bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reducing HIV-related stigma in school children in Northern Uganda: Study protocol for an arts-based population health intervention and stepped-wedge cluster-randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mendelsohn Joshua B. , Fournier Bonnie , Caron-Roy Stephanie , Maina Geoffrey , Strudwick Gillian , Ojok Santo , Lim Hyun June , Sanches Marcos , Logie Carmen H. , Sommerfeldt Susan , Nykiforuk Candace , Harrowing Jean , Adyanga Francis Akena , Hakiigaba Jussy Okello , Bilash Olenka 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
BackgroundHIV-related stigma negatively impacts HIV prevention, care, and treatment particularly children and adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa. Interventions that are culturally-grounded and relevant to address the root causes of stigma may reduce the stigma experienced by HIV positive and affected young people. This study in a post-conflict, rural setting in Omoro District, Uganda, will create and evaluate a transformative education and arts-based HIV-related stigma intervention rooted in local cultural knowledge to reduce stigma and improve HIV prevention and care for those living with HIV. The study will employ a mixed-methods, stepped-wedge cluster-randomized controlled trial, and community-based participatory research approach. The intervention will be delivered to children and youth in schools by Elders, with the support of teachers, through the transfer of local cultural knowledge and practices. The arts-based intervention aims to re-establish the important cultural and social role of Elders within a community that has suffered the loss of inter-generational transfer of cultural knowledge due to a 25-year civil war.MethodsA formative research phase consisting of interviews with students, teachers and Elders will inform the intervention and provide data for study objectives. Workshops will then be delivered to Elders and teachers in participating schools to build capacity for transformative, arts-based, educational workshops with students in the classroom. Government-funded schools located in Omoro District will be randomized into 3 blocks, each comprised of two primary and two secondary schools (n=1800 students). Schools will be randomly allocated to sequences of 8-week time periods in which they will crossover from control to the intervention condition. A process evaluation will be implemented throughout the study to evaluate intervention development, implementation, and effects.DiscussionThis study will generate comprehensive, in-depth research and evaluation data that will be integrated to inform an effective and sustainable protocol for implementing arts-based HIV-stigma interventions for young people in school settings. Findings will have widespread implications in post-conflict settings for HIV prevention, treatment and care.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT04946071 (June 30, 2021; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04946071)
Lentivirus-mediated siRNA knockdown of METTL3 is involved in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Wang Yun , Liu Zhen , Wang Min , Liu Zengqiang , Bi Jianzhong , Han Min 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia in older people. The pathogenesis of AD is still uncertain, although it appears autophagy abnormalities are involved. In recent years, epigenetics, including RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation, has been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration. However, how RNA methylation may be involved in the pathogenesis of AD is still unclear. Our previous RNA m6A methylation high-throughput sequencing analysis found that some hippocampal genes showed elevated methylation in AD mouse models, but that some genes showed declining methylation. Genes showing different methylation patterns tended to be related to autophagy. The focus of this study is to examine possible mechanisms by which m6A RNA methylation may be involved in AD. SH-SY5Y cells treated with Aβ25−35 were used as AD models, and untreated SH-SY5Y cells were used as controls. We first detected the expression of methylase in the two groups of cells. The results showed that the protein expression of METTL3 in the AD cell group was higher than that in the control group, while FTO expression showed no statistically significant differences. We then used lentivirus-mediated METTL3 RNA knockouts to observe the expression of Parkin protein in each group of cells. Results showed that expression of the Parkin protein in the AD cell group was increased compared to the control group, while the expression levels of Parkin protein in AD cells with METTL3 RNA knockout decreased. Additionally, mitochondrial structural changes were observed using transmission electron microscopy. These results showed that the mitochondrial structure in an AD cell model with METTL3 RNA knockout was improved compared to the AD cell model alone. Taken together, our findings suggest that RNA m6A methylation is involved in the AD process.
