bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adjusted T SPOT.TB Criteria Can Increase the Specificity of Diagnosis When Differentiating Spinal Tuberculosis From Other Spinal Infections
Authors: Jiang Zhongjing , Gao Qile , Tang Mingxing , Zhang Hongqi , Li Yanbing , Guo Chaofeng , Liu Shaohua , Xu Peng 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: The ability of T-SPOT.TB to differentiate Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection of the spine from other infections is little known. This study quantified the efficiency, sensitivity, and specificity of the T-SPOT.TB assay to distinguish between spinal tuberculosis (STB) caused by M. tuberculosis and other infections of the spine and evaluated whether diagnostic performance was improved by adjusting the T-SPOT.TB assay criteria. Methods: From January 2010 to May 2020, 147 patients with spinal infections were recruited. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were collected, and the number of spot-forming cells was observed. Patients’ white blood cell (WBC) counts, C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), procalcitonin (PCT), and TB antibodies were recorded. Specimen/tissue bacteriological culture was the reference standard for sensitivity and specificity. Results: There were 77 (52.4%) participants with confirmed TB and 70 (47.6%) with other infections. The groups were comparable in T-SPOT.TB assay results, age, sex, lesions in the segments, WBC count, CRP, procalcitonin, ESR, and TB antibodies. The sensitivity and specificity of the T-SPOT.TB assay for identifying STB was 88.3% and 40.0%, respectively. On the basis of Relative operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis and the Youden index, when we adjusted the T-SPOT.TB assay’s diagnostic criteria, ESAT-6>12 or CFP-10>19,the sensitivity and specificity of the T-SPOT.TB assay for identifying STB was 83.1% and 64.3%, respectively. Conclusion: The T-SPOT.TB assay has great sensitivity to distinguish STB from other spinal infections; however, the specificity is extremely low. Specificity can be significantly improved while sensitivity is guaranteed by adjusting the diagnostic criteria.
Changes in Pulse Waveforms in Response to Intraocular Pressure Elevation Determined by Laser Speckle Flowgraphy in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Iwase Chie , Iwase Takeshi , Tomita Ryo , Akahori Tomohiko , Ra Eimei , Terasaki Hiroko , Yamamoto Kentaro 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: To determine whether autoregulation of the blood flow is present in the blood flow on the optic nerve head (ONH) by intraocular pressure (IOP) elevations using pulse waveform parameters determined by laser speckle flowgraphy (LSFG) in normal subjects.Methods: We conducted this prospective cross sectional study at the Nagoya University Hospital. An ophthalmodynamometer was pressed on the sclera to increase the IOP by 20 mmHg or 30 mmHg for 1 min (Experiment 1, 16 subjects) and by 30 mmHg for 10 min (Experiment 2, 10 subjects). The mean blur rate (MBR) and the eight pulse waveform parameters determined by LSFG were measured before, immediately after and during an IOP elevation, and after the IOP returned to the baseline pressure.Results: A significant elevation of the IOP and a significant reduction in the ocular perfusion pressure (OPP) were found after applying the ophthalmodynamometer (both, P<0.001). The blowout score (BOS) (P<0.001) was significantly reduced, and the flow acceleration index (FAI; P<0.01) and resistivity index (RI; P<0.001) was significantly increased immediately after increasing the IOP by 20 or 30 mmHg (Experiment 1). During the IOP elevation throughout the 10 min, the BOS and the RI significantly recovered to the baseline at time 10 compared to time 0, (P <0.001 and P = 0.008, respectively) (Experiment 2).Conclusions: Our results indicate that the blood flow on the ONH is autoregulated by several mechanisms for changes in the OPP induced by an elevation of the IOP in normal subjects.
