bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Personalized Paths for Physical Activity: Developing a Person-Centered Quantitative Function to Determine a Customized Amount of Exercise and Enhancing Individual Commitment
Authors: Iolascon Giovanni , Gimigliano Francesca , Pietro Gioconda Di , Moretti Antimo , Paoletta Marco , Rivezzi Matteo , Distante Alessandro , Piscitelli Prisco 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are leading causes of mortality. These conditions are also known as chronic diseases of long duration and generally slow progression. Physical activity is a main factor to delay symptoms and consequences of NCDs. In last decades, reduced physical exercise has been observed across all ages. Despite educational campaigns aimed at modifying unhealthy habits, it is difficult to promote healthy lifestyles in general population. Poor interest, lack of motivation, as well as career and family commitments hinder people's participation in regular physical activity programs. In this study we propose a theoretical person-centred approach to actively involve general population in enhancing their opportunity to perform physical activity on the basis of personalized needs and targets. Methods: We defined four profiles of baseline physical activity levels (inactive, moderately inactive, moderately active, and active people) by referring to Metabolic equivalents (METs) on the basis of individual answers to General Practice Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPPAQ). Based on the answers to the GPPAQ and by computing the related METs for each profile of baseline exercise levels, we developed an innovative person-centered web-based algorithm/function for enhancing and measuring physical activity participation in community settings. This function is able to compute evidence-based standardized profiles of participants, personalized goals of physical activity being functional to the purpose of maintaining or gaining health benefits, as well as the type and duration of physical activity needed to reach these goals. Conclusion: It might be speculated that this approach would be a reliable method for increasing people’s self-efficacy and population adherence to recommended levels of physical activity. However, this theoretical proposal requires to be implemented in further research.
Aligned Grid Shaped NiO Nanowires for Humidity Sensing at Room Temperature
Authors: Mohammadi Masoumeh , Almasi-Kashi Mohammad , Fardindoost Somayeh , zad Azam Iraji 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
A grid configuration based on the aligned nickel oxide nanowire (NiO NW) for humidity sensing were fabricated through the oxidation of ferromagnetic nickel NWs prepared by a template-assisted electrodeposition process. Their structure and elemental compositions were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and energy-dispersive X-ray analyses (EDAX). The room-temperature humidity sensing behavior of the NiO NWs was investigated successfully based on DC and AC impedance spectroscopy (IS) method in frequencies range 10 Hz to 2 MHz. The sensors showed excellent humidity sensing characteristics such as a high response of about 66 with rather rapid response-recovery times about 9 and 2 s for 90%RH, and good stability. The equivalent circuits were simulated for impedance responses to humidity in the range of 40–90% RH. According to the results, ionic conduction via NW-NW junctions as well as NW-electrode interfaces in the grid configuration is responsible for sensing behavior.
Diabetes Distress, Depressive Symptoms and Type 2 Diabetes Management and Glycemic Control: the Mediating Role of Self-efficacy
Authors: Gao Yuexia , Han Yarong , Zou Xin , Xu Judy , Mawen Dean Getrude , Zhong Yaqing , Lu Qingyun , Chu Minjie , Ma Qiang , Zhuang Xun , Xiao Jing 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Diabetes distress has been distinguished from depressive symptoms in the linkages to type 2 diabetes management and glycemic control. There are few evidences in rural China untangled the underlying pathways among them. The aim of our study was to examine whether self-efficacy reduced the detrimental effects of psychological variables on diabetes outcomes such as self-care behaviors, glycemic control and health-related quality of life (HRQoL).Methods: 1574 adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes from 31 rural clinics in China were assessed for psychological variables, self-management and HRQoL. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) data at 6 months after the survey were extracted from electronic medical records. Hierarchical regression model examined independent effects of psychological variables, self-efficacy on diabetes outcomes. KHB method and bootstrapping confidence intervals were employed to test the mediating effect of self-efficacy.Results: Hierarchical regression analysis showed both diabetes distress and depressive symptoms were significantly related to diet and HRQoL, but not related to glycemic control and medication adherence. Depressive symptoms, but not diabetes distress, was directly associated with physical activity. Mediation analysis demonstrated self-efficacy mediated the relationships of both diabetes distress and depressive symptoms on self-care behaviors, glycemic control and HRQoL.Conclusions: Self-efficacy may contribute to better diabetes outcome by ameliorating the effects of diabetes distress and depressive symptoms. Patients with psychological conditions may need tailored intervention that enhance self-efficacy to improve diabetes management.
