bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A randomized controlled trial to evaluate and assess the effect of comprehensive pre-end stage kidney disease education on home dialysis use in veterans, rationale and design
Authors: Shukla Ashutosh M. , Hale-Gallardo Jennifer , Orozco Tatiana , Freytes Ivette , Purvis Zachary , Romero Sergio , Jia Huanguang 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
Informed dialysis selection and greater home dialysis use are the two long-desired, underachieved targets of advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) care in the US healthcare system. Observational institutional studies have shown that comprehensive pre-kidney failure, conventionally referred to as end stage kidney disease education (CPE) can improve both these outcomes. However, lack of validated protocols, well-controlled studies, and systemic models have limited wide-spread adoption of CPE in the US. We hypothesized that a universal CPE and patient-centered initiation of kidney replacement therapy can improve multiple clinical, patient-centered and health service outcomes in advanced CKD and kidney failure requiring dialysis therapy.

Methods
Trial to Evaluate and Assess the effects of CPE on Home dialysis in Veterans (TEACH-VET) is a multi-method randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the effects of a system-based approach for providing CPE to all Veterans with advanced CKD across a regional healthcare System. The study will randomize 544 Veterans with non-dialysis stage 4 and 5 CKD in a 1:1 allocation stratified by their annual family income and the stage of CKD to an intervention (CPE) arm or control arm. Intervention arm will receive a two-phase CPE in an intent-to-teach manner. Control arm will receive usual clinical care supplemented by resources for the freely-available kidney disease information. Participants will be followed after intervention/control for the duration of the study or until 90-days post-kidney failure, whichever occurs earlier.

Results
The primary outcome will assess the proportion of Veterans using home dialysis at 90-days post-kidney failure, and secondary outcomes will include post-intervention/control CKD knowledge, confidence in dialysis decision and home dialysis selection. Qualitative arm of the study will use semi-structured interviews to in-depth assess Veterans’ satisfaction with the intervention, preference for delivery, and barriers and facilitators to home dialysis selection and use. Several post-kidney failure clinical, patient-centered and health services outcomes will be assessed 90-days post-kidney failure as additional secondary outcomes.

Conclusion
The results will provide evidence regarding the need and efficacy of a system-based, patient-centered approach towards universal CPE for all patients with advanced CKD. If successful, this may provide a blueprint for developing such programs across the similar healthcare infrastructures throughout the country.

Trial registration
NCT04064086.
Infant colic, young children’s temperament and sleep in a population based longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Helseth Sølvi , Misvær Nina , Småstuen Milada , Andenæs Randi , Valla Lisbeth 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
Colic and sleep problems are common among infants, constitute challenges and distress for parents, and are often reasons for seeking help from health professionals. The literature debates whether infant colic and sleep problems are linked together or not. Further, limited evidence exists on how colic impacts on child temperament and sleep during early childhood. Thus, the purpose of this study was to increase our knowledge of the characteristics of infants with a history of colic compared to infants without, and to study how infant colic is associated with the development of child temperament and sleep over time.

Methods
The study is based on The Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study (MoBa), a population-based cohort study conducted by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. This sample contains 88,186 mothers and children. Data was retrieved from questionnaires distributed to mothers at recruitment (in pregnancy) and when the child was 6 months, 18 months, 3 years, and 5 years. Data was analysed using linear mixed models and GLM models for repeated measures.

Results
At 6 months, infants with reported colic are described as fussier, present more sleeping problems, are breastfed less, and the families visit the child health centre more often when compared to the non-colic group. Mothers of children with reported colic perceive their children’s temperament significantly more challenging from the age of 6 months to 5 years. Further, children with reported colic were more likely to sleep less than recommended (22%) and to have more frequent night awakenings (14%) than usual for their age (6 months to 5 years).

