bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
General public’s knowledge and practices on face mask use during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional exploratory survey from Dharan, Nepal
Authors: Alam Kadir , Palaian Subish , Shankar Pathiyil Ravi , Jha Nisha 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Measures to prevent and control coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) include regular handwashing, physical distancing and covering mouth and nose using a face mask, thereby reducing spread of droplets. Use of facemask is considered as a cheap, effective and safe method with minimum disruption in day-to-day life. This study assessed the knowledge and practice of Nepalese general public on face mask use during lockdown period of COVID-19 pandemic. Method: A cross-sectional study using a self-developed, validated questionnaire (Cronbach alpha 0.556) was conducted in Dharan, eastern Nepal during May, 2020. Pharmacists from ten pharmacies, spread throughout Dharan city, after relevant training by the principal investigator, administered and recorded the responses from a selected sample stratified across age, gender, education and place of residence. Completed questionnaires were checked for consistency, coded and entered in IBM SPSS Version 26 and data was tested for normality using one-sample K-S test. Descriptive analyses were performed for demographic parameters and inferential statistics performed for outcome variables calculating median scores among different subgroups which were further compared using appropriate non-parametric tests at alpha=0.05. Results: Altogether 381 individuals, males [211 (55.4%)] and females [170 (44.6%)] participated. Ninety-three (24.5%) respondents were between 20-30 years of age and least number 3(0.8%) were above 70 years; 127 (33.3%) participants were housewives. Maximum 200 (52.5%) participants were educated between classes VIII to XII; seven (1.8%) were having postgraduate education; 129 (33.9%) participants were hill tribes. Knowledge scores were good (median score 16; maximum score 18). Around 20% of participant had never used face mask before the pandemic; majority of population (80%) were aware about the ongoing pandemic. Majority were aware about washing hands (92.6%) before using mask, covering mouth and nose (78.7%), and avoiding touching the mask while wearing (42.3%). Knowledge scores were significantly higher among men (p=0.038), among younger age groups (p=0.010), and among persons with greater education (p=0.048). Conclusion: The knowledge scores were good and public were aware about proper use of face masks. Educational interventions could be targeted to those with lesser knowledge, and steps to promote sustained face mask use can be beneficial.
Quality of life during the epidemic of COVID-19 and its associated factors among enterprise workers in East China
Authors: Chen Xiaoxiao , Xu Qian , Lin Haijiang , Zhu Jianfu , Chen Yue , Zhao QI , Fu Chaowei , Wang Na 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: The impact of COVID-19 related quarantine on quality of life was expected and unclear for enterprise workers. We investigated the quality of life during the epidemic in enterprise workers just returned to work and assessed its potential influencing factors to get a better understanding of the impact of COVID-19 epidemic. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study among enterprise workers in Deqing and Taizhou, Zhejiang Province, China. Chinese version of EQ5D to assess life quality, and information about general characteristics and COVID-19 related information was collected by a structured questionnaire online distributed through the social application “Wechat”. Results: A total of 2435 participants were enrolled, 59.5% of which worked in Deqing. About 50% reported worries about the COVID-2019 epidemic and 40.1% of participants performed centralized or home quarantine during the epidemic. The mean EQ-5D score and VAS were 0.990 and 93.5. Multiple logistic regression suggested that physical activities (ORad=0.46) and keeping home ventilation (ORad=0.04) was related with life quality in Deqing, while for participants in Taizhou, wearing a mask when going out (ORad=0.35), keeping home ventilation (ORad=0.16), unmarried status (ORad=2.38) and experienced centralized or home quarantine (ORad=1.64) was related with quality of life.Conclusions: Enterprise workers in two areas with different risk of COVID-19 experienced different life quality during the epidemic of COVID-19. Physical activity, marital status, worry about epidemic of COVID-19, keeping home ventilation, wearing a mask and quarantine were related with quality of life.
