bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Capacity constraints and time allocation in public health clinics
Authors: Harris Matthew C. , Liu Yinan , McCarthy Ian 
Published: January 2020

SummaryUnlike in the production of most goods, changes in capacity for labor‐intensive services only affect outcomes of interest insofar as service providers change the way they allocate their time in response to those capacity changes. In this paper, we examine how public sector service providers respond to unexpected capacity constraints in the specific context of public health clinics. We exploit an exogenous reduction in public health clinic capacity to quantify the trade‐off between patients treated and time spent with each patient, which we treat as a proxy for a quality versus quantity decision. We provide evidence that these small and generally insignificant effects on nurse time favor public sector employees prioritizing quality of each interaction over clearing the patient queue.
Addressing the fistula treatment gap and rising to the 2030 challenge
Authors: Slinger Gillian , Trautvetter Lilli 
Published: January 2020

AbstractObstetric fistula is a neglected public health and human rights issue. It occurs almost exclusively in low‐resource regions, resulting in permanent urinary and/or fecal incontinence. Although the exact prevalence remains unknown, it starkly outweighs the limited pool of skilled fistula surgeons needed to repair this childbirth injury. Several global movements have, however, enabled the international community to make major strides in recent decades. FIGO's Fistula Surgery Training Initiative, launched in 2012, has made significant gains in building the capacity of local fistula surgeons to steadily close the fistula treatment gap. Training and education are delivered via FIGO and partners’ Global Competency‐based Fistula Surgery Training Manual and tailored toward the needs and skill level of each trainee surgeon (FIGO Fellow). There are currently 62 Fellows from 22 fistula‐affected countries on the training program, who have collectively performed over 10 000 surgical repairs. The initiative also contributes to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (1, 3, 5, 8, 10, and 17). The UN's ambitious target to end fistula by 2030 will be unobtainable unless sufficient resources are mobilized and affected countries are empowered to develop their own sustainable eradication plans, including access to safe delivery and emergency obstetric services.
Knowledge of obstetric fistula among prenatal clinic attendees and midwives in Mfantsiman municipality, Ghana
Authors: Azanu Wisdom K. , Dassah Edward T. , Agbeno Evans K. , Ofori Anthony A. , Opare‐Addo Henry S. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo determine obstetric fistula knowledge among prenatal attendees and midwives in Mfantsiman municipality, Ghana.MethodsAn analytical cross‐sectional study was conducted among prenatal clinic attendees and midwives in Mfantsiman municipality from March to April, 2016. Women were selected by systematic sampling and consenting midwives were recruited. Respondents were interviewed using a pretested structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the χ2 test and Poisson regression with a robust error variance to generate relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsAltogether, 393 prenatal attendees and 45 midwives were studied. Mean age of attendees was 28.1 ± 7.1 years. About 29% of prenatal attendees knew of, 37.2% had poor knowledge of, and 56.6% had some misconceptions about obstetric fistula. Women who had attained some level of education (P trend=0.001), were employed (adjusted RR 4.92; 95% CI, 1.98–12.21), or had given birth before (P trend=0.01) were more likely to have heard of obstetric fistula. All midwives knew of obstetric fistula and its preventive measures; however, up to 73.3% had some misconceptions about it.ConclusionEducating prenatal attendees and organizing regular refresher courses on obstetric fistula for midwives should be a priority in the municipality.
A review of surgical procedures to repair obstetric fistula
Authors: Pope Rachel , Beddow Meghan 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAlthough approximately 2 million women suffer from an obstetric fistula, the surgical literature is sparse. This review examines the evidence published to date. The most relevant surgical evidence is included, highlighting the need for further scientific investigations to contribute to our surgical practice. The most pressing needs relate to anti‐incontinence techniques and complex obstetric fistula repairs.
