bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of ecological environmental changes and mollusciciding on snail intermediate host of Schistosoma in Qianjiang city of China from 1985 to 2015
Authors: Qiu Juan , Li Rendong , Zhu Hong , Xia Jing , Xiao Ying , Huang Duan , Wang Yong 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Schistosomiasis remains prevalent in Africa, Asia and South America with an estimated burden of 1.9 million disability-adjusted life years in 2016. Targeting snails as a key to success for schistosomiasis control has been widely approved, but the long-term quantitative effects of interventions on snail control that would inform and improve future control programmes are unclear. Over the last six decades, schistosomiasis in China had been brought largely under control, and snail control as supplementary methods or part of integrated multisectoral approaches in different historical periods has played an essential role.

Methods
Ecological environment factors, prevalence and control data on Oncomelania hupensis between 1985 and 2015 at 5-year intervals in Qianjiang city, China, were collected. A multilevel growth model approach was used to examine the long-term effects of ecological environmental changes and mollusciciding on snail-infested area (SIA) and living snail density (LSD) during the 30 years.

Results
The variation of SIA was 68.4% in spatial distribution, while the variation of LSD was 68.4% in temporal distribution. Continuous mollusciciding could result in significant LSD reduction, but may not lead to significant SIA reduction. The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), patch size coefficient of variation (PSCoV) and mean patch size (MPS) reduction, slightly due to eco-environmental changes decreased SIA, while mean perimeter-area ratio (MPAR) and dry farm-land proportion (DFLP) reduction might increase SIA. Only NDVI and MPAR reduction led to a lower LSD.

Conclusions
Mollusciciding was more effective in reducing snail density, but it is not easy to eliminate snails completely. Environmental modifications could completely change the snail breeding environment and reduce its infestation area. Due to difficulty of scaling-up the current environmental modifications in waterway network regions, more effective snail control methods are needed. The experience in China could thereby provide guidance for other schistosomiasis endemic areas with a high snail prevalence.
Estimates of certain paraxial diffraction integral operator and its generalized properties
Authors: Al-Omari Shrideh , Araci Serkan , Al-Smadi Mohammed , Gumah Ghaleb , Alrabaiah Hussam 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThis paper aims to discuss a generalization of certain paraxial diffraction integral operator in a class of generalized functions. At the start of this paper, we propose a convolution formula and establish certain convolution theorem. Then, with the addition to the convolution theorem, we consider a set of approximating identities and substantially employ our results in generating sets of integrable and locally integrable Boehmians. The said generalized integral operator is tested and declared to be one-to-one and onto mapping. Continuity of the generalized operator with respect to the convergence of the Boehmian spaces is obtained. Over and above, an inversion formula and consistency results are also counted.
Hyers–Ulam stability of linear fractional differential equations with variable coefficients
Authors: Liu Hui , Li Yongjin 
Published: August 2020

AbstractMotivated by Shen et al., we apply the Gronwall’s inequality to establish the Hyers–Ulam stability of two types (Riemann–Liouville and Caputo) of linear fractional differential equations with variable coefficients under certain conditions.
On existence and stability results to a class of boundary value problems under Mittag-Leffler power law
Authors: Ali Gauhar , Shah Kamal , Abdeljawad Thabet , Khan Hasib , Ur Rahman Ghaus , Khan Aziz 
Published: August 2020

