bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationship Between Clinical Control, Respiratory Symptoms and Quality of Life for Patients With Copd
Authors: Navarrete Bernardino Alcazar , Fuster A. , García-Sidro P. , García-Rivero J.L. , Bolado B. Abascal , Sanmartin A. Pallares , Martín E. Márquez , Valido-Morales A. , Boldova A. , Callejas-Gonzalez F.J. , Palop M. , Riesco J.A. , Golpe R. , Soler-Cataluña J.J. , Miravitlles M. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background:The concept of clinical control has been proposed as an instrument for evaluating patients with COPD. However, the possible association between clinical control,reduced symptom severity and HRQoL has yet to be confirmed.Method: This multicentre, prospective and observational study was carried out in pulmonology clinics in Spain. The patients were followed up for six months, with a baseline visit (V0), followed by visits at three months (V1) and six months (V2). Clinical control was determinedat V1, with the application of both clinical criteria and the COPD assessment test (CAT). All patients reported their symptoms by a validated symptom diary (E-RS) using a portable device, and their HRQoL was assessed using the EQ5D questionnaire. The relationship between clinical control and E-RS andHRQoL during follow-up was assessed.Results: A total of126 patients were screened. After application of the inclusion/exclusion criteria, 93 were finally included (mean age 66 ± 8 years, 84.9% male), with a mean FEV1predicted of 49.8% ± 16.5%. Of these patients, 44 (47.3%) achieved clinical control at V1, according to CAT criteria, and 50 (53.8%), according to clinical criteria. The E-RS scores differed between controlled and uncontrolled patients at all time points, both according to CAT (mean differences of -4.6, -5.6 and -6.2 units at V0, V1 and V2 respectively, p<0.005 for all comparisons) and to clinical criteria (mean differences of -3.3, -5-6 and -4.99 units, respectively, p<0.005 for all comparisons). The controlled patients also presented a significantly better HRQoL, measured by the EQ5D questionnaire(mean difference 0.13and 0.10 at V2 by CAT or clinical criteria, respectively, p<0.05).Conclusions:Clinical control in patients with COPD, whether measured by CAT or by clinical criteria, is associated with a lower symptom load and a better HRQoL.
Lead Time Bias as a Factor in Mammography Detected Invasive Breast Cancer Survival in an Institutional Cohort
Authors: Kaplan Henry G. , Malmgren Judith , Atwood Mary K. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Lead time, the interval between screen detection and when a disease would have become clinically evident, is commonly cited to explain longer survival times in mammography detected breast cancer cases (BC). Methods: An institutional retrospective cohort study of BC outcomes related to detection method (mammography (MamD) vs. patient (PtD)). Cases were first primary invasive stage I-III BC, age 40-74 years (n = 6603), 1999-2016. Survival time was divided into 1) distant disease-free interval (DDFI) and 2) distant disease-specific survival (DDSS) as two separate time interval outcomes. We measured statistical association between detection method and diagnostic, treatment and outcome variables using bivariate comparisons, Cox proportional hazards analyses and mean comparisons. Outcomes were distant recurrence (n=422), DDFI and DDSS. Results: 39% of cases were PtD (n = 2566) and 61% were MamD (n = 4037). MamD cases had a higher percentage of Stage I tumors [MamD 69% stage I vs. PtD 31%, p<.001]. Rate of distant recurrence was 11% among PtD BC cases (n=289) vs. 3% of MamD (n=133) (p<.001). Order of factor entry into the distant recurrence time interval (DDFI) model was 1) TNM stage (p<.001), 2) HR/HER2 status (p<.001), 3) histologic grade (p=.005) and 4) detection method (p<.001). Unadjusted PtD DDFI mean time was 4.34 years and MamD 5.52 years (p<.001) however when stratified by stage, the most significant factor relative to distant recurrence, there was no significant difference between PtD and MamD BC. Distant disease specific survival time did not differ by detection method.Conclusion: We observed breast cancer survival differential lead time to be a function of stage at diagnosis and tumor characteristics with marginal contribution of detection method. Patient and mammography detected breast cancer time to distant recurrence did not differ stratified by stage indicating survival difference is more likely related to early diagnosis than lead time bias. Lead time bias associated with breast cancer detection method appears to have marginal influence on survival in the current diagnostic and treatment era.
Age-group targeted testing for COVID-19 as new prevention strategy
Authors: Upadhyay Ranjit Kumar , Chatterjee S. , Saha S. , Azad R.K. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Robust testing and tracing are key to fighting the menace of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This outbreak has progressed with tremendous impact on human life, society and economy. In this paper, we propose an age-structured SIQR model to track the progression of the pandemic in India, Italy and USA, taking into account the different age-structures of these countries. We have made predictions about the disease dynamics, identified the most infected age-groups and analysed the effectiveness of social distancing measures taken in the early stages of infection. The basic reproductive ratio R0 has been numerically calculated for each country.We propose a strategy of age-targeted testing, with increased testing in the most proportionally infected age-groups. We observe a marked flattening of the infection curve upon simulating increased testing in the 15-40 year age-groups in India. Thus, we conclude that social distancing and widespread testing are effective methods of control, with emphasis on testing and identifying the hotspots of highly infected populations.
Evaluating Implementation of the Diabetes Perioperative Passport: A qualitative focus group study
Authors: Akiboye Funke , Page Emma , Nirantharakumar Krish , Rayman Gerry , Lindenmeyer Antje 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
