bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validation of the Arabic version of the EORTC Colorectal (CR29) module in Moroccan colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Alami Yacir El , Bachri Houda , Essangri Hajar , Benamer Said , Benkabbou Amine , Mohsine Raouf , Majbar Mohammed Anass , Souadka Amine 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Purpose: Quality of life outcomes are a focal endpoint of cancer treatment strategies which can be evaluated through patient-related outcome measures (PROMs). We aim to validate the Moroccan Arabic version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire for Colorectal cancer patients (EORTC QLQ CR-29).Methods: Following translation to Moroccan Arabic, the QLQ CR-29 was administered to patients treated for colorectal cancer (CRC) in the national institute of oncology. Psychometric properties were tested by measuring Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for reliability and Intraclass correlation coefficient(ICC) to examine test-retest reproducibility. The multitrait-scaling analysis was performed to demonstrate the validity of the instrument and the ability to discriminate between different patient groups was tested using known-groups comparison.Results: In total, 221 patients were included in our study and 34 patients completed the questionnaire twice. The urinary Frequency scale and Stool Frequency scale had good internal consistency with alpha Cronbach coefficients of 0,79 and 0,83 respectively, whereas the coefficient was moderately lower for the Blood and Mucus in Stool scale (0,61) and the Body Image scale (0,67). The ICCs ranged from 0,88 to 1 indicating good to excellent reproducibility. In multitrait scaling analyses, the criterion for item convergent and divergent validity was satisfactory. The known-group comparison showed statistically significant differences between patients according to age, gender, stoma status, tumor location, and radiotherapy. Conclusion: The Moroccan Arabic version of the EORTC QLQ-CR29 is a valid and reliable tool and can be used for research and clinical purposes in Moroccan CRC patients.
Consequences of the emergency response to COVID-19: a whole health care system review in a single city in the United Kingdom
Authors: Tankel Jeremy , Ratcliffe David , Smith Martin , Mullarkey Andrew , Marsden Zoe , Pover Jennifer , Bennett Paula , Green Darren 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom included large scale changes to healthcare delivery, without fully understanding the potential for unexpected effects caused by change. The aim was “to ascertain the characteristics of patients, uncertainty over diagnosis, or features of the emergency response to the pandemic that could be modified to mitigate against future excess deaths”.Methods: Review of the entire pathway of care of patients whose death was registered in Salford during the 8 week period of the first wave (primary care, secondary care, 111 and 999 calls)) to create a single record of healthcare prior to death. An expert panel judged avoidability of death against the National Mortality Case Record Review Programme scale methodology and identification of themes using a structured judgement review format.Results: There were 522 deaths including 197 in hospital, and 190 in care homes. 51% of patients were female, 81% Caucasian, age 79±9 years. Dementia was present in 35%, COVID-19 was cause of death in 44%.Healthcare contact prior to death was most frequently with primary care (81% of patients). 46 patients (9%) had healthcare appointments cancelled (median 1 cancellation, range 1-9).Fewer than half of NHS 111 calls were answered during this period. 18% of deaths contained themes consistent with some degree of avoidability. In people aged ≥75 years who lived at home this was 53%, in care home residents 29% and learning disability patients 44% (n=9). Common themes were; delays in patients presenting to care providers (10%), delays in testing (17%), avoidable exposure to COVID-19 (26%), delays in provider response (5%), and sub-optimal care (11%). For avoidability scores of 2 or 3 (indicating more than 50% chance of avoidability), 44% of cases had >2 themes. Conclusions:The initial emergency response had unforeseen consequences resulting in late presentation, sub-optimal assessments, and delays in receiving care. Death in more vulnerable groups was quantitatively more likely to display avoidability themes.
