bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Eleven years of data on the Jefferson Scale of Empathy – medical student version: Japanese norm data and tentative cutoff scores
Authors: Kataoka Hitomi U. , Tokinobu Akiko , Fujii Chikako , Watanabe Mayu , Obika Mikako 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
More and more studies investigate medical students’ empathy using the Jefferson Scale of Empathy (JSE). However, no norm data or cutoff scores of the JSE for Japanese medical students are available. This study therefore explored Japanese norm data and tentative cutoff scores for the Japanese translation of the JSE-medical student version (JSE-S) using 11 years of data obtained from matriculants from a medical school in Japan.

Methods
Participants were 1,216 students (836 men and 380 women) who matriculated at a medical school in Japan from 2011 to 2021. The JSE-S questionnaire was administered to participants prior to the start of the program. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics and statistical tests were performed to show the norm data and tentative cutoff scores for male and female students separately.

Results
The score distributions of the JSE-S were moderately skewed and leptokurtic for the entire sample, with indices -0.75 and 4.78, respectively. The mean score (standard deviation) for all participants was 110.8 (11.8). Women had a significantly higher mean score (112.6) than men (110.0; p < 0.01). The effect size estimate of gender difference was 0.22, indicating a small effect size. The low and high cutoff scores for men were ≤ 91 and ≥ 126, respectively, and the corresponding scores for women were ≤ 97 and ≥ 128, respectively.

Conclusions
This study provides JSE-S norm data and tentative cutoff scores for Japanese medical school matriculants, which would be helpful in identifying those who may need further training to enhance their empathy.
Women empowerment indices and utilization of health facilities during childbirth: evidence from the 2019 Sierra Leone demographic health survey
Authors: Sserwanja Quraish , Mukunya David , Musaba Milton W. , Mutisya Linet M. , Kamara Kassim , Ziaei Shirin 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
Women empowerment is recognized as a potential enabling factor to the utilization of health facilities during childbirth. However, the association between women empowerment and utilization of health facilities is poorly studied, especially in counties with high maternal mortality. Therefore, we investigated the association between women empowerment indices and the utilization of health facilities during childbirth in Sierra Leone.

Methods
We analyzed secondary data from the 2019 Sierra Leone Demographic and Health Survey (SLDHS). We included 5,997 married women who had given birth in the five years before the survey, and had been sampled for the women empowerment questionnaire. The study employed the gender roles framework developed by the Harvard Institute for International Development in the selection and classification of women empowerment indices, which include influencing, resource and decision-making factors. We conducted logistic regression analyses using SPSS version 25.0 complex samples package to determine the association between women empowerment indices and utilization of health facilities.

Results
The overall prevalence of health facility utilization during childbirth was 84.1% (5,042/5,997): 95% CI: 83.6 to 85.4. Among the influencer domain variables, women from the southern (aOR = 2.25, 95% CI: 1.34–3.78), northern (aOR = 1.69,95% CI: 1.01–2.82) and eastern regions (aOR = 3.71, 95% CI: 2.03–6.77) had higher odds of health facility utilization compared to women in the western region, while women in polygamous marriages (aOR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.69–0.98) had lower odds of utilizing health facilities compared to their counterparts in monogamous marriages. Furthermore, women who had their first birth when they were less than 18 years, had higher odds of utilizing health facilities (aOR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.02–1.45) compared to those who were 18 years and above. Among the resource domain variables, women with post-primary education (aOR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.21–2.06) had higher odds of utilizing health facilities compared to their counterparts with no education and women who belonged to the richest wealth quintile (aOR = 2.42, 95% CI: 1.31–4.46) had higher odds of utilizing health facilities compared to their counterparts belonging in the poorest quintile. None of the variables in the decision making domain was significantly associated with health facility utilization.

