bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long noncoding RNA TUG1 is downregulated in sepsis and may sponge miR-27a to downregulate tumor necrosis factor-α
Authors: Wang Li , Zhong Qinghua , Feng Yanli , Tang Xiaoying , Wang Qiong , Zou Yongyi , Duan Jiang 
Published: April 2020

Objectives Bioinformatics analysis revealed a potential interaction between long noncoding (lnc)RNA TUG1 (taurine-upregulated gene 1) and microRNA (miR)-27a. miR-27a can promote sepsis by upregulating tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Our objective was to study the roles of TUG1 in sepsis. Methods Plasma levels of TUG1 in patients with sepsis and in healthy controls were measured by quantitative PCR assay. The IntaRNA program was used to predict potential interactions between TUG1 mRNA and miR-27a. The interaction between TUG1 and miR-27a was further explored by transfecting TUG1 expression vector or miR-27a mimic into AC16 human cardiomyocytes, and apoptosis was evaluated by cell apoptosis assay. Results TUG1 was downregulated in patients with sepsis. TUG1 was able to directly interact with miR-27a, but overexpression of TUG1 or miR-27a failed to affect the expression of each other. In contrast, TUG1 overexpression led to decreased levels of TNF-α, whereas miR-27a overexpression increased TNF-α in cardiomyocytes. Cell apoptosis analysis showed that TNF-α and miR-27a overexpression promoted apoptosis of cardiomyocytes induced by lipopolysaccharide. TUG1 overexpression had the opposite effect and attenuated the effects of TNF-α and miR-27a overexpression. Conclusion We conclude that TUG1 is downregulated in sepsis and may act as a molecular “sponge” of miR-27a to downregulate TNF-α.
Recommendations for Systematizing Transplant Education Within a Care Delivery System for Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease Stages 3 to 5
Authors: Waterman Amy D. , Lipsey Amanda Faye , Ranasinghe Omesh N. , Wood Emily H. , Anderson Crystal , Bozzolo Carla , Henry Shayna L. , Dub Bhanuja , Mittman Brian 
Published: April 2020

Context: Early tailored transplant education could help patients make informed transplant choices. Objective: We interviewed 40 patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 3 to 5, 13 support persons, and 10 providers at Kaiser Permanente Southern California to understand: (1) barriers to transplant education and (2) transplant educational preferences and recommendations based on CKD stage and primary language spoken. Design: A grounded theory analysis identified central themes related to transplant education barriers, preferences, and recommendations. Results: Barriers included confusion about diagnosis and when transplant may be necessary, concerns about transplant risks, families’ lack of transplant knowledge, financial burdens, transportation and scheduling, and the emotional overload of chronic illness. Hispanic and Spanish-speaking participants reported difficulty in understanding transplant education and medical mistrust. Recommendations included providing general education, earlier introduction to transplant, wait-listing information, transplant education for support persons, living donation education for patients and potential donors, opportunities to meet living donors and kidney recipients, information on the benefits of transplant, recovery, and available financial resources, flexible class scheduling, online and print resources, and more provider follow-up. Spanish-speaking and Hispanic participants recommended using bilingual educators, print, video, and online resources in Spanish, and culturally responsive education. Patients with CKD stages 3 to 4 wanted information on slowing disease progression and avoiding transplant. Conclusion: Increasing access to culturally responsive transplant education in multiple languages, pairing appropriate content to the disease stage, and increasing system-wide follow-up as the disease progresses might help patients make more informed choices about transplant.
Safe and Supportive Neurorehabilitation Environments: Results of a Structured Observation of Physical Features Across Two Rehabilitation Facilities
Authors: Colley Jacinta , Zeeman Heidi 
Published: April 2020

