bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diabetes in the News: Readability Analysis of Malaysian Diabetes Corpus
Authors: Hamat Afendi , Jaludin Azhar , Mohd-Dom Tuti Ningseh , Rani Haslina , Jamil Nor Aini , Abdul-Aziz Aznida Firzah 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background: This paper describes a study to evaluate the readability scores of Malaysian newspaper articles meant to create awareness of diabetes among the public. In contrast to patient-specific sources of information, mass media may potentially reach healthy people and help them avoid becoming part of the diabetes statistics. The study selected relevant samples from the Malaysian Diabetes Corpus and used an online tool to score and display their readability using Flesch Kinkaid Reading Ease (FKRE) as the main indicator. Result: The average readability for the materials is low at 49.6 FKRE, which may impede the uptake of information contained in the articles. Trend analysis reveals that there is not much variability in the years covered by the corpus with the articles from 2016 scoring better than other years. Feature analysis of articles with the best and worst readability indicates that medical practitioners may not be the best spokesperson to reach the public. It also indicates that simple sentence structures could help improve readability. Conclusion: There is still much room for improvements in attaining good public health literacy through mass media communication. Public health and media practitioners should be vigilant of the language aspects of their writing when reaching out to the public.
Functional recovery after cesarean delivery: a prospective cohort study in rural Rwanda
Authors: Niyigena Anne , Gato Saidath , Alayande Barnabas , Miranda Elizabeth , Hedt-Gauthier Bethany , Goodman Andrea S. , Nkurunziza Theoneste , Mazimpaka Christian , Hakizimana Sadoscar , Ngamije Patient , Kateera Fredrick , Riviello Robert , Boatin Adeline A. 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background
Women who deliver via cesarean section (c-section) experience short- and long-term complications that may affect their physical health and their ability to function normally. While physical health outcomes are routinely assessed and monitored, postpartum functional outcomes are not well understood from a patient’s perspective or characterized by clinicians. In Rwanda, 11% of rural women deliver via c-section. This study explores the functional recovery of rural Rwandan women after c-section and assesses factors that predict poor functionality at postoperative day (POD) 30.
Methods
Data were collected prospectively on POD 3, 11, and 30 from women delivering at Kirehe District Hospital between October 2019 and March 2020. Functionality was measured by self-reported overall health, energy level, mobility, self-care ability, and ability to perform usual activities. We computed composite mean scores with a maximum score of 4.0 and scores ≤ 2.0 reflected poor functionality. We assessed functionality with descriptive statistics and logistic regression.
Results
Of 617 patients, 54.0%, 25.9%, and 26.8% reported poor functional status at POD3, POD11, and POD30, respectively. At POD30, the most self-reported poor functionality dimensions were poor or very poor overall health (48.1%), and inability to perform usual activities (15.6%). In the adjusted model, women whose surgery lasted 30–45 minutes had higher odds of poor functionality (aOR = 1.85, p = 0.01), as did women who experienced intraoperative complications (aOR = 4.12, p = 0.037). High income patients had incrementally lower significant odds of poor functionality (aOR = 0.62 for every US$100 increase in monthly income, p = 0.04).
Conclusion
We found a high proportion of poor functionality 30 days post-c-section and while surgery lasting > 30 minutes and experiencing intra-operative complications was associated with poor functionality, a reported higher income status was associated with lower odds of poor functionality. Functional status assessments, monitoring and support should be included in post-partum care for women who delivered via c-section. Effective risk mitigating intervention should be implemented to recover functionality after c-section, particularly among low-income women and those undergoing longer surgical procedures or those with intraoperative complications.
IgM regulates airway hyperresponsiveness via modulation of actin associated genes.
