bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of a screening tool to assess prevention and rehabilitation needs of 45 to 59 years old in primary care – study protocol of a pragmatic randomized controlled trial (PReHa45)
Authors: Burchardi Jennifer Marie , Spyra Karla , Brünger Martin 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background: For years it has been stated that the need for prevention and rehabilitation is not always identified early enough. Although many individuals have regular contact with a general practitioner (GP), this access path for applying for a prevention or rehabilitation service has not been fully exploited. The important role of GPs in supporting the intention to apply is highlighted in the research. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the “check-up 45+” to support GPs both in identifying the need for prevention and rehabilitation services and in submitting applications.
Methods: The study is designed as a two-arm, pragmatic 1:1 randomised controlled study (RCT), which will be conducted in about 20 general practices in the German states of Berlin and Brandenburg. Patients (n=1,654) aged from 45 to 59 years will be recruited by medical assistants. In addition to usual care, both study groups will receive a questionnaire covering socio-economic and occupational variables to be filled out immediately in the waiting room. The intervention group passes through the “check-up 45+”. This includes the completion of the “screening 45+” that aims to assess the need for prevention and rehabilitation services. Medical assistants will immediately evaluate this 2-page screening tool. If a need is identified and confirmed by the GP, information and application documents will be handed over. Moreover, the application process for rehabilitation services is simplified.
Primary outcome is the proportion of applications for prevention or rehabilitation services financed by the German Pension Insurance. Administrative data will be provided for this purpose. Secondary outcomes include the proportion of approved applications and completed services. In addition, the proportion of persons with a need for prevention or rehabilitation according to the “check-up 45+” will be examined. Semi-structured interviews will be conducted and content-analysed to determine the practicability and acceptance of the “check-up 45+” by the relevant stakeholders.
Discussion: Prevention and rehabilitation need is insufficiently identified and addressed so far. This study will determine the effectiveness and of the “check-up 45+” in primary care.
Trial registration: German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00028303, 03.03.2022).
Benefits of brain dual-energy CT imaging in detecting intracranial hemorrhage in noncontrast brain CT scans
Authors: Chiewvit Pipat , Ratanakarn Kanyaphak , Piyapittayanan Siriwan , Ngamsombat Chanon , Chakorn Tipa 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Background — Noncontrast brain computed tomography (CT) scans are the gold standard for diagnosing intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). However, the scans have some evaluation limitations, especially in cases of interfering bony artifacts, and overlapping hypoattenuating calcifications and hemorrhages. Material decomposition dual-energy CT (DECT) can separate materials based on atomic numbers. We compare the diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of material decomposition noncontrast DECT of the brain with stimulated conventional 120 kVp-single energy CT (sSECT) imaging for ICH diagnosis. Methods — This retrospective study was conducted at a single center. Three neuroradiologists separately and blindly reviewed the postprocessing images of 111 patients with 215 lesions. DECT acquisitions generated the images. They were in the form of: ♦ sSECT images, ♦ blood-subtracted calcium, nonoverlay images (“blood [calcium] nonoverlay” images), ♦ blood-subtracted calcium, overlay images with rainbow and grayscale color-coding (“blood [calcium] overlay” images), and ♦ combined sSECT and blood-subtracted calcium, overlay images (“combined sSECT + blood (calcium) overlay” images). Results — Compared with the sSECT images, the blood (calcium) overlay images had better accuracy (99.6%), sensitivity (99.5%), and specificity (100%) for ICH diagnosis. The blood (calcium) overlay images also provided better observer confidence (a 94.06% certain diagnosis) than the sSECT images (P < 0.05). The blood (calcium) overlay images and combined images had very good interrater reliability, whereas the reliability of the sSECT images was poor. Conclusions — Material decomposition DECT—as either blood (calcium) overlay images or combined sSECT + blood (calcium) overlay images—has a high ICH diagnostic ability in noncontrast brain CT imaging.
