bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Outcomes of Open Side to End Antegrade Colorectal Single Stapler Anastomosis Versus Open End to End Retrograde Trans-anal Colorectal Single Stapler Anastomosis in Non-emergent Sigmoid and Rectal Cancers. Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Habeeb Tamer.A A.M. , Osman Gamal , Ibrahim Amr , Metwalli Abd-Elrahman M. , Mansour Mohamed Ibrahim , Mohamed Ahmed Shafik , Negm Said Mohamed , Wasefy Tamer , Baghdadi Muhammad Ali , Sieda Bassem , Elsayed Ashraf Abdelmonem , Amin Mohamed Farouk , Abdalla Wael M , Elaidy Mostafa. M. , Mawla Walid A. , Mohammad Hatem , Habib Fady Mehaney , Abdelhamid Mohamed. I. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Introduction: Cancer rectum and sigmoid is increasing nowadays. Resection is done by open and laparoscopic approaches. Laparoscopic approach is not available in many sites worldwide. Aim of this study: To analyze the outcomes of open side to end (antegrade) colorectal single stapling anastomosis versus open end to end (retrograde) Trans-anal colorectal stapling anastomosis in non-emergent sigmoid and rectal cancers open surgery in adults.Patients and Methods: Randomized controlled trial was performed on patients with sigmoid and rectal cancers between September 2016 and September 2018. Results: The majority of studied group were between 50-70 years with mean of 62.58±12.3 years and 61.03±13.98 years in group A and group B respectively. Intraoperative data showed no significant difference was founded between studied group except at operative time and mean anastomotic time as group A was significantly shorter. Univariate analysis showed that perioperative blood loss, length of stay, reoperation, inpatient death, infection and bleeding were significantly associated with leakage. Multivariate analysis of anastomotic leak showed that infection is the only independent predictors for anastomotic leak. There is statistically significant change as regard range of bowel frequency in end to end group only (p=0.04) and there is statistically significant difference as regard incontinence for Flatus in side to end group only (p=0.00) .There is statistically significant change in both group regard Incontinence for liquid stools(p=0.00) and Clustering of stool(p=0.00 and p=0.043).The quality of life in Antegrade group significantly drop at 6 months and return to baseline after that as regard PWB, FWB and CCS with no difference as regard SWB & EWB while in retrograde group, the same change happened only as regard PWB & FWB but SWB and CCS percentage didn’t return to baselineConclusion: The side-to-end anastomoses approach is a safe approach of anastomosis and may be used as alternative to retrograde approach.
A Method for Small-Area Estimation of Population Mortality in Settings Affected by Crises
Authors: Checchi Francesco , Testa Adrienne , Gimma Amy , Koum-Besson Emilie , Warsame Abdihamid 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
Populations affected by crises (armed conflict, food insecurity, natural disaster) are poorly covered by demographic surveillance. As such, crisis-wide estimation of population mortality is extremely challenging, resulting in a lack of evidence to inform humanitarian response and conflict resolution.
Methods
We describe here a ‘small-area estimation’ method to circumvent these data gaps and quantify both total and excess (i.e. crisis-attributable) death rates and tolls, both overall and for granular geographic (e.g. district) and time (e.g. month) strata. The method is based on analysis of data previously collected by national and humanitarian actors, including ground survey observations of mortality, displacement-adjusted population denominators and datasets of variables that may predict the death rate. We describe the six sequential steps required for the method’s implementation and illustrate its recent application in Somalia, South Sudan and northeast Nigeria, based on a generic set of analysis scripts.
Results
Descriptive analysis of ground survey data reveals informative patterns, e.g. concerning the contribution of injuries to overall mortality, or household net migration. Despite some data sparsity, for each crisis we have used the method in thus far, available predictor data allow the specification of reasonably predictive mixed effects models of crude and under 5 years death rate, validated using cross-validation. Assumptions about values of the predictors in the absence of a crisis provide counterfactual and excess mortality estimates.
Conclusions
The method enables retrospective estimation of crisis-attributable mortality with considerable geographic and period stratification, and can therefore contribute to better understanding and historical memorialisation of the public health effects of crises. We discuss key limitations and areas for further development.
