bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impaired Myocardial Flow Reserve on 82Rubidium Positron Emission Computed Tomography in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Feher Attila , Boutagy Nabil , Oikonomou Evangelos K. , Thorn Stephanie , Liu Yi-Hwa , Miller Edward , Sinusas Albert , Hinchcliff Monique Evangeline 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Introduction: Cardiovascular (CV) disease including coronary microvascular dysfunction is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with autoimmune conditions and may be linked with Raynaud phenomenon (RP). Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) has emerged as the noninvasive gold standard for the evaluation of coronary microvascular function. As such, we sought to determine the prevalence of coronary microvascular dysfunction as assessed by PET/CT-derived coronary flow reserve (MFR) in patients with primary and secondary RP evaluated for dyspnea or chest pain.

Materials and methods: Patients with a diagnosis of RP in the electronic health record who underwent dynamic rest-stress 82-Rubidium PET/CT from 09/2012-09/2019 for evaluation of chest pain or dyspnea were studied. Heart rate-blood pressure product corrected MFR was calculated (Corridor 4DM, INVIA). Patients were grouped based on their comorbid autoimmune condition, and differences in MFR and clinical predictors of reduced MFR (< 2.0) were compared between patients and healthy controls (n=17, 35% female, age: 35 ± 5 years, BMI 27 ± 4kg/m 2 ).

Results: 49 patients with RP (84% female, age: 65 ± 11 years, BMI: 33 ± 11 kg/m 2 ) were studied. Of these, 11 had primary RP, 18 had systemic sclerosis (SSc) and 20 had other autoimmune diagnosis (n=6 systemic lupus erythematosus, n=6 rheumatoid arthritis, n=4 overlap syndrome, n=2 Sjogren’s syndrome, n=2 inflammatory arthritis). Patients with primary RP had MFR comparable to healthy participants. In patients with secondary RP, only those with underlying SSc had significantly reduced MFR compared to healthy participants (p=0.002, 1.62 ± 0.32 vs 2.22 ± 0.44). In multivariable logistic regression, SSc was an independent predictor of reduced MFR. In addition, there was a modest significant correlation between time since autoimmune disease diagnosis and MFR (r= -0.37; 95% CI: -0.61 to -0.09; p=0.01). Inflammatory markers (sedimentation rate: r= -0.19, C-reactive protein: r= -0.31) were not significantly associated with MFR (p>0.05).

