bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patients’ perspectives on point-of-care diagnostics and treatment by emergency medical technicians in acute COPD exacerbations: A qualitative study
Authors: Christensen H. M. , Pietersen P. I. , Laursen C. B. , Wittrock D. , Nadim G. , Jørgensen G. , Nielsen L. B. , Sørensen M. K. , Titlestad I. L. , Lassen A. T. , Mikkelsen S. 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
In Denmark emergency medical technicians transport patients with acute COPD exacerbations to the nearest emergency department. From a clinical and economic perspective, this transport and assessment at the hospital may be inconvenient if the patient is immediately discharged from the emergency department. We established an emergency technical technicians point-of-care diagnostics and treatment program of patients with COPD with use of ultrasound and blood analysis. Patients' perspectives on treatment at home and sense of security are important to qualify clinical practice at home with patients with acute exacerbation.

Aim and objectives
To explore patient's and relatives' experience of treatment at home during emergency calls due to COPD in exacerbation and to investigate their attitude to avoid hospitalization as well as experience of stress during point-of-care diagnostics in their own home.

Method
A qualitative study comprising semi-structured interviews with 16 patients carried out from April 1st, 2019 to March 31st, 2020 in Denmark. Data was analysed inspired by Malteruds’ text condensation and informed by Critical Psychology with first person perspective focusing on the patient's views on point-of-care diagnostics and treatment of their COPD in acute exacerbation.

Results
The interviews revealed that in order to ensure an experience of quality in the assessment and treatment of patients in their own homes, it was important that the ambulance staff showed great safety and experience in the use of the technical equipment and treatment of dyspnea. It was also of importance that the patients felt confident that their general practitioner followed up on the home treatment initiated.

Conclusion
Patients’ perspectives showed that point-of-care diagnostics and treatment of acute COPD in exacerbation was considered a qualitative offer by the patients and their relatives. At the same time, it was crucial that the emergency medical technicians showed experience and safety in handling shortness of breath as well as the technical equipment.
Trial registration: Approved by the Danish Data Protection Agency Project-ID: 20/24845.
Animated, video entertainment-education to improve vaccine confidence globally during the COVID-19 pandemic: an online randomized controlled experiment with 24,000 participants
Authors: Chen Simiao , Forster Sebastian , Yang Juntao , Yu Fengyun , Jiao Lirui , Gates Jennifer , Wang Zhuoran , Liu Haitao , Chen Qiushi , Geldsetzer Pascal , Wu Peixin , Wang Chen , McMahon Shannon , Bärnighausen Till , Adam Maya 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
Science-driven storytelling and entertainment-education (E-E) media demonstrate potential for promoting improved attitudes and behavioral intent towards health-related practices. Months after the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), emerging research highlights the essential role of interventions to improve public confidence in the COVID-19 vaccine. To improve vaccine confidence, we designed three short, animated videos employing three research-informed pedagogical strategies. These can be distributed globally through social media platforms, because of their wordless and culturally accessible design. However, the effectiveness of short, animated storytelling videos, deploying various pedagogic strategies, needs to be explored across different global regions.

Methods/design
The present study is a multi-site, parallel group, randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing the effectiveness of (i) a storytelling-instructional-humor approach, (ii) a storytelling-analogy approach, (iii) a storytelling-emotion-focused approach, and (iv) no video. For our primary outcomes, we will measure vaccine hesitancy, and for secondary outcomes, we will measure behavioral intent to seek vaccination and hope. Using online platforms, we will recruit 12,000 participants (aged 18–59 years) from the USA and China, respectively, yielding a total sample size of 24,000.

Discussion
This trial uses innovative online technology, reliable randomization algorithms, validated survey instruments, and list experiments to establish the effectiveness of three short, animated videos employing various research-informed pedagogical strategies. Results will be used to scientifically support the broader distribution of these short, animated video as well as informing the design of future videos for rapid, global public health communication.

