bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum Glycine Levels Are Associated With Cortical Bone Properties and Fracture Risk in Men
Authors: Eriksson Anna L , Friedrich Nele , Karlsson Magnus K , Ljunggren Östen , Lorentzon Mattias , Nethander Maria , Wallaschofski Henri , Mellström Dan , Ohlsson Claes 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Context
In a recent study a pattern of 27 metabolites, including serum glycine, associated with bone mineral density (BMD).

Objective
To investigate associations for serum and urinary glycine levels with BMD, bone microstructure, and fracture risk in men.

Methods
In the population-based Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) Sweden study (men, 69-81 years) serum glycine and BMD were measured at baseline (n = 965) and 5-year follow-up (n = 546). Cortical and trabecular bone parameters of the distal tibia were measured at follow-up using high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography. Urinary (n = 2682) glycine was analyzed at baseline. X-ray-validated fractures (n = 594) were ascertained during a median follow-up of 9.6 years. Associations were evaluated using linear regression (bone parameters) or Cox regression (fractures).

Results
Circulating glycine levels were inversely associated with femoral neck (FN)-BMD. A meta-analysis (n = 7543) combining MrOS Sweden data with data from 3 other cohorts confirmed a robust inverse association between serum glycine levels and FN-BMD (P = 7.7 × 10-9). Serum glycine was inversely associated with the bone strength parameter failure load in the distal tibia (P = 0.002), mainly as a consequence of an inverse association with cortical cross-sectional area and a direct association with cortical porosity. Both serum and urinary glycine levels predicted major osteoporotic fractures (serum: hazard ratio [HR] per SD increase = 1.22, 95% CI, 1.05-1.43; urine: HR = 1.13, 95% CI, 1.02-1.24). These fracture associations were only marginally reduced in models adjusted by FRAX with BMD.

Conclusions
Serum and urinary glycine are indirectly associated with FN-BMD and cortical bone strength, and directly associated with fracture risk in men.
Transient, flexible gene editing in zebrafish neutrophils and macrophages for determination of cell-autonomous functions
Authors: Isiaku Abdulsalam I. , Zhang Zuobing , Pazhakh Vahid , Manley Harriet R. , Thompson Ella R. , Fox Lucy C. , Yerneni Satwica , Blombery Piers , Lieschke Graham J. 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACT
Zebrafish are an important model for studying phagocyte function, but rigorous experimental systems to distinguish whether phagocyte-dependent effects are neutrophil or macrophage specific have been lacking. We have developed and validated transgenic lines that enable superior demonstration of cell-autonomous neutrophil and macrophage genetic requirements. We coupled well-characterized neutrophil- and macrophage-specific Gal4 driver lines with UAS:Cas9 transgenes for selective expression of Cas9 in either neutrophils or macrophages. Efficient gene editing, confirmed by both Sanger and next-generation sequencing, occurred in both lineages following microinjection of efficacious synthetic guide RNAs into zebrafish embryos. In proof-of-principle experiments, we demonstrated molecular and/or functional evidence of on-target gene editing for several genes (mCherry, lamin B receptor, trim33) in either neutrophils or macrophages as intended. These new UAS:Cas9 tools provide an improved resource for assessing individual contributions of neutrophil- and macrophage-expressed genes to the many physiological processes and diseases modelled in zebrafish. Furthermore, this gene-editing functionality can be exploited in any cell lineage for which a lineage-specific Gal4 driver is available.
This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
The influence of in vivo mechanical behaviour of the Achilles tendon on the mechanics, energetics and apparent efficiency of bouncing gaits
Authors: Monte Andrea , Nardello Francesca , Magris Riccardo , Tecchio Paolo , Zamparo Paola 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACT
In this study, we used kinematic, kinetic, metabolic and ultrasound analysis to investigate the role of elastic energy utilization on the mechanical and physiological demands of a movement task (hopping) that primarily involves the plantar-flexor muscles to determine the contribution of tendon work to total mechanical work and its relationship with apparent efficiency (AE) in bouncing gaits. Metabolic power (PMET) and (positive) mechanical power at the whole-body level (PMEC) were measured during hopping at different frequencies (2, 2.5, 3 and 3.5 Hz). The (positive) mechanical power produced during the Achilles tendon recoil phase (PTEN) was obtained by integrating ultrasound data with an inverse dynamic approach. As a function of hopping frequency, PMEC decreased steadily and PMET exhibited a U-shape behaviour, with a minimum at about 3 Hz. AE (PMEC/PMET) showed an opposite trend and was maximal (about 0.50) at the same frequency when PTEN was also highest. Positive correlations were observed: (i) between PTEN and AE (AE=0.22+0.15PTEN, R2=0.67, P&lt;0.001) and the intercept of this relationship indicates the value of AE that should be expected when tendon work is nil; (ii) between AE and tendon gearing (Gt=Δmuscle–tendon unit length/Δmuscle belly length; R2=0.50, P&lt;0.001), where a high Gt indicates that the muscle is contracting more isometrically, thus allowing the movement to be more economical (and efficient); (iii) between Gt and PTEN (R2=0.73, P&lt;0.001), which indicates that Gt could play an important role in the tendon's capability to store and release mechanical power.
Simultaneous detection of complex refractive index and temperature using a compact side-coupled photonic crystal nanobeam cavity
Authors: Han Zhe , Wang Chao , Liu YuanYuan , Tian HuiPing 
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we theoretically propose a compact photonic crystal nanobeam cavity (PCNC) side coupled with a waveguide for sensing complex refractive index (CRI) and temperature (

