bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Key Factors in Decision Making for ECLS: A Binational Factorial Survey
Authors: Drewniak Daniel , Brandi Giovanna , Buehler Philipp Karl , Steiger Peter , Hagenbuch Niels , Stamm-Balderjahn Sabine , Schenk Liane , Rosca Ana , Krones Tanja 
Published: October 2021

Background Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) provides support to patients with cardiopulmonary failure refractory to conventional therapy. While ECLS is potentially life-saving, it is associated with severe complications; decision making to initiate ECLS must, therefore, carefully consider which patients ECLS potentially benefits despite its consequences. Objective To answer 2 questions: First, which medically relevant patient factors influence decisions to initiate ECLS? Second, what are factors relevant to decisions to withdraw a running ECLS treatment? Methods We conducted a factorial survey among 420 physicians from 111 hospitals in Switzerland and Germany. The study included 2 scenarios: 1 explored willingness to initiate ECLS, and 1 explored willingness to withdraw a running ECLS treatment. Each participant responded to 5 different vignettes for each scenario. Vignettes were analyzed using mixed-effects regression models with random intercepts. Results Factors in the vignettes such as patients’ age, treatment costs, therapeutic goal, comorbidities, and neurological outcome significantly influenced the decision to initiate ECLS. When it came to the decision to withdraw ECLS, patients’ age, days on ECLS, criteria for discontinuation, condition of the patient, comorbidities, and neurological outcome were significant factors. In both scenarios, patients’ age and neurological outcome were the most influential factors. Conclusions This study provided insights into physicians’ decision making processes about ECLS initiation and withdrawal. Patients’ age and neurological status were the strongest factors influencing decisions regarding initiation of ECLS as well as for ECLS withdrawal. The findings may contribute to a more refined understanding of complex decision making for ECLS.
Association mapping of drought tolerance and agronomic traits in rice (Oryza sativa L.) landraces
Authors: Beena Radha , Kirubakaran Silvas , Nithya Narayanan , Manickavelu Alagu , Sah Rameshwar Prasad , Abida Puthenpeedikal Salim , Sreekumar Janardanan , Jaslam Poolakkal Muhammed , Rejeth Rajendrakumar , Jayalekshmy Vijayalayam Gengamma , Roy Stephen , Manju Ramakrishnan Vimala , Viji Mariasoosai Mary , Siddique Kadambot H. M. 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background
Asian cultivars were predominantly represented in global rice panel selected for sequencing and to identify novel alleles for drought tolerance. Diverse genetic resources adapted to Indian subcontinent were not represented much in spite harboring useful alleles that could improve agronomic traits, stress resilience and productivity. These rice accessions are valuable genetic resource in developing rice varieties suited to different rice ecosystem that experiences varying drought stress level, and at different crop stages. A core collection of rice germplasm adapted to Southwestern Indian peninsular genotyped using SSR markers and characterized by contrasting water regimes to associate genomic regions for physiological, root traits and yield related traits. Genotyping-By-Sequencing of selected accessions within the diverse panel revealed haplotype variation in genic content within genomic regions mapped for physiological, morphological and root traits.

Results
Diverse rice panel (99 accessions) were evaluated in field and measurements on plant physiological, root traits and yield related traits were made over five different seasons experiencing varying drought stress intensity at different crop stages. Traits like chlorophyll stability index, leaf rolling, days to 50% flowering, chlorophyll content, root volume and root biomass were identified as best predictors of grain yield under stress. Association mapping revealed genetic variation among accessions and revealed 14 genomic targets associated with different physiological, root and plant production traits. Certain accessions were found to have beneficial allele to improve traits, plant height, root length and spikelet fertility, that contribute to the grain yield under stress. Genomic characterization of eleven accessions revealed haplotype variation within key genomic targets on chromosomes 1, 4, 6 and 11 for potential use as molecular markers to combine drought avoidance and tolerance traits. Genes mined within the genomic QTL intervals identified were prioritized based on tissue specific expression level in publicly available rice transcriptome data.

