bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A TOGAF based interoperable health information system needs assessment for practitioner–patient interaction
Authors: Denhere Prosper Tafadzwa , Ruhode Ephias , Zhou Munyaradzi 
Published: July 2023

AbstracteHealth systems have been created in most developing countries to facilitate the functioning of healthcare operations and as such various healthcare applications are existing as fragmented silo systems. Such autonomous standalone systems do not communicate through a network thereby making it a challenge to share healthcare data. Therefore, to re‐engineer health information systems (HISs) to develop interoperable adaptive enterprise architecture (EA) systems for healthcare, the study aimed to discover and capture healthcare interoperability functional imperatives through understanding the expectations of healthcare practitioners and patients on post‐development of an interoperable HIS. Therefore, the study's aim was to determine the HISs interoperability perceived functional expectations by both patients and practitioners in fulfilling their healthcare receipt and provision needs in an integrated healthcare environment, respectively. The Open Group Architecture Framework (TOGAF) was used as the main study framework to guide the classification of the expectations from the HIS by patients and practitioners deriving the needs from the four domains which are, business architecture (BA), application architecture (AA), data architecture (DA), and technical architecture. The study used interviews and questionnaire surveys to collect qualitative and quantitative data respectively. The study used purposive sampling to select interview participants. A total of 19 interviews were conducted with healthcare practitioners. Questionnaires were collected from 71 healthcare practitioners and 143 patients and analyzed quantitatively respectively to understand the most significant needs anticipated in an interoperable HIS. The research targeted age groups of at least 20 years and above. The study discovered that patients and practitioners expect the interoperable healthcare environment to support the acquisition of disease knowledge through healthcare surveillance synergies; create healthcare awareness through coordinated digital interactions; augmentation of healthcare intelligence for patient‐care through the healthcare knowledgebase; allow treatment collaboration by various healthcare practitioners in the healthcare ecosystem and mostly achieving a guaranteed healthcare system security and assurance environment.
Commonalities and contrasts: North American program directors' perspectives on genetic counseling education
Authors: Baty Bonnie J. , Davis Claire 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThere is currently a gap in the literature regarding education by and for genetic counseling (GC) students and genetic counselors. Since little is written about current strategies used in GC graduate programs, we conducted a qualitative semi‐structured interview study of North American GC program directors to learn about their educational goals and practices. We recruited 25 program directors from the United States and Canada through the Association of Genetic Counseling Program Directors for interviews using a video conferencing platform. Interviews were recorded and transcribed, followed by content analysis to analyze education frameworks; processes of program planning and development; approaches and strategies for teaching and assessing GC core knowledge and skills; and systemic factors that influence GC education. We emphasized areas that are challenging to teach, particularly ethical, legal, and social issues (ELSI); disability issues; genomics; counseling skills; diversity, equity, inclusion, justice (DEIJ) issues; professional identity; research skills; and teaching skills. We found commonalities supported by standards and practice‐based competencies and also a rich diversity of program cultures, approaches, and techniques for teaching and assessing genetic counseling skills. There was a consistent theme of integration across the program for all areas examined. A multilayered, comprehensive approach to DEIJ issues was advocated. Planned change was a logical outcome of program assessment, while unplanned change called for flexibility and creativity. The description of GC educational practices provides documentation of current approaches and strategies, guidance for new GC programs, and inspiration for continued evolution of existing GC graduate programs.
