bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Muscle manifestations and CK levels in COVID infection: results of a large cohort of patients inside a Pandemic COVID-19 Area
Authors: Rosa Anna De , Verrengia Elena Pinuccia , Merlo Ivan , Rea Federico , Siciliano Gabriele , Corrao Giovanni , Prelle Alessandro Cesare 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Objective: to investigate both muscular manifestations and CK levels of a large cohort of patients with COVID-19 infection and to determine whether hyperckemia is associated with morbidity and mortality.Methods: Data of 615 patients discharged from ASST Ovest Milanese (Milan, Lombardy, Italy) with final diagnosis of COVID-19 infection were retrospectively extracted from electronical medical records from 21 February to 1 May 2020. Patients were descriptively analyzed with respect to the following variables: sex, age, muscular manifestations (including myalgia/arthralgia and fatigue), respiratory involvement (SARS pneumonia or respiratory failure) and history of falls. Association between patients’ characteristics and CK levels was investigated. In addition, the proportion of patients who died following access to the ER was calculated. Finally, the effect of CK levels and other patients’ features on mortality was estimated using a logistic regression model.Results: 176 (28.6%) patients had raised serum CK levels. 88 (14.3%) had muscular manifestations, of which 81 (13.2%) complained fatigue and 17 (2.8%) had myalgia and/or arthralgia. CK levels were significantly associated with respiratory involvement and fatal outcome.Conclusions: Our study provides preliminary evidence that hyperckemia is a predictor of respiratory involvement and fatal outcome in patients with COVID-19 infection. For patients with muscle damage symptoms, screening for COVID-19 infection is recommended together with the dosage of CK level.
Determinants of Uncontrolled Asthma Among Adult Asthmatic Patients on Follow-Up at Chest Clinic of Jimma Medical Center: Unmatched Case-Control Study
Authors: Geleta Leta Adugna , Dadi Lelisa Sena , Sona Alemayehu Atomsa 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundUncontrolled asthma is a notorious public health problem throughout the world despite the presence of effective treatments. Characterizing phenotypes of patients with uncontrolled asthma and searching for risk factors of uncontrolled asthma have been suggested as priority research agenda in the prevention of chronic respiratory diseases. This study aimed to identify the determinants of uncontrolled asthma.MethodsInstitution-based case-control study was conducted on asthmatic patients who were on follow-up at chest clinic of Jimma University Medical (JMC) from March to May, 2020. A total of 59 cases and 118 controls were included in the study. Logistic regression was employed to identify determinants of uncontrolled asthma. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with their corresponding confidence intervals (CI) were used to assess the strengths of association between uncontrolled asthma and its determinants at p values ≤ 0.05.ResultsAge of the patients [AOR: 2.78; 95% CI: 1.14, 6.81], age of the cases’ residential houses [AOR: 3.65; 95% CI: 1.30, 10.28], presence of pets within the houses [AOR: 2.78; 95% CI: 1.29, 5.96], having rhinitis [AOR: 3.34; 95% CI: 1.17, 9.52], past asthma exacerbation [AOR: 2.38, 95% CI: 1.05, 5.40], non-adherence to treatment [AOR: 2.81; 95% CI: 1.30, 6.08] and smoking [AOR: 7.09; 95% CI: 1.84, 27.33] were found to be determinants of uncontrolled asthma.Conclusions﻿Uncontrolled asthma is resulted from multiple sociodemographic, environmental, clinical, and behavioral factors. Therefore, interventions targeting to improve asthma control should consider those factors comprehensively.
Preliminary Results of Tocilizumab and Interferon a-2b Treatment of SARS-CoV-2.
Authors: Fleming M PhD Richard M , Fleming NRP BA BS Matthew R 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Seven patients receiving Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and Zinc (Zn) for CoVid-19 with PCR positive results were admitted to hospital after failing to improve. Following NCT04349410 protocol and failure to improve with elevated interleukin-6 and ferritin levels, patient’s treatment were changed following measurement of Corona Virus Pneumonia (CVP). Follow up measurements of CVP confirmed improvement with combined intravenous Tocilizumab, Interferon a-2b nebulizer, Atrovent nebulizer and SQ heparin treatments.
Sexual Selection on Population-level Mating Opportunities Drives Morph Ratios in a Fig Wasp with Extreme Male Dimorphism
