bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acute Effects of Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback on H-reflex and Maximal Voluntary Isometric Strength
Authors: Pagaduan Jeffrey , Wu Sam SX , Fell James W. , Chen Yung-Sheng 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background Heart rate variability biofeedback (HRV BFB) is a visually-guided paced breathing scheme that stimulates resonance in the cardiovascular system. Up to date, the influence of HRV BFB on neuromuscular function remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a single-session HRV BFB on Hoffman reflex (H-reflex) of the soleus muscle and maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVC) of plantar flexors. Methods Eleven male healthy participants (height: 173.6 ± 7.5 cm; weight: 74.5 ± 17.3 kg; age: 24.6 ± 4.8 yrs) volunteered to undergo a randomized-crossover intervention involving a 10-minute HRV BFB and normal breathing (CON), separated by 48-hours. Pre and post indices for H-reflex, and post-only MVC in HRV BFB were evaluated using two-way repeated measures ANOVA and independent T-test respectively. Results No significant differences in H-reflex markers between HRV BFB and CON were found. Both groups posted non-significant difference in MVC. Conclusion An acute HRV BFB was not sufficient in eliciting significant changes in motoneuron excitability of the soleus muscle and maximal muscle strength of plantar flexors.
Influx of diverse, drug resistant and transmissible Plasmodium falciparum into a malaria-free setting in Gulf Cooperation (GCC) countries.
Authors: Al-Rumhi Abir , Al-Hashami Zainab , Al-Hamidhi Salama , Gadalla Amal , Naeem Raeece , Ranford-Cartwright Lisa C. , Pain Arnab , Sultan Ali A. , Babiker Hamza 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background

Successful malaria control programs have interrupted local malaria transmission in almost all the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. However, a massive influx of imported malaria via migrant workers from endemic areas sustains a threat for the re-introduction of local transmission. Here we examined the origin of imported malaria into one of the GCC countries (Qatar) and assessed the extent of genetic diversity, and carriage of drug resistance genes of imported Plasmodium falciparum and it’s potential to re-introduce the disease.

Methods

We examined imported malaria reported in Qatar, between 2013 and 2016. We focused on P. falciparum infections and estimated total parasite and gametocyte density using qPCR and qRT-PCR, respectively. In addition, we examined ten neutral microsatellites and four drug resistance genes, Pfmrp1, Pfcrt, Pfmdr1 and Pfkelch13 , to assess the extent of diversity of imported P. falciparum and its potential carriage of drug resistance genotypes respectively.

Results

The majority of imported malaria comprised P. vivax , while P. falciparum and mixed species infections ( P. falciparum /P. vivax ) were less frequent. The main origin of P. vivax was the Indian subcontinent, while P. falciparum was most apparent among expatriates from Africa. Imported P. falciparum was highly diverse carrying multiple genotypes as well as early and late gametocytes. We observed a high prevalence of SNPs implicated in drug resistance among imported P. falciparum , with some novel SNPs in Pfkelch13 .

Conclusions

The high influx of genetically diverse P. falciparum, with multiple drug resistance marker gene mutations and high capacity of producing gametocytes, sustains threat for re-introduction of drug resistant malaria into GCC countries. This scenario highlights the impact of current globalisation of movement of humans in reintroducing malaria infections to areas targeted for elimination.
