bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Outcomes of tocilizumab therapy in severe or critical COVID‐19 patients: A retrospective cohort, single‐centre study
Authors: Abdelnaby Hassan , Aboelhassan Wael , Al‐Jarallah Mohammed , Rajan Rajesh , Dashti Raja , Zhanna Kobalava D. , Alsaber Ahmad R. , Abd el‐Aleem Ahmed , Ashry Islam , Abdullah Mohammed , Mahmoud Fouad Ahmed 
Published: October 2021

AbstractObjectivesTo assess the effectiveness and safety of tocilizumab, a humanised anti‐interleukin‐6 receptor antibody, in the treatment of critical or severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) patients.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study of severe or critical COVID‐19 patients (≥18 years) admitted to one hospital in Kuwait. Fifty‐one patients received intravenous tocilizumab, while 78 patients received the standard of care at the same hospital. Both groups were compared for clinical improvement and in‐hospital mortality.ResultsThe tocilizumab (TCZ) group had a significantly lower 28‐day in‐hospital mortality rate than the standard‐of care‐group (21.6% vs. 42.3% respectively; p = 0.015). Fifty‐five per cent of patients in the TCZ group clinically improved vs. 11.5% in the standard‐of‐care group (p < 0.001). Using Cox‐proportional regression analysis, TCZ treatment was associated with a reduced risk of mortality (adjusted hazard ratio 0.25; 95% CI: 0.11–0.61) and increased likelihood of clinical improvement (adjusted hazard ratio 4.94; 95% CI: 2.03–12.0), compared to the standard of care. The median C‐reactive protein, D‐dimer, procalcitonin, lactate dehydrogenase and ferritin levels in the tocilizumab group decreased significantly over the 14 days of follow‐up. Secondary infections occurred in 19.6% of the TCZ group, and in 20.5% of the standard‐of‐care group, with no statistical significance (p = 0.900).ConclusionTocilizumab was significantly associated with better survival and greater clinical improvement in severe or critical COVID‐19 patients.
Biologically Active Substances of Fungus Aspergillus Niger
Authors: Zhursinali A.B. , Kurmanbaev A.A. 
Published: October 2021

The filamentous fungus Aspergillus niger is frequently used for industrial production of fermentative products such as enzymes, proteins and biochemicals. In contrast to what most people might think, citric acid is not or not anymore isolated from citrus fruits, but is industrially produced by the filamentous fungus Aspergillus niger. In 1917, a food chemist named James Currie made a promising discovery: any strain of the filamentous fungus Aspergillus niger would produce high concentrations of citric acid when grown in sugar medium. This tricarboxylic acid, which we now know is an intermediate of the Krebs cycle, had previously been extracted from citrus fruits for applications in food and beverage production. Two years after Currie’s discovery, industrial-level production using Aspergillus niger began, the biochemical fermentation industry started to flourish, and industrial biotechnology was born. Aspergillus niger additionally producing a diverse range of proteins, enzymes and secondary metabolites. In this review, we presented materials on more than 100 years of use of Aspergillus niger in biotechnological production of biologically active substances and environmental protection.
In Vitro and In Vivo Effects of Radio- Frequency Electromagnetic Fields
Authors: Begimbetova D. A. , Baiskhanova D. M. , Matkarimov B. T. , Shulgau Z. T. 
Published: October 2021

In recent years, there has been a massive distribution of mobile phones and Wi-Fi networks. In this regard, concerns about their potential effects on living organisms, including humans, are increasing. Despite earlier assumptions about the absence of harmful effects of short-term exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic fields emitted by mobile phones and Wi-Fi networks, there is now increasing evidence of the potentially harmful effects of electromagnetic fields on the human body through the induction of oxidative stress and damage to DNA structure. It is assumed that prolonged exposure to electromagnetic fields can cause the development of various pathological conditions in the human body, including oncological diseases, impaired cognitive functions and sleep, etc.
This review analyzes and summarizes existing studies indicating various negative effects of radio frequency electromagnetic fields on human and animal cells. Since there is a large amount of conflicting data on the effect of electromagnetic fields on the human body, only further research can provide an answer to the possible negative effects of mobile phones and Wi-Fi networks usage.
The Study of Bacteria-Destructors of Organic Pollution from Collection of Microorganisms
Authors: Kurmanbayev A.A , Baigonussova Zh. A. 
Published: October 2021