Creation and Evaluation of a Participatory Child Abuse and Neglect Workshop for Medical Students
Authors: Giannakas Christos , Manta Aspasia , Livanou Maria Effrosyni , Daniil Vasiliki , Paraskeva Angeliki , Georgiadou Maria-Konstantina , Griva Nefeli , Papaevangelou Vassiliki , Tsolia Maria , Leventhal John M. , Soldatou Alexandra 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Since child abuse and neglect (CAN) is prevalent worldwide, medical students should acquire basic knowledge, skills, and confidence in identifying and addressing CAN. Significant educational efforts have been previously described, but none has focused on participatory methods to teach medical students CAN.
Purpose
To: 1) develop a participatory educational workshop in CAN for medical students, 2) gather, train, and establish a peer-to-peer teaching group, and 3) assess the effectiveness of the workshop in gain of knowledge and improvement of self-confidence for participants.
Methods
A two-hour workshop was created with role-playing, the use of dolls and peer-to-peer teaching. A 15-item knowledge and a 9-item self-confidence questionnaire were used before, right after, and six months after the workshops.
Results
Nine workshops in two academic pediatric departments with a total attendance of 300 6th year medical students were conducted. For the 69 students who completed the questionnaires at all three times, there were statistically significant gains in knowledge right after (p < .001) and six months after (p < .0001) the workshops. Similarly, self-confidence increased right after (p < .0001) and six months after (p < .001) the workshops. Self-selection bias testing indicated that these 69 students who completed all three questionnaires were representative of those who completed the pre-testing and the testing right after.
Conclusions
We successfully established a thriving peer-to-peer teaching group to conduct nine participatory workshops that improved the participants’ knowledge and self-confidence in CAN. This feasible and novel active learning approach may help address inadequacies in medical curricula.
Ranking group members by assessment performance in environmental decision-making
Authors: Srđe Zorica , Ilić Milica , Ždero Senka , Srdje Bojan 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Group multi-criteria decision-making in environment-related problems is faced with important aspects such as competencies of the members of the group, demonstrated consistencies while making judgments, compatibilities with derived group decisions, etc. In this paper, we present an approach and methodology for evaluating the quality of group members based on their consistencies and deviations from the group decision. While individually making decisions, members of the group demonstrate how consistent they are. Once their decision is aggregated into a group decision, it is possible to assess individual deviations of decisions from the group decision. The members of the group can be treated as alternatives in the multi-criteria environment where criteria for assessing their 'quality' are performance indicators such as Euclidean distance, minimum violation, conformity, and Spearman's rank coefficient. Preference schemes applied to sets of performance indicators offer manipulations that may eventually lead to justified exclusion of odd (e.g. consistency - inferior) members and further changes in deriving the group decisions. An example is presented in which importance for society is assessed for six endangered Ramsar sites in the northern part of Serbia. Ramsar sites are considered as environmental systems and assessed by seven experts using AHP. Based on their consistency and deviation parameters as criteria, evaluation of the quality of members in the group is performed by the TOPSIS multi-criteria method. The discussion part of this article is devoted to the possible use of the DEMATEL method and entropy concept in supporting the group decision-making processes.
