bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ESM-1 Levels and ARDS Prediction Score for Predicting ARDS Occurrence in Sepsis Patients
Authors: Wang Xuebin , Dong Ting , Yang Huan , Ju Xuan , Ye Haiyan 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) development is overtly associated with elevated mortality. This study aimed to determine the parameters predicting ARDS in sepsis patients. Methods: This was a retrospective case control study. The sepsis patients admitted to the intensive care unit were divided into the ARDS and non-ARDS groups according to ARDS occurrence within 72 hours. Plasma endothelial cell specific molecule-1 (ESM-1), white blood cell (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and procalcitonin (PCT) were assessed on the first day. PaO2/FiO2 ratio was determined on the first two days. Pearson correlation analysis and logistic regression analysis were carried out. Results: The ARDS and non-ARDS groups included 12 and 42 patients respectively. ESM-1 levels in the ARDS group on the first day were significantly lower than those of the non-ARDS group (P=0.009). ESM-1 levels and PaO2/FiO2 ratio were positively correlated. Logistic regression analysis showed that ESM-1, CRP and IL-6 levels on the first day were associated with ARDS. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) curves (AUCs) for ESM-1, CRP and IL-6 were 0.750, 0.736 and 0.736, respectively. A regression equation was established based on the coefficients of plasma ESM-1, CRP and IL-6 levels to derive an ARDS prediction score with an AUC for predicting ARDS of 0.895.Conclusion: Plasma ESM-1, CRP and IL-6 levels on the first day are associated with ARDS in sepsis. The novel ARDS predictive score is obviously better than ESM-1, CRP and IL-6 in predicting ARDS in sepsis patients.
Comparison of Cardinality Matching and Propensity Score Matching for Causal Inference in Observational Research
Authors: Fortin Stephen P , Johnston Stephen S , Schuemie Martijn J 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Cardinality matching (CM), a novel matching technique, finds the largest matched sample meeting prespecified balance criteria thereby overcoming limitations of propensity score matching (PSM) associated with limited covariate overlap, which are especially pronounced in studies with small sample sizes. The current study compares CM and PSM in terms of post-match sample size, covariate balance and residual confounding at progressively smaller sample sizes.Methods: To evaluate CM and PSM within a comparative cohort study of new users of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) and thiazide or thiazide-like diuretic monotherapy identified from a U.S. insurance claims database. Candidate covariates included patient demographics, and all observed prior conditions, drug exposures and procedures. Propensity scores were calculated using LASSO regression, and candidate covariates with non-zero beta coefficients in the propensity model were defined as matching covariates for use in CM. One-to-one matching was performed using progressively tighter parameter settings. Covariate balance was assessed using standardized mean differences. Hazard ratios were estimated using unconditional Cox models for negative control outcomes perceived as unassociated with treatment (e.g., true hazard ratio of 1). Residual confounding was assessed using the expected systematic error of the empirical null distribution of negative control effect estimates compared to the ground truth. Analyses were repeated within 10%, 1% and 0.5% subsample groups.Results: A total of 172,117 patients (ACEI: 129,078; thiazide: 43,039) met the study criteria. Compared to PSM, CM was associated with increased sample retention except for analyses failing to converge to a matched sample. Although PSM achieved balance across all matching covariates within the full study population, substantial matching covariate imbalance was observed within the 1% and 0.5% subsample groups. Meanwhile, CM achieved matching covariate balance across all analyses. PSM was associated with better candidate covariate balance within the full study population. Otherwise, both matching techniques achieved comparable candidate covariate balance and expected systematic error.Conclusion: CM found the largest matched sample meeting prespecified balance criteria while achieving comparable candidate covariate balance and residual confounding. At smaller sample sizes, CM achieved superior matching covariate balance. We recommend CM as an alternative to PSM in studies with small sample sizes.
