bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pathogenicity of Metarhizium rileyi (Farlow) Kepler, S.A. Rehner and Humber isolates against Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) and their extracellular enzymatic activities
Authors: Grewal Gurmehar Kaur , Joshi Neelam , Suneja Yadhu 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
Spodoptera litura (Fab.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a serious agricultural pest that infests many commercially important crops of Southeast Asian countries. Indiscriminate use of chemical pesticides has led to various health hazards as well as insecticide resistance. Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) provide an important alternative as biological control agents. Metarhizium rileyi is an EPF with a specific host range for lepidopteran pests. The present study aimed to identify virulent M. rileyi isolate against S. litura larvae and analyse their extracellular cuticle-degrading enzyme activities.

Results
Three M. rileyi isolates viz M. rileyi NIPHM, M. rileyi MTCC 4254 and M. rileyi MTCC 10395 formulations were evaluated at different concentrations against 2nd instar larvae of S. litura. A maximum percent mortality of 63.33% was recorded in M. rileyi NIPHM (12 g/l), followed by M. rileyi MTCC 4254 (58.33%) at the same concentration, 10 days post-treatment. Maximum means of chitinase, protease and lipase activities (0.44, 1.58 and 2.95 U/ml, respectively) were recorded in the case of M. rileyi NIPHM. Correlation analysis was positive between enzyme activity and larval mortality.

Conclusions
Metarhizium rileyi NIPHM recorded the highest enzymatic activity and exhibited the maximum mortality rate against 2nd instar larvae of S. litura, suggesting the possible role of these enzymes in the pathogenicity of the fungus. Further knowledge in this regard may help in the development of enzyme-based screening methods for selecting virulent fungal isolates for the eco-friendly management of crop pests.
Mental health symptoms among the nurses of Bangladesh during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Chowdhury Saifur Rahman , Sunna Tachlima Chowdhury , Das Dipak Chandra , Kabir Humayun , Hossain Ahmed , Mahmud Sabbir , Ahmed Shakil 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
The coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic has wreaked havoc on healthcare staff and caused serious psychological distress. We aimed to determine the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of Bangladeshi nurses, as well as the relationship between occupational factors and mental health symptoms. We conducted a cross-sectional study among registered nurses in Bangladesh. We used the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) and the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) to assess mental health symptoms.

Results
Among the 547 nurses included in the study, the prevalence of mild to extremely severe depression, anxiety, and stress was 50.5%, 51.8%, and 41.7% respectively, and 61.9% of the respondents reported mild to severe psychological impact for COVID-19. Psychological symptoms were more prevalent among female nurses than male nurses (p <0.05). Linear regression revealed that having complete personal protective equipment (PPE) during working was significantly associated with lower levels of depression, anxiety, and stress (p <0.05). Facing any emotional abuse working in the COVID-19 pandemic situation was significantly associated with higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress and greater psychological impact of the outbreak (p <0.05).

Conclusions
A high prevalence of mental health symptoms was observed in nurses. We recommend the implementation of mental well-being interventions and ensuring a proper work environment for nurses during the pandemic.
Mobile Application to Identify Cancer Treatment–Related Financial Assistance: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Tarnasky Aaron M. , Tran George N. , Nicolla Jonathan , Friedman Fred A. P. , Wolf Steven , Troy Jesse D. , Sung Anthony D. , Shah Kanan , Oury Jakob , Thompson Jillian C. , Gagosian Ben , Pollak Kathryn I. , Manners Ian , Zafar S. Yousuf 
Published: April 2021