CRISPR‐Cas9 screening identified lethal genes enriched in necroptosis pathway and of prognosis significance in osteosarcoma
Authors: Cheng Ling , Xiong Wei , Li Song , Wang Gao , Zhou Jie , Li Haoguang 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe present study aimed to identify indispensable genes associated with tumor cell viability according to the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR‐associated protein 9 (Cas9) datasets, which may support new therapeutic targets for patients with osteosarcoma.MethodsThe transcriptome patterns between tumor and normal tissues, which were obtained from the Therapeutically Applicable Research to Generate Effective Treatments dataset, were overlapped with the genomics associated with cell viability screened by CRISPR‐Cas9 technology. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and Gene Ontology analyses were employed to determine enrichment pathways related to lethal genes. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was employed to construct a risk model related to lethal genes for predicting clinical outcomes of osteosarcoma. Univariate and multivariate Cox regressions were conducted to assess the prognostic value of this feature. Weighted gene co‐expression network analysis was performed to identify modules associated with patients with high‐risk score.ResultsIn total, 34 lethal genes were identified in this investigation. These genes were enriched in the necroptosis pathway. The risk model based on LASSO regression algorithm distinguishes patients with high‐risk score from patients with low‐risk score. Compared with low‐risk patients, high‐risk patients showed a shorter overall survival rate in both the training and validation sets. The time‐dependent receiver operating characteristic curves of 1, 3 and 5 years displayed that the risk score has great prediction performance. The necroptosis pathway represents the main difference in biological behavior between the high‐risk group and the low‐risk group. Meanwhile, CDK6 and SMARCB1 may serve as important targets for detecting osteosarcoma progression.ConclusionsThe present study developed a predictive model that outperformed classical clinicopathological parameters for predicting the clinical outcomes of osteosarcoma patients and identified specific lethal genes, including CDK6 and SMARCB1, as well as the necroptosis pathway. These findings may serve as potential targets for future osteosarcoma treatments.
Cell death and wing reduction during the metamorphosis of sex‐specific flightless morphs in winter geometrid moths
Authors: Niitsu Shuhei , Onoue Kanako , Tanio Takashi , Ito Hayato , Naka Hideshi , Nakajima Hideo , Sakamoto Yusuke , Someya Tamotsu , Yano Takahiro , Kamito Takehiko , Endo Hideki , Yago Masaya 
Published: July 2023

AbstractWinter geometrid moths show striking sexual dimorphism by having female‐specific flightless morphs. The evolutionary grades of wing reduction in winter geometrid moths vary and range from having short wings, vestigial wings, to being wingless. Although the ontogenetic processes underlying the development of the wingless or short‐wing morphs in Lepidoptera has been well studied, the mechanisms underlying the development of vestigial wing morphs in winter geometrid moths during metamorphosis are poorly understood. In the winter geometrid moth Sebastosema bubonaria Warren, 1896, the males have functional wings, but the females have vestigial wings. Here, we studied the ontogenetic processes affecting wing reduction in the winter geometrid moth S. bubonaria using light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, and compared the ontogenetic process of wing reduction in this species with that in another species of the wingless‐female winter moth that we investigated previously. Our results showed that, in the vestigial‐wing morphs, the loss of pupal wing epithelium was terminated in the middle of the wing degeneration process, whereas in the wingless morph, the pupal wing epithelium disappeared almost completely and the final appearance of the wings differed slightly among flightless morphs. We propose that the extent and location of cell death in the pupal wing play an important role in the various patterns of reduced wings that are observed in flightless moths.
Proton radiation therapy patient selection and impacts of COVID‐19: A scoping review
Authors: Wood Lucy , Giles Eileen , Cunningham Lisa , Le Hien , Zientara Nicole , Short Michala 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThis scoping review aimed to determine whether the COVID‐19 pandemic influenced any modifications to patient selection methods or prioritisation and services provided by proton therapy (PT) centres. This review was conducted based on the PRISMA methodology and Joanna Briggs Institute scoping review guidelines. A literature search was performed in Medline, Embase, Web of Science and Scopus, as well as grey literature. Keywords such as “COVID‐19” and “Proton Therapy” were used. Articles published from 1 January 2020 in English were included. In total, 138 studies were identified of which 11 articles met the inclusion criteria. A scoping review design was chosen to capture the full extent of information published relating to the aim. Six of 11 articles included statements regarding treatment of COVID‐19 patients. Three publications recommended deferred or alternative treatment, two indicated to treat urgent/emergency patients and one reported continuous treatment for infectious patients. Recurring impacts on PT provision included more frequent use of unconventional therapies, reduced referrals, delayed treatment starts and CT simulation, change in treatment target volumes and staffing limitations due to pandemic restrictions. Consequently, telehealth consults, remote work, reduction in patient visitors, screening procedures and rigorous cleaning protocols were recommended. Few publications detailed changes to patient selection or workflow methods during the pandemic. Further research is needed to obtain more detailed information regarding current global patient selection methods in PT, collecting this data could aid in future planning for PT in Australia.
