bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and Antifungal Susceptibility of Candida albicans Causing Vaginal discharge Among Pregnant Women in Lebanon
Authors: Ghaddar Nahed , Anastasiadis Elie , Halimeh Rawad , Ghaddar Ali , Dhar Rita , AlFouzan Wadha , Yusef Hoda , Chaar Mira El 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: Vaginal candidiasis is frequently prevalent in pregnant women and is associated with sepsis and adverse neonatal outcomes. This study determined the presence of Candida species in symptomatic pregnant women and evaluated the antifungal susceptibility profile of the isolated strains. It also aimed to explore whether Candida species predicts gestational complications and adverse neonatal outcomes. Methods: A total of 258 pregnant women at 35 to 37 week of gestation participated in this study. Vaginal swabs from these patients were collected at various obstetrics and gynecology clinics in Lebanon for a period of 12 months. Candida isolates were identified at species level and antifungal susceptibility of Candida albicans to fluconazole (FCZ), amphotericin B (AMB), itraconazole (ICZ) and voriconazole (VCZ) was determined by the agar-based E-test method. Results: Among 258 women tested, 100 (39%) were positive for Candida species. C. albicans, C. glabrata and C. krusei were isolated from 42%, 41% and 17% of the women, respectively. C. albicans had significant positive associations with gestational diabetes while C. kreusi or C. glabrata had significant positive associations with gestational complications and vaginal discharge. The antifungal susceptibility tests of C. albicans isolates revealed 97.5%, 90%, 87.5% and 97.5% susceptibility to AMB, FCZ, ICZ and VCZ, respectively. . Conclusion: The current study revealed high incidence of both C. albicans and non-C. albicans strains causing vulvovaginitis among pregnant women in Beirut, Lebanon. Whereas the susceptibility rates of C. albicans against AMB and VCZ were high, FCZ and ICZ proved comparatively less efficacious. The resistance profile of circulating C. albicans among pregnant women can predict the best outcome of appropriate prophylaxis or treatment of neonatal candidiasis. Vaginal candida colonization might lead to adverse neonatal outcome or gestational complications thus Candida screening as antennal follow up is advised.
Treatment of Chronic Active Antibody-mediated Rejection in Renal Transplant Recipients – A single center retrospective study
Authors: Author) Hsien-Fu Chiu(Former Corresponding , Wen Mei-Chin , Wu Ming-Ju , Chen Cheng-Hsu , Yu Tung-Min , Chuang Ya-Wen , Huang Shih-Ting , Tsai Shang-Feng , Lo Ying-Chih , Ho Hao-Chung , Author) Kuo-Hsiung Shu(New Corresponding 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: A plethora of evidences suggest that the most important cause of late graft loss in renal transplant recipients is chronic active antibody-mediated rejection. However, there are no consensus on treatment strategies.
Methods: We retrospectively analyzed clinical and pathological data of renal transplant recipients who received kidney graft biopsy with confirmed diagnosis of chronic active antibody-mediated rejection in the past 7 years. The patients were divided into two groups according to treatment strategy: Group 1: aggressive treatment (double filtration plasmapheresis and one of the followings: rituximab, intravenous immunoglobulin, antithymogycte globulin, bortezomib, or methylprednisolone pulse therapy); and group 2: supportive treatment.
Results: From February 2009 to December 2017, a total of 82 patients with biopsy-proven chronic antibody mediated rejection were identified. Kaplan-Meier analysis of death-censored graft survival showed a worse survival in group 2 (P = 0.015 by log-rank test). Adverse event-free survival was lower in group 1, whereas patient survival was no significant different. Proteinuria and supportive treatment were independent risk factors for graft loss in multivariate analysis.
Conclusions: Aggressive treatment was associated with better graft outcome. However, higher incidence of adverse events merit personalized treatment, especially for those with higher risk of infection. Appropriate prophylactic antibiotics are recommended for aggressive treatment patients.