To replenish the collection of microorganisms 125 strains of oil-decomposing bacteria were isolated. 34 bacterial isolates were isolated from enrichment cultures, consuming sodium dodecyl sulfate as the only carbon source. As a result, it was found that the most active were 20 isolates. 65 isolates of microorganisms were isolated from the reservoir waters of Western Kazakhstan, oil sludge and waste waters by the method of enrichment cultures. The most active were 47 isolates. It was found that the ability to dispose of oil was greatest in the isolate, which disposed of oil by 73%. 26 isolates capable of decomposing fat were isolated from wastewater in Astana. 16 Isolates revealed the highest lipase activity.
The Gompertz model revisited and modified using reaction networks: Mathematical analysis
Authors: Markov Svetoslav Marinov 
Published: October 2021

In the present work we discuss the? usage of the framework of chemical reaction networks for the construction of dynamical models and their mathematical analysis. To this end, the process of construction of reaction-network-based models via mass action kinetics is introduced and illustrated on several familiar examples,? such as the exponential (radioactive) decay, the logistic and the Gompertz models. Our final goal is to modify the reaction network of the classic Gompertz model in a natural way using certain features of the exponential decay and the logistic models. The growth function of the obtained new Gompertz-type hybrid model possesses an additional degree of freedom (one more rate parameter) and is thus more flexible when applied to numerical simulation of measurement and experimental data sets. More specifically, the ordinate (height) of the inflection point of the new generalized Gompertz model can vary in the interval (0, 1/e], whereas the respective height of the classic Gompertz model is fixed at 1/e (assuming the height of the upper asymptote is one). It is shown that? the new model is a generalization of both the classic Gompertz model and the one-step exponential decay model.? Historically the Gompertz function has been first used for statistical/insurance purposes, much later this function has been applied to simulate biological growth data sets coming from various fields of science, the reaction network approach explains and unifies the two approaches.
Experiment and Codes to Support Safety Assessments for Sodium Fast Reactors (KASOLA, SOLTEC and KARIFA)
Authors: Hering Wolfgang , Fuchs Joachim , Onea Alexandru , Perez-Martin Sara , Schaub Thomas 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
The experimental liquid metal loops hosted within the Karlsruhe Sodium laboratory (KASOLA) comprise a set of facilities to study liquid metal flows for various types of energy applications ranging from room temperature conditions used for education and training and fundamental research up to challenges posed by multiphysics problems such as material–fluid interactions at high temperatures. Extreme conditions, such as sodium boiling, relevant to thermo-electric conversion or fast reactor safety are covered in a dedicated small-scale facility (Karlsruhe receiver test facility (KARIFA)). The complete experimental range is complemented by system code support and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation. The outcome of the experiments is used for code validation and development allowing application not only on component but also on system level. The paper presents main experimental facilities and supporting computational codes used at KASOLA.
Method and Equipment for Infrared and Ultrasonic Thermographic Testing of Large-Sized Complex-Shaped Composite Products
Authors: Chulkov A. O. , Nesteruk D. A. , Shagdyrov B. I. , Vavilov V. P. 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
The robotic equipment for and the technique of combined thermal nondestructive testing (NDT) of large-sized products by zones with subsequent data synthesis are described. The effectiveness of the combination of two methods, infrared and ultrasonic thermographic testing, is shown by the example of the developed complex-shaped reference sample with 18 simulators of production and operational defects. The developed algorithms for the synthesis of test results, including spatial “matching” of a set of thermograms and automated flaw detection and defect characterization with the use of neural networks have illustrated the effectiveness of the proposed approach for practical application.
Incidence and risk factors for mortality and end-stage renal disease in people with type 2 diabetes and diabetic kidney disease: a population-based cohort study in the UK
Authors: González-Pérez Antonio , Saez Maria , Vizcaya David , Lind Marcus , Garcia Rodriguez Luis 
Published: October 2021

