bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Eye Protection on SARS-CoV-2 Transmission: A Systematic Review
Authors: Byambasuren Oyungerel , Beller Elaine , Clark Justin , Collignon Peter , Glasziou Paul 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background: The effect of eye protection to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection in the real-world remains uncertain. We aimed to synthesize all available research on the potential impact of eye protection on transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Methods: We searched PROSPERO, PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library for clinical trials and comparative observational studies in CENTRAL, and Europe PMC for pre-prints. We included studies that reported sufficient data to estimate the effect of any form of eye protection including face shields and variants, goggles, and glasses, on subsequent confirmed infection with SARS-CoV-2.Results: We screened 898 articles and included 6 reports of 5 observational studies from 4 countries (USA, India, Columbia, and United Kingdom) that tested face shields, goggles, and wraparound eyewear on 7567 healthcare workers. The three before-and-after and one retrospective cohort studies showed statistically significant and substantial reductions in SARS-CoV-2 infections favouring eye protection with odds ratios ranging from 0.04 to 0.6, corresponding to relative risk reductions of 96% to 40%. These reductions were not explained by changes in the community rates. However, the one case-control study reported odds ratio favouring no eye protection (OR 1.7, 95% CI 0.99, 3.0). The high heterogeneity between studies precluded any meaningful meta-analysis. None of the studies adjusted for potential confounders such as other protective behaviours, thus increasing the risk of bias, and decreasing the certainty of evidence to very low.Conclusions: Current studies suggest that eye protection may play a role in prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection in healthcare workers. However, robust comparative trials are needed to clearly determine effectiveness of eye protections and wearability issues in both healthcare and general populations.
Regorafenib Combined With Sintilimab Versus Regorafenib as Second-line Treatment for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Huang Jingjun , Guo Yongjian , Huang Wensou , Xu Zining , Lin Liteng , Zhou Jingwen , Liang Licong , Zhang Yaqin , Zhou Juan , Cai Mingyue , Zhu Kangshun 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Purpose: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of regorafenib combined with immune checkpoint inhibitor sintilimab (rego-sintilimab) as second-line treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients who failed prior sorafenib or lenvatinib.Methods: This retrospective study evaluated consecutive patients with advanced HCC who received rego-sintilimab (rego-sintilimab group) or regorafenib alone (regorafenib group) as second-line treatment from January 2019 to December 2020. Adverse events, objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were compared between the two groups. Results: Eighty-three patients were included: 48 received rego-sintilimab and 35 received regorafenib. Rego-sintilimab group had higher ORR (33.3% vs 14.3%, P =.049), longer PFS (median, 5.1 vs 3.0 months; P =.001), and better OS (median, 13.3 vs 9.1 months; P =.001) than regorafenib group. Regorafenib alone, Child-Pugh B, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) >3.5 were independent prognostic factors for poor OS in uni- and multi-variable analyses. Subgroup analyses showed that, in patients with Child-Pugh A (16.4 vs 11.5 months; P =.005), Child-Pugh B (8.8 vs 6.4 months; P =.032), or NLR ≤3.5 (16.3 vs 11.5 months; P =.012), rego-sintilimab group had significantly better median OS than regorafenib group, whereas median OS was not significantly different between the two groups in patients with NLR >3.5 (8.4 vs 7.0 months; P =.288). The incidences of grade 3/4 adverse events were similar between the two groups (39.4% vs 34.1%; P =.445).Conclusion: Rego-sintilimab was tolerable and led to better OS than regorafenib as second-line treatment for advanced HCC patients, especially in those with NLR ≤3.5.
The Limits of Free Health Care Schemes: the Case of Access to Care for Beneficiaries of the Moroccan Medical Assistance Scheme (RAMed) Suffering From Cancer
Authors: Ferrié Jean-Noël , Ababou Mohammed , Benkirane Wassila , Omary Zineb , Radi Saadia 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background: The article discusses the limitations of a free-of-charge scheme for the poor in the case of cancer patients. The literature on free access to hospitals, especially on the African continent, has already mentioned these limits: occasional payments for care and transport. The particularly ambitious Moroccan free-of-charge scheme (RAMEd) presents the same problemsMethods: It is based on a qualitative survey of 120 patients and 30 doctors or nurses with whom we conducted semi-structured interviews over several months.Results: The results show that patients continue to pay for care and medical imaging as well as their transport to the hospital. They pay for care and examinations that are not available at the hospital or wait for them to be available, which is a danger to their chances of survival.Conclusions: The limitation of the RAMed is that it does not cover the cost of transport or the structural deficiencies of the hospital. The result is the paradox of a free service that is costly for patients. We stress that targeted policies cannot replace structural policies and, on their own, do not remedy inequalities, particularly territorial inequalities.
Establishing Patient Perceptions and Preferences for a Journal Authenticator Tool To Support Health Literacy: A Mixed-Methods Survey and Focus Group Study
Authors: Ricketts Alicia , Lalu Manoj M. , Proulx Laurie , Halas Michael , Castillo Gisell , Almoli Elham , Grudniewicz Agnes , Bryson Gregory L. , Moher David , Cobey Kelly 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background

