bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study Protocol for a Randomised, Patient- and Observer-Blinded Evaluation of P6 Acustimulation for the Prevention of Nausea and Vomiting in the Postoperative Period in Patients Receiving Routine Pharmacological Prophylaxis (P6NV-Trial)
Authors: Weber Benedict , Knoth Selena , Kranke Peter , Eberhart Leopold 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: The efficacy of Pericardium 6 (P6) acupoint stimulation to reduce the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) has been proven in several randomised controlled clinical trials. However, little is known about the effectiveness in daily practise and its use in combination with traditional pharmacologic approaches. Methods: Primary objective of the P6NV study is to determine whether intraoperative acustimulation (acupuncture or acupressure) at the point P6 provides additional benefit when applied along with customary prophylactic intravenous antiemetics administered according to local standard operating procedures (SOP). Primary endpoint is the incidence and severity of PONV within the first 24 hours postoperatively reported with a validated postoperative nausea and vomiting intensity scale. The patient-reported outcome of perioperative quality of life (using the PPP33-questionnaire) and the detection of antiemetic-related side-effects as well as severity of PONV (via a standardised questionnaire) are secondary study objectives. P6NV is a national, multicentre, randomised, prospective, patient- and examiner-blinded interventional study and will be performed in 3500 adult patients with ASA-classification I-III undergoing elective surgery under general anaesthesia and hospitalised for at least 24 hours. Participating anaesthesiologists commit themselves to administer customised conventional antiemetic prophylaxis according to local SOP by signing a statement before randomisation. The intervention group receives bilateral acupuncture or acupressure at P6. The control group receives no intervention. Before extubation, acustimulation is removed. Discussion: Since P6-acustimulation is performed by a wide range of anaesthesiologists receiving written and verbal information on acustimulation beforehand, this trial will provide information on the effectiveness of an ad-hoc implementation of P6-stimulation techniques anaesthesia departments using traditional pharmacologic PONV-prophylaxis. Trial registration: The trial was registered at DRKS on August 15th, 2018. Identifier: DRKS00015272. URL: https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID= DRKS00015272
Birth weight is associated with obesity and T2DM in adulthood among Chinese women
Authors: Song Pu , Cao Hui , Yang Manqing , Lai Peng , Ye Yan , Liu Ying , Liu Xuekui 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Previous studies have indicated an association between birth weight (BW) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), but few studies have explored this relationship under different conditions of obesity in adulthood. Methods: A total of 4,005 individuals from ten provinces of China were randomly selected to participate in this study. We used a questionnaire to collect age, BW, current weight, height, T2DM history, age at T2DM diagnosis, and other variables. The participants were divided into three groups were according to BW trisection (BW≤2500 g for the lower BW group, 2500 g <BW ≤3500 g for the normal BW group, and BW＞3500 g for the higher BW group). The cutoff of overweight and obesity were 25 kg/m2 and 28 kg/m2, respectively. Results: The prevalence rates of T2DM among women with lower BW, normal BW and higher BW were 5.2%, 3.6% and 2.0%, respectively. The obesity prevalence rates in the lower BW, normal BW and higher BW groups were 8.1%, 6.7% and 9.0%, respectively. In the obese population, we did not find a relationship between BW and T2DM, but in the nonobese population, we found that with increasing BW, the risk of developing T2DM was reduced. Obese status in adulthood modified the association between BW and the risk of T2DM. Conclusion: There is a “U” shape association between BW and risk of adulthood obesity in Chinese women, but this trend is not existed between BW and risk of developing T2DM. In non-overweight females, the risk of developing T2DM decreased with increasing BW, but this trend was not observed in overweight females.
