bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Survival Rates and Prognostic Factors of COVID-19 Patients: A Registry-Based Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Shahbazi Fatemeh , Karami Manoochehr , Mirzaei Mohammd , Mohamadi Younes 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a contagious disease caused by a newly identified coronavirus. Our knowledge about survival rate and prognostic factors of the disease is not established well. This study proposed to estimate the survival function of COVID-19 in western Iran.Methods: This retrospective cohort study was performed in Hamadan province, western Iran. The study included patients that referred to the provincial hospitals during 7 months period from February 20 to September 20, 2020. The follow up of each subject was calculated from the date of onset of respiratory symptoms to the date of death. Demographic and clinical data were extracted from patients’ medical records. Kaplan-Meier method, log-rank test, and Cox regression were used for the analysis of the data. Results: The overall 1, 5, 10, 20, 30 and 49-day survival rate were 99.57%, 95.61%, 91.15%, 87.34%, 86.91%, and 86.74% respectively. A significant association was observed between survival time with age, gender, history of traveling to contaminated areas, co-morbidity, malignancies, and chronic diseases, and hospital units.Conclusion: Educational programs and access to healthcare could be implemented as modifiable factors to reduce the mortality rate and burden of this disease in COVID-19 patients.
Comparison of Dietary Acid Load Score Between Celiac Patients and Healthy Population
Authors: Nikniaz Zeinab , Mahdavi Reza , Sabbagh Mojgan Akhavan , Nikniaz Leila , Shirmohammadi Masood 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: In the present study, we assessed the dietary acid load in adult celiac patients and compare it with that of the healthy population to provide more specific dietary recommendations for celiac patients. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study that includes 130 celiac patients and 462 Non-celiac population. The 80-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire was used to obtain dietary data. Based on dietary data, the dietary acid load (DAL), Potential renal net acid load (PRAL), and net endogenous acid production (NEAP) were calculated. Results: The mean PRAL value is negative in the celiac group and it was positive in the general population. There was a significant difference in the PRAL score between celiac patients and the general population (p<0.001). The mean NEAP and DAL score were significantly lower in the celiac group compared with the healthy population (P<0.001). There were no significant differences between gluten-free diet adherents and non-adherents regarding the PRAL, NEAP, and DAL values (P>0.05). Conclusion: We showed that the patients with celiac disease had significantly less acidogenic diet compared with that of the general population. Considering the health benefits of a less acidogenic diet, following a gluten-free diet, could have added value to celiac patients and besides the elimination of symptoms, it could also prevent other complications in these patients.
Association of RYR2 Mutation with Tumor Mutation Burden, Prognosis and Antitumor Immunity in Patients with Esophageal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Liu Zaoqu , Liu Long , Guo Chunguang , Wang Libo , Li Zhaonan , Jiao Dechao , Sun Zhenqiang , Han Xinwei 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BackgroundEsophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, and demonstrates a predominant rising incidence in Western countries. Recently, immunotherapy has dramatically changed the landscape of treatment for many advanced cancers, the benefit in EAC thus far been limited to a small fraction of patients. MethodsUsing somatic mutations data of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC), we delineated somatic mutation landscape of EAC patients from US and England. Bioinformatics algorithms were utilized to perform function annotation, immune cell infiltration analysis, and immunotherapy response assessment.ResultsWe found that RYR2 was a common frequently mutated gene (FMG) in both cohorts, and patients with RYR2 mutation suggested higher tumor mutation burden (TMB), better prognosis, and superior expression of immune checkpoints. Moreover, RYR2 mutation upregulated the signaling pathways implicated in immune response and enhanced antitumor immunity in EAC. Multiple bioinformatics algorithms for assessing immunotherapy response demonstrated that patients with RYR2 mutation might benefit more from immunotherapy. In order to provide additional reference for antitumor therapy of different RYR2 status, we identified nine latent antitumor drugs associated with RYR2 status in EAC. ConclusionsThis study reveals a novel gene whose mutation could be served as a potential biomarker for prognosis, TMB, and immunotherapy of EAC patients.
