bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring Multimodal Ocular Imaging for Retinal Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease, Frontotemporal Dementia, and Cognitively Normal Subjects
Authors: Young Kelly Z. , Khandwala Nikhila S. , Moinuddin Omar , Young Benjamin K. , Pan Warren , Sathrasala Sanjana K. , Zhou Yunshu , Shedden Kerby , Koeppe Robert , Barmada Sami J. , Albin Roger L. , Besirli Cagri G. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background and ObjectivesAlzheimer’s disease (AD) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are difficult to reliably differentiate clinically. While their distinct pathologies may be captured by existing diagnostic modalities, these are expensive, time-consuming, and often inaccessible. Dementias are associated with visual dysfunctions, perhaps due to changes in the retina, a developmental outgrowth of the central nervous system. We explore the role of multimodal ocular imaging in the diagnosis of two dementias, AD and FTD.MethodsWe recruited 5 AD participants, 2 FTD participants, and 9 age-matched controls. Each participant underwent comprehensive ophthalmologic examination and imaging (optical coherence tomography (OCT), OCT-angiography (OCTA), wide-field fundus photography, near-infrared imaging, and fundus autofluorescence). Ocular findings were correlated with cerebral amyloid burden, as measured by [11C]PiB PET.ResultsOCT analysis identified a trend toward differences in retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thicknesses among dementia subtypes (p = 0.064). AD eyes had increased RNFL thicknesses compared to FTD (p = 0.046) and control eyes (p = 0.046), and AD RNFL thickness was positively associated with amyloid burden (p = 0.037). OCTA fractal analysis revealed decreased vascular complexity within the retinal superficial vascular complex in AD compared to FTD eyes (p = 0.035). Lastly, fundus autofluorescence demonstrated increased signal intensity in AD eyes compared to control eyes (p = 0.046). However, these findings were not statistically significant following correction for multiple comparisons.DiscussionDespite identifying trends toward differences in retinal layer thicknesses unique to individuals with AD and FTD, our study suggests that changes in retinal thicknesses alone may not serve as reliable biomarkers for distinguishing between dementia subtypes. However, multiple ocular imaging modalities may be considered in conjunction with clinical presentation to aid in diagnosing and monitoring AD and FTD.Trial registrationThe study was prospectively registered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03699644) on October 9, 2018.
Systemic Safety Inequities for People with Learning Disabilities: A Qualitative Integrative Analysis of The Experiences of English Health and Social Care for People with Learning Disabilities, Their Families and Carers.
Authors: Ramsey Lauren , Albutt Abigail , Perfetto Kayley , Quinton Naomi , Baker John , Louch Gemma , O'Hara Jane 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
Failures in care for people with learning disabilities have been repeatedly highlighted and remain an international issue, exemplified by a disparity in premature death due to poor quality and unsafe care. This needs urgent attention. Therefore, the aim of the study was to understand the care experiences of people with learning disabilities, and explore the potential patient safety issues they, their carers and families raised.
Methods
Two data sources exploring the lived experience of care for people with learning disabilities were synthesised using an integrative approach, and explored using reflexive thematic analysis. This comprised two focus groups with a total of 13 people with learning disabilities and supportive staff, and 377 narratives posted publicly via the feedback platform Care Opinion.
Results
The qualitative exploration highlighted three key themes. Firstly, health and social care systems operated with varying levels of rigidity. This contributed to an inability to effectively cater to; complex and individualised care needs, written and verbal communication needs and needs for adequate time and space. Secondly, there were various gaps and traps within systems for this population. This highlighted the importance of care continuity, interoperability and attending to the variation in support provision from professionals. Finally, essential ‘dependency work’ was reliant upon social capital and fulfilled by paid and unpaid caring roles to divergent extents, however, advocacy provided an additional supportive safety net.
Conclusions
A series of safety inequities have been identified for people with learning disabilities, alongside potential protective buffers. These include; access to social support and advocacy, a malleable system able to accommodate for individualised care and communication needs, adequate staffing levels, sufficient learning disabilities expertise within and between care settings, and the interoperability of safety initiatives. In order to attend to the safety inequities for this population, these factors need to be considered at a policy and organisational level, spanning across health and social care systems. Findings have wide ranging implications for those with learning disabilities, their carers and families and health and social care providers, with the potential for international learning more widely.
