bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transoral laser microsurgery in early glottic carcinoma: an Egyptian experience
Authors: El-Badrawy Amr , Amin Mohamed , Elden Shreif Bahaa , Yousef Ahmed 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
This is a prospective study evaluating oncologic outcomes of early glottic carcinoma treated with transoral laser micro-laryngeal (TLM) surgery in two tertiary referral hospital. Patients who underwent TLM for early glottic carcinoma at the Otolaryngology Department and National Cancer Institute-Cairo University during the period between January 2016 and July 2019 who met inclusion criteria were included in the study. Operative and postoperative complications were assessed. Patients were followed up to assess loco-regional control.

Results
Thirty-three patients were included in the study. There were no operative complications. Median postoperative pain score was 3. Median duration of procedure was 15 min. None of the patients experienced postoperative bleeding or airway complications. There was no return to hospital within 30 days for complications. Median follow-up was 24 months. Disease-free survival was 97%. Overall survival was 100%.

Conclusion
Transoral laser microsurgery is a secure and successful choice for the treatment of glottic carcinomas, related to negligible morbidity and great local control.
Transoral per punctum excision of an impacted parotid duct stone of unfavorable direction: a case report
Authors: El-Anwar Mohammad Waheed , Gaid Karima , Nasr Mohamed Hassan , Ahmed Noura Abd El Aziz 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
In the literature, the reported parotid duct stones that did not respond to the conservative measures are few. The present work reported and described the diagnosis and treatment of a case of impacted parotid duct stone that was surgically removed through minimally invasive transoral per punctum approach.

Case presentation
On examination of a 27-year-old male with left intermittent parotid swelling and pain for 1 year, a stone was palpated in the left buccal mucosa region near the orifice of the parotid duct. Ultrasonography (US) showed left Stensen’s duct distal stone. Under general anesthesia and oral intubation, the stone measuring about 1 cm in length was felt transversely located (directed at a right angle with the orifice of the duct). A small mucosal incision was done at the upper lateral part of the punctum; pus came out, and then the stone bulged from the orifice and was pushed outside. Recovery was event-less; postoperative paracetamol was sufficient to relieve pain, and the patient was discharged a few hours after the surgery.

Conclusion
The transoral per punctum excision of an impacted parotid duct stone appears to be a reliable minimally invasive effective and safe procedure. The unfavorable direction of the parotid duct stone might be a cause of failure of the conservative treatment for this stone.
Deciphering the Role of PGRMC1 During Human Decidualization Using an In Vitro Approach
Authors: Salsano Stefania , González-Martín Roberto , Quiñonero Alicia , Pérez-Debén Silvia , Domínguez Francisco 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Context
Non-classical membrane progesterone receptor (mPRs) and progesterone receptor membrane component 1 (PGRMC1) expression have been detected in endometrium, but their role in decidualization had not yet been investigated. We previously demonstrated PGRMC1 downregulation in receptive endometrium and that its overexpression inhibits decidualization. Furthermore, during decidualization, PGRMC1 mainly interacts with proteins involved in biosynthesis, intracellular transport, and mitochondrial activity.

Objective
To determine PGRMC1 and mPRs signaling role during decidualization.

Methods
Isolated primary endometrial stromal cells (EnSC) were decidualized in vitro in the presence of classic stimuli (E2 + P4), PGRMC1 inhibitor (AG205), or membrane-impermeable P4 (P4-BSA). Endometrial biopsies were obtained from 19 fertile oocyte donors attending the IVI-Valencia in vitro fertilization (IVF) clinic. EnSC decidualization was evaluated by prolactin ELISA and F-actin immunostaining. Progesterone receptor localization was evaluated by immunoﬂuorescence. EnSC transcriptomic profiles were analyzed by microarray technology.

Results
PGRMC1 inhibition during EnSC decidualization (AG205dEnSC) does not interfere with EnSC cytoskeletal rearrangements and prolactin secretion. However, global transcriptional profiling revealed more differentially expressed genes in AG205dEnSC than in dEnSC, compared with nondecidualized EnSC (ndEnSC). In silico analysis showed that PGRMC1 inhibition upregulated more genes related to metabolism, molecular transport, and hormonal biosynthesis compared with control dEnSC. EnSC decidualized in the presence of P4-BSA showed a similar behavior as ndEnSC in terms of morphological features, absence of prolactin secretion, and transcriptomic pattern.

