bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of hepatitis C virus among HIV-infected patients
Authors: Zayedi Elham , Makvandi Manoochehr , Teimoori Ali , Samarbaf-Zadeh Ali Reza , Ghafari Shokouh , Seyedian Seyed Saeed , Azaran Azarakhsh 
Published: April 2020

Background and Objectives: Hepatitis C virus and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) share the same rate of transmis- sion. HIV/HCV co-infected individuals may result in faster progression of liver fibrosis and highly increase the risk of cir- rhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma development. Thus this study was conducted to determine co-infection of HCV genotypes in positive HIV patients in Ahvaz city, Iran.
Materials and Methods: The sera samples were collected from confirmed 78 infected HIV, 67 (85.89%) males and 11 (14.1%) females. All sera samples were tested for HCV Ab using ELISA test. The HCV Ab positive samples were tested for detection of 5' untranslated (UTR) and core regions of HCV genome using nested RT-PCR. The PCR products of 5UTR and core regions were sequenced to determine HCV genotypes.
Results: Among the 78 infected HIV, 25 (32.05%) cases including 20 (25.64%) males and 5 (6.41%) females were positive for HCV Ab (p=0.316). 53 (67.94%) of HIV patients were negative for HCV Ab. Among 25 positive HCV Ab, 19 (24.35%) cases including 15 (19.23%) males and 4 (5.12%) females were positive for HCV RNA (p=0.447). The PCR products of 5 positive samples were randomly sequenced. The results of sequences and alignments showed that the detected HCV geno- types were three 3a and two 1a. The occurrence of genotype HCV 1a was found in one male injecting drug user Injecting Drug User (IDU) and one female. The HCV 3a genotype was detected in the three males IDU.
Conclusion: The results of this survey indicated that 32.05% of HIV patients were positive for HCV Ab, among them
24.35% were positive HCV RNA. HCV genotype 3a was dominant and detected in the three males IDU. Regarding the consequences of HIV/HCV co-infection, it is suggested that HCV RNA detection should be regularly checked in individuals infected with HIV.
Cyber-Physical Systems Technologies: Applications in Industry and Education
Authors: V. Potekhin V. , Selivanova E. N. , Shkodyrev V. P. 
Published: April 2020

Industry 4.0 concept development forms new trends as cloud computing, big data analysis, the industrial internet of things, machine-to-machine technologies. Cyber-physical systems (CPS) paradigm is based on these trends and integrates of computation, networking and physical processes. Synergy Center at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University works in the areas of intelligent systems for data processing and control, motion control systems for robotics, complex automation and mechatronics as components of CPS.
Keywords: Industry 4.0, Cyber-physical systems, Digital twin; intelligent control system, automation, Global digitalisation, Practical-oriented online courses, Skills training, Joint international educational programmes.
Application of System Engineering Methods in Management of Locomotive Design Processes
Authors: Yurovskikh D.A. 
Published: April 2020

In the presented article designing of a product is offered to consider as set of typical processes. Examples of processes occurring in the organization for possible optimization of resource costs and ensuring rhythmicity are given. The information environment of the product developer as the main participant of typical processes is described, and the approach on effective change of the developed in the organization of processes is offered. The key importance is given to the processes of forming the task for the development of the product and the subsequent analysis of the dynamics of change in the target indicators at each iteration of improving the standard processes.
Keywords: product, process, design, stakeholder, developer, knowledge, stag, rhythmicity.
