bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CROWE IV hip dysplasia treated by THA combined with transverse sub-trochanter osteotomy to balance functional leg length discrepancy: a prospective observational study
Authors: Shi Xiaotong , Cheng Chengming , Feng Chunyang , Li Chaofeng , Li Shuxuan , Liu Jianguo 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background There are various malformations in the pelvises and femurs of hip dysplasia patients, consequently leg length discrepancy(LLD) can often become one of the most common post-surgical complications in CROWE IV hip dysplasia patients. To our knowledge, there are few researched focus on relationship between acetabular prothesis position and postoperative LLD while optimal leg length balance strategy for CROWE IV hip dysplasia patients remains unclear. In this paper, we measured the factors that affect functional leg length of CROWE IV DDH patients and reviewed our own methods to balance LLD of CROWE IV DDH patients.Methods During June 2017 to June 2018, 14 consecutive CROWE IV patients (17 hips) and 18 consecutive CROWE I patients (20 hips) were included in this study. Prior to surgery, subluxation height of the femoral head on the affected side, functional LLD, bony length of lower limbs, and distance from teardrops to the lowest point line of the sacroiliac joint were recorded. All patients received THA, and several of them also received subtrochanter ostoetomy. After surgery,cup sizes, functional LLD, and hip rotational centers were measured.Results Functional LLD of the CROWE IV patients group was significantly improved from 4.00 (3.00-5.00) to 0 (0-0.08), P=0.003. Only three of 14 CROWE IV patients remained under 1 cm functional LLD.Conclusion After elaborate pre-operative planning and leg length balancing during operation, THA combined with transverse sub-trochanter osteotomy is an effective method to achieve equal function in leg length.
Antibiotic susceptibility patterns of bacteria isolates in post-operative wound infections among patients attending Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital, Kenya
Authors: Amulioto Johnstone , Muturi Margaret W. , Mathenge Scholastica , Mutua Gideon M. 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background Surgical site infections accounts for high mortality rates, morbidity and elevated costs of treatment for surgical patients. In recent years, surgical site infections attributed to antibiotic resistant bacteria has been on the rise globally. To effectively formulate a comprehensive treatment protocol for surgical site infection, there is need for knowing the likely causative agents and their antibiograms. In this regard, this study sought to determine the prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of bacteria isolates from post-operative wound infections among patients attending Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital.Methods A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out between October 2018 and March 2019. The study included patients of all age group with surgical site infections following general, obstetrics and gynecological surgeries. Pus swabs were aseptically obtained from 58 consented patients with clinical evidence of surgical site infections. Gram stain, culture, biochemical tests and antibiotic susceptibility tests were done for each pus swab. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was done using Kirby bauer disc diffusion method. Data was analysed using a statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) version 20.Results An isolation rate of 94.8% was observed. Staphylococcus aureus 28.2% was the preponderant isolate followed by Escherichia coli 15.4% with Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus accounting for 65.4% (n=17) of the total Staphylococcus species . Chloramphenicol was the most sensitive drug to all the bacteria isolates. Ampicillin and Amoxycillin recorded resistance rates >90% against positive and gram negative bacteria respectively. Klebsiella pneumoniae 81.3% and E.coli 74% were the most resistant bacteria.Conclusion Majority of the drugs were resistant to gram negative rods, therefore there is need for continuous monitoring to determine the susceptibility patterns of the most common surgical site infections bacteria isolates which are found in the hospitals.