Daymamics of Multidimensional Food Security Measurement in Rural Ethiopia
Authors: Adem Mohammed 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Most studies measuring food security have used one or two of the dimensions of food security, with snapshot data at a particular point in time. Policies derived from such measurement might be misleading because of the dynamic nature of food security or insecurity in vulnerable populations. This paper presents a composite food security measure that captures the four dimensions of food security i.e., availability, accessibility, utilization, and stability over time. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) is used to reduce the four dimensions into a single index. Data from three rounds of household-level panel data, collected by the Central Statistical Agency (CSA) of Ethiopia in collaboration with the World Bank are used to demonstrate this measurement. The aggregate food security indices result revealed that 44, 57, and 45 percent of households were food secured in 2011, 2013, and 2015 respectively. On the other hand, only 20 percent of households were food secured all the time while 67 percent of households termed as transitory food insecure since they remained food insecure at least in one of the survey periods. The rest 13 percent of households were also termed chronically food insecure since they fall short of food all the time of the study. The finding confirmed a high prevalence of multidimensionally food-insecure households in rural Ethiopia. Therefore, various food security intervention programs that enhance the four dimensions should be introduced.
An Integrated Platform Supporting Semantic Similarity Score Calculation and Reproducibility
Authors: Mazandu Gaston K. , Opap Kenneth , Makinde Funmilayo , Nembaware Victoria , Agamah Francis , Bope Christian , Chimusa Emile R. , Wonkam ambroise Ambroise , Mulder Nicola J. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
During the last decade, we witnessed an exponential rise of datasets from heterogeneous sources. Ontologies are playing an essential role in consistently describing domain concepts, data harmonization and integration to support large-scale integrative analysis and semantic interoperability in knowledge sharing. Several semantic similarity (SS) measures have been suggested to enable the integration of rich ontology structures into automated reasoning and inference. However, there is no tool that exhaustively implements these measures and existing tools are generally Gene Ontology specific, do not implement several models suggested in the WordNet context and are not equipped to properly deal with frequent ontology updates. We introduce a Python SS measure library (PySML), which tackles issues related to current SS tools, providing a portable and expandable tool to a broad computational audience. This empowers users to manipulate SS scores from several applications for any ontology version and file format. PySML is a flexible tool enabling the implementation of all existing semantic similarity models, resolving issues related to computation, reproducibility and re-usability of SS scores.
Significant β-carboline Alkaloid Harmine in Different Developmental States of Mammals in Vivo: Endogenic or Exogenic?
Authors: Cao Ning , Li Shuping , Xu Aimin , Zou Xiaoguang , Ke Zunji , Deng Gang , Cheng Xuemei , Wang Chang hong 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Several β-carboline alkaloids (βCBs), harmine, harmaline, harmane, and nor-harmane, are effective for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) model mice. They were discovered in some plants, common foodstuffs, and in blank plasma of various mammals. However, whether these compounds in mammals are exogenous or endogenous remained unclear. The exposure levels of these βCBs in plasma and tissues of pup rats, aging rats and volunteer were detected by UPLC-MS/MS.Result: Results showed that harmine was the main compound found in rats, mice, human, and even in newborn rats without consumption. The changes of harmine concentration showed a high dependence with growth (aging), gender and race. And the concentration of harmine in rat plasma showed a decreasing trend during the growth period of 18 months. Conclusion: These results revealed that harmine may be relevant to AD. The exposure level of harmine in plasma indicate that in addition to exogenous ingestion, spontaneous synthesis might be another important source of harmine in mammals.
Effectivity of V4 and v4C implantable contact lenses in the treatment of complications after vitreoretinal surgery: A comparative study
Authors: Bai Jian-Hai , Ruan Xiao-Xiao , Zhang Yu , Ding Xiao-Min , Yang Xing-Zhi , Chen Jin-Tao 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Objective
This study aims to analyze and compare the postoperative ocular parameters of two different types of implantable contact lenses (ICLs) (for retinal detachment) to provide a clinical reference for vitreoretinal surgery.
