bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a pilot immunization curriculum to meet competency training needs of medical residents
Authors: Shalansky Rebecca A. , Wu Margaret , Shen Shixin Cindy , Furness Colin , Morris Shaun K. , Reynolds Donna , Wong Tom , Pakes Barry , Crowcroft Natasha 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background
Vaccination is the most cost-effective medical intervention known to prevent morbidity and mortality. However, data are limited on the effectiveness of residency programs in delivering immunization knowledge and skills to trainees. The authors sought to describe the immunization competency needs of medical residents at the University of Toronto (UT), and to develop and evaluate a pilot immunization curriculum.

Methods
Residents at the University of Toronto across nine specialties were recruited to attend a pilot immunization workshop in November 2018. Participants completed a questionnaire before and after the workshop to assess immunization knowledge and compare baseline change. Feedback was also surveyed on the workshop content and process.
Descriptive statistics were performed on the knowledge questionnaire and feedback survey. A paired sample T-test compared questionnaire answers before and after the workshop. Descriptive coding was used to identify themes from the feedback survey.

Results
Twenty residents from at least six residencies completed the pre-workshop knowledge questionnaire, seventeen attended the workshop, and thirteen completed the post-workshop questionnaire. Ninety-five percent (19/20) strongly agreed that vaccine knowledge was important to their career, and they preferred case-based teaching. The proportion of the thirty-four knowledge questions answered correctly increased from 49% before the workshop to 67% afterwards, with a mean of 2.24 (CI: 1.43, 3.04) more correct answers (P < 0.001).
Sixteen residents completed the post-workshop feedback survey. Three themes emerged: first, they found the content specific and practical; second, they wanted more case-based learning and for the workshop to be longer; and third, they felt the content and presenters were of high quality.

Conclusions
Findings from this study suggest current immunization training of UT residents does not meet their training competency requirements. The study’s workshop improved participants’ immunization knowledge. The information from this study could be used to develop residency immunization curriculum at UT and beyond.
Breast cancer risk factors and their effects on survival: a Mendelian randomisation study
Authors: Escala-Garcia Maria , Morra Anna , Canisius Sander , Chang-Claude Jenny , Kar Siddhartha , Zheng Wei , Bojesen Stig E. , Easton Doug , Pharoah Paul D. P. , Schmidt Marjanka K. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background
Observational studies have investigated the association of risk factors with breast cancer prognosis. However, the results have been conflicting and it has been challenging to establish causality due to potential residual confounding. Using a Mendelian randomisation (MR) approach, we aimed to examine the potential causal association between breast cancer-specific survival and nine established risk factors for breast cancer: alcohol consumption, body mass index, height, physical activity, mammographic density, age at menarche or menopause, smoking, and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods
We conducted a two-sample MR analysis on data from the Breast Cancer Association Consortium (BCAC) and risk factor summary estimates from the GWAS Catalog. The BCAC data included 86,627 female patients of European ancestry with 7054 breast cancer-specific deaths during 15 years of follow-up. Of these, 59,378 were estrogen receptor (ER)-positive and 13,692 were ER-negative breast cancer patients. For the significant association, we used sensitivity analyses and a multivariable MR model. All risk factor associations were also examined in a model adjusted by other prognostic factors.

Results
Increased genetic liability to T2DM was significantly associated with worse breast cancer-specific survival (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.03–1.17, P value [P] = 0.003). There were no significant associations after multiple testing correction for any of the risk factors in the ER-status subtypes. For the reported significant association with T2DM, the sensitivity analyses did not show evidence for violation of the MR assumptions nor that the association was due to increased BMI. The association remained significant when adjusting by other prognostic factors.

