bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modeling Survival Time to Recovery from COVID-19: A Case Study on Singapore
Authors: Mollazehi Monira , Mollazehi Mohammad , Abdel-Salam Abdel-Salam G. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new strain of viruses that originated in China. In December 2019, a strange case of pneumonia was reported in Wuhan, which then was diagnosed to be COVID-19. In Singapore, the first positive case was reported on January 23, 2020.Aim: This study aims to study the recovery time from COVID-19 in Singapore between January 23 and March 13, 2020.Methods: It's a retrospective study from January 23 until March 13, 2020 for 187 cases with COVID-19 infection. Data of the instances were collected to identify the factors affecting the recovery time from COVID-19. Several parametric models were fitted and the best predictor model was selected using the Bayesian information criterion (BIC).Results: Out of 187 patients, 96 (51.34%) were cured. The mean (±standard deviation) survival time was 9.40±7.17 days. Based on BIC, the exponential regression model was the weakest and the Weibull model was the best for fitting to data. According to the Weibull model, age (HR=1.01) and nationality (HR=0.76) had significant statistical effects (α=0.05) on patient recovery time.Conclusion: According to the findings of the study, younger patients recover faster compared to elderly patients, and the Singaporean patients cure more quickly than non-Singaporean patients.
Astragalus membranaceus root supplementation improves average daily gain, rumen TVFA production and immunity and antioxidant factors of Tibetan sheep
Authors: Wang Xianju , Ding Luming , Wei Haiyan , Jiang Cuixia , Yan Qi , Hu Changsheng , Jia Gongxue , Zhou Yuqing , Henkin Zalmen , Degen Allan 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: The use of antibiotics as supplements in animal feed is restricted due to possible health hazards associated with them. Consequently, there is increasing interest in exploiting natural products as antibiotics with no detrimental side effects. In this study, we examined the effect of Astragalus membranaceus root (AMT) supplementation on dry matter intake, growth performance, rumen fermentation and immunity of Tibetan sheep. Materials and methods: Twenty-four male Tibetan sheep (31 ± 1.4 kg; 9 months old) were assigned randomly to one of four dietary treatments with different levels of AMT: 0 g/kg, 20 g/kg, 50 g/kg and 80 g/kg dry matter (A 0 , A 2 , A 5 and A 8 , respectively) in addition to their basal diets. A 0 acted as a control group and measurements were recorded over a 56-d feeding period. Results: Sheep fed with AMT had a higher average daily gain (ADG) and a lower feed:gain ratio (F:G) than controls ( P < 0.001). Rumen concentrations of NH 3 -N ( P < 0.001), total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) ( P = 0.028), acetate ( P = 0.017) and propionate ( P = 0.031) in A 5 and A 8 were higher than in A 0 . The addition of AMT in the feed significantly increased serum antioxidant and immunity factors of the sheep and increased the concentrations of serum interleukin, immunoglobulin and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) ( P = 0.010). Conclusions: We concluded that AMT can be used as a feed additive to improve growth performance and rumen fermentation and enhance the immunity of Tibetan sheep. Some responses exhibited a dose-dependent response, whereas other did not exhibit a pattern, with an increase in AMT. The addition of 50 g/kg and 80 g/kg AMT of total DMI showed the most promising results.
