bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Controlled Trial to compare the Achilles Tendon load during running in flatfeet subjects using a customized arch support orthoses vs an orthotic heel lift
Authors: Lee Kawin KW , Ling Samuel Ka Kin , Yung Patrick SH 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Introduction:
Achilles tendinopathy is one of the most common overuse injuries in running,and forefoot pronation, seen in flatfeet subjects, has been proposed to cause additional loading across the Achilles tendon. Foot orthoses are one of the common and effective conservative treatment prescribed for Achilles tendinopathy, it works by correcting the biomechanical malalignment and reducing tendon load Previous studies have shown reduction of Achilles Tendon load (ATL) during running by using customized arch support orthosis (CASO) or an orthotic heel lift (HL). However, there are still little biomechanical evidence and comparative studies to guide orthotic prescriptions for Achilles tendinopathy management. Therefore, this study seeks to investigate the two currently employed orthotic treatment options for Achilles tendinopathy: CASO and HL for the reduction of ATL and Achilles tendon loading rate (ATLR) in recreational runners with flatfeet.

Methods:
12 subjects were recruited and run along the runway in the laboratory for three conditions: (1) without orthoses, (2) with CASO (3) with HL. Kinematic and kinetic data were recorded by 3D motion capturing system and force platform. Ankle joint moments and ATL were computed and compared within the three conditions.

Results:
Subjects who ran with CASO (p=0.001, d=0.43) or HL (p=0.001, d=0.48) associated with a significant reduction in ATL when compared to without orthotics while there was no significant difference between the two types of orthoses, the mean peak ATL of CASO was slightly lower than HL. Regarding the ATLR, both orthoses, CASO (p=0.003, d= 0.93) and HL (p=0.004, d= 0.78), exhibited significant lower value than the control but similarly, no significant difference was noted between them in which the use of CASO yielded a slightly lower loading rate than that of HL.

Conclusions: Both CASO and HL were able to cause a significant reduction in peak ATL and ATLR comparing to without orthotics condition. There were subtle differences in the biomechanical effects between the two types of orthoses. The findings help to quantify the effect of CASO and HL on load reduction of Achilles tendon and suggests that foot orthoses may serve to prevent the incidence of Achilles tendon pathologies.

Trial: NCT04003870_clinicaltrials.gov, retrospectively_registered
Disparities in the utilization of ischemic stroke inpatient services in China: the role of urban basic health insurance
Authors: yang Yong , Man Xiaowei , Li Shuo , Bai Qian , Zhang Peiwen , Huang Lieyu , Wang Xi , Guo Yiwei , Ma Yong , Shi Xuefeng 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background
As one major disease threatening human health, stroke has placed a heavy financial burden on patients worldwide. This study aims to confirm whether there are disparities and inequity in the utilization of inpatient health services for stroke inpatients covered by different health insurance schemes.
Methods
We conducted statistical analysis based on the data containing urban employee-based basic medical insurance scheme (UEBMI) and urban resident-based basic medical insurance scheme (URBMI) groups, supplied by the China Health Insurance Research Association (CHIRA). Descriptive analysis was the main method to finish this analysis.
Results
Of the 56485 inpatients who had been diagnosed with ischemic stroke, extracted from the CHIRA claimed database, 64.6% (36487) were covered by UEBMI and 35.4% (19998) were covered by URBMI; the mean age of UEBMI subgroup was slightly older than URBMI subgroup (68.64 and 67.45 years old). The annual frequency of hospitalization of UEBMI subgroup was 1.21 times and 1.15 times for URBMI subgroup. The average length of stay of UEBMI subgroup(13.93days) was longer than URBMI subgroup (10.82 days). The UEBMI group had a higher hospitalization costs but fewer out-of-pocket costs: for the UEBMI subgroup, the average hospitalization cost was RMB11187.64($1724.02), the average total out-of-pocket costs was RMB2646.42($407.81). While for the URBMI subgroup, the average hospitalization cost was RMB6402.27($986.59) and the average total out-of-pocket costs was RMB2746.10($423.17). All the above differences were significant(P<0.001). Meanwhile, patients with UEBMI had higher reimbursement rate (82.65% and 63.82%).
Conclusions
We found that there were nonnegligible disparities in the utilization of inpatient health services between UEBMI and URBMI as well as health inequity and financial protection inequity. Thus, our results call for a systemic strategy to improve the fragmented social health insurance system and narrow the gap in health insurance schemes in China.
Feasibility of Using Masticatory Muscles to Assess Skeletal Muscle Mass in Patients with Oral Cavity Cancer
Authors: Chang Sheng-Wei , Hsu Cheng-Ming , Tsai Yuan-Hsiung , Chang Geng-He , Tsai Ming-Shao , Huang Ethan I. , Fang Ku-Hao , Chang Kai-Ping , Tsai Yao-Te 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background

