bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chronic Low Back Pain Manifestation among Bank Workers in Southern Nigeria: A Current Disorder Exacerbated by Long Hours on Uncomfortable Chairs
Authors: Renner Briggs, Bieye , Huldah Hanson Asikiya 
Published: September 2021

Banks play key roles in the economies of the world. The bank industry determines the growth of economies in all countries, as a result, workers in this industry are subjected to conditions geared towards getting the highest degree of performance from them consistently. Most of their time is spent sitting down, using computers, assuming bent postures, doing repetitive work, and sometimes without enough breaks in-between hours can predispose them to occupational hazards. This study aims to determine the prevalence of chronic low back pain among bank workers in Port Harcourt Metropolis through its associated risk factors. The study design was descriptive cross-sectional. The sample (N=332) consisted of 332 employees from twelve banks. A self-administered, closed-ended, structured questionnaire was used to collect data, and a Chi-square test (p=0.05) and odds ratio with a corresponding 95 % confidence interval was obtained. Results: Showed significant relationship between age and chronic low back pain [OR=2.87; 95 % CI=1.75 – 4.72; p=0.001], length of time in seated position had significant relationship between workers that sat for six hours and above and chronic LBP (OR=1.89; p=0.01; 95 % CI: 1.16-3.06). Also, respondents who do not sit in a comfortable seat at the office were 2.60 times more at odds of experiencing chronic low back pain compared to respondents whose seats are comfortable (OR=2.60; p=0.001; 95% CI: 1.51-4.45). Conclusion: This study shows that the risk factors of a long hour of sitting, uncomfortable chair, bent posture leads to chronic low back pain over time. Therefore, it is recommended that proper break time be observed, right ergonomics to prevent twisting the back.
Comparison of combinations of irradiation techniques and jaw conditions in intensity‐modulated radiotherapy for lung cancer
Authors: Peng Qinghe , Shi Junyue , Zhang Jun , Li Qiwen , Li Zhenghuan , Zhang Qingyuan , Peng Yinglin , Chen Li 
Published: September 2021

AbstractPurposeTo assist in the selection of a suitable combination of an irradiation technique and jaw condition in intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and volumetric‐modulated arc radiotherapy (VMAT) for lung cancer treatment plans.Materials and methodsThirty patients with lung cancer who underwent radiotherapy were enrolled retrospectively. They were categorized as having central lung cancer, peripheral lung cancer with mediastinal lymph node metastasis (peripheral E lung cancer), and peripheral lung cancer without mediastinal lymph node metastasis (peripheral N lung cancer). Four treatment plans were designed for each patient: fixed jaw and adaptive jaw IMRT technique (FJ‐IMRT and JA‐IMRT), and fixed jaw and jaw tracking VMAT technique (FJ‐VMAT and JT‐VMAT). The dose parameters of the four group plans were compared and analyzed.ResultsCompared to FJ‐IMRT, JA‐IMRT significantly reduced the mean dose (Dmean) and volume percentage of 5 Gy (V5Gy) of the total lung in central and peripheral N lung cancer. Similarly, compared to FJ‐VMAT, JT‐VMAT provided better protection to most organs at risk (OARs), particularly for total lung and heart. In comparison with IMRT, VMAT significantly improved the conformity index (CI) of the planning target volume for the three lung cancer classifications, and it reduced the dose of almost all OARs except V5Gy and Dmean of the total lung. Moreover, the mean monitor units of the VMAT groups were far lower than the IMRT groups.ConclusionBased on the dosimetric findings and considering clinical data published on lung and heart side effects, we propose recommendations on the preferred treatment technique based on tumor location and pulmonary function. For central lung cancer with normal pulmonary function, we advise JT‐VMAT techniques. Conversely, for central lung cancer with poor pulmonary function, we recommend JA‐IMRT techniques. We advocate JA‐IMRT for peripheral E lung cancer. For peripheral N lung cancer, JT‐VMAT techniques are strongly recommended.
A case study of cost‐benefit analysis in occupational radiological protection within the healthcare system of Sweden
Authors: Engström Andreas , Isaksson Mats , Javid Reza , Lundh Charlotta , Båth Magnus 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to demonstrate cases of cost‐benefit analysis within healthcare, of how economic factors can be considered in occupational radiological protection, in agreement with the as low as reasonably achievable principle and present Swedish legislations.In the first part of the present study, a comparison of examples within health economics used by authorities and institutes in Sweden was made. The comparison focused on value of a statistical life, quality‐adjusted life year, and monetary cost assigned to a unit of collective dose for radiation protection purposes (α‐value). By this comparison, an α‐value was determined as an interval between $45 and $450 per man‐mSv, for the Swedish society in 2021. The α‐value interval can be interpreted as following:

Less than $45 per man‐mSv is a good investment.

