bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of worldwide interventions and vaccination on COVID-19 between waves and countries
Authors: Ge Yong , Zhang Wenbin , Liu Haiyan , Ruktanonchai Corrine W , Hu Maogui , Wu Xilin , Song Yongze , Ruktanonchai Nick , Yan Wei , Feng Luzhao , Li Zhongjie , Yang Weizhong , Liu Mengxiao , Tatem Andrew , Lai Shengjie 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Worldwide governments have rapidly deployed non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic, together with the large-scale rollout of vaccines since late 2020. However, the effect of these individual NPI and vaccination measures across space and time has not been sufficiently explored. By the decay ratio in the suppression of COVID-19 infections, we investigated the performance of different NPIs across waves in 133 countries, and their integration with vaccine rollouts in 63 countries as of 25 March 2021. The most effective NPIs were gathering restrictions (contributing 27.83% in the infection rate reductions), facial coverings (16.79%) and school closures (10.08%) in the first wave, and changed to facial coverings (30.04%), gathering restrictions (17.51%) and international travel restrictions (9.22%) in the second wave. The impact of NPIs had obvious spatiotemporal variations across countries by waves before vaccine rollouts, with facial coverings being one of the most effective measures consistently. Vaccinations had gradually contributed to the suppression of COVID-19 transmission, from 0.71% and 0.86% within 15 days and 30 days since Day 12 after vaccination, to 1.23% as of 25 March 2021, while NPIs still dominated the pandemic mitigation. Our findings have important implications for continued tailoring of integrated NPI or NPI-vaccination strategies against future COVID-19 waves or similar infectious diseases.
Outcomes of COVID-19 Patients Intubated After Failure of Non-Invasive Ventilation: A Multicenter Observational Study.
Authors: Boscolo Annalisa , Pasin Laura , Sella Nicolò , Pretto Chiara , Tocco Martina , Tamburini Enrico , Rosi Paolo , Polati Enrico , Donadello Katia , Gottin Leonardo , Vianello Andrea , Landoni Giovanni , Navalesi Paolo 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
IntroductionThe efficacy of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) in acute respiratory failure secondary to SARS-CoV-2 infection remains controversial. Current literature mainly examined efficacy, safety and potential predictors of NIV failure provided out of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). On the contrary, the outcomes of ICU patients, intubated after NIV failure, remain to be explored. The aims of the present study are: 1) investigating in-hospital mortality in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) ICU patients receiving endotracheal intubation after NIV failure and 2) assessing whether the length of NIV application affects patient survival. MethodsThis observational multicenter study included all consecutive COVID-19 adult patients, admitted into the twenty-five ICUs of the COVID-19 VENETO ICU network (February-April 2020), who underwent endotracheal intubation after NIV failure. ResultsAmong the 704 patients admitted to ICU during the study period, 280 (40%) presented the inclusion criteria and were enrolled. The median age was 69 [60-76] years; 219 patients (78%) were male. In-hospital mortality was 43%. Only the length of NIV application before ICU admission (OR 2.03 (95% CI 1.06 - 4.98), p = 0.03) and age (OR 1.18 (95% CI 1.04 - 1.33), p < 0.01) were identified as independent risk factors of in-hospital mortality; whilst the length of NIV after ICU admission did not affect patient outcome. ConclusionsIn-hospital mortality of ICU patients intubated after NIV failure was 43%. Days on NIV before ICU admission and age were assessed to be potential risk factors of greater in-hospital mortality.
