bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reuse of Improved Recycled Concrete Aggregates (RCA) for Sustainable and Environmental-Friendly Rigid Pavements.
Authors: Alyaseen Ahmad Sarhan , Shah Siddarth , Solanki Ravindra , Daxini Bhavik , Alwani Yogesh K. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Recycled aggregates have an important role to play in construction activities in the world today to save natural aggregates because of industrial development. The goal of the research is to assess the suitability of recycled aggregates for the construction of new roads, which will help to achieve the efficiency of road construction and also Assist to prevent environmental deterioration in the extraction and reducing pollution. In contrast with natural aggregates, recycled aggregates are of lower quality, mainly due to the brittle nature of the cement mortar attached to them. The point of the study is to increase the performance of RCAs in an environmentally friendly managing RCAs. In this process, RCAs are first soaked in acetic acid solution in which acetic acid reacts with cement attached to the surface of the RCA. This reaction weakens the attached mortar and allows separating from the RCAs by using mechanical friction later. Treated RCAs have lower water absorption and lower cement mortar adhesion. These RCAs that have been used as aggregates in new concrete, increased the compressive strength, the tensile strength, and the flexural strength of the concrete by 26%, 11% and 26% at 28 days, respectively. It is clean, safe, efficient, and a new method to be applied so no harmful products are used and no dangerous substances are incorporated into the RCAs that are being treated. The waste treatment solution was used as a solvent for fresh construction, increasing the strength of the concrete as well as decreasing its environmental effects.
Personalised health education against health damage of COVID-19 epidemic in the elderly hungarian population (PROACTIVE-19): protocol of an adaptive randomised controlled clinical trial.
Authors: Erőss Bálint , Molnár Zsolt , Szakács Zsolt , Zádori Noémi , Szakó Lajos , Váncsa Szilárd , Juhász Félix , Ocskay Klementina , Vörhendi Nóra , Márta Katalin , Szentesi Andrea , Párniczky Andrea , Hegyi Péter J. , Kiss Szabolcs , Földi Mária , Dembrovszky Fanni , Kanjo Anna , Pázmány Piroska , Varró András , Csathó Árpád , Helyes Zsuzsanna , Péterfi Zoltán , Czopf László , Kiss István , Zemplényi Antal , Czapári Dóra , Hegyi Eszter , Dobszai Dalma , Miklós Emőke , Márta Attila , Tóth Dominika , Farkas Richard , Farkas Nelli , Birkás Béla , Pintér Erika , Pethő Gábor , Zsigmond Borbála , Sárközi Andrea , Nagy Anikó , Hegyi Péter 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Early reports indicate that COVID-19 may require intensive care unit (ICU) admission in 5-26% and overall mortality can rise to 11% of the recognized cases, particularly affecting the elderly. There is a lack of evidence-based targeted pharmacological therapy for prevention and treatment alike.

We aim to compare the effects of a World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations’ based education and a personalised complex preventive lifestyle intervention package (based on the same WHO recommendation) on the outcomes of the COVID-19.

Methods: PROACTIVE-19 is a pragmatic, randomized controlled clinical trial with adaptive “sample size re-estimation” design. Hungarian population over the age of 60 years without confirmed COVID-19 will be approached to participate in a telephone health assessment and lifestyle counselling voluntarily. Volunteers will be randomized into two groups: (A) general health education; (B) personalized health education. Participants will go through questioning and recommendation in 5 fields: (1) mental health, (2) smoking habits, (3) physical activity, (4) dietary habits, (5) alcohol consumption. Both groups A and B will receive the same line of questioning to assess habits concerning these topics. Assessment will be done weekly during the first month, every second week in the second month, then monthly. The composite primary endpoint will include the rate of ICU admission, hospital admission (longer han 48 hours) and mortality in COVID-19 positive cases. The estimated sample size is 3788 subjects per study arm. The planned duration of the follow-up is a minimum of one year.

Discussion: These interventions may boost the body’s cardiovascular and pulmonary reserve capacities, leading to improved resistance against the damage caused by COVID-19. Consequently, lifestyle changes can reduce the incidence of life-threatening conditions and attenuate the detrimental effects of the pandemic seriously affecting the older population.

