bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influential factors of postoperative outcomes of symptomatic lateral discoid meniscus
Authors: Yang ShunJie , Ding Zhong-Jun , Li Jian , Xue Yang , Chen Gang 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Due to its abnormal morphology and ultrastructure, discoid lateral meniscus (DLM) is prone to tear and degeneration, leading to clinical symptoms. Arthroscopy is the main treatment for symptomatic DLM; however, postoperative outcomes vary widely due to the effects of diverse factors. This research aims to explore the factors influencing postoperative outcomes of symptomatic DLM. Methods: Patients with DLM who underwent arthroscopic surgery at our hospital from 9/2008 to 9/2015 were enrolled according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Fourteen variables, including sex, body mass index (BMI) and other variables, were chosen as factors for study. Knee function was assessed using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score. Univariate analyses (Mann-Whitney U test or Kruskall-Wallis rank sum test) and multivariate analyses (ordinal logistic regression) were used to identify the factors that influenced postoperative outcomes. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: A total of 502 patients, including 353 females (70.3%) and 149 males (29.7%), were enrolled. The median IKDC score postoperatively (87.4; range, 41.4~97.7; IQR, 14.6) was higher than that preoperatively (57.6; range, 26.9~ 64.9; IQR, 9.7) (P<0.001). Male sex was predictive of a higher IKDC score (P=0.023, OR=1.702). Compared with BMI ≥25 kg/m2, <18.5 kg/m2 was associated with better IKDC score (P=0.026, OR=3.016). Contrasting with age of onset ≥45 years, ≤14 years (P<0.001, OR=20.780) and 14~25 years (P<0.001, OR=8.516) were associated with better IKDC score. In comparison with symptoms duration>24 months, IKDC scores for patients with symptoms duration ≤1 month (P=0.001, OR=3.511), 1 ~ 6 months (P < 0.001, OR = 3.463) and 6 ~ 24 months (P < 0.001, OR = 3.254) were significantly elevated. Compared to Outerbridge grade III ~ IV, no injury (P<0.001, OR=6.379) and grade I (P=0.01, OR=4.332) were associated with higher IKDC score.Conclusions: Arthroscopic treatment of symptomatic DLM is safe and effective, but its clinical efficacy is affected by many factors. Specifically, male sex, BMI < 18.5kg/m2, age of onset < 25 years (especially < 14 years) and symptoms duration < 24 months are conducive to good postoperative outcomes. However, combined articular cartilage injury (Outbridge grade≥2) reduces postoperative effect.
Comparative transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis reveals pectoralis highland adaptation across altitudinal songbirds
Authors: Xiong Ying , Hao Yan , Cheng Yalin , Fan Liqing , Song Gang , Li Dongming , Qu Yanhua , Lei Fumin 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background

Pectoralis phenotypic variation plays a fundamental role in locomotion and thermogenesis in highland birds. However, its regulatory and metabolic mechanisms remain enigmatic to date. Here, we integrated phenomic, transcriptomic and metabolomic approaches to determine muscle variation and its underpinning mechanisms across altitudinal songbirds.

Results

Phenomics revealed that all highland birds had considerable increases in muscle oxidative capacity, capillarity, and mitochondrial abundance. Correspondingly, transcriptomic analyses found that differentially expressed genes in modules associated with phenotypes enriched in blood vessel, muscle structure development, and mitochondrial organization. Despite similar traits and functional enrichments across highland birds, different mechanisms drove their occurrence in part for their own various evolutionary histories. Importantly, a metabolic feature shared by highland birds is the improvement in insulin sensitivity and glucose utilization through activating insulin signaling pathway, which is vital to increase muscle oxidative capacity and maintain metabolic homeostasis. Nevertheless, fatty acid biosynthesis and oxidation are enhanced in species with a long evolutionary history, also differing from ketone body metabolism in recently introduced colonizer.

