bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy ameliorates postoperative reactive pain in patients with lumbar disc herniation
Authors: LI JUN , LI YANG , Wang Deguo 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Approximately one-third patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH) showed postoperative reactive pain, and this reactive pain may be related to the postoperative increased release of inflammatory mediators. Percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED) can obviously reduce the intraoperative soft tissue trauma. The aim of this study is to investigate the reactive pain in LDH patients undergoing PTED compared with open discectomy. Material and methods: This study retrospectively included 72 patients (PTED vs. open discectomy: 41 vs. 31), and the incidence of reactive pain, as well as both the extent and duration of reactive pain, were evaluated. Furthermore, inflammation related markers in both blood and drainage fluid samples, including white blood cell (WBC) count, C-reactive protein (CRP), creatine kinase (CK), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-1β, were tested before and after operation. Results: Significantly greater number of patients undergoing open discectomy showed reactive pain compared to those undergoing PTED (13/31, 41.9% vs. 7/41, 17.0%; P < 0.05), and the duration of reactive pain is mildly longer in the former (P < 0.05). In both patient groups, the patients with reactive pain showed increased IL-6 and IL-1β in drainage fluid, as well as increased IL-6 in blood samples (P < 0.05), and there is significant correlation between the inflammation markers in drainage fluid and both duration and extent of reactive pain in both patient groups (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Local inflammatory substance accumulation may be potential cause for postoperative reactive pain, and PTED may reduce this inflammatory accumulation at the surgical site and subsequently reduce the risk of reactive pain. Trial registration: This retrospective cohort analysis was retrospectively registered at September 9, 2020.
Development of new technology for coal gasification purification and research on the formation mechanism of pollutants
Authors: Zheng Shu , Shi Yixiang , Wang Zhiqi , Wang Pengjie , Liu Gang , Zhou Huaichun 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Coal-fired power generation is the main source of CO 2 emission in China. To solve the problem of efficiency decline and cost increase caused by CO 2 capture of coal-fired power generation, Prof. Peng (Peng and Han 2009) proposed an integrated gasification fuel cell (IGFC) power generation technology. The interaction mechanism of coal gasification purification, fuel cell and other components need to be further study in the IGFC. To develop new technology for coal gasification and purification, we studied gasification reaction characteristics of ultrafine coal particles, ash melting characteristics and effects on coal gasification reaction, the formation mechanism of pollutants and developed an elevated temperature pressure swing adsorption rig for H 2 S and CO 2 simultaneous removal. The results show that the Miura-Maki model appropriate to perform gasification kinetics of Shenhua bituminous coal and the predicted DTG curves fit the experimental data well. The designed 8-6-1 cycle procedure can effectively remove CO 2 and H 2 S simultaneously, and the removal rate is over 99.9%. In addition, the transition metal oxides used as mercury removal adsorbents in coal gasification syngas has great potential. The technique presented in this paper can improve the gasification efficiency and reduce the formation of pollutants for IGFC.
Characterization of Circulating Mucosal Associated Invariant T cells in Colorectal Cancer Patients
Authors: Hassan Mohamed M Abu , Elsafi Salah , Omar Suliman Y Al , Halawaani Hafez , Mansour Lamjed , Woodman Alexander , Ahmed Huda A 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Although MAIT cells regulate the pathogenesis of various inflammatory diseases, their roles in the development of colorectal cancer are still unclear. The objectives of this study is to investigate the level of circulating MAIT cells and the level of expression of the membranous KIRs receptors among CRC patients and control subjects. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolate and of MAIT cells were phenotypically identified by flow cytometry using various monoclonal antibodies. The presence of HLA-C1 and HLA-C2 groups were typed by PCR. Results: The result showed that the percentage of MAIT cells was slightly higher in the control subjects than in in all stages of CRC patients. Stratification analysis of 46 CRC patients indicated that the percentages of circulating MAIT cells were lower in stage II and higher in stages III, and IV. A higher frequency of HLA - C2 among patients with CRC (87%) compared with control subjects (74.4%) was detected. The protein expression of MAIT cells associated phenotyping antigens and some KIR receptors such as CD45RA, CD45RO, CD62L, CD11a, CD158a, CD158b, CD158e and CD158f were reported. There was a reduction in CD45RO, CD158a, CD158e and CD158f expression in CRC patients. The frequencies of circulating MAIT cells had not been reduced in patients with colorectal cancer.Conclusions: The number and level of circulating MAIT cells were evaluated in peripheral blood of CRC patients and control subjects. We compared the frequency of CD158a+MAIT cells in all stages of CRC and control subjects in the presence of its ligand HLA-C2 and found a reduction in all stages of CRC. We stratified CRC patients and found that CD158b+ MAIT cells were decreased as the diseases progress to advancing cancer stages. When comparing the proportion of CD158a and b+ MAIT cells in all stages with control subjects, the results showed inverse correlation with cancer stages in CRC patients and the median gradually decrease in each stage.