Conclusion
The genetic and genomic resources identified will enable combining traits with agronomic value to optimize yield under stress and hasten trait introgression into elite cultivars. Alleles associated with plant height, specific leaf area, root length from PTB8 and spikelet fertility and grain weight from PTB26 can be harnessed in future rice breeding program.
Associations of overweight and gestational diabetes mellitus with free sugars from solid and liquid sources: cross-sectional and nested case-control analyses
Authors: Mussa Joseph , Brazeau Anne-Sophie , Peters Tricia , Dahhou Mourad , Sanmartin Claudia , Ross Nancy , Rahme Elham , Dasgupta Kaberi 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background
Sugar-sweetened beverages have obesogenic and diabetogenic effects ascribed to free sugars. These include added sugars and naturally occurring sugars in juices. A meta-analysis indicates that some foods with added sugars are associated with lower type 2 diabetes rates. To expand the evidence relevant to free sugars from solid sources, we examined a young to middle-aged population with respect to overweight and gestational diabetes (GDM) outcomes.

Methods
We studied female participants (12–50 years old) from the 2004–2005 Canadian Community Health Survey 2.2 (CCHS) with data linked to the hospital Discharge Abstract Database (DAD) until 2017, providing 13 years of follow-up. We estimated free sugars by solid and liquid sources from 24-h dietary recalls as percent total energy intake (TE%), and computed body mass index (BMI). We applied ICD-10 diagnostic codes for deliveries and GDM to DAD. We conducted multivariable logistic regression analyses to evaluate associations between free sugars with overweight at baseline (cross-sectional component) and, in those who delivered, with GDM during follow-up (nested case control component). We compared those with consumption above versus below various thresholds of intake for free sugars, considering solid and liquid sources separately (2.TE%, 5TE%, 10TE% and 15TE% thresholds).

Results
Among 6305 participants, 2505 (40%) were overweight, defined as BMI ≥ 85th percentile below 18 years and BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 for adults. Free sugars from solid sources were associated with lower odds of overweight above versus below the 2.5TE% (adjusted odds ratio [adjOR] 0.80, 95%CI 0.70–0.92), 5TE% (adjOR 0.89, 95%CI 0.79–0.99), and 10TE% (adjOR 0.86, 95%CI 0.75–0.97) thresholds. Free sugars from liquid sources were associated with greater odds of overweight across the 2.5TE% (adjOR 1.20, 95%CI 1.07–1.36), 10TE% (adjOR 1.17, 95%CI 1.02–1.34), and 15TE% (adjOR 1.43, 95%CI 1.23–1.67) thresholds. There were 113 cases of GDM among the 1842 women who delivered (6.1%). Free sugars from solid sources were associated with lower odds of GDM above versus below the 5TE% threshold (adjOR 0.56, 95%CI 0.36–0.85).

Conclusions
Our findings support limiting free sugars from liquid sources, given associations with overweight. We did not identify adverse associations of free sugars from solid sources across any of the thresholds examined.
Changes in childhood experimentation with, and exposure to, tobacco and e-cigarettes and perceived smoking norms: a repeated cross-sectional study of 10–11 year olds’ in Wales
Authors: Hallingberg Britt , Angel Lianna , Brown Rachel , Copeland Lauren , Gray Linsay , Van Godwin Jordan , Moore Graham 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background
Today’s primary school children have grown up in a climate of strong smoking restrictions, decreasing tobacco use, and the emergence of e-cigarettes. Children’s exposure to tobacco declined substantially in years following the introduction of smoke-free legislation, with smoking uptake and perceived smoking norms declining. There is debate regarding whether emergence of e-cigarettes may interrupt trends in children’s smoking perceptions, or offer a means for adults to limit children’s exposure to tobacco. This study examines change in children’s tobacco and e-cigarettes experimentation (ever use), exposure to secondhand smoking and vaping, and perceived smoking norms.

