bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Utilization of Electronic Medical Record and Associated Factors Among Health Professionals in Public Health Facilities With Service Delivery, Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Oumer Abdu 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Backgroundadoption of electronic medical record (EMR) systems in the healthcare delivery has the potential to transform healthcare in terms of saving costs, reducing medical errors, and data quality. However, even if a lots of efforts in the use of electronic health records, such systems have not been implemented and used at expected scale. Thus, his study assessed utilization of electronic medical record and associated factors among health professionals in Eastern Ethiopia.Methodsan institutional based analytic cross sectional study was conducted among randomly selected 412 health professionals from Harari and Dire Dawa, eastern Ethiopia using self-administered questioner. Binary logistic regression was performed for each independent variable against outcome variables (EMR utilization) to estimate the crude and adjusted odds ratio with 95% Confidence interval. P value less than 0.05 was used to declare statistical significance.Resultsa total of 412 health professionals from different category and educational level with mean age of 29 year (± 6.4 years) were interviewed. Majority of respondents were from Harari region (70.4%). A total of 229 (55.6%) and 300 (72.8%) of health professionals had good knowledge and attitude towards EMR for health facilities. About 279 (67.7%) reported that they use EMR in their facility currently with (54%) use it on daily basis. A total of 272(66%) of respondents reported to prefer EMR instead of paper based system. Health professional with more than five years’ experience had two times higher odds for using EMR (AOR = 2.22; 95% CI; 1.12–4.42) than early career workers (0–2 years of experience. Having previous EMR training were significantly more to use EMR (AOR = 5.88; 95% CI; 2.93–11.88) as compared to those who did not take training. In addition, having good knowledge (AOR = 1.52; 95% CI; 0.92–1.5) and good attitude on EMR system (AOR = 2.4; 95% CI; 1.35–4.31) had 50% and 140% more odds to use EMR in their facility.Conclusion and recommendationsutilization of EMR was found to be optimal and age, work experience, knowledge, attitude and training were positively associated with use of EMR in their facility. There should be organizational support, more specifically making the system full functional and targeted, timely, effective training packages for health professionals to improve their skills and attitudes.
Early results of COVID-19 pneumonia cases treated with Ultra-Low doses of Radiotherapy (ULTRA-COVID study)
Authors: Moreno-Olmedo Elena , Suárez-Gironzini Vladimir , Pérez Manuel , Filigheddu Teresa , Phys. Cristina Mínguez , Sanjuan-Sanjuan Alba , González José A. , Rivas Daniel , Gorospe Luis , Larrea Luis , Ph.D. Escarlata López 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Introduction:Since the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare system has focused its effort to find a treatment to avoid the fatal outcome of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Benefits and risks of systemic treatments are unclear. Radiotherapy could play a role in reducing the inflammatory response in the lungs and relieve life-threatening symptomsMethods:We designed a prospective study of Ultra-Low-Doses of Therapy with Radiation Applied to COVID-19 (ULTRA-COVID) for patients that are no candidates for invasive mechanical ventilation and show no improvement with medical therapy. (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04394182)Results:We present the preliminary results of two patients diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia treated with ULTRA-COVID. Significant clinical response is accompanied by lower radiological one, both have happened, achieving hospital discharge after 1 radiotherapy session over a period of 8 and 14 days, respectively.Conclusion:Preliminary clinical and radiological results suggest a potential benefit of treating COVID-19 pneumonia with ultra-LDRT.