Hepatoprotective Effect of Corn Silk Infusion in Male Wistar Rats
Authors: Ramadani Arba Pramundita , Tamhid Hady Anshory , Sadrina Tika Luthfi , Jasno Jasno , Mustafidah Mabrurotul 
Published: April 2020

The use of medicinal plants in treating various disease has been reported since long time ago, including for hepatic disease. Corn silk contains phytochemicals of medical benefit such as flavonoids compounds which act as antioxidant agents and has been widely reported possess hepatoprotective effect. Using a model of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity in 36 male Wistar rats, this study investigated the effect of corn silk infusion and assessed using enzymes produced by the liver in plasma [alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and liver glutathione (GSH)]. The corn silk infusion (in 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg BW doses) were administered 24 hours after CCl4-induction liver damage with 3ml/kg BW CCl4 in olive oil (1:1, v/v), intraperitoneally for seven days. Along with corn silk groups, distilled water (0.2 mL/kg BW) and Curcumin (100 mg/kg BW) were given for induction and drug control, respectively. In the end of the study (8th day), the level of both ALP dan GSH were measured. The differences among groups for GSH and ALP level were statistically calculated using ANOVA method. The result showed that the corn silk infusion is active at 200 mg/kg BW based on both ALP (18.74% decreased) and GSH (5-7% increased) level. Moreover, the flavonoid compound was detected on the infusion that may contribute on its hepatoprotective activity. In conclusion, corn silk infusion owned hepatoprotective effect in male Wistar rats.
Influence of Desert Springs on Habitat of Endangered Zuni Bluehead Sucker (Catostomus discobolus yarrowi)
Authors: Frus Rebecca J. , Crossey Laura J. , Dahm Clifford N. , Karlstrom Karl E. , Crowley Livia 
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACTLocated on the southeastern part of the Colorado Plateau, the Zuni Mountains are home to the endangered Zuni Bluehead Sucker (ZBS) (Catostomus discobolus yarrowi). A 4-year study was conducted on a low-flow (&lt;80 cm3/s) hillslope spring and intermittent stream, that are home to one of the three remaining ZBS populations. Seasonal measurements of physical and hydrochemical parameters were used to estimate the contribution of groundwater to the stream and to identify geologic and hydrologic controls for the spring discharge. Seasonal concentrations and standard deviations (s) of Mg2+ were used to determine that the spring water (5.6 mg/L; s = 0.4) and surface water up-gradient from the spring input (10.7 mg/L; s = 11.2) is from different sources. Surface water down-gradient from the spring input maintain ZBS populations and is a mixture of spring water and up-gradient surface water. Mass solution mixing was used to determine spring water contributes up to 99 percent of the down-gradient water during drier seasons. Isotopes (δD, δ18O, 3H) indicate that the spring water has been recharged primarily from snowmelt within the last 70 years, while up-gradient surface water is seasonal runoff from rain and snowmelt. Continuous monitoring of dissolved oxygen (DO) mean concentrations (up-gradient = 1.6 mg/L and down-gradient = 5.7 mg/L) indicated that surface water up-gradient from the spring input are anoxic and unable to support ZBS. Surface water down-gradient from the spring input maintain appropriate DO concentrations due to perennially discharging spring waters re-aerating downstream habitats.
