bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Suzor forceps training by studying obstetric anal sphincter injuries: a retrospective study
Authors: COSTE MAZEAU Perrine , BOUKEFFA Nedjma , TICAUD BOILEAU Nathalie , HUET Samantha , TRAVERSE Maud , EYRAUD Jean-Luc , LAGUERRE Alexine , CATALAN Cyrille , RIEDL Cécilia 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundInstrumental deliveries are an unavoidable part of obstetric practice. Dedicated training is needed for each instrument. To identify when a trainee resident can be entrusted with instrumental deliveries by Suzor forceps by studying obstetric anal sphincter injuries.MethodsA French retrospective observational study of obstetric anal sphincter injuries due to Suzor forceps deliveries performed by trainee residents was conducted from November 2008 to November 2016 at Limoges University Hospital. Perineal lesion risk factors were studied. Sequential use of a vacuum extractor and then forceps was also analyzed.ResultsTwenty-one residents performed 1530 instrumental deliveries, which included 1164 (76.1%) using forceps and 89 (5.8%) with sequential use of a vacuum extractor and then forceps. Third and fourth degree perineal tears were diagnosed in 82 patients (6.5%). Residents caused fewer obstetric anal sphincter injuries after 23.82 (+/− 0.8) deliveries by forceps (p = 0.0041), or after 2.36 (+/− 0.7) semesters of obstetrical experience (p = 0.0007). No obese patient (body mass index> 30) presented obstetric anal sphincter injuries (p = 0.0013). There were significantly fewer obstetric anal sphincter injuries after performance of episiotomy (p <  0.0001), and more lesions in the case of the occipito-sacral position (p = 0.028). Analysis of sequential instrumentation did not find any additional associated risk.ConclusionTraining in the use of Suzor forceps requires extended mentoring in order to reduce obstetric anal sphincter injuries. A stable level of competence was found after the execution of at least 24 forceps deliveries or after 3 semesters (18 months) of obstetrical experience.
The impact of TSH levels on clinical outcomes 14 days after frozen-thawed embryo transfer
Authors: Zhang Yuchao , Wu Wenbin , Liu Yanli , Guan Yichun , Wang Xingling , Jia Liting 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of TSH levels on clinical outcomes 14 days after frozen-thawed embryo transfer.

Methods
Blood samples were collected on the first visit to our department and 14 days after embryo transfer. Women were divided into three groups based on D14 TSH levels, which were compared to basal TSH levels in groups with different clinical outcomes. TSH levels between pregnant and nonpregnant women were also compared.

Results
The clinical pregnancy rate in women with lower TSH levels 14 days after transfer was slightly but significantly lower (56%, P = 0.05) compared to those with higher TSH levels. Furthermore, TSH levels were significantly elevated 14 days after transfer compared to basal TSH levels in pregnant women and in women who successfully became pregnant (P < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusions
Elevated TSH levels 14 days after embryo transfer compared to basal TSH levels seem to play a protective role and predict favorable clinical outcomes under specific conditions.
A nuclear transport-related gene signature combined with IDH mutation and 1p/19q codeletion better predicts the prognosis of glioma patients
Authors: Zhu Zheng , Lan Yang , Wang Lihong , Ge Jia , Wang Jiao , Liu Feng , He Zhicheng , Zhang Hua , Luo Min , Lin Dandan , Tan Yaoyao , Xu Yuanyuan , Luo Tao 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
The nuclear transport system has been proposed to be indispensable for cell proliferation and invasion in cancers. Prognostic biomarkers and molecular targets in nuclear transport systems have been developed. However, no systematic analysis of genes related to nuclear transport in gliomas has been performed. An integrated prognostic classification involving mutation and nuclear transport gene signatures has not yet been explored.

Methods
In the present study, we analyzed gliomas from a training cohort (TCGA dataset, n = 660) and validation cohort (CGGA dataset, n = 668) to develop a prognostic nuclear transport gene signature and generate an integrated classification system. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) showed that glioblastoma (GBM) was mainly enriched in nuclear transport progress compared to lower-grade glioma (LGG). Then, we developed a nuclear transport risk score (NTRS) for gliomas with a training cohort. NTRS was significantly correlated with clinical and genetic characteristics, including grade, age, histology, IDH status and 1p/19q codeletion, in the training and validation cohorts.