Primary basal cell carcinoma of the prostate with concurrent adenocarcinoma
Authors: Hennes David , Dragovic Adrian , Sewell James , Hoh Meng Yeong , Grills Richard 
Published: January 2020

IntroductionProstatic basal cell carcinoma is an extremely rare tumor, exhibiting various histopathological features and clinical spectrums of disease.Case presentationA 69‐year‐old male presented to our department with 2 years of voiding difficulty and intermittent macroscopic hematuria. With a presumed diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia, he underwent a transurethral resection of the prostate. Pathological examination revealed atypical basaloid cells forming solid nests. Robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy was subsequently performed, confirming a diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma with coexisting acinar adenocarcinoma.ConclusionAlthough more cases of basal cell carcinoma are indolent than aggressive, there is no reliable method of differentiation between these presentations. Thus, we recommend radical surgery and 6‐monthly disease surveillance until more is discovered about this very rare malignancy.
Mapping of retardance, diattenuation and polarizance vector on Poincare sphere for diagnosis and classification of cervical precancer
Authors: Zaffar Mohammad , Pradhan Asima 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe mapping of diattenuation, polarizance and retardance vector (normalized Stokes vector) on Poincare sphere, evaluated from Mueller matrix of optically anisotropic stromal region of cervical tissues, is presented for cervical precancer detection and its staging. This reveals that the changes in the polarization states shown by these normalized Stokes vectors corresponds to the degradation of linearly arranged collagen fibers, breakage of the collagen cross links in the stromal region and change in the density of scattering sites when cervical cancer evolves. The distinct nature of real and imaginary parts of the refractive index for linear, linear‐45 and circular polarization from the optically anisotropic stromal region underscore the various polarization structures of the connective tissue region which get modified during the pathological changes. It has been found that versatility of these vectors for normal and precancerous cervical tissue of various grades may be utilized as a key distinction for qualitative staging of cervical precancer tissue. Quantitative classification of precancerous stages of cervical precancer has been determined with 95%–100% sensitivity and 93%–100% specificity through the evaluation of linear and circular diattenuation, linear polarizance and linear birefringence from the components of the respective vectors.
Mechanism of pancreatic juice reflux in pancreaticobiliary maljunction: A fluid dynamics model experiment
Authors: Fukuzawa Hiroaki , Kajihara Keisuke , Tajikawa Tsutomu , Aoki Keita , Ajiki Tetsuo , Maeda Kosaku 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundPancreatic juice reflux to the common bile duct and gallbladder is observed in the pancreaticobiliary maljunction (PBM), and various pathological conditions occur in the biliary tract. However, the mechanism of pancreatic juice reflux has not been discussed yet. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of this phenomenon from the perspective of the fluid dynamics theory.MethodsA fluid dynamics model of PBM without biliary dilatation having gallbladder function and of the pressure of sphincter of Oddi was developed. Water (as bile juice and pancreatic juice) was flowed to these models with a flow rate similar to that in humans. Pancreatic and bile juice flow and bile duct pressure were observed in three phases of gallbladder function. Moreover, the same experiment was performed in the PBM without biliary dilatation model without gallbladder.ResultsPancreatic juice reflux could be observed when the gallbladder was passively expanded with the pressure in the bile duct lower than that in the sphincter of Oddi. However, pancreatic juice reflux was not observed in the model without gallbladder.ConclusionsGallbladder function may be strongly involved in pancreatic juice reflux in PBM without biliary dilatation. Cholecystectomy may be able to stop the reflux of pancreatic juice.
Green synthesis, molecular docking and pharmacological evaluation of new triazolo‐thiadiazepinylcoumarine derivatives as sedative‐hypnotic scaffold
Authors: Gomha Sobhi M. , Abdel‐aziz Hassan M. , Abolibda Tariq Z. , Hassan Shaimaa A. , Abdalla Mohamed M. 
