bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Sampling Force on The Quality of Oropharyngeal Swabs
Authors: guo wenliang , Li shaoqiang , Hong chen , Jiang qian , Yu tao , Wang chong-yang , Zhou Yuan-yuan , Yang yong-ming , Liu Hao , Li shi-yue 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background

The aim of this study was to clarify the most suitable sampling force for OP swabs.
Methods

Thirty healthy subjects were continuously included in this study. The quantitative relationship between sampling force and the quality of OP swabs (CT values of GAPDH in OP swab specimens) has been explored.
Results

No significant relativities between the median sampling forces and qualities of OP swab were found in this study (r=-0.079, P = 0.547). The median and maximum sampling forces were remarkedly differed from different sampling doctors (P < 0.001). However, the mRNA expression of GAPDH of OP swabs specimens that were taken by two different doctors showed no statistical difference. The mRNA expressions of GAPDH presented no significant difference among three groups(low level: 0–20 g, middle level: 20–40 g, high level: > 40 g)of sampling force (P = 0.873). However, it was observed that the incidence of side effects was significantly increased in the middle and high level groups, compared to the low level group (P < 0.002).
Conclusions

We believed that a sampling force ranged from 0 to 40 g was considered as the optimal strength during OP swab sampling.
Refractive Error and or Visual Impairment and Their Impact on Quality of Life Among School-age Children in Sub-saharan Africa; A Protocol of a Systematic Review
Authors: Magakwe Tshubelela Sello Simon , Xulu-Kasaba Zamadonda Nokuthula Queen , Hansraj Rekha 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
BackgroundRefractive error (RE) is a leading cause of visual impairment (VI) in children, the most common cause of childhood handicaps, and the second leading cause of childhood blindness globally. Refractive error and/or VI limits the ability of a child to perform well at school, in most sporting activities which require good vision, and negatively affects the socio-economical security of an individual. These two conditions have also reported to impact quality of life (QoL). The epidemiological evidence about the prevalence and distribution of RE and VI, as well their impact on the QoL of school-going children in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), will assist policymakers and stakeholders involved in child eye care in channelling resources appropriately. The main objective of this scoping review study therefore is to map available evidence on RE and or VI and their impact on QoL of school-going children in SSA. Methods This systematic review study will follow the five steps outlined in a framework proposed by Arksey and O’Malley (2005). The literature search will be conducted using the following databases, EBSCOhost: CINAHL, Academic search complete, Health-Consumer and Health-Nursing, Google Scholar, Science direct and PubMed. The period of the literature will be from January 1998 to 31 December 2020, all suitable studies will be exported to a Mendeley library and in cases of outstanding articles the authors will be contacted directly. The title screening will be done by the principal investigator (PI), then the study will employ two independent reviewers which will have access to the Mendeley library to do abstract screening (AS) and a full article screening (FAS). Following FAS, data extraction will be done by PI. The quality index of all included studies will be determined using the Mixed Method Appraisal Tool (MMAT). The results will be reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Discussion The evidence of this scoping review will guide policy makers and all stakeholders in planning intervention strategies to address this global issue. Furthermore, the results of this review will be published in a peer reviewed journal and will be used to guide future research in this and related areas. Systemic review registration: Submitted (PROSPERO) 27/04/2021
Destabilization and ion conductivity of yttria-stabilized zirconia for solid oxide electrolyte under thermal stress
Authors: Lee Hwanseok , Jo Kanghee , Park Min-sung , Kim Taewoo , Lee Heesoo 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The degradation behavior of yttria-stabilized zirconia under thermal stress was investigated in terms of phase transformation, local atomic structure, and electrical conductivity. The average grain size of 8YSZ were increased from 20.83 µm to 25.81 µm with increasing aging temperature. All 8YSZ samples degraded at different temperatures had a predominantly cubic structure. The (400) peak of 8YSZ deteriorated at 1300 and 1400°C shifted to high angle, and the peak of tetragonal was not indexed. For 8YSZ degraded at 1500°C, the (400) peak shifted to a lower angle, and the peak of tetragonal was identified. In the local atomic structure of the aged 8YSZ with extended X-ray absorption fine structure, the intensity of the Zr-O peak gradually increased, and the intensity of the Zr-Cation peak decreased as the aging temperature increased. The changes in the peaks indicate that the oxygen vacancies were reduced and Y3+ ions escaped from the lattice, leading to destabilization of 8YSZ. The activation energies of 8YSZ at 1300°C and 1400°C were derived to be 0.86 and 0.87 eV, respectively, and the activation energy of 8YSZ at 1500°C increased significantly to 0.92 eV. With the thermal deterioration of 8YSZ, the cation (Y3+) escaped from the lattice and the number of oxygen vacancies decrease, resulting in the formation of a tetragonal structure and high activation energy at 1500°C.
Validity and Reliability of Handgrip Dynamometry in Older Adults: A Comparison of Two Widely Used Dynamometers
Authors: Benton Melissa J. , Spicher Jefferson M. , Silva-Smith Amy L. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background

