bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endoscopic Urethrotomy Vs Open Urethroplasty for Men With Bulbar Urethral Stricture: The Open Randomised Trial Cost-Effectiveness Analysis&nbsp;
Authors: Shen Jing , Vale Luke , Goulao Beatriz , Whybrow Paul , Payne Stephen , Watkin Nick 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Bulbar urethral stricture is a common cause for urinary symptoms in men and its two main treatment options both have drawbacks with little evidence on their relative cost-effectiveness. Current guidelines on the management of recurrent bulbar urethral stricture have been predominantly based on expert opinion and panel consensus.Objective: To assess the relative cost-effectiveness of open urethroplasty and endoscopic urethrotomy as treatment for recurrent urethral stricture in men.Methods: Set in the UK National Health Service with recruitment from 38 hospital sites, a randomised controlled trial of open urethroplasty and endoscopic urethrotomy with 6-monthly follow-up over 24 months was conducted. Two hundred and twenty-two men requiring operative treatment for recurrence of bulbar urethral stricture and having had at least one previous intervention for stricture were recruited. Effectiveness was measured by quality- adjusted life years (QALYs) derived from EQ-5D 5L. Cost-effectiveness was measured by the incremental cost per QALY gained over 24 months using a within trial analysis and a Markov model with a 10-year time horizon. Results: In the within trial, urethroplasty cost on average more than urethrotomy (cost difference: £2148 [95% CI: 689, 3606]) and resulted in a similar number of QALYs on average (QALY difference: -0.01 [95% CI: -0.17, 0.14)] over 24 months. The Markov model produced similar results. Sensitivity analyses using multiple imputation, suggested that the results were robust, despite observed missing data.Conclusions: Based on current practice and evidence, urethrotomy is a cost-effective treatment compared with urethroplasty. Trial registration: ISRCTN: 98009168 (date: 29 November 2012) and it is also in the UK NIHR Portfolio (reference 13507).
Introducing Patient Reported Measures (PRMs) Into Finnish Public Maternity Service: A Study on Professionals’ Views
Authors: Chen An , Väyrynen Kirsi , Leskelä Riikka-Leena , Heinonen Seppo , Lillrank Paul , Tekay Aydin , Torkki Paulus 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: The importance and potential benefits of introducing patient reported measures (PRMs) into health care service have been widely acknowledged, yet the experience regarding their implementation into practice is limited. There is a considerable paucity of research in adopting PRMs in maternity care. This study, which utilizes the PRMs included in Pregnancy and Childbirth (PCB) outcome set developed by International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement (ICHOM) as sample measures, aims to elicit Finnish professionals’ views on PRMs and to explore the applicability of PRMs in Finnish public maternity care. Methods: This qualitative study, applying semi-structured interviews, is designed to describe the local professionals’ views towards the application of PRMs in Finnish public maternity care. Professionals were asked to assess the PRMs defined in ICHOM PCB set and provide their expectations and concerns on the implementation of PRMs in Finnish public maternity service. Results: Twenty professionals participated in the interviews. Participants agreed on the importance and relevance of the PRMs questions included in ICHOM PCB set for delivering and developing maternity care in Finland. However, they criticized the number and length of questions as well as the recommended time points of data collection. In addition, for a successful implementation, various steps like developing suitable questions, redesigning service pathway and protocols, and motivating patients were considered to be important. Also, some potential obstacles, difficulties and risks associated with the implementation were underlined. Conclusion: This study indicates that the implementation of PRMs into Finnish public maternity service is possible, highly relevant and important. However, the adoption of PRMs into routine practice may be challenging and will require a series of efforts. This study shows viewpoints from Finnish professionals who have not participated in developing the ICHOM PCB standard set and provides important insights on the development and implementation of PRMs.
