bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Input-Output Types of Fifteen Modules on Discrete and Real Measurements for COVID-19
Authors: Zheng Jeffrey , Zhu Minghan 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Fifteen modules in the MAS provide unique functions to support wider applications. It is important to describe this set of transformation schemes from input genomes and output results using visualable numbers to briefly explain the transformation mechanism involved in each module. In this paper, vectors, matrices and various measurements are described following each module. From a genomic sequence, there are two types of outputs for three groups: 1) groups A & B related to discrete measurements represented in either vectors or matrices; 2) groups C related real measurements linked to entropy indices restricted in a limited line segment or a certain square region as a hierarchical organization. The main transformations and projections are described. Sample distributions and genomic index maps are illustrated.
Visualizations of SARS-CoV-2 Genomes on Genomic Index Maps
Authors: Zheng Jeffrey , Zhu Minghan , Qiao Mu , Zhou Yang 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
In this paper, comprehensive cases are visualized by {C1, C2, C3, C4} four modules of the MAS. Four sets of SARS-CoV-2 genomes with 20, 128, 381 and 1337 cases were processed to be represented as a series of genomic index maps in four entropies: combinatorial, integrated, mean and topological entropies, respectively. Typical samples and explanations are described. Multiple levels of hierarchical representations are illustrated.
Why prepaid technologies are not a panacea for inclusive and sustainable rural water services in Tanzania?
Authors: Komakech Hans C. , Kwezi Lukas , Ali Mansoor 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Poor sustainability of rural water schemes is a major problem in service delivery in sub-Saharan Africa. About half of the schemes fail one year after commissioning, mostly due to poor operation and maintenance. Many communities fail to collect and manage water revenue. Prepaid technologies are argued to remedy the poor water revenue management. However, it is not clear to what extent prepaid systems can contribute to the sustainability of rural water schemes. This paper assessed the performance of three different cases where prepaid technologies were used in Tanzania. Although the technologies used can simplify water revenue collection, they are not a panacea to deliver sustainable and equitable water services. The capital cost of the prepaid system is often paid for by donors, which is not being recovered, hence the notion of cost recovery is biased here. Also, a strong institutional capacity and knowledge is required alongside the technology. Therefore, the technology which is being promoted as better for improving cost recovery is, instead, causing a burden on water users.
Promoting equitable water distribution system from Melamchi Water Supply Project in Kathmandu Valley
Authors: Ayadi D. P. , Rai A. , Pandey A. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
The effective and efficient supply of drinking water resources are key to its long-term use and access. In recent decades, the population of Kathmandu Valley has exploded owing to several factors. The water supply system here has also undergone remarkable changes and efforts have been made to enhance its equitable distribution. The major effort, of course, is the Melamchi Water Supply Project (MWSP). As the project approaches completion of its first phase, we would like to point out several key issues for the water distribution system here and express our opinions on promoting equitable water distribution. For this we conducted a thorough literature review and found that improvement in the water distribution network and water tariff in the valley, along with promotion of alternative mitigation options, are the focal issues for promoting an equitable water distribution system in Kathmandu Valley.
The Emergence of Human Pathogenic Coronaviruses: Lectins as Antivirals for SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Sohrab Sayed S. , Suhail Mohd. , Kamal Mohammad A. , Ahmad Fahim , Azhar Esam I. 
Published: August 2020

Background:
Human coronaviruses (HCoV) are common viruses and known to be associated with
respiratory diseases, including pneumonia. Currently, seven human coronaviruses have been identified and
known to cause upper and lower respiratory infections as well as nosocomial viral infections in humans. The bats,
palm civets, and camels are identified as the reservoir of human coronaviruses. In 2002-2003, the emergence of
SARS-CoV resulted in an outbreak and led towards the more awareness and importance of scientific research and
medical urgency.

Methods:
The recently identified SARS-CoV-2 was identified from the seafood market of the city Wuhan, China,
in December 2019 and caused a global pandemic. This virus has now spread to more than 213 countries. This is
the third highly pathogenic human coronavirus after SARS and MERS-CoV. The coronaviruses have RNA as
genetic material and are known to have frequent recombination and mutations in their genome, which lead to the
emergence and re-emergence of new virus strains and isolates with novel properties and extended hosts. The
genetic mutations and suitable environmental conditions result in the emergence and re-emergence of pathogenic
coronaviruses and cause a serious issue to human health and the economy globally. Lectins are the ubiquitous
group of proteins that bind to glycosylated molecules.

