bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of different scales for the evaluation of anxiety and compliance with anesthetic induction in children undergoing scheduled major outpatient surgery
Authors: Vieco-García Alberto , López-Picado Amanda , Fuentes Manuel , Francisco-González Laura , Joyanes Belén , Soto Carmen , Garcia de la Aldea Ana , Gonzalez-Perrino Carlos , Aleo Esther 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Introduction
Anxiety in children triggered by a scheduled surgical intervention is a major issue due to its frequency and consequences. Preoperative anxiety is associated with increased patient fear and agitation on anesthetic induction. The aim of this study is to compare three preoperative anxiety scales for children undergoing elective outpatient surgery, and to correlate each of these tools with the degree of patient compliance on induction, as assessed by the Induction Compliance Checklist (ICC).

Methods
An observational prospective study was performed on a cohort of children with ages between 2 and 16 years old, scheduled for outpatient surgery. Anxiety was assessed upon arrival to the hospital (M0), during transfer to the surgical unit (M1), and in the operating room during anesthetic induction (M2). Anxiety in the parents (measured with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, STAI) and in the children (measured with the Spence Anxiety Scale-Pediatric, SCAS-P, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Children, STAIC, and Modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale, m-YPAS) was assessed. Compliance with anesthetic induction was assessed with ICC.

Results
The study included 76 patients (72.4% male, median age 7.9 years). Anxiety scores (m-YPAS) increased as the moment of surgery approached, being greater at the entrance to the surgical unit (M0 = 26.1 ± 9.5; M1 = 31.8 ± 18.1; M2 = 33.5 ± 21.1). A strong correlation was found between ICC scale and m-YPAS at M1 (0.738) and M2 timepoints (0.794), but not with the rest of scales at M0.

Conclusions
Standard anxiety assessment scales do not predict the quality of anesthetic induction. m-YPAS scale can detect increasing anxiety in children as they approach the surgical procedure and this correlates strongly with a worse anesthetic induction, defined by higher score on ICC scale.
Evaluating the implementation of the standard treatment guidelines (STGs) and essential medicines list (EML) at a public South African tertiary institution and its associated primary health care (PHC) facilities
Authors: Govender Tashni , Suleman Fatima , Perumal-Pillay Velisha Ann 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
The standard treatment guidelines (STGs) and essential medicines list (EML) were a policy option recommended in the National Drug Policy for South Africa in 1996 to address the irrational and bloated medicines procurement list. STGs/EML serve as a tool to promote cost-effective use of medicines; rational prescribing; and improve accessibility to medicines for all citizens. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use and implementation of the STGs/EML by prescribers at a public tertiary institution and its associated Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities in the uMhlathuze subdistrict of KwaZulu Natal. The study aimed to provide feedback and to make recommendations to policy makers to improve the use and implementation of the STGs/EML and to inform National Health Insurance (NHI) policy development.

Method
An observational quantitative descriptive research design was used. A retrospective audit of prescriptions was conducted, and questionnaires were utilized to collect data from prescribers and the facilities to evaluate the utilization of the STGs/EML and the rational use of medicines. All descriptive analyses were presented as counts with percentages, and Fisher’s exact test was used to compare results. The data was summarized, reduced, and analysed using SAS statistics software.

Results
107 medical doctors (97%) responded to the questionnaire at hospital level and 98 nurses (98%) responded to the questionnaire at the PHC level. Results revealed that the majority of doctors, 94.4%, had access to the latest STGs/EML compared with only 41.8% of nurses. 70.3% and 78.3% of doctor’s and nurse’s prescriptions, respectively, adhered to the guidelines. 94.9% of nurses requested training on the use of STGs/EML as most of them had not received formal training on its use.

Conclusion
This study showed suboptimal adherence to STGs/EML by all prescribers, in contrast to previous research amongst nurses when hardcopies were available. Training on the use of the STGs/EML is needed at PHC level and improved monitoring of STGs/EML compliance is necessary. This study may be replicated for a wider population to paint a national picture and to periodically assess the extent of the implementation of the STGs/EML.
Light detection and ranging (LIDAR) laser altimeter for the Martian Moons Exploration (MMX) spacecraft
Authors: Senshu Hiroki , Mizuno Takahide , Umetani Kazuhiro , Nakura Toru , Konishi Akihiro , Ogawa Akihiko , Ikeda Hirokazu , Matsumoto Koji , Noda Hirotomo , Ishihara Yoshiaki , Sasaki Sho , Tateno Naoki , Ikuse Yasuyuki , Mayuzumi Katsunori , Kase Teiji , Kashine Hisayoshi 
Published: December 2021