Methods
Data from four, repeat cross-sectional surveys of Year 6 primary school pupils (age 10–11 years) in Wales in 2007, 2008, 2014 and 2019 (n = 6741) were combined. E-cigarette use and perceptions were included in 2014 and 2019 surveys. Analyses used binary logistic regression analyses, adjusted for school-level clustering.

Results
Child tobacco experimentation and most indicators of exposure to tobacco smoke indicated a graded decreasing trend over time from 2007 to 2019. Exposure to e-cigarettes increased from 2014 to 2019, as did pupil awareness of e-cigarettes (OR = 2.56, 95%CI = 2.12–3.10), and parental use (OR = 1.26, 95%CI = 1.00–1.57). A decrease in child e-cigarette experimentation was not significant (OR = 0.80, 95%CI = 0.57–1.13). Children’s normative perceptions for smoking by adults and children indicated a graded decrease over time (OR = 0.66, 95%CI = 0.54–0.80; OR = 0.69, 95%CI = 0.55–0.86; respectively from 2014 to 2019). However, fewer reported disapproval of people smoking around them in 2019 relative to 2014 (OR = 0.68, 95%CI = 0.53–0.88). Higher exposure to tobacco cigarettes and e-cigarettes in public places, cars and households were associated with favourable normative perceptions for tobacco smoking; however in models adjusted for exposure to both associations of e-cigarette exposure were attenuated.

Conclusion
Children’s experimentation with and exposure to tobacco, and their perceptions of smoking as a normative behaviour, have continued to decline alongside growth in exposure to e-cigarettes. Although a large majority of pupils reported they minded people smoking around them, there was some evidence of diminishing disapproval of secondhand smoke since 2007. Further research is needed to understand whether use of e-cigarettes in cars and homes is displacing prior smoking or being introduced into environments where smoking had been eliminated.
Development of therapies for rare genetic disorders of GPX4: roadmap and opportunities
Authors: Cheff Dorian M. , Muotri Alysson R. , Stockwell Brent R. , Schmidt Edward E. , Ran Qitao , Kartha Reena V. , Johnson Simon C. , Mittal Plavi , Arnér Elias S. J. , Wigby Kristen M. , Hall Matthew D. , Ramesh Sanath Kumar 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background
Extremely rare progressive diseases like Sedaghatian-type Spondylometaphyseal Dysplasia (SSMD) can be neonatally lethal and therefore go undiagnosed or are difficult to treat. Recent sequencing efforts have linked this disease to mutations in GPX4, with consequences in the resulting enzyme, glutathione peroxidase 4. This offers potential diagnostic and therapeutic avenues for those suffering from this disease, though the steps toward these treatments is often convoluted, expensive, and time-consuming.

Main body
The CureGPX4 organization was developed to promote awareness of GPX4-related diseases like SSMD, as well as support research that could lead to essential therapeutics for patients. We provide an overview of the 21 published SSMD cases and have compiled additional sequencing data for four previously unpublished individuals to illustrate the genetic component of SSMD, and the role of sequencing data in diagnosis. We outline in detail the steps CureGPX4 has taken to reach milestones of team creation, disease understanding, drug repurposing, and design of future studies.

Conclusion
The primary aim of this review is to provide a roadmap for therapy development for rare, ultra-rare, and difficult to diagnose diseases, as well as increase awareness of the genetic component of SSMD. This work will offer a better understanding of GPx4-related diseases, and help guide researchers, clinicians, and patients interested in other rare diseases find a path towards treatments.
Prevalence and characteristics of malaria co-infection among individuals with visceral leishmaniasis in Africa and Asia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wilairatana Polrat , Chanmol Wetpisit , Rattaprasert Pongruj , Masangkay Frederick Ramirez , Milanez Giovanni De Jesus , Kotepui Kwuntida Uthaisar , Kotepui Manas 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background
Malaria and visceral leishmaniasis (VL) co-infection can occur due to the overlapping geographical distributions of these diseases; however, only limited data of this co-infection have been reported and reviewed. This study aimed to explore the pooled prevalence and characteristics of this co-infection using a systematic review approach.

