bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Audiologists’ perceptions of hearing healthcare resources and services in South Africa’s public healthcare system
Authors: Bhamjee Aaqilah , Roux Talita le , Schlemmer Kurt , Graham Marien , Mahomed-Asmail Faheema 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: Hearing loss prevalence is exceptionally high across developing world regions, including Africa, which has the greatest burden of hearing loss compared to other continents. Despite the availability of cost-efficient preventative and intervention measures for hearing loss, these hearing healthcare resources and services remain inaccessible in many developing countries. The purpose of this study was to describe audiologists’ perceptions regarding hearing healthcare resources and services within South Africa’s (SA) public healthcare system.Methods: A national telephonic survey study was conducted with audiologists in public healthcare system hospitals across SA, and the final sample comprised 100 audiologists.Results: Most audiologists perceived that their hospitals did not have adequate hearing healthcare resources to render efficient audiology services to patients. Furthermore, binaural amplification devices (invasive and non-invasive) for adults with bilateral hearing loss who adhered to the criteria for these devices were perceived to be unavailable in most hospitals. Audiologists also perceived that universal newborn hearing screening services, adult aural rehabilitation services, and follow-up care of all hearing devices post-warranty expiration were limited.Conclusion: A greater understanding of the status of hearing healthcare in SA’s public healthcare system hospitals is critical in gaining support for hearing loss from SA’s legislative sector and advocating for the integration of disability and quality of life concerns related to hearing loss on the national healthcare agenda.
Abscess of the falciform ligament mimicking extrahepatic bile duct tumour: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Alexiadis Aris , Mauro Davide Di 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Introduction: Falciform ligament (FL) abscess is uncommon in adults and can occur in the context of acute cholangitis, acute pancreatitis, torsion of the FL itself or spontaneously. Abdominal imaging often helps making a correct diagnosis. Case Presentation: We report a case of an adult male patient who developed appendagitis of the FL in the context of acute pancreatitis secondary to hypercholesterolaemia. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan confirmed the initial diagnosis but condition evolved towards the formation of FL abscess. Clinical and radiological follow-up raised the suspicion of extrahepatic bile duct tumour; given the diagnostic uncertainty, the patient underwent diagnostic laparoscopy. That allowed for correct diagnosis and treatment. A review of recent literature is also reported.Conclusions: FL abscess is uncommon in adults and radiological findings can be misinterpreted as other clinical conditions; a high index of suspicion is required to formulate a correct diagnosis with the aid of diagnostic laparoscopy.
Surgical transmitral thrombectomy to prevent recurrent stroke in acute myocardial infarction: Case report
Authors: Hasun Matthias , Wisser Wilfried , Heger Maria , Sow Lisa , Schönbrunn Nina , Finsterer Josef , Stollberger Claudia , Weidinger Franz 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Introduction: Left ventricular (LV)-thrombi occur in up to 14% of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in the era of primary percutaneous coronary intervention. For these patients, anticoagulant therapy (AC) is recommended by AMI-guidelines. When, despite AC, LV-thrombi lead to embolism, surgical thrombectomy is an option, which is not mentioned or not recommended in AMI-guidelines. Case Presentation: We report a 46-year old female patient with AMI. An 80% stenosis of the proximal left anterior descending coronary artery was treated by a drug-eluting stent. Thrombi within the akinetic LV-apex became mobile despite AC and dual antiplatelet therapy, and a cerebellar stroke occurred. By a transmitral surgical approach with endoscopic assistance the thrombi were completely removed. Postoperative course and 12-months follow-up were uneventful. Conclusions: LV-thrombi should be observed carefully regarding changes in morphology. Surgical thrombectomy of LV-thrombi is a rare treatment option to prevent imminent embolism. Benefits versus risks of surgical removal of LV-thrombi need to be carefully weighted.
Effectiveness of an educational strategy using educational games e-EDUCAGUIA for implementing antimicrobial clinical practice guidelines in family medicine residents in Spain: a randomized clinical trial by cluster.
