bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improving the quality of external cause of death data in Brazil: evaluation and validation of a new form to investigate garbage codes
Authors: Filho Adauto Martins Soares , de Lima Raquel Barbosa , Merchan-Hamann Edgar , de Souza Maria de Fátima Marinho , Mikkelsen Lene , Mahesh Pasyodun Koralage Buddhika , Adair Tim 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Accurate cause of death (COD) data are essential for policy and planning. Garbage codes (GCs), such as external causes with no further specific information, are commonly used as an indicator of poor quality of COD information. The investigation of GC using an effective instrument is necessary to convert them into useful data for public health. Aim: This study was conducted to analyze the effectiveness of the new investigation of deaths from external causes (IDEC) form, proposed by Ministry of Health, Brazil, to improve the quality of COD. Methods: The study compared the performance of the IDEC form on 164 external GC deaths with a stratified matched sample of 2,283 external GC deaths that used the existing standard GC form. The percentage of GCs that were reclassified into valid causes was calculated. Analyses according to subgroup (age, type of external cause) and exploration of the reclassifications of deaths between different cause groups were conducted. Qualitative data on the feasibility of the form were recorded by form users. Results: Investigation using the new form reduced all external GCs by 93% (95% confidence interval [CI] -97%, -88%), while the existing form decreased GCs by 66% (95% CI -68%, -64%). The IDEC form was most effective for external-cause GCs not of undetermined intent. Deaths that remained GCs were mainly due to a lack of detailed information on the circumstances of death, primarily poisoning and unspecified vehicle accidents occurring in a residence or on a road without witnesses. The IDEC form was found to be satisfactorily feasible in general, with specific suggestions for further improvement determined. Conclusions: The new form was more effective than the current standard form in reducing GCs and improving the quality of external causes. Feedback from the fieldwork highlighted opportunities for further improvement of external cause data.
Recurrent Henoch-Schönlein Purpura with Bullous Rash and Pulmonary Nodules
Authors: Zheng Christopher Zixiang , Childers Julie , Rabinovich Egla , Nazareth-Pidgeon Kristina 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is the most common vasculitis of childhood. It has a characteristic rash described as palpable purpura that most frequently affects the distal lower extremities and buttocks. HSP rarely presents with bullous rash nor pulmonary nodules. Case presentation We present a novel case of recurrent pediatric HSP with bullous rash and pulmonary nodules, successfully treated with intravenous pulse corticosteroids followed by a high dose oral corticosteroid taper. Conclusion The rare manifestations of scarring bullous rash and pulmonary nodules can be presenting features of pediatric HSP, the combination of which has not been previously reported. The treatment of intravenous corticosteroid resolved patient’s abdominal symptoms, rash and pulmonary nodules.
Activation of MAPK signaling pathway during nitrogen-deficiency responses in Ulva Prolifera
Authors: Yang Juanjuan , Yin Yi , Yu Dachun , He Lihong , Lu Shan , Shen Songdong 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Ulva prolifera is one of the main seaweeds (or macroalgae) species that causes “green tides”. This alga inhabits the estuarine areas that exhibit changes in nutrient contents, which include changes in nitrogen (N) levels, while the mechanisms through which these microalgae resist N deficiency remains unclear. Results: We amplified the full-length sequences and quantified expression of genes involved in the nitrogen metabolism process, the data indicated that nitrate reductase, nitrite reductase, and glutamine synthase increased after nitrogen deprivation in Ulva prolifera. Hence, although the ratio of cell-wall regeneration did not change, the apoptosis rates of protoplasts of Ulva prolifera increased after this deficiency. Furthermore, a decreased in N supplies triggered the activation of MAPK signaling, and SB239063, a p38 MAPKα/β inhibitor, enhanced the effects of N deficiency on the mortality of protoplasts and decreased the capacity for cell-wall regeneration. Conclusions: All the data provided evidence that MAPK signaling had functional roles in helping U. prolifera adapt to fluctuations in N availability within a short time. Hence, the application of biochemical reagents on cell-wall regeneration on the surface of protoplasts provided a new perspective in the genetic breeding of Ulva prolifera.
