bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validity of A Mobile Phone based Application Tool for COVID-19 Screening Test
Authors: Muleta Mahteme Bekele , Kebede Mebratu Abrha , Dullo Abrham Getachew , Mekonnen Adugna Lissanewerk , Shimelis Thomas , Tegegn Brhane , Taye Natnael , Gize Addisu , Shimelis Tariku , Berhan Yifru 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 outbreak is proving to be a unique disaster in many countries across the globe. Screening and diagnosis are challenges in resource-limited countries as confirmation with reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is expensive and less accessible. Besides, due to the overlapping manifestations, there are no strongly suggestive symptoms that can be used as a screening tool. The goal of this study was to assess the validity of a newly created mobile phone application tool as a COVID-19 screening approach to the gold standard test (RT-PCR).Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 1029 individuals for validity assessment of a newly developed COVID-19 screening tool by having PCR test results as a reference. After obtaining consent, data were collected using a structured questionnaire, maintaining all the COVID 19 prevention protocols. SPSS version 25 was used to analyze the data. The sensitivity and specificity of the tool were determined. Result: A total of 1005 participants were included in the study, which made the response rate close to 98%. The mean age of the respondents was 50.8 (SD=17.32) years; 574 (57.1%) were males and 108 (10.7%) were in the age category of 41 years and above. The current study identified that the internal consistency of Cronbach’s α was 0.769. The validity analysis result of the tool revealed that it has a sensitivity of 77.6% with 31.6% of positive predictive value and specificity of t 46.4% with 86.5% of negative predictive value. This study revealed that 59.4% of the study participants showed COVID-19 related symptoms and classified as tested positive for the infection, based on the newly developed mobile phone COVID-19 screening tool, whereas only 24.4% of them had positive test results for COVID-19 infection.Conclusion: The sensitivity and specificity of the mobile application tool for symptomatic COVID 19 patients was almost equivalent to the nasal swab RT PCR test. Therefore, we recommend the use of this screening test bot. It is easily accessible and hence an effective way of reaching the population affected by the disease for early detection of symptomatic patients and taking appropriate measures.
Effect of Alirocumab on Coronary Plaque in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease Assessed by Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Gao Fei , Wang Zhi Jian , Ma Xiao Teng , Shen Hua , Yang Li Xia , Zhou Yu Jie 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background Proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors have been demonstrated with significant greater reduction of LDL cholesterol levels and cardiovascular events, compared with standard statin therapy. However, the evidence on the impact of PCSK9 inhibitors on coronary plaque composition and morphology are limited. Methods In this prospective, open-label, randomized study, eligible patients with intermediate coronary lesions and elevated LDL cholesterol values were randomized to either alirocumab 75 mg Q2W plus statin therapy (alirocumab arm) or statin therapy (standard care arm). Optical coherence tomography (OCT) assessment for target lesions were obtained at the baseline and at 36 weeks of follow-up. Results LDL cholesterol levels were significantly decreased in both alirocumab arm and standard care arm, whereas the absolute reduction of LDL cholesterol was significantly greater in patients with alirocumab (1.72±0.51 vs 0.96±0.59, P<0.0001). Compared with standard statin therapy, the addition of alirocumab to statins was associated with significant greater increase in minimum fibrous cap thickness (18.0 [10.8- 29.2]um vs 13.2 [7.4-18.6]um; P=0.029), minimum lumen area (0.20[ 0.10-0.33]mm 2 vs 0.13 [0.12-0.24]mm 2 ; P=0.006) and greater diminution in maximum lipid arc (15.1 ̊ [7.8 -24.5] vs. 8.4 ̊ [2.0 -10.5]; P=0.008). Conclusions The addition of alirocumab to statins can not only provide additional LDL cholesterol lowering effect but also have a potential role in promoting a more stable plaque phenotype.