From $45 to $450 per man‐mSv, other factors than costs and collective dose are important to consider.

More than $450 per man‐mSv is too expensive.

In the second part of the present study, seven cases of cost‐benefit analyses in occupational radiological protection were provided. The present study focused specifically on cases where the relevant factors were costs and collective dose. The present case study shows a large variation in costs per collective dose from different types of occupational radiological protection, used at Skaraborg Hospital in Sweden.
Infant eating behaviors and Milk feeding independently predict infant size
Authors: Barrett Katherine J. , Thompson Amanda L. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractObjectivesThis study investigates the association of infant eating behaviors with infant size, and if those associations are mediated by infant feeding.MethodsMothers with infants less than 12 months of age and living in Central North Carolina were enrolled (N = 61). Data were collected at baseline and at 3‐ and 6‐month follow up visits. Modified constructs from the Baby Eating Behavior Questionnaire (BEBQ) and Child Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CEBQ) measured parents' perceptions of infant eating behaviors related to food approach (enjoyment of food, and food responsiveness) and food avoidance (food fussiness, satiety responsiveness, and slowness in eating). Linear mixed effects models tested longitudinal associations among infant eating behavior ratings, infant feeding (breastfeeding intensity, timing of introduction of complementary foods), and anthropometry (weight, length, and weight‐for‐length z‐scores). Path analyses were stratified by age and tested for direct and indirect effects of mothers' ratings of infant eating behaviors and infant feeding on infant anthropometry.ResultsLinear mixed models showed that general appetite was associated with higher weight‐for‐age, and satiety responsiveness was associated with lower length‐for‐age. Path analyses showed that infant milk feeding did not mediate associations. Breastfeeding intensity was independently associated with lower weight‐ and length‐for‐age z‐scores. Age at complementary feeding initiation was associated with lower length‐for‐age z‐scores.ConclusionsAssociations between parental perceptions of general appetite, satiety responsiveness, and infant weight and length are observed early in life. These findings suggest that parental perceptions of infant eating behaviors may contribute to the early developmental programming of later health outcomes.
Surface‐engineered Nafion/CNTs nanocomposite membrane with improved voltage efficiency for vanadium redox flow battery
Authors: Wang Tongshuai , Lee Jannice , Wang Xiaofeng , Wang Kun , Bae Chulsung , Kim Sangil 
Published: September 2021

