bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Alcohol Abstinence on the Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients With Alcohol-Related Liver Cirrhosis
Authors: Rodríguez Manuel , González-Diéguez María Luisa , Varela María , Cadahía Valle , Andrés-Vizán Sara María , Mesa Alicia , Castaño Andrés , Alvarez-Navascués Carmen 
Published: September 2021

INTRODUCTION:
Although alcohol cessation is the only effective treatment for alcohol-related liver disease, few data exist concerning its influence on the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We aimed to evaluate the effect of alcohol abstinence on the incidence of HCC in patients with alcohol-related cirrhosis.

METHODS:
We studied 727 patients with alcohol-related cirrhosis (247 with compensated disease and 480 with previous decompensation) who were included in a surveillance program for the early detection of HCC and prospectively followed. Baseline clinical and biological parameters and alcohol consumption during follow-up were recorded. Abstinence was defined as the absence of any alcohol use.

RESULTS:
During follow-up (median 54 months), 354 patients (48.7%) remained abstinent and 104 developed HCC (2.3 per 100 person-years). Factors independently associated with the risk of HCC among patients with previous decompensation were age, male gender, and aspartate aminotransferase, whereas abstinence was not linked to a reduced risk (hazard ratio 0.95; 95% confidence interval 0.59–1.52). However, among patients without previous decompensation, prothrombin activity and abstinence were independently associated with the risk of HCC. Abstinent patients had a significant decrease in the risk of developing tumor (hazard ratio 0.35; 95% confidence interval 0.13–0.94). These results did not change after applying a competing risk analysis where death and liver transplantation were considered as competing events.

DISCUSSION:
Alcohol abstinence reduced the risk of HCC in patients with alcohol-related cirrhosis, but only in those without a history of decompensated disease. This finding emphasizes the need for an early diagnosis of alcohol-related liver disease and for implementing strategies leading to an increase in the rate of achieving and maintaining abstinence among this population.
Semi-leptonic decays of a particle to three bodies
Authors: Rozo-Clavijo Mauricio , Cortés-Hernández Carlos Germán , Olarte-Torres Javier Alberto 
Published: September 2021

