bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Exploratory Study to Estimate Cost-effectiveness Threshold Value for Life Saving Treatments in Western Iran
Authors: Moradi Najmeh , Woldemichael Abraha , Malekian Parisa , Rotavandi Delnia Moradi , Rezaei Satar 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Cost-effectiveness analysis provides a crucial means for evidence-informed decision-making on resource allocation. This study aims to elicit individuals' willingness to pay (WTP) for one additional quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained from life-saving treatment and associated factors in Kermanshah city, western Iran.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study on a total of 847 adults aged 18 years and above to elicit their WTP for one additional QALY gained by oneself and a family member using a hypothetical life-saving treatment. We used a multistage sampling technique to select the samples, and the Iranian version of EQ-5D-3L, and visual analogue scale (VAS) measures was used to obtain the participants’ health utility value. The Tobit regression model was used to identify the factors affecting WTP per QALY values.Results: The mean WTP value and standard deviation (SD) was US$ 862 (3224) for the respondents and US$ 1355 (3993) for the family members. The mean utility values using EQ-5D-3L and VAS methods were 0.779 and 0.800, respectively. The WTP for the additional QALY gained by the individual participants using the EQ-5D-3L and VAS methods were respectively US$ 1202 and US$ 1101, while the estimated value of the family members was US$ 1355 (SD= 3993). The Tobit regression models indicated that monthly income, education level, sex, and birthplace were statistically significantly associated (p < 0.05) with both the WTP for the extra QALY values using the EQ-5D-3L and the VAS methods. Besides, education level and monthly income showed statistically significant relationships with the WTP for the additional QALY gained by the family members (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Our findings indicated that the participants' WTP value of the additional QALY gained from the hypothetical life-saving treatment was in the rage of 0.20 to 0.24 of Iran’s gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, which is far lower than the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended CE threshold value of one. This wide gap reflects the challenges the health system is facing and requires further research for defining the most appropriate CE threshold at the local level.
Covid-19 and low molecular weight heparin therapy: retrospective study of 257 patients.
Authors: Stabile Marco , Aschieri Daniela , Maestri Cristina , Rosato Luca , Novara Paola , Lanati Gianluca , Dio Mariateresa Di , Franco Cosimo , Bisceglie Giuseppina , Leddi Giuseppe , fabrizi Enrico , Rucci Paola , Taliani Gloria 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Objective To evaluate the role of low molecular weight heparin in COVID-19 treatment.Design Retrospective cohort studySetting Patients with COVID-19 pneumonia consecutively admitted to Castel San Giovanni COVID- Hospital from February 29, to April 7, 2020.Main outcome measure Hospital mortality and safety in patients treated with low molecular weight hep- arin.Results Of the 257 patients enrolled, 49 (19.1%) died during the hospitalization. Hospital mortality was significantly lower in patients treated with therapeutic dose of low molecular weight heparin (T-LMWH) (17/126, 13.5%), compared with patients treated with prophylactic dose (P-LMWH) (32/131, 24.4%; χ²=4.98, p = 0.02). Crude and adjusted odds ratios of mortality for patients treated with T-LMWH were OR=0.483, 95% CI 0.252-0.923 and OR=0.374, 95% CI 0.177-0.792. In a stratified analysis by ventila- tion type, the only subgroup of patients who benefited from therapeutic doses of heparin were those re- ceiving non-invasive mechanical ventilation (OR=0.099, 95% CI 0.028-0.354, p<0.001). No fatal bleed- ings were observed.Conclusion Treatment with therapeutic doses of T-LMWH is safe and seems to reduce mortality in COVID-19 patients with pneumonia, especially among those who need non-invasive mechanical ventila- tion. We look forward to prospective studies to confirm this observation and evaluate the appropriate dose of LMWH in the treatment of COVID-19 patients.
Dysplasia of Ovary Without Abnormal Development of Uterus and Urinary System: A Report of Four Cases
Authors: Wei Weixia , Luo Wenji , Hu Qicai , Zeng Liping , Tang Huiru , Wu Ruifang 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background Congenital anatomic abnormalities of fallopian tubes and ovaries are rarely reported. Herein, we describe four cases of abnormal ovarian descent during laparoscopic surgery with abnormal anatomy of fallopian tube, without abnormal uterine development and urinary system abnormalities. These cases are analyzed by their clinical features and their effects on reproductive function. Case presentation For patients with undescended ovary, the upper part of the unilateral/bilateral ovary decline was much higher than that of the common iliac vessel bifurcation, and the fallopian tube on the same side opened in the para-colonic sulcus. Among four patients, two cases had primary infertility, one case had tubal pregnancy rupture and bleeding, and one case had uterine leiomyoma. The development of uterus was normal in all the four patients, and there was no abnormal development of urinary system. During the infertility examination, hysterosalpingography (HSG) suggestion of oviduct lift was a sign for possible undescended ovarian. The pelvic B-ultrasound examination was limited to discover ovarian maldescent. Conclusion Laparoscopy was the gold standard for the diagnosis of poor ovarian decline. When B-ultrasound prompts one-sided or double-sided "ovary display is unclear" or detects "shrinking small ovaries", it might be ovarian maldescent. When there is periodic post-sacral spinal pain, MRI positioning or HSG can be used for diagnosis.
Eco-friendly approach for elimination of olive mill wastewaters (OMW) toxicity using cactus prickly pears juice as a coagulant
Authors: Neffa M. , Taourirte M. , Ouazzani N. , Hanine H. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Currently, research focuses on the application of newer biocoagulant products in wastewater treatment. In this study, the performance of cactus juice to clarify Olive Mill Wastewater (OMW) was investigated by using Jar-test experimentation and assessed by physicochemical analysis of the obtained supernatant: turbidity, total suspended solids (TSS), (λ465; λ395) absorbance, polyphenols (pp), chemical oxygen demand (COD) and Fourier-Transform-Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) on lyophilized sludge. A series of experiments were conducted to estimate the influence of various experimental parameters, such as the amounts of biocoagulants used, time, stirring speed, and pH. The study showed the optimal coagulation conditions were as follows: sample pH10; cactus juice dose, 10% (v/v); rapid mixing time, 30 s at a speed of 150 rp/min. Under these conditions, the overall removals of 74% for COD, 93% for turbidity and 51% for polyphenols were achieved. As referring to the FTIR analysis, the cactus juice of Opuntia spp. operates predominantly through an adsorption interparticle bridging coagulation mechanism. These results are encouraging in the context of developing a low-cost technology and eco-friendly approach for the effective management of OMW.
Autophagic Vacuole Secretion Triggered by Chidamide Participates in TRAIL Apoptosis Effect in Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Zhou Weiqiang , Han Han , Xu Junnan , Sun Tao , Feng Xiuyan 
Published: August 2020

