bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Green Synthesis of Nanostructured Silver Metal Particals and Catalytic Degradation of Toxic Methylene Blue Dye
Authors: Kedar Jyoti , Kasar Ajinkya , Pardeshi Neha , Tiwari Pradhumna , Bhosale Suyash 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
The growth and development of bio-synthesized noble metal nanoparticles have attracted great amount of interest in field of nanotechnology due to their potential use for human benefits. The fungal synthesis of noble metal nanoparticles like silver nanoparticle is a sustainable, eco- friendly and green chemistry approach that amalgamate Mycology, Biotechnology and nanotechnology. Accordingly silver nanoparticles (silver nanoparticles) can be synthesized by physical, chemical and biological methods respectively. The aim of this research is to carry green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (silver nanoparticle) i.e. biological method using aqueous fungal extract of penicillium rubens. The aqueous fungal extract was added to silver nitrate solution where the color of the silver nitrate reaction medium was changed from Pale yellow to brown which indicates reduction of silver ions to silver nanoparticles. Thus synthesized silver nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Visible spectroscopy, which shows characterized peak between 400-420 nm. In order to classify the effective functional molecules responsible for the reduction and stabilization of fungal synthesized silver nanoparticles, the FTIR spectrum was examined. Optimization of production of silver nanoparticles was done by changing parameters such as pH, temperature and concentration of silver nitrate solution and determined by absorbance in UV-Visible spectrophotometer. Thus, it is concluded that the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using extracellular fungal filtrate was simple, eco-friendly and robust. Also the dye reduction capabilities of silver nanoparticles were examined. Effective degradation of Methylene blue dye was observed giving 97 % efficiency in 90 minutes of exposure time.
National Early Warning Scores (NEWS2) and component physiology in COVID-19 positive hospitalised patients in the West of England
Authors: Scott Lauren J , Tavaré Alison , Hill Elizabeth M , Jordan Lesley , Juniper Mark , Srivast Seema , Redfern Emma , Little Hannah , Pullyblank Anne 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: COVID-19 is an infectious disease, typically characterised by a dry cough, shortness of breath, fever, fatigue, and/or loss of taste and smell. National Early Warning Scores (NEWS2) are used to detect deterioration in hospital and out-of-hospital settings. The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) recommend NEWS2 for management of COVID-19 patients, but there is little evidence to support this.Aim: To investigate the relationship between NEWS2 values (and component scores) and hospital mortality in hospitalised COVID-19 patients in the West-of-England.Methods: Electronically recorded, routinely collected, observational physiological measurements (e.g. pulse, temperature, etc) were collated on all adult patients in participating hospitals between March and June 2020. First and maximum NEWS2 values, and their component scores, were calculated from the physiological measurements. Mortality status was presented by first and maximum NEWS2 and component scores, and areas under the curve (AUC) for 2, 7 and 30-day mortality were calculated.Results: Of 1,263 patients, 26% died during their hospital admission, 7% were admitted to ICU and subsequently discharged from hospital, and 67% were discharged without ICU.Most patients had low first NEWS2 values: 50% NEWS2=0-2, 27% NEWS2=3-4, 14% NEWS2=5-6, and 9% NEWS2=7+. However, many patients had a high maximum score: 14% NEWS2=0-2, 22% NEWS2=3-4, 17% NEWS2=5-6, and 47% NEWS2=7+. Patients with higher first and maximum scores were more likely to die, require ICU admission, and have longer length of stay. The AUCs for 2-day, 7-day and 30-day mortality were 0.77, 0.70 and 0.65, respectively. An increase in most first and maximum component scores were associated with an increased risk of mortality.Conclusion: NEWS2 is a reasonably good predictor of short-term mortality in this population, and the respiratory components are of the most value individually. These findings support the RCP’s recommendations to use NEWS2, alongside clinical judgement, in the assessment of COVID-19 patients.
