bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical characteristics, outcomes, and risk factors for mortality in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and cancer history: a propensity score-matched study
Authors: Sorouri Majid , Kasaeian Amir , Mojtabavi Helia , Radmard Amir Reza , Kolahdoozan Shadi , Anushiravani Amir , Khosravi Bardia , Pourabbas Seyed Mohammad , Eslahi Masoud , Sirusbakht Azin , Khodabakhshi Marjan , Motamedi Fatemeh , Azizi Fatemeh , Ghanbari Reza , Sima Ali Reza , Rad Soroush , Abdollahi Mohammad 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: COVID-19 has caused great concern for patients with underlying medical conditions. We aimed to determine the prognosis of patients with current or previous cancer with either a PCR-confirmed COVID-19 infection or a probable diagnosis according to chest CT scan.Methods: We conducted a case control study in a referral hospital on confirmed COVID-19 adult patients with and without a history of cancer from February25th to April21st, 2020. Patients were matched according to age, gender, and underlying diseases. Demographic features, clinical and Para clinical data have been extracted from medical records. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate odd ratios and 95% confidence intervals of each factor of interest with outcomes. Results: Fifty-three confirmed COVID-19 patients with history of cancer were recruited and compared with 106 non-cancerous COVID-19 patients. Male to female ratio was 1.33 and 45% were older than 65. Dyspnea was significantly associated with an increased rate of mortality in the cancer subgroup (p=0.013). Twenty-six patients (49%) survived among the cancer group while 89 patients (84%) survived in control (p=0.000). Patients with hematologic cancer had 63% mortality while those with solid tumors had 37%. Multivariate analysis showed that cancer, impaired consciousness, tachypnea, tachycardia, leukocytosis and thrombocytopenia were associated with an increased risk of death.Conclusion: Cancer increased mortality rate and hospital stay of COVID-19 patients and remained significant after adjustment of confounders. Compared to solid tumors, hematologic malignancies have been associated with worse consequences and higher mortality. Clinical and Para clinical indicators were not appropriate to predict death.
Elsberg Syndrome in the Setting of Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection: Case Report
Authors: Abrams Rory M. C. , Desland Fiona , Lehrer Helaina , Yeung Anne , Tse Winona , Young James J. , Mendu Damodara R. , Vickrey Barbara G. , Shin Susan C. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Elsberg syndrome is a rare cause of lumbosacral radiculitis with concomitant thoracic or lumbosacral myelitis that can be seen following an acute or reactivated viral infection. COVID-19 disease, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has quickly spread to a global pandemic since its first discovery in the winter of 2019. During this time, there has been an increasing number of case reports describing SARS-CoV-2 associated neuroinflammatory disease.Case Presentation: A 68-year-old man presented in June 2020 with a fall due to progressive lower extremity weakness and numbness, occurring shortly after the initial coronavirus surge in New York City. He developed ascending numbness to the level of the lower abdomen over the preceding month. He subsequently experienced low back pain, and gastrointestinal and genitourinary dysfunction. An extensive laboratory and radiologic evaluation ensued which was notable for elevated SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies despite an absence of preceding COVID-19 symptoms. Initial electrodiagnostic testing was notable for absent late responses in the lower extremity nerve conductions with normal distal sensorimotor conductions, and incomplete muscle activation with otherwise normal motor unit morphology and recruitment on electromyography. Repeat testing two weeks later revealed similar nerve conductions, but also the interval development of active neurogenic changes and reduced motor unit recruitment in the L3-L4 myotomes. This was suggestive of a lower thoracic and lumbosacral myelopathy and lumbosacral polyradiculopathy without peripheral neuropathy. A diagnosis of Elsberg syndrome was made and treatment with intravenous methylprednisolone yielded mild clinical improvement and the electrodiagnostic re-emergence of the lower extremity late responses.Conclusions: We report here, to our knowledge, the first case of suspected COVID-19 associated Elsberg syndrome, which may help to shed light on ways in which to approach diagnostic and treatment options in COVID-19 patients presenting with uncommon neurological and autonomic manifestations.
Optimum Composition of Developed Additive Based Insect Repellent Paint
Authors: Ahmad Zeeshan , Noor Sana , Ahmad Munir , Rashid Khalid 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundActive compounds of Cymbopogon winterianius, Cymbopogoncitratus, Rosmarinus officinalis, Cedrus, and Eugenol, have been reported to have different insect repellant compounds. Control and development of natural insect repellent additive based decorative coating has driven this work to incorporate the essential oils with long chain fatty acids in water-based lab developed conventional paint. MethodsIn this work, the Additive based Paint was formulated and its ability to repel different insects was determined. The optimum composition of developed additive based paint was determined by three standard paint analyses which were adhesion, elasticity and insect repellency. ResultsAs per challenge of Pigment powder and Polymer use for such paint is achieved by testing on Latest instruments. The best composition of additive in paint was found to be 15%. Where it able to repel Pavement Ants, non-biting Flies, Mosquitoes and Black field ant with 80% efficiency. ConclusionsIt is envisioned that the formulated paint is effectively function as insect repellent thus as an alternative way to reduce the insect-borne diseases.
