bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A critical review of the pharmacological treatment of REM sleep behavior disorder in adults: time for more and larger randomized placebo-controlled trials
Authors: Gilat Moran , Marshall Nathaniel S. , Testelmans Dries , Buyse Bertien , Lewis Simon J. G. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractRapid Eye Movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is a parasomnia causing sufferers to physically act out their dreams. These behaviors can disrupt sleep and sometimes lead to injuries in patients and their bed-partners. Clonazepam and melatonin are the first-line pharmacological treatment options for RBD based on direct uncontrolled clinical observations and very limited double-blind placebo-controlled trials. Given the risk for adverse outcomes, especially in older adults, it is of great importance to assess the existing level of evidence for the use of these treatments. In this update, we therefore critically review the clinical and scientific evidence on the pharmacological management of RBD in people aged over 50. We focus on the first-line treatments, and provide an overview of all other alternative pharmacological agents trialed for RBD we could locate as supplementary materials. By amalgamating all clinical observations, our update shows that 66.7% of 1,026 RBD patients reported improvements from clonazepam and 32.9% of 137 RBD patients reported improvements from melatonin treatment on various outcome measures in published accounts. Recently, however, three relatively small randomized placebo-controlled trials did not find these agents to be superior to placebo. Given clonazepam and melatonin are clinically assumed to majorly modify or eliminate RBD in nearly all patients—there is an urgent need to test whether this magnitude of treatment effect remains intact in larger placebo-controlled trials.
Switching anti-VEGF agent for wet AMD: evaluation of impact on visual acuity, treatment frequency and retinal morphology in a real-world clinical setting
Authors: Granstam Elisabet , Aurell Sandra , Sjövall Kersti , Paul Anna 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Purpose
The aim of the present cross-sectional real-world study is to evaluate the impact of switch of anti-VEGF agent from ranibizumab to aflibercept on visual acuity, treatment frequency and retinal morphology after 12 months in eyes with ongoing chronic treatment for wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) compared to eyes not subjected to switch of anti-VEGF agent.

Methods
Data was obtained retrospectively from the Swedish Macular Register, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) images and electronic patient charts. All eyes included were treated in the same clinical setting at the Department of Ophthalmology at the county hospital of Västmanland in Västerås, Sweden.

Results
In total, 282 and 359 eyes were included in the non-switch and switch cohorts, respectively. The cohorts were well balanced. Visual acuity remained stable during the observation period in both cohorts of eyes. The number of anti-VEGF treatments slowly declined over time in both cohorts of eyes and, consequently, the treatment intervals increased during the observation period. In eyes subjected to switch of anti-VEGF agent, planned treatment interval at 12 months was 7.6 (mean; SD 2.9) weeks compared to 6.8 (mean; SD 2.7) in the non-switch cohort (P = 0.001). OCT images demonstrated lower prevalence of intraretinal and subretinal fluid as well as pigment epithelial detachment at 12 months in eyes subjected to switch of anti-VEGF agent compared to non-switch eyes.

Conclusion
Switch of anti-VEGF agent from ranibizumab to aflibercept did not affect visual function whereas improvement in retinal morphology was observed. These findings suggest a beneficial effect of switching from ranibizumab to aflibercept in eyes with ongoing chronic anti-VEGF treatment irrespective of previous response to ranibizumab. Longer follow-up is required to further evaluate the potential clinical significance of this finding.
Acute kidney injury in children hospitalized for acute gastroenteritis: prevalence and risk factors
Authors: Marzuillo Pierluigi , Baldascino Maria , Guarino Stefano , Perrotta Silverio , Miraglia del Giudice Emanuele , Nunziata Felice 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
We aimed to evaluate prevalence of acute kidney injury (AKI) and its risk factors in children hospitalized for acute gastroenteritis (AGE) to identify early predictors of AKI.

