bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Fenton Versus Intergrowth-21 Growth Charts for Preterm Neonates
Authors: Patel Dipen Vasudev , Upadhyay Vaishali , Phatak Ajay G. , Thakker Biraj , Nimbalkar Somashekhar M. 
Published: September 2021

Background: Fenton charts from developed world are commonly used for growth assessment of preterm newborns. Recently prescribed Intergrowth-21 (IG-21) charts look more promising as they include mixed population from economically diverse nations. Objective: We compared IG-21 with Fenton charts for birth size classification and extrauterine growth in preterm infants. Study design: A prospective collection of growth parameters. Participants: Preterm newborns (<37 weeks). Intervention: Weight (W), length (L), and head circumference (HC) were collected at weekly interval during the stay as well as follow-up. Outcomes: Growth of preterm newborns at birth and last follow-up was assessed using Fenton and IG-21 charts. Agreement between Fenton and IG-21 for percentiles and z-scores of growth parameters was assessed using Bland-Altman plot. Results: A total of 301 preterm newborns were enrolled in the study. Mean (standard deviation [SD]) gestational age at birth was 34.08 (1.84) weeks, while at last follow-up (N = 296) it was 37.62 (1.85) weeks. The mean (SD) of birth W, L, and HC were 1889.24 (418.9) g, 44.69 (3.03) cm, and 30.6 (1.84) cm, respectively, while for last follow-up, they were 2114.76 (397.7) g, 47.64 (2.97) cm, and 32.65 (1.7) cm, respectively. The agreement of z-score/percentile between the 2 growth charts was not good for all the anthropometric parameters. Overall, Fenton reported more intrauterine (42.9% vs 36.9%) and extrauterine (92.9% vs 73%) growth restriction as compared to IG-21. Conclusion: The agreement between the 2 charts was poor. More proportions of the preterm population were growth restricted using Fenton charts.
Influence of Age on 2040 Cancer Burden in the Older Population of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Countries: Public Health Implications
Authors: Cheema Sohaila , Maisonneuve Patrick , Lowenfels Albert B. , Abraham Amit , Doraiswamy Sathyanarayanan , Mamtani Ravinder 
Published: September 2021

Introduction and Study Aims: The underlying population of global regions varies widely and is a major determinant of regional cancer differences. The aims were to: (1) estimate the cancer burden in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in 2040 for the ≥70 population and (2) assess the public health implications for this cancer increase. Methods: We used Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN) estimates of cancer incidence and mortality for people aged 70 years or more in GCC countries from 2018 to 2040 from the International Agency for Research on Cancer. For population growth, we used data for the same period from the Population Division of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. From these, we calculated the predicted increase in the number of cancer cases and cancer deaths from 2018 to 2040 and the proportion of cases/deaths represented by those aged 70+ for the 2 time periods. Findings: In the GCC countries, the predicted number of newly diagnosed cancers and cancer deaths in the older population will increase by 465% and 462% respectively due to demographic changes—greater than other countries in the World Health Organization Eastern Mediterranean Region, or in countries of similar economic development. The largest predicted increases will be for Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Based on the predicted population age, cancer burden among older people in the GCC countries will increase by approximately 460%. Conclusion: By the year 2040, the relationship between cancer and age will cause a 4- to 5-fold increase in the cancer burden in the GCC. These predictable changes will require additional planning and resources to provide appropriate healthcare.
Clinical features and management of presumed ocular tuberculosis: A long-term follow-up cohort study in a tertiary referral center in Brazil
Authors: Fernández Zamora Yuslay , Peixoto Finamor Luciana , P Silva Luci Meire , Rodrigues Denise S , Casaroli-Marano Ricardo P , Muccioli Cristina 
Published: September 2021

