bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improving Cancer MDT performance in Western Sydney – three years’ experience
Authors: Evans Lynleigh , Liu Yiren , Donovan Brendan , Kwan Terence , Byth Karen , Harnett Paul 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
While multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) are now considered an essential part of cancer care decision-making, how they perform varies widely. The authors hypothesised that a comprehensive, multipronged improvement program, and associated annual member survey, could strengthen MDT performance across a whole cancer service.

Methods
The study comprised the introduction of a structured program, the Tumour Program Strengthening Initiative (TPSI) linked with an annual survey of member’s perceptions of their performance. Three iterations of the survey have been completed (2017, 2018 and 2019). Generalised estimating equations (GEEs) were used to test for a difference in the proportion of positive survey responses between 2017 and 2019 adjusted for team clustering.

Results
Twelve teams participated in TPSI. One hundred twenty-nine, 118 and 146 members completed the survey in 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively. Of the 17 questions that were asked in all three years, nine showed significant improvement and, of these, five were highly significant. Documenting consensus, developing Terms of Reference (TORs), establishing referral criteria and referring to clinical practice guidelines showed most improvement. Questions related to patient considerations, professional development and quality improvement (QI) activities showed no significant change.

Conclusions
TPSI resulted in sustained and significant improvement. The MDT survey not only allowed MDT members to identify their strengths and weaknesses but also provided insights for management to flag priority areas for further support. Overall program improvement reflected the strengthening of the weakest teams as well as further improvement in highly performing MDTs. Importantly, the initiative has the potential to achieve behaviour change amongst clinicians.
EQ-5D-5L reference values for the German general elderly population
Authors: Marten Ole , Greiner Wolfgang 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Reference values are a helpful tool to facilitate comparisons of sampled values against a specified reference population. The aim is to describe the health profile and to provide visual analogue scale (EQ VAS) and utility reference values for the EQ-5D-5L from a normative sample of the general elderly population (65+) in Germany.

Methods
We analysed a sub-set of data from the German EQ-5D-5L valuation study using self-reported information based on EQ-5D-5L. We examined the share of respondents in each severity level per dimension as well as means, standard deviations (SD) and 95% confidence intervals for the index and EQ VAS values stratified by age groups and gender. Age was categorised in four groups (65–69, 70–74, 75–79 and > 79 years) to facilitate a more detailed examination of age-related health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

Results
The average index and EQ VAS scores were 0.84 (SD 0.22) and 73.2 (SD 18.5), respectively. In total, 21.4% reported no problems in all dimensions. With higher age, health problems were reported more frequently, which, in turn, lead to monotonically decreasing index and EQ VAS values. Overall, men reported fewer problems than women and this difference was largest beyond the age of 80.

Conclusion
HRQoL in the oldest old appears to be less stable and differs from the young elderly. However, the conventional age categorisation of earlier population norms studies seems to mask these differences. Hence, the more detailed provision of EQ-5D-5L reference values for the elderly population seems helpful for future German studies.
Training in communication skills for self-efficacy of health professionals: a systematic review
Authors: Mata Ádala Nayana de Sousa , de Azevedo Kesley Pablo Morais , Braga Liliane Pereira , de Medeiros Gidyenne Christine Bandeira Silva , de Oliveira Segundo Victor Hugo , Bezerra Isaac Newton Machado , Pimenta Isac Davidson Santiago Fernandes , Nicolás Ismael Martinez , Piuvezam Grasiela 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Communication skills are essential for health professionals to establish a positive relationship with their patients, improving their health and quality of life. In this perspective, communication skills training can be effective strategies to improve the care provided by professionals in patient care and the quality of health services.

Objective
To identify the best available evidence on training programs in communication skills to promote changes in attitude and behavior or self-efficacy of health professionals.

Methods
Systematic searches were performed in eight databases, evaluating Randomized Controlled Trials and quasi-experimental studies with a control group, focusing on training communication skills for health professionals, who assessed self-efficacy or behaviors related to these skills. The phases of study selection and data extraction were carried out by two independent researchers, and the conflicts were resolved by a third. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane method.

