bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combining F-Scan and GAITRite® for use in Clinical Gait Analysis: A Validation Study.
Authors: Speight Stephanie , Reidy Selina , Stephenson John , Reel Sarah 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundClinical gait analysis is widely used to aid the assessment and diagnosis of symptomatic pathologies. Equipment based analysis provides clinicians with a more comprehensive assessment using pressure systems such as F-scan, or analysis of the spatial-temporal parameters of gait using GAITRite. There are systems however such as Strideway™ that can measure these parameters simultaneously, but can be expensive. This study aimed to determine whether standalone systems can be used collectively while still providing quality data, as a cost-effective alternative.MethodsTwenty-six participants walked on a standard floor and a GAITRite walkway, three times wearing the F-Scan system. Mid gait protocols were utilised by analysing the contact pressure of the 2 nd metatarsophalangeal joint of the third, fifth and seventh step from each walk. The Bland-Altman method was used to determine a level of agreement between the two surfaces, using mean values from all walks of all participants who successfully completed all required walks. The intraclass correlation coefficient and Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient were calculated as indices of reliability.ResultsThe intraclass correlation coefficient was calculated to be 0.991 and Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient for the data was calculated to be 0.956, indicating very good reproducibility.ConclusionsThe level of agreement in plantar pressures observed on the two surfaces was very high, suggesting that it is feasible to use F-Scan and GAITRite® together in a clinical setting, as an alternative to other less cost-effective standalone systems.
Association of Exposure to Hydrocarbons Air Pollution with Incidence of Atopic Dermatitis in Children
Authors: Wang Chieh , Tsai Jeng-Dau , Wan Lei , Lin Cheng-Li , Wei Chang-Ching 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background:There is growing evidence that air pollution may act as an important environmental risk factor in the development and aggravation of childhood atopic dermatitis (AD). Methods:We collected data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance research database and linked the data to the Taiwan Air Quality-Monitoring Database. Children younger than 18 years old between January 1st, 2000 and until the diagnosis of AD was made, or December 31st, 2012, were selected from the database. We measured the incidence rate and hazard ratios for AD, and stratified by quartiles (Q1-Q4) of air pollutant concentration. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were also applied by adjusting for age, sex, monthly income, and level of urbanization. Results:Compared with those exposed to the concentrations in the Q1 quartile, the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for AD increased, and total hydrocarbon (THC), non-methane hydrocarbon (NMHC), and methane (CH4) exposure concentrations ranged from 1.65 to 10.6, from 1.14 to 2.47, and from 1.70 to 11.9, respectively. Patients exposed to higher levels of THC, NMHC, and CH4 had greater accumulative incidence rates of childhood AD. Conclusions:The current study demonstrated that exposure to higher concentrations of THC, NMHC, and CH4 were associated with an increased risk of childhood AD.
Biomechanics of Subcutaneous Locked Plating vs Burke Plate and External Fixator for Comminuted Distal Radius Fractures
Authors: Pytiak Andrew , Jin Xin , Cizmic Zlatan , Washington Austen , Vaidya Rahul 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: External fixators that span the wrist have been the historical norm in treating distal radius fractures. We have modified a dorsal distraction approach by using a subcutaneously applied locked bridge plate through 2 small incisions superficial to the extensor tendons and outside the extensor compartment. The purpose of this study was to biomechanically evaluate this modified method of fixation for comminuted distal radius fractures in comparison with two established constructs. Methods: Matched cadaver specimens were used to model an AO Type 23-C3 distal radius fracture. Biochemical testing for stiffness during axial compressive loading was done on three constructs: a conventional Burke distraction plate, the subcutaneous internal fixation plating technique and an external fixator. All specimens were cyclically loaded for 3000 cycles and then retested. Results: The modified construct was found to be stiffer than the external fixator (p=0.013). When compared to the Burke plate, the modified construct was significantly less stiff before axial cycling (p=0.025). However, the difference was not maintained after cycling and the post-axial loading stiffness difference was non-significant (p=0.456).Conclusion: Our data demonstrate the biomechanical integrity of the subcutaneous plating technique for the fixation of comminuted distal radius fractures. It is stiffer than an external fixator and has the theoretical advantage of avoiding pin-tract infections. In addition, it is subcutaneous, and not a cumbersome external construct. Our construct is minimally invasive and does not violate the dorsal extensor compartments allowing movement of the fingers while the construct is in place.
Are Routine Postoperative Laboratory Tests Really Necessary After High Tibial Osteotomy Surgery?