Optical Coherence Tomography Biomarkers in Patients With Macular Edema Secondary to Retinal Vein Occlusion
Authors: Castro-Navarro Verónica , Monferrer-Adsuara Clara , Navarro-Palop Catalina , Montero-Hernández Javier , Cervera-Taulet Enrique 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Purpose: To evaluate the impact of optical coherence tomography biomarkers on intravitreal dexamethasone (DEX) implant clinical outcomes in patients with macular edema (ME) secondary to retinal vein occlusion (RVO). Additionally, the effect of DEX on central retinal thickness (CRT) and visual acuity (BCVA) was also evaluated. Methods: Retrospective study conducted on a cohort of patients with ME secondary to RVO, either naïve or previously treated, who underwent treatment with DEX implant and had a minimum follow-up of 6 months. Success was defined as a CRT < 250µm or a relative reduction of CRT ≥ 10% from baseline. Results: Fifty-seven eyes were included in the study. Baseline BCVA was significantly lower in the eyes with disrupted external limiting membrane (ELM) (mean 40.3±21.3 letters) than in those with non-disrupted (mean 68.6±10.7 letters) or partially-disrupted ELM (mean 59.6±13.2 letters), p=0.0001 and p=0.0011, respectively. Among the 35 eyes with subretinal fluid (SRF) at baseline, those with a SRF thickness > median (119 µm) had a worse baseline BCVA than those with a SRF thickness ≤ median (Hodges-Lehmann median difference: -15.0 letters, 95% CI: -30.0 to -5.0 letters, p=0.0061). The eyes with disorganization of the retinal inner layers (DRIL) had lower baseline BCVA than those without DRIL (Hodges-Lehmann median difference: -12.0 letters, 95% CI: -25.0 to -5.0 letters, p=0.0042). CRT was significantly decreased from 567.6±226.2 µm at baseline to 326.9±141.0 µm at month 6 (p<0.0001). At month-6, 26 (45.6%); 24 (42.1%), and 20 (35.1%) eyes achieved a BCVA improvement ≥5, ≥10, and ≥15 letters respectively. Forty (70.2%) eyes were classified as success at month-6. Logistic regression analysis found none factor significantly associated with success in the multivariate analysis. Conclusions: the results of this study suggested a positive impact of DEX on CRT and BCVA in eyes with RVO-ME with no differences between central RVO and branch RVO eyes or between treatment-naïve eyes and those previously treated. DEX implant significantly reduced the presence of cysts and their volume. Additionally, greater amount of SRF, presence of DRIL, presence of HRF (>20), or disrupted ELM were significantly associated with worse baseline BCVA.
Study on Blood Metabolomics of Early Gastric Cancer Based on Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Technology
Authors: Qin Shanshan , Wu Qiong , Su Rui , Li Wei , Zhang Yang , Chen Yujia , Wang Daguang 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Metabolomics is widely used to accurately find the basic characteristics and material basis of life activities. The purpose of this study is to use metabolomics to discover biomarkers for the diagnosis of early gastric cancer.Methods: We collected the blood samples and clinical data of 63 patients with gastric cancer from the First Hospital of Jilin University, including 26 patients with advanced gastric cancer (group A), 37 patients with early gastric cancer (group B), and 18 healthy volunteers (group C). Chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) is used for detect metabolites and obtain metabolic profile. Support vector machine (SVM) is used to screen the differential metabolites with a weight of 100% from the blood sample. Total ion current diagram, principal component analysis and analysis of variance (ANOVA) are used to identify differential metabolites. PCA and the quadratic discriminant analysis were used to evaluate the similarity between samples. The receiver characteristic curve (ROC) is used to evaluate the diagnostic ability of metabolites. After the nuclear ratio of the selected metabolites is imported into the Human Metabolome Database (HMDB), the structure is identified to determine the corresponding substances, and then the verification group is used to test the accuracy of the metabolites.Results: Through LC-MS, TIC, ANOVA and PCA, differential metabolites were found in different blood samples. Cluster analysis showed similar metabolites in the three groups A, B, and C. ROC curve represented the diagnostic ability of metabolites. The different metabolites between group A and C were spermine, enterostatin, heparin sulfate, and triacylglycerol. The difference metabolites between group A, group B and group C were same as those between group A and C. The cluster analysis and ROC also showed that all four metabolites had high specificity and sensitivity in the verification group. And the results of verification group were consistent with the experimental group.Conclusion: Spermine, enterostatin, heparin sulfate, and triacylglycerol may be potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of early gastric cancer.
