bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Malaria or COVID-19? A case report highlighting a diagnostic challenge in Africa
Authors: Nkeshimana Menelas , Nsanzimana Sabin 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
A 40 years old woman previously healthy was diagnosed and treated for malaria without any significant improvement. At the concern of an increase in shortness of breath, she consulted the nearby hospital where an additional diagnosis of COVID-19 infection was made. She died shortly after due to severe COVID-19 Pneumonia. In countries like Rwanda where 70% of malaria cases are treated at community level by community health workers, typical malaria signs and symptoms (fever, shivering, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, diarrhea, vomiting) are well known by lay providers and even by patients themselves. These overlap with common COVID-19 symptoms. It is very likely that unrecognized COVID-19 disease transmitters will lead to a much wider virus spread, especially by those patients for whom a concurrent malarial disease is easily confirmed using the widely available malaria rapid tests. There is a growing need to reinforce the ability of fragile health systems to discriminate between multiple common causes for common symptoms, especially for malaria and COVID-19 infection.
A new Lorentz violating model with particle’s "maximum energy"
Authors: Hu Jinwen 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
In this paper we re-investigated the relationship between the symmetry of inertial systems and the Lorentz transformation. We found that when we just follow the following three principles: (1)we can define the time in the whole space with a prescribed clock synchronization, (2)the time-space is uniform and the space is isotropic and (3)all the inertial systems are equivalent, then we can totally construct a general coordinate transformation to meet the symmetry of inertial systems, and with a special assumption on the speed of light, we can construct a non-Lorentz transformation between inertial systems to make the particle’s energy have a limited value, which is similar to the rainbow model.Similar to the usual Lorentz violating models, the non-Lorentz transformation in this paper lead to a new modified disperse relation. We applied the obtained disperse relation to analyze the photon’s arrival time lag effect in astronomy and found that the "maximum energy" derived in our model is somewhat related to the "maximum energy" assumed in the rainbow model.
The Situation of Individuals Aged 70+ Years During the Corona Lockdown in Germany on the Example of the Population-based AugUR Study
Authors: Brandl Caroline , Zimmermann Martina E. , Günther Felix , Küchenhoff Helmut , Loss Julika , Stark Klaus J. , Heid Iris M. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Individuals aged 70+ were most threatened by COVID-19 and most targeted by shielding recommendations. However, there is limited understanding of the situation of this high-risk population during lockdown. Methods: We derived information via a written self-completion questionnaire sent out to our population-based AugUR study participants (aged 70+, living in/near Regensburg, Germany) shortly after the lift of the curfew in spring 2020 in Bavaria, Germany. This was combined with data from previous AugUR study center visits including medical history assessment, medical exams, and bio-probing, which enabled the comparison of pre- and during-pandemic assessments in the very same individuals. Results: Among 1,850 survey participants (73–98 years; net-response 89%), 74% were at increased risk for severe COVID-19 according to medical conditions (75% extrapolated to the German population aged 70+). Despite 92% have potentially been exposed, only four reported SARS-CoV-2 infection (0.2%). COVID-19 related symptoms were reported by 23%. Regarding lifestyle changes since lockdown, we found no trend towards increased smoking or drinking alcohol, but 34% reported increased sedentary behavior and 29% refrained from medical appointments. Worse QOL was perceived by 38%. Particularly women and the more educated were susceptible to these changes. When comparing lifestyle differences between survey and previous visit, the pattern was similar. Conclusions: Our presented data will help understand the situation of this vulnerable group in the pandemic. While a majority of individuals reported no changes towards a less healthy life style, about one third would benefit from help to sustain a healthy lifestyle when accommodating future strategies.