PURPOSE: Insured patients with cancer face high treatment-related, out-of-pocket (OOP) costs and often cannot access financial assistance. We conducted a randomized, controlled trial of Bridge, a patient-facing app designed to identify eligible financial resources for patients. We hypothesized that patients using Bridge would experience greater OOP cost reduction than controls. METHODS: We enrolled patients with cancer who had OOP expenses from January 2018 to March 2019. We randomly assigned patients 1:1 to intervention (Bridge) versus control (financial assistance educational websites). Primary and secondary outcomes were self-reported OOP costs and subjective financial distress 3 months postenrollment. In post hoc analyses, we analyzed application for and receipt of financial assistance at 3 months postenrollment. We used chi-square, Mann-Whitney tests, and logistic regression to compare study arms. RESULTS: We enrolled 200 patients. The median age was 57 years (IQR, 47.0-63.0). Most patients had private insurance (71%), and the median household income was $62,000 in US dollars (USD) (IQR, $36,000-$100,000 [USD]). Substantial missing data precluded assessment of primary and secondary outcomes. In post hoc analyses, patients in the Bridge arm were more likely than controls to both apply for and receive financial assistance. CONCLUSION: We were unable to test our primary outcome because of excessive missing follow-up survey data. In exploratory post hoc analyses, patients who received a financial assistance app were more likely to apply for and receive financial assistance. Ultimately, our study highlights challenges faced in identifying measurable outcomes and retaining participants in a randomized, controlled trial of a mobile app to alleviate financial toxicity.
“People like You and Me”: The Korean War, Humanitarian Aid, and Creating Compassion
Authors: Cha Paul S. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractDuring the 1950s a number of private and voluntary aid organizations (PVOs) in the United States mobilized to address the humanitarian crisis caused by the Korean War. However, the activities and roles PVOs played in both providing humanitarian relief in South Korea and shaping American perceptions of the country are poorly understood. This article examines the strategies PVOs employed in their campaigns to convince Americans to contribute aid. The existence of need was a necessary but not sufficient condition. As scholars of humanitarian aid have argued, potential donors might view images of suffering with pity and sympathy but then quickly turn away. Donors must feel a sense of solidarity to move beyond sympathy and act in compassion. This work demonstrates that PVOs tried to create narratives of commonality between Americans and South Koreans. However, a reliance on images of poverty—which were critical to raise money—conflicted with the message that South Koreans were, like Americans, independent and hardworking people. The aid groups’ strategic attempts to mitigate this dissonance by focusing on the supposedly weak (elderly, women, children, and amputees) had the unintended consequence of casting South Korea as an emasculated nation needing to be “saved.”
Health anxiety to COVID-19 virus infection and its relationship to quality of life in a sample of health care workers in Egypt: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Abdelghani Mohamed , Mahdy Rehab , El-Gohari Hayam 
Published: April 2021

Aim of the studyHealthcare workers (HCWs) are more prone to extraordinary fears of COVID -19 virus infection. This study aimed to explore the frequency and predictors of health anxiety to COVID-19 virus infection among HCWs and identify its relationship to their quality of life (QOL).Subject or material and methodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among a sample of HCWs in hospitals of Sharkia Province, Egypt from June 30 to July 16, 2020. A total of 218 HCWs were interviewed using the short health anxiety inventory (SHAI), Symptom Check List-90-Revised (SCL-90-R), and The World Health Organization Quality of Life – BREF (WHOQOL-BREF).ResultsThe frequency of health anxiety to COVID-19 virus among HCWs was 28%. Symptoms of depression, hostility, phobia and somatization, and history of chronic medical illnesses showed greater odds of health anxiety to COVID-19 virus (OR: 6.7, 9.1, 7.3, 7.7, and 12.6, respectively). Being physicians and the increased number of sleeping hours were less likely associated with health anxiety to COVID-19 virus (OR: 0.1 and 0.5, respectively). Health anxiety to COVID-19 virus was inversely correlated with all domains of QOL among HCWs.DiscussionThe study findings were consistent with other previously conducted similar studies.ConclusionsHealth anxiety to Covid-19 virus infection is common among HCWs, and it negatively affects their QOL.
Impact of anxiety, stress, and burnout symptoms in Brazilian health professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Salvador Ana Paula , Jaloto Alexandre , Zuanazzi Ana Carolina , Pereira Gonçalves André , Machado Gisele , Carvalho Lucas 
Published: April 2021

