bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Precision Follicular Self-Measurement Using a Pocket-Sized Transabdominal Ultrasound Device
Authors: Fujita Hiroaki , Kikuchi Iwaho , Enomoto Satoshi , Nakagawa Ryo , Kitayama Reiko , Tanaka Yudai 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the comparability of follicle diameters measured using a pocket-size transabdominal ultrasound (TAUS) device that produces images for self-assessment versus those measured using a conventional transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) device. The pocket-sized device is fitted with a probe that can be connected to an electronic tablet for patient use and outputs follicle images for patient review.Methods: A prospective study was performed in 25 women (50 follicles) who underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection between November 2019 and March 2020 to treat infertility. Patients were first provided with guidance from a doctor; then, they used the probe attached to the pocket-sized TAUS device to acquire the follicle images. The doctor then measured the follicle diameter using a TVUS device and compared the measurements with those obtained by viewing the images taken by the patient. The transverse cross-sectional follicle diameter measured on transabdominal images was defined as the abdominal transverse (AT) diameter. The sagittal and coronal cross-sectional follicle diameters measured on transvaginal images were defined as the vaginal sagittal (VS) and vaginal coronal (VC) diameters, respectively. The mean values of each parameter and the variance ratio of the difference between the TAUS and TVUS measurements were evaluated.Results: The results showed that the difference between AT-VS in the two imaging types was -0.382 mm (95% CI: -1.097-0.333 mm, P=0.288), whereas the difference between AT-VC was 0.342 mm (95% CI: -0.345-1.029 mm, P=0.322), and that between VS-VC was 0.724 mm (95% CI: 0.152-1.296 mm, P=0.014). The variance ratios for the differences between the TAUS and TVUS measurements and for the differences between the two TVUS cross-sectional measurements were σAT-VS2/σVS-VC2=1.56 and σAT-VC2/σVS-VC2=1.44, respectively.Conclusion(s): Despite the presence of some differences in precision due to differences in the method of imaging when patients performed follicular self-measurement using pocket-sized devices, there was little scattering. Therefore, this method can be used to measure follicle diameter at a precision that presents no issues at the clinical level.Trial Registration: Medical Park Shonan (2019001, 25 October 2019)
Comparison of early clinical results for the femoral neck system and cannulated screws in the treatment of unstable femoral neck fractures
Authors: Zhou Xiaoqiang , Li Zhiqiang , Xu Renjie , She Yuanshi , Zhang Xiangxin , Chen Guangxiang , Yu Xiao 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Objective: To compare early clinical effects of the femoral neck system (FNS) and three cannulated screws for the treatment of patients with unstable femoral neck fractures.Methods: A retrospective analysis with pair matching of 81 patients who received FNS or cannulated screw internal fixation for Pauwels type-3 femoral neck fracture in our hospital from January 2019 to December 2019 was conducted. Patients who received FNS were the test group, and those who received cannulated screws comprised the control group. Matching requirements were as follows: same sex, similar age and similar body mass index (BMI). A total of 30 pairs were successfully matched, and the average age was 53.84 years. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, hospitalization cost, postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score, time to walking without crutches, Harris score, femoral head necrosis rate and complication rate were compared between the groups.Results: Postoperative re-examination of radiographs showed satisfactory reduction in all patients, and all patients were followed up for 10-22 months. Those in the FNS group had lower postoperative VAS scores, earlier times to walking without crutches, higher Harris scores at the last follow-up and lower complication rates (P<0.05). However, intraoperative blood loss and hospitalization costs were greater in the FNS group (P<0.05). No statistically significant difference in operation time, hospital stay or femoral head necrosis rate was observed between the two groups (P>0.05).Conclusion: For patients with unstable femoral neck fractures, FNS has better clinical efficacy than cannulated screws, though it is also more expensive. The excellent biomechanical performance and clinical efficacy of FNS make it a new choice for the treatment of unstable femoral neck fractures.
Ultimate Molecular Theory of Sweet Taste
Authors: He Huazhong 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
