bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prebent Titanium Elastic Nailing, Ilizarov Fixation and Bone Grafting for Treating Congenital Pseudarthrosis of the Tibia: Preliminary Outcomes of 15 Cases
Authors: Wang Xiaoyu , Shi Li , Zhang Rui , Wang Wenbo , Wang Feng , Wang Mengwei , Xu Ze , Zuo Rongtai , Xu Jia , Kang Qinglin 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: To report the preliminary outcome of treating congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia (CPT) by using titanium elastic nails (TENs) combined with other surgical procedures including pseudarthrosis resection, autogenous iliac bone grafting and Ilizarov technique, with a mean follow-up time of 4.5 (3.3 to 6.3) years.Methods: 15 patients with CPT treated by combined surgery including pseudarthrosis resection, titanium elastic nails (TENs) technique, autogenous iliac bone grafting and Ilizarov fixation between 2013 and 2017 were retrospectively investigated. Signs of bone union, limb length discrepancy (LLD), rate of refracture and degree of residual deformities were reviewed. The AOFAS Ankle Hindfoot scale and measurement of ankle movement were used to evaluate ankle function. Results: The mean age at index surgery was 110 (24 to 285) months. 13 (86.7 %) patients obtained union of the pseudarthrosis on the first attempt (primary union). The average time to primary union was 4.8 (3 to 7) months. The rest 2 cases achieved union after additional surgeries (secondary union). In terms of complications, refracture occurred in 2 patients (13.3%) and 5 (33.3%) patients developed pin infection. The mean limb length discrepancy at the final follow up was 14.6 (4–41) mm. 3 patients (20 %) had ankle valgus deformities with a mean LDTA of 74.3° (range, 68 to 81°). The average AOFAS score improved from 40.3 (27 to 51) pre-operatively to 76.1 (63 to 87) post-operatively. For the patients who received proximal tibial lengthening, the average healing index (HI) was 65.1 (57.3 to 77.8) days/cm.Conclusions: Titanium elastic nails (TENs) technique is an ideal intramedullary fixation method in the surgical treatment of CPT. The combination of TENs technique with bone grafting and Ilizarov fixation has the advantages of early bone union, less injury on metaphyseal and early functional recovery.
A novel peptide analogue of spike glycoprotein shows antiviral properties against SARS-CoV-2: An in silico approach through molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation and MM-PB/GBSA calculations
Authors: Dutta Kunal , Elmezayen Ammar D. , Alobaidi Anas , Zhu Wei , Morojava Olga , Shityakov Sergey , Khalifa Ibrahim 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
At the very beginning of the new decade, the COVID-19 pandemic has badly hit modern human societies. SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19 carries dozens of new mutations in its genome. Herein, we made an effort to find new antiviral peptides (AVPs) against SARS-CoV-2. Gladly, with the help of Machine Learning algorithms, and Supported Vector Machine, we have invented three new AVPs against the SARS-CoV-2. Antiviral peptides viz., Seq12, Seq12m, and Seq13m can block the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2, necessary for communication with the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). In addition, these AVPs retain their antiviral properties, even after the insertion of dozens of new mutations (Rosetta, and FoldX based) in the RBD. Further, Seq12, and Seq12m showed negligible cytotoxicity. Besides, the binding free energy calculated using MM-PB/GBSA method is also in agreement with the molecular docking studies performed using HADDOCK. Furthermore, the molecular interactions between AVPs and the viral membrane protein (M) also showed a thermodynamically favorable interaction, suggesting it could eventually inhibit the viral re-packaging process. In conclusion, this study suggests AVPs viz., Seq12, Seq12m, and Seq13m embrace importance as a potential anti-SARS-CoV-2 therapeutic. These AVPs could also aid virus diagnostic tools in the future.
