bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Which role for chest x-ray score in predicting the outcome in COVID-19 pneumonia?
Authors: Maroldi Roberto , Rondi Paolo , Agazzi Giorgio Maria , Ravanelli Marco , Borghesi Andrea , Farina Davide 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Objective
We aim to demonstrate that a chest X-ray (CXR) scoring system for COVID-19 patients correlates with patient outcome and has a prognostic value.

Methods
This retrospective study included CXRs of COVID-19 patients that reported the Brixia score, a semi-quantitative scoring system rating lung involvement from 0 to 18. The highest (H) and lowest (L) values were registered along with scores on admission (A) and end of hospitalization (E). The Brixia score was correlated with the outcome (death or discharge).

Results
A total of 953 patients met inclusion criteria. In total, 677/953 were discharged and 276/953 died during hospitalization. A total of 524/953 had one CXR and 429/953 had more than one CXR. H-score was significantly higher in deceased (median, 12; IQR 9–14) compared to that in discharged patients (median, 8; IQR 5–11) (p < 0.0001). In 429/953 patients with multiple CXR, A-score, L-score, and E-score were higher in deceased than in discharged patients (A-score 9 vs 8; p = 0.039; L-score 7 vs 5; p < 0.0003; E-score 12 vs 7; p < 0.0001). In the entire cohort, logistic regression showed a significant predictive value for age (p < 0.0001, OR 1.13), H-score (p < 0.0001, OR 1.25), and gender (p = 0.01, male OR 1.67). AUC was 0.863. In patients with ≥ 2 CXR, A-, L-, and E-scores correlated significantly with the outcome. Cox proportional hazards regression indicated age (p < 0.0001, HR 4.17), H-score (< 9, HR 0.36, p = 0.0012), and worsening of H-score vs A score > 3 (HR 1.57, p = 0.0227) as associated with worse outcome.

Conclusions
The Brixia score correlates strongly with disease severity and outcome; it may support the clinical decision-making, particularly in patients with moderate-to-severe signs and symptoms. The Brixia score should be incorporated in a prognostic model, which would be desirable, particularly in resource-constraint scenarios.

Key Points
• To demonstrate the importance of the Brixia score in assessing and monitoring COVID-19 lung involvement.
• The Brixia score strongly correlates with patient outcome and can be easily implemented in the routine reporting of CXR.
Laser procedures in the treatment of BPH: a bibliometric study
Authors: Reichelt Anja C. , Suarez-Ibarrola Rodrigo , Herrmann Thomas R. W. , Miernik Arkadiusz , Schöb Dominik S. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Purpose
To perform a bibliometric analysis of lased-based BPH treatment publications and to obtain an understanding of the publication trends over time.

Materials and methods
The Medline database was searched for articles in English language regarding laser-based BPH therapy up to 2018. Matching articles were assigned to at least one of the following categories: Ho:YAG, Tm:YAG, green light, diode, Nd:YAG laser and review articles. The laser categories were analysed using bibliometric procedures regarding citation rate, authors, country of origin and journal of publication. Moreover, the articles on laser BPH therapy included in the EAU, AUA and JUA guidelines were analysed to evaluate the most influential articles.

Results
In total, 982 articles were included: 317 articles were assigned to green light, 283 to Ho:YAG, 101 to Tm:YAG, 74 to Nd:YAG and 39 to diode lasers. The publication rate for Nd:YAG laser has declined, but continues to grow for Ho:YAG and Tm:YAG lasers. We found a positive correlation between number of authors and year of publication (R = 0.3, p < 0.001*). Articles on Ho:YAG lasers are cited the most (mean 23.0 ± 37.1). Asia has contributed the most articles. Mostly, countries with high health and research and development (R&D) expenditures influenced the guidelines regarding laser-based approaches. Yet, after adjustment of all search results to GDP, health and R&D expenditure, India and China were the most prolific countries.

Conclusion
Laser-based approaches for BPH treatment are increasing but have not been implemented worldwide. Asia’s contribution should be acknowledged. An inflationary trend regarding the number of authors per article is confirmed.
Demand for integrative medicine among women with breast and gynecological cancer: a multicenter cross-sectional study in Southern and Northern Germany
Authors: Grimm Donata , Mathes Sofia , Woelber Linn , Van Aken Caroline , Schmalfeldt Barbara , Mueller Volkmar , Kiechle Marion , Brambs Christine , Paepke Daniela 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this multicenter cross-sectional study was to analyze a cohort of breast (BC) and gynecological cancer (GC) patients regarding their interest in, perception of and demand for integrative therapeutic health approaches.

