bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Very low levels of serum anti-Müllerian hormone as a possible marker for follicle growth in patients with primary ovarian insufficiency under hormone replacement therapy
Authors: Kasahara Yukiyo , Osuka Satoko , Bayasula Bayasula , Nakanishi Natsuki , Murase Tomohiko , Nakamura Tomoko , Goto Maki , Kotani Tomomi , Iwase Akira , Kikkawa Fumitaka 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Patients with primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) occasionally present with follicle growth; however, it is difficult to predict exactly which cycles will show follicle growth. Serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), a useful marker for ovarian reserve, is produced in early-stage follicles. Therefore, AMH levels should reflect the presence of small follicles, which are difficult to detect using ultrasonography, and may be useful as a marker for predicting follicle growth in patients with POI. Methods: Using an ultrasensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit, we found very low serum AMH levels in patients with POI. We assessed the follicle growth of each patient during each cycle to clarify the usefulness of measuring serum AMH levels for predicting follicle growth in patients with POI under hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Results: A total of 91 cycles of 19 patients with POI were analyzed in this study. Five patients presented with positive serum AMH levels during the observational periods, and all five experienced follicle growth. Only two of the 14 patients with negative serum AMH levels had follicle growth. Serum AMH and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels in cycles with follicle growth were significantly higher than in cycles without follicle growth. The median serum AMH level (2.77 pg/mL; 25th, 75th percentiles: 0.0, 9.64) in cycles with follicle growth was lower than the lower limit of detection of conventional AMH ELISA kits. The positive predictive value of positive serum AMH levels for follicle growth was higher than that of FSH (< 10 mIU/mL).Conclusions: Measurement of very low levels of serum AMH using picoAMH assays is useful for prediction of follicle growth in patients with POI under HRT conditions. Trial registration: UMIN-CTR UMIN000029464. Retrospectively registered on April 4, 2018. https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000033550
Canine vector-borne pathogens in rural dogs in Chile: molecular survey and co-infection patterns
Authors: Cevidanes Aitor , Cataldo Sophia Di , Martín Catalina Muñoz-San , Hernández Claudia , Latrofa Maria Stefania , Cattan Pedro , Otranto Domenico , Millán Javier 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Canine vector-borne pathogens (CVBP) comprise a relevant and globally distributed group of disease agents. The aim of this study is to determine de co-occurrence of the most relevant CVBP of veterinary and zoonotic interest, in free-ranging, owned, rural dogs of central Chile, and to evaluate risk factors and potential non-apparent hematological alterations associated to pathogen co-infection by two or more agents.Methods: Nine groups of canine vector-borne pathogens (CVBP) were molecularly investigated in 111 free-ranging, owned rural dogs in the Metropolitan Region of Chile. Results: At least one pathogen was detected in 75% of the dogs. The most prevalent agent was Anaplasma platys (36%), followed by Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum (CMhp; 31%), Mycoplasma haemocanis (Mhc; 28%), Trypanosoma cruzi (17%), Leishmania spp. (4.5%) and Acanthocheilonema reconditum (1%). DNA of Ehrlichia spp., Rickettsia spp., Bartonella spp., Piroplasmida and Hepatozoon spp. was not detected. Thirty-eight dogs (34%) were coinfected, either by two (n=20), three (n=7), or four agents (n=1). The most common co-infection pattern was CMhp – Mhc (n=14). CMhp was involved in 71%, Mhc in 58%, and A. platys in 50% of the co-infections. Prevalence of A. platys was higher in juvenile than in adult dogs, whereas the opposite was found for CMhp and Mhc. Adult dogs had five times more probabilities of being coinfected than young animals. Dogs positive for A. platys were infested by a larger number of Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato ticks than uninfected individuals. At clinical evaluation, most of the animals were considered healthy, with only eight dogs (7%) presenting pale mucous membranes. Co-infected animals showed higher white blood cell count, segmented neutrophil count and GGT levels than non-co-infected dogs. Conclusions: Widespread occurrence of and co-infection by CVBP was found in rural free-ranging dogs of central Chile. This study represents the first report of Leishmania spp. in Chile. Clinically healthy but infected dogs as those studied here may act as reservoirs of CVBP, potentially contributing to the spread of these pathogens to other tick-exposed dogs as well as human beings or wild carnivores.
Development and validation of bile acid profile-based scoring system for identification of biliary atresia: a prospective study
Authors: Zhao Dongying , Zhou Kejun , Chen Yan , Xie Wei , Zhang Yongjun 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Early distinguishing biliary atresia from other causes of infantile cholestasis remains a major challenge. We aimed to develop and validate a scoring system based on bile acid for identification of biliary atresia.Methods: In a prospective study, a total of 141 infants with cholestasis were enrolled in two sets (derivation cohort, n=66; validation cohort, n=75) from 2014 to 2018. Variables with significant difference between biliary atresia and non-biliary atresia infants were selected in the derivation cohort. Then, a scoring system including those variables was designed and validated. Results: Among 66 patients in the derivation cohort, 34 (51.5%) had biliary atresia. A scoring system was proposed with the following variables: glycochenodeoxycholic acid/chenodeoxycholic acid, clay stool, and gamma-glutamyl transferase. The total score ranged from 0 to 41, and a cutoff value of 15 identified biliary atresia with an area under receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.87 (95% confidence interval, 0.77–0.94), sensitivity of 85.3%, and specificity of 81.3% in the derivation cohort; these values were also confirmed in a validation cohort with a sensitivity of 90.0% and specificity of 80.0%. Conclusions: The proposed simple scoring system had good diagnostic accuracy for estimating the risk of biliary atresia in infants with cholestasis.
The Effect of Primary Tumor Radiotherapy in Patients with Unresectable Stage IV Rectal or Rectosigmoid Cancer: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis for Survival.
