bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predicting prognosis according to preoperative chemotherapy response in patients with locally advanced lower rectal cancer
Authors: Shiraishi Takuya , Sasaki Takeshi , Ikeda Koji , Tsukada Yuichiro , Nishizawa Yuji , Ito Masaaki 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background: Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy is regarded as the standard of treatment for locally advanced lower rectal cancer although some of these cases are systemic, and local control may be inadequate. We aimed to stratify patients into prognostic groups based on preoperative factors, including response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed patients with locally advanced lower rectal adenocarcinoma (clinical stage II/III with high-risk features of distant metastasis) who were treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by curative resection between 2010 and 2017 and those, who did not receive neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Reduction in tumor volume (before vs. after neoadjuvant chemotherapy) was measured using magnetic resonance imaging. Recurrence and overall survival were also evaluated.Results: The cohort was composed of 105 patients. Good response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy was associated with better 5-year recurrence-free survival (good responders: 83.3%, poor responders: 50.9%; p=0.001) and 5-year overall survival (good responders: 95.8%, poor responders: 82.5%; p=0.04). In a multivariate analysis, extramural venous invasion on magnetic resonance imaging before neoadjuvant chemotherapy was significantly and independently associated with worse recurrence-free survival (hazard ratio: 2.57, 95% confidence interval: 1.32–5.03, p=0.006). Good responders without extramural venous invasion had the best 5-year recurrence-free and overall survival (89.7% and 94.9%, respectively). Poor responders with extramural venous invasion had the worst 5-year recurrence-free and overall survival (26.7% and 60.0%, respectively).Conclusions: Reductions in tumor volume after neoadjuvant chemotherapy were associated with better prognosis in patients with locally advanced lower rectal cancer. Extramural venous invasion was a preoperative prognostic factor.
Preoperative pelvic floor muscle exercise for early continence after holmium laser enucleation of the prostate: a randomized controlled study
Authors: Anan Go , Kaiho Yasuhiro , Iwamura Hiromichi , Ito Jun , Kohada Yuki , Mikami Jotaro , Sato Makoto 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background: Transient postoperative urinary incontinence is a bothersome complication of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP). The effects of preoperative pelvic floor muscle exercise (PFME) for early recovery of continence after HoLEP have never been elucidated. The aim of this study was to determine the benefit of preoperatively started pelvic PFME for early continence recovery after HoLEP.
Methods: We randomly assigned patients to start PFME preoperatively and continue postoperatively (group A) or start PFME no earlier than the postoperative period (group B). The primary outcome was time to complete urinary control, defined as no pad usage. The secondary quality of life measure was determined via International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF) scores. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify parameters associated with recovery of urinary continence after HoLEP.
Results: Seventy patients were randomized across groups A (n = 35) and B (n = 35). Patients’ characteristics were not different between groups A and B. The postoperative incontinence rate significantly decreased in group A compared with group B at 3 months postoperatively [3% vs. 26% (P = 0.01)]. However, there were no significant differences between groups A and B at 3 days [40% vs. 54% (P = 0.34)], 1 month [37% vs. 51% (P = 0.34)], and 6 months [0% vs. 3% (P = 1.00)] postoperatively, respectively. The postoperative ICIQ-SF scores were not significantly different between groups A and B at any time point postoperatively. In logistic regression analysis, patients who performed preoperative PFME had a 0.56-fold lower risk of incontinence 1 month after HoLEP and a 0.08-fold lower risk of incontinence 3 months after HoLEP.
Conclusions: Preoperatively started PFME appears to facilitate early improvement of urinary incontinence after HoLEP.
Increased urinary volumes in symptomatic Ménière’s Disease
Authors: Berardino Federica Di , Zanetti Diego 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Objective. The purpose of the research is to test the measurement of the total urinary volume, induced by the diuretic osmotic action of mannitol, in a group of symptomatic MD patients and in healthy controls. Results. An altered excretory urinary volume after mannitol challenge was observed in symptomatic MD (874.3 ± 302.1) compared to healthy volunteers (361.7 ± 181.6). (p = 0.0001) This easy and self-administered method might be proposed to replace the analysis of the urinary sugars’ concentration in symptomatic MD patients.
