bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The relations between business model efficiency and novelty, and outcome performance while accounting for managed competition contract
Authors: IJntema Rutger , Barten Di-Janne , Duits Hans , Tjemkes Brian , Veenhof Cindy 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
– Since 2006, with managed competition, business principles have been introduced to foster efficient healthcare. In the Netherlands and elsewhere, managed competition is expressed by a contract between a health insurer and a physiotherapy primary healthcare organisation (PTPHO). In such a managed healthcare environment, PTPHOs have to attain outcomes. Business model designs (efficiency and novelty) may enhance outcome performance. Research on both managed competition contract and business model designs in relation to the dependent variable PTPHO-centred outcome performance is new to the primary healthcare context. This study aims to describe the relations between business model efficiency and novelty, and PTPHO-centred outcome performance, while accounting for managed competition contract in Dutch healthcare.
Methods
– A quantitative cross-sectional design was adopted. By means of a questionnaire, the concepts were investigated among PTPHO managers. Theory-based expectations were set up and multiple linear regression analyses were applied.
Results
– Business model novelty and business model novelty moderated by managed competition contract both show a significant positive relation with PTPHO-centred outcome performance. Managed competition contract, business model efficiency, and business model efficiency moderated by a managed competition contract, show no relation with PTPHO-centred outcome performance.
Conclusions
- There seem to be positive relations between business model novelty and PTPHO-centred outcome performance on its own and moderated by managed competition contract. No relations seem to exist with business model efficiency. The combination of persistent use of health insurer-driven managed competition contracts and a naturally efficient Dutch physiotherapy sector may have left too few means for physiotherapy organisations to contribute to healthcare reforms and perform PTPHO-centred outcomes. PTPHO managers may want to shift their attitudes towards novel business models. The authors suggest optimising contracts towards provider-driven healthcare reform, including novelty requirements and corresponding reimbursements.
Tumor cytokine profile of renal cell carcinoma patients
Authors: Lee Moon Hee , Laajala Essi , Kreutzman Anna , Järvinen Petrus , Nísen Harry , Mirtti Tuomas , Hollmén Maija , Mustjoki Satu 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
PurposeRenal cell carcinoma (RCC) accounts for 90% of all renal cancers and is considered highly immunogenic. Although many studies have reported the circulating peripheral cytokine profiles, the signatures between the tumor tissue and matching healthy adjacent renal tissue counterparts have not been explored. We aimed to comprehensively investigate the cytokine landscape of RCC tumors and its correlation between the amount and phenotype of the tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Experimental Design We analyzed the secretion of 42 cytokines from the tumor (n=50) and adjacent healthy kidney tissues (n=24) with a Luminex-based assay. We further explored the differences between the tissue types, as well as correlated the findings with clinical data and detailed immunophenotyping of the TILs. ResultsUsing an unsupervised clustering approach, we observed distinct differences in the cytokine profiles between the tumor and adjacent renal tissue samples. The tumor samples clustered into three distinct profiles based on the cytokine expressions: high (53.2% of the tumors), intermediate (25.5%), and low (21.3%). Most of the tumor cytokines positively correlated with each other, except for IL-8 that showed no correlation with any of the measured cytokine expressions. Furthermore, the quantity of lymphocytes in the tumor samples analyzed with flow cytometry positively correlated with the chemokine-family of cytokines, IP-10 and MIG. Positive correlations were also observed between CD4+, CD8+ T cell PD-1 expressions and IL-8, suggesting a suppressive role of the chemotactic cytokine, even in T cell inflamed tumors. ConclusionsOur study highlights the distinct cytokine profiles in RCC and provides insights to potential biomarkers for the treatment of RCC.
