bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Post-operative pain management modalities employed in clinical trials for adult patients in LMIC; a systematic review
Authors: Afshan Gauhar , Khan Robyna Irshad , Ahmed Aliya , Siddiqui Ali Sarfraz , Rehman Azhar , Raza Syed Amir , Kerai Rozina , Mustafa Khawaja 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Unrelieved postoperative pain afflicts millions each year in low and middle income countries (LMIC). Despite substantial advances in the study of pain, this area remains neglected. Current systematic review was designed to ascertain the types of clinical trials conducted in LMIC on postoperative pain management modalities over the last decade. Methods: A comprehensive search was performed in June 2019 on PubMed, Cochrane Library, CINAHL Plus, and Web of Science databases to identify relevant trials on the management of postoperative pain in LMIC. Out of 1450 RCTs, 108 studies were reviewed for quality evidence using structured form of critical appraisal skill program. Total of 51 clinical trials were included after applying inclusion/exclusion criteria. Results:Results are charted according to the type of surgery. Eleven trials on laparoscopic cholecystectomy used multimodal analgesia including some form of regional analgesia. Different analgesic modalities were studied in 4 trials on thoracotomy, but none used multimodal approach. In 11 trials on laparotomy, multimodal analgesia was employed along with the studied modalities. In 2 trials on hysterectomy, preemptive pregabalin or gabapentin were used for reduction in rescue analgesia. In 13 trials on breast surgical procedures and 10 on orthopaedic surgery, multimodal analgesia was used with some form of regional analgesia. Conclusion: We found that over the past 10 years, clinical trials for postoperative pain modalities have evolved in LMIC according to the current postoperative pain management guidelines i.e. multi-modal approach with some form of regional analgesia. The current review shows that clinical trials were conducted using multimodal analgesia including but not limited to some form of regional analgesia for postoperative pain in LMIC however this research snapshot (of only three countries) may not exactly reflect the clinical practices in all 47 countries. Post Operative Pain Management Modalities Employed in Clinical Trials for Adult Patients in LMIC; A Systematic Review
Evaluating performance of health care facilities at meeting HIV-indicator reporting requirements in Kenya: An application of K-means clustering algorithm
Authors: Gesicho Milka , Babic Ankica , Were Martin 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe ability to report complete, accurate and timely data by HIV care providers and other entities is a key aspect in monitoring trends in HIV prevention, treatment and care, hence contributing to its eradication. In many low-middle-income-countries (LMICs), aggregate HIV data reporting is done through the District Health Information Software 2 (DHIS2). Nevertheless, despite a long-standing requirement to report HIV indicator data to DHIS2 in LMICs, few rigorous evaluations exist to evaluate adequacy of health facility reporting at meeting completeness and timeliness requirements over time. The aim of this study is to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the reporting status for HIV indicators, from the time of DHIS2 implementation, using Kenya as a case study.MethodsA retrospective observational study was conducted to assess reporting performance of health facilities providing any of the HIV services in all 47 counties in Kenya between 2011 to 2018. Using data extracted from DHIS2, K-means clustering algorithm was used to identify homogeneous groups of health facilities based on their performance in meeting timeliness and completeness facility reporting requirements for each of the six programmatic areas. Average silhouette coefficient was used in measuring the quality of the selected clusters.ResultsBased on percentage average facility reporting completeness and timeliness, four homogeneous groups of facilities were identified namely: best performers, average performers, poor performers and outlier performers. Apart from blood safety reports, a distinct pattern was observed in five of the remaining reports, with the proportion of best performing facilities increasing and the proportion of poor performing facilities decreasing over time. However, between 2016 and 2018, the proportion of best performers declined in some of the programmatic areas. Over the study period, no distinct pattern or trend in proportion changes was observed among facilities in the average and outlier groups.ConclusionsThe identified clusters revealed general improvements in reporting performance in the various reporting areas over time, but with noticeable decrease in some areas between 2016 and 2018. This signifies the need for continuous performance monitoring with possible integration of machine learning and visualization approaches into national HIV reporting systems.