Among older adults, decreased handgrip strength is associated with greater risk of frailty, and loss of physical function, mobility, lean mass, and overall muscular strength and power. Frailty is also associated with sarcopenia, for which handgrip strength has been recommended for diagnostic purposes. Specific cutoff points for diagnosis have been identified but use of different devices may affect measurement. Therefore to assess validity and reliability, we compared Jamar hydraulic versus Smedley spring handgrip dynamometers.
Methods

Sixty-seven older (76.2 ± 0.9 years) men (n = 34) and women (n = 33) completed two trials of handgrip strength measurement on sequential days (T1, T2) using both devices in random order. Intraclass correlations were used to assess test-retest reliability, and Bland-Altman analysis was used to assess validity as the level of agreement between devices.
Results

There were significant (p < 0.001) relationships between devices at T1 (r = 0.94) and T2 (r = 0.94) and strong (p < 0.001) intraclass correlations were observed for both devices (Jamar = 0.98; Smedley = 0.96), indicating excellent reliability. However, there were significant differences between devices. Strength measured with Jamar was greater than Smedley at both T1 (27.4 ± 1.4 vs. 23.4 ± 1.1 kg, p < 0.001) and T2 (25.3 ± 1.4 vs. 21.8 ± 1.2 kg, p < 0.001). Bland-Altman analysis confirmed these differences. Subgroup analysis to evaluate the effect of gender and age indicated that in women and old-old (> 75 years) participants, differences between devices were closer to zero for both measurements compared to men and young-old (65–75 years) participants.
Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that despite excellent reliability, there is poor agreement between devices, indicating a lack of validity. For use as a diagnostic tool, standardization and device-specific cut points for handgrip dynamometry are needed.
Association of Social-cognitive Factors With Individual Preventive Behaviors of Covid-19 Among a Mixed-sample of Older Adults From China and Germany
Authors: Yanping Duan , Sonia Lippke , Wei Liang , Shang Borui , Petra Wagner , Baker Julien Steven , Jiali He , Keller Franziska Marie 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Older adults are vulnerable to infection and infections developing into severe diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic. Performing individual preventive behaviors including hand washing frequently, facemask wearing and physical distancing play an important role to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 in the community. Identifying key correlates of the preventive behaviors that are modifiable through intervention is a recognized priority. This study aimed to examine the association of social-cognitive factors (motivational and volitional factors) with preventive behaviors in a mixed-sample of older adults from China and Germany and to evaluate the moderating effects of countries on the associations of these factors with preventive behaviors.Methods: Cross-sectional questionnaire surveys were conducted in China (June 2020 to July 2020) and Germany (June 2020 to February 2021). 578 older adults completed the online survey (N Chinese = 356, mean age = 67.75, SD = 6.24, 39.6% females; N German = 222, mean age = 69.09, SD = 6.9, 63.5% females). The questionnaire consisted of demographics, three preventive behaviors (hand washing, facemask wearing and physical distancing) before and during the pandemic, motivational factors (health knowledge, attitude, subjective norm, risk perception, motivational self-efficacy, intention) and volitional factors (volitional self-efficacy, planning and self-monitoring) of preventive behaviors. Univariate linear regressions and multiple hierarchical linear regressions with simple slope analyses were used. Results: The majority of motivational and volitional factors were associated with three preventive behaviors with small-to-moderate effect sizes (f2 = .02 to .17), when controlling for demographics and past preventive behaviors. When country was included in the regression models, it predicted all three preventive behaviors. Country also moderated five associations, including 1) volitional self-efficacy and hand washing, 2) self-monitoring and facemask wearing, 3) motivational self-efficacy and physical distancing, 4) volitional self-efficacy and physical distancing, and 5) planning and physical distancing. Conclusions: Findings underline the generic importance of modifiable factors and addressing them through preventive behavior interventions especially increasing health knowledge, developing intentions and plans, and strengthening self-efficacy among older adults. Country-related mechanisms should be considered when aiming to learn from other countries on the promotion of preventive behaviors.
