bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Resolution of, and Risk of Incident Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease With Changes in Serum 25-hydroxy Vitamin D Status
Authors: Kim Yejin , Chang Yoosoo , Ryu Seungho , Cho In Young , Kwon Min-Jung , Sohn Won , Kim Mi Kyung , Wild Sarah H , Byrne Christopher D 
Published: April 2022

Abstract

Context
A protective or causative role of vitamin D status on the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remains inconclusive.

Objective
To evaluate the association between changes in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] status during follow-up and the risk of incident NAFLD and resolution of preexisting NAFLD.

Design
A retrospective cohort study.

Setting
Kangbuk Samsung Health Study based on routine health screening examinations.

Participants
Korean adults (mean age, 36.8 years; range, 18-96 years) who underwent comprehensive health examinations including assessment of serum 25(OH)D levels

Main Outcome Measures
The main outcomes were (1) incidence and (2) resolution of NAFLD assessed by liver ultrasound. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% CIs for outcomes according to serum 25(OH)D levels.

Results
Among 139 599 participants without NAFLD at baseline, 27 531 developed NAFLD during follow-up. Serum 25(OH)D levels were significantly and inversely associated with NAFLD development. Among 48 702 participants with NAFLD at baseline, 13 449 showed NAFLD resolution. Multivariable-adjusted HR (95% CI) for NAFLD resolution comparing 25(OH)D 10 to &lt;20, 20 to &lt;30, and ≥30 ng/mL to &lt;10 ng/mL were 1.09 (1.03-1.15), 1.13 (1.06-1.21), and 1.21 (1.09-1.35), respectively. Additionally, an increase in 25(OH)D levels between baseline and the subsequent visit (median, 1.8 years) was associated with decreased NAFLD incidence, while persistently adequate 25(OH)D levels over time was associated with decreased incidence and increased resolution of NAFLD.

Conclusions
Maintaining adequate serum 25(OH)D concentrations may be beneficial for both prevention as well as resolution of NAFLD.
Actions of Parathyroid Hormone Ligand Analogues in Humanized PTH1R Knockin Mice
Authors: Daley Eileen J , Yoon Sung-Hee , Reyes Monica , Bruce Michael , Brooks Daniel J , Bouxsein Mary , Potts John T , Kronenberg Henry M , Wein Marc N , Lanske Beate , Jüppner Harald , Gardella Thomas J 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Rodent models are commonly used to evaluate parathyroid hormone (PTH) and PTH-related protein (PTHrP) ligands and analogues for their pharmacologic activities and potential therapeutic utility toward diseases of bone and mineral ion metabolism. Divergence, however, in the amino acid sequences of rodent and human PTH receptors (rat and mouse PTH1Rs are 91% identical to the human PTH1R) can lead to differences in receptor-binding and signaling potencies for such ligands when assessed on rodent vs human PTH1Rs, as shown by cell-based assays in vitro. This introduces an element of uncertainty in the accuracy of rodent models for performing such preclinical evaluations. To overcome this potential uncertainty, we used a homologous recombination-based knockin (KI) approach to generate a mouse (in-host strain C57Bl/6N) in which complementary DNA encoding the human PTH1R replaces a segment (exon 4) of the murine PTH1R gene so that the human and not the mouse PTH1R protein is expressed. Expression is directed by the endogenous mouse promoter and hence occurs in all biologically relevant cells and tissues and at appropriate levels. The resulting homozygous hPTH1R-KI (humanized) mice were healthy over at least 10 generations and showed functional responses to injected PTH analog peptides that are consistent with a fully functional human PTH1R in target bone and kidney cells. The initial evaluation of these mice and their potential utility for predicting behavior of PTH analogues in humans is reported here.
Minimally invasive delivery of ethanol for the treatment of urinary bladder fistulas
Authors: Nanapragasam Andrew , Mahmood Syed Umair , Mafeld Sebastian , Haslam Philip 
Published: April 2022