COVID-19 morbidity and mortality forecast in megalopolis: a data approach to public health management in São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Barcellos Demian da Silveira , Fernandes Giovane Matheus Kayser , Souza Fabio Teodoro de 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
The need for a scientific approach that can provide subsidies to governments and public health authorities in decision making to face pandemics, epidemics and endemics was one of the aspects recognized worldwide with the first wave of COVID-19. This article presents a methodology for the application of data mining as a support tool for coping with epidemic diseases. The methodological approach was applied in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, with the aim of predicting the evolution of COVID-19 in the metropolis and identifying air quality and meteorological variables correlated with confirmed cases and deaths from the coronavirus. Forecasting public health conditions is useful for preparing health teams in advance for a pandemic to prevent the system from collapsing. The statistical analyzes indicated the most important explanatory environmental variables, while the cluster analyzes showed which are the best input variables for the forecasting models. The forecast models were built by two different algorithms, J48 (C4.5) and CBA, and their results have been compared. The models developed can be used to predict new cases and deaths by COVID-19 in São Paulo. The methodological approach can be applied in other cities and for other epidemic diseases.
Identification of a four‑gene panel predicting overall survival for lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Chunyu Li , Qizhong Long , Danni Zhang , Jun Li , Xianming Zhang 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Lung cancer is the most frequently diagnosed carcinoma and the leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Although molecular targeted therapy and immunotherapy have made great progress, the overall survival (OS) is still poor due to a lack of accurate and available prognostic biomarkers. Therefore, in this study we aimed to establish a multiple-gene panel predicting OS for lung adenocarcinoma.Methods: We obtained the mRNA expression and clinical data of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) from TCGA database for further integrated bioinformatic analysis. Lasso regression and Cox regression were performed to establish a prognosis model based on a multi-gene panel. A nomogram based on this model was constructed. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the Kaplan–Meier curve were used to assess the predicted capacity of the model. The prognosis value of the multi-gene panel was further validated in TCGA-LUAD patients with EGFR, KRAS and TP53 mutation and a dataset from GEO. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed to explore potential biological mechanisms of a novel prognostic gene signature.Results: A four-gene panel (including DKK1, GNG7, LDHA, MELTF) was established for LUAD prognostic indicator. The ROC curve revealed good predicted performance in both test cohort (AUC = 0.740) and validation cohort (AUC = 0.752). Each patient was calculated a risk score according to the model based on the four-gene panel. The results showed that the risk score was an independent prognostic factor, and the high-risk group had a worse OS compared with the low-risk group. The nomogram based on this model showed good prediction performance. The four-gene panel was still good predictors for OS in LUAD patients with TP53 and KRAS mutations. GSEA revealed that the four genes may be significantly related to the metabolism of genetic material, especially the regulation of cell cycle pathway.Conclusion: Our study proposed a novel four-gene panel to predict the OS of LUAD, which may contribute to predicting prognosis accurately and making the clinical decisions of individual therapy for LUAD patients.
A novel variant in PAX6&nbsp;as the cause of aniridia in a Chinese family
Authors: Jin Xin , Liu Wei , Huang HouBin 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Aniridia is a kind of congenital human panocular anomaly, which is related to PAX6 commonly. Methods: A Chinese Aniridia pedigree underwent ophthalmic examinations, including visual acuity, slit lamp and fundoscopy examination. The targeted next-generation sequencing of Aniridia genes was used to identify the causative mutation. Results: A novel heterozygous PAX6 nonsense mutation c.619A>T (p.K207*) was identified in the Chinese autosomal dominant family with aniridia. Phenotypes related to the novel mutation include nystagmus, iris defect, cataract and absence of macular fovea. Conclusion: The novel nonsense mutation in PAX6 was responsible for aniridia phenotype in the family. which expands the spectrum of the PAX6 mutation and its associated phenotype.
