bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk Stratification of Cirrhotic Patients Undergoing Esophagectomy for Esophageal Cancer: A Single-Centre Experience
Authors: Grass Julia K. , Küsters Natalie , Kemper Marius , Tintrup Jan , Piecha Felix , Izbicki Jakob R. , Perez Daniel , Melling Nathaniel , Bockhorn Maximilian , Reeh Matthias 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Concomitant liver cirrhosis is a crucial risk factor for major surgeries. However, only few data are available concerning cirrhotic patients requiring esophagectomy for malignant disease. From a prospectively maintained database of esophageal cancer patients, who underwent curative esophagectomy between 01/2012 and 01/2016, patients with concomitant liver cirrhosis (LCP) were compared to non-cirrhotic patients (NLCP).Of 170 patients, 14 cirrhotic patients with predominately low MELD scores (≤ 9, 64.3%) were identified. Perioperative outcome was significantly worse for LCP, as proofed by 30-day (57.1% vs. 7.7, p<0.001) and 90-day mortality (64.3% vs. 9.6%, p<0.001), anastomotic leakage rate (64.3 vs. 22.3%, p=0.002) and sepsis (57.1 vs. 21.5%, p=0.006). Even after adjustment for age, gender, comorbidities, and surgical approach, LCP revealed higher odds for 30-day and 90-day mortality compared to NLCP. Moreover, 5-year survival analysis showed a significantly poorer long-term outcome of LCP (p=0.023). For risk stratification, none of the common cirrhosis scores proved prognostic impact, whereas components as Bilirubin (auROC 94.4%), INR (auROC=90.0%), and preoperative ascites (p=0.038) correlated significantly with the perioperative outcome. Curative esophagectomy for cirrhotic patients is associated with a dismal prognosis and should be evaluated critically. While MELD and Child score failed to predict perioperative mortality, Bilirubin and INR proofed excellent prognostic capacity in this cohort.
Improving Intraocular Lens Calculation in Fuchs Endothelial Dystrophy According To Preoperative Degree of Corneal Edema
Authors: Gargallo-Martinez Beatriz , Ortiz-Gomariz Amanda , Gomez-Ramirez Ana Maria , Gutiérrez-Ortega Angel Ramon , Garcia-Medina Jose Javier 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Fuchs endothelial dystrophy (FED) is a bilateral, asymmetric, progressive corneal endothelium disorder that causes corneal edema. Resolution of corneal edema is only possible by corneal transplantation. Cataract surgery is a common surgery that replaces the natural lens of the eye by an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). The IOL-power calculation depends mainly on the anterior corneal keratometry and the axial length. In patients with FED, anterior keratometry may be affected by corneal edema and calculations may be less accurate. Therefore, the aim of this study is to establish the theorical postoperative refractive error due to corneal edema resolution after Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty combined with cataract surgery and IOL implantation. For this, anterior keratometry was measure preoperatively with edematous cornea and postoperatively after corneal edema resolution. Both keratometries were compared and used to calculate the respective theorical IOL-powers. The difference between target IOLs was used to establish the theorical refractive error due to corneal edema resolution. The results showed that corneal edema resolution induces a change in anterior keratometry, which affects IOL-power calculations and causes a hyperopic shift. The patients with moderate-to-severe preoperative corneal edema had higher theorical refractive error so their target selection should be adjusted for additional − 0.50D.
Cash Transfers for Improved Maternal and Child Health Data: A Pilot Study Supporting Health Management Information System in Malawi
Authors: Ouedraogo Mariame O. , Tolani Madalitso , Mambulasa Janet , McLaughlin Katie , Bassani Diego G. , McKinnon Britt 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background

The health management information system (HMIS) is an integral component of a strong health care system. Despite its importance for decision-making, the quality of HMIS data remains of concern in low- and middle-income countries. To address challenges with the quality of maternal and child health (MCH) data gathered within Malawi's HMIS, we designed a pilot study consisting of performing regular cash transfers to district-level HMIS offices. We hypothesized that providing regular cash transfers to HMIS offices would empower staff to establish strategies and priorities based on local context, consequently obtaining and maintaining accurate, timely, and complete MCH data.