Huge Left Atrial Myxoma: About 2 Cases Resected in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: NZOMVUAMA Alphonse Ndonga N'sungu , MUTUALE Cédric Nyombo , KONGO Roger Minga , MBANZULU Irène Nsolani , NSIALA Joseph Makunza 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
BackgroundMyxoma is the most common cardiac tumor, found in 75-80% of cases in the left atrium. It can grow quietly and therefore reach a large size before being symptomatic. Poor availability of echocardiography also contributes to delayed diagnosis. In Sub-Saharan African countries, myxoma diagnosis can be missed for many patients. Myxoma resection surgery, although technically simple, is not always possible, because of the lack of cardiac surgery development. The aim of this report is to describe the first two consecutive resection cases of huge left-atrial myxoma performed in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and to discuss the specificities of this surgery in this low-resource context.Case presentationTwo patients, 54 and 48 years old, were diagnosed with giant myxoma of the left atrium in the management of progressive dyspnea The first patient's transthoracic echocardiography revealed a pedunculated atrial mass (37X48mm) on the interatrial septum, passing through the mitral valve. For the second patient, the mass (64X26mm) was attached to the roof of the left atrium and protruded into the mitral valve, with significant mitro-tricuspid regurgitation The first patient underwent a simple resection of the myxoma. For the second patient, it was associated to a mitro-tricuspid annuloplasty. The postoperative course was simple for the first patient, but the second patient developed a biventricular failure requiring vasoactive drugs. Both patients were discharged alive from the hospital on postoperative days 10 and 12, respectively. They are regularly followed up and are doing well 2 years after surgery.Discussion and conclusionSurgical resection is the only effective treatment of myxoma. Our first results are encouraging The poor availability of the echocardiography is a challenge in the diagnosis of myxoma. The development of cardiac surgery in DRC and ongoing country-level efforts to address diagnostic challenges for these often silent tumors will allow us to expect more resections to be performed locally and larger series published.
Perspectives of Nurses and Managers on the Standards and Quality of Care in eThekwini District’s Long-Term Care Facilities, South Africa: A Qualitative study
Authors: Kalideen Letasha , Wyk Jacqueline M van , Govender Pragashnie 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: Long-term care facilities (LTCFs) aim to help residents to maintain physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being; prevent a decline in the resident’s condition; maintain and improve residents’ health and rights. Nurses and managers play a major role in running LTCFs and ensuring that care provided to each resident meets the standard and quality required. This study explored the perspectives of nurses and managers on the standards and quality of care in eThekwini district’s LTCFs, South Africa.Methods: An explorative, qualitative study was conducted with a purposively sampled set of Nurses (N=12) and Managers (N=12) from three LTCFs in the eThekwini district. Data were collected through group interviews (GI), focus group discussions (FGDs), and dyad interviews (DI). The audio-recorded GI, FGDs, and DI were manually transcribed verbatim and exposed to a thematic analysis.Results: A total of five main themes (standard of care, human resources, management and responsibilities, resident centred care and technology), and 29 subthemes. Nutrition and medication safety were unique subthemes related to the standard of care for nurses, and infection control and accountability for managers, but standard operating procedures, falls, and uniformity of care emerged from both nurses' and managers' data. Job security, job satisfaction, and salary were unique subthemes related to human resources for nurses, and scope of practice for managers, but grievance, staff ratio, and terms of employment emerged from both nurses' and managers' data. Teamwork, marketing, and performance review were unique subthemes related to management and responsibilities for managers, but training and development, incentive, and infrastructure emerged from nurses' and managers' data. An individual care plan was a unique subtheme related to resident centred care for nurses, and stimulation, adjustment, and micro-society rules for managers, but continuous assessment and psychological well-being emerged from both nurses' and managers' data. Access and communication and filtering of information were unique subthemes for managers related to technology, but documentation emerged from both groups. Conclusion: This study’s findings suggest the need to improve the standard and quality of care provided by LTCFs in eThekwini district’s LTCFs, South Africa.
