bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comment on “volume-outcome relationship on survival and cost benefits in severe burn injury: a retrospective analysis of a Japanese nationwide administrative database” (Endo et al., Journal of Intensive Care 2019)
Authors: Osuka Akinori , Miyao Daiki , Kuroki Yuichi 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThis is a critical comment on the paper by Endo et al. on the volume-outcome relationship on survival and cost benefits in severe burn injury which addresses biases related to patient transfer and burn severity assessment.
Gluteal-fold flap repair of rectovaginal fistula caused by aluminum potassium sulfate hydrate-tannic acid injection for internal hemorrhoids: a case report
Authors: Yoshimitsu Masanori , Egi Hiroyuki , Nagamatsu Shogo , Shimomura Manabu , Hakoda Keishi , Miguchi Masashi , Kohashi Toshihiko , Okajima Masazumi , Ohdan Hideki 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Rectovaginal fistula (RVF) following aluminum potassium sulfate hydrate-tannic acid (ALTA) injection therapy for hemorrhoids is a rare complication. We report the first case of RVF after ALTA injection therapy successfully treated by gluteal-fold flap.

Case presentation
A 49-year-old female suffered from a fever and rectal ulcer after undergoing internal hemorrhoid treatment with a submucosal ALTA injection at a previous clinic. One week after ALTA therapy, she noted obvious passage of flatus and stool through the vagina, and was diagnosed with RVF by anoscope at another clinic. She was referred to our hospital 3 weeks after ALTA therapy. Sigmoid colostomy was performed for fecal diversion as a preliminary step for fistula repair. However, the fistula was scarred and the defect between the rectum and vagina did not improve at all. Ten months after ALTA therapy, we performed fistula repair by gluteal-fold flap. Seven months later, sigmoid-colostomy reversal was performed. The patient has experienced no RVF in the 3 years since sigmoid-colostomy reversal.

Conclusions
The gluteal-fold flap strategy is a useful option for severe RVF management.
New findings useful for clinical practice using swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography in the follow-up of active ocular toxoplasmosis
Authors: de Oliveira Dias João Rafael , Campelo Camila , Novais Eduardo Amorim , de Andrade Gabriel Costa , Marinho Paula , Zamora Yusláy Fernández , Peixoto Luciana Finamor , Maia Maurício , Nascimento Heloísa , Belfort Rubens 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Ocular toxoplasmosis is one of the most common causes of intraocular inflammation and posterior uveitis in immunocompetent patients. This paper aims to investigate swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA) findings in eyes with active toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis.

Methods
This case series was conducted from November 2017 through October 2019 in two Brazilian centers. 15 eyes of 15 patients with active toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis were included, and were imaged at baseline and after at least 4 weeks of follow-up. All patients underwent ophthalmic examinations and multimodal imaging including SS-OCT and SS-OCTA before and after treatment of ocular toxoplasmosis. The differential diagnoses included toxoplasmosis, syphilis, and human immunodeficiency virus, which were eliminated through serologic and clinical evaluations.

Results
All 15 patients presented with positive anti-Toxoplasma gondii immunoglobulin G titers and three also presented with positive anti-T. gondii immunoglobulin M titers. The mean age at examination was 32.4 years ± 12.7 years (range 15–59 years). Sixty percent of the patients were female. In all eyes, the inner retinal layers were abnormally hyperreflective with full-thickness disorganization of the retinal reflective layers at the site of the active toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis. At baseline, 80% of eyes had focal choroidal thickening beneath the retinitis area, and all eyes had a choroidal hyporeflective signal. Before treatment, SS-OCTA showed no OCTA decorrelation signal next to the lesion site in all eyes, and flow signal improvement was noticed after treatment. Three eyes presented with intraretinal vascular abnormalities during follow-up. SS-OCTA showed retinal neovascularization in one patient and a presumed subclinical choroidal neovascular membrane in another patient.