AbstractSome essential conditions for existence theory and stability analysis to a class of boundary value problems of fractional delay differential equations involving Atangana–Baleanu-Caputo derivative are established. The deserted results are derived by using the Banach contraction and Krasnoselskii’s fixed point theorems. Moreover, different kinds of stability theory including Hyers–Ulam, generalized Hyers–Ulam, Hyers–Ulam-Rassias and generalized Hyers–Ulam–Rassias stability are also developed for the problem under consideration. Appropriate examples are given for illustrative purposes.
Preoperative exercise in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty: a pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Gränicher Pascale , Stöggl Thomas , Fucentese Sandro F. , Adelsberger Rolf , Swanenburg Jaap 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of this study was to assess the effect of preoperative physiotherapy (PT) on functional, subjective and socio-economic parameters after total knee arthroplasty (TKA).Methods20 patients (mean ± SD: age 67 ± 7 years) scheduled for TKA at Balgrist University Hospital between July 2016 and March 2017 were randomly assigned to a control (CG) or intervention (IG) group. 3 to 4 weeks prior to surgery the IG completed 5 to 9 sessions of PT containing proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) techniques, endurance training and individually indicated interventions. Measurements were executed at baseline, preoperative and 3 months after TKA. The primary outcome measure was the Stair Climbing Test (SCT), secondary outcome measures were the knee range of motion (ROM) and the level of physical activity using Lysholm Score (LS) and Tegner Activity Scale (TAS). The subjective and socio-economic parameters were the Patients’ Global Impression of Change (PGIC) scale, inpatient rehabilitation time, preoperative pain levels and metabolic equivalent (MET), postoperative intake of analgesics and overall costs.ResultsNo difference between IG and CG was found for SCT (F (2/36) = 0.016,p = 0.984, η2 = 0.004). An interaction between group and time was shown for TAS (F (18/1) = 13.890) with an increase in the IG (p = 0.002, η2 = 0.536). The sub-item “pain” within the LS presented a higher pain-level in CG (F (18/1) = 4.490,p = 0.048, η2 = 0.974), while IG showed a higher preoperative MET compared to CG (p = 0.035). There were no other significant changes. The CG produced 21.4% higher overall costs, took more analgesics and showed higher preoperative pain levels than the IG.ConclusionsFindings show that preoperative therapy improved the level of physical activity before and after TKA and resulted in a clinically relevant gain in TAS.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.govIdentifier;NCT03160534. Registered 19 May 2017
Clinical Spectrum of congenital heart defects (CHD) detected at the child health Clinic in a Tertiary Health Facility in Ghana: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Thomford Nicholas Ekow , Biney Robert Peter , Okai Emmanuel , Anyanful Akwasi , Nsiah Paul , Frimpong Prosperity G. , Boakye Dominic O. , Adongo Charles A. , Kruszka Paul , Wonkam Ambroise 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundCongenital heart defects (CHD) are the singular most common congenital anomalies and account for a significant fraction of childhood mortality and morbidity. CHD occurs in ~ 1% of livebirths globally and often requires surgical interventions to improve quality of life and survival of patients. The prevalence and clinical presentations of CHD within specific populations provide a clearer overview of the burden of CHD and informs appropriate interventions. However, there is limited data on clinical presentation and occurrence of CHD in African countries such as Ghana where most cases are either diagnosed late or missed entirely resulting in increased mortality. In this retrospective study, we assessed the clinical presentations, associated comorbidities, and prescription patterns of diagnosed CHD in a tertiary facility in Ghana.MethodThis retrospective study utilized data from electronic health records (EHR) from the child health clinic of the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital - a tertiary health facility in Ghana from January 2018 to October 2019. All suspected or provisionally diagnosed cases including those confirmed with echocardiography were included in our analysis.ResultsOver 10, 000 records were reviewed, CHD was diagnosed in 79 cases, and 51 cases had complete clinical records including the type of CHD and clinical presentation. Male to female ratio was approximately 1:1 and 77.2% of the diagnoses were in children below 5 years. Acyanotic congenital heart defects were most commonly diagnosed with ventricular septal defects (VSD) and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) being the simplest singular CHD. Tetralogy of Fallot, was the most common complex CHD accounting for 25.5% (13) of cases. Bronchopneumonia, upper respiratory infections and pneumonia were the most commonly diagnosed comorbidities accounting for over 35% of non-cardiac sequalae based on antibiotic and diuretic use.ConclusionOur study showed that over 75% of CHD cases were diagnosed under 5 years with VSD and TOF being the most commonly diagnosed acyanotic and cyanotic lesions, respectively. This study presents preliminary data that give an overview of CHD burden in Ghana that will inform future research and appropriate interventions.
Estimated influence of a novel biocompatible dialysis membrane on vascular events in dialysis patients with diabetic nephropathy: a prospective randomized controlled pilot study
Authors: Kubo Mitsuru , Nakazawa Ryoichi , Akiyama Kazuhiro , Tsunoda Yoshiho , Kimura Kazumasa , Koide Kenji , Matsushima Yasuhisa , Hasegawa Shinji , Ikeda Koichi , Azuma Nakanobu 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundPolysulfone (PS) dialyzers are most frequently used worldwide for chronic renal failure patients and they are produced by several manufacturers. Despite using the same materials, differences in biocompatibility among PS dialyzers have been reported. TORAYLIGHT NV (NV) is a PS dialyzer that was reported to have superior biocompatibility compared with other PS membranes (conventional PS membranes). Therefore, we examined whether biocompatibility of PS membranes would affect the occurrence of cardiovascular events in hemodialysis patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN).MethodsFifty hemodialysis patients with DN were enrolled. They were randomly divided into NV and PS groups and then followed up for 3 years. The number of patients who developed cardiovascular events and clinical data including laboratory tests and blood pressure was recorded.ResultsThere were 13 and 14 patients who developed cardiovascular events during the 3-year follow-up of the NV and PS groups, respectively. There was no significant difference between the groups. There were no significant differences in most of the clinical data between the two groups. However, serum pentosidine concentrations in the PS group significantly increased throughout this study, while those in the NV group did not change. Additionally, the width of the systolic blood pressure drop, which was shown to be the difference between before and after dialysis session, in the PS group showed no change, while that in the NV group tended to decrease.ConclusionsThe superiority of using NV membrane compared with conventional PS membranes in reducing cardiovascular events in hemodialysis patients with DN remains unclear. However, our results suggested that PS membranes with superior biocompatibility would slow the progression of atherosclerosis and reduce the occurrence of intradialytic hypotension.Trial registrationThis study was retrospectively registered with the Clinical Trials Registry at the University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN-CTR) on March 17, 2017 (registration ID, UMIN 000026339).https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr.cgi?function=brows&action=brows&recptno=R000030259&type=summary&language=J
Development of a clinical prediction rule for sepsis in primary care: protocol for the TeSD-IT study
Authors: Loots Feike J. , Hopstaken Rogier , Jenniskens Kevin , Frederix Geert W. J. , van de Pol Alma C. , Van den Bruel Ann , Oosterheert Jan Jelrik , van Zanten Arthur R. H. , Smits Marleen , Verheij Theo J. M. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Early recognition and treatment of sepsis is crucial to prevent detrimental outcomes. General practitioners (GPs) are often the first healthcare providers to encounter seriously ill patients. The aim of this study is to assess the value of clinical information and additional tests to develop a clinical prediction rule to support early diagnosis and management of sepsis by GPs.

