bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis on the First Tear Film Break-up Point in Sjögren's Syndrome and non-Sjögren's Syndrome Dry Eye Patients
Authors: Zhao Songjiao , Le Qihua 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background：Tear film instability plays an important role in the course of Sjögren's Syndrome dry eye (SSDE) even though it is generally classified as aqueous-deficient dry eye. The measurement of the first tear film break-up point (FTBUP) helps to evaluate the most unstable position of the tear film on ocular surface. We aim to investigate the first tear film break-up point (FTBUP) in Sjögren's Syndrome dry eye (SSDE) and non-Sjögren's Syndrome dry eye (NSSDE) patients, and explore its correlation with dry eye indices.Methods: Twenty-two SSDE patients (44 eyes) and 22 NSSDE patients (44 eyes) were enrolled in the study. Oculus Keratograph K5M was used to measure the FTBUP, the first and average non-invasive keratographic breakup time (f-NIKBUT and av-NIKBUT), and meibomian gland dropout. Other tests of tear film were also performed including Ocular Surface Dryness Index (OSDI), Schirmer I test, fluorescein break-up time and corneal fluorescein staining. One-way ANOVA with Bonferroni adjustment was used to compare dry eye indices. The locations of the FTBUP were compared between SSDE and NSSDE patients using chi-square test. The correlations between the FTBUP and ocular symptoms and signs were investigated using Pearson’s correlation coefficient test.Results: The FTBUP occurred at the supranasal quadrant in 12/88 eyes, supratemporal quadrant in 8/88 eyes, inferonasal quadrant in 34/88 eyes, and inferotemporal quadrant in 34/88 eyes. The percentage of the FTBUPs occurring at the inferior cornea was significantly higher in the SSDE group than in the NSSDE group (86.3% vs 68.1%, P=.042). Moreover, FTBUP was more frequently observed in the temporal area in SSDE patients with positive corneal fluorescein staining, as opposed to the nasal area in SSDE patients with negative corneal staining(P=.032). Conclusion: Tear film was more unstable in the inferior cornea than other areas of cornea in both SSDE and NSSDE patients. The location of the FTBUP in SSDE patients had a close relationship with cornea fluorescein staining.
The Psychological Effect of COVID-19 and Lockdown on the Population: Evidence from Italy
Authors: Delmastro Marco , Zamariola Giorgia 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown measures adopted to prevent the spread of the disease had a huge impact on a personal, social, and economic level for the world population. In Europe, Italy was one of the frontrunner countries dealing with an emergency that significantly affected people’s lives. Previous research on the psychological impact of the pandemic revealed an increase in anxiety, depression, and feelings of distress; however, these studies were conducted on non-representative samples of the population reached through social media channels, a method that is likely to lead to many forms of statistical and methodological bias. For the first time to our knowledge, we measured depressive symptoms on 6,700 Italian individuals, representative of the Italian population in terms of age, gender, and geographical areas revealing higher scores of depressive symptoms in females, younger adults, people reporting professional uncertainty and lower socio-economic status. A positive correlation was also found for individuals living alone, those who could not leave home for going to work, and people with a case of COVID-19 in the family, whereas the region of residence was not a significant predictor of depressive symptoms. These findings underline the importance of considering the psychological effects of COVID-19 and providing support to individuals seeking mental health care.
Predictive Control of Aerial Swarms in Cluttered Environments
Authors: Soria Enrica , Schiano Fabrizio , Floreano Dario 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Classical models of aerial swarms often describe global coordinated motion as the combination of local interactions that happen at the individual level. Mathematically, these interactions are represented with Potential Fields. Despite their explanatory success, these models fail to guarantee rapid and safe collective motion when applied to aerial robotic swarms flying in cluttered environments of the real world, such as forests and urban areas. Moreover, these models necessitate a tight coupling with the deployment scenarios to induce consistent swarm behaviors. Here, we propose a predictive model that combines the local principles of potential field models with the knowledge of the agents’ dynamics. We show that our approach improves the speed, order, and safety of the swarm, it is independent of the environment layout, and scalable in the swarm speed and inter-agent distance. Our model is validated with a swarm of five quadrotors that can successfully navigate in a real-world indoor environment populated with obstacles.
Can CPAP machines be repurposed to solve the ventilator shortage?
Authors: Nguyen Johnny , Kesper Karl , Kräling Gunter , Birk Christian , Mross Peter , Hofeditz Nico , Höchst Jonas , Lampe Patrick , Penning Alvar , Leutenecker-Twelsiek Bastian , Schindler Carsten , Buchenauer Helwig , Geisel David , Sommer Caroline , Henning Ronald , Wallot Pascal , Wiesmann Thomas , Beutel Björn , Schneider Gunter , Castro-Camus Enrique , Koch Martin 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
The worldwide shortage of medical-grade ventilators is a well-known issue, that has become one of the central topics during the COVID-19 pandemic. Given that these machines are expensive and have long lead times, one approach is to vacate them for patients in critical conditions while patients with mild to moderate symptoms are treated with stripped-down ventilators. We propose a mass-producible solution that can create such ventilators with minimum effort. The central part is a module that can be attached to CPAP machines and repurpose them as low-pressure ventilators. Here, we describe the concept and first measurements which underline the potential of our solution. Our approach may serve as a starting point for open-access ventilator technologies.
Structural insights into decreased affinity of SARS-CoV-2 to ACE2 by steroids
Authors: Mansouri Alireza , Kowsar Rasoul , Sadeghi Khaled , Miyamoto Akio 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) presently poses significant concerns around the world. Latest reports show that the degree of disease and mortality of COVID-19 infected patients may vary from gender to gender with a very high risk of death for seniors. Clearly, different levels of sex steroid hormones are found in both men and women. It was hypothesized that sex steroid hormones estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4), and testosterone (T) may change the interaction of coronavirus spike protein with angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE2, which is the major SARS-CoV-2 cell entry receptor.) in the presence or absence of dexamethasone (DEX, the potential anti-inflammatory agents). Data showed that E2 was more strongly to interact with the main protease of the coronavirus, while T had the lowest affinity for coronavirus spike protein than E2 and P4. The binding energy of the spike protein to ACE2 was increased in the presence of five molecules of each steroid; the greatest increase was observed by DEX and E2. The binding free energy of the spike protein to ACE2 was the highest in the presence of both E2 and DEX molecules. Together, the interaction between spike protein and ACE2 can be disrupted by female sex steroid hormone E2 and to a greater extent by E2 and anti-inflammatory DEX, in part explaining the lower incidence of COVID-19 infection in women than men. The potential use of E2 and DEX to reduce coronavirus attachment to ACE2 in the early phase of the coronavirus invasion needs to be clinically investigated.
