bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pharmacists’ awareness of COVID‐19 and perceptions of their roles, barriers, and roles of policymakers: Exploring the Middle East and North Africa (MENA)
Authors: Basheti Iman A. , El‐hajji Feras , Nassar Razan , Thiab Samar , Barakat Muna , Basheti Mariam , Berardi Alberto , Saini Bandana 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) was declared in January 2020 as a public health emergency of international concern. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) suffered from several pandemics previously. Pharmacists have vital roles to play to prevent the spread of this virus.ObjectivesTo assess the COVID‐19 awareness amongst pharmacists from Arabic‐speaking countries located in the MENA region, and to assess their perspectives of their role, barriers, and roles of the educational institutions/pharmaceutical associations.MethodsAn online survey was conducted to run a descriptive cross‐sectional study in Jordan from 12th to 22nd April 2020. The questionnaire was validated (face validity) and put on Facebook and directed for pharmacists only (clarified in the introduction of the questionnaire). Assessment of pharmacists’ awareness (20 questions) about pandemics and COVID‐19, their perceived roles and barriers, and roles of the educational institutions (eg, universities) and pharmaceutical associations (eg, Pharmacists Syndicate) was performed. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS).ResultsStudy participants (n = 2589) had a mean age of 29.3 (8.2) years and 1329 (51.5%) were females. Most of the participants were from Egypt (n = 819, 40.8%), followed by Jordan, Algeria, and Syria. Regarding the sources of information about coronavirus management, 60.8% of participants got their information from social media. Fear of contracting the coronavirus while performing their duties was reported by the majority of pharmacists as the main barrier to delivering their roles (82.3%). The majority of pharmacists identified positive roles for the pharmaceutical institutions (74.8%) and pharmaceutical associations (63.6%).ConclusionPharmacists from the MENA countries believe they got enough education previously about pandemics, and the majority follow the latest coronavirus updates from social media. Fear was reported as the major barrier that requires resolution by the policymakers. Certain gaps in the awareness about COVID‐19 were identified.
Therapeutic efficacy, mechanical ventilation, length of hospital stay, and mortality rate in severe COVID‐19 patients treated with tocilizumab
Authors: Sarhan Rania M , Madney Yasmin M. , Abou Warda Ahmed E. , Boshra Marian S. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe treatment of severe cases of COVID‐19 disease remains a dilemma so far, because there is no approved therapy for it. This study aimed to estimate the therapeutic efficacy of tocilizumab and its role in reducing the need for mechanical ventilation, length of hospital stay, mortality rate for these cases.MethodThe study included 25 adult patients with confirmed severe COVID‐19 infection. Treatment of all patients followed Egyptian Ministry of Health COVID‐19 protocol in addition to tocilizumab IV (400‐800 mg) as a single dose and then the dose was repeated after at least 12 hours and up to 24 hours from the previous dose. All laboratory and clinical parameters were assessed before and within 24 hours after tocilizumab administration.ResultsAfter receiving TCZ, all patients showed significantly lower median IL 6, LDH, CRP, ferritin , TLC at P < .001, and D‐Dimer at P = .223 than their baseline levels. Also, the number of patients who required mechanical ventilation decreased from 11 to 8. Only five patients died after TCZ treatment. A moderate correlation was found between therapeutic failure and death outcomes and mechanical ventilation need at baseline. The median days of hospitalisation (IQR) were 10 (6‐16).ConclusionTocilizumab treatment in patients with severe COVID‐19 is safe and has significant therapeutic effects and a significant role in the improvement of all laboratory parameters. Also TCZ plays a significant role in the reduction of the length of stay in hospital and ICU, need for mechanical ventilation, and mortality rate.What’s known

IL‐6 plays the main role in the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) associated with severe COVID‐19 infection. Consequently, serum IL‐6 can be considered as an important target in therapeutic management of severe COVID‐19 patients.
What’s new

Prospective study, carried on 25 adult patients with confirmed severe COVID‐19 infection using tocilizumab, showed significant improvement in their case.
