bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation and formulation of the sense of social telepresence in video‐mediated communication systems: Contribution of eye contact to enhancing social telepresence
Authors: Kimura Shinji , Ooseki Eriko , Aburakawa Yuji , Yamaguchi Masahiro 
Published: November 2020

AbstractVideo‐mediated communication systems are generally used to enable face‐to‐face‐like communication between people in distant locations. However, in terms of social telepresence, video communication systems are generally inferior to actual face‐to‐face communication, which is a long‐standing challenge for online communication systems. Multiple studies have reported that several specific components, such as the resolution of the transmitted video and the width of the visual field, affect social telepresence separately. However, methods have not been established to comprehensively evaluate the sense of social telepresence provided by video communication systems, that is, integrated multiple component systems with various specifications. In this study, employing a regression analysis based on subjective evaluation results, we establish a new method to predict the sense of social telepresence based on the specifications of some system components. Using this formulation, it is clear that realizing eye contact and life‐size scaling make relatively large contributions to enhancing social telepresence. Finally, we develop a prototype system realizing eye contact and life‐size scaling and perform additional subjective evaluations to reconfirm the effectiveness of these components to enhance the sense of social telepresence in real‐time communication.
Best Available Evidence on Communicative First Aid Interventions by Laypeople for Preventing and Relieving Posttraumatic Stress Disorder–Related Symptomatology Following Traumatic Events
Authors: De Brier Niels , Borra Vere , Dockx Kim , Scheers Hans , Stroobants Stijn , De Buck Emmy , Lauwers Karen , Vandekerckhove Philippe 
Published: November 2020

AbstractTrauma‐exposed individuals are at risk of developing mental health problems, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). As an exposed individual's friend or family member may be the first person to provide posttrauma relief, informing and training laypeople in psychosocial first aid may benefit mental health outcomes of trauma‐exposed individuals. We aimed to (a) collect the best available evidence on communication as a first aid intervention in assisting individuals following traumatic events and (b) formulate practical recommendations. Systematic literature searches were conducted in three databases (March 2019). Following study selection, the extracted data were tabulated and synthesized narratively. The evidence was appraised according to the GRADE methodology and evaluated by a multidisciplinary expert panel to formulate recommendations for practice. Out of 1,724 articles, no experimental studies were identified, showing a complete lack of high‐quality controlled studies on the efficacy of communicative practices. However, when lower‐quality study designs were included, nine cross‐sectional studies constituted the best available evidence. The studies suggested that positive communication by family members, r = −.38, aOR = 0.26, β = −.22, p < .001–p < .05, and expressive coping by the victim, β = −.62, p < .001, were associated with PTSD diagnosis and/or symptom severity; however, the evidence was of very low certainty. The expert panel took the methodological limitations into account when formulating weak practical recommendations. Cross‐sectional studies currently provide the best possible evidence for developing guidelines on psychosocial first aid. High‐quality controlled studies are needed to establish casual associations and identify the most effective interventions.
Mastery, Social Support, and Sense of Community as Protective Resources Against Psychological Distress Among Israelis Exposed to Prolonged Rocket Attacks
Authors: Ben‐Tzur Navit , Zanbar Lea , Kaniasty Krzysztof 
Published: November 2020

AbstractWe investigated the psychological toll of exposure to rocket attacks as experienced by residents of central and southern Israel during the 2014 Israel–Gaza conflict. Participants completed an online survey assessing their life‐threatening experiences, the availability of psychosocial resources, and symptoms of both PTSD (PCL‐5) and nonspecific psychological distress (K6) 2–3 months posttrauma. Guided by the conservation of resources theory, we focused on the distress‐protective functions of person‐ and community‐oriented resources: mastery, perceived social support, and sense of community. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that elevated exposure to rocket attacks predicted higher levels of PTSD but not psychological distress. All 13 predictors (i.e., sociodemographic factors, trauma exposure, personal and community resources) and three interactions between rocket attack–related trauma exposure and each of the resources accounted for a significant amount of the variance in PTSD, R2 = .251, adjusted R2 = .235, and nonspecific psychological distress, R2 = .280, adjusted R2 = .264. Predictably, higher levels of mastery and perceived social support were associated with lower PCL‐5 and K6 scores. Unexpectedly, respondents who reported a higher sense of community exhibited more PTSD symptoms. Supplementary analyses indicated that among individuals with lower levels of mastery, sense of community was related to higher PCL‐5 scores. Psychosocial resources are important for coping with community‐wide stressors, but their roles are complex. Maintaining a sense of community among individuals who experience shared trauma is undoubtedly critical, yet potential downsides of collective coping among those with lower levels of mastery should be recognized and further investigated.
