bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chronic untreated retinal detachment in a patient with choroideremia provides insight into the disease process and potential therapy
Authors: Martin-Gutierrez Maria Pilar , Buckley Thomas MW , MacLaren Robert E 
Published: February 2021

Aim: We present the case of a 72-year-old male with advanced choroideremia and a left chronic rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, which to our knowledge is the first formal report of a retinal detachment in this disease. Background: Choroideremia is a rare X-linked inherited retinal dystrophy, caused by mutations in the CHM gene which encodes Rab escort protein 1 (REP1), and affected males typically experience a progressive centripetal loss of vision. The disease pathology is caused by a primary retinal pigment epithelium degeneration, which leads to secondary loss of photoreceptors and choriocapillaris. This in turn leads to fusion of the degenerate outer retinal layers resulting in a retinopexy that is known to make subretinal gene therapy particularly challenging in these patients. Conclusion: Although retinal gene therapy is commonly targeted to the macular area in choroideremia, the observation of a rhegmatogenous retinal detachment indicates that the peripheral retina may not fuse with the residual choroid as occurs in the equatorial and macular regions. If this hypothesis is correct, targeting gene therapy to the retinal periphery even in advanced cases may be feasible and could potentially be used to preserve navigational vision.
Main challenges in adoption of consultation services of hospital ethics committees: A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Mousavi Mir Sajjad Seyyed , Khodayari-Zarnaq Rahim , Hajizadeh Alireza 
Published: February 2021

Background There are numerous challenges in the consultation services of the Hospital Ethics Committees (HEC) that can impact the means of providing healthcare. This review aimed to identify the main challenges in the application of consultation services of the HEC and propose possible solutions. Methods This systematic review was conducted through searching electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, ProQuest, and Embase. Inclusion criteria included studies published in English language in a peer-reviewed journal, from 2000 to 2019 were identified, which clearly defined the design, method, and results of the study. Study selections, quality assessments, data extraction, and analysis were completed by two researchers, independently. The thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Results The search yielded 1204 articles and 6 of these, included the analyses. Challenges were categorized into 9 themes: (a) personal views and believes in healthcare professionals, (b) sense of fear in the healthcare professionals, (c) medical culture, (d) environmental factors, (e) managerial and structural factors, (f) characteristics of the HEC members, (g) factors related to the HEC, (h) problematic process for HEC consultations, and (i) weakness of knowledge about HEC. Accordingly, proposed solutions were organized according to five themes: reforming the HEC executive processes, creating the appropriate communications, developing awareness about HEC, improving the competencies of HEC members, and (e) receiving support from HEC consultations. Conclusions This review highlights that proposed solutions serve as examples of strategies, which attempt to solve challenges related to the application of the consultation services of HEC by healthcare professionals.
The practice of obtaining informed consent for elective surgery and anesthesia from patients’ perspective: An institutional based cross-sectional study
Authors: Tamire Tadese , Tesfaw Aragaw 
Published: February 2021

Introduction Informed consent is a body of shared decision-making process and voluntary authorization of patients to receive medical or surgical intervention. There are limited studies conducted so far to examine the practice of informed consent in Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess the practice of informed consent process for surgery and Anesthesia. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to May 2019. The data were collected using interviewer-administered structured questionnaire and analyzed in SPSS version 23. Results A total of 139 patients were interviewed in this study. Most 42(30.2%) of patients were in the age group of 29–38 years. Nearly half 68 (48.9%) of the patients were informed the benefits of the surgical procedure and 78(56.1%) of the patients were informed on the type of anesthesia to be administered while 65 (46.8%) were not informed on any complication related to the anesthesia. About 66 (47.5%) of patients were informed on alternatives to the surgery. Of these patients, 39(59%) were not informed of any benefits and possible risks associated with the alternative modes of treatment. About half (54%) of the patients were reported as they were understood the information provided during the pre-operative informed consent process. Conclusion This research revealed that patients were inadequately informed on the complications of proposed procedure, alternative forms of treatment, risks and benefits of the proposed procedure. Therefore, healthcare providers should provide adequate information regarding the proposed procedure and make sure whether patients understood the risks and benefits before the consent.
Identification of Novel Biomarkers Associated With the Prognosis and Potential Pathogenesis of Breast Cancer via Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Wu Meng , Li Qingdai , Wang Hongbing 
Published: February 2021