Converting Habits of Antibiotic Use for Respiratory Tract Infections in German Primary Care (Change-3) - Process Evaluation of a Complex Intervention
Authors: Poß-Doering Regina , Kuehn Lukas , Kamradt Martina , Glassen Katharina , Thomas Fleischhauer , Kaufmann-Kolle Petra , Koeppen Martina , Wollny Anja , Altiner Attila , Wensing Michel 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Antimicrobial resistance remains a global challenge. In Germany, the national health agenda supports measures that enhance the rational use of antibiotics. The study “Converting Habits of Antibiotic Use for Respiratory Tract Infections in German Primary Care (CHANGE-3)” aimed at a sustainable reduction of antimicrobial resistance through the conversion of habits of antibiotics use and an increase in health literacy in primary care patients, practice teams, and in the general public. Embedded in a cluster-randomized trial of a multifaceted implementation program, a process evaluation focused on the uptake of program components to assess the fidelity of the implementation program in the CHANGE-3 study and to understand utilization of its educational components. Methods: A mix of qualitative and quantitative methods was used. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with General Practitioners, Medical Assistants, patients treated for respiratory tract infection and outreach visitors who had carried out individual outreach visits. A two-wave written survey (T1: 5 months after start, T2: 16 months after start) was conducted in general practitioners and medical assistants. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic framework analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze survey data. Results: Uptake of intervention components was heterogenous. Across all components, the uptake reported by General Practitioners varied from 20% to 88% at T1 and 31% to 63% at T2. Medical Assistants reported uptake from 22% to 70% at T1 and 6% to 69% at T2. Analog paper-based components could by and large be integrated in daily practice (64% to 90% in T1; 41% to 93% in T2), but uptake of digital components was low. A one-time outreach visit provided thematic information and feedback regarding actual prescribing, but due to time constraints were received with reluctance by practice teams. Patients were largely unaware of program components, but assumed that information and education could promote health literacy regarding antibiotics use. Conclusions: The uptake of program components was heterogeneous, with lowest uptake of the digital components. Potential effects of the implementation program (i.e. reduced antibiotics prescribing), will warrant careful analysis of contributing program components. Trial registration: ISRCTN, ISRCTN15061174. Registered 13 July 2018 – Retrospectively registered, http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN15061174
Role of interleukin 6 as a predictive factor for a severe course of Covid-19: retrospective data analysis of patients from a Long-term Care Facility during Covid-19 Outbreak
Authors: Sabaka Peter , Koščálová Alena , Straka Igor , Hodosy Julius , Lipták Robert , Kmotorková Barbora , Kachlíková Mária , Kušnírová Alica 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Covid-19 is a disease with high morbidity and mortality among elderly residents of long-term care facilities (LTCF). During an outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the LTCF an effective screening tool is essential to identify the patients at risk for severe illness and death. We explored the role of interleukin 6 (IL-6) as a predictive factor for severe disease during the outbreak of Covid-19 in one LTCF in Slovakia.Methods: We conducted a retrospective data analysis of all laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19, diagnosed during the outbreak in one LTCF in Slovakia between April 11, 2020, and May 5, 2020. Within 24 hours after the diagnosis of Covid-19, clinical and laboratory screening was performed in the LTCF by trained clinicians to identify patients in need of hospitalization. Patients with oxygen saturation below 90% were immediately referred to the hospital. Patients staying in the LFTC were monitored daily and those that developed hypoxemia were transferred to the hospital. We analyzed the association between the level of IL-6 at the initial assessment and development of hypoxemia during the course of the disease and determined the cut-off of the IL-6 able to predict the development of hypoxemia requiring oxygen therapy or ventilatory support.Results: Fifty-three patients (11 men, 42 women) with diagnosed Covid-19 were included in the analysis. 19 (53%) patients developed hypoxemia during the course of the disease. Patients with hypoxemia had significantly higher concentrations of IL-6 at initial screening. The concentration of IL-6 > 24 pg/mL predicted the development of hypoxemia with the sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 88.9%. The positive and negative predictive values were 76.9%, and 100% respectively.Conclusions: The concentration of IL-6 > 24 pg/mL at initial assessment predicted the development of hypoxemia requiring hospitalization with excellent sensitivity and good specificity. IL-6 appears as a potential negative predictive factor for the development of the severe form of Covid-19 and might serve for early identification of patients in need of hospitalization. Further studies are needed to evaluate the robustness of the use of IL-6 as an effective screening tool for the severe course of Covid-19.