IntroductionWe aimed to determine the incidence of, and risk factors for all-cause/cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality, and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) among people with type 2 diabetes with/without diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in the UK general population.Research design and methodsWe undertook a population-based cohort study using primary care UK electronic health records. We followed 8413 people with type 2 diabetes and DKD and a matched comparison cohort of people with type 2 diabetes without DKD. Risk factors for all-cause/CVD mortality (using both cohorts) and ESRD (DKD cohort only) were evaluated by estimating HRs with 95% CIs using Cox regression.ResultsIn the DKD cohort (mean age 66.7 years, 62.4% male), incidence rates per 1000 person-years were 50.3 (all-cause mortality), 8.0 (CVD mortality) and 6.9 (ESRD). HRs (95% CIs; DKD vs comparison cohort) were 1.49 (1.35 to 1.64) for all-cause mortality and 1.60 (1.24 to 2.05) for CVD mortality. In general, higher all-cause mortality risks were seen with older age, underweight (body mass index <20 kg/m2), reduced renal function, and cardiovascular/liver disease, and lower risks were seen with being female or overweight. In the DKD cohort, higher risks of ESRD were seen with reduced renal function at baseline, high material deprivation, cancer and non-insulin glucose-lowering drugs, and a lower risk was seen with overweight (≥25 kg/m2).ConclusionsAnnually, one death will occur among every 20 people with type 2 diabetes and DKD. The identified risk factors in this study will help identify people with type 2 diabetes at most risk of death and progression of kidney disease, and help to direct effective management strategies.
Application of the Ipswich Touch Test for diabetic peripheral neuropathy screening: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhao Nan , Xu Jingcan , Zhou Qiuhong , Li Xinyi , Chen Jiarui , Zhou Jing , Zhou Feng , Liang Jinghong 
Published: October 2021

ObjectiveDiabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is one of the most important risk factors of diabetic foot ulcers, and early screening and treatment of DPN are crucial. The Ipswich Touch Test (IPTT) is a new method for screening for DPN and, compared with traditional methods, is more simple to operate and requires no equipment. However, the screening accuracy of IPTT in patients with DPN has not been well characterised. We aim to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to characterise the sensitivity and specificity of IPTT compared with traditional methods and to understand the potential screening value of IPTT.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis.Data sourcesPubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database up to 16 April 2020.MethodsStata V.15.1 software was used for analysis, and the screening value of IPTT in DPN was described using 10 g monofilament (10g-MF), neuropathy disability scores (NDS), Pin prick, 128 Hz tuning fork, and ankle reflex as reference standards. Sensitivity, specificity and other measures of accuracy of IPTT for screening DPN were pooled based on a quality effects model. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (42020168420).ResultsOf the 441 records retrieved, 7 studies were evaluated for the screening value of IPTT. Five studies with 10g-MF as the reference standard were included in the meta-analysis, and the pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.77 (95％CI 0.69–0.84) and 0.96(95％CI 0.93–0.98), respectively, and the area under curve was 0.897. Compared with vibration perception threshold, IPTT showed a sensitivity between 0.76 and 1, and a specificity between 0.90 and 0.97. Compared with NDS, IPTT showed a sensitivity between 0.53 and 1, and a specificity between 0.90 and 0.97. Compared with Pin prick, IPTT showed a sensitivity and specificity of 0.8 and 0.88, respectively. Compared with 128 Hz tuning fork, IPTT showed a sensitivity and specificity of 0.4 and 0.27, respectively. Compared with ankle reflex, IPTT had a sensitivity of 0.2 and a specificity of 0.97.ConclusionsIPTT shows a high degree of agreement with other commonly used screening tools for DPN screening. It can be used clinically, especially in remote areas and in primary medical institutions, and by self-monitoring patients. More high-quality studies are needed to assess and promote more effective screening practices.PROSPERO registration numberRegistration Number is CRD (42020168420).
Protecting the healthcare workforce during COVID-19: a qualitative needs assessment of employee occupational health in the US national Veterans Health Administration
Authors: Brown-Johnson Cati , McCaa Matthew D , Giannitrapani Susan , Singer Sara J , Lorenz Karl A , Yano Elizabeth M , Thanassi Wendy T , DeShields Cheyenne , Giannitrapani Karleen F 
Published: October 2021

