bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the role of sex as a prognostic factor in critically ill adults with sepsis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Antequera Alba , López-Alcalde Jesús , Stallings Elena , Muriel Alfonso , Fernández-Félix Borja Manuel , Campo Rosa del , Ponce-Alonso Manuel , Fidalgo Pilar , Halperin Ana Verónica , Madrid-Pascual Olaya , Álvarez-Díaz Noelia , Solà Ivan , Gordo Federico , Urrútia Gerard , Zamora Javier 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Incidence and sepsis-related mortality are failing, but sepsis continues to be a leading cause of admission and death in intensive care units (ICUs). Although the preceding evidence suggests sex-related risk differences for developing sepsis, the influence of sex on mortality outcomes remains unclear as previous studies showed discordant results. This systematic review assesed the independent effect of sex for mortality among critically ill patients with sepsis.Methods: Electronic databases were searched up to 17th July 2020 for studies that examined independent associations between sex and mortality outcomes in critically ill adults with sepsis while controlling for covariates. Primary meta-analyses were performed by pooling adjusted estimates for a pre-specified core set of adjustment factors. The primary outcomes included all-cause hospital mortality and 28-day all-cause hospital mortality. The secondary outcomes included 7-day all-cause hospital mortality, 1-year all-cause mortality, and all-cause ICU mortality.Results: Among the 14304 records identified, 12 studies (71850 participants) were included. Meta-analysis showed inconclusive results on sex-based differences in hospital mortality (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.55 to 1.64; very low-certainty evidence) and ICU mortality (OR 1.19, 95% CI 0.79 to 1.78; very low-certainty evidence). Meta-analysis found higher 28-day hospital mortality in the female group (OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.32; very low-certainty evidence). No studies reported on 7-day hospital mortality. A single study provided adjusted estimates on 1-year mortality reporting lower risk in the female group (OR 0.83 95% CI 0.68 to 0.98; low-certainty of evidence). The main reasons for assessing the certainty of evidence as very low were inconsistency and imprecision while downgrading to low-certainty was risk of bias and imprecision.Conclusions: The prognostic independent effect of sex on hospital mortality, 28-day hospital mortality, and ICU mortality for critically ill adults with sepsis is uncertain. Female sex may be associated with decreased 1-year mortality. No included studies reported on 7-day all-cause hospital mortality.
A Mixed Methods Evaluation of The Paediatric Musculoskeletal Matters (PMM) Online Portfolio
Authors: Smith Nicola , Foster Helen E , Jandial Sharmila 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background Electronic resources (e-resources) have considerable potential to reach users around the world to promote awareness and knowledge about musculoskeletal conditions. The ‘PMM portfolio’ targets non-specialists in musculoskeletal medicine and comprises the Paediatric Musculoskeletal Matters (PMM) website, the paediatric Gait, Arms, Legs and Spine (pGALS) app and e-learning modules (ELM). Our aim was to evaluate the ‘PMM portfolio’ to gain insights about it’s impact on learning and clinical practice. Methods Mixed methods (e-resource analytics, online survey, interviews) with PMM and ELM registered users in addition to purposive sampling of users using UK and international contacts within paediatrics and paediatric rheumatology. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and free-text comments using qualitative techniques. A Paired T-Test compared self-rated confidence before and after use of the e-resources. Results There has been wide international reach for all e-resources PMM website (662,827 hits, 262,476 users, 214 countries, data 31st July 2020), pGALS app (12,670 downloads, 70 countries, data 31st July 2020); ELM (150 users, 30 countries, data 30th May 2019). There were 164 responses to the survey from 25 countries from a range of students, trainees and health care professionals. Most deemed the ‘PMM portfolio’ to be ‘useful or very useful’ for their learning (or when used to teach others) and reported significantly increased self-rated confidence in their clinical examination and reasoning skills following access to the e-resources (PMM website, p=<0.01; pGALS app, p=<0.01; ELM, p=<0.01). Easy, open access, clinical images, videos and cases were deemed the most valued features of the e-resources. The most popular PMM website pages related to clinical assessment. There was high uptake of the pGALS app and pGALS’ ELM especially from trainees and allied health professionals. Conclusions The ‘PMM portfolio’ has wide reach amongst a spectrum of our target users to raise awareness and improve knowledge and skills. Ongoing engagement with users will facilitate further iterations of the ‘PMM portfolio’ to remain relevant for the global context. PMM as a model of e-learning has increasing applicability with the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and is an important way to expand global paediatric rheumatology.
Psychological symptoms of the front-line medical staff during the recuperation after fighting against COVID-19 in China
