bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A radiological severity scale to measure the impact of Charcot's Neuroarthropathy: an observational study
Authors: Bergin Shan , Naidoo Parm , Williams Cylie M. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundCharcot's Neuroarthropathy (Charcot foot) is a debilitating and destructive disorder resulting from neurological changes in the foot. Whilst the majority of cases are painless, as a result of disruption to sensory function, a common outcome is severe deformity that impacts considerably on foot function. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a radiological severity scale to quantify resultant damage from acute mid foot Charcot's. This in turn can be used to evaluate clinical outcomes related to different degrees of offloading.MethodsA four round Delphi process was used to develop five tool items. Level of consensus and agreement was set at 80%. Inter‐rater and intra‐rater reliability was evaluated using 3 raters and 24 plain x‐rays of chronic mid‐foot Charcot's. Strength of agreement of individual items and overall scores was calculated using weighted Kappa coefficients (S.E). Cronbach's α was used to determine internal consistency. Floor (> 15% score 0) and ceiling (> 15% score 11) effects were examined at each time point. Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to assess construct validity using Mobility and Usual Activity scores taken from the EQ‐5D‐5 L.ResultsTwenty two patients participated. The five item severity scale demonstrated a Cronbach's α of 0.91. Intra‐rater Kappa coefficients (SE) for total scores ranged from 0.84 (0.20) to 0.86 (0.20). Inter rater coefficients (SE) ranged from 0.72 (0.14) to 0.83 (0.14). Distribution was normal and no floor or ceiling effects were identified.Conclusion/interpretationThis study suggests it may be possible to quantify resultant damage from mid foot Charcot's. Given the physical and emotional impacts from long periods of complete immobilisation defining a minimum standard would be an important development in the management of Charcot foot.
Treating impulsivity with probiotics in adults (PROBIA): study protocol of a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Arteaga-Henríquez Gara , Rosales-Ortiz Silvia Karina , Arias-Vásquez Alejandro , Bitter Istvan , Ginsberg Ylva , Ibañez-Jimenez Pol , Kilencz Tünde , Lavebratt Catharina , Matura Silke , Reif Andreas , Rethelyi Janos , Richarte Vanesa , Rommelse Nanda , Siegl Anne , Ramos-Quiroga J. Antoni 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Impulsivity and compulsivity are related to emotional and social maladjustment and often underlie psychiatric disorders. Recently, alterations in microbiota composition have been shown to have implications for brain development and social behavior via the microbiota–gut–brain axis. However, the exact mechanisms are not fully identified. Recent evidence suggests the modulatory effect of synbiotics on gut microbiota and the contribution of these agents in ameliorating symptoms of many psychiatric diseases. To date, no randomized controlled trial has been performed to establish the feasibility and efficacy of this intervention targeting the reduction of impulsivity and compulsivity. We hypothesize that supplementation with synbiotics may be an effective treatment in adults with high levels of impulsivity and/or compulsivity.

Methods/design
This is a prospective, multicenter, double-blind, randomized controlled trial with two arms: treatment with a synbiotic formula versus placebo treatment. The primary outcome is the response rate at the end of the placebo-controlled phase (response defined as a Clinical Global Impression–Improvement Scale score of 1 or 2 = very much improved or much improved, plus a reduction in the Affective Reactivity Index total score of at least 30% compared with baseline). A total of 180 participants with highly impulsive behavior and a diagnosis of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and/or borderline personality disorder, aged 18–65 years old, will be screened at three study centers. Secondary outcome measures, including changes in general psychopathology, ADHD symptoms, neurocognitive function, somatic parameters, physical activity, nutritional intake, and health-related quality of life, will be explored at assessments before, during, and at the end of the intervention. The effect of the intervention on genetics, microbiota, and several blood biomarkers will also be assessed. Gastrointestinal symptoms and somatic complaints will additionally be explored at 1-week follow-up.

