bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Individualized Modeling Differential Ratio Method for Judging the Degree of Lower Extremity Long Bone Healing
Authors: Li Ying , Tong Liangcheng , Yang Zhiwei , Sun Zhongyang , Xue Qing , Wen Yaoke 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background:There are no recognized quantitative diagnostic criteria, which is one of the difficulties faced in trauma orthopedics. The purpose of this study is to quantitatively evaluate the degree of bone healing after internal fracture fixation with the individualized differential ratio method.Methods:Patients with a lower limb fracture treated at the Orthopedics Department of our hospital were recruited. At the time of follow-up, the degree of bone healing was evaluated by two orthopedic physicians and one imaging physician. Patients were divided into the bone healing group (group A), the poor bone healing group (group B), and the nonunion group (group C). Three-dimensional geometric models of the unaffected limb and the affected limb after simulated removal of the internal fixation were established, corresponding to the basic phase and the simulated phase, respectively, and the average CT gray value (average CT value) was obtained. Wall thickness analysis was performed to obtain the median wall thickness after meshing. R2 (median wall thickness ratio), R4 (CT value ratio), and R5 (healing index ratio) were obtained by calculating the ratio of each value in the simulated phase to that in the basic phase. Results:A total of 79 patients were included in the study, and 112 CT scans were performed. The frequency of categorization in groups A, B, and C was 49, 37 and 26, respectively. The correlation coefficient between the degree of bone healing and R2, R4 and R5 was 0.654, 0.060 and 0.542, respectively. The median R2 in groups A, B, and C was 0.91, 0.80, and 0.67, respectively. On ROC curve analysis, R2 was more effective in evaluating bone healing and nonunion than R5. The best cutoff point for R2 in predicting bone healing was 0.84, and the best cutoff point in predicting bone nonunion was 0.74.The individualized differential ratio method can be used to quantitatively evaluate the fracture healing state, with the median wall thickness ratio as a more intuitive and reliable judgment index.
Structural Quality of Labour and Delivery Care in Government Hospitals of Ethiopia: A Descriptive Analysis
Authors: Bayou Negalign B , Grant Liz , Riley Simon C , Bradley Elizabeth H 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background

Ethiopia has low skilled birth attendance rates coupled with low quality of care within health facilities contributing to one of the highest maternal mortality rates in Sub-Saharan Africa, at 412 deaths per 100,000 live births. There is lack of evidence on the readiness of health facilities to deliver quality labour and delivery (L&D) care. This paper describes the structural quality of routine L&D care in government hospitals of Ethiopia.
Methods

A facility-based cross-sectional study design, involving census of all government hospitals in Southern Nations Nationalities and People’s Region (SNNPR) (N = 20) was conducted in November 2016 through facility audit using a structured checklist. Data collectors verified the availability and functioning of the required items through observation and interview with the heads of labour and delivery case team. An overall mean score of structural quality was calculated considering domain scores such as general infrastructure, human resource and essential drugs, supplies, equipment and laboratory services. Summary statistics such as proportion, mean and standard deviation were computed to describe the degree of adherence of the hospitals to the standards related to structural quality of routine labour and delivery care.
Results

One third of hospitals had low readiness to provide quality routine L&D care, with only two approaching near fulfilment of all the standards. Hospitals had fulfilled 68.5% of the standards for the structural aspects of quality of L&D care. Of the facility audit criteria, the availability of essential equipment and supplies for infection prevention scored the highest (88.8%), followed by safety, comfort and woman friendliness of the environment (78.9%). Availability skilled health professionals and quality management practices scored 72.5% each, while availability of the required items of general infrastructure was 64.6%. The two critical domains with the lowest score were availability of essential drugs, supplies and equipment (52.2%); and laboratory services and safe blood supply (50%).
Conclusion

Substantial capacity gaps were observed in the hospitals challenging the provision of quality routine L&D care services, with only two thirds of required resources available. The largest gaps were in laboratory services and safe blood, and essential drugs, supplies and equipment. The results suggest the need to ensure that all public hospitals in SNNPR meet the required structure to enable the provision of quality routine L&D care with emphases on the identified gaps.