Effect of Pulmonary Tuberculosis on Protein C, S, and Antithrombin-III among Therapy-naïve Ghanaian Adults; A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Osei-Boakye Felix , Addai-Mensah Otchere , Owusu Michael , Saasi Abdul-Razak , Appiah Samuel Kwasi , Nkansah Charles , Wiafe Yaw Amo , Debrah Alexander Yaw 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background. Tuberculosis (TB) constitutes a global emergency as it affects one-third of the world’s inhabitants. Although pulmonary Tuberculosis (PTB) is curable, immunological responses to the infection induce several haematological derangements. This study evaluated the effect of PTB on Protein C, Protein S, Antithrombin-III, and blood count parameters. Methods. Ninety adults with ages ≥18 years were purposively recruited: 60 PTB patients and 30 non-TB controls. All patients were diagnosed with sputum GeneXpert MTB/Rif assay. Blood specimens were collected from each participant for Protein C, S, Antithrombin-III and complete blood count. Results. Pulmonary TB was associated with significantly reduced Protein C activity (101.46 [87.61-128.3] vs 121.44 [99.50-149.8] IU/L, p=0.038), RBC (3.88±0.91 vs 4.80±0.55, p<0.0001), HgB (10.24±2.42 vs 11.78±1.42, p=0.0019), HCT (32.21±7.79 vs 42.05±4.97, p<0.0001), MCV (83.80 [79.33-90.08] vs 89.00 [83.75-92.00], p=0.0133) and PDW (12.95 [10.73-15.00] vs 15.30 [14.18-15.93], p<0.0001) compared to controls. Conversely, PTB patients were associated with significantly increased MCH (26.83±4.33 vs 24.59±1.99, p=0.0086), TWBC (7.76 [6.06-9.78] vs 6.50 [4.85-7.50], p=0.0047), Abs. GRAN (5.27 [3.30-6.71] vs 3.75 [2.48-4.75], p=0.0226), RDW-CV (13.70 [13.20-15.43] vs 12.95 [12.50-13.65], p<0.0001), MCHC (32.10 [28.70-35.63] vs 27.85 [27.40-28.53], p<0.0001) and MPV (8.3 [6.7-9.7] vs 7.0 [6.4-7.5], p=0.0027) compared to controls. The PTB patients were disproportionately affected with anaemia (91.7%, p=0.001), erythrocytopenia (75.0%; p≤0.001) and reduced HCT (80.0%, p≤0.001). The frequency of thrombocytosis, leucocytosis, and granulocytosis (50.0%, p=0.013; 23.3%, p=0.013; 18.3%, p=0.025; respectively) in PTB patients were significantly higher than in controls. Conclusion. Our findings suggest that PTB predisposes patients to hypercoagulability, with a significant reduction in Protein C activity but not Protein S and antithrombin-III. The condition causes derangements in erythrocytes, leucocytes, and thrombocytes, and disproportionately causes anaemia. Protein C activity and complete blood count are useful in the management of PTB and should be included in the routine workup for patients.