Patient-reported Outcome Measures After Hospitalization During the COVID-19 Pandemic, a Survey Among COVID-19 and Non-COVID-19 Patients.
Authors: Elkan Matan , Dvir Ayana , Zaidenstein Ronit , Keller Maly , Kagansky Dana , Hochman Chen , Koren Ronit 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Many people recovering from COVID-19 suffer from long-term sequelae. The objective of this study was to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in COVID-19 patients a few months after discharge. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional case-control study on COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 pneumonia patients admitted to Shamir Medical Center, Israel (03-07/2020). In the months following discharge, patients were invited to participate in a survey and fill the RAND-36 questionnaire. Patient's characteristics and comorbidities were extracted from electronic charts. Results: Among 66 COVID-19 participants, the median age was 58.5 (IQR 49.8-68.3), 56.1% were female, and more than a third were obese (36.4%). The median length of stay was 7 days (IQR 4-10). Patient-reported outcome measures were reported at a median follow-up of 9-months (IQR 6-9). Pain, general health, vitality, and health change had the lowest scores (67.5, 60, 57.5, and 25 respectively). Matching to patients hospitalized with pneumonia due to other pathogens was performed on 42 of the COVID-19 patients. Non-COVID-19 patients were more frequently current or past smokers (50% vs 11.9%, p<0.01) and suffered more often from chronic lung disease (38.1% vs 9.5%, p=0.01). The score for health change was significantly lower in the COVID-19 group (25 vs 50, p<0.01). Conclusions: Post COVID-19 patients continue to suffer from an assortment of symptoms and perceive a deterioration in their health many months after hospitalization. This emphasizes the importance of prolonged medical follow-up in this population, and the need for additional research to better understand this novel's disease long-term effects.
Eradication of Helicobacter Pylori May Be Associated With the Incidence of Alzheimer’s Disease in Diabetes Mellitus Patients
Authors: Ou Yu-Lun , Huang Shu-Heng , Wu Deng-Chyang , Hsieh Hui-Min , Lee Min-Sheng , Lin Chih-Hao , Lin Kun-Der 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Introduction: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. Eradication of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) could affect the incidence and progression of many diseases; however, there are limited studies of the association between H. pylori eradication and AD outcome. We utilized the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) of Taiwan to determine the relationship between H. pylori eradication and AD in a diabetes mellitus (DM) population.Methods: We collected data from the NHIRD and the Diabetes Mellitus Health Database in Taiwan of patients without a prior diagnosis of AD. We specified three cohorts: patients with (1) peptic ulcer disease (PUD) but no H. pylori treatment, without DM (PUD-HPRx in GP); (2) PUD and DM, but no H. pylori eradication therapy (PUD-HPRx in DM); (3) PUD and DM, with H. pylori eradication therapy (PUD+HPRx in DM). All cohorts were matched according to age, sex, Charlson Comorbidity Index score, and comorbidities.Results: Data were collected from 2000 to 2010, and 157,231 patients were enrolled in total. We compared the effects of treatment for H. pylori infection on the incidence and mortality of AD. The patients with DM who received H. pylori eradication therapy had a higher incidence of AD than the general population (adjusted hazard ratio of incidence [aHR], 1.088). Subgroup analysis showed that the risk of AD was higher in the younger patients who received H. pylori eradication therapy as compared with those who did not (aHR for younger than 45 years, 1.071; aHR of age 45-54 years, 1.089; aHR of age 55-64 years, 1.079) However, a lower mortality rate was observed in the PUD+HPRx in DM group (aHR, 0.945, compared with PUD-HPRx in DM; P < 0.001).Conclusion: In this study, we demonstrated that DM patients who underwent treatment for eradication of H. pylori had a higher incidence of AD, especially younger patients. Nevertheless, there was a lower mortality rate in patients who received H. pylori treatment. Further study is needed to clarify the interrelated roles of AD and eradication therapy for H. pylori.
