bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A randomised, controlled phase 2 study of neoadjuvant eribulin versus paclitaxel in women with operable breast cancer: The JONIE-3 study
Authors: Narui Kazutaka , Miura Daishu , Hasegawa Yoshie , Tachibana Akihiko , Horiguchi Jun , Hayashi Mitsuhiro , Miyashita Masaru , Kubota Tomoyuki , Suzuki Masato , Yamada Kimito , Yamada Akimitsu , Kohno Norio , Ishikawa Takashi 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Purpose: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is essential for surgical downstaging of early-stage breast cancer, but taxane administration is associated with neuropathy. We investigated whether eribulin induces less neuropathy than paclitaxel. Methods: In this multicentre, randomised study (UMIN000012817), patients diagnosed with invasive breast cancer between December 2013 and April 2016 were randomly assigned to group E (eribulin followed by fluorouracil, epirubicin, and cyclophosphamide; FEC) or group P (paclitaxel followed by FEC). The primary endpoint was incidence of grade 1 or higher peripheral neuropathy according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE). Secondary endpoints were pathological complete response (pCR), clinical response, breast-conserving surgery, adverse events, disease-free survival (DFS), and patient neurotoxicity questionnaire (PNQ) analysis.Results: One hundred and eighteen cases were analysed for safety and 115 were evaluated for efficacy. Peripheral sensory neuropathy was significantly lower in group E after week 6, while peripheral motor neuropathy in group E was significantly lower at weeks 9, 12, and 15. pCR in groups E and P was 20.7% and 29.8% (P=0.289), respectively, and clinical response was 55.2% and 77.2% (P=0.017), respectively. Three-year DFS was 89.7% in group E and 86.0% in group P (P=0.561). Neutropenia was more frequent and more severe in group E. PNQ was evaluated for 4 years, and item 1 (sensory) was consistently lower in group E.Conclusion: Neuropathy was significantly less frequent and less severe in patients who received eribulin compared with paclitaxel. Thus, eribulin could be a good alternative to paclitaxel in patients suffering severe neuropathy.
Production and Optimization of GLP-HDPE Composite Materials Using the Robust Taguchi Technique
Authors: JATAU Sunday , Yawas Danjuma Saleh , Kuburi Laminu Shettima , Samuel Bassey Okon 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
With the increase in the use of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) products and the serious long-term hazard it poses to the environment, there has been an increasing need to decrease the release of these materials to the environment as waste. This study sets out to develop and optimize the mechanical properties of GLP-HDPE composite, a sustainable material from agro residues (ginger leaves particles (GLP)) and high-density polyethylene waste materials. The Taguchi robust technique, analysis of variance, and regression analysis were employed to optimize, analyze and model the behavior of the composite materials in respect to developmental factors of particle size and particle content. The optimum bending modulus of elasticity (MOE), modulus of rupture (MOR) and impact energy (IE) of the developed composites was 2490MPa, 11.90MPa, and 4.1J at particle size/particle content combination of 710µm/35%, 520µm/35%, and 710µm/45% respectively. Analysis of variance at 95% confidence level showed that the particle content and a significant effect on the MOE, MOR, and IE of the GLP-HDPE composite with a minimum percentage contribution of 71.61%. Equations for predicting the MOE, MOR, and IE of the composites were developed with good prediction accuracy.