Is presented the dynamics and kinematics of the semi-leptonic decays with interaction V-A calculating the decay width and the fraction of decay for each process using spectator model. The results are compared with the experimental data of the table particle data group, which show that the model prediction for this type of decay can be considered as a first approximation. This type of analysis is particularly important because it allows one hand, introduce to the beginner students to the study of particle physics and on the other gives the possibility to use strategies to address topics modern in physics courses at university level.
In situ polymerization of PEDOT:PSS films based on EMI-TFSI and the analysis of electrochromic performance
Authors: Jiang Haiyun , Wu Wei , Chang Zigong , Zeng Hailan , Liang Ronglian , Zhang Weiran , Zhang Weili , Wu Guohua , Li Ziyu , Wang Haifei 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
In this report, PEDOT composite films were prepared by in situ electrochemical polymerization. 1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazole bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (EMI-TFSI) was used as an ionic liquid dopant for PEDOT:PSS films. Subsequently, these PEDOT:PSS/EMI-TFSI films were compared with PEDOT:PSS films based on their morphology, structure, electrochromic properties, and optical properties at different deposition voltages and deposition times. It was observed that the addition of EMI-TFSI enhanced all the aforementioned properties of the films. PEDOT:PSS/EMI-TFSI films were seen to have a larger ion diffusion coefficient (1.38 × 10−20 cm2·s−1), a wider color change range (43.48%), a shorter response time (coloring response time = 1.2 s; fade response time = 2 s), and a higher coloring efficiency (189.86 cm2·C−1) when compared with normal PEDOT:PSS films. The introduction of EMI-TFSI in the films ultimately resulted in superior electrochemical and optical properties along with higher stability.
Physical stability and rheological behavior of Pickering emulsions stabilized by protein–polysaccharide hybrid nanoconjugates
Authors: Wong See Kiat , Low Liang Ee , Supramaniam Janarthanan , Manickam Sivakumar , Wong Tin Wui , Pang Cheng Heng , Tang Siah Ying 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
This study investigated the emulsifying properties of a protein–polysaccharide hybrid nanoconjugate system comprising cellulose nanocrystals (CNC, 1% w/v) and soy protein isolate at various concentrations (SPI, 1–3% w/v). The average particle size of the nanoconjugate increased, and the zeta potential decreased when 3% (w/v) of SPI was used. The contact angle and thermal stability of CNC improved with the conjugation of SPI. Upon Pickering emulsification, 0.5% (w/v) of CNC–SPI nanoconjugate as particle stabilizer was sufficient to obtain stable emulsions. The CNC–SPI1 formulation (CNC to SPI, 1:1) provided the emulsion with the smallest droplet size and higher emulsifying activity. Intriguingly, ultrasound (US) pre-treatment on nanoconjugates before emulsification significantly reduced the size of the emulsion. The rheological assessment demonstrated that the CNC–SPI-stabilized emulsions exhibit shear thinning behavior at a lower shear rate and shear thickening behavior at a higher shear rate, indicating the interruption of existing attractive interactions between the CNC particles. All emulsions exhibited higher elastic modulus (G′) than viscous modulus (G″), suggesting high viscoelastic properties of the emulsions. This study demonstrates that CNC–SPI nanoconjugate with optimum protein to polysaccharide ratio has great potential as a natural particle stabilizer in food and nutraceutical emulsion applications.
Relation Between Scouting Combine and Game Performance Among Defensive National Players in the Canadian Football League
Authors: Pincivero Danny M. , Vandeweerd Joshua 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Pincivero, DM and Vandeweerd, J. Relation between scouting combine and game performance among defensive national players in the Canadian Football League. J Strength Cond Res 35(12S): S5–S10, 2021—The objective of this study was to examine the relation between fitness testing and draft order on professional performance of defensive national players in the Canadian Football League. A retrospective analysis (2006–2019) was completed for all subjects at the National Scouting Combine (NSC) and included height, body mass, 40 yard (38 m) dash, bench press, vertical jump, broad jump, and the shuttle run. A compiled variable for all NSC results was derived by calculating averaged Z-scores (Zavg). Multiple regression analyses revealed that the draft order was significantly predicted by the 40 yard dash and Zavg for the defensive linemen, Zavg for the linebackers, and the broad jump for the defensive backs. The broad jump and the 40 yard dash were significant predictors of total and special teams tackles per game for the defensive linemen. The draft order significantly predicted games played and defensive tackles per game, whereas the broad jump predicted total tackles per game for the linebackers. None of the NSC results or draft order significantly predicted defensive back league performance. The findings suggest that NSC testing can provide low-to-moderate levels of predictability for future performance in national-categorized defensive linemen and linebackers.
Estrategias pedagógicas para la inclusión de estudiantes con trastorno por déficit de atención e hiperactividad
Authors: Sánchez-Dumez Laura Lucila 
Published: September 2021

El transtorno de atención e hiperactividad TDAH, es un trastorno por déficit de atención, en donde se establece como el diagnósticoinfantil más concurrente el cual es uno de los problemas que más afectaestudiantes en el ámbito escolar, y al interior de la familia repercutiendo en su ambiente social. Por tal razón este trabajo tiene como objetivo generalproponer estrategiasy orientaciones pedagogicas de manera tal que se generen actividades de inclusión hacia este tipo de estudiantes afectados por el TDAH.La metodología utilizada en esta investigación estuvo centratada mediante el uso de la entrevista semiestructurada y el trabajo focal, apoyado de la observación directa. Los resultados de esta investigación estuvieron relacionados con el nivel de conocimiento de los docentes, en cuanto al tema de TDAH y las actuales orientaciones y estrategias que los docentes del colegio provincial San José de Pamplona utilizan para poder responder a este tipo de estudiantes que puedan presentar estos trastornos, asi como sus actitudes frente a ellos.Por tal razón esta investigación tuvo como propósito determinar las orientaciones y estrategias pedagógicas para la inclusión de alumnos con TDAH del colegio Provincial San José de Pamplona y así mismo identificar mediante un análisis cualitativo si existen indicios de estudiantes que presenten estos comportamientos para orientar al colegio y padres de familia de algún caso de TDAH ya que según la institución dice tener estudiantes con inatención he hiperactividad,se distraen con facilidad y en algunos casos con problemas escolares de indiciplina y bajo rendimiento academico, dificultándoseles la retención de información y dificultad en actividades que demandan un trabajo mental constante.
A review on ethnopharmacological utility, traditional knowledge and phytochemistry of Aristolochia species in Assam, India
Authors: BORAH Punam J. , BORAH Dipankar , DAS Udipta , DAS Tridip J. , SARMA Ruma 
Published: September 2021

