bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SMALL FOOTPRINTS EXPAND MIDDLE PERMIAN AMPHIBIAN DIVERSITY IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN KAROO
Authors: CISNEROS JUAN CARLOS , DAY MICHAEL O. , GROENEWALD JACO , RUBIDGE BRUCE S. 
Published: January 2020

ABSTRACTTwo new tetrapod trackways are described from the Tapinocephalus Assemblage Zone of the South African Karoo Basin. We interpret both to be traces attributable to small anamniote tetrapods. The larger footprints are tentatively referred to aff. Batrachichnus salamandroides. These imprints are distinguished from other records of Batrachichnus by a pentadactyl pes that produces only impressions of digits III–V. Digits I and II are recognized only by their drag marks. This trace occurs in association with a second set of footprints of uncertain affinities. However, these smaller imprints are not sufficiently well preserved and could represent undertracks or partially eroded footprints. None of the footprints can be attributed to the adult forms of the two temnospondyl taxa known from the Guadalupian part of the Karoo Basin: Rhinesuchus whaitsi or Rhinesuchoides tenuiceps. We interpret the aff. Batrachichnus trackway to have been produced by a small, adult temnospondyl or microsaur (Recumbirostrae), whereas the smaller set of footprints was likely made by a juvenile rhinesuchid or an unknown amphibian, either a paedomorphic form or a tiny adult form. The discovery shows that a more diverse aquatic biota existed at this time in the Karoo than osteological records currently suggest.
Aggression among nurses
Authors: Mazur Maria 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Introduction: Aggression among nurses is a topic that is lively and often touched. However, the level of nurses’ aggression needs to be analyzed with regard to stress, personality traits, and sociodemographic variables.
The aim of this study was to assess the level of aggression among nurses with regard to stress, personality, sociodemographic data, and work-related factors.

Materials and methods: The study involved 189 nurses employed in West Pomeranian hospitals. The research instruments were: the Buss–Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ), the Neuroticism-Extroversion-Openness-Five Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), and a self-developed questionnaire concerning sociodemographic data.

Results: Chronic stress, longer work experience, neurotic personality, place of residence, and the form of employment, translate into aggression experienced by nurses. The general aggression rate according to the BPAQ was 69.9 ±18. According to the PSS-10, the largest group of respondents (38.62%) were nurses with the highest stress levels (7–10 sten scores). The nurses with higher perceived stress levels were more prone to anger, verbal aggression and hostility (p < 0.00).

Conclusions: Aggression in the nursing environment is common and is determined by the severe stress faced by nurses. Unquestionably, the levels of stress and aggression are directly proportional. The most common personality traits among nurses are conscientiousness and agreeableness. A higher level of neuroticism is associated with proneness to aggression. The level of aggression is determined by sociodemographic data, stress, and personality traits. Variables that characterize nurses showing aggressive behaviors are: having children, advanced age, and living in a city with a population of up to 100,000, as well as having several jobs and a contract for a specific task as a form of employment.
The antioxidant activity of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of dandelion (Taraxacum officinale L.)
Authors: Nowak Anna , Duchnik Wiktoria , Zielonka-Brzezicka Joanna , Muzykiewicz Anna , Florkowska Katarzyna , Klimowicz Adam , Kucharski Łukasz , Wysocka Daria , Dziedzic Agnieszka 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Introduction: Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale L.) has been commonly used in traditional and contemporary medicine due to its diuretic and hepatoprotective properties. It contains polyphenols, vitamins and terpenes – i.e. compounds with antioxidant potential. Natural antioxidants protect organisms against oxidative stress, an important factor in the ageing process and in the pathogenesis of neoplastic, cardiovascular, neurodegenerative and some other diseases.

Materials and methods: Raw dandelion plant material consisted of fresh and dried leaves, flowers and roots, harvested from a natural site. The extracts for analysis were prepared using an ultrasonic bath (extraction time 15, 30 and 60 min) in water, and 40% (v/v), 70% (v/v) and 96% (v/v) ethanol mixtures used as solvents. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing anti-oxidant power (FRAP) methods.

