bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A novel quantitative analysis method for idiopathic epiretinal membrane
Authors: Allegrini Davide , Montesano Giovanni , Marconi Stefania , Rosso Nicoletta , Ometto Giovanni , Raimondi Raffaele , Auricchio Ferdinando , Tsoutsanis Panagiotis , Semeraro Francesco , Cacciatori Matteo , Crabb David P. , Romano Mario R. 
Published: March 2021

Purpose
To introduce a novel method to quantitively analyse in three dimensions traction forces in a vast area of the ocular posterior pole.

Methods
Retrospective analysis of 14 eyes who underwent peeling surgery for idiopathic, symptomatic and progressive epiretinal membrane. The technique measures the shift in position of vascular crossings after surgery from a fixed point, which is the retinal pigmented epithelium. This shift is defined as the relaxation index (RI) and represents a measure of the postoperative movement of the retina due to released traction after surgery.

Results
Best-corrected visual acuity was significantly better than baseline at all follow ups while the RI had its maximum value at baseline. Moreover, we found a significant correlation between best-corrected visual acuity at 6 months and RI at baseline.

Conclusion
While all previous published methods focused on bi-dimensional changes observed in a small region, this study introduces a three-dimensional assessment of tractional forces. Future integration of RI into built-in processing software will allow systematic three-dimensional measurement of intraretinal traction.
Community surveillance and response to maternal and child deaths in low- and middle-income countries: A scoping review
Authors: Basera Tariro J. , Schmitz Kathrin , Price Jessica , Willcox Merlin , Bosire Edna N. , Ajuwon Ademola , Mbule Marjorie , Ronan Agnes , Burtt Fiona , Scheepers Esca , Igumbor Jude 
Published: March 2021

BackgroundCivil registration and vital statistics (CRVS) systems do not produce comprehensive data on maternal and child deaths in most low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), with most births and deaths which occur outside the formal health system going unreported. Community-based death reporting, investigation and review processes are being used in these settings to augment official registration of maternal and child deaths and to identify death-specific factors and associated barriers to maternal and childcare. This study aims to review how community-based maternal and child death reporting, investigation and review processes are carried out in LMICs.MethodsWe conducted a scoping review of the literature published in English from January 2013 to November 2020, searching PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Joanna Briggs, The Cochrane Library, EBM reviews, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. We used descriptive analysis to outline the scope, design, and distribution of literature included in the study and to present the content extracted from each article. The scoping review is reported following the PRISMA reporting guideline for systematic reviews.ResultsOf 3162 screened articles, 43 articles that described community-based maternal and child death review processes across ten countries in Africa and Asia were included. A variety of approaches were used to report and investigate deaths in the community, including identification of deaths by community health workers (CHWs) and other community informants, reproductive age mortality surveys, verbal autopsy, and social autopsy. Community notification of deaths by CHWs complements registration of maternal and child deaths missed by routinely collected sources of information, including the CRVS systems which mostly capture deaths occurring in health facilities. However, the accuracy and completeness of data reported by CHWs are sub-optimal.ConclusionsCommunity-based death reporting complements formal registration of maternal and child deaths in LMICs. While research shows that community-based maternal and child death reporting was feasible, the accuracy and completeness of data reported by CHWs are sub-optimal but amenable to targeted support and supervision. Studies to further improve the process of engaging communities in the review, as well as collection and investigation of deaths in LMICs, could empower communities to respond more effectively and have a greater impact on reducing maternal and child mortality.
Membrane particles from mesenchymal stromal cells reduce the expression of fibrotic markers on pulmonary cells
Authors: Merino Ana , Hoogduijn Martin J. , Molina-Molina Maria , Arias-Salgado Elena G. , Korevaar Sander S. , Baan Carla C. , Montes-Worboys Ana 
Published: March 2021

Background
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a devastating lung disease with limited treatment options in which the telomere shortening is a strong predictive factor of poor prognosis. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) administration is probed in several experimental induced lung pathologies; however, MSC might stimulate fibrotic processes. A therapy that avoids MSC side effects of transformation would be an alternative to the use of living cells. Membranes particles (MP) are nanovesicles artificially generated from the membranes of MSC containing active enzymes involved in ECM regeneration. We aimed to investigate the anti-fibrotic role of MP derived from MSC in an in vitro model of pulmonary fibrosis.

