bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sodalis Glossinidius and Wolbachia Infections in Wild Population of Glossina Morsitans Submorsitans Caught in the Area of Lake Iro in the South of Chad
Authors: Signaboubo Djoukzoumka , Payne Vincent Khan , Moussa Ibrahim Mahamat Alhaj , Mahamat Mahamat Hassane , Kanté Sartrien Tagueu , Mfopit Youssouf Mouliom , Berger Petra , Kelm Soerge , Simo Gustave 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: To improve vector control of tsetse transmitted trypanosomiases through a better understanging of the vectorial competence of tsetse flies, investigations have been undertaken on the bacterial fauna of different tsetse species. It is in this light that Wolbachia and Sodalis glossinidius were detected in wild populations of Glossina morsistans submorsistans caught in the area of lake Iro in the south of Chad with the aim of generating data that may help to understand the influence of these symbiotic microorganisms on the vectorial competence of G. m. submorsistans. Methods: Tsetse flies were captured using biconical traps. DNA was extracted from tsetse body using the resin chelex. Sodalis glossinidius and Wolbachia were investigated by PCR using specific primers for pSG 2 and wsp genes. Comparisons between S. glossinidius and Wolbachia infections were performed according to sex and sampling periods and association studies between trypanosome infections and S. glossinidius or Wolbachia were performed. Results: From 345 G. m. submorsitans analyzed, 9.0% and 14.5% were respectively infected with S. glossinidius and Wolbachia. Only 2.31% of all tsetse flies hosted the 2 bacteria. Of all trypanosome-infected flies, 7.1% and 9.8% hosted respectively S. glossinidius and Wolbachia. No association was observed between Wolbachia and trypanosomes while significant association (r = 4.992; P = 0.025) was found between S. glossinidius and trypanosome infections. Although significant association (r = 3.147; P = 0.043) was observed between S. glossinidius and T. simiae, none was found with T. congolense or T. godfreyi. Conclusion: This study revealed S. glossinidius and Wolbachia in wild population of G. m. submorsitans of lake Iro. It showed that few tsetse flies are co-infected by Wolbachia and S. glossinidius. The presence of S. glossinidius seems to favor trypanosome infections while Wolbachia has probably no effect. Decrypting the tripartite association requires to investigate the relationship between haplotypes or genotypes of Wolbachia and/or S. glossiniduis and trypanosome infections.
Comparison of Slope Mass Ratings Classification Systems: A Review
Authors: QADRI JIBRAN , Alam M Masroor , Sadique Md Rehan 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Engineering rock mass classifications are vital for empirical approach to evaluate and predict engineering behavior of a rock mass. Now well established empirical relations between behavior of the rock mass and the rock mass properties with regard to specific engineering applications have become an important tool for resolving many geo-engineering issues related to mega engineering projects. Engineering classifications of Rock Masses have been applied in tunneling and underground mining with great success for many years. Some rock mass classification systems developed originally for underground, excavations were also modified and adopted for many different applications including slope stability applications. The rocky slopes in general as well as along road and rail tracks are important locales for slope analysis and stabilization. In this study five classification systems are thoroughly studied for rock stability assessment and compared on the basis of reports of various research paper published so far. The methods are Slope Mass Rating and it’s off shoots, such as Continuous Slope Mass Rating, Chinese Slope Mass Rating, Graphical Slope Mass Rating and Landslide Hazard Evaluation Factor. We have tried to work which of these method can best predict slope failure as a normal process of mass wasting and mass movement as well as triggering mechanism such as pore water pressure increase, sudden down pour, earthquakes etc. So as to work out structurally controlled failure mechanism to find suitable ways for safe rock slope cuts for road networks in hilly and mountains terrain.
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Aircraft Noise Levels, Annoyance, and Health Effects in an Urban Area in Oman
Authors: Amoatey Patrick , Al-Harthy Issa , Al-Jabri Khalifa , Al-Mamun Abdullah , Baawain Mahad Said , Al-Mayahi Ahmed 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
