bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Type of bacterial isolates and antimicrobial resistance profile from different clinical samples at a Referral Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: five years data analysis
Authors: Abebe Melkamu , Tadesse Senait , Meseret Girum , Derbie Awoke 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Objective
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the most serious global public health threats that exert a significant burden in terms of patient morbidity and mortality and financial crises in many developing countries including Ethiopia. Knowledge on the type of predominantly circulating pathogens with their respective AMR profile in a given area is essential for optimal patient care. This study was aimed at assessing the types of bacterial isolates and their AMR profile identified from a range of clinical samples at Debre Markos Referral Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia, over a period of 5 years (2013 to 2017).

Results
From the total of 514 different clinical samples processed in the stated time frame, about 240 (46.7%) yield bacterial growth. Majority of the identified bacteria were isolated from stool culture 68 (28.3%) followed by urine 56 (23.3%), ear discharge 54 (22.5%) and wound swabs at 26 (10.8%). Most of the clinical isolates were Gram-negative at 171 (71.25%). The predominant isolate was S. aureus at 41 (17.1%) followed by Salmonella species, 40 (16.7%), Escherichia coli 36 (15%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa at 26 (11.7%). Generally, the isolates were found resistant at (60–100%) against ampicillin, co-trimoxazole, doxycycline, gentamicin, norfloxacin and tetracycline. Gram-positive isolates were found relatively sensitive to ceftriaxone, erythromycin and vancomycin at (71–84%).
Identifying asymptomatic Leishmania infections in non-endemic villages in Gedaref state, Sudan
Authors: Mohamed Nouh Saad , Osman Hussam A. , Muneer Mohamed S. , Samy Abdallah M. , Ahmed Ayman , Mohammed Anwar O. , Siddig Emmanuel Edwar , Abdel Hamid Muzamil M. , Ali Mohamed Siralkhatim , Omer Rihab A. , Elaagip Arwa H. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Objectives
Infection with the causative agent of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) may be either symptomatic or asymptomatic. In this study we aimed at investigating the prevalence of asymptomatic infections of leishmania in non-endemic villages in Gedaref state, Sudan. A descriptive cross-sectional study conducted during September and October 2014. Blood samples were collected for serological and molecular analysis. Sticky-traps, knockdown spray and CDC-miniature light traps were used for the collection of sandflies.

Results
Ninety-Five participants were included; 52 from Abukishma, 15 Algadamblia Tirfa, 25 Abualnaja and 3 were from Algadamblia Aljabal. Females constituted 56 (58.9%) of the study participants while males were 39 (41.1%). The most frequent age group was > 40-years (54.7%). Balanites/Acacia trees were the most planted tree inside the houses; 78 (82.1%). Also, 85 (89.5%) of the participants breed animals inside the house. DAT test revealed 5 positive participants (5.2%). 4/5 DAT positive were past VL infection. PCR detected 35 (36.8%) positive participants. A total of 31/35 was considered asymptomatic infections based on PCR. Households planted Balanites/Acacia trees or breed domestic animals were found in high percentages with L. donovani PCR positive participants (60.1%, 91.4%). No statistically significant was found for VL associated risk factors and VL asymptomatic participants.
Maternal food allergy is associated with daughters’ menarche in early adolescence
Authors: Protudjer Jennifer Lisa Penner , Abrams Elissa Michelle , Kozyrskyj Anita Luba , Becker Allan Barry 
Published: September 2019

