bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sexual dimorphism in the parasitic snailNanobalcis worsfoldi: a histological and morphometric approach with insights for the family Eulimidae
Authors: Sales Licia , Queiroz Vinicius 
Published: October 2021

Sexual dimorphism has long been stressed as a remarkable characteristic of Eulimidae snails. This idea is so common for this family that, even without information on the soft parts, some species were already identified as male or female, as observed in Nanobalcis worsfoldi Warén, 1990. Here, we investigated whether larger and smaller individuals of N. worsfoldi are female and male, respectively, and what are the most useful characteristics to differentiate the sexes. We analyzed shell morphology and morphometry, along with coloration of the soft parts of large and small individuals, and crosschecked our findings through histological analysis. Our results confirmed that (i) larger and smaller individuals are females and males, respectively; (ii) shell morphology is not useful, while morphometry is important to address sexual dimorphism; (iii) since shell length and width showed the most remarkable differences, they are considered the best parameters to predict the sex. Furthermore, conchological characteristics associated with histological analysis suggest that this species could be the first non-sessile eulimid known as a sequential hermaphrodite (protandric) with environmental sex determination, but this remains to be confirmed. Considering that most studies on eulimids are based on shells, the morphometric parameters used here may support future ecological/biological analyses in the family, such as parasitological prevalence, or parasitic burden related to sex.
The incidence and mortality of yellow fever in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Nwaiwu Akuoma U. , Musekiwa Alfred , Tamuzi Jacques L. , Sambala Evanson Z. , Nyasulu Peter S. 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background
Understanding the occurrence of yellow fever epidemics is critical for targeted interventions and control efforts to reduce the burden of disease. We assessed data on the yellow fever incidence and mortality rates in Africa.

Methods
We searched the Cochrane Library, SCOPUS, MEDLINE, CINAHL, PubMed, Embase, Africa-wide and Web of science databases from 1 January 1975 to 30th October 2020. Two authors extracted data from included studies independently and conducted a meta-analysis.

Results
Of 840 studies identified, 12 studies were deemed eligible for inclusion. The incidence of yellow fever per 100,000 population ranged from < 1 case in Nigeria, < 3 cases in Uganda, 13 cases in Democratic Republic of the Congo, 27 cases in Kenya, 40 cases in Ethiopia, 46 cases in Gambia, 1267 cases in Senegal, and 10,350 cases in Ghana. Case fatality rate associated with yellow fever outbreaks ranged from 10% in Ghana to 86% in Nigeria. The mortality rate ranged from 0.1/100,000 in Nigeria to 2200/100,000 in Ghana.

Conclusion
The yellow fever incidence rate is quite constant; in contrast, the fatality rates vary widely across African countries over the study period. Standardized demographic health surveys and surveillance as well as accurate diagnostic measures are essential for early recognition, treatment and control.
Bacterial vaginosis and other infections in pregnant women in Senegal
Authors: Bonneton Marion , Huynh Bich-Tram , Seck Abdoulaye , Bercion Raymond , Sarr Fatoumata Diene , Delarocque-Astagneau Elisabeth , Vray Muriel 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is associated with a higher risk of preterm delivery and spontaneous abortion. Yet little data on BV prevalence exist for sub-Saharan countries. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis and associated risk factors among pregnant women in Senegal.

Methods
From October 2013 to December 2018, pregnant women in their third trimester were recruited in two primary health centers (one suburban, one rural) in Senegal. Healthcare workers interviewed women and collected a lower vaginal swab and a blood sample. Vaginal flora were classified into four categories using vaginal smear microscopic examination and Gram’s coloration. In our study, BV was defined as vaginal flora with no Lactobacillus spp. Variables associated with BV were analyzed using STATA® through univariate and multivariate analysis.

