK) studies of
optimized ZT-NLC and ZT coarse suspension (ZT-CS) as control formulation, were conducted
in male Wistar rats.

Results:
The optimized formulation of ZT-NLC showed Z-avg, PDI, ZP of 145.8 ± 2.5 nm,
0.18 ± 0.05, -31.6 ± 1.8 mV, respectively. In vitro release studies indicated the sustained
release of ZT. DSC and XRD studies revealed the conversion of ZT into an amorphous
form. SEM studies showed the spherical shape of the ZT-NLC formulation. PK studies
showed 1.8-folds improvement (p<0.05) in oral bioavailability when compared with ZTCS
formulation.

Conclusion:
Overall, the results established that NLCs could be used as a new alternative
delivery vehicle for the oral delivery of ZT.