Online activities as risk factors for internet addiction among students in Bahir Dar University, North West Ethiopia: Hierarchical regression model
Authors: Asrese Kerebih , Muche Habtamu 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Introduction: Internet addiction among the youth has become a public health concern. It leads to impairments in several aspects of life. Previous studies identified individual and environmental risk factors for internet addiction. The effect of online activities on youth internet use behavior is not well investigated. This study assessed the prevalence of internet addiction and determined the roles of online activities for internet addiction among students in Bahir Dar University. Methods: Data were collected from 812 randomly selected undergraduate regular program students recruited from 10 departments. Participants completed a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Results: The results indicated that 35.2% of students were classified as being addicted to the internet. The four most important online activities students engaged on the internet are social networking (75.5%), entertainments (73.6%), academic works (72.5%), and online game (60.8%). Including online activity variables improved the explanation of internet addicted behavior over the individual and environmental attributes. Online activities explained 48.4% of the variance in internet addiction. Students who did not use the internet for social networking (AOR = .11; 95% CI: .06 - .21) and online game (AOR = .31; 95% CI: .21 - .46) were less likely to be internet addicted. Conclusions: Our findings revealed that more than one third of the participants were addicted internet users. Online activities better predict students’ addicted internet use behavior than individual and environmental attributes. Thus, university authorities and other concerned bodies need to be aware of the prevalence of IA and introduce regulatory mechanisms to limit the usage of potentially addictive online internet applications and promote responsible internet use behavior.
Lonely places or lonely people? Investigating the relationship between loneliness and place of residence
Authors: Victor Christina R , Pikhartova Jitka 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background: Loneliness in later life is largely presented as a problem of the individual focusing upon antecedents of loneliness such as demographic or health factors. Research examining the role of the broader living environments is rarer. We examined the relationship between loneliness and three elements of the lived environment: geographical region, deprivation, and area classification (urban or rural). Methods: Our sample consisted of 4,663 core members (44% males) aged 50+ (base wave mean age 65.5, S.D=.7.9) present in waves 3 (2008) and 7 (2014) of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) which both included questions about individual-based and area-based loneliness. Loneliness was measured using two approaches- the three item University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) scale (ranging from 3 =not lonely to 9= lonely and using cut off at level 6+ marking loneliness) which assessed individual-based (self-reported) loneliness, and a novel self-rated evaluation by participants of how often they felt lonely in their area of residence (area-based; ranging from 1=often to 7=never, using cut off 4+). The lived environment was classified in three different ways: the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD), Government Office Regions (GOR), and as urban or rural. Covariates with established relationship with loneliness including demographic factors, social engagement and health, were included in the analyses. Results: In wave 7, individual-based loneliness was reported by 18% and area-based loneliness by 25% of participants. There was limited congruence between measures: 68% participants reported no individual- or area-based loneliness and 9% reported loneliness in both areas. Adjusting for individual co-variates, a significant association was observed only for the association between area-based loneliness and deprivation measure area characteristic, with higher levels of loneliness in more deprived areas (OR=1.4 for highest quintile of deprivation). No other significant relationships were observed regarding other types of area characteristics. Conclusions: Our results indicate that loneliness in older adults is higher in the most deprived areas independent of individual-level factors. In order to develop appropriate interventions further research is required to investigate how area-level factors combine with individual-level loneliness vulnerability measures to generate increased levels of loneliness in deprived areas.
A neutralizing monoclonal antibody-based competitive ELISA for classical swine fever C-strain post–vaccination monitoring
Authors: Wang Lihua , Mi Shijiang , Madera Rachel , Ganges Llilianne , Borca Manuel V. , Ren Jingqiang , Cunningham Chase , Cino-Ozuna Ada G. , Li Hongwei , Tu Changchun , Gong Wenjie , Shi Jishu 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background: Virus neutralization test (VNT) is widely used for serological survey of classical swine fever (CSF) and efficacy evaluation of CSF vaccines. However, VNT is a time consuming procedure that requires cell culture and live virus manipulation. C-strain CSF vaccine is the most frequently used vaccine for CSF control and prevention. In this study, we presented a neutralizing monoclonal antibody (mAb) based competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) with the emphasis on the replacement of VNT for C-strain post–vaccination monitoring.

Results: One monoclonal antibody (6B211) which has potent neutralizing activity against C-strain was generated. A novel competitive ELISA (cELISA) was established and optimized based on the strategy that 6B211 can compete with C-strain induced neutralizing antibodies in pig serum to bind capture antigen C-strain E2. By testing C-strain VNT negative pig sera (n=445) and C-strain VNT positive pig sera (n=70), the 6B211 based cELSIA showed 100% sensitivity (95% confidence interval: 94.87 to 100%) and 100% specificity (95% confidence interval: 100 to 100%). By testing pig sera (n=139) in parallel, the cELISA showed excellent agreement (95.7%) with VNT. The inhibition rate of serum samples in the cELISA is highly correlated with their titers in VNT (r 2 =0.903, p<0.001). In addition, intra- and inter-assays of the cELISA exhibited acceptable repeatability with low coefficient of variations (CVs).

