bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Bifidobacterium Probiotic in the Treatment of Giardiasis Infection in Mice
Authors: Abd AL-Khaliq Israa Mohammad 
Published: December 2019

Metronidazole therapy is recommended in the treatment of giardiasis,athough some clinical reports mention the resistance to this drug from many pathogens. Many studies were applied to show the effect of probiotic to prevent or to heal diseases of gastrointestine, but only few is known about probiotic activity against infections of protozoa. This study aims to evaluate the efficiency of Bifidobacterium against infection with Giardia lamblia in experimental mice. It was found that daily application of viable Bifidobacterium cells with a single dose (0.1ml∕mice∕day) significantly reduced the shedding of Giardia lamblia parasite cysts in feces, and infection completely disappeared at the day (15th) post inoculation with this probiotic. Also, it was noticed that Giardia cysts were reduced in the group treated with metronidazole, and infection cured at day (17th) from treatment, while the control group showed shedding cysts of this parasite. Histopathologically, the effect of Bifidobacterium in vivo by gut cells modulation prevents the colonization of Giardia, leading to reduce the infection with this parasite.
Symmetric- Based Steganography Technique Using Spiral-Searching Method for HSV Color Images
Authors: Ogla Raheem Abdul Sahib 
Published: December 2019

Steganography is defined as hiding confidential information in some other chosen media without leaving any clear evidence of changing the media's features. Most traditional hiding methods hide the message directly in the covered media like (text, image, audio, and video). Some hiding techniques leave a negative effect on the cover image, so sometimes the change in the carrier medium can be detected by human and machine. The purpose of suggesting hiding information is to make this change undetectable. The current research focuses on using complex method to prevent the detection of hiding information by human and machine based on spiral search method, the Structural Similarity Index Metrics measures are used to get the accuracy and quality of the retrieved image and to improve its perceived quality.
The values of information measures are calculated through practical experiments of (perceptibility, robustness, capacity) by using interpolation technique and structural similarity measures. Experimental results show that the use of these measures (PSNR, MSE, and SSIM) has improved the image quality by 87% and has produced values of PSNR (38-41 dB), MSE = 0.6537 and SSIM= 0.8255. The results also demonstrate a remarkable progress in the field of hiding information and the increasing difficulty of detecting it by humans and machines.
Predictors of clinical outcomes after cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients ≥75 years of age: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Champ-Rigot Laure , Cornille Anne-Laure , Ollitrault Pierre , Pellissier Arnaud , Chequel Mathieu , Legallois Damien , Milliez Paul 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Cardiac resynchronization therapy has been shown to benefit selected patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction. Older patients have been underrepresented in randomized trials. This study was conducted to determine whether predictive factors for cardiac resynchronization therapy outcomes differ in patients older and younger than 75 years of age.
Methods: Consecutive patients who received a cardiac resynchronization device cardiac resynchronization therapy between 2013 and 2016 in our center were retrospectively included in this cohort study. The primary endpoint was cardiac resynchronization therapy effectiveness, which was defined as survival for one year with both no heart failure hospitalization and improvement by one or more NYHA class. The secondary endpoints were mortality, complications, and device therapies.
Results: Among the 243 patients included, 102 were ≥75 years old. Cardiac resynchronization therapy effectiveness was observed in 70 patients (50%) <75 years old and in 48 patients (47%) ≥75 years old (p=0.69). NYHA class ≥III (OR=6.02; CI95% [1.33-18.77], p=0.002) was a predictive factor for cardiac resynchronization therapy effectiveness only in the ≥75-year-old group, while atrial fibrillation was independently negatively associated with the primary endpoint in the <75-year-old group (OR=0.28; CI95% [0.13-0.62], p=0.001). The one-year mortality rate was 14%, with no difference between age groups. Rescue cardiac resynchronization therapy and atrial fibrillation were independent predictive factors for mortality in both age groups. Eighty-two complications occurred in 45 patients (19%), with no difference between groups. Defibrillator use and QRS duration were independent predictive factors for complications in both age groups. There was no difference between groups considering device therapies.
Conclusion: At one year, cardiac resynchronization therapy response is not compromised by patient age. In older patients, highly symptomatic individuals with NYHA class ≥III have better outcomes after cardiac resynchronization therapy.

