bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Resistance status of Anopheles gambiae s.l. to insecticides following the 2011 mass distribution campaign of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) in the Plateau Department, south-eastern Benin
Authors: Sovi Arthur , Govoétchan Renaud , Ossé Razaki , Koukpo Come Z. , Salako Albert S. , Syme Thomas , Anagonou Rodrigue , Fongnikin Augustin , Nwangwu Udoka C. , Oké-Agbo Frédéric , Tokponnon Filémon , Padonou Gil Germain , Akogbeto Martin Codjo 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
In 2011, Benin’s National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) organized a nationwide mass distribution campaign of LLINs throughout the country. Following this intervention, it was important to assess whether the level of susceptibility of malaria vectors to insecticides had remained the same as compared to the pre-intervention period. The current study investigated this.

Methods
Larval collections were conducted in Ifangni, Sakété, Pobè and Kétou districts located in Plateau department, Southeastern Benin before (2009) and after (2012–2013) LLIN distribution. Anopheles gambiae sensu lato (s.l.) larvae from the 4 study districts were reared to adulthood and WHO susceptibility tests were conducted. The insecticides tested were deltamethrin (0.05%), permethrin (0.75%), bendiocarb (0.1%) and DDT (4%). Molecular species identification as well as, the characterization of the kdr L1014F mutation were also performed in the An. gambiae s.l. complex using PCR method.

Results
Overall, a significant decrease in mortality rates of An. gambiae s.l. to deltamethrin (0.05%), permethrin (0.75%) and DDT (4%) was observed post-LLIN distribution, respectively: (100% vs 80.9%, p < 0.0001), (77.5% vs 70%, p = 0.01) and, (47.8% vs 4.4%, p < 0.0001). By contrast, susceptibility of vectors to bendiocarb (0.1%) remained the same (100% mortality in the WHO susceptibility tube tests) pre- and post-intervention. An increase in the kdr L1014F frequency was observed post-LLIN distribution [F(kdr) = 0.91)] compared to the pre-intervention period [F(kdr) = 0.56], p < 0.0001. Anopheles coluzzii and An. gambiae were the two molecular species identified in the study area.

Conclusion
The decrease susceptibility to pyrethroids and DDT as well as, the increase in the frequency of the kdr L1014F mutation after the intervention stressed at the time, the need for the development and implementation of effective insecticide resistance management strategies. At present, an update of the vectors resistance status in the area is also necessary for decision-making.
Inter-site harmonization based on dual generative adversarial networks for diffusion tensor imaging: application to neonatal white matter development
Authors: Zhong Jie , Wang Ying , Li Jie , Xue Xuetong , Liu Simin , Wang Miaomiao , Gao Xinbo , Wang Quan , Yang Jian , Li Xianjun 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Site-specific variations are challenges for pooling analyses in multi-center studies. This work aims to propose an inter-site harmonization method based on dual generative adversarial networks (GANs) for diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) derived metrics on neonatal brains.

Results
DTI-derived metrics (fractional anisotropy, FA; mean diffusivity, MD) are obtained on age-matched neonates without magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormalities: 42 neonates from site 1 and 42 neonates from site 2. Significant inter-site differences of FA can be observed. The proposed harmonization approach and three conventional methods (the global-wise scaling, the voxel-wise scaling, and the ComBat) are performed on DTI-derived metrics from two sites. During the tract-based spatial statistics, inter-site differences can be removed by the proposed dual GANs method, the voxel-wise scaling, and the ComBat. Among these methods, the proposed method holds the lowest median values in absolute errors and root mean square errors. During the pooling analysis of two sites, Pearson correlation coefficients between FA and the postmenstrual age after harmonization are larger than those before harmonization. The effect sizes (Cohen’s d between males and females) are also maintained by the harmonization procedure.

