bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A qualitative investigation into the results of a discrete choice experiment and the impact of COVID-19 on patient preferences for virtual consultations
Authors: Gilbert Anthony W. , May Carl R. , Brown Hazel , Stokes Maria , Jones Jeremy 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Objectives
To conduct a qualitative investigation on a subset of participants from a previously completed Discrete Choice Experiment (DCE) to understand why factors identified from the DCE are important, how they influenced preference for virtual consultations (VC) and how COVID-19 has influenced preference for VC.

Methods
A quota sample was recruited from participants who participated in our DCE. We specifically targeted participants who were strongly in favour of face-to-face consultations (F2F - defined as choosing all or mostly F2F in the DCE) or strongly in favour of virtual consultations (VC - defined as choosing all or mostly VC consultations in the DCE) to elicit a range of views. Interviews were conducted via telephone or videoconference, audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and uploaded into NVIVO software. A directed content analysis of transcripts was undertaken in accordance with a coding framework based on the results of the DCE and the impact of COVID-19 on preference.

Results
Eight F2F and 5 VC participants were included. Shorter appointments were less ‘worth’ travelling in for than a longer appointment and rush hour travel had an effect on whether travelling was acceptable, particularly when patients experienced pain as a result of extended journeys. Socioeconomic factors such as cost of travel, paid time off work, access to equipment and support in its use was important. Physical examinations were preferable in the clinic whereas talking therapies were acceptable over VC. Several participants commented on how VC interferes with the patient-clinician relationship. VC during COVID-19 has provided patients with the opportunity to access their care virtually without the need for travel. For some, this was extremely positive.

Conclusions
This study investigated the results of a previously completed DCE and the impact of COVID-19 on patient preferences for VC. Theoretically informative insights were gained to explain the results of the DCE. The use of VC during the COVID-19 pandemic provided opportunities to access care without the need for face-to-face social interactions. Many felt that VC would become more commonplace after the pandemic, whereas others were keen to return to F2F consultations as much as possible. This qualitative study provides additional context to the results of a previously completed DCE.
Online-synchronized clinical simulation: an efficient teaching-learning option for the COVID-19 pandemic time and: beyond
Authors: Díaz-Guio Diego Andrés , Ríos-Barrientos Elena , Santillán-Roldan Pablo Andrés , Mora-Martinez Santiago , Díaz-Gómez Ana Sofía , Martínez-Elizondo Joel Alejandro , Barrientos-Aguiñaga Adrián , Arroyo-Romero Maria Nathalie , Ricardo-Zapata Alejandra , Rodríguez-Morales Alfonso J. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractFace-to-face clinical simulation has been a powerful methodology for teaching, learning, and research, and has positioned itself in health science education. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing has forced universities to abandon simulation centers and make use of alternatives that allow the continuation of educational programs safely for students and teachers through virtual environments such as distance simulation. In Latin America, before the pandemic, the use of non-presential simulation was very limited and anecdotal. This article has three main objectives: to establish the efficacy of online-synchronized clinical simulation in the learning and performance of medical students on the management of patients with COVID-19 in simulation centers of three Latin American countries, to determine the quality of the online debriefing from the students’ perspective, and to deepen the understanding of how learning is generated with this methodology.
Testing the success of real-time online delivery channel adopted by higher education institutions in the United Arab Emirates during the Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Chaudhry Iffat Sabir , Paquibut Rene , Islam AbuReza , Chabchoub Habib 
Published: September 2021