The Combination of Shear Wave Elastography and Elf Test in a Single Score Improves the Diagnostic Specificity for Liver Fibrosis Prediction
Authors: Liuzzi Raffaele , Ragucci Monica , Mirabelli Peppino , Megna Angelo , Luca Massimo De , Marsilia Giuseppina Marino , Nardone Gerardo , Coccoli Pietro , Vergara Emilia , Incoronato Mariarosaria , Salvatore Marco , Mancini Marcello 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background. Chronic liver diseases (CHDs) are an important public health issue. The presence of significant fibrosis is a hallmark for liver disease staging and prognosis. Aims. To develop a non-invasive score that can discriminate between patients with or without fibrosis in the aim to avoid liver biopsy.Methods. Forty patients with CHDs who received liver biopsy to stage fibrosis and 12 normal subjects performed also share wave elastography (SWE) and ELF-test. We chose two different outcome for histological fibrosis (F0-F1 vs F2-F4) and (F0-F2 vs F3-F4). ELF-test and SWE were independent predictors, categorized using ROC analysis. Two scores called SCORE1 and SCORE2 were devised.Results. The discriminatory values for SCORE1 were SWE>5.62 kPa and ELF-test >9.33 and for SCORE2 were SWE>7.04 kPa and ELF-test 9.33. SCORE1 specificity was 91.7% (CI 77.5-98.2%), significatively greater than obtained using SWE 63.9% (CI 46.2-79.2%; p=0.0013) or ELF-test 83.3% (CI 67.2-93.6%; p=0.1760) separately. SCORE2 specificity was 95.2% (CI 83.8-99.4%). This value was not-significatively greater than obtained using SWE or ELF-test 81.0% (CI 65.9-91.4%; p=0.0921) separately. Conclusion. SWE and ELF-test can be performed for non-invasive staging of liver fibrosis. Their use grouped in a single score increase the specificity for the prediction of histological fibrosis stage.
An ancient motif unique for human STING, RGS12 and SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins
Authors: Aydin Suleyman , Aydin Ayca Cakmak 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The coronavirus named as SARS-CoV-2 is the cause of the COVID-19 pandemic and spreading rapidly1. It is a pneumonia outbreak2 with T cell exhaustion, cytokine storm and coagulation3,4. Short motifs on proteins play important roles on protein-protein interactions5,6. We hypothetized role of molecular mimicry of small-xxx-small motifs for the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. Here we show that a unique and evolutionary conserved motif is found only on the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 and stimulator of interferon genes (STING) proteins. Surprisingly we could not find this motif on any other protein of any living form. We found a similar, but not identical motif mimicry for the spike and regulator of G protein signaling 12 (RGS12), C1QT4 and also for proteins of Archaea and beta-lactamase enzymes of bacteria including Mycobacterium tuberculosis. STING proteins have roles on coagulation, T cell exhaustion, cytokine release1-3 and RGS12 on inflammation7. In contrast to cGAS-STING pathway8, the motif mimicry indicated a direct interaction between spike and STING proteins suggesting the importance of STING, RGS12 and C1QT4 on the pathogenesis of COVID-19. To our surprise, the molecular mimicry showed that beta-lactamase inhibitors may be effective against SARS-CoV-2. The motif is unique, as found on Archaea and Cnidaria it is evolutionary old but a new target and mechanism for the COVID-19.
Induction Chemotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer Occur Potentially Free Carnitine Decrease
Authors: Ito Tatsuya , Tsukahara Kiyoaki , Sato Hiroki , Shimizu Akira , Okamoto Isaku 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Carnitine is related to malaise. Cisplatin is a cause of decreased carnitine. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the effects of one course of induction chemotherapy (IC) for head and neck cancer on blood carnitine levels, focusing on FC.Methods: This single-center prospective study investigated 20 patients diagnosed with primary head and neck cancer who underwent IC with cisplatin, docetaxel, and 5-fluorouracil. FC, acylcarnitine (AC), and total carnitine (TC) levels were measured before starting therapy and on Days 7 and 21 after starting IC. In addition, malaise was evaluated before and after therapy using a visual analog scale (VAS).Results: All subjects were men and the most common primary cancer site was the hypopharynx (9 patients). FC levels before starting therapy and on Days 7 and 21 were 47.7±2.2 μM/mL, 56.7±2.2 μM/mL, and 41.1±1.9 μM/mL, respectively. Compared with before the start of therapy, FC had significantly decreased on Day 21 (p=0.007). AC levels before starting therapy and on Days 7 and 21 were 12.5±1.2 μM/mL, 13.6±1.4 μM/mL, and 10.7±0.7 μM/mL, respectively. TC levels before starting therapy and on Days 7 and 21 were 60.2±2.5 μM/mL, 70.2±3.3 μM/mL, and 51.7±2.3 μM/mL, respectively. No significant differences in AC, TC or VAS were seen before the start of therapy and on Day 21. Conclusions: After IC, a latent decrease in FC occurred without any absolute deficiency or subjective malaise. When concurrent chemoradiotherapy is planned following IC, supportive therapy with carnitine supplementation may be appropriate.