Trial registration
German Clinical Trials Register DRKS #00023650. Date of registration: 2021/02/09.
Modelling of autogenerative high-pressure anaerobic digestion in a batch reactor for the production of pressurised biogas
Authors: De Crescenzo Carmen , Marzocchella Antonia , Karatza Despina , Molino Antonio , Ceron-Chafla Pamela , Lindeboom Ralph E. F. , van Lier Jules B. , Chianese Simeone , Musmarra Dino 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
Pressurised anaerobic digestion allows the production of biogas with a high content of methane and, at the same time, avoid the energy costs for the biogas upgrading and injection into the distribution grid. The technology carries potential, but the research faces practical constraints by a.o. the capital investment needed in high-pressure reactors and sensors and associated sampling limitations. In this work, the kinetic model of an autogenerative high-pressure anaerobic digestion of acetate, as the representative compound of the aceticlastic methanogenesis route, in batch configuration, is proposed to predict the dynamic performance of pressurised digesters and support future experimental work. The modelling of autogenerative high-pressure anaerobic digestion in batch configuration, which is not extensively studied and simulated in the present literature, was developed, calibrated, and validated by using experimental results available from the literature.

Results
Under high-pressure conditions, the assessment of the Monod maximum specific uptake rate, the half-saturation constant and the first-order decay rate was carried out, and the values of 5.9 kg COD kg COD−1 d−1, 0.05 kg COD m−3 and 0.02 d−1 were determined, respectively. By using the predicted values, excellent fittings of the final pressure, the CH4 molar fraction and the specific methanogenic yield calculation were obtained. Likewise, the variation in the gas–liquid mass transfer coefficient by several orders of magnitude showed negligible effects on the model predictive values in terms of methane molar fraction of the produced biogas, while the final pressure seemed to be slightly influenced.

Conclusions
The proposed model allowed to estimate the Monod maximum specific uptake rate for acetate, the half-saturation rate for acetate and the first-order decay rate constant, which were comparable with literature values reported for well-studied methanogens under anaerobic digestion at atmospheric pressure. The methane molar fraction and the final pressure predicted by the model showed different responses towards the variation of the gas–liquid mass transfer coefficient since the former seemed not to be affected by the variation of the gas–liquid mass transfer coefficient; in contrast, the final pressure seemed to be slightly influenced. The proposed approach may also allow to potentially identify the methanogens species able to be predominant at high pressure.
Tick-borne pathogens in neotropical animals in Trinidad, West Indies
Authors: Sant Candice , Seunarine Devon , Holder Nadine , Maharaj Krystal , Vaughan Melanie , Harrus Shimon , Gutierrez Ricardo , Nachum-Biala Yaarit , Baneth Gad , Charles Roxanne , Pow-Brown Patricia , Suepaul Rod , Georges Karla 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
Ticks are important vectors of many pathogens that have contributed to the morbidity and mortality of humans and domestic animals worldwide. Wildlife species have also been implicated as reservoir hosts of a variety of tick-borne pathogens. The objective of this study was to determine which tick-transmitted pathogens were present in the animals harvested from the forest in Trinidad for human consumption.

Methods
Thin blood smears from 43 neotropical animals were examined microscopically for tick-borne pathogens. Additionally, DNA extraction and PCR amplification of the 16S rRNA gene were used for amplification of Anaplasma and Ehrlichia while the gltA gene was used for Bartonella, and Rickettsia spp. and the 18S rRNA gene for Babesia, Hepatozoon and Theileria species.

Results
Pathogen DNA was amplified from four samples (a deer, collared peccary and two agoutis). Sequencing of the amplified products from the deer and collared peccary revealed 99.8% homology to Anaplasma bovis and 98.8% homology to Ehrlichia canis, respectively. Sequences from two agoutis revealed 90.4% homology to Theileria spp. DNA of Hepatozoon spp., Bartonella spp. Babesia spp. and Rickettsia spp. was not detected in any of the screened samples. An incidental finding in this study was the presence of bacteria in the blood of animals.