Conclusion
Our findings associate PGRMC1 to hormonal biosynthesis, metabolism, and vesicular transport—important cellular functions for dEnSC supporting pregnancy. Activation of membrane P4 receptor signaling alone was unable to induce downstream effects needed for proper decidualization.
Percutaneous Ultrasound-Guided Laser Ablation of Benign Thyroid Nodules: Results of 10-Year Follow-Up in 171 Patients
Authors: Gambelunghe Giovanni , Stefanetti Elisa , Avenia Nicola , De Feo Pierpaolo 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Context
Percutaneous, ultrasound-guided laser ablation is effective in nodular thyroid disease.

Objective
The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term (10-year) efficacy and safety of laser ablation in the treatment of benign thyroid nodules.

Methods
From 2009 to 2010, 171 patients received a single session of laser ablation. Evaluation of nodule volume was performed before treatment, at 6 months, and every year.

Results
Technique efficacy was achieved in 92% of patients at 1 year. Median nodule volume significantly decreased from 16.7 mL (range, 11.0-97.0 mL) at baseline to 5.0 mL (range, 4.1-32.0 mL) at 1 year, a volume reduction ratio (VRR) of 68%. The benefit of the treatment was durable (P &lt; 0.001 vs baseline at all timepoints), with a VRR of 59% after 10 years. No cases of nodule regrowth &gt; 50% were observed at 1 year, although such cases did occur after 4 years (n = 3; 1.7% of the overall cohort) and 7 years (n = 8; 4.7%). There were no further cases of regrowth beyond 7 years. When patients were stratified according to baseline nodule volume (&lt; 15 mL, 15-25 mL, or &gt; 25 mL), durable results were observed across all 3 categories, with the largest, most prolonged effect observed in patients with nodules &lt; 15 mL. Treatment was well tolerated, with only minor, transient complications of fever and local pain, and 98% of patients willing to recommend the treatment.

Conclusion
Percutaneous, ultrasound-guided laser ablation of benign thyroid nodules provides long-term benefits and the treatment is well tolerated.
Quality of solo ambulance care by physician assistants versus ambulance nurses for non-conveyed patients in the Netherlands: An observational study
Authors: Vloet Lilian , Winterink Daniël , Gerritsen Aico , Heutz Wim , van Zonneveld Thijs , Berben Sivera , Ebben Remco 
Published: May 2021

Background The aim of this study was to compare the ambulance care process, follow-up care and patient experience between physician assistants and ambulance nurses operating as solo ambulance care providers, for a non-conveyed patient population. Methods An observational design was used. Characteristics of patients and events and the care process were retrieved from the ambulance registration database. Data on follow-up care and patient experience were collected through questionnaires. Results Of the included solo ambulance events, 49/379 (12.9%) were performed by physician assistants, 330/379 (87.1%) were performed by ambulance nurses. For initial complaints and the on-scene diagnoses there were no significant differences between the physician assistants and ambulance nurses. 90/165 (54.5%) of the patients requested follow-up care after being non-conveyed with no significant association between the PA and ambulance nurse group (p=.293). For type of follow-up care, 91.9% of the follow-up emergency care requests in this study came from patients treated by an ambulance nurse. There were no significant differences in patients’ experience for clinician attitude and behavior, treatment, and communication between physician assistants and ambulance nurses, although pain management and explanation about the non-conveyance decision could be improved Conclusions Besides small statistical but not clinically significant differences, this study indicated comparable solo ambulance care provided by a physician assistant or an ambulance nurse concerning the care process, follow-up care and patient experience. Patients treated by physician assistants seek less follow-up emergency care after non-conveyance, compared to ambulance nurses. Overall, patients experienced good attitude and behavior, treatment, and communication of the solo ambulance professional. Future well powered studies to gain insight in effects of PAs in ambulance care are needed, as well as studies in which PAs apply all additional skills they are licensed to.
Representation of published core outcome sets for research in regulatory guidance: protocol
Authors: Dodd Susanna , Fish Rebecca , Gorst Sarah , Hall Deborah , Jacobsen Pamela , Kirkham Jamie , Main Barry , Matvienko-Sikar Karen , Saldanha Ian J. , Trépel Dominic , Williamson Paula R. 
Published: May 2021