Mesenchymal stem cells modified by FGF21 and GLP1 ameliorate lipid metabolism while reducing blood glucose in type 2 diabetic mice
Authors: Xue Binghua , Xiao Xiuxiao , Yu Tingting , Xiao Xinhua , Xie Jie , Ji Qiuhe , Wang Li , Na Tao , Meng Shufang , Qian Lingjia , Duan Haifeng 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effects of genetically modified mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in order to identify a new method for treating diabetes that differs from traditional medicine and to provide a new means by which to fundamentally improve or treat diabetes. Methods: MSCs derived from adipose tissue were modified to overexpress FGF21 and GLP1, which was achieved through lentiviral particle transduction. The cells were transplanted into BKS.Cg-Dock7m+/+Leprdb/Nju mice (T2DM mouse model). Injections of physiological saline (0.1 mL) and liraglutide (0.5 mg/kg) were used as negative and positive controls, respectively. ELISA or Western blotting were used for protein analysis, and quantitative real-time PCR was used for gene expression analysis. Results: Genetic modification had no effects on the morphology, differentiation ability, or immunophenotype of MSCs. Moreover, MSC-FGF21+GLP1 cells exhibited significantly increased secretion of FGF21 and GLP1. In the T2DM mouse model, the transplantation of MSC-FGF21+GLP1 cells ameliorated the changes in blood glucose and weight, promoted the secretion of insulin, enhanced the recovery of liver structures, and improved the profiles of lipids. Moreover, FGF21 and GLP1 exerted synergistic effects in the regulation of glucolipid metabolism by controlling the expression of insulin, srebp1 and srebp2. Conclusion: Stem cell treatment based on MSCs modified to overexpress the FGF21 and GLP1 genes is an effective approach for the treatment of T2DM. Key words: Type 2 diabetes mellitus; Mesenchymal stem cell; FGF21; GLP1
Emergency and Urgent Dental Visits among Medicaid Enrollees from 2013 to 2017
Authors: Fiehn Rebekah , Okunev Ilya , Bayham Mary , Barefoot Steven , Tranby Eric 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Better understanding of the frequency of dental emergencies and the procedures performed during those emergency visits can help providers, insurers, and policymakers understand workforce and care provision needs.Methods: Procedures performed at an emergency dental encounter and in the encounter following that encounter are assessed. Emergency dental encounters are those with a CDT code of D0140, D0160, or D0170. Data was analyzed from the IBM Watson Medicaid Marketscan data from 2013 to 2017, a nationally representative dental and medical claims database from 13 deidentified states in the United States. Result: Consistently over time, about 10% of all dental encounters are due to a dental emergency. 28% of emergency dental encounters had no other procedure performed during those encounters. When other procedures were performed during the encounter, the majority were diagnostic in nature, primarily radiographs. Among patients who returned to the dentists following an emergency visit, 43% returned for more definitive dental treatment, most within 30 days. Conclusions: The majority of dental emergency encounters do not result in definitive treatment, rather patients often return to the dentist at a later date for that treatment. Where possible, dental providers could utilize teledental services to triage patients to appropriate care.Keywords: Emergency Dental, COVID-19, Teledental, Medicaid
Factors Associated with the Performance of Routine Health Information System in Yaoundé-Cameroon: A cross-sectional survey
Authors: Nguefack-Tsague Georges , Tamfon Brian Bongwong , Ngnie-Teta Ismael , Ngoufack Marie Nicole , Keugoung Basile , Bataliack Serge Marcial , Ndongo Chanceline Bilounga 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Routine Health Information Systems (RHIS) of low-income countries function below the globally expected standard, characterised by the production and use of poor-quality data, or the non-use of good quality data for informed decision making. This has negatively influenced the health service delivery and uptake. This study focuses on identifying the factors associated with the performance of RHIS of the health facilities (HF) in Yaoundé, so as to guide targeted RHIS strengthening.Methods: A HF-based cross-sectional study in the 6 health districts (HDs) of Yaoundé was conducted. HFs were chosen using stratified sampling with probability proportional to size per HD. Data were collected, entered into Microsoft Excel 2013 and analysed with IBM- SPSS version 25. Consistency of the questionnaire was measured using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Pearson’s chi-square (and Fisher exact where relevant) tests were used to establish relationships between qualitative variables. Associations were further quantified using unadjusted Odd ratio (OR) for univariable analysis and adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for multivariable analysis with 95% confidence interval (CI). A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: Of 111 selected HFs; 16 (14.4%) were public and 95 (85.6%) private. Respondents aged 24-60 years with an average of 38.3±9.3 years; 58 (52.3%) males and 53(47.7%) females. Cronbach’s alpha was 0.96 (95%CI: 0.95 – 0.98, p<0.001), proving that the questionnaire was reliable in measuring RHIS performances. At univariable level, the following factors were positively associated with good performances: supportive supervision (OR = 3.03 (1.1, 8.3); p = 0.02), receiving feedback from hierarchy (OR = 3.6 (0.99, 13.2); p = 0.05), having received training on health information (OR = 5.0 (1.6, 16.0); p = 0.003), and presence of a performance evaluation plan (OR = 3.3 (1.4, 8.2), p = 0.007). At multivariable level, the only significantly associated factor was having received training on health information (aOR = 3.3 (1.01, 11.1), p = 0.04).Conclusion: Training of health staff in the RHIS favors RHIS good performance. Hence, emphasis should be laid on training and empowering staff, frequent and regular RHIS supervision, and frequent and regular feedback, for an efficient RHIS strengthening in Yaoundé.
