bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Baseline assessment of Pharmacovigilance activities in four sub-Saharan African countries: a perspective on tuberculosis
Authors: Tiemersma Everdina W. , Ibrahim Ali , Alemu Asnakech , Avong Yohanna Kambai , Duga Alemayehu , Elagbaje Cassandra , Isah Ambrose , Kay Alexander , Mmbaga Blandina Theophil , Mmari Elice , Mwamwitwa Kissa , Nhlabatsi Siphesihle , Sintayehu Kassech , Teferi Mekonnen , Cobelens Frank , Härmark Linda 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: New medicines have become available for the treatment of drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) and are introduced in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) by the national TB programs (NTPs) through special access schemes. Pharmacovigilance is typically the task of national medicines regulatory agencies (NMRAs), but the active drug safety monitoring and management (aDSM) recommended for the new TB medicines and regimens was introduced through the NTPs.We assessed the strengths and challenges of pharmacovigilance systems in Eswatini, Ethiopia, Nigeria and Tanzania, focusing on their capacity to monitor safety of medicines registered and not registered by the NMRAs for the treatment of DR-TB. Methods: Assessment visits were conducted to all four countries by a multidisciplinary team. We used a pharmacovigilance indicator tool derived from existing tools, interviewed key stakeholders, and visited health facilities where DR-TB patients were treated with new medicines. Assessment results were verified with the local NMRAs and NTPs.Results: Most countries have enabling laws, regulations and guidelines for the conduct of pharmacovigilance by the NMRAs. The relative success of NTP-NMRA collaboration iss much influenced by interpersonal relationships between staff. Division of roles and responsibilities is not always clear and leads to duplication and unfulfilled tasks (e.g. causality assessment). The introduction of aDSM has increased awareness and adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting to the NMRAs among DR-TB healthcare providers.Conclusion: aDSM has created awareness about the importance of pharmacovigilance among NTPs and has increased ADR reporting rates from the NTPs and/or TB healthcare providers to the NMRAs. In the future, a push for conducting pharmacovigilance through public health programs seems useful, but this needs to coincide with increased collaboration with between public health programs and NMRAs with clear formulation of roles and responsibilities.
Joint Modeling of Time to Diabetic Retinopathy and Change in Fasting Blood Sugar Among Type 2 Diabetic Patients in University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Kebede Sewnet Adem , Tessema Zemenu Tadesse , Balcha Shitaye Alemu , Ayele Tadesse Awoke 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Early identification of prognostic factors and close monitoring of the biomarkers is used to monitor the occurrence or progression of diabetic retinopathy. Therefore, this study aimed to assess change in fasting blood sugar level, time to diabetic retinopathy and its predictors among type 2 diabetes patients in Ethiopia.Methods: Institution based retrospective follow-up study was conducted at University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. Linear mixed effect model and cox proportional hazard models were fitted separately and later the two models were fitted jointly using R software. Variables with p-value <0.05 were considered as significant predictors in the adjusted analysis.Result: The incidence rate of diabetic retinopathy was 2 per 100-person year of observation with median follow up time of 90.8 months (IQR: 63.4). The current value and rate of change in fasting blood sugar level were significant predictors of time to diabetic retinopathy (AHR=1.35;95% CI: 1.12-1.63) and (AHR=1.70; 95%CI:1.21-2.39) respectively. Hypertension (AHR=2.49; 95%CI: 1.32-4.66), taking >1 antidiabetic oral agent (AHR=4.90; 95%CI: 1.07-20.0) and more than 10 years duration (AHR=0.17, 95% CI: 0.06-0.46) were predictors of time to diabetic retinopathy.Conclusion: This study revealed that medication, duration, weight, current age, and time have significant association with the progression change of fasting blood sugar. On the other hand, hypertension, medication and duration were significant predictors of time to diabetic retinopathy. The current value of fasting blood sugar and rate of fasting blood sugar change were significantly associated with time to diabetic retinopathy.
