bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlation Between Uniocular Deviation and Duction Changes Following Different Decompression Surgeries in Thyroid Eye Disease
Authors: Guo Jie , Li Xiaofeng , Ma Ruiqi , Qian Jiang 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Postoperative ocular imbalance is an important problem for orbital decompression surgery in thyroid eye disease (TED). To evaluate the changes of unilateral ocular deviation and duction following orbital decompression and discuss the possible biomechanics of ocular imbalance.Methods: Fifty-four TED patients who underwent unilateral orbital decompression were included. 15 patients underwent 1-wall (deep lateral wall) decompression, 18 patients underwent 2-wall (deep lateral and medial wall) decompression and 21 patients underwent 3-wall (deep lateral, medial and inferior wall) decompression. Objective and subjective deviation of the operated eyes compared with the fellow eyes were evaluated using prism test and synoptophore, respectively. Ocular ductions were measured using Hirschberg’s method. The diameters of extraocular rectus were measured by computed tomography.Results: Ocular deviation and duction showed no significant difference after 1-wall decompression (p=0.25~0.89). Esotropia increased after 2-wall decompression (p=0.001~0.02). Hypotropia increased after 3-wall decompression (p=0.02). Adduction increased but abduction decreased following 2-wall and 3-wall decompression (p<0.05). Infraduction increased following 3-wall decompression (p<0.001). Additionally, the increase of esotropia had significant correlations with the increase of adduction and with the decrease of abduction (r=0.37~0.63, p<0.05). There were significant correlations between the diameter of medial rectus and the increase of esotropia, the increase of adduction and the decrease of abduction postoperatively (r=0.35~0.48, p<0.05).Conclusions: The changes in ocular deviation and duction were different after 1-wall, 2-wall and 3-wall orbital decompression. The expansion of orbital cavity and the increased contractile force of rectus might be important reasons for strabismus changes following decompression surgery.
Dealing With Unspecific Clinical Phenotypes in Molecular Autopsy - HPO-Driven Whole Exome Sequencing Analysis Versus Gene Panel Testing
Authors: Schoen Ulrike , Holzer Anna , Laner Andreas , Kleinle Stephanie , Scharf Florentine , Benet-Pagès Anna , Peschel Oliver , Holinski-Feder Elke , Diebold Isabel 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Molecular autopsy represents an efficient tool to save the diagnosis in up to one-third of sudden unexplained death (SUD). A defined gene panel is usually used for the examination. Alternatively, it is possible to carry out a comprehensive genetic assessment (Whole Exome Sequencing, WES), which also identifies rare, previously unknown variants. The disadvantage is that a dramatic number of variants must be assessed to identify the causal variant. To improve the evaluation of WES, the Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO) annotation is used internationally for deep phenotyping in the field of rare disease. However, a HPO-based evaluation of WES in SUD has not been described before.Methods: We performed WES in tissue samples from 16 people after SUD. Instead of a fixed gene panel, we defined a set of HPO terms and thus created a flexible “virtual gene panel”, with the advantage, that recently identified genes are automatically associated by HPO terms in the HPO database.Results: We obtained a median value of 68,947 variants per sample. Stringent filtering ended up in a median value of 276 variants per sample. Using the HPO-driven virtual gene panel we developed an algorithm that prioritized 1.4% of the variants. Variant interpretation resulted in eleven potentially causative variants in 16 individuals. Conclusion: Our data introduce an effective diagnostic procedure in molecular autopsy of SUD with a non-specific clinical phenotype.