Methods

The pilot intervention was implemented in Mwanza district, while Chikwawa, Neno, and Ntchisi districts served as control sites. The intervention consisted of providing cash transfers to Mwanza's HMIS office following the submission of detailed budgets and lists of planned activities with their respective targets and outputs. In the control districts, we performed regular interviews with the HMIS officers to track the HMIS-related activities. We evaluated the intervention by comparing data quality between the post-intervention and pre-intervention periods in the intervention and control districts. Additionally, we conducted interviews with Mwanza's HMIS office staff to determine the acceptability and appropriateness of the intervention.
Results

Following the 10-month intervention period, we observed improvements in MCH data quality in the intervention district (Mwanza). The availability and completeness of MCH data collected in the registers increased by 22% and 18%, respectively. The consistency of MCH data between summary reports and electronic HMIS improved from 73–94%. The qualitative interviews confirmed that, despite some challenges, the intervention was well received by the participating HMIS office. Participants preferred our strategy to other conventional ways of supporting HMIS that fail to give HMIS offices the independence to make decisions.
Conclusions

This pilot intervention demonstrated an alternative approach to support HMIS offices in their daily efforts to improve data quality. Given the Ministry of Health (MoH)'s interest in strengthening its HMIS, our intervention provides a strategy that the MoH and local and international partners could consider to rapidly improve HMIS data with minimal oversight.
A Fuzzy Method for Joint Resource Allocation and Stable Pairing in D2D Communications with Applications in COVID-19 Patient Information Management
Authors: Pourmoslemi Alireza , Rajabi Siavash , Salimi Mehdi , Ferrara Massimiliano 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
In this paper, a device-to-device (D2D) communication multiple-metric scenario for resource allocation and pairing is proposed. To improve the stability of the D2D connection, a fuzzy method based on the data-rate and battery levels of potential D2D pairs is studied so that the set of D2D transmitters is considered as a fuzzy set. A single-cell scenario with a cellular user and some co-channel D2D nodes consisting of D2D receivers and transmitters is considered. A stable fuzzy pairing criterion is proposed for the selection of the best D2D transmitter. The proposed method is compared to three other pairing methods: maximum sum-rate, constant, and random pairing methods. The simulation results show that the proposed pairing method outperforms the other three methods in terms of stability and fairness criteria and follows the maximum sum-rate method from the sum-rate criteria point of view.
Greater Medial Meniscus Extrusion Seen on Ultrasonography Indicates the Risk of Posterior Root Tear in Non-radiographic Knee Osteoarthritis Population
Authors: Chiba Daisuke , Sasaki Tomoyuki , Ishibashi Yasuyuki 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Purpose: To elucidate the association between medial meniscus extrusion measured on ultrasonography (MMEUS) and the prevalence of medial meniscus posterior root tear detected on magnetic resonance imaging (MMPRTMRI). Methods: We recruited 127 patients (135 knees) in this cross-sectional study. All participants had medial knee pain without a knee trauma or surgery history. Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) severity was evaluated using Kellgren-Lawrence grade (KLG) scores. Patients with KLG scores 0-1 and ≥2 were classified in non-radiographic (non-ROA) and radiographic KOA (ROA) groups, respectively. MMEUS was measured with patients in the supine position. Based on T2*-weighted images, MMPRTMRI was defined as the presence of “Ghost meniscus sign” and “Creft/truncation sign”, indicating an abnormal high signal intensity of a disrupted posterior root. MMEUS was compared between MMPRT+ and MMPRT– patients using a non-paired t-test. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine the optimal cut-off MMEUS to predict MMPRT+.Results: The prevalence of MMPRT+ was 31.3% (25/80 knees) and 29.1% (16/55 knees) in the non-ROA and ROA groups. The MMEUS of MMPRT+ patients were significantly greater than that of MMPRT– patients in both the non-ROA (5.9±1.4 mm vs. 4.4±1.0 mm, P<0.001) and ROA (7.8±1.3 mm vs. 6.3±1.3 mm, P<0.001) groups. ROC curves demonstrated that 5-mm and 7-mm MMEUS were the optimal cut-off values in non-ROA (adjusted odds ratio: 6.280; area under the curve [AUC]: 0.809; P<0.001) and ROA (adjusted odds ratio: 15.003; AUC: 0.797; P=0.001) groups.Conclusions: In early non-radiographic KOA stages, a greater MMEUS was associated with a higher MMPRTMRI prevalence.Level of evidence: III, Cross-sectional cohort study
Activating the Role of Digital Volunteering in Early Detection of Unhealthy Behavior on University Campus in the Era of Covid 19 Crisis
Authors: Alarnous Razan , Albasalah Aida , Alshawwa Samar 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe current study aims to identify unhealthy behaviors among university students, establish means of detecting them as well as identify obstacles to digital volunteering and also explore the relationship between volunteer preferred style of volunteering and the obstacles to volunteering. MethodsData for the study was gathered by administering unstructured, anonymous questionnaire to 207 female university students and staff. The survey design included questions about socio-demographic characteristics, views on different facets of volunteering, unhealthy behaviors and correlation between volunteering and unhealthy behaviors.ResultsThe result revealed unhealthy behavior detected by the respondents (51.7%). Twenty-eight (13.5%) of the 207 respondents reported to use social media in detecting women with offending behavior. The value of Pearson’s R is 0.245; thus is considered a weak or no correlation. There is hence no correlation between how respondents preferred volunteer work and the obstacle to volunteering. There is no much of difference in the obstacles to volunteering faced by respondents despite their preferred style of volunteering.Conclusion The findings reveal that digital volunteering is effectively gaining ground in detection and management of unhealthy behaviors among university students. Much more could be achieved through digital volunteering if more awareness is created and volunteering programs are designed to be more interesting and less time consuming to give more students the opportunity to participate.
Plasma Lipidomic Profiles of Kidney, Breast, and Prostate Cancer Patients Differ from Healthy Controls
Authors: Wolrab Denise , Jirásko Robert , Peterka Ondřej , Idkowiak Jakub , Chocholoušková Michaela , Vaňková Zuzana , Hořejší Karel , Brabcová Ivana , Vrána David , Študentová Hana , Melichar Bohuslav , Holčapek Michal 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Early cancer screening is one of the unmet needs in clinical medicine. The peripheral blood analysis is a preferred method for efficient population screening as blood collection is well embedded in clinical practice and minimally invasive for patients. Lipids are important biomolecules, and variations in lipid concentrations may reflect pathological disorders. The lipidomic profiling by ultrahigh-performance supercritical fluid chromatography hyphenated to mass spectrometry of human plasma for distinguishing samples obtained from breast, kidney, and prostate cancer patients and healthy controls is investigated. The mean sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the new lipidomic profiling approach were 85%, 95%, and 92% for kidney cancer; 91%, 97%, and 94% for breast cancer; and 87%, 95%, and 92% for prostate cancer. No association of statistical models with tumor stage is observed. The statistically most significant lipid species for differentiation of studied cancer types are CE 16:0, Cer 42:1, LPC 18:2, PC 36:2, PC 36:3, SM 32:1, and SM 41:1.
The Feasibility of a Strategy for the Remote Recruitment, Consenting and Assessment of Recent Referrals: A Protocol for Phase 1 of the on-line Parent Training for the Initial Management of ADHD Referrals (OPTIMA).