Conclusion:
The plant lectins are known to have significant antiviral activities against coronaviruses. Additionally,
the plant lectins can be used as potential therapeutics against bacteria, fungus, yeast, and protozoa. In this
review, we have discussed the current status of human pathogenic coronavirus emergence and the use of plant
lectins as antivirals against SARS-CoV-2.
Serum Endocan, Neuron-Specific Enolase and Ischemia-Modified Albumin Levels in Newborns with Partial Blood Exchange Transfusion
Authors: Yarci Erbu , Tayman Cuneyt , Cakir Ufuk , Serkant Utku 
Published: August 2020

Background::
Hyperviscosity of blood secondary to polycythemia results in increased resistance
to blood flow and decrease in delivery of oxygen.

Objective::
To evaluate whether serum endocan, NSE and IMA levels can be compared in terms of
endothelial injury/ dysfunction and neuronal damage in term neonates with polycythemia who underwent
PET.

Methods::
38 symptomatic polycythemic newborns having PET and 38 healthy newborns were included
in the study. Blood samples for endocan, NSE and IMA were taken at only postnatal 24
hours of age in the control group and in polycytemia group just before PET, at 24 and 72 hours after
PET.

Results::
The polycythemia group had higher serum endocan(1073,4 ± 644,8 vs. 378,8 ±
95,9ng/ml; p<0.05), IMA(1,32 ± 0,34 vs.0,601 ± 0,095absorbance unit; p<0.05) and NSE(44,7 ±
4,3 vs. 26,91 ± 7,12μg/l; p<0.05) levels than control group before the PET procedure. At 24 hours
after PET, IMA(0,656 ± 0,07 vs. 0,601 ± 0,095absorbance unit; p<0.05) and endocan(510,9 ±
228,6 vs. 378,8 ± 95,9ng/ml; p<0.05) levels were closer to the control group, being still statistically
significant higher. NSE levels decreased to control group levels having no difference between the
PET and control groups at 24 hours after PET (28,98 ± 6,5 vs. 26,91 ± 7,12μg/l; p>0.05). At 72
hours after PET the polycythemia and control groups did not differ statistically for IMA, endocan
and NSE levels (p>0.05).

Conclusion::
Serum endocan and IMA levels can be used as a biomarker for endothelial damage/
dysfunction and tissue hypoxia in infants with symptomatic polycytemia.
Research Progress of Herbal Medicines on Drug Metabolizing Enzymes: Consideration Based on Toxicology
Authors: Wang Shuting , Li Wanfang , Yang Jianbo , Yang Zengyan , Yang Cuiping , Jin Hongtao 
Published: August 2020

:The clinical application of herbal medicines is increasing, but there is still a lack of comprehensive safety data and in-depth research into mechanisms of action. The composition of herbal medicines is complex, with each herb containing a variety of chemical components. Each of these components may affect the activity of metabolizing enzymes, which may lead to herb-drug interactions. It has been reported that the combined use of herbs and drugs can produce some unexpected interactions. Therefore, this study reviews the progress of research on safety issues caused by the effects of herbs on metabolizing enzymes with reference to six categories of drugs, including antithrombotic drugs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, anti-diabetic drugs, statins lipid-lowering drugs, immunosuppressants, and antineoplastic drugs. Understanding the effects of herbs on the activity of metabolizing enzymes could help avoid the toxicity and adverse drug reactions resulting from the co-administration of herbs and drugs, and help doctors to reduce the risk of prescription incompatibility.
Nanosuspension as an Efficient Carrier for Improved Ocular Permeation of Voriconazole
Authors: Qin Tang , Dai Zhu , Xu Xiaodi , Zhang Zilin , You Xiangyu , Sun Hongmei , Liu Mingxing , Zhu Hongda 
Published: August 2020

Background:
The present limitations related to the ocular administration of antifungal drugs
for the treatment of fungal keratitis include poor ocular bioavailability, limited retention time, and low
ocular tissue penetration.