Methods
Epithelial cells (A549) and lung fibroblasts, from IPF patients with different telomere length, were co-cultured with MP and TGF-β for 48h and gene expression of major pro-fibrotic markers were analyzed.

Results
About 90% of both types of cells effectively took up MP without cytotoxic effects. MP decreased the expression of profibrotic proteins such as Col1A1, Fibronectin and PAI-1, in A549 cells. In fibroblasts culture, there was a different response in the inhibitory effect of MP on some pro-fibrotic markers when comparing fibroblast from normal telomere length patients (FN) versus short telomere length (FS), but both types showed an inhibition of Col1A1, Tenascin-c, PAI-1 and MMP-1 gene expression after MP treatment.

Conclusions
MP conserve some of the properties attributed to the living MSC. This study shows that MP target lung cells, via which they may have a broad anti-fibrotic effect.
Determinant factors for the occurrence of tuberculosis after initiation of antiretroviral treatment among adult patients living with HIV at Dessie Referral Hospital, South Wollo, Northeast Ethiopia, 2020. A case-control study
Authors: Abdu Mehd , Ali Yeshimebet , Anteneh Samuel , Yesuf Mohammed , Birhanu Adane , Mohamed Salih , Hussien Adem 
Published: March 2021

Introduction
Globally, tuberculosis takes the first rank for the ill-health of people living with HIV/AIDS. Despite the favorable outcome of antiretroviral therapy, the risk of tuberculosis remains higher among HIV patients. This obliges to identify factors for its occurrence and further prevention of drug-resistant tuberculosis. There is a contradiction between different studies and studies conducted in Ethiopia studied poorly the association between adherence to antiretroviral therapy and viral load with tuberculosis. Studies conducted in the study area were limited to cross-sectional study design. Therefore, this study claimed to identify factors determining the occurrence of tuberculosis after initiation of antiretroviral therapy.

Methods
This study was conducted at Dessie Referral Hospital by using a case-control study design on a sample of 565 with a control: case ratio of 3:1. Participants from controls were selected by systematic random sampling and from cases by consecutive random sampling. The data were collected by interviewing through structured questionnaires and from the medical record. The data were entered into Epi data version 3.1. In the multivariable analysis, variables with a P-value of ≤0.05 were anticipated as independent determinant factors.

Result
Patients without separate kitchen (AOR: 3.547, 95% CI: 2.137, 5.888), having opportunistic infection (AOR: 3.728, 95% CI: 2.058, 6.753), CD4 count of <350 cells/mm3 (AOR: 3.383, 95% CI: 1.520, 7.528), baseline WHO stage III (AOR: 3.321, 95% CI: 1.688, 6.534) or IV (AOR: 2.900, 95% CI: 1.251, 6.722), don’t taking IPT (AOR: 3.701, 95% CI: 2.228, 6.147) and those who were poorly adherent (AOR: 2.626, 95% CI: 1.272, 5.423) or moderately adherent (AOR: 3.455, 95% CI: 1.885, 6.335) to anti-retroviral therapy were more likely to develop tuberculosis after anti-retroviral therapy initiation.

Conclusion
Poor housing conditions, having an opportunistic infection, low CD4 count, starting ART at the advanced HIV stage, don’t take IPT, and being poorly adherent to antiretroviral therapy were associated with the occurrence of TB after initiation of ART. The institution should screen for TB as early as possible and strictly follow their drug adherence.
Implementation status of morbidity and mortality conferences in Austrian hospitals-A cross-sectional national survey study
Authors: Tuca Alexandru-Cristian , Münch Johanna , Schwappach David L. B. , Borenich Andrea , Banfi Chiara , Mautner Selma , Hoffmann Magdalena , Schwarz Christine , Kamolz Lars-Peter , Brunner Gernot , Sendlhofer Gerald 
Published: March 2021

Introduction
Morbidity and mortality conferences (M&MCs) are an instrument for learning from past complications, unexpected follow-ups and deaths in hospitals and are important for improving patient safety. However, there are currently no quantitative data on the implementation of M&MCs in Austria. The aim of the study was to determine the status quo of the M&MCs in Austria.

