bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adaptation and convergence in circadian-related genes in Iberian freshwater fish
Authors: Moreno João M , Jesus Tiago F , Coelho Maria M , Sousa Vitor C 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe circadian clock is a biological timing system that improves the ability of organisms to deal with environmental fluctuations. At the molecular level it consists of a network of transcription-translation feedback loops, involving genes that activate (bmal and clock – positive loop) and repress expression (cryptochrome (cry) and period (per) – negative loop). This is regulated by daily alternations of light but can also be affected by temperature. Fish, as ectothermic, depend on the environmental temperature and thus are good models to study its integration within the circadian system. Here, we studied the molecular evolution of circadian genes in four Squalius freshwater fish species, distributed across Western Iberian rivers affected by two climatic types with different environmental conditions (e.g., light and temperature). S. carolitertii and S. pyrenaicus inhabit the colder northern region under Atlantic climate type, while S. torgalensis, S. aradensis and some populations of S. pyrenaicus inhabit the warmer southern region affected by summer droughts, under Mediterranean climate type. ResultsWe identified 16 circadian-core genes in the Squalius species using a comparative transcriptomics approach. We detected evidence of positive selection in 12 of these genes using methods based on dN/dS. Positive selection was mainly found in cry and per genes of the negative loop of the cycle, with 55 putatively adaptive substitutions, 16 located on protein domains. Evidence for positive selection is predominant in southern populations affected by the Mediterranean climate type. By predicting protein features we found that changes at sites under positive selection can impact protein thermostability by changing their aliphatic index and isoelectric point. Additionally, in nine genes, the phylogenetic clustering of species that belong to different clades but inhabit southern basins with similar environmental conditions indicated evolutionary convergence. We found evidence for increased nonsynonymous substitution rate in convergent lineages, likely due to positive selection at 27 sites, mostly in cry genes. ConclusionsOur results support that temperature may be a selective pressure driving the evolution of genes involved in the circadian system. By integrating sequence-based functional protein prediction with dN/dS-based methods to detect selection we uncovered adaptive convergence in the southern populations, probably related to their similar thermal conditions.
Assessment of chronic disease self-management in patients with chronic heart failure based on the MCID of patient-reported outcomes by the multilevel model
Authors: Tian Jing , Zhao Jinghua , Zhang Qing , Ren Jia , Han Linai , Li Jing , Zhang Yanbo , Han Qinghua 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Purpose: The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of a patient-reported outcome (PRO) represents the threshold value of the change in the score for that PRO. It is deemed to have an important implication in clinical management. This study was performed to evaluate the clinical significance of chronic disease self-management (CDSM) for patients with chronic heart failure based on the MCID of the chronic heart failure - PRO measure (CHF-PROM).Methods: A multicenter, prospective cohort study of 555 patients with heart failure were enrolled from July 2018. Advice of CDSM was provided in written form at discharge to all patients. Information regarding CHF-PROM and CDSM were collected during follow-up. Multilevel models were applied to dynamically evaluate the effects of CDSM for CHF-PROM scores, as well as its physical and psychological domains. MCID changes of the PRO were introduced and compared with β values of CDSM obtained from the multi-level models to further evaluate the clinical significance. The STROBE checklist is shown in supplementary 1.Results: Scores for CHF-PROM improved significantly after discharge. The multilevel models showed that a regular schedule, avoidance of over-eating, a low-sodium diet and exercise increased scores on CHF-PROM. Compared with the MCID, avoidance of over-eating (12.39 vs. 9.75) and maintenance of a regular schedule often (10.98 vs. 9.75), and exercise almost every day (11.36 vs. 9.75) reached clinical significance for the overall summary. Avoidance of over-eating (5.88 vs. 4.79) and a regular schedule almost every day (4.96 vs. 4.79) reached clinical significance for the physical scores. Avoidance of over-eating half of the time (5.26 vs. 4.87) and a regular schedule almost every day (5.84 vs. 4.87) demonstrated clinical significance for the psychological scores.Conclusions: This study observed an association of avoidance of over-eating and maintenance of a regular schedule with the improvement of CHF-PROM. It provides further evidence for management of heart failure.Trial registration: Current Prospective Trials NCT02878811; registered August 25, 2016; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02878811?term=NCT02878811&draw=2&rank=1.