WITHDRAWN: A Randomized Controlled Study Of Favipiravir Vs Hydroxychloroquine In COVID-19 Management: What Have We Learned So Far?
Authors: Dabbous Hany M , El-Sayed Manal H. , Assal Gihan El , Elghazaly Hesham , Ebeid Fatma FS , Sherief Ahmed F. , Elgaafary Maha , Fawzy Ehab , Hassany Sahar M , Riad Ahmed R , TagelDin Mohamed A. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Background: Favipiravir is considered a potential treatment for COVID-19 due its efficacy against different viral infections. We aimed to explore the safety and efficacy of favipiravir in treatment of COVID-19 mild and moderate cases.Methods: A randomized-controlled open-label interventional phase 3 clinical trial [NCT04349241]. 100 patients were recruited from 18thApril till 18thMay. 50patients received favipiravir 3200mg at day1 followed by 600mg twice (day2-day10). 50patients received hydroxychloroquine 800mg at day1 followed by 200mg twice (day2- 10) and oral oseltamivir 75mg/12hour/day for 10 days. Patients were enrolled from Ain Shams University Hospital and Assiut University Hospital.Results: Both arms were comparable as regards demographic characteristics and comorbidities. The average onset of SARS-CoV-2 PCR negativity was 8.1 and 8.3 days in HCQ-arm and favipiravir-arm respectively. 55.1% of those on HCQ-arm turned PCR negative at/or before 7th day from diagnosis compared to 48% in favipiravir-arm (p=0.7). Four patients in FVP arm developed transient transaminitis on the other hand heartburn and nausea were reported in about 20 patients in HCQ-arm. Only one patient in HCQ-arm died after developing acute myocarditis resulted in acute heart failure. Conclusion: Favipiravir is a safe effective alternative for hydroxychloroquine in mild or moderate COVID-19 infected patients.
Fair allocation of potential COVID-19 vaccines using an optimization-based strategy
Authors: Munguía-López Aurora del Carmen , Ponce-Ortega José María 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
The fair allocation of resources among multiple stakeholders in any area is a complex challenge for decision-making. This paper presents an optimization strategy for the allocation of COVID-19 vaccines, when they are available, through different fairness schemes (social welfare, Nash, Rawlsian justice, and social welfare II scheme). The applicability of the proposed model is illustrated using the case study of Mexico, including the states of the country as stakeholders. We involve several parameters to guide the allocation, such as the size, risk profiles, and fraction of vulnerable groups in the population. Furthermore, different scenarios of the availability of potential COVID-19 vaccines were evaluated. The social welfare approach is the most commonly used scheme for the allocation of resources. However, we demonstrate that this scheme yields non-unique or multiple solutions (through the social welfare II approach). These social welfare approaches provide inequalities in the allocations that become critical when resources are scarce. Specifically, the social welfare scheme favors large stakeholders (greater population) in all scenarios. We also observe how the complexity of the allocation increases with the higher availability of vaccines. Hence, it is important to consider allocation schemes to identify fair solutions.
COVID-19 outbreak and Urban dynamics: Regional variations in India
Authors: Gupta Devarupa , Biswas Dibyendu , Kabiraj Pintu 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
India was the second highest COVID-19 affected country in the world with 2.1 million cases by 11th August. This study focused on the spatial transmission of the pandemic among the 640 districts in India over time, and aimed to understand the urban-centric nature of the infection. The connectivity context was emphasized that possibly had inflicted the outbreak. Using the modes of transmission data for the available cases, the diffusion of this disease was explained. Metropolitans contributed three-fourths of total cases from the beginning. The transport networks attributed significantly in transmitting the virus from the urban containment zones. Later, there was a gradual shift of infections from urban to rural areas; however, the numbers kept increasing in the former. The massive reverse migration after lockdown spiked the infected cases further. Districts with airports reported more with influx of international passengers. A profound east-west division in April with higher infections in the southern and western districts existed. By mid-May eastern India saw a steep rise in active cases. Moran’s I analysis showed a low autocorrelation initially which increased over time. Hotspot clustering was observed in western Maharashtra, eastern Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and around Kolkata by the second week of August. The diffusion was due to travel, exposure to infected individuals and among the frontline workers. Spatial regression models confirmed that urbanization was positively correlated with higher incidences of infections. Transit mediums, especially rail and aviation were positively associated. These models validated the crucial role of spatial proximity in diffusion of the pandemic.
Testing the backbone of the healthcare system: a prospective serological-epidemiological cohort study of healthcare workers in rural Germany.
Authors: Hoffmann Stephanie , Spallek Jacob , Gremmels Heinz-Detlef , Schiebel Juliane , Hufert Frank 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Healthcare workers are of a high priority in SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and epidemiological control strategies due to their relevance for the healthcare system and high exposure levels that might result in symptomatic and asymptomatic courses. Aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infections in a cohort of 171 healthcare workers in a standard care hospital in a rural German area. The outcomes are monthly measures of antibody prevalence over a 6-month period. Using univariate statistics, baseline characteristics will be analysed considering risk groups, exposure history, test frequencies, symptoms, and antibody distribution.At T0 tests for qualitative detection of antibodies (Ig) against SARS-CoV-2 revealed a seroprevalence of 1.3%.The data contribute to the understanding of the virus spread in a particularly exposed population group and will be relevant for management of the pandemic. Longitudinal analyses will reveal the progression of seroprevalence of antibodies and immunity over the time.
A NEW RATIO ESTIMATOR: AN ALTERNATIVE TO REGRESSION ESTIMATOR IN SURVEY SAMPLING USING AUXILIARY INFORMATION
Authors: Subzar Mir , Maqbool S. , Raja T. A. , Sharma Prayas 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
The most dominant problem in the survey sampling is to obtain the better ratio estimators for the estimation of population mean or population variance. Estimation theory is enhanced by using the auxiliary information in order to improve on designs, precision and efficiency of estimators. A modified class of ratio estimator is suggested in this paper to estimate the population mean. Expressions for the bias and the mean square error of the proposed estimators are obtained. Both analytical and numerical comparison has shown the suggested estimator to be more efficient than some existing ones. The bias of the suggested estimator is also found to be negligible for the population under consideration, indicating that the estimator is as good the regression estimator and better than the other estimators under consideration.
Integrated Reporting and Investment: How are They Related?
Authors: Martanti Bernadeta Susilo , Hermanto Dessy Astuti , Noviyanti Elin , Andriany Windy Rizkika 
Published: September 2020