Comparison of recombinant MPB70 and SahH and a native 20-kDa protein for the detection of bovine tuberculosis by ELISA
Authors: Cho Yun Sang , Lee Sang Eun , Woo Jong-Tae , Oh Jinsik , Choi Hwan Won , Kwon Jin Hyeok , Kim Jeong-Tae , Ha Gunwoo , Park Chanhee , Jung Sukchan , Kim Jong Man 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a zoonosis mainly caused by Mycobacterium bovis . Test-and-cull protocols and gross pathological examinations of abattoir animals as well as milk pasteurisation have been implemented for preventing the spread of tuberculosis from animals to humans worldwide, including in the Republic of Korea. Despite the importance of precise and rapid diagnostic tests, conventional methods, including intradermal skin tests and γ-interferon assays, are limited by the high rate of false negative results for cattle in the late infectious stage as well as laborious and time-consuming procedures. Therefore, antibody detection methods, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), are urgently needed to supplement established approaches and to expand the diagnostic window. In this study, we developed a bTB ELISA by evaluating candidate recombinant and native proteins and various assay parameters.Results We produced recombinant MPB70 and SahH (rM70S) and a native 20-kDa protein (20K). The 20K ELISA showed 94.4% sensitivity and 98.2% specificity and had an optimal sample-to-positive (S/P) ratio cut-off of 0.531. rM70S ELISA showed 94.4% sensitivity and 97.3% specificity with an S/N ratio cutoff of 1.696.Conclusion The assays showed the same sensitivity but the specificity was higher for 20K ELISA than for rM70S ELISA. Both assays had acceptable diagnostic efficiency and are expected to be useful for bTB diagnosis in combination with established methods for herd screening and for expanding the diagnostic window.
Effectiveness of chitosan-propolis nanoparticle against Enterococcus faecalis biofilms in the root canal
Authors: Parolia Abhishek , Kumar Haresh Kumar , Ramamurthy Srinivasan , Pau Allan 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background To determine the antibacterial effect of chitosan-propolis nanoparticle (CPN) as an intracanal medicament against Enterococcus faecalis biofilm in root canal. Methods 240 extracted human teeth were sectioned to obtain 6mm of the middle third of the root. The root canal was enlarged to an internal diameter of 0.9mm. The specimens were inoculated with E. faecalis for 21 days. Following this, specimens were randomly divided into eight groups ( n=30 ) according to the intracanal medicament placed: group I: saline, groupII: chitosan, group III: propolis100 µg/ml (P100), group IV: propolis 250 µg/ml (P250), group V: chitosan-propolis nanoparticle 100µg/ml (CPN100), group VI: chitosan-propolis nanoparticle 250 µg/ml (CPN250), group VII: calcium hydroxide(CH) and group VIII: 2% chlorhexidine (CHX) gel. Dentine shavings were collected at 200 and 400 μm depths, and total numbers of CFUs were determined at the end of day one, three and seven. The non-parametric Kruskal Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests were used to compare the differences in reduction of CFUs between all groups and probability values of P < 0.05 were set as the reference for statistically significant results. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) were also performed after exposure to CPNs. The effectiveness of CPNs were also evaluated against E. faecalis isolated obtained from patients having failed root canal treatment. Results Reduction in the number of colony‐forming units was statistically significant in all groups compared to saline (p <.05). On day one and three, at 200 and 400-μm, CPN250 showed significant reduction of CFUs compared to all other groups (p <.05), while CPN100 was significantly better than other groups (p <.05) except CPN250 and CHX. On day seven, at 200-μm CPN250 showed significant reduction of CFUs compared to all other groups (p <.05) except CPN100 and CHX, while at 400 μm CPN250 showed similar effectiveness as CPN100, CH and CHX. SEM and CLSM images also showed the maximum reduction of E. faecalis with CPN250. Conclusion CPN250 was the most effective in reducing E. faecalis colonies on day one, three at both depths and at day seven CPN250 was equally effective as CPN100 and CHX.
Health behaviors in major chronic diseases patients: Trends and regional variations analysis, 2008–2017, Korea
Authors: Jeon Young-Jee , Pyo Jeehee , Park Young-Kwon , Ock Minsu 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Improving the health behaviors of those with chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes is important for disease management. Few in-depth studies have been conducted in Korea on the health behaviors of chronic disease patients. This study examined the health behaviors of chronic disease patients over time and compared them with those of the general population.Methods: Data obtained from the Korea Community Health Survey from 2008 to 2017 were analyzed. Thirteen diseases were included in this analysis, namely, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, stroke, myocardial infarction, angina, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, cataract, and depression. The current smoking rate, drinking rate, and the walking rate, which are leading health behaviors necessary for preventing chronic diseases, were analyzed by disease type. We compared patients’ health behaviors with those of the general population and identified regional variations.Results: Although the current overall smoking rate was seemingly declining, the overall monthly drinking and high-risk drinking rates were increasing. In 2017, patients experiencing depression symptoms had a higher smoking rate than did the general population; hypertension and diabetes patients had a higher risk-drinking rate than did the latter. The general population’s walking rate was highest. There were considerable variations by region among chronic disease patients.Conclusions: Chronic disease patients displayed worse health behaviors than those of the general population, in some instances. Rather than focusing only on chronic disease patients’ medication adherence, strategies must be devised to improve their smoking cessation rate, decrease their drinking rate, and increase their walking rate.