Methods
The PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases were searched for relevant studies. The quality of these studies was assessed in accordance with strengthening the reporting of observational studies in epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines. The numbers of individuals co-infected with Plasmodium and VL and the total numbers of individuals with VL were used to estimate the pooled prevalence using random-effects models. Differences in age, sex and the presence of anemia and malnutrition on admission were compared between co-infected individuals and individuals with VL using a random-effects model; the results are presented as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity among the included studies was assessed and quantified using Cochrane Q and I2 statistics.

Results
Of the 3075 studies identified, 12 met the eligibility criteria and were included in this systematic review. The pooled prevalence of Plasmodium infection among the 6453 individuals with VL was 13%, with substantial heterogeneity of the data (95% CI 7–18%, I2 97.9%). Subgroup analysis demonstrated that the highest prevalence of co-infection occurred in African countries, whereas the lowest prevalence occurred in Asian countries. Patients aged < 5 years had higher odds of having co-infection than having VL (co-infection, n = 202; VL, n = 410) (OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.37–2.01, I2 0%; P < 0.0001), whereas patients aged 20–29 years had lower odds of having co-infection than having VL (co-infection, n = 170; VL, n = 699) (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.60–0.93, I2 18%; P = 0.01). Male patients had equivalent odds of having co-infection and having VL (co-infection, n = 525; VL, n = 2232) (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.078–1.08, I2 0%; P = 0.29). Patients with co-infection had lower odds of having anemia at admission than those with VL (co-infection, n = 902; VL, n = 2939) (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.44–0.93, I2 0%; P = 0.02). No difference in malnutrition at admission was found in the meta-analysis.

Conclusions
The prevalence of malaria co-infection among individuals with VL was heterogeneous and ranged from 7 to 18%, depending on geographical area. Age and anemia at admission were associated with co-infection status. Further longitudinal studies are needed to determine if co-infection with malaria has an impact on the severity of VL.

Graphical abstract
Knowledge/perception and attitude/practices of populations of two first-line communities of the Centre Region of Cameroon regarding onchocerciasis and black fly nuisance and bio-ecology
Authors: Domche André , Nana-Djeunga Hugues C. , Yemeli Linda Djune , Nanga Cédric Lenou , Boussinesq Michel , Njiokou Flobert , Pion Sébastien , Kamgno Joseph 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background
Despite high black fly densities in persisting onchocerciasis foci in Cameroon, no vector control has ever been carried out to complement Community-Directed Treatment with Ivermectin (CDTI). As a prelude to community-based vector control, this study explored knowledge/perception and attitude/practice (KAP) of populations of two first-line communities regarding onchocerciasis, black fly nuisance and bio-ecology.

Methods
A cross-sectional survey was conducted in two communities of the Bafia Health District, following a household-based interview approach using a structured questionnaire. KAP scores were calculated and categorised as good or poor based on the number of correct or positive responses. Associations between KAP and socio-demographic parameters were explored using logistic regression models.

Results
A total of 215 individuals aged 15–100 years were interviewed. Positive associations were observed between good knowledge/perception and age and the duration of residency in the community. Most respondents (91.6%) described having post-biting sequels (oedema, itching) and more than half (69.3%) admitted that black fly bites affect their productivity. Although 81.4% of the respondents stated that black fly densities are higher during the rainy season, only 10.7% of them knew that they breed in the river. Also, 59.5% of the interviewees stated that black flies bite not only outdoors but also indoors, and 78.6% of enrolees were ready to help to fight against black flies. Most of the respondents were well aware of onchocerciasis, even though the transmission mode and vector bio-ecology were not well known.

Conclusion
This study revealed the need to implement community-based vector control to support CDTI in the fight against onchocerciasis and to reduce black fly nuisance.

