bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Meridian study on the response current affected by electrical pulse and acupuncture
Authors: Hung Yu-Chiang , Chen Wen-Chung , Chang Ting-Chang , Zheng Hao-Xuan , Liu Yan-Wen , Tan Yung-Fang , Lin Shih-Kai , Lu Ying-Hsin , Hu Wen-Long , Tsai Tsung-Ming 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAcupuncture and its meridians are important components of traditional Chinese medicine, and numerous opinions have been previously expressed regarding these meridians. This study aims to explore the phenomenon of meridians from the perspective of electronic physics by studying these meridians for the response current affected by electrical pulse and acupuncture. In this study, acupuncture which applies an electrical pulse was used to research the physical properties of the meridians. Different kinds of pulses were applied to the human body to realize abnormal electrical signals. Comparing these electrical measurement results with the isothermal transient ionic current (ITIC) theory, we found that the transmission of meridian messages may be related to ion conduction. The movement of ions induced by acupuncture and electrical stimulation can lead to drift and diffusion currents through the meridians. The ionic conduction of meridian hypothesis is proved in that the substances delivered by meridians are in fact ions.
A database for ITS2 sequences from nematodes
Authors: Workentine Matthew L. , Chen Rebecca , Zhu Shawna , Gavriliuc Stefan , Shaw Nicolette , Rijke Jill de , Redman Elizabeth M. , Avramenko Russell W. , Wit Janneke , Poissant Jocelyn , Gilleard John S. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Marker gene surveys have a wide variety of applications in species identification, population genetics, and molecular epidemiology. As these methods expand to new types of organisms and additional markers beyond 16S and 18S rRNA genes, comprehensive databases are a critical requirement for proper analysis of these data.

Results
Here we present an ITS2 rDNA database for marker gene surveys of both free-living and parasitic nematode populations and the software used to build the database. This is currently the most complete and up-to-date ITS2 database for nematodes and is able to reproduce previous analysis that used a smaller database.

