bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Approximate Point-based Alternative for the Estimation of Variance under Big BAF Sampling
Authors: Lynch Thomas B. , Gove Jeffrey H , Gregoire Timothy G , Ducey Mark J 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundA new variance estimator is derived and tested for big BAF (Basal Area Factor) sampling which is a forest inventory system that utilizes two BAF sizes, a small BAF for tree counts and a larger BAF on which tree measurements are made usually including \dbh s and heights needed for volume estimation.MethodsThe new estimator is derived using the \Dm\ from an existing formulation of the big BAF estimator as consisting of three sample means. The new formula is compared to existing big BAF estimators including a popular estimator based on Bruce's formula.ResultsSeveral computer simulation studies were conducted comparing the new variance estimator to all known variance estimators for big BAF currently in the forest inventory literature. In simulations the new estimator performed well and comparably to existing variance formulas.ConclusionsA possible advantage of the new estimator is that it does not require the assumption of negligible correlation between basal area counts on the small BAF factor and volume-basal area ratios based on the large BAF factor selection trees, an assumption required by all previous big BAF variance estimation formulas. Although this correlation was negligible on the simulation stands used in this study, it is conceivable that the correlation could be significant in some forest types, such as those in which the \dbh-height relationship can be affected substantially by density perhaps through competition. We also mathematically derived expressions for bias in the big BAF estimator that can be used to show the bias approaches zero in large samples on the order of 1/n where n is the number of sample points.
α7nAChR Agonist Activates the Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway to Reduce Acute Lung Injury Induced by Endotoxic Shock
Authors: Zhang Yanmei , Lun Minghui , Wang Lingfei , Huang Zeqing 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Objective: Alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7nAChRs) can inhibit the activation of macrophages and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and exert inhibitory effects on systemic and local inflammatory responses. The objective of this study was to observe the protective effect of α7nAChR agonist against acute lung injury (ALI) caused by endotoxic shock, and to explore the regulatory mechanism of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling pathway. Methods: A total of 40 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham operation group (Sham group, n=10), endotoxic shock-induced ALI model group (ALI group, n=10), ALI + α7nAChR agonist (PHA568487, 3134, Tocris Bioscience, USA) group (PHA group, n=10) and ALI + α7nAChR agonist + Nrf2 inhibitor (ML385, HY-100523, MCE, USA) group (ML group, n=10). The rats received a tail vein injection of LPS to initiate ALI. Six hrs after injection, arterial blood was analyzed for blood gases and lung wet weight/dry weight (W/D) was determined. Lung histopathology was determined by H&E staining and apoptosis quantified by TUNEL. Levels of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), TNF-α, IL-1β, malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and acetylcholine esterase (AchE) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were measured via ELISA. Western blotting revealed levels of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), phosphatidylin-ositol-3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (Akt), phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt), HO-1, Nrf2, thioredoxin reductase 1 (Trx-1) and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH). Results: It was found that α7nAChR agonist increased the partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) and pH, reduced the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) and W/D ratio, alleviated pulmonary edema and oxidative stress injury, and suppressed inflammatory responses. At the same time, it activated PI3K to phosphorylate Akt, inhibited cell apoptosis, and protected the lung tissues of ALI rats. Moreover, α7nAChR agonist facilitated nuclear translocation of Nrf-2 and up-regulated HO-1 and Trx-1 expression. Nrf-2 activity was required for the protective effect of α7nAChR . Conclusion: α7nAChR agonist can improve endotoxic shock-induced ALI by activating the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway and the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.
US sanctions and its consequences on orthopedic surgery on Iran
Authors: Nabian Mohammad Hossein , Shakiba Saeed , Farhoud Amir Reza , Kamrani Reza Shahryar , Zanjani Leila Oryadi 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background

Health and medical services are fundamental demand in civilized nations. Sanctions have always been an obstacle for development, even in health and medical topics, since they aim to reduce the financial and economic power of a country, and their impacts on medical and health systems in the objected country are on inevitable. It is well-established that sanctions contribute to a shortage of supplies in medical devices, and instruments. The shortage of the unique resources of newly-introduced medical and surgical devices prohibits surgeons from implementing novel techniques, which are known to improve medical care service quality. However, considering the application of the sanctions, these products will not be accessible for Iranian patients, and less safe and more complicated approaches will replace them.
Results

In this study we surveyed opinion of 32 orthopedic surgeons about effect of sanction on orthopedic surgery. Our result showed in upper limb surgeries high cost of equipment have more answers between question, although in lower limb surgeon Changing of method due to lack of facilities with worse results than standard method has more frequency between answer. Both results indicate that sanction made more difficult feasibility of orthopedic surgeon.
Conclusions