Trends in Clinical Symptoms of Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in the Northwest of Iran
Authors: Abbasi-Ghahramanloo Abbas , Pourfarzi Farhad , Nakhostin Babak , Emdadi Darush , Abishvand Javad , Biria Mehrdad , Adham Davoud , Moradi-Asl Eslam 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Coronaviruses are a large group of viruses and constitute a subfamily of Coronaviridae ranging from the common cold virus to viruses causing more acute diseases such as SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Symptom), MERSE (Middle East Respiratory Symptom) and COVID-19 inflicting human respiratory system.Methods: The current study is a cross-sectional descriptive study collecting data from COVID-19 patients in Ardabil Province in 2020. To investigate the relationship between the clinical symptoms and time periods of the disease, chi-square and Fisher exact test were used.Results: A total of 5,541 cases were admitted in the hospitals of Ardabil province during the study period of which 2,505 (45.22%) patients had a positive PCR test. The patients were investigated in two different periods. The first period covered the onset of the disease in Ardabil on April 30, 2020, and the second period covered the time from May 1, to July 1, 2020.Conclusion: The results of the study reveal that among PCR-positive patients, the prevalence of stomachache and aches and pains was almost doubled between the two periods (P ˂ 0.05). Nevertheless, other symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, runny nose, chest pain and conjunctivitis reduced significantly (P ˂ 0.05).
Genetic Investigation of Wild Species of Subfamily Malvoideae in Saudi Arabia as Inferred From SCoT and ISSR Markers
Authors: abdelkhalek kadry , Al-Ruzayza Suad 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Genetic investigation and phylogenetic analyses of 21 species, representing 8 genera of the subfamily Malvoideae, from Saudi Arabia were carried out by using Start Codon Targeted (SCoT), the Inter Simple Sequence Repeats DNA (ISSR), and united ISSR and SCoT markers. Ten SCoT and five ISSR primers created 149 polymorphic enlarged fragments, which jagged to a comparatively high level of genetic difference in Malvoideae. SCoT markers exposed a higher level of polymorphism (89 bands) than ISSR (60 bands). Gathering of genotypes within groups was greatly similar when SCoT and ISSR consequent dendrograms were compared. Five clusters and clades can be documented within Malvoideae, which regularly verify, but also partially deny, traditional groupings. Taxonomic and phylogenetic consequences are debated in contrast with the existing morphological and phylogenetic data. The results of this study offer useful data for evaluating the taxonomy of Malvoideae at both tribes, infrageneric, and subgeneric levels. In general, the results reported here are largely consistent with the phylogenetic findings that Abutilon, Hibiscus, and Malva are polyphyletic. Also, species of sections Bombicella and Malva are highly heterogeneous. The most exciting result of this analysis was identifying Senra incana with unique characters and telling that it should be preserved as a separate tribe. In the similar way, distinctive variances between the closely related genera Fioria and Althaea were also noted suggesting that they should be placed in different tribes. Furthermore, the present results indicate some level of parallel among the species of Pavonia and support the monophyly of this genus.
Plasma Neurofilament Light and Phosphorylated Tau 181 as Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease Pathology and Clinical Disease Progression
Authors: Clark Christopher , Lewczuk Piotr , Kornhuber Johannes , Richiardi Jonas , Maréchal Bénédicte , Karikari Thomas K , Blennow Kaj , Zetterberg Henrik , Popp Julius 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: To assess the performance of plasma neurofilament light (NfL) and phosphorylated tau 181 (p-tau181) to inform about cerebral Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology and predict clinical progression in a memory clinic setting. Methods: Plasma NfL and p-tau181, along with established cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers of AD pathology (CSF β-amyloid 1-42 (Aβ1-42), Aβ1-42 /Aβ1-40, total-tau (tau), and p-tau181) were measured in participants with normal cognition (CN, n=91) and memory clinic patients with cognitive impairment (mild cognitive impairment and dementia, CI, n=127). Clinical and neuropsychological evaluations were performed at inclusion and follow-up visits at 18 and 36 months, to measure decline in global cognition and progression of disease severity. Multivariate analysis assessed associations of plasma NfL and p-tau181 levels with the presence of cerebral AD pathology (a priori defined by a CSF p-tau181/Aβ1-42 > 0.0779), single CSF biomarkers, and clinical measures of disease progression. Results: Plasma NfL levels were higher in CN participants with an AD CSF profile, and in CI participants when compared to CN non-AD participants, while p-tau181 plasma levels were higher in CI patients with AD when compared to the other participants. Plasma NfL levels correlated with CSF tau and p-tau181 in CN, and with CSF tau in CI patients. Plasma p-tau181 correlated with CSF p-tau181 in CN and with CSF biomarkers in CI participants. Compared to a reference model, adding plasma p-tau181 improved the prediction of AD in CI patients (AUC 0.861, p-value = 0.048) while adding NfL did not. Adding p-tau181, but not NfL levels, to a reference model improved prediction of cognitive decline in CI participants (AUC 0.838, p-value = 0.032). Using a plasma p-tau181 cutoff of 9.68 pg/ml the models reached a sensitivity of 0.80 and specificity of 0.79 for AD prediction, and of 0.88 and 0.69 for the prediction of cognitive decline.Conclusion: Plasma NfL may be useful as a marker of neuronal injury, although it is not specific for AD. P-tau181 can serve, in a memory clinic setting, as a blood-based biomarker of both cerebral AD pathology and cognitive decline. The predictive performance of both markers depends on the presence of cognitive impairment.
