bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intelligent detection method and applied research of diabetic retinopathy based on residual attention network
Authors: Yu Moye 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) is a late-stage ocular complication of diabetes. Proposing a high-accuracy automatic screening technology of fundus images based on deep learning is of great significance to delay the deterioration of DR. In this paper, we propose an end-to-end framework RAN for DR classification and diagnosis based on the ResNet, attention mechanism and dilated convolution was added to the framework. We implemented experiments on three DR datasets, Kaggle, Messidor and IDRid, analyzed and compared the experimental results. The focal loss function is added to solve the imbalance problem between DR datasets. The results show that the method RAN used mainly improves the results of the basic neural network when using the same dataset. Therefore, by optimizing the basic neural network, the classification and diagnosis effect of DR can be improved.
Adaptive Visuo-haptic Perception through Muscle Coactivation
Authors: Carboni Gerolamo , Nanayakkara Thrishantha , Takagi Atsushi , Burdet Etienne 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
While the nervous system can coordinate muscles’ activation to shape the mechanical interaction with the environment, it is unclear if and how the arm’s coactivation influences visuo-haptic perception and motion planning. Here we show that the nervous system can voluntarily coactivate muscles to improve the quality of the haptic percept. Subjects tracked a randomly moving visual target, to which they were physically coupled by a virtual elastic band whose stiffness increased with wrist coactivation. Subjects initially relied on vision alone to track the target, but with practice they learned to combine the visual and haptic percepts in a Bayesian manner to improve their tracking performance. This improvement cannot be explained by the stronger mechanical guidance from the elastic band. These results suggest that with practice the nervous system can learn to integrate a novel haptic percept with vision in an optimal fashion.
Estimation of the direct cost of epilepsy among Sudanese epileptic patients
Authors: Siddig Amira , Ahmed Abbasher Hussien Mohamed , Ahmed Khabab Abbasher Hussien Mohamed , Omer Mohammed Eltahier Abdalla 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background

Epilepsy is a common disease, and its economic consequences are manifested in frequent hospital visits, examinations and treatments.
Objective

To estimate the direct costs of epilepsy among Sudanese epileptic patients. Design and
methods

The study was conducted on some clinical cases of epilepsy patients in Sudan. Data on clinical characteristics, utilization of medical services, and costs were collected from 380\ patients using a standardized pre-tested format. The patients’ approval was obtained as necessary.
Results

Direct medical care costs was (2,395 Sudanese Pounds “SDG”, 417 American Dollars “USD”) per year per patient, of which antiepileptic drugs was the major component (1,587 SDG, 276 USD). Other costs are medical consultations and hospitalization charges (SDG 148, 26 USD), investigations cost (146 SDG, 25 USD), and cost of travel to clinics (514 SDG, 90 USD). Nonmedical direct cost - in form of traditional healers' visits were reported by 13.5% of the patients and estimated to be (1,422 SDG, 251 USD) per patient per year. The overall mean annual cost for epilepsy per patient in our clinic was approximately (2,724 SDG, 474 USD).
Conclusion

The economic burden of epilepsy patients is relatively high, and payers in Sudan have many characteristics and significant differences from other countries.
Cosmetic effects of anti-epileptic drugs among adult Sudanese epileptic patients
Authors: Siddig Amira , Ahmed Abbasher Hussien Mohamed , Ahmed Khabab Abbasher Hussien Mohamed , Omer Mohammed Eltahier Abdalla 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background and aims:Adverse effects are leading causes of treatment failure with antiepileptic drugs(AEDs).We studied the cosmetic effects of AEDs and their association with medications adherence and quality of life .MethodsThe study was performed on Sudanese epilepsy patients attending Daoud charity (June-September2014). Five main variables were used(1)Cosmetic effects profile;(2) Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8);(3)WHO Quality of Life Brief-26;(4)Socio-demographic data ,and (5)Epilepsy related data. A senior neurologist assessed the cosmetic effects through clinical examination of the patients. Consents have been obtained from all patients.ResultOut of 420 patients male were (54.15%) and female were (45.85%),mean age 34.1+-10.4 years. Hair loss was the most commonly reported cosmetic effect by female patients (75%) who were taking sodium valproate.(26.2%)of patients had weight gain and none of them thought weight gain is an adverse effect. Neither of life score, nor adherence score were correlated with any of the cosmetic effects of AEDs (P > 0.05).A significant positive correlations was found between the duration from the last attack and the quality of life score (P = 0.03). The Gum overgrowth was correlated with hirsutism and Acne(P > 0.05).Conclusion: We concluded that our patients prioritize medications intake in spite of the presence of cosmetic effects, and this-together with absence of association between quality of life and the cosmetic effect-may be attributed to different Sudanese patients perception to these cosmetic effects from other populations in addition to the unique Sudanese culture.