Removal of chlortetracycline from water by immobilized Bacillus subtilis on honeysuckle residue derived biochar
Authors: Zhang Sinan , Wang Jihong 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Biochar-immobilized microorganism technology is an effective way to remove antibiotic contamination in aqueous solutions. In this study, the effect and mechanism of immobilization of Bacillus subtilis by honeysuckle residue derived biochar for the removal of chlortetracycline(CTC) were investigated using corn straw biochar as a control. The biochar's structural characteristics and properties were determined using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometer, Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, specific surface area and pore size analyzer. It was found that honeysuckle residue derived biochar had a well-developed pore structure, which provided adequate living space for microorganisms. The removal rate of CTC (50 mg/L) by honeysuckle residue biochar-microbial complex(HBCM) was 15.31% higher than that of corn straw biochar-microbial complex, indicating that HBCM was an excellent carrier. The mechanism of CTC removal by HBCM was a synergistic effect of biochar adsorption and microbial degradation. The removal process of HBCM material was carried out for 3 days at an optimum substrate concentration of 50 mg/L, ambient temperature of 35°C, solution pH of 7 and the addition of 5 g/L complexes, achieving a removal rate of 78.35%. In addition, the complex possessed high storage stability and could be reused three times continuously and efficiently. This study provides a method for preparing an efficient biochar-microbial complex using Chinese medicine residue waste substrate, which provides a new idea for removing CTC from water.
An Economic Assessment of the Contributions of 5G into the Railways and Energy Sectors
Authors: Corujo Daniel Nunes , Quevedo José , Aguiar Rui , Paixão Paulo , Martins Hugo , Gomes Álvaro 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
This paper presents an economical assessment of the benefits of introducing 5G technologies into pilot use cases pertaining to the railroad transportation and energy sectors. For each of the pilots, undergone by EFACEC Engenharia e Sistemas and EFACEC Energia, respectively, under the scope of the H2020 5Growth project, evaluates the expenditure and benefits expected from introducing 5G capabilities over their on-going operations. This evaluation is expressed regarding the Portugal case, and are also scaled to assess the European-wide case. The main objective of the study summarized in this paper is to understand if solutions proposed by the H2020 5Growth project, and 5G as a whole, are also advantageous from an economic point of view. The results of the techno-economic analysis reported in this paper show, on a European scale, millions of euros saved by the different stakeholders involved in the deployment of 5G solutions.
Transcutaneous or Transconjunctival Botulinum Toxin Injection for Thyroid Eye Disease Associated Upper Lid Retraction
Authors: Chow Sharon She Wan , Chow Loraine Lok Wan , Cheung Janice 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
BackgroundBotulinum toxin (BTA) injection has been a standard treatment for thyroid eye disease (TED) related upper lid retraction (ULR), however, currently there is no consensus regarding the method of injection. Both transcutaneous (TC) and transconjunctival (TJ) injection of BTA has been reported to be successful. The aim of this study is to compare the changes between the lid parameters, the rate of complications and the difference in pain scores between the two groups.MethodA randomized controlled trial was carried out between 09/2017- 07/2019. 22 lids were randomized into either TC and TJ injection. Patients were blinded to receive either 2.5u of TC or TJ BTA injections and were followed up at 1, 3 and 6 months post injection by a masked investigator.Results12 and 10 lids were assigned ot the TC and TJ group respectively. At 1 month, the changes of PA were significant in the TJ group (-3.6±0.9, p=0.001), while the changes of MRD1 were significant in both groups (TC group: -1.67±1.74 (p=0.02), TJ group: -2.60±0.89 (p=0.003)). At 3 months, the change of MRD2 was only significant in the TJ group (-1.00±0.71, p=0.034). However, at 6 months, all lid parameter changes from baseline and between 2 groups were statistically insignificant. TC group had a significantly lower (-1.40±1.51, p=0.016) pain score. There was 1 case of diplopia and 1 case of ptosis in the TC group, while there were 2 cases of ptosis in the TJ group. ConclusionAt 1 month, the PA in the TJ group and the MRD1 in both groups