bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the efficacy and safety of the myrtle (Myrtus communis) in treatment and prognosis of patients suspected to novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Azimi Maryam , Hasheminasab Fatemeh Sadat 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background
Since December 2019, the outbreak of coronavirus pneumonia was observed in China and quickly propagate in all of the world. Nowadays, many trials are underway on this disease in which the efficacy of various therapeutic remedies including chemical or natural agents as well as different non-pharmacological methods such as acupuncture are evaluated. This study aims at investigating the effect of M. communis fruit for treatment of COVID-19 disease.

Methods
We are performing an open-label randomized controlled trial on outpatients clinically suspected to COVID-19 disease in the age range of 18–65 years old with mild to moderate symptoms and without respiratory distress. Patients in both groups (M. communis and control) receive conventional therapy, but those in M. communis group get M. communis preparation in addition to conventional therapy. Intervention will continue for 5 days and the study outcomes including clinical status as well as mortality rate and adverse effects will be measured up to 14 days.

Discussion
The protocol describes the design of an ongoing randomized controlled trial to establish the evidence for the usage of water extract of M. communis fruit in clinically suspected COVID-19 disease and identify any safety concerns.

Trial registration
The trial has been registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials website under the code IRCT20180923041093N3 on March 28th, 2020 (https://www.irct.ir/trial/46721). The results will be disseminated through manuscript publications and presentations to scientific meetings.
Equine seroprevalence of West Nile virus antibodies in the UK in 2019
Authors: Folly Arran J. , Waller Elisabeth S. L. , McCracken Fiona , McElhinney Lorraine M. , Roberts Helen , Johnson Nicholas 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background
West Nile virus (WNV) is a single-stranded RNA virus that can cause neurological disease in both humans and horses. Due to the movement of competent vectors and viraemic hosts, WNV has repeatedly emerged globally and more recently in western Europe. Within the UK, WNV is a notifiable disease in horses, and vaccines against the virus are commercially available. However, there has been no investigation into the seroprevalence of WNV in the UK equine population to determine the extent of vaccination or to provide evidence of recent infection.

Methods
Equine serum samples were obtained from the Animal and Plant Health Agency’s equine testing service between August and November 2019. A total of 988 serum samples were selected for horses resident in South East England. WNV seroprevalence was determined using two enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) to detect total flavivirus antibodies and WNV-specific immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies. Positive IgM results were investigated by contacting the submitting veterinarian to establish the clinical history or evidence of prior vaccination of the horses in question.

Results
Within the cohort, 274 samples tested positive for flavivirus antibodies, of which two subsequently tested positive for WNV-specific IgM antibodies. The follow-up investigation established that both horses had been vaccinated prior to serum samples being drawn, which resulted in an IgM-positive response. All the samples that tested positive by competition ELISA were from horses set to be exported to countries where WNV is endemic. Consequently, the positive results were likely due to previous vaccination. In contrast, 714 samples were seronegative, indicating that the majority of the UK equine population may be susceptible to WNV infection.

Conclusions
There was no evidence for cryptic WNV infection in a cohort of horses sampled in England in 2019. All IgM-seropositive cases were due to vaccination; this should be noted for future epidemiological surveys in the event of a disease outbreak, as it is not possible to distinguish vaccinated from infected horses without knowledge of their clinical histories.

Graphical Abstract
Systematic Sonography Looking for Occult Wounds: accuracy of an abdominal ultrasound adjunct in penetrating trauma
Authors: Jagjit Sri Devi , Rupp Jordan , Ferre Robinson M. , Jordan Mary Kate , Bales Brian 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background
Systematic Sonography Looking for Occult Wounds (SSLOW) in trauma is a novel technique for the evaluation of intra-abdominal wounds in penetrating trauma. No data exist regarding the effectiveness. The objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of the SSLOW exam.

Methods
This is a prospective collected case series conducted over a period of 10 months and took place at the Accident and Emergency Department (A&E) of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). The study enrolled patients presenting to the A&E who were 16 years old or greater with penetrating abdominal trauma. All patients with penetrating trauma received an E-FAST examination. If the E-FAST examination was negative, a SSLOW examination was completed. The sonographer evaluated for free fluid collection between the loops of bowel. The results of the SSLOW were compared to usual care (surgery consult, serial abdominal and E-FAST exams, laparotomy, and 7-day follow-up) and then categorized into four groups: true positive, false positive, true negative, and false negative. These results lead to four categorical values. From these results, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and likelihood ratios were calculated.

