bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with seeking medical care for low back pain in a twin adult sample
Authors: Ho Emma Kwan‐Yee , Ferreira Manuela , Pinheiro Marina , Carvalho‐e‐Silva Ana Paula , Madrid‐Valero Juan Jose , Zadro Joshua , Ordoñana Juan , Ferreira Paulo 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundPrevious studies have only investigated how symptom presentation and socio‐demographic factors influence care‐seeking for low back pain (LBP). However, the influence of health and lifestyle factors remains unclear, and the potential confounding effects of aggregated familial factors (including genetics and the early shared environment) has not been considered extensively.MethodsA cross‐sectional analysis was performed on 1605 twins enrolled in the Murcia Twin Registry (Spain). The outcome was seeking medical care for LBP and various self‐reported demographic, health and lifestyle factors were considered predictors. All variables except sleep quality and diabetes were collected in 2013, which were cross‐referenced from 2009 to 2010. A multivariate logistic regression model was performed on the total sample, followed by a co‐twin case–control analysis.ResultsThe only significant factor found to increase the odds of seeking medical care for LBP without being affected by familial factors was poor sleep quality (total sample OR = 1.58, 95%CI 1.24–2.01; case–control OR = 1.75, 95%CI 1.14–2.69). The factors that were associated with reduced odds of seeking medical care for LBP and not confounded by familial factors were male sex (case–control OR = 0.55, 95%CI 0.33–0.93), alcohol intake (case–control OR = 0.90, 95%CI 0.82–0.99) and a history of diabetes (case–control OR = 0.50, 95%CI 0.25–0.97). No other factors significantly influenced medical care‐seeking for LBP.ConclusionsPeople reporting poor sleep quality are more likely to seek medical care for LBP in the long term, with this relationship being independent from aggregated familial factors. Conversely, males, people reporting higher alcohol intake, and people with a history of diabetes are less likely to seek medical care for LBP.SignificanceThis is the first study investigating the factors that influence seeking medical care for LBP, while adjusting for the influence of familial factors using a co‐twin control design. Poor sleep quality is associated with seeking medical care for LBP in the long term and does not appear to be confounded by familial factors. Early screening for indicators of poor sleep quality and appropriate referral to interventions for improving sleep quality or reducing pain in sleep may improve LBP management.
A Facile Fabrication of Poly‐ethionine Film on Glassy Carbon Electrode for Simultaneous and Sensitive Detection of Dopamine and Paracetamol
Authors: Kannan Ayyadurai , Manojkumar Seenivasan , Radhakrishnan Sivaprakasam 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAn electrochemical sensor based on poly‐ethionine (Poly‐ET) film modified glassy carbon electrode was developed for sensitive and simultaneous sensing of dopamine (DA) and paracetamol (PA). The electropolymerization of ethionine monomer was carried out to modify the electrode. The modified electrode was characterized by using scanning electron microscopy, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The Poly‐ET/GCE exhibited excellent electrocatalysis towards the sensing of DA and PA. Poly‐ET/GCE showed a linear increase of current response with increase concentration of DA and PA ranging from 0.1 μM–60 μM and 0.1 μM–180 μM, respectively. The LODs were found to be 7 nM and 18 nM (S/N=3) for DA and PA, respectively. This electrochemical sensor was successfully utilized for the detection of DA and PA in pharmaceutical samples.
Diagnostic accuracy of the placenta accreta index for placenta accreta spectrum: A prospective study
Authors: Abu Hashim Hatem , Shalaby Eman M. , Hussien Mohammed H. , El Rakhawy Mohamed 
Published: January 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the role of the placenta accreta index (PAI) score in predicting placenta accreta spectrum (PAS).MethodsIn this prospective study, the PAI was applied to 100 third‐trimester pregnant women with at least one previous cesarean delivery (CS) and anterior low‐lying placenta or placenta previa. PAI score was calculated based on placental location, number of CS, abnormal placental lacunae, sagittal smallest myometrial thickness (SSMT), and bridging vessels. Histopathologic confirmation was obtained if hysterectomy was performed. Outcome measures were area under the receiver–operating characteristics curve (AUC‐ROC) and the best cut‐off point of PAI. Regression analysis of the PAI parameters was performed.ResultsThe PAI had an AUC of 0.84 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.75–0.91). The best cut‐off point of PAI was 5.37, with a sensitivity of 83.9%, a specificity of 76.3%, a positive predictive value of 85.2%, a negative predictive value of 74.3%, and an accuracy of 81%. PAI parameters showed a significant association with histopathologically proven PAS (n = 23). The highest odds ratio (OR) was achieved with lacunae grades 2 and 3 (OR 9.22, 95% CI 2.02–42) and the lowest OR with SSMT <1.5 mm (OR 3.78, 95% CI 1.3–10.6).ConclusionThe PAI appears to be a promising predictor of PAS in high‐risk women who required hysterectomy.
