bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surveillance on schistosomiasis in five PLADs of the People’s Republic of China in the post-elimination era
Authors: Guo Jing-Yi , Xu Jing , Zhang Li-Juan , Lv Shan , Cao Chun-Li , Li Shi-Zhu , Zhou Xiao-Nong 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: The People’s Republic of China (P. R. China) has made significant progress on schistosomiasis control. Among the 12 provinces (municipality, autonomous region) with schistosomiasis endemic in P. R. China, Guangdong, Shanghai, Fujian, Guangxi and Zhejiang provincial-level administrative divisions (PLADs, following as five PLADs) had successively eliminated schistosomiasis during 1985–1995. However, consolidation of the schistosomiasis elimination in these five PLADs remains challenging. In the current study, we sought to understand the epidemic situation in these post-elimination areas and their surveillance capabilities on schistosomiasis. Methods: Annual data reflecting the interventions and surveillance on human beings, cattle and snails based on county level from 2005 to 2016 were collected through the national schistosomiasis reporting system and the data were analyzed to understand the epidemic status of schistosomiasis in the five PLADs. Ten counties were selected according to the endemic situation before elimination in the five PLADs. A standardized score sheet was designed to assess the surveillance capacity for schistosomiasis of selected disease control agencies in five PLADs and ten counties. Assessment on surveillance capacity including schistosomiasis diagnostic skills, identification of snails’ living and infection status and knowledge about schistosomiasis and its control were made. And the accuracy rate of the assessment was calculated. Results: The comprehensive assessments showed that no local cases in humans and cattle or infected snail were found in these five PLADs since 2005, and the surveillance abilities on schistosomiasis of the prevention and control institutions in five PLADs were appropriate. However, from 2005 to 2016, a total of 221 imported cases were detected in Zhejiang, Shanghai and Fujian PLADs, and 11.98 hm2 of new snail habitats were found in Zhejiang, Shanghai and Guangxi PLADs. In addition, snail infestation reoccurred in 247.55 hm2 of former snail habitats since 2011. For the surveillance capacity assessment on diagnosis skills, the accuracy rate of IHA was 100%, and the accuracy rate of MHT was 89.3%. For snail identification, the accuracy rate of identifying the snails’ living status was 100%, and the average accuracy rate of identifying infection status of snails was 98.1%. The average accuracy rate of the questionnaire survey was 98.0%.﻿Conclusions: Elimination of schistosomiasis was consolidated successfully in five PLADs of P.R. China due to effective and strong post-elimination surveillance. Comprehensive consolidation strategies should be focused on the elimination of residual snails and the prevention of imported infection sources among the five PLADs to consolidate the achievements of schistosomiasis control.
Transcriptome-IPMS analysis reveals a tissue-dependent miR156/SPL13 regulatory mechanism in alfalfa drought tolerance
Authors: Feyissa Biruk A , Renaud Justin , Nasrollahi Vida , Kohalmi Susanne , Hannoufa Abdelali 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background : We previously reported on the interplay between miR156/SPL13 and WD40-1/DFR to improve response to drought stress in alfalfa ( Medicago sativa L.). Here we aimed to investigate whether the role of miR156/SPL13 module in drought response is tissue-specific, and to identify SPL13-interacting proteins. We analyzed the global transcript profiles of leaf, stem, and root tissues of one-month old RNAi-silenced SPL13 ( SPL13 RNAi) alfalfa plants exposed to drought stress and conducted protein-protein interaction analysis to identify SPL13 interacting partners. Result : Transcript analysis combined with weighted gene co-expression network analysis showed tissue and genotype-specific gene expression patterns. Moreover, pathway analysis of stem-derived differentially expressed genes (DEG) revealed upregulation of genes associated with stress mitigating primary and specialized metabolites, whereas genes associated with photosynthesis light reactions were silenced in SPL13 RNAi plants. Leaf-derived DEG were attributed to enhanced light reactions, largely photosystem I, II, and electron transport chains, while roots of SPL13 RNAi plants upregulated transcripts associated with metal ion transport, carbohydrate, and primary metabolism. Using immunoprecipitation combined with mass spectrometry (IPMS) we showed that SPL13 interacts with proteins involved in photosynthesis, specialized metabolite biosynthesis, and stress tolerance. Conclusions : We conclude that the miR156/SPL13 module mitigates drought stress in alfalfa by regulating molecular and physiological processes in a tissue-dependent manner.
