bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors Influencing Adoption of Improved Structural Soil and Water Conservation Measures in Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Wordofa Muluken Gezahegn , Okoyo Eric N. , Erkalo Eliso 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Agriculture remains to be the leading sector that contributes enormously to economic development in Ethiopia. Despite its significant contribution to livelihoods, the sector faces persistent challenges due to depletion of natural resources and soil erosion that resulted in diminishing crop and livestock productivity. In order to curb the effects of land degradation, the Government of Ethiopia has been taking serious measures to expand Soil and Water Conservation (SWC) practices throughout the country. Despite the efforts made, the adoption of new practices by farmers have been generally low. This study was aimed at assessing factors influencing smallholder farmers’ decision on the use of improved structural SWC practices in Haramaya district, eastern Ethiopia. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 120 farm households and 248 plots. A structured interview schedule was used to collect primary data. Descriptive and inferential statistics and Multinomial Logit (MNL) regression model were used to analyze the data. Results: The key findings showed that a host of socio-demographic, economic and institutional factors significantly affected smallholders’ decision to adopt improved structural SWC. In this study, we found that education, farming experience, plot area, distance of the plot from dwelling unit, number of economically active household members, and extension contact were the significant predictors of using improved SWC structures. Conclusions: Based on our findings, we concluded that improved SWC measures should be scaled up through a concerted effort of extension workers, local administration and other relevant non-state actors. In particular, the extension system should encourage rural communities on sustainable management and use of natural resources. Moreover, the need to create learning opportunities through facilitating appropriate educational and training programs for farmers and focusing on proper management of available economically active household members should be emphasized.
The Effectiveness of Battlefield Acupuncture in Addition to Standard Physical Therapy Treatment after Shoulder Surgery: A Protocol for a Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Crowell Michael S , Brindle Richard A , Mason John S , Pitt William J , Miller Erin M , Posner Matthew A , Cameron Kenneth L , Goss Donald L. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Introduction: There is a large incidence of shoulder instability among active young athletes and military personnel. Shoulder stabilization surgery is the commonly employed intervention for treating individuals with instability. Following surgery, a substantial proportion of individuals experience acute post-operative pain, which is usually managed with opioid pain medications. Unfortunately, the extended use of opioid medications can have adverse effects that impair function and reduce military operational readiness, but there are currently few alternatives. However, Battlefield Acupuncture (BFA) is a minimally invasive therapy demonstrating promise as a non-pharmaceutical intervention for managing acute post-operative pain.Methods: This is a single-blind randomized clinical trial featuring a 2x5 mixed-model factorial design. The two independent variables are intervention (2 levels; standard physical therapy and standard physical therapy plus Battlefield Acupuncture) and time (5 levels; 24-hours, 48-hours, 72-hours, 1-week, and 4-weeks post shoulder stabilization surgery). The primary dependent variable is worst and average pain as measured on the Visual Analog Scale. Secondary outcomes include medication usage, Profile of Mood States, and Global Rating of Change.Discussion: The magnitude of the effect of BFA is uncertain; current studies report confidence intervals of between group differences that include MCIDs between intervention and control groups. The results of this study may help determine if BFA is an effective adjunct to physical therapy in reducing pain and opioid usage in acute pain conditions. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04094246. Registered 16 September 2019, http://clinicaltrials.gov/NCT04094246.
Elevated serum levels of checkpoint molecules in patients with adult Still’s disease
Authors: Fujita Yuya , Asano Tomoyuki , Matsumoto Haruki , Matsuoka Naoki , Temmoku Jumpei , Sato Shuzo , Furuya Makiko Yashiro , Suzuki Eiji , Watanabe Hiroshi , Koga Tomohiro , Kawakami Atsushi , Migita Kiyoshi 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: The interaction between galectin-9 (Gal-9) and its ligand, T cell immunoglobulin and mucin-containing-molecule-3 (TIM-3), one of the coinhibitory receptors, transduce the inhibitory signaling to regulate immune responses. The dysregulated expression of checkpoint molecules has been reported under various inflammatory or autoimmune conditions. The aim of this study is to investigate the levels of these checkpoint molecules and their associations between proinflammatory markers in patients with adult Still’s disease (ASD).

