bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sedimentation and sediment geochemistry in a tropical mangrove channel meander, Sungai Kerteh, Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Shaari Hasrizal Bin , Nasir Qatrunnada Mohd , Mohamed Che Abd Rahim , Yusoff Abdul Hafidz , Khalid Wan Mohd Afiq Wan Mohd , Naim Erick , Setiawan Riza Yuliratno , Anthony Edward J. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Tropical mangrove swamps are commonly characterized by dense networks of tidal channels that may show pronounced meandering and dendritic patterns. Channel meanders are sometimes accompanied by cut offs, and, like classical fluvial meanders, record changes in hydrology and sedimentation over time. Channel meandering can, thus, be an important process that contributes to spatial and temporal variability in the preserved record of the sedimentology and geochemistry of mangrove sediments. The aim of this study is to highlight changes in channel meander sedimentation in response to a meander cut-off in a tropical mangrove swamp. Two short sediment cores were sampled, respectively from a point bar (core KR1, 122 cm) at the junction with the neck cut-off and inside the cut-off (core KR2, 98 cm) in the Sungai Kerteh mangroves of Peninsular Malaysia. The profile comparison was based on sediment characteristics, total organic carbon (TOC) and selected elements (Fe, Na, Mg, Mn, Ba and Sr). Sedimentation rates at both sites were determined from 210Pb. A smaller standard deviation of mean grain size (MGS) was found at the point bar (4.37±0.51 ϕ) than in the cut-off (4.43 ±1.76 ϕ), indicating a difference in flow velocity between the two settings. A small difference in sedimentation rate between the upper (0.41 cm.yr-1) and bottom (0.50 cm.yr-1) parts of core KR1 suggests that water velocity at the point bar area has been rather uniform over the timescale of sedimentation. On the other hand, a higher sedimentation rate in the bottom (0.60 cm.yr-1), compared to the upper (0.39 cm.yr-1) part of core KR2 may reflect a reduction in sediment supply following cut-off. This change also resulted in increased accumulation of selected elements and TOC at the cut-off site from a depth of ~ 60 cm to the core-top segment probably associated with a slowing down of sediment settling. A higher TOC recorded in the cut-off (2.74±1.42%) compared to the point bar (1.14±0.46%) suggests a propensity for prolonged in-situ accumulation of organic matter in the abandoned meander bend. This study provides grain-size and sediment geochemical information that is consistent with patterns of long-term active and inactive sedimentation in the meander bends of mangrove channels.
Vitality Models Found Useful in Modeling Tag-Failure Times in Acoustic-tag Survival Studies
Authors: Skalski John R. , Whitlock Steven L. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Acoustic telemetry studies often rely on the assumption that premature tag failure does not affect the validity of inferences. However, in some cases this assumption is possibly or likely invalid and it is necessary to apply a correction to estimation procedures. The question of which approaches and specific models are best suited to modeling acoustic tag failures has received little research attention. In this short communication, we present a meta-analysis of 42 acoustic tag-life studies, originally used to correct survival studies involving outmigrating juvenile salmonids in the Columbia/Snake river basin. We compare the performance of nine alternative parametric models including common failure-time/survival models and vitality models of Li and Anderson (2009 and 2013), which characterize demographic heterogeneity in the mortality of populations. The tag-life studies used acoustic tags from three different tag manufacturers, had expected lifetimes between 12 and 61 days, and had dry weights ranging from 0.22 to 1.65 grams. In 57% of the cases, the vitality models of Li and Anderson (2009 and 2013) fit the tag failure-times best. The vitality models were also the second-best choices in 17% of the cases. Together, the vitality models, log-logistic, (19%), and gamma models (14%) accounted for 90% of the models selected. Unlike more traditional failure-time models, the vitality models are capable of characterizing both the early onset of tag failure due to manufacturing errors and the anticipated battery life. We provide further guidance on appropriate sample sizes (50–100 tags) and procedures to be considered when applying precise tag-life corrections in release-recapture survival studies.