Tocilizumab, as an IL‐6 inhibitor, not only lowered IL‐6 level put also showed a significant reduction on median LDH, CRP, ferritin , TLC at P < .001 and D‐Dimer at P = .223 than their baseline levels.
Improvement of all laboratory parameters using TCZ was reflected in the reduction of the length of stay in hospital and ICU, need for mechanical ventilation and mortality rate.
Use of nanoliposome loaded with chitosan‐epigallocatechin gallate conjugate for shelf‐life extension of refrigerated Asian sea bass (Lates calcarifer) slices
Authors: Mittal Ajay , Singh Avtar , Benjakul Soottawat 
Published: February 2021

AbstractTreatments of chitosan‐epigallocatechin gallate (CE) conjugate nanoliposome (CELP) and unencapsulated CE conjugate (UNCE) at different concentrations (0.025 and 0.05 g 100 g−1) on quality and shelf‐life of Asian sea bass slices (ASB‐S) kept at 4 °C were studied. Total viable count of ASB‐S treated with 0.05 g 100 g−1 CELP (SB‐CELP‐0.05) was less than permissible limit (6 log CFUg−1 sample) within 15 days. Moreover, SB‐CELP‐0.05 sample had the lowest pathogenic and spoilage bacterial count than remaining samples during the storage (P < 0.05). Lower thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and peroxide values were obtained for SB‐CELP‐0.05 sample than those treated with 0.05 g 100 g−1 UNCE (SB‐UNCE‐0.05) at the end of storage (P < 0.05). The result was also advocated by higher polyunsaturated fatty acid content of SB‐CELP‐0.05 than SB‐UNCE‐0.05 (P < 0.05). Therefore, CELP efficiently extended ASB‐S shelf‐life with high consumer acceptability at 4 °C for minimum 12 days, whereas control had the shelf‐life less than 6 days.
Nitric oxide inhibits interleukin‐1‐mediated protection against Escherichia coli K1‐induced sepsis and meningitis in a neonatal murine model
Authors: Chambers Catherine A , Lacey Carolyn A , Brown Dana C , Skyberg Jerod A 
Published: February 2021

AbstractNeonatal meningitis‐associated Escherichia coli (NMEC) is a leading cause of sepsis and meningitis in newborn infants. Neonates are known to have impaired inflammasome activation and interleukin (IL)‐1 production. However, it is unknown what role this plays in the context of NMEC infection. Here we investigated the role of IL‐1 signaling in the pathogenesis of NMEC infection. We found both IL‐1β and IL‐1α were secreted from macrophages and microglial cells in response to NMEC in a Toll‐like receptor 4‐ and NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NPLR3)‐dependent manner. Intracerebral infection of adult mice indicated a protective role of IL‐1 signaling during NMEC infection. However, IL‐1 receptor blockade in wild‐type neonatal mice did not significantly alter bacterial loads in the blood or brain, and we, therefore, investigated whether protection conferred by IL‐1 was age dependent. Neonates are known to have increased nitric oxide (NO) levels compared with adults, and we found NO inhibited the secretion of IL‐1 by macrophages in response to NMEC. In contrast to our results in wild‐type neonates, blockade of IL‐1 receptor in neonates lacking inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) led to significantly increased bacterial loads in the blood and brain. These data indicate IL‐1 signaling is protective during NMEC infection in neonates only when iNOS is absent. Collectively, our findings suggest that increased NO production by neonates inhibits IL‐1 production, and that this suppresses the protective role of IL‐1 signaling in response to NMEC infection. This may indicate a general mechanism for increased susceptibility of neonates to infection and could lead to new therapeutic strategies in the future.
