bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
WITHDRAWN: Vitamin D Deficiency in Premenopause: Endothelial and Diastolic Functions With Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Akhan Onur , Dogdus Mustafa 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Introduction: Vitamin D deficiency(VDD) is a common condition in all ages, especially in winter, and causes several adverse outcomes, including cardiovascular diseases. Although there is conflicting information about the causes of cardiac events in VDD, the commonly accepted cause is a pathogenic relationship with hyperparathyroidism.Aim: We aim to demonstrate the effects of hyperparathyroidism, if present, on endothelial and diastolic functions using echocardiography, carotid and brachial tissue Doppler imaging(tDi) in premenopausal women with VDD independent from other confounding risk factors.Methods: Our study is a cross-sectional, observational study investigating premenopausal women aged 18-50 who applied to internal medicine. The patients were divided into two groups according to their parathyroid hormone(PTH) levels. While PTH levels are within the normal range in 41 patients, it was high in 29 patients. Study groups are analyzed for basal characteristics, standard echocardiographic evaluation, carotid, and brachial artery tDi features.Results: There were no significant differences in age, height, weight, body mass index(BMI), and diastolic blood pressures(BP) between the groups(all p values>0.05). Systolic BPs were significantly higher in the secondary hyperparathyroidism, no patients diagnosed with hypertension(Mean systolic BP 124±8, p=0.020). The rate of severe VDD was 78%. In terms of diastolic parameters, prolongation of A wave durations and decreased E/A ratio were observed in the secondary hyperparathyroidism(p values are 0.043 and 0.031, respectively). Carotid and brachial tDi; carotid intima-media thickness(IMT) is significantly higher in secondary hyperparathyroidism(p=0.032).Conclusion: We showed that high PTH levels have adverse effects on diastolic functions(A wave, E/A ratio) and endothelial functions(carotid IMT) in premenopausal women with VDD, even in the absence of other confounding risk factors. We can state that our study's findings will contribute to the literature and are predictive for future studies.
Early Donepezil Monotherapy or Combination With Metoprolol Significantly Prevents Subsequent Chronic Heart Failure in Rats With Reperfused Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Li Meihua , Zheng Can , Toru Kawada , Uemura Kazunori , Masashi Inagaki , Nishikawa Takuya , Saku Keita , Sugimachi Masaru 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
PurposeAcute myocardial infarction (MI) remains a leading cause of chronic heart failure, and MI size is a strong predictor of prognosis. Clinical guidelines recommend that oral β-blockers be initiated early after reperfused MI (RMI). Here, we compared the effects of donepezil, metoprolol, and their combination on infarct size and progression of cardiac remodeling in rats with RMI.MethodsRMI (n = 103) was induced in 8-week-old male rats by occluding the left coronary artery (30 min), followed by reperfusion. The animals were randomly assigned to untreated (UT, n = 16), donepezil-treated (DT, 5 mg/kg·day, n = 21), metoprolol-treated (MT, 70 mg/kg·day, n = 23), and combination of donepezil and metoprolol (DMT, n = 18) groups.ResultsOn day 8 after surgery, rats in the DT and DMT groups exhibited significantly improved myocardial salvage, owing to the prevention of apoptosis and suppression of macrophage infiltration, compared with rats in the UT group. After the 10-week treatment, the rats in the DT and DMT groups exhibited decreased heart rate, reduced MI size, attenuated cardiac hypertrophy and cardiac dysfunction, and decreased plasma levels of brain natriuretic peptide, norepinephrine, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. However, no cardioprotective effects were observed among rats in the MT group.ConclusionsDonepezil monotherapy or in combination with metoprolol significantly improved myocardial salvage, reduced MI size, limited the progression of cardiac remodeling, and prevented subsequent chronic heart failure in rats with RMI. Thus, donepezil monotherapy or combination with metoprolol may be applied as pharmacotherapy post-RMI.