Conclusions
The results indicate that the DNA of tick-transmitted pathogens is present at a frequency of about 10% in the study population and suggests that neotropical mammals may serve as a source for the potential transmission of tick-borne pathogens to domestic animals and humans. In addition, physicians and hunters should be aware of the symptoms associated with zoonotic tick-borne pathogens so that these infections can be recognised, diagnosed and treated promptly. Bacteria present in carcasses can pose a food safety hazard and hunters should be trained in proper harvesting and handling of carcasses.

Graphical Abstract
Treatment of gouty arthritis is associated with restoring the gut microbiota and promoting the production of short-chain fatty acids
Authors: Park Han-Ki , Lee Sang Jin 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Introduction
Although factors initiating the inflammatory response to monosodium urate crystals have been identified, the role of the gut microbiota and their metabolites on gout remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the changes in both gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) according to inflammatory states of gout in the same patients.

Methods
This study enrolled 20 patients with gout in the acute state who had active joints and were followed up until the recovery state with no active joints. Blood and fecal samples were simultaneously collected within 3 days for each disease state. The stool microbiome was analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing, and serum SCFAs were measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Differences in the gut microbiome and serum SCFAs were compared between the acute and recovery states.

Results
Beta diversity of the microbiome was significantly different between the acute and recovery states in terms of weighted UniFrac distance. In the recovery state, Prevotellaceae (p = 0.006) and the genus Prevotella (p = 0.009) were significantly enriched, whereas Enterobacteriaceae (p = 0.019) and its derivative genus Shigella (p = 0.023) were significantly decreased compared to the acute state. Similarly, the levels of acetate were dramatically increased in the recovery state compared to the acute state (p < 0.010). The levels of propionate and butyrate tended to increase but without statistical significance.

Conclusion
Substantial alterations of bacterial composition with the promotion of SCFA formation (especially acetate) were found after treatment in patients with gouty arthritis.
The prevalence of chronic ankle instability in basketball athletes: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Lin Chiao-I , Mayer Frank , Wippert Pia-Maria 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
Ankle sprain is the most common injury in basketball. Chronic ankle instability develops from an acute ankle sprain may cause negative effects on quality of life, ankle functionality or on increasing risk for recurrent ankle sprains and post-traumatic osteoarthritis. To facilitate a preventative strategy of chronic ankle instability (CAI) in the basketball population, gathering epidemiological data is essential. However, the epidemiological data of CAI in basketball is limited. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the prevalence of CAI in basketball athletes and to determine whether gender, competitive level, and basketball playing position influence this prevalence.

Methods
In a cross-sectional study, in total 391 Taiwanese basketball athletes from universities and sports clubs participated. Besides non-standardized questions about demographics and their history of ankle sprains, participants further filled out the standard Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool applied to determine the presence of ankle instability. Questionnaires from 255 collegiate and 133 semi-professional basketball athletes (male = 243, female = 145, 22.3 ± 3.8 years, 23.3 ± 2.2 kg/m2) were analyzed. Differences in prevalence between gender, competitive level and playing position were determined using the Chi-square test.

Results
In the surveyed cohort, 26% had unilateral CAI while 50% of them had bilateral CAI. Women had a higher prevalence than men in the whole surveyed cohort (X2(1) = 0.515, p = 0.003). This gender disparity also showed from sub-analyses, that the collegiate female athletes had a higher prevalence than collegiate men athletes (X2(1) = 0.203, p = 0.001). Prevalence showed no difference between competitive levels (p > 0.05) and among playing positions (p > 0.05).

Conclusions
CAI is highly prevalent in the basketball population. Gender affects the prevalence of CAI. Regardless of the competitive level and playing position the prevalence of CAI is similar. The characteristic of basketball contributes to the high prevalence. Prevention of CAI should be a focus in basketball. When applying the CAI prevention measures, gender should be taken into consideration.
Nuclear matrix associated RNAs in posterior silk glands show developmental dynamics in Bombyx mori in 5th instar larvae
Authors: Chunduri Alekhya Rani , Lima Anugata , Rajan Resma , Mamillapalli Anitha 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Objectives
The nuclear matrix maintains and regulates chromatin structure. RNA is an integral component of the nuclear matrix and is essential to its structural maintenance. Bombyx mori is a major economic contributor in the sericulture industry and produces fibroin—the most important silk protein in its posterior silk glands during 5th instar larval stage. The present study investigates the composition of nuclear matrix RNA prepared from the posterior silk glands of Bombyx mori during fifth instar larval stage where maximum silk production occurs. The datasets from which the analysis is carried out are part of data note titled “Nuclear matrix associated RNA datasets of posterior silk glands of Bombyx mori during 5th instar larval development”.

