bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of heavy episodic drinking and associated factors among adults residing in Arba Minch health and demographic surveillance site: a cross sectional study
Authors: Gutema Befikadu Tariku , Chuka Adefris , Ayele Gistane , Tariku Eshetu Zerhun , Aschalew Zeleke , Baharu Alazar , Degefa Nega , Gurara Mekdes Kondale 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Alcohol consumption is associated with different types of illness, particularly heavy episodic drinking is one of the risk factors for the disease burden of alcohol intake. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of heavy episodic drinking and associated factors in Arba Minch Health and Demographic Surveillance Site (HDSS).Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 2017 among adult residents of Arba Minch HDSS. Using Arba Minch HDSS database, 3368 individuals were selected by simple random sampling techniques. From WHO STEPS instruments, step one was applied for this study. Variables with a p-value of less than 0.10 for bivariate analysis entered into a multivariable logistic regression model to outline the independent predictors of the heavy episodic drinking. To assess the presence of an association between dependent and independent variables, a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered.Results: The prevalence of heavy episodic drinking was 13.7% (95% CI: 12.6–14.9). The study has shown that heavy episodic drinking was significantly associated with occupation (daily laborer [AOR=0.49; 95% C.I: 0.29–0.85] and housewives [AOR=0.63; 95% C.I: 0.45–0.88] compared with farmers), wealth index (2nd quintiles [AOR =0.55; 95% C.I: 0.41–0.74) and 3rd quintiles [AOR = 0.66; 95% C.I: 0.46–0.93] compared with 1st quintiles), and climatic zone (midland [AOR=1.80;95% CI: 1.11–2.93), highland [AOR=1.95;95% CI: 1.19–3.18] compared with lowland). In addition, tobacco use [AOR=4.28;95% CI: 3.38–5.43], and khat use [AOR=4.75; 95% CI: 2.66–8.50) were also associated with heavy episodic drinking among the study participants. Conclusions: More than one in ten adults reported heavy episodic drinking in the study area. Intervention programs that aim to prevent heavy episodic drinking should be designed appropriately for individuals from lower wealth status, and for highlander.
Establishing seasonal and alert influenza thresholds in Morocco
Authors: Rguig Ahmed , Cherkaoui Imad , McCarron Margaret , Oumzil Hicham , Triki Soumia , Elmbarki Houria , Bimouhen Abderrahman , Falaki Fatima El , Regragui Zakia , Ihazmad Hassan , Nejjari Chakib , Youbi Mohammed 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Several statistical methods of variable complexity have been developed to establish thresholds for influenza activity that may be used to inform public health guidance. We compared the results of two methods and explored how they worked to characterize the 2017-2018 season.Methods: Historical data from the 2005/2006 to 2016/2017 seasons were provided by a network of 412 primary health centers in charge of influenza like illness (ILI) sentinel surveillance. We used the WHO averages and the moving epidemic method (MEM) to evaluate the proportion of ILI visits among all outpatient consultations (ILI%) as a proxy for influenza activity. We also used the MEM method to evaluate three seasons of composite data (ILI% multiplied by percent of ILI with laboratory-confirmed influenza) as recommended by WHO. Results: The WHO method estimated the seasonal ILI% threshold at 0.9%. The annual epidemic period began on average at week 46 and lasted an average of 18 weeks. The MEM model estimated the epidemic threshold (corresponding to the WHO seasonal threshold) at 1.5% of ILI visits among all outpatient consultations. The annual epidemic period began on week 49 and lasted on average 14 weeks. Intensity thresholds were similar using both methods. When using the composite measure, the MEM method showed a clearer estimate of the beginning of the influenza epidemic, which was coincident with a sharp increase in confirmed ILI cases. Conclusions: We found that the threshold methodology presented in the WHO manual is simple to implement and easy to adopt for use by the Moroccan influenza surveillance system. The MEM method is more statistically sophisticated and may allow a better detection of the start of seasonal epidemics. Incorporation of virologic data into the composite parameter as recommended by WHO has the potential to increase the accuracy of seasonal threshold estimation.
