bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dietary Risk Factors of Physical Growth of Filipino School-aged Children
Authors: Agdeppa Imelda Angeles , Nakamura Taro , Sugita Mayu , Toledo Marvin Bangan , Sampaga Pamela Castillo , Zamora Jezreel Ann Taruc 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: The study evaluated the relationship of the usual nutrient intake and protein adequacy to the prevalence of child malnutrition. Methods: Data were derived from the 2013 Philippine National Nutrition Survey. A total of 6,565 children aged 6-12 years across all the 17 regions that participated in the survey were analyzed. Two (2) non-consecutive day 24-hour dietary recalls (24hR) were collected to estimate the individual food intake. PC-SIDE version 1.0 software (Software for Intake Distribution Estimation) was used to estimate the usual intake of energy and key nutrients accounting for between - and within-person differences in dietary intake. The 2007 WHO Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS) method was used to measure the protein quality or the utilizable protein intake. Results: School-aged children were found to have lower dietary intake of utilizable protein than total protein. Higher consumption of grains and meat decreased the prevalence of stunting. Furthermore, linear growth of children was found to be associated with the dietary intake of several nutrients including utilizable protein, calcium, vitamin B12, vitamin C and vitamin D. The prevalence of stunting and underweight significantly decreased with a higher consumption of utilizable protein. Milk consumption decreased the prevalence of underweight. The prevalence of underweight also decreases with a higher dietary consumption of calcium, riboflavin and vitamin C. Higher consumption of grains also decreased the prevalence of underweight and wasting. A decreased prevalence of wasting was also found with higher dietary consumption of riboflavin, thiamine and fiber. On the contrary, higher consumption of meat, milk and grains increased the prevalence of obesity. In particular, higher dietary consumption of utilizable protein and vitamin C increased the prevalence of obesity. Conclusions: Even though the dietary total protein intake of school-aged children is considered adequate, the existence of malnutrition among children may be specifically attributed to quality of protein consumed. Therefore, the study suggests that nutrition interventions and policies focusing on child malnutrition should improve not just the quantity, but the quality of protein sources consumed by children to aid in proper growth and development.
Predicting Unplanned Hospital Visits in Older Home Care Recipients: A Cross-country External Validation Study.
Authors: Klunder Jet H , Bordonis Veronique , Heymans Martijn W , Roest Henriëtte G van der , Declercq Anja , Smit Jan H , Garms-Homolova Vjenka , Jónsson Pálmi V , Finne-Soveri Harriet , Onder Graziano , Joling Karlijn J , Maarsingh Otto R , Hout Hein PJ van 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Accurate identification of older persons at risk of unplanned hospital visits can facilitate preventive interventions. Several risk scores have been developed to identify older adults at risk of unplanned hospital visits. It is unclear whether risk scores developed in one country, perform as well in another. This study validates seven risk scores to predict unplanned hospital admissions and emergency department (ED) visits in older home care recipients from six countries. Methods: We used the IBenC sample (n=2446), a cohort of older home care recipients from six countries (Belgium, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Italy and The Netherlands) to validate four specific risk scores (DIVERT, CARS, EARLI and previous acute admissions) and three frailty indicators (CHESS, Fried Frailty Criteria and Frailty Index). Outcome measures were unplanned hospital admissions, ED visits or any unplanned hospital visits after six months. Missing data were handled by multiple imputation. Performance was determined by assessing calibration and discrimination (area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC)). Results: Risk score performance varied across countries. In Iceland, DIVERT and CARS reached a fair predictive value (AUC 0.74 (0.68-0.80) and AUC 0.74 (0.67-0.80), respectively, for any unplanned hospital visits). In Finland, DIVERT had fair performance predicting ED visits (AUC 0.72 (0.67-0.77)) and any unplanned hospital visits (AUC 0.73 (0.67-0.77)). In other countries, AUCs did not exceed 0.70. Conclusions: Geographical validation of risk scores predicting unplanned hospital visits in home care recipients showed substantial variations of poor to fair performance across countries. Unplanned hospital visits seem considerably dependent on health care context. Therefore, risk scores should be validated regionally before applied to practice. Future studies should focus on identification of more discriminative predictors and develop more accurate risk scores that work in multiple country’s care contexts.