Discussion
This is the first randomized controlled trial to determine the effects of supplementation with synbiotics on reducing impulsive and compulsive behavior. This clinical trial can contribute to explaining the mechanisms involved in the crosstalk between the intestinal microbiome and the brain. If effects can be established by reducing impulsive and compulsive behavior, new cost-effective treatments might become available to these patients.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03495375. Registered on 26 February 2018.
Antiparasitic activity of furanyl N-acylhydrazone derivatives against Trichomonas vaginalis: in vitro and in silico analyses
Authors: Alves Mirna Samara Dié , das Neves Raquel Nascimento , Sena-Lopes Ângela , Domingues Micaela , Casaril Angela Maria , Segatto Natália Vieira , Nogueira Thaís Cristina Mendonça , de Souza Marcus Vinicius Nora , Savegnago Lucielli , Seixas Fabiana Kömmling , Collares Tiago , Borsuk Sibele 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundTrichomonas vaginalisis the causative agent of trichomoniasis, which is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases worldwide. Trichomoniasis has a high incidence and prevalence and is associated with serious complications such as HIV transmission and acquisition, pelvic inflammatory disease and preterm birth. Although trichomoniasis is treated with oral metronidazole (MTZ), the number of strains resistant to this drug is increasing (2.5–9.6%), leading to treatment failure. Therefore, there is an urgent need to find alternative drugs to combat this disease.MethodsHerein, we report thein vitroandin silicoanalysis of 12 furanylN-acylhydrazone derivatives (PFUR 4, a-k) againstTrichomonas vaginalis.Trichomonas vaginalisATCC 30236 isolate was treated with seven concentrations of these compounds to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50). In addition, compounds that displayed anti-T. vaginalisactivity were analyzed using thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assay and molecular docking. Cytotoxicity analysis was also performed in CHO-K1 cells.ResultsThe compounds PFUR 4a and 4b, at 6.25 µM, induced complete parasite death after 24 h of exposure with IC50of 1.69 µM and 1.98 µM, respectively. The results showed that lipid peroxidation is not involved in parasite death. Molecular docking studies predicted strong interactions of PFUR 4a and 4b withT. vaginalisenzymes, purine nucleoside phosphorylase, and lactate dehydrogenase, while only PFUR 4b interactedin silicowith thioredoxin reductase and methionine gamma-lyase. PFUR 4a and 4b led to a growth inhibition (< 20%) in CHO-K1 cells that was comparable to the drug of choice, with a promising selectivity index (> 7.4).ConclusionsOur results showed that PFUR 4a and 4b are promising molecules that can be used for the development of new trichomonacidal agents forT. vaginalis.
Ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like molecules in DNA double strand break repair
Authors: Yu Jia , Qin Bo , Lou Zhenkun 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBoth environmental and endogenous factors induce various forms of DNA damage. DNA double strand break (DSB) is the most deleterious DNA lesion. The swift initiation of a complexed network of interconnected pathways to repair the DNA lesion is essential for cell survival. In the past years, the roles of ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like proteins in DNA damage response and DNA repair has been explored. These findings help us better understand the complicated mechanism of DSB signaling pathways.
Influence of deprivation on initial severity and prognosis of patients admitted to the ICU: the prospective, multicentre, observational IVOIRE cohort study
Authors: Quenot Jean-Pierre , Helms Julie , Labro Guylaine , Dargent Auguste , Meunier-Beillard Nicolas , Ksiazek Elea , Bollaert Pierre-Edouard , Louis Guillaume , Large Audrey , Andreu Pascal , Bein Christophe , Rigaud Jean-Philippe , Perez Pierre , Clere-Jehl Raphaël , Merdji Hamid , Devilliers Hervé , Binquet Christine , Meziani Ferhat , Fournel Isabelle ,   the IVOIRE Trial Investigators and the CRICS TRIGGERSEP Group (Clinical Research in Intensive Care and Sepsis Trial Group for Global Evaluation and Research in Sepsis), Lévy Bruno , Lemarié Jérémie , Cadoz Cyril , Marchalot Antoine , Monnier Alexandra , Rabouel Yannick 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
The influence of socioeconomic status on patient outcomes is unclear. We assessed the impact of socioeconomic deprivation on severity of illness at intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and on the risk of death at 3 months after ICU admission.

