bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An ethnobotanical study of wild edible plants in Yilmana Densa and Quarit Districts, West Gojjam, Western Ethiopia
Authors: Alemneh Derebe 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Backgrounds: Globally, wild edible plants are one of the main non-timber forest products and possess up to 96% of the value of forests. They are an essential source of supplementary foods in many parts of Ethiopia. However, they have been highly degraded and lost due to anthropogenic factors. Thus, current study aims at recording and documenting wild edible plants in Yilmana Densa and Quarit Districts, West Gojjam, Western Ethiopia to pave a way for further research and conservation. Methods: Semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, participant observation and market survey were the data collection tools. Preference and direct matrix ranking were used to analyze the data. Results: Thirty two wild edible plant species were reported in the two Districts. Most of the species were herbs while the major (53.1%) edible parts were fruits. Most of the collectors of the wild food were young males. Ficus sur was the most preferred wild edible plant. Conclusion: The districts are still rich sources of wild edible plants. However, there was low potential of conservation. Therefore, there should be extensive awareness rising for wild edible plant conservation.
Non-invasive, opsin-free mid-infrared modulation activates cortical neurons and accelerates associative learning
Authors: Chen Xiaowei , Zhang Jianxiong , He Yong , Liang Shanshan , Liao Xiang , Li Tong , Qiao Zhi , Chang Chao , Jia Hongbo 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Boosting learning capability represents a long-sought dream of mankind. Neurostimulant drugs or magnetic/electrical stimulation techniques can overcome attention deficits, but these drugs or techniques are weakly beneficial in boosting the learning capabilities of healthy subjects. Here, we report a stimulation technique, mid-infrared modulation (MIM), that delivers mid-infrared light energy through opened skull or even non-invasively through thinned intact skull and can activate brain neurons in vivo without introducing any exogeneous gene. Using c-Fos immunohistochemistry, in vivo single-cell electrophysiology and two-photon Ca2+ imaging in mice, we demonstrate that MIM significantly induces firing activities of neurons in the targeted cortical area. Moreover, mice that receive MIM targeting to the auditory cortex during an auditory associative learning task exhibit a strikingly faster learning speed (~ 50% faster) than control mice. Together, this non-invasive, opsin-free MIM technique is demonstrated with a great translational potential for activating brain neurons and boosting brain learning capability.
Evidence of Neuroplasticity Due to Acupuncture: An fNIRS Study
Authors: Khan M. N. Afzal , Ghafoor Usman , Yoo Ho-Ryong , Hong Keum-Shik 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a precursor to the critical disease known as Alzheimer’s. It is imperative to develop a proper treatment for this neurological disease in the aging society. This study investigates the effects of acupuncture therapy (AT) on MCI patients.Methods: Eleven healthy individuals and eleven MCI patients were recruited for this study. Oxy- and deoxy-hemoglobin signals in the prefrontal cortex during working-memory tasks were monitored using functional near-infrared spectroscopy. Before the AT, working-memory experiments were conducted for healthy control (HC) and MCI groups (MCI-0), followed by 24 sessions of AT for the MCI group. The AT sessions were initially carried out for six weeks (two sessions per week), after which experiments were performed again on the MCI group (MCI-1). This was followed by another set of AT sessions that also lasted for six weeks, after which the experiments were repeated again on the MCI group (MCI-2). Statistical analyses of the signals and classifications based on activation maps as well as temporal features were performed.Results: The highest classification accuracies obtained using binary connectivity maps were 85.7% HC vs. MCI-0, 69.5% HC vs. MCI-1, and 61.69% HC vs. MCI-2. The classification accuracies using the temporal features mean (i.e., mean(5:28 s)) and maximum (i.e., max(5:28 s)) values were 60.6% HC vs. MCI-0, 56.9% HC vs. MCI-1, and 56.4% HC vs. MCI-2. Conclusions: The results reveal that there was a change in the temporal characteristics of the hemodynamic response of MCI patients due to acupuncture. This was reflected by a reduction in the classification accuracy after the therapy, indicating that the patients’ brain response improved and became comparable to those of healthy subjects. Similar trend was reflected in the classification using image feature. These results indicate that acupuncture can be used for the treatment of MCI patients.Trial registration: Clinical research and information service (CRIS), KCT 0002451, Registered 05 September 2017, https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/en/
Accelerated failure time modelling of Tuberculosis predictors in HIV/AIDS patients in Albert Luthuli Municipality of South Africa