Materials and methods
A national cross-sectional study was conducted by means of a survey of 982 chief physicians of surgical disciplines, internal medicine, anesthesiology, intensive care, gynecology/obstetrics and pediatrics. The questionnaire focused on overall goals, structure and procedures of hospital M&MCs.

Results
Of the 982 contacted chief physicians, 314 (32.0%) completed the survey. Almost two thirds of the respondents, i.e. 203 (64.7%), had already implemented M&MCs. Of the 111 chief physicians who had not yet introduced M&MCs, 62 (55.9%) were interested in introducing such conferences in the future. Of the 203 respondents that had implemented M&MCs, 100 stated that their M&MC could be improved. They reported issues with "shame and blame" culture, hierarchical structures, too little knowledge about the capability of M&MC and, in particular, time constraints. Overall, the participating chief physicians showed that they are striving to improve their existing M&MCs.

Discussion/Conclusion
While we found a relatively high number of already implemented M&MCs we also identified a large heterogeneity in the format of the M&MCs. A highly structured M&MC including guidelines, checklists or templates does not only considerably improve its outcome but can also alleviate the main limiting factor which is the lack of time.
Te Ao Tawhito: The Old World 3000 bc–ad 1830, Atholl Anderson (2018)
Authors: Jones Nicholas , Muru-Lanning Charlotte , Muru-Lanning Marama 
Published: March 2021

Review of: Te Ao Tawhito: The Old World 3000 bc–ad 1830, Atholl Anderson (2018)
Wellington: Bridget Williams Books, 216 pp.,
ISBN 978 1 98853 335 3 (pbk), NZ$59.99

Te Ao Hou: The New World 1820–1920, Judith Binney, Vincent O’Malley and Alan Ward (2018)
Wellington: Bridget Williams Books, 200 pp.,
ISBN 978 1 98853 340 7 (pbk), NZ$59.99

Te Ao Hurihuri: The Changing World 1920–2014, Aroha Harris with Melissa Matutina Williams (2018)
Wellington: Bridget Williams Books, 176 pp.,
ISBN 978 1 98853 345 2 (pbk), NZ$59.99
Krankheitszeichen und Stigma
Authors: Fangerau Heiner 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Diagnostics - the recognition and naming of diseases - plays a key role in the contact between doctors and patients. In the nineteenth century, the diagnostic process underwent a central shift in both its theoretical conception and its practical implementation. The semiotics practiced until then, the »theory of signs«, which - with a prognostic orientation - primarily wanted to distinguish states of »health« and »sickness «, was replaced by diagnostics as a way of thinking in »disease patterns« and disease classifications. Symptoms as sensations became specific signs of illness through the interpretative work of the doctor. This article examines this historical change in sensory perception in diagnostics and asks how, in the late nineteenth century, sensory perceptions in medical diagnostics constituted body knowledge, social actions, and symbolic meaning in a given space and time. It is argued that, paradoxically, the claim to truth of a value-free medical diagnosis that was accomplished with certain senses and techniques did not lead to the dissolution of disease-related stigmatizing stereotypes, but on the contrary had the potential to turn diagnosis into an ineluctable verdict with social consequences.
Five Years of India Rankings and its Impact on Performance Parameters of Engineering Educational Institutions in India Pt1 Teaching Learning and Resources Graduate Outcome Outreach and Inclusivity and Perception
Authors: Nassa Anil Kumar , Arora Jagdish , Singh Priyanka , Joorel J P Singh , Solanki Hiteshkumar , Kumar Abhishek , Trivedi Kruti 
Published: March 2021

This article analyses data on five years of India rankings to assess its impact on performance parameters of institutions of higher education on four (out of five) broad categories of parameters, namely i) Teaching, Learningand Resources; ii) Graduation Outcome; iii) Outreach and Inclusivity; and iv) Perception. The analysis on data onfour years of India Rankings, i.e. 2017 to 2020 on various performance parameters of HEIs in engineering discipline provides an interesting insight and reveals that participating institutions are making strenuous effort to improve their performance on various parameters or sub-parameters identified under NIRF. The analyses reflect that performance of remaining eligible institutions has improved on most of the ranking parameters in comparison to the100 top-ranked institutions over a period of four years of ranking, i.e. from 2017-2020.
Measure Data Problems for a Class of Elliptic Equations with Mixed Absorption-Reaction
Authors: Bidaut-Véron Marie-Françoise , Garcia-Huidobro Marta , Véron Laurent 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In the present paper, we study the existence of nonnegative solutions to the Dirichlet problem

