bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of direct‐acting antiviral‐based treatment in hepatitis C virus infected patients with chronic renal function impairment: An updated systemic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Yang Hongling , Hu Xiao , Pu Lei , Ren Song , Feng Yunlin 
Published: February 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo further determine the efficacy and safety of direct‐acting antiviral (DAA)‐based treatments in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infected patients with renal function impairment.MethodsMEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library were searched for relevant studies. All studies assessing the efficacy and safety of DAA‐based treatments against HCV infection in patients with renal impairment and HCV infection were eligible for inclusion. Outcomes assessed included efficacy outcomes and safety outcomes. Summary estimates were obtained using an inverse‐variance weighted random effect model and Freeman‐Tukey double arcsine transformation.ResultsTwenty‐seven studies (n = 1048 participants) were included. The majority of included studies were of fair quality with Newcastle‐Ottawa scale scores between 4 and 6. The pooled virologic response rates at the end of treatment or 4, 12, 24 weeks after treatment (ie, EOTR, SVR4, SVR12 and SVR24 rates) were 97.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 94.0%‐99.0%), 80.9% (95% CI, 49.3%‐98.7%), 94.1% (95% CI, 91.6%‐96.3%) and 89.6% (95% CI, 75.5%‐98.1%), respectively. The pooled relapse rate was 6.4% (95% CI, 3.4%‐10.4%). The pooled incidence of adverse events and severe adverse events leading to discontinuation were 47.6% (95% CI, 35.0%‐60.4%) and 2.9% (95% CI, 1.4%‐5.0%), respectively. High heterogeneity among studies exists for SVR4 and SVR24 rates. Formal statistical testing did not identify the presence of publication bias for all measured outcomes except the relapse rate.ConclusionThe results support the efficacy and safety of DAA‐based treatments in this population. Future studies with better design, larger sample size and longer follow up will be the next step.SUMMARY AT A GLANCEThis systematic review evaluated the efficacy and safety of direct‐acting antiviral based therapies in hepatitis C infection in patients with renal impairment. The majority of studies were of fair quality only. These therapies were found to be highly efficacious although there were high rates of adverse events.
Accounting for Heterogeneity in Network Formation Behaviour: An Application to Vietnamese SMEs
Authors: Hoshino Tadao , Shimamoto Daichi , Todo Yasuyuki 
Published: February 2020

AbstractNetwork formation is often characterized by homophily, i.e. the tendency of agents to connect with others who have similar attributes. However, while most agents are homophilous, others could be heterophilous; they aim to create ties with dissimilar agents. This study provides empirical evidence supporting this hypothesis by applying a random coefficient approach to data on the information‐sharing networks of small‐ and medium‐sized Vietnamese enterprises. In particular, we find that firms tend to form heterophilous links with respect to business type and gender ratio. One possible reason for the heterophily is that firms can obtain useful and performance‐improving information from such dissimilar partners.
Intramuscular dexmedetomidine and oral chloral hydrate for pediatric sedation for electroencephalography: A propensity score‐matched analysis
Authors: Joo Eun‐Young , Kim Yeon Ju , Park Yong‐Seok , Park Jihoon , Song Myung Hee , Hahm Kyung‐Don , Choi In‐Cheol 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundIntramuscular dexmedetomidine can be used for pediatric sedation without requiring intravenous access and has advantages for electroencephalography by inducing natural sleep pathway, but only a limited number of studies compared the efficacy of intramuscular dexmedetomidine with oral chloral hydrate.AimsTo compare the efficacy and safety of intramuscular dexmedetomidine and oral chloral hydrate used for sedation during electroencephalography in pediatric patients.MethodsWe reviewed the medical records of pediatric patients who underwent sedation for electroencephalography between January 2015 and December 2016. Initial doses of dexmedetomidine and chloral hydrate were 3 mcg/kg and 50 mg/kg, respectively; second doses (1 mcg/kg and 50 mg/kg, respectively) were administered if adequate sedation was not achieved. Demographic data, time of sedative administration, time of sedation and awakening, and time of arrival at recovery room and discharge were analyzed.ResultsOut of a total of 1239 patients, 125 patients had received dexmedetomidine and 1114 had received chloral hydrate. After 1:1 propensity score matching, the dexmedetomidine and chloral hydrate groups each had 118 patients. Testing completion rate with a single dose of medication was higher in the dexmedetomidine group (91.5% vs 71.2%; mean difference [95% CI] 20.3 [10.8‐29.9];P < .0001; Pearson chi‐square value = 16.09). Sedation onset time was shorter in the dexmedetomidine group as well (16.6 ± 13.0 minutes vs 41.5 ± 26.8 minutes; mean difference [95% CI] 24.8 [19.1‐30.6];P < .0001; T = 8.27). On the contrary, the duration of recovery was longer in the dexmedetomidine group (35.5 ± 40.2 minutes vs 18.5 ± 30.7 minutes; mean difference [95% CI] 18.6 [8.8‐28.5];P = .0002; T = −2.82). Total residence time was not significantly different between the two groups (125.8 ± 40.6 minutes vs 122.1 ± 42.2 minutes, mean difference [95% CI] 5.21 [6.1‐16.5],P = .3665 T = 0.04).ConclusionsIntramuscular dexmedetomidine showed higher sedation success rate and shorter time to achieving the desired sedation level compared with oral chloral hydrate and thus may be an effective alternative for oral chloral hydrate in pediatric patients requiring sedation for electroencephalography.