Brain tumour classification using siamese neural network and neighbourhood analysis in embedded feature space
Authors: Deepak S. , Ameer P. M. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe application of deep transfer learning techniques has been successful in developing accurate systems for brain tumour classification on large‐scale medical image databases. For small databases, feature learning by deep neural networks is not robust. The systems based on domain‐specific hand‐crafted features have limited accuracy. In this paper, the authors focus on developing accurate models that could be trained effectively using a smaller number of data samples. A siamese neural network (SNN) is designed to extract features from brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images. The SNN is realised using a 3‐layer, fully connected neural network. The designed SNN has lesser complexity and fewer parameters than deep transfer‐learned convolutional neural networks (CNN). A nearest neighbourhood analysis, using Euclidean and Mahalanobis distances, is conducted on the SNN encoded feature space. The encoded feature space is two dimensional, such that the neighbourhood analysis is computationally less intensive. For the neighbourhood analysis, a k‐nearest neighbour (k‐NN) model is utilised. The proposed method is evaluated using three publicly available datasets, namely, Radiopaedia, Harvard and Figshare repositories. The respective classification accuracy on cross‐validation is 92.6%, 98.5% and 92.6%. Other metrics used for the performance evaluation include F‐score, Specificity and balanced accuracy. The underlying network architecture and the design choice of network layers allow the implementation of the SNN in environments with low computational resources. The SNN features are found to be more effective than the hand‐designed features, and the deep transfer learned features for the stated problem.
In silico prediction of mitochondrial toxicity of chemicals using machine learning methods
Authors: Zhao Piaopiao , Peng Yayuan , Xu Xuan , Wang Zhiyuan , Wu Zengrui , Li Weihua , Tang Yun , Liu Guixia 
Published: January 2021

AbstractMitochondria are important organelles in human cells, providing more than 95% of the energy. However, some drugs and environmental chemicals could induce mitochondrial dysfunction, which might cause complex diseases and even worsen the condition of patients with mitochondrial damage. Some drugs have been withdrawn from the market due to their severe mitochondrial toxicity, such as troglitazone. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop models that could accurately predict the mitochondrial toxicity of chemicals. In this paper, suitable data were obtained from literature and databases first. Then nine types of fingerprints were used to characterize these compounds. Finally, different algorithms were used to build models. Meanwhile, the applicability domain of the prediction models was defined. We have also explored the structural alerts of mitochondrial toxicity, which would be helpful for medicinal chemists to better predict mitochondrial toxicity and further optimize lead compounds.
Partial geometric designs with block sizes three and four
Authors: Qu Jing , Lei Jianguo , Shan Xiuling 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn this paper, we focus on partial geometric designs with block sizes three and four. First, we show that a partial geometric design with block size three is a 2‐design, or a transversal design, or each line of a generalized quadrangle that is repeated times. Second, we introduce the concept of type of partial geometric designs with block size four and characterize partial geometric designs of type for some integer .
Non‐iatrogenic left atrial wall dissection
Authors: Toporcer Tomáš , Vachalcová Marianna , Kolesár Adrián , Gejguš Miroslav , Sabol František , Valočík Gabriel 
Published: January 2021

AbstractNon‐iatrogenic left atrial wall dissection is a rare lesion defined as a gap from the mitral valve annulus to the interatrial septum or wall of the left atrium. We report the case of a 57‐year‐old man with symptoms of acute cardiac and renal failure. Trans‐esophageal echocardiography and computed tomography showed significant mitral valve regurgitation and dissection of the posterior wall of the left atrium. On the basis of detailed trans‐esophageal echocardiography, the patient underwent mitral valve replacement with closure of the dissection orifice, which appears to be the appropriate therapeutic strategy in cases of spontaneous left atrial wall dissection.