Aristolochia L. (Aristolochiaceae) is widely used throughout South-East Asia for the treatment of several diseases. Different species of this genus are known by similar local names in Assam. This review aims to provide up-to-date information on Aristolochia species distributed in Assam, including its traditional uses, phytochemical and pharmacological properties, in exploring future therapeutic and scientific potentials. The information on ethnobotany, phytochemistry and pharmacological aspects were collected by performing literature searches. Assam hosts a total of six species of Aristolochia. The taxonomy and distribution are presented. Traditionally the tubers are used by the local people to treat stomach pain, malaria, dysentery, high blood pressure, body pain, urinary tract infections, headache, impotency etc. It has considerable pharmacological properties including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-fertility, anti-venom, anti-diarrhoeal, anti-pruritic, anti-feedant and toxicological activities. Approximately a total of 200 compounds have been isolated from these species. So far, pharmacological investigations are only done on three Aristolochia species, whereas the other three are simultaneously used for the same purposes. Most of the medicinal properties attributed to these Aristolochia, have not yet been investigated and proven under a scientific study. This highlights the importance of Aristolochia as a valuable candidate for future studies.
Pandemia y desintegración regional: la COVID-19 y el retroceso de la comunidad de seguridad sudamericana
Authors: Frenkel Alejandro , Dasso Martorell Agostina 
Published: September 2021

El artículo analiza el desarrollo de una comunidad de seguridad en América del Sur y el impacto que tuvo sobre ella la pandemia provocada por el coronavirus. A partir de un enfoque constructivista, en la primera parte del trabajo se explica cómo la crisis del regionalismo, la dificultad para definir amenazas comunes y la erosión de la identidad colectiva atentaron contra la maduración de la comunidad de seguridad sudamericana. Sobre este escenario, se argumenta que la crisis sanitaria originada por la COVID-19 dio lugar a un movimiento de resecuritización que profundizó el retroceso de la comunidad y se manifestó en tres indicadores: 1) la proliferación de discursos que identifican a los vecinos como una amenaza a la seguridad y la salud; 2) la fortificación de las fronteras; 3) el incremento de la militarización de la seguridad ciudadana y otras esferas de la arena pública. Como conclusión, se sostiene que ese tipo de prácticas y discursos da lugar a un tipo de comunidad política parecida a una sociedad anárquica, en la que los Estados se identifican más como rivales que como amigos.
Abstract
The article analyzes the development of a security community in South America and the impact that the coronavirus pandemic had on it. By using a constructivist methodology, the paper analyzes how the crisis of regionalism, the difficulty in defining common threats and the erosion of a collective identity hampered the maturation of the community. In this context, it is argued that the health crisis caused by COVID-19 gave rise to a securitization process that deepened the process of dismantling that community and was reflected in three indicators: 1) the proliferation of discourses that identify neighbors as a threat to safety and health; 2) a fortification of the borders; 3) an increase in the militarization of citizen security and other spheres of the public arena. It is concluded that this type of practice and discourse gives rise to a type of political community similar to an anarchic society, where states identify themselves as rivals rather than friends.
Estimating lightning NOx production over South Africa
Authors: Maseko Bathobile , Feig Gregor , Burger Roelof 
Published: September 2021