Sarcopenia is typically assessed using abdominal computed tomography (CT) scans, which are not obtained routinely in patients with oral cavity cancer. In order to investigate the feasibility of using masticatory muscles to assess general skeletal muscle mass (SMM) in oral cancer patients, we aimed to correlate the masticatory SMM evaluated on head and neck CT-images with the SMM measurement at the level of L3 on abdominal CT-scans.

Methods

The abdominal and head and neck CT-scans of the oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC, n = 54) and trauma (n = 50) patients were analyzed retrospectively. All muscles at the L3 level were delineated on abdominal CT scans, and skeletal muscles at the mandibular notch level and C3 level were delineated on head and neck CT scans. Cross-sectional area (CSA) of the muscles at the mandibular notch and C3 level were compared to skeletal muscle CSA at the L3 level using linear regression, and a multivariate linear regression model was also calculated.

Results

The OSCC patients had significantly smaller muscle CSA at the mandibular notch level than trauma patients (1221.4 vs. 1512.2 mm2, p = 0.006). Masticatory muscle CSA strongly predicted the L3 muscle CSA (r = 0.880, p < 0.001), and this correlation was stronger in the multivariate model including age, body weight, and sex (r = 0.898, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Evaluation of the masticatory skeletal muscle mass on head and neck CT images is simple, feasible, and may be an alternative to abdominal CT scans. Assessment of masticatory muscle at mandibular notch can be performed using routinely obtained scans without additional imaging or cost. Identifying patients at risk of being sarcopenic may select oral cancer patients for nutritional intervention and appropriate treatment modality to improve their prognosis.
Preoperative anemia and hospitalization time are the independent factors of preoperative deep venous thromboembolism in Chinese elderly with hip fracture
Authors: Feng Long , Yuan Weixiu , Duan Mingda , Jin Chaohai , Xu Longhe , Xu Zhipeng , Feng Ze-Guo , Zhang Hong 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Aim This study was designed to explore the prevalence condition and risk factors of preoperative deep venous thromboembolism (DVT) in Chinese elderly with hip fracture. Methods From January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2018, 273 elderly over 70 years old with elective hip surgery were collected from the electronic medical records. Collected Data included demographic characteristics, comorbidities, ASA classification, types of surgeries, types of anesthesia, operation time, fracture to operation time, perioperative blood transfusion, preoperative hemoglobin level, anemia, blood-gas analysis, cardiac function, electrocardiograph, lower limb venous ultrasound and hospitalization time. Results In all patients, 15 patients (5.6%) had venographic evidence of DVT in affected limbs before surgery. Three of all patients received an temporary inferior vena cave filter placement. Fracture to surgery time, preoperative hemoglobin level, anemia, pulmonary disease and hospitalization time were statistically different between DVT group and non-DVT group (P<0.05 for all). Moreover, preoperative anemia (OR: 0.144, 95%CI: 0.026-0.799, P=0.027) and hospitalization time (OR: 1.135; 95%CI: 1.023-1.259, P=0.017) were the two independent risk factors for preoperative DVT. Conclusion Preoperative anemia and hospitalization time were independent risk factors for venous DVT in Chinese elderly with hip fracture.
The effect of oxygenation by continuous low-pressure oxygen flow through thyrocricocentesis cannulation on asphyxia-induced injury in canines: a randomized prospective animal study.
Authors: Huang Fengyi , Chen Feng , Zheng Xiaochun , Gao Fei 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background To observe the oxygenation efficacy using a continuous low-pressure oxygen flow through thyrocricoid emergency airway by venous catheter needle in asphyxic canine models. Methods Eighteen healthy male canines were randomly assigned to three groups: group A (control), group B (continuous low-pressure oxygen flow insufflation), and group C (continuous low-pressure oxygen flow insufflation with chest compression). After thyrocricocentesis cannulation and intubation, ventilation was stopped for 40 minutes to establish an asphyxic model. Electrocardiogram, arterial blood pressure, oxygen saturation, heart rate, and arterial blood gas analysis were performed in that duration. Concentrations of S100β protein, cardiac troponin I, and creatine kinase isoenzyme and moisture ratio of brain tissue were measured before asphyxia and 2 hours and 4 hours after resuscitation. Measurement data was described as mean ± SD; one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) or paired t-test was used to determine differences over time within groups. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The pace of decline in oxygen saturation, partial pressure of oxygen, and pH and rise in partial pressure of carbon dioxide and lactate were slower in the other two groups than in the control group. Similarly, a delay in the increase in concentration of S100β protein and cardiac troponin I was observed. Moreover, cerebral edema in groups B and C was significantly alleviated. The level of serum S100β, cTnI, and moisture ratio of brain tissue was lower in group C than in group B (p < 0.05). Conclusions The implications of continuous low-pressure oxygen flow insufflation through venous catheter needle after thyrocricoid puncture with assisted chest compression can ameliorate oxygenation in vivo, slow the increase of partial pressure of carbon dioxide, and reduce the accumulation of H+ ions. Consequently, it could attenuate the injury to vital organs, and hence improve prognosis. The study showed that it can be a promising approach for managing patients with asphyxia in routine clinical settings.
The synergy of combined free nitrous acid and Fenton technology in enhancing anaerobic digestion of real sewage waste activated sludge
Authors: Karimi Razieh , Hallaji Seyed Mostafa 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background

