bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Food Insecurity Among Formerly Homeless Individuals Living in Permanent Supportive Housing
Authors: Bowen Elizabeth A. , Lahey John , Rhoades Harmony , Henwood Benjamin F. 
Published: February 2019

Objectives. To assess the role of health-related factors, health care, nutrition, and socioeconomic factors in food insecurity prevalence in a sample of previously homeless adults living in permanent supportive housing. Methods. In 2016 to 2017, we recruited and completed survey interviews with permanent supportive housing residents aged 45 years and older in Los Angeles, California (n = 237). We conducted univariable and multivariable analyses to determine the odds and covariates of low or very low food security, according to the US Department of Agriculture’s definition and measure. Results. Two thirds of residents (67%) reported low or very low food security. In the multivariable analyses, several variables were positively associated with this outcome, including accessing food aid or being late in paying bills. The odds of low or very low food security decreased by 8% for every $100 increase in monthly income. Conclusions. The prevalence of food insecurity in our sample exceeded rates among similarly aged low-income adults in the general population and adults who are currently homeless. This suggests that food insecurity, along with other indicators of socioeconomic disadvantage, remains a threat to health equity for formerly homeless individuals even after they transition to stable housing.
Acupuncture versus Rehabilitation in the Treatment of Ischemic Stroke Recovery: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Li Lixia , Zhu Weifeng , Lin Guohua , Chen Chuyun , Tang Donghui , Lin Shiyu , Weng Xiaorong , Xie Liqin , LU Lihong , Li Weilin 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Background: Acupuncture is a treatment for ischemic stroke recovery, but evidence of its effectiveness remains limited.
Methods: A total of 497 patients with ischemic stroke were randomized into Arm 1 (159 cases), Arm 2 (173 cases) and a control group (165 cases). In the control group, rehabilitation training was provided. In Arm 1 and Arm 2, acupoint schemes were determined by the consensus of acupuncture experts and previous clinical research. Arm 1 was based on an acupoint summary of ancient literature, and Arm 2 was based on the summary of effective acupuncture points in modern RCT literature. The treatment was given with conventional acupuncture at the appropriate position. After acupuncture, the needles were left in for 30 minutes, and checked every 10 minutes. The three groups received treatment once a day, 5 times a week, for 2 weeks. The primary outcome were the National Institute of Health stroke scale (NIHSS), and the secondary outcomes were the Barthel index (BI) and modified Ashworth scale (MAS). Outcomes were observed in patients both before and after treatment.
Results: After 2 weeks of treatment, there was no significant difference between Arm 1 and the control group for either the BI scores or the modified Ashworth scale scores (P>0.05). However, the NIHSS scores of Arm 1 were lower than those of the control group (P=0.017); the BI scores were higher in Arm 2 than they were in the control group (P=0.020).
Conclusion: The clinical efficacy of Arm 1 and Arm 2 (acupuncture groups) was superior to that of the control group.
Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR-IOR-16008627, Registered 11 June 2016, http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx.
Keywords: Acupuncture; ischemic stroke; randomized controlled trial (RCT)
Cytokine profiling reveals increased serum inflammatory cytokines in idiopathic choroidal neovascularization
Authors: Guo Shenchao , Yin Houfa , Zheng Mingjie , Tang Yizhen , Lu Bing , Chen Xinyi , Fu Qiuli , Qin Zhenwei , Lyu Danni , Tang Qiaomei , Zhang Lifang , Ma Jian , Zhang Li , Fang Xiaoyun 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Background

To investigate serum cytokine profiles in patients with idiopathic choroidal neovascularization (ICNV) and explore the relationship between serum cytokine levels and ICNV severity.

Methods

This case-control study was conducted in 32 ICNV patients and 30 healthy volunteers. Clinical and demographic information was obtained from the medical data platform and the serum was analysed with a multiplex assay to determine the levels of seven cytokines: interleukin (IL)-2, IL-10, IL-15, IL-17, basic fibroblast growth factor (basic FGF), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).

Results

Serum levels of IL-2, IL-10, IL-17, basic FGF, and VEGF were elevated in ICNV patients compared to controls. Serum GM-CSF levels were positively related to central retinal thickness, and serum IL-17 levels were positively related to CNV lesion area.