High NEMO score values in nailfold videocapillaroscopy are associated with the subsequent development of ischemic digital ulcers in patients with systemic sclerosis.
Authors: Papa Nicoletta Del , Pignataro Francesca , Maglione Wanda , Minniti Antonina , Sambataro Domenico , Sambataro Gianluca , Valentini Gabriele , Caporali Roberto , Vitali Claudio 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BackgroundNailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) is a feasible method that allows the observation of the microvascular changes that mark the course of systemic sclerosis (SSc). In previous studies we demonstrated that the NEMO score, i.e., the cumulative number of microhaemorrhages and microthromboses, is a good indicator of the steady state level and overtime changes of disease activity (DA) in SSc.ObjectivesTo verify whether high NEMO scores, which mirror a very active microvascular derangement in the fingers, may be associated with the subsequent development of ischemic digital ulcers (IDUs).Methods The NEMO score was assessed at baseline (T0) in 98 patients with SSc, all classified according to the ACR-EULAR criteria. Of them, 90 were females, 48 had the limited and 50 the diffuse cutaneous variant of SSc. Afterwards, the patients were closely followed up for two years, and the appearance of new IDUs recorded at any time of the follow up.The T0-NEMO score values of patients who developed IDUs were compared to those of patients who did not. A receiver operating curve (ROC) was constructed, and the area under the curve (AUC) calculated by plotting the sensitivity and 1-specificity of the different NEMO score values in predicting the subsequent development of IDUs.Results During the follow-up 38 out of 98 patients developed one or more IDUs. The NEMO score at T0 was significantly higher in those who developed IDUs with respect to those who did not [median 14.5 (95%CI 11.0-21.5), and 4.5 (95%CI 4.0-6.0), respectively, p<.0001]. The ROC curve derived from different T0-NEMO score values had an AUC of 0.79 (95%CI 0.69-0.86, p<0.0001)]. A NEMO score of ≥12 had a sensitivity of 83.3% (95%CI 71.5-91.7), and a specificity of 63.2% (95%CI 46.0-78.2), with positive (P) and negative (N) predictive (PV) values of 58.9% (95%CI 44.7-72.2), and 85.6% (71.8-94.4), respectively. A NEMO score of ≥16 had a sensitivity of 95.0% (95%CI 86.1-99.0), and a NPV of 93.4% (77.5-99.2).ConclusionsBeing a valid tool to measure DA levels in SSc, the NEMO score also appears to be closely related to the subsequent development of IDUs in this disease.
Assessment of the susceptibility status of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) populations to pyriproxyfen and malathion in a national wide monitoring of insecticide resistance in Brazil, 2017-2018.