Identification of and a Prediction Model for Cognitive Trajectories in Patients With Mild Cognitive Impairment Due to Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Seo Sang Won , Kim Seung Joo , Woo Sook-Young , Kim Young Ju , Kim Yeshin , Jang Hyemin , Kim Si Eun , Kim Jun Pyo , Jung Young Hee , Kim Eun-Joo , Kim Hee Jin , Na Duk L. , Kim Seonwoo 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Few studies have investigated cognitive trajectories or developed a prediction model for amyloid beta-positive (Aβ+) mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients. We aimed to identify distinct cognitive trajectories in Aβ+ MCI patients based on longitudinal Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive subscale (ADAS-cog) 13 scores. Furthermore, we aimed to develop and visualize a prediction model to predict trajectory groups using the demographic, genetic, and clinical biomarkers of Aβ+ MCI patients.Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of the data in 238 Aβ+ MCI patients from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative who underwent at least three rounds of annual neuropsychological testing to identify cognitive trajectories. A group-based trajectory model (GBTM) was used to classify distinct groups based on ADAS-cog 13 scores. The prediction model was estimated using multinomial logistic regression and visualized using a bar-based method for risk prediction. Results: Three distinct classes, namely slow decliners (18.5%), intermediate decliners (42.9%), and fast decliners (38.7%), were suggested. Intermediate decliners were associated with higher age (≥70 years) (odds ratio [OR] 2.72, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.78-6.28), higher AV45 standardized uptake value ratios (SUVRs)*10 (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.22-2.34), and lower fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) SUVR*10 (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.46-0.93) than slow decliners. Fast decliners were associated with higher age (≥70 years) (OR 3.76, 95% CI 1.40-10.10), greater likelihood of being an apolipoprotein E 4 carrier (OR 4.2, 95% CI 1.53-11.58), higher AV45 positron emission tomography SUVR*10 (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.50-3.05), and lower FDG SUVR*10 (OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.20-0.48) than slow decliners. The predicted probability of being classified to a trajectory group according to the risk scores of predictors was visualized.Conclusions: Our GBTM analysis yielded novel insights into the heterogeneous cognitive trajectories among Aβ+ MCI patients, which further facilitates the effective stratification of Aβ+ MCI patients in Aβ-targeted clinical trials.
Effect of Interaction Between Slow Wave Sleep and Obstructive Sleep Apnea on Insulin Resistance: A Large-scale Study
Authors: Huang Weijun , Wang Xiaoting , Liu Yuenan , Li Xinyi , Liu Yupu , Zou Jianyin , Xu Huajun , Zhu Huaming , Yi Hongliang , Guan Jian , Yin Shankai 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Objectives: Slow wave sleep (SWS) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have attracted more and more attention. Their joint effect on insulin resistance (IR) remains to be further studied. This study explored whether less SWS influences the relationship between OSA and IR.Methods: We enrolled potential participants in our sleep center from 2007 to 2019. We collected demographic and clinical characteristics and gauged the IR status. SWS was derived from polysomnography data. Logistic regression analyses were used to reveal the associations between SWS and IR.Results: In all, 6966 participants (5709 OSA and 1257 primary snoring [PS] subjects) were enrolled. Less SWS increases the risk of IR in OSA patients but not in PS patients. OSA patients with SWS < 6.5% were more likely to have IR than those with SWS > 21.3%. OSA was an independent risk factor for IR after adjusting for all potential confounding factors. In stratified analyses according to the percentage of SWS, patients with OSA with SWS < 6.5% had 38.2% higher odds of IR than the PS group after adjusting for all potential confounders. Conclusions: Less SWS is associated with higher odds for IR in OSA patients but not in PS patients. OSA is independently correlated with IR. In addition, OSA combined with an extreme lack of SWS has a more harmful effect on the status of IR than OSA itself.