Results: The antioxidant activity of dandelion depended on the type of raw material used, as well as the type of solvent and extraction time. The highest DPPH activity was found for dried flower extracts prepared in 70% ethanol for 30 min. With FRAP method, the highest reduction capacity was observed for dried leaf extracts in 40% ethanol for 30 min.

Conclusions: The antioxidant potential of ethanolic and aqueous dandelion extracts was observed. This finding suggests the usefulness of this plant as a source of antioxidants to be used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.
The Ability of Different Imputation Methods for Missing Values in Mental Measurement Questionnaires
Authors: Xu Xueying , Xia Leizhen , Zhang Qimeng , Wu Shaoning , Wu Mingcheng , Liu Hongbo 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Incomplete data are of particular important influence in mental measurement questionnaires. Most experts, however, mostly focus on clinical trials and cohort studies and generally pay less attention to this deficiency. We aim is to compare the accuracy of four common methods for handling items missing from different psychology questionnaires according to the items non-response rates. Method All data were drawn from the previous studies including the self-acceptance scale (SAQ), the activities of daily living scale (ADL) and self-esteem scale (RSES). SAQ and ADL dataset, simulation group, were used to compare and assess the ability of four imputation methods which are direct deletion, mode imputation, Hot-deck (HD) imputation and multiple imputation (MI) by absolute deviation, the root mean square error and average relative error in missing proportions of 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%. RSES dataset, validation group, was used to test the application of imputation methods. All analyses were finished by SAS 9.4. Results The biases obtained by MI are the smallest under various missing proportions. HD imputation approach performed the lowest absolute deviation of standard deviation values. But they got the similar results and the performances of them are obviously better than direct deletion and mode imputation. In a real world situation, the respondents' average score in complete data set was 28.22 ± 4.63, which are not much different from imputed datasets. The direction of the influence of the five factors on self-esteem was consistent, although there were some differences in the size and range of OR values in logistic regression model. Conclusion MI shows the best performance while it demands slightly more data analytic capacity and skills of programming. And HD could be considered to impute missing values in psychological investigation when MI cannot be performed due to limited circumstances.
Patients’ experiences of discontentment one year after total knee arthroplasty- A qualitative study
Authors: Mahdi Aamir , Svantesson Mia , Wretenberg Per , Hälleberg Maria 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackground Total knee arthroplasty is a common procedure with generally good results. However, there are still patients who are discontented without known explanation. Contentment and discontentment have previously been captured by quantitative designs, but there is a lack of qualitative studies regarding these patients’ experiences. Qualitative knowledge might be useful in creating strategies to decrease the discontentment rate. Methods Of the 348 patients who responded to a letter asking if they were contented or discontented with their surgery, 61 (18%) reported discontentment. After excluding patients with documented complications and those who declined to participate, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 44 patients. The interviews were analyzed according to qualitative content analysis. The purpose was to describe patients’ experiences of discontentment one year after total knee arthroplasty. Results The patients experienced unfulfilled expectations and needs regarding unresolved and new problems, limited independence, and need for buttresses. They were bothered by pain and stiffness, and worried that changes were complications as a result of surgery. They described inability to perform daily activities and valued activities. They also felt a need for buttresses, and a lack of respect and continuity, support from health care, and information adapted to their needs. Conclusion Patient expectation seems to be the major contributing factor in patient discontentment after knee replacement surgery. This qualitative study sheds light on the meaning of unfulfilled expectations, in contrast to previous quantitative studies. The elements of unfulfilled expectations need to be dealt with both on the individual staff level and on the organizational level. For instance, increased continuity of healthcare staff and facilities may help to improve patient contentment after surgery.
Determining the feasibility and effectiveness of brief online mindfulness training for rural medical students: a pilot study