Background:
Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent diseases threatening women's health today. Indepth
research on breast cancer (BC) pathogenesis and prevention and treatment methods are gradually receiving
attention. Chidamide is a novel histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) that depresses the function of histone
deacetylase, consequently affecting the growth of BC cells through epigenetic modification. However, preclinical
and clinical studies show that chidamide is ineffective in long-term treatment. We demonstrated in previous experiments
that TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) induces apoptosis in BC cells and is significantly
less non-toxic to normal cells than chidamide. Therefore, in this study, we treated BC cells with chidamide and
TRAIL to explore a novel option to reduce the clinical toxicity through augmenting the sensitivity for BC cells.

Methods and Results:
Results from the MTT and cell viability assays indicated that the combination of chidamide
and TRAIL in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells induced BC cell death, while maintaining a reduced concentration
of chidamide. Autophagy assay and annexin V analysis showed that the autophagosome microtubuleassociated
protein1light chain3-II (LC3-II) was abnormally increased and much more early and late phase of
apoptotic cells appeared during chidamide and TRAIL induction. Anti-tumor assays in a BC tumor xenograft
model displayed that the mixture of chidamide and TRAIL exhibited stronger effects on inhibiting tumor growth.
The data from real-time PCR and western blotting showed that the cytotoxic effect correlated with the expressions
of related apoptosis and autophagy factors.