Barriers and Facilitators to the Implementation of Social Robots for Older Adults and People with Dementia: A Scoping Review Protocol
Authors: Koh Wei Qi , Felding Simone Anna , Toomey Elaine , Casey Dympna 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background Psychosocial health issues such as depression and social isolation are an important cause of morbidity and premature mortality for older adults and people with dementia. Social robots are promising technological innovations to deliver effective psychosocial interventions to promote psychosocial wellbeing. Studies have reported positive findings regarding this technology on the psychosocial health of older adults and people with dementia. However, despite positive findings of the effects of social robots for older adults and people with dementia, little is known about factors affecting their implementation in practice.Methods This study follows Arksey and O’Malley’s approach and methodological enhancement by Levac et al (2010). Relevant articles will be identified by searching electronic databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, Compendex and PubMed. A two-phase screening process will be undertaken by two independent reviewers to determine articles’ inclusion. Findings will be summarized and reported thematically based on domains in the Consolidated Framework of Implementation Research (CFIR) and presented narratively. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) will guide the reporting of findings.Discussion Reporting the protocol in advance of conducting the review will ensure a rigorous and transparent methodological approach is undertaken. The outcomes of the review include identifying variants in terminologies used to describe implementation, identifying the scope of the literature regarding the barriers and facilitators affecting the implementation of social robots, and identify research gaps to guide further empirical research in this field. This evidence synthesis constitutes part of a bigger project aimed to develop implementation guidelines for social robotics for older adults with dementia. Since the methodological process consists of reviewing and collecting data from publicly available data, this study does not require approval from a research ethics board.Scoping Review Registration Our protocol is registered with the Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/2x3y9/) as an open access article, under the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial (CC BY-NC-4.0) license, which allows others to distribute, remix, adapt and build on this work on a non-commercial basis, and license their derivative work using different terms, on the basis that the original basis is properly cited and the use is non-commercial (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/).
Co-occurring hydrocephalus in autism spectrum disorder: a Danish population-based cohort study
Authors: Munch Tina Nørgaard , Hedley Paula Louise , Hagen Christian Munch , Bækvad-Hansen Marie , Bybjerg-Grauholm Jonas , Grove Jakob , Nordentoft Merete , Børglum Anders Dupont , Mortensen Preben Bo , Werge Thomas Mears , Melbye Mads , Hougaard David Michael , Christiansen Michael 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background The association between autism spectrum disorder and hydrocephalus is not well understood, despite demonstrated links between autism spectrum disorder and cerebrospinal fluid abnormalities. Based on the hypothesis that autism spectrum disorder and hydrocephalus may, at least in some cases, be two manifestations of a shared congenital brain pathology, we investigated the potential association between autism spectrum disorder and hydrocephalus in a large Danish population-based cohort.Methods Patients and controls were obtained from the Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research iPSYCH2012 case-cohort, which includes all patients with selected psychiatric disorders born in Denmark 1981-2005 along with randomly selected population controls (end of follow-up, December 31, 2016). The associations between individual psychiatric disorders and hydrocephalus were estimated using binary logistic regression with adjustment for age and sex. Results The cohort consisted of 86,571 individuals, of which 14,654 were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, 28,606 were population controls, and the remaining were diagnosed with other psychiatric disorders. We identified 201 hydrocephalus cases; 68 among autism spectrum disorder patients and 40 among controls (OR 3.77, 95% CI 2.48-5.78), which corresponds to an absolute risk of 0,46 %. The autism spectrum disorder-hydrocephalus association was significant over the entire subgroup spectrum of autism spectrum disorder. Conclusions Given the considerable risk of hydrocephalus among patients with autism spectrum disorder, we suggest that patients with autism spectrum disorder should be evaluated for co-occurring hydrocephalus on a routine basis as timely neurosurgical intervention is important. Likewise, attention must be paid to traits of autism spectrum disorder in children with hydrocephalus. The results of this study call for future investigations on a potential shared aetiology between hydrocephalus and autism spectrum disorder, including the role abnormal CSF dynamics in the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder.
