bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of clinical effects between icodextrin and glucose solutions on outcomes of peritoneal dialysis: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Kanno Atsuhiro , Tsujimoto Yasushi , Fujii Takayuki , Fujikura Emi , Watanabe Kimio , Yuasa Hidemichi , Ryuzaki Munekazu , Ito Yasuhiko , Nakamoto Hidetomo 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundIcodextrin enhances peritoneal filtration for patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD). However, clinically important outcomes have not yet been analyzed using authentic, objective statistical methods. The present systematic review aimed to determine the risks and benefits of icodextrin compared with a glucose-based solution with respect to clinically important and patient-centered outcomes.MethodsWe systematically investigated only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) by adopting the Cochrane Database of Systematic Review (2014) and searched the CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and EMBASE databases for eligible studies reported in the literature. The quality of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach.ResultsWe finally evaluated important outcomes in 13 RCTs. Icodextrin significantly decreased the number of reported episodes of uncontrolled fluid overload in four RCTs that involved 236 patients (relative risk [RR], 0.31; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.12 to 0.82; moderate certainty evidence). However, the inclusion of icodextrin for peritoneal ultrafiltration did not significantly differ in six RCTs involving 252 patients (mean difference [MD], 186.76 mL; 95% CI, − 47.08 to 420.59; low certainty evidence). Regarding other clinically important outcomes, all-cause mortality in 10 RCTs involving 1106 patients (RR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.33 to 1.71; low certainty evidence) and technical survival in five RCTs involving 470 patients (RR, 0.57; 95%CI, 0.29 to 1.12; low certainty evidence) were not significant. Urine volume in four RCTs involving 136 patients, residual renal function in five RCTs involving 181 patients and peritoneal function measured as the ratio of solute concentration in dialysate and plasma (D/P ratio) in two RCTs involving 105 patients were not specifically affected by icodextrin, and the results for adverse events were similar between icodextrin and glucose PD solutions.ConclusionIcodextrin could relieve uncontrolled fluid overload without adding risk. However, a significant effect on clinically relevant outcomes such as technical survival and overall patient survival was not suggested. More trials are required to increase the statistical power and to verify the value of icodextrin in clinical practice.Trial registrationPROSPERO,CRD42018104360
Molecular disparities among Botrytis species involved in onion umbel blight disease and its management using Bacillus subtilis PHYS7
Authors: Abo-Elyousr Kamal A. M. , Alamri Saad A. M. , Hussein Mohamed M. A. , Hassan Mohamed A. H. , Abd El-Fatah Bahaa E. S. , Hashem Mohamed 
Published: January 2020

AbstractA study of molecular variation among Botrytis spp., the causal pathogen of scape and umbel blights of onion, as well as the biocontrol of the virulent pathogen using Bacillus subtilis PHYS7 under greenhouse conditions was carried out. Twenty-three isolates of Botrytis spp. were recovered from onion plants showing umbel blight symptoms. They were able to infect onion plants with varied severity. All Botrytis spp. produced cellulases; however, almost all of them produced pectinase. The highest activities of cellulases and pectinase were achieved by B. allii PHYOA1; however, B. cinerea PHYOC3 showed a high activity of cellulases but it failed to produce pectinase. The genetic variability among the pathogens was assessed by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers, using 5 random 10-mer primers: OPA03, OPA05, OPA06, OPI09, and OPW15. The results showed that 50 DNA bands ranging from 100 bp (OPA03) to 1600 bp (OPA05) were generated by the 5 primers that differentiated 9 isolates of Botrytis spp. The dual culture test showed that Bacillus subtilis PHYS77 and PHYS78 had a high antagonistic potentiality against the pathogen and involved in 60–62% reduction in its growth. Application of Ridomil Gold MZ and Bacillus subtilis PHYS77 on onion plants, 2 days after or before infection with the pathogen, significantly reduced the disease severity than the control. The study approved the molecular tool as a reliable and quick method to differentiate among the virulent and non-virulent strains of Botrytis spp. The application of B. subtilis PHYS77 as an effective biocontrol agent in the management of the onion blight disease can be recommended.
The myth and truth of a comprehensive stroke scale
Authors: Zakieldine Hani M. , Turk Mohamed A. , Hashem Rana F. , Shafik Mohamed A. 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background and purpose
The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) has been found to be biased toward the left hemispheric and motoric functions providing minimal assessment to the right hemispheric language and cognitive functions. The need to complement the role of the NIHSS is necessary in accurate and rapid assessment of AIS patients and better management. We hypothesized that combining the NIHSS with a quantitative analysis of Spoken Picture Description scale of Comprehensive Aphasia Test (SPD-CAT) could provide valuable data regarding side, site, and size of stroke.