Conclusion
These findings emphasize that, successful implementation of health facility utilization interventions should prioritize women empowerment with more pragmatic efforts. Policies and programme should aim at all women with more focus on those having lower education (primary and below), belonging to the poorest wealth quintile, give birth before reaching18 years and in polygamous marriages.
Marine prebiotics mediate decolonization of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from gut by inhibiting secreted virulence factor interactions with mucins and enriching Bacteroides population
Authors: Janapatla Rajendra Prasad , Dudek Anna , Chen Chyi-Liang , Chuang Chih-Hsien , Chien Kun-Yi , Feng Ye , Yeh Yuan-Ming , Wang Yi-Hsin , Chang Hsin-Ju , Lee Yuan-Chuan , Chiu Cheng-Hsun 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackgroundPseudomonas aeruginosaintestinal carriage rates are significantly higher in immunosuppressed individuals and hospitalized patients who therefore have increased risk of infections and antibiotic-associated diarrhea. To combat intestinal dysbiosis and decolonizeP. aeruginosafrom gastrointestinal tract, we investigated the anti-adherence and gut microbiota modulation properties of marine prebiotic fucoidans.MethodsProteomic analysis of culture supernatant was performed by LC–MS/MS. Using lectin-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, hemagglutinin domain interaction and inhibition with biomolecules were studied. We investigated the role of nutritional grade fucoidans in a mouse model and used 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing to examine fecal microbiota composition.ResultsAnalysis of culture supernatant proteins indicated the secretion of two-partner secretion (TPS) family proteins, including TpsA1/CdiA2 and TpsA2/CdiA1. Lectin like activity at the N-terminal of TpsA due to a conserved hemagglutinin domain (Pfam identifier [ID] PF05860) mediates binding to mucins that carry multiple fucosylated glycans. Fucose-rich sulfated polysaccharides (fucoidans) and sulfated dextrans were found to be potent inhibitors of the recombinant N-terminal hemagglutinin domain of TpsA (TpsA-NT-HAD) binding to mucins. In a mouse model, antibiotic-induced dysbiosis was essential forP. aeruginosagastrointestinal colonization. After prophylactic oral fucoidans supplementation, a higher proportion (60%) of the mice were decolonized over time and resisted re-colonization, this was associated with remarkable expansion ofBacteroides(post-infection day-3 abundance, 29–50%) and consequential reductions in bloom ofEnterobacteriaceaeandEnterococcaceaepopulations. In the non-supplemented group,Parabacteroidesmediated recovery from dysbiosis but failed to decolonizeP. aeruginosa.ConclusionsSupplementing diet with marine prebiotic fucoidans can mediate earlier recovery from dysbiosis and decolonization ofP. aeruginosafrom gut by inhibiting secreted virulence factor (TpsA/CdiA) interaction with mucins and promoting the growth of beneficialBacteroidespopulation. We suggest the prophylactic use of nutritional grade fucoidans to decolonizeP. aeruginosafrom gastrointestinal tract of at-risk individuals to prevent infection and transmission of colonizingP. aeruginosa.
Vascular and pulmonary effects of ibuprofen on neonatal lung development
Authors: Chen Xueyu , Han Dongshan , Wang Xuan , Huang Xuemei , Huang Zilu , Liu Yijun , Zhong Junyan , Walther Frans J. , Yang Chuanzhong , Wagenaar Gerry T. M. 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that is commonly used to stimulate closure of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in very premature infants and may lead to aberrant neonatal lung development and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).

Methods
We investigated the effect of ibuprofen on angiogenesis in human umbilical cord vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and the therapeutic potential of daily treatment with 50 mg/kg of ibuprofen injected subcutaneously in neonatal Wistar rat pups with severe hyperoxia-induced experimental BPD. Parameters investigated included growth, survival, lung histopathology and mRNA expression.

Results
Ibuprofen inhibited angiogenesis in HUVECs, as shown by reduced tube formation, migration and cell proliferation via inhibition of the cell cycle S-phase and promotion of apoptosis. Treatment of newborn rat pups with ibuprofen reduced pulmonary vessel density in the developing lung, but also attenuated experimental BPD by reducing lung inflammation, alveolar enlargement, alveolar septum thickness and small arteriolar wall thickening.