Causal Deep Learning on Real-world Data Reveals the Comparative Effectiveness of Anti-hyperglycemic Treatments
Authors: Belthangady Chinmay , Giampanis Stefanos , Stedden Will , Alves Paula , Chong Stephanie , Knott Charlotte , Jankovic Ivana , Norgeot Beau 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Type 2 Diabetes is associated with severe health outcomes, the effects of which are responsible for approximately 1/4 of total U.S. healthcare spending. Current treatment guidelines endorse a massive number of potential anti-hyperglycemic treatment options in various permutations and combinations. Personalized strategies for optimizing treatment selection are lacking. We analyzed real-world data from a nationwide population of over one million diabetics to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of more than 80 different treatment strategies ranging from monotherapy up to combinations of five concomitant classes of drugs across each of 10 clinical subgroups defined by age, insulin dependence, and number of other chronic conditions. Our causal deep learning approach developed on such data allows for more personalized recommendations of treatment selection. We observe significant differences in blood sugar reduction between patients receiving high vs low ranked treatment options and that less than 2% of the population is on a highly ranked treatment. This method can be extended to explore treatment optimization of other chronic conditions.
Professional Variables and Staff Readiness to Utilise Internet-Based Channels for Research Communication in an Era of Covid-19
Authors: Owan Valentine Joseph , Akah Levi Udochukwu , Ogbeche Mary Mark , Obla Moses Eteng 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
This study assessed the professional variables of academic staff in African varsities and their readiness to Utilise Internet-Based Channels for Research Communication in an era of Covid-19. Drawing from Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory, the study was guided by four null hypotheses. The quantitative research method based on the virtual cross-sectional survey design was adopted. A total of 8,591 academics in African universities were the targeted demographic of this study. However, data were collected from a virtual snowball sample of 1,977 respondents (males, N = 1347; females, N = 630) from 24 African countries. A validated electronic survey, with three major aspects, was employed for data collection. The e-survey was released on the Association of African Universities' Telegram forum, which includes 1,622 participants from diverse African nations and regions. Members of the forum, who are all academics, were invited to complete the survey and publish it on their universities' internet-based forums. Coded data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics such as the Kruskal Wallis Non-parametric test. The non-parametric test was used because the data failed to meet the normality assumptions required to perform a parametric test. Results indicated, amongst others, that there are considerable variances in staff preparedness to use internet-based channels for research communication based on their educational credentials, educational qualification, rank and areas of research interest. According to the survey, academics with a doctoral degree; grade II lecturers; staff with 3 to 6 years of service; and staff in the medical sciences demonstrated a higher propensity of readiness to use internet-based channels for research communication. Based on these findings key theoretical, practical and research implications are discussed.
Long-term Outcomes of Ledipasvir/sofosbuvir Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C in Four Teenagers With Significant Liver Fibrosis
Authors: Pokorska-Śpiewak Maria , Dobrzeniecka Anna , Marczyńska Magdalena 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Long-term outcomes of therapy with ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF) in children with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and significant liver fibrosis were evaluated. Among 35 patients aged 12-17 years treated with LDV/SOF, there were four participants with significant fibrosis: one with a fibrosis score of F2 in the METAVIR scale, and three with cirrhosis (F4) evaluated with transient elastography (TE) at baseline. Patients were followed every 4 weeks during the treatment, at the end of the therapy, week 12 posttreatment, and one year after the end of treatment. One year after the end of treatment, the hepatitis C viral load was undetectable in three patients. In 2/4 patients, a significant regression of liver fibrosis was observed (from stage F4 and F2 to F0-F1 in the METAVIR scale). In one patient, the liver stiffness measurement median increased 12 weeks after the end of the treatment and then decreased but still correlated with stage F4. One patient was lost to follow-up after week 4. A one-year observation of teenagers with CHC and significant fibrosis treated with LDV/SOF revealed that regression of liver fibrosis is possible, but not obligatory. Further observations in larger groups of patients are necessary to find predictors of liver fibrosis regression.
