bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long-term effects of group exercise intervention on maximal step-up height in middle-aged female primary care patients with obesity and other cardio-metabolic risk factors
Authors: Nyberg Lillemor A. , Sundberg Carl Johan , Wändell Per , Kowalski Jan , Hellénius Mai-Lis 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
Low physical performance is a predictor of morbidity and mortality. This study looks at long-term effects of an exercise intervention on maximal step-up height (MSH) in individuals with low physical function. Factors associated with changes in MSH was studied.

Methods
Female patients (n = 101), mean (SD) age of 52 (11) years, were recruited for a 3-month group exercise intervention including 2–3 sessions/week of mixed aerobic fitness and strength training. MSH, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, maximal oxygen consumption (VO2-max), self-reported health (SF-36) and physical activity (PA) were measured at baseline (T0), after 3 months (T1) and after 14–30 (mean 22) months (T2). Relationships between changes in MSH (cm) and age, baseline MSH, time to follow-up, changes in anthropometric measurements, VO2-max, SF-36 and PA were studied with regression analyses.

Results
MSH, significantly, increased from T0 to T1, 27.2 (5.7) to 29.0 (5.5) cm and decreased to 25.2 (5.5) cm at T2. Time to follow-up (B = − 0.42, p < 0.001) and change in BMI (B = − 0.29, p = 0.012) correlated significantly to changes in MSH. Waist circumference, VO2-max, PF and exercise/physical activity levels were significantly improved at T2, while BMI did not change. In a univariate logistic regression model, maintenance of MSH correlated to the extent of mixed training (OR 3.33, 95% CI 1.25–8.89). In a multivariate logistic regression model adjusted for important factors the correlation was not significant. However, MSH was significantly higher in individuals participating in 2–3 session per week compared to one session.

Conclusions
A 3-month group exercise intervention increased MSH, improved fitness, decreased risk in female patients with elevated cardio-metabolic risk. After an average of 22 months MSH was reduced while positive effects remained for waist circumference, VO2-max, physical function and physical activity. However, regular group exercise 2–3 times per week with mixed aerobic fitness and strength training was associated with maintenance of MSH in a subgroup of patients. We suggest that such an intervention including regular support from healthcare professionals is a successful approach for maintaining improved leg-muscle strength among primary care patients.

Trial registration
ISRCTN21220201 September 18, 2019, retrospectively registered.
Factors influencing left ventricular ejection fraction in patients with coronary microvascular disease and obstructive coronary artery disease
Authors: Mayala Henry Anselmo , Mafuru Magesa , Mkangala Abdalah , Mayala Mark , Pallangyo Pedro , Minja Dickson , Janabi Mohamed , Zhao-hui Wang 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Objective
The aim of our research was to evaluate the relationship involving left ventricular ejection fraction, low density lipoprotein, B-type natriuretic peptide, Troponin I and coronary flow reserve, and to determine the predictors of left ventricular ejection fraction in patients with coronary microvascular disease and obstructive coronary artery disease, and in patients with coronary microvascular disease.

Results
The mean age was 58.5 ± 12.5 years. In patients with obstructive coronary disease and coronary microvascular disease we found low density lipoprotein-c had significant inverse relationship with left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular ejection fraction also had significant negative relationship with B-type natriuretic peptide, and Troponin-I. While a significant direct relationship turned out to be observed linking left ventricular ejection fraction with coronary flow reserve. Left ventricular ejection fraction had significant negative relationship with low density lipoprotein, and B-type natriuretic peptide in patients with obstructive coronary artery disease only. Age, blood pressure, lipid levels, red cell distribution width, glycated hemoglobin, symptoms, New York heart association classification, alcohol drinking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, troponin levels and B-type natriuretic peptide were the predictors for left ventricular ejection fraction in coronary microvascular disease patients.
Handling and packaging of medical bags at acute disaster sites under high-temperature conditions
Authors: Ando Wataru , Imamura Yumika , Nagashima Hideyuki , Kondo Kouji , Nakamura Kazunori , Otori Katsuya 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Objective
After the large-scale earthquake in 2011, the disaster medical assistance team (DMAT) was made responsible for medical activities during the hyperacute phase of a disaster or accident in Japan. The medicines to be administered at the disaster sites, packaged in medical bags, may be affected by the temperatures there. This study aimed at establishing a method to handle drug bags in high-temperature situations by determining the temperature changes in medical bags subject to high temperatures and examining the effect of opening the bag and using heat-insulating material (HIM) and coolants.