Objective: This research aimed to identify the extent to which physical features of two neurorehabilitation units appeared to support positive patient experience and recovery. Background: Neurorehabilitation inpatient facilities must be focused on safety management and efficiency of care, as well as being supportive of the patient experience. While occupational safety and risk management is paramount, the supportive nature of the physical setting for inpatient neurorehabilitation following spinal cord injury or acquired brain injury is unclear. Method: Structured observation of two physical environments using an adapted observational tool comprising 237 items across 8 area zones, and 3 major categories (patient safety, worker safety and efficiency, and holistic patient experience). Results: Results indicated that across both neurorehabilitation settings, the built environment attended well to occupational safety, risk reduction, harm prevention and internal security (up to 87% in spinal injury unit [SIU] and 95% in brain injury unit [BIU] patient rooms), but with limited evidence of physical features to support psychosocial needs or promote positive user experiences (up to 30% in SIU and 45% in BIU patient rooms). Conclusion: The built environments observed appeared to be an underutilized resource for supporting positive psychosocial neurorehabilitation experiences (including complex behavior support) beyond hazard management.
Maturity assessment and maturity models in health care: A multivocal literature review
Authors: Kolukısa Tarhan Ayça , Garousi Vahid , Turetken Oktay , Söylemez Mehmet , Garossi Sonia 
Published: April 2020

Background The maturity of practices and infrastructure in the health care domain directly impacts the quality and efficiency of health care services. Therefore, various health care administrations (e.g. from hospital management to the nationwide health authority) need to assess and improve their operational maturity. Objective This study aimed to review and classify studies that propose/use maturity assessment or maturity models (MMs) as a vehicle to achieve operational excellence in the health care domain. Method To achieve this objective, we performed a multivocal literature review (MLR) – a form of systematic review that includes data from the grey literature (e.g. white papers and online documents) in addition to formal, peer-reviewed literature. Results Based on 101 sources, 80 from peer-reviewed literature and 21 from the grey literature, we identified 68 different MMs on, for example, telemedicine, care pathways and digital imaging. We reviewed them with respect to various aspects, including types of research and contribution, list of MMs proposed/used with their subject areas, elements of maturity/capability and application scope or scale. In the synthesis of empirical benefits of using MMs, two were found to be significant: (a) identifying issues and providing guidance for improvement in health care contexts, and (b) improving efficiency, effectiveness, performance and productivity. Conclusion This MLR provides an overview of the landscape and serves as an index to the vast body of knowledge in this area. Our review creates an opportunity to cope with the challenges in obtaining an overview of the state-of-the-art and practice, choosing the most suitable models or developing new models with further specialties.
Human Bite Injuries of the Orofacial Region: An Analysis of 26 Cases in Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Authors: Osaiyuwu Omokaro , Osaguona Anthony Osemwegie 
Published: April 2020

Study Design: A retrospective study of 26 cases of human bite injuries at the Government Dental and Maxillofacial Hospital (now Maxillofacial unit, Rivers State University Teaching Hospital), Port Harcourt, within September 2011 and August 2016. Objective: To analyze the pattern, presentation, management, and complications of human bite injuries in the orofacial region. Methods: Information was extracted from hospital records of all victims of human bites to the face between the study period. Facial bites resulting from animals were excluded. Data such as age, gender, time lag between the injury and time of presentation in the hospital, nature and the circumstances of the injuries, site of injuries, and treatment outcomes and complications were collected and analyzed. Results: A total of 26 patients within the ages of 18 and 60 years were seen during the period of study. They were all related to fights, which were all resolved out of court. There was a preponderance of females, and the lower lip was the most affected site ( p < .05). In all, 14 patients presented within 24 hours of injury and all but 2 (7.6%) patients presented within 7 days of injury. No wound was overtly infected. Treatments of injuries were varied from simple wedge excision and primary closure to complex multistaged procedures and were uneventful with acceptable surgical outcomes. Conclusion: Human bite wounds reported in this study were all due to social conflicts without legal redress. Although human bite wounds are considered to be dirty or contaminated but with proper wound debridement, antimicrobial cover and primary or immediate surgical closure results in very favorable aesthetic outcomes in all cases.
Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 and angiotensin (1–7) axis in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Sandoval Julio , Del Valle-Mondragón Leonardo , Masso Felipe , Zayas Nayeli , Pulido Tomás , Teijeiro Ricardo , Gonzalez-Pacheco Hector , Olmedo-Ocampo Rossana , Sisniega Carlos , Paez-Arenas Araceli , Pastelin-Hernandez Gustavo , Gomez-Arroyo Jose , Voelkel Norbert F. 
Published: April 2020

