bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Early stage nonclinical pulmonary disorder in COVID-19 may present asymptomatic and fuel the contagion
Authors: Adedokun Kamoru Ademola 
Published: March 2021

AbstractEvidence shows that pulmonary problems in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may set off from vascular injury that progresses to physiological disturbances through a compromised gas exchange, following an infection with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. In this process, inefficient gas exchange in the alveolar could precipitate silent nonclinical hypoxemia. Unfortunately, patients with “silent hypoxemia” do not necessarily experience any breathing difficulty (dyspnea) at the early stage of COVID-19 while the disease progresses. As a result, several asymptomatic, presymptomatic and patients with mild symptoms may escape quarantine measure and thus continue to spread the virus through contacts. Therefore, early diagnosis of “silent hypoxemia”, which attracts no clinical warnings, could be an important diagnostic measure to prevent acute respiratory distress syndrome from the risk of pulmonary failure among the presymptomatic and as a screening tool in the asymptomatic who are hitherto potential spreaders of the virus.
Feasibility of using a biofeedback device in mindfulness training - a pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lin Brenna , Prickett Christopher , Woltering Steven 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundStress can negatively impact an individual’s health and well-being and high levels of stress are noted to exist among college students today. While traditional treatment methods are plagued with stigma and transfer problems, newly developed wearable biofeedback devices may offer unexplored possibilities. Although these products are becoming commonplace and inexpensive, scientific evidence of the effectiveness of these products is scarce and their feasibility within research contexts are relatively unexplored. Conversely, companies are not required, and possibly reluctant, to release information on the efficacy of these products against their claims. Thus, in the present pilot, we assess the feasibility of using a real-time respiratory-based biofeedback device in preparation for a larger study. Our main aims were to assess device-adherence and collaboration with the company that develops and sells the device.MethodData were collected from 39 college students who self-identified as experiencing chronic stress at a Southwestern university in the USA. Students were randomized into either a mindfulness-only control group without a biofeedback device (n= 21), or an experimental group with biofeedback device (n= 18). Both groups received mindfulness meditation training. Pre-test and post-test procedures were conducted 2 weeks apart. Further, both participant compliance and company compliance were assessed and collaboration with the company was evaluated.ResultsParticipant device-adherence as well as the company’s collaboration necessary for a full-scale study was determined to be low. This may also have affected our results which showed a strong main effect for time for all outcome variables, suggesting all groups showed improvement in their levels of stress after the intervention period. No group by time effects were identified, however, indicating no added benefit of the biofeedback device.ConclusionsOur findings suggest feasibility of future studies requires full collaboration and detailed and agreed upon data sharing procedures with the biofeedback company. The particular device under investigation added no value to the intervention outcomes and it was not feasible to continue a larger-scale study. Further, as the technology sector is innovating faster than it can validate products, we urge for open science collaborations between public and private sectors to properly develop evidence-based regulations that can withstand technological innovation while maintaining product quality, safety, and effectiveness.Trial registrationNCT02837016. Registered 19 July 2016.
Physical activity intervention for rural middle-aged and older Australian adults: a pilot implementation study of the ecofit program delivered in a real-world setting
Authors: Wilczynska Magdalena , Jansson Anna K. , Lubans David R. , Smith Jordan J. , Robards Sara L. , Plotnikoff Ronald C. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
ecofit is an evidence-based multi-component physical activity intervention that integrates smartphone technology, the outdoor environment, and social support. In a previous efficacy trial, significant improvements were found across several clinical, fitness, and mental health outcomes among adults at risk of (or with) type 2 diabetes.

Methods
The aim of the present pilot study was to evaluate a number of patient-centered and feasibility outcomes of the ecofit intervention in a “real-world” setting, using a scalable implementation model. ecofit was adapted and implemented by a rural municipal council in the Upper Hunter Shire, New South Wales, Australia, and evaluated using a single-group pre-post design. Inactive middle-aged and older adults (N=59) were recruited and assessed at 6 (primary time-point) and 20 weeks (follow-up).