Methods
We retrospectively collected clinical and biochemical data of 114 children (57.9% male; mean age 2.9 ± 2.8 years) hospitalized for AGE. AKI was defined according to Kidney Disease/Improving Global Outcomes creatinine criteria. We considered basal serum creatinine as value of creatinine estimated with Hoste (age) equation assuming basal eGFRs were median age-based eGFR normative values for children ≤ 2 years of age, and eGFR 120 mL/min/1.73m2 for children > 2 years. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to explore associations with AKI. We included in multivariate analyses only variables with significant p after Bonferroni correction.

Results
AKI was found in 28/114 (24.6%) patients. No patients required hemodialysis, 2 (1.8%) reached AKI stage 3, 2 (1.8%) AKI stage 2, and 24 (21.0%) AKI stage 1. Mean length of stay was 3.6 ± 1.2, 5.0 ± 1.8, and 10.5 ± 5.8 days, for patients with no, mild, and severe AKI (p < 0.001), respectively. Duration of symptoms before hospitalization (OR = 2.5; 95% CI = 1.3–5.0; p = 0.006), dehydration > 5% (OR = 43.1; 95% CI = 5.4–344.1; p = < 0.001), and serum bicarbonate levels (OR = 1.6; 95% CI = 1.2–2.1; p = 0.001) were independent predictors of AKI.

Conclusions
About one quarter of patients hospitalized for AGE may suffer from AKI with a longer stay for patients with more severe AKI. Particular attention, however, should be paid to volemia and kidney health of patients with AGE especially in the presence of increased duration of symptoms before hospitalization, dehydration, and lower serum bicarbonate levels.

Graphical abstract
Choosing between Gaussian and MPS simulation: the role of data information content—a case study using uncertain interpretation data points
Authors: Madsen Rasmus Bødker , Møller Ingelise , Hansen Thomas Mejer 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIntegration of geophysical data with information such as from boreholes and expert domain knowledge is often performed as cognitive or explicit geological modeling when generating deterministic geological models of the subsurface. However, such cognitive geological models lack the ability to express the uncertainty of layer boundaries. To remedy the shortcomings of this strategy we propose a novel stochastic methodology combining the efforts of probabilistic data integration and cognitive modeling. We treat geological interpretation points from the cognitive model as uncertain “soft” data. These data are then combined with analogous geology in a probabilistic model. We test two ways of combining and sampling from such a probabilistic model. Firstly, a high-entropy setup based on Gaussian distributions simulation. Secondly, lower entropy (and conceivable more realistic) geological solutions are obtained from multiple-point geostatistics (MPS). We apply both ways of solving the problem at a study site near Horsens, Denmark, where airborne transient electromagnetic measurements, seismic data, and borehole information are available and interpreted in cognitive modeling. We explain the complete framework for integrating the uncertain interpretations in geostatistical simulation. Results show that both the Gaussian simulation and multiple-point geostatistical approach allows satisfactory simulations of uncertain geological interpretations and are consistent with prior geological knowledge. Our results suggest that the number of uncertain data points and their information content play a pivotal role in selecting the most appropriate simulation method for the given framework. MPS simulations allow connectivity in scenarios with few data points due to the low entropy of the model. When the number of soft data increases, Gaussian simulation is less prone to produce simulation artifacts, faster to apply, and could be considered preferential to using MPS simulation.
Deep learning-based ambient assisted living for self-management of cardiovascular conditions
Authors: Qureshi Maria Ahmed , Qureshi Kashif Naseer , Jeon Gwanggil , Piccialli Francesco 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAccording to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular diseases contribute to 17.7 million deaths per year and are rising with a growing ageing population. In order to handle these challenges, the evolved countries are now evolving workable solutions based on new communication technologies such as ambient assisted living. In these solutions, the most well-known solutions are wearable devices for patient monitoring, telemedicine and mHealth systems. This systematic literature review presents the detailed literature on ambient assisted living solutions and helps to understand how ambient assisted living helps and motivates patients with cardiovascular diseases for self-management to reduce associated morbidity and mortalities. Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses technique are used to answer the research questions. The paper is divided into four main themes, including self-monitoring wearable systems, ambient assisted living in aged populations, clinician management systems and deep learning-based systems for cardiovascular diagnosis. For each theme, a detailed investigation shows (1) how these new technologies are nowadays integrated into diagnostic systems and (2) how new technologies like IoT sensors, cloud models, machine and deep learning strategies can be used to improve the medical services. This study helps to identify the strengths and weaknesses of novel ambient assisted living environments for medical applications. Besides, this review assists in reducing the dependence on caregivers and the healthcare systems.
Oral tongue leukoplakia: analysis of clinicopathological characteristics, treatment outcomes, and factors related to recurrence and malignant transformation
Authors: Yang Shih-Wei , Lee Yun-Shien , Chang Liang-Che , Yang Cheng-Han , Luo Cheng-Ming , Wu Pei-Wen 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Objectives
The tongue is identified as a high-risk site for oral leukoplakia and malignant transformation. The purpose of this study is to investigate the clinicopathological characteristics and treatment outcomes of tongue leukoplakia and assess the factors related to recurrence and malignant transformation.