Factors Influencing the Result of Superior Oblique Weakening Procedures in Patients with Superior Oblique Overaction in Horizontal Strabismus
Authors: Chun Junwoo , Kim Seong-Joon 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Few studies have evaluated the surgical outcome of superior oblique weakening procedures in patients with superior oblique overaction associated with exotropia or esotropia. This study aimed to evaluate the outcome of superior oblique muscle weakening and the influencing factors in patients with superior oblique overaction.Methods: The medical charts of 37 patients (55 eyes) with superior oblique overaction associated with esotropia or exotropia who were treated with a superior oblique weakening procedure at the Seoul National University Hospital from January 2010 to June 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Superior oblique overaction was graded using, a 6-point scale ranging from +0.5 to +3, and pre- and postoperative grades were recorded for all patients. Results: The mean age of the patients was 91.81 ± 59.37 months. Superior oblique muscle suture spacer and superior oblique posterior tenectomy were performed for 17 (23 eyes) and 20 (32 eyes) patients, respectively. Surgical success was achieved in 15 (65.2%) eyes in the suture spacer group and 23 (71.9%) eyes in the posterior tenectomy group. Surgical success was achieved for 69.1% (38/55 eyes) of patients. Dissociated vertical deviation exhibited a significant negative association with the surgical success rate (p<0.001).Conclusions: There was no significant difference in surgical success rate between the superior oblique posterior tenectomy and superior oblique suture spacer groups in superior oblique overaction associated with horizontal strabismus. Associated dissociated vertical deviation can affect the surgical success of the superior oblique weakening procedure.
Evolution of DNA methylome from precancer to invasive lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Hu Xin , Estecio Marcos , Chen Runzhe , Reuben Alexandre , Wang Linghua , Fujimoto Junya , Carrot-Zhang Jian , Ying Lisha , Fukuoka Junya , Chow Chi-Wan , McGranahan Nicholas , Pham Hoa , Godoy Myrna , Carter Brett , Behrens Carmen , Zhang Jianhua , Antonoff Mara , Sepesi Boris , Vaporciyan Ara , Heymach John , Wistuba Ignacio , Pass Harvey , Lu Yue , Kadara Humam , Scheet Paul , Lee J. Jack , Futreal Andrew , Su Dan , Issa Jean-Pierre , Zhang Jianjun 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
The evolution of DNA methylation at genome level and methylation intra-tumor heterogeneity (ITH) during early lung carcinogenesis has not been systematically studied. We performed multiregional reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) of 62 resected lung nodules from 39 patients including atypical adenomatous hyperplasia (AAH, n=14), adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS, n=15), minimally invasive adenocarcinoma (MIA, n=22), and invasive adenocarcinoma (ADC, n=11). We observed significantly higher level of methylation ITH in later-stage lesions and gradual increase in both hyper- and hypomethylation compared to matched normal lung tissues over the course of neoplastic progression. The phyloepigenetic patterns inferred from methylation aberrations resembled those based on somatic mutations suggesting parallel methylation and genetic evolution during the early lung carcinogenesis. De-convolution of transcriptomic profiles from a previously published cohort and RBBS data from the current cohort demonstrated higher ratios of T regulatory cells (Tregs) versus CD8+ T cells in later-stage diseases implying progressive immunosuppression with neoplastic progression. Furthermore, increased global hypomethylation was associated with higher mutation burden, higher copy number aberration burden, higher allelic imbalance burden as well as higher Treg/CD8 ratio highlighting the potential impact of methylation states on chromosomal instability, mutagenesis and the tumor immune microenvironment.