showed statistically significant changes. At 3 months, the TJ group showed statistically significant changes in MRD2. The pain scores were significantly lower in the TC group. Although at 6 months, there were statistically insignificant changes between the 2 groups, the TJ group showed more promising results in 1 and 3 months, and the TC group has less pain. Hence, we hope to draw a consensus in the treatment of TED associated ULR by recommending the transconjunctival approach for BTA injections, however, we should expect it to be a more painful procedure. Trial registrationName of registry: HKU Clinical Trial Registry (HKUCTR)Trial registration number: HKUCTR-2306Date of registration: 08 Dec 2017URL of trial registry record: http://www.hkuctr.com/Investigator/Update/876c13c77a1a429e9283423b2d412ee1
Anti-Proliferative and Pro-Apoptotic Activities of Hederacolchiside A1 On MCF-7 Cells Via ROS Regulation and JAK2/STAT3 Inactivation
Authors: Chen Aijun , Zhang Shushu , Zhang Dandan , Hu Xingjiang , Xu Nana , Li Jichen , Zhang Qiao , Lu Jincai , Wu Xia 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Many studies have shown that hederacolchiside A1 (HA1) is an important anticancer saponin, although its mechanism of action and in vivo investigations are still lacking. Our previous results revealed that HA1 may have the potential to treat breast cancer. Therefore, we attempted to verify the potential anti-breast cancer effect of HA1 in vitro and in vivo. MTT, flow cytometry, DCFH-DA fluorescence microscopy, and western blotting were used to evaluate the activities and mechanisms of action of HA1. Athymic nude mice were used to demonstrate the antitumor activity of HA1 in vivo. HA1 exhibited significant cytotoxic effects on HepG2, MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, SKBr-3, HT-29, and HCT-116 cells, especially MCF-7 cells. HA1 blocked the sub-G1 and G0/G1 phases, induced apoptosis, promoted reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential of MCF-7 cells. HA1 upregulated Bax and downregulated Bcl-2 levels and activated caspase-9 and caspase-3 in MCF-7 cells Meanwhile, HA1 inhibited the phosphorylation of JAK2/STAT3 in MCF-7 cells. In addition, 50 and 100 mg/kg HA1 significantly inhibited the growth of transplanted tumors with inhibition rates of 46.95 ± 26.72% and 48.45 ± 22.36%, respectively. This preliminary study demonstrated that HA1 could inhibit proliferation and induce the apoptosis of MCF-7 cells via ROS-mediated activation of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway and JAK2/STAT3 inactivation. HA1 may therefore be developed as a novel agent for breast cancer therapy.
Exploring Patients’ Pharmacy Stories: An Analysis of Online Feedback&nbsp;
Authors: Loo Jared , Greaves Georgina , Lewis Penny 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
BackgroundStudies have demonstrated the potential for patient feedback to inform quality care as well as a direct relationship between patient experience and clinical outcomes. Over recent years, there has been increasing use of online patient feedback platforms, however, there has been little study of the content of patient feedback relating to pharmacy and pharmacy services.ObjectiveThis study explores the content of online feedback provided by patients from across the UK in relation to their experiences of their interaction with pharmacy staff and pharmacy services. Main outcome measureContent of patient feedback relating to pharmacyMethodPatient stories published on Care Opinion, a national online patient feedback platform, for a one-year period were searched for all content relating to patients’ pharmacy experiences. A thematic and sentiment analysis was conducted on 237 patient stories. ResultsPatient stories related to supply, staff attitudes, services, accessibility, systems, and errors. Patient sentiment depended on pharmacy setting, but staff attitudes, services, and accessibility were generally positive across all settings. Waiting time was the most common complaint in both hospital and community pharmacies with stories relaying experiences of slow discharge, stock shortages and poor communication and collaboration between pharmacies and GP surgeries. ConclusionsOnline patient feedback highlighted factors important to patients when interacting with pharmacies and their staff. Medication supply was the primary topic of patient stories with waiting times and stock shortages being clear areas for improvement; however, accessibility, pharmacy services and advice were key strengths of the profession. Further research is needed to understand how online patient feedback can be used effectively to inform improvements in pharmacy services.