A low‐cost pipeline for soil microbiome profiling
Authors: Bollmann‐Giolai Anita , Giolai Michael , Heavens Darren , Macaulay Iain , Malone Jacob , Clark Matthew D. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractCommon bottlenecks in environmental and crop microbiome studies are the consumable and personnel costs necessary for genomic DNA extraction and sequencing library construction. This is harder for challenging environmental samples such as soil, which is rich in Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) inhibitors. To address this, we have established a low‐cost genomic DNA extraction method for soil samples. We also present an Illumina‐compatible 16S and ITS rRNA gene amplicon library preparation workflow that uses common laboratory equipment. We evaluated the performance of our genomic DNA extraction method against two leading commercial soil genomic DNA kits (MoBio PowerSoil® and MP Biomedicals™ FastDNA™ SPIN) and a recently published non‐commercial extraction method by Zou et al. (PLoS Biology, 15, e2003916, 2017). Our benchmarking experiment used four different soil types (coniferous, broad‐leafed, and mixed forest plus a standardized cereal crop compost mix) assessing the quality and quantity of the extracted genomic DNA by analyzing sequence variants of 16S V4 and ITS rRNA amplicons. We found that our genomic DNA extraction method compares well to both commercially available genomic DNA extraction kits in DNA quality and quantity. The MoBio PowerSoil® kit, which relies on silica column‐based DNA extraction with extensive washing, delivered the cleanest genomic DNA, for example, best A260:A280 and A260:A230 absorbance ratios. The MP Biomedicals™ FastDNA™ SPIN kit, which uses a large amount of binding material, yielded the most genomic DNA. Our method fits between the two commercial kits, producing both good yields and clean genomic DNA with fragment sizes of approximately 10 kb. Comparative analysis of detected amplicon sequence variants shows that our method correlates well with the two commercial kits. Here, we present a low‐cost genomic DNA extraction method for soil samples that can be coupled to an Illumina‐compatible simple two‐step amplicon library construction workflow for 16S V4 and ITS marker genes. Our method delivers high‐quality genomic DNA at a fraction of the cost of commercial kits and enables cost‐effective, large‐scale amplicon sequencing projects. Notably, our extracted gDNA molecules are long enough to be suitable for downstream techniques such as full gene sequencing or even metagenomics shotgun approaches using long reads (PacBio or Nanopore), 10x Genomics linked reads, and Dovetail genomics.
Assessing the triad of biocompatibility, medical device functionality and biological safety
Authors: Williams David F. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractImplantable medical devices, including sensors and contrast agents, have crucial roles in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures that are intended to improve quality of life. They are usually very successful, but all too often they fail to deliver optimal satisfaction. Device performance, which is at the heart of patient safety, is dependent on the biocompatibility of the materials used, the functionality of the devices and overall biological safety of the system. The interdependence of this triad of critical properties is rarely considered within the testing and regulatory regimes that control access of the products to clinical applications. This paper analyses the details of a series of product types (intra‐ocular lenses, metal‐on‐metal hips, coronary artery stents, nanoparticle contrast agents and closed‐loop sensor‐drug delivery systems) and identifies the difficulties when the connectivity between these characteristics is overlooked. The paper then addresses the generic weaknesses in preclinical testing programs and identifies a series of changes that could assist in resolving these problems, providing better assurance of patient safety.
