bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combined Therapy With Early Initiation of Infliximab After Surgery for Perianal Fistulising Crohn’s Disease : A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Zhu Ping , Sun Jin-fang , Gu Yun-fei , Chen Hong-jin , Xu Min-min , Li You-ran , Yang Bo-lin 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Recent studies have recognized that combined surgery and anti-TNF therapy could improve clinical outcomes in patients with perianal fistulising Crohn’s disease (PFCD). However, the optimal timing for infliximab infusion after surgical intervention is uncertain. We aimed to determine the long-term efficacy of early initiation of infliximab after surgery among patients who received combination therapy for PFCD.Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of PFCD patients who received combined infliximab and surgical treatment between 2010 and 2018 at a tertiary referral hospital. Patients were grouped according to the time interval between surgery and infliximab infusion, with < 6 weeks into early combination group and > 6 weeks into conventional combination group. The primary outcome was to compare fistula closure and surgical re-intervention between early and conventional combination groups. The secondary outcomes were predictors associated with these outcomes of early combination approach.Results: One hundred and seventeen patients were included (73 in early combination, 44 in conventional combination). The median interval between surgery and initial infliximab infusion was 9.0 (IQR 5.5-17.0) days in early combination group and 188.0 (IQR 102.25-455.75) days in conventional combination group. After followed-up for a median of 36 months, 61.6% of patients in early combination group and 65.9% patients in conventional combination group derived fistula closure (p=0.643). The cumulative re-intervention rate was 23%, 32%, 35% in early combination group and 16%, 24%, 24% in conventional combination group, at 1, 2, and 3 years respectively (P=0.235). Presence of abscess (HR = 5.283; 95% CI, 1.61-17.335; p = 0.006) and maintenance infliximab therapy > 3 times (HR = 3.691; 95% CI, 1.233-11.051; p = 0.02) were associated with re-intervention in early combination group. Presence of abscess also negatively influences fistula closure (HR = 3.429, 95% CI, 1.216-9.668; p = 0.02).Conclusion: Combined therapy with early initiation of infliximab after surgery could achieve promising results for PFCD patients. Durable drainage should be established for patients with concomitant abscess or requiring infliximab maintenance before infliximab initiation.
Novel NS Modified Cellulose: Synthesis, Spectroscopic Characterization and Adsorption Studies of Cu2+, Hg2+ and Pb2+ From Environmental Water Samples
Authors: Akl Magda , Ismail Mohamed A. , Hashem Mohamed A. , Ali Dina A. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
In this work, an attempt was made to modify natural cellulose powder via three steps process; oxidation by potassium periodate followed by condensation with aminoguanidine and eventually reaction with phenyl isothiocyanate. The modified cellulose (PhGu-MC) was characterized by several techniques including Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and elemental analysis (EA), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis (BET) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The modified cellulose (PhGu-MC) was used as an adsorbent for Cu2+, Hg2+ and Pb2+ from aqueous solution and environmental water samples. Effects of various factors on the adsorption efficiency were investigated including pH, initial metal concentration, contact time, adsorbent dose, temperature and interfering ions on adsorption was investigated to estimate the optimum adsorption conditions. At optimum adsorption conditions, the adsorption capacities of Cu2+, Hg2+ and Pb2+ were found to be 50, 94 and 55 mg.g−1, respectively. The adsorption process was, well described by the Langmuir model, and it was found to follow the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The synthesized (PhGu-MC) has revealed significant potential towards heavy metal removal from environmental water samples.