Results
Closed and semi-opened bags limited the temperature increase in the central part of the bag at both 35 and 40 °C to a greater extent than opened bags. When coolant and HIM were used in closed and semi-opened bags, the internal temperatures were significantly lower than in the opened state at 40 °C. In high-temperature disaster sites, medical bags should be maintained in a semi-opened or closed state using a HIM and coolant.
The search for the Holy Grail: autoantigenic targets in primary sclerosing cholangitis associated with disease phenotype and neoplasia
Authors: Lopens Steffi , Krawczyk Marcin , Papp Maria , Milkiewicz Piotr , Schierack Peter , Liu Yudong , Wunsch Ewa , Conrad Karsten , Roggenbuck Dirk 
Published: March 2020

AbstractUnlike in other autoimmune liver diseases such as autoimmune hepatitis and primary biliary cholangitis, the role and nature of autoantigenic targets in primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), a progressive, chronic, immune-mediated, life threatening, genetically predisposed, cholestatic liver illness, is poorly elucidated. Although anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) have been associated with the occurrence of PSC, their corresponding targets have not yet been identified entirely. Genome-wide association studies revealed a significant number of immune-related and even disease-modifying susceptibility loci for PSC. However, these loci did not allow discerning a clear autoimmune pattern nor do the therapy options and the male gender preponderance in PSC support a pathogenic role of autoimmune responses. Nevertheless, PSC is characterized by the co-occurrence of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) demonstrating autoimmune responses. The identification of novel autoantigenic targets in IBD such as the major zymogen granule membrane glycoprotein 2 (GP2) or the appearance of proteinase 3 (PR3) autoantibodies (autoAbs) have refocused the interest on a putative association of loss of tolerance with the IBD phenotype and consequently with the PSC phenotype. Not surprisingly, the report of an association between GP2 IgA autoAbs and disease severity in patients with PSC gave a new impetus to autoAb research for autoimmune liver diseases. It might usher in a new era of serological research in this field. The mucosal loss of tolerance against the microbiota-sensing GP2 modulating innate and adaptive intestinal immunity and its putative role in the pathogenesis of PSC will be elaborated in this review. Furthermore, other potential PSC-related autoantigenic targets such as the neutrophil PR3 will be discussed. GP2 IgA may represent a group of new pathogenic antibodies, which share characteristics of both type 2 and 3 of antibody-mediated hypersensitive reactions according to Coombs and Gell.
Dynamic transcriptomic changes of goat abomasal mucosa in response to Haemonchus contortus infection
Authors: Aboshady Hadeer M. , Mandonnet Nathalie , Félicité Yoann , Hira Julien , Fourcot Aurore , Barbier Claude , Johansson Anna M. , Jonas Elisabeth , Bambou Jean-Christophe 
Published: March 2020

AbstractGastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infections are one of the major constraints for grazing sheep and goat production worldwide. Genetic selection for resistant animals is a promising control strategy. Whole-transcriptome analysis via RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) provides knowledge of the mechanisms responsible for complex traits such as resistance to GIN infections. In this study, we used RNA-seq to monitor the dynamics of the response of the abomasal mucosa of Creole goat kids infected with Haemonchus contortus by comparing resistant and susceptible genotypes. A total of 8 cannulated kids, 4 susceptible and 4 resistant to GIN, were infected twice with 10 000 L3 H. contortus. During the second infection, abomasal mucosal biopsies were collected at 0, 8, 15 and 35 days post-infection (dpi) from all kids for RNA-seq analysis. The resistant animals showed early activation of biological processes related to the immune response. The top 20 canonical pathways of differentially expressed genes for different comparison showed activation of the immune response through many relevant pathways including the Th1 response. Interestingly, our results showed a simultaneous time series activation of Th2 related genes in resistant compared to susceptible kids.
Impacts of school feeding on educational and health outcomes of school-age children and adolescents in low- and middle-income countries: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Dongqing , Fawzi Wafaie W. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
School feeding programs are beneficial for the physical, mental, and psychosocial development of school-age children and adolescents, particularly those in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). While school feeding programs are ubiquitous in LMICs, the specific benefits of school feeding programs are unclear. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the impacts of school feeding programs on the educational and health outcomes of children and adolescents in LMICs.

Methods
Rigorously designed interventional studies on the impacts of school feeding on nutritional and health outcomes of children and adolescents receiving primary or secondary education in LMICs will be included. The following information sources were used to identify relevant published or unpublished studies: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, and governmental or organizational websites. The risk of bias of randomized and non-randomized studies will be assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and the ROBINS-I tool, respectively. Two reviewers will independently conduct the selection of studies, data extraction, and assessment of the risk of bias. A narrative synthesis of all the included studies will be provided. Meta-analyses will be performed whenever appropriate. Heterogeneity of effects will be assessed by I2, subgroup analyses, and meta-regression. The certainty of evidence for each outcome will be assessed using the Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.

Discussion
The design and implementation of school feeding programs in LMICs should be based on the understanding of the benefits of such programs. This work will provide a crucial evidence base for the educational and health benefits of school feeding on children and adolescents in LMICs.