Methods:
This study aimed to prepare a novel ophthalmic voriconazole-loaded nanosuspension based
on Eudragit RS 100. Pharmasolve® was explored as a corneal permeation enhancer in voriconazole
ophthalmic formulation using in vitro and in vivo experiments. Briefly, 1% voriconazole-loaded nanosuspension
was prepared using the quasi-emulsion solvent evaporation process.

Results:
Characterizations of the voriconazole-loaded nanosuspension by Zetasizer Nano ZS and
Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) showed a uniform spherical shape without any agglomeration.
The well-discreted nanoparticle with a size of 138 ± 1.3 nm was achieved with high entrapment
efficiency (98.6 ± 2.5%) and positive zeta potential in the range of 22.5-31.2mV, indicating excellent
physical stability.

Discussion:
Voriconazole-loaded nanosuspension containing the penetration enhancer displayed good
permeability both in vitro and in vivo compared with the commercial voriconazole injection. The
voriconazole-loaded nanosuspension exhibited good antifungal activity, significantly inhibiting the
growth of Candida albicans at a lower concentration of voriconazole (2.5μg/mL, p < 0.05).

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the voriconazole-loaded nanosuspension containing Pharmasolve® can be
used as an effective ophthalmic formulation for the topical ocular delivery of voriconazole.
Robotic Surgery in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Crippa Jacopo , Carvello Michele , Kotze Paulo Gustavo , Spinelli Antonino 
Published: August 2020

Background:
Surgery is considered a cornerstone of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
treatment. In the last years, robotic surgery has seen an increase in adoption rates for both benign
and malignant diseases.

Objective:
This work aims to review the current applications of robotic surgery in IBD.

Discussion and Conclusion:
Minimally-invasive techniques have been applied to the treatment of
IBD for more than 20 years. Investments in surgical digital and robotic platforms are increasingly
arising, with an estimate of getting doubled within the next 5 years. Robotic surgery represents the
newest technology available to reduce the impact of surgery on patients affected by IBD, and may
theoretically be even more effective than other minimally-invasive techniques given the lower rate
of conversion to open surgery as compared to laparoscopy according to many large retrospective series.
Data on robotic surgery applied to IBD are still scarce and initial experiences in high-volume
centers from retrospective series suggested that robotic surgery may achieve similar results when
compared to laparoscopy. A new wave of robotics incorporating artificial intelligence is awaited to
empower the capability of IBD surgeon in terms of intraoperative decision-making beyond technical
skill enhancement.
Haptoglobin Polymorphisms and Fucosylation Change: Possible Influence of Variation on the Identified Lung Cancer-relevant Biomarkers
Authors: Boonyapranai Kongsak , Ounjaijean Sakaewan , Kulprachakarn Kanokwan , Potpromanee Laddawan , Chen Miles Chih-Ming , Tsai Hsien-Yu , Chen Shui Tien 
Published: August 2020

Background:
Haptoglobin (Hp), an acute-phase protein, is known as a potential diagnostic
biomarker in human diseases. Two alleles of Hp (Hp1
and Hp2
) exist in humans allowing three
phenotypes (Hp1-1, Hp2-1, and Hp2-2), which influence the biophysical and biological properties
of Hp.

Objective:
This work aimed to investigate the variation of serum level and fucosylation change
among Hp phenotypes in patients with lung cancer compared to healthy donors.

Methods:
44 patients with lung cancer and 26 healthy blood donors who lived in the Northern-Thailand
region were investigated by the glycoproteomic procedure.

Results:
The phenotypic distribution of the Hp (Hp1-1:Hp2-1:Hp2-2) in healthy donors was
0.04:0.38:0.58, while the patient group was 0.09:0.52:0.39. The Hp1
allele frequency of patients
with lung cancer (0.34) was higher than the healthy donor (0.23). Glycoprotein blotting technique
represented that the level of serum Hp and its fucosylation were significantly higher among lung
cancer patients compared to those of the healthy donors. However, a downward trend in the fucosylation
level from Hp1-1 to Hp2-1, Hp2-2, was seen in the patient group, but varying in the serum
Hp level. An N-linked glycan was enzymatically released from discrete Hp multimers of Hp2-1
and Hp2-2 samples. Analysis of glycan profiling by MALDI-TOF-MS showed that reduction of
the fucosylated glycan was associated with the size of Hp multimers, resulting in the lower level of
fucosylation in Hp2-1 and Hp2-2, respectively.