Intravenous lidocaine Increases the Efficacy of Propofol Anesthesia for Gastroscope Implanted:A Randomised, Double-blind, Controlled Study
Authors: Shi Fu , Chen Jie , Ren Guang , Du Rong , Wang Xiang 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Backgroud: Gastroscope insertion is a distressing experience and propofol use for sedation can result in inhibition of circulation and respiration. Intravenous (IV) infusion of lidocaine has been shown to reduce propofol requirements during surgery.The goal of this study was to evaluate the impact of IV lidocaine on the median effective dose (ED50) of propofol and other outcomes after surgery. Method: Ninety adult patients undergoing analgesic gastroscopy were randomly divided into two groups (45 cases in each). The lidocaine group was slowly injected with 1% lidocaine at 1.5mg/kg while the saline group was given the same volume of saline before propofol induction. Motion and cough reaction were regarded as the judgment index of gastroscope implanted. The dose-response curves were made in the two groups when implanted gastroscope according to the formula of Y=Ymin+(Ymax-Ymin)/[1+10 log(ED50-X)*m ]. The primary outcome were the ED50 and requirement of propofol. Secondary outcomes were:intraoperative hemodynamic parameters,adverse reaction,awakening time,post-operative pain and fatigue. Results: Compared with the group S, the dose-response curve showing percentage of gastroscope implanted after propofol anesthesia in the L group shifted to the left. Intravenous infusion of lidocaine decreased the ED50 of propofol (group S 1.80mg/kg, group L 1.56mg/kg).Compared with group S, induction, additional requirement and total dose of propofol anesthesia, and incidence of bucking were significantly reduced in group L (P<0.05). Post-operative fatigue scores in group L were lower than that in group S (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Intravenous lidocaine could reduce the consumption of propofol anesthesia and reduce adverse reaction in patients undergoing painless gastroscopy. Trials registration: ChiCTR2000038542. Data of registration: Sep 23th, 2020.
Vaccination Against Influenza Among Lebanese Health Care Workers in the Era of Coronavirus Disease 2019&nbsp;
Authors: Youssef Dalal , Abass Linda Abou , Youssef Janet , Berry Atika 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Health care workers (HCWs) are at increased risk of influenza infection. Hence, the rationale for immunization to protect them and their patients particularly during the co-circulation of influenza and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This study aims to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices among HCWs towards the influenza vaccine and to identify the determinants of their willingness to vaccinate. Methods: Using an online survey, a cross-sectional study, was conducted in Lebanon between 14th and 28th October 2020 among HCWs. Descriptive statistics were reported using frequency and percentages for categorical variables. Multivariable logistic regression was carried out to identify the factors associated with influenza vaccine uptake. Adjusted odds ratio and their 95% confidence intervals were reported. Results: A total of 560 HCWs participated in the survey of which 72.9% were females. The majority were nurses (63.2%), married (66.1%) and aged between 30-49 years (53.9%). Nearly half of them had a good level of knowledge (≥80%). As perceived by HCWs, the availability of a sufficient quantity of vaccine will be the biggest challenge. Benefits of vaccination in enhancing patient safety, and avoiding co-infection by influenza and COVID-19 were well-acknowledged by HCWs. 32.1% of HCWs have received the influenza vaccine during the last year and 80.2% were willing to vaccinate for the current year. The influenza uptake was higher among HCWs who have received influenza vaccine in the past season (OR = 6.812, CI (3.045-15.239)), having a fair health status (OR = 3.117, CI (1.345-7.220)), good knowledge (OR=3.305, CI (1.155-9.457)), positive attitude (OR=2.305, CI (0.921-5.571)), low perception of barriers (OR= 4.130, CI (1.827-9.334)) and high perception of benefits (OR=6.264, CI (2.919-13.442) and was lower in single and divorced (OR=0.527, CI (0.284-0.978)). ConclusionAddressing misconceptions unveiled in this study through adapted training, along with economic interventions are needed to improve influenza vaccination coverage among HCWs.
