bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A non-randomized controlled trial for the effectiveness of the ‘aibo’ intervention program for distraction in childhood vaccination
Authors: Tanaka Kyoko , Hayakawa Maoko , Noda Chihiro , Nakamura Moemi , Nakamura Akio , Akiyama Chieko 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Procedures and actions such as injections and immobilization cause pain and distress to children. In the pediatric field, there is a need for interventions and support to alleviate the pain and distress caused by such medical procedures. In recent years, the introduction of robots as a means of distraction has begun to be attempted. Methods: In this study, we conducted a non-randomized controlled trial to examine the effect of intervention using ‘aibo’, a dog-like robot which has artificial intelligence (AI), to promote distraction in children after vaccination. Children between the ages of 3 and 13 years old eligible for the Japanese encephalitis vaccine, and their caregivers were assigned to intervention group or control group. Then, children evaluated their pain and children’s behavior were observed by observer. The mean values of Faces pain rating scale scores and observer pain scale scores were compared between groups using an unpaired t-test.Results: Fifty-seven children (32 in the intervention group) participated in the study. Results of a t-test with the control group showed that the intervention group using aibo had significantly less pain following the post-vaccination intervention than the control group using stuffed dog (Face Scale, t(55) = 2.582, p = .0125; Behavioral Observation Scale, t(55) = 2.772, p = .00759). The results support the hypothesis that the aibo intervention group will be less distressed and able to calm down more quickly after vaccination than the control group. Conclusion: AI-powered aibo interventions that allow for interactive interaction can be an effective distraction method during painful procedures such as vaccinations.
Exosomal tRF-Leu-AAG-001 Derived from Mast Cell as a Potential Non-invasive Diagnostic Biomarker for Endometriosis
Authors: Li Yingxue , Cui Shuling , Xu Zemin , Zhang Yanping , Wu Tao , Zhang Jing , Chen Yichen 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: The diagnosis of endometriosis (EMs) is still based on laparoscopic observation. This study tries to verify whether exosomal tRNA-derived fragments (tRFs) in leucorrhea can be used as non-invasive diagnostic markers.Methods: Endometrial tissues and leucorrhea were sampled from women hospitalized in Ningbo University Affiliated Hospital from January 2021 to July 2021 with (n=26) and without endometriosis (n=25). Exosomes were isolated from samples by differential centrifugation. The small RNA sequencing was performed to detect the exosomal tRNA halves (tiRNAs)&tRFs. RNA probe and immunofluorescence antibody were used to localize the origin of tRFs. From mast cell lines infected with tRF-Leu-AAG-001 siRNA, we observed the change in vascular capacity and expression of inflammatory factors. The specificity and sensitivity tRF were determined by receiver operating characteristic analyses.Results: 63 up-regulated and 45 down-regulated tRFs&tiRNAs were identified in ectopic exosomes. We selected tRF-Leu-AAG-001 as a candidate marker through KEGG pathway enrichment and PCR verification. We found that mast cells highly expressed tRF-Leu-AAG-001 in ectopic foci by immunofluorescence staining. We used siRNA to silenced tRF-Leu-AAG-001 expression in luva, qPCR analysis showed IL-6, IL-10, IL-1β, and TNF-α were significantly decreased. Meanwhile, tRF-Leu-AAG-001 siRNA dramatically reduced the angiogenic ability of luva. Finally, we examined the expression of exosomal tRF-Leu-AAG-001 in the leucorrhea. It was found exosomal tRF-Leu-AAG-001 had high specificity and sensitivity for predicting the occurrence of ectopic disease. Conclusions: Exosomal tRF-Leu-AAG-001 derived from mast cells in ectopic foci might promote inflammation and angiogenesis. Meanwhile，leucorrhea exosomal tRF-Leu-AAG-001 could be a potential diagnostic biomarker for endometriosis.
Opinions and experiences of physicians regarding complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). A research report from Poland.
