bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multiwave pandemic dynamics explained: How to tame the next wave of infectious diseases
Authors: Cacciapaglia Giacomo , Cot Corentin , Sannino Francesco 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Pandemics, like the 1918 Spanish Influenza and COVID-19, spread through regions of the World in subsequent waves.
Here we propose a consistent picture of the wave pattern based on the epidemic Renormalisation Group (eRG) framework, which is guided by the global symmetries of the system under time rescaling.
We show that the rate of spreading of the disease can be interpreted as a time-dilation symmetry, while the final stage of an epidemic episode corresponds to reaching a time scale-invariant state. We find that the endemic period between two waves is a sign of instability in the system, associated to near-breaking of the time scale-invariance. This phenomenon can be described in terms of an eRG model featuring complex fixed points.
Our results demonstrate that the key to control the arrival of the next wave of a pandemic is in the strolling period in between waves, i.e. when the number of infections grow linearly. Thus, limiting the virus diffusion in this period is the most effective way to prevent or delay the arrival of the next wave.
In this work we establish a new guiding principle for the formulation of mid-term governmental strategies to curb pandemics and avoid recurrent waves of infections, deleterious in terms of human life loss and economic damage.
Myogenic progenitor cell transplantation for muscle regeneration following hindlimb ischemia and reperfusion
Authors: Messner Franka , Thurner Marco , Müller Jule , Blumer Michael , Hofmann Julia , Marksteiner Rainer , Couillard-Despres Sebastien , Troppmair Jakob , Öfner Dietmar , Schneeberger Stefan , Hautz Theresa 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background Muscle is severely affected by ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI). Quiescent satellite cells differentiating into myogenic progenitor cells (MPC) possess a remarkable regenerative potential. We herein established a model of local application of MPC in murine hindlimb ischemia/reperfusion to study cell engraftment and differentiation required for muscle regeneration.Methods A clamping model of murine (C57b/6J) hindlimb ischemia was established to induce IRI in skeletal muscle. After 2 hours (h) warm ischemic time (WIT) and reperfusion, reporter protein expressing MPC (TdTomato or Luci-GFP, 1x106 cells) obtained from isolated satellite cells were injected intramuscularly. Surface marker expression and differentiation potential of MPC were analyzed in vitro by flow cytometry and differentiation assay. In vivo bioluminescence imaging and histopathologic evaluation of biopsies were performed to quantify cell fate, engraftment and regeneration.Results 2h WIT induced severe IRI on muscle, and muscle fiber regeneration as per histopathology within 14 days after injury. Bioluminescence in vivo imaging demonstrated reporter protein signals of MPC in 2h WIT animals and controls over the study period (75 days). Bioluminescence signals were detected at the injection site and increased over time. TdTomato expressing MPC and myofibers were visible in host tissue on postoperative days 2 and 14, respectively, suggesting that injected MPC differentiated into muscle fibers. Higher reporter protein signals were found after 2h WIT compared to controls without ischemia, indicative for enhanced growth and/or engraftment of MPC injected into IRI-affected muscle antagonizing muscle damage caused by IRI.Conclusion WIT-induced IRI in muscle requests increased numbers of injected MPC to engraft and persist, suggesting a possible rational for cell therapy to antagonize IRI. Further investigations are needed to evaluate the regenerative capacity and therapeutic advantage of MPC in the setting of ischemic limb injury.
