bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reframing the magnetotelluric phase tensor for monitoring applications: improved accuracy and precision in strike determinations
Authors: Bravo-Osuna Ana Gabriela , Gómez-Treviño Enrique , Cortés-Arroyo Olaf Josafat , Delgadillo-Jáuregui Néstor Fernando , Arellano-Castro Rocío Fabiola 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
The magnetotelluric method is increasingly being used to monitor electrical resistivity changes in the subsurface. One of the preferred parameters derived from the surface impedance is the strike direction, which is very sensitive to changes in the direction of the subsurface electrical current flow. The preferred method for estimating the strike changes is that provided by the phase tensor because it is immune to galvanic distortions. However, it is also a fact that the associated analytic formula is unstable for noisy data, something that limits its applicability for monitoring purposes, because in general this involves comparison of two or more very similar data sets. On the other hand, the classical Swift’s approach for strike is very stable for noisy data but it is severely affected by galvanic distortions. In this paper we impose the criterion of Swift’s approach to the phase tensor. Rather than developing an analytical formula we optimize numerically the same criterion. This stabilizes the estimation of strike by relaxing an exact condition to an optimal condition in the presence of noise. This has the added benefit that it can be applied to windows of several periods, thus providing tradeoffs between variance and resolution. The performance of the proposed approach is illustrated by its application to synthetic data and to real data from a monitoring array in the Cerro Prieto geothermal field, México.
The right atrial diameter as a risk factor predicting recurrence of atrial fibrillation after catheter ablation at mid-term follow-up
Authors: Xiaofei Wang , Wenli Wang , Cao Zou 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background

Left atrial diameter (LAD) has been confirmed to predict recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) after catheter ablation (CA). The influence of right atrium (RA) size on the prognosis after CA was relatively unclear and lack of research. The objective of the present study was to investigate the relationship between right atrial diameter (RAD) and the mid-term outcome of AF after CA.
Methods

This study retrospectively examined 121 patients who underwent initial CA for symptomatic AF. Cox regression model was used to find risk factors of recurrence. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate predictive power and determine clinic cutoff value. Kaplan-Meier survival curve and log-rank test were used to analyze success rate.
Results

There were 94 (77.7%) patients of freedom from AF after 24.2 ± 4.5 months’ follow-up. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed both hypertension and RAD were independent risk factors of arrhythmia recurrence after ablation regardless of AF type (HR: 4.915; 95% CI: 1.370-17.635; P = 0.015 and HR: 1.059; 95% CI: 1.001–1.120; P = 0.045, respectively). However, in patients with paroxysmal AF (par-AF), Multivariate analysis showed RAD become the only independent risk factor (HR: 1.031; 95% CI: 1.016–1.340; P = 0.029). ROC curve demonstrated the cutoff value of RAD was 35.5 mm with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.715 (95% CI: 0.586–0.843, P = 0.009), sensitivity of 81.3% and specificity of 54.2%. Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed significant difference of freedom from par-AF (67.5 vs. 91.4%, log-rank, P = 0.015) between patients with RAD ≥ 35.5 mm and < 35.5 mm in this subgroup. Nevertheless, in patients with persistent AF (per-AF), no risk factor of arrhythmia recurrence was found. In addition, Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed no significant difference of freedom from per-AF (69.7 vs. 87.5%, log-rank, P = 0.31) between patients with RAD ≥ 35.5 mm and < 35.5 mm.
Conclusions

RAD was the independent risk factor predicting recurrence of AF after CA only in patients with par-AF. In patients with RAD < 35.5 mm, there was a significantly higher freedom from par-AF recurrence compared with RAD ≥ 35.5 mm after a mid-term follow-up.
A real world feasibility trial of the PLAYshop: an intervention to facilitate parent engagement in developing their child’s physical literacy
Authors: Lane Cassandra , Reno Kendra , Predy Madison , Carson Valerie , Wright Chris , Morton Kayla , Naylor Patti-Jean 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background

Development of physical literacy, defined as “the motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge and understanding to value and take responsibility for engagement in physical activities for life”, can support children’s physically active behaviors and consequent health benefits. Little research exploring interventions to improve children's physical literacy exist, although substantive evidence shows parents play a key role in children's physically active behaviors and development of fundamental movement skills. The purpose of this study is to explore a novel, physical literacy intervention designed to assist parents to engage with their child in purposeful play; play that facilitates the development of physical literacy.