Expression of Arabidopsis Ornithine Aminotransferase (AtOAT) Encoded Gene Enhances Multiple Abiotic Stress Tolerances in Wheat
Authors: Anwar Alia , Wang Ke , Wang Jing , Shi Lei , Du Lipu , Ye Xingguo 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Key Message The drought and salt tolerances of wheat were enhanced by ectopic expression of the Arabidopsis ornithine aminotransferase (AtOAT) encoded gene. The OAT was confirmed to play a role in proline biosynthesis in wheat.Abstract Proline (Pro) accumulation is a common response to both abiotic and biotic stresses in plants. Ornithine aminotransferase (OAT) is pyridoxal-5-phosphate dependent enzyme involved in plant proline biosynthesis. During stress condition, proline is synthesized via glutamate and ornithine pathways. The OAT is the key enzyme in ornithine pathway. In this study, an OAT gene AtOAT from Arabidopsis was expressed in wheat for its functional characterization under drought, salinity and heat stress conditions. We found that the expression of AtOAT enhanced the drought and salt stress tolerances of wheat by increasing the proline content and peroxidase activity. In addition, it was confirmed that the expression of AtOAT also played a partial tolerance to heat stress in the transgenic wheat plants. Moreover, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis showed that the transformation of AtOAT up-regulated the expression of the proline biosynthesis associated genes TaOAT, TaP5CS, and TaP5CR, and down-regulated that of the proline catabolism related gene TaP5CDH in the transgenic plants under stress conditions. Moreover, the genes involved in ornithine pathway (Orn-OAT-P5C/GSA-P5CR-Pro) were up-regulated along with the up-regulation of those genes involved in glutamate pathway (Glu-P5CS-P5C/GSA-P5CR-Pro). Therefore, we concluded that the expression of AtOAT enhanced wheat abiotic tolerance via modifying the proline biosynthesis by up-regulating the expression of the proline biosynthesis associated genes and down-regulating that of the proline catabolic gene under stresses condition.
Determinants of Survival Among HIV/AIDS Patients With The Second-Line Antiretroviral Therapy In Henan Province of China&nbsp;
Authors: Jin Yantao , Zhang Miao , Ma Yan-min , Guo Hui-jun , Li Peng-yu , Yang Chun-ling , Wang Dong-li , Xu Qianlei , Liu Zhibin 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: To estimate the survival and effectors of mortality among HIV/AIDS patients switch to second-line highly active antiretroviral therapy (ART) in rural China.Methods: A three years’ retrospective cohort study was conducted and HIV/AIDS patients switched to the second-line ART between January 2009 to December 2014 enrollment. The data collected from medical records and analysis using Kaplan-Meier statistics and COX regression models.Findings: A total of 2883 HIV/AIDS participants followed up for 8445 person-years, 183 (6.5%) died, 14(0.5%) lost follow-up and the mortality rate 2.17/100 person-years. After adjusting other confounding factors by multivariable COX regression, age older than 50 years (HR,3.37; 95%CI, 1.92-5.92), Traditional Chinese medicine therapy (HR,0.48; 95%CI, 0.33-0.71), CD4 cell count littler than 200 cells/μl (HR,2.97; 95%CI, 1.90-4.64), AST or ALT higher than 50 u/L (HR,1.55; 95%CI, 1.15-2.11) were each independently associated with mortality among HIV/AIDS patients switch to second-line ART.Conclusions: Our retrospective cohort study indicates that mortality among HIV/AIDS patients switch to second-line ART lower than most other studies. However, the limitations of a retrospective cohort could have biased the study, so prospective studies should be carried out to confirm our primary results. The result of our study suggest that Chinese therapy was potential treatment for HIV/AIDS patients.
­Removal Of Basic Green 4 Dye Using Raw and Surface Modified Streculia Foetida Seeds
Authors: Gandhi Manikandan , Narayanan Meyyappan , Ramu Pitchai 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Industrialization and Urbanisation are considered as some of the important problems for the pollution of air, soil, and water system. Among these systems, water is affected to the great extent. The addition of the various pollutants to the water resources is considered as the major threat for the deterioration of water quality and makes it unsuitable for domestic purposes. Out of many water pollutants, dyes are the most hazardous substances for plants, animals, and also humankind. Majorly, malachite green dyes are used in the industries processes like textile industries to produce large quantities of colored effluents that contain organic and inorganic chemical compounds. So, effective and efficient treatment of them is very important for eco-friendly sustainability. In the present study, the Indian or the Wild almonds (Sterculia foetida as its biological name) was used as an adsorbent for the removal of basic green 4 dye from the aqueous solutions in batch mode operations. The basic parameters like initial concentration, pH, contact time, and adsorbent dosage were studied. The experimental result shows that the Sterculia foetida seeds are very good adsorbent for the removal of basic green4 dye from the prepared dye solutions.
