bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Severe Chin-on-Chest Cervical Spine Deformity in the Setting of Stiff-Person Syndrome
Authors: Stephan Stephen R. , Ju Derek G. , Ross Lindsey B. , Naruse Robert T. , Kim Terrence T. , Johnson J. Patrick 
Published: December 2020

Case:
Stiff-person syndrome (SPS) presents with progressive muscle rigidity, postural instability, and periodic debilitating spasms. Reports of axial hyperextension exist, but kyphotic deformities have not been described. We surgically treated a patient with debilitating SPS and severe cervicothoracic hyperkyphosis with posterior spinal fusion and instrumentation. At 1-year follow-up, the patient displayed better upright gait and forward gaze, 18° cervical lordosis, and improved patient-reported outcome scores.

Conclusion:
SPS can lead to extreme spinal deformity and disease, including hyperkyphosis of the cervicothoracic spine, and can successfully be managed with a multidisciplinary team and a posterior-only correction with spinal instrumentation and fusion.
Deep spontaneous penetration of a water droplet into hot granular materials
Authors: Lin Fangye , Wang Wei , Dorbolo Stephane , Zou Jun 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The contact between droplets and granular materials is of practical importance for many processes, such as spraying cooling (to cool down the soil) and the wet dusting (to collect the grains). While the phenomenon is commonly known in nature and industry, our knowledge of the interaction between the water drop and hot grains is still very limited. Here, we experimentally investigated the drop behaviours released on a heated granular bed. Surprisingly, we found that the drops start digging the granular material as deep as 15 times the diameter of the droplet. Hot particles are absorbed into the drop and vaporise the liquid. The vapour production is so intense that the vapour is able to blow away the particles underneath the drop. The drop can then move downwards under the action of the gravity. In order to inspect this digging behaviour, two kinds of setups were designed: a 3D granular packing inside a cylinder and a quasi-2D packing inside a Hele-Shaw cell. The first allows the observation of the droplet with the heated material, while the second provides the direct observation from the side view to uncover the drop behaviour in the deep bed. One proposes a mechanism based on the Leidenfrost effect considering a rough surface that models the surface of the granular material. This model allows to explain why the droplet can dig on a range of temperatures between the boiling temperature of the cooling liquid and the Leidenfrost temperature relative to the granular material. In this range of temperatures, the cooling of the granular material is then rather efficient since the droplets vaporise deeply in the heart of the material.
Sulforaphane ameliorates lipid profile in rodents: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Dan , Du Kaili , Fan Yuxin 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Sulforaphane (SFN) which is enriched in cabbage and broccoli, a naturally-occurring isothiocyanate, has been provided as food supplements to improve weight management and reduce lipid levels. However, its effects on serum lipid profile are contradictory. In this review, a meta-analysis and systematic review of SFN on lipids reduction and weight control is assessed with mice and rats fed with high-fat diet. The effects of SFN supplementation were evaluated by weighted mean difference (WMD) and the corresponding standard error of body weight, liver weight and concentrations of lipids. A random-effects model was chosen to estimate the overall summary effect. Our analytic results of the meta-analysis revealed that SFN can reduce body weight (WMD: -2.76 g, 95% CI: -4.19, -1.34) and liver weight (WMD: -0.93 g, 95% CI: -1.63, -0.23) significantly from ten trials. Its effects on serum total cholesterol (WMD: -15.62 mg/dL, 95% CI: -24.07, -7.18), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (WMD: -8.35 mg/dL, 95% CI: -15.47, -1.24) and triglyceride (WMD: -40.85 mg/dL, 95% CI: -67.46, -14.24) were significant except for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (WMD: 1.05 mg/dL, 95% CI: -3.44, 5.54). The subgroup analytic results from findings unveiled that classifying studies according to species, disease model, duration, SFN dosage as well as administration route could not explain the heterogeneity among studies and change the results. In summary, these findings provide new insights concerning preclinical strategies for treating diseases including obesity, diabetes, hypertension, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease as well as cardiovascular disease with SFN supplements.