Factors associated with knowledge on risk factors of sexual abuse among house girls and house boys in Singida Municipality, Central zone Tanzania: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Emily Filmon , Peter Dedius E. , Milanzi Walter C. , Joho Angelina A. , Moshi Fabiola 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Sexual abuse is a situation whereby any people or individual entered in any sexual malpractice or sexual contact without his/her will. Sexual abuse among house girls and house boys is among of general medical issue in our nation particularly in the urban areas and towns. The aim of the study was to examine predicators associated with knowledge on risk factors of sexual abuse among house girls and house boys in Singida Municipality.Methods: The cross section study involved a total of 252 participants from the selected house hold in Singida Municipality. A multistage sampling technique was used to obtain sample and data was collected by using self-administered structured questionnaire. Chi-square and logistic regression were used to determine the association between knowledge on risk factors and sexual abuse among house girls and house boys.Results: The large numbers of respondents with mean age of 22years old were single. Only 53.1% of house girls were knowledgeable on risk factors associated with sexual abuse compared to house boys. After control of the confounders the predictors of knowledge about risk factors on sexual abuse were educational level (AOR = 0.332, p = 0.002, 95%CI:0.167; 0.659), how did you find a job(AOR=2.412, p=0.001, 95%CI:1.433; 2.523), and type of family he/she living(AOR=4.672, p=0.002, 95%CI:0.0709; 0.719, nuclear family (AOR=4.023, p=0.023, 95%CI:0.101;0902). Conclusion: The findings depicted that the study participants have inadequate knowledge on risk factors associated with sexual abuse and it discovered that the influencing factors were education level, means of getting a job and type of family.
Methodological and Ecological Caveats in Deciphering Plant Volatile Emissions: the Case Study of Tomato Exposed to Herbivory and Resource Limitation
Authors: Kergunteuil Alan , COQUERET VICTOIRE , LARBAT ROMAIN , ADAMOWICZ STÉPHANE , BOT JACQUES LE , ROBIN CHRISTOPHE 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Over recent years, major progress in experimental approaches have bring insights about the ecological functions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by plants. However, deciphering volatile emissions in a methodologically robust and ecologically relevant manner remains a challenging issue. A surge in interest is required to characterize potential blind spots in volatile sampling that could result in dramatic bias in our understanding of VOCs. In parallel, ecologists need to account for various environmental factors in order to address appropriately the sources of variations of VOCs. Here we use two common porous polymers, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and Porapak Q, to collect VOCs released by tomato exposed to herbivory in combination with nitrogen shortage. We dissect two key features of volatile blends, i.e., their composition and their diversity. Upon nitrogen limitation, Porapak Q stresses the up-regulation of a common defensive compound (methyl salicylate), while herbivory induces three terpenes involved in the recruitment of natural enemies of Tuta absoluta (2-carene, ɑ-pinene and β-phellandrene). This study suggests that the combination of resource availability and herbivory governs the differential production of generalist and specific VOCs that are active against a broad spectrum or particular herbivore species, respectively. But PDMS was found unsuitable to observe such patterns in the composition of VOC emissions. Additionally, Porapak Q was found more sensitive than PDMS to track the increase in the diversity of stress-related VOC emissions upon nitrogen limitation. This suggests that plants growing with poor resources release more information in surroundings. We discuss particular implications for tri-trophic-mediated plant defences.
Small polymeric toys placed in child-dedicated chocolate food products - do they contain harmful chemicals? Examination of quality by example of selected VOCs and SVOCs
Authors: Śmiełowska Monika , Marć Mariusz , Zabiegała Bożena 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
This study was focused on child-dedicated chocolate food products that contain a plastic package with a small toy inside (also known as chocolate eggs). Three types of these products that are commercially available on the Polish market, with different prices, chocolate composition, and main types of polymers used in the toy manufacturing process, were investigated. First, to fully characterise the studied polymer samples, the main types of material in the studied toys and their packaging were identified using Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis. Next, the emissions of selected toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of toy and packaging samples were identified using stationary emission micro-chamber. Total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) emissions were also estimated. Moreover, the content of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) as bioaccumulative semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) was checked in all parts of the cheapest product. The highest PBDE concentrations, which ranged from 5.32±0.79 to 1768±289 ng/g, were recorded in chocolate samples. This demonstrates the need for consumer knowledge on the safety of such products available on the Polish market to be broadened. This is one of the many examples of studies showing that products sold on the European market do not always comply with the CE declaration of conformity. Furthermore, the presence of phased-out PBDEs in toys may provide evidence of wrong recycling practices. Forward-looking considerations showed that, based on assessments of the hazard quotient (HQ) and cancer risk of BDE-209 (CRBDE-209) and assuming each child has contact with one toy and eats one of the studied chocolate products per day, there is no high risk associated with the exposure of children to PBDEs.