Risk Potential for Organ Dysfunction Associated with Sodium Bicarbonate Therapy (SBT) in Critically Ill Patients with Hemodynamic Worsening
Authors: Wang Tiehua , Yi Lingxian , Zhang Hua , Wang Tianhao , Xi Jingjing , Zeng Lin , He Junlin , Zhang Zhongheng , Ma Penglin 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: The role of sodium bicarbonate therapy (SBT) remains controversial. This study aimed to investigate whether hemodynamic status before SBT contributed to the heterogeneous outcomes associated with SBT in acute critically ill patients.Methods: We obtained data from patients with metabolic acidosis from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC)-III database. Propensity score matching (PSM) was applied to match the SBT group with the control group. Logistic regression and Cox regression were used to analyze a composite of newly “developed or exacerbated organ dysfunction” (d/eOD) within 7 days of ICU admission and 28-day mortality associated with SBT for metabolic acidosis.Results: A total of 1765 patients with metabolic acidosis were enrolled, and 332 pairs obtained by PSM were applied to the final analyses in the study. An increased incidence of newly d/eOD was observed in the SB group compared with the control group (54.8% vs 44.6%, p<0.01). Multivariable logistic regression indicated that the adjusted OR of SBT for this composite outcome was no longer significant [OR (95% CI): 1.39 (0.9, 1.85); p=0.164]. This effect of SBT did not change with the quintiles stratified by pH. Interestingly, SBT was associated with an increased risk of the composite of newly d/eOD in the subgroup of patients with worsening hemodynamics before SBT [adjusted OR (95% CI): 3.6 (1.84, 7.22), p< 0.001]. Moreover, the risk potential for this composite of outcomes was significantly increased in patients characterized by both worsening [adjusted OR (95% CI): 2.91 (1.54, 5.47), p< 0.001] and unchanged hemodynamics [adjusted OR (95% CI): 1.94 (1.01, 3.72), p=0.046) compared to patients with improved hemodynamics before SBT. Our study failed to demonstrate an association between SBT and 28-day mortality in acute critically ill patients with metabolic acidosis.Conclusions: Our findings suggested that SBT for metabolic acidosis was associated with an increased risk potential for subsequent d/eOD, while the hemodynamic status remained unstable during the acute phase of critical illness.
Strengthening healthcare providers’ capacity for intra-uterine device and contraceptive implant services in humanitarian and fragile settings: a case study from Nepal using the clinical outreach refresher training model (S-CORT)
Authors: Gardner Kamille , Zaeem Shabana , Ghimire Jagadishwor , Anisuzzaman AKM , Syaivuya Bergson Kakule , Greer Alison , Kalyanpur Anushka , Tran Nguyen Toan 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background – Access to modern family planning methods, including long-acting and reversible contraceptives (LARCs), to prevent unplanned pregnancy is critical to avert maternal deaths in humanitarian and fragile settings, where clinicians often have limited LARC competencies. This paper explores the perspectives and recommendations of providers and trainers involved in piloting the Clinical Outreach Refresher Training for Sexual and Reproductive Health module (S-CORT) on LARCs in Nepal.Methods – Qualitative data from end-of-training evaluations, which were self-filled by 15 trainees, a focus group discussion involving 11 of them, and written feedback from five co-trainers were transcribed, coded, and thematically analyzed. Results were intersected with those from pilots held in Bangladesh and the Democratic Republic of Congo.Results – Results suggest that the module could increase participants’ counseling and clinical skills, help anchor readiness for family planning and LARC provision before humanitarian emergencies, and reinforce informed consent, service privacy and confidentiality, and access for underserved populations, including adolescents. Recommendations for improvement included the advanced provision of the learning resources for self-study to promote blended learning and avail more clinical practice time.Conclusions – When the lack of skilled human resources is a barrier to LARC services in humanitarian and fragile settings, the S-CORT strategy could offer a rapid hands-on refresher training opportunity for clinicians requiring knowledge and skills update. Such a capacity-development approach could be valuable not only for emergency response but also in contexts prioritizing disaster preparedness planning.