Conclusion:
Our data are the first to demonstrate the synergistic effects of chidamide and TRAIL in BC cells,
specifically, the pharmacological effects on cell death induction. These results lay a solid experimental and theoretical
basis to solve the clinical resistance of chidamide.
Solid Lipid Particle-loaded Ocimum Gratissimum Seed Films and Polymeric Films for Controlled Drug Delivery
Authors: Mai Hang D. , Tran Phuong H.L. , Tran Thao T.D. 
Published: August 2020

Aims:
The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare the formation of polymeric
and Ocimum gratissimum seed films containing solid lipid particles for controlled drug release.

Methods:
The hot homogeneous method was selected to form solid lipid particles containing sodium
fusidate to load the drug into the film. The in vitro drug release and drug permeability of the films were
tested with dialysis tubes and the Franz diffusion cell method, respectively. The mucoadhesive time
and swelling and erosion rates were also studied.

Results:
The solid lipid particles showed the ability to form Ocimum gratissimum seed and polymeric
films for use in drug delivery. Although the polymeric matrix yielded excellent swelling and erosion
rates, leading to a faster drug release rate and drug permeation than that of the Ocimum gratissimum
seed film, the mucoadhesive time of the polymer film was worse than that of the seed film.

Conclusion:
Therefore, the characteristics of the individual systems may be further studied in a combined
system to take full advantage of both in the desired film.
The Use of Natural Products Against Fusarium oxysporum: A Review
Authors: Belhi Zeyneb , Boulenouar Noureddine , Cheriti Abdelkrim 
Published: August 2020

:
Currently, numerous researchers have focused their attention on the use of natural products from plants and
microorganisms, or compounds derived from these organisms to protect crops from various diseases, thus reduce the
negative effects on human health and environmental safety.
Fungal diseases cause a considerable loss of crop yields in agricultural industries worldwide. Fusarium oxysporum
comprises a multitude of formae speciales that cause vascular wilt diseases of economically important crops.
This review presents an overview of researches realized on natural products tested against Fusarium oxysporum formae
speciales phytopathogens for the period (2017-2020).
This review aims to collect major research works of the antifungal compounds against these fungi and up-dates information
on their developments and approaches that have been rapidly taking place in recent years so that further novel researches
can be envisaged.
Discussion of these studies by analyzing different sources for antifusariosis treatment, evaluation of testing methods, and
information on their advantages and limitations and to determine those with real efficacy. Despite the important number of
natural products with remarkable in vitro efficiency, the limiting point is their in vivo application for soil microorganisms
(in this case: Fusarium oxysporum). Therefore, more advanced researches are needed to solve this problem.
Predicting the Cumulative Number of Cases of the COVID-19 Epidemic in India from Early Data
Authors: Thakur Amit Kumar , Singh Rajesh , Gehlot Anita , Das Prabin Kumar , Roy Bishwajyoti 
Published: August 2020

Aim:
The present study aims at explaining the epidemic situation in India for
COVID-19 and forecasting the expected rise in the positive cases in India.

Objective:
This study will be useful for Government authorities and Medical Practitioners in assessing
the trends for India and preparing a combat plan with stringent measures. This research would
also be useful in predicting outbreak numbers with greater precision for people involved in exploring
this deadly disease.

Methods:
We used the Support Vector Machine (SVM) to forecast and analyze the COVID-19 situations
to predict future trends. On definite trail and model training, it was observed that the number
of COVID cases will increase for the next four days.

Results:
The SVM model predicted accurate results. The prediction accuracy seems to best fit and
indicates the cases to rise in the next coming days. Confirmed cases and the SVM predictions are
close to each other, thus proving the accuracy of the SVM predictions. It was inferred that the numbers
of COVID-19 instances will rise if the same trend is followed.

