bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Pharmacological Properties of Hydroethanolic Extract of Bixa orellana (Bixaceae) Leaves on Acetic Acid-induced Colitis in Rat
Authors: Tagne Michel Archange Fokam , Kom Blaise , Fondjo Angèle Foyet , Noubissi Paul Aimé , Gaffo Estelle Flora , Fankem Gaëtan Olivier , Wambe Henri , Mukam Joseph Ngakou , Kamgang René , Oyono Jean-Louis Essame 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Ulcerative colitis is one of the inflammatory bowel diseases that is increasing in incidence worldwide. The objective of this work was to evaluate the activities of the hydroethanolic extract of the leaves of Bixa orellana on colitis in rats. Thirty-six rats were anesthetized with ether after 18 hours of fasting and ulcerative colitis was induced by intrarectal administration of 1 mL of acetic acid (5%) in all animals except the normal control group which received instead distilled water (1 mL). 48 hours after induction, the normal control and the negative control received distilled water (10 mL/kg), the positive control received loperamide (5 mg/kg) and three test groups received hydroethanolic extract Bixa orellana leaves at 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg per day for seven days. Administration of the extract significantly (P <0.01) reduced the number of diarrheal stools, nitric oxide and malonedialdheide levels, anemia and the number of colon lesions. The extract significantly (P <0.01) improved body weight loss as well as antioxidant parameters (superoxide dismutase, catalase, gluthation). These results would justify the use of Bixa orellana in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.
Policy Spotlight Effect In Critical Time-Sensitive Diseases
Authors: Lin Chih-Yuan , Chang Li-Chuan , Lee Yue-Chune 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Categorization of hospital emergency capability (CHEC) is a policy implemented worldwide to regionalize critical emergent care. The CHEC policy mainly uses time-based indicators as emergency care quality measurements.Objectives: We aimed to explore the CHEC policy spotlight effect on critical time-sensitive diseases with and without the influence of time-based surveillance indicators and guidelines. Research Design: We conducted a nationwide retrospective cohort study between 2005–2011. Regarding critical time-sensitive diseases, our study targeted acute ischemic stroke (AIS), ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), septic shock, and major trauma. We selected diagnosis and treatment guideline adherence as process quality measures and defined medical utilization, upward transfer rate, and short-term mortality rate as outcome indicators. Subjects: The Taiwan National Health Insurance 2005 Longitudinal Health Insurance Database contains one million random cases, including medical records and hospital information. Results: During this 7-year study AIS, STEMI, septic shock, and major trauma, respectively. AIS and STEMI cohorts had significantly higher rates of guideline adherence and better process quality than those of septic shock and major trauma cohorts. Furthermore, AIS and STEMI cohorts had a significant increase in diagnosis costs. Conclusion: The CHEC policy spotlight effect exists in critical time-sensitive diseases with time-based quality indicators. Importantly, disease entities without these indicators may experience decreases in diagnosis and treatment guideline adherence, indirectly jeopardizing their outcomes.
Development of A Recombinant Murine Luteinizing Hormone Binding Protein As A Selective Hormone Inhibitor
Authors: Yamaguchi Yusuke , Sato Yorino , Kawamura Kazuhiro 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Physiological levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), in concert with follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), promote ovarian follicular development and ovulation. However, high LH levels associated with ovarian dysfunction have been shown to inhibit these processes. Thus, developing a selective LH inhibitor could be potentially useful for treating ovarian dysfunction. Here, we developed a mouse LH-binding protein (mLBP) composed of the extracellular domain of LH receptors as a selective inhibitor of mouse LH. After transient introduction of mLBP expressing vectors into Expi293F cells, mLBP was obtained as a soluble protein via a cleavage reaction with thrombin. The binding ability of mLBP for mouse LH was confirmed using sera containing high LH and FSH collected from ovariectomized (OVX) mice. The bioactivity of mLBP was demonstrated by inhibition of cAMP and testosterone productions induced by OVXmouse serum in mouse Leydig MLTC-1 cells expressing LH receptors. In contrast, mLBP did not bind mouse FSH and inhibit cAMP production induced by OVX-mouse serum in 293 cells expressing mouse FSH receptors. The mLBP also showed binding affinity to human LH (hLH), and inhibited hLH-induced cAMP production in MLTC-1 cells. Thus, the mLBP selectively suppresses the action of LH and is a potential therapeutic agent for ovarian dysfunction.