Relation of Quality of Life, Activities and Participation with Contracture Categories, and Contracture Sites in Elderly Residents With Joint Contractures in Long-Term Care Facilities
Authors: Chen Yi-chang , Lin Keh-chung , Yeh Shu-Hui , Wang Chih-Hung , Pan Ay-Woan , Chen Hao-Ling , Chen Chen-Jung 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Joint contractures and degenerative osteoarthritis are the most common joint diseases in the elderly, can lead to limited mobility in the elderly with diseases, can exacerbate symptoms, such as pain, stiffness and disability, and can interfere with social participation and quality of life, affecting mental health. However, relevant studies on this topic are very limited. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship of demographic characteristics and joint contracture categories and sites with the quality of life, activity limitations, and participation restrictions of elderly residents in long-term care facilities.Methods: A cross-sectional observational study. Elderly individuals with joint contractures who were residents in long-term care facilities were recruited. The World Health Organization (WHO) Quality of Life and the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 were used to survey the participants. Correlations, multiple linear regressions, and multiple analyses of variance, with joint contractures as the response variable, were used in the statistical analysis.Results: The final statistical analysis included 232 participants. The explanatory power of contracture sites on activities and participation had a moderate strength of association (η2 = .113). Compared with elderly residents with joint contractures and osteoarthritis in isolated upper limbs, elderly residents with joint contractures and osteoarthritis in both the upper and lower limbs had significantly worse activity and participation limitations. There were no significant differences in activity and participation between elderly residents with joint contractures affecting isolated upper limbs and elderly residents with joint contractures affecting isolated lower limbs (F1,226 = 2.604 and F1,226 =.674, n.s.). Osteoarthritis had the greatest impact on activity limitations and participation restrictions of elderly residents with joint contractures affecting both upper and lower limbs (F1,226 = 6.251, p = .014).Conclusions: Elderly residents in long-term care facilities who are minorities and have non-mainstream religious beliefs, history of stroke and osteoarthritis are at high risk of developing activity limitations and participation restrictions. Moreover, compared with other contractile sites, regardless of osteoarthritis, elderly residents with joint contractures affecting both upper and lower limbs had the most substantial activity limitations and participation restrictions.Trial registration: This study has been registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, Registration number and date: ChiCTR2000039889
Saphenous Vein Valves Assessment Utilizing Upright CT. -Potentially Improve the Graft Assessment for Bypass Surgery-
Authors: Nakahara Takehiro , Yamada Minoru , Yokoyama Yoichi , Yamada Yoshitake , Narita Keiichi , Imanishi Nobuaki , Yamazaki Masataka , Shimizu Hideyuki , Narula Jagat , Jinzaki Masahiro 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The saphenous veins (SV) are frequently employed as bypass grafts. The SV graft failure is predominantly seen at the valve site. Avoiding valves during vein harvest would help reduce graft failure. We endeavored to detect SV valves, tributaries, and vessel size employing upright CT for the raw cadaver venous samples and in healthy volunteers.Five cadaver legs were scanned. The anatomical analysis showed 3.0 (IQR: 2.0-3.0) valves and 13.50 (IQR: 10.00-16.25) tributaries. The upright CT completely detected, compared to 2.0 (IQR: 1.5-2.5, p=0.06) valves and 9.5 (IQR: 7.5-13.0, p=0.13) tributaries by supine CT. From a total 190 volunteers, 138 (men:75, women:63) were included. The number of valves from the SF junction to 35 cm were significantly higher in upright CT than in supine CT bilaterally [upright vs. supine, Right: 4 (IQR: 3-5) vs. 2 (IQR:1-2), p<0.0001, Left: 4 (IQR: 3-5) vs. 2 (IQR: 1-2), p <0.0001]. The number of tributaries and vessel area was also higher for upright compared with supine CT.Upright CT enable detection of SV valves, tributaries, and vessel size non-invasively. Although not tested here, it is expected that upright CT might potentially improve the graft assessment for bypass surgery.