AbstractE-learning was mandated for all the higher education institutions (HEI) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to encounter the pandemic and practice social distancing in year 2020. This led education institutions to shift from face-to-face traditional classroom settings to online education channels for delivering education to their students despite being less familiar with the real-time remote learning. The current study attempts to measure the success of e-learning systems adopted by the HEIs in UAE. An e-learning system success measuring the framework based on DeLone and McLean (J Manage Inf Syst 19(4):9–30, 2003) was developed including the measures of quality, system use, perceptual benefits and future outcomes from students’ perspective. A survey was conducted from more than 1200 students studying at different higher education institutions of the UAE region. The findings have implications for educators and policy-makers recommending the success factors of e-learning delivery channels in this region.
Analysis and simulation of plant disease progress curves in R: introducing the epifitter package
Authors: Alves Kaique S. , Del Ponte Emerson M. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe analysis of the disease progress curves (DPCs) is central to understanding plant disease epidemiology. The shape of DPCs can vary significantly and epidemics can be better understood and compared with an appropriate depiction and analysis. This paper introducesepifitter, an open-source tool developed in R for aiding in the simulation and analysis of DPC data. User-level functions were developed and their use is demonstrated to the reader using actual disease progress curve data for facilitating the conduction of several tasks, including (a) simulation of synthetic DPCs using four population dynamics models (exponential, monomolecular, logistic, and Gompertz); (b) calculation of the areas under disease progress curve and stairs; (c) fitting and ranking the four above-mentioned models to single or multiple DPCs; and (d) generation and customization of graphs. The package requires the installation of R in any desktop computer and the scripted analysis can be fully documented, reproduced, and shared. TheepifitterR package provides a flexible suite for temporal analysis of epidemics that is useful for both research and teaching purposes.
Lessons learnt from the impact of COVID-19 on arthroplasty services in Hong Kong: how to prepare for the next pandemic?
Authors: Lee Lok Sze , Chan Ping Keung , Fung Wing Chiu , Cheung Amy , Chan Vincent Wai Kwan , Cheung Man Hong , Fu Henry , Yan Chun Hoi , Chiu Kwong Yuen 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
Arthroplasty services worldwide have been significantly disrupted by the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This retrospective comparative study aimed to characterize its impact on arthroplasty services in Hong Kong.

Methods
From January 1 to June 30, 2020, the patients of “COVID-19 cohort” underwent elective total hip or knee replacement in Hong Kong public hospitals. The cohort was compared to the “control cohort” during the same period in 2019. Data analysis was performed to compare the two cohorts’ numbers of operations, hospital admission, orthopaedic clinic attendances, and waiting time.

Results
A total of 33,111 patient episodes were analyzed. During the study period, the elective arthroplasty operations and hospitalizations decreased by 53 and 54%, respectively (P < 0.05). Reductions were most drastic from February to April, with surgical volume declining by 86% (P < 0.05). The primary arthroplasty operations decreased by 91% (P < 0.05), while the revision operations remained similar. Nevertheless, 14 public hospitals continued performing elective arthroplasty for patients with semi-urgent indications, including infection, progressive bone loss, prosthesis loosening, dislocation or mechanical failure of arthroplasty, and tumor. At the institution with the highest arthroplasty surgical volume, infection (28%) was the primary reason for surgery, followed by prosthesis loosening (22%) and progressive bone loss (17%). The orthopaedic clinic attendances also decreased by 20% (P < 0.05). Increases were observed in waiting time and the total number of patients on the waiting list for elective arthroplasty.

Conclusions
Despite the challenges, public hospitals in Hong Kong managed to continue providing elective arthroplasty services for high-priority patients. Arthroplasty prioritization, infection control measures, and post-pandemic service planning can enhance hospital preparedness to mitigate the impact of current and future pandemics.
Uterovaginal prolapse following suspected sexual abuse to a child: a case report
Authors: Helen Odion-Obomhense Kesiena , Iru Ntaji Maureen , Akpofure Ekpebe Patrick , Akhator Afeyodion 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
Uterovaginal prolapse occurs when damaged connective tissues allow the uterus to drop into the vagina. Rare in children, uterovaginal prolapse can occur as a result of violent sexual assault. This case is being reported because there has been no previous report of acquired pelvic organ prolapse following trauma suspected to be sexual abuse in a child in our setting.

Case presentation
Two-year-old female presented to our hospital with a 3-day history of abnormal protrusion from the vagina and a 2-day history of bleeding per vagina. Traumatic rupture of the hymen was observed. The urethra was not edematous or hyperemic. The reduction was done successfully under sedation and maintained using a crepe bandage. There was no recurrence after 3-month follow-up.

