bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recent advance in treatment of osteoarthritis by bioactive components from herbal medicine
Authors: Li Xu-zhao , Zhang Shuai-nan 
Published: August 2020

AbstractOsteoarthritis (OA) is a common chronic articular degenerative disease, and characterized by articular cartilage degradation, synovial inflammation/immunity, and subchondral bone lesion, etc. The disease affects 2–6% of the population around the world, and its prevalence rises with age and exceeds 40% in people over 70. Recently, increasing interest has been devoted to the treatment or prevention of OA by herbal medicines. In this paper, the herbal compounds with anti-OA activities were reviewed, and the cheminformatics tools were used to predict their drug-likeness properties and pharmacokinetic parameters. A total of 43 herbal compounds were analyzed, which mainly target the damaged joints (e.g. cartilage, subchondral bone, and synovium, etc.) and circulatory system to improve the pathogenesis of OA. Through cheminformatics analysis, over half of these compounds have good drug-likeness properties, and the pharmacokinetic behavior of these components still needs to be further optimized, which is conducive to the enhancement in their drug-likeness properties. Most of the compounds can be an alternative and valuable source for anti-OA drug discovery, which may be worthy of further investigation and development.
Developing a roadmap to improve trial delivery for under-served groups: results from a UK multi-stakeholder process
Authors: Witham Miles D. , Anderson Eleanor , Carroll Camille , Dark Paul M. , Down Kim , Hall Alistair S. , Knee Joanna , Maier Rebecca H. , Mountain Gail A. , Nestor Gary , Oliva Laurie , Prowse Sarah R. , Tortice Amanda , Wason James , Rochester Lynn ,   On behalf of the INCLUDE writing group
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Participants in clinical research studies often do not reflect the populations for which healthcare interventions are needed or will be used. Enhancing representation of under-served groups in clinical research is important to ensure that research findings are widely applicable. We describe a multicomponent workstream project to improve representation of under-served groups in clinical trials.

Methods
The project comprised three main strands: (1) a targeted scoping review of literature to identify previous work characterising under-served groups and barriers to inclusion, (2) surveys of professional stakeholders and participant representative groups involved in research delivery to refine these initial findings and identify examples of innovation and good practice and (3) a series of workshops bringing together key stakeholders from funding, design, delivery and participant groups to reach consensus on definitions, barriers and a strategic roadmap for future work. The work was commissioned by the UK National Institute for Health Research Clinical Research Network. Output from these strands was integrated by a steering committee to generate a series of goals, workstream plans and a strategic roadmap for future development work in this area.

Results
‘Under-served groups’ was identified and agreed by the stakeholder group as the preferred term. Three-quarters of stakeholders felt that a clear definition of under-served groups did not currently exist; definition was challenging and context-specific, but exemplar groups (e.g. those with language barriers or mental illness) were identified as under-served. Barriers to successful inclusion of under-served groups could be clustered into communication between research teams and participant groups; how trials are designed and delivered, differing agendas of research teams and participant groups; and lack of trust in the research process. Four key goals for future work were identified: building long-term relationships with under-served groups, developing training resources to improve design and delivery of trials for under-served groups, developing infrastructure and systems to support this work and working with funders, regulators and other stakeholders to remove barriers to inclusion.

Conclusions
The work of the INCLUDE group over the next 12 months will build on these findings by generating resources customised for different under-served groups to improve the representativeness of trial populations.
Determinants of Technical Efficiency in Public Hospitals: The Case of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alatawi Ahmed D. , Niessen Louis W. , Khan Jahangir A. M. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Objective
In this study, we investigate the effect of the external environmental and institutional factors on the efficiency and the performance of the public hospitals affiliated to the Ministry of Health (MOH) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). We estimate the demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of catchment populations that explain the demand for health services.

Methods
We apply descriptive analysis to explore what external factors (demographic and socioeconomic factors) can explain the observed differences in technical efficiency scores. We use Spearman’s rank correlation, multivariate Tobit regression and Two-part model to measure the impact of the explanatory variables (i.e. population density, nationality, gender, age groups, economic status, health status, medical interventions and geographic location) on the efficiency scores.