Conclusions
This extensive MR analysis suggests that T2DM may be causally associated with worse breast cancer-specific survival and therefore that treating T2DM may improve prognosis.
Prevalence of readily detected amyloid blood clots in ‘unclotted’ Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and COVID-19 plasma: a preliminary report
Authors: Pretorius Etheresia , Venter Chantelle , Laubscher Gert Jacobus , Lourens Petrus Johannes , Steenkamp Janami , Kell Douglas B. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundType 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a well-known comorbidity to COVID-19 and coagulopathies are a common accompaniment to both T2DM and COVID-19. In addition, patients with COVID-19 are known to develop micro-clots within the lungs. The rapid detection of COVID-19 uses genotypic testing for the presence of SARS-Cov-2 virus in nasopharyngeal swabs, but it can have a poor sensitivity. A rapid, host-based physiological test that indicated clotting severity and the extent of clotting pathologies in the individual who was infected or not would be highly desirable.MethodsPlatelet poor plasma (PPP) was collected and frozen. On the day of analysis, PPP samples were thawed and analysed. We show here that microclots can be detected in the native plasma of twenty COVID-19, as well as ten T2DM patients, without the addition of any clotting agent, and in particular that such clots are amyloid in nature as judged by a standard fluorogenic stain. Results were compared to ten healthy age-matched individuals.ResultsIn COVID-19 plasma these microclots are significantly increased when compared to the levels in T2DM.ConclusionsThis fluorogenic test may provide a rapid and convenient test with 100% sensitivity (P < 0.0001) and is consistent with the recognition that the early detection and prevention of such clotting can have an important role in therapy.
Multiple processes independently predict motor learning
Authors: Perry Christopher M. , Singh Tarkeshwar , Springer Kayla G. , Harrison Adam T. , McLain Alexander C. , Herter Troy M. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background
Our ability to acquire, refine and adapt skilled limb movements is a hallmark of human motor learning that allows us to successfully perform many daily activities. The capacity to acquire, refine and adapt other features of motor performance, such as visual search, eye-hand coordination and visuomotor decisions, may also contribute to motor learning. However, the extent to which refinements of multiple behavioral features and their underlying neural processes independently contribute to motor learning remains unknown. In the current study, we used an ethological approach to test the hypothesis that practice-related refinements of multiple behavioral features would be independently predictive of motor learning.

Methods
Eighteen healthy, young adults used an upper-limb robot with eye-tracking to practice six trials of a continuous, visuomotor task once a week for six consecutive weeks. Participants used virtual paddles to hit away 200 “Targets” and avoid hitting 100 “Distractors” that continuously moved towards them from the back of the workspace. Motor learning was inferred from trial-by-trial acquisition and week-by-week retention of improvements on two measures of task performance related to motor execution and motor inhibition. Adaptations involving underlying neural processes were inferred from trial-by-trial acquisition and week-by-week retention of refinements on measures of skilled limb movement, visual search, eye-hand coordination and visuomotor decisions. We tested our hypothesis by quantifying the extent to which refinements on measures of multiple behavioral features (predictors) were independently predictive of improvements on our two measures of task performance (outcomes) after removing all shared variance between predictors.

Results
We found that refinements on measures of skilled limb movement, visual search and eye-hand coordination were independently predictive of improvements on our measure of task performance related to motor execution. In contrast, only refinements of eye-hand coordination were independently predictive of improvements on our measure of task performance related to motor inhibition.

Conclusion
Our results provide indirect evidence that refinements involving multiple, neural processes may independently contribute to motor learning, and distinct neural processes may underlie improvements in task performance related to motor execution and motor inhibition. This also suggests that refinements involving multiple, neural processes may contribute to motor recovery after stroke, and rehabilitation interventions should be designed to produce refinements of all behavioral features that may contribute to motor recovery.
Proposal of a new equation for estimating resting energy expenditure of acute kidney injury patients on dialysis: a machine learning approach
Authors: Ponce Daniela , de Goes Cassiana Regina , de Andrade Luis Gustavo Modelli 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe objective of this study was to develop a new predictive equation of resting energy expenditure (REE) for acute kidney injury patients (AKI) on dialysis.Materials and methodsA cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out of 114 AKI patients, consecutively selected, on dialysis and mechanical ventilation, aged between 19 and 95 years. For construction of the predictive model, 80% of cases were randomly separated to training and 20% of unused cases to validation. Several machine learning models were tested in the training data: linear regression with stepwise, rpart, support vector machine with radial kernel, generalised boosting machine and random forest. The models were selected by ten-fold cross-validation and the performances evaluated by the root mean square error.ResultsThere were 364 indirect calorimetry measurements in 114 patients, mean age of 60.65 ± 16.9 years and 68.4% were males. The average REE was 2081 ± 645 kcal. REE was positively correlated with C-reactive protein, minute volume (MV), expiratory positive airway pressure, serum urea, body mass index and inversely with age. The principal variables included in the selected model were age, body mass index, use of vasopressors, expiratory positive airway pressure, MV, C-reactive protein, temperature and serum urea. The final r-value in the validation set was 0.69.ConclusionWe propose a new predictive equation for estimating the REE of AKI patients on dialysis that uses a non-linear approach with better performance than actual models.
Some fixed point results of generalized $$(\phi , \psi )$$-contractive mappings in ordered b-metric spaces
Authors: Mitiku Belay , Karusala Kalyani , Namana Seshagiri Rao 
Published: November 2020