Results
Improvements were found in this predominantly overweight and obese sample for aerobic fitness, functional mobility, upper and lower body muscular fitness, systolic blood pressure, and waist circumference at 6 weeks. At 20 weeks, effects were found for aerobic fitness, functional mobility, upper and lower body muscular fitness, and systolic blood pressure. Overall, participants were satisfied with the ecofit program. Participants attended the 6-week primary time-point (66.1%) and follow-up at 20 weeks (41.6%).

Conclusions
Our findings support the preliminary effectiveness and feasibility of the ecofit intervention delivered by municipal council staff following a brief training from the research team. This study provides valuable preliminary evidence to support a larger implementation trial.
Therapeutic effects of non-invasive, individualized, transcranial neuromodulation treatment for voiding dysfunction in multiple sclerosis patients: study protocol for a pilot clinical trial
Authors: Tran Khue , Shi Zhaoyue , Karmonik Christof , John Blessy , Rajab Hamida , Helekar Santosh A. , Boone Timothy , Khavari Rose 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Voiding dysfunction (VD) is a common neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Currently, the only effective management for VD and urinary retention in MS patients is catheterization, prompting us to look for novel therapeutic options beyond the bladder, such as the brain. Transcranial rotating permanent magnet stimulator (TRPMS) is a non-invasive, portable, multifocal neuromodulator that simultaneously modulates multiple cortical regions, enhancing or attenuating strengths of functional connections between these regions. The objective of this pilot clinical trial is to evaluate the feasibility of a TRPMS trial to address lower urinary tract symptoms in MS patients, through investigating the therapeutic effects of TRPMS in modulating brain regions during voiding initiation and mitigating VD in female MS individuals.

Methods
Ten adult female MS patients with VD (defined as having %post-void residual/bladder capacity (%PVR/BC) ≥ 40% or Liverpool nomogram percentile < 10%) will be recruited for this study. Concurrent urodynamic and functional MRI evaluation with a bladder filling/emptying task repeated three to four times will be performed at baseline and post-treatment. Predetermined regions of interest and their blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) activation at voiding initiation will be identified on each patient’s baseline anatomical and functional MRI scan, corresponding to the microstimulators placement on their individualized TRPMS treatment cap to either stimulate or inhibit these regions. Patients will receive 10 40-min treatment sessions. Non-instrumented uroflow and validated questionnaires will also be collected at baseline and post-treatment to evaluate clinical improvement.

Discussion
Despite the crucial role of the central nervous system in urinary control and its sensitivity to MS, there has been no treatment for urinary dysfunction targeting the brain centers that are involved in proper bladder function. This trial, to our knowledge, will be the first of its kind in humans to consider non-invasive and individualized cortical modulation for treating VD in MS patients. Results from this study will provide a better understanding of the brain control of neurogenic bladders and lay the foundation for a potential alternative therapy for VD in MS patients and other NLUTD in a larger neurogenic population in the future.

Trial registration
This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.Gov (NCT03574610, 2 July 2018.) and Houston Methodist Research Institute IRB (PRO00019329)
Routine surveillance of patients post Fontan palliation: lessons learnt from cardiac catheterisation
Authors: Ordonez Maria Victoria , Biglino Giovanni , Bedair Radwa 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
There is no consensus on the clinical utility of ‘routine’ diagnostic cardiac catheterisation in patients with Fontan palliation in the absence of symptoms or haemodynamic lesions.

Objective
We sought to evaluate whether diagnostic cardiac catheterisation for a variety of indications led to a change in the clinical management of patients with a Fontan circulation.

Methods
All adult patients (≥16 years) with Fontan palliation undergoing diagnostic cardiac catheterisation at our institution from 2016 to 2019 were included retrospectively. Patients undergoing electrophysiological studies were excluded as haemodynamic measurements were not taken. Routine cardiac catheterisation at our institution is considered in adult patients who have not had a diagnostic cardiac catheter for more than 5 years.