Authors: Dong Jingjing , Geng Yan , Wang Bowen , Zhang Shu 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundAt the beginning of 2020, COVID-19 broke out in Wuhan, China. Medical staff from all over the country quickly supported Wuhan and put into combat. In May 2020, the epidemic has been effectively controlled, and medical staff withdrew from Wuhan and entered into recuperation. MethodsDuring the recuperation in March and June, 2020, 441 medical staff were participated to investigate the psychological symptoms on SCL-90. Student's t-test and one-way analysis of variance were chosen to analyze the data. ResultsOf the 441 participants, the positive ratio (i ≥ 2) of the ten dimensions and the average score of SCL-90 was from 3.17% to 13.61%. Compared respectively with the medical staff in front-line and the Chinese norms, the scores obviously decreased during the recuperation. Gender, occupation, professional ranks and titles, working position in Wuhan and the patient’s condition affected the scores of SCL-90, age and educational attainment had little effect. ConclusionsThese results showed that the recuperation had the positive impact on the psychological status of the medical staff after fighting against COVID-19, which is worthy of further promotion. Our findings also showed that a small number of medical staff still had the risk on the mental problem, which need continuous attention and intervention.
Presentation, Treatment and Natural Course of Severe Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infections Measured by a Smartphone App.
Authors: Vellinga Akke , Farrell Karen , Fallon Roisin , Hare Daniel , Sutton-Fitzpatrick Una , Cormican Martin 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background Urinary tract infections (UTI) are one of the most common conditions in females. Current information on presentation, management and natural course of the infection is based on paper diaries filled out by patients and subsequently posted. The aim of the study was to explore the feasibility of a smartphone app to assess the natural course and management of urinary tract infections.Methods A smartphone app was developed to collect data from study participants presenting in general practice with symptoms of a UTI. After initial demographic and treatment information, symptom severity was recorded by the patient upon a reminder on their smartphone which occurred twice daily for a period of 7 days or until symptom resolution. Results A total of 181 women aged 18-76 downloaded the smartphone app. Duration of symptoms was obtained from the results of 178 participants. All patients had a urine sample submitted, most patients were prescribed an antibiotic (90%) and 39% had a positive culture. Moderately bad or worse symptoms lasted a mean of 3.8 days (median 4) and 70% of patients indicated that they were cured on day 4 after consultation. This compares with other research assessing symptom duration and management of UTIs where data is collected by paper diaries. Patients were very positive about the usability of the smartphone app and often found the reminders supportive. Based on the feedback and the analysis of the data, some suggestions for improvement were made. Conclusions Smartphone diaries for symptom scores over the course of infections are an efficient and acceptable means to collect data in research.
A Systematic Review on the Effectiveness of Implementation Strategies to Postpone Elective Caesarean Sections to ≥39+(0-6) Week of Gestation.
Authors: Prediger Barbara , Heu-Parvaresch Anahieta , Polus Stephanie , Bühn Stefanie , Neugebauer Edmund A.M. , Pieper Dawid 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Caesarean sections often have no urgent indication and are electively planned. Research showed that elective caesarean section should not be performed until 39+(0-6) week of gestation to ensure best neonatal and maternal health if there are no contraindications. This was recommended by various guidelines published in the last two decades. With this systematic review we are looking for implementation strategies trying to implement these recommendations into clinical practice. Methods: We performed a systematic literature search in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL and CINAHL in November 2019. We included studies that assessed implementation strategies aiming to postpone elective caesarean section to ≥39+(0-6) week of gestation. There were no restrictions regarding the type of implementation strategy or reasons for elective caesarean section. Our primary outcome was the rate of elective caesarean sections before 39+(0-6) week of gestation. We did a narrative analysis of the results.Results: We included 9 studies, of which were 2 interrupted time series and 7 before-after studies, covering 205.954 elective caesarean births. All studies included various types of implementation strategies. All implementation strategies showed success in decreasing the rate of elective caesarean sections performed <39+(0-6) week of gestation. Risk difference differed from -7 (95% CI -8; -7) to -45 (95% CI -51; -31). 3 studies reported rate of neonatal intensive care unit admission and showed little reduction.Conclusion: This systematic review shows that all presented implementation strategies to reduce elective caesarean section before 39+(0-6) weeks of gestation are effective. Reduction rates differ widely and it remains unclear which strategy is most successful. Strategies used locally in one hospital seem a little more effective. For planning an implementation strategy to reduce elective caesarean section before 39+(0-6) weeks of gestation it is necessary to consider specific barriers and facilitators and take all obstetric personal into account.Systematic review registration: Registered in PROSPERO (CRD42017078231)
The impact of the recurrent laryngeal nerve injury on prognosis after McKeown esophagectomy for ESCC
