bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Medicine Knowledge and Purchasing Behaviour in a South African Township: Lessons Learnt From a Pilot Study on Awareness of Substandard and Falsified Medical Products
Authors: Liu Rui , Lundin Susanne , Gosa Thumakele , Muller Elmi , Khambule Paul Roviss , Smith Anja 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Substandard and falsified (SF) medical products are available in informal as well as formal markets globally. South Africa has a large formal, regulated pharmaceutical sector but there has been limited attention to the existence of SF medical products and the risks posed to people in need of medication. Little is known about individuals’ medicine consumption behaviour, especially from a social sciences perspective. This study presents findings on knowledge and awareness of medicine risks amongst residents in a lower-income community in Khayamnandi in the Western Cape province of South Africa. We also reflect on challenges and lessons learnt from the data collection process.Results:Quantitative and qualitative data, using a mixed-methods approach, were collected from 41 adult (≥18 years) respondents through a survey and audio-recorded discussions around the survey questions. Comparison of the two types of data through bricolage and mixed-methods revealed inconsistencies in responses. We argue that multi-disciplinary research using a mixed-methods approach, including reflexivity regarding empirical observations, not only provides a broader knowledge, but that it also brings insights into the complex processes and ambivalent statements collected from research participants. In addition, research participants were not always open about their health-seeking behaviour and provider choices due to concerns about potential conflict of interests among different types of medical care providers in the local community. Conclusions:This is one of the few studies focusing on demand-side attitudes with regards to medicine purchasing behaviour and the potential risks this behaviour holds for the use of SF medical products in South Africa. Multi-disciplinary research using a mixed-methods approach can bring insights into the complex processes and ambivalent statements collected from research participants.
Treatment Seeking Behavior for COVID-19 Symptoms and Its Related Factors Among Northern Iranian Population: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Joukar Farahnaz , Asgharnezhad Mehrnaz , Naghipour Mohammadreza , Mansour-Ghanaei Fariborz , Maroufizadeh Saman , Yeganeh Sara , Nargessi Dorrin Aghajani , Zohrehvandi Behzad 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: This study was conducted to investigate the treatment seeking behavior for COVID-19 symptoms among northern Iranian population and its related factors.Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the treatment seeking behavior for COVID-19 symptoms and its related factors in 602 confirmed COVID-19 cases for a period of 2 months between March and May 2020 in Guilan at the onset of the corona epidemic in Iran. Results: Professional treatment-seeking was observed in 18.6% of patients and most of patient reported home remedies (50.3%) and self-medication (31.1%) as first reaction to COVID-19 symptoms. The multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that patients with breathing difficulties symptom and history of respiratory disease had greater odds professional treatment of seeking respectively (adjusted odds ratio (OR) =1.6, P=0.03, (OR) =3.3, P =0.001). Conclusions: Roughly half of symptomatic COVID-19 patient reported home remedies as first treatment-seeking behaviors and only breathing difficulties symptom and past history of respiratory disease were identified as an independent predictor of professional treatment–seeking. However, we found no more professional treatment -seeking behaviors among elderly, diabetic, hypertensive and obese patients, while there were at risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19 infections. Thus, behavior change interventions in population with underling disease (including diabetes, hypertension and obesity) and older age is crucial to improve professional treatment -seeking behaviors.
A Comparison of Dental Education Between University of Toronto and Zhejiang University During COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Zhao Juan , Zhao Xiaomin , Zhou Na , Wang Sijie , Ye Guanchen , Wang Jin , Wang Yiru , Ye Hengni , Xie Zhijian 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: To compare the contingency modifications to the dental education between the University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry and the Zhejiang University School of Stomatology during COVID-19 pandemic, and to share experiences in keeping the dental academic continuity, resuming practicing activities and preparing the faculty and students for a new normality. Three approaches were adopted to collect information and data: online interviews and email-contact with the instructors and the deans, a small-scale online survey of dental students, and official online announcements of various authorities. Results: The two universities shared similarity in changing trends, while differed in details. The delivery of lectures, seminars and exams was transitioned from in-person mode to online mode and has proceeded effectively and efficiently. The pre-clinical lab training and clinical rotation were the most retarded parts and will not be resumed until the settle-down of the pandemic. Research activities have been kept on at the best possible level. Since the Zhejiang University reopened the campus in May 2020, clinical activities and research works were in recovery with a cautiously-planned and gradual phased approach. Conclusion: Both universities have been trying their best to meet the academic needs of students while protect their health, and to keep alert to the real time epidemic situation in preparation for resumption. Dental institutions could take the COVID-19 pandemic as an opportunity to armor dental students with infection control measures prior to their reengagement into clinical practice. There is a need of a new normality for global dental education that spans time and space.