Background: The COMET Initiative promotes the development and use of ‘core outcome sets’ (COS), agreed standardised sets of outcomes that should be measured and reported in all studies in a particular clinical condition. COS are determined by consensus amongst key stakeholders, including health professionals, policymakers and patients, ensuring that the priorities and expertise of these representatives inform the choice of the most important outcomes to measure for a given condition. There is increased recognition of the need to integrate COS across the healthcare system and with existing regulatory apparatus, to ensure that outcomes being recorded are those of key relevance to important stakeholders. The aim of this study is to assess the degree of concordance between outcomes recommended in COS for research and in guidance provided by two key regulators: US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Methods: COS for research published during 2015-2019 with patient involvement and covering drug or device interventions will be compared against relevant regulatory guidelines, matched by condition. Guidance documents which match in scope (relating to intervention and population) to a COS for research will be scrutinised to identify all suggested outcomes for comparison against the core outcomes in the corresponding COS. Discussion: This study will identify variation between outcomes suggested in EMA and FDA regulatory guidance relative to outcomes included in published COS for research, thus demonstrating the degree of representation of COS in regulatory guidance and vice versa. If the findings of this study reveal a lack of concordance between COS and regulatory guidance overall or for particular disease areas, we will invite feedback from FDA and EMA and will seek to highlight where findings support the recommendations towards using well-developed COS or will make recommendations to COS developers on outcomes of importance to these key regulators.
Arts-based interventions for people living with dementia: Measuring ‘in the moment’ wellbeing with the Canterbury Wellbeing Scales
Authors: Strohmaier Sarah , Homans Karl M. , Hulbert Sabina , Crutch Sebastian J. , Brotherhood Emilie V. , Harding Emma , Camic Paul M. 
Published: May 2021

Background: There is growing acknowledgement for the need to move beyond exclusive biomedical understandings of dementia and also focus on how to improve the lives and wellbeing of people living with dementia. A mounting body of research advocates for the benefits of arts-based interventions for this population. The purpose of this study was to explore the links between multiple components of arts-based interventions and subjective wellbeing in order to help assess if these activities might contribute to meaningful community-based dementia care initiatives. Methods: Using previously collected data across different intervention sites, a within- and between- participants design was used that assessed wellbeing through the Canterbury Wellbeing Scales (CWS) in people with mild-to-moderate dementias (N = 201) who participated in various community arts-based interventions (ABI). Data were analysed using non-parametric statistical analyses and bootstrapped moderation models. Results: Increases in subjective wellbeing were associated with all forms of ABI. Co-creative sessions significantly strengthened the relationship between number of sessions attended and overall wellbeing as well as optimism. No significant moderating effect was observed between number of sessions attended and carer presence. Conclusions: In the largest study of its kind to date to assess wellbeing using arts activities in a community-based dementia sample, findings support the use and acceptability of the CWS as a measurement tool for people with early-to-middle stages of dementia and suggest that the CWS can reliably measure wellbeing in this population. In addition, the positive effect of arts-based interactions on specific aspects of wellbeing were found, which provide a better understanding of the conditions under which these effects can be prolonged and sustained. Further research is needed to better understand the environmental, social, and psychological mechanisms through which these improvements operate.
Enrichment approach for unbiased sequencing of respiratory syncytial virus directly from clinical samples
Authors: Waweru Jacqueline Wahura , de Laurent Zaydah , Kamau Everlyn , Mohammed Khadija Said , Gicheru Elijah , Mutunga Martin , Kibet Caleb , Kinyua Johnson , Nokes D. James , Sande Charles , Githinji George 
Published: May 2021

