bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Occupational Class Differences in Outcomes After Ischemic Stroke: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Zhu Yinwei , Lu Yaling , Zhou Mo , Huang Ping , Zhang Peipei , Guo Yumei , Lv Liying , Zhang Yonghong , Zhong Chongke , Xu Tan 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Occupational class is an integral part of socioeconomic status. The studies focused on the occupational difference in ischemic stroke outcome in a Chinese population are limited. We aimed to investigate the associations between occupational class and the prognosis of patients with ischemic stroke in China.
Methods
We included 1484 ischemic stroke participants (mean age: 63.42 ± 11.26 years) from the prospective cohort study: Infectious Factors, Inflammatory Markers, and Prognosis of Acute Ischemic Stroke (IIPAIS). Occupational class was categorized into white-collar workers, blue-collar workers and farmers in our study. Study outcomes were cardiovascular events, all-cause mortality and the composite outcome of cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality within 12 months after ischemic stroke onset. We applied Cox proportional hazard model to evaluate the associations between the occupational class and study outcomes after ischemic stroke.
Results
Within 12 months after ischemic stroke, there were 106 (7.5%) cardiovascular events, 69 (4.9%) all-cause deaths and 155 (10.4%) composite outcomes. The Kaplan–Meier plots showed that white-collar workers had highest risk of cardiovascular events after 12-month follow-up (Log-rank P = 0.02). Multivariate adjusted hazard ratio and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of farmers versus white-collar workers was 0.57 (95% CIs, 0.34–0.96) for cardiovascular events. No significant difference showed in blue-collar workers versus white-collar workers, with fully adjusted hazard ratio 0.74 (95% CIs, 0.47–1.18).
Conclusions
Compared with white-collar workers, farmers are associated with less risk of cardiovascular events at 12 months after ischemic stroke, while there are no significant differences in blue-collar workers.
Evidence on Scaling in Health and Social Care: Protocol for a Living Umbrella Review
Authors: Légaré France , Plourde Karine V. , Charif Ali Ben , Gogovor Amédé , Brundisini Francesca Katherine , McLean Robert K.D. , Milat Andrew , Rheault Nathalie , Wolfenden Luke , Zomahoun Hervé Tchala Vignon 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: There is a growing interest in scaling effective health innovations to promote equitable access to high-quality health services worldwide. However, multiple challenges persist in scaling innovations. In this study, we aim to summarize the scaling evidence in the health and social care literature and identify current knowledge gaps.Methods: We will conduct a living umbrella review according to the Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewers’ Manual. We will consider all knowledge syntheses addressing scaling in health or social care (e.g. any setting, any clinical area), and conducted in a systematic way. We will search the following electronic databases: MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase, PsychINFO (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCO), Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, Sociological Abstract (Proquest), Academic Search Premier (EBSCO) and Proquest Dissertations & Theses Global, from inception. Furthermore, we will conduct searches of the grey literature. No restriction regarding date or language will be applied. Each phase of the review will be processed by two independent reviewers. We will develop a data extraction form on Covidence. We will assess the methodological quality of the included reviews using AMSTAR2 and the risk of bias using ROBIS. Results will be presented in tabular form and accompanied by a narrative synthesis covering the traditional themes of scaling science that emerge from the analysis, such as coverage, range and sustainability, as well as themes less covered in the literature, including reporting guidance, models, tools, barriers and/or facilitators to scaling innovations, evidence regarding application in high-income or low-income countries, and end-user engagement. We will disseminate the findings via publications and through relevant networks. Discussion: The findings of the umbrella review will facilitate access to scaling evidence in the literature and help strengthen the science of scaling for researchers, policy makers and program managers. Finally, this work will highlight important knowledge gaps and help prioritize future research questions. Review registration: This protocol was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) on November 11, 2020 (registration number: CRD42020183774).
Feasibility of Conebeam CT-based Online Adaptive Radiotherapy for Neoadjuvant Treatment of Rectal Cancer.
