bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Self-Perceived Skills of Pre Intern Doctors in Sri Lanka
Authors: Padeniya A.B , Denuwara H.M.B.H , Herath M.D , Gunawardena A , Mahipala P , Epitakaduwa C , Ranasinghe J.M.S.D , Colombage P , Hathamuna A.I , Abeysinghe W.S.P , Wijayarathna N.D.S.K , Senanayake S , Mahesh P.K. Buddhika 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
IntroductionThe transition from medical student to intern is a significant and challenging time in a doctor’s training. It can be stressful for the young doctor and there can be varying expectations from employers and supervisors on their capabilities. There is a time gap between graduation and internship for medical graduates in Sri Lanka. Also, there was no proper orientation prior the internship. Thus, the Good Intern Programme was developed as a skills training programme for pre interns who are awaiting internship, and this was conducted in collaboration with Ministry of Health (MOH), Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA), Society for Health Research and Innovation (SHRI). This study aimed to explore self-perceived competency of selected skills of pre-interns who were awaiting for internship. Methods Study populationSri Lankan medical Faculties (University of Colombo, Peradeniya, Sri Jayewardenapura, Jaffna, Kelaniya, Ruhuna, Eastern University- Batticaloa, Rajarata University and General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University -KDU), and foreign universities produce approximately 1000 medical graduates per year. In 2020, all pre- interns who joined the Good Intern Programme, Sri Lanka were invited to participate in this questionnaire survey. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 23.0 software. Descriptive data were presented as proportions.Results Mean age was 27.6 (+ SD 1.4). Majority of the pre-interns were females (66.5%). Majority of pre-interns perceived that they were able to performs suturing, cannulation, catheterization, setting up an Intravenous (IV) drip, infusion pump setup, blood and blood products transfusion, venipuncture, venipuncture for blood culture, injections-Subcutaneous (SC)/Intramuscular (IM), Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) monitoring, Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), arterial puncture for Arterial Blood Gases (ABG), wound dressing, suture removal, bandaging, glucometer use, nebulization, connecting to an ECG (electrocardiogram) monitor competently with or without supervision respectively. Lack of competency perceived on the following skills. Nasogastric tube (NG) insertion, pleural tap, peritoneal tap, removal of an Intercostal tube, lumbar puncture, defibrillation, venous cut down, intubation, CVP (central venous catheter) line insertion, Intercostal (IC) tube insertion were rated by the majority of pre-interns as skills that could be performed competently with supervision or not able to perform the skill but has observed skill. ConclusionAlthough most of the skills were rated by majority of the pre-interns as skills that could be competently performed with or without supervision respectively, there were some skills which needed some improvement. This study suggests that Good Intern Programme in pre-intern period can help to prepare students for the intern role.
A Kronecker-based Covariance Specification for Spatially Continuous Multivariate Data
Authors: Ribeiro Angélica Maria Tortola , Ribeiro Paulo Justiniano , Bonat Wagner Hugo 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
We propose a covariance specification for modeling spatially continuous multivariate data. This model is based on a reformulation of Kronecker’s product of covariance matrices for Gaussian random fields. We illustrate the case with the Matérn function used for specifying marginal covariances. The structure holds for other choices of covariance functions with parameters varying in their usual domains, which makes the estimation process more accessible. The reduced computational time and flexible generalization for increasing number of variables, make it an attractive alternative for modelling spatially continuous data. Theoretical results for the likelihood function and the derivatives of the covariance matrix are presented. The proposed model is fitted to the literature’s soil250 dataset, and adequacy measures, forecast errors and estimation times are compared with the ones obtained based on classical models. Furthermore, the model is fitted to the classic meuse dataset to illustrate the model’s flexibility in a four-variate analysis. A simulation study is performed considering different parametric scenarios to evaluate the asymptotic properties of the maximum likelihood estimators. The satisfactory results, its simpler structure and the reduced estimation time make the proposed model a candidate approach for multivariate analysis of spatial data.