Subjects and methods
Eighty-six AIS patients presented within 48 h of onset of stroke were enrolled from Stroke Units of Ain-Shams University Hospitals (ASUHS). Clinical Assessment with NIHSS and SPD-CAT were correlated with the radiological MRI Brain lesions of stroke regarding (site, side, size/volume and lesion volume percent to the whole brain volume “LV% WBV”).

Results
Total and subscale scores of NIHSS and SPD-CAT have a highly statistically significant correlation with the ischemic “LV% WBV.” Quantitative analysis (content units) of SPD-CAT may help in prediction of the lobar site of the stroke with higher significance in the tempro-parietal and brainstem regions. Right hemispheric strokes have clinically and statistically significant scores on SPD-CAT in comparison to NIHSS scores. Also, the left to right ratio of content units of information carrying words (ICWs) in SPD-CAT gives a significant difference between right and left hemispheric strokes. Recording and analysis time of SPD-CAT makes it easy and rapidly applicable in emergency room (ER) and stroke units.

Conclusion
Combining the quantitative analysis of NIHSS and SPD-CAT can better predict the side, size, and site of AIS within reasonable time table and without urgent MRI for AIS assessment and management.
Value of magnetic resonance spectroscopy in geriatric patients with cognitive impairment
Authors: Kotb Mamdouh Ali , Kamal Ahmed M. , Aldossary Nasser M. , Alsify Ayman A. , Ahmed Yassmin M. 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Mild cognitive impairment is a transitional stage prior to dementia, and it is reported in depressed patients. Early diagnosis could predict the reversible etiologies and prevent further deterioration. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy has been used for early diagnosis and differential diagnosis of cognitive impairment.

Objective
We aimed to study the difference of hippocampal and frontal white matter metabolites between patients with Alzheimer’s disease, mild cognitive impairment, and cognitive impairment associated with depression, and if those metabolites can differentiate between them.

Subjects and methods
Geriatric patients with cognitive impairment were recruited from neurology and psychiatry clinics. All subjects underwent comprehensive medical evaluations, neuropsychological testing, laboratory tests as well as brain MRI and 1H-MRS studies.

Results
The present study included 85 subjects. Patients with MCI and AD had lower hippocampal NAA and NAA/Cr ratio than patients with depression and normal controls, while, frontal NAA and NAA/Cr ratio were lower in all patient’s subgroups compared to normal control.

Conclusion
Hippocampal NAA and NAA/Cr ratio might help to differentiate between MCI and cognitive impairment associated with depression.
MRI-based or CT-based patient-specific instrumentation in Total knee Arthroplasty: How do the two systems compare?
Authors: Kang Dong-Geun , Kim Kang-Il , Bae Jung-Kwon 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundPatient-specific instrumentation (PSI) has been introduced into total knee arthroplasty (TKA) to improve accuracy in restoration of alignment. PSI in TKA refers to custom-made cutting jigs manufactured according to anatomic configuration of the patient’s bone based on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans. The purpose of this study was to compare the MRI- or CT-based PSI to see if they could reproduce accurate bone resection and postoperative outcomes.MethodsSeventy-one patients who received elective TKA using a PSI system for primary osteoarthritis with varus deformity were prospectively enrolled for this study. We randomly allocated those patients to MRI-based PSI group (36 patients) and CT-based PSI group (35 patients). The actual resection thickness and planned resection thickness by preoperative PSI electronic program were compared between the two groups. Radiographic findings of the postoperative limb alignment, three-dimensional position of the implants, and related complications were also evaluated. Clinical evaluation was also performed before and 2 years after the surgery.ResultsThere were no significant differences in the resection thickness in femur and tibia between actual resection and planned resection in both groups. Furthermore, there were no significant differences between two groups in terms of coronal, sagittal and rotational alignment of the components. All clinical assessments revealed no differences between two groups 2 years after the operation. No specific complication related to PSI was observed.ConclusionsAlthough MRI allows for visualization of cartilage, MRI-based PSI system did not show better accuracy in predicting the thickness of bone resection than CT-based PSI. Moreover, there were no differences in radiographic and clinical outcomes between the two groups.
Contraceptive implant failures among women using antiretroviral therapy in western Kenya: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Pfitzer Anne , Wille Jacqueline , Wambua Jonesmus , Stender Stacie C , Strachan Molly , Ayuyo Christine Maricha , Muhavi Timothy F. Kibidi , Wabwile Valentino , Mehta Supriya D. , Sasser Elizabeth 
Published: January 2020