The research aimed to explore how integrated reporting potentially impact the investor decision within mandatory and voluntary regulation. The method used was exploration of arguments from several researchers, either from theoretical and empirical basis, or literature review. The method of this qualitative research was dividing the literature into categories which in this research would be mandatory and voluntary regulations. The sub categories were divided by two countries which were Africa and The United States as research objects. The result and discussion were integrated reporting increases the value relevance of information produced by the company and underline the way companies create a value over the short until long term by informing business model, corporate strategy, and forecasting view. The result shows that Integrated Reporting will be more useful if the Government mandates the regulation like in Africa. It is considered that when Integrated Reporting potentially impacts the investors’ decision assured by professional services, these disclosures will be more accurate and reliable. A contribution for the government to create a clear regulation of the integrated report and provide an assurance service to assure the accuracy of information in the Integrated Report will be our expectation.
Medicinal Plants and Bioactive Compounds for Diabetes Management: Important Advances in Drug Discovery
Authors: Shanmugam Kondeti R. , Shanmugam Bhasha , Subbaiah Ganjikunta V. , Ravi Sahukari , Reddy Kesireddy S. 
Published: September 2020

Background :
Diabetes is a major public health problem in the world. It affects each and every part
of the human body and also leads to organ failure. Hence, great progress is made in the field of herbal medicine
and diabetic research.