Key words: chronic active antibody mediated rejection, kidney transplantation, graft survival, adverse events
An improved catalogue of putative synaptic genes defined exclusively by temporal transcription profiles through an ensemble machine learning approach
Authors: Obregón Flavio Pazos , Palazzo Martín , Soto Pablo , Guerberoff Gustavo , Yankilevich Patricio , Cantera Rafael 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background . Assembly and function of neuronal synapses require the coordinated expression of a yet undetermined set of genes. Previously, we had trained an ensemble machine learning model to assign a probability of having synaptic function to every protein-coding gene in Drosophila melanogaster. This approach resulted in the publication of a catalogue of 893 genes which we postulated to be very enriched in genes with a still undocumented synaptic function. Since then, the scientific community has experimentally identified 79 new synaptic genes. Here we use these new empirical data to evaluate our original prediction. We also implement a series of changes to the training scheme of our model and using the new data we demonstrate that this improves its predictive power. Finally, we added the new synaptic genes to the training set and trained a new model, obtaining a new, enhanced catalogue of putative synaptic genes.

Results . The retrospective analysis demonstrate that our original catalogue was significantly enriched in new synaptic genes. When the changes to the training scheme were implemented using the original training set we obtained even higher enrichment. Finally, applying the new training scheme with a training set including the 79 new synaptic genes, resulted in an enhanced catalogue of putative synaptic genes. Here we present this new catalogue and announce that a regularly updated version will be available online at: http://synapticgenes.bnd.edu.uy

Conclusions . We show that training an ensemble of machine learning classifiers solely with the whole-body temporal transcription profiles of known synaptic genes resulted in a catalogue with a significant enrichment in undiscovered synaptic genes. Using new empirical data provided by the scientific community, we validated our original approach, improved our model an obtained an arguably more precise prediction. This approach reduces the number of genes to be tested through hypothesis-driven experimentation and will facilitate our understanding of neuronal function.

Availability : http://synapticgenes.bnd.edu.uy
Risk factors and racial disparities related to low maternal birth satisfaction with labor induction: a prospective, cohort study
Authors: Hamm Rebecca F , Srini Sindhu K , Levine Lisa D 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: Decreased birth satisfaction has been associated with labor induction. Yet, there is a paucity of data evaluating risk factors for decreased satisfaction associated with labor induction. We aimed to determine what factors impact low birth satisfaction in labor induction and evaluate racial disparities in birth satisfaction.

Methods: We performed a prospective cohort study of women with term, singleton gestations undergoing labor induction at our institution from Jan 2018 to Jun 2018. Women completed the validated Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised postpartum, which is subdivided into 3 domains: (1) quality of care provision, (2) women's personal attributes, and (3) stress experienced during labor. A total satisfaction score above the mean was classified as “satisfied”, and below as “unsatisfied.” Domain and item scores were compared by race.

Results: 330 of 414 (79.7%) eligible women were included. There was no significant difference in birth satisfaction by age, body mass index, Bishop score, or labor induction agent. Black women were more 75% likely to be unsatisfied than non-Black women (54.0% vs. 37.2%, OR 1.75 [95%CI 1.11-2.76], p=0.037), nulliparas were more 71% likely to be unsatisfied than multiparas (54.2% vs. 40.9%, OR 1.71 [95%CI 1.09-2.67], p=0.019), and women whose labor resulted in cesarean birth were more almost 3 times more likely to be unsatisfied than women with a vaginal birth (67.4% vs. 42.3%, OR 2.82 [95%CI 1.69-4.70], p<0.001). Additionally, increased labor length quartile was associated with decreased satisfaction (p=0.003). By race, domain 3 scores, which reflect preparedness for labor, were lower for Black women. No differences were seen for domain 1 or 2.

Conclusions: Black race, cesarean birth, and increasing labor length were identified as risk factors for low birth satisfaction among women who underwent labor induction. Further studies should explore interventions to target women at risk for low birth satisfaction.