First steps toward suctorial feeding in millipedes: Comparative morphology of the head of the Platydesmida (Diplopoda: Colobognatha)
Authors: Moritz Leif , Blanke Alexander , Hammel Jörg U. , Wesener Thomas 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAlthough most millipedes (Diplopoda) show a biting–chewing feeding mode, representatives of the so‐called Colobognatha (Platydesmida, Polyzoniida, Siphonocryptida, Siphonophorida), with their more or less reduced mouthparts, are assumed to have evolved a suctorial feeding mode, which enables them to exploit food sources like algal film and fungi hyphae. The Platydesmida are viewed as the key taxon for the understanding of mouthpart adaptations in Colobognatha, as their mouthpart elements still closely resemble those of biting–chewing millipedes. Studies of the skeletomuscular system of the Platydesmida are rare, impeding further understanding of the mouthpart evolution in millipedes. To overcome this impediment in the understanding of millipede evolution, we study the internal morphology of the head in specimens from four genera of Platydesmida: Brachycybe lecontii, Dolistenus spp., Gosodesmus claremontus, and Pseudodesmus spp. Although all Platydesmida show similarly structured skeletal elements and accompanying musculature, they are distinct from all other Diplopoda. Their head lacks eyes and organs of Tömösváry, and is pyriform and posteriorly bulging, overlapping the collum. The narrow mandibles are hidden underneath the broad genae. A previously described gnathochilarial postmentum is absent. Muscle attachment sites, such as the transverse mandibular tendon and the median septum, are reduced. The strong modifications of the head capsule, mandibles, and musculature limit the movability of the mandible for biting–chewing motions based on simulations of possible gape angles. Platydesmida likely show a scraping and slurping feeding mode, which is facilitated by the comparably well‐developed pharyngeal dilator muscles. We suggest that the Platydesmida show an intermediate state between the biting–chewing millipedes and the other suctorially feeding Colobognatha.
Metformin as a potential protective therapy against tuberculosis in patients with diabetes mellitus: A retrospective cohort study in a single teaching hospital
Authors: Fu Chia‐Po , Lee Chia‐Lin , Li Yu‐Hsuan , Lin Shih‐Yi 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAims/IntroductionThe convergence of tuberculosis (TB) and diabetes mellitus (DM) is a new challenge in Asia as a result of the rising prevalence of diabetes mellitus with higher TB infection rates, and also because diabetes mellitus itself enhances TB disease activity and consequently the spread of TB. We aimed to address the risk presented by diabetes mellitus for TB infection.Materials and MethodsPatients with diabetes mellitus were retrospectively recruited. The baseline assessments included age, sex, body mass index, fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, urine albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio and estimated glomerular filtration rate. TB was determined by meeting the international classification of disease, for TB diagnosis and receiving anti‐TB treatment for at least 2 months.ResultsIn total, 9,750 individuals with diabetes mellitus were recruited. The event rate of TB was 47 (0.48%). Younger age, lower proportion of men, higher fasting blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin values, and better renal function (estimated glomerular filtration rate and urine albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio) were observed in the metformin‐exposed groups. Old age and male sex were associated with higher TB infection risk on multivariate analysis. Metformin users had a significantly lower risk for TB infection, whereas insulin users had a higher risk for TB infection. However, glycemic status had no effect on TB infection risk.ConclusionsThis study provides clinical evidence from a survey of TB in individuals with diabetes mellitus. Old age, male sex and insulin use were risk factors for TB infection. Metformin remains the first choice of treatment for diabetes mellitus and has a potential protective effect against TB infection.
Kyanite preserves prograde and retrograde metamorphic events as revealed by cathodoluminescence, geochemistry, and crystallographic orientation
Authors: Peterman Emily M. , Jercinovic Michael J. , Beane Rachel J. , de Wet Cameron B. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractCathodoluminescence (CL) images of kyanite reveal several internal textures, including sector zoning, oscillatory zoning, and cross‐cutting relationships among different domains. Many textures observed in kyanite correspond to discrete events, thereby connecting kyanite textures to the pressure–temperature (P–T) history of the rock. To evaluate the record of metamorphism preserved by kyanite, metapelites were selected from three different orogens that reflect P–T conditions ranging from amphibolite to ultrahigh‐pressure (UHP) facies. Cross‐correlation of variations in CL intensity, chemistry, and crystal orientation within kyanite indicate the following findings. First, the preservation of original growth zones in kyanite from poly‐metamorphic rocks demonstrates that growth zoning in kyanite persists through metamorphic events and is not erased by diffusion or complete recrystallization. In some samples, kyanite retains evidence of its reaction history during growth. Second, measured changes in absolute crystallographic orientation do not correspond with changes in CL intensity in any of the measured samples, including kyanite twins. Third, both kink banding and undulatory extinction are present across all samples, consistent with rotation about <010> in the (100)[001] slip system. Kyanite from (U)HP samples exhibits higher amplitude undulations than kyanite from lower‐grade lithologies, suggesting that crystallographic orientation data may provide complementary insight about deformation along the P–T path. Fourth, specific CL and trace element signatures in kyanite can be correlated with discrete metamorphic histories; yet, CL intensity and colour are affected by multiple elements, not a single controlling element. In sum, multiple generations of kyanite can be identified by careful cross‐correlation of CL and geochemical data, and when combined with crystal orientation data, kyanite provides a robust record of a rock's P–T evolution.