Authors: Leśniewska Magdalena , Kozioł Ilona , Budzyńska Julia , Kopystecka Agnieszka , Patryn Rafał 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
BACKGROUND The term CAM denotes alternative, unconventional, complementary medicine. In practice, however, CAM is practiced by individuals without academic medical education and formal eligibility for treating people. The extent of this phenomenon is considerable. The WHO global report on traditional and complementary medicine has demonstrated that 87% of all WHO Member States legally recognize individual forms of CAM, and 100 Member States have national policies regarding such practices. In Poland, performing medical activities without appropriate qualifications is prohibited. METHODS The pilot study was conducted to assess the directions of possible research on alternative medicine. Diagnostic survey distributed as a Google Forms was used as the basic research method with the research technique of a questionnaire. The questionnaire starting with a metrics part consisted of several questions regarding popularity and tendency of CAM, causes of CAM popularity, approach to those types of practices and patients as well as role of CAM during the pandemic. 61 responses were obtained from physicians of different age, experience and speciality. RESULTS As many as 95% of doctors believe that alternative medicine can be dangerous; 67.2% think that the phenomenon of alternative medicine should be combated; almost half of the physicians surveyed believe that there is a fundamental contradiction between evidence-based medicine (EBM) and alternative medicine. Furthermore, according to 48% of respondents, physicians in Poland should be able to recommend and combine methods of traditional and alternative medicine. CONCLUSIONS Doctors point to the increasing popularity of CAM among patients in Poland, the consequences of which cannot be determined because there is still a lack of research on the safety of alternative methods. The most frequently cited reasons for interest in CAM suggest that there is a need for a better tailored biomedical approach to individual patient needs.
Application of decision analytical models to diabetes in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review
Authors: Tagoe Eunice Twumwaa , Nonvignon Justice , Meer Robert Van Der , Megiddo Itamar 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Decision analytical models (DAMs) are used to develop an evidence base that is used in impact and health economic evaluations, including to evaluate interventions to improve diabetes care and health service—an increasingly important area in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where the disease burden is high, health systems are weak, and resources are constrained. Compared with large-scale real-life randomised control trials and cohort studies, DAMs can produce evidence of the health and economic benefits of interventions in an affordable and timely manner, while overcoming ethical issues, by using mathematical and logical relationships to abstract vital aspects of reality/systems for analysis.This study examines how DAMs–in particular, Markov, system dynamic, agent-based, discrete event simulation and hybrid models–have been applied to investigate non-pharmaceutical (NP) policy interventions and how to advance their adoption to diabetes research in LMICs. Methods: We conducted a systematic search of peer-reviewed articles published in English between 2000 and 2020 in PubMed, Cochrane and the reference list of reviewed articles. Articles were summarised and appraised based on publication details, model design and processes, modelled interventions, and model limitations. Results: Thirteen studies were included (six Markov, six microsimulation and one agent-based model), most of which modelled interventions in Asian sub-population. Except for one study (which examined tax increment), all studies assessed interventions within the health sector. Seven studies reported health and economic outcomes and the rest reported health outcomes only. Twelve studies reported on uncertainty analysis. Almost half of the studies did not report on model validation, whereas two studies combined multiple validation techniques to increase confidence in models. Four studies modelled policy interventions among diabetes patients; the rest concentrated on at-risk populations. All studies reported limitations with obtaining sufficient data for modelling. Conclusions: This review summarises the application of DAMs to NP diabetes interventions in LMICs. Our purpose is to identify gaps in their adoption and advance their appropriate use for assessing NP policies intervention aimed at controlling diabetes. Our study recommends that LMICs should leverage the usefulness of DAMs to support economic evaluation of population-wide NP policy interventions, particularly fiscal policies, to control diabetes.