The Effects of Extinction in Multiple Spatial Contexts on Fear Recovery in Animals and Humans: a Meta-analysis Protocol
Authors: Chao Wei Jun Marc , Wong Ananda Victor , McConnell Bridget L 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BackgroundLaboratory studies that utilise an exposure-based approach seek to reduce recovery through repeated nonreinforced presentations of a fearful or appetitive stimulus. A recent meta-analysis on post-retrieval extinction revealed small and non-significant effects on fear recovery. While meta-analyses on the use of pharmacologic agents revealed promising results, deploying such methods as first-line treatment for anxiety disorders is not practicable. To date, there has not been a systematic review or meta-analysis conducted to evaluate the overall effectiveness of laboratory-based multiple spatial context extinction on fear renewal in animals or humans. The present paper provides a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis to synthesise current literature investigating fear extinction in multiple spatial contexts. This will help provide information into the types of circumstances required to effectively implement this manipulation as a clinical treatment for anxiety-based disorders.MethodsA literature search will be conducted on electronic databases with the addition of forward and backward reference checking. Only primary research empirical studies that investigated fear conditioning and manipulated extinction training over two or more spatial contexts will be included. Eligible studies must include at least one control group that received comparable extinction in one context. The population of the studies will include both human (non-clinical) and non-human animals (e.g. rats). There will be no limitations on publication date, country of origin, or language. Essential scores related to recovery will be recorded. Data will be extracted by one of the two reviewers and quality of studies will be assessed by both the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool version 2, for studies with human participants and the Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation risk of bias tool, for studies with animals. A three-level meta-analysis will be conducted to determine fear attenuating effects of extinction across multiple spatial contexts. Should moderate-high heterogeneity be found, causes will be investigated through subgroup analyses.DiscussionThe planned review will be the first to present a comprehensive evaluation of the current state of the effectiveness of conducting multiple spatial context extinction on the possible attenuation of conditioned fear. The review will determine the types of circumstances that may provide better efficacy into informing translational research into clinical exposure therapy for anxiety-based disorders.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO 142518, edited on 30th Oct 2020, pending approval.
Comprehensive analysis of micro RNAs in recurrent implantation failures patients and construction of prediction models based on circulating micro RNAs
Authors: Chen Peigen , Guo Yingchun , Li Tingting , Jia Lei , Wang Yanfang , Zhou Yi , Fang Cong 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BackgroundRecurrent implantation failure (RIF) is an obstacle in the process of assisted reproductive technology (ART). At present, there was limited research on its pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment methods.ResultsIn this study, a series of analytical tools were used to analyze differences in miRNAs, mRNAs and lncRNAs in the endometrium of patients in the RIF group and the control group. At the same time, multiple databases are used to predict the target genes of non-coding RNAs. Then the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network was built to describe the relationship between gene regulation in the endometrium of the RIF.ConcludesBased on the results of the logistic regression of co-expression miRNAs between serum and endometrial samples, we built a predictive model based on circulating miRNAs.
Development and Evaluation of a Novel Radiotracer 125I-rIL-27 to Monitor Allotransplantation Rejection by Specifically Targeting IL-27Rα
Authors: Gao Feng , Zhao Shanshan , Hou Guihua 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Non-invasive monitoring of allograft rejection is benefit for the prognosis of patients with organ transplantation. Recently, IL-27/IL-27Rα was proved in close relation with inflammatory diseases, and 125I-anti-IL-27Rα mAb our group developed demonstrated high accumulation in rejecting allograft. However, antibody imaging has limitation in the imaging background due to its large molecule weight. Therefore, we developed a novel radio tracer (Iodine-125 labeled recombinant IL-27) to evaluate the advantage on the targeting and imaging of allograft rejection. In vitro specific binding of 125I-rIL-27 was determined by saturation and competitive assay. Blood clearance, biodistribution, autoradio-imaging and IL-27Rα expression were studied on day 10 post transplantation (top period of allorejection). Our results indicated that 125I-rIL-27 could bind with IL-27Rα specifically and selectively in vitro. Blood clearance assay demonstrated a fast blood clearance with 13.20 µl/h of 125I-rIL-27 staying in blood after 24 h. Whole-body phosphor-autoradiography and biodistribution assay indicated that higher specific uptake of 125I-rIL-27 and clear radio-image in allograft than syngraft at 24 h, while similar result was obtained at 48 h in group of 125I-anti-IL-27Rα mAb injection. Meanwhile, higher IL-27Rα expression was found in allograft by the western blot study. The activity accumulation of 125I-rIL-27 was highly correlated with IL-27Rα expression on allograft. In conclusion, 125I-rIL-27 could be a promising probe to acutely monitor the allograft rejection with high specific binding towards IL-27Rα on allograft and low imaging background.
