bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Population connectivity across a transboundary conservation network: potential for restoration?
Authors: Dures Simon , Carbone Chris , Loveridge Andrew J , Maude Glyn , Midland Neil , Gottelli Dada 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Context: There has been limited research identifying large-scale functional connectivity of wildlife populations across sub-Saharan Africa, despite the increased focus on transboundary conservation networks. Objectives: This study set out to assess the functional connectivity of a highly mobile predator of conservation concern across the Kavango-Zambezi transboundary conservation area (KAZA) and the northern Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR), covering almost 300,000km2 of Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe.Methods: We analysed the nuclear diversity of 204 individual lions from across the metapopulation using Bayesian and multivariate statistics to assess population structure and recent migration. A maximum-likelihood method was used to determine average male dispersal distances to determine the potential for functional connectivity across the region.Results: The results are consistent with work identifying the existence of ecotypic differences between wetland and dryland lions, but also indicate hierarchical population structure further dividing the population into four geographic clusters; the Okavango Delta, the Central Kalahari, Kafue National Park, and the Hwange-Chobe complex. Analysis of dispersal distances of males suggests that reconnecting the clusters through conservation intervention should be successful in improving gene flow and connectivity across the region. Conclusions: While trans-boundary conservation areas may currently have limited gene flow and connectivity, there is potential for the restoration of functional connectivity via the natural dispersal of highly mobile species. However, the matrix of habitat through which such dispersing animals must traverse must be conducive to their movement and survival, highlighting the importance of land outside protected areas for the preservation of highly mobile animals such as lions.
Metaldehyde-Mediated Genotoxicity in Allium Cepa (L.) Root Meristem Cells
Authors: MACAR Oksal , Macar Tuğçe Kalefetoğlu 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The excessive use of metaldehyde (MA) in agriculture to combat molluscs endangers both the environment and non-target organisms. Allium cepa is a popular model organism for determining toxicity of commonly used chemicals such as pesticides. The aim of this study was to investigate the metaldehyde-mediated genotoxicity in A. cepa roots. To achieve this goal, five groups were formed and the first group considered as control was treated with tap water throughout the experiment. 20 ppm metaldehyde, 40 ppm metaldehyde, 100 ppm metaldehyde and 200 ppm metaldehyde solutions were applied to the other groups, respectively. Germination percentage, relative injury rate, root length and weight gain were analyzed to assess the effect of the pesticide on growth. Genotoxicity arisen from different doses of metaldehyde was investigated in terms of mitotic index (MI), micronucleus frequency (MN) and chromosomal aberrations (CAs). In addition, oxidative stress caused by metaldehyde was investigated by analyzing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities. The results of the growth parameters showed that metaldehyde had a growth-limiting effect in A. cepa, depending on the application dose. According to root elongation levels, EC50 (effective concentration) value for metaldehyde was 50 ppm in A.cepa. As the applied dose of metaldehyde increased, the incidence of MN and CAs gradually increased while MI decreased. Incrising doses of metaldehyde application also increased MDA levels, SOD and CAT activities. Data of the present study undoubtedly showed that metaldehyde had a suppressive effect in usual cell division, growth and chromosomal integrity while caused oxidative stress associated with genotoxicity.
Implementation of an efficient SARS-CoV-2 specimen pooling strategy for high throughput diagnostic testing
Authors: Singh Lavanya , Anyaneji Ugochukwu J. , Ndifon Wilfred , Turok Neil , Mattison Stacey A. , Lessells Richard , Sinayskiy Ilya , San Emmanuel J. , Tegally Houriiyah , Barnett Shaun , Lorimer Trevor , Petruccione Francesco , Oliveira Tulio 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The rapid identification and isolation of infected individuals remains a key strategy for controlling the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Frequent testing of populations to detect infection early in asymptomatic or presymptomatic individuals can be a powerful tool for intercepting transmission, especially when the viral prevalence is low. However, RT-PCR testing – the gold standard of SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis – is expensive, making regular testing of every individual unfeasible. Sample pooling is one approach to lowering costs. By combining samples and testing them in groups the number of tests required is reduced, substantially lowering costs. Here we report on the implementation of pooling strategies using 3-d and 4-d hypercubes to test a professional sports team in South Africa. We have shown that infected samples can be reliably detected in groups of 27 and 81, with minimal loss of assay sensitivity for samples with individual Ct values up to 32. We report on automation of sample pooling, using a liquid-handling robot and an automated web interface to identify positive samples. We conclude that hypercube pooling allows for the reliable RT-PCR detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection, at significantly lower cost than lateral flow antigen (LFA) tests.