The Canadian STRIDER Randomised Controlled Trial of Sildenafil for Severe, Early-onset Fetal Growth Restriction
Authors: von Dadelszen Peter , Audibert François , Bujold Emmanuel , Bone Jeffrey N , Sandhu Ash , Li Jing , Kariya Chirag , Chung Youkee , Lee Tang , Au Kelvin , Skoll M Amanda , Vidler Marianne , Magee Laura A , Piedboeuf Bruno , Baker Philip N , Lalji Sayrin , Lim Kenneth I 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
ObjectivesTo determine the efficacy and safety of sildenafil citrate to improve outcomes in pregnancies complicated by early-onset, dismal prognosis, fetal growth restriction (FGR). Eligibility: women ≥18 years, singleton, 18 +0–27 +6 weeks’ gestation, estimated fetal weight <700g, and ≥1 of (i) abdominal circumference <10 th percentile for gestational age (GA); or (ii) reduced growth velocity and either abnormal uterine artery Doppler or prior early-onset FGR with adverse outcome. Ineligibility criteria included: planned termination or reversed umbilical artery end-diastolic flow. Eligibility confirmed by placental growth factor <5 th percentile for GA. Women randomly received (1:1) either sildenafil 25 mg three times daily or matched placebo until either delivery or 31 +6 weeks. Primary outcome: delivery GA. The trial stopped early when the Dutch STRIDER trial signalled potential harm. NCT02442492 [registered 13/05/2015].ResultsBetween May 2017 and June 2018, 21 (90 planned) women were randomised (10 sildenafil; 11 placebo [1 withdrawal]). Baseline characteristics, PlGF levels, maternal and perinatal outcomes, and adverse events did not differ. Delivery GA: 30 +1 weeks (sildenafil) vs 28 +6 weeks (placebo); p=0.555. Early trial termination precluded statistical power; however, there were signals of neither benefit nor harm. Data will contribute to an individual participant data meta-analysis.
Hepatitis B, C, and Delta in the General Population in Mayotte: Hepatitis B as a Major Public Health Concern
Authors: Brouard Cécile , Parenton Fanny , Youssouf Hassani , Chevaliez Stéphane , Gordien Emmanuel , Jean Maxime , Bruyand Mathias , Vaux Sophie , Lot Florence , Ruello Marc , group Unono Wa Maore 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
In the 15-69-year-old general population living in Mayotte, we estimated the prevalence of infections by hepatitis B (HBV), C (HCV), and delta (HDV) viruses and the distribution of HBV status: current infection with positive HBs antigen (Ag); resolved infection with positive HBc antibodies and negative HBsAg; immunisation by vaccination with only positive HBs antibodies; and no infection/no immunisation with negative markers. We described the characteristics of infected people. We also assessed the determinants of HBV infection.
Methods
The Unono Wa Maore survey, implemented in a random sample of the general population in 2018–2019, consisted of an at-home collection of epidemiological data and venous blood samples. Detection of hepatitis B, C, and delta serological and molecular markers was performed. Determinants of lifetime HBV infection were assessed using Poisson regression models.
Results
Among 5,207 eligible people, 4,643 responded to the questionnaire (89.2%), with 2,917 being tested for HBV and HCV (62.8%). Estimated HBV status was as follows: current infection 3.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.3–3.9%) (n = 76); resolved infection 27.8% (95%CI: 25.8–29.9); immunisation by vaccination 27.7% (95%CI: 25.9–29.7); and no infection/no immunisation 41.5% (95%CI: 39.3–43.7). One participant was positive for HDV antibodies (Ab) (0.65%) with a negative HDV-RNA viral load. The risk of lifetime HBV infection was higher in men (adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR): 1.55, 95%CI: 1.29–1.89); in people aged 30–49 years (aPR: 3.83, 95%CI: 1.49–9.81) or 50–69 years (aPR: 4.52, 95%CI: 1.77–11.53) compared to those under 20; in individuals who reported no condom use during their first sexual intercourse (aPR: 1.46, 95%CI: 1.01–2.14); and in those living in Dembeni-Mamoudzou (aPR: 1.40, 95%CI: 1.09–1.80) compared to the West-Centre of Mayotte. Finally, six individuals were positive for HCV antibodies (0.21%), including three positive for HCV RNA.
Conclusions
Mayotte is an area of intermediate endemicity for HBV and low endemicity for HCV and HDV. With a prevalence of HBsAg 10 times higher than in mainland France, a high proportion of people susceptible to HBV infection, and a demographic, health, and social context that may favour its transmission, hepatitis B is a major public health concern in Mayotte.