Economic Efficiency of Turmeric Production: South-Western Ethiopia
Authors: Melese Tsegaye , Gurmis Nigus 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Turmeric is widely grown in the southwestern region of Ethiopia, specifically in Bench-Sheko and Sheka zones. Nevertheless, different evidence shows in terms of productivity it was not satisfactory. The study aimed towards estimate allocative and economic efficiencies levels, to detect factors affecting allocative and economic efficiencies in Sheko and Yeki districts. To conduct this research the data were collected from 360 sample Turmeric producers. Cobb-Douglas, and Tobit models were used to analyze efficiency, and determinate, correspondingly. Accordingly, the average, allocative and economic efficiencies were 60.78% and 44.71, correspondingly. Average allocative efficiency implies a prospect to decrease the cost of inputs by 39.22%. Turmeric yield was certainly and meaningfully affected by area, worker, oxen, Seed, chemicals, plus urea. Tobit regression outcome showed economic efficiency was absolutely and meaningfully influenced by the extension agent interaction, credit utilization, and market information. Strategies focus to inspire, and increase the delivery of credit, support the present farm extension structure, and provide relevant marketing information needed to expand the economic efficiency of turmeric.
Longitudinal Associations Among Physical Activity and Sitting with Endocrine Symptoms and Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Latent Growth Curve Analysis
Authors: Lucas Alexander R , Kim Youngdeok , Lanoye Autumn , Franco Robert Lee , Sutton Arnethea L , LaRose Jessica Gokee , Ross Masey , Sheppard Vanessa B 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Purpose We aimed to determine whether physical activity (PA) may mitigate side effects of adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET), or whether prolonged sitting may exacerbate them. AET often causes debilitating endocrine symptoms that compromise quality of life (QOL) in women diagnosed with hormone receptor positive breast cancer (BC). Methods We examined longitudinal patterns among PA and sitting with endocrine symptoms and QOL over 3 years in 554 female BC survivors undergoing AET using parallel process latent growth curve models. Results At baseline, women were a mean age of 59 years, mostly white (72%), with overweight/obesity (67%), and approximately 50% being within 1 year of diagnosis. Unconditional models showed a significant increase in PA (P<.01) over time but no change in sitting. Endocrine symptoms, general and BC-specific QOL all got significantly worse over time (P<.01). Parallel process models showed no cross-sectional or longitudinal associations between PA and endocrine symptoms, but higher PA was associated with higher QOL (P=.01). Increases in PA were not associated with changes in QOL. Conversely, higher baseline sitting time was associated with worse endocrine symptoms, general and BC specific QOL (Ps<.01), yet worse baseline endocrine symptoms were associated with a slower rate of increase in sitting (P<.01). Better baseline QOL was also associated with an increase in sitting (Ps<.01) while an increase in sitting was associated with reductions in symptoms (P=.017). Model fit statistics (x2, CFI, TLI, SRMR) were acceptable. Conclusion Both PA and sitting are important for managing symptoms and maintaining QOL in BC survivors.
Low shear stress induces inflammatory response via CX3CR1/NF-κB signal pathway in human umbilical vein endothelial cells
Authors: Huang Haozhong , Ren Peile , Zhao Yiwei , Weng Huimin , Jia Chunsen , Yu Fengxu , Nie Yongmei 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Purpose Low shear stress has been reported to induce atherosclerosis. In the present study,the objective of our study is the comprehensive identification of CX3CR1 / NF-κB signaling pathway involved in low shear stress( LSS) -induced inflammation in HUVECs through protein profiling and cell function experiment.Methods Human umbilical vein endothelial cell was cultured onglass slides and placed in a parallel plate flow chamber. M199 culture medium was used for low laminar shear stress at 4. 14 dyn/cm2, 2 h for the testing group, CX3CR1 sh-RNA and NF-κB inhibitor PDTC are used to block the effects of CX3CR1 and P65. The expression levels of the protein were determined by western blot analysis. Mononuclear cell adhesion assays and scratch assays are used to detect cell adhesion and migration.Results Western blotting analyses revealed that compared with the controls，there is a significant increase in the expression of CX3CR1, nucleusP65,intercellular adhesion molecule-1( ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 ( VCAM-1) and Interleukin-6( IL-6), while the expression of cytosolic P65 and IκB was significantly reduced in human umbilical vein endothelial cells ( HUVECs) treated with LSS. CX3CR1 Sh－RNA was use to reveal its effect on LSS-in-duced inflammation. Further, specific NF-κB P65 inhibitors( PDTC) were used to reveal the downstream NF-κB P65 exclusively involved in LSS-induced inflammation in HUVECs, this effect can be abrogated by CX3CR1 sh-RNA and NF-κB inhibitors. Monocyte adhesion assay and scratch test revealed LSS promotes adhesion of monocytes and migration of cells, this effect can be abrogated by CX3CR1 sh-RNA and NF-κB inhibitors. LSS is involved in the expression of adhesion molecules and chemokines, which are important for the initiation of endothelial inflammation-related atherosclerosis.Conclusions The activation of CX3CR1 /NF-κB signaling pathway induced by low shear stress in endothelial cells may lead to the future therapeutic targets of atherosclerotic inflammation.
