bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hemispheric difference of regional brain function exists in patients with acute stroke in different cerebral hemispheres：a resting-state fMRI study
Authors: Gao Jingchun , Yang Canhong , Li Qixiong , Chen Lanpin , Jiang Yijing , Liu Songyan , Zhang Jing , Liu Gang , Chen Junqi 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Objective: To explore the different compensatory mechanisms of brain function between the patients with brain dysfunction after acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in dominant hemisphere and the non-dominant hemisphere, based on Resting-state Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (Rs-fMRI).Methods: In this trial, 15 healthy subjects(HS) were used as blank controls. 30 hemiplegic patients with middle cerebral artery acute infarction of the different dominant hemisphere were divided into the dominant hemisphere group (DH) and the non-dominant hemisphere group (NDH), scanned by a 3.0 T MRI scanner, to obtain the amplitude of low frequency fluctuations (ALFF) and regional homogeneity (ReHo) and compare the differences.Results: Compared with the HS, increased ALFF values in the brain areas such as bilateral midbrain were observed in DH. While decreased ReHo values in the brain areas such as right postcentral gyrus (BA3) were also observed. Enhanced ALFF values in the brain areas such as left BA6, and enhanced ReHo values in the brain areas such as left precuneus were observed in NDH. And the ALFF and ReHo values of right BA9 and precentral gyrus were both increased. Compared with DH, NDH have lower ALFF values in left supplementary motor area and lower ReHo values in right BA10.Conclusion: After acute infarction in the middle cerebral artery of the dominant hemisphere, a compensation mechanism is triggered in brain areas of the ipsilateral cortex regulating motor-related pathways, while some brain areas related to cognition, sensation and motor in the contralateral cortex are suppressed, and the connection with the peripheral brain regions is weakened. After acute infarction in the middle cerebral artery of the non-dominant hemisphere, compensatory activation appears in motor control-related brain areas of the dominant hemisphere. After acute middle cerebral artery infarction in the dominant hemisphere, compared with the non-dominant hemisphere, functional specificity in bilateral supplementary motor area weakens. After acute middle cerebral artery infarction in different hemispheres, there are hemispheric differences in the compensatory mechanism of brain function. Trial registration: Ethics Committee of the China-Japan Union Hospital at Jilin University approval. Trial Registration Number:Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR-IOR-15007672. Registered July 18, 2016 (No. 2016ks043).
Prophylactic Effect of Brimonidine To Minimize The Incidence of Subconjunctival Hemorrhage after 23G Pars Plana Vitrectomy
Authors: Desco M. Carmen , Martín Julio Cesar Molina , Mataix-Boronat Jorge , Pascual-Camps Isabel , Palacios-Pozo Elena , Barón-García Marisa , Pinero David , Navea-Tejerina Amparo 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundSeveral studies have already investigated the prophylactic effect of brimonidine drops in preventing subconjunctival hemorrhage in some microincisional ophthalmic surgeries. The aim of the current study was to determine if subconjunctival hemorrhage after 23G pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) could be prevented with the use of prophylactic topical brimonidine.Main textIt was a phase III, prospective, interventional, randomized, controlled single-center clinical trial with a follow-up of 2 weeks. A total of 77 eyes (mean age: 68.4 ± 10.7 years) undergoing 23G PPV were included and randomized into 2 groups: group 1 including 41 patients receiving prophylactic preoperative treatment with brimonidine, and Group 2 (control group) including 36 patients not receiving this prophylactic treatment. Differences in terms of number of conjunctival quadrants affected with subconjunctival hemorrhage were evaluated in each of the follow-up visits. The presence of subconjunctival hemorrhage was similar in both groups the first days after surgery (p > 0.05). At the last visit, this condition was significantly more frequent in control group where there was a significant difference, being more frequent in the control