Preparation and Characterization of Undoped and Chromia-Doped Porous Alumina Using Different-Sized Particles
Authors: Nguyen Yen Ngoc , Le Hai Minh , Nanko Makoto , Dang Khanh Quoc 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Highly porous alumina (Al2O3) was prepared by sintering of Al2O3 powder using ammonia bicarbonate (NH4HCO3) as a pore-forming agent and chromia (Cr2O3) as a sintering additive. In order to investigate the influence of particle shape and size on the characterization of sintered porous Al2O3, the starting Al2O3 powders included commercial disk micro-sized powder and synthesized spherical nanopowder. The nanoscale Al2O3 powder was produced via combustion synthesis route. At the optimal pore-forming agent concentration, the porous Al2O3 sintered by nanoparticles had a smaller pore size and a lower total porosity than the one prepared by microparticles. The differences of open porosity and closed porosity between porous Al2O3 synthesized by micro and nano-scale powders with and without Cr2O3 dopant were also discussed. In addition, the compressive strength of porous Al2O3 achieved by nano-sized powders, especially with Cr2O3 dopant, had a higher value in comparison with the one prepared by micro-sized powders.
Comparison of Student Performance, Self-mutual and Tutor Teaching Assessments in PBL Tutorial Process Between 1st and 4th Year Dental Undergraduates
Authors: Zhou Ting , Chen Yanjun , Xu Rui , Yang Chun 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Objectives: Evaluate the effectiveness of PBL teaching and analyze potential influencing factors between senior and junior from the perspectives of student performance, student self-mutual and tutor teaching evaluations.Results: Study found the overall three comparative assessments scores of Grade 4 were significantly higher than those of Grade 1(P＜0.01). Further analysis revealed no significant difference of student performance score between Grade 4 and Grade 1 in the 1st unit (P＞0.05), but it was improved and maintained significantly since 2nd time (P＜0.01).Moreover, each self-mutual evaluation of 4th year students was significantly higher than that of 1st year students, especially in the second half of the course (P＜0.01).And, all the evaluations of tutor teaching from seniors were significantly higher than those from juniors (P＜0.01). Finally, no significant correlation between student self-mutual scores and those given by tutors no matter high or lower grade (P＞0.05).
Evolving from Didactic to Dialogic: An Action Research for Improving Teaching Practices in the mini-CEX Workshops
Authors: Liao Kuo-Chen , Peng Chang-Hsuan 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundFaculty development is imperative to ensure successful outcomes in the training of competent physicians. However, how faculty developers can improve the delivery of an assessment workshop through researching their individual teaching practices remains unexplored.MethodsIn 2016, the authors conducted four cycles of action research in the context of mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise (mini-CEX) workshops. Multiple sources of qualitative data, including a faculty developer’s reflective journal, field notes taken by a researcher-observer, and post-workshop written reflection and feedback from fourteen workshop attendees, were collected and analyzed thematically.ResultsBy doing action research, the faculty developer scrutinized each step as an opportunity for change, enacted adaptive practice and reflection on teaching practices and formulated action plans to transform a workshop design. In so doing, a workshop evolved from didactic to dialogic with continuous improvement on enhanced engagement, focused discussion and participant empowerment through a collaborative inquiry into feedback practice. These action research cycles also supported development of adaptive practice and identity formation in the faculty developer.ConclusionsThe systematic approach of action research serves as a vehicle to enable faculty developers to investigate individual teaching practices as a self-reflective inquiry, to examine, rectify, and transform processes of program delivery, and ultimately introduce themselves as agents for change and improvement.
Interplay between intra-urban population density and mobility in determining the spread of epidemics
Authors: Hazarie Surendra , Panos David Soriano , Arenas Alex , Gomez-Gardenes Jesus , Ghoshal Gourab 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In this work, we address the connection between population density centers in urban areas, and the nature of human flows between such centers, in shaping the vulnerability to the onset of contagious diseases. A study of 163 cities, chosen from four different continents reveals a universal trend, whereby the risk induced by human mobility increases in those cities where mobility flows are predominantly between high population density centers. We apply our formalism to the spread of SARS-COV-2 in the United States, providing a plausible explanation for the observed heterogeneity in the spreading process across cities. Armed with this insight, we propose realistic mitigation strategies (less severe than lockdowns), based on modifying the mobility in cities. Our results suggest that an optimal control strategy involves an asymmetric policy that restricts flows entering the most vulnerable areas but allowing residents to continue their usual mobility patterns.