Disorders of Tetrahydrobiopterin Metabolism: Experience from South India
Authors: Ray Somdattaa , Padmanabha Hansashree , Gowda Vykuntaraju K , Mahale Rohan , Christopher Rita , Sreedha Shruthy , Dhar Debjyoti , Kamate Mahesh , Nagappa Madhu , Bhat Maya D , Anjanappa Rammurthy , Arunachal Gautham , Mailankody Pooja , Mathuranath Pavagada S , Chandra Sadanandavalli R 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Disorders of tetrahydrobiopterin metabolism represent a rare group of inherited neurotransmitter disorders which manifest mainly in infancy or childhood with developmental delay, neuroregression, epilepsy, movement disorders and autonomic symptoms. Methodology: A retrospective review of genetically confirmed cases of disorders of tetrahydrobiopterin metabolism over a period of three years (Jan 2018 to Jan 2021) was performed across two paediatric neurology centres from South India.Results: A total of nine patients(M:F=4:5) fulfilled the eligibility criteria. The genetic variants detected include homozygous mutations in the QDPR(n=6), GCH1(n=2) and PTS(n=1) genes. The median age at onset of symptoms was 6-months(range 3-78 months), while that at diagnosis was 15-months (8-120 months) resulting in a median delay in diagnosis of 9-months. The main clinical manifestations included neuroregression (89%), developmental delay(78%), dystonia(78%) and seizures(55%). Management strategies included phenylalanine restricted diet, levodopa/carbidopa, 5-Hydroxytryphtophan, and folinic acid. Only, Patient-2 afforded and received BH4 supplementation at a sub-optimal dose later in the disease course. We had a median duration of follow up of 15 months (range 2-48 months). Though biochemical response has been marked, except for patients with GTPCH deficiency, only mild clinical improvement was noted with regards to developmental milestones, seizures or dystonia in others. Conclusion: Tetrahydrobiopterin deficiencies represent an rare yet potentially treatable cause for non-phenylketonuria hyperphenylalaninemia when diagnosed and treated early in life. Screening for disorders of biopterin metabolism in patients with hyperphenylalaninemia prevents delayed diagnosis. This study expands the genotype phenotype spectrum of patients with disorders of tetrahydrobiopterin metabolism from South India.
The Effect of Corona Epidemic on Hospital Services and Revenues: A Case Study of Fars Province / Iran
Authors: Kharazmi Erfan , Bordbar Shima , Jafari Abdosaleh 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: The economic impact of corona virus (COVID-19) disease on hospital performance in Iran is unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of corona epidemic on hospital services and revenues: a case study of Fars province / Iran.Methods: The study was cross-sectional and descriptive. The information recorded in the hospital information system (HIS) of hospitals affiliated with Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran from March to August 2019 and 2020 was used to identify the number of services provided. Revenues from services were derived from HIS and accrual accounting systems.Results: The results showed that the total number of services provided from March to August 2019 and 2020 were 75,415,652 and 59,436,379, respectively, indicating that the total number of services in 2020 has decreased by 21% compared to 2019. The finding also indicated that the total revenue of services provided from March to August 2019 and 2020 is $ 166,929,626, and $ 146530916, respectively, indicating that the total revenue of services provided in 2020 decreased by 12% compared to 2019.Conclusions: Corona epidemic could accelerate the redesign of the health care system to make it more efficient, active, sustainable and patient-centered. Some strategies to measure and control costs and revenues and improve clinical outcomes as well as changes in reimbursement systems that maintain the structure of the health system are vital to reaching this redesign and the desired results.
