bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reducing the diagnostic delay in Antiphospholipid Syndrome over time: a real world observation
Authors: Radin Massimo , Foddai Silvia Grazietta , Barinotti Alice , Cecchi Irene , Rubini Elena , Sciascia Savino , Roccatello Dario 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS) is a rare autoimmune disorder with an estimated prevalence of 40–50 cases per 100.000 persons. Patients suffering from low prevalence diseases are more likely to face diagnostic challenges, given the limited knowledge of most clinicians. The main aim of this study was to investigate the time between symptoms occurrence and the diagnosis of APS patients using the Piedmont and Aosta Valley Rare Disease Registry. Secondly, to evaluate the individual impact of the diagnostic gap by gathering patients’ personal experiences through a self-administered questionnaire.

Results
Data from the Piedmont and Aosta Valley Rare Disease Registry was used. In addition, personal experiences were analyzed through a self-administered questionnaire. A total of 740 APS patients included in the Piedmont and Aosta Valley Rare Disease Registry were analyzed. Diagnostic delay (as defined by time between symptoms’ occurrence and the diagnosis of APS) was significantly reduced over time. In particular, when comparing the diagnostic delay between patients diagnosed between 1983 and 1999 and patients diagnosed between 2000 and 2015, we found a significant statistical difference (Mann-Whithey U Test; mean rank 1216.6 vs. 1066.9, respectively; p < 0.0001). When analyzing the self-administered questionnaires, patients with a perception of having suffered for a diagnostic delay had a higher prevalence of symptoms suggestive of an autoimmune condition but not highly suggestive of APS (45%), followed by “extra criteria” APS manifestation (30%) and by thrombotic events (25%). The first clinical manifestation of patients who did not have the perception of having suffered a diagnostic delay was thrombotic events (45.5%), followed by autoimmune manifestation not linked to APS (45.5%), and “extra criteria” APS manifestations (9%).

Conclusions
While the diagnostic delay of APS has been reduced during the last years, the time between symptoms occurrence and the diagnosis of rare diseases still represents a critical issue to be addressed in order to prevent major complications.
Recruiting hard-to-reach pregnant women at high psychosocial risk: strategies and costs from a randomised controlled trial
Authors: MacLachlan Alice , Crawford Karen , Shinwell Shona , Nixon Catherine , Henderson Marion 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
Recruiting participants to randomised controlled trials (RCTs) is often challenging, particularly when working with socially disadvantaged populations who are often termed ‘hard-to-reach’ in research. Here we report the recruitment strategies and costs for the Trial for Healthy Relationship Initiatives in the Very Early years (THRIVE), an RCT evaluating two group-based parenting interventions for pregnant women.

Methods
THRIVE aimed to recruit 500 pregnant women with additional health and social care needs in Scotland between 2014 and 2018. Three recruitment strategies were employed: (1) referrals from a health or social care practitioner or voluntary/community organisation (practitioner-led referral), (2) direct engagement with potential participants by research staff (researcher-led recruitment) and (3) self-referral in response to study advertising (self-referral). The number of referrals and recruited participants from each strategy is reported along with the overall cost of recruitment. The impact of recruitment activities and the changes in maternity policy/context on recruitment throughout the study are examined.

Results
THRIVE received 973 referrals: 684 (70%) from practitioners (mainly specialist and general midwives), 273 (28%) from research nurses and 16 (2%) self-referrals. The time spent in antenatal clinics by research nurses each month was positively correlated with the number of referrals received (r = 0.57; p < 0.001). Changes in maternity policies and contexts were reflected in the number of referrals received each month, with both positive and negative impacts throughout the trial. Overall, 50% of referred women were recruited to the trial. Women referred via self-referral, THRIVE research nurses and specialist midwives were most likely to go on to be recruited (81%, 58% and 57%, respectively). Key contributors to recruitment included engaging key groups of referrers, establishing a large flexible workforce to enable recruitment activities to adapt to changes in context throughout the study and identifying the most appropriate setting to engage with potential participants. The overall cost of recruitment was £377 per randomised participant.