Authors: Cook James M. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background Alternative mating tactics are widespread in animals and associated with extreme morphological polymorphism in some insects. Some fig wasps have both highly modified wingless males and dispersing winged males. Wingless males mate inside figs before females disperse, while winged males mate elsewhere after dispersal. Hamilton proposed a model for this system with morphs determined by alternative alleles. This has an equilibrium where the proportion of winged males equals the proportion of females dispersing unmated; i.e. the proportion of matings they obtain. Previously, we have shown qualitative support for this prediction across nine fig wasp species. Here I test the quantitative prediction in a population of the fig wasp Pseudidarnes minerva. In addition, while Hamilton envisaged simple Mendelian strategies, some fig wasp species with two wingless male morphs (but no winged males) show a conditional strategy with morph determination influenced by the number of wasps developing in a patch - I also test for this pattern in P. minerva. Results I sampled 114 figs that contained a mean of 2.1 P. minerva wasps from 44 trees across four sites in Sydney, Australia. At the whole population level, the proportion of winged males (0.84 or 0.79 corrected for sampling bias) did not differ significantly from the proportion of unmated females (0.84), providing strong quantitative support for the prediction of Hamilton’s model. In addition, there was no evidence for other factors, such as local mate competition or fighting between wingless males, that could violate simplifying assumptions of the model. Meanwhile, the proportion of winged males was not correlated with the number of wasps per fig, providing no evidence for a conditional strategy. Conclusions Morph ratios in P. minerva are consistent with Hamilton’s simple Mendelian strategy model, where morph ratios are set by average mating opportunities at the population level. This contrasts with some fig wasps from another subfamily that show conditional morph determination, allowing finer scale adaptation to fig-level mating opportunities. However, these conditional cases do not involve wing polymorphism. Male polymorphism is common and variable in fig wasps and has evolved independently in multiple lineages with apparently different underlying mechanisms.
Identification of a Bridge-specific Intramolecular Exciton Dissociation Pathway in Donor-π-acceptor Alternating Conjugated Polymers&nbsp;
Authors: Jiao Zhaoyong , Jiang Tingting , Zhou Zhongpo , Qin Chaochao , Long Jinyou , Liu Yufang , Jiang Yuhai 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Intramolecular exciton dissociation is critical for high efficient mobile charge carrier generations in organic solar cells. Yet despite much attention, the effects of π bridges on exciton dissociation dynamics in Donor-π-Acceptor (D-π-A) alternating conjugated polymers remain still unclear. Here, using a combination of femtosecond time-resolved transient absorption (TA) spectroscopy and steady-state spectroscopy, we track ultrafast intramolecular exciton relaxation dynamics in three D-π-A alternating conjugated polymers which were synthesized by Qin's group and named HSD-A, HSD-B, HSD-C. It is found that the addition of thiophene unit as π bridges will lead to the red shift of steady-state absorption spectrum. Importantly, we reveal the existence of a new intramolecular exciton dissociation pathway mediated by a bridge-specific charge transfer (CT') state with the TA fingerprint peak at 1200 nm in π-bridged HSD-B and HSD-C. This CT' state results in higher electron capture rates for HSD-B and HSD-C as compared to HSD-A. Depending on the proportion of CT' state and nongeminate recombination are important step for the understanding of high power conversion efficiencies in HSD-B than in HSD-C. We propose that this bridge-specific exciton dissociation pathway plays an important role in ultrafast intramolecular exciton dissociation of organic photovoltaic material D-π-A alternating conjugated polymers.
Reported Change in Adolescent Psychosocial Functioning during the Covid-19 Outbreak
Authors: Kapetanovic Sabina , Gurdal Sevtap , Ander Birgitta , Sorbring Emma 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