A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol examining the clinical characteristics and epidemiological features of olfactory dysfunction (OD) in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Authors: Tan Rosemond Qian-Xiu , Li Wai Tak Victor , Shum Wing-Zi , Chu Sheung Chit , Li Hang-Long , Shea Yat-Fung , Chung Tom Wai-Hin 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused recurring and major outbreaks in multiple human populations around the world. The plethora of clinical presentations of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been described extensively, of which olfactory dysfunction (OD) was established as an important and common extrapulmonary manifestation of COVID-19 infection. The aim of this protocol is to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on peer-reviewed articles which described clinical data of OD in COVID-19 patients. Methods This research protocol has been prospectively registered with the Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; CRD42020196202). CINAHL, ClinicalTrials.gov, Cochrane Central, EMBASE, MEDLINE and PubMed, as well as Chinese medical databases: China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP and WANFANG will be searched using keywords including “COVID-19”, “coronavirus disease”, “2019-nCoV”, “SARS-CoV-2”, “novel coronavirus”, “anosmia”, “hyposmia”, “loss of smell”, and “olfactory dysfunction”. Systematic review and meta-analysis will be conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and the Meta-analyses Of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) guidelines. Articles will be screened according to pre-specified inclusion and exclusion criteria. Included articles will be reviewed in full; data including patient demographics, clinical characteristics of COVID-19-related OD, methods of olfactory assessment, and relevant clinical outcomes will be extracted. Statistical analyses will be performed using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis version 3. Discussion This systematic review and meta-analysis protocol will aim to collate and synthesise all available clinical evidence regarding COVID-19-related OD as an important neurosensory dysfunction of COVID-19 infection. A comprehensive search strategy and screening process will be conducted to incorporate comprehensive clinical data for robust statistical analyses and representation. The outcome of this study will aim to improve our understanding of the symptomatology and clinical characteristics of COVID-19-related OD and identify knowledge gaps in its disease process, which will guide future research in this specific neurosensory defect.Systematic Review registration: PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020196202
The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Cardiac Surgery in Israel
Authors: Keizman Eitan , Ram Eilon , Kachel Erez , Sternik Leonid , Raanani Ehud 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Ever since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a pandemic, worldwide efforts are being made to “flatten the curve”. Israel was amongst the first countries to impose significant restrictions. As a result, cardiac surgeons have been required to scale down their routine practice, resulting in a significant reduction in the number of cardiac surgeries. The aim of this study is to characterize the impact of COVID-19 on cardiac surgery in Israel.Methods: This is a retrospective observational study performed in two cardiac surgery departments in Israel and includes all patients who underwent cardiac surgery in March and April during the years 2019 and 2020. The patient cohort was divided into two groups based on the year of operation. Analysis of the patients’ baseline characteristics, operative data, and postoperative outcome, was performed.Results: The 2019 group (n=173), and the 2020 group (n=108) were similar regarding their baseline characteristics, previous medical history, and rates of previous revascularization interventions. However, compared to the 2019 group, patients in the 2020 group were found to be more symptomatic (NYHA class IV; 2.4% vs. 6.2%, p=0.007). While all patients underwent similar procedures, patients in the 2020 group had significantly longer procedural time (p<0.001). In-hospital mortality rate was found to be significantly higher in group 2020 (13% vs. 5.2%, p=0.037).Conclusions: While the number of patients undergoing cardiac surgery declined during the outbreak period, the rate of surgical mortality increased. One explanation for this might be delayed hospital arrival.