Future Proofing Applied Epidemiology Workforce Training for Emergency Response. A Global Survey of Applied Epidemiologists, 2019-2020
Authors: Parry Amy Elizabeth , Kirk Martyn D , Durrheim David N , Olowokure Babatunde , Colquhoun Samantha , Housen Tambri 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundRapid and effective emergency response to address health security relies heavily on a competent and suitably trained local and international workforce. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need to ensure that the health security workforce is well equipped to tackle current and future challenges. We conducted a survey to understand whether applied epidemiology training was meeting the needs of the field epidemiological workforce.MethodWe conducted a cross sectional online survey. Purposive sampling and snowballing techniques were used to identify survey respondents. Inclusion criterion was any person who self-identified as working in an applied epidemiology role. We recruited survey respondents through an online social media campaign and partnered with the Training Programs in Epidemiology and Public Health Interventions Network (TEPHINET) to directly reach field epidemiology training programme (FETP) alumni networks. Survey topics included participant demographics, technical background, formal education level, year of epidemiology training, topics studied during epidemiology training, years of experience as an epidemiologist, and their public health/epidemiology learning. The survey was available in English and French. ResultsWe received 282 responses from people with a range of formal public health and epidemiology training backgrounds. Applied epidemiology work experience of respondents spanned almost 30 years from across 64 countries. FETP alumni made up 74% (n=210) of the total. Basic outbreak and surveillance training was well reported by the respondents, however training in specialised techniques related to emergency response was not as common. Less than 50% of respondents reported receiving training in leadership and management. Training in emergency response and communications scored low across most categories. Fifty-six per cent of respondents reported learning evidence-based decision-making. FETP graduates reported higher levels of formal training in all survey topics. Conclusion﻿A specific aim of our survey was to identify the training needs of the applied epidemiology workforce. Training gaps identified included leadership, communication and social skills, as well as emergency response capacity. Our survey showed that applied epidemiology workforce training must evolve to remain relevant to current and future public health challenges.
Retention of Healthcare Workers One Year After Recruitment and Deployment in Rural Setting: an Experience Post-Ebola in Five Health Districts in Guinea
Authors: Kolie Delphin , Pas Remco Van De , Delamou Alexandre , Dioubaté Nafissatou , Beavogui Foromo Timothée , Bouedouno Patrice , Beavogui Abdoul Habib , Kaba Abdoulaye , Put Willem Van De , Damme Wim Van 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
IntroductionHealth workforce reform was undertaken in Guinea in 2016 following the Ebola outbreak to overcome the decades-long shortage and maldistribution of HCWs. This study aims to assess the effects of this programme on local health systems and its influence on HCWs turnover in rural Guinea. MethodsAn exploratory study design using a mixed-method approach was conducted in five rural health districts. Data were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire, in-depth interviews guides and documentary review. ResultsOut of the 611 HCWs officially deployed in the selected districts, 600 (98%) took-up duties. Female HCWs (64%), assistant nurses (39%), nurses (26%) and medical doctors (20%) represented the majority. Findings showed that 69% of HCWs were posted in health centres; the majority of which were medical doctors, nurses and midwives. The deployment has reportedly enhanced quality and timely data reporting. However, challenges were faced by local health authorities in the posting of HCWs including the unfamiliarity of some with primary healthcare delivery, collaboration conflicts between HCWs and the high feminization of the recruitment. One year after their deployment, 31% of the HCWs were absent from their posts. This included 59% of nurses, 29% of medical doctors and 11% of midwives. Main reasons for absenteeism were unknown (51%), continuing training (12%), illness (10%) and maternity leave (9%). Finding showed a confusion of roles and responsibilities between national and local actors in the management of HCWs; which was accentuated by lack of policy documents. ConclusionThe post-Ebola healthcare workers policy appears to have been successfully positive in the redistribution of HCWs, quality improvement of staffing levels in peripheral healthcare facilities, and the enhancing of district health offices capacities. However, greater attention should be given to the development of policy guidance documents with the full participation of all actors and a clear distinction of their roles and responsibilities for improved implementation and efficacy of this programme.
Characterization of Leading Dysregulated Plasma-Proteome Associated Genes in Patients with Gastro-Esophageal Cancers.