Cereal Grain 3D Point Cloud Analysis Method For Shape Extraction And Filled/Unfilled Grain Identification Based On Structured Light Imaging
Authors: Qin Zhijie , Zhang Zhongfu , Hua Xiangdong , Yang Wanneng , Liang Xiuying , Zhai Ruifang , huang Chenglong 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Cereals are the main food for mankind. The grain shape extraction and filled/unfilled grain recognition are meaningful for crop breeding and genetic analysis. The conventional measuring method is mainly manual, which is inefficient, labor-intensive and subjective. Therefore, a novel method was proposed to extract the phenotypic traits of cereal grains based on point clouds. First, a structured light scanner was used to obtain the grains point cloud data. Then, the single grain segmentation was accomplished by image preprocessing, plane fitting, region growth clustering. The length, width, thickness, surface area and volume was calculated by the specified analysis algorithms for grain point cloud. To demonstrate this method, experimental materials included rice, wheat and corn were tested. Compared with manual measurement results, the average measurement error of grain length, width and thickness was 2.07%, 0.97%, 1.13%, and the average measurement efficiency was about 9.6 seconds per grain. In addition, the grain identification model was conducted with 25 grain phenotypic traits, using 6 machine learning methods. The results showed that the best accuracy for filled/unfilled grain classification was 90.184%.The accuracy for indica and japonica identification was about 99.785%,while for different varieties identification was only 47.252%. Therefore, this method was proved to be an efficient and effective way for crop research.
Modeling Energy Depletion in Rat Livers Using Nash Equilibrium Metabolic Pathway Analysis
Authors: Lucia Angelo , Ferrarese Emily , Uygun Korkut 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
The current gold standard of Static Cold Storage (SCS), which is static cold storage on ice (about +4°C) in a specialized media such as the University of Wisconsin solution (UW), limits storage to few hours for vascular and metabolically active tissues such as the liver and the heart. The liver is arguably the pinnacle of metabolism in human body and therefore metabolic pathway analysis immediately becomes very relevant. In this article, a Nash Equilibrium (NE) approach, which is a first principles approach, is used to model and simulate the static cold storage of a proposed model of liver cells. Simulations of energy depletion in the liver in static cold storage measured by ATP content and energy charge are presented along with comparisons to experimental data. In addition, conversion of Nash Equilibrium iterations to time are described along with an uncertainty analysis for the parameters in the model. Results in this work show that the Nash Equilibrium approach provides a good match to experimental data for energy depletion and that the uncertainty in model parameters is very small with percent variances less than 0.1%.
Xanthine Oxidoreductase Activity Is Correlated With Hepatic Steatosis
Authors: Yagi Chisako , Kusunoki Yoshiki , Tsunoda Taku , Murase Takayo , Nakamura Takashi , Osugi Keiko , Ohigashi Mana , Morimoto Akiko , Miyoshi Akio , Kakutani-Hatayama Miki , Kosaka-Hamamoto Kae , Kadoya Manabu , Konishi Kosuke , Shoji Takuhito , Koyama Hidenori 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
The enzyme xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) catalyzes the formation of uric acid (UA) from hypoxanthine and xanthine, which in turn are products of purine metabolism starting from ribose-5-phosphate. Several studies suggested a relationship between hyperuricemia and hepatic steatosis; however, few previous studies have directly examined the relationship between XOR and hepatic steatosis. A total of 223 subjects with one or more cardiovascular risk factors were enrolled. Hepatic steatosis was calculated according to the liver-to-spleen (L/S) ratio on computed tomography and the hepatic steatosis index (HSI). We measured a plasma XOR activity assay using a newly established highly sensitive assay based on [13C2, 15N2] xanthine and liquid chromatography/triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. XOR activity and the UA level were increased in subjects with L/S ratio <1.1 and HSI <36. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that plasma XOR activity was associated with the risk of hepatic steatosis as assessed by the L/S ratio and HSI independently of insulin resistance, whereas UA levels were not associated with risk of hepatic steatosis. The results of this study indicated that plasma XOR activity is associated with hepatic steatosis independently of insulin resistance and serum UA levels.