Magnitude of Undernutrition and Associated Factors among Infants and Young Children aged 6-23 Months in Sinan district, Northwest Ethiopia Amhara regional state: A crossectional study
Authors: Amera Mastewal Giza , Feyira Gemechu Kumera , Moges Nurilign Abebe , Mengistu Enyew Fenta , Bizu Yihenew Sewale 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Childhood undernutrition continues to be the most serious public health problem in the developing world particularly in the rural area. Determining the nutritional status among children less than two years is needed to plan a good nutrition intervention and to provide nutrition education to the community. Despite this, there is limited research conducted in the study area.Objective: To assess undernutrition and associated factors among infants and young children aged 6-23 months in Sinan District, Northwest Ethiopia, 2019.Methods: A Community -based cross-sectional study was conducted among 431 child-mother pairs from March 10, 2019-April 20, 2019 in Sinan District. WHO Anthro software (version 3.2.2) was used to generate the Z-scores. Data were entered using Epi-Data version 4.2 and analysis was done using SPSS version 25. Bivariable and multivariable binary Logistic Regression were fitted. In the multivariable analysis, p-values less than 0.05 were considered as statistically significant factors. Results: The magnitude of stunting, underweight and wasting were 48.7%, 21.7%, and 8% respectively. Less than two times the daily intake of food (AOR = 3.7, 95% CI: 1.5, 9.3). Being older child (12-23 months) (AOR=0.46, 95% CI, 0.22, 0.96) and low dietary diversity score (AOR=0.53, 95% CI, (0.30, 0.92) were significantly associated with undernutrition. Additionally, not having a hand washing facility in the toilet was a significant predictor for both wasting and underweight. Conclusion: The prevalence of undernutrition among infants and young children was higher compared with the previous studies. Low dietary diversity score, lower meal frequency, being an older child, and absence of hand washing facility in the toilet were factors related to the nutritional status. Hence, interventions targeting community management of undernutrition might be appropriate to manage the problem. Efforts should also be intensified to reduce by focusing on identified determinants and the provision of nutrition education to mothers focusing on appropriate feeding practices to improve children’s nutritional status in the study area.
Characterization of self-anticipated surgical pain prior to general anesthesia - a prospective observational study
Authors: Chang Wei-Shu , Hsieh Yi-Ting , Chen Moa-Chu , Chang Shu-Ching , Chen Tzu-Shan , Chang Yun-Chi , Lam Chen-Fuh , Tsai Yu-Chuan 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Current postoperative pain management principles are primarily based on the type and extent of surgical interventions. This clinical study measured patient’s self-anticipated pain score before surgery and compared the scores with the pain levels and analgesic requirements after surgery.Methods: This prospective observational study recruited consecutive patients who received general anesthesia for elective surgeries in E-Da Hospital (Taiwan) between June and August 2018. Patients were asked to subjectively rate their highest anticipated pain level (numerical rating scale, NRS 0-10) for their scheduled surgical intervention during their preoperative anesthesia assessment. After the operation, the actual pain intensity (NRS 0-10) experienced by the patient in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) and the total dose of opioids administered during the perioperative period were recorded. Pain scores ³4 on the NRS were regarded as being unacceptable levels of anticipated or postoperative pain.Results: A total of 857 patients were included in the study. The final database included 49.2% males, and 73.7% of them have had previous operations. The mean anticipated pain score was 4.9±2.5 and 72.2% of the patients reported an anticipated NRS ³4 before their operations. Females anticipated significantly higher overall pain intensities than male patients (adjusted odds ratio 1.695, 95% confidence interval 1.252-2.295; P=0.001). Patients over 40 years of age reported significantly lower overall anticipated NRS scores (4.78±2.49 vs 5.36±2.50; P=0.003). Patients scheduled to receive more invasive surgical procedures were more likely to anticipate high pain intensity in the preoperative period (P<0.001). Higher anticipated pain scores (preoperative NRS³4) were associated with higher actual postoperative pain levels (P=0.032) in the PACU and higher total equivalent opioid use (P=0.001) for acute pain management during the perioperative period.Conclusion: This observational study found that females, younger patients (£40 years), and patients scheduled for more invasive surgeries anticipate significantly higher surgery-related pain. Therefore, appropriate preoperative counseling for analgesic control and management of exaggerated pain expectation in these patients are necessary to improve the quality of anesthesia delivered and patient’s satisfaction.
