bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlates of Ghanaian households’ use of clean cooking fuels: insight from the 2014 demographic and health surveys
Authors: Dadzie Seth Sylvester , Kenney Paul Lawer , Emmanuel Nakua Kweku , Herman Agboh Nuake Kofi , Henry Duah Ofori , Veronica Dzomeku Millicent , Pascal Agbadi 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Globally, about 2.9 billion persons, the majority of whom are from low and middle-income countries, depend on poorly combusted biomass and coal for cooking and heating. Using poorly combusted fuels have negative implication on people’s health and quality of life. In Ghana, only about two out of ten households use clean fuels for cooking. Predictive models of associated factors of clean cooking fuels in Ghana are rare.Objective: The study assessed the factors that influence Ghanaian households’ use of clean fuels. In this paper, we define electricity, LPG, and natural gas as clean cooking fuels, and kerosene, coal, lignite, charcoal, wood, straw/shrubs/grass, and agricultural crop as dirty cooking fuels.Methods: The study used the data of the cross-sectional demographic and health surveys conducted in 2014. Logistic regression was used to perform bivariate and multivariable analysis. We adjusted for the study designed and the household sampling weights.Results: We found that the following factors were associated with a higher odd of a Ghanaian household to use clean fuels for cooking: rich households, male-headed households, households’ headed by persons between 24years and 55 years, households with heads that were currently married or never married, households with heads that have attained at least a primary level education, households with less than eight members, households with at least two women, and households in Western, Central, Greater Accra, Volta, Eastern, Ashanti, Brong Ahafo, Upper East region. We further found that place of residence interacted with the relationship between study covariates and the uptake of clean cooking fuels.Conclusion: In view of these findings, we recommend: a national effort to subsidize and make LPG and the stoves that burn it affordable; education on efficient and sustainable consumption must be intensified and incorporated in the basic school’s curriculum to ensure the future generation are more health-conscious; creation of multiple LPG refilling outlets in all the regions in Ghana.
Prolonged Overall Treatment Time Negatively Affects the Outcomes of Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy for Early-Stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Propensity Score-Weighted, Single-Center Analysis
Authors: IKAWA TOSHIKI , Tabuchi Takahiro , Konishi Koji , Morimoto Masahiro , Hirata Takero , Kanayama Naoyuki , Wada Kentaro , Toratani Masayasu , Okawa Sumiyo , Ogawa Kazuhiko , Teshima Teruki 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
BackgroundPrevious studies have reported conflicting results for the effect of overall treatment time (OTT) on tumor control with stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). To examine this effect, we conducted a propensity score-weighted, retrospective, observational study at a single institution.MethodsWe analyzed the data of 200 patients with early-stage NSCLC who underwent SBRT (48 Gy in 4 fractions) at our institution between January 2007 and October 2013. Patients were grouped into consecutive (OTT = 4–5 days, n = 116) or non-consecutive treatment groups (OTT = 6–10 days, n = 84). The outcomes of interest were local control and overall survival. The Cox regression model was used with propensity score and inverse probability of treatment weighting.ResultsThe median OTTs in the consecutive and non-consecutive groups were 4 and 6 days, respectively. The 5-year local control and overall survival rates in the consecutive group vs. non-consecutive group were 86.3% vs. 77.2% and 55.5% vs. 51.8%, respectively. After propensity score-weighting, consecutive SBRT was associated with positive local control (adjusted hazard ratio 0.30, 95% confidence interval 0.14–0.65; p=0.002) and overall survival benefits (adjusted hazard ratio 0.56, 95% confidence interval 0.34–0.91; p=0.019). Conclusions﻿Prolonged OTT negatively affected the outcomes of patients with early-stage NSCLC treated with SBRT. To our knowledge, this is the first study to show that in patients with early-stage NSCLC treated with the same dose-fractionation regimen, consecutive SBRT has a more beneficial effect on tumor control than does non-consecutive SBRT.