Authors: Bengura Pepukai , Ndlovu Principal , Managa Mulalo Annah 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the most common opportunistic diseases and leading cause of death among Human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) patients. There has been a drastic rise of TB infection associated with the pandemic occurrence of HIV/AIDS infection in South Africa and other resource-limited countries world-wide. South Africa faces an immense burden on health care systems posed by diagnostic and therapeutic challenges resulting from the concomitant HIV and TB epidemics. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and the factors associated with TB and HIV co-infection for patients attending clinical care at rural public health facilities in Albert Luthuli municipality of South Africa. Methods: A cohort of HIV/AIDS patients was retrospectively followed from inception in 2010 to 2017 until TB was diagnosed or until the end of the study. Accelerated Failure Time (AFT) model was used to analyse survival data on HIV/AIDS patients. Factors associated to TB were modelled using log-logistic AFT model and further analysis of the significant factors was done using Kaplan-Meier, log-rank and hazard ratios. Results: From 357 HIV/AIDS patients, 65 patients (18.2%) had TB. Out of the 65 HIV/AIDS patients with TB, 15 (23.1%) of them died. Thus, of the 41 HIV/AIDS patients who died during the follow-up period, 15 of them (36.6%) had TB. Log-logistic AFT model determined factors associated with TB at significance level of 0.05 as: hospital, WHO stage, treatment (regimen 1), ART adherence, follow-up CD4 count, baseline haemoglobin, follow-up white blood cell count, baseline viral load, baseline sodium and follow-up alanine transaminase. Discussion: Although antiretroviral therapy is effective in reducing the risk of developing TB, the overall burden of TB in HIV/AIDS community may not substantially diminish.Conclusion: TB/HIV co-infection is one of the serious public health problems in Albert Luthuli municipality. Collaborative TB/HIV activities in form of early diagnosis of both TB and HIV need a holistic approach in order to reduce drug resistance, drug toxicity, co-morbidities and mortalities which are associated with TB/HIV co-infection.
The Efficacy of Moxibustion and Acupuncture Therapy for Ankylosing Spondylitis: A&nbsp;Protocol for an Overview of Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses
Authors: Chen Jun , Xiong Jun , Lu Lunbin , Zhu Siyuan , Zhong Zhiying , Tang Genhua , Zhou Xingchen , Guo Han 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background:Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a complex and progressive autoimmune inflammatory disease with a worldwide prevalence ranging up to 0.9%. Several systematic reviews and meta-analyses of traditional Chinese medicine alternative therapies, such as acupuncture or moxibustion, have demonstrated the effectiveness of moxibustion and acupuncture in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis. However, there is no relevant literature to comprehensively evaluate the evidence.The purpose of this overview is to synthesize and evaluate the reliability of evidence generated in the systematic review (SR) and meta-analysis of moxibustion and acupuncture as a primary or complementary therapy for patients with ankylosing spondylitis.Methods:PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure[CNKI], Chinese VIP Information, Wanfang Database, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database[CBM] were searched for systematic reviews and Meta-analysis that review the efficacy of acupuncture or moxibustion as the primary treatment for patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis. The literature published before August 2020 will be selected. Additionally, the relevant SRs and Meta-analyses that unpublished or ongoing will be searched in PROSPERO and INPLASY. The methodological guidelines for overviews will be used to reviews and extract data by two reviewers, and their will do it independently.Methodology quality will be analyzed by the AMSTAR-2 and the risk of bias by POBIS. For the included studies, we will adopt the following results as primary evaluation indicators: effective rate, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Bath AS Disease Activity Index (BASDAI). Reviewers will assess the certainty of evidence by Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation(GRADE).Results: The results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. Conclusion: This overview will provide comprehensive evidence of moxibustion and acupuncture for patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis. Registration number: INPLASY202080035
Multiorgan failure with fatal outcome after stem cell tourism
Authors: Večerić-Haler Željka , Borštnar Špela , Luzar Boštjan , Kojc Nika 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: unproven stem cell treatments may involve serious health, personal and financial considerations. Due to worldwide spread, illegal stem cell therapies have become a major public health problem. We have already witnessed numerous reports in the mass media of severe and occasionally even fatal outcomes after such therapies. However, there are only few scientifically documented cases in which the causality between stem cell therapy and side effects cannot be refuted.Case presentation: here we present a case report of a 48-years old patient with serious side effects including disseminated skin ulcers, hepatitis and cardiomyopathy with eventual fatal outcome following unproven stem cell treatment.Conclusions: the case of the patient presented here draws attention to the worst possible outcome of stem cell tourism. To effectively combat this issue, professionals and patients should be empowered with the right knowledge on possible side effects.