Methods
BC and GC patients were surveyed at their first integrative clinic visit using validated standardized questionnaires. Treatment goals and potential differences between the two groups were evaluated.

Results
340 patients (272 BC, 68 GC) participated in the study. The overall interest in IM was 95.3% and correlated with older age, recent chemotherapy, and higher education. A total of 89.4% were using integrative methods at the time of enrolment, primarily exercise therapy (57.5%), and vitamin supplementation (51.4%). The major short-term goal of the BC patients was a side-effects reduction of conventional therapy (70.4%); the major long-term goal was the delay of a potential tumor progression (69.3%). In the GC group, major short-term and long-term goals were slowing tumor progression (73.1% and 79.1%) and prolonging survival (70.1% and 80.6%). GC patients were significantly more impaired by the side-effects of conventional treatment than BC patients [pain (p = 0.006), obstipation (< 0.005)].

Conclusion
Our data demonstrate a high overall interest in and use of IM in BC and GC patients. This supports the need for specialized IM counseling and the implementation of integrative treatments into conventional oncological treatment regimes in both patient groups. Primary tumor site, cancer diagnosis, treatment phase, and side effects had a relevant impact on the demand for IM in our study population.
Exact matching of trabectome-mediated ab interno trabeculectomy to conventional trabeculectomy with mitomycin C followed for 2 years
Authors: Strzalkowska A. , Strzalkowski P. , Al Yousef Y. , Grehn F. , Hillenkamp J. , Loewen Nils A. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Purpose
We used exact matching for a highly balanced comparison of ab interno trabeculectomy (AIT) with the trabectome to trabeculectomy with mitomycin C (TRAB).

Methods
A total of 5485 patients who underwent AIT were exact-matched to 196 TRAB patients by baseline intraocular pressure (IOP), number of glaucoma medications, and glaucoma type. Nearest-neighbor–matching was applied to age. Success was defined as a final IOP of less than 21 mmHg, IOP reduction of at least 20% reduction from baseline, and no secondary surgical interventions. Outcomes were measured at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months.

Results
A total of 165 AIT could be matched to 165 TRAB. The mean baseline IOP was 22.3 ± 5.6 mmHg, and the baseline number of glaucoma medications was 2.7 ± 1.1 in both groups. At 24 months, IOP was reduced to 15.8 ± 5.2 mmHg in AIT and 12.4 ± 4.7 mmHg in TRAB. IOP was lower than baseline at all visits (p < 0.01) and lower in TRAB than AIT (p < 0.01). Glaucoma medications were reduced to 2.1 ± 1.3 in AIT and 0.2 ± 0.8 in TRAB. Compared to baseline, patients used fewer drops postoperatively (p < 0.01) and more infrequently in TRAB than in AIT (p > 0.01). Secondary surgical interventions had the highest impact on success and became necessary in 15 AIT and 59 TRAB patients. Thirty-two challenging events occurred in TRAB and none in AIT.

Conclusion
Both AIT and TRAB reduced IOP and medications. This reduction was more significant in TRAB but at the expense of four times as many secondary interventions.
A Social-Ecological Framework to Understand Barriers to HIV Clinic Attendance in Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda: a Qualitative Study
Authors: O’Laughlin Kelli N. , Greenwald Kelsy , Rahman Sarah K. , Faustin Zikama M. , Ashaba Scholastic , Tsai Alexander C. , Ware Norma C. , Kambugu Andrew , Bassett Ingrid V. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe social-ecological model proposes that efforts to modify health behaviors are influenced by constraints and facilitators at multiple levels. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 47 clients in HIV care and 8 HIV clinic staff to explore how such constraints and facilitators (individual, social environment, physical environment, and policies) affect engaging in HIV clinical care in Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda. Thematic analysis revealed that participants were motivated to attend the HIV clinic because of the perceived quality of services and the belief that antiretroviral therapy improves health. Barriers to clinic attendance included distance, cost, unemployment, and climate. Those that disclosed their status had help in overcoming barriers to HIV care. Nondisclosure and stigma disrupted community support in overcoming these obstacles. Interventions to facilitate safe disclosure, mobilize social support, and provide more flexible HIV services may help overcome barriers to HIV care in this setting.
Ingredients for robustness
Authors: Ay Nihat 
Published: December 2020