Conclusions
This database is an important resource for researchers working on nematodes and also provides a tool to create ITS2 databases for any given taxonomy.
Growth performance and element concentrations reveal the calcicole-calcifuge behavior of three Adiantum species
Authors: Liao Jian Xiong , Liang Dan Yang , Jiang Qian Wen , Mo Ling , Pu Gao Zhong , Zhang Deng 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe calcicole or calcifuge behavior of wild plants has been related to element deficiency or toxicity. For fern species, however, knowledge about their adaptive differences and responses to soil environmental changes is virtually absent. In the karst regions of southern China, mostAdiantumspecies favor calcareous soils, butA. flabellulatumprefers acidic soils. Such contrasting preferences for soil types in the same genus are interesting and risky because their preferred soils may “pollute” each other due to extreme precipitation events. We mixed calcareous and acidic soils at 1:1 (v/v) to simulate the “polluted” soils and grew threeAdiantumspecies (the calcicoleA. capillus-venerisf.dissectumandA. malesianumand the calcifugeA. flabellulatum) on the calcareous, acidic and mixed soils for 120 d and assessed their growth performance and element concentrations.ResultsThe calcareous soil showed the highest pH, Ca, Mg and P concentrations but the lowest K concentration, followed by the mixed soil, and the acidic soil. After 120 d of growth, the calcifugeA. flabellulatumon the calcareous and mixed soils exhibited lower SPAD and relative growth rate (RGR) than those on the acidic soil, and its leaf and root Ca, Mg and Fe concentrations were higher and K was lower on the calcareous soil than on the acidic soil. The calcicoleA. capillus-venerisf.dissectumon the calcareous soil had similar leaf element concentrations and RGR with those on the mixed soil, but their leaf Ca, Fe and Al were lower and leaf P and K concentrations, SPAD and RGR were higher than those on the acidic soil. For the calcicoleA. malesianum, leaf Ca, Fe and Al were lowest and leaf P and RGR were highest when grown on the mixed soil, intermediated on the calcareous soil, and on the acidic soil. Compared withA. malesianum,A. capillus-venerisf.dissectumhad lower leaf Ca, Fe and Al but higher leaf Mg concentration when grown on the same calcareous or mixed soils.ConclusionsA. capillus-venerisf.dissectumis a low leaf Ca calcicole species whileA. malesianumis an Al accumulating calcicole species. They can effectively take up P and K to leaves and hence can thrive on calcareous soils. In contrast, the calcifugeA. flabellulatumgrown on calcareous soils is stunted. Such growth performance may be attributed to the increased leaf Ca and decreased leaf K concentration. If their preferred soils are “polluted”,A. flabellulatumcan grow worse,A. capillus-venerisf.dissectumcan remain almost unaffected whileA. malesianumwill perform better.
Study protocol for a hospital-to-home transitional care intervention for older adults with multiple chronic conditions and depressive symptoms: a pragmatic effectiveness-implementation trial
Authors: Markle-Reid Maureen , McAiney Carrie , Ganann Rebecca , Fisher Kathryn , Gafni Amiram , Gauthier Alain P. , Heald-Taylor Gail , McElhaney Janet , Ploeg Jenny , Urajnik Diana J. , Valaitis Ruta , Whitmore Carly 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Older adults (> 65 years) with multiple chronic conditions (MCC) and depressive symptoms experience frequent transitions between hospital and home. Care transitions for this population are often poorly coordinated and fragmented, resulting in increased readmission rates, adverse medical events, decreased patient satisfaction and safety, and increased caregiver burden. There is a dearth of evidence on best practices in the provision of transitional care for older adults with MCC and depressive symptoms transitioning from hospital-to-home. This paper presents a protocol for a two-armed, multi-site pragmatic effectiveness-implementation trial of Community Assets Supporting Transitions (CAST), an evidence-informed nurse-led six-month intervention that supports older adults with MCC and depressive symptoms transitioning from hospital-to-home. The Collaborative Intervention Planning Framework is being used to engage patients and other key stakeholders in the implementation and evaluation of the intervention and planning for intervention scale-up to other communities.

Methods
Participants will be considered eligible if they are > 65 years, planned for discharged from hospital to the community in three Ontario locations, self-report at least two chronic conditions, and screen positive for depressive symptoms. A total of 216 eligible and consenting participants will be randomly assigned to the control (usual care) or intervention (CAST) arm. The intervention consists of tailored care delivery comprising in-home visits, telephone follow-up and system navigation support. The primary measure of effectiveness is mental health functioning of the older adult participant. Secondary outcomes include changes in physical functioning, depressive symptoms, anxiety, perceived social support, patient experience, and health and social service use and cost, from baseline to 6- and 12-months. Caregivers will be assessed for caregiver strain, depressive symptoms, anxiety, health-related quality of life, and health and social service use and costs. Descriptive and qualitative data from older adult and caregiver participants, and the nurse interventionists will be used to examine implementation of the intervention, how the intervention is adapted within each study region, and its potential for sustainability and scalability to other jurisdictions.

Discussion
A nurse-led transitional care strategy may provide a feasible and effective means for improving health outcomes and patient/caregiver experience and reduce service use and costs in this vulnerable population.