Subtype-Specific Associations Between leukocyte mtDNA Copy Number and the Survival of Early-Sage Breast Cancer
Authors: Zhang Wenzhe , Lin Songping , Zeng Bangwei , Chen Xiaobin , Chen Lili , Chen Minyan , Guo Wenhui , Lin Yuxiang , Yu Liuwen , Hou Jialin , Li Yan , Li Shengmei , Jin Xuan , Cai Weifeng , Zhang Kun , Nie Qian , Chen Hanxi , Li Jing , He Peng , Cai Qindong , Qiu Yibin , Wang Chuan , Fu Fangmeng 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Compelling evidence has indicated a significant association between leukocyte mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) and prognosis of several malignancies in a cancer-specific manner. However, whether leukocyte mtDNAcn can predict the clinical outcome of breast cancer (BC) patients has not been well investigated.Methods: The mtDNA copy number of peripheral blood leukocytes from 661 BC patients was measured using a Multiplex AccuCopy™Kit based on a multiplex fluorescence competitive PCR principle. Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards regression model were applied to investigate the association of mtDNAcn with invasive disease-free survival (iDFS), distant disease-free survival (DDFS), breast cancer special survival (BCSS), and overall survival (OS) of patients. The possible mtDNAcn-environment interactions were also evaluated by the Cox proportional hazard regression models.Results: Breast cancer (BC) patients with higher leukocyte mtDNA-CN exhibited a significantly worse iDFS than those with lower leukocyte mtDNAcn (5-year iDFS: fully-adjusted model: HR=1.433[95%CI 1.038-1.978], P=0.028). Interaction analyses showed that mtDNAcn was significantly associated with hormone receptor status (adjusted p for interaction: 5-year BCSS: 0.028, 5-year OS: 0.022), so that further analysis was mainly in the HR subgroup. Multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that mtDNAcn was an independent prognostic factor for both BCSS and OS in HR-positive patients (HR+: 5-year BCSS: adjusted HR (aHR) = 2.340[95% CI 1.163-4.708], P=0.017 and 5-year OS: aHR = 2.446 [95% CI 1.218-4.913], P=0.011).Conclusions: For the first time, our study demonstrated that leukocyte mtDNA copy number might influence the outcome of early-stage breast cancer patients depending on intrinsic tumor subtypes in Chinese women.
Long-term Follow-up Outcomes and Prognosis Predictors of Non-Ischemic Functional Mitral Regurgitation in Patients with Heart Failure: A Retrospective Cohort study
Authors: Hosseini Saeid , Nazari Zeinab , Rafati Ali , Pasebani Yeganeh , Naderi Nasim , Amin Ahmad , Ghavidel Alireza Alizadeh , Yadollahi Mona , Peighambari Mohammad Mehdi , Taghavi Sepideh 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Purpose:Non-ischemic Functional Mitral Regurgitation (FMR) is accompanied by dire long-term consequences. The treatment revolves around correcting the underlying LV dysfunction. This study reports long-term follow-up outcomes and prognosis predictors of non-ischemic FMR.Methods:We enrolled 200 patients with at-least-moderate non-ischemic FMR, undergoing medical treatment and/or cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) between 2003 and 2019. MR severity and LV dysfunction parameters were obtained. The endpoint outcomes were all-cause mortality, stroke, all-cause rehospitalization, and the need for heart transplantation.Results:Two hundred participants, 104 (52%) men and 96 (48%) women with the median age of 61 years (IQR 50-70) at diagnosis and the median follow-up of 2 years (IQR 1-4), were enrolled. The all-cause mortality, all-cause rehospitalization, and need for heart transplantation were significantly associated with lower LVEF and TAPSE at diagnosis (P-value<0.05). Furthermore, baseline MR severity was significantly associated with the incidence of stroke (P-value =0.026) and the all-cause rehospitalization (P-value<0.001).The MR severity, NYHA classification, LVEDD, and TAPSE improved at the follow-up (P-value<0.001). ACEi/ARB (P-value =0.008), Nitrate (P-value =0.001), and Hydralazine (P-value =0.006) were associated with MR severity improvement. CRT (HR=0.22, P-value=0.008) and Hydralazine (HR=0.25, P-value=0.038) were the independent negative predictors of all-cause mortality. Ultimately, a significant difference was observed between survival free of all causes according to the LVEF (P-value=0.041).Conclusion: We detected a significant decline in MR severity and NYHA classification during follow-up. Overall, the FMR-associated mortality risk will be significantly reduced by closely sticking to the treatment guidelines in a tertiary heart center.