Conclusions

Our study represents a vital contribution to reveal the regulatory and metabolic basis of pectoralis variation across altitudinal songbirds.
Evaluating a multidimensional strategy to improve the professional self-care of occupational therapists working with people with life limiting illness.
Authors: Apostol Courtney , Cranwell Kathryn , Hitch Danielle 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: The term ‘’life limiting conditions’ refers to premature death following decline from chronic conditions, which is a common circumstance in which occupational therapists work with people at the end of life. The challenges for clinicians of working with these patients have long been recognised, and may have a significant impact on their professional self-care. This study aimed to evaluate a multidimensional workplace strategy to improve the professional self-care of occupational therapists working with people living with a life limiting condition.Methods: A pre and post mixed methods survey approach were utilised, with baseline data collection prior to the implementation of a multidimensional workplace strategy. The strategy included professional resilience education, targeted supervision prompts, changes to departmental culture and the promotion of self-care services across multiple organisational levels. Follow up data collection was undertaken after the strategy had been in place for two years. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively, while qualitative data were subjected to thematic analysis. Results: 103 occupational therapists responded (n=55 pre, n=48 post) across multiple service settings. Complex emotional responses and lived experiences were identified by participants working with patients with life limiting conditions, which were not influenced by the workplace strategy. Working with these patients was acknowledged to challenge the traditional focus of occupational therapy on rehabilitation and recovery. Participants were confident about their ability to access self-care support, and supervision emerged as a key medium. While the strategy increased the proportion of occupational therapists undertaking targeted training, around half identified ongoing unmet need around professional self-care with this patient group. Demographic factors (e.g. practice setting, years of experience) also had a significant impact on the experience and needs of participants. Conclusions: The multidimensional workplace strategy resulted in some improvements in professional self-care for occupational therapists, particularly around their use of supervision and awareness of available support resources. However, it did not impact upon their lived experience of working with people with life limiting conditions, and there remain significant gaps in our knowledge of support strategies for self-care of occupational therapist working with this patient group.
WITHDRAWN: Role of Organizations in Preparedness and Emergency Response to Flood Disaster in Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain Babul 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
The present study is to know the role of organizations and make an assessment on their assistance regarding preparedness and emergency response of flood disaster affected people. This study has used a mixed-method approach. Flood-affected people were the respondents to evaluate the organizational role. The study reveals that before the flood in 2017 to minimize the loss and damages, the GOs play a very effective role concerning the arrangement of preparatory meetings and preparing shelter centers, and NGOs play a very useful role in making arrangements for awareness-building training. During the emergency period, the GOs played a comparatively better role in providing CI sheets, agricultural assistance and cash money as relief for establishing housing facilities and emergency support. The NGOs played relatively a better role in providing food, water, clothes, medicine, etc. This study put forward complications such as limited sanctions, disruption of communication, lack of awareness of sufferers, and overlapping. The findings of this study would be a significant for the disaster policymakers, and civil societies.
Keywords: Organizations (GOs & NGOs); Flood Disaster; Preparedness; Emergency Response; Bangladesh
Applying 3D-Eco Routing Model to Reduce Environmental Footprint of Road Transports in Addis Ababa City
Authors: Busho Seifu Woldemichael , Alemayehu Daniel 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