Parosmia due to COVID-19 Disease: A 268 Case Series
Authors: Rashid Rasheed Ali , Alaqeedy Ameer A. , Al-Ani Raid M. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Although parosmia is a common problem in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic, few studies assessed the demographic and clinical aspects of this debilitating symptom. We aimed to evaluate the socio-clinical characteristics and outcome of various options of treatment of individuals with parosmia due to COVID-19 infection. The study was conducted at two main Hospitals in the Ramadi and Tikrit cities, Iraq, on patients with a chief complaint of parosmia due to COVID-19 disease. The study involved 7 months (August 2020-February 2021). Detailed demographic and clinical characteristics and treatment options with their outcome were recorded and analyzed. Out of 268 patients with parosmia, there were 197 (73.5%) females. The majority were from age group ≤ 30 years (n = 188, 70.1%), housewives (n = 150, 56%), non-smokers (n = 222, 82.8%), and associated with dysgeusia (n = 207, 77.2%) but not associated with nasal symptoms (n = 266, 99.3%). All patients have complained of anosmia (89.9%) or hyposmia (10.1%). Troposmia was reported in the majority of participants. The majority of the patients were suffering from severe parosmia (65.7%). Around 3 quarters of the cases were presented in ≤ 4 months. Altered quality of life (AQL) was presented in 91.8% of subjects, and there was a significant association with the presence of dysgeusia and type and severity of parosmia. The smoking habit didn't show a significant association with AQL, the severity of parosmia, and the recovery rate. Most of the odor group was the most triggering stimuli eliciting parosmia, while, the sewage was the response odor in above 50% of the cases. The recovery rate was poor with olfactory training plus either tonics or local and systemic steroids. Parosmia due to COVID-19 infection is a common problem with poor results in the short-term treatment and follow-up. The AQL was seen in a greater proportion of patients and strongly associated with the presence of dysgeusia, type, and severity of parosmia.
Platelet Parameters Assessment among Sudanese Pregnant Women with Preeclampsia Attending Wad Medani Obstetrics and Gynecology Teaching Hospital
Authors: FadlElseed Ejlal Omer , Mohamedahmed Khalid Abdelsamea , Mohamed Aboagala Mustafa , Hassan Muatez Ibrahim , Mohammed Yousif E/Hameed , Talha Albadawi Abdebagi 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Preeclampsia is considered one of the major health problems associated with pregnancy and one of the causes of maternal mortality. The pathogenesis of preeclampsia associated with platelet activation.Methods: This is a case-control laboratory-based study carried out in Wad Medani Obstetrics and Gynecology Teaching Hospital, Gezira State, Sudan from January to November 2020. The study aimed to evaluate the platelet parameters (platelet count and platelet indices) in pregnant women with preeclampsia. A total of 50 pregnant women with preeclampsia as cases (32.20 ± 3.21 years) and 50 normotensive pregnant women as controls (30.68 ± 2.85 years) participated in this study. Three ml of venous blood samples were collected from all participants in K3 EDTA containers. platelet parameters (platelet count and platelet indices) were determined using Mindray BC 3000 Automated Hematology Analyzer. Data were analyzed using the SPSS computer program (version 22). Results: The study results showed that the thrombocytopenia account for 56 %, all cases with low PCT (100%). Furthermore the means of PLTs count, PCT and PDW in cases were (144.40 ± 31.80 × 109/L, 0.13 ± 0.03 % and 15.80 ± 0.45 fl respectively) versus controls (269.40 ± 72.50 × 109/L, 0.22 ± 0.05 % and 15.50 ± 0.29 fl respectively), giving statistically significant differences (P value = 0.000, 0.003 and 0.022 respectively). The mean of PCT of mild cases was lower than severe cases (P value = 0.004); but there were no significant differences in PLTs count, MPV and PDW (P value = 0.379, 0.283 and 0.075 respectively).Conclusion: The study concluded that platelet count (PLTs count) and plateletcrit (PCT) were significantly decreased in pregnant women with preeclampsia especially; so platelet parameters especially (PLTs count and PCT) should be included for assessing and predicting the risk of severe preeclampsia.
Discovery of Potential Plant-derived Iradoides with COVID-19 Mpro in silico