AbstractA carbon nanotubes (CNTs) reinforced Nafion membrane (CNT/N) with reduced interfacial resistance was prepared and served as a promising ion exchange membrane for vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs). The reinforcement of CNT effectively enhanced the tensile properties of Nafion membranes. The electrochemical properties of CNT/N membrane were analyzed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and fitted with an analytical model to investigate the ionic and interfacial resistances. The EIS measurement reveals that the exposed CNT on the composite membrane surface significantly reduced the interfacial resistance of the membrane. The VRFB single cell performance of the CNT/N shows higher voltage efficiency (93% vs 89%) and energy efficiency (86% vs 83%) than recast Nafion at a current density of 40 mA cm−2. The cycling stability measurement showed that the discharge capacity retention of the VRFB cell equipped with CNT/N was greatly enhanced. The results suggest that the incorporation of CNT in ion exchange membrane is an effective approach for achieving lower membrane bulky and interfacial resistance, and thus, improving capacity retention, voltage, and energy efficiency.
Use of diet and body condition assessments as intermediate indicators of translocation success in the Critically Endangered Philippine crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis)
Authors: Brown Joseph C. , Shirley Matthew H. , Yog‐yog Amante , van Weerd Merlijn , Balbas Marites G. , Tarun Bernard A. , Siler Cameron D. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIntermediate metrics of translocation success are useful for long‐lived, slow to mature species where survival and reproduction happen over decades.With fewer than 150 individuals in the wild, the Critically Endangered Philippine crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis) is one of the most threatened species on Earth. This study presents the first analysis of diet and body condition of wild Philippine crocodiles and headstarted (i.e. captive‐reared) individuals released into the wild over the last decade, and uses these results to show how diet and body condition can be pertinent intermediate metrics of translocation success.Analyses of stomach contents revealed 17 different aquatic and terrestrial invertebrate and vertebrate prey species. Interestingly, 70% of Philippine crocodiles showed snails to be the predominent prey type, followed by fish (36.7%), birds (33.3%) and reptiles (33.3%). More than 50% of crocodiles consumed the invasive golden apple snail, a leading agricultural pest. Regardless of crocodile history (wild vs. headstarted) or size class (juvenile vs. adult), no evidence was found for dietary differences in percentage occurrence, percentage composition or prey diversity.Body condition was significantly higher in wild compared with headstarted individuals when analysed together in a pooled group, although neither group differed significantly from the standardized expectation, and headstarted individuals were not significantly different when body condition was derived independently for the two groups.This study provides a working example of how assessing the convergence of diet and body condition between translocated and wild individuals can provide complementary monitoring parameters to demonstrate post‐release establishment of translocated crocodylians. The congruent dietary composition and comparable body condition observed in this study suggest that headstarted crocodiles adapt well following release.Crocodylus mindorensissurvives in an agricultural landscape and is likely to play an ecologically important role by exploiting invasive species, reinforcing the importance of this species to local communities.
Optimized hybrid design with stabilizing transition probability for stochastic Markovian jump systems under hidden Markov mode detector
Authors: Jia Tinggang , Song Jun , Niu Yugang , Chen Bei , Cao Zhiru 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe transition probability synthesis problem is addressed for discrete‐time Markovian jump linear system (MJLS) with state‐dependent multiplicative noises. The proposed mode‐dependent parametric approach is employed to derive the necessary and sufficient condition for ensuring the existence of the stabilizing transition probability matrix (TPM). A key feature here is that the system mode is considered to be unavailable to the controller but can just be observed via a hidden Markov mode detector. To this end, a hybrid design is developed by co‐designing the stabilizing TPM and the asynchronous mode‐dependent state‐feedback controller. A rank‐constrained nonconvex problem is formulated to solve the hybrid design strategy. Specifically, a binary genetic algorithm (GA) is introduced for overcoming the computation difficulties arising from searching optimized mode‐dependent parameters. Finally, two numerical examples are provided to verify the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed hybrid design strategy via GA.
Long noncoding RNA CASC2 protect ROS‐induced oxidative stress in myocardial infarction by miR‐18a/SIRT2
Authors: Ying Guoqiu , Tang Zijun , Zhang Jing , Zeng Junyi , Zheng Zeqi , Zhang Wan , Ding Lu , Wen Tong , Yi Dasong 
Published: September 2021

AbstractWe aimed to investigate the function and its possible mechanisms of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) model. Patients with AMI and normal volunteers were selected from our hospital. Sprague–Dawley rats were induced into in vivo model of AMI. H9c2 cells were treated with H2O2 to generate injury model. A significantly lower serum gene expression of lncRNA CASC2 was detected. In rat models of AMI, lncRNA CASC2 gene expressions in heart tissue of mice with AMI were decreased. In in vitro model, downregulation of lncRNA CASC2 increased reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐induced oxidative stress; lncRNA CASC2 induced NADPH oxidase (NOX‐2) expression and suppressed miR‐18a expression; MiR‐18a promoted ROS‐induced oxidative stress; downregulation of miR‐18a decreased ROS‐induced oxidative stress. The inhibition of miR‐18a reversed the effects of CASC2 downregulation on ROS‐induced oxidative stress in in vitro model of AMI. The activation of miR‐18a reversed the effects of CASC2 on ROS‐induced oxidative stress in in vitro model of AMI. These data for the first time suggest that lncRNA CASC2 have better protective effects on AMI, which could reduce oxidative stress through their carried miR‐18a and subsequently downregulating the SIRT2/ROS pathway.
Erdbebennachweis von Mauerwerksbauten nach DIN EN 1998‐1/NA‐2021
Authors: Butenweg Christoph , Kubalski Thomas , El‐Deib Khaled , Gellert Christoph 
Published: September 2021