T

). Two Fano resonances are achieved by coupling two discrete states (zeroth-order mode and first-order mode) in a PCNC and the continuous state in the waveguide with a partial transmitting element. The transmission expression is derived based on the temporal coupled-mode theory. By measuring the wavelength shifts and shape changes of two Fano resonances in the transmission spectrum, not only the real part of the refractive index (RRI) and the imaginary part of the refractive index (IRI) can be sensed simultaneously, but also the effect of

T

on CRI is considered. The sensitivities of RRI for zeroth-order mode and first-order mode are 152.7 nm/refractive index unit (RIU) and 183.7 nm/RIU, respectively. The sensitivities of IRI are

−

461

/

R
I
U

and

−

198

/

R
I
U

for zeroth-order mode and first-order mode, respectively. The

T

sensitivities for zeroth-order mode and first-order mode are 58.6 pm/K and 55.6 pm/K, respectively. The fringe visibility values of both modes are more than 0.5. The relationship between structural parameters and coupling effect is studied and the effect of

T

on detection accuracy is discussed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first geometry to simultaneously sense CRI and

T

. Moreover, the total footprint of the device is only

11

×

1.45

×

0.22

(

l
e
n
g
t
h

×

w
i
d
t
h

×

h
e
i
g
h
t

)

µ

m

3

, which will contribute to the large-scale integrated sensor array on chip.
Time-encoded mid-infrared Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography
Authors: Zorin Ivan , Gattinger Paul , Prylepa Andrii , Heise Bettina 
Published: July 2021

We report on a technically simple approach to achieve high-resolution and high-sensitivity Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging in the mid-infrared (mid-IR) range. The proposed OCT system employs an

I
n
F

3

supercontinuum source. A specially designed dispersive scanning spectrometer based on a single InAsSb point detector is employed for detection. The spectrometer enables structural OCT imaging in the spectral range from 3140 nm to 4190 nm with a characteristic sensitivity of over 80 dB and an axial resolution below

8

µ

m

. The capabilities of the system are demonstrated for imaging of porous ceramic samples and transition-stage green parts fabricated using an emerging method of lithography-based ceramic manufacturing. Additionally, we demonstrate the performance and flexibility of the system by OCT imaging using an inexpensive low-power (average power of 16 mW above

3

µ

m

wavelength) mid-IR supercontinuum source.
On the way to routine cardiac MRI at 7 Tesla - a pilot study on consecutive 84 examinations
Authors: Reiter Theresa , Lohr David , Hock Michael , Ankenbrand Markus Johannes , Stefanescu Maria Roxana , Kosmala Aleksander , Kaspar Mathias , Juchem Christoph , Terekhov Maxim , Schreiber Laura Maria 
Published: July 2021

Introduction
Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) at ultrahigh field (UHF) offers the potential of high resolution and fast image acquisition. Both technical and physiological challenges associated with CMR at 7T require specific hardware and pulse sequences. This study aimed to assess the current status and existing, publicly available technology regarding the potential of a clinical application of 7T CMR.