Efficacy of an Inexpensive Regimen Containing Pasiniazine for Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis with Low-concentration resistance to Isoniazid: a prospective cohort study in a high Tuberculosis burden area
Authors: Sun Wenwen , Tang Qin , Wang Jie , Yang Jinghui , Yu Fangyou , Yang Hua , Fan Lin 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BackgroundTo verify the efficacy and safety of an inexpensive regimen for specific multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) based on Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) Drug sensitivity test(DST), a prospective cohort study was conducted in China.MethodsMDR-TB cases were prospectively enrolled through a clinical access programmes with strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, given the regimen and followed up, observed the treatment outcome and adverse effects (AEs) .ResultsA total of 114 patients were enrolled into the study. The overall treatment favorable rate was 79.8% (91/114), among 91 cases with favorable treatment, 86(75.4%)cured and 5 (4.4%) completed treatment. 23 cases got unfavorable outcome including 10 8.8% (10/114) failures, 8.8%(10/114) losing follow up ,0.9%(1/114) withdrawing treatment due to intolerance to drugs and 1.8%(2/114 ) died,respectively. Treatment favorable rate was significantly higher in newly treated MDR-TB (91.7%, 33/36) than that in retreated MDR-TB (74.4%, 58/78, p = 0.03). The investigators recorded 42 AEs occurrences in 30 of 114 patients༈26.3%). Clinicians rated most AEs as mild or moderate (95.24%, 40/42) and no one was caused by Pa༈0%,0/114).ConclusionsThe regimen was proved to be effective, safe and inexpensive. It is suitable for specific drug resistant population in China, especially for newly-treated patients, which could be expected to be developed into a short-course therapy.Clinical Trials Registration: China Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR- OPC-16009380
Self-Efficacy on the Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19)
Authors: Dadfar Mahboubeh , Sanadgol Siyamak 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BackgroundNowadays, COVID-19 constitutes a significant portion of the global burden of the diseases. Self-efficacy beliefs in disease management refer to individuals' confidence and certainty in their ability to successfully perform specific health-related behaviors. The aims of the study were: (i) to develop the COVID-19 Self-Efficacy Scale (COVID-19SES), and (ii) to investigate the impact of self-efficacy on COVID-19.MethodsThis was a descriptive cross-sectional study. A convenience sample of 66 medical students was recruited. The COVID-19SES was administered to the students.ResultsOnly 9 students (13.6%) chose statement 1 of the COVID-19SES, indicating a lack of knowledge and low self-efficacy; 9 students (22.73%) chose statements 3 and 4, indicating adequate knowledge but low self-efficacy. Of the students, 42 (63.6%) endorsed the statement 5, indicating adequate knowledge and high self-efficacy. Only 9 students (13.6%) chose statement 1 of the COVID-19SES, indicating a lack of knowledge and low self-efficacy; 9 students (22.73%) chose statements 3 and 4, indicating adequate knowledge but low self-efficacy. Of the students, 42 (63.6%) endorsed the statement 5, indicating adequate knowledge and high self-efficacy. ConclusionsThis study provides evidence for the usefulness of the COVID-19SES for assessing self-efficacy in students. Twenty-four students (36.4%) reported low COVID-19 self-efficacy, and education is necessary to promote self-efficacy in health-related matters during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Morphological and genetic diversity of traditional varieties of agave in Hidalgo State, Mexico
Authors: Figueredo-Urbina Carmen Julia , Álvarez-Ríos Gonzalo D. , García-Montes Mario Adolfo , Octavio-Aguilar Pablo 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: The agaves are plants of cultural importance that have been used by humans for about 10,000 years for about 40 specific uses, of which the most culturally and economically important are fermented (Pulque) and distilled beverages (Mescal). Pulque continues to be produced in nearly all of Mexico, and the agaves used for this propose have shown domestication syndrome and selected morphological characteristics, such as larger plant size (since size is positively related to sap production) and less dentition of the leaves.Methods: In this study, we carry out an ethnobotanical, morphological and genetic analysis of the traditional varieties of pulque agave used in the production of aguamiel (agave sap) and pulque in two localities of the state of Hidalgo. We did semi-structured interviews and tours with crop owners, tlachiqueros (sap harvesters), and people related to the production system. We analyzed the morphology of 111 plants, and we studied the diversity and genetic structure of 130 individuals