Severity of COVID-19 Infection in ACEI/ARB Users in Two Saudi Public Specialty Hospitals: Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Alrashed Ahmed A. , Khan Tahir , Alhusseini Noara , Asdaq Syed Mohammed , Enani Mushira , Alosaimi Bandar , Alkhani Nada , Mohzari Yahya , Alghalbi Maram , Alfahad Wafa , Alanazi Mona , Albujaidya Asma , Ben-Akresh Amal , Almutairi Malak , Abraham Ivo , Alamer Ahmad 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: The uncertainty about COVID-19 outcomes in angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI)/angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) users continues with contradictory findings. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of ACEI/ARB use in patients with severe COVID-19. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was done in two Saudi public specialty hospitals designated as COVID-19 referral facilities. We included 354 patients with confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 between April and June 2020, of which 146 were ACEI/ARB users and 208 were non-ACEI/ARB users. Controlling for confounders, we conducted a multivariate logistic regression and a sensitivity analyses using propensity score matching (PSM) and Inverse propensity score weighting (IPSW) for high risk patient subsets. Results: Compared to non-ACEI/ARB users, ACEI/ARB users had an eight-fold higher risk of developing critical or severe COVID-19 (OR=8.25, 95%CI=3.32-20.53); a nearly 7-fold higher risk of intensive care unit (ICU) admission (OR=6.76, 95%CI=2.88-15.89) and a nearly 5-fold higher risk of requiring noninvasive ventilation (OR=4.77,95%CI=2.15-10.55). Patients with diabetes, hypertension, and/or renal disease had a five-fold higher risk of severe COVID-19 disease (OR=5.40,95%CI=2.0-14.54]. These results were confirmed in the PSM and IPSW analyses. Conclusion: In general, but especially among patients with hypertension, diabetes, and/or renal disease, ACEI/ARB use is associated with a significantly higher risk of severe or critical COVID-19 disease, and ICU care.
Correlation between the Spatial Distribution and Colony size Was Common for Monogenetic Bacteria in Laboratory Conditions.
Authors: Xue Heng , Kurokawa Masaomi , YING Bei-Wen 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Geographically separated population growth of microbes is a common phenomenon in microbial ecology. Colonies are representative of the morphological characteristics of this structured population growth. Pattern formation by single colonies has been intensively studied, whereas the spatial distribution of colonies is poorly investigated. Results: The present study describes a first trial to address the questions of whether and how the spatial distribution of colonies determines the final colony size using the model microorganism Escherichia coli, colonies of which can be grown under well-controlled laboratory conditions. A computational tool for image processing was developed to evaluate colony density, colony size and size variation, and the Voronoi diagram was applied for spatial analysis of colonies with identical space resources. A positive correlation between the final colony size and the Voronoi area was commonly identified, independent of genomic and nutritional differences, which disturbed the colony size and size variation. Conclusions: This novel finding of a universal correlation between the spatial distribution and colony size not only indicated the fair distribution of spatial resources for monogenetic colonies growing with identical space resources but also indicated that the initial localization of the microbial colonies decided by chance determined the fate of the subsequent population growth. This study provides a valuable example for quantitative analysis of the complex microbial ecosystems by means of experimental ecology.