A Bayesian approach to triaxial strain tomography from high‐energy X‐ray diffraction
Authors: Hendriks J. N. , Wensrich C. M. , Wills A. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractDiffraction of high‐energy X‐rays produced at synchrotron sources can provide rapid strain measurements, with high spatial resolution, and good penetrating power. With an uncollimated diffracted beam, through‐thickness averages of strain can be measured using this technique, which poses an associated rich tomography problem. This paper proposes a Gaussian process (GP) model for three‐dimensional strain fields satisfying static equilibrium and an accompanying algorithm for tomographic reconstruction of strain fields from high‐energy X‐ray diffraction. This method can achieve triaxial strain tomography in three dimensions using only a single axis of rotation. The method builds upon recent work where the GP approach was used to reconstruct two‐dimensional strain fields from neutron‐based measurements. A demonstration is provided from simulated data, showing the method is capable of rejecting realistic levels of Gaussian noise.
EFFECTS OF PEBAX COATING CONCENTRATIONS ON CO2/CH4 SEPARATION OF RGO/ZIF-8 PES MEMBRANES
Authors: Jamil Najihah , Othman Nur Hidayati , Shahrudin Munawar Zaman , Mohd Razlan Mohd Rizuan , Alias Nur Hashimah , Marpani Fauziah , Woe Jye Lau , Goh Pei Sean , Ismail Ahmad Fauzi 
Published: March 2020

The biggest challenge surrounding application of polymeric membranes for gas separation is their trade–off between gas permeation and selectivity. Therefore, the use of mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) comprising inorganic materials embedded into a polymer matrix can overcome this issue. In this work, PES flat sheet membrane and MMMs consists of 10 wt.% of rGO/ZIF-8 hybrid nanofillers were fabricated via dry/wet phase inversion process. Dip‐coating technique was then used to deposit PEBAX selective layer onto the surface of rGO/ZIF-8 PES support. The effects of PEBAX coating solution concentrations (2, 3 and 4 wt.%) on the permselectivity of CO2 and CH4 were investigated. The as-prepared rGO/ZIF-8 nanofillers and MMMs were characterized by fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (SEM) prior to gas separation performance study. Gas permeation testing was carried out at operating pressure of 1, 3 and 5 bar using CO2 and CH4 gasses. It was observed that the prepared PES membranes and rGO/ZIF-8 PES MMMs did not have any selectivity towards the gases although their permeability was high. As the concentration of PEBAX coating solution increased, thicker coating layer was formed. Therefore, the permeability of CO2 rapidly dropped but the CO2/CH4 selectivity increased significantly up to 38.4. Results indicated that the use of 2 wt.% of PEBAX was not effective to form homogenous coating layers on PES membrane and to cover any defects on membrane surfaces, thus, possessing low selectivity of CO2/CH4. The high gas separation performances obtained in this work was due to the synergistic effect rGO and ZIF-8 crystals. In the rGO/ZIF-8 MMMs, the dispersibility are enhanced due to the presence of distorted rGO sheets, while the ZIF-8 component ensure the porosity of the nanofillers and permit gas interactions with the metallic sites and functional groups on the organic linker. These sites facilitate the reactive adsorption leading to enhanced CO2 adsorption as compared to CH4.
