bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Non‐invasive assessment of vibration perception and protective sensation in people with diabetes mellitus: inter‐ and intra‐rater reliability
Authors: Lanting Sean Michael , Spink Martin Jeremy , Tehan Peta Ellen , Vickers Stephanie , Casey Sarah Louise , Chuter Vivienne Helaine 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundTesting of protective sensation and vibration perception are two of the most commonly used non‐invasive methods of screening for diabetes‐related peripheral neuropathy (DPN). However, there is limited research investigating the reliability of these tests in people with diabetes. The aim of this study was to determine the inter‐ and intra‐rater reliability of methods used to test vibration perception and protective sensation in a community‐based population of adults with type 2 diabetes.MethodsThree podiatrists with varying clinical experience tested four‐ and 10‐site, 10 g monofilament and vibration perception threshold (VPT). In a separate cohort, the reliability of a graduated tuning fork as well as two methods of conventional tuning fork (on/off method and dampening method) was undertaken by a new graduate podiatrist and podiatrist with one‐year's clinical experience. The intra‐ (Cohen's К) and inter‐rater (Cohen's or Fleiss' К) reliability of each test was determined.ResultsFifty participants (66% male, 100% type 2, 32% with DPN) underwent monofilament and neurothesiometer testing with 44 returning for the retest. Twenty‐four participants (63% male, 100% type 2, 4% with DPN) underwent tuning fork testing and returned for retest. All tests demonstrated acceptable inter‐rater reliability ranging from moderate (10‐site monofilament, К: 0.54, CI: 0.38–0.70, p = 0.02) to substantial (graduated tuning fork, К: 0.68, CI: 0.41–0.95, p < 0.01). The 10‐site monofilament (К: 0.44–0.77) outperformed the 4‐site test (К: 0.34–0.67) and the dampened tuning fork method (К: 0.41–0.49) showed lower intra‐rater reliability compared to both conventional (К: 0.52–0.57) and graduated methods (К: 0.50–0.57).ConclusionWe support the current recommendations of using more than one test to screen and monitor progression of DPN. Four‐ and 10‐site 10 g monofilament testing have similarly acceptable levels of reliability and the neurothesiometer is the most reliable method of assessing vibration perception function. Use of a graduated tuning fork was slightly more reliable than other methods of tuning fork application however all had substantial reliability. Years of clinical experience only marginally affected test reliability overall and due to subjective nature of the tests we suggest that testing should be performed regularly and repetitively.
Efficacy and safety of Jianpishengsui for chemotherapy-related fatigue in patients with non-small cell lung cancer: study protocol for a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial
Authors: Xiao Zhiwei , Hu Leihao , Lin Jietao , Lu Liming , Huang Xuewu , Zhu Xiaoshu , Teo Chiahshean , Lin Lizhu 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Chemotherapy-related fatigue (CRF) is a common symptom in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. A Chinese herbal formula cream for oral application, called Jianpishengsui (JPSS), is extensively used in the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine as an internal preparation for CRF and is associated with a promising response. Due to the lack of high-quality clinical evidence, a randomized placebo-controlled trial is required to assess the efficacy and safety of JPSS.

Methods/design
The efficacy and safety of JPSS herbal formula cream will be evaluated through a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled trial conducted in the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine. NSCLC patients with CRF will be randomized into two groups at a ratio of 1:1. Each group will receive either 15 g of the oral JPSS herbal formula cream or placebo twice a day from day 6 to day 20 during two courses of paclitaxel + platinum/docetaxel + platinum/pemetrexed + platinum (TP/DP/AP) chemotherapy. The primary endpoint is the difference in the degree of fatigue between baseline (the day before the start of the intervention) and day 42, which will be assessed by the Revised Piper Fatigue Scale score. The secondary endpoints are quality of life (measured by the 43-item European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire—Lung Cancer C43), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status, and Traditional Chinese Medicine syndrome score. The toxicity of the treatments will also be evaluated at the same time. All outcomes will be measured at baseline, day 6, day 21, and day 42 of the treatment.