Systematic review registration
This protocol was submitted for registration with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) on November 18, 2019 (registration number: pending).
Finite-time adaptive neural network control for fractional-order chaotic PMSM via command filtered backstepping
Authors: Lu Senkui , Wang Xingcheng , Wang Longda 
Published: March 2020

AbstractA finite-time adaptive neural network position tracking control method is considered for the fractional-order chaotic permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) via command filtered backstepping in this paper. Firstly, a neural network with a fractional-order parametric update law is utilized to cope with the nonlinear and unknown functions. Then the command filtered technique is introduced to address the repeated derivative problem in backstepping. In addition, a novel finite-time control method is proposed by employing the fractional-order terminal sliding manifolds, designing the error compensation mechanism and the new virtual control laws. The finite-time convergence of the tracking error can be guaranteed by the proposed controller. Finally, the designed control method is verified by simulation results.
Indirect comparison of azacitidine and decitabine for the therapy of elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Wen Bingbing , You Weiwen , Yang Sitian , Du Xin 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
The DNA hypomethylating agents (HMAs) decitabine and azacitidine have been widely used in the management of elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, no direct clinical trials have been carried out to compare the two agents. A systematic review and network meta-analysis were performed to indirectly compare the efficacy and safety of decitabine and azacitidine in elderly AML patients.

Methods
We systematically searched PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane Library through May 14, 2019. Randomized controlled trials on elderly AML patients comparing the efficacy and safety between decitabine and azacitidine, or comparing one of HMAs to standard supportive care or placebo were selected. The major outcomes of interest were performed with methods of adjusted indirect comparison and the fixed effect model.

Results
Only three RCTs including a total number of 1086 patients were identified. Direct comparisons showed that azacitidine significantly reduced mortality (RR = 0.90, 95% CI 0.83–0.97) while decitabine was not significantly associated with lower mortality (RR = 0.97, 95% CI 0.92–1.02) compared to the conventional care regimen (CCR). In addition, for the indirect method, azacitidine significantly reduced mortality compared to decitabine (RR = 0.83 95% CI 0.77–0.90) and was more likely to improve complete response (CR) (RR = 1.66, 95% CI 1.17–2.35, low-certainty evidence). No statistical significance was found for the other studied outcomes.

Conclusions
Compared to CCR, decitabine and azacitidine can promote studied outcomes in elderly AML patients. Indirect evidence with low certainty was used to compare these two agents. The superiority of either agent cannot be confirmed, and head-to-head clinical trials are still required.
Prediction of ESG compliance using a heterogeneous information network
Authors: Hisano Ryohei , Sornette Didier , Mizuno Takayuki 
Published: March 2020