An Alternative Heterogeneous Catalyst Synthesis From Seabass (Dicentrarchus Labrax) Scales for Biodiesel Production
Authors: UĞUZ Gediz , Alwahidhawi Muntadher Musafer Obaid 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Biodiesel is one of the renewable energy sources derived from living organisms and is an alternative to petroleum fuels that cause environmental pollution. Biodiesel is specified as the fatty acid alkyl esters (FAAE) formed as a result of the transesterification reactions of various alcohols and triglycerides with catalysts. The catalyst plays an important role in biodiesel production. These catalysts can be synthesized from chemical or natural substances as homogeneous or heterogeneous. Some natural waste materials such as egg shell and fish scales have started to be preferred in catalyst synthesis due to their low cost, accessibility and support for waste recycling and minimizing. In this study, a high-performance heterogeneous catalyst was synthesized in order to reduce cost, increase the reaction rate and evaluate waste fish scales in biodiesel production. Waste fish scales were characterized by Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). The novel catalyst was prepared from waste Seabass (Dicentrarchus Labrax) fish scales by calcination at different temperatures (800, 900, 950 and 1000 °C). The best calcination temperature was determined by using as X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) techniques as 1000 °C and the waste fish scale catalyst was shortened as WFSC. The novel WFSC was characterized by BET specific surface area, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR). Finally, the novel WFSC were used for biodiesel production. Biodiesel yield was calculated as 85 %. Additionally, this novel catalyst reduces chemical consumption in biodiesel production, with its reusability. Due to the obtained results, it can be qualified as an eco-friendly catalyst.
A Thrombophilia Family With Protein S Deficiency Due to Protein Translation Disorders Caused By a Leu607Ser Heterozygous Mutation in PROS1
Authors: Zhang Yan-ping , Lin Bin , Ji Yuan-yuan , Hu Ya-nan , Lin Xin-fu , Tang Yi , Zhang Jian-hui , Wu Shao-jie , Cai Sen-lin , Zhou Yan-feng , Chen Ting , Fang Zhu-ting , Luo Jiewei 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Protein S deficiency (PSD) is an autosomal dominant hereditary disease. In 1984, familial PSD was reported to be prone to recurrent thrombosis. Follow-up studies have shown that heterozygous protein S (PROS1) mutations increase the risk of thrombosis. More than 300 PROS1 mutations have been identified; among them, only a small number of mutations have been reported its possible mechanism to reduce plasma protein S (PS) levels. However, whether PROS1 mutations affect protein structure and why it can induce PSD remains unknown.Methods: The clinical phenotypes of the members of a family with thrombosis were collected. Their PS activity was measured using the coagulation method, whereas their protein C and antithrombin III activities were measured using methods such as the chromogenic substrate method. The proband and her parents were screened for the responsible mutation using second-generation whole exon sequencing, and the members of the family were verified for suspected mutations using Sanger sequencing. Mutant and wild type plasmids were constructed and transfected into HEK293T cells to detect the mRNA and protein expression of PROS1.Results: In this family, the proband with venous thrombosis of both lower extremities, the proband’s mother with pulmonary thrombosis and venous thrombosis of both lower extremities, and the proband’s younger brother had significantly lower PS activity and carried a PROS1 c. 1820T > C:p.Leu607Ser heterozygous mutation (NM_000313.3). However, no such mutations were found in family members with normal PS activity. The PS expression in the cell lysate and supernatant of the Leu607Ser mutant cells decreased, while mRNA expression increased. Immunofluorescence localization showed that there was no significant difference in protein localization before and after mutation.Conclusions: The analysis of family phenotype, gene association, and cell function tests suggest that the PROS Leu607Ser heterozygous mutation may be a pathogenic mutation. Serine substitution causes structural instability of the entire protein. These data indicate that impaired PS translation and synthesis or possible secretion impairment is the main pathogenesis of this family with hereditary PSD and thrombophilia.
