bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the Characteristics and Outcomes of SARS-COV 2 Critically Ill Patients After Emergence of the Variant of Concern 20H/501Y.V2: A Comparative Cohort Study
Authors: ARIES Philippe , HUET Olivier , BALICCHI Julien , MATHAIS Quentin , ESTAGNASIE Camille , MARTIN-LECAMP Gonzague , MORVAN Anne-Cécile , SIMON Olivier , PUECH Bérénice , SUBIROS Marion , BLONDE Renaud , BOUE Yvonnick 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThere are currently no data regarding characteristics of critically ill patients with SARS-CoV-2 Variant of Concern (VOC) 20H/501Y.V2. We therefore aimed to describe changes of characteristics in critically ill patients with Covid-19 between the first and the second wave when viral genome sequencing indicated that VOC was largely dominant in Mayotte Island (Indian Ocean).MethodsConsecutive patients with Covid-19 and over 18 years admitted in the unique Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Mayotte during wave 2 were compared with an historical cohort of patients admitted during wave 1. We performed a Logistic Regression (LR) comparing wave 1 and wave 2 as outcomes. To complete analysis of changes in characteristics and outcomes, we built a Random Forest model (RF) -i.e., a machine learning classification tool- using the same variable set as that of the LR.ResultsWe included 156 patients, 41 (26.3%) and 115 (73.7%) belonging to the first and second waves respectively. Univariate analysis did not find difference in demographic data or in mortality. Our multivariate LR found that patients in wave 2 had less fever (absence of fever aOR 5.23, 95% CI 1.89 – 14.48, p=0.001) and a lower SAPS II (aOR 0.95, 95% CI 0.91 – 0.99, p=0.007) at admission; at 24 hours, the need of invasive mechanical ventilation was higher (aOR 3.49, 95% CI 0.98 – 12.51, p=0.055) and pO2/FiO2 ratio was lower (aOR 0.99, 95 % CI 0.98-0.99, p=0.03). Patients in wave 2 had also an increased risk of VAP (aOR 4.64, 95% CI 1.54-13.93, p=0.006). Occurrence of VAP was also a key variable to classify patients between wave 1 and wave 2 in the variable importance plot of the RF model.ConclusionOur data suggested that VOC 20H/501Y.V2 could be associated with a higher severity of respiratory failure at admission and a higher risk for developing VAP. We hypothesized that the expected gain in survival brought by recent improvements in critical care management could have been mitigated by increased transmissibility of the new lineage leading to admission of more severe patients. The immunological role of VOC 20H/501Y.V2 in the propensity for VAP requires further investigations.
Inducer-Free Cellulase Production System Based on the Constitutive Expression of Mutated Xyr1 and Ace3 in the Industrial Fungus Trichoderma Reesei
Authors: Arai Toshiharu , Ichinose Sakurako , Shibata Nozomu , Kakeshita Hiroshi , Kodama Hiroshi , Igarashi Kazuaki , Takimura Yasushi 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background: Trichoderma reesei (Hypocrea jecorina) is a filamentous fungus that can produce extremely high levels of protein; consequently, it is utilized as a host for the production of cellulase and hemicellulase cocktails for lignocellulosic biomass degradation. Several hyper-producer strains of T. reesei have been bred for use in industrial production, but they generally require inducers to achieve high production capacities. The most commonly used inducers are soluble sugars produced by the degradation of cellulose; however, the dependence on cellulose degradation is problematic because cellulose is insoluble and has poor handling properties as a carbon source. Furthermore, once cellulose is decomposed, little cellulase is produced, making it difficult to produce the enzyme continuously and efficiently. The aim of this study was to establish a simple, inducer-free, cellulase production system using glucose as the sole carbon source.Results: Here, we focused on transcription factors that regulate both cellulase and hemicellulase genes. First, we verified that the previously reported Xylanase regulator 1 (Xyr1) mutation had a glucose-blind phenotype in T. reesei, and confirmed that constitutive expression of the V821F mutation in Xyr1 produced high levels of proteins, especially hemicellulase and cellulase, even in inducer-free conditions. However, the majority of proteins were hemicellulases. To reproduce cellulase/hemicellulase production similar to those observed under induced conditions, an activator of cellulase expression 3 (Ace3) was expressed in Xyr1V821F expressed strain additionally. As a result, the T. reesei strain constitutively expressing Xyr1V821F and Ace3 exhibited a 1.5-fold increase than Xyr1V821F expressed only in protein productivity under inducer-free conditions. Notably, the enzyme composition significantly improved for cellulases ratio and similar to that induced by cellulose. Furthermore, the enzymes exhibited a high saccharification efficiency when compared to that of produced by the strain expressing only the mutated Xyr1.Conclusions: This work shows that the constitutive expression of mutated Xyr1 and Ace3 can increase cellulase and hemicellulase production in T. reesei without inducers. This inducer-free enzyme production method could provide an effective system to reduce costs and simplify production processes, and is expected to be applied in the production of various proteins.