ℒ

p
,
q

M

⁢
u

:=

-

Δ
⁢
u

+

u
p

-

M
⁢

|

∇
⁡
u

|

q

=
μ

{{\mathcal{L}}^{{M}}_{p,q}u:=-\Delta u+u^{p}-M|\nabla u|^{q}=\mu}

in a domain

Ω
⊂

ℝ
N

{\Omega\subset\mathbb{R}^{N}}

where μ is a nonnegative Radon measure, when

p
>
1

{p>1}

,

q
>
1

{q>1}

and

M
≥
0

{M\geq 0}

. We also give conditions under which nonnegative solutions of

ℒ

p
,
q

M

⁢
u

=
0

{{\mathcal{L}}^{{M}}_{p,q}u=0}

in

Ω
∖
K

{\Omega\setminus K}

, where K is a compact subset of Ω, can be extended as a solution of the same equation in Ω.
Performance specifications for measurement uncertainty of common biochemical measurands according to Milan models
Authors: Braga Federica , Panteghini Mauro 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Objectives
Definition and fullfillment of analytical performance specifications (APS) for measurement uncertainty (MU) allow to make laboratory determinations clinically usable. The 2014 Milan Strategic Conference have proposed models to objectively derive APS based on: (a) the effect of analytical performance on clinical outcome; (b) biological variation components; and (3) the state of the art of the measurement, defined as the highest level of analytical performance technically achievable. Using these models appropriately, we present here a proposal for defining APS for standard MU for some common biochemical measurands.

Methods
We allocated a group of 13 measurands selected among the most commonly laboratory requested tests to each of the three Milan models on the basis of their biological and clinical characteristics. Both minimum and desirable levels of quality of APS for standard MU of clinical samples were defined by using information obtained from available studies.

Results
Blood total hemoglobin, plasma glucose, blood glycated hemoglobin, and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 were allocated to the model 1 and the corresponding desirable APS were 2.80, 2.00, 3.00, and 10.0%, respectively. Plasma potassium, sodium, chloride, total calcium, alanine aminotransferase, creatinine, urea, and total bilirubin were allocated to the model 2 and the corresponding desirable APS were 1.96, 0.27, 0.49, 0.91, 4.65, 2.20, 7.05, and 10.5%, respectively. For C-reactive protein, allocated to the model 3, a desirable MU of 3.76% was defined.

Conclusions
APS for MU of clinical samples derived in this study are essential to objectively evaluate the reliability of results provided by medical laboratories.
Modifying the network-based stochastic SEIR model to account for quarantine: an application to COVID-19
Authors: Groendyke Chris , Combs Adam 
Published: March 2021

