bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is multimorbidity associated with risk of elder abuse? Findings from the AHSETS study
Authors: Kshatri Jaya Singh , Bhoi Trilochan , Barik Shakti Ranjan , Palo Subrata Kumar , Pati Sanghamitra 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Introduction: Commensurate with demographic and lifestyle transition, increasing magnitude of multimorbidity is common among older adults in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). At the same time the rising prevalence of elder abuse is concurrently observed in these populations. However, little is known about the elder abuse in the context of multimorbidity with no reports on their interplay from LMIC settings. This study examined the association of multimorbidity with the risk of elder abuse and its correlates in a rural elderly population of Odisha, India.
Methods: The data was collected as a part of our ASHETS study encompassing 725 older adults residing in rural Odisha, India. Multimorbidity was assessed by previously validated MAQ PC tool. Hwalek-Sengstock elder abuse screening test (HS-EAST) was used to assess the risk of elder abuse. Care dependence was measured by Katz index questionnaire. We performed ordinal logistic regression models to identify the correlates of elder abuse.
Results: Around 48.8% (95% CI:45.13-52.53%) older adults had multimorbidity while 33.8% (95% CI:30.35-37.35%) had some form of care dependence. Out of 725, 56.6% (CI 52.85 – 60.19%) were found to be at low-risk elder abuse and 15.9% (CI 13.27 – 18.72%) being at high-risk . The risk of elder abuse was significantly associated with multimorbidity (AOR=1.88; 95%CI: 1.54-2.21), economic dependence (AOR=1.62; 95%CI: 1.25-1.99) and functional dependence (AOR=1.86; 95%CI: 1.42-2.29). Staying alone (AOR= 1.75; 95%CI: 1.13-2.38) and lower socio-economic status (AOR=2.96; 95%CI: 2.09-3.84) were two other significant correlates.
Conclusions: Older adults with multimorbidity are at 1.88 times higher risk of elder abuse compared to their non-multimorbid counterparts. Both economic and functional dependence are associated with an increase in elder abuse. This suggests the mediating role of care dependence in the pathway to elder abuse in multimorbidity. Future geriatric multimorbidity assessment studies should consider screening for care dependence as well as elder abuse while designing integrated care models.
Evaluation of the Influence of Faradarmani Consciousness Field on Viral Growth&nbsp;
Authors: Taheri Mohammad Ali , Etemadi Mohammad Reza , Torabi Sara , Nabavi Noushin , Semsarha Farid 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The Consciousness Fields according to Taheri, are non-matter and non-energetic fields with the ability to have reproducible effects in the laboratory and experimental environments. Previous studies related to studying the effects of Faradarmani Consciousness Fields (FCF) on plant characteristics and animal disease models reveal that FCF functions in optimizing the system under study. Significant effects of Faradarmani Consciousness Fields on bacterial and cellular population growth led us to investigate the effectiveness of Faradarmani Consciousness Field on viral titer and type. For this, we stratified various viruses into envelope or non-envelope as well as DNA and RNA types. This study aims at assessing the influence of FCF on four types of virus combinations using TCID50 assay. We tested the effect of FCF on pre-determined titers of selected viruses and found that FCF changed the viral titers by 0.4 to 1.85 logs compared to the control group. As the results suggest, the physical structure of the viruses and their genome type have notable effects on their response to the FCF.
Vaccine Design, Adaptation, and Cloning Design for Multiple Epitope-Based Vaccine Derived From SARS-CoV-2 Surface Glycoprotein (S), Membrane Protein (M) and Envelope Protein (E): In silico approach
Authors: Habib Peter T. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The SARS Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has become a global epidemic that has increased the scientific community's concern about developing and finding a counteraction against this lethal virus. So far, hundreds of thousands of people have been infected by the pandemic due to contamination and spread. This research was therefore carried out to develop potential epitope-based vaccines against the SARS-CoV-2 virus using reverse vaccinology and immunoinformatics approaches. Three potential vaccine constructs were designed after intensive computational experimentation, and one vaccine model was chosen as the best vaccine based on a molecular docking analysis that is intended to work efficiently against SARS-CoV-2. In order to verify biological stability and find an appropriate mass production technique for the chosen vaccine, molecular dynamics simulation, and silico codon adaptation studies were subsequently carried out. This study should help to maintain current research efforts to secure a definitive preventive measure against this contagious disease.
Brain 18F-FDG PET for the diagnosis of autoimmune encephalitis: a systematic review and a meta-analysis