Methods: Serum samples were collected from 47 patients with active ASD, 116 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and 37 healthy controls (HCs). Serum levels of Gal-9, soluble TIM-3 (sTIM-3), and IL-18 were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results were compared with clinical features of ASD.

Results: Serum Gal-9 levels in patients with ASD (median: 21.57 ng/ml, interquartile range IQR [11.41–39.72]) were significantly higher compared to those in patients with RA (7.58 ng/ml, IQR [5.57–10.20] p < 0.001) as well as those in HCs (4.51 ng/ml, [IQR; 3.58–5.45], p < 0.001). Similarly, serum sTIM-3 levels in patients with ASD were significantly higher than those in patients with RA and HCs. Serum levels of Gal-9 or sTIM-3 showed positive correlations with IL-18 levels (Gal-9; r = 0.90, p< 0.001, sTIM-3; r = 0.78, p< 0.001) in patients with ASD. Serum levels of Gal-9 or sTIM-3 correlated with serum ferritin (Gal-9; r = 0.77, p< 0.001, sTIM-3; r = 0.71, p< 0.001) and ASD disease activity score (Pouchot’s score, Gal-9; r = 0.66, p< 0.001, sTIM-3; r = 0.59, p< 0.001). Whereas there was no significant correlation between serum Gal-9 or sTIM-3 and CRP. ASD patients with chronic arthritis phenotype had a significantly higher Gal-9/ferritin and sTIM-3/ferritin ratio than those without this phenotype. After immunosuppressive treatment, Gal-9 and sTIM-3 levels showed a significant decline in parallel to the disease activity scores.

Conclusions: Serum levels of the coinhibitory checkpoint molecules were elevated and correlated with disease activity in patients with ASD. These coinhibitory checkpoint molecule may be implicated in the autoinflammatory process seen in ASD.
Impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 on Pulmonary Function in Early Convalescence Phase
Authors: Huang Yiying , Tan Cui yan , Wu Jian , Chen Mei zhu , Wang Zhen guo , Luo Li yun , Zhou Xiao rong , Liu Xin ran , Huang Xiao ling , Yuan Chi can , Chen Chao lin , Gao Fen , Huang Jin , Shan Hong , Liu Jing 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Objective: This study investigated the influence of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) on lung function in early convalescence phase.Methods: A prospective retrospective study of COVID-19 patients at the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University were conducted, with serial assessments including lung volumes (TLC), spirometry (FVC, FEV1), lung diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO),respiratory muscle strength, 6-minute walking distance (6MWD) and high resolution CT being collected at 30 days after discharged.Results: 57 patients completed the serial assessments. There were 40 non-severe cases and 17 severe cases. Thirty-one patients (54.3%) had abnormal CT findings. Abnormalities were detected in the pulmonary function tests in 43 (75.4%) of the patients. Six (10.5%), 5(8.7%), 25(43.8%) 7(12.3%), and 30 (52.6%) patients had FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC ratio, TLC, and DLCO values less than 80% of predicted values, respectively. 28 (49.1%) and 13 (22.8%) patients had PImax and PEmax values less than 80% of the corresponding predicted values. Compared with non-severe cases, severe patients showed higher incidence of DLCO impairment (75.6%vs42.5%, p=0.019), higher lung total severity score（TSS）and R20, and significantly lower percentage of predicted TLC and 6MWD. No significant correlation between TSS and pulmonary function parameters was found during follow-up visit.Conclusion: Impaired diffusing-capacityDeclining DLCO, lower respiratory muscle strength, and lung imaging abnormalities were detected in more than half of the COVID-19 patients in early convalescence phase. Compared with non-severe cases, severe patients had a higher incidence of DLCO impairment and encountered more TLC decrease and 6MWD decline.