Conclusion:
The COVID-19 outbreak is exacerbated by secondary hospital transmission. Testing,
particularly of those coming in with respiratory symptoms, is essential to isolate those in hospitals.
A two-stage, pre-emptive testing is recommended in symptomatic older people immediately to reduce
mortality. Immediate and on-going serological surveys are required to track the epidemic level.
We are flying blind at the moment. The demand for the ventilators would be 1 million. The current
supply in India is projected to range from 30 K to 50 K (the US has 160 K and is still running
short). Health staff involved in treating COVID-19 patients also have to shield themselves using
personal protection (i.e., masks and gowns) to save themselves from being infected. Thus, SVM
model predictions will give a better insight into the growth of COVID-19 cases and, therefore, will
allow the government of India to take adequate measures to restrain the issue at the earliest.
Analysis of Relay Node Failure in Heterogeneous Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Kakamanshadi Gholamreza , Gupta Savita , Singh Sukhwinder 
Published: August 2020

Introduction:
Fault tolerance is an important issue for assuring data reliability, energy saving and prolonging
the lifetime of wireless sensor networks. Since, sensor node, relay node, etc. are prone to failure, there is a need an effective fault tolerance mechanism.

Methods:
Relay nodes are used as cluster heads and the concept of two disjoint paths is employed
for proving fault tolerance against link failure. To evaluate the fault tolerance level, mean time to
failure and subsequently, failure rate are calculated, that reflect the reliability of the network.

Results:
The results show that as the area size of the network increases, the average fault tolerance
level of the network becomes constant. Furthermore, when the mean time to failure of the network
decreases, then the failure rate increases. It means the overall reliability of the network with a
smaller network size is more than the larger network size.

Discussion:
This paper presents a detailed analysis of relay nodes failure under distinct network
configurations in heterogeneous wireless sensor networks.

Conclusion:
This analysis helps the network designers to decide the quantity of deployment of relay
nodes with respect to fault tolerance level. It may also help to prevent relay nodes failure by
taking appropriate actions so as to increase the fault tolerance level of the network as well as network
reliability.
Growth and quality of Pinus nigra (Arn.), Pinus sylvestris (L.) and Pinus pinaster (Aiton) seedlings in two container types
Authors: Dina Kolevska Dana , Dimitrova Anastazija , Cokoski Kristijan , Basova Mare 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
In this study we investigated the dynamics of growth and quality features of 1+0 Austrian Pine (AP; Pinus nigra Arn.), Scots Pine (SP; Pinus sylvestris L.) and Maritime Pine (MP; Pinus pinaster Aiton) seedlings in containers Yukosad (YS; hard plastic, 75cm3, 610 seedlings m-2) and Siset (SS; gray cardboard with white coating, 128 cm3, 589 seedlings m-2). The experiment, for all Pine species, was conducted in randomized blocks in four replications. Each replication contained 10 multipots of each container type. After the seed germination, every 15 days, i.e. 10 times during the vegetation season, 10 seedlings of each of 4 replications, i.e. 40 seedlings of each container and Pine species, were analyzed. The following morphological characteristics were measured: shoot height (SH), root collar diameter (RCD), shoot dry weight (SDW), number, length and dry weight (RDW) of I, II and III order lateral roots (FOLR, SOLR and TOLR) and of the central root. Quality ratios and indexes were calculated. The dynamics of growth of selected features during the vegetation season was expressed as trend lines. AP and SP seedlings, grown in containers YS had higher values of almost all measured traits (SH, RCD, SDW, number, length and dry weight of FOLR, SOLR and TOLR). However, in AP, the SS seedlings had better values of quality indexes and ratios (SQ, DQI, SDW/RDW and RDW/SDW ratio), than YS seedlings. SP seedlings, except for SQ, had better quality indexes in YS container. MP seedlings, with some exceptions, have better above ground quality features in SS containers, while root systems don’t differ significantly in both containers. Root quality indicators (root intensity and root bound indexes) are more favorable in SS containers in all Pine species. The polynomial trend lines in AP and SP grow in similar way and intensity in both containers, gradually increasing during the vegetation season. MP seedlings differ in much more intensive growth of above ground features, especially in the half of the vegetative period in both containers, while during this period root quantity and length stagnates. Generally, the quality of AP and SP seedlings is more or less equal and satisfactory in both containers, while MP seedlings show slightly better results in SS container.
Microwave Breast Imaging Using Rotational Bistatic Impulse Radar for the Detection of Breast Cancer: Protocol for a Prospective Diagnostic Study
Authors: Sasada Shinsuke , Masumoto Norio , Song Hang , Emi Akiko , Kadoya Takayuki , Arihiro Koji , Kikkawa Takamaro , Okada Morihito 
Published: August 2020

Background
Mammography is the standard examination for breast cancer screening; however, it is associated with pain and exposure to ionizing radiation. Microwave breast imaging is a less invasive method for breast cancer surveillance. A bistatic impulse radar–based breast cancer detector has recently been developed.