Results
Survival analysis revealed that patients with a higher NTRS exhibited shorter overall survival. NTRS showed better prognostic value compared to classical molecular markers, including IDH status and 1p/19q codeletion. Furthermore, univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that NTRS was an independent prognostic factor for gliomas. Enrichment map and Gene Ontology analysis demonstrated that signaling pathways related to the cell cycle were enriched in the NTRSHigh group. Subgroup survival analysis revealed that NTRS could differentiate the outcomes of low- and high-risk patients with wild-type IDH or mutant IDH and 1p/19q non-codeletion.

Conclusions
NTRS is associated with poor outcomes and could be an independent prognostic marker in diffuse gliomas. Prognostic classification combined with IDH mutation, 1p/19q codeletion and NTRS could better predict the survival of glioma patients.
Professionalism in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioners: a qualitative study
Authors: Kwan Yu Heng , Chooi Sarah , Yoon Sungwon , Ang Xiang Ling , Phang Jie Kie , Koh Hwee Ling , Thumboo Julian , Ng Swee Cheng , Fong Warren 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Medical professionalism is important for establishing public trust in doctors. Its definition is culture-sensitive. However, no research has explored medical professionalism in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners. This study aims to (a) establish the domains of professionalism in TCM practitioners in Singapore, and to (b) compare the domains of professionalism of practitioners trained in TCM and practitioners trained in conventional medicine.

Methods
Data for this qualitative study was collected through in-depth interviews (IDIs) with TCM practitioners. IDIs were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was conducted by two independent coders using the Professionalism Mini-Evaluation Exercise (P-MEX) as a framework. The domains of professionalism in TCM and conventional medicine were then compared, using data from a similar study on professionalism in practitioners trained in conventional medicine.

Results
A total of 27 TCM practitioners (40.7% male) participated in this study. The four domains of professionalism in the P-MEX, namely doctor-patient relationship skills, reflective skills, time management and inter-professional relationship skills, and two new sub-domains, “communicated effectively with patient” and “demonstrated understanding and integrated with conventional medicine”, were relevant to TCM practitioners. This is largely similar to that of practitioners trained in conventional medicine, with a few differences, including “ensured continuity of care” and “used health resources appropriately”.

Conclusion
The domains of professionalism in TCM practitioners were established and they are similar to that of practitioners trained in conventional medicine. This study is the first to define medical professionalism in TCM practitioners. Findings will provide guidance on the education of professionalism in TCM practitioners.
Emodin protected against retinal ischemia insulted neurons through the downregulation of protein overexpression of β-catenin and vascular endothelium factor
Authors: Chao Howard Wen-Haur , Chen Yu-Kuang , Liu Jorn-Hon , Pan Hwai-Tzong , Lin Hsin-May , Chao Hsiao-Ming 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Emodin has been proved to have an anti-ischemic effect on the brain, however little research has been done on its effect on vision-threatening retinal ischemia. Thus, an investigation was carried out into the hypothetical efficacy of emodin against retinal ischemia and the role of β-catenin/VEGF in its therapeutic mechanism.

Methods
Retinal ischemia, followed by reperfusion (IR), was inducted by raising the intraocular pressure of a Wistar rat’s eye to 120 mmHg for 60 min. Additionally, pre-ischemic/post-ischemic intravitreous injections of emodin (4, 10 and 20 μM) or vehicle were carried out on the eye with retinal ischemia. MTT assay, electroretinograms, cresyl violet staining retinal thickness measurements, and fluorogold retrograde labelling of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) as well as Western blotting were carried out.