The Value of Chest CT in Staging of Gastric Cancer
Authors: Li Yaoqing , Shen Liyijing , Xu Guangen , Lu Zengxin 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Aims: Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in the world. However, the significance of chest computed tomography (CT) in staging of GC is uncertain and the relevant study is few. So this study aims to evaluate the value of chest CT in gastric cancer staging.Methods: This study included 1158 cases of GC patients admitted to Shaoxing People's Hospital from 2015 to 2018. Chest, abdominal and pelvic CT scans were used to systematically evaluate the site of metastasis. All images were reviewed twice by two radiologists. Clinical data was Statistically analyzed.Results: The study finally included 846 patients, 672 cases (79.4%) received surgical treatment. Only 55 cases (6.5%) had lung metastases before or after surgery, and 20 cases (2.4%) had thoracic or supraclavicular lymph nodes (LN) metastases, of which 8 cases had double lung and thoracic LN metastases. The most common site of metastases is the peritoneum (265/390, 67.9%). Almost all lung or thoracic LN metastases accompanied with metastases to other sites, only one patient had a single thoracic LN metastases (1/846, 0.12%), while no single lung metastases was found. When tumor involved gastric fundus/cardia, compared to distal GC, there was a higher probability of lung metastases, and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.028).Conclusions: This study shows that chest CT has a low application value in the routine staging of gastric cancer, but when the tumor is located in the fundus/cardia, due to the high proportion of lung metastases, chest CT has a certain existence value.
Focusing properties and focal shift of vortex Hermite-cosh- Gaussian beams
Authors: Hricha Zoubir , Halba El Mostapha El , Belafhal Abdelmajid 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
In this work, we investigate the focusing properties of a vortex Hermite-cosh-Gaussian beam (vHChGB) passing through a converging lens system. The analytical propagation equation as well as the beam width expression of a focused vHChGB is derived based on the Huygens-Fresnel diffraction principle. From the obtained formulae, the effects of the Gaussian Fresnel number NF and the beam parameters on the structure of the light intensity distribution and the beam spot size in the focal region are analyzed numerically. It is shown that the focal shift, which is determined from the minimum beam spot width criterion, is affected strongly by the change of the Fresnel number, the parameter b, and it is slightly altered by the vortex charge M and nearly insensitive to the beam order n. For a fixed value of NF, the focal shift is smaller when the parameter b or the vortex charge M is larger. The focal shift decreases monotonously with the increase of Fresnel number until it vanishes asymptotically for large NF. The obtained results may be useful for the applications of the vHChGBs in beam shaping and beam focusing.
Primary Gastric Melanoma – Is an Aggressive Strategy Worthwhile?
Authors: Factor Rivi Haiat , Hazan Danny , Frand Jacob , Brenner Ronen , Vaknine Hananya , Shimonov Mordechai 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Primary gastric melanoma (PGM) is a rare malignancy. Unlike skin melanoma which carries a definitive correlation to sun exposure, the pathogenesis of gastric melanoma is not well defined. It appears in the older age with median of 70 years and has no known risk factors. The diagnosis may be challenging due to non-specific symptoms, and endoscopy with tissue biopsy along with detailed physical examination ruling out skin and ocular lesions, and PET-CT, are the tools for establishing diagnosis. The prognosis for PGM is poor mainly due to late diagnosis. No detailed staging algorithm nor treatment protocols for PGM exists. Methods: A case series of all patients with PGM that were evaluated and managed by our surgical oncology service between 2011 and 2016. Data regarding diagnosis, imaging, pathologic evaluation and treatment protocols were collected and analyzed. Results: During study acquisition period, 3 cases with the diagnoses of PGM were identified. One patient was treated with aggressive surgery upfront, one patient was treated with more conservative surgical approach with delay from diagnosis to surgery, and one patient was not eligible for surgery due to age, medical and general condition. In 5 years of follow-up only the patient that had aggressive surgery survived. Conclusion: PGM carry very bad prognosis. We believe that aggressive surgery should be considered as the main component of the therapy plan without delay, for better clinical outcome and survival.