Searching nature-based solutions to emerging diseases: a preliminary review of Cameroonian medicinal plants with potentials for the management of COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: FEDOUNG Evariste FONGNZOSSIE , BIWOLE Achille , BIYEGUE Christine Fernande NYANGONO , NGANSOP Marlene , NTONGA Patrick AKONO , ESSONO Damien Marie , FUNWI Forbi Preascious , TONGA Calvin , NGUENANG Guy Merlin , KEMEUZE Victor Aimé , SONWA Denis Jean , TSABANG Nole , BOUELET ISabelle Sandrine , TIZE Zra , BOUM Alexandre Teplaira , SOLEFACK Marie Caroline MOMO , BETTI Jean Kagarde , BISSOUE Achille NOUGA , LEHMAN Leopold Gustave , MAPONGMETSEM Pierre Marie , NGANE Annie NGONO , YONKEU Jeanne NGOGANG 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Since the outbreak in December 2019 in Wuhan (China) of COVID-19, approved drugs are still lacking and the world is seeking effective treatment. The purpose of this article is to review the medicinal plants with potential to be used as complementary therapies against COVID-19. Bibliographic information was searched in several databases (Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, PROTA), to retrieve relevant papers on (1) plants used to manage common symptoms of COVI-19, (2) plant secondary metabolites with confirmed inhibitory effects on COVI-19 and (3) plants exhibiting pharmacological activities of relevance for COVID-19 management. A total of 230 species was recorded as potential source of ingredients for the fight against the 2019 novel corona virus. Of these species, 30 contain confirmed antiCOVID-19 secondary metabolites, 90 are used traditionally to manage at least 3 common symptoms of COVID-19, 10 have immunostimulant activity, 52 have anti-inflamatory activity, 14 have antiviral properties and 78 species are documented as used to treat malaria. A PCA analysis showing cluster formatting among the recorded species recorded indicates 4 groups of species and an array of possibility of using individual species or combination of species for their complementary effects. The authors argue that Cameroonian medicinal plants can be of potential contribution to the fight against COVID-19. Further applied research is needed to provide more scientific evidence for their efficacy, to establish standard formulations and clinical studies as part of efforts to develop therapies for COVID-19.
Characteristics of the completed chloroplast genome sequence of Xanthium spinosum: Comparative analyses, identification of mutational hotspots and phylogenetic implications
Authors: Raman Gurusamy , Park KyuTae , Kim Joo Hwan , Park SeonJoo 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: The invasive species Xanthium spinosum has been used as a traditional Chinese medicine for many years. Unfortunately, no extensive molecular studies of this plant have been conducted. Results: Here, the complete chloroplast (cp) genome sequence of X. spinosum was assembled and analyzed. The cp genome of X. spinosum was 152,422 base pairs (bp) in length, with a quadripartite circular structure. The cp genome contained 115 unique genes, including 80 PCGs, 31 tRNA genes, and 4 rRNA genes. Comparative analyses revealed that X. spinosum contains a large number of repeats (999 repeats) and 701 SSRs in its cp genome. Fourteen divergences (Π > 0.03) were found in the intergenic spacer regions. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that Parthenium is a sister clade to both Xanthium and Ambrosia and an early-diverging lineage of subtribe Ambrosiinae, although this finding was supported with a very weak bootstrap value. Conclusion: The identified hotspot regions could be used as molecular markers for resolving phylogenetic relationships and species identification in the genus Xanthium.
A Pyropia haitanensis putative ABA-GPCR homologous protein as an early evolution transmembrane receptor protein?
Authors: Zhu Zhujun , Zhen Zhang-he , Chen Haimin , Jin Zhen , Chen Juanjuan , Gu Denghui , Luo Qijun , Yan Xiaojun , Yang Rui 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background

Algae respond to chemical and environmental stimuli in a way similar to higher plants. However, their receptors sensing stimuli remain a mystery.