Results
Eight studies were included in the review. Most programs lasted between 4½ h and 2 days, involved information about communication skills and the content was applied to the health professionals’ context. Several teaching strategies were used, such as lectures, videos and dramatizations and the evaluation was carried out using different instruments. Improvements in the performance and in the self-efficacy of communication skills were observed in the trained groups. The RCT had a low risk of bias and the quasi-experimental studies had a moderate risk.

Conclusion
Training in communication skills can improve the performance and self-efficacy of health professionals. Programs that approach the conceptual issues and promote the space for experiential learning could be effective in communication skills training for professionals.
PROSPERO: CRD42019129384
PRIMASYS: a health policy and systems research approach for the assessment of country primary health care systems
Authors: Sheikh Kabir , Ghaffar Abdul 
Published: March 2021

AbstractFor the renewed global impetus on primary health care (PHC) to translate into action at a country level, it will be important to strengthen existing ways of understanding and assessing country PHC systems. The architecture and performance of primary care systems are widely acknowledged to be crucial determinants of the health of populations in high-income countries as well as in low- and middle-income countries. There is no one-size-fits-all model of a country-level PHC system, and countries have implemented diverse models, adapted to and conditioned by their respective social, economic and political contexts. This paper applies advances in the field of health policy and systems research (HPSR) to propose an approach to the assessment of country PHC systems, using a compendium of 70 elements of enquiry requiring mixed quantitative and qualitative assessment. The approach and elements of enquiry were developed based on a review of policy and guidance documents and literature on PHC and HPSR and were finalized as part of a consultation of experts on PHC. Key features of the approach include sensitivity to context, flexibility in allowing for in-depth enquiry where necessary, systems thinking, a learning emphasis, and complementarity with existing frameworks and efforts. Implemented in 20 countries to date, the approach is anticipated to have further utility in a single country as well as in comparative assessments of PHC systems.
Blockage of NLRP3 inflammasome activation ameliorates acute inflammatory injury and long-term cognitive impairment induced by necrotizing enterocolitis in mice
Authors: Zhu Fangxinxing , Wang Lingyu , Gong Zizhen , Wang Yanyan , Gao Yanhong , Cai Wei , Wu Jin 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is an inflammatory gastrointestinal disease in premature neonates with high mortality and morbidity, while the underlining mechanism of intestinal injury and profound neurological dysfunction remains unclear. Here, we aimed to investigate the involvement of NLPR3 inflammasome activation in NEC-related enterocolitis and neuroinflammation, especially long-term cognitive impairment, meanwhile, explore the protective effect of NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950 on NEC in mice.

Methods
NLRP3 inflammasome activation in the intestine and brain was assessed in the NEC mouse model, and NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950 was administrated during the development of NEC. Survival rate, histopathological injury of the intestine and brain, and expression of mature IL-1β and other pro-inflammatory cytokines were analyzed. Long-term cognitive impairment was evaluated by behavioral test.

Results
The expression of NLRP3 and mature IL-1β in the intestine and brain was greatly upregulated in NEC mice compared to the controls. MCC950 treatment efficiently improved NEC survival rate, reduced intestinal and brain inflammation, and ameliorated the severity of pathological damage in both organs. Additionally, in vivo blockage of NLRP3 inflammasome with MCC950 in early life of NEC pups potently protected against NEC-associated long-term cognitive impairment.