using 16 nuclear microsatellites.Results: We found wild, tolerated, transplanted, and cultivated varieties of agave. Asexual reproduction was the main method of propagation. We recorded 19 traditional varieties of pulque agave, 12 of them in production during the study, which correspond to the species Agave americana, A. salmiana y A. mapisaga with five intraspecific entities. The varieties were grouped according to a management gradient; the wild varieties were the smallest, with more lateral teeth and a larger terminal spine. The cultivated varieties clearly exhibited domestication syndrome, with larger plants and smaller dentition. The expected heterozygosity (He) of the varieties ranged between 0.204 to 0.721. Bayesian clustering suggested the existence of three genetic groups (K = 3), both at the level of traditional varieties of pulque agaves and for management categories, a result that matches multivariate clustering.Conclusions: Pulque producers in the studied localities, maintain high agrobiodiversity. The cultivated varieties exhibit domestication syndrome, as has been reported for other species of the genus with the same selection purposes. Our results support the hypothesis of a decrease in genetic diversity in crops compared to wild agaves, which seems to be due to vegetative propagation, among other factors.
Differential Expression Gene/Protein Contribute to Heat Stress-Responsive in Tetraena propinqua in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alafari Hayat Ali , Abdelgawad Magda 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BackgroundWithin their natural habitat, plants are subjected to abiotic stresses that include heat stress. In the current study, the effect of 4h, 24h and 48h of heat stress on Tetraena propinqua ssp. migahidii seedling’s protein profile and proteomic analyses were investigated. ResultsTotal soluble protein SDS-PAGE profile showed 18-protein bands downregulated at 4h and 48h, however, 20-protein bands were upregulated at 24h of heat stress. A proteomic analysis showed that 81 and 59 targets are involved in gene and protein expression respectively. ConclusionsThe genes and proteins involved in transcription, translation, photosynthesis, transport and other unknown metabolic processes, were differentially expressed under treatments of heat stress. These ﬁndings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms related to heat stress, in addition to its inﬂuence on the physiological traits of T. propinqua seedlings. Heat stress mediated differential regulation genes indicate a role in development and stress response of T. propinqua. The candidate dual specificity genes identified in this study paves way for more molecular analysis of up- and down-regulation.
The Pathological Features of Leukaemic Cells Infiltrating Renal Interstitium in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia/Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma Within 10 Years in a Large Single Chinese Centre
Authors: Wang Hui , Yu Xiaojuan , Zhang Xu , Wang Suxia , Zhao Minghui 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background Chronic lymphocytic leukemia/Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma (CLL/SLL) was rare in Asians and patients with CLL/SLL rarely undergo kidney biopsy. Little information is available on the histopathological features and clinical relevance of CLL/SLL tubulointerstitial injury. Hence, we attempted to describe the clinical characteristics, renal pathology and clinical outcome of a well characterized population of CLL/SLL patients with CLL infiltration in renal interstitium from a large single center in China.Methods Between January 1st, 2010 to September 31st, 2020, 31946 reanl biopsy pathology were performed at Peking University First Hospital and 10 patients with CLL infiltration in renal interstitium were included. Complete clinical data were collected from these 10 patients and the renal specimens were examined by routine light microscopy, immunonuorescence and electron microscopy examination.Results The extent of infiltrating CLL cells was diverse between different patients, from 10% to 90%. Five patients presented interstitial infiltration with the percent of infiltrate CLL cells≥50%. Proliferation centers were formed in the renal interstitium of 6 patients (6/10, 60%). Intrestingly, we found three patients (3/10, 30%) expressed monoclonal immunoglobulin in infiltrating CLL cells and special crystal structures were found in these cells in two of the three patients for the first time. Conclusions The finding confirmed CLL cells infiltrating in renal interstitium can secret monoclonal immunoglobulins directly, indicating that CLL cells in renal interstitium probably directly involved in local lesion injurys by secrecting monoclonal immunoglobulin. This finding will help understanding the mechanism of renal injury with CLL infiltration, thereby improving our current therapeutic efforts.