Authors: HADEBE SABELO , Savulescu Anca Flavia , Khumalo Jermaine , Jones Katelyn , Mangali Sandisiwe , Mthembu Nontobeko , Ngomti Amkele , Scibiorek Martyna , Okendo Javan , Brombacher Frank 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Allergic asthma is a disease driven by T helper 2 (Th2) cells, eosinophilia, airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and IgE-secreting B cells. Asthma is largely controlled by corticosteroids and β2 adregenic receptor agonists that target and relax airway smooth muscle (ASM). Immunoglobulin M (IgM) isotype secreted by naïve B cells is important for class switching but may have other undefined functions. We investigated the role of IgM in a house dust mite (HDM)-induced Th2 allergic asthma model by sensitising wild type (WT) and IgM-deficient (IgM-/-) mice with HDM. We validated our findings using CRISPR and single cell force cytometry in human ASM. We found IgM to be essential in AHR but not Th2 airway inflammation or eosinophilia. RNA sequencing of lung tissue suggested that IgM regulated AHR through modulating brain-specific angiogenesis inhibitor 1-associated protein 2-like protein 1 (Baiap2l1) and erythroid differentiation regulator 1 (Erdr1). Deletion of BAIAP2L1 and ERDR1 reduced human ASM contraction when stimulated with TNF-α. These are unprecedented findings and have implications in future treatment of asthma beyond current therapies.
Evaluating The Sensitivity and Applicability of Precipitation-Based and Precipitation-Evapotranspiration-Based Drought Indices To Different Record Periods
Authors: Li Liang , He Hong , Wang Qiaojuan , Wang Xiaoyun , Cao Yuxin , Cai Huanjie 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
As drought indices are generally calculated based on multi-year historical data spanning periods of at least 30 years, different drought index values at certain times are therefore calculated due to different record lengths, making it difficult to accurately define dry or wet periods in a studied region or station. This investigation assessed the sensitivity and applicability of precipitation-based and precipitation-evapotranspiration-based drought indices, such as the Generalized extreme value drought index (GEVI), Homogeneity index of precipitation and temperature (HI), the K index (K), Precipitation anomaly percentage (Pa), Standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI), Standardized precipitation index (SPI), and the China Z index (CZI), to different record lengths on monthly, seasonal and annual time scales. By using monthly, seasonal and annual precipitation and evapotranspiration data from a research station over the period 1961–2017, data over periods of 55, 50, 45, 40, 35 and 30 years were extracted. Analysis of correlation coefficient of all indices, match and non-match, and actual drought and no-drought recognition rate of the indices indicated that K, Pa and SPEI indices recorded better time stability compared to other indices at all time scales across different climatic zones in the study region; the GEVI index recorded the lowest time stability compared to other indices. Results also indicated that the majority of optimal lengths for all stations having the lowest non-match were 41–45 years, with some indices at different time scales being 36–40 years and 46–50 years. In addition, the HI index had the highest actual drought and no-drought recognition rate at almost all climate zones, followed by Pa and SPEI indices. Results from this study indicate that more priority should be given to precipitation-evapotranspiration-based indices when studying a large region; indices with concrete results should be selected when analyzing relatively small regions.
Modeling of a Mobile Spatial Cable Robot With Flexible Cables and Investigating the Effect of Its Nonlinear Vibrations on the System Dynamics
Authors: Goodarzi R , Korayem M. H. , Tourajizadeh H , Nourizadeh M 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
In this paper the modeling of a novel moving cable robot is conducted considering the vibration of the cables in its nonlinear format. The robot has 6 DOFs while the controlling input number is 12. Considering the fact that the elasticity of the cables is coupled with the dynamic model of the system, their vibration effects on the robot performance and accuracy. The target of this paper is to model the robot considering the cables’ elasticity and study its effect on the robot performance. This study can be considered in designing the controller of tower cranes and decrease the swing of the cables and increasing their stability. In order to cover the mentioned aim, the continuous vibration of the cables are modeled as a nonlinear system and it is added to the moving platform dynamics. Moreover the differences between the nonlinear modeling of the cables’ vibration and estimating them as a linear system is studied and their related results are compared and analyzed. The correctness of modeling is shown by comparing the results with previous research and the superiority of modeling the cables’ vibration in its nonlinear format is verified by the aid of a series of simulation scenarios in MATLAB. Moreover, by conducting some experimental test on the manufactured moving cable robot of IUST, it is illustrated that, modeling the cables in these robots as a nonlinear system results in more accurate results. It is shown that not only considering the cables’ vibration is significant in analyzing the robot dynamic, but also it is shown that promoting the mentioned model into nonlinear one increase the accuracy of the robot modeling which sequentially can provide a stronger controller for stabilizing and controlling the end-effector within a predefined trajectory.
