bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multiomics landscape of synovial fibroblasts in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Tsuchiya Haruka , Ota Mineto , Fujio Keishi 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by tumor-like hyperplasia and inflammation of the synovium, which causes synovial cell invasion into the bone and cartilage. In RA pathogenesis, various molecules in effector cells (i.e., immune cells and mesenchymal cells) are dysregulated by genetic and environmental factors. Synovial fibroblasts (SFs), the most abundant resident mesenchymal cells in the synovium, are the major local effectors of the destructive joint inflammation and exert their effects through the pathogenic production of molecules such as interleukin-6.

Main body
To date, more than 100 RA susceptibility loci have been identified in genome-wide association studies (GWASs), and finding novel therapeutic targets utilizing genome analysis is considered a promising approach because some candidate causal genes identified by GWASs have previously been established as therapeutic targets. For further exploration of RA-responsible cells and cell type-specific therapeutic targets, integrated analysis (or functional genome analysis) of the genome and intermediate traits (e.g., transcriptome and epigenome) is crucial.

Conclusion
This review builds on the existing knowledge regarding the epigenomic abnormalities in RASFs and discusses the recent advances in single-cell analysis, highlighting the prospects of SFs as targets for safer and more effective therapies against RA.
Conducting a medical examination in the COVID-19 era: an Egyptian experience
Authors: Gado Ahmed S. , Khater Rawya A. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
On 12 December 2019, a severe respiratory disease was recently reported in Wuhan, known as COVID-19 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. The coronavirus crisis has unequivocally had a marked influence on medical education, particularly in terms of the delivery of assessment. Institutions were forced to implement several changes to medical exam due to COVID-19 pandemic. Written exams were carried out online. Clinical exams were repeatedly canceled or postponed this year. Some institutions carried out clinical exams using remote OSCE stations or without patients. We present our experience in conducting the medical exam in the COVID-19 era.

Main body
Medical exam of the Egyptian Fellowship was canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic. The candidates were disappointed and increasingly anxious. After 1 year delay, the internal medicine board decided to carry out the exam after implementing several changes. Changes included the written and clinical exams. The medical exam was successfully conduced in the COVID-19 era.

Conclusion
Conducting a medical exam in the COVID-19 era carries a great challenge for the institutions. Institutions should allow for some degree of flexibility when carrying out exams to prevent suffering of the candidates from the difficult circumstances.
Memory: what we think the psychiatrist should know in a forensic context
Authors: Commane Clodagh , Kopelman Michael D. 
Published: March 2021

SUMMARYThis article offers a selective review of memory and of issues relevant for a psychiatrist thinking about memory in a forensic context. It considers the development of our knowledge of memory, some of the ways in which memory can be erroneous and some evidence that this fallibility may sometimes be overstated. It concludes with a section on good practice in psychiatric assessment and in medico-legal work, looking at memory assessment, malingering/exaggeration and guidance for expert witnesses.
Hyperuricemia causes kidney damage by promoting autophagy and NLRP3-mediated inflammation in rats with urate oxidase deficiency
Authors: Wu Mian , Ma Yiwen , Chen Xiaoting , Liang Nan , Qu Shen , Chen Haibing 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT
Epidemiological research has shown that elevated serum urate concentration is a risk factor for the development of kidney disease; however, the mechanisms underlying this process have not yet been elucidated. To examine the role of urate in the kidney, we used Wistar rats to functionally disrupt expression of urate oxidase (UOX) by using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. In comparison to wild-type (WT) rats, serum urate levels spontaneously and persistently increased in UOX-KO rats, without showing a significant decrease in survival rate. Architecture and function of the kidneys in UOX-KO rats were impaired. Injury to the kidney resulted in increased interstitial fibrosis, macrophage infiltration, increased expression of NLRP3 and IL-1β, and activation of multiple cell-signaling pathways associated with autophagy, such as AMPK, p38 MAPK, ERK and JNK pathways. Inhibition of autophagy with the PI3K inhibitor 3-MA abrogated the development of kidney damage and attenuated renal fibrosis, macrophage infiltration, and expression of NLRP3 and IL-1β in injured kidneys. In conclusion, the UOX-KO rat is a great model to study hyperuricemia-related diseases. Hyperuricemia-induced autophagy and NLRP3-dependent inflammation are critically involved in the development of renal damage and, therefore, highlight the inhibition of autophagy and inflammation in search of therapeutic strategies to treat uric acid nephropathy.
Conflict of Interest in Third-Party Reviews: An Experimental Study
Authors: Ham Sung H. , Koch Ingrid , Lim Noah , Wu Jiabin 
Published: March 2021