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical features and management of presumed ocular tuberculosis (OTB). Method: A prospective 3-year follow-up study of patients with ocular inflammation that performed Interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) and tuberculin skin test (TST) was conducted in a tertiary referral center in Brazil. Patients with clinical signs highly suspect of OTB with a positive TST and/or IGRA with other causes ruled out were prescribed anti-tuberculosis therapy (ATT) during 9 months. Clinical features and treatment outcomes were recorded. Results: Seventy-two patients (mean age 48.3 ± 15.7 years) were included in the study, and most were female (65.3%, n = 47). Posterior uveitis (43.1%, n = 31) was the main clinical feature. Multifocal choroiditis (25%, n = 18) was the most common choroidal involvement. Concomitant oral prednisone (45.8%, n = 33) during ATT was associated with more recurrences ( p = 0.04). A significant difference ( p < 0.001) between initial and final best-corrected visual acuity after ATT conclusion was observed. Cure or remission was observed in 58 (85.3%) patients that completed follow-up ( n = 68). Conclusion: In our cohort some variation in demographics and ocular phenotypes of presumed OTB was observed. The high rates of cure or remission of our patients strongly support the ATT in presumed OTB. Oral corticosteroids during ATT were associated with higher recurrences rates.
Decreasing complications of pectoralis major muscle flap reconstruction with two modalities of negative pressure wound therapy
Authors: Myllykangas Heidi-Mari , Halonen Jari , Husso Annastiina , Berg Leena T. 
Published: September 2021

Background and objective: Deep sternal wound infection is a feared complication of open-heart surgery. Negative pressure wound therapy has gained an important role in the treatment of deep sternal wound infection. Incisional negative pressure wound therapy has been introduced as a method to prevent wound complications after sternotomy, and lately, after flap reconstructions in the treatment of deep sternal wound infection. We aimed to study if incisional negative pressure wound therapy with PICO™ had similar beneficial effect described earlier with competing commercial devices. Methods: This study included 82 patients treated with pectoralis major muscle flap for deep sternal wound infection during the years 2006–2020. PICO group consisted of 24 patients treated with preoperative negative pressure wound therapy and postoperative incisional negative pressure wound therapy (PICO™). Two control groups included 48 patients with conventional treatment and 10 patients with preoperative negative pressure wound therapy only. Results: In the PICO group, the complication rate declined from 50.0% to 33.30%, major complication rate from 29.2% to 12.5%, and need for an additional flap from 14.6.% to 4.2% when compared to conventional treatment. The length of hospital stay decreased as well. Preoperative negative pressure wound therapy alone was associated with moderate decline in the complication rates. In addition, we described the use of split pectoralis major muscle flap reconstruction in 57 patients. To our knowledge, this is the largest published patient series describing this method in the treatment of deep sternal wound infection. Conclusions: Incisional negative pressure wound therapy with PICO™ seems beneficial after flap reconstruction. Split pectoralis major muscle flap is a versatile reconstruction option suitable to be used as a workhorse in the treatment of deep sternal wound infection.
German Translation, Linguistic Validation, and Cultural Adaptation of the Environmental Audit Tool—High Care
Authors: Fahsold Anne , Fleming Richard , Verbeek Hilde , Holle Bernhard , Palm Rebecca 
Published: September 2021

Background: In dementia-specific care, the design of the environment is regarded as an influential element in the support and maintenance of skills and can improve the quality of life of residents. To date, there is no valid instrument in the German-speaking countries with which the quality of the physical environment in residential long-term care facilities can be systematically assessed. Objective: To report the translation, linguistic validation, cultural adaptation, and content validity evaluation of the Australian Environmental Audit Tool—High Care in preparation for use in German nursing homes. Method: The procedure was guided by an adapted multistep process of the World Health Organization (1998) and included focus groups involving potential users of the new tool such as scientific experts and healthcare professionals ( n = 40). Content validity indices were calculated following a two-step expert survey. Results: The final draft versions of the German Environmental Audit Tool (G-EAT) included 74 and 77 items, for non-secured units and secure units, respectively, divided into 10 key design principles according to the Australian original. The evaluation of content validity showed that cultural differences existed in several items. Conclusions: The G-EAT provides the means for conducting a valid assessment of the environmental quality of people with dementia in German nursing homes. However, its usability in healthcare research must be preceded by testing its interrater reliability.
Demystifying the Belt and Road Initiative: China’s domestic and non-strategic policy?
Authors: Jiang Yuan 
Published: September 2021