Authors: Qu Rirong , Tu Dehao , Ping Wei , Wang Qi , Zhang Ni , Fu Xiangning 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: The objective of this study was to assess the impact of the recurrent laryngeal nerve injury (RLNI) after esophagectomy on prognosis.Methods: Retrospectively collected data from 297 patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma who underwent McKeown esophagectomy at our department from April 2014 to May 2018, were analyzed.Results: RLNI occurred in 31.9% of the patients. Left-side RLNI occurred 2.8 times more often than right-side RLNI. Among the cases in which assessment of the vocal cords was continued, 8.4% involved permanent injury. There were no significant differences among clinicopathological data between patients with RLNI and without. Compared with patients without RLNI,patients with RNLI have longer operation time,more number of bronchoscopy suctions, longer postoperation hospital stay, and higher incidence of postoperative complications. T stage, N stage, RLN LN metastasis were independent risk factors for the prognosis, but RLNI is not independent risk factors for long-term survival. Conclusion: RLNI is a serious complication that will affect the short-term prognosis of patients and reduce the quality of life of patients. It should be avoided as much as possible during surgery, but it may not have negative impact on the long-term survival.
Upgrade of the Taskila WWTP with an MBR line: the first treatment results, performance assessment and lessons learnt
Authors: Haimi H. , Risteelä S. , Di Pofi M. , Lahtinen J. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
In this paper, we present the first results of a large-scale membrane bioreactor application implemented for increasing the wastewater treatment plant capacity. The Taskila plant in Finland was upgraded in 2018 and is now operated as a hybrid system with parallel membrane bioreactor and conventional biological lines. The results showed that membrane filtration improved the plant performance significantly in terms of the solids and pathogens removal. Nitrogen removal has been stable with the current operating set-points and notably better than before the plant expansion. The analysis using key performance indicators showed that there were no significant differences in operational expenditures between the membrane and conventional lines. The membrane filtration results highlight the importance of maintaining the good sludge filterability properties that enable higher operational fluxes and reduced energy consumption. The low membrane aeration flow-rate mode, the standard operating mode with good sludge filterability, enabled reduction of total aeration energy consumption by 34% for the membrane bioreactor, including both activated sludge and membrane aeration. Fine-tuning of the hybrid plant is still going on and, therefore, improved overall results are expected in the forthcoming years.
Adsorption of methylene blue onto betel nut husk-based activated carbon prepared by sodium hydroxide activation process
Authors: Bardhan Mondira , Novera Tamanna Mamun , Tabassum Mumtahina , Islam Md. Azharul , Jawad Ali H. , Islam Md. Atikul 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIn this study, activated carbon (AC) was prepared from agro-waste betel nut husks (BNH) through the chemical activation method. Different characterization techniques described the physicochemical nature of betel nut husks activated carbon (BNH-AC) through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and pH point of zero charge. Later, the produced AC was used for methylene blue (MB) adsorption via numerous batch experimental parameters: initial concentrations of MB dye (25–250 mg/L), contact time (0.5–24 hours) and initial pH (2–12). Dye adsorption isotherms were also assessed at three temperatures where the maximum adsorption capacity (381.6 mg/g) was found at 30 °C. The adsorption equilibrium data were best suited to the non-linear form of the Freundlich isotherm model. Additionally, non-linear pseudo-second-order kinetic model was better fitted with the experimental value as well. Steady motion of solute particles from the boundary layer to the BNH-AC's surface was the possible reaction dynamics concerning MB adsorption. Thermodynamic study revealed that the adsorption process was spontaneous and exothermic in nature. Saline water emerged as an efficient eluent for the desorption of adsorbed dye on AC. Therefore, the BNH-AC is a very promising and cost-effective adsorbent for MB dye treatment and has high adsorption capacity.
Boosting visible light response and charge separation by plasmonic Ag and TiO2 modification of Ag3VO4 for degradation of pollutants
Authors: Güy Nuray , Atacan Keziban , Boutra Belgassim , Özacar Mahmut 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
The formation of heterojunction structures of semiconductors is one of the most important techniques to increase the photocatalytic efficiency of a photocatalyst. In this paper, Ag/Ag3VO4/TiO2 as a visible light response photocatalyst was prepared easily by a three step process including hydrothermal, precipitation and photoreduction. The Ag/Ag3VO4/TiO2 nanocomposites demonstrated clearly increased visible light absorption and photocatalytic efficiency in degradation of Rhodamine B. The degradation yield of Rhodamine B was detected 97.3% in 45 min under visible light. Compared with Ag3VO4, TiO2 and Ag3VO4/TiO2, Ag/Ag3VO4/TiO2 exhibited the highest efficiency owing to synergetic effect between Ag3VO4 and TiO2 and surface plasmon resonance effect of Ag nanoparticles. So, the Ag/Ag3VO4/TiO2 can be effectively used as an active photocatalyst under visible light and it depicts an ideal potential in elimination organic pollutants.
Highly Efficient Reusable Carboxy Group Functionalized Imidazolium Salts for a Simple and Cost-effective Preparation of pyrano[2,3-d]pyrimidinone Derivatives
Authors: Ezzatzadeh Elham , Sheikholeslami-Farahani Fatemeh , Yadollahzadeh Khadijeh , Rezayati Sobhan 
Published: October 2020