The Effect of Atrial Fibrillation on Perioperative Outcomes in Patients With Pancreatic Cancer Undergoing Open Pancreaticoduodenectomy: Analysis of the National Inpatient Sample
Authors: Han Pu , Yang Yifeng , He Yanjie , Wu Hongwei , Wang Dong , Liu Kun , Guan Chengjian , Zhang Xiaodong , Guo Wei , Zhang Zhongtao 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: To assess the role of atrial fibrillation (AF) on perioperative outcomes in patients with pancreatic cancer undergoing open pancreaticoduodenectomy (OPD).Methods: We investigated patients with pancreatic cancer undergoing OPD during 2012-2014 within National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. The study population was divided into two groups based on the presence of AF. In-hospital mortality, length of stay (LOS), cost of hospitalization, and in-hospital complications were compared between the two groups. Logistic regression models and linear regression were used to adjust for potential confounders.Results: Of the 12,785 patients aged ≥18 years undergoing OPD during years 2012-2014, 11,469 (90%) had no AF and 1,316 (10%) had AF. Patients with AF were found to have significantly higher cost (coefficient 0.35, 95% CI 0.06-0.64, P = 0.02), but similar mortality (OR 3.57, 95% CI 0.86-14.87, P = 0.08) and LOS (coefficient 0.16, 95% CI 0-0.33, P = 0.052) compared to those without AF. The risk of gastrointestinal anastomotic leakage (OR 22.11, 95% CI 3.25-150.22, p = 0.002), cardiac complications (OR 17.88, 95% CI 5.32-60.11, p <0.001), respiratory complications (OR 2.38, 95% CI 1.23-4.60, p = 0.01), pulmonary embolism (OR 18.53, 95% CI 2.67-128.62, p = 0.003), and perioperative shock (OR 5.16, 95% CI 1.03-25.72, p = 0.045) were found to be significantly higher in AF group than non-AF group. In elderly patients (> 65 y), AF was found to be associated with a significantly higher cost (coefficient 0.38, 95% CI 0.05-0.71, P = 0.023), longer LOS (coefficient 0.21, 95% CI 0.03-0.39, P = 0.023), higher incidence of cardiac complications (OR 17.38, 95% CI 3.42-88.43, p = 0.001), respiratory complications (OR 2.93, 95% CI 1.31-6.53, p = 0.009) and postoperative shock (OR 27.06, 95% CI 2.35-311.15, p = 0.008), yet similar mortality (OR 3.35, 95% CI 0.58-19.37, P = 0.177).Conclusions: AF was found to be associated with higher cost in pancreatic cancer patients undergoing OPD, as well as increased occurrence of cardiac complications, respiratory complications, pulmonary embolism and perioperative shock. Surgeons should pay special attention to these patients and formulate an appropriate perioperative evaluation plan.
Immersion-plated Palladium Nanoparticles onto Meso-porous Silicon Layer as Novel SERS Substrate for Sensitive Detection of Imidacloprid Pesticide
Authors: Al-Syadi A. , Faisal M. , Harraz Farid , Jalalah Mohammed , Alsaiari Mabkhoot 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Herein, we report a rapid and highly effective methodology for the fabrication of active and stable surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate by an electrochemical anodization and immersion plating routes. Porous silicon (PSi) layers were fabricated by the electrochemical anodization of a silicon wafer in ethanoic fluoride solution, followed by uniformly deposition of palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs) via a simple immersion plating technique. The structural features and morphology of fabricated frameworks of PSi-Pd NPs have been investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra. The PSi substrate demonstrates a meso-porous morphology with good distribution, good pore density and average pore sizes around 20 nm. The SERS performance of Si–Pd NPs and PSi–Pd NPs substrates has been examined taking imidacloprid (an insecticide) as a target analyte. The SERS signal of imidacloprid using PSi–Pd NPs substrate exhibited immense enhancement compared to the Si-Pd NPs substrate. The active substrate revealed excellent detectable performance with a concentration as low as 10-9 M imidacloprid and an enhancement factor (EF) of 1.2×105. This large EF is fundamentally ascribed to the combined effect of electromagnetic improvement and charge transfer mechanism. Additionally, no aging effect was observed for the present substrates kept in air for two weeks. Striking enhancement in Raman spectral signals obtained with the current PSi–Pd NPs substrates provides a simple and smooth platform towards the sensitive detection of various target analytes.