Background: Women living with HIV have the right to choose whether, when and how many children to have. Access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and contraceptives, including implants, continues to increase in Kenya. Studies have reported drug-drug interactions leading to contraceptive failures among implant users on ART. This retrospective record review aimed to determine unintentional pregnancy rates among women 15-49 years of age, living with HIV and concurrently using implants and ART in western Kenya between 2011 and 2015. Methods: We reviewed charts of women with more than three months of concurrent implant and ART use. Implant failure was defined as implant removal due to pregnancy or birth after implant placement, but prior to scheduled removal date. The incidence of contraceptive failure was calculated by woman-years at risk, assuming a constant rate. Results: Data from 1,152 charts were abstracted, resulting in 1,190 implant and ART combinations. We identified 115 pregnancies, yielding a pregnancy incidence rate of 6.32 (5.27–7.59), with 9.26 among ETG and 4.74 among LNG implant users, respectively. Pregnancy incidence rates did not differ between EFV- and NVP-based regimens (IRR=1.00, CI: 0.71-1.43). No pregnancies were recorded among women on PI-based regimens, whereas pregnancy rates for efavirenz and nevirapine-containing regimens were similar, at 6.41 (4.70–8.73) and 6.44 (5.13–8.07), respectively. Pregnancy rates also differed significantly by implant type, with LNG implant users half as likely to experience pregnancy as ETG implant users (0.51, CI: 0.33-0.79, p>0.01). Conclusions: Our findings highlight the implications of drug-drug interaction on women’s choices for contraception.
An interdisciplinary mixed-methods approach to developing antimicrobial stewardship interventions: Protocol for the Preserving Antibiotics through Safe Stewardship (PASS) Research Programme
Authors: Shallcross Laura , Lorencatto Fabiana , Fuller Christopher , Tarrant Carolyn , West Jonathan , Traina Rosanna , Smith Catherine , Forbes Gillian , Crayton Elise , Rockenschaub Patrick , Dutey-Magni Peter , Richardson Emma , Fragaszy Ellen B. , Michie Susan , Hayward Andrew C. ,   PASS Research Group
Published: January 2020