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that there is reduced PET/CT MFR compared to healthy participants in patients with SSC and secondary RP, and that SSc may be an independent predictor of reduced MFR. Patients with primary RP had MFR values that were comparable to healthy participants. Larger prospective studies are warranted to fully elucidate the prognostic value of MFR in patients with secondary RP.
Estimating the proportion of bone mineral density loss in patients with normal kidney function among South Indian population
Authors: Aranha Kevin Neil , Kotian Rahul P , John Arathy Mary 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Bone Mineral density (BMD) is considered as one of the golden tool to measure the bone quality in which two measurements namely T- Score and Z –score are used to report the BMD test results. Whenever there is deterioration of BMD it is associated with low skeletal mass. Creatinine is a chemical waste molecule that is generated from this muscle metabolism. Creatinine is a good marker for muscle mass. However, limited studies have been done which tell us the association between BMD loss and serum creatinine (SCr) levels.Methodology: 200 participants who were referred for CECT abdomen and pelvis were scanned using 128 slice Philips Brilliance CT. Using BMD software, four different vertebral bodies from L1-L4 were taken and ROI was placed at the central portion of the trabecular bone, two reference ROI’s, one in retro spinal muscle and one in fat tissue were also placed. To measure CT attenuation value, a ROI graphic tool was drawn at the trabecular bone. Average HU of BMD, T score and Z score values were taken from L1-L4.Statistical Analysis: The data was analysed using SSPS version 16.0. For assessment of normal BMD values, the results of measurements were averaged for age, creatinine level, T score and Z score and descriptive statistics was calculated. Spearman’s correlation coefficient was used to estimate the correlation between serum creatinine with T score and Z score.Results: T Score and SCr correlated negatively at -0.25. The correlation between Z Score and SCr was also negatively correlated at -0.187.Conclusion: It was evident from the study findings, that there is a non-association between SCr and T Score levels which showed that BMD of a person was not associated with normal kidney function. Thus, SCr levels cannot be used as a biomarker for osteoporosis or osteopenia.
Patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases receiving cytokine inhibitors have low prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Simon David , Tascilar Koray , Krönk Gerhard , Kleyer Arnd , Zaiss Mario , Heppt Franz , Meder Christine , Atreya Raja , Klenske Entcho , Dietrich Peter , Abdullah Abdullah , Kliem Thorsten , Corte Giulia , Morf Harriet , Leppkes Moritz , Kremer Andreas , Ramming Andreas , Pachowsky Milena , Schuch Florian , Ronneberger Monika , Kleinert Stefan , Maier Clara , Hueber Axel , Manger Karin , Manger Bernhard , Berking Carola , Tenbusch Matthias , Überla Klaus , Sticherling Michael , Neurath Markus F. , Schett Georg 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) of the joints, gut and skin are treated with inhibitors of inflammatory cytokines. These cytokines are involved in the pathogenesis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Investigating anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody responses in IMIDs we observed a significantly reduced incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in IMID patients treated with cytokine inhibitors compared to patients receiving no such inhibitors and two healthy control populations, despite similar social exposure. Hence, cytokine inhibitors seem to at least partially protect from SARS-CoV-2 infection.Authors David Simon and Koray Tascilar contributed equally to this work. Authors Markus F. Neurath and Georg Schett share senior authorship.
Optimized and scalable synthesis of magnetic nanoparticles for RNA extraction in response to developing countries' needs in the detection and control of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Chacón-Torres Julio C. , Reinoso C. , Navas-Leon Daniela G. , Briceño S. , González G. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Ecuador is one of the most affected countries, with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection, in Latin America derived from an ongoing economic crisis. One of the most important methods for COVID-19 detection is the use of techniques such as real time RT- PCR based on a previous extraction/purification of RNA procedure from nasopharyngeal cells using functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (MNP). This technique allows the processing of ~10,000 tests per day in private companies and around hundreds per day at local Universities guaranteeing to reach a wide range of the population. However, the main drawback of this method is the need for specialized MNP with a strong negative charge for the viral RNA purification to detect the existence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Here we present a simplified low cost method to produce 10 g of nanoparticles in 100 mL of solution that was scaled to one litter by parallelizing the process 10 times in just two days and allowing for the possibility of making ~50,000 COVID-19 tests. This communication helps in reducing the cost of acquiring MNP for diverse biomolecular applications supporting developing country budgets constraints and chemical availability specially during the COVID-19 International Health Emergency.
Application of high-flow nasal cannula in hypoxemic patients with COVID-19: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Hu Ming , Zhou Qiang , Zheng Ruiqiang , Li Xuyan , Ling Jianmin , Chen Yumei , Jia Jing , Xie Cuihong 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) oxygen therapy provides effective respiratory support in patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure. However, the efficacy of HFNC for patients with COVID-19 has not been established. This study was performed to assess the efficacy of HFNC for patients with COVID-19 and describe early predictors of HFNC treatment success in order to develop a prediction tool that accurately identifies the need for invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients with COVID-19 who underwent HFNC in 2 hospitals in Wuhan between 1 January and 1 March 2020. Overall survival, the success rate of HFNC treatment and respiratory variables to predict the outcome of HFNC treatment were evaluated.Results: A total of 105 patients were analyzed. Of these, 65 patients (61.9%) showed improved oxygenation and were successfully withdrawn from HFNC. The oxygenation index (PaO2/FiO2), Oxygen saturation index (SpO2/FiO2) and respiratory rate-oxygenation index (ROX index: SpO2/FiO2*RR) at 6h, 12h and 24h of HFNC initiation were closely related to the prognosis. The best predictor was the ROX index at 24h after initiating HFNC (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.874). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, young age, gender of female, and lower SOFA score all have predictive value, while a ROX index greater than 6.10 at 24 h after initiation was significantly associated with HFNC success (OR, 104.212; 95% CI, 11.399-952.757; p＜0.001).Conclusions: Our study indicated that HFNC was an effective way of respiratory support in the treatment of severe COVID-19. The ROX index greater than 6.10 at 24 h after initiating HFNC was a good predictor of successful HFNC treatment.
How different Cape Town residential suburbs helped avert Day Zero
Authors: Ouweneel B. , Winter K. , Carden K. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBetween 2015 and 2018, the Western Cape region of South Africa experienced three consecutive years of below average rainfall. The local authority of Cape Town imposed water restrictions to avert ‘Day Zero’, an event that was expected to occur if the storage capacity of the main dams supplying the city fell to below 13.5%. This study analyses how different residential areas in Cape Town responded to water restrictions and tariffs that were imposed from January 2016 to October 2018 during the midst of the water crisis. It further explores the potential implications for tariff adjustments that were designed to sustain water conservation measures beyond the drought, while also being sensitive to the ability of poorer households to access sufficient water at an appropriate per capita cost. Different socio-economic groups displayed a different response to the restrictions. A delay or lag-time was observed in lower-income suburbs during the initial phases of water restrictions, while middle- and higher-income suburbs responded immediately. Once the water crisis eased by mid-2018 and restrictions were reduced, more affluent suburbs began relaxing their water conservation efforts. Nevertheless, lower-, middle-, and higher-income suburbs significantly reduced their water demand by 32, 59, and 58%, respectively, over the study period. It can therefore be concluded that water restrictions and accompanying tariffs altered water use of all users regardless of socio-economic status.
Practices of groundwater over-exploitation control in Hebei Province
Authors: Lili Yu , Minhua Ling , Fei Chen , Yueyuan Ding , Cuimei Lv 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Twenty-one provinces in China have the problem of groundwater over-exploitation, and Hebei is the province with the longest-lasting and most severe groundwater over-exploitation problems. In 2014, the Chinese government initiated a pilot project of groundwater over-exploitation control in Hebei Province. Comprehensive measures have been adopted, including replacement of groundwater supply with surface water, development of a water-saving agricultural irrigation system, adjustment of agricultural planting mode, and improvement of water use right and water pricing systems. Pilot projects of groundwater over-exploitation treatment in Hebei Province can provide a good reference for other arid and semi-arid regions to implement and strengthen groundwater management strategies.
Immunosuppression in Liver Transplantation: State of the Art and Future Perspectives
Authors: Nedredal Geir I. , Picon Rafael V. , Chedid Marcio F. , Foss Aksel 
Published: June 2020

