bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and Validation of Two Novel Chromatographic Methods: HPTLC and HPLC for Determination of Bromhexine Hydrochloride in Presence of Its Two Impurities
Authors: Abdelwahab Nada S , Adly Selvia M , Ali Nourudin W , Abdelrahman Maha M 
Published: December 2020

AbstractTwo simple, sensitive and validated chromatographic methods were developed for quantitative determination of bromhexine hydrochloride (BHX) in presence of its major impurities, impurity B (IMB) and impurity C (IMC), as specified by British Pharmacopoeia. First method (I) was high-performance thin layer chromatography-densitometry at which the chromatographic separation was performed using silica gel plates and developing system consisted of hexane:acetone:ammonia solution (9:0.5:0.08, by volume) with ultraviolet scanning at 240 nm and linearity was achieved in the ranges of 0.40–10.00, 0.20–2.00 and 0.20–2.00 μg/band of BHX, IMB and IMC, respectively. Also, second chromatographic method (II) was high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) where the separation was carried out on C18 column at isocratic mode at flow rate 1.5 mL/min. The mobile phase consisted of methanol:water (90:10, v/v) adjusted to pH 2.5 with O-phosphoric acid and temperature was adjusted to 40°C. The scanning wavelength was 240 nm. The chromatographic run time was 6 min. Linearity of this method was achieved in the ranges of 4.00–40.00, 0.20–10.00 and 0.50–10.00 μg/mL for BHX, IMB and IMC, respectively.The validation of these chromatographic methods was made according to International Conference on Harmonization guidelines. These methods were successfully applied for determination of BHX in its pharmaceutical formulation. Also, statistical comparison was attained between the developed methods and the reported HPLC method using Student’s t-test and F-test, and the obtained results showed that there was not any significant difference between them concerning with accuracy and precision.
HIV Prevention Trials Network 078: High Prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus Antibodies Among Urban US Men Who Have Sex With Men, Independent of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Status
Authors: Irvin Risha , Gamble Theresa , Malone Jowanna , Wang Zhe , Wilson Ethan , Hughes James P , Farley Jason , Mayer Kenneth H , Del Rio Carlos , Batey D Scott , Cummings Vanessa , Remien Robert H , Beyrer Chris , Thio Chloe L 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Background
Sexual transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is uncommon, yet documented among men who have sex with men (MSM), primarily among those with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Methods
In the HIV Prevention Trials Network 078 study (HPTN 078), which assessed an integrated strategy to achieve HIV viral suppression, 1305 MSM were screened across 4 geographically diverse US cities. At screening, demographic/behavioral/psychosocial questionnaires were completed, along with HIV and HCV testing. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate associations with HCV antibody positivity.

Results
Among the 1287 (99%) of the MSM with HCV antibody results, the median age was 41, 69% were black, 85% had a high school education or more, 35% were employed, 70% had HIV, and 21% had undergone substance use counseling. The median lifetime number of male sexual partners was 17 (interquartile range, 6–50), and 246 (19%) were HCV antibody positive. HCV antibody positivity was high in MSM with HIV (20%) and MSM without HIV (17%) (P = .12) and was higher in those receiving substance use counseling (36%) than in those who had not (15%) (P ≤ .01). Substance use counseling (odds ratio, 2.51; 95% confidence interval, 1.80–3.51) and unstable housing (2.16; 1.40–3.33) were associated with HCV antibody positivity.

Conclusions
Nearly 1 in 5 MSM screened for HPTN 078 have been infected with HCV. The prevalence is high regardless of HIV status and is high even in those who did not undergo substance use counseling. In HIV burden networks, high HCV infection prevalence may occur in MSM without HIV. As implementation of preexposure prophylaxis expands and condom use declines, routine HCV counseling and screening among MSM are important.
Seroprevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis Among Female Adults in the United States: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys
Authors: Petersen Molly R , Patel Eshan U , Grabowski M Kate , Gaydos Charlotte A , Quinn Thomas C , Tobian Aaron A R 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Background
Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common nationally notifiable sexually transmitted infection in the United States; however, the seroprevalence of C. trachomatis infection is unknown.

Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted among 1725 females aged 18 to 39 years who provided serum and urine samples in the 2013 through 2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. Presence of anti-C. trachomatis Pgp3 immunoglobulin G (IgG) was determined using both an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and multiplex bead array (MBA). Weighted seroprevalence estimates were calculated. Correlates of seroprevalence were examined by multivariable Poisson regression.

Results
In 2013 through 2016, overall seroprevalence of C. trachomatis Pgp3 IgG was 30.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 25.5-35.0) as measured by ELISA and 29.4% (95% CI, 25.8-33.0) as measured by the MBA assay. Overall agreement between tests was 87.1% (1503/1725). There was a high positive agreement by the MBA assay with current detection of chlamydia in urine (86% [36/42]), a past-year diagnosis of chlamydia (81.8% [27/33]), and a history of treatment for pelvic inflammatory disease (60.7% [37/61]). Seroprevalence of C. trachomatis Pgp3 IgG, as measured by MBA, was significantly higher among non-Hispanic Blacks (68.0%; adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) = 2.7 [95% CI, 2.3-3.3]), Mexican Americans (30.9%; aPR = 1.5 [95% CI, 1.2-1.9]), and other Hispanics (35.0%; aPR = 1.9 [95% CI, 1.4-2.5]) compared with non-Hispanic Whites (21.4%). A higher lifetime number of sexual partners and a younger age at sexual debut was also associated with higher seroprevalence.

Conclusion
Both the ELISA and MBA serologic assays revealed a high prevalence of antibodies to C. trachomatis Pgp3 in young adult females in the US household population. There were major racial/ethnic disparities in exposure to C. trachomatis, with increased vulnerability among non-Hispanic Black females.
Computer-Aided Diagnosis System for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Using Empirical Wavelet Transform on Auscultation Sounds
Authors: Gökçen Ahmet 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
In this study, it is aimed to develop computer-aided a diagnosis system for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) which is a completely incurable and chronic disease. The COPD causes obstructions of the airways in the lungs by arising air pollution environments. Contributing analysis of abnormalities in simple ways is very important to shorten the duration of treatment by early diagnosis. The most common diagnostic method for respiratory disorders is auscultation sounds. These sounds are also essential and effective signals for diagnosing the COPD. The analysis was performed using signals from the RespiratoryDatabase@TR which consists of 12-channel lung sounds. In the computerized analysis, Empirical Wavelet Transform (EWT) algorithm was applied to the signals for extracting different modes. Afterwards the statistical features were extracted from each EWT modulation. The highest classification performances were achieved with the rates of 90.41%, 95.28%, 90.56% and 85.78% for Support Vector Machine, AdaBoost, Random Forest and J48 Decision Tree, respectively. The contribution of the study is reducing the diagnosis time to 5 seconds within higher accuracy rate.
Paradoxical impact of socioeconomic factors on outcome of atrial fibrillation in Europe: trends in incidence and mortality from atrial fibrillation
Authors: Al-Khayatt Becker M , Salciccioli Justin D , Marshall Dominic C , Krahn Andrew D , Shalhoub Joseph , Sikkel Markus B 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Aims
The aim of this study was to understand the changing trends in atrial fibrillation (AF) incidence and mortality across Europe from 1990 to 2017, and how socioeconomic factors and sex differences play a role.

Methods and results
We performed a temporal analysis of data from the 2017 Global Burden of Disease Database for 20 countries across Europe using Joinpoint regression analysis. Age-adjusted incidence, mortality, and mortality-to-incidence ratios (MIRs) to approximate case fatality rate are presented. Incidence and mortality trends were heterogenous throughout Europe, with Austria, Denmark, and Sweden experiencing peaks in incidence in the middle of the study period. Mortality rates were higher in wealthier countries with the highest being Sweden for both men and women (8.83 and 8.88 per 100 000, respectively) in 2017. MIRs were higher in women in all countries studied, with the disparity increasing the most over time in Germany (43.6% higher in women vs. men in 1990 to 74.5% higher in women in 2017).

