bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A general stochastic model for bivariate episodes driven by a gamma sequence
Authors: Amponsah Charles K. , Kozubowski Tomasz J. , Panorska Anna K. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractWe propose a new stochastic model describing the joint distribution of (X,N), whereNis a counting variable whileXis the sum ofNindependent gamma random variables. We present the main properties of this general model, which include marginal and conditional distributions, integral transforms, moments and parameter estimation. We also discuss in more detail a special case whereNhas a heavy tailed discrete Pareto distribution. An example from finance illustrates the modeling potential of this new mixed bivariate distribution.
Association of noninvasive respiratory support with mortality and intubation rates in acute respiratory failure: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Yasuda Hideto , Okano Hiromu , Mayumi Takuya , Nakane Masaki , Shime Nobuaki 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
Noninvasive respiratory support devices may reduce the tracheal intubation rate compared with conventional oxygen therapy (COT). To date, few studies have compared high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) use with noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation (NPPV). We conducted a network meta-analysis to compare the effectiveness of three respiratory support devices in patients with acute respiratory failure.

Methods
The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Ichushi databases were searched. Studies including adults aged ≥ 16 years with acute hypoxic respiratory failure and randomized-controlled trials that compared two different oxygenation devices (COT, NPPV, or HFNC) before tracheal intubation were included. A frequentist-based approach with a multivariate random-effects meta-analysis was used. The network meta-analysis was performed using the GRADE Working Group approach. The outcomes were short-term mortality and intubation rate.

Results
Among 5507 records, 27 studies (4618 patients) were included. The main cause of acute hypoxic respiratory failure was pneumonia. Compared with COT, NPPV and HFNC use tended to reduce mortality (relative risk, 0.88 and 0.93, respectively; 95% confidence intervals, 0.76–1.01 and 0.80–1.08, respectively; both low certainty) and lower the risk of endotracheal intubation (0.81 and 0.78; 0.72–0.91 and 0.68–0.89, respectively; both low certainty); however, short-term mortality or intubation rates did not differ (0.94 and 1.04, respectively; 0.78–1.15 and 0.88–1.22, respectively; both low certainty) between NPPV and HFNC use.

Conclusion
NPPV and HFNC use are associated with a decreased risk of endotracheal intubation; however, there are no significant differences in short-term mortality.