group (7.3% vs. 28.6%, p = 0.022). The number of conjunctival quadrants affected was also similar in both groups, except for the last visit in which most of patients treated with brimonidine (92.7%) showed no bleeding compared to 71.4% in control group. No effect on the efficacy of brimonidine treatment of the presence of blood hypertension, diabetes and antiplatelet or anticoagulant treatment was observed.ConclusionsBrimonidine seems to be a useful option to decrease subconjunctival hemorrhage after micro-incisional vitreoretinal surgery or improve its resolution during the first postoperative week. This finding should be mainly due to the vasoconstrictor effect of brimonidine.Trial registrationEudraCT, 2012-002895-15. Registered 19 December 2012, https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/ctr-search/search?query=2012-002895-15
Species Composition, Relative Abundance and Distribution of Rodents in Wof-Washa Natural State Forest, North Shewa, Amhara, Ethiopia
Authors: Dadi Mulu Negesse , Mammo Dereje Yazezew , Teferedegn Gezahegn Degefe , Zelelew Gezahegn Getachew 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: The species composition, relative abundance and distribution of rodents were studied in Wof-Washa Natural State Forest, Ethiopia from December 2016 to May 2017 during dry and wet seasons. A total of 49 Sherman live traps were set per grid at 10 m intervals in permanent 4900 m2 (70mx70m) live trapping grids established in intact forest, disturbed forest, Erica woodland, plantation forest and Farmland habitats. Result: A total of 621 individuals of rodents were captured in 2,560 trap nights by using both live traps and snap traps. Seven species of rodents in family Muridae were recorded. Out of the total rodents caught in the study period, Stenocephalemys albipes, Pelomys harringtoni and Lophuromys flavopunctatus are endemics to Ethiopia. Plantation forest had the highest mean trapping success whereas the lowest trap success was in the Erica woodland. The distribution of rodent species was significantly differed (P<0.05) among studied habitats. Higher trap success was recorded in dry season (26.2) than the wet season (24.4). The highest value of Shannon index was recorded in plantation forest (H’ = 1.82) followed by farmland habitat (H’ =1.67) during the wet season and the lowest value was observed in the intact forest (H’ = 0.67) and Erica woodland (H’ = 0.67) during the dry season. From the total catch, adults comprised 260(41.9%), sub-adults 248(39.9%) and juveniles 113(18.2%).Conclusion: The present study provides the first valuable demonstration on the species composition, relative abundance and distribution of rodents in the WWNSF. Further monitoring and inventory of small mammals is warranted to document and conserve the different endemic and endangered rodent species to designing important biodiversity management plan in the area.
Ecological Risk of Heavy Metal in Agricultural Soil and Transfer to Rice Grains
Authors: Mahmud Upoma , Salam Md. Tareq Bin , Khan Abu , Rahman Md. Mizanur 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Higher accumulation of toxic heavy metals in rice grain and agricultural soil may lead to an imbalanced ecosystem. The present study was carried out to assess the risk of different heavy metals nickel, copper, arsenic, lead, and manganese in agricultural soil and transfer status to rice grain. The samples were collected from four agricultural fields at different times in the Dumuria Upazila (sub-district) under Khulna district in Bangladesh. Heavy metal concentration in soil extracts, irrigation water samples, and grain samples was determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). Average metal concentrations were calculated and compared with the reference value in soil. In most of the cases, the existence of heavy metals in agricultural soil was greater than the reference soil which is a rising concern. Overall risk index (RI) stated that the examined soils were at moderate risk of contamination. Transfer factor (TF) of Arsenic (0.037 to 0.115) and Manganese (0.056 to 0.155) from soil to rice grain were higher that is also a matter of concern. On the other hand, TF of Lead (Pb) was found in a very negligible amount which is a good sign. Regular monitoring of heavy metals in agricultural soil should be initiated and the awareness level should be increased to avoid environmental problems.
