bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased songbird nest depredation due to Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis) encroachment in Mediterranean shrubland
Authors: Ben-David Asaf , Shamoon Hila , Izhaki Ido , Efronny Roni , Maor Roi , Dayan Tamar 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background In recent decades, a decrease of passerine densities was documented in Mediterranean shrublands. At the same time, a widespread encroachment of Aleppo pines ( Pinus halepensis ) to Mediterranean shrubland occurred. Such changes in vegetation structure may affect passerine predator assemblage and densities, and in turn impact passerine densities. Depredation during the nesting season is an important factor to influence passerine population size. Understanding the effects of changes in vegetation structure (pine encroachment) on passerine nesting success is the main objective of this study. We do so by assessing the effects of Aleppo pine encroachment on Sardinian warbler ( Sylvia melanocephala ) nest depredation in Mediterranean shrublands.
Methods We examined direct and indirect predation pressures through a gradients of pine density, using four methods: (1) placing dummy nests; (2) acoustic monitoring of mobbing events; (3) direct observations on nest predation using cameras; and (4) observation of Eurasian jay ( Garrulus glandarius ) behaviour as indirect evidence of predation risk.
Results We found that Aleppo pine encroachment to Mediterranean shrublands increased nest predation by Eurasian jays. Nest predation was highest in mixed shrubland and pines. These areas are suitable for warblers but had high occurrence rate of Eurasian jays.
Conclusions Encroaching pines directly increase activity of Eurasian jays in shrubland habitats, which reduced the nesting success of Sardinian warblers. These findings are supported by multiple methodologies, illustrating different predation pressures along a gradient of pine densities in natural shrublands. Management of Aleppo pine seedlings and removal of unwanted trees in natural shrubland might mitigate arrival and expansion of predators and decrease the predation pressure on passerine nests.
The importance of sex as a risk factor for hospital readmissions due to pulmonary diseases
Authors: Buja Alessandra , De Polo Anna , De Battisti Elisa , Sperotto Milena , Baldovin Tatjana , Cocchio Silvia , Furlan Patrizia , Saia Mario , Scapellato Maria Luisa , Viel Guido , Baldo Vincenzo , Bertoncello Chiara , Ebell Mark 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background Pulmonary diseases are a common and costly cause of 30-day readmissions. Few studies have focused on the difference in risk for rehospitalization between men and women in older patients. In this study we analyzed the association between sex and the risk of readmission in a cohort of patients admitted to the hospital for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation and other major pulmonary diseases. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study based on administrative data collected in the Veneto Region in 2016. We included 14,869 hospital admissions among residents aged ≥ 65 years for diagnosis related groups (DRGs) of the most common disorders of the respiratory system: bronchitis and asthma, pneumonia, pulmonary edema, respiratory failure, and COPD. Multilevel logistic regressions were performed to test the association between 30-day hospital readmission and sex, adjusting for confounding factors. Results For bronchitis and asthma, male patients had significantly higher odds of 30-day readmission than female patients (aOR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.11-3.87). The odds of readmission for men were also significantly higher for pneumonia (aOR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.13-1.72), for pulmonary edema and respiratory failure (aOR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.05-1.55), and for COPD (aOR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.00-1.81). Conclusions This study found that male sex is a major risk factors for readmission in patients aged more than 65 years with a primary pulmonary diagnosis. More studies are needed to understand the underlying determinants of this phenomena and to provide targets for future interventions
Alcohol use, pregnancy and associated risk factors: a pilot cross-sectional study of pregnant women attending antenatal care in an urban city
Authors: Moise Imelda K 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Alcohol consumption during pregnancy is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preventable alcohol-related developmental disability fetal alcohol syndrome. In Zambia, alcohol use and associated risk factors have not been investigated, and screening in prenatal care is nonexistent. This study determined individual correlates and the prevalence of alcohol use in pregnant women attending prenatal care at two health clinics in Lusaka, Zambia.