Trial registration
PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42020139105, 01/21/2020)
Longitudinal piglet sampling in commercial sow farms highlights the challenge of PRRSV detection
Authors: de Almeida Marcelo Nunes , Corzo Cesar A. , Zimmerman Jeffrey J. , Linhares Daniel Correia Lima 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundProcessing fluids (PF) and family oral fluids (FOF) are population-based surveillance samples collected from 2- to 5-day-old piglets and due-to-wean piglets, respectively. Although they are described for the surveillance of PRRSV in sows and piglet populations at processing and weaning, there is limited information on their use in commercial herds. This observational study described PRRSV RNA detection over time in PF, FOF, and piglet serum collected from farrowing groups in commercial breeding farms with the objective of achieving robust, practical, and effective PRRSV surveillance protocols. Weekly PF (an aggregate sample of all litters processed in a week from each room), and FOF (a convenience sample attempted from at least 20 individual litters in at least one farrowing room each week) samples were collected from six PRRSV-endemic commercial breeding herds for up to 38 weeks. A total of 561 PF room samples, 2400 individual litter FOF samples, and 600 serum samples (120 pools of 5 samples) were collected during the study period and tested for PRRSV RNA. Data were evaluated for patterns of PRRSV RNA detection by specimen within farms over time.ResultsIn particular, the detection of PRRSV was commonly sporadic over time within farms (weeks of PRRSV RNA negative results followed by one or more weeks of positive results); was often non-uniform within farms (negative and positive farrowing rooms at a given point in time); and PF and FOF testing results agreement was 75 and 80% at week and room level, respectively, demonstrating that both sampling methods could complement each other. Non-uniformity in PRRSV detection in rooms sampled within the same week and detection after ≥11 consecutive weeks of PRRSV negative PF and FOF results underline the challenge of consistently detecting the virus.ConclusionsThese results suggest that monitoring protocols for breeding herds attempting PRRSV control or elimination can use both PF and FOF to improve PRRSV detection in suckling pig populations.
A study of the factors affecting mobile money penetration rates in the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) compared with East Africa
Authors: Coulibaly Sionfou Seydou 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAccording to the 2017 Global Financial Inclusion (Global Findex) database, the average penetration rate of mobile money accounts in East Africa is higher than that of the WAEMU. This study attempts to understand the factors driving the adoption and the use of mobile financial services in the WAEMU compared to East Africa. To achieve this, micro-level data from the 2017 Global Findex database are used to perform probit and multinomial logit estimations. The findings reveal that the same determinants influence the adoption and use of mobile money accounts across the populations of both groups of countries, specifically those related to the least vulnerable social categories (i.e., males, older, more educated, richer and part of the workforce). Therefore, in comparison to East Africa, the delay in the penetration of mobile money accounts observed in the WAEMU may be attributed to insufficient policies for increasing the awareness of the benefits of mobile financial services. The study recommends that governments in WAEMU countries promote the use of mobile money accounts among the working-age population (adults aged between 25 and 64) through the improvement of individual income level, and the introduction of incentives into the education system to encourage their population to attain higher levels of education.
Successful intrathecal neurolytic block for the management of cancer pain in a 10-year-old child: a case report
Authors: Tashiro Shogo , Godai Kohei , Daitoku Yukihisa , Sato Tomoyo , Enohata Kei , Kiyonaga Natsue , Maekawa Kenichi , Kanmura Yuichi 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
Cancer pain management in children is challenging owing to their unique patient characteristics. We present the case of a 10-year-old girl whose cancer pain was successfully managed using an intrathecal neurolytic block.

Case presentation
The patient experienced severe cancer pain due to recurrent right ilium osteosarcoma. The tumor progressed rapidly despite chemoradiotherapy and gradually invaded the right lumbar plexus, which resulted in severe neuropathic pain in the right lower extremity. Systemic analgesics failed to attenuate the pain. We performed an intrathecal neurolytic block using 10% phenol-glycerol. The neurolytic block completely relieved her right lower extremity pain. After the block, the patient’s quality of life improved, and she spent her time with family.