Aim and Objective:
In the current study, environmentally benign and cost-effective
procedures were suggested for the preparation of carboxy group functionalized imidazolium salts,
including [Cmmim]BF4
- or [Cmmim]Br- as a new, reusable Brønsted acidic ionic liquid (BAIL)
catalyst. Then, the catalytic performance of [Cmmim]BF4
- or [Cmmim]Br- were successfully
inspected towards the three-components one pot preparation of pyrano[2,3-d]pyrimidinone
derivatives 4a-4q. The mentioned procedures show short reaction times, easy work-up procedure,
green conditions, high yields of the products, high potent of recovering, and reusing capability. The
current study is useful and adequate for the application and development of imidazolium salts on
the basis of green chemistry principles.

Materials and Methods:
An aromatic aldehyde (1 mmol), barbituric acid (1 mmol), and
malononitrile (1 mmol) were placed in a round-bottomed flask containing ethanol (5 mL). BAILs
A and B (0.1 mmol, 10 mol%) were added to the mixture. The suspension was magnetically stirred
at room temperature for an appropriate time (Table 2). After completion of the reaction, which was
monitored by TLC (n-hexane:ethyl acetate = 3:1), the pure product was filtered off to separate the
catalyst, washed with water, and recrystallized from ethanol to afford the pure compound. After
separation of the product, the catalyst was recovered by evaporation of water, washed with Et2O,
dried under vacuum for 2 h, and reused for the same reaction.