Combined cART Including Tenofovir Disoproxil, Emtricitabine, and Dolutegravir Has Potent Therapeutic Effects in HIV-1 Infected Humanized Mice
Authors: Weichseldorfer Matthew , Affram Yvonne , Heredia Alonso , Rikhtegaran-Tehrani Zahra , Sajadi Mohammad M , Williams Sumiko P , Tagaya Yutaka , Benedetti Francesca , Ramadhani Habib O , Denaro Frank , Bryant Joseph , Zella Davide , Reitz Marvin , Romerio Fabio , Latinovic Olga 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
HIV-1 reservoirs persist in the presence of combined antiretroviral therapy (cART). However, cART has transformed HIV-1 infection into a chronic disease marked by control of HIV-1 viral load and mortality reduction. Major challenges remain, including viral resistance upon termination of cART and persistence and identification of tissue distribution of HIV-1 reservoirs. Thus appropriate animal models that best mimic HIV-1 pathogenesis are important, and the current study complements our previously published validation of the CD34+ hematopoietic humanized mouse model for this purpose. Here we analyze viral suppression using the recently developed combination of antiretrovirals that include Tenofovir Disoproxil (TDF), Emtricitabine (FTC), and Dolutegravir (DTG), a choice based on recent clinical outcomes showing its improved antiretroviral potency, CD4+ T cell preservation, tolerability, and prevention of viral drug resistance compared to that of previous regimens. We used quantitative Airyscan-based super resolution confocal microscopy of selected mouse tissues. Our data allowed to identify specific solid tissue reservoirs of human T-cells expressing the HIV-1 core protein p24. In particular, lymph node, brain, spleen, and liver were visualized as reservoirs for residual infected cells. Marked reduction of viral replication was evident. Considering that detection and visualization of cryptic sites of HIV-1 infection in tissues are clearly crucial steps towards HIV-1 eradication, appropriate animal models with pseudo-human immune systems are needed. In fact, current studies with humans and non-human primates have limited sample availability at multiple stages of infection and cannot easily analyze the effects of differently administered combined antiretroviral treatments on multiple tissues. That is easier to manage when working with humanized mouse models, although we realize the limitations due to low human cell recovery and thus the number of cells available for thorough and comprehensive analyses. Nonetheless, our data further confirm that the CD34 humanized mouse model is a potentially useful pre-clinical model to study and improve current anti-HIV-1 therapies.
Together In Care: An Enhanced Meals on Wheels Intervention Designed To Reduce Rehospitalizations Among Older Adults – Preliminary Findings
Authors: Galiatsatos Panagis , Ajayi Adejoke , Maygers Joyce , Smith Stephanie Archer , Theilheimer Lucy , Golden Sherita H. , Bennett Richard G. , Hale W. Daniel 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Rehospitalizations in the Medicare population may be influenced by many social factors, such as access to food, social isolation, and housing safety. Rehospitalizations result in significant cost in this population, with an expected increase as Medicare enrollment grows. We designed a pilot study based upon a partnership between a hospital and a local Meals on Wheels agency to support patients following an incident hospitalization to assess impact on hospital utilization. Patients from an urban medical center who were 60 years or older, had a prior hospitalization in the past 12-months and had a diagnosis of diabetes, hypertension, heart failure, and/or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were recruited. Meals on Wheels provided interventions over 3-months of the patient’s transition to home: food delivery, home safety inspection, social engagement, and medical supply allocation. Primary outcome was reduction of hospital utilization. In regards to the results, 84 participants comprised the pilot cohort. Their mean age was 74.9 ± 10.5 years; 33 (39.3%) were female; 62 (73.8%) resided in extreme socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods. Total hospital expenditures while the cohort was enrolled in the transition program were $435,258 ± 113,423, a decrease as compared to $1,445,637 ± 325,433 (p<0.01) of the cohort’s cost during the three months prior to enrollment. In conclusion, the initiative for patients with advanced chronic diseases resulted in a significant reduction of hospitalization expenditures. Further investigations are necessary to define the impact of this intervention on a larger cohort of patients as well as the generalizability across diverse geographic regions.