AbstractA core property of robust systems is given by the invariance of their function against the removal of some of their structural components. This intuition has been formalised in the context of input–output maps, thereby introducing the notion of exclusion independence. We review work on how this formalisation allows us to derive characterisation theorems that provide a basis for the design of robust systems.
Occurrence and Stability of Allanite and Monazite in the Greater Himalayan Sequence, Dhauliganga Valley, Garhwal Himalaya
Authors: Chaurasia C. , Madhavan K. , Thakur S. S. , Patel S. C. , Samal A. K. , Nema S. , Dixit P. K. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The occurrence and relative stability of metamorphic allanite and monazite in metapelites of the Greater Himalayan Sequence (GHS) in the Dhauliganga valley, Garhwal Himalaya have been studied. The GHS is marked by kyanite grade metamorphism in the lower and middle structural levels and sillimanite grade metamorphism in the upper structural level. The occurrence of allanite is restricted to the lower structural level, while monazite occurs in the middle and upper structural levels. The allanite-out reaction occurred at ~660 °C and 9.5 kbar. Monazite shows widely varying ThO2 content which can be explained mostly by brabantite substitution. The rocks of the GHS of the Dhauliganga valley display inverted metamorphic sequence and the allanite-out reaction is the result of prograde metamorphism.
Characterising the Ongole Coastal Dunefield of SE India: Formation and Temporal Constraints
Authors: Kumar Devender , Reddy Dontireddy Venkat , Davidson-Arnott Robin 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The Ongole coastal dunefield (OCD) is about 20 km long and 2.5 to 3 km wide, and is located to the east of Ongole town between the mouth of the Paleru river in the south and a small creek in the north. Much of the dunefield lies 3-5 m above sea level with some large dune ridges reaching 10-12 m. The area landward of the dune field consists of an extensive marsh. Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating of 12 sub-surface sediments from three sites near the western edge of the dunefield gives almost concurrent age of 5.1±0.4 ka. Radiocarbon dating of one shell from a similar location also corroborates the OSL age while the age of another shell taken closer from the modern shoreline gives a date of 3.29±0.5 ka. The age of the deposits and morphology of the dunefield indicate that it was probably initiated on some form of barrier system at the end of the Holocene transgression.
Development of Groundwater Level Fluctuation Response System Subjected to Rainfall for Slope Stability Forecasting
Authors: Ng Soon Min , Ismail Mohd Ashraf Mohamad , Abustan Ismail 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The rise of groundwater level in slope due to intense rainfall is one of the factors that can trigger slope failure. The groundwater level rise causes increase in the pore water pressure thus reducing the shear resistance of the soil. The purpose of this study is to present a groundwater level evaluation system in response to daily rainfall for slope stability forecasting. The system consists of three important components namely the conceptual multi tank model, unsaturated-saturated seepage flow analysis and stability analysis. The conceptual multi tank model was initially used to determine the fluctuations of groundwater level followed by the unsaturated-saturated seepage flow analysis to determine the pore water pressure distribution in the slope. Finally, the variation in factor of safety for the slope was determined by stability analysis corresponding to the seepage flow results. The performance of the evaluation system was demonstrated using a case study in Putrajaya, Malaysia. From this study, an early warning system can be developed for slope stability which is essential for disaster prevention during rainfall.
Characterizing natural degradation of tetrachloroethene (PCE) using a multidisciplinary approach
Authors: Åkesson Sofia , Sparrenbom Charlotte J. , Paul Catherine J. , Jansson Robin , Holmstrand Henry 
Published: December 2020