Aim of the studyOur study aimed to investigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Brazilian healthcare workers who work directly with patients diagnosed with COVID-19.Subject or material and methods634 individuals divided into three groups. Non-health workers (n = 372) with a mean age of 36.6 years (SD = 9.14) and 85.5% female; Health Workers (n = 94) with a mean age of 37 years (SD = 7.97) and 90% female; COVID-19 Health Workers (n = 168) with a mean age of 36.23 years (SD = 7.97) and 90% female. We administer the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist - Civilian Version, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7, and Burnout Inventory. We conduct data collection via Google Forms.ResultsHealth workers working in the front line in the fight against COVID-19 showed higher levels of anxiety and psychological distress when compared to health professionals who do not deal directly with COVID-19 and professionals who are not in the area of health.DiscussionOur findings suggest that health professionals who work on the front lines in the fight against COVID-19 tend to have higher levels of concern and anguish about the future, a high level of stress, mental tiredness, irritation, and fatigue.ConclusionsThe findings indicate that these public demands psychological and psychiatric support to face the pandemic's challenges
Appropriateness of oral clopidogrel for prehospital STEMI management
Authors: Sealy Madison , Hollier Rachelle 
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Clopidogrel is an anticoagulant commonly used in the prehospital environment for the management of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Some ambulance services have incorporated this into their treatment regimens; however, others hold a variety of alternative pharmacological interventions. Aims: The purpose of this study is to examine and determine the pharmacological efficacy and safety of clopidogrel in the management of patients with STEMI and assess whether ambulance services should use the drug as part of standard practice. Methods: A literature review was conducted to identify articles relating to the administration of clopidogrel in the prehospital setting. Fourteen peer-reviewed journal articles and eight clinical practice guidelines from international ambulance services were included in this review. Results: According to this literature review, clopidogrel has been deemed safe, effective and practical for widespread use in the prehospital environment for the management of STEMI. However, some disagreement has arisen over whether clopidogrel is a more favourable anticoagulant than ticagrelor and prasugrel. Conclusion: Anticoagulants such as clopidogrel should be strongly considered as a standard treatment regimen in the prehospital management of STEMI across international jurisdictions.
Hormone replacement therapy: update and practical prescribing
Authors: Noble Nikki 
Published: April 2021

Peri-menopause and menopause are a normal part of ageing. Nikki Noble gives an overview of hormone replacement therapy and practical prescribing tips Menopause is a physiological event of ovarian failure due to a loss of ovarian follicular activity. This leads to a lack of oestrogen, resulting in the cessation of menstruation and loss of reproductive function. This article discusses the symptoms of menopause and treatment with hormone replacement therapy. This includes practical prescribing, side effects and long-term benefits and risks. The current shortages of hormone replacement therapy are also addressed. The aim of this article is to enable health professionals to define menopause and gain an understanding of the symptoms associated with it. After reading this article you should be able to: describe when peri-menopause and menopause occur, describe the common symptoms that may be experienced during peri-menopause and menopause, understand of the hormones used in hormone replacement therapy, and understand the practical prescribing of hormone replacement therapy and the benefits, risks, contraindications and side-effects.
Unseen, unheard, undervalued: advancing research on registered nurses in primary care
Authors: Lukewich Julia , Poitras Marie-Eve , Mathews Maria 
Published: April 2021

Julia Lukewich, Marie-Eve Poitras and Maria Mathews describe the current state of family practice nursing in Canada and explore the reasons for the lack of research on this topic Funding model reforms have led to an increase in the number of nurses in primary care in Canada. Family practice nurses work alongside physicians and other healthcare providers, and are key members of primary care teams. Despite this, there remains a lack of clarity regarding the contributions of this unique role, as well as the absence of coordinated leadership and efforts to advance knowledge in this area. We describe the current state of family practice nursing in Canada and discuss challenges to generating evidence on roles, activities, and outcomes. We also provide recommendations to facilitate the advancement of nursing research that addresses primary care provision. Challenges include the absence of standardised terms for this role, a lack of distinction surrounding different regulated nursing designations in primary care, and the need for greater visibility. High-quality research will strengthen the evidentiary base from which to educate providers, inform administrators/policy-makers, and improve primary care outcomes.
Racetrack microresonator based electro-optic phase shifters on a 3C silicon-carbide-on-insulator platform
Authors: Fan Tianren , Wu Xi , Vangapandu Sai R. M. , Hosseinnia Amir H. , Eftekhar Ali A. , Adibi Ali 
Published: April 2021