Trial registration
# NCT03157999.
Registration Date: April 4, 2017.
Finding gaps in TB notifications: spatial analysis of geographical patterns of TB notifications, associations with TB program efforts and social determinants of TB risk in Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan
Authors: van Gurp Margo , Rood Ente , Fatima Razia , Joshi Pushpraj , Verma Sharat Chandra , Khan Ahmadul Hasan , Blok Lucie , Mergenthaler Christina , Bakker Mirjam Irene 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundIn order to effectively combat Tuberculosis, resources to diagnose and treat TB should be allocated effectively to the areas and population that need them. Although a wealth of subnational data on TB is routinely collected to support local planning, it is often underutilized. Therefore, this study uses spatial analytical techniques and profiling to understand and identify factors underlying spatial variation in TB case notification rates (CNR) in Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan for better TB program planning.MethodsSpatial analytical techniques and profiling was used to identify subnational patterns of TB CNRs at the district level in Bangladesh (N = 64, 2015), Nepal (N = 75, 2014) and Pakistan (N = 142, 2015). A multivariable linear regression analysis was performed to assess the association between subnational CNR and demographic and health indicators associated with TB burden and indicators of TB programme efforts. To correct for spatial dependencies of the observations, the residuals of the multivariable models were tested for unexplained spatial autocorrelation. Spatial autocorrelation among the residuals was adjusted for by fitting a simultaneous autoregressive model (SAR).ResultsSpatial clustering of TB CNRs was observed in all three countries. In Bangladesh, TB CNR were found significantly associated with testing rate (0.06%,p < 0.001), test positivity rate (14.44%,p < 0.001), proportion of bacteriologically confirmed cases (− 1.33%,p < 0.001) and population density (4.5*10–3%,p < 0.01). In Nepal, TB CNR were associated with population sex ratio (1.54%,p < 0.01), facility density (− 0.19%,p < 0.05) and treatment success rate (− 3.68%,p < 0.001). Finally, TB CNR in Pakistan were found significantly associated with testing rate (0.08%,p < 0.001), positivity rate (4.29,p < 0.001), proportion of bacteriologically confirmed cases (− 1.45,p < 0.001), vaccination coverage (1.17%,p < 0.001) and facility density (20.41%,p < 0.001).ConclusionSubnational TB CNRs are more likely reflective of TB programme efforts and access to healthcare than TB burden. TB CNRs are better used for monitoring and evaluation of TB control efforts than the TB epidemic. Using spatial analytical techniques and profiling can help identify areas where TB is underreported. Applying these techniques routinely in the surveillance facilitates the use of TB CNRs in program planning.
Testing the regulatory framework in South Africa – a single-blind randomized pilot trial of commercial probiotic supplementation to standard therapy in women with bacterial vaginosis
Authors: Happel Anna-Ursula , Singh Ravesh , Mitchev Nireshni , Mlisana Koleka , Jaspan Heather B. , Barnabas Shaun L. , Passmore Jo-Ann S. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundBacterial vaginosis (BV) increases HIV risk and adverse reproductive outcomes. Standard-of-care (SOC) for BV are antibiotics; however, cure rates are low. Probiotics for vaginal health may be useful in improving cure and recurrence although the regulatory framework governing probiotics and the conduct of randomized clinical trials to evaluate these has not been established in South Africa. We performed an exploratory single-blind trial evaluating a commercial oral-vaginal-combination probiotic as adjunct to SOC for BV treatment.MethodsWomen with symptomatic vaginal discharge were screened for BV and common sexually transmitted infections (STIs). BV+ (Nugent 7–10) but STI- women were randomized to vaginal metronidazole alone (n = 12) or to metronidazole followed by a commercial oral/vaginal probiotic (n = 18). The primary qualitative outcome was to test the regulatory landscape for conducting randomized probiotic trials in South Africa; and acceptability of vaginal application by women. BV cure at 1 month (Nugent≤3) was the primary quantitative endpoint. Secondary quantitative endpoints were BV recurrence, symptoms, vaginal microbiota and genital cytokine changes over 5 months post-treatment.ResultsThe South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) reviewed and approved this trial. As probiotics continue to be regulated as health supplements in South Africa, SAHPRA required a notification application for this trial. Acceptability and adherence to the oral and vaginal application of the probiotic were high, although women reported a preference for oral capsules. 44.8% of women cleared BV one-month post-treatment, and no significant differences in BV cure (RR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.24–1.16), recurrence, vaginal pH, symptoms, microbiota or vaginal IL-1α concentrations were found between SOC and intervention groups in this pilot study with an over-the-counter product.ConclusionNavigation of the SAHPRA registration process for evaluating a commercial probiotic in a randomised trial laid the foundation for planned larger trials of improved probiotic products for vaginal health in South Africa. Although adherence to the vaginally delivered probiotic was high, women preferred oral application and we recommend that improvements in the content and method of application for future probiotics for vaginal health should be considered.Trial registrationThis trial was registered on 17 October 2017 with the South African National Clinical Trial Register (http://www.sanctr.gov.za/; BV-trial1;DOH-27-1117-5579).
Preeclampsia in pregnancy affecting the stemness and differentiation potency of haematopoietic stem cell of the umbilical cord blood
Authors: Nordin Fazlina , Idris Mohd Razif Mohd , Mahdy Zaleha Abdullah , Wahid S. Fadilah Abd 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Umbilical cord blood (UCB) has been proposed as the potential source of haematopoietic stem cells (HSC) for allogeneic transplantation. However, few studies have shown that a common disease in pregnancy such as preeclampsia would affect the quality of UCB-HSC. Total nucleated cell count (TNC) is an important parameter that can be used to predict engraftment including UCB banking. Colony forming unit (CFU) assay is widely used as an indicator to predict the success of engraftment, since direct quantitative assay for HSC proliferation is unavailable. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of preeclampsia in pregnancy on the stemness and differentiation potency of UCB-HSC.