Global and Regional Changes in Perivascular Space in Idiopathic and Familial Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Donahue Erin K. , Murdos Amjad , Jakowec Michael W. , Sheikh‐Bahaei Nasim , Toga Arthur W. , Petzinger Giselle M. , Sepehrband Farshid 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe glymphatic system, including the perivascular space (PVS), plays a critical role in brain homeostasis. Although mounting evidence from Alzheimer's disease has supported the potential role of PVS in neurodegenerative disorders, its contribution in Parkinson's disease (PD) has not been fully elucidated. Although idiopathic (IPD) and familial PD (FPD) share similar pathophysiology in terms of protein aggregation, the differential impact of PVS on PD subtypes remains unknown. Our objective was to examine the differences in PVS volume fraction in IPD and FPD compared to healthy controls (HCs) and nonmanifest carriers (NMCs).MethodsA total of 470 individuals were analyzed from the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative database, including (1) IPD (n = 179), (2) FPD (LRRK2 [leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2], glucocerebrosidase, or α‐synuclein) (n = 67), (3) NMC (n = 101), and (4) HCs (n = 84). Total PVS volume fraction (%) was compared using parcellation and quantitation within greater white matter volume at global and regional levels in all cortical and subcortical white matter.ResultsThere was a significant increase in global and regional PVS volume fraction in PD versus non‐PD, particularly in FPD versus NMC and LRRK2 FPD versus NMC. Regionally, FPD and NMC differed in the medial orbitofrontal region, as did LRRK2 FPD versus NMC. Non‐PD and PD differed in the medial orbitofrontal region and the banks of the superior temporal regions. IPD and FPD differed in the cuneus and lateral occipital regions.ConclusionsOur findings support the role of PVS in PD and highlight a potentially significant contribution of PVS to the pathophysiology of FPD, particularly LRRK2. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Composite UHDRS Correlates With Progression of Imaging Biomarkers in Huntington's Disease
Authors: Estevez‐Fraga Carlos , Scahill Rachael I. , Durr Alexandra , Leavitt Blair R. , Roos Raymund A.C. , Langbehn Douglas R. , Rees Geraint , Gregory Sarah , Tabrizi Sarah J. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe composite Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale (cUHDRS) is a multidimensional measure of progression in Huntington's disease (HD) being used as a primary outcome in clinical trials investigating potentially disease‐modifying huntingtin‐lowering therapies.ObjectiveEvaluating volumetric and structural connectivity correlates of the cUHDRS.MethodsOne hundred and nineteen premanifest and 119 early‐HD participants were included. Gray and white matter (WM) volumes were correlated with cUHDRS cross‐sectionally and longitudinally using voxel‐based morphometry. Correlations between baseline fractional anisotropy (FA); mean, radial, and axial diffusivity; and baseline cUHDRS were examined using tract‐based spatial statistics.ResultsWorse performance in the cUHDRS over time correlated with longitudinal volume decreases in the occipito‐parietal cortex and centrum semiovale, whereas lower baseline scores correlated with decreased volume in the basal ganglia and surrounding WM. Lower cUHDRS scores were also associated with reduced FA and increased diffusivity at baseline.ConclusionThe cUHDRS correlates with imaging biomarkers and tracks atrophy progression in HD supporting its biological relevance. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Whole genome sequencing reveals translocation breakpoints disrupting TP63 gene underlying split hand/foot malformation in a Chinese family
Authors: Peng Ying , Yang Shuting , Xi Hui , Hu Jiancheng , Jia Zhengjun , Pang Jialun , Liu Jing , Yu Wenxian , Tang Chengyuan , Wang Hua 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundSplit hand/foot malformation (SHFM) is a congenital limb developmental disorder, which impairs the fine activities of hand/foot in the affected individuals seriously. SHFM is commonly inherited as an autosomal dominant disease with incomplete penetrance. Chromosomal aberrations such as copy number variations and translocations have been linked to SHFM. This study aimed to identify the genetic cause for three patients with bilateral hand and foot malformation in a Chinese family.MethodsKaryotyping, single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array, whole exome sequencing, whole genome sequencing, and Sanger sequencing were applied to identify the pathogenic variant.ResultsKaryotyping revealed that the three patients had balanced reciprocal translocation, 46, XX, t(3;15) (q29;q22). SNP array identified no pathogenic copy number variation in the proband. Trio‐WES (fetus–mother–father) sequencing results revealed no pathogenic variants in the genes related to SHFM. Whole‐genome low‐coverage mate‐pair sequencing (WGL‐MPS), breakpoint PCR, and Sanger sequencing identified the breakpoints disrupting TP63 in the patients, but not in healthy family members.ConclusionThis study firstly reports that a translocation breakpoint disrupting TP63 contributes to the SHFM in a Chinese family, which expands our knowledge of genetic risk and counseling underlying SHFM. It provides a basis for genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis (preimplantation genetic diagnosis) for this family.