Awareness and Acceptance of COVID-19 Vaccines among Pharmacy Students in Zambia: The Implications for Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy
Authors: Mudenda Steward , Mukosha Moses , Meyer Johanna Catharina , Fadare Joseph , Godman Brian , Kampamba Martin , Kalungia Aubrey Chichonyi , Munsaka Sody , Okoro Roland Nnaemeka , Daka Victor , Chileshe Misheck , Mfune Ruth Lindizyani , Mufwambi Webrod , Hikaambo Christabel Nangandu 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Several vaccines have been developed and administered since coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was declared a pandemic in March 2020. In April 2021, the authorities in Zambia administered the first doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca® COVID-19 vaccine. However, little is known about the awareness and acceptability of the vaccines among the Zambian population. This study was undertaken to address this starting with undergraduate pharmacy students in Zambia. Materials and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 326 undergraduate pharmacy students in Zambia using an online semi-structured questionnaire from 12th to 25th April 2021 and analysed using Stata version 16. Test of associations were undertaken using Pearson chi-square test or Fisher's exact test as appropriate. The multivariable logistic regression was used to investigate the determinants of awareness and acceptability. All statistical tests were performed at a 5% significance level and 95% confidence level. Results: Among 326 participants, 98.8% were aware of the COVID-19 vaccination programme but only 24.5% would accept the vaccine should it be made available to them. Awareness of the COVID-19 vaccine was influenced by religious beliefs (aOR=0.01, 95% CI: 0.01 to 0.20, p=0.004). Being male (aOR=1.78, 95% CI: 1.05 to 3.02, p=0.034) and single (aOR=2.61, 95% CI: 1.04 to 6.55, p=0.041) was associated with higher odds of accepting the vaccine. Being unemployed (aOR=0.31, 95% CI: 0.15 to 0.66, p=0.002) was associated with lower odds of vaccine acceptancy. Barriers to acceptance of the vaccine were possible side effects (78.5%) and scepticism about its effectiveness to prevent COVID-19 (10.2%). Conclusion: There was significant vaccine hesitancy towards COVID-19 vaccines among Zambian pharmacy students despite their awareness about the vaccines. Health authorities must work collaboratively with the Universities and other institutions to mitigate vaccine hesitancy, especially with pharmacy students a key part of the future healthcare workforce overseeing disease prevention strategies. These findings can help guide future interventions to address vaccine hesitancy to reduce future transmission rates of this virus.
Evaluation of monoclonal anti-A reagents by salivary inhibition studies
Authors: Henry S.M. , A.G. Benny , Woodfield D.G. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Ten commercially available monoclonal and polyclonal anti-A reagents were evaluated for use in the test for ABH secretor status after finding unexpected inhibition with a monoclonal anti-A (reagent Z). Two of the available monoclonal reagents were from different batches from the same clone as reagent Z. Those two reagents, as well as reagent Z, appeared to be partially neutralized by salivary substances from group A non-secretor individuals. This finding suggests that when a saliva inhibition test is done, a nonsecretor control saliva of the same ABO group as the saliva to be tested should be used.