Conclusions
Our findings suggest that NLRP3 inflammasome activation participates in NEC-induced intestinal and brain injury, and early intervention with NLRP3 inhibitor may provide beneficial therapeutic effect on NEC infants.
Research perspectives on animal health in the era of artificial intelligence
Authors: Ezanno Pauline , Picault Sébastien , Beaunée Gaël , Bailly Xavier , Muñoz Facundo , Duboz Raphaël , Monod Hervé , Guégan Jean-François 
Published: March 2021

AbstractLeveraging artificial intelligence (AI) approaches in animal health (AH) makes it possible to address highly complex issues such as those encountered in quantitative and predictive epidemiology, animal/human precision-based medicine, or to study host × pathogen interactions. AI may contribute (i) to diagnosis and disease case detection, (ii) to more reliable predictions and reduced errors, (iii) to representing more realistically complex biological systems and rendering computing codes more readable to non-computer scientists, (iv) to speeding-up decisions and improving accuracy in risk analyses, and (v) to better targeted interventions and anticipated negative effects. In turn, challenges in AH may stimulate AI research due to specificity of AH systems, data, constraints, and analytical objectives. Based on a literature review of scientific papers at the interface between AI and AH covering the period 2009–2019, and interviews with French researchers positioned at this interface, the present study explains the main AH areas where various AI approaches are currently mobilised, how it may contribute to renew AH research issues and remove methodological or conceptual barriers. After presenting the possible obstacles and levers, we propose several recommendations to better grasp the challenge represented by the AH/AI interface. With the development of several recent concepts promoting a global and multisectoral perspective in the field of health, AI should contribute to defract the different disciplines in AH towards more transversal and integrative research.
Identification of unknown acid-resistant genes of oral microbiotas in patients with dental caries using metagenomics analysis
Authors: Cheng Xi , He Fuming , Sun Ping , Chen Qianming 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAcid resistance is critical for the survival of bacteria in the dental caries oral micro-environment. However, there are few acid-resistant genes of microbiomes obtained through traditional molecular biology experimental techniques. This study aims to try macrogenomics technologies to efficiently identify acid-resistant genes in oral microbes of patients with dental caries. Total DNA was extracted from oral microbiota obtained from thirty dental caries patients and subjected to high-throughput sequencing. This data was used to build a metagenomic library, which was compared to the sequences of two Streptococcus mutant known acid-resistant genes, danK and uvrA, using a BLAST search. A total of 19 and 35 unknown gene sequences showed similarities with S. mutans uvrA and dnaK in the metagenomic library, respectively. Two unknown genes, mo-dnaK and mo-uvrA, were selected for primer design and bioinformatic analysis based on their sequences. Bioinformatics analysis predicted them encoding of a human heat-shock protein (HSP) 70 and an ATP-dependent DNA repair enzyme, respectively, closely related with the acid resistance mechanism. After cloning, these genes were transferred into competent Escherichia coli for acid resistance experiments. E. coli transformed with both genes demonstrated acid resistance, while the survival rate of E. coli transformed with mo-uvrA was significantly higher in an acidic environment (pH = 3). Through this experiment we found that identify unknown acid-resistant genes in oral microbes of patients with caries by establishing a metagenomic library is very efficient. Our results provide an insight into the mechanisms and pathogenesis of dental caries for their treatment without affecting oral probiotics.
Towards improved clustering and routing protocol for wireless sensor networks
Authors: Alharbi Mohammad Ali , Kolberg Mario , Zeeshan Muhammad 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWireless sensor network (WSN)-based Internet of Things (IoT) applications suffer from issues including limited battery capacity, frequent disconnections due to multi-hop communication and a shorter transmission range. Clustering and routing are treated separately in different solutions and, therefore, efficient solutions in terms of energy consumption and network lifetime could not be provided. This work focuses data collection from IoT-nodes distributed in an area and connected through WSN. We address two interlinked issues, clustering and routing, for large-scale IoT-based WSN and propose an improved clustering and routing protocol to jointly solve both of these issues. Improved clustering and routing provide area-based clustering derived from the transmission range of network nodes. During process of clustering, cluster-heads are selected in such a way that provide fail-over-proof routing. An efficient routing path is achieved by finding the minimal hop-count with the availability of alternate routing paths. The results are compared with state-of-the-art benchmark protocols. Theoretical and simulation results demonstrate reliable network topology, improved network lifetime, efficient node density management and improved overall network capacity.
Ground state solutions for Kirchhoff-type equations with general nonlinearity in low dimension
Authors: Chen Jing , Li Yiqing 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis paper is dedicated to studying the following Kirchhoff-type problem: $$ \textstyle\begin{cases} -m ( \Vert \nabla u \Vert ^{2}_{L^{2}(\mathbb{R} ^{N})} )\Delta u+V(x)u=f(u), & x\in \mathbb{R} ^{N}; \\ u\in H^{1}(\mathbb{R} ^{N}), \end{cases} $$

