bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Pulse Oximetry Screening to Detect Congenital Heart Defects: 5 Years’ Experience in a Regional Neonatal Unit in the UK
Authors: Singh Yogen , Chen Si Emma 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Pulse oximetry screening (POS) has been shown to be an effective and non-invasive investigation that can detect up to 50-70% of previously undiagnosed congenital heart defects (CHDs). The aims of this study were to assess the accuracy of POS in detection of CHDs and its impact on the clinical practice. All the eligible newborn infants born between Jan 2015 and Dec 2019 in busy regional neonatal unit were included in the prospective observational study. Of the 25185 eligible infants, 189 (0.8%) infants had a true positive results: 6 had critical CHDs, 9 serious or significant CHDs, and a further 156/189 infants had significant non-cardiac conditions. 43 infants who had a normal POS were later (post-hospital discharge) diagnosed with following category of CHDs: 1 critical, 15 serious, 20 significant and 7 non-significant CHDs. POS sensitivity for detection of critical CHD was 85.7% and its specificity was 99.3%. However, its sensitivity for detection of all the major CHDs needing surgery during infancy was 33%.ConclusionPulse oximetry screening showed moderate and high sensitivity in detection of undiagnosed critical CHDs, however it failed to detect two-third of the major CHDs. Our study further emphasises the significance of adopting routine POS to detect critical CHDs in the clinical practice. However, it also highlights the need to develop new, innovative methods to detect other major CHDs missed by pulse oximetry screening and other current screening tools.
Patient-specific computational haemodynamics associated with surgical creation of an arteriovenous fistula
Authors: Hyde-Linaker George , Barrientos Pauline Hall , Stoumpos Sokratis , Kazakidi Asimina 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Despite arteriovenous fistulae (AVF) being the preferred vascular access for haemodialysis, high primary failure rates (30-70%) and low one-year patency rates (40-70%) hamper their use. The haemodynamics within the vessels of the fistula change significantly following surgical creation of the anastomosis and can be a surrogate of AVF success or failure. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) can crucially predict AVF outcomes through robust analysis of a fistula’s haemodynamic patterns, which is impractical in-vivo. We present a proof-of-concept CFD framework for characterising the AVF blood flow prior and following surgical creation of a successful left radiocephalic AVF in a 20-year-old end-stage kidney disease patient. The reconstructed vasculature was generated utilising multiple contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) datasets. Large eddy simulations were conducted for establishing the extent of arterial and venous remodelling. Following anastomosis creation, a significant 2-3-fold increase in blood flow rate was induced downstream of the left subclavian artery. This was validated through comparison with post-AVF patient-specific phase-contrast data. The increased flow rate yielded an increase in time-averaged wall shear stress (TAWSS), a key marker of adaptive vascular remodelling. We have demonstrated TAWSS and oscillatory shear distributions of the transitional-flow in the venous anastomosis are predictive of AVF remodelling.
Diagnostic biomarkers for USD via serum and urinary amino acid profiles using a metabolomics-based strategy
Authors: Gao Yao , Gong Sisi , Lin Xinxin , Zhang Tianwen , Zhang Beiying , Tang Minjie , Chen Min , Ou Qishui , Mao Houping 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Urinary stone disease (USD) is a common disease with a high prevalence, a high recurrence rate and a lack of effective diagnostic biomarkers.Methods: To explore the potential biomarkers for USD early diagnosis, the serum and urinary amino acid (AA) profiles of 74 USD patients were compared with 35 healthy controls (HC) via gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS).Results: Based on the serum and urinary AA profiles analyzed by metabolomic strategy, a group of 5 differentially expressed AAs including Ser, Glu, Asp, Ile and Gly and 7 metabolic pathway disorders in patients were revealed.Conclusions: These serum and urinary AA profiles could provided clinical biomarkers for USD early diagnosis, and also indicated that some specific AA metabolic pathways might play important roles in the pathogenesis of USD.