AI based satisfaction survey of patients in fever clinics during the outbreak of COVID-19
Authors: Ma Wang , Wang Wei , Zhu Yongqian , Gao Wen , Zhu Hong , Liu Yun 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: We assessed patient by automated survey method in understanding and satisfaction with the use of fever clinic, and observed the effectiveness of this method. Methods: Total 873 patients in fever clinc at Jiangsu Province Hospital (JSPH) from 20 January 2019 to 18 June 2020 were investigated by an antomated survey method conbined by Wechat, Short Message Service (SMS) and AI voice call. Responses were assessed for overall positivity or negativity and further compared according to patients types (isolated patients and non-isolated patients). Responses were also described and compared for each type of survey. Results: A total of 379 patient surveys were returned, for a total response rate of 43.4%. Isolated and non-isolated patients responses were similar and all with more than 90% satisfaction. Most isolated patient represent that the medical staff had explained to them the reason for the isolation and know that can helps prevent COVID-19. AI voice calls had the highest percentage of all response types, followed by WeChat and SMS. Conclusion: The patient has a positive response to the use of fever clinic. The automated survey method combine by different survey types can bring great convenience to the investigation while ensuring good investigation efficiency.
Change in country-level COVID-19 case fatality rate is associated with improved testing; no apparent role of medical care or disease-specific knowledge
Authors: Smith Maia P. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Observed case fatality rate (CFR) of COVID-19 has decreased since the beginning of the pandemic. Reasons for this decline include improved knowledge of COVID-19 pathogenesis, leading to improved medical care of confirmed cases. However, ascertainment also plays a role: as more low-risk individuals are tested and more mild cases identified, observed CFR will decline. Previously I showed that geography-level CFR was cross-sectionally negatively associated with test density; here I test for similar trends within geography over six months, and check plausibility of various posited causes. Although CFR varied between geographies, its association with testing did not: in 141 geographies, CFR dropped by an average of 18% for each doubling of test density. Change in CFR within a given geography was not associated either with that geography’s medical spending or with whether the bulk of cases occurred early or late in the pandemic. This shows that medical interventions, including those specific to COVID-19, have only a minimal effect on total CFR. Two major conclusions follow. First, interventions to reduce CFR should be evaluated by comparing groups that received the intervention to those who did not: decline in CFR after an intervention is not evidence of effectiveness. Second, improving clinical care of confirmed COVID-19 cases has only a minimal effect on death rates. To minimize the total death toll of COVID-19, policymakers should prioritize reducing infections.
Implementation of the Nurse Professional Competence Scale in the Republic of Croatia
Authors: Ivanišević Kata , Kosić Radoslav , Bošković Sandra , Bukvić Marija 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this research was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Nurse Professional Competence Scale in Croatia, in order to implement it as a valid and reliable tool for the evaluation of nurses’ competence.Design: Psychometric instrument validation study.Methods: The validity of the contents and construction, as well as internal consistency, and affirmative factor analysis were measured. Nurse Professional Competence Scale has been distributed to 311 nurses who completed undergraduate or graduate nursing studies. All participants completed an online survey. The data was collected between April and July 2020.Results: The six-factor structure (Nursing care, Value-Based Nursing, Medical and Technical Care, Care Pedagogics, Documentation and Administration of Nursing Care, and Development, Leadership and Organization of Nursing Care) of the Nurse Professional Competence Scale has been confirmed by confirmatory factor analysis. Cronbach's alpha equals to 0.92.Conclusions: Psychometric properties of the Nurse Professional Competence Scale in the Republic of Croatia show that the scale is reliable and valid as a measurement instrument, and can be used as such in research to assess the quality of professional competencies of nurses.