Development and validation of a risk assessment scale for hepatic encephalopathy in cirrhotic patients
Authors: Wang Na , Liu Si-Qin , Wang Xiao-Mei 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background: This study aims to develop a risk assessment scale to assess and quantify risk of hepatic encephalopathy in cirrhotic patients. Methods: Data were derived from two Delphi rounds and a cross-sectional survey of 276 cirrhotic patients. The minimal consensus were a mean score 3.5 on a scale of 1 to 5, and a coefficient of variation 0.25. The reliability and validity of the scale were validated by a cross-sectional survey. Results: After two Delphi rounds and item analysis, a final 23-item scale covered two dimensions. The total Cronbach’s αretest Cronbach’s α, interrater Cronbach’s α and split-half Cronbach’s α were higher than 0.7, showing an acceptable reliability. The AUC was 0.792, and the sensitivity and specificity were 83.9% and 59.6%, respectively, indicating that the scale had a good predictive validity. Conclusion: This scale may be a promising tool for estimating and ranking risk of hepatic encephalopathy. Future research is necessary to apply it in hepatic encephalopathy.
Effects of sevoflurane exposure on oligodendrocyte differentiation and myelination in white matter of preterm-equivalent rats
Authors: Wu Ziyi , Gao Qiushi , Li Xingyue , Xue Hang , Zhao Ping 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background: General anesthetics may impose significant neurocognitive risks on the immature brain . Since preterm infants often need anesthesia for surgical or diagnostic procedures, exploring the appropriate anesthetic dose is necessary for procedural needs and for the safety of brain development. As brain injury in preterm neonates has a particular predilection for cerebral white matter, we studied the effects of different concentrations of sevoflurane on oligodendrocyte maturation and myelination in a preterm-equivalent rat model. Methods: Rats at postnatal day 2 were exposed to 3.3% (approximately 1 minimum alveolar concentration [MAC]) or 4.9% (approximately 1.5 MAC) sevoflurane for 2 hours. Changes in oligodendrocyte differentiation and myelin integrity in white matter were evaluated by immunofluorescence with stage-specific markers. Neurobehavioral function was examined by open field test and Morris water maze tests. As prominent hallmarks of white matter injury, microgliosis and astrogliosis were investigated in specific white matter regions. Results: In the 4.9% sevoflurane-treatment group, decreased differentiation of oligodendrocytes indicated arrested oligodendrocyte maturation, resulting in hypomyelination and axonal damage in the developing white matter of the rat brain. Treatment increased anxiety-like behaviour and caused learning and memory impairments in adolescent rats. Microglia activation and astrogliosis were also observed at 12 h post anesthesia. No differences were seen between the control and 3.3% sevoflurane groups. Conclusions: Sevoflurane exposure in preterm-equivalent rats dose-dependently disrupted oligodendrocyte maturation and hypomyelination and impaired function. Microgliosis and astrogliosis might contribute to white matter damage.
Comprehensive primary health facilities are more efficient in delivering primary care: Efficiency analysis of primary healthcare facilities in Afghanistan
Authors: Farewar Farhad , Saeed Khwaja Mir Ahad , Foshanji Abo Ismael , Alawi Said Mohammad Karim , Zawoli Mohammad Yonus , Irit Sinai , Zeng Wu 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background The Afghan health system is unique in that primary healthcare is delivered by donor-funded implementing partners, not the government. Given the wide range of implementers providing the basic package of health services, there may exist performance differences in primary healthcare. This study assessed the relative efficiency of different levels of primary healthcare services and explored its determinants in Afghanistan.Method Data on personnel and capital expenditure (inputs) and the number of facility visits for six primary