Individual and healthcare system factors influencing antenatal care attendance in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alanazy Wdad , Brown Amy 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background The World Health Organisation recommends women have at least 4 antenatal care visits (ANC) during a low risk pregnancy. However, in Saudi Arabia, many mothers miss these appointments placing their health and that of their baby at risk. Limited research exploring why this is happening usually focuses on low maternal education or personal barriers such as lack of transport. The aim of the current research was therefore to understand what factors at the individual and healthcare systems level were associated with missing antenatal care in Saudi Arabia.Methods Two hundred and forty two pregnant women in their third trimester completed a questionnaire examining their care attendance alongside barriers to attending care. These included maternal demographic background, health literacy, personal barriers, health care system factors and staff communication).Results Over half of women had missed at least one appointment and a third had delayed their care. Mothers who had missed appointments blamed health care system factors such as poor clinic facilities and waiting times. Attending care was not associated with maternal education or literacy. However perceptions of staff communication, consistency and care were lower amongst those who had missed at least one appointment.Conclusions Although in previous research health professionals believe it is maternal education that leads to poor attendance, in our sample at least, it is in fact perceptions of staff communication that affect attendance. Making changes at the health care level e.g. through adapting clinic times and investing in staff training may increase antenatal care attendance in Saudi Arabia.
Measurement and calibration of the nucleus position and its cross-sectional area ratio to increase the accuracy of finite element analysis
Authors: Li Jingchi , Xi Zhipeng , Zhang Xiaoyu , Sun Shenglu , Xie Lin , Liu Yang 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: As a widely used biomechanical research method, finite element analysis (FEA) is a significant tool for investigating the pathogenesis of disc degenerative diseases and optimizing of spine surgical methods. However, the definitions of the relative nucleus position and its cross-sectional area ratio do not conform to a uniform standard, thus affecting the accuracy (ACC) of the FEA. Hence, this study aimed to determine a precise definition of the relative nucleus position and its cross-sectional area ratio to increase ACC of following FEA studies. Methods: The lumbar relative nucleus position and its cross-sectional area ratio were measured from magnetic resonance imaging data, and then calibrated and validated via FEA. Imaging data from patients without disc degeneration were recruited. The L4-L5 nucleus and disc cross-sectional areas and the distances between the edges of the annulus and nucleus were measured; the ratios between these values were calculated as P1 and P2, respectively. The FEA model was constructed using these measured values, and the relative nucleus position was calibrated by estimating the differences in the range of motions (ROMs) between the model, wherein the ligaments, facet joints and nucleus were supressed, and an in vitro study. Then, ACC were re-estimated in the model with all non-bony structures to validate the measured and calibrated indicators. Results: The interobserver homogeneity is acceptable, and the measured P1 and P2 values are 1.22 and 38%, respectively. Furthermore, an ACC of up to 99% was attained for the model under flexion–extension conditions when the calibrated P1 value (1.62) was used, with a model validation of greater than 90% attained under all loading conditions. Conclusion: The measured and calibrated relative nucleus position and its cross-sectional area ratio increase the ACC of the FEA model, and can therefore be used in subsequent studies.
In Vitro Biomechanical Testing of Equine Metacarpophalangeal Collateral Ligaments and Collateral Ligaments Repair Using Suture Anchors.
Authors: Grzeskowiak Remigiusz Maciej , Rifkin Rebecca E. , Mulon Pierre Yves , Harper David P. , Adair H. Steve , Anderson David E. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background The disruption of equine metacarpophalangeal (MCPCL) and metatarsophalangeal collateral ligament (MTPCL) occurs as a result of traumatic events and it has been associated with guarded to poor prognosis for the return to athletic performance before the injury. Rupture of the MCPCL induces joint laxity which can, directly and indirectly, lead to a cartilage damage of the metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ). The literature describes several methods of the surgical management of those injuries, including the suture anchors. However, the knowledge about their biomechanical performance in the equine MCPCL repair model is lacking. This study describes the method of suture anchor placement within the metacarpal bone as well as reveals data of the biomechanical testing. The first objective was to perform bending tests on equine metacarpophalangeal joints with intact metacarpophalangeal collateral ligaments. The second objective was to perform similar tests on the metacarpophalangeal joints, having completely severed metacarpophalangeal collateral ligaments which were reattached to the suture anchors.Results The results of the biomechanical testing showed that the suture anchor repairs obtained 15% of the intact metacarpophalangeal collateral ligaments’ maximum load, 34% of their bending stiffness, 14% of their load at maximum flexure extension, and 82% of the maximal flexure extension. The suture anchor placement within the bone can be performed quick and in the feasible way. The results of the biomechanical testing did not vary significantly between the tested types of the suture anchors used in this study.Conclusions The repairs with the suture anchors achieved lower biomechanical testing results compared with the intact metacarpophalangeal collateral ligaments; however, the anatomical position of the joint could be easily restored with the repair. The use of anchors may anatomically restore the ligament and provide additional mechanical support for the injured metacarpophalangeal collateral ligaments.