Urinary bladder fistula formation is a complication of significant morbidity and mortality following pelvic surgery or radiotherapy. Surgical treatment is the definitive management, but it may be contraindicated in patients with significant comorbidities. The alternative approach is to divert urine away from the fistula with stents and catheters, and allow time for healing. The case illustrated herein describes the use of alcohol to accelerate the fibrotic healing of a urinary bladder fistula, based on the premise that sclerosing agents have been effective in the treatment of pancreatic fistulas and renal cysts. A Foley catheter is inserted through the external fistula orifice and passed along the fistula tract into the urinary bladder. The Foley catheter balloon is inflated and pulled back to occlude the fistula. Following this, a vascular sheath is placed alongside the catheter and ethanol is injected into the tract. The alcohol is left to dwell in the fistula for a few minutes, after which time the catheter and sheath are removed. The sclerosant effect of the ethanol aims to induce fibrosis, and therefore occlusion, of the fistula.
Hepatic sclerosing haemangioma showing restricted diffusion: A case report with histopathologic correlation
Authors: Takinoshita Shintaro , Ishimaru Hideki , Okano Shinji , Otsuka Tetsuhiro , Ishimaru Yutaka , Miyazaki Shuhei , Nakagawa Jun , Koga Miyuki , Soyama Akihiko , Hidaka Masaaki , Fukumoto Masayuki , Eguchi Susumu , Uetani Masataka 
Published: April 2022

Hepatic sclerosing haemangiomas are rare benign tumours that are often difficult to distinguish from malignant tumours because these tumours do not show the typical imaging features of cavernous haemangiomas. We report a case of a sclerosing haemangioma that showed restricted diffusion and was difficult to differentiate from a malignancy. A 60-year-old female was referred to our hospital for evaluation of a hepatic mass that was incidentally diagnosed after a CT scan for right lower quadrant abdominal pain. Contrast-enhanced dynamic CT showed hepatic capsular retraction, with a small peripheral enhancement of the mass. The lesion appeared homogeneously hypointense on T1W images, heterogeneously hyperintense on T2W images, hyperintense on diffusion-weighted images, and hypointense on apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map. The lesion was suspected to be a cholangiocellular carcinoma and was surgically resected, but a final diagnosis of hepatic sclerosing haemangioma was made. Hepatic sclerosing/sclerosed haemangiomas are usually considered to show an increased ADC, which is useful for distinguishing them from malignant tumours. However, in this particular case, most of the lesion contained many obliterated or narrowed vascular channels, which might have acted as septa restricting the diffusion of water molecules in the intervening fibrous and/or hyalinised tissue. Hepatic sclerosing haemangiomas in the process of becoming completely fibrotic may show restricted diffusion, similar to malignant tumours.
Magnetization transfer imaging of ovarian cancer: initial experiences of correlation with tissue cellularity and changes following neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Deen Surrin S , McLean Mary A , Gill Andrew B , Crawford Robin A F , Latimer John , Baldwin Peter , Earl Helena M , Parkinson Christine A , Smith Sarah , Hodgkin Charlotte , Jimenez-Linan Mercedes , Brodie Cara R , Patterson Ilse , Addley Helen C , Freeman Susan J , Moyle Penelope M , Graves Martin J , Sala Evis , Brenton James D , Gallagher Ferdia A 
Published: April 2022

Objectives:
To investigate the relationship between magnetization transfer (MT) imaging and tissue macromolecules in high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) and whether MT ratio (MTR) changes following neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT).

Methods:
This was a prospective observational study. 12 HGSOC patients were imaged before treatment. MTR was compared to quantified tissue histology and immunohistochemistry. For a subset of patients (n = 5), MT imaging was repeated after NACT. The Shapiro–Wilk test was used to assess for normality of data and Spearman’s rank-order or Pearson’s correlation tests were then used to compare MTR with tissue quantifications. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to assess for changes in MTR after treatment.

Results:
Treatment-naïve tumour MTR was 21.9 ± 3.1% (mean ± S.D.). MTR had a positive correlation with cellularity, rho = 0.56 (p &lt; 0.05) and a negative correlation with tumour volume, ρ = −0.72 (p = 0.01). MTR did not correlate with the extracellular proteins, collagen IV or laminin (p = 0.40 and p = 0.90). For those patients imaged before and after NACT, an increase in MTR was observed in each case with mean MTR 20.6 ± 3.1% (median 21.1) pre-treatment and 25.6 ± 3.4% (median 26.5) post-treatment (p = 0.06).

Conclusion:
In treatment-naïve HGSOC, MTR is associated with cellularity, possibly reflecting intracellular macromolecular concentration. MT may also detect the HGSOC response to NACT, however larger studies are required to validate this finding.