Comparative Analysis of L-Carnitine Production by Y. Lipolytica in Different Conditions in Biofuel Waste and Fat-Acid Free Medium for Commercial Purposes
Authors: Jach Monika , Kubiński Konrad , Sajnaga Ewa , Juda Marek , Malm Anna 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background

Yarrowia lipolytica is an oleaginous yeast with the ability to grow in a variety of hydrophilic and hydrophobic substrates, including industrial wastes, in which it produces and accumulates various nutrients.
Methods

The aim of the present study was to examine the presence of free L-carnitine in the biomasses of two Yarrowia lipolytica strains (ATCC 9793 and A-101) growing in YPD medium and biofuel waste. The cultivations of Y. lipolytica were performed in aerobic conditions at different temperatures (20–30°C) and pH values (4.0–7.0) of the media with and without the addition of precursors for L-carnitine production, such us iron, trimethyllysine, and L-ascorbic acid in a laboratory scale or chromium chloride (III) in a pilot plant scale.
Results

Both tested Y. lipolytica strains grown in fatty acid-poor YPD medium at 20°C and pH 6.0 contained endogenous free L-carnitine in their biomass with a maximum of 22.85 mg/100 g of wet biomass. The addition of L-carnitine precursors to the YPD medium exerted a significant effect on L-carnitine concentration in the yeast biomass, increasing it up to 250%. In turn, the biomass of both tested Y. lipolytica strains cultivated in the biofuel waste, irrespective of the culture conditions, contained below 1 mg of L-carnitine/100 g of wet biomass. However, the supplementation of the culture media with the L-carnitine precursors significantly increased the yield of the yeast biomass by 20–30% in the biofuel waste cultures. Moreover, the addition of chromium(III) chloride into the biofuel waste caused an increase in the free L-carnitine concentration in the yeast biomass up to 2.24 mg/100 g of dry weight.
Conclusion

Biomass of Y. lipolytica grown in the free fat medium contained free L-carnitine, in contrast to the biomass grown in the fat-rich biofuel waste. The very low amounts of L-carnitine in the biomass of Y. lipolytica grown in the crude biofuel waste suggest that the yeast is able to utilize almost the entire pool of free L-carnitine for growth and nutritional biomass production. However, the addition of chromium to the biofuel waste contributed to an increase in L-carnitine concentration in Y. lipolytica biomass.
Complement 3 and Prognostic Nutritional Index Distinguish Kawasaki Disease from Fever Illness with Nomogram
Authors: Huang Yi-Shuang , Liu Xiao-Ping , Xia Han-Bing , Cui Li-Na , Lang Xin-Ling , Liu Chun-Yi , Huang Wei-Dong , Zhang Jia-Yu , Kuo Ho-Chang , Liu Xi , Zhou Tao 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to establish a model to distinguish Kawasaki diseases(KD) from other fever illness using the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and immunological factors. Method: We enrolled a total of 692 patients (including 198 KD and 494 children with febrile diseases). Of those, 415 patients were selected to be the training group and 277 patients to be the validation group. Laboratory data, including neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), prognostic nutritional index (PNI), and immunological factors, were retrospectively collected for analysis after admission. We used univariate and multivariate logistic regression and nomogram for analysis. Result: Patients with KD showed significantly higher C3 and lower PNI. After multivariate logistic regression, total leukocyte count, PNI, C3, and NLR showed significance (p<0.05) and then performed well with the nomogram model. The areas under the ROC in the training group and the validation group were 0.858 and 0.825, respectively. The calibration curves of the two groups for the probability of KD showed near agreement to the actual probability. Conclusion: Compared to children with febrile diseases, patients with KD showed increased C3 and decreased nutritional index of PNI. The nomogram established with these factors can effectively identify KD from febrile illness in children.
