bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prediction of Esophagogastric Varices Associated with Oxaliplatin Administration
Authors: Satta Yosuke , Shigefuku Ryuta , Watanabe Tsunamasa , Mizukami Takuro , Tsuda Takashi , Suzuki Tatsuya , Ehira Takuya , Hattori Nobuhiro , Kiyokawa Hirofumi , Nakahara Kazunari , Ikeda Hiroki , Matsunaga Kotaro , Takahashi Hideaki , Matsumoto Nobuyuki , Okuse Chiaki , Suzuki Michihiro , Sunakawa Yu , Yasuda Hiroshi , Itoh Fumio 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Oxaliplatin is a key drug for the chemotherapy of colorectal cancer; however, it is also known to cause non-cirrhotic portal hypertension. We aimed to identify the characteristics of patients who developed esophagogastric varices (EGV) after treatment with oxaliplatin.Methods: This study retrospectively analysed patients with colorectal cancer who were treated with chemotherapy including oxaliplatin between 2010 and 2016. All patients were evaluated by contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) every 3 months both during and after treatment, and endoscopy was performed when appearance of portal hypertension was suspected.Results: A total of 106 patients were divided into 2 groups: EGV formation (n=6) and EGV non-formation (n=100). In the EGV group, platelet counts decreased and the size of the spleen calculated by CT (CT-SI) increased markedly. The highest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for the change in platelet counts was 0.81 (80% sensitivity and 83% specificity) at 3 months posttreatment and the maximum AUC for CT-SI was 0.89 (79% sensitivity and 83% specificity) at 6 months posttreatment.Conclusions: EGV formation could be predicted by assessment of platelet counts and CT-SI not only during but also after completion of the treatment.
Prognosis of COVID-19 Pneumonia Can Be Early Predicted Combining Age-Adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index, CRB Score and Baseline Oxygen Saturation.
Authors: Nuevo-Ortega Pilar , Reina-Artacho Carmen , Dominguez-Moreno Francisco , Becerra-Muñoz Victor Manuel , Ruiz-Del-Fresno Luis , Estecha-Foncea Maria Antonia 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: In potentially severe diseases in general and COVID-19 in particular, it is vital to early identify those patients who are going to develop complications. The last update of a recent living systematic review dedicated to predictive models in COVID-19,[1] critically appraises 145 models, 8 of them focused on prediction of severe disease and 23 on mortality. Unfortunately, in all 145 models, they found a risk of bias significant enough to finally "not recommend any for clinical use". Authors suggest concentrating on avoiding biases in sampling and prioritising the study of already identified predictive factors, rather than the identification of new ones that are often dependent on the database. Our objective is to develop a model to predict which patients with COVID-19 pneumonia are at high risk of developing severe illness or dying, using basic and validated clinical tools.Methods: prospective cohort of consecutive patients admitted in a teaching hospital during the “first wave” of the COVID-19 pandemic. Follow-up to discharge from hospital. Multiple logistic regression selecting variables according to clinical and statistical criteria. Results: 404 consecutive patients were evaluated, 392 (97%) completed follow-up. Mean age was 61 years; 59% were men. The median burden of comorbidity was 2 points in the Age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index, CRB was abnormal in 18% of patients and basal oxygen saturation on admission lower than 90% in 18%. A model composed of Age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index, CRB score and basal oxygen saturation can predict unfavorable evolution or death with an area under the ROC curve of 0.85 (95% CI: 0.80-0.89), and 0.90 (95% CI: 0.86 to 0.94), respectively.Conclusion: prognosis of COVID-19 pneumonia can be predicted in the out-of-hospital environment using two classic prognostic scales and a pocket pulse oximeter.