Development of Individual Tree Growth and Yield Model Across Multiple Contrasting Species Using Non-parametric and Parametric Methods in the Hyrcanian Forests of Northern Iran
Authors: Hamidi Seyedeh Kosar , Weiskittel Aaron , Bayat Mahmoud , Fallah Asghar 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe Hyrcanian forests of Iran contain many species-rich communities that can only be maintained through an understanding of the renewal and development of these forests. Located in the Jojadeh section of the Farim forest in northern Iran, individual tree growth of five distinct species [(Oriental beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky), chestnut-leaved oak (Quercus castaneifolia Coss. ex J.Gay), Persian maple (Acer velutinum Boiss.), common hornbeam (Carpinus betulus L.) and Caucasian alder (Alnus subcordata C.A.Mey.)] were measured on 313 permanent sample plots (0.1 ha) over a 10-year period (2003-2013). MethodsIn this analysis, various tree-level predictions were investigated using the available data with application of parametric models and two artificial neural networks (i.e., the multilayer perceptron (MLP) and radial basis function (RBF) networks). ResultsIndividual tree diameter growth models showed a robust negative relationship with basal area in larger trees (BAL), which was relatively consistent across species. A total height model indicated that the examined species did not differ for a given set of covariates. In the survival model, the survival probability of Oriental beech was lower than the other species, while the ingrowth model revealed sapling density of all species increased with the greater basal area. The artificial neural network based on the MLP was superior for all models and predicted more accurately than the RBF. Furthermore, the models based on the MLP were also superior to the parametric individual tree models developed using mixed-effect regression. ConclusionThe use of these developed models in forest planning and management is imperative, but assessment of long-term projection behavior across the contrasting statistical approaches used is warranted despite the general superiority of the non-parametric models.
Usefulness of β-lactam and Macrolide Combination Therapy for Treating Community-acquired Pneumonia Patients Hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit: Propensity Score Analysis of a Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Ito Akihiro , Ishida Tadashi , Tachibana Hiromasa , Nakanishi Yosuke , Tokioka Fumiaki , Yamazaki Akio , Washio Yasuyoshi , Irie Hiromasa , Otake Takanao 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Previous studies reported that β-lactam and macrolide combination therapy significantly improved outcomes for patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU) compared with a non-macrolide regimen. However, whether β-lactam and macrolide therapy truly reduces mortality is controversial, because no randomized, controlled trials have been conducted. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the usefulness of β-lactam and macrolide combination therapy for severe community-acquired pneumonia patients hospitalized in the ICU compared with a non-macrolide β-lactam-containing regimen.Methods: A prospective, observational, cohort study of hospitalized pneumonia patients was performed. Hospitalized severe community-acquired pneumonia patients admitted to the ICU within 24 hours between October 2010 and October 2017 were included for analysis. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality, and secondary outcomes were 14-day mortality and ICU mortality. Inverse probability of treatment weighting analysis as a propensity score analysis was used to reduce biases, including six covariates: age, sex, C-reactive protein, albumin, Pneumonia Severity Index score, and APACHE II score.Results: A total of 78 patients were included. There were 48 patients in the non-macrolide-containing β-lactam therapy group, including β-lactam monotherapy and β-lactam and non-macrolide-containing combination therapy, and 30 patients in the macrolide combination therapy group. β-lactam and macrolide combination therapy significantly decreased 30-day mortality (16.7% vs. 43.8%; P=0.015) and 14-day mortality (6.7% vs. 31.3%; P=0.020), but not ICU mortality (10% vs 27.1%, P=0.08) compared with non-macrolide-containing β-lactam therapy. After adjusting by inverse probability of treatment weighting, macrolide combination therapy also decreased 30-day mortality (odds ratio, 0.29; 95%CI, 0.09-0.96; P=0.04) and 14-day mortality (odds ratio, 0.19; 95%CI, 0.04-0.92; P=0.04), but not ICU mortality (odds ratio, 0.34; 95%CI, 0.08-1.36; P=0.13).Conclusions: Combination therapy with β-lactam and macrolides significantly improved the prognosis of severe community-acquired pneumonia patients hospitalized in the ICU compared with a non-macrolide-containing β-lactam regimen on propensity score analysis.Trial registration: UMIN Clinical Trials Registry, UMIN000004353. Registered on 7 October 2010,