Predictability and controlling factors of overpressure in the North Alpine Foreland Basin, SE Germany: An interdisciplinary post-drill analysis of the Geretsried GEN-1 Deep Geothermal Well
Authors: Drews Michael Christian , Hofstetter Peter , Zosseder Kai , Shipilin Vladimir , Stollhofen Harald 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
The North Alpine Foreland Basin in SE Germany Germany’s most active deep geothermal province. However, in its southern and eastern part the basin is considerably overpressured, which is a significant challenge for drilling deep geothermal wells. In this study, combine drilling data and velocity-based pore pressure analyses with 3D basin modelling to assess the predictability and controlling factors of overpressure in the sub-regional context (area of 80 km x 50 km) around the Geretsried GEN-1 well, a deep geothermal exploration well in the southern part of the North Alpine Foreland Basin in SE Germany. Drilling data and velocity-based pore pressure analyses indicate overpressure maxima in the Lower Oligocene (Rupelian and Schoeneck Formation) and up to mild overpressure in the Upper Oligocene (Chattian) and Upper Cretaceous, except for the hydrostatically pressured northwestern part of the study area. 3D basin modelling calibrated to four hydrocarbon wells surrounding the Geretsried GEN-1 well demonstrates the dominating role of disequilibrium compaction and low permeability units related to overpressure generation in the North Alpine Foreland Basin. However, secondary overpressure generation mechanisms are likely contributing. Also, the impact of Upper Cretaceous shales, which are eroded in the northwestern part of the study area, on overpressure maintenance is investigated. The calibrated basin model is tested against the drilling history and velocity (VSP) data-based pore pressure estimate of the Geretsried GEN-1 well and reveals that pore pressure prediction is generally possible using 3D basin modelling in the North Alpine Foreland Basin, but should be improved with more detailed analysis of lateral drainage systems and facies variations in the future. The results of the study are of relevance to future well planning and drilling as well as to geomechanical modelling of subsurface stresses and deep geothermal production in the North Alpine Foreland Basin.
Efficacy of a High-Dose Proton Pump Inhibitor in Patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Single Center, Randomized, Open-Label Trial
Authors: Cho Jae Ho , Shin Cheol Min , Yoon Hyuk , Park Young Soo , Kim Nayoung , Lee Dong Ho 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: The extraesophageal manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are more difficult to manage than the typical symptoms. The efficacy of high-dose and standard-dose proton pump inhibitors against these atypical symptoms is not yet established.Methods: In this single center, randomized, open-label study, patients with GERD received rabeprazole for 8 weeks, either 20 mg once daily (standard-dose group) or 20 mg twice daily (high-dose group). Patients were assessed before treatment and at weeks 4 and 8 with a 5-graded scale questionnaire consisting of 2 typical symptoms (heartburn and acid regurgitation) and 8 atypical symptoms (chest pain, cough, globus, wheezing, laryngopharyngitis, hoarseness, belching, and dysphagia). Sufficient improvement of reflux symptoms was defined as ≥ 50% reduction from the initial questionnaire score.Results: Final analyses included 35 patients in the standard-dose group and 38 patients in the high-dose group. The rate of sufficient improvement for typical symptoms was significantly higher in the high-dose group than in the standard-dose group (100.0% vs. 84.0%, P = 0.040). For atypical symptoms, the rate of sufficient improvement tended to be higher in the high-dose group than in the standard-dose group (82.4% vs. 63.0%, P = 0.087). Scores of typical and some atypical symptoms (cough and globus) improved after treatment, with significant inter-group differences in time-course changes.Conclusions: High-dose rabeprazole is more effective for relieving typical GERD symptoms and some atypical symptoms such as cough and globus than a standard-dose regimen.Trial registration: This research was enrolled in a registry of clinical trials run by United States National Library of Medicine at the National Institutes of Health (ClinicalTrials.gov Protocol Registration and Results system ID: NCT04001400). This study was registered on June 26, 2019 - Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04001400.