Recalcitrant Periprosthetic Joint Infection With Iliac Fossa Abscess After Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Peng Kuo-Ti , Huang Tsung-Yu , Chen Jiun-Liang , Lee Chiang-Wen , Shih Hsin-Nung 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a widely used and successfully performed orthopedic procedure for treating severe hip osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and avascular necrosis. However, periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) after THA is a devastating complication for patients and orthopedic surgeons. Although surgical technology has been advanced and antibiotic-loaded cemented spacers or beads have developed, the treatment failure rate of one- or two-stage exchange arthroplasty for PJI is reported to be high, with >10% rate of incidence. Therefore, determining the possible pathogenesis and increasing the treatment success rate is a clinically important and urgent issue. Methods: A total of 256 patients with PJI who had undergone THA from 2005 to 2015 were included in this retrospective review. Seven patients required combined ilioinguinal and anterlateoal approach for debridement of iliac fossa abscess and infected hip lesion, included five patients with intraoperative pus leakage from the acetabular inner wall and the other two patients who underwent pre-operative pelvic computed tomography (CT) because of repeat PJI treatment failure. All available data from the medical records from all patients were retrospectively analyzed.Results: Of the 256 patients, seven (3.1%) patients was combined iliac fossa abscess in our cohort. For the microbiologic analysis, a total of thirteen pathogens were isolated from seven recurrent PJI patients with iliac fossa abscess, and Staphylococus aureus was the most commomly pathogen (4 out of 7 cases). The serum white blood cell (WBC) count was decreased significantly two weeks after debridement with combined the ilioinguinal and anterolateral approach compared to the day before surgery (11840/μL vs. 7370/μL; p<0.01), and level of C-reactive protein (CRP) was decreased at postoperative one week (107 mg/dL vs. 47.31 mg/dL; p=0.03). Furthermore, no recurrent infection was found in six revision THA patient in a follow up of 7.1 year. Conclusion: This result suggests that pre-operative pelvic CT and cautious identification of uncertain pus leakage from the inner wall of the acetabulum is essential for the diagnosis of recurrent PJI. Radical debridement with combined ilioinguinal and anterlateoal approach may aviod treatment failure in recurrent PJI with iliac fossa abscess.
Prismatic mesh generation based on anisotropic volume harmonic field
Authors: Zhu Yiming , Wang Shengfa , Zheng Xiaopeng , Lei Na , Luo Zhongxuan , Chen Bo 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
In this paper, we present an effective prismatic mesh generation method for viscous flow simulations. To address the prismatic mesh collisions in recessed cavities or slit areas, we exploit 3D tensors controlled anisotropic volume harmonic field to generate prismatic meshes. Specially, a well-fitting tetrahedral mesh is first constructed to serve as the discrete computation domain of volume harmonic fields. Then, 3D tensors are exploited to control the volume harmonic field that better fits the shape geometry. From the topological perspective, the generation of the prismatic mesh can be treated as a topology-preserved morphing of the viscous wall. Therefore, iso-surfaces in the volume harmonic field should be homeomorphic to the viscous wall while fitting its shapes. Finally, a full prismatic mesh can be induced by estimating the forward directions and visible regions in the volume harmonic field. Moreover, to be compatible with different simulation situations, the thickness of prismatic meshes should be variable. Our approach provides local adjustable thickness of prismatic meshes, which can be achieved by controlling local 3D tensors. The proposed anisotropic volume harmonic field based prismatic meshes are efficient and robust, and a full prismatic mesh can be guaranteed without low quality collisions. Various experiments have shown that our proposed prismatic meshes have obvious advantages in terms of efficiency and effectiveness.
Amplify Antimicrobial Photo Dynamic Therapy Efficacy With Poly-beta-amino Esters (PBAEs)
Authors: Perni Stefano , Preedy Emily , Prokopovich Polina 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Light-activated antimicrobial agents (photosensitisers) are promising alternatives to antibiotics for the treatment of skin infections and wounds through antimicrobial Photo Dynamic Therapy (aPDT); utilisation of this technique is still restricted by general low efficacy requiring long exposure time (in the order of tens of minutes) that make the treatment very resource intensive. We report for the first time the possibility of harvesting the cell penetrating properties of poly-beta-amino esters (PBAEs) in combination with toluidine blue O (TBO) to shorten aPDT exposure time. Candidates capable of inactivation rates 30 times quicker than pure TBO were discovered and further improvements through PBAE backbone optimisation could be foreseen. Efficacy of the complexes was PBAE-dependent on a combination of TBO uptake and a newly discovered and unexpected role of PBAEs on reactive species production. Chemometric approach of partial least square regression was employed to assess the critical PBAE properties involved in this newly observed phenomenon in order to elicit a possible mechanism.The superior antimicrobial performance of this new approach benefits from the use of well established, low-cost and safe dye (TBO) coupled with inexpensive, widely tested and biodegradable polymers also known to be safe. Moreover, no adverse cytotoxic effects of the PBAEs adjuvated TBO delivery have been observed on a skin cells in vitro model demonstrating the safety profile of this new technology.