Effect of Bearing Structure on Oil-air Flow and Temperature of High Speed Ball Bearing by Combining Nonlinear Dynamic and CFD Model
Authors: Deng Song , Zhao Guiqiang , Qian Dongsheng , Lin Hua 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
To achieve effective cooling for high speed ball bearings, an investigation on the effect of bearing structure on oil-air flow and temperature inside bearing chamber is necessary. However, accurately defining boundary conditions of CFD model for high speed ball bearings has not been addressed completely. Adopting an improved dynamic model of bearings to calculate movements of balls and power loss to set the movement boundary and heat source of CFD model at high-low speeds and light-heavy loads. Then, rotational speed of cage and temperature of outer ring at various loads are tested to validate this proposed method. At high speeds, enlarging sealing degree of outlet not only reduces the temperature rise of bearings and improves the uniformity of temperature distribution, but also promotes the formation of oil-film on balls’ surfaces without increasing power loss. Yet it can reduce the temperature rise but can’t markedly improve the formation of oil-film at low and ultra-high speeds. Moreover, half birfield cage facing nozzle plays an important role in improving oil volume fraction inside the bearing cavity to reduce the temperature rise of bearings, and the next is birfield cage, they are again corrugated cage and half birfield cage back towards nozzle. These research results provide theoretical guidance for the improvement of bearing structure.
Application of Nitrogenated Holey Graphene for Detection of Volatile Organic Biomarkers in Exhaled Breath of Humans With Chronic Kidney Disease: A Density Functional Theory Study
Authors: Majidi Roya , Nadafan Marzieh 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The possibility of using nitrogenated holey graphene (NHG) sheet to detect volatile organic biomarkers in exhaled breath of humans with kidney disease is investigated. Heptanal, hexanal, pentanal, and isoperene are known as the prominent biomarkers of chronic kidney disease. Adsorption of these molecules on NHG sheet is studied using density functional theory. All the molecules are weakly physisorbed on NHG sheet, which predicts easy desorption and the possibility of using NHG sheet as a reusable sensor. The NHG sheet acts as a semiconductor with a direct band gap. Adsorption of the considered molecules causes n-type semiconducting properties in the sheet. Increasing the concentration of the adsorbed molecules decreased the energy band gaps and consequently increased the electric conductivity of NHG sheet. Hence, the electronic properties of NHG sheet are sensitive to the presence and concentration of heptanal, hexanal, pentanal, and isoperene molecules. Our results open a new opportunity to design a new sensor to diagnose chronic kidney disease using exhaled breath analysis.
Genetic Analysis of the pX Region in Bovine Leukemia Virus genotype 1 in Holstein Friesian Cattle with Different Stages of Infection
Authors: Machuca Neli Montero , Pérez Jorge Luis Tórtora , Méndez Ana Silvia González , García-Camacho Lucia Angelica , Flamand Ernesto Marín , Álvarez Hugo Ramírez 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The pX genetic region of the Bovine Leukemia Virus (BLV) includes four genes with overlapping reading frames that code for the Tax, Rex, R3 and G4 proteins. These proteins are involved in the regulation of transcriptional and post-transcriptional viral expression, as well as having oncogenic potential. Our goal was to determine the pathogenic role associated with BLV genotype 1 pX region genetics in terms of lymphocytosis, lymphomas and proviral load. We screened 724 serological samples from mixed-age Holstein Friesian cattle from six states in Mexico. Once peripheral blood leukocytes were isolated from whole blood with anticoagulant, we extracted genomic DNA using a commercial kit. Then, we designed in silico primers that hybridize in conserved regions of the BLV pX region, which allowed for PCR standardization to detect proviral DNA in infected cells. Positive amplicons were sequenced using the Sanger method, obtaining 1156 nucleotide-long final sequences that included the four pX region genes. The 30 heads of cattle that formed the genetic study population included 12 with lymphocytosis, 12 without lymphocytosis and six with lymphoma. Lymphoma presence was determined in six bovine tumor tissues using histopathology, and we identified BLV presence with in situ hybridization.Phylogenetic analysis determined that the 30 sequences were associated with genotype 1, and genetic distance between the sequences ranged from 0.2% - 2.09%. We identified two sequences in the G4 gene, one with a three-nucleotide deletion (AGU_7488L, in a cow with lymphocytosis), and one with a nine nucleotide deletion (AGU_18A, in a cow without lymphocytosis). PX region analysis identified positive selection in the G4, rex and R3 genes, and we found no difference in proviral load between the studied groups. It was not possible to establish an association between pX region variability and the development of lymphocytosis, lymphoma, asymptomatic status and proviral load in BLV-infected cattle.