Nitrogen oxides (NOx = NO + NO2) are toxic air pollutants and play a significant role in tropospheric chemistry. Global NOx hotspots are the industrialised regions of the USA, Europe, Middle East, East Asia and eastern parts of South Africa. Lightning is one of the many natural and anthropogenic sources of NOx to the troposphere. It plays a role in the formation of particulate matter and tropospheric ozone, which are both linked to harmful health and climate effects. The discourse on NOx over the southern African continent has mainly focused on anthropogenic sources. However, lightning is known to be a main source of tropospheric NOx globally. It is therefore important to understand its contribution to the national and global NOx budget. Data from the South African Lightning Detection Network were used to approximate the influence of lightning on the NOx load over the country, and to develop a gridded data set of lightning-produced NOx (LNOx) emissions for the period 2008 2015. The Network monitors cloud-toground lightning strikes; and theoretically has a detection efficiency of 90% and a location accuracy of 0.5 km. An emission factor of 11.5 kg NO2/flash was employed to calculate the LNOx budget of ~270 kt NO2/year. The calculated LNOx was 14% of the total NOx emission estimates published in the EDGAR v4.2 data set for the year 2008. The LNOx emission inventory will improve model performance and prediction, and enhance the understanding of the contribution of lightning to ambient NO2.
Significance:

The results show that both lightning and industrial NOx sources are essential in evaluating NOx and tropospheric O3 chemistry over South Africa. As a result they should both be considered in air quality modelling, to assist in air quality management planning.
LNOx emissions are projected to increase with climate change, which may lead to an increase in tropospheric O3. Thus it is important to have an LNOx inventory, to be used as input into air quality modelling, as it will improve model performance and forecasting, and the understanding of the sensitivity of ambient pollution to changes in lightning emission.
It will further inform chemical transport modelling so that the contribution of both natural and anthropogenic sources can be better understood.
A Different Look at Premarital Hemoglobinopathy Screening in Primary Care
Authors: ÇELİK GÜZEL Eda , ÇELİKKOL Aliye , MEKİK Haluk 
Published: September 2021

Objective: Despite the high prevalence of hemoglobinopathies (HBP), the most common single-gene disorders in Turkey, data in some regions are lacking.
We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the hemoglobinopathy premarital screening program (PMS) and to investigate the contribution of efficient use of complete blood count (CBC) parameters on cost-effectivity.
Method: Hemoglobinopathy diagnosed 49171 subjects in 4 years and CBC of subjects with hemoglobinopathy in a year were evaluated retrospectively.
Result: The total incidence rate of HBP was 3.41%, β-thalassemia trait (β-TT) was 1.98%, Hemoglobinopathy incidence in the PMS group was 2.43%, β-TT was 1.08%. Moreover, HbF, HbD, HbC, HbS, HbE and HbJ were detected with the incidences of 0.49%, 0.14%, 0.05%, 0.04%, 0.007% and 0.009%, respectively. RDW/MCH ratio compared to other indices was the most successful for both sexes in diagnostic efficiency of HBP (AUC: male:0.922 - female:0.961) and β-TT (AUC: male;0.928 - female:0.961).
Conclusion: PMS was found to be an effective application program in hemoglobinopathy screening. RDW/MCH ratio was the most useful and easy parameter in detecting HBP and β-TT in PMS and in terms of reducing unnecessary test requests and cost-effectiveness in public health screenings.
Influence of COVID-19 Pandemic on Health-care Workers’ Hand Hygiene Practice at a Private Academic Hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa: A Quantitative and Qualitative Longitudinal Study
Authors: Watkins Estella L. , Sibiya Zama , Bizos Damon , Lowman Warren 
Published: September 2021

ABSTRACT

Background: Hand hygiene (HH) is a cornerstone infection prevention measure and is crucial in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Improving and monitoring of HH compliance in a hospital setting is a complex challenge given the behavioural component associated with it. We aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on HH compliance using both quantifiable hand product usage and observational data.

Methods: Using the hospital's HH usage monitoring system, the quantity of different HH products per nursing unit, expressed as millilitres (mL) per patient bed day (PBD), was analysed longitudinally during the course of the pandemic. Observational HH compliance data was drawn from the hospital audit system for comparison.

Results: Across all units, there was a significant increase in HH product usage coinciding with the onset of the pandemic (53 mL/PBD to 111 mL/PBD, in non-critical care units (non-CCU's); 127 mL/PBD to 217 mL/PBD, in CCU's). This increase was largely attributable to an increase in alcohol-based hand rub usage. Discordance with observed compliance rates was noted.