A pilot&nbsp;case-control&nbsp;study using a one health approach to evaluate&nbsp;behavioral, environmental, and occupational risk factors for chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology in Sri Lanka
Authors: Pry Jake , Jackson Wendi , Rupasinghe Ruwini , Lishanthe Guneratne , Badurdeen Zied , Abeysekara Tilak , Chandrajith Rohana , Smith Woutrina , Wickramasinghe Saumya 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) was first recognized in Sri Lanka in the early 1990s, and since then it has reached epidemic levels in the North Central Province of the country. The prevalence of CKDu is reportedly highest among communities that engage in chena and paddy farming, which is most often practiced in the dry zone including the North Central and East Central Provinces of Sri Lanka. Previous studies have suggested varied hypotheses for the etiology of CKDu; however, there is not yet a consensus on the primary risk factors, possibly due to disparate study designs, sample populations, and methodologies.Methods: The goal of this pilot case-control study was to evaluate the relationships between key demographic, cultural, and occupational variables as risk factors for CKDu, with a primary interest in pesticide exposure both occupationally and through its potential use as an ingredient in brewed kasippu alcohol. An extensive one health focused survey was developed with in cooperation with the Centre for Research, Education, and Training on Kidney Diseases of Sri Lanka. Results: A total of 56 CKDu cases and 54 control individuals were surveyed using a proctored, self-reported questionnaire. Occupational pesticide exposure and alcohol consumption were not found to be significant risk factors for CKDu. However, a statistically significant association with CKDu was observed with chewing betel (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 6.11, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.93, 19.35), age (aOR: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.13), owning a pet dog (aOR: 3.74, 95% CI: 1.38, 10.11), water treatment (aOR: 3.68, 95% CI: 1.09, 12.43) and pests in the house (aOR: 5.81, 95% CI: 1.56, 21.60).Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest future research should focus on practices associated with chewing betel, potential animal interactions including pests in the home and pets, and risk factors associated with water.
Association Between Stroke Occurrence And Changes In Atmospheric Circulation&nbsp;
Authors: Vencloviene Jone , Radisauskas Ricardas , Kranciukaite-Butylkiniene Daina , Tamosiunas Abdonas , Vaiciulis Vidmantas , Rastenyte Daiva 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: The impact of weather on morbidity from stroke has been analysed in previous studies. As the risk of stroke was mostly associated with changing weather, the changes in the daily stroke occurrence may be associated with changes in atmospheric circulation. The aim of our study was to detect and evaluate the association between daily numbers of ischaemic strokes (ISs) and haemorrhagic strokes (HSs) and the teleconnection pattern.. Methods: The study was performed in Kaunas, Lithuania, from 2000 to 2010. The daily numbers of ISs, subarachnoid haemorrhages (SAHs), and intracerebral haemorrhages (ICHs) were obtained from the Kaunas Stroke Register. We evaluated the association between these types of stroke and the teleconnection pattern by applying Poisson regression and adjusting for the linear trend, month, and other weather variables. Results: During the study period, we analysed 4,038 cases (2,226 men and 1,812 women) of stroke. Of these, 3,245 (80.4%) cases were ISs, 533 (13.2%) cases were ICHs, and 260 (6.4%) cases were SAHs. An increased risk of SAH was associated with a change in mean daily atmospheric pressure over 3.9 hPa (RR=1.49, 95% CI 1.14-1.96), and a stronger El Niño event had a protective effect against SAHs (RR=0.34, 95% CI 0.16-0.69). The risk of HS was positively associated with East Atlantic/West Russia indices (RR=1.13, 95% CI 1.04-1.23). The risk of IS was negatively associated with the Arctic Oscillation index on the same day and on the previous day (RR=0.97, p<0.033). During November-March, the risk of HS was associated with a positive North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) (RR=1.29, 95% CI 1.03-1.62), and the risk of IS was negatively associated with the NAO index (RR=0.92, 95% CI 0.85-0.99). Conclusions: The results of our study provide new evidence that the North Atlantic Oscillation, Arctic Oscillation, East Atlantic/West Russia, and El Niño-Southern Oscillation pattern may affect the risk of stroke. The impact of these teleconnections is not identical for various types of stroke. Emergency services should be aware that specific weather conditions are more likely to prompt calls for more severe strokes.