Conclusions
Recruitment resulted from a combination of all three strategies. Our reflections on the successes and challenges of these strategies highlight the need for recruitment strategies to be flexible to adapt to complex interventions and real-world challenges. These findings will inform future research in similar hard-to-reach populations.

Trial registration
International Standard Randomised Controlled Trials Number Registry ISRCTN21656568. Retrospectively registered on 28 February 2014
Indoor residual spraying practices against Triatoma infestans in the Bolivian Chaco: contributing factors to suboptimal insecticide delivery to treated households
Authors: Gonçalves Raquel , Logan Rhiannon A. E. , Ismail Hanafy M. , Paine Mark J. I. , Bern Caryn , Courtenay Orin 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
Indoor residual spraying (IRS) of insecticides is a key method to reduce vector transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi, causing Chagas disease in a large part of South America. However, the successes of IRS in the Gran Chaco region straddling Bolivia, Argentina, and Paraguay, have not equalled those in other Southern Cone countries.

Aims
This study evaluated routine IRS practices and insecticide quality control in a typical endemic community in the Bolivian Chaco.

Methods
Alpha-cypermethrin active ingredient (a.i.) captured onto filter papers fitted to sprayed wall surfaces, and in prepared spray tank solutions, were measured using an adapted Insecticide Quantification Kit (IQK™) validated against HPLC quantification methods. The data were analysed by mixed-effects negative binomial regression models to examine the delivered insecticide a.i. concentrations on filter papers in relation to the sprayed wall heights, spray coverage rates (surface area / spray time [m2/min]), and observed/expected spray rate ratios. Variations between health workers and householders’ compliance to empty houses for IRS delivery were also evaluated. Sedimentation rates of alpha-cypermethrin a.i. post-mixing of prepared spray tanks were quantified in the laboratory.

Results
Substantial variations were observed in the alpha-cypermethrin a.i. concentrations delivered; only 10.4% (50/480) of filter papers and 8.8% (5/57) of houses received the target concentration of 50 mg ± 20% a.i./m2. The delivered concentrations were not related to those in the matched spray tank solutions. The sedimentation of alpha-cypermethrin a.i. in the surface solution of prepared spray tanks was rapid post-mixing, resulting in a linear 3.3% loss of a.i. content per minute and 49% loss after 15 min. Only 7.5% (6/80) of houses were sprayed at the WHO recommended rate of 19 m2/min (± 10%), whereas 77.5% (62/80) were sprayed at a lower than expected rate. The median a.i. concentration delivered to houses was not significantly associated with the observed spray coverage rate. Householder compliance did not significantly influence either the spray coverage rates or the median alpha-cypermethrin a.i. concentrations delivered to houses.

Conclusions
Suboptimal delivery of IRS is partially attributable to the insecticide physical characteristics and the need for revision of insecticide delivery methods, which includes training of IRS teams and community education to encourage compliance. The IQK™ is a necessary field-friendly tool to improve IRS quality and to facilitate health worker training and decision-making by Chagas disease vector control managers.

Graphical Abstract
Effects of task difficulty during practice on learning a dynamic balance task in healthy young adults: An intervention study
Authors: Schedler Simon , Leifeld Pascal , Seidel Tim , Brueckner Dennis , Muehlbauer Thomas 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Objective
Cross-sectional studies reported increased postural sway during balance tasks with a high (e.g., unipedal stance on foam ground) compared to a low (e.g., unipedal stance on firm ground) level of task difficulty. Therefore, practicing/training balance tasks using high compared to low stimuli seems to be beneficial as it addresses larger adaptive reserves. Thus, the present study was performed to investigate the role of task difficulty during practice on learning a dynamic balance task in healthy young adults.