Assessing the Reliability and Validity of Attitudes and Confidence Scales for the Care of Women and Girls Affected by Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting
Authors: Marea Christina X. , Warren Nicole , Glass Nancy , Johnson-Agbakwu Crista , Perrin Nancy 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Approximately 545,000 women and girls in the USA have undergone Female Genital Mutilation/ Cutting (FGM/C) or have mothers from a country where FGM/C is practiced. Women and girls living with FGM/C in the USA may experience stigma and bias due to their FGM/C, immigration, racial, and language status. Health care provider attitudes toward FGM/C and confidence for related clinical care may affect the quality of care, yet there are no validated instruments. Methods: We developed the instruments via review of the FGM/C literature, the development of scale items, expert review, and pre-testing. We validated the instruments using a convenience sample of providers in Arizona and Maryland. We used exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to confirm factor structures, and compared scores between known groups to assess validity.Results: The EFA revealed a two-factor solution for attitudes, including subscales for Negative Attitudes and Empathetic Attitudes toward FGM/C and those who practice with Cronbach’s alphas of 0.814 and 0.628 respectively. The EFA for confidence revealed a two-factor solution including Confidence in Clinical FGM/C Care and Confidence in Critical Communication Skills for FGM/C Care with Cronbach’s alphas of 0.857 and 0.694 respectively.Conclusions: Health care provider attitudes and confidence toward FGM/C care may affect quality of care and health outcomes for women and girls. Our study describes the rigorous psychometric analysis to create reliable and valid instruments to assess health care provider attitudes and confidence for the care of women and girls who have experienced FGM/C.Trial Registration: Clinical Trials.Gov ID # NCT03249649, Study ID# 5252. Public website: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03249649
Better Short-term Function After Unicompartmental Compared to Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Tille Eric , Beyer Franziska , Auerbach Kai , Tinius Marco , Lützner Jörg 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundUnicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is an established treatment option for patients with unicompartmental osteoarthritis (OA). However, strict patient selection is crucial for its success. The proposed advantages include nearly natural knee kinematics, faster rehabilitation and better functional outcomes. Despite these facts and it’s proven cost-effectiveness, there are hesitations for the use of UKA as an alternative to total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Key objectives of this study were therefore to assess clinical and patient-reported-outcome (PRO) as well as patient’s satisfaction after medial UKA in comparison to TKA. MethodsTo assess the outcome after UKA we conducted a prospective multi-center study. 116 patients with unicompartmental OA and indication for UKA were included. Overall 54 females and 62 males with an average age of 62.7 years (±9.8) and an average body mass index (BMI) of 29.2 (± 3.7) were recruited. Clinical results and PRO were assessed using the Knee Society Score (KSS). Follow-ups took place 3 months, 1 and 2 years after surgery including clinical examination, radiographs, assessment of PRO and adverse events. Pain and satisfaction were evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS, 0 (worst) to 10 (best)).For comparison with TKA a propensity score matched-pair analysis was performed to eliminate confounders. Matching criteria were gender, patient´s age, BMI and comorbidities. A total of 116 matched-pairs were analysed. ResultsThere was no revision in the UKA group until 2 years after surgery. Revision rates were higher in the TKA group (0.6%).Preoperative KSS-Scores were higher within the UKA cohort (p < 0.001). After surgical treatment, PROMs displayed a significant improvement (p < 0,001) in both cohorts. Regarding the Knee-Score (Pain, Alignment, ROM) we observed no differences between cohorts after 12 months. The Function-Score demonstrated significantly better results in the UKA cohort (UKA vs. TKA 95 vs 80, p < 0.001). Patient satisfaction was higher in UKA patients (UKA vs TKA 9.0 vs 8.8, p = 0.019).ConclusionPatients of both cohorts showed high satisfaction after knee arthroplasty. UKA resulted in higher function scores compared to TKA without increased revision rate during short-term follow-up. Therefore, UKA is a good treatment option for unicompartmental OA. Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov, NCT04598568. Registered 22 October 2020 - Retrospectively registered, https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/record/NCT04598568?cond=balanSys+Uni&draw=2&rank=1
Optimal Preparation of COVID-19&nbsp;Viral Transport Medium for Culture
Authors: McAuley Julie , Fraser Claire , Paraskeva Elena , Trajcevska Elizabeth , Sait Michelle , Wang Nancy , Burt Eric , Purcell Damian , Strugnell Richard 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
IntroductionThe sudden arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic placed significant stresses on supply chains including viral transport medium (VTM). The VTM that was urgently required needed to support viral replication, as well as other routine diagnostic approaches. We describe the preparation and validation testing of VTM for rapidly expanding diagnostic testing, where the capacity of the VTM to preserve viral integrity, for culture, isolation and full sequence analysis, was maintained.MethodsVTM was prepared using different methods of sterilization then ‘spiked’ with virus. The VTM was investigated using viral culture in Vero cells, and for nucleic acid detection by quantitative PCR (qPCR).ResultsThe best results were obtained by filter and autoclave-based sterilization. The VTM proved robust for culture-based analyses provided the inoculated VTM was stored at 4oC, and tested within 48 hours. The filtered VTM also supported PCR-based diagnosis for at least 5 days when the mock inoculated VTM was held at room temperature (RT).DiscussionThe manual handling of VTM production, including filling and sterilization, was optimized. SARS-CoV-2 was spiked into VTM to assess different sterilization methods and measure the effects of storage time and temperature upon VTM performance. While most diagnostic protocols will not require replication competent virus, the use of high quality VTM will allow for the next phase of laboratory analysis in the COVID-19 pandemic, including drug and antibody susceptibility analysis of re-isolated SARS--CoV-2, and for the testing of vaccine escape mutants.