Methods

The PLAYshop was a 75-minute workshop to build parents' self-efficacy to support their child’s physical literacy through interactive activities and educational messages as well as educational resources focused on core physical literacy concepts. We collected quantitative pre- and post-workshop surveys of parents’ satisfaction, knowledge, confidence and intention to adopt practices as well as qualitative follow-up implementation focused interviews from both parents and facilitators. We used paired t-tests to examine changes in parents' self-reported physical literacy knowledge and confidence and thematic analysis of interviews to explore workshop feasibility.
Results

Six workshops were delivered to 33 parents of young children (3–8 years of age). 23 parents completed both pre- and post-workshop surveys. Follow-up interviews were completed with 11 parents and four workshop facilitators. Parents’ self-reported knowledge and confidence to support their child’s physical literacy development significantly increased after PLAYshop participation. Further, the majority of parents were satisfied with the workshop and motivated to apply workshop learnings at-home with their child. Workshop facilitators identified seven workshop strengths (e.g., workshop champions and skilled facilitators) and four challenges (e.g., recruitment and unfavorable spaces).
Conclusions

The PLAYshop was perceived positively by parents and facilitators and appeared to improve parent self-efficacy and intention to promote physical literacy with their child. Recruitment and attendance were key implementation challenges. The findings from this real world trial address an important evidence gap, highlighting areas for adaptations to improve the intervention and recruitment and suggesting that the PLAYshop is ready for efficacy testing in a more rigorous randomized controlled trial.
Functional biomarker signatures of circulating T-cells and its association with distinct clinical status of leprosy patients and their respective household contacts
Authors: Marçal Pedro Henrique Ferreira , Gama Rafael Silva , Pereira Lorena Bruna de Oliveira , Filho Olindo Assis Martins , Pinheiro Roberta Olmo , Sarno Euzenir Nunes , Moraes Milton Ozório , Fraga Lucia Alves de Oliveira 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease classified into two subgroups for therapeutic purposes: paucibacillary (PB) and multibacillary (MB), closely related to the host immune responses. In this context it is noteworthy looking for immunological biomarkers applicable as complementary diagnostic tools as well as a laboratorial strategy to detect subclinical leprosy in household contacts. Methods: The main goal of the present study was to characterize the global cytokine signatures of CD4 + and CD8 + T-cells from leprosy patients with distinct clinical forms and their respective household contacts (HHC) upon in vitro antigen-specific stimuli. Short-term culture of peripheral blood mononuclear cells was done. After incubation, cells were harvested and prepared for surface and intracytoplasmic cytokine staining Results: The cytokine signature analysis demonstrated that leprosy patients presented a polyfunctional profile of T-cells subsets, with increased frequency of IFN-γ + T-cell subsets along with IL-10 + and IL-4 + from CD4 + T-cells. Moreover, L(PB) displayed a polyfunctional profile characterized by enhanced percentage of IFN-γ + , IL-10 + and IL-4 + produced by most T-cell subsets, as compared to L(MB) that presented a more restricted cytokine functional profile mediated by IL-10 + and IL-4 + T-cells with minor contribution of IFN-γ produced by CD4 + T-cells. Noteworthy was that HHC(MB) exhibited enhanced frequency of IFN-γ + T-cells, contrasting with HHC(PB) that presented a cytokine profile limited to IL-10 and IL-4. Conclusions: Together, our findings provide additional immunological features associated with leprosy and household contacts. These data provide evidence that biomarkers of immune response can be useful complementary diagnostic/prognostic tools as well as insights that household contacts may present subclinical infection. Keywords: leprosy, Mycobacterium leprae , cytokines, household contacts
