bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluating health technology engagement among family caregivers of patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Raj Minakshi , Gupta Vibhuti , Hoodin Flora , Yahng Lilian , Braun Thomas , Choi Sung Won 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Purpose: Digital health technology-based interventions have the potential to support caregivers in their caregiving responsibilities and in managing their own health and well-being. Designing digital health technologies to support caregivers of patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation requires evaluating their engagement with these technologies. The objective of this study was to examine the association between caregiving characteristics and different types of digital health technologies used. Methods: We conducted an online cross-sectional, national survey of 948 unpaid family caregivers of patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation. Results: Almost two-thirds (65.4%) of respondents reported using an app for fitness or step counting, while 41.3% reported using a smartwatch. The average number of apps used was 3.3 (range 0-9). In adjusted models, adult children who were caregivers (OR=5.82, p<0.005) and caregivers of another relative (OR=2.51, p<0.005) were significantly more likely to use a fitness tracker than caregivers of a child. Caregiving for six months or greater was associated with use of fewer apps compared with caregiving for less than six months in adjusted models (OR=0.80, p<0.005). Caregivers of patients receiving an allogeneic transplant used more apps on average than caregivers of patients receiving an autologous transplant, in adjusted (OR=1.36, p<0.005) models.Conclusion: Digital health technologies may reflect promising avenues for supporting caregivers of patients undergoing HCT. The rapid insurgence of telehealth, propelled by the current COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizes the need for a better understanding of digital health technology for future study design.
Spatiotemporal variability of land surface temperature in north-western Ethiopia
Authors: Bayable Getachew , Alemu Getnet 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The aggravating deforestation, industrialization and urbanization are increasingly becoming the principal causes for environmental challenges worldwide. As a result, satellite-based remote sensing helps to explore the environmental challenges spatially and temporally. This investigation analyzed the spatiotemporal discrepancies in Land Surface Temperature (LST) and the link with elevation in Amhara region, Ethiopia. The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) LST data (2001–2020) was used. The pixel-based linear regression model was employed to explore the spatiotemporal discrepancies of LST changes pixel-wise. Furthermore, Sen's slope and Mann-Kendall were used for determining the extent of temporal shifts of the areal average LST and evaluating trends in areal average LST values, respectively. Coefficient of Variation (CV) was calculated to examine spatial and temporal discrepancies in seasonal and annual LST for each pixel. The distribution of average seasonal LST spatially ranged from 43.45–16.62℃, 39.89–14.59℃, 50.39-21.102℃ and 43.164–20.39℃ for autumn (September-November), summer (June-August), spring (March-May) and winter (December-February) seasons, respectively. The seasonal LST CV varied from1.096-10.72%, 0.7–11.06%, 1.29–14.76% and 2.19–10.35% for average autumn, summer, spring and winter seasons, respectively. The seasonal spatial LST trend varied from − 0.7 − 0.16, -0.4-0.224, 0.6 − 0.19 and − 0.6 − 0.32 for average autumn, summer, spring and winter seasons, respectively. Besides, the annual spatial LST slope varied from − 0.58 − 0.17. An insignificantly declining trend in LST shown at 0.036℃ yr− 1, 0.041℃ yr− 1, 0.074℃ yr− 1, 0.005℃ yr− 1 in autumn, summer, spring and winter seasons (P < 0.05), respectively. Moreover, the annual variations of mean LST decreased insignificantly at 0.046℃ yr− 1. Generally, the LST is tremendously variable in space and time and negatively correlated with an elevation.
Toxicity Assessment of Concurrent Gabapentin/Pregabalin Administration with High-Dose Melphalan in Autologous Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Recipients
Authors: Angus Jonathan , Cumpston Aaron , Veltri Lauren , Ross Kelly , Wen Sijin , Dillaman Megan 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Peripheral neuropathy is a common toxicity of various multiple myeloma regimens. A theoretical pharmacokinetic interaction mediated through L-amino acid transporter 1 and 2 exists between gabapentin (GP) and pregabalin (PG) with melphalan. Therefore, it is likely concurrent administration of either GP or PG will occur in patients receiving high-dose melphalan (HD-Mel) conditioning for autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation, which could potentially increase cellular uptake and worsen mucosal injury. A retrospective chart review of adult patients from January 2012 to July 2016 who received HD-Mel (140-200mg/m2) at West Virginia University Medicine was performed to assess toxicity and outcomes in these patients. A total of 80 patients were included in the study, with 30 patients receiving GP or PG and 50 control patients. There were no significant differences in grade 2 or higher mucositis, admissions for nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, intravenous opioid requirements, oral topical therapies, antidiarrheal medication use, rescue antiemetics, days of nausea or vomiting, pain scores, neutrophil or platelet engraftment, treatment-related mortality, progression-free survival, or overall survival. Our data suggest that it is safe to continue GP/PG therapy throughout HD-Mel therapy, with no negative transplant outcomes. Prospective studies or evaluation of larger databases are necessary to better characterize the clinical effect of concomitant therapy.