We report, to the best of our knowledge, the first demonstration of integrated electro-optic (EO) phase shifters based on racetrack microresonators on a 3C silicon-carbide-on-insulator (SiCOI) platform working at near-infrared wavelengths. By applying DC voltage in the crystalline axis perpendicular to the waveguide plane, we have observed optical phase shifts from the racetrack microresonators whose loaded quality (

Q

) factors are

∼

30
,

000

. We show voltage-length product (

V

π

⋅

L

π

) of

118

V

⋅

c
m

, which corresponds to an EO coefficient

r

41

of 2.6 pm/V. The SiCOI platform can be used to realize tunable silicon carbide integrated photonic devices that are desirable for applications in nonlinear and quantum photonics over a wide bandwidth that covers visible and infrared wavelengths.
Topological solitons in arrays of modelocked lasers
Authors: Zykin A. Y. , Skryabin D. V. , Kartashov Y. V. 
Published: April 2021

We report spatiotemporal topological solitons in an array of modelocked lasers. In its conservative limit, our model reduces to the famous Su–Schrieffer–Heeger system possessing topological states inside the gap of its linear spectrum. We report one-dimensional spatial and two-dimensional spatiotemporal topological solitons, i.e., bullets, with the operational frequencies locked to the values inside the topological gap.
Visit-to-visit blood pressure variability is common in primary care patients: Retrospective cohort study of 221,803 adults
Authors: McAlister Finlay A. , Lethebe Brendan Cord , Leung Alexander A. , Padwal Rajdeep S. , Williamson Tyler 
Published: April 2021

Objective
Although high visit-to-visit blood pressure variability (BPV) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events, the frequency of high BPV is unknown. We conducted this study to define the frequency of high BPV in primary care patients, clinical correlates, and association with antihypertensive therapies.

Methods
Retrospective cohort study using electronic medical record data (with previously validated case definitions based on billing codes, free text analysis of progress notes, and prescribing data) from the Canadian Primary Care Sentinel Surveillance Network of 221,803 adults with multiple clinic visits over a 2-year period. We a priori defined a standard deviation>13.0 mm Hg in visit-to-visit systolic blood pressure (SBP) as “high BPV” based on prior literature.

Results
Overall, 85,455 (38.5%) patients had hypertension (mean 6.56 visits with SBP measurement, mean SBP 134.4 with Standard Deviation [SD] 11.3, 33.2% exhibited high BPV) and 136,348 did not (mean 3.96 visits with SBP measurement, mean SBP 120.9 with SD 8.2, 16.5% had high BPV). BPV increased with age regardless of whether individuals had hypertension or not; at all ages BPV varied across antihypertensive treatment regimens and was greater in those receiving renin angiotensin blockers or beta-blockers (p<0.001). High BPV was more frequent in patients with diabetes, chronic kidney disease, dementia, depression, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or Parkinson’s disease.

Conclusions
High visit-to-visit BPV is present in one sixth of non-hypertensive adults and one third of hypertensive individuals and is more common in those with comorbidities. The frequency of high BPV varies across antihypertensive treatment regimens.
The last frontier for global non-communicable disease action: The emergency department—A cross-sectional study from East Africa
Authors: Ngaruiya Christine , Wambua Mbatha , Mutua Thomas Kedera , Owambo Daniel , Muchemi Morgan , Rop Kipkoech , Maciejewski Kaitlin R. , Leff Rebecca , Mutua Mugane , Wachira Benjamin 
Published: April 2021

Introduction
Deaths due to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have surpassed those due to communicable diseases globally and are projected to do so in Africa by 2030. Despite demonstrated effectiveness in high-income country (HIC) settings, the ED is a primary source of NCD care that has been under-prioritized in Africa. In this study, we assess the burden of leading NCDs and NCD risk factors in Kenyan Casualty Department patients to inform interventions targeting patients with NCDs in emergency care settings.

