bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased age and male sex are independently associated with higher frequency of blood–cerebrospinal fluid barrier dysfunction using the albumin quotient
Authors: Castellazzi Massimiliano , Morotti Andrea , Tamborino Carmine , Alessi Francesca , Pilotto Silvy , Baldi Eleonora , Caniatti Luisa M. , Trentini Alessandro , Casetta Ilaria , Granieri Enrico , Pugliatti Maura , Fainardi Enrico , Bellini Tiziana 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)/serum quotient of albumin (QAlb) is the most used biomarker for the evaluation of blood–cerebrospinal fluid barrier (B-CSF-B) permeability. For years QAlb was considered only as an age-related parameter but recently it has also been associated to sex. The aim of the present study was to explore the impact of sex in the determination of B-CSF-B dysfunction.MethodsThe analysis was retrospectively conducted on subjects consecutively admitted to the neurological ward. CSF and serum albumin levels were measured by immunonephelometry and pathological QAlb thresholds were considered: 6.5 under 40 years, 8.0 in the age 40–60 and 9.0 over 60 years.Results1209 subjects were included in the study. 718 females and 491 males (age: 15–88 years): 24.6% of patients had a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, 23.2% suffered from other inflammatory neurological diseases, 24.6% were affected by non-inflammatory neurological diseases, and for 27.6% of patients the final neurological diagnosis could not be traced. Dysfunctional B-CSF-B was detected more frequently (44 vs. 20.1%, p < 0.0001) and median QAlb value were higher (7.18 vs. 4.87, p < 0.0001) in males than in females in the overall study population and in all disease subgroups. QAlb and age were positively correlated both in female (p < 0.0001) and male (p < 0.0001) patients, however the slopes of the two regression lines were not significantly different (p = 0.7149), while the difference between the elevations was extremely significant (p < 0.0001) with a gap of 2.2 units between the two sexes. Finally, in a multivariable linear regression analysis increased age and male sex were independently associated with higher QAlb in the overall study population (both p < 0.001) and after stratification by age and disease group.ConclusionsAccordingly, identification and validation of sex-targeted QAlb thresholds should be considered as a novel tool in an effort to achieve more precision in the medical approach.
An ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants in Sheka Zone of Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples Regional State, Ethiopia
Authors: Kassa Zewdie , Asfaw Zemede , Demissew Sebsebe 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundPeople’s classification, management, and use of plants represent attempt to attracting people from different academic disciplines. Many countries use traditional medicine for their primary healthcare system. Medicinal plants have been important components of healthcare systems since the time immemorial. The objective of this research was to document and analyze traditional medicinal plants used by the Sheka people and associated ethnobotanical knowledge.MethodsData was collected by administering pre-prepared semi-structured interview items to 414 informants. Market surveys, group discussion, and guided field walk were used. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics; determination of informant consensus factor, fidelity level, as well as ranking and scoring.ResultsA total of 266 plant species belonging to 192 genera and 74 families were identified. About 204 (77%) of the medicinal plants were used to treat human health problems. Only ten (4%) were used to treat livestock health problems and 52 (19%) of them were used to treat both human and livestock health problems. Croton macrostachyus, Prunus africana, Peperomia retusa, Lobelia giberroa, and Celosia schweinfurthiana were found to be high ranking medicinal plants against gastrointestinal problems based on simple preference ranking.ConclusionVery high number of medicinal plant species recorded from the study area indicates that vegetation of Sheka is reservoir of medicinal plants. Hence, the area needs attention for medicinal plant conservation priorities. Plant parts used as medicines also play vital role in the entire medicinal plant life cycle. Therefore, it is useful to consider harvesting impacts. Except well-experienced traditional healers, people of the study area use the medicinal plants haphazardly. There may be high risk of being victims of dosage and improper usage. High ranking medicinal plants are candidates for further phytochemical profiling, drug research, and development.
Mechanical stability study of three techniques used in the fixation of transverse and oblique metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction fractures of the distal humerus in children: a finite element analysis
Authors: Liu Chuang , Kamara Allieu , Liu Tianjing , Yan Yunhui , Wang Enbo 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Management of distal humerus metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction (MDJ) region fractures can be very challenging mainly because of the higher location and characteristics of the fracture lines. Loss of reduction is relatively higher in MDJ fractures treated with classical supracondylar humerus fractures (SHFs) fixation techniques.