Authors: Gonzalez Isabel Del Cura , Ariza-Cardiel Gloria , Polentinos-Castro Elena , López-Rodríguez Juan A. , Sanz-Cuesta Teresa , Barrio-Cortes Jaime , Andreu-Ivorra Blanca , Rodríguez-Barrientos Ricardo , Ávila-Tomas José F. , Gallego-Ruiz-de-Elvira Elisa , Lozano-Hernandez Cristina , Martín-Fernández Jesús , Group EDUCAGUIA 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) have great teaching potential for health professionals in training, although their use is limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and adherence to e-EDUCAGUIA teaching strategy using educational game with simulated clinical scenarios to implement a CPG on antimicrobial therapy compared to the usual dissemination strategies in improving the knowledge and skills of family medicine residents.Methods: This was a multicentre cluster-randomized clinical trial in 7 teaching units in Madrid (Spain). Intervention: educational games based on CPG recommendations, compared with the passive dissemination of the guideline. Main outcome variable: knowledge and skills questionnaire scores one month after the intervention. The difference in mean scores between the intervention and control groups at one month was determined, along with the 95% CI using generalized linear models.Results: A total of 202 residents participated (104 in the intervention group and 98 in the control group). One hundred residents performed the post-test at one month (45 in the intervention group vs. 55 in the control group). The differences favoured the intervention group in terms of both the final scores at month (11.4, 95% CI 6.9–15.9) and the change from baseline scores (11.9, 95% CI 5.9–17.9), with estimated effect sizes of 0.88 for the between-groups difference and 0.75 for the change in baseline difference. For each additional hour of training in evidence-based medicine there was a an increase of 0.28 points (95 % CI 0.15–0.42). Conclusions: The e-EDUCAGUIA strategy improves the knowledge and skills of medicine residents for clinical decision-making during short-term antimicrobial therapy. Adherence to educational games in the absence of specific incentives is moderate.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02210442. Registered 6 August 2014, https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02210442
Preoperative 4D pelvic floor ultrasound reduced the incidence of postoperative complication of TOT in female patients with SUI
Authors: Jiang Changqin , Zhang Song , Chen Jing , Zhang Yangyang , Cai Keke , Chen Wei , Wu Yuanyuan , Liang Chaozhao 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
Stress urinary incontinence which has been associated with abnormal pelvic floor muscle function or morphology is a common condition. This research aims to evaluate the role of 4D pelvic floor ultrasound on the postoperative complication of transobturator suburethral tape (TOT) in female patients with SUI.
Methods
We enrolled 53 women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Before transobturator suburethral tape (TOT) procedures, the patients underwent 4D pelvic floor ultrasonography. The measurements include residual urine volume, bladder detrusor thickness in resting state, the vertical distance from the bladder neck to the posterior inferior edge of pubic symphysis at rest and Valsalva movement, posterior angle of bladder urethra (angle between the proximal urethra and outer wall of bladder triangle) and urethral rotation angle (angle between the proximal urethral axis and the middle axis of the human body). The degree of movement of the bladder neck (the difference between the vertical distance from the bladder neck to the posterior inferior edge of the pubic symphysis under the resting state and the maximum Valsalva movement) and the formation of a funnel at the internal orifice of the urethra were calculated.
Results
Mean bladder detrusor thickness was 2.6 ± 0.9 mm, the vertical distance from the bladder neck to the posterior inferior edge of pubic symphysis was 27.7 ± 4.5 mm, posterior angle of the bladder was 122.7 ± 18.9°, the vertical distance from rectal ampulla to the posterior inferior edge of pubic symphysis was 18.5 ± 4.6 mm, and the mean area of hiatus of the levator ani muscle was 22.1 ± 6.0 cm2. Preoperative ultrasound measurements during the Valsalva movement were summarized in Table 3. The mean posterior angle of the bladder on Valsalva was 159.3 ± 23.1° and mean urethral rotation angle was 67.2 ± 21.4°.
Conclusions
4D pelvic floor ultrasound is a reliable method in evaluating preoperational morphological characteristics of patients with SUI. These datasets could help with reducing the incidence of complications associated with TOT procedures.