Results
There were 5 (12%) true positives, 1 (2%) false positive, 37 (86%) true negatives, and zero (0%) false negative. The SSLOW was 100% sensitive (95% CI 5–100%) and 97% specificity (95% CI 74–96%). There was an 80% positive predictive value (95% CI 1.0–64% 95% CI) and 100% negative predictive value (95% CI 88–100%). The positive likelihood ratio was 8.4 (95% CI 3.69–19.1) and negative likelihood ratio was 0.

Conclusion
The SSLOW examination may be a useful tool in the evaluation of penetrating abdominal injuries.
Pharmaceutical quality of seven brands of diclofenac tablet on the Saudi market
Authors: Hammami Muhammad M. , AlSwayeh Reem , Hussein Rajaa F. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Objective
We previously reported the pharmaceutical quality of eight brands of 50 mg enteric-coated diclofenac sodium tablet available on the Saudi market. Here, we assess the quality of reference (R1) and four generic (G1–G4) brands of 50 mg immediate-release diclofenac potassium tablet and of reference (R2) and generic (G5) brands of 100 mg sustained-release diclofenac sodium tablet.

Results
Weight variation (range as % difference from mean), active substance content (mean (SD) as % difference from label), breaking force [mean (SD)], and friability (as % weight loss) were 95–104% and 99–102%, 100.9% (3.4%) and 105.6 (4.2%), 12.2 (1.3) and 12.9 (1.8) kg, and 0.0014% and 0.0012%, for R1 and R2, respectively. For G1-G5, they were ≤ ± 2%, 98.8% (2.7%) to 109.2% (3.8%), 6.4 (0.6) to 13.3 (1.0) kg, and 0.0007% to 0.0261%, respectively. R1 and G1-G4 disintegrated within 04:50–17:20 min: seconds and released a mean of 89–100% of label active substance content by 60 min in buffer (pH 6.8). R2 and G5 did not disintegrate or dissolve in 0.1 N HCl for 2 h, disintegrated in buffer (pH 6.8) in 01:58–02:15 h: minutes, and fulfilled dissolution criteria (pH 7.5) for both United States Pharmacopoeia test-1 and test-2. Thus all seven brands met pre-specified quality criteria.
Long-lasting microbial larvicides for controlling insecticide resistant and outdoor transmitting vectors: a cost-effective supplement for malaria interventions
Authors: Zhou Guofa , Lo Eugenia , Githeko Andrew K. , Afrane Yaw A. , Yan Guiyun 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe issues of pyrethroid resistance and outdoor malaria parasite transmission have prompted the WHO to call for the development and adoption of viable alternative vector control methods. Larval source management is one of the core malaria vector interventions recommended by the Ministry of Health in many African countries, but it is rarely implemented due to concerns on its cost-effectiveness. New long-lasting microbial larvicide can be a promising cost-effective supplement to current vector control and elimination methods because microbial larvicide uses killing mechanisms different from pyrethroids and other chemical insecticides. It has been shown to be effective in reducing the overall vector abundance and thus both indoor and outdoor transmission. In our opinion, the long-lasting formulation can potentially reduce the cost of larvicide field application, and should be evaluated for its cost-effectiveness, resistance development, and impact on non-target organisms when integrating with other malaria vector control measures. In this opinion, we highlight that long-lasting microbial larvicide can be a potential cost-effective product that complements current front-line long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS) programs for malaria control and elimination. Microbial larviciding targets immature mosquitoes, reduces both indoor and outdoor transmission and is not affected by vector resistance to synthetic insecticides. This control method is a shift from the conventional LLINs and IRS programs that mainly target indoor-biting and resting adult mosquitoes.
Material characterisation of a painted beehive panel by advanced spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques in combination with hyperspectral imaging
Authors: Retko Klara , Kavčič Maša , Legan Lea , Ropret Polonca , Škafar Bojana Rogelj , Gao Yingwang , Gilchrist John , Strlič Matija , Cigić Irena Kralj 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
In this study, a painted beehive panel from the collection of the Slovene Ethnographic Museum was examined with respect to its material composition with the aim to reveal the painting technique. Due to the state of degradation due to outdoor weathering (UV irradiation, rainfall, extreme temperature and humidity fluctuations), as well as past conservation interventions, the object represented a complex analytical challenge. We aimed for non-invasive techniques (FTIR in reflection mode, Raman spectroscopy and hyperspectral imaging in the range of 400–2500 nm); however, in order to explore paint layers, cross-sections were also analysed using Raman spectroscopy. FTIR spectroscopy in transmission mode and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry were also used on sample fragments. Various original materials were identified such as pigments and binders. The surface coating applied during conservation interventions was also characterised. Additionally, organic compounds were found (oxalate, carboxylate), representing transformation products. The potential use of Prussian blue as a background paint layer is discussed.
Correlative study of heavy metal content with biological importance of Solanum virginianum leaf extract
Authors: Guragain Biswash , Pant Khem Raj , Bhattarai Saugat , Chaudhary Narendra Kumar 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background
Rapid urbanization and industrialization have greatly impacted the inherent soil composition. Heavy metals disposed in the environment by anthropogenic activities toxicate flora and ultimately affect the phytochemical profile of medicinal plants. We report here such an investigation of the heavy metal concentrations in the leaf extract of Solanum virginianum (S. virginianum). This work has been extended to observe the phytochemical constituents and antibacterial significance of leaf extracts in methanol and aqueous medium.