Eliminating Plasmodium Falciparum Malaria: Results From Tailoring Active Case Detection Approaches to Remote Populations in Forested Border Areas in North-eastern Cambodia
Authors: Stratil Ann-Sophie , Vernaeve Lieven , Lopes Sergio , Bourny Yves , Mannion Kylie , Hamade Prudence , Roca-Feltrer Arantxa , Tibenderana James K. , Sovannaroth Siv , Debackere Mark 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Remaining Plasmodium falciparum cases in Cambodia are concentrated in forested border areas and in remote populations who are hard to reach through passive case detection. A key approach to reach these populations is active case detection by mobile malaria workers (MMWs). However, this is operationally challenging because of changing movement patterns of the target population moving into less accessible areas. From 2018 to 2020, a tailored package of active case detection approaches was implemented in forested border areas of three provinces in north-eastern Cambodia to reach remote populations and support the elimination of P. falciparum malaria.Approach: Key elements of this project were to tailor approaches to local populations, use responsive monitoring systems, maintain operational flexibility, build strong relationships with local communities, and implement close supervision practices. MMWs were recruited from local communities. Proactive case detection approaches included mobile malaria posts positioned at frequented locations around and within forests, and locally informed outreach activities targeting more remote locations. Reactive case detection was conducted among co-travellers of confirmed cases. Tests were conducted independent of fever symptoms. Routine monitoring informed tactical adaptations, while supervision exercises ensured service quality. Results: Despite operational challenges, between January 2018 and June 2020, service delivery sites were able to maintain consistently high testing rates, with each site testing a monthly average of > 60 people in 2020. Over the project period, the P. falciparum/ P. vivax ratio has steadily inversed. In 2020, MMWs detected only 22 P. falciparum cases with constant testing rates. Including data from neighbouring health facilities and village malaria workers, 52% of all people tested and 40% of P. falciparum cases detected in the area can be attributed to MMWs.Remaining challenges: Maintaining intensified elimination efforts, addressing the issue of detecting low parasitemia cases and shifting focus to P. vivax malaria challenge the last phase of malaria elimination.Conclusions: Reaching remote populations through active case detection should remain a key strategy to eliminate P. falciparum malaria. We have presented a successful approach combining tailored proactive and reactive strategies that could be transferred to similar settings in other areas of the Greater Mekong Subregion.
Hybrid Mosquitoes? Evidence From Rural Tanzania on How Local Communities May Conceptualize and Respond to Modified Mosquitoes as a Tool for Malaria Control
Authors: Finda Marceline Francis , Okumu Fredros Oketch , Minja Elihaika , Njalambaha Rukiyah , Mponzi Winnfrida , Tarimo Brian , Chaki Prosper , Lezaun Javier , Kelly Ann H. , Christofides Nicola 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundDifferent forms of mosquito modification are being considered as potential high-impact and low-cost approaches to future malaria control in Africa. Though still under evaluation, the eventual success of these technologies will require high-level public acceptance. Understanding the prevailing community perceptions is therefore crucial for effective public engagement during implementation. This study investigated community perceptions regarding genetically-modified mosquitoes (GMMs) and their potential for malaria control, in Tanzanian villages where no research or campaigns about such technologies have previously been undertaken. MethodsA mixed-methods design was used, involving: i) structured questionnaires administered to 490 community members to assess awareness, perceptions and support for GMMs, and ii) focus group discussions (FGD) with community leaders to explore in greater depth how these communities frame and would respond to GMMs. Thematic content analysis was used to identify key concepts and interpret the findings. ResultsNearly all survey respondents were unaware of mosquito modification technologies for malaria control (94.3%), and reported no knowledge of their specific characteristics (97.3%). However, community leaders participating in FGDs offered a set of distinctive interpretive frames to conceptualize interventions relying on GMMs for malaria control. The participants commonly referenced their experiences of cross-breeding for selecting preferred traits in domestic plants and animals. Preferred GMMs attributes included expected reductions in insecticide use and human labour. Population suppression approaches, requiring as few releases as possible, were favored. Common concerns included whether the GMMs would look or behave differently than wild mosquitoes, and how the technology would be integrated into current malaria control policies. The participants emphasised the importance, and the challenges, of educating and engaging communities during technology development. ConclusionUnderstanding how communities perceive and interpret new technologies is crucial in designing effective implementation strategies that enjoy durable public support. This study offers vital clues on how communities with no prior experience of modified mosquitoes might conceptualize or respond to such technologies when deployed in the context of malaria control programs. The existing interpretive frames and the real-life analogies, such as cross-breeding, may provide a basis for effective community engagement to aid the potential deployment of such technologies in the future.
