bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Refugees, Migrants and Asylum Seekers Living in Camps and Reception and Identification Centers in Greece in the Pre-Vaccination Period, February 2020 to May 2021. Summary of Epidemiological Findings
Authors: Sapounas Spiros , Mitrou Konstantinos , Asimakopoulos Alexandros Georgios , Antoniou Garyfallia , Papari Ioanna , Chrysostomou Anthi , Spyridis Ioannis , Panagoulias Ioannis , Gkolfinopoulou Kassiani , Spanakos Grigorios , Tryfinopoulou Kyriaki , Mellou Kassiani 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background: Protection of refugees, migrants, and asylum seekers living in open hosting camps (HCs) and reception and identification centers (RICs) has been a priority since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. We present the epidemiological data of COVID-19 infection in HCs/RICs in Greece from February 2020 to May 2021, before the initiation of the onsite vaccinations.Methods: Case confirmation was performed by rapid antigenic test and/or RT-PCR. Data were retrieved from the National COVID-19 registry. The notification rate by type of accommodation facility, by sex and ethnicity and the mean age of cases, were calculated for HCs, RICs and general population. Data on clinical manifestations, and disease severity (admissions to intensive care unit (ICU) / case fatality rate) were analysed.Results: Of the 397,497 recorded domestic COVID-19 infection cases, 2,609 (0.7%) regarded HCs/RICs; of them 1,566 (60%) were identified in 27 HCs and 1,043 (40%) in six RICs. The notification rate was 542 and 380 cases per 10,000 population in HCs/RICs and the general population, respectively (p-value<0.001).Up to February 2021 the occurrence of cases in HCs/RICs did not follow the occurrence of cases in the general population. After March 2021 the course of the outbreak in HCs/RICs and the general population was similar.The median age of cases in HCs/RICs and the general population was 27 (range:0-81) and 44 (range:0-106), respectively (p<0.001). Twenty-four different ethnicities were reported among migrant cases; 51% were from Afghanistan, 13% from Syria, 6% from Kongo and 5% from Somalia.Overall, 48% and 80% of cases, respectively in HCs/RICs and the general population were symptomatic (p<0.001). Five (0.2%) cases in HCs/RICs were admitted to the ICU compared to 10,426 cases (3.0%) in the general population (p-value <0.001). Case fatality rate was 3% in the general population and 0.08% in HCs/RICs (p-value <0.001).Conclusion: Recorded COVID-19 infections were less severe in migrants living at HCs/RICs than the general population, however, the number of identified cases was high and measures for the prevention of transmission should be strengthened.
Are solution processed CsPbI3 perovskite nanocrystalline films similar to traditional crystalline semiconductors?
Authors: Kobbekaduwa Kanishka , Liu Exian , Zhao Qian , Adhikari Pan , Xie Chendi , Zhang Jianbing , Shi Ying , Zheng Haimei , Li Dawen , Sanabria Hugo , Hu Ming , Cai Tong , Chen Ou , Rao Rahul , Rao Apparao , Beard Matthew , Luther Joseph , Gao Jianbo 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
We use ultrafast photocurrent spectroscopy with a sub-25 picosecond resolution to address a long-standing question in emergent perovskite materials: are solution-processed CsPbI3 perovskites nanocrystal films similar to their counterparts semiconductors including GaAs and Si? Prior to carrier trapping, all semiconductors show similar transition of transport mechanism from the band-like transport due to the longitudinal optical (LO) phonon scattering in the higher temperature region to a combination of band-like and hopping transport mechanisms in the lower temperature region. The critical difference is that CsPbI3 demonstrate the strongest carrier-LO phonon interaction among all semiconductors, most likely due to the unique cation-halogen bond arrangements within the highly symmetric lattice structure. This ultrafast dynamics work establish a foundation of fundamental carrier transport understating for perovskite optoelectronics.
The Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of Soluble ST2 in Sepsis
Authors: Ye Xinghua , Wang Jia , Hu Le , Zhang Ying , Li Yixuan , Xuan Jingchao , Han Silu , Qu Yifan , Yang Long , Wei Bing , Wang Junyu , Yang Jun 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Objective: To determine the diagnostic and prognostic value of soluble ST2 (sST2) in patients with sepsis. Methods: A total of 113 critically ill patients were enrolled from the emergency department of the Beijing Chaoyang Hospital Jing Xi Branch. The venous blood levels of sST2 were measured using the AFIAS-6 dry fluorescence immunoassay analyzer. The patients were divided into sepsis group (76 cases) and non-sepsis group (37 cases) based on sepsis 3.0 diagnostic criteria. The sepsis group was further sub-divided into the non-survivor group (38 cases) and survivor group (38 cases) according to the survival outcomes after follow-up for 28 days. The vital signs, blood gas analysis, routine blood tests, liver and kidney function tests, procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP), sST2, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and other basic characteristics of the patients were recorded. Further, the SOFA, qSOFA and APACHE Ⅱ scores of each patient were calculated. Statistical software SPSS 25.0 was used for statistical analysis. Independent sample t-test was used for comparisons of measurement data, while chi-square test was used for comparisons of counting data. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the prognostic factors. Further, ROC curves were plotted to determine the predictive ability of sST2, lactic acid levels, SOFA and APACHE Ⅱ scores on survival. Result: The serum sST2 levels in the sepsis group (125.00±60.32ng/ml) were significantly higher than in the non-sepsis group (58.55±39.03ng/ml) (P<0.05). The SOFA score (8.08±2.88), APACHE Ⅱ score (18.00±4.72), blood sST2 levels (168.06±36.75ng/ml) and lactic acid levels (2.89±3.28) in the non-survivor group were significantly higher than the survivor group (P<0.05). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that sST2, SOFA score, APACHE Ⅱ score and lactic acid levels were independent risk factors for poor prognosis in patients with sepsis. The ROC curve analysis of the above indexes showed no significant differences between the AUC of sST2 (0.912) and the SOFA score (0.929) (z = 0.389, P = 0.697), or the APACHE Ⅱ score (0.933) (z = 0.484, P = 0.627). However, there was a significant difference between the AUC of sST2 (0.912) and lactic acid levels (0.768) (z = 2.153, P = 0.03). Conclusion: Blood levels of sST2 shows a clinically diagnostic and prognostic value in sepsis. Further, sST2 shows a similar predictive ability as the SOFA and APACHE Ⅱ scores in determining the prognosis of sepsis patients. However, sST2 has a higher predictive ability than lactic acid levels in determining prognosis in sepsis.
Lagged Oceanic Effects on the East African Short Rains
Authors: Kolstad Erik W , MacLeod David 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
The East African ‘short rains’ in October–December (OND) exhibit large interannual variability. Drought and flooding are not unusual, and long-range rainfall forecasts can guide planning and preparedness. Although seasonal forecasts based on dynamical models are making inroads, statistical models based on sea surface temperature (SST) precursors are still widely used. It is important to better understand the sources of skill of statistical models and why they sometimes fail. Here, we define a linear regression model, where the August states of El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) predict about 40% of the short rains variability in 1950–2020. The forecast errors are traced back to the initial SSTs: toowet (too-dry) forecasts are linked linearly to positive (negative) initial ENSO and IOD states in August. The link to the initial IOD state is mediated by IOD between August and OND, highlighting a physical mechanism for prediction busts. We also identify asymmetry and nonlinearity: when ENSO and/or the IOD are positive in August, the range and variance of OND forecast errors are larger than when the SST indices are negative. Upfront adjustments of predictions conditional on initial SSTs would have helped in some years with large forecast busts, such as the dry 1987 season during a major El Niño, for which the model erroneously predicts copious rainfall, but it would have exacerbated the forecast performance in the wet 2019 season, when the IOD was strongly positive and the model predicts too-dry conditions.