More than thirty years ago, I proposed a theory about sweet and bitter molecules’ recognition by protein helical structures. Unfortunately the papers could not go to public platform until now. The sweet and bitter taste theory is updated and presented in separated papers1,2. The sweet taste theory conveys that sweet molecules are recognized by receptor protein helical structures and the recognition process is a dynamic action, in which the sweet receptor protein helix has a torsion-spring-like oscillation between helical structures of 3.6 and 3 amino acids per turn. To help this kind of oscillation, there are two kinds of hydrogen donor and hydrogen acceptor DH-B entities for both receptor and sweet molecules: H-bond or non-H-bond. The distances between DH and B could be up to ~ 8.5 Å. The receptor H-bond type DH-B entities are the NH-O pairs forming H-bonds in protein helices; the receptor non-H-bond type DH-B entities are the ones from two pairs of NH-Os forming H-bonds which are about one turn away. To facilitate this kind of movement, the interaction of DH-Bs of a sweet molecule with those of sweet receptor, through a pair of complementary hydrogen bonds, must have hydrogen bond complementarities, which means Hbond type of ligands’ DH-Bs reacts on non-H-bond type of receptor’s O-NHs, and vice versa. As the oscillation may have different extent, it translates to sweet intensity. As recognition sites are only associated with a small fraction – helix structure of whole sweet receptor, multiple binding sites or multiple receptors are well expected.
Reversing the Irreversible: Thermodynamic Stabilization of Lithium Aluminum Hydride Nanoconfined Within a Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Host
Authors: Cho YongJun , Li Sichi , Snider Jonathan , Marple Maxwell , Strange Nicholas , Sugar Joshua , Gabaly Farid El , Schneemann Andreas , Kang Sungsu , Kang Min-ho , Park Hayoung , Park Jungwon , Wan Liwen , Mason Harris , Allendorf Mark , Wood Brandon , Cho Eun Seon , Stavila Vitalie 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
A general problem when designing functional nanomaterials for energy storage is the lack of control over the stability and reactivity of metastable phases. Using the high-capacity hydrogen storage candidate LiAlH4 as an exemplar, we demonstrate a new approach to thermodynamic stabilization of metastable metal hydrides by coordination to nitrogen binding sites within the nanopores of N-doped CMK-3 carbon (NCMK-3). The resulting LiAlH4@NCMK-3 material releases H2 at temperatures as low as 126 °C with full decomposition below 240 °C, bypassing the usual Li3AlH6 intermediate. Moreover, >80% of LiAlH4 can be regenerated under 100 MPa H2, a feat previously thought to be impossible. The nitrogen sites lower the energy barrier for regenerating the hydride by changing the density of states in the vicinity of the Fermi level, effectively acting as solvation sites for lithium ions. Theoretical calculations provide a rationale for the unprecedented solid-state reversibility, which derives from the combined effects of nanoconfinement, Li adatom formation, and charge redistribution between the metal hydride and the host.
The Roles of Emotional Intelligence, Neuroticism, and Academic Stress on the Relationship Between Psychological Distress and Burnout in Medical Students
Authors: Yusoff Muhamad Saiful Bahri , Hadie Siti Nurma Hanim , Yasin Mohd Azhar Mohd 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Stress and burnout commonly threaten the mental health of medical students in Malaysia and elsewhere. This study aimed to explore the interrelations of psychological distress, emotional intelligence, personality traits, academic stress, and burnout among medical students. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 241 medical students. Validated questionnaires were administered to measure burnout, psychological distress, emotional intelligence, personality traits, and academic stress, respectively. A structural equation modelling analysis was performed by AMOS. Results: The results suggested a structural model with good fit indices, in which psychological distress and academic stress were noted to have direct and indirect effects on burnout. The burnout levels significantly increased with the rise of psychological distress (p-value < 0.01) and academic stress (p-value < 0.01). Neuroticism was only found to have significant indirect effects on burnout, whereby burnout increased when neuroticism increased (p-value < 0.010). Emotional intelligence had a significant direct effect on lowering burnout with the incremental increase of emotional intelligence (p-value < 0.05), but it was significantly reduced by psychological distress and neuroticism (p-value < 0.001). Conclusion: This study showed significant effects that psychological distress, emotional intelligence, academic stress, and neuroticism have on burnout. Academic stress and neuroticism significantly increased psychological distress, leading to an increased burnout level, while emotional intelligence had a significant direct effect on reducing burnout; however, this relationship was compromised by psychological distress and neuroticism, leading to increased burnout. Several practical recommendations for medical educators, medical students, and medical schools are discussed.
Expression and Function of C1orf132 Long-Noncoding RNA, in Breast Cancer Cell Lines and Tissues
Authors: Shafaroudi Afsaneh Malekzadeh , Sharifi-Zarchi Ali , Rahmani Saeid , Nafisi Nahid , Mowla Seyed Javad , Lauria Andrea , Oliviero Salvatore , Matin Maryam Moghadam 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