Published: January 2020

Abstract4‐Amino‐5‐mercapto‐4H‐1,2,4‐triazole derivative 1 was used as a key intermediate for the preparation of 1,2,4‐triazolo[3,4‐b][1,3,4]thiadiazepine derivatives 5a‐d, 12a‐g, and 16 via reactions with the appropriate chalcones 2a‐d, α,β‐unsaturated carbonitrile derivatives 9a‐g and 13, respectively. The identity of the synthesized compounds was elucidated via their spectral data and elemental analysis. Moreover, the sedative‐hypnotic activity of the newly synthesized compounds were evaluated and showed excellent activities especially compounds 12b, 12f, and 16. Also, their structure activity relationship (SAR) was clearly demonstrated and showed that the electron‐donating groups enhance activities while electron‐withdrawing groups decrease activities. The molecular docking of the most active derivative 16 against γ‐amino butyric acid (GABA) receptor was performed by the MOE 2014 0901program. The acquired outcomes demonstrated that the most active compounds could be a helpful model for future structure, adjustment, and examination to build more active analogs.
Normative Pancreatic Stiffness Levels and Related Influences Established by Magnetic Resonance Elastography in Volunteers
Authors: Xu Youli , Cai Xiaoli , Shi Yu , Yin Meng , Lan Gongyu , Zhang Xianyi , Ji Ruoyun , Chang Liu  
Published: January 2020

BackgroundLarge‐scale normative studies of pancreatic stiffness and potential influences have yet to be pursued via magnetic resonance elastography (MRE).PurposeTo determine normative MRE‐based pancreatic stiffness values and to examine related influential factors.Study TypeProspective.SubjectsIn all, 361 volunteers (men, 199; women, 162) with a median age of 54.0 years and a median body mass index (BMI) of 22.86 kg/m2 were prospectively recruited. Those with no histories of smoking, alcohol abuse, and diabetes mellitus (DM) were grouped as healthy volunteers, designating all others as positive controls.Field Strength/SequenceEach volunteer underwent 3.0T pancreatic MRI at a frequency of 40 Hz.AssessmentPancreatic stiffness values, pancreatic width and volume, waist circumference, and wave distance were measured in all subjects.Statistical TestsMultiple linear regression analyses were performed to determine variables that influence MRE‐determined stiffness.ResultsThe mean pancreatic stiffness in all volunteers was 1.20 ± 0.16 kPa. Stiffness levels in positive control volunteers proved significantly greater than levels in healthy volunteers (1.29 ± 0.17 kPa vs. 1.14 ± 0.13 kPa; P < 0.001). In multiple linear regression analysis, sex (P = 0.004), BMI (P < 0.001), pancreatic width (P = 0.005), smoking (P < 0.001), alcohol abuse (P < 0.001), and DM (P = 0.001) emerged as significant independent factors impacting pancreatic stiffness. Smoking, alcohol abuse, DM, and wide pancreas were associated with greater pancreatic stiffness (coefficients = 0.202, 0.183, 0.149, and 0.160, respectively), while reduced pancreatic stiffness corresponded with female sex and larger BMI (coefficient = −0.155 and −0.192, respectively).Data ConclusionMRE‐based pancreatic stiffness values are impacted by sex, BMI, pancreatic width, smoking, alcohol abuse, and DM. Reference values are essential for future clinical studies.Level of Evidence: 1Technical Efficacy: Stage 2J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;52:448–458.
Measurement of the polarization‐ and orientation‐dependent scalar, vector, and tensor light shifts in 87Rb using the near‐resonant, stimulated Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Hu Qing‐Qing , Wang Qian , Luo Yu‐Kun , Li Ying‐Ying , Ma Ming‐Xiang , Xu Fu‐Fang , Yang Jun , Wei Rong 
Published: January 2020

AbstractWe present the polarization‐ and orientation‐dependent characteristics of the differential light shifts (DLSs) in 87Rb using the near‐resonant, stimulated Raman spectroscopy with an atomic fountain clock. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate that the Raman resonant frequencies would shift sinusoidally as the rotation of the laser's polarization vector due to the polarization‐dependent vector and tensor DLSs, and the total DLS is counteracted in some elliptically polarized laser configurations. What is more, this paper provides an alternative method to measure the effective magnetic field vector and the absolute scalar, vector, and tensor (SVT) DLSs and to verify the theoretically calculated SVT dynamical polarizabilities. These results will facilitate the evaluation and elimination of the light shift‐related systemic errors in the atomic optics‐based quantum sensors, including the atomic magnetometer, atomic interferometer, atomic clock, and quantum register.