BackgroundIn animal models of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)2 and angiotensin (Ang)-(1–7) have been shown to have vasodilatory, antiproliferative, antifibrotic and antihypertrophic properties. However, the status and role of the ACE2-Ang(1–7) axis in human PAH is incompletely understood.MethodsWe studied 85 patients with a diagnosis of PAH of distinct aetiologies. 55 healthy blood donors paired for age and sex served as controls. Blood samples were obtained from the pulmonary artery in patients with PAH during right heart catheterisation. Peripheral blood was obtained for both groups. Ang(1–7) and -II were measured using zone capillary electrophoresis. Aldosterone, Ang(1–9), AngA and ACE2 were measured using ELISA, and ACE2 activity was determined enzymatically.ResultsOf the 85 patients, 47 had idiopathic PAH, 25 had PAH associated with congenital heart disease and 13 had PAH associated with collagen vascular disease. Compared to controls, patients with PAH had a higher concentration of AngII (median 1.03, interquartile range 0.72–1.88 pmol·mL−1versus0.19, 0.10–0.37 pmol·mL−1; p<0.001) and of aldosterone (88.7, 58.7–132 ng·dL−1versus12.9, 9.55–19.9 ng·dL−1; p<0.001). Conversely, PAH patients had a lower concentration of Ang(1–7) than controls (0.69, 0.474–0.91 pmol·mL−1versus4.07, 2.82–6.73 pmol·mL−1; p<0.001), and a lower concentration of Ang(1–9) and AngA. Similarly, the ACE2 concentration was higher than in controls (8.7, 5.35–13.2 ng·mL−1versus4.53, 1.47–14.3 ng·mL−1; p=0.011), whereas the ACE2 activity was significantly reduced (1.88, 1.08–2.81 nmol·mL−1versus5.97, 3.1–17.8 nmol·mL−1; p<0.001). No significant differences were found among the three different aetiological forms of PAH.ConclusionsThe AngII–ACE2–Ang(1–7) axis appears to be altered in human PAH and we propose that this imbalance, in favour of AngII, plays a role in the pathogenesis of the severe PAH. Further mechanistic studies are warranted.
Effect of incorporation of lignin as bio-polyol on the performance of rigid lightweight wood–polyurethane composite foams
Authors: Luo Shupin , Gao Li , Guo Wenjing 
Published: April 2020

AbstractDensity reduction has become a topical issue in wood composite materials for application in building and furniture. In this study, lightweight wood–polyurethane (W–PU) composite foams with the addition of 30 wt% wood particles were prepared. Industrial kraft lignin was used as bio-polyol to substitute partial petroleum-based diethylene glycol (DEG) to synthesize rigid W–PU foams. The effect of varying lignin contents (5, 10, 15 and 20 wt% based on DEG mass) on the reactivity, morphology, density, compressive properties, water absorption and thermal stability of the foams was evaluated. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis confirmed the formation of characteristic urethane linkages in all the foam samples. With the incorporation of lignin, the foam cellular shape became irregular with formation of large cells. W–PU foams exhibited poor cellular structures with a larger number of open cells. The density of W–PU foams increased from 47 to 96 kg/m3 as the lignin content increased from 0 to 20%. Although the foam reactivity was decreased by the incorporation of lignin, both the compressive strength and modulus were increased upon the incorporation of lignin. Furthermore, the specific compressive strength and modulus of W–PU foams increased by 55% and 48% with lignin content increasing from 0 to 20%, and the 20-day water absorption decreased by 38%. Thermal gravimetric analysis showed that the incorporation of lignin did not significantly affect the thermal degradation behaviour of foam, but it rather increased the mass of char residue. This study provides a promising method for value-added utilization of technical lignin in W–PU lightweight composites.
An improved de novo genome assembly of the common marmoset genome yields improved contiguity and increased mapping rates of sequence data
Authors: Jayakumar Vasanthan , Ishii Hiromi , Seki Misato , Kumita Wakako , Inoue Takashi , Hase Sumitaka , Sato Kengo , Okano Hideyuki , Sasaki Erika , Sakakibara Yasubumi 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) is one of the most studied primate model organisms. However, the marmoset genomes available in the public databases are highly fragmented and filled with sequence gaps, hindering research advances related to marmoset genomics and transcriptomics.

