bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 mortality risk factors in older people in a long-term care center
Authors: Heras Eva , Garibaldi Pablo , Boix Maite , Valero Oliver , Castillo Jorge , Curbelo Yurisan , Gonzalez Elso , Mendoza Obilagilio , Anglada Maria , Miralles Joan Carles , Lllull Petra , Llovera Ricard , Pique Josep M. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Objectives: Despite high rates of COVID-19 infection and increased related mortality have been reported among older adults admitted in long-term care facilities, a limited amount of information is available about the natural course of this pandemic and prognostic factors in this population. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the epidemiologic, demographics, clinical, or therapeutic factors that may predict the prognosis in a cohort of COVID-19 infected elderly in a nursing home.Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of all COVID-19 confirmed institutionalized elderly in a nursing home transformed into a reference intermediate healthcare facility from March 15 to June 5, 2020. Epidemiological, demographic, and frailty status before infection, and clinical, laboratory, treatment, and outcome data during infection were collected. We used bivariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression to identify risk factors for mortality.Results: The analysis comprised all 100 COVID-19 confirmed cases during the study period. The median age was 85 years; 62% were female. The case fatality rate was 20%. In the bivariate analysis, male gender, fever, respiratory symptoms, severe cognitive decline, a low Barthel index, and lymphocytopenia were significantly associated with mortality. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified male gender, low Barthel index, no pharmacological treatment, and lymphocytopenia as independent risk factors associated with mortality.Conclusions and Implications: Male gender, low Barthel index, no pharmacological treatment and lymphocytopenia are independent risk factors for COVID-19 mortality in institutionalized elderly patients in long-term care nursing homes. Treatment with hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin was associated with lower mortality in these patients.
Polyparasitism in School-Aged Children Living in the Schistosomiasis Endemic Focus of Muyuka-Cameroon after &gt;8 Years of Sustained Control Measures: A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Sumbele Irene Ule Ngole , Otia Ofon Vitalis , Bopda Orelien Sylvain Mtopi , Ebai Calvin Bisong , Kimbi Helen KuoKuo , Nkuo-Akenji Theresa 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Despite the ubiquity of polyparasitism, its health impacts have been inadequately studied. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and determinants of polyparasitism with Schistosoma haematobium, Plasmodium and soil-transmitted helminths (STH) following sustained control measures, as well as evaluate the outcomes and the clinical correlates of infection in school-aged children (SAC) living in the schistosomiasis endemic focus of Muyuka-Cameroon.Methods: Microhaematuria in urine sample was detected using reagent strip and S. haematobium ova by filtration/microscopy methods. Plasmodium in blood sample was detected using Giemsa stained blood films and complete blood count was obtained using an auto-haematology analyser. STH in stool sample was detected by the Kato-Katz method. Categorical and continuous variables were compared as required, Kappa value estimated and the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) in the multivariate analysis was used to evaluate association of the risk factors with infection.Results: Out of the 638 SAC examined, single infection was prevalent in 33.4% while polyparasitism was 19.9%. Prevalence of S. haematobium + Plasmodium was 7.8%; S. haematobium + STH was 0.8%; Plasmodium + STH was 0.8% while, S. haematobium + Plasmodium + STH was 0.9%. Higher preponderance of S. haematobium + Plasmodium infection occurred in females, those from Likoko, did not use potable water, practiced bathing in stream and carried out open defecation than their equivalents. However, being female (AOR = 2.38, P = 0.009) was the only significant risk factor identified. Anaemia was a common morbidity (74.3%) with a slight agreement with microscopy in predicting S. haematobium and Plasmodium infections. The sensitivity and specificity of haematuria (13.0%) in predicting S. haematobium infection was 46.5% and 100% with a moderate agreement with microscopy. Co-infection with S haematobium and malaria parasite was significantly associated with 3-fold odds of history of fever in the last three days.Conclusions: Polyparasitism is a public health problem in the Ikata-Likoko area in Muyuka with females most at risk. Anaemia prevalence is exacerbated in co- and triple-infections and together with a history of fever are of value in predicting polyparasitism.