Risk factors for nonvisualization of the sentinel lymph node on lymphoscintigraphy in breast cancer patients
Authors: Chahid Youssef , Qiu Xinbo , de Garde Ewoudt M.W. van , Verberne Hein J. , Booij Jan 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
BackgroundAccurate sentinel lymph node (SLN) staging is essential for both prognosis and treatment in patients with breast cancer. However, the preoperative lymphoscintigraphy may fail to visualize the SLN in some patients. The purpose of this retrospective study was to identify risk factors associated with SLN nonvisualization on lymphoscintigraphy. For this single-center retrospective study all data of lymphoscintigraphy of SLN procedures from March 2011 to April 2021 were collected and reviewed from the Amsterdam UMC database. ResultsA total of 1886 SLN procedures were included in this study. The SLN nonvisualization rate was 25.1% on lymphoscintigraphy at 4 hours post injection. The SLN nonvisualization rate decreased to 9.4% after reinjection. Multivariable analysis showed that age ≥70 years (P<0.001; OR: 2.27; 95% CI: 1.46–3.53), BMI ≥30 kg/m2 (P=0.031; OR: 1.48; 95% CI: 1.04–2.12), and nonpalpable tumors (P=0.004; OR: 1.54; 95% CI: 1.15–2.07) were independent predictors of SLN nonvisualization. Tumor location, brand of radiopharmaceutical, injected dose and volume, experience of preparer and administrator were not associated with SLN nonvisualization. None of the patient, tumor or tracer characteristics were associated with SLN nonvisualization after radiotracer reinjection.ConclusionsThis study shows that risk factors for SLN nonvisualization in breast cancer patients during preoperative lymphoscintigraphy are age ≥70 years, BMI ≥30 kg/m2, and nonpalpable tumors. Our results support the notion that SLN lymphoscintigraphy is a very robust technique, that does not depend on the experience of the preparer or administrator of the radiotracer.
A miniPCR-duplex Lateral Flow Dipstick Platform in Combination with the Microfluidic Device for Rapid and Visual Diagnosis of Lymphatic Filariae Infection
Authors: Phuakrod Achinya , Sripumk Witsaroot , Jeamsaksiri Wutthinan , Pattamang Pattaraluck , Loymek Sumart , Brindley Paul J. , Sarasombath Patsharaporn T. , Wongkamchai Sirichit 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Lymphatic filariasis is a major neglected tropical disease that is a leading cause of permanent and long-term disability worldwide. Significant progress made by the Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF) has led to a substantial decrease in the levels of infection. Accordingly, access is now needed to a cost-efficient, non-laborious diagnostic assay(s) capable of detecting low levels of microfilariae and without the need for infrastructure and expensive equipment.Methods: We developed a diagnostic assay that combines a miniPCR with a duplex lateral flow dipstick (DLFD) assay. The design of the PCR primers was guided by sequence alignments of the HhaI and SspI genes of Brugia malayi and Wuchereria bancrofti, respectively. The limits of detection, accuracy, and cross-reactivity of the assay were evaluated, after which the assay was deployed to assess infection using blood samples obtained from Myanmar study participants living along the Thailand-Myanmar border, a region in Tak province endemic W. bancrofti. In addition, blood samples were provided by from Thais in Narathiwat province residing in an area endemic for brugian filariasis. We also combined a previously reported semi-automated microfluidic device with the miniPCR-DLFD to facilitate rapid detection and species identification of microfilariae in human blood.Results: The miniPCR-DLFD assay exhibited a detection limit of two microfilariae per mililiter blood sample, and cross-amplification was not observed with from other parasites. For field validation, microfilariae and DNA of W. bancrofti were detected from two (0.6%) and five (1.5%) out of 328 (100%) blood samples, respectively. For the Narathiwat samples, microfilariae and DNA of B. malayi were detected from one (0.46%) and two (0.9%) out of 216 (100%) blood samples, respectively. A rapid and visual of species identification was accurately obtained in all microfilariae entrapped by our previously developed microfluidic device.Conclusion: A miniPCR-DLFD platform alone or coupled with the microfluidic device provided rapid and visual diagnosis of lymphatic filariasis. The microfluidic device, the miniPCR, and the DLFD are all portable. Coupled with a portable microcentrifuge for DNA extraction, this is a promising platform for the diagnosis of lymphatic filariasis in point-of-collection settings with a modest cost (~USD $ 5) per sample.