Trial registration: The study has been approved by the Scientific and Research Ethics Committee of the Hungarian Medical Research Council (IV/2428- 2 /2020/EKU) and has been registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04321928) on 25 March, 2020.
Association Between Z Drugs Use and Risk of Cognitive Impairment in Older Patients With Chronic Insomnia
Authors: Guo Fang , Yi Li , Zhang Wei , Zhang Yong-bo 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background Benzodiazepines (BZDs) and Z drugs are widely used for patients with chronic insomnia. The long term use of BZDs in older patients can cause cognitive impairment and potentially increase the risk of dementia. However, evidence for an association with Z drugs is limited. This study aimed to investigate the association between the risk of cognitive impairment and exposure to Z drugs in older patients with chronic insomnia.Methods We recorded older patients with chronic insomnia who visited the outpatient department of neurology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, and assessed the global cognitive function (MoCA) and five cognitive domains (CVLT, TMT-B, BNT-30, CDT and DST). Multiple regression analysis was conducted to determine the independent factors of cognition, and evaluate the effect of Z drugs use (zolpidem and zopiclone) on cognition.Results A total of 88 subjects were identified. BZDs use (P=0.03, B=2.67, 95% CI 0.36-4.97) and BZDs exposure density (P=0.01, B=1.22, 95% CI 0.33-2.11) were independent risk factors of cognitive impairment in older patients with chronic insomnia. Neither Z drugs use (P=0.11) nor Z drugs exposure density (P=0.92) correlated with global cognitive function. Moreover, compared with BZDs users, there were positive associations between Z drugs use and memory (P=0.00), attention (P=0.00) and verbal function (P=0.04). Additionlly, education level (P=0.02, OR=0.74, 95% CI 0.57-0.95), duration of insomnia (P=0.04, OR=1.05, 95% CI 1.00-1.11) and severity of insomnia (P=0.03, OR=1.27, 95% CI 1.02-1.57) were also independent factors of global cognitive function.Conclusion We found no evidence that Z drugs use and Z drugs exposure density were associated with cognitive impairment in older patients with chronic insomnia. However, the use of BZDs and BZDs exposure density were associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment. Thus, BZDs use should be avoided，and Z drugs should be prescribed with extreme caution in the elderly.
Complete Chloroplast Genome of Calligonum Mongolicum: Genome Organization, Codon Usage Pattern, Phylogenetic Relationships, Comparative Structure and Adaptive Evolution Analysis
Authors: Duan Huirong , Zhang Qian , Yang Hongshan , Tian Fuping , Hu Yu , Wang Chunmei , Lu Yuan , Yuan Huijun , Cui Guangxin 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background The perennial shrub of Calligonum mongolicum is a dominant native plant in all Calligonum species, which has the largest and most widespread geographic distribution in arid deserts of northern China. Understanding the phylogenetic relationship between C. mongolicum and closely related plant species will offer guidance on the classification and identification of inter-species and their varieties. The chloroplast (cp) genome is an optimal model to decipher phylogenetic relationships and genome evolution in related plant families. In the present study, the complete cp genome of C. mongolicum was sequenced, and the characteristics were described, then the genomic structure was compared to other three Polygonaceae species.Results The cp genome of C. mongolicum was 162,124 bp in length with a quadripartite structure. A total of 131 functional genes were annotated, 14 different genes of which harbored introns and exons, 50 long repeat sequences and 244 simple sequences repeats were identified. Synonymous codon usage (SCU) analysis exhibited A/T preference, and 7 codons were identified as the optimal codons. Multivariate statistical analysis of parity rule 2, ENC-plot, and neutrality plot were combined conducted to imply natural selection as the crucial constraint in SCU bias in C. mongolicum cp genome.The phylogenetic tree showed that Rumex acetosa was the most related plant to C. mongolicum. From the comparative analysis of genomic structures, the inverted repeat regions (IRa and IRb) were less divergent than other parts and coding regions was relatively conserved than non-coding regions. Compared to other species in the Polygonaceae, the borders of IRb/SSC and SSC/IRa in C. mongolicum changed greatly. Furthermore, adaptive evolution analysis of 75 orthologous protein-coding genes indicated that only the psbK gene was under positive selection, which might be crucial in the adaptive evolution of C. mongolicum.Conclusions Our results comprehensively depicts the architecture of C. mongolicum cp genome, and will lay a vigorous foundation for further study on molecular marker selection, phylogenetic analysis, and population researches in Calligonum species.
