bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Electrophysiological Correlates of Phoneme Perception in Primary Progressive Aphasia: A Preliminary Case Series
Authors: Stalpaert Jara , Miatton Marijke , Sieben Anne , Van Langenhove Tim , van Mierlo Pieter , De Letter Miet 
Published: June 2021

Aims: This study aimed to investigate phoneme perception in patients with primary progressive aphasia (PPA) by using the event-related potential (ERP) technique. These ERP components might contribute to the diagnostic process of PPA and its clinical variants (NFV: nonfluent variant, SV: semantic variant, LV: logopenic variant) and reveal insights about phoneme perception processes in these patients.Method: Phoneme discrimination and categorization processes were investigated by the mismatch negativity (MMN) and P300 in eight persons with early- and late-stage PPA (3 NFV, 2 LV, 2 SV, and 1 PPA-NOS; not otherwise specified) and 30 age-matched healthy adults. The mean amplitude, the onset latency, and the topographic distribution of both components in each patient were compared to the results of the control group.Results: The MMN was absent or the onset latency of the MMN was delayed in the patients with the NFV, LV, and PPA-NOS in comparison to the control group. In contrast, no differences in mean amplitudes and onset latencies of the MMN were found between the patients with the SV and the control group. Concerning the P300, variable results were found in the patients with the NFV, SV, and PPA-NOS, but the P300 of both patients with the LV was delayed and prolonged with increased mean amplitude in comparison to the control group.Conclusion: In this preliminary study, phoneme discrimination deficits were found in the patients with the NFV and LV, and variable deficits in phoneme categorization processes were found in all patients with PPA. In clinical practice, the MMN might be valuable to differentiate the SV from the NFV and the LV and the P300 to differentiate the LV from the NFV and the SV. Further research in larger and independent patient groups is required to investigate the applicability of these components in the diagnostic process and to determine the nature of these speech perception deficits in the clinical variants of PPA.
Association Between Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Depressive Symptoms in Chinese Resident Physicians
Authors: Chang Qing , Xia Yang , Bai Song , Zhang Xi , Liu Yashu , Yao Da , Xu Xinrui , Zhao Yuhong 
Published: June 2021

Background: Previous studies have suggested that sleep quality is associated with depressive symptoms. However, associations between overall sleep quality and depressive symptoms in Chinese resident physicians remain unclear. Therefore, we aimed to determine whether overall sleep quality is associated with depressive symptoms in Chinese resident physicians.Methods: This cross-sectional study included 1,230 resident physicians. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Logistic regression analysis was applied to estimate the associations between the PSQI and PHQ-9.Results: Among all participants, the prevalence of mild (PHQ-9 ≥ 5) and moderate or severe (PHQ-9 ≥ 10) depressive symptoms were 48.28 and 12.93%, respectively. PSQI score was positively associated with PHQ-9 score before and after adjustments of socio-demographic, behavioral, and psychologic confounding factors (all P &lt; 0.0001). After adjustments, the regression coefficients (standard error) between PSQI scores and PHQ-9 scores were 0.95 (0.04), 0.88 (0.09), and 0.96 (0.05) in all participants, men, and women, respectively. Compared to physicians with good sleep quality (PSQI scores ≤ 5), the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) [95% confidence intervals (CIs)] for mild (PHQ-9 ≥ 5) and moderate or severe (PHQ-9 ≥ 10) depressive symptoms in physicians with poor sleep quality were 7.15 (5.44, 9.46) and 6.17 (4.03, 9.71) in all participants, respectively.Conclusions: Our findings suggest that poor sleep quality was associated with a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms in Chinese resident physicians.
Reaching the Unreached: Bridging Islam and Science to Treat the Mental Wounds of War
Authors: Zoellner Lori A. , Bentley Jacob A. , Feeny Norah C. , Klein Alexandra B. , Dolezal Michael L. , Angula Dega A. , Egeh Momin H. 
Published: June 2021