Characteristics and burden of diabetic ketoacidosis in diabetic patients in the period of COVID-19 outbreak in Ethiopia
Authors: Debela Dejene Tolossa , Assefa Dawit Getachew , Kedir Mariya Mubarik , Desu Gadissa 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is an acute life-threatening complication of diabetes mellitus. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics and the burden of DKA cases during the period of the COVID-19 outbreak in Ethiopia.
Methods: An institutional-based retrospective chart review study was conducted. 178 randomly selected patients’ medical charts were included. Data were collected from medical records in the period between October 2020 to July 2022. To investigate the association between the dependent and independent variable, binary and multivariable logistic regression were done with statistically significant at P ≤0.05.
Results: A total of 178 medical records were reviewed. The mean (±SD) age of the patients was 41.3 (±13.2) years and 45% of patients had type 2 diabetes. Acute diabetic complications were documented in 25.8% of patients where DKA was the commonest (16.3%). Nearly half of the DKA patients (n=13, 44.8%) were presented with poly-symptoms at the time of diagnosis. Furthermore, missing drug (31%) was the most frequent precipitating factor followed by community-acquired pneumonia (21%), and multiple factors (17%). Besides, patients in the DKA group had a higher mean length of hospital stay (3 days versus 2.6 days).
Conclusion: The poly-symptoms were the common clinical features of DKA at the time of presentation. Pneumonia and a history of missing drugs were identified as leading precipitating factors of DKA. Even though the DKA complication is low in this research, diabetes health education at the community and institutional level, routine screening for diabetes at health centers, and treating the infections early are strongly recommended.
An early life observational cohort in China: Bone And MicroBiOme Onset (BAMBOO) study
Authors: Wang Jing , Jiang Chang , Wang Shuo , Feng Lingyan , Zhang Yu , Guo Yuanyuan , Liu Gongshu , Li Xi , Zhang Guohong , Zhu Xiaowei , Ren Fangyi , Guan Lingyao , Chen Jiayu , Gao Ya , Chen Mo , Darwish Noura , Mottaz Sara Colombo , Horcajada Marie Noelle , Bonnet Nicolas , Dogra Shaillay Kumar , Wang Dantong 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background: Early childhood growth and development is critical for long term health. Emerging science spotlights the significance of optimal gut microbiome and bone development during this period. The aim of the Bone And MicroBiOme Onset (BAMBOO) study is to determine age-appropriate trajectories for microbiome maturation and bone development, and to identify the influence of dietary factors in the process. This paper is to describe the rationale and study design, and reports study progress.
Methods: BAMBOO is an ongoing prospective observational cohort study conducted in Tianjin, China. Children who meet the following requirements are invited to participate in this study: 1) full-term gestational birth (≥ 37 and ≤ 42 weeks); 2) singleton; and 3) signed informed consent by infant’s parents (or his/her legally accepted representative) and agree to fulfill the requirements of the study protocol. The exclusion criteria include pregnancy complication (such as pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes), bowel disease, or currently participating or having participated in another clinical trial within 4 weeks prior to the start of this cohort. The study is composed of two groups of children: Group 1 includes children from birth to 12 months of age; group 2 includes children from 6 to 36 months of age. Questionnaires are used at different timepoints to collect information on infant feeding practice, medical history, concomitant medication, adverse events/serious adverse events and development benchmarks. Concurrent anthropometric measurements include length/height, weight, and bone measurements. Children’s dietary intake data are collected using 3-day-food diaries. Biological samples (stool, urine, and breastmilk) are also collected at different timepoints.
Discussion: Recruitment of Bamboo started in September 2021 and is still ongoing. Data quality assessment and method validation have been conducted using early available samples. This study will provide unprecedented insights on early life microbiome maturation and bone development in Chinese infants and toddlers, and the impact of diet. The results may contribute to evidence-based policy making and inform nutrition healthcare programs for infants and toddlers aiming to benefit long-term health.