Results
During acquisition, both practice groups (“Easy” or “Difficult” task condition) significantly improved their performance (i.e., time in balance). Further, the statistical analysis of post-practice performance revealed a significant main effect of test (i.e., better performance under easy compared to difficult test conditions, irrespective of group) but not of group. Additionally, the Group × Test interaction did not reach the level of significance, indicating that learning a dynamic balance task did not depend on the practiced task condition.
The expression of miRNA-152-3p and miRNA-185 in tumor tissues versus margin tissues of patients with chemo-treated breast cancer
Authors: Safi Asma , Delgir Soheila , Ilkhani Khandan , Samei Azam , Mousavi Seyyed Reza , Zeynali-Khasraghi Zahra , Bastami Milad , Alivand Mohammad Reza 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Objective
Breast cancer (BC) is the most significant and lethal type of cancer in women. Although there are many newly develop chemotherapy drugs for patients with BC treating at various stages, drug resistance is the most important obstacle in their effectiveness for BC treatment. On the other hand, microRNAs are considered key regulators of genes involved in carcinogenesis and chemoresistance in cancers. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of miR-152-3p and miR-185 in intrinsic chemoresistance and proliferation of BC. In addition, the potential role of these miRNAs during chemoresistance was evaluated through possible signaling pathways.

Results
Here, miR-152-3p was significantly downregulated in tumor tissues compared to the corresponding margin tissues in patients with BC (p-value ≥ 0.04407 and fold change = − 2.0552). In contrast, no statistically significant difference was observed in the miR-185 expression between the two groups. Furthermore, no significant correlation was found between the expression of these two miRNAs and subfactors, including cancer family history, abortion, and age. Downregulation of miR-152-3p could be considered a promising regulator of BC chemoresistance.
Horn bud size of dairy-bred and suckler-bred calves at time of disbudding
Authors: Marquette Gabriela A. , McGee Mark , Fisher Andrew D. , Stanger Kelly , Argüello Anastasio , Earley Bernadette 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
Hot-iron disbudding is a common management procedure to prevent horn growth in calves. The study objective was to examine effect of age, breed and sex on horn bud size of dairy-bred and suckler-bred calves at time of disbudding.

Results
The left and right horn bud size (diameter and height in mm) of 279 calves, including dairy-bred Holstein-Friesian (Male (M) = 88) and 191 suckler-bred (86 Charolais, CH; (M = 39, Female (F) = 47), 67 Limousin, LM; (M = 32, F = 35) and 38 Simmental, SI; (M = 22, F = 16) sired)) was measured using a digital calliper at time of disbudding. Calves were retrospectively assigned to two age categories at time of disbudding: 1), 14 to 28 days (d) old and 2), 29 to 60 d old. Holstein-Friesian M calves had a greater horn bud diameter (16.97 v.14.45 mm) and height (7.79 v. 5.00 mm) compared to suckler-bred M calves (P < 0.01), with no difference (P > 0.05) among the suckler-bred calves. Suckler-bred M calves had a greater horn bud diameter (14.46 vs 13.29 mm) and height (5.01 vs 3.88 mm) compared to suckler-bred F calves (P < 0.05).
The slopes of the lines of best fit show that horn bud diameter and height increased with age (P < 0.05) for HF, SI male and CH female calves while there was no relationship with age (P > 0.05) for CH and LM male calves, or for SI and LM female calves. Linear regression of age with diameter and with height for each breed and sex showed high variability in the data as indicated by R-squared values ranging from 0.003–0.41 indicating that in the case of the diameter and the height, the weight of the fitting effect was poor.

Conclusions
Calf age is not a good predictor of horn bud size and recommendations for the disbudding of calves should be based on horn bud size and not on age. The implications of these findings are that calves should be disbudded while horn development is still at the bud stage and when the bud is large enough to be easily palpable/visible, but not so large that disbudding could lead to severe tissue trauma.
Free convection inside a porous square cavity with convective boundary condition using spline functions
Authors: Micula Sanda , Pop Ioan 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIn this paper, we consider the problem of free convection in a square cavity filled with a porous medium with convective boundary condition on the left wall of the cavity. We first transform the governing equations transformed in terms of dimensionless variables and then solve them numerically using a cubic spline colocation method. We discuss the effects of two very important parameters, the Biot (Bi) and Rayleigh (Ra) numbers. We perform a comparison of the average Nusselt number $\overline{Nu}$

