bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Riverbank Erosion and Migration Inter-Linkage: with special focus on Assam, India
Authors: Dekaraja Dimpal , Mahanta Ratul 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Riverbank erosion becomes a vulnerable phenomenon in the bank of the Brahmaputra river and its tributaries. Around 17 riverine districts of Assam are affected by riverbank erosion and lost a large plot of land. Due to riverbank erosion the victims’ loss their homestead and crop land as well as their survival strategy in the eroded areas. Moreover, farmers largely affected due to riverbank erosion as they loss their sources of income. This forces the farmer to migrate to another place for their survival. The paper examines the linkage between river bank erosion and migration based on secondary information. Method: To examine the linkage, information collected from government published sources ‘Census of India’ and ‘Statistical handbook of Assam’. On the basis of the information, 10 indicators constructed from 26 variables and then factor analysis method applied to examine the linkage between riverbank erosion and migration. Results: Four variables that are agricultural worker, industrial worker, cropped area and livestock population are loaded into the first factor, for which the first factor is labeled as the socio-economic indicator. In case of second factor the two variables i.e. Migrational Growth Index(MGI) and urban population are loaded. On the basis of the loaded variables this factor labeled as demographic indicator. In case of third factor also two variables are loaded that is, Natural Growth Index(NGI) and Literacy rate. The loaded variables indicate that both NGI and Literacy rate are positively related. Two variables are loaded in this fourth factor i.e. river bank eroded area and the district population growth. This factor labeled as environmental indicator on the basis of the variables loaded in this factor. The factor correlation matrix indicates the opposite relation between first and fourth factor. Conclusion: The results obtained from Factor component analysis reveals that the first and fourth factor component mainly established the linkage between riverbank erosion and migration. Besides this the component correlation matrix also reveals the inter-linkage between the variables. Thus we can say that there is positive relation between riverbank erosion and migration. However, it can be interpret that farmers mostly affected due to riverbank erosion and migrate more, because most of the inhabitants of the floodplain areas are the farmers.
Transcatheter arterial embolsation is efficient and safe for paediatric blunt torso trauma: a case-control study
Authors: Gakumazawa Masayasu , Toida Chiaki , Muguruma Takashi , Yogo Naoki , Shinohara Mafumi , Takeuchi Ichiro 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: It remains unclear whether transcatheter arterial embolisation (TAE) is as safe and effective for paediatric patients with blunt torso trauma as it is for adults in Japan, owing to few trauma cases and sporadic case reports. The study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of TAE performed in paediatric (age ≤ 15 years) and adult patients with blunt torso trauma. Methods: This was a single-centre, retrospective chart review study that included blunt torso trauma patients who underwent TAE in the trauma centre from 2012 to 2017. The comparative study was carried out between a ‘paediatric patient group’ and an ‘adult patient group’. The outcome measures for TAE were the success of haemorrhage control and complications and standardised mortality ratio (SMR).Results: A total of 504 patients with blunt torso trauma were transported to the trauma centre, out of which 23% (N=114) with blunt torso trauma underwent TAE, including 15 paediatric and 99 adult patients. There was no significant difference between the use of TAE in paediatric and adult patients with blunt torso trauma (29% vs 22%, P=.221). The paediatric patients’ median age was 11 years (IQR 7–14). The predicted mortality rate (PMR) and SMR for paediatric patients were lower than those for adult patients (18.3% vs 25.9%, P=.026, and 0.37 vs 0.54). The rate of effective haemorrhage control without repeated TAE or additional surgical intervention was 93% in paediatric patients, which was similar to that in adult patients (88%). There were no complications in paediatric patients at our centre. There were no significant differences in the proportion of paediatric patients who underwent surgery before TAE or urgent blood transfusion (33% vs 26%, P=.566, or 67% vs 85%, P=.084).Conclusions: It is possible to provide an equal level of care related to TAE for paediatric and adult patients as it relates to TAE for blunt torso trauma with haemorrhage in the trauma centre. Alternative haemorrhage control procedures should be established as soon as possible whenever the patients reach a haemodynamically unstable state.