Authors: Rehan Mohd 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Iradoides are a small class of plant derived natural products, which used in traditional system of medicine such as Unani, Tibetan, Ayurveda, Siddha, and Chinese medicine. The several diverse types of iradoides have been isolated from many parts of the plant such as root, leaves, flowers, stem, rhizomes, bark, and seed. Here, we used bioactive iradoides to know the potency against COVID-19 Mpro. The COVID-19 Mpro is a potential target of the drug, which identified by Chinese scientist (published manuscript in Nature on June 2020). From several studies, we found that many natural products such as flavonoids, saponins, steroids, terpenoids, and synthesized compounds have been used on this target (COVID-19 Mpro). We screened a series of iradoides against COVID-19 Mpro (PDB ID: 6LU7) by using many docking software as BIOVIA Discovery Studio 2017 R2, Chimera 1.13.1, Auto Dock Tools-1.5.6, AutoDock Vina to known best inhibitor against COVID-19 Mpro. According to obtained results, 6′-O-trans-feruloylnegundoside, p-hydroxybenzoyl-6′-O-trans-caffeoylgardoside, 2′-O-p-hydroxybenzoyl gardoside, 6-deoxyharpagide, reptoside show binding energies -8.1, -8.3, -8.2, -7.0, and -7.1 Kcal/mol, respectively. From this study, we found that all iradoides show more potency on COVID-19 Mpro when compared with Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine. The Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine used as standards for comparison. From the results of this study, we found that iradoides may be useful in the treatment of COVID-19 patients.
Effect of local calibration on the performance of the Hargreaves reference crop evapotranspiration equation
Authors: Niranjan S. , Nandagiri Lakshman 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Obtaining accurate estimates of reference crop evapotranspiration (ET0) using limited climatic inputs is essential in data-short situations where the preferred FAO-56 Penman–Monteith (PM) equation cannot be implemented. Among several available for ET0 estimation, the empirical temperature-based Hargreaves–Samani (HG) equation remains a popular alternative. However, accurate HG estimates can be obtained by local calibration and replacing the mean daily temperature with the effective daily temperature. Therefore, the present study was taken up to evaluate the effects of site-specific calibration of model parameters and the use of effective air temperature on the accuracy of ET0 estimates by the HG model. For this purpose, climate records for the historical period 2006–2016 of 67 stations located across 10 agro-climatic zones of Karnataka State, India, were used and the analysis was carried out using a monthly time step. Calibration and statistical performance evaluation was performed using FAO-56 PM ET0 estimates as a reference. Overall results showed significant improvement in HG estimates across all zones with the use of locally calibrated parameters, whereas the use of effective air temperature did not lead to any significant gain in prediction accuracies. The derived information on the spatial distribution of calibrated parameters will help obtain accurate ET0 estimates with only air temperature inputs.
Corn bracts loading copper sulfide for rapid adsorption of Hg(II) and sequential efficient reuse as a photocatalyst
Authors: Wang Jiwei , Dai Lanlan , Hu Shuangying , Yin Heli , Yang Minghui , Reheman Aikebaier , Yan Guiyang 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Hg(II) ions in wastewater are highly toxic to the environment and human health, yet many materials to remove the ions exhibit lower adsorption efficiency, and few studies report the reuse of Hg(II)-loaded waste materials. Here, a cheap and efficient adsorbent was prepared for the removal of Hg(II) based on corn bracts (CB) loading copper sulfide (CuS), and the Hg(II)-adsorbed material was reused as a photocatalyst. By changing the adsorption variables such as pH, adsorbent dosage, Hg(II) concentration, contact time and coexisting ions, the optimum adsorption conditions were obtained. The study indicated the adsorption capacity and removal rate of CB/CuS reached 249.58 mg/g and 99.83% at pH 6 with 20 mg CB/CuS, 50 mL Hg(II) concentration (100 mg/L) and 60 min, and coexisting ions did not affect the uptake of Hg(II). The adsorption behavior of CB/CuS toward Hg(II) followed pseudo-second-order and Langmuir models, with the theoretical maximum adsorption capacity of 316.46 mg/g. Finally, we explored an alternative strategy to dispose of spent adsorbents by converting the CB/CuS/HgS into a photocatalyst for the degradation of rhodamine B, with a removal rate of 98%. Overall, this work not only develops a promising material for the treatment of Hg(II)-containing wastewater, but opens up a new approach for the use of the waste adsorbent.
Effect of Modifications in Poly (Lactide-co-Glycolide) (PLGA) on Drug Release and Degradation Characteristics: A Mini Review
Authors: Singh  , Singha Prabha 
Published: May 2021