Optimal Design of Water Distribution Network Using Neuro – Fuzzy Technique
Authors: Rashid Abu , Kumari Sangeeta 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Present paper is intended to develop optimal policy for Water Distribution Network using Neuro- Fuzzy Technique in an effective manner. Hydraulic simulation of the Real Network is performed in Water Gems and is used for the evaluation of the system performance measure. The real network is revised by adding certain Hydraulic parameters such as PBV’s (Pressure Break Valves) and Pumps and the results are found to be within standard limits for velocity and pressure specified by CPHEEO (Central Public Health and Environmental Engineering Organization). The networks are optimized using ANFIS (Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Interactive System) to achieve the optimal cost and to obtain maximum reliability of the network. The pipe length and diameters are considered as fuzzy variables in the model and given as inputs to the model and pressure and velocities are outputs of the model. A comparison is made which marks the proposed network optimized using ANFIS is more reliable than the real network with slight increase in cost. Chota Govindpur – Baghbera Water Supply System is used as Case Study which is located in East Singhbhum District Jharkhand, India and the source of water is Subarnarekha river originated from Nagri village in Ranchi district of Jharkhand.
Tiotropium Bromide As Adjunct Therapy In Children With Asthma: A Clinical Experience
Authors: Ridha Zainab , Bédard Marc-Antoine , Smyrnova Anna , Drouin Olivier , Pruteanu Aniela , Essouri Sandrine , Ducharme Francine M. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background: The Global Initiative for Asthma has only recently been added tiotropium bromide as adjunct controller therapy in severe asthma (Step 4 or 5) in adults (2015) and children (2019). Although not yet approved for pediatric use by Health Canada, it has been occasionally offered by asthma specialists as a therapeutic trial in children with troublesome asthma or treatment adverse effects. The objective of this study was to describe the indications and real-life clinical experience in initiating tiotropium in children with asthma.Methods: We designed a retrospective mixed-method case series study of children aged 1-17 years who initiated tiotropium in our tertiary-care centre between 2013-2020. Clinical information was extracted from electronic medical records and tiotropium dispensing, from drug claims. Parents/children and physicians independently completed a questionnaire about treatment goals, perceived efficacy, safety, satisfaction, and lessons learned. Results: The 34 (11 females; 23 males) children had a median (range) age of 9.1 (1.4-17.8) years. Children were primarily on Step 4 (85%) or 5 (6%) prior to, yet most (84%) did not increase their treatment step after, tiotropium initiation. The physicians’ treatment goals were to improve asthma control, alleviate adverse effects of current therapy, and/or improve lung function. The most improved symptoms were coughing/moist cough, difficulty breathing, whistling breath, and bronchial secretions/mucus. Although most parents and physicans reported a significant benefit with tiotropium bromide, physicians particularly remarked, as their “lesson learned’, on the improvement in chronic symptoms in asthmatic children, particularly those with prominent moist cough and in lung function, in those with apparent fixed obstruction as well as the ability to decrease the ICS and/or LABA dose to lessen adverse effects. A few physicians raised caution on the risk of lower adherence with an additional inhaler. Conclusion: In children with severe asthma on Step 4 or 5, tiotropium bromide was primarily used as substitute, rather than additional, adjunct therapy to improve asthma control, alleviate adverse effects and/or to improve lung function. The latter two indications, combined with its perceived effectiveness in children with prominent moist cough, also suggest additional indications of tiotropium to be formally explored.
Sensitisation To Imbrasia Belina (Mopane Worm) and Other Local Allergens in Rural Gwanda District of Zimbabwe
Authors: Ndlovu Vuyelwa , Chimbari Moses , Ndarukwa Pisirai , Sibanda Elopy 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
The prevalence of allergic diseases is increasing in Zimbabwe and the data relate to local as well as exotic allergen sources. As entomophagy, the practice of eating insects, is a recognised source of local allergens, we sought to measure the prevalence of and risk factors for sensitisation to Imbrasia belina (mopane worm), a popular edible insect. This was investigated alongside other locally relevant allergens in a rural community in Gwanda district, south of Zimbabwe.