Physiological and microbiological hormesis in sedge Eleocharis palustris induced by crude oil in phytoremediation of flooded clay soil
Authors: Chávez-Álvarez Karla , Rivera-Cruz María del Carmen , Aceves-Navarro Lorenzo A. , Trujillo-Narcía Antonio , Cruz Rubén García-de la , Vega-López Armando 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Soil contamination with petroleum hydrocarbons affects plants and rhizospheric microorganisms. A nine-month experiment was set up to study the effect over time of oil on plant height, new plant production, plant matter production, and the population of rhizospheric microorganisms in the sedge Eleocharis palustris. The removal of total petroleum hydrocarbons from the soil was also evaluated. The results showed that plants responded differently depending on age and petroleum concentration. Concentration of 60 g of petroleum per kg of soil induced a significant increase in height (weeks 28 to 38) and new plant production (weeks 13 to 38). At the end of the evaluation period, a high petroleum concentration induced a significant increase in the number of primary roots, root and aerial dry matter, population of microalgae, total fungi, actinomycetes, Pseudomonas spp and hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria. Physiological and microbiological hormetic index values ≥1 showed a linear response to petroleum concentration in plant height and new plant production from weeks 3 and 2 to 38, respectively. A similar response curve was found for the number of primary roots, root and aerial dry matter, microalgae, total fungi, actinomycetes, Pseudomonas, and hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria (week 38). After 38 weeks of exposure to petroleum-contaminated soil, the rhizosphere of E. palustris showed petroleum removal percentages of 71, 72, 56, 42, 33 and 23% in soil that initially contained 3, 15, 30, 45, 60 and 75 g oil, respectively. The increase in petroleum removal was significantly and negatively correlated with the populations of microalgae, actinomycetes, Pseudomonas bacteria and hydrocarbonoclast bacteria.
International guidelines to inform policy development to address client violence in South Africa: An ATA-document analysis
Authors: Pretorius Luce , Herbst Alida G 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Research shows that the most typical response to client violence has been to implement policies that safeguard social workers at their workplaces. This article examined international norms for the protection of social workers through document analysis. The goal of the document analysis was to inform policy development in South Africa against client violence. Methods: The researchers found, selected, analysed, and synthesised 17 international policies, frameworks, protocols, guidelines, and legislative frameworks using the applied thematic analysis (ATA) approach. The data was analysed at three levels, and open coding yielded 18 codes. Results: The codes were refined into three main themes and subthemes related to protecting social workers from client violence: (1) employers inspired a culture of safety and security within the work-environment, (2) social workers prioritised their safety by using their clinical skills, and (3) actively implementing initiatives to ensure the safety of social workers. Conclusions: The research highlighted social work safety while providing services at an office, visiting sites, or traveling. Examining these practicalities provided valuable data that can inform policy development processes in different countries.
Remote Postconditioning Cardio-protection After Myocardial Ischemia/reperfusion Injury by Eliminating 4-HNE and Regulating Autophagy Through ALDH2/SIRT3/HIF1α Signaling Pathway
Authors: Gao Rifeng , Lv Chunyu , Qu Yanan , Yang Hen , Hao Chuangze , Sun Xiaolei , Hu Xiaosheng , Yang Yiqing , Tang Yanhua 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Purpose
Remote postconditioning (Rpost) was proposed based on postconditioning studies. Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) is a unique endogenous cardioprotective enzyme in the mitochondria, associated with various cardiovascular diseases. However, whether Rpost exerts myocardial protection through ALDH2 has not been systematically reported.
Methods
C57BL/6 and ALDH2 knockout (ALDH2-KO) mice were subjected to left anterior descending ligation to construct ischemic/reperfusion (I/R) models. Before the start of reperfusion after myocardial ischemia in mice, the bilateral hindlimbs were used as target organs to undergo Rpost.