Explore the self-care needs in patients with cancer; a qualitative content analysis
Authors: Mazhari Fariba , khoshnood zohreh 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background‏: Cancer is one of the most critical health problems worldwide today. Studies by different researchers have shown that disease can reduce people's ability to self-care. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate Self-care needs in patients with cancer‏.Methods‏:‏ This study is a conventional, qualitative content. Data saturation achieved after interviewing 13 participants in 15 interviews. With the in-depth semi-structured approach, the participants were asked to narrate their experiences of Self-care needs in the process of disease. The analysis was done according to Graneheim and Lundman's method, the following considered: the unit of analysis, meaning unit, condensation, code, sub-category‏,‏ category, and main category‏.Results‏: Data analysis leads to two main categories of the two main categories of "Deficiency in management of disease". Including three sub-categories: "the need to get rid of annoying physical symptoms"," Need for a caregiver in daily routine," and" Feeling frustrated and giving up treatment". The second main category of "the need for sympathetic and knowledgeable caregivers" with the following five sub-categories: "Need for sympathy and interaction with nurse", "the need to hear the truth about illness", " Need for appropriate therapeutic interaction from physicians", "Inadequate qualification of physicians' secretary about the patient", and" need for a psychologist for psychological adaptation‏. "Conclusion‏:‏ The most critical needs are compassionate and informed caregivers. So nursing management and care with kindness, competence, and conscience is the fundamental right of patients with cancer. Identifying the needs and problems of patients can be used as a background for increasing the knowledge and experience of nurses and providing care for patients with cancer‏.
Reframing the magnetotelluric phase tensor for monitoring applications: improved accuracy and precision in strike determinations.
Authors: Bravo-Osuna Ana Gabriela , Gómez-Treviño Enrique , Cortés-Arroyo Olaf Josafat , Delgadillo-Jáuregui Néstor Fernando , Arellano-Castro Rocío Fabiola 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The magnetotelluric method is increasingly being used to monitor electrical resistivity changes in the subsurface. One of the preferred parameters derived from the surface impedance is the strike direction, which is very sensitive to changes in the direction of the subsurface electrical current flow. The preferred method for estimating the strike changes is that provided by the phase tensor because it is immune to galvanic distortions. However, it is also a fact that the associated analytic formula is unstable for noisy data, something that limits its applicability for monitoring purposes, because in general this involves comparison of two or more very similar data sets. One of the issues is that the noise complicates the distribution of estimates between the four quadrants. This can be handled by sending all values to the same quadrant by adding or subtracting the appropriate amount. This is justified by showing that the analytic formula is also a least squares solution. This is equivalent to define penalty functions for the matrix of eigenvalues and then select the minima numerically. Contrary to the analytic formula this numerical approach can be generalized to compute strikes using windows of any number of periods, thus providing tradeoffs between variance and resolution. The performance of the proposed approach is illustrated by its application to synthetic data and to real data from a monitoring array in the Cerro Prieto geothermal field, México.