COVID-19 Associated Anxiety Enhances Tinnitus: A Case Control Study
Authors: Chen Zhengnong , Xia Li , He Gang , Feng Yong , Yu Xiaoxu , Zhao Xiaolong , Yin Shankai , Wang Jian , Fan Jiangang , Dong Chuan 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: The directional nature of the link between anxiety and tinnitus has not been verified. COVID-19 has added stress to involved residents and provided a good opportunity to discover if anxiety/stress plays a causative/promotive role to tinnitus. Methods: A retrospective research design was used to compare the tinnitus clinics between the patients in 2020 under COVID-19 and those from the matching period in 2019. While anxiety was quantified using the Zung’s Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), tinnitus severity was evaluated using the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) questionnaire and the test of minimum masking level (MML). The assessments were repeated after two months of therapy with sound therapy + educational counselling (STEC) or EC alone. Results: A large increase in anxiety was evident in 2020 in both case rate and SAS. The treatment of both methods was less effective in 2020. SAS, THI and MML were all deteriorated after the EC alone treatment in 2020, while an improvement was seen in 2019. Discussion: The differences between years and between treatment methods suggest that EC alone could not counteract the stress by COVID-19 at all, and the stress, if not managed well, can significantly increase the severity of tinnitus and associated anxiety.Conclusions: By using the EC subgroup in virtual control, we conclude that anxiety can serve as a promoting factor to tinnitus. We believe that this is the first study report that confirm the causative/promotive role of anxiety on tinnitus
­­­­The usage of Mate Select, a web-based selection tool for pedigree dogs for promoting sustainable breeding
Authors: Janes Mateja , Lewis Thomas W. , Ilska Joanna J. , Woolliams John A. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background Inbreeding is a natural phenomenon, which accumulates through the mating of relatives within closed populations, such as pedigree dog breeds, and results in inbreeding depression and reduced genetic variation within breeds. The impact of inbreeding is driven by the selection and mating of parents, but information on choices to reduce inbreeding is difficult to assess for individual breeders. Tools to inform dog breeders on the current state of the inbreeding and the relationships among possible parents are potentially useful for providing guidance towards choices that are more beneficial to the breed. However, their utility depends on their usage and this study examines the overall usage of Mate Select, a web-based tool offered by The Kennel Club, covering 222 breeds for a period of 7 years following its launch in 2011. Results The average usage was 2830 searches/week in 2012 with a slight fall of 2.2% per year (P<0.001) to 2480 searches/week in 2018. Of these, 4% originated from outside the UK, across all continents except Antarctica, with the majority coming from English speaking countries. Searches/week showed a cyclical pattern with two cycles of 26 and 52 weeks. Sin­­­­ce Mate Select’s launch there has been a steady increase in searches from mobile devices, from 11% in 2012 to 43% in 2018. For the 197 breeds with more than 10 dams registered with the Kennel Club during the study period, there was a relationship between usage and registrations, with the average number of searches as a multiple of the number of dams increasing from 2 to 10 for breeds with up to 100 dams and declining towards 2 again for the largest breeds with approximately 20,000 registered dams. However, there remained substantial variation among breeds of similar size, and breeds for which EBVs had become available during the study period had a 1.8 fold greater frequency of searches per registered bitch (P<0.001), although this was not linked explicitly to the publication of EBVs.Conclusions Mate Select has sustained and substantial usage, although there is also substantial variation in usage among breeds, which offers an opportunity to develop further guidance.
Vitamin C Recycling Regulates Neurite Growth in Neurospheres Differentiated in Vitro
Authors: Espinoza Francisca , Magdalena Rocio , Saldivia Natalia , Jara Nery , Martínez Fernando , Ferrada Luciano , Salazar Katterine , Avila Felipe , Nualart Francisco 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: The reduced form of vitamin C, ascorbic acid (AA), has been related to antioxidant defense as well as gene expression and cell differentiation in the cerebral cortex. In neurons, AA is mainly oxidized to dehydroascorbic acid (DHA); however, DHA cannot accumulate intracellularly because it induces metabolic changes and cell death. In this context, it has been proposed that vitamin C recycling via neuron-astrocyte coupling maintains AA levels and prevents DHA parenchymal accumulation. To date, the role of this mechanism during the outgrowth of neurites is unknown.Methods: To stimulate neuronal differentiation, adhered neurospheres treated with AA and retinoic acid (RA) were used. Neuritic growth was analyzed by confocal microscopy, and the effect of vitamin C recycling (bystander effect) in vitro was studied using different cells (astrocytes, HL60 and U87). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was also analyzed by flow cytometry and protein carbonylation / carboximetil-lysine production.Results: AA stimulates neuritic growth more efficiently than RA. However, AA is oxidized to DHA in long incubation periods, generating a loss in the formation of neurites. Surprisingly, neurite growth is maintained over time following co-incubation of neurospheres with cells (HL60, U87, or astrocytes) that efficiently capture DHA (Bystander effect). In this sense, astrocytes have high capacity to recycle DHA and stimulate the maintenance of neurites. Finally, our data indicate that DHA induces ROS generation, a condition that results in protein carbonylation and carboximetil-lysine production. Conclusions: We have demonstrated that vitamin C recycling in vitro regulates the morphology of immature neurons during the differentiation and maturation processes.