Behaviour change is key to combating antimicrobial resistance. Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programmes promote and monitor judicious antibiotic use, but there is little consideration of behavioural and social influences when designing interventions. We outline a programme of research which aims to co-design AMS interventions across healthcare settings, by integrating data-science, evidence- synthesis, behavioural-science and user-centred design. The project includes three work-packages (WP): WP1 (Identifying patterns of prescribing): analysis of electronic health-records to identify prescribing patterns in care-homes, primary-care, and secondary-care. An online survey will investigate consulting/antibiotic-seeking behaviours in members of the public. WP2 (Barriers and enablers to prescribing in practice): Semi-structured interviews and observations of practice to identify barriers/enablers to prescribing, influences on antibiotic-seeking behaviour and the social/contextual factors underpinning prescribing. Systematic reviews of AMS interventions to identify the components of existing interventions associated with effectiveness. Design workshops to identify constraints influencing the form of the intervention. Interviews conducted with healthcare-professionals in community pharmacies, care-homes, primary-, and secondary-care and with members of the public. Topic guides and analysis based on the Theoretical Domains Framework. Observations conducted in care-homes, primary and secondary-care with analysis drawing on grounded theory. Systematic reviews of interventions in each setting will be conducted, and interventions described using the Behaviour Change Technique taxonomy v1. Design workshops in care-homes, primary-, and secondary care. WP3 (Co-production of interventions and dissemination). Findings will be integrated to identify opportunities for interventions, and assess whether existing interventions target influences on antibiotic use. Stakeholder panels will be assembled to co-design and refine interventions in each setting, applying the Affordability, Practicability, Effectiveness, Acceptability, Side-effects and Equity (APEASE) criteria to prioritise candidate interventions. Outputs will inform development of new AMS interventions and/or optimisation of existing interventions. We will also develop web-resources for stakeholders providing analyses of antibiotic prescribing patterns, prescribing behaviours, and evidence reviews.
Implementation barriers for mHealth for non-communicable diseases prevention and management in low and middle income countries: a scoping review and field-based views from implementers
Authors: van Olmen Josefien , Erwin Erica , García-Ulloa Ana Cristina , Meessen Bruno , Miranda J. Jaime , Bobrow Kirsty , Iwelunmore Juliet , Nwaozuru Ucheoma , Obiezu Umeh Chisom , Smith Carter , Harding Chris , Kumar Pratap , Gonzales Clicerio , Hernández-Jiménez Sergio , Yeates Karen 
Published: January 2020

Background: Mobile health (mHealth) has been hailed as a potential gamechanger for non-communicable disease (NCD) management, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Individual studies illustrate barriers to implementation and scale-up, but an overview of implementation issues for NCD mHealth interventions in LMICs is lacking. This paper explores implementation issues from two perspectives: information in published papers and field-based knowledge by people working in this field.Methods: Through a scoping review publications on mHealth interventions for NCDs in LMICs were identified and assessed with the WHO mHealth Evidence Reporting and Assessment (mERA) tool. A two-stage web-based survey on implementation barriers was performed within a NCD research network and through two online platforms on mHealth targeting researchers and implementors.Results: 18 studies were included in the scoping review. Short Message Service (SMS) messaging was the main implementation tool. Most studies focused on patient-centered outcomes. Most studies do not report on process measures and on contextual conditions influencing implementation decisions. Few publications reported on implementation barriers. The websurvey included twelve projects and the responses revealed additional information, especially on practical barriers related to the patients’ characteristics, low demand, technical requirements, integration with health services and with the wider context. Many interventions used low-cost software and devices with limited capacity that not allowing linkage with routine data or patient records, which incurred fragmented delivery and increased workload.Conclusion: Text messaging is a dominant mHealth tool for patient-directed of quality improvement interventions in LMICs. Publications report little on implementation barriers, while a questionnaire among implementors reveals significant barriers and strategies to address them. This information is relevant for decisions on scale-up of mHealth in the domain of NCD. Further knowledge should be gathered on implementation issues, and the conditions that allow universal coverage.
Redesigning the Market for Volunteers: A Donor Registry
Authors: Heger Stephanie A. , Slonim Robert , Garbarino Ellen , Wang Carmen , Waller Daniel 
Published: January 2020

This paper addresses volunteer labor markets where the lack of price signals, nonpecuniary motivations to supply labor, and limited fungibility of supply lead to market failure. To address the causes of the market failure, we conduct a field experiment with volunteer whole blood donors where we introduce a market-clearing mechanism (henceforth: the Registry). Our intention-to-treat estimates suggest that subjects invited to the Registry, regardless of joining, are 66% more responsive to critical shortage appeals than control subjects. While the Registry increases supply during a critical shortage episode, it does not increase supply when there is no shortage; thus, the Registry significantly improves coordination between volunteer donors and collection centers, thereby improving market outcomes. We find evidence that the Registry’s effectiveness stems from crowding-in volunteers with purely altruistic motives and volunteers with a preference for commitment. This paper was accepted by Yan Chen, decision analysis.
Role of inflammatory markers in the healing time of diabetic foot osteomyelitis treated by surgery or antibiotics
Authors: Tardáguila-García Aroa , García-Álvarez Yolanda , Sanz-Corbalán Irene , Álvaro-Afonso Francisco Javier , Molines-Barroso Raúl Juan , Lázaro-Martínez José Luis 
Published: January 2020