Results

We identified and characterized one putative abscisic acid-G-protein coupled receptor homologous protein from red alga Pyropia haitanensis, Ph1205, and analyzed its evolution relationship, subcellular localization, and ligand-binding properties. Ph1205 contains 9 predicted transmembrane domains. Phylogenetic analysis revealed its early evolution. Recombinant expression of Ph1205-Egfp in HEK293T cells and immunofluorescence detection against N-terminal extracellular 14 amino acids (N14) of Ph1205 in Ph1205-transfected HEK293T cells and P. haitanensis protoplast confirmed its membrane location. Both N14 and Ph1205-transfected cells displayed high affinity with salicylic acid (SA) and oligoagar, which activated cAMP response element in HEK293T cells and upregulated luciferase activity. SA and oligoagar elicited similar but different transcriptional profiles of P. haitanensis, mainly by being involved in anabolic metabolism and cell growth. However, related intracellular signaling system in P. haitanensis has not yet fully evolved and evidently responded.
Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that Ph1205 displays some structural and functional characteristics as an early evolutionary membrane receptor, has potential extracellular-binding affinity to SA and oligoagar, and can activate heterotrimeric G-protein and CRE in animal cells.
A Nomogram with Lymph Node Status Predicts Survival and the Benefit of Postoperative Radiotherapy in IIIA-N2 Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Patients after Surgery
Authors: Chen Ye , Dong Lei , Li Minjing , He Fei , Qiu ChenHui , Cai Wanru 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Objective: This study aimed at establishing a novel nomogram predicting overall survival and investigating the survival benefit of postoperative radiotherapy in IIIA-N2 Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients after surgery.Methods: Data of IIIA-N2 NSCLC patients between 2004 and 2016 were collected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER). Patients were excluded if the information regarding follow-up time and clinicopathological features were incomplete. Through Univariate and multivariate analyses, independent prognostic factors were identified and integrated into the construction of nomogram. The survival benefit of PORT was investigated in model-defined low-risk, intermediate-risk, and high-risk subgroups, respectively.Results: In total, 4389 patients were finally included for analysis. Patients’ age, sex, T stage, differentiation grade, examined lymph nodes number (ELN), metastatic lymph nodes number (MLN), and metastatic lymph nodes ratio (LNR) were identified as independent prognostic factors and were integrated into the construction of nomogram. The C-index and calibration curves indicated that the predictive performance of the nomogram was satisfactory. Patients were then categorized into three prognostic groups with the increasing risk of all-cause of death. Only patients in high-risk group could benefit from PORT.Conclusion: In this large-cohort retrospective study, A survival-predicting nomogram and risk stratification model were established to estimate prognosis in IIIA-N2 NSCLC patients. PORT was recommended for those patients in high-risk group. This study may provide additional integration, introspection, and improvement for therapeutic decision-making.
Central Contributions of Myocardial Injury to Adverse Outcomes in Patients With Coronavirus Disease 2019
Authors: Tan Hu , Liu Chuan , Yang Jie , Yang Yuanqi , Shen Yang , Chen Renzheng , Ding Xiaohan , Gao Xubin , Ke Jingbin , Yuan Fangzhengyuan , He Chunyan , Li Qi , Hu Mingdong , Zhang Limin , Li Ping , Huang Lan 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Objective: this study aimed to explore the impacts of myocardial injury on the clinical severity and outcomes in patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).Methods: we analyzed the electronic medical records of 1646 COVID-19 inpatients in Wuhan Huoshenshan Hospital. Results: 327 (19.9%) developed into severe cases, 23 (1.4%) died. In comparison to common cases, severe cases showed older age, more comorbidities, abnormal immune responses, as well as liver, renal, cardiac and coagulation disorders. Multivariable logistic regression identified that older age , combining with arrhythmia, abnormal lymphocyte percentage, elevated hypersensitive C reactive protein (hs-CRP) and myocardial injury were the independent risk factors for the incidence of severe cases. Moreover, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that patients with myocardial injury had increasing risks of mortality, incidence of severe cases, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Particularly, myocardial injury patients co-existed with any other risk factor further deteriorated the clinical outcomes.Conclusion: The presence of myocardial injury and its co-existing with older age, arrhythmia, abnormal lymphocyte percentage, or elevated hs-CRP were greatly associated with the incidence of severe patients and poor clinical outcomes.