The Relationship Between Proxy Agency and the Medical Decisions Concerning Pediatric Patients in Palliative Care: A Qualitative Study.
Authors: Fay Martina , Guadarrama Jessica , Colmenares-Roa Tirsa , Moreno-Licona Yrai , Cruz-Martin Ana Gabriela , Pelaez-Ballestas Ingris 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background The children’s agency and that exercised by parents and health professionals in palliative care, along with structural limitations imposed by the conditions of inequality, will provide a new perspective from medical anthropology and biomedicine to improve pediatric palliative care in complex therapeutic scenarios.The main purpose of the study was to analyze the ways in which children have agency in relation to their parents and palliative care (PC) professionals within the hospital setting, as well as the structural circumstances that constrain said agency.Method A hospital ethnography (by means of non-participant observation and interviews) of the palliative care (PC) unit in a children’s hospital was conducted over the course of six months. A thematic analysis was performed using the ATLAS.ti software .ResultsThirteen cases were reconstructed of underage patients of both sexes boy and girl patients together with their families; five health professionals were interviewed. The analysis identified the following 6 thematic axes, around which this article is organized: 1. The relationship between the exercise of proxy agency and the medical decisions concerning underage patients. 2. Negotiating agency and support in decision-making. 3. Child autonomy. 4. The experiences of health professionals. 5. Limitations of palliative care. 6. Bureaucratization of palliative care.ConclusionsIn pediatric palliative care, agency is a process whereby different agencies intertwine: lack pediatric patients ´agency, the parents’ agency, the parents’ agency as representatives of their children (proxy agency), and the agency of health professionals. The concept of relational agency is proposed, defined as a set of group actions and decision-making centered around the children’s agency and the proxy agency.
Direct and Indirect Therapeutic Effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine as an Add-on for Non-proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: an Xuedong , jin de , duan liyun , zhao shenghui , zhou rongrong , lian fengmei , tong xiaolin 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background：Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of blindness in many countries. The current treatment for non-proliferative DR (NPDR) using Western medicine (WM) alone is insufficient. At present, the combination of NPDR treatment with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and WM is universally applied. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of TCM as an add-on for NPDR using a systematic review and meta-analysis.Method: Data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of TCM for NPDR treatment along with WM before July 6, 2019, were collected from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, China Biomedical Database, Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane Library. Relevant data were extracted by two reviewers. I2 statistics was adopted to appraise heterogeneity. If I2<50% the fixed-effects model was employed, otherwise a random-effect model was employed. (PROSPERO: CRD42019134947)Result: Eighteen RCTs (1522 patients) were included based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The results showed that compared with WM alone, TCM (including Compound Xueshuantong Capsule, Qiming Granule, and others) combined with WM for NPDR could improve the overall effiicacy [n=1686，RR1.24(1.18,1.30), P<0.00001, I2=0%], and reduce the influence of risk factors related to NPDR, such as glycated hemoglobin level [n=360, MD -0.85(-1.28, -0.41), P=0.0001, I2=72%], triglyceride (P<0.00001), and total cholesterol (P=0.0008). Moreover, no serious adverse events were reported.Conclusion: Compared with WM alone, TCM+WM could significantly improve NPDR and also reduce the correlation levels of risk factors, such as hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia. However, the small sample included in the study might lead to a publication bias, and therefore, our results should be treated with caution.
