bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment and referral in suspected COVID-19: a community based observational study
Authors: Finnikin Samuel , Haroon Shamil , Cooper Jennifer , Anand Astha , Pakiyaraja Abijan , Duncombe Ben , Lasserson Daniel 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background

The COVID-19 pandemic presented new diagnostic and management challenges to primary care alongside rapid changes in service delivery. The purpose of this study was to describe the characteristics of patients with symptoms of COVID-19 in primary care, explore which characteristics were associated with a clinical diagnosis of COVID-19 and referrals to secondary care, and to describe secondary care referral decisions with reference to national guidance.
Methods

An observational study using routinely collected data from the Birmingham Out-of-hours Research Database. The study uses consultation data from the Birmingham and Solihull COVID Referral Centre (CRC) between 21st April and 24th July. All CRC consultations were examined to extract patient demographics, free text consultations, prescriptions, observation and onward referrals. The National Early Warning Score (NEWS2) was calculated and the clinical diagnosis of COVID-19 was established. The population was described and univariate logistic regression was used to identify characteristics associated with clinical diagnosis of COVID-19 and referral decisions.
Results

681 patients were seen at the CRC and 56.3% were identified to have a clinical diagnosis of COVID-19. 14.0% of all patients were referred to secondary care, but 59% of patients classified as most severe according to national criteria were not referred. Referral was associated with increasing age, shortness of breath, tachycardia, tachypnoea and hypoxia but patients with a clinical COVID-19 diagnosis were less likely to be referred than those with other diagnoses.
Conclusion

Just over half of patients seen in the CRC were clinically diagnosed with COVID-19 and most patients were managed in the community. Guidelines developed in the absence of service delivery data for the management of COVID-19 were inconsistent with community urgent care delivery.
Effect of Altitude on Covid-19 Mortality in Ecuador: an Ecological Study
Authors: CAMPOS ADRIANA , SCHEVECK BRIDGET , PARIKH JEEGAN , HERNANDEZ-BOJORGE SANTIAGO , TERAN ENRIQUE , IZURIETA RICARDO 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 pandemic has claimed nearly 900,000 lives worldwide and infected more than 27 million people. Researchers worldwide are studying ways to decrease SARS-CoV-2 transmission and COVID-19 related deaths. Several studies found altitude having a negative association with both COVID-19 incidence and deaths. Ecuadorian data was used to explore the relationship between altitude and COVID-19. MethodsThis is an ecological study examining province-level data. To explore a relationship between altitude and COVID-19, this study utilized publicly available COVID-19 data and population statistics. ANOVA, correlation statistics, and a multivariate linear model explored the relationship between different Ecuadorian altitudes against incidence, mortality, and case-fatality rates. Populations statistics attributed to COVID-19 were included in the linear model to control for confounding factors. ResultsRegional differences were observed for incidence, mortality, and case fatality rate suggesting an association between altitude and SARS-CoV-2 transmission and COVID-19 disease severity. In both the correlation analysis and linear model altitude showed a statistically significant negative correlation between altitude and COVID-19 mortality. ConclusionAltitude may have an effect on COVID-19 mortality rates. More research is needed to understand why altitude may have a protective effect against COVID-19 mortality and how this may be applicable in a clinical setting.
Feature-Tracking Left Ventricular Global Longitudinal Strain Improves 6 Months After Kidney Transplantation Associated With Reverse Remodeling, Not Myocardial Tissue Characteristics
Authors: Barbosa Maurício Fregonesi , Contti Mariana Moraes , Andrade Luis Gustavo Modelli de , Mauricio Alejandra del Carmen Villanueva , Ribeiro Sergio Marrone , Szarf Gilberto 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
PurposeTo determine whether left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) measured by feature-tracking (FT) cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) improves after kidney transplantation (KT) and to analyze associations between LV GLS, reverse remodeling, and myocardial tissue characteristics.MethodsThis is a prospective single-center cohort study of kidney transplant recipients who underwent two CMR examinations in a 3T scanner, including cines, tagging, T1 and T2 mapping. The baseline exam was done until 10 days after transplantation and the follow-up after 6 months. Age and sex-matched healthy controls were also studied for comparison. ResultsA total of 44 patients (mean age 50 ± 11 years-old, 27 (61.4%) male) completed the two CMR exams. LV GLS improved from -13.4% +/- 3.0 at baseline to -15.2% +/- 2.7 at follow-up (p < 0.001), but remained impaired when compared with controls (-17.7% +/- 1.5, p = 0.007). We observed significant correlation between improvement in LV GLS with reductions of left ventricular mass index (r = 0.356, p= 0.018). Improvement in LV GLS paralleled improvements in LV stroke volume index (r = -0.429, p = 0.004), ejection fraction (r = -0.408, p = 0.006), global circumferential strain (r = 0.420, p = 0.004) and global radial strain (r = -0.530, p = 0.002). There were no significant correlations between LV GLS, native T1 or T2 measurements (p > 0.05). Conclusion﻿In this study, we demonstrated that LV GLS measured by FT-CMR improves 6 months after KT in association with reverse remodeling, but not native T1 or T2 measurements.
Title: Preoperative Endoleak Type in Patients of Aneurysmal Sac Expansion After Endovascular Aneurysm Repair and Intraoperative Blood Loss in Aneurysmorrhaphy: Analysis of a Case Series of 18 Patients
Authors: Oshida Kazuma , Ikeda Kohei , Shibuya Yuka , Hara Masayuki , Uezono Shoichi 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Purpose