Monitoring SARS-CoV-2 infection in different animal species and human in Egypt during 2020-2021
Authors: AboElkhair Mohammed , Ahmed Mohamed M. , Moustapha Alaa El Din H. , Zaki Ali Mohammed , Naggar Rania F. El , Elhamouly Moustafa , Anis Anis 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Coronaviruses cause respiratory and intestinal infections in animals and humans. By the end of 2019, there was an epidemic of novel coronavirus (COVID-19), which is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Coronaviruses have highly mutable genome that makes them genetically and phenotypically modifiable with a potential transmission to new host species. Based on current sequence databases, all human coronaviruses have animal origins so animals have important roles in virus spillover to humans. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of different animal species in the epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 in Egypt. A pan-coronaviruses RT-PCR has been used for detection of possible coronaviruses infection in different species including bats, humans, birds, and dogs in Egypt during the period of November 2020 till June 2021. Ninety-two samples (46 from bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus), 10 from human, 26 from wild birds, and 10 from dogs) were screened for SARS-CoV-2. Our results revealed that only human samples were SARS-CoV-2 positive for SARS-CoV-2 while all other animal and bird samples were negative. To recapitulate, our results suggest that animals may not actively transmit SARS-CoV-2 among people in Egypt during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Further structural surveillance and follow up screening for SARS-CoV-2 among domestic and wild animal populations in Egypt is crucially needed.
Folic acid reduces methomyl insecticide damage to testicular cells by altering the DNA methylation environment
Authors: Lu Mengxi , Liu Yi 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Methomyl is a carbamate insecticide with confirmed testicular toxicity. This study intends to observe the damage of methomyl on testicular cells and the protective effect of folic acid through in vitro experiments. We treated the GC-1 spermatogonia, TM4 Sertoli cells, and TM3 Leydig cells with Methomyl (0, 250, 500, and 1000 μM) with or not folic acid (0, 10, 100, and 1000 nM) for 24h. It was found that folic acid attenuated the testicular cytotoxicity of methomyl in a dose-dependent manner. In spermatogonia, methomyl significantly inhibited the expression of proliferation genes Ki67 and PCNA at 1000 μM, and increased the expression of apoptosis genes Caspase3 and Bax at each dose, while folic acid could reverse the change caused by methomyl. In Sertoli cells, methomyl dose-dependently inhibited the expression of blood-testis barrier function genes TJP1, Cx43, and N-cadherin, but did not affect Occludin and E-cadherin, while folic acid could significantly up-regulate the expression of TJP1, Cx43, and Occludin. In Leydig cells, methomyl dose-dependently inhibited the expression of steroid synthase P450scc, StAR, Hsd3b1 and down-regulated the level of testosterone, but did not affect Cyp17a1 and Hsd17b1, while folic acid could significantly up-regulate the expression of P450scc, StAR, Hsd3b, Cyp17a1, and Hsd17b1, and reverse testosterone level downtrend. Simultaneously, methomyl did not affect the expression of Dnmt1, Dnmt3A, Dnmt3B genes in testicular cells, while folic acid dose-dependently up-regulated the expression of Dnmt1, Dnmt3A, and Dnmt3B in spermatogonia, Dnmt1 and Dnmt3B in Sertoli cells, and Dnmt1 and Dnmt3A in Leydig cells. In conclusion, folic acid attenuated the damage of methomyl on testicular spermatogonia, Sertoli cells, and Leydig cells by altering the DNA methylation environment.
Radiosynthesis and first preclinical evaluation of the novel 11C-labelled FAP inhibitor 11C-FAPI: A comparative study of 11C-FAPIs and [68Ga]Ga-DOTAFAPI-04 in a high–FAP-expression mouse model.
Authors: Wang Cheng , Hu Zhoumi , Ding Fan , Zhao Haitao , Du Fuqiang , Lv Chun , Li Lianghua , Huang Gang , Liu Jianjun 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background:
68Ga-labelled fibroblast activation protein inhibitors, such as [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 and [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI-46, have been successfully applied in positron emission tomography imaging of various tumour types. To broaden the spectrum of applicable PET tracers for extended imaging studies of FAP-dependent diseases, we herein report the radiosynthesis and preclinical evaluation of two 11C-labelled FAP inhibitors, 11C-FAPI-01 and 11C-FAPI-02.