Authors: Campos Kauara Brito , Martins Ademir Jesus , Rodovalho Cynara de Melo , Bellinato Diogo Fernandes , Dias Luciana dos Santos , Macoris Maria de Lourdes da Graça , Andrighetti Maria Teresa Macoris , Lima José Bento Pereira , Obara Marcos Takashi 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Chemical control using malathion has been applied in Brazil, since 1985. To obtain chemical control effectiveness, it is essential to monitor vector susceptibility to insecticides. This study aimed to describe bioassay standardizations and determine the susceptibility profile of Ae. aegypti populations to malathion and pyriproxyfen, used on a national scale in Brazil between 2017 and 2018, and discuss the observed result impacts in arbovirus control.Methods: The diagnostic-doses (DD) of pyriproxyfen and malathion were determined as the double of adult emergence inhibition (EI) and lethal doses for 99% of the Rockefeller reference strain, respectively. For the monitoring of natural populations, samplings were performed in 132 Brazilian cities through egg traps. Colonies were raised in the laboratory for one or two generations (F1 or F2) and submitted to susceptibility tests with larvae exposed to the pyriproxyfen DD (0.03 µg/L) and adults to the malathion DD obtained herein (20 µg), in addition to the indicated World Health Organization (WHO) DD (50 µg) in a bottle assay. Dose-response (DR) bioassays with pyriproxyfen were performed with populations which did not achieve 98% EI in the DD assays. Results: Alteration of susceptibility to pyriproxyfen was recorded in 6 (4.5%) Ae. aegypti populations located in the states of Bahia and Ceará, with Resistance Ratios (RR95) ranging from 1.51 to 3.58. For malathion, 73 (55.3%) populations distributed throughout the country were resistant when exposed to the local DD 20µg/bottle. On the other hand, no population was resistant, and only 10 (7.6%) populations from 8 states were considered as exhibiting decreased susceptibility (mortality ratios between 90 and 98%) when exposed to the WHO DD (50 µg/bottle). Conclusions: The feasibility of conducting an insecticide resistance monitoring action at a national wide scale was confirmed herein, employing standardized and strongly coordinated sampling methods and laboratory bioassays. Brazilian Ae. aegypti populations with decreased susceptibility to pyriproxyfen were identified. The local DD for malathion was more sensitive than the WHO DD for the early detection of decreased in susceptibility.
High Place Phenomenon: Prevalence and clinical correlates in two German samples
Authors: Teismann Tobias , Brailovskaia Julia , Schaumburg Svenja , Wannemüller André 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: The high place phenomenon, that is, a sudden urge to jump when in a high place, is an experience known to many people, that has rarely been studied. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of the high place phenomenon in a non-clinical and a clinical German sample. Furthermore, clinical correlates of the experience were assessed. Methods: The study sample comprised 276 participants (67% female; Mage=32.08, SDage=10.73) who took part in an online assessment and 94 patients (73.4% female; Mage=49.26, SDage=13.32) suffering from clinically relevant fear of flying. Participants filled out questionnaires on experiences with the high place phenomenon, depression, anxiety, suicide ideation and anxiety sensitivity.Results: The high place phenomenon was known to nearly 60% of the online sample and to 45% of the patient sample. Suicide ideation as well as anxiety sensitivity were positively associated with experiences with the high place phenomenon in the online sample. Depression, anxiety and suicide ideation were unrelated to experiences with the phenomenon in the patient sample. Conclusion: The high place phenomenon is commonly reported by (lifetime/current) suicide ideators. However, it is also a common experience in individuals who have never suffered from suicide ideation. It is therefore cautioned not to interpret such experiences as an expression of a hidden death wish.
High order semi-implicit weighted compact nonlinear scheme for the all-Mach isentropic Euler system
Authors: Jiang Yanqun , Chen Xun , Zhang Xu , Xiong Tao , Zhou Shuguang 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
The computation of compressible flows at all Mach numbers is a very challenging problem. An efficient numerical method for solving this problem needs to have shock-capturing capability in the high Mach number regime, while it can deal with stiffness and accuracy in the low Mach number regime. This paper designs a high order semi-implicit weighted compact nonlinear scheme (WCNS) for the all-Mach isentropic Euler system of compressible gas dynamics. To avoid severe Courant-Friedrichs-Levy (CFL) restrictions for low Mach flows, the nonlinear fluxes in the Euler equations are split into stiff and non-stiff components. A third-order implicit-explicit (IMEX) method is used for the time discretization of the split components and a fifth-order WCNS is used for the spatial discretizationof flux derivatives. The high order IMEX method is asymptotic preserving and asymptotically accurate in the zero Mach number limit. One- and two-dimensional numerical examples in both compressible and incompressibleregimes are given to demonstrate the advantages of the designed IMEX WCNS.