Closed Reduction of Severely Angulated Rockwood and Wilkins’ Type C Thumb Metacarpal Base Fractures in Children
Authors: Qiao Fei , Jiang Fei 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background： Management of severely angulated Rockwood and Wilkins’ type C(RW-C) thumb metacarpal base fractures in children is challenging. We report experiences of percutaneous leverage reduction and dual antegrade crossing Kirschner (DACK) wire fixation in these fractures, aiming to assess the results using our reduction technique.Methods：From October 2011 to September 2015, A total of 17 patients with severely angulated RW-C thumb metacarpal base fractures were treated at our hospital. The injured arm, including the entire first ray, was immobilized with a thumb-spica cast for 4-6 weeks and evaluated radiologically and clinically. Percutaneous leverage reduction and DACK wire fixation were successfully performed for 17 patients. No patients were treated with open reduction. 16 patients were followed up for a mean of 32 months (range 24-41 months). The results were assessed using the modified Mayo score. The level of significance was set to be p<0.05.Results：There were 9 girls and 7 boys with ages ranging from 7.5 to 14.0 years and an average age of 10.8 years. Percutaneous leverage reduction and DACK wire fixation were successfully performed within an average total surgery time of 20 minutes (range 12-32 minutes). Bone union was achieved in all patients within a mean time of 4.2 weeks (range 4-6 weeks). The average angulation (preoperation: 50.5° (range 40.8°–67.0°) vs postoperation: 5° (range 0.0°–7.0°)) significantly changed from before to after surgery (P<0.05). The clinical results were evaluated by the modified Mayo score, and there were 15 patients with an excellent outcome and one patient with a good outcome. Cosmetic results were described as good and satisfactory by all patients. There were no refractures and no incidences of nonunion, growth arrest in the proximal epiphysis. Only one patient suffered from a superficial infection, which was resolved after the removal of the k-wires and the administration of oral antibiotics. Conclusion： Our percutaneous leverage technique with DACK wire fixation can be successfully used to treat these fractures. This technique is simple to learn and minimally invasive, and the results are satisfactory. It may be an appropriate choice for the treatment of irreducible RW-C fractures.
Gunshot injuries: patterns, presentations, and outcomes of civilian hospital experiences in a developing country setting
Authors: Gismalla Mohamed Daffalla Awadalla , Bakhiet Mohammed , Koko Mohammedbabalrahma , Kabbashi Abdelrahim 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background Gunshot injuries are considered a burden as well as one of the intricate emergencies in civilian medical practice. In this study, we aim to determine the pattern of presentation and management outcome in a general hospital in a sub-Saharan country.Methods This is a retrospective, descriptive, hospital-based study conducted between January 2015- December 2019 in a general teaching hospital, to review the clinical presentation and management outcome of gunshot injuries. All patients’ records were reviewed during the study period.Results One hundred fifty-seven patients were included in the study, with male predominant 83%. 40% are between 19-30 years of age, with patients under 18 years of age comprising 17% of the population. The common cause of gunshot injuries was personal enmity in 49%. The anatomical sites most affected by gunshot were the lower limb (41.4%) and upper limb (22.9%), and the least impacted site is the perineum (1.9%). The most common diagnoses among the patients in this study were limb fractures (49.7%) and soft tissue injuries (28.7%). Specific treatment in this study is wound debridement, which was done for 91 (58.0 %) patients. Bone fixation, laparotomy, and chest tube insertion were done for the rest of the patients. More than 120 (75%) of patients were treated and discharge in a good condition and 27 (17.2%). The in-hospital mortality rate in this study group was 3.2 %.Conclusion Most of the patients in this study were young males. Upper and lower limb fractures are the most common presentations. Wound debridement, bone fixation, and laparotomy are the most common treatments with significant success rates, despite prolonged hospital stay.