Meta‐analyzing partial correlation coefficients using Fisher's z transformation
Authors: van Aert Robbie C. M. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe partial correlation coefficient (PCC) is used to quantify the linear relationship between two variables while taking into account/controlling for other variables. Researchers frequently synthesize PCCs in a meta‐analysis, but two of the assumptions of the common equal‐effect and random‐effects meta‐analysis model are by definition violated. First, the sampling variance of the PCC cannot assumed to be known, because the sampling variance is a function of the PCC. Second, the sampling distribution of each primary study's PCC is not normal since PCCs are bounded between −1 and 1. I advocate applying the Fisher's z transformation analogous to applying Fisher's z transformation for Pearson correlation coefficients, because the Fisher's z transformed PCC is independent of the sampling variance and its sampling distribution more closely follows a normal distribution. Reproducing a simulation study by Stanley and Doucouliagos and adding meta‐analyses based on Fisher's z transformed PCCs shows that the meta‐analysis based on Fisher's z transformed PCCs had lower bias and root mean square error than meta‐analyzing PCCs. Hence, meta‐analyzing Fisher's z transformed PCCs is a viable alternative to meta‐analyzing PCCs, and I recommend to accompany any meta‐analysis based on PCCs with one using Fisher's z transformed PCCs to assess the robustness of the results.
Deficit irrigation combined with nitrogen application in the early growth stage of sugar beet increases the production capacity of canopy and avoids yield loss
Authors: Zhou Hongliang , Wang Le , Xu Pengjie , Zhang Lijuan , Huang Ruimin , Yang Mingfeng , Wang Kaiyong , Fan Hua 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundProperly reduced irrigation combined with nitrogen (N) application can be used to improve crop water use efficiency (WUE) in arid regions, but its effect on sugar beet is unknown at present. A two‐year field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of N application (N0, 0; N1, 150; N2, 225 kg N ha−1) on the canopy production capacity (CPC), yield and WUE of sugar beet under normal irrigation (W1, 70% of field capacity (FC)) and deficit irrigation (DI) (W2, 50% FC) in the early growth stage (EGS).ResultsThe results showed that the W2 treatment reduced the CPC by reducing gas exchange, leaf area index (LAI) and chlorophyll content (SPAD value) of sugar beet leaves compared to the W1 treatment. However, DI combined with N application increased these parameters. Specifically, N application increased the net photosynthetic rate by 40.7% by increased gas exchange, SPAD and LAI compared to the N0 treatment. In addition, N application increased WUE by 12.5% by increasing thickness of upper surface, stomatal aperture and cross‐sectional area of petiole. This ultimately led to a significant increase in taproot yield (TY; 19.7%) and sugar yield (SY; 57.6%). Although the TY of the N2 treatment was higher than that of the N1 treatment, the SY and WUE did not increase significantly and the harvest index decreased significantly by 9.3%.ConclusionDI combined with 150 kg N ha−1in the EGS of sugar beet increases the WUE in arid areas while avoiding yield loss by improving the CPC. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
A New Floating Piezoelectric Microphone for Fully Implantable Cochlear Implants in Middle Ear
Authors: Xu Xin‐Da , Zhang Wei‐Xun , Jia Xian‐Hao , Wu Yong‐Zhen , Kang Hou‐Yong , Chi Fang‐Lu , Gao Na 
Published: July 2023