Fracture fixation strategy and specific muscle tissue availability of neutrophilic granulocytes following mono- and polytrauma: intramedullary nailing vs. external fixation of femoral fractures
Authors: Greven Johannes , Horst Klemens , Qiao Zhi , Bläsius Felix Marius , Mert Ümit , Teuben Michel Paul Johan , Becker Nils Hendrik , Pfeifer Roman , Pape Hans-Christoph , Hildebrand Frank 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: In the stabilization of femoral fractures in mono- and polytrauma, clinical practice has shown better care through intramedullary nailing. However, the reason why this is the case is not fully understood. In addition to concomitant injuries, the immunological aspect is increasingly coming to the fore. Neutrophil granulocytes (PMNL), in particular next to other immunological cell types, seem to be associated with the fracture healing processes. For this reason, the early phase after fracture (up to 72 h after trauma) near the fracture zone in muscle tissue was investigated in a pig model.Material and Methods: A mono- and polytrauma pig model (sole femur fracture or blunt thoracic trauma, hemorrhagic shock, liver laceration, and femur fracture) was used to demonstrate the immunological situation through muscle biopsies and their analysis by histology and qRT-PCR during a 72 h follow up phase. Two stabilization methods were used (intramedullary nail vs. external fixator) and compared to a non-traumatized sham group.Results: Monotrauma shows higher PMNL numbers in muscle tissue compared to polytrauma (15.52 ± 5.39 mono vs. 8.23 ± 3.36 poly; p = 0.013), regardless of the treatment strategy. In contrast, polytrauma shows a longer lasting invasion of PMNL (24 h vs. 72 h). At 24 h in the case of monotrauma, the fracture treated with external fixation shows more PMNL than the fracture treated with intramedullary nailing (p= 0.026). This difference cannot be determined in polytrauma probably caused by a generalized immune response. Both monotrauma and polytrauma show a delayed PMNL increase in the muscle tissue of the uninjured side. The use of intramedullary nailing in monotrauma resulted in a significant increase in IL-6 (2 h after trauma) and IL-8 (24 and 48 h after trauma) transcription.Conclusion: The reduction of PMNL invasion into the nearby muscle tissue of a monotrauma femur fracture stabilized by intramedullary nailing supports the advantages found in everyday clinical practice and therefore underlines the usage of nailing. For the polytrauma situation, the fixation seems to play a minor role, possibly due to a generalized immune reaction.
Association between haematological parameters and sickle cell genotypes in children with Plasmodium falciparum malaria resident in Kisumu County in western Kenya
Authors: Kosiyo Paul , Otieno Walter , Gitaka Jesse , Munde Elly O. , Ouma Collins 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a monogenic disorder due to point mutation in the β-globin gene resulting in substitution of Valine for Glutamic acid. The SCD is prevalent in P. falciparum endemic regions such as western Kenya. Carriage of different sickle cell genotypes may influence haematological parameter during malaria. Children resident in malaria holoendemic regions suffer more from malaria-related complications and this is moderated by the presence of the SCD. In the current study, we determined the association between sickle cell genotypes and haematological parameters in children with P. falciparum malaria resident in Kisumu County in Western Kenya.Methodology: Children (n=217, aged 1-192 months) with acute febrile condition were recruited at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital. Chi-square (c2) analysis was used to determine differences between proportions. Differences in haematological parameters were compared across groups using Kruskal Wallis test and between groups using Mann Whitney U test. Multivariate logistic regression analysis controlling for infection status was used to determine the association between sickle cell genotypes and haematological parameters. Results: Using HbAA as the reference group, multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that carriage of HbSS was associated with reduced haemoglobin [OR=0.310, 95% CI=0.101-0.956, P=0.041], reduced haematocrit [OR=0.318, 95% CI=0.128-0.793, P=0.014], reduced RBC count [OR=0.124, 95% CI=0.045-0.337, P=0.001], reduced MCHC [OR=0.325, 95% CI=0.118-0.892, P=0.029], increased leucocytosis [OR=9.283, 95% CI=3.167-27.210, P=0.001] and reduced monocytosis [OR=0.319, 95% CI=0.123-0.830, P=0.019]. However, carriage of HbAS was only associated with increased micro-platelets [OR=3.629, 95% CI=1.291-8.276, P=0.012]. Conclusion: Results show that carriage of HbSS in children influence the levels of haemoglobin, haematocrit, RBC, MCHC, WBC and Monocytes. Therefore prior knowledge of HbSS should be considered to improve clinical management of haematological alterations during malaria in children.