Methods
The metal concentration was analysed on ICE 3000 series atomic absorption spectrometer. The antibacterial assessment was carried by disc diffusion technique against three gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and one gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria.

Results
The content of Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Zinc (Zn), and Lead (Pb) were 2.04, 0.47, 0.41, and 0.10 mg/L, respectively. Saponin and coumarin were present in both extracts. Various other phytochemicals like steroids, terpenoid, and flavonoid, were present only in the water extract, while tannin was present only on methanol extract. The methanol and aqueous extracts exhibited their highest inhibition on S. aureus with zones of inhibition of 12 mm and 14 mm, respectively.

Conclusion
The aqueous extract possessed more phytochemicals than the methanol extract, and the aqueous extract exhibited better antibacterial activity. The high Fe content in the leaf extract may suggest its use as an anaemic medicine. Other metal contents are under the WHO range.
Comparing generations of migrants’ transnational behaviour: the role of the transnational convoy and integration
Authors: Klok Jolien , van Tilburg Theo , Fokkema Tineke , Suanet Bianca 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThis paper compares generations (G1, G1.5, G2, G3) of male Turkish migrants to Europe in their transnational behaviours: contact frequency, visits, remittances, property ownership and voting. We aim to explain differences by generational differences in transnational convoy size and integration into residence countries. Data from 798 members of migrant families were obtained from 2000 Families. Generations differ in visiting, remitting, property ownership and voting, but not in contact frequency. Using regression analysis, the transnational convoy cannot explain transnational behaviours. Structural and socio-cultural integration impact various transnational behaviours within generations. Generally, waning of transnational ties across generations cannot be attributed to differences in transnational ties or integration. We add to knowledge on generational differences in transnational behaviour until the third generation and on determinants of transnational behaviour, but conclude that the field of transnational studies is in need of further refinement of operationalization and theory to understand generational differences in transnational behaviour.
Insights on mental health when living with rheumatoid arthritis: a descriptive qualitative study of threads on the Reddit website
Authors: Park Jamie Y. E. , Howren Alyssa M. , Davidson Eileen , De Vera Mary A. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundReddit is a highly visited social news and discussion website where individuals anonymously ask questions, post opinions and share experiences, which provide a valuable pool of publicly available data. Our objective was to systematically search and analyze threads on the social news website, Reddit, to understand experiences of individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) regarding their mental health.MethodsWe conducted a patient-oriented descriptive qualitative study. We identified threads from two subreddits, “r/Thritis” and “r/Rheumatoid”, using keywords such as “mood”, “mental health”, “stressed”, “depressed”, “anxious” over a 1-year period between June 2018 and June 2019. For included threads, we extracted the title, original post, and corresponding comments and responses. We applied thematic analysis using an inductive approach.ResultsOf 81 threads identified, we included 27. We identified four themes: 1)Navigating the management of RAexplores how the physical impacts of the disease, lack of health resources/support and the complexity of medications affect mental health; 2)Experiencing impact on relationships and social isolationincludes experiencing misconceptions of RA, feeling misunderstood and feeling guilt; 3)Experiencing loss, touches on the helplessness brought by challenges with performing self-defining activities such as self-care, work, and childbearing/parenting; and finally, 4)Experiencing emotional strugglescaptures how tension between fighting through and despair has led some to suicide ideation and thoughts of death.ConclusionsOnline forums and communities such as Reddit have created opportunities for individuals with RA to share experiences on mental health matters, which they may not necessarily be able to share with others.
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS): its effect on improving dysphagia in stroke patients
Authors: Sawan Salah Abd Elmonem , Reda Abdelazim M. , Kamel Ahmed Hosny , Ali Mennat Allah Mohamed 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) may have a potential for improving post-stroke dysphagia.

Objective
The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of tDCS on improving dysphagia in stroke patients.

Patients and methods
Forty stroke patients were divided randomly into two equal groups (the study (group A) and control groups (group B). Group A received a physical therapy program and active (tDCS), and group B received the same physical therapy program and sham (tDCS). The Dysphagia Outcome and Severity Scale (DOSS) and videofluoroscopy were performed in all patients before and after 2 weeks of the treatment program.