Background:
Novel drugs and combinations for immunosuppression (IS) after liver transplantation is
one main reason for improved graft and patient survival seen in the last decades. The backbone of IS is still steroids
and calcineurin inhibitors, although novel drugs are being introduced, such as the mammalian target of rapamycin
inhibitors (mTOR inhibitor). The challenge today, along with increased patient survival, is the adverse
effects of long-term use of immunosuppressive drugs, mainly nephrotoxicity and other serious adverse effects.

Concepts:
The ultimate outcome after liver transplantation would be achieving tolerance, a state where all IS can
be withdrawn. In the meantime, different approaches to reduce and withdraw IS have been tested out in different
clinical trials with the aim to reduce the adverse effects of steroids and calcineurin inhibitors. This has formed the
basis of today’s clinical practice. The different combinations of immunosuppressive drugs have included mTOR
inhibitor such as everolimus and different induction drugs such as anti-interleukin 2 receptor antibodies. Regarding
induction drugs, lymphocyte depleting (alemtuzumab and ATG) and non-depleting agents, such as basiliximab,
have shown advantageous effects.

Summary:
Alongside steroid and calcineurin inhibitors reduction or elimination, current strategies for post-liver
transplantation immunosuppression explore combinations of novel agents. The gauge (or yardstick) here is the
fine balance between the adverse effects of IS drugs and the risk of rejection. Long-term maintenance IS regimens,
development of tolerance and antibody-mediated rejection are also discussed in this review.
Elecciones 2.0 en México. Análisis de estrategias de comunicación en Facebook de los candidatos presidenciales de 2018
Authors: Rivera-Magos Sergio , Negrete-Huelga Karla 
Published: June 2020