Advances in knowledge:
MTR in HGSOC is influenced by cellularity. This may be applied to assess for cell changes following treatment.
Functional magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of masticatory muscle dysfunction in unilateral exodontia rabbits
Authors: Chen Xuexia , Huang Yi , Liu Simin , Yi Jingru , Chen Weiwei , Wang Yang , Pan Chu 
Published: April 2022

Objective: Occlusal alteration due to tooth loss may cause overload of masticatory muscle and promote muscle dysfunction. This study explored the feasibility of using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to evaluate muscle dysfunction in an established unilateral exodontia animal model. Methods: 6 rabbits were extracted right maxillary molars. T2 mapping, T2* mapping and Iterative Decomposition of water and fat with Echo Asymmetry and Least Square Estimation (IDEAL-IQ) were performed one day before extraction and every 2 weeks (2th~12th week) after extraction. The T2 and T2* values and fat fraction (FF) of bilateral temporal muscle (TM), masseter muscle (MM) and medial pterygoid muscle (MPM) were measured and compared between the extraction side and the contralateral side. Parameters of three monitoring time points (0th, 6th, 12th week) were also analyzed. Results: T2 values of MM on extraction side were significantly higher than those of contralateral side-from fourth week to 12th week after extraction (p < 0.05). T2 values of MM and MPM on extraction side and TM on contralateral side were significantly higher in 12th week than those in 0th week (p < 0.05). And FF of bilateral MM was significantly higher in 12th week than those in 0th week (p < 0.05). T2* value showed no significant difference between extraction side and contralateral side and also at above three time points. Conclusion: T2 and T2* value and FF can be used as indicators of masticatory muscle dysfunction. fMRI is expected to be a non-invasive method for in vivo and real-time evaluation of masticatory muscle functional abnormality.
Assessment of lower third molar space: A comparative radiographic study
Authors: Aoun Yasmina , Husseini Bachar , Younes Ronald , Ghosn Nabil , Bouserhal Joseph 
Published: April 2022

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess lower third molar space using four different radiographic reconstructed Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) images: orthopantomogram, lateral cephalogram, multiplanar CBCT and a newly introduced three-dimensional (3D) simulation technique. Methods: The CBCT scans of 32 individuals (20.97 ± 2.152 years) with a total of 50 lower third molars were collected and analyzed. The ratio between the necessary space and available space for lower third molars was calculated on each radiographic reconstructed image. Repeated-measure analysis of variance followed by multiple comparison tests were used. Results: The mean ratio was significantly smaller with cephalograms (0.611 ± 0.263), followed respectively by orthopantomograms (0.756 ± 0.221), multiplanar CBCT (0.789 ± 0.191) and 3D simulation technique (0.807 ± 0.193) (p < 0.001). The lowest mean difference was recorded between multiplanar CBCT and 3D simulation technique (0.017). Intraclass correlation coefficient was strong (>0.90) for all techniques except cephalograms. Conclusions: The assessment of the lower third molar space differs according to the adopted imaging technique. Three-dimensional simulation technique is a useful novel technology that allows an exploration of the crown in many different dimensions and orientations, giving more predictable results than the conventional methods.
SUBSTANTIATION OF THE PARAMETERS OF VACUUM PUMPING FACILITIES WITH A PULSING ACTIVE FLOW
Authors: Nafikov Insaf , Khusainov Rail , Lukmanov Ruslan , Galiev Ilgiz , Lushnov Maksim , Kashapov Il'dar 
Published: April 2022

Vacuum pumping devices designed for dosing, mixing, transporting and distributing feed; milking cows; milk processing and other technological processes in agriculture are among the main components of the technological processes of animal husbandry. In order to improve the technical characteristics of vacuum pumping devices, widely used in all industries, it is proposed to use a pulsating jet apparatus installed on the suction port of a liquid ring vacuum pump. To characterize a stationary flow, the reduced velocity and the Reynolds number are usually used, and in the case of a pulsating flow, the relative frequency and relative amplitude of the pulsations are added to them, which are necessary to determine the design and technological parameters. One of the main design parameters of the operation of a jet vacuum pumping device is the ejection coefficient, the increase of which is achieved by deliberately violating the stationary mode of material flow by adding a pulsating device. The object of experimental research was a jet apparatus with a pulsating active flow. As an interrupting mechanism for an ejector with a pulsating active flow, it is advisable to use a ball-shaped valve made of various materials, which, due to the pressure drop and a return spring, can pulsate at a frequency of
90 ... 100 beats/min. During the experiments, the change in the supply of a water-ring vacuum pump with a pulsating jet apparatus was determined depending on the materials of the ball-type valve (steel, rubber and textolite), the suction pressure (1; 5; 10; 20; 30; 40; 50; 60 kPa), valve pulsation frequency (85; 100; 115; 130 beats/min) and ejector inlet pressure (20; 30; 50; 60 kPa). The best result is noted when using a valve in the form of a ball made of steel. In this variant, the supply of a water ring vacuum pump with a pulsating jet apparatus is increased to 14.5 m3/min, and the maximum supply is provided at a pulsation frequency of 90...100 beats/min
Intensywność postawy religijnej chrześcijan w Polsce a osobowość i wykształcenie.
Authors: Kopaniecka Agata , Karakiewicz Beata 
Published: April 2022