Information Seeking Behavior about Cancer and Associated Factors among Students at DebreTabor University, Ethiopia, 2019: Cross sectional study
Authors: Gedefaw Adugna , Yilma Tesfahun M. , Endehabtu Berhanu F. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Introduction The prevalence of cancer has been increasing and it is among the leading cause of death in in sub-Saharan Africa over the last few years which mainly influnced by life-style. Understanding the information seeking behavior of individuals, especially Students who are more likely to seek health information than other people, can be seen as an opportunity to provide resources to improve lifestyle or prevent possible health threatening behaviors among students. The main objective of this study is to determine the health information seeking about cancer among students of Debretabor University Ethiopia.Objective The aim of this study was to assess cancer information seeking behavior (CISB) and its associated factors among students in Debre Tabor University.Methods Institutional based cross-sectional study design was conducted from March 01-30/2019. A total of 844 students were selected using multistage stratified sampling technique. Data entry and analyses were done using Epi info version 7.2 and SPSS version 20 respectively. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression analyses were applied to determine proportion of cancer information seeking behavior and to identify factors associated.Result The proportion of cancer information seeking by students in the past 12 month was 30.1%. Their first source of information was healthcare providers (48%) followed by Internet (27.6%). The majority 39.8% were looked about breast cancer. Year of study, Internet access (AOR=6.07, 95%CI= 4.05, 9.10), health literacy level (AOR=1.8, 95%CI=1.21, 2.68), self-reported health condition (AOR=1.85, 95% CI=1.25, 2.73), perceived susceptibility to cancer (AOR=2.48, 95% CI=1.47, 4.2) and perceived severity of cancer (AOR=3.33, 95% CI=1.85, 6.0) were the factors associated with cancer information seeking behavior.Conclusion The proportion of cancer information seeking among university students was low. Year of study, internet access, being healthy, health literacy level, level of perception to cancer exposure and perception to severity of cancer were significantly associated with cancer information seeking behavior. Increase health literacy & awareness creation about cancer for students will help to increase cancer information seeking behavior.
Hypolipidemic and antioxidant activities of oil from Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba)
Authors: Zhang Shuo , Chen Li 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: This study aims to determine the hypolipidemic and antioxidant activities of oil from Antarctic krill (AK) (Euphausia superba) in rats.Methods: Thirty-six rats were randomly assigned to three groups fed with diets containing high-fat (HF), AK oil (AKO) or normal fat for 6 weeks.Results: Compared with the HF group, the AKO-diet group had decreased body weight gain, food efficiency ratio, plasma triacylglycerol and total cholesterol but increased faecal fat and cholesterol, plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level and plasma phenoloxidase activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and glutathione peroxidase activity of rats.Conclusions: These results indicated that AKO is a suitable alternative for hypolipidemic and antioxidant source for humans.
Hand hygiene compliance in Dutch general practice offices: an observational study.
Authors: Hilt Nataliya , Lokate Mariëtte , OldeLoohuis Alfons , Hulscher Marlies EJL , Friedrich Alex W , Voss Andreas 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Hand hygiene (HH) is considered one of the most important measures to prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAI). Most studies focus on HH compliance within the hospital setting, whereas little is known for the outpatient setting. The aim of this study was to evaluate compliance with HH recommendations in general practitioners (GPs) office, based on World Health Organization (WHO) guideline.Methods An observational study was conducted at five Dutch GPs-practices in September 2017. We measured HH compliance through direct observation using WHO’s ‘five moments of hand hygiene’ observation tool. All observations were done by one trained professional.Results We monitored a total of 285 HH opportunities for 30 health care workers (HCWs). The overall compliance was 37%. Hand hygiene compliance was 34%, 51% and 16% for general practitioners, practice assistants, and nurses, respectively. It varies between 63% after body fluid exposure and no HH performance before-, during and after home visit of a patient (defined as moment 5). The preferred method of HH was soap and water (63%) versus 37% for alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR).Conclusions HH compliance among HCWs in Dutch GPs was found to be low, especially with regard to home visits. The WHO recommended switch from hand wash to ABHR was not implemented by the majority of HCWs in 5 observed GPs offices.