Effect of Cu doping on the photocatalytic activity of InVO4 for hazardous dye photodegradation under LED light and its mechanism
Authors: Faisal Mohamed , Iqbal Anwar , Adam Farook , Jothiramalingam R. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Cu doped InVO4 (xCu-InVO4 (x = 0.06–0.15 wt %) was synthesized by a facile one-pot hydrothermal method for the removal of methylene blue (MB) under LED light irradiation. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis indicated the coexistence of V5+ and V4+ species due to the O-deficient nature of the xCu-InVO4. The synthesized photocatalysts displayed a morphology of spherical and square shaped particles (20–40 nm) and micro-sized rectangle rods with a length range of 100–200 μm. The xCu-InVO4 exhibited superior adsorption and photodegradation efficiency compared to pristine InVO4 and TiO2 due to the presence of O2 vacancies, V4+/V5+ species, and Cu dopant. The optimum reaction conditions were found to be 5 mg L−1 (MB concentration), pH 6, and 100 mg of photocatalyst mass with a removal efficiency and mineralization degree of 100% and 96.67%, respectively. The main active species responsible for the degradation of MB were •OH radicals and h+. Reusability studies indicated that the 0.13Cu-InVO4 was deactivated after a single cycle of photocatalytic reaction due to significant leaching of V4+ and Cu2+ species.
Enhanced biogas production from anaerobic digestion of wastewater from the fruit juice industry by sonolysis: experiments and modelling
Authors: Zerrouki Souhaib , Rihani Rachida , Lekikot Karima , Ramdhane Ibtissem 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe aim of this study is to investigate the use of ultrasound pretreatment as potential technique to solubilize organic matter and fermentation of fruit juice effluents in anaerobic batch reactor. The efficacy of ultrasound pretreatment has been assessed at low frequency of 20 kHz and at different sonication times (20, 40 and 60 min). Compared with control, the amount of biogas produced increased by 47, 57 and 60% for sonication times of 20, 40 and 60 min, respectively. Methane content of the produced biogas was about 59% in the control and 64% in the case of effluent subjected to ultrasonication for 60 min. After 20 days of anaerobic digestion of the fruit juice effluents, the efficiency of chemical oxygen demand (COD) increased by 9, 31 and 35% with respect to control for sonication times of 20, 40 and 60 min, respectively, corresponding to total sugars uptake efficiency of about 35, 51 and 54%, respectively. The modified Gompertz equation was used to describe the cumulative biogas production. A good agreement was found between simulated and experimental data.
Recent Advances in the Development of Thalidomide-Related Compounds as Anticancer Drugs
Authors: Barbarossa Alexia , Iacopetta Domenico , Sinicropi Maria Stefania , Franchini Carlo , Carocci Alessia 
Published: June 2021

Introduction:Thalidomide is an old well-known drug firstly used as morning sickness relief in pregnant women and then withdrawn from the market due to its severe side effects on fetal normal development. However, over the last few decades, the interest in this old drug has been renewed because of its efficacy in several important disorders as, for instance, multiple myeloma, breast cancer, and HIV-related diseases due to its antiangiogenic and immunomodulatory properties. Unfortunately, even in these cases, many after effects as deep vein thrombosis, peripheral neuropathy, constipation, somnolence, pyrexia, pain, and teratogenicity have been reported showing the requirement of careful and monitored use. For this reason, research efforts are geared toward the synthesis and optimization of new thalidomide analogues lacking in toxic effects, able to erase these limits and improve the pharmacological profile.Aims:This review aims to examine the state-of-the-art concerning the current studies on thalidomide and its analogues towards cancer diseases focusing the attention on the possible mechanisms of action involved and the lack of toxicity.Conclusion:In the light of the collected data, thalidomide analogues and their ongoing optimization could lead, in the future, to the realization of a promising therapeutic alternative for fighting cancer.
2-Methoxy-6-Acetyl-7-Methyljuglone: A Bioactive Phytochemical with Potential Pharmacological Activities
Authors: Khalil Atif Ali Khan , Qazi Asma Saleem , Nasir Abdul , Ahn Mi-Jeong , Shah Muhammad Ajmal , Ahmad Muhammad Saad , Sajjad Wasim , Ali Tahir , Naeem Muhammad , Shah Fawad Ali , Khan Muhammad Tufail Ahmed , Romman Muhammad , Shahfiq Ur Rehman  , Haider Adnan , Noor Raishma 
Published: June 2021

:
Natural products have been the focus of biomedical and pharmaceutical research to develop new therapies in
recent years. 2-methoxy-6-acetyl-7-methyljuglone (2-methoxystypandrone, MAM) a natural bioactive juglone derivative,
is known to have various levels of pharmacotherapeutic efficacies as an anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant,
antimicrobial, and anti-HIV activities. MAM fights cancer progression by inducing apoptosis, necroptosis and
deregulating signaling pathways through H2O2-induced JNK/iNOS/NO and MAPK, ERK1/2 pathways, JNK activation,
and the RIP1/RIP3 complex. In this review, we summarize the pharmacological importance of MAM in the field
of drug discovery. Furthermore, this review not only emphasizes the medicinal properties of MAM, but also discusses
its potential efficacy in future medicinal products.