Risk Factors Associated with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Symptoms and Potential Vertical Transmission During Pregnancy: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Peter Bibita , Ree Nicholas , Ferrer Karen , Younes Laila , Lepe Barbara , Manhal Khilfeh , Mydam Janardhan 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic is of special concern for pregnant women. A growing body of evidence suggests the virus can have a deleterious impact upon outcomes related to birth and newborn health. There is a paucity of published research demonstrating the factors that influence disease severity among those who are pregnant, while a growing body of evidence demonstrates that vertical transmission occurs. Our study investigated the impact of maternal characteristics upon COVID-19 outcomes, as well as whether disease severity impacted pregnancy outcomes. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of pregnant women with COVID-19 who were admitted to two public hospitals in our state between April-August, 2020. Pregnancy outcomes and clinical, laboratory, and placental data were collected. Results: Thirty-four pregnant women tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Among them, 55% (19/34) were symptomatic. Of those who were symptomatic, 68% (13/19) presented with fever and cough. Those with symptoms had a statistically significant higher pregestational mean BMI compared with asymptomatic women (35.7±7.9 vs 26.7±6.9, P=0.004). Screening of biochemical records demonstrated that symptomatic women had lower potassium levels compared with those who were asymptomatic (median: 3.70 mEq/L vs 4.30 mEq/L, P=0.009). High BMI (42.4 kg/m2) and low potassium levels (3.0 mEq/L) were observed in the only case of postpartum mortality among the symptomatic women. We did not observe any influence of maternal COVID-19 severity on placental histopathology/infant health or evidence of vertical transmission, regardless of preterm status or duration of fetal exposure. Conclusion: High pregestational BMI and lower potassium levels were associated with the presence of COVID-19 symptoms among pregnant women.
Treatment Outcome and its Predictors Among Diabetic Patients Attending at Selected Hospitals of Southern Ethiopia.
Authors: Beyene Bereket , Hoyiso Dawit , Woldu Kinfu 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: Diabetes is one of the largest health emergencies of the 21st century. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that globally, hyperglycaemia is the third highest risk factor for premature mortality, after high blood pressure and tobacco use. It is an important cause of blindness, kidney failure, lower limb amputation and other long-term consequences that impact significantly on quality of life. It result peoples in a disease, death and increase a health care expenditure.Objectives: To determine treatment outcome of Diabetes mellitus and its predictors among patients attending diabetes treatments at selected hospitals of southern Ethiopia, 2021.Methods: All diabetic patients who attended selected hospitals of southern Ethiopia were a source population. Institution based cross-sectional study design was conducted at selected hospitals of southern Ethiopia. Patient’s data was collected using pretested questionnaire. After cleaning and checking for errors, the data was entered in to Epi-data to minimize error then exported to SPSS for analysis. Descriptive findings were presented by tables and charts. The outcome variable was analyzed by using logistic regression model to identify predictors after assumptions of regression analysis had checked. All the independent variables with p<0.25 was used as a candidate for multivariate analysis. Then the level of significance will be set at p<0.05 and AOR with 95% CL was done as the final model.Result: From the total sample; 277 (65.6%) were found to be good treatment outcome. The number of medication taken AOR 95%CI; 0.924 (0.869, 0.983), presence of complication AOR 95%CI; 0.425 (0.217, .832), increased fasting blood glucose AOR 95%CI; 0.080 (0.034, 0.188) were found to be independent predictors. Since the magnitude of treatment outcome found to be low, provision of health information about the adhering to prescribed medication and monitoring fasting blood glucose level will bring good clinical outcome.
Analysis of risk factors for presacral abscess after radical resection of middle and low rectal cancer.