Assessments of High-Efficient Regenerative Evaporative Cooler Effects on Desiccant Air Cooling Systems
Authors: Caliskan Hakan , Lee Dae-Young , Hong Hiki 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
In this paper, the effects of regenerative evaporative coolers on the dry desiccant air cooling system are assessed. Thermodynamic analysis is performed point by point on the unmodified (ɛ = 0.67) and modified (ɛ = 1) regenerative evaporative cooler supported systems. It is found that the effectiveness and efficiency of the system were significantly increased by modification. Effectiveness of the system increases from 0.95 to 2.16 for the wet bulb and from 0.63 to 1.43 for dew point effectivenesses, while the exergy efficiency increases from 18.40% to 41.93%. Exergy and energy performances of the system increase 1.28 times and 0.61 times, respectively. Finally, sustainability is increased by 40% with the modification of the regenerative evaporative cooler. Also, changing the regenerative evaporative cooler of the solid desiccant wheel with the effective one can increase the overall system efficiency and performance without changing the sensible heat and desiccant wheels.
The Effect of Surface Thermal Radiation on Heat Transfer in a Ventilated Cavity
Authors: Navarro J. M. A. , Hinojosa J. F. , Piña-Ortiz A. , Xamán J. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIn this work, experimental and numerical results were obtained to analyze the effect of surface thermal radiation on heat transfer by mixed convection in a ventilated cavity. Experimental temperature profiles were obtained at six different depths and heights consisting of 14 thermocouples each. Five turbulence models were evaluated against experimental data. The radiative heat transfer model was solved with the discrete ordinate method. The effect of thermal radiation on experimental heat transfer coefficients is significant; it increases between 87% (Re = 30,372 and Ra = 3.04 × 1011) and 110% (Re = 6021 and Ra = 2.27 × 1011), when the emissivity of the walls increases from 0.03 to 0.98.
Reduced Glucose Tolerance and Skeletal Muscle GLUT4 and IRS1 Content in Cyclists Habituated to a Long-Term Low-Carbohydrate, High-Fat Diet
Authors: Webster Christopher C. , van Boom Kathryn M. , Armino Nur , Larmuth Kate , Noakes Timothy D. , Smith James A. , Kohn Tertius A. 
Published: February 2020

Very little is known about how long-term (>6 months) adaptation to a low-carbohydrate, high-fat (LCHF) diet affects insulin signaling in healthy, well-trained individuals. This study compared glucose tolerance; skeletal muscle glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) and insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) content; and muscle enzyme activities representative of the main energy pathways (3-hydroxyacetyl-CoA dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, citrate synthase, lactate dehydrogenase, phosphofructokinase, phosphorylase) in trained cyclists who followed either a long-term LCHF or a mixed-macronutrient (Mixed) diet. On separate days, a 2-hr oral glucose tolerance test was conducted, and muscle samples were obtained from the vastus lateralis of fasted participants. The LCHF group had reduced glucose tolerance compared with the Mixed group, as plasma glucose concentrations were significantly higher throughout the oral glucose tolerance test and serum insulin concentrations peaked later (LCHF, 60 min; Mixed, 30 min). Whole-body insulin sensitivity was not statistically significantly different between groups (Matsuda index: LCHF, 8.7 ± 3.4 vs. Mixed, 12.9 ± 4.6; p = .08). GLUT4 (LCHF: 1.13 ± 0.24; Mixed: 1.44 ± 0.16; p = .026) and IRS1 (LCHF: 0.25 ± 0.13; Mixed: 0.46 ± 0.09; p = .016) protein content was lower in LCHF muscle, but enzyme activities were not different. We conclude that well-trained cyclists habituated to an LCHF diet had reduced glucose tolerance compared with matched controls on a mixed diet. Lower skeletal muscle GLUT4 and IRS1 contents may partially explain this finding. This could possibly reflect an adaptation to reduced habitual glucose availability rather than the development of a pathological insulin resistance.
The Effects of Endurance-Based Skills-Specific Running Loads on Same-Day Resistance-Training Performance in Professional Australian Rules Football Players
Authors: Ritchie Dean , Keogh Justin , Stern Steven , Reaburn Peter , O’Connor Fergus , Bartlett Jonathan D. 
