bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patient–public engagement interventions for health system improvement in Sub‐Saharan Africa: A systematic scoping review protocol
Authors: Ankomah Samuel Egyakwa , Fusheini Adam , Ballard Christy , Kumah Emmanuel , Gurung Gagan , Derrett Sarah 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundResearch has found health system improvement cannot be achieved without continuously engaging patients, their families and all stakeholders in the design, management and delivery of health care services. Following the Alma Ata declaration on Primary Health Care in 1978, the focus of health system improvement has tended to shift from physician or hospital‐centric approaches to a more democratic vision of engaging the public and/or patients in the commissioning, planning, organisation, operation and control of the health care system. Thus, patient–public engagement (PPE) has become an important tool in health system improvement particularly for countries with poor health outcomes including countries in sub‐Saharan Africa which carries an estimated 24% of the global burden of diseases in both human and financial costs. The aim of this scoping review is to describe and systematically map PPE research in sub‐Saharan Africa, and then to synthesise this research in relation to key theories of PPE, identify the key drivers and barriers of PPE and to identify the knowledge gaps that may usefully be addressed by future research.MethodsThis scoping review will follow Arksey and O'Malley's best guidelines for conducting scoping reviews and also follow the standard guidelines for reporting using the Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis extension for scoping reviews checklist. A systematic search of peer‐reviewed English language literature published between January 1999 and December 2019 will be conducted on four databases: Scopus, CINAHL, Medline (Ovid) and Embase. The initial screening of titles and abstracts will be undertaken independently by two reviewers, followed by full text screening involving three independent reviewers. A thematic framework synthesis will be employed in the analysis of data to identify the various PPE interventions, and outcomes mapped to a framework of engagement continuum to understand its overall effect on health system improvement in sub‐Saharan Africa.DiscussionTo our knowledge, this scoping review will be the first to systematically investigate PPE interventions implemented across sub‐Saharan Africa, map the outcomes of identified interventions to a framework of engagement continuum and to understand its overall effect on health system improvement. Findings of this review will be published in an open‐access peer review journal and disseminated at scientific conferences.
The experience of commitment in the contemporary workplace: An exploratory reexamination of commitment model antecedents
Authors: Klein Howard J. , Brinsfield Chad T. , Cooper Joseph T. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractTo reassess and enhance our understanding of employee commitments in contemporary organizations, we conducted a mixed‐method study. In open‐ended surveys, we asked employees (N = 712) to explain why they are committed to various work‐related targets (organization, coworker, organizational goal, and occupation). We content analyzed the responses and derived 15 distinct explanations for those commitments. We then compared these explanations to extant commitment models and examined how explanations varied across commitment targets. Finally, we examined the relationship between these explanations and commitment strength. Our findings indicate that many factors in extant commitment models are still relevant (e.g., Social Exchange), but other aspects of those models were not mentioned by participants (e.g., competition) or mentioned very infrequently (e.g., No Choice). Perhaps most importantly, some current explanations (e.g., Altruism) are not represented in extant models. In addition, some explanations were provided more or less often for different commitment targets. For example, Social Exchange was provided more frequently for coworker commitment but less frequently than expected by chance for organizational goal commitment. Finally, explanations differentially related to commitment strength, with stronger commitment associated with Social Exchange than with Financial Exchange. The implications of these findings for theory and human resource management practice are discussed.
Letrozole versus clomiphene citrate for ovulation induction in anovulatory women with polycystic ovarian syndrome: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Bansal Shavina , Goyal Manu , Sharma Charu , Shekhar Shashank 
Published: October 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the efficacy of letrozole and clomiphene citrate (CC) for ovulation induction in infertile women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).MethodsIn this assessor blind, randomized controlled trial, 90 infertile women with PCOS were randomized to receive either letrozole or CC for ovulation induction in incremental doses for a maximum of three cycles. Main outcome measures studied were endometrial thickness, ovulation rate, pregnancy rate, rate of monofollicular development, and time to conception.ResultsMean endometrial thicknesses were 9.86 ± 2.32 mm and 9.39 ± 2.06 mm with letrozole and CC, respectively (P=0.751). Cumulative ovulation rates were 86.7% and 85.2% with letrozole and CC, respectively (P=0.751). Pregnancy was achieved in 42.2% of women in the letrozole group and 20.0% of women in the CC group (P=0.04). Monofollicular development was seen in 68.4% of ovulatory cycles in the letrozole group compared with 44.8% in the CC group (P=0.000). Mean time to achieve pregnancy was significantly shorter (log rank P=0.042) with letrozole (9.65 weeks) than with CC (11.07 weeks).ConclusionLetrozole is a better alternative for ovulation induction in anovulatory women with PCOS as pregnancy rates are higher, time to pregnancy is shorter, and chances of multiple pregnancy are less because of high monofollicular growth.