AbstractAn altimeter is a critical instrument in planetary missions, for both safe operations and science activities. We present required specifications and link budget calculations for light detection and ranging (LIDAR) onboard the Martian Moons Exploration (MMX) spacecraft. During the mission phase, this LIDAR will continuously measure the distance between the spacecraft and its target. The time-series distance provides important diagnostic information for safe spacecraft operations and important information for geomorphological studies. Because MMX is a sample return mission, its LIDAR must accommodate physical disturbances on the Martian satellite surface. This resulted in changes to the optical system design.
Graphical abstract
A population-based method to determine the time-integrated activity in molecular radiotherapy
Authors: Hardiansyah Deni , Riana Ade , Kletting Peter , Zaid Nouran R. R. , Eiber Matthias , Pawiro Supriyanto A. , Beer Ambros J. , Glatting Gerhard 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
The calculation of time-integrated activities (TIAs) for tumours and organs is required for dosimetry in molecular radiotherapy. The accuracy of the calculated TIAs is highly dependent on the chosen fit function. Selection of an adequate function is therefore of high importance. However, model (i.e. function) selection works more accurately when more biokinetic data are available than are usually obtained in a single patient. In this retrospective analysis, we therefore developed a method for population-based model selection that can be used for the determination of individual time-integrated activities (TIAs). The method is demonstrated at an example of [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-I&T kidneys biokinetics. It is based on population fitting and is specifically advantageous for cases with a low number of available biokinetic data per patient.

Methods
Renal biokinetics of [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-I&T from thirteen patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer acquired by planar imaging were used. Twenty exponential functions were derived from various parameterizations of mono- and bi-exponential functions. The parameters of the functions were fitted (with different combinations of shared and individual parameters) to the biokinetic data of all patients. The goodness of fits were assumed as acceptable based on visual inspection of the fitted curves and coefficients of variation CVs < 50%. The Akaike weight (based on the corrected Akaike Information Criterion) was used to select the fit function most supported by the data from the set of functions with acceptable goodness of fit.

Results
The function $$A_{1} { }\beta { }e^{{ - \left( {\lambda_{1} + \lambda_{{{\text{phys}}}} } \right)t}} + A_{1} { }\left( {1 - \beta } \right){ }e^{{ - \left( {\lambda_{{{\text{phys}}}} } \right)t}}$$

A
1

β

e

-

λ
1

+

λ
phys

t

+

A
1

1
-
β

e

-

λ
phys

t

with shared parameter $$\beta$$
β
was selected as the function most supported by the data with an Akaike weight of 97%. Parameters $$A_{1}$$

A
1

and $$\lambda_{1}$$

λ
1

were fitted individually for every patient while parameter $$\beta { }$$

β

was fitted as a shared parameter in the population yielding a value of 0.9632 ± 0.0037.

Conclusions
The presented population-based model selection allows for a higher number of parameters of investigated fit functions which leads to better fits. It also reduces the uncertainty of the obtained Akaike weights and the selected best fit function based on them. The use of the population-determined shared parameter for future patients allows the fitting of more appropriate functions also for patients for whom only a low number of individual data are available.
The effects of managerial ability on firm performance and the mediating role of capital structure: evidence from Taiwan
Authors: Ting Irene Wei Kiong , Tebourbi Imen , Lu Wen-Min , Kweh Qian Long 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThis study utilizes mediation analysis and bootstrapping to analyze the mediating effect of capital structure on the association between managerial ability and firm performance. The dataset consists of 6384 firm-year observations from the Taiwanese electronics industry during 2005–2018. Our results indicate that (1) low (high) levels of debt are likely observed in firms with CEOs with high (low) ability, (2) managerial ability positively affects firm performance, and (3) capital structure mediates the positive relationship between managerial ability and firm performance. Overall, the findings may have limited generalizability due to the specific sample characteristics and provide convincing support for the importance of capital structure as a mediator in the managerial ability-firm performance nexus. Specifically, this study highlights the need for examining the effect of managerial ability on firm performance through a mediator.
Development and validation of ester impregnated pH strips for locating nasogastric feeding tubes in the stomach—a multicentre prospective diagnostic performance study
Authors: Ni Melody , Adam Mina E. , Akbar Fatima , Huddy Jeremy R. , Borsci Simone , Buckle Peter , Rubulotta Francesca , Carr Reuben , Fotheringham Ian , Wilson Claire , Tsang Matthew , Harding Susan , White Nichola , Hanna George B. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundNG (nasogastric) tubes are used worldwide as a means to provide enteral nutrition. Testing the pH of tube aspirates prior to feeding is commonly used to verify tube location before feeding or medication. A pH at or lower than 5.5 was taken as evidence for stomach intubation. However, the existing standard pH strips lack sensitivity, especially in patients receiving feeding and antacids medication. We developed and validated a first-generation ester-impregnated pH strip test to improve the accuracy towards gastric placements in adult population receiving routine NG-tube feeding. The sensitivity was improved by its augmentation with the action of human gastric lipase (HGL), an enzyme specific to the stomach.MethodsWe carried out a multi-centred, prospective, two-gate diagnostic accuracy study on patients who require routine NG-tube feeding in 10 NHS hospitals comparing the sensitivity of the novel pH strip to the standard pH test, using either chest X-rays or, in its absence, clinical observation of the absence of adverse events as the reference standard. We also tested the novel pH strips in lung aspirates from patients undergoing oesophageal cancer surgeries using visual inspection as the reference standard. We simulated health economics using a decision analytic model and carried out adoption studies to understand its route to commercialisation. The primary end point is the sensitivity of novel and standard pH tests at the recommended pH cut-off of 5.5.ResultsA total of 6400 ester-impregnated pH strips were prepared based on an ISO13485 quality management system. A total of 376 gastric samples were collected from adult patients in 10 NHS hospitals who were receiving routine NG-tube feeding. The sensitivities of the standard and novel pH tests were respectively 49.2% (95% CI 44.1‑54.3%) and 70.2% (95% CI 65.6‑74.8%) under pH cut-off of 5.5 and the novel test has a lung specificity of 89.5% (95% CI 79.6%, 99.4%). Our simulation showed that using the novel test can potentially save 132 unnecessary chest X-rays per check per every 1000 eligible patients, or direct savings of £4034 to the NHS.ConclusionsThe novel pH test correctly identified significantly more patients with tubes located inside the stomach compared to the standard pH test used widely by the NHS.Trial registrationhttp://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN11170249, Registered 21 June 2017—retrospectively registered
A novel out of step relaying algorithm based on wavelet transform and a deep learning machine model
Authors: Desai Jigneshkumar Pramodbhai , Makwana Vijay Hiralal 
Published: December 2021