We believe several actions are needed to take place in the current situation by the international organization, to stop this unreasonable and illogical sanction, to prevent devastating results of them.
Water, Sanitation and the Risk of Chronic Conditions among Older Persons in Ghana: Results from the WHO Study on Global AGEing and adult health (SAGE) Wave 2
Authors: Gyasi Razak M , Simiyu Shiellah N. , Bagayoko Moussa 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Objective

Water and sanitation have been related to the health of populations, yet, the effects of these factors on the occurrence of chronic conditions (CC) in later life have been least explored. This study examines the association of CC with water and sanitation among older Ghanaians and whether the associations are moderated by gender and residence.
Methods

Data from the WHO-SAGE Wave 2 comprising of 4735 adults aged ≥ 50 years were analyzed in this study. The primary outcome was CC and the exposures included sources of water, sanitation facilities and the sharing of sanitation facilities. Generalized logistic regression models estimated the effects of water and sanitation indicators on the occurrence of CC.
Results

Overall, 18.8% of the sample reported at least one CC. Compared to men and rural residents, women and urban residents respectively were more likely to report CC (p < 0.001). After full adjustments, logistic regressions showed that the use of unimproved sanitation (OR = 1.732, CI: 1.377–5.418) and sharing of sanitation facilities (OR = 1.624, CI: 1.095–1.320) were associated with higher odds of CC. However, the use of water did not reach significance (p = 0.125). We found a significant interaction effect for type of toilet × gender (OR = 3.498, CI: 1.744–16.442), source of water × residence (OR = 5.935, CI: 1.320-26.685) and type of toilet × residence (OR = 1.998, CI: 1.462–8.642).
Conclusions