Objectives:
Our review will focus on the effect of bioactive compounds of medicinal plants which are used to
treat diabetes in India and other countries.

Methods:
Information regarding diabetes, oxidative stress, medicinal plants and bioactive compounds was collected
from different search engines like Science direct, Springer, Wiley online library, Taylor and francis, Bentham
Science, Pubmed and Google scholar. Data was analyzed and summarized in the review.

Results:
Anti-diabetic drugs that are in use have many side effects on vital organs like heart, liver, kidney and
brain. There is an urgent need for alternative medicine to treat diabetes and their disorders. In India and other
countries, herbal medicine was used to treat diabetes. Many herbal plants have antidiabetic effects. The plants
like ginger, phyllanthus, gymnea, aswagandha, aloe, hibiscus and curcuma showed significant anti-hyperglycemic
activities in experimental models and humans. The bioactive compounds like Allicin, azadirachtin, cajanin,
curcumin, querceitin, gingerol possess anti-diabetic, antioxidant and other pharmacological properties.
This review focuses on the role of bioactive compounds of medicinal plants in the prevention and management
of diabetes.

Conclusion:
Moreover, our review suggests that bioactive compounds have the therapeutic potential against diabetes.
However, further in vitro and in vivo studies are needed to validate these findings.
Significance of Green Synthetic Chemistry from a Pharmaceutical Perspective
Authors: Ahsan Haseeb , Islam Salman Ul , Ahmed Muhammad Bilal , Lee Young Sup , Sonn Jong Kyung 
Published: September 2020

Background:
Conventional practices of synthesis, manufacturing, and processing have led to severe
adverse consequences for living beings and the environment.

Objectives:
Although medications cannot be replaced, the methods of synthesizing, manufacturing, and processing
them can be changed and/or replaced. This paper explains the significance of green chemistry practices in
the pharmaceutical industry. It emphasizes that we must replace conventional drug synthesis, processing, and
manufacturing techniques with greener ones that are cost-effective, sustainable, environment-friendly, and profitable.

Discussion:
This paper comprises five sections. Section 1 is an introduction to green chemistry and its correlation
with the pharmaceutical industry. Section 2 discusses the metrics necessary to measure the greenness of a
process. Section 3 is about solvents used in the pharmaceutical industry, hazards, safety status, and environmental
effects, including the ozone depletion potential. Section 4 explains catalytic amidation reactions because
amides are one of the most commonly occurring functional groups with pharmacological activity. Section 5 discusses
successful cases of converting conventional synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients and/or their
intermediates to greener, sustainable alternatives.

Conclusion:
A balance is necessary between profits, processes, consumers, and the environment to ensure the
survival of all stakeholders and decrease the environmental burden of pharmaceuticals. Incentives such as green
chemistry awards should be endorsed and encouraged, in addition to making green chemistry part of tertiary education.
In addition, changes to rules and regulations for drug approval in the context of green chemistry principles
are necessary in order to preserve our planet for future generations.
Phytotherapy and Herbal Medicines for Kidney Stones
Authors: Emiliani Esteban , Jara Adrian , Kanashiro Andres Koey 
Published: September 2020

Background:
Kidney stones are one of the oldest known and common diseases in the urinary tract with a prevalence that varies from 1% to 20%. Many phytotherapic and herbal medicines for kidney stones have been described for
their treatment and prevention.

Objective:
The objective of this study is to perform a comprehensive review of several phytotherapic and herbal medicines published including clinical and animal studies.

Results:
Phytotherapy may influence the risk of recurrence in calcium oxalate and uric acid stones. The most solid evidence suggest that Phyllanthus niruri is one of the most studied components that appear to interfere with the calcium oxalate crystallization, reduced hyperoxaluria and hiperuricosuria and increased shock wave lithotripsy efficacy due to reduced crystallization without significant adverse effects, also Theobromine have shown to reduce the crystallization of
uric acid in patients and appears to be a promising supplement to treat such stones.

Conclusion:
Many phytoterapic and herbal agents have been studies to treat and present urolithiasis, most of them only
with studies of small number of patients or in animal models. Further randomized clinical trials are needed to evaluate the
effect of these agents in kidney stones.