bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Climate Impact of Cloud Water Inhomogeneity through Microphysical Processes in a Global Climate Model
Authors: Hotta Haruka , Suzuki Kentaroh , Goto Daisuke , Lebsock Matthew 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThis study investigates how subgrid cloud water inhomogeneity within a grid spacing of a general circulation model (GCM) links to the global climate through precipitation processes. The effect of the cloud inhomogeneity on autoconversion rate is incorporated into the GCM as an enhancement factor using a prognostic cloud water probability density function (PDF), which is assumed to be a truncated skewed-triangle distribution based on the total water PDF originally implemented. The PDF assumption and the factor are evaluated against those obtained by global satellite observations and simulated by a global cloud-system-resolving model (GCRM). Results show that the factor implemented exerts latitudinal variations, with higher values at low latitudes, qualitatively consistent with satellite observations and the GCRM. The GCM thus validated for the subgrid cloud inhomogeneity is then used to investigate how the characteristics of the enhancement factor affect global climate through sensitivity experiments with and without the factor incorporated. The latitudinal variation of the factor is found to have a systematic impact that reduces the cloud water and the solar reflection at low latitudes in the manner that helps mitigate the too-reflective cloud bias common among GCMs over the tropical oceans. Due to the limitation of the factor arising from the PDF assumption, however, no significant impact is found in the warm rain formation process. Finally, it is shown that the functional form for the PDF in a GCM is crucial to properly characterize the observed cloud water inhomogeneity and its relationship with precipitation.
Impact of Trade Openness on Nigerian Economic Growth: An Empirical Investigation, 1970–2011
Authors: Nwadike Gerald C. , Johnmary Ani Kelechi , Alamba Chukwuma Samuel 
Published: April 2020

Geopolitical territories have often engaged in one form of trade or another with their neighbours. That is because no nation in the world can survive without one form of trade with other sovereign states. This study examines the nature of trade openness and economic growth in Nigeria from 1970–2011. The emphasis of this empirical study is to ascertain the impact of trade openness on Nigeria’s economic growth. Causal comparative or ex-post facto research design was adopted in the study. Econometric time series analyses like ADF unit root test, co-integration test and the ordinary least squared (OLS) were employed in the study. The result obtained was used to test the hypotheses, and it was revealed that (i) Trade Openness has positive significant impact on Nigeria’s economic growth; while (ii) Gross Domestic Product (GDP) responds to the shock of Trade Openness value as a proxy of total import and total export divided by GDP as well as change in Exchange Rate (DEXR) within Nigeria’s economy during the period of study. Thus, the co-integration results indicate that there exists long-run relationship among the variables used; hence; the researchers then recommended that there is urgent need for the government to create enabling environment for good trade policy that would attract both foreign and domestic private sector investment in the country. JEL Codes: F13, B27
Time to diagnosis of symptomatic gastric and oesophageal cancer in the Netherlands: Where is the room for improvement?
Authors: van Erp NF , Helsper CW , Slottje P , Brandenbarg D , Büchner FL , van Asselt KM , Muris JWM , Kortekaas MF , Peeters PHM , de Wit NJ 
Published: April 2020

BackgroundAn efficient diagnostic pathway and early stage diagnosis for cancer patients is widely pursued. This study aims to chart the duration of the diagnostic pathway for patients with symptomatic oesophageal and gastric cancer, to identify factors associated with long duration and to assess the association of duration with tumour stage at diagnosis.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study, using electronic health records of six routine primary care databases covering about 640,000 patients, partly linked to the Netherlands Cancer Registry. Symptomatic patients with oesophageal and gastric cancer (2010–2015) that presented in primary care were included. Duration of four diagnostic intervals was determined: patient interval; first symptoms to primary care consultation, primary care interval; consultation to referral, secondary care interval; referral to diagnosis, and the diagnostic interval; consultation to diagnosis. Characteristics associated with ‘long duration’ (≥P75 duration) were assessed using log‐binomial regression. Median durations were stratified for tumour stages.ResultsAmong 312 symptomatic patients with upper gastrointestinal cancer, median durations were: patient interval: 29 days (interquartile interval 15–73), primary care interval: 12 days (interquartile interval 1–43), secondary care interval: 13 days (interquartile interval 6–29) and diagnostic interval: 31 days (11–74). Patient interval duration was comparable for patients with and without alarm symptoms. Absence of cancer‐specific alarm symptoms was associated with ‘long duration’ of primary care interval and secondary care interval: relative risk 5.0 (95% confidence interval 2.7–9.1) and 2.1 (95% confidence interval 1.3–3.7), respectively. Median diagnostic interval duration for local stage disease was 51 days (interquartile interval 13–135) versus 27 days (interquartile interval 11–71) for advanced stage (p  = 0.07).ConclusionIn the diagnostic pathway of upper gastrointestinal cancers, the longest interval is the patient interval. Reducing time to diagnosis may be achieved by improving patients’ awareness of alarm symptoms and by diagnostic strategies which better identify cancer patients despite low suspicion.
Activity Modification and Knee Strengthening for Osgood-Schlatter Disease: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Rathleff Michael S. , Winiarski Lukasz , Krommes Kasper , Graven-Nielsen Thomas , Hölmich Per , Olesen Jens Lykkegard , Holden Sinéad , Thorborg Kristian 
Published: April 2020

