bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Whole genomic comparative analysis of Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 1 isolates causing invasive and non-invasive infections among children under 5 years in Casablanca, Morocco
Authors: Nzoyikorera Néhémie , Diawara Idrissa , Fresia Pablo , Maaloum Fakhreddine , Katfy Khalid , Nayme Kaotar , Maaloum Mossaab , Cornick Jennifer , Chaguza Chrispin , Timinouni Mohammed , Belabess Houria , Zerouali Khalid , Elmdaghri Naima 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 1 remains a leading cause of invasive pneumococcal diseases, even in countries with PCV-10/PCV-13 vaccine implementation. The main objective of this study, which is part of the Pneumococcal African Genome project (PAGe), was to determine the phylogenetic relationships of serotype 1 isolates recovered from children patients in Casablanca (Morocco), compared to these from other African countries; and to investigate the contribution of accessory genes and recombination events to the genetic diversity of this serotype.Results: The genome average size of the six-pneumococcus serotype 1 from Casablanca was 2,227,119 bp, and the average content of coding sequences was 2113, ranging from 2041 to 2161. Pangenome analysis of the 80 genomes used in this study revealed 1685 core genes and 1805 accessory genes. The phylogenetic tree based on core genes and the hierarchical bayesian clustering analysis revealed five sublineages with a phylogeographic structure by country. The Moroccan strains cluster in two different lineages, the five invasive strains clusters altogether in a divergent clade distantly related to the non-invasive strain, that cluster with all the serotype 1 genomes from Africa.Conclusions: The whole genome sequencing provides increased resolution analysis of the highly virulent serotype 1 in Casablanca, Morocco. Our results are concordant with previous works, showing that the phylogeography of S. pneumoniae serotype 1 is structured by country, and despite the small size (six isolates) of the Moroccan sample, our analysis shows the genetic cohesion of the Moroccan invasive isolates.
Development and implementation of a patient assistance fund: A descriptive study
Authors: Soffe Burke W. , Miranda Justine E. , Fang Jenny , Epperson Daniel G. , Lara Roberto A. , Williamson Hazel L. , Lipsky Martin S. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: The purpose of this descriptive study is to outline the Roseman University of Health Sciences (RUHS) College of Dental Medicines’ Patient Assistance Fund development, organization and outcomes. The description and reported results provide insight to others considering similar health professions programs.Methods: The Patient Assistance Fund (PAF) affords dental students an opportunity to petition for and obtain financial assistance for their most disadvantaged patients. In this study, two sources of data were collected and used with a quantitative analysis for data collected as part of the PAFs operation and a qualitative analysis to evaluate the patient experiences.Results: A total of 16 student advocates, consisting of 6 males and 10 females from the D3 and D4 classes made 26 presentations to the PAF board committee. The combined amount requested from the PAF was $47,428.00 (“Cost of Treatment Plan”) representing an average request per patient of $1,824.15 (range $324.00 to $4070.00). The approved procedures and treatment plans totaled $21,278.36 (“Cost of Approved Procedures”) with an average of $818.40 (range $204.00 to $2434.00) per patient. Patients and students expressed a high degree of satisfaction with the program.Conclusions: This study provides an overview of the structure, funding sources, expenditures and patient services supported by a dental student managed patient assistance fund. The experiences at RUHS College of Dental Medicine (CODM) suggest that other healthcare professions schools can develop similar type programs that yield benefit both to students and to patients in need. Trial Registration: Not applicable
Inhibitory effects of Camellia japonica on cell inflammation and acute rat reflux esophagitis
Authors: Nam Hyeon Hwa , Nan Li , Choo Byung Kil 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Excessive and continuous inflammation may be the main cause of various immune system diseases. Reflux esophagitis (RE) is a common gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Camellia japonica has high medicinal value and has long been used as a traditional herbal hemostatic medicine in China and Korea. The purpose of this study is to explore the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of CJE and its protective effect on RE.Materials and methods: Buds from C. japonica plants were collected in the mountain area of Jeju, South Korea. Dried C. japonica buds were extracted with 75% ethanol. DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assay were evaluated according to previous method. The ROS production and anti-inflammatory effects of C. japonica buds ethanol extract (CJE) were evaluated on LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cell inflammation. The protective effects of CJE on RE were conducted in a RE rat model. Results: CJE eliminated over 50% of DPPH and ABTS radical at concentration of 100 and 200 μg/mL, respectively. CJE alleviated changes in cell morphology, reduced production of ROS, NO and IL-1β. Also, down-regulated expression levels of iNOS, TNF-α, phosphorylated NF-κB, IκBα, and JNK/p38/MAPK. CJE reduced esophageal tissue damage ratio (40.3%) and attenuation of histological changes. In addition, CJE down-regulated the expression levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, COX-2 and phosphorylation levels of NF-κB and IκBα in esophageal tissue. Conclusions: CJE possesses good anti-oxidation and anti-inflammatory activity, and can improve RE in rats caused by gastric acid reflux. Therefore, CJE is a natural material with good anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activity and has the possibility of being a candidate phytomedicine source for the treatment of RE.
Monitoring the nitrogen nutrition status of rice plants using spectral and image technologies
Authors: Chun Ye , Zhong Liu Ji , Ying Liu , Da Li Yan , Sheng Cao Zhong , Huang Huang 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: We aimed to investigate methods to estimate the nitrogen (N) nutrition status of rice plants using data obtained using a digital camera and a spectroradiometer. The overall aim was to compare the advantages and potential of image technology and spectral technology to monitor rice N indexes accurately, inexpensively, and in real time to optimize fertilization strategies. Realizing the technical selection of definite spectrum or image diagnosis aiming at different rice nitrogen nutrition indexes. We conducted field trials of rice plants grown with different levels of N fertilizer in 2018 to 2019. Spectral information and images of the rice canopy were obtained, various image and spectral characteristic parameters were selected to construct models to estimate rice N status.Results: The determination coefficients of the models constructed using the ratio vegetation index (RVI[800,550]) and cover canopy (CC) as dependent variables were most significant. Among the models using spectral parameters, those constructed using RVI[800,550] to estimate rice N indexes had the obviously coefficient of determination (R2) values, which were 0.69, 0.58, and 0.65 for the models to estimate leaf area index(LAI), aboveground biomass(AGB), and plant N accumulation(PNA). As for image parameter, those using CC to predict rice N indexes showed the highest R2 values (0.76, 0.65, and 0.71 for the models to estimate LAI, AGB, and PNA, respectively) (P < 0.01). The model using the spectral parameter RVI[800,550] had a good fit and stability in estimating plant nitrogen accumulation (R2 = 0.65, root mean square error (RMSE) = 1.35 g·m-2, relative RMSE (RRMSE) = 14.05%), and the model using the image parameter CC had a good fit in predicting leaf area index (R2 = 0.76, RMSE = 0.28, RRMSE = 7.26%) and aboveground biomass (R2 = 0.65, RMSE = 22.03 g·m-2, RRMSE = 7.52%). Different detection technology should be adopted for different rice varieties and rice N nutrition indexes. Conclusions: Spectral and image parameters can be used as technical parameters to estimate rice N status. The spectral parameter RVI[800,550] can be used to accurately estimate plant nitrogen accumulation, and the image parameter CC can be used to accurately estimate leaf area index and aboveground biomass.
A method for experimental warming of developing tree seeds with a common garden demonstration of seedling responses
Authors: Von Moler Ehren Reid , Page Gerald , Flores-Renteria Lluvia , Garms Cory , Hull Julia , Cooper Hillary , Swenson Jared , Perks Sean , Waring Kristen Marie , Whipple Amy Vaughn 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundForest dieback driven by rapid climate warming threatens ecosystems worldwide. The health of forested ecosystems depends on how tree species respond to warming during all life history stages. While it is known that seed development is temperature-sensitive, little is known about possible effects of climate warming on seed development and subsequent seedling performance. Exposure of seeds to high air temperatures may influence subsequent seedling performance negatively, though conversely, warming during seed development may aid acclimation of seedlings to subsequent thermal stress. Technical challenges associated with in-situ warming of developing tree seeds limit understanding of how tree species may respond to seed development in a warmer climate. ResultsWe developed and validated a simple method for passively warming seeds as they develop in tree canopies to enable controlled study of climate warming on seedling performance. We quantified thermal effects of the cone-warming method across individual pine trees and stands by measuring the air temperature surrounding seed cones using thermal loggers and the temperature of seed cone tissue using thermocouples. We then investigated seedling phenotypes in relation to the warming method through a common garden study. We assessed seedling morphology, physiology, and mycorrhizal nodulation in response to experimental cone-warming in 20 seed-source-tree canopies on the San Francisco Peaks in northern Arizona, USA. The warming method increased air temperature surrounding developing seed cones by 2.1◦C, a plausible increase in mean air temperature by 2050 under current climate projections. Notable effect sizes of cone-warming were detected for seedling root length, shoot length, and diameter at root collar using Cohen’s Local f 2. Root length was most affected by cone-warming, however, effect sizes of cone-warming on root length and diameter at root collar became negligible after the first year of growth. Cone-warming had small but significant effects on mycorrhizal fungal richness and seedling multispectral near-infrared indices indicative of plant health.ConclusionsThe method was shown to reliably elevate the temperature surrounding seed cones and thereby facilitate experimental in-situ climate warming research on forest trees. The method was furthermore shown to influence plant traits that may affect seedling performance under climate warming.
Anais I Simpósio Internacional de Pesquisa em Cuidados Paliativos
Authors: Garcia Ana Cláudia Mesquita , Bolela Fabiana , Pessalacia Juliana Dias Reis , Souza Ana Carolina de , Paiva Eliza Mara das Chagas , Santos Fernando Ribeiro dos , Souza Morgana Praxedes de , Aguilera Tabitha Raisa Kiselar 
Published: December 2020