Hematological Profile of Children With Malaria in Sorong, West Papua, Indonesia
Authors: Jiero Syilvia , Pasaribu Ayodhia Pitaloka 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Malaria remains a major public health problem in Indonesian Papua, with children under five years of age being the most affected group. Hematological changes such as cytopenia that occur during malaria infection have been suggested as potential predictors and can aid in the diagnosis of malaria. This study aimed to assess the hematological alterations associated with malaria infection in children presenting with signs and symptoms of malaria. Methods: A retrospective study was performed by collecting data from the medical records of malaria patients at Sorong Regional General Hospital, Sorong, West Papua, Indonesia, both from outpatient and inpatient clinics, from January 2014 until December 2017. The laboratory profile of children suffering from malaria was evaluated. Results: One hundred and eighty-two children aged 1 month to 18 years old were enrolled. The subjects were mostly male (112, 61.5%) with a mean age of 6.45 years (SD = 4.3 years). Children <5 years suffering from malaria had the highest number at 77 (42.3%). One hundred two subjects (56%) were infected with Plasmodium falciparum. Half of the enrolled subjects (50%) had hemoglobin level (Hb) between 5.1 and 10 gr/dL. A total of 41 children (53.2%) less than 5 years old suffered from P. falciparum infection. In the age group of 5-10 years, there were 34 children (57.6%) who suffered from P. falciparum, and in the age group >10 years, 27 children (58.7%) suffered from P. falciparum infection. Only 4 subjects (5.2%) in the less than 5 years old age group had mixed malaria infection. Of the eight parameters of the hematological profile, there were five parameters that were significantly associated with the diagnostic criteria, namely hemoglobin, hematocrit, leukocytes, platelets and monocytes (p <0.05). Generally, clinical symptoms are not significantly associated with a malaria diagnosis, and only one variable showed a significant relationship, pale, with a p value of 0.001. Conclusions: Children with malaria had changes in some hematological parameters, with anemia, low platelet count, white blood count, and lymphocyte count being the most important predictors of malaria infection in our study area. These parameters could improve malaria diagnosis when used in combination with other clinical diagnoses and microscopy.
Structural analysis of COVID-19 spike protein in recognizing the ACE2 receptor of different mammalian species and its susceptibility to viral infection.
Authors: Koley Tirthankar , Madaan Shivani , Chowdhury Sanghati Roy , Kumar Manoj , Kaur Punit , Singh Tej Pal , Ethayathulla Abdul S. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
The pandemic COVID-19 caused by a novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 spread worldwide as a new public health emergency. The SARS-CoV-2 infects humans by binding to glycosylated ACE2 receptor present in the inner lining of the lungs, heart, intestine and kidney. The COVID spike 2 protein recognizes the ACE2 receptor at the N-terminal helices of the metalloprotease domain. The residues Gln24, Thr27, Lys31, His34, Glu37, Asp38, Tyr41, Gln42 from helix α1; Leu79, Met82, Tyr83 from helix α2 and Gln325, Glu329, Asn330, Lys353 from loop connecting β4 and β5 strands form a concave surface surrounded by four glycosylation sites Asn53, Asn90, Asn103 and Asn322 form interactions with the spike protein. However, no significant data on the susceptibility of animals for infection or transmission. Therefore, we performed the comparative protein-protein docking analysis using the crystal structure of spike protein and homology models of the ACE2 receptor from 16 commonly found mammalian species to understand the potential mode of spike binding. Our comprehensive sequence and structure-based interaction analysis revealed the natural substitution of amino acid residues Gln24, His34, Phe40 and Met82 in the N-terminal α1 and α2 helices results in loss of crucial network of hydrogen-bonded and hydrophobic interactions with spike 2 RBD domain. Besides, the absence of N-linked glycosylation site Asn103 in other mammals further reduces the binding affinity between spike and ACE2 receptor. Hence, these changes explain the differences in the susceptibility and host pathogenesis in other mammalian species.
The Negative Impact of COVID-19 Pandemics on the Diagnosis of Lung Diseases in Brazil.