Conclusion

Serum inflammatory cytokines were significantly elevated in ICNV patients compared to controls. This suggests that systemic inflammation may play a critical role in the physiopathology of ICNV.
Retraining automatic action tendencies for smoking using mobile phone-based approach-avoidance bias training: Study protocol for a randomized controlled study
Authors: Machulska Alla , Eiler Tanja Joan , Grünewald Armin , Brück Rainer , Jahn Katharina , Niehaves Björn , Gethmann Carl Friedrich , Klucken Tim 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Background: Automatic tendencies to approach drug-related cues have been linked to the development and maintainance of harmful drug taking behavior. Recent studies have demonstrated that these automatic approach tendencies can be targeted directly by means of Cognitive Bias Modification (CBM) approaches. Moreover, changing those approach tendencies may enhance treatment outcomes. However, training and therapy effects tend to be rather small and adherence to the training might be impaired by time-consuming multiple lab-training sessions. Here, we present a protocol for a randomized waitlist-control design to improve CBM training efficiency and facilitate access to the training by providing mobile phone-based training sessions at home to current smokers motivated to quit smoking.
Methods/Design: Participants (n = 100) are current smokers who smoke at least 6 cigarettes per day for at least 6 months and are willing to quit smoking. All participants attend a brief smoking cessation intervention (TAU) and are randomly assigned either to a training or a waitlist-control group. Participants in the training condition are given access to a training app aimed at retraining automatic approach biases for smoking cues. Participants are instructed to perform the app-training outside the laboratory context on a daily basis for 14 consecutive days. Approach, attentional and association biases, biochemical outcomes, and self-reported smoking behavior will be measured at baseline, directly after training, and at a 4-week follow-up. After completition of the study, smokers in the waitlist-control condition will receive access to the training app.
Discussion: This RCT is the first to test the effectiveness of an app-based CBM intervention as an adjunct to a brief smoking cessation intervention in smokers motivated to quit smoking. The results of this study can inform future research in the optimisation and advancement of CBM treatment for addiction.
Trial Registration: Registered with Current Controlled Trials: study ID ISRCTN15690771. Registered on 20 November 2018; http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN15690771
Factors Associated with Axial Length Elongation in High Myopia
Authors: Kim Hong Kyu , Rim Tyler Hyungtaek , Yang Jong Yun , Kim Soo Han , Kim Sung Soo 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Background: To investigate the impact of axial length (AL) and ocular factors on axial length elongation (ALE).
Methods: A retrospective chart review of patients who underwent more than two axial length examinations using a single instrument
Results: The mean age of the participants was 47.21 ± 7.79 years. Eyes were classified into four groups according to their initial AL measurement. AL remained almost unchanged in the groups with AL < 26mm. On the contrary, AL increased by 0.011mm/year in the group with 26 ≤ AL < 28mm and 0.035mm/year in the group with AL ≥ 28mm (P < .001). In high myopia, ALE increased in eyes with longer axial lengths (r = 0.003, P = .024), females (r = 0.014, P = .019), eyes with larger peripapillary chorioretinal atrophic areas (r = 0.002, P = .019), and smaller vascular arcade angles (r = -0.004, P = .006). The risk of elongation 0.03mm/year in high myopia was increased in females (OR = 2.265, P = .040), and gradually increased in eyes with large peripapillary chorioretinal atrophy area (OR = 5.604, 6.939, and 7.470, respectively; P = .001, < .001, and .008, respectively)
Conclusions: AL remained almost unchanged in the group with AL < 26mm. On the contrary, ALE was observed in the group with AL ≥ 26mm. AL elongated significantly in eyes with longer AL, female, and eyes with larger atrophic areas and smaller arcade angles on fundus photographs.
Factors Affecting Hay Prices at Auction: A Hedonic Analysis
Authors: Peake Madeline D. , Burdine Kenneth H. , Mark Tyler B. , Goff Ben M. 
Published: February 2019