Conclusions
Uterovaginal prolapse presenting among children below 5 years is rare. If bleeding per vagina is reported in a child, the clinician should be aware of the possibility of uterovaginal prolapse.
Dynamic Changes in Serum IGF-I and Growth During Infancy: Associations to Body Fat, Target Height, and PAPPA2 Genotype
Authors: Upners Emmie N , Ljubicic Marie Lindhardt , Busch Alexander S , Fischer Margit Bistrup , Almstrup Kristian , Petersen Jørgen H , Jensen Rikke Beck , Hagen Casper P , Juul Anders 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Context
IGF-I is important for postnatal growth and may be of diagnostic value in infants suspected of pituitary disease; however, little is known about the impact of IGF-I and its determinants on infant growth. Importantly, detailed reference ranges for IGF-I and IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) concentrations during infancy are lacking.

Objective
To evaluate the rapid changes in weight and length as well as their determinants in healthy infants, and to establish age- and sex-specific reference curves for IGF-I and IGFBP-3 in children aged 0 to 1 years.

Design
Prospective longitudinal study.

Setting
Cohort study.

Participants
A total of 233 healthy children (114 girls) with repeated blood samples during the first year of life.

Main Outcome Measure(s)
Serum concentrations of IGF-I and IGFBP-3, length velocity, weight velocity, and PAPPA2 (rs1325598) genotype.

Results
Individual trajectories of length and weight velocities were sex specific. We provide detailed reference curves based on longitudinal data for IGF-I and IGFBP-3 during infancy. In both girls and boys, IGF-I decreased during infancy, whereas IGFBP-3 remained stable. IGF-I and IGFBP-3, but not PAPPA2 genotype, were positively associated with weight gain, but not with longitudinal growth. When stratified by sex, the association between weight gain and IGF-I only remained significant in girls.

Conclusions
Interestingly, we found a significant association between IGF-I and infant weight gain in girls, but not with longitudinal growth in the first year of life. Our findings highlight the role of IGF-I as an important anabolic hormone that is not limited to linear growth.
Glucocorticoid-induced Fingerprints on Visceral Adipose Tissue Transcriptome and Epigenome
Authors: García-Eguren Guillermo , González-Ramírez Mar , Vizán Pedro , Giró Oriol , Vega-Beyhart Arturo , Boswell Laura , Mora Mireia , Halperin Irene , Carmona Francisco , Gracia Meritxell , Casals Gregori , Squarcia Mattia , Enseñat Joaquim , Vidal Oscar , Di Croce Luciano , Hanzu Felicia A 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Context
Chronic glucocorticoid (GC) overexposure, resulting from endogenous Cushing’s syndrome (CS) or exogenous GC therapy, causes several adverse outcomes, including persistent central fat accumulation associated with a low-grade inflammation. However, no previous multiomics studies in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) from patients exposed to high levels of unsuppressed GC during active CS or after remission are available yet.

Objective
To determine the persistent VAT transcriptomic alterations and epigenetic fingerprints induced by chronic hypercortisolism.

Methods
We employed a translational approach combining high-throughput data on endogenous CS patients and a reversible CS mouse model. We performed RNA sequencing and chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing on histone modifications (H3K4me3, H3K27ac, and H3K27me3) to identify persistent transcriptional and epigenetic signatures in VAT produced during active CS and maintained after remission.

Results
VAT dysfunction was associated with low-grade proinflammatory status, macrophage infiltration, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Most notably, chronic hypercortisolism caused a persistent circadian rhythm disruption in VAT through core clock genes modulation. Importantly, changes in the levels of 2 histone modifications associated to gene transcriptional activation (H3K4me3 and H3K27ac) correlated with the observed differences in gene expression during active CS and after CS remission.