Conclusion
Infant colic often occurs together with other signs of regulatory problems which may amplify the load on the parents. Moderate differences in temperament and sleep-problems across time, between those with colic and those without, indicate that the diagnosis of colic is moderately associated with later behavioural difficulties. However, it is demanding for the parents, and important to be aware of and act upon symptoms of colic in the child health centres to reduce the parents’ load and prevent adverse long-term outcomes.
Vickers micro-hardness study of the effect of fluoride mouthwash on two types of CAD/CAM ceramic materials erosion
Authors: Kermanshah Hamid , Ahmadi Elham , Rafeie Niyousha , Rafizadeh Shiva , Ranjbar Omrani Ladan 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of fluoride mouthwash on the surface micro-hardness of two types of CAD/CAM ceramics after exposure to acidic solutions.

Methods
40 samples (5 × 5 × 3 mm3) were prepared from two different ceramics: Vitabloc Mark II CAD, and IPS e.max CAD. The samples were randomly divided into 5 groups in each ceramic (n = 8) immersed in different solutions: Gs: saliva: GGA: gastric acid, GAA: acetic acid, GFGA: sodium fluoride + gastric acid, GFAA: sodium fluoride + acetic acid. The microhardness of samples was measured before and after immersion in different solutions by Vickers microhardness tester. By subtracting the microhardness values after and before immersion, the microhardness changes of the samples were obtained. Data were analyzed by Two-way analysis of variance, one-way analysis of variance, and Tukey test (α = 0.05).

Results
Immersion in different solutions reduced the microhardness. Microhardness loss was significantly affected in G FAA and G FGA groups in both types of ceramics (P < 0.05). For Vitabloc Mark II groups, the microhardness loss was significantly higher in GFAA and GFGA compared to IPS e.max CAD P < 0.001).

Conclusion
Fluoride mouthwash in conjunction with acidic solutions may adversely affect microhardness of Vitabloc Mark II CAD, and IPS e.max CAD that may consequently compromise the clinical service. Vitabloc Mark II CAD was significantly more affected than IPS e.max CAD.
Mutation analysis of the TUBB8 gene in primary infertile women with oocyte maturation arrest
Authors: Yao Zhongyuan , Zeng Jun , Zhu Huimin , Zhao Jing , Wang Xiaoxia , Xia Qiuping , Li Yanping , Wu Lingqian 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
Oocyte maturation arrest at metaphase I leads to fertilization failure in humans. In early embryos, the tubulin beta 8 class VIII (TUBB8) encodes a β-tubulin isotype and aids in the assembling of the human oocyte spindle. Mutations in the TUBB8 potentially interfere with human oocyte maturation—a crucial prerequisite for fertilization and subsequent embryonic development. This study aims to investigate the novel mutations in TUBB8 and their prevalence.

Results
Hundred fertile women (controls) and eleven infertile women with oocyte maturation arrest were chosen for the study. A total of five TUBB8 heterozygous/homozygous mutations were found in eleven infertile females (p.A313V, p.C239W, p.R251Q, p.P358L, and p.G96R). The Exome Aggregation Consortium (ExAC), SIFT, and PolyPhen-2 analyses revealed that p. A313V has unknown pathogenicity and p.C239W, p.R251Q, p.P358L, and p.G96R have possible pathogenicity. The wild-type (WT) and four mutant gene constructs were transfected to Hela cells. The Western blot analysis indicates that the TUBB8 expression of the p.C239W, p.R251Q, and p.G96R mutations was significantly decreased than that of WT. The immunofluorescence assay showed that the Hela cells transfected with either p.C239W, p.R251Q, or p.G96R mutations exhibited the disrupted microtubule structure, revealing a significant difference in the organization of the microtubule network compared to the WT.

Conclusions
We identified three novel variants and two reported variants out of 11 infertile women with oocyte metaphase I arrest. According to the present data, TUBB8 gene variants account for 31.96% of all participants (109/341) with oocyte maturation arrest.
A beginner’s guide to manual curation of transposable elements
Authors: Goubert Clement , Craig Rory J. , Bilat Agustin F. , Peona Valentina , Vogan Aaron A. , Protasio Anna V. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
In the study of transposable elements (TEs), the generation of a high confidence set of consensus sequences that represent the diversity of TEs found in a given genome is a key step in the path to investigate these fascinating genomic elements. Many algorithms and pipelines are available to automatically identify putative TE families present in a genome. Despite the availability of these valuable resources, producing a library of high-quality full-length TE consensus sequences largely remains a process of manual curation. This know-how is often passed on from mentor-to-mentee within research groups, making it difficult for those outside the field to access this highly specialised skill.