Attitudes and precaution practices towards COVID-19 among pregnant women in Singapore : A cross-sectional survey
Authors: LEE RYAN WAI KHEONG , LING LOY SEE , LIYING YANG , YEN JERRY CHAN KOK , KOK TAN LAY 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundCOVID-19 may predispose pregnant women to higher risks of severe disease and poorer neonatal outcome. Psychological sequalae of this pandemic may pose a greater conundrum than its clinical aspects. It is currently unknown that how pregnant women cope with this global pandemic and its ramifications. The aims of the study are to understand the attitudes and precaution practices of non-infected pregnant women towards the COVID-19 outbreak in Singapore.Methods An online cross-sectional survey of COVID-19 awareness among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Singapore was conducted. An internet link was provided to complete an online electronic survey on Google platform using a quick response (QR) code on mobile devices. The online survey consists of 34 questions that were categorized into 4 main sections, namely 1) social demographics 2) attitude on safe distancing measures 3) precaution practices and 4) perceptions of COVID-19. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to examine women’s precaution practices among six independent socio-demographic variables, including age, ethnicity , education , front-line jobs, history of miscarriage and type of antenatal clinic (general , high risk).ResultsA total of 167 survey responses were obtained over eight weeks from April to June 2020. The majority of women were aged ≤35 years (76%, n=127), were of Chinese ethnicity (55%, n=91), attained tertiary education (62%, n=104) and were not working as frontline staff (70%). Using multiple linear regression models, Malay ethnicity (vs. Chinese, β 0.24; 95% CI 0.04, 0.44) was associated with higher frequency of practicing social distancing. Malay women (β 0.48; 95% CI 0.16, 0.80) and those who worked as frontline staff (β 0.28; 95% CI 0.01, 0.56) sanitized their hands at higher frequencies. Age of ≥36 years (vs. ≤30 years, β 0.24; 95% CI 0.01, 0.46), Malay (vs. Chinese, β 0.27; 95% CI 0.06, 0.48) and Indian ethnicity (vs. Chinese, β 0.41; 95% CI 0.02, 0.80), and attendance at high-risk clinic (vs. general clinic, β 0.20; 95% CI 0.01, 0.39) were associated with higher frequency of staying-at-home.ConclusionSocial demographical factors including age > 36 years old, Malay ethnicity, employment in front line jobs and attendance at high-risk clinics are likely to influence the attitudes and precaution practices among pregnant women towards COVID-19 in Singapore. Knowledge gained from our cross-sectional online survey can better guide clinicians to communicate better with pregnant women. Hence, it is important for clinicians to render appropriate counselling and focused clarification on the effect of COVID-19 among pregnant women for psychological support and mental wellbeing.
Autologous peripheral blood-derived stem cells transplantation for treatment of no-option angiitis-induced critical limb ischemia: 10-year management experience
Authors: Fang Gang , Jiang Xiaolang , Fang Yuan , Pan Tianyue , Liu Hao , Ren Bichen , Wei Zheng , Gu Shiyang , Chen Bin , Jiang Junhao , Shi Yun , Guo Daqiao , Liu Peng , Fu Weiguo , Dong Zhihui 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Previous studies have demonstrated that no-option angiitis-induced critical limb ischemia (NO-AICLI) could be significantly improved by transplantation of peripheral blood-derived stem cells (PBDSCs). Additionally, a randomized controlled trial (RCT) recently conducted by us suggested that peripheral blood-derived purified CD34+ cells (PCCs) were not inferior to non-purified peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs) at limb salvage in treatment of NO-AICLI. However, most of these clinical trials whether RCT or single-arm studies were characterized with a small sample size and absence of long-term outcomes. Methods: To analyze long-term clinical outcomes of PBDSCs transplantation for NO-AICLI, we reviewed clinical data of patients with NO-AICLI receiving PBDSCs transplantation at our center during the past decade. Meanwhile, we first compared the long-term safety and efficacy of intramuscular transplantation of PCCs versus PBMNCs in a sizable number of patients with NO-AICLI.Results: From May 2009 to December 2019, a total of 160 patients with NO-AICLI patients were treated by PBDSCs transplantation (82 with PCCs, 78 with PBMNCs) at our center. Baseline characteristics between two groups were similar. Up to June 2020, the mean follow-up period was 46.6±35.3 months. No critical adverse events were observed in either group. There was one death during the follow-up period. A total of eight major amputations occurred. The cumulative major amputation-free survival (MAFS) rate at 5 years after PBDSCs transplantation was 94.4%, without difference between two groups (P=.855). Wound healing, rest pain, pain-free walking time, ankle-brachial index, transcutaneous oxygen pressure, and quality of life (QoL) also significantly improved after PBDSCs transplantation. Conclusions: Autologous PBDSCs intramuscular transplantation could significantly decrease the major amputation rates and improve the QoL in patients with NO-AICLI. Long-term observation of a large sample of patients confirmed that the clinical benefits of PBDSCs transplantation were durable, without difference between the PCCs and PBMNCs groups.