Influence of Native Ureolytic Microbial Community on Biocementation Potential of Sporosarcina Pasteurii
Authors: Murugan Raja , Suraishkumar G. K. , Muhkerjee Abhijit , Dhami Navdeep K 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP)/Biocementation has emerged as a promising technique for soil engineering applications. There are chiefly two methods by which MICP is applied for field applications including biostimulation and bioaugmentation. Although bioaugmentation strategy using efficient ureolytic biocementing culture of Sporosarcina pasteurii is widely practiced, the impact of native ureolytic microbial communities (NUMC) on CaCO3 mineralisation via S. pasteurii has not been explored. In this paper, we investigated the effect of different concentrations of NUMC on MICP kinetics and biomineral properties in the presence and absence of S. pasteurii. Kinetic analysis showed that the biocementation potential of S. pasteurii is 6-fold higher than the NUMC and is not significantly impacted even when the concentration of the NUMC is eight times higher. Micrographic results revealed a quick rate of CaCO3 precipitation by S. pasteurii led to the generation of smaller CaCO3 crystals (5–40 µm), while the slow rate of CaCO3 precipitation by NUMC led to the creation of larger CaCO3 crystals (35–100 µm). Mineralogical results showed the predominance of the calcite phase in both sets. The outcome of the current study is crucial for tailor-made applications of MICP.
The Use of Phalangeal Plate as “Hook Plate” to Treat Unstable Distal Radius Fracture Fragments with External Fixation
Authors: Gang Feng , Zhang Xiangfeng , Ghamor-Amegavi Edem Prince , Hu Hejia 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: To study the functional outcome of AO type C3 distal radius fracture using external fixation and modified radial flexor carpi approach with contoured phalangeal plate as “hook plate” to treat small comminuted and unstable fracture fragments.Method: Between June 2016 and October 2017, seven patients presenting with AO type C3 distal radius fracture were treated using modified radial flexor approach and external fixation. Radiographic assessment were based on preoperative and postoperative X-ray and CT imaging during follow-up visits. The grip strength, range of active motion and pain were recorded. Mayo writs score and Gartland and Werley score were obtained to evaluated functional outcome.Results: The mean follow-up was 2 years. All patients achieved articular congruity and bone healing. The average Gartland and Werley score was 2.86 which indicated excellent outcome with minimal impairment to daily life. The average Mayo score was 87.5 which overall was a good score, 3 patients (42.9%) had excellent score and 4 patients (57.1%) had good score. No complications such as radioulnar instability and implant failure occurred.Conclusion: Our results suggest rapid functional outcome and range of motion at the wrist with minimal complications. This technique is effective and addresses the challenges in treating unstable AO type C3 distal radius fracture. Installing the external fixator first provides adequate reduction and enhances stability while the bent phalangeal plate serves as a buttress to grab and fix small fracture fragments.
Federated Learning for Multi-Center Imaging Diagnostics: A Study in Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Linardos Akis , Kushibar Kaisar , Walsh Sean , Gkontra Polyxeni , Lekadir Karim 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Deep learning models can enable accurate and efficient disease diagnosis, but have thus far been hampered by the data scarcity present in the medical world. Automated diagnosis studies have been constrained by underpowered single-center datasets, and although some results have shown promise, their generalizability to other institutions remains questionable as the data heterogeneity between institutions is not taken into account. By allowing models to be trained in a distributed manner that preserves patients’ privacy, federated learning promises to alleviate these issues, by enabling diligent multi-center studies. We present the first federated learning study on the modality of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) and use four centers derived from subsets of the M&M and ACDC datasets, focusing on the diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). We adapt a 3D-CNN network pretrained on action recognition and explore two different ways of incorporating shape prior information to the model, and four different data augmentation setups , systematically analyzing their impact on the different collaborative learning choices. We show that despite the small size of data (180 subjects derived from four centers), the privacy preserving federated learning achieves promising results that are competitive with traditional centralized learning. We further find that federatively trained models exhibit increased robustness and are more sensitive to domain shift effects.