Conclusions
In conclusion, ibuprofen has dual effects on lung development: adverse effects on angiogenesis and beneficial effects on alveolarization and inflammation. Therefore, extrapolation of the beneficial effects of ibuprofen to premature infants with BPD should be done with extreme caution.
A review on the role of long non-coding RNA and microRNA network in clear cell renal cell carcinoma and its tumor microenvironment
Authors: Zhang Qi , Ren Hao , Ge Luqi , Zhang Wen , Song Feifeng , Huang Ping 
Published: February 2023

AbstractRenal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the second lethal urogenital malignancy with the increasing incidence and mortality in the world. Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is one major subtype of RCC, which accounts for about 70 to 80% of all RCC cases. Although many innovative therapeutic options have emerged during the last few decades, the efficacy of these treatments for ccRCC patients is very limited. To date, the prognosis of patients with advanced or metastatic ccRCC is still poor. The 5-year survival rate of these patients remains less than 10%, which mainly attributes to the complexity and heterogeneity of the tumor microenvironment (TME). It has been demonstrated that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) perform an indispensable role in the initiation and progression of various tumors. They mostly function as sponges for microRNAs (miRNAs) to regulate the expression of target genes, finally influence the growth, metastasis, apoptosis, drug resistance and TME of tumor cells. However, the role of lncRNA/miRNA/mRNA axis in the TME of ccRCC remains poorly understood. In this review, we summarized the biological function of lncRNA/miRNA/mRNA axis in the pathogenesis of ccRCC, then discussed how lncRNA/miRNA/mRNA axis regulate the TME, finally highlighted their potential application as novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for ccRCC.
Characterizing mobility patterns of forest goers in southern Lao PDR using GPS loggers
Authors: Rerolle Francois , Dantzer Emily , Phimmakong Toula , Lover Andrew , Hongvanthong Bouasy , Phetsouvanh Rattanaxay , Marshall John , Sturrock Hugh , Bennett Adam 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
In the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS), forest-going populations are considered high-risk populations for malaria and are increasingly targeted by national control programmes’ elimination efforts. A better understanding of forest-going populations’ mobility patterns and risk associated with specific types of forest-going trips is necessary for countries in the GMS to achieve their objective of eliminating malaria by 2030.

Methods
Between March and November 2018, as part of a focal test and treat intervention (FTAT), 2,904 forest-goers were recruited in southern Lao PDR. A subset of forest-goers carried an “i-Got-U” GPS logger for roughly 2 months, configured to collect GPS coordinates every 15 to 30 min. The utilization distribution (UD) surface around each GPS trajectory was used to extract trips to the forest and forest-fringes. Trips with shared mobility characteristics in terms of duration, timing and forest penetration were identified by a hierarchical clustering algorithm. Then, clusters of trips with increased exposure to dominant malaria vectors in the region were further classified as high-risk. Finally, gradient boosting trees were used to assess which of the forest-goers’ socio-demographic and behavioural characteristics best predicted their likelihood to engage in such high-risk trips.

Results
A total of 122 forest-goers accepted carrying a GPS logger resulting in the collection of 803 trips to the forest or forest-fringes. Six clusters of trips emerged, helping to classify 385 (48%) trips with increased exposure to malaria vectors based on high forest penetration and whether the trip happened overnight. Age, outdoor sleeping structures and number of children were the best predictors of forest-goers’ probability of engaging in high-risk trips. The probability of engaging in high-risk trips was high (~ 33%) in all strata of the forest-going population.

Conclusion
This study characterized the heterogeneity within the mobility patterns of forest-goers and attempted to further segment their role in malaria transmission in southern Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR). National control programmes across the region can leverage these results to tailor their interventions and messaging to high-risk populations and accelerate malaria elimination.
The effects of COVID-19 on New York State’s Drug User Health Hubs and syringe service programs: a qualitative study
Authors: Ude Mercy , Behrends Czarina N. , Kelly Shea , Schackman Bruce R. , Clear Allan , Goldberg Rebecca , Gelberg Kitty , Kapadia Shashi N. 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
Syringe service programs (SSPs) deliver critical harm reduction services to people who inject drugs (PWID). Some SSPs in New York State received enhanced funding to provide additional services to combat opioid overdose fatalities. These SSPs, known as Drug User Health Hubs, provide buprenorphine for the treatment of opioid use disorder and other health-related services in addition to their syringe services. While the COVID-19 pandemic posed widespread challenges to the delivery of health services nationwide, the effect of the pandemic on SSPs uniquely impacts PWID. This study examines the impact of COVID-19 on service delivery of Drug User Health Hubs and stand-alone SSPs in New York State.

