bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vitamin D status in adults and children in Transcarpathia, Ukraine in 2019
Authors: Shchubelka Khrystyna 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Vitamin D deficiency is a global health problem, it is assessed by measuring serum 25-hydroxivitamin D (25(OH) D), nevertheless epidemiological data for many countries remains underreported.

Objectives
To study the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency throughout the calendar year in a large cohort recruited ina multiethnic Transcarpathian region of Ukraine.

Methods
In this retrospective study 25(OH) D serum concentration was measured during all 12 months of the year 2019 by electrochemoluminescent assay on the automatic analyzer Cobas e411 in 1823 subjects, including both children and adults (1551 females (85.03%) and 273 males (14.97%)).

Results
The mean 25(OH) D concentration in adults demonstrates significantly lower levels compared to children (22.67 ± 8.63 ng/ml vs. 26.00 ± 10.72 ng/ml respectively, p < 0.001). Adult women expressed significantly lower mean annual serum 25 (OH) D concentrations in comparison to men (22.29 ± 8.46 ng/ml vs. 25.75 ± 9.38 ng/ml respectively, p < 0.001). In contrast, children did not show a significant difference between sexes (girls 24.98 ± 10.38 ng/ml vs. boys 27.01 ± 11.01 ng/ml, p = 0.2003). In the winter months, 25(OH) D levels fell below 20 ng/ml in 51,74% of adult population of Thranscarpathia, and in 12.91%, − below 12 ng/ml.

Conclusions
The results of this study contradict the previously reported evaluations of the vitamin D levels in Ukraine which were assessed by measuring serum 25(OH) D. Specifically, only approximately half of the studied population is vitamin D deficient during winter season. This study features the most representative sample size in Ukraine to date.
Analgesic effect of combined transversus abdominis plane block and rectus sheath block in laparoscopic cholecystectomy: prospective randomized study
Authors: Tor Ibrahim Hakki , Çelik Erkan Cem , Aydın Muhammed Enes 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundWe aimed to investigate the combination of the subcostal transversus abdominis plane block and rectus sheath block (ScTAP-RS) versus wound infiltration on opioid consumption and assess effects on pain scores in laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). One hundred patients scheduled for LC were included in this study following the local ethics committee approval. Patients were randomized and divided into two groups as group ScTAP-RS and wound infiltration group (group I). After the surgical intervention, in group ScTAP-RS, ScTAP-RS block with 30 ml 0.25% bupivacaine solution was administered by ultrasound, and in group I, 20 ml 0.25% bupivacaine solution was injected in three port incision sites. Patient-controlled analgesia with tramadol was programmed for 24 h postoperatively. Tramadol consumptions and visual analog scale (VAS) scores were evaluated.ResultsCompared to the infiltration group, total tramadol consumption was significantly lower in the ScTAP-RS group between 4 and 12 h. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in other time intervals. VAS scores were significantly lower in the ScTAP-RS group in the 4th and 8th hours at rest and ambulation. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups for VAS scores at other time intervals.ConclusionScTAP-RS blocks decrease the opioid consumption and pain scores compared to the local infiltration after LC.
A case report of left paraduodenal hernia with a spontaneous reduction on follow-up: the rare demonstration on computed tomography
Authors: Maheshwari Saurabh , Khadka Ajay , Bhattacharjee Saikat , Rajesh Uddandam , Maria Vibhuti 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background
Left paraduodenal hernia (PDH) makes for around 40% of all internal hernias. It is due to the prolapse of bowel through fossa of Landzert, an anatomic variant that is found in around 2% of the population. This hernia is presumed to be spontaneously reducible in many patients with recurrent symptoms.

Case presentation
The present report shows the case of this condition in a 65-year-old male presenting with recurrent abdominal pain and subacute intestinal obstruction who was unwilling for surgery and was managed conservatively. A follow-up scan after 11 months revealed complete spontaneous resolution of hernia.