KAT7 promotes radioresistance through upregulating PI3K/AKT signaling in breast cancer
Authors: Ma Yan , Chen Xiaohua , Ding Ting , Zhang Hanqun , Zhang Qiuning , Dai Huanyu , Zhang Haibo , Tang Jianming , Wang Xiaohu 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Chromatin-modifying enzymes are commonly altered in cancers, but the molecular mechanism by which they regulate cancers remain poorly clear. Here, we demonstrated that KAT7, a lysine acetyltransferase, was upregulated in breast cancer. KAT7 expression level was negatively correlated with prognosis survival of breast cancer patients. KAT7 silencing suppressed breast cancer radioresistance in vitro. Mechanistically, KAT7 activated PIK3CA transcription, leading to enhanced PI3K/AKT signaling and radioresistance. Overexpression of AKT or PIK3CA restored radioresistance suppression due to KAT7 inhibition. Moreover, Overexpression of KAT7, but not KAT7 acetyltransferase activity-deficient mutants promoted AKT phosphorylation, PIK3CA expression, and radioresistance suppression due to KAT7 inhibition. In conclusion, our results identified KAT7 as a new target predicting radioresistance in breast cancer patients.
Calcification of Long-lived Coral Reef Builders in a Rapidly Changing Ocean: the Tara’s Transpacific Message
Authors: Canesi Marine , Douville Eric , Montagna Paolo , Taviani Marco , Stolarski Jarosław , Bordier Louise , Dapoigny Arnaud , Coulibaly Eric Herman , Simon Anne-Catherine , Agelou Mathieu , Iwankow Guillaume , Allemand Denis , Planes Serge , Moulin Clémentine , Reynaud Stéphanie 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Evaluation of climate change impact on Legedadi and Dire Reservoir using R-R-V criteria
Authors: Alebel Surafel , Tura Amare 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
This study mainly deals with evaluation of the climate change impact on Legedadi and Dire reservoirs which is found in north-east Awash River Basin, Ethiopia using the reliability, resilience and vulnerability indices (RRV-criteria). Projection of the future climate variables is done by using Max Planck Institute for Meteorology – Earth System Model (MPI-ESM). In the present study, future rainfall MPI-ESM product corrected by using BFTV (Bias factor time variance).The 1996–2016 was taken as baseline period against which comparison was made. A hydrological model, HEC-HMS was utilized to simulate Runoff in the study area. The performance of the model was assessed through calibration and validation process and resulted NSE = 0.87 and PEV = 7.5% during calibration and NSE = 0.84 and PEV = 7.85% during validation. The projected future climate variables has two future time series, the first future time series (2020–2049) and the second future time series (2050–2089), for both future time series an increasing trend evaporation from the open water surface of reservoirs in watersheds of Legedadi and Dire reservoirs when the projected average maximum temperature and Minimum temperatures increase from the baseline period and precipitation shows a fluctuation event. Evaluation to the base and the future period average annual inflow volume shows an increase of 2.44% and decrease 0.99% at Dire reservoir and an increase of 5.15% and decrease 1.15% at Legedadi reservoir during 2040s and 2080s periods respectively for CMIP5 and CMIP6 (MPI-M).In general analysis of the reservoirs with current and future CMIP5 and CMIP6 MPI-ESM RCM climate change output indicates that the reliability and resilience of the reservoirs is sensitive to precipitation change than change in temperature on differing dimensionless vulnerability of the reservoirs doesn’t demonstration extraordinary difference for both the change in precipitation and temperature.