Wprowadzenie: Chrześcijaństwo tak jak każda religia pełni rolę niesienia pomocy duchowej i określa zasady, które uważane są za moralne lub niemoralne. Ze względu na osobowościowe różnice indywidualne, każdego cechuje inny sposób radzenia sobie z lękiem przed konsekwencjami grzechu. Czy są osoby wyznające chrześcijaństwo, które reagują postawą neurotyczną oraz występuje u nich nerwica eklezjogenna, czyli zaburzenia spowodowane przez dogmatyzm Kościoła, są rzeczywiście powszechnie występujące? Zwrócono uwagę na poziom wykształcenia w stosunku do nasilenia intensywności postawy religijnej. To badanie ma na celu przybliżyć temat neurotyczności, ugodowości oraz wykształcenia w odniesieniu do intensywności postawy religijnej. Ponadto wyniki badania zostaną omówione w dyskusji. Cel pracy: Określenie związku pomiędzy intensywnością postawy religijnej a osobowością i wykształceniem chrześcijan w Polsce Materiały i metody: Grupę badaną stanowiły 132 osoby powyżej 15 roku życia, wyznające chrześcijaństwo w Polsce, w tym 108 kobiet i 24 mężczyzn. Średnia wieku osób biorących udział w badaniu to 25 lat. Najmłodszy respondent miał 16 lat, a najstarszy 60. Badanie wykonano przy użyciu ankiety demograficznej oraz standaryzowanych narzędzi badawczych: skali Intensywności Postawy Religijnej (SIPR) oraz NEO-FFi Costy i McCrae. Wyniki: W badanej grupie wyznającej chrześcijaństwo wysokie nasilenie intensywności postawy religijnej nie wpływa istotnie statystycznie na nasilenie neurotyczności oraz ugodowości. Ponadto wysokie wykształcenie nie ma związku z niskim nasileniem intensywności postawy religijnej.
Difficulties and educational challenges faced by international medical graduates in trust grade roles in the UK
Authors: Rasquinha Melroy 
Published: April 2022

Background/Aims Most international medical graduates obtain a non-training job, such as a trust grade role, when they first start work in the UK. This transition into a new healthcare system comes with many sociocultural and educational challenges. The aim of this study was to learn more about the different types of challenges and propose solutions where possible. Method Qualitative data from a cohort of current or previous trust grade international medical graduates were collected at a UK teaching hospital. This was achieved through the use of questionnaires, interviews and obtaining views through a monthly forum meeting. Results Findings showed that participants lacked insight into the system and lacked clarity in relation to the role of a supervisor, career pathways, and medicolegal and ethical issues. Discrepancies in study budgets and study leave days, compared to those available to doctors in trainee posts was another issue that was raised. Communication in complex clinical scenarios was also reported to be an issue for many participants. Suggested solutions included a tailored online induction for international medical graduates in trust grade roles and a setting up a buddy system with existing or previous trust grade doctors. Conclusions This study highlighted the challenges faced by international medical graduates in trust grade roles and proposed solutions where possible. Although responses varied, educational barriers were the most widely highlighted concern. To understand the full extent of these hurdles, perceptions of other healthcare professionals should be explored.
Infections in hospitalised patients affected by end-stage diseases: a narrative overview
Authors: Sganga Federica , Salerno Andrea , Borghetti Alberto , Fantoni Massimo , Turriziani Adriana , Barillaro Christian , Bernabei Roberto 
Published: April 2022