Results:
11C-FAPI-01 and 11C-FAPI-02 were synthesized in over 15% radiochemical yields, with specific activities of 67 GBq/µmol and 34 GBq/µmol, respectively, at the end of synthesis and radiochemical purities greater than 99%. In U87MG tumour xenograft PET studies, the three tracers experienced higher specific uptake at the tumour site. However, because of significant differences in metabolism and clearance, [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 experienced high uptake in the kidney, whereas 11C-FAPI-01 and 11C-FAPI-02 showed high uptake in the liver and intestine. Biodistribution studies revealed significant hepatobiliary excretion of 11C-FAPI-01 and 11C-FAPI-02. 11C-FAPI-02 showed higher specific tumour uptake in U87MG xenografts (1.71 ± 0.08% injected dose per gram of tissue [ID/g]) than 11C-FAPI-01 (1.34 ± 0.10%ID/g) and [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 (1.29 ± 0.04%ID/g) after 30 min p.i. In orthotopic glioma models, the uptake values were 0.07 ± 0.03% ([68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04) and 0.16 ± 0.03% (11C-FAPI-02), respectively.
Conclusion:
11C-FAPI-01 and 11C-FAPI-02 are interesting candidates for translation to the clinic, taking advantage of the shorter half-life and physical imaging properties of C-11. The availability of 11C-FAPI-01 and 11C-FAPI-02 may allow extended PET studies of FAP-related diseases, such as cancer, arthritis, heart diseases, or pulmonary fibrosis.
Brain oscillatory activity in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
Authors: Formaggio Emanuela , Bertuccelli Margherita , Rubega Maria , Marco Roberto Di , Cantele Francesca , Gottardello Federica , Giuseppe Michela , Masiero Stefano 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: The pathophysiology of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) is not yet completely understood, but multi-factorial hypotheses have been proposed including defective central nervous system control of posture, biomechanics alterations and alterations of body schema. AIS could be the expression of a sub-clinical nervous system disorder. The aim of our study was to compare the electroencephalography (EEG) activity in adolescents with AIS and controls, to examine the brain oscillatory changes related to balance control and inquire possibly related body schema representational alterations.Methods: We recorded EEG data and balance data, with arms in both the neutral position and laterally elevated with elbow flexed at 90° (with eyes open and closed), in 14 healthy subjects and in 14 subjects with AIS. A re-adaptation of the Image Marking Procedure (IMP) was used to assess the body schema. Results: Our results revealed no balance control difference between groups; higher EEG alpha relative power over sensorimotor areas ispilateral to the side of the curve and a significant increase of theta relative powers localized over the central areas in AIS participants compared to healthy subjects. The delta body perception index (BPI) score (BPI shoulder minus BPI waist) resulted significantly different between the two groups. The inclinations of the perceived interacromial axes in girls having thoracic principal curve, and bisiliac axes in girls with lumbar principal curve, was opposite to the real inclination.Conclusions: Our results provide evidence of an increased theta activity, a lateralized alpha activity and an altered body schema perception in AIS subjects. Whether these processes are a cause or a consequence of AIS needs to be further investigated.
Testing the durability of copper based preservatives treated bamboos in ground-contact for six years
Authors: Tomak Eylem D. , Topaloglu Elif , Ermeydan Mahmut A. , Pesman Emrah 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
In this study, durability of bamboo samples in terms of the variability of location along culm height (top, middle and bottom) were evaluated in a ground-contact field test for six years in comparison to Scots pine and beech wood samples. Bamboo and wood samples were treated with Wolmanit-CB (CCB) and Tanalith-E (Tan-E) solutions, and then were installed in a field located in the North-West of Turkey. The decay resistance of samples was assessed by weight loss, and compared by SEM observations and FTIR analysis. Furthermore, chemical leaching from the samples was detected by ICP-OES after the test. Results showed that un-treated bamboo and wood samples had a very low durability. The SEM micrographs showed the characteristics decay patterns of soft-rot type I and brown-rot fungi in the parenchyma cells, vessels and fibers in vascular bundles. Fungal hyphae within the cell walls resulted in the gradual breakdown of the cell wall layers. FTIR analysis revealed the mechanism of the biodegradation, which indicates the reduction of carbohydrate content. The weight loss in bamboo samples was reduced when they were treated by CCB and Tan-E, but the wood preservatives did not ensure sufficient resistance for six years against soil degrading organisms since a great amount of chemical leached out from the bamboos to soil. Weight losses were well confirmed by chemical leaching rates for both CCB and Tan-E. It was observed that the lower parts of the culm were more durable, which was also in accordance with ICP-OES and SEM analysis. Copper-based preservatives seemed to be more efficient in pine and beech wood samples than bamboos since the impregnability of bamboo was much lower than that of wood.