Methods
Using a 7T MRI scanner and a commercially available radiofrequency coil, a total of 84 CMR examinations on 72 healthy volunteers (32 males, age 19–70 years, weight 50–103 kg) were obtained. Both electrocardiographic and acoustic triggering were employed. The data were analyzed regarding the diagnostic image quality and the influence of patient and hardware dependent factors. 50 complete short axis stacks and 35 four chamber CINE views were used for left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV), mono-planar LV function, and RV fractional area change (FAC). Twenty-seven data sets included aortic flow measurements that were used to calculate stroke volumes. Subjective acceptance was obtained from all volunteers with a standardized questionnaire.

Results
Functional analysis showed good functions of LV (mean EF 56%), RV (mean EF 59%) and RV FAC (mean FAC 52%). Flow measurements showed congruent results with both ECG and ACT triggering. No significant influence of experimental parameters on the image quality of the LV was detected. Small fractions of 5.4% of LV and 2.5% of RV segments showed a non-diagnostic image quality. The nominal flip angle significantly influenced the RV image quality.

Conclusion
The results demonstrate that already now a commercially available 7T MRI system, without major methods developments, allows for a solid morphological and functional analysis similar to the clinically established CMR routine approach. This opens the door towards combing routine CMR in patients with development of advanced 7T technology.
Comparing the impact of an icon array versus a bar graph on preference and understanding of risk information: Results from an online, randomized study
Authors: Scalia Peter , Schubbe Danielle C. , Lu Emily S. , Durand Marie-Anne , Frascara Jorge , Noel Guillermina , O’Malley A. James , Elwyn Glyn 
Published: July 2021

Background
Few studies have examined the best way to convey the probability of serious events occurring in the future (i.e., risk of stroke or death) to persons with low numeracy or graph literacy proficiency. To address this gap, we developed and user-tested a bar graph and compared it to icon arrays to assess its impact on understanding and preference for viewing risk information.

Objectives
To determine the: (i) formats’ impact on participants’ understanding of risk information; (ii) formats’ impact on understanding and format preference across numeracy and graph literacy subgroups; (iii) rationale supporting participants’ preference for each graphical display format.

Methods
An online sample (evenly made up of participants with high and low objective numeracy and graph literacy) was randomized to view either the icon array or the bar graph. Each format conveyed the risk of major stroke and death five years after choosing surgery, a stent, or medication to treat carotid artery stenosis. Participants answered questions to assess their understanding of the risk information. Lastly, both formats were presented in parallel, and participants were asked to identify their preferred format to view risk information and explain their preference.

Results
Of the 407 participants, 197 were assigned the icon array and 210 the bar graph. Understanding of risk information and format preference did not differ significantly between the two trial arms, irrespective of numeracy and graph literacy proficiency. High numeracy and graph literacy proficiency was associated with high understanding (p<0.01) and a preference for the bar graph (p = 0.01).

Conclusion
We found no evidence to demonstrate the superiority of one format over another on understanding. The majority of participants preferred viewing the risk information using the bar graph format.
Improving quality of care for pregnancy, perinatal and newborn care at district and sub-district public health facilities in three districts of Haryana, India: An Implementation study
Authors: Das Manoja Kumar , Arora Narendra Kumar , Dalpath Suresh Kumar , Kumar Saket , Kumar Amneet P. , Khanna Abhishek , Bhatnagar Ayushi , Bahl Rajiv , Nisar Yasir Bin , Qazi Shamim Ahmad , Arora Gulshan Kumar , Dhankhad R. K. , Kumar Krishan , Chander Ramesh , Singh Bhanwar 
Published: July 2021

Introduction
Improving quality of care (QoC) for childbirth and sick newborns is critical for maternal and neonatal mortality reduction. Information on the process and impact of quality improvement at district and sub-district hospitals in India is limited. This implementation research was prioritized by the Haryana State (India) to improve the QoC for maternal and newborn care at the busy hospitals in districts.