Background: Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy and a major cause of cancer-related deaths in women globally. Identification of novel prognostic and pathogenesis biomarkers play a pivotal role in the management of the disease. Methods: Three data sets from the GEO database were used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in breast cancer. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses were performed to elucidate the functional roles of the DEGs. Besides, we investigated the translational and protein expression levels and survival data of the DEGs in patients with breast cancer from the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA), Oncomine, Human Protein Atlas, and Kaplan Meier plotter tool databases. The corresponding change in the expression level of microRNAs in the DEGs was also predicted using miRWalk and TargetScan, and the expression profiles were analyzed using OncomiR. Finally, the expression of novel DEGs were validated in Chinese breast cancer tissues by RT-qPCR. Results: A total of 46 DEGs were identified, and GO analysis revealed that these genes were mainly associated with biological processes involved in fatty acid, lipid localization, and regulation of lipid metabolism. Two novel biomarkers, ADH1A and IGSF10, and 4 other genes ( APOD, KIT, RBP4, and SFRP1) that were implicated in the prognosis and pathogenesis of breast cancer, exhibited low expression levels in breast cancer tissues. Besides, 14/25 microRNAs targeting 6 genes were first predicted to be associated with breast cancer prognosis. RT-qPCR results of ADH1A and IGSF10 expression in Chinese breast cancer tissues were consistent with the database analysis and showed significant down-regulation. Conclusion: ADH1A, IGSF10, and the 14 microRNAs were found to be potential novel biomarkers for the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of breast cancer.
Functional outcomes and complications following convertible primary total elbow arthroplasty: A single surgeon series
Authors: Bhat Mahendar Gururaj , Desai Ankit , Patel Vipul R 
Published: February 2021

Background The data on convertible total elbow arthroplasty are limited and primarily based on multiple centre/multiple surgeon series. The aim of this study was to report the mid-term functional outcomes, radiological findings, complications and survivorship of the Latitude total elbow arthroplasty performed by a single surgeon. Study design & methods The study included 13 patients (10 females, mean age of 72 years and varying indications) over eight years. The Oxford Elbow Score (OES), Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), range of movements (ROM), Subjective Elbow Value (SEV), satisfaction score (SS) and the revision rate of the implant per 100 observed component years (OCY) were assessed. Results The mean follow-up was 5.9 years (3–10 years). The Oxford Elbow Score/Mayo Elbow Performance Score improved from 15 to 42 ( p value < 0.005)/26% to 93% ( p value < 0.005) respectively. The arc of extension-flexion/supination-pronation improved from 63° to 106° ( p = 0.00002)/123° to 142° ( p = 0.32) respectively. The Subjective Elbow Value/Satisfaction Score was 83/98 respectively. There was one re-operation for a deep infection. There were no radiologic signs of loosening and the revision rate was 0.15 per 100 observed component years. Conclusions With careful patient selection, convertible total elbow arthroplasty provides patients with good to excellent outcomes and substantial improvements in the range of movements.
Surgeon involvement in clinical coding to improve data accuracy and remuneration in a shoulder and elbow unit
Authors: Kyriacou Steven , Butt David , Rudge Will , Higgs Deborah , Falworth Mark , Majed Addie 
Published: February 2021