Methods
Three different fracture patterns including transverse, medial oblique and lateral oblique fractures were computationally simulated in the coronal plane in the distal MDJ region of a pediatric humerus and fixated with Kirschner Wires (K-wires), elastic stable intramedullary nails (ESIN), and lateral external fixation system (EF). Stiffness values in flexion, extension, valgus, varus, internal, and external rotations for each fixation technique were calculated.

Results
In the transverse fracture model, 3C (1-medial, 2-lateral K-wires) had the best stiffness in flexion, varus, internal, and external rotations, while 3L (3-divergent lateral K-wires) was the most stable in extension and valgus. In the medial oblique fracture model, EF had the best stiffness in flexion, extension, valgus, and varus loadings, while the best stiffness in internal and external rotations was generated by 3MC (2-medial, 1-lateral K-wires). In the lateral oblique fracture model, 3C (1-medial, 2-lateral K-wires) had the best stiffness in flexion and internal and external rotations, while ESIN had the best stiffness in extension and valgus and varus loadings.

Conclusion
The best stability against translational forces in lateral oblique, medial oblique, and transverse MDJ fractures would be provided by ESIN, EF, and K-wires, respectively. K-wires are however superior to both ESIN and EF in stabilizing all three fracture types against torsional forces, with both 2-crossed and 3-crossed K-wires having comparable stability. Depending on the fracture pattern, a 3-crossed configuration with either 2-divergent lateral and 1-medial K-wires or 2-medial and 1-lateral K-wires may offer the best stability.
Anterior quadratus lumborum block for postoperative recovery after total hip arthroplasty: a study protocol for a single-center, double-blind, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kikuchi Masaru , Mihara Takahiro , Mizuno Yusuke , Fujimoto Hiroko , Arai Sachiko , Nomura Takeshi , Goto Takahisa 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Appropriate pain management is essential to improve the postoperative recovery after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Various case reports have indicated that anterior quadratus lumborum block (QLB) provides effective postoperative analgesia in lower limb surgeries. However, few randomized controlled trials have confirmed the efficacy of anterior QLB for lower limb surgeries. The aim of this single-center, double-blind, randomized controlled trial is to confirm the efficacy of anterior QLB for postoperative recovery after THA.

Methods
The participants will be randomly assigned to either the anterior QLB or placebo groups, using a set of random numbers for the allocation sequence. Only pharmacists will be aware of the allocations; other investigators will be blinded until study completion. After induction of general anesthesia, anterior QLB will be performed by using 0.25% levobupivacaine or normal saline. Fentanyl will be administered according to blood pressure change during the surgery. The primary outcome will be the quality of recovery 40 score (QoR-40). Secondary outcomes will include the visual analog scale score of pain intensity at rest and movement, intraoperative and postoperative doses of fentanyl, and incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting. Statistical analysis will be performed by using the Student’s t test, Mann–Whitney U test, and Fisher’s exact test as appropriate. A P value of less than 0.05 will be considered statistically significant.

Discussion
The results of our study will reveal whether anterior QLB is effective for postoperative recovery after THA.

Trial registration
UMIN Clinical Trials Registry, UMIN000032255. Registered on 15 April 2018.
Metabolic phenotype in Darier disease: a cross-sectional clinical study
Authors: Ahanian Tara , Curman Philip , Leong Ivone U. S. , Brismar Kerstin , Bachar-Wikstrom Etty , Cederlöf Martin , Wikstrom Jakob D. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Human data supporting a role for endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and calcium dyshomeostasis in diabetes is scarce. Darier disease (DD) is a hereditary skin disease caused by mutations in the ATP2A2 gene encoding the sarcoendoplasmic-reticulum ATPase 2 (SERCA2) calcium pump, which causes calcium dyshomeostasis and ER stress. We hypothesize that DD patients have a diabetes-like metabolic phenotype and the objective of this study was to examine the association between DD with impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes.