Outlier Detection in Text Data: An Unsupervised Method Based On Text Similarity and Density Peak
Authors: Sereshki Mahnaz Taleb , Zanjireh Morteza Mohammadi 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Outlier detection is problematic in the text data processing. In this paper, a novel method for detecting outliers in text data is proposed. To recognize the outliers, we concentrate on the similarity between every two documents and the density of similar documents. Afterward, an algorithm, which is based on these two elements, is written. We conducted a series of experiments on real datasets with different volumes to evaluate the performance of our proposed method. Experimental results obviously show that our method outperforms than a few previous methods especially when the volume of a dataset is medium. Furthermore, they represent that, we have no performance in one of the powerful outlier detection algorithms due to small datasets.
Effects of Chinese herbal medicine B307 supplementation on muscle endurance and recovery after exhaustive swimming in ICR mice
Authors: Chuang Tai-Yuan , Lien Chia-Ying , Tsai Ya-Chun , Lin Kuei-Fu , Hsu Chih-Hsiang , Wu Wen-Jhen , Su Li-Yu , Lu Chen-Wen , Wu Chung-Hsin 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Exhaustive exercise may damage muscles due to oxidative stress and inflammation and cause muscle fatigue and soreness. The study investigated the effects of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) B307 supplementation on muscle endurance and recovery after exhaustive swimming (ES) in ICR mice. Methods: All mice were subjected to ES in the form of a forced swimming test. Thirty-two male ICR mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: Sham + ES, CHM B307 pretreatment + ES (Pre+ES), CHM B307 posttreatment + ES (Post+ES), and CHM B307 dual treatment + ES (Dual+ES). Using immunohistochemistry, chemiluminescence, and biochemical analysis, muscular endurance, fatigue, oxidative stress, inflammation, and damage were examined and compared among the groups. Results: Our results revealed that the Pre+ES and Dual+ES groups had remarkably better muscular endurance during ES than the Sham+ES and Post+ES groups. In addition, the Pre+ES, Post+ES, and Dual+ES groups had significantly alleviated fatigue, oxidative stress, inflammation, and damage after ES compared with the Sham+ES group. Conclusion: CHM B307 can be a protective supplement against damage from exhaustive exercise because of its antifatigue, antioxidation, anti-inflammation, and antidamage functions.
Whole-exome sequencing identifies a novel mutation in GATA4 gene to be congenital heart defects and arrhythmia in a Chinese family
Authors: Zhao Tianli , Sun Guowen , Zhu Yun , Yang Yifeng , Tan Zhiping , Bu Haisong , Hu Shijun 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: CHD which contains congenital heart or great vessel structural defects is one of the major birth defects in the world. GATA4 is one of the most widely investigated genes in CHD, with over 100 known mutation sites. Most mutations in the GATA4 gene are related to the structural heart defect.Methods: 5 patients in this family were enrolled in this study. Punctilious records for the subjects included a complete physical examination, a transthoracic echocardiography, a 12-lead electrocardiograph and a surgical confirming. All noninvasive exam results are confirmed in the surgery. The genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood of the patients and their parents. Whole-exome capture and HTS were performed on the proband III.1 by the Novogene Bioinformatics Institute (Beijing, China). Sanger sequencing in forward and reverse directions was used to validate the candidate variants identified by WES, and segregation analyses were performed in the family members.Results: 3 patients were identified, the father and two of the daughters, in a Chinese family. The daughter proband III.1 was diagnosed as secundum ASD with atrial septal aneurysm, PAVSD, PS and persistent left superior vena cava by transthoracic echocardiography and sinus tachycardia, frequent junctional premature beat with aberrant ventricular conduction. The father II.2 was diagnosed as secundum ASD, PS and ascending aortic dilatation by transthoracic echocardiography and atrial fibrillation paroxysmal ventricular tachycardia. The other daughter III.3 was diagnosed as secundum ASD, mild PS and persistent left superior vena cava by transthoracic echocardiography and sinus arrhythmia (sinus tachycardia alternating with sinus bradycardia), cardiac rhythm migration between atrionector and junction. 1328 variants were detected in the proband’s exome. 11 variants were identified and prioritized them by patients’ phenotype. The mutation GATA4 NM_002052: exon5: c.T929C: p.M310T could be confirmed in the other two affected family members (II.2 III.3) and could not be detected in other healthy parent or normal control.Conclusions: In this study, we identified a variant in GATA4 gene (c.T929C: p.M310T) in a CHD family with arrhythmias. It suggested that the region coding NLS of GATA4 gene is an important region for development of heart and GATA4 gene may related to tachyarrhythmias.
