bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metadichol ® a novel nano lipid that inhibits In Vitro, SARS-COV-2 and a multitude of pathological viruses
Authors: Raghavan Palayakotai R 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

New pathogenic virus outbreaks with increasing regularity are leading us to explore novel approaches, which will reduce the reliance on a time-consuming vaccine mode to halt the strike. The requirement is to find a universal approach to disarm any new and as yet unknown viruses as they appear. A promising approach could be by targeting the lipids membranes, common to all viruses and bacteria. The ongoing pandemic of the SARS-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has restated the importance of interactions between components of the host cell plasma membrane and the virus envelope as a critical mechanism of infection. Metadichol ®, a nano lipid emulsion, has been examined and shown to be a strong candidate to help stop the proliferation of the SARS-COV-2.Naturally derived substances, such long chain saturated lipid alcohols reduce the infectivity of various types of viruses, including the coronavirus like SARS-COV-2, by modifying the lipid-dependent attachment to human host cells. SARS-COV-2 uses the receptor ACE2 for entry and the serine protease TMPRSS2 for S protein priming. Metadichol®, a nano lipid formulation of long-chain alcohols, has been shown to inhibit TMPRSS2 (EC50 of 96 ng/ml). Compared to the inhibitor Camostat Mesylate (26000 ng/ml), it is 270 times more potent. Also, Metadichol ® is a moderate inhibitor of ACE2 @ 31 µg/ml. In the SARS-COV2 antiviral assay using CACO2 cells, it has an EC90 of 0.16 µg/ml.
Systematic Scoping Review of Factors and Measures of Rurality: Toward the Development of a Rurality Index for Health Care Research in Japan
Authors: Kaneko Makoto , Ohta Ryuichi , Vingilis Evelyn , Mathews Maria , Freeman Thomas Robert 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
BackgroundRural-urban health care disparities are an important topic. Hence, assessing rurality and evaluation of health outcomes based on rurality are indispensable. However, there is no universal measure of ruralityand Japan has no index to evaluate rurality for health care research. This study aimed to conduct a systematic scoping review to identify the important factors and methods of measuring rurality to inform the future development of a rurality index in Japan.MethodsFor our review, we searched six bibliographic databases (MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHIL, ERIC, Web of Science and the Grey Literature Report) and official websitesof national governmentssuch asGovernment and Legislative Libraries Online Publications Portal (GALLOP),from 1 January 1989 to 31 December 2018. We extracted relevant variables used in the development of rurality indices, the formulas and reliability/validity measures.ResultsWe identified 17 rurality indices in 7 countries. These indices mainly aimed to assess access to health care or to decide incentives for health care providers. Frequently used variables for the indices were population size/density, travel distance/time to emergency care or referral centre. Many indices did not examine reliability and validity.ConclusionsWhile the concept of rurality and concerns about barriers to access to care for rural residents is shared by many countries, the operationalization of rurality is highly context-specific, with few universal measures or approaches to constructing a rurality index.The results will be helpful to develop a rurality index in Japan and other countries/areas.
Pelvic organ prolapse and uterine preservation: A case control study (POP-UP study)
Authors: Gagyor Daniel , Kalis Vladimir , Smazinka Martin , Rusavy Zdenek , Pilka Radovan , Ismail Khaled 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Abdominal and laparoscopic sacro-colpopexy (LSC) is the preferred surgical option for the management of a symptomatic apical pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Women who have their uterus, and for whom an LSC is indicated, can have a laparoscopic sacro-hysteropexy (LSH), a laparoscopic supra-cervical hysterectomy and laparoscopic sacro-cervicopexy (LSCH+LSC) or a total laparoscopic hysterectomy and laparoscopic sacro-colpopexy (TLH+LSC). The main aim of this study was to compare clinical and patient reported outcomes of uterine sparing versus concomitant hysterectomy LSC procedures. Methods: A retrospective analysis of clinical, imaging and patient reported outcomes at baseline, 3 and 12 months after LSH (cases) versus either LSCH+LSC or TLH+LSC between January 2015 and January 2019 in a tertiary referral urogynecology center in Pilsen, the Czech Republic. Results. In total, 294 women were included in this analysis (LSH n = 43, LSCH+LSC n = 208 and TLH+LSC n = 43). There were no differences in the rates of perioperative injuries and complications. Operating time and blood loss were higher in the concomitant hysterectomy compared to the uterine sparing group but this was only significant when comparing LSH to TLH+LSC (p = 0.048). There were no statistically significant differences in any of the clinical or patient reported outcomes except for a significantly lower anterior compartment failure rate (p= 0.017) and higher optimal mesh placement rate at 12 months in women who had concomitant hysterectomy procedures (p = 0.006).Conclusion. LSH is associated with shorter operative time and intraoperative blood loss; nevertheless, higher rates of anterior compartment failures and suboptimal mesh placement.