Cutaneous wound healing: Canine allogeneic ASC therapy
Authors: Enciso Nathaly , Avedillo Luis , Fermín Maria Luisa , Fragío Cristina , Tejero Concepción 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Wound healing is a complex biological process comprised of a series of sequential events aiming to repair injured tissue. Adult mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been used in cellular therapy in preclinical animal studies; a promising source of MSCs is adipose tissue (AT). In this paper, we evaluated the clinical value and safety of the application of cultured allogenic MSCs from AT for in acute and chronic skin wound healing in a canine model.Methods Twenty-four dogs of different breeds between 1–10 years of age with acute and chronic wounds were studied. Morphology of the wounded skin was monitored for changes over time via serial photographs and histopathological studies.Results The percentage of the wounds that exhibited contraction and re-epithelialization were significantly different between wounds treated with adipose mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) and control wounds; this effect was observed in both acute and chronic conditions. At 90 days, re-epithelization of acute and chronic wounds reached more than 97%. Histopathological study revealed a reduction in inflammatory infiltrate and the presence of multiple hair follicles on day 7 after treatment with ASCs, promoting epidermal and dermal regeneration. To guarantee the safety of our treatment, we determined the serum levels of cytokine markers in our patients. ASC treatment upregulated granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) at the gene level, which may contribute to the recruitment of cells that participate in skin repair to the site of injury.Conclusions The development of an allogenic ASC therapy to improve wound healing in a canine model that could have a clinical impact in human treatment.
Students' perspectives and views toward a comprehensive based model of teaching: Confidence, effectiveness and challenges
Authors: Hattar Susan , Alhadidi Abeer , Altarawneh Sandra , Ghazaleh Suha Abu , Hammad Mohammad 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background The holistic methodology in education has been widely appreciated and implicated in dental schools in the last decade. Our department of conservative dentistry decided to reform the educational model of teaching from a traditional requirement-based model to a hybrid model incorporating comprehensive care treatment. The aim of our study was to assess students’ confidence and perspectives regarding the benefits of a comprehensive model of teaching. Methods A questionnaire was distributed at the end of the scholastic year 2018-2019 and designed to investigate students’ opinions on the benefits of the new model of teaching as well as difficulties encountered and possible shortcomings. In addition, self-perceived confidence level was assessed for purpose of comparison between their confidence in supervised tasks versus confidence during comprehensive case treatment. Results Completed responses were gathered from 127 students out of 202 giving a response rate of 63%. The majority of students believed that comprehensive cases allowed them to better address patients’ needs, gives higher satisfaction, positively influences self-confidence, permits greater exposure to clinical skills/techniques and enhances reasoning and analytical skills. However, their confidence was still lower in comprehensive case management when compared to supervised tasks. Conclusions Our students showed an appreciation of the comprehensive care model. Self-learning and didactic skills were enhanced. It would therefore be beneficial to adapt this methodology to earlier years and other disciplines, to enhance the effectiveness of education and achievement of learning outcomes.
Corticosteroid Treatment in Critically Ill Patients with COVID-19: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Liang Mengyuan , Chen Ping , He Miao , Tang Jian , He Xinliang , Zhou Yaya , Feng Siwei , Xue Yu'e , Liu Yao , Ma Yanling , Zhang Jianchu 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Objectives: The role of corticosteroids in the treatment of COVID-19 is controversial. In this paper, we intend to study the application value of corticosteroid in critically ill patients with COVID-19.Methods: We collected data from 120 patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19 in the Wuhan Union Hospital. In the first part of this study, the outcome of patients given corticosteroids was compared with that of patients not given corticosteroids. The second part of the study was a matched (1:1) case–control study. After matching the baseline characteristics between the two groups, the effect of corticosteroid use on the outcome was analyzed again.Results: Analysis of data without adjusting differences in baseline characteristics indicated that the proportion of mechanical ventilation and the mortality was higher in the corticosteroid treatment group in severely ill patients. The length of hospitalization and viral shedding have no significant difference between the two groups. After adjusting the difference between the corticosteroid and non-corticosteroid treatment group, analysis revealed that the use of corticosteroids had no effect on the outcome.Conclusions: Among the critically ill patients, the use of corticosteroids has no effect on length of hospitalization, viral shedding or mortality rates.