An outbreak of intestinal schistosomiasis, alongside increasing urogenital schistosomiasis prevalence, in primary school children on the shoreline of Lake Malawi, Mangochi District, Malawi
Authors: Kayuni Sekeleghe , O’Ferrall Angus M. , Baxter Hamish , Hesketh Josie , Mainga Bright , Lally David , Al-Harbi Mohammad H. , LaCourse E. James , Juziwelo Lazarus , Musaya Janelisa , Makaula Peter , Stothard John Russell 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Intestinal schistosomiasis was not considered endemic in Lake Malawi until November 2017 when populations of Biomphalaria pfeifferi were first reported; in May 2018, emergence of intestinal schistosomiasis was confirmed. This emergence was in spite of ongoing control of urogenital schistosomiasis by preventive chemotherapy. Our current study sought to ascertain whether intestinal schistosomiasis is transitioning from emergence to outbreak, to judge if stepped-up control interventions are needed.Methods: During late-May 2019, three cross-sectional surveys of primary school children for schistosomiasis were conducted using a combination of rapid diagnostic tests, parasitological examinations and applied morbidity-markers; 1) schistosomiasis dynamics were assessed at Samama (n=80) and Mchoka (n=80) schools, where Schistosoma mansoni was first reported, 2) occurrence of S. mansoni was investigated at two non-sampled schools, MOET (Mangochi Orphan Education and Training) (n=60) and Koche (n=60) schools, where B. pfeifferi was nearby, and 3) rapid mapping of schistosomiasis, and B. pfeifferi, conducted across a further 8 shoreline schools (n=240). Results: In total, 520 children from 12 lakeshore primary schools were examined, mean prevalence of S. mansoni by ‘positive’ urine CCA-dipsticks was 31.5% [95% CI 27.5 – 35.5]. Upon comparisons of infection prevalence in May 2018, significant increases at Samama (RR=1.7 [95% CI 1.4 – 2.2]) and Mchoka (RR= 2.7 [95% CI 1.7 – 4.3]) schools were observed. Intestinal schistosomiasis was confirmed at MOET (18.3%) and Koche (35.0%) schools, and in all rapid mapping schools, ranging from 10.0% to 56.7%. Several populations of B. pfeifferi were confirmed, with two new eastern shoreline locations noted. Mean prevalence of urogenital schistosomiasis was 24.0% [95% CI 20.3 – 27.7]. Conclusions: We notify that intestinal schistosomiasis, once considered non-endemic in Lake Malawi, is now transitioning from emergence to outbreak. Once control interventions can resume after COVID-19, we recommend stepped-up preventive chemotherapy, with increased community-access to treatments, alongside renewed efforts in appropriate environmental control.
Proton versus photon radiotherapy for primary hepatocellular carcinoma: A propensity-matched analysis
Authors: Cheng Jen-Yu , Liu Chieh-Min , Wang Yu-Ming , Hsu Hsuan-Chih , Huang Eng-Yen , Huang Tzu-Ting , Lee Ching-Hsin , Hung Sheng-Ping , Huang Bing-Shen 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background Proton radiotherapy has a dosimetric advantage over photon radiotherapy. Many retrospective studies have shown promising results with proton radiotherapy in treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, clinical evidence demonstrating the benefit of protons over photons is still limited. We therefore compared the clinical outcomes of the two modalities using medical research databases from our medical foundation.Methods We conducted a propensity score-matched cohort study based on our multi-institution medical organization research database. From January 2007 to January 2018, a total of 413 patients (photon: 349; proton: 64) who were diagnosed with HCC and primarily treated with radiotherapy with curative intent were enrolled. Overall survival (OS) and radiation-induced liver disease (RILD) were assessed. Stratified analysis was also performed to evaluate the heterogeneous effects of the two arms.Results A total of 110 patients (photon: 55; proton: 55) were analyzed in the propensity-matched series. The matched groups were balanced for baseline tumor risk factors. Cox regression analysis revealed a significant survival benefit in the proton group (p=0.032, HR 0.56, 95% CI 0.33-0.96). The median overall survival in the proton group was not reached and that in the photon group was 17.4 months. The biological equivalent dose of radiotherapy was significantly higher in the proton group than in the photon group (median, 96.56 Gray [relative biological effectiveness] vs. 62.5 Gray, p<0.001). The risk of RILD was significantly lower in the proton group (11.8% vs. 36%, p=0.004).Conclusions Proton radiotherapy could deliver a higher radiation dose than photon radiotherapy without increasing the risk of RILD and result in a better overall survival rate for those diagnosed with HCC and treated with radiotherapy with curative intent.