Sodium Diethyldithiocarbamate Antiparasitic Activity Against Different Trypanosoma Cruzi Strains: Insights of Its Biological Activity
Authors: Oliveira Johny , Torres Taffarel , Moreno Cláudia , Amorim-Carmo Bruno , Damasceno Igor , Soares Ana Cruz , Barbosa Jefferson , Rocha Hugo Oliveira , Silva Marcelo 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Chagas disease is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi that affects thousands of people. The drugs currently used in therapy are toxic and have therapeutic limitations. In addition, the genetic diversity of T. cruzi represents an important variable and challenge in treatment. Sodium diethyldithiocarbamate (DETC) is a compound with pharmacological versatility acting as metal chelators and ROS generation. Thus, the objective is to characterize the antiparasitic action of DETC against different strains and forms of T. cruzi and their mechanism. The different strains of T. cruzi were grown in LIT medium. To evaluate the antiparasitic activity of DETC, epimastigote and trypomastigote forms of T. cruzi were used by resazurin reduction methods and by counting. Different response patterns were obtained between the strains and an IC50 of DETC ranging from 9.44 ± 3,181 µM to 60.49 ± 7.62 µM. Cell cytotoxicity against 3T3 and RAW cell lines and evaluated by MTT, demonstrated that DETC in high concentration (2,222.00 µM) present low toxicity. DETC yet cause mitochondrial damage in T. cruzi, as well as disruption in parasite membrane. DETC has antiparasitic activity against different genotypes and forms of T. cruzi, therefore, representing a promising molecule as a drug for the treatment of Chagas disease.
Factors that Influence the Duration of Symptom Resolution in COVID-19 Patients in Ethiopia: A Follow up Study Involving 60 Symptomatic Cases.
Authors: Abrahim Saro , Tesema Masresha , Ejeta Eshetu , Ahmed Mahammed , Defar Atkure , Hussen Alemayehu , Demoz Getachew , Degu Eskinder , Aseratie Mulugeta , Merga Belay , Dillnessa Enatenesh , Whiting Susan , Regassa Tegene , Duguma Derege 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: The newly identified virus, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus-two (SARS-CoV-2) has claimed more than a million lives worldwide since it was first recognized in Wuhan, China in December 2019. Understanding the clinical features of COVID-19 and duration for resolution of symptoms is crucial for isolation of patients and tailoring public health messaging, interventions, and policy. Therefore, this study aims to assess the median duration of COVID-19 signs and symptoms resolution and explore it’s predictors among symptomatic COVID-19 patients in EthiopiaMethods: A hospital-based prospective cohort study involving 60 COVID-19 cases was conducted at Eka Kotebe General Hospital, COVID-19 Isolation and Treatment Center. The study participants were all symptomatic COVID-19 adult patients admitted to the hospital from March 18 to June 27, 2020. Physicians at the center recorded the data using a log sheet. Cox proportional-hazards regression model was conducted. Statistical significance was defined at P<0.05. All analyses were done using STATA version 16.1 software.Results: A total of 60 symptomatic COVID-19 patients with a mean age of 34.8 years (+1.8) were involved in the study. The median duration of symptom resolution of COVID-19 was seven days with a minimum of two and a maximum of 68 days. Sex and Body Mass Index (BMI) were statistically significant predictors of the symptom resolution. The hazard of having delayed sign or symptom resolution in males was 55% higher than in females (P=0.039, CI: 0.22 to 0.96) and the hazard of the delayed sign or symptom in those with BMI ≥25 was 48% higher than in those with BMI <25 (P=0.051; CI: 0.272 to 1.003). In this study, age and comorbidity had no association with the duration of sign or symptom resolution in COVID-19 patients.Conclusions: The median duration of COVID-19 symptom resolution was seven days. Being male or having a BMI ≥ 25 were predictors for having a delayed sign or symptom resolution time. Therefore, understanding the duration of COVID-19 sign or symptom resolution helps to guide the patient isolation period and prioritize COVID-19 patients to be shielded.