Which mammalian species are at risk of being infected by SARS-CoV-2: an ACE2 perspective
Authors: Wei Yulong , Aris Parisa , Farookhi Heba , Xia Xuhua 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 can transmit efficiently in humans, but it is less clear what other mammalian are at high risk of being infected. SARS-CoV-2 contain a Spike (S) protein that uses mammalian ACE2 receptors to mediate cell entry, a species with a human-like ACE2 receptor is therefore at risk of being infected by SARS-CoV-2. We compared between 131 mammalian ACE2 genes and 15 coronavirus S proteins. We showed that global similarity reflected by the phylogenetic relationship from ACE2 gene alignment is a poor predictor of high-risk mammals, whereas local ACE2 similarities at key binding sites highlight several high-risk mammals. Both SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 likely have a bat origin; however, direct human transmission is unlikely due to their differences in ACE2 receptors, and various mammals share similar or better homologies in ACE2 receptor with humans. Furthermore, by comparing key binding sites at S protein of SARS-like coronaviruses in high-risk mammals, we found high similarities in S protein binding domains between SARS-CoV-2 and Pangolin-CoV but not Civets-CoV, and high similarities between SARS-CoV and Civets-CoV but not Pangolin-CoV. Hence, evolutionary adaptation of the bat virus in different intermediate hosts could allow it to acquire distinct high binding potential between S protein and human-like ACE2 receptors.
An Evaluation of COVID-19 in Italy: A data-driven modeling analysis
Authors: Ding Yongmei , Gao Liyuan 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) that has been spreading worldwide since December 2019 has sickened millions of people, shut down major cities and some countries, prompted unprecedented global travel restrictions. Real data-driven modeling is an effort to help evaluate and curb the spread of the novel virus. Lockdowns and the effectiveness of reduction in the contacts in Italy has been measured via our modified model, with the addition of auxiliary and state variables that represent contacts, contacts with infected, conversion rate, latent propagation. Results show the decrease in infected people due to stay-at-home orders and tracing quarantine intervention. The effect of quarantine and centralized medical treatment was also measured through numerical modeling analysis.
Prognostic Model for Mortality of Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19 Pneumonia in Wuhan, China: A Multi-center retrospective cohort study
Authors: Mei Qi , Wang Amanda Y. , Yang Yang , Li Ming , Wang Fei , Zhao Zia Wei , Ma Ke , Wu Liang , Chen Huawen , Luo Jinlong , Du Shangming , Halfter Kathrin , Li Yong , Hu Guangyuan , Yuan Xianglin , Li Jian 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) infection is a global public health issue and has now affected more than 70 countries worldwide. Severe adult respiratory syndrome-CoV-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pneumonia is associated with high risk of mortality. However, prognostic factors assessing poor clinical outcomes of individual patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia remain unclear.Methods: We conducted a retrospective, multicenter study of patients with SARS-CoV-2 who were admitted to four hospitals in Wuhan, China from December 2019 to February 2020. Mortality at the of end of follow up period was the primary outcome. Prognostic factors for mortality were also assessed and a prognostic model was developed, calibrated and validated.Results: The study included 492 patients with SARS-CoV-2, which were divided into three cohorts, the training cohort (n=237), the validation cohort 1 (n=120), and the validation cohort 2 (n=135). Multivariate analysis showed that five clinical parameters were predictive of mortality at the end of follow up period, including age, odds ratio (OR), 1.1 / years increase (p<0.001); neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio OR, 1.14 (p<0.001), body temperature on admission OR, 1.53 / °C increase (p=0.005), increase of aspartate transaminase OR, 2.47 (p=0.019), and decrease of total protein OR, 1.69 (p=0.018).Furthermore, the prognostic model drawn from the training cohort was validated with the validation cohort 1 and 2 with comparable area under curve (AUC) at 0.912, 0.928, and 0.883, respectively. While individual survival probabilities were assessed, the model yielded a Harrell’s C index of 0.758 for the training cohort, 0.762 for the validation cohort 1, and 0.711 for the validation cohort 2, which were comparable among each other.Conclusions: A validated prognostic model was developed to assist in determining the clinical prognosis for SARS- CoV-2 pneumonia. Using this established model, individual patients categorized in the high risk group were associated with an increased risk of mortality, whereas patients predicted in the low risk group had a high probability of survival.