Understanding determinants of Covid-19 vaccine hesitancy; an emphasis on the role of religious affiliation and individual’s reliance on traditional remedy
Authors: Defar Hanna , Welde Mengistu , Menebo Mesay Moges 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background The damage COVID-19 has caused interms of mortalities, economic breakdown and social disruption is immense. The COVID-19 vaccine has been one of the efficient prevention strategies so far in preventing the pandemic. However, the publics’ hesitancy towards vaccines has enormously affected this task. With emerging research findings indicating that a substantial proportion of adults are hesitant about a vaccine for COVID-19, important work that identifies and describes vaccine hesitant individuals is required to begin to understand and address this problem. Objective This study assessed public attitude towards COVID-19 Vaccine and identified important factors that lead to its hesitancy. Methods A web and paper-based cross-sectional survey study was conducted from July 31 to August 12, 2021. The study participants are staffs and students at Jimma University. A total of 358 participants were selected using stratified simple random sampling and requested to fill a survey questionnaire. Binomial logistic regression analysis was done to identify factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Results Half of the participants were found to be hesitant to Covid-19 vaccine. The odds of becoming vaccine hesitant among middle income was two times more than those with lower income (AOR 2.17, 95% CI 1.05–4.5). Furthermore, respondent’s extent of media exposure was associated with vaccine hesitancy with the odds of becoming vaccine hesitant among those whose source of Covid-19 information is from four media sources (Social Media, Mass Media, Health care worker and Friends/family/Neighbor) being 74% lower (AOR .26, 95% CI .09–.69) than those with one media source. Concern towards vaccine side effect, vaccine effectiveness and having the belief to treat Covid-19 with traditional remedies were found to increase the odds of becoming vaccine hesitant by 31%, 42% and 37% respectively. Moreover, the association between side-effect concern and vaccine hesitancy was moderated by participant’s religious affiliation.
Prediction of turning performances using an equivalent oblique cutting model
Authors: ABDELLAOUI LEFI , KHLIFI Hassen , SAI Wassila BOUZID 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
The main purpose of this paper is to predict the performances of the turning process using an equivalent oblique cutting model. Based on the real tool, an equivalent cut geometry is performed considering the effects of nose and edge radii. Edge direction and normal cutting angles, uncut chip thickness and depth of cut were redefined by their equivalent values and then used as new inputs. Turning performances, such as cutting force components, cutting temperatures and tribology parameters at the tool/chip interface, were predicted over a wide range of cutting conditions. The position of the maximum temperature at the tool/chip interface and its value are determined by solving the heat equation in the chip using the Finite Difference Method (FDM). Different assumptions were concluded, and the thermal problem is simply resolved using Laplace transform. Acceptable agreement was concluded between experimental cutting force components and those predicted from the equivalent oblique cutting model. It can thus be concluded that the equivalent model of cut is highly recommended to predict turning performances and to study crater wear and tool life.
Vitamin B12 Levels, Substance Use Patterns and Clinical Characteristics Among People with Severe Substance Use Disorders: A Cohort Study from Western Norway
Authors: Madebo Tesfaye , Bemanian Mitra , Vold Jørn Henrik , Chowdhury Ranadip , Aas Christer Frode , Druckrey-Fiskaaen Karl Trygve , Johansson Kjell Arne , Fadnes Lars Thore 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Background: People with severe substance use disorder (SUD) have a markedly higher burden of micronutrient deficiency compared to the general population. There is limited data available about vitamin B12 status among people with severe SUD. The aim of this study is to investigate vitamin B12 status and risk factors of deficiency related to substance use, opioid agonist therapy (OAT), as well as hepatitis C infection and liver fibrosis.Method: We used a prospective cohort design. Participants were recruited from opioid agonist therapy (OAT) clinics or municipal health care clinics for SUD in western Norway. Participants were assessed by a research nurse and a structured interview as well as biochemical indicators and clinical data were collected annually. Data were collected between March 2016 and June 2020 and 2,451 serum vitamin B12 measurements from 672 participants were included for this analysis.Results: The median serum vitamin B12 concentration of the study cohort was 396 (standard deviation (SD) 198) pmol/l at baseline, and 22% of the population had suboptimal serum vitamin B12 levels (<300 pmol/l) while 1.2% were deficient at baseline (<175 pmol/l). Eighty-one percent of the participants maintained their baseline vitamin B12 status in the subsequent assessment. No clear associations were seen with substance use patterns, but higher score of FIB-4 and younger age were associated with higher vitamin B12 levels.Conclusion: The majority of patients have satisfactory serum levels of vitamin B12 and maintained their baseline vitamin B12 status in the subsequent assessments but about a fifth of the patients had suboptimal levels that might or might not be adequate for metabolic needs. No clear associations were seen with substance use patterns, but liver disease and younger age were associated with higher vitamin B12 levels.