Authors: Lan Min , Nie Si 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study was to assess the necessity and cost-effectiveness of routine postoperative laboratory tests for patients undergoing high tibial osteotomy (HTO) surgery.Methods: A prospective study was conducted and 513 patients with symptomatic isolated medial compartment osteoarthritis received HTO surgery from January 2015 to May 2020 were included in this study. The associations between different clinical factors and postoperative clinical treatment were analyzed. Finally, A logistic regression analysis was performed to detect independent risk factors for patients requiring postoperative clinical treatment. Results: In this study, 482 patients had completed the full set of postoperative laboratory studies within 3 days after surgery were included in the present study. However, only a small proportion of the patients with anemia (3.9%), hypoalbuminemia (4.1%), and abnormal serum potassium levels (3.5%) required clinical intervention after surgery. Binary logistic regression model analysis showed that body mass index (BMI), preoperative hemoglobin level, estimated blood loss and operative time were the independent risk factors correlated with postoperative blood transfusion in patients with HTO surgery. Female gender and preoperative albumin level were independent risk factors for patients who had requiring albumin supplementation after HTO surgery. Finally, preoperative potassium was the independent risk factors for patients required potassium supplementation postoperatively.Conclusions: based on the analysis, we conclude that routinely ordering postoperative laboratory texts after HTO surgery are both unnecessary and cost inefficient for most of the patients. However, for patients with identified risk factors, routine postoperative laboratory tests are still needed.
Dictamnine, a Novel c-Met Inhibitor, Suppresses the Proliferation of Lung Cancer Cells by Downregulating the PI3K/Ak/mTOR and MAPK Signaling Pathways
Authors: Yu Jiaojiao , Zhang Lijing , Peng Jun , Ward Richard , Hao Peiqi , Wang Jiwei , Zhang Na , Yang Yang , Guo Xiaoxi , Xiang Cheng , An Su , Xu Tian-rui 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Dictamnine (Dic), a naturally occurring furoquinoline alkaloid isolated from the root bark of Dictamnus dasycarpus Turcz., is reported to display a wide range of potential pharmacological properties including anticancer activity against multiple cancer types. However, little is known about the direct target proteins and anticancer mechanisms of Dic.Methods: Anticancer effects of Dic and chemotherapy resistance of lung cancer were determined by CCK8, EdU and apoptosis assay. Boyden chamber migration and invasion, wound healing assay, plate colony formation and sphere formation assay were performed to explore the effects of Dic on metastasis and stemness of lung cancer cells. Protein docking analysis, cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) and drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) were used for prediction and confirmation of the interaction between Dic and c-Met. qRT-PCR, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used in mechanism investigation. Tumor xenograft model was used to evaluate the anti-tumor effects of Dic in vivo.Results: Dic was found to suppress the proliferation of lung cancer cells and attenuate the activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways by directly inhibiting the phosphorylation and activation of the receptor tyrosine kinase c-Met. Moreover, Dic treatment significantly inhibited the colony formation, migration, invasion, stemness, adhesive ability, epithelial-mesenchymal transition and in vivo xenograft tumor growth of A549 lung cancer cells. Notably, the combination of Dic and gefitinib synergistically inhibited the cell proliferation, induced apoptosis, and suppressed the PI3K/Akt/mTOR and MAPK signaling pathways in PC9 gefitinib resistant cells.Conclusions: In conclusion, Dic was identified as a novel c-Met inhibitor and our results suggest the potential use of Dic as a new therapeutic agent in the treatment of lung cancer or other cancers with overactive c-Met pathway.
Automatic detection of pituitary microadenoma from magnetic resonance imaging using deep learning algorithms
Authors: Li Qingling , Zhu Yanhua , Chen Minglin , Guo Ruomi , Liu Hao , Zhang Tiecheng , Wen Huiquan , Gao Rong , Nie Yuanpeng , Li Haicheng , Chen Jian , Shi Guojun , Shen Jun , Cheung Wai , Guo Yulan , Chen Yanming 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
The risks of misdiagnosed pituitary microadenoma is high. We designed a convolutional neural network (CNN) based computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) system to retrospectively diagnose patients with pituitary microadenoma. A total 5,540 pituitary magnetic resonance (MR) images from 1,108 participants were recruited. MRI images were randomly stratified into non-overlapping cohorts (training set, validation set and test set) to establish five different CNN models. The best CNN model is the ResNet with a diagnostic accuracy of 94%, which outperforms the diagnosis accuracy of our radiologists (64%-85%). The accuracy of our CAD system is further confirmed in additional MR datasets. The diagnostic accuracy of our ResNet model is comparable to the proficiency of a radiologist with 5-10 years’ experience. In summary, this is the first report showing that the CAD system is a viable tool for diagnosing pituitary microadenoma. CAD system is applicable to radiology departments, especially in primary health care institutions.
And the Oscar goes to peripheral blood film for detection of lead poisoning in a complicated patient: A case report with review of laboratory clues
Authors: Zamani Amir , Kazerooni Ehsan Sarraf , Kasaee S Saeed , Anbardar Mohammad Hossein , Mohammadzadeh Sahand , Shekarkhar Golsa , Soleimani Neda 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background Peripheral blood smear examination is an invaluable laboratory test which provides the complete hematologic and/or non-hematologic picture of a case. In addition to verifying the results of automated cell counters, it has the potential to identify some pathologic morphologic changes that remain hidden using the cell counters alone. Case presentation A 40-year-old man with a 3 year history of alcohol intake and marijuana abuse presented with severe lower extremities bone pain and abdominal pain. Physical examination showed high blood pressure, high pulse rate and abdominal tenderness. He underwent extensive laboratory and imaging tests, and cholecystectomy and bone marrow study, without any definite diagnosis or improvement. Right after all these invasive, expensive and time consuming investigations during a month, finding a point on the peripheral blood smear by an expert led to the final diagnosis. The finding was coarse basophilic stippling in the red blood cells. Elevated blood lead level and the presence of ring sideroblast in the bone marrow study confirmed the diagnosis of lead poisoning and the patient responded well to chelator therapy in a short period. Conclusion This case clearly shows the value of peripheral blood smear review and its impact on the patient care. In order not to lose the cases, laboratories are recommended to design their own policy for peripheral blood smear review. Peripheral blood smear is the fastest, simplest, and most available screening test which could prevent many misdiagnoses and malpractices. It provides rich morphological information, among which basophilic stippling is highly suggestive of lead poisoning.