Efficient generation of null-segregant parthenocarpic tomato by CRISPR/Cas9 editing
Authors: Hara Chihiro Abe , Ueta Risa , Hashimoto Ryosuke , Osakabe Yuriko , Osakabe Keishi 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Genome editing technique is a powerful tool in plant genetic engineering to accelerate the rapid breeding of crop plants. Currently, obtaining transgene-free mutant plants is an important issue. transgene-free mutant plants such as null-segregant, can be segregated out from selfing or back-crossed populations. However, such procedures are time consuming, and, therefore, the development of efficient systems to eliminate transgenes in mutant plants is required.
Results
CRISPR/Cas9 vectors targeting Sl IAA9 were introduced into the tomato cultivars, Ailsa Craig, Moneymaker, Super Roma and Rio Grande, via Agrobacterium transformation. Bi-allelic mutations were detected at ratios of 9–46% in CRISPR/Cas9-transgenic T0 shoots. Sequence analysis revealed that the bi-allelic mutations generated stop codons by frame-shift of SlIAA9 amino acid sequences, indicating that sliaa9 knockout mutants with parthenocarpic phenotypes were generated in the T0 generation with high efficiency in these cultivars. Subsequently, many null-segregant (transgene free) lines, as confirmed by PCR and Southern blot, were isolated rapidly in the T1 generation by self-pollination.
Conclusions
The method used in this study is effective in achieving rapid isolation of null-segregants with high efficiency, while adding important traits to various cultivars at the same time. Our developed system would further increase the advantages of using CRISPR/Cas9 for the production of novel crop varieties in the future.
The prediction and risk point score (RPS) of noise induced hearing loss (NIHL)
Authors: Sun Ruican , Shang Weiwei , Cao Yingqiong , Lan Yajia 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a significant occupational health concern in many countries. Based on the realistic demands, we aimed to build the prediction risk model of noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) and developed the related risk point score (RPS). The results of this study expect to provide technology support for interventions and management, in order to enhance the application-orientated research on NIHL. Methods A total of 40433 participants of noise exposed workers were enrolled. The datasets from The National Key Occupational Diseases Survey (NKODS) from 2014 to 2017 in Sichuan province of China. The socio-demographic and occupational characteristics used the standardized questionnaires, and the level of NIHL were collected by audiometric testing, which was defined as binaural high-frequency threshold average (BHFTA) over 40dB. The prediction model expressed by linear format of logistic regression and based on model calculated the risk point score (RPS) of NIHL. Results Of the 40433 participants in the study, there are 9.97%(n=4029) of workers have NIHL (BHFBA >40). Age (OR=1.08, 95%CI: 1.071-1.083), sex (OR=3.34, 95%CI:2.997-3.715), noise exposure time (OR=1.01, 95%CI: 1.008-1.017), manufacturing industry(OR=1.35, 95%CI:1.207-1.500), construction industry (OR=2.59, 95%CI: 1.941-3.458), mining industry (OR=2.42, 95%CI: 2.132-2.740), foreign enterprise(OR=1.14, 95%CI: 0.962-1.353), private enterprise(OR=1.48, 95%CI: 1.361-1.603) are predictors of NIHL( P <0.05). The risk prediction model has a better effectiveness of NIHL (AUC= 0.7150). According to the NIHL- RPS calculated the individual score was 75 that the risk probability of NIHL was 37.97%. Conclusion The study found that the prevalence of NIHL at a moderate level in Sichuan province. Sex, age, noise exposure time, manufacturing industry, construction industry, mining industry, foreign enterprise, private enterprise are predictors of NIHL, and to develop the NIHL-RPS is necessary for application-orientated research on NIHL.