Financial burden impact quality of life among Lymphatic Filariasis Patients
Authors: Asiedu Samuel Opoku , Kwarteng Alexander , Amewu Emmanuel Kobla Atsu , Kini Priscilla , Aglomasa Bill Clinton , Forkuor John Boulard 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background Human lymphatic filarial pathology is the main cause of disability and poverty among people living with the infection. The second goal of the Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF) is to manage the morbidity associated with the disease with the purpose of improving the quality of life of the patients. Consequently, the current study assessed the overall quality of life of lymphatic filariasis (LF) pathology patients in some selected endemic communities in rural Ghana. Method In the present study, the Lymphatic Filariasis Quality of Life Questionnaire (LFSQQ) was used to evaluate the effect of lymphatic filariasis on the quality of life of people, with the disease in nine (9) communities in the Ahanta West District of the Western Region of Ghana where mass drug administration is being implemented for the past twenty years. Pearson’s correlation, linear regression and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) analyses were used to assess the associations between the domains of LFSQQ instrument. Results Of the 155 study participants recruited, 115 (74.19%) were females and 40 (25.81%) males. A greater proportion of the study participants (40, 25.8%) were presented with stage two (2) lymphedema while only 2 patients had stage seven (7) lymphedema. The average of the overall quality of life scores of study participants was 68.24. There was a negative Pearson correlation (r = -0.504, p-value < 0.001) between the stage of lymphedema (severity of the disease) and the quality of life of the LF patients. In addition, a clear pattern of positive correlation (r = 0.71, p-value < 0.001) was observed between the disease burden and pain/discomfort domains of the study participants. Whereas the highest domain specific score (85.03) was observed in the domain of self-care, we noted that the environmental domain, which consists of the financial status was the lowest (45.94) among the study participants. Conclusion Our findings support previous works on the reduced quality of life among lymphatic filariasis patients with pathology. In this study, our results reveal a depressing financial condition among people presenting with late stages of LF pathologies, which eventually reduces their wellbeing.
Initial predictors for short-term prognosis in anti-melanoma differentiation-associated protein-5 positive patients
Authors: Yang Qihua , Li Tianfang , Zhang Xin , Lyu Kunlong , Wu Shujun , Chen Yan , Liu Shengyun , Yu Zujiang 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Anti-melanoma differentiation-associated protein-5 (anti-MDA5) positive patients are characterized by the high mortality rate caused by interstitial lung disease (ILD). We conducted a retrospective study to summarize the clinical features and identify the initial predictors for death in anti-MDA5 positive patients.Methods: We designed a retrospective cohort of anti-MDA5 positive patients. The demographic and clinical data recorded on first admission, as well as the outcomes during the first six months follow-up, were collected. Predictors of rapidly progressive ILD (RPILD) and poor outcomes were calculated using logistic regression models and Cox proportional hazard regression models, respectively.Results: A total of 90 anti-MDA5 positive patients were included in this study. Eighty-one (90%) patients presented ILD on admission and 35 (38.9%) patients developed RPILD subsequently. During the first six months of follow-up, 22 (24.4%) patients died of respiratory failure at an average time of 6.6 ± 5.9 weeks. Factors including disease duration < 2 months (OR 6.1, 95% CI 1.7-22.4, P = 0.007), serum ferritin ≥ 1500 ng/ml (OR 12.3, 95% CI 3.1-49.6, P <0.001), CRP≥13mg/L (OR 4.6, 95% CI 1.3-16.9, P = 0.021) and total GGO score≥4 (OR 6.3, 95% CI 1.8-21.9, P = 0.003), were identified as independent predictors for RPILD. Cox regression model showed that total CT GGO score ≥ 4 (HR 4.8, 95% CI 1.3-17.9, P = 0.020), KL-6 > 1600 U/ml (HR 3.7, 95% CI 1.5-9.1, P = 0.004) and CRP > 5.8 mg/L (HR 3.7, 95% CI 1.0-12.8, P = 0.044) were poor prognostic risk factors, however initial combined treatment (HR 0.3, 95% CI 0.1-0.8, P = 0.019) predicted good prognosis in anti-MDA5 positive patients.Conclusion: Anti-MDA5 positive patients demonstrated a high prevalence of ILD on admission, leading to a high short-term mortality rate. Higher total GGO score, higher levels of initial KL-6 and CRP predict poor outcome in anti-MDA5 positive patients. However, initial intensive treatment may improve the prognosis.
