bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comparative analysis of disability measures in Cameroonian surveys
Authors: Simo Fotso Arlette , Duthé Géraldine , Odimegwu Clifford 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundAlthough identifying vulnerable groups is an important step in shaping appropriate and efficient policies for targeting populations of disabled people, it remains a challenge. This study aims to evaluate for the first time the comparability of the different disability measurements used in Cameroon. This is done by comparing them with the international standards proposed by the Washington Group (WG). It also evaluates the consistency of the association between the disability as measured by these surveys and the sociodemographic characteristics.MethodWe used data from the third Cameroonian Population and Housing Census (3RGPH) of 2005, the third Cameroonian Household survey (ECAM3) of 2007, the Demographic Health and Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (DHS-MICS) of 2011 and a survey conducted on adults in Yaoundé (HandiVIH) in 2015 with the WG tool. The proportion and their confidence intervals, chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regressions are used for analyses.ResultsIn the city of Yaoundé and for the 15–49 age group, disability prevalence was estimated at 3.6% (CI = [2.5, 5.1]), 2.7% CI = [2.1, 3.5]), 2.6% (CI = [2.4, 2.7]) and 1.0% (CI = [1.0, 1.10]), according to DHS-MICS, ECAM3, HandiVIH and 3RGPH, respectively. The prevalence of severe motor and mental disabilities in DHS-MICS (0.4% CI = [0.2, 0.8], 1.1% CI = [0.7, 1.8] and 0.5% CI = [0.2, 1.1], respectively) are not significantly different from the findings of HandiVIH (0.3% CI = [0.2, 0.3], 0.8% CI = [0.7, 0.9] and 0.5% CI = [0.5, 0.6], respectively). Only motor disability prevalence in ECAM3 (0.8%, CI = [0.5, 1.2]) is not different from that of HandiVIH. When the WG screening tool is used in HandiVIH, disability is positively associated with age, negatively associated with educational level, being in a union and socioeconomic status (SES) and it is not associated with sex. Severe disability, for its part, is not associated with SES and is positively associated with being a male. A different association trend is observed with 3RGPH, ECAM3 and DHS-MICS.ConclusionNone of the instruments used in the nationally representative Cameroonian surveys produced both disability prevalence and association trends that are exactly similar to those obtained when using the WG disability screening tool, thus highlighting the necessity to include the WG questions in nationally representative surveys.
Inulin-type fructans supplementation improves glycemic control for the prediabetes and type 2 diabetes populations: results from a GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose–response meta-analysis of 33 randomized controlled trials
Authors: Wang Long , Yang Hong , Huang Hao , Zhang Chao , Zuo Hong-Xia , Xu Pan , Niu Yu-Ming , Wu Shi-Shi 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Currently, many clinical trials have shown that inulin-type fructans (ITF) supplementation is associated with glycemic control; nevertheless, the results are inconclusive. The aim of this meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was to assess the effects of ITF supplementation on glycemic control.

Methods
PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library were searched for eligible articles up to March 6, 2019. A random-effects model was used to analyze the pooled results, and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system was applied to assess the quality of evidence. The dose–response model was used to recommend the daily dose and duration for ITF supplementation.

Results
Thirty-three trials involving 1346 participants were included. Overall, ITF supplementation could significantly reduce concentrations of fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting insulin (FINS) and homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). In the prediabetes and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) population, a more significant reduction in FBG [weighted mean difference (WMD): − 0.60 mmol/l; 95% CI − 0.71, − 0.48 mmol/l; high rate], HbA1c (WMD: − 0.58%; 95% CI − 0.83, − 0.32%; high rate), FINS (WMD: − 1.75 µU/ml; 95% CI − 2.87, − 0.63 µU/ml; low rate), and HOMA-IR (WMD: − 0.69; 95% CI − 1.10, − 0.28; low rate) were observed, and ITF supplementation with a daily dose of 10 g for a duration of 6 weeks and longer was recommended. Moreover, subgroup analyses suggested that the effects of glycemic control were significantly influenced by the sex of the subjects and the type and the method of intake of ITF.