Non-linear Relationships Between Density and Demographic Traits of Aedes
Authors: Sauers Logan A. , Hawes Kelsey E. , Juliano Steven A. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Understanding the relationship of population dynamics to density is central to many ecological investigations. Despite the importance of density-dependence in determining population growth, the empirical relationship between density and per capita growth remains understudied in most systems and is often assumed to be linear. In experimental studies of interspecific competition, investigators often evaluate the predicted outcomes by assuming such linear relationships, fitting linear functions, and estimating parameters of competition models. In this paper, we tested experimentally the shape of the relationship between estimated population rate of change and initial density using laboratory-reared populations of three mosquito species. We estimated per capita growth rate for these experimental populations over a thirty-fold range of larval densities at a standard resource abundance. We then compared fits of linear models and several different nonlinear models for the relationship of estimated rate of change and density. We find that that the relationship between density and per capita growth is strongly non-linear in all three mosquitoes. Components of population growth (survivorship, development time, adult size) are also nonlinearly related to initial density. The causes and consequences of this nonlinearity are likely to be important issues for population and community ecology.
Evaluation of the Meibomian Glands Using the Tear Interferometer Wearing Orthokeratology Lenses
Authors: Lee Jiyoung , Hwang Gyudeok , Ha Minji , Kim Hyun-Seung , Han Kyungdo , Na Kyung-Sun 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background : To investigate the impact of orthokeratology wear on meibomian glands in Korean pediatric population using the tear interferometer. Methods : Fifty-three orthokeratology wearers and 79 non-lens wearers were evaluated using the LipiView® II ocular surface interferometer which shows incomplete blink rate, average lipid layer thickness, and meiboscores.Results : No significant differences in the incomplete blink rate and meiboscores for upper eyelids, but the lipid layer thickness and meiboscores for lower eyelids were significantly higher in the Ortho-K group than in the control group (p = 0.024 and 0.007, respectively). Correlation analysis showed no significant correlation between the duration of orthokeratology wear and the parameters measured by LipiView® (p > 0.05 for all). Among subgroups based on average duration of lens wear, the longer duration (≥24 months) subgroup showed higher meiboscores of lower eyelids (p = 0.011), but no other significant differences. Conclusions : Ortho-K wearers showed no significant differences in the incomplete blink rate and meiboscores of upper eyelids, but they were associated with increased LLT and higher meiboscores of lower eyelids. Thorough examination and close monitoring of orthokeratology wearers is necessary. Prospective and observational studies are needed to further elucidate the relationship between Orthokeratology and meibomian glands.
Differential Bone Metabolism and Protein Expression in Mice Fed a High-Fat diet Versus Pre-Hibernation Fattening in Daurian Ground Squirrels: A Comparison Between Pathological and Healthy Obesity
Authors: Gao Xuli , Shen Shenyang , Niu Qiaohua , Miao Weilan , Han Yuting , Hao Ziwei , An Ning , Yang Yingyu , Zhang Yu , Zhang Han , Storey Kenneth B , Chang Hui 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background

This study compared effects on bone metabolism and morphology of pathological obesity induced by excessive fat intake in a non-hibernator (mice) versus healthy obesity due to pre-hibernation fattening in a hibernator (ground squirrels).
Methods

Kunming mice were fed a high-fat diet for 3 months to provide a model of pathological obesity (OB group). Daurian ground squirrels fattened naturally in their pre-hibernation season (PRE group) were used as a healthy obesity model. Body weight and adipose tissue wet weight were measured. Micro-computed tomography and three-point bending tests were used to determine the microstructure and mechanical properties of bone. Western blots were used to analyze protein expression levels related to bone formation (RunX2, OCN, ALP), bone resorption (RANKL, Cathepsin K, MMP9) and Wnt signaling (P-β-catenin, GSK-3β).