Results
A total of 457 women provided a vaginal sample for analysis. Overall, BV prevalence was 18.6% (85/457) [95% CI 15.4–22.6]) and was similar in suburban and rural areas (18.9% versus 18.1%, p = 0.843). Multivariate analysis showed that primigravidity was the only factor independently associated with a lower risk of BV (aOR 0.35 [95% CI 0.17–0.72]).

Conclusions
Our study showed significant BV prevalence among pregnant women in Senegal. Although the literature has underscored the potential consequences of BV for obstetric outcomes, data are scarce on BV prevalence in sub-Saharan African countries. Before authorities consider systematic BV screening for pregnant women, a larger study would be useful in documenting prevalence, risk factors and the impact of BV on pregnancy outcomes.
Predicting pathologic response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced breast cancer using multiparametric MRI
Authors: Lu Nannan , Dong Jie , Fang Xin , Wang Lufang , Jia Wei , Zhou Qiong , Wang Lingyu , Wei Jie , Pan Yueyin , Han Xinghua 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundThis study aims to observe and analyze the effect of diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on the patients with locally advanced breast cancer undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy.MethodsFifty patients (mean age, 48.7 years) with stage II–III breast cancer who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy and preoperative MRI between 2016 and 2020 were retrospectively evaluated. The associations between preoperative breast MRI findings/clinicopathological features and outcomes of neoadjuvant chemotherapy were assessed.ResultsClinical stage at baseline (OR: 0.104, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.021–0.516,P = 0.006) and standard apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) change (OR: 9.865, 95% CI 1.024–95.021,P = 0.048) were significant predictive factors of the effects of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The percentage increase of standard ADC value in pathologic complete response (pCR) group was larger than that in non-pCR group at first time point (P < 0.05). A correlation was observed between the change in standard ADC values and tumor diameter at first follow-up (r: 0.438,P < 0.05).ConclusionsOur findings support that change in standard ADC values and clinical stage at baseline can predict the effects of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for patients with breast cancer in early stage.
Hepatectomy risk assessment with functional magnetic resonance imaging (HEPARIM)
Authors: Elsharif Mohamed , Roche Matthew , Wilson Daniel , Basak Susmita , Rowe Ian , Vijayanand Dhakshina , Feltbower Richard , Treanor Darren , Roberts Lee , Guthrie Ashley , Prasad Raj , Gilthorpe Mark S. , Attia Magdy , Sourbron Steven 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background
Post hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) remains a significant risk in patients undergoing curative liver resection for cancer, however currently available PHLF risk prediction investigations are not sufficiently accurate.
The Hepatectomy risk assessment with functional magnetic resonance imaging trial (HEPARIM) aims to establish if quantitative MRI biomarkers of liver function & perfusion can be used to more accurately predict PHLF risk and FLR function, measured against indocyanine green (ICG) liver function test.

Methods
HEPARIM is an observational cohort study recruiting patients undergoing liver resection of 2 segments or more, prior to surgery patients will have both Dynamic Gadoxetate-enhanced (DGE) liver MRI and ICG testing.
Day one post op ICG testing is repeated and R15 compared to the Gadoxetate Clearance (GC) of the future liver remnant (FLR-GC) as measure by preoperative DGE- MRI which is the primary outcome, and preoperative ICG R15 compared to GC of whole liver (WL-GC) as a secondary outcome.
Data will be collected from medical records, biochemistry, pathology and radiology reports and used in a multi-variate analysis to the value of functional MRI and derive multivariant prediction models for future validation.

Discussion
If successful, this test will potentially provide an efficient means to quantitatively assess FLR function and PHLF risk enabling surgeons to push boundaries of liver surgery further while maintaining safe practice and thereby offering chance of cure to patients who would previously been deemed inoperable. MRI has the added benefit of already being part of the routine diagnostic pathway and as such would have limited additional burden on patients time or cost to health care systems. (Hepatectomy Risk Assessment With Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging - Full Text View -ClinicalTrials.gov, n.d.)