AbstractMauerwerksbauten in Deutschland sind mit Einführung des nationalen Anwendungsdokuments DIN EN 1998‐1/NA auf Grundlage einer neuen probabilistischen Erdbebenkarte nachzuweisen. Für erfolgreiche Erdbebennachweise üblicher Grundrissformen von Mauerwerksbauten stehen in dem zukünftigen Anwendungsdokument neue rechnerische Nachweismöglichkeiten zur Verfügung, mit denen die Tragfähigkeitsreserven von Mauerwerksbauten in der Baupraxis mit einem überschaubaren Aufwand besser in Ansatz gebracht werden können. Das Standardrechenverfahren ist weiterhin der kraftbasierte Nachweis, der nun mit höheren Verhaltensbeiwerten im Vergleich zur DIN 4149 durchgeführt werden kann. Die höheren Verhaltensbeiwerte basieren auf der besseren Ausnutzung der gebäudespezifischen Verformungsfähigkeit und Energiedissipation sowie der Lastumverteilung der Schubkräfte im Grundriss mit Ansatz von Rahmentragwirkung durch Wand‐Deckeninteraktionen. Alternativ dazu kann ein nichtlinearer Nachweis auf Grundlage von Pushover‐Analysen zur Anwendung kommen. Vervollständigt werden die Regelungen für Mauerwerksbauten durch neue Regelungen für nichttragende Innenwände und Außenmauerschalen. Der vorliegende Beitrag stellt die Grundlagen und Hintergründe der neuen rechnerischen Nachweise in DIN EN 1998‐1/NA vor und demonstriert deren Anwendung an einem Beispiel aus der Praxis.
Local versus general anesthesia transperineal prostate biopsy: Tolerability, cancer detection, and complications
Authors: Hogan Donnacha , Kanagarajah Abbie , Yao Henry H. , Wetherell David , Dias Brendan , Dundee Phil , Chu Kevin , Zargar Homayoun , O'Connell Helen E. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractObjectivesTo compare data on transperineal template biopsy (TPTB) under general anesthesia (GA) compared with local anesthesia (LA) procedures using the PrecisionPoint™ Transperineal Access System (PPTAS) in relation to tolerability, cancer detection rate, complications, and cost.MethodsA prospective pilot cohort study of patients undergoing transperineal biopsy was performed. Patients were excluded if they had concurrent flexible cystoscopy or language barriers. Patients had a choice of GA or LA. A prospective questionnaire on Days 0, 1, 7, and 30 was applied. The primary outcome was patient tolerability. Secondary outcomes were cancer detection rate, complication rate, and theater utilization.ResultsThis study included 80 patients (40 GA TPTB and 40 LA PPTAS). Baseline characteristics including age, prostate‐specific antigen (PSA), digital rectal examination (DRE), findings, and prostate volume were comparable between the groups (p = 0.3790, p = 0.9832, p = 0.444, p = 0.3939, respectively). Higher median prostate imaging‐reporting and data system (PI‐RADS) score of 4 (interquartile range [IQR] 2) versus 3 (IQR 1) was noted in the LA group (p = 0.0326). Pain was higher leaving recovery in the GA group however not significantly (p = 0.0555). Median pain score at LA infiltration was 5/10 (IQR 3), with no difference in pain at Days 1, 7, or 30 (p = 0.2722, 0.6465, and 0.8184, respectively). For GA versus LA, the overall cancer detection rate was 55% versus 55% (p = 1.000) with clinically significant cancer in 22.5% versus 35% (p = 0.217). Acute urinary retention (AUR) occurred in 5% of GA and 2.5% of LA patients (p = 1.000). The GA cohort spent longer in theater and in recovery with a median of 93.5 min versus 57 min for the LA group (p = <0.0001).ConclusionThis study demonstrates that transperineal biopsy is safely performed under LA with no difference between the cohorts in relation cancer detection or AUR. LA biopsy also consumed less theater and recovery resources. A further larger prospective randomized controlled trial is required to confirm the findings of this study.
Teaching generalized question‐discrimination skills to children with autism: Conceptual and applied considerations
Authors: degli Espinosa Francesca 
Published: September 2021