Lung Macrophages Accumulate Novel Cytosolic Inclusions With Vaping: A Case Report From an Asymptomatic Habitual Vaper
Authors: Armstrong DA , Stan Radu V , Dessaint John , Aridgides Daniel S , Mellinger Diane L , Hazlett Haley F , Liu Xiaoying , Ashare Alix 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: The effects of habitual vaping on lung health are currently unknown. Acute e-cigarette/vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI) has been highlighted recently in numerous cases across the U.S. Several EVALI case reports highlight alterations in lung macrophages, justifying investigation of this key immune sentinel of the lung in habitual vape device users. Methods: Histologic (Oil Red O stain) and transmission electron microscopy were used to evaluate BAL macrophages obtained from a habitual and asymptomatic 25-year-old female vaper. Results: Oil Red O stain evaluation of BAL macrophages demonstrate a prevalence of cells with high lipid accumulation in multiple, discrete cytoplasmic foci. At ultrastructural level, this translated in membrane-bound compartments filled with osmiophilic material of various densities segregated along curved phase separation lines reminiscent of suspensions of immiscible fluids. Conclusions: This ultrastructural pattern is unlike any other previously reported in aspiration syndromes and may represent a defining diagnostic feature of vapers.
PGRN Alleviates Cerebral Amyloid-β Burden and Cognitive Impairments via Mediating Neuroinflammation
Authors: Xu Wei , Tan Chen-Chen , Cao Xi-Peng , Yu Jin-Tai , Tan Lan 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Both progranulin (PGRN) and neuroinflammatory activities increased over the course of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In this study, we set out to determine if cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) PGRN could be a marker of neuroinflammation, and if so, how it contributed to AD pathogenesis and cognitive impairments. Methods: A total of 965 participants from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) were grouped within the framework of A-T-N biomarker profile and clinical stage. Causal mediation analyses with 10,000 bootstrapped iterations were conducted to explore the mediation effects of neuroinflammatory markers on the associations of PGRN with amyloid burden indicated by CSF β-amyloid (Aβ) levels. The longitudinal influences of PGRN on cognition were tested. Results: Increases of CSF PGRN and multiple neuroinflammatory markers (sTNFR1, sTNFR2, TGF-β1, VCAM1, and ICAM1) were associated with tau-related neurodegeneration, but not with Aβ pathology. PGRN was positively linked with these neuroinflammatory markers only in the presence of tau pathologies (TN+). In TN+ profile, PGRN was associated with higher CSF Aβ42 via mediating neuroinflammatory markers and could also predict slower cognitive decline. The abovementioned associations became non-significant in TN- profile. Conclusions: PGRN could protect against Aβ pathology and cognitive impairments via modulating neuroinflammation that occurs with neuronal injuries.