Conclusions
SS-OCT and SS-OCTA are useful for assessing unexpected structural and vascular retinal and choroidal changes in active and post-treatment toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis and these findings are useful for clinical practice.
Failure prediction using personalized models and an application to heart failure prediction
Authors: Roy Asim , Bruce Charles , Schulte Phillip , Olson Lyle , Pola Manasa 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
To reduce disruptions of processes and the cost of maintenance, predicting the onset of failure (or a similar event) of a physical system (or components of a physical system) has become important. Prediction of onset of failure would allow appropriate corrective actions at the right time. In this paper, we present a method to predict the “onset” of failure (the start of a degradation process or similar types of events) of a physical system that minimizes data collection and personalizes it for the physical system. The method applies to situations where one monitors the operating characteristics of the physical system at regular time intervals by means of attached sensors and other measurement instruments. It creates a model of the physical system, during normal operations, using the time-series data produced by the sensors and measurement instruments. However, it does not create or use any time-series models. It simply examines the distribution of time-series data across different time periods. It uses this model of normal operations in subsequent time periods to monitor the physical system for deviations from normality.

Results
We illustrate this method with an application to predict the “onset” of subsequent decompensated heart failures for patients already treated for a heart failure at a hospital. As part of an NIH study, these heart failure patients received two ECG patches, an accelerometer and a bio-impedance measurement device for regular monitoring for a period after their release from the hospital.

Conclusions
When dealing with non-homogenous, disparate physical systems, personalized models can be better predictors of a phenomenon compared to generalized models based on data collected from an assortment of such physical systems. In medicine such models can be a powerful addition to the set of medical diagnostic tools. And such personalized models can be built rather quickly without waiting for extensive data collection.
Virtual experimental platforms in chemistry laboratory education and its impact on experimental self-efficacy
Authors: Kolil Vysakh Kani , Muthupalani Sharanya , Achuthan Krishnashree 
Published: July 2020

AbstractSelf-efficacy is an important determinant in successfully attempting a task. In the area of education, self-efficacy plays a crucial role in causing behavioral changes, resulting in enhanced performance over the course of learning. In chemistry education, students often develop anxiety towards performing experiments due to the perceived negative outcomes resulting from lack of understanding and improper experimentation. This anxiety negatively impacts the self-efficacy of students in performing laboratory experiments. We define student-held beliefs about their experimental skills as ’experimental self-efficacy’ (ESE), and examine the four prominent factors that impact ESE in chemical laboratories. Through the development of an instrument, this work characterizes ESE and the impact of pre-laboratory interventions such as exposure to virtual laboratories (VL) on ESE and conceptual knowledge of students. Furthermore, analysis using statistical techniques such as t-tests and dissimilarity matrices reveal the positive impact of VL in enhancing students’ ESE.
Harnessing repeated measurements of predictor variables for clinical risk prediction: a review of existing methods
Authors: Bull Lucy M. , Lunt Mark , Martin Glen P. , Hyrich Kimme , Sergeant Jamie C. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Clinical prediction models (CPMs) predict the risk of health outcomes for individual patients. The majority of existing CPMs only harness cross-sectional patient information. Incorporating repeated measurements, such as those stored in electronic health records, into CPMs may provide an opportunity to enhance their performance. However, the number and complexity of methodological approaches available could make it difficult for researchers to explore this opportunity. Our objective was to review the literature and summarise existing approaches for harnessing repeated measurements of predictor variables in CPMs, primarily to make this field more accessible for applied researchers.

Methods
MEDLINE, Embase and Web of Science were searched for articles reporting the development of a multivariable CPM for individual-level prediction of future binary or time-to-event outcomes and modelling repeated measurements of at least one predictor. Information was extracted on the following: the methodology used, its specific aim, reported advantages and limitations, and software available to apply the method.