Objective:To analyse the predictive role of inflammatory markers in the healing time of diabetic foot osteomyelitis treated by surgery or antibiotics.Methods:An observational study of patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) and clinically suspected osteomyelitis. The patients underwent surgical or antibiotic treatment for bone infection in a specialised diabetic foot unit. Blood samples were taken from each patient to analyse biomarkers. The main outcome was the number of weeks until healing occurred.Results:A total of 116 patients took part in the study. The number of weeks until healing was similar for both groups (surgical n=96 and antiobiotic n=20, treatments). No association was observed among biomarkers as predictors of time-to-healing.Conclusion:There is not enough evidence to define the prognostic role of inflammatory markers in the healing time of DFUs complicated with diabetic foot osteomyelitis, regardless of the treatment administered.
Evaluation of apocynin in vitro on high glucose-induced oxidative stress on tenocytes
Authors: Kurosawa Takashi , Mifune Yutaka , Inui Atsuyuki , Nishimoto Hanak , Ueda Yasuhiro , Kataoka Takeshi , Yamaura Kohei , Mukohara Shintaro , Kuroda Ryosuke 
Published: January 2020

Aims The purpose of this study was to evaluate the in vitro effects of apocynin, an inhibitor of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NOX) and a downregulator of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), on high glucose-induced oxidative stress on tenocytes. Methods Tenocytes from normal Sprague-Dawley rats were cultured in both control and high-glucose conditions. Apocynin was added at cell seeding, dividing the tenocytes into four groups: the control group; regular glucose with apocynin (RG apo+); high glucose with apocynin (HG apo+); and high glucose without apocynin (HG apo–). Reactive oxygen species production, cell proliferation, apoptosis and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of NOX1 and 4, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were determined in vitro. Results Expression of NOX1, NOX4, and IL-6 mRNA in the HG groups was significantly higher compared with that in the RG groups, and NOX1, NOX4, and IL-6 mRNA expression in the HG apo+ group was significantly lower compared with that in the HG apo– group. Cell proliferation in the RG apo+ group was significantly higher than in the control group and was also significantly higher in the HG apo+ group than in the HG apo– group. Both the ROS accumulation and the amounts of apoptotic cells in the HG groups were greater than those in the RG groups and were significantly less in the HG apo+ group than in the HG apo– group. Conclusion Apocynin reduced ROS production and cell death via NOX inhibition in high-glucose conditions. Apocynin is therefore a potential prodrug in the treatment of diabetic tendinopathy. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2020;9(1):23–28.
Ultracompact polarization-insensitive power splitter using subwavelength-grating-based MMI couplers on an SOI platform
Authors: Zhong Wanqin , Xiao Jinbiao 
Published: January 2020

An ultracompact and polarization-insensitive power splitter using a subwavelength-grating-based multimode interference (MMI) coupler on an SOI platform is proposed and analyzed in detail. By properly tailoring the structural parameters of the subwavelength gratings embedded in the center of the MMI coupler, the effective reflective indices for TE and TM modes supported by this MMI coupler can be engineered, leading to equal coupling lengths for the two polarizations and an efficient reduction in length for the used MMI coupler. As a result, an ultracompact polarization-insensitive power splitter can be realized. Moreover, to effectively minimize the loss, tapered waveguides are used, and two right angles are cut at both corners of the used MMI coupler. Results show that a footprint of

2

.

2

µ

m

×

3

.

8

µ

m

for the MMI region is achieved with an insertion loss of 0.07 dB for both TE and TM modes (polarization dependent loss

∼

0

d
B

) and a reflection loss of

−

28

.

29

d
B

(

−

31

.

25

d
B

) for TE mode at the wavelength of 1.55 µm. Insertion loss below 0.3 dB is obtained over the bandwidth of 200 nm, covering the C-band. In addition, fabrication tolerances to the structural parameters are analyzed, and the injected light propagating through the power splitter is also presented.