Direct and Indirect Therapeutic Effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine as an Additional Drug on Non-proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy: A systematic review and meta-analysis of high-quality studies
Authors: an Xuedong , jin de , duan liyun , zhao shenghui , zhou rongrong , lian fengmei , tong xiaolin 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Bac﻿kground Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of blindness in many countries. The current treatment of non-proliferative DR (NPDR) with Western medicine (WM) alone are still insufficient. At present, the treatment of NPDR with the combination of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and WM is universally applied, and we would evaluate the effectiveness and safety of TCM as an additional drug for NPDR with systematic reviews and meta-analysis. Method Data before July 6, 2019 were searched as randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of TCM for the treatment of NPDR with WM, which were collected from China National Knowledge Infrastructure , Wanfang Database , China Biomedical Database , Pubmed , Embase and Cochrane Library . Relevant data was extracted by two reviewers respectively. I 2 statistics was adopted to appraise the heterogeneity, if I 2 <50% then the fixed-effects model would be employed, otherwise the random-effect model would be employed. (PROSPERO: CRD42019134947) Result 18 RCTs (1522 patients) were included according to the inclusion criteria. The results showed that compared with WM, TCM (including Compound Xueshuantong Capsule, Qiming Granule, and others)+ WM for NPDR could improve overall efficiency [n=1686,RR1.24(1.18,1.30), P <0.00001, I 2 =0%], and reduce the level of risk factors related to NPDR, such as glycated hemoglobin level [n=360, MD -0.85(-1.28, -0.41), P =0.0001, I 2 =72%], triglyceride and total cholesterol, but not Qiming Granule. Moreover, no serious adverse events were reported. Conclusion Compared with WM alone, TCM+WM could significantly improve NPDR, and also reduced the correlation levels of risk factors, considering the sample size and the number of patients included in the study, there might be publication bias, so the corresponding results should be treated with caution.
Species Composition of Cockroaches, Their Potential as Mechanical Vectors of Intestinal Parasites and Associated Factors Among Households in Sekota Town, Northeast Ethiopia; A Community-based Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Debash Habtu , Alemu Megbaru , Ayehu Animen 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Cockroaches pose a significant nuisance, and public health threat due to their ability to transmit pathogenic organisms including intestinal parasites. Due to little attention given to mechanical transmission of parasitic diseases by various vectors, appropriate interventions are not implemented to date.The extent to which cockroaches may harbor parasites is poorly understood in Ethiopia, particularly in the study area. This further overwhelms the already fragile program of prevention and control of parasites. Objectives: To assess species composition of cockroaches, their potential as mechanical vectors of intestinal parasites and associated factors among households in Sekota town, Northeast Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in households found in Sekota town from February to April 2020. A total of 402 households were selected by a systematic random sampling technique. Possible risk factors were collected via a structured questionnaire, and 1750 cockroaches were collected using jars. Species identification of cockroaches was performed using taxonomic keys, and parasite isolation was done using formol-ether and modified modified acid-fast techniques. The data analysis was done using SPSS version 23. P-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: All cockroaches collected were identified as a species of Blattella germanica (B. germanica). Overall, 63 (36.0%) of the 175 batches were found to harbor intestinal parasites, E. histolytica/dispar (14.3%) and H. nana (8.6%) being the predominant species. About 38 (21.7%), and 49 (28.0%) of cockroaches were found to harbor parasites on external parts and gut contents, respectively. Improper latrine utilization (P=0.006), presence of domestic animals (P=0.032), and presence of parasite-infected child in the household (P=0.001) were significantly associated with parasite carriage of cockroaches. Moreover, houses attached via two or more sides with neighboring houses (P=0.045), houses with cracks on their walls (P=0.001), and households with poor solid waste disposal (P=0.001) were at a significantly higher odds of cockroach infestation.Conclusion: Human and environmental factors have favoured infestation by Blattella germanica in the study area. Therefore, households housing condition, latrine utilization, and waste management systems should be improved.
Correlation of the two most frequent HLA haplotypes in the Italian population to the differential regional incidence of Covid-19
Authors: Pisanti Simona , Deelen Joris , Gallina Anna Maria , Caputo Mariella , Citro Marianna , Abate Mario , Sacchi Nicoletta , Vecchione Carmine , Martinelli Rosanna 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Understanding how HLA polymorphisms may affect both susceptibility, course and severity of Covid-19 infection could help both at the clinical level to identify individuals at higher risk from the disease and at the epidemiological one to explain the differences in the epidemic trend among countries or even within a specific country. Covid-19 disease in Italy showed a peculiar geographical distribution from the northern most affected regions to the southern ones only slightly touched. Methods: In this study we analysed the regional frequencies for the most common Italian haplotypes from the Italian Bone Marrow Donor Registry (HLA-A, -B, -C and -DRB1 at four-digit level). Then we performed Pearson correlation analyses among regional haplotypes estimated frequency in the population and Covid-19 incidence and mortality.Results: In this study we found that the two most frequent HLA haplotypes in the Italian population, HLA-A*:01:01g-B*08:01g-C*07:01g-DRB1*03:01g and HLA-A*02.01g-B*18.01g-C*07.01g-DRB1*11.04g, had a regional distribution overlapping that of Covid-19 and showed respectively a positive (suggestive of susceptibility) and negative (suggestive of protection) significant correlation with both Covid-19 incidence and mortality. Conclusions: Based on these results, in order to define such HLA polymorphisms as a factor effectively associated to the disease susceptibility, the creation of national networks that can collect patients’ samples from all regions for HLA typing should be highly encouraged.