Predatory journals are illegitimate journals that do not meet expected publication best practices. Many of these journals can be found using Google, making them readily available to patients searching online for health information. The goal of this study was to obtain information about how patients use the internet to get health information and to determine patient preferences and needs for a journal authenticator tool which would highlight journal transparency practices.
Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional survey of Canadian-based adult patients and caregivers and then a series of online focus groups to further explore the survey responses. Descriptive statistics (counts and percentages) were reported for all quantitative survey items. For text-based responses, we used thematic content analysis. Online focus groups asked patients about the content they would like to see in a journal authenticator tool, how they would like the content visually displayed, how to best share the tool with patients, and how to determine whether the tool was successful over time. Thematic content analysis was conducted to identify core themes discussed. Focus group participants completed a follow-up survey in which they rank ordered the themes identified by perceived importance.
Results

183 participants completed our online survey. A total of 146 (82%) participants indicated they use the internet most often when looking for health information. Sixty-six (37%) indicated they sometimes read original research articles when searching for health information and 92 (52%) participants indicated they sometimes have difficulty knowing if the information they read online is reliable. Eighty-six (49%) participants had never heard of predatory journals. Thirty-nine survey participants indicated their willingness to contribute to subsequent focus groups and a total of 29 participated. Four key topic areas were discussed and 32 themes were identified.
Conclusions

Our findings suggest that patients have expressed a need for a journal authenticator tool and that this tool may provide value to them. The results from this study will help inform the tool’s development to help ensure that it meets the needs of patients.
Trial registration:

This mixed-methods study has been registered on the Open Science Framework: https://osf.io/56ead/
The Effect of Positive Thinking Training on Anxiety and Happiness in the Elderly: a Quasi- Experimental Study
Authors: Pourdavarani Anis , Farokhzadian Jamileh , Forouz Mansooreh Azizzadeh , Shahraki Sedigheh Khodabandeh 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background: Anxiety and depression are the most common psychological disorders in the aging period. One of the ways to deal with anxiety and depression and increase happiness in the elderly is to train positive thinking. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate positive thinking skills training on anxiety and happiness in the elderly.Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 48 elderly people referred to two comprehensive health service centers in Kerman in southeastern Iran were selected by convenience sampling method and randomly assigned into intervention groups (n = 24) and control (n = 24). The data collection tools included the Beck Anxiety Inventory and the Oxford Happiness Inventory. Questionnaires were filled out before the intervention, then positive thinking training was held in eight sessions of 90 minutes. After training program, the was conducted one month after it, the follow-up tools.Results: The results showed that the mean score of anxiety before positive thinking training was (13.58 ± 8.61) and (19.25± 11.67) in the intervention and the control group, respectively. After positive thinking training, the mean scores were (4.50 ±4.07) and (15.54±9.04) in the intervention and control group, respectively. After the intervention, which significantly reduced anxiety the intervention, group (t= 8.10, P<0.001). The mean score of happiness before the test was (26.58±12.40) and (37.91 ± 5.57) in the intervention and control groups, respectively. However, the posttest happiness scores of the intervention and control groups were (62.91± 4.66) and (35.62 ±10.62), respectively. The results showed that implementing positive thinking training increased happiness significantly (t=-4.08, P<0.001).Conclusion: Since positive thinking training effect reducing anxiety and increasing happiness in the elderly. Due to the growing trend of the elderly population, the positive thinking training approach can be used as a suitable, cost-effective, and efficient method in reducing anxiety and increasing happiness in the elderly.
On the Occurrences of Critical Waves and Water Levels in the Venice Lagoon: A Statistical Analysis for the Management of the Operativity of the Mose System
Authors: Tomasicchio Giuseppe , Salvadori Gianfausto , Lusito Letizia , Francone Antonio , Frega Ferdinando , Saponieri Alessandra , Leone Elisa , De Bartolo Samuele 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
The particular structure and configuration of the Venice lagoon represents a paramount case study concerning coastal flooding which affects natural, historical/cultural properties, together with industrial, commercial, economical and port activities. In order to defend Venice (and other sites) within the lagoon from severe floods, the Italian Government promoted the construction of a complex hydraulic/maritime system, including a movable storm surge barrier named Experimental Electromechanical Module (MoSE), to be activated when specific water levels occur. When the MoSE barriers are raised, the only access to the lagoon for commercial and cruise ships is represented by the Malamocco lock gate, provided that suitable safety conditions (involving the significant wave height) are satisfied. In addition, the Italian Government has recently established that, in the near future, large ships will always have to enter/exit the lagoon only through the Malamocco gate. In turn, the navigation within the Venice lagoon is (will be) controlled by the combined MoSE-Malamocco system, ruled by both univariate and bivariate paradigms/guidelines. As a novelty, in the present work, for the first time, the statistics of significant wave heights and water levels in the Venice lagoon (both univariate and bivariate ones) are investigated: in particular, these variables turn out to be dependent, and their joint occurrence (statistically modeled via Copulas) can determine the stop of ship navigation, yielding significant economic losses. Here, univariate and bivariate Return Periods and Failure Probabilities are used to thoroughly model the statistical behavior of significant wave heights and water levels, in order to provide useful quantitative indications for the management of the tricky hydraulic, maritime and economical system of the Venice lagoon.
Biomimetic vascularized adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells bone-periosteum graft enhances angiogenesis and osteogenesis in a rabbit spine fusion model
Authors: Fu Tsai-Sheng , Chen Wei-Chuan , Wang Ying-Chih , Chang Chia-Wei , Lin Tung-Yi , Wong Chak-Bor 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
BackgroundSeveral artificial bone grafts have been developed for bone reconstruction but fail to achieve anticipated osteogenesis due to their insufficient neovascularization capacity. Besides, periosteum plays an essential role in the neovascularization process in bone formation and healing. The aim of this study was to develop a cell-based biomimetic vascularized bone-periosteum construct (VBPC) to provide better neovascularization for osteogenesis and bone regeneration.MethodsTwenty-four male New Zealand white rabbits were divided into four groups according to the experimental materials. We first cultured adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs) and seeded them evenly in the collagen/chitosan sheet to form an AMSCs-sheet-engineered periosteum. Simultaneously, the AMSCs were seeded onto alginate scaffolds and were cultured to differentiate to endothelial-like cells to form vascularized bone constructs (VBC). The success of endothelial differentiation was confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence staining analysis. The AMSCs-sheet-engineered periosteum was wrapped onto VBC to create biomimetic VBPC, which was then implanted in bilateral L4-5 intertransverse space of rabbit. The acellular alginate-sheet construct, VBC, and non-vascularized AMSCs-alginate-periosteum construct were used as controls. At 12 weeks after implantation, the bone-forming capacities of the constructs were determined by computed tomography, biomechanical testing, histology, and immunohistochemistry staining analyses.ResultsTwelve weeks after implantation, the VBPC group significantly increased new bone formation volume than the control groups. Biomechanical testing demonstrated a higher torque strength in the VBPC group, and suggested that the cell sheet played a critical role for mechanical support. Notably, the hematoxylin and eosin, Masson’s trichrome, and immunohistochemistry stained histologic results revealed that the VBPC group promoted the formation of blood vessels and new bones in the L4-5 intertransverse fusion areas.ConclusionsThe tissue-engineered biomimetic VBPC showed great capability in promoting angiogenesis and osteogenesis in vivo. The VBPC may overcome the deficits of traditional bone grafts. These findings suggest a novel approach to improve the timely formation of blood vessels from bone substitutes and provide an ideal source for bone regeneration.
Tribocatalytically-activated carbon-based tribofilm formation for wear reduction in alkane environment
Authors: Shirani Asghar , Li Yuzhe , Eryilmaz Osman Levent , Berman Diana 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Minimizing the wear of the surfaces exposed to mechanical shear stresses is an ideal solution to maximizing the lifespan of rotary mechanical parts. In this study, we have discovered the anti-wear capability of a series of metal nitride-copper nanocomposite coatings tested in a liquid hydrocarbon environment. The results indicate substantial reduction of the wear in comparison to the uncoated steel substrate. Analysis of the wear tracks indicates the formation of carbon-based protective films directly at the sliding interface during the tribological tests. Raman spectroscopy mapping of the wear track suggests the amorphous carbon (a-C) nature of the formed film. Further analysis of the tribocatalytic activity activation as a function of load (0.25-1 N) and temperature (25°C, and 50°C) was performed in three alkane solutions, decane, dodecane, and hexadecane. Results indicated that elevated temperature and high contact pressure result in more stable friction behavior of the coating. The elemental energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy analysis and Raman analyses reveal how a-C film facilities easy shearing at the contact interface thus enabling more stable friction and lower wear at higher loads and elevated temperature. These results provide new insights into the tribocatalysis mechanism that enables the formation of zero-wear coatings.
In-situ oxygen-generation nanoplatform with dual amplification effect for combined chemo-photodynamic therapy
Authors: Song Qingcheng , Deng Xiangtian , Yang Wenbo , Zhang Yiran , Li Junyong , Xing Xin , Chen Wei , Liu Weijian , Hu Hongzhi , Zhang Yingze 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising method for cancer treatment because of its advantages such as easy operation, good targeting, minimal side effects, low systemic toxicity and less invasiveness. However, the hypoxic microenvironment within the tumor significantly inhibited the therapeutic effect of PDT. The development of targeted nanoplatform for regulating hypoxia microenvironment is an important method to give full play to the therapeutic effect of PDT.
Methods