The External Metastasis of The Central Nerve Yystem Germ Cell Tumors: Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Wang Peng , Li Yanong , Qiu Xiaoguang 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: The central nervous system germ cell tumors (CNS GCTs) represent a class of rare tumors with incidences ranging from 3.6% in North America to 15.3% in some areas of Asia, and commonly occurring in children and adolescents[1]. According to the 2016 World Health Organization (WHO) classification, GCTs divided into germinomas, non-germinal germ cell tumors (NGGCT) and suprasellar with male prominent[2]. Common symptoms of GCTs include headache, dizziness, vomiting, thirst, heavy drinking, and precocious puberty[3]. Because of GCTs arising in the pineal region could compress the interventricular foramen with consequence obstructive hydrocephalus, leading to high intracranial pressure (HIP), the ventriculoperitoneal shunt is preferred to relieve severe HIP. Although CNS GCTs tend to spread through the subependymal lining and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the metastasis along the ventriculoperitoneal shunt is extremely rare[4]. Therefore, we reported two cases and a review of the literature.
Protective effects of calorie restriction on insulin resistance and islets function in STZ-induced type 2 diabetes rats
Authors: Zhang Li , Huang Ying-juan , Sun Jia-pan , Zhang Ting-ying , Liu Tao-li , Ke Bin , Shi Xian-fang , Li Hui , Zhang Geng-peng , Ye Zhi-yu , Hu Jian-guo , Qin Jian 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background Caloric restriction (CR), as the only approved scientific method that can retard aging, has become more and more attractive in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) due to increasingly common high calorie diet and sedentary lifestyle. This study aimed to evaluate its role in T2DM treatment and further explored the potential molecular mechanism.Methods A total of 60 male SD rats were used in this study. Diabetes model was induced by 8 weeks of high-fat diet (HFD) followed by a single dose of streptozotocin injection (30mg/kg). Subsequently, the diabetic rats were fed ab libitum of 28g/day (diabetic control) or 20g/day (30% CR regimen) with HFD for 20 weeks. Meanwhile, normal rats had free standard chow diet served as vehicle control. Body mass, plasma glucose, and lipid profile were monitored. After diabetes-related functional tests being done, rats were sacrificed at 10 and 20 weeks, and glucose uptake in fresh muscle were determined. Liver and pancreas were prepared for histopathology and histochemical evaluations, and western blotting and immunofluorescence were applied to detect alterations in AKT/AS160/GLUT4 signaling. Results 30% CR significantly attenuated hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia, leading to alleviation of glucolipotoxicity, thus protected islets secretion, retarding the exhaustion of islets function. Insulin resistance was also markedly ameliorated, as indicated by notably improved insulin tolerance and HOMA-IR. However, glucose uptake in skeletal muscle was not significantly improved, and the up-regulation of AKT/AS160/GLUT4 signaling in muscle induced by 30% CR attenuated gradually over time. However, the consecutive decrease in AKT/AS160/GLUT4 signaling in white adipose tissue was significantly reversed by 30% CR. Conclusion 30% CR could protect islets function from hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia, and improve insulin resistance with probable mechanism related to the up-regulation of AKT/AS160/GLUT4 signaling.
Is Increased Peritoneal Seeding a Drawback After Using Intracorporeal Anastomosis in Laparoscopic Right Colectomy? A Propensity Score-Matched Study
Authors: Liao Chun-Kai , Chern Yih-Jong , Lin Yueh-Chen , Hsu Yu-Jen , Chiang Jy-Ming , Tsai Wen-Sy , Hsieh Pao-Shiu , Hung Hsin-Yuan , Yeh Chien-Yuh , You Jeng-Fu 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Backgrounds: Though better short-term outcomes were frequently reported, differences in specimen parameters and the rate of subsequent peritoneal seeding between intracorporeal anastomosis (IA) and extracorporeal anastomoses (EA) for laparoscopic right hemicolectomy have not been analyzed. We aimed to compare the pathologic differences and oncological outcomes between these two approaches.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 217 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic right hemicolectomies from September 2016 to April 2018, and classified them into IA and EA groups, based on the approach used. Propensity score matching analysis was performed, after which 101 patients were included in each group.Results: The IA group had a longer operative time, shorter length of stay, shorter time to first flatus and tolerating a soft diet, and better pain scale scores at postoperative day 3. No inter-group differences in conversion, postoperative complication, mortality, or readmission rates were found. The IA group had a longer resected colon length (23.67 vs. 19.75 cm, p=0.010) and nearest resected margin (7.51 vs. 5.40 cm, p=0.010) for cancer near the hepatic flexure. There are comparable 3-year overall survival (87.7% vs. 89.6%, p=0.604) and disease free survival (75.0% vs. 75.7%, p=0.842) between IA and EA groups. The occurrence of peritoneal seeding was similar between the groups too.Conclusions: IA ensures better recovery and comparable complications to EA. The former also achieved a more precise tumor excision. It is a valid technique without compromising oncological outcomes.