Conclusions
This represents only the second demonstration of the oft-mentioned spontaneous reduction of this condition on computed tomography. The radiologists should be aware of this uncommon entity and in the event of clinical suspicion; the imaging should be performed when the patient is symptomatic.
More sensitive identification of psychotic experiences in common mental disorder by primary mental healthcare services – effect on prevalence and recovery: casting the net wider
Authors: Knight Clare , Russo Debra , Stochl Jan , Jones Peter B. , Perez Jesus 
Published: November 2020

Background
Psychotic experiences may emerge in more severe cases of common mental disorders (CMD). Previous work identified that 30% of patients treated by mental health services in primary healthcare, specifically the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme in England, reported psychotic experiences, began treatment with more severe CMD and were less likely to reach recovery.

Aims
To replicate our previous assessment of psychotic experiences in the IAPT programme using a more sensitive threshold and determine its impact on the prevalence of psychotic experience and likelihood of recovery. Additionally, to compare recovery rates between patients with and without psychotic experiences at the end of therapy.

Method
The Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences (CAPE-P15) with a cut-off of 1.30 was used to determine the prevalence of psychotic experiences. Recovery rates were determined using measures collected in the IAPT programme for depression (PHQ-9) and anxiety (GAD-7). Multi-group growth models estimated improvement trajectories.

Results
In total, 2042 patients with CMD completed the CAPE-P15. The mean age was 39.8. The prevalence of psychotic experiences was 18% higher when using a lower threshold. The recovery rate for patients with psychotic experiences was lower (36%) than for those without (64%). Despite sharing similar improvement trajectories, the higher initial severity of CMD among patients with psychotic experiences impeded likelihood of recovery.

Conclusions
As psychotic experiences may be a marker of severity in CMD, the benefits of identifying these in IAPT populations may also apply to patients with milder experiences. Further investigation of the consequential demands on service provision and how this would affect clinical practice is recommended.
Serum T3 Level and Duration of Minimum Maintenance Dose Therapy Predict Relapse in Methimazole-Treated Graves Disease
Authors: Thewjitcharoen Yotsapon , Karndumri Krittadhee , Chatchomchuan Waralee , Porramatikul Sriurai , Krittiyawong Sirinate , Wanothayaroj Ekgaluck , Butadej Siriwan , Nakasatien Soontaree , Rajatanavin Rajata , Himathongkam Thep 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Methimazole (MMI) has been advocated as a preferred option for most Graves disease (GD) patients. However, long-term remission after a course of MMI treatment is achieved in only 20% to 40% of patients, depending on the duration of follow-up.

Objective
To evaluate clinical factors for predicting relapse of GD in Thai patients after MMI treatment.

Methods
A retrospective analysis was performed of newly diagnosed patients with GD who achieved remission of hyperthyroid GD after at least 12 months of MMI treatment. Long-term outcomes were assessed and predictive factors of early and late relapse were evaluated.

Results
A total of 443 patients with newly diagnosed GD who were treated with MMI for at least 12 months from 1985 to 2019, and were able to discontinue medication, were studied. The mean age at diagnosis was 37.0 ± 11.4 years and 81.7% were female. Of the 320 patients (72.2%) who achieved initial remission after MMI treatment for 23 months, 106 patients (33.1%) experienced late relapse during the mean follow-up duration of 9.7 years after MMI withdrawal. The remission rates decreased from 36.4% at the first year after stopping MMI to only 20.7% at 10 years. High initial serum triiodothyronine (T3) level and duration of minimum maintenance dose therapy (MMDT) of &lt;6 months were associated with late disease relapse after remission.

