bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationship between radiologic gravity and predicting instruments of physical and mental health in elderly with knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Ribeiro Isadora , Coimbra Arlete Maria Valente , Costallat Beatriz Lavras , Coimbra Ibsen Bellini 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between radiologic severity by the grades of the Kellgren-Lawrence scale (K&Ls) independently and in two groups (grades "0 and 1" and "2 to 4") and instruments that assess depression symptoms, cognitive loss, risk of fall and quality of life related to knee osteoarthritis. METHODS: The analyzed materials were derived from a database and collected between 2013-2014 in Amparo (São Paulo, Brazil). 181 elderly with knee osteoarthritis who had a radiologic exam were evaluated for depressive symptoms, cognitive loss, quality of life and risk of fall by: Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index), Timed Up and Go test (TUG) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS). To statistical analyses was used Fisher's exact test, Mann-Whitney test, Kruskal-Wallis test and Spearman's coefficient. RESULTS: There was no significant relationship between the instruments investigated and the grades assessed individually. However, when assessed by groups, grades “2 to 4” had the worst WOMAC score, the highest frequency and the worst risk of fall in the BBS, but not in the TUG. For GDS and MMSE, no significant relationships were found. In addition, K&Ls was correlated with the WOMAC socre, with no differences between their domains. CONCLUSION: Only when evaluated in groups, the radiological scores of the Kellgren-Lawrence scale pointed to a worse status in the WOMAC and BBS and the WOMAC score accompanies the increase in the radiological grade.
Identifying and quantifying robust risk factors for mortality in critically ill patients with COVID-19 using quantile regression
Authors: Linli Zeqiang , Chen Yinyin , Guo Shuixia 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Objective: Many laboratory indicators form a skewed distribution with outliers, for which robust methods are needed to precisely determine and quantify fatality risk factors.Method: A total of 192 critically ill patients (142 were discharged and 50 died in the hospital) with COVID-19 were included in the sample. Quantile regression was used to determine discrepant laboratory indexes between survivors and non-survivors and quantile shift (QS) was used to quantify the difference. Logistic regression was then used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and the predictive power of death for each risk indicator. Results: After adjusting for multiple comparisons and controlling numerous confounders, quantile regression revealed that the laboratory indexes of non-survivors were significantly higher in C-reactive protein (CRP; QS = 0.835, p <0.001), white blood cell counts (WBC; QS = 0.743, p <0.001), glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (AST; QS = 0.735, p <0.001), blood glucose (BG; QS = 0.608, p = 0.059), fibrin degradation product (FDP; QS = 0.730, p = 0.080), and partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2), and lower in oxygen saturation (SO2; QS = 0.312, p <0.001), calcium (Ca2+; QS = 0.306, p = 0.073), and PH. Most of these abnormalities were associated with increased fatality risk and can predict the probability of death, especially, CRP which is the most prominent index with an odds ratio of 205.97 and predictive accuracy of 93.2%.Conclusion: Laboratory indexes provided reliable information on mortality in critically ill patients, which might help improve clinical prediction and treatment at an early stage.
The Validity of the Smart Management Strategy for Health Assessment Tool-Life (SAT-Life) in General Population
Authors: Yun Young Ho , Sim Jin-ah 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
This study aimed to determine the reliability and validity of the life version of the Smart Management Strategy for Health Assessment Tool (SAT-Life) for the general South Korean population. We recruited 1,200 respondents using an equal-probability sampling method from March to May 2018. A life version of the Smart Management Strategy for Health Assessment Tool (SAT-Life) Cronbach’ α was used to determine the reliability of the 30-item SAT-Life. Comparisons with the Self-Reported Health Status (SRHS), Short Form-12 (SF-12), McGill Quality of Life Questionnaire (MQOL), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) were conducted for establishing the discriminant and concurrent validity. Three sets of SAT-Life demonstrated a high reliability with good internal consistency (Cronbach’ α 0.86 for SAT-Core, 0.88 for SAT-Preparation, and 0.86 for SAT-Implementation). The total scores of the three SAT differentiated well between the before-maintenance group versus the maintenance group for achieving goals in the participants, and between the group with high depression score versus that with lower depression score in the general population. These SAT-Life scores were positively associated with health status and physical and mental quality of life (QOL). The scores of the SAT-Life were correlated with social support and spiritual well-being measured using the MQOL, and life satisfaction measured using SWLS. The 30-item SAT-Life had a satisfactory internal consistency and validity for the general South Korean population. Further validation should be carried out in a cohort study across different cultures, including an assessment of sensitivity.