KEYWORDS: Resynchronization therapy; heart failure; aged; treatment outcome
Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Mechanism Underlying the Differential Intestinal Functionality of Laying Hens in the Late Phase and Peak Phase of Production
Authors: Wang Weiwei , Wang Jing , Zhang Haijun , Wu Shugeng , Qi Guanghai 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: The compromised performance of laying hens in the late phase of production relative to the peak production was thought to be associated with the impairment of intestinal functionality, which plays essential roles in contributing to their overall health and production performance. In the present study, RNA sequencing was used to investigate differences in the expression profile of intestinal functionality-related genes and associated pathways between laying hens in the late phase and peak phase of production.
Results : A total of 104 upregulated genes with 190 downregulated genes were identified in the ileum (the distal small intestine) of laying hens in the late phase of production compared to those at peak production. These upregulated genes were found to be enriched in little KEGG pathway, however, the downregulated genes were enriched in the pathways of PPAR signaling pathway, oxidative phosphorylation and glutathione metabolism. Besides, these downregulated genes were mapped to several GO clusters in relation to lipid metabolism, electron transport of respiratory chain, and oxidation resistance. Similarly, there were lower activities of total superoxide dismutase, glutathione S-transferase and Na + /K + -ATPase, and reductions of total antioxidant capacity and ATP level, along with an elevation in malondialdehyde content in the ileum of laying hens in the late phase of production as compared with those at peak production.
Conclusions: The intestine of laying hens in the late phase of production were predominantly characterized by a disorder of lipid metabolism, concurrent with impairments of energy production and antioxidant property. This study uncovers the mechanism underlying differences between the intestinal functionality of laying hens in the late phase and peak phase of production, thereby providing potential targets for the genetic control or dietary modulation of intestinal hypofunction of laying hens in the late phase of production.
Applied Anatomy of Pelvic Lymph Nodes and Its Clinical Significance for Prostate Cancer:A Single-Center Cadaveric Study
Authors: Jia-Jun Chen , Zai-Sheng Zhu , Yi-Yi Zhu , Hong-Qi Shi 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background Pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) is one of the most important steps in radical prostatectomy (RP). Not only can PLND provide accurate clinical staging to guide treatment after prostatectomy but PLND can also improve the prognosis of patients by eradicating micro-metastases. However, reports of the number of pelvic lymph nodes have generally come from incomplete dissection during surgery, there is no anatomic study that assesses the number and variability of lymph nodes. Our objective is to assess the utility of adopting the lymph node count as a metric of surgical quality for the extent of lymph node dissection during RP for prostate cancer by conducting a dissection study of pelvic lymph nodes in adult male cadavers. Methods All 30 adult male cadavers underwent pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND), and the lymph nodes in each of the 9 dissection zones were enumerated and analyzed. Results A total of 1267 lymph nodes were obtained. The number of lymph nodes obtained by local PLND was 4-22 (14.1±4.5), the number obtained by standard PLND was 16-35 (25.9±5.6), the number obtained by extended PLND was 17-44 (30.0±7.0), and the number obtained by super-extended PLDN was 24-60 (42.2±9.7). Conclusions There are substantial inter-individual differences in the number of lymph nodes in the pelvic cavity. These results have demonstrated the rationality and feasibility of adopting lymph node count as a surrogate for evaluating the utility of PLND in radical prostatectomy, but these results need to be further explored.
Genome-wide association study (GWAS) for morphological and yield-related traits in an oil palm hybrid (Elaeis oleifera x Elaeis guineensis) population
Authors: Osorio Jaime , Garzón Gina , Delgadillo Paola , Bastidas Silvio , Moreno Leidy , Enciso Felix , Cornejo Omar , Barrero Luz Stella 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background The genus Elaeis has two species of economic importance for the oil palm agroindustry: Elaeis oleifera (O), native to the Americas, and Elaeis guineensis (G), native to Africa. This work provides to our knowledge, the first association mapping study in an interspecific OxG oil palm population, which shows tolerance to pests and diseases, high oil quality, and acceptable fruit bunch production. Results Using genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS), we identified a total of 3,776 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that were used to perform a genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) in 378 OxG hybrid population for 10 agronomic traits. Twelve genomic regions (SNPs) were located near candidate genes implicated in multiple functional categories, such as tissue growth, cellular trafficking, and physiological processes. Conclusions We provide new insights on genomic regions that mapped on candidate genes involved in plant architecture and yield. These potential candidate genes need to be confirmed for future targeted functional analyses. Associated markers to the traits of interest may be valuable resources for the development of marker-assisted selection in oil palm breeding. Keywords: Association mapping, Elaeis guineensis , Elaeis oleifera , genotyping-by-sequencing, plant architecture, yield.