Conclusion
The long-term remission rate of Graves hyperthyroidism was achieved in one-fifth of MMI-treated Thai patients. Predictive markers for late relapse included high initial serum T3 level and a duration of MMDT of &lt;6 months.
Alterations in Gut Microbiota Do Not Play a Causal Role in Diet-independent Weight Gain Caused by Ovariectomy
Authors: Sau Lillian , Olmstead Christine M , Cui Laura J , Chen Annie , Shah Reeya S , Kelley Scott T , Thackray Varykina G 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Acute estrogen deficiency in women can occur due to many conditions including hyperprolactinemia, chemotherapy, GnRH agonist treatment, and removal of hormone replacement therapy. Ovariectomized (OVX) rodent models, often combined with a high-fat diet (HFD), have been used to investigate the effects of decreased estrogen production on metabolism. Since evidence suggests that gut microbes may facilitate the protective effect of estrogen on metabolic dysregulation in an OVX + HFD model, we investigated whether the gut microbiome plays a role in the diet-independent weight gain that occurs after OVX in adult female mice. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis demonstrated that OVX was not associated with changes in overall gut bacterial biodiversity but was correlated with a shift in beta diversity. Using differential abundance analysis, we observed a difference in the relative abundance of a few bacterial taxa, such as Turicibacter, 3 to 5 weeks after OVX, which was subsequent to the weight gain that occurred 2 weeks postsurgery. A cohousing study was performed to determine whether exposure to a healthy gut microbiome was protective against the development of the metabolic phenotype associated with OVX. Unlike mouse models of obesity, HFD maternal-induced metabolic dysregulation, or polycystic ovary syndrome, cohousing OVX mice with healthy mice did not improve the metabolic phenotype of OVX mice. Altogether, these results indicate that changes in the gut microbiome are unlikely to play a causal role in diet-independent, OVX-induced weight gain (since they occurred after the weight gain) and cohousing with healthy mice did not have a protective effect.
A CdSe/ZnS Core/Shell Quantum Dot-based Fluorescence-linked Immunosorbent Assay for the Sensitive and Accurate Detection of Procalcitonin
Authors: Lv Yanbing , Jin Qiaoli , Li Jinjie , Xu Yanxia , Li Lin Song , Shen Huaibin , Wu Ruili 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
In this study, we used a CdSe/ZnS core/shell quantum dot (QD) as a fluorescent probe and developed a quantum dot-based fluorescence-linked immunosorbent assay (QD-FLISA) to quantitatively determine procalcitonin (PCT) levels in samples. The QD-antibody probe had a high fluorescent intensity and excellent stability, which met the needs of commercial fluorescent probe materials. Due to the excellent properties of clinical testing for PCT, this QD-FLISA method showed tremendous potential for use in in vitro diagnostic (IVD) kits.
Exploring the Mechanism for Blister Prevention Using Moleskin
Authors: Rushton Rebecca J. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Moleskin is a commonly used material in podiatry and sports medicine for blister prevention and treatment. Common understanding regarding its protective mechanism is reduction of friction at the interface between the foot and the sock/shoe. We argue that moleskin may actually increase friction at this interface, but nonetheless prevents blisters by dispersing shear load within the skin across a wider surface area, reducing potential for skin damage.
Returning to Climb after Epiphyseal Finger Stress Fracture
Authors: Meyers Rachel N. , Schöffl Volker R. , Mei-Dan Omer , Provance Aaron J. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
The number of youth participating in rock climbing has increased over the years. Finger stress epiphyseal fractures are the most common injury among youth climbers. These injuries tend to occur around puberty because this is when the physis is most vulnerable to injury. Additionally, it has been found that intensive finger training (campus boarding, a previously known risk factor for epiphyseal fractures) during adolescence can lead to early-onset osteoarthritis of the hand up to a decade later. There is currently a lack of a return-to-climb protocol for youth climbers following a repetitive stress epiphyseal fracture. Because of this gap in the literature, our purpose was to create a structured return-to-play protocol specific to youth climbers who sustained an epiphyseal fracture to the finger. By establishing these guidelines, medical professionals and coaches may be able to guide their athlete to gradually and safely return to sport.
Evolution of Shares in a Proof-of-Stake Cryptocurrency
Authors: Roşu Ioanid , Saleh Fahad 
Published: November 2020

Do the rich always get richer by investing in a cryptocurrency for which new coins are issued according to a proof-of-stake (PoS) protocol? We answer this question in the negative: Without trading, the investor shares in the cryptocurrency are martingales that converge to a well-defined limiting distribution and, hence, are stable in the long run. This result is robust to allowing trading when investors are risk neutral. Then, investors have no incentive to accumulate coins and gamble on the PoS protocol but weakly prefer not to trade. This paper was accepted by Kay Giesecke, finance.
Investigation of boron carbide and iridium thin films, an enabling technology for future x-ray telescopes
Authors: Massahi S. , Christensen F. E. , Ferreira D. D. M. , Svendsen S. , Henriksen P. L. , Vu L. M. , Gellert N. C. , Jegers A. S. , Shortt B. , Bavdaz M. , Ferreira I. , Collon M. , Landgraf B. , Girou D. , Sokolov A. , Schoenberger W. 
Published: November 2020

