bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Medical Dispute Committees in the Netherlands: a qualitative study of patient expectations and experiences
Authors: Dijkstra Rachel I. , Elbers Nieke A. , Friele Roland D. , Pemberton Antony 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Health care incidents, such as medical errors, cause tragedies all over the world. Recent legislation in the Netherlands has established medical dispute committees to provide for an appeals procedure offering an alternative to civil litigation and to meet the needs of clients. Dispute committees incorporate a hybrid procedure where one can file a complaint and a claim for damages resulting in a verdict without going to court. The procedure is at the crossroads of complaints law and civil litigation. This study seeks to analyze to what extent patients and family members’ expectations and experiences with dispute committees match the goals of the new legislation.

Methods
This qualitative, retrospective research includes in-depth, semi-structured, face-to-face interviews with patients or family members who filed a complaint with a dispute committee in the Netherlands. The researchers conducted an inductive, thematic analysis of the qualitative data.

Results
A total of 26 interviews were held with 30 patients and family members. The results showed that participants particularly felt the need to be heard and to make a positive impact on health care. Some wished to be financially compensated, for others money was the last thing on their mind. The results demonstrated the existence of unequal power relationships between participants and both the defendant and dispute committee members. Participants reported the added value of (legal) support and expressed the need for dialogue at the hearing. Participants sometimes experienced closure after the proceedings, but often did not feel heard or felt a lack of a practical outcome and a tangible improvement.

Conclusions
This study shows that participants’ expectations and experiences were not always met by the current set up of the dispute committee proceedings. Participants did not feel heard, while they did value the potential for monetary compensation. In addition, some participants did not experience an empowered position but rather a feeling of a power misbalance. The feeling of a power misbalance and not being heard might be explained by existing epistemic injustice, which is a concept that should be carefully considered in processes after health care incidents.
Optimization of the antimicrobial peptide Bac7 by deep mutational scanning
Authors: Koch Philipp , Schmitt Steven , Heynisch Alexander , Gumpinger Anja , Wüthrich Irene , Gysin Marina , Shcherbakov Dimitri , Hobbie Sven N. , Panke Sven , Held Martin 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Intracellularly active antimicrobial peptides are promising candidates for the development of antibiotics for human applications. However, drug development using peptides is challenging as, owing to their large size, an enormous sequence space is spanned. We built a high-throughput platform that incorporates rapid investigation of the sequence-activity relationship of peptides and enables rational optimization of their antimicrobial activity. The platform is based on deep mutational scanning of DNA-encoded peptides and employs highly parallelized bacterial self-screening coupled to next-generation sequencing as a readout for their antimicrobial activity. As a target, we used Bac71-23, a 23 amino acid residues long variant of bactenecin-7, a potent translational inhibitor and one of the best researched proline-rich antimicrobial peptides.

Results
Using the platform, we simultaneously determined the antimicrobial activity of >600,000 Bac71-23 variants and explored their sequence-activity relationship. This dataset guided the design of a focused library of ~160,000 variants and the identification of a lead candidate Bac7PS. Bac7PS showed high activity against multidrug-resistant clinical isolates of E. coli, and its activity was less dependent on SbmA, a transporter commonly used by proline-rich antimicrobial peptides to reach the cytosol and then inhibit translation. Furthermore, Bac7PS displayed strong ribosomal inhibition and low toxicity against eukaryotic cells and demonstrated good efficacy in a murine septicemia model induced by E. coli.