Repeated venipuncture as a reason of aneurysm and pseudoaneurysm of vascular access﻿
Authors: Tahiri Laura Leci , Tahiri Afrim , Saracini Harieta Zherka 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The most complications of the vascular access are: thrombosis, aneurysm, infection. Aneurysms can be either true, containing all layers of a venous wall, or false (pseudoaneurysm), lined by fibrous tissue and thrombosis. Aneurysm dilatation is one of the major complications of vascular access. The incidence increased with the duration of the usage, repeated puncture at the same or nearby site, and increased intraluminal pressure of the graft. We present an uncommon case in which aneurysm and pseudoaneurysm of the native fistula is caused by puncture, in both sides. Repeated punctures at the same site, may progressively weaken the venous wall resulting in dilation of the outflow vein. A 68- year-old Albanian women had been in a hemodialysis program for 4 years, using a left brachiocephalic fistula. The inflow artery, outflow vein, and the deep veins were examined in detail. During the study period the patient have had three surgeries, for aneurysm of hemodialysis access on one hand, and for pseudoanurysm of hemodialysis access on the other hand. But, even that the patient survived and everything went well. The idea of our paper was that in patients we have predisposition for the formation of aneurysm and pseudoaneursym, the medical staff have more frequent meetings, so that such cases are treated more specifically, with more frequent visits to vascular surgeon, with more frequent measurements of draining vein diameter and flow of vascular access. The K/DOQI guidelines recommend a regular program of monitoring and surveillance of the vascular access. Color Doppler ultrasound s considered a valuable tool in the preoperative evaluation and in the follow-up.
Hypoxia-Related Gene FUT11 Promoted Pancreatic Cancer Progression Via Maintaining The Stabilization of PDK1
Authors: Cao Wenpeng , Zeng Zhirui , Pan Runsang , He Zhiwei , Wu Hao , Zhang Xiangyan , Chen Hui , Nie Yingjie , Lei Shan , Yu Zijiang 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Hypoxia participated in the occurrence and development of pancreatic cancer (PC). However, genes associated with hypoxia respond and their regulated mechanism in PC cells were unclear. The current research was aimed to illuminate the role and hypoxia regulated mechanism of fucosyltransferase 11 (FUT11) in the progression of PC.Methods: After predicting FUT11 as a key hypoxia associated gene in PC using bioinformatics analysis. The expression of FUT11 in PC using quantitative real-time fluorescent PCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry. The effects of FUT11 on PC cells proliferation, migration and invasion under normoxia and hypoxia were detected using Cell Counting Kit 8, 5-ethynyl-2’-deoxyuridine assay, colony formation assay and transwell assay. Spleen capsule injected liver metastasis and subcutaneously injected model were performed to confirm the effects of FUT11 in vivo. Furthermore, western blot, luciferase assay and immunoprecipitation were performed to explore the regulated relationship among FUT11, hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1α) and pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 (PDK1) in PC.Results: FUT11 was markedly increased of PC cells in hypoxia, up-regulated in the PC clinical tissues, and predicted a poor outcome. Inhibition of FUT11 reduced PC cell growth and mobility of PC cells under normoxia and hypoxia conditions in vitro, and growth and mobility in vivo. FUT11 bind with PDK1 and regulated the expression PDK1 under normoxia and hypoxia. FUT11 knockdown significantly increased the degradation rate of PDK1 under hypoxia, while treatment with MG132 can relieve the degradation of PDK1 induced by FUT11 knockdown. Overexpression of PDK1 in PC cells under hypoxia conditions reversed the suppressiv impacts of FUT11 knockdown on PC cell growth and mobility. In addition, HIF1α bound to the enhancer of FUT11 and increased its expression, as well as co-expressing with FUT11 in PC tissues. Furthermore, overexpress of FUT11 partially rescued the suppressiv effects of HIF1α knockdown on PC cell growth and mobility in hypoxia conditions.Conclusion: Our data further implicate that hypoxia-induced FUT11 in PC contributes to proliferation and metastasis by maintaining the stability of PDK1, and suggest FUT11 maybe a novel and effective target for treatment of pancreatic cancer.