AbstractRationaleAssociations between allergic disease and puberty amongst females have been widely studied. However, this association has received less attention in multigenerational populations. To this end, we sought to examine maternal allergic disease status ever, and daughters’ menarche.MethodsIn a cohort of children born in 1995, in Manitoba, Canada, we considered maternal allergic disease ever to daughters’ age 7–8 years, and daughters’ menarche at ages 12–14 years. We included all participants for whom we had information on both the exposure and the outcome of those eligible. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression, with adjustment for confounding variables.ResultsOverall, the prevalences of maternal allergic diseases were 28.6% for asthma 18.8% for food allergy, 27.3% for eczema and 45.5% for rhinitis. By age 12–14 years, 41.6% (64/159) girls had reached menarche. Maternal food allergy was significantly associated with daughters’ menarche (OR 4.39, 95% CI 1.51–12.73), whereas no association was found for maternal asthma, eczema or rhinitis. With consideration to comorbid disease, a combination of maternal asthma + food allergy was associated with daughters’ menarche by age 12–14 years (OR 6.41; 95% CI 1.32–31.01).ConclusionsMaternal food allergy ever is associated with daughters’ menarche by age 12–14 years.
Comparison between silicon photomultiplier-based and conventional PET/CT in patients with suspected lung cancer—a pilot study
Authors: Economou Lundeberg Johan , Oddstig Jenny , Bitzén Ulrika , Trägårdh Elin 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world. Early detection and correct staging are fundamental for treatment and prognosis. Positron emission tomography with computed tomography (PET/CT) is recommended clinically. Silicon (Si) photomultiplier (PM)-based PET technology and new reconstruction algorithms are hoped to increase the detection of small lesions and enable earlier detection of pathologies including metastatic spread. The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic performance of a SiPM-based PET/CT (including a new block-sequential regularization expectation maximization (BSREM) reconstruction algorithm) with a conventional PM-based PET/CT including a conventional ordered subset expectation maximization (OSEM) reconstruction algorithm. The focus was patients admitted for 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT for initial diagnosis and staging of suspected lung cancer. Patients were scanned on both a SiPM-based PET/CT (Discovery MI; GE Healthcare, Milwaukee, MI, USA) and a PM-based PET/CT (Discovery 690; GE Healthcare, Milwaukee, MI, USA). Standardized uptake values (SUV) and image interpretation were compared between the two systems. Image interpretations were further compared with histopathology when available.

Results
Seventeen patients referred for suspected lung cancer were included in our single injection, dual imaging study. No statically significant differences in SUVmax of suspected malignant primary tumours were found between the two PET/CT systems. SUVmax in suspected malignant intrathoracic lymph nodes was 10% higher on the SiPM-based system (p = 0.026). Good consistency (14/17 cases) between the PET/CT systems were found when comparing simplified TNM staging. The available histology results did not find any obvious differences between the systems.

Conclusion
In a clinical setting, the new SiPM-based PET/CT system with a new BSREM reconstruction algorithm provided a higher SUVmax for suspected lymph node metastases compared to the PM-based system. However, no improvement in lung cancer detection was seen.
Texture analysis of pretreatment [18F]FDG PET/CT for the prognostic prediction of locally advanced salivary gland carcinoma treated with interstitial brachytherapy
Authors: Wu Wen-Jie , Li Zhen-Yu , Dong Shuang , Liu Shu-Ming , Zheng Lei , Huang Ming-Wei , Zhang Jian-Guo 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of positron emission tomography (PET) parameters and the PET texture features of fluorine 18-fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG) uptake on pretreatment PET/computed tomography (CT) in patients with locally advanced salivary gland carcinoma treated with interstitial brachytherapy.

Methods
Forty-three patients with locally advanced salivary gland carcinoma of the head and neck were treated with 125I interstitial brachytherapy as the sole modality and underwent [18F]FDG PET/CT scanning before treatment. Tumor segmentation and texture analysis were performed using the 3D slicer software. In total, 54 features were extracted and categorized as first-order statistics, morphology and shape, gray-level co-occurrence matrix, and gray-level run length matrix. Up to November 2018, the follow-up time ranged from 6 to 120 months (median 18 months). Cumulative survival was calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Factors between groups were compared by the log-rank test. Multivariate Cox regression analysis with a backward conditional method was used to predict progression-free survival (PFS).