ObjectiveEarly in the COVID-19 pandemic, US Veterans Health Administration (VHA) employee occupational health (EOH) providers were tasked with assuming a central role in coordinating employee COVID-19 screening and clearance for duty, representing entirely novel EOH responsibilities. In a rapid qualitative needs assessment, we aimed to identify learnings from the field to support the vastly expanding role of EOH providers in a national healthcare system.MethodsWe employed rapid qualitative analysis of key informant interviews in a maximal variation sample on the parameters of job type, rural versus urban and provider gender. We interviewed 21 VHA EOH providers between July and December 2020. This sample represents 15 facilities from diverse regions of the USA (large, medium and small facilities in the Mid-Atlantic; medium sites in the South; large facilities in the West and Pacific Northwest).ResultsFive interdependent needs included: (1) infrastructure to support employee population management, including tools that facilitate infection control measures such as contact tracing (eg, employee-facing electronic health records and coordinated databases); (2) mechanisms for information sharing across settings (eg, VHA listserv), especially for changing policy and protocols; (3) sufficiently resourced staffing using detailing to align EOH needs with human resource capital; (4) connected and resourced local and national leaders; and (5) strategies to support healthcare worker mental health.Our identified facilitators for EOH assuming new challenging and dynamically changing roles during COVID-19 included: (A) training or access to expertise; (B) existing mechanisms for information sharing; (C) flexible and responsive staffing; and (D) leveraging other institutional expertise not previously affiliated with EOH (eg, chaplains to support bereavement).ConclusionsOur needs assessment highlights local and system level barriers and facilitators of EOH assuming expanded roles during COVID-19. Integrating changes both within and across systems and with alignment of human capital will enable EOH preparedness for future challenges.
Is Indonesia achieving universal health coverage? Secondary analysis of national data on insurance coverage, health spending and service availability
Authors: Pratiwi Agnes Bhakti , Setiyaningsih Hermawati , Kok Maarten Olivier , Hoekstra Trynke , Mukti Ali Ghufron , Pisani Elizabeth 
Published: October 2021

ObjectivesTo analyse the relationship between health need, insurance coverage, health service availability, service use, insurance claims and out-of-pocket spending on health across Indonesia.DesignSecondary analysis of nationally representative quantitative data. We merged four national data sets: the National Socioeconomic Survey 2018, National Census of Villages 2018, Population Health Development Index 2018 and National Insurance Records to end 2017. Descriptive analysis and linear regression were performed.SettingIndonesia has one of the world’s largest single-payer national health insurance schemes. Data are individual and district level; all are representative for each of the country’s 514 districts.ParticipantsAnonymised secondary data from 1 131 825 individual records in the National Socioeconomic Survey and 83 931 village records in the village census. Aggregate data for 220 million insured citizens.Primary outcome measuresHealth service use and out-of-pocket payments, by health need, insurance status and service availability. Secondary outcome: insurance claims.ResultsSelf-reported national health insurance registration (60.6%) is about 10% lower compared with the insurer’s report (71.1%). Insurance coverage is highest in poorer areas, where service provision, and thus service use and health spending, are lowest. Inpatient use is higher among the insured than the uninsured (OR 2.35, 95% CI 2.27 to 2.42), controlling for health need and access), and poorer patients are most likely to report free inpatient care (53% in wealth quintile 1 vs 41% in Q5). Insured patients spend US$ 3.14 more on hospitalisation than the uninsured (95% CI 1.98 to 4.31), but the difference disappears when controlled for wealth. Lack of services is a major constraint on service use, insurance claims and out-of-pocket spending.ConclusionsThe Indonesian public insurance system protects many inpatients, especially the poorest, from excessive spending. However, others, especially in Eastern Indonesia cannot benefit because few services are available. To achieve health equity, the Indonesian government needs to address supply side constraints and reduce structural underfunding.
Understanding inequalities in COVID-19 outcomes following hospital admission for people with intellectual disability compared to the general population: a matched cohort study in the UK
Authors: Baksh R Asaad , Pape Sarah E , Smith James , Strydom André 
Published: October 2021

