bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Finding the Critical Decay Index in Solar Prominence Eruptions
Authors: Vasantharaju N. , Vemareddy P. , Ravindra B. , Doddamani V. H. 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
The background field is assumed to play a prime role in erupting structures like prominences. In the flux rope models, the critical decay index (n

c
) is a measure of the rate at which background field intensity decreases with height over the flux rope or erupting structure. In the real observations, the critical height of the background field is unknown, so a typical value of n

c
= 1.5 is adopted from numerical studies. In this study, we determined the n

c
of 10 prominence eruptions (PEs). The prominence height in 3D is derived from two-perspective observations of the Solar Dynamics Observatory and the Solar TErrestrial RElations Observatory. Synoptic maps of photospheric radial magnetic field are used to construct the background field in the corona. During the eruption, the height–time curve of the sample events exhibits the slow- and fast-rise phases and is fitted with the linear-cum-exponential model. From this model, the onset height of fast-rise motion is determined and is considered as the critical height for the onset of the torus instability because the erupting structure is allowed to expand exponentially provided there is no strapping background field. Corresponding to the critical height, the n

c
values of our sample events are varied to be in the range of 0.8–1.3. Additionally, the kinematic analysis suggests that the acceleration of PEs associated with flares are significantly enhanced compared to flareless PEs. We found that the flare magnetic reconnection is a more dominant contributor than the torus instability to the acceleration process during the fast-rise phase of flare-associated PEs in low corona (<1.3R
⊙).
Hβ and Hγ Absorption-line Profile Inconsistencies in Laboratory Experiments Performed at White Dwarf Photosphere Conditions
Authors: Schaeuble M.-A. , Nagayama T. , Bailey J. E. , Gomez T. A. , Montgomery M. H. , Winget D. E. 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
The spectroscopic method relies on hydrogen Balmer absorption lines to infer white dwarf (WD) masses. These masses depend on the choice of atmosphere model, hydrogen atomic line shape calculation, and which Balmer series members are included in the spectral fit. In addition to those variables, spectroscopic masses disagree with those derived using other methods. Here we present laboratory experiments aimed at investigating the main component of the spectroscopic method: hydrogen line shape calculations. These experiments use X-rays from Sandia National Laboratories’ Z-machine to create a uniform ∼15 cm3 hydrogen plasma and a ∼4 eV backlighter that enables recording high-quality absorption spectra. The large plasma, volumetric X-ray heating that fosters plasma uniformity, and the ability to collect absorption spectra at WD photosphere conditions are improvements over past laboratory experiments. Analysis of the experimental absorption spectra reveals that electron density (

) values derived from the Hγ line are ∼34% ± 7.3% lower than from Hβ. Two potential systematic errors that may contribute to this difference were investigated. A detailed evaluation of self-emission and plasma gradients shows that these phenomena are unlikely to produce any measurable Hβ–Hγ

difference. WD masses inferred with the spectroscopic method are proportional to the photosphere density. Hence, the measured Hβ–Hγ

difference is qualitatively consistent with the trend that WD masses inferred from their Hβ line are higher than that resulting from the analysis of Hβ and Hγ. This evidence may suggest that current hydrogen line shape calculations are not sufficiently accurate to capture the intricacies of the Balmer series.
The 2MASS Redshift Survey in the Zone of Avoidance
Authors: Macri Lucas M. , Kraan-Korteweg Renée C. , Lambert Trystan , Alonso María Victoria , Berlind Perry , Calkins Michael , Erdoğdu Pirin , Falco Emilio E. , Jarrett Thomas H. , Mink Jessica D. 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
The Two Micron All-Sky Survey (2MASS) Redshift Survey was started two decades ago with the goal of mapping the three-dimensional distribution of an all-sky flux-limited (K

s
< 11.75 mag) sample of ∼45,000 galaxies. Our first data release presented an unprecedented uniform coverage for most of the celestial sphere, with redshifts for ∼98% of our sample. However, we were missing redshifts for ∼18% of the catalog entries that were located within the “Zone of Avoidance” (

)—an important region of the sky for studies of the large-scale structure and cosmic flows. In this second and final data release, we present redshifts for all 1041 2MRS galaxies that previously lacked this information, as well as updated measurements for 27 others.
PREVALENCE OF HEPATITIS B, HEPATITIS C AND HIV IN MULTIPLY TRANSFUSED SICKLE CELL DISEASE PATIENTS FROM OMAN
Authors: Pathare Anil , Alkindi Salam 
Published: November 2019

Background: In Oman, the prevalence of hepatitis B (HBV) infection is 5.8% with 2.8–7.1% HBV carriers. Hepatitis C (HCV) prevalence amongst Omanis is 0.41%. A total of 2917 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections were notified amongst Omanis by 2017. This study was performed as there was no data on the prevalence of HIV, HBV and HCV in sickle cell disease (SCD) patients from Oman.