Trial registration No.: ChiCTR2100049972 (August 16th, 2021)
Both gastrocnemius aponeurosis flaps and semitendinosus tendon grafts are effective in the treatment of chronic Achilles tendon ruptures – a systematic review
Authors: Nilsson Niklas , Stensöta Immanuel , Helander Katarina Nilsson , Brorsson Annelie , Carmont Michael R , Concaro Sebastian 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Introduction: A chronic Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) is defined as an ATR that has been left untreated for more than four weeks following rupture. This systematic review aims to summarize the outcomes of chronic ATR treated using either a gastrocnemius aponeurosis flap or semitendinosus tendon graft.Methods: A systematic search was conducted in three databases (PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane), for studies describing outcomes after surgical treatment of chronic ATR using gastrocnemius aponeurosis flaps or semitendinosus tendon grafts with more than 10 patients included. The studies were assessed for quality and risk of bias using the Methodological Items used to assess risk of bias in Non-Randomized studies (MINORS).Results: Out of the 818 studies identified with the initial search, a total of 36 studies with 763 individual patients were included in this systematic review. Gastrocnemius aponeurosis flap was used in 21 and semitendinosus tendon graft was used in 13 of the studies. The mean (SD) postoperative Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) for patients treated with a gastrocnemius aponeurosis flap was 83 (14) points and the mean (SD) American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS) was 96 (1.7) points compared with ATRS 88 (6.9) points and AOFAS 92 (5.6) points for patients treated with a semitendinosus tendon graft. The included studies generally had low-quality according to MINORS, with a median of 8 (range 2-13) for all studies.Conclusion:Both gastrocnemius aponeurosis flaps and semitendinosus tendon grafts give acceptable results with minimal complications and are valid methods for treating chronic ATR. The main difference is more wound healing complications in patients treated with a gastrocnemius aponeurosis flap and more sural nerve injuries in patients treated with a semitendinosus grafts. The current literature on the subject is of mainly low quality and the absence of a patient-related outcome measure validated for chronic ATR makes comparisons between studies difficult.Level of Evidence: Level IV.
Effects of income inequality on COVID-19 in Africa: a cross-country analysis
Authors: TAMWO Sévérin , Koudjom Etayibtalnam , Yeyouomo Aurelien Kamdem 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The empirical literature has been unexplored regarding the analysis of transmission channels in the study of the relationship between income inequality and COVID-19 spread. The aim of this paper is to fill this gap by empirically assessing the direct and indirect effects of income inequality on COVID-19 by focusing on a sample of 52 African countries. To achieve this goal, we use the multiple linear regression model and the ordinary least square (OLS) method. In addition, two indicators of COVID-19 are identified, namely the total number of cases and the severity of the disease, as well as two transmission channels, namely the size of the informal sector and literacy. The results of the direct analysis show that income inequality positively and significantly affects the spread of COVID-19. Although the indirect analysis supports the positive and significant effect, it appears that the estimated coefficients are underestimated in the direct analysis. The results of the direct analysis are robust to the year 2021 and 2022 while the indirect analysis is robust to the use of interactions between income inequality and the different channels. These results suggest that reducing the income gap between individuals is key to effectively coping with health shocks.
JEL classification: I10 . D63 . C30
BLM helicase overexpressed in human gliomas contributes to diverse responses of human glioma cells to chemotherapy
Authors: Wojnicki Kamil , Kaczmarczyk Agnieszka , Wojtas Bartosz , Kaminska Bozena 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Most of anti-tumour therapies eliminate neoplastic cells by introducing DNA damage which ultimately triggers cell death. These effects are counteracted by activated DNA repair pathways to sustain tumour proliferation capacity. RECQL helicases family, including BLM, participate in DNA damage and repair, and prevent the replication stress. Glioblastoma (GBM) is a common, malignant brain tumour that inevitably recurs despite surgical resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy with temozolomide (TMZ). Expression and functions of the BLM helicase in GBM therapy resistance have not been elucidated. We analysed expression and localisation of BLM in human gliomas and several glioma cell lines using TCGA datasets, immunostaining and Western blotting. BLM depleted human glioma cells were generated with CRISPR/Cas9. Effects of chemotherapeutics on cell proliferation, DNA damage and apoptosis were determined with flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, Western blotting and RNA sequencing. We found upregulated BLM mRNA levels in malignant gliomas, increased cytosolic localisation and poor survival of BLM highly expressing GBM patients. BLM deficiency in LN18 and LN229 glioma cells resulted in profound transcriptomic alterations, reduced cell proliferation, and altered cell responses to chemotherapeutics. BLM-deficient glioma cells were resistant to the TMZ and PARP inhibitor treatment and underwent polyploidy or senescence depending on the TP53 activity. Our findings of high BLM expression in GBMs and its roles in responses to chemotherapeutics provide a rationale for targeting BLM helicase in those tumours. BLM deficiency affects responses of glioma cells to chemotherapeutics targeting PARP1 dependent pathways.