Authors: Vizeacoumar Frederick , Dwernychuk Lynn , Zaidi Adnan , Freywald Andrew , Vizeacoumar Franco , Ahmed Shahid 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Gastro-esophageal cancers are one of the major causes of cancer-related death in the world. There is a need for novel biomarkers in the management of gastro-esophageal cancers to identify new therapeutic targets and to yield predictive response to the available therapies. Our study aims to identify leading genes that are dysregulated (upregulated or downregulated) in patients with gastro-esophageal cancers.Methods: We examined gene expression data for those genes whose protein products can be detected in the plasma in 600 independent tumor samples and 46 matching normal tissue samples using the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) to identify leading genes that are dysregulated in patients with gastro-esophageal cancers. Non-parametric Mann-Whitney-U test was used to evaluate differential expression of genes using a cut-off of P< 0.05.Results: The comparison between tumors sample and healthy tissue showed BIRC5 (p=2.61 E-08), APOC2 (p=3.23E-08), CENPF (p=4.38E-08), STMN1 (p=5.74E-08), and HNRPC (p=8.21E-08) were the leading genes significantly overexpressed in esophageal cancer whereas CST1 (p=3.97 E-21), INHBA (p=9.22E-20), ACAN (p=1.08E-19), HSP90AB1 (p=2.62E-19), and HSPD1 (p=3.91E-19) were the leading genes that were overexpressed in stomach cancer. Conversely, C16orf89 (9.78E-08), AR (1.01E-07), CKB (1.17E-07), ADH1B (1.79E-07), and NCAM1 (2.15E-07) were the leading gene that were significantly downregulated in esophageal cancer whereas GPX3 (1.65E-19), CLEC3B (5.70E-19), CFD (5.68E-18), GSN (4.5IE-17), and CCL14 (1.12E-16) were significantly downregulated in stomach cancer. Furthermore, Stage-based examination showed stage-specific differential expression of various genes as well as stage-wise increasing or decreasing up-regulation or down-regulation of selected genes, respectively. Conclusions: The present study identified leading upregulated and downregulated genes in gastro-esophageal cancers that can be detected in the plasma proteome. These genes have potential to become diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers for early detection of cancer, recurrence following surgery and for development of targeted-treatment.
Organotypic modeling of SARS-CoV-2 lung and brainstem infection
Authors: Ferren Marion , Favede Valérie , Decimo Didier , Iampietro Mathieu , Lieberman Nicole A. P. , Weickert Jean-Luc , Pelissier Rodolphe , Mazelier Magalie , Terrier Olivier , Moscona Anne , Porotto Matteo , Greninger Alexander L. , Messaddeq Nadia , Horvat Branka , Mathieu Cyrille 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 has caused a global pandemic of Covid-19 since its emergence in December 2019. The infection causes a severe acute respiratory syndrome and may also lead to central nervous system infection and neurological sequelae. We developed and characterized two new organotypic cultures from hamster brainstem and lung tissues that offer the unique opportunity to study the early steps of the pathogenesis and screening of antivirals. Using these models, we validated the early tropism of the virus in the lung and demonstrated that SARS-CoV2 can infect brainstem and cerebellum, mainly by targeting granular neurons. Viral infection induced specific interferon and innate immune responses with patterns specific to each organ along with apoptotic, necroptotic, and pyroptotic cell death. Overall, our data illustrate the potential of rapidly modeling complex tissue level interactions of viral infection in a newly emerged virus.
Reliability of A Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Assessment of Urine Hormones and Metabolites
Authors: Newman Mark , Curran Desmond 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundMass spectrometry allows for analysis of multiple hormone and organic acid metabolites from small urine volumes; however, to assess the full extent of daily hormone production, 24-hour urine collections are usually required. The aims of this study were, first, to confirm that mass spectrometric analysis of an array of hormones and organic acids would yield similar results in both liquid and dried urine, and, second, to determine if collection of four dried spot urine samples could be substituted for a 24-hour collection when measuring reproductive hormones. MethodsTwo study populations were included in this prospective observational study. Twenty individuals collected both a spot liquid urine and dried urine on filter paper to analyze eight organic acids. A second group of 26 individuals collected both a 24-hour urine and four dried spot urines during waking hours throughout the same day for evaluation of 17 reproductive hormones and metabolites; data from 18 of these individuals were available to compare liquid versus dried urine results. Dried urine was extracted, hydrolyzed, and derivatized before analysis by mass spectrometry; all analytes from dried urine were normalized to urine creatinine. ResultsReproductive hormone results from dried and liquid urine were in excellent agreement with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) greater than 0.90; comparison of dried to liquid urine for organic acids showed good to excellent agreement (ICC range: 0.75 to 0.99). Comparison between the 4-spot urine collection and 24-hour urine collection methods showed excellent agreement (ICC>0.9) for 14 of the 17 urine metabolites and good agreement for the others (ICC 0.78 to 0.85) with no systematic differences between the two methods of collection. ConclusionsThe burden of urine collection can be reduced using collection of four spot dried urines on filter paper without compromising comparability with hormone results from a 24-hour urine collection. A large number of urine analytes can be assessed from the dried urine with similar results to those from liquid urine. Given the ease of sample handling, this 4-spot dried urine assay would be useful for both clinical assessment of patients and for large epidemiologic studies.