Authors: Bordonne Manon , Chawki Mohammad.B , Doyen Matthieu , Kas Aurelie , Guedj Eric , Tyvaert Louise , Verger Antoine 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Objective: To consolidate current understanding of detection sensitivity of brain 18F-FDG PET scans in the diagnosis of autoimmune encephalitis and to define specific metabolic imaging patterns for the most frequently occurring autoantibodies. Methods: A systematic and exhaustive search of data available in the literature was performed by querying the PubMed/MEDLINE and Cochrane databases for the search terms: "FDG PET" and “"encephalitis" or "brain inflammation"”. Studies had to satisfy the following criteria: i. include at least one patient suspected or diagnosed with autoimmune encephalitis according to the current recommendations, ii. be an original case-report iii. specifically present 18F-FDG PET and/or morphologic imaging findings. The diagnostic 18F-FDG PET detection sensitivity in autoimmune encephalitis was determined for all cases reported in the literature and a meta-analysis, according to the PRISMA method, was performed on a subset of these, which included PET scans for at least 10 patients, and whose quality was assessed with the QUADAS-2 tool.Results: The search strategy identified 1113 articles. The detection sensitivity of 18F-FDG PET was 90%, based on 176 publications and 720 patients and 80% [75%-84%] by meta-analysis based on 21 publications and 444 patients. We also report specific brain 18F-FDG PET imaging patterns for the main encephalitis autoantibody subtypes.Conclusion and Relevance: Brain 18F-FDG PET has a high detection sensitivity and should be included in future diagnostic autoimmune encephalitis recommendations. Specific metabolic 18F-FDG PET patterns corresponding to the main autoimmune encephalitis autoantibody subtypes further enhance the value of this diagnostic.
Watching the Skies: An Overview of Indigenous Astronomy Curricula for Canadian K-12 Teachers
Authors: O'Shea Michael , Kohli Pratishtha , Neilson Hilding 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
There is a growing body of Indigenous astronomy curricula and resources from Turtle Island for Canadian K-12 science teachers. Canadian teachers, particularly non-Indigenous teachers, may be interested in teaching Indigenous astronomy and Indigenous perspectives, but may not be sure where to start or how to do so authentically. Using a framework that centers Indigenous Knowledges, we carried out a systematic survey of online curricular resources that identified 82 online Indigenous Astronomy Knowledges (IAK) and categorized them according to Indigenous tradition, media type, and language. We put this survey in context by emphasizing Indigenous astronomy and research as living and equivalent knowledge systems that can be taught on their own or alongside traditional Western astronomy. Centering this discussion around Indigenous research values, such as relationships, respect, and reciprocity, we emphasize the importance of embracing Indigenous curricula intentionally and thoughtfully to go beyond superficial “Indigenizing/Decolonizing” of the classroom. Authentic inclusion of Indigenous Knowledges could take a number of forms, including presenting Indigenous astronomical concepts and terms as valid and equal to Western knowledge, and helping students understand the interconnectedness of knowledge and the importance of relationships in science.
Quantification of SPECT concentric ring artifacts by radiomics and radial features
Authors: Mezzenga Emilio , Sarnelli Anna , Bellomo Giovanni , DiFilippo Frank P , Palestro Christopher J , Nichols Kenneth J 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Conspicuous concentric ring artifacts in phantom reconstructions triggers retuning SPECT systems. These evaluations are visual, not quantitative. Our study was undertaken to determine the degree to which observers agree about SPECT concentric ring artifacts, and to test whether quantitative texture analysis metrics correspond to significant artifacts.Methods: Test data were acquired as part of quarterly quality assurance using standardized SPECT phantoms containing solid spheres, solid rods and volumes of uniform activity concentration loaded with 99mTc. Forty SPECT studies were identified as having concentric ring artifacts or were acquired to assess whether artifacts were resolved following camera retuning after obtaining an unacceptably non-uniform result. Transaxial reconstructions were reviewed independently by two medical physicists who graded severity of artifacts on a 5-point scale. Counts were tabulated in volumes of interest created in uniform phantom sections, from which were computed 72 radiomics image texture analysis metrics. Radial contrast (RContrast) derived from the radial profile of summed slices transformed into polar coordinates and radial noise-to-signal (RNSR) also calculated.Results: Artifacts were considered sufficiently severe to require camera retuning in 10 rods sections, 17 sphere sections, and 16 uniform sections. In uniform sections, there was “good agreement” for inter-observer and intra-rater assessments (κ = 0.66, Fisher exact p < 0.0001 and κ = 0.61, Fisher exact p = 0.001, respectively). While 3 radiomics image analysis features agreed significantly (p = 0.001) with visual detection of significant artifacts in uniform sections, the parameters most strongly associated with severe artifacts were RContrast > 4.75% and RNSR > 2.7%, for which ROC AUC accuracy = 88%±5%, sensitivity = 83%, specificity = 83%, p < 0.0001. Accuracy was 76%-78% for the 3 radiomics features, with significantly lower specificity (48%-61%, p < 0.05) than RContrast and RNSR. Increasing magnitude of RContrast and RNSR correlated significantly with increasingly severe artifact scores (ρ = 0.71-0.72, p < 0.0001).Conclusion: There was good agreement among physicists as to the presence of circular ring artifacts in uniform sections of SPECT quality assurance scans, with artifacts accurately detected by radial contrast and noise-to-signal ratio measurements.
Development of Lipid Nanocarriers for Tuberculosis Treatment: Evaluation of Suitable Excipients and Nanocarriers
Authors: Hädrich Gabriela , Vaz Gustavo Richter , Boschero Raphael , Appel Arthur Sperry , Ramos Carina , Halicki Priscila Cristina Bartolomeu , Bidone Juliana , Teixeira Helder Ferreira , Muccillo-Baisch Ana Luiza , Dal-Bó Alexandre , Silva Pinto Luciano , Dailey Lea-Ann , Da Silva Pedro Eduardo Almeida , Ramos Daniela Fernandes , Dora Cristiana Lima 
Published: February 2021