Albumin-bound paclitaxel and gemcitabine combination therapy in soft tissue sarcoma
Authors: Tian Zhichao , Zhang Fan , Li Po , Wang Jiaqiang , Yang Jinpo , Zhang Peng , Yao Weitao , Wang Xin 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: The evidence that albumin-bound paclitaxel (nab-paclitaxel) is safe and efficacious for the treatment of many types of malignant tumors is continuously increasing. However, the clinical data and evidence of nab-paclitaxel and gemcitabine in metastatic soft tissue sarcoma (STS) treatment are rare.Methods: The data of 17 patients with metastatic STS who received nab-paclitaxel/ gemcitabine chemotherapy between January 2019 and February 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. All patients were treated with nab-paclitaxel/ gemcitabine only after doxorubicin-based chemotherapy had failed. We evaluated the median progression-free survival (m-PFS), disease control rate (DCR), objective response rate (ORR) and adverse events (AEs) in these patients. Results: The m-PFS was 6 months (95% CI, 2–9 months), ORR was 41.2% and DCR was 70.6%. The average change in target lesion diameter from baseline was -19.06±45.74%. While the majority of the treatment patients experienced grade 1 or 2 AEs, grade 3 or 4 AEs were not common, but included neutropenia (17.6%), fatigue (11.8%), anemia (11.8%), leukopenia (11.8%), nausea (5.9%), peripheral neuropathy (5.9%), diarrhea (5.9%), and thrombocytopenia (5.9%). No treatment-related deaths occurred. Conclusion: Nab-paclitaxel/ gemcitabine combination chemotherapy is comparatively effective in the treatment of STS, demonstrates low toxicity, and is worthy of further study.
Anopheles arabiensis and Anopheles funestus biting patterns in Dielmo, an area of low level exposure to malaria vectors
Authors: Doucoure Souleymane , Thiaw Omar , Wotodjo Amélé N. , Bouganali Charles , Diagne Nafissatou , Parola Philippe , Sokhna Cheikh 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background In Dielmo, Senegal, the widespread use of long-lasting insecticidal nets has decreased both the incidence of malaria and the density of the Anopheles population. However, persistent low-level malaria transmission may hamper efforts to eliminate the disease. Therefore, continuous monitoring of the vector population is needed in order to improve knowledge of Anopheles biting behaviour and to readjust control interventions.Methods In 2015, Anopheles were collected every month for a whole year and each specimen was identified using morphological and molecular techniques. The biting pattern of each species was analysed according to night (7pm–7am) and morning (7am–11am) periods, the place of biting and the season. The ELISA CSP technique was used to assess the Plasmodium falciparum sporozoite rate to evaluate the entomological inoculation rate (EIR).Results Anopheles arabiensis and Anopheles funestus sensu stricto were found to be the main vectors biting humans. Overall, the biting rate was low, at 3.84bites per night (bpn) and 1.27 bites per morning (bpm), respectively (IRR =3.04, CI = [1.84-5.00], p<0.001). The EIR was 2.51 and 5.03 infectious bites per year during the night and morning, respectively. During the night, the An. arabiensis and An. funestus biting rate was 1.81 bpn and 1.71 bpn, respectively (IRR=0.95, CI= [0.46-1.92], p=0.88). During the morning, their density decreased to 0.51 bpm and 0.73 bpm for An. arabiensis and An. funestus, respectively (IRR=1.47, CI= [0.58-3.71], p=0.41). During the night and the morning, no specific trend of indoor or outdoor biting was observed in the dry and rainy season for both vectors. Conclusion This study highlighted low level Anopheles nocturnal and diurnal biting and the associated risk of malaria transmission. It showed also the influence of the season on the indoor and outdoor biting pattern, indicating that the human population could be exposed all year round to a low level of Anopheles bites. Control programmes should increase awareness of the use of bed nets throughout the year and promote the development and implementation of complimentary tools to target Anopheles biting shortly after dawn when people are still indoors.