Thyroid Hemiagenesis With TI-RADS 2 Nodule in the Contralateral Lobe: a Case Report
Authors: Sereke Senai Goitom , Oriekot Anthony , Bongomin Felix 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Thyroid hemiagenesis is a rare congenital anomaly in which one lobe of thyroid gland fails to develop. There is a higher incidence of associated thyroid disorders in patients with thyroid hemiagenesis. Case presentation: A 32-year-old female presented to a hospital with complaint of painless neck swelling of 3-month duration with associated globus sensations. There were no history of thyroid related problems or thyroid related treatment prior to her presentation. Physical examination demonstrated a mobile right thyroid swelling but no obvious nodular contour. Neck ultrasound demonstrated absent left lobe of thyroid gland, right thyroid gland with solitary nodule of TI-RADS 2 and isthmus in situ. Extensive search for possible ectopic thyroid tissue was negative. Thyroid function test was euthyroid. Conclusion: Early detection of this entity and follow up monitoring of thyroid morphologic and hormonal function have paramount importance.
A Pretest – Posttest Pilot Study for the Development and Preliminary validation of a tool for the clinical assessment of Radioiodine Induced Sialadenitis
Authors: CHRISTOU ANDRI , Papastavrou Evridiki , Merkouris Anastasios , Charalambous Andreas 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: The clinical assessment of radioiodine -induced sialadenitis is relied on the observer-defined toxicity grading model. However, this model has significant limitations, the major one being the lack of systematic assessment based on objective criteria. The main aim of this study was the development and testing of an assessment tool which could examine the severity of post irradiation sialadenitis.Methods: The development of the Sialadenitis Assessment Tool proceeded through three phases. The first and second phase included a literature review and the development of the tool which derived from the review, respectively. The third phase involved a pilot testing of the Assessment Tool to a sample of 34 patients undergoing I131. The assessment was carried out by two independent HCPs, pre- and post-radioiodine therapy. The results of the assessment tool were compared to other scales, including the DIRIX and EORTC H&N35.Results: The Cohen’s kappa test, suggested that the Sialadenitis Assessment Tool (SAT) is a reliable tool for the assessment of sialadenitis (Cohen’s K =1). The concurrent and internal validity tests, showed a tendency of association with most variables (p <0.001) in the DIRIX s and EORTC QLQ-HN35 scales.Conclusions: Preliminary evidence show that Sialadenitis Assessment Tool is a valid and reliable tool to assess radioiodine-induced sialadenitis in patients undergoing I131 therapy post thyroidectomy.
WITHDRAWN: Fungi associated with grapevine trunk diseases (GTDs) with emphasize on pestalotioid species in Kurdistan Province, Iran
Authors: Khaledi Esmail , Moghadam Jamal Nahvi , Abdollahzadeh Jafar , Amini Jahanshir 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Grapevine trunk diseases (GTDs) are destructive and important economically with worldwide distribution. In this survey 233 fungal isolates were obtained from grapevine cultivars showing trunk diseases symptoms in Kurdistan Province, Iran. Based on sequences data and morphology 24 species belong to 20 genera were characterized. Botryosphaeriaceae, Alternaria, Sporocadaceae and Phaeoacremonium members were the most prevalent identified fungal groups. At the species level Botryosphaeria dothidea, Alternaria malorum, Phaeoacremonium aleophilum and Acremonium sclerotigenum were the most frequent identified species. All species are new records in Kurdistan Province. Clonostachys rosea and Neoscytalidium novaehollandiae are new records on grapevine in Iran. Acremonium sclerotigenum, Alternaria chlamydosporigena, Ascochyta herbicola and Paecilomyces formosus are new records on grapevine around the world. In phylogenetic analyses based on LSU, ITS, TEF-1α and TUB2 sequence data four pestalotioid species belong to Sporocadaceae were identified. Of these, three species are new for science and introduced here as Seimatosporium marivanicum, Sporocadus kurdistani and Xenoseimatosporium kurdistanicum. Furthermore, three new combinations in Sporocadus are proposed.