Materials and methods
One hundred and forty-four patients who received carbon dioxide laser surgery for tongue leukoplakia from 2002 to 2019 were analyzed statistically.

Results
The follow-up period was 54.90 ± 54.41 months. Thirty patients showed postoperative recurrence (20.83%), and 12 patients developed malignant transformation (8.33%). The annual transformation rate was 2.28%. Univariate analysis showed that a history of head and neck cancer, size of lesion area, clinical appearance, and pathology were significant factors for both recurrence and malignant transformation. In the multivariate logistic regression, a history of head and neck cancer and size of lesion area were independent prognostic factors for recurrence, and a history of head and neck cancer was the only independent factor for postoperative malignant change.

Conclusions
Clinicians should adopt more aggressive strategies for tongue leukoplakia patients with a history of head and neck cancer.

Clinical relevance
These results may help clinicians gain a better understanding of oral tongue leukoplakia.
Susceptibility assessment of soil erosion in overlaying diluvial fan of shallow underground pipelines
Authors: Wang Qingdong , Zhang Yingbin , Lv Qingfeng , Xiang Chenlin , Xia Xiao , Liu Jing 
Published: January 2021

AbstractSoil erosion is a serious hazards occurring in overlaying diluvial fans of shallow underground pipelines. To learn the extent of soil erosion in such landforms, we propose a method of susceptibility assessment of soil erosion based on a case study of the Chaka diluvial fan, Qinghai Province, China. First, we conducted a field investigation at 24 sites, to obtain the land surface properties. Then, vital information such as soil anti-scouribility, permeability, density, sectional water volume, and pipeline burial depth was collected. The slope grade and the vegetation index were determined with the geographic information system (GIS) technology. Further, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was used to determine the weight of various indices on the potential susceptibility of shallow underground pipelines. The susceptibility classification of the study area soil erosion was obtained based on the GIS overlay analysis tool. Lastly, the susceptibility classification was compared with the results of the field investigation. Their consistency indicates that the proposed method can be successfully implemented to accurately assess soil erosion. The erosion mechanism indicates that occlusion and cementation have an important influence on the susceptibility intensity in overlaying diluvial fans of shallow underground pipelines.
Prognostic significance of peritoneal cytology in low-risk endometrial cancer: comparison of laparoscopic surgery and laparotomy
Authors: Fujiwara Satoe , Nishie Ruri , Ueda Shoko , Miyamoto Syunsuke , Terada Shinichi , Kogata Yuhei , Tanaka Tomohito , Tanaka Yoshimichi , Ohmichi Masahide 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
There is uncertainty surrounding the prognostic value of peritoneal cytology in low-risk endometrial cancer, especially in laparoscopic surgery. The objective of this retrospective study is to determine the prognostic significance of positive peritoneal cytology among patients with low-risk endometrial cancer and to compare it between laparoscopic surgery and conventional laparotomy.