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. We obtain the existence of a ground state solution of Nehari–Pohozaev type and the least energy solution under some assumptions on V, m, and f. Especially, the existence of nonlocal term $m(\|\nabla u\|^{2}_{L^{2}(\mathbb{R} ^{N})})$
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and the lack of Hardy’s inequality and Sobolev’s inequality in low dimension make the problem more complicated. To overcome the above-mentioned difficulties, some new energy inequalities and subtle analyses are introduced.
Orthogonal m-metric spaces and an application to solve integral equations
Authors: Uddin Fahim , Park Choonkil , Javed Khalil , Arshad Muhammad , Lee Jung Rye 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn this article, we introduce the concept of orthogonal m-metric space and prove some fixed point theorems in this space. Furthermore, we obtain results that extend and improve certain comparable results in the existing literature. Eventually, our results lead us to the existence and uniqueness of solutions for Fredholm integral equations.
Influence of microbial priming and seeding depth on germination and growth of native wildflowers
Authors: Barrera Daniela , Luera Juan , Lavallee Kaitlynn , Soti Pushpa 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundUsing native wildflowers for restoring marginal lands has gained considerable popularity. Establishment of wildflowers can be challenging due to several environmental factors. Restoring the microbial community in degraded habitats can potentially result in the native plant performance and habitat restoration. This study was conducted to investigate the impact of native soil microbes and seeding depth on germination of south Texas native wildflowers. Two wildflower species,Ratibida columnifera(Nutt.) (Mexican Hat) andVerbesina encelioides(Cav.) (cowpen daisy), were treated with microbial wash extracted from native soils, and germination rate was recorded for 14-day period. We further analyzed the growth, biomass allocation, and root colonization by mycorrhizal fungi in these two plants growing them in a plant growth chamber for 6 weeks. To determine the impact of seeding depth, we planted the seeds of the two plant species at 2-cm, 6-cm, and 12-cm depth and monitored germination and plant growth.ResultsThe two species responded differently to the seeding depth and microbial wash treatments. Microbial wash treatment resulted in higher germination rate inR. columniferacompared to control, while it did not have any impact onV. encelioidesseed germination. While microbial treatment did not influence the total biomass, it had a significant impact on the biomass allocation in both the plant species.R. columniferaseeds germinated at both 2-cm and 6-cm depth and did not germinate at 12 cm, while theV. encelioidesseeds germinated only at 2 cm and did not germinate at 6-cm or 12-cm seeding depth.ConclusionsWhile our results are species specific, our results indicate that native soil microbes can potentially improve the seed germination and growth of wildflowers. Our results also indicate the importance of specific seeding depth when sowing wildflower seeds for habitat restoration.
Ethyl acetate fraction of Cola hispida leaf protects against doxorubicin-induced myocardial injury in male albino rats
Authors: Umenwanne Chiemeka Lynda , Ogugofor Martins Obinna , Njoku Obioma U. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Cardiovascular diseases have continued to be the leading cause of death globally. In addition, some of the drugs used in the treatment of the diseases present some adverse effects which limit the usefulness of such drugs. Thus, there is a need for novel drugs whose side effect is either minimal or non-existent. The presence of bioactive compounds in Cola hispida leaf is of great significance in the treatment and management of cardiovascular conditions. This study investigated the cardio-protective potential against doxorubicin (Dox)-induced cardiac infarction in rats.