Design, Synthesis and Antibacterial Activities of Triazole-pyrimidine Derivatives as SecA Inhibitors
Authors: BAMBA FANTE , Camara Tchambaga , Sioménan Coulibali , Akpa Sagne Jacques , Ané Adjou 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
SecA, a key component of bacterial Sec-dependent secretion pathway, is an attractive target for exploring novel antimicrobials. Along this line, we reported optimization of a hit bistriazole (SCA 21) which has been previously identified as a SecA inhibitor. Herein we describe the synthesis of some novel triazole-pyrimidine derivative by structural modification of SCA 21. Some of them have been evaluated for their antimicrobial activity against against Escherichia coli NR698 (a leaky mutant), Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus anthracis Sterne.
Analysis of the Association Between Low Dose Bone, Lung, and Heart Irradiation and Survival Rates for Patients Who Received High-dose Proton Beam Therapy With Concurrent Chemotherapy for Stage III Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Nakamura Masatoshi , Ishikawa Hitoshi , Ohnishi Kayoko , Mori Yutarou , Baba Keiichiro , Nakazawa Kensuke , Shiozawa Toshihiro , Sekine Ikuo , Maruo Kazushi , Okumura Toshiyuki , Sakurai Hideyuki 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Lymphocytes play an important role in the cancer immune system. We investigated influences of irradiated doses and volumes of the bone on lymphopenia and survivals in chemoradiotherapy for stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).Methods: Data from 41 patients with stage III unresectable NSCLC who received definitive proton beam therapy (PBT) of 74 GyE with concurrent chemotherapy between 2007 and 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. The correlation between dosimetry parameters obtained from dose-volume histograms (DVHs) of the bone, lung, and heart and lymphopenia during PBT were analyzed. Maximum and minimum absolute lymphocyte counts (ALCmax and ALCmin) and maximum neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLRmax) were used as indicators of lymphopenia. Clinical factors, dosimetry parameters, and indicators of lymphopenia were also evaluated for the correlation with overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS).Results: Significant inverse correlations were observed between bone V5 and ALCmax (ρ = -0.377, p = 0.015) and ALCmin (ρ = -0.441, p = 0.003) during the treatment period. Also, significant correlation between bone V5 and NLRmax (ρ = 0.398, p = 0.010) was observed, but bone V5 exhibited no significant association with OS, PFS, or DMFS. On the other hand, heart V5 (Hazard ratio [HR]: 1.032, p = 0.023), ALCmax (HR: 0.999, p = 0.049), and NLRmax (HR: 1.035, p = 0.007) were significantly associated with OS in univariable analysis. Lung V5 tended to be associated with PFS in univariable analysis (HR: 1.047, p = 0.056) and was significantly associated with DMFS (HR: 1.075, p =0.005). In multivariable analysis, heart V5 was not associated with OS, whereas ALCmax was significantly associated with OS (HR: 0.999, p = 0.022). Lung V5 was not a factor associated with PFS, but it was significantly associated with DMFS (HR: 1.062, p = 0.027).Conclusions: In PBT with chemotherapy for stage III NSCLC, lymphopenia was correlate with irradiation doses to the bone and lung, and lung dose but not bone dose was associated with DMFS.