Methods
The IVOIRE study was a prospective, observational, multicentre cohort study in the ICU of 8 participating hospitals in France, including patients aged ≥ 18 years admitted to the ICU and receiving at least one life support therapy for organ failure. The primary outcomes were severity at admission (assessed by SAPSII score), and mortality at 3 months. Socioeconomic data were obtained from interviews with patients or family. Deprivation was assessed using the EPICES score.

Results
Among 1294 patents included between 2013 and 2016, 629 (48.6%) were classed as deprived and differed significantly from non-deprived subjects in terms of sociodemographic characteristics and pre-existing conditions. The mean SAPS II score at admission was 50.1 ± 19.4 in deprived patients and 52.3 ± 17.3 in non-deprived patients, with no significant difference by multivariable analysis (β = − 1.85 [95% CI − 3.86; + 0.16, p = 0.072]). The proportion of death was 31.1% at 3 months, without significant differences between deprived and non-deprived patients, even after adjustment for confounders.

Conclusions
Deprivation is frequent in patients admitted to the ICU and is not associated with disease severity at admission, or with mortality at 3 months between deprived and non-deprived patients.
Trial registration The IVOIRE cohort is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov under the identifier NCT01907581, registration date 17/7/2013
A type of energy-efficient secure localization algorithm FM based in dynamic sensor networks
Authors: Xue Wei-cheng , Peng Bao , Wang Shan-he , Hua Yu 
Published: February 2020

AbstractSince dynamic wireless sensor networks are widely used in the military field, the location information is the basis of various applications, because each node in the dynamic sensor network is moving continuously, and it is quite possible to be attacked by various forms of information. Aiming at the problem of secure localization in dynamic sensor networks, a new secure localization algorithm—frequency modulation secure localization (FMSL)—for dynamic sensor networks is proposed with the support of FM signal and Monte Carlo method. The algorithm uses FM signals which are widely covered to locate randomly distributed nodes loaded with FM signal receiving module, filters some malicious attack anchors in the network, and uses the improved Monte Carlo algorithm to locate the nodes, so as to improve the positioning accuracy. Meanwhile, according to the moving path and the localization time, energy consumption of the network could be estimated and also give the sleep scheduling strategy for the node to be localized. The simulation results show that the FMSL algorithm can significantly improve the security performance and positioning accuracy of mobile sensor networks compared with the existing security positioning algorithms such as Monte Carlo and convex programming. In the process of motion, the positioning accuracy can reach less than 10%.
UAV-aided networks with optimization allocation via artificial bee colony with intellective search
Authors: Hu Bing , Sun Zhixin , Hong Hanshu , Liu Jian 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIn this paper, we consider a strong global search algorithm which exhibits strong exploration ability in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-aided networks. UAVs in wireless communication have aroused great interest recently due to its low cost and flexibility in providing wireless connectivity in areas without infrastructure coverage. Artificial bee colony algorithm is a powerful approach for such a scene. However, due to its one-dimensional and greedy search strategy, it still suffers slow convergence speed. In the traditional version, three types of bees, including employed bees, onlooker bees, and scouts, are employed and they cooperate with each other to find the best food source position. Though different roles, these three types of bees play, there is no difference of division within the internal of each type of bees. Considering this phenomenon, this paper proposes a modified artificial bee colony algorithm with intellective search and special division (ABCIS) to enhance its performance, where different employed bees and different onlooker bees use different search strategies to search for food sources. Besides, the greedy selection method is also abandoned and the food sources’ positions are updated at each iteration. Under this circumstance, the whole population’s experience is fully utilized to guide bee’s search. Finally, to testify the proposed algorithms’ competitiveness, a series of benchmarks are adopted, and the experimental results demonstrate its superior performance among other state-of-the-art algorithm in UAV-aided networks.
Assessment of hand hygiene facilities and staff compliance in a large tertiary health care facility in northern Nigeria: a cross sectional study
Authors: Onyedibe Kenneth I. , Shehu Nathan Y. , Pires Daniela , Isa Samson E. , Okolo Mark O. , Gomerep Simji S. , Ibrahim Comfort , Igbanugo Sunday J. , Odesanya Rachel U. , Olayinka Adebola , Egah Daniel Z. , Pittet Didier 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
The burden of healthcare-associated infection (HAI) is 2 to 18 times higher in developing countries. However, few data are available regarding infection prevention and control (IPC) process indicators in these countries. We evaluated hand hygiene (HH) facilities and compliance amongst healthcare workers (HCW) in a 600-bed healthcare facility in Northcentral Nigeria providing tertiary care service for a catchment population of about 20 million.