A Triple-Classification for The Evaluation of Lung Nodules Manifesting as Pure Ground-Glass Sign: A CT-Based Radiomic Analysis
Authors: Yu Ziyang , Xu Chenxi , Zhang Ying , Ji Fengying 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Objectives: To construct a noninvasive radiomics model for evaluation of pathologic degree and individually treated strategy for patients with the manifestation of imageology-ground glass nodules (GGNs) on CT images.Methods: The retrospective primary cohort investigation included the patients with GGNs on CT images who underwent resection between June 2015 and June 2020. The intratumoral regions of interest were segmented semi-automatically and radiomics features were extracted from the intratumoral and peritumoral regions. After feature selection by Max-Relevance and Min-Redundancy (mRMR) and Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (Lasso) regression, Random Forest (RF) model was generated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was calculated to evaluate each classification. Shapley additive explanations (SHAP) was applied to interpret the radiomics features.Results: In this study, 241 patients including atypical adenomatous hyperplasia (AAH) or adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) (n = 72), minimally invasive adenocarcinoma (MIA) (n = 83) and invasive adenocarcinoma (IAC) (n = 86) were selected for radiomics analysis. Four intratumoral radiomics features and one peritumoral feature were finally identified by the triple RF classifier with an average area under the curve (AUC) of 0.951 (0.953 for AAH/AIS, 0.934 for MIA, 0.965 for IAC, in the training set) and 0.935 (0.938 for AAH/AIS, 0.940 for MIA, 0.926 for IAC, in the validation set) for evaluation of the GGNs.Conclusion: The triple classification based on intra- and peritumoral radiomics features derived from the non-contrast CT images had a satisfactory performance, which may be used as a noninvasive tool for preoperative evaluation of the pure ground-glass nodules and developing individualized treatment strategy.
Therapeutic Ultrasound for Glaucoma (TUG) as a possible Neuroprotective Treatment for Glaucoma
Authors: Schwartz Donald , Schwartz Donald 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Purpose: To evaluate the potential for a low power, low frequency non-invasive ultrasound to offer neuroprotection to glaucoma patients. Methods: This a retrospective study of patients previously treated with the TUG device on one eye and the contralateral eye as a matched control. The study is an analysis of the imaging taken of these eyes before and after the TUG treatment with the specific finding of changes in the Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer (RNFL)Several small studies were previously performed using the TUG device for glaucoma from 2009 through 2014. The largest of these studies was a one year prospective, controlled 2 branch study. It was published in 20145. A total of 43 patients were treated in these small studies to evaluate intraocular pressure effect by the TUG device. A few charts reviewed did not have an image of the contralateral eye. Some parts of the analysis focused on the effect of the treated eye relative to time after treatment. Therefore, comparison was not available, but valuable information was found. A change from HRT imaging to OCT imaging took place, and for this reason there was a decrease in the cohort number to 31 whose data allowed comparison between the treated and non-treated eyes. Only those whose imaging was performed on the same instrument before and after treatment were included. All patients selected for these studies had open angle glaucoma including pigmentary, pseudoexfoliation, trauma and post complicated intraocular surgery. Typically, only one eye was treated with the TUG device. The eye with the higher intraocular pressure was chosen to be treated. If the intraocular pressures were equal, a coin flip determined which eye was to be treated. Usually, a decrease in intraocular pressure was observed in the treated eye, with a smaller effect found in the non-treated eye. If there were an increase in the intraocular pressure at some time after treatment, the patient was given the option of pharmaceuticals, laser treatment or additional TUG treatments to lower the pressure again. Results: A total of 31 patients whose records were still available who met the additional criterion of having imaging on the same imaging instrument (either HRT or OCT) before and after TUG treatment. Most of this group of patients had only one treatment with the device in one eye. Comparison of the Treated eye to the non-treated eye revealed a mean increase in the RNFL after treatment of +11.8% and a decrease in the non-treated eye of –5.1%. The comparison was p<0.0017Conclusion: This small retrospective study reveals a new potential treatment for glaucomatous optic nerve damage with the use of the TUG low power ultrasound.