bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Comparison of nivolumab and pembrolizumab for advanced NSCLC in the second-line treatment: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis
Authors: zhang jie , zhou rui , zhu jing 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Objectives : As reported, nivolumab and pembrolizumab have shown to be superior to docetaxel in advanced NSCLC. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and network meta-analysis to compare the efficacy and safety of nivolumab and pembrolizumab. Materials and Methods : Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect and safety of nivolumab or pembrolizumab versus docetaxel for patients with advanced NSCLC in the second-line treatment were included. Two investigators independently searched articles, extracted data, and assessed the quality of included studies. After that, we performed pairwise direct meta-analyses (nivolumab vs. docetaxel and pembrolizumab vs. docetaxel) and indirect comparison (nivolumab vs. pembrolizumab) using network meta-analyses methods. Results : Four RCTs involving 2391 patients were included in the meta-analysis. In analyses of overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall response rate (ORR) in the direct meta-analysis, nivolumab and pembrolizumab both showed survival benefits when compared with docetaxel. For the indirect comparison, nivolumab show no signifcant difference in OS, PFS and ORR when compared with pembrolizumab (OS: HR 1.03; 95% CI 0.84–1.26; PFS: HR 0.95; 95% CI 0.80–1.14; ORR: HR 1.08; 95% CI 0.67–1.73). For the safety analysis, nivolumab and pembrolizumab both have less toxicity than docetaxel. In indirect comparison, nivolumab showed less all-grade toxicity (OR 0.71; 95% CI 0.49–1.04) and grade 3–5 toxicity (OR 0.32; 95% CI 0.21–0.49) when compared with pembrolizumab.Conclusion : Our meta-analysis suggests that nivolumab and pembrolizumab demonstrated similar clinical benefit for patients with advanced NSCLC in the second-line treatment. It seems that nivolumab has less toxicity when compared with pembrolizumab.
Estimating of the required midwife in maternity ward in hospital using Workload Indicator of Staffing Need Method
Authors: Tabatabaee Seyed Saeed , Daghighbin Elahe 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Human resources are considered as a major component of the health sector. The aim of this study was to estimate the number of midwives required in maternity wards in hospitals by using WISN method. Methods and Materials: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in three hospitals affiliated to Mashhad University of Medical Sciences in Iran in 2019. The workload and the standard working time were determined through holding expert meetings; available working time was determined through holding meetings with personnel affairs experts and the actual workload was determined based on information management system and information registries. Microsoft Excel and stata were used to analyze data. Results: 10 factors related to midwives’ available working time were identified. Annual available working time for midwives in the studied hospitals was 1378 hours per year. In this study, labor, delivery, recovery and postpartum, recovery after cesarean care and new born cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) were identified as the main activities of midwives. The results have shown that the Centre hospital and the educational hospital faced with 2 and 13 midwives shortage, respectively, while the non-educational hospital had 2 surplus midwives. Conclusion: workforce recruitment has a significant role in the hospitals Keywords: Workload Indicator of Staffing Need, Midwife, Hospital, Workforce
Comparing effects of continuous glucose monitoring systems (CGMs) and self monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) among adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review protocol
Authors: Zheng Mingyue , Luo Yunting , Lin Wei , Khoja Adeel , He Qian , Yang Shenqiao , Zhao Xuan , Hu Peng 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) have been used to manage diabetes with reasonable glucose control among patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in recent decades. CGM systems measure interstitial fluid glucose levels to provide information about glucose levels, which identifies fluctuation that would not have been identified with conventional self-monitoring. Self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) is a classical tool to achieve glycaemic control. However, the effectiveness of glucose control, costs, and quality of life are needed to evaluate and compare CGM and SMBG among adults with T2D.Methods: The review will compare the various forms of CGM systems (i.e flash-CGM, real-time-CGM, retrospective-CGM) versus SMBG/usual intervention regarding diabetes management among adults with T2D. The following databases will be searched: Cochrane Library, Science Direct, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus and grey literature for the identification of studies. The studies involving adults (aged ≥ 18 years old) will be included. We will include and summararize randomised clinical trials (RCTs) with respect to