This paper experimentally examines a conflict of interest (COI) situation in which a third-party reviewer provides a product assessment for a firm but also potentially benefits economically from the assessed firm’s rival. We present a behavioral economics model to examine how reviewer competition and reciprocal relationships between firms and reviewers affect decision outcomes, followed by an experiment to investigate the model predictions. The experimental results are consistent with the behavioral model predictions. In particular, we empirically document a COI problem where the third-party reviewer’s report is biased, and consequently, the assessed firm underinvests in product quality. We find that this adverse result is driven by reciprocity between the third-party reviewer and the assessed firm’s rival. When we introduce an additional reviewer such that there is competition among the third-party reviewers, reporting biases are alleviated, and firms raise product quality levels. Interestingly, however, when informal agreements exist between the third-party reviewer and the assessed firm’s rival, reviewer competition exacerbates biases even more compared with the case without competition, further undermining the assessed firm’s incentive to invest in product quality. This paper was accepted by Eric Anderson, marketing.
Palliative gastrojejunostomy in unresectable cancer and gastric outlet obstruction: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Rodríguez JI , Kutscher M , Lemus M , Crovari F , Pimentel F , Briceño E 
Published: March 2021

Introduction Palliative gastrojejunostomy is a surgical technique that allows restoration of oral intake among patients with gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) caused by unresectable neoplasms. Research suggests standard treatment for malignant GOO should be laparoscopic gastrojejunostomy (LGJ). This study presents the clinical outcomes of palliative gastrojejunostomy and compares results from LGJ and open gastrojejunostomy (OGJ) at our centre. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis on patients who underwent palliative gastrojejunostomy for GOO caused by unresectable neoplasms between 2008 and 2018. We included demographic variables, time to recover intestinal transit, time to recover oral intake, hospital stay, complications and global survival. Results A total of 39 patients underwent palliative gastrojejunostomy (20 OGJ, 19 LGJ). Patients in the LGJ group recovered oral intake and intestinal transit faster than those in the OGJ group (3 vs 5 days, p<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in median operating time, hospital stay or postoperative complications between the two groups. No intraoperative complications occurred. The estimated global survival was 178 days, with no significant difference between the groups. Conclusions Palliative LGJ allows earlier restoration of oral intake and does not increase morbidity or mortality. Palliative LGJ should be considered the standard treatment for these patients.
Prophylactic antibiotic use in acellular dermal matrix-assisted implant-based breast reconstruction
Authors: Mazari FAK , Wattoo GM , Kazzazi NH , Kolar KM , Olubowale OO , Rogers CE , Azmy IA 
Published: March 2021