What effect the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic has on adolescents’ psychosocial functioning is unknown. Using data of N = 1789 (50% females) adolescents in Sweden we described adolescents’ thoughts and behaviors, as well as perceived changes in substance use, everyday life, relations, victimization, and mental health during the outbreak. Results show that a) adolescents tend to comply with regulations from the government, b) although most adolescents do not experience psychosocial changes, a critical number report increase in substance use and negative relational changes and c) most of the adolescents report poorer control of their everyday life and mental health. Adolescent females and adolescents with distance schooling were likely to report negative changes in their psychosocial functioning during the Covid-19 outbreak. Based on these findings, we suggest that the society should pay close attention to changes in adolescents’ psychosocial functioning during the time of crisis.
Healthcare workers’ knowledge and attitudes towards COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Bashir Shahid , Alsultan Fahad , Iqbal Muhammad , Alabdulkarim Nouf , Alammari Khawla , Almousa Abdullah , Alsultan Atheer , almousa Bashaer , Albaradie Raidah , Mir Ali , Alregaiey Khalid , Habib Shahid , Abualait Turki 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: The world is facing a devastating challenge in the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 19) outbreak. Healthcare workers (HCWs) provide the first line of defense against any disease outbreak. Thus, the present study is designed to assess HCWs’ attitudes towards, knowledge of, and awareness of COVID-19. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted using an online survey on social media; the participants were 597 adults. The study was conducted from March to April, 2020. The questionnaire was randomly administered on Arabic-language social media applications; the 26-item survey assessed knowledge levels, attitudes, and practices.Results: The analysis includes 597 complete responses from HCWs; participants included physicians, nurses, medical students, and pharmacists. Most participants were females aged 18 to 25 years. Most participants agreed that the virus can spread via direct and indirect contact. Most participants indicated that they wash their hands; avoid touching their eyes, nose, or mouth; and avoid crowded places to protect themselves against infection. Most indicated that a bat was the original source of the virus. Most participating HCWs indicated that the symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Most of the participants also indicated that there is no specific treatment for patients infected with COVID-19. Conclusion: The findings of this work can support the design of effective measures to prevent and control COVID-19 infections during the pandemic. The results also highlight where improvement is needed to HCWs’ knowledge of and attitudes towards COVID-19; the findings also highlight the best healthcare practices regarding this illness.
Decentralization policies and clean water practitioners: using hollow fiber membrane water filters to reduce the prevalence of GI-related symptoms and diagnoses in rural Honduras
Authors: Swearingen Colin , Schubert Rachel , Marcelli Elizabeth 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIllnesses caused by dirty water are still prevalent in developing countries, resulting in significant health problems. This study explores how hollow fiber membrane point-of-use filters can reduce the prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI)-related symptoms and diagnoses. We summarize the current approach and policies regarding clean water in Honduras, which is marked by decentralization, and note the resulting challenges for clean water provision. To highlight how this works in practice, we combine medical brigade diagnosis data with survey data to explore the effect of point-of-use water filters on the prevalence of GI-related symptoms and diagnoses in rural south-central Honduras. Using OLS and penalized logistic regression, we find that hollow fiber membrane filters are effective in reducing GI-related diseases. Specifically, they reduce the number of GI-related symptoms by 0.30, and specifically those patients complaining of stomach aches (39 percent), diarrhea (39 percent), and vomiting (70 percent). We also find that they reduce the likelihood of a patient receiving an infectious disease/parasitic diagnosis (48 percent in all patients and 87 percent in children under the age of 13 years). These results have significant implications on those working with non-profit and non-governmental organizations to bring clean water to those living in developing nations.
Individual and Combined Assessment of Ser680Asn FSH Receptor and FSHβ-211 G>T Gene Polymorphisms in Ovarian Response in IVF/ICSI Program
Authors: Anagnostou Elli , Kafkoutsou Alexia , Mavrogianni Despina , Domali Ekaterini , Dimitroulia Evangelia , Mathiopoulos Dimitris , Drakakis Peter , Loutradis Dimitris 
Published: October 2020