Conclusions: This novel cELISA demonstrated excellent agreement and high level correlation with VNT. It is a reliable tool for sero-monitoring of C-strain vaccination campaign because it is a rapid, simple, safe and cost effective assay that can be used to monitor vaccination-induced immune response at the population level.
The association between remuneration systems of community health workers in India and promoted maternal health outcomes: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Koehn Hannah , Zheng Shenglin , Houser Robert F. , O’Hara Corey , Rogers Beatrice Lorge 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background: This study assessed the association of remuneration systems of paid-for-performance Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) and salaried Anganwadi workers (AWWs) on seven maternal health outcomes in four states in India: Andhra Pradesh (AP), Chhattisgarh, Odisha (Orissa), and Uttar Pradesh (UP). Methods: The cross-sectional study surveyed mothers of children aged 6-23 months. A total of 3,455 mothers were selected via multistage cluster sampling. The seven health outcomes related to the community health worker (CHW) visits were: institutional delivery, complete immunization, exclusive breastfeeding for six months, timely introduction of complementary feeding, continued breastfeeding during child’s illness, handwashing, and awareness of Nutrition and Health Days (NHDs). Results: The results varied by state. Mothers who received ASHA visits were significantly less likely to have an institutional delivery, timely introduction of complementary feeding, awareness of Nutrition and Health Days (NHDs), proper handwashing, and exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months in at least one of the four states. Conversely, AWW’s home visits were positively predictive of the following health outcomes in certain states: complete immunization for index child, continued breastfeeding during the child’s illness, handwashing, and awareness of NHDs. Conclusions: ASHAs’ home visits were not more strongly associated with health outcomes for which they were paid than outcomes for which they were unpaid. AWWs’ home visits were positively associated with awareness of NHDs, and associations varied for other recommended health behaviors. Further research could elucidate the causes for successes and failures of CHW programs in different states of India. Keywords: ASHA, AWW, CHW, Performance-Based Incentives, Maternal and Child Health
DEep VEin Lesion OPtimisation (DEVELOP) Trial. Protocol for a randomised, assessor-blinded feasibility trial of iliac vein intervention for venous leg ulcers
Authors: Aherne Thomas M , Keohane C. , Mullins M. , Black S. A. , Tang T.Y. , O’Sullivan G.J. , Walsh S. R. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background: Venous leg ulceration is a widespread, debilitating pathology with high recurrence rates. Conservative treatment using graduated compression dressings may be associated with unacceptable ulcer recurrence rates. Early superficial venous ablation encourages ulcer healing and reduces recurrence. However, many of this cohort display concomitant ilio-caval stenosis, which further contributes to lower limb venous hypertension and ulceration.
An approach which combines early superficial venous ablation with early treatment of ilio-caval stenotic disease may significantly improve ulcer healing and recurrence rates. We question whether early iliac vein interrogation with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), stenting of significant occlusive disease plus superficial venous ablation, in patients with active venous leg ulceration, will produce superior ulcer healing to standard therapy.
Methods: This is a prospective, multi-centre, randomised controlled, feasibility trial recruiting patients with lower limb venous ulceration and Great Saphenous incompetence. Patients will be randomised to undergo either truncal ablation and compression therapy or truncal ablation, simultaneous iliac interrogation with intravascular ultrasound and stenting of significant (>50%) iliac vein lesions plus compression therapy. The primary endpoints will be ulcer healing and procedural safety. Secondary endpoints include time to healing, quality of life and clinical scores, ulcer recurrence rates and rates of post-thrombotic syndrome. Follow up will be over a five-year period. This feasibility trial is designed to include 60 patients. Should it be practicable a total of 594 patients would be required to adequately power the trial to definitively address ulcer-healing rates.
Discussion: This trial will be the first randomised trial to examine the role iliac interrogation and intervention in conjunction with standard operative therapy in the management of venous ulceration related to Great Saphenous incompetence.