Radical new paradigms are needed to equip non-professionals and leverage community faith-based infrastructure to address the individual and communal wounds of war- and conflict-related trauma. Muslims in war-torn regions like Somalia experience high rates of trauma and posttraumatic stress; yet, lack of providers, potential stigma, and lack of integration with one's faith are substantial barriers to care. In this pre-post feasibility clinical trial (NCT03761732), mosque leaders implemented a brief, group- and mosque-based intervention, Islamic Trauma Healing, targeting trauma-related psychopathology and community reconciliation for trauma survivors (N = 26) in Somaliland, Somalia. Leaders were trained in a brief 2-day training, with supervision provided remotely via WhatsApp. This six-session intervention combines empirically-supported trauma-focused psychotherapy and Islamic principles, focusing on wisdom from the lives of the Prophets and turning to Allah in dua about trauma. There were large, clinically meaningful effects for PTSD (g = 1.91), depression (g = 2.00), somatic symptoms (g = 2.73), and well-being (g = 1.77). Qualitative data from group members highlighted how well the program was aligned with their Islamic faith, built community, and need to expand the program. These results highlight the feasibility of this non-expert, easily up-scalable mental health approach in war-torn Muslim regions and refugee communities. This program has the potential to provide a low-cost, self-sustaining, Islam-based intervention addressing the psychological wounds of war consistent with the IOM's call to develop novel approaches to address unmet clinical needs.ClinicalTrials.govIdentifier: NCT03761732.
Reasons for Exclusion of Apparently Healthy Mature Adult and Senior Dogs From a Clinical Trial
Authors: Gibbs Nicole H. , Michalski Hannah , Promislow Daniel E. L. , Kaeberlein Matt , Creevy Kate E. 
Published: June 2021

Background:Interventional clinical trials intended to maintain health in aging dogs are unusual and require particular attention to exclusion criteria.Objectives:To describe reasons for exclusion when a mature adult and senior canine population with normal health status was sought.Animals:Fifty six companion dogs nominated for a randomized controlled trial (RCT).Procedures:Exclusions occurred within Stage 1 (S1): owner-provided survey information; Stage 2 (S2): medical records review; and Stage 3 (S3): screening examination and within Owner, Dog, or Other factor categories.Results:Of 56 nominated dogs, 39 were excluded at S1 (n= 19), S2 (n= 5), and S3 (n= 15), respectively. Dogs were excluded for Owner (n= 4), Dog (n= 27), Other (n= 6), and concurrent (Owner + Dog;n= 2) factors. The most common exclusion period was S1 (n= 19), with weight outside the target range being the most common exclusion factor in that stage (n= 10). Heart murmurs were the second most common exclusion factor (S1:n= 1; S3:n= 5); suspected or confirmed systemic illness was third most common (S1:n= 2; S2:n= 3; S3:n= 2). Among dogs who passed S1 and S2 screening (n= 32), 15 dogs (48%) were excluded at S3, for heart murmur &gt; grade II/VI (n= 5), cardiac arrhythmias (n= 2), and clinicopathologic abnormalities (n= 2).Conclusions and Clinical Relevance:Dogs nominated for a clinical trial for healthy mature adult and senior dogs were excluded for size, previous diagnoses, and newly discovered cardiac abnormalities. For future interventions in mature adult and senior dogs of normal health status, it is important to define expected age-related abnormalities to ensure that meaningful exclusion criteria are used.
A Comparative Study of Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities of Plant Essential Oils and Extracts as Candidate Ingredients for Edible Coatings to Control Decay in ‘Wonderful’ Pomegranate
Authors: Kawhena Tatenda Gift , Opara Umezuruike Linus , Fawole Olaniyi Amos 
Published: June 2021

This study determined the antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of lemongrass (LO), thyme (TO), and oregano (OO) essential oils and ethanolic extracts of pomegranate peel (PPE) and grape pomace (GPE) as candidate ingredients for edible coatings. Antifungal effects against Botrytis cinerea and Penicillium spp. were tested using paper disc and well diffusion methods. Radical scavenging activity (RSA) was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2′-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid assays. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis identified limonene (16.59%), α-citral (27.45%), β-citral (27.43%), thymol (33.31%), paracymene (43.26%), 1,8-cineole (17.53%), and trans-caryphellene (60.84%) as major compounds of the essential oils. From both paper disc and well diffusion methods, LO recorded the widest zone of inhibition against tested microbes (B. cinerea and Penicillium spp.). The minimum inhibitory concentrations of LO against B. cinerea and Penicillium spp., were 15 µL/mL and 30 µL/mL, respectively. The highest (69.95%) and lowest (1.64%) RSA at 1 mg/mL were recorded for PPE and OO. Application of sodium alginate and chitosan-based coatings formulated with LO (15 or 30 µL/mL) completely inhibited spore germination and reduced the decay severity of ‘Wonderful’ pomegranate. Lemongrass oil proved to be a potential antifungal agent for edible coatings developed to extend shelf life of ‘Wonderful’ pomegranate.
Molecular Characterization of German Acinetobacter baumannii Isolates and Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST) Analysis Based on WGS Reveals Novel STs
Authors: Wareth Gamal , Linde Jörg , Hammer Philipp , Splettstoesser Wolf D. , Pletz Mathias W. , Neubauer Heinrich , Sprague Lisa D. 
Published: June 2021

Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) is a major cause of severe nosocomial infections worldwide. The emergence of infections associated with A. baumannii poses a significant health risk in Germany. A. baumannii is part of the ACB complex and is difficult to distinguish from other species phenotypically, necessitating its reliable identification. The current study analyzed 89 A. baumannii strains from human and non-human origins by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI–TOF) and PCR detection of intrinsic blaOXA-51-like carbapenemase, blaOXA-23-like, blaOXA-24-like, blaOXA-58-like, and ISAba 1 genes. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was applied for species confirmation and strain type determination. Combining the molecular detection of the intrinsic blaOXA-51-like carbapenemase gene together with MALDI–TOF with a score value of >2.300 proved to be a suitable tool for A. baumannii identification. WGS data for all of the sequenced strains confirmed the identity of all A. baumannii strains. The Pasteur scheme successfully assigned 79.7% of the strains into distinct STs, while the Oxford scheme succeeded in allocating only 42.7% of isolates. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) analysis based on the Pasteur scheme identified 16 STs. ST/241 was the most prevalent in samples from non-human origin, whereas ST/2 was predominant in human samples. Furthermore, eight isolates of non-human origin were allocated to seven new STs (ST/1410, ST/1414, ST/1416, ST/1417, ST/1418, ST/1419, and ST/1421). Ten isolates from non-human origin could not be typed since new alleles were observed in the loci Pas_cpn60, Pas_rpoB, and Pas_gltA. MLST analysis based on the Pasteur scheme was more appropriate than the Oxford scheme for the current group of A. baumannii.
THE METHOD PROVING INEQUALITY BY USING TANGENTIAL CURVE
Authors: Tuấn Lê Anh 
Published: June 2021

Bất đẳng thức và các vấn đề liên quan là một vấn đề đang ngày càng phát triển và thu hút được sự quan tâm của nhiều người nghiên cứu toán sơ cấp trong và ngoài nước. Các vấn đề về bất đẳng thức chiếm một vị trí khá quan trọng đối với toán sơ cấp và được sử dụng tương đối nhiều trong đề thi các kỳ thi học sinh giỏi quốc gia và quốc tế. Chúng ta biết có rất nhiều kỹ thuật, phương pháp chứng minh bất đẳng thức. Với mục tiêu phát triển các phương pháp và kỹ thuật chứng minh bất đẳng thức, trong bài báo này, bằng việc sử dụng bất đẳng thức Jensen mở rộng, chúng tôi phát triển phương pháp tiếp tuyến thành phương pháp đường cong tiếp xúc để chứng minh một số bài toán bất đẳng thức với điều kiện không tuyến tính.
CHẾ TẠO THAN HOẠT TÍNH TỪ VỎ CÂY CHÙM NGÂY VÀ ỨNG DỤNG HẤP PHỤ Cu(II) TRONG MÔI TRƯỜNG NƯỚC
Authors: Tú Anh Dương Thị , Cường Đoàn Mạnh 
Published: June 2021

Than hoạt tính (M1) được chế tạo từ vỏ cây chùm ngây bằng cách biến tính bởi H3PO4 và Na2CO3, được sử dụng để loại bỏ ion Cu(II) khỏi dung dịch nước. Một số đặc điểm hóa lý của M1 đã được nghiên cứu bằng kỹ thuật kính hiển vi điện tử quét (SEM) và quang phổ tán xạ năng lượng (EDS). Ảnh hưởng của pH (2,0 - 6,0), thời gian hấp phụ (30 - 180 phút) và lượng chất hấp phụ (0,025 - 0,20 gam) đến hiệu quả hấp phụ Cu(II) của M1 cũng được nghiên cứu. Kết quả cho thấy, thời gian đạt cân bằng hấp phụ, giá trị pH và lượng chất hấp phụ tối ưu cho quá trình hấp phụ Cu(II) lần lượt là 120 phút, pH bằng 5 và 0,10 gam. Dung lượng hấp phụ cực đại của M1 là 95,24 mg/g, có nghĩa là M1 có thể hoạt động như một chất hấp phụ để loại bỏ khá dễ dàng Cu (II) khỏi dung dịch nước.
Vigilancia epidemiológica en tiempos de pandemia del COVID-19
Authors: Merino-Conforme Monserrate Cristina , Espinoza-Lucas Milton René , Acuña-Acebo Mercedes-del-Rosario , Carvajal-Barahona Víctor Fernando 
Published: June 2021