Whole-Exome Sequencing in 168 Korean Patients with Inherited Retinal Degeneration
Authors: Ma Dae Joong , Lee Hyun-Seob , Kim Kwangsoo , Choi Seongmin , Jang Insoon , Cho Seo-Ho , Yoon Chang Ki , Lee Eun Kyoung , Yu Hyeong Gon 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background To date, no genetic analysis of inherited retinal disease (IRD) using whole-exome sequencing (WES) has been conducted in a large-scale Korean cohort. The aim of this study was to characterise the genetic profile of IRD patients in Korea using WES. Methods We performed comprehensive molecular testing in 168 unrelated Korean IRD patients using WES. The potential pathogenicity of candidate variants was assessed using the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics and the Association for Molecular Pathology variant interpretation guidelines, in silico prediction tools, published literature, and compatibility with known phenotypes or inheritance patterns.Results Causative variants were detected in 86/168 (51.2%) IRD patients, including 58/107 (54.2%) with retinitis pigmentosa, 7/15 (46.7%) with cone and cone-rod dystrophy, 2/3 (66.6%) with Usher syndrome, 1/2 (50.0%) with congenital stationary night blindness, 2/2 (100.0%) with Leber congenital amaurosis, 1/1 (100.0%) with Bietti crystalline dystrophy, 1/1 (100.0%) with Joubert syndrome, 9/10 (90.0%) with Stargardt macular dystrophy, 1/10 (10.0%) with vitelliform macular dystrophy, 1/11 (9.1%) with other forms of macular dystrophy, and 3/4 (75.0%) with choroideraemia. USH2A, ABCA4, and EYS were the most common causative genes associated with IRD. For retinitis pigmentosa, variants of USH2A and EYS were the most common causative gene mutations.Conclusions This study demonstrated the distribution of causative genetic mutations in Korean IRD patients. The data will serve as a reference for future genetic screening and development of treatment modalities for Korean IRD patients.
Implementation of Highly Challenging Balance Training for Parkinson’s disease in Clinical Practice: A Process Evaluation
Authors: Leavy Breiffni , Joseph Conran , Kwak Lydia , Franzén Erika 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Process evaluations provide contextual insight into the way in which interventions are delivered. This information is essential when designing strategies to implement programs into wider clinical practice. We performed a process evaluation of the HiBalance effectiveness trial investigating the effects of a 10-week of highly challenging and progressive balance training for mild-moderate Parkinson’s disease (PD). Study aims were to investigate i) the quality and quantity of intervention delivery and ii) barriers and facilitators for implementation. Methods: Process outcomes included; Fidelity; Dose (delivered and received) Recruitment and Reach. Investigation of barriers and facilitators was guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Program delivery was assessed across four neurological rehabilitation sites during a two-year period. Data collection was mixed-methods in nature and quantitative and qualitative data were merged during the analysis phase. Results : Thirteen program trainers delivered the intervention to 12 separate groups during 119 training sessions. Trainer fidelity to program core components was very high in 104 (87%) of the sessions. Participant responsiveness to the core components was generally high, although adherence to the home exercise program was low (50%). No significant context-specific differences were observed across sites in terms of fidelity, dose delivered/ received or participant characteristics, despite varying recruitment methods. Facilitators to program delivery were; PD-specificity, high training frequency and professional autonomy. Perceived barriers included; cognitive impairment, absent reactional balance among participants, as well a heterogeneous group in relation to balance capacity. Conclusion: These findings provide corroborating evidence for outcome evaluation results and valuable information for the further adaptation and implementation of this program. Important lessons can also be learned for researchers and clinicians planning to implement challenging exercise training programs for people with mild-moderate PD. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02727478, registered 30 march 2016 − Retrospectively registered. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02727478
Rhamnolipid coating reduces microbial biofilm formation on titanium implants: an in-vitro study
Authors: Tambone Erica , Bonomi Emiliana , Ghensi Paolo , Maniglio Devid , Ceresa Chiara , Agostinacchio Francesca , Caciagli Patrizio , Nollo Giandomenico , Piccoli Federico , Caola Iole , Fracchia Letizia , Tessarolo Francesco 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis are biofilm-related diseases causing major concern in oral implantology, requiring complex anti-infective procedures or implant removal. Microbial biosurfactants emerged as new anti-biofilm agents for coating implantable devices preserving biocompatibility. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of rhamnolipid biosurfactant R89 (R89BS) to reduce Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilm formation on titanium. Methods: R89BS was physically adsorbed on titanium discs (TDs). Cytotoxicity of coated TDs was evaluated on normal lung fibroblasts (MRC5). using a lactate dehydrogenase assay. The ability of coated TDs to inhibit biofilm formation was evaluated by quantifying biofilm biomass and cell metabolic activity, at different time-points, with respect to uncoated controls. A qualitative analysis of sessile bacteria was also performed by scanning electron microscopy. Results: R89BS-coated discs showed no cytotoxic effects. TDs coated with 4 mg/mL R89BS inhibited the biofilm biomass of S. aureus by 99%, 47% and 7% and of S. epidermidis by 54%, 29%, and 10% at 24, 48 and 72 h respectively. A significant reduction of the biofilm metabolic activity was also documented. The same coating applied on three commercial implant surfaces resulted in a biomass inhibition higher than 90% for S. aureus, and up to 78% for S. epidermidis at 24 h. Conclusions: R89BS-coating was effective in reducing Staphylococcus biofilm formation at the titanium implant surface. The anti-biofilm action can be obtained on several different commercially available implant surfaces, independently of their surface morphology.