WITHDRAWN: Process Evaluation of TeamUp: A Movement–Based Psychosocial Intervention for Refugee Children in the Netherlands
Authors: Bleile Alexandra Carina Eva , Koppenol-Gonzalez Gabriela Veronica , Verreault Katia , Abeling Karin , Hofman Elin , Vriend Willem , Hasan Adnan , Jordans Mark Joris Daniël 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Nearly 60,000 people applied for asylum in the Netherland in 2015, confronting the governmental structures and services with great administrative, logistical and service provision challenges. Refugee children’s psychosocial needs and wellbeing are often overlooked, and post-migration support is of pivotal importance.Methods: An easy accessible movement–based psychosocial intervention, called TeamUp, was developed for children aged 6-17 living in refugee reception centres. A mixed-method process evaluation was conducted of (1) implementation process, assessing attendance (n = 2183 children, and n = 209 children); (2) implementation quality, using structured observations at two time points) to evaluate facilitator’s (2a) individual-level fidelity (n = 81 facilitators); (2b) team-level fidelity (n = 22 teams); (2c) facilitators’ competencies (n = 81); (2d) trainee perceived self-efficacy pre-post training (n = 73); and (3) perceptions on implementation and outcomes, employing a survey (n = 99), focus group discussions and key informant interviews with children (n = 94), facilitators (n = 24) and reception centre staff (n = 10).Results: Attendance lists showed a mean of 8.5 children per session, and children attending 31.3% of sessions. Structured observations demonstrated 49.2% and 58.2% individual-level fidelity, 72.5% and 73.0% team-level fidelity, and 82.9% and 88.4% adequacy in competencies, each at T1 and T2 respectively. Main challenges that were reported included managing children’s energy regulation (e.g. offering settling moments) and challenging behaviour. Training participation significantly improved perceived self-efficacy for trainees. The facilitator survey demonstrated on average, high satisfaction and self-efficacy, low experienced burden, and high perceived capacity-building support. Qualitatively, TeamUp was positively perceived by all stakeholders and was regarded as contributing to children’s psychosocial outcomes.Conclusion: (1) Attendance and group size were lower than expected. (2) The intervention’s facilitator fidelity ranged from moderate to adequate – exhibiting a need for specific fidelity strengthening and capacity-building – while facilitator competencies were high. Trainee’s perceived self-efficacy improved significantly following a two-day training. (3) Facilitators expressed high levels of satisfaction, self-efficacy and support, and low burden. The intervention was positively perceived by all stakeholders and to have a positive impact on children’s psychosocial learning and wellbeing.