Authors: Moore Sarah Jane , Barbour Rita , Ngo Hanh , Sinclair Craig , Chambers Richard , Auret Kirsten , Hassed Craig , Playford Denese 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackground We sought to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of a mindfulness training program, delivered online to medical students at a Rural Clinical School.Methods An 8-week online training program was delivered to penultimate-year medical students at an Australian Rural Clinical School during 2016. Using a mixed methods approach, we measured the frequency and duration of participants’ mindfulness meditation practice, and assessed changes in their perceived stress, self-compassion and compassion levels, as well as personal and professional attitudes and behaviours.Results 47 participants were recruited to the study. 50% of participants were practising mindfulness meditation at least weekly by the end of the 8-week program, and 32% reported practising at least weekly 4 months following completion of the intervention. There was a statistically significant reduction in participants’ perceived stress levels and a significant increase in self-compassion at 4-month follow-up. Participants reported insights about the personal and professional impact of mindfulness meditation training as well as barriers to practice.Conclusions The results provide preliminary evidence that online training in mindfulness meditation can be associated with reduced stress and increased self-compassion in rural medical students. More rigorous research is required to establish concrete measures of feasibility of a mindfulness meditation program.
Increased plasma concentration of cell-free DNA precedes disease recurrence in children with high-risk neuroblastoma
Authors: Su Yan , Wang Lijun , Jiang Chiyi , Yue Zhixia , Fan Hongjun , Hong Huimin , Duan Chao , Jin Mei , Zhang Dawei , Qiu Lihua , Cheng Xianfeng , Xu Zhong , Ma Xiaoli 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Neuroblastoma is the third-most common cancer in children. The high rate of tumor recurrence accounts for a low survival rate in high risk neuroblastoma. Therefore it is clinically of extreme importance to find an effective biomarker for alerting disease recurrence.Methods Total 116 high risk neuroblastoma patients were recruited in Beijing Children's Hospital from February, 2015 to December, 2017. All patients had received multiple-disciplinary treatment, then went into maintenance treatment phase after evaluation. Blood samples were collected to quantify plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) at time points of the beginning of maintenance treatment, every three months afterwards, and diagnosis of recurrence.Results Results showed that 36 high risk neuroblastoma patients developed recurrence during maintenance treatment. The plasma cfDNA concentration was significantly higher in recurrence than in event-free patients (29.34 ng/ml VS 10.32 ng/ml). The time span of cfDNA level higher than 29 ng/ml was consistently detected ahead of recurrence at mean of 0.55 months. The ROC analysis showed that AUC was 0.825, optimal sensitivity and specificity of 80.6% and 71.3% respectively, at cfDNA level of 12.93 ng/ml.Conclusions We concluded that high level of plasma cfDNA could serve as a promising molecular marker to alert recurrence disease in high risk neuroblastoma children.
Brain SegNet: 3D Local Refinement Network for Brain Lesion Segmentation
Authors: Hu Xiaojun , Luo Weijian , Hu Jiliang , Guo Sheng , Huang Weilin , Scott Matthew R. , Wiest Roland , Dahlweid Michael , Reyes Mauricio 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
MR images (MRIs) accurate segmentation of brain lesions is important for improving cancer diagnosis, surgical planning, and prediction of outcome. However, manual and accurate segmentation of brain lesions from 3D MRIs is highly
expensive, time-consuming, and prone to user biases. We present an efficient yet conceptually simple brain segmentation network (referred as Brain SegNet), which is a 3D residual framework for automatic voxel-wise segmentation of brain lesion. Our model is able to directly predict dense voxel segmentation of brain tumor or ischemic stroke regions in 3D brain MRIs. The proposed 3D segmentation network can run at about 0.5s per MRIs - about 50 times faster than previous approaches [1,2]. Our model is evaluated on the BRATS 2015 benchmark for brain tumor segmentation, where it obtains state-of-the-art results, by surpassing recently published results reported in [1,2]. We further applied the proposed Brain SegNet for ischemic stroke lesion outcome prediction, with impressive results achieved on the Ischemic Stroke Lesion Segmentation (ISLES) 2017 database.
A neutralizing monoclonal antibody-based competitive ELISA for classical swine fever C-strain post–vaccination monitoring
Authors: Wang Lihua , Mi Shijiang , Madera Rachel , Ganges Llilianne , Borca Manuel V. , Ren Jingqiang , Cunningham Chase , Cino-Ozuna Ada G. , Li Hongwei , Tu Changchun , Gong Wenjie , Shi Jishu 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Virus neutralization test (VNT) is widely used for serological survey of classical swine fever (CSF) and efficacy evaluation of CSF vaccines. However, VNT is a time consuming procedure that requires cell culture and live virus manipulation. C-strain CSF vaccine is the most frequently used vaccine for CSF control and prevention. In this study, we presented a neutralizing monoclonal antibody (mAb) based competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) with the emphasis on the replacement of VNT for C-strain post–vaccination monitoring.