Association of Kawasaki Disease and COVID-19 in children
Authors: esmaeilzadeh hossein , Mortazavi Negar , Salehi Alireza , Fatemian Hossein , Vardanjani Hossein Molavi 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Kawasaki Disease (KD) is most common childhood vasculitis and cause of acquired heart disease for no apparent reason. There is some evidence indicating infectious agents as possible triggers for KD. During the COVID-19 pandemic, vasculitis has been a presentation of COVID-19 in children.ObjectiveWe performed this study to assess the association between KD and COVID-19.Methods and MaterialsWe evaluated KD hospitalized children during February to September 2020 for COVID-19 (group one) and compared their demographic, clinical, laboratory, and echocardiographic findings with KD patients from the same period of time in 2019 (group two). We also compared the same data in COVID-19 positive and COVID-19 negative KD patients in 2020 pandemic period.Results68% of KD patients in group one were positive for COVID-19 during the pandemic period. KD Age of onset in the group one was lower than group two (4.38 years VS 5.5 years, P-value= 0.044). There was no difference in the demographic, clinical, laboratory, and echocardiographic features of the patients during and before the COVID-19 pandemic (p-value > 0.05). Moreover, Comparing COVID-19 positive and negative patients, the incidence of rash was higher within COVID-19 positive cases (p<0.05), and coronary artery abnormalities were more prevalent in COVID-19 negative cases (p < 0.05).ConclusionAdmission rate of KD does not have significant difference during the COVID-19 pandemic but 68% of KD admitted patient were COVID-19 positive. Age of onset for KD during the COVID-19 pandemic was lower than the same period of time in last year.
Angelica dahurica extracts attenuate CFA-induced inflammatory pain via TRPV1 in mice
Authors: Zhu Chan , Wang Meiyuan , Guo Jun , Su Shu-Lan , Yu Guang , Yang Yan , Zhou Yuan , Tang Zongxiang 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Angelica dahurica, belonging to the family Apiaceae, is a well-known herbal medicine. The roots of Angelica dahurica is commonly used for the treatment of headache, toothache, abscess, furunculosis, and acne. However, little is known about their analgesic molecular mechanism underlying pain relief. Here, we investigated the anti-nociceptive activity of Angelica dahurica extracts（ADE） in complete freund's adjuvant(CFA)-induced inflammatory pain mice models, and its possible mechanism of the action associated with transient receptor potential vanilloid member 1 (TRPV1) was also explored. Material and Methods: In this study, we used behavioral tests to assess the analgesic effect of the ADE on CFA-induced inflammatory pain mice models. TRPV1 protein activity in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) was assessed with calcium imaging assay. TRPV1 expression was detected with western blot and immunohistochemistry. Then we examined the constituents of ADE using combined ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-light mass spectrometry (UPLC/Q−TOF−MS).Results: Our results showed that ADE effectively attenuated mechanical and thermal hypersensitivities in CFA-induced inflammatory pain model in mice. ADE also significantly reduced the activity and the protein expression of TRPV1 in DRG from CFA mice. Conclusion: These findings suggest that ADE exhibits an analgesic effect in CFA inflammatory pain models by targeting TRPV1. Therefore, ADE might be an attractive and suitable analgesic agent for the management of chronic inflammatory pain.
Distribution, Source Apportionment and Health Risk Assessment of Organochlorine Pesticides in Drinking Groundwater
Authors: Oyekunle John A. O. , Adegunwa Abiodun O. , Ore Odunayo T. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Groundwater samples of Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria were investigated for their organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) levels. Probable sources of the OCPs and health risks associated with their consumption along with the water were determined in order to establish the potability of the groundwater samples. Quantitative determination of the OCPs was carried out by Gas Chromatography coupled with Electron Capture Detector (GC-ECD) after liquid-liquid extraction with dichloromethane (DCM). Results indicated that all the analyzed OCPs except p,p'-dichlorodiphenylethane were detected with high concentrations in the groundwater. Hepachlor (14.60±3.60 µg/L) and methoxychlor (12.60±2.20 µg/L) showed dominant concentrations that were higher than 0.02 ng/L maximum residue levels (MRLs) recommended by the European Union. Levels of the OCPs in the samples followed the decreasing trend: cyclodienes > diclorophehylethanes > chlorinated cyclohexanes, while the predominant source of the analyzed pesticides could be ascribed to aerial transportation from fresh applications in homes within the community. The carcinogenic health risk assessment also revealed consistent higher values of HQ and CR in children as opposed to adults, indicating that children are the more vulnerable population to the analyzed environmental contaminants.