Untargeted and Targeted Proteomic Analysis of the Impact of Diabetes Mellitus on Two Adipose Tissue Depots and Blood of Obese Patients
Authors: Arderiu Gemma , Lambert Carmen , Padró Teresa , Vilahur Gemma , Ballesta Carlos , Ybarra Juan , Badimon Lina 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Obesity has increased over the last years and it is one of the most common cardiovascular risk factors. In addition obesity is associated with the development of other metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance and type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Here, we have investigated two adipose tissue depots (AT) proteome and secreted serum proteins in obese patients to understand fat tissue characteristics in metabolic syndrome and T2DM.Methods: We used an untargeted proteomic approach to compare white AT of subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral (VAT) depots in type 3 obese patients. In silico analysis and bioinformatics were applied to proteomic data to gain systems biology information. By bead-based targeted multiplex assay system, we simultaneously detected and quantified multiple targets in qualified complex samples and analyzed the changes produced in the adipokine serum composition due to obesity and T2DM.Results: Protein composition in SAT and VAT showed significant differences. There was upregulation of proteins related with the endocrine regulation system in SAT, whereas proteins upregulated in VAT were related to metabolic disorders. VAT protein composition was more sensitive to the presence of diabetes than SAT. A pro-inflammatory state, caused by the secretion of cytokines and related adypokines, was observed in the serum protein composition of both obese and diabetic patients.Conclusions: Our results show a synergic alteration in the metabolic and inflammatory state in both VAT and serum due to the presence of diabetes, whereas changes in SAT were related with endocrine regulation.
Social Listening – Revealing Parkinson’s Disease over Day and Night
Authors: Zhang Hui , Meng Fanwen , Li Xingyu , Ning Yali , Cai Meng 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Nocturnal symptoms in Parkinson’s disease are often treated after management of daytime manifestations. In order to better understand the unmet needs of nocturnal symptoms management, we analyzed the characteristics and burden of nocturnal symptoms from patients’ perspectives and explored their changes over time. Overall symptoms (occurring at day or night) were collected to compare whether the unmet needs related to nocturnal symptoms and to overall symptoms are different.Methods: We used a Social Listening big-data technique to analyze large amounts of Parkinson’s disease symptoms in dialogues available from social media platforms in 2016 to 2018. These symptoms were classified as either overall symptoms or nocturnal symptoms. We used share of voice (SOV) of symptoms as a proportion of total dialogues per year to reflect the characteristics of symptoms. Negative sentiment score of symptoms was analyzed to find out their related burden. Results: We found the SOV for overall motor symptoms was 79% and had not increased between 2016 and 2018 (79%, p = 0.5). The SOV for non-motor symptoms was 69% and had grown by 7% in 2018 (p < 0.01). The SOV for motor complications was 9% and had increased by 6% in 2018 (p < 0.01). The SOV of motor symptoms was larger than non-motor symptoms and motor complications (p < 0.01). The SOV of non-motor symptoms was larger than motor complications (p < 0.01). For nocturnal symptoms, 45% of the analyzed PD population reported nocturnal symptoms in 2018, growing by 6% (p < 0.01). The SOV for nocturnal-occurring motor symptoms was higher than most non-motor symptoms. However, non-motor symptoms had the higher increases and evoked higher negative sentiment regardless of whether they occurred during the day or night. For symptoms that can occur at either day or night, each nocturnal symptom was rated with a higher negative sentiment score than the same symptom during the day.Conclusions: The growing SOV and the greater negative sentiment of nocturnal symptoms suggest management of nocturnal symptoms is an unmet need of patients. A greater emphasis on detecting and treating nocturnal symptoms with 24-hour care is encouraged.
