bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
New bone ingrowth into β-TCP/HA graft activated with argon plasma: a histomorphometric study on sinus lifting in rabbits
Authors: Tanaka Kazushige , Botticelli Daniele , Canullo Luigi , Baba Shunsuke , Xavier Samuel P. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
In a previous experimental study, new bone was found growing within granules of HA/β-TCP. In vitro and experimental studies have shown increased protein adsorption and cell adhesion graft material bioactivated with Argon plasma. The aims of the present experiment were to study new bone ingrowth into β-TCP/HA granules used as filler material for sinus lifting and the influence on the healing of the bioactivation of the graft with argon plasma.

Methods
Sinus lifting was carried out in 20 rabbits using 60% HA and 40% β-TCP as filler material either bio-activated with argon plasma (plasma group) or left untreated (control group). The antrostomies were closed with collagen membranes. Biopsies representing the healing after 2 and 10 weeks were collected, and ground sections were prepared for histomorphometric analyses. Various regions of the elevated space were analyzed both around (outer bone; OB) and inside (interpenetrating bone network, IBN) the graft particles.

Results
After 2 weeks of healing, 8.2% and 9.3% (n = 10; p = 0.635) of total new bone (OB + IBN) was found in the plasma and control groups, respectively. Small fractions of IBN were found, spreading from the periphery inward of the graft particles. After 10 weeks of healing, the total new bone was 34.0% in the plasma and 31.3% in Control groups (n = 9; p = 0.594). The respective fractions of IBN were 18.0% and 16.0%. New bone was penetrating from the peripheral regions inside the remnants of graft particles, where it was forming a network of bridges in continuity to the remnants of biomaterial through its porosities. The biomaterial decreased in proportion between 2 and 10 weeks from 52.1 to 28.3% in the plasma group, and from 52.5% to 31.9% in the control group.

Conclusion
The bio-activation with argon plasma on a synthetic graft composed of 60% HA and 40% β-TCP used as filler material for sinus lifting showed a tendency to improve bone formation; however, the difference with the control group was neither statistically significant nor clinically relevant.
The healthcare seeking behaviour of adult patients with asthma at Chitungwiza Central Hospital, Zimbabwe
Authors: Ndarukwa Pisirai , Chimbari Moses J. , Sibanda Elopy N. , Madanhire Tafadzwa 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Although asthma is a serious public health concern in Zimbabwe, there is lack of information regarding the decision to seek for healthcare services among patients. This study aimed to determine the health care seeking behaviour of adult patients with asthma attending Chitungwiza Central Hospital in Zimbabwe.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 patients with asthma. A questionnaire with four thematic areas (i) patients’ demographic characteristics, (ii) types of health seeking behaviours (iii) knowledge of asthma treatment and (iv) attitudes on asthma treatment was used.

Results
We determined the sequence of remedial action that people undertake to rectify perceived ill health commonly referred to as health care seeking behaviours in 400 adult patients with asthma. This behaviour was considered good if the patient sought care at the hospital/clinic and or private practitioners. Poor health seeking behaviour was adjudged if patients sought no treatment, self-treated or resorted to traditional or faith healers for care.
The majority 261(65.3%) of the study participants were females mainly between ages 29–39 years who lived in the urban setting. Distance to health facility, perception of supportive roles of healthcare providers, perceived good quality of service and knowledge of asthma complications were key determinants for health seeking behaviour. The results showed that majority 290 (72.5%) reported good health seeking behaviour. The correlates of good health seeking behaviour included financial capacity to pay for medical care [OR: 0.50 (CI: 0.31–0.83); p = 0.008)] and receiving good quality of asthma treatment [OR: 0.59 (CI: 0.37–0.93); p = 0.03)]. The inability to voluntarily seek own asthma treatment [OR: 1.68 (CI: 1.05–2.70); p = 0.03) was a significant risk factor (68% more likely) for poor health seeking behaviour.

Conclusions
We concluded that prior to scaling up asthma treatment programmes in Zimbabwe, there is need to address, individual-level, community-level and health service level barriers to health seeking among asthma patients.