Study Design and Methods: In this retrospective, cross-sectional study, medical records of all SCD patients who attended our hospital between 2011 to 2017 were retrieved from the hospital information system. Following approval by the local medical research and ethics committee, data on HIV, HBV and HCV exposure were recorded to estimate the prevalence.

Results: Amongst a total of 1000 SCD patients (491 males and 509 females), twenty-three (2.3%) patients showed positive serology for hepatitis B surface antigen (HbsAg), of whom sixteen (1.6%) were HBV DNA positive. 126 (12.6%) had anti-HCV antibodies (anti-HCV), of whom fifty-two (5.2%) were HCV RNA positive. None of the patients had positive serology for HIV. A normal liver was observed on abdominal ultrasound in 788 (78.8%) patients, whereas, 208 (20.8%) had hepatomegaly and 4 (0.4%) had liver cirrhosis. Thirty-six (3.6%) patients died, but in only two patients, the mortality was due to cirrhosis of the liver.

Conclusion: This study provides the first comprehensive data on the prevalence of HBV and HCV infections among Omani SCD patients exposed to blood transfusions. Reassuringly, no case with HIV was observed.

Keywords: Prevalence; Hepatitis; HBV; HCV; HIV; infection
IS IT SAFE AND COST SAVING TO DEFER THE CD4+ CELL COUNT MONITORING IN STABLE PATIENTS ON ART WITH MORE THAN 350 OR 500 CELLS/µL?
Authors: Celesia Benedetto Maurizio , Marino Andrea , Fontana del Vecchio Rosa , Bruno Roberto , Palermo Filippo , Gussio Maria , Nunnari Giuseppe , Cacopardo Bruno 
Published: November 2019

Background
CD4 lymphocyte cell count represents the main immunological marker used to monitor HIV infection. However, frequent monitoring may be unnecessary, could cause anxiety to the patient as well as burdening healthcare with extra expenses.

Objectives and methods
To analyse the probability of maintaining a safe number of CD4 in HIV-positive subjects under treatment with ?350 cells/µl at baseline during a three-year follow up. We conducted a retrospective study performing three analyses with Kaplan-Meyer method considering: 1) all patients independently from their viral load (VL); 2) patients with 500 > CD4 ? 350 cells/µl versus (vs) CD4 ? 500 cells/µl at baseline; 3) patients with VL < 20 copies/ml vs VL > 20 copies/ml.

Results
253 subjects were enrolled. The median CD4 count was 623 (489-805) cells/µl. Subjects maintaining ? 350 cells/µl in the first, second and third year were respectively 238 (94.1%), 229 (90.5%) and 226 (89.3%), independently from VL. Within subjects with ? 350 CD4/µl vs ? 500 CD4/µl at baseline, those who maintained ? 350 cells/µl until the third year were respectively 241 (95.3%) and 158 (98.1%). The probability of maintaining these values in the third year was 89.3% for those who had CD4 ? 350/µl at baseline and 98.1% for those who had CD4 ? 500/µl. This probability was around 90% vs 99% for subjects with HIV-RNA above or below 20 copies/ml. Secondly, we tried to estimate the costs of CD4 determinations in a three-year period (from April 1, 2013 to March 31, 2016). We analysed respectively 343 subjects in the first period, 364 in the second and 383 in the third, with a median value of 500 CD4/µl during the research time taken into account. We found a mean value of about two determinations patient/year (2.41 in 2013/2014; 2.32 in 2014/2015; 2.18 in 2015/2016), with a significant decrease between the first and the last period (p<0.001). The mean cost patient/year was €101.51 in the first year, €97.61 in the second, €92.00 in the third (p<0,001). Assuming to extend these procedures to all our patients with stable CD4 cells/µl and monitoring CD4 cell count once in a year, it could be possible to obtain an overall saving of €19,152/year.