Conclusion
AF incidence and mortality across Europe did not show a general trend, but unique patterns for some nations were observed. Higher mortality rates were observed in wealthier countries, potentially secondary to a survivor effect where patients survive long enough to suffer from AF and its complications. Outcomes for women with AF were worse than men, represented by higher MIRs. This suggests that there is widespread healthcare inequality between the sexes across Europe, or that there are biological differences between them in terms of their risk of adverse outcomes from AF.
How low is safe? The frontier of very low (&lt;30 mg/dL) LDL cholesterol
Authors: Karagiannis Angelos D , Mehta Anurag , Dhindsa Devinder S , Virani Salim S , Orringer Carl E , Blumenthal Roger S , Stone Neil J , Sperling Laurence S 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is a proven causative factor for developing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Individuals with genetic conditions associated with lifelong very low LDL-C levels can be healthy. We now possess the pharmacological armamentarium (statins, ezetimibe, PCSK9 inhibitors) to reduce LDL-C to an unprecedented extent. Increasing numbers of patients are expected to achieve very low (&lt;30 mg/dL) LDL-C. Cardiovascular event reduction increases log linearly in association with lowering LDL-C, without reaching any clear plateau even when very low LDL-C levels are achieved. It is still controversial whether lower LDL-C levels are associated with significant clinical adverse effects (e.g. new-onset diabetes mellitus or possibly haemorrhagic stroke) and long-term data are needed to address safety concerns. This review presents the familial conditions characterized by very low LDL-C, analyses trials with lipid-lowering agents where patients attained very low LDL-C, and summarizes the benefits and potential adverse effects associated with achieving very low LDL-C. Given the potential for cardiovascular benefit and short-term safe profile of very low LDL-C, it may be advantageous to attain such low levels in specific high-risk populations. Further studies are needed to compare the net clinical benefit of non-LDL-C-lowering interventions with very low LDL-C approaches, in addition to comparing the efficacy and safety of very low LDL-C levels vs. current recommended targets.
Pulmonary vein isolation in a real-world population does not influence QTc interval
Authors: Hermans Ben J M , Zink Matthias D , van Rosmalen Frank , Crijns Harry J G M , Vernooy Kevin , Postema Pieter , Pison Laurent , Schotten Ulrich , Delhaas Tammo 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Aims
We aimed to examine whether routine pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) induces significant ventricular repolarization changes as suggested earlier.

Methods and results
Five-minute electrocardiograms were recorded at hospital’s admission (T−1d), 1 day after the PVI-procedure (T+1d) and at 3 months post-procedure (T+3m) from a registry of consecutive atrial fibrillation (AF) patients scheduled for routine PVI with different PVI modalities (radiofrequency, cryo-ablation, and hybrid). Only patients who were in sinus rhythm at all three recordings (n = 117) were included. QT-intervals and QT-dispersion were evaluated with custom-made software and QTc was calculated using Bazett’s, Fridericia’s, Framingham’s, and Hodges’ formulas. Both QT- and RR-intervals were significantly shorter at T+1d (399 ± 37 and 870 ± 141 ms) and T+3m (407 ± 36 and 950 ± 140 ms) compared with baseline (417 ± 36 and 1025 ± 164 ms). There was no statistically significant within-subject difference in QTc Fridericia (T−1d 416 ± 28 ms, T+1d 419 ± 33 ms, and T+3m 414 ± 25 ms) and QT-dispersion (T−1d 18 ± 12 ms, T+1d 21 ± 19 ms, and T+3m 17 ± 12 ms) between the recordings. A multiple linear regression model with age, sex, AF type, ablation technique, first/re-do ablation, and AF recurrence to predict the change in QTc at T+3m with respect to QTc at T−1d did not reach significance which indicates that the change in QTc does not differ between all subgroups (age, sex, AF type, ablation technique, first/re-do ablation, and AF recurrence).