N
u

‾

at the hot wall with results from the open literature. We can notice that the comparison is very good, which gives us strong confidence that this cubic spline collocation method works very efficiently for such problems. We also state that the present problem has not been considered before by any researcher.
Construct new type solutions for the fractional Schrödinger equation
Authors: Lin Yuan , Liu Weiming 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThis paper is devoted to studying the following nonlinear fractional problem: $$ \textstyle\begin{cases} (-\Delta )^{s}u+u=K( \vert x \vert )u^{p},\quad u>0, x\in {\mathbb{R}}^{N}, \\ u(x)\in H^{s}({\mathbb{R}}^{N}), \end{cases} $$

{

(
−
Δ
)

s

u
+
u
=
K
(
|
x
|
)

u
p

,

u
>
0
,
x
∈

R
N

,

u
(
x
)
∈

H
s

(

R
N

)
,

where $N\geq 3$
N
≥
3
, $0< s<1$
0
<
s
<
1
, $1< p<\frac{N+2s}{N-2s}$
1
<
p
<

N
+
2
s

N
−
2
s

, $K(|x|)$
K
(
|
x
|
)
is a positive radical function. We constructed infinitely many non-radial solutions of the new type which have a more complex concentration structure for (0.1).
Handrub dispensers per acute care hospital bed: a study to develop a new minimum standard
Authors: Kuster Sabine , Roth Jan A. , Frei Reno , Meier Christoph A. , Dangel Marc , Widmer Andreas F. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
Accessibility to alcohol-based handrub (ABHR) dispenser is crucial to improve compliance to hand hygiene (HH), being offered as wall-mounted dispensers (ABHR-Ds), and/or pocket bottles. Nevertheless, information on the distribution and density of ABHR-Ds and their impact on HH have hardly been studied. Institutions such as the World Health Organisation or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention do not provide guidance. The Robert-Koch-Institute (RKI) from Germany recommends an overall density of > 0.5 dispensers per patient bed. We aimed to investigate current conditions in hospitals to develop a standard on the minimal number of ABHR-D.

Methods
Between 07 and 09/2019, we applied a questionnaire to 178 hospitals participating in the Swissnoso National Surveillance Network to evaluate number and location of ABHR-Ds per bed in acute care hospitals, and compared the data with consumption and compliance with HH.

Results
110 of the 178 (62%) hospitals provided data representing approximately 20,000 hospital beds. 83% hospitals provided information on both the total number of ABHR-Ds and patient beds, with a mean of 2.4 ABHR-Ds per bed (range, 0.4–22.1). While most hospitals (84%) had dispensers located at the room entrance, 47% reported also locations near or at the bed. Additionally, pocket-sized dispensers (100 mL) are available in 97% of hospitals.

Conclusions
Swiss hospitals provide 2.4 dispensers per bed, much more than governmental recommendation. The first study on the number of ABHR-Ds in hospitals may help to define a minimal standard for national and international recommendations
Investigation of antibiotic susceptibilities of Brucella Strains isolated from various clinical samples in eastern Turkey
Authors: Gültekin Esra , Uyanık Muhammet Hamidullah , Albayrak Ayşe , Kılıç Selçuk 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
Brucellosis is a worldwide zoonotic disease that causes serious public health problems. This study aimed to identify Brucella strains isolated from various clinical samples by conventional and molecular methods and to determine antimicrobial susceptibilities against doxycycline (DOX), streptomycin (STR), ciprofloxacin (CIP) and rifampicin (RIF) by the gradient strip (E test) test method.

Methods
A total of 87 Brucella strains isolated from various clinical specimens between 2004 and 2018 were included in this study. While four of the 87 strains included in the study were identified only at the genus level, the remaining 83 strains were identified at the species level by the Real-Time Multiplex PCR (M-RT-PCR) method and conventional methods were used for biotyping.

Results
According to molecular identification results, 83 strains were identified as B. melitensis by the M-RT-PCR method, with 82 strains identified as Brucella melitensis biovar (bv) 3 and one as B. melitensis bv 1 according to the conventional biotyping method. Among the antibiotics studied, CIP was found to be the most active agent according to the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC)90 values. This was followed by DOX and STR, respectively. While all of the isolates were sensitive to CIP, DOX and STR, 18 (20.7%) strains were found to be moderately susceptible to RIF, with the highest values of MIC50 and MIC90.