Background Prophylactic antibiotics are used in acellular dermal matrix-assisted implant-based breast reconstructions. However, there are no universally accepted guidelines regarding the best regimen. This retrospective, multicentre study was designed to compare the different prophylactic antibiotic regimens in these patients in three hospitals across two NHS trusts over a five-year period. Methods Case notes and electronic records were reviewed for all patients undergoing acellular dermal matrix-assisted implant-based breast reconstructions between January 2010 and December 2014. Prophylactic antibiotic regimens, duration of use, wound infection, implant loss, seroma and therapeutic antibiotic use was recorded. Patients were divided into groups based on prophylactic antibiotic regimen and actual duration of use. Intergroup analysis was performed using Stata 13.0. Implant loss due to infection was the primary outcome measure. Results A total of 105 patients had 122 breast reconstructions performed over the study period. Four prophylactic antibiotic regimens were identified: single dose (n = 20), three doses (n = 17), antibiotics for five–seven days (n = 51) and antibiotics until drains removed (n = 32). There was no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) between the various regimens in implant loss, wound infection, therapeutic antibiotic prescription or seroma rates. Based on the actual duration of prophylactic antibiotics usage, three groups were identified: prophylactic antibiotics given for one day (n = 26), antibiotics for up to one week (n = 76) and for more than one week (n = 13). Again, no statistically significant difference was observed in the groups for any outcome measure. Conclusion The study demonstrated no difference in outcomes between different prophylactic antibiotic regimens in acellular dermal matrix-assisted implant-based breast reconstructions.
The possible effect of different types of ventilation on reducing operation theatre infections: a meta-analysis
Authors: Lv Q , Lu Y , Wang H , Li X , Zhang W , Abdelrahim MEA , Wang L 
Published: March 2021

It has been brought to our attention that this article is very similar to a publication in the journal, Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology. Due to the timing of publication and difference in authorship between papers, we have decided to not retract this publication in this case, but would like to highlight the nature of this duplicate publication. Introduction The relation between type of ventilation used in the operating theatre and surgical site infection has drawn considerable attention. It has been reported that there is a possible relationship between the type of ventilation used in the operation theatre and surgical site infection. This meta-analysis was performed to evaluate this relationship. Methods Through a systematic literature search up to May 2020, 14 studies describing 590,121 operations, 328,183 were performed under laminar airflow ventilation and 2,611,938 were performed under conventional ventilation. Studies were identified that reported relationships between type of ventilation with its different categories and surgical site infection (10 studies were related to surgical site infection in total hip replacement, 7 in total knee arthroplasties and 3 in different abdominal and open vascular surgery). Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated comparing surgical site infection prevalence and type of theatre ventilation using the dichotomous method with a random or fixed-effect model. Findings No significant difference was found between surgery performed under laminar airflow ventilation and conventional ventilation in total hip replacement (OR 1.23; 95% CI 0.97–1.56, p = 0.09), total knee arthroplasties (OR 1.14; 95% CI 0.62–2.09, p = 0.67) or different abdominal and open vascular surgery (OR 0.75; 95% CI 0.43–1.33, p = 0.33). The impact of the type of theatre ventilation may have no influence on surgical site infection as a tool for decreasing its occurrence. Conclusions Based on this meta-analysis, operating under laminar airflow or conventional ventilation may have no independent relationship with the risk of surgical site infection. This relationship forces us not to recommend the use of laminar airflow ventilation since it has a much higher cost compared with conventional ventilation.
A single centre evaluation of risk prediction models and imaging modalities in acute appendicitis
Authors: Ashcroft J , Singh AA , Rooney S , Bennett J , Davies RJ 
Published: March 2021

Introduction Patients with suspected appendicitis remain a diagnostic challenge. The aim of this study was to validate risk prediction models, and to investigate diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography and computed tomography (CT) in adults undergoing appendicectomy. Methods A retrospective case review was performed of patients aged 16–45 years having an appendicectomy between January 2019 and January 2020 at a tertiary referral centre. Primary outcomes were the accuracy of a high risk appendicitis risk score and ultrasonography and CT imaging modalities compared with histological reports following appendicectomy. Results A total of 206 patients (52% female) were included in the study. Removal of a histologically normal appendix was equally likely in men and women (13.1% vs 11.2% respectively, relative risk: 1.17, 95% confidence interval: 0.56–2.44, p=0.674). A high risk appendicitis score correctly identified 84.0% (79/94) of cases in men and 85.9% (67/78) of cases in women. Ultrasonography was reported as equivocal in 85.7% (18/21) of low risk women and 59.0% (23/39) of high risk women. CT correctly detected or excluded appendicitis in 75.0% (6/8) of low risk women and 88.5% (23/26) of high risk women. Conclusions This study suggests that risk prediction models may be useful in both women and men to identify appendicitis. Ultrasonography gave high rates of equivocal results and should not be relied on for the diagnosis of appendicitis. CT is a highly accurate diagnostic tool and could be considered in those at low risk where clinical suspicion remains to reduce negative appendicectomy rates.
Out-of-programme experience in UK neurosurgery trainees: optimising the transition back into clinical practice
Authors: Lam J , Evans G , deSouza RM , Amarouche M , Cheserem J , Tolias CM 
Published: March 2021

