bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Systematic Exercise Rehabilitation on Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Chao Jing , Jing Zhang , Xuehua Bai , Peilei Yang , Qi Gong 
Published: February 2020

Objectives We aimed to compare the outcomes of exercise rehabilitation and conventional treatment in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Methods This trial included a total of 166 patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis; they were randomly divided into groups. The experimental group underwent systematic exercise rehabilitation, while the control group received naproxen ( n = 28), diclofenac ( n = 27), or celecoxib ( n = 19). Improvement in symptoms, knee function, and quality of life were compared. SPSS Statistics 24.0 was used for the data analysis. Results The mean age of patients was 56.0 ± 10.5 years, and the average follow-up time was 12 ± 2.3 weeks. No statistically significant differences were seen in age, body mass index, and sex ( P > 0.05) between the groups. The average Western Ontario and MacMaster Universities (WOMAC) scores after treatment were 84.4 ± 15.2, 108.3 ± 3.9, 107.4 ± 5.4, and 107 ± 6.0 in the exercise rehabilitation, diclofenac, naproxen, and celecoxib groups, respectively. The mean Lysholm scores were 60.3 ± 14.9, 41.0 ± 0.1, 43.5 ± 5.3, and 41.7 ± 3.6 in the exercise rehabilitation, diclofenac, naproxen, and celecoxib groups, respectively. The mean SF-36 (Short Form-36 Survey) scores were 105.4 ± 21.5, 82.5 ± 3.7, 84.2 ± 3.5, and 83.7 ± 5.0 in the exercise rehabilitation, naproxen, celecoxib, and diclofenac groups, respectively. The average ranges of knee motion were 125.0 ± 6.2°, 116.4 ± 1.4°, 114.7 ± 1.1°, and 115.7 ± 0.8° after exercise rehabilitation, diclofenac, naproxen, and celecoxib treatments, respectively. These data presented statistical differences between the groups. Conclusion Exercise better improved symptoms and quality of life in patients with knee osteoarthritis over a 12-week follow-up period than that achieved with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and COX-2 inhibitors.
Standardised clinical data from patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia: FOLLOW-PCD
Authors: Goutaki Myrofora , Papon Jean-François , Boon Mieke , Casaulta Carmen , Eber Ernst , Escudier Estelle , Halbeisen Florian S. , Harris Amanda , Hogg Claire , Honore Isabelle , Jung Andreas , Karadag Bulent , Koerner-Rettberg Cordula , Legendre Marie , Maitre Bernard , Nielsen Kim G. , Rubbo Bruna , Rumman Nisreen , Schofield Lynne , Shoemark Amelia , Thouvenin Guillaume , Willkins Hannah , Lucas Jane S. , Kuehni Claudia E. 
Published: February 2020

Clinical data on primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) are limited, heterogeneous and mostly derived from retrospective chart reviews, leading to missing data and unreliable symptoms and results of physical examinations. We need standardised prospective data collection to study phenotypes, severity and prognosis and improve standards of care.A large, international and multidisciplinary group of PCD experts developed FOLLOW-PCD, a standardised clinical PCD form and patient questionnaire. We identified existing forms for clinical data collectionviathe Better Experimental Approaches to Treat PCD (BEAT-PCD) COST Action network and a literature review. We selected and revised the content items with the working group and patient representatives. We then revised several drafts in an adapted Delphi process, refining the content and structure.FOLLOW-PCD has a modular structure, to allow flexible use based on local practice and research focus. It includes patient-completed versions for the modules on symptoms and lifestyle. The form allows a comprehensive standardised clinical assessment at baseline and for annual reviews and a short documentation for routine follow-up. It can either be completed using printable paper forms or using an online REDCap database.Data collected in FOLLOW-PCD version 1.0 is available in real-time for national and international monitoring and research. The form will be adapted in the future after extensive piloting in different settings and we encourage the translation of the patient questionnaires to multiple languages. FOLLOW-PCD will facilitate quality research based on prospective standardised data from routine care, which can be pooled between centres, to provide first-line and real-time evidence for clinical decision-making.
Hydrogen Can Passivate Carbon Impurities in Mg-Doped GaN
Authors: Zhang Yuheng , Liang Feng , Zhao Degang , Jiang Desheng , Liu Zongshun , Zhu Jianjun , Yang Jing , Liu Shuangtao 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe effect of unintentionally doped hydrogen on the properties of Mg-doped p-GaN samples grown via metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) is investigated through room temperature photoluminescence (PL) and Hall and secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS) measurements. It is found that there is an interaction between the residual hydrogen and carbon impurities. An increase of the carbon doping concentration can increase resistivity of the p-GaN and weaken blue luminescence (BL) band intensity. However, when hydrogen incorporation increased with carbon doping concentration, the increase of resistivity caused by carbon impurity is weaken and the BL band intensity is enhanced. This suggests that the co-doped hydrogen not only passivate MgGa, but also can passivate carbon impurities in Mg-doped p-GaN.
Effect of the Niobium-Doped Titanium Oxide Thickness and Thermal Oxide Layer for Silicon Quantum Dot Solar Cells as a Dopant-Blocking Layer
Authors: Akaishi Ryushiro , Kitazawa Kohei , Gotoh Kazuhiro , Kato Shinya , Usami Noritaka , Kurokawa Yasuyoshi 
Published: February 2020