authors, publication type, year, status, and type of devices. Studies published in English between February 2010 and March 2020 will be included as the field of CGMs among T2D patients has emerged over the last decade. Primary outcomes that will be measured will be; HbA1c, body weight, time spent with hypoglycaemia or hyperglycaemia, blood pressure, quality of life. Secondary outcome measured will be morbidity, all-cause mortality, user satisfaction, and barriers. Study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment will be conducted independently by at least two authors. A third author will determine and resolve discrepancies. Moreover, the quality of the evidence of the review will be assessed according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation Tool (GRADE).Discussion: The systematic review will synthesise evidence on the comparison between using CGMs and SMBG. The results will support researchers and health care professionals to determine the most effective methods/technologies in the overall diabetes management. Moreover, this review will provide more detailed information about the barriers of using CGMs to improve implementation.Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42020149212
Educational Initiatives and Implementation of Electroencephalography into the Acute Care Environment: a protocol of a Systematic Review
Authors: Taran Shaurya , Ahmed Wael , Bui Esther , Prisco Lara , Hahn Cecil , McCredie Victoria A. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Use of electroencephalography (EEG) is currently recommended by the American Clinical Neurophysiology Society for a wide range of indications, including diagnosis of nonconvulsive status epilepticus and evaluation of unexplained disorders of consciousness. Data interpretation usually occurs by expert personnel (e.g. epileptologists, neurophysiologists), with information relayed to the primary care team. However, data cannot always be read in time-sensitive fashion, leading to potential delays in EEG interpretation and patient management. Multiple training programs have recently been described to enable non-experts to rapidly interpret EEG at the bedside. A comprehensive review of these training programs, including the tools used, outcomes obtained, and potential pitfalls, is currently lacking. Therefore, the optimum training program and implementation strategy remain unknown.Methods: We will conduct a systematic review of descriptive studies, case series, cohort studies and randomized controlled trials assessing training programs for EEG interpretation by non-experts. Our primary objective is to comprehensively review educational programs in this domain and report their structure, patterns of implementation, limitations, and trainee feedback. Our secondary objective will be to compare the performance of non-experts for EEG interpretation with a gold standard (e.g. interpretation by a certified electroencephalographers). Studies will be limited to those performed in acute care settings in both adult and paediatric populations (intensive care unit, emergency department, or post-anesthesia care units). Comprehensive search strategies will be developed for MEDLINE, EMBASE, WoS, CINAHL, and CENTRAL to identify studies for review. The gray literature will be scanned for further eligible studies. Two reviewers will independently screen the search results to identify studies for inclusion. A standardized data extraction form will be used to collect important data from each study. If possible, we will attempt to meta-analyse the quantitative data. If heterogeneity between studies is too high, we will present meaningful quantitative comparisons of secondary outcomes as per the synthesis without meta-analysis (SWiM) reporting guidelines.Discussion: We will aim to summarize the current literature in this domain to understand the structure, patterns, and pitfalls of EEG training programs for non-experts. This review is undertaken with a view to inform future education designs, potentially enabling rapid detection of EEG abnormalities and timely intervention by the treating physician.PROSPERO registration: Submitted and undergoing review (URL currently unavailable).
A Study on Generating Stained Glass Animation from Video Clip
Authors: Kang Dongwann , Lee Taemin , Shin Yong-Hyeon , Seo Sanghyun 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
This paper presents a way to generate a stained glass animation from a given video input. We first obtain low-frequency components from input video frames to get rid of textures which cause over-segmentation in image segmentation. Then we segment input video volume by employing mean-shift video segmentation. The segmented regions are too large to be architecturally stable, subdivision is required. To sub-divide regions temporally coherent, we obtain the panoramic image from the segmented regions, and sub-divide them by using weighted Voronoi diagram. To render these sub-divided regions as stained glass pieces, we find the best match glass piece in the real stained glass piece image database and transfer its color to that region. Finally, we generate lead came at the boundary of regions, which results in a temporally coherent stained glass animation.