Results
The analysis shows that the external factors had a significant influence on efficiency scores. We find significant associations between hospitals efficiency scores and number of populations in the catchment area, percentage of children (0–5 years old), the prevalence of infectious diseases, and the number of prescriptions dispensed from hospital’s departments. Also, the scores significantly associate with the number of populations who faced financial hardships during medical treatments, and those received financial support from social administration. That indicates the hospitals that serve more patients in previous characteristics are relatively more technically efficient.

Conclusions
The environmental and institutional factors have a crucial effect on efficiency and performance in public hospitals. In these regards, we suggested improvement of health policies and planning in respect to hospital efficiency and resource allocation, which consider the different demographic, socioeconomic and health status of the catchment populations (e.g., population density, poverty, health indicators and services utilization). The MOH should pay more attention to ensure appropriate allocation mechanisms of health resources and improve utilization of health services among the target populations, for securing efficient and equitable health services.
Doppler evaluation of maternal vessels in normal gestation and threatened abortion in canines
Authors: Gaikwad Sandeep Mahadeo , Gulavane Sarita Ulhas , Kumbhar Umesh Balkrishna , Shelar Raju Ramrao , Chaudhari Ravindra Jayram , Ribeiro Ruth Ann 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Ultrasonographic monitoring of the pregnant bitch is an established routine in many veterinary clinics. In order to better assess foetal health and avoid pregnancy losses, Doppler ultrasonographic evaluation of the pregnant uterus is the need of the day. Investigations on the dynamics of maternal and foetal blood flow using Doppler ultrasound have been conducted in multiple species recently and it is invisaged that it would be a reliable diagnostic tool in future in monitoring pregnancy. The present study was designed to compare Doppler parameters systolic peak velocity (SPV), end diastolic velocity (EDV), pulsatility index (PI) and resistivity index (RI) of the uteroplacental (UPA) and umbilical arteries (UA) measured during 40 to 50 and 51 to 60 days in normal gestation and threatened abortion in canines.

Results
In total 40 pregnant bitches with known history of breeding; irrespective of age and parity belonging to different breeds were classified into normal gestation (NG) and threatened abortion (TA). Bitches with the history of greenish black discharge or expulsion of one foetus were included in the abortion group and bitches with no such symptoms were included in the normal gestation group. End diastolic velocity of uteroplacental vessels decreased while PI and RI increased significantly with decrease in body weight in threatened abortion cases during 40 to 50 and 51 to 60 days of gestation in canines. Systolic peak velocity and EDV of umbilical arteries increased while PI decreased significantly with decrease in body weight during 40 to 50 days of gestation in canine threatened abortions.

Conclusions
Doppler evaluation of uteroplacental and umbilical arteries is recommended as a diagnostic tool to monitor high risk pregnancy during 40 to 50 and 51 to 60 days of gestation in canines.
Multiple carrier frequency offset compensation for cooperative HAPS IoT systems
Authors: Zhang Yanyan , Wang Baocong , Li Xing , Liu Na , Ji Wenjuan , Li Xin 
Published: August 2020

AbstractDue to the deployment flexibility and broad coverage capabilities, High Altitude Platform Station is an efficiency solution of communication access for underserved areas like remote areas. However, for some special scenarios, multiple platforms may need to collaborate to overcome the effects of terrain. But the interferences introduced by multiple carriers and access links may hinder the process and restrict its practicability. In order to eliminate these interferences, a proposal on multiple carrier frequency offsets (MCFO) compensation algorithm was provided in this paper. Furthermore, this paper analyzed the lower bound of bit error ratio (BER) for cooperative HAPS systems. Simulation was also carried out, and the results validate the correctness of our theoretical analysis results.
Multiplication operators on weighted Bloch spaces of the first Cartan domains
Authors: Jiang Zhi-jie 
Published: August 2020

AbstractLet $\Re_{I}(m,n)$

ℜ
I

(
m
,
n
)
be the first Cartan domain. Motivated by some results of the multiplication operators on the holomorphic function spaces on the unit ball of ${\mathbb {C}}^{n}$