AbstractSilicon quantum dot (Si-QD) embedded in amorphous silicon oxide is used for p-i-n solar cell on quartz substrate as a photogeneration layer. To suppress diffusion of phosphorus from an n-type layer to a Si-QD photogeneration layer, niobium-doped titanium oxide (TiOx:Nb) is adopted. Hydrofluoric acid treatment is carried out for a part of the samples to remove the thermal oxide layer in the interface of TiOx:Nb/n-type layer. The thermal oxide acts as a photo-generated carrier-blocking layer. Solar cell properties using 10-nm-thick TiOx:Nb without the thermal oxide are better than those with the thermal oxide, notably short circuit current density is improved up to 1.89 mA/cm2. The photo-generated carrier occurs in Si-QD with quantum confinement effect. The 10-nm-thick TiOx:Nb with the thermal oxide layer effectively blocks P; however, P-diffusion is not completely suppressed by the 10-nm-thick TiOx:Nb without the thermal oxide. These results indicate that the total thickness of TiOx:Nb and thermal oxide layer influence the P-blocking effect. To achieve the further improvement of Si-QD solar cell, over 10-nm-thick TiOx:Nb is needed.
Fate simulation and risk assessment of TBT and TPhT considering water level fluctuations in the TGR before and after AFS Convention implementation in China
Authors: Gao Jun-min , Fu Ping-ting , Chen Xiao-ling , Guo Jin-song , Hou Xian-yu , Zeng Jie , Chen Zhu-man 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) is the largest freshwater reservoir in China. Previous studies showed that organotin pollution is present in the TGR. In June 2011, the AFS Convention went into effect in China. In order to explore the pollution evolution processes of tributyltin (TBT) and triphenyltin (TPhT) before and after implementation of the AFS Convention and their variations with water level fluctuations in the TGR, the characteristic parameters of the TGR and the physicochemical parameters of TBT and TPhT were used to develop a level IV multimedia fugacity model considering water level fluctuations to simulate the fate, transfer, and transport of TBT and TPhT in the TGR. Based on the simulation results, exposure concentrations of TBT and TPhT were then used to assess the ecological and health risks in the TGR region (TGRR).ResultsThe simulation results showed that the average concentrations of both TBT and TPhT decreased in all compartments except the sediment, whereas the total content of the system continued to increase after the AFS Convention was implemented. The concentration of TBT in the sediment was higher than that in fish, while the concentration of TPhT in fish was much greater than that in the sediment. The total contents of both TBT and TPhT were highest in the sediment phase. In addition, variations in water level of the TGR significantly affected the distribution and transport of TBT and TPhT in the TGR.ConclusionsSediment is an important source and sink of TBT and TPhT, and the water level regulation of the TGR strengthened the two roles of sediment. Both TBT and TPhT in surface water, but especially TBT, carried significant chronic exposure risks to the aquatic community of the TGR. Intake of TPhT, mainly through eating fish, posed a potential health risk to the population in the TGRR.
The disruption transport model: computing user delays resulting from infrastructure failures for multi-modal passenger & freight traffic
Authors: van der Tuin Marieke S. , Pel Adam J. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractTransport infrastructure owners are moving from reactive toward proactive infrastructure management. This involves computation of costs associated with failure or maintenance, including expected transport delays. These delays are often computed by multiplying additional travel time by the number of travellers. However, this does not reflect the process of decision-making by travellers using the infrastructure asset, such as mode choices, departure time changes and trip cancellations to reduce time wasted in a traffic jam. Therefore, we introduce a multi-modal transport model that simulates travellers’ behaviour after a large-scale infrastructure failure at a critical node in the European TEN-T network. We use a novel approach of modelling the region around the infrastructure disruption in a very detailed manner, whereas the rest of Europe is modelled in a more basic way. This enables us to model impacts of disruptions in high detail, whereas also effects throughout Europe are considered, within reasonable computation time.
Genome-wide identification of MAPKKK genes and their responses to phytoplasma infection in Chinese jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.)
Authors: Liu Zhiguo , Wang Lixin , Xue Chaoling , Chu Yuetong , Gao Weilin , Zhao Yitong , Zhao Jin , Liu Mengjun 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades play vital roles in signal transduction in response to a wide range of biotic and abiotic stresses. In a previous study, we identified ten ZjMAPKs and five ZjMAPKKs in the Chinese jujube genome. We found that some members of ZjMAPKs and ZjMAPKKs may play key roles in the plant’s response to phytoplasma infection. However, how these ZjMAPKKs are modulated by ZjMAPKKKs during the response process has not been elucidated. Little information is available regarding MAPKKKs in Chinese jujube.