Core Ideas

Marketing hay in small square bales was found to add significant economic value to the forage.
TDN and RFV were both significant drivers of economic hay value.
Quality measures had more price impact on small square bales than large round bales.
An inverse relationship was found between square bale weight and sale price per metric ton.
Despite hay’s significance as a driver of the agricultural economy and its role as a major input into the livestock sector, it has generally received less attention in marketing literature than many other commodities. This work examined sale results from a hay auction in Central Kentucky where information on hay weights and quality were made available to prospective buyers prior to sale. Utilizing this data, a hedonic analysis was employed to examine specific factors that impacted sale prices for individual lots of hay. This work built on existing literature by evaluating the price impact of large round bales compared to small square bales, hay quality measures of Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN) and Relative Feed Value (RFV), lot size, and bale weight. Hay sold in small square bales was found to net a significantly higher price than hay sold as large round bales, even when holding other factors constant. This work also confirmed the importance of hay quality measures as a price driver, even in a market environment without significant dairy influence. Finally, quantitative evidence was found to support a negative relationship between price and small square bale weight, such that price and revenue would likely decrease as small square bales become larger. This work has implications for producers and sellers of hay as they consider marketing strategies and hay buyers as they attempt to understand what drives prices of hay in their region.
Persistence of Fecal Contamination Indicators and Pathogens in Class B Biosolids Applied to Sugarcane Fields
Authors: Oliveira Fernando C. , de Faria Marianne F. , Bertoncini Edna I. , Sato Maria Inês Z. , Hachich Elayse M. , Guerrini Iraê A. , Passos José Raimundo S. , James Jason N. , Harrison Robert B. , Feitoza Thomas G. , Chiaradia Jonas J. , Abreu‐Junior Cassio H. , Firme de Moraes Lucia P. 
Published: February 2019

Agricultural recycling of human Class B biosolids in sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) crop is a promising alternative to reduce the costs of biosolids disposal. However, the presence of fecal contamination indicators such as thermotolerant coliforms and pathogenic organisms such as enterovirus and Ascaris spp. in biosolids impose barriers to effective and widespread use of biosolids as fertilizer. In addition, there is a scarcity of studies that investigate the persistence of these organisms in tropical soils. This study aimed to evaluate the persistence of pathogenic and fecal indicators for 258 d in a tropical clayey soil amended with human Class B biosolids and cultivated with sugarcane. Treatments were immediate incorporation of biosolids into soil after application (T1) or superficial application of biosolids followed by incorporation after 35 d (T2), emulating the typical procedure in sugarcane fields. Thermotolerant coliforms were estimated to persist for 437 d in T1 and 398 d in T2. For enterovirus, mean estimated persistence time in soil was 26 d for T1, but the sampling frequency was insufficient in T2 for persistence analysis. After 35 d, no enterovirus was detected in any sample. Mean estimated persistence time for viable Ascaris spp. eggs in soil was 22 d in T1 and 41 d in T2.Core Ideas
Thermotolerant coliforms can persist longer in soils than Ascaris spp. eggs.
Enteroviruses are short lived in biosolids‐amended soil due to high sensitivity.
Viable Ascaris spp. eggs exhibit less viability in tropical climate soils than in temperate soils.
Recent results from the long-baseline (LBL) neutrino oscillation experiments
Authors: Fernández Pablo 
Published: February 2019

The results from the current long-baseline neutrino oscillation
experiments are reviewed. These experiments are designed to measure the
remaining unknown neutrino oscillation parameters via the oscillation of
accelerator neutrinos over long distances.The performance of
these experiments and their results are described and discussed, giving
a precise picture of the current status of the measurements for the
neutrino mass ordering, the value of \Delta m^2_{32}Δm322,
the \theta_{23}θ23
and the lepton CP-violating phase, \delta_{CP}δCP.
Intelligent Computing Based Formulas to Predict the Settlement of Shallow Foundations on Cohesionless Soils
Authors: Tarawneh Bashar , Bodour Wassel AL , Al Ajmi Khaled 
Published: February 2019

Introduction:Although it is a regular duty of geotechnical engineers to evaluate how much shallow foundation settles in the granular soil, there is no well-approved formula for this task. The intent of this research is to develop a formula that is adequately simple to be used in routine geotechnical engineering work but complete enough to address the behavior of granular soil associated with the settlement issue.Methods:Cone penetration test and foundation load test data were used to generate a formula that can predict the settlement. Genetic Programming (GP) based Symbolic Regression (GP-SR) and artificial neural networks were used to develop an optimized formula. Settlements were also calculated using the finite method and compared to the results of the developed formula.Results and Conclusion:Two formulas were developed using SR, and several models were developed using ANN. ANN model 1 has the highest R2value (0.93) and the lowest MSE (0.16) among all developed ANN and GP-SR models. FEM settlements were almost double the measured ones in some instances.
HOSTEL İŞLETMECİLİĞİNDE REKABET BELİRLEYİCİLERİ: İŞLETMECİ VE TURİST GÖRÜŞLERİNİN ANALİZİ
Authors: GAHRAMANOV Vugar , TÜRKAY Oğuz 
Published: February 2019