Methods
A study adopted a cross-sectional design and recruited 188 pregnant women after seeking their informed consent from July 19 to 31, 2017. Participants aged 18 or over completed the T-ACE (Tolerance, Annoyance, Cut Down and Eye Opener) screening tool and validated alcohol-screening questionnaires on self-reported alcohol use periconceptional and during conception period while at their regular prenatal visit. The T-ACE screening tool assessed the risk of alcohol dependence in four short questions. The questionnaires included demographic questions. Bivariate analyses were performed using the χ2 test for dichotomous variables and the t-test for continuous variables. Mixed-effects linear models were used to evaluate the effect of outcome variables with patient-level variables.
Results
About 40 (21.2%) pregnant women were identified by the T-ACE as at-risk for problem drinking during pregnancy. Except for regular prenatal care and distance, there was no difference in the demographic factors between pregnant women who scored <2 on the T-ACE and those that scored > 2 points (all p’s > 0.05). A small proportional of women at both clinics reported binge drinking during the periconceptional period (12.7% vs. 3.2%, p=0.003) and beyond periconception period. Excluding employed women, no significant relationships were observed between alcohol use and demographic factors.
Conclusion
Alcohol consumption is prevalent in the periconceptional period and during pregnancy in pregnant women attending prenatal care in Zambia. Findings underscore the need for targeted alcohol use screening and intervention for pregnant women.
Moderation effect of emotion regulation on the relationship between social anxiety, drinking motives and alcohol related problems among university students
Authors: Kim Sojung , Kwon Jung-Hye 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Accumulated evidence suggests that individuals with social anxiety disorder (SAD) are at particular risk of developing alcohol use disorder (AUD). Yet, little is known about the mechanisms under this high comorbidity. This study aimed to elucidate the process of the development of alcohol related problems among individuals with elevated social anxiety. We examined the moderation effect of difficulties in emotion regulation on the relationship between cognitive-behavioral-physiological symptoms of social anxiety, coping and conformity motives and alcohol related problems.
Methods: In a sample of university students (N = 647) in South Korea, the proposed model in which cognitive (fear of negative evaluation)-behavioral (social avoidance)-physiological symptoms (concerns over physiological symptoms) were supposed to affect alcohol related problems with the mediation of coping and conformity motives was tested. Furthermore, difficulties in emotion regulation were hypothesized to moderate each mediational path.
Results: Results showed that the fear of negative evaluation and concerns over physiological symptoms predicted alcohol related problems with the mediation of conformity and coping motives, respectively. As hypothesized, each path was moderated by difficulties in emotion regulation.
Conclusions: Findings suggest that coping and conformity motives to cope with cognitive and physiological symptoms of social anxiety were related to alcohol related problems. In addition, individuals with high levels of difficulties in emotion regulation were prone to exhibit more alcohol related problems.
The reliability and validity of a slightly revised Chinese version simplified modified Rankin scale questionnaire
Authors: yuan Junliang , wang yunxiao , Hu Wenli , Bruno Askiel 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: The slightly revised English version simplified modified Rankin scale questionnaire smRSq(2011) was shown to be reliable, valid, and useful in scoring the modified Rankin scale (mRS) after stroke. Our aim was to assess the inter-rater reliability and validity of a novel Chinese version smRSq(2011). Methods: The English version smRSq(2011) was translated into Chinese by a standard process. We recruited 300 consecutive hospitalized ischemic stroke patients in the department of neurology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital. Six randomly paired raters scored the conventional mRS, the novel Chinese version smRSq(2011), the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), and the Barthel index (BI) in-person. Inter-rater reliability and validity were assessed. Results: Among the 300 ischemic stroke patients, mean age was 64.9±12.1 years, and 220 (73%) were male. For inter-rater reliability of the smRSq(2011), the percent agreement among the paired raters was 87%, the kappa (κ) was 0.84 (95% CI, 0.79-0.88), and the weighted kappa (κw) was 0.96 (95% CI, 0.95-0.98). The percent agreement between the smRSq(2011) scores by the first rater and the conventional mRS scores by the second rater in each pair was 55%, κ=0.47 (95% CI, 0.40-0.54), and κw=0.91 (95% CI, 0.89-0.93). In construct validity testing, the Spearman’s correlation coefficients comparing the smRSq(2011) scores by the first rater with the NIHSS and the BI scores by the second rater were 0.83 (P<0.001) and -0.86 (P<0.001), respectively. Conclusions: Our results suggest usefulness of the novel Chinese version smRSq(2011) in scoring the mRS in Chinese stroke patients. Further validation in other clinical settings, including in communities and by remote methods in China is warranted.