Methods
Mononuclear cells (MNC) were isolated from UCB and further enriched for CD34+ cells using immune-magnetic method followed by CFU assay. A panel of HSC markers including differentiated haematopoietic markers were used to confirm the differentiation ability of UCB-HSC by flow cytometry analysis.

Results/ discussion
The HSC progenitor’s colonies from the preeclampsia group were significantly lower compared to the control. This correlates with the low UCB volume, TNC and CD34+ cells count. In addition, the UCB-enriched CD34+ population were lymphoid progenitors and capable to differentiate into natural killer cells and T-lymphocytes.

Conclusion
These findings should be taken into consideration when selecting UCB from preeclamptic mothers for banking and predicting successful treatment related to UCB transplant.
Introducing the trajectory Touchpoint technique: a systematic methodology for capturing the service experiences of palliative care patients and their families
Authors: Sudbury-Riley Lynn , Hunter-Jones Philippa , Al-Abdin Ahmed 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Evaluation of palliative care services is crucial in order to ensure high quality care and to plan future services in light of growing demand. There is also an acknowledgement of the need to better understand patient experiences as part of the paradigm shift from paternalistic professional and passive patient to a more collaborative partnership. However, while clinical decision-making is well-developed, the science of the delivery of care is relatively novel for most clinicians. We therefore introduce the Trajectory Touchpoint Technique (TTT), a systematic methodology designed using service delivery models and theories, for capturing the voices of palliative care service users.

Methods
We used design science research as our overarching methodology to build our Trajectory Touchpoint Technique. We also incorporated a range of kernel theories and service design models from the wider social sciences. We developed and tested our Trajectory Touchpoint Technique with palliative care patients and their families (n = 239) in collaboration with different hospices and hospital-based palliative care providers (n = 8).

Results
The Trajectory Touchpoint Technique is user-friendly, enables systematic data collection and analysis, and incorporates all tangible and intangible dimensions of palliative care important to the service user. These dimensions often go beyond clinical care to encompass wider aspects that are important to the people who use the service. Our collaborating organisations have already begun to make changes to their service delivery based on our results.