Results
Cultured RGC-5 cells subjected to oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD) were used to confirm the effective concentrations of emodin (administered 1 h pre-OGD, pre-OGD emodin). The most effective and significant (P = 0.04) dose of pre-OGD emodin was observed at 0.5 μM (cell viability: 47.52 ± 3.99%) as compared to pre-OGD vehicle treatment group (38.30 ± 2.51%). Furthermore, pre-ischemic intravitreous injection of 20 μM emodin (Emo20 + IR = 0.99 ± 0.18, P < 0.001) significantly attenuated the ischemia induced reduction in ERG b-wave amplitude, as compared to pre-ischemic intravitreous vehicle (Vehicle+IR = 0.04 ± 0.02). Post-ischemic intravitreous 20 μM emodin also significantly (P < 0.001) attenuated the ischemia associated b-wave reduction (IR + Em20 = 0.24 ± 0.09). Compared with pre-ischemic intravitreous vehicle (Vehicle+IR; whole retina thickness = 71.80 ± 1.08 μm; inner retina thickness = 20.97 ± 0.85 μm; RGC =2069.12 ± 212.82/0.17mm2), the significant (P < 0.001) protective effect was also present with pre-ischemic administration of emodin. This was shown by observing cresyl violet stained retinal thickness (Emo20 + IR: whole retina = 170.10 ± 0.10 μm; inner retina = 70.65 ± 2.06 μm) and retrograde fluorogold immunolabeled RGC density (4623.53 ± 179.48/0.17mm2). As compared to the normal control (the ratio of β-catenin/VEGF to β-actin was set as 1 in the Sham group), the β-catenin/VEGF protein level significantly (P < 0.001) increased after retinal ischemia and when pre-ischemic intravitreous vehicle (Vehicle+IR = 1.64 ± 0.14/7.67 ± 2.57) was carried out. However, these elevations were significantly (P = 0.02) attenuated by treatment with emodin 20 μM (Emo20 + IR = 1.00 ± 0.19/1.23 ± 0.44).

Conclusions
The present results suggest that emodin might protect against retinal ischemia insulted neurons such as RGCs by significantly downregulating the upregulation of β-catenin/VEGF protein that occurs during ischemia.
Self-assembled bovine serum albumin nanoparticles as pesticide delivery vectors for controlling trunk-boring pests
Authors: Su Chenyu , Liu Shanshan , Cao Shenghan , Yin Shuyan , Zhou Chenggang , Gao Shangkun , Jia Chunyan , Ji Yingchao , Liu Yanxue 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Trunk-boring pests (TBPs) are an important type of forest pest, TBPs not only feed on the branches and trunks of trees, but also spread quarantine diseases in forests. However, because the larvae of TBPs live inside the trunk and are well concealed, prevention and control are difficult. The lack of effective control methods leads to the death of many trees in forests. In this study, a novel nanopesticide featuring high bioactivity and slow-release properties was developed to control TBPs. Thiacloprid (THI), which is commonly used to control Coleoptera species, was used as a model pesticide.

Results
The oleophobic properties of bovine serum albumin (BSA) were exploited to encapsulate the hydrophobic pesticide THI by self-assembly, and the size of the obtained nanoparticles, THI@BSA·NPs, was approximately 23 nm. The loading efficiency reached 70.4%, and THI@BSA·NPs could be released continuously for over 15 days, with the cumulative release reaching 93.5%. The fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled nanoparticles were evenly distributed in the digestive tract and body surface of a typical TBPs, M. alternatus, and the stomach and contact toxicities increased by 33.7% and 25.9%, respectively, compared with those of free THI. Furthermore, the results showed that the transport efficiency of THI@BSA·NPs was highest at a concentration of 50 μg/mL, and the THI@BSA·NPs content in the trunk, from to lower to higher layers, was 8.8, 8.2, 7.6, and 5.8 μg/g. At the same time, THI@BSA·NPs also exhibited high transport efficiency in dead trees.

Conclusion
The transport efficiency and toxicity of the active ingredients are the key factors for the control of TBPs. This work provided idea for the application of biological delivery system encapsulated hydrophobic pesticides. The novel self-assembled THI@BSA·NPs have promising potential for sustainable control of TBPs.
Thermographic imaging of police working dogs with bilateral naturally occurring hip osteoarthritis
Authors: Alves João Carlos Agostinho , dos Santos Ana Margarida Moniz Pereira , Jorge Patrícia Isabel Figueiredo , Branco Lavrador Catarina Falcão Trigoso Vieira , Carreira L. Miguel 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Digital thermal imaging is a physiologic, non-invasive, contactless, and non-radiating diagnostic tool that can assess a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including hip osteoarthritis (HOA). Fifty police working dogs were evaluated to compare the dorsoventral (DV) and lateral (LT) thermographic images in dogs with naturally occurring bilateral HOA. A DV, and left and right lateral LT images were obtained for each animal in six different moments. They were positioned standing in a symmetrical upright position for the DV view. Each image included the area from the last lumbar to the first coccygeal vertebrae. Each LT view was set with the greater trochanter in the centre of the image. Images were taken with a thermographic camera from a distance of 60 cm. Mean and maximal temperatures were recorded, analyzed with ANOVA, dependent samples t-test, and Spearman correlation, with P < 0.05.

