bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is dangling of the lower leg after a free flap reconstruction necessary? Study protocol for a large multicenter randomized controlled study
Authors: Krijgh David D. , Teunis Teun , Schellekens Pascal P. A. , Mureau Marc A. M. , Luijsterburg Antonius J. M. , Tempelman Tallechien M. T. , van der Beek Eva S. J. , Maarse Wiesje , Coert J. Henk 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Within the field of plastic surgery, free tissue transfer is common practice for knee and lower leg defects. Usually, after such free flap reconstruction, patients undergo a dangling protocol in the postoperative phase. A dangling protocol is designed to gradually subject the free flap to increased venous pressure resulting from gravitational forces. Worldwide there are multiple variations of dangling protocols. However, there is no evidence available in the literature that supports the use of a dangling protocol.

Methods
This is a multicenter randomized controlled trial that includes patients with a free flap lower leg reconstruction. The primary outcome is to assess whether a no-dangling protocol is not inferior to a dangling protocol, in terms of proportion of partial flap loss, 6 months after surgery. Secondary objectives are to identify differences in major and minor complications, length of stay, and costs, and to objectify blood gaseous changes during dangling. Furthermore, at 2 years we will assess difference in physical function, infection rates, and osseous union rates.

Discussion
The primary outcome of this study will give a more decisive answer to the question of whether a dangling protocol is necessary after a free flap reconstruction of the lower leg. The secondary outcomes of this study will provide a better insight into the physical functions, infection rates, and union rates in these patients.

Trial registration
Central Committee on Research Involving Human Subjects (CCMO), NL63146.041.17. Registered on 11 July 2018. Netherlands Trial Register, NTR7545. Registered on 10 October 2018.
Manual acupuncture for the infertile female with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): study protocol for a randomized sham-controlled trial
Authors: Wang Qiao , Deng Haiping , Cheng Ke , Huang Zouqin , Yin Xiuqi , Zhou Yichen , Yang Yiqin , Shen Weidong , Zhao Ling , Shen Xueyong 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine diseases for women. Acupuncture is widely used for the infertile female because of it is non-invasive and has fewer side effects, but the powerful evidence for the clinic is still insufficient. Our study intends to explore the effect of manual acupuncture (MA) in the infertile female with PCOS.

Methods
This study is a randomized, sham-controlled, patient-and assessor-blinded trial and aims to evaluate the effect of MA in women with PCOS and infertility. We will recruit 86 women aged 20–40 years with a diagnosis of infertility with PCOS. Participants will be randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to the MA group and the sham acupuncture (SA) group. Both groups will receive real herbal medicine treatment as a basic treatment twice a day for three menstrual cycles, the MA group receive real acupuncture treatment and the SA group received placebo acupuncture treatment (non-penetrating). All patients will receive acupuncture treatment twice per week for three menstrual cycles. The primary outcome is pregnancy rate and secondary outcomes include ovulation rate, sex hormones, insulin resistance index (IRI), PCOS symptoms, and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) syndrome scores. Outcome measures will be collected at baseline, each menstrual cycle, the end of treatments, and six months after the last acupuncture treatment. The present protocol followed the SPIRIT guidelines and fulfilled the SPIRIT checklist.

Discussion
This study will be conducted to compare the efficacy of MA versus SA. This trial will help to evaluate whether MA is effective in increasing pregnancy and ovulation rates of the infertile female with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Trial registration
Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1800014997. Registered on 27 February 2018.
Simultaneous nutrition removal and high-efficiency biomass and lipid accumulation by microalgae using anaerobic digested effluent from cattle manure combined with municipal wastewater
Authors: Luo Lin , Ren Hongyu , Pei Xuanyuan , Xie Guojun , Xing Defeng , Dai Yingqi , Ren Nanqi , Liu Bingfeng 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Microalgae as a viable biodiesel feedstock show great potential to approach the challenges of energy shortage and environment pollution, but their economic feasibility was seriously hampered by high production cost. Thus, it is in urgent need to reduce the cost of cultivation and improve the biomass and lipid production of microalgae. In this work, anaerobic digestion effluent from cattle manure combined with municipal wastewater was used as a cost-effective medium for cultivating microalgae and expected to obtain high biomass. The pretreatment of anaerobic digested effluent containing dilution rate, sterilization and nutrient optimization was investigated. Then, initial pH and light intensity for algal growth, lipid production and wastewater purification were optimized in this study.