Conclusions
A very high percentage of subjects maintained a high and safe number of CD4 cells (>350 cells/µl) during a three-year follow up. It could be possible to save up to 66% of the costs by reducing the number of CD4 count determinations in a year, to have other favourable consequences as well, releasing new resources for patient’s management.
DIAGNOSTIC PERFORMANCE AND SAFETY OF BRONCHOALVEOLAR LAVAGE IN THROMBOCYTOPENIC HAEMATOLOGICAL PATIENTS FOR ASPERGILLOSIS DIAGNOSIS: A MONOCENTRIC, RETROSPECTIVE EXPERIENCE.
Authors: Cefalo Mariagiovanna , Puxeddu Ermanno , Sarmati Loredana , Paterno Giovangiacinto , Fontana Carla , Nassa Daniela , Pane Gloria , De Bellis Eleonora , Palmieri Raffaele , Buzzatti Elisa , Meconi Federico , Laureana Roberta , Casciani Paola , Zizzari Anna Giulia , Rogliani Paola , De Fabritiis Paolo , Maurillo Luca , Buccisano Francesco , Cantonetti Maria , Arcese William , Venditti Adriano , Del Principe Maria Ilaria 
Published: November 2019

Background: although bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) measurements of galactomannan antigen (GM) seems to be more sensitive than serum testing to detect invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA), a consensus on the most appropriate diagnostic threshold of the BAL GM test is still unclear. Moreover, there is uncertainty as to whether BAL is a safe procedure in patients with hematological malignancies (HM) and thrombocytopenia (TC).
Objectives: based on this background, 102 adult patients with HM and associated thrombocytopenia were retrospectively analyzed with the twin aims of 1) determining whether BAL is a safe and feasible procedure; and, 2) identifying the most appropriate threshold for GM positivity in the diagnosis of IPA.
Patients/Methods: each BAL was considered as one case/patient. One hundred twelve BALs were carried out in 102 HM patients: at the time of the BAL, the median platelets count (PLTs) in all patients was 47x109/L (1-476) and 31 patients (27%) had PLTs< 20x109/L.
Results: complications from the BAL were infrequent (3.5%) and mild. No bleeding was reported. The BAL GM cut off of >0.8 was associated with the best diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity 72.97% and specificity 80%). Antifungal treatment of patients with BAL GM >0.8resulted in a clinical-radiological improvement in 35/41patients (85%).
Conclusions: BAL was a safe procedure also in thrombocytopenic patients, permitting an IPA diagnosis not otherwise identifiable using EORTC/MSG criteria. Our data suggest that a BAL GM value of>0.8 represents the most useful cut-off in terms of sensibility and specificity. Further prospective studies on a larger number of patients are needed to confirm these results.
CURING HEMOGLOBINOPATHIES: CHALLENGES AND ADVANCES OF CONVENTIONAL AND NEW GENE THERAPY APPROACHES.
Authors: Motta Irene , Ghiaccio Valentina , Cosentino Andrea , Breda Laura 
Published: November 2019

Inherited hemoglobin disorders, including beta-thalassemia (BT) and sickle-cell disease (SCD) are the most common monogenic diseases worldwide, with a global carrier frequency of over 5%. With migration they are becoming more common worldwide, making their management and care an increasing concern for health care systems.
BT is characterized by an imbalance in the α/β-globin chain ratio, ineffective erythropoiesis, chronic hemolytic anemia, and compensatory haemopoietic expansion. Globally, there are over 25,000 births each year with transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT). The current available treatment for TDT is lifelong transfusions and iron chelation therapy or allogenic bone marrow as curative option. SCD affects 300 million people worldwide and severely impacts the quality of life of patients, who experience unpredictable, recurrent acute and chronic severe pain, stroke, infections, pulmonary disease, kidney disease, retinopathy, and other complications. While survival has been dramatically extended, quality of life is markedly reduced by disease- and treatment-associated morbidity.
The development of safe, tissue specific and efficient vectors, and efficient gene editing technologies have led to the development of several gene therapy trials for BT and SCD. Yet, the complexity of the approach presents its hurdles. Fundamental factors at play include the requirement for myeloablation on a patient with a benign disease, the age of the patient and consequent bone marrow microenvironment. A successful path from proof-of-concept studies to commercialization must render gene therapy a sustainable and accessible approach for a large number of patients. Furthermore, the cost of these therapies is a considerable challenge for the health care system. While new promising therapeutic options are emerging and many others are on the pipeline5, gene therapy can potentially cure patients. We herein provide an overview of the most recent potentially curative therapies for hemoglobinopathies and a summary of the challenges that these approaches entail.
A Comparative Study between Topical Adapalene (0.1%) versus a Combination of Topical Adapalene (0.1%) and Intense Pulsed Light Therapy in the Treatment of Inflammatory and Noninflammatory Facial Acne Vulgaris
Authors: Karan Shah , Vikrant Jadhav , Anil Gugle 
Published: November 2019