Published: February 2020

Little is known about the effect of preceding endurance-exercise bouts on subsequent resistance-training (RT) performance in team-sport players. Purpose: To examine the effect of prior skills/endurance training and different recovery time periods on subsequent same-day RT performance in professional Australian football players. Methods: Sport-specific endurance-running loads (duration [in minutes], total distance [in meters], mean speed [in meters per minute], high-speed running >15 km·h−1, and relative high-speed running [>75% and >85% of maximal velocity]) were obtained for 46 professional Australian football players for each training session across an entire competitive season. RT was prescribed in 3 weekly mesocycles with tonnage (in kilograms) lifted recorded as RT performance. Endurance and RT sessions were interspersed by different recovery durations: ∼20 min and 1, 2, and 3 h. Fixed- and mixed-effect linear models assessed the influence of skills/endurance-running loads on RT performance. Models also accounted for season period (preseason vs in-season) and recovery duration between concurrent training bouts. Results: An increase in high-speed running and distance covered >75% and >85% of maximal velocity had the greatest reductions on RT performance. In-season total distance covered displayed greater negative effects on subsequent RT performance compared with preseason, while ∼20-min recovery between skills/endurance and RT was associated with greater reductions in RT performance, compared with 1-, 2-, and 3-h recovery. Conclusions: Sport-specific endurance-running loads negatively affect subsequent same-day RT performance, and this effect is greater in-season and with shorter recovery durations between bouts.
Co-occurrence of Plasmid-Mediated Tigecycline and Carbapenem Resistance in Acinetobacter spp. from Waterfowls and Their Neighboring Environment
Authors: Cui Chao-Yue , Chen Chong , Liu Bao-Tao , He Qian , Wu Xiao-Ting , Sun Ruan-Yang , Zhang Yan , Cui Ze-Hua , Guo Wen-Ying , Jia Qiu-lin , Li Cang , Kreiswirth Barry N. , Liao Xiao-Ping , Chen Liang , Liu Ya-Hong , Sun Jian 
Published: February 2020

Tigecycline serves as one of the antibiotics of last resort to treat multidrug-resistant (including carbapenem-resistant) pathogens. However, the recently emerged plasmid-mediated tigecycline resistance mechanism, Tet(X), challenges the clinical efficacy of this class of antibiotics. In this study, we detected 180
tet
(X)-harboring
Acinetobacter
isolates (8.9%,
n
= 180) from 2,018 samples collected from avian farms and adjacent environments in China.
An electrochemical advanced oxidation process (EAOP) for the inactivation ofRhizoctonia solaniin fertigation solutions
Authors: Lévesque Serge , Graham Thomas , Bejan Dorin , Lawson Jamie , Zhang Ping , Dixon Mike 
Published: February 2020

Boron-doped diamond anodes and stainless-steel cathodes were employed in an electrochemical flow cell and evaluated for inactivation efficacy on the plant pathogen Rhizoctonia solani J.G. Kühn [Thanatephorus cucumeris (A.B. Frank) Donk] in hydroponic fertigation water. The electrochemical system showed promise as an electrochemical advanced oxidation process (EAOP) in that significant reductions in R. solani (AG-8) were achieved; however, to achieve complete inactivation the system required supplemental chloride (20 mg L−1), while using 9.09 mA cm−2. The chloride allowed for low levels of free chlorine (≤0.17 mg L−1) that were more active in the bulk solution, complementing the electrode surface EAOP reactions. Perchlorate production was an initial concern but was found to be negligible under the conditions tested. Small but significant increases in nitrate, ammonium, and sulphate were observed following treatment. These increases are hypothesized to originate from the degradation of proteins and amino acids released during pathogen cell disruption.
Long-term rotation impacts soil total macronutrient levels and wheat response to applied nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur in a Luvisolic soil
Authors: Dyck Miles F. , Puurveen Dick 
Published: March 2020

Over the last 20–30 yr, increased intensification and diversity of crop rotations, along with increasingly higher yielding crop cultivars on the Northern Great Plains, has increased nutrient removal from cropping systems, but also increased crop residues returned to the soil, affecting soil nutrient cycling, soil carbon (C) and nutrient balances. The University of Alberta Breton Classical Plots, established in 1929, consist of two crop rotations of varying diversity and intensity: (1) wheat–fallow (WF); and (2) 5 yr, cereal–forage. Superimposed on these rotations are eight fertility treatments, including a check (control), manure, balanced (NPKS), and nutrient exclusion treatments. Soil total C, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and sulfur (S) levels were measured on soil samples (0–15 cm) collected from both rotations in 2013. Wheat yields and N uptake for the 2007–2018 growing seasons from both rotations were compared. In the 5 yr rotation, soil total C, N, and S, wheat yield and wheat N uptake were greater than the WF rotation. Soil total P levels were not different between the two rotations, but soil total K was higher in the WF rotation. Despite higher soil S and comparable soil P, wheat yield and N uptake response to applied P and S was greater in the 5 yr rotation compared with the WF rotation. Response to applied N in the 5 yr rotation was muted because of significant inputs of biologically fixed N. Wheat also responded to applied K in the 5 yr rotation. These results highlight the need to replace exported nutrients.