Results
Scenedesmus sp. could grow rapidly in 10% anaerobic digestion effluent from cattle manure combined with secondary sedimentation tank effluent without sterilization. Optimum nutrient additives for higher biomass were as follows: glucose 10 g/L, NaNO3 0.3 g/L, K2HPO4·3H2O 0.01 g/L, MgSO4·7H2O 0.075 g/L and trace element A5 solution 1 mL/L. Biomass of 4.65 g/L and lipid productivity of 81.90 mg/L/day were achieved during 7-day cultivation accompanying over 90% of COD, NO3−-N, NH4+-N, and 79–88% of PO43−-P removal with optimized initial pH of 7.0 and light intensity of 5000 l×. The FAME profile in ADEC growth medium consisted in saturated (39.48%) and monounsaturated (60.52%) fatty acids with the 16- to 18-chain-length fatty acids constituting over 98% of total FAME.

Conclusions
This study proves the potential of anaerobic digested effluent combined with municipal wastewater for microalgae culture, and provides an effective avenue for simultaneous microalgal lipid production and treatment of two kinds of wastewater.
Molecular identification and prevalence of tick-borne pathogens in zebu and taurine cattle in North Cameroon
Authors: Abanda Babette , Paguem Archile , Abdoulmoumini Mamoudou , Kingsley Manchang Tanyi , Renz Alfons , Eisenbarth Albert 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundPublic interest for tick-borne pathogens in cattle livestock is rising due to their veterinary and zoonotic importance. Consequently, correct identification of these potential pathogens is crucial to estimate the level of exposition, the risk and the detrimental impact on livestock and the human population.ResultsConventional PCR with generic primers was used to identify groups of tick-borne pathogens in cattle breeds from northern Cameroon. The overall prevalence in 1260 blood samples was 89.1%, with 993 (78.8%) positive forTheileria/Babesiaspp., 959 (76.1%) forAnaplasma/Ehrlichiaspp., 225 (17.9%) forBorreliaspp., and 180 (14.3%) forRickettsia spp. Sanger sequencing of a subset of positively-tested samples revealed the presence ofTheileria mutans(92.2%, 130/141),T. velifera(16.3%, 23/141),Anaplasma centrale(10.9%, 15/137),A. marginale(30.7%, 42/137),A. platys(51.1%, 70/137),Anaplasmasp. ‘Hadesa’ (10.9%, 15/137),Ehrlichia ruminantium(0.7%, 1/137),E. canis(0.7%, 1/137),Borrelia theileri(91.3%, 42/46), Rickettsia africae(59.4%, 19/32) andR. felis(12.5%, 4/32). A high level of both intra- and inter-generic co-infections (76.0%) was observed. To the best of our knowledge,B. theileri, T. mutans,T. velifera,A. platys,Anaplasmasp. ‘Hadesa’,R. felisandE. canisare reported for the first time in cattle from Cameroon, and forR. felisit is the first discovery in the cattle host.Babesiaspp. were not detected by sequencing. The highest number of still identifiable species co-infections was up to four pathogens per genus group. Multifactorial analyses revealed a significant association of infection withBorrelia theileriand anemia. Whereas animals of older age had a higher risk of infection, the Gudali cattle had a lower risk compared to the other local breeds.ConclusionCo-infections of tick-borne pathogens with an overall high prevalence were found in all five study sites, and were more likely to occur than single infections. Fulani, Namchi and Kapsiki were the most infected breed in general; however, with regions as significant risk factor. A better-adapted approach for tick-borne pathogen identification in co-infected samples is a requirement for epidemiological investigations and tailored control measures.
A single triangular SS-EMVS aided high-accuracy DOA estimation using a multi-scale L-shaped sparse array
Authors: Ding Jin , Yang Minglei , Chen Baixiao , Yuan Xin 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
We propose a new array configuration composed of multi-scale scalar arrays and a single triangular spatially spread electromagnetic-vector-sensor (SS-EMVS) for high-accuracy two-dimensional (2D) direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation. Two scalar arrays are placed along x-axis and y-axis, respectively, each array consists of two uniform linear arrays (ULAs), and these two ULAs have different inter-element spacings. In this manner, these two scalar arrays form a multi-scale L-shaped array. The two arms of this L-shaped scalar array are connected by a six-component SS-EMVS, which is composed of a spatially spread dipole-triad plus a spatially spread loop-triad. All the inter-element spacings in our proposed array can be larger than a half-wavelength of the incident source, thus to form a sparse array to mitigate the mutual coupling across antennas. In the proposed DOA estimation algorithm, we perform the vector-cross-product algorithm to the SS-EMVS to obtain a set of low-accuracy but unambiguous direction cosine estimation as a reference; we then impose estimation of signal parameters via rotation invariant technique (ESPRIT) algorithm to the two scalar arrays to get two sets of high-accuracy but cyclically ambiguous direction cosine estimations. Finally, the coarse estimation is used to disambiguate the fine but ambiguous estimations progressively and therefore a multiple-order disambiguation algorithm is developed. The proposed array enjoys the superiority of low redundancy and low mutual coupling. Moreover, the thresholds of the inter-sensor spacings utilized in the proposed array are also analyzed. Simulation results validate the performance of the proposed array geometry.