Conclusions
The proposed dual GANs-based harmonization method is effective to harmonize neonatal DTI-derived metrics from different sites. Results in this study further suggest that the GANs-based harmonization is a feasible pre-processing method for pooling analyses in multi-center studies.
Fecal incontinence after total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer—impact of potential risk factors and pelvic intraoperative neuromonitoring
Authors: Kauff Daniel W. , Roth Yvonne D. S. , Bettzieche Rika S. , Kneist Werner 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Fecal incontinence frequently occurs after total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer. This prospective study analyzed predictive factors and the impact of pelvic intraoperative neuromonitoring at different follow-up intervals.

Methods
Fifty-two patients were included undergoing total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer, and 29 under control of pelvic intraoperative neuromonitoring. Fecal incontinence was assessed using the Wexner Score at 3 and 6 months after stoma closure (follow-ups 1 and 2) as well as 1 and 2 years after surgery (follow-ups 3 and 4). Risk factors were identified by means of logistic regression.

Results
New onset of fecal incontinence was significantly lower in the neuromonitoring group at each follow-up (follow-up 1: 2 of 29 patients (7%) vs. 8 of 23 (35%), (p = 0.014); follow-up 2: 3 of 29 (10%) vs. 9 of 23 (39%), (p = 0.017); follow-up 3: 5 of 29 (17%) vs. 11 of 23 (48%), p = 0.019; follow-up 4: 6 of 28 (21%) vs. 11 of 22 (50%), p = 0.035).
Non-performance of neuromonitoring was found to be an independent predictor for fecal incontinence throughout the survey. Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy was an independent predictor in the further course 1 and 2 years after surgery.

Conclusions
Performance of pelvic intraoperative neuromonitoring is associated with significantly lower rates of fecal incontinence. Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy was found to have negative late effects. This became evident 1 year after surgery.
Apoptotic mimicry as a strategy for the establishment of parasitic infections: parasite- and host-derived phosphatidylserine as key molecule
Authors: Wanderley João Luiz Mendes , DaMatta Renato Augusto , Barcinski Marcello André 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe establishment of parasitic infection is dependent on the development of efficient strategies to evade the host defense mechanisms. Phosphatidylserine (PS) molecules are pivotal for apoptotic cell recognition and clearance by professional phagocytes. Moreover, PS receptors are able to trigger anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive responses by phagocytes, either by coupled enzymes or through the induction of regulatory cytokine secretion. These PS-dependent events are exploited by parasites in a mechanism called apoptotic mimicry. Generally, apoptotic mimicry refers to the effects of PS recognition for the initiation and maintenance of pathogenic infections. However, in this context, PS molecules can be recognized on the surface of the infectious agent or in the surface of apoptotic host debris, leading to the respective denomination of classical and non-classical apoptotic mimicry. In this review, we discuss the role of PS in the pathogenesis of several human infections caused by protozoan parasites.
A meta-analysis of the efficacy of postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy versus no radiotherapy for extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and gallbladder carcinoma
Authors: Ren Bixin , Guo Qi , Yang Yongqiang , Liu Lei , Wei Shaohua , Chen Wei , Tian Ye 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Objective
The benefit of adjuvant radiotherapy (ART) for extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (EHCC) and gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) is unclear, with conflicting results from nonrandomized studies. We reported a meta-analysis to determine the impact of adjuvant radiotherapy on survival.

Methods
PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and CNKI databases were searched to identify clinical trials of postoperative ART versus no radiotherapy for EHCC and GBC. The obtained data were analyzed using RevMan 5.3 and Stata 14.0 statistical software. Differences between two groups were estimated by calculating the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results
A total of 21 clinical trials involving 1465 EHCC and GBC patients were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria and included in this meta-analysis. The meta-analysis showed the following: The 5-year overall survival (OS) rate was higher in the ART group than in the no radiotherapy group (OR = 0.63; 95% CI = 0.50–0.81, p = 0.0002). The 5-year OS rate was significantly higher for those with lymph node-positive disease (OR = 0.15; 95% CI 0.07–0.35; p < 0.00001) and margin-positive disease (OR = 0.40; 95% CI 0.19–0.85; p = 0.02) in the ART group than in the no radiotherapy group. ART had a tendency to bring benefit to the 5-year OS of patients with margin-negative disease but the difference was not statistically significant (OR = 0.57, 95% CI 0.30–1,07, p = 0.08). The local recurrence rate was significantly lower in the ART group than in the no radiotherapy group (OR = 0.54; 95% CI = 0.38–0.76, p = 0.0004), and there was no significant difference in the distant metastasis rate between the two groups (OR = 1.33; 95% CI = 0.95–1.87, p = 0.10).