WITHDRAWN: Transconjunctival Cryo-Assisted Extraction of Intraconal Cavernous Hemangioma
Authors: Ghafar Ayman el Sayed Abd el Sayed , Saleh Sameh M , Elwehidy Ahmed S , Awara Amr Mahmoud 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of cryo-assisted transconjunctival orbitotomy for the extraction of intraconal cavernous hemangiomas. Methods: The study was performed at the Mansoura Ophthalmic Center, Mansoura University, Egypt from May 2017 to August 2018 and included 18 patients with orbital intraconal cavernous hemangiomas. In all the cases, preoperative orbital magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with contrast was performed, the transconjunctival approach was used and cryo-assisted lesion extraction was performed. Cases were followed for six months after the surgery. Results: This study included 18 patients with intraconal cavernous hemangiomas, ten females (55.6%) and eight males (44.4%) with a mean age of 35.6 years. .The hemangiomas were lateral to the optic nerve in eight(44.5%), above the optic nerve in four cases(22.2%), and below the optic nerve in six cases(33.3%). Eight cases had postoperative complications: three cases (16.7%) had postoperative diplopia due to lateral rectus paresis that improved in all three cases within six months, one case (5.6%) had postoperative retrobulbar hemorrhage and proptosis that resolved within two weeks without sequelae, and four cases (22.2%) showed subconjunctival hemorrhages which resolved within two weeks. Of the two cases with preoperative decreases in visual acuity preoperative, one case (5.6%) showed improvement and one case (5.6%) did not improve. Conclusions: Cryoprobe-assisted transconjunctival orbitotomy for the excision of intraconal cavernous hemangiomas is a good approach with minor resolvable complications . Trial registration : Mansoura institutional review board (IRB) Registration number : R/17.05.26 Registration date : 10/5/2017
Clinical pictures, treatments, and resource use of norovirus gastroenteritis in long-term care facilities: A survey with a chart review in Japan
Authors: Fujiki Saori , Ishizaki Tatsuro , Nakayama Takeo 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Outbreaks of norovirus infection can have detrimental impacts on long-term care facilities. This study investigated the incidence, clinical picture, treatment and resource use of norovirus gastroenteritis in long-term care facilities.Methods: Nineteen facilities in Osaka and Kyoto, Japan participated in questionnaire surveys conducted between 2009 and 2011 regarding the incidence of norovirus gastroenteritis. From clinical charts, the characteristics, symptoms, and treatment of infected residents were analyzed. Total drug cost per infected resident was calculated by multiplying the unit price for each drug by the daily dose and the number of days administered and summing the costs for each drug (USD 1 = JPY 100).Results: Over the 3-year period, 8 outbreaks of norovirus gastroenteritis occurred in 6 facilities. The mean clinical course of 107 infected residents in five facilities that granted permission to examine patients’ medical records was 4 days, with all but one resident presenting with vomiting and/or diarrhea, and 84 (79%) also presenting with associated symptoms. Of 107 infected residents, 72 (67%) were isolated. The proportion of infected residents isolated varied from 50% to 100% depending on the facility. Of the infected residents, 81 (76%) received some type of medication, the most common being infusion (67 patients, 63%) and antibiotics (30 patients, 28%). The median total cost of all drugs administered was USD 4.4, and the median drug cost per infected resident per day was USD 2.0. Total drug cost over the entire treatment period was the highest for antibiotics, at USD 8.6.Conclusion: Clinical course was similar to those of norovirus cases examined at other long-term care facilities. The majority of infected residents received some type of medication. Although the economic burden was not large, not a few infected residents were given antibiotics, which are ineffective for norovirus.
Distribution of blaOXA, blaSHV, and blaTEM type extended-spectrum β-lactamase genes in multi-drug resistant Gram-negative isolates from burn patients of Lahore, Pakistan
Authors: Haider Muhammad Hayat , Ain Noor Ul , Abrar Samyyia , Riaz Saba 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
The authors have requested that this preprint be withdrawn due to author disagreement.
The Understanding of Research Ethics at Health Sciences Schools in Jordan: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Tarboush Nafez Abu , Alkayed Zaid , Alzoubi Karem H. , Al-Delaimy Wael K. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Research ethics is required for high-quality research that positively influences society. There is limited understanding of research ethics in Middle Eastern countries including Jordan. Here, we aim to investigate the level of understanding of research ethics principles among health sciences faculty members in Jordan. Methods: This is a cross sectional study where faculty members from the University of Jordan were surveyed for their knowledge and, attitude of research ethics principles. The study was conducted in the period between July 2016 to July 2017 using a customized-design questionnaire involving demographic data and participants' contributions toward research, and assessment of participants' knowledge, belief and attitude towards research ethics. Different question-formats have been used including multiple-choice, yes or no, and a four point Likert-type questions. Obtained responses were tabulated according to gender, academic-rank, and knowledge about research ethics principles.Results: The study had a response rate of 51%. Among the 137 participants of this study, most (96%) were involved in human and animal research, yet, only 2/3 had prior training in research ethics. Moreover, 91% believed that investigators should have training in research ethics and 87% believed that there should be a mandatory postgraduate course on that. The average correct scores for correct understanding of researchers towards research ethics was 62%. Yet, there were some misconceptions about the major ethical principles as only 43% identified them correctly. Additionally, the role of research ethics committees was not well understood by most of the respondents. Conclusions: Although there is acceptable knowledge about research ethics, discrepancies in understanding in research ethics principles seems to exist. There is a large support for further training in responsible conduct of research by faculty in health sciences in Jordan. Thus, such training should be required by universities to address this knowledge gap in order to improve research quality and its impact on society.