Results
The results showed significant enrichment of nuclear matrix RNA from day 1, to day 5 and day 7. Nuclear RNA showed increased abundance from day 1 to day 5 and day 7. Nuclear matrix RNA exhibited repetitive RNA sequences, of which UGUCC and GCUGGU were the most abundant. Genes involved in metabolic pathways showed significant enrichment correlating with silk production. These results emphasize the role of dynamic, repetitive DNA transcripts in chromatin architecture and further reveal the close association between the nuclear matrix and gene expression.
Data set and methodology involving pedagogical approaches to teach mental health and substance use in dental education
Authors: Brondani Mario , Alan Rana , Donnelly Leeann 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Objective
In this Data note, we provide a raw data set in the form of brief self-guided reflections. We also present the methodological approach to generate these reflections including an educational vignette so that other dental schools can plan for their teaching activities involving mental health and substance use topics.

Data description
Between 2015/16 and 2018/19, the University of British Columbia’s (UBC) undergraduate dental and dental hygiene students submitted optional written guided reflections to address ‘how can an educational vignette, depicting a patient with a history of substance use and mental health disorders accessing dental care, promote an open dialogue about stigma?’ From a total of 323 undergraduate students, 148 anonymous reflections between 200 and 400 characters each were received. The main ideas that may emerge from the reflections include ‘exploring power relations’ and ‘patient-centered care approach to counteract stigma’.
Improvement of peripheral neuropathy in a patient with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-negative eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis by additional mepolizumab
Authors: Kai Yoshiro , Yoshikawa Masanori , Matsuda Masayuki , Suzuki Kentaro , Ohara Hiroya , Iguchi Naohiko , Kasamatsu Takehito , Uno Kenji , Fujioka Nobuhiro , Fujita Yukio , Muro Shigeo 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is a vasculitis characterized by abnormally high eosinophils and frequent peripheral neuropathy. Mepolizumab is an approved therapy for EGPA, but its efficacy against peripheral neuropathy remains unknown.

Case presentation
A 41-year-old woman was admitted in the hospital with dyspnea and neuropathy. Ground glass opacity and infiltrative shadow in the bilateral lungs were evident on chest computed tomography images. Eosinophils were increased in serum, in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and in transbronchial lung biopsy, and bacteria were not detected in BALF. EGPA resulting in severe eosinophilic asthma, sinusitis, pulmonary infiltrates, and peripheral neuropathy was diagnosed. Prednisolone (50 mg/day) caused remission of eosinophilic pneumonia and sinusitis, but not peripheral neuropathy. During prednisolone tapering (7 mg/day, 10 months after treatment), eosinophils were increased, and peripheral neuropathy relapsed. The humanized anti-IL-5 antibody mepolizumab (300 mg) was initially administered, followed by prednisolone. Mepolizumab caused sustained peripheral neuropathy remission and effective prednisolone tapering.

Conclusions
Introduction of mepolizumab combined with prednisolone may improve peripheral neuropathy.
Stellate ganglion block as an intervention in refractory eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis: a case report
Authors: Ma Danxu , Xue Yuting , Shi Rong , Yang Yinan , Li Huili , Shi Xuhua , Wang Li , Wang Yun 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is a rare vasculitis. Although glucocorticoid therapy with or without immunosuppressants leads to remission in the majority of cases, most EGPA patients remain dependent on glucocorticoid therapy and experience frequent relapses. Here, we report a case of refractory EGPA which responded to stellate ganglion blocks (SGBs).