Background: Osgood-Schlatter disease (OSD) affects 1 in 10 adolescents. There is a lack of evidence-based interventions, and passive approaches (eg, rest and avoidance of painful activities) are often prescribed. Purpose: To investigate an intervention consisting of education on activity modification and knee-strengthening exercises designed for adolescents with OSD. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: This study included 51 adolescents (51% female; age range, 10-14 years) with OSD. The 12-week intervention consisted of an activity ladder designed to manage patellar tendon loading and pain, knee-strengthening exercises, and a gradual return to sport. The primary outcome was the global reporting of change at 12 weeks, evaluated with a 7-point Likert scale (successful outcome was considered “much improved” or “improved”). Additional endpoints were at 4, 8, 26, and 52 weeks. Secondary outcomes included the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), objective strength, and jump performance. Results: Adolescents reported a mean pain duration of 21 months at enrollment. After 12 weeks, 80% reported a successful outcome, which increased to 90% at 12 months. At 12 weeks, 16% returned to playing sport, which increased to 69% at 12 months. The KOOS subscores of Pain, Activities of Daily Living, Sport and Recreation, and Quality of Life improved significantly (7-20 points), and there were improvements in knee extension strength (32%; P < .001), hip abduction strength (24%; P < .001), and jumping for distance (14%; P < .001) and height (19%; P < .001) at 12 weeks. Conclusion: An intervention consisting of activity modification, pain monitoring, progressive strengthening, and a return-to-sport paradigm was associated with improved self-reported outcomes, hip and knee muscle strength, and jumping performance. This approach may offer an alternative to passive approaches such as rest or wait-and-see, often prescribed for adolescents with OSD. Registration: NCT02799394 ( ClinicalTrials.gov identifier)
Exogenous application of NaBiF4 nanoparticle affects wheat root development
Authors: Wu Yunfei , Peng Wangmenghan , Dong Zhaodi , Jiang Qiuqing , Yu Xurun , Chen Gang , Xiong Fei 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundNanoparticle causes soil pollution, which affected plant development and then resulted in biomass decreased, especially in crops. However, little is known how sodium nanoparticles affect wheat root development at plant physiological level.ResultsWe used NaBiF4(size of 50–100 nm) to analyze the effect in wheat development at plant physiological level. Under exogenous application of 50 μM NaBiF4for treatment, wheat root elongation was inhibited, but fresh weight and dry weight were increased. We also found that NaBiF4induced that the plant had lower content of sodium than negative control. Used no-sodium nanoparticle of BiF3for another negative control, it was also supported that NaBiF4entered into cell to replace of sodium and exported sodium out of plant. These results implied NaBiF4might induce sodium export to maintain the balance between sodium and potassium elements. Additionally, metabolism analysis demonstrated that SOD activity was increased, but CAT and POD activity reduced under exogenous treatment of NaBiF4 nanoparticles.ConclusionsSodium nanoparticles (NaBiF4) inhibited plant development by nanoparticle accumulation and sodium homeostasis broken, and then involved reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling system response. These results provided more sights of sodium nanoparticle effect in plant development.
The onset of acute type A aortic dissection following recovery of type B intramural haematoma: a case report
Authors: Zhang Kai , Dong Song-Bo , Pan Xu-Dong , Sun Li-Zhong 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Aortic intramural hematoma is a life-threatening condition reported with increasing frequency. It can be classified into Stanford type A or B depending on whether the ascending or descending aorta are involved, respectively. However, the onset of acute type A aortic dissection following recovery of type B intramural haematoma is rarely reported.