Clinical and genetic characterization of ten Egyptian patients with Wolf–Hirschhorn syndrome and review of literature
Authors: Mekkawy Mona K. , Kamel Alaa K. , Thomas Manal M. , Ashaat Engy A. , Zaki Maha S. , Eid Ola M. , Ismail Samira , Hammad Saida A. , Megahed Hisham , ElAwady Heba , Refaat Khaled M. , Hussien Shymaa , Helmy Nivine , Abd Allah Sally G. , Mohamed Amal M. , El Ruby Mona O. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundWolf–Hirschhorn syndrome (WHS) (OMIM 194190) is a multiple congenital anomalies/intellectual disability syndrome. It is caused by partial loss of genetic material from the distal portion of the short arm of chromosome.MethodsWe studied the phenotype–genotype correlation.ResultsWe present the clinical manifestations and cytogenetic results of 10 unrelated Egyptian patients with 4p deletions. Karyotyping, FISH and MLPA was performed for screening for microdeletion syndromes. Array CGH was done for two patients. All patients exhibited the cardinal clinical manifestation of WHS. FISH proved deletion of the specific WHS locus in all patients. MLPA detected microdeletion of the specific locus in two patients with normal karyotypes, while array CGH, performed for two patients, has delineated the extent of the deleted segments and the involved genes. LETM1, the main candidate gene for the seizure phenotype, was found deleted in the two patients tested by array CGH; nevertheless, one of them did not manifest seizures. The study emphasized the previous.ConclusionWHS is a contiguous gene syndrome resulting from hemizygosity of the terminal 2 Mb of 4p16.3 region. The Branchial fistula, detected in one of our patients is a new finding that, to our knowledge, was not reported.
Report of a rare case of congenital mitral valve prolapse with chronic kidney disease––reconsidered genotype–phenotypic correlations
Authors: Sun Liping , Zhang Xinzhou 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundMitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a common cardiovascular disease defined as a late systolic click or mitral valve lobes that move up into the left atrium during ventricular systole, with or without mitral insufficiency. Dachsous catherin‐related 1 (DCHS1) is one of the two known pathogenic genes associated with MVP. However, there is little information about the renal dysfunction caused by MVP and DCHS1 mutations.MethodsWe analyzed the genetic etiology in a rare case of 9‐year‐old boy affected by chronic renal failure with MVP. Subsequently, we constructed stable cell lines overexpressing wild‐type DCHS1 or mutant DCHS1 (c.8309G>A, p.R2770Q) to evaluate the influence of the DCHS1 mutation on the proliferation, apoptosis, and autophagy.ResultsComplete exome sequencing and pedigree verification revealed a mutation p.R2770Q (c.8309G>A) in exon 21 of the DCHS1 gene carried by the patient, which may affect the DNA binding. No such mutation was detected in his parents, indicating that this was a new mutation. Potential functional impact of sequence variants was predicted using in silico prediction programs including SIFT, Polyphen2, and Condel. This variant was determined to be a pathogenic mutation that has not been reported elsewhere. Subsequently, we used a stable DCHS1 gene‐mutated HK‐2 cell line to analyse proliferation, apoptosis, and autophagy, showed that kidney volume decreased with increasing cell death associated with a reduced proliferation.ConclusionsOur analysis revealed a heterozygous variation of DCHS1 in a child with MVP. Our observations highlight previously unrecognized phenotypes of the currently recognized MVP genotype, including distinct chronic renal failure.
Performance enhancement of DFBL based near‐infrared CH4 telemetry system using a focus tunable lens
Authors: Li Guolin , Ma Kun , Jiao Yue , Jiang Qingzhi , Zhang Xuena , Zhang Zecheng , Wu Yunhui , Song Di 
Published: November 2020

AbstractA methane telemetry system for 1653 nm DFB laser based on TDLAS‐WMS technology is developed in this article. The focus tunable lens is used as the collimating system of the telemetry device to solve the problem that the telemetry device cannot be dynamically adjusted under different detection environments. Experimental results show that the root mean square error was 7.6205 and the theoretical limit of detection (LoD) was 1.473 parts per million (ppm) while the optimal integration time reaches 30 s. The near‐infrared CH4 telemetry system is suitable for different detection environments of natural gas leakage and has good detection performance and stable and reliable operation.