A Qualitative Analysis of Factors Related to Unsafe Work Behaviors among Environmental Service Workers in the COVID-19 era: Perspectives of Workers, and Safety Managers: The case of Government Hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Authors: Tamene Aiggan 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: The Environmental service profession is hazardous, partially because of the work's inherently dangerous nature. Thus, injuries, accidents, and illnesses result in substantial financial and social losses. The most common immediate cause of these work-related incidents is unsafe work-behavior; the first step in taking steps to prevent unsafe behavior is to recognize the factors promoting it. The goal of this study was to (a) investigate the attitudes and perceptions of safety among the employees and safety managers of Corona virus treatment hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and (b) identify the factors that inhibit safe work behaviors.Methods: Two qualitative data collection approaches, namely key informant interviews and individual in-depth interviews, were used to collect data for this study. Twenty-five participants were recruited from three Corona virus treatment facilities using a modified convenience sampling strategy, and interviews were conducted to gain a detailed understanding of factors that serve as barriers to safe work behavior. The interviews were recorded and transcribed in Amharic (the local language) and then translated into English. Open Code 4.02 was used for thematic analysis.Results: Poor safety management and supervision, unsafe work environment, and perceptions, skills, and training level of employees were established as the major factors associated with the prevailing unsafe work behavior among environmental service employees.Conclusions: The present study showed that different types of personal and environmental factors may discourage safe work behavior among environmental service workers. To minimize or remove these risk factors for unsafe behaviors, the individual's obligation is important, but the role of management is critical in providing resources for safe work behavior.
Effects of integrated application of plant-based compost and urea on soil food web, soil properties, and yield and quality of a processing carrot cultivar
Authors: Habteweld A. , Brainard D. , Kravchencko A. , Grewal P. S. , Melakeberhan H. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Soil nutrient management system characterized by reduced input of inorganic fertilizers integrated with organic amendments is one of the alternatives for reducing deleterious environmental impact of synthetic fertilizers, suppressing soil-borne pests and diseases, and improving soil health and crop yield. A hypothesis of the present study was that lower rates of urea mixed with higher rates of plant compost (PC) would improve nematode community structure, soil food web condition, soil biological, and physiochemical properties, and yield and quality of a processing carrot (Daucus carota) cultivar. Urea and PC were each applied at 135 kg nitrogen (N)/ha alone or at 3:1, 1:1, and 1:3 ratios annually during the 2012 to 2014 growing seasons. A non-amended check served as a control. Nematode community was analyzed from soil samples collected approximately 4-week intervals from planting to 133 days after planting each year. Soil respiration, as a measure of soil biological activity, and soil physiochemical properties were determined from soils collected at planting and at harvest in 2012 and 2013. Results showed that PC alone, and U1:PC1 resulted in soil food web structure significantly above 50 at harvest in 2014. Urea significantly decreased end-of-season soil pH, but increased NO3-N compared with the other treatments. While the herbivore population density was low, abundances of Tylenchus and Malenchus were negatively correlated with carrot fresh weight of marketable carrot. Overall, results suggest that integrating lower rates of urea and higher rates of PC are likely to increase soil biological activity, soil pH, and phosphorus content.
Flood mitigation in coastal urban catchments using real-time stormwater infrastructure control and reinforcement learning
Authors: Bowes Benjamin D. , Tavakoli Arash , Wang Cheng , Heydarian Arsalan , Behl Madhur , Beling Peter A. , Goodall Jonathan L. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Flooding in coastal cities is increasing due to climate change and sea-level rise, stressing the traditional stormwater systems these communities rely on. Automated real-time control (RTC) of these systems can improve performance, and creating control policies for smart stormwater systems is an active area of study. This research explores reinforcement learning (RL) to create control policies to mitigate flood risk. RL is trained using a model of hypothetical urban catchments with a tidal boundary and two retention ponds with controllable valves. RL's performance is compared to the passive system, a model predictive control (MPC) strategy, and a rule-based control strategy (RBC). RL learns to proactively manage pond levels using current and forecast conditions and reduced flooding by 32% over the passive system. Compared to the MPC approach using a physics-based model and genetic algorithm, RL achieved nearly the same flood reduction, just 3% less than MPC, with a significant 88× speedup in runtime. Compared to RBC, RL was able to quickly learn similar control strategies and reduced flooding by an additional 19%. This research demonstrates that RL can effectively control a simple system and offers a computationally efficient method that could scale to RTC of more complex stormwater systems.
Antitumorigenic Effect of Memantine via Interfering Glutamate Metabolism in Mouse 4T1 Breast Tumor Model
Authors: Albayrak Gulsah , Korkmaz Funda D. , Bali Elif B. , Bagriacik Emin U. 
Published: October 2020