healthcare services (outputs) were obtained from national health information databases for 1,263 healthcare facilities in 31 provinces. Data envelopment analysis was used to assess the relative efficiency of three levels of primary healthcare facilities (comprehensive, basic, and sub health centers). Bivariate analysis was conducted to assess the correlation of various elements with efficiency scores. Regression models were used to identify potential factors associated with efficiency scores at the health facility level.Results The average efficiency score of health facilities was 0.74, when pooling all 1,263 health facilities, with 102 health facilities (8.1%) having efficiency scores of 1 (100% efficient). The lowest quintile of health facilities had an average efficiency score of 0.36 while the highest quintile had a score of 0.96. On average, efficiency scores of comprehensive health centers were higher than basic and sub health centers by 0.108 and .071 respectively. In addition, the difference between efficiency scores of facilities in the highest and lowest quintiles was highest in facilities that offer fewer services, so that they have the largest room for improvement.Conclusions Our findings show that public health facilities in Afghanistan that provide more comprehensive primary health services, use their resources more efficiently, and that smaller facilities have more room for improvement. A more integrated delivery model would help improve the efficiency in providing primary healthcare in Afghanistan.
Hematological parameters of malaria infected adult patients in Raya Alamata Hospital, Northeast Ethiopia.
Authors: Asmerom Haftu , Yalew Aregawi , Getaneh Zegeye 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background: Hematological changes are the most common complications encountered in malaria and they play a major role in malaria pathology. Hematological changes like red blood cells, platelets and leukocytes have been observed in patients with malaria. Therefore, this study aimed to compare hematological parameters of malaria infected adult patients in Alamata Hospital, Northeast Ethiopia from February 01- April 30, 2019. Methods: Comparative cross sectional study was used to compare the hematological parameters on a total of 238 study participants, consisting of 119 malaria infected patients and 119 malaria negative controls at Raya Alamata Hospital. Malaria diagnosis was done based on thick and thin blood films microscopy. Hematological parameters were determined by using an automated, DiRUi BCC/3000B hematology analyzer. Malaria parasite density was determined by counting the asexual parasites against 200 WBCs, and then calculated by using the standard formula. Data for the different hematological parameters were expressed as mean (±SD). Independent t-test was used for comparison the hematological parameters between the two groups. Binary logistic regression model was constructed for categorical dependent variables to see associations between predictors and outcomes. Results: In current study parameters like red blood cells count, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, platelets count, and eosinophil counts were significantly lowered in malaria-infected patients than the controls. The prevalence of anemia and thrombocytopenia in malaria patients was 39.5% and 56.3%, respectively. Being female and malaria parasitaemia were found significantly associated with thrombocytopenia. The odds of developing thrombocytopenia with high malaria parasitaemia were 8.4 times more likely develop thrombocytopenia.Conclusion: Anemia and thrombocytopenia were the two common hematological abnormalities seen in malaria patients. The platelet count during malaria infection was inversely correlated with the parasitaemia. Malaria patients should be checked for the presence of hematological abnormalities such as anemia and have to be managed for those abnormalities. Keywords: Malaria, Malaria parasitaemia, Hematological parameters, Ethiopia
Differential expression analysis of genes in the root crown of alfalfa under low-temperature stress