Acute Flaccid Paralysis surveillance in Polio Eradication and Beyond: Learning from Bangladesh
Authors: Anwar Humayra Binte , Mazumder Yameen , Nujhat Sanjana , Islam Bushra Zarin , Kalbarczyk Anna , Alonge Olakunle O. , Sarker Malabika 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
IntroductionGlobal Polio Eradication Initiative, GPEI led by the World Health Organization (WHO), helped to develop standard acute flaccid paralysis surveillance (AFP) system worldwide, including Bangladesh, which comprises infrastructure, knowledge, expertise, funding, technical assistance, and trained personnel. AFP surveillance can complement any disease surveillance systems, and many countries are now utilizing these polio surveillance assets for monitoring other vaccine-preventable diseases. This paper outlines how AFP surveillance has evolved in Bangladesh over time, its success and challenging factors, and its potential to accomplish other health goals.MethodologyThis mixed-method study includes a grey literature review, a survey for quantitative and qualitative information on barriers and facilitators, and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) to gather relevant in-depth information on AFP surveillance in Bangladesh. Grey literature was collected online and paper documentation from different stakeholders. Online and in-person surveys were conducted in six divisions of Bangladesh, including Dhaka, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Chittagong, Sylhet, and Khulna, to map tacit knowledge ideas, approaches, and experiences. KIIs were conducted at global, national, and sub-national levels. Data were then combined on focused emerging themes, including history, challenges, and successes of the AFP surveillance system in Bangladesh.ResultsAFP surveillance in Bangladesh was first introduced in 1990 at the district and Upazila level major hospitals. High population growth, low performance, hard-to-reach areas, and groups of people residing in risky zones were major challenges to implementing this surveillance system. Surveillance was gradually enriched by establishing certification standards and community-based AFP surveillance and improved Surveillance Immunization Medical Officer (SIMO) network activities, laboratory activities, and proper monitoring and evaluation. In Bangladesh, a national disease surveillance system and a laboratory are now being used for multiple diseases, including polio, measles, Japanese Encephalitis, Neonatal Tetanus etc.ConclusionIn Bangladesh, it is evident that the AFP surveillance system is supporting the health system more broadly by building knowledge, experience, and assets and forming a strong platform for other health programs. In addition, its strengths can be leveraged for combating new and emerging diseases like COVID-19. However, the sustainability of the AFP surveillance in Bangladesh still needs collaborative support from partners, mainly technical assistance.
Effect of Lavender Oil on Nausea, Vomiting, and Anxiety in Pregnant Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Amzajerdi Azam , Keshavarz Maryam , Montazeri Ali , Bekhradi Reza 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Objective: The present study was performed to determine whether lavender oil affects nausea-vomiting and anxiety in pregnant women.Methodology: In a quasi-experimental study, sixty-six pregnant women in the 6th to 16th week of pregnancy with a range of mild to moderate nausea and vomiting were randomized into two groups; a Lavender and a control group (n = 33 for each group). Twice a day (before rest in the afternoon and night sleep) for a week, samples in the intervention and control group inhaled Lavender and sesame oil, respectively. Every night before sleeping, the Rhodes nausea-vomiting questionnaire was completed by the subjects. In addition, Maternal State Anxiety (MSA) in mothers of two groups was measured by using the state anxiety scale before and on the seventh day of the intervention. Results: Seven days after inhalation of Lavender oil, the overall mean score of Rhodes index and the severity of nausea and vomiting (p = 0.008, p = 0.032, respectively), also the mean scores and severity of MSA in mothers of the Lavender group were significantly lower than the control group (p = 0.012 and p = 0.027, respectively). According to the repeated measures analysis, the mean score of the Rhodes index was significantly decreased in the Lavender and control groups during one week (p = 0.0001 and 0.004, respectively).Conclusion: This study presented evidence that Lavender aromatherapy could decrease nausea, vomiting, and anxiety in pregnant women. The findings can guide healthcare workers in providing aromatherapy to women throughout pregnancy.