Results
Dox induction resulted to muscle fiber degeneration in Dox-treated rats hence revealed significant (p < 0.05) elevation in the serum level of cardio biomarker enzymes and lipid peroxidation profile while significant (p < 0.05) fall in cardiac enzymatic antioxidant levels were observed relative to the normal control. Pre-treatment with ethyl acetate fraction of Cola hispida leaf expressed cardio-protective potentials against Dox-induced cardiotoxicity by significantly (p < 0.05) lowering the levels of cardiac biomarker enzymes towards normal, building up the activities of subdued antioxidant enzymes and depleting its malondialdehyde level. Histopathology photomicrograph of the heart tissues expressed myxomatous degeneration but was ameliorated through the administration of the fraction.

Conclusion
In accordance with the findings from this study, the administration of ethyl acetate fraction of Cola hispida leaf is effective against Dox-induced redox imbalance due to its enriched antioxidant phytoconstituents.
Distribution and Abundance of the Onchidiidae of the Coastal Mangroves of Selangor, Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: A Sabri N , R  Singh H 
Published: March 2021

The Onchidiidae family is ideal for studying the biodiversity of marine invertebrate species from sea to wetland environments. However, biodiversity studies of Onchidiidae species are rare. This study aimed to determine the distribution and abundance of the Onchidiidae from the coastal mangroves of the Selangor, west coast of Peninsular Malaysia by utilising the quadrat sampling method.Â A total of 647 specimens from six taxa (Family: Onchidiidae) were recorded from eight fringing coastal mangroves in Selangor coast. The most abundant taxa was Platevindex coriaceum (35.08%), followed by Peronina alta (28.13%), Platevindex luteum (16.85%), Platevindex sp. (14.68%), Onchidium tumidum (3.71%), and Onchidium typhae (1.55%). P. alta was most abundant within <10 m distance from the water body (18.75%), Platevindex sp. (5.86%) within 10 â€“ 20 m, P. coriaceum (10.16%) and O. typhae (1.76%) was highly distributed within 20 â€“ 30 m, while P. luteum was most concentrated within 40 â€“ 50 m from the water body. Onchidiidae was mostly abundant within <0.2 m from the mangrove floor where they were usually found on the mud, debris, mangrove tree roots and dead logs. The mean density for Onchidiidae at the fringing coastal mangroves in Selangor was 0.18 Â± 0.03 no/m2 and P. alta recorded the highest density (mean = 0.47 Â± 0.14 no/m2, total = 0.93 no/m2). The principal components analysis (PCA) showed that four geomorphological parameters (mud floor, debris floor, tree, and dead logs) and five physicochemical parameters (temperature, humidity, precipitation, salinity, and pH) determined the distribution of six Onchidiidae taxa in the Selangor coastal area.Â Â
Detection of Porcine Adulteration in Cosmetic Cream Formulation via TaqMan Probe Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction.
Authors: S Abd-Gani S , Mustafa S , N Mohd Desa M , F Khairil Mokhtar N , K Hanapi U , Zakaria Z , Yahaya N , M A Wan Sulaiman W 
Published: March 2021

The identification ofÂ lard adulterated in cosmetic cream using TaqMan probe real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction was developed in this research. The laboratory prepared cream was formulated with oil in water (o/w) emulsion with the adulteration of 1%, 3% and 5% of lard (w/w). The total DNA from lard-adulterated cosmetic cream was successfully extracted. The detection assay targeting different gene; universal 18S rRNA and porcine-specific multiple porcine repetitive element (MPRE) which employed with the TaqMan probe. This study targeting 187 bp of amplicons for 18S rRNA while 99 bp of amplicons for Porcine-specific probes. A comparison of quantification cycle (Cq) with prior to percentage of adulteration were detected. Lard-adulterated cream was amplified for 18S rRNA while no detection was detected for Porcine-specific probes. The Cq value obtained might be vary as proposed by the hypothesis depending on the total recovery of extracted DNA from the lard-adulterated cream.Â Â