Methods
Cross-sectional clinical study on 25 DD patients and 25 matched controls. Metabolic status was assessed primarily by fasting blood glucose, oral glucose tolerance test, HOMA2-%S (insulin resistence) and HOMA2-%B (beta cell function).

Results
DD subjects showed normal oral glucose tolerance test and HOMA2-%S, while fasting blood glucose was lower and c-peptide as well as HOMA2-%B was higher.

Conclusion
Increased HOMA2-%B values are indicative of increased basal insulin secretion which is a type of beta cell dysfunction associated to diabetes development. These results supports a role of ER stress in diabetes pathophysiology and contribute to the understanding of DD as a multi-organ syndrome.
Serotonergic innervation of the amygdala is increased in autism spectrum disorder and decreased in Williams syndrome
Authors: Lew C. H. , Groeniger K. M. , Hanson K. L. , Cuevas D. , Greiner D. M. Z. , Hrvoj-Mihic B. , Bellugi U. , Schumann C. M. , Semendeferi K. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Williams syndrome (WS) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders that demonstrate overlapping genetic associations, dichotomous sociobehavioral phenotypes, and dichotomous pathological differences in neuronal distribution in key social brain areas, including the prefrontal cortex and the amygdala. The serotonergic system is critical to many processes underlying neurodevelopment and is additionally an important neuromodulator associated with behavioral variation. The amygdala is heavily innervated by serotonergic projections, suggesting that the serotonergic system is a significant mediator of neuronal activity. Disruptions to the serotonergic system, and atypical structure and function of the amygdala, are implicated in both WS and ASD.

Methods
We quantified the serotonergic axon density in the four major subdivisions of the amygdala in the postmortem brains of individuals diagnosed with ASD and WS and neurotypical (NT) brains.

Results
We found opposing directions of change in serotonergic innervation in the two disorders, with ASD displaying an increase in serotonergic axons compared to NT and WS displaying a decrease. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed between WS and ASD data sets across multiple amygdala nuclei.

Limitations
This study is limited by the availability of human postmortem tissue. Small sample size is an unavoidable limitation of most postmortem human brain research and particularly postmortem research in rare disorders.

Conclusions
Differential alterations to serotonergic innervation of the amygdala may contribute to differences in sociobehavioral phenotype in WS and ASD. These findings will inform future work identifying targets for future therapeutics in these and other disorders characterized by atypical social behavior.
Attitudes and perceptions of UK medical students towards artificial intelligence and radiology: a multicentre survey
Authors: Sit Cherry , Srinivasan Rohit , Amlani Ashik , Muthuswamy Keerthini , Azam Aishah , Monzon Leo , Poon Daniel Stephen 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Objectives
To explore the attitudes of United Kingdom (UK) medical students regarding artificial intelligence (AI), their understanding, and career intention towards radiology. We also examine the state of education relating to AI amongst this cohort.

Methods
UK medical students were invited to complete an anonymous electronic survey consisting of Likert and dichotomous questions.

Results
Four hundred eighty-four responses were received from 19 UK medical schools. Eighty-eight percent of students believed that AI will play an important role in healthcare, and 49% reported they were less likely to consider a career in radiology due to AI. Eighty-nine percent of students believed that teaching in AI would be beneficial for their careers, and 78% agreed that students should receive training in AI as part of their medical degree. Only 45 students received any teaching on AI; none of the students received such teaching as part of their compulsory curriculum. Statistically, students that did receive teaching in AI were more likely to consider radiology (p = 0.01) and rated more positively to the questions relating to the perceived competence in the post-graduation use of AI (p = 0.01–0.04); despite this, a large proportion of students in the taught group reported a lack of confidence and understanding required for the critical use of healthcare AI tools.