Number of Endoscopic Sessions to Eradicate Varices Identifies High Risk of Rebleeding in Cirrhotic Patients
Authors: Guo Huiwen , Zhang Ming , Zhang Na , Yin Xiaochun , Cheng Yang , Gu Lihong , Wang Xixuan , Xiao Jiangqiang , Wang Yi , Zou Xiaoping , Zhuge Yuzheng , Zhang Feng 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background and aims: Risk stratification to identify patients with high risk of variceal rebleeding is particularly important in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. In clinical practice, eliminating gastroesphageal varices thoroughly after sequential endoscopic treatment reduces the rebleeding rate, however, no simple method has been build to predict high risk of variceal rebleeding. We conducted this study to explore the value of the number of endoscopic sessions required to eradicate gastroesphageal varices in identifying high risk of rebleeding.Patients and methods: Consecutive cirrhotic patients received sequential endoscopic therapy between January 2015 to March 2020 were enrolled. Endoscopic treatment was performed every 1-4 weeks until the eradication of varices. The primary endpoint was variceal rebleeding.Results: A total of 146 patients were included of which 60 patients received standard therapy and 86 patients underwent sequential endoscopic treatment alone. The cut-off value of the number of sequential endoscopic sessions is 3.5 times. Variceal rebleeding was significant higher in patients with endoscopic sessions > 3 times vs. ≤ 3 times (61.5% vs. 17.5%, p<0.001). Variceal rebleeding of patients with endoscopic sessions ≤3 times was significant lower than patients with > 3 times in group of standard therapy (19.6% vs. 88.9%, p<0.001) and endoscopic therapy (15.9% vs. 47.1%, p=0.028) respectively. Conclusion: The number of sequential endoscopic sessions required to eradicate the varices is related to the risk of variceal rebleeding in patients with cirrhosis. If three times of endoscopic treatment can not eradicate the varices, a more aggressive treatment such as TIPS should be seriously considered.
Significance of Postoperative Membranous Urethral Length and Position of Vesico-Urethral Anastomosis for Short Term Continence Recovery Following Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Nakanishi Yasukazu , Matsumoto Shunya , Okubo Naoya , Tanabe Kenji , Kataoka Madoka , Yajima Shugo , Masuda Hitoshi 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background

We assess whether short term recovery of urinary incontinence following robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RARP) is associated with preoperative membranous urethral length (MUL) and position of vesico-urethral anastomosis (PVUA).
Methods

Clinical variables including PVUA and pre- and postoperative MUL were evaluated in 251 patients who underwent RARP from August 2019 to February 2021. Continence recovery was defined as no pad or one security liner per day assessed by patient interview at least 6 months follow-up. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess variables associated with continence recovery at 3 months after the operation.
Results

Continence recovery rates at 3 and 6 months were 75% and 84%, respectively. Lower BMI (<25 kg/m2) (p = 0.040), longer preoperative MUL (≥9.5mm) (p = 0.013), longer postoperative MUL (≥9mm) (p <0.001), higher PVUA (<14.5mm) (p = 0.019) and shorter operating time (<170min) (p = 0.013) were significantly associated with continence recovery at 3 months in univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis revealed that postoperative MUL (OR 3.75, 95% CI 1.90 – 7.40, p <0.001) and higher PVUA (OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.07 – 3.82, p = 0.032) were independent factors for continence recovery. Patients were divided into three groups based on the multivariate analysis, with urinary continence recovery rates found to have increased in turn with rates of 43.7% vs. 68.2% vs. 85.0% (p <0.001) at three months.
Conclusions

PVUA and postoperative MUL were significant factors for short term continence recovery. Preservation of urethral length might contribute to continence recovery after RARP.
Significance of Levothyroxine Treatment on Serum Lipid in Pregnant Women With Subclinical Hypothyroidism
Authors: Yang Yuxi , Yuan Huabing , Wang Xueran , Zhang Zheng , Liu Ruixia , Yin Chenghong 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
BackgroundThere is no consensus reference range for serum lipid levels during pregnancy. The benefit of levothyroxine (L-T4) on serum lipid levels are unclear among pregnant women with subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH).ObjectiveTo determine the recommended reference ranges for serum lipid concentrations during pregnancy and effects of L-T4 treatment on serum lipids in pregnant women with SCH. Designcohort study.MethodsA analysis of 20365 women in the first trimester was conducted at Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University during 2018–2020. After excluding women with adverse pregnancy outcomes, we determined the reference range of serum lipid in the first and third trimesters of pregnancy by using median and quartile to determine appropriate percentiles. Next, we divided into three groups as follows: SCH L-T4 treatment group (n=319), SCH non-intervention group (n=103) and the control group(n=9598).ResultsThe recommended reference range for serum lipids in the first trimester of pregnancy should be: TC < 5.33 mmol/L, TG < 1.73 mmol/L, LDL-C < 3.12 mmol/L and HDL-C> 1.1 mmol/L, and in third trimester of pregnancy should be: TC < 8.47 mmol/L, TG < 4.86 mmol/L, LDL-C < 5.3 mmol/L and HDL-C >1.34 mmol/L.There are significant differences in TC and LDL-C levels between SCH treatment group and SCH non-intervention Group (P=0.043, P=0.046; respectively).ConclusionsWe determine the recommended reference ranges for serum lipid concentrations during pregnancy. TC and LDL-C levels in pregnant women with SCH could improve after L-T4 treatment.