Methods
From August 2008 to December 2019, all cases of pathologically confirmed stage IA grade 1 or 2 endometrial cancer were reviewed at Osaka Medical College. Statistical analyses used the Chi-square test and the Kaplan–Meier log rank.

Results
A total of 478 patients were identified: 438 with negative peritoneal cytology (232 who underwent laparotomy and 206 who undertook laparoscopic surgery) and 40 with positive peritoneal cytology (20 who underwent laparotomy and 20 who received laparoscopic surgery). Survival was significantly worse among patients with positive peritoneal cytology compared to patients with negative peritoneal cytology. However, there was no significant difference among patients with negative or positive peritoneal cytology between laparoscopic surgery and laparotomy.

Conclusion
This retrospective study suggests that, while peritoneal cytology is an independent risk factor in patients with low-risk endometrial cancer, laparoscopic surgery does not influence the survival outcome when compared to laparotomy.
The Responsibility to Protect Internally Displaced Persons in Africa
Authors: Lwabukuna Olivia 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis article explores the responsibility to protect (R2P) as an organizing concept for preventing, addressing and finding durable solutions to internal displacement in Africa. While the most innovative norms for protecting the forcibly displaced have been conceptualized in Africa, they have not durably addressed displacement, due to limitations in implementation. R2P has similarly faced criticisms emanating from a lack of clarity and distrust. Restated norms underlying frameworks for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and R2P complement each other, and can be operationalized simultaneously through a more credible regional approach, to encourage effective protection of IDPs in Africa. The article explores pillar one, pillar two and the non-coercive elements of pillar three of R2P, and its underlying moral principles, using Kenya as a case study of the process of seeking to secure state responsibility for the protection of displaced civilians victimized by mass atrocities.
Luiz F. G. Labouriau and the dawn of seed science in Brazil
Authors: Daibes L. Felipe , Borghetti Fabian , Ferreira Alfredo G. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractLuiz Fernando Gouvêa Labouriau (1921–1996) was a pioneer plant biologist who made significant contributions to plant physiology, mostly by bringing seed germination into a thermobiological context. His studies have set the foundations of seed science in Brazil and keep inspiring researchers until now.
A case of a very large haemorrhagic pericardial effusion in an adolescent patient with COVID-19 infection
Authors: Gokalp Selman , Çilsal Erman , Yukcu Bekir , Yolcu Canan , Akkoc Gulsen , Guzeltas Alper 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAn otherwise healthy 17-year-old adolescent boy presented with upper respiratory tract symptoms and was diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 infection. A haemorrhagic pericardial effusion was found in the transthoracic echocardiography. He was treated with pericardiocentesis, ibuprofen, and hydroxychloroquine. A large pericardial effusion may complicate COVID-19 in children and should be considered in acute decompensation.
Development and validation of protocols for photographed food record by visually impaired people
Authors: Borges Thaís Lima Dias , de Lima Marcos Felipe Silva , Lima Severina Carla Vieira Cunha , Bagni Ursula Viana 
Published: January 2021