Authors: Wang Gang , Wang Wenling , Jin Haijie , Dong Hongmin , Chen Weiwei , Li Xiaokai , Li Guodong , Li Leilei 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: To evaluate the impact of primary tumor radiotherapy on survival in patients with unresectable metastatic rectal or rectosigmoid cancer.Methods: From September 2008 to September 2017, 350 patients with unresectable metastatic rectal or rectosigmoid cancer were retrospectively reviewed in our center. All patients received at least 4 cycles of chemotherapy and were divided into two groups according to whether they received primary tumor radiotherapy. A total of 163 patients received primary tumor radiotherapy, and the median radiation dose was 56.69 Gy (50.4-60). Survival curves were estimated with the Kaplan–Meier method to roughly compare survival between the two groups. Subsequently, the 18-month survival rate was used as the outcome variable for this study. This study mainly evaluated the impact of primary tumor radiotherapy on the survival of these patients through a series of multivariate Cox regression analyses after propensity score matching (PSM).Results: The median follow-up time was 21 months. All 350 patients received a median of 7 cycles of chemotherapy (range 4-12), and 163 (46.67%) patients received primary tumor radiotherapy for local symptoms. The Kaplan–Meier survival curves showed that the primary tumor radiotherapy group had a significant overall survival (OS) advantage compared to the group without radiotherapy (20.07 vs 17.33 months; P=0.002). In this study, the multivariate Cox regression analysis after adjusting for covariates, multivariate Cox regression analysis after PSM, inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) analysis and propensity score (PS)-adjusted model analysis consistently showed that primary tumor radiotherapy could effectively reduce the risk of death for these patients at 18 months (HR: 0.62, 95% CI 0.40-0.98; HR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.93-1.45; HR: 0.70, 95% CI 0.55-0.99 and HR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.59-0.94).Conclusion: Compared with patients with stage IV rectal or rectosigmoid cancer who did not receive primary tumor radiotherapy, those who received primary tumor radiotherapy had a lower risk of death. The prescription dose (59.4 Gy/33 fractions or 60 Gy/30 fractions) of radiation for primary tumors might be considered not only to relieve symptoms improve the survival of patients with inoperable metastatic rectal or rectosigmoid cancer.
Riprap incipient motion for overtopping flows with machine learning models
Authors: Najafzadeh Mohammad , Oliveto Giuseppe 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Riprap stones are frequently applied to protect rivers and channels against erosion processes. Many empirical equations have been proposed in the past to estimate the unit discharge at the failure circumstance of riprap layers. However, these equations lack general impact due to the limited range of experimental variables. To overcome these shortcomings, support vector machine (SVM), multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS), and random forest (RF) techniques have been applied in this study to estimate the approach densimetric Froude number at the incipient motion of riprap stones. Riprap stone size, streambank slope, uniformity coefficient of riprap layer stone, specific density of stones, and thickness of riprap layer have been considered as controlling variables. Quantitative performances of the artificial intelligence (AI) models have been assessed by many statistical measures including: coefficient of correlation (R), root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), and scatter index (SI). Statistical performance of AI models indicated that SVM model with radial basis function (RBF) kernel had better performance (SI = 0.37) than MARS (SI = 0.75) and RF (SI = 0.63) techniques. The proposed AI models performed better than existing empirical equations. From a parametric study the results demonstrated that the erosion-critical stone-referred Froude number (Fs,c) is mainly controlled by the streambank slope.
Drought response impacts on household water use practices in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Matikinca Phikolomzi , Ziervogel Gina , Enqvist Johan P. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractCape Town recently endured a record-breaking drought which nearly ended in disaster for the city's water supply. Municipal authorities introduced several measures to curb water demand using both monetary and other incentives, but little is known about how effective these measures were at encouraging people to save water. Previous literature shows no consensus as to which types of measures are most effective for managing residential water demand. Using information obtained through semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 20 individuals living in houses where they paid their water bills, this study provides insights on how respondents interpreted and responded to these mechanisms. Results show that price mechanisms were considered to be ineffective and did not encourage people to save water in their households. Non-price mechanisms were seen as having more impact on respondents, encouraging water conservation behaviour; especially when it comes to household indoor water use activities related to hygiene. While previous studies primarily provide quantitative data to measure the effectiveness of water demand management strategies, this paper adds a qualitative understanding of how and why households' water use practices change in response to these measures.
Water and fertilizer efficiency in a polyculture cropping system under three production systems
Authors: Rodríguez-Jurado Susana , García-Trejo Juan Fernando , Mejía-Ugalde Ignacio , Vera-Morales Juan Manuel , Vargas-Hernández Marcela , Ávila-Juárez Luciano 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Approximately 40% of the water used in intensive agriculture is discarded as ‘drainage,’ which contains high amounts of ions that pollute the environment. This work aimed at investigating polyculture (tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce) under three production systems, namely, open (OPS), soil (SPS), and closed (CPS), in which the drainage water from the first crop was used to feed the second crop, and the water from the second crop was used to feed the third crop. The water and fertilizer efficiencies and some physical–chemical properties of the plants and soil were measured. The results showed no significant difference in the yield for polycultures between the CPS and OPS systems. The most efficient system for water use was the CPS, with 54.85 kg m−3, with a water savings of 55.69% compared to the OPS. The efficiency of fertilizers, such as N, P, K, Ca, and Mg, was statistically higher in the CPS, providing more kilograms of fruit per kilogram of nutrients. The reuse of drainage water in a polyculture not only increased the efficiency of the water and fertilizers but also increased the yields produced per cubic meter of water used, thereby minimizing environmental contamination.
Investigation on the Metabolism of Curcumin and Baicalein in Zebrafish by Liquid Chromatography-tandem Mass Spectrometry Analysis
Authors: Yin Shi-Jun , Wang Ya-Li , Chen Hua , Hu Guang , Zheng Guo-Can , Yang Feng-Qing 
Published: May 2020