Twin extreme ultraviolet waves in the solar corona
Authors: Zheng Ruisheng , Wang Bing , Zhang Liang , Chen Yao , Erdelyi Robertus 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Solar extreme ultraviolet (EUV) waves are spectacular propagating disturbances with EUV enhancements in annular shapes in the solar corona. These EUV waves carry critical information about the coronal magnetised plasma that can shed light on gaining insight to the elusive physical parameters (e.g. the magnetic field strength) by global solar coronal magneto-seismology (SMS). EUV waves are closely associated with a wide range of solar atmospheric eruptions, from violent flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) to less energetic plasma jets or mini-filament eruptions, and can play a role in accelerating particles to non-thermal energies. However, the physical nature and driving mechanism of EUV waves is still under controversy. Here, we report the unique discovery of twin EUV waves (TEWs) that were formed in a single eruption with observations from two different perspectives. In all earlier studies, a single eruption was associated at most in a single EUV wave. The newly found TEWs urge to re-visit our theoretical understanding about the underlying formation mechanism(s) of coronal EUV waves. Two distinct scenarios of TEWs were found. In the first scenario, the two waves were separately associated with a filament eruption and a precursor jet, while in another scenario the two waves were successively associated with a filament eruption. Hence, we label these distinguished scenarios as "fraternal TEWs" and "identical TEWs", respectively. Further, we also suggest that impulsive lateral expansions of two distinct groups of coronal loops are critical to the formation of TEWs in a single eruption.
Efficient Editing of CSLD2 Orthologue by CRISPR/Cas9 Affects Cell Morphogenesis of Root Hair in Spinach
Authors: Cao Yingping , Xu Yue , Zhang Yue , Zhang Heng , Bai Chen , Qin Zhi , Zhang Hailing , Ma Dongmei , Wang Quanhua , Sun Meihong , Fu Chunxiang , Dai Shaojun 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
CRISPR/Cas9 is a valuable tool and has been extensively employed to perform gene editing in plants. However, CRISPR/Cas9 has not been successfully used in spinach, an important leafy vegetable crop. Here, we precisely edited Spo23361 and Spo10340, two cellulose synthase-like D (CSLD) genes involved in root hair formation of spinach hairy roots, using CRISPR/Cas9 system. Four mutation types (i.e., replacement, insertion, deletion, and combined mutations) were observed, among which the deletion accounted for the vast majority (about 64.1%). Mutation rate differed largely among different targets. Seven homozygous/bi-allelic and eight heterozygous/chimeric mutated lines of Spo23361 were obtained from 15 independent transgenic hairy root lines. All of the seven homozygous/bi-allelic lines displayed bulking and short root hairs, which exhibited the characteristics of Arabidopsis csld2 mutants. Thirteen heterozygous/chimeric mutated lines, but no homozygous/bi-allelic lines, of Spo10340 were obtained from 15 independent transgenic hairy root lines, all of which showed similar phenotype of root hair with normal hairy roots. The transcriptomic analysis further revealed that multiple gene expressions for cell wall modulation and membrane trafficking were disturbed, which might result in the inhibition of root hair growth in Spo23361 mutants. Our results indicate that Agrobacterium rhizogenes-mediated transformation using CRISPR/Cas9 is a simple and efficient genome editing tool in spinach. It lays a solid foundation for large-scale genome editing in spinach in future.