New Data and New Features of the FunRiceGenes (Functionally Characterized Rice Genes) Database: 2021 Update
Authors: Huang Fangfang , Jiang Yingru , Chen Tiantian , Li Haoran , Fu Mengjia , Wang Yazhou , Xu Yufang , Li Yang , Zhou Zhengfu , Jia Lihua , Ouyang Yidan , Yao Wen 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
As a major food crop and model organism, rice has been mostly studied with the largest number of functionally characterized genes among all crops. We previously built the funRiceGenes database including ∼2800 functionally characterized rice genes and ∼5000 members of different gene families. Since being published, the funRiceGenes database has been accessed by more than 49,000 users with over 490,000 page views. The funRiceGenes database has been continuously updated with newly cloned rice genes and newly published literature, based on the progress of rice functional genomics studies. Up to Nov 2021, ≥4100 functionally characterized rice genes and ∼6000 members of different gene families were collected in funRiceGenes, accounting for 22.3% of the 39,045 annotated protein-coding genes in the rice genome. Here, we summarized the update of the funRiceGenes database with new data and new features in the last five years.
Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Thalassemia Through Next- Generation Sequencing of Affected-embryos
Authors: Ou Zhanhui , Deng Yu , Liang Yunhao , Chen Zhiheng , Sun Ling 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background: To evaluate the ability of next-generation sequencing (NGS) to conduct preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) for thalassemia using affected embryos. Methods: This study included data from 36 couples who underwent PGT for thalassemia without proband and relative pedigrees. NGS results were compared with prenatal diagnosis results.Results: Thirty-six couples (29 α-thalassemia and 7 β-thalassemia) underwent 41 PGT cycles (31 α-thalassemia and 10 β-thalassemia). All biopsied blastocysts received conclusive results from NGS analysis (100%, 217/217). One hundred and sixty (73.7%, 160/217) were determined to be unaffected by thalassemia. PGT-A (PGT for aneuploidy) results showed that 112 (70.0%, 112/160) were euploid. Thirty-four couples were transferred with a single blastocyst (53 frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles). Thirty-two cycles resulted in clinical pregnancies, and the clinical pregnancy rate was 60.1% (32/53) per FET cycle. Twenty-two cycles (22 couples) resulted in 23 live births and the live birth rate was 43.4% (23/53, 3 cycles were ongoing pregnancy). All 25 cycles’ prenatal diagnosis results and/or thalassemia gene analysis after the delivery were concordant with the NGS-PGT results. Seven cycles were miscarried before 12 weeks’ gestation, and the abortion villus in four cycles showed a normal karyotype and thalassemia results consistent with the NGS-PGT results. Aborted fetus samples from 3 cycles were not available because the pregnancy was less than 5 weeks.Conclusion: NGS can be used to conduct PGT for thalassemia using affected embryos as a reference.Trial registration: Retrospectively registered.
Structure and Properties of Mixed Former Aluminum Borate Glasses Modified With Silver Oxide
Authors: El-Damrawi Gomaa , Salah H 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The current study focuses on glass preparation and characterization in the xAl2O3 (35-x) Ag2O.65B2O3 system (0≤x≤35 mol%), where Ag2O is replaced with Al2O3. To examine a wide range of both structure and morphology of the produced glasses, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) of 27Al nuclei, X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) are used. Changing the Al2O3 and Ag2O molar ratios reveals a substantial change in material structure. In Al2O3-rich glass, the well-formed AlO6, AlO5, and AlO4 structured groups are the well-formed units. In samples of (20 and 30 mol % Al2O3), tetrahedral AlO4 and traces from AlO6 units may be detected. At lower concentrations of Al2O3 (10 mol%), the dominant unit is only AlO4 groups containing non-bridging oxygen bonds (NBO). The XRD and EDP spectra confirm the amorphous nature of the glasses of Al2O3 ˂ 20 mol%. Glasses of higher Al2O3 concentrations contain crystalline Ag2Al2B2O7 which are formed due to the higher oxygen packaging of the mixed AlO5 and AlO4 compared with that of glasses containing only AlO4 species. The amount of higher coordinated Al species AlO5 and AlO6 are gradually increased in response to an increase in the ratios of Al2O3/Ag2O. The morphology of crystalline units is confirmed from TEM to differ from that of an amorphous composition. The conductivity decreases and the activation energy for ionic conduction increase with increasing Al2O3. The hardness number of the studied glasses is highly increased with increasing Al2O3 content. The increase of activation energy and the hardness number of the glasses led to an increase in the durability of the investigated glasses.
Quality Assessment of Some Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizers Circulating in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Nigeria
Authors: Adigwe Obi , John Judith , Isimi Christianah , Oloye Simisola , Onavbavba Godspower , Emeje Martins 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background