Conclusions
In our study, all strains were identified as B. melitensis. DOX, STR, CIP and RIF used in the treatment of brucellosis were found to be effective.
A systematic review on the implication of Candida in peri-implantitis
Authors: Lafuente-Ibáñez de Mendoza Irene , Cayero-Garay Amaia , Quindós-Andrés Guillermo , Aguirre-Urizar José Manuel 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundCandidais a heterogeneous fungal genus. Subgingival sulcus is a refuge forCandida, which has already been related to the pathogenic inflammation of periodontitis. This work aims to review the presence ofCandidain the sulcular fluid surrounding dental implants and discuss its potential role in peri-implantitis.ResultsA bibliographical research was performed in PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases, with the keywordscandida, peri-implantitis, periimplantitis, “dental implant” and implant. Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies. At the end, nine observational studies were included, which analysed 400 dental implants with PI and 337 without peri-implantitis. Presence ofCandidawas assessed by traditional microbiological culture in blood agar or/and CHROMagar, though identification was also detected by quantitative real-time PCR, random amplified polymorphic DNA or ATB ID 32C. Dentate individuals and implants with peri-implantitis (range, 3–76.7%) had a bigger presence ofCandida.C.albicanswas the most isolated species, followed byCandida parapsilosis,Candida tropicalis, andCandida dubliniensis.ConclusionCandidais part of the microbiological profile of the peri-implant sulcular fluid. More studies are needed to compare the link betweenCandidaand other microorganisms and to discover the true role of these fungi in peri-implantitis.
A novel gelatin/chitooligosaccharide/demineralized bone matrix composite scaffold and periosteum-derived mesenchymal stem cells for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Thitiset Thakoon , Damrongsakkul Siriporn , Yodmuang Supansa , Leeanansaksiri Wilairat , Apinun Jirun , Honsawek Sittisak 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Background
A novel biodegradable scaffold including gelatin (G), chitooligosaccharide (COS), and demineralized bone matrix (DBM) could play a significant part in bone tissue engineering. The present study aimed to investigate the biological characteristics of composite scaffolds in combination of G, COS, and DBM for in vitro cell culture and in vivo animal bioassays.

Methods
Three-dimensional scaffolds from the mixture of G, COS, and DBM were fabricated into 3 groups, namely, G, GC, and GCD using a lyophilization technique. The scaffolds were cultured with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for 4 weeks to determine biological responses such as cell attachment and cell proliferation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, calcium deposition, cell morphology, and cell surface elemental composition. For the in vivo bioassay, G, GC, and GCD, acellular scaffolds were implanted subcutaneously in 8-week-old male Wistar rats for 4 weeks and 8 weeks. The explants were assessed for new bone formation using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and von Kossa staining.

Results
The MSCs could attach and proliferate on all three groups of scaffolds. Interestingly, the ALP activity of MSCs reached the greatest value on day 7 after cultured on the scaffolds, whereas the calcium assay displayed the highest level of calcium in MSCs on day 28. Furthermore, weight percentages of calcium and phosphorus on the surface of MSCs after cultivation on the GCD scaffolds increased when compared to those on other scaffolds. The scanning electron microscopy images showed that MSCs attached and proliferated on the scaffold surface thoroughly over the cultivation time. Mineral crystal aggregation was evident in GC and greatly in GCD scaffolds. H&E staining illustrated that G, GC, and GCD scaffolds displayed osteoid after 4 weeks of implantation and von Kossa staining confirmed the mineralization at 8 weeks in G, GC, and GCD scaffolds.

Conclusion
The MSCs cultured in GCD scaffolds revealed greater osteogenic differentiation than those cultured in G and GC scaffolds. Additionally, the G, GC, and GCD scaffolds could promote in vivo ectopic bone formation in rat model. The GCD scaffolds exhibited maximum osteoinductive capability compared with others and may be potentially used for bone regeneration.