Results
The search revealed 217 relevant articles. Seven methodological frameworks were identified: time-dependent covariate modelling, generalised estimating equations, landmark analysis, two-stage modelling, joint-modelling, trajectory classification and machine learning. Each of these frameworks satisfies at least one of three aims: to better represent the predictor-outcome relationship over time, to infer a covariate value at a pre-specified time and to account for the effect of covariate change.

Conclusions
The applicability of identified methods depends on the motivation for including longitudinal information and the method’s compatibility with the clinical context and available patient data, for both model development and risk estimation in practice.
Development of an electronic patient-reported outcome measure (ePROM) system to aid the management of patients with advanced chronic kidney disease
Authors: Kyte Derek , Anderson Nicola , Auti Ram , Aiyegbusi Olalekan Lee , Bishop Jon , Bissell Andrew , Brettell Elizabeth , Calvert Melanie , Chadburn Marie , Cockwell Paul , Dutton Mary , Eddington Helen , Forster Elliot , Hadley Gabby , Ives Natalie J. , Jackson Louise , O’Brien Sonja , Price Gary , Sharpe Keeley , Stringer Stephanie , Stephenson Gael , Verdi Rav , Waters Judi , Wilcockson Adrian , Williams Jim 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Effective management of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) relies on timely detection of clinical deterioration towards end stage kidney failure. We aimed to design an electronic Patient-Reported Outcome Measure (ePROM) system, which would allow patients with advanced CKD (pre-dialysis) to: (i) remotely self-report their symptoms using a simple and secure online platform; (ii) share the data with the clinical team in real-time via the electronic patient record to help optimise care. We adopted a staged development process which included: a systematic review of PROMs used in CKD; formation of a co-design team; prototype system design/development, user acceptance testing and refinement; finalisation of the system for testing in a pilot/feasibility trial.

Results
A co-design team was convened, including patients with lived experience of CKD; clinical team members; IT/Informatics experts; academics; and Birmingham Clinical Trials Unit representatives. A prototype system was developed and iterative changes made before finalisation during a series of operational meetings. The system allows patients to remotely self-report their symptoms; provides tailored self-management advice; allows monitoring of real-time patient ePROM data; sends automated notifications to the patient/clinical team in the advent of a severe symptom report; and incorporates longitudinal ePROM symptom data into the electronic patient record. Feasibility of the system will be evaluated as part of the National Institute for Health Research funded RePROM (Renal electronic Patient-Reported Outcome Measure) pilot trial (ISRCTN12669006).

Conclusions
Routine ePROM collection with real-time feedback has the potential to improve outcomes and reduce health service costs. We have successfully developed a trial-ready ePROM system for advanced CKD, the feasibility of which is currently being explored in a pilot trial. Assuming feasibility is demonstrated, formal evaluation of efficacy will take place in a future multi-centre randomised controlled trial.
Isolation of indigenous strains of the white halo fungus as a biological control agent against 3rd instar larvae of tobacco caterpillar, Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Dhanapal R. , Kumar D. V. Sai Ram , Lakshmipathy R. , Rani C. Sandhya , Kumar V. Manoj 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe farmer interest in biological control-based management practices using entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) for the control of many economically important insects has increased. In this process, selection of effective strains of EPF is an important criterion to control the target insect pests in efficient manner. In this context, this research work was formulated to find out environmentally effective strains of EPF in the soils of costal districts of Andhra Pradesh, India. Out of 135 soil samples collected, 9 yielded 9 strains of Lecanicillium lecanii. Among all 9 L. lecanii isolates, the least median lethal concentration (LC50) for 3rd instar larvae of the tobacco caterpillar, Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), was 1.17 × 106 spores ml−1 in L-8, followed by 1.27 × 106 spores ml−1 in L-5 in an increasing order. Likewise, the median lethal time (LT50) values of different isolates of EPF against the 3rd instar of S. litura were calculated for the uniform highest concentration of 1 × 108 spores ml−1. Among all 9 L. lecanii isolates, the lowest median lethal time (LT50) was observed as 7.70 days by L-8, followed by 7.77 days by L-5 and 8.50 days by L-7.
Excluded futures: the continuity bias in scenario assessments
Authors: Raskin Paul , Swart Rob 
Published: July 2020