Fast delivery of life saving medical supplies in rural areas of Ethiopia
Authors: Znabu Brhanu Fentaw , Begna Lenchio Gudina , Tsegaye Sisay Tamene , Hinaw Debelo Olijira , Negero Amanuel Adem 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Ethiopia’s maternal mortality rate is among the highest in the world with 470 deaths per 100,000 live births. Every year post-partum hemorrhage (PPH) remains the leading cause of maternal mortality in Ethiopia. The problem is worse in the rural setting where there are not proper facilities and trained health workers to administer injectable medicine. Currently, the methods used by health centers in rural areas include referring the patient to the nearest hospital within a short period of time even though most of patients die in the ambulances without reaching the hospitals in nearby. Method: In this project, the design of rotary-wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with thermoelectric cold-box system is proposed. The temperature of blood bag is controlled by a thermoelectric cooler working based on the Pieter effect. The blood is transported to rural health centers through UAV, and the blood containing box will release it from higher altitudes using servo dropping mechanism. Results: The prototype was built and undergone through different iteration process. The proposed device was tested for safety, delivery time, bioavailability, range of operation, weight of the package and durability. For this design, the drone was flown a distance of 10km with less than 15 minutes while 100 meters above the ground. Conclusion: The proposed project has a clinical significance such as saving the lives of mothers and the child. Through the design of a UAV, the transportation of medical and biological component is feasible. The use of UAVs for medical supply delivery will considerably reduce the number of people admitting to the hospital and, therefore, minimizes the cost of medical services that comes with hospitalization.
The prognostic utility and clinical outcomes of MNX1-AS1 expression in cancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Juan , Jin Wen , Zhang Zhengyu , Chu Jingjing , Yang Hui , Li Chang , Dong Ruiyin , Zhao Cailian 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Recently, emerging studies have identified that MNX1-AS1 highly expressed among variety of cancers and related with worse prognosis of cancer patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between MNX1-AS1 expression with clinical features and prognosis in different cancers. Methods: In this study, we searched the Web of Science, PubMed, CNKI, and Wanfang databases to find relevant studies of MNX1-AS1. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were applied to explore the prognostic and clinical significance of MNX1-AS1. Results: A total of 9 literatures were included in this study, including 882 cancer patients. The results showed that patients with increased MNX-AS1 expression were more likely to develop lymph node metastasis (OR = 5.616, 95%CI: 3.093 - 10.199, P = 0.000) and advanced TNM stage (OR = 4.625, 95%CI: 2.366-9.040, P = 0.000). Moreover, we demonstrated that patients with high expression of MNX1-AS1 had poor OS in different cancers (HR = 1.976, 95%CI: 1.653 - 2.361, P=0.000). In addition, patients with high expression of MNX1-AS1 suffer from worse prognosis in gastric cancer (HR = 2.385, 95% CI: 1.838 - 3.094, P = 0.000) and lung cancer (HR= 1.959, 95%CI: 1.353 - 2.835, P = 0.000). Conclusions: High MNX1-AS1 expression is significantly associated with unfavorable clinical outcomes and it has the potential to serve as a prognostic biomarker in cancer patients.
The Efficacy of topical Capsaicin in the management of painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy: A unicenter double-blind, randomized clinical trial
Authors: Agoons Batakeh Ba , Dehayem Mesmin , Etoga Martine Claude Etoa , Agoons Dayawa Da , Yepnjio Faustin , Boli Anne Ongmeb , Wasnyo Yves Florent , Katte Jean-Claude Njabou , Ngassam Eliane Stella Tcheundjio , Nkamgna Ariane , Eugène Sobngwi , Mbanya Jean-Claude 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Painful peripheral neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes and its management is difficult. Neurotropic drugs, which are the drugs of choice, have moderate efficacy due to high first pass metabolism. Topical Capsaicin, derived from the capsicum plant, is effective in relieving the pain of diabetic peripheral neuropathy in Caucasians. Due to an intercultural bias in pain treatment response, we evaluated the efficacy of Capsaicin on painful diabetic neuropathy in sub-Saharan subjectsMethods: 22 subjects with type 2 diabetes having painful diabetic polyneuropathy were randomly assigned using a 1:1 blocking pattern, with parallel design, to an intervention group of capsaicin cream, or to a control group of Miconazole cream. Participants and investigators were blinded to the randomization. Both groups applied the supplied drug topically three times daily for 08 weeks. Pain intensity was noted in both groups, using a visual