Conclusions
A meta-analysis of the existing study results showed that compared with no radiotherapy, ART is an effective postoperative treatment for EHCC and GBC.
A lung rescue team improves survival in obesity with acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors:   For the investigators of the lung rescue team, Florio Gaetano , Ferrari Matteo , Bittner Edward A. , De Santis Santiago Roberta , Pirrone Massimiliano , Fumagalli Jacopo , Teggia Droghi Maddalena , Mietto Cristina , Pinciroli Riccardo , Berg Sheri , Bagchi Aranya , Shelton Kenneth , Kuo Alexander , Lai Yvonne , Sonny Abraham , Lai Peggy , Hibbert Kathryn , Kwo Jean , Pino Richard M. , Wiener-Kronish Jeanine , Amato Marcelo B. P. , Arora Pankaj , Kacmarek Robert M. , Berra Lorenzo 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Limited data exist regarding ventilation in patients with class III obesity [body mass index (BMI) > 40 kg/m2] and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The aim of the present study was to determine whether an individualized titration of mechanical ventilation according to cardiopulmonary physiology reduces the mortality in patients with class III obesity and ARDS.

Methods
In this retrospective study, we enrolled adults admitted to the ICU from 2012 to 2017 who had class III obesity and ARDS and received mechanical ventilation for > 48 h. Enrolled patients were divided in two cohorts: one cohort (2012–2014) had ventilator settings determined by the ARDSnet table for lower positive end-expiratory pressure/higher inspiratory fraction of oxygen (standard protocol-based cohort); the other cohort (2015–2017) had ventilator settings determined by an individualized protocol established by a lung rescue team (lung rescue team cohort). The lung rescue team used lung recruitment maneuvers, esophageal manometry, and hemodynamic monitoring.

Results
The standard protocol-based cohort included 70 patients (BMI = 49 ± 9 kg/m2), and the lung rescue team cohort included 50 patients (BMI = 54 ± 13 kg/m2). Patients in the standard protocol-based cohort compared to lung rescue team cohort had almost double the risk of dying at 28 days [31% versus 16%, P = 0.012; hazard ratio (HR) 0.32; 95% confidence interval (CI95%) 0.13–0.78] and 3 months (41% versus 22%, P = 0.006; HR 0.35; CI95% 0.16–0.74), and this effect persisted at 6 months and 1 year (incidence of death unchanged 41% versus 22%, P = 0.006; HR 0.35; CI95% 0.16–0.74).

Conclusion
Individualized titration of mechanical ventilation by a lung rescue team was associated with decreased mortality compared to use of an ARDSnet table.
High-frequency spinal cord stimulation at 10 kHz for the treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy: design of a multicenter, randomized controlled trial (SENZA-PDN)
Authors: Mekhail Nagy A. , Argoff Charles E. , Taylor Rod S. , Nasr Christian , Caraway David L. , Gliner Bradford E. , Subbaroyan Jeyakumar , Brooks Elizabeth S. 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN), a debilitating and progressive chronic pain condition that significantly impacts quality of life, is one of the common complications seen with long-standing diabetes mellitus. Neither pharmacological treatments nor low-frequency spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has provided significant and long-term pain relief for patients with PDN. This study aims to document the value of 10-kHz SCS in addition to conventional medical management (CMM) compared with CMM alone in patients with refractory PDN.