Development of the Equine Hindgut Microbiome in Semi-feral and Domestic Conventionally-Managed Foals
Authors: Tavenner Meredith , McDonnell Sue M , Biddle Amy S 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Early development of the gut microbiome is an essential part of neonate health in animals. It is unclear whether the acquisition of gut microbes is different between domesticated animals and their wild counterparts. In this study, fecal samples from ten domestic conventionally managed (DCM) Standardbred and ten semi-feral managed (SFM) Shetland-type pony foals and dams were compared using 16S rRNA sequencing to identify differences in the development of the foal hindgut microbiome related to time and management. Results: Gut microbiome diversity of dams was lower than foals overall and within groups, and foals from both groups at Week 1 had less diverse gut microbiomes than subsequent weeks. The core microbiomes of SFM dams and foals had more taxa overall, and greater numbers of taxa within species groups when compared to DCM dams and foals. The gut microbiomes of SFM foals demonstrated enhanced diversity of key groups: Verrucomicrobia (RFP12), Ruminococcaceae, Fusobacterium spp., and Bacteroides spp., based on age and management. Lactic acid bacteria Lactobacillus spp. and other Lactobacillaceae genera were enriched only in DCM foals, specifically during their second and third week of life. Predicted microbiome functions estimated computationally suggested that SFM foals had higher mean sequence counts for taxa contributing to the digestion of lipids, simple and complex carbohydrates, and protein. DCM foal microbiomes were more similar to their dams in week five and six than were SFM foals at the same age.Conclusions: This study demonstrates the impact of management on the development of the foal gut microbiome in the first 6 weeks of life. The higher numbers of taxa within and between bacterial groups found in SFM dams and foals suggests more diversity and functional redundancy in their gut microbiomes, which could lend greater stability and resiliency to these communities. The colonization of lactic acid bacteria in the early life of DCM foals suggests enrichment in response to the availability of dams’ feed. Thus, management type is an important driver of gut microbiome establishment on horses, and we may look to semi-feral horses for guidance in defining a healthy gut microbiome for domestic horses.
A physical activity coaching intervention can increase and maintain physical activity and health-related outcomes in adult ambulatory care patients in a regional hospital: the Healthy4U-2 randomised controlled trial
Authors: Barrett Stephen , Begg Steve , O'Halloran Paul , Kingsley Michael 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: The Healthy 4U-2 study sought to evaluate the effect of a twelve-week, physical activity (PA) coaching intervention for changes and maintenance in PA, anthropometrics and health-related outcomes in adults presenting to an ambulatory hospital clinic. Methods: One hundred and twenty insufficiently active adults were recruited from an ambulatory hospital clinic and randomised to an intervention group that received an education session and five 20-minute telephone sessions of PA coaching, or to a control group that received the education session only. ActiGraph GT3X accelerometers were used to measure moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) at baseline, post-intervention (3-months) and follow-up (9-months). Secondary outcome measures (anthropometrics, PA self-efficacy, health-related and quality of life) were also assessed at the three time points. Results: At baseline, the mean age and body mass index of participants were 53 ± 8 years and 31 ± 4 kg/m 2 , respectively. Relative to control, the intervention group increased objectively measured MVPA at post-intervention (p<0.001) and 9 months follow-up (p<0.001). At the 9-month follow-up the intervention group completed 22 min/day of MVPA (95% CI: 20 to 25 min/day), which is sufficient to meet the recommended PA guidelines. The intervention group exhibited beneficial changes in body mass (p<0.001), waist circumference (p<0.001), body mass index (p<0.001), PA self-efficacy (p<0.001), and health-related quality of life (p<0.001) at the 9-month follow-up. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that a low contact PA coaching intervention results in beneficial changes in PA, anthropometrics and health-related outcomes in insufficiently active adults presenting to an ambulatory care clinic. The significant beneficial changes were measured at post-intervention and the 9-month follow-up, demonstrating a maintenance effect of the intervention. Trial registration: Prospectively registered on the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR). Trial registration number: ACTRN12619000036112. http://anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=376318 Keywords Physical activity; Exercise motivation; Accelerometry; Public health
Identification of metabolism-associated genes and construction of a prognostic signature in bladder cancer
Authors: Shen Chengquan , Liu Jing , Wang Liping , Liang Zhijuan , Niu Haitao , Wang Yonghua 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Bladder cancer (BC) is a commonly diagnosed malignant tumor in the urinary system, with a high morbidity and a high recurrence rate. Current studies indicated that metabolism-associated genes (MAGs) having critical roles in the etiology of BC. The present study aims to identify differentially expressed MAGs and construct a MAGs based prognostic risk signature for BC by using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and proteomics data. Methods: RNA-sequence data from the TCGA database and proteomics data from our BC samples were used to identify differentially expressed MAGs and construct a MAGs based prognostic signature in BC. Subsequently, survival analysis and nomogram were used to evaluate the prognostic and predictive value of the MAGs based signature in BC. RNA isolation and reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) were further performed to investigate the expression levels of MAGs in BC cells and explore the relationship between MAGs and M2 tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) secreted transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in BC cells.Results: A total of 23 differentially expressed MAGs were identified and five MAGs were finally used to construct a MAGs based signature. Survival analysis revealed that the MAGs based signature was closely correlated with the survival outcomes of patients with BC. A nomogram with the MAGs based signature risk score and clinical features was also constructed to facilitate the individualized prediction of BC patients. RT-qPCR showed that five MAGs were significantly differentially expressed and the expression levels of three MAGs were positively correlated with M2 TAMs secreted TGF-β1 in T24 cells.Conclusions: Our study identified novel prognostic MAGs and constructed a MAGs based signature, which can be used as an independent factor in evaluating the prognosis of patients with BC. Furthermore, M2 TAMs may promote the expression of MAGs via the TGF-β1 signaling pathway in the microenvironment of BC. Further clinical trials and experimental explorations are needed to validate our observations in BC.