ObjectiveOur team designed a long‐lasting, well‐sealed microphone, which uses laser welding and vacuum packaging technology. This study examined the sensitivity and effectiveness of this new floating piezoelectric microphone (NFPM) designed for totally implantable cochlear implants (TICIs) in animal experiments and intraoperative testing.MethodsDifferent NFPM frequency responses from 0.25 to 10 kHz at 90 dB SPL were analyzed using in vivo testing of cats and human patients. The NFPM was tested in different positions that were clamped to the ossicular chains or placed in the tympanic cavity of cats and human patients. Two volunteers' long incus foot and four cats' malleus neck of the ossicular chain were clamped with the NSFM. The output electrical signals from different locations were recorded, analyzed, and compared. The NFPM was removed after the test without causing any damage to the middle‐ear structure of the cats. Intraoperative tests of the NFPM were performed during the cochlear implant surgery and the cochlear implant surgery was completed after all tests.ResultsCompared with the results in the tympanic cavity, the NFPM could detect the vibration from the ossicular chain more sensitively in cat experiments and intraoperative testing. We also found that the signal output level of the NFPM decreased as the acoustic stimulation strength decreased in the intraoperative testing.ConclusionThe NFPM is effective in the intraoperative testing, making it feasible as an implantable middle‐ear microphone for TICIs.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 134:937–944, 2024
Environmental Impact of Adult Tonsillectomy: Life Cycle Assessment and Cost Comparison of Techniques
Authors: Meiklejohn Duncan A. , Khan Zafrul H. , Nuñez Karyn M. , Imhof Lee , Osmani Sabah , Benavidez Amaris C. , Tarefder Rafiqul 
Published: July 2023

ObjectivesTo quantify and compare the cost and environmental impact of different techniques for adult tonsillectomy surgery, and to identify target areas for impact reduction.MethodsFifteen consecutive adult tonsillectomy surgeries were prospectively randomized to one of three tonsillectomy techniques: cold, monopolar electrocautery, or low‐temperature radiofrequency ablation (Coblation). Life cycle assessment was used to comprehensively evaluate the environmental impact of study surgeries. Outcomes assessed included multiple measures of environmental impact, including greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and cost. Environmental impact measures were analyzed to identify highest‐yield areas for improvement, and outcomes were compared between surgical techniques using statistical analysis.ResultsGHG emissions for cold, monopolar electrocautery, and Coblation techniques were 157.6, 184.5, and 204.7 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalents (kgCO2‐eq) per surgery, respectively, with costs totaling $472.51, $619.10, and $715.53 per surgery, respectively. Regardless of surgery technique, anesthesia medications and disposable equipment contributed most to environmental harm. Cold technique demonstrated reduced environmental impact related to disposable surgical equipment in the categories of greenhouse gas emissions, acidification of soil and water, eutrophication of air, ozone depletion, release of carcinogenic, and non‐carcinogenic toxic substances, and respiratory pollutant production (p < 0.05 for all comparisons with other techniques).ConclusionWithin the boundaries of operating room processes, cold technique minimizes cost and environmental impact of adult tonsillectomy surgery, with statistical significance noted in the impact of disposable surgical equipment. Areas of highest potential for improvement identified include reducing use of disposable equipment and collaboration with the Anesthesiology care team to streamline medication use.Level of Evidence2, randomized trial Laryngoscope, 134:622–628, 2024
Lateral Transcervical In‐office Botulinum Toxin Injection for Retrograde Cricopharyngeal Dysfunction
Authors: Doruk Can , Pitman Michael J. 