Results:
The mentioned procedure shows short reaction times, easy work-up procedure, green
conditions, high yields of the products, and high potent of recovering and reusing capability.

Conclusion:
In this study, we unveiled the synthesis of a new acetic acid functionalized ionic
liquids [Cmmim]BF4
- BAIL A or [Cmmim]Br- BAIL B and their application for the preparation of
pyrano[2,3-d]pyrimidinone derivatives via a three-component reaction among various aromatic
aldehydes, barbituric acid, and malononitrile under mild and metal-free conditions. A wide range
of pyrano[2,3-d]pyrimidinone derivatives bearing diverse functional groups was obtained in short
reaction and excellent yields. Operational simplicity, recoverability, and reusability of catalysts,
cheap and chemically stable reagents, high catalytic activity, easy work-up, and the eco-friendly
procedure, make this method environmentally benign and cost-effective.
Investigation of Low Dose Cabazitaxel Potential as Microtubule Stabilizer in Experimental Model of Alzheimer's Disease: Restoring Neuronal Cytoskeleton
Authors: Duggal Pallavi , Jadaun Kuldeep S. , Siqqiqui Ehraz M. , Mehan Sidharth 
Published: October 2020

Background:
Neuronal Microtubule (MT) tau protein, providing cytoskeleton to neuronal
cells, plays a vital role, including maintenance of cell shape, intracellular transport, and cell division.
Tau hyperphosphorylation mediated MT destabilization results in axonopathy, additionally neurotransmitter
deficit and ultimately causing Alzheimer's disease. Pre-clinically, streptozotocin (3mg/kg, 10μl/
unilateral, ICV) stereotaxically mimics the behavioral and neurochemical alterations similar to Alzheimer's
tau pathology resulting in MT assembly defects further lead to neuropathological cascades.

Objective:
Clinically approved medications such as Donepezil (DNP), rivastigmine, and Memantine
(MEM) are responsible for symptomatic care only, but there is no specific pharmacological intervention
that directly interacts with the neuronal microtubule destabilization.

Methods:
The current study focused on the involvement of anti-cancer agent microtubule stabilizer cabazitaxel
at a low dose (0.5 and 2 mg/kg) alone and in combination with standard drugs DNP (5 mg/kg),
MEM (10 mg/kg) and microtubule stabilizer Epothilone D (EpoD) (3 mg/kg) in the prevention of intracerebroventricular
streptozotocin (ICV-STZ) intoxicated microtubule-associated tau protein hyperphosphorylation.

Results:
Chronic treatment of CBZ at a low dose alone and in combination with standard drugs showing
no side effect and significantly improve the cognitive impairment, neurochemical alterations along with
reducing the level of hyperphosphorylated tau by preventing the breakdown of the neuronal cytoskeleton,
respectively.

Conclusion:
The above findings suggested that CBZ at low dose show neuroprotective effects against
ICV-STZ induced microtubule-associated tau protein hyperphosphorylation in rats and may be an effective
agent for the preventive treatment of AD.
Atherogenic Index of Plasma in Women with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A 10-Year Potential Predictor of Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Hammam Nevin , Abdel-Wahab Noha , Gheita Tamer A 
Published: October 2020

Background:
Women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus
(SLE) are at high risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) is
a new marker for the assessment of CVD.

Objective:
This study aimed to determine the predictive value of AIP with long-term CVD risk
among women with RA and SLE.

Methods:
This is a cross-sectional study of 99 RA and 59 SLE women. Demographic, clinical, and
biochemical data were obtained, and disease activities were calculated. For each patient, the longterm
risk of CVD was calculated using the Framingham risk score (FRS); AIP was derived according
to the logarithmic (triglycerides/high-density lipoproteins cholesterol).

Results:
The mean age of the RA and SLE patients was 47.97 ± 8.78 and 36.75 ± 9.09 years, respectively.
The median (interquartile range) of AIP values in RA and SLE patients were 0.34
(-0.15, 1.02) and 0.33 (-0.53, 0.96), respectively, while FRS values of RA patients and SLE patients
were 6.38 ± 5.58 and 4.86 ± 4.5, respectively (p >0.05). There was a moderate correlation between
AIP and FRS in RA and SLE patients (r=0.42, p=0.002 and r=0.33, p=0.007, respectively).
According to the multivariate regression analyses, we found that AIP value is an independent factor
for FRS in RA (β: 4.13, 95% confidence interval; 1.71, 6.18; p=0.008) and in SLE patients (β:
6.19, 95% confidence interval; 2.58, 9.81; p<0.001).

Conclusions:
: We reported that AIP can be used as an independent indicator for long-term CVD
risk in RA and SLE patients.