Validating the efficacy of interval appendectomy for acute appendicitis: representative three cases with different etiologies
Authors: Kasagi Yuta , Natsugoe Keita , Aoyagi Takehiko , Nobutou Yoshinari , Tsujita Eiji , Ishida Mayumi , Kuma Sosei , Takizawa Katsumi , Uchiyama Hideaki 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundAppendectomy for acute appendicitis (AA) is considered one of the most common emergency surgeries. However, emergency appendectomy accompanied with complex lesions such as extensive abscess formation is not recommended in most cases. Therefore, non-operative management followed by interval appendectomy (IA) for AA has been tried. Herein, we present three AA cases with specific etiology that underwent interval appendectomy.Case presentationCase 1: A 68-year-old man was diagnosed AA with intestinal malrotation and intra-abdominal abscesses. He initially treated with conservative therapy and underwent laparoscopic IA after detailed preoperative examination.Case 2: A 22-year-old man had been under treatment for pancolitis-type ulcerative colitis (UC), also bothered by right-lower abdominal pain several times a year. The appendix always appeared swollen on every CT taken during symptoms. He underwent laparoscopic IA; pathological finding revealed typical UC histological features in the resected appendix. After the surgery, he never suffered from terrible right lower abdominal pain.Case 3: A 69-year-old woman complaining a right lower abdominal pain had undergone CT examination, which revealed AA with appendiceal mass, irregular wall thickness of the cecum, and mediastinal and para-aortic lymph node swelling. The operation was carried out after conservative therapy. The pathological diagnosis revealedBRAFmutated colorectal carcinoma. She had received systematic chemotherapy after the surgery, and all metastatic lesions have completely disappeared.ConclusionInterval appendectomy provided us with much clearer anatomical information and precise therapeutic strategies, avoiding technical and general operative complications, and also induced fast recovery and short length of hospital stay. Interval appendectomy is a reasonable procedure and could be recommended in case of AA with some different etiology.
Tissue-specific changes in Ca2+-ATPase and Na+/K+-ATPase activities in freshwater African catfish Clarias gariepinus juvenile exposed to oxadiazon
Authors: Oluah Ndubuisi Stanley , Mgbenka Bernard Obialo , Nwani Christopher Didiugwu , Aguzie Ifeanyi Oscar , Ngene Innocent Chinedu , Oluah Chidimma 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundThis study investigated the effect of sublethal concentrations (0.0, 0.3, 0.6, and 1.2 mg·L-1) of herbicide oxadiazon (ODZ) on the activities of Ca2+-ATPase and Na+/K+-ATPase in juvenileClarias gariepinus.MethodsOne hundred eighty juveniles ofClarias gariepinus(mean weight 58.88 ± 1.24 g and mean length 22.34 ± 1.52 cm) were randomly divided into four groups and exposed to sublethal concentrations (0.00, 0.3, 0.6, and 1.2 mg·L-1ODZ) for 21 days in a static renewal bioassay system in which the herbicide and water were replaced completely every day. The changes in Ca2+- and Na+/K+-ATPase activities in the gill, kidney, liver, and heart of the fish were assayed on days 1, 7, 14, and 21.ResultThe result showed significant alteration in the activity of these membrane-bound enzymes. There was duration and concentration-dependent significant (p < 0.05) increase in Ca2+-ATPase activity in the treatment groups when compared with the control. The Na+/K+-ATPase activity was significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited in all the tissues when compared with control. The observed alterations in the activities of both Ca2+-ATPase and Na+/K+-ATPase in this study may be indication of impaired ionic transport and imbalance in the fish which may trigger other biochemical, physiological, and even neurological consequences that may compromise several body functions.ConclusionThe alteration of the ATPase activities inC. gariepinusby ODZ is likely to affect the ATP usage and energy metabolism in the fish serious repercussions on Ca2+homeostasis, Na+/K+sodium pump, and Ca2+/Na+exchanger The results suggested that assay of the enzymes could be used as a biomarker of water pollution.