Flap transfer for traumatic defects of the upper extremity: experience of 35 cases
Authors: Kang Yongqiang , Pan Xiaoyun , Wu Yongwei , Ma Yunhong , Liu Jun , Rui Yongjun 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background Despite advances in microsurgical techniques of flap transfer, complex upper extremity trauma reconstruction remains a challenge for surgeons. Methods We retrospectively analyzed data from patients undergoing subacute upper extremity flap reconstruction, including flap choices, complications and success of flap reconstructions. Results Thirty-five patients underwent free flap procedures, including 24 anterolateral thigh flaps (68.57%), five latissimus dorsi flaps (14.29%) and six lateral arm flaps (17.14%). Flap sizes ranged from 3 × 4 to 33 × 11 cm 2 . The mean time of flap reconstruction was 14 days (range 5–29). Two flaps developed partial necrosis, both of which were later treated with skin-grafting. Traumatic wound infections occurred in three patients. All upper limb trauma was completely covered. Conclusions All three types of skin flaps used to reconstruct severe upper limb soft tissue defects achieved satisfactory function and appearance with negligible complications and low amputation rates during the subacute period.
Association Between Oral Diseases And Sociodemographic Variables In Children And Adolescents With Cancer
Authors: Velten Deise Berger , Zandonade Eliana , Miotto Maria Helena Monteiro de Barros 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Objective To evaluate the association between sociodemographic variables and oral diseases in children and adolescents with cancer receiving treatment at the “Nossa Senhora da Glória” State Children Hospital (HEINSG) - Vitória - ES.Method This is a cross-sectional study, in which 51 subjects were evaluated before or three days after the start of chemotherapy from April 2013 to April 2014.Results When the study participants were examined the prevalence of dental caries was 25.4%, xerostomia presented with a frequency of 31%. Other diseases were also observed at lower frequency, such as mucositis, candidiasis and thrush. Caries was significantly associated with poor oral hygiene (OR: 0,114; p - 0.016) and low maternal schooling (OR: 0,188; p - 0.021).Conclusion Some subjects had oral disease before starting chemotherapy; therefore, they were more likely of developing oral manifestations during treatment. The participation of the dental surgeon in the multidisciplinary team of cancer treatment is important to evaluate the oral health status of individuals before and during treatment, thus developing an appropriate treatment plan to prevent or reduce the occurrence of oral manifestations during therapy.Clinical Relevance This study showed and reaffirmed the importance of an evaluation of the oral condition prior to chemotherapy treatment and also the need for a dental surgeon in the team of professionals who accompany cancer patients to treat caries lesions and remove foci of infection, preventing thus the appearance of oral manifestations that may delay chemotherapy, generating unnecessary suffering for these patients.