Magnetic Resonance Enterography, Colonoscopy, and Fecal Calprotectin correlate in colonic Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Somwaru Alexander S. , Khanijow Vikesh , Katabathina Venkat S. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Fecal calprotectin (FCP), magnetic resonance enterography (MRE), and colonoscopy are complementary biometric tests that are used to assess patients with Crohn’s Disease (CD). While prior studies have evaluated the association between combinations of these tests, no study has established a correlation between all three: FCP, MRE, and colonoscopy. We prospectively investigated if there is correlation between these three tests, which may result in improved clinical outcomes that can then be used to streamline patient monitoring and treatment modification.
Methods: 156 patients with colonic CD were prospectively examined between March 2017 and December 2018. FCP levels, MRE, and colonoscopy were assessed in parallel on all 156 patients. Clinical CD activity was measured with the Crohn’s Disease Activity Index (CDAI). CD activity with FCP was measured with a quantitative immunoassay. CD activity on MRE was measured with the Magnetic Resonance Index of Activity (MaRIA). CD activity on colonoscopy was measured with the Crohn’s Disease Endoscopic Index of Severity (CDEIS).
Results: 112 patients (72%) had active disease (Crohn’s Disease Activity Index > 150) and 44 patients (28%) were in clinical remission disease (Crohn’s Disease Activity Index < 150). FCP levels, MaRIA, and CDEIS are highly correlated with positive and significant Pearson and Spearman coefficients, respectively (P < 0.0001), in univariate analyses. Regression analysis (multivariate analyses) demonstrates significant, positive correlation between FCP and MaRIA (r = 1.07, P < 0.0001) and between FCP and CDEIS (r = 0.71, P = 0.03), and between
MaRIA and CDEIS (r = 0.63, P = 0.01).
Conclusions: FCP levels significantly correlate with the degree of active inflammation in patients with colonic Crohn’s Disease. Improved clinical results may be achieved by using a biometric strategy that incorporates FCP, colonoscopy, and MRE together. This strategy may in-turn be used in the future to streamline monitoring disease activity and adjustment of therapy to improve long term patient outcomes.
Efficacy and safety of two Ayurvedic dosage forms for Allergic rhinitis: Study protocol for an open-label randomized controlled trial
Authors: Dahanayake JM , Perera Pathirage Kamal , Galappaththy P , Samaranayake D 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an immune response of the nasal mucosa to airborne allergens and involves nasal congestion, watery nasal discharge, itching of the nose and sneezing. The symptoms of allergic rhinitis may significantly affect a patient’s quality of life and can be associated with conditions such as fatigue, headache, cognitive impairment and sleep disturbances. Various complementary and alternative medicine treatments have been used for this condition in clinical practice. The Ayurveda system of medicine is the most common complementary medicine system practiced in Sri Lanka. The aim of this study is to examine the efficacy and safety of a decoction used in traditional Ayurveda for allergic rhinitis and it’s ready to use freeze dried formulation in comparison to an antihistamine over a period of 4 weeks on relief of symptoms in allergic rhinitis. Study design: This is a three arm, open label, non-inferiority, randomized controlled clinical trial enrolling patients with AR. Tamalakyadi decoction containing 12 ingredients (TMD12), used in traditional Ayurveda and its freeze dried formulation are the test products. The efficacy and safety of the two Ayurvedic dosage forms will be tested against the antihistamine loratidine Patients with symptoms of AR will be allocated randomly into the 3 arms after a 1 week run-in period and the medications will be given orally for 28 days. Total Nasal symptom Score (TNSS) of the patients will be used as the primary efficacy endpoint. TNSS will be recorded and compared between the 3 arms prior to visit 1, at the end of 28 days, end of the and second months of follow up. Symptom scores of daytime nasal symptoms, night time nasal symptoms, non-nasal symptoms and Health Related Quality of Life questionnaire are used as secondary end points. Discussion: This clinical trial will be able to provide evidence based scientific data on Ayurvedic dosage form, TMD12 and the freeze-dried formulation in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. This trial is expected to develop capacity to scientifically evaluate various Ayurvedic treatments that are claimed to have efficacy in treatment of various disease conditions. Trial registration:ISRCTN18149439 (06 May 2019) Keywords: Allergic rhinitis, Ayurvedic dosage forms, Tamalakyadi decoctions, Randomized controlled trial