The Synthesis and Characterization of Polyacrolein through Radical Polymerization
Authors: Li Yan , Li Tao , Tang Jian , Liu Yun , Huang Pengmian , Zhang Yue‐Fei 
Published: November 2020

AbstractA radical polymerization reaction of acrolein is reported in this article. The free radical initiator which can effectively promote the free radical polymerization of acrolein is screened out. The optimal conditions of the reaction are investigated and the yield could be up to 93.67%, in which the ratio of initiator to monomer is 1:50, monomer concentration is 7.5 mol L−1, reaction temperature is 50 °C, and the reaction time is 6 h. The structure characterizations of the obtained polymers are performed using hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, fouriertransform infrared spectroscopy, and matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time of fligh mass spectroscopy. The results show that the structure of the polymer contains fragments generated by decomposition of the initiator, aldehyde groups, and vinyl groups. The reaction mechanism of acrolein polymerization in the presence of free radical initiator is proposed. Thus, a novel method for the preparation of polyacrolein via radical polymerization is provided in this article.
Finger drop sign as a new variant of acute motor axonal neuropathy
Authors: Yoon Byeol‐A , Ha Dong‐Ho , Park Hwan Tae , Kusunoki Susumu , Kuwahara Motoi , Lee Jong Hwa , Bae Jong Seok , Kim Jong Kuk 
Published: November 2020

AbstractWe propose the finger drop sign as a new clinical variant of acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN) defined by immunological and radiological evidence. We identified eight consecutive patients who had AMAN. All of them developed prominent involvement of the finger extensors. We performed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the extremity muscles and serological assays for antiganglioside antibodies and Campylobacter jejuni. Patients with AMAN showed characteristic and a markedly sustained weakness of the finger extensors with a distinctive pattern of the finger drop sign. Limb MRI revealed unevenly distributed abnormal signals in the muscles mainly innervated by the posterior interosseous nerve. All tested patients showed positivity for immunoglobulin G antibody against ganglioside complex of GM1 and phosphatidic acid. A pathophysiological understanding of this unique syndrome can provide further insight into antiganglioside‐antibody‐mediated axonal injury in Guillain‐Barré syndrome.
Nursing emigration in the United Kingdom: A qualitative exploration of the Spanish nursing community
Authors: Rodriguez‐Arrastia Miguel , Ropero‐Padilla Carmen , Fernández‐Sola Cayetano , Portillo Mari Carmen 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAimTo understand and describe the experiences and perceptions of migrant Spanish nurses working in the UK.DesignOnline survey with open‐ended questions.MethodsA total of 371 participants were recruited from online groups related to Spanish nurses working in the UK.ResultsFour themes emerged from their content analysis: “Motivations for emigration: running away from job insecurity and unemployment,” “Professional recognition,” “Seeking better life stability” and “Future neediness: between a rock and a hard place.” In these results, professional recognition was highlighted as a reason to stay in the host country, although the uncertainty represented by Brexit is reversing the migration trend that began years ago. Policymakers should be aware of these experiences to promote strategies and programmes, which encourage inclusion in the host country and will help these nurses in their transition process.
Targeted delivery, drug release strategies, and toxicity study of polymeric drug nanocarriers
Authors: Abasian Payam , Shakibi Sepideh , Maniati Mohammad Saeed , Nouri Khorasani Saied , Khalili Shahla 
Published: November 2020

AbstractScience has been trying to deal with complex diseases, like cancer, for a long time. Indeed, the side effects of the conventional treatment methods are tremendous, in some cases irreversible. This kind of problems demands a solution. Therefore, novel drug delivery systems are devised to mitigate the negative impacts of conventional ones. Polymeric nanocarrier systems are of great importance in this newly opened field. Polymers having been vastly investigated are common in some properties, such as their being biocompatibility and biodegradability. Generally speaking, a set of properties is required to achieve optimum delivery of drugs to target organs with minimum side effects. To do so, some measures should be taken. First of all, the strategy for release should be determined, categorized into two main branches, active and passive. Next, the drug release method should be engineered. Generally, there are two main categories for drug release, exogenous and endogenous. In this review, some of the chief subcategories of any aforementioned items are discussed. In the end, we catch up on already engineered nanocarriers' administration to the human body, possible toxic effects, if any, and the routes for affecting as a toxin.