Evaluation of Impact of Daily Laurus Nobilis Tea Consumption on the Lipid Profile and on the Increased Anti-Oxidant Activity In Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Chbili Chahra , Maher Maoua , Sawssen Mrad , Mejda Selmi , Hajer Boudriga , Hedi Khairi , Khalifa Limem , Nejib Mrizek , Saad Saguem , Maha Ben Fredj 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background We investigated whether Laurus nobilis tea consumption affects lipid profile and oxidative stress in healthy volunteers.Methods Plasma concentrations of serum lipid profile parameters and Catalase, Uric acid, carbonylated proteins and superoxide dismutase levels were measured.Results We found a significant positive correlation between Delta- high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and Delta-Uric Acid (R = 0.396, p = 0.036) as well as Delta-Triglyceride and Delta- carbonylated proteins (R = 0.438, p = 0.020). Also, there was a negative correlation between Delta- Low-density Lipoprotein cholesterol and Delta- superoxide dismutase (R= -0.479, p = 0.009).A significant positive correlation between Delta- Low-density Lipoprotein cholesterol, Delta- triglyceride down and Delta- Low-density Lipoprotein Receptor up (p = 0.017, p = 0.038 respectively).In addition, a statistically significant negative correlation between the mean levels of Delta-Low-density Lipoprotein cholesterol down and of Delta-Low-density Lipoprotein receptor (p = 0.013). A statistically significant negative correlation between the mean concentrations of Delta-Low-density Lipoprotein cholesterol down and of Delta-Low-density Lipoprotein receptor up was observed (p = 0.010). The mean levels of Delta-triglyceride down and Delta-Low-density Lipoprotein receptor showed a significantly negative correlation (p = 0.005). There has been a significant increase in Low-density Lipoprotein Receptor levels over the period of study as it went from 444.54 (±241.03 pg/mL)day 0 to 634.00 (± 290.19 pg/mL)day 11 (p=0.000). Our study showed a significantly negative correlation only between Delta- superoxide dismutase up (superoxide dismutase Day11 - superoxide dismutase Day0) and age (p = 0.03), where Delta is the difference in the level of parameters between day 11 and day 0.Conclusion These findings highlight that the infusion of Laurus nobilis can be added to foods to enhance or regulate Low-density Lipoprotein Receptor activity levels with an elevation of HDL-cholesterol serum concentration concomitant to high antioxidant activity. Trial registration Not applicable
Comparison of clinical characteristics and risk factors in hospitalized patients with SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV infection
Authors: Li Zhengtu , Wang Xidong , Su Guansheng , Zheng Zeguang , Li Shaoqiang , Ye Yuwei , Deng Qiuxue , Li Jinchuang , Xiong Xiaoyu , Wei Xinguang , Lin Zeqiang , Jie Zichen , Ye Feng 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Herein, we compared the risk factors, clinical presentation of patients hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV, or MERS-CoV infection. Our data sources include PubMed, Embase, CNKI, and Ovid/Medline. The proportion of male patients with COVID-19 was higher than who with SARS but lower than who with MERS (p<0.001). More patients with COVID-19 had coexisting chronic medical conditions than those with SARS (p<0.001) but fewer than those with MERS (p<0.001), and the prevalence of hypertension (17%) and smoking history (14%) was higher than in patients with SARS (p<0.001). Furthermore, the symptom of fever (53%), hemoptysis (1%), diarrhea (4%) and vomiting (3%) of COVID-19 were significantly lower than that in patients with SARS or MERS. The level of ALT and AST in COVID-19 was significantly lower (p<0.001), however, thrombocytopenia, high LDH were common. Summary, male, smoking history and hypertension were the most common risk factors for hospitalization with COVID-19; and the clinical feature was less severe in COVID-19.