Prognostic value of platelet count in lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yuan Yuan , Zhong Hai , Ye Liang , Li Qian , Fang Rong Su , Gu Wei , Qian Ying Ying 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background : The prognostic value of pretreatment elevated platelet count remains controversial in lung cancer patients. We performed the present meta-analysis to determine the precise role of it in these patients.Methods: We performed a multiple search strategy in PubMed database, EMBASE and Cochrane Library to identify eligible studies. Disease-free survival (DFS) /Progress-free survival (PFS)/Time to progress(TTP) and Overall survival (OS) were used as outcomes with hazard ratio (HR) and its 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity among studies and publication bias were also evaluated.Results : A total of 39 studies including 16696 lung cancer patients were eligible in the analysis. Overall, the pooled analysis showed that pretreatment elevated platelet count was associated with poorer OS (HR= 1.47, 95%CI: 1.31-1.66, P<0.001) and poorer DFS/PFS/TTP ((HR=1.63, 95%CI: 1.28-2.09, P<0.001) in patients with lung cancer compared with normal platelet count. In subgroup analyses, pretreatment elevated platelet count was also associated with poorer OS and DFS/PFS/TTP in most subgroups. There was no evidence of publication bias.Conclusions : This meta-analysis revealed that pretreatment elevated platelet count was an independent predictor of OS and DFS/PFS/TTP in lung cancer patients. Large scale prospective studies and a validation study are warranted.
Spatio-temporal distribution and determinants of home delivery in Ethiopia. Multilevel and spatial analysis of EDHS 2005- 2016
Authors: Tadesse Zemenu Tessema , Tiruneh Sofonyas Abebaw 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: Globally, only 80% of live births occurred at health facilities assisted by skilled health personnel. In Ethiopia, only 26% of live births attended by skilled health personal. The aim of this study was to assess the spatial patterns and determinants of home delivery in Ethiopia from 2005 to 2016. Method: A total of 34,348 women who gave live birth in the five years preceding each survey were included for this study. ArcGIS version 10.7 software was used to visualize spatial distribution for home delivery. The Bernoulli model was applied using Kilduff SaTScan version 9.6 software to identify significant purely spatial clusters for home delivery in Ethiopia. Result: Home delivery was declined from 94.78% in 2005 to 90.05% in 2011, and 73.44% in 2016 in Ethiopia. Among the three surveys, consistently high clustering of home delivery was observed in Amhara and Southern Nation Nationalities and People Regions of Ethiopia. In spatial scan statistics analysis, a total of 128 clusters (RR= 1.04, P-value < 0.001) in 2005, and 90 clusters (RR = 1.11, P-value < 0.001) in 2011, and 55 clusters (RR = 1.29, P-value < 0.001) in 2016 significant primary clusters were identified. Educational status of women and husband, religion, distance to the health facility, mobile access, antenatal care visit, birth order, parity, wealth index, residence, and region were statistically associated with home delivery. Conclusion: The spatial distribution of home delivery among the three consecutive surveys were non-random in Ethiopia. Low educational status of women and her husband, long distance to the health facility, poor wealth index, rural residence, multiparity, have no mobile access, living in Amhara and SNNP region, and had no antenatal care visit were significant predictors of home delivery in Ethiopia. Therefore, An intervention needs to improve the coverage of antenatal care, women and her husband's education, health care facilities and mobile access. Special attention should give women live in Amhara and SNNPR regions. Key Words: Home delivery, EDHS, Spatial Distribution, Ethiopia.