Virucidal Activity of Moringa a From Moringa Oleifera Seeds Against Influenza A Viruses by Regulating TFEB
Authors: Xiong Yongai , Rajoka Muhammad Shahid Riaz , Zhang MengXun , Liang Ning , He Zhendan 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

BackgroundInfluenza A viruses (IAVs) are highly contagious pathogens infecting human and numerous animals. The viruses cause millions of infection cases and thousands of deaths every year, thus making IAVs a continual threat to global health. MethodsMoringa A was isolated from Moringa oleifera seeds and tested for antiviral activity against H1N1. The antiviral activity of Moringa A was tested by checking their effect on hemagglutination and PFU activities of the studied virus, and the cytopathic effect was observed too. Additionally, the different types of treatment experiments were performed to complement the analysis of the antiviral activity of Moringa A, and the contents of inflammatory cytokines and the expression of TFEB were detected.ResultsMoringa A inhibits virus replication in host cells, and it protects infected cells from cytopathic effect induced by IAVs. The EC50 and EC90 value of Moringa A for IAVs were 1.27 and 5.30 μM, respectively. The different types of treatment experiments revealed that Moringa A has a significant inhibitory effect on the IAVs both before and after drug addition. What’s more, Moringa A was observed to decrease the levels of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β and IFN-β in H1N1 infected RAW264.7 cells. Finaly, Moringa A was found to inhibit the expression and nuclear transfer of the cellular protein transcription factor EB (TFEB), and weaken the autophagy in infected cells, which could be an important antiviral mechnism of Moringa A. ConclusionsMoringa A has potent antiviral activity against IVAs, which could be due to the autophagy inhibition property.
Evaluation of Patients With Covid-19 Diagnosis for Chronic Diseases
Authors: Altuntas Murat , Yilmaz Habip , Güner Emre 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Aim: Covid-19 is one of the most important pandemics in the world history. Chronic diseases, which are risk factors that increase the case fatality rates, have been the leading cause of death all over the world. In this study, it was aimed to detect coexisting diseases in patients hospitalized with the diagnosis of Covid-19. Material and Method: It was carried out with the data of 229 inpatients in an intensive care unit between 01.06.2020 - 30.06.2020. Among the inclusion criteria of the study; it is necessary to have a diagnosis confirmed by PCR test, to be hospitalized in the relevant intensive care unit on the date of the study and to have data accessible through the hospital automation system. According to literature; chronic diseases of the patients and their effects on the covid-19 process were evaluated. Statistical analyzes were performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24.0 (IBM Corp .; Armonk, NY, USA).Results: It was seen that the average age of the patients were 61.4±15.9 years old. While the average symptom duration was 8.2±5.3 days; total hospitalization period was 13.1±5.9 days. The length of stay of 75 patients who were sent to intensive care unit was determined as 10.1±7.1. The most common chronic disease among patients was hypertension with 47.2%. This was followed by diabetes mellitus (32.8%) and heart disease (27.5%), respectively. In the presented study, cough (59.4%), fever (58.5%) and shortness of breath (45.9%) were found to be the most common symptoms. Leukopenia, impairments in liver and muscle enzymes, abnormal C-reactive protein, ferritin and d-dimer levels were the important laboratory findings.Conclusion: Particular attention should be paid to the elderly Covid-19 patients with chronic diseases, especially DM, HT and cancer.