Differential impact of non-pharmaceutical public health interventions on COVID-19 epidemics in the United States
Authors: Liu Xiaoshuang , Xu Xiao , Li Guanqiao , Xu Xian , Sun Yuyao , Wang Fei , Shi Xuanling , Li Xiang , Xie Guotong , Zhang Linqi 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: The widespread pandemic of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) poses an unprecedented global health crisis. In the United States (US), different state governments have adopted various combinations of non-pharmaceutical public health interventions (NPIs), such as non-essential business closures and gathering bans, to mitigate the epidemic from February to April, 2020. Quantitative assessment on the effectiveness of NPIs is greatly needed to assist in guiding individualized decision making for adjustment of interventions in the US and around the world. However, the impacts of these approaches remain uncertain.Methods: Based on the reported cases, the effective reproduction number (Rt) of COVID-19 epidemic for 50 states in the US was estimated. Measurements on the effectiveness of nine different NPIs were conducted by assessing risk ratios (RRs) between R t and NPIs through a generalized linear model (GLM). Results: Different NPIs were found to have led to different levels of reduction in Rt. Stay-at-home contributed approximately 51% (95% CI 46%-57%), wearing (face) masks 29% (15%-42%), gathering ban (more than 10 people) 19% (14%-24%), non-essential business closure 16% (10%-21%), declaration of emergency 13% (8%-17%), interstate travel restriction 11% (5%-16%), school closure 10% (7%-14%), initial business closure 10% (6%-14%), and gathering ban (more than 50 people) 7% (2%-11%).Conclusions: This retrospective assessment of NPIs on Rt has shown that NPIs played critical roles on epidemic control in the US in the past several months. The quantitative results could guide individualized decision making for future adjustment of NPIs in the US and other countries for COVID-19 and other similar infectious diseases.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of initial nonoperative management versus emergency laparoscopic appendectomy for acute complicated appendicitis
Authors: Sugiura Kiyoaki , Suzuki Keiichi , Umeyama Tomoshige , Omagari Kenshi , Hashimoto Takeo , Tamura Akihiko 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background The evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of nonoperative management is growing. However, the best treatment strategy for acute complicated appendicitis remains controversial. We aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of treatment strategies for complicated appendicitis patients. This study sought to determine the most cost-effective strategy from the health care-payer's perspectiveMethods The primary outcome was an incremental cost effectiveness ratio (ICER) using nonoperative management with or without interval laparoscopic appendectomy (ILA) as the intervention compared with operative management with emergency laparoscopic appendectomy (ELA) alone as the control. Model variables were abstracted from a literature review, and from data obtained from the hospital records of Tochigi Medical Center. Cost-effectiveness was evaluated using an ICER. We constructed a Markov model to compare treatment strategies for complicated appendicitis in otherwise-healthy adults, over a time horizon of a single year. Uncertainty surrounding model parameters was assessed via one-way- and probabilistic-sensitivity analyses. Threshold analysis was performed using the willingness-to-pay threshold set at the World Health Organization's criterion of $107,690.Results Three meta-analysis were included in our analysis. Operative management cost $6,075 per patient. Nonoperative management with interval laparoscopic appendectomy (ILA) cost $984 more than operative management and produced only 0.005 more QALYs, resulting in an ICER of $182,587. Nonoperative management without ILA cost $235 more than operative management, and also yielded only 0.005 additional QALYs resulting in an ICER of $45,123 per QALY. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis with 1,000 draws resulted in average ICER of $172,992 in nonoperative management with ILA and $462,843 in Nonoperative management without ILA. The threshold analysis demonstrated that regardless of willingness-to-pay, nonoperative management without ILA would not be most cost-effective strategyConclusions Nonoperative management with ILA and Nonoperative management without ILA were not cost-effective strategies compared with operative management to treat complicated appendicitis. Based on our findings, operative management remains the standard of care and nonoperative management would be reconsidered as a treatment option in complicated appendicitis from economic perspective.