This study aimed at investigating aircraft noise exposure levels, their annoyance, and potential health effects among communities living within airport catchment areas during the COVID-19 pandemic. Both field measurements and an online survey approach were used to investigate aircraft noise exposure levels, annoyance, and general health effects among residents living near Muscat International Airport (MCT) in Muscat, Oman amid COVID-19 period. The study found a drastic decline in aircraft noise levels due to the introduction of COVID-19 intervention measures such as lock-downs, social distancing, and closure of airports. In June 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic average daily aircraft noise levels of LAeq (39.9 dB(A)) and Lmax (49.7 dB(A)) was observed compared to the previous year (April-May 2019) of 58.5 and 76.8 dB(A), indicating aircraft noise reductions level of 32% and 35%, respectively. The results of the online social survey among 187 participants showed that most (58.8%) of the respondents did not feel that the level of noise produced by aircraft causes annoyance. During the day, the vast majority of the interviewees did not complain of any annoyance during the morning (45.5%), afternoon (39.6%), and evening (31%) with only < 4% of residents having reported a very high degree of annoyance of during COVID-19 pandemic period. Very few people (17%) did complain of experiencing general health problems while 29% did not know of any potential health effects that could be attributed to aircraft noise exposures. These findings support the need sustainable mitigation of aircraft noise in order to help improve health.
A Fabry-Pérot cavity coupled surface plasmon photodiode for electrical biomolecular sensing
Authors: Allison Giles , Sana Amrita , Ogawa Yuta , Kato Hidemi , Ueno Kosei , Misawa Hiroaki , Hayashi Koki , Suzuki Hironori 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) is a well-established technology for real-time highly sensitive label-free detection and measurement of binding kinetics between biological samples. A common drawback, however, of SPR detection is the necessity for far field angular resolved measurement of specular reflection, which increases the size as well as requiring precise calibration of the optical apparatus. Here we present an alternative optoelectronic approach in which the plasmonic sensor is integrated within a photovoltaic cell. Incident light generates an electronic signal that is sensitive to the refractive index (RI) of a solution via interaction with the plasmon. The photogenerated current is enhanced due to the coupling of the plasmon mode with Fabry-Pérot (FP) modes in the absorbing layer of the photovoltaic cell. The near field electrical detection of SPR we demonstrate will enable a new generation of cheap, compact and high throughput biosensors.
Isotherms and thermodynamics of malachite green on CO2-activated carbon fibers
Authors: Lee Joon Hyuk , Lee Soon Hong , Suh Dong Hack 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Carbonaceous adsorbents have received substantial attention in the past decades because of their porous surface characteristics. However, the majority use of strong acids for the surface modification and the subsequent surface decrease remains challenging. Here, we designed porous carbon fibers with the aid of CO2 during activation for effective malachite green (MG) adsorption. The physiochemical mechanisms have been characterized both experimentally and numerically to decipher the underlying relevance of CO2-activation on the MG adsorption capacity. The obtained samples are dominated by micropores, resulting in a high specific surface up to 1012 m2 g-1 via 60 min of CO2-activation. The adsorption isotherm was fitted to Langmuir with the maximum adsorption capacity of 555.56 mg L-1. Thermodynamics revealed endothermic in nature and the spontaneous adsorption process. By using the primary culprit of global warming, this work advances the design of carbonaceous adsorbents for cationic dye removal. (144/150)
Acceptability of the Coronavirus Disease-2019 Vaccine Among Medical Students in Uganda: a Cross Sectional Study.
Authors: Kanyike Andrew Marvin , Olum Ronald , Kajjimu Jonathan , Ojilong Daniel , Akech Grabriel Madut , Nassozi Dianah Rhoda , Agira Drake , Wamala Nicholas Kisaakye , Asiimwe Asaph , Matovu Dissan , Nakimuli Ann Babra , Lyavala Musilim , Kulwenza Patricia , Kiwumulo Joshua , Bongomin Felix 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background