Implementation of Stacking Based ARIMA Model for Prediction of Covid-19 Cases in India
Authors: Swaraj Aman , Kaur Arshpreet , Verma Karan , Singh Ghanshyam , Kumar Ashok , de Sales Leandro Melo 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Time-series forecasting has a critical role during pandemics as it provides essential information that can lead to abstaining from the spread of the disease. The novel coronavirus disease, COVID-19, is spreading rapidly all over the world. The countries with dense populations, in particular, such as India, await imminent risk in tackling the epidemic. Different forecasting models are being used to predict future cases of COVID-19. The predicament for most of them is that they are not able to capture both the linear and nonlinear features of the data solely.Methods: We propose an ensemble model integrating an autoregressive integrated moving average model (ARIMA) and a nonlinear autoregressive neural network (NAR). ARIMA models are used to extract the linear correlations and the NAR neural network for modeling the residuals of ARIMA containing nonlinear components of the data.Comparison: Single ARIMA model, ARIMA-NAR model and few other existing models which have been applied on the COVID-19 data in different countries are compared based on performance evaluation parameters.Result:The hybrid combination displayed significant reduction in RMSE(16.23%), MAE(37.89%) and MAPE (39.53%) values when compared with single ARIMA model for daily observed cases. Similar results with reduced error percentages were found for daily reported deaths and cases of recovery as well. RMSE value of our hybrid model was lesser in comparison to other models used for forecasting COVID-19 in different countries.Conclusion: Results suggested the effectiveness of the new hybrid model over a single ARIMA model in capturing the linear as well as nonlinear patterns of the COVID-19 data.
Loss of IL-33 enhances elastase-induced and cigarette smoke extract-induced emphysema in mice
Authors: Morichika Daisuke , Taniguchi Akihiko , Oda Naohiro , Fujii Utako Fujii Utako , Senoo Satoru , Itano Junko , Kitaguchi Yoshiaki , Yasuo Masanori , Hanaoka Masayuki , Satoh Takashi , Akira Shizuo , Kiura Katsuyuki , Maeda Yoshinobu , Miyahara Nobuaki 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: IL-33, which is known to induce type 2 immune responses via group 2 innate lymphoid cells, has been reported to contribute to neutrophilic airway inflammation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, its role in the pathogenesis of emphysema remains unclear. Methods: We determined the role of interleukin (IL)-33 in the development of emphysema using porcine pancreas elastase (PPE) and cigarette smoke extract (CSE) in mice. First, IL-33−/− mice and wild-type (WT) mice were given PPE intratracheally. The numbers of inflammatory cells, and the levels of cytokines and chemokines in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and lung homogenates, were analyzed; quantitative morphometry of lung sections was also performed. Second, mice received CSE by intratracheal instillation. Quantitative morphometry of lung sections was then performed again. Results: Intratracheal instillation of PPE induced emphysematous changes and increased IL-33 levels in the lungs. Compared to WT mice, IL-33−/− mice showed significantly greater PPE-induced emphysematous changes. No differences were observed between IL-33−/− and WT mice in the numbers of macrophages or neutrophils in BAL fluid. The levels of hepatocyte growth factor were lower in the BAL fluid of PPE-treated IL-33−/− mice than WT mice. IL-33−/− mice also showed significantly greater emphysematous changes in the lungs, compared to WT mice, following intratracheal instillation of CSE. Conclusion: These observations suggest that loss of IL-33 promotes the development of emphysema and may be potentially harmful to patients with COPD.