BackgroundClimate change has emerged as a very important threat to economic development, atmosphere, and public health. One of the driving factors behind global climate change is road transportation. Therefore, the sector needs to take on the responsibility of addressing its negative impacts on the environment. This study seeks to find ways of mitigating the impacts of climate change. It pays particular attention to greenhouse gas emissions and other selected air pollutants based on anew navigation concept called eco-route, a3D Eco -Routing transportation planning method that can help reduce the environmental footprints of Road transports in Addis Ababacity for distribution vehicles. The model applied in this study considered the road gradient, varying velocity or speed of vehicles, and weight of vehicles to evaluate gradient effects on consumption of fuel, CO2 and also other air pollutants emission. The model is applied in three scenarios within different vehicle weight ranges and three different cases in Addis Ababa.ResultThe finds of the study imply the eco-routes emission reduction potential from fuel and CO2 in the tested scenarios is up to 39.81% while other air pollutants account for 25.65%.The results prove that Eco Routes have the ability of reducing Fuel consumption, CO2 and other air pollutant emission rate.ConclusionsEco routes have the potential to provide sustainable transportation opportunities for Addis Ababa city. This study recommends that eco-routes should be used instead of Shortest and Fastest routes where significant road gradients exist.
MiR-4792 regulates inflammatory responses in Cryptococcus neoformans infected microglia
Authors: Chen Jianghan , Yao Guotai , Wang Xiaoli , Hou Qing , Gao Rui , Wang Yilin , Teng Liang , Lin Wenting , Wang Yan , Wang Zhongzhi , Jin Yi 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Investigating the factors that influence inflammatory response of microglial cells is important to understand the pathogenesis of cryptococcal meningitis (CM). MicroRNA (miRNA) have been shown to play an important role in inducing host defenses and activating immune response in the process of microbial infection; however, the regulatory mechanisms of miRNAs in cryptococcal meningitis are poorly defined. In our previous analysis, we assessed the miRNA profiles of BV2 cells following Cryptococcus neoformans (C. neoformans) infection. In this study, we characterized the expression of miR-4792 in CM patients to further our understanding of the host response to pathogen infections. Results: miR-4792 was downregulated in BV2 cells infected with C. neoformans while its target gene EGFR was upregulated. Infected cells with up-regulated miR-4792 exhibited a trend towards decreased EGFR transcript expression, reduced MAPK signaling and a decreased secretion of inflammatory cytokines. Afterantifungal treatment in cryptococcal meningitis patients, the levels of miR-4792 in the CSF significantly increased, while the expression of EGFR significantly decreased. Conclusion: This study identified that miR-4792 and its target gene EGFR regulate the secretion of inflammatory cytokines in BV2 cells infected with C. neoformans. This furthers our knowledge of the inflammatoryresponses to fungal infections in the CNS.
The effectiveness of a web-based decision aid for patients with hip osteoarthritis: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.
Authors: Perestelo-Perez Lilisbeth , Alvarez-Perez Yolanda , Rivero-Santana Amado , Ramos-García Vanesa , Duarte-Díaz Andrea , Torres-Castaño Alezandra , Toledo-Chávarri Ana , Herrera-Perez Mario , País-Brito Jose Luis , Castillo José Carlos del , Vázquez José Ramón , Orrego Carola , Serrano-Aguilar Pedro 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a health condition sensitive to patient’s preferences and values regarding the benefits and risks of the different treatment options. In this sense, patient decision aids (PtDA) can play an important role in helping patients to incorporate their values, needs and preferences into the decision-making process, thus improving Person-Centred Care. Previous research has focused almost exclusively on knee OA, and therefore the aim of this study is to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a PtDA for patients with hip OA.Methods: The general design consists of two phases: 1) design a web-based PtDA for patients with hip OA, following the recommended procedures: systematic review of safety/effectiveness of treatments, and an iterative process of development with the help of an Advisory Committee composed of health professionals and patients; 2) To evaluate the impact of the PtDA on hip OA patients’ decision-making process related with their treatment. For that aim, a multicenter randomized controlled trial will be carried out with 124 patients with hip OA in Tenerife (Spain) comparing intervention or usual care.Discussion: PtDAs have been recommended as a useful and effective resource for improving PCC in many health conditions. The intervention is intended to empower patients by fostering their active participation during the decision-making process about their treatment, and by ensuring they make informed decisions congruent with their values and preferences. This study will contribute to the scientific knowledge about effectiveness of PtDAs in hip OA, in order to improve the quality of health care offered to these patients.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gob (NCT04241978). Registered on 24 January 2020.
