bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Gender on Researchers’ Assessment: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: FRANCO Marina , Helal Lucas , Cenci Maximiliano , Moher David 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Women remain underrepresented in Dentistry in academia, and this gap is widened whenever each career step is progressed. It is of utmost importance to investigate underlying associated factors to predict researchers’ assessment of their gender in Dentistry and the overall STEM (Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields. Thus, we developed a randomized controlled trial to test whether women or men would be preferred with identical curriculum vitae (CV); and the impact of the career stage in the evaluators’ choice. To this, a simulated post-doctoral process was carried forward to be assessed for judgment. Level 1 and 2 Brazilian fellow researchers in the field of Dentistry were invited to act as external reviewers in a post-doctoral process and were randomly assigned to receive a female or male CV. They were required to rate the CV from 0 to 10 in scientific contribution, leadership potential, ability to work in groups, and international experience. For all categories of CVs evaluated, men received higher scores compared to the CVs from women. Robust variance Poisson regressions demonstrated that men were more likely to receive higher scores in all categories, despite applicants’ career stage. For example, CVs from men had nearly three quarters more likely to be seen as having leadership potential than equivalent CVs from women. Gender bias is powerfully prevalent in academia in the dentistry field, despite researchers' career stage. Actions like implicit bias training must be urgently implemented to avoid (or at least decrease) that more women are harmed.
Persistence and baseline determinants of seropositivity in health care workers up to nine months after COVID-19
Authors: Dobaño Carlota , Ramirez Anna , Alonso Selena , Vidal-Alaball Josep , Ruiz-Olalla Gemma , Vidal Marta , Rubio Rocio , Cascant Emma , Parras Daniel , Melero Natalia Rodrigo , Serra Pau , Carolis Carlo , Santamaria Pere , Forcada Anna , Mendioroz Jacobo , Aguilar Ruth , Moncunill Gemma , Ruiz-Comellas Anna 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
We determined the duration and baseline determinants of antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 up to nine months after COVID-19 symptoms onset in 173 primary health care worker patients from Spain. Seropositivity to SARS-CoV-2 spike and RBD antigens was 92.49% (60.69% IgM, 76.3% IgA, 90.17% IgG), with four suspected reinfection cases. Antibody levels significantly correlated with fever, hospitalization, anosmia/hypogeusia, allergies, smoking and occupation, and persisted 149-270 days in this cohort of patients
Modelling the viral load dependence of residence times of virus laden droplets from COVID-19 infected subjects in indoor environments
Authors: Anand Srinivasan , Krishan Jayant , Bathula Sreekanth , Mayya Yelia S 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
In the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic situation, exposure assessment and control strategies for aerosol transmission path are feebly understood. A recent study pointed out that Poissonian fluctuations in viral loading of airborne droplets significantly modifies the size spectrum of the virus laden droplets (termed as “virusol”). Herein we develop theory of residence time of the virusols, as contrasted with clean droplets in indoor air using a comprehensive “Falling-to-Mixing-plateout” model that considers all the important processes. This model fills the existing gap between Wells falling drop model and the stirred chamber models. The effect of various parameters on mean residence time are examined in detail. Significantly, the mean residence time of virusols is found to increase nonlinearly with the viral load in the ejecta, ranging from ~125 s at low viral loads (<104/mL) to about 1150 s at high viral loads (>1011/mL). The implications are further discussed.
A Bayesian spatio-temporal analysis of malaria in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana from 2015 to 2019.