MIR29B2CHG/C1orf132 is the host gene for generating miR-29b2 and miR-29c. Here, we employed bioinformatics and experimental approaches to decipher expression of C1orf132 in breast cancer cells and tissues. Our data demonstrated a significant downregulation of C1orf132 in triple-negative breast cancer. We also predicted a putative promoter for the longer transcripts of C1orf132. The functionality of the distal promoter was confirmed by transfecting MCF7 cells with a C1orf132 promoter-GFP construct. Knocking-out the promoter by means of CRISPR/Cas9 approach revealed no expression alteration of neighboring genes, CD46 and CD34. However, the expression of miR-29c was reduced by half, suggesting an enhancer effect of the distal promoter on miR-29c generation. Furthermore, the promoter knock-out an elevation of migration ability in MCF12A edited cells. Moreover, the expressions of cell mobility genes e.g., CDH2, FGF2, FGFR1 and the stem cell and EMT-associated transcription factor ZEB1 were significantly elevated in edited cells. RNA sequencing data on the edited and unedited cells revealed many up- and down-regulated genes involved in various cellular pathways, including epithelial to mesenchymal transition and mammary gland development pathways. Altogether, we are reporting the existence of an additional/distal promoter with an enhancer effect on miR-29 generation and an inhibitory effect on cell migration.
Impact of Antiviral Treatment on Long-Term Prognosis in Non-Immunocompromised Patients With CMV Reactivation
Authors: Park Ga Eun , Ki Hyun Kyun , Ko Jae-Hoon 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background. Reactivation of human cytomegalovirus (CMV) occurs in non-immunocompromised patients with or without specific organ involvement, but it is still unknown whether it has a clinical implication on long-term prognosis or not.Methods. A retrospective cohort study evaluating non-immunocompromised adult patients with CMV reactivation was conducted during the period between January 2010 and February 2018. Patients were divided into ganciclovir-treated and non-treated groups. Patients who died within 30 days from CMV reactivation were excluded as they died from complex causes of conditions. Survivors were followed for 30-months to evaluate long-term prognosis.Results. A total of 136 patients with CMV reactivation was included, consisting of 66 ganciclovir-treated (48.5%) and 70 non-treated (51.5%) patients. Overall, patients were old-aged (median 70 years old) and most were treated with pneumonia of any cause (91.2%). More patients in ganciclovir-treated group were treated at intensive care unit (43.9% vs 24.3%, respectively) and had higher viral load over 5,000 copies/ml (48.5% vs 22.9%) than non-treated group (all P < 0.05). Primary and secondary endpoints including 30-months survival (28.0 vs 38.9%, respectively) and 12-months survival (40.3% vs 49.2%) were not statistically different between the ganciclovir-treated and non-treated groups. In the multivariate analyses, ganciclovir treatment was not associated with 30-months survival (HR 1.307 95% CI 0.759-2.251) and 12-months survival (HR 1.533 95% CI 0.895-2.624).Conclusion. In a retrospective cohort study evaluating non-immunocompromised patients with CMV reactivation, ganciclovir treatment was not associated with long-term prognosis. Antiviral treatment in this condition would not be necessary unless organ involvement is suspected.
Perspectives of Residency Training Amid The COVID-19 Pandemic: Impact on Mental Health and Training&nbsp;&nbsp;
Authors: Moini Ashraf , Maajani Khadijeh , Omranipour Ramesh , Zafarghandi Mohammad Reza , Aleyasin Ashraf , Oskoie Roya , Alipour Sadaf 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background