Conclusion: An unprecedented increase in HH product usage in a hospital setting was seen to coincide with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. No specific HH campaign was introduced, and the improved usage compliance appears to be driven primarily by health-care workers’ own behavioural change.
Current Status of Anticoagulation for Hospitalized Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Authors: Mhlana Nontembiso , Parker Arifa 
Published: September 2021

ABSTRACT
Coagulopathy has been identified as one of the consequences of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection in hospitalized coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients and is associated with poor outcomes, including the need for intensive care admission and mortality. While the pathophysiology of coagulopathy is not well understood, the natural coagulation–anticoagulation balance is disrupted, favouring clotting tendencies. This complication appears to be more prominent in patients with comorbidities, severely ill patients, mechanically ventilated patients, patients undergoing therapeutic medical procedures and most recently in patients who received COVID-19 vaccines. Therefore, prophylactic and therapeutic anticoagulation has been used as part of COVID-19 treatment protocols. While the need and benefit of anticoagulation in COVID-19 has been established, the data on which agents to use and the optimal dosing strategy remains unclear. We review the current understanding of the pathophysiology of immunothrombosis and the latest approaches to anticoagulation in hospitalized COVID-19 patients with respect to indications, dosing strategies, bleeding risks and post hospital discharge management.
Vitamin D: Magic Bullet or Much to Do About Nothing
Authors: Bayat Zaheer , Daya Reyna 
Published: September 2021

ABSTRACT
Vitamin D is a generic term that encompasses a group of fat-soluble compounds. Very few foods naturally contain vitamin D. Assessing serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25(OH)D) is the only way to make the diagnosis of vitamin D deficiency, whose prevalence varies based on how deficiency is defined. Given the current evidence, the benefits of large screening programs to detect vitamin D deficiency are not recommended. The clinical manifestations of vitamin D deficiency depend upon the severity and duration of the deficiency and appears restricted to the muscular-skeletal system. Two treatment modalities currently exist for vitamin D deficiency: sunlight and vitamin D supplementation. With regards to SARS-CoV-2 infection there is no clear evidence that supplementation reduces the risk, severity of infection, length of hospital stay or mortality. Due to the lack of good quality RCTs, routine supplementation of vitamin D for extra-skeletal benefits is NOT recommended.
The Ethical Aspects of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring: Who Should Be Performing It?
Authors: Nel J.D. , Labuschagne Jason J. , Wareham C. , Lee C. , Chirwa P. 
Published: September 2021

ABSTRACT
South African legal and ethical guidelines direct health-care professionals to perform their duties in a manner that is acceptable within society. In South Africa, there is no minimum defined training or accreditation required to perform intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) nor is registration with the Health Professionals Council of South Africa (HPCSA) a prerequisite. It is therefore important to explore the ethical and legal aspects of this practice, particularly, since patients undergoing IONM are often vulnerable and need extra protection. We argue that the development of national guidelines sanctioned by a society or association with oversight from the HPCSA should be developed. In addition, independent providers of IONM should be governed as “health-care professionals” accountable to the HPCSA. This would ensure that the practice of IONM is better aligned with the ethical principles accepted by society.
Management information system and firms’ performance in a developing economy: Evidence from the manufacturing sector in Nigeria
Authors: Eze Benneth Uchenna , Agboola Oluyemisi , Aremu Olawale Muideen 
Published: September 2021

The employment of information system for conceptualisation of information analysis and control as well as decision-making, which depicts management information system (MIS), has aroused the interest of researchers and practitioners. This study examined the effect of MIS on manufacturing firms’ performance in Nigeria, by using two elements of MIS, namely the decision support system (DSS) and the executive information system (EIS). The study employed a survey research design, by administering questionnaires to some selected employees of manufacturing firms at Agbara Industrial Estate, Ogun State, Nigeria. The findings revealed that the two elements of MIS employed for this study (DSS and EIS) have an individual significant positive effect on manufacturing firms’ performance. It concluded that MIS elements (DSS and EIS) are important determinants of manufacturing firms’ performance. It is, therefore, recommended that manufacturing firms should employ MIS elements, particularly DSS and EIS, for the enhancement of their performance.

Keywords: Decision support system, executive information system, management information system, manufacturing firms, performance.