Authors: Li Ang , Shi Jun , Shi Binqiao , Shi Xiaohui 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background and ObjectivesTo investigate the risk factors of presacral abscess after radical resection of middle and low rectal cancer. MethodsClinical data of 2279 patients with middle and low rectal cancer in the department of Colorectal Surgery at the Changhai Hospital of the Second Military Medical University from January 2015 to December 2018 were analyzed retrospectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to find the risk factors of presacral abscess using Chi-square test and Logistic regression, respectively. ResultsThe median age of all cases was 62 years. Of the 27 cases with presacral abscess, 22 were males and 5 were females. 12 cases were low rectal cancer and 15 cases were middle rectal cancer. Univariate Chi-square test indicated that the relative factors associated with the presacral abscess were tumor size, operative time, blood loss, T stage lesions, receiving preoperative radiotherapy and with preventive terminal ileostomy. Multivariate analysis showed that tumor size, operative time, blood loss, receiving preoperative radiotherapy and with preventive terminal ileostomy were the independent risk factors. ConclusionsPatients with big tumor size, long operative time, high blood loss and preoperative radiotherapy are high-risk groups of presacral abscess after radical resection of middle and low rectal cancer.
Galectin 3 as a new therapeutic target for fibrosis and metabolic disorders in type 2 diabetes
Authors: khelifi Dayssem , Nacef Ibtissem Ben , Bouzid Kahena , Rojbi Imen , Lakhoua Youssef , Mchirgui Nadia , Hamida Fethi Ben , Khiari Karima 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: The objective of our research work was to identify the predictive factors of metabolic disorder and the pro-fibrotic factors which would be correlated with high levels of Galectin-3(Gal-3) in a population of patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: We carried out an analytical cross-sectional study.We included 260 type 2 diabetics followed in our endocrinology department.For the purpose of determining a threshold value of Gal-3,we asked for a non-diabetic control group. The medical history interview included history of diabetes, use of antihypertensive medications, lipid-lowering medication, smoking habits and physical activity.A careful clinical examination was performed for all patients and all of them underwent a biological analysis with an assay of the plasma concentrations of Galectin-3. Results: Our study included 260 type 2 diabetics with an average age of 59.4±8.9years.The sex ratio was 0.78.We established a threshold for galectin-3 with the best sensitivity and specificity at 11.25ng/ml using the ROC curve.We found a significant positive correlation of Gal-3 with age (p<0.001),duration of diabetes (p=0.024),systolic blood pressure (p =0.032), diabetic retinopathy (p<0.001), body mass index (p=0.01), waist circumference(p<0.001), hypertension (p<0.001), dyslipidemia (p=0.023),triglyceridemia (p=0.029).An inverse association between Gal-3 level and physical activity(p=0.014),hypoplipemic treatment (p=0.040),metformin (p=0.028) and glomerular filtration rate (p<0.001) were observed. Conclusion: We established a threshold value of Gal-3 and we discovered the clinical and biological parameters correlated with the elevation of Gal-3 which would be pro-fibrosating factors.We have also demonstrated that this lectin is a key player as a new marker and therapeutic target for the control of metabolic disorders.
Dual-Crosslinked Oxidized Pectin/N-Succinyl Chitosan Hydrogel Containing Graphene Oxide Nanosheets for Tissue Engineering Application
Authors: Bazghaleh Atefeh Afroozan , Dogolsar Mojtaba Akbari , Barzin Jalal 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Biopolymer-based hydrogels are commonly used in clinical applications. In the present study, N- succinyl chitosan (NSC), oxidized pectin (OP), and graphene oxide (GO) were used to develop a new dual-crosslinked hydrogel system. The dynamic OP/NSC/GO hydrogel showed quick gelation and great injectability due to the cooperation of hydrogen interaction between the GO nanosheets and the NSC and OP macromolecules and Schiff-based crosslinking by amino and aldehyde functional groups of polysaccharide derivatives. The performance of the above-mentioned hydrogel was improved when the GOs were embedded. When the GO content was 6 (mg/ml), the hydrogel showed the best overall performance, with a 10-minute healing time, a quick gelation time (~ 13s), acceptable swelling ability, suitable conductivity, great hemocompatibility, and strong biological compatibility. These results showed that the composite hydrogel could be used as a promising conductive injectable self-healing hydrogel for tissue engineering applications.