Entropic evidence for a Pomeranchuk effect in Magic Angle graphene
Authors: Ilani Shahal , Rozen Asaf , Park Jeong Min , Zondiner Uri , Cao Yuan , Rodan-Legrain Daniel , Taniguchi Takashi , Watanabe Kenji , Oreg Yuval , Stern Ady , Berg Erez , Jarillo-Herrero Pablo 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
In the 1950's, Pomeranchuk predicted that, counterintuitively, liquid 3He may solidify upon heating, due to a high excess spin entropy in the solid phase. Here, using both local and global electronic entropy and compressibility measurements, we show that an analogous effect occurs in magic angle twisted bilayer graphene. Near a filling of one electron per moiré unit cell, we observe a dramatic increase in the electronic entropy to about 1kB per unit cell. This large excess entropy is quenched by an in-plane magnetic field, pointing to its magnetic origin. A sharp jump in the compressibility as a function of the electron density, associated with a reset of the Fermi level back to near the Dirac point, marks a clear boundary between two phases. We map this jump as a function of electron density, temperature, and magnetic field. This reveals a phase diagram that is consistent with a Pomeranchuk-like temperature- and field-driven transition from a rather conventional metal to a correlated state with nearly-free magnetic moments. The correlated state features an unusual dichotomy between properties associated with itinerant electrons, such as the absence of a thermodynamic gap, metallicity, and a Dirac-like compressibility, and properties usually associated with localized moments, such as a large entropy and its disappearance with magnetic field. Moreover, the energy scales characterizing these two sets of properties are vastly different: whereas the compressibility jump onsets at T∼30K, the bandwidth of magnetic excitations is ∼3K or smaller. This dichotomy and the large separation of energy scales have key implications for the physics of correlated states in twisted bilayer graphene.
Surgical masks decontamination for reuse by members of the public: feasibility study and development of home-based methods
Authors: Hong Mun Cheok , Lan Tan Sook , Fiona Phua Soo Zeng , Qi Lim Wei , Wei Pang Shyue , Vidhya Novem , Geraldine Chee , Shermin Soh Yi Hui 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
This study aims to propose decontamination methods that are suitable for use by members of the public to cope with the shortage of surgical masks during the current COVID-19 pandemic. 3-ply surgical masks were subjected to different decontamination protocols (heat, chemical, ultraviolet irradiation) to assess their abilities to achieve at least 4-log reduction of two common respiratory pathogens, H1N1 Influenza A virus, a single-stranded RNA enveloped virus similar to SARS-CoV-2 and Staphylococcus aureus, a Gram-positive bacterium that is more resistant to decontamination than single stranded RNA enveloped virus. Decontaminated surgical masks were assessed for differences in breathability, particle filtration efficiency and bacteria filtration efficiency as compared with non-decontaminated masks. The number of decontamination cycles that the 3-ply surgical masks could undergo without significant changes in breathability and filtration efficiencies were also determined. It was found that surgical masks decontaminated by either soaking for 60 min in 0.5% (v/v) aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution, or 30 min of soaking in 0.05% - 0.5% (v/v) aqueous sodium hypochlorite diluted from household bleach or ultraviolet irradiation by a surface dose of 13.5 kJ/m2 were able to achieve at least a 4-log reduction of both Staphylococcus aureus and H1N1 Influenza A virus spiked on surgical mask test swatches. No significant changes in breathability and filtration efficiencies of the surgical masks were observed after ten decontamination cycles of hydrogen peroxide or diluted bleach treatment or 30 cycles of ultraviolet irradiation.