Conclusion
We demonstrated that the presented platform can be used to establish the sequence-activity relationship of antimicrobial peptides, and showed its usefulness for hit-to-lead identification and optimization of antimicrobial drug candidates.
Atypical chorioretinal lesions in Siberian Husky dogs with primary angle-closure glaucoma: a case series
Authors: Park Shin Ae , Sledge Dodd , Monahan Colleen F. , Teixeira Leandro , Boyd Ryan , Freeman Katie , Koehl Kristin , Harman Christine , Munoz Kirk , Occelli Laurence M. , Pirie Chris G. , Davidson Harriet , Petersen-Jones Simon , Komáromy András M. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundA number of etiologies for different canine chorioretinal lesions have been proved or suggested but some fundic lesions remain unclear in terms of an etiologic diagnosis, treatment options and prognosis. The purpose of this case series is to describe atypical chorioretinal lesions observed in dogs with primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG).Case presentationTwo spayed-female Siberian Huskies (3- and 4-year-old) and one Siberian Husky/Australian Shepherd mixed breed dog (11-month-old) that had multifocal depigmented retinal lesions and PACG were included. Procedures: Ophthalmic examination, gross, and histopathologic examination findings are described. One of the dogs underwent further clinical diagnostics. Advanced clinical diagnostics on the fellow, presumed to be non-glaucomatous eye of a dog revealed: pectinate ligament dysplasia by gonioscopy, retinal thinning in the depigmented area and wedge shaped retinal thinning with delayed choroidal vascular perfusion by optical coherence tomography, confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy, fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography. Quantifiable maze testing for the same eye revealed mild nyctalopia but the full-field electroretinogram showed no generalized decrease of retinal function. Genetic testing for mutations within theretinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulatorgene causing X-linked progressive retinal atrophy in Siberian Huskies was negative. Histopathologic evaluations on enucleated eyes in two dogs confirmed goniodysgenesis, PACG with optic nerve head cupping, and diffuse inner retinal atrophy. In addition, segmental profound retinal atrophy, loss of retinal pigment epithelium, and adhesion of the retina to Bruch’s membrane was observed and coincided with multifocal depigmented lesions noted on fundic examination.ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this is the first case series with clinical and histopathologic data of chorioretinal lesions, most likely caused by severely impaired choroidal perfusion. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the etiology and pathophysiology, including its possible association with PACG.
Surgical management of a Salter-Harris type I proximal physeal fracture of the tibia in a foal: a case report
Authors: Mazaheri-Khameneh Ramin , Azizi Saeed , Davoodi Farshid , Gooran Mohammad Mahdi 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
One of the traumatic fractures occurring in the hindlimb of the foals is physeal fractures of the tibia. The most common type of proximal tibial fracture in foals is reported to be Salter-Harris type II.

Case presentation
This case report describes the history, clinical signs, radiographic findings, and surgical management of a proximal physeal fracture of the tibia due to the kick trauma in a 2-weeks-old Kurdish female foal, with signs of left pelvic limb lameness, valgus deviation with non-weight-bearing, non-mobility in stifle region and crepitation in the affected area. In this case, radiography was utilized to confirm the fracture and detect the exact location of the fracture fragments. The Salter-Harris type I accompanied by tibial tuberosity fracture was diagnosed. In this case, a size 4.5 mm seven-hole, T-plate, and cortical bone screws were employed to fix the physeal fracture, and a cortical bone screw was utilized to fix the tibial tuberosity in the normal position. Case follow-up during two months showed no significant complications, and the patient was fully recovered (no lameness anymore).

Conclusions
To our knowledge, this is the first report of Salter-Harris type I fracture in proximal tibia accompanied by tibial tuberosity fracture in a foal treated by a T-plate implant. A cortical screw in lag fashion for tibial tuberosity was utilized in this case for the first time, and the results were satisfying. T-Plate fixation can be recommended as an effective surgical treatment for proximal tibial fractures in foals.
Commensal bacteria-derived extracellular vesicles suppress ulcerative colitis through regulating the macrophages polarization and remodeling the gut microbiota
Authors: Liang Liping , Yang Chenghai , Liu Le , Mai Genghui , Li Haolin , Wu Lele , Jin Ming , Chen Ye 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
The extracellular vesicles (EVs) traffic constitutes an essential pathway of cellular communication. And the molecules in EVs produced by procaryotes help in maintaining homeostasis, addressing microbial imbalance and infections, and regulating the immune system. Despite the fact that Clostridium butyricum (C. butyricum) is commonly used for treating ulcerative colitis (UC), the potential role of C. butyricum-secreted EVs in commensals-host crosstalk remains unclear.

Results
Here, we performed flow cytometry, western blot, immunohistochemistry and 16S rRNA analysis to explore the role of C. butyricum-derived EVs on macrophage polarization and gut microbiota composition in a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC mouse model. The antibiotic cocktail-induced microbiome depletion and faecal transplantations were used to further investigate the mechanisms by which EVs regulate macrophage balance. Our findings showed that C. butyricum-derived EVs improved the remission of murine colitis and polarized the transformation of macrophages to the M2 type. Furthermore, C. butyricum-derived EVs restored gut dysbiosis and altered the relative abundance of Helicobacter, Escherichia-Shigella, Lactobacillus, Akkermansia and Bacteroides, which, in turn, faecal transplantations from EVs-treated mice relieved the symptoms of UC and improved the impact of EVs on the reprogramming of the M2 macrophages.