Results
The 3- and 5-year locoregional control (LC) rates were 55.4% and 37.0%, respectively. The 3- and 5-year PFS rates were 51.2% and 34.1%, respectively. The 3- and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates were 77.0% and 77.0%, respectively. Univariate analysis revealed that minimum intensity, mean intensity, median intensity, root mean square, and long run emphasis (LRE) were significant predictors of PFS, whereas clinicopathological factors, conventional PET parameters, and PET texture features failed to show significance. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that minimum intensity and LRE were significant predictors of PFS.

Conclusions
The texture analysis of pretreatment [18F]FDG PET/CT provided more information than conventional PET parameters for predicting patient prognosis of locally advanced salivary gland carcinoma treated with interstitial brachytherapy. The minimum intensity was a risk factor for PFS, and LRE was a favorable factor in prognostic prediction according to the primary results.
Scientific validation of the antimicrobial and antiproliferative potential of Berberis aristata DC root bark, its phytoconstituents and their biosafety
Authors: Sood Henna , Kumar Yashwant , Gupta Vipan Kumar , Arora Daljit Singh 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBerberis aristatais an important part of traditional healing system from more than 2500 years. The aqueous extract ofBerberis aristataroot bark displayed broad spectrum activity against 13 test pathogens, ranging from 12 to 25 mm. In classical optimization, 15% concentration prepared at 40 °C for 40 min was optimal and thermostable. Statistical optimization enhanced the activity by 1.13–1.30-folds. Ethyl acetate was the best organic solvent to elute out the potential compound responsible for antimicrobial activity. Diterpenes were the most abundant phytoconstituent (15.3%) and showed broad spectrum antimicrobial activity ranging from 16.66 to 42.66 mm. Ethyl acetate extract displayed the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (0.05–1 mg/mL), followed by diterpenes (0.05–5 mg/mL) and flavonoids (0.05–10 mg/mL). The test extracts were microbicidal in nature and showed a prolonged post antibiotic effect ranging from 2 to 8 h. They were found to be biosafe as per Ames and MTT assay. The in vitro cytotoxicity evaluation of diterpenes against L20B, RD and Hep 2 cell lines revealed its IC50ranging from 245 to 473 µg/mL. Acute oral toxicity of diterpenes on Swiss albino mice did not show any changes in behavioral pattern, body weight, biochemical parameters as well as organs’ architecture. The study thus indicatesB. aristatacould be a potential candidate for development of potent drug owing to its antimicrobial potential and biosafe profile.
Association of endothelial and glycocalyx injury biomarkers with fluid administration, development of acute kidney injury, and 90-day mortality: data from the FINNAKI observational study
Authors:   the FINNAKI Study Group, Inkinen Nina , Pettilä Ville , Lakkisto Päivi , Kuitunen Anne , Jukarainen Sakari , Bendel Stepani , Inkinen Outi , Ala-Kokko Tero , Vaara Suvi T. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Injury to endothelium and glycocalyx predisposes to vascular leak, which may subsequently lead to increased fluid requirements and worse outcomes. In this post hoc study of the prospective multicenter observational Finnish Acute Kidney Injury (FINNAKI) cohort study conducted in 17 Finnish intensive care units, we studied the association of Syndecan-1 (SDC-1), Angiopoetin-2 (Ang-2), soluble thrombomodulin (sTM), vascular adhesion protein-1 (VAP-1) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) with fluid administration and balance among septic critical care patients and their association with development of acute kidney injury (AKI) and 90-day mortality.