Methods
This study at nine district and sub-district referral hospitals in three districts (Faridabad, Rewari and Jhajjar) during April 2017-March 2019 adopted pre-post, quasi-experimental study design and plan-do-study-act quality improvement method. During the six quarterly plan-do-study-act cycles, the facility and district quality improvement teams led the gap identification, solution planning and implementation with external facilitation. The external facilitators monitored and collected data on indicators related to maternal and newborn service availability, patient satisfaction, case record quality, provider’s knowledge and skills during the cycles. These indicators were compared between baseline (pre-intervention) and endline (post-intervention) cycles for documenting impact.

Results
The interventions closed 50% of gaps identified, increased the number of deliveries (1562 to 1631 monthly), improved care of pregnant women in labour with hypertension (1.2% to 3.9%, p<0.01) and essential newborn care services at birth (achieved ≥90% at most facilities). Antenatal identification of high-risk pregnancies increased from 4.1% to 8.8% (p<0.01). Hand hygiene practices improved from 35.7% to 58.7% (p<0.01). The case record completeness improved from 66% to 87% (p<0.01). The time spent in antenatal clinics declined by 19–42 minutes (p<0.01). The pooled patient satisfaction scores improved from 82.5% to 95.5% (p<0.01). Key challenges included manpower shortage, staff transfers, leadership change and limited orientation for QoC.

Conclusion
This multipronged quality improvement strategy improved the maternal and newborn services, case documentation and patient satisfaction at district and sub-district hospitals. The processes and lessons learned shall be useful for replicating and scaling up.
Mothers’ utilization and associated factors of preconception care in Africa, a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tekalign Tiwabwork , Lemma Tesfanesh , Silesh Mulualem , Lake Eyasu Alem , Teshome Mistire , Yitna Tesfaye , Awoke Nefsu 
Published: July 2021

Background
As the studies show, in every minute in the world, 380 women become pregnant and 190 face unplanned or unwanted pregnancies; 110 experience pregnancy-related complications, and one woman dies from a pregnancy-related cause. Preconception care is one of the proven strategies for the reduction in mortality and decreases the risk of adverse health effects for the woman, fetus, and neonate by optimizing maternal health services and improves woman’s health. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of utilization of preconception of care and associated factors in Africa.

Methods
Systematic search of published studies done on PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane, Scopus, Web of Science CINAHL, and manually on Google Scholar. This meta-analysis follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The quality of studies was assessed by the modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Meta-analysis was carried out using a random-effects method using the STATA™ Version 14 software.

Result
From 249,301 obtained studies, 28 studies from 3 African regions involving 13067 women included in this Meta-analysis. The overall pooled prevalence of utilization of preconception care among pregnant women in Africa was found to be 18.72% (95% CI: 14.44, 23.00). Knowledge of preconception care (P = <0.001), preexisting medical condition (P = 0.045), and pregnancy intention (P = 0.016) were significantly associated with the utilization of preconception care.

Conclusion
The results of this meta-analysis indicated, as one of best approaches to improve birth outcomes, the utilization of preconception care is significantly low among mothers in Africa. Therefore, health care organizations should work on strategies to improve preconception care utilization.
Ethical review of COVID-19 research in the Netherlands; a mixed-method evaluation among medical research ethics committees and investigators
Authors: IJkema R. , Janssens M. J. P. A. , van der Post J. A. M. , Licht C. M. 
Published: July 2021

Background
During the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic there was an urgent need for accelerated review of COVID-19 research by Medical Research Ethics Committees (MRECs). In the Netherlands this led to the implementation of so-called ‘fast-track-review-procedures’ (FTRPs) to enable a swift start of urgent and relevant research. The objective of this study is to evaluate FTRPs of MRECs in the Netherlands during the COVID-19 pandemic and to compare them with the regular review procedures (RRPs).