Secondary Infection in Severe and Critical COVID-19 Patients in China: A Multicenter Retrospective Study
Authors: Sang Ling , Xi Yin , Lin Zhimin , Pan Ying , Song Bin , Li Chang-an , Zheng Xia , Zhong Ming , Jiang Li , Pan Chun , Zhang Wei , Lv Zheng , Xia Jiaan , Chen Nanshan , Wu Wenjuan , Xu Yonghao , Chen Sibei , Liu Dongdong , Liang Weibo , Liu Xuesong , Liu Xiaoqing , Li Shiyue , Zhong Nanshan , Ye Dan , Xu Yuanda , Zhang Nuofu , Zhang Dingyu , Li Yimin 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background. Since 2020 COVID-19 pandemic became an emergent public sanitary incident. The epidemiology data and the impact on prognosis of secondary infection in severe and critical COVID-19 patients in China remained largely unclear.Methods. We retrospectively reviewed medical records of all adult patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 who were admitted to ICUs from January 18th 2020 to April 26th 2020 at two hospitals in Wuhan, China and one hospital in Guangzhou, China. We measured the frequency of bacteria and fungi cultured from respiratory tract, blood and other body fluid specimens. The risk factors for and impact of secondary infection on clinical outcomes were also assessed. Results. Secondary infections were very common (86.6%) when patients were admitted to ICU for >72 hours. The majority of infections were respiratory, with the most common organisms being Klebsiella pneumoniae (24.5%), Acinetobacter baumannii (21.8%), Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (9.9%), Candida albicans (6.8%), and Pseudomonas spp. (4.8%). Furthermore, the proportions of multidrug resistant (MDR) bacteria and carbapenem resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) were high. We also found that age ≥60 years and mechanical ventilation ≥13days independently increased the likelihood of secondary infection. Finally, patients with positive cultures had reduced ventilator free days in 28 days and patients with CRE and/or MDR bacteria positivity showed lower 28 day survival rate.Conclusions. In a retrospective cohort of severe and critical COVID-19 patients admitted to ICUs in China, the prevalence of secondary infection was high, especially with CRE and MDR bacteria, resulting in poor clinical outcomes.
A Clustering Based Image Segmentation Procedure to Automatically Detect Grains in Polycrystalline Materials
Authors: Alagić Dženana , Pilz Jürgen 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
The physical and mechanical properties of a polycrystalline material depend on its microstructure characteristics such as the size and morphology of grains. In practice, different imaging methods are used to visualize the grain structure of such materials. To analyze microstructural changes in case of applied stress and to predict its performance in a given application, the quantitative information about the grain structure must be taken into account. In this work, an effcient and reproducible algorithm, which automatically detects grains in different types of microstructure images, is proposed. Due to the diversity between the analyzed images and a limited number of labeled data, a clustering patch-based approach is followed. The algorithm aims to distinguish between patches in homogeneous grain areas and those lying on grain boundaries through Gaussian Mixture Modeling. The identified groups of grain patches are used to create the seed image for a Seeded Region Growing algorithm, enabling nally a pixelwise image segmentation.