Background:
Molecular biology tools, such as the detection of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms
(SNPs), have been considered to assist in the management of ovarian stimulation protocols.

Purpose:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of two polymorphisms, the Asn680Ser polymorphism
of the FSHR gene, and the FSH β subunit (FSHβ) gene polymorphism -211 G>T, in a
Greek population of women undergoing IVF/ICSI program in our center. In addition, a control group
of fertile women was studied to verify whether there are differences in the genotype distribution between
fertile and infertile population for both polymorphisms, as the FSHβ gene polymorphism -211
G>T is studied for the first time in the Greek population.

Results :
The FSH β-211 G>T polymorphism, studied for the first time in the infertile Greek population,
appears to be quite rare. When studying the two polymorphisms separately, statistically significant
differences were obtained that concerned the LH levels.

Discussion:
According to the combination analysis of the two polymorphisms by the number of alleles,
women with 2-3 polymorphic alleles needed more days of stimulation, but there were no differences
in pregnancy rates.

Conclusion:
This molecular genetic study helps to elucidate whether the polygenic combination of the
Asn680Ser and FSH β subunit -211 G>T gene polymorphisms is of additive value in the prediction of
ovarian response to exogenous gonadotropins.
COVID-19 and Autoimmune Diseases: A Systematic Review of Reported Cases
Authors: Saad Mariam Ahmed , Alfishawy Mostafa , Nassar Mahmoud , Mohamed Mahmoud , Esene Ignatius N. , Elbendary Amira 
Published: October 2020

Introduction:
Over 4.9 million cases of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have
been confirmed since the worldwide pandemic began. Since the emergence of COVID-19, a number
of confirmed cases reported autoimmune manifestations. Herein, we reviewed the reported
COVID-19 cases with associated autoimmune manifestations.

Methods:
We searched PubMed database using all available keywords for COVID-19. All related
studies between January 1st, 2020 to May 22nd, 2020 were reviewed. Only studies published in English
language were considered. Articles were screened based on titles and abstracts. All reports of
confirmed COVID-19 patients who have associated clinical evidence of autoimmune disease were
selected.

Results:
Among the 10006 articles, searches yielded thirty-two relevant articles for full-text assessment.
Twenty studies has met the eligibility criteria. The twenty eligible articles reported 33 cases
of confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis who developed an autoimmune disease after the onset of
covid-19 symptoms. Ages of patients varied from a 6 months old infant to 89 years old female
(Mean=53.9 years of 28 cases); five cases had no information regarding their age. The time between
symptoms of viral illness and onset of autoimmune symptoms ranged from 2 days to 33
days (Mean of the 33 cases=9.8 days). Autoimmune diseases were one case of subacute thyroiditis
(3%), two cases of Kawasaki Disease (6.1%), three cases of coagulopathy and antiphospholipid
syndrome (9.1%), three cases of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (9.1%), eight cases of autoimmune
hemolytic anemia (24.2%), and sixteen cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome (48.5%).

Conclusions:
COVID-19 has been implicated in the development of a range of autoimmune diseases,
which may shed light on the association between autoimmune diseases and infections.
Radioprotective Effects of Plants from the Lamiaceae Family
Authors: Karpiński Tomasz M. , Adamczak Artur , Ożarowski Marcin 
Published: October 2020

Background:
Edible and medicinal plants are still an interesting source of promising biologically active
substances to drug discovery and development. At a time of increasing cancer incidence in the world, alleviating the
bothersome side effects of radiotherapy in debilitated cancer patients is becoming an important challenge.

Objective:
The aim of the study was to overview the literature data concerning the radioprotective activity of extracts,
essential oils, and some chemical compounds obtained from 12 species belonging to the Lamiaceae family, gathering of
numerous spice and medicinal plants rich in valuable phytochemicals.