Nearfield trapping increases lifetime of&nbsp;single-molecule junction by one order of magnitude
Authors: Aragonès Albert C. , Domke Katrin F. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Progress in molecular electronics (ME) is largely based on improved understanding of the properties of single molecules (SM) trapped for seconds or longer to enable their detailed characterization. We present a plasmon-supported break-junction (PBJ) platform to significantly increase the lifetime of SM junctions of 1,4-benzendithiol (BDT) without the need for chemical modification of molecule or electrode. Moderate far-field power densities of ca. 11 mW/µm2 lead to a >10-fold increase in minimum lifetime compared to laser-OFF conditions. The nearfield trapping efficiency is twice as large for bridge-site contact compared to hollow-site geometry, which can be attributed to the difference in polarizability. Current measurements and tip-enhanced Raman spectra confirm that native structure and contact geometry of BDT are preserved during the PBJ experiment. By providing a non-invasive pathway to increase short lifetimes of SM junctions, PBJ is a valuable approach for ME, paving the way for improved SM sensing and recognition platforms.
Modified Cancer TNM Classification for Localized Renal Cell Carcinoma based on the Prognostic Analysis of 3748 Cases from a Single Center
Authors: Zhang Jian , Li Xiaoli , Lin Jun , Liu Zhijia , Chen Changqing , Tao Yu , Tian Ye , Wang Qiang 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background The optimal cutoff point for evaluating the prognosis of localized renal cell carcinoma remains unclear. The study aimed to verify the efficacy of tumor diameter in the 2010 AJCC TNM staging system and put forward modification for TNM staging on the prognosis. Methods 3748 patients with localized renal cell carcinoma were enrolled and grouped according to the 2010 AJCC TNM staging system. COX analysis was used to stratify the prognosis and optimal cutoff point of the tumor diameter in the T1 and T2 prognosis was explored. Results 3330 (88.9%) were in stage T1 and 418 (11.1%) were in stage T2. The cancer-specific mortality rate was 2.7% (100/3748). Mean follow-up was 49.8 months. The analysis of tumor diameter at 7 cm can greatly determine the prognosis of patients at stages T1 and T2. However, the tumor diameters of 4.5 and 11 cm set as the cutoff points for T1 and T2 subclassifications of patients with LRCC seemed to have better recognition ability than 4 and 10 cm, respectively. Conclusions The 2010 AJCC TNM stage can greatly predict the prognosis of LRCC in stages T1 and T2. In addition, 4.5 and 11 cm might be optional cutoff points for the tumor diameters for subclassifying stages T1 and T2.