In silico dynamics of COVID-19 phenotypes for optimizing clinical management
Authors: Voutouri Chrysovalantis , Nikmaneshi Mohammad Reza , Hardin C. Corey , Patel Ankit B. , Verma Ashish , Khandekar Melin J. , Dutta Sayon , Stylianopoulos Triantafyllos , Munn Lance L. , Jain Rakesh K. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Understanding the underlying mechanisms of COVID-19 progression and the impact of various pharmaceutical interventions is crucial for the clinical management of the disease. We developed a comprehensive mathematical framework based on the known mechanisms of the SARS-CoV-2 virus infection, incorporating the renin-angiotensin system and ACE2, which the virus exploits for cellular entry, key elements of the innate and adaptive immune responses, the role of inflammatory cytokines and the coagulation cascade for thrombus formation. The model predicts the evolution of viral load, immune cells, cytokines, thrombosis, and oxygen saturation based on patient baseline condition and the presence of co-morbidities. Model predictions were validated with clinical data from healthy people and COVID-19 patients, and the results were used to gain insight into identified risk factors of disease progression including older age, co-morbidities such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, and dysregulated immune response 1,2. We then simulated treatment with various drug classes to identify optimal therapeutic protocols. We found that the outcome of any treatment depends on the sustained response rate of activated CD8+ T cells and sufficient control of the innate immune response. Furthermore, the best treatment –or combination of treatments – depends on the pre-infection health status of the patient. Our mathematical framework provides important insight into SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and could be used as the basis for personalized, optimal management of COVID-19. Chrysovalantis Voutouri and Mohammad Reza Nikmaneshi contributed equally to this work
Elucidation of Molecular and Hormonal Background of Early Growth Cessation and Endodormancy Induction in Two Contrasting Populus Hybrid Cultivars
Authors: Boldizsár Ákos , Soltész Alexandra , Tanino Karen , Kalapos Balázs , Marozsán-Tóth Zsuzsa , Monostori István , Dobrev Petre I , Vankova Radomira , Galiba Gábor 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background Over the life cycle of perennial trees, the dormant state enables the avoidance of abiotic stress conditions. The growth cycle can be partitioned into induction, maintenance and release and is controlled by complex interactions between many endogenous and environmental factors. While phytohormones have long been linked with dormancy, there is increasing evidence of regulation by DAM and CBF genes. To reveal whether the expression kinetics of CBFs and their target PtDAM1 is related to growth cessation and endodormancy induction in Populus, two hybrid poplar cultivars were studied.Results Growth cessation, dormancy status and expression of six PtCBFs and PtDAM1 were analyzed. The ‘Okanese’ hybrid cultivar ceased growth rapidly, was able to reach endodormancy, and exhibited a significant increase of several PtCBF transcripts in the buds on the 10th day. The ‘Walker’ cultivar had delayed growth cessation, was unable to enter endodormancy, and showed much lower CBF expression in buds. Expression of PtDAM1 peaked on the 10th day only in the buds of ‘Okanese’. Besides, in the leaves of the two cultivars, PtDAM1 was not expressed while the CBFs expression pattern was reversed. Leaf phytohormones in both cultivars followed similar profiles during growth cessation but differentiated based on cytokinins which were largely reduced, while the Ox-IAA and iP7G increased in ‘Okanese’ compared to ‘Walker’. Surprisingly, ABA concentration was reduced in leaves of both cultivars. However, the metabolic deactivation product of ABA, phaseic acid, exhibited an early peak on the first day in ‘Okanese’.Conclusions Our results indicate that PtCBFs and PtDAM1 have differential kinetics and spatial localization which may be related to early growth cessation and endodormancy induction under the regime of low night temperature and short photoperiod in poplar. Unlike buds, PtCBFs and PtDAM1 expression levels in leaves were not associated with early growth cessation and dormancy induction under these conditions. Our study provides new evidence that the degradation of auxin and cytokinins in leaves may be an important regulatory point in a CBF-DAM induced endodormancy. Further investigation of other PtDAMs in bud tissue and a study of both growth-inhibiting and the degradation of growth-promoting phytohormones is warranted.
Assessment of hydrological drought based on nonstationary runoff data
Authors: Sun Xueli , Li Zhanling , Tian Qingyun 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
A nonstationary standardized runoff index (NSRI) is proposed by using the GAMLSS framework to assess the hydrological drought under nonstationary conditions. The definition of the NSRI is similar to that of SRI, but using a nonstationary Gamma distribution by incorporating meteorological variables and antecedent runoff as covariates to describe the characteristics of runoff series. The new drought index is then applied to the upper reach of the Heihe River basin. Four models are developed, in which one is stationary, and the other three are nonstationary with one, two and three covariates, respectively. Results show that, for the nonstationary runoff series, the nonstationary models are more robust and reliable than the stationary one. Among these models, the model with two covariates performs the best. For the model with one covariate, the precipitation shows better in the fitting as a covariate in rainy seasons, and the antecedent runoff shows better in dry seasons. The NSRI identifies more drought events than SRI does, and the drought conditions in our case are mainly affected by precipitation. It is proved that the proposed new drought index is a more effective method for drought assessments under nonstationary conditions.
Bioaerosol in a typical municipal wastewater treatment plant: concentration, size distribution, and health risk assessment
Authors: Xu Pengcheng , Zhang Chongmiao , Mou Xiao , Wang Xiaochang C. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
An investigation on bioaerosol in a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) located in Xi'an, China, was conducted to understand the characteristics of bioaerosol released from wastewater and sludge treatment facilities because the bioaerosols may pose a threat to human health. Using the Andersen impactor sampler collection and colony-counting method, bioaerosol concentrations and size distributions were detected. The risk quotient method was used to evaluate the health risks associated with inhalation of bioaerosol for WWTP staff, based on the average daily dose rates of exposure. The health risk in relation to Legionella pneumophila was quantitatively calculated using quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA), based on the assumption of the percentage. The maximum concentration of airborne bacteria (3,767 ± 280 colony forming units (CFU)/m3) and fungi (8,775 ± 406 CFU/m3) occurred from the aerated grit chamber and sludge thickening house, respectively, which all exceeded 500 CFU/m3 as the acceptable guideline proposed by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. The particle size of airborne bacteria was mainly distributed in the first three stages (&gt;3.3 µm), while that of airborne fungi was from the second to the fourth stage (2.1–7.0 µm). The hazard index exposure to bioaerosol for adult males and females by inhalation were higher than 1. The proportion of L. pneumophila should be strictly controlled below 10−8, based on the QMRA approach.
Exploring the Mechanism of Lingzhu San in Treating Febrile Seizures by Using Network Pharmacology
Authors: Zhou Xiao , Zhang Xiao-Fei , Guo Dong-Yan , Yang Yan-Jun , Liu Lin , Wang Lin , Zhang Xue , Cheng Jiang-Xue , Zou Jun-Bo , Shi Ya-Jun 
Published: September 2020