Safety and Efficacy of Hemispherical with Flattened Pole Dual-Mobility Acetabular Cup in Revision or Complex Hip Arthroplasty: The SYMCOR-2 study
Authors: Estour Gilles , Bonin Nicolas , Loïc Schneider , Guyen Olivier , Daoud Frederic Christopher 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: This study estimated the short-term clinical safety and efficacy of hemispherical with flattened pole cobalt-chromium metal-back dual-mobility acetabular cup with porous outer hydroxyapatite coating and anchoring screw and pods (HFPC-DMR-HA) or cement fixation (HFPC-DM-CEM), in revision or complex total hip arthroplasty.Methods: Single-center retrospective observational cohort study of consecutively operated patients who underwent THA with an HFPC-DMR-HA or HFPC-DM-CEM cup 2 years prior to study start. Prospective 2-year follow-up with letter and phone questionnaires.Results: Sampling frame: 203 patients including 9.85% in the two cohorts with 15 HFPC-DMR-HA and 5 HFPC-DM-CEM. 3 (20%) and 2 (40%) patients were lost to follow-up, respectively. Median age was 85.6 years (range: 45.1 ; 93.3) and 78.8 (range: 68.8 ; 86.9). Median follow-up (years): HFPC-DMR-HA: 2.3, HFPC-DM-CEM: 3.3. Clinical indications: HFPC-DMR-HA 67% revision & 33% primary THAs, HFPC-DM-CEM 100% revision. Primary endpoint: 2-year implant survival rate: HFPC-DMR-HA 93% [59, 99], HFPC-DM-CEM 100%. Prosthetic dislocation: HFPC-DMR-HA 1 (6.7%), HFPC-DM-CEM 0%. Secondary endpoint: Modified HHS (pain & functional subscore) improved with HFPC-DMR-HA from baseline 26.8 [14.9, 38.7] to 82.2 [73.5, 90.9] at 2-year follow-up (p<0.0001); HFPC-DM-CEM from 41.6 [24.9, 58.3] to 80.7 [55.8, 100].Conclusions: The authors deemed the short-term outcomes with these acetabular cups in revision or complex total hip arthroplasty to be satisfactory.Study registration: clinicaltrials.gov NCT04209426.
How can we characterize medical simulation environment as a specific type of medical environment?
Authors: Mamcarz Izabela , Torres Anna , Mamcarz Piotr , Radczuk Natalia , Torres Kamil 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: In order to improve the quality of courses in simulation, it is necessary to get to know the educational environment. The objective of this study was to adapt the DREEM scale and to present a new questionnaire called QuESST, that allows to define medical simulation environment as a specific type of educational environment.Methods: The DREEM scale was translated and adapted into Polish conditions. A new tool – QuESST questionnaire was developed to complete the data with medical simulation environment aspects. Reliability, t-test, Component Analysis as well as correlation between the two methods were assessed in a sample of medical science students (N=312).Results: Statistical analysis presented a good reliability of the Polish translation of the DREEM scale (Cronbach’s Alpha = 0,95). The t-test for the DREEM questionnaire was stable and reliable relevant (t=-,584, p=,562). Significant strong correlation was reported with the DREEM and QuESST tool (r=0,559, p£ 0.001). Also, moderate and high correlations were found with the overall result of QuESST and the results of individual DREEM subscales.Conclusions: The QuESST scale may be considered helpful in determining the medical simulation environment conditions and can be used to supplement the DREEM scale to create an effective educational environment with medical simulation.