The effect of quitting water pipe during pregnancy on Anthropometric measurements at birth: a population-based prospective cohort study in South of Iran
Authors: Nematollahi Shahrzad , Holakouie-Naieni Koroush , Madani Abdolhossain , Shabkhiz Hossein , Torabi Elham , Lotfi Samaneh 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Evidence regarding health effects of tobacco cessation during pregnancy is mainly restricted to cigarette while water pipe is the preferred method of tobacco smoking among women in the Middle-East. The present ‎study aimed to assess the effects of cessation of water pipe during pregnancy on ‎birth anthropometric measures in the south of Iran. Methods: Data on 1,120 singleton pregnancies (response rate=93.4%) from a population-based prospective cohort study in suburban communities in Bandar Abbas city was used. Based on water pipe ‎smoking status, the study subjects were categorized into: 1) those who never smoke water pipe ‎‎(never smoker); 2)those who stopped water pipe during pregnancy and resumed it postpartum (quitters); 3) those who continued smoking water pipe during their pregnancy (always smokers). The ‎Generalized Linear Models (GLMs) were utilized for the analyses. Results: Compared to never smokers, quitting water pipe in pregnancy decreased mean birthweight of infants by 99.30 ‎grams (β:-99.30, 95%CI:-204.35,-5.75‎) and an additional decrease of 37.83 grams occurred in infants of always smokers (β:-137.13‎;95%CI:-262.21,-‎‎12.05‎). Means of birth length ‎did not significantly differ among the three water pipe groups. Means of head ‎circumference, however, significantly increased by 0.79 centimeter in infants of always smokers (β:079,95%CI:0.13,1.45). ‎ Conclusion: Quitting water pipe during pregnancy had positive effects on infant growth, especially birth weight. Awareness campaigns about health benefits of quitting water pipe during routine prenatal checkups and integration of active follow-up visits into prenatal care protocols for smoking mothers are provided.
On the utility of RNA sample pooling to optimize cost and statistical power in RNA sequencing experiments
Authors: Assefa Alemu Takele , Vandesompele Jo , Thas Olivier 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: In gene expression studies, RNA sample pooling is sometimes considered because of budget constraints or lack of sufficient input material. Using microarray technology, RNA sample pooling strategies have been reported to optimize both the cost of data generation as well as the statistical power for differential gene expression (DGE) analysis. For RNA sequencing, with its different quantitative output in terms of counts and tunable dynamic range, the adequacy and empirical validation of RNA sample pooling strategies have not yet been evaluated. In this study, we comprehensively assessed the utility of pooling strategies in RNA-seq experiments using empirical and simulated RNA-seq datasets.
Results: The data generating model in pooled experiments is defined mathematically to evaluate the the mean and variability of gene expression estimates. The model is further used to examine the trade-off between the statistical power of testing for DGE and the data generating costs. Empirical assessment of pooling strategies is done through analysis of RNA-seq datasets under various pooling and non-pooling experimental settings. Simulation study is also used to rank experimental scenarios with respect to the rate of false and true discoveries in DGE analysis. The results demonstrate that pooling strategies in RNA-seq studies can be both cost-effective and powerful when the number of pools, pool size and sequencing depth are optimally defined.