Vaccine Research in COVID-19: A Living Scoping Review Protocol
Authors: Li Jieyun , Feng Lufang , Zhao Haitong , Yang Kehu , Lu Cuncun 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a global public problem and a pandemic event. Since the epidemic outbreak, deaths and cumulative confirmed positive cases have continued rising rapidly worldwide. Vaccines are regarded as one of the most effective means of preventing and controlling an epidemic. With the spread of COVID-19, a large number amount of literature on vaccines has been published recently. There is a pressing need to map the research activities of COVID-19 vaccines.Methods: Following Arksey and O’Malley’s framework and Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodological guidance, a scoping review is proposed to summarize the extent/breadth, range, and nature of evidence in research related to COVID-19 vaccines. Based on the research questions we have developed by ours, a comprehensive search will be performed in Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, CBM, VIP, and WanFang databases by two independent reviewers. According to our predefined inclusion criteria, pairs of reviewers will independently assess the eligibility of identified studies from the databases. Following literature selection, pairs of reviewers will extract relevant information related to our research questions. The methodological quality and reporting quality of key evidence types (i.e., randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews and meta-analyses) will be evaluated using commonly used tools, if possible. Qualitative synthesis and descriptive statistics will be used to summarize and present the results. In addition, new or updated meta-analysis will be conducted to pool the data available in included primary studies where possible. To track the trends in COVID-19 vaccines research, we plan to update our results every 2~3 months. Preparation of this scoping review protocol referred to PRISMA-P checklist, and the reporting of the following full-text will be using PRISMA-ScR guidelines.Discussion: We believe the results of this scoping review on COVID-19 vaccine will contribute to provide foundational knowledge, and have significant value for the research and practice of COVID-19 vaccines. The findings will also allow us to identify research gaps on this topic and help to guide the future research of COVID-19 vaccines well.
Optimal Endometrial Preparation Protocols for Frozen-thawed Embryo Transfer Cycles by Maternal Age
Authors: Zheng Qizhen , Zhang Hongzhan , Xu Shiru , Xiao Shan , Wang Xuejin , Mo Meilan , Zeng Yong 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: It is paramount to consider the appropriate preparation of the endometrium to receive the transferred embryos as the amount of frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles is increasing worldwide. However, there remains lack of evidence about what is the most optimal protocol of endometrial preparation regarding pregnancy outcomes in different subgroup of infertile women. This retrospective cohort study was aim to explore the best endometrial preparation protocols among different maternal age groups.Methods: A total of 16870 FET cycles were categorized into three groups based on endometrial preparation protocols: Natural cycle (NC n=3893), artificial cycles (AC, n=11459) and AC with pretreatment with GnRH-a (AC+GnRH-a, n=1518). Logistic regression was performed to investigate the independent effect of endometrial preparation protocols on IVF pregnancy outcomes. Subgroup analyses were conducted to evaluate the most optimal endometrial preparation protocols for different maternal age groups.Results: In overall populations, after controlling for potential confounders, the incidence of live birth (NC as reference; AC: adjusted odds ratio (aOR) =0.840, 95%CI 0.774-0.912; AC+GnRHa: aOR=0.907, 95%CI 0.795-1.034) in NC was significantly higher than that of AC, while comparable to that of AC+GnRH-a. The early miscarriage rate (AC: aOR=1.413, 95%CI 1.220-1.638; AC+GnRHa: aOR=1.537, 95%CI 1.232-1.919) was significantly lower in NC compared to either AC group. In younger women, the live birth rates (AC: aOR=0.894, 95%CI 0.799-1.001; AC+GnRHa: aOR=1.111, 95%CI 0.923-1.337) were comparable between the three groups, with a slightly higher in AC+GnRH-a. Early miscarriage rate was only significantly lower in NC compared to that of AC without GnRH-a (aOR=1.452, 95%CI 1.159-1.820). While in older women, the incidence of live birth (AC: aOR=0.811, 95%CI 0.718-0.916; AC+GnRHa: aOR=0.760, 95%CI 0.626-0.923) was significantly higher, and early miscarriage (AC: aOR=1.358, 95%CI 1.114-1.655; AC+GnRHa: aOR=1.717, 95%CI 1.279-2.305) was significantly lower in NC compared to those of two AC groups.Conclusions: NC protocol is associated with lower early miscarriage late in overall IVF population. There is a mild favor of AC+GnRH-a in younger women, while the priority of NC is remarkable in older women. Maternal age should be a considerable factor when determine endometrial preparation method for FET.