Chebyshev type inequalities via generalized fractional conformable integrals
Authors: Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy , Rahman Gauhar , Mehrez Khaled 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Our aim in this present paper is to establish several Chebyshev type inequalities involving generalized fractional conformable integral operator recently introduced by T.U. Khan and M.A. Khan (J. Comput. Appl. Math. 346:378–389, 2019). Also, we present Chebyshev type inequalities involving Riemann–Liouville type fractional conformable integral operators as a particular result of our main result.
Weighted dynamic inequalities of Opial-type on time scales
Authors: El-Deeb A. A. , Kh Fatma M. , Ismail Gamal A. F. , Khan Zareen A. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractIn this paper, we will state and prove some weighted dynamic inequalities of Opial-type involving integrals of powers of a function and of its derivative on time scales which not only extend some results in the literature but also improve some of them. The main results will be proved by using some algebraic inequalities, the Hölder inequality and a simple consequence of Keller’s chain rule on time scales. As special cases of the obtained dynamic inequalities, we will get some continuous and discrete inequalities.
Fractional-calculus-based control scheme for dynamical systems with input uncertainty
Authors: Aghababa Mohammad Pourmahmood 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Since the existence of unwanted oscillations should be avoided in practical systems, this article investigates active vibration and oscillation suppression of two-degree-of-freedom dynamical systems using a novel variable structure control methodology. Owing to high stability and generality of the fractional-calculus-based differential equations, a non-integer-order sliding surface is proposed. Afterward, the occurrence of the sliding motion is ensured using a switching control rule. The effects of the input nonlinearities, which are usually existed in mechanical actuators, are fully dealt with using the introduced fractional sliding modes. In addition, unknown lumped uncertainties are considered to disturb the system dynamics. As a result, the proposed controller is robust against system and control fluctuations and can handle bounded external perturbations. Moreover, careful stability synthesis is developed to theoretically confirm the control designs. Finally, two numerical case studies, which include oscillation control of a magnetic bearing system and a gyroscope device, are provided to demonstrate the superior performance of the suggested control technology.
Role of some members of chemokine/cytokine network in the pathogenesis of thalassemia and sickle cell hemoglobinopathies: a mini review
Authors: Mousavi Zahra , Yazdani Zinat , Moradabadi Alireza , Hoseinpourkasgari Fatemeh , Hassanshahi Gholamhossein 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe word of hemoglobinopathy is described for an array of disorders that affecting hemoglobin (Hb) functions. Hb is a molecule with 68 kDa molecular weight, serving as oxygen carrying metalloprotein. Hemoglobinopathy includes a wide range of Hb structural deficits varying from thalassemia to sickle cell disease. Cyto-chemokine network members are pivotally involved in the pathogenesis of hemoglobinopathies, however, the exact role of these mediators in the development of these disorders yet to be well addressed. Cytokines and chemokines are generated by inflamed endothelial cells that promote the expression of their respected receptors and further activate NF-κβ, recruit red blood cells (RBCs) and white blood cells (WBCs) toward the inflamed endothelium. Therefore, due to critical roles played by the cyto-chemokine network in several aspects of hemoglobinopathies pathophysiology including apoptosis of endothelial cells, RBC, WBC and etc.…, in the present review, we focused on the critical parts played by this network in the pathogenesis of hemoglobinopathies.
DIF as a pedagogical tool: analysis of item characteristics in ICILS to understand what students are struggling with
Authors: Bundsgaard Jeppe 
Published: September 2019