Background Clinical coders are dependent on clear data regarding diagnoses and procedures to generate an accurate representation of clinical activity and ensure appropriate remuneration is received. The accuracy of this process may potentially be improved by collaboration with the surgical team. Methods Between November 2017 and November 2019, 19 meetings took place between the Senior Clinical Fellow of our tertiary Shoulder & Elbow Unit and the coding validation lead of our Trust. At each meeting, the Clinical Fellow assessed the operative note of cases in which uncertainty existed as to the most suitable clinical codes to apply and selected the codes which most accurately represented the operative intervention performed. Results Over a 24-month period, clinical coding was reviewed in 153 cases (range 3–14 per meeting, mean 8). Following review, the clinical coding was amended in 102 (67%) of these cases. A total of £115,160 additional income was generated as a result of this process (range £1677–£15,796 per meeting, mean £6061). Only 6 out of 28 (21%) cases initially coded as arthroscopic sub-acromial decompressions were correctly coded as such. Discussion Surgeon input into clinical coding greatly improves data quality and increases remuneration received for operative interventions performed.
Medico-Legal Opinion Based on Autopsy Findings of a Victim of an Explosion Involving Mass Fatality
Authors: Thivaharan Yalini , Kitulwatte Indira Deepthi Gamage 
Published: February 2021

Introduction: Investigation into explosions is one of the major areas in forensic medicine and pathology. Medico legal issues associated with these deaths are diverse and forensic experts are often expected to make clarifications. Assistance of a methodical scientific investigation of such a death in evaluation of unanswered medico legal issues, of an autopsy of one of the victims of Easter Sunday explosions is discussed. Case history: The deceased was a 15-year-old girl who was participating in the Easter mass at St. Sebastian’s Church - Kattuwapaitya, Negombo, Sri Lanka when a suicide bomber blew himself up. The mother of the deceased noticed the deceased being rushed to the hospital. However, she was pronounced dead on admission. Pre-autopsy radiology revealed spherical shrapnel in the temporal region. At autopsy, the fatal injury was found on the head and a detailed study revealed skull fractures associated with penetration by 3 shrapnels. There was a keyhole lesion among the penetrations. Internal examination revealed an extensive dural tear underlying the compound fracture. The brain was grossly edematous with lacerations on the frontal and parietal lobes associated with localized subarachnoid hemorrhage. There were multiple underlying contusions on bilateral frontal white matter. Small subarachnoid haemorrhage was noted on the basal aspect of the brain. Discussion: Careful evaluation of the autopsy findings assisted in formulating the opinion scientifically on event reconstruction including the proximity of the victim to the epicenter of explosion and nature of explosive device, period of survival, mechanism of causation of skull fractures and the mechanism of death in addition to the cause of death. Conclusion: A forensic pathologist following a meticulous autopsy examination, along with a team of ballistic experts and specially trained police personnel play a pivotal task in analyzing a scene of explosion and an autopsy of a victim, in concluding the case and in bringing justice to all the victims and survivors of the catastrophe.
Diagnostic Value of Interleukin-34 as a Novel Biomarker for Severity of Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Udomsinprasert Wanvisa , Panon Kittaporn , Preechanukul Siraphop , Jittikoon Jiraphun , Jinawath Artit , Honsawek Sittisak 
Published: February 2021

Objectives This study aimed to determine whether plasma and synovial fluid interleukin-34 (IL-34), an inflammatory cytokine reportedly implicated in synovial inflammation-induced joint degeneration, were associated with radiographic severity of knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients and could emerge as knee OA biomarkers. Design Ninety-six knee OA patients and 72 healthy controls were recruited. Plasma and synovial fluid IL-34 levels were quantified using ELISA. IL-34 mRNA and protein expressions in inflamed ( n = 15) and noninflamed synovial tissues ( n = 15) of knee OA patients were determined using real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Results Significant increases in plasma and synovial fluid IL-34 levels were found in knee OA patients—especially those with advanced stage ( P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). Both plasma and synovial fluid IL-34 levels were positively associated with radiographic severity ( r = 0.64, P < 0.001; r = 0.50, P < 0.001, respectively). There was a direct link between plasma and synovial fluid IL-34 ( r = 0.64, P < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis uncovered that the optimal cutoff value of plasma IL-34 as a novel biomarker reflecting knee OA severity was defined at 3750.0 pg/mL (AUC = 0.85), with a sensitivity of 83.1% and a specificity of 74.2%. Further analysis revealed that IL-34 mRNA expression was significantly upregulated in inflamed synovium compared with noninflamed synovium obtained from knee OA patients ( P < 0.001), consistent with protein expression analysis demonstrating IL-34 overexpression localized in the lining and sublining layers of inflamed synovium. Conclusions All findings suggest that elevated plasma and synovial fluid IL-34 would reflect knee OA severity and might have potential utility as biomarkers for the disease progression.
Risk Factors Associated with COVID-19 Infected Healthcare Workers in Muscat Governorate, Oman
Authors: Al Abri Zahir Ghassan Hilal , Al Zeedi Manar Al Sanaa Ali , Al Lawati Anwar Ahmed 
Published: February 2021