Methods
From March 2016 to March 2021, 24 patients (24 eyes) with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment following ICL implantation at the Eye Center of Taizhou Central Hospital were recruited. Based on the different types of ICL, they were divided into the V4 type ICL implantation group (V4 type group) and v4C type ICL implantation group (v4C type group), with 12 cases (12 eyes) in each group. Both groups were treated with pars plana vitrectomy; differences in postoperative ocular complications between the two groups were compared.
Results
The postoperative uncorrected and best corrected visual acuity for both groups were significantly higher than those preoperatively (P < 0.001); the same applied to the intraocular pressures (P < 0.05). Fluctuation in intraocular pressure was higher in the V4 group than in the v4C group (P < 0.05). The arch height, measured using anterior segment optical coherence tomography on the first day after operation, was lower in the V4 group than in the v4C group (P < 0.05). There was also no significant difference between the two groups before and after the operation (P > 0.05).
Conclusion
For patients with V4 type ICL implantation and mesh removal, stimulation of the ciliary body and the risk factors for pupil block caused by ciliary muscle spasm should be reduced as much as possible during pars plana vitrectomy. If postoperative complications such as decreased arch height and increased intraocular pressure occur, the application of compound tropicamide eye drops is an effective method to activate the pupil.
The Use of SBRT in the Management of Oligometastatic Gynecological Cancer: Report of Promising Results in Terms of Tolerability and Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Cuccia Francesco , Pastorello Edoardo , Vitale Claudio , Nicosia Luca , Mazzola Rosario , Figlia Vanessa , Giaj-Levra Niccolò , Ricchetti Francesco , Rigo Michele , Attinà Giorgio , Ceccaroni Marcello , Ruggieri Ruggero , Alongi Filippo 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe use of stereotactic radiotherapy (SBRT) for oligometastases is supported by several literature studies, but in the setting of gynecological malignancies, this scenario remains quite unexplored. This study reports a preliminary assessment of clinical outcomes in a cohort of 40 patients with oligometastatic gynecological neoplasms. MethodsRadiotherapy was delivered in 3-10 fractions with VMAT-IGRT technique. Toxicity was retrospectively collected according to CTCAE v4.0. Data were retrospectively collected and analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed for assessing any potential predictive factor for clinical outcomes. ResultsA total of 63 oligometastases were treated from December 2014 to February 2021. Median age was 63 years (range, 30-89). Most frequent primary tumors were ovarian cancer in 42.5% and endometrium cancer in 42.5%. With a median follow-up of 27 months (range, 6-69), no local failures were observed, our progression-free survival rates were 43.6% and 23% at one and 2 years, respectively, while 1- and 2-years overall survival rates were both 70%. No acute or late G≥2 adverse events were observed.ConclusionsIn our experience, SBRT for oligometastatic gynecological malignancies resulted in promising results in terms of clinical outcomes, with excellent local control and no evidence of severe toxicity, highilighting the effectiveness of this therapeutic option. Prospective studies to further explore this approach in this setting are advocated.
Hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocytes and platelets (HALP) score is a useful predictor of survival in patients with recurrent glioblastoma multiforme treated with bevacizumab plus irinotecan
Authors: Korkmaz Mustafa , Eryılmaz Melek Karakurt , koçak Mehmet zahid , Demirkıran Aykut , Karaağaç mustafa , araz murat , Artaç Mehmet 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Purpose: We aimed to investigate whether the HALP score is a predictive marker in patients with recurrent GBM who were given bevacizumab plus irinotecan.Methods: We compared the survival of patients followed up in our clinic with the diagnosis of recurrent GBM and treated with bevacizumab plus irinotecan, according to HALP score.Results: Median PFS and OS were 4.5 (0.9-14.9) and 8 (0.9-21.3) months, respectively. The median PFS of the low HALP score group was 1.85 (1.3-3.37) months, and of the high HALP score group was 4.96 (0.9-14.9) months (p=0.03). The OS of the high HALP score group (9.63 [7.28-11.9]) was statistically higher compared with low HALP score group (2.26 [0.88-3.65]) (p<0.001). In univariate analysis HALP score was a significant prognostic factor; patients with low HALP score had a poorer prognosis than high HALP score (HR: 0.063, p<0.001). The multivariate analysis showed that HALP score (p=0.003), and residual tumor (p=0.029) were significant prognostic factors. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, low HALP score was a significant poor prognostic factor for OS compared with high HALP score (HR: 0.063, p<0.001).Conclusion: We showed that the HALP score at the start of treatment is an independent prognostic factor for PFS and OS in patients with recurrent GBM treated with bevacizumab plus irinotecan. The HALP score, which can be easily calculated by routine tests before chemotherapy, can be used as a predictive marker for bevacizumab treatment decision.