Prevalence of Periodontal Disease Among Indigenous and Non-indigenous Populations: Protocol for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Nath Sonia , Poirier Brianna , Ju Xiangqun , Kapellas Kostas , Haag Dandara , Jamieson Lisa 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Indigenous populations globally experience worse health than their non-Indigenous counterparts. This includes oral health inequities, especially periodontal disease. Globally, the occurrence of periodontal disease such as gingivitis and chronic periodontitis are high among Indigenous people. This population encounters various barriers to accessing dental care as well as social and economic disadvantages, which results in higher disease burden compared to the general population. The aim of this systematic review is to quantify at a global level, the prevalence of periodontal disease among Indigenous populations compared to non-Indigenous populations.Methods: An electronic search will be conducted using keywords and appropriate MeSH terms across several databases capturing both published and unpublished articles. The search will be conducted from the time of database inception to February 2021. After the initial search, duplicates will be removed, and remaining titles and abstracts will be assessed for eligibility. This review will consider studies that have reported prevalence of periodontal disease among Indigenous and compared against non-Indigenous populations. Studies that have no comparative population or lack of periodontal clinical assessment will be excluded. The full text of eligible studies will be assessed by two independent reviewers who will also complete the critical appraisals and data extraction. From the selected studies, we will conduct a random effects meta-analysis of observational data. Forest plots will be used for visualization of pooled prevalence of periodontitis. A subgroup analysis will be conducted based on definition of periodontitis, age, and geographical location. Heterogeneity among studies will be assessed by I2 and chi-square test. Egger’s test and funnel plots will be used to assess publication bias.Discussion: Our systematic review and meta-analysis will facilitate increased understanding of the magnitude of periodontal disease inequalities that exist globally for Indigenous populations through pooled prevalence estimates. The findings will be helpful to design selective targeted preventive and interventional strategies for periodontal disease for reducing oral health inequalities at a global level. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42020188531
Evaluating Boreal Summer Circulation Patterns of CMIP6 Climate Models Over The Asian Region
Authors: Bu Lulei , Zuo Zhiyan , An Ning 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Our confidence in future climate projection depends on the ability of climate models to simulate the current climate, and model performance in simulating atmospheric circulation affects the ability to simulate extreme events. This study uses the self-organizing map (SOM) method to evaluate the frequency, persistence, and transition characteristics of models in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) for different ensembles of the 500 hPa daily geopotential height (Z500) in Asia, and then ranks all ensembles according to a comprehensive ranking metric (MR). Our results show that the SOM method is a powerful tool for assessing the daily-scale circulation simulation skills in Asia, and the results are not significantly affected by different map sizes. Positive associations between the performance of ensembles for any two of frequency, persistence, and transition were found, indicating that an ensemble that performs well for one metric is good for the others. The results of the MR ranking show that the r10i1p1f1 ensemble of CanESM5 gives the best overall simulation of 500 hPa circulation in Asia, and this is also the ensemble that best simulates frequency characteristics. The MR simulation skills of the 10 best ensembles for the position of the Western North Pacific Subtropical High (WNPSH) are far better than those of the 10 worst. Such differences may lead to errors in the simulation of extreme events. This study will help future studies in the choice of ensembles with higher circulation simulation skills to improve the credibility of their conclusions.