The Short-term Efficacy of High Flow Nasal Oxygen Therapy on Cardiovascular Surgical Patients: A Randomized Crossover Trial
Authors: Deguchi Shiho , Kusaka Yusuke , Nakano Shoko , Umegaki Osamu 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
BackgroundOxygen therapy after extubation in the intensive care unit (ICU) is essential in order to maintain adequate oxygenation, especially in patients who have undertaken cardiovascular surgery. In such cases, a Venturi mask (VM) has been routinely used as an oxygen therapy in the ICU. Recently, however, the high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) has become available, and this device can deliver up to 60 L/min of humidified oxygen. The aim of this study is to evaluate the short-term efficacy between HFNC and VM in cardiovascular surgical patients. MethodsForty patients who underwent cardiovascular surgery in 2015 were randomized to either protocol A (HFNC followed by VM) or protocol B (VM followed by HFNC). After 60-minutes of use with either device, arterial blood gas analysis was performed, and the PaO2/FiO2 ratio (PFR) was calculated. Simultaneously, physiological data (respiratory rate, heart rate, mean arterial pressure, continuous cardiac index, and mixed venous oxygen saturation) were recorded. During this procedure, FiO2 and gas flow were maintained at a fixed rate. These variables were compared by using the paired t-test, and a p value < 0.05 was considered significant. All data were expressed as mean (standard deviation).ResultsThirty-five patients (17 from protocol A and 18 from protocol B) were enrolled, and 5 patients were excluded from analysis in accordance with the exit criteria. PFR was significantly higher in the HFNC group than in the VM group [265.9 (81.4) vs. 238.7 (68.5), p=0.002]. Moreover, PaCO2 was significantly lower in the HFNC group than in the VM group [33.8 (3.5) vs. 34.7 (2.9), p=0.033]. As for physiological data, the respiratory rate was significantly lower in the HFNC group than in the VM group [18 (4) vs. 21 (4), p=0.006], and no significant differences were seen in any of the other parameters.ConclusionsCompared to VM, HFNC ameliorated oxygenation function and decreased patients’ effort in breathing. HFNC also had little influence on their hemodynamic state when switched from VM. Therefore, HFNC can be used safely in cardiovascular surgical patients.Trial registrationThis trial was registered with the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (ID UMIN000016572, February 18th, 2015, https://center6.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000019231).
A risk signature with two autophagy‐related genes for predicting prognosis of triple negative breast cancer
Authors: Yu Bing , Xing Zhimei , Tian Xiaoxuan , Feng Rui 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) constitutes the most aggressive molecular subtype among breast tumors. Recent studies have shown that autophagy plays a dual role for TNBC.
Results
We first examined the role of differentially expressed autophagy-related genes in TNBC using high-throughput RNA-seq data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Cox regression analyses showed that EIF4EBP1 and NPAS3 correlated with prognosis in TNBC patients. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that expression of these two genes accurately predicted the risk of disease progression in TNBC samples in TCGA and GSE31519 dataset. A nomogram was developed by integrating the risk signature with clinicopathological factor, i.e., TNM stage. ROC curve and calibration plot suggested the nomogram could accurately predict 1-, 2- and 3-year survival rate of TNBC patients. The expression of EIF4EBP1 and NPAS3 also influenced the drug sensitivity of TNBC cell lines.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the risk signature EIF4EBP1 and NPAS3 as autophagy-related genes could serve as an independent prognostic factor for TNBC patients.
Robust osteogenic efficacy of 2a-heteroarylalkyl vitamin D analogue AH-1 in VDR(R270L) hereditary vitamin D-dependent rickets model rats
Authors: Nishikawa Miyu , Murose Naruhiro , Mano Hiroki , Yasuda Kaori , Isogai Yasuhiro , Kittaka Atsushi , Takano Masashi , Ikushiro Shinichi , Sakaki Toshiyuki 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Active vitamin D form 1a,25-dihydroxtvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) plays pivotal roles in calcium homeostasis and osteogenesis via its transcription regulation effect via binding to vitamin D receptor (VDR). Mutated VDR often causes hereditary vitamin D-dependent rickets (VDDR) type II, and patients with VDDR-II are hardly responsive to physiological doses of 1,25(OH)2D3. Current therapeutic approaches, including high doses of oral calcium and supraphysiologic doses of 1,25(OH)2D3, have limited success and fail to improve the quality of life of affected patients. Thus, various vitamin D analogues have been developed as therapeutic options. In our previous study, we generated genetically modified rats with mutated Vdr(R270L), an ortholog of human VDR(R274L) isolated from the patients with VDDR-II. The significant reduced affinity toward 1,25(OH)2D3 of rat Vdr (R270L) enabled us to evaluate biological activities of exogenous VDR ligand without 1a-hydroxy group such as 25(OH)D3. In this study, 2α-[2-(tetrazol-2-yl)ethyl]-1α,25(OH)2D3 (AH-1) exerted much higher affinity for Vdr(R270L) in in vitro ligand binding assay than both 25(OH)D3 and 1,25(OH)2D3. A robust osteogenic activity of AH-1 was observed in Vdr(R270L) rats. Only a 40-fold lower dose of AH-1 than that of 25(OH)D3 was effective in ameliorating rickets symptoms in Vdr(R270L) rats. Therefore, AH-1 may be promising for the therapy of VDDR-II with VDR(R274L).