Helminthic therapy of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by Dicrocoelium ova
Authors: Navi Zahra , Rad Mozhdeh Jafari , Fata Abdolmajid , Moghaddas Elham , Mahmoudi Mahmoud , Rastin Maryam , Bazaz Mojtaba Mousavi , Arab Fahimeh Lavi , Negah Sajad Sahab , Heidari Amir Reza , Azghadi Naser Morgan 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE) is an animal model of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of Dicrocoelium ova on Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE) treatment in C57BL6 mice.Methods Twenty-eight C57BL/6 mice were assigned in four groups as control(C), prophylaxis (P), treatment1 (T1), and treatment2 (T2). Prior to induction of EAE in prophylaxis group and on days 7 and 18 in T1 and T2 groups, respectively, Dicrocoelium eggs were injected to each mouse. Clinical score, weight changes, and incidence time of EAE were recorded. IFN- γ and IL-4 assay and histopathological study by (H&E) and Toluidine-Blue (TB), and Luxol Fast Blue (LFB) were done. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 21.Results The disease score was significantly lower in P and T1 groups than the control group (p=0.01). IFN- γ was lower in P and T1 groups than the control group. The highest level of IL-4 was observed in the T1 group. The total number of Neuroglia cells of corpus callosum was similar in all groups, but density increased in T1 group compared to the control group (P = 0.03).Conclusions : The results of the study showed that, Dicrocoelium eggs have the great potential efficacy to stimulate immunomodulation toward treatment of EAE during the initial phase.
Antimicrobial resistance profile among bacteria isolated from patients presenting with wounds at Kabale Regional Referral Hospital, South western Uganda
Authors: Baguma Andrew , Musinguzi Benson , Kagirita Atek Atwiine , Bazira Joel 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Bacterial Wound infection and antimicrobial resistance remains a public health challenge. The challenge remains worse due to nosocomial bacterial infection often characterized by multidrug resistance. Infected wounds are often associated with delayed epidermal maturation resulting into prolonged hospitalization. Data on profile of clinical significant bacteria and their respective antibiotic drug resistance in Uganda is still limited. In this study we emphasized on phenotypic characterization of bacteria that cause wound infections at Kabale Regional Hospital (KRRH) and determining the respective antimicrobial susceptibility profiles.Methods Between June 2016 – to June 2017 a total of 276 Pus specimens were collected from patients at KRRH and analyzed for bacterial infection by standard bacterial cultures techniques. Pus specimens were all from wounds (surgical and non-surgical). Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed and reported based on CLSI guidelines.Results One-hundred and ninety-five specimens were positive following bacterial culture (70.7%). Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were the most frequently isolated bacteria. Antibiotic drug resistance testing revealed that 68% of S. aureus isolates were Methicillin resistant. For Escherichia coli isolates, 73% were ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin resistant while resistance to Imipenem was common among Klebsiella sp.Conclusions Wound infection is mainly caused by gram negative bacteria particularly, Escherichia coli , Klebsiella spp., Proteus spp., and Pseudomonas spp. G positive cocci particularly S. aureus is also an important pathogen among other implicated gram positive cocci. There are high levels of multi - antimicrobial resistance among both Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria.