The elevated De Ritis ratio on admission is independently associated with mortality in COVID-19 patients
Authors: Drácz Bálint , Czompa Diána , Müllner Katalin , Hagymási Krisztina , Miheller Pál , Székely Hajnal , Papp Veronika , Horváth Miklós , Hritz István , Szijártó Attila , Werling Klára 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Besides the respiratory tract infection caused by COVID-19, 14-53% of COVID-19 patients had hepatic dysfunction on admission. Liver damage in COVID-19 patients was witnessed as increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) or elevated AST/ALT ratio, known as the De Ritis ratio. However, the prognostic value of the elevated De Ritis ratio in COVID-19 patients is still unknown. The aim of our study was to evaluate the prognostic value of the De Ritis ratio compared to other abnormal laboratory parameters and the relation to mortality.Methods: 322 COVID-19 patients were selected in this retrospective study between November 2020 and March 2021. Laboratory parameters were measured on admission and followed till discharge or death. Multivariate binary logistic regression and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves were performed to evaluate the impact of abnormal laboratory findings to predict mortality. In addition, clinical characteristics and laboratory data of COVID-19 patients were compared by different levels of De Ritis ratio.Results: Of the 322 COVID-19 patients, 57 (17.7%) had gastrointestinal symptoms on admission. Median age was 66 (54-77) years and 178 were men. The mortality rate was 11.2%. 30 patients (9.3%) had preexisting liver disease; 20 (6.2%) were liver cirrhosis. In COVID-19 recovered patients the De Ritis ratio was significantly smaller (p<.001) than in deaths (mean: 1.0 vs. 1.8). Mean values of AST, total bilirubin, albumin, CRP, PCT, IL-6 were significantly higher in COVID-19 deaths compared to survivors (p<.05). AST, De Ritis ratio, total bilirubin, IL-6, albumin and age were independently associated with mortality. The De Ritis ratio proved to be an independent risk factor for mortality with an OR of 29.967 (CI 5.266-170.514). In ROC analysis, AUC value of the the De Ritis ratio was 0.85 (95% CI 0.777-0.923, p<.05) with sensitivity and specificity 80.6% and 75.2%, respectively. Patients with De Ritis ratio ≥ 1.218 were significantly associated with mortality, severity, higher AST and IL-6, however with lower ALT.Conclusions: The elevated De Ritis ratio on admission is independently associated with mortality in COVID-19 patients. Patients with De Ritis ratio ≥1.218 are significantly susceptible to liver damage and cytokine released storm.
Changes in student physical activity patterns from primary to secondary school: A 5-year longitudinal study
Authors: Okazaki Kanzo , Koyama Yuzo , Ohkawara Kazunori 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
This study aimed to annually examine anthropometric characteristics and physical activity (PA) among children transitioning from fourth grade (9–10 years of age) to eighth grade (13–14 years of age) in Japan. The participants’ (n = 63) age, grade, sex, weight, height, and body fat were recorded at baseline. Accelerometry assessments were performed annually following established protocols. Time spent on activities requiring ≥ 3 metabolic equivalents (METs), 1.6–2.9 METs, and ≤ 1.5 METs were defined as moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA (MVPA), light PA (LPA), and sedentary behavior (SB), respectively. Two linear mixed models were used to examine whether MVPA, LPA, and SB min/d changed over time. Fifty-five participants provided complete data. A significant, nonlinear, longitudinal decline in MVPA, an increase in SB, and a linear decline in LPA were observed. Changes in MVPA and SB were accelerated in seventh grade (12–13 years of age). Male sex and maintaining normal body fat were associated with higher levels of MVPA. Changes in LPA and SB were not associated with sex or body fat. During the transition period from primary to secondary school, MVPA and SB showed nonlinear accelerations. Sex and normal weight were associated with more time spent performing MVPA.