Case presentation
We present an uncommon case of acute Stanford type A aortic dissection developing 3 months after recovery of type B IMH in a 47-year-old female.
She complained acute chest pain. The operation was successfully done. She was in good condition and asymptomatic at a 3-month follow-up.

Conclusions
Type B intramural haematoma can lead to type A aortic dissection even after totally absorbed and the primary entry has the potential to be located in the ascending aorta. Unsatisfied blood pressure control may be the underlying cause.
Trends and predictors of early ablation for Atrial Fibrillation in a Nationwide population under age 65: a retrospective observational study
Authors: D’Angelo Robert N. , Khanna Rahul , Yeh Robert W. , Goldstein Laura , Kalsekar Iftekhar , Marcello Stephen , Tung Patricia , Zimetbaum Peter J. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Catheter ablation (CA) has emerged as an effective treatment for symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF). However practice patterns and patient factors associated with referral for CA within the first 12 months after diagnosis are poorly characterized. This study examined overall procedural trends and factors predictive of catheter ablation for newly-diagnosed atrial fibrillation in a young, commercially-insured population.

Methods
A large nationally-representative sample of patients age 20 to 64 from years 2010 to 2016 was studied using the IBM MarketScan® Commercial Database. Patients were included with a new diagnosis of AF in the inpatient or outpatient setting with continuous enrollment for at least 1 year pre and post index visit. Patients were excluded if they had prior history of AF or had filled an anti-arrhythmic drug (AAD) in the pre-index period.

Results
Early CA increased from 5.0% in 2010 to 10.5% in 2016. Patients were less likely to undergo CA if they were located in the Northeast (OR: 0.80, CI: 0.73–0.88) or North Central (OR: 0.91, CI: 0.83–0.99) regions (compared with the West), had higher CHA2DS2-VASc scores, or had Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score of 3 or greater (OR: 0.61; CI: 0.51–0.72).

Conclusions
CA within 12 months for new-diagnosed AF increased significantly from 2010 to 2016, with most patients still trialed on an AAD prior to CA. Patients are less likely to be referred for early CA if they are located in the Northeast and North Central regions, have more comorbidities, or higher CHA2DS2-VASc scores.
Percutaneous coronary intervention in diabetic versus non-diabetic patients with prior coronary artery bypass grafting: a propensity score matching study
Authors: Ma Xiaolong , Dong Ran , Chen Pengfei , Zhao Yichen , Zeng Caiwu , Xin Meng , Ye Qing , Wang Jiangang 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe target of this study was to explore the outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in diabetic versus non-diabetic patients with prior coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery.MethodsSeven hundred and twenty four patients who had previously received CABG and had been treated using PCI combined with drug-eluting stents (DES) between 2009 and 2017 were selected for a retrospective study and allocated into either a diabetes mellitus (DM) or non-diabetes mellitus (No DM) group. A 1:1 propensity score-matched evaluation was conducted and risk adjusted for analysis. The primary outcomes were cardiac death, myocardial infarction, heart failure and revascularization, with a median follow-up duration of 5.13 years.ResultsAfter matching, two-, 5- and 8-year event rate of overall major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) were found to be higher in the DM group (No DM vs DM:15.3, 30.9, 38.5% vs 19.8, 37.8, 52.2%, respectively), although no significant difference was found in the event rate of overall MACEs (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.35; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.00 to 1.83 for DM vs No DM;P = 0.052), cardiac death (HR: 0.94; 95% CI: 0.45 to 1.95;P = 0.871), MI (HR: 1.49; 95% CI: 0.95 to 2.32;P = 0.080), HF (HR: 1.54; 95% CI: 0.90 to 2.63 for;P = 0.120) or revascularization (HR: 1.07; 95% CI: 0.72 to 1.59;P = 0.747). Subgroup analysis of PCI in only the NCA showed MACEs (adjusted HR: 1.13; 95% CI: 0.85 to 1.49 for DM vs No DM;P = 0.325), cardiac death (adjusted HR: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.41 to 1.78 for DM vs No DM;P = 0.781), MI (adjusted HR: 1.32; 95% CI: 0.84 to 2.01 for DM vs No DM;P = 0.069), HF (adjusted HR: 1.41; 95% CI: 0.87 to 2.27 for DM vs No DM;P = 0.211) or repeated revascularization (adjusted HR: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.64 to 1.37 for DM vs No DM;P = 0.836).ConclusionsCompared with non-diabetic patients with prior CABG, subsequent implantation of DES in the native coronary artery of diabetic patients resulted in apparently similar outcomes.Trial registrationThis study was not registered in an open access database.
Geriatric or cardiac rehabilitation? Predictors of treatment pathways in advanced age patients after transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Eichler Sarah , Völler Heinz , Reibis Rona , Wegscheider Karl , Butter Christian , Harnath Axel , Salzwedel Annett 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Aim of the study was to find predictors of allocating patients after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) to geriatric (GR) or cardiac rehabilitation (CR) and describe this new patient group based on a differentiated characterization.