Caro(a) Leitor(a),
A partir de uma parceria entre docentes da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Campus Três Lagoas (CPTL), Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto da Universidade de São Paulo (EERP-USP) e Universidade Federal de Alfenas (UNIFAL-MG) foi realizado o I Simpósio Internacional de Pesquisa em Cuidados Paliativos, direcionado a docentes, pesquisadores, graduandos, pós-graduandos e profissionais da área da saúde. O evento ocorreu nos dias 23 e 24 de outubro de 2020, online, com carga horária total de 16 horas.
Com objetivo de fomentar o conhecimento acerca da pesquisa em Cuidados Paliativos no Brasil e no contexto mundial; possibilitar o intercâmbio de experiências entre diferentes grupos de pesquisa e pesquisadores na temática dos Cuidados Paliativos; alavancar a cooperação entre grupos e pesquisadores na temática no país; promover o conhecimento sobre os diferentes métodos de pesquisa na temática; possibilitar a reflexão sobre as questões éticas envolvendo a pesquisa em Cuidados Paliativos; estimular a abordagem da temática na pós-graduação stricto sensu e instigar discussões sobre os desafios para a pesquisa em Cuidados Paliativos no país. Participaram pesquisadores com expressiva produção científica e experiência na temática da Pesquisa em Cuidados Paliativos. Além disso, o evento contou com a participação de palestrantes estrangeiros, fortalecendo-se a proposta de internacionalização das ações universitárias.
Comissão Orgnizadora - I Simpósio Internacional de Pesquisa em Cuidados Paliativos/2020.
The Importance of Rhodanine Scaffold in Medicinal Chemistry: A Comprehensive Overview
Authors: Mermer Arif 
Published: December 2020