COVID-19 is still a major global threat and vaccination remains the long-lasting solution. Unanimous uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine is required to subsequently avert its spread. We therefore, assessed COVID-19 vaccine acceptability, hesitancy, and associated factors among medical students in Uganda.
Methods

This study employed an online descriptive cross-sectional survey among medical students across 10 medical schools in Uganda. A structured questionnaire as a Google form was sent to participants via WhatsApp. Data was extracted and analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2016 and STATA 16. Descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariable analyses were performed.
Results

We surveyed 600 medical students, 377 (62.8%) were male. COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and acceptability were 30.7% and 37.3%, respectively. Factors associated with vaccine acceptability were being female (aOR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.3–2.9, p = 0.001), being single (aOR = 2.1, 95% CI 1.1–3.9, p = 0.022). Very high (aOR = 3.5, 95% CI 1.7–6.9, p < 0.001) or moderate (aOR = 2.2, 95% CI 1.2–4.1, p = 0.008) perceived risk of getting COVID-19 in the future, receiving any vaccine in the past 5 years (aOR = 1.6, 95% CI 1.1–2.5, p = 0.017), and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy (aOR 0.6, 95% CI 0.4–0.9, p = 0.036).
Conclusions

This study revealed low levels of acceptance towards the COVID-19 vaccine among medical students, low self-perceived risks of COVID-19, and many had relied on social media that provided them with negative information. This poses an evident risk on the battle towards COVID-19 in the future especially when these future health professions are expected to be influencing decisions of the general public towards the same.
The heterogeneous severity of COVID-19 in African countries: A modeling approach
Authors: Musa Salihu Sabiu , Wang Xueying , Zhao Shi , Li Shudong , Hussaini Nafiu , Wang Weiming , He Daihai 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a considerable impact on global health and economics. The impact in African countries has not been investigated through fitting epidemic models to the reported COVID-19 deaths.Method: We downloaded data for the twelve most affected countries with the highest cumulative COVID-19 deaths to estimate the time-varying basic reproductive number (R0(t)) and infection attack rate (IAR). We developed a simple epidemic model and fitted the model to reported COVID-19 deaths in twelve African countries using iterated filtering and allowing a flexible transmission rate.Results: We observed high heterogeneity in the case-fatality rate across countries, which may be due to different reporting or testing efforts. South Africa, Tunisia, and Libya were affected most strongly, exhibiting a relatively higher(R0(t)) and infection attack rate.Conclusion: To effectively control the spread of COVID-19 epidemics in Africa, there is a need to consider other mitigation strategies (such as improvements in socioeconomic well-being, healthcare systems, the water supply, and awareness campaigns).
Pre-existing comorbidity, the highest risk factor for poor prognosis of COVID-19 among the Mexican population
Authors: Calixto-Calderón Basilio , Vázquez-González María F. , Martínez Peláez Rafael , Bermeo-Escalona Josué R. , García Vicente , Mena Luis J. , Maestre Gladys , Parra-Michel Jorge R. , Ceja Bravo Leobardo A. , López-de-Alba Pedro L. 
Published: April 2021

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic represents a challenge for public health and a high risk for patients with pre-existing comorbidity. As of July 20, 2020, the Case Fatality Rate (CFR) was 11.30% and the Mortality Rate (MR) was 31.28 deaths per 100,000 population. In Mexico, the prevalence of obesity, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension among the adult Mexican population is 30%, 9.2%, and 40%, respectively. The objective of this research was to identify the risk factors associated with eight comorbidities and their dependency on age for death caused by COVID-19.
Method: This study used the dataset published on July 20, 2020, by the General Directorate of Epidemiology of the Ministry of Health of Mexico. From this dataset, we analysed 130,896 positive COVID-19 cases, where 35,483 (27.107%) patients had one comorbidity, and 95,413 (72.892%) patients had not medical comorbidity. Statistical analyses include the Case Fatality Rate (CFR), the estimation of the Odds Ratio (OR), and its 95% Confidence Interval (CI).
Results: The highest CFR was 14.382% for COPD, 10.266% for CKD, 10.126% for diabetes, and 8.954% for hypertension. The obesity CFR was 3.535%. Moreover, we detected a higher risk for patients with COPD, diabetes, and CKD, resulting in OR of 4.443 (95% CI: 3.404-5.799), 3.283 (95% CI: 3.018-3.570), and 3.016 (95% CI: 2.248-4.047), respectively.