Flexible 3D memristor array for binary storage and multi‐states neuromorphic computing applications
Authors: Wang Tian‐Yu , Meng Jia‐Lin , Chen Lin , Zhu Hao , Sun Qing‐Qing , Ding Shi‐Jin , Bao Wen‐Zhong , Zhang David Wei 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe demand of flexible neuromorphic computing electronics is increasing with the rapid development of wearable artificial intelligent devices. The flexible resistive random‐access memory (RRAM) is one excellent candidate of high‐density storage devices. However, due to the limitations of fabrication process, materials system and device structure, it is difficult to prepare flexible 3D high‐density network for neuromorphic computing. In this paper, a 3D flexible memristors network is developed via low‐temperature atomic layer deposition (ALD) at 130°C, with potential of extending to various flexible electronics. The typical bipolar switching characteristics are verified in RRAM units of 3D network, including first, second and third layers. Besides binary storage, the multibit storage in single unit is demonstrated and the storage density is further increased. As a connection link between binary storage and brain‐inspired neuromorphic computing, the multibit storage capability paves the way for the tunable synaptic plasticity, for example, long‐term potentiation/depression (LTP/LTD). The 3D memristors network successfully mimicked the typical neuromorphic functionality and realized ultra‐multi conductance states modulation under 600 spikes. The robust mechanical flexibility is further demonstrated via LTP/LTD emulation under bending states (radius = 10 mm). The 3D flexible memristors network shows significant potential of applications in high‐performance, high‐density and reliable wearable neuromorphic computing system.image
Anti-Interleukin-6 Therapy Decreases Hip Synovitis and Bone Resorption and Increases Bone Formation Following Ischemic Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head
Authors: Ren Yinshi , Deng Zhuo , Gokani Vishal , Kutschke Michael , Mitchell Thomas Wesley , Aruwajoye Olumide , Adapala Naga Suresh , Kamiya Nobuhiro , Abu-Amer Yousef , Kim Harry KW 
Published: October 2020

ABSTRACT
Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD) is a juvenile form of ischemic femoral head osteonecrosis, which produces chronic hip synovitis, permanent femoral head deformity, and premature osteoarthritis. Currently, there is no medical therapy for LCPD. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is significantly elevated in the synovial fluid of patients with LCPD. We hypothesize that IL-6 elevation promotes chronic hip synovitis and impairs bone healing after ischemic osteonecrosis. We set out to test if anti-IL-6 therapy using tocilizumab can decrease hip synovitis and improve bone healing in the piglet model of LCPD. Fourteen piglets were surgically induced with ischemic osteonecrosis and assigned to two groups: the no treatment group (n = 7) and the tocilizumab group (15 to 20 mg/kg, biweekly intravenous injection, n = 7). All animals were euthanized 8 weeks after the induction of osteonecrosis. Hip synovium and femoral heads were assessed for hip synovitis and bone healing using histology, micro-CT, and histomorphometry. The mean hip synovitis score and the number of synovial macrophages and vessels were significantly lower in the tocilizumab group compared with the no treatment group (p &lt; .0001, p = .01, and p &lt; .01, respectively). Micro-CT analysis of the femoral heads showed a significantly higher bone volume in the tocilizumab group compared with the no treatment group (p = .02). The histologic assessment revealed a significantly lower number of osteoclasts per bone surface (p &lt; .001) in the tocilizumab group compared with the no treatment group. Moreover, fluorochrome labeling showed a significantly higher percent of mineralizing bone surface (p &lt; .01), bone formation rate per bone surface (p &lt; .01), and mineral apposition rate (p = .04) in the tocilizumab group. Taken together, tocilizumab therapy decreased hip synovitis and osteoclastic bone resorption and increased new bone formation after ischemic osteonecrosis. This study provides preclinical evidence that tocilizumab decreases synovitis and improves bone healing in a large animal model of LCPD. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Marine bioactive compound dieckol induces apoptosis and inhibits the growth of human pancreatic cancer cells PANC‐1