Results
Here we utilize single-molecule, long-read sequence data to improve and update the existing genome assembly and report a near-complete genome of the common marmoset. The assembly is of 2.79 Gb size, with a contig N50 length of 6.37 Mb and a chromosomal scaffold N50 length of 143.91 Mb, representing the most contiguous and high-quality marmoset genome up to date. Approximately 90% of the assembled genome was represented in contigs longer than 1 Mb, with approximately 104-fold improvement in contiguity over the previously published marmoset genome. More than 98% of the gaps from the previously published genomes were filled successfully, which improved the mapping rates of genomic and transcriptomic data on to the assembled genome.

Conclusions
Altogether the updated, high-quality common marmoset genome assembly provide improvements at various levels over the previous versions of the marmoset genome assemblies. This will allow researchers working on primate genomics to apply the genome more efficiently for their genomic and transcriptomic sequence data.
Preoperative anemia and total hospitalization time are the independent factors of preoperative deep venous thromboembolism in Chinese elderly undergoing hip surgery
Authors: Feng Long , Xu Longhe , Yuan Weixiu , Xu Zhipeng , Feng Zeguo , Zhang Hong 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundThis study was designed to explore the prevalence and risk factors of preoperative deep venous thromboembolism (DVT) in Chinese elderly with hip fracture.MethodsFrom January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2018, 273 elderly patients over 70 years old with elective hip surgery were collected from the electronic medical records. Collected data included demographic characteristics, comorbidities, ASA classification, types of previous operations, types of anesthesia, operation time, fracture to operation time, preoperative hemoglobin level, anemia, blood-gas analysis, cardiac function, whether transfusion, preoperative hospitalization, postoperative hospitalization, electrocardiograph, lower limb venous ultrasonography and total hospitalization time.ResultsIn these 273 patients, 15(5.6%) had ultrasonography evidence of DVT in affected limbs before surgery. Three of all patients received an temporary inferior vena cave filter placement preoperatively. Fracture to surgery time, preoperative hemoglobin level, anemia, preoperative hospitalization, pulmonary disease and total hospitalization time were statistically different between DVT group and non-DVT group (P < 0.05 for all). Moreover, preoperative anemia (OR: 0.144, 95%CI: 0.026–0.799,P = 0.027) and total hospitalization time (OR: 1.135; 95%CI: 1.023–1.259,P = 0.017) were the two independent risk factors for preoperative DVT.ConclusionPreoperative anemia and total hospitalization time were independent risk factors for venous DVT in Chinese elderly with hip fracture.
Tibial and femoral osteotomies in varus deformities - radiological and clinical outcome
Authors: Fürmetz Julian , Patzler Sven , Wolf Florian , Degen Nikolaus , Prall Wolf Christian , Soo Chris , Böcker Wolfgang , Thaller Peter Helmut 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundVarus deformities of the knee are frequently corrected by osteotomies, which should be performed at the level of origin. But in contrast to high tibial osteotomies (HTO), little data exists for distal femoral osteotomies (DFO).This study evaluates radiological and clinical outcomes after valgisation osteotomies in the proximal tibia and distal femur.MethodsWe used an observational cohort study design and prospectively performed preoperative long standing radiographs (LSR), lateral x-rays and clinical questionnaires (SF-36, Lysholm score, VAS). Postoperative LSR and lateral x-rays were obtained on average 18 months postoperative and postoperative clinical questionnaires at final visit (mean follow up 46 months). A subgroup analysis of the different surgical techniques (oHTO vs. cDFO) was performed, with regards to radiological and clinical outcomes.ResultsFinally 28 osteotomies with medial tibial opening (oHTO) or lateral femoral closing (cDFO) wedge osteotomies in 25 consecutive patients (mean age 40 years) were identified. There were 17 tibal and 11 femoral procedures. All osteotomies were performed at the origin of deformity, which was of different etiology. The average deviation of the final HKA compared to the preoperative planning was 2.4° ± 0.4°. Overall, there was a significant improvement in all clinical scores (SF-36: 61.8 to 79.4,p < 0.001; Lysholm-score: 72.7 to 90.4,p < 0.001; VAS: 3 to 1,p < 0.001). There was no significant correlation between surgical accuracy and outcome scores.ConclusionValgisation osteotomies lead to a significant improvement in all clinical scores with the demonstrated treatment protocol. An appreciable proportion of varus deformities are of femoral origin. Since cDFO provides comparable radiological and clinical results as oHTO, this is an important treatment option for varus deformities of femoral origin.
“Sandwich” mesh reconstruction of female giant urethral diverticulum: a case report
Authors: Xie Juanjuan , Liu Bijun , Li Jianjun , Luo Zhigang 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
There is no consensus between urologists on the diagnosis and treatment of female urethral diverticula. Once the diagnosis has been established, the most common treatment approach is surgical excision and reconstruction. Whether a staged procedure or simultaneous management is more appropriate for treating concomitant urethral diverticula and stress urinary incontinence remains controversial.