Conclusions
UK medical students understand the importance of AI and are keen to engage. Medical school training on AI should be expanded and improved. Realistic use cases and limitations of AI must be presented to students so they will not feel discouraged from pursuing radiology.
A bifurcation and symmetry result for critical fractional Laplacian equations involving a perturbation
Authors: Zuo Jiabin , Li Mingwei , Li Bomeng , Qiao Zhenhua 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIn the present paper, by using the variational and topological methods, we obtain a multiplicity and bifurcation result for the following fractional problems involving critical nonlinearities and a lower order perturbation:−LKv=μv+|v|2s∗−2v+g(x,v)in Ω,v=0in RN∖Ω,whereΩis an open and bounded domain with Lipschitz boundary,$N>2s$N>2s, with$s\in (0,1)$s∈(0,1),gis a lower order perturbation of the critical power$|v|^{2_{s}^{*}-2}v$|v|2s∗−2vandμis a positive real parameter,$2_{s}^{*}=\frac{2N}{N-2s}$2s∗=2NN−2sis the fractional critical Sobolev exponent, while$\mathcal{L}_{K}$LKis an integro-differential operator. Precisely, we show that the number of nontrivial solutions for this equation under suitable assumptions is at least twice the multiplicity of the eigenvalue. Our conclusions improve the related results in some respects.
Optimization of the utilization of deep borehole heat exchangers
Authors: Pan Sheng , Kong Yanlong , Chen Chaofan , Pang Zhonghe , Wang Jiyang 
Published: February 2020

AbstractDeep-borehole heat exchangers (DBHE) are generally coaxial pipes installed in deep boreholes and has become an alternative approach to utilize geothermal energy. Since the performance of the DBHE system can be affected by several parameters, it is important to optimize the design of parameters for the DBHE. In this paper, based on the analytical method, we carried out the sensitivity analysis of DBHE design parameters, including outer pipe diameter, inner pipe diameter, flow rate, outer pipe materials, grout materials, and borehole depth during continuous operation for 4 months. The sensitivity analysis results indicate that the heat extraction rate can be significantly affected by outer pipe diameter, borehole depth, and flow rate. The effects of grout materials, inner pipe diameter and outer pipe materials are of second-order. Finally, an optimization method based on the lowest Average Energy Cost index was proposed to optimize these DBHE design parameters under different geological conditions. Given the cost in this study, a combination scheme of all the optimal parameters is given for different depth wells under different geological conditions.
Shallow crustal earthquake models, damage, and loss predictions in Banda Aceh, Indonesia
Authors: Rusydy Ibnu , Idris Yunita , Mulkal  , Muksin Umar , Cummins Phil , Akram Muhammad Nouval , Syamsidik  
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe city of Banda Aceh stands on Holocene fluvial basin sediment, surrounded by the Aceh and Seulimeum fault segments where large magnitude earthquakes can occur at any time. Such earthquakes could cause extensive physical infrastructure damages, injuries, and economic loss. This research aims to produce several earthquake scenarios, to determine the damage ratio of the buildings and its distribution in these different scenarios and to estimate the number of potential casualties and economic loss. Data analysis in this research includes modelling an earthquake by applying a ground motion model for shallow crustal earthquakes to yield an intensity map after the correction for site effects. The damage ratios for different types of buildings were calculated using the fragility curves of buildings that were developed by other researchers. Building occupants at different times, building damage ratios, and injury ratios were used to determine the number of injured residents in the earthquake scenario. The results show that Banda Aceh could be potentially experience earthquake ground motion within the intensity range from MMI VII to IX due to earthquakes of Mw 6.5 to Mw 7.0. The Mw 7.0 earthquake on the Aceh segment is the worst case scenario, causing building damage throughout Banda Aceh with casualty rates of 3.5–20% of the population in buildings in general if it happened during daytime, with economic loss about 3320 million USD. Mitigation and preparedness programs for the Banda Aceh community are therefore very important in order to reduce the potential level of damage, personal injury, and economic loss due to future earthquakes.
Patient experience following iliac crest-derived alveolar bone grafting and implant placement
Authors: Gjerde Cecilie G. , Shanbhag Siddharth , Neppelberg Evelyn , Mustafa Kamal , Gjengedal Harald 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
The objective of this study was to assess patient-reported outcomes such as satisfaction and quality of life after advanced alveolar bone augmentation with anterior iliac crest grafting and implant treatment in orally compromised patients.