The emergence of corona virus disease caused by SARS-COV-2 (Covid-19) and the subsequent recommendation by the World Health Organization (WHO) on the use of non-pharmaceutical measures led to an upsurge in the production and sale of hand sanitizers across the globe including Nigeria. It is important that product regulation schemes are designed in such a way as to ensure the continual quality of the products to potential clients. Hence, this paper provides an understanding of the quality of alcohol based hand sanitizers in Abuja, Nigeria.
Methods

A total of fifty (50) different brands of alcohol-based hand sanitizers were purchased from different pharmacies, supermarkets, and stores, within Abuja. In the laboratory, samples were checked for their label claims, NAFDAC registration number, batch number, manufacturing and expiration dates. The information was recorded in the laboratory notebook in accordance with ISO 17025 requirement, then samples were coded as SAN1 to SAN50 and assessed for pH values and Alcohol Content.
Results

About 40% of the circulating hand sanitizers in the market did not go through regulatory vetting, 34% of the products did not have information on the country of manufacture, 32% of the sanitizers had pH values within acceptable range, while 78% of the products contained less than 60% alcohol.
Conclusion

This study gives an insight into the quality of alcohol-based hand sanitizers and we suggest an urgent need for the regulatory authorities of developing countries to enhance their surveillance and control of these substandard products in the society.
Prevalence of Kidney Stones Among Patients Presenting to Orotta Medical Surgical National Referral Hospital
Authors: Teklehaimanot Selomie Zemicael , Bahta Bernandos , Baye Nardos Tareke , Gebremichael Eyob , Gebrezgi Tsegezeab , Saleh Biniam , Tesfagiorgis Andemariam , Osman Abdu , Angesom Haileab , Mohammed Omer , Berhe Yonas 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background

Nephrolithiasis is a condition of having stones in the kidneys, which progressively lead to loss of renal function if untreated properly.1 The prevalence and incidence of kidney stones is increasing across the world.2
Methods

A retrospectively collected data of kidney stone disease was reviewed on patients who visited the outpatient department of Orotta Medical Surgical National Referral Hospital from January 2012 to December 2012.
Results

Out of 30,335 patients 173 were confirmed to have stones making them 0.5%. Generally results show male predominance with male to female ratio of 2.46:1. Results also show prevalence decreases as age increases with the highest among the age group 15-25 making a prevalence rate of 27.7% with observed significance of 0.002. Out of those patients who visited the outpatient department patients from Zoba Maekel were the highest in number (59.9%) followed by Debub (19.1%) while the southern Red Sea Zone had the lowest prevalence (2.3%). Majority of the stones were found on the kidney comprising about 80.3%, followed by ureter 16.8% of patients and 2.9% stones were located on the bladder. When data was reviewed for associated co morbidity only one patient had associated Diabetes mellitus and Hypertension, three had ectopic kidney(1.7%), one had renal cyst (0.6%) and 12 (6.9%) patients were complicated with hydronephrosis. (P=0.548)
Conclusions