Authors: Soares Fernando Augusto , Olliveira Cristiano Claudino , Canzian Mauro , Gaglionone Nicolle Cavalcante , Klock Clóvis 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: COVID-19 pandemics affects the Health system all around the World. Brazil, since the first case in March, reported more than 4.0 million people infected. The pandemic's magnitude made that Hospitals prioritize the care of the secondary respiratory distress syndrome, and all elective diagnosis and treatment have been postponed. This study aimed to assess changes in patient's profiles submitted to lung or pleural biopsies comparing before and during COVID-19 pandemics.Methods: We retrospectively review the data of patients who underwent lung disease diagnostic approaches across April/May 2019 versus April/May 2020. We collect the data about the total cases, demographics, type of procedure, and disease diagnosis. Histological type, stage of the tumors, and molecular profile were also analyzed in cancer cases.Results: The number of total cases and lung biopsies dropped by more than 90% when the 2019/2020 samples were compared. Benign disease faced a more substantial reduction than cancer cases, with emphasis in granulomatous diseases. We had more advanced cases and more squamous cell carcinomas and small cell neuroendocrine carcinomas in the cancer scenario. Low-grade tumors, as carcinoids, suffered a significant reduction. Also, the molecular profile of the tumors drops in absolute numbers. Still, there was an increase of PD-L1 expression, probably because the sample comprises more squamous cell carcinomas and advanced cases.Conclusions: COVID-19 pandemics have a considerable negative impact on the management and diagnosis of lung diseases in Brazil. The consequences can be significant, and implementing a new policy to patients with lung diseases must be managed.
High Curie Temperature BiFeO3-BaTiO3&nbsp;Lead-free Piezoelectric Ceramics: Ga3+ Doping and Enhanced Insulation Properties
Authors: Peng Xiao-yan , Tang Yu-Cheng , Zhang Boping , Xun Bo-wei , Yu Jing-Ru 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BiFeO3-BaTiO3 (BF-BT) is a promising high temperature lead-free piezoceramics due to their excellent piezoelectric properties with high Curie temperature (TC>500 °C). While the high leakage current density severely restricted its application. In this work, the leakage mechanism relative to the dielectric properties and piezoelectric properties were systematically studied with a special emphasis on gallium (Ga3+) adding effect in 0.7BiFe(1-x)GaxO3-0.3BaTiO3 (BFGax-BT, 0≤x≤0.10) ceramics. A high resistivity (ρ) of 2.73×1012 Ω·cm-1 and low leakage current (J) of 7.78×10-9 A·cm-2 were achieved at x=0.06, which attributes to the low oxygen vacancies (B). The J-E curves reveal different type of conduction process in BFGax-BT ceramics, including Ohmic conduction, space-charge-limited conduction (SCLC) mechanism and interface-limited Schottky emission. The BFGa0.06-BT ceramic exhibits excellent piezoelectric performance: d33=174 pC·N-1, TC=497 °C, kp=29 %.
The Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown on Disordered Eating Behaviors in a Community Sample: The Mediation Role of Psychological Distress
Authors: Ramalho Sofia , Trovisqueira Ana , de Lourdes Marta , Gonçalves Sónia , Félix Sílvia , Vaz Ana R. , Machado Paulo P. P. , Conceição Eva 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
﻿Objective: This study aims to explore associations between disordered eating behaviors in adults during the COVID-19 lockdown period, and the experienced psychosocial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, depressive symptomatology, anxiety/stress levels.Methods: This was a community-based cross-sectional study assessing 254 Portuguese adults (82.7% women; 35.82 ±11.82 years) one week after the end of the mandatory COVID-19 lockdown in Portugal. An online survey was conducted to evaluate psychological distress, disordered eating, and psychosocial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Pearson correlations and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) were performed.Results: Participants reported the presence of meal skipping (52.8%), grazing eating behavior (80.9%), overeating (81.0%), loss of control over eating (47.2%), and binge eating episodes (39.2%) during lockdown. Uncontrolled and emotional eating were significantly correlated with the psychosocial impact of COVID-19 pandemic, depression, anxiety, and stress levels. SEM analyses indicated that the relationship between experienced psychosocial impact of COVID-19 pandemic on disordered eating behaviors was mediated through psychological distress experienced (CMIN/DF= 1.499, CFI = .99, RMSEA = .045).Conclusions: The psychosocial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis may lead to disordered eating, and this relation may occur through the elevation of psychological distress. These findings inform about clinical targets for preventive interventions to promote disordered eating in a community sample during potential similar future situations.
Microscopic Transsphenoidal Resection of Pituitary Adenomas With Conchal Sphenoid Sinus: a Report of Three Cases
Authors: Zhang Jianhe , Wang Shousen 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Object The present study aimed to investigate the methodology and characteristic of the microscopic transsphenoidal resection of pituitary adenomas with a conchal sphenoid sinus. Method Three patients with sellar tumor and non-pneumatized sphenoid sinuses received microscopic transsphenoidal surgery with help of neuronavigation system. Result The three conchal spenoid sinuses were accessed safely, total resction was achieved and no serious complication occurred. we found that pituitary tumors with conchal sphenoid sinus was more smaller and soft. Conclusion the presence of a conchal sphenoid sinus is not an absolute contraindication for employing the microscopic transsphenoidal route in the resction of pituitary adenomas with help of neuronavigation.