bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Empowering Healthcare Volunteer’s through Participatory Action Research in a Comprehensive Healthcare Center
Authors: Vizeshfar Fatemeh , Momennasab Marzieh , Yektatalab Shahrzad , Iman Mohamad Taghi 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: healthcare volunteers act as the link between the society and the healthcare system and are a symbol of people's participation in the health maintenance and promotion. Despite the important role of health volunteers in the health system, it seems they experience several problems. The aim of this study was empowering health volunteers by determining and relining their problems through a participatory approach.Methods: This study a participatory action research was done through two continuous cycles of reflection and acting for change over 20 months, in A comprehensive health center in Southern of Fars province in Iran.25 health volunteers, two instructors, and academic researcher as facilitator participate in this study. In the first cycle, the participants discovered the challenges of health volunteers prioritized them and an action plan was designed. Immersion and implementation of the plans were done. At the end of this cycle evaluation was done with the participants’ cooperation. The second cycle began with reflecting on the results of the first cycle and final evaluation was done. Results: Qualitative content analysis in the first phase led to the emergence of four major categories, including inefficiency of volunteers training, inefficiency of attraction and maintenance of volunteers, and being unknown to people and the major theme was named “unfertilized capacity”. After the implementation of the operational plan, the participants learned through reflection and immersing in action. Finally, quantitative content and data analysis showed improvement of knowledge and performance, satisfaction, effectiveness of programs and improvement in volunteer’s competence.Conclusions: Clarification of volunteers’ roles, supporting volunteers to improve their knowledge and skills with coherent planning based on their educational needs, are appropriate management plans to attract and retain volunteers. By presenting their services to the society, they will be empowered and motivated to continue.
Use of Machine Learning to Investigate The Quantitative Checklist For Autism in Toddlers (Q-CHAT) Towards Early Autism Screening
Authors: Tartarisco Gennaro , Cicceri Giovanni , Pietro Davide Di , Aiello Stefania , Leonardi Elisa , Marino Flavia , Chiarotti Flavia , Gagliano Antonella , Arduino Giuseppe Maurizio , Apicella Fabio , Muratori Filippo , Team Toddlers , Bruneo Dario , Allison Carrie , Cohen Simon Baron , Vagni David , Pioggia Giovanni , Ruta Liliana 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: In the past two decades, several screening instruments have been developed to detect toddlers who may be autistic, both in clinical and unselected samples. Among others, the Quantitative CHecklist for Autism in Toddlers (Q−CHAT) is a quantitative and normally distributed measure of autistic traits which demonstrated good psychometric properties in different settings and cultures. Recently machine learning (ML) has been applied to behavioural science to improve classification performance of autism screening and diagnostic tools, but mainly in children, adolescents and adults. Methods: In this study, we used machine learning (ML) to investigate the accuracy and reliability of the Q−CHAT in discriminating young autistic children from those without. Three different ML algorithms (Random Forest, Naive Bayes and Support Vector Machine) were applied to investigate the complete set of Q-CHAT items and the best predictive items. Results: Our results showed that the three selected models outperformed the classical statistical methods of predictive validity and among the three ML classifiers, the Support Vector Machine was the most effective, being able to classify autism with 95% accuracy. Furthermore, using the Support Vector Machine-Recursive Feature Elimination approach we were able to select a subset of 14 items ensuring an accuracy of 93%, while an accuracy of 83% was obtained from the best 3 discriminating items in common to our and the previous reported Q-CHAT-10. Limitations: Further data collection is needed.Conclusions: This evidence confirms the high performance and cross-cultural validity of the Q-CHAT and supports the application of ML to create shorter and faster versions of the instrument maintaining high classification accuracy, to be used as a quick, easy and high-performance tool in primary care settings.
New Perception of the Optical Solutions to the Fokas-Lenells Equation According to Two Different Techniques
Authors: Zahran Emad , Shehata Maha 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