AbstractGlobal scenario assessments in support of climate, biodiversity, energy and other international policy deliberations tend to focus on a narrow bandwidth of possibilities: futures that unfold gradually from current patterns and trends. This “continuity bias” downplays the real risks (and opportunities) of structural discontinuity in the evolution of the global social-ecological system. The inclination to focus on mathematically tractable representations and conventional futures preferred by decision-makers is understandable, but constrains the scientific imagination and the scope of policy guidance. Earlier studies spotlighted discontinuous global futures, thereby revealing a broader spectrum of possibilities and repertoire of actions than found in contemporary scenario analysis. The paper revisits three types of futures introduced 25 years ago; examines three truths they convey about the contemporary moment; and points to three courses of action they suggest. Contemporary assessments centre on incrementally changing Conventional Worlds, yet varieties of global disruption (Barbarization) and progressive transformation (Great Transition) remain plausible alternatives. Corresponding to this triad, three synergistic action prongs—reform (incremental policies), remediation (emergency preparedness and prevention), and redesign (deep cultural and institutional change)—come into focus. Recovering a comprehensive perspective on the global possible would reinvigorate debate on the kind of transformation needed, broaden the action agenda, and stimulate innovative research for illuminating our indeterminate future. The COVID-19 pandemic, a concrete illustration of historical discontinuity, underscores the critical importance of emphasizing nonconventional futures in policy assessments.
The paradox of planning for transformation: the case of the integrated sustainable urban development strategy in València (Spain)
Authors: Peris Jordi , Bosch Marga 
Published: July 2020

AbstractUrban transformation towards sustainability requires deep systemic change in economic, social, environmental, cultural, organisational, governmental, and physical terms. Considering this challenge, this paper aims to explore the potentials and limitations of urban planning to incorporate an urban transition management approach that strives to enable such deep transformation processes.Taking the Integrated Sustainable Urban Development (ISUD) Strategy for district regeneration in Valencia (Spain) as a case study, the analysis and discussion elaborate on the main barriers and enablers for urban planning to incorporate a transition perspective when tackling urban sustainability challenges. Four main fields of tension emerge as particularly relevant: 1) Democratic representation versus involvement of forerunner innovators, 2) Formal decision-making procedures versus reflexivity and social learning, 3) Standardised project formats versus open processes of searching and experimentation, and 4) Fragmented policy agendas and budget lines versus integrated and multi-sectoral interventions.The case study illustrates how urban planning struggles to align its rationale with requirements for managing complex sustainability transformations. The findings point to a paradox inherent in planning for transformation: although urban planning necessarily incorporates the values and rules of the currently dominant urban systems, it also has the potential to create windows of opportunity for niche innovations to emerge at district or even city level. Therefore, urban planning processes form an arena in which conflicts between niches and regimes are negotiated.
Impact of treating chronic hepatitis C infection with direct-acting antivirals on the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence
Authors: Musa Nevine Ibrahim , Mohamed Inas Elkhedr , Abohalima Ahmed Samir 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
The impact of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) remains a debate, whether they accelerate the recurrence rate of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after curative therapy. We evaluated the impact of direct-acting antiviral therapy on the rate of recurrence of HCV-related hepatocellular carcinoma following intervention in Egyptian patients.

Results
The results of the study represented an HCC recurrence rate of 38% in patients who received direct-acting antiviral therapy after HCC intervention versus 62% in those who did not receive antiviral therapy. In group I, according to the Barcelona Clinic of Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging, a higher recurrence rate was observed (57.9%) among patients who were classified as BCLC stage B.