Conclusion
Based on our data a routine PVI does not result in a prolongation of QTc in a real-world population. These findings, therefore, suggest that there is no need to intensify post-PVI QT-interval monitoring.
Effect of aluminum stress on the quality ofEnteromorpha proliferabased on SEM-EDX and FT-IR
Authors: Zhou Liping , Wang Ye , Lou Yongjiang , Shao Haitao , Li Yongyong 
Published: December 2020

AbstractTo clarify the effect of aluminum stress on the quality of Enteromorpha prolifera (E. prolifera) and to explore the mechanism of the combination of aluminum and E. prolifera, we analyzed changes in the nutrients, micromorphology, element distribution, and spectrum of E. prolifera treated with different concentrations of aluminum (0, 0.2, 2.0, and 20.0 μmol·L–1) using scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The biomass, protein, dietary fiber, and ash contents of E. prolifera initially increased and then subsequently decreased with an increasing concentration of aluminum. Meanwhile, the total amount of amino acids decreased. Scanning the surface of E. prolifera by SEM-EDX revealed that a high concentration of aluminum damaged the cells of E. prolifera. Additionally, the content of aluminum on the surface of E. prolifera cells increased and the absorption of other elements was also affected. The FT-IR analysis showed that aluminum might combine with the functional groups at the 3408 cm–1, 2928 cm–1, and 1072 cm–1 peaks in E. prolifera and alter the characteristic of the different absorption peaks.
Utilizing an Interprofessional Value Scale to Optimize Team Assessment
Authors: Mendez Jennifer , Illahi Atta , Cicala David , Schiller Martha , Brown Shanique 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Wayne State University Interprofessional Team Visit (IPTV) is a program that introduces medical, nursing, occupational therapy, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician assistant, dental, and social work students to working in a collaborative team during an older adult home visit assessment. This 60-minute visit, students ask questions about the older adult’s daily activities, nutrition, medications, family health, and social supports. Interprofessional education is crucial for health care delivery, there is a need to evaluate the engagement of students in teams. The Interprofessional Socialization and Valuing Scale (ISVS), measures self-perceived experiences with collaborative teamwork, including the ability, value, and comfort in working with others. The ISVS tool was used to evaluate educational experiences of students. There are 18 questions pertaining to perceptions of what students have learned from other disciplines. Students respond to each statement using a 7-point scale with 1 = “Not at All” and 7 = “To a Very Great Extent.” The Pre and Post data discuss the differences between groups of students in feeling comfortable working in teams. The feedback ensure better care, value, and education of future healthcare practitioners.
Examining the Role of Aging Education: Educational Themes Across 2013-2019 GSA Conference Presentations
Authors: Hollis-Sawyer Lisa 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Gerontology education and the goal of “geriatric competence” are considered invaluable within the field but barriers exist in communicating ideas and training needs across areas of specialization. The main challenge of higher education institutions throughout the world is to develop professionals capable of understanding and responding to the current issues of diverse aging populations. The specific focus of the presentation will be the examination of aging education “themes” within and across different conference sections’ presentations in GSA conference proceedings across the last six years. Specifically, this presentation will review the outcomes of qualitative content analyses from several GSA conferences’ research presentations regarding the role of education across different disciplines in the gerontology field. Thematic analysis of several past years GSA conference programs of 2013 through 2019 yielded some of the following education-related themes (sample): theme #1: community education for clients, practitioners and applied service providers, theme #2: intergenerational educational mentoring/programming among researchers and practitioners in the field, and theme #3: professional knowledge updating for geriatric professionals. The implications for increasing emphasis on ongoing geriatric education for all professionals in the field and those they serve (older adults, families, and community members) will be discussed. This presentation offers insights regarding trends in educational issues within the field as well as the unique valuation of gerontology education within different areas of field specialization. The importance of examining different areas of specialization exists because different aging-related disciplines can share knowledge and resources in providing an integrated array of educational and training options.
Associations of Depression and Social Isolation Risk Among Adults Age 60 and Older