Prognostic Significance of B-type Natriuretic Peptide in Patients with Left Ventricular Thrombus
Authors: An Zhixia , Gao Zhichun , Wang Luyu , Hou Changchun , Zhang Liying , Gong Siming , Rao Rongsheng , Li Chun , Qin Zhexue 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: There is sparse information on the prognostic value of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) for the outcomes in patients with left ventricular thrombus (LVT). We aimed to determine the prognostic value of BNP in LVT.Methods: Patients diagnosed with LVT by transthoracic echocardiography between November 2009 to July 2020 at our institution were included. The endpoints were all-cause mortality and systemic embolism. Results: Ninety-two subjects were finally included in the study. The mean age of the cohort was 56.73±14.12, and 80.4% of the patients were male. The median BNP (1st quartile- 3rd quartile) was 437.5 (112.74-1317.5). The total all-cause mortality rate was 30.44% (28/92), and the 1-year, 2-year and 3-year cumulative survival rates were 85.4%, 75.5% and 66.5% respectively. Systemic embolism was identified in 10 subjects. COX multivariate analysis showed that Log BNP (HR, 4.96; 95%CI, 2.03-12.13; P=0.000) and LV posterior thickness (HR, 0.71; 95%CI, 0.51-0.97; P=0.034) were significantly associated with all-cause mortality. In addition, patients with BNP levels in the upper median (≥ 437.5pg/ml) had significantly higher all-cause mortality rate compared to those with lower median BNP (<437.5pg/ml; P=0.004). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for BNP and all-cause mortality was 0.71. In the linear trend test, BNP quartiles were significantly related to all-cause mortality in all models, and the P values for trend in models 1, 2 and 3 were 0.005, 0.006 and 0.048 respectively.Conclusion: BNP level is a prognostic factor for all-cause mortality in LVT patients, and elevated BNP is indicative of a higher risk of LVT.
Portal TB Gombak: Web-Based Application for Plotting of Tuberculosis Cases in Gombak, Selangor, Malaysia
Authors: Mohidem Nur Adibah , Osman Malina , Muharam Farrah Melissa , Elias Saliza Mohd , Shaharudin Rafiza , Hashim Zailina 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: In the last few decades, public health surveillance has been conducted using various programming languages implementing statistical methods to analyze the spatial distribution of a disease. Nevertheless, contact tracing and follow up control measures for tuberculosis (TB) patients remain challenging because many public health officers lack the appropriate programming skills to use the related software. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a TB mapping application associated with sociodemographic factor in Gombak. Methods: The sociodemographic data of 3325 TB cases such as age, gender, race, nationality, country of birth, educational level, employment status, healthcare worker, income status, residency, and smoking status between January 2013 and December 2017 in Gombak district were collected from the Tuberculosis Information System (TBIS) database at the Gombak District Health Office and Rawang Health Clinic and myTB website. Apart from that, the sociodemographic data of TB cases were extracted from the Aeronautical Reconnaissance Coverage Geographic Information System (ArcGIS) version 10.7 and subsequently uploaded into the Portal TB Gombak. The application was set up in the Python Shapefile (PHP) CodeIgniter framework with ArcGIS JavaScript API 3.7 and HyperText Markup Language (HTML), Cascading Style Sheet (CSS), JavaScript, and PHP as programming languages to build the system. Additionally, the ESRI map was used as the base map and combined with the web GIS technology via ArcGIS Application Programming Interface (API). Results: The application displays the location of TB cases on an interactive map based on sociodemographic factor. Conclusion: Portal TB Gombak allows public health officers to visualize the potential risk areas of TB cases without a trained programmer and geospatial statistician. This application will help healthcare personnel better understand TB transmission, thus improving case detection and minimize the public health impact of the disease.