Comparison of Sliding Window and Field-In-Field Techniques For Tangential Whole Breast Irradiation Using The Halcyon and Synergy Agility Systems
Authors: Richter Anne , Wegener Sonja , Breuer Kathrin , Razinskas Gary , Weick Stefan , Florian Exner , Klaus Bratengeier , Flentje Michael , Sauer Otto , Polat Bülent 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: To develop a tangential treatment technique for whole breast irradiation using the Varian Halcyon and to compare it with Elekta Synergy Agility plans.Methods: For 20 patients two comparable treatment plans with respect to dose coverage and normal tissue sparing were generated. Tangential field-in-field treatment plans (Pinnacle/Synergy) were replanned using the sliding window technique (Eclipse/Halcyon). Plan specific QA was performed using the portal Dosimetry and the ArcCHECK phantom. Imaging and treatment dose were evaluated for treatment delivery on both systems using a modified CIRS Phantom.Results: The mean number of monitor units for a fraction dose of 2.67 Gy was 515 MUs and 260 MUs for Halcyon and Synergy Agility plans, respectively. The homogeneity index and dose coverage were similar for both treatment units. The plan specific QA showed good agreement between measured and calculated plans. All Halcyon plans passed portal dosimetry QA (3%/2 mm) with 100% points passing and ArcCheck QA (3%/2 mm) with 99.5%. Measurement of the treatment and imaging dose with the CIRS phantom resulted in lower dose to the contralateral breast for the Halcyon plans.Conclusions: For the Varian Halcyon a plan quality similar to the Elekta Synergy device was achieved. For the Halcyon plans the dose contribution from the treatment fields to the contralateral breast was even lower due to less interleaf transmission of the Halcyon MLC and a contribution of scattered dose from the collimator system.
Malaria Associated Risk Factors Among Adolescent Living in Areas With Persisting Transmission in Senegal: a Case Control Study.
Authors: TAIROU FASSIATOU OLUWATOSIN , Diallo Abdoulaye , Sy Ousmane , Kone Aminatou , Manga Isaac Akhenaton , Sylla Khadim , Lelo Souleye , Fall Cheikh Binetou , Sow Doudou , Ndiaye Magatte , Faye Babacar , Tine Roger C K 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: In Senegal, malaria morbidity has shapely felt down over these past years. However, malaria epidemiology remains heterogeneous with persisting transmission in the southeastern part of the country and more important number of cases arising among older children and adolescents. Little is known about factors associated with clinical malaria among this group. A better understanding of malaria transmission among this new vulnerable group will guide future interventions targeting these key populations. This study aimed to identify factors associated with clinical malaria among adolescents in Senegal. Methods: A case control study was conducted from November to December 2020 in four health posts located in Saraya district. Cases were defined as adolescents (10-19 years) with uncomplicated malaria episode with fever (Temperature>37.5°) or history of fever and a positive malaria RDT. Controls were from the same age group, living in the neighborhood of the case, presenting a negative RDT. A standardized, pre-tested questionnaire was administered to each participant followed by home visit to assess participant’s living conditions. Factors associated with clinical malaria was assessed using a Stepwise Logistic regression analysis.Results: In total, 492 individuals were recruited (246 cases and 246 controls). In a multivariate analysis, factors associated with clinical malaria included non-use of bed net (aOR=2.65; 95% CI =1.58 - 4.45), non-use of other preventive measures (aOR=2.51; 95% CI=1.53 - 4.11) and indoor sleeping (aOR=3.22; 95%CI =1.66- 6.23). Protective factors included age of 15-19 years (aOR=0.38; 95% CI 0.23 - 0.62), absence of stagnant water around the house (aOR=0.27; 95% CI=0.16 - 0.44), having a female as head of household (aOR=0.47; 95% CI=0.25 - 0.90), occupation such as apprentice (OR=0.24; 95%CI=0.11 - 0.52).Conclusions: The study revealed that environmental factors and non-use of malaria preventive measures are the main determinant of malaria transmission among adolescents living in areas with persisting malaria transmission in Senegal. Strategies aiming at improving disease awareness and access to health care interventions such as LLIN are thus needed to improve malaria control and prevention among these vulnerable groups.