AbstractInternational large-scale assessments like international computer and information literacy study (ICILS) (Fraillon et al. in International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA), 2015) provide important empirically-based knowledge through the proficiency scales, of what characterizes tasks at different difficulty levels, and what that says about students at different ability levels. In international comparisons, one of the threats against validity is countrydifferential item functioning(DIF), also called item-by-country interaction. DIF is a measure of how much harder or easier an item is for a respondent of a given group as compared to respondents from other groups of equal ability. If students from one country find a specific item much harder or easier than students from other countries, it can impair the comparison of countries. Therefore, great efforts are directed towards analyzing for DIF and removing or changing items that show DIF. From another angle, however, this phenomenon can be seen not only as a threat to validity, but also as an insight into what distinguishes students from different countries, and possibly their education, on a content level, providing even more pedagogically useful information. Therefore, in this paper, the data from ICILS 2013 is re-analyzed to address the research question:Which kinds of tasks do Danish, Norwegian, and German students find difficult and/or easy in comparison with students of equal ability from other countries participating in ICILS 2013?The analyses show that Norwegian and Danish students find items related to computer literacy easier than their peers from other countries. On the other hand, Danish and, to a certain degree, Norwegian students find items related to information literacy more difficult. Opposed to this, German students do not find computer literacy easier, but they do seem to be comparably better at designing and laying out posters, web pages etc. This paper shows that essential results can be identified by comparing the distribution of difficulties of items in international large-scale assessments. This is a more constructive approach to the challenge of DIF, but it does not eliminate the serious threat to the validity of the comparison of countries.
Second generation from refugee backgrounds in Europe
Authors: Chimienti Milena , Bloch Alice , Ossipow Laurence , de Wenden Catherine Wihtol 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThis introduction to the special issue provides a critical state-of-the-art of the literature on second-generation migrants which has hitherto subsumed the case of the children of refugees. It highlights the theoretical and methodological orientations taken by the literature and examines the main findings on the second generation’s social, educational, economic, cultural and inter-generational lives, before turning to the few findings available on conditions and performances of children of refugees. The editorial concludes by suggesting gaps in our knowledge and areas for future research.
Factors associated with adherence to dietary prescription among adult patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis in national referral hospitals in Kenya: a mixed-methods survey
Authors: Opiyo Rose Okoyo , Nyasulu Peter Suwirakwenda , Olenja Joyce , Zunza Moleen , Nguyen Kim A. , Bukania Zipporah , Nabakwe Esther , Mbogo Alexander , Were Anthony Omolo 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Introduction
Adherence to dietary prescriptions among patients with chronic kidney disease is known to prevent deterioration of kidney functions and slow down the risk for morbidity and mortality. This study determined factors associated with adherence to dietary prescription among adult patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis.