How to Predict SARS-COV2 Infection in Patient Admitted in Emergency Department: A Prospective Cohort Study.
Authors: BALEN Frederic , CHAPENTIER Sandrine , AUBOIROUX Paul-Henri , NOEL-SAVINA Elise , SANS Nicolas , GROUTEAU Gaspard , RAYNAUD Anne , HEBRARD Manon , DUBUCS Xavier , HOUZE-CERFON Charles-Henri , COLINEAUX Hélène 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background. In order to rapidly identifying patients with a low probability of being infected by COVID19 to quickly refer them to specialized departments, the objective of our study was to develop a clinical predictive model of infection by COVID19 in patients attending the ED for respiratory symptoms or unexplained fever.Methods. We included all patients over 15 years old, admitted in one of the 2 emergency departments of Toulouse University Hospital between March 13 and March 31 for respiratory symptoms (dyspnea, cough), or fever (or sensation of fever) of unknown origin, and potentially requiring hospitalization. COVID19 infection was assessed by CT-SCAN and RT-PCR. All the candidate predictors were variables collected during the first clinical examination. Internal validation of the final model was performed using the bootstrap procedure. We performed a temporal validation in the same way on patients included between April 1 and April 13.Results. 772 patients were included. The prevalence of COVID19 was 25.5%. There were 19 predictors in the final model. The corrected-by-optimism area under the curve was 0.86 (95%CI = [0.83;0.89]). For a threshold at 10%, the sensitivity was 92%., the specificity was 56%, and the false negative rate was 5%. In secondary data, including 387 patients, the prevalence of COVID19 was 15%. The area under the curve was 0.73 (95%CI = [0.63;0.83]). For the same threshold, the sensitivity was 78%, the specificity was 48%, and the false negative rate was 7%Conclusion. We have developed a predictive tool of COVID19 infection for patients attending the ED. It could safely reduce admission in COVID19 dedicated unit in ED and prevent its overcrowding.Trial registration number: NCT: RC31/20/0149
High Prevalence of Germline Mutations in Cancer Susceptibility Genes in Thai Patients with Clinical Spectrum of Hereditary Breast-Ovarian Cancer Syndrome
Authors: Lertwilaiwittaya Pongtawat , Roothumnong Ekkapong , Nakthong Panee , Dungort Peerawat , Meesamarnpong Chutima , Tansa-Nga Warisara , Pongsuktavorn Khontawan , Wiboonthanasarn Supakit , Tititumjariya Warunya , Thongnoppakhun Wanna , Chanprasert Sirisak , Limwongse Chanin , Pithukpakorn Manop 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Germline genetic mutation plays a significant role in breast cancer susceptibility. The strength of such predisposition varies among ethnic groups across the globe, and clinical data from Asian population to develop a strategic approach to who should undergo a genetic test are lacking. Methods: We performed a multigene test with next generation sequencing in our 5-year hereditary breast-ovarian cancer spectrum cohort consists of 306 breast cancer patients, 62 ovarian cancer patients, 14 pancreatic cancer patients and 7 prostatic cancer patients. Results: There were 83 pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) variants identified in 104 patients, 44 of these P/LP variants were novel. We reported a high rate of germline P/LP variants in breast cancer (24%), ovarian cancer (37%), pancreatic cancer (14%), and prostatic cancer (29%). Germline P/LP variants in BRCA1 and BRCA2 accounted for 80% of P/LP variants found in breast cancer and 57% of P/LP variants found in ovarian cancer. The detection rate of NCCN 2019 guideline for genetic/familial high-risk assessment of breast and ovarian cancers was 22-40%. Conclusion: Overall, the data from this study strongly support the consideration of multigene panel test as a diagnostic tool for patients with hereditary breast-ovarian cancer spectrum in Thailand.