Conclusions
HCC patients who did not receive direct-acting antiviral therapy after HCC intervention had a greater risk of HCC recurrence. DAAs did not increase the risk of HCC recurrence following HCC treatment; however, it did not abolish it. Close monitoring of patients after antiviral therapy is recommended.
Hazard quotient, microbial diversity, and plant composition of spent crude oil-polluted soil
Authors: Ikhajiagbe Beckley , Ogwu Matthew Chidozie 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
The present work assesses the concentration of some heavy metal, plant species composition, and microbial diversity of spent crude oil-polluted soil from electric generator plant house, auto mechanic workshop, bakery, and auto spare part shops in four local governments areas (Egor, Ikpoba-Okha, Oredo, and Ovia North) in Edo State, Southern Nigeria.

Results
Hazard quotient (HQ) of heavy metals varied in all the spent crude oil-polluted soil evaluated in the study. The HQ of heavy metals from auto mechanic workshop had the highest values for Cr (2.19), Mn (0.0965), Zn (4.1108), Fe (9.32015), and Cd (0.0155). The most frequent bacterial and fungal species found in all 16 sites were Bacillus subtilis (93.75%) and Aspergillus niger (100.0%) respectively. Auto spare part shops in Oredo had a bacterial count of 1.0 × 105 CFU/g while the bacteria count around power generator plants in Egor had a bacteria count of 1.71 × 105 CFU/g. Some of the plant species identified around all the sites include Acanthospermum hispidum, Alternanthera repens, Axonopus compressus, Cyperus esculentus, Eleusine indica, Paspalum scrobiculatum, and Tridax procumbens.

Conclusion
Spent crude oil pollution of the soil led to high amounts of heavy metal in the soil. However, the presence of higher plants and variable diversity and richness of microorganisms found in the soil are likely contributing to the remediation of the polluted soil.
A cause and effect relationship between FIIs, DIIs and stock market returns in India: pre- and post-demonetization analysis
Authors: Parab Narayan , Reddy Y. V. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIn one of the most historic decisions in the Indian economy, the Government of India demonetized its two highest currency notes (Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000) on November 8, 2016. The Indian stock market does not only consist of domestic investors; however, it does attract a large pool of foreign investors. The present study, considering the significance of demonetization in Indian economy, attempted to examine the association between foreign institutional investment (FII), domestic institutional investment (DII) and stock market returns taking into account a period of 686 days from June 11, 2015, to March 27, 2018, i.e., 343 days pre- and post-demonetization. The study made use of various statistical techniques such as summary statistics, augmented Dickey–Fuller test, correlation analysis and regression analysis. The results indicate a negative relationship of FIIs and DIIs with Nifty 50 Index Returns prior to demonetization; however, such a relationship was noticed to be positive post-demonetization. The present study did not evidence a significant impact of demonetization on FIIs and DIIs, but a significant negative impact was noticed in the case of Nifty 50 Index and various sectoral indices post-demonetization. Nifty Realty sector was found to be severely affected because of demonetization. The study will help the government in understanding the impact of demonetization on foreign and domestic institutional investors, various sectoral indices and evaluate market sentiment post-demonetization and therefore frame necessary policies. Also, the information provided in present study will help various stock market participants.
Oncology Medical Training and Practice: Managing Jordan’s Brain Drain Through Brain Train—The King Hussein Cancer Center Experience
Authors: Abdel-Razeq Hikmat , Barbar Maha , Shamieh Omar , Mansour Asem 
Published: July 2020

PURPOSE The medical education system in Jordan is one of the most advanced education systems in the Middle East. Yet many medical school graduates leave the country to seek specialty and subspecialty education and training abroad, and the majority of graduates continue their careers there. METHODS We explored reasons behind this so-called “brain drain” and how to slow it, along with capacity building opportunities and strategies for better local training. RESULTS By taking advantage of various international collaborative opportunities, the King Hussein Cancer Center has managed to offer strong local training programs and an enhanced working environment, which has enabled us to improve the educational level of our graduates so they can help staff the Center, the country, and the region. CONCLUSION Strong local training programs coupled with international partnerships can result in better training for physicians and offset the problem of brain drain without putting any restraints on the graduates.