Conclusion
C. butyricum-derived EVs could protect against DSS-induced colitis by regulating the repolarization of M2 macrophages and remodelling the composition of gut microbiota, suggesting the potential efficacy of EVs from commensal and probiotic Clostridium species against UC.
Exosomal microRNAs shuttling between tumor cells and macrophages: cellular interactions and novel therapeutic strategies
Authors: Xu Wen-Xiu , Wang Dan-Dan , Zhao Zhi-Qiang , Zhang He-Da , Yang Su-Jin , Zhang Qian , Li Lei , Zhang Jian 
Published: May 2022

AbstractExtracellular vesicles secreted by tumor microenvironment (TME) cells are vital players in tumor progression through transferring nucleic acids and proteins. Macrophages are the main immune cells in TME and tumor associated macrophages (TAM) express M2 phenotype, which induce tumor proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion, metastasis and immune elimination, resulting in the subsequent evolution of malignancies. There are a high number of studies confirmed that tumor cells and TAM interact with each other through extracellular vesicles in various cancers, like pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, gastric cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, colon cancer, glioblastoma, hepatocellular cancer, and lung cancer. Herein, this review summarizes the current knowledge on mechanisms of communications between tumor cells and TAM via extracellular vesicles, mainly about microRNAs, and targeting these events might represent a novel approach in the clinical implications of this knowledge into successful anti-cancer strategies.
ANLN and UBE2T are prognostic biomarkers associated with immune regulation in breast cancer: a bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Xiao Yu , Deng Zhiqin , Li Yongshen , Wei Baoting , Chen Xiaoqiang , Zhao Zhe , Xiu Yingjie , Hu Meifang , Alahdal Murad , Deng Zhenhan , Wang Daping , Liu Jianquan , Li Wencui 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Objectives
To screen and verify differential genes affecting the prognosis of breast cancer.

Methods
Breast cancer gene expression datasets were downloaded from the GEO database, and original data were analyzed in R. The TIMER database was used to analyze the relationship between ANLN and UBE2T and immune cell infiltration.

Results
Ten hub-key genes were identified, and survival analysis showed that UBE2T and ANLN were upregulated in breast cancer and their upregulation was associated with a poor prognosis. ANLN and UBE2T upregulation was associated with the prevalence of Th1 and Th2 cells, shifting the Th1/Th2 balance to Th2 in Basal and Luminal-B breast cancers, which indicates a poor prognosis (P < 0.05).

Conclusion
ANLN and UBE2T are potential biomarkers for predicting the prognosis of breast cancer.
Income inequality and self-rated health status in Colombia
Authors: Góngora-Salazar Pamela , Casabianca María Sofía , Rodríguez-Lesmes Paul 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
The negative association between income inequality and health has been known in the literature as the Income Inequality Hypothesis (IIH). Despite the multiple studies examining the validity of this hypothesis, evidence is still inconclusive, and the debate remains unsolved. In addition, relatively few studies have focused their attention on developing or emerging economies, where levels of inequality tend to be the highest in the world. This work examines the statistical association between income inequality and self-rated health status in Colombia, a highly unequal Latin American country.

Methods
To explore whether this association is present in the general population or whether it is only confined to the bottom of the income distribution, we use data from the 2011–2019 National Quality of Life Survey. Multiple probit estimations are considered for testing the robustness of the IIH.

Results
Evidence favouring the IIH was found, even after controlling for individual income levels, average regional income, and socioeconomic characteristics. The link between income inequality and the probability of reporting poor health seems to be present across all income quintiles. However, the magnitude of such association is considerably smaller when using inequality measures with relatively greater sensitivity to income differences among the rich.

Conclusions
The association between regional income inequality and individual's self-rated health status in Colombia is not only confined to low-income individuals but extends across all socioeconomic strata. This association is robust to the income inequality measure implemented, the income-unit of analysis, and changes in the sample. It is suggested that reducing income disparities can potentially contribute to improving individual's health.
The political economy of priority-setting for health in South Sudan: a case study of the Health Pooled Fund
Authors: Widdig Heloise , Tromp Noor , Lutwama George William , Jacobs Eelco 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
In fragile and conflict affected settings (FCAS) such as South Sudan, where health needs are immense, resources are scarce, health infrastructure is rudimentary or damaged, and government stewardship is weak, adequate health intervention priority-setting is especially important. There is a scarcity of research examining priority-setting in FCAS and the related political economy. Yet, capturing these dynamics is important to develop context-specific guidance for priority-setting. The objective of this study is to analyze the priority-setting practices in the Health Pooled Fund (HPF), a multi-donor fund that supports service delivery in South Sudan, using a political economy perspective.

Methods
A multi-method study was conducted combining document review, 30 stakeholder interviews, and an examination of service delivery. An adapted version of the Walt and Gilson policy analysis triangle guided the study’s design and analysis.