Mitochondrial DNA copy number in cervical exfoliated cells and risk of cervical cancer among HPV-positive women
Authors: Sun Wei , Qin Xueyun , Zhou Jing , Xu Mingjing , Lyu Zhangyan , Li Xin , Zhang Kai , Dai Min , Li Ni , Hang Dong 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: Although human papillomavirus (HPV) infection has been recognized as the major cause of cervical cancer, only a minority of HPV-infected women develop this malignancy. An increasing amount of evidence suggests that alterations of mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtCN) may contribute to carcinogenesis. However, the relationship between mtCN and cervical cancer remains unknown. Methods: In this case-control study, we included 591 cervical cancer cases and 373 cancer-free controls, all of whom were infected with high-risk HPV. Relative mtCN in cervical cancer exfoliated cells was measured by qRT-PCR assays, and logistic regression analysis was performed to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: HPV16, 18, 52, and 58 were the most common types in both case and control groups. Median mtCN in cases was significantly higher than that in controls ( P = 0.03). After adjustment for age and HPV types, the highest quartile of mtCN was associated with increased odds of having cervical cancer (OR = 1.77, 95% CI = 1.19, 2.62; P < 0.01), as compared to the lowest quartile. A dose-response effect of mtCN on cervical cancer was also observed ( P trend < 0.001). The interaction between mtCN and HPV types was statistically nonsignificant. Conclusions: Increased mtCN in cervical exfoliated cells is associated with cervical cancer after HPV infection. Our study provides a basis for future studies to determine the potential of mtCN as a novel biomarker in cervical cancer screening.
Effects of co-composted cow manure and poultry litter on the extractability and bioavailability of trace metals from the contaminated soil irrigated with wastewater
Authors: Haroon Bushra , Hassan Amjad , Abbasi Arshad Mehmood , Ping An , Yang Shao , Irshad Muhammad 
Published: October 2019

AbstractIt is generally recognized that agricultural soils accumulate toxic metals after long-term wastewater irrigation. The removal of trace metals (TMs) from the soil is not possible. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of the addition of manure on the extractability and bioavailability of TM from the contaminated soil after wastewater irrigation. Soils samples were treated with co-composted cow manure (CM) and poultry litter (PL) at 10 and 20 t ha−1. The study showed that addition of manure enhanced fenugreek biomass and reduced TM uptake depending on the combination of composted manures used. TM concentrations in the fenugreek shoots varied in the order of Pb &gt; Ni &gt; Zn &gt; Cu &gt; Cd. A higher amount of manure mixture especially composted with the privet and cypress residues decreased the extractability of TM from the contaminated soil. Soils amended with PL reduced TM concentrations more than CM; this is also true for the plant uptake. The variation of TM in plants was positively associated with their concentrations in the soil and adversely related to the plant biomass. This study confirmed that the combined use of composted manure with plant residues can be an effective addition for ameliorating the TM pollution in soils and crops.
Zakaz parkowania samochodów z instalacją LPG w garażach podziemnych - wybrane problemy
Authors: Porębska Joanna 
Published: October 2019

Niemal wszechobecny zakaz wjazdu pojazdów zasilanych LPG do garaży podziemnych w budynkach mieszkalnych, biurowcach i galeriach handlowych wynika głównie z przepisów technicznych zlokalizowanych w akcie prawnym o randze rozporządzenia. Przepisy te budzą wiele wątpliwości zarówno wśród zobowiązanych kierowców, jak i wśród właścicieli nieruchomości objętych zakazem. Autorka analizuje zasadność wprowadzanych ograniczeń i komplementarność uregulowania tego zagadnienia oraz formułuje postulaty de lege ferenda.