Clinical Outcome of Patients with COVID-19 Pneumonia Treated with Corticosteroids and Colchicine in Colombia
Authors: Pinzón Miguel Alejandro , Arango Doris Cardona , Betancur Juan Felipe , Holguín Héctor , Arias Carolina Arias , Muñoz Bernardo Javier , Amarillo Michael , Llano Juan Felipe , Montoya Pablo 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: To date, there is no specific antiviral therapy for severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that causes Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). Since there is no specific therapy against SARS-CoV2, current efforts aim to prevent contagion through public health measures and develop a protective vaccine. While waiting for the latter, it is necessary to evaluate the drugs that at least, in initial studies, suggested some degree of utility in the management of Covid-19 or its complications.The Objective of the study was to describe the clinical manifestations and outcomes of patients with severe Covid-19 Pneumonia treated with corticosteroids and colchicine.Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study of 301 adult patients with Covid-19 Pneumonia confirmed by Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction for SARS-CoV2 (RT-PCR SARS-CoV2), Berlin protocol, who required hospitalization in three hospitals in Antioquia, Colombia. Patients were treated according to the institutional protocol (from March 20, 2020 to June 30, 2020) with corticosteroid if the patient required supplemental oxygen. From July 1, 2020, the management protocol changed with the addition of colchicine to all patients admitted to the institutions. The treatment was supervised and monitored by the same specialist in infectology of the institutions. We describe the clinical manifestations and outcomes of the patients who received these treatments. The patient’s information was analyzed according to the outcome of interest (alive/dead) with univariate, bivariate, and multivariate measures to adjust the variables that presented statistical association.Results: All patients had pneumonia documented by chest computed tomography with ground glass images and presented an alveolar pressure / inspired oxygen fraction (PaFi) less than 300. 240 (79.7%) of patients received corticosteroids, and 145 (48.2%) also received colchicine; of these, 14 (9.6%) died vs. 23 (14.7%) of those who did not receive it. Hospital mortality due to severe Covid-19 Pneumonia was 12.3% in three hospitals in Colombia.Conclusions: Treatment with corticosteroids and colchicine for managing patients with severe Covid-19 pneumonia was associated with low mortality at the hospital level. Randomized, placebo-controlled studies are required to evaluate the effect of corticosteroids and colchicine on complications or death from Covid-19.
Olefin Oligomerization by Main Group Ga3+ and Zn2+ Single Site Catalysts
Authors: LiBretto Nicole , Xu Yinan , Quigley Aubrey , Edwards Ethan , Nargund Rhea , Vega-Vila Juan , Saxena Arunima , Gounder Rajamani , Greeley Jeffrey , Zhang Guanghui , Miller Jeffrey 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
In heterogeneous catalysis, olefin oligomerization is typically performed on immobilized transition metal ions, such as Ni2+ and Cr3+. Here we report that silica-supported, single site catalysts containing immobilized, main group Zn2+ and Ga3+ ions catalyze ethylene and propylene oligomerization to an equilibrium distribution of linear olefins with rates similar to that of Ni2+. The molecular weight distribution of products formed on Zn2+ is similar to Ni2+; while Ga3+ forms higher molecular weight olefins. In situ spectroscopic and computational studies suggest that oligomerization unexpectedly occurs by the Cossee-Arlman mechanism via metal hydride and metal alkyl intermediates formed during olefin insertion and β-hydride elimination elementary steps. Initiation of the catalytic cycle is proposed to occur by heterolytic C-H dissociation of ethylene, which occurs at about 250°C where oligomerization is catalytically relevant. This work reports new chemistry for main group metal catalysts with potential for development of new olefin processes.
Non-Invasive Monitoring of pH and Oxygen Using Miniaturized Electrochemical Sensors in an Animal Model of Acute Hypoxia
Authors: Codina Laura Pla , Berdún Sergio , Mir Mònica , Rivas Lourders , Miserere Sandrine , Dulay Samuel , Samitier Josep , Eixarch Elisenda , Illa Miriam , Gratacós Eduard 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundOne of the most prevalent causes of fetal hypoxia leading to stillbirth is placental insufficiency. Hemodynamic changes evaluated with Doppler ultrasound have been used as a surrogate marker of fetal hypoxia. However, Doppler evaluation cannot be performed continuously. As a first step, the present work aimed to evaluate the performance of miniaturized electrochemical sensors in continuous monitoring of oxygen and pH changes in a model of acute hypoxia-acidosis. MethodspH and oxygen electrochemical sensors were evaluated in a ventilatory hypoxia rabbit model. The ventilator hypoxia protocol included three differential phases: basal (100% FiO2), hypoxia-acidosis period (10% FiO2) and recovery (100% FiO2). Sensors were tested in blood tissue (ex vivo