Methods
In a prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial (SENZA-PDN), 216 subjects with PDN will be assigned 1:1 to receive 10-kHz SCS combined with CMM or CMM alone after appropriate institutional review board approvals and followed for 24 months. Key inclusion criteria include (1) symptoms of PDN for at least 12 months, (2) average pain intensity of at least 5 cm—on a 0- to 10-cm visual analog scale (VAS)—in the lower limbs, and (3) an appropriate candidate for SCS. Key exclusion criteria include (1) large or gangrenous ulcers or (2) average pain intensity of at least 3 cm on VAS in the upper limbs or both. Along with pain VAS, neurological assessments, health-related quality of life, sleep quality, and patient satisfaction will be captured. The primary endpoint comparing responder rates (≥50% pain relief) and safety rates between the treatment groups will be assessed at 3 months. Several secondary endpoints will also be reported on.

Discussion
Enrollment commenced in 2017 and was completed in 2019. This study will help to determine whether 10-kHz SCS improves clinical outcomes and health-related quality of life and is a cost-effective treatment for PDN that is refractory to CMM.

Trial registration
ClincalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03228420 (registered 24 July 2017).
Using cluster analysis to reconstruct dengue exposure patterns from cross-sectional serological studies in Singapore
Authors: Sangkaew Sorawat , Tan Li Kiang , Ng Lee Ching , Ferguson Neil M. , Dorigatti Ilaria 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundDengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease caused by one of four serotypes (DENV1-4). Infection provides long-term homologous immunity against reinfection with the same serotype. Plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) is the gold standard to assess serotype-specific antibody levels. We analysed serotype-specific antibody levels obtained by PRNT in two serological surveys conducted in Singapore in 2009 and 2013 using cluster analysis, a machine learning technique that was used to identify the most common histories of DENV exposure.MethodsWe explored the use of five distinct clustering methods (i.e. agglomerative hierarchical, divisive hierarchical, K-means, K-medoids and model-based clustering) with varying number (from 4 to 10) of clusters for each method. Weighted rank aggregation, an evaluating technique for a set of internal validity metrics, was adopted to determine the optimal algorithm, comprising the optimal clustering method and the optimal number of clusters.ResultsThe K-means algorithm with six clusters was selected as the algorithm with the highest weighted rank aggregation. The six clusters were characterised by (i) dominant DENV2 PRNT titres; (ii) co-dominant DENV1 and DENV2 titres with average DENV2 titre > average DENV1 titre; (iii) co-dominant DENV1 and DENV2 titres with average DENV1 titre > average DENV2 titre; (iv) low PRNT titres against DENV1-4; (v) intermediate PRNT titres against DENV1-4; and (vi) dominant DENV1-3 titres. Analyses of the relative size and age-stratification of the clusters by year of sample collection and the application of cluster analysis to the 2009 and 2013 datasets considered separately revealed the epidemic circulation of DENV2 and DENV3 between 2009 and 2013.ConclusionCluster analysis is an unsupervised machine learning technique that can be applied to analyse PRNT antibody titres (without pre-established cut-off thresholds to indicate protection) to explore common patterns of DENV infection and infer the likely history of dengue exposure in a population.
On generalized strongly modified h-convex functions
Authors: Zhao Taiyin , Saleem Muhammad Shoaib , Nazeer Waqas , Bashir Imran , Hussain Ijaz 
Published: January 2020

AbstractWe derive some properties and results for a new extended class of convex functions, generalized strongly modified h-convex functions. Moreover, we discuss Schur-type, Hermite–Hadamard-type, and Fejér-type inequalities for this class. The crucial fact is that this extended class has awesome properties similar to those of convex functions.
A prediction-correction inexact alternating direction method for convex nonlinear second-order cone programming with linear constraints
Authors: Zhang Yaling , Liu Hongwei 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe convex nonlinear second-order cone programming with linear constraints is equivalent to a separate structure convex programming. A prediction-correction inexact alternating direction method is proposed for the separate structure convex programming. In the proposed method, the convex objective function is not required to be Lipschitz continuous and only needs satisfy an inequality. The global convergence result is given. Numerical results demonstrate that our method is efficient for some random second-order cone programming problems in lower accuracy. In addition, our method can be extended to the convex nonlinear circular cone programming with linear constraints. We also give the simulation results of the three-fingered grasping force optimization problems.
Crossroads of Global and Local Identity in Contemporary Latvian Migrant Literature: Reflections on the Novel Stroika with a London View by W. B. Foreignerski (V. Lācītis)
Authors: Lāms Ojārs 
Published: January 2020