Screening and functional validations of APP, PSEN1 and PSEN2 mutations from PUMCH dementia cohort
Authors: Li Jie , Dong Liling , Sha Longze , Liu Caiyan , Mao Chenhui , Huang Xinying , Wang Jie , Shang Li , Chu Shanshan , Jin Wei , Xu Qi , Gao Jing 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background: Presenilin 1 (PSEN1), presenilin 2 (PSEN2), and amyloid precursor protein (APP) genes have been verified as causative genes for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The present study aimed to (1) screen for pathogenic mutations in a large sample size Chinses dementia population (Peking Union Medical College Hospital dementia cohort, PUMCH dementia cohort), (2) determine the functional effect of the identified mutations by in-vitro study.
Methods: Next generation sequencing was performed in patients from PUMCH dementia cohort and AD variants interpretation was determined by bioinformatic analysis. AD pathogenicity of the identified variants was determined by detecting the Aβ secretion of transfected HEK293 cells.
Results: Among the 1277 participants from PUMCH dementia cohort, 46 patients with causative AD mutations (36 variants) were identified, with frequency of 3.60% (1.25% of APP, 1.25% of PSEN1 and 1.10% of PSEN2). The detected frequency of AD mutations was 6.95% (23/331), 4.24% (32/754), and 11.04% (17/154) in dementia population who have dementia family history, in early-onset dementia population, and in early-onset dementia population who have dementia family history, respectively. Among the 36 identified variants, 6 variants (PSEN1E72K, E363Q and Q223K, PSEN2 N141S, M239T and I368F) were identified to significantly increased the level of Aβ42, Aβ40 or the ratio of Aβ42/Aβ40 compared with wild-type variant by in-vitro study.
Conclusion: This study provided the profile of AD mutations of PUMCH dementia cohort and demonstrated the possible AD pathogenicity of 6 variants by in-vitro study.
Inspection of Couette and Pressure-Driven Poiseuille Entropy Optimized Dissipated Flow in a Suction/Injection Horizontal Channel: Analytical Solutions
Authors: Sukumar M. , Raju C. S.K. , Asogwa Kanayo Kenneth , Varma S. V.K. , Khan M. Ijaz , Makhdoum Basim M. 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Consider the constant flow of a viscous, electrically conducting, and compressible fluid in pathways made by two infinitely equivalent permeable surfaces divided by a length h. The x-axis extends in the flow path along the bottom stationary plate, whereas the y-axis is orthogonal to the surfaces. The channel plates are subjected to a consistent transverse magnetic field that is implemented perpendicularly. In this subject, two scenarios are investigated. The first is the Couette flow, In the second scenario, both porous surfaces are parallel and fixed at a range of 2h, and the motion is Poiseuille flow controlled by pressure. The flow across the x-axis is supposed to be totally generated and dependent on y- exclusively. The governed system is solved using help of analytical solutions. It is found that the entropy generation is higher near the cloud porous plate in comparison to the hot porous plate and the rising values of suction/injection parameter boost up the fluid temperature. The enhancement of magnetic field parameter causes to reduce the momentum boundary layer thickness. The Brinkman number improves the thermal boundary thickness. The magnetic field parameter, suction/injection and Brinkmann number accelerates the entropy generation in both cases.