Conclusions
Our analyses confirmed that these four main glycemic indicators were significantly reduced by ITF supplementation, particularly in the prediabetes and T2DM population. Evidence supports that reasonable administration of ITF supplementation may have potential clinical value as an adjuvant therapy for prediabetes and T2DM management.
Trial registration The trial was registered at PROSPERO as CRD42018115875 on November 23, 2018.
Jigless knotless internal brace technique for acute Achilles tendon rupture: a case series study
Authors: Ko Po-Yen , Huang Ming-Tung , Li Chia-Lung , Su Wei-Ren , Jou I-Ming , Wu Po-Ting 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Purpose
To mitigate the risk of poor wound healing and of infection associated with the open repair of Achilles tendon midsubstance ruptures, minimally invasive techniques have been developed. We report our preliminary results after reviewing our “jigless knotless internal brace technique.”

Methods
Patients were placed in prone position and a transverse 3-cm incision was made proximal to the palpable ruptured end. The proximal ruptured end was pulled out, gently debrided, and sutured using Krackow locking loops. Percutaneous sutures were crisscrossed through the distal tendon stump and looped around the Krackow sutures over the proximal stump. The ipsilateral Krackow sutures and the contralateral crisscrossed sutures were subcutaneously passed through two mini-incisions over the posterior calcaneus tuberosity and seated at the tuberosity with two 4.5-mm knotless suture anchors. All patients underwent the same post-operative rehabilitation protocol and regular follow-ups for at least 1 year.

Results
We recruited 10 patients (mean age, 37.3 years) who scored 100 points on the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scale, and who returned to their preoperative exercise levels 1-year post-operatively with no complications.

Conclusion
Our method is simple, effective, and requires no special tools. It might be a reliable option for Achilles tendon repair.

Level of evidence
III
Early and short-segment anterior spinal fusion for cervical spinal cord injury without fracture and dislocation can achieve more significant neurological recovery: a retrospective study based on the current medical system in southern China
Authors: Mu Xiaoping , Li Zhuhai , Ou Yufu , Wei Jianxun 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Objective
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the number of fused segments, the timing of surgery and their interaction on the prognosis of patients with cervical spinal cord injury without fracture and dislocation (CSCIWFD), and to determine the appropriate time restrictions for early surgery in CSCIWFD patients based on the current diagnosis and treatment system in southern China.

Methods
CSCIWFD patients who underwent anterior cervical decompression and internal fusion (ACDF) from January 2012 to June 2017 were selected. The patients were grouped according to the timing of surgery and the number of fused segments and evaluated based on their American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) score, ASIA impairment scale, and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score before and after surgery. SPSS22.0 software was used for the statistical analysis.

Results
The ASIA score, JOA score, and ASIA impairment scale in all follow-ups were significantly higher than before surgery (p < 0.05). The ASIA and JOA scores at 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery of the patients who underwent ACDF within 72 h were significantly better than those of the patients who underwent ACDF after 72 h (p < 0.05). There were significant differences in postoperative ASIA and JOA scores at 12 and 24 months between the short-segment and three-segment fusion groups (p < 0.05). The results of the interaction between the surgical timing and the number of the fused segments showed that the postoperative ASIA and JOA scores at 6, 12, and 24 months were significantly higher in the patients who underwent early short-segment fusion than in those who underwent delayed short-segment fusion (p < 0.05). However, no statistically significant difference was found between early and delayed surgery in the patients who underwent three-segment fusion (p > 0.05).