:
The use of PLGA in the pharmaceutical industry has only increased as we move towards
more and more advanced delivery carrier systems. The qualities of PLGA like biocompatibility,
biodegradability and a tunable degradation and drug release has only helped in keeping up the release
requirements desired for various delivery platforms. Fine-tuning the release and degradation
rate is gaining more and more attention as researchers keep pushing the boundaries of novel delivery
carriers. Various experiments are being performed to understand the degradation behavior of
PLGA under various physiological and process-related conditions. The understanding of these parameters
has helped formulate various ways in which one can fine-tune the properties that can lead
to the release of active ingredients encapsulated within. Various techniques have been tried and tested
including changes like chemical modification, physical blending and surface modifications and
have found to be effective means of release modulation in delivery systems like parenteral, orals,
topicals and tissue engineering scaffolds. In this review, all these experiments and implications
thereon have been discussed in detail.
Safety and Efficacy of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Children and
Young Adults with Haematological Malignancies: Review and Future Perspectives
Authors: Tsotridou Eleni , Vasileiou Eleni , Mantadakis Elpis , Tragiannidis Athanasios 
Published: May 2021

:
Despite the marked improvement in overall survival rates of paediatric patients with haematological
malignancies that has been achieved during the last decades, there is still a pressing
need for novel therapeutic approaches for the subset of patients with relapsed or refractory disease.
Immune checkpoint inhibitors aim to induce potent anti-tumour immune responses by targeted
blocking of inhibitory receptors and have shown promising results in preclinical models and
studies on the adult population. However, paediatric malignancies present unique features, and so
far, experience with these agents is limited. In the current review, we present an overview of efficacy
and safety data from case reports, case series, and clinical trials employing the use of immune
checkpoint inhibitors in children, adolescents, and young adults with haematological malignancies.
We also discuss new possibilities involving novel targets and combination treatments and provide
a summary of the currently registered clinical trials.
Super-Critical Fluid: An Overview on Analytical Applications
Authors: Kadri Farhin , Xavier Gauravi , Patel Unnati , Prajapati Prajesh 
Published: May 2021

Abstract::
Super Critical Fluid is the emerging technique that consists of super solvent, which is considered
a benefit over many other conventional solvents. The main component utilized in it is Carbon Dioxide
[CO2], which possesses dual state properties such as effusion through solid and other dissolving
materials like liquid which results in unique applications bidden with no limitations. The varying temperature
and pressure are the important parameters optimized and thus enhance its solvent properties.
Higher Co-efficient of diffusion, reduction in time, higher compressibility, etc. is some of the major
advantages of SCF-CO2 over the conventional solvents. Over and above, it is a green approach and a
super solvent. Here we have discussed the multifarious applications of the SCF-CO2 extraction in fields
and areas extended, but not limited to, Food, Environmental, Analysis, Metal-Cation Extraction, as well
as Extractions, Forensics, Pharmaceuticals, Toxins, and Botanical Samples.