El presente estudio tiene como objetivo conocer si las estrategias de comunicación en Facebook en la campaña presidencial 2018 en México reflejaron la apropiación de la plataforma conforme a los principios de la web 2.0: interacción, multimedialidad y convergencia. Tal propósito resulta relevante si se piensa en el supuesto sobre el escaso aprovechamiento de las redes sociodigitales en campañas políticas en México. El diseño metodológico se basó en el análisis de los principios mencionados a través de dos observables: la arquitectura de las páginas oficiales de Facebook de los candidatos presidenciales y las publicaciones generadas en ellas. Esta investigación contribuye al campo de estudio de la comunicación política digital, a través de categorías y metodología inexploradas en trabajos previos. El estudio concluyó que hay una escasa apropiación de la plataforma por parte de los candidatos, quienes reprodujeron esquemas de comunicación convencional y desaprovecharon el potencial de Facebook.
Esbirros gobiernistas: los perfiles de la corrupción policíaca en la ciudad de México durante los años veinte
Authors: Ponce Hernández Alejandro 
Published: June 2020

<p>Durante la década de los veinte las autoridades federales de México buscaron consolidar sus regímenes gubernamentales. Para ello se valieron de la Policía de la ciudad de México. Más allá de garantizar la seguridad de la capital, esta última se encargó de reprender manifestaciones políticas disidentes y/o subversivas. Aprovechando la situación de privilegio en la que esta tarea la colocaba, la Policía desarrolló un sistema de corrupción e impunidad sumamente violento. Tras múltiples escándalos desatados en la opinión pública las autoridades policiacas desarrollaron campañas que, amparadas en la presentación de chivos expiatorios, se limitaron al encubrimiento de altos mandos.</p>
Chemical composition and antibacterial activity of Algerian propolis against fish pathogenic bacteria
Authors: Soltani El-Khamsa , Mokhnache Kamel , Mezaache-Aichour Samia , Charef Noureddine , Haro Juan Pedro De , Zerroug Mohamed Mihoub , Esteban Maria Angeles 
Published: June 2020

Five different varieties of propolis from four sites from Sétif region (East of Algeria) (Babor, Setif; Ain-Abbassa and El-Hamma), and one site from the center of Algeria (Tizi-Ouzou) were chemically analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. One hundred and two compounds were identified including aromatic acids, linear hydrocarbons and their acids, terpenes and alcaloïdes. Furthermore, the in vitro bacteriostatic and bactericidal activities of the aqueous extracts were evaluated against one Gram positive (Bacillus subtilis, used as probiotics in aquaculture) and two Gram negative (Vibrio anguillarum and Vibrio harveyi, pathogenic for fish) bacteria. The obtained results showed that all aqueous extracts of propolis inhibit the growth of B. Subtilis while the growth inhibition of fish pathogens was achieved when using higher propolis concentrations. These antibacterial properties would warrant further studies on the clinical applications of propolis in aquaculture field.
Keywords: Bactericidal activity; Chemical characterization; Propolis; Vibrio.
Drug Utilization Evaluation of Lorazepam in Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome Patients: A Secondary Care Teaching Hospital Based Study
Authors: Varghese Divine , Ashok Purnima , Nayak Shristi , Jacob Atul Aby , Dev K. Vishnu , Thollur Vijeesh 
Published: June 2020

Background: Drug utilization evaluation is an important parameter for the safe, effective and rational use of medications in medical care. Alcoholism results in abundant cases of alcohol withdrawal which can prove to be life-threatening if untreated, lorazepam is a drug of choice for Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome and requires close monitoring as its over-dosing or under-dosing is common in case of withdrawal. Objective: ensures the safe and rational use of Lorazepam in the management of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome. Materials and Method: This prospective, observational study was conducted among alcoholic patients admitted in the KC General Hospital, Karnataka, India. Baseline data for Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol revised scale (CIWA-Ar) was collected on the day of admission and the response to lorazepam treatment was recorded using the same with respect to the baseline data every 12th hourly after the initial administration until withdrawn. Results: Statistical analysis for 72 patients was done using ANOVA to calculate the overall progression of the syndrome with treatment. Among 72 patients 94.44% were male and 5.55% were female. The mean age of patients reported with AWS was found to be 44.90 years. A significant CIWA-Ar score reduction was observed with a p-value of <0.0001. Conclusion: Our study revealed a strong predominance of male patients with alcohol withdrawal syndrome, where maximum patients started consuming alcohol before the age of 20 years. After the administration of lorazepam, a significant CIWA-Ar score reduction was observed.
Keywords: Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome, CIWA-Ar scale, Drug utilization evaluation, Lorazepam.
Screening of Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Phytochemicals Composition of Various Plant Parts of Cichorium Intybus
Authors: Maitry Choudhary  , Priyanka Rajput  , R.A. Sharma  
Published: June 2020

