bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Low Back Pain on Balance Performance in Older People: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Ge Le , Wang Chuhuai , Zhou Haohan , Yu Qiuhua , Li Xin 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Research suggests that individuals with low back pain (LBP) may have poorer motor control compared to their healthy counterparts; however, the sample population of almost 90% of related articles are young and middle-aged people. There is still a lack of a systematicreview about the balance performance of elderly people with low back pain. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to understand the effects of LBP on balance performance in elderly people.Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis included a comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases for full-text articles published before January 2020. Two independent reviewers screened the relevant articles, and disagreements were resolved by a third reviewer.Results: Thirteen case-control studies comparing balance performance parameters between LBP and healthy subjects and four randomised controlled studies on physical therapy to improve thebalance performance of elderly people with LBP were included. The experimental group (LBP group) was associated with significantly larger area of centre of pressure movement (P < 0.001), higher velocity of centre of pressure sway in the anteroposterior and mediolateral directions(P= 0.01 and P = 0.02, respectively), longer path length in the anteroposterior direction (P < 0.001), slower walking speed (P = 0.05), and longer timed up and go test time (P = 0.004) than the control group.Conclusion: The results showed that balance performance was impaired in elderly people with LBP. We should pay more attention to the balance control of elderly people with LBP.
Theoretical study on water film area and dust removal efficiency of string grille
Authors: guo hua , Wang hai qiao , Chen shi qiang , Wu zhi rong 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Breaking through the bottleneck of low resistance and high efficiency in mine exhaust dust control has been a hot issue in the industry. Aiming at the key problems of the relationship between water film area and the dust removal efficiency in wet string grille, based on the multiphase flow theory and capillary mechanics, the dimensionless bond number expression of the influence of string grille wire spacing on droplet spreading is derived. Furthermore, a liquid film formed by spreading droplets based on Kelvin correlation, young Laplace formula and Hagen Poiseuille theory, a formula for calculating the thickness and height of liquid film is established with temperature, relative humidity and molar volume of liquid phase as independent variables. According to the theory of string grille filtration and dust removal, the dust removal efficiency calculation model of string grille wire group is established between the liquid film thickness, height, wire diameter, water film area and vortex shedding frequency. Finally, the theoretical analysis of the influence of water film area on the efficiency of wet string grille dust removal is carried out based on the spray pressure and the ratio of string grille wire distance to wire diameter. It is found that the effect of spray pressure on water film area and dust removal efficiency is more significant than string grille wire distance diameter ratio. Moreover, the optimized combination of wet string grille wire distance diameter ratio 0.84,
wind speed 3m/s and spray pressure 0.8 MPa is found, which provides important reference for engineering application.
Functional Independence Measure score is associated with mortality in critically ill elderly patients admitted to an intermediate care unit.
Authors: D'Andrea Alexia , Peillet Damien Le , Fassier Thomas , Prendki Virginie , Trombert Veronique , Reny Jean-Luc , roux xavier 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background Age alone is not a robust predictor of mortality in critically ill elderly patients. Chronic health status and functional status before admission could be better predictors. This study aimed to determine whether functional status, assessed using the Functional Independence Measure (FIM), could be an independent predictor of mortality in a geriatric population admitted to an intermediate care unit (IMCU).MethodsA monocentric, retrospective, observational study of all patients aged ≥ 75 years old admitted to Geneva University Hospitals’ geriatric IMCU between 01.01.2012 and 31.05.2016. The study’s primary outcome metrics were one-year mortality’s associations with a pre-admission FIM score and other relevant prospectively recorded prognostic variables.Results A total of 345 patients were included (56% female, mean age 85 +/- 6.5 years). Mean FIM score was 66 +/- 26. One-year mortality was 57%. Dichotomized low (≤ 63) and high FIM (> 63) scores were associated with one-year mortalities of 68% and 44%, respectively. Logistic regression calculations found an association between pre-admission FIM score and one-year mortality (p < 0.0001), including variables usually associated with mortality (e.g., age, sex, comorbidities, mini-mental health state score, renal function). Multivariate survival analysis showed a significant difference between groups, with a hazard ratio of 0.29 (95% CI: 0.13–0.65) for patients with high FIM scores.Conclusions In the present study, higher functional status, assessed using the FIM tool before admission to an IMCU, was significantly and independently associated with lower one-year mortality. This opens up perspectives on the potential value of FIM for establishing a finer prognosis and better triage of critically ill older patients.
NEMPD: A network embedding-based method for predicting miRNA-disease associations by preserving behavior and attribute information