Identification of plant leaf phosphorus content at different growth stages based on hyperspectral reflectance
Authors: Siedliska Anna , Baranowski Piotr , Pastuszka-Woźniak Joanna , Zubik Monika , Krzyszczak Jaromir 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Modern agriculture strives to sustainably manage fertilizer for both economic and environmental reasons. The monitoring of any nutritional (phosphorus, nitrogen, potassium) deficiency in growing plants is a challenge for precision farming technology. A study was carried out on three species of popular crops, celery (Apium graveolens L., cv. Neon), sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L., cv. Tapir) and strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duchesne, cv. Honeoye), fertilized with four different doses of phosphorus (P) to deliver data for non-invasive detection of P content. Results: Data obtained via biochemical analysis of the chlorophyll and carotenoid contents in plant material showed that the strongest effect of P availability for plants was in the diverse total chlorophyll content in sugar beet and celery compared to that in strawberry, in which P affects a variety of carotenoid contents in leaves. The measurements performed using hyperspectral imaging, obtained in several different stages of plant development, were applied in a supervised classification experiment. A machine learning algorithm (Backpropagation Neural Network, Random Forest, Naive Bayes and Support Vector Machine) was developed to classify plants from four variants of P fertilization. The lowest prediction accuracy was obtained for the earliest measured stage of plant development. Statistical analyses showed correlations between leaf biochemical constituents, phosphorus fertilization and the mass of the leaf/roots of the plants. Conclusions: Obtained results demonstrate that hyperspectral imaging combined with artificial intelligence methods has potential for non-invasive detection of non-homogenous phosphorus fertilization on crop levels.
KASP: a genotyping method to rapid identification of resistance in Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Alvarez-Fernandez Ana , Bernal María J. , Villajos Isabel Fradejas , Ramírez Alexandra Martín , Yu Noor Azian Md , Suárez Marta Lanza , Hisam Shamilah , Perez-Ayala Ana , Rubio Jose M 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe emergence and spread of antimalarial resistance continues to hinder malaria control. Plasmodium falciparum, the species that causes most human malaria cases and most deaths, has shown resistance to almost all known antimalarials. This antimalarial resistance arises from the development and subsequent expansion of Single Nucleotide Polymorfisms (SNPs) in specific parasite genes. A quick and cheap tool for the detection of drug resistance can be crucial and very useful for use in hospitals and in malaria control programs. It has been demonstrated in different contexts that genotyping by Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR (KASP), is a simple, fast and economical method that allows a high-precision biallelic characterization of SNPs, hence its possible utility in the study of resistance in P. falciparum.MethodsThree SNPs involved in most cases of resistance to the most widespread antimalarial treatments have been analyzed by PCR plus sequencing and by KASP (C580Y of the Kelch13 gene, Y86N of the Pfmdr1 gene and M133I of the Pfcytb gene). A total of 113 P. falciparum positive samples and 24 negative samples, previously analyzed by PCR and sequencing, were selected for this assay. Likewise, the samples were genotyped for the MSP-1 and MSP-2 genes, and the Multiplicity of Infection (MOI) and parasitaemia were measured to observe their possible influence on the KASP method.ResultsThe KASP results showed the same expected mutations and wild type genotypes as the reference method, with few exceptions that correlated with very low parasitaemia samples. In addition, two cases of heterozygotes that had not been detected by sequencing were found. No correlation was found between the MOI or parasitaemia and the KASP values of the sample. The reproducibility of the technique shows no oscillations between repetitions in any of the three SNPs analyzed.ConclusionsThe KASP assays developed in our study were efficient and versatile for the determination of the Plasmodium genotypes related to resistance. The method is simple, fast, reproducible with low cost in personnel, material and equipment and scalable, being able to core KASP arrays, including numerous SNPs, to complete the main pattern of mutations associated to P. falciparum resistance.