Methods
An in-house facility assessment tool and the World Health Organization (WHO) direct observation method were used to assess the HH facilities and compliance, respectively. Factors associated with good compliance were determined by multivariate analysis.

Results
The facility survey was carried out in all 46 clinical units of the hospital. 72% of the units had no poster or written policy on HH; 87% did not have alcohol-based hand rubs; 98% had at least one handwash sink; 28% had flowing tap water all day while 72% utilized cup and bucket; and 58% had no hand drying facilities. A total of 406 HH opportunities were observed among 175 HCWs. The overall compliance was 31%, ranging from 18% among ward attendants to 82% among medical students. Based on WHO “5 moments” for HH, average compliance was 21% before patient contact, 23% before aseptic procedure, 63% after body fluid exposure risk, 41% after patient contact and 40% after contact with patients’ surrounding. Being a medical student was independently associated with high HH compliance, adjusted odds ratio: 13.87 (1.70–112.88).

Conclusions
Availability of HH facilities and HCW compliance in a large tertiary hospital in Nigeria is poor. Our findings confirm that HCWs seem more sensitized to their risk of exposure to potential pathogens than to the prevention of HAI cross-transmission. Inadequate HH facilities probably contributed to the poor compliance. Specific measures such as improved facilities, training and monitoring are needed to improve HH compliance.
It's the fiber, not the fat: significant effects of dietary challenge on the gut microbiome
Authors: Morrison Kathleen E. , Jašarević Eldin , Howard Christopher D. , Bale Tracy L. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Dietary effects on the gut microbiome play key roles in the pathophysiology of inflammatory disorders, metabolic syndrome, obesity, and behavioral dysregulation. Often overlooked in such studies is the consideration that experimental diets vary significantly in the proportion and source of their dietary fiber. Commonly, treatment comparisons are made between animals fed a purchased refined diet that lacks soluble fiber and animals fed a standard vivarium-provided chow diet that contains a rich source of soluble fiber. Despite the well-established critical role of soluble fiber as the source of short chain fatty acid production via the gut microbiome, the extent to which measured outcomes are driven by differences in dietary fiber is unclear. Further, the interaction between sex and age in response to dietary transition is likely important and should also be considered.

Results
We compared the impact of transitioning young adult and 1-year aged male and female mice from their standard chow diet to a refined low soluble fiber diet on gut microbiota community composition. Then, to determine the contribution of dietary fat, we also examined the impact of transitioning a subset of animals from refined low-fat to refined high-fat diet. We used a serial sampling strategy coupled with 16S rRNA marker gene sequencing to examine consequences of recurrent dietary switching on gut microbiota community dynamics. Analysis revealed that the transition from a chow diet to a refined diet that lacks soluble fiber accounted for most of the variance in community structure, diversity, and composition across all groups. This dietary transition was characterized by a loss of taxa within the phylum Bacteroidetes and expansion of Clostridia and Proteobacteria in a sex- and age-specific manner. Most notably, no changes to gut microbiota community structure and composition were observed between mice consuming either refined low- or high-fat diet, suggesting that transition to the refined diet that lacks soluble fiber is the primary driver of gut microbiota alterations, with limited additional impact of dietary fat on gut microbiota.