EVAR (endovascular aneurysm repair) has become a possible treatment option of abdominal aortic aneurysms, and endoleak is the most common complication after EVAR. The purpose of this study was to determine the difference of intraoperative blood loss in aneurysmorraphy for aneurysmal sac expansion after EVAR according to type of endoleak.
Methods

Perioperative data of 18 patients underwent aneurysmorrhaphy for aneurysmal sac expansion after EVAR from July 2010 to November 2017 at the Jikei University Hospital are collected. Patients were divided in two group, endoleak type II or type V (endotension) according to preoperative imaging. Patient demographic and quantitative data, including intraoperative blood loss and intraoperative red blood cell transfusion volume, were collected from electronic medical and anesthetic records. Intraoperative blood loss in aneurysmorrhaphy were compared between the two groups.
Results

In 18 patients, 13 patients were diagnosed type II endoleak, and 5 patients were diagnosed endotension. There were statistically differences in intraoperative blood loss and red cell transfusion volume between type II endoleak and endotension groups (P = 0.0016 and P = 0.018, respectively).
Conclusion

These results suggest that the type of endoleak after EVAR may be associated with intraoperative blood loss in aneurysmorrhaphy. Pre-operative estimation of intraoperative blood loss depending on endoleak type may be helpful for the decision making of anesthetic management in aneurysmorrhaphy.
Marital Status and Prostate Cancer Incidence: A Pooled Analysis of 12 Case-Control Studies From the PRACTICAL&nbsp;Consortium
Authors: Salmon Charlotte , Song Lixin , Muir Kenneth R , Pashayan Nora , Dunning Alison M , Batra Jyostsna , Chambers Suzanne , Stanford Janet L , ostrander Elaine A , Park Jong Y , Lin Hui-Yi , Cussenot Olivier , Cancel-Tassin Geraldine , Menegaux Florence , Cordina-Duverger Emilie , Kogevinas Manolis , Llorca Javier , Kaneva Radka , Razack Azad , Lim Jasmine , Gago-Dominguez Manueal , Castelao Jose E , Kote-Jarai Zsofia , Parent Marie-Elise , Eeles Rosalind 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
While being in a committed relationship is associated with a better prostate cancer prognosis, little is known about how marital status relates to its incidence. Social support provided by marriage/relationship could promote a healthy lifestyle and an increased healthcare seeking behavior.We investigated the association between marital status and prostate cancer risk using data from the PRACTICAL Consortium. Pooled analyses were conducted combining 12 case-control studies based on histologically-confirmed incident prostate cancers and controls with information on marital status prior to diagnosis/interview. Marital status was categorized as married/partner, separated/divorced, single, or widowed. Tumours with Gleason scores ≥8 defined high-grade cancers, and low-grade otherwise. NCI-SEER’s summary stages (local, regional, distant) indicated the extent of the cancer. Logistic regression was used to derive odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association between marital status and prostate cancer risk, adjusting for potential confounders. Overall, 14,760 cases and 12,019 controls contributed to analyses. Compared to men who were married/with a partner, widowed men had an OR of 1.19 (95%CI 1.03-1.35) of prostate cancer, with little difference between low- and high-grade tumours. Risk estimates among widowers were 1.14 (95%CI 0.97-1.34) for local, 1.53 (95%CI 1.22-1.92) for regional, and 1.56 (95%CI 1.05-2.32) for distant stage tumours. Single men had elevated risks of high-grade cancers. Our findings highlight elevated risks of incident prostate cancer among widowers, more often characterized by tumours that had spread beyond the prostate at the time of diagnosis. Social support interventions and closer medical follow-up in this sub-population are warranted.