Results and Conclusion:
The analysis of available publications showed radioprotective effectiveness of essential oils and
complex extracts containing phenolic acids and flavonoids in various in vitro and in vivo models. Relatively welldocumented preventive properties exhibited the following species: Mentha × piperita, Ocimum tenuiflorum, Origanum
vulgare, and Rosmarinus officinalis. However, few plants such as Lavandula angustifolia, Mentha arvensis, M. spicata,
Plectranthus amboinicus, Salvia miltiorrhiza, S. officinalis, Scutellaria baicalensis, and Zataria multiflora should be more
investigated in the future. Among the mechanisms of radioprotective effects of well-studied extracts and phytochemicals, it
can be mentioned mainly the protection against chromosomal damage, scavenging free radicals, decreasing of lipid
peroxidation and elevating of glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and alkaline phosphatase enzyme levels as well
as the reduction the cell death. The plant substances protected the gastrointestinal tract, bone marrow and lung fibroblasts.
In conclusion, studied species of Lamiaceae family and their active chemical compounds are potent in alleviating the side
effects of radiotherapy and should be considered as a complementary therapy.
Terminalia catappa Fruit Extract Reverses Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Retinopathy in Rats
Authors: Behl Tapan , Velpandian Thirumurthy , Kotwani Anita 
Published: October 2020

Objective and Background:
Diabetic retinopathy is amongst the most common microvascular
complications associated with diabetes. Controlling blood glucose level alone cannot manage diabetes
associated complications. Thus, mechanisms that additionally prevent diabetes associated complications
are the need of the hour, driving the researchers towards herbal therapies. Terminalia catappa
is renowned for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-hyperglycemic and anti-angiogenic activity.
The current study explores the effect of Terminalia catappa fruit extract on streptozotocin-induced
diabetic retinopathy in rats.

Methods:
Streptozotocin-induced chronic diabetic rat model was utilized in the study. The hydroalcoholic
fruit extract of T. catappa in 20mg/kg, 30mg/kg and 40mg/kg dose and standard anti-diabetic
drug, glibenclamide (10mg/kg) was given orally. Retinopathy was evaluated by monitoring lenticular,
fundus images and measuring arteriole and venule tortuosity index. Oxidative, angiogenic and inflammatory
biomarkers were assessed at the 12th week in the retinal homogenate. Histopathological
changes in the retina were also examined. Data was analyzed using one-way Repeated Measure
ANOVA followed by the Mann-Whitney test.

Results:
The hydro-alcoholic fruit extract of T. catappa significantly decreased blood glucose
(p<0.001) in a dose-dependent manner in diabetic rats. Cataract lens was observed in all experimental
groups and became clear (grade 0) with 40mg/kg and with 40mg/kg along with glibenclamide at the
eighth and sixth week, respectively. The hydro-alcoholic fruit extract in all three doses significantly
reduced (p<0.01) arteriole and venule tortuosity in diabetic rats.
T. catappa in all three doses in diabetic rats showed a modulatory effect in oxidative, angiogenic and
inflammatory biomarkers.

Conclusion:
T. catappa reverses diabetes-induced retinopathy by anti-hyperglycemic, anti-oxidant,
anti-angiogenic and anti-inflammatory actions, and thus has a potential to be used in diabetes-induced
retinopathy.
A Patient-Centered Framework for Measuring the Economic Value of the Clinical Benefits of Digital Health Apps: Theoretical Modeling
Authors: Powell Adam , Torous John 
Published: October 2020

Background
As digital health tools such as smartphone apps evolve and enter clinical use, questions regarding their value must be addressed. Although there are scarce generalizable data on the value of health apps given their nascency and diverse use cases, it is possible to estimate the economic value of the clinical improvement they bring to patients using a quality-adjusted life-year (QALY)-based approach and generalized values from existing literature.

Objective
This paper aims to provide a patient-centered framework for assessing the economic value of the clinical benefits delivered by digital health apps.

Methods
We proposed a model based upon 5 levers: country-specific monetary value of a QALY, QALYs lost due to the condition, engagement rate of app users, average effect size of the app’s health impact, and duration of the app’s impact before remission.

Results
Using 2 digital health apps from the United States and United Kingdom as examples, we explored how this model could generate country-specific estimates of the economic value of the clinical benefits of health apps.

Conclusions
This new framework can help drive research priorities for digital health by elucidating the factors that influence the economic value.