Recently, free nitrous acid (FNA) pre-treatment of sewage waste activated sludge has been introduced as an economically attractive and environmentally friendly technique for enhancing methane production from the anaerobic digestion process. Fenton pre-treatment of sewage sludge, as an advanced oxidation process, has also been introduced as a powerful technique for methane improvement in a couple of studies. This study, for the first time, investigates the synergy of combined FNA and Fenton pre-treatment technologies in enhancing the methane production from the anaerobic digestion process and reducing waste sludge to be disposed of. Actual secondary waste activated sludge in laboratory-scale batch reactors was used to assess the synergistic effect of the pre-treatments. The mechanisms behind the methane enhancement were also put into perspective by measuring different microbial enzymes activity and solubilisation of organic matter.

Result

This study revealed that the combined pre-treatments release organic matter into the soluble phase significantly more than the bioreactors pre-treated with individual FNA and Fenton. For understanding the influence of pre-treatments on solubilisation of organic matter, soluble protein, soluble polysaccharide and soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD) were measured before and after the treatments and it was shown that they respectively increased by 973%, 33% and 353% after the treatments. Protease and cellulose activity, as the key constituents of the microbial community presenting in activated sludge, decreased considerably within the combined pre-treatments (42% and 32% respectively) and methane production enhanced by 43-69%. Furthermore, total solids and volatile solids destruction improved by 26% and 24% at the end of anaerobic digestion, which can reduce transport costs of sludge and improve the quality of sludge for application in farms and forests.