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this paper is to establish some fixed point, coincidence point and, coupled coincidence and coupled common fixed point results for generalized$$(\phi , \psi )$$(ϕ,ψ)-contractive mappings in partially orderedb-metric spaces. Our results generalize, extend and unify most of the fundamental metrical fixed point theorems in the existing literature. Few examples are illustrated to justify our results.ResultThe existence and uniqueness theorems for a fixed point and coincidence point, coupled coincidence point and coupled common fixed points for two mappings satisfying generalized$$(\phi , \psi )$$(ϕ,ψ)-contractive conditions in complete partially orderedb-metric spaces are proved. These results generalize several comparable results in the existing literature.
An inertial extrapolation method for multiple-set split feasibility problem
Authors: Taddele Guash Haile , Kumam Poom , Gebrie Anteneh Getachew 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIn this paper, we propose an iterative algorithm with inertial extrapolation to approximate the solution of multiple-set split feasibility problem. Based on Lopez et al. (Inverse Probl. 28(8):085004, 2012), we have developed a self-adaptive technique to choose the stepsizes such that the implementation of our algorithm does not need any prior information about the operator norm. We then prove the strong convergence of a sequence generated by our algorithm. We also present numerical examples to illustrate that the acceleration of our algorithm is effective.
Explicit criteria for the oscillation of second-order differential equations with several sub-linear neutral coefficients
Authors: Santra Shyam Sundar , Ghosh Tanusri , Bazighifan Omar 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIn this work, we present sufficient conditions for oscillation of all solutions of a second-order functional differential equation. We consider two special cases when$\gamma >\beta $γ>βand$\gamma <\beta $γ<β. This new theorem complements and improves a number of results reported in the literature. Finally, we provide examples illustrating our results and state an open problem.
Comparing health insurance data and health interview survey data for ascertaining chronic disease prevalence in Belgium
Authors: Berete Finaba , Demarest Stefaan , Charafeddine Rana , Bruyère Olivier , Van der Heyden Johan 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundHealth administrative data were increasingly used for chronic diseases (CDs) surveillance purposes. This cross sectional study explored the agreement between Belgian compulsory health insurance (BCHI) data and Belgian health interview survey (BHIS) data for asserting CDs.MethodsIndividual BHIS 2013 data were linked with BCHI data using the unique national register number. The study population included all participants of the BHIS 2013 aged 15 years and older. Linkage was possible for 93% of BHIS-participants, resulting in a study sample of 8474 individuals. For seven CDs disease status was available both through self-reported information from the BHIS and algorithms based on ATC-codes of disease-specific medication, developed on demand of the National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance (NIHDI). CD prevalence rates from both data sources were compared. Agreement was measured using sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) assuming BHIS data as gold standard. Kappa statistic was also calculated. Participants’ sociodemographic and health status characteristics associated with agreement were tested using logistic regression for each CD.ResultsPrevalence from BCHI data was significantly higher for CVDs but significantly lower for COPD and asthma. No significant difference was found between the two data sources for the remaining CDs. Sensitivity was 83% for CVDs, 78% for diabetes and ranged from 27 to 67% for the other CDs. Specificity was excellent for all CDs (above 98%) except for CVDs. The highest PPV was found for Parkinson’s disease (83%) and ranged from 41 to 75% for the remaining CDs. Irrespective of the CDs, the NPV was excellent. Kappa statistic was good for diabetes, CVDs, Parkinson’s disease and thyroid disorders, moderate for epilepsy and fair for COPD and asthma. Agreement between BHIS and BCHI data is affected by individual sociodemographic characteristics and health status, although these effects varied across CDs.ConclusionsNHIDI’s CDs case definitions are an acceptable alternative to identify cases of diabetes, CVDs, Parkinson’s disease and thyroid disorders but yield in a significant underestimated number of patients suffering from asthma and COPD. Further research is needed to refine the definitions of CDs from administrative data.
Constrained multi-fidelity surrogate framework using Bayesian optimization with non-intrusive reduced-order basis