Authors: Xu Jian Wei , Yan Ye , Wang Lei , Wu Dong , Ye Nai Kuan , Chen Shi Hong , Li Feng 
Published: October 2020

AbstractPancreatic cancer, which threatens the global population, is a very aggressive disease with an increased mortality rate. Regarding the types of cancer, pancreatic cancer is prone to display significant resistance to conventional therapy, therefore there 5‐year survival rate is only 2% to 9%. Bioactive metabolites of marine algae such as polysaccharides, chitin, carternoids, and sterols possess immense pharmacological properties and tend to be promising alternatives for cancer treatment. Dieckol is one such polyphenolic bioactive compound extracted from brown algae Ecklonia cava, which is proven to possess antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, antibacterial, antidiabetic properties. Therefore in the present study, we analyzed the anticancer property of dieckol on PANC‐1 pancreatic carcinoma cells. The cytotoxicity property of dieckol against PANC‐1 cells was assessed with 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2, 5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay, and cell morphological analysis. The generation of reactive oxygen species by dieckol on PANC‐1 was analyzed with DCFH‐DA staining and confirmed by quantifying antioxidants levels in untreated and dieckol‐treated PANC‐1 cells. The induction of apoptosis was further evaluated with different staining techniques such as Rhodamine 123 staining, acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining, DAPI staining, propidium iodide staining and was confirmed by estimating the protein expression of apoptotic genes, Bax and Bcl2. Cell adhesion assay and estimation of inflammatory cytokines were performed to detect the inhibitory effect of dieckol against cancer cell progression. It is further confirmed by analyzing cancer cell progression proteins, that is, proliferating cell nuclear antigen and cyclin D1 expressions in untreated and dieckol‐treated PANC‐1 cells. Our overall results authentically prove dieckol persuasively induces apoptosis and inhibits the progression of human pancreatic cancer cells in vitro, suggesting dieckol as a potent marine‐based phytochemical to treat pancreatic cancer.
The active E4 structure of nitrogenase studied with different DFT functionals
Authors: Wei Wen‐Jie , Siegbahn Per E. M. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe present study concerns the technical aspects of obtaining the energetics for the E4 state of nitrogenase, the enzyme that fixes N2 in nature. EPR experiments have shown that the critical E4 structure that activates N2 should contain two bridging hydrides in the FeMo‐cofactor. It is furthermore in equilibrium with a structure where the two hydrides have been released and N2 binds. These observations led to the suggestion that E4 should have two bridging hydrides and two protonated sulfides. It is important to note that the structure for E4 has not been determined, but only suggested. For a long time, no DFT study led to the suggested structure, independent of which functional was used. However, in two recent DFT studies a good agreement with the experimental suggestion was claimed to have been obtained. In one of them the TPSS functional was used. That was the first out of 11 functionals tried that led to the experimentally suggested structure. In the second of the recent DFT studies, a similar conclusion was reached using the TPSSh functional. The conclusions in the recent studies have here been studied in detail, by calculating a critical energetic value strongly implied by the same EPR experiments. Both the TPSS and TPSSh functionals have been used. The present calculations suggest that those DFT functionals would not lead to agreement with the experimental EPR results either.