Objetivo: caracterización de la vigilancia epidemiológica en tiempos de pandemia del covid-19. Metodología: De tipo documental y bajo un paradigma hermenéutico, el corpus de la investigación lo constituyeron 27 documentos científicos, trabajos e información de revistas nacionales e internacionales de las bases de datos OMS, OPS y del Centro Nacional de Información de Ciencias Médicas y artículos de Pubmed/Medline, SciELO, Scopus. Conclusión: se exigen sistemas de vigilancia epidemiológica en términos de eficacia que incluyan mejoras de las capacidades de detección de casos y de análisis de información relacionados con la pandemia del COVID-19 que apoyen acciones de respuesta a la planificación de la salud pública, que garantice minimizar los daños para la salud y la economía global.
Strength of the Termination Shock Inferred from the Globally Distributed Energetic Neutral Atom Flux from IBEX
Authors: Shrestha Bishwas L. , Zirnstein Eric J. , Heerikhuisen Jacob , Zank Gary P. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
In this study, we estimate the heliospheric termination shock (HTS) compression ratio at multiple directions in the sky from a quantitative comparison of the observed and simulated inner heliosheath (IHS) energetic neutral atom (ENA) fluxes. We use a 3D steady-state simulation of the heliosphere to simulate the ENA fluxes by postprocessing the MHD plasma using a multi-Maxwellian distribution for protons in the IHS. The simulated ENA fluxes are compared with time exposure–averaged IBEX-Hi data for the first 3 yr of the mission. The quantitative comparison is performed by calculating the fractional difference in the spectral slope between the observed and simulated ENA fluxes for a range of compression ratios, where the simulated ENA spectrum is varied as a function of downstream pickup ion temperature as a function of compression ratio. The estimated compression ratio in a particular direction is determined by the minimum value of the fractional difference in spectral slope. Our study shows that the compression ratio estimated by this method is in close agreement with the large-scale compression ratio observed by Voyager 2 in its travel direction. Also, the compression ratio in other directions near the ecliptic plane is similar to the compression ratio at the Voyager 2 direction. The weakest shock compression is found to be on the port side of the heliosphere at direction (27°, 15°). This is the first study to estimate the HTS compression ratio at multiple directions in the sky from IBEX data.
Kepler K2 Measurement of the Rotational Period of the Intermediate Polar 1RXS J180431.1-273932
Authors: Sanne Sierra , O’Brien Bradley , Littlefield Colin , Garnavich Peter , Szkody Paula 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
1RXS J180431.1-273932 is an intermediate polar: a cataclysmic variable star with a rapidly rotating, magnetized white dwarf. We analyze the system’s Kepler K2 short-cadence light curve and identify a strong, highly coherent pulse with a period of 0.0057171 ± 0.0000002 days, which matches the proposed white dwarf rotational period identified in previous X-ray studies. We establish an ephemeris for the optical spin pulse.
Reconstruire l’ordre institutionnel international
Authors: Besson Samantha 
Published: June 2021

Les États n’agissent plus seuls sur la scène internationale. Interviennent désormais à leurs côtés, voire parfois à leur place, d’autres institutions comme les organisations internationales, les entreprises multinationales, les organisations non gouvernementales, les régions, ou encore les villes globalisées. Or, on ne dispose d’aucune indication claire, et encore moins d’un « droit international des institutions », permettant de répondre aux trois questions essentielles de l’organisation sociale et politique que sont la représentation, la règlementation et la responsabilité. Quelles institutions peuvent agir pour qui sur le plan international ? À quelles conditions leurs décisions peuvent-elles prétendre lier juridiquement, et avoir la légitimité de le faire ? Et, quelles institutions doivent répondre envers qui, et comment, de la violation du droit international ? Le temps est venu de reconstruire l’ordre institutionnel international.
Surface Proteins of SARS-CoV-2 Drive Airway Epithelial Cells to Induce IFN-Dependent Inflammation
Authors: Anand Gautam , Perry Alexandra M. , Cummings Celeste L. , St. Raymond Emma , Clemens Regina A. , Steed Ashley L. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, the virus that has caused the COVID-19 pandemic, robustly activates the host immune system in critically ill patients. Understanding how the virus engages the immune system will facilitate the development of needed therapeutic strategies. In this study, we demonstrate both in vitro and in vivo that the SARS-CoV-2 surface proteins spike (S) and envelope (E) activate the key immune signaling IFN pathway in both human and mouse immune and epithelial cells independent of viral infection and replication. These proteins induce reactive oxidative species generation and increases in human- and murine-specific, IFN-responsive cytokines and chemokines, similar to their upregulation in critically ill COVID-19 patients. Induction of IFN signaling is dependent on canonical but discrepant inflammatory signaling mediators, as the activation induced by S is dependent on IRF3, TBK1, and MyD88, whereas that of E is largely MyD88 independent. Furthermore, these viral surface proteins, specifically E, induced peribronchial inflammation and pulmonary vasculitis in a mouse model. Finally, we show that the organized inflammatory infiltrates are dependent on type I IFN signaling, specifically in lung epithelial cells. These findings underscore the role of SARS-CoV-2 surface proteins, particularly the understudied E protein, in driving cell specific inflammation and their potential for therapeutic intervention.
Pythium keratitis: Clinical profile, laboratory diagnosis, treatment, and histopathology features post-treatment at a tertiary eye care center in Eastern India
Authors: Vishwakarma Pratima , Mohanty Amrita , Kaur Amanjot , Das Sujata , Priyadarshini Smruti Rekha , Mitra Sanchita , Mittal Ruchi , Sahu Srikant K 
Published: June 2021