Personal Social Capital and Self-Rated Health among Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Cross-sectional Study Exploring the Roles of Leisure-Time Physical Activity and Socioeconomic Status
Authors: Kim Youngdeok , Schneider Tim , Faß Eric , Lochbaum Marc 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Personal social capital, which refers to the scope and quality of an individual’s social networks within a community, has received increasing attention as a potential sociological factor associated with better individual health; yet, the mechanism relating social capital to health is still not fully understood. This study examined the associations between social capital and self-rated health while exploring the roles of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and socioeconomic status (SES) among middle-aged and older adults. Methods:Cross-sectional data were collected from 662 middle-aged and older adults (Mean age: 58.11±10.59 years old) using the Qualtrics survey panel. Personal Social Capital Scale was used to measure bonding and bridging social capital and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to assess LTPA levels. SES was assessed by education and household income levels. Self-rated health was assessed using a single item, by which the participants were categorized into the two groups, having ‘good’ vs. ‘not good’ self-rated health. A series of univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were established to examine the independent and adjusted associations of social capital with self-rated health and to test mediating and moderating roles of LTPA and SES, respectively.Results:Bonding and bridging social capital were positively associated with self-rated health (Odds ratios = 1.11 and 1.09; P’s <.05, respectively), independent of LTPA that was also significantly associated with greater self-rated health (P-for-linear trends = .007). After adjusting SES, the associations of social capital were significantly attenuated and there was a significant interaction effect by household income (P-for-interaction = .012). Follow-up analyses stratified by household income showed that beneficial associations of social capital with self-rated health were more apparent among the people with low and high levels of household income; yet, LTPA was the stronger predictor of self-rated health among those in the middle class of household income. Conclusions:Findings suggest that both social capital and LTPA are associated with better self-rated health; yet, these associations vary by SES. The health policymakers should address both social capital and LTPA for enhancing perceived health among aging populations but may need to consider varying SES backgrounds.
Breastfeeding practice in China from 2013 to 2018: a study from a national dynamic follow-up surveillance
Authors: Kang Leni , Liang Juan , He Chunhua , Miao Lei , Li Xiaohong , Dai Li , Li Qi , Liu Zheng , Zhu Jun , Wang Yanping , Liu Hanmin 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Breastfeeding is important for the physical and psychological health of the mother and child. Basic data on breastfeeding practice in China are out-of-date and vary widely. This study aimed to evaluate the progress of breastfeeding practice in China, as well as to explore the bottlenecks in driving better practice.Methods: This was an observational study. We used data from the Under-5 Child Nutrition and Health Surveillance System in China for the period 2013-2018. The prevalence of early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) and exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) were calculated for each year for subgroups of China. The Cochran-Armitage test was used to explore the time trends. The annual percent of change (APC) were calculated by log-linear regression followed by exp transformation.Results: The prevalence of EIBF increased significantly from 44.57% (95% CI: 44.07, 45.07) in 2013 to 55.84% (95% CI: 55.29, 56.38) in 2018 (Ptrend<0.001), with an APC of 4.67% (95% CI: 3.51, 5.85). And the prevalence of EBF increased rapidly from 16.14% (95% CI: 15.10, 17.18) to 34.90% (95% CI: 33.54, 36.26) (Ptrend<0.001), with an APC of 14.90% (95% CI: 9.97, 20.04). Increases were observed in both urban and rural areas, with urban areas showing greater APCs for EIBF (6.05%; 95% CI: 4.22, 7.92 v.s. 2.26%; 95% CI: 1.40, 3.12) and EBF (18.21%; 95% CI: 11.53, 25.29 v.s. 9.43%; 95% CI: 5.52, 13.49). The highest EBF prevalence was observed in the East, but the Central area showed the highest APC. The prevalence of EBF decreased with increasing age within the first 6 months, especially after 3 months.Conclusion: The prevalence of both EIBF and EBF in China are improving in recent years. The rural and West China could be the key areas in the future actions. More efforts should be made to protect and promote breastfeeding to achieve near- and long-term goals for child health.