The Pons As Region of Reference For Intensity Normalization In Semi-Quantitative Analysis of Brain 18FDG PET: Application to Metabolic Changes Related to Ageing in Conventional and Digital Control Databases
Authors: Verger Antoine , Doyen Matthieu , Campion Jacques-Yves , Guedj Eric 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: To define the most appropriate region for intensity normalization in brain 18FDG PET analysis through ageing.Brain metabolic changes related to ageing were evaluated in two populations of healthy controls who underwent conventional (n=56) or digital (n=78) 18FDG PET/CT. The median correlation coefficients between age and the metabolism of each 120 atlas brain region were reported for 120 distinct intensity normalizations (according to the 120 regions). SPM linear regression analyses with age were performed on most significant normalizations (FWE, p<0.05).Results: The cerebellum and pons were the two sole regions showing median coefficients of correlation with age less than -0.5. With SPM, the intensity normalization through the pons provided at least 1.7- and 2.5-fold more significant cluster volumes than other normalizations for conventional and digital PET respectively. Conclusions: The pons is the most appropriate area for brain 18FDG PET intensity normalization for examining the metabolic changes through ageing.
Dosimetry of&nbsp;177Lu-DOTATOC&nbsp;First Circle Treatment in Patients With Advanced Metastatic Neuroendocrine Tumors: a Pilot Study in China
Authors: Xu Lei , Meng Qingle , Yao Xiaochen , Yang Rui , Zhang Pengjun , Li Rushuai , Jiang Hongbing , Wang Feng 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to calculate the dosimetry of 177Lu-DOTATOC in the first circle of peptide receptor radionuclide treatment (PRRT) in patients with advanced neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). Patients and Methods: Eight patients (4 female, 4 male) with NETs were enrolled in this study. All these patients with unresectable primary lesion and multiple metastasis received 177Lu-DOTATOC treatment with a single activity of 1.59-3.49 GBq (43.1-94.2 mCi) and underwent a series of whole-body planar scan at 0.5 h, 24 h, 48 h and 72 h and SPECT/CT scan at 24 h after injection. The region of interest (ROI) was drawn on the primary and metastatic lesion, the mediastinum served as control area. Therefore, the ratio of tumor-to-mediastinum (T/NT) was also calculated. The Hermes hybrid viewer dosimetry module together with OLINDA/EXM 2.0 was used to determine absorbed doses of organs and tumors. Results: No significant changes in both laboratory test was found after 177Lu-DOTATOC treatment, including renal function and blood cell analysis ( F= 0.047-1.062, P =0.364-0.959). Physiological uptake of 177Lu-DOTATOC was seen in the liver, the spleen and the kidneys. Focal uptake of 177Lu-DOTATOC was found in the tumors including primary tumors and metastatic lesions, the ratio of T/NT was 39.45 ± 28.83. The residence time of 177Lu-DOTATOC was 0.82 ± 0.12 h for left kidney, 0.80 ± 0.15 h for right kidney, 1.35 ± 0.89 h for spleen, 1.80± 2.70 h for tumors, and 30.21 ± 11.29 h for total body. Organs with the highest absorbed doses per injected activity were tumors (1.2936 ± 0.8625 mGy/MBq), spleen (0.4608 ± 0.4084 mGy/MBq), and kidneys (0.3843 ± 0.1120 mGy/MBq). The mean effective dose was 0.0392 ± 0.0158 mSv/MBq with the range of 0.0158-0.0674 mSv/MBq. In addition, Photon cross-irradiation was found to reach 19.46 % in adrenals, whereas photon can contribute less than 3% of the kidneys’ total dose. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that absorbed dose in the kidneys and spleen are relatively lower, whereas the tumor shows longer retention time and higher internal radiation absorbed dose in PRRT. PRRT is a well-tolerated treatment strategy. 177Lu-DOTATOC SPECT /CT serves as independent predictor for the evaluation of response to PRRT, which contributes to predict the response to PRRT and the related adversity.