Evaluation of vEvaluation of Various Seed Extracts for Their Nematicidal Efficacies Against Root Nematode, Meloidogyne Incognitaarious Seed Extracts for Their Nematicidal Efficacies Against Root Nematode, Meloidogyne Incognita
Authors: Nengroo Zubair , Shah Zeeshan , Ganie Aadil , Danish Mohammad 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Nematicidal activity of seed extracts of eight medicinally important plants viz. Abrus precatorius Linn., Amaranthus virdis Linn., Bunium persicum Boiss., Dioscorea deltoidea Wall. Ex Griseb., Teraxacum officinale Weber., Malva neglecta Wall., Podophylum hexandrum Royle and Robina pseudoacacia Linn. against Meloidogyne incognita was evaluated in vitro at (24, 48 and 72 h) and greenhouse method. After 48 h of exposure, the in vitro results of second stage juveniles (J2s) displayed almost all extracts possess positive effects on J2 mortality. However, dominant mortality was observed by T. officinale 93.67% and B. persicum 89.66% at 72 h exposure. In case of greenhouse effect extracts of T. officinale and B. persicum reduced infestation as compared to inoculated control. The root knot index varied between 1-3 and egg mass index 0-3 as compared to control. This study suggested that seed extracts of these plants can be used for the management of M. incognita and could be used in replacement of synthetic nematicides.
Synthesis and Characterization of Boron, Copper, and Zinc-Doped Hydroxyapatite by Sol-Gel Method: Research of Absorption and Thermal Behavior
Authors: Çanakçı Dilek 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
In this study, hydroxyapatites reinforced with Boron, Copper and Zinc at different rates were produced using the sol-gel method. Different amounts of metal during the production of hydroxyapatite were used to observe the amount of crystallization and morphological differences in their structures. The characterization of the metal-doped HAp was carried out by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The data indicated that the Ca/P stoichiometric ratios of the samples varied between 1.71 and 2, so their morphologies were different from each other. The absorption behavior of novel metal-doped HAp samples was evaluated at room temperature by UV-vis spectroscopy. In the absorption spectra of the samples, absorption bands formed in similar regions. In addition, the thermal behavior of HAp samples was investigated using TG/DTA techniques. The results of the analysis showed that heat resistance of the new synthesized samples was quite high.
Assessment of First-Aid Knowledge Among Medical Students in Syria:&nbsp;A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Aljarad Ziad , Ataya Jawdat , Ataya Jamal 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Sufficient knowledge required to deal with emergencies at the accident site may not be found in most medical students due to the lack of effective first-aid training in most medical education curricula. This study aims to assess and evaluate the level of knowledge among medical students in providing first-aid care, especially first-year students.Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted in May 2020 among 1,855 medical students. The data was collected using an electronic questionnaire that was published on social media platforms. Based on the scores obtained for each clinical scenario requiring first aid, general knowledge was classified as good, intermediate, or weak. in order to obtain the best result, a number of measures were taken.Results: Statistical analysis indicated that Academic year and Academic specialization have a significant effect on the level of knowledge, whereas demographic background (gender, university, marital status, housing status, work status, financial condition), reading, hearing, or receiving training in first-aid have no effect on it.Conclusion: The level of knowledge among Syrian medical students in providing first-aid care is somewhat limited. Therefore, first-aid courses should be made more accessible to these students, and their effectiveness should be ensured and maintained through frequent updates. Moreover, more attention should be placed on publicizing first-aid knowledge in a way that makes life-saving procedures attainable to anyone, anytime and anywhere.