Background:
Curcumin (CUR) and baicalein (BAI) are the main active ingredients in
Curcuma longa and Scutellaria baicalensis, which are used together in Jiang-Qin-Si-Wu decoction to
treat gynecological diseases. On the other hand, zebrafish, as a metabolic model has become more
popular, therefore, the metabolism of CUR and BAI in zebrafish is investigated in the present study.

Methods:
Zebrafish embryos after hatching 48 hours were divided into four experimental groups.
The blank group was exposed to 1 mL of ultra-pure water. Three drug-treated groups were exposed
to CUR (8 μM, 1 mL), BAI (8 μM, 1 mL), CUR and BAI (8 μM, 2 mL), respectively. After
homogenization, they were analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LCMS/
MS). The structure of the metabolites was determined by comparing their corresponding mass
spectra with those of relevant literature. According to the change of metabolite content, the metabolic
effect of curcumin and baicalein was explored.

Results:
Five and six metabolites of CUR and BAI in zebrafish were identified by LC-MS/MS,
respectively. Their metabolic pathways in zebrafish were glucuronidation and sulfation. Reduction
and methylation reactions also occurred for CUR and BAI, respectively. In addition, after combined
exposure of both the drugs, CUR reduced the BAI glucuronide metabolites and inhibited the
metabolism of BAI in zebrafish, which is consistent with the mammalian metabolism.

Conclusion:
Using LC-MS/MS analysis, zebrafish is a feasible model for drug metabolism study.
The results of metabolic study indicated that CUR might affect the therapeutic effect of BAI.
Characterization of 10 Biogenic Amines in Male Silkworm Moth by HPLC with Precolumn Derivatization
Authors: Fan Mingqin , Ai Yun , Zhao Wenjie , Sun Yanni , Liu Jianli , Zhang Ning 
Published: May 2020

Background:
Biogenic Amines (BAs) are biologically active nitrogenous organic compounds
of low molecular weight, which are frequently found in a wide variety of foods, beverages
and herbs due to their toxic potential in humans. Male Silkworm Moth (MSM), a Traditional Chinese
Medicine (TCM), has been exploited and utilized as nutritious liquor based on its traditional
effects in the Chinese community.