Validation of the Japanese version of the Patterns of Activity Measure-Pain in Individuals with Chronic Pain
Authors: Enomoto Kiyoka , Adachi Tomonori , Mibu Akira , Tanaka Katsuyoshi , Fukui Sei , Nakanishi Miho , Iwashita Narihito , Sasaki Jun , Nishigami Tomohiko 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe Patterns of Activity Measure-Pain (POAM-P) is a self-report questionnaire that measures avoidance, overdoing, and pacing in individuals with chronic pain. We aimed to develop and confirm the psychometric properties of the Japanese version of the POAM-P(POAM-P-J) in Japanese individuals with chronic pain.MethodsWe recruited 147 Japanese individuals with chronic pain (106 women; mean age 64.89±12.13 years). The individuals completed the POAM-P-J, the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The following psychometric properties of the POAM-P-J were confirmed: structural validity, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and concurrent validity. ResultsWe tested factor structure via confirmatory factor analyses (CFA). We chose the 3-factor model with six covariances. The POAM-P-J’s internal consistency and test-retest reliability were acceptable to good (α = 0.79–0.86; ICC = 0.72–0.87). The avoidance and overdoing scales were positively associated with pain severity, pain interference, and anxiety measures (all p < 0.05), but the pacing scale was not significantly associated with these pain-related measures.ConclusionsAlthough the structural validity of the POAM-P-J remains questionable, its internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and concurrent validity were confirmed. The POAM-P-J is useful in both research and clinical practice for evaluating the activity patterns of Japanese patients with chronic pain.
Planetary emittance and feedback parameters through varying climates in basic modelling
Authors: Anderl Thomas 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
In search for reproducibility of the results from sophisticated scientific research, the present work focuses on the planetary (longwave) emittance variabilities. A simple model appears applicable through the entire range from very cold to extremely warm climates and for different climate driving forces, i.e. solar luminosity variation and CO2 concentration change. The results interrelate effects from lapse rate, water vapor, CO2, and clouds for equilibrium climate states. Feedback parameters are analysed for the emittance decomposition into the atmospheric window, clouds, and the cloud-free atmosphere. A view is devoted to the faint young Sun problem.
A small-scale survey to evaluating the perception of the Nipah virus in Bangladeshi rural community
Authors: Wajed Shah , Hoque Muhammad Mohsinul , Biswas Arnob , Bhowmik Sutapa , Devnath Popy 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background Nipah virus is a zoonotic agent causing diseases with extremely high mortality rate and several outbreaks have been reported from different parts of the world. Bangladesh is one of the country having repeated Nipah outbreaks since 2001.Objective To prevent an outbreak, it is necessary to understand public awareness and knowledge about the epidemic agent. This study was aimed to determine the level of knowledge and awareness related to NiV infection and to assess the potential risk of NiV disease among the rural population of Bangladesh.Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted with the participation of 200 respondents from different villages of Bangladesh. The data were collected through face-to-face interviews in January 2021 using structured questionnaire.Results From the survey it was found that 58.5% respondent of the study unknown about the term Nipah virus. However, maximum people seem to be aware of the fact that a virus infected person should be isolated as they can spread the disease further. The awareness level of the people is classified as “very poor”, “poor”, “good” and “excellent” with a percentage of 20%, 23%, 25.5% and 31.5% respectively based on some questions. Bionomial regression analysis showed that education and government campaign were variables associated with the awareness of NiV disease.Conclusion Education and government campaigns need to be stepped up to make rural people aware about this zoonotic disease.