Effects of Noisy Galvanic Vestibular Stimulation on Standing Balance – No Evidence for Stochastic Resonance in Young Healthy Adults
Authors: Assländer Lorenz , Giboin Louis-Solal , Gruber Markus , Schniepp Roman , Wühr Max 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Noisy galvanic vestibular stimulation (nGVS) at imperceptible levels has been shown to reduce body sway. This improvement was commonly attributed to the mechanism of stochastic resonance (SR). However, it has never been explicitly tested whether nGVS-induced effects on body sway consistently follow a SR-like bell-shaped performance curve with optimal improvements at intermediate noise intensities. To test this, body sway in 21 young healthy participants was measured during varying nGVS amplitudes while standing with eyes closed in 3 conditions (quiet stance, sway referencing, sinusoidal platform tilts). Presence of SR-compatible response dynamics in each trial was assessed (1) by a goodness-of-fit analysis using an established SR-curve model and (2) by ratings from 3 human experts. In accordance to theory, we found reductions of body sway at one nGVS amplitude in most trials (75-95%). However, only few trials exhibited SR-compatible bell-shaped performance curves with increasing noise amplitudes (10-33%). Instead, body sway measures rather fluctuated randomly across nGVS amplitudes. This implies that, at least in young healthy adults, nGVS effects on body sway are incompatible with SR. Thus, previously reported reductions of body sway at particular nGVS intensities more likely result from inherent variations of the performance metric or by other yet unknown mechanisms.
Knowledge and Response of Rural Women in Nigeria to&nbsp;COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Okonofua Friday , Ntoimo Lorretta Favour , Yaya Sanni , Igboin Brian , Ekwo Chioma , Imongan Wilson 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundNigeria has experienced COVID-19 pandemic as in nearly 200 countries around the world. The objective of this study was to investigate the knowledge, risk perceptions, and preventive practices among rural women in Edo State, Nigeria to identify the social circumstances under which women respond to COVID-19 in the community. MethodThe study design was cross-sectional and consisted of face-to-face interviews with 1,411 women in 20 rural communities in Edo state, south-south Nigeria using a structured questionnaire. Questions consisted of socio-demographic characteristics, the knowledge of COVID-19, its symptoms and prevention method, and the women’s compliance with the prevention guidelines recommended by the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control. Some of the questions and formats were adapted from the survey tool and guidance for monitoring knowledge, risk perceptions and preventive behavior by the WHO Regional Office for Europe. The data were analyzed with univariate, bivariate and multivariable statistical techniques.ResultsThe results showed relatively high knowledge of COVID-19 but low perceptions of risk, and inadequate self-reported compliance with the recommendations for prevention, use of face mask, and handwashing. The most prominent determinants of lack of knowledge of COVID-19, the symptoms, and preventive measures; perception of COVID-19 as no health threat; and poor preventive behavior include less exposure to the media, being in a polygynous and consensual marriage, illiterate, age, and not having a mobile phone.ConclusionsWe conclude that although rural women in Nigeria have relatively high knowledge, low-risk perception and adoption of preventive measures for COVID-19 are grossly inadequate. These deficits are attributable to illiteracy, poor access to information, and the pervading poverty in rural communities. Appropriate policies and programs that address these challenges will prevent COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences in rural Nigeria.
ICT Adoption and Environmental Sustainability: Thresholds From the Lower and Lower-Middle-Income Countries
Authors: AMARI Mouna , JARBOUI Anis 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
This paper aims to study the relationship between ICT readiness, use, and intensity, and environmental sustainability factors in the lower and middle lower-income countries from 2012-2018. ICT readiness, use, and intensity are measured with the impact of ICT on access to basic services, phone penetration, and internet penetration, while CO2 emissions per capita, fossil fuel energy consumption, and methane emissions are used as indicators for air pollution. To achieve this goal, the system two steps GMM estimation was performed which thresholds are computed contingent on the validity of tested hypotheses. The results demonstrate that increasing ICT readiness, use, and intensity in lower and lower-middle-income countries enhance environmental sustainability by decreasing CO2 emissions and energy consumption.