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov, ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04705194 - Registered 12th January 2021 – Retrospectively registered
Clinicopathological features and prognostic significance of C5aR in human solid tumors: a Meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Ziran , Yu Wenwei , Qiang Yawen , Ma Fan , Ding Pengsheng , Wang Yangyan 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background
C5aR has been extensively studied in recent years as an essential component of the complement system. However, the role of C5aR in tumors has not been sufficiently investigated and summarized. The aim of this meta-analysis was to investigate the prognostic value of C5aR in solid tumors as well as the correlation between C5aR and clinicopathological features.

Methods
Relevant study collection was performed in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, BIOSIS Previews, Cochrane Library until July 10, 2021. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs), odds ratios (ORs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the robustness of this study, while publication bias was tested by Begg’s and Egger’s tests.

Results
A total of 11 studies involving 1577 patients were included in the study. Our results suggest that the high-level C5aR expression in tumor tissue predicted unsatisfactory overall survival (OS) (HR = 1.92, 95% CI:1.47–2.50, P < 0.001) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) (HR = 2.19, 95% CI:1.47–3.27, P < 0.001). Besides, a higher level of C5aR expression was associated with larger tumor size (OR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.18–2.10, P = 0.002) and the occurrence of metastases in lymph nodes (OR = 1.99, 95% CI: 1.46–2.72, P<0.001), whereas it was independent of tumor stage, vascular invasion and tumor differentiation.

Conclusion
In conclusion, C5aR may be a potential biomarker for evaluating tumor prognosis and treatment.
Sonographic and pathological features of metaplastic squamous cell carcinoma of the breast: a case series
Authors: Ye Xiao-Jian , Chen Xiao-Yu , Ke Zhi-Bin , Lin Fei , Wu Yu-Peng , Yan Lei 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Objective
The aim of this study was to evaluate the sonographic features and to compare the sonographic findings with the pathologic features.

Methods
The sonographic and pathological features of all patients were retrospectively reviewed.

Results
All these 9 patients presented with a palpable breast mass first found by the patient before presentation. The median diameters were 3.67 cm. On two-dimensional imaging, 8 masses showed mixed echogenicity with both solid and cystic components, and only 1 mass showed hypoechoic. All the masses had irregular shapes. 1 mass had indistinct margin and 8 masses had microlobulated margins. Calcifications was seen in 1 mass. On color Doppler flow imaging, 8 masses had high vascularity with high resistance index; 5 masses had grade III blood flow signal; 3 masses had grade II blood flow signal. On histopathological examination, 5 masses were adenocarcinoma with squamous metaplasia, and 4 masses were pure SCC. On immunohistochemical staining, estrogen receptors (ER), progesterone receptors (PR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER2) were negative in 5 masses. There were 2 patients with lymph node metastasis.

Conclusions
Most of the sonographic features of MSCC were mixed echogenicity with central cystic components, posterior echo enhancement, abundant vascularity with high resistance.
Self-reported knowledge, attitudes, practices and barriers in use of evidence-based medicine among resident physicians in Kenya: a mixed methods study
Authors: Unadkat Megha B. , Mbuba Caroline K. , Ngugi Anthony K. , Kamya Dorothy 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background
Evidence based medicine (EBM) helps clinicians to integrate latest research evidence into their daily clinical practice. There is a need for all healthcare professions to adopt it in order to provide safe and most cost-effective care. Postgraduate doctors are at the frontline of healthcare delivery and all medical institutions should strive to produce practitioners of EBM. Studies have shown that physicians are still struggling to adapt to this paradigm shift in the practice of medicine but very few studies have been done in Sub Saharan Africa. This study explored the self-reported knowledge, attitudes, practices and barriers of evidence-based practice among resident physicians in a tertiary teaching hospital.

Methods
A mixed methods cross-sectional study that used convergent parallel design was conducted. The quantitative arm was conducted among all residents enrolled in the Master of Medicine programme at Aga Khan University Hospital Nairobi (AKUHN). It included an online survey exploring self-reported knowledge, attitudes, practices and barriers of EBM among all residents. Simultaneously, semi-structured In-Depth Interviews were carried out among 18 purposefully selected residents in order to explore the same themes in more depth.