Results

Micro-CT showed that there was no obvious bone loss in the OB group, compared with controls, whereas bone formation in the PRE group was enhanced, compared to summer-active squirrels. Results of three-point bending tests showed that stiffness of the femur in OB mice was significantly enhanced, whereas the mechanical properties of bone in the PRE group did not change. Analysis of bone protein expression showed significantly increased expression levels of ALP, OCN, RANKL, MMP9, Cathepsin K, GSK-3β and P-β-catenin in OB mice, but RunX2 expression did not change. By contrast, PRE ground squirrels, showed significantly increased expression of most proteins except for OCN that decreased significantly, and P-β-catenin that did not change.
Conclusion

For non-hibernating mice, moderate obesity had a certain protective effect on bones, demonstrating two-way regulation, enhancing both bone loss and bone formation, so that bone metabolism was at a higher level of metabolic balance. For pre-hibernating ground squirrels, the healthy obesity acquired before hibernation had a positive effect on the microstructure of bones and also enhanced the expression levels of proteins related to bone formation, bone resorption and Wnt signaling.
Association Between Intimate Partner Violence and Undernutrition Among Married Nepalese Women of Reproductive Age
Authors: Chaudhary Arun , Nakarmi Janet , Goodman Annekathryn 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
BackgroundIntimate partner violence (IPV) is well recognized as a human rights violation and a serious global health issue that has affected about a third of worldwide women at any given time. It is defined as physical, sexual, or psychological harm caused by a spouse or an intimate partner. Its short and long-term detrimental effects on women’s physical, mental, sexual, and reproductive health are well-documented. However, its effect on nutritional status is not well-studied, and previous studies have led to contradictory findings. This study aimed to explore the association between intimate partner violence and undernutrition among married Nepalese women of reproductive age.MethodThe 2016 Nepal Demographic Health Survey data was used in this study. This study used a modified version of the Conflict Tactics Scale to determine women’s exposure to IPV, and anemia and low body mass index as the proxies of undernutrition. Prevalence of IPV, anemia, and underweight were calculated across sociodemographic characteristics, and multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the association between IPV and undernutrition.ResultsAmong 3476 women included in this study, the prevalence of physical, sexual, and emotional IPVs were 21.75%, 7.42%, and 12.31% respectively. 13.78% of women were underweight and 38.95% were anemic. The adjusted odds ratio of physical, sexual, and emotional IPV survivors of being underweight were 1.06 (95% CI: 0.95–1.17), 0.96 (95% CI: 0.73–1.25), and 1.14 (95% CI: 0.89–1.43) respectively. The adjusted odds ratio of being anemic for physical, sexual, and emotional IPV survivors was 1.01 (95% CI: 0.93–1.09), 1.24 (95% CI: 1.02–1.52), and 0.92 (95% CI: 0.76–1.11) respectively.ConclusionNone of the three IPV types was significantly associated with being underweight. Among the three IPV types, only sexual IPV (SIPV) was significantly associated with anemia, meaning the increase in SIPV score by 1, which is experiencing an additional form of SIPV, increased SIPV survivors' odds of being anemic by 24%. Therefore, IPV screening should be a part of regular healthcare assessment for undernourished married women, especially for those who are anemic, and appropriate support should be offered to IPV survivors.
Health-related quality of life in multiple system atrophy using EQ-5D-5L: a large cross-sectional study in China
Authors: Xiao Yi , Zhang Lingyu , Wei Qianqian , Ou Ruwei , Hou Yanbing , Liu Kuncheng , Lin Junyu , Yang Tianmi , Shang HuiFang 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare neurodegenerative disease, featuring autonomic failure plus parkinsonism and/or cerebellar ataxia. These symptoms impact the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of MSA.
Objective
We aimed to evaluate the HRQoL of MSA with a preference-based instrument, the five-level EuroQol five-dimensions questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L), for the first time.