Most colitis associated carcinomas lack expression of LGR5: a preliminary study with implications for unique pathways of carcinogenesis compared to sporadic colorectal carcinoma
Authors: Iwaya Mai , Ota Hiroyoshi , Nakajima Tomoyuki , Uehara Takeshi , Riddell Robert , Conner James 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptor 5 (LGR5), a component of the Wnt receptor complex, is thought to lineage label gastric and intestinal stem cells. LGR5 expression is increased in colorectal carcinoma (CRC) compared to normal tissue. Colitis associated colorectal adenocarcinoma (CAC) often shows distinct morphologic and molecular phenotypes compared to sporadic cases. However, the expression profile of LGR5, and by extension the potential role of an intestinal stem cell phenotype, has not been well described in a series of human CAC. Method: RNA in situ hybridization (ISH) for LGR5 expression on 30 CACs (12 cases with conventional morphology and 18 cases with non-conventional type morphology) from 29 inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients was performed and compared the expression profile to a control group of 10 sporadic CRCs. Immunohistochemistry for beta-catenin and SATB2 was performed on the 30 CACs. Result: LGR5 was positive in 30% (9/30) of CAC cases and 90% (9/10) of sporadic CRCs (p=0.002). A large majority (89%) of LGR5 positive CACs were of the conventional histologic type, and conventional type CAC showed a significantly higher LGR5 score (median 3.0; interquartile range 1.75-3.25) than non-conventional type CAC (median 1.5; interquartile range 1.00-2.00) (p = 0.034). CAC with conventional morphology did have a lower level of LGR5 expression than sporadic CRC. Sporadic CRCs showed a significantly higher LGR5 level score than non-conventional type CACs (p <0.001). Nuclear translocation of beta-catenin was strongly associated with LGR5 expression (p=0.003), however no significant association was identified between SATB2 expression and LGR5 expression status in CACs. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the wider spectrum of tumor morphology in CAC may be associated with absence of a LGR5 -expressing intestinal stem cell phenotype.
Mortality is not increased with Diabetes in Hospitalised Very Old Adults: A multi-site review.
Authors: Smerdely Peter 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Few data exist regarding hospital outcomes in people with diabetes aged beyond 75 years. This study aimed to explore the association of diabetes with hospital outcome in the very old patient.Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of all presentations of patients aged 65 years or more admitted to three Sydney teaching hospitals over six years (2012-2018), exploring primarily the outcomes of in-hospital mortality, and secondarily the outcomes of length of stay, the development of hospital-acquired adverse events and unplanned re-admission to hospital within 28 days of discharge. Demographic and outcome data, the presence of diabetes and comorbidities were determined from ICD10 coding within the hospital's electronic medical record. Logistic and negative binomial regression models were used to assess the association of diabetes with outcome. Results: A total of 139130 separations (mean age 80 years, range 65 to 107 years; 51% female) were included, with 49% having documented comorbidities and 26.1% a diagnosis of diabetes. When compared to people without diabetes, diabetes was not associated with increased odds of mortality (OR: 0.89 SE (0.02), p<0.001). Further, because of a significant interaction with age, diabetes was associated with decreased odds of mortality beyond 80 years of age. While people with diabetes overall had longer lengths of stay (10.2 days SD (13.4) v 9.4 days SD (12.3), p<0.001), increasing age was associated with shorter lengths of stay in people aged more than 90 years. Diabetes was associated with increased odds of hospital-acquired adverse events (OR: 1.09 SE (0.02), p<0.001) and but not 28-day re-admission (OR: 0.88 SE (0.18), p=0.523).Conclusion: Diabetes has not been shown to have a negative impact on mortality or length of stay in hospitalised very old adults from data derived from hospital administrative records. This may allow a more measured application of diabetic guidelines in the very old hospitalised patient.