Value of exercise stress electrocardiography for stratification of exercise capacity and left ventricular systolic and diastolic function on coronary slow flow: Case-control study
Authors: Wang Yonghuai , Li Jinyang , Liu Shuang , Mu Lixin , Li Guangyuan , Yu Hang , Yang Jun , Ma Chun-yan 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Coronary slow flow phenomenon (CSFP) is an angiographic entity characterized by delayed coronary opacification in absence of evident obstructive lesion in the epicardial coronary artery. However, whether patients with CSFP exhibit differing responses to exercise is still not known. This study aimed to evaluate results of exercise stress electrocardiography (ExECG) and left ventricular (LV) function during exercise, and study the value of ExECG for stratification of exercise capacity and LV function in patients with CSFP.
Methods
Thirty patients with CSFP and 24 controls were enrolled in the study. Diagnosis of CSFP was made by Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction frame count. ExECG and LV function measured by echocardiography at rest, during exercise and recovery phase were evaluated.
Results
Negative ExECG was found in 24 (80%) patients with CSFP. At rest, LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) decreased and mitral average E/e’ increased in patients with CSFP compared with controls; however, there were no differences in these parameters between CSFP patients with negative ExECG and patients with positive ExECG. During exercise, CSFP patients with negative ExECG and controls had significantly increased LV GLS and decreased mitral average E/e’, but CSFP patients with positive ExECG had significantly decreased LV GLS and increased mitral average E/e’.
Conclusions
About 80% patients with CSFP exhibited negative ExECG. CSFP patients with negative ExECG exhibited improved LV function but CSFP patients with positive ExECG exhibited impaired LV function during exercise. ExECG may aid in the stratification of exercise capacity and LV function in patients with CSFP.
Ischemic stroke in Morocco: A systematic review
Authors: Kharbach Ahmed , Majdouline Obtel , Lahlou Laila , Aasfara Jehanne , Mekaoui Nour , Razine Rachid 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: The aim of this systematic review is to determine; the epidemiological and etiological profiles, the influential factors of the prehospital delay, thrombolysis management, the acute and 3-month mortality rate and the genetic aspect of ischemic stroke in Morocco.Methods: The present work is a systematic review that was conducted according to the recommendations of the "Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis". We used Pubmed, Sciencedirect, Scopus, Clinicalkey, and Google scholar databases for the raking of the gray literature during the period between 2009 and 2018. The protocol of the review was registered in the PROSPERO register (CRD42018115206). These studies were analyzed based on: Age, sex ratio, risk factors, etiological profile according to Trial of ORG classification 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment, prehospital delay average and it’s influential factors, thrombolyzed patients proportion, acute and 3-month mortality and the genetic factors of ischemic stroke in Morocco. Results: Twenty-nine (n = 29) studies were selected. The average age ranged from 49±15.2 to 67.3 ± 9.9 years old. Moreover, we reported male predominance within all ages in 13 studies. High blood pressure, diabetes, smoking and heart disease were the four identified main risk factors by these studies. Atherosclerosis and cardioembolic were the main described etiologies of cerebral ischemia, and the average prehospital time ranged from 26 to 61.9 hours. The proportion of thrombolysed patients ranged from 1.8% to 2.9%, the mortality rate varied in the acute phase from 3 to 13%, and the 3-month mortality ranged from 4.3 to 32.5%. It is also important to highlight that most of these studies have a reduced sample size, conducted in hospital environment, and no confidence interval was reported. Conclusions: Ischemic stroke is affecting more likely the young population with male predominance. Moreover, the long prehospital delay and the low proportion of thrombolysed patients are alarming. Indicating, thus, the need to investigate in depth the key factors influencing the access to care for Moroccan patients in order to improve the management of this neurologic deficit in Morocco. Key words: Ischemic stroke, Trial of ORG classification 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment classification, prehospital delay, thrombolysis, Morocco.