Methods
A cross sectional study was conducted among 496 adults and children aged 10 years and above in Gwanda district, a mopane worm harvesting area in Zimbabwe. Data on individual characteristics, mopane worm exposure factors, sensitivity to commercial allergen extracts (Stallergenes, France) and in-house extracts of mopane worm (Imbrasia belina) and mopane leaves (Colophospermum mopane) were collected at a local clinic. Data were analysed using Stata version 13 software.
Results
The prevalence of sensitisation to at least one allergen was 31.17% (n = 144). The prevalence of atopy was higher in adults (33.33%) than in children (23.53%) (p = 0.059). The commonest inhalant allergen sources were mopane worm (14.29%), Tyrophagus putrescentiae (14.29%), mopane leaves (13.42%), Alternaria alternata (6.49%) and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (6.49%). Polysensitisation was demonstrated in the study population and of the 108 participants who were sensitised to two or more allergens, 66 (61%) were women. Sensitisation to mopane worm and mopane leaves often clustered with Tyrophagus putrescentiae amongst adults. Adjusted logistic regression analyses between mopane worm sensitisation and self-reported exposure variables showed that sensitisation was more likely amongst mopane worm harvesters (OR = 1.92, 95%CI = 0.77–4.79), those who cooked or roasted mopane worms during harvesting (OR = 2.69, 95%CI = 0.78–9.31) and harvesting without personal protective equipment (PPE) (OR = 2.12, 95%CI = 0.83–5.44) compared to non-harvesters.
Conclusion
Atopic sensitization was common in this mopane worm harvesting community in Gwanda district of Zimbabwe. There was frequent co-sensitisation of mopane worm and mopane leaves with Tyrophagus putrescentiae in children and adults. It is important to determine the clinical relevance of our findings, particularly relating to mopane worm sensitisation.
Population-Level Predictors of STI Rate Changes in Missouri From 2008-2017
Authors: Valleroy Ella , Reed Aaron , Lightner Joseph S. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
BackgroundSexually transmitted infection rates continue to increase across the US, further developing health disparities and economic burdens of disease, especially as migration occurs. In this study, we assessed the relationships among STI rates and migration at the county-level in Missouri from 2008–2017.MethodsTwo data sources were used: STI rates of chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV reported to Missouri DHSS and ACS 1-year county population estimates. Linear regression models and ANOVA tests were conducted in SPSS for each STI from year-to-year and 2008–2017. Covariates included in the analyzes were county-level income, employment rate, race, ethnicity, age, and percent poverty. Further, Akaike Information Criterion tests were performed to indicate the best predictor models and averaged standardized beta values.ResultsSignificant relationships among STI rates and population growth were identified. Chlamydia, syphilis, and HIV were positively associated with population growth from 2008–2017 (β = 0.15; β = 0.01; β = 0.05, respectively). Gonorrhea was negative associated with population growth (β= -0.02) but positively associated with unemployment rates (β = 0.01) highlighting the need to address population growth, as well as other variables in a population.ConclusionsThere seems to be a positive relationship among population change and rates of STIs. As populations change, rates of STIs change. Moving forward, quantitative work should be conducted in various states and the nation to understand this relationship in different contexts. Qualitative studies should assess individual county health departments, identifying strengths and weaknesses, implementation of community health improvement plans. Lastly, public policy should be implemented to buffer the impact of migration on health outcomes.