Amaç: Dünya genelinde en hızlı büyüyen ve önemli miktarda kişi ve para
hareketine yol açan gençlik turizminin en belirgin konaklama seçeneği olarak
hostellerin rekabetçiliği, turizmin gelişimi açısından kritik öneme sahiptir.
Bu çalışmada, hostel işletmeciliğinde rekabetçiliğin analizi amaçlanmaktadır.Yöntem: Hostel işletmecileri ile yapılan mülakat ve hostel
tüketicileri ile yapılan anket çalışmalarıyla elde edilen nitel ve nicel veri
analiz edilmektedir.Bulgular: Alanda internet erişimi, fiyat, hijyen, banyo olanakları
ve lokasyonun önemli olduğu anlaşılmaktadır. İstanbul’da yerleşik hosteller
açısından bir durağan rekabet ortamı algılamasına karşın dünya genelinde hostel
işletmeciliği alanında zincir işletmelerin büyüme gösterdikleri ve bu alanda
kalite artışına bağlı olarak diğer konaklama alternatifleriyle rekabete
hazırlanıldığı anlaşılmaktadır.

Sonuç: Hostellerde rekabet, fiyatın en temel çekicilik olduğu
yalın bir görünüm arz etmektedir. Ancak, işletme sayılarının özellikle de
büyük/zincir işletmelerin kapasite artırmalarının beklenmesi gerektiği tespit
edilmektedir. Hem zincir işletmelerin yayılması hem de airbnb ve couchsurfing
gibi alternatiflerin ciddi rekabet ortamı hazırlaması beklenebilir. Türkiye’de
ise öncelikle hostel özelliklerinin ve kalitesinin artırılması gerektiği
anlaşılmaktadır.
Formulation and evaluation of albendazole nanoparticle
Authors: Ramesh Yerikala , Balasaradhi Koorapati , Abhilash Kaki Rohan 
Published: February 2019

Therefore, there is a need to develop alternative novel drug delivery formulations of albendazole to improve its intestinal absorption and also to reduce its side effects during regular therapy. The Albendazole nanoparticles were prepared by hot homogenization method under high magnetic stirring using stearic acid as lipid and poloxamer 188 was used as surfactant. Initial pre-formulation studies using FTIR spectroscopy reveals that there are no interactions between Albendazole and other excipients and hence they can be used for the preparation of nanoparticles. The entrapment efficiencies varied from a minimum of 43.56 ± 0.95 % to a maximum of 85.1 ±0.58% and it can be concluded that higher amount of lipid is necessary for obtaining a good entrapment efficiency. The drug content of albendazole nanoparticles for all formulation ranges from 65.8% to 98.1%. A spherical shape was observed for the particles and the particles had a smooth morphology when examined under SEM. In vitro release studies of the formulations carried out in pH 7.4 PBS showed that the total amount of drug is released for 9hrs with sustained effect. That the formulations showed a drastic increase in size when stored at room temperature where the size of particles increased from an initial to 343.7 ±7.9 nm at the end of 1 month to 898.1 ± 5.8 nm at the end of 2 months. Entrapment efficiency of the formulation was determined at each interval to ensure that the drug molecules didn’t undergo any degradation during storage.
Keywords: Albendazole, Nanoparticles, Particle size, Entrapment efficiency.
Extracts of Ailanthus excels an Essential Medicine in Ayurveda: Pharmacological evaluationand preliminary screening of phytochemicals
Authors: Malviya Sapna , Dwivedi P. 
Published: February 2019

Ailanthus excels belongs to family Simaroubaceae known as tree of Heaven and Mahanimba commonly found in the India and China. The present study involves preliminary screening, qualitative analysis and pharmacological evaluation of extract. The preliminary photochemical screening performed using petroleum ether, chloroform and methanol extract. Analytical techniques like; TLC, FTIR and HPTLC also performed for qualitative and quantitative determination. Various chemical tests also performed for qualitative determination of alkaloids, flavanoids, phenols, terpenoids, steroids and saponins in plant extracts. Plant extract finally subjected to antibacterial and antifungal activities and findings of study suggested that plant extracts possesses potent antibacterial and antifungal activities.
Keywords: Ailanthus excelsa, antibacterial, antifungal, preliminary screening, TLC, HPTLC.
Smoking of tobacco is the cause of human lung cancer
Authors: Barukčić Ilija 
Published: February 2019