Differential diagnostic value of total alpha-synuclein assay in the cerebrospinal fluid between Alzheimer's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies from the prodromal stage
Authors: BOUSIGES Olivier , Philippi Nathalie , Lavaux Thomas , Perret-Liaudet Armand , Lachmann Ingolf , Schaeffer-Agalède Caroline , Anthony Pierre , Botzung Anne , Rauch Lucie , Jung Barbara , de Sousa Paulo Loureiro , Demuynck Catherine , Martin-Hunyadi Catherine , Cretin Benjamin , Blanc Frédéric 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Several studies have investigated the value of alpha-synuclein assay in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) patients in the differential diagnosis of these two pathologies. However, very few studies have focused on this assay in AD and DLB patients at the MCI stage.Methods: All patients were enrolled under a hospital clinical research protocol from the tertiary Memory Clinic (CM2R) of Alsace, France, by an experienced team of clinicians. A total of 166 patients were included in this study: 21 control subjects (CS), 51 patients with DLB at the prodromal stage (pro-DLB), 16 patients with DLB at the demented stage (DLB-d), 33 AD patients at the prodromal stage (pro-AD), 32 AD patients at the demented stage (AD-d) and 13 patients with mixed pathology (AD+DLB). CSF levels of total alpha-synuclein were assessed using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for alpha-synuclein (AJ Roboscreen). Alzheimer’s biomarkers (t-Tau, P-Tau, Aβ42 and Aβ40) were also measured.Results: The alpha-synuclein assays showed a significant difference between the AD and DLB groups. Total alpha-synuclein levels were significantly higher in AD patients than in DLB patients. However, the ROC curves show a moderate discriminating power between AD and DLB (AUC = 0.78) which does not improve the discriminating power of the combination of Alzheimer biomarkers (AUC = 0.95 with or without alpha-synuclein). Interestingly, the levels appeared to be altered from the prodromal stage in both AD and DLB.Conclusions: The modification of total alpha-synuclein levels in the CSF of patients occurs early, from the prodromal stage. The adding of alpha-synuclein total to the combination of Alzheimer’s biomarker does not improve the differential diagnosis between AD and DLB.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, (AlphaLewyMa, Identifier: NCT01876459)
Facile method for the selective recovery of Gd and Pr from LCD screen wastes using ultrasound-assisted leaching
Authors: Toache-Pérez Astrid D. , Bolarín-Miró Ana M. , Jesús Félix Sánchez-De , Lapidus Gretchen T. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Rare earth elements (REE) are essential for the production of technological devices. However, their high demand and low availability, together with an increase in electronic waste generation, compel the development of efficient, economic and green methods for recovering these elements from electronic waste. In this work, a facile method for selective recovering of REE from Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) screen wastes, employing ultrasound assisted leaching is presented. The screen wastes were milled and sieved to pass through a -325 mesh sieve (44 µm). The milled powder was subjected to ultrasound-assisted leaching in an aqueous medium, at room temperature (25 °C) and pH 6 for 60 min. Subsequently, a magnetic separation was applied to the leach residue. Inductively coupled plasma was employed to quantitatively analyze the composition of the LCD powders and determine the effectiveness of the extraction process. Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy allowed qualitative chemical analysis of the solid materials. The results show that the LCD screen wastes are formed, mainly, by amorphous oxides of Si, Fe, In, Sn and REE. The amount of Gadolinium (Gd) and Praseodymium (Pr) in the wastes were 93 and 24 mg kg-1, respectively, which justifies their recovery. X-ray diffraction analysis of the magnetic portion of the leached residue, confirmed the presence of an amorphous phase together with crystalline metallic iron alloy. The magnetic behavior, obtained by Vibration Sample Magnetometry, helped to understand the nature of the residues. The formation of this metallic alloy is attributed to the effect of high power ultrasonic during the leach. It was confirmed that the magnetic residue concentrates and recovers 87 wt% of Gd and 85 wt% of Pr contained in the original material. Therefore, ultrasound-assisted leaching is a selective and facile method for recovering Gd and Pr from waste LCD.
Effect of prophylactic anticoagulation on the incidence of venous thromboembolism in patients with testicular germ cell tumor.
Authors: Hapakova Nikola , Chovanec Michal , Rejlekova Katarina , Kalavska Katarina , Obertova Jana , Palacka Patrik , De Angelis Valentina , Sycova-Mila Zuzana , Mardiak Jozef , Mego Michal 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background