NLRP3 inflammasome activation contributes to remifentanil-induced postoperative hyperalgesia via regulation of NMDA receptor NR1 subunit phosphorylation and GLT-1
Authors: Yuan Yuan , Wang Chenxu , Dong Beibei , Xie Keliang , Yu Yonghao 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background Although remifentanil provides perfect analgesia during operations, postoperative remifentanil-induced hyperalgesia (RIH) might be a challenge to anaesthetists. Increasingly, the NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) signalling pathway are being implicated in the initiation and maintenance of these conditions. In the present work, we examined the hypothesis that NLRP3 inflammasome activation contributes to RIH via regulation of NMDA receptor NR1 subunit phosphorylation and glutamate transporter-1 (GLT-1) by interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Methods We first tested the changes in thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia at baseline (24 h before remifentanil infusion) and 2 h, 6 h, 24 h, and 48 h after remifentanil infusion in a rat model of incisional pain. Then, the expression of IL-1β and GLT-1 and phosphorylation of NMDA receptor NR1 subunits (Phospho-NR1) in the L4–L6 spinal cord segments were measured. Furthermore, we investigated the effects of IL-1ra, a selective IL-1β inhibitor, on behavioural tests of RIH and on the expression of GLT-1 and Phospho-NR1. In addition, we measured the expression of TLR4, P2X7R, NLRP3 and caspase-1, which are indicators of NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Finally, we investigated the effects of (+)-naloxone (a TLR4 inhibitor), A438079 (a P2X7R inhibitor) and ac-YVADcmk (a caspase-1 inhibitor), which are all selective NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors, on behavioural tests of RIH and on the expression of IL-1β, GLT-1 and Phospho-NR1. Results The initiation and maintenance of RIH was mediated by a previously unidentified mechanism--namely, remifentanil-induced spinal NLRP3 inflammasome activation and the associated release of IL-1β. Remifentanil induced significant postoperative hyperalgesia, as indicated by behavioural tests, which were markedly improved by pretreatment with IL-1ra and NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors. Moreover, remifentanil infusion decreased the expression of GLT-1 and increased Phospho-NR1 in the spinal cord, which were reversed by pretreatment with IL-1ra and NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors. More importantly, remifentanil infusion increased IL-1β expression and activated NLRP3 inflammasomes, which were significantly attenuated by NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors. Conclusion The above results suggest that NLRP3 inflammasome activation contributes to RIH via regulation of Phospho-NR1 and GLT-1 by IL-1β. Inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation or IL-1β may be an effective and novel option for the treatment of RIH.
Chaotic model for COVID-19 growth-factor
Authors: Fernandes Thiago de Salazar e 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
The new COVID-19 Pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 initiated in the world a largest quarantine, due to is exponential capacity of the virus in spreading from human contact. In the present work, it was evaluated the dynamics of such spreading by the indicator of growth-factor, and applied to it the space phase of the time series, the detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA) of the series, and the fractal dimension of the space phase. It was possible to notice a strange attractor in the space phase of the growth-factor, indicating that the process is chaotic deterministic. The value of the alpha coefficient by DFA showed to be less than 0.5, characteristic of long-range memory of the series, in which large events precedes small events. The fractal dimension of the phase space was a fractal number, between 1 and 2, another indicator that the exponential growth-rate of the virus spreading among humans is fractal. These results, even with small number of data, is pointing that the spread of COVID-19 is fractal.
The impact of pulse oximetry and Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) training on antibiotic prescribing practices in rural Malawi: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Sylvies Fiona , Nyirenda Lucy , Blair Alden , Baltzell Kimberly 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background. The misdiagnosis of non-malarial fever in sub-Saharan Africa has contributed to the significant burden of pediatric pneumonia and the inappropriate use of antibiotics in this region. This study aims to assess the impact of 1) portable pulse oximeters and 2) Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) continued education training on the diagnosis and treatment of non-malarial fever amongst pediatric patients being treated by the Global AIDS Interfaith Alliance (GAIA) in rural Malawi. Methods. This study involved a logbook review to compare treatment patterns between five GAIA mobile clinics in Mulanje, Malawi during April-June 2019. An intervention study design was employed with four study groups: 1) 2016 control, 2) 2019 control, 3) IMCI-only, and 4) IMCI and pulse oximeter. A total of 3,504 patient logbook records were included based on these inclusion criteria: age under five years, febrile, malaria-negative, and treated during the dry season. A qualitative questionnaire was distributed to the participating GAIA providers. Fisher’s Exact Testing and odds ratios were calculated to compare the prescriptive practices between each study group and reported with 95% confidence intervals. Results. The pre- and post-exam scores for the providers who participated in the IMCI training showed an increase in content knowledge and understanding (p<0.01). The antibiotic prescription rates in each study group were 75% (2016 control), 85% (2019 control), 84% (IMCI only), and 42% (IMCI + pulse oximeter) (p<0.01). An increase in pneumonia diagnoses was detected for patients who received pulse oximeter evaluation with an oxygen saturation <95% (p<0.01). No significant changes in antibiotic prescribing practices were detected in the IMCI-only group (p>0.05). However, provider responses to the qualitative questionnaires indicated alternative benefits of the training including improved illness classification and increased provider confidence. Conclusion. Clinics that implemented both the IMCI course and pulse oximeters exhibited a significant decrease in antibiotic prescription rates, thus highlighting the potential of this tool in combatting antibiotic overconsumption in low-resource settings. Additionally, the pulse oximeters demonstrated the capacity to improve detection of pediatric pneumonia. GAIA staff appreciated the IMCI continued education training, however it did not appear to significantly impact antibiotic prescription rates and/or pneumonia diagnosis.