Developing and evaluating a SAFER model to screen for diabetes complications among people experiencing homelessness: A pilot study protocol
Authors: Scott Sara , Grewal Eshleen K. , Tariq Hamna , Campbell David JT 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background - Diabetes management combined with housing instability intersect, forcing individuals to triage competing needs and critical stressors, such as safety and shelter, with fundamental diabetes self-management tasks like attending healthcare appointments to screen for the complications of diabetes, leaving individuals overwhelmed and overburdened. We aim to address this disjuncture found within our current healthcare delivery system by providing point-of-care screening opportunities in a more patient-centered approach.Method - We describe a pilot study of a novel clinical intervention which provides timely, comprehensive, and accessible screening for diabetes complications to people experiencing homelessness. We will assess the reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance, as per the RE-AIM framework, of a SAFER model of care (i.e., Screening for A1C, Feet, Eyes, and Renal function). A trained nurse will provide this screening within a homeless shelter. During these encounters, eligible participants will be screened for microvascular complications (neuropathy, nephropathy, retinopathy) and have their A1C measured, all at the point-of-care, using bedside tools and novel technology. Effectiveness, our primary objective, will be evaluated using a pre-post design, by comparing the rate of completion of full microvascular screening during the study period with individuals’ own historical screening in the 2-year period prior to enrollment. The other domains of the RE-AIM framework will be assessed using process data, chart reviews, patient surveys and qualitative semi-structured interviews with service providers and participants. This study will be conducted in a large inner-city homeless shelter within a major urban Canadian city (Calgary, Canada).Discussion - Currently, screening for diabetes complications is often inaccessible for individuals experiencing homelessness, which places heavy burdens on individuals, and ultimately, on already strained emergency and acute care services when complications go undetected at earlier stages. The SAFER intervention will modify the current standard of care for this population in a way that is less fragmented, more person-focused, and timely, with the goal of ultimately improving the rate of screening in an acceptable fashion to identify those requiring specialist referral at earlier stages.
Acceleration of Esophageal Wound Healing by Anisotropically Aligned Smooth Muscle Cell-Laden Nanofibrous Patch
Authors: Yeo Miji , Yoon Jung Won , Park Gyu Tae , Shin Sung-Chan , Song Young-Cheol , Cheon Yong-Il , Lee Byung-Joo , Kim Geun Hyung , Kim Jae Ho 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Esophageal tissue engineering is proposed to repair damaged esophagus, which requires peristalsis via directional alignment and movement of smooth muscle. Cell electrospinning (CE) is an effective technique to produce aligned muscle tissues by directly encapsulating living cells into micro/nanofibers. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can differentiate into smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in response to treatment with transforming growth factor-β1. In this study, we investigated the phenotypic changes of MSCs and MSC-derived SMCs via CE, and evaluated the therapeutic effect of SMC-patch for esophageal wound model.
Methods
MSCs and SMCs were fabricated with 2 wt % alginate and 3 wt % PEO, and the cell-laden bioink was printed and electrospun onto PCL scaffolds for random and anisotropic alignment, respectively. In in vivo test, the SMC-patch was construct by CE and the rat’s esophageal wound model was developed by tissue punching. The SMC-patch was transplanted with sutures in the esophageal defect.