Application of ATEM&nbsp;on the Xiongan New Area Underground Space Investigation
Authors: Liang Shengjun , Li Zhaoliang , Wang Ming , Yu Xuezhong , Li Jiaojiao , Sun Siyuan 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The application of Airborne Time-domain Electromagnetic is developing in recent year, but investigation of underground space is rarely to see in China. An ATEM was conducted in Xiongan New area in the central part of China, which was known as one of the most complex shallow structure underground. The plan of field work, data processing method and inversion method was introduced in the paper. Two years field data and inversion results were compared to confirm the data quality. Ground resistivity method was discussed and compared in the paper. Geophysical data was collected to clarifying different kind of soil, which were used for inversion and layer distinguish. Through the research work in the area, water contained layer was mapped in the model, which can be the supplement of ground investigating work. The experience of work in the area would be useful for the underground structure investigation in the future.
Physical Fighting Among Adolescents in Eastern Ethiopia: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Semahegn Agumasie , Dessie Yadeta , Assefa Nega , Canavan Chelsey , Berhane Yemane , Fawzi Wafaie 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Objective: To assess the magnitude and factors associated with physical attack and fighting among adolescents in Eastern Ethiopia.Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 2,424 adolescents in eastern Ethiopia in 2016. Random sampling was used to recruit study participants. Data were collected by trained interviewers using an adapted, structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, binary and multivariable logistic regression were performed. Statistical associations were determined using adjusted odds ratio (AOR) at 95% Confidence Intervals (95% CIs) and P-value<0.05. Results: Prevalence of physical attack and physical fights was 5.8%, and 26.4%, respectively. Adolescents who attended school (AOR 0.4, 95% CI 0.2-0.9) and who chewed Khat (AOR 0.4, 95% CI 0.2-0.8) were less likely to experience physical attack. Male adolescents were two times more likely to engage in physical fights than female adolescents (AOR 2.4; 95% CI 1.8-3.2). In-school adolescents who attended secondary (AOR 0.4, 95% CI 0.2-0.7) or tertiary level of education (AOR 0.2, 95% CI 0.1-0.7) were less likely to participate in physical-fighting than those with primary level education. Adolescents who had ever engaged in physical work to earn money for food or drink were 1.9 times more likely to be physically attacked compared to those who had not (AOR 1.9, 95% CI 1.0-3.5).Conclusion: Physical attacks and fights were found to be common experiences of adolescents in eastern Ethiopia. Future research and programs should emphasize preventive health programs for reducing violence and promoting school enrolment and retention.
Genetic Polymorphisms Impact Response to Clopidogrel in Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Ueda Yu , Li Ronald , Nguyen Nghi , Ontiveros Eric , Fousse Samantha , Oldach Maureen , Vernau Karen , Court Michael , Stern Joshua 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Clopidogrel is converted to its active metabolite by cytochrome P450 isoenzymes and irreversibly inhibits platelet activation by antagonizing the adenosine-diphosphate (ADP) receptor. It is frequently used in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) to prevent thromboembolic complications. However, significant interpatient variability of the response to clopidogrel therapy has been suspected. In this study, we assessed the impact of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within ADP receptor (P2RY1, P2RY12) and cytochrome P450 isoenzyme (CYP2C41) genes on platelet inhibition by clopidogrel administration in cats with HCM. Forty-nine cats completed the study, and blood samples were obtained before and after clopidogrel therapy to assess the degree of platelet inhibition based on flow cytometry and whole blood platelet aggregometry. Plasma concentrations of clopidogrel metabolites were measured after the last dose of clopidogrel. Whole blood platelet aggregometry revealed a significant reduction of platelet inhibition by clopidogrel in cats with the P2RY1:A236G and the P2RY12:V34I variants. The association with the P2RY1:A236G variant and clopidogrel resistance remained significant after adjustment for multiple comparisons. This study demonstrated that a genetic polymorphism in the P2RY1 gene altered response to clopidogrel therapy and suggests that clinicians may consider alternative or additional thromboprophylactic therapy in cats with the P2RY:A236G variant.