Evaluating the effects of an exercise program (Staying UpRight) for older adults in long-term care on rates of falls: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Taylor Lynne , Parsons John , Taylor Denise , Binns Elizabeth , Lord Sue , Edlin Richard , Rochester Lynn , Din Silvia Del , Klenk Jochen , Buckley Christopher , Cavadino Alana , Moyes Simon A , Kerse Ngaire 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Falls are two to four times more frequent amongst long-term care (LTC) than community-dwelling older adults and have deleterious consequences. It is hypothesized that a progressive exercise program targeting balance and strength will reduce falls rates when compared to a seated exercise program and do so cost effectively.
Methods/Design
This is a single blind, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial with blinded assessment of outcome and intention-to-treat analysis. LTC residents (age ≥65 years) will be recruited from LTC facilities in New Zealand. Participants (n= 528 total; with a 1:1 allocation ratio) will be randomly assigned to either a novel exercise program (Staying UpRight), comprising strength and balance exercises designed specifically for LTC and acceptable to people with dementia, (intervention group) or a seated exercise program (control group). The intervention and control group classes will be delivered for 1 hour twice weekly over 1 year. The primary outcome is rate of falls (per 1000 person years) within the intervention period.
Secondary outcomes will be risk of falling (the proportion of fallers per group), falls rate relative to activity exposure, hospitalisation for fall-related injury, change in gait variability, volume and patterns of ambulatory activity and change in physical performance assessed at baseline, 6 and 12 months. Cost effectiveness will be examined using intervention and health service costs.
The trial commenced recruitment on 31 November 2018.
Discussion
This study evaluates the efficacy and cost effectiveness of a progressive strength and balance exercise program for aged-care residents to reduce falls. The outcomes will aid development of evidenced-based exercise programs for this vulnerable population.
Short-term Efficacy and Safety of CalliSpheres Drug-loaded Microsphere Embolization in Primary Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Li Jinpeng , Wang Nan , Shi Congcong , Liu Qingran , Shao Wenbo , Xue Dewen , Song Jinlong 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background To evaluate the short-term clinical efficacy, side effects, and risk factors affecting the clinical effectiveness of CalliSpheres drug-loaded bead-transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) in the treatment of primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Methods A total of 172 consecutive patients with HCC undergoing DEB-TACE (loaded with doxorubicin) from August 2016 to July 2018 were prospectively enrolled. Short-term local tumor response was evaluated by the modified RECIST criteria. Postoperative complications and liver function disorders were analyzed based on examinations and clinical symptoms.Results The median follow-up period was 310 days. Based on the mRECIST criteria, objective response rates (CR+PR) were 78.7%, 71.6% and 63.2%, and disease control rates (CR+PR+SD) were 95.3%, 92.1% and 85.9% at 2, 4 and 6 months post-treatment, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that nodule number >3, high BCLC stage, vascular leak, and previous cTACE treatment were associated with poor ORR (P<0.05). Post-operation, liver function showed transient changes. Postoperative complications were tolerated and relieved by symptomatic treatment. The average interval of TACE before D-TACE was 43 days, compared with 70 days for average interval of DEB-TACE. The average hospital stay was 1.87 days.Conclusions DEB-TACE has improved short-term efficacy and lower incidence of complications in primary HCC and prolongs the interval of TACE. It significantly increases the ORR, especially in patients with no extra-hepatic metastasis pre-treatment. DEB usage actually improves treatment efficacy and provides more benefits to patients.