Introduction:
Acne vulgaris is a common dermatological disorder encountered in dermatology practice. Various treatment modalities are available for acne. Lasers and light-based therapies are also gaining popularity with good clinical results. The choice of treatment depends on the type and severity of acne.

Aims:
(1) To evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical adapalene (0.1%) gel in facial acne vulgaris. (2) To evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical adapalene (0.1%) gel in combination with intense pulsed light (IPL) in facial acne vulgaris. (3) To compare the above results.

Materials and Methods:
A total of 50 patients with facial acne were included. IPL device equipped with an acne treatment filter emitting light between 430 and 1200 nm was used. Adapalene 0.1% in gel form was used. One side of the face was treated with plain adapalene gel and another side with a combination of daily application of adapalene, with fortnightly exposure of IPL. A total of four sittings of IPL at the interval of 15 days were given. Final evaluation was done 2 weeks after the last session of IPL.

Results:
On adapalene + IPL-treated side, statistically significant reduction in comedones started from the 2nd visit,P < 0.05. On the 6th visit, there was statistically significant difference in mean comedones (P < 0.05) between two sides. After the study (9 weeks), the mean reduction in inflammatory lesion was 69.98% for adapalene-treated side and 79.92% for combination therapy.

Conclusion:
IPL therapy with 430–1200 nm wavelength filter is an effective adjuvant therapy when used with adapalene 0.1 gel. It gives an additional benefit in the treatment of acne. We can avoid systemic antibiotics and retinoids using adapalene and IPL combination in mild-to-moderate acne.
Real-Life Efficacy and Safety of Secukinumab
Authors: Neema Shekhar , Radhakrishnan S , Singh Sehdev , Vasudevan Biju , Chatterjee Manas 
Published: November 2019

Background:
Secukinumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody against interleukin-17. Phase III trials have shown encouraging results in chronic plaque psoriasis. The real-life data for safety and efficacy of secukinumab are limited.

Methodology:
This was a retrospective, single-center, observational study conducted in a tertiary care center of East India between January 2016 and December 2017. Patients with chronic plaque psoriasis who were initiated on injection secukinumab during the study period and completed 52 weeks of observation period were included in the study. Analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.

Results:
Twenty patients were recruited in the study. Mean age of the patients was 46 years and mean duration of disease was 11 years. Eleven (55%) patients were biologic experienced and Nine (45%) patients were biologic naïve. Mean Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score at baseline was 17.05 (±6.7). Fifteen (75%) patients achieved PASI75 at 4 weeks. Seventeen (85%) patients achieved PASI75, 13 (65%) achieved PASI90, and 10 (50%) patients achieved PASI100 at 12 weeks. Eighteen (90%), 10 (50%), and 7 (35%) patients maintained PASI75, PASI90, and PASI100 response, respectively, at the end of 52 weeks. Adverse effects were seen in 6 (30%) patients over 52 weeks. Drug discontinuation was required because of severe exacerbation of eczema and recalcitrant vulvovaginal candidiasis in one patient each.

Conclusion:
Secukinumab is an effective drug for the management of chronic plaque psoriasis even in patients who have previously been treated with systemic drugs and other biologics; however, adverse effects are more common as compared to what trial data suggest.

Limitations of Study:
Small sample size and retrospective study design are main limitations of the study.