Analysis of the SARS-CoV-2 Outbreak in Northern Cyprus using a Mathematical Model
Authors: Sanlidag Tamer , Sultanoglu Nazife , Kaymakamzade Bilgen , Hincal Evren , Sayan Murat , Suer Kaya , Baddal Buket 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
The present study studied the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 in Northern-Cyprus (NC) by using real data and a designed mathematical model. The model consisted of two equilibrium points, which were disease-free and epidemic. The stability of the equilibrium points was determined by the magnitude of the basic reproduction number (𝑹𝟎). If 𝑹𝟎 < 1, the disease eventually disappears, if 𝑹𝟎 ≥ 1, the presence of an epidemic is stated. 𝑹𝟎 has been calculated patient zero, with a range of 2.38 to 0.65. Currently, the 𝑹𝟎 for NC was found to be 0.65, indicating that NC is free from the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic.
Molecular docking-simulation edge assessment of potential and less-toxic ‘anti- HIV-drug and phyto-flavonoid’ combination against COVID-19
Authors: Swain Shasank S. , Singh Satya R. , Sahoo Alaka , Hussain Tahziba , Pati Sanghamitra 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
The emergence of the pandemic coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) disease by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) or 2019-novel coronavirus-2019 (2019- nCoV-2019) has created a disease-ridden environment for the entire human community, globally. However, no potent prophylactic therapy is available to control the deadly emerged viral disease. Repurposing of existing antiviral, antiinflammatory, antimalarial drugs is the only option against SARS-CoV-2. But without any clinical evidence, the recommended dose and expected side effects are under debate. As an alternative solution, we proposed a newer hypothesis using the selective, potent anti-HIV drugs and flavonoid class of phytochemicals in combination to balance the potency and toxicity during combat against SARS-CoV-2. Primarily, ten anti-HIV protease inhibitor drugs with ten phyto-flavonoids are selected as ligands for docking study against the putative target, the main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2 (PDB ID: 6Y2E), as an essential enzyme in viral genome replication. According to molecular docking and drug-ability scores of each ligand, the anti-HIV drug, the darunavir (with a docking score, -10.25 kcal/mol and drug-likeness rating, 0.60) and the quercetin-3-rhamnoside (with a docking score, -10.90 kcal/mol and drug-likeness rating, 0.82), were selected for further analysis in the mixture. Later, the interchanged mutual docking analysis suggested that ‘darunavir-quercetin-3- rhamnoside’ was the most potent and less toxic drug chemical-cocktail/ formulation against SARS-CoV-2-Mpro. Additionally, molecular dynamics simulation, predicted toxicity and pharmacokinetics profiles also support to the hypothesized formulation; mainly, eight strong H- bond interactions were found against SARS-CoV-2-Mpro. Thus, projected molecular docking- simulation based active and lesser toxic ‘anti-HIV-drug-phyto-flavonoid’ therapy could be promoted against SARS-CoV-2.
Retractions among Indian Scientific Authors: Multiple Offenders&nbsp;
Authors: Elango B , Kozak Marcin 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
The study identifies repeated offenders of scientific misconduct among authors affiliated to Indian institutions. To do so, we searched the SCOPUS database for retraction notices of articles written or co-written by such authors. Among them, we identified those who authored or co-authored more than one retracted article. The number of such authors is worrying: About one in ten authors whose at least one article was retracted had more than one retracted publication. Among these multiple offenders, we detected two collaboration networks, linked to two institutions. The retraction notices for one group were mainly due to plagiarism while for the other mainly due to self-plagiarism.