PAM-Flexible Genome Editing with an Engineered Chimeric Cas9
Authors: Koseki Sabrina , Hong Lauren , Yudistyra Vivian , Stan Teodora , Tysinger Emma , Silverstein Rachel , Kramme Christian , Amrani Nadia , Savic Natasha , Pacesa Martin , Rodriguez Tomás , Ponnapati Manvitha , Jacobson Joseph , Church George , Truant Ray , Jinek Martin , Kleinstiver Benjamin , Sontheimer Erik , Chatterjee Pranam 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
CRISPR enzymes require a defined protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) flanking a guide RNA-programmed target site, limiting their sequence accessibility for robust genome editing applications. In this study, we recombine the PAM-interacting domain of SpRY, a broad-targeting Cas9 possessing an NRN > NYN PAM preference, with the N-terminus of Sc++, a Cas9 with simultaneously broad, efficient, and accurate NNG editing capabilities, to generate a chimeric enzyme with highly flexible PAM preference: SpRYc. We demonstrate that SpRYc leverages properties of both enzymes to specifically edit diverse NNN PAMs and disease-related loci for potential therapeutic applications. In total, the unique approaches to generate SpRYc, coupled with its robust flexibility, highlight the power of integrative protein design for Cas9 engineering and motivate downstream editing applications that require precise genomic positioning.
A new blue astrangiid coral from the Southwestern Atlantic: coral diversity under globalization
Authors: Serra Saulo Freitas , Neves Elizabeth , Alves Jessika , Johnsson Rodrigo 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Two Astrangia Milne Edwards & Haime, 1848 species have been identified in shallow water environments along the Brazilian coast: A. solitaria (Le Sueur, 1817) and A. rathbuni Vaughan, 1906. Astrangia woodsi Wells, 1955 is an incrusting coral with blue-gray polyps, and a darker skeleton originally described to the Eastern Coast of Australia. This species was for the first time identified out of its natural border in 2021, on a rocky reef in the Arabian Sea. In the last decades, Indo-Pacific dendrophylliids belonging to the genus Tubastraea Lesson 1830 became widespread in the Atlantic. Indeed, two other exotic marine cnidarians have been recently introduced in the Tropical Atlantic, the octocorals Sarcothelia sp. Verrill, 1928 and Briareum hamrum (Gohar, 1948). Here, we describe a new Astrangia species to the Northeastern Brazilian coast. Scanning electron microscopy images of the corallites supported the taxonomic analysis and description of the new astrangiid. Early confounded with the A. woodsi, this new coral may be promptly recognized in biofouling because of its color and solitary development. Indeed, the incorporation of iron salts into the aragonite fibers may result in blue carbonate skeletons – an exquisite condition observed in a small group of reef-building octocorals, the Helioporidae Moseley, 1876. Scleractinians have usually white aragonite skeletons. However, like the helioporids, Astrangia sp. nov. has also a blue skeleton, a natural camouflage that is likely to prevent it to be noticed somewhere else. Finally, a key of the world Astrangia species is provided for the first time.
Early-stage volume losses in the corpus callosum and thalamus predict the progression of brain atrophy in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Fujimori Juichi , Nakashima Ichiro 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
A method that can be used in the early stage of multiple sclerosis (MS) to predict the progression of brain volume loss (BVL) has not been fully established. Thus, to develop a method of predicting progressive BVL in patients with MS (pwMS), eighty-two consecutive Japanese pwMS—with either relapsing-remitting MS (86%) or secondary progressive MS (14%)—and 41 healthy controls were included in this longitudinal retrospective analysisover anobservational periodof approximately 3.5 years. Using a hierarchical cluster analysis with multivariate imaging data obtained by FreeSurfer analysis, we classified the pwMS into clusters. As a result, at baseline and follow-up, pwMS were cross-sectionally classified into three major clusters (Clusters 1, 2, and 3) in ascending order by disability and BVL. Among the patients included in Cluster 1 at baseline, approximately one-third of patients (12/52) transitioned into Cluster 2 at follow-up. The volumes of thecorpus callosum, the thalamus, and the whole brain excluding the ventricles were significantly decreased in the transition group compared with the nontransition group and were found to be the most important predictors of transition. Decreased volumes of thecorpus callosum and thalamus in the relatively early stage of MS may predict the development of BVL.