Impact of hiking trails on the diversity of flower-visiting insects in Wadi Telah, St. Katherine protectorate, Egypt
Authors: Kamel Mohamed 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundA hiking trail is one of the major recreational activities that have critical impacts on wildlife. Wadi Telah in Saint Katherine Protectorate (South Sinai, Egypt) (N 28.568539 and E 33.932816) is an important spot for biodiversity. It was surveyed for spatial variation in the diversity of flower-visiting insects at different distances from the hiking trail. The current study aimed at assessing the impact of some anthropogenic activities along the main hiking trail passing through W. Telah on the diversity of flower-visiting insects. Field monitoring of flower visitors across the hiking trail passing through W. Telah was carried out at different distances (~ 0, 20, 40, and 60 m) along both sides of the hiking trail. As a control, monitoring was performed at 120 m from the hiking trail.ResultsA total of 542 individuals belonging to 34 species of flower visitors, 16 families, from three orders were recorded within the study localities in W. Telah. Floral resources in Wadi Telah can be a limiting factor for the populations of flower visitors. There was a significant difference in the distribution of the flower visitors’ species richness among different distances from the hiking trail in W. Telah. Species richness and abundance of flower visitors and their associated floral resources were significantly positively correlated to the distance from the hiking trail. There were no significant differences in the diversity of flower-visiting insects among different distances from the trail, perhaps due to their mobility.ConclusionsThe present study showed that the hiking trail had a negative impact on flower visitors and their associated floral resources in Wadi Telah. The investigation on how different biodiversity elements respond to hiking trails allows greater insight for protectorate managers. The study can contribute to effective management decisions for current and future protectorates.
Conversion of adverse data corpus to shrewd output using sampling metrics
Authors: Ashraf Shahzad , Saleem Sehrish , Ahmed Tauqeer , Aslam Zeeshan , Muhammad Durr 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAn imbalanced dataset is commonly found in at least one class, which are typically exceeded by the other ones. A machine learning algorithm (classifier) trained with an imbalanced dataset predicts the majority class (frequently occurring) more than the other minority classes (rarely occurring). Training with an imbalanced dataset poses challenges for classifiers; however, applying suitable techniques for reducing class imbalance issues can enhance classifiers’ performance. In this study, we consider an imbalanced dataset from an educational context. Initially, we examine all shortcomings regarding the classification of an imbalanced dataset. Then, we apply data-level algorithms for class balancing and compare the performance of classifiers. The performance of the classifiers is measured using the underlying information in their confusion matrices, such as accuracy, precision, recall, and F measure. The results show that classification with an imbalanced dataset may produce high accuracy but low precision and recall for the minority class. The analysis confirms that undersampling and oversampling are effective for balancing datasets, but the latter dominates.
The use of mineral interfaces in sand-sized volcanic rock fragments to infer mechanical durability
Authors: Le Pera Emilia , Morrone Consuele 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe use of mineral interfaces, in sand-sized rock fragments, to infer the influence exerted by mechanical durability on the generation of siliciclastic sediments, has been determined for plutoniclastic sand. Conversely, for volcaniclastic sand, it has received much less attention, and, to our knowledge, this is the first attempt to make use of the volcaniclastic interfacial modal mineralogy of epiclastic sandy fragments, to infer mechanical durability control at a modern beach environment. Volcaniclastic sand was collected along five beaches developed on five islands, of the southern Tyrrhenian Sea (Alicudi, Filicudi, Salina, Panarea and Stromboli) from the Aeolian Archipelago, and one sample was collected near the Stromboli Island volcanic crater. Each sample was sieved and thin sectioned for petrographic analysis. The modal mineralogy of the very coarse, coarse and medium sand fractions was determined by point-counting of the interfacial boundaries discriminating 36 types of interfaces categories, both no-isomineralic and/or no iso-structural (e.g., phenocrystal/glassy groundmass or phenocrystal/microlitic groundmass boundaries) and iso-mineralic interfaces, inside volcanic lithic grains with lathwork and porphyric textures. A total of 47,386 interfacial boundaries have been counted and, the most representative series of interfaces, from the highest to the lowest preservation, can be grouped as: a) ultrastable interfaces, categorized asPl (Plagioclase)/Glgr (Glassy groundmass) > > Px (Pyroxene)/Glgr > > Ol (Olivine)/Glgr > > Op (Opaque)/Glgr > > Hbl (Hornblende)/Glgr> > Bt (Biotite)/Glgr > > Idd (Iddingsite)/Glgr > > Rt (Rutile) / Glgr; b) stable interfaces, categorized asPl/Migr (Microlitic groundmass) > > Op/Migr > > Px/Migr > > Ol/Migr; c) moderately stable interfaces, categorized asOp/Px > > Op/Hbl > > Px/P > > Ol/Pl> > Bt/Op; and d) unstable interfaces, categorized asPl/Pl > > Px/Px > > Ol/Ol > > Op/Op > > Hbl/Hbl > > Bt/Bt.Grains, eroded from the volcanic bedrock, if affected solely by abrasion, developed a rounded and smoothed form, with prevailing no-isostructural interfaces such as Plagioclase/Glassy groundmass, Pyroxene/Glassy groundmass and Olivine/Glassy groundmass interfaces. Grains that during transport suffered fracturing and percussion have a sharp and angular form: these combined transport mechanisms produce mainly volcanic sandy grains with iso-structural interfaces, such as Pl/Pl, Px/Px, Hbl/Hbl, and, to a lesser extent, Bt/Op and Bt/Glgr interfaces.