Conclusion: This study corroborates that the highest risk for severe disease and death caused by COVID-19 among the Mexican population are pre-existing comorbidities. Findings show that COPD, CKD, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease increase the risk of death for patients older than 54 years. The most vulnerable age group is older than 65 years.
PET/MRI Delivers Multimodal Brain Signature in Alzheimer’s Disease with De Novo PSEN1 Mutation
Authors: Aghakhanyan Gayane , Saur Dorothee , Rullmann Michael , Weise Christopher M. , Schroeter Matthias L. , Marek Ken , Jamra Rami Abou , Tiepolt Solveig , Strauss Maria , Scherlach Cordula , Hoffmann Karl-Titus , Sabri Osama , Classen Joseph , Barthel Henryk 
Published: April 2021

Background:
Little is known so far about the brain phenotype and the spatial interplay
of different Alzheimer’s disease (AD) biomarkers with structural and functional brain connectivity
in the early phase of autosomal-dominant AD (ADAD). Multimodal PET/MRI might be suitable to
fill this gap.

Material and Methods:
We presented a 31-year-old male patient without a family history of dementia
with progressive worsening of memory and motor function. Two separate sessions of 3T
PET/MRI acquisitions were arranged with the ß-amyloid tracer [18F]Florbetaben and the secondgeneration
tau tracer [18F]PI-2620. Simultaneously acquired MRI consisted of high-resolution 3D
T1, diffusion-tensor imaging (DTI), and resting-state fMRI. PET/MRI data were compared with
ten age-matched healthy controls.

Results:
Widespread β-amyloid depositions were found in cortical regions, and striatum (Thal
stage III) along with tau pathology restricted to the mesial-temporal structures (Braak stage III/IV).
Volumetric/shape analysis of subcortical structures revealed atrophy of the hippocampal-amygdala
complex. In addition, cortical thinning was detected in the right middle temporal pole. Alterations
of multiple DTI indices were noted in the major white matter fiber bundles, together with disruption
of default mode and sensory-motor network functional connectivity. Molecular genetic analysis
by next-generation sequencing revealed a heterozygote missense pathogenic variant of the
PSEN1 (Met233Val).

Conclusion:
Multimodal PET/MR imaging is able to deliver, in a one-stop-shop approach, an array
of molecular, structural and functional brain information in AD due to de novo pathogenic
variant, which can be studied for spatial interplay and might provide a rationale for initiating anti-
amyloid/tau therapeutic approaches.
Cerebrovascular Pathology and Responsiveness to Treatment in Alzheimer’s Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Bentham Charlotte , De Marco Matteo , Venneri Annalena 
Published: April 2021

Introduction:Responsiveness to treatment with cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs) is difficult to predict in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In the current review, vascular burden is considered as a potential moderator of treatment responsiveness. Cerebrovascular burden co-occurs in at least 30% of AD brains, although it is debated if vascular pathology plays a causal or synergistic role in AD pathogenesis. Vascular burden, therefore, could potentially limit response to treatment due to limited brain reserve or foster treatment efficacy as those with vascular pathology may represent a subgroup with comparable clinical expression but less progressed AD neurodegeneration.Methods:A systematic search of Web of Science, Pubmed, Scopus and EthoS identified 32 papers which met the criteria for inclusion. Association of treatment response and vascular burden across five broad markers are discussed: cerebral hypoperfusion, intima-media thickness, white matter changes, cerebral microbleeds and co-existing diagnosis of cerebrovascular disease.Results:Analysis of frontal regional cerebral blood flow and intima-media thickness may have predictive ability to distinguish those with AD who may respond optimally to short-term treatment with ChEIs. The impact of white matter changes is less consistent; the majority of studies demonstrates no association with treatment response and those that do implicate changes in executive functioning. There is preliminary evidence that deep cerebral microbleeds limit treatment response in subcortical cognitive domains, but this finding requires replication. The use of diagnosis of co-occurring cerebrovascular disease yields no robust variability in response to ChEIs in AD.Conclusion:There is limited evidence that markers of cerebral hypoperfusion, intima-media thickness and cerebral microbleeds moderate response to ChEIs. Findings for other markers of vascular burden are less consistent and do not support any moderating effect.
Barbiturates: A Review of Synthesis and Antimicrobial Research Progress
Authors: Madhvi  , Utreja Divya , Sharma Shivali 
Published: April 2021

Background:
Barbituric acid and its derivatives have gained significant attention for several years as
an indispensable class of compounds in the pharmaceutical industry due to their various biological activities,
such as anticonvulsants, hypnotics, anti-diabetic, antiviral, anti-AIDS, anti-cancer, anti-microbial, and antioxidant,
etc. A plethora of studies has shed light on the properties, synthesis, and reactivity of these compounds.
The depiction of multiple biological activities by barbiturates compelled us, and by virtue of which herein we
have mediated over the progress of synthesis of numerous kinds of compounds derived from barbituric acid with
well-known and typical examples from 2016 to the present.