Results
Thirty-eight patients, mean age 27 ± 7 years, 60% NYHA I, 31% NYHA II, 8% NYHA III, at mean duration post Fontan of 20 ± 6 years, lateral tunnel (LT) n = 20, extracardiac (EC) n = 14 and atriopulmonary (AP) n = 4, underwent 41 diagnostic cardiac catheterisation procedures. Indication for cardiac catheterisation was as follows: haemodynamic lesion identified on cross-sectional imaging in 12; routine catheterisation in 9; cyanosis in 8; dyspnoea in 8; significant liver stiffness on ultrasound hepatic elastography in 2; and arrhythmia in 2. Of the 9 patients undergoing routine diagnostic catheterisation, 3 had not had any diagnostic catheterisation since their Fontan completion and, in the remaining six, the mean time lapsed since the last diagnostic catheter was 8 ± 3 years. The diagnostic catheterisation led to a recommended change in clinical management on 24 occasions (59%): catheter intervention in 17 (40%); surgery in 4 (10%); medication change in 3 (17%); and transplant referral in 2 (5%). The clinical indications that led to changes in clinical management were: cyanosis (8/8), dyspnoea (7/8), haemodynamic lesions on cross-sectional imaging (8/11) and arrhythmia (1/2). None of the 9 patients listed for routine diagnostic catheterisation or as a result of findings on ultrasound hepatic elastography had a recommended change in clinical management.

Conclusion
Diagnostic cardiac catheterisation frequently leads to changes in the clinical management of patients with Fontan palliation presenting with dyspnoea, cyanosis, and for further evaluation of potential haemodynamic lesions identified on cross-sectional imaging. Routine cardiac catheterisation in the absence of the above indications had limited impact on clinical management in our cohort.
Evaluation of indigenous the nucleopolyhedrovirus (NPV) of Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in combination with chlorantraniliprole against Spodoptera species
Authors: Sarwar Ghulam , Maan Naeem Arshad , Ayub Muhammad Ahsin , Shahid Muhammad Rafiq , Malik Mubasher Ahmad , Farooq Muhammad 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
The armyworms, Spodoptera exigua (Hübner), and S. litura (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) are polyphagous pests of many cash crops. Heavy crop losses have been reported for the fruit and vegetable crops each year owing to the diverse impact on global economies. The present study was aimed to sort out a novel method of pest control using the insect’s own nucleopolyhedrosis virus (NPV) alone and in combination with a new chemistry insecticide chlorantraniliprole.

Results
In the study, the effect of indigenous isolated nucleopolyhedrovirus (NPV) and the chemical insecticide (chlorantraniliprole) formulations against the 2nd and 4th larval instars of S. litura and S. exigua, collected from the different geographical region of Punjab (Pakistan) province, was evaluated. Three concentrations of the NPV isolate, sub-lethal (1 × 104, 6 × 104 POB ml−1), lethal (3 × 105 POB ml−1), and chlorantraniliprole 0.01 μl l−1, were applied alone and in combination against the 2nd and 4th larval instars of both pest species. The lethal concentration of NPV + chlorantraniliprole exhibited synergistic interaction and caused high larval mortality against both instars, while in all other combinations, additive effect was observed. Moreover, NPV + chlorantraniliprole at lethal concentration exhibited decreased pupation, adult emergence, and egg eclosion.

Conclusion
The implications of using NPV alone and in combination with an insecticide are discussed briefly in this study.
Fungal entomopathogens: a systematic review
Authors: Sharma Rajat , Sharma Priyanka 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Apprehensions about the safety and the environment regarding the insecticidal application against insect infestations have directed our attention toward advancement of biological mediators so that they are assimilated into the concept of integrated pest management stratagems to develop a more practical approach for the management of insect pests. Management of insect pests by making use of biological approaches (such as fungal entomopathogens (EPF) or others which are antagonistic to insect population) provides a substitute approach which reduces the continuous use of chemical amalgams against insect pests.