Authors: Ji Bo-Ya , You Zhu-Hong , Chen Zhan-Heng , Wong Leon , Yi Hai-Cheng 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: As an important non-coding RNA, microRNA (miRNA) plays a significant role in a series of life processes and is closely associated with a variety of Human diseases. Hence, identification of potential miRNA-disease associations can make great contributions to the research and treatment of Human diseases. However, to our knowledge, many existing computational methods only utilize the single type of known association information between miRNAs and diseases to predict their potential associations, without focusing on their interactions or associations with other types of molecules. Results: In this paper, we propose a network embedding-based method for predicting miRNA-disease associations by preserving behavior and attribute information. Firstly, a heterogeneous network is constructed by integrating known associations among miRNA, protein and disease, and the network representation method Learning Graph Representations with Global Structural Information (GraRep) is implemented to learn the behavior information of miRNAs and diseases in the network. Then, the behavior information of miRNAs and diseases is combined with the attribute information of them to represent miRNA-disease association pairs. Finally, the prediction model is established based on the Random Forest algorithm. Under the five-fold cross validation, the proposed NEMPD model obtained average 85.41% prediction accuracy with 80.96% sensitivity at the AUC of 91.58%. Furthermore, the performance of NEMPD is also validated by the case studies. Among the top 50 predicted disease-related miRNAs, 48 (breast neoplasms), 47 (colon neoplasms), 47 (lung neoplasms) were confirmed by two other databases.Conclusions: The proposed NEMPD model has a good performance in predicting the potential associations between miRNAs and diseases, and has great potency in the field of miRNA-disease association prediction in the future.
Impact of amount of straw on pig and pen hygiene in partly slatted flooring systems
Authors: Wallgren Torun , Lundeheim Nils , Gunnarsson Stefan 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Straw is a beneficial enrichment material for pigs, shown to improve welfare through reducing tail biting. Straw has previously been identified as one of the means of how to raise pigs without tail docking, through improving natural exploratory behaviour. Straw has however been linked to poor pen hygiene, making farmers reluctant to use straw and has largely not been implemented in commercial farming worldwide. Straw is a beneficial enrichment material for pigs, shown to improve welfare and reduce abnormal behaviour such as tail biting. Results: This study investigates the impact of straw on pig and pen hygiene in pens with partly slatted floor in three grower and four finishing pig batches on five commercial farms (2329 pigs, 211 pens) in Sweden which were providing straw daily. Each batch was divided into two treatments; Control: 50-600g straw/pen/day based on the farm normal straw ration; and Extra straw; (=doubled Control ration). The pens were scored based on cleanliness of the pigs, solid and slatted pen floor every second week. The pig and pen hygiene were mostly scored as clean in both treatments, overall around 1% of the observations were considered dirty/soiled.Conclusions: As very few pens or pigs were considered dirty, it was concluded that straw provision is possible without risking poor pig and pen hygiene. Few observations in this study were considered dirty regardless of amount of straw that was provided, and had likely to do with other factors in the production rather than straw ration. These results implies that straw could be used in partly slatted pens in order to improve pig environment but more research is needed to quantify the impact of other external factors related to climate (e.g. temperature, humidity, velocity).
Influence of Orthodontic Treatment with Premolar Extraction on the Spatial Position of Maxillary Third Molars in Adult Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Cone-bean Computed Tomography Study
Authors: Pan Fangwei , Yang Zhentao , Wang Jian , Cai Ruilie , Liu Jialing , Zhang Chenghao , Liao Wen 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Based on low-dose radiation Cone-bean computed tomography (CBCT) images, ThisThe study aims of this study was to establish a space coordinate system, which offers more precise and comparable evaluation on changes of maxillary third molars influenced by orthodontic treatment with premolar extraction in adults. The system suggests promising application prospect in future studies related to CBCT superimposition and evaluation for its feasibility and efficiency.evaluate the changes in position, angulation, and rotation of maxillary third molars in adults after orthodontic treatment with premolar extraction using a space coordinate system based on Cone-bean computed tomography (CBCT) images. Methods: Forty-nine maxillary third molars from 27 patients (mean age, 20.78 years) were included in the study. CBCT images were obtained before and after orthodontic treatment with premolars extracted (mean treatment duration, 31.47 months). The changes in the position, angulation, and rotation of the third molars were evaluated with a space coordinates system using four landmarks: anterior nasal spine (ANS), posterior nasal spine (PNS), left and right orbitales. Results: After orthodontic treatment, the third molars moved forward (adjusted mean, 1.44 mm) (p < 0.001) and downward (adjusted mean, 2.87 mm) (p < 0.001) accompanied by outward rotation (mean, 5.38°) of the crowns (adjusted mean, 5.38°) (p = 0.001), whilebut the changes in angulation were insignificant.Conclusions: This was the first study to systematically investigate the spatial position change of maxillary third molars in adult patients who received orthodontic treatment with premolar extraction. During the process, maxillary third molars moved downward and forward accompanied by outward rotation of the crowns. Orthodontists should take tooth movement potential into consideration when making extraction plans.
Estimating cases of severe malaria: Analysis of household surveys in 19 malaria endemic countries in Africa
Authors: Taylor Cameron , NAMASTE Sorrel ML , LOWELL Joanna , USEEM Johanna , YÉ Yazoumé 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background