Graphical abstract
Psychometric properties of the Persian version of the quality of recovery-15 questionnaire
Authors: Shahsavari Hooman , Ghane Golnar , Ghiyasvandian Shahrzad , Zakerimoghadam Masoumeh , Najafi Fatemeh 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundRecovery after surgery is a complex process since it depends on many factors, such as the patient’s sex, age, surgery type, and presence of other diseases. This study aimed to translate and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the quality of recovery-15 (QoR-15) questionnaire in Iranian patients undergoing surgery.MethodsThe Persian version of the QoR-15 questionnaire was developed after translating and culturally validating the instrument. Content validity was assessed with a sample of clinicians (n = 15) and face validity was assessed in a sample of patients (n = 15) undergoing elective surgery. The final questionnaire was completed by 450 patients (n = 450) 24 h after surgery. Construct validity was assessed using exploratory factor analysis in patients (N = 250). Convergence and divergent validity were also assessed. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha and construct reliability was also assessed. Test–retest reliability was assessed on a randomly selected sub sample of 50 patients. Finally, the questionnaire was completed by a further sample of 200 patients 24 h after surgery and construct validity was assessed using confirmatory factor analysis.ResultsAccording to Lawshe, all items received at least an acceptable ratio for content validity ratio (CVR). Item content validity index (I-CVI) of each item was greater than 0.79. Construct validity indicated good fit statistics in the five components of CFA, and CFI was > 0.93. The reliability of the QoR-15 questionnaire was acceptable based on Cronbach’s alpha score (> 0.001), test–retest reliability value (0.81), and CR (> 0.7).ConclusionThe Persian version of the QoR-15 questionnaire was equivalent to the original one regarding both conceptual and linguistic aspects. This study also confirmed the validity and reliability of the Persian version of the QoR-15 questionnaire. Therefore, the Persian version of the QoR-15 questionnaire can be a suitable and brief instrument to assess the recovery quality in Iranian patients undergoing surgery.
Modelling and simulation of industrial multistage flash desalination process with exergetic and thermodynamic analysis. A case study of Azzour seawater desalination plant
Authors: Almerri Abdullah H. , Al-Obaidi Mudhar A. , Alsadaie Salih , Mujtaba Iqbal M. 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Despite the fact of being intensive energy consumption, MSF is a mature technology that characterised by a high production capacity of high-quality water. The multistage flash (MSF) desalination process is one of the prominent thermal desalination used in the industry of seawater desalination to produce high quantity and high quality of freshwater. However, this process consumes large amount of energy and faces thermal limitations due to its high degree of exergy destruction at several units of the process. Therefore, the research of MSF is still existed to elevate the performance indicators and to resolve the concern of high energy consumption. To rectify these limitations, it is important to determine the units responsible in dissipating energy. This study aims to model an industrial MSF process validated against real data and then investigate the exergy destruction and thermodynamic limitations of the process. As a case study, Azzour MSF seawater desalination plant, located in Al Khiran in Kuwait is under the focus. A comprehensive model is developed by analysing several published models. Specifically, the calculation of exergy destruction has embedded both physical and chemical exergies that identified as a strong point of the model developed. As expected, the highest exergy destruction (55.5%) occurs within the heat recovery section followed by the brine heater with exergy destruction of 28.26% of the total exergy destruction. This study identifies the sections of the industrial process that cause the highest energy losses.
Investigation on in situ silica dispersed in natural rubber latex matrix combined with spray sputtering technology
Authors: Chang Tianhao , Bian Huiguang , Xiao Yao , Xue Junxiu , Wang Chuansheng 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
In this study, different processes are performed for the preparation of natural rubber latex (NRL)/silica composites. A novel approach is to use spray sputtering technology combined with in situ method to improve the dispersion of silica in rubber latex matrix and further improve the properties of vulcanizates. Results show that in situ silica in rubber matrix prepared from NH4Cl and Na2SiO3 has better Payen effect than other processes. Meanwhile, when the in situ silica reached 10 phr in the rubber matrix, the dosage can suitably match the dispersion capacity of the spray sputtering process with superior comprehensive mechanical properties. Compared with the traditional precipitation method, the tensile strength and tear strength of the silica/NR composites prepared by spray sputtering technology combined with in situ method were increased by 34.7% and 19.7%.