AbstractA site in mid-western Sweden contaminated with chlorinated solvents originating from a previous dry cleaning facility, was investigated using conventional groundwater analysis combined with compound-specific isotope data of carbon, microbial DNA analysis, and geoelectrical tomography techniques. We show the value of this multidisciplinary approach, as the different results supported each interpretation, and show where natural degradation occurs at the site. The zone where natural degradation occurred was identified in the transition between two geological units, where the change in hydraulic conductivity may have facilitated biofilm formation and microbial activity. This observation was confirmed by all methods and the examination of the impact of geological conditions on the biotransformation process was facilitated by the unique combination of the applied methods. There is thus significant benefit from deploying an extended array of methods for these investigations, with the potential to reduce costs involved in remediation of contaminated sediment and groundwater.
Robust and conductive hydrogel based on mussel adhesive chemistry for remote monitoring of body signals
Authors: Li Weijun , Liu Hao , Mi Yuanyuan , Zhang Miaoran , Shi Jinmiao , Zhao Ming , Ramos Melvin A. , Hu Travis Shihao , Li Jianxiong , Xu Meng , Xu Quan 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThere is a high demand for hydrogels with multifunctional performance (a combination of adhesive, mechanical, and electrical properties) in biological, tissue engineering, robotics, and smart device applications. However, a majority of existing hydrogels are relatively rigid and brittle, with limited stretchability; this hinders their application in the emerging field of flexible devices. In this study, cheap and abundant potato residues were used with polyacrylamide (PAM) to fabricate a multifunctional hydrogel, and chitosan was used for the design of a three-dimentional (3D) network-structured hydrogel. The as-prepared hydrogels exhibited excellent stretchability, with an extension exceeding 900% and a recovery degree of over 99%. Due to the combination of physical and chemical cross-linking properties and the introduction of dopamine, the designed hydrogel exhibits a remarkable self-healing ability (80% mechanical recovery in 2 h), high tensile strength (0.75 MPa), and ultra-stretchability (900%). The resultant products offer superior properties compared to those of previously reported tough and self-healing hydrogels for wound adhesion. Chitosan and potato residues were used as scaffold materials for the hydrogels with excellent mechanical properties. In addition, in vitro experiments show that these hydrogels feature excellent antibacterial properties, effectively hindering the reproduction of bacteria. Moreover, the ternary hydrogel can act as a strain sensor with high sensitivity and a gauge factor of 1.6. The proposed strategy is expected to serve as a reference for the development of green and recyclable conductive polymers to fabricate hydrogels. The proposed hydrogel can also act as a suitable strain sensor for bio-friendly devices such as smart wearable electronic devices and/or for health monitoring.
Multiscale study of the dynamic friction coefficient due to asperity plowing
Authors: Hu Jianqiao , Song Hengxu , Sandfeld Stefan , Liu Xiaoming , Wei Yueguang 
Published: December 2020

AbstractA macroscopically nominal flat surface is rough at the nanoscale level and consists of nanoasperities. Therefore, the frictional properties of the macroscale-level rough surface are determined by the mechanical behaviors of nanoasperity contact pairs under shear. In this work, we first used molecular dynamics simulations to study the non-adhesive shear between single contact pairs. Subsequently, to estimate the friction coefficient of rough surfaces, we implemented the frictional behavior of a single contact pair into a Greenwood-Williamson-type statistical model. By employing the present multiscale approach, we used the size, rate, and orientation effects, which originated from nanoscale dislocation plasticity, to determine the dependence of the macroscale friction coefficient on system parameters, such as the surface roughness, separation, loading velocity, and direction. Our model predicts an unconventional dependence of the friction coefficient on the normal contact load, which has been observed in nanoscale frictional tests. Therefore, this model represents one step toward understanding some of the relevant macroscopic phenomena of surface friction at the nanoscale level.
Vicia sativa Roth. Can Reduce Soil and Water Losses in Recently Planted Vineyards (Vitis vinifera L.)
Authors: Rodrigo-Comino Jesús , Terol Enric , Mora Gaspar , Giménez-Morera Antonio , Cerdà Artemi 
Published: December 2020