AbstractNeuro‐typically developing children demonstrate accurate, discriminated responding to a variety of questions in the presence of nonverbal stimuli. For children diagnosed with autism, however, such question discrimination skills can be significantly impaired. An error frequently observed in clinical practice is that of the child who, despite previous mastery of the relevant color tacts, says “Ball” when presented with a blue ball and the question “What color?” This paper explores the role of multiple verbal and nonverbal control in early intraverbal‐tacting as a basis for clinical intervention. The paper first presents a theoretical analysis based on multiply‐controlled verbal behavior (Skinner, 1957). Second, it provides clinical recommendations derived from recent research for establishing generalized intraverbal‐tacting in children diagnosed with autism.
Metabolomic analysis reveals potential biomarkers and serum metabolomic profiling in spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage patients using UPLC/quadrupole time‐of‐flight MS
Authors: Sun Guozhang , Jiang Fengling , Hu Shaoshan , Cheng Huakun , Qu Lianlong , Tao Yu , Ma Bowen 
Published: September 2021

AbstractSpontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) accounts for 10–20% of all strokes and contributes to higher mortalities and severe disabilities. The aims of this study were, therefore, to characterize novel biomarkers, metabolic disruptions, and mechanisms involving ICH. A total 30 ICH patients and 30 controls were enrolled in the study, and their clinical characteristics were analyzed. Nontargeted metabolomic analysis was conducted using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC/Q‐TOF). Multivariate statistical analysis and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis were used for screening and evaluating the predictive ability of biomarkers. ICH patients showed significantly higher systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, blood glucose levels, white blood cell counts, neutrophil count, percentage of neutrophils and globulin and a lower albumin/globin ratio when compared with controls. In sum, 11 important metabolites were identified, which were associated with disruption of fatty acid oxidation and sphingolipid and phospholipid metabolism, as well as increased inflammation, oxidative stress, and vascular pathologies. Further multiple logistic regression analyses of these metabolites showed that l‐carnitine and phosphatidylcholine (20:3/22:6) have potential as biomarkers of ICH, and the area under the curve, sensitivity, specificity were 0.974, 90%, and 93%, respectively. These findings provide insights into the pathogenesis, early prevention, and diagnosis of ICH.
Surgical versus transcatheter aortic valve replacement in low‐risk patients: A long‐term propensity score‐matched analysis
Authors: Brízido Catarina , Madeira Márcio , Brito João , Madeira Sérgio , Campante Teles Rui , Raposo Luís , Mesquita Gabriel Henrique , Nolasco Tiago , de Araújo Gonçalves Pedro , Sousa‐Uva Miguel , Abecasis Miguel , de Sousa Almeida Manuel , Neves José Pedro , Mendes Miguel 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundRecent studies suggest the use of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) as an alternative to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in lower risk populations, but real‐world data are scarce.MethodsSingle‐center retrospective study of patients undergoing SAVR (between June 2009 and July 2016, n = 682 patients) or TAVI (between June 2009 and July 2017, n = 400 patients). Low surgical risk was defined as EuroSCORE II (ES II) < 4% for single noncoronary artery bypass graft procedure. TAVI patients were propensity score‐matched in a 1:1 ratio with SAVR patients, paired by age, New York Heart Association class, diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, atrial fibrillation, creatinine clearance, and left ventricular ejection fraction < 50%.ResultsA total of 158 patients (79 SAVR and 79 TAVI) were matched (mean age 79 ± 6 years, 79 men). TAVI patients had a higher incidence of permanent pacemaker implantation (0% vs. 19%, p < 0.001) and more than mild paravalvular leak (4% vs. 18%, p = 0.009), but comparable rates of stroke, major or life‐threatening bleeding, emergent cardiac surgery, new‐onset atrial fibrillation, and need for renal replacement therapy. Hospital length‐of‐stay and 30‐day mortality were similar. At a median follow‐up of 4.5 years (IQR 3.0–6.9), treatment strategy did not influence all‐cause mortality (HR 1.19, 95% CI 0.77–1.83, log rank p = 0.43) nor rehospitalization (crude subdistribution HR 1.56, 95% CI 0.71–3.41, p = 0.26). ES II remained the only independent predictor of long‐term all‐cause mortality (adjusted HR 1.40, 95% CI 1.04–1.90, p = 0.029).ConclusionIn this low surgical risk severe aortic stenosis population, we observed similar rates of 30‐day and long‐term all‐cause mortality, despite higher rates of permanent pacemaker implantation and more than mild paravalvular leak in TAVI patients. The results of this small study suggest that both procedures are safe and effective in the short‐term, while the Heart Team remains essential to assess both options on the long‐term.