Spatial and physicochemical assessment of groundwater quality index in the urban coastal region of Sri Lanka
Authors: Perera TANT , Herath HMMSD , Piyadasa Ranjana U.K , Jianhui Liu , Bing Li 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
This study used the groundwater quality index (GWQI) and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques to examine groundwater quality in the western coastal region of Sri Lanka. The spatial and temporal variation of 18 groundwater samples' physiochemical parameters [pH, electrical conductivity (EC), turbidity, total dissolved solids (TDS), sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), chloride (Cl−), and bicarbonate (HCO3−)] were studied. According to the WHO and SLS, 11% of samples had EC levels that were above the acceptable range, and 22% had turbidity levels that were beyond the acceptable range. When considering, pH, TDS, other cations, and anions analyzed in the study were still below the standard permissible levels. The western coastline region, as well as several areas of the central study region, had significant concentrations of physicochemical parameters. According to the GWQI, water was consumable in 77.78% of locations in the study region and unsatisfactory in 22.22%. Furthermore, due to severe coastal erosion, the quality of groundwater in the study region is deteriorating, therefore maintaining a comprehensive groundwater management strategy to promote sustainable water consumption is imperative.
Panel Data Modelling of COVID-19 Infected Cases
Authors: ARUNACHALAM RAJARATHINAM , PAKKIRISAMY TAMILSELVAN 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background and Objective: The novel coronavirus pandemic, known as COVID-19, could not have been more predictable; thus, the world encountered health crises and substantial economic crises. This paper analyses the trends in COVID-19 cases in October 2020 in four southern districts of Tamil Nadu state, India, using a panel regression model. Materials and Methods: Panel data on the number of COVID-19-infected cases were collected from daily bulletins published through the official website www.stopcorona.tn.gov.in maintained by the Government of Tamil Nadu state, India. Panel data regression models were employed to study the trends. EViews Ver.11. Software was used to estimate the model and its parameters. Results: In all four districts, the COVID-19-infected case data followed a normal distribution. Maximum numbers of COVID-19-infected cases were registered in Kanniyakumari, followed by Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi and Tenkasi districts. The fewest COVID-19 cases were registered in Tenkasi, followed by Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi and Kanniyakumari districts. A random e2ffects model was found to be an appropriate model to study the trend. Conclusion: The panel data regression model is found to be more appropriate than traditional models. The Hausman test and Wald test confirmed the selection of the random effects model. The Jarque-Bera normality test ensured the normality of the residuals. In all four districts under study, the number of COVID-19 infections showed a decreasing trend at a rate of 1.68% during October 2020.
COVID-19 Potential To Infect 4.44% Indian Population
Authors: Patel Jayendrakumar , Parikh Shalin , Patel Rakesh , Patel Shwetaben , Patel Ronak , Patel Payalben , Patel Ankita 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Quantitative characterisation of any contagious diseases could help in making effective strategy to prevent further spreading of the disease. Despite the rapid research in prevention of spreading COVID-19, yet there is no quantitatively information about spatiotemporal epidemiology and epidemic intensity of COVID-19. Therefore, we aimed to quantitatively characterize spatiotemporal epidemiology and epidemic intensity of COVID-19 in Indian geography by determine it’s infectability rate, efficacy rate, transmission rate and likelihood of total populations to be infected with COVID-19 in India. Method: Novel statistical model was designed to quantitatively characterize spatiotemporal epidemiology and epidemic intensity of COVID-19. A Retrospective Cohort study was carried out online and offline in Indian geography using a COVID-19 transmission questionnaires sheet that comprises five mandatory questions. The collected offline as well as online data was then entered into a Microsoft excel sheet to obtain primary data and secondary data required for the mathematical model to calculate quantitative data of spatiotemporal epidemiology and epidemic intensity of COVID-19 in India geography. Result and Discussion: Total 539 responses were analysed in the current study out of 557 received responses between April-2021 to May-2021. Average reproductive number of secondary cases was found 0.77. Infectability rate of COIVD-19 patient was found 38.11% while healthy person has 21.08% risk of becoming infected if they expose to the Primary case. J-Index and H-Index were found 55.32% and 4.44%, respectively, indicating that COVID-19 disease outbreaks as severe epidemic disease in India and has potential to infect ~4.44% Indian population. Conclusion: Higher infectability rate (38.11%) of COIVD-19 patient and higher efficacy rate (21.08%) of healthy individual to be infected with COVID-19 outbreak it a severe epidemic in India. COVID-19 potential to infect about 4.44% Indian population, at present, COVID-19 already infected ~2.13% Indian population, which is about 50% of the anticipated population to be infected i.e., 4.44%.
Effect of warming climate on extreme daily rainfall depth using non-stationary Gumbel model with temperature co-variate
Authors: Lee Okjeong , Sim Inkyeong , Kim Sangdan 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
In this study, non-stationary frequency analysis was carried out to apply non-stationarity of extreme rainfall driven by climate change using the scale parameter of two parameters of the Gumbel distribution (GUM) as a co-variate function. The surface air temperature (SAT) or dew-point temperature (DPT) is applied as the co-variate. The optimal model was selected by comparing AICs, and 17 of 60 sites were found to be suitable for the non-stationary GUM model. In addition, SAT was chosen as the more appropriate co-variate among 13 of the 17 sites. As a result of estimating changes in design rainfall depth with future SAT rises at 13 sites, it is likely to increase by 10% in 2040 and 18% in 2070.
Drinking water quality assessment from water dispensers in an educational institution
Authors: Boonhok R. , Borisut S. , Chuklin N. , Katzenmeier G. , Srisuphanunt M. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Water dispensers are commonly used in educational institutions in developing countries. Assessment of factors influencing drinking water quality from this source is important due to its potential to cause waterborne diseases and other health risks. This study aimed to assess microbial contamination and the factors affecting drinking water quality from water dispensers at Walailak University, Southern Thailand. Drinking water samples from 60 water dispensers of different type-brands were collected and tested for physicochemical and microbiological parameters by following WHO Drinking Water Quality guidelines. Also evaluated by questionnaires were hygienic standards and maintenance of water dispensers. The physicochemical analysis of all water samples did not exceed the reference values of the drinking water standard; the hardness value in only 13.3% of samples was slightly higher than the reference limit. The microbiological results indicated that total coliform and fecal coliform bacteria were found in 16.67% and 8.33% of total samples, respectively. Escherichia coli was not detected in any of the water samples. The assessment of factors influencing drinking water quality, location and pathogen source around water dispensers, hygienic environment, and maintenance of water dispensers had a significant effect on drinking water quality.
Flavonoid Kaempferol Inhibits the Proliferation and Survival of Human Leukemia HL60 Cells
Authors: Rezapour Saleheh , Hosseinzadeh Elham , Jahangiryan Afsaneh , Tapeh Behnam Emamgolizade Gurd , Beheshtkhoo Nasrin , Kouhbanani Mohammad Amin Jadidi , Hassanzadeh Ali , Marofi Faroogh 
Published: June 2021