Determination of Neonatal Case-Specific Fatality Rates in a tertiary health institution in North Central Nigeria
Authors: Audu Lamidi , Otuneye Adekunle , Mairami Amsa , Mukhtar-Yola Mariya , Mshelia Lauretta 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background The current neonatal mortality rate in Nigeria (37/1000) is among the highest in the world and the major causes have consistently been reported as sepsis, perinatal asphyxia and prematurity. However, case-specific fatality which defines the risk of dying from these and other neonatal morbidities is rarely emphasized. Determination of case-specific fatality rates (CSFR) may inform a change in our current approach to neonatal care interventions which may eventually bring about the much-needed reduction in our neonatal mortality rate. Our aim was to determine the case-specific fatality rates for the common causes of mortality among hospitalized neonates at the National Hospital Abuja (NHA).Methods: Relevant demographic and clinical data on all neonates admitted into the NICU at the NHA over a period of 13 months (January 2017 to February 2018) were extracted from the Neonatal Registry database and analyzed using appropriate statistical methods with the SPSS version 20 software. The case-specific fatality rates were computed for the predominant morbidities in addition to determination of the neonatal mortality rates and associated risk factors.Results and conclusion: A total of 730 neonates were admitted, out of which 391 (53.6%) were females, 396 (54.5%) were inborn and 396 (54.2%) were term. The three most prevalent morbidities were prematurity 272(37.2%), neonatal Jaundice 208(28.4%) and perinatal asphyxia 91(12.5%) while the most common causes of mortality were prematurity 47/113(41.6%), congenital malformations 27/113(23.9%) and perinatal asphyxia 26/113(23%). Congenital malformations had the highest case-specific fatality 27/83(32.5%) followed by Perinatal Asphyxia 26/91(28.6%) and prematurity 47/272(20.7%). The mortality pattern differed between inborn and out born babies. Implications of these case-specific fatality rates for targeted interventions are discussed.
Integrated Gene Expression Profiling Analysis Reveals Potential Molecular Mechanisms and Candidate Biomarkers for Early Risk Stratification and Prediction of STEMI and Post-STEMI Heart Failure Patients
Authors: Xu Jing , Yang Yuejing 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Objective To explore the molecular mechanism and search for the candidate biomarkers with predictive and prognostic potentiality that detectable in the whole blood of STEMI patients and post-STEMI HF patients.Methods In this study, we downloaded GSE60993, GSE61144, GSE66360, and GSE59867 datasets from the NCBI-GEO database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of the datasets were investigated using R. Gene ontology and pathway enrichment were performed via ClueGO, CluePedia, and DAVID database. Protein interaction network was constructed via STRING. Enriched hub genes were analyzed by Cytoscape software. LASSO logistic regression algorithm and ROC analysis were performed to build machine learning models for predicting STEMI. Hub genes for further validated in post-STEMI HF patients from GSE59867.Results We identified 90 up-regulated DEGs and 9 down-regulated DEGs convergence in the three datasets (|log2FC| ≥ 0.8 and adjusted p value < 0.05). They were mainly enriched in Gene Ontology terms relating to cytokine secretion, pattern recognition receptors signaling pathway, and immune cells activation. A cluster of 8 genes including ITGAM, CLEC4D, SLC2A3, BST1, MCEMP1, PLAUR, GPR97, and MMP25 was found to be significant. A machine learning model built by SLC2A3, CLEC4D, GPR97, PLAUR, and BST1 exerted great value for STEMI prediction. Besides, ITGAM and BST1 might be candidate prognostic biomarkers for post-STEMI HF.Conclusions We re-analyzed the integrated transcriptomic signature of STEMI patients showing predictive potentiality and revealed new insights and specific prospective biomarkers for STEMI risk stratification and HF development.