Blood Group Antigens SLeX, SLeA, LeY as Prognostic Markers in Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Kolben Thomas , Müller Lena , Meister Sarah , Keilmann Lucia , Buschmann Christina , Trillsch Fabian , Burges Alexander , Czogalla Bastian , Mittler Sophie , Schmoeckel Elisa , Corradini Stefanie , Mahner Sven , Jeschke Udo , Kessler Mirjana , Beyer Susanne 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
(1) Purpose: Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common gynecological cancer worldwide. Treatment has been improved in recent years, but, in advanced stages, therapeutical options are still limited. It has been reported that the expression of the blood group antigens Sialyl Lewis X (SLeX), Sialyl Lewis A (SLeA) and Lewis Y (LeY) is associated with prognosis in several tumors. Large studies on endometrial and cervical cancer are still pending. (2) Methods: Specimens of 234 patients with EC were immunohistochemically stained with antibodies for SLeX, SLeA and LeY. Expression was correlated to histopathological variables. (3) Results: High expression of SLeX was correlated to low pT-stage (p=0.013), low grade (p<0.001), low FIGO-stage (p=0.006) and better overall survival rates (OS; p=0.023). High expression of SLeA was associated with low pT-stage (p=0.013), low grade (p=0.001) and better progression free survival (PFS; p=0.043). LeY staining was correlated to pN+ (p=0.038), low grade (p=0.005) and poorer PFS (p=0.022). (4) Conclusion: This is the first study examining the expression of SleX, SLeA and LeY in EC, which can serve as additional future prognostic markers. Further studies are necessary to understand the underlying mechanisms.The study was approved by the local ethics committee of the Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich (reference number 19-249).
Vibration control of a nonlinear cantilever beam operating in the 3D space
Authors: Hong Keum-Shik , Pham Phuong-Tung , Nguyen Quoc Chi 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
This paper addresses a control problem of a nonlinear cantilever beam with translating base in the three-dimensional space, wherein the coupled nonlinear dynamics of the transverse, lateral, and longitudinal vibrations of the beam and the base’s motions are considered. The control scheme employs two control inputs applied to the beam’s base to control the base’s position while simultaneously suppressing the beam’s transverse, lateral, and longitudinal vibrations. According to the Hamilton principle, a hybrid model describing the nonlinear coupling dynamics of the beam and the base is established: This model consists of three partial differential equations representing the beam’s dynamics and two ordinary differential equations representing the base’s dynamics. Subsequently, the control laws are designed to move the base to the desired position and attenuate the beam’s vibrations in all three directions. The asymptotic stability of the closed-loop system is proven via the Lyapunov method. Finally, the effectiveness of the designed control scheme is illustrated via the simulation results.
The Effect of the Rht1 Haplotype on Fusarium Head Blight Resistance in Relation to Type and Level of Background Resistance and in Combination With Fhb1 and Qfhs.ifa-5A
Authors: Buerstmayr Maria , Buerstmayr Hermann 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
The semi-dwarfing reduced height alleles Rht-D1b and Rht-B1b have been deployed in modern wheat cultivars throughout the world, but they increase susceptibility to Fusarium head blight (FHB). Here, we investigated the impact of the Rht1 genes on anther retention (AR) in relation to FHB resistance using four different sets of near isogenic lines (NILs) with contrasting levels and types of background FHB resistance. NILs were evaluated for FHB severity, plant height, and anther retention in three greenhouse and three field trials using artificial spray inoculation. Rht-B1b and Rht-D1b alleles increased AR and FHB susceptibility in all genetic backgrounds. The magnitude of the effects differed between NIL groups. Increased FHB susceptibility largely followed increased anther retention. Differences in FHB susceptibility between tall and dwarf haplotypes were largest in the NIL group with the highest changes in AR. In the most resistant NIL group, dwarfed lines had only slightly higher AR than tall lines and maintained good resistance, while both tall and dwarf lines had high levels of retained anthers in the most susceptible NIL group. We further investigated the effect of the Rht1 genes in combination with the major Fusarium resistance QTL Fhb1 and Qfhs.ifa-5A. Qfhs.ifa-5A enhanced anther extrusion in tall as well as semi-dwarf haplotypes whereas Fhb1 did not affect AR. Qfhs.ifa-5A supported FHB resistance more efficiently than Fhb1 in lines that were more responsive to AR, while both Fhb1 and Qfhs.ifa-5A were equally efficient in NILs that had high background resistance and low response to AR.