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a central policy of the Chinese government. The initiative is directly associated with President Xi Jinping, who first put forward the BRI in Kazakhstan and Indonesia in 2013, initially as One Belt One Road. Different from repetitive literature that concludes the BRI as China's global strategy, this article makes a contribution to argue that the BRI is China's domestic and non-strategic policy. To justify this argument, this article analyses how the BRI has been embedded into aspects of Chinese domestic policy by revealing its nexuses with Chinese domestic economy, politics and ideology. To deepen the understanding of the BRI's connection with the Chinese economy, this article explores the link between the BRI and China's supply-side structural reform. Meanwhile, this research demystifies the BRI as a global strategy and the difference between joining and rejecting the BRI to prove the BRI's non-strategic essence. In the end, this article discusses the BRI's far-reaching geopolitical influence.
The Care-of-the-Elderly Health Guide
Authors: Triscott Jean A.C. , Dobbs Bonnie , Charles Lesley , Huang James , Moores David , Tian Peter George Jaminal 
Published: September 2021

Introduction: The Evidence-Based Care of the Elderly Health Guide is a clinical guide with cross-references for care recommendations. This guide is an innovative adaptation of the Rourke Baby Record to support elderly care. In 2003, the guide was published with an endorsement from the Health Care-of-the-Elderly Committee of the College of Family Physicians of Canada. Since then, physicians have used the guide as a checklist and a monitoring tool for care to elderly patients. Objective: We will update the 2003 Care-of-the-Elderly Health Guide with current published evidence-based recommendations. Methods: This was a mixed methods study consisting of (1) the creation of a list of topics and corresponding guidelines or recommendations, (2) two focus group discussions among family physicians (n = 12) to validate the list for relevance to practice, and (3) a modified Delphi technique in a group of ten experts in Care of the Elderly and geriatrics to attain consensus on whether the guidelines/recommendations represent best practice and be included. Results: The initial list contained 43 topics relevant to family practice, citing 49 published guidelines or recommendations. The focus group participants found the list of topics and guidelines potentially useful in clinical practice and emphasized the need for user-friendliness and clinical applicability. In the first online survey of the modified Delphi technique, 93% (63/66) of the references attained consensus that these represented standards of care. The other references (3/66) attained consensus in the second online survey. The final list contained 47 topics, citing 66 references. Conclusion: The Care-of-the-Elderly Health Guide is a quick reference to geriatric care, reviewed for relevance by family physicians and a panel of experts. The Guide is intended to be used in primary care practice.
Influence of Apical Patency, Coronal Preflaring and Calcium Hydroxide on the Accuracy of Root ZX Apex Locator for Working Length Determination: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Godiny Mostafa , Hatam Reza , Safari-Faramani Roya , Khavid Atefeh , Rezaei Mohammad Reza 
Published: September 2021