Metalloproteins and apolipoprotein C: candidate plasma biomarkers of T2DM screened by comparative proteomics and lipidomics in ZDF rats
Authors: Wang Shuai , Lu Zhiyuan , Wang Yuxin , Zhang Tianran , He Xiaodong 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Early diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is still difficult. Screening of plasma biomarkers has great significance of optimizing diagnosis and predicting the complications of T2DM.
Methods
We used a special diet, Purina #5C08, to induce diabetes in Zucker leptin receptor gene-deficient rats (fa/fa) to establish Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats, simulating the early stage of T2DM. The differentially expressed proteins (DEP) and lipids (DEL), as potential biomarkers, were screened to compare the plasma expression levels in ZDF rats and their basic diet-fed wild-type controls (fa/+) by Tandem Mass Tags (TMT) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.
Results
These two groups had different plasma proteins and lipids profiles consisting of 84 DEPs and, 179 DELs identified in the positive ion mode and 178 DELs in the negative ion mode, respectively. Enrichment analysis of these different indicators showed that oxidative stress, insulin resistance and metabolic disorders of glycan and lipid played an important role in generating the difference. Some markers can be used as candidate biomarkers, such as ceruloplasmin, apolipoprotein C-I, apolipoprotein C-II, apolipoprotein C-IV, etc., in prediction and treatments of T2DM.
Conclusion
These plasma differences help to optimize the diagnosis and predict the complications of T2DM, although this remains to be verified in the crowd. Trace elements related-metalloproteins, such as ceruloplasmin, and lipid metabolism and transport-related apolipoprotein C are expected to be candidate biomarkers of T2DM and should be given more attention.
Optimal H2O2 preconditioning to improve BMSCs’ engraftment in wounds healing
Authors: Guo Ling , Zhang Ya , Du Juan , Yuan Dan Feng , Zhang Shu , Zhang Hua Cai , Mi Jun Wei , Ning Ya Lei , Chen Min Jia , Wen Da Lin , Sun Jian Hui , Liu Di , Zeng Ling , Zhang An Qiang , Jiang Jian Xin , Huang Hong 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background.

The transplantation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) is a promising therapeutic strategy for wound healing. However, the poor migration capacity and low survival rate of transplanted BMSCs in wounds weaken their potential application.
Objective.

The optimal protocol for BMSCs preconditioned with H2O2 was investigated, and the therapeutic efficacy of preconditioned BMSCs in wounds was evaluated.
Methods.

Mouse BMSCs were exposed to various concentrations of H2O2, and their functions were assessed; The H2O2-preconditioned BMSCs were transplanted into mice with full-thickness excisional wounds. Wound analysis was performed to assess the transplantation efficacy.
Results.

Treatment BMSCs with 50 µM H2O2 for 12 h could enhance their proliferation, migration and survival by maximizing up-regulation the cyclin D1, SDF-1 and its receptors CXCR4/7 expressions, and activating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, but inhibiting the expression of p16 and GSK-3β. Meanwhile, oxidative stress-induced-BMSCs apoptosis was significantly attenuated by an obviously decreased ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 and cleaved caspase-9/3 expression. After transplantation of BMSCs, the migration of H2O2 preconditioned-BMSCs into the wounds was dramatically increased compared to un-preconditioned-BMSCs, and had an increased microvessel density and wound closure speed.
Conclusions.

The findings suggested that 50 µM H2O2 pretreated for 12 h is the optimal precondition for the transplantation of BMSC, which gives a considerable insight that this protocol may be served as a promising candidate for improving the therapeutic potential of BMSCs for wound healing.