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread rapidly worldwide, causing a global public health crisis. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are vulnerable due to their role in the management of COVID-19 infected patients. As of June 2020, a total of 847 HCWs in Oman had reportedly contracted COVID-19, with an incidence rate of 1.47%. This study therefore aimed to identify factors associated with COVID-19 infection among HCWs in Muscat Governorate, Oman, as well as to evaluate adherence to infection prevention and control (IPC) measures. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved cases of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 infection among HCWs working under the Directorate General of Health Services of Muscat Governorate, Ministry of Health, between February and June 2020. Data regarding the participants’ sociodemographic characteristics, risk factors, pre-existing medical conditions, and adherence to IPC measures were collected using a self-administered questionnaire distributed via a web-based mobile application. Results: A total of 126 HCWs with confirmed COVID-19 infection participated in the study. Of these, 72.2% were female, 53.2% worked in primary care facilities, and 61.1% were medical doctors or nurses. Only 18.1% were over 45 years of age and 30.2% had pre-existing medical conditions. While 29.4% had never received IPC training, the majority followed recommended hand hygiene practice (96.8%) and social distancing protocols (93.7%) and wore protective facemasks for routine patient care (96.9%). Conclusion: While the majority of HCWs followed crucial IPC measures, one-third had never received specific IPC training or faced restrictions on PPE use. HCWs, including those in housekeeping and administrative functions are recommended to undergo rigorous IPC training. In addition, high-risk HCWs could be assigned duties away from active COVID 19 cases. It is recommended to restructure health facilities for better adherence to IPC standards.
Self-made wire-rope button plate: A novel option for the treatment of distal tibiofibular syndesmosis separation
Authors: Wei Xiang-Ke , Jing Guang-Wu , Shu Yang , Tong Jie , Wang Jin-Hua 
Published: February 2021

Objective: To compare the clinical effect of the self-made wire-rope button plate and cortical screw in the treatment of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis separation. Methods: Total 26 patients with distal tibiofibular syndesmosis separation were treated with internal fixation with a self-made wire-rope button plate and cortical screw. They were divided into a self-made wire-rope button plate group and cortical screw group. self-made wire-rope button plate group: 12 cases of inferior tibiofibular syndesmosis were reconstructed by self-made wire-rope button plate. Cortical screw group: 14 cases of inferior tibiofibular syndesmosis were reconstructed by cortical screw. The follow-up data of 2, 6, 12 weeks and 6 and 12 months after operation were collected. Results: There was no significant difference in operative time, the amount of intraoperative bleeding and postoperative complications between the two groups (P > 0.05). Comparison of postoperative complications: There was no loosening and rupturing of internal fixation in the self-made wire-rope button plate group. In the cortical screw group, the rupture of screws was found in 1 case, which occurred in the 10th weeks after the operation, and the broken screws were removed after 1 year with other internal fixations. Within 12 weeks of reoperation to remove the internal fixation rate: There was a significant difference in the rate of reoperation to remove the internal fixation within 12 weeks (p < 0.05). At the last follow-up, the AOFAS score of the ankle joint were 94 ± 4.79 in the self-made wire-rope button plate group and 92.8 ± 6.73 in the cortical screw group. There was no significant difference (P > 0. 05). Conclusion: The self-made wire-rope button plate and cortical screw can effectively treat the separation of the tibiofibular syndesmosis. It provides a new choice for the treatment of inferior tibiofibular syndesmosis.
Flexural anisotropy of rift-sawn softwood boards induced by the end-grain orientation
Authors: Hwang Sung-Wook , Isoda Hiroshi , Nakagawa Takafumi , Sugiyama Junji 
Published: February 2021