Authors: de Jong Rianne , Visser Jorrit , Wieringen Niek van , Wiersma Jan , Geijsen Debby , Bel Arjan 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
BackgroundOnline adaptive radiotherapy has the potential to reduce toxicity for patients treated for rectal cancer because smaller planning target volumes (PTV) margins around the entire clinical target volume (CTV) are required. The aim of this study is to describe the first clinical experience of a Conebeam CT(CBCT)-based online adaptive workflow, evaluating timing of different steps in the workflow, plan quality, target coverage and patient compliance.MethodsTwelve consecutive patients eligible for 5 x 5 Gy pre-operative radiotherapy were treated on a ring-based linear accelerator with a multidisciplinary team present at the treatment machine for each fraction. The accelerator is operated using an integrated software platform for both treatment planning and delivery. In all directions for all CTVs a PTV margin of 5 mm was used, except for the cranial/caudal borders of the total CTV where a margin of 8mm was applied. A reference plan was generated based on a single planning CT. After aligning the patient the online adaptive procedure started with acquisition of a CBCT. The planning CT scan was registered to the CBCT using deformable registration and a synthetic CT scan was generated. With the support of artificial intelligence, structure guided deformation and the synthetic CT scan contours were adapted by the system to match the anatomy on the CBCT. If necessary, these contours were adjusted before a new plan was generated. A second and third CBCT were acquired to validate the new plan with respect to CTV coverage just before and after treatment delivery, respectively. Treatment was delivered using volumetric modulated arc treatment (VMAT). All steps in this process defined and timed. ResultsOn average the timeslot needed at the treatment machine was 34 minutes. The process of acquiring a CBCT, evaluating and adjusting the contours, creating the new plan and verifying the CTV on the CBCT scan took on average 20 minutes. Including delivery and post treatment verification this was 26 minutes. Manual adjustments of the target volumes were necessary in 50% of fractions. Plan quality, target coverage and patient compliance were excellent.ConclusionsFirst clinical experience with CBCT-based online adaptive radiotherapy shows it is feasible for rectal cancer. Trial registrationMedical Research Involving Human Subjects Act (WMO) does not apply to this study and was retrospectively approved by the Medical Ethics review Committee of the Academic Medical Center (W21_087 # 21.097; Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands).
Feasibility and Safety of a Novel Leg Exercise Apparatus for Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis After Total Joint Arthroplasty of the Lower Extremities
Authors: Tanaka Kenta , Shimizu Yukiyo , Kamada Hiroshi , Aikawa Shizu , Mishima Hajime , Kanamori Akihiro , Nishino Tomofumi , Sakane Masataka , Ochiai Naoyuki , Yamazaki Masashi 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a severe complication of orthopedic surgeries. Although mechanical measures such as graduated compression stockings and intermittent pneumatic compression are widely used for VTE prevention, complications (e.g. lower limb pain or skin disorders) may result from prolonged usage. Early postoperative ambulation and active ankle movements are recommended but have low patient acceptance due to surgical pain and the lack of motivation. To overcome these limitations, we developed a novel leg exercise apparatus (LEX) to encourage limb movement in bedridden patients in the early postoperative period in order to prevent VTE. Here, we aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of the LEX in individuals at high risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) postoperatively. Methods: Twenty subjects (4 men, 16 women) who underwent total joint arthroplasty in the lower extremity were enrolled in this prospective study. Exercise using LEX was performed for 5 minutes at 30 cycles/min, four times per day from postoperative days 1 to 7. Clinical assessments included the evaluation of vital signs before and after exercise with LEX, venous ultrasonography and blood tests within 7 days postoperatively, and evaluation of adverse events, including pulmonary embolism and cerebral hemorrhage.Results: Overall, 16/20 (80%) patients completed the exercise regimen of 7 days, while 4 dropped out. All four subjects who dropped out had undergone total hip arthroplasty; three of them refused to start exercises with LEX because of leg pain related to surgery. No severe adverse events occurred. There were no severe changes in vital signs. No DVT of the lower extremities was confirmed during postoperative week 1. The average preoperative D-dimer level was 0.85 µg/mL (range, 0.4-2.2), whereas the corresponding value in postoperative week 1 was 7.93 µg/mL (range, 2.0-13.8).Conclusions: In this study, no DVT cases or severe adverse events occurred postoperatively in patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty of the lower extremities who performed exercises with LEX. A study protocol analyzing the efficacy of this tool to prevent VTE after joint arthroplasty of the lower extremities may be safe and feasible.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy in Decompensated Liver Cirrhosis: A Long-Term Follow-up Analysis of the Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Shi Ming , Li Yuan-Yuan , Xu Ruo-Nan , Meng Fan-Ping , Yu Shuang-Jie , Fu Jun-Liang , Hu Jin-Hua , Li Jing-Xin , Wang Li-Feng , Jin Lei , Wang Fu-Sheng 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
BackgroundMesenchymal stem cells (MSC) infusion was reported to improve liver function in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis (DLC), however, whether the medication can improve outcome of these patients is poorly understand.MethodsThis prospective, open-labeled, randomized controlled study enrolled 219 patients with HBV-related DLC who were divided into control group (n=111) and umbilical cord-derived MSC (UC-MSC) treated group (n=108), then all of them received a follow-up check from October 2010 to October 2017. The treated patients received three times of UC-MSC infusions at 4-week intervals plus conventional treatment that was only used for control group. The overall survival rate and HCC-free survial rate were calculated as primary endpoints and the liver function and adverse events associated with the medication were also evaluated.ResultsDuring the follow-up check period from 13th to 75th months, there was a significantly higher overall survival rate in the treated group than the control group, while the difference of the hepatocellular carcinoma event-free survival rate between the treated and control groups was not observed during the 75-month follow-up. UC-MSC treatment markedly improved liver function, as indicated by the levels of serum albumin, prothrombin activity, cholinesterase, and total bilirubin during 48 weeks of follow-up. No significant side effects or treatment-related complications were observed in the UC-MSC group.ConclusionsTherapy of UC-MSC is not only well tolerated, but also significantly improves long-term survival rate, as well as the liver function in patients with DLC. UC-MSC medication, therefore, might present a novel therapeutic approach for the disease.