Isolation and identification of Amycolatopsis sp. strain 1119 with potential to improve cucumber fruit yield and induce plant defense responses in commercial greenhouse
Authors: Kafi Sahar Alipour , Karimi Ebrahim , Akhlaghi Mahmood , Amini Zahra , Mohammadi Ali , Sadeghi Akram 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background and aimsThe application of chemical fungicides is the first strategy to control plant fungal diseases. This approach is highly polluting for the environment and affects human health. Artificial introduction of beneficial rhizobacteria into the soil can be an economical and practical way to control phytopathogenic fungi in commercial greenhouses. Here, we recount the travel of a rare Actinomycete (Amycolatopsis strain 1119) from a maize field to a commercial cucumber greenhouse.Methods and resultsCulturable bacteria from rhizosphere and bulk soils of dicot and monocot crops were isolated and screened. About 20% of the representative colonies showed Actinomycetes appearance. 106 Actinomycetes that had antagonistic activity against Phytophthora capsici and were able to produce IAA were selected for further analysis. Two Streptomyces strains (432 and 615) and 2 Amycolatopsis strains (3513 and 1119) that showed a positive effect on plant growth in greenhouse conditions were selected to evaluate for biocontrol potential. Strains 432, 3513, 615 and 1119 controlled incidence of the damping-off by 65%, 42%, 83% and 100% respectively. Application of strain 1119 under commercial greenhouse conditions resulted in an increase in fruit yield (20%) and a decrease in fruit nitrate content (70%). Increased antioxidant enzymes activity and increased LOX and APX transcription and also, increased expression of two genes PR1-1a and GLU (SAR genes) showed that strain 1119 could induce both ISR and SAR in cucumber without pathogen exposure. Conclusion Our results demonstrate that the Amycolatopsis strain 1119, has a great potential to enter the market as a bio-stimulator.
Molecular Investigation and Phylogenetic Analysis of Anaplasma spp. and Ehrlichia spp. (Based on 16S rRNA gene) Isolated from Hyalomma Ticks in the Border of Iran and Pakistan
Authors: Choubdar Nayyereh , Karimian Fateh , Koosha Mona , Nejati Jalil , Oshaghi Mohammad 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Anaplasmosis and Ehrlichiosis are tick-borne diseases affecting human beings and livestock in tropical and subtropical regions. Animal husbandry is the main activity of people in the border of Iran and Pakistan, where thousands of cattle cross the borders into the countries weekly. Methods: PCR-direct sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene was used to determine the prevalence and geographical distribution of the disease agents in Hyalomma hard ticks. Results: Six Hyalomma species were found in the region, where Hy.anatolicum was the most prevalent species collected on goats, cattle, and camel. Anaplasma / Ehrlichia genomes were found in 68.3% of the specimens. Anaplasma ovis, A.marginale, and E.ewingii DNA prevalence in the infected ticks were 81.82, 9.09, and 9.09 % respectively. The DNA sequence and phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene confirmed the detection of these three Anaplasmosis agents, showing 99-100% identity with the strains previously reported in Genbank from different part of the world.Conclusions: Since A.ovis and A.marginale are considered as important livestock pathogens, and E.ewingii is an important human pathogen, both farmers and people involved in livestock along the border of the two countries need to be made aware of the risks posed by tick infestation and the tick-borne disease.
A satellite-based investigation into the algae bloom variability in large water supply urban reservoirs during COVID-19 lockdown
Authors: Alcantara Enner , Coimbra Keyla , Ogashawara Igor , Rodrigues Thanan , Mantovani Jose , Rotta Luiz , Park Edward , Cunha Davi Gasparini Fernandes 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Here we report the first case study of the significant algae blooming in large reservoirs in relation to the COVID-19 lockdown in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) and phycocyanin (PC) concentrations were analyzed in the Guarapiranga and Billings reservoirs, which supply daily water use for over 20 million people and receives treated wastewater. We employed field-calibrated Sentinel 2 MSI and Landsat 8 OLI images to map the spatial patterns of Chl-aand PC over the two period: before (April, August and October 2019) and more than a month after the lockdown in Sao Paulo due to the rapid spread of the COVID-19 in Brazil (April 2020). We found a significant increase in algae blooming (both Chl-a and PC) in both reservoirs in April 2020, compared to the same month of 2019. We show that the episodic algae blooming is strongly related to the increased inflows of the residential wastewater from the surrounding watersheds, because the household water use has increased ~3.2% in April 2020, while the runoff into the reservoirs driven by the rainfall was much lower in 2020 compared to the previous year for the same month. In the case of Guarapiranga Reservoir, PC increased nearly 500% in April 2020 compared to April 2019. Given the importance of Billings and Guarapiranga reservoirs for the water supply of the Metropolitan Region of Sao Paulo (MRSP), the abrupt occurrence of cyanobacteria blooms related to the state’s lockdown should be considered a major concern for public and environmental health of the region. Although several environmental consequences have been reported due to the COVID-19 worldwide, this study is the first to report the impact of COVID-19 on the trophic state in the tropical reservoirs.