Two mathematical frameworks for vesicle release from a ribbon synapse of a retinal bipolar cell
Authors: Bassereh Hassan , Rattay Frank 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Bipolar cells communicate with amacrine and ganglion cells of the retina via both transient and sustained neurotransmitter release in ribbon synapses. Reconstructing the published quantitative release data from electrical soma stimulation (voltage clamp experiments) of rat rod bipolar cells were used to develop two simple models to predict the number of released vesicles as time series. In the experiment, the currents coming to the AII amacrine cell originating from releasing vesicles from the rod bipolar cell were recorded using paired-recordings in whole-cell voltage-clamp method. One of the models is based directly on terminal transmembrane voltage, so-called ‘modelV’, whereas the temporally exacter modelCa includes changes of intracellular calcium concentrations at terminals. Results: The intracellular calcium concentration method replicates a 0.43-ms signal delay for the transient release to pulsatile stimulation as a consequence of calcium channel dynamics in the presynaptic membrane, while the modelV has no signal delay. Both models produce the quite similar results in low stimuli amplitudes. However, for large stimulation intensities that may be done during extracellular stimulations in retinal implants, the modelCa predicts that the reversal potential of calcium limits the number of transiently released vesicles. Adding sodium and potassium ion channels to the axon of the cell enable to study the impact of spikes on the transient release in BC ribbons. A spike elicited by somatic stimulation causes the rapid release of all vesicles that are available for transient release, while a non-spiking BC with a similar morphometry needs stronger stimuli for any transient vesicle release. During extracellular stimulation, there was almost no difference in transient release between the active and passive cells because in both cases the terminal membrane of the cell senses the same potentials originating from the microelectrode. An exception was found for long pulses when the spike has the possibility to generate a higher terminal voltage than the passive cell. Simulated periodic 5 Hz stimulation showed a reduced transient release of 3 vesicles per stimulus, which is a recovery effect. Conclusions: We presented two mathematical concepts for vesicle release in ribbon synapses and explained decreasing efficiency in retinal implants for suprathreshold stimulation.
Optical quality assessment in patients with unilateral congenital ptosis: a matched case-control study
Authors: Shen Jianqin , Cui Hongguang , Tang Xuyuan , Han Wei 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: To evaluate the differences in the corneal higher order aberrations (HOAs) and optical quality of the ptosis eyes compared with the normal fellow eyes in the unilateral congenital ptosis patients. Methods: A matched case-control study was performed in 17 pairs of eyes in 17 unilateral congenital ptosis patients. The ptosis eye was enrolled in the ptosis group while the normal fellow eye was enrolled in the normal group. The HOAs obtained from Pentacam HR and the optical quality parameters obtained from optical quality assessment system (OQAS) were compared between the two groups. Results: There were significant difference in vertical coma and vertical trefoil on the anterior corneal surface between the ptosis group and the normal group (p＜0.05). The OQAS parameters in the ptosis group were significantly different from that in the normal group (p＜0.05). The vertical fissure height (VFH) showed significant correlation with the total HOAs, 3 rd HOAs and vertical coma on the anterior corneal surface (p＜0.05). Conclusions: Compared with the normal fellow eyes, the ptosis eyes showed significantly degraded optical quality. The eyelid position was important for the changes of corneal HOAs in the ptosis eyes. The reasons for the discrepancy of the OQAS parameters between the ptosis eyes and normal fellow eyes were multiple.
Correlation of the Electrophysiological and Optical Coherence Tomography Changes in patients with Thyroid-Associated Ophthalmopathy
Authors: El-Shazly Amany Abd El-Fattah , Elsamkary Mahmoud Ahmed , Badran Tamer Abdel Fattah , Abdelgawad Randa Hesham Ali 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Purpose: to study the structural and functional changes of the optic nerve & macula in patients with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) patients. Methods: Cross-sectional clinical study including 40 cases with TAO and 40 age and sex-matched healthy participants as a control. Complete ophthalmological assessment, evaluation of the proptosis, spectral domain OCT, and electrophysiological investigations (pattern electroretinogram [PERG], multifocal ERG (mfERG) & visual evoked potentials (PVEP) were performed to all participants. Results: Retinal nerve fibre (RNFL), central foveal (CFT) thickness and mean inner macular ring thickness are thinner in cases with proptosis. MfERG showed lower Retinal Response Density1 (RRD1), Ring 1 P1 amplitude and lower five-rings N1 amplitude. Central foveal thickness showed significant positive correlation with VA, BCVA, P50 amplitude and R1 N1 amplitude (r = 0.64, 0.65, 0.40 and 0.51 with p < 0 .001, < 0 .001, < 0 .001 and < 0 .001 respectively), and negative correlation with duration of the disease, degree of proptosis, clinical activity score and R1 N1 latency (r = -0.59, -0.78, -0.41 & -0.90 with p <0.001, <0.001, <0.001 & <0.001 respectively). RNFL thickness showed negative correlation with duration of the disease, degree of proptosis and clinical activity score (-0.77, -0.71 & -0.85 with p < 0 .001, < 0 .001 & < 0 .001 respectively). Multiple regression analyses showed that the degree of proptosis and P50 amplitude were the most important determinants for CFT (p = 0.03 & 0.02); whereas the duration of the disease, and activity score were the most important determinants for average RNFL thickness (p =‎ 0.004, and < 0.001‎ respectively). Conclusion: In the absence of fundus changes, macular thinning together with functional changes detected by PERG and mfERG could be used as good predictors of subclinical retinopathy in the cases of TAO.