Conclusion
Collectively, our results show that the choice of control diet has a significant impact on outcomes and interpretation related to diet effects on gut microbiota. As the reduction of soluble fiber may influence synthesis of microbial metabolites that are important for regulating metabolic, immune, behavioral, and neurobiological outcomes, additional studies are now needed to fully delineate the contribution of fat and fiber on the gut microbiome.
Machine learning-aided analyses of thousands of draft genomes reveal specific features of activated sludge processes
Authors: Ye Lin , Mei Ran , Liu Wen-Tso , Ren Hongqiang , Zhang Xu-Xiang 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Microorganisms in activated sludge (AS) play key roles in the wastewater treatment processes. However, their ecological behaviors and differences from microorganisms in other environments have mainly been studied using the 16S rRNA gene that may not truly represent in situ functions.

Results
Here, we present 2045 archaeal and bacterial metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) recovered from 1.35 Tb of metagenomic data generated from 114 AS samples of 23 full-scale wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). We found that the AS MAGs have obvious plant-specific features and that few proteins are shared by different WWTPs, especially for WWTPs located in geographically distant areas. Further, we developed a novel machine learning approach that can distinguish between AS MAGs and MAGs from other environments based on the clusters of orthologous groups of proteins with an accuracy of 96%. With the aid of machine learning, we also identified some functional features (e.g., functions related to aerobic metabolism, nutrient sensing/acquisition, and biofilm formation) that are likely vital for AS bacteria to adapt themselves in wastewater treatment bioreactors.

Conclusions
Our work reveals that, although the bacterial species in different municipal WWTPs could be different, they may have similar deterministic functional features that allow them to adapt to the AS systems. Also, we provide valuable genome resources and a novel approach for future investigation and better understanding of the microbiome of AS and other ecosystems.
Public reporting of IVF outcomes influences medical decision-making and physician training
Authors: Gunderson Stephanie , Jungheim Emily S. , Kallen Caleb B. , Omurtag Kenan 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Since 1992 ART clinics have been required to report outcome data. Our objective was to assess practitioners’ opinions of the impact of public reporting of assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes on treatment strategies, medical decision-making, and fellow training.

Methods
Survey study performed in an academic medical center. Members of the Society of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and the Society of Reproductive Surgery were recruited to participate in an online survey in April 2012.: Categorical survey responses were expressed as percentages. Written responses were categorized according to common themes regarding effects of reporting on participants’ medical management of patients. The study was primarily qualitative and was not powered to make statistical conclusions.

Results
Of 1019 surveys sent, 323 participants (31.7%) responded from around the United States, and 275 provided complete data. Nearly all (273 of 282; 96.8%) participants responded that public reporting sometimes or always affected other providers’ practices, and 264 of 281 (93.9%) responded that other practitioners were motivated to deny care to poor-prognosis patients to improve reported success rates. However, only 121 of 282 (42.9%) indicated that public reporting influenced their own medical management. The majority of respondents agreed that public reporting may hinder adoption of single embryo transfer practices (194 of 299; 64.9%) and contribute to the persistent rate of twinning in in vitro fertilization (187 of 279; 67%). A small majority (153 of 279; 54.8%) felt that public reporting did not benefit fellow training, and 58 (61.7%) of the 94 participants who trained fellows believed that having fellows perform embryo transfers reduced pregnancy rates. A small majority (163 of 277; 58.8%) of respondents reported their ART success rates on clinical websites. However, the majority (200 of 275; 72.7%) of respondents compared their success rates with those of other clinics. Finally, most respondents (211 of 277; 76%) believed that most centers that advertised their success rates did so in ways that were misleading to patients.

Conclusions
Public reporting of ART clinical outcomes is intended to drive improvement, promote trust between patients and providers, and inform consumers and payers. However, providers reported that they modified their practices, felt others denied care to poor-prognosis patients, and limited participation of trainees in procedures in response to public reporting of ART outcomes.