Airway inflammatory profile among cleaning workers from different workplaces
Authors: Paz Edineia Rosa da , de Lima Cynthia Mafra Fonseca , Felix Soraia Nogueira , Schaeffer Bruna , Galvão Clóvis Eduardo Santos , Correia Aristides Tadeu , Righetti Renato Fraga , Martins Milton de Arruda , Tibério Iolanda de Fátima Lopes Calvo , Romanholo Beatriz Mangueira Saraiva 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Cleaning workers represent a significant proportion of the active population worldwide, with poor remuneration, particularly in developing countries. Despite this, they remain a relatively poorly studied occupational group. They are constantly exposed to agents that can cause symptoms and respiratory problems.Objective: To investigate the airway inflammation and respiratory symptoms of cleaning workers from different workplaces. Methods We performed a cross-sectional study on the prevalence of upper airway inflammation and symptoms of asthma/rhinitis related to cleaning work, according to workplace.167 participants were divided into four groups: Hospital (H), University (U), Housekeeper (Ho) and Control (C). A nasal swab was collected for upper airway inflammation evaluation. Clinical profiles and respiratory symptom employee evaluations were performed using specific questionnaires (ECRHS and ISAAC).Results: Cleaning workers showed increased neutrophils and lymphocytes; Hospital and University showed increased macrophages compared to the Housekeeper and Control. Hospital and Housekeeper showed increased eosinophils when they performed cleaning services for up to one year and also reported having more asthma symptoms than the Control. Cleaning workers showed increased rhinitis symptoms. The University group showed increased rhinitis symptoms aggravated by the workplace compared with the Hospital and Housekeeper. Cleaning workers showed an increased affirmative response when direct asked about rhinitis symptoms compared to Control.Conclusions: Cleaning workers showed airway inflammation, asthma symptoms and rhinitis, regardless of the occupational environment to which they were exposed and also showed increased rhinitis and asthma symptoms. Hospital cleaning workers showed increased macrophages, lymphocytes and eosinophils compared to the others. The length of time spent performing cleaning work was not related to nasal inflammation or respiratory symptoms in this population. However, there are differences in workplaces. Clinical Trial registration number NCT03311048, October 16, 2017. Availble at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03311048 (retrospectively registered).
One-year Observational Study of an Iris Camera Corneal Opacification Measurement and Pentacam Densitometry in Keratoconus after Corneal Crosslinking
Authors: Emma-Duru Chimdi , Carley Fiona , Hillarby Chantal , Aslam Tariq 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Purpose: To investigate levels of corneal haze in adult patients with keratoconus treated by corneal crosslinking, using Iris camera and Corneal densitometry imaging. Methods: This was a prospective, observational cross-sectional study on patients attending the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital outpatient department. Iris camera, Pentacam densitometry and visual acuity measurements were collected from patients in two groups. In group A, patients were assessed before and after crosslinking (CXL), whereas in group B, measurements were made for an extended period after their CXL had been performed. Results: Group A consisted of 13 eyes of 13 patients, and group B consisted of 41 eyes of 41 patients. In group A average age was 26.69 (7.19) years. Average time of measurements taken before CXL was 1.85 (0.80) months and after CXL 12.69 (0.63) months. When comparing values before CXL and after, there was a significantly decreased COM score (P=0.001) and Pentacam Corneal densitometry measurement (P=0.003) representing improved corneal clarity. There was a corresponding significant improvement in vision in all eyes in group A after CXL procedure, and 100% of eyes reached a BCVA of ≤20/50 (≤0.4 LogMAR) (P=0.002). In group B, the mean first examination time was post-treatment 3.24 (1.48) months and for the second examination, post-treatment 12.56 (0.81) months. Between these two visits, there was a significant decrease in COM score (P=0.002) and corneal densitometry (P=0.0004) as well as improvement in BCVA (P=0.0002). In this group also, 100% of eyes reached a BCVA of ≤20/50 (≤0.4 LogMAR) by the time of their last follow up. Conclusion: There is a significant improvement in corneal opacification measures using both Iris camera and densitometry when assessing before and after CXL and also sequentially 3 and 12 months after the procedure. The iris camera represents a promising, portable and practical means of assessing and monitoring corneal clarity for this purpose.