Comparison of outcomes between intravitreal ranibizumab and intravitreal aflibercept for diabetic macular edema with “Treat-and-Extend” regimen
Authors: Sugimoto Masahiko , Chujo Shinichiro , Sasaki Taku , Ichio Atsushi , Miyata Ryohei , Matsubara Hisashi , Kondo Mineo 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background To compare the effectiveness of intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) and intravitreal aflibercept (IVA) performed with the Treat-and-Extend (TAE) regimen on eyes with diabetic macular edema (DME).Patients and methods This was a retrospective study of 125 eyes of 125 treatment naïve DME patients who received anti-VEGF injections at 3 consecutive monthly intervals as the loading phase. Of these 125 eyes, 26 eyes completed the treatment with the TAE regimen for at least 24 months. Among the 26 eyes, 13 eyes of 13 patients (mean age, 70.9±6.0 years) received intravitreal injections of 0.5 mg ranibizumab and 13 eyes of 13 patients (65.9±8.6 years) received 2 mg aflibercept. The changes in the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central retinal thickness (CRT), diabetic retinopathy severity (DRS), and total injection numbers were compared between the two anti-VEGF agents.Results No significant differences were detected in the baseline demographics. At 24 months, the BCVA was significantly improved in both groups; from 0.31±0.19 to 0.10±0.12 logMAR units for IVR and 0.41±0.19 to 0.16±0.28 logMAR units for IVA ( P=1.29x10 -9 ). The CRT was significantly reduced in both groups; 440.9±69.3 to 307.5±66.4 μm for IVR and 473.9±71.5 to 317.8±71.2 μm for IVA ( P=3.55x10 -9 ). No significant differences were detected in the improvements of the BCVA and the CRT in both groups, and the total injection numbers were significant fewer for the IVA group (11.0±1.2) than the IVR group (12.0±1.0). The DRS was significantly improved in both groups ( P =0.0004 for IVR and P =0.009 for IVA).Conclusion No significant differences were detected in the improvements of the BCVA or CRT and injection numbers between IVR and IVA groups treated with the TAE regimen. These results indicate that the results of the treatment with both agents with the TAE regimen were equally effective.
Long-term survival of femoral neck fracture patients age over ninety: Arthroplasty compare with conservative treatment
Authors: Liu Yang , Zhang Chong-wei , Zhao Xiao-dan 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background The aging of the China population is expected to lead to increasing of nonagenarian and centenarian.The mortality rates of nonagenarian hip fracture patients would return to an equivalent mortality risk to the normal population at five years after injury. It is imperative to evaluate the 5-year mortality for this small but very challenging subgroup patients in order to optimize patient management. The main purpose of the current retrospective study was to compare the five-year survival between arthroplasty treatment and conservative treatment of femoral neck fracture patients age over 90 years during the same 16 -year period.Methods From January 1998 to December 2014, all consecutive nonagenarian and centenarian patients with femoral neck fracture admitted to our hospital were included for evaluation. The primary outcome was defined as thirty-day mortality, 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year mortality after injury. Survival status analysis was performed by the Kaplan–Meier method for mortality. Using the log-rank test, the stratified analyses were performed to compare the difference of overall cumulative mortality and three-time points (1-year, 3-year, and 5-year) mortality after injury were performed to compare the difference of survival distributions.Results Over the 16-year study period, the arthroplasty group and the conservative treatment group included 33 and 53 patients, respectively. The long-term survival probability of the arthroplasty group is significantly higher than the conservative treatment group( p=0.002277). The survival time of the arthroplasty group is significantly higher than the conservative treatment group(Median(P75-P25)=53(59) versus Median(P75-P25)=22(52), p=0.001). The difference of five time points (1-year, 2-year, 3-year, 4-year, and 5-year) mortality between the conservative group and arthroplasty group is significant except for 30-day mortality.The stratified analyses of overall cumulative mortality and three-time points (1-year, 3-year, and 5-year) mortality after injury demonstrated that the arthroplasty group is significant higher than the conservative treatment group.Conclusions Our study demonstrate that, compared with conservative treatment, arthroplasty surgery is more likely to improve the long-term survival of femoral neck fracture patients over 90s. What can be expected is that nearly half of patients will survive more than five years after surgery.