Results
Echocardiography and single-cell contraction experiments showed that Rpost significantly improved myocardial function and alleviated myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in C57BL/6 mice after I/R, but it was challenging to exert myocardial protection in ALDH2-KO mice. TUNEL, Evans blue/TTC, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay results showed that the effect of Rpost on reducing myocardial cell apoptosis, myocardial infarction area, and myocardial ROS levels was not significantly different in the MI/RI in ALDH2-KO mice. Electron microscopy and western blotting showed that Rpost could upregulate ALDH2 expression, activate sirtuin 3 (SIRT3)/hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF1α), regulate autophagy, and exert myocardial protection. However, this protective effect may be blocked in the absence of ALDH2. Furthermore, we found that Rpost can upregulate the expression of ALDH2 and inhibit the production of 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), playing a protective role in the myocardium.
Conclusion
This study revealed that Rpost could exert myocardial protection through the ALDH2/SIRT3/HIF1α signaling pathway by reducing 4-HNE secretion. The study explores the feasibility of Rpost in ALDH2-deficient populations, thereby providing a basis for the targeted clinical application of Rpost.
Comparative Performances Of Four Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus-2 Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction Assays For The Diagnosis Of COVID-19 In Ethiopia
Authors: Hailemariam Belete Woldesemayat , Zealiyas Kidist , Gutema Gadissa , Gebremicael Gebremedihin , Adane Sisay , Tadele Sisay , Tayachew Adamu , Araya Shambel , Desta Kassu 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Since coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) outbreak was reported, many commercial Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing (NAAT) assays have been developed all over the world, and it has been the standard method. Though, a number of assays were rapidly developed and applied to clinical testing, performance of these assays were not evaluated in different contexts. Thus, this study was aimed to assess the performance of common assays (Abbott SARS-CoV-2, DaanGene, BGI and Sansure Biotech) available in Ethiopia by using combined reference results (CRR). The study was conducted at Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) from December 1 to 30/2020. A total of 164 nasopharyngeal samples were extracted by using QIAamp® RNA mini kit and Abbott DNA sample preparation system. Out of 164 samples, 59.1% was positive and 40.9% was negative by CRR. Sansure Biotech positivity was significantly low compared to CRR (p<0.05). The overall agreement of the four assays compared to CRR was 96.3% to 100%. The performance of four assays had almost comparable diagnostic performance, except a low positive rate of Sansure Biotech assay. Hence, Sansure Biotech assay (RUO) needs further verification on its use in Ethiopia. Finally, an additional study should be considered for the evaluation of assays with respective manufacturer claims.
Machine Learning for Optimal Individual Survival Prediction in Resectable Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer
Authors: Jung Jin-On , Crnovrsanin Nerma , Wirsik Naita Maren , Nienhüser Henrik , Peters Leila , Popp Felix , Schulze André , Wagner Martin , Müller-Stich Beat Peter , Büchler Markus Wolfgang , Schmidt Thomas 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
PurposeSurgical oncologists are frequently confronted with the question of expected long-term prognosis. The aim of this study was to apply machine learning algorithms to optimize survival prediction after oncological resection of gastroesophageal cancers.MethodsEligible patients underwent oncological resection of gastric or distal esophageal cancer between 2001 and 2020 at Heidelberg University Hospital, Department of General Surgery. Machine learning methods such as multi-task logistic regression and survival forests were compared with usual algorithms to establish an individual estimation.ResultsThe study included 117 variables with a total of 1,360 patients. The overall missingness was 1.3%. Out of eight machine learning algorithms, the random survival forest (RSF) performed best with a concordance-index of 0.736 and an integrated Brier score of 0.166. The RSF demonstrated a mean area under the curve (AUC) of 0.814 over a time period of 10 years after diagnosis. The most important long-term outcome predictor was lymph node ratio with a mean AUC of 0.730. A numeric risk score was calculated by the RSF for each patient and three risk groups were defined accordingly. Median survival time was 18.8 months in the high-risk group, 44.6 months in the medium-risk group and above 10 years in the low-risk group.ConclusionThe results of this study suggest that RSF is most appropriate to accurately answer the question of long-term prognosis. Furthermore, we could establish a compact risk score model with 20 input parameters and thus provide a clinical tool to improve prediction of oncological outcome after upper gastrointestinal surgery.