Background: Nasopharyngeal samples contain higher quantities of bacterial and host nucleic acids relative to viruses; presenting challenges during virus metagenomics sequencing, which underpins agnostic sequencing protocols. We aimed to develop a viral enrichment protocol for unbiased whole-genome sequencing of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) from nasopharyngeal samples using the Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT) MinION platform. Methods: We assessed two protocols using RSV positive samples. Protocol 1 involved physical pre-treatment of samples by centrifugal processing before RNA extraction, while Protocol 2 entailed direct RNA extraction without prior enrichment. Concentrates from Protocol 1 and RNA extracts from Protocol 2 were each divided into two fractions; one was DNase treated while the other was not. RNA was then extracted from both concentrate fractions per sample and RNA from both protocols converted to cDNA, which was then amplified using the tagged Endoh primers through Sequence-Independent Single-Primer Amplification (SISPA) approach, a library prepared, and sequencing done. Statistical significance during analysis was tested using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: DNase-treated fractions from both protocols recorded significantly reduced host and bacterial contamination unlike the untreated fractions (in each protocol p<0.01). Additionally, DNase treatment after RNA extraction (Protocol 2) enhanced host and bacterial read reduction compared to when done before (Protocol 1). However, neither protocol yielded whole RSV genomes. Sequenced reads mapped to parts of the nucleoprotein (N gene) and polymerase complex (L gene) from Protocol 1 and 2, respectively. Conclusions: DNase treatment was most effective in reducing host and bacterial contamination, but its effectiveness improved if done after RNA extraction than before. We attribute the incomplete genome segments to amplification biases resulting from the use of short length random sequence (6 bases) in tagged Endoh primers. Increasing the length of the random nucleotides from six hexamers to nine or 12 in future studies may reduce the coverage biases.
Developing an ethical framework for asymptomatic COVID-19 testing programmes in higher education institutions
Authors: Cox Caitriona , Ansari Akbar , McLaughlin Meredith , Van der Scheer Jan , Liddell Kathy , Burt Jenni , McGowan James , Bousfield Jennifer , George Jenny , Leach Brandi , Parkinson Sarah , Dixon-Woods Mary 
Published: May 2021

Background: Mass asymptomatic COVID-19 testing programmes are being introduced in a range of settings, including in higher education institutions (HEIs). We aimed to produce an ethical framework to identify the range of ethical considerations relevant to HEI testing programmes and to support organisational decision-making. Methods: We conducted a mixed-method consultation (survey and semi-structured interviews) with students and staff at a case study university that was running a student testing programme. Survey data were analysed descriptively; data analysis for interviews was based on the Framework method. The findings of the consultation were combined with literature review, legal/ethical analysis and expert views to produce an ethical framework. Results: A total of 239 people took part in the consultation: 213 completed surveys (189 students, 24 staff) and 26 (16 students, 7 staff) participated in interviews. The survey identified clear support (99% of survey respondents) for the testing programme. Around two-thirds (62%) supported non-mandatory participation. Over half (54%) felt that the programme would need to be at least moderately effective to be acceptable. Over three-quarters (76%) felt the university had some responsibility to run a testing programme. Synthesis of consultation findings and further analysis identified nine areas of ethical consideration for HEIs looking to implement mass asymptomatic testing programmes: design and operation; goals; properties of the test; enabling isolation; choices about participation; benefits, harms and opportunity costs; responsibilities between students and institutions; privacy, confidentiality and data-sharing; and communication. The ethical framework includes recommendations in each of these areas, with illustrative examples of how they might be put into practice. Conclusions: By identifying ethical considerations relevant to university student testing programmes using analysis and consultation, the framework we developed has potential to facilitate deliberation about ethical aspects of such programmes, as well as informing decision-making about their introduction, design and delivery.
High-harmonic diffractive lens color compensation
Authors: Wang Zichan , Kim Youngsik , Milster Tom D. 
Published: May 2021