C
n

, we study multiplication operators on weighted Bloch spaces of the first Cartan domain and obtain some necessary or sufficient conditions for the boundedness and compactness in this paper.
A hybrid inertial algorithm for approximating solution of convex feasibility problems with applications
Authors: Chidume Charles E. , Kumam Poom , Adamu Abubakar 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAn inertial iterative algorithm for approximating a point in the set of zeros of a maximal monotone operator which is also a common fixed point of a countable family of relatively nonexpansive operators is studied. Strong convergence theorem is proved in a uniformly convex and uniformly smooth real Banach space. This theorem extends, generalizes and complements several recent important results. Furthermore, the theorem is applied to convex optimization problems and to J-fixed point problems. Finally, some numerical examples are presented to show the effect of the inertial term in the convergence of the sequence of the algorithm.
A new discrete pareto type (IV) model: theory, properties and applications
Authors: Ghosh Indranil 
Published: August 2020

AbstractDiscrete analogue of a continuous distribution (especially in the univariate domain) is not new in the literature. The work of discretizing continuous distributions begun with the paper by Nakagawa and Osaki (1975) to the best of the knowledge of the author. Since then several authors proposed discrete analogues of known continuous models. In this paper, we propose and study a discrete analogue of the continuous Pareto (type IV) distribution, namely the discrete Pareto (type IV) distribution (DPIV, henceforth, in short) that has three parameters. Its probability mass function can be approximately symmetric, right-skewed and left-skewed shapes, and the hazard rate function possesses decreasing and upside-down bathtub shapes. Also, the proposed discrete distribution can be under-, over- or equi- dispersion. The flexibility of the new discrete model is illustrated by means of three applications to real life data sets arising out of various domains affecting our life.
Life experiences associated with change in perpetration of domestic violence
Authors: Adhia Avanti , Lyons Vivian H. , Cohen-Cline Hannah , Rowhani-Rahbar Ali 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
This study assessed whether several adult life experiences, including loss of support, loss of food security, loss of housing, and substance use cessation, are associated with change in domestic violence (DV) perpetration from early to later adulthood. Using 2015 to 2016 cross-sectional, self-report survey data from Medicaid enrollees in Oregon (N = 1620), we assessed change in DV perpetration from early adulthood (19–30 years) to later adulthood (≥ 31 years of age), cut points determined by existing survey questions. Multinomial logistic regression models were constructed to estimate the association between life experiences and physical DV perpetration using odds ratios (OR), adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, DV victimization, and childhood abuse, bullying, and social support.

Findings
Of the 20% of participants who perpetrated DV, 36% perpetrated DV in both early and later adulthood (persisters), 42% discontinued (desisters) and 22% began (late-onsetters) perpetration in later adulthood. Loss of support and loss of food security were both associated with change in DV perpetration (i.e., desistance or late onset of perpetration or both). Loss of support was associated with 9.5 times higher odds of being a desister (OR = 9.5, 95% CI = 1.1, 84.1) and 54.2 times higher odds of being a late-onsetter (OR = 54.2, 95% CI = 6.5, 450.8) of DV perpetration compared to persisters. Loss of food security was associated with 10.3 times higher odds of being a late-onsetter (OR = 10.3, 95% CI = 1.9, 55.4) of DV perpetration compared to persisters. In addition, substance use cessation was associated with 10.3 times higher odds of being a desister (OR = 10.3, 95% CI = 1.9, 56.2) compared to persisters.

Conclusions
Findings suggest that specific life experiences in adulthood, including loss of support, loss of food security, and substance use cessation, are associated with changes in DV perpetration.
Unilateral morning glory disc anomaly in a patient with prenatal Zika virus exposure
Authors: Muns Sofía M. , González Mónica P. , Villegas Victor M. , de la Vega Gabriela , Ventura Camila V. , Berrocal Audina M. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
To report a case of morning glory disc anomaly (MGDA) in a pediatric patient with prenatal Zika virus (ZIKV) exposure.