AbstractInspired by the use of rift-sawn softwood board for covering curved surfaces in Kokerabuki, a traditional Japanese roofing method, we investigated the flexural anisotropy of wood caused by its end-grain orientation. We measured the flexural displacement of softwood species, Chamaecyparis obtusa and Cryptomeria japonica, and hardwood species, Populus suaveolens and Cerasus serrulata. For the softwood species, this was approximately five times longer for the rift-sawn specimens than for the other grain patterns. Using the replica method to measure the softwood tracheid deformation with different flexural displacements, we confirmed the different deformation mechanisms of the tracheid in the flat- and quarter-sawn specimens, and rift-sawn specimens. In the flat- and quarter-sawn woods, on-axis loading was generated, in which the stress was concentrated on the radial and tangential cell walls parallel to the direction of tension or compression. By contrast, in the rift-sawn wood, off-axis loading was generated, in which the stress was evenly distributed throughout the corner cell walls without the wall directly resisting the tensile and compressive forces. We also concluded that the tapered shape of the tracheid walls contributes to the excellent flexibility of rift-sawn softwood.
High-Performance Triboelectric Devices via Dielectric Polarization: A Review
Authors: Kim Minsoo P. , Um Doo-Seung , Shin Young-Eun , Ko Hyunhyub 
Published: February 2021

AbstractEnergy harvesting devices based on the triboelectric effect have attracted great attention because of their higher output performance compared to other nanogenerators, which have been utilized in various wearable applications. Based on the working mechanism, the triboelectric performance is mainly proportional to the surface charge density of the triboelectric materials. Various approaches, such as modification of the surface functional group and dielectric composition of the triboelectric materials, have been employed to enhance the surface charge density, leading to improvements in triboelectric performances. Notably, tuning the dielectric properties of triboelectric materials can significantly increase the surface charge density because the surface charge is proportional to the relative permittivity of the triboelectric material. The relative dielectric constant is modified by dielectric polarization, such as electronic, vibrational (or atomic), orientation (or dipolar), ionic, and interfacial polarization. Therefore, such polarization represents a critical factor toward improving the dielectric constant and consequent triboelectric performance. In this review, we summarize the recent insights on the improvement of triboelectric performance via enhanced dielectric polarization.
CHICKN: extraction of peptide chromatographic elution profiles from large scale mass spectrometry data by means of Wasserstein compressive hierarchical cluster analysis
Authors: Permiakova Olga , Guibert Romain , Kraut Alexandra , Fortin Thomas , Hesse Anne-Marie , Burger Thomas 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
The clustering of data produced by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry analyses (LC-MS data) has recently gained interest to extract meaningful chemical or biological patterns. However, recent instrumental pipelines deliver data which size, dimensionality and expected number of clusters are too large to be processed by classical machine learning algorithms, so that most of the state-of-the-art relies on single pass linkage-based algorithms.

Results
We propose a clustering algorithm that solves the powerful but computationally demanding kernel k-means objective function in a scalable way. As a result, it can process LC-MS data in an acceptable time on a multicore machine. To do so, we combine three essential features: a compressive data representation, Nyström approximation and a hierarchical strategy. In addition, we propose new kernels based on optimal transport, which interprets as intuitive similarity measures between chromatographic elution profiles.

Conclusions
Our method, referred to as CHICKN, is evaluated on proteomics data produced in our lab, as well as on benchmark data coming from the literature. From a computational viewpoint, it is particularly efficient on raw LC-MS data. From a data analysis viewpoint, it provides clusters which differ from those resulting from state-of-the-art methods, while achieving similar performances. This highlights the complementarity of differently principle algorithms to extract the best from complex LC-MS data.