Design of Shrewd Underwater Routing Synergy using Porous Energy Shells
Authors: Ashraf Shahzad , Ahmed Tauqeer , Raza Asif , Naeem Hamad 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Underwater sensors link establishment and quality inspection challenges are blurt out during ubiquitous data monitoring. The energy utilization has a direct impact because all active devices are battery dependents and no charging or replacement actions could be made when cost- effective data packet delivery has been set as a benchmark. The hop link inspection and the selection of a Shrewd link through resurrecting link factor was a nothing short of bleak challenge which could only be made possible after going through meticulous research by developing a shrewd underwater routing synergy using extra porous energy shells (SURS-PES) which might never have conducted of before. After broadcasting packets the sensor node conducts a link inspection phase thereby, if any link is found to be less than or equal to 50% shaky; the destination receiving node puts in own residual energy status and return back to the source node which in result adds some unusable energy porous shell to strengthen the link from 50 to 90% at most and send it only to the targeted node and an unaltered data packet delivery is anticipated. Performance evaluation has been carried out using NS2 simulator and obtained results have been compared with DBR and EEDBR to observe the distinguish outcomes thereon results in vouches for the statement that has been made earlier for this research direction.
Hamstring injury in futsal players: the effect of active range of motion (AROM) deficit on the full recovery time
Authors: Smirnova Lyudmila , Derinov Aleksandr , Glazkova Irina 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background Hamstring muscle injuries are one of the most common traumas occurring in athletes and football players. Thus, the recovery time is crucial for their return to full athlete activity. Objective This article examines cases of hamstring injury in futsal players and finds association between the active range of motion (AROM) deficit and the full recovery time. Methods For this study, 200 futsal players with acute, first-time, unilateral posterior hamstring injuries were recruited, all men. All patients underwent clinical examination and ultrasonography. In 74 of 200 patients, sonography revealed no abnormalities in the musculoligamentary structures. Thereby, they were excluded from further investigation. Only 126 futsal players underwent measurement of the active range of motion with a 30-cm clear plastic inclinometer. Injured areas were compared with the normal hamstrings in all athletes and with the control group, and the AROM deficit was evaluated. The association between the full recovery time and the AROM deficit was identified. A control group (100 men) underwent examination in the same series of steps as the study group. Results Biceps femoris was the most commonly injured muscle, making up 80% of injuries. The musculotendinous junction, proximal and distal, was involved in 91% of injury cases. Twelve athletes had an AROM deficit of 25 to 35 degrees and reached full recovery at 2.5 months and later. Seventy or 55.5% of athletes had an AROM deficit less than 15 degrees and felt fully recovered only in a month. Conclusions The classification system of hamstring muscle injuries that is offered here is based on an objective clinical marker (active knee ROM deficit), is easily applicable, and is indicative of recovery duration.
Is Laminectomy and Fusion the Better Choice for Multilevel Cervical Myelopathy with Signal Changes on Magnetic Resonance Imaging ? A Comparison of Two Posterior Surgeries.
Authors: He Xin , Zhang Jia Nan , Liu Tuan Jiang , Hao Ding Jun 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes and complications between laminectomy and fusion (LF) and laminoplasty (LP) for multi-level cervical spondylotic myelopathy (MCSM) with increased signal intensity (ISI) on T2-weighted images (T2WI). Material and Method In this retrospective cohort study, we analyzed 52 patients with MCSM with ISI on T2WI who underwent laminoplasty (LP group). The Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score, the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, the physical and mental component scores (PCS and MCS) of Short-Form 36 (SF-36), and the extension and flexion ranges of motion (ROMs) were recorded. As controls, propensity score matching identified 52 patients who underwent laminectomy and fusion (LF group) from January 2014 to June 2016 using 7 independent variables (preoperation): age, sex, JOA score, SF-36 PCS, SF-36 MCS, preoperative symptom duration and high signal intensity ratio (HSIR). Results The operative duration in the LF group was significantly higher than that in the LP group. At the last follow-up, the JOA score, VAS score, and SF-36 (PCS and MCS) scores were all significantly improved in both groups. The extension and flexion ROMs were decreased in both groups but significantly better in the LP group than in the LF group. Both groups demonstrated similar clinical improvements at the final follow-up. The complication rate was higher in the LF group. Conclusion The present study demonstrates that LP for MCSM with ISI on T2WI achieves similar clinical improvement as LF. However, longer operative durations, higher complication rates and lower extension and flexion ROMs were found in the LF group.