Background:
Lipid nanocarriers have been widely tested as drug delivery systems to
treat diseases due to their bioavailability, controlled release, and low toxicity. For the pulmonary
route, the Food and Drug Administration favors the use of substances generally recognized as safe,
as well as biodegradable and biocompatible to minimize the possibility of toxicity. Tuberculosis (TB)
remains a public health threat worldwide, mainly due to the long treatment duration and adverse
effects. Therefore, new drug delivery systems for treating TB are needed.

Objective:
Physicochemical characterization of different lipid-based nanocarriers was used to optimize
carrier properties. Optimized systems were incubated with Mycobacterium tuberculosis to assess
whether lipid-based systems act as the energy source for the bacteria, which could be counterproductive
to therapy.

Method:
Several excipients and surfactants were evaluated to prepare different types of nanocarriers
using high-pressure homogenization.

Results:
A mixture of trimyristin with castor oil was chosen as the lipid matrix after differential
scanning calorimetry analysis. A mixture of egg lecithin and PEG-660 stearate was selected as an
optimal surfactant system, as this mixture formed the most stable formulations. Three types of lipid
nanocarriers, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC), and nanoemulsions,
were prepared, with the NLC systems showing the most suitable properties for further evaluation.
It may provide the advantages of increasing the entrapment efficiency, drug release, and the ability
to be lyophilized, producing powder for pulmonary administration as an alternative to entrap poor
water-soluble molecules.