Results
SDC-1, Ang-2, sTM, VAP-1 and IL-6 levels were measured at ICU admission from 619 patients with sepsis. VAP-1 decreased (p < 0.001) and IL-6 increased (p < 0.001) with increasing amounts of administered fluid, but other biomarkers did not show differences according to fluid administration. In linear regression models adjusted for IL-6, only VAP-1 was significantly associated with fluid administration on day 1 (p < 0.001) and the cumulative fluid balance on day 5/ICU discharge (p = 0.001). Of 415 patients admitted without AKI, altogether 112 patients (27.0%) developed AKI > 12 h from ICU admission (AKI>12 h). They had higher sTM levels than patients without AKI, and after multivariable adjustment log, sTM level was associated with AKI>12 h with OR (95% CI) of 12.71 (2.96–54.67), p = 0.001). Ninety-day non-survivors (n = 180; 29.1%) had higher SDC-1 and sTM levels compared to survivors. After adjustment for known confounders, log SDC-1 (OR [95% CI] 2.13 [1.31–3.49], p = 0.002), log sTM (OR [95% CI] 7.35 [2.29–23.57], p < 0.001), and log Ang-2 (OR [95% CI] 2.47 [1.44–4.14], p = 0.001) associated with an increased risk for 90-day mortality. Finally, patients who had high levels of all three markers, namely, SDC-1, Ang-2 and sTM, had an adjusted OR of 5.61 (95% CI 2.67–11.79; p < 0.001) for 90-day mortality.

Conclusions
VAP-1 and IL-6 associated with fluid administration on the first ICU day. After adjusting for confounders, sTM was associated with development of AKI after 12 h from ICU admission. SDC-1, Ang-2 and sTM were independently associated with an increased risk for 90-day mortality.
Predictors of successful separation from high-flow nasal oxygen therapy in patients with acute respiratory failure: a retrospective monocenter study
Authors: Rodriguez Maeva , Thille Arnaud W. , Boissier Florence , Veinstein Anne , Chatellier Delphine , Robert René , Le Pape Sylvain , Frat Jean-Pierre , Coudroy Remi 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
High-flow nasal oxygen therapy (HFOT) is a promising first-line therapy for acute respiratory failure. However, its weaning has never been investigated and could lead to unnecessary prolonged intensive-care unit (ICU) stay. The aim of this study is to assess predictors of successful separation from HFOT in critically ill patients. We performed a retrospective monocenter observational study over a 2-year period including all patients treated with HFOT for acute respiratory failure in the ICU. Those who died or were intubated without prior HFOT separation attempt, who were treated with non-invasive ventilation at the time of HFOT separation, or who received HFOT as a preventive treatment during the post-extubation period were excluded.

Results
From the 190 patients analyzed, 168 (88%) were successfully separated from HFOT at the first attempt. Patients who failed separation from HFOT at the first attempt had longer ICU length of stay than those who succeeded: 10 days (7–12) vs. 5 (4–8), p < 0.0001. Fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) ≤ 40% and a respiratory rate-oxygenation (ROX) index (calculated as the ratio of SpO2/FiO2 to the respiratory rate) ≥ 9.2 predicted successful separation from HFOT with sensitivity of 85% and 84%, respectively.