AimsTo examine the factors affecting implementation of an empowerment tool for patients with diabetes in two surgical groups within a single district general hospitalBackgroundA perioperative passport was developed to improve care of people with diabetes undergoing elective surgery by equipping patients with a hand-held summary of their care needs. Two surgical groups were approached to be involved in developing and piloting this novel technology with contrasting results. DesignA qualitative study using focus groups to examine factors affecting staff engagement in implementing the diabetes perioperative passport.MethodsTwo focus group were conducted in 2017 with pre-operative nurses in the departments of orthopaedics and general surgery of an NHS trust (N= 8). Audio-taped group discussions were transcribed, and the data coded and analysed to identify themes.FindingsThe general surgical nurse group generally supported each other’s views and comments. They were enthused about the passport throughout. In contrast, the orthopaedic specialist nurse group had initial reservations about implementing the passport, but as the focus group unfolded, they moved from sharing individual views to finding commonalities and became more engaged and motivated to use the passport. ConclusionFocus groups are a practical and efficient tool to conduct within the usual working environment of an NHS hospital. In addition to capturing information about the challenges to implementation they may serve as a crucial implementation tool where evidence-based practice has not been adopted. ImpactThis is the first study carried out in the NHS setting highlighting the benefit of focus groups as a practical implementation tool. Contributions to literature· Diabetes is managed in the outpatient setting with care focusing on education and patient empowerment.· Barriers for implementation of empowerment tools have not been fully explored.· This study suggests the implementation of empowerment tools may pose an additional challenge to more specialist groups.· It demonstrates that focus groups are practical and efficient and may also have utility in the implementation process beyond identifying the barriers to embedding a new technology. · These findings contribute to the small body of evidence on the implementation of empowerment tools and highlight the benefit of focus groups as a useful tool in the implementation process.
Children Developing Celiac Disease Have a Distinct Gut Microbiota Composition, IgA Response and Plasma Metabolome
Authors: Huang Qian , Yang Yi , Tolstikov Vladimir , Kiebish Michael A. , Ludvigsson Jonas F. , Palm Noah W. , Ludvigsson Johnny , Altindis Emrah 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
The authors have removed this preprint from Research Square.
Premorbid IL-6 levels may predict mortality from COVID-19
Authors: Silberstein Morry 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Purpose: There is evidence that interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels are elevated in cases of complicated COVID-19, but it is also possible that this cytokine has a far more important role in the pathogenesis of viral infection. Methods: Data on COVID-19 mortality from Italy and the UK were compared with previously published results of mean IL-6 levels from these countries as well as from the USA. Results: There was a highly significant correlation (r = 0.9883; p = 0.00025) between age-stratified mortality rates and IL-6 levels from similar healthy individuals. Levels of IL-6 were proportionately higher in males, the elderly, individuals of black ethnicity and obese individuals, with similar findings in relation to COVID-19 mortality in these groups. Conclusions: IL-6 levels prior to infection may predict mortality, given that this cytokine directly facilitates viral cell entry and replication. This provides a rationale for prophylactic and therapeutic measures directed at lowering IL-6, including Vitamin D prescription.
Assessing the immediate effect of COVID-19 lockdown on air quality: A case study of Delhi, India
Authors: Sikarwar Ankit , Rani Ritu 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
In India, the nationwide lockdown due to COVID-19 has been implemented on 25 March 2020. The lockdown restrictions on more than 1.3 billion people have brought exceptional changes in the air quality all over the country. This study aims to analyze the levels of three major pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, and NO2) before and during the lockdown in Delhi, one of the world’s most polluted cities. The data for PM2.5, PM10, and NO2 concentrations are derived from 38 ground stations dispersed within the city. The spatial interpolation maps of pollutants for two times are generated using Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) model. The results indicate the lowering of PM2.5, PM10, and NO2 concentrations in the city by 93%, 83%, and 70% from 25 February 2020 to 21 April 2020 respectively. It is found that before one month of the lockdown the levels of air pollution in Delhi were critically high and far beyond the guideline values set by the World Health Organization. The levels of air pollution are historically low after the lockdown. Considering the critically degraded air quality for decades and higher morbidity and mortality rate due to unhealthy air in Delhi, the improvement in air quality due to lockdown may result as a boon for the better health of the city’s population.