Assessment of undergraduate student knowledge, practices, and attitude towards COVID-19 in Debre Berhan University, Ethiopia
Authors: Aynalem Yared Asmare , Akalu Tadess Yirga , Gebresellassie Birhan , Sharew Nigussie Tadesse , Shiferaw Wondimeneh Shibabaw 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
AbstractBackground: Novel coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) is a highly infectious disease that has caused a global pandemic. As of April, 2020, there were 74 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ethiopia, but none in Debre Berhan where this study was conducted. Under these conditions we sought to assess what undergraduate students at Debre Berhan University knew about COVID-19and how it shaped their attitudes and practices regarding this disease. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from March 18–24, 2020 among undergraduate students at Debre Berhan University. The data were checked for completeness, coded, entered into Epi Data VS 3.1, and then exported into STATA™ Version 14 software for analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the relationship between study participants and the relevant variables. Binary logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors. Factors were selected with a backward stepwise method. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the associations between variables and knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP). Variables with a p value ≤ 0.05 following multivariable analysis were considered significant.Results: A total of 546 participants were included in this study with a mean age of 21.74 years old. In this study, approximately 73.8% of the study participants were knowledgeable about COVID-19 and their overall attitude was favorable. However, most participants showed poor practices in terms of containing potential virus outbreaks. In our multivariable analyses, people 25 and older (AOR = 1.6, 95%CI; 1.2, 4.6) and those who lived in urban areas (AOR = 4.3, 95%CI; 2.6, 15.8) were significantly associated with being knowledgeable about COVID-19. Moreover, we found that the source of information about COVID-19 (AOR = 2.3, 95%CI; 1.6, 8.7) was significantly associated with the attitude undergraduate students had about COVID-19.Conclusion: The undergraduate students at Debre Berhan University were moderately knowledgeable about COVID-19 and had an optimistic attitude towards its resolution. However, this optimism may be leading to poor public health practices within this community. Therefore, greater efforts need to be made through educational campaigns to inform the public of the necessity for proper practices in containing this disease.
A Simple Laptop-based Phonocardiography System: A Novel and Inexpensive Instrument for Research and Clinical Use
Authors: Doyle D John 
Published: May 2020

Background:
Cardiac auscultation is a frequent first step in diagnosing heart disorders. However, the lack of dependability of ordinary auscultation in the hands
of inexperienced clinicians remains a problem.

Objective:
We sought to develop an inexpensive system for digital cardiac auscultation (digital phonocardiography) using a Windows laptop computer, freely
downloadable software and an inexpensive USB microphone.

Description:
The system, based on the free open-source Audacity software package, offers advanced features such as phonocardiogram storage and retrieval,
low-pass and high-pass waveform filtering and variable-speed signal playback with pitch preservation.

Results:
Sample results for both raw and digitally filtered phonocardiograms are provided.

Conclusion:
An innovative laptop-based phonocardiogram system offering advanced features can be easily produced at minimal cost.
Synthesis, Chemical Reactivities, and Biological Properties of Pyrazolone/ Pyrazolinone as a Blocking Unit for Building Various Heterobicyclic Systems: A Review
Authors: Alharbi Abdulrahman S. , Abdel-Rahman Reda M. , Alshammari Nawaa A. , El-Avia Khaled M. 
Published: May 2020

:
This review reports various synthetic routes of pyrazolone/ pyrazolinone derivatives via
the addition of cycloaddition, condensation, cyclocondensation, modification, alkylation, as well as
formylation, regioselective, and ring-opening reactions under reflux, microwave irradiation, and/ or
ultrasonication conditions. It also presents critical chemical behaviors towards nucleophilic and electrophilic
reagents. The chemical reactivities of pyrazolone/ pyrazolinone derivatives involve alkylation,
acylation, condensation, catalyzed diazo coupling, oxidation, heteroarylation, phosphorylation,
stereoselective alkenylation, enantioselective alkylation, addition, and complexation reactions. The
review also summarizes the significant biological activity of pyrazolone/ pyrazolinone derivatives as
antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antitumor, anthelmintic, analgesic, as well as
antioxidant, anthelmintic, antibiofilm, and anti-HIV. Moreover, some pyrazolone/ pyrazolinone derivatives
used to remove various metal or soft metal ions from the wastewater. Besides, they exhibited
stable complexes with some metals, for example, Ag (I), Cu (I), Cu (II), Hg (II), Pb (II), Sn (II),
and Sb (V) as new materials, catalysis, and precursors for CVD in the microelectronic industry and
as potential antitumoral.