Expression of Serum Cytokines Profile in Neonatal Sepsis
Authors: Kuang Mengjiao , Chen Suipeng , Huang Shirui , Gong Binbin , Lin Suzhen , Wang Huiyan , Wang Guiye , Tao Hongqun , Yu Jian , Yang Zuqin , Jiang Minghua , Xie Qipeng 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
BackgroundSepsis remains a major cause of neonatal death, but its underlying pathological mechanisms are poorly understood. Methods To characterize the serum cytokine/chemokine profile in neonates with sepsis, we enrolled 40 full-term neonates with sepsis and 19 neonates without infection as controls. Forty cytokines/chemokines in serum were analyzed using the Luminex Bead Immunoassay System. Serum IL-17 was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. ResultsOur results showed that serum IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, IL-1β, MIF, CXCL13, CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL5, CXCL6, CXCL16, CCL27, CCL2, CCL8, CCL3, CCL20, CCL23, CCL27, and CX3CL1 levels were significantly increased in neonates with sepsis compared to those in the control group (all p<0.05). The levels of serum CXCL6, CXCL1, IL-6, CXCL10, CXCL11, CCL20, and IL-17 were higher in late-onset sepsis (LOS) than in early-onset sepsis (EOS) (all p<0.05). Conversely, serum IL-16, CXCL16, and CCL22 were lower in LOS than in EOS (all p<0.05). The levels of CX3CL1, CXCL2, CCL8, and TNF-α were all positively correlated with SOFA scores. ConclusionOur findings revealed that excessive pro-inflammatory cytokines might be involved in neonatal sepsis. In addition, chemokines significantly increased the recruitment of immune cells after infection to participate in the anti-infection defense of neonates, but this could lead to damage.
Trend Analysis of Major Sexually Transmitted Infections in China , 1999-2018
Authors: Chunxia Han , Zisheng Ai 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background：The aim of our study was to analyze the trend changes and region distribution changes of three sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in China and provided a scientific basis for the government to make prevention and control measures.Methods：This study used Joinpoint regression model to fit the morbidity data of three STIs in China from 1999 to 2018. Annual percentage change (APC) and Average annual percentage Change (AAPC) were calculated to evaluate the trend changes of three STIs. We also used hierarchical clustering analysis to analyze the region distribution of three STIs in China from 2003-2018.Results ：We analyzed the morbidity data of three STIs in 1999-2018 derived from China Health Statistics Yearbook. The final model of AIDS was the 3 Joinpoint model (P = 0.01) with an annual average percent change (AAPC) of 33.7 (95% CI: 26.1-41.8, P < 0.001). The final model of gonorrhea was the 1 Joinpoint model (P= 0.0025) with an annual average percent change (AAPC) of -4.9 (95% CI: -6.2- -3.6, P < 0.001). The final model of gonorrhea was the 1 Joinpoint model (P < 0.05) with an annual average percent change (AAPC) of 9.1 (95% CI:6.9-11.4, P < 0.001). The region distribution of the morbidity of three STIs mainly concentrated in the southeast coastal areas and Xinjiang, other areas showed low epidemic levels.Conclusions: In a word, the morbidity of three STIs in China is still increasing slowly, the form of prevention and control for STIs is still very severe, especially in coastal provinces and Xinjiang. Therefore, it is necessary to actively popularize knowledge related to STIDs, and carry out large-scale peer education, further reduce epidemic of sexually transmitted infections in China.
Efficacy of Different Nucleoside Analog Rescue Therapies for Entecavir-Resistant Chronic Hepatitis B Patients
Authors: Shang Jin , Zhou Juan , Liu Huan , Tu You , Ran Jinqiu , Bai Lang , Tang Hong 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background

Entecavir (ETV) is recommended as a first-line anti-HBV treatment. However, many chronic hepatitis B patients initiate anti-HBV treatment such as lamivudine and telbivudine with low genetic barriers in China, which leads to compensatory mutations and increases the rate of ETV resistance. The management of ETV resistance in China is an essential clinical issue.

Methods

Patients from 2011 to 2017 with nucleos(t)ide analog resistance were screened and 72 patients with ETV resistance were included. These patients received different rescue therapies including an ETV and adefovir (ADV) combination therapy group (n = 25), a tenofovir (TDF) monotherapy group (n = 27), and an ETV and TDF combination therapy group (n = 20). Virologic, biochemical, and serologic responses were compared among the three groups.