Maternal Supply of Cysteamine during Late Gestation Alleviates Oxidative Stress and Enhances Angiogenesis in Porcine Placenta
Authors: Huang Shuangbo , Wu Zifang , Hao Xiangyu , Huang Zihao , Zhang Longmiao , Hu Chengjun , Wei Jianfu , Deng Jinping , Tan chengquan 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Oxidative stress in placenta is associated with the occurrence of adverse pregnancy outcomes in sow, but there are few satisfactory treatment strategies for these conditions. This study investigated the potential of cysteamine (CS) as an antioxidant protectant for regulating the reproductive performance, redox status, and placental angiogenesis of sows.Methods: The placental oxidative stress status and vascular density of piglets with different birth weights: <1.0 kg (low birth weight, LBW) and 1.4-1.6 kg (normal birth weight, NBW) were evaluated, followed by allotting 84 sows to four treatments (n=21) and feeding them with a basal diet supplemented with 0, 100, 300, or 500 mg/kg of CS (CON, CS100, CS300, and CS500 diet) from day 85 of gestation to day 21 of lactation, respectively. Placentae, serum and colostrum, and blood samples of sows or piglets were collected, and the characteristics of sows and piglets were recorded. Furthermore, the in vivo results were validated using porcine vascular endothelial cells (PVECs).Results: The placentae for the LBW piglets had higher oxidative damage and lower vascular density than those for the NBW piglets (P < 0.05). Further experiments with sows showed that compared with the CON group, the CS100 group was lower in the stillbirth and invalid rates, and higher in the piglet birth weight and placental efficiency (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the CS100 group also displayed higher glutathione and lower malondialdehyde in both the serum and colostrum of sows (P < 0.05). Interestingly, compared to the CON group, the LBW placentae of the CS100 group showed a decrease in oxidative damage, while an increase in vascular density (P < 0.05), as well as the mRNA level of vascular endothelial growth factor A and the immunostaining intensity of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the in vitro experiment indicated that CS pre-treatment could significantly reverse the NADPH oxidase 2-ROS-mediated inactivation of signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (Stat3) signaling pathway induced by H2O2 inhibition of the proliferation, tube formation, and migration of PVECs (P < 0.05).Conclusions: The results indicated that oxidative stress and impaired angiogenesis might contribute to the occurrence of low-birth-weight piglets during pregnancy, but CS supplementation at 100 mg/kg during late gestation and lactation of sows could alleviate oxidative stress and enhance angiogenesis in placenta, thereby improving pregnancy outcome. The in vitro data showed that the underlying mechanism for the positive effects of CS may be related to the activation of Stat3.
Probiotic Biofilm: A Novel Approach to Produce a New Generation of Probiotics and Probiotic Foods
Authors: Rezaei Zeinab , Salari Amir , Khanzadi Saeid 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background

Probiotic biofilm is considered a new version of an advanced natural protection method recently placed on researchers’ agenda as the fourth generation of probiotics. In several studies, probiotic biofilms have been produced exclusively in the bacterial culture medium, but in this study, the biofilm of Lactobacillus plantarum PTCC 1745 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus PTCC 1637 were formed in food (milk) and evaluated for the first time.
Methods