Developing algorithms for identifying major structural birth defects using automated electronic health data
Authors: Kharbanda Elyse O. , Vazquez‐Benitez Gabriela , DeSilva Malini B. , Spaulding Alicen B. , Daley Matthew F. , Naleway Allison L. , Irving Stephanie A. , Klein Nicola P. , Tseng Hung Fu , Jackson Lisa A. , Hambidge Simon J. , Olaiya Oluwatosin , Panozzo Catherine A. , Myers Tanya R. , Romitti Paul A. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractPurposeGiven the 2015 transition to International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD‐10‐CM) diagnostic coding, updates to our previously published algorithms for major structural birth defects (BDs) were necessary. Aims of this study were to update, validate, and refine algorithms for identifying selected BDs, and then to use these algorithms to describe BD prevalence in the vaccine safety datalink (VSD) population.MethodsWe converted our ICD‐9‐CM list of selected BDs to ICD‐10‐CM using available crosswalks with manual review of codes. We identified, chart reviewed, and adjudicated a sample of infants in the VSD with ≥2 ICD‐10‐CM diagnoses for one of seven common BDs. Positive predictive values (PPVs) were calculated; for BDs with suboptimal PPV, algorithms were refined. Final automated algorithms were applied to a cohort of live births delivered 10/1/2015–9/30/2017 at eight VSD sites to estimate BD prevalence. This research was approved by the HealthPartners Institutional Review Board, by all participating VSD sites, and by the CDC, with a waiver of informed consent.ResultsOf 573 infants with ≥2 diagnoses for a targeted BD, on adjudication, we classified 399 (69.6%) as probable cases, 31 (5.4%) as possible cases and 143 (25.0%) as not having the targeted BD. PPVs for the final BD algorithms ranged from 0.76 (hypospadias) to 1.0 (gastroschisis). Among 212 857 births over 2 years following transition to ICD‐10‐CM coding, prevalence for the full list of selected defects in the VSD was 1.8%.ConclusionsAlgorithms can identify infants with selected BDs using automated healthcare data with reasonable accuracy. Our updated algorithms can be used in observational studies of maternal vaccine safety and may be adapted for use in other surveillance systems.
A pilot study of mobilized intervention to help caregivers of oncology patients manage distress
Authors: Pensak Nicole A. , Carr Alaina L. , Jones Jacqueline , Mikulich‐Gilbertson Susan K. , Kutner Jean S. , Kilbourn Kristin , Sannes Timothy S. , Brewer Benjamin B. , Kolva Elissa , Joshi Tanisha , Laudenslager Mark L. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractObjectiveCaregivers of patients with advanced cancer experience significant anxiety, depression, and distress. Caregivers have barriers to accessing in‐person treatment to manage stress. Technology allows for the dissemination of evidence‐based interventions in a convenient way. This study examined usage rates of Pep‐Pal (an evidence‐based mobilized intervention to help caregivers of patients with advanced cancer manage distress) and estimates of efficacy on anxiety, depression, stress, and sexual dysfunction.MethodsFifty‐six primary caregivers of patients with advanced cancer were recruited through oncology clinics and randomized to either Pep‐Pal (a mobilized psychoeducation and skills‐based intervention for caregivers, n = 26) or treatment as usual (TAU; n = 30). All were screened for moderate anxiety on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale–Anxiety screening assessment (A ≥ 8) at baseline.ResultsParticipants randomized to Pep‐Pal experienced greater reductions in perceived stress (PSS; F = 3.91, p = .05), greater increases in ability to learn and use stress management skills (F = 6.16, p = 0.01), and greater increases in sexual function (women only; F = 5.07, p = 0.03) compared to participants in TAU. Of Pep‐Pal participants, only 10 (38.5%) watched at least 7/9 full‐length sessions. The a priori hypothesis and criterion that participants would watch at least 75% full‐length sessions were not met.ConclusionsA brief, easily disseminated mobile intervention showed poor adherence, but had limited estimates of efficacy for secondary outcomes; perceived stress, learning stress management skills, and sexual functioning (women only). Future directions are discussed.