Authors: Donkor Elorm , Kelly Matthew , Eliason Cecilia , Amotoh Charles , Gray Prof. Darren J , Clements Prof. Archie CA , Wangdi Kinley 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Efforts towards malaria control in Ghana have had positive impacts. However, these efforts need to be locally tailored to further accelerate progress. The aim of this study was to examine the climatic drivers of malaria transmission in the Greater Accra Region and identify inter-district variation of malaria burden.Methodology: Monthly malaria cases for the Greater Accra Region were obtained from the Ghanaian District Health Information and Management System from 2015 to 2019. Malaria cases were decomposed using the seasonal-trend decomposition, based on locally weighted regression to analyze the seasonality. A Poisson regression model with a conditional autoregressive prior structure was used to quantify associations between climatic variables and malaria risk, and spatial dependence. Posterior parameters were estimated using Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo simulation with Gibbs sampling.Results: A total of 1,105,370 malaria cases was recorded in the region from 2015–2019. The overall malaria incidence rate for the region was approximately 1 per 1,000,000 population. Malaria transmission was highly seasonal with an irregular inter-annual pattern during the study period. Malaria incidence was found to increase by 0.1% (95% credible interval [CrI]: 0.02–0.16%) for a 1°C rise in monthly mean maximum temperature lagged at 6 months and 0.2% (95% CrI: 0.5–0.3%) for 1°C rise in monthly mean minimum temperature without lag. No spatial dependency was observed after accounting for climatic variables. Only five districts located in the south-central part of the region had a malaria incidence rate that was lower than the regional average at > 95% probability level.Conclusion: The distribution of malaria cases was heterogeneous, seasonal and significantly associated with climatic variables. Targeted malaria control and prevention in high-risk districts at the appropriate time points could result in a significant reduction in malaria transmission in the Greater Accra Region.
Temporal and spatial changes in phyllosphere microbiome of acacia trees growing in arid environments
Authors: Al-Ashhab Ashraf , Meshner Shiri , Alexander-Shani Rivka , Dimerets Hana , Brandwein Michael , Bar-Lavan Yael , Winters Gidon 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: The evolutionary relationships and interactions between plants and their microbiomes are of high importance to the survival of plants in extreme conditions. Changes in the plant’s microbiome can affect plant development, growth and health. Along the arid Arava, southern Israel, acacia trees (Acacia raddiana and Acacia tortilis) are considered keystone species. In this study, we investigated the ecological effects of plant species, microclimate (different areas within the tree canopy) and seasonality on the epiphytic and endophytic microbiomes associated with these two tree species. One hundred and thirty nine leaf samples were collected throughout the year and their microbial communities were assessed using 16S rDNA gene amplified with five different primers (targeting different gene regions) and sequenced (150 bp paired-end) on an Illumina MiSeq sequencing platform.Results: Epiphytic bacterial diversity estimates (Shannon-Wiener, Chao1, Simpson and observed number of OTUs), were found to be nearly double compared to endophyte counterparts, in addition epi- and endophyte communities were significantly different from each other. Interestingly, the epiphytic bacterial diversity was similar in the two acacia species but the canopy sides and sample months exhibited different diversity, while the endophytic bacterial communities were different in the two acacia species but similar throughout the year. Abiotic factors, such as air temperature and precipitation, were shown to significantly affect both epi- and endophytes communities. Bacterial community compositions showed that Firmicutes dominate Acacia raddiana and Proteobacteria dominate Acacia tortilis; these bacterial communities only consisted of a small number of bacterial families mainly Bacillaceae and Comamonadaceae in the endophyte for A. raddiana and A. tortilis, respectively, and Geodematophilaceae and Micrococcaceae for epiphyte bacterial communities. Interestingly, about 60% of the obtained bacterial classification were unclassified below family level. Conclusions: These results shed light on the unique desert phyllosphere microbiome highlighting the importance of multiple genotypic and abiotic factors in shaping the epiphytic and endophytic microbial communities. This study also shows that only a few bacterial families dominate both epi- and endophytes, highlighting the importance of climate change (precipitation, air temperature and humidity) in affecting arid land ecosystems where acacia trees are considered keystone species.