Background:
Repurposing drug is an efficient strategy as the drug discovery process is timeconsuming,
laborious and costly. Memantine is already used in Alzheimer’s disease to prevent neurons from
excess glutamate toxicity. As cancer cells benefit from higher amounts of cellular energetics like glucose and
glutamine, we used memantine to interfere with the glutamate metabolism in order to restrict cancer cells'
glutamine as a source for their growth.

Objective:
To investigate the potential antitumor effect of memantine by reducing glutamate levels in 4T1 mouse
breast cancer model.

Methods:
24 Balb/c female mice were subcutaneously inoculated with 4T1 cells. When tumors were palpable,
memantine treatment was initiated as 5 and 10 mg/kg daily intraperitoneal injection. Tumor growth was recorded
every 2–3 days. Tumor volumes, serum glutamate levels, spleen IL-6 levels, genome-wide DNA methylation
levels and GSK3B. pGSK3B protein expressions were measured to enlighten the anticancer mechanism of action
for memantine.

Results:
We found that both two doses (5 and 10mg/kg) decreased tumor growth rates and serum glutamate
levels significantly (p<0.05). 10mg/kg treatment increased spleen IL-6 levels (p<0.05) and decreased genomewide
DNA methylation levels. Memantine treatment decreased GSK3B protein expression levels in tumor tissue
samples.

Conclusion:
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that investigates the antitumor activity of
memantine in a breast cancer tumor model. Our results suggest a potent anticancer mechanism of the action for
memantine. Memantine decreased genome wide methylation and serum glutamate levels that are associated with
a poor prognosis. Therefore, Memantine might be used for targeting glutamine metabolism in cancer treatment.
Some Valency Oriented Molecular Invariants of Certain Networks
Authors: Salman Muhammad , Ali Faisal , Masood Ur Rehman  , Khalid Imran 
Published: October 2020

Background:
The valency of an atom in a molecular structure is the number of its neighboring atoms. A large
number of valency based molecular invariants have been conceived, which correlate certain physio-chemical properties like
boiling point, stability, strain energy and many more of chemical compounds.

Objective:
Our aim is to study the valency based molecular invariants for four hexa chemical structures, namely hexagonal
network, honeycomb network, oxide network and silicate sheet network.

Method:
We use the technique of atom-bonds partition according to the valences of atoms to find results.

Results:
Exact values of valency-based molecular invariants, namely the Randić index, atom bond connectivity index,
geometric arithmetic index, harmonic index, Zagreb indices, Zagreb polynomials, F-index and F-polynomial are found for
four hexa chemical structures.