Authors: Kostyrka-Allchorne Katarzyna , Ballard Claire , Byford Sarah , Cortese Samuele , Daley David , Downs Johnny , French Blandine , Glazebrook Cristine , Goldsmith Kimberley , Groom Madeleine JJ , Hall Charlotte L , Hedstrom Ellen , Ibrahim Zina , Jarvis Christine , Kovshoff Hanna , Kreppner Jana , Lean Nancy , Morris Anna , Gutierrez Walter Muruet , Sayal Kapil , Shearer James , Simonoff Emily , Thompson Margaret , Zalewski Lukasz , Sonuga-Barke Edmund J. S. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: In the UK, children with high levels of hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention referred to clinical services with possible attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often wait a long time for specialist diagnostic assessment. Parent training (PT) has the potential to support parents during this difficult period, especially regarding the management of challenging and disruptive behaviours that often accompany ADHD. However, traditional face-to-face PT is costly and difficult to organise in a timely way. We have created a low-cost, easily accessible PT programme delivered via a phone app, Structured E-Parenting Support (STEPS), to address this problem. The overall OPTIMA programme will evaluate the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of STEPS as a way of helping parents manage their children behaviour while on the waiting list. To ensure the timely and efficient evaluation of STEPS in OPTIMA, we have worked with children’s health services to implement a remote strategy for recruitment, screening, and assessment of recently referred families. Part of this strategy is incorporated into routine clinical practice and part is OPTIMA specific. Here we present the protocol for Phase 1 of OPTIMA – a study of the feasibility of this remote strategy, as a basis for a large-scale STEPS randomised controlled trial (RCT). Methods: This is a single arm observational feasibility study. Parents of up to 100 children aged 5-11 years with high levels of hyperactivity/impulsivity, inattention and challenging behaviour who are waiting for assessment in one of five UK child and adolescent mental health or behavioural services. Recruitment, consenting and data collection will occur remotely. The primary outcome will be the rate at which the families, who meet inclusion criteria, agree in principle to take part in a full STEPS RCT. Secondary outcomes include acceptability of remote consenting and online data collection procedures; the feasibility of collecting teacher data remotely within the required timeframe, and technical difficulties with completing online questionnaires. All parents in the study will receive access to STEPS. Discussion: Establishing the feasibility of our remote recruitment, consenting and assessment strategy is a pre-requisite for the full trial of OPTIMA. It can also provide a model for future trials conducted remotely. Trial registration: N/A
Research on Payment Settlement Mode in Cross-border Business Trade Based on Blockchain Technology
Authors: Wang Xiaoyan 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Cross-border commerce trade is an important part of economic development, and its payment and settlement mode has received widespread attention. This paper mainly introduced blockchain, analyzed its characteristics and composition and the possibility of its application in cross-border business trade, and took the Ripple payment settlement mode as an example for a case study. The analysis found that the model had smaller time and capital costs, greater transparency and security of transactions, and simple and convenient processes than the traditional payment and settlement mode, which can be further promoted and applied in practice.
Heat Transfer Performance of Cosine-Shaped Runners
Authors: Huang Ping , Huang Wei , Lin Xiajun , Shu Chi-Min 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
To optimize the heat transfer performance of heat exchangers, this study explored the flow properties and heat transfer of cosine-wave-shaped runners with different structural parameters (wave amplitude, focal distance, and circle radius). The effects of the changes in these structural parameters on the flow and temperature fields of specially shaped channels were analyzed. The partial synergy angles of cosine runners were obtained using user-defined programs in CFD software. The synergy of the entire channel was evaluated using the average field synergy angle as an evaluation index. This study investigated the problem of distribution nonuniformity of the temperature differences during the medium flowing process to provide a theoretical foundation and guidelines for optimally designing the structural parameters of specially shaped channels.