Testicular germ cell tumors (GCTs) are among the most common solid tumors in young males. With the availability of highly effective treatment, improving patients’ quality of life has gained more focus in recent years. Venous thromboembolism (VTE), commonly occurring in patients with GCT, is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Prophylactic anticoagulation has been shown to decrease the risk of VTE in patients with malignancy. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the effect of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) prophylaxis on the incidence of VTE and outcome in patients with GCT treated with first-line chemotherapy.

Methods

Our study population included chemotherapy-naive patients with GCT treated with first-line chemotherapy at the National Cancer Institute, Bratislava, Slovakia, from January 2000 to December 2017. VTE was defined as any venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, confirmed by imaging, occurring during first-line chemotherapy. Patients diagnosed with VTE on initial staging exam were excluded from the study. No visceral thromboses were observed.

Results

Our cohort included 353 patients with GCT. LMWH prophylaxis was administered to 104 patients (29.5%), and 249 patients (70.5%) did not receive prophylaxis. We observed 14 (4.0%) VTE events. The difference in VTE incidence between patients with and without prophylaxis was not statistically significant (5.8% vs. 3.2% P = 0.37). We observed a trend toward longer overall survival in patients without prophylaxis (hazard ratio = 0.61, 95% confidence interval = 0.32-1.13, p = 0.08). Patients with extragonadal GCT receiving VTE prophylaxis had significantly shorter survival (hazard ratio = 0.29, 95% confidence interval = 0.08-1.12, P = 0.04). This effect was most likely driven by a higher incidence of treatment-related deaths in patients with extragonadal GCT receiving LMWH ( P = 0.06).

Conclusions

LMWH prophylaxis was not associated with decreased VTE incidence.Moreover, there was a higher incidence of treatment-related deaths in patients with extragonadal tumor location. LMWH prophylaxis during hospitalization should not be used routinely in patients with GCT receiving chemotherapy.
Evaluation of antiparasitic therapy directly administered for the control of canine echinococcosis in an endemic area of hydatidosis.
Authors: Montalvo Raul , Huiza Alaina , Clemente Johana , Castañeda Lorena , Ccente Yoli , Nuñez Mayori , Arteaga Lizet , Balbuena Lizzeth , Inga Cristhian 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Echinococcosis remains endemic despite attempts to reduce the prevalence of this disease. The dog faeces were analyzed by coproantigen using the immunoenzymatic technique for the diagnosis of echinococcosis before and after the direct and observed administration of praziquantel 5mg by kg orally in three doses every 30 days each cycle was 2 times at year for two consecutive years. The objective of the study was to evaluate the results of an intervention program based on antiparasitic therapy directly administered to the dogs for the control of Echinococcus in an endemic area of ​​ cystic echinococcosis (CE).Results: A total of 252 dogs entered the study, of them 119 (47%) dogs had positive results for Echinococcus at the beginning of the intervention. The adverse effects that occurred with the administration of prazicuantel were vomiting (13%), diarrhea (2.4%) and lethargy (2%); 229 dogs completed the 4 cycles of praziquantel treatment. The presence of a positive coproantigen was evident in 03 (1.3%) dogs at the end of the study.Conclusions: Antiparasitic chemotherapy administered directly to the dogs periodically managed to reduce the prevalence of canine echinococcosis.