Conclusion
We identified for the first time the persistent transcriptional and epigenetic signatures induced by hypercortisolism in VAT, providing a novel integrated view of molecular components driving the long-term VAT impairment associated with CS.
11βHSD2 Efficacy in Preventing Transcriptional Activation of the Mineralocorticoid Receptor by Corticosterone
Authors: Ali Yusuf , Kuppusamy Maniselvan , Velarde-Miranda Carolina , Gomez-Sanchez Clara M , Plonczynski Maria , Gomez-Sanchez Celso E , Gomez-Sanchez Elise P 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Affinity of the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) is similar for aldosterone and the glucocorticoids (GC) cortisol and corticosterone, which circulate at concentrations far exceeding those of aldosterone. 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11βHSD2) inactivation of GC within the immediate vicinity of the MR is credited with prereceptor specificity for aldosterone in cells coexpressing MR and 11βHSD2. 11βHSD2 efficacy is also critical to other recently described 11βHSD2 substrates. The aim of this work was to address doubts that low levels of expression of 11βHSD2 in aldosterone target tissues suffice to prevent the initiation of gene transcription by the MR activated by physiological concentrations of corticosterone. Cell models stably expressing an MR/Gaussia luciferase reporter and various levels of constitutive or induced 11βHSD2 at concentrations lower than those in rat kidney homogenates and microsomes were produced. Aldosterone and corticosterone were equipotent transactivators of the MR reporter gene in cells without 11βHSD2. Rate of conversion of tritiated corticosterone to 11-dehydrocorticosterone increased and corticosterone-induced nuclear translocation of MR decreased, as 11βHSD2 expression increased. The 50% maximal MR activation for the reporter gene stimulation by corticosterone rose with increasing 11βHSD2 expression, shifting the steroid dose-response curve for corticosterone-induced MR transactivation to the right. Several stable cell lines expressing an easily and reproducibly measured MR reporter system and consistent incremental amounts of 11βHSD2 protein were produced and used to document that 11βHSD2 within low physiological levels inactivates relevant concentrations of GC and decreases MR transactivation by GC in a dose-dependent fashion, laying to rest doubts of the efficacy of this enzyme.
Does Parental Migration During Childhood Affect Children's Lifetime Educational Attainment? Evidence From Mexico
Authors: Wassink Joshua Thomas , Viera Janelle Ashley 
Published: September 2021

AbstractExisting scholarship reveals important and competing influences of parental migration on children's educational trajectories. On the one hand, in the short term, left-behind children commonly take on additional housework and sometimes place less emphasis on education if they aspire to follow in their parents' migratory footsteps. On the other hand, parental migration often leads to monetary transfers (remittances), which reduces financial pressure on sending households and can strengthen educational aspirations among children left behind. Because previous studies examined these effects on children still completing their educations, the cumulative impact of parental migration on children's educational attainment remains uncertain. In this study, we use retrospective life history data from the Mexican Migration Project to link parental migrations occurring during childhood with children's educational attainment measured in adulthood. Using a novel counterfactual approach, we find that parental migration during childhood is associated with increased years of schooling and higher probabilities of completing lower-secondary school, entering upper-secondary school, and completing upper-secondary school. These associations were strongest among children whose parents did not complete primary school and those living in rural areas. Results from a placebo test suggest that these positive associations cannot be attributed to unobserved household characteristics related to parental migration, which supports a causal interpretation of our main findings. Thus, our analysis suggests that, on average, and particularly among more-disadvantaged households, the long-term educational benefits associated with parental migration outweigh short-term disruptions and strain associated with parental absence.
Prrx1b restricts fibrosis and promotes Nrg1-dependent cardiomyocyte proliferation during zebrafish heart regeneration
Authors: de Bakker Dennis E. M. , Bouwman Mara , Dronkers Esther , Simões Filipa C. , Riley Paul R. , Goumans Marie-José , Smits Anke M. , Bakkers Jeroen 
Published: September 2021