In this study, we designed and prepared a novel chemo-photodynamic therapy nanoplatform, which can continuously catalyze the decomposition of H2O2 in tumors to generate oxygen (O2) to enhance the therapeutic effect of PDT, resulting in DNA damage, while releasing MTH1 inhibitors in tumor cells to inhibit the repair process of DNA damage caused by PDT.
Results

In our work, a simple one-step reduction approach was applied to enable platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs) growth in situ in the nanochannels of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs). After physical encapsulation of photosensitizer chlorin e6 (Ce6) and MTH1 inhibitor TH588, the drug loading nanoplatform was modified with an arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) functionalized liposome shell, resulting in the fabrication of multifunctional nanoplatform MSN-Pt@Ce6/TH588@Liposome-RGD (MPCT@Li-R) with dual amplification effect and achieve the purpose of chemo-photodynamic therapy.
Conclusions

Our study provides a new strategy for PDT to ablation tumor cells by damaging the DNA of tumor nucleus and mitochondria, meanwhile inhibiting the repair process after the damage.
The effects of multi-heavy metals mixture on blood and antioxidant defense system of mice
Authors: Sani Ali , Darma Aminu Inuwa , Imam Fatima Adam , Usman Bilkisu Musa 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Heavy metals are widespread in all parts of the environments, thereby polluting soil, water, and biota and finally causing harm to human health. However, humans are prone to a mixture of elements other than a single element. Thus, the study was aimed at determining the hematological indices and oxidative response from exposure to a mixture of multi-elements in mice. Twenty-five (25) male mice were grouped into 5 groups of 1mg Cd (Group I), 1mg Pb (Group II), 2mg Cd + 1mg Pb (Group III), 2mg Pb + 1mg Cd (Group IV) all /kg b.w amended mouse chows and control (Group V), were administered. Following euthanization, blood samples were collected into the EDTA bottle for hematological analysis and plain bottles to harvest serum for serum Catalase (CAT) and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) assays. Results showed that 10 days of exposure to a metals mixture, have led to weight loss, loss of appetite and hematological alterations whereby the metal mixtures showed more profound toxicity on RBC (red blood cell) count, and individual metals showed more on WBC (white blood cell) and PLT (platelet) counts. Similarly, Pb and Cd mixtures were able to induce greater oxidative stress reflected by the rise in SOD and CAT. Therefore, it was concluded that exposure to multi-elements (Cd & Pb combined) in mice has higher toxicity potentials to hematological indices and oxidative stress markers which include SOD and CAT. Further studies should be carried out on other metals mixture, and their genetic, environmental, and biochemical indices.
Academic success online: The mediating role of self-efficacy on personality and academic performance
Authors: Code Jillianne , Zap Nick , Ralph Rachel 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Academic success in any context is dependent upon a student's belief in their ability to succeed. While learning online, a students’ self-efficacy is affected by their confidence in their ability to interact within the online environment. With the proliferation of personalized learning and the growth of Massive Open Online Courses, this growing trend is a shift in focus from the centralized brick-and-mortar locus of control, to one of enabling student choice and agency for how, when, and where they learn. In the pre-pandemic setting, this research study examined the personality types of students enrolled in eight sections of four online courses in educational technology, and the role self-efficacy for learning online played in their academic performance. Key findings reveal that personality affects learners’ academic achievement is moderately significant, self-efficacy for online learning affects learners’ academic achievement in a small but significant way, and student conscientiousness and academic performance were significantly and fully mediated by self-efficacy for learning online while controlling for gender and English language proficiency. There were no mediation effects with the other personality traits. A discussion around learning design strategies is provided. The authors recommend that institutions adopt more flexible learning options for teaching and learning that include both online and blended learning options that provide student’s choice and agency over the learning experience but also enable the institution to be better equipped for what the uncertain future of education holds.
Unique iris and pupil morphology in lamnid sharks
Authors: Burt Megan , Skomal Greg , Dubielzig Richard 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Documentation of the iris concentrating on color, pupillary shape, and orientation has been reported in a number of elasmobranch species, but has not been documented in lamnid sharks. This study examined the eyes of three lamnid sharks, white shark (Carcharodon carcharias), mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus), and porbeagle shark (Lamna nasus) to characterize the iris color and pupil shape. All three species possess a brown color iris circling a horizontal slit pupil. A blue limbal ring of color circles the iris caused by the sclera and cartilage from the limbus which extends into the anterior chamber of the eye. The unique characteristics of the iris and pupil shape are described and implications of these findings on future research are discussed.