Molecular cytogenetic studies of a male carrier with a unique (Y;14) translocation: Case report
Authors: Chen Shuang , Xi Qi , Zhang Xinyue , Jiang Yuting , Li Leilei , Liu Ruizhi , Zhang Hongguo 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundChromosome translocation is a genetic factor associated with male infertility. However, cases of Y chromosome/autosome translocation are rare. Individuals with translocation between the Y chromosome and an autosome have a variety of different clinical phenotypes. There is a need for further study of molecular cytogenetic feature of those with Y chromosome translocation.MethodsWe reported that an apparently healthy 31‐year‐old man, 168 cm tall and weighing 65 kg, had a 2‐year history of primary infertility after marriage. Clinical diagnostic techniques included semen analysis, hormone measurements, cytogenetic analysis, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and high‐throughput multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification semiconductor sequencing. Detailed genetic counseling was provided to the patient. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment combined with preimplantation genetic diagnosis was chosen with the aim of achieving a successful pregnancy.ResultsSemen analysis revealed cryptozoospermia. Hormone levels were within the normal limits. Sequencing results indicated the presence of the sex‐determining region on Yp, and AZFa, AZFb, and AZFc regions on Yq. The patient's karyotype was 45,X,psu,dic(Y;14)(p11.3;q11.2), which was confirmed by cytogenetic analysis and FISH.ConclusionThis study reports a case of cryptozoospermia in a male patient with a Y;14 chromosomal translocation. When clinical karyotyping has revealed potential Y chromosome abnormality, FISH or molecular detection should be further performed to facilitate identification of the chromosomal breakpoint.
Change in housing environment and residential satisfaction following exit from permanent supportive housing
Authors: Tiderington Emmy , Aykanian Amanda , Huang Billy , Tsai Jack 
Published: October 2020

AbstractMoving On initiatives (MOIs) transition stable permanent supportive housing (PSH) residents into mainstream housing without embedded services. While this approach frees up PSH for homeless individuals in need, open questions remain regarding MOI recipients’ long‐term outcomes. This exploratory study examines how housing environment and residential satisfaction, potential predictors of housing retention, change from PSH to mainstream housing. Subjective assessments of housing and neighborhood quality and residential satisfaction, as well as objective neighborhood‐level data, are used to examine housing‐related change for New York City MOI recipients. Participants generally moved to less‐distressed neighborhoods with lower poverty and crime. Subjective perceptions of some aspects of neighborhood and housing quality also improved post‐move. Participants tended to move farther from public transportation but were on average located within one mile of the nearest subway station. Results can be taken as early indicators of the potential benefits of MOIs.
Worthy and able: How helping relationships alter the trajectories of young people who face severe and multiple disadvantages
Authors: Sandu Rebeca D. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractRelationships with professional helpers, partly resembling family relationships, have the potential to help young people facing severe and multiple disadvantages. The aim of this study was to document how relationships alter the trajectories of young people in these circumstances. Young people (n = 30) and support workers (n = 35) were identified by the leaders of 11 UK and 5 US not‐for‐profit organisations providing support for this population. Thematic analysis of the semi‐structured interviews revealed that relationships helped young people feel positive about themselves, disrupted their maladaptive patterns of thinking, and fostered a sense of agency in themselves. The result was a self that was worthy and able. Findings provided an in‐depth exploration of the notion of support in the context of adversity.
Predictive value of carotid artery ultrasonography for the risk of coronary artery disease
Authors: Zhu Ye , You Jia , Xu Chao , Gu Xiang 
Published: October 2020

AbstractPurposeTo assess carotid intima‐media thickness (IMT), carotid plaques, and cardiovascular risk factors in patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CHD) to determine their association and predictive value for CHD.MethodsWe performed duplex Doppler ultrasonography of the carotid arteries and coronary angiography or CT in 480 patients with suspected CHD, and investigated their personal and medical histories. Patients were then assigned to the CHD or the control group depending on the presence of coronary lesions. Ultrasonography was performed the morning after admission prior to any treatment, coronary angiography, or CT.ResultsCarotid plaques were mainly distributed in the common carotid artery bifurcation, with a significant difference between the CHD and control groups. Plaque incidence (80%) and IMT were significantly higher (P < .001 and P = .012, respectively) in the CHD (80% and 0.84 ± 0.21 mm) than in the control group (49% and 0.76 ± 0.18 mm). The factors significantly associated with CHD were introduced into a multivariate regression model. Male subject (OR = 1.569, 95%CI 1.004‐2.453; P = .048) and plaque burden (OR = 0.457, 95%CI 0.210‐0.993; P = .048) were significant predictors for CHD occurrence. The presence of carotid plaques performed significantly better than IMT and the Framingham risk score for predicting CHD lesions (P < .001 for both).ConclusionsCHD patients showed higher percentage of clinical (plaques) or subclinical (IMT) carotid artery wall change, and the presence of carotid plaques showed better predictive value than IMT and Framingham risk score for the presence of coronary artery lesions.