Results
A total of 56 ZjMAPKKKs were identified in the jujube genome. All of these kinases contain the key S-TKc (serine/threonine protein kinase) domain, which is distributed among all 12 chromosomes. Phylogenetic analyses show that these ZjMAPKKKs can be classified into two subfamilies. Specifically, 41 ZjMAPKKKs belong to the Raf subfamily, and 15 belong to the MEKK subfamily. In addition, the ZjMAPKKKs in each subfamily share the same conserved motifs and gene structures. Only one pair of ZjMAPKKKs (15/16, on chromosome 5) was found to be tandemly duplicated. Using qPCR, the expression profiles of these MAPKKKs were investigated in response to infection with phytoplasma. In the three main infected tissues (witches’ broom leaves, phyllody leaves, and apparently normal leaves), ZjMAPKKK26 and − 45 were significantly upregulated, and ZjMAPKKK3, − 43 and − 50 were significantly downregulated. ZjMAPKKK4, − 10, − 25 and − 44 were significantly and highly induced in sterile cultivated tissues infected by phytoplasma, while ZjMAPKKK6, − 7, − 17, − 18, − 30, − 34, − 35, − 37, − 40, − 41, − 43, − 46, − 52 and − 53 were significantly downregulated.

Conclusions
For the first time, we present an identification and classification analysis of ZjMAPKKKs. Some ZjMAPKKK genes may play key roles in the response to phytoplasma infection. This study provides an initial understanding of the mechanisms through which ZjMAPKKKs are involved in the response of Chinese jujube to phytoplasma infection.
Serum miR-101-3p combined with pepsinogen contributes to the early diagnosis of gastric cancer
Authors: Zeng Weiwei , Zhang Shuxiang , Yang Lei , Wei Wenchao , Gao Jie , Guo Ni , Wu Fengting 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to explore the diagnostic value of serum miR-101-3p combined with pepsinogen (PG) on early diagnosis of gastric cancer (GC).MethodsA total of 61 atrophic gastritis (AG) and 86 GC patients, and 50 healthy volunteers were enrolled. The serum expression of miR-101-3p was measured by qRT-PCR. The serum content of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was measured by Electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. The serum contents of PGI and PGII were measured by Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The diagnostic value of serum markers on AG and GC was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.ResultsThe expression of miR-101-3p, the content of PGI and the ratio of PGI/II were significantly decreased, and the content of PGII was significantly increased in AG patients compared with those in normal controls. The changes of the above serum indicators were more obvious in GC patients than those in AG patients. The content of CEA was significantly higher in GC patients than that in AG patients. In addition, the expression of miR-101-3p was negatively associated with the submucosal infiltration in GC patients. MiR-101-3p exhibited high diagnostic value on AG (AUC 0.8493, sensitivity 80.33%, specificity 80%) and GC (AUC 0.8749, sensitivity 72.09%, specificity 86.49%). MiR-101-3p + PGI + PGI/II (AUC 0.856, sensitivity 80.23%, specificity 77.05%) exhibited a high diagnostic value in distinguishing between AG and GC.ConclusionsMiR-101-3p was a potential diagnostic marker for AG and GC. MiR-101-3p + PGI + PGI/II was effective in distinguishing between AG and GC.
High detection rate of osteoporosis with screening of a general hospitalized population: a 6-year study in 6406 patients in a university hospital setting
Authors: Malaise Olivier , Detroz Marie , Leroy Mathieu , Leonori Lorenzo , Seidel Laurence , Malaise Michel G. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Osteoporosis is a highly prevalent disease identified by Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) that can be performed in an ambulatory (out-patient) or hospitalized population. We evaluated the use of baseline in-hospital DEXA screening to identify osteoporosis in ambulatory care and hospitalized patients; we also assessed specific risk factors for osteoporosis among these populations.