Conclusions
The intrathecal neurolytic block successfully relieved the patient’s cancer pain. Successful intrathecal neurolytic blocks require meticulous pain assessment of individual patients, to avoid possible serious complications such as paresis/paralysis and bladder/bowel dysfunction.
The use of virtual reality and augmented reality to enhance cardio-pulmonary resuscitation: a scoping review
Authors: Kuyt Katherine , Park Sang-Hee , Chang Todd P. , Jung Timothy , MacKinnon Ralph 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackground and objectiveVirtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) have been proposed as novel methods to enhance cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) performance and increase engagement with CPR training. A scoping review was conducted to map the global evolution of these new approaches to CPR training, to assess their efficacy and determine future directions to meet gaps in current knowledge.MethodsA standardised five-stage scoping methodology was used to (1) identify the research question, (2) identify relevant studies, (3) select the studies, (4) chart the data and (5) summarise the findings. The Kirkpatrick model levels of evidence were used to chart and assess the efficacy of each intervention reported. A multi-pronged search term strategy was used to search the Web of Science, PubMed, CINAHL and EMBASE databases up to June 2020.ResultsA total of 42 articles were included in this review. The first relevant paper identified was published in 2009 and based on VR, from 2014 onwards there was a large increase in the volume of work being published regarding VR and AR uses in CPR training. This review reports Kirkpatrick level one to three evidence for the use of VR/AR–CPR. Inconsistencies in the specific language, keywords used and methodologies are highlighted.ConclusionVR and AR technologies have shown great potential in the area of CPR, and there is continuing evidence of new novel applications and concepts. As VR/AR research into CPR reaches an inflection point, it is key to bring collaboration and consistency to the wider research community, to enable the growth of the area and ease of access to the wider medical community.
COVID-19 during pregnancy should we really worry from vertical transmission or rather from fetal hypoxia and placental insufficiency? A systematic review
Authors: AbdelMassih Antoine , Fouda Raghda , Essam Rana , Negm Alhussein , Khalil Dalia , Habib Dalia , Afdal George , Ismail Habiba-Allah , Aly Hadeer , Genedy Ibrahim , El Qadi Layla , Makki Leena , Shulqamy Maha , Hanafy Maram , AbdelMassih Marian , Ibrahim Marina , Ebaid Mohamed , Ibrahim Monica , El-Husseiny Nadine , Ashraf Nirvana , Shebl Noura , Menshawey Rahma , Darwish Rama , ElShahawi Rana , Ramadan Rana , Albala Sadra , Imran Salwa , Ahmed Sama , Khaldi Samer , Abohashish Sara , Paulo Stavro , Omar Yasmin , Tadros Mourad Alfy 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundCOVID-19 is the largest outbreak to strike humanity. The wide scale of fatalities and morbidities lead to a concurrent pandemic of uncertainty in scientific evidence. Conflicting evidences are released on daily basis about the neonatal outcomes of COVID-19-positive mothers. The aim of this study was to use the relevant case reports and series to determine the percentage of newborns who test positive for COVID-19 who are born to COVID-19-positive mothers. Secondary outcomes included examining laboratory abnormalities among COVID-19-positive neonates, and any depicted placental abnormalities in COVID-19-positive mothers. For this purpose, systematic review was performed on all studies reporting primary data on fetus-mother pairs with COVID-19. Data bases were searched for studies that met our inclusion and exclusion criteria.ResultsFinal screening revealed 67 studies, from which the primary data of 1787 COVID-19 mothers were identified and had their pregnancy outcome analyzed. Only 2.8% of infants born to COVID-19-positive mothers tested positive, and this finding is identical to percentages reported in former Coronaviridae outbreaks, whereas 20% manifested with intrauterine hypoxia alongside placental abnormalities suggestive of heavy placental vaso-occlusive involvement.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that while vertical transmission is unlikely, there appears to be an underlying risk of placental insufficiency due to the prothrombotic tendency observed in COVID-19 infection. Guidelines for proper prophylactic anticoagulation in COVID-positive mothers need to be established.
Extracorporeal shock wave as adjuvant therapy for wrist and hand spasticity in post-stroke patients: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Tabra Samar Abd Alhamed , Zaghloul Mohammad Ibrahim , Alashkar Doaa Shawky 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundStroke patients often present with upper limb spasticity which impairs the functional status of patients. Recently, extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is reported to be a safe, non-invasive, alternative treatment for spasticity. Many articles have been published on the effect of ESWT on lower limb spasticity, but only few of them had focused on upper limb spasticity, so the aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical and electrophysiological effect of ESWT on wrist and hand spasticity of chronic stroke patients and its impact on functional performance. In this monocentric study, forty chronic stroke patients with upper limb spasticity were recruited and randomly allocated into two groups. Both groups continued to receive conventional stroke rehabilitative program, while group I received three sessions of radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (rESWT) 1 week apart.ResultsThere was a significant decrease in wrist and hand spasticity after treatment and at follow-up in group I compared to group II (Modified Ashworth Scale after rESWT 1.45 ± 0.16, 2.90 ± 0.18 and follow-up 1.55 ± 0.13, 3.00 ± .0.15 in groups I and II, respectively). Also, there was a significant improvement of wrist control and hand function after treatment and at follow-up in group I compared to group II (p< 0.001). The improvement of pinch grip was noticed at follow-up with a significant difference relative to baseline in group I (p< 0.05). Hmax/Mmax ratio was significantly decreased at follow-up in group I compared to group II (p< 0.001).ConclusionESWT is a valuable adjuvant treatment for spasticity of the hand and wrist in stroke patients which is reflected as improvement of functional activity.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov,NCT04312581. Registered on 18 March 2020.
Enhancing mental health awareness in emergency services (the ENHANcE I project): cross-sectional survey on mental health stigma among emergency services staff
Authors: Hazell Cassie M. , Koc Yasin , O'Brien Sorcha , Fielding-Smith Sarah , Hayward Mark 
Published: April 2021

Background
The number of mental health-related 999 calls to emergency services has increased in recent years. However, emergency services staff have an unfavourable reputation when it comes to supporting people experiencing mental health problems.