Methods
Between July 2020 and September 2020, we performed eleven semi-structured virtual interviews with staff from three Health Hub SSPs and three stand-alone SSPs. The interviews explored the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on SSPs and their clients as well as the changes implemented in response. Interviews were recorded and transcribed. We performed content analysis to identify emerging themes from the data.

Results
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some SSPs temporarily shut down while others limited their hours of operation. SSPs modified their service delivery to maintain syringe services and naloxone distribution over other services such as STI and HCV testing. They virtualized components of their services, including telemedicine for the provision of buprenorphine. While SSPs found virtualization to be important for maintaining their services, it negatively impacted the intimate nature of client interactions. Participants also described the impact of the pandemic on the well-being of PWID, including isolation, worsened mental health challenges, and increased drug overdoses.

Conclusions
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, SSPs demonstrated innovation, adaptability, and togetherness. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, SSPs continued to be key players in maintaining access to sterile supplies, buprenorphine, and other services for PWID. In addition to adapting to COVID-19 restrictions, they also responded to the dynamic needs of their clients. Sustainable funding and recognition of the critical role of SSPs in supporting PWID can help to improve outcomes for PWID.
Enterococcus faecalis promotes the progression of colorectal cancer via its metabolite: biliverdin
Authors: Zhang Li , Liu Jing , Deng Mingxia , Chen Xiangliu , Jiang Lushun , Zhang Jiajie , Tao Lisheng , Yu Wei , Qiu Yunqing 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
Enterococcus faecalis (Efa) has been shown to be a “driver bacteria” in the occurrence and development of colorectal cancer (CRC). This study aims to explore the effect of specific metabolites of Efa on CRC.

Methods
The pro-tumor effects of Efa were assessed in colonic epithelial cells. The tumor-stimulating molecule produced by Efa was identified using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The proliferative effect of metabolites on CRC cells in vitro was assayed as well. The concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Tubular formation assay of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and cell migration assay were applied to study angiogenesis. Additionally, western blot analysis was used to investigate key regulatory proteins involved in the angiogenesis pathway. Tumor growth was assessed using mouse models with two CRC cells and human colon cancer organoid.

Results
Co-incubation with the conditioned medium of Efa increased the proliferation of cultured CRC cells. Biliverdin (BV) was determined as the key metabolite produced by Efa using LC-MS screening. BV promoted colony formation and cell proliferation and inhibited cell cycle arrest of cultured CRC cells. BV significantly increased the expression level of IL-8 and VEGFA by regulating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, leading to the acceleration of angiogenesis in CRC. The up-regulation of proliferation and angiogenesis by BV were also confirmed in mice.

Conclusion
In conclusion, BV, as the tumor-stimulating metabolite of Efa, generates proliferative and angiogenic effects on CRC, which is mainly mediated by the activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR.
Horse-related injury patterns: a single center report
Authors: Hoffmann M. F. , Bernstorff M. , Kreitz N. , Roetman B. , Schildhauer T. A. , Wenning K. E. 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
For ages, humankind and horses have been closely related to occupational and recreational activities. The dangers of engaging with horses have been previously reported. Among sporting activities, horse riding is well-known for its risks. Despite multiple recommendations to wear protective gear, horse-related activities still comprise the risk of severe injuries. This study aimed to examine: (1) if specific mechanisms are correlated to particular injury patterns and (2) if injury types are related to patient demographics.