Covid-19 Infection, Illness and Deaths Among Healthcare Workers in Low- and Middle-income Countries: A Systematic Review Protocol
Authors: Ocan Moses , Kawala Brenda Allen , Kisangala Ephraim , Ndagire Regina , Wangi Rachel Nante Nante , Semakula Daniel , Kinengyere Alison Annet , Sewankambo Nelson K. , Katairo Thomas , Okullo Allen Eva , Nalugoda Fred , Namisango Eve , Ouma Kevin Ojiambo , Apunyo Robert , Nakalembe Loyce , Luwambo Ash , Obuku Ekwaro Anthony 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Globally, health care workers continue to be infected, fall ill and die at the frontline of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) fight, an indicator of inadequate safety in health facilities. This rapid evidence synthesis aims to highlight the impacts of COVID-19 on healthcare workers in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) in terms of infections, illnesses and deaths. Methods: A systematic review will be done. Article search will be performed by an experienced librarian in PubMed, MEDLINE Ovid, Google Scholar, COVID-END, Cochrane library and targeted search from other relevant sources. MeSH terms and Boolean operators “AND” and “OR” will be used in the article search. Independent reviewers will screen the retrieved articles using a priori criteria. Data abstraction will be done using an excel based abstraction tool and synthesized using structured narratives and summary of findings tables. Discussion: This evidence synthesis seeks to analyze the impact of COVID-19 on the healthcare systems of low- and middle-income countries. Information on healthcare worker infections, illness, and deaths due to COVID-19, will be collated from published research articles. This will help guide decision makers in establishing low- cost high impact interventions to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 in the health work force.Protocol registration: PROSPERO CRD 42020204174 [1] [1] This protocol registration can be found at; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42020204174
Are Doctors Protected Enough During COVID-19? A Cross-Sectional Study of Physician Mortality Numbers and Characteristics in South Asia
Authors: Jatoi Nadia Nazir , Ahmad Saniya , Sajid Emaad-ud din , Farhan Syed Ali , Fatima Kaneez , Mahmood Syed Faisal 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background:The highly contagious nature of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) places physicians in South Asia at a high risk of contracting the infection. Accordingly, we conducted this review to provide an up to date account of physician deaths in South Asia during the COVID-19 pandemic and to analyze and compare the different characteristics associated with physician mortality amongst the countries of the region.Study Design:Cross-Sectional StudyMethodology:We performed a review study by using published news reports on the websites of news agencies from 9 selected countries in South Asia. Our study included only those physicians and doctors who died after contracting COVID-19 from their respective workplaces. All available data about the country of origin, type of, sex, age, medical or surgical specialty, and date of death were included.Results:The total number of physician deaths reported due to COVID-19 in our study was 170, with half (87/170, 51%) of the deaths reported from Iran. Male physicians' death was reported to be 145 (145/170=85%). Internal Medicine (58, 43%) was the most severely affected sub-specialty. The highest physician mortality rate in the general population recorded in Afghanistan (27/1000 deaths).ConclusionAn increased number of physician deaths, owing to COVID-19, is seen in South Asia. This could be due to decreased personal protective equipment and the poor health care management systems of the countries in the region to combat the pandemic. Future studies should provide a detailed account of characteristics associated with physician mortalities along with the main complications arising due to the virus.