We present an experimental examination of iridium and boron carbide thin-film coatings for the purpose of fabricating x-ray optics. We use a combination of x-ray reflectometry and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to model the structure, composition, density, thickness, and micro-roughness of the thin films. We demonstrate in our analyses how the two characterization techniques are complementary, and from this we derive that an overlayer originating from atmospheric contamination with a thickness between 1.0–1.6 nm is present on the surface. The magnetron sputtered iridium films are measured to have a density of22.4g/cm3. The boron carbide film exhibits a change in chemical composition in the top∼2nmof the film surface when exposed to the ambient atmosphere. The chemical reaction occurring on the surface is due to an incorporation of oxygen and hydrogen present in the ambient atmosphere. Lastly, we present a correlation between the absorption edges and the emission lines exhibited by the thin films in an energy range from 50–800 eV and the impact on the reflectivity performance due to contamination in thin films.
Low-frequency noise measurements as an analysis and prediction tool for the reliability evaluation of 808 nm laser diodes
Authors: Qu Chang , Chen Xiaojuan 
Published: November 2020

We investigated the low-frequency optical and electrical noise characteristics and their cross-correlation factor of the 808 nm laser diodes (LDs) samples, whose performances were degraded and stabilized after operating a period of time or during ex-factory reliability lifetime tests. It was shown that the optical noise in unreliable samples exhibited white components in the frequency range from 1 kHz to 10 kHz, while a Lorentzian-type component was superimposed on

1

/

f

electrical noise. Meanwhile, the optical and electrical noise correlation exhibited positive result. In contrast, both low-frequency optical and electrical noise presented pure

1

/

f

-type fluctuations in stable samples. These presented results suggest that it is feasible to employ low-frequency noise measurements as a tool for predicting and diagnosing the reliability of LDs.
The role of intraoperative microelectrode recording and stimulation in subthalamic lead placement for Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Malinova Vesna , Pinter Anabel , Dragaescu Cristina , Rohde Veit , Trenkwalder Claudia , Sixel-Döring Friederike , von Eckardstein Kajetan L. 
Published: November 2020

Objective
Intraoperative microelectrode recording (MER) and test-stimulation are regarded as the gold standard for proper placement of subthalamic (STN) deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrodes in Parkinson’s disease (PD), requiring the patient to be awake during the procedure. In accordance with good clinical practice, most attending neurologists will request the clinically most efficacious trajectory for definite lead placement. However, the necessity of microelectrode-test-stimulation is disputed, as it may limit the access to DBS therapy, excluding those not willing or incapable of undergoing awake surgery.

Methods
We retrospectively analyzed the MERs and microelectrode-test-stimulation results with regard to the decision on definite lead placement and clinical outcome in a cohort of 67 PD-patients with STN-DBS. All patients received bilateral quadripolar ring electrodes. To ascertain overall procedural efficacy, we calculated the surgical index (SI) by comparing preoperative motor improvement induced by levodopa to that induced by stimulation 7 to 18 months after surgery, measured as the relative difference between ON and OFF-states on the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale motor part (UPDRS-3). Additionally, a side-specific surgical index (SSSI) was calculated using the unilateral assessable items of the UPDRS-3. The SSSI where microelectrode-test-stimulation overruled MER were compared to those where the result of microelectrode-test-stimulation was congruent to MER results.

Results
A total of 134 electrodes were analyzed. For final lead placement, the central trajectory was chosen in 54% of patient hemispheres. The mean SI was 0.99 (± 0.24). SSSI averaged 1.04 (± 0.45). In 37 lead placements, microelectrode-test-stimulation overruled MER in the final trajectory selection, in 27 of these lead placements adverse effects during microelectrode-test-stimulation were decisive. Neither the number of test electrodes used nor the STN-signal length had an impact on the SSSI. The SSSI did not differ between lead placements with MER/microelectrode-test-stimulation congruency and those where the results of microelectrode-test-stimulation initiated lead placement in a trajectory with shorter STN signal.