Results: One monoclonal antibody (6B211) which has potent neutralizing activity against C-strain was generated. A novel cELISA was established and optimized based on the strategy that 6B211 can compete with C-strain induced neutralizing antibodies in pig serum to bind capture antigen C-strain E2. By testing C-strain VNT negative pig sera (n=445) and C-strain VNT positive pig sera (n=70), the 6B211 based cELSIA showed 100% sensitivity (95% confidence interval: 94.87 to 100%) and 100% specificity (95% confidence interval: 100 to 100%). The C-strain antibody can be detected in pigs as early as 7 days post vaccination with the cELISA. By testing pig sera (n=139) in parallel, the cELISA showed excellent agreement (Kappa=0.957) with VNT. The inhibition rate of serum samples in the cELISA is highly correlated with their titers in VNT (r 2 =0.903, p<0.001). In addition, intra- and inter-assays of the cELISA exhibited acceptable repeatability with low coefficient of variations (CVs).

Conclusions: This novel cELISA demonstrated excellent agreement and high level correlation with VNT. It is a reliable tool for sero-monitoring of C-strain vaccination campaign because it is a rapid, simple, safe and cost effective assay that can be used to monitor vaccination-induced immune response at the population level.
Association of IL-10 gene promoter polymorphisms with susceptibility to pseudoexfoliation syndrome, pseudoexfoliative and primary open-angle glaucoma
Authors: Fakhraie Ghasem , Parvini Farshid , Ghanavi Jalaledin , Saif Shima , farnia poopak 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackground: The involvement of cytokines in pathogenesis of pseudoexfoliation syndrome and glaucoma has been demonstrated in several studies. The aim of the present study was to explore the association between three promoter polymorphisms -592C/A (rs1800872), -819C/T (rs1800871) and -1082A/G (rs1800896) of interleukin 10 (IL-10) gene with susceptibility to pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX), pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (PEXG), and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Methods: In this study, 114 PEX, 118 PEXG, 114 POAG patients and 126 healthy individuals from Iranian population were participated. Detailed ophthalmic examinations by an ophthalmologist including slit-lamp bio-microscopic examination, dilated examination of the lens, gonioscopy, and funduscopy were carried out on patients and controls. Genomic DNA was extracted from the blood samples and ARMS–PCR was performed to detect promoter polymorphisms of IL-10. Results: In all three SNPs studied, there was a significant difference in the genotype distribution between patients and control subjects. Results revealed that the AA genotype of IL-10 -592C/A SNP is associated with PEX. However, TT genotype of -819C/T and AA genotype of -1082A/G SNP are significantly associated with susceptibility to either PEX or PEXG and POAG disorders. Furthermore, the ACC haplotype containing the IL-10 -1082A allele was associated with PEX ( P = 0.02, OR = 5.76, 95 % CI = 5.17-24.49), PEXG ( P = 0.006, OR = 7.54, 95 % CI = 6.62-30.76) and POAG ( P = 0.003, OR = 8.11, 95 % CI = 7.13-33.15). Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that IL-10 gene promoter polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to PEX, PEXG and POAG in Iranian population. Considering the fact that IL-10 polymorphisms are associated with various IL-10 expressions, further research is needed to explain its involvement in these disorders and the formation of extracellular fibrillar amyloid deposits in PEX and PEXG.
Nomogram Model for Predicting Cause-Specific Mortality in Patients with Stage I Small-Cell Lung Cancer: A Competing Risk Analysis