Anthraquinone laxative-altered gut microbiota induces colonic mucosal barrier dysfunction for colorectal cancer progression
Authors: Wei Zhonghong , Wu Jiawei , Yang Yu , Shen peiliang , Cheng Peng , Tao Li , Shan Yunlong , Sun zhiguang , Lu Yin 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: The safety of anthraquinone laxatives has been debated. Previously, a few isolated studies have revealed that anthraquinones can cause damage to the structure of colonic epithelial tissue, and long-term intake of anthraquinone laxatives increases colorectal cancer risks. In this study, we focused on sennoside A, a primary purgative component in anthraquinone laxatives, and investigated the effects of sennoside A on intestinal inflammation and host metabolism, and we assessed whether it could exacerbate colitis-associated colon cancer in the AOM/DSS mouse model. Results: Initially, sennoside A disrupted the mucus layer and mechanical barrier of the colon. The dynamic effects of sennoside A on the community structure of gut microbiota were further analysed. We found that sennoside A significantly promoted the dominant growth of Akkermansia muciniphila after 56 days of continuous treatment, which was independent of the prototype of sennoside A and its metabolites, including the main host metabolite rhein and bacterial metabolites. Interestingly, sennoside A suppressed the growth of butyrate-producing bacteria, thereby decreasing butyrate levels. In addition, sennoside A directly inhibited the growth of Clostridium tyrobutyricum and Clostridium butyricum, which was not caused by the prototype of sennoside A but by the direct bacteriostatic effect produced from its metabolite rhein. Last, supplementation with butyrate prevented sennoside A-induced gut dysbiosis and mucus barrier impairment. Conclusions: Our work reveals that sennoside A can impair the integrity of the intestinal mucosal barrier, which is closely related to the disruption of the structural balance between mucus-degrading bacteria and exogenous fibro-degrading bacteria; this impaired imbalance can induce long-term low-grade inflammation and metabolic disorders associated with tumorigenesis, and it can consequently promote the progression of colonic carcinogenesis in the AOM/DSS mouse model.
Low Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in Rhode Island Blood Donors Determined Using Multiple Serological Assay Formats
Authors: Nesbitt Daniel J. , Jin Daniel P. , Hogan Joseph W. , Chan Philip A , Simon Melissa J , Vargas Matthew , King Ewa , Huard Richard C , Bandy Utpala , Hillyer Christopher , Luchsinger Larry 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Epidemic projections and public health policies addressing Coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 have been implemented without data reporting on the seroconversion of the population since scalable antibody testing has only recently become available. Methods: We measured the percentage of severe acute respiratory syndrome- Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) seropositive individuals from 2,008 blood donors drawn in the state of Rhode Island (RI). We utilized multiple antibody testing platforms, including lateral flow immunoassays (LFAs), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and high throughput serological assays (HTSAs). To estimate seroprevalence, we utilized the Bayesian statistical method to adjust for sensitivity and specificity of the commercial tests used.Results: We report than an estimated seropositive rate of RI blood donors of approximately 0.6% existed in April-May of 2020. Daily new case rates peaked in RI in late April 2020. We found HTSAs and LFAs were positively correlated with ELISA assays to detect antibodies specific to SARS-CoV-2 in blood donors. Conclusions: These data imply that seroconversion, and thus infection, is likely not widespread within this population. We conclude that IgG LFAs and HTSAs are suitable to conduct seroprevalence assays in random populations. More studies will be needed using validated serological tests to improve the precision and report the kinetic progression of seroprevalence estimates.