Characteristic Odor Emanating From Skin During Emotional Tension
Authors: Katsuyama Masako , Narita Tomomi , Nakashima Masaya , Kusaba Kentaro , Ochiai Masatoshi , Kunizawa Naomi , Kawaraya Akihiro , Kuwahara Yukari 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Humans frequently experience the transmission of the psychological state of people around them. Gas emanating from human skin is known to vary depending on body condition and/or food intake. This characteristic is gaining substantial scholarly attention because skin gas can be an effective non-invasive biomarker to know body condition. The study focuses on the relationship between psychological status and skin gas, which remains unclear to date. It demonstrates that an identifiable odor containing allyl mercaptan and dimethyl trisulfide is released from human skin during psychological stress and tension. An interview confirms a possible scenario where such a characteristic odor reproducibly appears. Undoubtedly, the scene is extreme. Furthermore, the study found that individuals who perceive this tension-stress model odor experience psychological tension, confusion, and fatigue (Profile of Mood States scale). The result indicates the possibility of human non-verbal communication through odor, which could enhance understanding of human interaction.
Isolation, Characterization and Mode of Action of a Plant-Derived Antifungal Peptide, Cc-AFP1 Against Aspergillus Fumigatus
Authors: Seyedjavadi Sima Sadat , Khani Soghra , Goudarzi Mehdi , Zare-Zardini Hadi , Shams-Ghahfarokhi Masoomeh , Jamzivar Fatemehsadat , Razzaghi-Abyaneh Mehdi 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Among novel molecules with therapeutic efficacy, antifungal peptides (AFPs) have recently been attracted due to their unique ability to evade fungal pathogens. In this study, a novel AFP, Cc-AFP1 (MW ~ 3.759 kDa) isolated from Carum carvi L. was purified by precipitation and chromatography techniques. Sequence analysis by Edman degradation revealed a fragment of 36 amino acid residues as RVCFRPVATYLGVCGVSGACRDHCVKLGSCVYKGPG. The tertiary structure prediction using the I-TASSER showed α-helix and random coil structure. Cc-AFP1 had a net charge of +4 and hydrophobicity ratio of 44%. The antifungal activity of Cc-AFP1 was confirmed against Aspergillus species with MIC values in the range of 8-16 µg/mL. Cc-AFP1 had less than 5% hemolytic activity at 8-16 µg/mL on human red blood cells, while it was nontoxic for HEK293 cell lines. Stability analysis showed that Cc-AFP1 activity was maintained at different temperatures (20 to 80ºC) and pH (8 to 10). The results of a propidium iodide uptake and transmission electron microscopy showed that the antifungal activity of Cc-AFP1 could be attributed to altering the fungal cell membrane permeability. Taken together, these results indicate that Cc-AFP1 may be an attractive molecule to develop as a novel antifungal agent combating fungal infections cause by Aspergillus species.
How to Choose Diseases for Newborn Screening by Tandem Mass Spectrometry Under the Nationally Recommended Program in Shenzhen, China Evidence From a Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
Authors: Yu Mingren , Xu Juan , Song Xiaohong , Du Jiayue 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Newborn screening (NBS) can prevent inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs), which may cause long-term disability and even death in newborns. However, in China, tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) screening has just started. This study is to determine the cost-effectiveness of NBS using MS/MS in Shenzhen under the nationally recommended program, and determine IEMs for detection.Methods: A Markov model was built to estimate the cost and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) of different screening programs. The current screening program and nationally recommended program were compared and we also compared the programs detecting different numbers of IEMs, which are chosen from the national program. A sensitivity analysis and budget impact analysis (BIA) were performed.Results: The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of detecting all 12 IEMs in the national program is 277,823 RMB per QALY, below three times per capita GDP in Shenzhen. MS/MS screening in Shenzhen can be cost-effective only if at least three diseases (PKU, PCD and MMA) are covered and when the screening program covers five diseases (PKU, PCD, MMA, MSUD, IVA), the ICER closely approaches its critical value. The BIA indicated the implementation cost of the national program to be around 580 million RMB over 10 years and showed no difference in budget between programs detecting different numbers of IEMs. Conclusions: We conclude that the newborn screening using MS/MS in Shenzhen is cost-effective, and the budget affordable for the Shenzhen government. Two concepts for selecting the IEMs to be detected, which we label the “ICER maximization idea” and the “ICER validation idea” are also presented.