Predictors of Change in Children’s Internalising and Externalising Behaviour Before and During the Initial COVID-19 Lockdown in the UK and Turkey: A Cross-cultural Examination
Authors: Morgul Evren , Kallitsoglou Angeliki , Essau Cecilia A. 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound effect on the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people. Culture can influence emotional and behavioural responses to the pandemic and its consequences, but research is primarily focused on single culture experiences. The study examined the impact of caregiver emotional responses to the pandemic and the lockdown on child mental health and wellbeing in two culturally different countries that were severely affected by the pandemic: UK and Turkey Method: Participants were 1849 caregivers of children between 5- and 12-years old living in the UK (n= 995) and Turkey (n = 854), who completed a 20 -min electronic survey on child and family wellbeing distributed via social networks during the initial phase of the COVID-19 lockdown (July and August 2020). Findings: Worry of COVID-19 infection was higher amongst caregivers in the Turkish sample and it independently predicted change in children’s internalising behaviour in the Turkish sample only even after controlling for caregiver and child mental health, and caregiver perceived risk of COVID-19 infection. Caregivers in the UK sample reported more difficulty with family coexistence during the stay-at-home orders. However, difficulty with coexistence independently predicted change in children’s externalising and internalising symptoms before and during the lockdown in both samples. The study revealed cross-cultural differences in the predictors of change in children’s internalising and externalising behaviour before and during the initial national COVID-19 lockdown.
The Impact of Rhodiola Rosea On Biomarkers of Diabetes, Inflammation, and Gut Microbiota in a Leptin Receptor-Knockout Mouse Model
Authors: Jafari Mahtab , Arabit Jasmin Grace Juanson , Courville Robert , Kiani Dara , Chaston John M. , Nguyen Cindy Duy , Jena Nilamani , Liu Zhong-Ying , Tata Prasanthi , Etten Richard A. 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Type 2 diabetes is the most prevalent endocrine disease in the world, and recently the gut microbiota have become a potential target for its management. Recent studies have illustrated that this disease may predispose individuals to certain microbiome compositions, and treatments like metformin have been shown to change gut microbiota and their associated metabolic pathways. However, given the limitations and side effects associated with pharmaceuticals currently being used for therapy of diabetes, there is a significant need for alternative treatments. In this study, we investigated the effects of a root extract from Rhodiola rosea in a Leptin receptor knockout (db/db) mouse model of type 2 diabetes. Our previous work showed that Rhodiola rosea had anti-inflammatory and gut microbiome-modulating properties, while extending lifespan in several animal models. In this study, treatment with Rhodiola rosea improved the insulin response, and significantly decreased serum lipopolysaccharide and C-reactive protein levels. We hypothesize that these changes may in part reflect the modulation of the microbiota, resulting in improved gut barrier integrity and decreasing the translocation of inflammatory biomolecules into the bloodstream. These findings indicate that Rhodiola rosea is an attractive candidate for further research in the management of type 2 diabetes.
Distinct Patterns of Problematic Smartphone Use: A Latent Profile Analysis Among Chinese College Students
Authors: Hong Lan , Lai Xinyi , Xu Dongwu , Zhang Wei , Wu Bichang , Yu Xin , Zhao Ke , Zhang Guohua 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background: This study aimed to categorize different subgroups of problematic smartphone use among Chinese college students. Differences in gender and psychosocial characteristics of the categorized groups were also examined.Methods: A total of 1,123 participants completed the Mobile Phone Addiction Index Scale (MPAI), the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), the Perceived Social Support Scale, and the Perceived Stress Scale. Using latent profile analysis (LPA), we identified different subgroups of problematic smartphone use among college students. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was implemented to examine the relationship between latent classes and demographic, psychosocial covariates.Results: Four latent classes were identified: a low-risk group, a moderate-risk with no evasiveness group, a moderate-risk with evasiveness group, and high-risk group that accounted for 11.0%, 24.1%, 35.5%, and 29.4% of the total sample, respectively. Further analysis revealed that compared with the “low-risk” class, the other three classes differed significantly with respect to gender and prevalence of depression.Conclusions: Classifying college students based on features of problematic smartphone use is potentially useful for understanding risk factors and developing targeted prevention and intervention programs.