An exploratory study to estimate cost-effectiveness threshold value for life saving treatments in western Iran
Authors: Moradi Najmeh , Woldemichael Abraha , Malekian Parisa , Rotavandi Delnia Moradi , Rezaei Satar 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Cost-effectiveness analysis provides a crucial means for evidence-informed decision-making on resource allocation. This study aims to elicit individuals' willingness to pay (WTP) for one additional quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained from life-saving treatment and associated factors in Kermanshah city, western Iran.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study on a total of 847 adults aged 18 years and above to elicit their WTP for one additional QALY gained by oneself and a family member using a hypothetical life-saving treatment. We used a multistage sampling technique to select the samples, and the Iranian version of EQ-5D-3L, and visual analogue scale (VAS) measures was used to obtain the participants’ health utility value. The Tobit regression model was used to identify the factors affecting WTP per QALY values.Results: The mean WTP value and standard deviation (SD) was US$ 862 (3,224) for the respondents and US$ 1,355 (3,993) for the family members. The mean utility values using EQ-5D-3L and VAS methods were 0.779 and 0.800, respectively. Besides, Tthe WTP for the additional QALY gained by the individual participants using the EQ-5D-3L and VAS methods were respectively US$ 1,202 and US$ 1,101, while the estimated value of the family members was US$ 1,355 (SD= 3,993). The Tobit regression models indicated that monthly income, education level, sex, and birthplace were statistically significantly associated (p < 0.05) with both the WTP for the extra QALY values using the EQ-5D-3L and the VAS methods. Besides, eEducational level and monthly income also showed statistically significant relationships with the WTP for the additional QALY gained by the family members (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Our findings indicated that the participants' WTP value of the additional QALY gained from the hypothetical life-saving treatment was in the range of 0.20 to 0.24 of the Iran’s gross domestic product (GDP) per capita of Iran. This value, which is far lower than the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended CE threshold value of one. This wide gap reflects the challenges the health system is facing and requires further research for defining the most appropriate CE threshold at the local level.
Improving the efficiency of nursing work for patients with severe COVID-19
Authors: Zhihui Mu , Meimei Luo , Ya Zhong , Min Li , Minghui Li , Yu Wang , Zhang Nan 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background

Exploring new ways to improve the efficiency of nursing work for patients with severe new coronavirus pneumonia.
Methods

A total of 372 clinical nursing shifts from February 9, 2020 to April 11, 2020 were analyzed in this study. Shifts were divided into a control group (186 shifts before reorganization) and an observation group (186 shifts after reorganization). Following improvements were applied: wearing the protective equipment, communication between inside and outside the contaminated area, and time needed to restock the bedside consumables.
Results

After the new method was applied, changing of protective equipment during worktime was reduced (5% (9/186) in the observation group vs. 15% (27/186) in the control group; P = 0.003). Moreover, the time needed to transfer items between inside and outside contaminated area and time for replenishment consumables for bedside treatment was shorter in the observation group compared to the control group (1.98 ± 1.41, 6.86 ± 2.25 vs. 2.52 ± 1.97, 10.81 ± 4.45, respectively; all P < 0.002).
Conclusion

The new applied measures have improved the nursing efficiency in patients with severe novel coronavirus pneumonia.