Conclusions

The results obtained from the experiments corroborate the synergic effect of the combined FNA and Fenton pre-treatment technologies in degrading the organic and microbial constituents in waste activated sludge, which improved methane production accordingly. This is of paramount importance because the total costs of wastewater treatment plants operation and greenhouse gas emission from sludge treatment and disposal processes would reduce considerably, which pave the way for the implementation of these technologies.
KARAOKE: Krill oil versus placebo in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Laslett Laura L , Antony Benny , Wluka Anita , Hill Catherine , March Lyn , Keen Helen I , Cicuttini Flavia , Jones Graeme 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common and important cause of pain and disability, but interventions aimed at structural modification have been disappointing. While OA affects the whole joint, synovitis and effusion have been recognised as having a role in the pathogenesis of OA. Krill oil reduces knee pain and systemic inflammation and could be used for targeting inflammatory mechanisms of OA.
Methods: 260 patients with clinical knee OA, significant knee pain and effusion-synovitis present on MRI will be recruited in 5 Australian cities (Hobart, Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Perth). They will be randomly allocated to the two arms of the study, receiving 2g/day krill oil or inert placebo daily for 6 months. MRI of the study knee will be performed at screening, and after 6 months. Knee symptoms, function and MRI structural abnormalities will be assessed using validated methods. Safety data will be recorded. Primary outcomes are absolute change in knee pain (assessed by visual analog score) and change in size of knee effusion-synovitis over 24 weeks. Secondary outcomes include improvement in knee pain over 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 weeks. The primary analyses will be intention-to-treat analyses of primary and secondary outcomes. Per protocol analyses adjusting for missing data and for treatment compliance will be performed as the secondary analyses.
Discussion: This study will provide high-quality evidence to assess whether krill oil 2g/day reduces pain and effusion-synovitis size in older adults with clinical knee OA and knee effusion-synovitis. If krill oil is effective and confirmed to be safe, we will provide compelling evidence that krill oil improves pain and function, changes disease trajectory and slows disease progression in OA. Given the lack of approved therapies for slowing disease progression in OA, and moderate cost of krill oil, these findings will be readily translated into clinical practice.
Validation of the LEOSound Cough Detection Algorithm
Authors: Gross Volker , Fischer Patrick , Weissflog Andreas , Hildebrandt Olaf , Koehler Ulrich , Sohrabi Keywan 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background

Cough is an important respiratory symptom being of great interest to many researchers. Up to now, most knowledge about cough has been collected through standardized questionnaires. Objective, and reliable detection of cough assessed by automated lung sound monitoring are becoming increasingly important. The aim of this study is to validate the LEOSound lung sound monitor by using previously determined and investigated COPD datasets (1,2).

Methods

Based on multiple recordings of 48 patients with stable COPD II-IV, we validated the cough detection algorithm of LEOSound by using a contingency table. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were used as quantitative measures.

Results

We found the overall accuracy to be 87.3% with sensitivity and specificity of 98.7% and 80.2%, respectively. Major reasons for midsections in descending order were throat cleaning, snoring and movement artifacts.

Conclusion

In comparison to other full-automated cough monitoring systems, the LEOSound performs the best in sensitivity, but shows slightly poor specificity. Misdetections were mainly caused due to morphological similar noises and can be withdrawn while scanning through the recording manually.
Public stigma towards informal caregiving in Germany: a descriptive study
Authors: Zwar Larissa , Angermeyer Matthias Clemens , Matschinger Herbert , Riedel-Heller Steffi G. , König Hans-Helmut , Hajek André 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background. There is currently a gap in the research literature regarding the occurrence and magnitude of public stigma towards informal caregiving. However, the investigation of stigma towards informal care is highly relevant, given the negative consequences that stigmatization can have. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the public stigma towards informal caregiving for individuals older than 65 years in the German population.
Methods. 1038 members of the adult population (18 years and older) living in Germany participated in an online-survey. They were sampled using a quota-system based on the German micro census data. To assess public stigma towards informal caregiving for individuals older than 65 years, the following three aspects of stigma were assessed: 1) emotional reactions (adapted version of the Emotional Reaction to Mental Illness Scale), 2) behavioral reactions (extended version of the Social Distance Scale), and 3) cognitive reactions (newly developed list of Cognitions regarding informal care). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted for the development and adaptation of the three instruments, and their composite reliability is provided.
Results. Emotional reactions in terms of devaluing feelings and feelings of misery were low, while appreciative feelings were neither low nor high. Reported social distance was low. Agreement with cognitions towards informal care in terms of devaluing and accusative cognitions was on average low, but high regarding appreciative cognitions.
Conclusions. The results show that there is stigma towards informal caregiving for older individuals (65 years and older) in terms of emotional reactions, cognitions and social distance, although the magnitude of this stigma seems to be small. Knowledge regarding the occurrence and magnitude of stigma, as well as the processes that underlie this, is needed to prevent stigmatization and its negative outcomes, or at the very least, to enable the development of support for the affected individuals.
Monochorionic twin pregnancies increases perinatal risk and is a high risk factor of selective intrauterine growth restriction
Authors: Chen Jie , Yang Yue Lian 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background