Methods
We included a baseline initial DEXA from 6406 consecutive patients at our tertiary referral University Hospital.

Results
Osteoporosis was diagnosed in 22.3% of the study population. In univariate analysis, osteoporosis risk factors were age, fracture history and low BMI (for all 3 sites), but also corticotherapy (lumbar spine and femoral neck) and male (lumbar spine). In multivariate analysis, age, fracture history, low BMI, and male increased osteoporosis risk. In-hospital screening yielded a higher percentage of osteoporosis positive scans than ambulatory care screening (31.8% vs 18.5%, p < 0.001). In-hospital screening targeted an older and more predominantly male population with a higher fracture history. Z-scores revealed that this difference was not only due to an older age of the population and mainly concerned cortical bone.

Conclusions
In-hospital osteoporosis screening revealed more osteoporosis than screening in ambulatory practice and could be an additional tool to improve the identification and management of osteoporosis. In addition to typical risk factors, we identified male gender as associated with osteoporosis detection in our cohort.
Geometrical analysis for assessing torsional alignment of humerus
Authors: Chu Yo-Lun , Chen Cheng-Kuang , Liu Yu-Chia , Lu Tung-Wu , Liaw Chen-Kun 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Compared to other types of surgeries, minimally invasive surgeries (MISs) of humeral shaft fractures are associated with less radial nerve injury, less soft tissue injury and higher union rate. However, malrotation often occurs in MISs when closed reduction methods are used.
This study aims to define specific palpable landmarks to help surgeons determine the correct torsional angle and reduce the incidence of malrotation.

Methods
Twenty-eight normal humeral computed tomography scans were retrieved from our image database. One line was drawn through the vertices of the intertubercular sulcus of the humeral head in the coronal view, and another line was drawn through the longest axis between the medial and lateral condyles in the coronal view. The angle between these two lines was measured at least 3 times for each scan.

Results
The profile of the intertubercular sulcus tangent line of the humeral head and the axis of the distal humerus was identified as the most accurate method for assessing the precision of torsion during MIS for humeral shaft fractures. The transepicondylar axis line is more internally rotated than the intertubercular sulcus tangent line. The mean angle was measured to be 41.1 degrees.

Conclusions
The axis of the distal humeral condyles is internally rotated by approximately 41.1 degrees compared with the intertubercular sulcus tangent line of the humeral head. Minimally invasive surgeries can be performed by using these palpable landmarks. The torsional deformities can be reduced with the proper angle adjustment without the need for fluoroscopy. It can also be used to treat unstable comminuted humeral fractures.

Level of evidence
Retrospective Study, Diagnostic study, Level III.
Medical students’ perspectives on earning opportunities of self-employed physicians — realistic and relevant for the process of career choice?
Authors: Deutsch Tobias , Heine Alexander , Lippmann Stefan , Geier Anne-Kathrin , Bauer Alexander , Frese Thomas 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Several studies report a substantial impact of financial considerations on the process of specialty choice and the willingness to establish one’s own practice. In Germany, reliable information on self-employed physicians’ earning opportunities is basically available, but not easily accessible and understandable for medical students. Misperceptions might contribute to recruitment problems in some fields, particularly in general practice. In order to identify a possible need for action, we investigated current German medical students’ level of information regarding future earnings, and whether net earnings of general practitioners and other physicians working self-employed are estimated realistically. Additionally, we explored students’ self-assessments regarding the extent of the impact of expected earnings on their personal career choice process.

Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire survey among fourth year (of six) medical students at one medical school (Leipzig). The participants estimated the net earnings of different physicians working self-employed. These estimations were compared with actual earnings data derived from a large German practice panel.

Results
Response rate was 73.6% (231/314). The participants’ mean age was 24.9 years and 59.1% were women. On a 10-point scale ranging from 1 = ‘no influence’ to 10=‘very big influence’, 92.6% of the participants described at least some (≥2) influence of earning expectations on their career choice process, and 66.2% stated this influence to be 5 or higher. Every fourth student (26.4%) would rather or definitely reject a certain specialty because of expected low earning opportunities. While 60.4% had already thought about future earnings, only 26.8% had obtained concrete information. Compared with the data derived from the practice panel, the participants substantially underestimated the earning opportunities in self-employed settings, including general practice (median: 4500 vs. 6417€). However, depending on the single estimations, between 87.7 and 95.6% of the students stated they were ‘rather uncertain’ or ‘very uncertain’ regarding their estimations.

Conclusions
Despite confirming a relevant impact of financial considerations on career choice, German fourth year medical students are not well informed about earning opportunities in self-employed settings. Providing easily understandable information could enhance transparency and might help students to consider financial issues of career choice on a realistic basis.
Mapping malaria seasonality in Madagascar using health facility data
Authors: Nguyen Michele , Howes Rosalind E. , Lucas Tim C.D. , Battle Katherine E. , Cameron Ewan , Gibson Harry S. , Rozier Jennifer , Keddie Suzanne , Collins Emma , Arambepola Rohan , Kang Su Yun , Hendriks Chantal , Nandi Anita , Rumisha Susan F. , Bhatt Samir , Mioramalala Sedera A. , Nambinisoa Mauricette Andriamananjara , Rakotomanana Fanjasoa , Gething Peter W. , Weiss Daniel J. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Many malaria-endemic areas experience seasonal fluctuations in case incidence as Anopheles mosquito and Plasmodium parasite life cycles respond to changing environmental conditions. Identifying location-specific seasonality characteristics is useful for planning interventions. While most existing maps of malaria seasonality use fixed thresholds of rainfall, temperature, and/or vegetation indices to identify suitable transmission months, we construct a statistical modelling framework for characterising the seasonal patterns derived directly from monthly health facility data.

Methods
With data from 2669 of the 3247 health facilities in Madagascar, a spatiotemporal regression model was used to estimate seasonal patterns across the island. In the absence of catchment population estimates or the ability to aggregate to the district level, this focused on the monthly proportions of total annual cases by health facility level. The model was informed by dynamic environmental covariates known to directly influence seasonal malaria trends. To identify operationally relevant characteristics such as the transmission start months and associated uncertainty measures, an algorithm was developed and applied to model realisations. A seasonality index was used to incorporate burden information from household prevalence surveys and summarise ‘how seasonal’ locations are relative to their surroundings.

Results
Positive associations were detected between monthly case proportions and temporally lagged covariates of rainfall and temperature suitability. Consistent with the existing literature, model estimates indicate that while most parts of Madagascar experience peaks in malaria transmission near March–April, the eastern coast experiences an earlier peak around February. Transmission was estimated to start in southeast districts before southwest districts, suggesting that indoor residual spraying should be completed in the same order. In regions where the data suggested conflicting seasonal signals or two transmission seasons, estimates of seasonal features had larger deviations and therefore less certainty.

Conclusions
Monthly health facility data can be used to establish seasonal patterns in malaria burden and augment the information provided by household prevalence surveys. The proposed modelling framework allows for evidence-based and cohesive inferences on location-specific seasonal characteristics. As health surveillance systems continue to improve, it is hoped that more of such data will be available to improve our understanding and planning of intervention strategies.