AbstractNegative screening is one method to avoid interactions with inappropriate entities. For example, financial institutions keep investment exclusion lists of inappropriate firms that have environmental, social, and governance (ESG) problems. They create their investment exclusion lists by gathering information from various news sources to keep their portfolios profitable as well as green. International organizations also maintain smart sanctions lists that are used to prohibit trade with entities that are involved in illegal activities. In the present paper, we focus on the prediction of investment exclusion lists in the finance domain. We construct a vast heterogeneous information network that covers the necessary information surrounding each firm, which is assembled using seven professionally curated datasets and two open datasets, which results in approximately 50 million nodes and 400 million edges in total. Exploiting these vast datasets and motivated by how professional investigators and journalists undertake their daily investigations, we propose a model that can learn to predict firms that are more likely to be added to an investment exclusion list in the near future. Our approach is tested using the negative news investment exclusion list data of more than 35,000 firms worldwide from January 2012 to May 2018. Comparing with the state-of-the-art methods with and without using the network, we show that the predictive accuracy is substantially improved when using the vast information stored in the heterogeneous information network. This work suggests new ways to consolidate the diffuse information contained in big data to monitor dominant firms on a global scale for better risk management and more socially responsible investment.
Investigating class rarity in big data
Authors: Hasanin Tawfiq , Khoshgoftaar Taghi M. , Leevy Joffrey L. , Bauder Richard A. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIn Machine Learning, if one class has a significantly larger number of instances (majority) than the other (minority), this condition is defined as class imbalance. With regard to datasets, class imbalance can bias the predictive capabilities of Machine Learning algorithms towards the majority (negative) class, and in situations where false negatives incur a greater penalty than false positives, this imbalance may lead to adverse consequences. Our paper incorporates two case studies, each utilizing a unique approach of three learners (gradient-boosted trees, logistic regression, random forest) and three performance metrics (Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve, Area Under the Precision-Recall Curve, Geometric Mean) to investigate class rarity in big data. Class rarity, a notably extreme degree of class imbalance, was effected in our experiments by randomly removing minority (positive) instances to artificially generate eight subsets of gradually decreasing positive class instances. All model evaluations were performed through Cross-Validation. In the first case study, which uses a Medicare Part B dataset, performance scores for the learners generally improve with the Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve metric as the rarity level decreases, while corresponding scores with the Area Under the Precision-Recall Curve and Geometric Mean metrics show no improvement. In the second case study, which uses a dataset built from Distributed Denial of Service attack attack data (POSTSlowloris Combined), the Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve metric produces very high-performance scores for the learners, with all subsets of positive class instances. For the second study, scores for the learners generally improve with the Area Under the Precision-Recall Curve and Geometric Mean metrics as the rarity level decreases. Overall, with regard to both case studies, the Gradient-Boosted Trees (GBT) learner performs the best.
Bonding strength of benuang and duabanga glulams using their barks as phenol formaldehyde-filler
Authors: Marbun Sari Delviana , Wahyudi Imam , Suryana Jajang , Nawawi Deded Sarip 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIn line with environmental issues and forest sustainability, tree bark of two species from tropical rain forests i.e. benuang (Octomeles sumatrana/BN) and duabanga (Duabanga moluccana/DB) was used as filler for phenol formaldehyde resin (PF-filler). The main objective of the research was to analyze effect of tree barks as PF-filler on bonding strength of BN and DB glulams produced. Four glue mixture compositions with ratio PF, technical filler, and tree bark filler, respectively are 10: 0: 0 (A); 10: 1.5: 0.5 (B); 10: 1.25: 0.75 (C); and 10: 1: 1 (D) were prepared. Characteristics of tree bark and glue mixtures were also investigated. Glulam parameters i.e. moisture content, density, delamination, bonding strength, wood failure, and formaldehyde emission were determined following JAS 1152. Results showed bonding strength was influenced by wood species and glue mixture composition. The B composition—the lowest ratio of tree bark filler—is the best for BN glulam, while for DB glulam D composition—the highest ratio of tree bark filler—was the best. Generally, tree bark filler improved the bonding strength, however, without bark as PF-filler, the failure occurred on the glue line. Furthermore, DB bark is more potential to be utilized as PF-filler.
Dynamic rupture simulation of 2018, Hokkaido Eastern Iburi earthquake: role of non-planar geometry
Authors: Hisakawa Tatsuya , Ando Ryosuke , Yano Tomoko Elizabeth , Matsubara Makoto 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe 2018, Hokkaido Eastern Iburi, Japan, earthquake is an event characterized by complexity of the rupture process and slip pattern, which may involve both reverse and strike-slip motion depending on the locations on the fault surface. We perform dynamic rupture simulations based on simple physical laws, conditions for stressing and fault friction, and the non-planar fault geometry constrained by the aftershock observation. The complex fault geometry is numerically treated by the boundary integral equation method accelerated by the fast domain portioning method. The fault geometry is characterized primarily by the combination of six fault planes. As a result, we are able to explain several observed features of the event, including the spatial variation of the final fault slip and rupture velocity, which are inferred from the kinematic slip inversion. We also succeed in refining the constraint of the regional stress field in the focal area based on the simulation. Our results show that the overall patterns of the complex rupture event can be reproduced by a relatively simple model of the regional stress and the fault friction, if the geometrical complexity of the fault is properly taken into account.
Incidence of postsurgical pulmonary embolism and deep venous thrombosis: a single-center retrospective observational study
Authors: Otsuka Hitomi , Izumi Makoto , Ota Eriko , Mochizuki Noriaki 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
Cancer is a risk factor for perioperative deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism (DVT/PE). However, there is a paucity of data on non-malignant digestive diseases. In this study, we aimed to investigate the incidence of DVT/PE among patients, following surgery for acute appendicitis and other digestive diseases.

Methods
We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients who underwent surgical procedures involving the digestive system between April 2018 and March 2019 attended by anesthesiologists (n = 536).

Results
DVT/PE developed in seven patients (7/77, 9.1%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.7–17.8%) after surgery for acute appendicitis, and in six patients (6/83, 7.2%, 95%CI 2.7–15.1%) after elective surgery for colorectal cancer. Among the acute appendicitis group, six patients (6/30 20.0%) with complicated appendicitis (gangrenous or perforated appendicitis), and one patient (1/47 2.1%) with simple appendicitis showed postoperative DVT/PE. Patients with complicated appendicitis had a higher risk of DVT/PE than those with simple appendicitis with an odds ratio of 11.5 (95%CI 1.3–101.1).

Conclusions
Although patients with acute appendicitis lack three of the risk factors for DVT/PE (cancer, long operative time, and older age), their 95% CI for the incidence of DVT/PE was comparable to that of patients undergoing elective surgery for colorectal cancer. Therefore, caution must be exercised during the perioperative period for preventing DVT/PE.