ASAP1 promotes tumor progression and angiogenesis and independently predicts poor prognosis and lymph node metastasis of gastric cancer
Authors: Gao Hongyu , Qin Ling , Shi Huawen , Zhang Hongfeng , Li Chunfeng , Ma Yan , Song Haibin , Li Zhiguo , Xue Yingwei , Liu Tianbo 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Although ArfGAP with SH3 Domain, Ankyrin Repeat and PH Domain 1(ASAP1) is involved in the development of various malignancies, its clinical significance and mechanism in gastric cancer (GC) remains unclear.Methods: The effects of ASAP1 on tumor progression, angiogenesis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition were evaluated in vitro. The effects of ASAP1 on tumor growth and angiogenesis were also explored in vivo. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases were used to gather ASAP1 expression data.Results: It showed that ASAP1 expression strongly correlated with the TNM stage (P < 0.0001) and lymph node metastasis (P < 0.0001). Multivariate analyses indicated that ASAP1 overexpression (P < 0.0001) was an independent predictor for overall survival in patients with GC. Moreover, the results revealed that ASAP1 overexpression was independently related to lymph node metastasis (P = 0.0001). ASAP1 knockdown inhibited tumor cell motility, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis, which was accompanied with the downregulation of metastatic and angiogenic biomarkers. Furthermore, ASAP1 inhibition resulted in the simultaneous downregulation of mesenchymal markers and upregulation of epithelial markers. In addition, ASAP1 promoted tumor growth and angiogenesis in the xenograft mice model. The combined datasets (TCGA and GEO) suggested that ASAP1 was associated with malignant behavior of tumor and tumor invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis.Conclusion: To our knowledge, our study is the first to reveal that ASAP1 promotes tumor progression and angiogenesis, and indicates a prognostic potential in GCs.
Caring for people with dementia in rural Uganda: qualitative study of caregiving burden experienced by informal and formal caregivers
Authors: Ainamani Herbert Elvis , Alele Paul E. , Rukundo Godfrey Z , Maling Samuel , Wakida Edith K. , Obua Celestino , Tsai Alexander C. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: The rising incidence of Alzheimer’s disease among older-age adults worldwide has been accompanied by an increase in caregiving burden. Limited work has examined the lived experiences of both formal and informal caregivers of people living with dementia in low-income countries. Methods: We conducted one-on-one, in-depth qualitative interviews with a purposive sample of 10 informal caregivers and 5 formal caregivers of people living with dementia. They were interviewed about their experiences caring for people with dementia until data saturation was reached. All interviews were audio taped, transcribed into English, and thematically analysed. Results: Two primary themes emerged from the data: patient factors influencing caregiving burden (problematic behaviours, such as wandering and aggression) and patient physical health and cognitive deterioration (namely, loss of memory and incontinence). Psychosocial and economic aspects of caregiving burden included financial costs, family conflicts, anxiety, stigma, and substance use. Conclusions: Both formal and informal caregivers of people living with dementia experience physical, financial, and psychological stressors. Interventions geared towards reducing these stressors would benefit caregivers as well as improve quality of care for people living with dementia.
Evaluation of Visual LAMP detection of Plasmodium falciparum&nbsp;and non-Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Zhou Shui Mao , Tu Zu-Wu , Yang Yan , Tang Wei Feng , Chen Fang , Jia Xi Shuai 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: To detect the DNA of the malaria using Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) and evaluate the effect. Method; According to the 18s rRNA sequence of the malaria, the LAMP primer of Plasmodium falciparum and non-Plasmodium falciparum were designed using Primer Explorer V5 software. The method of Visual LAMP detecting malaria was formation. The sensitivity, specificity and amplification efficiency were tested, compared with the Nest-PCR. Result: The filter papers of blood from 47 patients with Plasmodium falciparum and 49 with non-Plasmodium falciparum were detected using Visual LAMP. The patients with Plasmodium falciparum were all positive. In the patients with non-Plasmodium falciparum , false negative rate was 2.1%. In the 10 patients with Leishmaniasis, 8 with Schistosomiasis japonicum, 38 healthy human, none was positive. The results using visual LAMP were consistent with Nest-PCR (Kappa value = 0.956). All of the Tt in Visual LAMP are less than 60 min, especially the Tt of Plasmodium falciparum is 18.2 min. When adding calcium pyridoxine indicator during the Visual LAMP detection, the progress of the reaction to different substes of malaria delayed of about 9-23 min. Conclusion: LAMP is efficient and visible, deserved the prospect of application in the on-site and primary medical institutions.