Adapting the Sudden Landslide Identification Product (SLIP) and Detecting Real-Time Increased Precipitation (DRIP) algorithms to map rainfall-triggered landslides in the West-Cameroons’ highlands (Central-Africa)
Authors: Mfondoum Alfred Homère Ngandam , Nguet Pauline Wokwenmendam , Mfondoum Jean Valery Mefire , Tchindjang Mesmin , Hakdaoui Sofia , Cooper Ryan , Gbetkom Paul Gérard , Penaye Joseph , Bekoa Ateba , Moudioh Cyriel 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background – NASA’s developers recently proposed the Sudden Landslide Identification Product (SLIP) and Detecting Real-Time Increased Precipitation (DRIP) algorithms. This method uses the Landsat 8 satellite images and daily rainfall recordings for a real-time mapping of this geohazard. This study adapts the processing to face the issues of data quality and unavailability/gaps for the mapping of the recent landslide events in west-Cameroon’s highlands. Methods – The SLIP algorithm is adapted, by integrating the inverse NDVI to assess the soil bareness, the Modified Normalized Multi-Band Drought Index (MNMDI) combined with the hydrothermal index to assess soil moisture, and the slope inclination to map the recent landslide. Further, the DRIP algorithm uses the mean daily rainfall to assess the thresholds corresponding to the recent landslide events. Their probability density function (PDF) curves are superimposed and their intersections are used to propose sets of dichotomous variables before (1948-2018) and after the 28 October 2019 landslide event. In addition, a survival analysis is performed to correlate the occurrence date of the landslide with the rainfall since the first known event in Cameroon, through the Cox model.Results – From the SLIP model, the Landslide Hazard Zonation (LHZ) map gives an overall accuracy of 96 % . Further, the DRIP model states that 6/9 ranges of probability are rainfall-triggered landslides at 99.99% , between June and October, while 3/9 ranges show only 4.88% of risk for the same interval. Finally, the survival probability for a known site is up to 0.68 for the best value and between 0.38 and 0.1 for the lowest value through time. Conclusions – The proposed approach is an alternative based on data (un)availability, completed by the site’s lifetime.
Effect of physical exercise in bariatric surgery patients: protocol of a randomized controlled clinical trial.
Authors: Herrera Andrea , Tabach Andrea , Andaur Karen , Zamunér Antonio 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Bariatric surgery is an effective approach to weight loss and long-term comorbidity resolution. Although recommended in several guidelines, supervised exercise has not been systematically prescribed after bariatric surgery. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of two types of exercise, moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT), on body composition, cardiopulmonary function and perceived quality of life in bariatric surgery patients.Methods: This randomized controlled exploratory pilot trial will include 75 adults of both sexes scheduled for bariatric surgery. They will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: 1) MICT, 2) HIIT, or 3) a control group. The intervention will occur 2 days a week for 4 months. Outcomes will be assessed at four points: 1) one week before surgery; 2) 21 days after surgery (baseline before the exercise program); 3) 8 weeks after beginning the exercise program; and 4) one week after the end of intervention. Primary outcomes will include body composition, heart rate variability, and six-minute walk test and quality of life scores. Secondary outcomes will be maximal respiratory pressure, flowmeter, hand dynamometry, and 30-second sit-to-stand test results.Discussion: Both exercise protocols in this study were developed according to evidence-based practice. It is expected that, after 16 weeks of intervention, body composition (measured by electrical bioimpedance), cardiopulmonary function (measured by heart rate variability, maximal inspiratory pressure, maximal expiratory pressure, peak expiratory flow, handgrip strength, and the six-minute walk test) and perceived quality of life (measured by the Moorehead-Ardelt quality of life questionnaire II and bariatric analysis and reporting outcome system scores) will improve, especially in the HIIT group.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04235842, registered 22 January 2020.