Objective: The aim of this study is to re-evaluate the relationship between smoking and lung cancer.
Methods: In order to clarify the relationship between cigarette smoking and lung cancer, a review and meta-analysis of appropriate studies with a total sample size of n = 48393 was conducted. The p-value was set to p < 0,05.
Results: It was not possible to reject the null-hypothesis H0: without smoking no lung cancer. Furthermore, the null-hypothesis H0: No causal relationship between smoking and lung cancer was rejected.
Conclusions: Compared to the results from previous studies, the results of this study confirm previously published results. According the results of this study, without smoking no lung cancer. Smoking is the cause of lung cancer.
Keywords: Smoking, lung cancer, causal relationship
Post-auricular leech therapy reduced headache & migraine days in chronic migraine
Authors: Ansari Shabnam , Nil Faihuzzaman , Jabeen Azhar , Sultana Asia , Khan Qamar Alam 
Published: February 2019

Background: Migraine is an exceedingly common disorder that causes substantial pain, disability and societal burden. Unfortunately, conventional treatments are insufficient, inadequate, or associated with significant risks, such as overuse, abuse or addiction. The Unani system of Medicine has been treating migraine since centuries. Leech therapy (Irsale Alaq) has been employed successfully in severe persistent headache, mania and insomnia since decades.
Aim: The purpose of our study was to evaluate the impact of post auricular leech therapy in migraine and to collect data to warrant further clinical trials.
Methods: We conducted a case series on 7 patients who had failed conventional oral treatments for the migraine. After informed consent, post auricular leech therapy was done. Patients were asked to keep detailed headache calendars, documenting the number of headache days, migraine days, the intensity of headaches/ migraines and analgesic usage. We compared these parameters before and after 2 months of therapy.
Results: We observed a reduction in the number of headache & migraine days and amount of painkillers used without any adverse effects. (P≤ 0.01) Improvement in quality of life was also observed.
Discussion: We reviewed the literature related to the medicinal leeches (Hirudo medicinalis), used for the treatment in these cases. Leech saliva contains certain potent anesthetic, anti-inflammatory and vasodilator substances, suggesting plausible mechanisms of action in these cases.
Conclusion: The preliminary findings indicate the safe and potential therapeutic role of leech therapy. So further trials should be carried out to explore the therapeutic potential of this therapy in chronic migraine.
Keywords: Chronic Migraine, leech therapy, hirudo medicinalis, headache, Unani Medicine, complementary Medicine.
Method Development and Validation of Stability Indicating RP-HPLC Method for Simultaneous Estimation of Escitalopram Oxalate and Clonazepam in Bulk and its Pharmaceutical Formulations
Authors: Kalia Bindusar , Baghel Uttam Singh 
Published: February 2019

This article refers to simple isocratic reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic method (RP-HPLC) developed for the simultaneous quantification of Escitalopram Oxalate (EST) and Clonazepam (CZP) in active pharmaceutical ingredient and pharmaceuticals. The separation of the two drugs was attained using a C₁₈ column (250mm×4.6mm, 5µ) as a stationary phase. The mobile phase was used as a mixture of methanol; acetonitrile; and 0.05M potassium dihydrogen orthophosphate buffer (pH 4 adjusted by orthophosphoric acid) with an isocratic ratio of 40:20:40 v/v. Detection was made by using PDA detector at 210 nm. Escitalopram Oxalate (RT= 4.428 minutes) and Clonazepam (RT= 6.532 minutes) were separated in a single chromatographic run with resolution of 8.719. The calibration plot indicated good linear relationship with r2 = 0.998 for Escitalopram Oxalate in concentration range of 32 µg/ml - 48 µg/ml and r2 = 0.999 for Clonazepam in concentration range of 16 µg/ml - 24 µg/ml. The retrievals for Escitalopram Oxalate and Clonazepam were found to be 99.75% and 99.00%, respectively. The established analytical method was validated and found acceptable as per ICH guidelines for linearity, precision, accuracy, specificity, limit of detection, limit of quantification, robustness and stability. Escitalopram Oxalate and Clonazepam individually as well as in combination were exposed to different stress conditions like acid, base, thermal, photolytic and oxidation degradation and peaks of a degraded product were well determined from peaks of pure drug. This method is modest, quick and appropriate for routine quality control analysis.
Keywords: Reverse Phase – HPLC; Escitalopram Oxalate; Clonazepam; Validation; Degradation study.