Discussion
This randomized trial will investigate the efficacy and safety of JPSS applied for CRF in patients with NSCLC.

Trial registration
Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1900023451. Registered on 28 May 2019.
A study protocol for a randomized controlled trial evaluating vibration therapy as an intervention for postural training and fall prevention after distal radius fracture in elderly patients
Authors: WONG Ronald Man Yeung , HO Wing-Tung , TANG Ning , TSO Chi Yin , Ng Wai Kit Raymond , CHOW Simon Kwoon-Ho , CHEUNG Wing-Hoi 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Fractures of the distal radius are one of the most common osteoporotic fractures in elderly men and women. These fractures are a particular health concern amongst the elderly, who are at risk of fragility fractures, and are associated with long-term functional impairment, pain and a variety of complications. This is a sentinel event, as these fractures are associated with a two to four times increased risk of subsequent hip fractures in elderly patients. This is an important concept, as it is well established that these patients have an increased risk of falling. Fall prevention is therefore crucial to decrease further morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of low-magnitude high-frequency vibration (LMHFV) on postural stability and prevention of falls in elderly patients post distal radius fracture.

Methods
This is a prospective single-blinded randomized controlled trial. Two hundred patients will be recruited consecutively with consent, and randomized to either LMHFV (n = 100) or a control group (n = 100). The primary outcome is postural stability measured by the static and dynamic ability of patients to maintain centre of balance on the Biodex Balance System SD. Secondary outcomes are the occurrence of fall(s), the health-related quality of life 36-item short form instrument, the Timed Up and Go test for basic mobility skills, compliance and adverse events. Outcome assessments for both groups will be performed at baseline (0 month) and at 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months time points.

Discussion
Previous studies have stressed the importance of reducing falls after distal radius fracture has occurred in elderly patients, and an effective intervention is crucial. Numerous studies have proven vibration therapy to be effective in improving balancing ability in normal patients; However, no previous study has applied the device for patients with fractures. Our study will attempt to translate LMHFV to patients with fractures to improve postural stability and prevent recurrent falls. Positive results would provide a large impact on the prevention of secondary fractures and save healthcare costs.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03380884. Registered on 21 December 2017.
Association of the leptin receptor Q223R (rs1137101) polymorphism with obesity measures in Sri Lankans
Authors: Illangasekera Y. A. , Kumarasiri P. V. R. , Fernando D. J. , Dalton C. F. 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Objective
The role of genetic factors in the development of obesity is largely unreported in Sri Lankans. The Q223R (rs1137101) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the leptin receptor (LEPR) gene has been associated with obesity measures in various ethnicities. We investigated the association of the Q223R polymorphism with obesity related anthropometric measures and biochemical parameters fasting blood glucose and lipid profile in a sample of 530 Sri Lankan adult subjects (age 18–70 years) representing both urban and rural areas of residence.

Results
The LEPR Q223R variant G allele frequency was 0.54. The polymorphism was associated with body mass index (p = 0.04) and waist circumference (p = 0.02) measures in overweight and obese (BMI ≥ 25 kgm−2) subjects with the variant allele conferring a greater risk of adiposity. Residency in urban areas eliminated the protective effect of the non-risk genotype (AA) in the development of obesity.
Use of a simple form to facilitate communication on long-term consequences of treatment in sarcoma survivors
Authors: Hompland Ivar , Fauske Lena , Lorem Geir Fagerjord , Bruland Øyvind S. 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
To report on our experience using a simple optional form to facilitate communication on late effects between the patients and the oncologists during outpatient follow-up and to detail on the spectrum of challenges reported by sarcoma survivors.

Methods
The form was presented for the patients to complete before their consultation and covered topics related to late effects and unmet needs that the patient wished to discuss with the medical personnel. Logistic regression analysis examined how the distribution of the topics varied with age, gender, diagnosis and type of treatment received.