Aims
To assess the levels of explicit and implicit mental health stigma among accident and emergency, ambulance and police staff, and draw comparisons with the general population. Additional analyses sought to identify which variables predict mental health stigma among emergency services staff.

Method
A cross-sectional survey of 1837 participants, comprising four independent groups (accident and emergency, ambulance and police staff, and the general population).

Results
Levels of mental health stigma across all four groups were lower than those reported in recent surveys of the general population by the ‘Time to Change’ campaign. Within this study, explicit levels of mental health stigma were lower among the general population compared with emergency services staff. There was no difference between emergency service professions, nor were there any between-group differences in terms of implicit mental health stigma. The only consistent predictors of mental health stigma were attitudes and future behavioural intentions, whereby increased stigma was predicted by increased fear, reduced sympathy and greater intended discrimination.

Conclusions
Our findings suggest that levels of mental health stigma have improved over time, but there is room for improvement in emergency services staff. Interventions to improve mental health stigma may be most effective if, in line with the cognitive–behavioural model of stigma, they target attitudes and behavioural intentions.
Characterization of the Early Years of Bevacizumab Use for First-Line Treatment of Ovarian Cancer in the United States
Authors: Jorge Soledad , Goff Barbara A. , Gray Heidi J. , Enquobahrie Daniel A. , Doll Kemi M. 
Published: April 2021

PURPOSE: To quantify early dissemination patterns, factors influencing use, and costs of bevacizumab (BEV) for the treatment of newly diagnosed ovarian cancer (OC) in the United States before its regulatory approval for this indication (off-label use). METHODS: We identified women 18-65 years of age with newly diagnosed OC treated with surgery and platinum-based chemotherapy from 2008 to 2016 through the MarketScan database (N = 8,109). The proportion of women receiving BEV over time was calculated, multivariate logistic regression used to determine factors associated with BEV use, and total costs per cycle of chemotherapy with and without BEV abstracted. RESULTS: BEV utilization rose 1.8-fold during the study period, from 4.1% (2008) to 7.4 % (2016). BEV was used with non–platinum/taxane regimens over a third of the time (37.2%). Physician specialty (medical oncology v gyn oncology) and geography (southeast region) were significantly associated with higher rates of use. Clinical factors associated with BEV use were metastatic disease and presence of ascites. The median cost of one cycle of platinum/taxane chemotherapy plus BEV was $10,897 in US dollars (USD) (interquartile range $7,573-$18,133 USD), compared with $1,629 USD (interquartile range, $683.0-$4,461 USD) for platinum/taxane alone. CONCLUSION: Off-label use of BEV for newly diagnosed OC was rare (< 10%), but doubled following presentation of phase II and III data at international meetings. Both clinical (ascites, metastatic disease, and age) and nonclinical (specialty and region) factors were associated with BEV use, and its use was accompanied by a six-fold increase in the cost of one cycle of treatment.
Long-Term Use of Temozolomide as Safe and Effective Therapy for an Aggressive Corticotroph Adenoma in a Very Old Patient
Authors: Decaroli Maria Chiara , Ansaloni Anna , Monzani Maria Laura , Losa Marco , Zunarelli Elena , Rochira Vincenzo , Madeo Bruno 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Background
Temozolomide (TMZ) is safe and effective in the treatment of aggressive pituitary adenomas (PAs). However, the optimal duration of TMZ therapy is still unknown. Moreover, data about administration of TMZ in elderly (≥65 years) people to treat aggressive PAs are scarce. We report the case of the oldest female patient undergoing the longest TMZ protocol described so far to treat an aggressive, initially silent corticotroph PA.