Critical adjustments in a department of orthopedics through the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Luengo-Alonso Gonzalo , Pérez-Tabernero Fernando García-Seisdedos , Bazaga Miguel Tovar , Arguello-Cuenca José M , Calvo Emilio 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Purpose:SARS-CoV-2 new scenario has forced health systems to work under extreme stress urging to perform a complete reorganization of the way our means and activities were organized. Orthopedic and trauma have rescheduled their activities to help SARS-CoV-2 units, but trauma patients require also treatment, and no standardized protocols have been established.Methods: Single-center cross-sectional study was performed in a tertiary hospital. Two different periods of time were analyzed: a two-week period time in March 2019 (pre-SARS-CoV-2) and the same period of March 2020 (SARS-CoV-2 pandemic time). Outpatient’s data, emergency activity, surgical procedures and admissions were evaluated. Surgeons and patient´s opinion was also evaluated using a survey.Results:A total of ~16k (15.953) patients were evaluated. Scheduled clinical appointments decreased by ~22%. Urgent consultations and discharge from clinics also descended (~37% and ~20% respectively). Telemedicine was used in 90% of outpatient clinical evaluations. No elective surgical procedures during SARS-CoV-2 time were scheduled, and subtracting the effect of elective surgeries, a reduction of inpatient surgeries, from ~85% to ~59%. Patients delayed trauma assistance more than 48 hours in 13 cases (35%). Preoperative admission for hip fractures decreased in 10 hours on average. Finally surveys stated that patients were more in favor than surgeons to this new way to evaluate orthopedic and trauma patients based strongly on telemedicine.ConclusionDetailed protocols should be standardized for surgical departments during the pandemic. This paper offers a general view in how this virus affects an orthopedic unit and could serve as a protocol and example for orthopedic and trauma units. Even in the worst scenario, an orthopedic and Trauma unit could offer an effective, efficient and quality service. SARS-CoV-2 will set up a new paradigm for health care in orthopedics and trauma.
Experimental investigation on effective scouring parameters downstream from stepped spillways
Authors: Ghaderi Amir , Daneshfaraz Rasoul , Torabi Mohammadamin , Abraham John , Azamathulla Hazi Mohammad 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Experimental tests were carried out to investigate the effective scouring parameters downstream from stepped spillways with different flow rates and step sizes. The results indicated that the flow regime plays an important role in scour-hole dimensions such that the minimum scouring depth happens in the nappe flow regime. Moreover, step size and tailwater depth are essential parameters for maximum scouring depth. Increasing tailwater depth from 6.31 cm to 8.54 cm and then to 11.82 cm decreases the scouring depth by 18.56% and 11.42%, respectively. These alterations also decrease the scouring length by 31.43% and 16.55%, respectively. By increasing the flow rate, the particle Froude number will increase, and the increased momentum of the flow promotes scouring. In addition, the results show that scouring at the sidewalls is higher than in the middle of the cross-section. Finally, an empirical formula with root mean square error = 0.107 and R2 = 0.974 is proposed to predict the maximum scouring depth downstream from the stepped spillways. Comparisons were made between the proposed formula and experimental results. This comparison demonstrated that the formula can predict souring depth to within 3.86% and 9.31% relative and maximum errors, respectively.
High air flotation efficiency of multiphase flow pump with the addition of dodecyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (DDBAC)
Authors: Liu Huan , Ding Wande , Zhang Kefeng 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Recently, centrifugal multiphase pump–dissolved air flotation (CMP-DAF) has become an increasingly popular alternative to DAF that can achieve more stable performance and higher removal efficiency, and this method is widely used in sewage treatment. However, the nonuniformity of the bubble size and low adherence of the floc particles and bubbles, as well as the complicated raw water quality, pose great challenges to CMP-DAF, which does not meet the standards of water supply and drainage in practical use. In the present study, the surfactant dodecyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (DDBAC) was utilized as a flotation agent to further improve the flotation efficiency of the CMP-DAF process. DDBAC at a dosage of 0.2 mg/L was introduced to the air flotation of raw water to construct a flotation enhanced CMP air flotation system. The results showed that the average turbidity decreased to 0.433 ± 0.017 NTU, and effluent floc particles were present at 1,053 cnt/mL with an acceptable removal rate of 96.20%. In addition, 34.0% and 30.1% of UV254 and CODMn were removed, respectively. These results imply that DDBAC can increase the collision efficiency of bubble particles by reducing the diameter of the bubbles, which is conducive to forming larger flocs, and enhancing the shear resistance of the bubble–floc particles, thus improving the air flotation efficiency.
Simulation and control of dissolved air flotation and column froth flotation with simultaneous sedimentation
Authors: Bürger Raimund , Diehl Stefan , Martí María Carmen , Vásquez Yolanda 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Flotation is a separation process where particles or droplets are removed from a suspension with the aid of floating gas bubbles. Applications include dissolved air flotation (DAF) in industrial wastewater treatment and column froth flotation (CFF) in wastewater treatment and mineral processing. One-dimensional models of flotation have been limited to steady-state situations for half a century by means of the drift-flux theory. A newly developed dynamic one-dimensional model formulated in terms of partial differential equations can be used to predict the process of simultaneous flotation of bubbles and sedimentation of particles that are not attached to bubbles. The governing model is a pair of first-order conservation laws for the aggregate and solids volume fractions as functions of height and time. An analysis of nonlinear ingredients of the governing equations helps to identify desired steady-state operating conditions. These can be chosen by means of operating charts, which are diagrams that visualize regions of admissible values of the volumetric flows of the feed input and underflow outlet. This is detailed for the DAF thickening process. Dynamic simulations are obtained with a recently developed numerical method. Responses to control actions are demonstrated with scenarios in CFF and DAF.
RNA-Seq Data Analysis Unveils Potential Conserved Micro-RNAs in Agave Deserti
Authors: Jabbar Basit , Anicet Batcho Agossa , Sarwar Muhammad Bilal , Rashid Bushra , Hassan Sameera , Husnain Tayyab 
Published: May 2020