Large diameter, high-harmonic diffractive lenses could find
applications in future space telescopes. Residual chromatic
aberrations from these lenses can cause significant blurring.
Solutions to reduce chromatic dispersion and other aberrations to
diffraction-limited performance are discussed. A design example based
on a 240-mm-diameter, 1-m focal length multi-order diffractive
engineered lens operating over the astronomical R-Band (589–727 nm) is
presented. The design example uses a relay subsystem with four times
smaller diameter than the primary. This color corrector includes both
refractive and diffractive optical elements and reduces the
longitudinal chromatic aberrations by more than a factor of 30
compared to the primary lens alone, while maintaining the effective
focal length and numerical aperture of the system.
Tapered Mach–Zehnder interferometer based on PbS quantum dots modified by polymers for copper ion sensing
Authors: Yan Yuyang , Fan Meiduan , Zhou Shuang , Sun Xiaolan , Ma Longfei , Li Ruoyu , Kost Alan R. 
Published: May 2021

An optical fiber interferometer coated with PbS quantum dots (QDs) was developed for copper ion (

C
u

2
+

) detection. The QDs were modified by a multifunctional copolymer that enabled QD surface ligation, dispersion, and coordination with

C
u

2
+

.

C
u

2
+

coordination with the polymer induced changes in the surrounding refractive index of the interferometer. The sensor was highly selective for

C
u

2
+

and showed a linear detection range of 0–1000 µM with a limit of detection of 2.20 µM in both aqueous and biological solutions.
Optimized plasmonic reversible logic gate for low loss communication
Authors: Choudhary Kuldeep , Kumar Santosh 
Published: May 2021

With the development of plasmonic optical waveguides, numerous nanostructures based on different materials can be fabricated in a controlled way. While doing reversible computing, reversible logic gates are the necessary requirement to reduce the loss of information with less power consumption. The proposed design of the Feynman logic gate is simulated by a cascading metal-insulator-metal optical waveguide based on Mach–Zehnder interferometers. The footprint of the proposed Feynman logic gate is

62

µ

m

×
9

µ

m

, the extinction ratio is 10.57 dB, and the insertion loss is

−

0.969

d
B

and

−

1.191

d
B

, which is much better compared to an electro-optic-based exiting Feynman logic gate. The results are obtained by simulating the proposed structure using the finite difference time domain method and verified by using mathematical computation in MATLAB.
Auditory brainstem response asymmetries in older adults: An exploratory study using click and speech stimuli
Authors: Ianiszewski Alejandro , Fuente Adrian , Gagné Jean-Pierre 
Published: May 2021

BackgroundSome evidence suggests that young adults exhibit a selective laterality of auditory brainstem response (ABR) elicited with speech stimuli. Little is known about such an auditory laterality in older adults.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate possible asymmetric auditory brainstem processing between right and left ear presentation in older adults.MethodsSixty-two older adults presenting with normal hearing thresholds according to their age and who were native speakers of Quebec French participated in this study. ABR was recorded using click and a 40-ms /da/ syllable. ABR was elicited through monaural right and monaural left stimulation. Latency and amplitude for click-and speech-ABR components were compared between right and left ear presentations. In addition, for the /da/ syllable, a fast Fourier transform analysis of the sustained frequency-following response (FFR) of the vowel was performed along with stimulus-to-response and right-left ear correlation analyses.ResultsNo significant differences between right and left ear presentation were found for amplitudes and latencies of the click-ABR components. Significantly shorter latencies for right ear presentation as compared to left ear presentation were observed for onset and offset transient components (V, A and O), sustained components (D and E), and voiced transition components (C) of the speech-ABR. In addition, the spectral amplitude of the fundamental frequency (F0) was significantly larger for the left ear presentation than the right ear presentation.ConclusionsResults of this study show that older adults with normal hearing exhibit symmetric encoding for click stimuli at the brainstem level between the right and left ear presentation. However, they present with brainstem asymmetries for the encoding of selective stimulus components of the speech-ABR between the right and left ear presentation. The right ear presentation of a /da/ syllable elicited reduced neural timing for both transient and sustained components compared to the left ear. Conversely, a stronger left ear F0 encoding was observed. These findings suggest that at a preattentive, sensory stage of auditory processing, older adults lateralize speech stimuli similarly to young adults.