Sub-thermionic, ultra-high-gain organic transistors and circuits
Authors: Luo Zhongzhong , Peng Boyu , Zeng Junpeng , Yu Zhihao , Zhao Ying , Xie Jun , Lan Longfang , Ma Zhong , Pan Lijia , Cao Ke , Lu Yang , He Daowei , Ning Hongkai , Meng Wanqing , Yang Yang , Chen Xiaoqing , Li Weisheng , Wang Jiawei , Pan Danfeng , Tu Xuecou , Huo Wenxing , Huang Xian , Shi Dongquan , Li Ling , Liu Ming , Shi Yi , Feng Xue , Chan Paddy Kwok Leung , Wang Xinran 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
The development of organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs) with low power consumption and high gain will advance many flexible electronics applications. Here, by combining solution-processed monolayer organic crystal, ferroelectric HfZrOx gating and van der Waals device fabrication, we realize flexible OTFTs that simultaneously deliver high transconductance and sub-60mV/dec switching, under one-volt operating voltage. The overall optimization of transconductance, subthreshold swing and output resistance leads to transistor intrinsic gain and amplifier voltage gain over 5.3×104 and 1.1×104, respectively, which outperform existing technologies using organics, oxides and low-dimensional nanomaterials. We further demonstrate battery-powered, integrated wearable electrocardiogram (ECG) and pulse sensors that can amplify human physiological signal by 900 times with high fidelity. The sensors are capable of detecting extremely weak ECG waves (undetectable even by clinical equipment) and diagnosing arrhythmia and atrial fibrillation. Our sub-thermionic OTFT is promising for battery/wireless powered yet performance demanding applications such as electronic skins, radio-frequency identification tags, among many others.
Characteristics and Outcomes of Acute Appendicitis Cases During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Başer Murat , Katar Mehmet Kağan 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Our aim in this study was to investigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on acute appendicitis cases.Methods: This study was designed as a single-center, retrospective, and observational study. The patients were divided into three groups relative to the date of the first COVID-19 case in Turkey, which was March 10, 2020 (Group A: before the pandemic; Group B: pandemic period; Group C: the same period one year before the pandemic). A total of 413 patients were included in the study.Results: In terms of treatment modality, the rate of open appendectomy was significantly higher in group B (p<0.001). Rates of conversion to open surgery, as well as rates of complicated appendicitis were also significantly higher in group B (p=0.027, p=0.024, respectively). While there was no difference between the groups in terms of preoperative hospitalization duration (p=0.102), it was found that the duration of symptoms, operation time, and postoperative length of hospital stay were significantly higher in Group B (p<0.001, p=0.011, p=0.001, respectively). In addition, the complication rate in group B (8.9%) was also significantly higher than in the other two groups (p=0.023).Conclusion: We found that the rate of open surgery, the rate of conversion of laparoscopic surgery to open surgery, complication rates, mean operation time, and postoperative hospital stay were significantly higher in acute appendicitis patients that underwent surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic period. We believe that the main reason for this negative outcome is the late admission of the patients to the hospital.
Validity and Reliability of the Lederman Prenatal Self-Evaluation Questionnaire (Pseq) in Brazil
Authors: Silva Janiny Lima e , Mata Matheus de Sousa , Câmara Saionara Maria Aires , Costa Íris do Céu Clara , Medeiros Kleyton Santos de , Cobucci Ricardo Ney , Gonçalves Ana K. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: The Lederman Prenatal Self-Evaluation Questionnaire (PSEQ) is used to assess psychosocial adaptation to pregnancy, labor, childbirth, and maternity. The PSEQ is a tool used in various countries and has been translated into Portuguese; however, it needs to be validated in Brazil. This study aimed to analyze the validity and reliability of the PSEQ for Brazilian pregnant women. Method: This methodological validity study investigated the internal consistency and reliability using Cronbach’s alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient, respectively. Construct validity was assessed using Pearson’s correlation between the domains and confirmatory factor analysis. To assess the concurrent validity, the Pearson’s correlation between the PSEQ and Prenatal Psychosocial Profile-Portuguese Version (PPP-VP) was determined. Results: This study included 399 pregnant women from the northeastern region of Brazil. The internal consistency and reliability of the total PSEQ score were high (Cronbach's alpha = 0.89; intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.95). Validity analysis showed positive and significant correlations between all PSEQ domains, ranging from 0.14 to 0.56. Confirmation factor analysis demonstrated the following values of goodness of fit: RMSEA = 0.05, SRMR = 0.08, CFI = 0.61, x²/df = 1.77. The discriminant and concurrent validities of the PSEQ were confirmed. The level of significance was set at 5%. Conclusions: The Portuguese version of the PSEQ has adequate psychometric properties and is a valid and reliable tool to evaluate the psychosocial adaptation to pregnancy in Brazilian pregnant women.