Methods
We will perform a diagnostic study in the setting of out-of-hours home visits in four GP cooperatives in the Netherlands. Acutely ill adult patients suspected of a serious infection will be screened for eligibility by the GP. The following candidate predictors will be prospectively recorded: (1) age, (2) body temperature, (3) systolic blood pressure, (4) heart rate, (5) respiratory rate, (6) peripheral oxygen saturation, (7) mental status, (8) history of rigors, and (9) rate of progression. After clinical assessment by the GP, blood samples will be collected in all patients to measure C-reactive protein, lactate, and procalcitonin. All patients will receive care as usual. The primary outcome is the presence or absence of sepsis within 72 h after inclusion, according to an expert panel. The need for hospital treatment for any indication will be assessed by the expert panel as a secondary outcome. Multivariable logistic regression will be used to design an optimal prediction model first and subsequently derive a simplified clinical prediction rule that enhances feasibility of using the model in daily clinical practice. Bootstrapping will be performed for internal validation of both the optimal model and simplified prediction rule. Performance of both models will be compared to existing clinical prediction rules for sepsis.

Discussion
This study will enable us to develop a clinical prediction rule for the recognition of sepsis in a high-risk primary care setting to aid in the decision which patients have to be immediately referred to a hospital and who can be safely treated at home. As clinical signs and blood samples will be obtained prospectively, near-complete data will be available for analyses. External validation will be needed before implementation in routine care and to determine in which pre-hospital settings care can be improved using the prediction rule.

Trial registration
The study is registered in the Netherlands Trial Registry (registration number NTR7026).
Antibiofilm potential of Psidium guajava and Passiflora edulis pulp extracts against Staphylococcus aureus, cytotoxicity, and interference on the activity of antimicrobial drugs
Authors: dos Santos Renan Martins , Costa Gustavo , Cerávolo Isabela Pena , Dias-Souza Marcus Vinícius 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundPathogenic strains ofStaphylococcus aureuscan cause several diseases including septicemia and endocarditis, in spite of being a commensal species of the human microbiota. The current drug resistance ofS. aureusraises the need for new antimicrobials, and natural products represent a feasible source for prospection of such compounds, due to features including the diversity of structures and mechanisms of action. Here, we provide evidence of the antimicrobial activity of methanolic ofPsidium guajavaandPassiflora edulispulps against planktonic cells and biofilms of clinical isolates ofS. aureus.ResultsThe extracts were effective against the strains in concentrations up to 7.81 and 250 μg/mL for planktonic cells and biofilms, respectively. Antagonistic interactions of the extracts to antimicrobial drugs were observed. The pulps caused no cytotoxic effects on BGM cells. GC-MS analysis found relevant molecules, and UPLC analysis suggested the presence of flavonoids. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first antibiofilm evidence of such extracts.ConclusionThe extracts seem to be safe and effective enough for more studies aiming at exploring isolated antimicrobial molecules using in vivo models for the treatment of staphylococcal diseases.
Structure of direct and indirect umbilical hernia and the implication on surgical repair in children
Authors: Mostafa Mohamed Saber , AbdElrahman Mohamed , Elsherbeny Mohammed , El-Safoury Hesham 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Umbilical hernia (UH) is one of the most common problems seen by paediatric surgeons. The recurrence rate after surgical repair is 1–2%. In this study, we examined the ring of umbilical hernia histologically to detect differences between the two types of umbilical hernia and the relation between this histologic difference and the technique of surgical repair.