Energy infrastructure improvements have prompted inclusive growth in rural China
Authors: Zhu Bangzhu , Huang Liqing , Wei Yi-Ming , Zhang Lin 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Stable energy supply with high quality infrastructure is vital for sustainable energy consumption and inclusive growth. In this paper, we develop empirical methods to evaluate the extent to what energy infrastructure improvement towards inclusive growth, which help guide policy development to achieve Sustainable Development Goals. By investigating the national-scale energy infrastructure improvement project in rural China, we identify the general and inclusive effect of income growth attributed to improved quality of energy infrastructure. The results show that energy infrastructure improvement contributes to rural income increase up to 69 Chinese renminbi (RMB) a year and narrows the income gap by 10 RMB for residents originally with an income difference of 100 RMB. The inclusive growth effect is pronounced in the eastern region, for the poor, for the educated, and becomes remarkable over time. Energy infrastructure improvement leads to income inclusive growth through abundant working time in the eastern and western regions, and general income growth in the middle region through individual health condition. Continuous efforts to energy infrastructure improvement and investments in education and work trainings, especially in the middle and western regions, are critical to achieve inclusive growth.
Serum Profile of Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) and Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) in Alcoholic Liver Diseases
Authors: Grytczuk Agnieszka , Gruszewska Ewa , Panasiuk Anatol , Cylwik Bogdan , Chrostek Lech 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Alcohol‐related liver diseases affect the capability of the liver for the synthesis of proteins including enzymes. Among enzymes two expose the liver specific isoenzymes. There are lactate dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase. The purpose of this study was to explore the profile of lactate dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase isoenzymes in alcoholic liver diseases.Methods: The serum profile of lactate dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase isoenzymes was studied in alcoholic cirrhosis and alcoholic hepatitis by electrophoresis method on agarose gel.Results: The relative concentration of LDH 1 isoenzyme is decreased in alcoholic hepatitis, but LDH 4 and LDH 5 isoenzymes are increased. In addition, the relative level of LDH 5 isoenzyme is increased in alcoholic cirrhosis. The concentrations of intermediate isoenzymes (LDH 2 and LDH 3) are reduced in alcoholic cirrhosis. There were also an increase of liver ALP isoenzyme and parallel decrease in its bone isoenzyme in alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis. The severity of liver cirrhosis, expressed as a Child-Pugh score, didn’t affect total activity of both enzymes but effects the relative concentration of LDH 2, LDH 3 and LDH 4 isoenzymes.Conclusions: The serum profile of lactate dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase isoenzymes alters in alcoholic liver diseases and differs between them. The differences can be explained by the tissue prevalence and metabolic preferences of isoenzymes.
Patients with isolated vertigo attack preceding stroke have different clinic characteristics: a retrospective study
Authors: Qiu Dongxu , Zhang Lei , Deng Jun , Xia Zhiwei , Deng Jingfeng 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background

Isolated vertigo attack history preceding the acute stroke were frequently accompanying with other focal neurological symptoms. To clarify the different clinical characteristics between isolated vertigo attack and vertigo symptom accompanying hemiplegia preceding stroke, we performed this 4-year retrospective study.
Methods

Medical records of 1283 patients hospitalized with vertigo symptom had been screened. Patients were divided into two groups: isolated vertigo attack history preceding the stroke defined as IVA group, vertigo symptom accompanying hemiplegia attack defined as VAH group. Clinic characteristics including ABCD2 score, infarction volume and location, relative risk factors and the following medical intervention were compared between the group.
Results

Patients featured with VAH had higher extracranial stenosis (21.2% vs. 9.0%, P < 0.01) and ABCD2 score (3.7 ± 1.9 vs. 2.3 ± 1.5, P = 0.03), patient with IVA showed a higher diabetic prevalence (40.9% vs. 29.7%, P = 0.02). The frequency of vertigo events tended to be more commonly in patient with VAH (median 3.1 vs. 5.5, p < 0.03). The total cerebral infarction volume in IVA group tended to be larger than VAH with a median of 4.56 cm3 versus 2.32 cm3 (p = 0.02). Additionally, less patients with IVA sought medical intervention when vertigo symptom occurred.
Conclusions

Clinical characteristics including ABCD2 score, total cerebral infarction volume and the location were different between AVH and IVH group. In addition, less patients in IVH cohort sought medical intervention when vertigo symptom occurred.