Ethical Committee Reference: C.A. 2111 Galway Clinical Research Ethics Comittee
Registration: Clinical Trials.gov registration NCT03640689 , Registered 21/08/2018, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03640689

Keywords: venous ulcer, endovenous, deep venous intervention, iliac vein, intra-vascular ultrasound, great saphenous incompetence
The Effect of Oral Contraceptive Pills on the Macula, the Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer, The Ganglion Cell layer and The Choroidal Thickness
Authors: Shaaban Yasmine Maher , Badran Tamer Abdel-Fattah 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
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AbstractBackground To evaluate the effect of oral contraceptive pills (OCP) on the macula, the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), the ganglion cell layer ( GCL), and the choroidal thickness (CT).Methods In this prospective observational cross-sectional study, 60 eyes of 30 healthy women taking monophasic OCP (0.03 mg ethinylestradiol and 0.15 mg levonorgestrel) for contraception for at least one year were compared with 60 eyes of a control group of 30 healthy women who were not taking any OCP. Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT) was used to evaluate the macula, the RNFL, the GCL, and the CT. Measurements were taken in the follicular phase (day 3) of the last menstrual cycle in all women. The body mass index (BMI) scores of all participants were also recorded.Results No disparity in terms of age and BMI between both groups was observed (p=0.444, p=0.074, respectively). All the macular parameters measurements were considerably lower in the OCP group compared to the control group (p<0.001). Also, the RNFL thickness, the GCL thickness, and the CT were all significantly thinner in the OCP group (p<0.001).Conclusions The use of OCP can cause significant changes in the retina and choroid thickness over one year period. The women who are using OCP for a longer duration could have some eye problems. OCT should be routinely done for follow up. Further long term studies are required, using different preparations of OCP. It is important to find out when this thickness alterations can be clinically significant or symptomatic and if these changes are reversible or not.Keywords Oral Contraceptive, Macula, Nerve fiber, Ganglion, Choroid, Ocular Coherence Tomography.
Malnutrition is Common in Cerebral Palsy Children in Saudi Arabia – A Cross-Sectional Clinical Observational Study
Authors: Almajwal Ali , Almuneef Abdul Rahman , Alam Iftikhar , Abulmeaty Mahmoud , Bader Bader Al , Badr Mohamed Farouq , Almuammar May , Razak Suhail 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background: Cerebral palsy (CP) is considered as the main cause of severe physical impairment and malnutrition in children.This cross-sectional study intended to survey the nutritional status of cerebral palsy children in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Methods: We examined 74 children (age: 1-10 yrs) with CP, who attended Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Humanitarian City (SBAHC), Riyadh Saudi Arabia. Data on age, general demographics, nutritional status and dietary intake were collected. A child was considered underweight, wasted, stunted or thin if the standard deviation scores for his/her weight for age, weight for height, height for age and body mass index for age was ≤ -2.0 standard deviation (SD) using WHO growth standards. Multivariable logistic regression identified the factors associated with nutritional indicators.
Results: More than half (56.4%) of the children with cerebral palsy were malnourished as they had z-score below <-2 SD in at least one of the four indicators. Thinness (50%) was the most common form of malnutrition, followed by underweight, stunting and wasting. Arm anthropometrics gave similar results on the percent number of malnourished children. Factors that were independently associated with malnutrition with an adjusted OR (aOR) were as follow: age ≤ 5 yrs (aOR: 4.29); presence of cognitive impairment (aOR: 4.13); presence of anemia (aOR: 3.41) and inadequate energy intake (aOR: 4.86) (p, for all trends <0.05).
Conclusion: Cerebral palsy children of the current study have impaired growth and nutritional status as assessed by all four common nutritional status indicators. Further large-scale community-based studies for in-depth evaluation of nutritional status and growth patterns in children with CP are needed.
Keywords: cerebral palsy, nutritional status, dietary intake, growth, Saudi Arabia
An extrusion simulation of an aluminum profile by porthole die
Authors: Ayer Önder , Bingöl Sedat , Karakaya İsmail 
Published: September 2019

The aluminum alloys are ideal material because of their corrosion resistance, recycling ability, high specific strength and especially low density for lightweight structures of transportation, aerospace, automotive industries. Hot extrusion process is the most used metal forming method for obtaining a variety of aluminum alloy profiles. The demand for large cross section, multi cavity and thin wall profiles has been increasing with the development of the industry and extrusion method is key solution for producing complex profiles with high productivity. These profiles are generally extruded by porthole dies. The extrusion process by porthole die is complicated and die design has great importance for the quality of the extruded product. Design of the porthole die should give optimum material flow and homogenous temperature distribution both for obtaining desired profile and eliminating die scrap. The measuring the temperature and material flow is not possible for closed die formation and it is so important to estimate both material flow, temperature change in the die. For this aim, an extrusion simulation of a porthole die for standard aluminum profile was investigated in this study with the support of HyperXtrude Inspire Extrude Metal 2019 software, which is specialized for FEM calculations of extrusion process. Each step of extrusion process was simulated. Aluminum AA6063 material was used for simulations, the process temperature was 4500 °C and punch velocity was selected as 5 mm/sec. Finally, the FEM results were obtained and the temperature distribution, pressure distribution, billet interface and relative die exit speed results were analyzed.