Main body
The present review provides a framework of the present status of information on EPF as it identifies with their current use as biological control of pest infestations. To utilize a variety of biological control methodologies against insect hosts, it is essential to improve our comprehension of the ecology of EPF and also their role in nature. This article may assist us with understanding the virulence and the virulence factors related with EPF and present the latest developments and accomplishments in the significant field. We focus on recent instances of studies that show the overall patterns in interactions among insect pests and EPF prompting the advancement of epizootics. Also, we sum up the topical discoveries on current status of mycoinsecticides and propose future research needs.

Conclusions
As the current mechanism of fungal pathogenesis on insects is moderately slow and needs improvement, there is likewise the requirement for additional comprehension of the interactions among entomopathogens and insect pests so as to grow soundly planned procedures by identifying potential targets and via the improvement of fungal strains for improving the adequacy of these organisms in field applications.
COVID-19 in a pediatric cohort—retrospective review of chest computer tomography findings
Authors: Pina Prata Rita , Forjaco Ana , Ruano Carina A. , Lopes Dias João , Fernandes Lúcia , Ferreira Alexandra , Alves Pedro , Cabrita Carneiro Rita , Nunes Ana , Soares Eugénia 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Radiological features of the novel 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) have been mainly described in adults. Available literature states that imaging findings in children are similar but less pronounced. The aim of this study is to describe and illustrate the chest computer tomography (CT) features of pediatric COVID-19.

Results
This retrospective study was based on the review of all the chest CTs performed in pediatric patients with confirmed COVID-19 disease between March 8th and May 26th 2020 (n = 24). The presence of comorbidities and coinfection was assessed, as well as timing of CT examination in relation to the onset of symptoms. CT findings were categorized as typical, indeterminate, atypical, and negative for COVID-19 according to International Expert Consensus Statement on Chest Imaging in Pediatric COVID-19 Patient Management. This study found that CT findings were abnormal in 17 (71%) patients, with 5 (21%), 9 (38%), and 3 (13%) patients considered to have typical, indeterminate, and atypical findings, respectively. The most common CT patterns were multiple ground-glass opacities (58%), followed by consolidations (50%). Six patients showed predominantly peripheral distribution of parenchymal abnormalities. A halo sign was identified in 3 patients and a perilobular pattern was identified in one of the cases with typical findings.

Conclusions
Chest CT findings in children infected with SARS-CoV-2 can be subtle or absent. Besides recognizing typical findings, radiologists should be able to identify features that favor different or concomitant diagnosis.
Green chemistry approach: method development and validation for identification and quantification of entecavir using FT-IR in bulk and pharmaceutical dosage form
Authors: Naz Asia , Tabish Itrat , Naseer Ayesha , Siddiqi Ahsan Zamir , Siddiqui Farhan Ahmed , Mirza Agha Zeeshan 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Chemical hazard is one of the most prominent side effects that come out along with the benefits of pharmaceutical production. Chemicals usage and waste production are involved in each step of production and are found to be in high percentage at the stage of quality testing. Conventional quality testing (assay) involves the use of solvents and reagents that generates high flammable and non-flammable waste and also enhanced the per batch cost of the medicine, whereas green chemistry offers a benign environment for drug designing, manufacturing, and analysis.

Results
In the present study, a green FTIR method for assay of antiviral drugs entecavir is developed and validated as per ICH Q2_R1 guidelines. A calibration curve is plotted between absorbance and concentration, yielding excellent linearity with a correlation coefficient (r2) value of 0.9991 in the concentration range of 0.25–0.75 mg.

Conclusion
The developed method was validated and was very specific, accurate (99.9–100%) at three levels of 80, 100, and 120% of test concentration and precise with < 1% RSD. The LOD of the method is 0.0674 mg and is able to quantify the active at the limit of 0.2042 mg. Four different drug brands available in the local market are assayed by the validated method, and %recoveries are found to be in the range of 99–101%.