An extremely rare case of choroid plexus carcinoma in third ventricle of an infant – Case report and review of literature
Authors: Tavallaii Amin , Keykhosravi Ehsan , Rezaee Hamid , Khamoushi Mohsen 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Choroid plexus tumors are rare intraventricular tumors. Most of these tumors are benign choroid plexus papillomas. Choroid plexus carcinoma is the most malignant choroid plexus tumor and comprise a small percentage of these tumors. Most common location of these tumors are lateral ventricle and fourth ventricle in pediatric and adult patients respectively. Rare locations such as third ventricle are reported in the literature with 55 reports of choroid plexus papilloma and just 3 cases of carcinoma located in third ventricle. Case description: we present an extremely rare case of choroid plexus carcinoma of third ventricle in a 9 months old boy which was resected successfully through transcortical-transforaminal approach along with a review of literature available around different aspects of these tumors.Conclusion: Choroid plexus carcinomas even in rare locations such as third ventricle can be effectively resected through transcortical-transforaminal approach, although post-operative subdural effusion can be a potential complication.
18F-FDG PET/CT uptake in COVID-19: case report of a patient with lung metastases after treatment of nasal cavity malignancy
Authors: Feng Hongyan , Bu Lihong 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: In high COVID-19 prevalence region, COVID-19 disease may be incidental found in non-specific symptoms or asymptomatic patient with history of tumor who underwent 18F-FDG-PET/CT for standard oncologic indications.Case presentation: A 51-year-old woman with a 4-year history of adenoid cystic carcinoma of nasal cavity underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT for restaging during COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan. Pneumonia lesions were characterized by 18F-FDG uptake ground-glass opacities (GGOs) and multifocal high 18F-FDG-avid patchy consolidation, and without lymph node involvement and pleural effusion. Furthermore, multiple 18F-FDG-positive lung and lumbar metastases were observed. Finally, a diagnosis of COVID-19 was made based on a positive real-time fluorescent polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid. Conclusion: The non-specific symptoms or asymptomatic cancer patients presenting 18F-FDG-positive GGOs and patchy consolidation lesions in lung may favor COVID-19, who should be quickly SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid tested and monitored.
Synergic Development of Energy Efficacious Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Ashraf Shahzad 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Considering Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) in today’s scenario, sending and receiving uninterrupted sensory data remains a challenge to achieve with minimal latency and energy consumption as low as possible. Energy consumption is exponentially growing in computing devices such as computers, embedded systems, portable devices, and wireless sensor networks. Extensive research has been in practice recently to minimize energy consumption without compromising the Quality of Service (QoS) that is to provide data to the requester node with minimum Delay and high Reliability. This article analyzes the Synergic development of energy efficacious wireless sensor networks (SDEE) which aims to reduce energy demand by reducing the overhead packet in the network and also provides the requester with a minimum delay by collecting data requests from the next cache node in the vicinity of the requester or sink node. The findings of the simulation clearly show that energy usage is lower when the empirical grid model is used against the star / cluster model when the parameters are the same.
Development of Hyperset Paging mechanism
Authors: Hussain Akhter 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Algorithms for page replacement play important roles in virtual memory management, especially in paging operating systems. Page substitution happens when the required page is not retained in the memory (file fault) or the free accessible file is not adequate to fulfill the requirement. It is either there are none or the amount of free sites is fewer than the required total. Two regular page replacements were hybridized as Hybrid Page replacements (HRA) in this analysis (LRU and OptimalOPT algorithms recently used). For its service, HRA is based on the principle of OPT and LRU. The HRA was determined by comparing the page failures caused with the default algorithms First InFirst Out FIFO, LRU and Optimal. Tests showed the amount of frames through to 4 and beyond the HRA outperformed FIFO, OPT and LRU.