Purpose:
The aim of this work was to study demography, clinical profile, laboratory diagnosis, and management of Pythium keratitis at a tertiary eye care center in Eastern India.

Methods:
Eighteen patients with culture-positive Pythium keratitis managed at our center between January 2016 and December 2018 were included in this retrospective study. Clinical features, laboratory investigations, treatment, and outcomes were analysed.

Results:

Pythium keratitis commonly affects middle-aged males with low socioeconomic profile and history of trauma. Samples stained with Gomori methenamine silver showed 93.8% positivity and Iodine-potassium iodide-sulfuric acid showed 100% positivity. Periodic acid-Schiff’s showed negative staining in 62.5% and weak in 37.5%. Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method showed zone of inhibition as 30.25 ± 4.61 mm for Linezolid and 23.56 ± 6.86 mm for Azithromycin. Medical management included topical/oral linezolid and azithromycin. Therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty (TPK) was done in 15 eyes (83.3%), repeat TPK in 4 eyes, and evisceration in 3 eyes (16.7%). One patient required only medical treatment. Globe salvation was obtained in 15 (83.3%) eyes, and good visual outcome in 7 eyes (38. 9%). There was graft failure in six eyes (40%) and two (11.1%) eyes went into phthisis. Patients were divided into early and late presenters. Late presenters had more complications and worse final visual outcome.

Conclusion:

Pythium keratitis can be differentiated from fungal keratitis by its characteristic appearance on slit-lamp examination, smear, culture, and histopathology. Early presentation, detection, and treatment with antibacterial drugs like linezolid and azithromycin results in a better prognosis. Early full-thickness corneal transplant should be considered for Pythium keratitis not responding to treatment.
A population-based study on the prevalence and causes of childhood blindness and visual impairment in North India
Authors: Wadhwani Meenakshi , Vashist Praveen , Senjam Suraj Singh , Gupta Vivek , Saxena Rohit , Tandon Radhika 
Published: June 2021

Purpose:
This was a population-based study to determine the prevalence and causes of visual impairment in children less than 16 years in Urban North India.

Methods:
This cross-sectional study was conducted in 40 clusters of urban Delhi. 20,955 children aged less than 16 years underwent visual acuity screening using age-appropriate visual acuity charts. Unaided visual acuity of enumerated children aged over 2 years was assessed by using Lea symbols chart in 3-5 years age group and logMAR tumbling E charts for the 6-15 years age group. For children aged 0-2 years, fixation and following to torch light was assessed. All the children with unaided visual acuity of <6/12 in any eye in age group 3–15 years and inability to follow the light in age <3 years were referred for detailed ophthalmic examination.

Results:
Amongst 20,955 children examined for visual acuity a total of 789 children were referred to the central clinic for detailed ophthalmic examination. Of these referred children, a total of 124 had presenting visual acuity <6/18 in the better eye. The prevalence of visual impairment (VI) was 5.92 per thousand (95% CI: 4.96-7.05). The prevalence of moderate to severe visual impairment was maximum in the age group of 11 to 15 years. The main cause of avoidable VI in these children was a refractive error (75.7%). The prevalence of blindness was 0.42 per thousand.

Conclusion:
Optic nerve abnormalities were the most important cause of blindness in children. Refractive error is the most important cause of visual impairment amongst children and needs to be addressed.