Case presentation
A 3-year-old male with prenatal exposure to ZIKV, confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction testing during the second trimester of pregnancy, was evaluated due to visual loss. Physical examination was remarkable for unilateral MGDA. Neuroimaging showed a base of skull encephalocele through the floor of the sella and callosal dysgenesis.

Conclusions
This is the first report to suggest an association between prenatal ZIKV exposure and MGDA. Prenatal ZIKV exposure may be associated to a wider pathologic spectrum than previously reported.
Association between polymorphisms in mannose-binding lectin 2 gene with pulmonary tuberculosis susceptibility
Authors: Shen Wenhao , Xiao Li , Li Yang , Zhou Daming , Zhang Wei 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundMannose-binding lectin (MBL2) is considered to play a role in the human innate immune response to tuberculosis (TB) infections, and 4 common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) may be associated with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) risk. To examine these potential associations, we performed a comprehensive analysis to assess the relationships betweenMBL2polymorphisms and PTB.MethodsThe PubMed, Embase, and SinoMed databases were searched for articles published prior to June 13, 2019. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated to evaluate the strength of the relationships.ResultsThere were 37 case-control studies examining the effects of the four SNPs inMBL2on PTB. A positive association between rs11003125 and PTB risk was observed in the hospital-based subgroup. Moreover, for the combined polymorphism and PTB risk, positive associations were detected not only in the total population but also in those with Asian origins across all source of control subgroups. No associations were found for rs7096206 or rs7095891.ConclusionsOur current study indicated that several SNPs inMBL2may be associated with susceptibility to PTB.
Immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced inflammatory arthritis: a qualitative study identifying unmet patient needs and care gaps
Authors: Cappelli Laura C. , Grieb Suzanne M. , Shah Ami A. , Bingham Clifton O. , Orbai Ana-Maria 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Patients treated for cancer with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) may develop autoimmune adverse events, including ICI-induced inflammatory arthritis (IA). ICI-induced IA treatment requires balancing immune activation to fight cancer and immune modulation to control autoimmunity. Our objective was to learn how patients experience ICI-induced IA and potentially conflicting treatment decisions.

Methods
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants with rheumatologist-diagnosed ICI-induced IA recruited from a longitudinal cohort. The interview guide probed the experience of diagnosis and treatment, symptoms and impact of ICI-induced IA, coping mechanisms, and treatment decision-making. Two researchers used an iterative coding process to identify themes through inductive thematic analysis and consensus. An overarching conceptual framework was derived from the qualitative analysis to identify care gaps perceived by patients, and inform future research.

Results
Fourteen patients with ICI-induced IA participated in semi-structured interviews. Five overarching themes were identified: an awareness gap leading to delay in diagnosis of IA, descriptors of ICI-induced IA and relationship to other adverse events, emotional and quality-of-life impact of IA, fear and decision-making, and contextual factors including social support.

Conclusions
As reported by patients, ICI-induced IA had a significant functional and emotional impact, even as compared to cancer and other ICI-induced side effects. Increasing awareness and integrated care of ICI-induced IA, and increasing social support are key targets for improving patient care. Additionally, more data on cancer outcomes in patients requiring immunomodulation for ICI-induced IA would help address fear and uncertainty for patients, and better support them through therapeutic decisions.
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma among the pediatric patients in a non-endemic region: our experience at a tertiary care teaching hospital in Eastern India
Authors: Swain Santosh Kumar , Samal Smrutipragnya , Mohanty Jatindra Nath , Choudhury Jasahree 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an extremely rare malignant lesion among the pediatric age group. The relative rarity of pediatric NPC makes the diagnosis difficult. This rarity is often associated with delayed diagnosis which may lead to advanced loco-regional disease. Here, we study the clinical presentations, investigations, and treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in the pediatric age group in a non-endemic region.

Result
This is a retrospective study where 21 pediatric patients were enrolled with age under 18 years. They were managed at a tertiary care teaching hospital between December 2010 and January 2019. Majority of the patients in this study were boys (66.7%). All children diagnosed with NPC were treated with radiotherapy covering entire nasopharynx and some children with chemotherapy. Until the patient is in a late stage, most children diagnosed with NPC were presenting with symptoms of neck mass (90.5%), bleeding from the nose (66.7%), nasal blockage (57.1%), and hearing loss (47.6%). Pathological report revealed WHO type III in the majority of the patients. All patients were treated with radiotherapy to primary and enlarged neck nodes.