The prevalence of kidney stone in Orotta Medical Surgical National Referral hospital from January to December 2012 is 0.5%, with higher predominance in men than in women with a ratio of 2.46:1.
Safety and Immunogenicity of Combination of Vaccines – Covishield and Covaxin – a Pilot Study
Authors: Attunuru Bhanu Prakash Reddy , Reddy Podduturi Naveenchander , Mitnala Sasikala , Deepika Gujjarlapudi , Veturi Sadhana Yelamanchili , Reddy Duvvur Nageshwar 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
This single-center prospective observational study was conducted to assess the safety and immunogenicity of combination vaccines AstraZeneca’s ChAdOx1-nCov-19 (Covishield in India) and inactivated whole virion BBV152 (Covaxin). A total of 330 unvaccinated healthy volunteers were screened for SARS-COV2 seropositivity. RT PCR tests were conducted for seronegative volunteers (n =44). They were randomly assigned to four groups and given either same or mixed vaccines at an interval of 4 weeks between the two doses. Mix and match of vaccines did not evoke any adverse events. Combination of vaccines elicited similar immune responses in 4 groups. In Conclusion, Combination vaccines are safe and immunogenic.
Treatment of COVID-19 pneumonia and acute respiratory distress with ramatroban, a thromboxane A2 and prostaglandin D2 receptor antagonist: A 4-Patient Case Series Report
Authors: Ogletree Martin L. , Chiang Kate Chander , Kulshreshta Rashmi , Agarwal Aditya , Agarwal Ashutosh , Gupta Ajay 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
COVID-19 associated pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome are accompanied by a massive and sustained increase in lung and systemic thromboxane (Tx) A2. TxA2 is a short-lived, potent vasoconstrictor of pulmonary veins > arteries, and thereby selectively increases pulmonary venous resistance, promoting an increase in pulmonary capillary pressure. TxA2 also increases vascular permeability which, in the lungs, exaggerates pressure-mediated transudation into the alveolar space, causing pulmonary edema and ARDS. Also relevant to COVID-19 pathophysiology, TxA2 contracts bronchial smooth muscle, triggers and amplifies platelet activation, mediates apoptosis of immature thymocytes, and promotes a procoagulant state, all of which are mediated by TxA2 receptor (TPr) activation. The stable TxA2 metabolite, 11-dehydro-TxB2, is elevated in direct proportion to COVID-19 severity. Though inactive at TPr, 11-dehydro-TxB2 activates PGD2 / DP2 receptors (DPr2) which promote a Th2 immune response that is atypical for viral infections and inhibits antiviral defense by suppressing interferon λ expression. Ramatroban is an orally bioavailable, potent, dual antagonist of TPr and DPr2 receptors. We report use of ramatroban (Baynas®, Bayer Yakuhin Ltd., Japan) in 4 COVID-19 outpatients, 22 to 87 years of age, with acute onset / worsening of respiratory distress and hypoxemia. All four patients experienced a decrease in respiratory distress and increase in SpO2, within hours of the first dose of ramatroban and, thereby, avoided hospitalization. By the 5th day all 4 patients had complete resolution of respiratory distress and hypoxemia. Ramatroban has an established safety profile, having been indicated in Japan for the treatment of allergic rhinitis for over 20 years. As an anti-vasospastic, broncho-relaxant, anti-thrombotic and immunomodulator, ramatroban addresses the fundamental host response mechanisms underlying respiratory and critical organ failure in COVID-19, and merits urgent clinical trials that might impact the ongoing pandemic.
Prevalence of nephropathy among type two diabetes patients in Eastern Mediterranean Region: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zeighami Shahryar , Shaabani Sonia , Moheb Mohammad , Pakfetrat Maryam , Azarchehry Seyede Pegah , Dehghankhalili Saeid , Mirahmadizadeh Alireza , Heiran Alireza 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Objectives: The global epidemic of Diabetes Mellitus exerts a substantial burden on health services. This high prevalence of diabetes leads to an increase in diabetic complications, especially diabetic nephropathy, a leading cause of end stage renal disease and renal replacement therapies. Due to its’ the high prevalence reported by Individual studies in EMR, we conducted a meta-analysis of relevant studies to estimate diabetic retinopathy in EMR.Method: We searched for the relevant keywords in title and abstract of Medline/PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of knowledge, and Gray literature from Jan 1st, 2000 to December 13, 2019. The two-step screening was carried out by two independent researchers and relevant data were extracted. Estimation of summary proportions, subgroup analysis, meta-regressions, and publication bias assessment were performed. Results: Out of 3,225 identified citations, 38 articles were entered into meta-analysis, involving 112,235 patients. The prevalence of nephropathy in type two diabetes was 26.34% (95% confidence interval (CI)= 21.04, 32%); and it was 30.42% (95% CI= 23.38, 37.94%) in males and 22.1% (95% CI= 16.05, 28.79%) in females. The meta-regression analysis showed that HDI, publication year, mean duration of diabetes, mean age, and diagnostic test were not significant moderators (p = .332, .725, .280, .220, and .468, respectively).Conclusions: Diabetic nephropathy high prevalence in EMR implicates the importance of diabetes screening, periodic examinations, diabetes care, and risk factor controls. Large-scale longitudinal studies should be conducted in EMR.
Bounds on Amplification Factors, Element-Node and Node-Node Equivalence for Square Finite Elements in Kinematic Shallow Water Equations
Authors: Anmala Jagadeesh , Mohtar Rabi H 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The upper and lower bounds of amplification factors of lumped finite element schemes are compared with nodal (integer or half-integer multiple of) eigen-value solutions of consistent finite element scheme at element and node levels of error analysis. The closeness or proximity between bounds on solutions of amplification factors and eigen-solutions reveals that the two methods, consistent and lumped finite element schemes are equivalent. The element error solutions of lumped mass matrix assumption and consistent nodal solution denotes the element-node error equivalence and the nodal solutions of all of the finite element schemes denote the node-node error equivalence for square finite elements in kinematic wave shallow water equations. The comparison plots of lumped and consistent finite element schemes are presented in this paper for illustration.
The Diagnostic Yield of Endobronchial Ultrasound-Guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) Technique in Assessment of Mediastinal Lymph Nodes
Authors: Rafieian Shahab , Ershadi Reza , Ebrahimpoor Hossein , Vahedi Matin 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background: Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) technique provides a complementary assessment of the areas of mediastinal lymph node involvement, and allows sampling of suspected lymph nodes. But, the usefulness of EBUS-TBNA in assessing all areas of mediastinal lymph nodes is little known and it seems that such assess is dependent to various factors related to the patient's condition and especially the characteristics of local lymph nodes. We aimed to evaluate the utility of EBUS-TBNA in assessing mediastinal lymph nodes and the factors associated with this utility.Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 40 patients suspected to mediastinal lymphadenopathy scheduled for assessment by EBUS-TBNA and mediastinoscopy. The diagnostic yield of EBUS-TBNA to mediastinal lymph nodes was evaluated and non diagnostic cases evaluated by mediastinoscopy .Results: In evaluation with EBUS-TBNA, the diagnostic yield of EBUS in assess to mediastinal lymph nodes including 34 out of 40 cases was equal to 85%. The size of lymph node (lower than 10mm), the area of sample (left and right upper paratracheal), and the nature of the lymph node sample (benign type) were associated with lower diagnostic yield for EBUS-TBNA.Conclusion: The diagnostic yield of EBUS in assessing mediastinal lymph nodes for sampling and diagnosis is 85%. This benefit is expected in the case of lesions larger than 10 mm, lesions of a malignant nature, as well as lesions in the inferior paratracheal and subcarinal stations.
CELEBRANDO 20 ANOS DA REVISTA CONTEXTO & SAÚDE
Authors: Heck Thiago Gomes 
Published: December 2021

Nesta edição, publicada no último trimestre de 2021, a Revista Contexto & Saúde (RCS) comemora seus 20 anos de divulgação científica com 31 artigos publicados em uma edição extra. Temos a satisfação de celebrar a data, oportunizando a publicação dos artigos de autores de 11 diferentes estados brasileiros, divulgando o conhecimento produzido em 35 instituições de ensino. Assim, mantendo a RCS ativa e em evolução, comemoramos o aniversário da revista com a certeza do reconhecimento em abrangência nacional, e iniciando uma caminhada na internacionalização, mas fundamentalmente agradecendo aos autores e revisores que atuaram nestas duas décadas em prol da educação e da divulgação científica, assim como agradecemos e equipe técnica da editora Unijuí pelo empenho e dedicação nos processos editoriais. Destacamos também, o intenso trabalho dos professores da Unijuí, pesquisadores do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Atenção Integral à Saúde, pela atuação como editores das seções (áreas) da RCS, sendo responsável pelo fluxo avaliativo responsável de mais de 300 artigos submetidos por ano.