Case presentation
A 32-year-old woman with aggravated wheezing, purpura, numbness of multiple fingers, and epigastric and abdominal pain was referred to our clinic. Laboratory and radiographic studies led to the diagnosis of EGPA. After an initial favorable response to glucocorticoid and immunosuppressant therapy, she experienced a relapse during a glucocorticoid taper. We found that SGB brought symptomatic relief and impeded disease progression. The mechanism of action of SGB on EGPA is undetermined, but may be related to vasodilation, immune modulation, and central nervous system regulation.

Conclusions
This report not only proposes a novel treatment modality for EGPA, but also provides a clinical reference point for further in-depth studies of SGB in multiple immune-linked disorders.
Nonshared environmental factors in the aetiology of autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions: a monozygotic co-twin control study
Authors: Isaksson Johan , Ruchkin Vladislav , Aho Nikolas , Lundin Remnélius Karl , Marschik Peter B. , Bölte Sven 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundA significant proportion of variation in likelihood of neurodevelopmental conditions (NDCs) has been attributed to nonshared environmental (NSE) factors, although it remains unclear which NSE factors pose specific risks for certain NDCs.MethodsA monozygotic co-twin design was applied in a sample of 224 twins (mean age = 17.70 years, SD = 6.28) controlling for confounders such as genes and shared environment. Generalized estimating equation models were fitted, using perinatal and postnatal indications of NSEs as exposure, operationalized both as separate risk factors and as cumulative risk loads. Categorical and dimensional operationalizations of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), intellectual disability and other NDCs were used as outcomes.ResultsBirth weight discordance was associated with dimensional autism and ADHD for the smaller twin, and medication during infancy was associated with dimensional autism. Among postnatal factors scarlet fever during early childhood was associated with lower IQ. Especially autism was associated with a greater cumulative perinatal or postnatal risk load.LimitationsWhen exploring the associations between each condition and specific NSEs the risk of being statistically underpowered increases. Hence, we limit the reported findings on specific indicators of NSEs to trait levels and present descriptive data for categorical NDCs.ConclusionsThe findings support previous research by indicating an association between exposure to perinatal and postnatal risks and subsequent NDCs within twin pairs and suggest that autism may be especially linked to accumulative early environmental risks. The findings are potentially important for developmental outcomes prognoses and may inform targeted prevention and early interventions.
Extensive intrathoracic and intraperitoneal splenosis mimicking mesothelioma: a case report
Authors: Föh Bandik , Sieren Malte Maria , Both Marcus , Seeger Marcus , Günther Rainer 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
Splenosis is the heterotopic autotransplantation of splenic tissue after severe splenic trauma and/or splenectomy. The epidemiology is elusive, but splenosis is frequently misdiagnosed as malignant tumors of gastrointestinal, gynecological, or hematological origin before the correct diagnosis is ultimately found. We herein report a rare case of combined, extensive intraabdominal and intrathoracic splenosis initially presenting as pleural mesothelioma.

Case presentation
A 63-year-old Caucasian male presented with dyspnea and recurring thoracic pain. Initial X-ray and computed tomography scans showed disseminated intrathoracic and intraabdominal lesions. Consequently, thoracoabdominal mesothelioma or a polytopically metastasized cancer of unknown origin was suspected. A thorough examination of the patient’s medical history and contrast-enhanced ultrasound by a skilled examiner revealed the diagnosis of extensive abdominal and thoracic splenosis as a consequence of an abdominal gunshot wound with a ruptured diaphragm several decades earlier. Timely diagnosis by noninvasive measures prevented the patient from potential complications of harmful diagnostic procedures, including nuclear imaging and biopsies. The patient is currently treated for hepatitis C and chronic obstructive lung disease, whereas no specific treatment for splenosis is required.

Conclusions
We present a case of rare intrathoracic and intraperitoneal splenosis mimicking mesothelioma. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound and thorough patient history were used for diagnosis and prevented this patient from having to undergo potentially harmful diagnostics. Splenosis can occur after splenic trauma and, consequently, needs to be considered as a rare differential diagnosis to malignant tumors of various origins when a matching patient history is obtained.