Heavy Metals in Liver, Kidney, Brain and Muscle Slender-Billed Gull (Chroicocephalus Genei) From the Chahnimeh Water Reservoirs Sistan and Coast Oman Sea (Iran)
Authors: Behrooz Reza Dahmardeh , Burger Joanna 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The concentrations of four heavy metals nickel (Ni), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) were determined in liver, kidney, muscle and brain tissues of 20 slender-billed gulls (Chroicocephalus genei) from the Chahnimeh water reservoirs of Sistan and the Oman Sea coast of Iran. There were significant differences between nickel Ni, Cd, Pb and Zn concentrations observed in the liver and brains of birds from the Oman Sea coast than in liver and brains of gulls from the Chahnimeh water reservoirs (P < 0.05). Higher levels of Pb, Cd and Zn were found in the brain and liver of gulls than in the kidney and muscles tissues. There were significant gender differences in heavy metals in liver and brain tissue. In gulls from the coast of Oman Sea, all four elements (Cd, Pb, Ni and Zn) were positively correlated with levels in all organs, and except for muscle, the elements were positively correlated with the other elements in the other tissue (except Ni in brain). Thus, the pathways and sources of entry for the elements are similar, and the pathways for accumulation of these elements, and the reactions of different organs of the body to these elements, are very similar. Also, 40% of gulls in Oman Sea coast had levels of lead in the brain that were above the adverse effects levels, Ni concentrations in liver of slender-billed gull in Oman Sea coast (100 %) and Chahnimeh water reservoirs (90 %) were above toxic levels, and 80% of Ni concentration in kidneys in gulls from the Oman Sea coast and Chahnimeh water reservoirs were higher than the toxicity levels.
Radiomics and gene expression profile to characterize the disease and predict outcome in patients with lung cancer
Authors: Kirienko Margarita , Sollini Martina , Corbetta Marinella , Voulaz Emanuele , Gozzi Noemi , Interlenghi Matteo , Gallivanone Francesca , Castiglioni Isabella , Asselta Rosanna , Duga Stefano , Soldà Giulia , Chiti Arturo 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Objectives The objectives of our study were to assess the association of radiomic and genomic data with histology and patient outcome in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).Methods In this retrospective single-centre observational study, we selected 151 surgically treated patients with adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma who performed baseline [18F]-FDG PET/CT. A subgroup of patients with cancer tissue samples at the Institutional Biobank (n=74/151) was included in the genomic analysis. Features were extracted from both PET and CT images using an in-house tool. The genomic analysis included detection of genetic variants, fusion transcripts, and gene expression. Generalized linear model (GLM) and machine learning (ML) algorithms were used to predict histology and tumour recurrence.Results Standardized Uptake Value (SUV) and kurtosis (among the PET and CT radiomic features, respectively), and the expression of TP63, EPHA10, FBN2, and IL1RAP were associated with the histotype. No correlation was found between radiomic features/genomic data and relapse using GLM. The ML approach identified several radiomic/genomic rules to predict the histotype successfully. The ML approach showed a modest ability of PET radiomic features to predict relapse, while it identified a robust gene expression signature able to predict patient relapse correctly. The best-performing ML radiogenomic rule in predicting the outcome resulted in an Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.87.Conclusions: Radiogenomic data provided clinically relevant information in NCSCL patients, regarding the histotype, aggressiveness, and progression. Gene expression may provide additional valuable information to guide patient management. The application of ML allows to increase the efficacy of radiogenomic analysis and provide novel insights into cancer biology.
Solid-state cultivation of Aspergillus niger–Trichoderma reesei from sugarcane bagasse with vinasse in bench packed-bed column bioreactor
Authors: Rocha Laura Macedo , Campanhol Beatriz Silva , Bastos Reinaldo Gaspar 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Solid-state cultivation (SSC) is microbial growth on solid supports under limited water conditions. Citric acid, one of the products obtained by SSC, is a microbial aerobic metabolic product with various industrial applications. Several wastes from agro-industries are used in SSC, such as sugarcane bagasse and vinasse. As xylanolytic enzymes of inoculum breakdown the lignocellulosic material (bagasse), mixed fungal cultures or co-cultures are used in these SSC. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the effect of inoculum (Aspergillus niger and Trichoderma reesei consortium) in the production of citric acid from sugarcane bagasse impregnated with vinasse using bench packed bed reactors (PBR). The results show the importance of T. reesei in inoculum with A. niger at a ratio of 50:50 and 25:75, suggesting the use of solid support due to the complementation of the hydrolytic enzymes. The highest concentration of approximately 1000 mg L− 1 of citric acid yield for 100 mm of bed height in 48 and 72 h, with the maximum yield from glucose to citric acid (2.2 mg citric acid mg glucose−1). kLa indicates that maintaining solid moisture and liquid film thickness is important to keep the oxygen transfer in SSC.