Background:
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive type of leukemia adversely
affecting the normal differentiation and proliferation process of human hematopoietic myeloid lineage.
Over the last decades, Kaempferol (Kae) (3,4′,5,7-tetrahydroxyflavone) has been considered a flavonoid
with useful medical significance, capable of inhibiting various types of leukemia (e.g., AML).

Objective:
This study aimed to evaluate the Kae effect on proliferation and apoptosis of a human
AML cell line, HL60.

Methods:
The proliferation capability of the HL60 cells was estimated by MTT assay at 12, 24, and
48 hours after exposure to Kae at a series of concentrations, including 10, 25, 50, and 75 μM. Also,
the apoptosis level of HL60 cells was measured 48 hours after exposure to various concentrations of
Kae (10, 25, and 50 μM) using Annexin-V/PI staining and FACS analysis. Besides, the gene expression
of CDK1/2, Bcl-2, survivin, c-FLIP, Mcl-1, XIAP, Bax, and caspase 3 and 8 was assessed following
treatment of HL60 cells with Kae (25 and 50 μM) by Real-Time PCR.

Results:
The anti-proliferation activity of Kae showed an ascending pattern over time and reached the
maximum level at 48 hours of HL60 cells exposure to Kae. Also, it was able to trigger apoptosis of
HL60 cells, in particular, at 50 μM concentration. On the other hand, Kae could modify the expression
levels of the candidate’s genes in treated cells.

Conclusion:
The promising results of using Kae against the HL60 cells have made it a good drug candidate
to treat AML through up-regulation of caspases expression and down-regulation of antiapoptotic
proteins.
Cytotoxic Impact of N-Oleoylethanolamine on Bone Cancer Cells
Authors: İzgördü Hüseyin , Sezer Canan Vejselova , Bayçelebi Kadir , Baloğlu Murat , Kutlu Hatice Mehtap 
Published: June 2021

Background:
Cancer is a complex disease that derives from the uncontrolled proliferation of cells. Bone
cancer is a type of prevalent cancer that occurs both in young and adults. Bone cancer is most common in the long
bones of the pelvis, arms and legs. Statistically, more than 200 cases of osteosarcoma have been reported annually in
our country. Classical treatment with chemotherapeutics remains ineffective in the cure of this cancer type. Recent
studies have shown that ceramide induces apoptosis at its increased levels in the cells. Thus, many studies have been
conducted to cause the accumulation of ceramide molecules in the cell by different ways to induce apoptosis. NOE (Noleoylethanolamine)
is a specific inhibitor of ceramidase enzymes that hydrolyze intracellular ceramides and prevent
apoptosis.

Objective:
This study investigates the cytotoxic and apoptosis-inducing activities of NOE on human osteosarcoma
Saos-2 cells.

Methods:
Cytotoxic effects were investigated by MTT colorimetric assay. For the detection of morphological and
ultrastructural indicators of apoptosis, confocal and TEM techniques were used.

Results:
Our finding indicated that NOE is effective in the inhibition of the growth of Saos-2 cells. Confocal and TEM
findings showed morphological and ultrastructural changes as chromatin condensation, fragmentation of nuclei and
mitochondria as well as damaged cytoskeleton and cell shrinkage.

Conclusion:
The results revealed that NOE exerts its cytotoxicity on Saos-2 cells through changing the ultrastructure
and morphology of cells with clear apoptotic sparks.
Prevalence and Predictors of Metabolic Syndrome among Patients with Bronchial Asthma: A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Ali Abdellah H.K. 
Published: June 2021

Background:
Recent studies have reported the epidemiological link between Metabolic Syndrome (MS) and asthma, but it has rarely been studied in Egypt. The study aimed to investigate the prevalence of MS and its predictors among asthma patients in Egypt.

Methods:
In total, 320 patients with bronchial asthma were included. The following were assessed: spirometric evaluation, anthropometric indices, blood pressure, fasting blood sugar and serum lipid profile. We analyzed the correlation between metabolic scores and patient characteristics. Predictors of MS were identified using logistic regression analysis.

Results:
The prevalence of MS was 57.5% in asthma patients. For asthma patients, low High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) and abdominal obesity were the commonest metabolic abnormality. Waist circumference, Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) and triglyceride correlated significantly with asthma (P ‹ 0.05). FBS and DBP were the best predictors of MS.

Conclusion:
MS is frequent in asthma patients in Egypt. Obesity and lipid abnormalities were the commonest metabolic abnormality. Screening of these patients for components of metabolic syndrome should be a part of routine workup.
Outcomes of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure in the Management of Patients with Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pneumonia who are not Suitable for Invasive Ventilation
Authors: Aung Hnin , Avraam Eleni , Ashraf Muhammad , Karim Nawazish , Kiran Sidra , Naeem Muhammed , Mallik Srikumar , Panchatsharam Selva , Tsaknis George , Reddy Raja 
Published: June 2021

Background:
The optimum management of respiratory failure in patients with coronavirus (COVID-19) infections has been a challenge for physicians across the globe. Many scientific societies have suggested the use of CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) in severe cases in an effort to reduce invasive ventilation. We investigated mortality outcomes in patients who needed CPAP but were not suitable for invasive ventilation.