Published: July 2023

ObjectiveOperating room (OR) injection of botulinum toxin (BTX) injection is effective in the management of retrograde cricopharyngeal dysfunction (RCPD). This study aims to analyze the efficacy and safety of in‐office (IO) 30 Unit BTX injection into the cricopharyngeus via lateral transcervical approach.MethodsA retrospective chart review of patients who underwent BTX injection either in the OR or IO for RCPD was performed. Postoperative success, defined by patient‐reported complete or near complete resolution of symptoms, side effects, and complication rates of each group was determined and compared. To determine the learning curve of IO injections, success rates of the injections performed in the early and late 6 months were compared. Chi‐square test was used for determining the statistical significance.ResultsOverall, 78 injections (37 IO and 41 OR) for RCPD were performed by the senior author. The success rate of OR injections (90.2%) is significantly higher than IO injections (64.9%) at the first‐month follow‐up (p = 0.022). No significant difference was found in the side effect rates. Success and side effect rates were also similar in early and late injections (p > 0.05).ConclusionsIO lateral transcervical BTX injection for RCPD is a safe method that does not require general or topical anesthesia. While the side effects are similar and IO injections have many advantages, the success rates are lower than OR injections.Level of Evidence3 Laryngoscope, 134:283–286, 2024
Nanopore sequencing technology and its applications
Authors: Zheng Peijie , Zhou Chuntao , Ding Yuemin , Liu Bin , Lu Liuyi , Zhu Feng , Duan Shiwei 
Published: July 2023

AbstractSince the development of Sanger sequencing in 1977, sequencing technology has played a pivotal role in molecular biology research by enabling the interpretation of biological genetic codes. Today, nanopore sequencing is one of the leading third‐generation sequencing technologies. With its long reads, portability, and low cost, nanopore sequencing is widely used in various scientific fields including epidemic prevention and control, disease diagnosis, and animal and plant breeding. Despite initial concerns about high error rates, continuous innovation in sequencing platforms and algorithm analysis technology has effectively addressed its accuracy. During the coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) pandemic, nanopore sequencing played a critical role in detecting the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 virus genome and containing the pandemic. However, a lack of understanding of this technology may limit its popularization and application. Nanopore sequencing is poised to become the mainstream choice for preventing and controlling COVID‐19 and future epidemics while creating value in other fields such as oncology and botany. This work introduces the contributions of nanopore sequencing during the COVID‐19 pandemic to promote public understanding and its use in emerging outbreaks worldwide. We discuss its application in microbial detection, cancer genomes, and plant genomes and summarize strategies to improve its accuracy.
Technical note: Cartilage imaging with sub‐cellular resolution using a laboratory‐based phase‐contrast x‐ray microscope
Authors: Esposito Michela , Astolfo Alberto , Cipiccia Silvia , Jones Charlotte Maughan , Savvidis Savvas , Ferrara Joseph D. , Endrizzi Marco , Dudhia Jayesh , Olivo Alessandro 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundMicroscopic imaging of cartilage is a key tool for the study and development of treatments for osteoarthritis. When cellular and sub‐cellular resolution is required, histology remains the gold standard approach, albeit limited by the lack of volumetric information as well as by processing artifacts. Cartilage imaging with the sub‐cellular resolution has only been demonstrated in the synchrotron environment.PurposeTo provide a proof‐of‐concept demonstration of the capability of a laboratory‐based x‐ray phase‐contrast microscope to resolve sub‐cellular features in a cartilage sample.MethodsThis work is based on a laboratory‐based x‐ray microscope using intensity‐modulation masks. The structured nature of the beam, resulting from the mask apertures, allows the retrieval of three contrast channels, namely, transmission, refraction and dark‐field, with resolution depending only on the mask aperture width. An ex vivo equine cartilage sample was imaged with the x‐ray microscope and results were validated with synchrotron tomography and histology.ResultsIndividual chondrocytes, that is, cells responsible for cartilage formation, could be detected with the laboratory‐based microscope. The complementarity of the three retrieved contrast channels allowed the detection of sub‐cellular features in the chondrocytes.ConclusionsWe provide the first proof‐of‐concept of imaging cartilage tissue with sub‐cellular resolution using a laboratory‐based x‐ray microscope.