Prevalence and Factors Associated with Undernutrition on Cancer Patients at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Worku Eyerusalem , Aragaw Hayat , Kebede Damitie 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the world and it is considered that every fourth person dies of it. Under-nutrition is most commonly seen in cancer patients with some types of solid tumors, various chronic diseases, as well as in older persons and young children. This can result in longer hospital stay, reduced response to therapies, increased complications to therapy and surgery proceedings, poor survival and higher care costs. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with under-nutrition on cancer patients attending Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia.
Methods

Cross-sectional study was conducted from September to October 2018 among 347 cancer patients in Tikur Anbessa Specialized hospital Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. All cancer patients 18–65 years of age who were on the 2nd cycle and above treatment phase were included. Quantitative data was collected using questionnaires and the Patient Generated-Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) score. Data was entered into Epi-Info version 7 and exported and analyzed by SPSS version 20. Both bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed to identify the associated factors. Variables with 𝑃 value of less than 0.05 were considered as significant predictors.
Results

The prevalence of under-nutrition according to PG-SGA score result 202 (63.1%) and 88(27.5%) of the participants were moderately and severely undernourished, respectively. BMI of the participants also showed that 206 (64.4%) and 89 (27.8%) were normal and underweight, respectively. Two hundred seventy-six (86.3%) of the patients needed critical nutrition intervention. Performance status of ≥ 2 [AOR = 7.9, 95% CI (3.05, 20.48)] and cancer stage II, III & IV [AOR = 3.47, 95% CI (1.25, 9.58)], [AOR = 3.81, 95% CI (1.17, 12.31)] and [AOR = 6.11, 95% CI (1.48, 25.14)] were significantly associated with malnutrition on cancer patients at a P-value < 0.05.
Conclusion

The prevalence of under-nutrition is prevalent in the study area. Performance status of ≥ 2 and cancer stages were important factors associated with malnutrition in cancer patients. Screening and evaluation of nutritional status of the patients and planning nutritional therapy such as dietary supplements or enteral nutrition to counteract malnutrition on cancer patients should be implemented.
Modeling of adsorption of aluminum on macrocyclic porphyrins H2TPP and H2TTPP: Phenomenological investigation of aluminum (Ⅲ)-porphyrin complex at the molecular level
Authors: Elqahtani Zaineb , Yahia Mohamed Ben , Alfryyan Nada , Aldaghfaq Shatha , Aouaini Fatma 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Post-operative neurological improvement is associated with significant neck pain attenuation after surgery for cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament: a prospective multicenter registry study
Authors: Koda Masao , Yoshii Toshitaka , Egawa Satoru , Sakai Kenichiro , Kusano Kazuo , Nakagawa Yukihiro , Hirai Takashi , Wada Kanichiro , Katsumi Keiichi , Kimura Atsushi , Furuya Takeo , Maki Satoshi , Nagoshi Narihito , Watanabe Kota , Kanchiku Tsukasa , Nagamoto Yukitaka , Oshima Yasushi , Ando Kei , Takahata Masahiko , Mori Kanji , Nakajima Hideaki , Murata Kazuma , Matsunaga Shunji , Kaito Takashi , Yamada Kei , Kobayashi Sho , Kato Satoshi , Oba Tetsuro , Inami Satoshi , Fujibayashi Shunsuke , Katoh Hiroyuki , Kanno Haruo , Takahashi Hiroshi , Miyagi Masayuki , Inoue Gen , Takaso Masashi , Imagama Shiro , Kawaguchi Yoshiharu , Takeshita Katsuhi , Nakamura Masaya , Matsumoto Morio , Okawa Atsushi , Yamazaki Masashi , Nakashima Hiroaki 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Although favourable surgical outcomes for myelopathy caused by cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) have been reported, factors significantly associated with post-operative neck pain attenuation still remain unclear. The primary aim of the present study was to determine factors significantly associated with post-operative neck pain attenuation in patients with cervical OPLL using a prospective multi-centre registry of surgically treated cervical OPLL. Significant postoperative neck pain reduction (50% reduction of neck pain) was achieved in 84 patients (30.9%). There was no significant difference in neck pain attenuation between surgical procedures. Statistical analyses revealed neurological recovery as a factor having a significant positive association with post-operative neck pain attenuation (p = 0.04). Neurological recovery was an independent factor having a significant positive association with post-operative neck pain attenuation in patients with cervical myelopathy caused by OPLL who underwent cervical spine surgery.