Aim: One of the main steps in a successful endodontic treatment is determining the correct working length (WL) of the root canal. In this regard, electronic apex locators (EAL) have been widely used for measuring the WL. The accuracy of EALs in determining the WL may be influenced by various factors. This study is aimed to evaluate the effects of apical patency, coronal preflaring, and calcium hydroxide on the accuracy of the EAL. Materials and Methods: In this in vitro study, 20 central incisor single-rooted human teeth with fully formed apex were considered. Then, samples were randomly divided into two study groups, ten samples in each group. The WL was determined and recorded at 0.5 mm distance to the apex using Root ZX apex locator before and after creating patency, coronal preflaring, and calcium hydroxide administration. All WLs were measured separately for each tooth and reviewed independently by two experienced operators with extensive experience in using EALs. Paired t test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were applied and the significant level was at .05. Results: Statistical analysis of the obtained data showed a significant decline in the WL after apical patency and coronal preflaring ( P < .05). Moreover, WL exhibited a significant enhancement after calcium hydroxide application ( P < .05). Conclusion: Apical patency and coronal preflaring increased the accuracy of apex locators in determining the WL of the teeth. Besides, calcium hydroxide residues in the root canal reduced the accuracy of the apex locator.
Quality of dying after acute stroke
Authors: Reinink Hendrik , Geurts Marjolein , Melis-Riemens Constance , Hollander Annemarie , Kappelle Jaap , van der Worp Bart 
Published: September 2021

Introduction There is a lack of evidence concerning the palliative needs of patients with acute stroke during end-of-life care. We interviewed relatives of patients who deceased in our stroke unit about the quality of dying and compared their experiences with those of nurses. Patients and Methods Relatives of 59 patients were interviewed approximately 6 weeks after the patient had died. The primary outcome was a score assessing the overall quality of dying on a scale ranging from 0 to 10, with 0 representing the worst quality and 10 the best quality. We investigated the frequency and appreciation of specific aspects of the dying phase with an adapted version of the Quality of Death and Dying Questionnaire. The nurse who was most frequently involved in the end-of-life care of the patient completed a similar questionnaire. Results Family members were generally satisfied with the quality of dying (median overall score 8; interquartile range, 6–9) as well as with the care provided by nurses (9; 8–10) and doctors (8; 7–9). Breathing difficulties were frequently reported (by 46% of the relatives), but pain was not. Unsatisfactory experiences were related to feeding (69% unsatisfactory), inability to say goodbye to loved ones (51%), appearing not to have control (47%), and not retaining a sense of dignity (41%). Two-thirds of the relatives reported that palliative medication adequately resolved discomfort. There was a good correlation between the experiences of relatives and nurses. Discussion and Conclusion Most relatives were satisfied with the overall quality of dying. Negative experiences concerned feeding problems, not being able to say goodbye to loved ones, sense of self control and dignity, and breathing difficulties. Experiences of nurses may be a reasonable and practical option when evaluating the quality of dying in acute stroke patients.
Identification and prioritization of myeloid malignancy germline variants in a large cohort of adult patients with AML
Authors: Yang Fei , Long Nicola , Anekpuritanang Tauangtham , Bottomly Daniel , Savage Jonathan C. , Lee Tiffany , Solis-Ruiz Jose , Borate Uma , Wilmot Beth , Tognon Cristina , Bock Allison M. , Pollyea Daniel A. , Radhakrishnan Saikripa , Radhakrishnan Srinidhi , Patel Prapti , Collins Robert H. , Tantravahi Srinivas , Deininger Michael W. , Fan Guang , Druker Brian , Shinde Ujwal , Tyner Jeffrey W. , Press Richard D. , McWeeney Shannon , Agarwal Anupriya 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Inherited predisposition to myeloid malignancies is more common than previously appreciated. We analyzed the whole-exome sequencing data of paired leukemia and skin biopsy samples from 391 adult patients from the Beat AML 1.0 consortium. Using the 2015 American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines for variant interpretation, we curated 1547 unique variants from 228 genes. The pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) germline variants were identified in 53 acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients (13.6%) in 34 genes, including 6.39% (25/391) of patients harboring P/LP variants in genes considered clinically actionable (tier 1). 41.5% of the 53 patients with P/LP variants were in genes associated with the DNA damage response. The most frequently mutated genes were CHEK2 (8 patients) and DDX41 (7 patients). Pathogenic germline variants were also found in new candidate genes (DNAH5, DNAH9, DNMT3A, and SUZ12). No strong correlation was found between the germline mutational rate and age of AML onset. Among 49 patients who have a reported history of at least one family member affected with hematological malignancies, 6 patients harbored known P/LP germline variants and the remaining patients had at least one variant of uncertain significance, suggesting a need for further functional validation studies. Using CHEK2 as an example, we show that three-dimensional protein modeling can be one of the effective methodologies to prioritize variants of unknown significance for functional studies. Further, we evaluated an in silico approach that applies ACMG curation in an automated manner using the tool for assessment and (TAPES) prioritization in exome studies, which can minimize manual curation time for variants. Overall, our findings suggest a need to comprehensively understand the predisposition potential of many germline variants in order to enable closer monitoring for disease management and treatment interventions for affected patients and families.
Pinocembrin ameliorates post-infarct heart failure through activation of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway
Authors: Chen Xiuhuan , Wan Weiguo , Guo Yan , Ye Tianxin , Fo Yuhong , Sun Yazhou , Qu Chuan , Yang Bo , Zhang Cui 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
Oxidative stress is an important factor involved in the progress of heart failure. The current study was performed to investigate whether pinocembrin was able to ameliorate post-infarct heart failure (PIHF) and the underlying mechanisms.