Functional and Healthy Properties of Yoghurt adding to Green Tea and Coffee Extracts on Reducing Obese and its Complications in Rats
Authors: shalaby hanan , Elhassaneen Yousif 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The chemical composition and sensory evaluation of yoghurt adding to green tea (GTE) and coffee (GCE) extracts on obese rats were investigated. Ethanol extracts were prepared from green tea and green coffee and their total phenolic compounds and identified phenolic compounds were evaluated. Results showed that the GTE and GCE have highly antioxidant activities. Yoghurt was prepared from low fat buffalo's milk (1.5% fat) blended with 1 % of GTE or GCE. Addition of GTE or GCE had no significant effects on the chemical composition and sensory evaluation. Higher sensory scores were reported flavor for GTE and GCE yoghurt than control. It was also noticed that addition of GTE or GCE to yoghurt increased viscosity a key defensive effect on the gel-factors. Feeding of obese rats on yoghurt adding to GTE or GCE showed that significant differences low of weight compared to positive group. There were no significant differences of heart weights tissue while, kidney and liver weights tissues were significant differences. Also, fed obese rats on yoghurt supplemented with GTE or GCE decreased the lipids profile comparative with positive control group and improvement of liver and kidney functions. The best treatment was observed in yoghurt adding to green coffee beans extract which had lowest value of liver and kidney function parameters followed by yoghurt adding to green tea extract. The histopathological examination observed normalized in the groups fed yoghurt supplemented green tea and coffee beans extracts. According to this study, when added to green tea and coffee beans extracts could be increased the useful health effects of yogurt by intensifying antioxidant activity. Yoghurt adding to GTE or GCE had therapeutic effects on obese rats. Also improve the liver and kidney functions.
Cheap, Versatile, and Turnkey Fabrication of Microfluidic Master Molds Using Consumer Grade LCD Stereolithography 3D Printing
Authors: Colin Vincent G. , Travers Théo A. , Gindre Denis , Barillé Régis , Loumaigne Matthieu 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The recent development of 3D printers allowed a lot of limitations in the field of microfabrication to be circumvented. The ever-growing chase for smaller dimensions has come to an end in domains such as microfluidics, and the focus now shifted to a cost-efficiency challenge. In this paper, the use of a high-resolution stereolithography LCD 3D printer is investigated for fast and cheap production of microfluidic master molds. More precisely, we use the UV LED array and the LCD matrix of the printer as an illuminator and a programmable photomask for soft lithography. The achieved resolution of around 100µm is mainly limited by the pixel geometry of the LCD matrix. A tree-shape gradient mixer was fabricated using the presented method. It shows very good performances despite the presence of sidewall ripples due to the uneven pixel geometry of the LCD matrix. Given its sub-€1,000 cost, this method is a very good entry point for labs wishing to explore the potential of microfluidic devices in their experiments, as well as a teaching tool for introducing students to microfluidics.
Tuning the Non-Linear Optical Absorption Properties of Eu3+ Doped NiWO4 Nanostructures
Authors: Karthika PC , sharath RA , rahulan K Mani , vinitha g , sasidharan M , Prakashbabu D 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
NiWO4 nanostructures doped with different ratios of Eu3+ have been prepared by a chemical precipitation method. The influence of Eu3+ on NiWO4 nanostructures were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectra, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Raman. XRD patterns display that the samples crystallize to monoclinic wolframite structure. SEM images reveal that the particles are well uniformly dispersed with average particle size lies around 40-50nm. Third-order nonlinear optical properties were studied by a Z-scan technique at 532 nm using continuous wave diode pumped Nd:YAG laser. Open and closed aperture results reveal the nanostructures to possess reverse saturation absorption and negative nonlinear refraction. The calculated absorption coefficients (β), imaginary part of third-order susceptibilities Imχ(3) are in the order of 10-6(cm/W) and 10-7 esu. These results indicated that the synthesized nanostructures could be promising materials for optical device applications.