The biofilm was produced in milk then was transferred to yogurt in whole and crushed forms to be tested in real conditions as probiotic bacteria carriers. Survival was assessed for 21 days as well as gastrointestinal conditions.
Results

Results demonstrate that the number of bacteria in biofilm did not change significantly during 21 days of refrigerated storage. In contrast, planktonic bacteria was decreased by about 2.8 log simultaneously. Another significant result is that the biofilm could appropriately protect the bacteria in the stomach and intestine simulated conditions. So, no significant reduction was observed in the number of bacteria during 120 min, but planktonic cells were destroyed after 30 min.
Conclusions

In conclusion results indicated that L. plantarum and L. rhamnosus could form a very desirable and strong biofilm in vitro and milk that can have a good protective effect on yogurt’s probiotic survival process and storage. Therefore, the probiotic biofilm technique can introduce a new generation of probiotics to the food and pharmaceutical industries
Multi-drug Resistant (MDR), Extended Spectrum Beta-lactamase (ESBL) and New Delhi Metallo Beta-lactamase (NDM) Producing Escherichia Coli in Rescued Sloth Bears (Melursus Ursinus), India
Authors: Vinodhkumar O.R. , Karikalan M. , Ilayaraja S. , Sha Arun A , Singh B.R. , Sinha D.K. , Mohan S. Chandra , Pawde A.M. , Sharma AK 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The study reports the MDR, ESBL, and NDM producing Escherichia coli (CRE) isolated from the rescued sloth bear (Melursus ursinus), India. The faecal samples of adult rescued sloth bear (n=21) were collected from a rescue center located in India during 2015-2016 and processed for isolation and antibacterial susceptibility pattern of E. coli. 45E. coli isolates were recovered, and on phenotypic screening, 23 were MDR, 17 were ESBL producers, and five were carbapenem-resistant (CR). The MDR isolates carried beta-lactamase, chloramphenicol, aminoglycosides, tetracycline, fluroquinone, and sulphadimidine resistance genes. All the phenotypic ESBL producing isolates had blaCTX-M genes. On genotypic screening, three CRE (60.0 %, 3/5) were positive for blaNDM carbapenemase gene. Efflux pump-mediated carbapenem resistance was noticed in two CRE isolates (40.0 %, 2/5).The CRE also isolates co-harbored AMR genes like blaTEM-1, blaAmpC, qnrA, qnrB, qnrS, tetA, tetB and sulI. Virulence screening of the resistant isolates revealed the presence of Stx1, Stx2, eae, hlyA genes.Plasmid incompatibility (Inc) typesof three NDM positive isolates revealed that two isolates blaNDM-5 gene on Incl1 an one isolate on IncF plasmid. Apart from NDM genes, the plasmids also carried tetracycline, beta-lactamase and quinolone resistance genes. The plasmid multilocus sequence typing (pMLST) of the E. coli Incl1 plasmid showed the Sequence Type (ST) 297.This appears to be the first report of multi-drug resistant, extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing and blaNDM-5geneson Incl1 and IncF plasmids in rescued sloth bear.
Evolution of Vortex At The Runner Area of Pump-Turbine Under The Runaway Condition
Authors: Li Qifei , Zhou Feng , Zhao Chaoben , Huang Qi , Li Zhenggui 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
To study the evolution principle of the coherent structure in the low flow rate runaway condition, the pump-turbine of the certain pumped storage power plant is employed. The transient dynamic stress of the runner has been numerically simulated and examined in this study, in order that can probe the mechanism of channel vortices acting on the blade and the evolution of their coherent structure in the runner. Based on the Realizable k-ε turbulent model, the unsteady flow of the whole pump-turbine channels is calculated. Results show that the flow in the runner channels presents with the turbulence state, and with many different scales vortices. These vortices structures are mainly distributed in the inlet region of the blade, the area of the blade trailing edge and the middle section of the runner channels. These vortex structures affect the distribution of the blade pressure load. Moreover, vortices structure at the inlet of the runner depends on the change of the attack angle. In the flow region formed at the outlet of the blade near the suction surface and the runner cone, the blade has a limited effect to the fluid, thus the vortex structure depends on the Coriolis force and the centrifugal force joint action.