Evaluation of protection against desiccation with different artificial tears containing 0.1%-0.3% hyaluronic acid in experimental dry eye model
Authors: Ahmed Fatma , Tost Frank , Großjohann Rico , Wolke Carmen , Lendeckel Uwe 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Tear film instability, hyperosmolarity, ocular surface inflammation, apoptosis and neuro-sensory abnormalities are causes of dry eye. Lubricant target tear film instability, the most effective agent for tear film stabilization being Sodium Hyaluronate 0.1 -0.3%. Sodium Hyaluronate is suggested to be protective for epithelium in dry eye. To test this hypothesis, this study was performed in vitro with commercially available solutions containing hyaluronic acid (HA) in concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 0.3%. To evaluate the desiccation protection capability of different Sodium Hyaluronate 0.1 to 0.3%, we employed a reproducible in vitro cell culture system. Methods: Conjunctival (Chang 1-5c-4) and corneal cells (pRSV-T 2.040) were cultivated under standard conditions. Under confluent cell growth cells, conjunctival epithelial cell line Chang 1-5c-4 and the corneal cell line 2.040 pRSV-T were wetted for 20 min with five commercial ophthalmic solutions and one agent in trial phase (sample 1: 0.1% HA; sample 2: 0.3% HA; sample 3: 0.15% HA, 2% dexpanthenol, sodium chloride; sample 4: 0.1% HA; sample 5: 0.2% HA; sample 6: unknown, PBS as negative control, unsupplemented medium as positive control). After 20 minutes cells were exposed to continuous air flow for 0, 15, 30 and 45 minutes. Assessment of viable cells was performed by alamarBlue® assay and LIVE/DEAD® Viability/ Cytotoxicity Kit. Results: It has been shown that both cell lines showed different response to protection by the tested solutions. Greatest protection was observed at 15 minutes with most agents. Best results in protection from desiccation was assessed with sample 2 even at maximum exposure time at 45 minutes. Sample 2 showed an average survival rate of 91% at 45 minutes exposure time, whereas no significant amount of vital cells were detected after application with sample 6. Sample 6 was the only substance that presented with early significant cell loss at 0 and 15 minutes by 35%. Conclusions: Higher concentration of Hyaluronate acid with 0.3% and an ionic composition close to the normal tearfluid seem to provide the best protective effect against desiccation in experimental dry eye.
A fusion of Taq DNA polymerase with the CL7 protein from Escherichia coli remarkably improves DNA amplification
Authors: Fei Wang , Ben Rao , Jing Ni , Lixin Ma , Yaping Wang 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background

DNA polymerases are important enzymes that synthesize DNA molecules and therefore are critical to various scientific fields as essential components of in vitro DNA synthesis reactions, including PCR. Modern diagnostics, molecular biology, and genetic engineering require DNA polymerases with improved performance. This study aimed to obtain and characterize a new CL7-Taq fusion DNA polymerase, in which the DNA coding sequence of Taq DNA polymerase was fused with that of CL7, a double-stranded DNA binding-like protein from Escherichia coli.
Results

The resulting novel recombinant gene was cloned and expressed in E. coli. The recombinant CL7-Taq protein exhibited excellent thermostability, extension rate, sensitivity, and resistance to PCR inhibitors. Our results showed that the sensitivity of CL7-Taq DNA polymerase was 100-fold higher than that of wild-type Taq, which required a template concentration of at least 1.8 × 105 aM. Moreover, the extension rate of CL7-Taq was 4 kb/min, which remarkably exceeded the rate of Taq DNA polymerase (2 kb/min). Furthermore, the CL7 fusion protein showed increased resistance to inhibitors of DNA amplification, including lactoferrin, heparin, and blood. Single-cope human genomic targets were readily available from whole blood, and pretreatment to purify the template DNA was not required.
Conclusions

Thus, this is a novel enzyme that improved the properties of Taq DNA polymerase, and thus may have wide application in molecular biology and diagnostics.