Physiochemical, Insecticidal and Antidiabetic activities of Senna occidentalis Linn Root
Authors: Issa Tahani Osman , Ahmed Ahmed Ibrahim Mohamed , Mohamed Yahya Sulieman , Yagi Sakina , Makhawi Abdelrafie Mohamed , Khider Tarig 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the physiochemical activities of Senna occidentalis (Linn) roots, phytochemicals as insecticidal (ethyl acetate and methanol) and antidiabetic (ethanolic extract) activities. Physicochemical properties were carried out by using Association of Official Analytical Chemists methods, thin layer chromatography was carried out according to the Stahl method. Larvicidal activity and LD50 were studied against third instar of Culex quinquefasciatus mosquito larvae to detect, which extract is safe or toxic. The ethanolic extracts of the roots were orally tested at the dose 200 mg/kg for hypoglycemic effect on induced hyperglycemia in normal rats, assessed in the ethanol extract were compared with diabetic control and standards Glibenclamide 10mg/kg. Physiochemical parameters showed high parameters in nitrogen free extract (69.6%), curd fiber (14.5%), crude proteins (8.15%), ether extract (3.75%), and both Ash and moisture (2%), high concentrations values were found in potassium (43 mg/l) followed by phosphorous (28.5 mg/l), calcium (15 mg/l), sodium (3.65 mg/l) and magnesium. (0.145 mg/l) in this part beside phytochemical compounds showed high amount of alkaloids, triterpene, flavonoids, tannins, sugars, and few amount of Anthraquinone glycosides. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) studies different colored phytochemical constituted with different Rf values. All the spots are colored under UV light, but some are localized colorless after spaying. Ethyl acetate (EtAc) extract showed eight spots and methanol (MeOH) extract showed thirteen spots. The Larvicidal activity showed that ethyl acetate extract was safe against mosquito larvae with LD50 value 1412.54 (p<0.05) and methanol extract had moderate larvicidal activity against mosquito larvae with LD50 value 257.54 (p<0.05). While the ethanolic extract of Senna occidentalis (L.) cause a favorable hypoglycemic activity when compared to control significant reduction by [53.15%, 32.87% and 20.94%] respectively as while as standard Glibenclamide. Based on the various data of the physicochemical parameters, TLC spots and phytochemical compounds of Senna occidentalis root, they could be used as references standards for manufacturing units of Senna occidentalis root Larvicidal and antidiabetic drugs.
Analysis of ACE2 Genetic Variability Among Populations Highlights A Possible Link With COVID19-Related Neurological Complications
Authors: Strafella Claudia , Caputo Valerio , Termine Andrea , Barati Shila , Gambardella Stefano , Borgiani Paola , Caltagirone Carlo , Novelli Giuseppe , Giardina Emiliano , Cascella Raffaella 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
The Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) has been recently recognized as the entry receptor of the novel pathogenic Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2). The presence of structural and sequence variants in ACE2 gene may affect its expression in different tissues and determine a differential response to SARS-Cov-2 infection and COVID19-related phenotype. The present study investigated the genetic variability of ACE2 in terms of Single Nucleotide Variants (SNVs), Copy Number Variations (CNVs) and expression Quantitative Loci (eQTLs) in a cohort of 268 individuals representative of the Italian general population. The analysis identified 5 SNVs (rs35803318, rs41303171, rs774469453, rs773676270, rs2285666) which displayed a significantly different frequency distribution in the Italian cohort compared to the worldwide populations. The analysis of eQTLs located in and targeting ACE2, revealed a high distribution of eQTL variants in different brain tissues, suggesting a possible link between the genetic variability of ACE2 and the neurological complications in patients with COVID19. Further research is needed to clarify the possible relationship between ACE2 expression and the susceptibility to neurological complications in patients with COVID19. In fact, patients at higher risk of neurological involvement may need different monitoring and treatment strategies in order to prevent severe, permanent brain injury.