How political choices shaped Covid connectivity: the Italian case study
Authors: Bulai Iulia Martina , Amico Enrico 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The importance of implementing new methodologies to study the ever-increasing amount of Covid-19 data is apparent. The aftermath analysis of these data could inform us on how specific political decisions influenced the dynamics of the pandemic outbreak. In this paper we use the Italian outbreak as a case study, to study six different Covid indicators collected in twenty Italian regions. We define a new object, the Covidome, to investigate the network of functional Covid interactions between regions. We analyzed the Italian Covidome over the course of 2020, and found that Covid connectivity between regions follows a sharp North-South community gradient. Furthermore, we explored the Covidome dynamics and individuated differences in regional Covid connectivity between the first and second waves of the pandemic. These differences can be associated to
the two different lockdown strategies adopted for the first and the second wave from the Italian government. Finally, we explored to what extent Covid connectivity was associated with the Italian geographical network, and found that
Central regions were more tied to the structural constraints than Northern or Southern regions in the spread of the virus. We hope that this approach will be useful in gaining new insights on how political choices shaped Covid dynamics
across nations.
Picomolar inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern by an engineered ACE2-IgG4-Fc fusion protein
Authors: Svilenov Hristo , Sacherl Julia , Reiter Alwin , Wolff Lisa , Cheng Cho-Chin , Stern Marcel , Grass Vincent , Wachs Frank-Peter , Simonavicius Nicole , Pippig Susanne , Wolschin Florian , Keppler Oliver , Buchner Johannes , Brockmeyer Carsten , Protzer Ulrike 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 enters host cells after binding through its spike glycoprotein to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. Soluble ACE2 ectodomains bind and neutralize the virus, yet their short in vivo half-live limits their therapeutic use. This limitation can be overcome by fusing the fragment crystallizable (Fc) part of human immunoglobulin G (IgG) to the ACE2 ectodomain, but this bears the risk of unwanted Fc-receptor activation and antibody-dependent disease enhancement. Here, we describe optimized ACE2-IgG4-Fc fusion constructs that avoid Fc-receptor activation, preserve the desired ACE-2 enzymatic activity and show promising pharmaceutical properties. The engineered ACE2-IgG4-Fc fusion proteins neutralize the original SARS-CoV, pandemic SARS-CoV-2 as well as the rapidly spreading SARS-CoV-2 variants-of-concern, B.1.17 and B.1.351. Importantly, these variants-of-concern are inhibited at picomolar concentrations proving that ACE-2-IgG4 maintains – in contrast to therapeutic antibodies - its full antiviral potential. Thus, ACE2-IgG4-Fc fusion proteins are promising candidate anti-antivirals to combat the current and future pandemics.
Assessment of groundwater vulnerability based on the modified DRASTIC model: A case study in Baicheng City, China
Authors: Liu Mingjun , Xiao Changlai , Liang Xiujuan 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Accurate assessment of groundwater vulnerability objectively reflects an area’s potential for groundwater pollution and provides a reference basis for pollution control and prevention. The main objective of this study was to modify the original DRASTIC model to improve the consistency of groundwater vulnerability assessment results with regard to the actual conditions of the study area. To optimize the assessment objectivity, two additional factors that are influenced by human activities (land use and degree of groundwater extraction) were added to form the DRASTICLE model. Then, based on the correlation between all factors and measured nitrate concentrations, the improved three-scale analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and the weights of evidence (WOE) methods were used to reassign the factor weights of the original DRASTIC model. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, denoted as AUC, was used to quantitatively evaluate the accuracy of all five models (original DRASTIC model AUC: 0.62). By modifying the factors and weights, the four new models showed better performance, AUC values were 0.75, 0.76, 0.85, and 0.78 for the AHP-DRASTIC, AHP-DRASTICLE, WOE-DRASTIC, and WOE-DRASTICLE models, respectively. This indicates that the modified models could more accurately convey groundwater vulnerability in the study area. The WOE-DRASTIC model, which had the best performance, was then used to assess groundwater vulnerability in 2000 and 2010. In 2000, 2010, and 2018, the proportion of areas with very high groundwater vulnerability increased from 5.14–6.34% to 7.93%, respectively. Meanwhile, the proportion of areas with very low vulnerability also increased, from 72.63–75.07% to 81.60%; demonstrating a situation of extremes. Findings of this study are expected to provide a new theoretical basis for the Baicheng municipal government in China to better manage and exploit groundwater resources.