Prediction of Second Wave of COVID-19 in India using the Modified SEIR Model
Authors: Sun Changqing , Zhao Mingyang , Tian Zhuoyang , Zhang Wensen , Zhang Hengzhen , He Wenqian , Wang Rongrong , Wu Ke , Wang Biyao , Sun Nan , Zhang Weihong , Zhang Qiang 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: The second wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic in India was caused by the COVID-19 Delta variant. However, the epidemiological characteristics and transmission mechanism of the Delta variant remain unclear. To explore whether the epidemic trend will change after effective isolation measures were taken and what is the minimum number of individuals who need to be vaccinated to end the epidemic.Methods: We used actual data from March 5 to April 15, 2021, of daily updates confirmed cases and deaths, to estimate the parameters of the model and predict the severity of possible infection in the coming months. The classical Susceptible-Exposed-Infected-Removed (SEIR) model and extended models [Susceptible-Exposed-Infected-Removed-Quarantine (SERIQ) model and Susceptible-Exposed-Infected-Removed- medicine (SERIM) model] were developed to simulate the development of epidemic under the circumstances of without any measures, after effective isolation measures were taken and after being fully vaccinated.Results: The result demonstrated good accuracy of the classic model. The SEIRQ model showed that after isolation measures were taken, the infections will decrease by 99.61% compared to the actual number of infections by April 15. And the SEIRQ model demonstrated that if the vaccine efficative rate was 90%, when the vaccination rate was 100%, the number of existing cases would reach a peak of 529,723 cases on the 52nd day.Conclusion: Effective quarantine measures and COVID-19 vaccination from official are critical prevention measures to help end the COVID-19 pandemic.
Effect of Neutrophil CD64 Index in Elderly Patient with Community-acquired Pneumonia
Authors: Cao Jie , LI YAN , Suhang-Wang  , Jing-Zhang  
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Elderly patient with community-acquired pneumonia is the leading infectious cause of death. During the clinical diagnosis and treatment, some elderly patients do not have typical clinical symptoms .Therefore establishment of safe and effective diagnosis, prognostic assessment systems is important for clinicians. Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic value of the neutrophil CD64(nCD64) in elderly patients with community-acquired pneumonia. Methods: One hundred and twenty-eight elderly patients(≥65year) diagnosed with community-acquired pneumonia from December 2018 to December 2020. All patients were further subdivided into two groups: Non severe community-acquired pneumonia(N-SCAP) group and severe community-acquired pneumonia (SCAP)group. nCD64 index, procalcitonin (PCT) level, C-reactive protein (CRP) level, White blood cell (WBC) counts and Neutrophil (NEUT) absolute counts were obtained and CURB-65 scores were calculated for each patient. Results: The nCD64, CRP ,PCT, WBC,NEUT levels,CURB-65 score were higher in severe community-acquired pneumonia group patients. The nCD64, CRP, PCT levels ,CURB-65 score were higher in non-survivors. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of nCD64 was higher than those of CRP, PCT, WBC, NEUT levels for diagnosing infection. The AUC of nCD64 for predicting 28-day mortality in community-acquired pneumonia was significantly higher than those of CRP ,PCT, WBC and NEUT. The AUC of nCD64 combined with CURB-65 score was significantly higher than that of CRP, PCT, WBC and NEUT parameter combined with CURB-65 score for predicting 28-day mortality. Conclusions: The neutrophil CD64 index is a valuable biomarker for diagnosis of infection and prognostic evaluation in elderly patients (≥65 year) with community-acquired pneumonia.