Validation of the Intel RealSense T265 for Tracking Natural Human Head Motion
Authors: Hausamann Peter , Sinnott Christian , Daumer Martin , MacNeilage Paul 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Accurate and robust tracking of natural human head motion in natural environments is important for a number of applications including virtual and augmented reality, clinical diagnostics, as well as basic scientific research. Inertial measurement units (IMUs) provide a versatile solution for recording inertial data including linear acceleration and angular velocity, but reconstructing head position is difficult or impossible. This problem can be solved by incorporating visual data using a technique known as visual-inertial simultaneous localization and mapping (VI-SLAM). A recently released commercial solution, the Intel RealSense T265, uses VI-SLAM to estimate linear and angular position and velocity, but the performance of this device for tracking of natural human head motion in natural environments has not yet been comprehensively evaluated against gold-standard methods. In this study, we used a wide range of metrics to evaluate the performance of the T265 with different walking speeds in different environments, both indoor and outdoor, against two gold-standard methods, an optical tracking system and a so-called perambulator. Overall, we find that performance of the T265 relative to these gold-standard methods is most accurate for slow to normal walking speeds in small- to medium-sized environments. The suitability of this device for future scientific studies depends on the application; data presented here will be useful in making that determination.
Obesity Related Eating Behaviors and Weight Loss Maintenance.
Authors: Koutras Yiannis , Chrysostomou Stavri , Giannakou Konstantinos , Yannakoulia Mary 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: This study examined the differences between maintainers and regainers regarding obesity related eating behaviors. A secondary objective was to develop an eating behavior index predicting the likelihood of successful weight loss maintenance. Methods: The current cross-sectional evaluation was based on the Cypriot cohort of the MedWeight study (Greece). Eligible participants (maintainers=145; regainers=87) were adult men and women who reported being at least overweight (BMI ≥25 kg/m²) and experienced an intentional weight loss of ≥10% of their maximum weight, at least 1 year before participation. Among other assessments, obesity-related behaviors were evaluated through a Healthy Eating Behavior Index (HEBI). Results: Statistically significant differences between the two groups were observed regarding meals per day (P=0.008), frequency of eating home cooked meals (P=0.004) and HEBI total score (P=0.022). Results from logistic regression models indicated that the odds of maintaining weight loss increase at 23% (Model 1: P<0.05, OR 1.230, 1.062-1.424 95% C.I., Model 2: P<0.05, OR 1.233, 1.064-1.428 95% C.I.) and to almost 30% after adjusting for physical activity (Model 3: P<0.05, OR 1.293, 1.077-1.552 95% C.I.) for each point scored in HEBI total score. Conclusions: Eating more frequently home cooked meals and less eating away from home meals may be beneficially associated with weight loss maintenance. HEBI seems as a useful tool when dealing with patients who have previously lost significant weight.
Morphology, pathogenicity and molecular identification of Fusarium solani species complex (FSSC) associated with potato tubers
Authors: Gherbawy Youssuf , Hussein Mohamed , Hassany Nabila , Shebany Yassmin , Awad Mohamed , EL-Dawy Eman 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is among the top five crops growing worldwide following cereals, wheat, rice, corn and barley due to its high carbohydrate content and adaptability. Potatoes are particularly valued in developing countries as a rich source of starch, vitamins C and B6 and essential amino acids. Fusarium solani species complex (FSSC) is common pathogen of potato, causing dry rot in the Upper Egypt. In this study were isolated and identified FSSC from potato tubers based on the morphological and molecular characteristics. 187 isolates of Fusarium solani were obtained from potato tubers collected from different regions in the Upper Egypt. Based on the morphological characters, sequence data from β-tubulin and translation elongation factor (TEF-1α) genes, all of the selected FSSC isolates were divided into three major groups (F. keratoplasticum, F. falciforme and F. solani). All the tested FSSC were able to produce amylases. All of the isolates were evaluated for their pathogenicity on healthy potato tubers; which showed pathogenic effect, lesion sizes were quite variable. F. solani (SVUFs73) had a highly virulent effect.