Different Clinical Characteristics and Impacts of Carbapenem-Resistance on Outcomes Between Acinetobacter Baumannii and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Bacteraemia: A Multicentre Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Lee Chan Mi , Kim Young-Jun , Jung Sook-In , Kim Seong Eun , Park Wan Beom , Choe Pyoeng Gyun , Kim Eu Suk , Kim Chung-Jong , Choi Hee Jung , Lee Shinwon , Lee Sun Hee , Jung Younghee , Bang Ji Hwan , Cheon Shinhye , Kwak Yee Gyung , Kang Yu Min , Park Kyung-Hwa , Song Kyoung-Ho , Kim Hong Bin 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Carbapenem-resistance (CR) causes poor clinical outcomes and has limited treatment options. We aim to evaluate the differences in clinical characteristics and impact of carbapenem-resistance on outcomes between Acinetobacter baumannii (ABA) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PAE) bacteraemia. Methods: We prospectively identified all patients with ABA and PAE bacteraemia in 10 hospitals over a 1-year period and collected their detailed clinical information. Treatment failure was defined as all-cause 30-day mortality, persistent bacteraemia, or recurrence within 30 days.Results: We included 304 ABA and 241 PAE bacteraemia cases. CR was detected in 216 ABA (71%) and 55 PAE (23%). Treatment failure was significantly higher in CR-ABA than in CR-PAE (60.6% vs. 34.5%, P = 0.001). Multivariate analyses were stratified by patient data according to CR and the appropriateness of empirical therapy. For ABA patients, severe sepsis or septic shock and high Pitt bacteraemia score were independent risk factors for treatment failure in the inappropriate empirical antibiotics group. Pneumonia was a significant risk factor in the appropriate group. For PAE patients, hospital-acquired infection and high Pitt bacteraemia score were independent risk factors for treatment failure in both groups. CR was an independent risk factor in ABA for treatment failure in both the inappropriate (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 6.17, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.13-33.75, P = 0.036) and appropriate empirical treatment groups (aOR: 4.15, 95% CI: 1.16-14.84, P = 0.029), but not for patients with PAE bacteraemia. Conclusions: We demonstrated significant differences in the clinical characteristics and impact of CR on the clinical outcomes between ABA and PAE bacteraemia. Our findings suggest that different approaches may be needed to treat ABA and PAE bacteraemia.
Susceptibility Profile of Antimicrobial Agents Used Against Staphylococcus Aureus Isolated From Clinical Specimens in Abuth Zaria.
Authors: AREMU OLATUNJI KAYODE , Chibueze JAMES Igwe 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a multifaceted and vicious pathogen in humans. It has been deftly established as a clinical and epidemiological pathogen and serves as the genesis of infections in many parts of the body. This research work carried out bacteria ecosystem surveillance in S. aureus using selected antimicrobial agents and also assessed the impact of combined antimicrobial therapy.One hundred and seventy seven (177) Staphylococcal isolates were obtained from various specimens submitted to the Medical Microbiology Laboratory of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Shika over a cumulative period of eight months. The antimicrobial susceptibility patterns were determined using ten antimicrobial discs in solid media by disc agar diffusion method. The antimicrobial discs chosen belong to five antimicrobial agents’ classes namely; Penicillins, Cephalosporins, Quinolones, Sulphonamides and Glycopeptides. The susceptibility profile in this research work showed that only 1.4% of the isolates were susceptible to all the five classes of antimicrobial agent used. This is highly suggestive of the high antibiotic selective pressure ongoing in the environment where the research was carried out. It was also discovered that conventional antimicrobial agents like Amoxi-clav were resistant to the clinical isolates when used alone. Quinolones and Sulphonamides were only marginally susceptible. However, higher percentage susceptibility were obtained when varying number of other antimicrobial agents were combined with Vancomycin.