Conclusion:
Furthermore, the NLC system can be considered for use as a platform for the treatment
of TB through the pulmonary route.
A Transient Survival Model of Alteration of Electrophysiological Properties Due to Amyloid Beta Toxicity Based on SH-SY5Y Cell Line
Authors: Abbaszadeh Morteza , Sahin Meryem , Ozgun Alp , Oncu Gul , Garipcan Bora , Saybasili Hale 
Published: February 2021

Background:
Accumulation of toxic strands of amyloid beta (AB), which cause neurofibrillary
tangles and, ultimately, cell death, is suspected to be the main culprit behind clinical symptoms of
Alzheimer’s disease. Although the mechanism of cell death due to AB accumulation is well known, the
intermediate phase between the start of accumulation and cell death is less known and investigated,
partially due to technical challenges in identifying partially affected cells.

Objective:
First, we aimed to establish an in vitro model that would show resilience against AB toxicity.
Then we used morphological, molecular and electrophysiological assays to investigate how the
characteristics of the surviving cells changed after AB toxicity.

Methods:
To investigate this phase, we used differentiation of SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma stem cells by
Retinoic Acid (RA) and Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) to establish an in vitro model
which would be able to demonstrate various levels of resistance to AB toxicity. We utilized fluorescent
microscopy and whole cell patch clamp recordings to investigate behavior of the model.

Results:
We observed significantly higher morphological resilience against AB toxicity in cells which
were differentiated by both Retinoic Acid and Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor compared to Retinoic
Acid only. However, the electrophysiological properties of the Retinoic Acid + Brain-Derived
Neurotrophic Factor differentiated cells were significantly altered after AB treatment.

Conclusion:
We established a transient survival model for AB toxicity and observed the effects of AB
on transmembrane currents of differentiated neurons.
A Comparison of Two Statistical Mapping Tools for Automated Brain FDG-PET Analysis in Predicting Conversion to Alzheimer’s Disease in Subjects with Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Garibotto Valentina , Trombella Sara , Antelmi Luigi , Bosco Paolo , Redolfi Alberto , Tabouret-Viaud Claire , Rager Olivier , Gold Gabriel , Giannakopoulos Panteleimon , Morbelli Silvia , Nobili Flavio , Perneczky Robert , Didic Mira , Guedj Eric , Drzezga Alexander , Ossenkoppele Rik , Berckel Bart Van , Ratib Osman , Frisoni Giovanni B. 
Published: February 2021

Objective:
Automated voxel-based analysis methods are used to detect cortical hypometabolism
typical of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) on FDG-PET brain scans. We compared the accuracy of two
clinically validated tools for their ability to identify those MCI subjects progressing to AD at followup,
to evaluate the impact of the analysis method on FDG-PET diagnostic performance.

Methods:
SPMGrid and BRASS (Hermes Medical Solutions, Stockholm, Sweden) were tested on 131
MCI and elderly healthy controls from the EADC PET dataset. The concordance between the tools was
tested by correlating the quantitative parameters (z- and t-values), calculated by the two software tools,
and by measuring the topographical overlap of the abnormal regions (Dice score). Three independent
expert readers blindly assigned a diagnosis based on the two map sets. We used conversion to AD
dementia as the gold standard.

Results:
The t-map and z-map calculated with SPMGrid and BRASS, respectively, showed a good correlation
(R > .50) for the majority of individual cases (128/131) and for the majority of selected regions of
interest (ROIs) (98/116). The overlap of the hypometabolic patterns from the two tools was, however,
poor (Dice score .36). The diagnostic performance was comparable, with BRASS showing significantly
higher sensitivity (.82 versus .59) and SPMGrid showing higher specificity (.87 versus .52).