Conclusion: For high within-group gene expression variability, small RNA sample pools are effective to reduce the variability and compensate for the loss of the number of replicates. Unlike the typical cost-saving strategies, such as reducing sequencing depth or number of RNA samples (replicates), an adequate pooling strategy is effective in maintaining the power of testing DGE for genes with low to medium abundance levels, along with a substantial reduction of the total cost of the experiment. In general, pooling RNA samples or pooling RNA samples in conjunction with moderate reduction of the sequencing depth can be good options to optimize the cost and maintain the power.
Associations between learning environment variables and students’ approaches to studying: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Mørk Gry , Magne Trine A. , Carstensen Tove , Stigen Linda , Åsli Lene A. , Gramstad Astrid , Johnson Susanne G. , Bonsaksen Tore 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Aspects of the learning environment may be related to students` approaches to studying, but few studies have investigated these relationships in the context of occupational therapy education. Objective: To examine associations between occupational therapy students’ perceptions of the learning environment and their approaches to studying.Method: 187 first-year occupational therapy students in Norway (response rate 61.3 %) participated in this study. Aside from sociodemographic information, the students completed the Course Experience Questionnaire and the Approaches and Study Skills Inventory for Students. Associations between learning environment variables and study approaches were investigated with hierarchical linear regression analyses.Results: Higher scores on Generic skills were associated with higher scores on the deep and strategic approach scales (β ranging 0.18-0.51), while lower scores were associated with higher surface approach scale scores (β = -0.24). Lower scores on Clear goals and standards and Appropriate workload were associated with higher surface approach scores (β ranging -0.16 - -0.42).Conclusion: By improving aspects of the learning environment, there may be a potential for influencing occupational therapy students’ approaches to studying. Based on this study, emphasizing how generic skills developed in the study program may become useful in practising a profession, ensuring clarity of goals and standards, and maintaining an appropriate workload on students appear to be important.
Comparison of different feedback modalities for the training of procedural skills in Oral and Maxillofacial surgery: a blinded, randomized and controlled study
Authors: Seifert Lukas Benedikt , Herrera-Vizcaino Carlos , Herguth Philipp , Sterz Jasmina , Sader Robert 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Feedback given to students plays an important role concerning their efficiency in learning practical skills. With the purpose of facilitating this objective, the effectiveness of diverse modalities of given feedback has been investigated. Our hypothesis is that Individualized and Unsupervised Video Feedback can produce a similar learning experience in performing practical skills in Oral and Maxillofacial surgery as with conventional Direct Expert Feedback (Control group).Methods: This prospective, randomized controlled and blinded study compared Direct Expert Feedback (DEF), Individualized Video Feedback (IVF) and Unsupervised Video Feedback (UVF). Participants were fourth-year dental students from the University Goethe of Frankfurt. Students were assigned to one of the three feedback methods ( n = 20) using simple randomization. All participants received a video instruction of an interdental (‘Ernst’) ligature and a periphery venous catheterization. Subsequently, students were video recorded performing the tasks by themselves (pre-test). Following this, every student received feedback using one of the above mentioned modalities of feedback. Then, the participants performed the same task again while being video recorded (post-test) to measure the acquired competence. Six weeks later, the students participated in an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE), where the long-term knowledge retention was evaluated. All examiners were blinded towards the students’ instructional approach and affiliation of the learning group.Results: For the interdental ligature, significant improvements for each feedback modality from pre-test to post-test were found. The intragroup comparison in the post-test showed no significant differences between the three groups. All groups showed good knowledge retention from post-test to the long-term knowledge retention test. At the placement of a peripheral venous catheter, the IVF and UVF Group showed significant reduction of performance from the post-test to the long-term knowledge retention test.Conclusion: This study showed that IVF and UVF were acceptable in the acquisition of basic surgical skills in Oral and Maxillofacial surgery and were not quantitatively different from DEF in improving skills.