Conclusion:
Our finding demonstrates that the Hp phenotype is a dependent risk factor for lung
cancer and should be incorporated into further clinical and biochemical investigations of diseases,
including lung cancer.
Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and Human Immunodeficiency Viruses in End-Stage Renal Disease Patients, Southern Iran
Authors: Movaghar Nahid T. , Mojarrad Saber , Shahraki Hadi R. , Nazari Mohammadreza , Hadadi Mahtab , Motamedifar Mohammad 
Published: August 2020

Background:
Hemodialysis [HD] patients are more prone to blood-borne viruses, such
as hepatitis B virus [HBV], hepatitis C virus [HCV], and, to a lesser extent, Human Immunodeficiency
Virus [HIV]. Chronic HBV and HCV infections are associated with liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular
carcinoma, and early graft failure after kidney transplantation. As there was no recent information,
this study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of HBV, HCV, and HIV infection in HD patients
in Fars province, southern Iran. This could help health policymakers to run more effective infection
control practices for reducing such blood-borne virus infections, if necessary.

Methods:
This cross-sectional study was performed on 906 HD patients in Fars province, southern
Iran. A total of 906 blood samples were obtained from patients and diagnostic tests of HBV, HCV,
and HIV were done. Demographic data and some other information, such as duration of dialysis,
were extracted from the patients’ medical records. Data were analyzed in SPSS, version 18.

Results:
Out of the patients enrolled in the study, 547 [60.4%] were male and 359 [39.6%] female.
The mean ± SD age of the patients was 58.0 ± 15.8 years. The prevalence of HBV, HCV, and HIV
infection was 0.88%, 0.55% and 0.44%, respectively. HIV-infected subjects were significantly
younger than the HIV-negative group [P <0.017].

Conclusion:
It seems that Fars is among the provinces with low HBV and HCV prevalence in HD
patients in comparison to other provinces of Iran. On the other hand, HIV prevalence here is higher
than other provincial studies. Strict adherence to preventive infection control measures is recommended
in HD centers.
Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection: Does Being Unemployed Matter? Insights from the GSCAD Registry
Authors: Daoulah Amin , Al-Faifi Salem M. , Hurley William T. , Alasmari Abdulaziz , Ocheltree Mohammed , Abushanab Rami H. , Hussein Hisham , Emam Ahmed A. , Grewal Vikram , Jafary Zainab M. , Hersi Ahmad S. , Devol Edward B. , Alsheikh-Ali Alawi A. , Haneef Ali A. , Lotfi Amir , G-SCAD investigators  
Published: August 2020

Background:
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) has emerged as an important
cause of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and sudden cardiac death. Physical or emotional
stressors are the most commonly reported triggers for SCAD. Unemployment has been identified
as a source of emotional stress and is linked to poor mental and physical health.

Objective:
To examine the association between employment status and in-hospital and follow-up
adverse cardiovascular events in patients with SCAD.

Methods:
We conducted a retrospective, multi-center, observational study of patients undergoing
coronary angiography for ACS between January 2011 and December 2017. The total number of patients
enrolled was 198,000. Patients were diagnosed with SCAD based on angiographic and intravascular
imaging modalities whenever available. There were 83 patients identified with SCAD
from 30 medical centers in 4 Arab gulf countries. In-hospital (myocardial infarction, percutaneous
intervention, ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation, cardiogenic shock, death, internal cardioverter/
defibrillator placement, dissection extension) and follow-up (myocardial infarction, de novo
SCAD, death, spontaneous superior mesenteric artery dissection) cardiac events were compared
among those who were employed and those who were not.

Results:
The median age of patients in the study was 44 (37- 55) years. There were 42 (50.6%) female
patients, and 41 (49.4) male patients. Of the cohort, 50 (60%) of the patients were employed
and the remaining 33 (40%) were unemployed. 66% of all men were employed and 76% of all women
were unemployed. After adjusting for gender unemployment was associated with worse in-
-hospital and follow-up cardiac events (adjusted OR 7.1, [1.3, 37.9]), p = 0.021.