The burden of severe malaria is uncertain at the population level because existing estimates rely heavily on data from the formal healthcare system. Using data from population-based surveys, this analysis examines severe malaria cases at the population level, which captures malaria positive children whose caregivers 1) have taken the child to a healthcare facility but the child’s illness did not resolve, or 2) have not sought care for the child’s illness. Direct inclusion of these children in severe malaria estimates has been an underlying data gap.

Methods

This analysis examined data from 37 Demographic and Health Surveys and Malaria Indicator Surveys across 19 countries in sub-Saharan Africa collected between 2011 and 2018. The outcome of interest is a proxy indicator for severe malaria, defined as children age 6-59 months who were positive for malaria with at least one self-reported symptom of severe illness including loss of consciousness, rapid breathing, seizures, or severe anemia (hemoglobin <5 g/dl). The study includes a weighted descriptive, country-level analysis and a multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression model to assess the determinants of severe malaria.

Results

Among children positive for malaria across all surveys, 4.5% (95% CI 4.1–4.8) had at least one sign or symptom of severe malaria, which was significantly associated with age, residence, wealth, and fieldwork year at a p-value less than 0.05. Malaria positive children in the higher malaria transmission zone were more likely to have signs or symptoms of severe malaria compared to those in the lowest transmission zone; however, these results were not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Having an accurate estimate of severe malaria cases among malaria positive children is essential to assessing the impact of malaria interventions and to guiding future malaria investments. This analysis presents a novel approach of estimating severe malaria cases among malaria positive children under age five in malaria endemic countries. Estimating severe malaria cases through household-based surveys allows countries to estimate severe malaria across time and to compare with other countries. Having a population level estimate of severe malaria cases helps further our understanding of the burden and epidemiology of severe malaria.
Effects of land conversion on soil microbial community structure and diversity
Authors: Zhang Tong , Liu Yufei , Sui xin , Song fuqiang 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background : To study the impact of land-use change on soil microbial community structure and diversity in Northeast China, three typical land-use types (plough, grassland, and forest), grassland change to forest land and grassland change to plough, in the Qiqihar region of Heilongjiang Province were taken as research objects.
Methods : MiSeq high-throughput sequencing technology based on bacterial 16S rRNA and fungal ITS rRNA was used to study the above community structure of soil bacteria and fungi and to explore the relationship between soil bacteria and soil environmental factors.
Results : The results showed that the dominant bacterial phyla changed from Actinobacteria to Acidobacteria , the dominant fungal phyla changed from Ascomycetes to Basidiomycetes , and the ECM functional group increased significantly after the grassland was completely changed to forest land. After the grassland was changed to plough, the dominant phyla changed from Actinomycetes to Proteobacteria . The functional groups of pathogens and parasites increased significantly. There was no significant difference in the diversity of soil bacterial communities, and the diversity of fungal communities increased significantly. CCA showed that pH, MC, NO 3 - -N, TP and AP of soil were important factors affecting the composition of soil microbial communities, and changes in land-use patterns changed the physical and chemical properties of soils, thereby affecting the structure and diversity of microbial communities.
Conclusions : Our research results clarify the impact of changes in land use on the characteristics of soil microbial communities and provide basic data on the healthy use of land.
Clinical efficacy of percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy for the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis in elderly patients
Authors: Li hua , Ou Yufu , Xie Furong , Liang Weiguo , Tian Gang , Li Hongyu 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Although: percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) is increasingly being used to treat lumbar degenerative disease, the treatment of elderly patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) involves considerable uncertainty. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of PELD for the treatment of LSS in elderly patients aged 65 years or older. Methods: In this retrospective review, 136 patients aged 65 years or older who underwent PELD to treat LSS were evaluated. The patients were divided into two groups, group A (age 65-74) and group B (age ≥ 75), and perioperative data were analyzed. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, visual analog scale (VAS) score, and MacNab classification were used to evaluate postoperative clinical efficacy. Results: All patients successfully underwent the operation with satisfactory treatment outcomes. Compared to preoperative scores, the self-reported scores or pain while performing daily activities were significantly improved in both treatment groups (P<0.05). No statistically significant between-group differences were observed in operation time.
Impact of sugarcane irrigation on malaria vector Anopheles mosquito fauna, abundance and seasonality in Arjo-Didessa, Ethiopia
Authors: Shifera Assalif Demissew , Hawaria Dawit , Kibret Solomon , Animut Abebe , Tsegaye Arega , Lee Ming-Cheih , Yan Guiyun , Yewhalaw Delenasaw 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Although irrigation activities are increasing in Ethiopia, limited studies evaluated their impact on malaria vector mosquito composition, abundance and seasonality. This study aimed at evaluating the impact of sugarcane irrigation on species composition, abundance and seasonality of malaria vectors.