Augmented Reality For Stroke Rehabilitation During COVID-19
Authors: Yang Zhen-Qun , Du Dan , Wei Xiao-Yong , Tong Raymond Kai-Yu 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: The lack of the rehabilitation professionals is a global issue and it is becoming more serious during COVID-19. An Augmented Reality Rehabilitation System (AR Rehab) was developed for virtual training delivery. The virtual training was integrated into the participants’ usual care to reduce the human trainers’ effort so that the manpower scarcity can be eased. This also resulted in the reduction of the contact rate in pandemics. Objective: To investigate the feasibility of the AR Rehab-based virtual training when integrated into the usual care in a real-world pandemic setting. Methods: Chronic stroke participants were randomly assigned to either a centre-based group (AR-Centre) or a home-based group (AR-Home) for a trial consisting of 20 sessions delivered in a human-machine integrated intervention. The trial of the AR-Centre was human training intensive with 3/4 of each session delivered by human trainers (PTs/OTs/Assistants) and 1/4 delivered by the virtual trainer (AR Rehab). The trial of the AR-Home was virtual training intensive with 1/4 and 3/4 of each session delivered by human and virtual trainers, respectively. Functional assessments including Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) and Lower Extremity (FMA-LE), Functional Ambulation Category (FAC), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Barthel Index (BI) of Activities of Daily Living (ADL), and Physical Component Summary (SF-12v2 PCS) and Mental Component Summary (SF-12v2 MCS) of the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12v2), were conducted before and after the intervention. User experience (UX) using questionnaires were collected after the intervention. Results: There were 129 patients from 10 rehabilitation centres enrolled in the integrated program with 39 of them were selected for investigation. Significant functional improvement in FMA-UE (AR-Centre: p = 0.0022, AR-Home: p = 0.0043), FMA-LE (AR-Centre: p = 0.0007, AR-Home: p = 0.0052), SF-12v2 PCS (AR-Centre: p = 0.027, AR-Home: p = 0.036) were observed in both groups. Significant improvement in balance ability (BBS: p = 0.0438), and mental components (SF-12v2 MCS: p = 0.017) were found in AR-Centre group, while activities of daily living (BI: p = 0.0007) was found in AR-Home group. Contact rate was reduced by 30.75% − 72.30% within AR-All, 0.00% − 60.00% within AR-Centre, and 75.00% − 90.00% within AR-Home. Conclusion: The human-machine integrated mode was effective and efficient to reduce the human rehabilitation professionals’ effort while fulfilling the training goals. It eased the scarcity of manpower and reduced the contact rate during the pandemics.
Hygiene Behavior and Its Influencing Factors among Primary School Children in Delanta District, North East Ethiopia
Authors: Yizengaw Habtie , Ebrahim Hussen , Wassihun Yitbarek , Walle Getaw 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Poor hygiene behaviours create a serious public health threat to school children. One of the major problems faced by school children are infections. The primary causes of infections are associated with poor water supply, poor sanitation and poor hygiene behaviors which can lead to decreased academic performance and increased likelihood of dropout; this, in turn, prevents children from attaining the numerous economic and health benefits associated with educational attainment. Thus, the study aims to assess hygiene behaviors and influencing factors among primary school children in Delanta District, North East Ethiopia, 2020.Methods: An institution based cross-sectional study was conducted among 407 primary school students of Delanta District, from February 1to29, 2020. The participants were selected using systematic random sampling technique. Data were collected using pre-tested interviewer administered structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics using frequency, proportion, summary measures were done. Binary and multivariate logistic regressions were also done to identify independent variables associated with hygiene behaviors among primary school children. P value less than 0.05 and adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval non-inclusive of one was considered as statistically significant. Results: A total of 407 respondents were included with a response rate of 100%. The prevalence of positive hygiene behavior was 59.7 %( 95% CI 54.6%, 64.1%). Out of the total respondents 205 (50.4%) had knowledge on water handling practices whereas 236 (58%) of the respondents had knowledge on latrine utilization but 258 (63.4%) of respondents did not know the proper hand washing practices. In the multivariable logistic regressions analysis, taking training on hygiene and sanitation (AOR 2.2; 95% CI 1.3, 3.6), having awareness on hand washing practices (AOR: 1.92, 95% CI (5.5, 15.7) and having knowledgeable on latrine utilization (AOR: 1.96, 95% CI 1.02, 2.67) demonstrated a statistically significant association with the hygiene behavior. Conclusion: The overall findings revealed that the students had adequate knowledge on water handling and latrine utilization but poor knowledge on hand washing practices and a greater number of school children did not aware on water handling and hand washing practices. Therefore, focused strategies should be designed on promoting knowledge of school children on toilet use and hand washing practices.