Establishment of a Risk Factor and Clinical Prediction Model for Distal Metastasis and Prognosis of Ewing Sarcoma: A SEER-Based Study
Authors: LI WENLE , HU Zhaohui , wang yonghui , Chen Wenyang , HE Keyun , QIN Chuan , GAO Sen 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: the purpose of this study was to establish and validate a clinical predictive model for predicting the risk of metastasis and survival of patients with Ewing sarcoma. Methods: the data of patients diagnosed with Ewing' sarcoma (ES) from 2004 to 2015 were collected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and final results Database (The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results, SEER). By excluding vacancy data and random number method, the screened data were divided into training set (nasty 2520) and verification set (nasty 1076). Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the risk factors related to tumor metastasis, and Kaplan-Meier curve and Cox proportional hazard model were used to explore the related risk factors affecting patient survival. A visual line chart (Nomogram) based on the above analysis was developed to predict ES tumor metastasis and patient's 3-and 5-year survival probability, and to verify it. Results: in the analysis of tumor metastasis, it was found that age over 60 years old, operation, tumor volume, radiotherapy and chemotherapy were the high risk factors of tumor metastasis. The establishment of Nomogram, to predict the risk of tumor metastasis and the use of ROC curve showed that the predictive model had better predictive ability (AUC=0.744,95%CI0.721-0.768), which could predict the existence of tumor metastasis. In the survival analysis of the training set, age (20-29, 30-60, > 60), location of tumor (axial, bone, facial bone), mode of operation (local excision, radical resection), number of primary tumor (multiple), tumor stage M (M 1,), Stage Group (II,III,IV,UNK stage), tumor volume (5 cm 10 cm, greater than 10cm), spread range (local metastasis). Distal metastasis), radiotherapy and chemotherapy are independent prognostic factors of patients. The Nomogram, established to predict 3 years and 5 years of patients is verified by the verification set, which shows a good consistency (c index = 0.747, 95% CI, 0.696-0.797).Conclusion: Nomogram with good predictive ability is developed to predict the risk of tumor metastasis and the 3-and 5-year survival rate of patients with ES. External data validation is still needed in future clinical applications, especially outside the United States.
A nomogram to Predict the Upgrading Rate of ISUP grades of Radical Prostatectomy in Patients Undergoing Transrectal Prostate Biopsy and Transperineal Prostate Cognitive Fusion Biopsy
Authors: Zhang Zhilei , Qin Fei , Ma Guofeng , Yuan Hang , Yu Yongbo , Sun Yefeng , Jiang Yanxia , Jiao Wei , Zhang Mingxin , Niu Haitao 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Backgroud: This study was aimed to develop and internally validate an ISUP (International Society of Urology Pathology) upgrade risk nomogram from the biopsy tissue to the specimen of radical prostatectomy. Methods: The clinical characteristics of 166 patients with prostate cancer were retrospectively analyzed, who were divided into two groups based on the upgrade of ISUP between the biopsy tissue and radical prostatectomy specimen. Logistic regression analysis was used to predict the significant independent factors of ISUP upgrade, a nomogram was established to predict ISUP upgrade of prostatectomy specimen based on the significant factors. The C-index, calibration plot, and decision curve analysis were used to assess the discrimination, calibration, and clinical usefulness of the predicting model. Internal validation was evaluated by using the bootstrapping validation. Results: There were 47 patients in the ISUP upgrade group and 119 patients in the no ISUP upgrade group respectively. Patients in the ISUP upgrade group inclined to be younger age, smaller PV, lower GS scores and PB-ISUP than the no ISUP upgrade group (p=0.043, p=0.041, p < 0.001, p =0.04, respectively), Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that PSA≥20 ng/ml (OR=8.558, P=0.024), Gleason score of PCa≤6 (OR=9.026, P=0.004), PB-ISUP=3,4vs5 (OR=23.232, P=0.000417; OR=26.72, P=0.000241), ways of prostate biopsy (TP-SB+COG-TB (transperineal prostate biopsy + cognitive fusion targeted biopsy) VS TR-SB (transrectal prostate system biopsy), OR=033, P=0.036) and number of positive cores < 10 (OR=0.21, P=0.002) were the independent risk factors for ISUP upgrade. A prediction nomogram model of ISUP upgrade was built based on these significant factors above, the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUC) curve of which was 0.843. The C-index for the prediction nomogram was 0.871 (95% CI: 0.817–0.925) and the nomogram showed good calibration. Decision curve analysis also demonstrated that the threshold value of RP-ISUP upgrade risk was 1% to 89%. Conclusion: A novel nomogram incorporating PSA, Gleason score of PCa, PB-ISUP, ways of prostate biopsy and number of positive cores was built with a relatively good accuracy to assist clinicians to evaluate the risk of ISUP upgrade in the radical prostatectomy specimen, especially for the low-risk prostate cancer diagnosed by TR-SB.