Results
Nine hundred images were considered, collected from 30 males and 20 females, with a mean age of 6.5 ± 2.2 years and bodyweight of 26.7 ± 5.3 kg. The overall value recorded on the DV view was 25.3º ± 9.1 and 28.4º ± 2.8 on the lateral view. These were significantly different (P < 0.01) and with a low correlation (r = 0.10, P = 0.03). German Shepard dogs showed significantly lower values on all views than other breeds (P < 0.01), and heavier dogs had higher values on the lateral view.

Conclusions
This is the first study that describes digital thermography's diagnostic use to evaluate working dogs with naturally occurring HOA, comparing two different views. Future studies should address each one's value in the diagnosis and response to treatment of this disease.
Lifestyle and psychosocial factors associated with maintenance of normal body mass index in college students: a cross sectional study
Authors: Arnetz Bengt B. , Templin Thomas N. , Jen K.-L. Catherine , Sudan Sukhesh , Arnetz Judith E. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Objectives
The purpose of this study was to identify lifestyle and psychosocial factors associated with maintenance of normal body mass index (BMI, 18.5–24.9 kg/m2). Undergraduate students (n = 2781; 7.1% response rate) at a Big Ten university responded to a survey in 2018. BMI was calculated from the reported weight and height at the time of the survey and upon entering the university. Logistic regression analyses examined lifestyle and psychosocial health factors associated with maintenance of normal BMI by academic year.