Factors Determining the Subseasonal Prediction Skill of Summer Extreme Rainfall Over Southern China
Authors: Wu Junting , Li Juan , Zhu Zhiwei , Hsu Pang-Chi 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
The occurrence of summer extreme rainfall over southern China (SCER) is closely related with the boreal summer intraseasonal oscillation (BSISO). Whether the operational models can reasonably predict the BSISO evolution and its modulation on SCER probability is crucial for disaster prevention and mitigation. Here, we find that the skill of subseasonal-to-seasonal (S2S) operational models in predicting the first component of BSISO (BSISO1) might play an important role in determining the forecast skill of SCER. The systematic assessment of reforecast data from the S2S database show that the ECMWF model performs a skillful prediction of BSISO1 index up to 24 days, while the skill of CMA model is about 10 days. Accordingly, the SCER occurrence is correctly predicted by ECMWF (CMA) model at a forecast lead time of ~14 (6) days. The diagnostic results of modeled moisture processes further suggest that the anomalous moisture convergence (advection) induced by the BSISO1 activity serves as the primary (secondary) source of subseasonal predictability of SCER. Once the operational model well predicts the moisture convergence anomaly in the specific phases of BSISO1, the higher skill for the probability prediction of SCER is obtained. The present study implies that a further improvement in predicting the BSISO and its related moisture processes is crucial to facilitating the subseasonal prediction skill of SCER probability.
A novel insight into the fabrication of Polyhydroxyalkanoates from actinobacteria Streptomyces toxytricini D2: screening, optimization, and biopolymer characterization
Authors: Narayanan Mathiyazhagan , Kumarasamy Suresh , Kandasamy Gajendiran , Kandasamy Sabariswaran , Narayanamoorthy Bhuvanendran , Pugazhendhi Arivalagan Arivalagan 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
The objective of this study was to find a biopolymer producing potential actinobacteria candidate from polluted soil. A biopolymer fabricating Streptomyces toxytricini D2 was isolated and characterized by 16S rRNA sequencing. The S. toxytricini D2 produced polymeric granules were categorized by FTIR, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR analyses and confirmed that the produced granules were Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). The S. toxytricini D2 has the competence to fabricate 86.56% of PHAs (23.64 g L-1 of PHAs from 27.31 g L-1 of biomass) under the optimized growth conditions: 8% of tapioca molasses, 4% of (NH4)2SO4, 8% of inoculum, pH 6.5, 30 ºC and 72 h of incubation. These results concluded that this is the novel report about the S. toxytricini D2 as could be used as an efficient candidate for the mass production of PHAs polymer under optimized conditions with low-cost carbon source and in a short duration of the production process.
Does Fracture Liaison Service Improves Fracture Risk Assessment among Patients with Fragility Fractures? A Systematic Review
Authors: Pidani Anum Sadruddin , Noordin Shahryar , Sale Joanna 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background:
The fragility fractures can cause substantial pain, disability, reduced quality of life and mortality. The probability of sustaining subsequent fractures increases up to five times after an initial fragility fracture. The Fracture Liaison Service is a coordinated model of care that aims to bridge the post-fracture care gap by improving subsequent fracture risk assessment and post-fracture management. However, there are very few studies that included fracture risk assessment as a significant outcome of an FLS program. This systematic review aims to evaluate the available evidence on the effect of FLS in improving fracture risk assessment among fragility fracture patients
Method:
A systematic literature search will be carried out on the major electronic databases including PubMed, Embase, CINAHL Plus, and Cochrane to identify the outcomes of Fracture Liaison Service. The literature search will not be restricted to the context and year of publication. Two researchers will independently conduct the databases search. We will pilot the search strategy to ensure sufficient sensitivity and specificity. The JBI critical appraisal tools will be used to assess methodological quality of all the included studies.
Discussion:
This review will highlight an urgent need for more studies from different geographical areas to determine best practices for implementing fracture risk assessment globally and guiding clinical decision making for osteoporosis management. The findings of this systematic review will highlight the importance of including fracture risk assessment as a significant parameter to evaluate FLS programs implemented across the globe.
Conclusion:
This systematic review will provide more information about fracture risk assessments and its reporting. It will also highlight the variations in the methods of performing a fracture risk assessment with and without BMD testing and the impact of the FLS program in improving fracture risk assessment.