Results
Our manuscript attempts to fill this gap by providing a set of detailed computer protocols, software recommendations and video tutorials for those aiming to manually curate TEs. Detailed step-by-step protocols, aimed at the complete beginner, are presented in the Supplementary Methods.

Conclusions
The proposed set of programs and tools presented here will make the process of manual curation achievable and amenable to all researchers and in special to those new to the field of TEs.
Insulin secretion and α-glucosidase inhibitory effects of dicaffeoylquinic acid derivatives
Authors: Lee Dahae , Lee Hak-Dong , Kwon Hyukjin , Lee Hye Lim , Hwang Gwi Seo , Choi Sungyeol , Kim Hyun Young , Lee Sanghyun , Kang Ki Sung 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIn this study, we investigated the effects of dicaffeoylquinic acid derivatives, including 1,4-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid (1,4-DCQA), 3,4-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid (3,4-DCQA), 3,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid (3,5-DCQA), 4,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid (4,5-DCQA), and 1,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid (1,5-DCQA) on glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) activity and α-glucosidase activity were compared in rat INS-1 pancreatic β-cells. The α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of dicaffeoylquinic acid derivatives were as follows: 1,4-DCQA > 1,5-DCQA > 3,4-DCQA > 4,5-DCQA > 3,5-DCQA. In INS-1 cells, dicaffeoylquinic acid derivatives showed no cytotoxic effect at any concentration (2.5–10 μM). In addition, the GSIS activities of dicaffeoylquinic acid derivatives were as follows: 4,5-DCQA > 3,4-DCQA > 1,4-DCQA > 3,5-DCQA > 1,5-DCQA. Treatment of INS-1 cells with 4,5-DCQA resulted in a marked increase in protein expression of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases (ERK), insulin receptor substrate-2 (P-IRS-2), Akt, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (P-PI3K), and pancreatic and duodenal homeobox-1 (PDX-1), which might be related to its GSIS activity in INS-1 cells. These findings indicate that the location of the dicaffeoyl functional group influences the anti-diabetic activity of quinic acid.
Familial partial atrioventricular septal defect in four related kindreds: case series and review of the literature
Authors: Alagha Sameh , Çiçekçioğlu Ferit , Başar Veysel , Cengiz ER Zafer 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
Atrioventricular septal defects are common congenital heart defects and comprise a spectrum of anomalies, these defects were described in few pedigrees suggesting a familial pattern of inheritance, and they are more common in patients with chromosomal abnormalities. The familial occurrence of this particular type of congenital heart disease is uncommon and few cases have been identified as partial atrioventricular septal defect in adults apart from other chromosomal abnormalities.

Case presentation
We report four cases of adult females who were diagnosed with partial atrioventricular septal defect in four related families, our patients do not have the morphology of Down syndrome.

Conclusions
Further researches on genotyping such patients might contribute to our knowledge regarding this particular cardiac malformation.
Cancer Burden Among Arab World Males in 2020: The Need for a Better Approach to Improve Outcome
Authors: Mula-Hussain Layth , Mahdi Hala , Ramzi Zhian Salah , Tolba Marwan , Zaghloul Mohamad Saad , Benbrahim Zineb , Abusanad Atlal , Al-Shamsi Humaid , Bounedjar Adda , Jazieh Abdul-Rahman 
Published: March 2022