Conclusions
FiO2 ≤ 40% and ROX index ≥ 9.2 were two predictors of successful separation from HFOT at the bedside. Prospective multicenter studies are needed to confirm these results.
A robust fusion estimation with unknown cross-covariance in distributed systems
Authors: Wu Duzhi , Hu Aiping 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
An efficient robust fusion estimation (RFE) for distributed fusion system without knowledge of the cross-covariances of sensor estimation errors is suggested. With the hypothesis that the object lying in the intersection of some ellipsoids related to sensor estimations, the robust fusion estimation is designed to be a minimax problem, which is solved by proposing a novel relaxation strategy. Some properties of the RFE are discussed, and numerical simulations are also present to compare the tracking performance of RFE with that of the centralized fusion and CI method. The numerical examples show that the average tracking performance of RFE is slightly better than that of the CI method, and the performance degradation of RFE is acceptable compared with the centralized fusion.
Joint congestion control and resource allocation for energy-efficient transmission in 5G heterogeneous networks
Authors: Liu Jain-Shing , Lin Chun-Hung , Huang Heng-Chih 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
The deployment of small cells with carrier aggregation (CA) is a significant feature of fifth generation (5G) mobile communication systems which could be characterized by the multi-dimensional heterogeneity on their diversified requirements upon different resources. Taking the heterogeneity into account, we consider here a joint optimization problem wherein multiple kinds of resources are concurrently allocated to optimize the system throughput utility while enhancing the network energy efficiency (EE) and maintaining the system stability. Especially, for the high-dimensional non-deterministic polynomial (NP)-hard allocation problem embedded, we conduct a mathematical programming model involving nonlinear integer constraints to seek the long-term stable utility on throughput and introduce an iterative optimal modulation and coding scheme-based (optimal MCS-based) heuristic algorithm as an effective solver. In addition, as data traffic and channel condition will be time-varying in the real world, an admission control based on the Lyapunov technique that requires no prior knowledge on channel information is proposed to reduce the system overhead. Finally, not only the performance bound is derived in theory, but also the numerical experiments are conduced to reveal its characteristics with respect to the system parameter V and the EE requirement.
Improved energy-balanced algorithm for underwater wireless sensor network based on depth threshold and energy level partition
Authors: Feng Pan , Qin Danyang , Ji Ping , Zhao Min , Guo Ruolin , Berhane Teklu Merhawit 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Considering the insufficient global energy consumption optimization of the existing routing algorithms for Underwater Wireless Sensor Network (UWSN), a new algorithm, named improved energy-balanced routing (IEBR), is designed in this paper for UWSN. The algorithm includes two stages: routing establishment and data transmission. During the first stage, a mathematical model is constructed for transmission distance to find the neighbors at the optimal distances and the underwater network links are established. In addition, IEBR will select relays based on the depth of the neighbors, minimize the hops in a link based on the depth threshold, and solve the problem of data transmission loop. During the second stage, the links built in the first stage are dynamically changed based on the energy level (EL) differences between the neighboring nodes in the links, so as to achieve energy balance of the entire network and extend the network lifetime significantly. Simulation results show that compared with other typical energy-balanced routing algorithms, IEBR presents superior performance in network lifetime, transmission loss, and data throughput.
Iterative positive solutions to a coupled fractional differential system with the multistrip and multipoint mixed boundary conditions
Authors: Zhao Xiaodi , Liu Yuehan , Pang Huihui 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Using the monotone iterative technique, we investigate the existence of iterative positive solutions to a coupled system of fractional differential equations supplemented with multistrip and multipoint mixed boundary conditions. It is worth mentioning that the nonlinear terms of the system depend on the lower fractional-order derivatives of the unknown functions and the boundary conditions involve the combination of the multistrip fractional integral and the multipoint value of the unknown functions in $[0,1]$
[
0
,
1
]
.
A systematic approach for assessment of renewable energy using analytic hierarchy process
Authors: Budak Gerçek , Chen Xin , Celik Serdar , Ozturk Berk 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Cities around the world face a great challenge in establishing a long-term strategy for the development of energy alternatives. Previous research tried to identify renewable energy across many different cities. Because each city has unique characteristics in terms of geographic and environmental conditions, population, economic development, and social and political environment, the most sustainable energy source for one city might be the least sustainable for another.

Methods
This research develops and implements a systematic approach to assess renewable energy and identify the energy alternatives for a city using the analytic hierarchy process. The methodology integrates experts’ input and data analytics and helps decision-makers form long-term strategies for renewable energy development.

Results
The decision support system is applied to three cities, Chengdu in China, Eskisehir in Turkey, and Chicago in the United States of America. Results show that improving energy efficiency and development of solar and wind energy are the most preferred energy alternatives whereas nuclear and hydroelectric are the least preferred energy alternatives for these three cities.

Conclusions
The results of this study are in line with decades of research and development in energy alternatives and show a clear direction for the future development of energy alternatives around the world. There are differences in the rankings of energy alternatives for different cities, indicating that it is necessary to apply the decision support system developed in this study to help form customized energy strategies for cities with unique characteristics.