Composite Surface Roughness and Color Change Following Airflow Usage
Authors: Valian Azam , Ansari Zahra Jaber , Rezaie Mohammad Moien , Askian Roja 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Esthetic dental restorations have gained increasing popularity. The restoration surface should be smooth enough to prevent adhesion of microorganisms and food particles, and achieve maximum esthetics. This study aimed to assess the surface roughness and color change of composite specimens following the use of an airflow device. Methods: In this in vitro, experimental study, 30 Tokuyama composite discs were fabricated and randomly divided into three groups (n=10) for the use of airflow with calcium carbonate powder, airflow with sodium bicarbonate powder, and conventional polishing with FlexiDisc. The surface roughness of specimens was measured by profilometry while the color change was evaluated by measuring the L*, a* and b* color parameters by spectrophotometry before polishing (T1). The composite specimens were then polished for stain removal and their surface roughness and color parameters were measured again after polishing (T2). Paired t-test and Tukey’s test were applied for within-group and between-group comparisons.Results: Significant differences were noted in surface roughness (Ra) between airflow with calcium carbonate (0.251 ± 0.014 µm) and airflow with sodium bicarbonate (0.421 ± 0.208 µm), and also between airflow with sodium bicarbonate and FlexiDisc (0.207 ± 0.076 µm) groups after polishing (P<0.05). Regarding the correlation of change in surface roughness and color parameters at T1 and T2, an inverse correlation was noted between the change in surface roughness and all color parameters except for L*. In other words, increasing the surface roughness difference (surface smoothing), decreased the a* and b* color parameters. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, the results showed that the airflow device used in this study had no significant difference with the conventional polishing in terms of reduction in surface roughness and staining. Considering the cost and maintenance of the airflow device, it is not suggested as a suitable alternative to the conventional polishing procedures. Trial Registration Number: This is not a human subject research.
Improved Effect of a Mitochondria-Targeted Antioxidant on Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Oxidative Stress in Human Retinal Pigment Epithelium Cells
Authors: KIM MYUNG HEE , Kim Dae Hyun , Yang Su Geun , Kim Dae Yu 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Oxidative damage in retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) cells contributes to the development of age-related macular degeneration, which is among the leading causes of visual loss in elderly people. In the present study, we evaluated the protective role of TPP-Niacin against the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative stress to RPE cells. Methods: The cellular viability, lactate dehydrogenase, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and mitochondrial function were determined in the retinal ARPE-19 cells under the treatment with H2O2 or pre-treatment with TPP-Niacin. The expression level of mitochondrial related genes and some transcription factors were assessed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results: TPP-Niacin significantly improved cell viability reduction, reduced ROS generation and increased the antioxidant enzymes in H2O2-treated ARPE-19 cells. Mitochondrial dysfunction from H2O2-induced oxidative stress was also significantly diminished by the TPP-Niacin treatment, reduced generation of ROS, an ameliorated reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and an upregulated mitochondrial associated gene. In addition, TPP-Niacin markedly enhanced the expression of transcription factors (PGC-1α and NRF2) and antioxidant associated genes (especially, HO-1 and NQO-1). Conclusion: We proved the protective effect of TPP-Niacin against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in RPE cells. TPP-Niacin is believed to have played a protective role against mitochondrial dysfunction by up-regulating antioxidant-related genes such as PGC-1α, NRF2, HO-1 and NQO-1 in RPE cells.
Disrupting COVID-19 by Improving Environmental Performance
Authors: Migliardo Carlo 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
This paper provides evidence that increasing environmental quality can mitigate the spread of COVID-19 by producing natural antibodies. Using recent data from the 2020 Environmental Performance Index for more than 70 countries, our findings validate the effectiveness of lockdown policies in preventing outbreaks. The results are robust across econometric techniques as well as across the environmental proxy variables adopted. We also suggest implementing specific reforms to strengthen ecological performance.
WITHDRAWN: Fabrication of Nimo Nanostructured Catalyst via Ultrasonic-Assisted Combustion Method Used in High Efficiency Thiophene Hydrodesulfurization: Influence of Organic Compound Type
Authors: Hamidi Roya , Khoshbin Reza , Karimzadeh Ramin 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Alumina supported NiMo nanocatalysts were synthesized through ultrasonic-assisted combustion method with various organic additives, including citric acid, ethylene glycol, glycine and urea using in hydrodesulfurization of thiophene at atmospheric pressure. The samples were characterized by XRD, TGA, FESEM, EDX, BET-BJH and TPR analyses. The results indicated that the type of organic compound has a noticeable effect on phase structure, surface morphology and reducibility potential as a consequence of different amount of heat and gaseous products released during combustion reaction. Our method showed that a relatively homogeneous distribution of the active material over the support can be achieved. Using citric acid as an organic additive, led to synthesis of nanocatalyst in which more than 90% of particles are less than 70 nm. The sample synthesized by citric acid exhibited the highest activity in hydrodesulfurization reaction due to its significant properties such as high surface area, considerable surface hole and weakened metal-support interaction compared with other organic additives. In addition, activity assessment of the prepared catalyst by ethylene glycol and glycine demonstrated that 100% abatement of thiophene can be achieved at 105 °C and 30 min.