Effect of Oral Carnosine Supplementation on Urinary TGF-β in Diabetic Nephropathy: a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Siriwattanasit Narongrit , Satirapoj Bancha , Supasyndh Ouppatham 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Activation of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-b) pathway is a significant contributor to the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. Carnosine is an amino acid that can inhibit TGF-b synthesis. We tested the hypothesis that carnosine supplement added to standard therapy will result in reduced urinary TGF-b levels among patients with diabetic nephropathy. Methods: We randomly assigned 40 patients with diabetic nephropathy and albuminuria 30-299 mg/day to treatment with carnosine (2 g/day) or placebo for 12 weeks. Urinary TGF-b level was determined using ELISA, urine albumin was ascertained by immunonephelometric assay, and renal function and metabolic profiles were determined at baseline and during 12 weeks of active treatment. Primary outcome was decrease in urinary levels of TGF-b.Results: The 2 groups were comparable for baseline characteristics, blood pressure, urine albumin, urine TGF-b and renal function measurements. Urinary TGF-b significantly decreased with carnosine supplement (-17.8% of the baseline values), whereas it tended to increase with placebo (+16.9% of the baseline values) (between-group difference P <0.05). However, blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, glomerular filtration rate and other biochemical parameters remained unchanged during the study period including urinary albuminuria. Both groups were well tolerated with no serious side-effects.Conclusions: These data indicated an additional renoprotective effect of oral supplementation with carnosine to decrease urinary TGF-b level that serves as a marker of renal injury in diabetic nephropathy. Trial registration Thai Clinical Trials, TCTR20200724002. Retrospectively Registered 24 July 2020.
A direct interareal feedback-to-feedforward circuit in primate visual cortex
Authors: Siu Caitlin , Balsor Justin , Federer Frederick , Angelucci Alessandra 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
The mammalian sensory neocortex consists of hierarchically organized areas reciprocally connected via feedforward (FF) and feedback (FB) circuits. Several theories of hierarchical computation ascribe the bulk of the computational work of the cortex to looped FF-FB circuits between pairs of cortical areas. However, whether such corticocortical loops exist remains unclear. In higher mammals, FF projections send afferents almost exclusively to a single higher-level area. However, it is unclear whether FB projections show similar area-specificity, and whether they influence FF-projection neurons directly or indirectly. Using viral-mediated monosynaptic circuit tracing in macaque visual cortex, we find that neurons sending FF projections to a higher-level area receive monosynaptic FB inputs exclusively from that area. We also find monosynaptic FB-to-FB neuron contacts as a second motif of FB connectivity. Our results support the existence of FF-FB loops in primate cortex, and suggest that FB can rapidly and selectively influence the activity of incoming FF signals.
Current laboratory and clinical practices in reporting and interpreting anti-nuclear antibody indirect immunofluorescence (ANA IIF) patterns: results of an international survey.&nbsp;
Authors: Hoovels Lieve Van , Broeders Sylvia , Chan Edward K.L. , Andrade Luis , Cruvinel Wilson de Melo , Damoiseaux Jan , Viander Markku , Herold Manfred , Coucke Wim , Heijnen Ingmar , Bogdanos Dimitrios , Calvo-Alén Jaime , Eriksson Catharina , Kozmar Ana , Kuhi Liisa , Bonroy Carolien , Lauwerys Bernard , Schouwers Sofie , Lutteri Laurence , Vercammen Martine , Mayer Miroslav , Patel Dina , Egner William , Puolakka Kari , Tesija-Kuna Andrea , Shoenfeld Yehuda , de Sousa Maria José Rego , Hoyos Marcos Lopez , Radice Antonella , Bossuyt Xavier 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe International Consensus on Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) Patterns (ICAP) has recently proposed nomenclature in order to harmonize ANA indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) pattern reporting. ICAP distinguishes competent-level from expert-level patterns. A survey was organized to evaluate reporting, familiarity, and considered clinical value of ANA IIF patterns. MethodsTwo surveys were distributed by European Autoimmunity Standardization Initiative (EASI) working groups, the International Consensus on ANA Patterns (ICAP) and UK NEQAS to laboratory professionals and clinicians. Results438 laboratory professionals and 248 clinicians from 67 countries responded. Except for dense fine speckled (DFS), the nuclear competent patterns were reported by >85% of the laboratories. Except for rods and rings, the cytoplasmic competent patterns were reported by >72% of laboratories. Cytoplasmic IIF staining was considered ANA positive by 55% of clinicians and 62% of laboratory professionals, with geographical and expertise-related differences. Quantification of fluorescence intensity was considered clinically relevant for nuclear patterns, but less so for cytoplasmic and mitotic patterns. Combining IIF with specific extractable nuclear antigens (ENA)/dsDNA antibody testing was considered most informative. Of the nuclear competent patterns, the centromere and homogeneous pattern obtained the highest scores for clinical relevance and the DFS pattern the lowest. Of the cytoplasmic patterns, the reticular/mitochondria-like pattern obtained the highest scores for clinical relevance and the polar/Golgi-like and rods and rings patterns the lowest. ConclusionThis survey confirms that the major nuclear and cytoplasmic ANA IIF patterns are considered clinically important. There is no unanimity on classifying DFS, rods and rings and polar/Golgi-like as a competent pattern and on reporting cytoplasmic patterns as ANA IIF positive.