Methods : Adult Anopheles mosquitoes were collected using CDC light traps from three irrigated and three non-irrigated clusters in and around Arjo-Didessa sugarcane irrigation scheme in southwestern Ethiopia. Mosquito collections were conducted in four seasons: two wet and two dry, in 2018 and 2019. Mosquito species composition, abundance and seasonality were compared between irrigated and non-irrigated clusters. Anopheles mosquitoes were identified to species using morphological keys and An. gambiae s.l to sibling species using PCR. Chi-square was used to analyze the association between Anopheles species occurrence and environmental and seasonal parameters.

Results: Overall, 2,108 female Anopheles mosquitoes comprising of six species were collected. Of these, 92.7% (n=1954) were from irrigated clusters and 7.3% (n=154) from the non-irrigated. An. gambiae s.l was the most abundant (67.3%) followed by An. coustani complex (25.3 %) and An. pharoensis (5.7%). PCR based identification revealed that 74.7% (n=168) of the An. gambiae s.l were An. arabiensis and 22.7% (n=51) An. amharicus . Density of An. gambiae s.l. (both indoor and outdoor) was higher in irrigated than non-irrigated clusters. The overall anopheline mosquito abundance during the wet seasons (87.2%; n=1837) was higher than the dry seasons (12.8%; n=271).

Conclusion : The ongoing sugarcane irrigation activities in Arjo-Didessa created conditions suitable for increased malaria transmitting Anopheles species diversity and abundance. This in turn could drive malaria transmission in Arjo-Didessa and its environs in both dry and wet seasons. Thus, currently practiced malaria vector interventions need to be strengthened and consider larval source management to reduce vector abundance in the irrigated areas.

Key Words: Malaria, Irrigation, Anopheles mosquitoes, vector density, An. amharicus , Ethiopia
Shortened red blood cell age in patients with end-stage renal disease receiving haemodialysis: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Matsumura Koichiro , Okumiya Toshika , Sugiura Tetsuro , Takahashi Nobuyuki , Yamamoto Yoshihiro , Kikuchi Sanae , Fujii Kenichi , Otagaki Munemitsu , Shiojima Ichiro 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Cause of anaemia in end-stage renal disease is not only due to relative deficiency in erythropoietin production, but also to the complex clinical conditions. We sought to investigate the underlying mechanisms of anaemia in patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing maintenance dialysis by measuring erythrocyte creatine.Methods: In a cross-sectional study, we evaluated 69 patients with end-stage renal disease receiving haemodialysis (n = 55) or peritoneal dialysis (n = 14). Erythrocyte creatine, a quantitative marker of mean red blood cell (RBC) age, was measured.Results: Mean RBC age was significantly shorter in haemodialysis patients than in those with peritoneal dialysis (47.7 days vs. 59.8 days, p<0.0001), although haemoglobin levels were comparable between the groups. Spearman correlation coefficient analysis revealed that transferrin saturation (r = 0.54), ferritin (r= 0.47), and haptoglobin (r = 0.39) were positively, whereas reticulocyte (r = -0.36), weekly dose of erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (r = -0.62), erythropoietin resistance index (r = -0.64), and intradialytic ultrafiltration rate (r = -0.32) were inversely related to shortened RBC age.Conclusions: Shortened RBC age was observed in patients receiving maintenance haemodialysis. Shortened RBC age was associated with iron deficiency, greater haptoglobin consumption, higher ESA requirements, and poor erythropoietin responsiveness as well as greater intradialytic fluid extraction.