The use of unimproved sanitation facilities and the sharing of sanitation facilities are associated with the occurrence of CC among older people. Policy and public health interventions targeted at improving the health and well-being of older people should conspicuously include improving access to sanitation services.
Multiple myeloma coexisting colon carcinoma as the presenting symptom of a neutrophilic leukemoid reaction: a rare case report with genetic analysis
Authors: Cao Manxiong , Huang Zhanqin , Zhou Huanbing , Zhang Dongqing 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundLeukemoid reaction refers to reactive leukocytosis exceeding 50,000 cells/µl. Chronic neutrophilic leukemia is a rare clonal hematopoietic disorder characterized by sustained mature neutrophilia in the absence of monocytosis or basophilia. The differentiation between leukemoid reaction and chronic neutrophilic leukemia is problematic because both conditions share similar morphological features. Case presentationHere, we present an extremely rare case of a 62-year-old male patient who was initially diagnosed with chronic neutrophilic leukemia at another hospital. When the patient came to our hospital, no mutations in the CSF3R, SETBP1, ASXL1, TET2, SRSF2, SF3B1, ZRSR2 and U2AF1F genes were found by whole-exon sequencing. Further examination revealed the presence of immunoglobulin G kappa myeloma. Meanwhile, colonoscopy showed a mass in the colon, and biopsy confirmed the presence of colon adenocarcinoma. Therefore, we suggest that the increased white blood cell count in the patient was merely a neutrophilic leukemoid reaction caused by synchronous multiple myeloma and colon carcinoma.ConclusionThis is the first report of a case of coexisting multiple myeloma and colon carcinoma presenting with a neutrophilic leukemoid reaction. This case was presented to illustrate that the diagnosis of chronic neutrophilic leukemia must meet the strict WHO diagnostic criteria, especially if there is an underlying plasma cell disorder, and myeloid clonality must be demonstrated to make a distinction between chronic neutrophilic leukemia and leukemoid reaction. Meanwhile, this case provides us with a reference that further examination, especially pathological examination, should be performed on a patient diagnosed with multiple myeloma, who has extramedullary lesions, because other primary tumors may be also presenting the very similar symptoms. Pathological examination is helpful to differentiate the primary tumor from extramedullary invasion of multiple myeloma.
White Blood Cells in a Healthy Adolescent Population According to Social and Health Characteristics
Authors: Barroso Isaac , Ramos Elisabete , Craveiro Vanda , Guimarães João Tiago 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: The immune system constitutes a sensory system both for intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Among the extrinsic factors, social and environmental determinants of health may influence and shape the immune system from the childhood to adulthood. The aim of this study was to assess the total and differential white blood cells (WBC) according to social and environmental determinants of health in an adolescent population. Methods: As part of the population-based cohort Epidemiological Health Investigation of Teenagers in Porto (EPITeen), 1213 adolescents were evaluated at the age of 13. Total and differential WBC were evaluated through a venous blood sample. Sociodemographic, behaviour and clinical data were collected by self-administered questionnaires. Results: Total WBC levels were positively related to female gender, increased body mass index (BMI) and negatively related to private school enrollment, high parental education and practice of sports. The percentage of neutrophils was positively related to female gender, low parental education and lack of sports practice, while the percentage of eosinophils was positively related to chronic disease and medication, allergy, asthma and rhinitis. Monocytes proportion was negatively related to female gender, chronic disease and medication, allergy, asthma and increased BMI. Conclusions: The presence of disease was associated with an allergic response pattern, while the worse socioeconomic conditions and lack of sports activity were characterized by an inflammatory response pattern. Therefore, our results show that different exposures lead to distinct immune patterns of response that may last and shape the immune system.
The Impact of Intervention to Routine Surveillance of Natural Focal Diseases During the Outbreak of COVID-19 in Jiangsu Province, China
Authors: Hu Jianli , Cheng Xiaoqing , Luo Li , Zhao Zeyu , Zhang Nan , Hannah Mikah Ngwanguong , Rui Jia , Lin Shengnan , Liu Xingchun , Zhu Yuanzhao , Wang Yao , Yang Meng , Xu Jingwen , Yang Tianlong , Liu Weikang , Li Peihua , Deng Bin , Li Zhuoyang , Liu Chan , Huang Jiefeng , Bao Cangjun , Chen Tianmu 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: With the strength intervention of China, the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) had a great control effect. The measures may influence the development and progression of others infectious diseases.Method: The data of daily coronavirus virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) confirmed cases from January 3, 2020 to April 30, 2020 and natural focal disease cases from January, 2005 to April, 2020 were collected from Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Jiangsu Provincial CDC). We describe and compare the data of natural focal diseases from January to April, 2020 with the same months from 2015 to 2019 in the four aspects: trend of incidence, regional, age and sex distribution. Nonparametric tests were used to analyzed to the difference between the duration from onset of illness to date of diagnosis of natural focal diseases and the same period of the previous year. Results: The incidence of malaria in February (0.9 per 10,000,000 people), March (0.3 per 10,000,000 people) and April (0.1 per 10,000,000 people) 2020 less than the lower limit for range of February (1.6-4.5 per 10,000,000 people), March (0.8-3.3 per 10,000,000 people) and April (1.0-2.9 per 10,000,000 people) from 2015 to 2019 respectively. The incidence of brucellosis in February was 0.9 (per 10,000,000 people), less than the lower limit for the range from 2015 to 2019 (1.6-4.5 per 10,000,000 people). The incidence of hemorrhagic fever (HF) in March was 1.0 (per 10,000,000 people), less than the lower limit for the range from 2015 to 2019 (1.4-2.6 per 10,000,000 people). However, the incidence of Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SEFT) in March was 0.3 (per 10,000,000 people), higher than the upper limit for the range from 2015 to 2019 (0.0-0.1 per 10,000,000 people). Furthermore, we respectively observed the incidence with various degree of reduction in male, 20-60 years old and both rural and urban areas. Conclusions: In Jiangsu province, the incidence of natural focal diseases decreased during the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020, especially malaria, HF and SEFT. The impact of interventions were felt most by male individuals within the age group of 20-50 years. The interventions for COVID-19 may control the epidemics of natural focal diseases.
A New Route for Caesium Lead Halide Perovskite Deposition