SARS-CoV-2 Genome Variants Epidemiology Surveillance in Ethiopia and Targeted Mutational Changes of Structural S Spike Proteins Through Computational Analysis
Authors: Abaysew Ayele , Majumdar Rita , Sitotaw Yohannes , Adisu Tesfaye 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Objective: This study aims to identify the variants of SARS CoV 2 that were circulating in Ethiopia and spot dynamic mutational changes of spike antigenicity based on genome data analysis to put forward preventative measurement against pandemic. Results: The genomes from Ethiopia were confirmed to be evolutionary related to RaTG13 and SL- bat coronavirus and Spike receptor sites were conserved. The clade distribution of the genome was reflected as GH, GR and other O and intended for new variants. 3 female samples were detected as variants of concern VUI202012/01GRY B.1.1.7 which Pango linage B.1.1.7 was originated from the UK. Despite 21 notable mutations, 71% D614G, 28% D614X, 35% N501Y and 21% NSP5 S284G mutation were occurred predominantly in our genome samples. and could be antigenicity and infectivity. Mutation on N440K was perceived in a sample and potency resist SER-52 antibody neutralization and vaccine escape.
Ten minutes endurance test at 50% upper body weight: a pilot study in healthy controls and physically active people
Authors: Anders Christoph , Schönau Tim 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
ObjectiveIntense endurance and strength training mark virtually opposite parts of basic motor skills. Extreme high load physical demands are getting sparer but endurance demands are still present. Therefore, healthy controls and endurance and strength trained athletes at competition level were exposed to a submaximal endurance test of their back muscles.In this pilot study 38 healthy male subjects participated: physically inactive controls (C, n=12), endurance trained (ET, n=13), and strength trained subjects (ST, n=13). All participants were asked to finish a ten minutes back muscle endurance test at 50% of their upper body weight. ResultsMaximum holding times were shortest in the ST group (469±142 s; ET 600±0 s; C 600±0 s), but statistical significance could only be proven for ET vs. ST (p<0.01). Hedges gs values for comparisons of maximum holding times showed relevant differences among all groups: ET vs. ST 10.64; ET vs. C 2.38; ST vs. C 0.78. Values of perceived exertion increased over time with lowest values for the ET group, except after the first minute. Especially between 180s and 420s ST group showed highest exertion values, but between group differences could not be determined.
The power of microbiome studies: some considerations on which alpha and beta metrics to use and how to report analysis the results
Authors: Kers Jannigje Gerdien , Saccenti Edoardo 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Since sequencing techniques become less expensive, larger sample sizes are applicable for microbiota studies. The aim of this study is to show how, and to what extent, different diversity metrics and different compositions of the microbiota influence the needed sample size to observed dissimilar groups. Empirical 16S rRNA amplicon sequence data obtained from animal experiments, observational human data, and simulated data was used to perform retrospective power calculations. A wide variation of alpha diversity and beta diversity metrics were used to compare the different microbiota data sets and the effect on the sample size. Our data showed that beta diversity metrics are most sensitive to observe differences compared to alpha diversity metrics. The structure of the data influenced which alpha metrics are most sensitive. Regarding beta diversity, the Bray-Curtis metric is in general most sensitive to observe differences between groups, resulting in lower sample size and potential publication bias. We recommend to perform power calculations and to use multiple diversity metrics as an outcome measure. To improve microbiota studies awareness needs to be raised on the sensitivity and bias for microbiota research outcomes created by the used metrics rather than biological differences. We have seen that different alpha and beta diversity metrics lead to different study power: on the basis of this observation, one could be naturally tempted to try all possible metrics until one or more are found that give a statistically significant test result, i.e. p-value < α. This way of proceeding is one of the many forms of the so-called p-value hacking. To this end, in our opinion, the only way to protect ourselves from (the temptation of) p-hacking would be to publish, and we stress here the word publish, a statistical plan before experiments are initiated: this practice is customary for clinical trials where a statistical plan describing the endpoints and the corresponding statistical analyses must be disclosed before the start of the study.