Measuring productivity of healthcare services under environmental constraints: Evidence from China
Authors: Yu Jinna , liu zhen , Zhang Tingting , Hatab Assem Abu , Lan Jing 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Despite the growing literature on the efficiency and productivity of the Chinese healthcare system, less attention has been given to examining the undesirable outputs linked to healthcare services, including environmental pollution. Taking the atmospheric environmental pollution resulting from the incineration of medical waste as an undesirable output of the healthcare system, this study analyzed the growth and decomposition of Total Factor Productivity (TFP) of healthcare services across 31 Chinese provinces during the period 2005-2016.Methods: The Meta-frontier undesirable super-efficiency slack-based measure (SBM) model and the Global Malmquist-Luenberger (GML) Index were employed to analyze the growth and decomposition of TFP using the Max DEA software. Results: The results revealed that the years 2009 and 2015 marked significant changes in TFP of healthcare services in Chinese provinces. During the study period, the rate of technological change (TC) slowly declined, whereas the rate of efficiency change (EC) steadily increased. With the national average being the benchmark, the results indicated that: the TFP of 17 provinces and cities exceeded the average, the EC changes of 16 provinces and cities exceeded the average, the TC changes of 9 provinces and cities exceeded the average, and the in the Technology Gap Ratio (TGR) changes of 13 provinces and cities were above the national average. Conclusions: (1) The TFP of the healthcare services across China continued to decline slowly during the study period. (2) The effect of technical catch-up in the eastern, central, and western regions of China was significant across the three regions, whereas the effect of technical innovation was negative. (3) The TFP varied considerably among the Chinese provinces. These findings suggest that, under existing environmental constraints, relevant government departments should improve technical innovation in the supply of healthcare services and medical waste treatment, increase technical efficiency in the factor of healthcare production, strengthen regional health planning, and balance the development of regional healthcare.
Degenerative central lumbar spinal stenosis: Is endoscopic decompression through lateral transforaminal approach sufficient?
Authors: Zhang Bin , Kong Qingquan , Yan Yuqing , Feng Pin 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: At present, no percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal decompression surgery has been reported to solve central lumbar spinal stenosis (CLSS). Whether endoscopic decompression through lateral transforaminal approach decompression is sufficient for degenerative CLSS. Methods: This retrospective study included 47 cases of CLSS patients who underwent percutaneous endoscopic decompression through a bilateral transforaminal approach. Clinical outcomes such as ODI, back and leg VAS, the Macnab criteria were evaluated. Surgical results including operative time, postoperative hospital stay, recurrence, and surgical complications were also studied. Radiologically, lumbar stability was assessed and lumbar dural sac dimension was compared preoperatively and postoperatively. Results ： All 47 patients were followed up. The average follow-up period was 24.5 months. The average operation time was 116 minutes. The mean VAS of leg and back pain, and the mean ODI improved from 7.81, 2.53, and 77.03% at baseline to a final 1.94 (P=0.00), 2.47 (P=0.71), and 19.40 % (P=0.00), respectively. According to the Macnab criteria, 97.9% of patients achieved excellent and good results. There were 2 cases of dura tear and 3 cases of transient postoperative dysthesia. The cross sectional area of the dural sac was significantly enlargement at the last fellow up (74.28±13.08 mm 2 vs. 104.91±12.40 mm 2 , P=0.00). Conclusions: Except for the main pathogenic factors on the dorsal side of the dural sac, percutaneous endoscopic decompression through a bilateral transforaminal approach is sufficient for CLSS. It is a feasible, safe, and clinically effective minimally invasive procedure.