Contrasting changes in reproductive success of birds in cities with reduced and increased human disturbance during the COVID-19 lockdown
Authors: Seress Gábor , Sándor Krisztina , Vincze Ernő , Pipoly Ivett , Bukor Boglárka , Ágh Nóra , Liker András 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The ubiquitous activity of humans is a fundamental feature of urban environments affecting local wildlife in several ways. Testing the influence of human disturbance would ideally need experimental approach, however, in cities, this is challenging at relevant spatial and temporal scales. Thus, to better understand the ecological effects of human activity, we exploited the opportunity that the city-wide lockdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic provided during the spring of 2020. We assessed changes in reproductive success of great tits (Parus major) at two urban habitats affected strikingly differently by the ‘anthropause’ and at an unaffected forest site. Although anecdotic observations suggested that urban wildlife may benefit from reduced human mobility during the lockdown, our results do not support this. First, at one of our urban sites, the strongly (-44%) reduced human disturbance in 2020 (compared to a long-term reference period) did not increase birds’ reproductive output relative to the forest habitat where human disturbance was low in all years. Second, in the other urban habitat, recreational human activity considerably increased (+ 40%) during the lockdown and this was associated with strongly reduced nestling body size compared to the pre-COVID reference year. Analyses on meteorological conditions and the lockdown-induced changes in air pollution suggest that these factors are not likely to explain our results. Our study supports that intensified human disturbance can have adverse fitness consequences in urban populations. It also highlights that a few months of ‘anthropause’ is not enough to counterweight the detrimental impacts of urbanization on local wildlife populations.
Homoarginine Treatment of Rats Improves Cardiac Function and Remodeling in Response to Pressure Overload
Authors: Koch Vitali , Ochs Marco , Weber Christophe , Buchner Kristina , Mereles Derliz , Hagenmueller Marco , Buss Sebastian J , Hein Selina , Erbel Christian , März Winfried , Frey Norbert , Hardt Stefan E , Riffel Johannes H 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Avoidance Response: A More Important Determinant of Population Immediate Decline in Guppy Fish (Poecilia Reticulata Peters, 1859) Exposed to Pesticides.
Authors: Ogunfeitimi Olusola Ojo , Amaeze N. H. , Umeokeke H. C , Soriwei E. T. , Labinjo A. S. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
This study, investigated the ability of Paraquat (herbicide) and Dichlorvos (insecticide) to elicit avoidance response in population of Guppy fish, Poecilia reticulata and predict the population immediate decline (PID) of P. reticulata when exposed to both agro-chemicals. A 96-h forced system (FS) bioassay was each conducted in five duplicate systems, each with a control experiment. The avoidance response was examined using non-forced multi-compartmented static system (NFS). The guppies (n = 3 guppies per concentration of 6 compartments in quadruplet) were exposed to a gradient of Paraquat (0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0 and 15.0 mg/L) and Dichlorvos (0, 1.6, 2.6, 3.0, 3.2 and 4.0 mg/L). Their distributions were examined at 20 min intervals for a 3-h period (n = 9 observation periods). The results from 96-h FS were does-dependent with highest percentage mortality being 85.7% for Paraquat and 78.6% for Dichlorvos in respective highest concentrations. The 3-h NFS exposure showed statistically significant concentration-dependent spatial avoidance. The P. reticulata avoided the lowest concentration of Paraquat (2.5mg/L) and Dichlorvos (1.6 mg/L) by 68.3% and 48.3% respectively. The avoidance increased significantly (p < 0.005) to 75%, for the highest concentrations of both test chemicals (15.0 and 4.0 mg/L). The 3-hr AC50 value revealed that the guppies were more sensitive to Paraquat (0.37 mg/L) than Dichlorvos (1.73 mg/L). The PID was driven by the avoidance behaviour (NFS) of the guppies rather than mortality (FS). The FS heretofore overestimate environmental risk assessment of contamination due to mandatory exposure of mobile organisms to contaminants. Rather than the traditional FS systems, NFS should be adopted and incorporated in typical bioassays for better predictive results.
Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells-Derived Exosomes Upregulate MicroRNA-424-5p to Suppress Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Growth by Inhibiting Forkhead Box K1
Authors: Lin Zewei , Ren Qingqi , Ma Xiaofei , Jikui Liu 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) have been shown to exert a potential therapeutic effect during tumor treatment and it has been proved that exosomes derived from BM-MSCs play crucial roles in the progression of malignant tumors. The current study aims to investigate the effect of BM-MSC-derived exosomal microRNA-424-5p (miR-424-5p) on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression. The expression of miR-424-5p was compared between HCC and adjacent normal tissues, and its prognosis value was analyzed. Additionally, exosomes were extracted from the BM-MSCs and their identity was verified. Luciferase reporter assay was conducted to identify the putative binding sites between miR-424-5p and the 3’-UTR of forkhead box K1 (FOXK1). The BM-MSC-derived exosomes were co-cultured with HCC cells to assess the effect of the BM-MSC-derived exosomes, miR-424-5p, and FOXK1 on the proliferation, migration, invasion, and in vivo tumorigenesis of the HCC cells. Then, the expression of FOXK1 was also examined in HCC and normal tissues. miR-424-5p was downregulated and FOXK1 was upregulated in HCC tissues and cells. BM-MSC-derived exosomes upregulated miR-424-5p expression to suppress the proliferation, migration, invasion, and in vivo tumorigenesis of HCC cells. Knockdown of FOXK1 also repressed the malignant behavior of the HCC cells, and FOXK1 was verified as the target of miR-424-5p. The role of FOXK1 silencing in HCC cells was reversed by miR-424-5p downregulation. Our results suggested that BM-MSC-derived exosomes upregulated miR-424-5p expression to restrain HCC cell growth and invasion via inhibition of FOXK1 expression and as a result, decelerating HCC development.
Gabapentin and Intrathecal Morphine Combination Therapy Results in Decreased Oral Narcotic Use and More Consistent Pain Scores After Posterior Spinal Fusion for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: Li Ying , Swallow Jennylee , Robbins Christopoher , Caird Michelle S. , Leis Aleda , Hong Rebecca 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Gabapentin and intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) can reduce postoperative pain scores, postoperative opioid use, and time to completing physical therapy compared to PCA alone after posterior spinal fusion (PSF) for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Gabapentin combined with intrathecal morphine has not been studied. The primary purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate whether perioperative gabapentin and intrathecal morphine provide more effective pain control than intrathecal morphinealone after PSF for AIS. Methods: Patients aged 11 to 18 years who underwent PSF for AIS were identified. Patients who received intrathecal morphine only (ITM group) were matched by age and sex to patients who received intrathecal morphine and perioperative gabapentin (ITM+GABA group). The ITM+GABA group received gabapentin preoperatively and for up to 2 days postoperatively. Both groups received oxycodone and the same non-narcotic adjuvant medications.Results: Our final study group consisted of 50 patients (25 ITM, 25 ITM+GABA). The ITM+GABA group had significantly lower mean total oxycodone consumption during the hospitalization (0.798 vs 1.036 mg/kg, P<0.015). While the ITM group had a lower mean pain score between midnight and 8 am on POD 1 (2.4 vs 3.7, P=0.026), pain scores were significantly more consistent throughout the postoperative period in ITM+GABA group. The ITM+GABA group experienced less nausea/vomiting (52% vs 84%, P=0.032) and pruritus (44% vs 72%, P=0.045). Time to physical therapy discharge and length of hospital stay were similar.Conclusion: Addition of gabapentin resulted in reduced oral opioid consumption and more consistent postoperative pain scores after PSF for AIS. The patients who received intrathecal morphine and gabapentin also experienced a lower rate of nausea/vomiting and pruritus.Trial registration: All data was collected retrospectively from chart review, with institutional IRB approval. Trial registration not applicable.