The Impact of Writing on Academic Performance for Medical Students
Authors: Kim Songeui , Yang Ji Won , Lim Jaeseo , Lee Seunghee , Ihm Jungjoon , Park Jooyong 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Writing is a useful learning activity that promotes higher-order thinking, but there are limited studies that prove its effectiveness. In previous research, researchers tested the effect of summary writing on students’ comprehension and found no significant difference from that of re-studying texts. The purpose of this study, therefore, is to expand previous findings and investigate the effect of two types of writing tasks on medical students’ academic performance, specifically in the transfer of knowledge.Methods: An experiment was conducted with 139 medical students from Seoul National University College of Medicine. They were randomly assigned to three study conditions: self-study (SS), expository writing (EW), and argumentative writing (AW) group. Each group studied the given material by the method they were assigned, and they were tested on their comprehension and transfer of knowledge using rote-memory type items and transfer type items respectively.Results: The results showed that the two writing groups displayed better performance than the SS group in transfer type items, while there was no difference in scores between the EW and AW group. However, the three groups showed no significant difference in their scores for rote-memory type items. Also, there was a positive correlation between the writing scores and transfer type item scores in the AW group.Conclusions: This study provides empirical evidence for writing to be adopted in medical education for greater educational benefits. Our findings indicate that writing can enhance learning and higher-order thinking, which are critical for medical students.
Intraoperative three-dimensional imaging in ankle syndesmotic reduction.
Authors: Beck Markus , Brunk Manuela , Wichelhaus Alice , Mittlmeier Thomas , Rotter Robert 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Injuries of the distal syndesmosis in ankle fractures are traditionally treated with a temporary adjusting screw fixation. Conventional fluoroscopic and X-ray examinations cannot reliably diagnose malpositions of the fixed tibiofibular syndesmosis. Postoperative computer tomography allows a reliable control of the transfixed region.The aim of the retrospective single-study was to clarify whether an intraoperative 3D image intensifier examination can detect malpositions of the syndesmosis already intraoperatively and whether the examination has an influence on the postoperative revision rate.Methods: In 200 patients with tibiofibular syndesmosis injuries, an intraoperative 3D scan was performed after reduction of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis and placement of the adjusting screw. Postoperative computer tomography of both ankle joints was performed in all patients. Results: 15% of all intraoperative 3D scans (30 patients) showed a finding requiring correction in the area of the ankle joint. In 7% of the cases, a malposition of the fibula in the tibial incisura requiring correction was found. Further corrections were necessary due to the extent and position of the osteosynthesis material (7%) and for the removal of joint bodies (1%). Postoperative computer tomographies of the ankle joints showed no deformities requiring revision. Conclusion: An intraoperative 3D scan allows a reliable assessment of the injured ankle region and reduces the postoperative revision rate. This makes a postoperative routine CT examination of the ankle joint dispensable.
Chinese herbal extract granules combined with 5-aminosalicylic acid for patients with moderately active ulcerative colitis: study protocol for a multicenter randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Shen Zhaofeng , Zheng Kai , Zou Jiandong , Gu Peiqing , Xing Jing , Zhang Lu , Zhu Lei , Shen Hong 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an intestinal inflammatory disease characterized by inflammation of the colonic mucosa. With unknown pathogenesis, it has become a chronic lifetime disorder worldwide. In patients with moderately active UC, several therapies (e.g. aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants and biologics) are recommended for induction (or maintenance) of remission. Given the side effects and disease burden, it is difficult for most patients to achieve ideal treatment goals in clinical practice. Chinese herbal medicine (CHM), as a complementary therapy, has been widely used in the management of UC in China. Qing-Chang-Hua-Shi granule (QCHS) is a classical Chinese herbal formula. Our preliminary study suggested that the QCHS decoction has a significant effect on patients with moderately active UC. However, its effectiveness and safety has not been evaluated convincingly. Therefore, we designed this protocol to investigate the efficacy of QCHS granule for moderately active UC.Methods: This is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, superiority trial. A total of 120 patients with moderately active UC will be recruited from 10 hospitals in China. Each eligible participant will be randomly assigned to receive QCHS granule or placebo for 12 weeks. Both groups will be given basic treatment with mesalazine (4g/d). The primary outcomes are the clinical response (remission) rate. The secondary outcomes are health-related quality of life, endoscopic response rate, mucosal healing rate and inflammatory markers (e.g. Fecal calprotectin and CRP). The whole study period will last 36 weeks, including 24 weeks follow-up time. According to the intention-to-treat principle, variables will be assessed at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 weeks after study commencement. Discussion: This is the first randomized controlled clinical study protocol regarding Chinese herbal extract granules in the management of moderately active UC. We aim to investigate the superiority of QCHS granules over placebo in terms of induction of remission. If the trial shows significant benefits of QCHS granules, it will help clinical practitioners, UC patients and policymakers make more informed choices in the decision-making.Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR-IOR-14005554. Registered on 27 November 2014.