Case report
The patient initially underwent partial surgical removal of the PA. Subsequent treatment with cabergoline was applied, but it was unsuccessful in controlling the growth of the residual tumor. Pasireotide and external radiation also showed to be ineffective; therefore, treatment with TMZ was started at the standard dose of 200 mg/m2/day for 5 days every 4 weeks for a total of 47 cycles. At the time of treatment’s beginning, the patient was 83 years old. Radiological follow-up documented a progressive, remarkable reduction of the adenoma and the last imaging, after 39 cycles of TMZ, showed an intrasellar lesion with large areas of cystic degeneration. The patient also developed adrenal deficiency managed with glucocorticoid replacement. No major side effects were observed throughout the treatment, with exception of nausea, well controlled with anti-emetic medication. TMZ therapy was discontinued after 47 cycles; hormonal and imaging follow-up investigations documented sustained functional and dimensional response.

Conclusions
Our case supports the long-term use of TMZ, confirming its safety and efficacy also for elderly patients.
The association of socio-demographic and environmental factors on childhood diarrhea in Cambodia
Authors: Pisey Vong , Banchonhattakit Pannee , Laohasiriwong Wongsa 
Published: April 2021

Background: Diarrhea is still the leading cause of childhood death worldwide, as well as a major cause for concern in developing countries. This study was conducted to investigate the factors related to childhood diarrhea in Cambodia. Methods: A cross-sectional study of the secondary data from the Cambodia Demographic and Health Survey 2014 was conducted using the combination of household data and children’s data. A generalized linear mixed model was used to analyze the determinant factors of childhood diarrhea. Results: The surveys included 2,828 children, aged 12 to 35 months. The prevalence of diarrhea in the last 2 weeks was 16.44% (95% CI: 14.72%-18.31%). Factors with statistically significant associations with childhood diarrhea in Cambodia were: maternal unemployment, compared with being in employment (AOR = 1.43; 95% CI: 1.14-1.78); the child being male (AOR = 1.25; 95%CI: 1.02-1.53); the presence of unimproved toilet facilities (AOR = 1.17; 95%CI: 1.05-1.31) compared with improved toilet facilities; and unhygienic disposal of children’s stools (AOR = 1.32; 95%CI: 1.06-1.64) compared with hygienic disposal of children’s stools when controlling for other covariates. Both maternal age (one year older; AOR = 0.85; 95%CI: 0.78– 0.93) and child age (one month older; AOR = 0.86; 95%CI: 0.78-0.94) had significant negative associations with the occurrence of childhood diarrhea. Conclusion: Childhood diarrhea remains a public health concern in Cambodia. The probability of diarrhea occurring is shown to be increased by maternal unemployment, the sex of the child being male, lack of provision of improved toilet facilities, and the unhygienic disposal of children’s stools; whereas increasing maternal age and child’s age were associated with a reduced chance of diarrhea occurring. On the basis of these results, we recommend provision of programs focusing on reducing diarrhea through the construction of improved toilet facilities and the promotion of behavior to improve hygiene, specifically targeting younger mothers.
Exploring the critical points of teaching STEM subjects in the time of COVID 19: the experience of the course "Microscopy Techniques for Forensic Biology"
Authors: Brunelli Elvira , Macirella Rachele 
Published: April 2021

Background: The University was among the first structures to be hit by the health emergency, transferring all its teaching and research activities remotely. It was not easy for teachers and students to find themselves suddenly shifted into different teaching and socializing context. Results: This article describes and analyzes the online teaching experience carried out for the course of Microscopy Techniques for Forensic Biology offered as a part of the Master's degree program in Biology at the University of Calabria (Italy). A cross-sectional survey (pilot study) was designed to investigate the accessibility of distance learning along with an evaluation of adjustments needed for the conversion from offline to online instruction. Particular attention has been paid to learning material and lesson duration, with specific emphasis on practical activities. Conclusions: The author's intent is that of opening a comparison between the strengths and weaknesses that emerged in this experience, highlighting, in particular, how the educational relationship between teacher and student has changed.