Methods
From one level I trauma center, between July 2019 and July 2022 (3 years) all emergency reports and discharge letters were retrospectively reviewed by full-text search regarding horse-related injuries. Patient demographics, body mass index, trauma mechanism, injury types, and initiated treatment were extracted from medical records and analyzed.

Results
During the study period, 95 patients with 99 horse-related injuries were included. The overwhelming majority of the patients was female (93.7%). Age averaged 35.3 years (range 6 to 71). BMI was 23.6 kg/m2. Inpatient treatment was required in 60.6%. Length of hospital stay averaged 10 days. Surgical treatment was performed in 55 patients (55.6%). Open reduction and internal fixation was the most common procedure (74.5%). Trauma mechanism was fall from a horse followed by being hit by a horse (60.6% and 23.2%, respectively). Injured upper extremities counted up for 52.5% followed by spinal and pelvic injuries (23.2%). Spinal and pelvic injuries were related to fall from a horse (p < 0.001). Injuries to the lower extremities were predominantly caused by a kick of the horse when the rider was unmounted (p = 0.001) and negatively related to a fall from a horse (p = 0.002). Ten patients got their fingers tangled while holding the reins and suffered from injuries to the upper extremity (p < 0.001). Three of them required an amputation (30%).

Conclusion
Despite the fact that patients are young and healthy, horse related injuries must not be underestimated. In our study, almost two-thirds of the patients required inpatient treatment and 50% underwent surgery. We could show that patient age was related to injury severity according to the Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS). Spinal and pelvic injuries were significantly related to a fall from a horse with a significantly greater trauma impact according to the AIS. Therefore, these severe entities need to be ruled out in such events. Accidents caused by holding the reins, may result in serious injuries to the hand with 30% requiring an amputation. Doctors need to be aware of possible horse-related injury patterns to reduce morbidity.
Treatments and whole exon sequencing of a case with multiple primary lung cancer
Authors: Bai Guangyu , Li Yuan , Ji Ying , Peng Yue , Yang Zhenlin , Zhao Liang 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Introduction
The number of patients with synchronous multiple primary lung cancer (sMPLC) has increased recently. However, diagnosing and selecting the appropriate therapeutic strategy for this type of disease is not simple.

Case presentation
This report presented a case of sMPLC with lymph node metastasis. With no smoking and cancer history, this patient had seven nodules in the right lung and underwent single-portal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). In addition, she received four cycles of chemotherapy after the operation. Whole exon sequencing (WES) was performed in five resected tissue samples (four tumors and one lymph node). We conducted genomic profiling and clone evolution analysis of the five samples. Gene detection helped to confirm that the metastasis lymph node was transferred from one nodule. There was apparent heterogeneity of gene mutations among the five samples of the patient, with only one shared “neurofilament heavy polypeptide” (NEFH) mutation. A dominant substitution of C > T/G > A was found in all the samples. Pyclone model was used to calculate all tissues' cellular prevalence (CP) values, and NEFH mutations were thought to be the ancestral clones. During the follow-up period, residual lesions showed no apparent changes and limited response to chemotherapy.

Conclusions
This report showed an essential role in genomic detection and selecting the appropriate treatment of sMPLC. Surgery remains the primary treatment strategy for this type of disease, and the occurrence and development of sMPLC need more in-depth research.
MitraClip as a therapeutic strategy for post-myocardial infarction mitral regurgitation
Authors: Huang Anwu , Chen Ying , Huang Yiwei , Ji Xiaojun , Jiang Wenbing 
Published: February 2023

AbstractMitral regurgitation is a serious complication of post-myocardial infarction, with increasing mortality. Surgery as the primary treatment carries a high risk. MitraClip is a new therapeutic to treat post-myocardial infarction mitral regurgitation. In this case, a 62-year-old male patient suffered from severe heart failure symptoms after emergency coronary intervention and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support. Based on cardiac echocardiography, severe mitral regurgitation was monitored in this patient. After MitraClip treatment, the patient's condition was gradually improved and discharged successfully. This case highlights that MitraClip is a safe and effective strategy for post-myocardial infarction mitral regurgitation.