A study protocol for a feasibility trial of telephone‐delivered Adherence Therapy for adults with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Alenazi Fatimah , Peddle Monica , Bressington Daniel , Mahzari Moeber , Gray Richard 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAimsAdherence therapy is a candidate intervention to improve medication adherence and clinical outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes. The feasibility of conducting a trial of adherence therapy in this population has not been established. The objective of this study is therefore to test the feasibility of conducting a randomized controlled trial of adherence therapy in a Middle Eastern context.DesignA single‐centre randomized controlled feasibility trial of adherence therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes.MethodsWe will undertake an initial cultural adaptation of a telephone‐delivered form of adherence therapy in four patients in a Middle Eastern context. Our subsequent feasibility trial will aim to recruit 40 non‐adherent diabetic patients that will be randomly allocated to receive eight weekly 30‐min telephone adherence therapy sessions delivered by a diabetes educator versus treatment as usual. Key outcomes of interest include the number of patients invited to take part in the trial that consent to participate and then go on to complete treatment.ResultThe findings of this study will determine the feasibility of undertaking a full randomized controlled trial of adherence therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Symptom clusters of early‐stage poststroke depression: A mixed‐methods study
Authors: Chen Junya , Li Yun , Liu Jing , Zhang Yi , Zeng Yawei , Chen Mengjiao , Ding Weiwei , Lu Zhongqiu , Xu Hongbo , Li Jufang 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAimTo identify the symptom clusters of early‐stage poststroke depression (PSD) and provide an in‐depth understanding of the symptoms.DesignA mixed‐methods study with a convenient sampling method was used.MethodsA cross‐sectional questionnaire survey in 231 stroke patients and semi‐structured interviews in 14 stroke patients were conducted in the neurological department of a comprehensive hospital in Southeast China. Data from the questionnaire survey were analysed through descriptive and exploratory factor analyses; data from the semi‐structured interview were transcribed verbatim and analysed through inductive content analysis. This study adheres to the GRAMMS checklist.ResultsExploratory factor analysis revealed six symptom clusters of early‐stage PSD that accounted for an ideal variance in PSD: nervous, wakefulness, emotional, dull, guilt and low mood. Further, inductive content analysis revealed five themes that were like the above symptom clusters, except for the dull symptom cluster.
Perturbation based analytical solutions of non‐Newtonian differential equation with heat and mass transportation between horizontal permeable channel
Authors: Nazeer Mubbashar , Ijaz Khan M. , Saleem Adila , Chu Yu‐Ming , Kadry Seifedine , Rasheed M. Tahir 
Published: January 2021

AbstractA mathematical model is constructed in this investigation to examine the effects of heat and mass transfer in tangent‐hyperbolic fluid bounded within horizontal channel. The lower‐wall of channel is taken as heated. The dimensional momentum, energy and concentration equations are determined by defining a stress‐tensor of undertaken fluid (Tangent‐hyperbolic fluid). To calculate the solution, the system of dimensional equations is transformed into nondimensional system by using normalized variables and then solved by applying perturbation technique. The impacts of several dimensionless parameters that is, power‐law index parameter , pressure gradient parameter , Reynolds number (Re), time constant parameter (Γ), Peclet number (λ4), viscous heating parameter (λ5), Schmidt number (Sc), thermophoresis parameter (NT), and Brownian motion (NB) parameter are sketched and also physically discussed. The results reveal that power‐law index parameter and pressure gradient cause increment in velocity and temperature fields and decrement in concentration field. Further, the variations in skin‐friction coefficient, Nusselt number and Sherwood number via emerging parameters are also expressed in form of table in this exploration.