Conclusion:
Despite similar diagnostic performance in predicting conversion to AD in MCI subjects,
the two tools showed significant differences, and the maps provided by the tools showed limited overlap.
These results underline the urgency for standardization across FDG-PET analysis methods for
their use in clinical practice.
The Epidemiological and Pangenome Landscape of Staphylococcus aureus and Identification of Conserved Novel Candidate Vaccine Antigens
Authors: Naz Kanwal , Ullah Nimat , Naz Anam , Irum Sidra , Dar Hamza Arshad , Zaheer Tahreem , Shahid Fatima , Ali Amjad 
Published: February 2021

Background and Objective:Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a gram-positive bacterium and one of the major nosocomial pathogen. It has the ability to acquire resistance against almost all available classes of antibiotics; Methicillin-Resistant S. aureus (MRSA) is a well-known antibiotic resistance. S. aureus is a globally distributed pathogen that need in-depth epidemiological and genomic level investigation for proper treatment and prevention.Methods:To explore the genomic epidemiology of S. aureus in-silico Multi Locus Sequence Typing (MLST) was carried out for 355 complete genomes. Diversity within the species was investigated through pan-genome analysis and subtractive genomic approach was employed for identification of core immunogenic targets.Results:Epidemiological study identified 62 different sequence types (STs) of S. aureus distributed worldwide, in which ST-8, ST-5, ST-398, ST-239, and ST-30 are the most dominant STs comprising more than 50% of the isolates. The pan-genome of S. aureus is still open with 7,199 genes and there is a major contribution (80%) of MRSA strains in the S. aureus species pangenome. The core genome (2,025 genes) of S. aureus is almost stable (comprises of 72% of S. aureus genome size) while accessory and unique genes (28% of S. aureus genome size) are gradually increasing. Screening of 2,025 core genes identified putative vaccine candidates. The best scoring and dominant B-cell and T-cell epitopes were predicted out of the selected potential vaccine candidate proteins with the help of a multi-step screening procedure.Conclusion:We believe that the current study will provide insight into the genetic epidemiology and diversity of S. aureus and the predicted epitopes against the pathogen can be tested further for its immunological responses within the host and may provide both humoral and cellular immunity against the disease.
Phagoburst Response Level of Neutrophils to Septic and Non-Septic Acinetobacter baumannii Isolates
Authors: El Khatib Layla S , Yacoub Muhannad A , Bdour Salwa M , Shehabi Asem A 
Published: February 2021

Background:

Acinetobacter baumannii is an opportunistic pathogen causing community-acquired and nosocomial infections. Dissemination of infection to blood causes septicemia associated with serious morbidity and mortality of patients. Neutrophils are essential for the control of A. baumannii infections by different mechanisms, including oxidative burst.

Aims:
This study was conducted as an attempt to determine the effect of septicemic and non-septicemic A. baumannii isolates on the phagoburst response of neutrophils.

Methods:
Neutrophils were isolated from an immunocompetent individual; chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and lung solid tumor (ST) patients. The phagoburst response of these neutrophils to various strains of A. baumannii isolated from septic and non-septic patients was investigated by flow cytometer.

Results:
The presence of this pathogen lowered the phagoburst response in the different types of neutrophils compared to their response to the opsonized Escherichia coli. The phagoburst response of the neutrophils from the immunocompetent individual was significantly higher than that of neutrophils from the immunodeficient patients when stimulated by the septicemic or nonsepticemic A. baumannii isolates. The isolate type (septicemic or non-septicemic) had no significant effect on the neutrophil phagoburst response of the immunocompetent individual and a significant effect on the phagoburst response of neutrophils from the immunodeficient patients. The phagoburst response of the neutrophils from the immunodeficient patients stimulated by septicemic A. baumannii isolates was significantly lower than that when neutrophils stimulated by the nonsepticemic isolates. Also, there was a significant difference in the phagoburst response of neutrophils from the CML and ST patients when stimulated by the septicemic and non-septicemic isolates. This observation might be due to the combined effect of virulent A. baumannii isolates and the chemotherapy regime the patient was undertaking.

Conclusion:
The results suggest that both the isolate type and the source of neutrophils have a significant effect on the neutrophil phagoburst response. The potential virulence of the septicemic A. baumannii isolates and dissemination to blood may be dependent on the host’s immune status and the neutrophils phagoburst response.