Methods
Rats were carried out left anterior descending artery ligation to induce myocardial infarction and subsequently raised for 6 weeks to produce chronic heart failure. Then pinocembrin was administrated every other day for 2 weeks. The effects were evaluated by echocardiography, western blot, Masson’s staining, biochemical examinations, immunohistochemistry, and fluorescence. In vitro we also cultured H9c2 cardiomyocytes and cardiac myofibroblasts to further testify the mechanisms.

Results
We found that PIHF-induced deteriorations of cardiac functions were significantly ameliorated by administrating pinocembrin. In addition, the pinocembrin treatment also attenuated collagen deposition and augmented vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 in infarct border zone along with an attenuated apoptosis, which were related to an amelioration of oxidative stress evidenced by reduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in heart tissue and malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum, and increase of superoxide dismutase (SOD). This were accompanied by upregulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/ heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) pathway. In vitro experiments we found that specific Nrf2 inhibitor significantly reversed the effects resulted from pinocembrin including antioxidant, anti-apoptosis, anti-fibrosis and neovascularization, which further indicated the amelioration of PIHF by pinocembrin was in a Nrf2/HO-1 pathway-dependent manner.

Conclusion
Pinocembrin ameliorated cardiac functions and remodeling resulted from PIHF by ROS scavenging and Nrf2/HO-1 pathway activation which further attenuated collagen fibers deposition and apoptosis, and facilitated angiogenesis.
Selective substitution of long-acyl groups into alcohols of kraft lignin over transesterification using ionic liquid
Authors: Suzuki Shiori , Iwata Tadahisa 
Published: September 2021

AbstractKraft lignin is a valuable aromatic renewable resource that is discharged in large quantities during the kraft pulping process. In this study, kraft lignin derivatives with improved solubility and thermal properties were prepared by a facile chemical modification of the aliphatic hydroxy (R-OH) group in kraft lignin with various ester groups. Kraft lignin was subjected to homogeneous transesterification with vinyl esters as acyl donors using an ionic liquid as a green solvent and catalyst. The selective introduction of acyl groups into the R-OH group was confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and it was estimated that approximately 90% of the R-OH group was converted whereas more than 80% of the aromatic hydroxy (Ar-OH) group was retained. The R-OH-selective introduction of long-chain acyl groups of more than six carbons successfully provided superior solubility in common low-boiling solvents, such as chloroform and tetrahydrofuran, and sufficient heat-meltability to be molded into films by hot-pressing. All the kraft lignin derivatives showed high glass transition temperatures of over 100 °C, indicating their potential to be heat-resistant materials. The kraft lignin derivatives, in which only the R-OH group was acylated, retain their inherently rich Ar-OH groups and thus, can be applied as desirable precursors in a wide range of further chemical treatments for functional polymer materials.