Effects of elevated CO2 on resistant and susceptible rice cultivar and its primary host, brown plant hopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens (Stal)
Authors: Senthil-Nathan Sengottayan 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Elevated CO2 has positive response on plant growth and negative response on insect pests. As a contemplation, the feeding pattern of the brown plant hopper, Nilaparvata lugens Stål on susceptible and resistant rice cultivars and their growth rates exposed to elevated CO2 conditions were analyzed. The elevated CO2 treatment showed significant differences in percentage of emergence and rice biomass that were consistent across the rice cultivars, when compared to the ambient conditions. Similarly, increase in carbon and nitrogen ratio of leaves and alterations in defensive peroxidase enzyme levels were observed, but was non-linear among the cultivars tested. Lower survivorship and nutritional indices of N. lugens were observed in conditions of elevated CO2 levels over ambient conditions. Results were nonlinear in manner. We conclude that the plant carbon accumulation increased due to elevated CO2, causing physiological changes that decreased nitrogen content. Similarly, elevated CO2 increased insect feeding, but did not alter other variables such as their biology or reproduction.
Does the informal education training increase awareness of anaphylaxis among students of medicine? Before-after survey study.
Authors: Leszkowicz Julia , Pieńkowska Agata , Nazar Wojciech , Bogdan Eliza , Kwaka Natalia , Szlagatys-Sidorkiewicz Agnieszka , Plata-Nazar Katarzyna 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

BackgroundAllergies are among the most common chronic diseases in Europe. The most serious complication of allergies is anaphylactic shock. Most of cases occur outside the hospital, thus knowledge of symptoms and first aid is crucial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of knowledge about anaphylaxis and ability to use adrenaline auto-injectors among medical students and to determine an improvement after a training based on non-formal education.MethodsThe research was conducted among 365 medicine students from the Medical University of Gdańsk. The respondents completed a multiple-choice knowledge test, before theoretical and practical training on adrenaline auto-injector use was given, then they re-took the test. Descriptive statistics were used to reveal characteristics of students of different grades. T-test was used for statistical analysis.ResultsThere was an increase in knowledge test scores (on average, 28.6%, p=0.0168) after training. The average test score increase questions for the whole study group was 2.29, varying between 4.96 and 7.25, out of 8. Almost all (99.4%) of the respondents after training believed that they would be able to use adrenaline auto-injector in an emergency.ConclusionsTested students didn’t have sufficient knowledge to provide first aid in cases of anaphylaxis before schooling. The training based on non-formal education was effective. Using the subject-performed task method helps remembering stages of action in stressful situations. This type of training would increase self-efficacy among various social groups.
Resource allocation across the dementia continuum: A mixed methods study examining decision making on optimal dementia care among health and social care professionals.
Authors: Keogh Fiona , Pierse Tom , Challis David , O'Shea Eamon 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: The understanding of appropriate or optimal care is particularly important for dementia, characterised by multiple, long-term, changing needs and the increasing expectations of people using services, within a wider context of resource constrained health and social care services. This study sought to determine the optimal level, mix and cost of services for different dementia case types across the dementia continuum and to gain a greater understanding of the resource allocation decision making process among health and social care professionals (HSCPs).Methods: A balance of care (BoC) framework was applied to the study questions and developed in three important ways; firstly by considering optimality across the course of dementia and not just at the margin with residential care; secondly, through the introduction of a fixed budget to reveal constrained optimisation strategies; and thirdly through the use of a mixed methods design whereby qualitative data was collected at workshops using nominal group technique and analysed to obtain a more detailed understanding of the decision-making process. Twenty four HSCPs from a variety of disciplines participated in the resource allocation decision-making exercise.Results: HSCPs differentiated between case type severity; providing about 2.6 times more resources to case types with higher level needs than those with lower level needs. When a resource constraint was introduced there was no evidence of any disproportionate rationing of services on the basis of need, i.e. more severe case types were not favoured over less severe case types. However, the fiscal constraint led to a much greater focus on meeting physical and clinical dependency needs through conventional social care provision. There was less emphasis on day care and psychosocial provision when resources were scarcer following the introduction of a fixed budget constraint.Conclusions: HSCPs completed complex resource allocation exercises for people with dementia, including expected differentiation across case type severity. When rationing was introduced, HSCPs did not discriminate in favour of case types with high levels of need. They did, however, support conventional home care provision over psychosocial care, although participants were still keen to provide some residual cover for the latter, especially for case types that might benefit.