Male involvement in birth preparedness and complication readiness in Ethiopia: A Systematic review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Mekonnen Chilot kassa , Abate Hailemichael Kindie , Demessie Negesu Gizaw 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Male involvement during pregnancy, labor and post-partum care has been shown to improve positive maternal and newborn outcomes. Nevertheless, it continues to be low, especially in low income countries. One of the reasons is the lack of birth preparedness and complication readiness, which is recognized as the most cost-effective and achievable components of safe motherhood programs around the world. Thus, this systematic review and meta-analysis study tried to determine the pooled prevalence of male involvement in birth preparedness and complication readiness (BP/CR) and its associated factors in Ethiopia. Methods: Searching of the primary articles was completed by PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHAL, and Google Scholar, HINARI portal which includes the SCOPUS, African Index Medicus, and African Journals Online Database. The data was extracted by using a standard data extraction checklist that developed according to Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI).For assessing heterogeneity across the studies I2 statistics was used. The Funnel plot asymmetry and Egger’s tests were used to check the presence of publication bias. A random effect model was used to estimate the pooled proportion of male involvement. Odds Ratio (OR) with the 95% confidence interval was also used to determine the association of identified factors with the outcome variable. Result: From a total of 614, primary studies 8 were eligible for inclusion in the final systematic Review and meta-analysis. The pooled estimate of male involvement in birth preparedness and complication readiness was found to be 40.17% [95%CI (24.01-56.33). Conclusion: The pooled prevalence of male involvement in birth preparedness and complication readiness was relatively low. Thus, Minister of Health with its stake holders better to give emphasis on community awareness programs so as to increase male involvement for birth preparedness and complication readiness.
Feasibility of a Modified SCC Method With and Without Combining the Use of PGA Sheets and Fibrin Glue for Preventing Delayed Bleeding After Gastric ESD
Authors: Abiko Satoshi , Oda Soichiro , Meno Akimitsu , Shido Akane , Yoshida Sonoe , Yoshikawa Ayumu , Harada Kazuaki , Kawagishi Naoki , Sano Itsuki , Oda Hisashi , Miyagishima Takuto 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Some methods have been developed for preventing delayed bleeding (DB) after gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection (GESD). However, none of the methods can completely prevent DB. We hypothesized that DB can be prevented by a modified the search, coagulation, and clipping (MSCC) method for patients at low risk of DB and by combining the use of PGA sheets and fibrin glue with the MSCC method (PMSCC method) for patients at high risk of DB (anti-bleeding [ABI] strategy). In this study, the technical feasibility of this novel strategy was assessed.Methods: We investigated 123 lesions in 121 consecutive patients who underwent GESD in Kushiro Rosai Hospital between April 2018 and January 2020. The decision for continuation or cessation of antithrombotic agents was based on the Guidelines for Gastroenterological Endoscopy in Patients Undergoing Antithrombotic Treatment.Results: Oral antithrombotic agents were administered to 28 patients (22.8%). En bloc R0 resection rate was 98.4%. The MSCC method and PMSCC method for preventing were performed in 114 and 9 lesions, respectively. The median time of the MSCC method was 16 min and the median speed was 3.6 cm2/10min. The median time of the PMSCC method was 59 min and the median speed was 1.3 cm2/10min. The only delayed procedural adverse event was DB in one (0.8%) of the 123 lesions. Conclusions: The ABI strategy is feasible for preventing DB in patients at low risk and high risk of DB after GESD, whereas the PMSCC method may be necessary for reduction of time.
Fall Risk Prediction via Classification of Lower Extremity Strength in Older Adults with Exergame-Collected Data
Authors: Becker Hagen , Garcia-Agundez Augusto , Müller Philipp Niklas , Tregel Thomas , Miede André , Göbel Stefan 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Objective: The goal of this article is to present and evaluate a sensor-based falling risk estimation system. The system consists of an array of Wii Balance Boards (WBB) and an exergame that estimates if the player is at an increased falling risk by predicting the result of the 30 Second Chair-Stand Test (30CST). Methods: 16 participants recruited at a nursing home performed the 30CST and then played the exergame as often as desired during a period of two weeks. For each session, features related to how they walk and stand on the WBBs while playing the exergame were collected. Different classifier algorithms were used to predict the result of the 30CST on a binary basis (able or unable to maintain physical independence). Results: We achieved a maximum accuracy of 91% when attempting to estimate if the player’s 30CST score will be over or under a threshold of 12 points using a Logistic Model Tree. We also believe it is feasible to predict age- and sex-adjusted cutoff scores. Conclusion: An array of WBBs seems to be a viable solution to estimate lower extremity strength and with it the falling risk. In addition, data extracted while playing may form a basis to perform a general screening to identify elderly at an increased falling risk.