:
After the clinical use of epalrestat that contains a rhodanine ring, in type II diabetes mellitus
and diabetic complications, rhodanin-based compounds have become an important class of heterocyclic
in the field of medicinal chemistry. Various modifications to the rhodanine ring have led to a
broad spectrum of biological activity of these compounds. Synthesis of rhodanine derivatives, depended
on advenced throughput scanning hits, frequently causes potent and selective modulators of
targeted enzymes or receptors, which apply their pharmacological activities through different mechanisms
of action. Rhodanine-based compounds will likely stay a privileged scaffold in drug discovery
because of different probability of chemical modifications of the rhodanine ring. We have, therefore
reviewed their biological activities and structure activity relationship.
Pathophysiology of Cardiovascular Diseases and the Role of Vitamins, and Herbal Extracts in the Reduction of Cardiovascular Risks
Authors: Kumar Ravindra , Malik Sujata , Tiwari Reena , Zhautivova Saule B. , Rakhimovna Abdikadirova H. , Raj Tilak , Kumar Punit 
Published: December 2020

Background:
Heart disease (cardiovascular disease: CVD) is considered the leading
cause of worldwide death. These diseases are recognized as group of disorders which are related to
heart and blood vessels. Generally, heart diseases are considered life style associated diseases but
many other factors are also found associated with cardiovascular diseases.