Relative risks associated with Women’s Quality of life suffering from Metabolic, Reproductive and Psychological complications of PCOS: a comparative cross-sectional study.
Authors: Ishaq Sumira , Rizwani Ghazala H. , Fatima Sakina , Shareef Huma , Anser Humaira , Jamil Subia 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a multifactorial endocrine disorder in young women. Physical appearance, menstrual irregularities, and infertility are viewed as the sole causes of mental distress that affects quality of life.Methods: It was a comprehensive cross-sectional study that targeted women of reproductive age who visited the Abbasi Shaheed hospital's gynecology, obstetrics, and endocrinology departments in Karachi, Pakistan; aimed to compare health hazards associated with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and how they affect patients' quality of life (QOL) in Karachi, Pakistan. According to inclusion criteria; around 450 patients were included. PCOS patients' quality of life was assessed using the Short Form-12 questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics was applied on collected data; Pearson’s chi square test with a p-value of <0.05 indicating statistically significance was used to determine the association among various risk factor with PCOS along with QOL.Results: All patients showed the main indications of PCOS, like obesity (n = 360, 80%), acne (n = 268. 59.55%), hirsutism (n = 279, 62%), and irregular menstruation (n = 324, 72%). 274 (60.88%) patients had multiple cysts of >10 mm in diameter as per sonographic results. It was also found that Patients with PCOS showed a high occurrence of health hazards including hypertension (n = 98, 21.77%), diabetes mellitus (n =123, 27.33%), sleep apnea (n = 252, (56%), infertility (n = 135, (30%), high cholesterol level (n = 82, 18.22%) and hyperandrogenism (n = 279, 62%); this lead us to further investigate the relative risks associated with PCOS and a comparative study between 50 PCOS and Non-PCOS women was carried out. The majority of patients had low QOL scores (n = 370, or 82.21 percent), with depression being the leading cause. It was noticed that PCOs patients with diabetes, hypertension, lipid imbalance and most of all obese are more inclined to develop health related risk from these disorders; additionally, this risk is doubled for patients having poor self-esteem (P < 0.0001).Conclusion: It was found that depression, and poor self-esteem as a result of metabolic and reproductive complication are interrelated with low QOL in PCOS patients; emphasizing on the need of revising the management strategies and psychological health valuation of women with PCOS.
Characterization of methylation patterns associated with lifestyle factors and vitamin D supplementation in a healthy elderly cohort from Southwest Sweden
Authors: Cruz Maria Araceli Diaz , Ulfenborg Benjamin , Blomstrand Peter , Faresjö Maria , Ståhl Fredrik , Karlsson Sandra 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: Numerous studies have shown that lifestyle factors, such as regular physical activity and vitamin D intake, may remarkably improve overall health and mental wellbeing. This is especially important in older adults whose vitamin D deficiency occurs with a high prevalence. This study aimed to examine the influence of lifestyle and vitamin D on global DNA methylation patterns in an elderly cohort in Southwest of Sweden. We also sought to examine the methylation levels of specific genes involved in vitamin D's molecular and metabolic activated pathways.Methods and results: We performed a genome wide methylation analysis, using Illumina Infinium DNA Methylation EPIC 850kBeadChip array, on 277 healthy individuals from Southwest Sweden at the age of 70-95. The study participants also answered queries on lifestyle, vitamin intake, heart medication, and estimated health. Vitamin D intake did not in general affect methylation patterns, which is in concert with other studies. However, when comparing the group of individuals taking vitamin supplements, including vitamin D, with those not taking supplements, a difference in methylation in the SCL25A24 gene was found. This confirms a previous finding, where changes in expression of SLC25A24 were associated with vitamin D treatment in human monocytes. The combination of vitamin D intake and high physical activity increased methylation of genes linked to regulation of vitamin D receptor pathway, the Wnt-pathway and general cancer processes. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first study detecting epigenetic markers associated with the combined effects of vitamin D supplementation and high physical activity. These results deserve to be further investigated in an extended, interventional study cohort, where also the levels of 25(OH)D can be monitored.