ObjectivesThis study explores the hospital journey of patients with intellectual disabilities (IDs) compared with the general population after admission for COVID-19 during the first wave of the pandemic (when demand on inpatient resources was high) to identify disparities in treatment and outcomes.DesignMatched cohort study; an ID cohort of 506 patients were matched based on age, sex and ethnicity with a control group using a 1:3 ratio to compare outcomes from the International Severe Acute Respiratory and emerging Infections Consortium WHO Clinical Characterisation Protocol UK.SettingAdmissions for COVID-19 from UK hospitals; data on symptoms, severity, access to interventions, complications, mortality and length of stay were extracted.InterventionsNon-invasive respiratory support, intubation, tracheostomy, ventilation and admission to intensive care units (ICU).ResultsSubjective presenting symptoms such as loss of taste/smell were less frequently reported in ID patients, whereas indicators of more severe disease such as altered consciousness and seizures were more common. Controls had higher rates of cardiovascular risk factors, asthma, rheumatological disorder and smoking. ID patients were admitted with higher respiratory rates (median=22, range=10–48) and were more likely to require oxygen therapy (35.1% vs 28.9%). Despite this, ID patients were 37% (95% CI 13% to 57%) less likely to receive non-invasive respiratory support, 40% (95% CI 7% to 63%) less likely to receive intubation and 50% (95% CI 30% to 66%) less likely to be admitted to the ICU while in hospital. They had a 56% (95% CI 17% to 102%) increased risk of dying from COVID-19 after they were hospitalised and were dying 1.44 times faster (95% CI 1.13 to 1.84) compared with controls.ConclusionsThere have been significant disparities in healthcare between people with ID and the general population during the COVID-19 pandemic, which may have contributed to excess mortality in this group.
Surveillance of adverse drug reactions at an adverse drug reaction monitoring centre in Central India: a 7-year surveillance study
Authors: Sharma Megha , Baghel Ruchi , Thakur Sunil , Adwal Sandeep 
Published: October 2021

ObjectivesTo analyse and present the occurrence and severity of spontaneous adverse drug reaction (ADR) reports prospectively registered at an ADR monitoring centre (AMC) in Central India.Setting and dataThe survey was conducted between 2013 and 2019 at an ADR Monitoring Centre in Central India. ADRs were recorded using the standard ‘Suspected ADR Reporting form’.Outcome measuresThe causality of the ADRs were categorised using the WHO causality assessment scale to assess the relationship between a drug and the occurrence of an ADR.ResultsTotally 1980 spontaneous ADRs were reported involving 960 patients and 1316 drugs prescriptions. The occurrence of ADRs was common among male patients (64%) and patients of age between 19 and 65 years (81%). Antimicrobials caused 29% ADRs, followed by drugs of antiretroviral therapy (19%). Zidovudine caused most ADRs (88%) followed by ethambutol and ciprofloxacin. The ADRs of skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders (28%) were most common among all system organ classes followed by gastrointestinal systems (18%). Four per cent of all reported ADRs were severe. A peak of ADR reports was attained in 2016 with 224 reports, which decreased to 127 in 2019.ConclusionA high number of ADRs caused by antimicrobials is an alarming situation, which adds up to antimicrobial resistance. Judicious use of antimicrobials is yet again proven as need of the hour. Under-reporting of ADRs is evident in our study and is a major factor for the delay in the withdrawal of drugs responsible for causing ADRs. Interventions in terms of training and feedback are suggested to encourage and improve ADR reporting.