COVID-19 has affected the training programs and the clinical schedules of surgical wards in many countries, including Iran. Also, the continuous involvement with COVID-19 patients has caused stress in health care workers; among them residents are on the frontlines of care delivery. Therefore, we designed a study to assess mental effects of these circumstances, and the effects on General Surgery and Obstetrics & Gynecology residency training.
Methods

We used a questionnaire consisting of 47 questions about personal, familial and demographic characteristics; training activities, and mental effects of COVID-19.
Results

The answer rate was 63.5%. (127 filled questionnaires). Around 96% of the residents had emotional problems, 85.9% were highly stressed about contracting COVID-19, 81.3% were worried about transferring it to their family; and 78% believed that their residency training had been impaired.
Conclusion

Overall, our study shows the negative impact of COVID-19 on the mental health and on the training of residents. We propose that appropriate emotional support and suitable planning for compensation of training deficits is provided for residents.
Association&nbsp;of vasopressor use with mortality in severe traumatic brain injury: a nationwide retrospective cohort study in Japan
Authors: Hosomi Sanae , Sobue Tomotaka , Kitamura Tetsuhisa , Hirayama Atsushi , Ogura Hiroshi , Shimazu Takeshi 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Maintaining of cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) is frequently incorporated in severe traumatic brain injury management algorithms. However, there is limited evidence on prevalent clinical practices regarding a preferred method for achieving such CPP aims. We conducted a nationwide retrospective cohort study to determine the association between the use of vasopressors and mortality following hospital discharge in patients with severe traumatic brain injury, and to determine whether the use of vasopressors affects emergency department mortality or the occurrence of cognitive dysfunction.Methods: Data were collected between January 2004 and December 2018 from the Japanese Trauma Data Bank, which includes data from 272 emergency hospitals in Japan. Adults aged ≥16 years with severe traumatic brain injury, without other major injuries, were examined. A severe traumatic brain injury was defined based on the Abbreviated Injury Scale code and a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 3–8 on admission. Multivariable analysis and propensity score matching were performed. Statistical significance was assessed using 95% confidence intervals (CIs).Results: In total, 10 284 patients were eligible for analysis, with 650 patients (6.32%) included in the vasopressor group and 9634 patients (93.68%) included in the non-vasopressor group. The proportion of deaths on hospital discharge was higher in the vasopressor group than in the non-vasopressor group (81.69% [531/650] vs. 40.21% [3,874/9,634]). This finding was confirmed by multivariable logistic regression analysis (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 5.71; 95% CI: 4.56–7.16). Regarding propensity score-matched patients, the proportion of deaths on hospital discharge remained higher in the vasopressor group than in the non-vasopressor group (81.66% [530/649] vs. 50.69% [329/649]) (OR, 4.33; 95% CI: 3.37–5.57). The vasopressor group had a higher emergency department mortality rate than the non-vasopressor group (8.01% [52/649] vs. 2.77% [18/649]) (OR, 3.05; 95% CI: 1.77–5.28). There was no reduction in complications of cognitive disorders in the vasopressor group (5.39% [35/649] vs. 5.55% [36/649]) (OR, 0.97; 95% CI: 0.60–1.57).Conclusions: In this population, the use of vasopressors for severe traumatic brain injury was associated with higher mortality on hospital discharge. Our results could not reach the conclusion that vasopressor therapy is beneficial in improving clinical outcomes in patients with severe TBI.
Integrated Lianhua-Qingwen and Western Medicine Versus Western Medicine-Only Therapies Against COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Zhen , Liu Haomiao , Wu Min , Zhou Yanzhang , Che Jiaxing , Zhang Shuangxi , Meng Deyu , Liu Jiankang , Ma Le , Peng Yunhua , Long Jiangang 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome, has resulted in a global outbreak.
Objective

To systematically review the therapeutic reports on COVID-19 treated with integrated herbal medicine “Lianhua-Qingwen”and Western medicine to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the treatment.
Methods

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI, CBM and other databases were searched to locate the clinical trials of integrated Lianhua-Qingwen and Western medicine treatment for COVID-19. The herbal medicine Lianhua-Qingwen reported in the treatments is in the form of capsules or granules. Two researchers of our team independently carried out data extraction and quality assessment of the collected literature according to the Cochrane systematic review methodology, calculated combined relative risk (RR) or weighted mean difference (MD)/standardized mean difference (SMD) .
Results