Hematological alteration among visceral leishmaniasis patients attending in Western Tigrai, Ethiopia, 2018/2019: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Gebremichail Gebremedhin , Tesfanchal Brhane , Belay Getachew , Gebremariam Gebreslassie , Teklehaymanot Gebreyohans , Haileslasie Hagos , Gebrewahid Aderajew , Mardu Fitsum , Adhanom Gebre , Berhe Brhane , Teame Hirut , Tsegaye Aster 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Hematological abnormalities are common in visceral leishmaniasis patients, which is one of the main public health problems worldwide. The most common hematological abnormalities are anemia, leucopenia and thrombocytopenia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the hematological alteration among visceral leishmaniasis patients attending Western Tigrai, Ethiopia, 2019. Method: Hospital based comparative cross sectional study was conducted from November 2018 to March 2019 in Western Tigrai, Ethiopia. A total of 100 Visceral Leishmaniasis patients and 100 control groups were included in this study. Blood was collected and analyzed by mindray BC-5800 hematology analyzer. Data was entered and analyzed using Statistical package for social science version 23. Student independent t-test was used for data analysis. P value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant at 95% confidence level. Result: From the total 100 visceral leishmaniasis patients the following abnormalities were reported: 96(96%) anemia, 95(95%) leucopenia, 92(92%) neutropenia, 73(73%) Lymphopenia, 45(45%) eosinopenia and 97(97%) had thrombocytopenia. Red blood cell, hemoglobin, hematocrit, red cell indices and platelet were significantly lower (p<0.05) in visceral leishmaniasis patients compared with the control groups. Similarly the total White blood cell, neutrophil, lymphocyte, eosinophil and basophil count were significantly lower (p<0.05) in visceral leishmaniasis patients compared with the control groups. Conclusion: The major changes in peripheral blood of patient with visceral leishmaniasis are reduced number of red blood cells, reduction in leukocytes and decreased platelet count. Visceral leishmaniasis patients presented with anemia, leucopenia and thrombocytopenia. So this finding indicates that visceral leishmaniasis causes alterations of hematological parameters. Key words: Amastigote, Anemia, Hematological Parameters, Promastigote, Visceral leishmaniasis, Ethiopia .
DMFT in Iranian 12-year-old students residing in the desert region and its association with their individual and family factors- 2016
Authors: Alami Ali , erfanpoor saeed , Ramezani Ali , Jafari Alireza 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
BackgroundOral health in students, as an important health-related subject, would be effective on their growth, self-confidence, socialization, learning ability, daily activities, and quality of life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the DMFT index of 12-year-old students in Gonabad and Bajistan and its relation with their personal and family factors.MethodsAn analytic-cross sectional study conducted among 1280 the students residing in the two desert districts of Iran in 2016. The required data including the subjects’ demographic and family factors as well as their oral health situation extracted from The National School Oral Health Program. The data entered in SPSS (20) and analyzed via Kruskal Wallis, Mann-Whitney, and logistic regression model.ResultsMean (SD) of the students’ DMFT was 1.47 (1.82). This index was calculated 0.98 (1.47) for boy students and 1.91 (1.98) for girl students (P<0.001). There were significant association between mean of the students’ DMFT and their residency location (P=0.015), birth rank (P=0.032), and level of education of their mothers (P=0.035).ConclusionAccording to the findings, attention to oral health in students, especially in girls, seems necessary. Increasing the knowledge and sensitivity of parents (especially mothers) concerning oral health of their children, especially their girls, the use of intermediate forces such healthcare providers in school and oral health technicians in health centers, and the implementation of preventive interventions such as fissure sealant, fluoride varnish Therapy, and use of sodium fluoride mouthwash by students would be effective for improving the oral health of students.