Objective:
The aim of this review is to provide the till date information regarding local and circulatory
disorders, role of different vitamins and herbs on heart diseases.

Methods:
This review article contains a detailed survey of literature about cardiovascular diseases,
which was available in different online databases such as; PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct,
Elsevier, and Google Scholar, etc. In this review, the authors have focused on the description
of cardiovascular disorders, their pathophysiological properties and importance of micronutrients,
vitamins and herbs in the management of cardiovascular diseases.

Results:
Cardiovascular diseases are considered responsible for approximately 17.9 million deaths
annually at the global level. Surprisingly, low- and middle-income countries count for 75% of
CVD deaths. These diseases represent disorders related to circulatory systems specially heart and
coronary arteries. Many lifestyle associated factors such as; high cholesterol consumption, smoking,
alcohol consumption, tobacco use, metabolic disorders, stress, and other factors such as; family
history, age, gender and genetic factors, etc. have been found involved in occurrence of CVDs.
That’s why management of diet, management of tobacco and alcohol consumption, management of
stress, increased physical activities are considered population-wide strategies for control cardiovascular
diseases. On the basis of pathophysiology, heart diseases are of many types and out of them,
Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) and Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD) are considered serious and
catastrophic cardiac disorders. Intake of vitamins, micronutrients, lycopene, omega 3 fatty acid and
many herbs like Crataegus oxyacantha (Hawthron), Allium sativum (garlic), Salvia miltiorrhiza
(Danshen), Ganoderma lucidum (lingzhi), Ginkgo biloba have been identified good for cardiovascular
diseases management and treatment.

Conclusion:
Cardiovascular diseases are considered one of the fatal clinical conditions, as many of
them are asymptomatic. The regulation of diet, increased physical activities, and healthy lifestyle
are recommended to control the development of cardiovascular problems. Including this, scientific
studies have supported the role of many vitamins, nutrients and herbs as beneficial in cardiovascular
diseases, but many of them could not demonstrate their role at clinical level but it is suggested
that their role as nutrients can not be ignored and their consumption may reduce the cardiovascular
risks.
Impact of Sleep Disturbances on the Quality of Life Among Schizophrenic Out-patients of Jimma University Medical Center, Southwest Ethiopia: Hospital Based Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Dule Aman , Mohammedhussein Mustefa , Hajure Mohammedamin 
Published: December 2020

Aim:
Current study was aimed to assess the impacts of sleep disturbances on patient’s quality of life.

Background:
Schizophrenia is a syndrome, which affects sleep. Up to 80% of schizophrenic patients complain of sleep disturbances which affect the quality of life

Objectives:
To assess the association of sleep disturbances and quality of life and other contributing factors among schizophrenic patients on follow-up treatment at Jimma University Southwest Ethiopia.

Methods:
A cross-sectional study with a consecutive sampling of 411 out-patients at Jimma University medical center was employed from April 21-June 20, 2019. Sleep disturbances and the quality of life were assessed by Pittsburgh sleep quality index and WHOQOL-BREF, respectively. Epi data version 3.1 and SPSS version 23.0 software was used. Chi-square and independent samples t-test were used for association and P-value < 0.05 was considered for statistical significance.

Results:
Most participants had sleep disturbances and the mean score of positive scale on PANSS was higher for patients with sleep disturbances. About one-fourth of the patients had very good subjective sleep quality and > 85% of sleep efficiency was reported by 139 participants. More than half (51.1%) of the subjects had used sleep medication and the majority (64.7%) of them were reported daytime dysfunctions in the past month. The social domain (M±SD=3.92±2.51, t=8.46, p= <0.001, eta2=0.15) and overall WHOQOL (M±SD=57.60±16.87, t=9.24, p= < 0.001, eta2= 0.17) score had a large difference of means and about 15% and 17% of the variance in sleep disturbance have been explained.