Objective:
Lingzhu San (LZS) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription which can be effective in
treating febrile seizures (FS) and has few researches on the mechanisms. In order to better guide the clinical use of LZS, we
used the research ideas and methods of network pharmacology to find the potential core compounds, targets and pathways
of LZS in the complex TCM system for the treatment of FS, and predict the mechanism.

Materials and Methods:
Databases such as BATMAN, TCMSP, TCMID, and SWISS TARGET are used to mine the active
compounds and targets of LZS, and the target information of FS was obtained through GENECARDS and OMIM. Using
Venny2.1.0 and Cytoscape software to locked the potential core compounds and targets of FS. The R language and ClusterProfiler software package were adopt to enrich and analyze the KEGG and GO pathways of the core targets and the biological processes and potential mechanisms of the core targets were revealed.

Results:
187 active compounds and 2113 target proteins of LZS were collected. And 38 potential core compounds, 35 core
targets and 775 metabolic and functional pathways were screened which involved in mediating FS. Finally, the role of the
core compounds, targets and pivotal pathways of LZS regulated FS in the pathogenesis and therapeutic mechanism of FS
was discussed and clarified.

Conclusions:
In this paper, the multi-compounds, multi-targets and multi-pathways mechanism of LZS in the treatment of
FS was preliminarily revealed through the analysis of network pharmacology data, which is consistent with the principle of
multi-compounds compatibility of TCM prescriptions and unified treatment of diseases from multiple angles, and it provides a new way for TCM to treat complex diseases caused by multiple factors.
Preparation of Sterile Raw Material - Chicken Eggshells in the Process of their Transformation into Selected Calcium Salts
Authors: Siemiradzka Wioletta , Dolińska Barbara , Ryszka Florian 
Published: September 2020

Background:
The chicken eggshells and their subcrustal membranes are a valuable source
of calcium, but they are not further processed but disposed of as waste from the food industry. Chicken
eggshells have high content (>95%) of calcium carbonate. Some properties suggest that eggshells may
be a promising alternative to the present calcium sources used in the pharmaceutical industry.

Methods:
The effect of roasting chicken eggshells with a selected organic acid (citric or fumaric or lactic
acid) on microbiological purity, including the presence of fungi and bacteria Salmonella spp.,
Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli of obtained calcium salts, was investigated. In this study,
chicken eggshells were subjected to chemical reactions with organic acids (citric, fumaric or lactic
acid) at two different calcium-acid molar ratios (1:1 or 1:3) and the mixture was heat-treated for 1 or 3
hours at a temperature of 100°C or 120°C.

Results and Discussion:
It was found that lactic acid was 100% effective against fungi, and the remaining
citric and fumaric acids were -50% (regardless of the other examined conditions). The type of
acid used has a significant effect on fungal growth inhibition (p<0.05). Fumaric acid and lactic acid
will be nearly 100% effective against bacteria (100% fumaric acid and 97% lactic acid effectiveness),
regardless of other factors.

Conclusion:
Lactic acid is the most effective against pathogenic flora - fungi and bacteria. The transformation
of chicken eggshells into calcium lactate can provide us with sterile calcium salt, free of
100% fungi and 97% of all bacteria.
Development of L-Lysine Amino Acid-Based Co-Crystal of Telmisartan Using Crystal Engineering Approach to Improve Solubility, Dissolution, and Micrometric Properties
Authors: Bhatt Nitin Kumar , Haneef Jamshed , Vyas Manish , Khatik Gopal L. 
Published: September 2020

Aim:
To develop a co-crytsal of Telmisartan for enhancing its solubility in water.

Background:
Intermolecular interaction happens in crystal packing; it utilizes and helps to understand
the design of new solid with their respective chemical and physical properties called crystal engineering.
It is a blueprint of molecular solids with specific chemical and physical properties
through an understanding and handling of intermolecular interaction for increasing the solubility,
in case of poor water-soluble drugs.

Objectives:
The study was taken under consideration with an aim to generate and synthesize a cocrystal
form of Telmisartan (TEL) with L-lysine to improve its water solubility, dissolution, and micrometric
properties.

Methods:
Using dry grinding technique, solvent evaporation and cooling crystallization, the results
revealed a generation of co-crystals with enhanced solubility by liquid drop grinding method.
Hence, this process was further explored to investigate various formulations and process parameters
that could significantly affect the crystal solubility, dissolution, and micrometric properties.

Results:
The solubility of TEL co-crystals was enhanced by L-lysine. Further, the optimized batch
was subjected to its micrometric evaluation and physiochemical characterization like FT-IR, NMR,
PXRD. The result of the micrometric evaluation showed better results as compared to standards.
The dissolution studies also showed a better dissolution rate for TEL co-crystal tablets than TEL
tablets formulation.

Conclusion:
Co-crystals of TEL with L-lysine showed better solubility and dissolution rate.
Cardiovascular Effects of Hypoglycemic Agents in Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Pietraszek Anna 
Published: September 2020

Background:
Despite substantial improvements over the years, diabetes mellitus is still
associated with cardiovascular disease, heart failure, and excess mortality.