Teaching Prenatal Care via Hybrid Simulation: A Descriptive Study at Hassan First University in Morocco
Authors: Changuiti Omaima , Chergaoui Samia , Marfak Abdelghafour , Gantare Abdellah , Saad Elmadani , Hilali Abderraouf , Youlyouz-Marfak Ibtissam 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Introduction: The training of health professionals requires special attention because it has a direct impact on human life where error is intolerable. The projection of theoretical knowledge in a practical environment is an indispensable step in learning which requires the mobilization of innovative teaching methods. This paper reports impacts of hybrid simulation in prenatal consultation on the learning of midwifery students in initial training.Materials and methods: In order to assess simulation’s impact on the acquisition of technical and non-technical skills in initial training of midwives, A descriptive study was carried out using pre-tests, post-tests and evaluation grids during the hybrid simulation of prenatal consultation session, after dividing the sample into 2 groups; experimental and control group. All statistical analyzes for this study were done with SPSS software. The pair comparisons were carried out by the Wilcoxon test with a significance level =0.05.Results: There was a significant improvement in the results of the post-simulation tests when compared to the results of the pre-simulation tests for both groups. It was noticed a significant increase in mean score from the first simulation session (25.23  6.32) to a repeated simulation session (36.38  3.77; p<0.0001).Conclusion: Experiencing of a prenatal consultation hybrid simulation for first year midwifery students at the Higher Institute of Health Sciences in Morocco demonstrated its effectiveness and importance in midwifery learning. It is necessary to integrate simulation in Moroccan midwifery and nursing education in order to standardize their curriculum according to the international guidelines.
Analysis of Factors Influencing the Network Teaching Effect of College Students in a Medical School During the COVID-19 Epidemic
Authors: Yu Liang , Huang Long , Tang Hao-ru , Hu Die , Feng Wen-yu , Shi Liu-xia 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study is to understand the influencing factors of Chinese college students’ satisfaction with online teaching and psychological pressure on learning during the novel coronavirus epidemic.Methods: We assessed the effect of online teaching of 7084 medical students from wannan medical college in March 5 to April 2, 2020 using cluster sampling. The respondents were asked to complete a 7-item self-compiled online teaching satisfaction questionnaire. Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression analysis are used.Results: Gender is female (OR=1.257, 95%CI: 1.132~1.396), grades are second and third grades (second grades:OR=1.228, 95%CI: 1.080~1.397; third grades: OR=1.197, 95%CI: 1.048~1.367), normal/unfamiliar learning platform operation (OR=3.692, 95%CI: 3.321~4.103) were risk factors for satisfactory teaching effect. In addition, students whose school year system is four-year (OR=0.870, 95%CI: 0.781~0.969) and grade 4 and above (OR=0.594, 95%CI: 0.485~0.727) were more satisfied with the teaching effect of teachers. And, during the period of the COVID-19 epidemic, the risk factors for college students to have psychological stress were: female (OR=1.258, 95%CI: 1.096~1.442), from rural areas (OR=1.511, 95%CI: 1.312~1.740), and the academic year system is four-year system (OR=1.191, 95%CI: 1.028~1.380), using mobile phones and other learning tools (OR=1.388, 95%CI: 1.205~1.600), general/unfamiliar with learning platform operations (OR=2.273), 95%CI: 1.888~2.735). While the protective factors for college students’ psychological stress included: grade three and four and above (OR=0.463, 95%CI: 0.387~0.554; OR=0.232, 95%CI: 0.187~0.286), and they think that the teaching effect is satisfactory (OR=0.314, 95%CI: 0.261~0.379).Conclusion: This survey shows that compared with male college students, female college students were more dissatisfied with the teaching effect of teachers and havd greater psychological pressure on learning. Psychological counseling should be strengthened for students in rural areas and those who were not familiar with the operating platform to relieve their psychological pressure on learning.