Pesticide residues determination in common bean using an optimized QuEChERS approach followed by solvent exchange and GC–MS/MS analysis
Authors: Reichert Bárbara , Pereira Nunes Maria G , Pizzutti Ionara R , Costabeber Ijoni H , Fontana Marlos Z , Jänich Bárbara D , Panciera Matheus P , Arbusti Dênia , Cardoso Carmem D , Chim Josiane F 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDCommon bean is a staple food in Latin America and Africa; however, studies about contamination of common bean with pesticides are rarely reported. So, the goals of this study were to validate a multiresidue method and apply it in monitoring of pesticides in common beans. Extraction was performed applying the QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe) approach to ground samples. Octadecylsilane and primary–secondary amine were used for clean‐up, and a solvent exchange step was performed before injection for gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry analysis. Method validation was done analyzing blank samples spiked at 20, 30, 50, and 100 μg kg−1 (n = 5). Linearity and linear range were assessed by the analysis of standard solutions at concentrations of 5, 15, 25, 50, 75, 100, and 150 μg L−1.RESULTSThe method was successfully validated for 91 (64.1%) of the 142 compounds studied (139 pesticides and three degradation products). Limits of quantification were equal to 20 μg kg−1, 30 μg kg−1, 50 μg kg−1, and 100 μg kg−1 for 18 (12.7%), 17 (12.0%), 21 (14.8%) and 35 (24.6%) compounds respectively. Fifteen (10.6%) compounds were not detected at any level, and 36 (25.4%) did not fulfill the requirements for a quantitative method. Sixteen common bean samples of South of Brazil were analyzed. Two samples were positive: one for tebuconzole and a second for picoxystrobin, permethrin, and cyproconazole. Cyproconazole is not allowed for use in the common bean crop, its use being a violation.CONCLUSIONAs demonstrated, the validated approach is suitable for pesticide residues determination in common bean. Results of the sample analysis show that the control of pesticide residues in common bean is necessary to ensure food safety. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Novel method for the fast measurement of the three‐dimensional range of the eyebox of a VR device
Authors: Hong Hyungki 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIn a virtual reality (VR) device, the eyebox is an importance factor that is used to characterize the performance of the VR device. The conventional eyebox measurement method is quite time consuming as measurements must be performed at multiple positions to determine the three‐dimensional range. In this paper, a new measurement method is proposed that entails investigating the trajectories of the light rays extending from a specific position of the virtual image. These light rays form an identifiable brightness distribution pattern on the diffusing plane when this plane is located near the eye position of user. The positions of the pupil that allow the user to see the positions of the virtual image can be derived from the overlap of these distributions. Additionally, the three‐dimensional range of the eyebox can be determined by changing the position of the diffusing screen. Furthermore, the proposed method allows simultaneous measurement of the eyebox of the left and right eyes. Thus, the proposed method can be used to relatively quickly determine the three‐dimensional range of the eyebox.