Results
The form was manageable in a busy outpatient clinic. Of the 265 patients that received the form, 236 (89%) returned it. Patients in a palliative setting and those with other diagnosis than bone sarcoma (BS) and soft-tissue sarcoma (STS) were excluded for subsequent analyses. The final study-cohort comprised 160 patients, 54 (34%) with BS and 106 (66%) with STS. Among these, 140 (88%) had late-effect topics they wanted to discuss with their oncologist. Fatigue was raised by 39% of the patients, pain by 29% and impaired mobility by 23%. BS patients raised fatigue more often (P < 0.005) than those with STS. Patients who had undergone multimodal treatment with chemotherapy raised fatigue more frequently (P < 0.001) than those who had only undergone surgery, radiotherapy or both.

Conclusions
A simple form on the long-term consequences of sarcoma treatment achieved a high response rate, was feasible to use in an outpatient clinic and facilitated communication on these issues. Fatigue was the most frequent topic raised and it was raised significantly more often in patients who had undergone chemotherapy.
Background perception for correlation filter tracker
Authors: Zhang Yushan , Li Jianan , Wu Fan , Wu Lingyue , Xu Tingfa 
Published: January 2020

AbstractVisual object tracking is one of the most fundamental tasks in the field of computer vision, and it has numerous applications in many realms such as public surveillance, human-computer interaction, robotics, etc. Recently, discriminative correlation filter (DCF)-based trackers have achieved promising results in short-term tracking problems. Most of them focus on extracting reliable features from the foreground of input images to construct a robust and informative description of the target. However, it is often ignored that the image background which contains the surrounding context of the target is often similar across consecutive frames and thus can be beneficial to locating the target. In this paper, we propose a background perception regulation term to additionally exploit useful background information of the target. Specifically, invalid description of the target can be avoided when either background or foreground information becomes unreliable by assigning similar importance to both of them. Moreover, a novel model update strategy is further proposed. Instead of updating the model by frame, we introduce an output evaluation score, which serves to supervise the tracking process and select high-confidence results for model update, thus paving a new way to avoid model corruption. Extensive experiments on OTB-100 dataset well demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method BPCF, which gets an AUC score of 0.689 and outperforms most of the state-of-the-art.
On fractional $(p,q)$-calculus
Authors: Soontharanon Jarunee , Sitthiwirattham Thanin 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIn this paper, the new concepts of$(p,q)$(p,q)-difference operators are introduced. The properties of fractional$(p,q)$(p,q)-calculus in the sense of a$(p,q)$(p,q)-difference operator are introduced and developed.
A case of brucellosis concomitant with HIV infection in China
Authors: Dong Shuai-Bing , Wang Li-Ping , Wu Chao-Xue , Li Fan , Yue Yong , Piao Dong-Ri , Zhao Hong-Yan , Jiang Hai 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Human brucellosis is a neglected public health issue in China and reports of HIV-infected individuals complicated with brucellosis are rare. This report describes the case of an HIV-infected patient complicated with brucellosis. We want to raise awareness of clinical diagnosis of brucellosis among clinicians. Furthermore, we should be more concerned about cases with pyrexia of unknown origin, especially in non-epidemic areas of brucellosis in China.

Case presentation
We encountered the case of a 31-year-old HIV-infected male with a CD4+ T lymphocyte count of approximately 300. On May 1, 2019, the patient had onset of non-specific caustic irregular fever with body temperature reaching 41.0 °C. He was admitted to two medical institutions in Yunnan with pyrexia of unknown origin. Finally, on day 7 of hospitalization in the Public Health Clinical Medical Center in Chengdu City, he was diagnosed as having brucellosis infection based on blood culture results.