Leaching losses from blueberries grown in sandy soils amended with pine bark
Authors: Bandaranayake Wije M. , Syvertsen James P. , Schumann Arnold , Kadyampakeni Davie M. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractLeaching of irrigation water from blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) plants intensifies when sandy soils are amended with pine (Pinus spp.) bark. In a greenhouse study, leaching fractions of water (LFW) and nutrients (LFN) were determined from two blueberry (V. corymbosum L.) cultivars, ‘Emerald’ and ‘Jewel’, grown in biochar‐treated and nontreated sandy subsoil and irrigated with drip emitters using one of three pulse frequencies in a factorial design. The LFW was >50% under Emerald and <20% under Jewel, which has a more extensive root system. When the frequency of same volume of irrigation was increased from 2 (F2) to 10 (F10) pulses per day, the average LFW decreased from 46 to 30%. The LFN from a single fertigation was much lower than the total LFN after 6 d of irrigations applied between two fertigation events. The LFN increased linearly with LFW. Amending subsoil with 2% biochar increased soil pH, limited root growth, and did not reduce nutrient leaching. Eighteen months after plant establishment, 1.9% of applied NO3−‐N and 2.5% of applied PO43−‐P from Emerald and 0.8 and 1.0%, respectively, from Jewel leached below the root zone during a fertigation event. During irrigations following a fertigation event, 10.5% of both NO3−‐N and PO43−‐P from Emerald and 3.0 and 2.5% from Jewel leached below the root zone. All growth parameters including root/shoot ratio were higher in Jewel than Emerald. This study indicated that leaching rates could be reduced by selecting blueberry cultivars with a dense root system and using a drip irrigation system with >5 pulses d−1 to supply the daily water requirements in pine bark–amended sandy soil.
Perioperative assessment of indocyanine green elimination rate accurately predicts postoperative liver failure in patients undergoing hepatectomy
Authors: Sunagawa Yuki , Yamada Suguru , Kato Yoshiyasu , Sonohara Fuminori , Takami Hideki , Inokawa Yoshikuni , Hayashi Masamichi , Nakayama Goro , Koike Masahiko , Kodera Yasuhiro 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of perioperative indocyanine green elimination rate (ICG‐K) as a predictive factor of posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF).MethodsThis study enrolled 193 patients who underwent hepatectomy between 2013 and 2019. We analyzed the relationship between estimated ICG‐K (ICG‐Krem) calculated by the preoperative ICG‐K and the residual liver volume ratio, ICG‐K at days 1 and 7 after hepatectomy (ICG‐Kpod1, ICG‐Kpod7), and grade B or C PHLF.ResultsGrade B and C PHLF were observed in eight and two patients, respectively. ICG‐Krem and ICG‐Kpod1 were highly correlated (correlation coefficient [CC] 0.715), and ICG‐Krem and ICG‐Kpod7 were moderately correlated (CC 0.653). Receiver‐operating characteristic curve analyses indicated that ICG‐Krem and ICG‐Kpod1 had moderate diagnostic value, while ICG‐Kpod7 had high diagnostic value (area under the curve 0.703, 0.845 and 0.937, respectively). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that ICG‐Kpod7 (relative risk [RR] 26.04, P = .012) and postoperative bile leakage (PBL) (RR 226.0, P < .001) were independent predictive factors for PHLF. PBL induced PHLF in seven patients, respectively.ConclusionsICG‐Krem correlated well with postoperative ICG‐K, having moderate accuracy as a predictor of PHLF. However, the clinical relevance of postoperatively measuring ICG‐K is limited because PHLF is greatly affected by surgical and postoperative factors.