Different Morphs of Heterostylous Plant (Tirpitzia Sinensis) Associated With Floral Characters Have Various Adaptation Strategies to Pollinator to Ensure Reproductive Success
Authors: Hu Demei , Chen Yan , Xiang Mengda , Tang Hanqing , Tang Xiaoxin , Wang Xiaoyue 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Heterostylous plants are commonly associated with pollinators promoting disassortative pollination. How different morphs adapt to pollinators to ensure reproductive success and whether floral characters (such as pistil, stamen and nectar traits) are relevant to this process remain unclear. Results: Tirpitzia sinensis is distylous flowers. Its floral characters were measured. Field observation of effective pollinator and pollination efficiency to different morphs was conducted, and breeding systems were examined by hand pollination treatments. Our results showed that L-morph produced more but smaller pollen grains per anther than S-morph. T. sinensis secreted more nectar at night as a possible adaptation to hawkmoths (Macroglossum spp.) active at dusk. L-morph produced much nectar due to its large secretion volume at night. The nectar was rich in sucrose. The sucrose/hexose ratio was higher in the nectar of S-morph than in that of L-morph. S-morph had higher visit rate but lower pollination efficiency of hawkmoths compared with L-morph. T. sinensis was self-incompatible. Seed sets in nature did not differ between morphs. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that L-morph increases its pollination efficiency through outstanding stigma, many pollen grains per anther, and high amount of nectar. S-morph attracts many hawkmoths to pollinate due to its high sucrose/hexose ratio in its nectar.
Optimum utilization of antenatal and postnatal cares among young women in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia: A community based-cross sectional study
Authors: Ayele Brhane , Hadgu Tsegay , Gebretnsae Hailay , G/silassie Fanna , Negash Degnesh , Teklay Kibrom , Wubayehu Tewolde , Marra Michele , Ricceri Fulvio 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Optimum antenatal and postnatal care services are recognized to be among the most effective interventions to reduce maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality. However; optimum antenatal care (ANC) and postnatal care (PNC) service utilization among young women in Africa is very low, especially in rural zones. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the magnitude of optimum ANC and PNC services utilization and the factors associated, in the Eastern Zone of Tigray, Northern Ethiopia. Methods: Using a cross-sectional study design, 352 young women aged 15 to 24 were interviewed. Among those, 101 and 100 were eligible and included for studying optimum ANC and PNC service utilization, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression models were performed to identify independent determinants of the two outcome variables (optimum ANC and PNC utilization). Results: Optimum ANC and PNC services utilization was reached in 75% (95%CI: 64.50-84.20) and 16% (95%CI: 9.00-24.00) of the cases, respectively. Being older (20-24 years old vs. 18-19: AOR=9.21; 95% CI: 1.62-52.25) and knowing the availability of adolescent and youth friendly health service (AYFHS) (AOR= 4.01; 95% CI: 1.08-14.89) were significantly associated with optimum ANC service utilization. Furthermore; knowing the availability of AYFHS (AOR=10.81; 95%CI: 1.57-71.18) and having the right to decide about her own health care spending (AOR=6.16; 95%CI: 1.22-31.05) were significantly associated with optimum PNC service utilization. Conclusion: In rural zones in Tigray, PNC services utilization is far away from the optimum, while ANC service utilization is closer, even if a significant number of young women did not receive optimum ANC services. The presence of an AYFHS and its knowledge are shown to be related to an increase of optimal services utilization and hence interventions need to be designed accordingly.