Image quality assessment of pediatric chest and abdomen CT by deep learning reconstruction
Authors: Yoon Haesung , Kim Jisoo , Lim Hyun Ji , Lee Mi-Jung 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background Efforts to reduce the radiation dose have continued steadily, with new reconstruction techniques. Recently, image denoising algorithms using artificial neural networks, termed deep learning reconstruction (DLR), have been applied to CT image reconstruction to overcome the drawbacks of iterative reconstruction (IR). The purpose of our study was to compare objective and subjective image quality of DLR and IR on pediatric abdomen and chest CT images.Methods This retrospective study included pediatric body CT images from February 2020 to October 2020, performed on 51 patients (34 boys and 17 girls; age 1–18 years). Non-contrast chest CT (n = 16), contrast-enhanced chest CT (n = 12), and contrast-enhanced abdomen CT (n = 23) images were included. Standard 50% adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction V (ASIR-V) images were compared to images with 100% ASIR-V and DLR at medium and high strengths. Attenuation, noise, contrast to noise ratio (CNR), and signal to noise (SNR) measurements were performed. Overall image quality, artifacts, and noise were subjectively assessed by two radiologists using a four-point scale (superior, average, suboptimal, and unacceptable). Quantitative and qualitative parameters were compared using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Bonferroni correction and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests.Results DLR had better CNR and SNR than 50% ASIR-V in both pediatric chest and abdomen CT images. When compared with 50% ASIR-V, high strength DLR was associated with noise reduction in non-contrast chest CT (33.0%), contrast-enhanced chest CT (39.6%), and contrast-enhanced abdomen CT (38.7%) with increases in CNR at 149.1%, 105.8% and 53.1% respectively. The subjective assessment of overall image quality and noise was also better on DLR images (p < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference in artifacts between reconstruction methods.Conclusion Compared with 50% ASIR-V, DLR improved pediatric body CT images with significant noise reduction. However, artifacts were not improved by DLR, regardless of strength.
Bioinformatics Analysis of Pivotal Module and Biomarkers Related to the Prognosis of Breast Cancer Based on Single-cell Transcriptome Data
Authors: Liu Rui , Yang Xin , Quan Yuhang , Tang Yiyin , Lai Yafang , Li Chunxiang , Yang Dechun , Wang Maohua , Wu Anhao 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: The effect of breast cancer heterogeneity on prognosis of patients is still unclear, especially the role of immune cells in prognosis of breast cancer. Therefore, the discovery of new markers to assess the effect of breast cancer heterogeneity on patient prognosis is crucial to improve prognosis and survival of patients.Methods: Single cell transcriptome sequencing data of breast cancer were downloaded from GEO database. PCA and UMAP were used for dimensionality reduction analysis and cell clustering. Find All Markers function was used to calculate differential genes in each cluster, and Do Heatmap function was used to plot the distribution of differential genes in each clusters. CellPhoneDB was used to analyze ligand-receptor interactions. TRRUST database combined with Cytoscape were used to construct a receptor-ligand-transcription factor interaction network. WGCNA is used to analyze pivotal modules associated with breast cancer prognosis. Univariate regression analysis and KM survival analysis were used to identify prognostic genes in prognostic modules. Multivariate regression analysis combined with risk scoring were used to construct a breast prognosis model, which was verified by TCGA and ICGC sample data.Result: In this study, 14 cell clusters were identified in two single-cell datasets (GSE75688 and G118389). The results of ligand receptor interaction network revealed that macrophages and DC cells were the most frequently interacting cells with other cells in breast cancer. The results of WGCNA analysis suggested that the MEblue module is most relevant to the overall survival time of triple-negative breast cancer. Twenty-four prognostic genes in the blue module were identified by univariate Cox regression analysis and KM survival analysis. Multivariate regression analysis combined with risk analysis was used to analyze 24 prognostic genes to construct a prognostic model. The verification result of our prognostic model showed that there were significant differences in the expression of PCDH12, SLIT3, ACVRL1, and DLL4 genes between the high-risk group and the low-risk group.Conclusion: PCDH12, SLIT3, ACVRL1 and DLL4 are prognostic biomarkers and relate to the type and proportion of immune cells in breast cancer.