Methods
From 10/2013 to 07/2015, 344 patients with an elective TAVI were consecutively enrolled in this prospective multicentric cohort study. Before intervention, sociodemographic parameters, echocardiographic data, comorbidities, 6-min walk distance (6MWD), quality of life and frailty (score indexing activities of daily living [ADL], cognition, nutrition and mobility) were documented. Out of these, predictors for assignment to CR or GR after TAVI were identified using a multivariable regression model.

Results
After TAVI, 249 patients (80.7 ± 5.1 years, 59.0% female) underwent CR (n = 198) or GR (n = 51). GR patients were older, less physically active and more often had a level of care, peripheral artery disease as well as a lower left ventricular ejection fraction. The groups also varied in 6MWD. Furthermore, individual components of frailty revealed prognostic impact: higher values in instrumental ADL reduced the probability for referral to GR (OR:0.49, p <  0.001), while an impaired mobility was positively associated with referral to GR (OR:3.97, p = 0.046). Clinical parameters like stroke (OR:0.19 of GR, p = 0.038) and the EuroSCORE (OR:1.04 of GR, p = 0.026) were also predictive.

Conclusion
Advanced age patients after TAVI referred to CR or GR differ in several parameters and seem to be different patient groups with specific needs, e.g. regarding activities of daily living and mobility. Thus, our data prove the eligibility of both CR and GR settings.
Magnetic resonance elastography in staging liver fibrosis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a pooled analysis of the diagnostic accuracy
Authors: Liang Yuanzi , Li Daowei 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
This study was performed to systematically evaluate the accuracy of magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) in staging of liver fibrosis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Methods
PUBMED, EMBASE, Web of Science, CNKI, Cochrane Library database were searched from January 2008 to December 2018 for studies related to MRE in the diagnosis of NAFLD liver fibrosis. The quality of the included literature was assessed by Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) tool. The pooled sensitivity, the pooled specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) value was performed by STATA 14.0 software.

Results
A total of 12 studies were included, involving 910 patients. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of each group were 0.77 (95%CI 0.69–0.83) and 0.90 (95%CI 0.83–0.94) for F ≥ 1 (mild liver fibrosis), 0.87 (95%CI 0.74–0.94) and 0.86 (95%CI 0.71–0.94) for F ≥ 2 (significant liver fibrosis), 0.89 (95%CI 0.81–0.94) and 0.84 (95%CI 0.63–0.94) for F ≥ 3(severe liver fibrosis), 0.94 (95%CI 0.85–0.98) and 0.75 (95%CI 0.35–0.94) for F ≥ 4 (early cirrhosis), respectively. The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve was 0.89, 0.93, 0.93, and 0.95, respectively.

Conclusions
MRE has high accuracy in the diagnosis of hepatic fibrosis staging in patients with NAFLD.
Case reports: three novel variants in PCCA and PCCB genes in Chinese patients with propionic acidemia
Authors: Yang Qi , Xu Hong , Luo Jingsi , Li Mengting , Yi Sheng , Zhang Qinle , Geng Guoxing , Feng Shihan , Fan Xin 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Propionic acidemia (PA) is an autosomal recessive metabolic disorder caused by the deficiency of the mitochondrial protein propionyl-CoA carboxylase (PCC) and is associated with pathogenic variants in either of the two genes PCCA or PCCB. The present study aimed to identify the genetic cause of three Chinese patients with PA.