Prevalence and contributing factors of Birth asphyxia among the neonates delivered at Nigist Eleni Mohammed Memorial Teaching Hospital, Southern Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Abdo Ritbano Ahmed , Halil Hassen Mosa , Kebede Biruk Assefa , Anshebo Abebe Alemu , Gejo Negeso Gebeyehu 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Birth asphyxia is a major contributor to neonatal mortality worldwide. In Ethiopia, birth asphyxia remains a severe condition that leads to significant mortality and morbidity. This study aims to assess the prevalence and contributing factors of birth asphyxia among the neonates delivered at the Nigist Eleni Mohammed Memorial Teaching Hospital, Southern Ethiopia. Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional study was carried out on 279 participants using the systematic sampling method during June 1- 30, 2019. Data were collected using a pretested structured interviewer administered questionnaire, check list and chart review, which was used to retrieve medical information and mother’s test results that could not be captured by the interview. Data were entered into EpiData (version 3.1) and analyzed using SPSS software (version 24). Multivariable regression analysis was used to identify the association between the independent variables and outcome variable with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Result: The overall prevalence of birth asphyxia among newborns was found to be 15.1%. Factors that were significantly associated with birth asphyxia included mothers aged ≥ 35 (AOR=6.4; 95% CI = 2.0-20.5), primigravida (AOR=5.1; 95% CI =2.0-13.3), prolonged second stage of labor (AOR=4.6; 95%CI =1.6-13.3), preterm birth (AOR=4.7; 95% CI =1.5-14.1), meconium stained amniotic fluid (AOR=7.5; 95% CI =2.5-21.4) and tight nuchal (AOR=3.1; 95% CI =1.2- 9.3). Conclusion: Birth asphyxia is still prevalent in the study setting. The obtained findings indicated that the mothers aged , being primigravida, preterm birth, meconium stained amniotic fluid and tight nuchal were the factors associated with birth asphyxia. The results of this study show the need for better maternal care, creating awareness about contributing factors of birth asphyxia to the maternity health professionals, careful monitoring of labor, and identifying and taking proper measures that could help in reducing the occurrence of birth asphyxia.
Combining physical therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques to improve balance confidence and community participation in people with unilateral transtibial amputation who use lower limb prostheses: a study protocol for a randomized sham-control clinical trial
Authors: Bourque McKenzie , Schneider Kristin L , Calamari John E , Reddin Christopher , Stachowiak Aaron , Major Matthew J , Duncan Chad , Muthukrishnan Sri Ranjini , Rosenblatt Noah J 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background : Low balance confidence is a prevalent yet overlooked issue among people who use lower limb prostheses (LLP) that can diminish community integration and quality of life. There is a critical need to develop rehabilitation programs that specifically target balance confidence in people who use LLP. Previous research has shown that multicomponent interventions including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques and exercise are feasible and effective for improving balance confidence in older adults. Therefore, a cognitive behavioral-physical therapy (CBPT) intervention was developed to target balance confidence and increase community integration in people who use LLP. Methods : This randomized control trial will recruit sixty people who use LLP with low balance confidence. Participants will be randomized to the CBPT intervention condition or control condition. Discussion : The trial is designed to test the effects of the CBPT intervention on balance confidence and functional mobility in lower limb prosthesis users by examining self-reported and objective measures of community integration and quality of life. The trial will also examine the relationship between changes in balance confidence and changes in community integration following participation in CBPT intervention. Additionally, through participant feedback, researchers will identify opportunities to improve intervention efficacy.
Comparison of radiological changes after single- position versus dual- position for lateral interbody fusion and pedicle screw fixation
Authors: Hiyama Akihiko , Katoh Hiroyuki , Sakai Daisuke , Sato Masato , Tanaka Masahiro , Watanabe Masahiko 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: There have been few comparisons between dual positions, which require a position change, and a single position, which does not require position change, and it is not clear whether there is a difference in indirect decompression achieved by the two procedures. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare perioperative and radiographic outcomes following lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) in two cohorts of patients who underwent surgery in a single position or dual position.