In this article, the perturbed Fokas-Lenells equation (FLE)” which plays a vital role in modern asocial media and electronic communication” is employed. Two important different methods are invited to demonstrating new accurate solutions of this equation. The first method is the modified simple equation method (MSEM) that reduces large volume of calculations and realizes closed form solution. While the second is the modified extended tanh-function method (METFM) “which controlled by the auxiliary Ricatti equation” and used effectively to obtain accurate solutions Furthermore, few of the realized results are compatible with that obtained by previous authors elsewhere the others remains new. In addition to the varitional iteration method (VIM )is applied perfectly to achieved the numerical solution corresponding to the exact solution realized by each one of these methods individually.
6 Cases of Breast Cancer-Associated Neoplastic Meningitis and Literature Review
Authors: Fan Jingyi , Gao Ping , He Junying , Zou Yueli , Yan Litian , Zhao Yue , Bu Hui 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Neoplastic meningitis refers to malignant tumors invading the meninges and subarachnoid spaces, causing intracranial metastases similar to meningitis. Discovery of tumor cells in the cerebrospinal fluid is the gold standard for its diagnosis. In China, meningeal metastasis of breast cancer is a relatively rare type. Methods: The clinical characteristics, imaging data, cerebrospinal fluid cytology and treatment options of 6 patients with meningeal metastasis of breast cancer treated in our hospital were analyzed. Results: The median age of Neoplastic meningitis was 50 years old. The cerebrospinal fluid pressure of the 6 patients increased to varying degrees and tumor cells were found in the cerebrospinal fluid. Of the 6 patients, 2 received only supportive care, and the rest received chemotherapy and intrathecal injection. The shortest survival time was 1 week, and the longest survival time was over 33.2 weeks. Conclusions: Patients whose initial Karnofsky Performance Scale scores were good and who received active and regular treatment after the diagnosis of NM had long overall survival time.
Exodus probabilities from a structural-zero category: Illustration of public knowledge, perception, and communication on COVID-19
Authors: Shanmugam Ramalingam , Singh Karan P 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Medical and healthcare professionals and governing agencies have faced big challenges to control, intervene and prevent the spread of COVID-19. In analysis of survey data on COVID-19, some practiced probability laws are nullified. Among those probability laws, the structural-zero (different from sampling zero) category with respect to the people’s knowledge, perception, and communication about the COVID-19 pandemics occurs in surveys is an example.Results: Exodus probabilities are derived and utilized. Using a recent survey data on COVID-19, the proposed method to configure such probabilities (proportions) is illustrated.Conclusion: The research question is about a way to configure the proportions who might have transited from the structurally zero category to other viable categories. This research question is answered in a novel manner.
Detection of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) in Hyalomma ticks collected from Mauritanian livestock
Authors: Schulz Ansgar , Barry Yahya , Stoek Franziska , Pickin Matthew J. , Ba Aliou , Chitimia-Dobler Lidia , Haki Mohamed L. , Doumbia Baba A. , Eisenbarth Albert , Diambar Abdellahi , Bah Mohamend Y. , Eiden Martin , Groschup Martin H. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) belongs to the Nairovididae family in the Orthonairovirus genus and is an emerging tick-borne virus. It is endemic in most parts of Africa, Asia, as well as southern Europe, and can cause severe hemorrhagic symptoms in humans with high fatality rates (5-30 %). Methods: Hyalomma ticks were collected from four different livestock herds (cattle and camel) from Mauritania in 2018. The tick species was determined morphologically and confirmed on a molecular level by using cytochrome oxidase 1 gene marker (CO1). For the detection of CCHFV, ticks were tested individually with a one-step multiplex real-time RT-qPCR. Subsequently, the S-segment of all positive samples were sequenced to determine the CCHFV genotype.Results: Overall, 39 of 1,523 ticks (2.56 %) collected from 63 cattle and 28 camels were tested positive for CCHFV. Three Hyalomma (H.) species were identified. The highest prevalence of CCHFV was found in Hyalomma rufipes (5.67 %; 16/282), followed by H. dromedarii (1.89 %; 23/1,214) and H. impeltatum (0 %; 0/21). Positive ticks were found on only 6 out of 91 host animals. Sequence analysis of the positive samples revealed the presence of two different CCHFV lineages (Africa I and Africa III). Conclusions: This study reveals a CCHFV prevalence of 2.56 % in Hyalomma ticks collected from camels and cattle in Mauritania. The true prevalence of unfed ticks may however be lower since a considerable number of ticks may have been passively infected during the ingestion of the blood meal by co-feeding or viremia of the host. The study shows that tick control measures should be implemented, especially in the examined areas.
Speckle-tracking derived parameters of left ventricular function, repolarization and myocardial injury markers during androgen deprivation therapy
Authors: Gheorghe Andrei Cristian Dan , Ciobanu Ana , Hodorogea Andreea Simona , Radavoi George Daniel , Jinga Viorel , Rascu Alexandru Stefan Catalin , Nanea Ioan Tiberiu , Gheorghe Gabriela Silvia 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background.