sensing) and in the muscular tissue (in vivo sensing). pH electrochemical and oxygen sensors were evaluated at the same day of insertion (short-term evaluation) and pH electrochemical sensors were also tested after 5 days of insertion (long-term evaluation). pH and oxygen sensing were registered during all the ventilatory hypoxia protocol (basal, hypoxia-acidosis and recovery) and were compared with blood gas metabolites results from carotid artery catheterization (EPOC® blood analyzer). Finally, histological assessment was performed on the site of the sensor’s insertion. One-way ANOVA was used for the analysis of the evolution of acid-based metabolites and electrochemical sensor signaling results; T-test was used for pre and post calibration analyses; and chi-square analyses for categorical variables. ResultsAt the short-term evaluation, both pH and oxygen electrochemical sensors distinguished the basal and hypoxia-acidosis periods in the in vivo and ex vivo sensing. However, only the ex vivo sensing detected recovery period. At the long-term evaluation, pH electromechanical sensor signal seemed to lose sensibility. Finally, histological assessment revealed no signs of alteration at the same day of evaluation (short-term), whereas at the long-term evaluation sub-acute inflammatory reaction adjacent to the site of the implantation was detected. ConclusionsThe use of miniaturized electrochemical sensors open a new generation of tools for continuous monitoring of hypoxia-acidosis, especially indicated in high risk pregnancies. Further studies including more tissue-compatible material would be required in order to improve the long-term electromechanical sensing.
The Effect of Concept Mapping on Iranian EFL Learners’ Lexical Collocation Learning Across Gender
Authors: Rezvani Payman , Sadrosadat Masome 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
The present study attempted to investigate the impact of concept mapping strategy which is based on the theory of meaningful learning on retention of collocations. Moreover, the difference between the male and female learners exposed to the experimental condition was also examined. For this purpose, 90 EFL learners studying general English course at Urmia University were selected out of 115 learners according to their level of proficiency (PET test). Participants were assigned into two classes (class 1 (control group) = 48, class 2 (experimental group) = 42). Both groups received pre-test and post-test; however, they did get different instructions. Concept-mapping teaching strategy was used with experimental group participants while conventional instruction was employed in the control group. The results of this study support the fact that the use of concept mapping as a component of the instructional lesson can be an efficient model for fostering the collocation learning performance of learners with intermediate level of proficiency. However, there was not any statistically significant effect for gender.
Comparative Study of Wet and Dry Systems using EEG-based Convolution Neural Network
Authors: Emsawas Taweesak , Kimura Tsukasa , Fukui Ken-ichi , Numao Masayuki 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) is a communication tool between humans and systems using electroencephalography (EEG) to predict certain cognitive state aspects, such as attention or emotion. For brainwave recording, there are many types of acquisition devices created for different purposes. The wet system conducts the recording with electrode gel and can obtain high-quality brainwave signals, while the dry system expressly proposes the practical and ease of use. In this paper, we study a comparative study of wet and dry systems using two cognitive tasks: attention and music-emotion. The 3-back task is used as an assessment to measure attention and working memory in attention studies. Comparatively, the music-emotion experiments are used to predict the emotion according to the subject's questionnaires. Our analysis shows the similarities and differences between dry and wet electrodes by calculating the statistical values and frequency bands. Besides, we further study the relative characteristics by conducting the classification experiments. We proposed the end-to-end models of EEG classification, which are constructed by combining EEG-based feature extractors and classification networks. A deep convolution neural network (Deep ConvNet) and a shallow convolution neural network (Shallow ConvNet) were applied as the feature extractor of temporal and spatial filtering from raw EEG signals. The extracted feature is then forwardly conveyed to a long short-term memory ( LSTM ) to learn the dependencies of convolved features and classify attention states or emotional states. Additionally, transfer learning was utilized to improve the performance of the dry system by using transferred knowledge from the wet system. We applied the model not only on our dataset but also on the existing dataset to verify the model performance compared with the baseline techniques and the-state-of-the-art models. Using our proposed model, the result shows the significant differences between accuracy and chance level in attention classification (92.0%, S.D. 6.8%) and SEED dataset's emotion classification (75.3%, S.D. 9.3%).