Conclusion
ACDF is safe and effective for the treatment of CSCIWFD. For patients with single- or double-segment injury, early (within 72 h) ACDF is associated with a more satisfactory prognosis. Due to the limitation of the small sample size, we cautiously recommend that 72 h can be used as a time limit for early surgery for CSCIWFD patients in regions where earlier surgery cannot be provided by the current diagnosis and treatment system.
Indirect quantification of IgG using a digital refractometer, and factors associated with colostrum quality in Norwegian Red Cattle
Authors: Johnsen Julie Føske , Sørby Johanne , Mejdell Cecilie Marie , Sogstad Åse Margrethe , Nødtvedt Ane , Holmøy Ingrid Hunter 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundThere is an increased interest in using digital refractometers to indirectly assess colostrum quality of dairy cattle, but knowledge on diagnostic accuracy for Norwegian Red dairy cows is lacking. Recent research has indicated a profound variability in the colostrum quality among dairy cows and herds in Norway. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic test sensitivity and specificity of a digital refractometer (Brix refractometer) at different cut-offs in Brix% for detection of colostrum of high quality (> 50 g/L) defined by the gold standard single radial immunodiffusion (IgG g/L). Furthermore, we aimed to identify possible associations between selected herd and cow-level management factors and colostrum IgG-levels in Norwegian Red dairy cows.ResultsMedian colostrum IgG level across 167 cows from 19 herds was 35.0 g/L, ranging from 5 to 129 g/L. Mean Brix% (± SD) was 19.7 ± 4.12%, ranging from 10.1 to 30.5. Most samples (72.5%) had inferior quality as compared to the international standard of 50 g/L. Brix% and IgG in colostrum were strongly correlated (r = 0.71, P < 0.001). A Brix cut-off of 22%, which is currently recommended, yielded a sensitivity of (95% CI) 69.4% (54.6–81.7) and a specificity of 83.1% (75.0–89.3) for identifying colostrum with high quality (> 50 g/L). The only factor found to be associated with low colostrum quality was parity. Specifically, cows in the second parity were found to produce colostrum with low quality compared to cows in parities four and later.ConclusionsThe agreement between colostrum IgG and Brix% is good. However, the diagnostic test evaluation indicates suboptimal performance in identifying high vs. low colostrum quality in this population, possibly related to a high proportion of the samples with < 50 g/L IgG. The only factor found to be associated with low colostrum quality was parity. Specifically, cows in the second parity were found to produce colostrum with lower quality. Future research should investigate colostrum and serum IgG levels which best prevent calf illness under Norwegian conditions.
Inbreeding and inbreeding depression of Paeonia decomposita (Paeoniaceae), a threatened endemic plant to China
Authors: Wang Shi-Quan 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundSmall populations are predominantly vulnerable to inbreeding and inbreeding depression (ID). Owing to increased levels of inbreeding on individuals in small populations, ID could decrease the population growth rate, as well as its effective size, and exacerbate the extinction risk. Inbreeding depression remains a crucial area of research in conservation biology, ecology, and evolutionary biology. This study aims to elucidate the reproductive biology, inbreeding, and ID ofPaeonia decompositaand to conserve, manage, and improve them better in the future.ResultsPaeonia decompositabelongs to a xenogamous category and is partially self-compatible; moreover, it requires pollinators for seed production. Lately, the occurrence of pollination and pollinator limitations has affected the seed set. Low seed set primarily correlated with an abnormality of meiosis in the pollen mother cell, moderate to low genetic diversity, drought and extreme weather, pollinator limitation, or carpel space limit. One of the primary reasons for endangered mechanism inP. decompositais the low seed set under natural conditions. The cumulative value of ID was positive, and outcrossed progeny outperformed selfed progeny.ConclusionsPaeonia decompositarequires pollinators to ensure seed production either through autogamy, geitonogamy, or allogamy. It is both allogamous and partially self-compatible, as well as a successful outcrosser. Inbreeding occurs frequently and results in ID, which imposes a potential threat to the survival of populations. Besides, it needs conservation via in situ andnatural returnmethods.
Alkamides: a new class of plant growth regulators linked to humic acid bioactivity
Authors: Zandonadi Daniel Basílio , Matos Carlos Roberto Ribeiro , Castro Rosane Nora , Spaccini Riccardo , Olivares Fábio Lopes , Canellas Luciano Pasqualoto 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe use of humic substances as plant biostimulants has been increasingly attracting farmers and stunning researchers. The ability of these substances to enhance root growth by changing root architecture is often linked to their hormonal activities, such as auxin effects and nitric oxide production. Humeomics accesses the molecular constituents of humic substances, revealing the importance of alkyl components because of their conformations and chemical activities. Here, we describe the alkamides present in humic acids and compare their bioactivities using plasma membrane H+-ATPase activity level as a biochemical marker.MethodsHumic acids isolated from vermicompost were analyzed using13C and15N nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The unbound fraction was extracted with ethyl acetate and submitted to gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry to detect the presence ofN-isopropyldecanamide. We synthesizedN-isopropyldecanamide and treated maize seedlings for 7 and 15 days with different concentrations. The root growth and plasma membrane H+-ATPase activity were monitored. Nitric oxide accumulation in the lateral roots was imaged using 4,5-diaminofluorescein diacetate. The results were compared with those obtained for seedlings treated with humic acids isolated from vermicompost.ResultsThe amide functional group produced the only nitrogen signal in the15N humic acid resonance spectrum and similar alkamide moieties were found in the unbound humic extract through comparisons using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The synthesis ofN-isopropyldecanamide had few steps and produced a high yield (86%). The effects ofN-isopropyldecanamide on root growth were concentration dependent. High concentrations (10−4 M) enhanced root growth after 15 day of diminishing shoot biomass. However, low concentrations (10−8 M and 10−6 M) promoted root growth at 7 and 15 days, similar to the humic acid-induced plasma membrane H+-ATPase activity. BothN-isopropyldecanamide and humic acids enhanced nitric oxide accumulation during lateral root emergence.ConclusionWe described for the first time the effects ofN-isopropyldecanamide on the plasma membrane H+-ATPase activity in maize seedling roots and compared its effects with those caused by humic acids.N-Isopropyldecanamide was detected in the unbound fraction of the humic supramolecular assembly, indicating that the putative hormone-like effects of these substances result also from the presence of this new class of plant regulators, in addition to other molecules.
An evaluation of the suitability of fluorescent fabrics and retroreflective materials for road traffic warning clothing in compliance with international standards
Authors: Park Soonja 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to compare and analyze physical properties of different fluorescent fabrics and retroreflective materials to determine their compliance to international standard for high-visibility warning clothing. Four fluorescent fabrics were selected for the study: a PET 71%/Cotton 23%/PU 6% fabric used in public road cleaner uniforms in Korea (S1), an ISO-compliant Japan-made PET 65%/Cotton 35% + conductive fabric (S2), and a randomly selected Korean-made PET 100% fabric for adults (S3) and children (S4). Selected samples were evaluated on their seven criteria in ISO 20471. Subsequently, luminance and retroreflective properties of four retroreflective materials were compared: a 3M (USA) plain sample (R1), a rectangular-patterned sample made by ‘R’ company (Korea) (R2), a plain sample also by ‘R’ (R3), and a random plain sample from a marketplace in Korea (R4). As a result, S1 was the most similar to ISO-compliant S2 and moisture regain could be improved by adjusting the cotton ratio or surface finishing. However, S3 and S4 seemed less suitable. Second, two bead type (R1, R4) and two prism type (R2, R3) retroreflective materials showed luminance in the order of R4 > R2 ≥ R1 > R3. General retroreflective properties and post-5-condition retroreflective properties of all four samples were ISO-compliant, and the retroreflective property at observation angle of 12′ and incidence angle of 5° of R2, R3, and R4 against R1 ranged between 81.4% and 158.4%. Despite the variance, all four samples were ISO-compliant and suggest that R2, R3, and R4 are possible materials for export.
Bone healing at non-submerged implants installed with different insertion torques: a split-mouth histomorphometric randomized controlled trial
Authors: Amari Yoshiyuki , Piattelli Adriano , Apaza Alccayhuaman Karol Alí , Mesa Natalia Fortich , Ferri Mauro , Iezzi Giovanna , Botticelli Daniele 
Published: December 2019