Comparing Cotyledon, Leaf and Root Resistance To Downy Mildew in Radish (Raphanus Sativus L.)
Authors: Coelho Paula S. , Valério Luisa , Monteiro António A. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Radish downy mildew (DM) is a disease caused by the oomycete Hyaloperonospora brassicae f. sp. raphani and it is a serious problem in radish production, an edible root vegetable crop of the Brassicaceae family. The objective of this research was to assess radish germplasm for DM resistance and to evaluate the response of different radish organs to the disease. Cotyledons, true-leaves and roots of 44 radish accessions were inoculated with H. brassicae isolates under controlled conditions. The cotyledons were individually evaluated 7dpi (days post-inoculation), and the leaves and roots 12dpi. DM symptoms varied with the radish genotype and plant organ analysed. Thirty-five resistant and partially resistant accessions were identified and are promising sources to DM. A significant correlation was observed between cotyledon and leaf (1st and 2nd leaves) DM resistance, but no correlation was found between the resistance of cotyledons or true-leaves and roots. Cotyledon and leaf response cannot be used to predict radish root resistance. However, cotyledon resistance has its own value because non-infected cotyledons will act as a barrier to slow disease progression to true-leaves and roots.
Preliminary Experience of Autologous Free Dermal Graft Combined With Free Myocutaneous Flap in the Treatment of Refractory Bronchopleural Fistula With Empyema
Authors: Wang Lei , He Zhongliang , Chen Guoxing , Xin Shunxin , Zhang Chun 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: To explore the effects of autologous free dermal graft combined with free myocutaneous flap on bronchopleural fistula with empyema. Methods: Two patients with refractory empyema and bronchopleural fistula were treated with autologous free dermal graft combined with free myocutaneous flap. The free dermal graft was harvested from the skin around the incision and the fistula was sutured intermittently. The lateral femoral myocutaneous flap was selected as the free flap. Using microsurgery techniques, the descending branch of the lateral femoral circumflex artery and the thoracodorsal blood vessel were anastomosed intermittently to maintain the blood supply of the myocutaneous flap. After surgery, the empyema, air leakage, and the survival of the myocutaneous flap were observed. Results: No necrosis of the myocutaneous flap was observed after surgery. There was no disease recurrence after follow-up for seven and six months, respectively. Re-examination of the chest computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging indicated that the empyema residual cavity had disappeared. Conclusion: Autologous free dermal graft combined with free lateral femoral myocutaneous flap transplantation is effective in the treatment of patients with bronchopleural fistula with refractory chronic empyema, with satisfactory clinical effects.
Impact of Self-Management Behavior on Heart Failure Patients’ Quality of Life: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Choi Eui-Young , Park Jin-Sun , Min Deulle , Lee Hye Sun , Ahn Jeong-Ah 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to investigate the variables that significantly affect heart failure patients’ quality of life, and particularly, to identify the impact of self-management behavior on the quality of life. MethodsThis retrospective study used heart failure patients’ data from cardiovascular outpatient clinics at two tertiary medical centers in Korea. We enrolled 119 patients who completed echocardiography and stress tests and responded to questionnaires on self-management behavior and quality of life. We collected more data on general and disease-related characteristics and anthropometric and serum blood test results through electronic medical record review. We analyzed data using the classification and regression tree to explore the influencing factors and their characteristics in patients with high and low quality of life. ResultsPatients’ mean age was 74.61 years, and women represented 52.1% of the sample. It showed that the cardiac systolic function (β = 0.26, p = .013) and self-management behavior (β = 0.20, p = .048) were two major influential factors on heart failure patients’ quality of life. Therefore, HF patients’ self-management behavior is a significant modifiable factor that can improve their quality of life.ConclusionsHealthcare providers should be aware of the importance of heart failure patients’ self-management and help promote their quality of life by enhancing their self-management behavior.