Conclusion:
Adverse cardiovascular events were significantly worse for patients with SCAD who
were unemployed.
The Effect of Patellar Height by Using Insall Salvati Index on Pain, Function, Muscle Strength and Postural Stability in Patients with Primary Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Analan Pinar Doruk , Ozdemir Hulya 
Published: August 2020

Purpose:
The Insall-Salvati Index (ISI) is the ratio of the patellar tendon length to the
length of the patella. This ratio is the most commonly used method for evaluating patellar placement
and patellofemoral imbalance. The position of the patella is important for the knee joint function
and also for biomechanics. The abnormal position of the patella may lead to patellofemoral
malalignment and instability. Herein, we aimed to analyze the relationship between the ISI and
pain, physical function, muscle strength, fall risk, and postural stability in patients with primary
knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods:
Sixty-two symptomatic knees of 45 patients (aged between 40 -75 years) who were suffering
from the primary knee OA according to the American College of Rheumatology criteria
were included retrospectively in the study. Patients with stages II and III osteoarthritis according to
the Kellgren-Lawrence (K/L) radiological grading system were included. The ISI was measured on
the lateral knee radiograph in a 30° flexed posture. Visual Analogue scale (VAS), Western Ontario
and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) and Lequesne indexes were recorded for evaluating
pain and function. Tetrax Interactive Balance System was used to assess fall risk and postural
stability. Isokinetic muscle strength measurements of quadriceps and hamstrings were recorded
at the constant angular velocities of 60 and 180°/sec.

Results:
The mean age of the study population was 58.52 ±8.01 years. The frequency of the patellar
situation types was as follows; patella alta; 15 (24.2%), patella baja; n=2(3.2%), and normal
patellar height; n=45(72.6%). The mean ISI was 1.19 ±0.17 on the right side and 1.18±0.16 on the
left side. There was no significant correlation between the ISI and VAS, WOMAC and Lequesne
indexes, postural stability scores, and isokinetic measurements (r<0.3, p>0.05).

Conclusions:
In primary knee OA, the ISI may not have an effect on pain, physical function, fall
risk, postural stability, and isokinetic muscle strength.
Clinical Trial Registration Number: KA18/170.
Anti-Nociceptive and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Stem Bark Extract of Ficus Capensis Thunb (Moraceae) by Bioactivity Fractionation
Authors: Wakeel Oluwaseyi K. , Abe Abraham I. , Awosan Oluropo B. , Olapade Mokaila K. , Olatoyan-Layonu Temitope J. , Olowe Olugbenga A. , Adeyeba Oluwaseyi A. 
Published: August 2020

Objective:
This study investigated the anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of the aqueous extract of
Ficus capensis (AEFC) by bio-guided fractionation.

Methods:
The anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of AEFC (250, 500, 1000 mg/kg, i.p) were assessed using acetic acid-induced writhing, hot plate, tail-flick, formalin tests, and carrageenan-induced paw oedema respectively. The AEFC
was fractionated base on polarity different into butanol, ethyl acetate, and n-hexane fractions. The fractions (500 mg/kg) obtained were subjected to the same experimental procedures mentioned above. The EAF, which exerted the most productive
activities, was further subjected to fractionation procedures that yielded six fractions (labeled CF1-CF6). These fractions
(200 mg/kg) were tested for potential anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities. Notable antagonists (Naloxone and
atropine) of nociceptive pathway were used to evaluate the mechanism of the anti-nociceptive action of F. capensis.

Results and Discussion:
The AEFC, BF, EAF, and CF4 caused a significant (p<0.05) reduction in
the number of abdominal writhes, an increase in reaction time against the hot plate, tail-flick tests,
and a significant (p<0.05) inhibition in both phases of formalin test. The AEFC, BF, EAF, CF4,
and CF6 caused a significant (p<0.05) inhibition of paw edema development due to carrageenan.
Atropine significantly reversed the antinociceptive effect of CF4 in both phases of the formalin
test. The results obtained revealed that CF4 produced central and peripheral antinociceptive effects,
while CF6 is peripherally mediated.

Conclusion:
The results support the traditional uses of F. capensis in the treatment of various diseases associated with pain
and inflammation. The column fraction CF4 exhibited muscarinic receptor-mediated anti-nociceptive activity.