Results
Priority-setting in HPF occurs in a context of immense fragility where health needs are vast, service delivery remains weak, and external funding is essential. HPF's service package gives priority to the health of mothers and children, gender-sensitive programming, immunization services, and a community health initiative. HPF is structured by a web of actors at national and local levels with pronounced power asymmetries and differing vested interests and ideas about HPF’s role. Priority-setting takes place throughout program design, implementing partner (IP) contract negotiation, and implementation of the service package. In practice the BPHNS does not provide adequate guidance for priority-setting because it is too expansive and unrealistic given financial and health system constraints. At the local level, IPs must manage the competing interests of the HPF program and local health authorities as well as challenging contextual factors, including conflict and shortages of qualified health workers, which affect service provision. The resulting priority-setting process remains implicit, scarcely documented, and primarily driven by donors’ interests.

Conclusion
This study highlights power asymmetries between donors and national health authorities within a FCAS context, which drive a priority-setting process that is dominated by donor agendas and leave little room for government ownership. These findings emphasize the importance of paying attention to the influence of stakeholders and their interests on the priority-setting process in FCAS.
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals and the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yan Dandan , Jiao Yang , Yan Honglin , Liu Tian , Yan Hong , Yuan Jingping 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Objective
To conduct a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the relationship between endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), poly-brominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), phthalates (PAEs), and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure and risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Methods
Relevant studies from their inception to November 2021 were identified by searching EMBASE, PubMed, and Web of Science. The cohort and case–control studies that reported effect size with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of EDC exposure and GDM were selected. The heterogeneity among the included studies was quantified by I2 statistic. Publication bias was evaluated through the Begg and Egger tests.

Results
Twenty-five articles with a total of 23,796 participants were found. Results indicated that exposure to PCBs has a significant influence on the incidence of GDM (OR = 1.14; 95% CI = 1.00-–1.31; n = 8). The risk of GDM was found to be associated with PBDE exposure (OR = 1.32; 95% CI = 1.15–1.53; n = 4). PAEs and PFASs exposure were also positively associated with the risk of GDM, with summary ORs of 1.10 (95% CI = 1.03–1.16; n = 7 for PAEs) and 1.09 (95% CI = 1.02–1.16; n = 11 for PFASs), respectively. When only cohort studies were considered, the summary OR between PCBs exposure and the risk of GDM was 0.99 (95% CI = 0.91–1.09; n = 5). Meanwhile, the summary ORs from cohort studies for PBDEs, PAEs, and PFASs exposure were 1.12 (95% CI = 1.00–1.26; n = 2), 1.08 (95% CI = 1.02–1.15; n = 5), and 1.06 (95% CI = 1.00–1.12; n = 8), respectively. The Beggs and Egger tests did not show publication bias, and the sensitivity analyses did not change the results in this meta-analysis.

Conclusion
These results support that exposure to certain EDCs, including PCBs, PBDEs, PAEs, and PFAS, increase the risk of GDM. Further large-sample epidemiologic researches and mechanistic studies are needed to verify the potential relationship and biological mechanisms. These results are of public health significance because the daily EDC exposure is expected to increase the risk of GDM development.

Graphical Abstract
Equations for predicting DXA-measured visceral adipose tissue mass based on BMI or weight in adults
Authors: Song Xuan , Wu Hongxia , Zhang Wenhua , Wang Bei , Sun Hongjun 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Obesity, especially presenting with excessive amounts of visceral adipose tissue (VAT), is strongly associated with insulin resistance (IR), atherosclerosis, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).

Aims
To construct a predication equation for estimating VAT mass using anthropometric parameters and validate the models with a validation group.

Methods
Five hundred fifteen subjects (366 for the derivation group and 149 for the validation group) were enrolled in the study. The anthropometric parameters, blood lipid profile, and VAT mass were accessed from medical records. Stepwise regression was applied to develop prediction models based on the dual X–ray absorptiometry (DXA)-measured VAT mass in the derivation group. Bland–Altman plots and correlation analysis were performed to validate the agreements in the validation group. The performance of the prediction equations was evaluated with the Hosmer–Lemeshow test and area under the curve (AUC).

Results
Model 1, which included age, sex, body mass index (BMI), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and the grade of hepatic steatosis, had a variance of 70%, and model 2, which included age, sex, weight, height, TG, HDL, and the grade of hepatic steatosis, had a variance of 74%. The VAT mass measured by DXA was correlated with age, sex, height, weight, BMI, TG, HDL, and grade of hepatic steatosis. In the validation group, the VAT mass calculated by the prediction equations was strongly correlated with the DXA–VAT mass (r = 0.870, r = 0.875, respectively). The AUC, sensitivity, and specificity of the two prediction equations were not significantly different (both P = 0.933).

Conclusion
The study suggests that prediction equations including age, sex, height, BMI, weight, TG, HDL, and the grade of hepatic steatosis could be useful tools for predicting VAT mass when DXA is not available.