Results
Current BMI was within normal range for 68.8% of freshmen and 60.6% of seniors. Never consuming fast food was a significant predictor for maintaining normal BMI in sophomores (OR 3.78; 95% CI 1.61, 8.88; p < 0.01) and juniors (OR 7.82; 95% CI 2.14, 28.65; p < 0.01). In seniors, better psychosocial health (OR 1.40; 95% CI 1.12, 1.76; p < 0.01) was the only significant predictor for maintaining one’s normal freshman BMI category. Among those within the normal BMI range upon entering the university, psychosocial health (OR 1.31; 95% CI 1.10, 1.55; p < 0.01) was the only predictor of retaining one’s absolute BMI within ± 3% as a senior. Prospective studies are needed to better understand the interaction between environment, behavior, and psychological health involved in retaining normal weight.
Outcomes in children treated with growth hormone for Prader-Willi syndrome: data from the ANSWER Program® and NordiNet® International Outcome Study
Authors: Angulo Moris , Abuzzahab M. Jennifer , Pietropoli Alberto , Ostrow Vlady , Kelepouris Nicky , Tauber Maithe 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundGrowth hormone (GH) deficiency is common in patients with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) and leads to short adult stature. The current study assessed clinical outcomes based on real-world observational data in pediatric patients with PWS who were treated with GH.MethodsData from patients previously naïve to treatment with GH who began therapy with somatropin were collected from 2006 to 2016 in the observational American Norditropin® Studies: Web-Enabled Research (ANSWER) Program® and NordiNet® International Outcome Study. Variables affecting change from baseline in height standard deviation scores (HSDS;n = 129) and body mass index standard deviation scores (BMI SDS;n = 98) were determined.ResultsPatients included in both HSDS and BMI SDS analyses were treated with a mean GH dose of 0.03 mg/kg/d (SD, 0.01 mg/kg/d). Results from the HSDS analysis revealed that baseline age and years on treatment had a significant impact on the change in HSDS. In the BMI SDS analysis, longer GH treatment time led to a greater change in BMI SDS from baseline, and patients with a higher BMI at the start of treatment had a greater decrease in BMI over time.ConclusionsGH is effective in the management of children with PWS. Earlier treatment resulted in a greater gain in height, and a longer treatment period resulted in better outcomes for both height and BMI.Trial registrationThis study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01009905) on November 9, 2009.
Daily lifestyle behaviors and risks of sarcopenia among older adults
Authors: Tzeng Pei-Lin , Lin Chien-Yu , Lai Ting-Fu , Huang Wan-Chi , Pien Evonne , Hsueh Ming-Chun , Lin Kun-Pei , Park Jong-Hwan , Liao Yung 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundLifestyle behaviors are modifiable factors that can provide information for designing intervention strategies for sarcopenia. The present study aimed to identify the relationships between a range of daily lifestyle behaviors and sarcopenia risks among older adults.MethodsA nationwide telephone-based survey targeting older adults (≥65 years) was performed in Taiwan. Data based on self-reported daily lifestyle behaviors (food selection, physical activity, sitting time, and sleep duration), the presence or absence of sarcopenia (measured by SARC-F), and personal characteristics were obtained. Binary logistic regression models were applied.ResultsA total of 1068 older adults participated in this survey. In the adjusted model, older adults who selected unbalanced foods (odds ratio [OR] = 1.93, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.12–3.34), engaged in insufficient physical activity (OR = 5.14, 95% CI = 3.04–8.70), and sat for longer periods of time (OR = 1.98, 95% CI = 1.09–3.59) were more likely to have higher risks of sarcopenia. No significant association was observed for sleep duration.ConclusionsThe results of this study highlight that, among health behaviors, an unbalanced food selection (six nutrients), not meeting physical activity recommendations (150 min/week), and a higher sitting time (≥7 h/day) were risk factors for sarcopenia among older adults. Intervention programs for sarcopenia prevention in older adults should focus on promoting balanced food selection, sufficient physical activity, and reduced sitting time.
Effects of rating criteria order on the halo effect in L2 writing assessment: a many-facet Rasch measurement analysis
Authors: Kim Hyunwoo 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
The halo effect is raters’ undesirable tendency to assign more similar ratings across rating criteria than they should. The impacts of the halo effect on ratings have been studied in rater-mediated L2 writing assessment. Little is known, however, about the extent to which rating criteria order in analytic rating scales is associated with the magnitude of the group- and individual-level halo effects. Thus, this study attempts to examine the extent to which the magnitude of the halo effect is associated with rating criteria order in analytic rating scales. To select essays untainted by the effects of rating criteria order, a balanced Latin square design was implemented along with the employment of four expert raters. Next, 11 trained novice Korean raters rated the 30 screened essays with respect to the four rating criteria in three different rating orders: standard-, reverse-, and random-order. A three-facet rating scale model (L2 writer ability, rater severity, criterion difficulty) was fitted to estimate the group- and individual-level halo effects. The overall results of this study showed that the similar magnitude of the group-level halo effect was detected in the standard- and reverse-order rating rubrics while the random presentation of rating criteria decreased the group-level halo effect. A theoretical implication of the study is the necessity of considering rating criteria order as a source of construct-irrelevant easiness or difficulty when developing analytic rating scales.
Ultrafast optical manipulation of magnetic order in ferromagnetic materials
Authors: Wang Chuangtang , Liu Yongmin 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
The interaction between ultrafast lasers and magnetic materials is an appealing topic. It not only involves interesting fundamental questions that remain inconclusive and hence need further investigation, but also has the potential to revolutionize data storage technologies because such an opto-magnetic interaction provides an ultrafast and energy-efficient means to control magnetization. Fruitful progress has been made in this area over the past quarter century. In this paper, we review the state-of-the-art experimental and theoretical studies on magnetization dynamics and switching in ferromagnetic materials that are induced by ultrafast lasers. We start by describing the physical mechanisms of ultrafast demagnetization based on different experimental observations and theoretical methods. Both the spin-flip scattering theory and the superdiffusive spin transport model will be discussed in detail. Then, we will discuss laser-induced torques and resultant magnetization dynamics in ferromagnetic materials. Recent developments of all-optical switching (AOS) of ferromagnetic materials towards ultrafast magnetic storage and memory will also be reviewed, followed by the perspectives on the challenges and future directions in this emerging area.