Adverse childhood experiences are associated with illicit drug use among pregnant women with middle to high socioeconomic status: Findings from the All Our Families Cohort
Authors: Currie Cheryl L. , Tough Suzanne C 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with illicit drug use among pregnant women who are socioeconomically vulnerable. While it is assumed that the impact of ACEs on illicit drug use in pregnancy is reduced among women with higher socioeconomic status (SES), this assumption is not well tested in the literature. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of maternal ACEs on illicit drug use in a community-based sample of pregnant women with middle to high SES. Methods: This study is a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study that collected data from 1,660 women during and after pregnancy in Calgary, Canada between 2008-2011 using mailed surveys. Illicit drug use in pregnancy was self-reported by women at 34-36 weeks gestation. An established scale examined maternal ACEs before 18 years. Logistic regression models and 95% confidence intervals tested associations between maternal ACE scores and illicit drug use in pregnancy. Results: Overall, 3.1­­­% of women in this predominantly married, well-educated, middle and upper middle income sample reported illicit drug use in pregnancy. Women with 2-3 ACEs had more than a two-fold increase, and women with 4 or more ACEs had almost a four-fold increase in illicit drug use in pregnancy, relative to women with 0-1 ACEs after adjustment for confounders. Exposure to child abuse was more consistently associated with illicit drug use in pregnancy than exposure to household dysfunction in childhood. Conclusions: Maternal ACEs were common and associated with a moderate increase in the odds of illicit drug use in pregnancy among Canadian women with middle to high SES.
The surgical treatment of non-metastatic melanoma in a Clinical National Melanoma Registry Study Group (CNMR): a retrospective cohort quality improvement study to reduce the morbidity rates
Authors: Vecchiato Antonella , Mocellin Simone , Fiore Paolo Del , Tosti Giulio , Ascierto Paolo Antonio , Corradin Maria Teresa , De Giorgi Vincenzo , Giudice Giuseppe , Queirolo Paola , Ferreli Caterina , Occelli Marcella , Giordano Monica , Trevisan Giusto , Mascheroni Luigi , Testori Alessandro , Spina Romina , Buja Alessandra , Cavallin Francesco , Caracò Corrado , Sommariva Antonio , Rossi Carlo Riccardo 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Reproducible, high-quality surgery is a key point in the management of cancer patients. Quality indicators for surgical treatment of melanoma has been presented with benchmarks but data on morbidity are still limited. This study presents the quality indicators on morbidity after surgical treatment for non-metastatic skin melanoma in an Italian registry.Methods: Data were extracted from the Central National Melanoma Registry (CNMR) promoted by the Italian Melanoma Intergroup (IMI). All surgical procedures (WE, SNLB or LFND) for non-metastatic skin melanoma between January 2011 and February 2017 were evaluated for inclusion in the study. Only centers with adequate completeness of information (>80%) were included in the study. Short-term complications (wound infection, dehiscence, skin graft failure and seroma) were investigated.Results: Wound infection rate was 1.1% (0.4% to 2.7%) in WE, 1.3% (0.7% to 2.5%) in SLNB and 4.1% (2.1% to 8.0%) in LFND. Wound dehiscence rate was 2.0% (0.8% to 5.1%) in WE, 0.9% (0.2% to 3.0%) in SLNB and 2.8% (0.9% to 8.6%) in LFND. Seroma rate was 4.2% (1.5% to 11.1%) in SLNB and 15.1% (4.6% to 39.9%) in LFND. Unreliable information was found on skin graft failure.Conclusions: Our findings contribute to available literature in setting up the recommended standards for melanoma centers, thus improving the quality of surgery offered to patients. A consensus on the core issues around surgical morbidity is needed to provide practical guidance on morbidity prevention and management.