The present study was conducted to evaluate the antioxidant and antimicrobial potential as well as the phytochemical composition of root, seed and leaves of Cichoriumintybus. The antioxidant activity was analyzed by detecting the 2, 2-Diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl DPPH radical scavenging potent of the constituents found in various plant parts of Cichorium intybus,whereas for analyzing in-vitro antimicrobial activity, agar well diffusion method has been opted. The antimicrobial activity of plant was tested against both pathogenic as well as non-pathogenic species of bacteria by analyzing the corresponding inhibition zone exhibited by various extracts of plant parts against the bacterial growth. Apart from this, the present study also involves the quantitative phytochemical evaluation of total ascorbic acid in root, seed and leaves of Cichoriumintybus. The antioxidant potential of the plant was found to be comparatively lower in seed and leaves of plant than in root in accordance to the determined IC50 value . From the antimicrobial activity analysis, it was concluded that majority of times the non-polar extracts of all plant parts were found to be more effective in inhibiting growth of bacteria. Most significant activity has been exhibited against gram negative bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The ascorbic acid content in plant was found in the range of 2.253±0.867 to 12.594±2.05µg/ml. From the results of the conducted research, the importance of plant as an antimicrobial and anti-oxidative agent has been established. So, the plant can further be introduced as a potential drug for herbal medicine in the treatment of human disorders.
Wpływ wydatków budżetowych na zmniejszanie ubóstwa w Polsce
Authors: Maj-Waśniowska Katarzyna , Stabryła-Chudzio Katarzyna 
Published: June 2020

Problem ubóstwa i wykluczenia społecznego stał się niezwykle ważny w następstwie kryzysu finansowego i gospodarczego z 2008 roku. Opracowanie koncentruje się na ocenie wdrażanych instytucjonalno-prawnych form pomocy w Polsce. Głównym celem opracowania jest identyfikacja rodzajów wydatków budżetowych związanych z analizowanym zagadnieniem i zbadanie zależności pomiędzy wydatkami z budżetu państwa na realizację zadań związanych z pomocą społeczną a zasięgiem ubóstwa w Polsce. W rezultacie przeprowadzonych badań z wykorzystaniem analizy statystycznej stwierdzono, że wzrost wydatków publicznych wpływa na poziom ubóstwa w Polsce zmniejszając jego zasięg. W ramach wniosków płynących z badań odnotowano, że liniowe zależności między wydatkami z budżetu państwa w działach dotyczących pomocy społecznej i rodziny a dwoma zmiennymi zależnymi będącymi wskaźnikami ubóstwa (skrajnego i relatywnego) są statystycznie istotne i są to zależności silne bądź umiarkowane.
The Tourist Perceptions of Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Authors: Rahmadani Fitri , Shabir Ahmad Nurul Ain Binti 
Published: June 2020

This research purpose was to investigate tourist perceptions of the attractiveness of Petronas Twin towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It was a descriptive qualitative research which informants were chosen by using Purposive Sampling technique. The techniques of data collection were observation, interview, documentation and audio recording. The data was analyzed through data reduction, data presentation and verification.
The result tells that the reason of tourists visiting Petronas Twin Tower is because the attraction is one of the icons of Malaysia. Tourist perceptions of the towers are: 1) Visitors of Petronas Twin Towers are apt to come in the afternoon and evening. 2) Tourists come to enjoy the majestic view of the towers and the beautiful lamp decoration. 3) Other than that, they are also regaled by various tourist attractions around the towers. 4) At night, there is a musical colorful lighting fountain show in Suria KLCC Petronas.