Methods: This study involved 45 patients who underwent indirect decompression at 68 levels, with LLIF and percutaneous pedicle screw (PPS) fixation for lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis with spinal canal stenosis. Patient demographics and perioperative data were compared between two groups: patients who remained in the lateral decubitus position for pedicle screw fixation (SP group) and those turned to the prone position (DP group).

Results: A total of 26 DP and 19 SP patients were analyzed. The operation time was approximately 31 min longer for the DP group (129.7 ± 36.0 min) than for the SP group (98.4 ± 41.3 min, P < 0.01). We also evaluated the pre- and postoperative image measurements, there was no significant difference for lumbar lordosis, segmental disc angle, slipping length, and disc height between the groups. The CSA of the dural sac (DP group, from 55.3 to 78.4 mm2; SP group, from 54.7 to 77.2 mm2) and central canal diameter (DP group, from 5.9 to 7.9 mm; SP group, from 5.6 to 7.7 mm) was significantly larger after surgery in both groups. However, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups (P = 0.684).

Conclusions: SP surgery could reduce the average surgery time by about 31 min. We found that the effect of indirect decompression by SP-PPS fixation following LLIF was considered to be a useful technique with no difference in dural sac enlargement or disc angle obtained compared with DP-PPS fixation.
Anesthetics and long-term survival after cancer surgery—total intravenous versus volatile anesthesia: a retrospective study
Authors: Hong Boohwi , Lee Sunyeul , Kim Yeojung , Lee Minhee , Youn Ann Misun , Rhim Hyun , Hong Seok-Hwan , Kim Yoon-Hee , Yoon Seok-Hwa , Lim Chaeseong 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Intravenous anesthesia has been reported to have a favorable effect on the prognosis of cancer patients. This study was performed to analyze data regarding the relation between anesthetics and the prognosis of cancer patients in our hospital.

Methods: The medical records of patients who underwent surgical resection for gastric, lung, liver, colon, and breast cancer between January 2006 and December 2009 were reviewed. Depending on the type of anesthetic, it was divided into total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) or volatile inhaled anesthesia (VIA) group. The 5-year overall survival outcomes were analyzed by log-rank test. Cox proportional hazards modeling was used for sensitivity.

Results: The number of patients finally included in the comparison after propensity matching came to 729 in each group. The number of surviving patients at 5 years came to 660 (90.5%) in the TIVA and 673 (92.3%) in the VIA. The type of anesthetic did not affect the 5-year survival rate according to the log-rank test (P = 0.21). Variables associated with a significant increase in the hazard of death after multivariable analysis were male sex and metastasis at surgery.

Conclusions: There were no differences in 5-year overall survival between two groups in the cancer surgery.