Objective:
This review focuses on the advancements in methods of synthesis of barbituric acid derivatives and
their applications as antimicrobial agents.

Conclusion:
This review will help future researchers to analyze the previous studies and explore new compounds
for the development of efficient antimicrobial drugs.
Social Media Use for Health Purposes: Systematic Review
Authors: Chen Junhan , Wang Yuan 
Published: April 2021

Background
Social media has been widely used for health-related purposes, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Previous reviews have summarized social media uses for a specific health purpose such as health interventions, health campaigns, medical education, and disease outbreak surveillance. The most recent comprehensive review of social media uses for health purposes, however, was conducted in 2013. A systematic review that covers various health purposes is needed to reveal the new usages and research gaps that emerge in recent years.

Objective
This study aimed to provide a systematic review of social media uses for health purposes that have been identified in previous studies.

Methods
The researchers searched for peer-reviewed journal articles published between 2006 and 2020 in 12 databases covering medicine, public health, and social science. After coding the articles in terms of publication year, journal area, country, method, social media platform, and social media use for health purposes, the researchers provided a review of social media use for health purposes identified in these articles.

Results
This study summarized 10 social media uses for various health purposes by health institutions, health researchers and practitioners, and the public.

Conclusions
Social media can be used for various health purposes. Several new usages have emerged since 2013 including advancing health research and practice, social mobilization, and facilitating offline health-related services and events. Research gaps exist regarding advancing strategic use of social media based on audience segmentation, evaluating the impact of social media in health interventions, understanding the impact of health identity development, and addressing privacy concerns.
Tele-Rehabilitation to Combat Rehabilitation Service Disruption During COVID-19 in Hong Kong: Observational Study
Authors: Ku Benny Pang Shing , Tse Ada Wai Shan , Pang Benny Chu Hang , Cheung Ngai Tseung , Pang Joanna Yuk Wa , Chan Joyce Ka Yin , Hui Hing Loi , Chu Dave , Choi Kevin Hoi Wa 
Published: April 2021

Background
A tele-rehabilitation platform was developed to improve access to ambulatory rehabilitation services in Hong Kong. The development was completed in October 2019 and rolled out for use to occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and speech therapists. During the COVID-19 pandemic, rehabilitation services were severely interrupted. Tele-rehabilitation was used extensively to meet the demand for rehabilitation service delivery.

Objective
The aims of this study were to (1) describe the design and development process of a tele-rehabilitation service, and (2) study how the tele-rehabilitation platform was used to overcome the disruption of rehabilitation service during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods
Tele-rehabilitation was developed utilizing 4 core determinants of Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology as guiding principles. A generic prescription platform, called the activity-based prescription system, and a mobile app, called the Rehabilitation App, were built. Five outcomes were used to examine the utilization of tele-rehabilitation both before and during the pandemic: throughput, patient demographic, patient conditions, workforce, and satisfaction from patients and staff.

Results
There was a tremendous increase in the use of tele-rehabilitation during pandemic. The total number of patients (up until July 2020) was 9101, and the main age range was between 51 to 70 years old. Tele-rehabilitation was used for a much wider scope of patient conditions than originally planned. More than 1112 therapists, which constituted 50.6% of the total workforce (1112/2196), prescribed tele-rehabilitation to their patients. Moreover, there was a high satisfaction rate from patients, with a mean rating of 4.2 out of 5, and a high adherence rate to prescribed rehabilitation activities (107840/131995, 81.7%).

Conclusions
The findings of our study suggested that tele-rehabilitation in the form of a generic prescription platform and mobile app can be an effective means to provide rehabilitation to patient. During the COVID-19 pandemic, tele-rehabilitation has been used extensively and effectively to mitigate service disruption. Our findings also provide support that there is a high level of satisfaction with tele-rehabilitation; however, a longer duration study is required to demonstrate the sustained use of tele-rehabilitation, especially after the pandemic.