Yttrium-90 Quantitative Phantom Study Using Digital Photon Counting PET
Authors: Labour Joey , Boissard Philippe , Baudier Thomas , Khayi Fouzi , Kryza David , Durebex Pascale Veyrat , Martino Sandrine Parisse-Di , Mognetti Thomas , Sarrut David , Badel Jean-Noël 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: PET imaging of 90Y-microspheres distribution following radioembolisation is a challenging task due to the count-starved statistics from the low branching ratio producing e+/e- pairs during 90Y decay. The recent PET systems using silicon photo-multipliers technology has shown better 90Y image quality compared to photo-multiplier tubes. The aim of the present study was to quantitatively evaluate the impact of 90Y imaging conditions and reconstruction parameters on the dosimetry calculations using a digital photon counting PET.Methods: Quantitative PET and dosimetry accuracy were evaluated using two uniform cylindrical phantoms specific for PET calibration validation. A body phantom with an 9:1 hot sphere-to-background ratio was scanned at different activity concentrations of 90Y. Reconstructions were performed using OSEM algorithm with varying parameters. Time-of-flight and point-spread function modellings were included in all reconstructions. Absorbed dose calculations were carried out using Voxel S-Values convolution and were compared to reference Monte Carlo simulations. Dose-volume histograms and root-mean-square deviations were used to evaluate reconstruction parameter sets. Thanks to listmode data, datasets for phantoms and patients were rebinned into varying lengths of time to assess the influence of acquisition duration on the calculation of absorbed dose. Results: A 2 mm full width at half maximum post-reconstruction Gaussian filter size can be used for image reconstruction, keeping the same accuracy as when no filter is applied for dosimetry purposes and reducing noise. Larger filter sizes should not be used. An acquisition duration of more than 10 min/bed reduces image noise but has no significant impact in the quantification of phantom and patient data for the digital photon counting PET. 3 iterations with 10 subsets was found suitable for large spheres whereas 1 iteration with 30 subsets could improve dosimetry for smaller spheres. Conclusion: The choice of iterations and subsets combination depends on the size of the spheres. However, one should be careful on this choice, depending on the imaging conditions and setup. This study can be useful in this choice for future studies for more accurate 90Y post-dosimetry using a digital photon counting PET.
WITHDRAWN: Serum Nickel Levels Compromise the Oxidative Status and Lung Functions in Ceramic Workers.
Authors: Jabbar Uzma , Mushtaq Mazhar , Qureshi Javed Anver 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BackgroundNickel, in the form of various alloys and compounds, has been in widespread commercial use for over 100 years. Several million workers worldwide are exposed to airborne fumes, dust, and mist containing nickel and its compounds. Further, exposures by inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact occur in nickel-producing industries, like mining, milling, melting, and refining, and in nickel-using industries, like electroplating, welding, and grinding. Insoluble nickel is the predominant exposure in nickel-producing industries, whereas soluble nickel is the predominant exposure in nickel-using industries like the ceramics industry. This study was designed to extrapolate the levels of serum nickel, antioxidant compounds, and stress markers and correlate them with lung function status in craft workers in the ceramics industryMethods The study included 50 fiber craft workers from the ceramics industry who met the inclusion criteria. The control group consisted of subjects from the general population with no disease. Blood samples from the workers were collected by a phlebotomist. The levels of nickel and biological antioxidants, i.e. serum glutathione (GSH) and stress marker malondialdehye (MDA), were determined. Estimation of oxidants and haptoglobin (Hp) levels were assessed. The level of nickel was measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. A spirometer was used to measure lung functions. The calculated levels of these parameters were compared with those in the control subjects.ResultAn overall increase in nickel and MDA levels and a decrease in GSH level were observed. When these workers were classified into groups, it was observed that prolonged employment in the ceramics industry was associated with an increased nickel concentration in the serum, which in turn increased oxidative stress biomarkers and thus decreased the antioxidant levels to the lower limit. The decrease in GSH level compromises lung function. Our findings of an increase the Hp level is noteworthy, as it increased by 89% in the group with over 10 years of service in the industry compared with the group working for less than 5 years. ConclusionDaily exposure to nickel for prolonged periods could result in fatal respiratory disease. Precautionary measures should be made mandatory in all industries.