Authors: Li Jianjie , Zheng Qiwen , Zhao Xinghui , Zhao Jun , An Tongtong , Wu Meina , Wang Yuyan , Zhuo Minglei , Zhong Jia , Yang Xue , Jia Bo , Chen Hanxiao , Dong Zhi , Wang Jingjing , Zhai Xiaoyu , Chi Yujia , wang ziping 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: The five-year cumulative incidence rate in patients diagnosed with stage I small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) who were instructed to undergo surgery was from 40% to 60%.The death competition influence the accuracy of the classical survival analyses.The aim of the study is to investigate the mortality of stage I small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients in the presence of competing risks according to a proportional hazards model, and to establish a competing risk nomogram to predict probabilities of both cause-specific death and death resulting from other causes.
Methods: The study subjects were patients diagnosed with stage I SCLC according to ICD-O-3.First,the cumulative incidence functions (CIFs) of cause-specific death, as well as of death resulting from other causes, were calculated. Then, a proportional hazards model for the sub-distribution of competing risks and a monogram were constructed to evaluate the probability of mortality in stage I SCLC patients.
Results: 1811 patients were included in this study. The five-year probabilities of death due to specific causes and other causes were 61.5% and 13.6%, respectively. Tumor size, extent of tumor, surgery, and radiotherapy were identified as the predictors of death resulting from specific causes in stage I SCLC. The results showed that surgery could effectively reduce the cancer-specific death, and the one-year cumulative incidence dropped from 34.5% to 11.2%.Like surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy improved the one-year survival rate.
Conclusions: We constructed a predictive model for stage I SCLC using the data from the SEER database. The proportional sub-distribution models of competing risks revealed the predictors of death resulting from both specific causes and other causes. The competing risk nomogram that we built to predict the prognosis showed good reliability and could provide beneficial and individualized predictive information for stage I SCLC patients.
Compliance with spectacle use in children with refractive errors- a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Dhirar Nonita , Dudeja Sankalp , Duggal Mona , Gupta Parul Chawla , Jaiswal Nishant , Singh Meenu , Ram Jagat 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Background Primary objective of this review was to measure compliance with spectacle use in children with refractive errors. Secondary objective was to understand the reasons for non-compliance.Methods The databases searched were Ovid, EMBASE, CINAHL and Pubmed. All studies up to March, 2018 were included. The search terms were- ((((((Compliance [Title/Abstract]) OR Adherence[Title/Abstract]) OR Compliant[Title/Abstract]) OR Adherent[Title/Abstract])) AND (((Spectacle[Title/Abstract]) OR Spectacles[Title/Abstract]) OR Eye Glasses[Title/Abstract])) AND ((((Child[Title/Abstract]) OR Children[Title/Abstract]) OR Adolescent[Title/Abstract]) OR Adolescents[Title/Abstract]). Two researchers independently searched the databases and initial screening obtained 33 articles. The PRISMA guidelines were followed for conducting and writing the systematic review. Two reviewers assessed data quality independently using the Quality Assessment tool for systematic reviews of observational studies (QATSO). Poor quality studies were those, which had a score of less than 33% on the QATSO tool. Sensitivity analysis was done to determine if poor quality studies effected compliance. Galbraith plot was used to investigate statistical heterogeneity amongst studies. A random effects model was used to pool compliance.Results Twenty-three studies were included in the review, of which 20 were included in the quantitative analysis. All the studies were cross sectional. The overall compliance with spectacle use was 40.14% (95% CI- 32.78-47.50). The compliance varied from 9.84% (95% CI=2.36-17.31) to 78.57% (95% CI=68.96-88.18). The compliance derived in sensitivity analysis was 40.09%. Reasons for non-compliance were broken/lost spectacles, forgetfulness, and parental disapproval.Conclusion Appropriate remedial measures such as health education and strengthening vision care services will be required to address poor compliance with spectacle use among children.