ABSTRACT
Fibroblasts are activated to repair the heart following injury. Fibroblast activation in the mammalian heart leads to a permanent fibrotic scar that impairs cardiac function. In other organisms, such as zebrafish, cardiac injury is followed by transient fibrosis and scar-free regeneration. The mechanisms that drive scarring versus scar-free regeneration are not well understood. Here, we show that the homeobox-containing transcription factor Prrx1b is required for scar-free regeneration of the zebrafish heart as the loss of Prrx1b results in excessive fibrosis and impaired cardiomyocyte proliferation. Through lineage tracing and single-cell RNA sequencing, we find that Prrx1b is activated in epicardial-derived cells where it restricts TGFβ ligand expression and collagen production. Furthermore, through combined in vitro experiments in human fetal epicardial-derived cells and in vivo rescue experiments in zebrafish, we conclude that Prrx1 stimulates Nrg1 expression and promotes cardiomyocyte proliferation. Collectively, these results indicate that Prrx1 is a key transcription factor that balances fibrosis and regeneration in the injured zebrafish heart.
This article has an associated ‘The people behind the papers’ interview.
SARS-CoV-2 and the role of airborne transmission: a systematic review
Authors: Heneghan Carl J. , Spencer Elizabeth A. , Brassey Jon , Plüddemann Annette , Onakpoya Igho J. , Evans David H. , Conly John M. , Jefferson Tom 
Published: September 2021

Background: Airborne transmission is the spread of an infectious agent caused by the dissemination of droplet nuclei (aerosols) that remain infectious when suspended in the air. We carried out a systematic review to identify, appraise and summarise the evidence from studies of the role of airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Methods: We searched LitCovid, MedRxiv, Google Scholar and the WHO Covid-19 database from 1 February to 20 December 2020 and included studies on airborne transmission. Data were dual extracted and we assessed quality using a modified QUADAS 2 risk of bias tool. Results: We included 67 primary studies and 22 reviews on airborne SARS-CoV-2. Of the 67 primary studies, 53 (79%) reported data on RT-PCR from air samples, 12 (18%) report cycle threshold values and 18 (127%) copies per sample volume. All primary studies were observational and of low quality. The research often lacked standard methods, standard sampling sizes and reporting items. We found 36 descriptions of different air samplers deployed. Of the 42 studies conducted in-hospital that reported binary RT-PCR tests, 24 (57%) reported positive results for SARs-CoV-2 (142 positives out of 1,403 samples: average 10.1%, range 0% to 100%). There was no pattern between the type of hospital setting (ICU versus non-ICU) and RT-PCR positivity. Seventeen studies reported potential air transmission in the outdoors or in the community, of which seven performed RT-PCR sampling, and two studies reported weak positive RNA samples for 2 or more genes (5 of 125 samples positive: average 4.0%). Ten studies attempted viral culture with no serial passage. Conclusion: SARS-CoV-2 RNA is detected intermittently in the air in various settings. Standardized guidelines for conducting and reporting research on airborne transmission are needed. The lack of recoverable viral culture samples of SARS-CoV-2 prevents firm conclusions from being drawn about airborne transmission.
Playing Edcraft at Home: Gamified Online Learning for Recycling Intention during Lockdown
Authors: Cheng Kin Meng , Koo Ah Choo , Mohd Nasir Junita Shariza , Wong Shen Yuong 
Published: September 2021

Background: Recycling is a way to sustain ecosystems. There are substantial studies on recycling intention due to the continual growth of unethical and unsustainable waste disposal. Creative approaches to recycling awareness activities should be made to fulfil youths’ increasing interest in and demand for recycling. The main objective of this study is to explore the factors related to youths’ recycling intentions after experiencing a gamified online recycling learning activity, Edcraft Gamified Learning (EGL). Gamified recycling education is believed to be a practical and engaging approach for youths. Methods: 100 students participated in EGL, consisting of two levels of plastic crafting and recycling activities. They experienced online EGL at home between May and September in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic total lockdown in Malaysia, namely, Movement Control Order (MCO). 29 participants were selected to participate in five focus group discussions (FGDs) with five to eight participants per session to explore their opinions towards gamified learning, motivation and recycling intention. Results: This paper reports the findings of the FGDs. A codebook was developed based on the codes from the FGD feedback. The codes were rated by two raters, followed by an assessment of inter-rater reliability and thematic analysis. The findings emerged and were confirmed with four themes as factors that influence recycling intention. They are gameful experience, social influence, intrinsic motivation, and extrinsic motivation. Conclusion: The dependent variable, recycling intention, was connected to the four themes to verify the conceptual framework. One limitation of the study was the design of the EGL activity, which was only carried out over two days with two levels of gamified recycling education, as students had concurrent academic online classes during that period.