analogue scale, at intervals of 2 weeks. The trial took place at the national obesity center in Cameroon. The primary analysis was intention-to-treat, and compared the reduction in the mean pain score from baseline, per 2 week period.Results: Twenty-two patients, aged 55 ± 7 years, with an average pain intensity of 6.3 units in the Capsaicin group and 5.8 units in the placebo group were included; at inclusion, there was no significant difference in the 2 groups (p=0.52). After 02 weeks, the mean value of pain intensity was 3.3±0.9 vs 5.4±1.7 (p=0.004), at week 4, 3.2±0.9 vs 4.7±1.2 (p=0,015), at week 6, 3.5±1.3 vs 4.8±1.3 (p=0.018) and at week 8, 6.6±1.1 vs 5.4±1.0 (p=0.55) for capsaicin and placebo respectively. The main side effect in the capsaicin group was burning sensations in the application zonesConclusion: Capsaicin significantly reduced neuropathic pain in the intervention group; however the pain worsened at week 8. It therefore has a transient positive effect on neuropathic pain in sub-Saharan subjects
Risk factors for esophagojejunal anastomotic leakage in curative total gastrectomy combined with D2 lymph node dissection for gastric cancer: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Xing Jiadi , Liu Maoxing , Qi Xinyu , Yu Jianhong , Fan Yingcong , Xu Kai , Gao Pin , Tan Fei , Yao Zhendan , Zhang Nan , Yang Hong , Zhang Chenghai , Cui Ming , Su Xiangqian 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background This study aimed to explore the risk factors associated with esophagojejunal anastomotic leakage (EJAL) in curative total gastrectomy combined with D2 lymph node dissection for gastric cancer. Methods Consecutive patients receiving Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy reconstruction after surgery were reviewed. Multivariate analysis was performed using a logistic regression model to identify independent risk factors for EJAL. Results Of the 390 patients enrolled in this study, EJAL occurred in 10 patients (2.6%). One patient (1/10) with EJAL died. Univariate analysis identified age ( P = 0.025), alcohol consumption ( P = 0.019), pulmonary insufficiency ( P = 0.049), and intraoperative blood loss ( P = 0.015) as risk factors for EJAL. Of these four risk factors, age ( P = 0.043) and alcohol consumption ( P = 0.043) were retained as independent risk factors by multivariate analysis. Conclusions Surgeons should be very careful about anastomotic leakage during the perioperative period, especially in patients with advanced age and a history of alcohol consumption. Pulmonary insufficiency and intraoperative blood loss, although not being identified as independent risk factors, should also be considered.
Feasibility study of a verification method for proton and carbon ion radiotherapy plan delivery accuracy check
Authors: zhao jun , Chen Zhi , Wu Xianwei , Xing Ying , Li Yongqiang 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background All plan verification systems available for particle therapy are designed for pre-treatment verification. The plan delivery accuracy during treatment are unknown. The purpose of this study is to introduce a verification method and develop a software for proton and carbon ion plan delivery accuracy check. Methods A program was developed using Matlab to reconstruct dose from beam parameters recorded in log files and compare the dose reconstructed with the dose calculated by treatment planning system (TPS). Ten carbon ion plans and ten proton plans were enrolled in this study for algorithm validation, sensitivity analysis and plan delivery verification. The dose reconstruction algorithm was validated by comparing the dose calculated by TPS with reconstructed dose using the same beam parameters. The sensitivity of gamma pass rate to spot size deviation, position deviation and particle number deviation were analyzed by comparing dose reconstructed from pseudo plans which have manually added errors with original plan dose. Then plan delivery verification using homemade software were done for the 20 actual treated plans. Results A program for plan delivery verification was developed. For the validation of dose reconstruction algorithm, the mean dose difference between reconstructed dose and plan dose were 0.70% ± 0.24% and 0.51% ± 0.25% for carbon ion and proton plans, respectively. According to our simulation, the Gamma pass rate of carbon ion beam is more sensitive to spot position deviation and particle number deviation, and the Gamma pass rate of proton beam is more sensitive to spot size deviation. For the actual plan delivery verification using homemade software, the mean gamma pass rate were 99.47% ± 0.48%, 99.36% ± 0.50% and 99.48% ± 0.50% for carbon ion beams and 99.92% ± 0.13%, 99.96% ±0.06% and 99.89% ±0.13% for proton beams at three different depth of high dose region using 3mm/3% criteria. Conclusions A software was programed and the algorithm was verified. The method we introduced and the software we made for plan delivery verification is feasible and reliable. The verification method presented in this study can be easily repeated in other hospital.