Methods
EQ-5D-5L was used to evaluate the HRQoL. The result of HRQoL was displayed as heath utility index and visual analog scale (EQ-VAS) score. Specific scales were used to measure the disease severity, cognition, frontal lobe function, anxiety, depression, fatigue, and sleep disorders. The forward logistic model was used to explore the determinants of HRQoL in MSA.
Results
A total of 205 patients with cerebellar variant (MSA-C, 53.9%) and 175 patients with parkinsonian variant (MSA-P, 46.1%) patients were included in the study. The mean scores of the health utility index and EQ-VAS were 0.558 and 59.5, respectively. Mobility was reported by the largest proportion (92.1%) of MSA patients, followed by usual activities (88.7%), self-care (81.3%), anxiety/depression (72.1%), and pain/discomfort (53.9%). The determinants of the lower health utility index in MSA were female sex, greater total Unified Multiple System Atrophy Rating Scale (UMSARS) scores, fatigue, and Parkinson's disease-related sleep problems (PD-SP). Lower EQ-VAS score was associated with greater total UMSARS scores, fatigue, PD-SP, and anxiety symptom. MSA-P patients reported more frequent problems in pain/discomfort than MSA-C patients, while MSA-C patients reported more problems in mobility than MSA-P patients.
Conclusion
Patients with MSA had poor HRQoL evaluated by EQ-5D-5L. The most frequent affected problem is mobility in the Chinese MSA population. Besides the severity of MSA, fatigue, PD-SP and anxiety were determinants for poor HRQoL. Our research provides important information to improve the health status of patients with MSA.
Microencapsulated essential oils combined with organic acids improves immune antioxidant capacity and intestinal barrier function as well as modulates the hindgut microbial community in piglets
Authors: Ma Jiayu , Long Shenfei , Wang Jian , Gao Jie , Piao Xiangshu 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of a combination of microencapsulated essential oils and organic acids (MOA) on growth performance, immuno-antioxidant status, intestinal barrier function and microbial structure of the hindgut in piglets. A total of 120 piglets (Duroc × [Landrace × Yorkshire]; weighted 7.66 ± 1.79 kg, weaned at d 28) were randomly selected and allocated to 3 treatments with 4 replicates per group and 10 piglets per replicate according to the initial body weight and gender. The dietary treatments were as follows: 1) basal diet (Ctrl); 2) Ctrl + chlortetracycline (75 mg/kg) (AGP); 3) Ctrl + MOA (1,500 mg/kg). The experiment period was lasted for 21 d.
Results
Compared to the Ctrl group, dietary supplemented MOA alleviated (P < 0.05) the diarrhea rate from d 12 to 21, enhanced (P < 0.05) the concentration of serum interlukin-10 and glutathione peroxidase in piglets on d 11 after weaning and serum superoxide dismutase in 21d-piglets. The MOA group also improved (P < 0.05) the apparent digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM) and gross energy (GE), up-regulated (P < 0.05) the mRNA expression level of occludin, claudin-1 and mucin-2 in ileum and increased (P < 0.05) the contents of propionic and butyric acids in the cecum of piglets. The MOA group modulated the cecal and colonic microbial community structure and increased (P < 0.05) the abundance of Faecalibacterium and Muribaculaceae in cecum and Streptococcus and Weissella in colon. Additionally, AGP group decreased (P < 0.05) apparent digestibility of DM, OM and GE as well as down-regulated (P < 0.05) relative gene expression level of claudin-1 in duodenum and jejunum, ZO-1 and mucin-1 in jejunum of piglets.
Conclusion
In brief, dietary supplemented MOA alleviated diarrhea and improved nutrient apparent digestibility in piglets via enhancing immuno-antioxidant properties, increasing digestive enzyme activity, up-regulating the expression of intestinal barrier-related genes, and modifying the microbial community structure of the cecum and colon. Therefore, dietary supplementation with MOA as an alternative to antibiotics was feasible to improve intestinal health of piglets in practical production.