Results
Before treatment, there were no significant differences between the two groups for DOSS score or digital fluoroscopic findings. After treatment, there were significant differences between the study and control group for DOSS score and digital fluoroscopic findings.

Conclusion
Anodal tDCS is effective in improving dysphagia in stroke patients.
RhoGAP RGA-8 supports morphogenesis in C. elegans by polarizing epithelia
Authors: Raduwan Hamidah , Sasidharan Shashikala , Burgos Luigy Cordova , Wallace Andre G. , Soto Martha C. 
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACT
CDC-42 regulation of non-muscle myosin/NMY-2 is required for polarity maintenance in the one-cell embryo of Caenorhabditis elegans. CDC-42 and NMY-2 regulate polarity throughout embryogenesis, but their contribution to later events of morphogenesis are less understood. We have shown that epidermal enclosure requires the GTPase CED-10/Rac1 and WAVE/Scar complex, its effector, to promote protrusions that drive enclosure through the branch actin regulator Arp2/3. Our analysis here of RGA-8, a homolog of SH3BP1/Rich1/ARHGAP17/Nadrin, with BAR and RhoGAP motifs, suggests it regulates CDC-42, so that actin and myosin/NMY-2 promote ventral enclosure during embryonic morphogenesis. Genetic and molecular data suggest RGA-8 regulates CDC-42, and phenocopies the CDC-42 pathway regulators WASP-1/WSP-1 and the F-BAR proteins TOCA-1 and TOCA-2. Live imaging shows RGA-8 and WSP-1 enrich myosin and regulate F-actin in migrating epidermal cells during ventral enclosure. Loss of RGA-8 alters membrane recruitment of active CDC-42. We propose TOCA proteins and RGA-8 use BAR domains to localize and regenerate CDC-42 activity, thus regulating F-actin levels, through the branched actin regulator WSP-1, and myosin enrichment. RhoGAP RGA-8 thus polarizes epithelia, to promote cell migrations and cell shape changes of embryonic morphogenesis.
The role of CT chest in screening for asymptomatic COVID-19 infection in self-isolating patients prior to elective oncological surgery: findings from a UK Cancer Hub
Authors: ap Dafydd Derfel , O’Mahony Michelle , Jhanji Shaman , Devaraj Anand , Allum William , Nicol David , Blunt Dominic M , Riddell Angela M 
Published: November 2020

Objectives:
In accordance with initial guidance from the Royal College of Surgeons and Royal College of Radiologists, we evaluated the utility of CT of the chest in the exclusion of asymptomatic COVID-19 infection prior to elective cancer surgery on self-isolating patients during the pandemic.

Methods:
All surgical referrals without symptoms of COVID-19 infection in April and May 2020 were included. Patient records were retrospectively reviewed. Screening included CT chest for major thoracic and abdominal surgery. CTs were reported according to British Society of Thoracic Imaging guidelines and correlated with reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and surgical outcomes.

Results:
The prevalence of RT-PCR confirmed COVID-19 infection in our screened population was 0.7% (5/681). 240 pre-operative CTs were performed. 3.8% (9/240) of CTs were reported as abnormal, only one of which was RT-PCR positive. 2% (5/240) of cases had surgery postponed based on CT results. All nine patients with CTs reported as abnormal have had surgery, all without complication.

Conclusion:
The prevalence of asymptomatic COVID-19 infection in our screened population was low. The pre-test probability of CT chest in asymptomatic, self-isolating patients is consequently low. CT can produce false positives in this setting, introducing unnecessary delay in surgery for a small proportion of cases.

Advances in knowledge:
Self-isolation, clinical assessment and RT-PCR are effective at minimising COVID-19 related surgical risk. The addition of CT chest is unhelpful. Our data have particular relevance during the second wave of infection and in the recovery phase.
Effective image visualization for publications – a workflow using open access tools and concepts
Authors: Schmied Christopher , Jambor Helena Klara 
Published: November 2020

Today, 25% of figures in biomedical publications contain images of various types, e.g. photos, light or electron microscopy images, x-rays, or even sketches or drawings. Despite being widely used, published images may be ineffective or illegible since details are not visible, information is missing or they have been inappropriately processed. The vast majority of such imperfect images can be attributed to the lack of experience of the authors as undergraduate and graduate curricula lack courses on image acquisition, ethical processing, and visualization. Here we present a step-by-step image processing workflow for effective and ethical image presentation. The workflow is aimed to allow novice users with little or no prior experience in image processing to implement the essential steps towards publishing images. The workflow is based on the open source software Fiji, but its principles can be applied with other software packages. All image processing steps discussed here, and complementary suggestions for image presentation, are shown in an accessible “cheat sheet”-style format, enabling wide distribution, use, and adoption to more specific needs.