Conclusion:
Generally, the finding of the current study was in agreement with most of the previous studies and sleep disturbances respectively moderate to significant effects on the patient’s quality of life.
Evaluation of miR-122 Serum Level and IFN-λ3 Genotypes in Patients with Chronic HCV and HCV-Infected Liver Transplant Candidate
Authors: Moayedi Javad , Hashempour Tayebeh , Musavi Zahra , Arefian Ehsan , Naderi Mahmood , Heidari Mohamad Reza , Dehghani Behzad , Hasanshahi Zahra , Merat Shahin 
Published: December 2020

Background:
Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST)
are the most common markers of liver damage, but serum level interpretation can be complicated.
In hepatocytes, microRNA-122 (miR-122) is the most abundant miRs and its high expression in
the serum is a characteristic of liver disease.

Objective:
We aimed to compare the circulatory level of miR-122 in patients with Chronic Hepatitis
C (CHC), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infected Liver Transplant Candidates (LTC) and healthy
controls to determine if miR-122 can be considered as an indicator of chronic and advanced stage
of liver disease.

Methods:
MiR-122 serum level was measured in 170 Interferon-naïve (IFN-naïve) CHC patients,
62 LTC patients, and 132 healthy individuals via TaqMan real-time PCR. Serum levels of miR-122
were normalized to the serum level of Let-7a and miR-221. Also, the ALT and AST levels were
measured.

Results:
ALT and AST activities and the expression of circulatory miR-122 were similar in the
CHC and LTC groups, but it had significantly increased compared to healthy individuals (P<0.001
and P<0.001, respectively). Up-regulation of miR-122 in the sample of patients with normal ALT
and AST activities was also observed, indicating that miR-122 is a good marker with high sensitivity
and specificity for diagnosing liver damage.

Conclusion:
miR-122 seemed to be more specific for liver diseases in comparison with the routine
ALT and AST liver enzymes. Since the lower levels of circulating miR-122 were observed in the
LTC group compared to the CHC group, advanced liver damages might reduce the release of
miR-122 from the hepatocytes, as a sign of liver function deficiency.
Mobile Health Intervention to Close the Guidelines-To-Practice Gap in Hypertension Treatment: Protocol for the mGlide Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Lakshminarayan Kamakshi , Murray Thomas A , Westberg Sarah M , Connett John , Overton Val , Nyman John A , Culhane-Pera Kathleen A , Pergament Shannon L , Drawz Paul , Vollbrecht Emily , Xiong Txia , Everson-Rose Susan A 
Published: December 2020

BackgroundSuboptimal treatment of hypertension remains a widespread problem, particularly among minorities and socioeconomically disadvantaged groups. We present a health system–based intervention with diverse patient populations using readily available smartphone technology. This intervention is designed to empower patients and create partnerships between patients and their provider team to promote hypertension control.ObjectiveThe mGlide randomized controlled trial is a National Institutes of Health–funded study, evaluating whether a mobile health (mHealth)-based intervention that is an active partnership between interprofessional health care teams and patients results in better hypertension control rates than a state-of-clinical care comparison.MethodsWe are recruiting 450 participants including stroke survivors and primary care patients with elevated cardiovascular disease risk from diverse health systems. These systems include an acute stroke service (n=100), an academic medical center (n=150), and community medical centers including Federally Qualified Health Centers serving low-income and minority (Latino, Hmong, African American, Somali) patients (n=200). The primary aim tests the clinical effectiveness of the 6-month mHealth intervention versus standard of care. Secondary aims evaluate sustained hypertension control rates at 12 months; describe provider experiences of system usability and satisfaction; examine patient experiences, including medication adherence and medication use self-efficacy, self-rated health and quality of life, and adverse event rates; and complete a cost-effectiveness analysis.ResultsTo date, we have randomized 107 participants (54 intervention, 53 control).ConclusionsThis study will provide evidence for whether a readily available mHealth care model is better than state-of-clinical care for bridging the guideline-to-practice gap in hypertension treatment in health systems serving diverse patient populations.Trial RegistrationClinicaltrials.gov NCT03612271; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03612271International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/25424