Conclusion
Intraoperative testing is mandatory to ensure an optimal motor outcome of STN DBS in PD-patients when using quadripolar ring electrodes. However, we also demonstrated that neither the length of the STN-signal on MER nor the number of test electrodes influenced the motor outcome.
Colonisation with extended spectrum beta-lactamase-producing and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales in children admitted to a paediatric referral hospital in South Africa
Authors: Ogunbosi Babatunde O. , Moodley Clinton , Naicker Preneshni , Nuttall James , Bamford Colleen , Eley Brian 
Published: November 2020

Introduction
There are few studies describing colonisation with extended spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-PE) and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) among children in sub-Saharan Africa. Colonisation often precedes infection and multi-drug-resistant Enterobacterales are important causes of invasive infection.

Methods
In this prospective cross-sectional study, conducted between April and June 2017, 200 children in a tertiary academic hospital were screened by rectal swab for EBSL-PE and CRE. The resistance-conferring genes were identified using polymerase chain reaction technology. Risk factors for colonisation were also evaluated.

Results
Overall, 48% (96/200) of the children were colonised with at least one ESBL-PE, 8.3% (8/96) of these with 2 ESBL-PE, and one other child was colonised with a CRE (0.5% (1/200)). Common colonising ESBL-PE were Klebsiella pneumoniae (62.5%, 65/104) and Escherichia coli (34.6%, 36/104). The most frequent ESBL-conferring gene was blaCTX-M in 95% (76/80) of the isolates. No resistance- conferring gene was identified in the CRE isolate (Enterobacter cloacae). Most of the Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates were susceptible to piperacillin/tazobactam (86.2%) and amikacin (63.9%). Similarly, 94.4% and 97.2% of the Escherichia coli isolates were susceptible to piperacillin/tazobactam and amikacin, respectively. Hospitalisation for more than 7 days before study enrolment was associated with ESBL-PE colonisation.

Conclusion
Approximately half of the hospitalised children in this study were colonised with ESBL-PE. This highlights the need for improved infection prevention and control practices to limit the dissemination of these microorganisms.
KI gestern und heute
Authors: Sonar Arne , Weber Karsten 
Published: November 2020

ZusammenfassungDer Einzug Künstlicher Intelligenz (KI) in die Medizin scheint angesichts der Nutzenpotenziale unvermeidlich. Durch den Agentencharakter KI-basierter Systeme ergeben sich teils neuartige normative An- und Herausforderungen. Für den hochgradig sensiblen Anwendungsbereich der Medizin erscheint es daher notwendig, den KI-Einsatz mit ethischen Leitlinien einzuhegen. Dies wirft die Frage auf, auf welche Erfahrungsbasis eine ethische Fundierung des Einsatzes KI-basierter Technik gestellt werden könnte. Damit ist kein Schluss vom Sein auf das Sollen gemeint, sondern die Berücksichtigung bereits geführter normativer Debatten. Eine Möglichkeit, sich der normativen Landschaft der KI anzunähern, liegt in der Auseinandersetzung mit der Entwicklungsgeschichte der KI und den damit verbundenen Debatten um ethische und soziale Aspekte. Mit diesem explorativen Ansatz können relevante Problemfelder identifiziert, vorläufige Gestaltungs- und Einsatzempfehlungen für KI-Systeme in der Praxis formuliert und Vorschläge zu deren Einbettung in existierende Organisationsstrukturen generiert werden.
Model-based bone material property identification
Authors: Wilkie Jack , Docherty Paul D. , Möller Knut 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Correct torqueing of bone screws is important for orthopaedic surgery. Surgeons mainly tighten screws ad hoc, risking inappropriate torqueing. An adaptive torque-limiting screwdriver may be able to measure the torque-rotation response and use parameter identification of key material properties to recommend optimal torques. This paper analyses the identifiability and sensitivity of a model of the bone screwing process. The accuracy with which values of the Young modulus (E) of the bone were identified depended on the value of E, with larger values being less accurately identified. The error in identified

σ

u
t
s

{\sigma _{uts}}

(Tensile strength) values was less than 0.5 % over all the cases tested, with no discernible dependence on the co-identified values of E. Experimental validation is still required for the model and identification process, but this approach is feasible and promising from a theoretical perspective.