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate histomorphometrically the healing at implants installed with standard or very low insertion torque valuesMaterial and methodsTwelve volunteer patients were recruited, and two screw-shaped titanium devices were installed in the distal segments of the mandible using insertion torque values of either < 10 Ncm or ~ 30 Ncm. The implants were left to heal in a non-submerged fashion. After 8 weeks, biopsies were retrieved, and ground sections were prepared for histological evaluation.ResultsHistological slides from 11 patients were available for (n= 11). The new bone in contact with the implant surface was 39.3 ± 18.5% and 49.4 ± 9.4% at the < 10 and ~ 30 Ncm sites, respectively. Considering the pre-existing old bone, the total mineralized bone was 46.8 ± 22.1% at the < 10 Ncm sites and 57.0 ± 14.1% at the ~ 30 Ncm. No statistically significant differences were found.New bone density and total mineralized bone density were 36.6 ± 8.1% and 53.0 ± 13.5% at the < 10 Ncm sites and 35.9 ± 10.0% and 52.2 ± 16.0% at the ~ 30 Ncm sites, respectively. No statistically significant differences were disclosed.ConclusionFrom the data of the present study, it can be concluded that a trend of higher osseointegration was observed at the ~ 30 Ncm compared to the < 10 Ncm torque group. Nevertheless, it can be concluded that an implant installed with a very low torque may achieve a good integration.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT04017156; trial retrospectively registered on 12 July 2019.
Physical, chemical, and microbiological stability study of diluted atropine eye drops
Authors: Saito Jumpei , Imaizumi Hitomi , Yamatani Akimasa 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Atropine eye drops are indicated for juvenile myopia progression, cycloplegia, amblyopia, and strabismus. According to the package insert, 10 mg/mL atropine eye drops must be diluted for pediatric patients to prevent systemic adverse effects. Compounding units in hospital pharmaceutical departments or community pharmacies are compelled to prepare this essential medication; however, validated atropine stability data is limited and the shelf life after preparation is extremely short. As it is a long-term treatment, a longer shelf life is necessary to improve patient care. This study aimed to demonstrate the physical, chemical, and microbiological stability of diluted atropine eye drops over a period of six months.