Conclusion
Children with NPC have excellent survival except for those with distant metastatic disease. NPC in the pediatric age is usually not suspected clinically until patient in late stage. The TNM staging has the most relevant prognostic factor. Unfortunately, NPC tends to be locally advanced at the time of diagnosis in the pediatric age group and is sometimes associated with distant metastasis. In our study, most children were diagnosed with NPC along with neck node enlargement and were treated with radiotherapy. The diagnosis of pediatric NPC should prompt timely treatment.
Phase 3 Trial of a Small-volume Subcutaneous 6-Month Duration Leuprolide Acetate Treatment for Central Precocious Puberty
Authors: Klein Karen O , Freire Analía , Gryngarten Mirta Graciela , Kletter Gad B , Benson Matthew , Miller Bradley S , Dajani Tala S , Eugster Erica A , Mauras Nelly 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Context
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHas) are standard of care for central precocious puberty (CPP). A 6-month subcutaneous injection has recently been approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

Objective
Determine efficacy, pharmacokinetics, and safety of 6-month 45-mg subcutaneous leuprolide acetate for CPP.

Design
Phase 3 multicenter, open-label, single-arm study.

Setting
25 sites in 6 countries.

Subjects
64 GnRHa-naïve children with CPP (age: 7.5 ± 0.1 years) received study drug: 59 completed the study.

Intervention(s)
2 doses of 45-mg subcutaneous leuprolide acetate (0.375 mL) at 0 and 24 weeks; children were followed for 48 weeks.

Main Outcome Measure(s)
Percentage of children with serum luteinizing hormone (LH) &lt;4 IU/L 30 minutes following GnRHa stimulation at week 24.

Results
54/62 (87%) children achieved poststimulation LH &lt;4 IU/L at week 24; 49/56 (88%) girls and 1/2 boys maintained peak LH &lt;4 IU/L at week 48. Mean growth velocity decreased from 8.9 cm/year at week 4 to 6.0 cm/year at week 48. Mean bone age was advanced 3.0 years beyond chronological age at screening and 2.7 years at week 48. Breast pubertal stage regressed or was stable in 97% of girls and external genitalia development regressed in both boys. Adverse events were mild and did not cause treatment discontinuation.

Conclusions
A small volume of 45-mg subcutaneous leuprolide acetate administered at a 6-month interval effectively suppressed pubertal hormones and stopped or caused regression of pubertal progression. This long-acting GnRHa preparation of leuprolide acetate is a new, effective, and well-tolerated therapy for children with CPP.
Bilateral Adrenal Hemorrhage in Coronavirus Disease 2019 Patient: A Case Report
Authors: Frankel Meir , Feldman Itamar , Levine Michal , Frank Yigal , Bogot Naama R , Benjaminov Ofer , Kurd Ramzi , Breuer Gabriel S , Munter Gabriel 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Context
Bilateral adrenal hemorrhage is a rare condition with potentially life-threatening consequences such as acute adrenal insufficiency. Early adrenal axis testing, as well as directed imaging, is crucial for immediate diagnosis and treatment. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been associated with coagulopathy and thromboembolic events.

Case description
A 66-year-old woman presented with acute COVID-19 infection and primary adrenal insufficiency due to bilateral adrenal hemorrhage (BAH). She also had a renal vein thrombosis. Her past medical history revealed primary antiphospholipid syndrome (APLS). Four weeks after discharge she had no signs of COVID-19 infection and her polymerase chain reaction test for COVID-19 was negative, but she still needed glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid replacement therapy. The combination of APLS and COVID-19 was probably responsible of the adrenal event as a “two-hit” mechanism.

Conclusions
COVID-19 infection is associated with coagulopathy and thromboembolic events, including BAH. Adrenal insufficiency is life threatening; therefore, we suggest that early adrenal axis testing for COVID-19 patients with clinical suspicion of adrenal insufficiency should be carried out.