Living with Frailty - What Healthcare Issues Matter to an Older Person? A Focus Group Study
Authors: Author) Kathryn Tipping(Former Corresponding , New Asangaedem Akpan 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background The study set out to interview older people with frailty and find out what healthcare issues matter to them. Older people with frailty are an important population subgroup. In the United Kingdom, over 65s already outnumber under 16s, and this is expected to increase. Research into health issues has been undertaken by the International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement (ICHOM) and this study builds on that. Recent research has been undertaken in America into health issues. However, these studies were not specifically focused on older people. Methods A scoping review of the literature was undertaken to highlight any gaps in this area of research. Thereafter a focus group interview was carried out with six older people with frailty. Qualitative research often uses smaller samples than quantitative research 7 . Braun and Clarke recommend that for a small project, such as this one, 6-10 interviews should be held. Braun and Clarke state that smaller groups (three to eight participants) work best in terms of generating a rich discussion and have the added benefit of being easier to manage 7 . The six participants were aged 65 years and over and had mild to moderate frailty using the Rockwood Clinical Frailty Scale. 8 The interview was recorded and transcribed, analysed and themes identified. Results The eight themes identified were trust in medical professionals, vulnerability of being an older person in hospital, polypharmacy and wastage of medication, discharge planning and co-ordination of care at home, taking responsibility for your own health, nomenclature, autonomy and falls. Conclusion This study has identified themes to raise awareness among health care professionals about what health issues matter to older people with frailty. The study findings will provide an opportunity for meaningful discussions around what is needed to meet these preferred health issues.
Comparison of efficacy and visual quality after CWFG-FS-LASIK, AF-FS-LASIK and SMILE for correcting myopia with asymmetry mid-to-high astigmatism
Authors: Zhao Zhongxiu , Zhu Miaomiao , Jian Qian , Liu Xialu , Ma Pingting , Li Ping , Peng Yanli 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background The individualized ablation is not only able to correct corneal low-order aberrations but also improve the corneal high-order aberrations in corneal asymmetry patients. In this study, we compared the effect of patients with mid-to-high astigmatism asymmetric corneas (1-4D) after three different surgical methods: Selective coma guidance femtosecond Laser in-situ keratomileusis (CWFG-FS-LASIK),Aberration-Free femtosecond Laser in-situ keratomileusis (AF-FS-LASIK) and Small incision lenticule (SMILE).Methods One hundred and fourteen eyes from 58 patients were enrolled in the retrospective study. We measured and compared the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), residual astigmatism, total coma, vertical coma (Z3-1), horizontal coma (Z31), Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) and Point Spread Function (PSF) at preoperation and postoperation after three months.Results Visual acuity of patients in three groups was increased after surgeries, but the improvements of visual acuity and residual astigmatism among them were no significant differences. However, the improvements of 4mm and 6mm total coma, Z3-1 and Z31 in CWFG-FS-LASIK were superior than in AF-FS-LASIK and SMILE. Consistent with this, the improvements of MTF and PSF (3mm and 5mm) in CWFG-FS-LASIK were better than in AF-FS-LASIK and SMILE.Conclusions In surgeries for treating patients with mid-to-high astigmatism in asymmetric corneas, the selective coma-guided mode was able to decrease the coma of original cornea, improve visual acuity and optimize the visual quality of patients.