SARS-CoV-2 spike protein 13-mer subdomain corresponds to the drug-binding domain of 3 glutamyl-propyl-tRNA synthetase 1 and is targetable by halofuginone
Authors: Benoit Lora , Shenoy Vinayak , Meykler Simon , Mohseni Ali 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Since its emergence, SARS-CoV-2 has been the subject of intense investigation. Early sequence analysis identified a unique 13 amino acid region (13-mer) nested within the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein that directly interacts with the ACE2 receptor. Blasting with the 13-mer identified a highly conserved segment in propyl-tRNA synthetase enzymes. Comparison with the human analogue, glutamyl-propyl-tRNA synthetase 1, showed a high level of identity with its drug binding domain, which is targeted by halofuginone, a drug recently shown to block SARS-CoV-2 infection in vitro. In silico experiments predicted a high affinity interaction between halofuginone and the 13-mer. In vitro addition of halofuginone effectively inhibited binding of recombinant S1 monomer to ACE2. Accordingly, it appears that halofuginone inhibits viral infection by preventing correct interactions between spike protein and ACE2. These findings indicate that viral entry can potentially be drug-targeted and support the application of halofuginone in mitigation of COVID-19.
Identification of Social and Occupational Risk Factors Associated with CKDu Patients in an Agricultural Community in Kebithigollewa, Sri Lanka
Authors: Lowe Chamodika , Kumarasinghe Nishantha 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Aim: To identify the social and occupational risk factors associated with CKDu patients living in an agricultural community in Kebithigollewa, Sri Lanka.Methods: A three months community based cross sectional study was done involving 30 CKDu diagnosed patients who were attending the CKDu Ayurvedic Clinic at Kebithigollewa, North Central Province (NCP), Sri Lanka and 30 controls were taken from the same region. Socioeconomic and socio-demographic data was collected from the participants with the use of an interview administered questionnaire. Heights and weights were the anthropometric data measured for the study. Blood samples were collected as biochemical data which was later analysed using an automated blood analyser. Data collected was computerized and analysed using software Graphpad Prism 8 and SPSS version 20.Results: All the participants of the research were active residents living in the North Central Province (NCP) since birth. 83.34% of the CKDu affected individuals were from the 4th to 7th decade of life and 70% of them were males. 86.66% of the affected population carried out agricultural practices as their main source of income with chena and paddy cultivation being the common practice followed. 96.66% of the affected were from low income families who earned 0-20000 LKR per month. 40% of the affected have had only up to five years of school education. 63.33% of the CKDu patients were overweight. A significant correlation of 0.642218 was shown by Cramer’s V square test between Number of working hours/day and serum creatinine, indicating a strong association, but did not have a significant nominal logistic regression.Conclusion: Serum creatinine was high in farmers and laborers indicating that occupation impacts CKDu occurrence and progression. It was also high in age group 31-50yrs showing a significant relationship with serum creatinine which indicates the social impact on CKDu occurrence. A statistically significance of P<0.05 was shown by number of working hours and BMI.
Biclonal Multiple Myeloma- A Case Series
Authors: Roy Somnath , Khaddar Satvik , Agrawal Amit , Rathnakumar Geeta , Nayak Lingaraj , Kapoor Akhil 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Multiple myeloma is a prototype of plasma cell dyscrasias characterized by monoclonal abnormal proliferation of immunoglobulin secreting plasma cell in the bone marrow ; resulting in production of monoclonal (M) protein (IgG,IgA,IgM,IgD) and or light chain concentrations (kappa or lamda) identified by protein electrophoresis and or immunofixation of serum or urine. The term biclonal multiple myeloma are defined by coexistence of two different M components, which could be either from a single clone or two separate clones producing two distinct bands in electrophoresis and or immunofixation of serum or urine. Biclonal gammopathy is a rare entity with upto 1% of newly diagnosed case of multiple myeloma have two M component in serum immunofixation electrophoresis. Here we share our experience of four cases of biclonal myeloma successfully diagnosed and treated with standard chemotherapy with satisfactory clinical outcome from a single tertiary care centre.