Testing a Model of Patient Portal Use in Adult Patients
Authors: Son Hyojin , Nahm Eun‐Shim , Zhu Shijun , Galik Elizabeth , Seidl Kristin L. , Van de Castle Barbara , Russomanno Vince 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPurposeThe aim of this study was to test a modified version of the Technology Acceptance Model, which describes users’ technology adoption, to examine the relations between patient portal use and potential influencing factors in adult patients who have used patient portals. The modified model posits that patient portal use can be explained by attitude and self‐efficacy for using patient portals, perceived usefulness and ease of use, data privacy and security concerns, eHealth literacy, education level, and age.DesignA cross‐sectional anonymous online survey was conducted for adult patients who had used their patient portals in the past 12 months.MethodsParticipants were recruited from 20 settings selected in a large integrated health care system. Data from 743 patients were subject to structural equation modeling for model testing.FindingsSixty‐eight percent were White and female, with a mean age of 53.1 years (SD = 15.34). Forty‐seven percent used patient portals about monthly or more frequently. Scores for perceived usefulness and ease of use of patient portals were relatively high (as measured using the modified Perceived Health Web Site Usability Questionnaire; each item mean, 6.0–6.2; range, 1–7). The final model adequately fit the data (comparative fit index = .983, standardized root mean square residual = .064, root mean square error of approximation = .059). Patient portal self‐efficacy and data privacy and security concerns had a direct impact on patient portal use. Perceived usefulness and ease of use, eHealth literacy, education level, and age indirectly influenced patient portal use.ConclusionsThis study contributes to expanding a theoretical understanding of adult patients' patient portal use in a real health care environment. Future studies need to include more diverse populations in various settings.Clinical RelevanceKnowledge gained from this study can be used by technology experts to make patient portals more user friendly and by administrators to implement patient portals more effectively.
Research note: Age, retirement, and intertemporal resource decision ability
Authors: Carpenter Craig Wesley , Loveridge Scott , Mickus Maureen 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPopulation studies show the importance of active aging for maintaining cognitive health, but much of the research has focused on episodic memory and verbal skills. Aging and ability to make rational intertemporal financial decisions is less understood, despite its critical role in consumer finance. This study describes the relationship between age, retirement, and intertemporal decision ability. A survey of adults examines the interplay of aging and retirement related to completing simple calculations with time trade‐offs in benefits. A negative association between intertemporal skills and age is indicated, with a sharp downward inflection around age 66. Regression analysis results in a significant, negative retirement‐age interaction term. This research has implications for policy and consumer decision‐making. The negative relationship of age and retirement status may suggest limits to career extension, or alternatively, that extending some types of careers could provide cognitive benefits. Further research is needed to understand the direction of causality.
Social media use and subjective well‐being among middle‐aged consumers in Korea: Mediation model of social capital moderated by disability
Authors: Hwang Hyesun , Nam Su‐Jung 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis study investigated the moderating effect of disability on the relationship between middle‐aged consumers' well‐being and their social media use, through the mediating effect of social capital. The study used data from the South Korean National Information Society Agency's “2018 Information Divide Index Dataset.” The results showed consumers with disabilities to be less active on social media, implying that they are likely to experience restrictions on social media use, regardless of degree of disability. Degree of disability had significant moderating effects on the relationship between social media use and subjective well‐being, mediated by bonding social capital. Although bonding social capital mediated the relationship between social media use and well‐being for all consumers, the effect was stronger for consumers with severe disabilities.
Acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans: clinical and microbiological characteristics of a cohort of 693 Slovenian patients
Authors: Ogrinc K. , Maraspin V. , Lusa L. , Cerar Kišek T. , Ružić‐Sabljić E. , Strle F. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundInformation on large groups of patients with acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans (ACA) is limited.MethodsWe assessed clinical and microbiological characteristics of patients with ACA diagnosed at a single medical centre and compared findings in periods 1991–2004 vs. 2005–2018. The cohort is representative of Slovenian ACA patients.ResultsWe assessed 693 patients: 461 females and 232 males, with median age of 64 years. Median duration of ACA before diagnosis was 12 months. In all but 2 patients, the skin lesions were located on extremities, more often on the lower (70.0%) than the upper (45.2%), bilaterally in 42.4%. Reddish‐blue discoloration, swelling, thinning and wrinkling of skin were present in 95.2%, 28.1%, 46.4% and 20.5% of patients, respectively. Overall, 64.4% of patients reported constitutional symptoms, 23.1% had local symptoms, and 20.8% had symptoms/signs of peripheral neuropathy. Nodules, arthritis, joint deformity, muscle atrophy and paresis were rare (<3%). Borreliae were isolated from 200/664 (30.1%) skin samples; 92.8% wereBorrelia afzelii.B. gariniiandB. burgdorferis.s. were more often isolated from the skin of male patients (OR = 4.17) and from those with arthropathy (OR = 11.74). Patients included in the more recent period were older, complained less often of constitutional symptoms but more often of local symptoms, and more often had local swelling but less often skin atrophy and bilateral involvement, probably as a consequence of earlier diagnosis.ConclusionsACA, typically caused byB. afzelii, usually affects older women. Clinical presentation depends on the duration of illness and probably on theBorreliaspecies causing the disease.
Testing the associations between dispositions toward ridicule and being laughed at and romantic jealousy in couples: An APIM analysis
Authors: Brauer Kay , Sendatzki Rebekka , Proyer René T. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectiveHow people deal with ridicule and being laughed at plays a role in romantic life. We extend the research on the fear of being laughed at (gelotophobia), joy in being laughed at (gelotophilia), and joy in laughing at others (katagelasticism) by testing their associations with romantic jealousy and its consequences for relationship satisfaction (RS).MethodOur study is based on Actor–Partner Interdependence Model (APIM) analyses of self and partner ratings of the laughter‐related dispositions using data from 228 opposite‐sex couples. APIM mediation analyses estimated indirect effects of jealousy on the associations between the dispositions and RS.ResultsAs expected, gelotophobia‐related positively to jealousy in actors, whereas gelotophilia and katagelasticism showed differential relationships. The analysis of partner effects showed that the actual expressions in the dispositions are unrelated to jealousy but perceived expressions account robustly for experiences of jealousy beyond self‐ratings. Finally, jealousy had indirect effects on the associations between the dispositions and RS.ConclusionThese findings contribute to our understanding of the role of dealing with ridicule and laughter in romantic life. We embed the findings into the literature, discuss practical implications, and derive future directions to expand the knowledge on gelotophobia, gelotophilia, and katagelasticism in romantic life.
Scaling the baseline: Technicalities and environmental regulation in Owens Valley, California
Authors: Bertenthal Alyse 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIf we want to understand the logic of environmental regulation—as well as its uneven effects—we should look to how regulators and regulated alike generate and deploy baselines. In this article, I chart the scalar frames used to mark the “natural” conditions that are perceived as normal, desirable, and worthy of legal protection and intervention. I explore these frames and resulting legal standards through the case of Owens Lake, California, which has long been a subject of state efforts to regulate resources and remediate pollution. This case study provides an opportunity to understand how presumed technicalities of environmental governance, such as baselines, are constructed and deployed.