AbstractObjective:To develop and validate protocols for photographed food record directed to visually impaired people.Design:Photographic techniques were established for capturing food images using a smartphone, and written protocols were defined. Thereafter, visually impaired people made photographic records of three standardised meals (breakfast, lunch/dinner, and snack) following the previously developed protocols. These photographs were then evaluated by a panel of experts (nutritionists and photographer) to indicate whether the framing, focus and angle were suitable to identify the food type, food amount and portion size. Agreement between the experts was assessed using Fleiss’ Kappa.Setting:Natal, the capital of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.Participants:Visually impaired people (n 40); nutritionists (n 2); professional photographer (n 1).Results:Both protocols obtained a high proportion of satisfactory photos for all the items in the three dimensions investigated. When overall quality was assessed, the experts’ agreement was a substantial that through the images it would be possible to identify the food type and portion size, both for Frontal Photos (k = 0·70 and k = 0·62, respectively) and Aerial Photos (k = 0·68 and k = 0·70, respectively). The degree of agreement that the photos presented a satisfactory global quality was moderate for the Frontal Photo (k = 0·43) and substantial for the Aerial Photo (k = 0·64). Participants who frequently used smartphone-type cell phones obtained better quality images for all these attributes for both protocols.Conclusions:The protocols for photographed food record developed for visually impaired people in this study are feasible and present themselves as an alternative strategy to qualitatively assess their dietary intake.
Microsatellite marker-based genetic diversity of tropical-adapted shrunken-2 maize inbred lines and its relationship with normal endosperm inbred lines of known heterotic classification
Authors: Iboyi J. E. , Abe A. , Adetimirin V. O. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractKnowledge of the genetic diversity and relationships among maize inbred lines can facilitate germplasm management and plant breeding programmes. The study investigated the level of genetic diversity among S6 lines developed from a tropical-adapted shrunken-2 (sh-2) maize population and their relationship with normal endosperm tropical inbred lines of known heterotic groups. Ninety-one sh-2 maize inbred lines (UI1-UI91) developed in the University of Ibadan super-sweet Maize Breeding Programme were genotyped at 30 simple sequence repeat (SSR) loci, alongside five normal endosperm maize inbred lines viz. TZi3, TZi4, TZi10, TZi12 and TZi15, four of which belong to two heterotic groups. Twenty-three SSR markers were polymorphic and detected a total of 61 alleles, with a range of 2–7 and an average of 2.65 alleles per locus. The polymorphic information content ranged from 0.12 in bnlg1937 to 0.77 in phi126, with an average of 0.36. The gene diversity (He) averaged 0.43. Cluster analysis resulted in five groups consisting of 16, 36, 17, 23 and 3 inbred lines, with one sh-2 line ungrouped. TZi 12 and TZi 15, both of which are of the same heterotic group, clustered with TZi 3 of another heterotic group. Considerable genetic diversity exists among the 96 inbred lines. Only two of the five normal endosperm lines shared clusters with the sh-2 lines. The clustering of the normal endosperm inbred lines is not related to their established heterotic patterns. Inbred lines in two clusters offer the possibility of guiding the exploitation of heterosis among the sh-2 lines.
Evaluating the capacity of small farmers to adopt aquaponics systems: empirical evidence from Brazil
Authors: Brewer Alexandria , Alfaro Jose F. , Malheiros Tadeu Fabricio 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAquaponics technology has recently been offered as a good option for sustainable food systems among small-scale farmers, particularly those seeking an organic production or dealing with land quality constraints, such as urban farmers. However, there is a lack of empirical evidence for the capacity of small farmers to adopt the technology. The unique requirements of aquaponics may create technical, economic and even cultural constraints and opportunities. This paper uses empirical evidence gathered with small-scale farmers in São Carlos, State of São Paulo, Brazil, to present the capacity of adoption for the technology, including possible limiting factors and incentives for farmers. The study conducted interviews with owners of ‘agriculturas familiares’ (Portuguese for small family owned farms) within 30 km of São Carlos. The interviews revealed that there is widespread interest in the potential profitability of aquaponics systems, significant interest in environmentally friendly practices, familiarity with organic production and hydroponics and a large base of agricultural knowledge in the community that can drive adoption. However, lack of initial financing, limited human power and concerns about product placement were significant barriers to adoption. For settlement farmers (those working on land formerly abandoned) poor soil quality and water scarcity are key issues that could be alleviated by the technology. The city of Sao Carlos present program for purchasing specific types of products from these farms could be used as a model for increasing aquaponics adoption and relieving success concerns.