Effect of Curing Temperature on Mechanical Properties of Bio-Phenolic/Epoxy Polymer Blends
Authors: Ismail Ahmad Safwan , Jawaid Mohammad , Hamid Norul Hisham , Yahaya Ridwan , Hassan Azman , Asim Mohammad , Supian A.B.M. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Nowadays, researchers continue studies for alternative materials to replace the redundant petroleum-based products. The combination of various polymer mixture process mainly from bio-polymer material as a matrix property could reduce the dependence over petroleum-based polymer, thus the dangerous residue waste from the synthetic polymer in the fabrication process could be eliminated and produce better composite material with lower cost and high performance of composite material in numerous applications. In this study, the effect of bio-phenolic loading and curing temperature on the mechanical properties of bio-phenolic/epoxy polymer blends was investigated. Bio-phenolic/epoxy polymer blends were fabricated with different loading of bio-phenolic resin (5(P-5), 10(P-10), 15(P-15), 20(P-20) and 25(P-25) wt%) and different curing temperature was used which is 100 ℃, 130 ℃ and 150 ℃. The overall mechanical properties of bio-phenolic/epoxy polymer blends were improved as bio-phenolic loading increase and curing temperature increase. Based on the analysis, bio-phenolic/epoxy polymer blends with 20 wt% bio-phenolic showed the best overall mechanical properties. Besides that, 150 ℃ curing temperature was the most suitable curing temperature for bio-phenolic/epoxy polymer blends based on the overall mechanical properties.
The Effects of Involvement in Training And Volunteering with Families of People With Dementia on The Knowledge and Attitudes of Volunteers Towards Dementia
Authors: Cheung Daphne Sze Ki , Ho Lily Yuen Wah , Kwok Robin Ka Ho , Lai Daniel Lok Lam , Lai Claudia Kam Yuk 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Volunteers have been a valuable resource in supporting people with dementia and their caregivers in the community. However, factors such as misconceptions, negative attitudes towards dementia, and a lack of motivation might impact the quality of volunteer care. The aim of the present paper is to examine the effect of training and service provision on the knowledge and attitudes of volunteers towards dementia, as well as the association between such knowledge and attitudes and the motivation to volunteer. Methods: The present study is part of an effectiveness-implementation cluster randomized clinical hybrid trial using a music-with-movement intervention to promote the well-being of people with dementia and their informal caregivers. Volunteers were recruited to receive training to support the delivery of the intervention. Training and enrichment workshops were offered to volunteers during the one-year project. Before and after their volunteer training and service, the recruited volunteers were asked to complete the following assessments: The Volunteer Functions Inventory, Dementia Attitudes Scale, and the Alzheimer’s Disease Knowledge Scale. Wilcoxon signed-rank test and multiple regression test were applied for statistical analyses. Results: A total of 127 volunteers were recruited and 81 of them completed a mean period of 47.32 weeks of training and service. Significant improvements in their total score on the Alzheimer’s Disease Knowledge Scale (p=.009) and Dementia Attitudes Scale (p<.001) were found. Dementia knowledge (β=.57, p<.001) and attitudes (β=-.18, p=.038) were found to have the most significant association with the motivation to be a volunteer at baseline. Conclusions: The present study illustrated the importance of quality volunteer training and voluntary service in improving the dementia knowledge and attitudes of volunteers. It also shed light on the association between knowledge and attitudes with the motivation to volunteer. Accordingly, future research and public health policymakers should address more efforts to amplify the advantage of volunteers as a vital asset in dementia care.Trial Registration: NCT03575026 (ClinicalTrials.gov), First registeration on 02/07/2018.
Accelerated First-in-Human Clinical Trial of EIDD-2801/MK-4482 (molnupiravir), a Ribonucleoside Analogue with Potent Antiviral Activity Against SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Cohen Oren , Holman Wendy , Holman Wayne , Painter Wendy , McIntosh Stacy , Painter George , Bush Jim 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
A recently published article described the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetic profile of molnupiravir, a novel antiviral agent with potent activity against SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19. Here, we report an unprecedented collaboration between sponsor, contract research organization (CRO) and regulatory authorities that enabled accelerated generation of these phase I data, including administration of the first-in-human (FIH) dose of molnupiravir within 5 days of receiving approval from the Research Ethics Committee (REC) and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the United Kingdom (UK). Frequent, direct communication with regulatory authorities and parallel, streamlined sponsor-CRO working groups facilitated this accelerated timeline. Dosing in healthy volunteers was completed for eight single ascending dose (SAD) cohorts, seven multiple ascending dose (MAD) cohorts, and one food-effect (FE) cohort within approximately 16 weeks of initial protocol submission to the REC and MHRA. Working to standard industry timelines, the FIH study would have normally taken approximately 46 weeks to complete and 33 weeks to enable Phase 2 dosing. Data from this study supported submission of a Phase 2/3 clinical trial protocol to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) within eight weeks of initial protocol submission, with FDA comments permitting phase 2 study initiation within two additional weeks. In the setting of a global pandemic, this model of collaboration allows for accelerated generation of clinical data compared to standard processes, without compromising safety.