AbstractOut-of-step protection of one or a group of synchronous generators is unreliable in a power system which has significant renewable power penetration. In this work, an innovative out-of-step protection algorithm using wavelet transform and deep learning is presented to protect synchronous generators and transmission lines. The specific patterns are generated from both stable and unstable power swing, and three-phase fault using the wavelet transform technique. Data containing 27,008 continuous samples of 48 different features is used to train a two-layer feed-forward network. The proposed algorithm gives an automatic, setting free and highly accurate classification for the three-phase fault, stable power swing, and unstable power swing through pattern recognition within a half cycle. The proposed algorithm uses the Kundur 2-area system and a 29-bus electric network for testing under different swing center locations and levels of renewable power penetration. Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) tests show the hardware compatibility of the developed out-of-step algorithm. The proposed algorithm is also compared with recently reported algorithms. The comparison and test results on different large-scale systems show that the proposed algorithm is simple, fast, accurate, and HIL tested, and not affected by changes in power system parameters.
Simultaneous administration of coffee and rasagiline/l-dopa protects against paraquat-induced neurochemical and motor behavior impairments in vivo
Authors: Aboutabl Mona E. , Salman Asmaa M. , Gamal el Din Amina A. , Maklad Yousreya A. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
Caffeine is a natural alkaloid present in a variety of highly consumed popular drinks such as coffee, tea and soft drinks as well as chocolate. Its consumption elicits beneficiary psychostimulant that has been linked to a reduced risk of developing Parkinson’s disease (PD). The aim of the present study is to investigate the possible synergistic neuroprotective effects of co-administration of caffeine (CAF) or coffee (COF) with rasagiline (R) or l-dopa against paraquat (PQ)-induced neurochemical and motor behavior impairments in mice.

Results
In behavioral tests, R + COF increased the locomotor activity in rotarod test compared to l-dopa + COF. l-Dopa combinations decreased the immobility time in FST compared to rasagiline combinations; l-dopa + CAF provided a similar increase in locomotor activity compared to R + CAF. Combination of CAF or COF with l-dopa or rasagiline resulted in a substantial improvement in brain neurotransmitter and antioxidant levels as they significantly increased dopamine and super oxide dismutase but significantly decreased nitric oxide levels as compared to l-dopa or rasagiline, respectively. Furthermore, they also exerted a protective effect against the neurodegenerative histopathological changes induced by PQ.

Conclusions
Our findings demonstrated co-administration of COF or CAF, adenosine 2A receptor antagonists, along with l-dopa or rasagiline possesses a new therapeutic strategy for the management of PD neurochemical disturbances and motor behavior impairments through preservation of the brain dopamine and serotonin content, antioxidants level and histological features.
Cerebroplacental ratio for prediction of adverse intrapartum and neonatal outcomes in a term uncomplicated pregnancy
Authors: Mohamed Mariam Lotfy , Mohamed Salwa Adel , Elshahat Amal Mohamed 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
Fetal hypoxia is one of the major causes of high perinatal morbidity and mortality rates. Doppler ultrasound tests such as cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) evaluation are commonly used to assess blood flow disturbances in placento-umbilical and feto-cerebral circulations. A low cerebroplacental ratio has been shown to be associated with an increased risk of stillbirth regardless of the gestation or fetal weight. We conducted this study to assess the fetal cerebroplacental ratio in prediction of adverse intrapartum and neonatal outcomes in a term, uncomplicated pregnancy to reduce fetal and neonatal morbidity and mortality.