Effectiveness and Safety of Plum - Blossom Needle&nbsp;in the Treatment of Myopia：A Protocol for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Zhu Siyuan , Xiong Jun , Chen Jun , Tang Genhua , Lu Lunbin , Zhong Zhiying , Zhou Xingchen , Guo Han , Fan Hao 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: In recent years, the prevalence of myopia has increased significantly, and it has become one of the major eye diseases that cause visual impairment in the world,which is particularly prominent among young people. And uncorrected myopia is the leading cause of blindness.The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of plum-blossom needle in delaying adolescent myopia progression through systematic evaluation.Methods and analysis:The following electronic databases will be searched from inception to July 2020 regardless of publication status and language: Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Biology Medicine (CBM), Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP), Wanfang Database, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBLD), Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database (CSTPD). RCT registration websites, including http://www.ClinicalTrials.gov and http://www.chictr.org.cn, will also be searched. Review Manager V.5.4 will be used to analysis the statistic. Two reviewers will independently select studies, extract and code the data, assess risk of bias of the included studies, evaluate the quality of evidence for outcomes.Discussion:So far, many studies have been conducted on the treatment of adolescent myopia with plum-blossom needles. However, there is still no clear conclusion on the effectiveness and safety of plum-blossom needles in the treatment of juvenile myopia.In this systematic review and meta-analysis, available data will be pooled together to further inform research and clinical practice.Systematic review registration: Inplasy protocol 202080026
Biomarkers in Juvenile Systemic Sarcoidosis: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Alsarhan Ali , Habeeb Shameer Mohamed , Popatia Rizwana , Fathalla Basil 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Juvenile sarcoidosis represents a spectrum of rare granulomatous inflammatory conditions characterized by non-caseating granulomas that can affect multiple systems. Nonetheless, no laboratory markers can conclusively indicate a diagnosis of sarcoidosis. In this report, we discuss the role of serum soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2r) levels in supporting the diagnosis of sarcoidosis in a child with ocular, renal, and pulmonary involvement. We further discuss trends in this marker, as well as serum angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) and 1,25(OH)2D levels, in relation to disease activity and response to treatment. Case Presentation: A previously healthy 14-year-old Arabic girl presented with fever, anorexia, and dyspnea upon exertion. She exhibited elevated levels of acute-phase reactants, anemia, elevated serum creatinine, and proteinuria. An eye exam revealed bilateral uveitis. High-resolution computed tomography (CT) of the chest revealed subpleural interlobar septal thickening with reticular changes and subtle ground glass opacities. The results of an extensive work-up to rule out infectious etiology, immune deficiency, malignancy, and other rheumatic diseases were unremarkable. Serum levels of sIL-2r were extraordinarily high at 18,589 U/L (normal range: 223–710 U/L), and the trend of subsequent measurements correlated with disease response and disease reactivation. Although ferritin levels were elevated at 1,136 ng/mL (normal: 13–68 ng/mL), bone marrow biopsy was negative for hemophagocytosis. Kidney biopsy revealed granulomatous interstitial nephritis with tubular atrophy. Serum ACE and 1,25(OH)2D levels were also elevated at diagnosis. The patient was treated with glucocorticosteroids, mycophenolate mofetil, and anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF). Clinical responses to such treatment were correlated with trends in serum sIL-2r and 1,25 (OH)2D levels, but not with trends in serum levels of ACE. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the promise of sIL-2r as a marker of diagnosis and disease activity during the treatment period in patients with juvenile sarcoidosis. Further prospective studies involving large cohorts of patients with childhood sarcoidosis are required to elucidate the diagnostic and prognostic roles of serum sIL-2r levels.