Results

The rate of ETV resistance increased form 6.04% in 2011 to 15.02% in 2017. Regarding the rates of negative HBV DNA at 48 weeks, no significant differences occurred in the TDF monotherapy and TDF combination groups (74.07% vs 70.00%), while the ETV and ADV group showed the worst virologic response (28.00%). TDF monotherapy and TDF combination therapy showed similar decline of HBV DNA at weeks 12, 24, and 48. There was no significant difference in the rates of HBeAg clearance, ALT normalization, and abnormal renal function between the three groups.

Conclusions

TDF monotherapy showed a comparable virologic response to TDF and ETV combination therapy and a better virologic response than ETV and ADV combination therapy. Thus, TDF monotherapy is the preferred rescue therapy for ETV resistance.
WITHDRAWN: Differentially directional selection on grain size genes identified by RapMap during rice domestication
Authors: Li Yibo , Zhang Juncheng , Zhang Dejian , Fan Yawei , Li Cuicui , Xu Pengkun , Li Wei , Sun Qi , Huang Xiaodong , Zhang Chunyu , Wu Linyue , Yang Huaizhou , Wang Shiyu , Su Xiao , Li Xingxing , Song Yingying , Wu Meng-en 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
The ability to identify quantitative trait locus (QTL) genes controlling natural variation of important traits would facilitate the construction of a bridge between gene function analyses and domestication investigations. Grain size in rice is an important yield, quality and domestication trait. The molecular architecture and domestication signatures of grain size at population level remain unknown. Here we first introduce RapMap, a method for rapid and high-throughput QTL mapping employing a series of F2 gradient populations (F2GPs) constructed by trait-adjacent accessions from diverse germplasms. A co-segregation standard is set for simultaneously integrating the three-in-one framework in RapMap: detecting a real QTL, confirming its effect and obtaining its near-isogenic line-like line (NIL-LL), which greatly enhances the efficiency and robustness of QTL identification. Using 15 gradient populations, eight genes including two novel genes (GL1 and GW5.1) with different effects for grain size in rice were simultaneously discovered by RapMap in three years, which make more than two thirds of genetic contributions to grain size and shape in a mini-core collection worldwide. In-depth analyses of the eight genes employing a large and geographically diverse population, including 446 wild, 2462 landrace and 784 cultivar accessions, revealed that directional artificial selection of slender- and long- grains and their alleles played an important role during indica rice domestication. The genetic effects of the eight grain-size genes positively correlate with the differential selection intensities and the nucleotide variation intensities. Major grain-size genes fixed before the completion of rice domestication have been heavily selected for human requirements and cultivation practices. Generalizable application of the method and mimicking of the domestication nature will accelerate breeding modern cultivars.
Herbal medicines: current use in the treatment of respiratory infections
Authors: Lazareva N. B. , Karnoukh K. I. 
Published: November 2020

The article investigates the causes and mechanisms of coughing and the treatment choice. Phytotherapy has a special role in the treatment of acute respiratory infections. Biologically active substances of plants integrate into metabolic processes more naturally, treatment with herbal medicines is distinguished by better tolerance, lower frequency of side effects and complications. High biological activity and a wide therapeutic index (the relationship between toxic and therapeutic dosing) can also be designated as advantages of medicinal plants. The article presents research data showing the miscellaneous effects of herbal medicines on the pathogenesis of cough: sputum production, improving the drainage function of the bronchi, as well as antimicrobial effect. The article discusses the pharmacological properties of drugs containing combinations of herbal extracts as active ingredients: thyme, ivy and primrose. Thyme has anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial effects due to blocking the growth of various strains of bacteria and fungi. Ivy leaf extract is characterized by similar properties. Primrose root extract has expectorant, secretolytic, anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. It is important to note that the use of a combination of extracts provides a more significant clinical effect compared to the sum of the effects of the individual ingredients. A review of key clinical studies confirming the effectiveness of the use of combinations of thyme, ivy and primrose extracts (approved for medical use in the Russian Federation in the form of drugs Bronchipret and Bronchipret TP) in adults and children for cough and other symptoms of acute respiratory infections treatment. The compatibility of herbal medicines with other drugs for the treatment of respiratory pathology has been noted.