Materials and methods
Using the WHO STEPwise approach to surveillance (STEPS) tool and the Personal Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), we conducted a survey of 923 adults aged 18 and over at Kenyatta National Hospital Emergency Department (KNH ED) between May-October 2018. Age, income, household size(t-test), sex, education, marital status, work status, and poverty status (chi-squared test or fisher’s exact test) were assessed using descriptive statistics and analyzed using covariate-adjusted logistic analysis.

Results
Over a third of respondents had hypertension (35.8%, n = 225/628), 18.3% had raised blood sugar or diabetes (18.3%, n = 61/333), and 11.7% reported having cardiovascular disease (11.7%, n = 90/769). Having lower levels of education was associated with tobacco use (OR 6.0, 95% CI 2.808–12.618, p < 0.0001), while those with higher levels of education reported increased alcohol use (OR 0.620 (95% CI 0.386–0.994, p = 0. 0472). While a predominant proportion of respondents had had some form of screening for either hypertension (80.3%, n = 630/772), blood sugar (42.6%, n = 334/767) or cholesterol (13.9%, n = 109/766), the proportion of those on treatment was low, with the highest proportion being half of those diagnosed with hypertension reporting taking medication (51.6%, n = 116/225).

Conclusions
This study establishes the ED as a high-risk population with potential for high impact in East Africa, should targeted interventions be implemented. Comprehension of the unique epidemiology and characteristics of patients presenting to the ED is key to guide care in African populations.
Comparison of diffusing capacity of carbon monoxide (DLCO) and total lung capacity (TLC) between Indigenous Australians and Australian Caucasian adults
Authors: Howarth Timothy , Saad Helmi Ben , Perez Ara J. , Atos Charmain B. , White Elisha , Heraganahally Subash S. 
Published: April 2021

Background and objective
Currently there is paucity of evidence in the literature in relation to normative values for diffusing capacity of carbon monoxide (DLCO) and total lung capacity (TLC) among Indigenous Australians. Hence, in this study we assessed the DLCO and TLC parameters among Indigenous Australians in comparison to Australian Caucasian counterparts.

Methods
DLCO and TLC values were assessed and compared between Indigenous Australians and Australian Caucasians matched for age, sex and body mass index, with normal chest radiology.

Results
Of the 1350 and 5634 pulmonary function tests assessed in Indigenous Australian and Australian Caucasian adults respectively, a total of 129 Indigenous Australians and 197 Australian Caucasians met the inclusion criteria. Absolute DLCO and TLC values for Indigenous Australians were a mean 4.3 ml/min/mmHg (95% CI 2.86, 5.74) and 1.03 L (95% CI 0.78, 1.27) lower than Australian Caucasians (p<0.01). Percentage predicted values were 15.38 (95% CI 11.59, 19.17) and 16.63 (95% CI 13.59, 19.68) points lower for DLCO and TLC, respectively. Lower limit of normal (LLN) values did not significantly differ between groups, however a significantly greater proportion of Indigenous Australians recorded values below the LLN in comparison to Australian Caucasians for DLCO (64 vs. 25%, p<0.01) and TLC (66 vs. 21%, p<0.01). Significant differences for the interaction of sex on DLCO and TLC were noted in Australian Caucasians, with reduced or absent sex differentiation among Indigenous Australians.

Conclusions
There are significant differences in DLCO and TLC parameters between Indigenous Australian compared to Australian Caucasians. Appropriate DLCO and TLC norms need to be established for Indigenous Australians.