Objective:
The objective of this study was to develop an HPLC with Dns-Cl derivatization method
for characterizing overall BAs in MSM and providing data for further evaluating its activities and
safety profiles.

Methods:
The method has acceptable sensitivity, precision, accuracy, selectivity and recovery, and was
successfully applied to the determination of the BAs contents in MSM for the first time.

Results:
In the analysis of 10 batches of MSM samples, serotonin and dopamine were not found in
detectable concentrations in any samples, and the most abundant amine found was putrescine. The
mean values of tryptamine, phenylethylamine, putrescine, cadaverine, histamine, tyramine, spermidine,
and spermine determined in the samples were found to be 34.7 mg/ kg, 16.1 mg/ kg, 218.3
mg/ kg, 37.9 mg/ kg, 12.1 mg/ kg, 18.2 mg/ kg, 4.5mg/ kg, and 0.9 mg/ kg, respectively.

Conclusion:
The contents of BAs in 10 batches of MSM were below the maximum recommended
limits, and MSM can be used safely.
The Impact of Community-acquired Pneumonia on Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients as Regards In-hospital Complications and Early Readmission
Authors: Ruby Dina 
Published: May 2020

Background and Objective:
Pneumonia is a major reason for hospitalization for Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease patients (AECOPD). There is limited data available on the outcomes of AECOPD patients with or without pneumonia. Therefore, the study investigates the prognosis of AECOPD patients with or without Community-acquired Pneumonia (CAP), concerning the Length of Hospital Stay (LOS), in-hospital complications and early readmission.

Methods:
This study was carried out on 100 male COPD patients without CAP, 90 patients with CAP who were admitted to the chest department of Ain Shams University hospital over a 1-year period. Data collection about LOS, in-hospital complications, was recorded and they were followed for 30 days to detect acute readmission.

Results:
The mean age was 64± 8 years old in COPD patients without CAP to 62± 12year old in patients with CAP, LOS in COPD patients with CAP was 11.30 ± 3.23 days to 7.57 ± 2.24 in patients without CAP, COPD patients with CAP had a higher rate of complications in comparison to those without CAP as 45.6%, 13% were admitted to Intensive Care Unit (ICU) respectively, 15.6%, 3% were mechanically ventilated respectively. LOS and C- Reactive Protein (CRP) were significant causes for readmission in COPD patients with and without CAP.

Conclusion:
COPD patients with CAP had longer LOS and more short term complications as ICU admission, mechanical ventilation and higher readmission rate in comparison to COPD patients without CAP.
Once Daily Versus Overnight and Symptom Versus Physiological Monitoring to Detect Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Al Rajeh Ahmed M , Aldabayan Yousef Saad , Aldhahir Abdulelah , Pickett Elisha , Quaderi Shumonta , Alqahtani Jaber S , Mandal Swapna , Lipman Marc CI , Hurst John R 
Published: May 2020

Background
Earlier detection of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations may facilitate more rapid treatment with reduced risk of hospitalization. Changes in pulse oximetry may permit early detection of exacerbations. We hypothesized that overnight pulse oximetry would be superior to once-daily monitoring for the early detection of exacerbations.

Objective
This study aims to evaluate whether measuring changes in heart rate and oxygen saturation overnight is superior to once-daily monitoring of both parameters and to assess symptom changes in facilitating earlier detection of COPD exacerbations.

Methods
A total of 83 patients with COPD were randomized to once-daily or overnight pulse oximetry. Both groups completed the COPD assessment test questionnaire daily. The baseline mean and SD for each pulse oximetry variable were calculated from 14 days of stable monitoring. Changes in exacerbation were expressed as Z scores from this baseline.

Results
The mean age of the patients was 70.6 (SD 8.1) years, 52% (43/83) were female, and the mean FEV1 was 53.0% (SD 18.5%) predicted. Of the 83 patients, 27 experienced an exacerbation. Symptoms were significantly elevated above baseline from 5 days before to 12 days after treatment initiation. Day-to-day variation in pulse oximetry during the stable state was significantly less in the overnight group than in the once-daily group. There were greater relative changes at exacerbation in heart rate than oxygen saturation. An overnight composite score of change in heart rate and oxygen saturation changed significantly from 7 days before initiation of treatment for exacerbation and had a positive predictive value for exacerbation of 91.2%. However, this was not statistically better than examining changes in symptoms alone.

Conclusions
Overnight pulse oximetry permits earlier detection of COPD exacerbations compared with once-daily monitoring. Monitoring physiological variables was not superior to monitoring symptoms, and the latter would be a simpler approach, except where there is a need for objective verification of exacerbations.

Trial Registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03003702; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03003702