A survey of Italian cat owners’ attitudes towards cat vaccination through a web-based questionnaire
Authors: Filipe Joel Fernando Soares , Pina Lucrezia , Lauzi Stefania , Dall’Ara Paola 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Vaccination plays an important role in feline healthcare as it is the most effective measure for prevention against feline infectious diseases. Therefore, it is important to know owners’ opinion towards cats’ vaccination and current veterinary practices in order to advice owners on the use of the correct vaccination protocol. This study aimed to identify factors motivating cat owners’ decisions related to vaccination in Italy. A questionnaire was disseminated online (mainly via social networks) to collect data regarding Italian cat owners’ demographics, information about cats, factors regarding vaccination of cats, and veterinary-owner relationship. Results: The majority (90.7%; n=1,131) of cats were vaccinated and 80% (n=998) had been vaccinated within the last three years. Cats 2-4 years old and origin from a breeder or cat shops had a high significant positive impact on the vaccination within the last three years status of cats. Vaccination before the three year period was significantly associated with the importance of cat’s indoor lifestyle, cats ≥ 5 years old and low annual household. The importance for cost vaccination, low annual household income and jobs of owner not related to healthcare had a significant impact on the unvaccination status of cats. In addition, 85.8% of owners present their cat regularly to veterinary clinics. Veterinarians play a significant role in owners’ decision and they are considered the most useful source of information about vaccination by 97.3% of owners. Conclusions: These results could help veterinarians to acquire a greater compliance from owners and better adapt vaccination protocols.
Comparative effect of electroacupuncture with different frequency on headache attacks in migraine outpatients: study protocol for a randomised placebo- controlled trial
Authors: Nie Na , Chen Le , Li Tong , Zhou Chuanlong , Li Bangwei , Zhou Jie , Chen Qin , Ji Conghua , Li Qiushuang , Liang Yi , Fang Jianqiao 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Headache attacks severely impaired life quality and increase economic burden of migraineurs. Electroacupuncture (EA) has been used world-widely to treat several pain-related diseases including migraine. However, whether EA with low- or high-frequency exerts distinct analgesic effect remains unknown and need to further study. Methods/Design: This study is a randomised, single-blinded, placebo-controlled trial with three parallel arms. A total of 144 migraine outpatients will be randomly allocated to 2Hz EA group, 100Hz EA group and placebo control group. The duration of the trial is 20 weeks, including a 4-week long baseline assessment period (week-4-0), 4-week long treatment period (week 1-4), and 12-week long follow-up period (week 5-16). Twelve treatment sessions will be performed over a four-week period (week 1-4). The primary outcome will be measured by frequency of migraine attacks in the past 4 week at the end of week 4 post-randomisation. Secondary outcome will be measured by frequency of migraine attacks in the past 4 week at the end of week 8,12,16 post-randomisation, number of days with migraine, dosage of ibuprofen, the scores of Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) and Migraine Specific Quality of Life questionnaire (MSQ) in the past 4 week at the end of week 4, 8, 12, 16 post-randomisation. Safety assessment, compliance and blinding evaluation will be carried out at the end of week 16 post-randomisation. Discussion: The recruitment will be started at 1 June, 2021 and expected to finish at 31 May, 2023. We aimed to clarify the dominant frequency of EA on headache attacks in migraineur. Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR-1800017259. Registered on 20 July 2018.
The usability of Jordan Stillbirths and Neonatal Deaths Surveillance (JSANDS) system: Results of focus group discussions
Authors: Khader Yousef S. , Shattnawi Khulood Kayed , Al-Sheyab Nihaya , Alyahya Mohammad S. , Batieha Anwar 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Jordan Stillbirths and Neonatal Deaths Surveillance system (JSANDS) is a newly developed system and is currently implemented in five large hospitals in Jordan. This study aimed at exploring the healthcare professional’s perception about the usability of JSANDS. Methods: A descriptive qualitative approach, using focus group discussions, was adopted. A total of 5 focus groups including 23 focal points were conducted in five participating hospitals in Jordan. Results: Data analysis identified nine main issues related to the JSANDS system: the system usefulness, the system performance, data quality, the system limitations, human rights, female empowerment, nurses’ strengthened competencies, the sustainability of the JSANDS, and COVID-19 impact on the system. Users reported that the JSANDS data were useful, the system was simple and easy to use, and the data were accurate and complete. However, some users reported that some technical issues need to be enhanced. Conclusions: JSANDS was perceived positively by the current users. According to them, it provides a formative and comprehensive data on stillbirths and neonatal deaths and their causes, and therefore, was recommended to be adopted by its users and scaled up.