Penalty Feet Positioning Rule Modification and Laterality Effect on Soccer Goalkeepers’ Diving Kinematics
Authors: Monteiro Rafael Luiz Martins , Bedo Bruno Luiz Souza , Monteiro Pedro Henrique Martins , de Andrade Felipe dos Santos Pinto , Moura Felipe Arruda , Cunha Sergio Augusto , Torres Ricardo da Silva , Santiago Paulo Roberto Pereira 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
In 2019, a new rule was applied in soccer. It allows the goalkeeper to have only one foot or part of it on the goal line when the kicker hits the ball, unlike the previous rule that the goalkeeper should have both feet on the line. The purpose of the present study was to analyze how the change in the rule and the lower limbs laterality influences the dive performance. Six specialized goalkeepers participated in the research. They performed a total of 20 dives in the laboratory and had their force and impulse manifested by the lower limb and displacement/velocity data from the center of body mass collected through kinematic analysis.The side preference was collected through an inventory. The results showed that goalkeepers dive further (p < 0.001) and faster (p < 0.001) with the change of the rule. The lateral preference influenced only the mediolateral (p = 0.02) and resultant (p = 0.03) displacements, the highest values were found for the non-dominant lower limb side. Concluding, the goalkeepers performed better with the new rule in the analyzed variables and the lower limb preference has influenced only the mediolateraland resultant displacement.
Identification Of Taxa and Functional Pathway Information Of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Microbiome And High Throughput Simulation Studies With Mycobacteriophage
Authors: Verma Divya , Bagchi Preenon , IA Shylesh Murthy 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Tuberculosis caused by bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria usually attack the lungs, but TB bacteria can attack any part of the body such as the kidney, spine and brain. Mycobacterium tuberculosis in lungs microbiome can be studied by metamorphic mechanization specifically metatransriptomics sequencing. These sequencing allow us to investigate the DNA content, RNA content, bacterial taxa and functional pathways. Further by taking antibiotic resistant protein from bacteria, we establish that bacteriophage lysine B D29(PDB-3HC7)can lyse mycolylarabinogalactan bonds and releases free mycolic acid. It do not show action on peptidoglycan bond. Based on information a full surface docking was performed. To verify assignment, a molecular dynamics simulations was performed to assess the stability of the docked substrates. MD simulation suggested hydrolytic activity of amino acids residues on Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Docking and simulation of bacteriophage D29 lysin B gene protein 12 with multiple antibiotic resistant proteins which takes part in transcription process in bacteria. Here, mycobacteriophage D29 showed a potent inhibition on action of antibiotic resistant protein during transcription process. This action resulted by modification or deactivation of amino acid residues.
The End of Myopia
Authors: Neitz Maureen , Wagner-Schuman Melissa , Rowlan Jessica , Kuchenbecker James , Neitz Jay 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Several haplotypes of the cone opsin genes, OPN1LW and OPN1MW, cause exon 3-skipping during pre-messenger RNA splicing and are associated with high-myopia (nearsightedness). Cone photoreceptors expressing these haplotypes have substantially less photopigment than cones in the same retina expressing non-exon-skipping haplotypes. Thus, we hypothesized that abnormal contrast signals arising from adjacent cones with different amounts of photopigment stimulate axial elongation of the eye, causing myopia. If so, opsin gene haplotypes exhibiting milder exon-skipping might be associated with common juvenile-onset myopia, and it may be possible to use contrast-reducing spectacles to slow myopia progression. We present experimental evidence that opsin gene haplotypes are major risk factors for juvenile-onset myopia rivaling all other known polymorphisms combined. Moreover, contrast-reducing lenses significantly slowed axial elongation of eyes of myopic children, thereby slowing the progression of myopia. Combined, contrast-reducing spectacles and early intervention through genetic identification of myopia-susceptible children illuminate a pathway to end myopia.