Authors: Smith Matthew , Steinman Lesley , Barrett Matthew , Eagle Leigh Ann , Lachenmayr Sue , Belza Basia 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background. Depression and social isolation are believed to be strongly interrelated. Social isolation can lead to depression because of reduced human contact and connectivity. Depression can cause withdrawal from interpersonal encounters and fuel feelings of social isolation. Despite causality, this study aimed to examine the relationship between depression and social isolation risk among older adults. Methods. Using an internet-delivered survey, data were analyzed from a national sample of 4,082 adults age 60 years and older. The survey intended to validate the Upstream Social Isolation Risk Screener (U-SIRS), a 13-item screener (Cronbach’s alpha=0.80) to assesses physical, emotional, and social support aspects of social isolation. Theta scores for the U-SIRS served as the primary independent variable, which were generated using Item Response Theory. Depression was the dependent variable for this study, which was identified using the PHQ-2 (scores of 3+ indicated risk for depression). Binary logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with depression. Results. Participants’ average age was 69.6(±5.2) years, 59% of participants were female, and 9% met depression criterion. Depressive symptomology and U-SIRS theta scores were positively significantly correlated (r=0.56, P&lt;0.001). Participants with higher U-SIRS theta scores (OR=3.52, P&lt;0.001), with more chronic conditions (OR=1.16, P&lt;0.001), and without people they felt close to and could call for help (OR=1.76, P=0.004) were more likely to report depression. Conclusion. Given the strong interrelation of depression and social isolation risk, coordinated efforts are needed to both treat depressive symptomology and link older adults to resources and services that facilitate meaningful interactions with others.
Determinants of social inclusion and their effect on the wellbeing of older adults
Authors: Sen Keya , Prybutok Victor , Prybutok Gayle 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Social inclusion fosters interpersonal relationships that reduce social isolation and enhance wellbeing in older adults. This study finds that socially engaged older adults are less likely to decline in health and have more wellbeing than those less engaged. The connection between wellbeing and social engagement is examined with hypotheses that there is a significant linear relationship between wellbeing and age, ethnicity, gender, the involvement and perception of participatory activities, community dwelling and the use of technology among older adults. A multiple linear regression on 4621samples obtained from National Health and Aging Trend Study, Round 8 shows that social engagement explained a unique variance in wellbeing (34.5%) suggesting that more social connections, via social activities, community-dwelling, mobility, and use of technology, there is enhanced health and fewer chances of cognitive decline in older adults. The use of text messaging and emails had a moderating effect on cognition and wellbeing of older adults. It is suggested that existing low-cost community programs targeting the so-called social determinants of health can be reworked to address social isolation and foster knowledge and technology skills in the older population. Directions for future research include examining human behaviors and perceptions to stay connected.
Family Solidarity, Social Support, Loneliness, and Well-Being Among Older Adults in Rural China
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyan , Silverstein Merril 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
China is experiencing a large increase in elderly population. In 2019, China’s population aged 60 and above had reached 253 million, accounting for 18.1% of the total population (National Bureau of Statistics of China, 2020). By 2050, the number of adults aged 60+ would be up to 430 million, reaching one third of the total population (Du, Zhai & Chen, 2005). Considering such a rapid aging process and the existing large number of older adults in China, it becomes imperative to investigate how psychosocial factors affect this group’s subjective well-being. This study proposed that, among older adults, higher support received from each of the three relational sources (adult children, family and friends) were associated with reduced loneliness and improved well-being. Structural equation modeling was conducted using a sample of rural adults aged 60 and older (N= 1142) from the 2018 wave of data from the Longitudinal Study of Older Adults in Anhui Province, China. Findings indicated that support from adult children directly and indirectly decreased older adults’ depression and improved their life satisfaction through loneliness; while support from family members directly decreased depression but did not directly improve life satisfaction or indirectly improve well-being through loneliness. Although support from friends did not have a significant impact on older adults’ well-being, it indirectly improved well-being through reduced loneliness. Findings have implications for programs or interventions targeting both parent -adult-child support and friends support and reducing rural older adults’ loneliness.