Donor-acceptor Stenhouse Adducts with Three Orthogonally Controlled Intrisic Stationary States
Authors: Duan Yongli , Zhao Haiquan , Xue GuoDong , Wang Ze , Xiong Chaoyue , Mao Lijun , He Chao , Wang Dongsheng , Zheng Yonghao 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Photoresponsive molecules with more than two intrinsic stationary states are very Interesting. Here, we demonstrate a series of crown ether (CE) substituted donor-acceptor Stenhouse adducts (DASAs) that can be switched between three stationary states under orthogonal control of light and metal ions. DASA-CE molecules are self-assembled into 1:1 head-to-tail supramolecular structures to form di-linear states due to strong van der Waals interactions between electron-donating and -withdrawing moieties. Furthermore, treatment with metal ions (Na+ or K+) switches the di-linear back to the linear state, which is reversible after adding free crown ether. On the other hand, green light irradiation induces linear-to-cyclic isomerization of DASA-CE, while the photoisomerization from di-linear to cyclic state is inhibited. The reverse cyclic-to-linear isomerization can occur under heating in the dark. All in all, the orthogonal switching of DASA-CE between di-linear, linear and cyclic states enables the development of smart materials in environments with complex stimuli.
Oxytocin administration for induction and augmentation of labour in Polish maternity units– an observational study
Authors: Baranowska Barbara , Kajdy Anna , Kiersnowska Iwona , Sys Dorota , Tataj-Puzyna Urszula , Daly Déirdre , Rabijewski Michał , Bączek Grażyna , Węgrzynowska Maria 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThere is not enough data regarding practices and protocols that healthcare personnel follow and the amount of oxytocin that women receive during labour. Empirical evidence indicates that compliance with the guidelines improves the quality of healthcare and reduces adverse effects. The aim of the study was to evaluate oxytocin supply practices of oxytocin for labour induction and augmentation in Polish maternity units.MethodsThe article presents a prospective observational study. Data collection took place in two selected maternity units between January 15 and July 31, 2019 (n=545). Inclusion criteria were women in term pregnancies, undergoing oxytocin induction or augmentation of labour. Exclusion criteria were women who were in preterm labour, aged less than 18 years, and women whose baby was known to have a malformation. ResultsThe average total amount of oxytocin administrated to women before birth was 7,329µg following labour induction and 3.952µg following labour augmentation. The actual administration of oxytocin deviated both from the unit and national guidelines in 93,6% of all observed labours. We found no statistically significant correlation between the amount of oxytocin administered and mode of delivery, immediate postpartum blood loss or Apgar scores. There was no observed effect of total oxytocin on short-term perinatal outcomes. Hospitals with similar protocols did not differ significantly in terms of total oxytocin amount, induction to stimulation ratio—the only observed difference was the mode of delivery. ConclusionsThere is a need for a thorough analysis to find out the reasons for the observed discrepancies between protocols and practice.
Disruption of Adaptive Immunity Enhances Disease in SARS-CoV-2 Infected Syrian Hamsters
Authors: Brocato Rebecca , Principe Lucia , Kimi Robert , Zeng Xiankun , Williams Janice , Liu Yanan , Li Rong , Smith Jeffrey , Golden Joseph , Gangemi Dave , Youssef Sawsan , Wang Zhongde , Glanville Jacob , Hooper Jay W 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Animal models recapitulating human COVID-19 disease, especially with severe disease, are urgently needed to understand pathogenesis and evaluate candidate vaccines and therapeutics. Here, we develop novel severe disease animal models for COVID-19 involving disruption of adaptive immunity in Syrian hamsters. Cyclophosphamide (CyP) immunosuppressed or RAG2 knockout (KO) hamsters were exposed to SARS-CoV-2 by the respiratory route. Both the CyP-treated and RAG2 KO hamsters developed clinical signs of disease that were more severe than in immunocompetent hamsters, notably weight loss, viral loads, and fatality (RAG2 KO only). Disease was prolonged in transiently immunosuppressed hamsters and uniformly lethal in RAG2 KO hamsters. We evaluated the protective efficacy of a neutralizing monoclonal antibody and found that pretreatment, even in immunosuppressed animals, limited infection. Our results suggest that functional B and/or T cells are not only important for the clearance of SARS-CoV-2, but also play an early role in protection from acute disease.