Differential Gene Expression Analysis of Oocytes in a PCOS Mouse Model Revealed the Relation of Ribosomal Pathway
Authors: Nakanishi Natsuki , Osuka Satoko , Kono Tomohiro , Kobayashi Hisato , Ikeda Shinya , Bayasula Bayasula , Seki Tomomi , Yabuki Atsushi , Tanaka Hideaki , Sonehara Reina , Murakami Mayuko , Yoshita Sayako , Miyake Natsuki , Muraoka Ayako , Kasahara Yukiyo , Murase Tomohiko , Nakamura Tomoko , Goto Maki , Iwase Akira , Kajiyama Hiroaki 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common endocrinal disorder, is associated with impaired oocyte development, which leads to infertility. However, the pathogenesis of PCOS has not been completely elucidated. This study aimed to analyze the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and epigenetic changes in the oocytes of the PCOS mouse model to identify the etiological factors. In this study, RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that 90 DEGs were upregulated and 27 DEGs were downregulated in the PCOS mouse model. DNA methylation analysis revealed 30 hypomethylated and 10 hypermethylated regions in the PCOS group. However, the DNA methylation status was not correlated with differential gene expression. The pathway enrichment analysis revealed that five DEGs (Rps21, Rpl36, Rpl36a, Rpl37a, and Rpl22l1) were enriched in ribosome-related pathways in the oocytes of the PCOS mouse model, and the immunohistochemical analysis revealed significantly upregulated expression levels of Rps21 and Rpl36. These results suggest that differential gene expression in the oocytes of the PCOS mouse model is related to impaired folliculogenesis. These findings improved our understanding of the pathogenesis of PCOS.
Emergence of growth and dormancy from a kinetic model of the Escherichia coli central carbon metabolism
Authors: Himeoka Yusuke , Mitarai Namiko 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Physiological states of bacterial cells exhibit a wide spectrum of timescale. Under nutrient-rich conditions, most of the cells in an isogenic bacterial population grow at certain rates, while a small subpopulation sometimes stays in a dormant state where the growth rates slow down by orders of magnitude. For revealing the origins of such heterogeneity of timescales, we studied the kinetic model of Escherichia coli central carbon metabolism including the dynamics of the energy currency molecules. We found that the model robustly exhibits both the growing- and the dormant state. In order to unveil the mechanism of distinct behaviours, we developed a recursive method to simplify the model without changing the qualitative feature of the dynamics. Analytical and numerical studies of the 2-variable minimal model revealed the necessary conditions for the distinct behaviour, namely, the depletion of energy due to the futile cycle and its non-uniform impact on the kinetics because of the coexistence of the energy currency-coupled and uncoupled reactions as well as branching of the network. The result is consistent with the experimental reports that the dormant cells commonly exhibit low ATP levels, and provides a possible explanation for the appearance of dormant cells that causes antibiotic persistence.
Evaluation of Corneal Nerves and Dendritic Cells By in Vivo Confocal Microscopy After Descemet’s Membrane Keratoplasty For Bullous Keratopathy
Authors: Hayashi Takahiko , Ishida Atsuyuki , Kobayashi Akira , Yamaguchi Takefumi , Mizuki Nobuhisa , Yuda Kenji , Yamagami Satoru , Shimizu Toshiki 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
This study evaluated changes in corneal nerves and the number of dendritic cells (DCs) in corneal basal epithelium following Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) surgery for bullous keratopathy (BK). Twenty-three eyes from 16 consecutive patients that underwent DMEK for BK were included. Eyes of age-matched patients that underwent pre-cataract surgery (12 eyes) were used as controls. In vivo confocal microscopy was performed pre- and postoperatively at 6, 12, and 24 months. Corneal nerve length, corneal nerve trunks, number of branches, and the number of DCs were determined. The total corneal nerve length of 1634.7 ± 1389.1 μm /mm2 before surgery was significantly increased in a time-dependent manner to 4485.8 ± 1403.7 μm /mm2, 6949.5 ± 1477.1 μm /mm2, and 9389.2 ± 2302.2 μm /mm2 at 6, 12, and 24 months after DMEK surgery, respectively. The DC density in BK cornea pre- and postoperatively at 6 months was significantly higher than in the controls, and decreased postoperatively at 12 and 24 months and was significantly lower than that at 6 months postoperatively. Thus, our results suggest that DMEK can repair and normalize the corneal environment.