Development of a soil quality index for characterizing effects of land‐use changes on degradation and ecological restoration of rangeland soils in a semi‐arid ecosystem
Authors: Raiesi Fayez , Salek‐Gilani Soroosh 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe aim of this research was to study the influence of land‐use changes on degradation and ecological restoration of rangeland soils by quantifying 15 soil attributes and the subsequent development of a soil quality index (SQI). Soil properties were determined to establish a minimum data set (MDS) for the development of an overall weighted additive SQI. The soil attributes were measured on samples (0 to 15 and 15 to 30‐cm depths) collected in undisturbed rangelands, cultivated rangelands, and restored rangelands following cultivation abandonment for 12 or 45 years in a semi‐arid ecosystem, Central Iran. The selected MDS indicators consisted of the mean weight diameter (MWD), total nitrogen (TN), microbial respiration (MR), and alkaline phosphomonoesterase activity (ALP). Overall, soil aggregation, N content, microbial activity, and ALP activity were found to be the key indicators contributing considerably to the SQI of rangeland ecosystems. Soil MWD had the highest contribution (31%) to the estimated SQI values, followed by TN (27%), MR (22%), and ALP (21%). Results indicated a clear difference in soil quality among the common land uses with a significant decline of SQI after conversion of native rangelands (0.80) to croplands (0.53). Restored rangeland soils were characterized by a higher value of SQI (0.63–0.73) as compared with cultivated rangelands (0.53). This suggests a good recovery of soil capacity and functions after the abandonment of cropping activity in previously cultivated rangelands. Vegetation restoration and plant productivity appeared to be the major driver of improved soil quality of the abandoned croplands in these rangelands. Our SQI tool could be useful to determine the success of agricultural abandonment and ecological restoration of rangeland soils in the studied semi‐arid environment.
Systematic review and meta‐analysis of transoral laser microsurgery in hypopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Lane Ciaran , Rabbani Rasheda , Linton Janice , Taylor S. Mark , Viallet Norbert 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundTransoral laser microsurgery has been suggested as an alternative treatment modality for hypopharyngeal carcinoma. The purpose of this study is to systematically review the oncologic and functional outcomes of patients with hypopharyngeal carcinoma when treated with primary transoral laser microsurgery.MethodsA comprehensive literature search was performed using PRISMA methodology on OVID MEDLINE and EMBASE. Meta‐analysis was completed for oncological outcomes.ResultsSix studies reported quality of life outcomes five reported oncologic outcomes. A median of 95% (range 0.83‐0.98) patients achieving gastrostomy independence, a median of 3% (range 0%‐6%) were tracheostomy dependent, and a median of 97% (Range 0.89‐1.0) were able to preserve their larynx. Pooled five‐year overall survival was 54% (CI, 0.50‐0.58, I2 = 29%), pooled disease‐specific survival was 72% (CI, 0.68‐0.77, I2 = 46%), and pooled local control rate was 78% (CI, 0.72‐0.85, I2 = 69%).ConclusionSystematic review supports improvements in functional outcomes and oncologic outcomes with transoral laser microsurgery.
Double homozygosity in CEP57 and DYNC2H1 genes detected by WES: Composite or expanded phenotype?
Authors: Pezzani Lidia , Pezzoli Laura , Pansa Alessandra , Facchinetti Barbara , Marchetti Daniela , Scatigno Agnese , Lincesso Anna R. , Perego Loredana , Pingue Monica , Pellicioli Isabella , Migliazza Lucia , Mangili Giovanna , Galletti Lorenzo , Giussani Ursula , Bonanomi Ezio , Cereda Anna , Iascone Maria 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundIn the last few years trio‐whole exome sequencing (WES) analysis has demonstrated its potential in obtaining genetic diagnoses even in nonspecific clinical pictures and in atypical presentations of known diseases. Moreover WES allows the detection of variants in multiple genes causing different genetic conditions in a single patient, in about 5% of cases. The resulting phenotype may be clinically discerned as variability in the expression of a known phenotype, or as a new unreported syndromic condition.MethodsTrio‐WES was performed on a 4‐month‐old baby with a complex clinical presentation characterized by skeletal anomalies, congenital heart malformation, congenital hypothyroidism, generalized venous and arterial hypoplasia, and recurrent infections.ResultsWES detected two different homozygous variants, one in CEP57, the gene responsible for mosaic variegated aneuploidy syndrome 2, the other in DYNC2H1, the main gene associated with short‐rib thoracic dysplasia.ConclusionThe contribution of these two different genetic causes in determining the phenotype of our patient is discussed, including some clinical signs not explained by the detected variants.The report then highlights the role of WES in providing complete and fast diagnosis in patients with complex presentations of rare genetic syndromes, with important implications in the assessment of recurrence risk.