Addressing missing values in routine health information system data: an evaluation of imputation methods using data from the Democratic Republic of the Congo during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Feng Shuo , Hategeka Celestin , Grépin Karen Ann 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background : Poor data quality is limiting the greater use of data sourced from routine health information systems (RHIS), especially in low and middle-income countries. An important part of this issue comes from missing values, where health facilities, for a variety of reasons, miss their reports into the central system.
Methods : Using data from the Health Management Information System (HMIS) and the advent of COVID-19 pandemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as an illustrative case study, we implemented six commonly-used imputation methods using the DRC’s HMIS datasets and evaluated their performance through various statistical techniques, i.e., simple linear regression, segmented regression which is widely used in interrupted time series studies, and parametric comparisons through t-tests and non-parametric comparisons through Wilcoxon Rank-Sum tests. We also examined the performance of these six imputation methods under different missing mechanisms and tested their stability to changes in the data.
Results : For regression analyses, there was no substantial difference found in the results generated from all methods except mean imputation and exclusion & interpolation when the RHIS dataset contained less than 20% missing values. However, as the missing proportion grew, machine learning methods such as missForest and k -NN started to produce biased estimates, and they were found to be also lack of robustness to minimal changes in data or to consecutive missingness. On the other hand, multiple imputation generated the overall most unbiased estimates and was the most robust to all changes in data. For comparing group means through t-tests, the results from mean imputation and exclusion & interpolation disagreed with the true inference obtained using the complete data, suggesting that these two methods would not only lead to biased regression estimates but also generate unreliable t-test results.
Conclusions : We recommend the use of multiple imputation in addressing missing values in RHIS datasets. In cases necessary computing resources are unavailable to multiple imputation, one may consider seasonal decomposition as the next best method. Mean imputation and exclusion & interpolation, however, always produced biased and misleading results in the subsequent analyses, and thus their use in the handling of missing values should be discouraged.

Keywords : Missing Data; Routine Health Information Systems (RHIS); Health Management Information System (HMIS); Health Services Research; Low and middle-income countries (LMICs); Multiple imputation
Diagnostic Criteria for Metabolic Syndrome in Diet-Induced Rodent Models: A Systematic Review
Authors: Virgen-Carrillo Carmen Alejandrina , de los Ríos Diana Laura Hernández , Torres Karina Ruíz , Moreno Alma Gabriela Martínez 
Published: April 2021

Background:
Thousands of publications in recent years have addressed the induction of
metabolic syndrome (MetS) in rodents. However, the criteria and the reference values for diagnosing
this disease have not been defined.

Objective:
Our main objective was to carry out a systematic review to gather evidence about the criteria
for biochemical and anthropometric parameters in which scientific studies have relied on to report
that rats developed MetS from a previous dietary manipulation.

Methods:
We compiled characteristics and findings of diet-induced MetS with high-fat, high-carbohydrate,
high-fat/high-carbohydrates, and cafeteria diet from PubMed and Science Direct databases
published in the last 5 years.

Results:
The results on the principal determinants for the syndrome, published in the reviewed articles,
were chosen to propose reference values in the rat models of food induction.

Conclusion:
The values obtained will serve as reference cut-of points in the development of the disease;
in addition, the compilation of data will be useful in planning and executing research protocols
in animal models.