CDC20, A Hypermethylated Gene in Senescent Cells, is Associated with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Prognosis
Authors: Xianhong Xiang , Fu Yunong , Zhang Xing , Miao Runchen , Ma Xiaohua , Liu Chang , Qu Kai 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignancy with poor outcome. As an anti-tumor mechanism, the methylation pattern of gene in senescent cells is different from that in malignant ones deriving from physically senescent cells. Therefore, it is possible that aberrantly methylated senescence-associated genes could predict the prognosis of HCC patients.MethodsDifferentially expressed genes with aberrant methylation were explored in two senescent cell datasets and were selected as senescence-associated genes (SAGs). And we used the proliferation, cell cycle, and senescence β-galactosidase assay to detect the effects of downregulated CDC20, a SAG, on cell cycle arrest and cellular senescence. Then, we investigated the relationship between the expression and methylation of CDC20 in senescent and proliferating HCC cells which was treated by 5-Azacytidine demethylation and in HCC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Also, we combined the methylation and expression levels of CDC20 to evaluate the prognosis of CDC20. Finally, pyrophosphate sequencing was performed to validate the different methylation of CDC20.ResultsWe found one of 49 SAGs, named cell division cycle 20 (CDC20), to be downregulated with hypermethylation in senescent HCC cells but upregulated with hypomethylation in proliferating HCC cells. Then, restoration of CDC20 expression was observed after demethylation treatment. Moreover, knockdown of CDC20 was found to induce cell cycle arrest and cellular senescence. Furthermore, the expression of CDC20 was found to be negatively correlated with its methylation, and hypomethylation of CDC20 was found to have a significantly shorter overall survival. Finally, pyrophosphate sequencing results showed that cg16147196 in CDC20 has a remarkably higher methylation level in senescent HCC cells than that in the proliferating HCC cells. ConclusionsIn conclusion, our study indicated that CDC20, a hypermethylated gene in senescent cells, could be considered as an alternative prognostic marker in HCC.
An Energy Efficient Cooperative Spectrum Sensing for Cognitive Radio-Internet of Things with Interference Constraints
Authors: Miah Md Sipon , Hossain Mohammad Amzad , Ahmed Kazi Mowdud , Rahman Md. Mahbubur , Calhan Ali 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Spectrum sensing plays a very important role in Cognitive Radio based Internet of Things (CR-IoT) networks for utilization of the licensed spectrum accurately. However, the performance of the conventional Energy Detector (ED) method is compromised in a noise-uncertain environment owing to interference constraints, i.e. the CR-IoT user interference with the licensed Primary User (PU) on the same licensed band. To overcome this drawback, we proposed an energy efficient Cooperative Spectrum Sensing (CSS) for a CR-IoT network with interference constraints using a novel ED method. In this method, each CR-IoT user is capable of spectrum sensing that makes both the local decision and the weight factor based on the sequential approach; we calculate the weight factor against each CR-IoT user based on the Kullback Leibler Divergence award score. After the local decision and the weight factor are made, each CR-IoT user transmits its measured both the local decisions, and the weight factor to a Fusion Center (FC), which is made a final decision about the PU activities based on the hard fusion rule. The simulation results demonstrates that the proposed ED method obtains an improved detection performance, an enhanced sum rate, a spectral efficiency, an energy efficiency, and a lower global error probability when compared to other conventional ED methods under time varying environments.