Revealing Correlations Between Size Polydispersity and Deformability of Idealized Granular Materials using DEM
Authors: He Jizhong , Han Yuzhen , Zhang Lei , Deng Gang 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
This paper numerically investigates the deformability of granular materials with emphasis on the influence of particle size polydispersity. Triaxial compression tests are simulated using distinct element method (DEM) on a set of samples consisting of uncrushable spheres following a variety of grain size distributions. The compressibility under isotropic compression and deformation modulus during triaxial shearing are examined to correlate with the size polydispersity. The results show that, given the same relative density, the compressibility and deformation modulus is insensitive to the grain-size conditions under consideration, but the void ratio is significantly influenced by the size polydispersity. A grading index proposed by the authors is employed to quantify the size polydispersity and correlate with the deformation parameters. Compared with the more conventional coefficient of uniformity, this grading index exhibits a better performance for faithfully representing size polydispersity. An empirical prediction model for the deformation modulus is developed to account for the effect of the size polydispersity, in addition to the confining pressure and void ratio. Although this model exhibits a fair performance for predicting the deformation modulus, it is considered promising in accounting for the effect of size polydispersity. At the microscale, a unique correlation is found between the deformation modulus and the mechanical average coordination number, which can be estimated from the effective void ratio.
Atrial Fibrillation in Cancer Patients who Develop Stroke
Authors: Hamam Ismail , Khamis Alia , Shaban Ala Emad , Altamimi Tamer Salhab , Shkoukani Zakaria Walid 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and transient ischemic attacks (TIA) are known complications in cancer patients and those with atrial fibrillation (AF). The role AF plays in AIS/TIA in the setting of cancer is unclear.The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between AF and AIS/TIA in cancer patients.Methods: We conducted a case-control study comparing all patients who developed AIS/TIA from 2014 to 2019 following a cancer diagnosis at King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC), matched to AIS/TIA-free controls based on age, gender, and cancer site.Results: 272 patients were included (136 per group). The mean age was 63.95 ± 13.06 and 57% were females. The AIS/TIA group had more AF at the time of event (14% vs. 4%, OR: 4.25, 95%-CI: 1.39 - 17.36) and had a larger proportion of death on study conclusion (OR: 9.4, 95%-CI: 3.74 - 23.64). On conditional logistic regression, patients in the AIS/TIA group had higher odds of: AF (OR: 7.93, 95%-CI: 1.6 – 39.18), ischemic stroke before cancer diagnosis (OR: 9.18, 95%-CI: 2.66 – 31.74), being on active cancer treatment (OR: 3.11, 95%-CI: 1.46 – 6.62), dyslipidemia (OR: 3.78, 95%-CI: 1.32 – 10.82), and renal disease (OR: 4.25, 95%-CI: 1.55 – 11.63). On another conditional logistic regression model built to assess the role of the CHA₂DS₂-VASc score, a score of >=2 in males and >=3 in females significantly increased the risk of developing AIS/TIA in cancer patients (OR: 2.45, 95%-CI: 1.08 - 5.58).Conclusion: AF, previous ischemic stroke, active cancer treatment, dyslipidemia, and renal disease are independent risk factors for AIS/TIA and a higher CHA₂DS₂-VASc score significantly increases the risk in cancer patients regardless of AF.
Challenges and Threats to Quality in Scholarly Knowledge Production: Views of Selected Stakeholders from 17 Countries
Authors: Starkey Jesse. C. , Koerber Amy , Cummins R. Glenn , Ardon-Dryer Karin , Eko Lyombe , Kee Kerk F. 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

This study applies Harvey and Green’s (1993) model of quality to scholarly knowledge production. Although studies of quality in higher education have been commonplace for decades, there is a gap in understanding quality in terms of research production from the stakeholder’s perspective. This study begins to fill that gap through a qualitative interview study of quality in the knowledge production process. Stakeholders in all parts of the scholarly knowledge production process, from 17 countries are included in the data sample. Interview data are analyzed through the conceptualizations of quality developed by Harvey and Green (1993), extending the use of the model into the realm of the knowledge production process. Definitions and challenges of quality in producing scholarly knowledge are discussed. The findings indicate a rift between the institutional view of quality and the individual perceptions of quality, suggesting the need for policies aimed at addressing a unification of scholarly knowledge production efforts.