Analysis of Cytokines in the Aqueous Humor During Intravitreal Treatment With Ranibizumab in Diabetic Macular Edema
Authors: Freitas Luiz Guilherme Azevedo , Isaac David Leonardo Cruvinel , Abud Murilo Batista , Segundo Alexandre Dantas Soares Quintas , Barros Mariana Larissa Alvino , Albuquerque Gabriela Caroline Monteiro , Guimarães Bruna Dantas Aires , Morais Clarice Neuenschwander Lins , Ávila Marcos Pereira 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the concentrations, in aqueous humor, of VEGF, b-FGF, TNF, and interleukins 1, 6, 8, 10, and 12 in patients with diabetic macular edema, with and without peripheral retinal ischemia, and to analyze the variation of the levels of these molecules, during the treatment with ranibizumab.Methods: A therapeutic, prospective, randomized interventional study was carried out. Twenty-four eyes from 24 patients were studied, divided into 3 groups. Group 1, (9 eyes), patients with EMD without peripheral ischemia. Group 2 (10 eyes), patients with EMD with peripheral ischemia. Group 3, (5 eyes), control group, formed by patients without systemic and/or eye diseases. Patients in groups 1 and 2 were treated with 3 intravitreal injections of 2 mg/0.05 ml of ranibizumab, with intervals of approximately 30 days. Before performing the injections, the aqueous humor was collected. In the control group, the material was collected before the facectomy procedure. Results: During treatment, the medians of IL-6 concentrations showed a statistically significant increase, in group 1 and group 2, there was a slight decrease, not statistically significant. Interleukin 8 showed statistically significant variations in groups 1 and 2, at the end of treatment. TNF, IL-1, IL-10, and IL-12 had their concentrations practically unchanged, in both groups. VEGF showed a statistically significant reduction in groups 1 and 2 at the end of the study. B-FGF was not detected in most of the studied patients, and in those that were found, they did not present statistically significant numbers. Conclusion: There were statistically significant variations in the increase of their median levels in interleukin 6, in the group without ischemia and a decrease in VEGF in both groups. The cytokines TNF, IL-1, IL-10, and IL-12 did not show statistically significant variations.
Participation and Dropout of Hockey New South Wales Participants in 2017 and 2018: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Owen Katherine B , Foley Bridget C , Eime Rochelle , Rose Catriona , Reece Lindsey J 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background

Sports have a focus on increasing participation, which contributes to increasing population levels of physical activity, social cohesion and longevity of the sport. The primary aim of this study was to examine reasons for drop-out of a popular team sport in Australia, Field Hockey and identify opportunities to increase participation.
Methods

This longitudinal study obtained routinely collected registered player data from Hockey New South Wales over two consecutive years, and survey data from registered players who dropped out. Logistic regression models identified demographic subgroups who were more likely to drop out of sport, and the reasons for dropping out.
Results

In 2018, 8,463 (31%) of hockey players did not return to play hockey after the previous season and 805 (10%) of these completed a survey. Specific groups who were more likely to stop playing included 5–6 years (OR: 2.1, 95% CIs 1.8, 2.6; reference: 12–17 years), females (OR: 1.1, 95% CIs 1.3, 1.2; reference: males), Indigenous (OR: 1.2, 95% CIs 1.1, 1.4; reference: non-indigenous), most disadvantaged (OR: 1.1, 95% CIs 1.0, 1.2; reference: least disadvantaged) or regional and remote (1.1, 95% CIs 1.0, 1.2; reference: major cities). Top reasons for drop out were; medical/age (17%), change in circumstances (16%) and high cost (13%), lack of time (13%) and lack of enjoyment (7%).
Conclusions

This research makes recommendations to sport on how to reduce dropout and specifically amongst 5–6 year olds, females, Indigenous, disadvantaged and regional or remote areas through enjoyable flexible, modifiable versions of the game.