Results
One hundred and one residents (99%) responded to the survey. The mean scores for self-reported knowledge, attitude and practice of EBM among residents were 73.88, 66.96 and 63.19% respectively, which were generally higher than in comparable studies. There was a significant association between year of residency and practice of EBM. The most common barriers faced by residents were lack of time, lack of EBM skills and patients’ unawareness about EBM.
From the qualitative study, residents demonstrated good knowledge and support of EBM but practice remained relatively poor. Barriers to EBM were characterized by lack of motivation, time, skills and resources, patient overload and fear of challenging consultants.

Conclusion
There was good understanding and support of EBM among residents at AKUHN, though challenges were experienced in regards to practice of EBM because of lack of time and skills. Therefore resources should be allocated towards integrating EBM into undergraduate medical curricula to cultivate critical thinking skills at an early stage before transition into residency.
UAV cooperative search in dynamic environment based on hybrid-layered APF
Authors: Shao Rui , Tao Rentuo , Liu Youda , Yang Yuhao , Li Dasheng , Chen Jianjun 
Published: October 2021

AbstractUnmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) detection has the advantages of flexible deployment and no casualties. It has become a force that cannot be ignored in the battlefield. Scientific and efficient mission planning can help improving the survival rate and mission completion rate of the UAV search in dynamic environments. Towards the mission planning problem of UAV collaborative search for multi-types of time-sensitive moving targets, a search algorithm based on hybrid layered artificial potential fields algorithm (HL-APF) was proposed. This method consists of two parts, a distributed artificial field algorithm and a centralized layered algorithm. In the improved artificial potential field (IAPF), this paper utilized a new target attraction field function which was segmented by the search distance to quickly search for dynamic targets. Moreover, in order to solve the problem of repeated search by the UAV in a short time interval, a search repulsion field generated by the UAV search path was proposed. Besides, in order to solve the unknown target search and improve the area coverage, a centralized layered scheduling algorithm controlled by the cloud server (CS) was added. CS divides the mission area into several sub-areas, and allocates UAV according to the priority function based on the search map. The CS activation mechanism can make full use of prior information, and the UAV assignment cool-down mechanism can avoid the repeated assignment of the same UAV. The simulation results show that compared with the hybrid artificial potential field and ant colony optimization and IAPF, HL-APF can significantly improve the number of targets and mission area coverage. Moreover, comparative experiment results of CS mechanism proved the necessity of setting CS activation and cool-down for improving the search performance. Finally, it also verified the robustness of the method under the failure of some UAVs.
Disturbances in the experiences of embodiment related to attachment, mentalization and self-objectification in anorexia nervosa
Authors: Katznelson Hannah , Daniel Sarah I. F. , Poulsen Stig , Lunn Susanne , Buhl-Nielsen Bernadette , Sjögren Jan Magnus 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundBody image disturbance is central to both the understanding and treatment of anorexia nervosa (AN); however, the underlying psychological processes involved are still not well understood. One way towards a better understanding of these mechanisms may be to explore the sense of embodiment in these patients in an attempt at integrating the role of the body in our understanding of the development of self in AN. It is hypothesized that difficulties in affective experiences of embodiment is related to insecure attachment, deficits in mentalization and self-objectification.MethodsSixteen inpatients with AN were interviewed with the Mirror Interview (MI). In the interview, the individual is asked a set of questions related to thoughts and feelings about the body while standing in front of a full-length mirror. Furthermore, all patients were assessed with the Adult Attachment Interview, which was coded for both attachment and mentalization (operationalized by the Reflective Functioning scale; RF). Self-objectification was measured with the Objectified Body Consciousness Scale (OBCS).ResultsResults from a multiple regression analysis showed that Global MI scores were significantly associated with Coherence of mind as an indicator of attachment, RF and scores on the OBCS.ConclusionsThe