Prevalence and determinants of mother and newborn skin-to-skin contact in The Gambia: a secondary data analysis
Authors: Ekholuenetale Michael , Onikan Adeyinka , Ekholuenetale Charity Ehimwenma 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundSkin-to-skin contact (SSC) between mother and the newborn brings many benefits including its potential to promote the survival of the newborn. Nevertheless, it is a practice that is underutilized in many resource-constrained settings including The Gambia where a high rate of maternal and child mortality has been reported. In this study, we examined the prevalence and determinants of mother and newborn SSC in The Gambia.MethodsWe used secondary data from The Gambia Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS)—2018. Data from 9205 women between 15-49 years who gave birth within 5 years of the survey was extracted for the analysis. Percentages and chi-square test were used for analyses. The significant variables from chi-square test were included in the multivariable binary logistic regression model to calculate the adjusted odds ratios (with corresponding 95% CI) of the factors associated with mother and newborn SSC.ResultsThe results of this study showed that the national prevalence of mother and newborn SSC was 35.7%. Across local government areas; Mansakonko (47.8%) and Kerewan (44.2%) had the highest prevalence, while Basse (28.5%) and Brikama (26.5%) had the least prevalence of mother and newborn SSC in The Gambia. Based on results from the logit model, normal weight (at least 2.5 kg) children were 1.37 times as likely to have mother and newborn SSC, compared with the low birthweight (< 2.5 kg) children (OR = 1.37; 95% CI: 1.05, 1.78). In addition, there was 38% increase in the odds of rural women who reported mother and newborn SSC, compared with urban women (OR = 1.38; 95% CI: 1.06, 1.79). Women who delivered at health facility were 3.35 times as likely to have mother and newborn SSC, compared with women who delivered at home (OR = 3.35; 95% CI: 2.37, 4.75). Furthermore, women who initiated antenatal care (ANC) after the first trimester had 21% reduction in the odds of mother and newborn SSC, compared with women who initiated ANC within the first trimester (OR = 0.79; 95% CI: 0.68, 0.93).ConclusionThe prevalence of mother and newborn SSC was low. In addition, geographical residence, birth weight, urban-rural residential status, place of delivery, and timing to ANC initiation were associated with mother and newborn SSC. There is a need to promote institutional based delivery using skilled birth attendance, promote early ANC initiation and healthy fetal growth.
Characterization of elastic mechanical properties of Tuscaloosa Marine Shale from well logs using the vertical transversely isotropic model
Authors: Ruse Cristina Mariana , Mokhtari Mehdi 
Published: August 2020

To avoid steep declines in the Tuscaloosa Marine Shale (TMS) production, wells are fracture-stimulated to release the hydrocarbons trapped in the matrix of the formation. An accurate estimation of Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio is essential for hydraulic fracture propagation. In addition, ignoring the highly heterogeneous and anisotropic character of TMS can lead to erroneous stress values, which subsequently affect hydraulic fracture width estimates and the overall hydraulic fracturing process. We have developed an empirical 1D geomechanical model that takes into account VTI anisotropy, and it is used to characterize the elastic mechanical properties of TMS in two wells. In the analyzed formation, the vertical Poisson’s ratio is less than the horizontal Poisson’s ratio, which suggests the necessity of an alternative to the ANNIE equations. The stiffness coefficients [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] were estimated using the relationships developed from the ultrasonic core data available for the two TMS. Further, correlations between the static and dynamic properties from laboratory tests were used to improve the minimum horizontal stress calculation. We compare VTI Young’s moduli, Poisson’s ratios, and minimum horizontal stress with the isotropic solution. VTI modeling improves the estimation of the elastic mechanical properties. The isotropic solution underestimates the minimum horizontal stress in the formation. Moreover, it was shown that the 20 ft shale interval below the TMS base is characterized by a low Young’s modulus (the vertical Young’s modulus is equal to 20 GPa, whereas the horizontal Young’s modulus is equal to 40 GPa) and may be a frac barrier.