The Dependence of Photocatalytic Activity on Tio2 to MWCNT Ratio in the Composite
Authors: Abbasi Sedigheh 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Here, we prepared two kinds of nanocomposites (MCT#1 and MCT#2) involving MWCNTs and TiO2 nanopaerticles. The characterization of the samples is carried out based on FTIR spectroscopy and TEM. The Ti-O groups that is attibuted to the TiO2 nanopaerticles can be confirmed according to the FTIR analysis. TEM images show that the average particle size of TiO2 nanopaerticles in prepare MCT#1 and MCT#2 is equal to 13 nm and 15 nm, respectively. The influence of nanocomposites weight fraction and illumination time are investigated on the decomposition rate of methyl orange (MO) as pollutant. The photocatalytic results exhibit that the decomposition rate of MO is increased with respect to the weight fraction and illumination time. Meanwhile, higher decomposition rate can be observed using MCT#2 compared to MCT#1. Statistical analysis of the results based on Duncan’s multiple range test at α = 0.05 reveals that all of the applied levels of the factors have a significant effect on the decomposition rate. The response surface results confirm that the effect of illumination time is high that that of weight fraction of MCT#1 and MCT#2.
An Analysis of the Clinical and Radiological Prognostic Factors Affecting the Outcomes of Lumbar Intradiscal Biacuplasty
Authors: Chiu Po-Fan , Chiu You-Pen , Ji Hui-Ru , Chiu Cheng-Di 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Purpose:Intradiscal biacuplasty (IDB) has been proven to be effective for treating lumbar degenerative disc disease (DDD). However, there hasn’t been a reported prognostic factor for IDB. The present study meticulously evaluate the general and radiographic features which may serve as markers for predicting the therapeutic outcome of IDB.Methods:Forty-two patients suffering from chronic discogenic low back pain for more than 6 months and subsequently received lumbar cool radiofrequency IDB were enrolled. Twenty-three patients completed follow-up questionnaires at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. The surgical outcomes were reported using visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI), and the consumption of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). Furthermore, a univariate analysis was performed to identify prognostic factors associated with pain relief from age, gender, body mass index (BMI), and pre-operative lumbar magnetic resonance imaging reading. Results:Significant reductions were found in estimated VAS and ODI at the post-operative period at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months (P < 0.001). The NSAID dosage was significantly decreased at 3- and 6-month follow-up (P < 0.05). No procedure-related complications were detected. The prognosis of IDB was not related to disc height, Pfirrmann grading or Modic endplate change. However, disc extrusions were associated with promising outcomes (VAS improvement ≥ 50%) on pain relief (P < 0.05).Conclusion:IDB is a good choice for treating lumbar DDD. Patients with a disc extrusion may have a higher success rate of IDB, which can be used as an indicator in the physician’s decision-making process.
Effect of Playing Venue on Hormonal Responses, Psychological State, and Perception of Effort in Inter-University Basketball Players
Authors: Tabassum Yasmeen , Butt Muhammad Zafar Iqbal , Roohi Nabila , Adnan Muhammad Abdul Jabar , Khadka Sitaram , Iqbal Muhammad Amir , Gupta Ravi Prasad , Aryal Pallav 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Playing venue conditions is a prominent contributor to the performance of players in a competition. Hence, the present study was designed to evaluate the effect of playing venue on the hormonal responses, psychological state, and perception of effort in inter-university basketball players. Methods: A total of 96 male basketball players from eight different public and private sector universities were monitored during eight competitive matches played against each other on a home and away ground. Testosterone and cortisol levels were measured before and after each match. The psychological state test was conducted before each match and the perception of effort score was taken after the match. Results: Elevated testosterone levels, before playing a match, as evidenced at home ground, however, a 4% decline was recorded in testosterone level at away venue, even before playing the match. Both testosterone and cortisol levels depicted the same trend on home as well as away ground. Pre-match testosterone concentration and the percent changes in these hormones were related to self-confidence, especially when playing at home, and cortisol pre and post concentration related to cognitive anxiety, somatic anxiety, and perception of effort.Conclusions: The playing influenced hormonal responses before the commencement of basketball matches at away ground. These hormonal responses were related to players' psychological state, which might contribute to players’ behavior and outcomes of matches.