Objective
This study aims to present a protocol for evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of the novel microwave breast imaging device.

Methods
This is a prospective diagnostic study. A total of 120 participants were recruited before treatment administration and divided into 2 cohorts: 100 patients diagnosed with breast cancer and 20 participants with benign breast tumors. The detector will be directly placed on each breast, while the participant is in supine position, without a coupling medium. Confocal images will be created based on the analyzed data, and the presence of breast tumors will be assessed. The primary endpoint will be the diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the detector for breast cancer and benign tumors. The secondary endpoint will be the safety and detectability of each molecular subtype of breast cancer. For an exploratory endpoint, the influence of breast density and tumor size on tumor detection will be investigated.

Results
Recruitment began in November 2018 and was completed by March 2020. We anticipate the preliminary results to be available by summer 2021.

Conclusions
This study will provide insights on the diagnostic accuracy of microwave breast imaging using a rotational bistatic impulse radar. The collected data will improve the diagnostic algorithm of microwave imaging and lead to enhanced device performance.

Trial Registration
Japan Registry of Clinical Trials jRCTs062180005; https://jrct.niph.go.jp/en-latest-detail/jRCTs062180005

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)
DERR1-10.2196/17524
Weight Reduction Through a Digital Nutrition and Food Purchasing Platform Among Users With Obesity: Longitudinal Study
Authors: Hu Emily A , Nguyen Viet , Langheier Jason , Shurney Dexter 
Published: August 2020

Background
Digital nutrition apps that monitor or provide recommendations on diet have been found to be effective in behavior change and weight reduction among individuals with obesity. However, there is less evidence on how integration of personalized nutrition recommendations and changing the food purchasing environment through online meal planning and grocery delivery, meal kits, and grocery incentives impacts weight loss among individuals with obesity.

Objective
The objective of this observational longitudinal study was to examine weight loss and predictors of weight loss among individuals with obesity who are users of a digital nutrition platform that integrates tools to provide nutrition recommendations and changes in the food purchasing environment grounded in behavioral theory.

Methods
We included 8977 adults with obesity who used the digital Foodsmart platform, created by Zipongo, Inc, DBA Foodsmart between January 2013 and April 2020. We retrospectively analyzed user characteristics and their associations with weight loss. Participants reported age, gender, height, at least 2 measures of weight, and usual dietary intake. Healthy Diet Score, a score to measure overall diet quality, was calculated based on responses to a food frequency questionnaire. We used paired t tests to compare differences in baseline and final weights and baseline and final Healthy Diet Scores. We used univariate and multivariate logistic regression models to estimate odds ratios and 95% CI of achieving 5% weight loss by gender, age, baseline BMI, Healthy Diet Score, change in Healthy Diet Score, and duration of enrollment. We conducted stratified analyses to examine mean percent weight change by enrollment duration and gender, age, baseline BMI, and change in Healthy Diet Score.

Results
Over a median (IQR) of 9.9 (0.03-54.7) months of enrollment, 59% of participants lost weight. Of the participants who used the Foodsmart platform for at least 24 months, 33.3% achieved 5% weight loss. In the fully adjusted logistic regression model, we found that baseline BMI (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.02-1.03; P<.001), baseline Healthy Diet Score (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.05-1.08; P<.001), greater change in Healthy Diet Score (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.11-1.14; P<.001), and enrollment length (OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.23-1.32; P<.001) were all significantly associated with higher odds of achieving at least 5% weight loss.

Conclusions
This study found that a digital app that provides personalized nutrition recommendations and change in one’s food purchasing environment appears to be successful in meaningfully reducing weight among individuals with obesity.