Vascular function and cardiovascular risk in a HIV infected and HIV free cohort of African ancestry: Baseline Profile, Rationale and Methods of the Longitudinal EndoAfrica-NWU Study
Authors: Fourie Carla Maria Theresia , Roux Shani Botha-Le , Smith Wayne , Schutte Aletta E , Breet Yolandi , Mels Carina MC , Gafane-Matemane Lebo F , Lammertyn Leandi , Uys Lisa , Burger Adele , Joseph Jitcy S , Goswami Nandu , De Boever Patrick , Strijdom Hans 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: People living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (PLHIV) have an increased susceptibility to develop non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease (CVD). Infection with HIV contributes to the development of CVD independent of traditional risk factors, with endothelial dysfunction being the central physiological mechanism. While HIV-related mortality is declining due to antiretroviral treatment (ART), the number of deaths due to CVD is rising in South Africa - the country with the highest number of PLHIV and the world’s largest ART programme.The EndoAfrica study was developed to determine whether HIV infection and ART are associated with cardiovascular risk markers and changes in vascular structure and function over 18 months in adults from different provinces of South Africa. This paper describes the rationale, methodology and baseline cohort profile of the EndoAfrica study conducted in the North West Province, South Africa. Methods: In this case-control study, conducted between August 2017 and June 2018, 382 volunteers of African descent (276 women; 106 men), comprising of 278 HIV infected and 104 HIV free individuals were included. We measured health behaviours, a detailed cardiovascular profile, and performed biomarker analyses. We compared baseline characteristics, blood pressure, vascular function and biochemical markers between those infected and HIV free. Results: At baseline, the HIV infected participants were older (43 vs 39 years), less were employed (21% vs 40%), less had a tertiary education (7% vs 16%) and their body mass index was lower (26 vs 29 kg/m2) than that of the HIV free participants. While the cardiovascular profile, flow-mediated dilation and pulse wave velocity did not differ, glycated haemoglobin was lower (p=0.017) and total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, gamma-glutamyltransferase and tobacco use were higher (all p<0.047) in PLHIV. Conclusion: Despite PLHIV being older, preliminary cross-sectional analysis suggests that PLHIV being treated with ART do not have poorer endothelial or vascular function compared to the HIV free participants. More detailed analyses on the baseline and follow-up data will provide further clarity regarding the cardiovascular profile of South Africans living with HIV.
Meta-analysis of the effects of dexmedetomidine vs esmolol for used controlled hypotension during surgery
Authors: Li Jiuyi , Huang Lingkun , Zhang Zhiming , Zeng Bin , Deng Huiyin 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: At present ,the anesthetist usally use Controlled hypotension tecnical reduced blood loss and improved surgical field. Dexmedetomidine and esmolol have been proved effective for controlled hypotension. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of dexmedetomidine versus esmolol on the controlled hypotension during surgery.Methods: All articles were retrieved from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library up to January 2020. JL and HD independently screened, extracted and evaluated the literature that meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and used RevMan 5.3 for statistic analysis.Results: Eight randomised trials, including 418 patients were selected in this meta-anaysis. And it’s results showed:1) The dexmedetomidine group was more favorable in reducing blood loss (MD 49.48 with 95% CI [-5.44,104.40], P =0.08）;2）Compared with the esmolol group，HR （MD 3.30 with 95% CI [2.11,4.50], P <0.00001）,requiring of fentany(SMD 5.96 with 95% CI [3.43,8.48], P <0.00001）were considerably lower in the dexmedetomidine group，while emergence time （MD -6.69 with 95% CI [-9.61,-3.76], P <0.0001)was more longer in the dexmedetomidine group . 3）Compared with the esmolol group，duration of surgery（MD -0.12 with 95% CI [-6.24,6.01], P = 0.97），MAP（ MD 2.29 with 95% CI [-2.02,6.60],P =0.30），the recovery period（MD -0.52 with 95% CI [-3.07,2.04], P = 0.69）were not statistically significant differences in the dexmedetomidine group.Conclusion: Two drugs were effective for controlled hypotension, but compared with esmolol, dexmedetomidine is more better in reducing blood loss ,and less requiring of fentanyl.But attention should be paid to the long emegence time and bradycardia.