Conclusions
The Trajectory Touchpoint Technique overcomes several limitations of other palliative care evaluation methods, while being more comprehensive. The new technique incorporates physical, psychosocial, and spiritual aspects of palliative care, and is user-friendly for inpatients, outpatients, families, and the bereaved. The new technique has been tested with people who have a range of illnesses, in a variety of locations, among people with learning disabilities and low levels of literacy, and with children as well as adults. The Trajectory Touchpoint Technique has already uncovered many previously unrecognised opportunities for service improvement, demonstrating its ability to shape palliative care services to better meet the needs of patients and their families.
The impact of healthcare worker influenza vaccination on nosocomial influenza in a tertiary hospital: an ecological study
Authors: Wei Wycliffe Enli , Fook-Chong Stephanie , Chen Wen Kai , Chlebicki Maciej Piotr , Gan Wee Hoe 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundTo protect hospitalized patients, who are more susceptible to complications of influenza, seasonal influenza vaccination of healthcare workers (HCW) has been recommended internationally. However, its effectiveness is still being debated. To assess the effectiveness of HCW influenza vaccination, we performed an ecological study to evaluate the association between healthcare worker influenza vaccination and the incidence of nosocomial influenza in a tertiary hospital within Singapore between 2013 and 2018.MethodsNosocomial influenza was defined as influenza among inpatients diagnosed 7 days or more after admission by laboratory testing, while healthcare worker influenza vaccination rate was defined as the proportion of healthcare workers that was vaccinated at the end of each annual seasonal vaccination exercise. A modified Poisson regression was performed to assess the association between the HCW vaccination rates and monthly nosocomial influenza incidence rates.ResultsNosocomial influenza incidence rates followed the trend of non-nosocomial influenza, showing a predominant mid-year peak. Across 2,480,010 patient-days, there were 256 nosocomial influenza cases (1.03 per 10,000 patient-days). Controlling for background influenza activity and the number of influenza tests performed, no statistically significant association was observed between vaccination coverage and nosocomial influenza incidence rate although a protective effect was suggested (IRR 0.89, 95%CI:0.69–1.15,p = 0.37).ConclusionNo significant association was observed between influenza vaccination rates and nosocomial influenza incidence rates, although a protective effect was suggested. Aligning local HCW vaccine timing and formulation to that of the Southern Hemisphere may improve effectiveness. HCW vaccination remains important but demonstrating its effectiveness in preventing nosocomial influenza is challenging.
Comparison of individual and neighbourhood socioeconomic status in case mix adjustment of hospital performance in primary total hip replacement in Sweden: a register-based study
Authors: Mesterton Johan , Willers Carl , Dahlström Tobias , Rolfson Ola 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Case mix adjustment is a pre-requisite for valid measurement of healthcare performance and socioeconomic status (SES) is important to account for. Lack of information on individual-level SES has led to investigations into using a proxy for SES based on patient area of residence. The objective of this study was to use neighbourhood SES for case mix adjustment of performance indicators in total hip replacement (THR) in Sweden, and to compare with use of individual SES.

Methods
Data from patient administrative systems and the Swedish Hip Arthroplasty Register were extracted for all patients undergoing THR in four Swedish regions. For each subject, individual data and neighbourhood data on country of birth, educational level, and income were provided by Statistics Sweden. Three variables were selected for analysis of performance; EQ-5D, hip pain and length of stay (LoS). In addition to socioeconomic information, several important clinical characteristics were used as case mix factors. Regression analysis was used to study each variable’s impact on the three outcome variables and model fit was evaluated using mean squared error.

Results
A total of 27,121 patients operated between 2010 and 2016 were included in the study. Both educational level and income were higher when based on neighbourhood information than individual information, while proportion born in Sweden was similar. Higher SES was generally found to be associated with better outcomes and lower LoS, albeit with certain differences between the different measures of SES. The predictive ability of the models was increased when adding information on SES to the clinical characteristics. The increase in predictive ability was higher for individual SES compared to neighbourhood SES. When analysing performance for the two providers with most diverging case mix in terms of SES, the inclusion of SES altered the relative performance using individual as well as neighbourhood SES.

Conclusions
Incorporating SES improves case mix adjustment marginally compared to using only clinical information. In this patient group, geographically derived SES was found to improve case mix adjustment compared to only clinical information but not to the same extent as actual individual-level SES.