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and subsequent hypogonadism in patients with prostate cancer may cause cardiac toxicity. We aimed to analyse left ventricular longitudinal strain, mechanical dispersion, electrocardiographic repolarization and myocardial injury markers changes during androgen deprivation therapy in patients with advanced prostate cancer.
Methods.

We included 31 patients with advanced prostate cancer, in sinus rhythm, with stable cardiac conditions, and evaluated them by echocardiography, electrocardiography and blood sampling for high sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, at ADT initiation and after 6 months of treatment. Peak longitudinal strain by speckle-tracking echocardiography was assessed in 16 left ventricular segments and averaged to global longitudinal strain (GLS). Standard deviation of time intervals from the start of Q/R on electrocardiogram to peak longitudinal strain in the 16 segments (MDSD) and the difference between the longest and shortest time to peak strain intervals (MDdelta) were calculated as indices of mechanical dispersion. Fridericia corrected electrocardiographic repolarization parameters were analysed: QTc interval, mean and maximum values of Tpeak-Tend interval (Tpe) and Tpe/QT ratio, Tpe dispersion (Tped).
Results.

Significant impairments of the following parameters were registered: GLS (%) (-16.9 ± 3.9;-14.4 ± 3.6, p < 0.001); MDSD (ms) (77.4 ± 21.4;89.09 ± 27, p = 0.004), MDdelta (ms) (225.3 ± 78.3,259.9 ± 108.4, p = 0.02), QTc (ms) (458.8 ± 43.4;485.6 ± 45.1, p = 0.01), maxTpe/QT (0.246 ± 0.04;0.268 ± 0.04, p = 0.01), maxTpe (ms) (105.4 ± 23.2;119.5 ± 26.4 p = 0.01), meanTpe (ms) (83.3 ± 16.8;90.7 ± 19.3, p = 0.02), hs-cTnI (ng/mL) (4.6 ± 5.4;5.4 ± 6.4, p = 0.01).
Conclusions.