Estimating the External Validity of Randomized Controlled Trials: A Comparison of Morbidity and Mortality Between an RCT and an Observational Study in Botswana
Authors: Thivalapill Neil , Lockman Shahin , Powis Kathleen , Zash Rebecca , Leidner Jean , Ajibola Gbolahan , Mmalane Mompati , Makhema Joseph , Shapiro Roger 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: The external validity of the randomized controlled trial (RCT) refers to the extent to which the results of the RCT apply to the non-trial population. External validity of RCTs is impacted by the representativeness of the population enrolled and differences in the standard of care between the trial and non-trial setting. In spite of these concerns that have been historically acknowledged, external validity of RCTs is difficult to study empirically given confounding due to time and population under study. Here, we compared the outcomes of mortality and hospitalization between an RCT and an observational study that concurrently enrolled HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU) newborns in Botswana. Methods: The Mpepu Study was a clinical trial that enrolled HEU newborns in Botswana to determine whether co-trimoxazole provided survival benefit. The Maikaelelo study was an observational study that enrolled HEU newborns in Botswana with telephone follow-up and no in-person visits. Mortality and morbidity were compared using survival analysis and treatment effects approaches. Cox-proportional hazards model were fit with time to death or time to first hospitalization and where the proportional hazards assumption was determined to be violated, interaction terms were generated between the study setting and time. The causal effect of study setting was obtained through the inverse probability weighted estimator. Results: In total, 4,010 infants were included; 1,306 were enrolled into Maikaelelo and 2,704 were enrolled into Mpepu. No significant differences in mortality were observed between the two settings (HR: 1.28, 95% CI: 0.76, 2.13), but RCT participants had a lower risk of hospitalization (HR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.58, 0.89) that decreased with age. However, RCT participants had a higher risk of hospitalization within the first six months of life. The causal risk difference in hospitalizations attributable to the trial setting was -0.03 (95% CI: -0.05, -0.01). Conclusions: Children in an RCT with rigorous application of national standard of care guidelines experienced a significantly lower risk of hospitalization than children participating in an observational study that did not alter clinical care. Future research is needed to further investigate outcome disparities when real-world results fail to mirror those achieved in a clinical trial. Trial Registration: : The Mpepu Trial was funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health (No. NCT01229761) and the Maikaelelo Study was funded primarily by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (32AI007433-21).
Camel and Small Ruminant Based Pastoralism in Ethiopia: Recent Trends and Future Prospects
Authors: Teklegiorgis Shewakena , Yirga Fikadu 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In Ethiopia, camel and shoat production are common pastoralism practices in three major pastoralist regions of Afar, Somali, and Borena. This review was aimed to indicate the recent trend and future prospect of camel and small ruminant production and the possible modifiers and the pros and cons of the practices in the pastoral area of Ethiopia. Data were organized and estimated from different researches conducted in each year. Data were organized in terms of the number of camel and shoat per household each year (2010-2020) and analyzed using trend and forecasting analysis model by SPSS software. There is an increment camel Tropical Livestock Unit (TLU) per household from 2.78, 13 and 9 to 37, 28, 28 between the year 2010-+2020 in Borena, Afar and Somali respectively and will increase to 45, 45, 35 by 2030 respectively. In the whole pastoralist regions, the number of camel TLU per household increases from 2.8 to 31 between the year, 2010-2020 and will increase to 50 TLU per household by 2030, while the number of goat and sheep increase from 1.4 and 0.91 TLU per household to 2.45 and 2.46 respectively between the year 2010-2020 and the predicted model indicate increase to 2 and 3.4 TLU per household by 2030. Climate change or drought and adaptation responses are the major drivers. Climate change coping and livelihood income improvements are the pros of the trend, while the reduction of cattle population and impact on the conservation of valuable indigenous cattle are the cons of the practices.
COVID-19 related conspiracy thoughts: Public thought assessment through Facebook
Authors: AlRyalat Saif Aldeen , Al-abdallat Tala , alsaffar Amra , alqaisi Layal , alenezi Mshael , Malek Mariam 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Following the public thoughts on the recent 2019 coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is an important measure to ensure compliance with preventive behaviors. Here, we analyzed public conspiracy thoughts related to COVID-19 pandemic on official Facebook governmental COVID-19 announcements. A total of 343 comments analyzed for posts at the beginning and at the peak of COVID-19 pandemic in Jordan. We found a significant increase in conspiracy related comments in later posts at the peak of pandemic compared with earlier ones. Despite its small sample size, our present analysis provides an important measure for public conspiracy related thoughts on the current COVID-19 pandemic in Jordan.