This paper deals with the contemporary migration experience as seen through the subjective lens of a literary text. The analysis focuses on the novel Stroika with a London View by the Latvian diaspora writer William B. Foreignerski (Vilis Lācītis in the Latvian version). Foreignerski combines the portrayal of proletarians’ survival with entertaining and comical scenes from daily life. In the novel the story is told from the perspective of the narrator in the first person singular, thus the different relationships between the protagonist and the surrounding environment are already defined by this choice.
In the novel the image of London is of great significance as a metropolis and multicultural city in which most of the events described in the novel occur. London is the key determinant for the poetics of intercultural literature in the novel – London can be a labyrinth, an initiation, a trap or a springboard. London as a city that can provide everything that life can offer gives one a chance not only to break away from the economic limitations at home but also from the ideological narrowness of the protagonist’s homeland as it is depicted in the novel. The start of the quest for a new life at the beginning of the novel is to a certain extent traumatic as it is characteristically in traditional emigrant literature. However, with the intercultural approach used by Foreignerski, the migration experience results in the freedom to accept new ideas and in gaining new horizons for the protagonist as well as for the reader.
Taking Back Europe in Valdas Papievis’s Novels
Authors: Jurgutienė Aušra 
Published: January 2020

The novels of contemporary Lithuanian writer Valdas Papievis Eiti (To Go) and Odilė, arba oro uostų vienatvė (Odile, or the Solitude of Airports) – are two of the most successful variants of Lithuanian literature elicited by globalisation and the end of the Cold War. Not only because after the fall of the Iron Curtain that divided the West and the East and the declaration of Lithuania’s independence the author now lives and writes in Paris, but also due to the fact that his novels written in Lithuanian and describing contemporary Paris and Provence create topical and artistically mature narratives about the newest transformations of the European identity into an intermediate state.
The article discusses the author’s uniquely romanticized tradition of existen tialism and emphasises the moments of Lithuanian and French communi ca tion that establish the three main motifs of an individual’s migration: home / to go / solitude, refining their existential and aesthetic meanings. The novels remind the reader that the forgotten natural and cosmic dimension of a human life is of no less importance than the social, historical and national environment determining it. The novels erase the ancient boundaries between the Eastern and Western European stereotypes; therefore, their French and Lithuanian origins are not noticeably in conflict, rather they merge into a common European memory, marked by sadness and disquietude.
ANALISIS PENGARUH CURRENT RATIO, DEBT TO EQUITY RATIO, DAM RETURN ON EQUITY TERHADAP RETURN SAHAM PADA PERUSAHAAN REAL ESTATE DAN PROPERTY YANG TERDAFTAR DIBURSA EFEK INDONESIA PERIODE 2014-2017
Authors: Latifah Wahyu Ridha , Pratiwi Permata Dian 
Published: January 2020

This research was conducted with the aim to empirically examine the effect of Current Ratio, Debt to Equity Ratio and Return on Equity Against Stock Returns on Real Estate and Property Companies on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. The research period was carried out for 4 (four) years, namely 2014-2017. This type of research is causal research, that is, this study looks for a causal relationship between independent variables and the dependent variable. The population in this study are all Real Estate and Property companies listed on the IDX, wich were 48 Real Estate and Property. The sample in this study was obtained by purposive sampling method that is sampling based on criteria; (1) Registered as an active Real Estate and Property company on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) in 2014-2017, (2) Companies that publish their annual reports on the IDX, (3) Real Estate and Property Companies that issue CR, DER and ROE for each consecutive period from 2014-2017. Based on these criteria, 36 Real Estate and Property companies were obtained. Hypothesis testing is done by panel data regression analysis, but before testing hypotheses first testing classicalassumptions.The results of hypothesis testing are done partially, namely the t test shows that CR has a positive and insignificant effect on stock returns, DER has a significant negative effect on stock returns and ROE has a significant positive effect on stock returns.