ADT and the subsequent hypogonadism induce alterations of GLS, mechanical dispersion, electrocardiographic repolarization parameters and elevation of hs-cTnI during the first 6 months of treatment.
The Role of Virtual Consultations in Plastic Surgery During COVID-19
Authors: Sinha Vikram , Malik Mohsan , Nugent Nora , Drake Paul , Cavale Naveen 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: COVID-19 has led to government enforced ‘lockdown’ in the UK severely limiting face-to-face patient interaction. Virtual consultations present a means for continued patient access to healthcare. Our aim was to evaluate the use of virtual consultations (VCons) during lockdown and their possible role in the future. Methods: An anonymous survey was disseminated to UK and European plastic surgeons via social media, email sharing and, via the EASAPS (European Association of Societies of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery) newsletter. Uptake of VCons, modality, effectiveness, safety and future utility were assessed. Results: 43 senior plastic surgeons responded to the survey. The majority of the respondents (97.7%) reported using VCons during COVID-19 lockdown, of which, 74.4% had no prior experience. Two thirds of surgeons utilised commercial platforms such as zoom, facetime and skype. 38.1% of respondents did not know about or were unsure about adequate encryption for healthcare use, and just under a half (47.6%) reported they were unaware of or lacking GDPR compliance. 97.6% say they are likely to use virtual consultations after lockdown.Conclusion: Virtual consultation have had a crucial role in patient care during UK lockdown. It is clear that they will serve as an adjunct to face-to-face consultation in the future. Further regulation is required to ensure platforms offer adequate safety and security measures and are compliant with relevant data protection laws.
Lived experiences of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: navigating through the complex healthcare system
Authors: Lyu Yang , Jia Yanrui , Gao Fengli , Huang Ya-ling , Lin Frances 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Over the last decade, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) has been attracting healthcare professionals’ attention worldwide due to its impact on poor survival rate and quality of life, such as ongoing physical and emotional distress experienced by patients and their families. The diagnosis and management of IPF patients often remain a significant challenge for clinicians. Therefore, it is imperative to gain an in-depth understanding on experiences of IPF patients during their disease journey in order to improve the care delivered to this vulnerable group. We aimed to explore the lived experiences of disease journey and care needs of patients with IPF. Methods: Semi-structured face-to-face interview were conducted with a purposive sampling of sixteen IPF patients admitted to the department of respiratory medicine in a tertiary hospital in China. The consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research was followed. Results: Four themes emerged from thematic analysis of the qualitative data included: the long and confusing journey to reach diagnosis, living with the disease, understanding the disease and treatment, and desire for continuity of care. Conclusions: There is an urgent need to improve the care delivery to this vulnerable population in China. To meet their health needs, it is of paramount importance to develop effective education programs for health professionals and IPF patients and to improve care models of healthcare systems, especially in the remote area in order to improve the continuity of care in the communities.
Circulating Fibrinogen to Pre-albumin Ratio for Chemotherapy Efficacy Prediction and Prognosis of Colorectal Cancer Patients
Authors: Ying Hou-Qun , Sun Fan , Wang Wei , Cai Dan , Yang Ying , Nie Nuo-Wei , Huang Ying , Chen Xue-Xin 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background

Evaluating chronic inflammation in colorectal cancer (CRC) may aid in identifying patients at the highest risk of recurrence or progression, and help inform clinical treatment decisions. Here, we report the effect of fibrinogen to pre-albumin ratio (FPR) in determining response to chemotherapy and reveal outcomes in CRC patients.
Methods

A total of 2917 eligible CRC patients from multiple-centers were enrolled, and the outcome of these patients was obtained by three years’ follow-up. Circulating fibrinogen, albumin, pre-albumin, CEA, CA199 and FPR were detected and calculated in these patients. Kaplan-Meier curves, Cox regression, time-dependent ROC, Harrell’s concordance index, calibration and decision curves were used to investigate the role of FPR in clinical outcome of CRC patients.
Results

Our results reveal significantly inferior outcomes in right- than left-sided patients with advanced CRC (stage III and IV), with preoperative FPR found to be a robust and independent prognostic factor for CRC at each stage. Moreover, prognostic nomograms, including FPR, effectively predicted clinical outcomes of the patients. Furthermore, preoperative FPR was significantly associated with chemotherapy efficacy. Specifically, low-grade (FPR < 15) and medium-grade (15 ≤ FPR < 20) FPR patients exhibited complete response to chemotherapy and attenuated chemosensitivity, respectively, whereas high-grade inflammation (FPR ≥ 20) conferred resistance to the treatment.
Conclusion

CRC-related inflammation affects response to chemotherapy and the resultant clinical outcomes. Circulating FPR is a simple, economically-friendly and robust independent prognostic factor for effectively predicting outcomes of CRC patients. Targeting chronic inflammation and its corresponding signaling pathway, coupled with measuring FPR, presents a novel approach for clinical management of CRC.
An efficient in vitro regeneration system via callus from hypocotyl and root of Iris laevigata
Authors: Li Fengyi , Fan Lijuan , Fu Haijing , Liu Yujia , Wang Ling 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background

Iris laevigata is an ornamental plant with strong cold resistance. However, its low reproductive capacity limits its landscape applications. The I. laevigata wild genetic resources also need to be protected. In order to develop an effective regeneration system, the optimum agar concentration for the induction medium was determined. Two explants (hypocotyl and root) were then cultured on medium containing different concentrations of plant growth regulator (PGR). In addition, three antibiotics were evaluated for controlling endophyte contamination.
Results