Authors: Wang Xiaolong , Jin Huiqing , Meng Kai , Jia Zhenyu , Yan Shiyuan , Li Hong , Mi Fugui 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background: Alfalfa ( Medicago sativa ) is a perennial forage crop widely cultivated in northern China. The root crown is an important storage organ of alfalfa, especially in the wintering process, as it is closely related to winter hardiness. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the winter hardiness of the alfalfa root crown remains unclear. To investigate these gaps in knowledge, the RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) technology was used to identify critical genes related to winter hardiness. Results: In this study, the winter survival rate of the Lomgmu 806 variety was approximately 3.68-fold higher than that of the Sardi variety. We sequenced the transcriptomes of the root crown of the two alfalfa varieties. Among the 57,712 unigenes identified, 2,299 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were upregulated, and 2,143 DEGs were downregulated. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway annotations showed that 1,159 unigenes were mainly annotated in 116 pathways. Seven DEGs belonging to the “plant hormone signalling transduction” pathway, the “peroxisome” pathway and transcription factor family (MYB, B3, AP2/ERF, and WRKY) and involved in alfalfa winter hardiness were identified. As a result, the expression patterns of seven DEGs were verified by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) analyses, which verified the reliability of the RNA-Seq analyses. Conclusions: The RNA-Seq data revealed the gene regulation response of alfalfa to low-temperature stress, which provides a valuable resource for the further identification and functional analysis of candidate genes related to winter hardiness in alfalfa. Furthermore, these data provide references for future in-depth studies of winter hardiness mechanisms in alfalfa.
Consistent effects of vegetation loss on abundant and rare soil microbial phylotypes across nitrogen-enrichment levels
Authors: Chen Dima , Wu Ying , Saleem Muhammad , Wang Bing , Hu Shuijin , Bai Yongfei 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Soil harbors highly diverse abundant and rare microbial phylotypes that drive multiple soil functions. Given increasing intensity and frequency of vegetation loss and anthropogenic reactive nitrogen (N) inputs to the soil in the future, we lack a mechanistic understanding of how vegetation loss may influence abundant and rare microbial phylotypes at various N-enrichment levels. In the current study, we assessed the effects of vegetation loss on abundant and rare phylotypes of soil bacteria and fungi across three N-enrichment levels in a semi-arid grassland ecosystem. After six years of experimentation in with and without vegetation plots, the vegetation loss increased the total relative abundance of abundant soil bacterial phylotypes but not that of abundant fungal phylotypes at across N-enrichment levels. It is very likely because the number of abundant bacterial phylotypes with positive than negative responses to vegetation loss was higher; however, the number of abundant fungal phylotypes with positive than negative responses to vegetation loss was similar during this period. Moreover, the vegetation loss did not alter the alpha-diversity of abundant or rare bacterial phylotypes, or, of abundant fungal phylotypes; however, it reduced the alpha-diversity of rare fungal phylotypes at across N-enrichment levels. The vegetation loss, however, altered the beta-diversity of abundant and rare bacterial and fungal phylotypes across N-enrichment levels. We found that, against expectations, the effects of vegetation loss on the diversity of abundant and rare phylotypes of both bacteria and fungi were relatively consistent across N-enrichment levels. Our findings provide, for the first time, the phylotype-based data on how vegetation loss affects abundant and rare phylotypes of soil bacteria and fungi across N-enrichment levels. The results also indicate that the effects of vegetation loss on belowground functions may be relatively insensitive to the differences in the N-deposition rates.
A Novel Transmitting System for Electromagnetic Sounding Based on Tri-state Boost Converter
Authors: Li Gang , Zhang Binren 
Published: November 2019