Graphical abstract
Green Chemistry Approach: Method Development and Validation for Identification and Quantification of Entecavir using FT-IR in Bulk and Pharmaceutical Dosage Form
In vitro antibacterial and in silico docking studies of two Schiff bases on Staphylococcus aureus and its target proteins
Authors: K Ragi , Kakkassery Joby Thomas , Raphael Vinod P. , Johnson Reeja , K Vidhya Thomas 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Schiff base compounds have extensive applications in various fields such as analytical, inorganic, organic, and biological fields. They have excellent pharmacology application prospects in the modern era and are widely used in the pharmaceutical industry. In the present work in vitro antibacterial and in silico docking studies of two Schiff base compounds 2,2’-(5,5-dimethylcyclohexane-1,3-diylidene)bis(azan-1-yl-1-ylidene)diphenol (DmChDp) and N,N’-(5,5-dimethylcyclohexane-1,3-diylidene)dianiline (DmChDa) were carried out against the bacterial strain Staphylococcus aureus and its target proteins.

Results
The tests proved that the ligands have potential antibacterial activity. In the computational analysis, the drug-like properties of the compounds were first pre-filtered using the Lipinski rule of five. Then, molecular docking study was conducted using the AutoDock 4.2 program, to establish the mechanism by which the molecules inhibit the growth of S. aureus. For this purpose, 6 different target proteins (PDB ID: 1T2P, 3U2D, 2W9S, 1N67, 2ZCO, and 4H8E) of S. aureus were selected. Both the Schiff bases showed a good binding affinity with the target protein dihydrofolate reductase enzyme (PDB ID: 2W9S) but in different sites. Maximum binding energies of about − 10.3 and − 10.2 kcal/mol were observed when DmChDp and DmChDa were docked with 2W9S.

Conclusion
Schiff base compounds DmChDp and DmChDa have appreciable growth-inhibitory power against S. aureus, which can be attributed to the deactivation of the enzyme, dihydrofolate reductase.
Cancer and COVID-19 Experiences at African Cancer Centers: The Silver Lining
Authors: Grossheim Linda , Ruff Paul , Ngoma Twalib , Vanderpuye Verna , Mwango Gladys , Ochieng Primus , Palmer Dennis , Kouya Francine , Lasebikan Nwamaka , Ntekim Atara , Ngoma Mamsau , Bih Noella , Malloum Abba , Elzawawy Ahmed , Kerr David , Ngwa Wilfred 
Published: March 2021

PURPOSE The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted cancer care in Africa, further exposing major health disparities. This paper compares and contrasts the experiences of 15 clinicians in six different African cancer centers to highlight the positive aspects (silver linings) in an otherwise negative situation. METHODS Data are from personal experience of the clinicians working at the six cancer centers blended with what is available in the literature. RESULTS The impact of COVID-19 on cancer care appeared to vary not only across the continent but also over cancer centers. Different factors such as clinic location, services offered, available resources, and level of restrictions imposed because of COVID-19 were associated with these variations. Collectively, delays in treatment and limited access to cancer care were commonly reported in the different regions. CONCLUSION There is a lack of data on cancer patients with COVID-19 and online COVID-19 and cancer registries for Africa. Analysis of the available data, however, suggests a higher mortality rate for cancer patients with COVID-19 compared with those without cancer. Positive or silver linings coming out of the pandemic include the adoption of hypofractionated radiation therapy and teleoncology to enhance access to care while protecting patients and staff members. Increasing collaborations using online technology with oncology health professionals across the world are also being seen as a silver lining, with valuable sharing of experiences and expertise to improve care, enhance learning, and reduce disparities. Advanced information and communication technologies are seen as vital for such collaborations and could avail efforts in dealing with the ongoing pandemic and potential future crises.