Authors: Falsini Naomi , Ristori Andrea , Biccari Francesco , Calisi Nicola , Roini Giammarco , Scardi Paolo , Caporali Stefano , Vinattieri Anna 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Inorganic metal halide perovskites are relevant semiconductors for optoelectronic devices. In this work the successful deposition of thin films of CsPbBr3 and CsPbCl3 have been obtained by Radio-Frequency magnetron sputtering. A detailed photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy study of the as-grown samples was conducted at the macro and micro scale in a wide temperature range (10-300 K) to fully characterize the PL on sample areas of square centimeters, to assess the origin of the inhomogeneous broadening and to quantify the PL quantum yield quenching. Our results prove that this technique allows for the realization of high quality nanometric films with controlled thickness of relevance for optoelectronic applications.
Preoperative Prognostic Nutritional Index Is Useful Factor for Predicting Postoperative Delirium After Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty
Authors: CHEN JIE , Yu JIE , ZHENG CHAOJUN , ZHONG JINXIU , ZHAO GUANGLEI , SHI JINGSHENG , HUANG GANGYONG , WEI YIBIN , WANG SIQUN , XIA JUN 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background:Postoperative delirium (PD), as an acute brain failure, is widely reported as a very common postoperative complication, and it is closely associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Recently, malnutrition is reported as one of the risk factors for PD. The prognostic nutritional index (PNI) is a simple method for nutritional evaluation. However, few studies have discussed the effectiveness of PNI as a nutritional assessment in predicting PD after primary total joint arthroplasty (TJA). The aim of this study is to investigate potential risk factors including PNI for PD following primary TJA. Methods:A retrospective analysis of 994 patients was performed to identify risk factors associated with PD after primary TJA by using univariate and multivariate analyses. A receiver operating characteristic curve and the area under the curve were applied to evaluate the significant results of the multivariate analysis and the optimal cutoff value (CV). Results:Postoperatively, sixty-seven patients (67/994, 6.7%) experienced PD. Univariate analysis demonstrated that operative time, duration of anesthesia, age, hypertension, serum albumin, and PNI differed between the PD and non-PD groups (P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the preoperative PNI (odds ratio [OR]: 0.908; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.840-0.983; B: -0.096; CV: 47.05), age of patients (OR: 1.055; 95% CI: 1.024-1.087; B: 0.053; CV: 73.5 years), and hypertension (OR: 1.798; 95% CI: 1.047-3.086; B: 0.586), were independently associated with PD (P<0.05). Conclusions: A low preoperative PNI associated with malnutrition was demonstrated to be an independent risk factor for PD following primary TJA. Patients with preoperative low PNI should be cautioned and provided with adequate nutritional intervention to reduce postoperative PD.
How do private practitioners in Pakistan manage children suspected having tuberculosis? A cross sectional study
Authors: Yaqoob Aashifa , Hinderaker Sven , Fatima Razia , Najmi Hina , Haq Anwar 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: In Pakistan, private providers provide a large portion of health care, including for tuberculosis (TB). All TB patients are supposed to be reported to the National Tuberculosis Program (NTP), which provides drugs free of charge in addition to monitoring, supervision, and support. However, diagnosis of TB in children is difficult. We aimed to assess the private health care providers’ investigation practices and management of childhood TB. Methods:We used a cross-sectional study, which was based on a national survey measuring under-reporting of children with TB in 12 selected districts in Pakistan from April-June, 2016. We explored the practices of the private health care providers, including the health care workers i.e. general practitioners, pediatricians, pulmonologists and chest specialists, who were involved in the diagnosis of TB in children under 15 years for investigating and managing children suspected having TB. Results:Among 6519 presumptive child TB cases, a total of 5193(79.7%) children under 15 years were diagnosed as TB by private health care providers during second quarter, 2016. Only 187(2.9%) were notified to NTP. The majority of presumptive child TB cases reported cough, fever, and failure to thrive; few had TB contacts with pulmonary TB patients. Failure to thrive, loss of body weight and absence of BCG (Bacillus Calmette–Guérin) scar was more common in female children. Private providers relied on chest X-ray in 46.1%, while tuberculin skin test and Gene-Xpert MTB/RIF testing was little utilized. Bacteriological confirmation was present in 7.6%, and clinical assessment was the only basis for diagnosis in 39.3%. Of children with presumptive TB, only 955(14.6%) children were treated by private provider, while 3121(47.9%) cases were referred for diagnosis and 2443(37.5%) were referred after diagnosis for treatment; among all the referred, 3812(68.5%) were sent for investigations to District TB Centre (NTP). Conclusion:This study showed that many private providers referred children suspected having TB to laboratories for further diagnosis, but the cases identified in these investigations were often not notified to the NTP. This problem could be resolved by strengthening the referral linkages between private health providers, NTP laboratories and treatment centres through capacity building and training of their staff.
Differentiation and management of hepatobiliary mucinous cystic neoplasms: a single centre experience for 8 years
Authors: Gao Jiaqi , Zheng Junhao , Cai Jingwei , Kirih Mubarak Ali , Xu Junjie , Tao Liye , Liang Yuelong , Feng Xu , Fang Jing , Liang Xiao 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Hepatobiliary mucinous cystic neoplasms (H-MCNs) are relatively rare cystic neoplasms in the liver. The differential diagnosis of H-MCNs remains big challenging, and the management and prognosis between the hepatic simple cyst (HSC) and H-MCNs are quite different. This study aimed to present our experience in the management of H-MCNs and provide a preoperative H-MCNs risk prediction nomogram to differentiating H-MCNs from liver cystic lesions.Methods: 29 patients diagnosed with H-MCNs and 75 patients diagnosed with HSC between June 2011 and June 2019 at Zhejiang University School of medicine, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital were reviewed in this study. We analyzed the demographic and clinicopathological variables.Results: US, CT, and MRI could accurately diagnose only 3.4%, 46.1%, and 57.1% of H-MCNs, respectively. After univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis, the variables significantly associated with H-MCNs were enhancement after contrast (p=0.009), tumour located in the left lobe (p=0.02) and biliary ductal dilation (p=0.027). An H-MCNs risk predictive nomogram was constructed, which showed excellent discrimination (areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve were 0.940) and consistent calibration between the predicted probability and actual probability.Conclusion: Among patients with H-MCNs, the location of the tumour, enhancement in CT scan, and biliary duct dilation are significantly independent risk factors. The appropriate treatment of H-MCNs is radical resection. Using our Nomogram could facilitate screening and identification of patients with liver cystic lesions.