Farmers’ management of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) diversity, their varietal preference traits and uses in Southern and Central Benin
Authors: LOKO Laura Estelle Yêyinou , David Montcho , Martine Zandjanakou-Tachin , Azize Orobiyi , Joelle Toffa , Elodie Hounmakou , Dieudonné Gavoedo , Alexandre Dansi 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Peanut ( Arachis hypogaea L.) is one of the major oilseed legumes contributing to food security and poverty reduction in Benin. Unfortunately, several constraints hamper peanut production in Benin leading to a low yield. Knowing that seed is crucial for increase agricultural productivity, a good knowledge of on-farm management of grown peanut diversity and uses that allow its maintenance in traditional Beninese agriculture are prerequisites to establish an efficient breeding and conservation programs. Therefore, this study aim to document peanut varietal diversity, folk nomenclature, seed system, storage constraints, seeds pest management practices, varietal preference criteria, cultural taboos and uses in southern and central Benin. Methods Two hundred and sixteen (216) farmers were surveyed through 32 villages in southern and central Benin using research tools and techniques of rural appraisal such as field visits, group surveys and individual surveys using a questionnaire. Results Fifty-four peanut folk varieties grouped into 8 morphotypes based on the seed characteristics were registered in the study area. All local names given to peanut folk varieties by ethnic groups have meaning. The number of folk varieties maintained per village ranged from 1 to 11 (an average of 4) and varied between 1 and 4 per household. Some peanut producers reported the disappearance of some folk varieties. The drop in yield was the main reason of peanut varietal disappearance in the study area. Rodent attacks were the most important constraints of peanut production in the study area. Varietal preference criteria varied from ethnic groups with seed size and many pod/seeds per plant as the main preferred traits. Peanut seed system was mainly informal. For peanut seed conservation, farmers use various storage tools. To alleviate pest problems in stored peanut, producers used plant biocides and synthetic chemicals. Some cultural taboos and various uses (food, feed and medicinal) of peanuts have been recorded in the southern and central Benin. Conclusions Our results suggest that for boost peanut production in central and southern Benin, breeders must create high yielding peanut varieties. For the adoption of these new varieties, it is important to take in account the preference varietal criteria of each ethnic group. To a good estimation of peanut diversity in the study area, morphological and molecular characterizations were recommended.
Anthracycline associated cardiotoxicity in a sub-Saharan African population - tertiary care experience
Authors: Abuodha Joseph Odunga , Shaikh Asim Jamal , Shah Jasmit , Jeilan Mohamed , Barasa Anders 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Anthracyclines are associated with irreversible cardiotoxicity, with changes in echocardiographic parameters preceding clinically manifest cardiac dysfunction. We sought to evaluate the incidence of early cardiac dysfunction post anthracyclines, and associated clinical, echocardiographic and treatment parameters in a sub-Saharan African population. Methods Cancer patients aged ≥18years at anthracycline initiation with archived baseline echocardiograms, underwent repeat echocardiographic assessment. Cases (with cardiac dysfunction) had (1) >15% relative decline from baseline in global longitudinal strain (GLS), or (2) a decline in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) from baseline to <53% with either (i) symptoms (assessed by the Duke Activity Status Index at follow-up echocardiogram) and LVEF decline by >5 to ≤10%, or (ii) LVEF decline >10% regardless of symptoms. Comparisons in clinical, echocardiographic and treatment parameters were made with controls (no cardiac dysfunction). Results Among 141 patients (mean age, 47.7years ± 11.2, Africans 95%, females 85.1%, breast cancer 82%), 39 (27.7%) had cardiac dysfunciton at a mean inter-echocardiogram interval of 14.9months ± 14.3, mean cumulative anthracycline dose of 244.7mg/m 2 ± 72.2, and mean DASI score was 50.0 ± 13.3. Mean cardiotoxic doxorubicin equivalence dose was 236.7mg/m 2 ± 57.4 for cases and 217.3 ± 61.9 for controls [p = 0.033, OR = 1.00 (95% CI: 0.99 - 1.01)]. The assessed clinical, echocardiographic and treatment parameters were not associated with cardiac dysfunction. Conclusion Incidence of early cardiac dysfunction after standard dose anthracyclines in an adult Sub-Saharan population is 27.7% at a mean follow-up of 14.9 months post anthracycline. Routine pre- and post-exposure cardiac assessment should be considered.