Regional subsurface mapping and 3D flexural modeling of the obliquely converging Putumayo foreland basin, southern Colombia
Authors: Pachón-Parra Luis Fernando , Mann Paul , Cardozo Nestor 
Published: August 2020

The Putumayo foreland basin (PFB) is an underexplored hydrocarbon-bearing basin located in southernmost Colombia. The PFB forms a 250 km long segment of the 7000 km long corridor of Late Cretaceous-Cenozoic foreland basins produced by eastward thrusting of the Andean mountain chain over Precambrian rocks of the South American craton. We have used approximately 4000 km of 2D seismic data tied to 28 exploratory wells to describe the basin-wide structure and stratigraphy. Based on seismic interpretation and comparison with published works from the southward continuation of the PFB into Peru and Ecuador, three main across strike, structural zones include (1) the 20 km wide, western structural zone closest to the Andean mountain front characterized by inversion of older, Jurassic half-grabens during the Late Miocene, (2) the 45 km wide, central structural zone characterized by moderately inverted Jurassic half-grabens, and (3) the 120 km wide, eastern structural zone (ESZ) characterized by the 40 km wide, north–south-trending Caquetá arch. The five mainly clastic tectonosequences of the PFB include (1) Lower Cretaceous pre-foreland basin deposits, (2) upper Cretaceous-Paleocene foreland basin deposits, (3) Eocene foreland basin deposits related to the early uplift of the eastern Cordillera, (4) Oligocene-Miocene underfilled, foreland basin deposits, and (5) Plio-Pleistocene overfilled, foreland basin deposits. We used 3D flexural modeling to identify the elastic thickness ([Formula: see text]) of the lithosphere below the PFB, and to model the location of the sedimentary-related and tectonically related forebulges of Cretaceous to Oligocene age. Flexural analysis finds two pulses of rapid, foreland-related subsidence first during the Late Cretaceous-early Paleocene and later during the Oligocene-Miocene. Despite the present-day oblique thrusting of the mountain front, flexure of the PFB basement has produced a tectonic forebulge now located in ESZ and controls a basement high that forms the eastern updip limit for most hydrocarbons found in the PFB.
Treatment and Outcomes of Colorectal Cancer in Armenia: A Real-World Experience From a Developing Country
Authors: Bardakhchyan Samvel , Mkhitaryan Sergo , Zohrabyan Davit , Safaryan Liana , Avagyan Armen , Harutyunyan Lilit , Arakelyan Jemma , Tamamyan Gevorg , Tananyan Armen 
Published: August 2020

PURPOSE In Armenia, colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers. It is in the third place by incidence. The aim of this study was to evaluate treatment and outcomes of CRC in Armenia during the last 9 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS For this retrospective hospital-based study, we have collected data from two main oncology centers in Armenia: National Oncology Center and “Muratsan” Hospital of Yerevan State Medical University. The information about patients with CRC who were treated at these two centers between January 1, 2010 and July 1, 2018 was collected from the medical records. Log-rank test and Kaplan-Meier curves were used for survival analysis. Prognostic factors were identified by Cox regression. RESULTS A total of 602 patients with CRC were involved in the final analysis. Median follow-up time was 37 months (range, 3-207 months). A total of 8.6% of patients had stage I, 32.9% stage II, 38.0% stage III, and 17.6% stage IV cancer; for 2.7% patients, the stage was unknown. The main independent prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) were tumor stage, grade, and histology. Adjuvant chemotherapy has been shown to improve survival in stage II colon cancer and stage III rectal but not in stage II rectal cancer. Radiotherapy did not yield survival improvement in stage II or III rectal cancer. Three- and 5-year OS rates were 62.9% and 51.8% for all stages combined and 79.7% and 68.5% for stages I-II, 62.5% and 48.4% for stage III, and 24.4% and 17% for stage IV respectively. CONCLUSION As seen from our results, our survival rates are lower than those of the developed world. Additional research is needed to identify the underlying reasons and to improve patients’ treatment and outcomes in Armenia.