Combined subcostal and posterior transversus abdominis plane block for postoperative pain relief after abdominoplasty
Authors: Sayed Haytham El , Fadhul A Shaheed , Falalki Mohamed Al , Awad M Nasr 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Abdominoplasty is a common aesthetic surgery. Adequate pain management during the postoperative period is of great importance. This research aims to investigate the outcome of the abdominoplasty operation for the patients who have received transversus abdominis plan block in comparison with the non-blocked patients.Methods: 58 patients, undergoing elective abdominoplasty, patients were randomly assigned to two equal groups of 29 patients each. Combined subcostal and posterior transversus abdominis plane block group and non-blocked group. For both groups, the standard postoperative analgesic regimen consisted of IV Paracetamol 1 g every 6 hours. Values of visual analog scale (VAS) were recorded postoperatively, once the patient had a VAS ≥ 4, IV opioids administered. The primary outcome was opioids consumption in the first 72 hours postoperatively, the secondary outcome was the value of VAS at rest and movement (or with knee flexion) in the first 72 hours postoperatively, time to first ambulation and time to first incentive spirometer 900 ml/min were recorded.Results: Pethidine consumption in the first 72 hours was 208.62±85.64 in the non-blocked group and 20.69±25.06 in the blocked group (p < 0.05). VAS was lower in the blocked group during the first 72 hours either during rest or movement where (p < 0.05). Time to first ambulation was 12.41±5.04 hours in the non-blocked group and 4.62±1.08 hours in the blocked group (p < 0.05), time to first incentive spirometer 900 ml/min was 11.45±5.05 hours in the non-blocked group and 4.27±1.09 hours in the blocked group (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Combined subcostal and posterior transversus abdominis plane block is a promising regional anesthetic technique for postoperative pain relief in abdominoplasty surgery, it offers a longer postoperative analgesic effect duration and fewer analgesic requirements with less postoperative complications.Trial Registration Clinical Trial: TCTR20200602001 “Retrospectively registered” Date of registration on May 30, 2020
Rapid review of COVID-19 epidemic estimation studies for Iran
Authors: Pourmalek Farshad , Hemami Mohsen Rezaei , Janani Leila , Moradi-Lakeh Maziar 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: To inform researchers about the methodology and results of epidemic estimation studies performed for COVID-19 epidemic in Iran, we aimed to perform a rapid review. Methods: We searched for and included published articles, preprint manuscripts and reports that estimated numbers of cumulative or daily deaths or cases of COVID-19 in Iran. We found 131 studies and included 29 of them. Results: The included studies provided outputs for a total of 84 study-model/scenario combinations. Sixteen studies used 3-4 compartmental disease models. At the end of month two of the epidemic (2020-04-19), the lowest (and highest) values of predictions were 1777 (388951) for cumulative deaths, 20588 (2310161) for cumulative cases, and at the end of month four (2020-06-20), were 3590 (1819392) for cumulative deaths, and 144305 (4266964) for cumulative cases. Highest estimates of cumulative deaths (and cases) for latest date available in 2020 were 418834 on 2020-12-19 (and 41475792 on 2020-12-31). Model estimates predict an ominous course of epidemic progress in Iran. Increase in percent population using masks from the current situation to 95% might prevent 26790 additional deaths (95% confidence interval 19925-35208) by the end of year 2020. Conclusions: Meticulousness and degree of details reported for disease modeling and statistical methods used in the included studies varied widely. Greater heterogeneity was observed regarding the results of predicted outcomes. Consideration of minimum and preferred reporting items in epidemic estimation studies might better inform future revisions of the available models and new models to be developed. Not accounting for under-reporting drives the models’ results misleading.