The highest induction rate (75.00%) was obtained from hypocotyl explants on Murashige and Skoog salt mixture (MS) medium containing 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BA) 0.5 mg L-1 + 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) 1.0 mg L-1 + 1-naphthylacetic acid (NAA) 0.4 mg L-1. The medium containing 6-BA 0.5 mg L-1 + 2,4-D 0.5 mg L-1 + NAA 0.2 mg L-1 achieved the greatest multiplication rate (73.33%). Media containing indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) 0.5 mg L-1 + 6-BA 1.5 mg L-1 + NAA 1.0 mg L-1 achieved the highest differentiation rate (39.72%) for hypocotyl induced calli. Medium containing 6-BA 2.0 mg L-1 + NAA 0.4 mg L-1 + kinetin (KT) 1.0 mg L-1 resulted in the highest differentiation rate (49.52%) for root induced calli. One hundred mg L-1 penicillin G resulted in the optimal rate for reducing endophyte contamination.
Conclusions

The research determined the optimum PGR concentrations for inducting and multiplying I. laevigata calli from hypocotyl and root explants and a satisfactory means for control endophyte contamination. This research will result in the efficient and reliable reproduction of I. laevigata for landscape applications, genetic development of new Iris varieties, and preservation of the wild genetic material.
Correlation Between Immune Lymphoid Cells and Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells in Human Colon Cancer
Authors: Wu Jing , Cheng Hang , Li Tete , Wang Helei , Zang Guoxia , Qi Lingli , Zhu Shan , Zhang Mingyou , Cui Jiuwei , Ueno Hideki , Liu Yong-Jun , Suo Jian , Chen Jingtao 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), so far studied mostly in mouse models, are important tissue-resident innate immune cells that play important roles in the colorectal cancer microenvironment and maintain the mucosal tissue homeostasis. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) present complexity in various tumour types and are correlated with poor prognosis. pDCs can promote HIV-1–induced group 3 ILC (ILC3) depletion through the CD95 pathway. However, the role of ILC3s in human colon cancer and their correlation with other immune cells, especially pDCs, remain unclear. Methods: We characterised ILCs and pDCs in the tumour microenvironment of 58 colon cancer patients by flow cytometry and selected three patients for RNA sequencing. Results: ILC3s were negatively correlated, and pDCs were positively correlated, with cancer pathological grade. There was a negative correlation between the numbers of ILC3s and pDCs in tumour tissues. RNA sequencing confirmed the correlations between ILC3s and pDCs and highlighted the potential function of many ILC- and pDC-associated differentially expressed genes in the regulation of tumour immunity. pDCs can induce apoptosis of ILC3s through the CD95 pathway in the tumour microenvironment. Conclusions: One of the interactions between ILC3s and pDCs is via the CD95 pathway, which may help explain the role of ILC3s in colon cancer.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy of medical masks and N95 respirators for protection against respiratory infectious diseases, including COVID-19 in medical staff
Authors: Wu MM Gao-hong , Jiang MB Ping , Yuan MB Huan , Shi  , Zhu  
Published: July 2020

Abstract
To evaluate the efficacy of N95 respirators and medical masks for protection against respiratory infectious diseases, including COVID-19. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies evaluating the use of N95 respirators and medical masks for protection against respiratory infectious diseases. We retrieved relevant articles published from January 1994 to January 2020 by searching the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Web of Science databases. The study quality was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool with RevMan 5.3 software. Eleven RCTs adjusted for clustering were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with the control group, N95 respirators or medical masks conferred significant protection against respiratory infectious diseases (odds ratio (OR) = 0.50; 95% CI: 0.29–0.84). Compared to medical masks, N95 respirators conferred significant protection against respiratory infectious diseases (OR = 0.75; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.57–0.99). Meta-analysis of 10 observational studies adjusting for clustering also suggested that N95 respirators and medical masks are effective for protection against respiratory infectious diseases (OR = 0.59; 95% CI: 0.42–0.82). However, only one case report showed the effectiveness of medical masks for preventing COVID-19. Although medical masks and N95 respirators may confer significant protection against respiratory infectious diseases, there is insufficient evidence to conclude that these types of personal protective equipment offer similar protection against COVID-19. Therefore, in the absence of sufficient resources during an epidemic, medical masks and N95 respirators should be reserved for high-risk, aerosol-generating producing procedures.