Case presentation
A 63-year-old woman was hospitalized for repeated frequent urination, urgent urination, odynuria, and dysuria accompanied by intermittent overflow urinary incontinence for over 10 years. She had a 5 year history of urinary stress incontinence prior to onset of these symptoms and had had four urethral caruncles resected on four separate occasions. There was visible leakage of urine when abdominal pressure was increased during physical examination and urodynamic studies. Additionally, turbid urine was discharged when the anterior vaginal wall was squeezed. Cystourethrography showed circumferential filling with contrast and multiple bladder diverticulae in the mid plane of the pubic symphysis. Urethrocystoscopy showed an orifice to a diverticulum at 7 o’clock in the proximal urethra, into which an F19.8 urethroscope could be inserted, enabling examination of most of the diverticulae. The urethral diverticulae were resected, followed by mesh reconstruction of the urethra. During a 20-month follow-up, the treatment outcomes were satisfactory.

Conclusion
We here report a case of a giant circumferential urethral diverticulum combined with stress urinary incontinence that was successfully managed by an uncommon surgical reconstructive technique: a minimally invasive “Sandwich” mesh repair procedure utilizing synthetic mesh wrap in the midurethral region.
Development of high-growth influenza H7N9 prepandemic candidate vaccine viruses in suspension MDCK cells
Authors: Tzeng Tsai-Teng , Chen Po-Ling , Weng Tsai-Chuan , Tsai Shin-Yi , Lai Chia-Chun , Chou Hsin-I , Chen Pin-Wen , Lu Chia-Chun , Liu Ming-Tsan , Sung Wang-Chou , Lee Min-Shi , Hu Alan Yung-Chih 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Influenza vaccine manufacturers traditionally use egg-derived candidate vaccine viruses (CVVs) to produce high-yield influenza viruses for seasonal or pandemic vaccines; however, these egg-derived CVVs need an adaptation process for the virus to grow in mammalian cells. The low yields of cell-based manufacturing systems using egg-derived CVVs remain an unsolved issue. This study aimed to develop high-growth cell-derived CVVs for MDCK cell-based vaccine manufacturing platforms.

Methods
Four H7N9 CVVs were generated in characterized Vero and adherent MDCK (aMDCK) cells. Furthermore, reassortant viruses were amplified in adherent MDCK (aMDCK) cells with certification, and their growth characteristics were detected in aMDCK cells and new suspension MDCK (sMDCK) cells. Finally, the plaque-forming ability, biosafety, and immunogenicity of H7N9 reassortant viruses were evaluated.

Results
The HA titers of these CVVs produced in proprietary suspension MDCK (sMDCK) cells and chicken embryos were 2- to 8-fold higher than those in aMDCK cells. All H7N9 CVVs showed attenuated characteristics by trypsin-dependent plaque assay and chicken embryo lethality test. The alum-adjuvanted NHRI-RG5 (derived from the fifth wave H7N9 virus A/Guangdong/SP440/2017) vaccine had the highest immunogenicity and cross-reactivity among the four H7N9 CVVs. Finally, we found that AddaVax adjuvant improved the cross-reactivity of low pathogenic H7N9 virus against highly pathogenic H7N9 viruses.

Conclusions
Our study indicates that cell-derived H7N9 CVVs possessed high growth rate in new sMDCK cells and low pathogenicity in chicken embryo, and that CVVs generated by this platform are also suitable for both cell- and egg-based prepandemic vaccine production.