Investigating Teachers’ Perceptions and Instructional Practices Regarding Form- Focused Instruction of Speech Acts in Iranian EFL Context
Authors: Shahi Melahat Amir Jahansouz , Gharagozloo Neda , Raissi Reza 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
This study aims to investigate Iranian EFL teachers’ perception and instructional practices towards form-focused instruction of speech acts specifically request, apology and invitation. To this aim, through sequential explanatory mixed methods design the researchers used criterion sampling and 30 English language instructors in Islamic Azad University (IAU) of North Tehran Branch served as the subjects. To attain general perception and teaching practices of instructors towards form-focused instruction of speech acts, they were asked to answer a pragmatic questionnaire. Besides, in order to achieve an enhanced awareness concerning instructors’ perceptions and practices regarding form-focused instruction a semi-structured interview was conducted for the same 30 English language instructors. Finally, six classes were observed by the investigators through convenience sampling. Likewise, through the triangulation approach, the investigators studied and merged the required data. The statistical results of the quantitative and qualitative data analysis revealed that form-focused instruction of speech acts is mostly focused by the Iranian EFL instructors. Most of them agreed with the use of explicit strategies for instructing request, apology and invitation speech acts rather than implicit strategies. Additionally, the explicit strategies were used by most of the instructors in EFL classes. The results of the current study are beneficial for syllabus directors and scholastic administrators to have a different outlook towards the curricula and textbooks' content, particularly for EFL settings.
Testing Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) on Dhaka Stock Exchange
Authors: Chowdhury Ataur Rahman 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The study focuses on finding the validity of the capital asset pricing model (CAPM) on the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) on both individual securities and portfolio levels. Using 102 securities data with the monthly stock prices for preceding five years, the outcome suggests that CAPM does not hold true for DSE, both on an individual company level and portfolio level. The securities market of Bangladesh (DSE in this case) proved inefficient as unsystematic risk premium become significant and beta cannot measure the risk component of securities investment.
Intelligent Localization and Quantitative Evaluation of Anterior Talofibular Ligament Injury using Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Ankle
Authors: Yan Wen , Meng Xianghong , Sun Jinglai , Yu Hui , Wang Zhi 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: There is a high incidence of injury to the lateral ligament of the ankle in daily living and sports activities. The anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) is the most frequent types of ankle injuries. It is of great clinical significance to achieve intelligent localization and injury evaluation of ATFL due to its vulnerability.Methods: According to the specific characteristics of bones in different slices, the key slice was extracted by image segmentation and characteristic analysis. Then, the talus and fibula in the key slice were segmented by distance regularized level set evolution (DRLSE), and the curvature of their contour pixels was calculated to find useful feature points including the neck of talus, the inner edge of fibula, and the outer edge of fibula. ATFL area can be located using these feature points so as to quantify its first-order gray features and second-order texture features. Support vector machine (SVM) was performed for evaluation of ATFL injury.Results: Data were collected retrospectively from 158 patients who underwent MRI, and were divided into normal (68) and tear (90) group. The positioning accuracy and Dice coefficient were used to measure the performance of ATFL localization, and the mean values are 87.7% and 77.1%, respectively, which is helpful for the following feature extraction. SVM gave a good prediction ability with accuracy of 93.8%, sensitivity of 88.9%, specificity of 100%, precision of 100%, and F1 score of 94.2% in the test set.Conclusion: Experimental results indicate that the proposed method is reliable in diagnosing ATFL injury. This study may provide a potentially viable method for aided clinical diagnoses of some ligament injury.