Twins pregnancy can cause a lot of disease, especially monochorionic twin pregnancies, the prenatal infant will have many diseases and have high mortality rate. According to analysis and compare of the twin pregnancy, especially pregnant woman and puerpera’s situation and complication and baby’s situation; we hope we can find the reason which causes the fetus growth restrain of monochorionic twin pregnancies. So we can provide some reference for the prenatal health care, complication prevention and prenatal outcome.

Methods

We divided 489 cases of twin pregnancies into two groups: monochorionic twin and dichorionic twin and compared the clinical features of them. At last, we used the logistic regression analysis method to analyze the risk factors of selective intrauterine growth restriction(sIUGR).

Results

The incidences of premature rupture of membranes and sIUGR were significant higher in monochorionic twin and twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) only exists in monochorionic twin. The weight of the newborn babies(both big and small babies)were significant lower in Monochorionic twin. The neonatal transfer rate was significant higher in monochorionic twin. Gestational weeks and weight of newborn babies are the high risk factors of sIUGR.

Conclusions

The type of chorion has a great influence to the pregnant period and the ending of maternal women. Monochorionic is a high risk factor of the sIUGR, which means that the main cause of sIUGR is from placenta, so it is a kind of “placental origin disease”.
Stratification and equalization cycles in shallow maturation ponds with different operational configurations and at different periods of the year
Authors: Passos Ricardo Gomes , Dias Daniel F. C. , Rodrigues Valéria A. J. , von Sperling Marcos 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
This study aimed at evaluating the occurrence of stratification/equalization cycles in two full-scale shallow maturation ponds in Brazil, with different operational configurations and different periods of the year, through monitoring of temperature and other constituents in the vertical profile of the ponds. The study comprised two operational phases: one phase in which both ponds had no baffles and operated in parallel (one pond had sludge accumulated on the bottom while the other did not); and another phase in which the ponds operated in series, the first pond without baffles and with accumulated sludge on the bottom while the second pond had two longitudinal baffles, a shallower depth and no accumulated sludge. Overall, there were systematic daily periodic events of thermal stratification followed by temperature equalization and vertical mixing in both ponds and operating phases. Vertical temperature gradients were predominantly in the 0–7 °C m−1 range. Statistical tests showed a significant positive correlation between the thermal gradient in the pond and air temperature, but not between the thermal gradient and wind speed. Data suggested that ponds remained 56% of the time under thermal stratification and 44% in vertical mixing. The data also highlighted the importance of sludge in the thermal balance of ponds.
Urban water management challenges and achievements in Windhoek, Namibia
Authors: Lewis Earl W. , Staddon Chad , Sirunda Johannes 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
This paper gives an overview of the main challenges and achievements faced by Windhoek's water management sector. The paper highlights pertinent issues arising from increased water demand, and also explores current and future water supply augmentation options. Water planners experience management challenges as a result of a combination of factors, mainly, lack of funds and staff, limited expertise, poor communication between stakeholders, and weak regulation and enforcement. In order to meet these challenges water managers need to develop more robust and resilient strategies, including greater focus on water demand management.