INTRODUCTION Out of programme (OOP) experience from training increases the skill pool of the neurosurgical workforce and drives innovation in the specialty. OOP approval criteria are well defined but transition back to clinical work can be challenging with a paucity of data published on trainee perspectives. Our study aimed to investigate factors influencing transition from OOP back to clinical work among neurosurgical trainees in the UK. METHODS An online survey was sent to all members of the Society of British Neurological Surgeons. Questions pertained to details of OOP and factors influencing transition back to clinical work. RESULTS Among the 73 respondents, 7 were currently on OOP and 27 had completed OOP in the past. Research was the most common reason for OOP (28/34, 82%) and this was generally motivated by the aspiration of an academic neurosurgery career (17/34, 50%). Although the majority (27/34, 79%) continued clinical work during OOP, 37% of this group (10/27) reported a reduction in their surgical skills. Fewer than half (15/34, 44%) had a return to work plan, of which only half (8/34, 24%) were formal plans. The majority of respondents who had completed OOP in the past (22/27, 81%) felt that they were able to apply the skills gained during OOP to their clinical work on return. CONCLUSIONS Skills learnt during OOP are relevant and transferable to the clinical environment but mainly limited to research with OOP for management and education underrepresented. Deterioration of surgical skills is a concern. However, recognition of this problem has prompted new methods and schemes to address challenges faced on return to work.
Boosting transparent electromagnetic interference shielding by multi-cavity resonances
Authors: Yuan Changwei , Huang Jinhua , Dong Yuxuan , Lu Yuehui , Li Jia , Liu Wenqing , Tang Genchu , Zhong Shuomin , Song Weijie 
Published: March 2021

We propose a multi-cavity resonant architecture that is established by employing two opposing ultrathin silver-based films to form a Fabry–Pérot (F–P) cavity and inserting one or two metallic mesh layers in between. Compared with the single F–P cavity, the multi-cavity architecture with one metallic mesh layer experimentally exhibits a

∼

37

%

improvement in the average shielding effectiveness and maintains a transmittance over 80% at 550 nm. A more significant improvement of

∼

108

%

in shielding effectiveness (SE) can be achieved by inserting two metallic mesh layers. The proposed multi-cavity architecture provides a strategy for removal of the hindrance to transparent electromagnetic interference shielding.
The impact of public coverage of newer hepatitis C medications on utilization, adherence, and costs in British Columbia
Authors: Ho Harriet , Janjua Naveed Z. , McGrail Kimberlyn M. , Harrison Mark ,   The BC Hepatitis Testers Cohort Team, Law Michael R. 
Published: March 2021

BackgroundSofosbuvir and ledipasvir-sofosbuvir are both newer direct-acting antiviral agents for the treatment of hepatitis C. The high list prices for both drugs have led to concern about the budget impact for public drug coverage programs. Therefore, we studied the impact of public prescription drug coverage for both drugs on utilization, adherence, and public and private expenditure in British Columbia, Canada.MethodsWe used provincial administrative claims data from January 2014 to June 2017 for all individuals historically tested for either hepatitis C and/or human immunodeficiency virus. Using interrupted time series analysis, we examined the impact of public insurance coverage on treatment uptake, adherence (proportion of days covered), and public and private expenditures.ResultsOver our study period, 4,462 treatment initiations were eligible for analysis (1,131 sofosbuvir and 3,331 ledipasvir-sofosbuvir, which include 19 patients initiated on both treatments). We found the start of public coverage for sofosbuvir and ledipasvir-sofosbuvir increased treatment uptake by 154%. Adherence rates were consistently high and did not change with public coverage. Finally, public expenditure increased after the policy change, and crowded out some private expenditure.ConclusionPublic coverage for high-cost drugs for hepatitis C dramatically increased use of these drugs, but did not reduce adherence. From a health policy perspective, public payers should be prepared for increased treatment uptake following the availability of public coverage. However, they should not be concerned that populations without private insurance coverage will be less adherent and not finish their treatment course.
EGFR mutation-guided use of afatinib, erlotinib and gefitinib for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer in Hong Kong – A cost-effectiveness analysis
Authors: You Joyce H. S. , Cho William C. S. , Ming Wai-kit , Li Yu-chung , Kwan Chung-kong , Au Kwok-hung , Au Joseph Siu-kie 
Published: March 2021

IntroductionTyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) therapy targets at epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene mutations in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We aimed to compare the EGFR mutation-guided target therapy versus empirical chemotherapy for first-line treatment of advanced NSCLC in the public healthcare setting of Hong Kong.MethodsA Markov model was designed to simulate outcomes of a hypothetical cohort of advanced (stage IIIB/IV) NSCLC adult patients with un-tested EGFR-sensitizing mutation status. Four treatment strategies were evaluated: Empirical first-line chemotherapy with cisplatin-pemetrexed (empirical chemotherapy group), and EGFR mutation-guided use of a TKI (afatinib, erlotinib, and gefitinib). Model outcome measures were direct medical cost, progression-free survival, overall survival, and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). Incremental cost per QALY gained (ICER) was estimated. Sensitivity analyses were performed to examine robustness of model results.ResultsEmpirical chemotherapy and EGFR mutation-guided gefitinib gained lower QALYs at higher costs than the erlotinib group. Comparing with EGFR mutation-guided erlotinib, the afatinib strategy gained additional QALYs with ICER (540,633 USD/QALY). In 10,000 Monte Carlo simulations for probabilistic sensitivity analysis, EGFR mutation-guided afatinib, erlotinib, gefitinib and empirical chemotherapy were preferred strategy in 0%, 98%, 0% and 2% of time at willingness-to-pay (WTP) 47,812 USD/QALY (1x gross domestic product (GDP) per capita), and in 30%, 68%, 2% and 0% of time at WTP 143,436 USD/QALY (3x GDP per capita), respectively.ConclusionsEGFR mutation-guided erlotinib appears to be the cost-effective strategy from the perspective of Hong Kong public healthcare provider over a broad range of WTP.
Fractional Cesàro Matrix and its Associated Sequence Space
Authors: Roopaei H. , İlkhan M. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In this research, we introduce a new fractional Cesàro matrix and investigate the topological properties of the sequence space associated with this matrix.We also introduce a fractional Gamma matrix aswell and obtain some factorizations for the Hilbert operator based on Cesàro and Gamma matrices. The results of these factorizations are two new inequalities one ofwhich is a generalized version of thewell-known Hilbert’s inequality. There are also some challenging problems that authors share at the end of the manuscript and invite the researcher for trying to solve them.
A rapid and non-destructive method for detecting the water-holding capacity of pork using composite film
Authors: Li Xing , Wang Xiaodan , Liu Dengyong , Dong Yanli , Hu Feng 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Water-holding capacity (WHC) is an important indicator of pork quality, but the existing detection methods of WHC are either expensive or time-consuming. In this study, a new method of pork WHC detection was developed by a composite film. The preparation method, mechanical properties and service life of the composite film were studied. The result showed that composite film was 0.46 ± 0.06 mm thick and had a service life of 21 days, tensile strength of 7.72 ± 0.11 MPa and the elongation at break of 28.54 ± 0.15%. Thirty groups of pork samples were randomly selected to build the model and another twenty groups were used to verify the model accuracy. Results showed that the accuracy of composite film coupled with Fisher discriminant model to detect the WHC of pork is 90%. This study demonstrates the high value of composite film as a detection tool to classify WHC of pork.