Standardized Echinacea purpurea extract primes an IFN specific innate immune monocyte response via JAK1-STAT1 dependent gene expression and epigenetic control of endogenous retroviral sequences
Authors: Declerck Ken , Novo Claudina Perez , Grielens Lisa , Camp Guy Van , Suter Andreas , Berghe Wim Vanden 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Herbal remedies of Echinacea purpurea tinctures are widely used today to reduce common cold respiratory tract infections.Methods: A system biology approach involving genomewide transcriptome, epigenome and kinome activity profiles was applied to characterize the immunomodulatory effects of a standardized Echinacea purpurea extract Echinaforce® in THP1 monocytes.Results: Gene expression and DNA methylation analysis revealed activation of innate immunity related antiviral signaling networks, involving IFN, chemotaxis and immunometabolic pathways. Furthermore, phosphopeptide based kinome activity profiling and pharmacological inhibitor experiments with filgotinib confirm a key role for Janus Kinase (JAK)-1 dependent gene expression changes in innate immune signaling. Finally, Echinaforce® treatment induces DNA hypermethylation at intergenic CpG, long/short interspersed nuclear DNA repeat elements (LINE, SINE) or long termininal DNA repeats (LTR). This changes transcription of flanking endogenous retroviral sequences (HERVs), involved in an evolutionary conserved (epi)genomic protective response against viral infections.Conclusions: Altogether, our results suggest that Echinaforce® phytochemicals strengthen antiviral innate immunity by JAK1 responsive gene expression and epigenetic regulation of HERVs in monocytes, which supports its prophylactic use against common cold corona viruses (CoV), Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)-CoV, and new occurring strains such as SARS-CoV-2.
Is Pool Testing Method of COVID-19 Employed in Germany and India Effective?
Authors: Liu Jia , Chen Yi , Xie Kefan , Chen Xiaohong 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
At present, several countries, such as Germany and India, have employed a pool testing method on the nucleic acid testing of COVID-19 for the shortage of detection kits. In this method, the testing is performed on several samples of the cases together as a bunch. If the test result of the bunch is negative, then it is shown that none of the cases in the bunch has been infected with the novel coronavirus. On the contrary, if the test result of the bunch is positive, then the samples are tested one by one to confirm which cases are infected. We verified that the pool testing method of COVID-19 is effective in the situation of the shortage of nucleic acid detection kits based on probabilistic modeling. Moreover, the following interesting results are also obtained. (1) If the infection rate is extremely low, while the same number of detection kits are used, the expected number of cases that can be tested by the pool testing method is far more than that by the one-by-one testing method. (2) The pool testing method is effective only when the infection rate is less than 0.3078. While the infection rate decreases from 0.3078 to 0.0018, the optimal sample sizes in one bunch increases from 3 to 25. In general, the higher the infection rate, the smaller the optimal sample size in one bunch. (3) If N samples are tested by the pool testing method, while the sample size in one bunch is G, the number of detection kits required is in the interval (N/G, N). Additionally, the lower the infection rate, the fewer detection kits are needed. Therefore, the pool testing method is not only suitable for the situation of the shortage of detection kits, but also the situation of the overall or sampling detection for a large population.
Obesity and its role in the development of metabolic syndrome in children
Authors: Panasenko L. M. , Nefedova J. V. , Kartseva T. V. , Cherepanova M. I. 
Published: May 2020

The health basis and correct lifestyle habits, including proper nutrition, are formed in the childhood and adolescence. An excess or deficiency of certain nutrients can cause chronic forms of alimentary-dependent pathology. Childhood obesity results in both short-term and long-term unfavorable effects on physical and psychosocial health. The article presents modern ideas about the pathogenesis of the metabolic syndrome in children and adolescents, diagnostic, prevention and treatment methods.