Authors: Khatouri Hanane , Benamara Tariq , Breitkopf Piotr , Demange Jean , Feliot Paul 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThis article addresses the problem of constrained derivative-free optimization in a multi-fidelity (or variable-complexity) framework using Bayesian optimization techniques. It is assumed that the objective and constraints involved in the optimization problem can be evaluated using either an accurate but time-consuming computer program or a fast lower-fidelity one. In this setting, the aim is to solve the optimization problem using as few calls to the high-fidelity program as possible. To this end, it is proposed to use Gaussian process models with trend functions built from the projection of low-fidelity solutions on a reduced-order basis synthesized from scarce high-fidelity snapshots. A study on the ability of such models to accurately represent the objective and the constraints and a comparison of two improvement-based infill strategies are performed on a representative benchmark test case.
Bioprospecting the antimicrobial, antibiofilm and antiproliferative activity of Symplocos racemosa Roxb. Bark phytoconstituents along with their biosafety evaluation and detection of antimicrobial components by GC-MS
Authors: Sood Henna , Kumar Yashwant , Gupta Vipan Kumar , Arora Daljit Singh 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundPlants provide a ray of hope to combat the ever increasing antibiotic resistance andSymplocos racemosais a valuable medicinal plant. The study focused on highlighting the importance of this plant’s phytoconstituents as potential source of novel antimicrobials against planktonic as well as biofilm forming microorganisms, along with their antiproliferative activity. The biosafety of the phytoconstituents was also established, followed by detection of probable antimicrobial components.MethodsThe best organic extractant and major groups of phytoconstituents were tested for their antimicrobial activity against reference microbial strains and drug-resistant clinical isolates. The anti-proliferative potential of the most active group of phytoconstituents was evaluated against cancerous cell lines. The in vitro biosafety of phytoconstituents was evaluated by Ames and MTT assay, while in vivo biosafety of the most active phytoconstituents, i.e., flavonoids was determined by acute oral toxicity. Further, the probable antimicrobial components in the flavonoids were detected by TLC and GC-MS.ResultsEthyl acetate extract was the most effective among various organic extracts, whereas phytoconstituents such as flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, saponins, tannins, triterpenes and phytosterols were the major groups present, with flavonoids being the most potent antimicrobials. The phytoconstituents displayed a significant antibiofilm potential, as exhibited by inhibition of initial cell attachment, disruption of the pre-formed biofilms and reduced metabolic activity of biofilms. The phytoconstituents were significantly active against the drug-resistant strains ofE.coli, MRSA andSalmonellaspp. Further, flavonoids showed significant cytotoxic effect against the cancerous cell lines but were non-cytotoxic against Vero (normal) cell line. All the test preparations were biosafe, as depicted by the Ames test and MTT assay. Also, flavonoids did not induce any abnormality in body weight, clinical signs, biochemical parameters and organs’ histopathology of the Swiss albino mice during in vivo acute oral toxicity studies. The flavonoids were resolved into 4 bands (S1-S4), where S3 was the most active and its GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of a number of compounds, where Bicyclo [2.2.1]heptan-2-one,1,7,7-trimethyl-, (1S)- was the most abundant.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that the phytoconstituents fromSymplocos racemosabark could act as potential source of antimicrobial as well as antiproliferative metabolites.
Variations of the peak positions in the longitudinal profile of noon-time equatorial electrojet
Authors: Tuo Zié , Doumbia Vafi , Coïsson Pierdavide , Kouassi N’Guessan , Kassamba Abdel Aziz 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIn this study, the seasonal variations of the EEJ longitudinal profiles were examined based on the full CHAMP satellite magnetic measurements from 2001 to 2010. A total of 7537 satellite noon-time passes across the magnetic dip-equator were analyzed. On the average, the EEJ exhibits the wave-four longitudinal pattern with four maxima located, respectively, around 170° W, 80° W, 10° W and 100° E longitudes. However, a detailed analysis of the monthly averages yielded the classification of the longitudinal profiles in two types. Profiles with three main maxima located, respectively, around 150° W, 0° and 120° E, were observed in December solstice (D) of the Lloyd seasons. In addition, a secondary maximum observed near 90° W in November, December and January, reinforces from March to October to establish the wave-four patterns of the EEJ longitudinal variation. These wave-four patterns were divided into two groups: a group of transition which includes equinox months March, April and October and May in the June solstice; and another group of well-established wave-four pattern which covers June, July, August of the June solstice and the month of September in September equinox. For the first time, the motions in the course of seasons of various maxima of the EEJ noon-time longitudinal profiles have been clearly highlighted.