study suggests that affective experiences of embodiment in patients with AN are associated with negative attachment representations, mentalizing impairments and objectified body consciousness.Plain English SummaryBody image disturbance is a key diagnostic feature in anorexia nervosa but the underlying psychological processes are poorly understood. Recently, there has been a growing interest in how disturbances in the more psychological experience of the body (embodiment) in anorexia nervosa is related to both attachment, how individuals make sense of both themselves and others and the degree to which they tend to experience ourselves from the outside. In this pilot study, this was assessed with an innovative interview, the Mirror Interview, where the individual is asked a set of question while standing in front of a full length mirror. Results showed that difficulties in embodied experiences in patients with anorexia nervosa were related to more fundamental representations of self and self-objectification. This has potential implications for both the understanding and treatment of anorexia nervosa, as disturbances in body image may be seen as an underlying factor in the development of an eating disorder.
Why polls fail to predict elections
Authors: Zhou Zhenkun , Serafino Matteo , Cohan Luciano , Caldarelli Guido , Makse Hernán A. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIn the past decade we have witnessed the failure of traditional polls in predicting presidential election outcomes across the world. To understand the reasons behind these failures we analyze the raw data of a trusted pollster which failed to predict, along with the rest of the pollsters, the surprising 2019 presidential election in Argentina. Analysis of the raw and re-weighted data from longitudinal surveys performed before and after the elections reveals clear biases related to mis-representation of the population and, most importantly, to social-desirability biases, i.e., the tendency of respondents to hide their intention to vote for controversial candidates. We propose an opinion tracking method based on machine learning models and big-data analytics from social networks that overcomes the limits of traditional polls. This method includes three prediction models based on the loyalty classes of users to candidates, homophily measures and re-weighting scenarios. The model achieves accurate results in the 2019 Argentina elections predicting the overwhelming victory of the candidate Alberto Fernández over the incumbent president Mauricio Macri, while none of the traditional pollsters was able to predict the large gap between them. Beyond predicting political elections, the framework we propose is more general and can be used to discover trends in society, for instance, what people think about economics, education or climate change.
Dynamic assessment of variations in pupil diameter using swept-source anterior segment optical coherence tomography after phakic collamer lens implantation
Authors: Gonzalez-Lopez Felix , Bouza-Miguens Carmen , Tejerina Victor , Druchkiv Vasyl , Mompean Blas , Ortega-Usobiaga Julio , Bilbao-Calabuig Rafael 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Purpose
To dynamically assess variations in pupil diameter induced by changes in brightness in myopic eyes implanted with an implantable collamer lens (ICL, STAAR Surgical) with a central port.

Methods
This prospective, observational single-center case series study comprised 65 eyes from 65 consecutive patients undergoing ICL implant. A modified commercially available swept-source Fourier-domain anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) device was used for imaging and performing dynamic pupillometry under changing light conditions before and after a mean follow-up interval of four months after surgery.

Results
Preoperative mean pupil size under photopic conditions was 3.38 ± 0.64 mm; after surgery, this increased to 3.48 ± 0.61 mm. Mean pupil size under scotopic light conditions was 5.72 ± 0.79 mm before surgery and 5.84 ± 0.77 mm postoperatively. The differences between preoperative and postoperative pupil diameter in miosis and mydriasis were 0.10 ± 0.44 mm (P = 0.078) and 0.12 ± 0.58 mm (P = 0.098), respectively. The scotopic pupil exceeded the optic zone of the implanted lens in 39 eyes (60%). The mean central vault value was 412 ± 177 μm under maximum miosis and 506 ± 190 μm under maximum mydriasis. We found a positive correlation between vault and differences in pupil diameter under all light conditions (P < 0.05).

Conclusion
Dynamic AS-OCT enables a very precise determination of the pupillary diameter in the iris plane. The changes in the pupil diameter under different light conditions after the implantation of an ICL are related to the postoperative vault.