Strength of Study:
This is first real-life data with 52 weeks follow up from India.
The Prevalence and Predictive Factors of Internet Addiction and Its Relationship with Emotional Intelligence Among Medical Students
Authors: Yekefallah Leili , Dehghankar Leila , Razaghpoor Ali , Hasannia Elham , Hosseini Narges , Mafi Maryam 
Published: November 2019

Introduction:
Abundant applications of the Internet in recent years have resulted in emerging of a phenomenon known as “Internet addiction.” The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the prevalence of Internet addiction (IA) and its relationship with emotional intelligence (EI) among students of Qazvin University of Medical Sciences.

Methods:
The present cross-sectional study was carried out on 325 medical students who were studying at five faculties of Qazvin University of Medical Sciences (School of Medical, School of Paramedical Sciences, School of Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, and School of Dentistry). In order to collect data, three instruments were used including (1) a checklist for demographic characteristics, (2) IA test, and (3) Schutte EI Scale. Descriptive statistics (frequency, mean, and standard deviation), Pearson correlation, and multivariate linear regression were performed to analyze the data.

Results:
The results showed that the prevalence of moderate and severe levels of IA was reported to be 12% and 0.3%, respectively. Moreover, 31.4% of the students were normal users and 56.3% had a mild addiction to the Internet. The results also showed an inverse and significant relationship between IA and EI (r = −0.163, P = 0.003). Regression model showed that Internet usage time (β = 0.34, P < 0.001), total EI (β = −0.2, P = 0.002), and using social media (β = 0.18, P = 0.007) significantly predicted the prevalence of IA at all levels of the severity of IA.

Conclusion:
The results of this study showed an inverse and significant relationship between IA and EI among medical students. Therefore, we can take an effective step to increase students' emotion and improve their coping skills by holding special workshops and classes so as to prevent them from IA.
Comparing quality of life instruments
Authors: Lin Chung-Ying 
Published: November 2019

Introduction:
Children with overweight or obesity are very likely to experience health problems including low levels of psychological well-being and impaired quality of life (QoL). Given that the importance of QoL includes policymaking measuring QoL is especially crucial. Therefore, comparing generic (Kid-KINDL and Pediatric QoL Inventory [PedsQL]) and weight-related (Sizing Them Up) measures could provide insights for healthcare providers to decide how and when to use which QoL instrument.

Methods:
I recruited 199 school children studied between 3rd and 6th grades from 11 schools in Southern Taiwan, and all the children completed child depression inventory (for depression) and Rosenberg self-esteem scale (for self-esteem); one of their parents completed Sizing Them Up, PedsQL, and Kid-KINDL.

Results:
I constructed structural equation modeling to investigate the associations between these instruments, and the results indicated that self-esteem had the strongest relationship with Kid-KINDL; weight had the strongest relationship with Sizing Them Up. Moreover, both PedsQL and Kid-KINDL could observe the depression among children.

Conclusion:
Healthcare providers may have insights to select appropriate measure to assess QoL for overweight/obese children according to my findings.
Predictors of Health Literacy in Community-Dwelling Elderly
Authors: Seifollahzadeh Sima , Motalebi Seyedeh Ameneh , Amirzadeh Iranagh Jamileh , Mafi Maryam , Mohammadi Fatemeh 
Published: November 2019

Introduction:
Health literacy is an essential factor for self-care of chronic conditions and maintenance of health and wellness. This research examines whether or not sociodemographic factors predict health literacy in community-dwelling elderly adults.

Methods:
The sample of this cross-sectional study consisted of 250 elderly individuals residing in Qazvin, Iran, who were selected by cluster sampling method. Data were collected using the sociodemographic and Health Literacy for Iranian Adults questionnaires. A multivariate regression model was used for analyzing the data.

Results:
The mean age of 250 elderly people participated in the study was 69.42 ± 6.81 years. Based on the findings of the current study, the majority of the elderly participants had insufficient (n = 79, 31.6%) or not enough (n = 69, 27.6%) health literacy. The results also indicated that good economic status (B = 5.75, standard error (SE) = 2.19, P = 0.009) and living with a spouse (B = −8.75, SE = 3.36, P = 0.010) were associated with higher health literacy. However, having no formal education (B = −26.73, SE = 3.42, P < 0.001) or under diploma education (B = −8.03, SE = 2.53, P = 0.002) and being homemaker (B = −10.58, SE = 3.02, P = 0.001) or unemployed (B = −5.22, SE = 3.13, P = 0.036) were associated with lower health literacy.

Conclusion:
The findings of this study highlight the importance of using appropriate strategies for promoting the health literacy of elderly people.