Methods:
We retrospectively evaluated the mortality outcomes of all consecutive COVID-19 cases with severe type 1 respiratory failure requiring FiO2 >0.6 who were admitted to our hospital between 12th March and 04th May’20. British Thoracic Society guidelines were followed for identifying patients needing CPAP. Their outcomes were recorded and compared with a similar group of patients who had oxygen as a ceiling of care. Prospectively collected data between 5th May and 7th June’20 in similar but smaller groups of patients was also analyzed.

Results:
A total of 104 COVID-19 patients with documented Do Not Attempt Resuscitation (DNAR) decision required high fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) >0.6(to maintain peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2)> 92%(SpO2> 88% in COPD patients). Twenty-four patients received CPAP as the ceiling of care, with a mortality rate of 92.5%. The remaining 84 patients who were on oxygen as a ceiling of treatment had 91.7% mortality. Both population groups had a similar number of comorbidities but were less favorable in terms of age in the control group with standard O2 therapy than those who had CPAP support. Overall mortality outcomes from using CPAP therapy did not bring significant mortality benefit (p-value-0.89).

Conclusion:
CPAP did not appear to improve the survival of patients with severe respiratory failure due to COVID-19 related pneumonia and were not suitable for invasive ventilation. Further studies are warranted to adequately inform appropriate management strategies for this group of patients.
Kidney Disease Symptoms before and after Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Taylor Kathryn , Chu Nadia M. , Chen Xiaomeng , Shi Zhan , Rosello Eileen , Kunwar Sneha , Butz Paul , Norman Silas P. , Crews Deidra C. , Greenberg Keiko I. , Mathur Aarti , Segev Dorry L. , Shafi Tariq , McAdams-DeMarco Mara A. 
Published: June 2021

Background and objectives
Patients with kidney failure report a high symptom burden, which likely increases while on dialysis due to physical and mental stressors and decreases after kidney transplantation due to restoration of kidney function.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
We leveraged a two-center prospective study of 1298 kidney transplant candidates and 521 recipients (May 2014 to March 2020). Symptom scores (0–100) at evaluation and admission for transplantation were calculated using the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short-Form Survey, where lower scores represent greater burden, and burden was categorized as very high: 0.0–71.0; high: 71.1–81.0; medium: 81.1–91.0; and low: 91.1–100.0. We estimated adjusted waitlist mortality risk (competing risks regression), change in symptoms between evaluation and transplantation (n=190), and post-transplantation symptom score trajectories (mixed effects models).

Results
At evaluation, candidates reported being moderately to extremely bothered by fatigue (32%), xeroderma (27%), muscle soreness (26%), and pruritus (25%); 16% reported high and 21% reported very high symptom burden. Candidates with very high symptom burden were at greater waitlist mortality risk (adjusted subdistribution hazard ratio, 1.67; 95% confidence interval, 1.06 to 2.62). By transplantation, 34% experienced an increased symptom burden, whereas 42% remained unchanged. The estimated overall symptom score was 82.3 points at transplantation and 90.6 points at 3 months (10% improvement); the score increased 2.75 points per month (95% confidence interval, 2.38 to 3.13) from 0 to 3 months, and plateaued (−0.06 points per month; 95% confidence interval, −0.30 to 0.18) from 3 to 12 months post-transplantation. There were early (first 3 months) improvements in nine of 11 symptoms; pruritus (23% improvement) and fatigue (21% improvement) had the greatest improvements.

Conclusions
Among candidates, very high symptom burden was associated with waitlist mortality, but for those surviving and undergoing kidney transplantation, symptoms improved.