Catalyst-loaded Micro-encapsulated Phase Change Material for Thermal Control of Exothermic Reaction
Authors: Takahashi Tatsuya , Koide Hiroaki , Sakai Hiroki , Ajito Daisuke , Kurniawan Ade , Kunisada Yuji , Nomura Takahiro 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
CO2 methanation is a promising technology to enable the use of CO2 as a resource. Thermal control of CO2 methanation, which is a highly active exothermic reaction, is important to avoid thermal runaway and subsequent degradation of the catalyst. Using the heat storage capacity of a phase change material (PCM) for thermal control of the reaction is a novel passive approach. In this study a novel structure was developed, wherein catalysts were directly loaded onto a micro-encapsulated PCM (MEPCM). The MEPCM was prepared in three steps consisting of a boehmite treatment, precipitation treatment, and heat oxidation treatment, and an impregnation process was adopted to prepare a Ni catalyst. The catalyst-loaded MEPCM did not show any breakage or deformation of the capsule or a decrease in the heat storage capacity after the impregnation treatment. MEPCM demonstrated a higher potential as an alternative catalyst support in CO2 methanation than the commercially available α-Al2O3 particle. In addition, the heat storage capacity of the catalyst-loaded MEPCM suppressed the temperature rise of the catalyst bed at a high heat absorption rate (2.4 MW m-3). In conclusion, ​the catalyst-loaded MEPCM is a high-speed, high-precision thermal control device because of its high-density energy storage and resolution of a spatial gap between the catalyst and cooling devices. This novel concept has the potential to overcome the technical challenges faced by efficiency enhancement of industrial chemical reactions.
Co-reactant Free Novel Self-enhanced Solid-state ECL Platform of Polyluminol-gold Nanocomposite for Highly Selective and Sensitive Signal-on Detection of Hg2+ ion
Authors: Chikkili Venkateswara Raju , Shanmugam Senthil Kumar 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Development of self-enhanced solid-state ECL platform creates a straightforward experimental design for the fabrication of point-of-care applications. Herein, we develop a promising method for self-enhanced solid-state ECL platform of polyluminol gold nanocomposite on glassy carbon electrode ((PL-Au)nano/GCE) via simple one step electrochemical deposition process without involving any additional co-reactants. The presence of AuNPs augments the electron transfer kinetics of PL and enhances the solid-state ECL intensity and promotes label free, excellent sensitivity, and selectivity to detect Hg2+ in physiological pH through signal-on mode. Unlike pristine PL/GCE, electrochemically co-deposited AuNPs in the (PL-Au)nano/GCE composite, enable the co-reactant accelerator by improving the catalytic activity of PL towards oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) yielding in-situ ROS (co-reactant) generation. Further, the ECL intensity of (PL-Au)nano/GCE composite, gradually increases by each addition of Hg2+ ion. This is because of the formation of an amalgamation of Au-Hg on (PL-Au)nano/GCE composite surface which further accelerate the yield of in-situ ROS and enhance the intensity of ECL. Whereas no ECL signals changes were observed for PL/GCE composite. The proposed self-enhanced solid-state ECL platform is selectively sensing the Hg2+ ion in the linear range of 0.3 nM to 200 nM with a detection limit of 0.1 nM. The demonstrated (PL-Au)nano/GCE platform might pave new avenues for further studies in the solid-state ECL platform which could be more useful in on-site monitoring of clinical bioassay and immunosensors.