The impact of a training programme incorporating the conceptual framework of the International Classification of Functioning (ICF) on knowledge and attitudes regarding interprofessional practice in Rwandan health professionals: A cluster randomized control trial
Authors: Sagahutu Jean Baptiste , Kagwiza Jeanne , Cilliers Francois , Jelsma Jennifer 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: The first step in improving interprofessional teamwork entails training health professionals (HP) to acknowledge the role and value the contribution of each member of the team. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) has been developed by WHO to provide a common language to facilitate communication between HPs. Objective: To determine whether ICF training programme would result in improved knowledge and attitudes regarding interprofessional practice within Rwandan district hospitals.Design, setting and participants: A cluster randomised, single blinded, control trial design was used to select four district hospitals. Participants included physicians, social workers, physiotherapists, nutritionists, clinical psychologists/mental health nurses. Intervention: Health professionals either received one day’s training in interprofessional practice (IPP) based on the ICF (experimental group) as a collaborative framework or a short talk on the topic (control group).Outcome measures: Validated questionnaires were used to explore changes in knowledge and attitudes. Ethical approval was obtained from the relevant authorities. Results: There were 103 participants in the experimental and 100 in the control group. There was no significant difference between Knowledge and Attitude scales at baseline. Post-intervention the experimental group (mean=41.3, SD=9.5) scored significantly higher on the knowledge scale than the control group (mean=17.7, SD=4.7 (t=22.5; p<.001)). The median scores on the Attitude Scale improved in the Experimental group from 77.8 to 91.1%, whereas the median scores of the control remained approximately 80% (Adjusted Z =10.72p<.001). Conclusion: The ICF proved to be a useful framework for structuring the training of all HPs in IPP and the training resulted in a significant improvement in knowledge and attitudes regarding IPP. As suggested by the HPs, more training and refresher courses were needed for sustainability and the training should be extended to other hospitals in Rwanda. It is thus recommended that the framework can be used in interprofessional education and practice in Rwanda and possibly in other similar countries.Key works: Interprofessional, ICF, Rwanda, District Hospital.Name of the registry: Pan African Clinical Trial Registry Trial registration number: PACTR201604001185358 Date of registration: 22/04/2016URL of trial registry record: www.pactr.orgFunding: Republic of Rwanda through Rwanda Education Board
Effect of a 980-nm diode laser on post-operative pain after endodontic treatment in teeth with apical periodontitis: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Kaplan Tuna , Sezgin Güzide Pelin , Kaplan Sema Sönmez 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: This study aimed to assess the effect of a 980-nm diode laser following chemomechanical root canal preparation on the severity of post-operative pain (PP) after root canal treatment (RCT). Methods: This study included asymptomatic, single-rooted teeth with a periapical index (PAI) score of 3 or 4. All the patients received RCT, including dressing with calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH) 2 ), during two visits. The patients were randomly divided into two groups ( n: 30): a control group, in which the final irrigation was performed using 5 ml of 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCI), followed by 5 ml of 17% and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and 5 ml of distilled water, and a laser group, in which the root canals were irradiated using a 980-nm diode laser after the final irrigation at both visits. The pain levels after both visits were evaluated using a visual analogue scale (VAS) after 8 h, 24 h, 48 h and 7 d. In addition, the time intervals to medication intake were recorded. The collected data were statistically analysed using the chi-square and Mann–Whitney U test ( p <0.05).Results: The average pain level in the control group 24 h after the first visit was significantly higher than that in the laser group ( p <0.05). The average pain level 24 h and 48 h after the second visit was significantly higher in the control group ( p <0.05). The levels of PP 24 h after the first visit were higher than those after the second visit only in the control group ( p <0.05). After the first visit, analgesic use in the control group was significantly higher after 8 h (40%) and 24 h (23%) as compared with that in the laser group ( p <0.05).Conclusions: Root canal irradiation with a diode laser may reduce PP after RCT in single-rooted teeth with a PAI score of 3 or 4. Keywords: diode laser, irrigation, post-operative pain, root canal treatment, visual analogue scaleTrial registration: Effect of the Diode Laser on Post-operative Pain After Endodontic Treatment in Teeth with Apical Periodontitis: NCT04486196. Registered 24 July 2020 - Retrospectively registered, http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04486196