Role of Pituitary Stalk and Gland Radiological Status on Endocrine Function and Outcomes after Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Surgery for Non-functioning Pituitary Adenomas
Authors: Sánchez Catalina Vivancos , Flores Alexis Palpán , Domínguez Víctor Rodríguez , Pérez Álvaro Zamarrón , Álvarez-Escolá Cristina , López Carlos Pérez 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
PurposeTo investigate endocrine function changes after nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFPA) transsphenoidal surgery and to search for predictors of hypopituitarism resolution and development.MethodsWe included 117 patients with NFPA who underwent endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery from 2005 to 2019 by two neurosurgeons. 21 patients were excluded because of previous pituitary surgery or radiotherapy. We assessed symptoms at diagnosis, tumour volume, tumour removal, hormonal status at diagnosis, hormonal outcomes at 2- and 12-months follow-up, and complications. Pituitary stalk and gland MRI status (visible or not) were included, and its association to hormonal function was studied for the first time, to our knowledge.ResultsPituitary gland visualization was more frequent in those patients who showed a smaller number of axes affected at 12 months (p=0.011). Pituitary stalk status showed no association to hormonal function. Hormonal normalization rate at 12 months was 13%. Endocrine improvement rate at 12 months was 16.7%. Worsening of hormonal function occurred in 19.8% of patients. Younger age was associated to hormonal improvement (p=0.004). Higher preoperative tumour volume and absence of gross total resection (GTR) (p=0.049) were associated with worsening in at least one hormonal axis after surgery (p=0.015).Conclusionituitary gland visibility was higher in those patients who showed better hormonal outcomes. Assessment of initial hormonal function and outcome after surgery regarding pituitary stalk status showed no significant association. Higher preoperative tumor volumes and absence of GTR were associated to postoperative endocrine function worsening, while younger age was associated to its improvement.
Knowledge of Radiation Safety Among Medical Interns in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alduraibi Sharifa K. , Alahmad Ahmad , Alghadhiyah Darren , Alduraibi Abdulaziz , Algazlan Maha , Alduraibi Alaa 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Exposure to high-dose radiation is linked to an increased risk of cancer. The use of good radiation protection protocols improves the quality of education and research.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among medical interns in Saudi Arabia during the period from 2019-2020. A cluster multistage random sampling technique was used to recruit medical interns. All the participants were contacted through e-mail and asked to participate in the study. After informed consent was completed, the questionnaire was administered.Results: Among 346 participants, 64.2% were male and 35.8% were female. The most common age group was 25 years old, which accounted for 36.7%. In total, 38.7% of the participants had a sufficient level of knowledge about ionizing radiation (IR)-related risks, while the vast majority (76%) had never attended events and/or refresher courses on radiation protection. The knowledge score for radiation protection was classified into two levels: poor (0 to 2), which was achieved by 69.7% of the participants, and good (3 to 7), which was achieved by 30.3%. Chi-square tests indicated that there is a significant association between the knowledge score and age (p < 0.01) in favour of the participants who were 25 years old and that there is a significant association between the knowledge score and attendance at training events and/or refresher courses on radiation protection (p < 0.01) in favour of the participants who frequently attended training. The assessment score was classified into two levels: poor (0 to 2), which was achieved by 80.9% of the participants, and good (3 to 7), which was achieved by 19.1%. Chi-square tests indicated that there is a significant association between radiation dose assessment and age (p <0.01) in favour of the participants who were 24 years old.Conclusions: This study revealed that the vast majority of interns have insufficient knowledge of radiation protection, which is related to a lack of attendance at training events. Overall, our study results underscore the need for more successful education and training of radiology professionals with regard to radiation protection.Clinical Trial Registration: Not applicable.
Utilizing Single-cell RNA Sequencing for Analyzing the Characteristics of PBMC in Patients with Kawasaki Disease
Authors: Fan Xue , Zhou Yuhan , Guo Xin , Xu Mingguo 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Kawasaki disease (KD) is the main cause of acquired heart disease in children and can lead to coronary artery lesions. This present study was designed to analyze the characteristics of KD peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) through single-cell RNA sequecing (scRNA-seq) and to explore the potential molecular mechanism of KD.Methods: PBMC was collected from one healthy child and one KD patient, and was used to single-cell RNA sequencing for cell clusters identification and differently expressed gene (DEG) determination. GO function enrichment analysis of DEG in B cell and T cells were performed to explore the most active biological function in KD immune cells. Results: 13 cell clusters can be identified in two samples. Compared with healthy child, naive CD8+ T cell, T helper cell and B cell in KD child were decreased, mainly immune-related T cells, and natural killer T (NKT) cell and neutrophil were increased. Cell activation, lymphocyte activation and regulation of immune system process were 3 GO function shared by all four types of T cells and B cell.Conclusions: Immune cell disorder appears in the KD patient at single cell level by scRNA-seq.