Methods
Preparation consists of dilution of a 10 mg/mL atropine solution (Nitten Atropine Ophthalmic Solution 1%; Nitten Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) in 0.9% NaCl to concentrations of 0.1, 1.0, 2.5, and 5.0 mg/mL, followed by a sterilizing filtration procedure and then an aseptic filling process of 5 mL in 5 mL polyethylene eyedropper bottles. The entire process is carried out in an overpressure isolator. All concentration products were kept for six months at 25 °C or 5 °C. Visual inspection was conducted and pH, osmolality, and atropine concentration were measured at day 0, day 14, day 28, and every month until six months. Atropine concentration was measured using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. The sterility was monitored using a method adapted from the Japanese Pharmacopoeia sterility assay.

Results
Atropine remained within ±5% of the target value in the six batches. Osmolality (285 mOsm/kg) as well as pH (5.88) were kept constant. No variations in solution characteristics (crystallization, discoloration) were noted. Sterility was maintained.

Conclusions
This study validated the physical, chemical, and microbiological stability of 0.1, 1.0, 2.5, and 5.0 mg/mL atropine sulfate eye drops conserved inside polyethylene eyedroppers for six months at 25 °C or 5 °C.
Caste-specific morphological modularity in the ant tribe Camponotini (Hymenoptera, Formicidae)
Authors: Laciny A. , Nemeschkal H. L. , Zettel H. , Metscher B. , Druzhinina I. S. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
The morphological structures of organisms form tightly integrated but mutually independent character complexes (modules) linked through common development and function. Even though their abundance, diversity, and complex caste systems make camponotine ants ideal subjects to research developmental modularity and phenotypic integration, no studies investigating these phenomena have been conducted in this taxonomic group. This study attempts to identify and visualize integrated character complexes in 14 taxa from the genera Camponotus and Colobopsis using statistical analyses of morphometry.

Results
The identified modules differ between castes: Minor workers have small heads and long extremities, while major workers have enlarged heads modified for defence, and short, thick appendages; extremities (legs and antennae) are strongly correlated in both worker castes. Gynes show weaker integration of extremities, but a strong correlation of mesosoma and eyes, and highly variable median ocellus size. Gynes infested by mermithid nematodes exhibit reduction of gyne-specific characters and altered patterns of phenotypic integration.

Conclusion
The integrated character complexes described herein can largely be interpreted as functional, caste-specific modules related to behavioural ecology and task allocation within ant colonies. This modular nature of the body plan is hypothesized to facilitate the evolution of novel phenotypes and thus contributes to the tremendous evolutionary success of ants. The study of these modules can help to further elucidate the evolution and ontogeny of castes in camponotine ants, as well as the effects of parasite infestation on the phenotype.