Background:
Electromagnetic detection is an important method of geophysical exploration.
The transmitting system is an important part of the electromagnetic detection equipment.

Methods:
The general topologies of a transmitting system for EM instrument are analyzed. The
basic principle of EM detection is interpreted. In order to improve the output power and give consideration
to the dynamic performance, an electromagnetic transmitting system based on the tri-state
boost converter is proposed in this paper.

Results:
The principle of the proposed transmitting system is analyzed. The topology of the proposed
transmitting system is illustrated and the working modes of tri-state boost converter are given.

Conclusion:
The simulation model is established and the simulation experiment is carried out to
verify the feasibility of the new electromagnetic transmitting system.
Engagement and Usability of a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Mobile App Compared With Web-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Among College Students: Randomized Heuristic Trial
Authors: Purkayastha Saptarshi , Addepally Siva Abhishek , Bucher Sherri 
Published: November 2019

BackgroundRecent evidence in mobile health has demonstrated that, in some cases, apps are an effective way to improve health care delivery. Health care interventions delivered via mobile technology have demonstrated both practicality and affordability. Lately, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) interventions delivered over the internet have also shown a meaningful impact on patients with anxiety and depression.ObjectiveGiven the growing proliferation of smartphones and the trust in apps to support improved health behaviors and outcomes, we were interested in comparing a mobile app with Web-based methods for the delivery of CBT. This study aimed to compare the usability of a CBT mobile app called MoodTrainer with an evidence-based website called MoodGYM.MethodsWe used convenience sampling to recruit 30 students from a large Midwestern university and randomly assigned them to either MoodGYM or MoodTrainer user group. The trial period ran for 2 weeks, after which the students completed a self-assessment survey based on Nielsen heuristics. Statistical analysis was performed to compare the survey results from the 2 groups. We also compared the number of modules attempted or completed and the time spent on CBT strategies.ResultsThe results indicate that the MoodTrainer app received a higher usability score when compared with MoodGYM. Overall, 87% (13/15) of the participants felt that it was easy to navigate through the MoodTrainer app compared with 80% (12/15) of the MoodGYM participants. All MoodTrainer participants agreed that the app was easy to use and did not require any external assistance, whereas only 67% (10/15) had the same opinion for MoodGYM. Furthermore, 67% (10/15) of the MoodTrainer participants found that the navigation controls were easy to locate compared with 80% (12/15) of the MoodGYM participants. MoodTrainer users, on an average, completed 2.5 modules compared with 1 module completed by MoodGYM users.ConclusionsAs among the first studies to directly compare the usability of a mobile app–based CBT with smartphone-specific features against a Web-based CBT, there is an opportunity for app-based CBT as at least in our limited trial, it was more usable and engaging. The study was limited to evaluate usability only and not the clinical effectiveness of the app.
Educar a través de la experiencia estética El museo según John Dewey
Authors: Campeotto Fabio , Viale Claudio M. 
Published: November 2019

En este trabajo, se expone la doble concepción del museo de arte de JohnDewey (1859-1952): su concepción negativa, que se encuentra en El arte como experiencia (1934/2008), y su concepción constructiva, que el filósofo pragmatista detalla en otros escritos. Nuestro análisis tiene un doble propósito: concebir el museo como el lugar en que se vinculan la estética y la filosofía de la educación de Dewey, por un lado, y demostrar la centralidad de este vínculo en la concepción del museo de artecomo espacio educativo alternativo al aula, por el otro.En la primera sección, se reconstruyen los ejes fundamentales del pensamiento de Dewey sobre museos de arte. En la segunda, se examina su actividad pedagógica en la Barnes Foundation de Filadelfia. Finalmente, en la tercera sección, se analizan algunosejes clave, tanto de la estética como de la pedagogía de Dewey, y se relacionan a la situación presente de la educación en museos.Palabras clave: educación estética, museo, pragmatismo, democracia.
Anesthetic effects of dexmedetomidine-ketamine-midazolam administered intramuscularly in five-striped palm squirrels (Funambulus pennantii)
Authors: Eshar David , Beaufrère Hugues 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To evaluate efficacy and safety of anesthesia with dexmedetomidine-ketamine-midazolam (DKM) in five-striped palm squirrels (Funambulus pennantii).

ANIMALS
8 male squirrels.

PROCEDURES
Squirrels were anesthetized with DKM (dexmedetomidine, 0.1 mg/kg; ketamine hydrochloride, 30 mg/kg; and midazolam, 0.75 mg/kg) administered IM. Atipamezole (0.15 mg/kg) and flumazenil (0.1 mg/kg) were administered IM 40 minutes after induction of anesthesia. Vital signs and responses were recorded every 5 minutes during anesthesia.

RESULTS
Anesthetic induction and recovery from anesthesia were rapid and without complications in all squirrels. Median anesthetic induction time was 67.5 seconds (interquartile [25th to 75th percentile] range, 5.5 seconds), and mean ± SD recovery time after drug reversal was 147 ± 79 seconds. Heart rate, respiratory rate, and rectal temperature significantly decreased during the anesthetic period. All squirrels became hypothermic by 40 minutes after induction. The righting reflex was absent during the 40-minute anesthetic period in all squirrels, with variable responses for the palpebral reflex, jaw tone, forelimb withdrawal reflex, and hind limb withdrawal reflex. Only 2 of 8 squirrels had loss of the limb withdrawal reflex in both the forelimbs and hind limbs from anesthetic induction to 25 minutes after induction.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE
DKM appeared to provide safe and effective anesthesia in five-striped palm squirrels, but oxygen and thermal support were indicated. At the doses administered, deep surgical anesthesia was not consistently achieved, and anesthetic depth of individual squirrels must be determined before surgical procedures are performed in palm squirrels anesthetized with this drug combination.