Objective:
The objective of this article is to examine existing data on the reduction of cardiovascular
morbidity and mortality in diabetes. Control of glycemia, lipid levels, and blood pressure are described
in brief. The main scope of this article is, however, to review the glucose-independent cardiovascular
effect of antidiabetic pharmacological agents (mainly other than insulin).

Methods:
The article is a narrative review based on recently published reviews and meta-analyses
complemented with data from individual trials, when relevant.

Results and Discussion:
Older data suggest a cardioprotective role of metformin (an inexpensive
and safe drug); a role to date not convincingly challenged. The cardiovascular effects of thiazolidinediones,
sulphonylurea, and glinides are debatable. Recent large-scale cardiovascular outcome
trials suggest a neutral profile of dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors, yet provide compelling evidence
of cardioprotective effects of glucagon-like 1 receptor antagonists and sodium-glucose transporter
2 inhibitors.

Conclusion:
Metformin may have a role in primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease;
glucagon-like 1 receptor antagonists and sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors play a
role in secondary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Sodium-glucose transporter
2 inhibitors have a role to play in both primary and secondary prevention of heart failure; yet, they
carry a small risk of the potentially dangerous adverse effect, euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis.
THE RELATIONSHIP OF RESILIENCE AND QUALITY OF LIFE PATIENT WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE WHO UNDERGOING HAEMODIALYSIS IN RASYDA KIDNEY HOSPITAL MEDAN
Authors: Pane Jagentar , Saragih Ice Septriani 
Published: September 2020

Chronic kidney failure is a public health problem in the whole world and the treatment of end-stage chronic kidney failure is by dialysis. Haemodialysis can cause disorders Â in patient's body function that can make Â patientÂ have to adaptation continuously for the rest of patientâ€™s Â life. Patients who suffering Â chronic diseases like Â chronic kidney failure feel unable to face, undergo, and accept the illness, so there is a need for resilience. Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness often faced by sufferers Â Chronic kidney failure because various treatments can not help and Â recover Â the patientÂ from chronic diseases that can affect his/her quality of life. This study aims to determine the relationship of resilience and quality of life of patients with chronic kidney Â failure who undergoing Â hemodialysis at the Rasyda Kidney Hospital . This research is a descriptive correlative type of research using cross sectional design and the number of samples Â were 117 people where sampling technique with accindental sampling. The results showed that patients with chronic kidney failure who underwent hemodialysis at the majority Rasyida Kidney Special Hospital (85.5%) had high resilience and had an adequate quality of life (66.7%). The results also showed that there was a relationship of resilience with the quality of life of patients with chronic kidney failure undergoing hemodialysis at the Rasyida Kidney Special Hospital (p = 0.001, Î± <0.005). Researchers suggest that future studies conduct research on the factors that affect resilience and quality of life of patients with chronic kidney failure undergoing hemodialysis.
Maskulina läspraktiker genom tid och rum
Authors: Asplund Stig-Börje , Ljung Egeland Birgitta 
Published: September 2020

The interaction between the local place and reading practice is continuously emphasized in literacy research. Nevertheless, the significance of place has been neglected in research on working-class men’s relationship to reading. This study responds to this gap by examining working-class men from rural areas and their relationship to reading across a life span. Through life-story interviews with two working-class men in their 60s, living in the same rural woodland municipality, the article contributes to the understanding of the importance of reading in these men’s lives, and how their reader histories interact with distinctive features of the locality. The study shows that the men’s individual reader histories have been shaped by, and have shaped, the specific local and cultural contexts and surrounding discourses. Through their reading practices throughout their life courses, the men (re)construct rural working-class identities in which hunting, fishing, sports and cars constitute significant elements. However, other movements in the men’s reading practices related to place through which the men can pursue alternative masculine positions are also present. The study highlights the importance for educators to pay attention to place as a significant feature in understanding working-class males’ reading practices.