Assessment of the efficacy of a fatigue management therapy in schizophrenia: study protocol for a randomized, controlled multi-centric study (ENERGY)
Authors: Raffard Stéphane , Rainteau Nicolas , Bayard Sophie , Laraki Yasmine , Norton Joanna , Capdevielle Delphine 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background Fatigue is a well-known common clinical feature of numerous chronic diseases including various forms of cancer, neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis, and psychiatric disorders. A significant proportion of people with schizophrenia (30-60%) reportedly experience fatigue, which impacts negatively on participation in various activities, including work, study, leisure and social pursuits. Causes of fatigue in schizophrenia are poorly understood and there are no established treatments. Several evidence-based interventions for fatigue syndrome including psychoeducation, cognitive behavioral therapy, and graded exercise therapy have been shown to be effective in other medical conditions and could be adapted to address fatigue in schizophrenia patients. As there are no psychosocial or pharmacological interventions with proved efficacy for fatigue in schizophrenia, there is an urgent need for the development of strategies to improve fatigue management in schizophrenia.The aim of this project is to evaluate in a single blind randomized clinical trial the efficacy of a cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) intervention compared to treatment as usual (TAU) on fatigue as the main outcome in schizophrenia patients. Clinical symptoms, physical functioning, major cognitive functions, quality of life and functioning, treatment dosage, daily motor activity, biological markers with inflammatory markers are also considered as secondary outcomes.Methods/design200 patients meeting the inclusion criteria will be randomized to either of the study arms (intervention or TAU). The ENERGY intervention will be delivered according to a standardized treatment manual comprising six modules addressing fatigue and sleep over 14 individual therapy sessions. The treatment encompasses core CBT principles of psycho-education, behavioral activation, behavioral experiments, cognitive restructuring, problem-solving and relapse prevention. Sessions will follow the traditional CBT structure of agenda setting, review of homework tasks, and introduction of a new concept/technique with collaborative discussions on how to implement such strategies in the participant’s day-to-day environment. Our primary endpoint will be the severity of fatigue assessed at baseline and at the 9-month follow-up using the “Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory” (MFI).DiscussionThe trial will provide the first test of CBT intervention for fatigue for patients with schizophrenia. This study will also test to what extent the treatment can be implemented in everyday practice.Trial Registration : ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04332601. Registered on April 10, 2020
Impact of DRGS-based Inpatient Service Management on the Performance of Regional Inpatient Services in Shanghai, China: an Interrupted Time Series Study, 2013-2019
Authors: feng lvfan , Tian Yuan , He Mei , Tang Jie , Peng Ying , Dong Chenjie , Xu Wenzhong , Wang Tao , He Jiangjiang 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: The asymmetry of information brings difficulty for government to manage public hospitals. Therefore, Jiading District of Shanghai has been establishing DRGs-based inpatient service management system (ISMS) to effectively compare the output of different hospitals through DRGs, reward desired hospital performance and enhance inpatient service capacity. However, the impact of the implementation of DRGs-based inpatient service management (ISM) policy in Jiading district is still unknow. We therefore conducted this study to evaluate the impact of DRGs-based ISM policy on the performance of inpatient service since its implementation in Jiading District, Shanghai, China in 2017.Methods: Using an interrupted time series design, we analyzed quarterly data of seven DRGs-based performance measures from the ISMS which covered all five public hospitals in Jiading District from 2013 to 2019. We utilized the segmented linear regression model to assess the change of level and trend of performance indicators before and after ISM policy. Durbin-Watson test was performed to check the series autocorrelation of indicators.Results: Significant changes in the following indicators were observed since the implementation of ISM policy. The case-mix index (CMI) level decreased by 0.103 (P < 0.05), the trend increased by 0.008 (P < 0.05). The total weight level decreased by 3719.05 (P < 0.05), and the trend increased by 250.13 (P < 0.05). The time efficiency index (TEI) level increased by 0.12 (P < 0.05), and the trend decreased by 0.01 (P < 0.05). The cost efficiency index (CEI) level increased by 0.31 (P < 0.05), and the trend decreased by 0.02 (P < 0.05). No significant difference was found in the change of DRGs number, inpatient mortality of low-risk group cases (IMLRG) and inpatient mortality of medium-to-low risk group cases (IMMLRG).Conclusions: Findings highlight the role of ISM policy in improving the capacity and efficiency of regional inpatient service. Three prerequisites, including a good information system, high-quality EMR data, and a management team, are needed for other countries to implement their own ISM policy to help government manage public hospitals and improve the performance of regional inpatient service.