Widespread mass-wasting processes off NE Sicily (Italy): insights from morpho-bathymetric analysis
Authors: Casalbore Daniele , Clementucci Romano , Bosman Alessandro , Chiocci Francesco Latino , Martorelli Eleonora , Ridente Domenico 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
The NE Sicilian continental margin is largely affected by canyons and related landslide scars. Two main types of submarine canyons are recognizable: the first type carves the shelf up to depths <20 m, a few hundred metres from the coast, acting as a main collector for sediments transported by hyperpycnal flows and/or littoral drift. These canyons mostly have a V-shaped cross-section and are characterized by a strong axial incision, where a network of dendritic gullies carving the canyon flanks converges. The second type of canyon occurs where the shelf is wider, hindering the direct connection between the subaerial and submarine drainage system. This setting exhibits canyon heads mostly confined to the shelf break, characterized by a weaker axial incision of the canyon and U-shaped cross-section. A total of 280 landslide scars are recognized in the study area and these are divided into three groups according to their morphology and location. A morphometric analysis of these scars is performed to investigate which parameters might be key factors in controlling instability processes and how they correlate with each other. We also try to assess the possible tsunamigenic potential associated with these landslide events by coupling the morphometric analysis with semi-empirical relationships available in the literature.
Frequency and Clinical Impact of Serious Adverse Events on Post-Stroke Recovery with NeuroAiD (MLC601) versus Placebo: The CHInese Medicine Neuroaid Efficacy on Stroke Recovery Study
Authors: Venketasubramanian Narayanaswamy , Moorakonda Rajesh B. , Lu Qingshu , Chen Christopher L.H. ,   On behalf of the CHIMES Investigators
Published: March 2020

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Most comparative clinical trials are designed to assess the treatment effect for efficacy endpoints, with less emphasis on the analysis of safety outcomes. However, an extensive analysis of safety data could demonstrate beneficial results in terms of effectiveness by reducing serious adverse events (SAEs), and their unfavourable clinical impact on the study population. We aimed to conduct an exploratory analysis of the CHInese Medicine Neuroaid Efficacy on Stroke recovery (CHIMES) study safety database comparing the frequency of SAEs and their clinical impacts among subjects having received MLC601 or placebo during the first 3 months post-stroke. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Analyses were performed by using the safety database of the multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled CHIMES study of 3 months of NeuroAiD versus placebo in subjects with acute ischaemic stroke of intermediate severity in the preceding 72 h. SAEs as reported by investigators at any time-point during the 3-month study were analysed on their frequency and that of any of their outcomes (death, and life threatening, new and/or prolonged hospitalisation, disability, and medical importance, in surviving subjects), as well as their time to onset and resolution. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Of the 1,099 subjects in the CHIMES study, 1,087 were included in the safety analysis (MLC601 = 542) and (placebo = 545); the 12 who did not receive study treatment were excluded. There was a total of 135 subjects with SAEs (MLC601 = 60, placebo = 75). At baseline, overall, subjects with SAEs were older and had lower MMSE score. In the MLC601 group, they had higher NIHSS score, and more frequently a history of ischaemic heart disease and hyperlipidaemia. The number of SAEs per subjects was statistically significantly lower in the MLC601 group than placebo one, especially for subjects with ≥2 SAEs (6.7 vs. 29.3%; <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001). This benefit was seen throughout the study period and during the initial hospitalisation. The main clinical impact of SAEs was an increase in hospitalisation time, reduced in the MLC601 arm with the rate of subjects hospitalised for a prolonged period being significantly threefold lower in surviving subjects (1.1 vs. 3.7%; <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.01). <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> This post hoc analysis of SAEs from the CHIMES study database shows that subjects receiving a 3-month course of MLC601 experienced fewer SAEs, with lower rates of harmful clinical impacts, especially in terms of hospitalisation duration. These findings could translate to a benefit in terms of reduction of both healthcare burden and additional medical costs.