Conclusions
This is the first reported case of brucellosis concomitant with HIV infection in China. Laboratories in infectious disease hospitals and category A level III hospitals in the southern provinces of China should be equipped with reagents for clinical diagnosis of brucellosis and to strengthen the awareness of brucellosis diagnosis in China. Secondly, in provinces with a high incidence of AIDS and brucellosis such as Xinjiang and Henan, it is recommended to implement a joint examination strategy to ensure the early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of this infection.
Impact of the stress ulcer prophylactic protocol on reducing the unnecessary administration of stress ulcer medications and gastrointestinal bleeding: a single-center, retrospective pre-post study
Authors: Ogasawara Osamu , Kojima Taiki , Miyazu Mitsunori , Sobue Kazuya 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Clinically significant gastrointestinal bleeding from stress ulcers increases patient mortality in intensive care, and histamine type 2 receptor blockers and proton pump inhibitors as stress ulcer prophylaxes were reported to decrease the incidence of that.
Although medical checklists are widely used to maintain high compliance with medications and interventions to improve patient outcome in the intensive care field, the efficacy of medical checklists regarding the incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding and the reduction of unnecessary administration of stress ulcer prophylaxis medications has not been sufficiently explored to date.
This study aimed to investigate the incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding and the rate of administering stress ulcer prophylaxis medication before and after setting administration criteria for stress ulcer prophylaxis and introducing a medical checklist for critically ill adults.

Methods
This was a retrospective pre-post study at a single-center, tertiary adult and pediatric mixed ICU. Adult patients (≥ 18 years) who were admitted to the ICU for reasons other than gastrectomy, esophagectomy, pancreatoduodenectomy, and gastrointestinal bleeding were analyzed. A medical checklist and stress ulcer prophylaxis criteria were introduced on December 22, 2014, and the patients were classified into the preintervention group (from September to December 21, 2014) and the postintervention group (from December 22, 2014, to April 2015). The primary outcome was the incidence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, and the secondary outcome was the proportion administered stress ulcer prophylaxis medications.

Results
One hundred adult patients were analyzed. The incidence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in the pre- and postintervention groups was both 4.0% [95% confidence interval, 0.5–13.7%]. The proportion administered stress ulcer prophylaxis medications decreased from 100 to 38% between the pre- and post-intervention groups.

Conclusions
After the checklist and the criteria were introduced, the administration of stress ulcer prophylaxis medications decreased without an increase in upper gastrointestinal bleeding in critically ill adults. Prospective studies are necessary to evaluate the causal relationship between the introduction of them and gastrointestinal adverse events in critically ill adults.
Development of the Palu–Koro Fault in NW Palu Valley, Indonesia
Authors: Patria Adi , Putra Purna Sulastya 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe 220-km-long Palu–Koro Fault, Central Sulawesi, is a major fault with prominent expression in Eastern Indonesia. Many studies about the Palu–Koro Fault have shown its capability of generating large earthquakes, but how the Palu–Koro Fault has evolved remains enigmatic. This study is to investigate the geomorphology of NW Palu Valley based on DEMNAS (Digital Elevation Model of Indonesia) and field observations to understand the development of the Palu–Koro Fault. The study area comprises a high mountain in the west and a valley in the east. There are two major normal faults and a strike–slip fault observed in NW Palu Valley. The western normal fault is a basin-bounding fault, which marks the topographic break between mountain and valley. To the east, another normal fault is observed cutting the old alluvial fans and expressed by planar fault scarps. The strike–slip fault is observed within the basin and crosses the distal part alluvial fans. It is expressed by intra-basin ridges in places which are slightly uplifted from the adjacent surface. The surface rupture of the 2018 Mw 7.5 Palu earthquake in NW Palu Valley also shows left-lateral movement up to 4 m. We consider that the development of the Palu–Koro Fault in NW Palu Valley is characterized by toward-central-basin migration of faulting activity from basin-bounding fault to intra-basin fault.
Mesenteric venous thrombosis as a rare complication of decompression sickness
Authors: Toyota Satoshi , Nagata Shigeyuki , Yoshino Shinichiro , Kono Sota , Kawanami Syogo , Maeda Syohei , Kuramitsu Erina , Ichimannda Michihiro , Nagamatsu Satoko , Kai Seiichiro , Fukuyama Yasuro , Orita Hiroyuki , Korenaga Daisuke 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Decompression sickness (DCS) induced by extravascular and intravascular gas bubbles during decompression can present with varying manifestations, such as joint pain, numbness, cutaneous symptoms, and cardiopulmonary dysfunction. However, mesenteric venous thrombosis (MVT) is a rare complication of DCS. To the best of our knowledge, only a few cases have been reported, and surgical cases of MVT secondary to DCS have not yet been reported.