Outbreak of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium starting among patients admitted to a Surgical Unit in a Swedish county
Authors: Gideskog Maria , Welander Jenny , Hällgren Anita 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
BackgroundVancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE) is a nosocomial pathogen causing infection mainly in patients with critical illnesses in intensive care units, severe underlying disease or weakened immune system. Intensive pre-treatment with antibiotics and use of urinary catheters also constitute a risk. Due to its hardy nature, the bacterium can survive for long periods in a hospital environment. The aim of this study was to describe the investigation of a sudden increase in VRE cases admitted to the Surgical Unit at Vrinnevi Hospital in Norrköping, Sweden, and the control measures taken. MethodsFaeces cultures from patients admitted to the Surgical Unit were obtained, and environmental cultures were collected from different locations in patient rooms and medical devices. In addition, screening samples were obtained from units with high-risk patients in the Östergötland County. Isolates identified as E. faecium were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing. Vancomycin-resistant isolates PCR-positive for the vanA/vanB gene were further analysed with whole genome sequencing (WGS). ResultsA total of 35 VRE isolates were found (22 from patients and 13 from the environment). The WGS identified three outbreak clusters, sequence type (ST) 203, ST 1839, ST 80 and one unique clone (ST 612). The ST 203 clone predominated among VRE cases admitted to the Surgical Unit. ConclusionsWith prompt infection control measures, the VRE outbreak was over after approximately four months. To prevent further outbreaks of VRE, active screening, antibiotic stewardship, improved cleaning and hand hygiene, and restriction of multiple-bed rooms are essential.
Bronchial Thermoplasty in severe asthma: a real-world study on efficacy and gene profiling
Authors: Facciolongo Nicola Cosimo , Bonacini Martina , Galeone Carla , Ruggiero Patrizia , Menzella Francesco , Ghidoni Giulia , Piro Roberto , Scelfo Chiara , Catellani Chiara , Zerbini Alessandro , Croci Stefania 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Bronchial Thermoplasty (BT) is an effective treatment in severe asthma. How to select patients who more likely benefit from BT is an unmet clinical need. Moreover, mechanisms of BT efficacy are still largely unknown. We sought to determine BT efficacy and to identify potential mechanisms of response. Methods: This retrospective cohort study evaluated clinical outcomes in 27 patients with severe asthma: 13 with T2-high and 14 with T2-low endotype. Expression levels of 20 genes were compared by real-time PCR in bronchial biopsies performed at the third BT session versus baseline. Clinical response was measured based on Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) score < 1.5, asthma exacerbations < 2, oral corticosteroids reduction of at least 50% at 12 months post-BT. Patients were classified as responders when they had at least 2 of 3 outcome measures.Results: 81% of patients were defined as responders. BT induced a reduction in alpha smooth muscle actin (ACTA2) and an increase in CD68, fibroblast activation protein-alpha (FAP), alpha-1 and alpha-2 type I collagen (COL1A1, COL1A2) gene expression in the majority of patients. A higher reduction in ubiquitin carboxy-terminal-hydrolase L1 (PGP9.5) mRNA correlated with a better response based on Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ). Lower changes in CD68 and FAP mRNAs correlated with a better response based on ACQ. Lower levels of occludin (OCLN), CD68, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), higher levels of secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) and lower changes in CD68 and CTGF mRNAs were observed in patients who had less than 2 exacerbations post-BT. Lower levels of COL1A2 at baseline were observed in patients who had ACQ < 1.5 at 12 months post-BT. Conclusions: BT is effective irrespective of the asthma endotypes and seems associated with airway remodelling. Quantification of OCLN, CD68, CTGF, SLPI, COL1A2 mRNAs could be useful to identify patients with better results. Trial registration: The study protocol was approved by the Local Ethics Committee (Azienda USL-IRCCS of Reggio Emilia - Comitato Etico Area Vasta Nord of Emilia Romagna; protocol number: 2019/0014076) and all the patients provided written informed consent before participating in the study.