Results
Cell electrospinning resulted in more aligned and elongated forms of MSCs and SMCs than bioprinting. SMCs aligned via cell electrospinning exhibited upregulated expression of SMC-specific markers (alpha-smooth muscle actin, calponin, SM22α, and desmin), SMC-associated extracellular matrix proteins (fibronectin, collagen types I and IV), and connexin 43, the principal gap junction protein in SMCs. The electrospun SMC was fabricated in a patch form and transplanted into a rat esophageal wound model. Transplantation of the smooth muscle patch promoted muscle regeneration and vascularization in esophageal wounds.
Conclusion
Taken together, these results suggest that transforming growth factor-β1-induced differentiation of MSCs to SMCs and anisotropic alignment of SMCs can be applied to engineer smooth muscle tissues and treat gastrointestinal perforation.
Hyperglycemia and glycemic variability associated with glucocorticoids in women without pre-existing diabetes undergoing (neo) adjuvant taxane chemotherapy for early-stage breast cancer
Authors: Mortimer Joanne , Mahin Dana , Lavasani Sayeh Moazami , Cristobal Leon , Patel Niki Tank , Sedrak Mina , Stewart Daphne , Waisman James , Yuan Yuan , Yu Wai , Samoa Raynald , Ruel Nora , Lee Hayley , Kil Sung 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Purpose: Glucocorticoids administered with chemotherapy cause hyperglycemia even in the non-diabetes setting. The prevalence of hyperglycemia and glycemic variability among breast cancer patients without diabetes are not well known, especially across different race/ethnicities. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted involving early-stage breast cancer patients without diabetes who have received dexamethasone prior to (neo) taxane adjuvant chemotherapy between August 2017-December 2019. Random blood glucose levels were extracted, and steroid-induced hyperglycemia (SIH) was defined as a random glucose level of >140 mg/dL. Multivariate proportional hazards model was used to identify risk factors for SIH.Results: Of 100 total patients, the median age was 53 years (IQR: 45-63.5). Forty-five percent were non-Hispanic white, 28% Hispanic, 19% Asian, and 5% African American. The incidence of SIH was 67%, and glycemic fluctuations were highest in those with glucose levels >200 mg/dL. Non-Hispanic white remained as a significant predictor for time to SIH with a hazard ratio of 2.5 (95% CI: 1.04, 5.95, p=0.039). SIH was transient in over 90% patients, and only 7 patients remained hyperglycemic after glucocorticoid and chemotherapy completion.Conclusions: Pre-taxane dexamethasone-induced hyperglycemia in 67% of patients with the greatest glycemic lability in women with blood glucose level > 200 mg/dL. Non-Hispanic white had a higher risk of developing SIH. SIH patients should be monitored using a continuous glucose monitoring or self-monitoring of blood glucose devices. Diagnostic tests for diabetes such as HbA1c, oral glucose tolerance test, fasting plasma glucose, and endocrinology consultation should also be recommended.
Influence of Abrasive Deburring in Tool Wear Measurement in Microslots of Inconel 718
Authors: Paiva Gabriel , Silva Márcio Bacci da , de Oliveira Déborah 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Micromilling is a machining process used in the fabrication of microscopic components and features. Tool wear in micromilling can be indirectly measured through the dimensions of the microslot, however the presence of burrs may cause imprecisions in this measurement. Inconel 718 is a nickel-based superalloy that is frequently reported to exhibit large burrs when micromilled. The abrasive deburring method is a simple, versatile and inexpensive technique for removing burrs in microcomponents. Thus, this work aims to evaluate the influence of abrasive deburring in tool wear measurement on precision features of Inconel 718. Four samples, each one with 12 microslots 400 𝜇m wide and 40 𝜇m deep, were deburred with silicon carbide sandpaper sheets with mesh sizes 800, 1200, 2000 and 3000 during a fixed time of 30 seconds and a constant spindle speed of 120 rpm. The results showed that the presence of burrs leads to values of tool wear with greater standard deviations in comparison with the deburred samples. Moreover, the chosen deburring method proved to be efficient in reducing burr heights in microslots of Inconel 718, without any significant damage to the surface quality of the samples, favoring the indirect wear measurement.