Risk and Protective Factors Analysis for Postoperative Delirium in Elderly Critically Ill Patients: A Multicenter Retrospective Study
Authors: Xing Shunpeng , Ma Shaolin , Zhou Yuxi , Lei Ming , Feng Gang , Jiang Tao , Sun Baohanxing , Wang Jiemin , He Zhengyu , Gao Yuan , Wen Daxiang 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Objective: To study the incidence and risk factors of postoperative clinical delirium in critically ill elderly patients in order to devise strategies for prevention and treatment.Methods: We collected clinical data from 451 critically ill patients in the intensive care unit from four hospitals in Shanghai Pudong New Area. Postoperative delirium was measured using the Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU (CAM-ICU), and then the incidence of postoperative delirium was calculated. We used univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis to determine the risk factors associated with postoperative delirium in critically ill elderly patients.Results: Among the 451 critically ill patients, 56 had delirium after operation. The incidence of postoperative delirium was 12.4%. Univariate analysis showed that the incidence of postoperative delirium was significantly higher (P <0.05) in patients who had a past history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), underwent emergency surgery, were not administered intraoperative Propofol, had postoperative hypertension, were administered postoperative methylprednisolone, and did not have postoperative analgesia. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age (OR=1.111, 95% CI, 1.056-1.168), surgical timing (OR=1.154, 95% CI, 1.058-7.200), and use of methylprednisolone postoperatively (OR=8.030, 95% CI, 1.050-61.408) were risk factors. Use of Propofol intraoperatively (OR=0.315, 95%CI, 0.124-0.800) was protective factors for postoperative delirium in elderly critically ill patients.Conclusion: Adavanced age, COPD history, emergency surgery, postoperative hypertension, use of methylprednisolone, and no postoperative analgesia are risk factors for postoperative delirium in critically ill elderly patients. Medical staff should be educated in evaluating delirium in postoperative patients and conducting risk assessment in order to prevent and treat the disease earlier, and reduce the incidence of delirium.
Heritage Areas of Former Cement Plants in Smart City Environments
Authors: GĄSOWSKA-KRAMARZ Agata 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
This paper explores whether the historical heritage of a city with cement roots can be based on intelligent tools and applications introduced by the city. Smart cities are introducing a conceptual development model based on innovation and modern technology. The aim of the study is to presentation the current layout of the spatial structure of cement plants built since the beginning of the 19th century and the critical transformations that are taking place in the analyzed areas. Moreover the paper checks the transformation of degraded areas of former cement plants and whether the aspect of the city's historical heritage can be included in the strategic areas of a smart city.
Photocatalytic degradation of Congo Red under UV irradiation by zero valent iron nano particles (nZVI) synthesized using Shorea robusta (Sal) leaf extract
Authors: Jha Aditya Kumar , Chakraborty Sukalyan 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
In the present study, photo catalytic degradation of azo dye Congo Red was conducted using Fe nano particles (nZVI) in the presence of UV light. nZVI was biosynthesized using FeSO4.7H2O precursor and leaf extract of Shorea robusta (sal) as reducing agent under optimum condition of 1 mM concentration of precursor and a ratio of 1:1 Sal leaf extract to precursor. TEM and AFM images revealed formation of well dispersed spherical nano particles of 54–80 nm. SAED patterns of nZVI particles indicated its crystalline nature, while EDX result showed the presence of iron as the most abundant element. In batch experiments, optimum degradation of CR was 96% at 220 ppm CR with a dose of 1.2 g/L nZVI at pH 4 in 15 min following pseudo second order kinetics. The study suggested nZVI to be a potentially economic and ecofriendly technique for treatment of Congo Red.