Automatic Generation of Traditional Patterns and Aesthetic Quality Evaluation Technology
Authors: Wu Yi , Kymn Kyungsun 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
As an important element for the continuation and development of modern design, traditional Chinese decorative patterns are to satisfy people's emotional dependence on nationality and tradition. At present, traditional patterns are mostly completed by professional designers. Due to the high dependence of the entire design process on labor, the design efficiency is difficult to quickly improve to meet the explosive growth of business needs. However, the large amount of material data on the Internet and the development of artificial intelligence technology provide an opportunity to solve this development bottleneck. This paper mainly studies the design and implementation of the automatic generation of traditional pattern image layout based on the generation of confrontation network and the use of aesthetic evaluation to score the quality of the generated traditional pattern image. And the scoring results are fed back to the traditional pattern layout generation network, so as to improve the quality of the generated traditional pattern layout pictures, so that the entire network structure can adapt to different scene requirements. The results show that the SSIM value of the structure similarity obtained by the image of the traditional pattern automatically generated by the model in this paper is larger and closer to 1 than the value of the SSIM obtained by other methods, indicating that the image of the traditional pattern automatically generated by the model has the highest aesthetic quality.
Vascular effects and dose-effect relationship of higher-dose oxytocin on adenomyosis: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Li Junshu , Wang Yong , Hu Liang , Zhang Rong , Chen Jinyun , Chen Wenzhi 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Objective

To assess the changes of blood flow in adenomyosis after higher-dose oxytocin(OT) in different doses,and to evaluate the safety for patients.
Methods

A total of 124 patients with adenomyosis were randomly divided into four groups with continuous intravenous infusion of oxytocin as 0.06U/min, 0.12U/min, 0.24U/min and 0.36U/min, respectively. The changes of arteries of adenomyosis before and after intravenous infusion of OT were observed by color Doppler ultrasound. The changes of blood flow volume of artery of adenomyosis before and after intravenous infusion of OT were compared among the four groups, and the vital signs and adverse drug reactions were monitored during intravenous drip.
Results

During the trial, no severe adverse reactions occurred and the vital signs of all the patients were stable. In the four groups of patients, compared with those before intravenous infusion of OT, except that there was no significant difference in the diameter of vessels around the lesion and the peak blood flow velocity within the lesion in the 0.06 U/min OT intravenous drip group (P༞0.05), the peak blood flow velocity, mean blood flow velocity, vascular diameter and blood flow volume decreased after intravenous drip of OT, while the resistance index increased, and the difference was statistically significant (P༜0.05). Among the four groups, it was found that there was significant difference in the change of blood flow volume of blood artery in adenomyosis lesions between 0.06 U/min OT group and the other three groups after intravenous drip of OT(P༜0.05), but there were no significant difference in blood flow volume among the three groups(P༞0.05), and the difference of adverse drug reactions was statistically significant with the increase of OT dose (P༜0.05).
Conclusion

Oxytocin can effectively reduce the blood flow volume of adenomyosis lesions, and continuous intravenous infusion of 0.12 U/min OT is an appropriate dose that can not only minimize the blood flow volume but also reduce the incidence of adverse drugreactions.
Trial registration

: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (NO.ChiCTR1800017048).
A novel method for Causal Structure Discovery from EHR data: A demonstration on type-2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Shen Xinpeng , Ma Sisi , Vemuri Prashanthi , Castro M. Regina , Caraballo Pedro J. , Simon Gyorgy J. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Modern AI-based clinical decision support models owe their success in part to the very large number of predictors they use. Safe and robust decision support, especially for intervention planning, requires causal, not associative, relationships. Traditional methods of causal discovery, clinical trials and extracting biochemical pathways, are resource intensive and may not scale up to the number and complexity of relationships sufficient for precision treatment planning. Computational causal structure discovery (CSD) from electronic health records (EHR) data can represent a solution, however, current CSD methods fall short on EHR data. This paper presents a CSD method tailored to the EHR data. The application of the proposed methodology was demonstrated on type-2 diabetes mellitus. A large EHR dataset from Mayo Clinic was used as development cohort, and another large dataset from an independent health system, M Health Fairview, as external validation cohort. The proposed method achieved very high recall (.95) and substantially higher precision than the general-purpose methods (.84 versus .29, and .55). The causal relationships extracted from the development and external validation cohorts had a high (81%) overlap. Due to the adaptations to EHR data, the proposed method is more suitable for use in clinical decision support than the general-purpose methods.