Efficacy of andrographolide in not active Progressive Multiple Sclerosis: A prospective exploratory double-blind, parallel-group, randomized, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Ciampi Ethel , Uribe-San-Martin Reinaldo , Carcamo Claudia , Cruz Juan Pablo , Reyes Ana , Reyes Diego , Pinto Carmen , Vásquez Macarena , Burgos Rafael A. , Hancke Juan 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic immune mediated disease and the progressive phase appears to have significant neurodegenerative mechanisms. The classification of the course of progressive MS (PMS) has been re-organized into categories of active vs. not active inflammatory disease and the presence vs. absence of gradual disease progression. Clinical trial experience to date in PMS with anti-inflammatory medications has shown limited effect. Andrographolide is a new class of anti-inflammatory agent, that has been proposed as a potential drug for autoimmune disorders, including MS. In the present trial, we perform an exploratory pilot study on the efficacy and safety of andrographolide (AP) compared to placebo in not active PMS. Methods: A pilot clinical trial using 140mg oral AP or placebo twice daily for 24 months in patients with not active primary or secondary progressive MS was conducted. The primary efficacy endpoint was the mean percentage brain volume change (mPBVC). Secondary efficacy endpoints included 3-month confirmed disability progression (3-CDP) and mean EDSS change. Results: Forty-four patients were randomized: 23 were assigned to the AP group, and 21 were assigned to the placebo group. The median baseline EDSS of both groups was 6.0. Annualized mPBVC was -0.679% for the AP group and -1.069% for the placebo group (mean difference: -0.39; 95% CI [-0.836-0.055], p=0.08, relative reduction: 36.5%). In the AP group, 30% had 3-CDP compared to 41% in the placebo group (HR: 0.596; 95% CI [0.200 – 1.777], p=0.06). The mean EDSS change was -0.025 in the AP group and +0.352 in the placebo group (mean difference: 0.63, p=0.042). Adverse events related to AP were mild rash and dysgeusia. Conclusions: AP was well tolerated and showed a potential effect in reducing brain atrophy and disability progression, that need to be further evaluated in a larger clinical trial. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02273635
Prognostic accuracy of qSOFA score for in-hospital mortality among influenza patients in the emergency department
Authors: Chu Sheng-En , Seak Chen-June , Su Tse‐Hsuan , Chaou Chung-Hsien , Tseng Hsiao-Jung , Li Chih-Huang 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background The annual seasonal influenza pandemic is an important public health issue around the world. Early prediction of patients with potentially worse outcome is important in the emergency department (ED). However, a simple and accurate predictor is yet to be developed. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) score as a prognostic predictor of patients with influenza in the ED. Methods This is a single-center, retrospective cohort study. All the data were retrieved from a hospital-based research database. Adult patients (age ≥ 18 at admission) with a positive influenza rapid screening test or a positive influenza virus polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from 2010 to 2016 were enrolled for data analysis. qSOFA score and Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) in the ED were both collected. The primary outcome was the utility of each score in predicting in-hospital mortality. ResultsIn the study period, 3,561 patients met the inclusion criteria. The overall in-hospital mortality was 2.7% (95 patients). When the qSOFA score was 0, 1, 2, and 3, the percentage of in-hospital mortality was 0.6%, 7.2%, 15.9%, and 25%, respectively. Accordingly, the odds ratios were 7.72, 11.92, and 22.46, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity when qSOFA score ≥ 2 was 24% and 96.2%, respectively. The area under depicted receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.864, which is significantly higher than with SIRS criteria, where the AUC was 0.786 (p < 0.01). Conclusions The qSOFA score is a useful prognostic tool for influenza and can be applied in the ED. However, it might not be a good screening triage tool because of poor sensitivity to detect high-risk patients. The SIRS score had poor performance in influenza to predict outcomes. Further studies should be performed to define its role in influenza.