This meta-analysis included 13 studies collected, a total of 1182 cases of patients with common type COVID-19. Comparison of integrated Lianhua-Qingwen and Western medicine treatment with conventional Western medicine treatment found that the effective combined RR value was 1.18 (95% CI: 1.09, 1.27; I2 = 37%), and the RR value of CT image improvement rate was 1.12 (95% CI: 1.03, 1.23; I2 = 38%). The rate of progressing to critical cases decreased by 50% (RR: 0.50; 95% CI: 0.35, 0.73; I2 = 0%); the RR value of the fever disappearance rate was 1.43 (95% CI: 1.24, 1.65; I2 = 0%); the RR value of the cough disappearance rate was 1.97 (95% CI: 1.45, 2.68; I2 = 0%); the RR value of the rate of recovery from fatigue was 1.51 (95% CI: 1.15, 2.03; I2 = 0%). Compared with conventional Western medicine treatment, the integrated therapy shortened the duration of fever by 1.33 days (95% CI: -1.92, -0.73; I2 = 5%). The number of adverse reactions decreased by 49% (RR = 0.51; 95% CI: 0.14, 1.82; I2 = 76%).
Conclusion

Therapy of integrated Lianhua-Qingwen and Western medicine treatment is more effective for the treatment of patients with common type COVID-19, more effective in CT improvement rate, and more effective in reducing the rate of progressing to critical cases significantly and with fewer adverse reactions.
Neuroimaging Features of COVID-19: Retrospective Northern Italy Multicenter Study and a Scoping Review of the Prevalence of COVID-19 Associated Acute Cerebrovascular Diseases
Authors: Giorgianni Andrea , D'Amore Francesco , Vinacci Gabriele , Agosti Edoardo , Politi Letterio , Vito Andrea De , Polistena Alessandra , Valvassori Luca , Trentadue Mirko , Nicoli Lisa , Sozzi Carlo , Balbi Sergio , Mercuri Anna , Terrana Alberto , Triulzi Fabio , Silvia Casale , Nuzzi Nunzio , Asteggiano Francesco , Genovese Valentina , Lafe Elvis , Bianchini Elena , Bernasconi Pietro , Colli-Tibaldi Enrico , Longhi Laura , Bandiera Francesca , Baruzzi Fabio 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background The primary aim of this study was to provide additional data of neuroimaging features of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in a large-scale population admitted in several northern Italy institutions. The secondary aim was to analyze acute cerebrovascular disease (CVD) prevalence in COVID-19. Methods A database of confirmed COVID-19 hospitalized patients who developed acute neurological symptoms and underwent any neuroimaging was retrospectively gathered from twelve institutions based in Lombardy from February 21st to July 10th. To assess the prevalence of CVD we conducted a scoping review following the PRISMA extension guidelines for scoping reviews. We searched PubMed/Medline, SCOPUS and EMBASE databases for peer-reviewed in-press or published studies from December to January 2021 reporting CVD in COVID-19 patients. Results Out of 90 COVID-19 patients who were referred to neuroimaging, 78 (87%) showed CVD, in particular 65 had acute ischemic strokes (AIS), 8 had intracerebral hemorrhages, 2 subarachnoid hemorrhages (SAH) and 3 showed clinical and imaging findings in keeping with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES); 6 patients (7%) showed clinical and imaging findings highly suggestive of encephalitis; 3 patients (3%) showed demyelinating diseases: 1 case of MS progression, 1 case of newly diagnosed MS and 1 case of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM); 2 cases (2%) acuity of chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH); 1 patient (1%) with Guillain Barré syndrome. In addiction two patients with CVD developed cauda polyradiculitis and tetraparesis. In our scoping review out of 3275 studies, 24 satisfied the inclusion criteria: in a pooled total population of 136198 patients, the pooled prevalence of CVD was 0.9%. In particular 0.8% of AIS and 0.1% of ICH and 0.003% of PRES. Conclusions Our study shows a high prevalence of CVD among patients who developed acute neurological symptoms, which is in line with papers reporting data comparable to ours. The heterogeneity of clinical reports, however, constitutes a limitation when comparing our findings with those of the clinical papers. Nonetheless, CVD could be a frightening association with COVID-19, particularly in critically ill patients. Healthcare policymakers and clinicians should be prepared to a likely increase in workload and to rearrange the strategy of healthcare delivery.