AbstractElevated soil loss and runoff rates can reduce soil fertility; therefore, soil erosion control strategies must be implemented at the hillslope and watershed scale when plantations are established and the soil is bare. In this research, we propose the use of the Vicia sativa Roth. to reduce the soil losses during the first year to control the peak of soil erosion after the plantation in tilled vineyards. To test its efficiency, rainfall simulation experiments were carried out with field surveys in The Casa Pago Gran, in the Eastern Iberian Peninsula. Our results demonstrate that soil properties (organic matter and soil bulk density) and soil erosion (soil loss, runoff and sediment concentration) were significantly different between the control plot (tilled) and with cover crops along with August 2016, 2017 and 2018 measurement periods, but not during January 2016, coinciding with the initial survey before the vetch sown. Runoff initiation was delayed in 3.7 times after 3 years (from 190 till 709 s). The runoff discharge was reduced by the Vicia sativa from 32.87 till 13.68%, the sediment concentration went down from 18.54 till 3.81 gr l−1 and the soil erosion from 3.36 to 0.29 Mg ha−1 year−1. An increase in soil bulk density was registered but did not affect the runoff generation either the soil losses, that was reduced by the plant cover. We conclude that it is necessary to include soil erosion control measures such as the use of Vicia sativa to reduce soil erosion processes during the first stages of the vineyard plantations due to the soil quality improvements and the reduction in soil and water losses.
The Impact of Heavy Snowfall on Home Care: A 2018 Case Study in Fukui City, Japan
Authors: Miyatake Hirotomo , Ozaki Akihiko , Nishikawa Yoshitaka , Masunaga Hidehisa , Arita Satoshi , Beniya Hiroyuki 
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACTObjective:Little is known regarding how home care is affected by extreme weather. In February 2018, Fukui City in Japan experienced unprecedented levels of snowfall. We examined snowfall impact on the provision of home care to elucidate whether patients incurred any harm.Methods:A retrospective observational study using clinical and administrative records from a clinic in Fukui City was conducted on 294 patients (mean age = 69.9 ± 27.7 years; women = 60.5%, median age = 81). The study period was from February 5 to February 18, 2018. We analysed the patients’ characteristics, daily trend of planned/actual patient visits, emergency transportation situations, and local snow accumulation. We summarized the situation in the clinic.Results:There were 326 planned home visits, however only 121 (37%) occurred. Despite this, there were only 2 emergency transfers. Although the available clinical staff was limited, they managed to contact most patients via telephone and social networking services.Conclusion:Although the number of home visits dramatically decreased, the number of emergency transfers did not increase. This study therefore highlights the necessity for effective disaster preparation, such as assessment training, or use of telemedicine, and on-site decision-making to maintain home care during disasters.
Table olives and health: a review
Authors: Rocha Janete , Borges Nuno , Pinho Olívia 
Published: December 2020

AbstractTable olives, a product of olive tree (Olea europaeaL.), is an important fermented product of the Mediterranean Diet. Agronomical factors, particularly the cultivar, the ripening stage and the processing method employed are the main factors influencing the nutritional and non-nutritional composition of table olives and their organoleptic properties. The important nutritional value of this product is due to its richness in monounsaturated fat (MUFA), mainly oleic acid, fibre and vitamin E together with the presence of several phytochemicals. Among these, hydroxytyrosol (HT) is the major phenolic compound present in all types of table olives. There is a scarcity ofin vitro,in vivoand human studies of table olives. This review focused comprehensively on the nutrients and bioactive compound content as well as the health benefits assigned to table olives. The possible health benefits associated with their consumption are thought to be primarily related to effects of MUFA on cardiovascular health, the antioxidant (AO) capacity of vitamin E and its role in protecting the body from oxidative damage and the anti-inflammatory and AO activities of HT. The influence of multiple factors on composition of the end product and the potential innovation in the production of table olives through the reduction of its final salt content was also discussed.
Constitutional Impediments to the Effective Review of Tax Cases in Nigeria by a Specialized Tax Court: Lessons from the United States and Canada
Authors: Odinkonigbo Jirinwayo Jude 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe use of experts in the review of tax cases is recognized globally. Nigeria appears to appreciate the importance of this practice. However, several previous attempts to establish tax courts or tribunals have been frustrated due to a lack of constitutional support. In the search for a better model for Nigeria, this article examines the US and Canadian experiences of using specialized tax courts or tribunals to see what lessons Nigeria could learn. The two north American experiments justify the use of tax courts as better alternatives to what Nigeria currently has. In particular, the Canadian experience appears to be more suited to the Nigerian context. Therefore, it is argued that Nigeria's 1999 Constitution should be amended to establish a Tax Court of Nigeria, which should be recognized as a superior court of record.