Salivary Desulfovibrio Desulfuricans Level and Oral Hygiene Index for the Prediction of Colorectal Cancer in Chinese Patients
Authors: Wang Yao , Zhang Yao , Wang Zheng , Tang Jian , Cao Dongxing , Qian Yun , Xie Yuanhong , Chen Haiying , Chen Yingxuan , Chen Zhaofei , Fang Jingyuan 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Mounting evidence have shown that fecal microbiome can act as biomarkers for diagnosing colorectal cancer (CRC). Recent studies demonstrate that oral microbiome is concordant with gut microbiome. The role of oral microbiome in colorectal cancer has not been fully illustrated. Methods: We collected preoperational saliva with a final cohort of 237 patients who underwent surgical resections or colorectal endoscopy in XX Hospital from January 2018 to January 2020. Clinical demographics, comorbidities and oral conditions were obtained from medical records or questionnaires. Salivary microbial biomarkers were detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) after DNA extraction. Multivariate logistics regression analysis was employed to analyze the risk factors for colorectal cancer. A four-variable prediction model was constructed based on the logistics analysis.Results: Among the 237 patients enrolled, there were 95 endoscopy confirmed healthy control and 142 pathologically confirmed colorectal adenocarcinoma patients. Logistics regression analysis demonstrated that the risk factors associated with CRC included age at diagnosis (OR=1.111, 95%CI=1.072-1.151), male sex (OR=2.111, 95%CI=1.068-4.175), oral hygiene index (OR=1.769, 95%CI=1.116-2.804) and relative salivary Desulfovibrio desulfuricans (Dd) abundance (OR=1.156, 95%CI=1.05-1.272), based on which a four-variable model was developed. The four-variable model had good discriminative (Brier score=0.144, Concordance index=0.866) and calibration (0.834) abilities after bias correction. Conclusions: Elevated salivary Dd level is an independent risk factor for CRC. We have developed a four-variable model that could help identify at-risk patients for CRC.
An Investigation Into the Cause of Road Failure Along Sagamu-papalanto Highway Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: UBIDO OYEM EMMANUEL , Ogbonnaya Igwe , Ukah Bernadette Uche 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Road Failure in Nigeria has been a monumental disaster that has resulted to loss of lives and damage of vehicles which has also in turn increased the travel time of motorist plying on the these roads. In order to unravel the cause of this disaster geotechnical, geochemical, mineralogical and geophysical tests were conducted to evaluate the cause of failure along Sagamu-Papalanto Highway southwestern Nigeria. The laboratory tests result conducted shows that the percentage amount of fines ranges from 12-61.3%,natural moisture content ranges from 6.8 to 19.7%, the liquid limit in the range of 25.1-52.2%, linear shrinkage between 3.96 to 12.71%, plastic limit ranges from 18.2-35%, the plasticity index ranges from 5.2 to 24.6%,free swell in the range from 5.17 – 43.9%,maximum dry density from1.51 -1.74g /cm 3 , the specific gravity ranges from 2.52-2.64 and the CBR between 3-12%. The Cone Penetrometer Test (CPT) has a resistance value in the range of 20-138 kgf/cm 2 .There is the predominance of kaolinite as the major clay minerals and the main oxides in the study area shows SiO 2 , Al 2 O 3 , Fe 2 O 3 , K 2 O,Na 2 O, MgO and CaO.2D Electrical Resistivity Wenner Array Method was employed in the investigation. Four profiles covering a distance of 250 meters for profiles 1, 2, and 3 and 500meters for profile 4 each were established parallel and perpendicular to the road pavement along the sections of the road. Data were gather along the four profiles using ABEM Terra meter SAS 1000. The recorded field data were filtered and inverted using 2-D modelling inversion algorithm with the aid RES2DINV Software . The results revealed a low resistivity values for profile 2 and 3 ranging from 100 Ωm – 300 Ωm, between distances of 20 m – 240 m along the profile to a depth of 7.60 m and a low resistivity value ranging from 50 Ωm – 111Ωm, between distances of 80 m –120 m along the profile to a depth of 15m from the surface of the profile the topsoil along the profile. The low resistivity values and low shear strength obtained from the profiles shows the study areas comprises of incompetent materials which has the propensity to retain water and eventually results to swelling and collapse under imposed load with subsequent failure as the resultant effect. Sections of the road with sandy and clayey materials should be scooped out from the subsurface to a depth of 3 m – 5 m from the top soil of the road and put back with competent fill materials.