Lessons Learnt Implementing a Cardiovascular Disease Quality Improvement Intervention in Australian Primary Care: A Mixed Method Evaluation
Authors: Hespe Charlotte , Giskes Katrina , Harris Mark , Peiris David 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background There are discrepancies between evidence-based guidelines for screening and management of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and implementation in Australian general practice. Quality-improvement (QI) initiatives aim to reduce these gaps. This study evaluated a QI intervention (QPulse) that focussed on CVD assessment and management. MethodsThis mixed-methods study explored the implementation of guidelines and adoption of QI processes in 34 general practices. CVD screening and management were measured pre- and post-intervention. Qualitative analyses examined participants’ Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) goals and in-depth interviews with practice stakeholders focussed on barriers and enablers to implementation and were analysed thematically using Normalisation Process Theory (NPT). ResultsPre- and post-intervention data were available from 15 practices (n=19562 and n=20249, respectively) and in-depth interviews from seven practices. At baseline, 45.0% of patients had their BMI measured and 15.6% had their waist circumference recorded in the past 2 years and blood pressure, lipids and smoking status were measured in 72.5%, 61.5% and 65.3% of patients, respectively. Most high-risk patients (57.5%) were not prescribed risk-reducing medications. After the intervention there were no changes in the documentation and prevalence of risk factors, attainment of BP and lipid targets or prescription of CVD risk-reducing medications. However, there was variation in performance across practices with some showing isolated improvements, such as recording waist circumference (0.7-32.2% pre-intervention to 18.5%-69.8% post-intervention), BMI and smoking assessment. Challenges to implementation included: lack of time, need for technical support, a perceived lack of value for quality improvement work, difficulty disseminating knowledge across the practice team, tensions between the team and clinical staff and a part-time workforce. ConclusionThe implementation barriers associated with this QI program was considerable in Australian GP practices. Findings highlighted they were not able to effectively operationalise the intervention due to numerous factors, ranging from lack of internal capacity and leadership to competing demands and insufficient external support. Trial registrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Reference Number (ACTRN12615000108516), registered 06/02/2015. Trial protocol can be accessed at: https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?ACTRN=12615000108516
Glycemic Variability is Independently Associated with Poor Prognosis in Main PICU Centers in Southwest China
Authors: li jing , dong milan , liu wenjun , luo yetao , huang bo , zou yingbo , liu fuyan , zhang guoying , chen ju , jiang jianyu , duan ling , xiong daoxue , fu hongmin , yu kai 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Glucose variability (GV) is one of the common complications in critically ill patients, and studies investigating the role of GV in the prognosis of pediatric patients are scarce in China. And there is no consensus on the measurement of GV. Thus, this study took a prospective, multi-center cohort observational study to identify the ‘best’ index of variability in non-diabetic critically ill children and to confirm whether GV is associated with unfavorable outcomes and whether this association persists after control of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. Materials and Methods: Four GV indices were chosen and calculated in our study, namely, mean absolute glucose (MAG), standard deviation (SD), glycemic lability index (GLI), and another metric-average consecutive absolute change percentage (ACACP), which can be used in the real-time clinical decision. The primary outcome was 28-day mortality. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to identify the potential predictors for the outcome. And the area under the curve (AUC), net reclassification improvement (NRI), and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) were calculated to assess the predictability of dysglycemia (glucose variability and hypo/hyperglycemia) on the unfavorable outcome. Results: Of the total of 780 participants, 12.4% (n=97) died within 28 days after PICU admission. There were statistical differences in terms of four GV indices (SD, GLI, MAG, and ACACP) between survivors and non-survivors, in which MAG obtained the largest area under the curve and showed a strong connection to ICU mortality independently. Subsequent addition of MAG to the multivariate Cox model for hyperglycemia resulted in further quantitative evolution of the model statistics (AUC 0.651 to 0.681, P=0.001; IDI: 0.017, P=0.044; NRI:0.224, P=0.186). And the impact of hyperglycemia (adjusted HR1.419, 95% CI 0.815-2.471, p=0.216) on outcome was attenuated and no longer statistically relevant after adjustment for MAG (adjusted HR 2.455, 95%CI 1.411-4.270, p=0.001). Conclusions: GV is closely associated with unfavorable outcomes, and may be a more powerful negative predictor of outcome than hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. These findings emphasize the crucial role of GV in PICU children. GV index that contains information such as time, rate of change, etc. is the focus of future research. MAG may be a good choice. Trial registration: Chinese clinical registration (ChiCTR), ChiCTR2000030846. Registered 15 March 2020, https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=50760.