Black-white Racial Disparities in Household Food Insecurity from 2005-2014, Canada
Authors: Dhunna Simran , Tarasuk Valerie 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Household food insecurity is a public health concern in many high-income countries. Despite two decades of research charting the socio-demographic and geographic correlates of food insecurity in Canada, the relationship between race and vulnerability to food insecurity has not been interrogated. Our objectives were to examine the association of Black-White racial identity and prevalence and severity of household food insecurity in Canada, and understand how racialized vulnerability manifests differently for key sociodemographic predictors. Methods: Data for households with Black and White respondents with complete data on household food insecurity were drawn from the Canadian Community Health Survey cycles from 2005-2014 (N=491,400). Household food insecurity status was assessed using the Household Food Security Survey Module. Bivariate and multivariate logistic and multinomial regression models were run, including respondent’s race and immigration status, as well as six well-established household-level predictors of food insecurity in the general population: household composition, income, housing tenure, highest level of education in the household, main household income source, and province/territory. To test whether the relationship between food insecurity and these predictors differed by race, additional multivariable logistic regression models were run, with race interacted with each predictor individually and predicted probabilities estimated.Results: The weighted prevalence of household food insecurity was 10.0% for white respondents and 28.4% for Black respondents. The odds of Black households being food-insecure compared to white households fell from 3.56 (95% CI: 3.30-3.85), to 1.88 (95% CI: 1.70-2.08) with adjustment for household sociodemographic characteristics. In contrast to white households, there was relative homogeneity of risk of food insecurity among Black sub-groups defined by immigration status, household composition, education, and province of residence. Homeownership was associated with lower probabilities of food insecurity for Black and white households, but the probability among Black owners was similar to that for white renters (14.7% vs. 14.3%). Black households had significantly higher predicted probabilities of food insecurity than their white counterparts across all main sources of household income except child benefits and social assistance.Conclusions: Being racialized as Black appears to be an overriding factor predicting vulnerability to food insecurity for the Black population in Canada.
Rosaceae, Brassicaceae and Pollen Beetles: exploring relationships and evolution in an anthophilous beetle lineage (Nitidulidae, Meligethes-complex of genera) using an integrative approach
Authors: LIU MEIKE , HUANG MIN , CLINE ANDREW RICHARD , MANCINI EMILIANO , SCARAMUZZI ANDREA , PARADISI SIMONE , AUDISIO PAOLO , BADANO DAVIDE , Sabatelli Simone 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Meligethes are pollen-beetles associated with flowers of Rosaceae as larvae. This genus, in its present-day concept, consists of 63 known species in two subgenera, Meligethes and Odonthogethes, predominantly occurring in the eastern Palaearctic. We analyzed 61 morphological and ecological characters (128 states) of all species, as well as of 7 outgroup species from 7 Meligethinae genera (including the believed sister-genus Brassicogethes), to investigate their phylogeny. A parallel molecular analysis was carried out on 9 Meligethes, 9 Odonthogethes, 3 Brassicogethes and 2 Meligethinus species, based on DNA sequence data from mitochondrial (COI, 16S) and nuclear (CAD) genes, to obtain additional phylogenetic information on the group. Results: Morphological phylogenetic reconstructions supported the monophyly of the genus, and clades corresponding to purported subgenera Meligethes and Odonthogethes. Main species-groups were mostly recovered intact, however some unresolved polytomies remained. Molecular data suggested a different scenario, placing members of Brassicogethes (including 42 mostly W Palearctic species associated with Brassicaceae) as sister to Odonthogethes, with this clade being sister to Meligethes s.str. This alternative phylogenetic assessment suggests that the monophyletic clades Meligethes s.str., Odonthogethes and Brassicogethes should be regarded alternatively as three subgenera of a monophyletic Meligethes, or three genera in a monophyletic genus-complex, with mutually monophyletic Brassicogethes and Odonthogethes. Molecular analyses estimated the origin of this lineage at ca. 14-15 Mya from a common stem including Meligethinus. Conclusions: We hypothesize in the Middle Miocene (likely in Langhian Age), the first Meligethes specialized on Rosaceae, on which they subsequently radiated during Late Miocene and Plio-Pleistocene. This radiation was enforced by geographic isolation in E Asiatic mountain systems, and by larval host-plant specialization. Combined evidence from morphology, ancestral state parsimony reconstruction of host-plant associations, and molecular evidence, suggested that for Meligethes s.str., Rosoideae (Rosa spp.) represented the ancestral hosts, followed by an independent shift of ancestral Odonthogethes (ca. 9-15 Mya) on Rubus (Rosoideae) and members of Rosaceae Spiraeoideae. Other ancestral Odonthogethes probably shifted again on the unrelated plant family Brassicaceae (maybe 8-14 Mya in S China), allowing a rapid westward radiation of the Brassicogethes clade.