Aim: To analyse the presence and treatment of infections in hospitalised terminal patients by identifying potential risk factors. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study using health data from 229 terminally ill patients (evaluated by our hospital palliative care team (HPCT) hospitalised from January to December 2018. Results: A total of two types of infections were identified: blood flow infection (through blood cultures) and pneumonia (through radiological examinations), while the other cases of infection remained unknown. The most frequently identified microorganism was Staphylococcus spp. The prevalence of infections was higher in patients with non-oncological diseases (n=47, 36.7%; p value 0.009). The potential risk factors identified for infections were the presence of: Parkinson's disease (n=15, 11.7%; p value 0.005), dysphagia (n=49, 38.3%; p value 0.007), bedding (n=15, 11.7%; p value 0.048), pressure ulcers (n=31, 24. 2%); p value 0.018), oxygen therapy (n=60, 46.9%; p value 0.050), urinary catheters (n=95, 74.2%; p value 0.038) and polypathology (2.3 vs 1.7; p value 0.022). Parkinson's disease (OR=5.973; 95% CI=1.292-27.608), dysphagia (OR=2.090; 95% CI=1.080-4.046) and polypathology (OR=1.220; 95% CI=1.015-1.466) were confirmed by a corrected logistic regression analysis. Conclusions: Infections and, consequently, antibiotic therapies, have a high prevalence in hospitalised patients with terminal disease. Potential risk factors for infections in these patients could be polypathology, dysphagia and Parkinson's disease. Patients with these conditions could benefit from prevention programmes.
Advance care planning: comparing the views of residents and healthcare professionals in nursing homes in Singapore
Authors: Jin Toh Hui , Tan Laurence , Weng Siew Chee , Kiow Sim Lai , Low James Alvin 
Published: April 2022

Background:With more frail elderly living and likely to die in nursing homes, advance care planning (ACP) is critical in overall efforts to provide good palliative care. However, it is unclear how willing older, vulnerable residents in nursing homes are to take on an active role in care decisions.Aim:The objective of this pilot study was to examine nursing homes' healthcare professionals' and residents' views on ACP and the extent of similarities and differences in their views.Methods:Our sample of 24 healthcare professionals and 24 residents were identified and recruited through contacts established from existing collaborations with the nursing homes. Surveys were administered to the participants by a trained research assistant between April 2015 and August 2015.Results:Almost all the healthcare professionals (95.8%) would like to make an ACP for themselves in the future, while residents were divided in their choices (P<<0.01). Most residents (79.1%) felt that the most important guide for their surrogate in making decisions for them when they lose decision-making capacity should be based on their best interests. However, most healthcare professionals (75.0%) felt that it should be based on the resident's wishes and values.Conclusions:Healthcare professionals tended to overestimate the importance of patient autonomy compared to the residents. This study demonstrates that as much as advocacy and awareness are ongoing, nursing home residents' motivation to participate in ACP is lacking. The lack of motivation in ACP participation could be due to medical paternalism and familial determination, which have been a cultural norm for older Singaporeans. This study demonstrates there is a lack of cultural sensitivity in this group of healthcare professionals in approaching nursing home residents' end-of-life care decision-making.
Preparation and characterization of Sparassis latifolia β-glucan microcapsules
Authors: Zhang Mei , Lou Ben-Yong , Zhang Yan-Jie , Mei Shu-Jia , Gao Lu-Yao , Chen Wei-Jian 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
In order to effectively protect the biological activity of Sparassis latifolia β-glucan, improve its stability, and realize its high-value utilization, single-factor test and orthogonal test were carried out to optimize the microencapsulation conditions of S. latifolia β-glucan prepared using spray drying method. The β-glucan microcapsules were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and laser particle size analyzer. The results showed that the optimal microencapsulation conditions were as follows: maltodextrin and whey protein with a mass ratio of 1:2, core and wall material with a mass ratio of 1:2, and monoglyceride and core material with a mass percentage of 0.3. Under these conditions, the powder yield and embedding rate of β-glucan microcapsules were 47.32 ± 0.58% and 86.76 ± 1.19%, respectively. The preparation technique was proved to be stable. The β-glucan microcapsules were spherical particles, with the characteristics of a smooth surface, no cracks. The particle size of microcapsules was smaller, and its Dv (50) was 8.43 µm. The distribution of microcapsules was more uniform, and its uniformity was 0.503. The good embedding performance and high thermal stability can effectively protect the biological activity of the core material.