Development of a temporally harmonized asset index: Evidence from across 50 years of follow up of a birth cohort in Guatemala
Authors: Varghese Jithin Sam , Maluccio John , Cunningham Solveig , Ramirez-Zea Manuel , Stein Aryeh 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Asset-based indices are widely-used proxy measures of wealth in low and middle-income countries (LMIC). The stability of these indices within households over time is not known.
Methods
We develop a harmonized household asset index for the participants (n = 2392) of INCAP Longitudinal Study, Guatemala using data from six waves of follow-up over the period of 1965–2018. We estimate its cross-sectional association with parental schooling (in 1967-75) and attained schooling (in 2015-18) of cohort members. We study how patterns of cross-sectional loadings change over time and between urban-rural settings. We assess its robustness to omission of assets or study waves and alternate specifications of factor extraction procedure.
Results
The harmonized index created using 8 assets and 11 housing characteristics explained 32.4% of the variance. Most households increased in absolute wealth over time with median wealth (25th percentile, 75th percentile; households) increasing from − 3.74 (-4.42, -3.07; 547) in 1967 to 2.08 (1.41, 2.67; 1145) in 2017-18. Ownership of television, electricity, quality of flooring and sanitary installation explained the largest proportion of variance. The index is positively associated with measures of schooling (maternal: r = 0.16; paternal: r = 0.10; attained: r = 0.35, all p < 0.001). In 2015-18, house ownership versus housing characteristics and ownership of electronic goods differentiate households in urban and rural areas respectively. The index is robust for omission of assets or study waves, indicator categorization and factor extraction method.
Conclusion
A temporally harmonized asset index administered consistently over time may allow study of associations of life-course social mobility with human capital outcomes in LMIC contexts. Our approach permits exploration of trends in household wealth of the sample over a follow-up period against repeated cross-sectional surveys which permit the estimation of only the mean trajectory.
Re-thinking Treatment Strategies for Febrile Neutropenia in Paediatric Oncology Population: A Perspective from a Developing Country
Authors: James Vinson , Prakash Anand , Mehta Kayur , Durugappa Tarangini 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: This study was conducted to evaluate the microbiological profile of bacterial isolates in febrile neutropenia in a pediatric oncology unit, thereby, reviewing the use of restricted antibiotics and need for aggressive medical treatment accordingly. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in a paediatric haemat-oncology division of a tertiary care teaching hospital in southern India from September 2014 to August 2016. Children with febrile neutropenia were enrolled in the study. Blood cultures were performed using automated system. Cultures from other sites were obtained if needed, based on the clinical profile. Standard antibiotic susceptibility testing was done. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS.Results: One hundred and thirty children were enrolled for the study. Two hundred and fifty episodes of febrile neutropenia were studied. Three hundred and eighty four cultures were sent and 92 (24%) cultures were positive. There were 52.2% gram negative isolates followed 35.8% gram positive isolates, 6.5% fungal isolates and 5.5% poly-microbial cultures. Lactose fermenting gram negative bacteria (29 isolates, 31.5%) were the most frequently isolated in the gram negative group, with Escherichia coli being the most common organism (19 isolates, 20.6%). Amongst gram positive coagulase negative staphylococcus (CONS) was the most common (29%). Escherichia coli and NFGNB had only 36%, 25% sensitivity to ceftazidime respectively. Most gram negative bacteria were found to have better sensitivity to amikacin (mean: 57). There was a higher prevalence of extended spectrum beta lactamase producing organisms. 36 out of 48 GNB were found to be either multi/extremely/pan drug resistant. Escherichia coli and Klebsiella were often drug resistant. Significantly higher mortality was associated with gram negative isolates (61.5%)Conclusions: In view of higher prevalence of gram negative isolates and emergence of multi drug resistance, frequent audits of resistance patterns should guide the choice of antimicrobials in febrile neutropenia management. Our results show the importance of surveillance, monitoring resistance frequencies and identifying risk factors specific to each region. Given that significant mortality is attributed to drug resistant gram negative bacteria, early initiation of appropriate antibiotics to cover for drug resistance is required while formulating empirical antibiotic policies for febrile neutropenia in the oncology units in the developing world.