Comparison of Bias and Resolvability in Single-Cell and Single-Transcript Methods
Authors: Rammohan Jayan , Lund Steven , Alperovich Nina , Paralanov Vanya , Strychalski Elizabeth , Ross David 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Single-cell and single-transcript measurement methods have elevated our ability to understand and engineer biological systems. However, defining and comparing performance between methods remains a challenge, in part due to the confounding effects of experimental variability. Here, we propose a generalizable framework for performing multiple methods in parallel using split samples, so that experimental variability is shared between methods. We demonstrate the utility of this framework by performing 12 different methods in parallel to measure the same underlying reference system for cellular response. We compare method performance using quantitative evaluations of bias and resolvability. We attribute differences in method performance to steps along the measurement process such as sample preparation, signal detection, and choice of measurand. Finally, we demonstrate how this framework can be used to benchmark a new method for single-transcript detection. The framework we present here provides a practical way to compare performance of any methods.
COVID19 - A Correlation Study of Infection Fatality Rate vs Age
Authors: DATTA JAYDIP 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
In this review one of the most important epidemiological parameter ie Infection fatality rate ( 1 ) is correlated with age of the population through a sigmoid statistics of Logistic model. The IFR is a special case of case fatality rate ( CFR ) . The CFR ( 1 ) is termed as the number of deaths due to symptomatic Covid infection within entire population per unit time . The IFR is a special case of CFR where number of deaths to be considered as total number of deaths due to symptomatic as well as asymptomatic infection within the same population per unit time .The sigmoid fit can also be approximated to modified quadratic fit [ 4,5 ].
A Self-Sustainable Wearable Multi-Modular E-Textile Bioenergy Microgrid System
Authors: Yin Lu , Kim Kyeong Nam , Lyu Jian , Tehrani Farshad , Lin Muyang , Lin Zuzeng , Ma Jessica , Moon Jong-Min , Yu Jialu , Xu Sheng , Wang Joseph 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Despite the fast development of various energy harvesting and storage devices, their judicious integration into efficient, autonomous, and sustainable wearable systems has not been widely explored. Here, we introduce the concept and design principles of e-textile microgrids to the world of wearable electronics by demonstrating the operation of a multi-module bioenergy microgrid system. Unlike earlier hybrid wearable energy systems, the presented e-textile microgrid relies solely on human movements to work synergistically, harvesting biochemical and biomechanical energy using sweat-based biofuel cells and triboelectric generators, and regulating the harvested energy via supercapacitor modules for high-power output. Through careful energy budgeting, the versatile e-textile system offers fast-booting and extended-harvesting to efficiently power liquid crystal displays continuously or a sweat sensor-electrochromic display system in pulsed sessions. Implementing the “compatible form factors, commensurate performance and complementary functionality” design principles, the flexible, textile-based bioenergy microgrid offers attractive prospects for the design and operation of efficient, sustainable, and autonomous wearable systems.
Imperceptible Energy Harvesting Device and Biomedical Sensor based on Ultraflexible Ferroelectric Transducers and Organic Diodes
Authors: Petritz Andreas , Karner-Petritz Esther , Uemura T. , Schäffner Philipp , Araki Teppei , Stadlober Barbara , Sekitani Tsuyoshi 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Energy autonomy and conformability are essential elements in the next generation of wearable and flexible electronics for healthcare, robotics and cyber-physical systems. This study presents ferroelectric polymer transducers and organic diodes for imperceptible sensing and energy harvesting systems, which, for the first time, are integrated on ultrathin (1-µm) substrates, thus imparting them with unprecedented flexibility. Simulations show that the sensitivity of ultraflexible ferroelectric polymer transducers (UFPTs) is enhanced dramatically using an ultrathin substrate, which allows the mounting on 3D-shaped objects and the stacking in multiple layers. Indeed, UFPTs have superior sensitivity to strain and pressure, fast response and excellent mechanical stability, thus forming imperceptible wireless e-health patches for precise pulse and blood pressure monitoring. For harvesting biomechanical energy, UFPTs are combined with rectifiers based on the world’s first ultraflexible organic diodes thus comprising an imperceptible, 2.5 µm thin, energy harvesting device with an excellent peak power density of 3 mW⋅cm− 3.