PURPOSE Cancer is a leading cause of increased morbidity and mortality worldwide. This work aims to study the Arab world males' cancers (AMCs) and the similarities and disparities with the world males' cancers (WMCs) from different burden points of view. MATERIALS AND METHODS A descriptive review of the 2020 Global Cancer Observatory revealed AMCs compared with the 2020 WMCs and the 2018 AMCs. Data on the top 27 AMCs were compared among the region's countries and the world groups. RESULTS In 2020, a total estimate of 217,203 new AMCs, 2.2% of WMCs, with an average age-standardized rate of 133.5/100,000 population, compared with 222/100,000 population of WMCs, was observed. Death estimates were 148,395, 2.7% of WMCs, with an average age-standardized rate of 95/100,000 population, compared with 120.8/100,000 population of WMCs. The five-year prevalence was observed in 442,014, 1.8% of WMCs. The average AMC mortality to incidence ratio (MIR) was 0.68, compared with 0.55 in WMCs and 0.54 in Arab females. Lung cancer was the top in incidence and mortality, whereas penile cancer was the lowest. The range of MIRs among the 27 cancer types was 0.19-0.96. CONCLUSION The descriptive review of the 2020 males' cancers in the Arab world revealed a relatively high MIR, compared with males' cancers worldwide and the females' cancers in the Arab world. This requires further evaluation to discern the underlying causes and address them systematically. More cancer control actions are warranted.
Cowboy and Indian Alliances in the Northern Plains
Authors: Grossman Zoltán 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Native Americans and white ranchers/farmers in eastern Montana and western South Dakota have often been in conflict over natural resources, such as water and grazing lands. But in the 1970s, the two groups began to develop a common interest in protecting the rural environment from large-scale development. Since the 1980s, they developed a series of interethnic environmental alliances that successfully opposed coal and uranium mines, bombing ranges, and other "outside" threats to their lands and cultures. A common defense of the local place provided a path out of historic natural resources conflicts. Alliances tended to be initiated by traditionalist and activist Native Americans who strongly asserted their tribal identity at the same time as they built bridges to white neighbors around common environmental concerns. This approach simultaneously strengthened a recognition of difference and similarities between Native and non-Native communities. The grassroots alliances promoted a territorially based, multiethnic "place membership" to build cooperation across racial lines, rather than state-sponsored "reconciliation" programs. Continuing cultural and economic differences made individual alliances difficult to sustain, although the series of alliances progressively improved relations between certain local communities.
Bacterial etiology of pneumonia in children up to 2 months of age: a systematic review
Authors: Toscano Cristiana M. , Valenzuela Maria Teresa , Martinez-Silveira Martha S. , Quarti Michelle M. , da Costa Oliveira Maria Tereza , de Oliveira Lucia H. 
Published: March 2022

Background: Following the widespread introduction of childhood pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs), a significant impact on pneumonia mortality in children under five years of age has been reported. It is still unknown whether PCVs are expected to reduce pneumonia burden in younger children, particularly ≤2 months of age, as current evidence on the role of S. pneumoniae in pneumonia etiology in this age group is scarce. We aimed to summarize the evidence of bacterial etiology of pneumonia in children ≤2 months of age. Methods: We conducted a systematic review considering studies evaluating a variety of syndromes associated with pneumonia, and reporting on laboratory confirmed etiologies, considering any diagnostic method and a variety of clinical specimens. We searched Medline/PubMed, Embase, WoS, Central and Index Medicus Global published in any language till April 30th, 2021. We included studies addressing the outcomes of interest in children ≤2 months of age and reporting on clinical trials, observational studies, and case series with at least 10 events. Screening of citations and data extraction were conducted in duplicate by independent reviewers, according to the study protocol registered on PROSPERO. Descriptive analyses of the various etiologic agents by syndrome are reported. Results: We identified 3,744 citations, of which 22 publications reporting on 13 studies were included. Study methods varied significantly. Nonetheless, gram positive organisms, in particular S. pneumoniae, were identified as important etiologic agents of pneumonia in children ≤2 months of age. Viral etiologies, in particular Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Rhinovirus, and Influenza were also identified. Conclusions: This review provides the most comprehensive analysis to date of the etiologies of pneumonia in children ≤2 months of age, suggesting that PCV impact is expected to occur in this age group. These results also have major implications for diagnosis and treatment of pneumonia in this age group.
Volunteering among pre-clinical medical students: Study of its association with academic performance using institutional data
Authors: Alsuwaidi Laila , Powell Leigh , Alhashmi Deena , Hassan Khamis Amar , Zary Nabil 
Published: March 2022