Methods and findings
An explanatory sequential mixed method study was conducted. Online questionnaires and four group interviews were conducted among MREC representatives and investigators of COVID-19 research. In addition, data from a national research registration system was requested. Main outcome measures are differences in timelines, quality of the review and satisfaction between FTRPs and RRPs. The total number of review days was shorter in FTRP (median 10.5) compared to RRPs (median 98.0). Review days attributable to the MRECs also declined in FTRPs (median 8.0 versus 50.0). This shortening can be explained by installing ad hoc (sub)committees, full priority given to COVID-19 research, regular research put on hold, online review meetings and administrative leniency. The shorter timelines did not affect the perceived quality of the review and ethical and legal aspects were not weighted differently. Both MREC representatives and investigators were generally satisfied with the review of COVID-19 research. Weaknesses identified were the lack of overview of COVID-19 research and central collaboration and coordination, the delay of review of regular research, and limited reachability of secretariats.

Conclusions
This study shows that accelerated review is feasible during emergency situations. We did not find evidence that review quality was compromised and both investigators and MRECs were content with the FTRP. To improve future medical ethical review during pandemic situations and beyond, distinguishing main and side issues, working digitally, and (inter)national collaboration and coordination are important.
The synchronicity of COVID-19 disparities: Statewide epidemiologic trends in SARS-CoV-2 morbidity, hospitalization, and mortality among racial minorities and in rural America
Authors: Dixon Brian E. , Grannis Shaun J. , Lembcke Lauren R. , Valvi Nimish , Roberts Anna R. , Embi Peter J. 
Published: July 2021

BackgroundEarly studies on COVID-19 identified unequal patterns in hospitalization and mortality in urban environments for racial and ethnic minorities. These studies were primarily single center observational studies conducted within the first few weeks or months of the pandemic. We sought to examine trends in COVID-19 morbidity, hospitalization, and mortality over time for minority and rural populations, especially during the U.S. fall surge.MethodsData were extracted from a statewide cohort of all adult residents in Indiana tested for SARS-CoV-2 infection between March 1 and December 31, 2020, linked to electronic health records. Primary measures were per capita rates of infection, hospitalization, and death. Age adjusted rates were calculated for multiple time periods corresponding to public health mitigation efforts. Comparisons across time within groups were compared using ANOVA.ResultsMorbidity and mortality increased over time with notable differences among sub-populations. Initially, hospitalization rates among racial minorities were 3–4 times higher than whites, and mortality rates among urban residents were twice those of rural residents. By fall 2020, hospitalization and mortality rates in rural areas surpassed those of urban areas, and gaps between black/brown and white populations narrowed. Changes across time among demographic groups was significant for morbidity and hospitalization. Cumulative morbidity and mortality were highest among minority groups and in rural communities.ConclusionsThe synchronicity of disparities in COVID-19 by race and geography suggests that health officials should explicitly measure disparities and adjust mitigation as well as vaccination strategies to protect those sub-populations with greater disease burden.
Prevalence of complications associated with the use of a peripherally inserted central catheter in newborns: A systematic review protocol
Authors: Sarmento Diniz Edienne Rosângela , de Medeiros Kleyton Santos , Rosendo da Silva Richardson Augusto , Cobucci Ricardo Ney , Roncalli Angelo Giuseppe 
Published: July 2021

Background
The improper handling of a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) in newborns (NBs) may result in mechanical and infectious complications.

Aim
The aim of this systematic review (SR) is to estimate the prevalence of complications associated with the use of PICC in NBs.

Methods
We will utilize PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and Google Scholar for the databases search. There will be no restrictions on the search for languages, and observational studies will be selected wherein the prevalence rate of complications associated with the use of PICC in NBs has been presented or can be calculated. The systematic review will follow the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Two reviewers will independently select studies and assess their eligibility using predefined criteria. Using standardized forms, two other reviewers will independently extract data from each included study, and the random-effects pooled prevalence will be calculated in the meta-analysis with the respective 95% confidence intervals. The methodological quality of the studies will be assessed using the modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Review Manager V.5.3.5 will be used for the qualitative and quantitative synthesis. A protocol was developed and published on PROSPERO (Registration number CRD42020211983).

Expected results
This SR will show the prevalence of complications caused by the inadequate management of PICC in NBs, which is information considered important for clinical practice improvement.