Methods
This cross-sectional retrospective cohort study included 59 patients (29 women and 30 men) with major functional problems, who underwent advanced alveolar augmentation with autologous iliac bone grafts during a 10-year period (2002–2012).
The self-administered questionnaire included 36 validated questions related to (1) demographics, (2) perceived general and oral health, (3) donor site and hospitalization, (4) status of implants and/or prosthesis, and (5) oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL).

Results
Questionnaires were completed by 44 patients: 24 women and 20 men (response rate, 74.6%). Most patients reported good tolerance of the operative iliac bone harvesting (85%) and implant (90%) procedures. Post-operative pain at the donor site was reported by 38%, lasting 18.1 ± 16.1 days. An average of 4.3 ± 3.5 days of hospitalization and 20.2 ± 18.5 days of sick leave was reported. The overall satisfaction with prosthetic reconstruction was 90.5%. OHRQoL was reported with a mean Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) score of 8.4.

Conclusion
Favorable OHRQoL and satisfaction were reported after advanced reconstruction of alveolar ridges with iliac crest-derived grafting and implants in severely compromised patients. However, this treatment requires substantial resources including hospitalization and sick leave.
Mapping the nomenclature, methodology, and reporting of studies that review methods: a pilot methodological review
Authors: Lawson Daeria O. , Leenus Alvin , Mbuagbaw Lawrence 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
A relatively novel method of appraisal, methodological reviews (MRs) are used to synthesize information on the methods used in health research. There are currently no guidelines available to inform the reporting of MRs.

Objectives
This pilot review aimed to determine the feasibility of a full review and the need for reporting guidance for methodological reviews.

Methods
Search strategy: We conducted a search of PubMed, restricted to 2017 to include the most recently published studies, using different search terms often used to describe methodological reviews: “literature survey” OR “meta-epidemiologic* review” OR “meta-epidemiologic* survey” OR “methodologic* review” OR “methodologic* survey” OR “systematic survey.”
Data extraction: Study characteristics including country, nomenclature, number of included studies, search strategy, a priori protocol use, and sampling methods were extracted in duplicate and summarized.
Outcomes: Primary feasibility outcomes were the sensitivity and specificity of the search terms (criteria for success of feasibility set at sensitivity and specificity of ≥ 70%).
Analysis: The estimates are reported as a point estimate (95% confidence interval).

Results
Two hundred thirty-six articles were retrieved and 31 were included in the final analysis. The most accurate search term was “meta-epidemiological” (sensitivity [Sn] 48.39; 95% CI 31.97–65.16; specificity [Sp] 97.56; 94.42–98.95). The majority of studies were published by authors from Canada (n = 12, 38.7%), and Japan and USA (n = 4, 12.9% each). The median (interquartile range [IQR]) number of included studies in the MRs was 77 (13–1127). Reporting of a search strategy was done in most studies (n = 23, 74.2%). The use of a pre-published protocol (n = 7, 22.6%) or a justifiable sampling method (n = 5, 16.1%) occurred rarely.

Conclusions
Using the MR nomenclature identified, it is feasible to build a comprehensive search strategy and conduct a full review. Given the variation in reporting practices and nomenclature attributed to MRs, there is a need for guidance on standardized and transparent reporting of MRs. Future guideline development would likely include stakeholders from Canada, USA, and Japan.