Aims:
Exploring molecular mechanism of abiotic stress tolerance in plants is needed to
overcome the deterioration of yield and quality of crop plants to meet the food security challenges
of the growing population.

Background:
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules that regulate target
gene expression for modulating plant growth, development, and response to different stresses.
Agave belonging to CAM plants’ has remarkable tolerance to extreme conditions of drought and
heat; however, molecular mechanisms underlying this excellence are yet to explore.

Objective:
This study applies comparative genomics approach on available Transcriptome (RNA-
Seq) data of Agave deserti to identify potential miRNAs, and miRNA targets.

Methods:
Transcriptome datasets consisting of 128,869 Agave contigs was processed to create local
database, for nucleotide homology analysis with 6,028 non-redundant plant miRNAs as query
sequences. Protein coding sequences were removed, and potential pre-miRNA sequences were tested
for stability analysis based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to %G+C content
and minimum free energy (-ΔG), as a filter to remove pseudo pre-miRNAs.

Results:
This study identified 30 unique miRNAs of Agave deserti harboring 14 different categories
of precursors. Phylogenetic analysis revealed evolutionary relationship between newly identified
pre-miRNAs with corresponding pre-miRNA homologues. Target genes of miRNAs were
predicted subsequently, and possible functions were defined by functional annotation analysis.

Conclusion:
The results of this study will pave the way for further research, exploring the molecular
mechanisms in Agave deserti and the role of miRNAs in gene regulation under abiotic stresses.
Effectiveness of Internet-Based Electronic Technology Interventions on Breastfeeding Outcomes: Systematic Review
Authors: Almohanna Alaa Ali , Win Khin Than , Meedya Shahla 
Published: May 2020

Background
Supporting women to initiate and continue breastfeeding is a global challenge. A range of breastfeeding interventions employing electronic technologies (e-technologies) are being developed, which offer different delivery modes and features over the internet; however, the impact of internet-based e-technologies on breastfeeding outcomes remains unclear.

Objective
This study aimed to identify the characteristics of current internet-based breastfeeding interventions employing e-technologies and investigate the effects of internet-based e-technologies on breastfeeding outcomes.

Methods
A systematic search was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines in the following databases: Scopus, Web of Science, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, the Association for Computing Machinery, SpringerLink, and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Xplore.

Results
This systematic review included 16 studies published between 2007 and 2018, with 4018 women in 8 countries. The characteristics of the interventions were grouped based on (1) mode of delivery (web-based, mobile phone apps, and computer kiosk), (2) purpose of the interventions (education and support), and (3) key strategies (monitoring and breastfeeding tracking, personalization, online discussion forum, web-based consultation, and breastfeeding station locators). Combining educational activities with web-based personalized support through discussion forums appeared to be the most effective way to improve breastfeeding outcomes and long-term exclusive breastfeeding rates. Monitoring and breastfeeding trackers appeared to be the least effective ways.

Conclusions
This study demonstrated a variety of internet-based e-technologies that professionals can use to promote, educate, and support breastfeeding women. Future internet-based breastfeeding interventions employing e-technologies might consider improving interaction with mothers and personalizing the content of the proposed interventions.