Global impact and clinical management of severe respiratory syndrome coronovirus-2 (COVID-19)
Authors: Ghidan Alaa Yousef , Ghethan Fatima Yousef , Alghanmi Mohammad , Sangeetha Casimeer C. , David Ernest , Hadadin Malik Saleh , Mohammad Mohammad Yasin 
Published: October 2020

Coronaviruses are enveloped non-segmented positive-sense RNA viruses belonging to the family Coronaviridae and the order Nidovirales and broadly distributed in humans and other mammals. The recommendations for the management of COVID-19 are mentioned in a lot of Updated Literature such as in The "L. Spallanzani" National Institute for the Infectious Diseases. These recommendations are considered as expert's opinions, which may be modified according to newly produced literature data. In addition, Chloroquine and its derivative, hydroxychloroquine, have a long history as safe and inexpensive drugs for use in malaria-endemic regions and as daily treatments for autoimmune diseases, with the most common side effect being eye damage after long-term use (Kapoor and Kapoor 2020). Although previous studies have revealed that chloroquine has therapeutic activity against viruses, including human corona virus OC43 in animal models and SARS-CoV in cell culture studies. we proposed that from natural Medicine the polyphenol compounds in olive leaf extracts were responsible for the stimulation of probiotic Microbes growth and metabolism and that olive leaf extracts ingested in human diet might have the same effect on desirable components of the intestinal microflora, Herbal medicines, plant products, and phototherapeutic have been widely used all over the world since ancient times. Such as Orange, garlic, Bananas, and lemon have an effect on increasing the immune system. On the other hand; Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are a piece of evidence to treat the harmful responses arising from reactive oxygen species (ROS). Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are microbial agents which could be potentially used as an alternative to anti-viral to treat human infectious disease, especially influenza; there is a novel treatment by using magnetite nanoparticles as nanomedicine drug for Covid- 19.
Evaluation of Four Artificial Intelligence–Assisted Self-Diagnosis Apps on Three Diagnoses: Two-Year Follow-Up Study
Authors: Ćirković Aleksandar 
Published: October 2020

Background
Consumer-oriented mobile self-diagnosis apps have been developed using undisclosed algorithms, presumably based on machine learning and other artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. The US Food and Drug Administration now discerns apps with learning AI algorithms from those with stable ones and treats the former as medical devices. To the author’s knowledge, no self-diagnosis app testing has been performed in the field of ophthalmology so far.

Objective
The objective of this study was to test apps that were previously mentioned in the scientific literature on a set of diagnoses in a deliberate time interval, comparing the results and looking for differences that hint at “nonlocked” learning algorithms.

Methods
Four apps from the literature were chosen (Ada, Babylon, Buoy, and Your.MD). A set of three ophthalmology diagnoses (glaucoma, retinal tear, dry eye syndrome) representing three levels of urgency was used to simultaneously test the apps’ diagnostic efficiency and treatment recommendations in this specialty. Two years was the chosen time interval between the tests (2018 and 2020). Scores were awarded by one evaluating physician using a defined scheme.

Results
Two apps (Ada and Your.MD) received significantly higher scores than the other two. All apps either worsened in their results between 2018 and 2020 or remained unchanged at a low level. The variation in the results over time indicates “nonlocked” learning algorithms using AI technologies. None of the apps provided correct diagnoses and treatment recommendations for all three diagnoses in 2020. Two apps (Babylon and Your.MD) asked significantly fewer questions than the other two (P<.001).

Conclusions
“Nonlocked” algorithms are used by self-diagnosis apps. The diagnostic efficiency of the tested apps seems to worsen over time, with some apps being more capable than others. Systematic studies on a wider scale are necessary for health care providers and patients to correctly assess the safety and efficacy of such apps and for correct classification by health care regulating authorities.