Case presentation
A 59-year-old man who was a fisherman and recreational diver dived to a depth of 100 feet. After diving, he noted abdominal and postcervical pain and visited a community hospital. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a large amount of intravenous gas, so he was diagnosed with DCS. He was then transferred to a previous hospital, where hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) was performed. HBOT reduced the amount of venous gas, but his abdominal pain worsened, so he was transferred to our hospital. CT showed pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis. Because of the possibility of intestinal necrosis, a laparoscopic examination was performed, which revealed necrosis of the transverse colon. We therefore performed a transverse colon resection. He was discharged 36 days after the surgery and followed an uneventful postoperative course.

Conclusions
DCS is likely to cause MVT. If intestinal necrosis is suspected, a laparoscopic examination may be useful for determining the diagnosis and treatment. MVT should be included as a differential diagnosis of abdominal pain that persists after HBOT.
Correction of wavefront rotation between interferometer and shack-hartmann sensor using bending modes
Authors: Zhu Yi , Chen Tao , Li Hongzhuang 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIn some active optics system, the influence function, which is the surface deformation ability of an actuator, is measured by directly detecting the mirror surface using an interferometer and the surface correction of the primary mirror is done using the Shack-Hartmann (S-H) sensor. However, if the wavefronts of the interferometer and the S-H sensor have an obvious rotation, a large error will be introduced to the correction force calculations. In this paper, bending modes are used to detect this wavefront rotation. Bending modes are a series of orthonormal stiffness-increasing modes calculated using the influence functions. Two methods, optimum search and top-line (a line passes through the surface center and the top of surface deformation peaks) detection, are developed and tested in simulation using the experimental data of a 620-mm active optics system. The detection errors of the two methods are 0.286° and 0.085° in the simulation, respectively. The rotation detection method is then tested on this 620-mm system. The simulation and experimental results show that top-line detection is a suitable method for the detection of wavefront rotation.
Fire and land cover change in the Palouse Prairie–forest ecotone, Washington and Idaho, USA
Authors: Morgan Penelope , Heyerdahl Emily K. , Strand Eva K. , Bunting Stephen C. , Riser II James P. , Abatzoglou John T. , Nielsen-Pincus Max , Johnson Mara 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundPrairie–forest ecotones are ecologically important for biodiversity and ecological processes. While these ecotones cover small areas, their sharp gradients in land cover promote rich ecological interaction and high conservation value. Our objective was to understand how historical and current fire occurrences and human development influenced the Palouse Prairie–forest ecotone. We used General Land Office survey field notes about the occurrence of bearing trees to locate historical (1870s to 1880s) prairie, pine savanna, and forest at the eastern edge of the bioregion. We combined LANDFIRE Existing Vegetation classes to contrast historical land cover with current land cover. We reconstructed historical fire occurrence (1650 to 1900) from fire-scarred trees. We used fire and lightning records from 1992 to 2015 to interpret the role of people and lightning.ResultsHistorically, the ecotone was a matrix of prairie with extensive savanna and some forest. More than half of the ecotone area was prairie, which is now dominated by agriculture, with some residential development. The 16% of the landscape that was pine savanna is now forest or shrubs, agriculture, perennial vegetation under the Conservation Reserve Program, or developed; no savanna now exists. Forests covered 12% of the ecotone and these are still mostly forest. Fires were historically frequent, occurring on average every 5 to 8 years at most sites. Lightning was not frequent but could likely have been sufficient to ignite fires that could spread readily given the rolling terrain and long fire season.ConclusionsFire was far more frequent historically than currently. Conservation, restoration, and other ongoing land-use changes will likely result in more continuous vegetation and hence fuel for fires. Lightning and people may ignite fires that therefore spread readily in the future. Understanding the past and potential future of fire in the Palouse Prairie bioregion may help us live with fire while conserving ecological values here and in similar prairie–forest ecotones.