The Baltic Health Index (BHI): Assessing the social–ecological status of the Baltic Sea
Authors: Blenckner Thorsten , Möllmann Christian , Stewart Lowndes Julia , Griffiths Jennifer R. , Campbell Eleanore , De Cervo Andrea , Belgrano Andrea , Boström Christoffer , Fleming Vivi , Frazier Melanie , Neuenfeldt Stefan , Niiranen Susa , Nilsson Annika , Ojaveer Henn , Olsson Jens , Palmlöv Christine S. , Quaas Martin , Rickels Wilfried , Sobek Anna , Viitasalo Markku , Wikström Sofia A. , Halpern Benjamin S. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Improving the health of coastal and open sea marine ecosystems represents a substantial challenge for sustainable marine resource management, since it requires balancing human benefits and impacts on the ocean. This challenge is often exacerbated by incomplete knowledge and lack of tools that measure ocean and coastal ecosystem health in a way that allows consistent monitoring of progress towards predefined management targets. The lack of such tools often limits capabilities to enact and enforce effective governance.

We introduce the Baltic Health Index (BHI) as a transparent, collaborative and repeatable assessment tool. The Index complements existing, more ecological‐oriented, approaches by including a human dimension on the status of the Baltic Sea, an ecosystem impacted by multiple anthropogenic pressures and governed by a multitude of comprehensive national and international policies. Using a large amount of social–ecological data available, we assessed the health of the Baltic Sea for nine goals that represent the status towards set targets, for example, clean waters, biodiversity, food provision, natural products extraction and tourism.

Our results indicate that the overall health of the Baltic Sea is suboptimal (a score of 76 out of 100), and a substantial effort is required to reach the management objectives and associated targets. Subregionally, the lowest BHI scores were measured for carbon storage, contaminants and lasting special places (i.e. marine protected areas), albeit with large spatial variation.

Overall, the likely future status of all goals in the BHI averaged for the entire Baltic Sea is better than the present status, indicating a positive trend towards a healthier Baltic Sea. However, in some Baltic Sea basins, the trend for specific goals was decreasing, highlighting locations and issues that should be the focus of management priorities.

The BHI outcomes can be used to identify both pan‐Baltic and subregional scale management priorities and to illustrate the interconnectedness between goals linked by cumulative pressures. Hence, the information provided by the BHI tool and its further development will contribute towards the fulfilment of the UN Agenda 2030 and its Sustainability Development Goals.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
An analysis and assessment of the physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of carbon fiber/epoxy reinforced microparticles
Authors: Chamkouri Hossein , Chamkouri Mahyodin 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn the present study, we introduce an innovative procedure to manufacture engineered hybrid composite composed of epoxy resin as the polymeric matrix, carbon fibers, and poly urea‐formaldehyde (PUF) microparticles. An ultrasonic probe was utilized to achieve a uniform molecular combination of the epoxy resin and PUF microparticles. Emulsion polymerization was also used in this research to synthesize micro‐polyurea formaldehyde powders. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), tensile, and three‐point bending assessments were implemented on unfilled, 2, 5, 10, and 13 wt% PUF microparticles filled epoxy resin to identify the loading influence on the diffusion rate, as well as the mechanical and thermal performance of the hybrid composite structure. The results of the flexural test show that both strength and modulus increased with a growing loading proportion of PUF microparticles. Moreover, optimum properties were achieved by adding 10 wt% microparticles. The results of the TGA demonstrate that the thermal behavior of the composite structure is sensitive to the PUF microparticles content. Based on the experimental data, the tensile test has also shown optimum behavioral properties through increasing the level of micro‐particles in the sample E‐40, which is due to the appropriate, uniform, and advanced composition of particles, matrices, and fibers. In addition, we used Fick's Law to determine the gas diffusion and mass transfer rates for samples at different temperatures. The gas absorption test revealed that the enhanced hybrid system behavior can be an obstacle to water and moisture.