A novel surgical approach for treating hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux disease: the laparoscopic total left-side surgical approach
Authors: Zheng Zhi , Liu Xiaoye Xiaoye , Xin Chenglin , Zhang Weitao , Gao Yan , Zeng Na , Li Mengyi , Cai Jun , Meng Fandong , Liu Dong , Zhang Jie , Yin Jie , Jun Zhang , Zhang Zhongtao 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
BackgroundAlthough the traditional bilateral surgical approach can provide local protection of the vagus nerve, the integrity of the entire vagus nerve cannot be evaluated. Therefore, we developed total left-side surgical approach (TLSA), which theoretically eliminates injury to the vagus nerve, and evaluated its safety and effectiveness.MethodsWe initially performed a cadaver study to explore the characteristics of the vagus nerve, and then prospectively evaluated the TLSA in 5 patients with hiatal hernia and gastroesophageal reflux disease between June 2020 and September 2020. Demographic characteristics, surgical parameters, perioperative outcomes, and follow-up findings were analyzed.ResultsThe patients were 40–64 years old and all 5 patients underwent TLSA successfully without any major complications. The median total operative time was 114 min, the median blood loss was 50 mL, and the median postoperative hospital stay was 3.8 days. Gastrointestinal function recovered within 4 days in all patients. The 6-month follow-up gastroscopy examination revealed well-established gastroesophageal flap valves. Relative to the baseline results, the 6-month follow-up revealed lower values for the total GerdQ score (12.4 vs. 6.2) and the total esophageal acid exposure time (3.48% vs. 0.38%). Based on the EORTC QLQ-STO52 questionnaire results, the incidences of dysphagia and flatulence decreased over time after the procedure.ConclusionsTLSA provides a clear and broad surgical field, less trauma, rapid recovery, and is technically simple. Although our results suggest that the TLSA provides good safety and short-term efficacy, long-term results from a larger clinical trial are needed to validate these findings.Trial registrationChiCTR2000034028, registration date is June 21, 2020.
Unhealthy Behaviors and Metabolic Indices of Chronic Kidney Disease in a HCV Hyperendemic Area: A Community-Based Study
Authors: Chen Mei-Yen , Wang Po-Chang , Lin Ming-Shyan , Lin Chun-Liang , Chung Chang-Min , Lin Yu-Sheng , Wu Yi Fang 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is related to a higher risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study aimed to investigate the relationships between unhealthy behaviors, metabolic indices, and HCV with CKD.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted as part of a community health promotion program in the HCV hyperendemic area of Taiwan between March and December 2019. Multivariable logistic regression analyses adjusted for demographic and clinical characteristics were performed to investigate the association between CKD and HCV seropositivity.Results: A total of 2,387 patients completed the examination. HCV was related to a lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), unhealthy dietary behaviors, and multiple metabolic indices including higher systolic blood pressure (SBP), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and triglycerides (TG), and lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL). HCV was associated with a 44% higher risk of CKD compared to non-HCV (OR 1.44, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05-1.98). Irregular exercise, waist circumference (WC), and higher HbA1c were significantly associated with a higher risk of CKD after multivariable analysis. A low eGFR was significantly associated with the severity of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in the HCV group (median eGFR of 86.4, 77.1, and 64.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 for individuals with one, three, and five MetS components, respectively).Conclusions: HCV seropositivity, metabolic distortion, and irregular exercise are significantly associated with CKD. Effective treatment of HCV and aggressive health promotion of physical activity may prevent the occurrence of CKD.
Factors Affecting Loan Repayment Rate from ACSI among Smallholder Farmers: In the case of Habru District, Eastern Amara Regional State, Ethiopia
Authors: Kassegn Andualem , Endris Ebrahim 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
This paper aims to examine factors affecting loan repayment rate from Amhara Credit and Saving Institutions (ACSI) among smallholder farmers in Habru district, Ethiopia. In this study, both primary and secondary data sources were used. The study employed a combination of multi-stage purposive and stratified sampling techniques in the selection of 384 borrowers from small-holder farmers in the study area. The Tobit model result found that a total of 10 out of the total 15 explanatory variables involved in the model were found to be statistically significant. According to the result demographic factors (age and household size), socio-economic factors (educational level, land size, livestock size, non-farm income, purpose of borrowing), and institutional factors (road distance, contact with development agents, training received on loan use) were among the factors that influenced loan repayment rate of small-holder borrowers in the study area. Education level, land size, livestock size in TLU, non-farm income, purpose of borrowing, contact with agricultural extension agents, and training received on loan use were found to determine loan repayment rate of borrowers positively and significantly, while age, family size, and road distance were found negatively and significantly determine loan repayment rate in the study area. Therefore, the overall result of this study underlined the great importance of the significant factors to profoundly achieve high repayment rate on borrowed funds from ACSI in the study area.