Results
Fifty paediatric patients of both sexes with clinically diagnosed direct and indirect (oblique) umbilical hernia were collected from the paediatric surgery department in the period between March 2016 and February 2018. Age ranged between 2 and 5 years. Biopsies (5 mm) were taken from the upper, lower, right and left borders of the ring in both types and processed for histological examination. Classification of umbilical hernia was based on Chang-Seok et al.’s classification, which classified the umbilical hernia into three types (direct, oblique and hernia into umbilical cord) which depend on the presence of a hole in the ring and whether the ring is covered by ligamentum teres or not. Histological sections were examined by light microscopy, and data was analysed using chi-square test to detect predominance of one type of collagen fibre over the other in each sample. Transverse collagen fibres were predominant in the upper border of the ring in 15 patients (75%) and the lower border in 14 patients (70%) of direct umbilical hernia. Transverse collagen fibres were also predominant in the right border of the ring in 21 patients (70%) and the left border in 21 patients (70%) of indirect umbilical hernia. This predominance in both cases was found to be statistically significant.

Conclusions
Predominance of transverse collagen fibres in the upper and lower borders of the ring in direct umbilical hernia and predominance in the right and left borders of the ring in oblique umbilical hernia encouraged us to suggest that wound will be more stable if closed in a transverse manner in direct umbilical hernia and a longitudinal manner in oblique umbilical hernia especially in recurrent cases.
MicroRNA genetic signature in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) Egyptian patients
Authors: Mansour Samar A. , Farhat Amgad A. , Abd El-Zaher Ayman H. , Bediwy Adel S. , Abdou Said M. , Al Saka Ayman A. , Zidan Abdel Aziz A. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Cancer development is associated with deregulated microRNA (miRNA) in body fluids including serum, plasma, and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). Early diagnosis and early treatment of lung cancer improve survival and response to treatment. So, finding an easy detectable biomarker is crucially important to improve the disease outcome. So, we analyzed the differential expression of miRNA using microarray both in serum and BAL of 37 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and 30 healthy control subjects (15 non-smokers and 15 smokers).

Results
A total of 32 miRNAs were significantly differentially expressed in serum of NSCLC patients versus controls (13 up-regulated and 19 down-regulated), whereas 14 miRNAs were significantly differentially expressed in BAL of NSCLC patients relative to control (12 upregulated and 2 downregulated). The accuracy of MiRNAs to detect lung cancer patients versus control was 94.3% with a specificity of 97.8% and a sensitivity of 92.3%.

Conclusions
Expression of miRNAs is specific in both serum and BAL of NSCLC patients, indicating that they might be considered easy diagnostic biomarkers for early lung cancer detection.
Natural Language Processing to Ascertain Cancer Outcomes From Medical Oncologist Notes
Authors: Kehl Kenneth L. , Xu Wenxin , Lepisto Eva , Elmarakeby Haitham , Hassett Michael J. , Van Allen Eliezer M. , Johnson Bruce E. , Schrag Deborah 
Published: August 2020

PURPOSE Cancer research using electronic health records and genomic data sets requires clinical outcomes data, which may be recorded only in unstructured text by treating oncologists. Natural language processing (NLP) could substantially accelerate extraction of this information. METHODS Patients with lung cancer who had tumor sequencing as part of a single-institution precision oncology study from 2013 to 2018 were identified. Medical oncologists’ progress notes for these patients were reviewed. For each note, curators recorded whether the assessment/plan indicated any cancer, progression/worsening of disease, and/or response to therapy or improving disease. Next, a recurrent neural network was trained using unlabeled notes to extract the assessment/plan from each note. Finally, convolutional neural networks were trained on labeled assessments/plans to predict the probability that each curated outcome was present. Model performance was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) among a held-out test set of 10% of patients. Associations between curated response or progression end points and overall survival were measured using Cox models among patients receiving palliative-intent systemic therapy. RESULTS Medical oncologist notes (n = 7,597) were manually curated for 919 patients. In the 10% test set, NLP models replicated human curation with AUROCs of 0.94 for the any-cancer outcome, 0.86 for the progression outcome, and 0.90 for the response outcome. Progression/worsening events identified using NLP models were associated with shortened survival (hazard ratio [HR] for mortality, 2.49; 95% CI, 2.00 to 3.09); response/improvement events were associated with improved survival (HR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.30 to 0.67). CONCLUSION NLP models based on neural networks can extract meaningful outcomes from oncologist notes at scale. Such models may facilitate identification of clinical and genomic features associated with response to cancer treatment.