Results
It was found that neonates with CPR ≤1.1 had significantly higher frequencies of cesarean delivery (CS) for intrapartum fetal compromise compared to those with CPR >1.1 (p=0.043). Neonates with CPR ≤1.1 had significantly lower Apgar score at 1 min and 5 min than those with CPR >1.1 (p=0.004) and (p=0.003), respectively. Neonates with CPR ≤1.1 had significantly higher rates of NICU admission than those with CPR <1.1 (p=0.004).

Conclusion
The cerebroplacental ratio shows the highest sensitivity in the prediction of fetal heart rate abnormalities and adverse neonatal outcome in uncomplicated pregnancies at term. The cerebroplacental ratio index is useful in clinical practice in antenatal monitoring of these women in order to select those at high risk of intra- and postpartum complications.
Gender-related romantic attachment and serum oxytocin level difference in adult patients with obsessive compulsive disorder
Authors: Dessoki Hani H. , Sadek Mohamed N. , Abd Elrassol Hwayda A. , El-Sayed Sayed G. , Soltan Mohamed R. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
Given the scarcity of data on gender-related romantic attachment changes and the potential role of oxytocin (OT) in the pathophysiology of obsessive-compulsive illness (OCD), the current study aimed to assess gender-related differences in romantic attachment characteristics and their relationship to serum oxytocin in a set of forty OCD cases compared with a similar group of healthy controls .Simultaneously examining the gender differences in serum oxytocin levels in OCD patients, the diagnosis of OCD patients was determined using DSM-5 criteria, and the severity of OCD was determined using the Y-BOCS rating scale. All of the patients were drug-free and not depressed. The romantic attachment was assessed using the “Experiences in Close Relationship” Questionnaire. Standard ELISA kits were used to assess plasma OT levels.

Results
Regarding romantic attachments, patients with obsessive compulsive disorder scored higher on the anxiety and avoidance domains than controls with no significant gender difference. Serum oxytocin was higher in patients with OCD than in healthy controls, indicating a possible underlying pathophysiology of the illness. Also, there was a significant gender difference, with female patients having higher serum oxytocin and symptoms severity being negatively associated.

Conclusions
Taken together, these findings propose that OT may play a role in OCD pathophysiology with gender specificity. Also, OCD associated with insecure romantic attachment.
Emerging techniques of western blotting for purification and analysis of protein
Authors: Singh Krishna Kumar , Gupta Anshika , Bharti Charu , Sharma Himanchal 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
Western blotting is frequently employed in molecular techniques like Proteomics and Biology. Because it is a sequential framework, differences and inaccuracies could even take place at any stage, decreasing this particular method's reproducibility and reliability.

Main text
New approaches, like automated microfluid western blotting, DigiWest, single cell resolution, microchip electrophoresis, and capillary electrophoresis, were all implemented to reduce the future conflicts linked with the western blot analysis approach. Discovery of new in devices and higher susceptibility for western blots gives innovative opportunities to expand Western blot’s clinical relevance. The advancements in various region of west blotting included in this analysis of transfer of protein and validation of antibody are described.

Conclusion
This paper describes another very developed strategy available as well as demonstrated the correlation among Western blotting techniques of the next generation and their clinical implications. In this review, the different techniques of western blotting and their improvement in different stages have been discussed.
Effect of oromotor exercises on feeding in children with cerebral palsy: systematic review
Authors: El Nagar Rania , AL-Nemr Alaa , Abdelazeim Faten 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundFeeding problems are prevalent in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Oromotor exercises (OME) should be started as soon as possible to enhance chewing and drooling. Oromotor exercises consist of active exercises, passive exercises, and sensory stimulation. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the effectiveness of oromotor exercises on feeding, chewing, and drooling in children with CP.BodyThe American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses methodology were used to conduct a systematic review. Four databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, PEDro, and Google Scholar) were searched; this review includes seven articles, participants were 173 participants ranging in age from 18 months to 18 years. Articles were assessed according to their level of evidence and quality assessment was done by AACPDM, PEDro scale, and JBI scale. Due to the heterogeneity across included studies, descriptive analysis was performed on all of them. Primary outcomes were chewing and drooling. Results showed the effectiveness of OME in improving drooling, but with weak evidence while not effective in improving chewing.ConclusionHigh-quality studies are required to develop a firm judgment on the influence of oromotor exercises on feeding. The current level of evidence to support the effectiveness of oromotor exercises in children with CP is currently insufficient.