Background: Participating in volunteering activities during students’ higher education experience is becoming more commonplace. Studies have noted that volunteering has a positive impact on the academic performance of undergraduate medical students. However, the majority of these studies rely on self-reported data like surveys, interviews, and journals. In this study, we leverage actual institutional data to examine the relationship between volunteering and academic performance among medical students in the pre-clinical phases of the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) program. The current study also explores the factors that might influence the studied relationship. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted in the College of Medicine at the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Three years of volunteering records for three cohorts of undergraduate medical students enrolled in the MBBS program between 2016 – 2018 were reviewed and analyzed to complete this study. In addition, the correlation between the Annual Grade Point Average (AGPA) and volunteering was studied, and the regression coefficients for the two variables were observed across the three cohorts in each study year. Results: Analysis of 153 undergraduate medical students' volunteering records revealed a significant positive relationship between the AGPA and the number of volunteering in year two. The correlation was insignificant in year one, year three, and across the three cohorts. Conclusions: The association between academic performance and volunteering among undergraduate medical students appeared to be positive. However, this relationship differs across the pre-clinical study years in medical school and is likely influenced by factors that impact students’ motivation towards volunteering. Therefore, having the volunteerism program embedded in curriculum planning is an aspect to be explored to enhance medical students’ learning and professional development through volunteerism.
Pharmaceutical and therapeutic interventions for anxiety in terminal illness
Authors: Williams Chloe , Dippenaar Enrico 
Published: March 2022

Background: Anxiety is a sensation where the human body reacts to a range of emotions in an adverse way, leading to symptoms of nervousness, anxiousness and excessive fear. Anxiety disorders arise in patients who are receiving end-of-life care for multiple reasons, including confronting mortality and having to accept a change in lifestyle. Therefore, a vital part of managing the symptoms of patients who are terminally ill is ensuring they receive the most appropriate intervention for these disorders, whether that be pharmaceutical or a non-pharmaceutical therapy. Methods: A rapid literature search was conducted between 20 February 2021 and 3 March 2021 through two main online databases (CINAHL Plus and PsycInfo). A total of 848 entries matched the search criteria and, after screening, seven papers were collated and used within this review. Results: All pharmacological interventions were shown to reduce anxiety-related symptoms in patients receiving end-of-life care. Most non-pharmaceutical therapeutic interventions showed some effects, including significant reductions in symptoms when evaluated against the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale or individual disclosure of improvements in quality of life. Conclusions: While none of the studies in this review directly compared pharmacological with non-pharmacological therapeutic interventions, both can improve end-of-life care for terminally ill patients. When treating patients diagnosed with a terminal illness who are receiving palliative care, their prognosis, time frame and personal wishes are key aspects to consider when deciding on the most appropriate management strategy for anxiety disorders.
Gender-based violence and its determinants during the COVID-19 lockdown in a low-income country: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Forry Jimmy Ben , Kirabira Joseph , Akimana Benedict , Nakawuki Madrine , Gumisiriza Nolbert , Ssebuufu Robinson , Ashaba Scholastic 
Published: March 2022

Background:Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a recent global pandemic associated with multidimensional health-related effects. In the fight against the spread of this novel pandemic, the majority have been living under restrictive conditions during its related lockdown that has created a conducive environment for gender-based violence (GBV). Our study aimed to ascertain the burden and determinants of GBV during the COVID-19 pandemic-related lockdown and curfew (CPLC) in Uganda.
Methods:We conducted a quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study in Bushenyi-Ishaka municipality, southwestern Uganda in May, 2020. This study involved 339 adult participants regardless of their gender or ethnicity. Only 12 potential respondents declined to participate in this survey.
Results:The prevalence of GBV during the CPLC was 42 per cent. The majority (57%) of victims were women. More than half (54%) of the victims and survivors of GBV attributed the violence to the lockdown. The determinants of GBV included being married, using substances of abuse and having financial problems.
Conclusion:The prevalence of GBV skyrocketed during the CPLC in Uganda when compared to the period prior to the pandemic. Women were significantly more affected in all aspects of GBV. Therefore, we recommend developing targeted behavioural change communication strategies based upon our findings.