Natural-Derived Molecules as a Potential Adjuvant in Chemotherapy: Normal Cell Protectors and Cancer Cell Sensitizers
Authors: Islam Muhammad T. , Mubarak Mohammad S. , Hossain Rajib , Jain Divya , Khan Rasel A. , Mohammad Saikat Abu Saim 
Published: June 2021

Background:Cancer is a global threat to humans and a leading cause of death worldwide. Cancer treatment includes, among other things, the use of chemotherapeutic agents, compounds that are vital for treating and preventing cancer. However, chemotherapeutic agents produce oxidative stress along with other side effects that would affect the human body.Objective:The aim of the study was to reduce the oxidative stress of chemotherapeutic agents in cancer and normal cells by naturally derived compounds with anti-cancer properties, and protect normal cells from the oxidation process. Therefore, the need to develop more potent chemotherapeutics with fewer side effects has become increasingly important.Method:Recent literature dealing with the antioxidant and anticancer activities of the naturally derived compounds, morin, myricetin, malvidin, naringin, eriodictyol, isovitexin, daidzein, naringenin, chrysin, and fisetin, has been surveyed and examined in this review. For this, data were gathered from different search engines, including Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Scopus, and Scifinder, among others. Additionally, several patent offices such as WIPO, CIPO, and USPTO were consulted to obtain published articles related to these compounds.Result:Numerous plants contain flavonoids and polyphenolic compounds, such as morin, myricetin, malvidin, naringin, eriodictyol, isovitexin, daidzein, naringenin, chrysin, and fisetin, which exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic actions via several mechanisms. These compounds act as sensitizers of cancer cells and protector of healthy cells. Moreover, these compounds can reduce oxidative stress, which is accelerated by chemotherapeutics, and exhibit a potent anticancer effect on cancer cells.Conclusions:Based on these findings, more research is recommended to explore and evaluate such flavonoids and polyphenolic compounds.
Standardizing the Development of Serious Games for Physical Rehabilitation: Conceptual Framework Proposal
Authors: Beristain-Colorado María Del Pilar , Ambros-Antemate Jorge Fernando , Vargas-Treviño Marciano , Gutiérrez-Gutiérrez Jaime , Moreno-Rodriguez Adriana , Hernández-Cruz Pedro Antonio , Gallegos-Velasco Itandehui Belem , Torres-Rosas Rafael 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundSerious games have been used as supportive therapy for traditional rehabilitation. However, most are designed without a systematic process to guide their development from the phases of requirement identification, planning, design, construction, and evaluation, which reflect the lack of adaptation of rehabilitation requirements and thus the patient’s needs.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to propose a conceptual framework with standardized elements for the development of information systems by using a flexible and an adaptable process centered on the patient’s needs and focused on the creation of serious games for physical rehabilitation.MethodsThe conceptual framework is based on 3 fundamental concepts: (1) user-centered design, which is an iterative design process focused on users and their needs at each phase of the process, (2) generic structural activities of software engineering, which guides the independent development process regardless of the complexity or size of the problem, and (3) gamification elements, which allow the transformation of obstacles into positive and fun reinforcements, thereby encouraging patients in their rehabilitation process.ResultsWe propose a conceptual framework to guide the development of serious games through a systematic process by using an iterative and incremental process applying the phases of context identification, user requirements, planning, design, construction of the interaction devices and video game, and evaluation.ConclusionsThis proposed framework will provide developers of serious games a systematic process with standardized elements for the development of flexible and adaptable software with a high level of patient commitment, which will effectively contribute to their rehabilitation process.