An economic model of risk assessment for water projects
Authors: Nesticò Antonio , De Mare Gianluigi , Maselli Gabriella 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
The projects that concern water resources are characterized by the multiple risk rates – even extra–financial – that significantly affect their concrete feasibility. Although the risk assessment is decisive for expressing economic convenience judgements on these project initiatives, the decision-maker does not have precise references to determine whether the residual investment risk is acceptable. Thus, the purpose of the paper is to overcome the limit set by characterizing a model for the acceptability of project risk, also considering the plurality of environmental effects that the water projects generate on the community. The idea is to integrate the logic ‘As Low As Reasonably Practicable’ (ALARP) into the procedural schemes of Cost–Benefit Analysis (CBA). In accordance with this principle, widely applied in high-risk sectors such as those of industrial engineering, a risk is ALARP when the costs to further reduce it are disproportionate to the obtainable benefits. The application of the model to an irrigation reconversion intervention in a Municipality in the Province of Salerno (Italy) shows that the ALARP logic defines a general way of thinking and can contribute to the definition of effective forecasting protocols. In this sense, the proposed methodology becomes a useful support for environmental decision-making. (The paper is to be attributed in equal parts to the three authors.)
Innovative ex-situ biological biogas upgrading using immobilized biomethanation bioreactor (IBBR)
Authors: Baransi-Karkaby Katie , Hassanin Mahdi , Muhsein Sharihan , Massalha Nedal , Sabbah Isam 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Biogas, which typically consists of about 50–70% of methane gas, is produced by anaerobic digestion of organic waste and wastewater. Biogas is considered an important energy resource with much potential; however, its application is low due to its low quality. In this regard, upgrading it to natural gas quality (above 90% methane) will broaden its application. In this research, a novel ex-situ immobilized biomethanation bioreactor (IBBR) was developed for biologically upgrading biogas by reducing CO2 to CH4 using hydrogen gas as an electron donor. The developed process is based on immobilized microorganisms within a polymeric matrix enabling the application of high recirculation to increase the hydrogen bioavailability. This generates an increase in the consumption rate of hydrogen and the production rate of methane. This process was successfully demonstrated at laboratory-scale system, where the developed process led to a production of 80–89% methane with consumption of more than 93% of the fed hydrogen. However, a lower methane content was achieved in the bench-scale system, likely as a result of lower hydrogen consumption (63–90%). To conclude, the IBBRs show promising results with a potential for simple and effective biogas upgrading.
Application of Artificial Intelligence in Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Studies
Authors: Thakur Abhimanyu , Mishra Ambika P. , Panda Bishnupriya , Rodríguez Diana C.S. , Gaurav Isha , Majhi Babita 
Published: May 2020

Background:
Artificial intelligence (AI) is the way to model human intelligence to accomplish certain
tasks without much intervention of human beings. The term AI was first used in 1956 with The Logic Theorist
program, which was designed to simulate problem-solving ability of human beings. There have been a significant
amount of research works using AI in order to determine the advantages and disadvantages of its applicabication
and, future perspectives that impact different areas of society. Even the remarkable impact of AI can be transferred
to the field of healthcare with its use in pharmaceutical and biomedical studies crucial for the socioeconomic
development of the population in general within different studies, we can highlight those that have been
conducted with the objective of treating diseases, such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, among others. In
parallel, the long process of drug development also requires the application of AI to accelerate research in medical
care.

Methods:
This review is based on research material obtained from PubMed up to Jan 2020. The search terms
include “artificial intelligence”, “machine learning” in the context of research on pharmaceutical and biomedical
applications.

Results:
This study aimed to highlight the importance of AI in the biomedical research and also recent studies
that support the use of AI to generate tools using patient data to improve outcomes. Other studies have demonstrated
the use of AI to create prediction models to determine response to cancer treatment.

Conclusion:
The application of AI in the field of pharmaceutical and biomedical studies has been extensive,
including cancer research, for diagnosis as well as prognosis of the disease state. It has become a tool for researchers
in the management of complex data, ranging from obtaining complementary results to conventional
statistical analyses. AI increases the precision in the estimation of treatment effect in cancer patients and determines
prediction outcomes.