Methods
A mixed-methods study, using parallel mixed design, was conducted at the renal clinics and dialysis units at the national teaching and referral hospitals in Kenya from September 2018 to January 2019. The study followed a QUAN + qual paradigm, with quantitative survey as the primary method. Adult patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis without kidney transplant were purposively sampled for the quantitative survey. A sub-sample of adult patients and their caregivers were purposively sampled for the qualitative survey. Numeric data were collected using a structured, self-reported questionnaire using Open Data Kit “Collect software” while qualitative data were collected using in-depth interview guides and voice recording. Analysis on STATA software for quantitative and NVIV0 12 for qualitative data was conducted. The dependent variable, “adherence to diet prescription” was analyzed as a binary variable. P values < 0.1 and < 0.05 were considered as statistically significant in univariate and multivariate logistic regression models respectively. Qualitative data were thematically analyzed.

Results
Only 36.3% of the study population adhered to their dietary prescriptions. Factors that were independently associated with adherence to diet prescriptions were “flexibility in the diets” (AOR 2.65, 95% CI 1.11–6.30, P 0.028), “difficulties in following diet recommendations” (AOR 0.24, 95% CI 0.13–0.46, P < 001), and “adherence to limiting fluid intake” (AOR 9.74, 95% CI 4.90–19.38, P < 0.001).

Conclusions
For patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis, diet prescriptions with less restrictions and requiring minimal extra efforts and resources are more likely to be adhered to than the restrictive ones. Patients who adhere to their fluid intake restrictions easily follow their diet prescriptions. Prescribed diets should be based on the individual patient’s usual dietary habits and assessed levels of challenges in using such diets. Additionally, diet adherence messages should be integrated with fluid limitation messages. Further research on understanding patients’ adherence to fluid restriction is also suggested.
Qualitative analysis of Sudan IV in edible palm oil
Authors: Andoh Sampson Saj , Nuutinen Tarmo , Mingle Cheetham , Roussey Matthieu 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Palm oil is one of the most useful vegetable available. Sudan IV dye is used as hue enhancer in palm oil despite the ban as food colorant due to its carcinogenicity and mutagenicity by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

Methods
Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) coupled with chemometric methods was applied to detect the presence of Sudan IV in some edible palm oil samples.

Results
We studied the samples within the 1200–1800 cm− 1 Raman frequency range. In predicting adulteration, we used 1388 cm− 1 Raman peak that is associated with Sudan IV as our marker. We were able to confirm adulteration in four of the five palm oil samples provided by the Food and Drug Authority of Ghana.

Conclusions
With these methods, we confirmed the results from Food and Drug Authorities of Ghana by proving that there were indeed Sudan IV adulteration in some palm oil samples.
The persistent effect of acute psychosocial stress on heart rate variability
Authors: Mohammadi Alireza , Emamgoli Asgar , Shirinkalam Marjan , Meftahi Golam Hossein , Yagoobi Keyvan , Hatef Boshra 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
As stress occurs repetitively every day, the biological modifiers should also have enough time to restore the normal state of hemostasis; otherwise, chronic stress would be anticipated. The aim of the present study was to examine the persistence of stress based on subjective emotion, salivary cortisol, and linear and non-linear features of heart rate variability (HRV) in both genders.

Methods
Thirty-three healthy young volunteers (23 men and 10 women) participating in this study were exposed to the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST). Moreover, the emotional visual analog scale (EVAS), salivary cortisol, and ECG recording in the rest state were taken before and after TSST as well as 20 min after recovery.

Results
According to the results of the two-way mixed model ANOVA, all volunteers showed a significant increase in EVAS after TSST which was restored to the baseline state after recovery. Notably, the women’s base of cortisol was significantly higher than men and the standard range of kit. Cortisol elevation was only observed in the men, and the significant increase of LF/HF ratio was observed in the women, while both did not retain to the baseline after recovery. The SD1 of Poincaré plot and spectral entropy decreased after stress in both genders. Moreover, there was a significant negative correlation between baseline level of cortisol and its elevation due to stress and some features of HRV.

Conclusion
The base of cortisol played a critical role in modifying the physiological response to stress. In addition, after recovery, no stressful emotion remained, while the non-linear features of HRV did not return to baseline.