Case presentation
Three Chinese PA patients were diagnosed by using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS), tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) and molecular diagnostic methods. All patients had onset in the neonatal period. One patient died of infection and metabolic decompensation, and the other two had mild to moderate developmental delay/mental retardation. Mutation analysis of the PCCA gene identified that patient 1 carried the compound heterozygous c.1288C > T(p.R430X) and c.2002G > A(p.G668R), and patient 2 was homozygous for the c.1426C > T(p.R476X) mutation. Mutation analysis of the PCCB gene identified that patient 3 harbored the compound heterozygous mutations c.359_360del AT(p.Y120Cfs*40) and c.1398 + 1G > A. Among these mutations, three (c.1288C > T, c.359_360del AT and c.1398 + 1G > A) are novel.

Conclusions
We reported three Chinese PA patients who had PCCA or PCCB mutants. Among them, in the PCCA gene, c.1288C > T(p.R430X) was a nonsense mutation, resulting in a truncated protein. c.359_360del AT was a frameshift mutation, leading to a p.Y120Cfs*40 change in the amino acid sequence in the PCCB protein. c.1398 + 1G > A was a splicing mutation, causing skipping of the exons 13–14. In conclusion, the novel mutations uncovered in this study will expands the mutation spectrum of PA.
Uncrossed corticospinal tracts in a patient with ichthyosis and hemiparesis: a case report
Authors: Yang Huijia , Zhou Hongwei , Miao Jing 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Anomalies of pyramidal tract decussation are rare phenomena that can be caused by ectodermal dysplasia. Herein, we describe a patient with ichthyosis who exhibited ipsilateral hemiparesis after stroke and whose neuroimaging results showed evidence of motor control being provided by the ipsilateral motor cortex.

Case presentation
A 24-year-old right-handed man presented with skin abnormalities, sudden-onset left hemiparesis, and dysarthria. He exhibited a mild-to-moderate left-sided weakness (grade 4 on the Medical Research Council scale). Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an acute infarct in the left corona radiata. Diffusion tensor imaging revealed uncrossed corticospinal tracts. Next-generation sequencing identified heterozygous FLG mutations. The patient was diagnosed with cerebral infarction and ichthyosis vulgaris and was treated with aspirin (100 mg/d). His symptoms gradually dissipated.

Conclusions
This case suggests that pyramidal decussation anomalies can be associated with ichthyosis. Patients with ichthyosis should therefore be evaluated for nerve involvement.
Antenatal depression: an examination of prevalence and its associated factors among pregnant women attending Harare polyclinics
Authors: Kaiyo-Utete M. , Dambi J. M. , Chingono A. , Mazhandu F. S. M. , Madziro-Ruwizhu T. B. , Henderson C. , Magwali T. , Langhaug L. , Chirenje Z. M. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Antenatal depression is the most prevalent common mental health disorder affecting pregnant women. Here, we report the prevalence of and associated factors for antenatal depression among pregnant women attending antenatal care services in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Methods
From January–April 2018, 375 pregnant women, aged 16–46 years, residing mostly in Harare’s high-density suburbs were recruited from two randomly-selected polyclinics. Antenatal depression was measured using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV. Sociodemographic data including; maternal age, education, marital status, economic status, obstetric history and experiences with violence were also collected. Chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to determine the association between antenatal depression and participants’ characteristics.

Results
The prevalence of antenatal depression was 23.47% (95% CI: 19.27–28.09). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed intimate partner violence (IPV) [OR 2.45 (95% CI: 1.47–4.19)] and experiencing negative life events [OR 2.02 (95% CI: 1.19–3.42)] as risk factors for antenatal depression, with being married/cohabiting [OR 0.45 (95% CI: 0.25–0.80)] being a protective factor.

Conclusion
The prevalence of antenatal depression is high with associated factors being interpersonal. Context-specific interventions are therefore needed to address the complexity of the factors associated with antenatal depression.