A Bidirectional Hybrid WDM-OFDM Network for Multiservice Communication Employing Self-Injection Locked Qdash Laser Source Based on Elimination of Rayleigh Backscattering Noise Technique
Authors: Mandal Paulomi , Mallick Khaleda , Santra Saikat , Kuiri Bibhatsu , Dutta Bubai , Patra Ardhendu Sekhar 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
A scheme for transportation of information with minimum Rayleigh backscattering (RB) noise to the multi-users by employing Qdash laser diode as a source is designed and evaluated. In this paper, employing DPSK, MMW, 16-QAM OFDM, and 32-QAM OFDM techniques, the data rates of 4X10 Gbps are transmitted simultaneously over 50 km single mode fiber (SMF), plus 15 m wireless link, 50 m FSO link, 10 m wireless respectively. Four selective self-injection locked modes of Qdash laser are utilized as optical carriers for downstream (DS) and upstream (US) transmission. To ensure the matter of mitigation of RB noise, which mainly arises due to the transmission of light-wave of same wavelengths in bidirectional transportation, the carrier signals of different wavelength are used for modulation and remodulation in OLT and ONU. Besides being a strong support to increase the tolerance level against RB noise, this architecture is capable to transmit less noisy information wirelessly in RF sensitive areas too. The constancy of the proposed architecture is evaluated by very low power penalty, clear constellation, prominent eye opening, low bit-error-rate and low error vector magnitude. Therefore, the proposed architecture could be promising alternative not only due to the scheme for mitigation of RB noise but also be a potent in the field of applications of the communication world to provide less noisy information to the multi-users (wired/wireless/FSO).
Exposure to Anthropogenic Activities and Age Class Mediate Movement-Explicit Habitat Selection of A Mesocarnivore in A Human-Dominated Landscape
Authors: Serieys Laurel , Bishop Jacqueline M , Rogan Matthew S , Smith Justine A , Suraci Jusin P , O'Riain M Justin , Wilmers Chris C 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Wildlife populations are increasingly challenged by human activities that disrupt landscape connectivity and animal movement, and thus population dynamics and persistence. Yet modified habitats may provide resource subsidies for generalist species resulting in increased selection of disturbed areas. Understanding how species adjust their space use and activity in human-modified landscapes is increasingly critical to conserving wildlife populations globally. Methods: To test three competing hypotheses explaining spatiotemporal responses to human activity, we GPS-collared 26 individual adults and subadults from three contiguous subpopulations in wildland and urban-dominated regions. We investigated coarse (3 hour)- and fine (20 minute)- scale movement-explicit habitat selection using step selection functions and tested for increased nocturnality of caracals (Caracal caracal) in a human-dominated landscape in South Africa. Results: Caracals in a wildland-dominated landscape were on average > 8.0 km from the urban-natural boundary and strongly selected for proximity to the coastline. Caracals in the urban-dominated landscape were on average <500 m from the urban-natural boundary, yet strongly avoided areas within the urban matrix itself while selecting for close proximity to the urban-natural boundary. Caracals avoided vegetative cover in the wildland-dominated region but selected for vegetative cover in the urban-dominated region, likely to conceal themselves from detection by humans. Selection responses for vineyards, freshwater, the coast, and burned areas was dependent on age class, diel period, and whether individuals were in close proximity to urban areas. Caracals inhabiting the urban-dominated region did not shift their temporal activity patterns to avoid contact with humans, but they selected for closer proximity to urban areas at night, suggesting they seek spatial refugia during the day. Conclusions: Behavioral plasticity whereby individuals seek out spatial, but not temporal refugia, appears to promote the coexistence of this generalist carnivore in a human-dominated landscape. Both age class and degree of exposure to anthropogenic activities influence habitat selection, while some individuals have learned to successfully exploit the riskiest areas at night. These data are essential to our understanding of what is viable wildlife habitat in this rapidly urbanizing landscape and provide opportunities to guide land acquisition and conservation guidelines by local management agencies.