Magnetic Nanocomposites Containing Low and Medium-Molecular Weight Chitosan for Dye Adsorption: Hydrophilic Property Versus Functional Groups
Authors: Mirzai Masouma , Asadabadi Simin 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The azo dye removal from polluted water is vital from a sustainable viewpoint. In this study, we investigated the influence of chitosan molecular weight on the adsorptive removal of basic blue 41. For preparing nanocomposite containing medium-molecular weight chitosan (NC(M)), cross-linking of chitosan was done using diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid, silica-modified magnetite nanoparticles and graphene oxide. Techniques including FT-IR, XRD, FESEM, TGA/DTG, VSM and N2 adsorption/desorption isotherm were applied for characterization of NC(M). The adsorption behavior of synthesized NC(M) was compared with as-prepared adsorbent containing low-molecular weight chitosan (NC(L)) (Asadabadi 2021). The experimental design was carried out using the Central Composite Design. The effect of initial pH, temperature and adsorbent concentration on the percentage of dye removal were examined and the optimum values of variables were determined. Despite NC(M) which had maximum 31% dye removal, NC(L) led to approximately 95% adsorptive removal at optimum conditions. An increase in the monomer number of chitosan caused to reduce hydrophilic property of NC(M), which in turn resulted in a repulsion force between adsorbent and dye. However, H-bonding, coulumbic attraction and pi-stacking interactions contributed in the adsorption mechanism of NC(L). The kinetics study showed that about 30 min necessitated reaching the equilibrium and the rate-limiting steps changed from film diffusion to intra-particle diffusion as time passed. The kinetics data were satisfactorily fitted by the modified pseudo-n-order model. The maximum adsorption capacity of NC(L) was obtained 55.87 mg·g− 1. The modified Langmuir-Freundlich isotherm was the best model to reproduce data. NC(L) was recovered seven times without dramatic changes in its adsorption efficiency.
Successful Management of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Outbreak in a Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplant Unit
Authors: Xia Yanjie , Xiao Huarui , Yang Jin , Tian Qiaoling , Xing Fanfan , Xie Lingling , Wang Xue , Liu Jieling 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)is recognized as one of the most common causes of acute respiratory infections in adults which is associated with significant morbidity and mortality in the elderly and immunocompromised adults. Moreover RSV can spread rapidly through close contact through respiratory droplets leading to clusters of cases or outbreaks in health care facilities. Herein we demonstrate the successful control and the risk factors of the RSV outbreak involving 39 patients in a Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplant(BMT) Unit. Methods: We performed an epidemiological investigation,analyzed the risk factors and implemented the infection control measures for this nosocomial RSV outbreak in the Hematology and BMT Unit. Furthermore we implemented the RSV screening for all the inpatients and medical staff of Hematology and BMT Unit and the infection control bundles to stop the outbreak.Results: 24 patients were tested positive for RSV, 2 of which were confirmed to be hospital acquired respiratory infection according to Chinese hospital infection diagnostic criteria,the other cases were hospital acquired. Our multimodal infection control bundle was able to rapidly control this outbreak,newly diagnosed patients with RSV infection were distributed in the first three weeks of this outbreak.All cases were discharged after recovery or remission. Conclusion: The successful infection control management of RSV outbreak should include interruption of all potential transmission routes.In Hematology and BMT Unit, restriction of social activities is useful to stop RSV transmission despite some temporal negative impact on the emotional needs of the patients.Universal RSV screening and vigorous enforcement of infection control measures was effective in the containment of this outbreak.