AbstractObjectives:Diseases such as SARS-CoV-2 have novel features that require modifications to the standard network-based stochastic SEIR model. In particular, we introduce modifications to this model to account for the potential changes in behavior patterns of individuals upon becoming symptomatic, as well as the tendency of a substantial proportion of those infected to remain asymptomatic.Methods:Using a generic network model where every potential contact exists with the same common probability, we conduct a simulation study in which we vary four key model parameters (transmission rate, probability of remaining asymptomatic, and the mean lengths of time spent in the exposed and infectious disease states) and examine the resulting impacts on various metrics of epidemic severity, including the effective reproduction number. We then consider the effects of a more complex network model.Results:We find that the mean length of time spent in the infectious state and the transmission rate are the most important model parameters, while the mean length of time spent in the exposed state and the probability of remaining asymptomatic are less important. We also find that the network structure has a significant impact on the dynamics of the disease spread.Conclusions:In this article, we present a modification to the network-based stochastic SEIR epidemic model which allows for modifications to the underlying contact network to account for the effects of quarantine. We also discuss the changes needed to the model to incorporate situations where some proportion of the individuals who are infected remain asymptomatic throughout the course of the disease.
You’re Fired! Donald Trump and the 2020 Congressional Elections
Authors: Carson Jamie L. , Hardin Spencer , Hitefield Aaron A. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe 2020 elections brought to an end one of the most divisive and historic campaigns in the modern era. Former Vice President Joe Biden was elected the 46th President of the United States with the largest number of votes ever cast in a presidential election, defeating incumbent President Donald Trump in the process. The record turnout was especially remarkable in light of the ongoing pandemic surrounding COVID-19 and the roughly 236,000 Americans who had died of the virus prior to the election. This article examines the electoral context of the 2020 elections focusing on elections in both the House and Senate. More specifically, this article examines the candidates, electoral conditions, trends, and outcomes in the primaries as well as the general election. In doing so, we provide a comprehensive descriptive analysis of the climate and outcome of the 2020 congressional elections. Finally, the article closes with a discussion of the broader implications of the election outcomes on both the incoming 117th Congress as well as the upcoming 2022 midterm election.
Religion and the 2020 Presidential Election: The Enduring Divide
Authors: Campbell David E. , Kirk James R. G. , Layman Geoffrey C. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractReligion played a prominent role in the 2020 presidential campaign. Donald Trump overtly courted white evangelical Protestants and Catholics, while Joe Biden emphasized his Catholicism far more than any Catholic candidate in American history. Did religion play as important a role in electoral behavior in 2020? If so, how and why did religion affect Americans’ voting decisions? We take up those questions by analyzing the religious vote in 2020 and the reasons why particular religious and non-religious groups voted as they did. We find that the religious divisions in the 2020 electorate were quite deep, but they were mostly unchanged from those present in 2016. Moreover, some electoral differences between religious groups are based in factors such as racial resentment, support for limited government, and anti-immigration attitudes that are not typically associated with religion. However, a key explanation for religious voting in 2020 was an old standby: the abortion issue. The religion gap in American electoral politics represents an enduring divide. The only changes were at the margins—but where elections are close, margins matter.
Management approaches for sustainable growth in Moldova’s Sunflower Sector
Authors: Duca Maria , Clapco Steliana 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Moldova is one of the 15 largest sunflower growing countries. In the past decades, significant changes have been implemented in Moldovan farming due to the liberalization of the agricultural economy after its independence in 1991 and the transition to a market economy, as well as uncontrolled land use. The impact of such changes on production remains mostly unexplored. To determine which factors impede the attainment of higher yields and whether this problem can be solved by conducting further research to improve and manage the sunflower cultivation or by improving the efficiency of farmers’ support systems, the current situation of sunflower production in Moldovan farms was investigated. In this context, the databases of the National Bureau of Statistics of Moldova and the Food and Agriculture Organization were analyzed and farmers’ surveys in different locations across the Republic of Moldova were conducted. The data related to the dynamics of sunflower production, yield and the surface of sunflower growing area, as well as of applied agricultural practices have been accumulated. It has been established the significant expansion of sunflower cultivated area which was leading to (i) considerable exploitation of land where sunflower is cultivated; (ii) failure of crop rotations; (iii) the accumulation of various pathogens. Some solutions to redress the situation have been proposed.
A review of lignin hydrogen peroxide oxidation chemistry with emphasis on aromatic aldehydes and acids
Authors: More Ajinkya , Elder Thomas , Jiang Zhihua 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This review discusses the main factors that govern the oxidation processes of lignins into aromatic aldehydes and acids using hydrogen peroxide. Aromatic aldehydes and acids are produced in the oxidative degradation of lignin whereas mono and dicarboxylic acids are the main products. The stability of hydrogen peroxide under the reaction conditions is an important factor that needs to be addressed for selectively improving the yield of aromatic aldehydes. Hydrogen peroxide in the presence of heavy metal ions readily decomposes, leading to minor degradation of lignin. This degradation results in quinones which are highly reactive towards peroxide. Under these reaction conditions, the pH of the reaction medium defines the reaction mechanism and the product distribution. Under acidic conditions, hydrogen peroxide reacts electrophilically with electron rich aromatic and olefinic structures at comparatively higher temperatures. In contrast, under alkaline conditions it reacts nucleophilically with electron deficient carbonyl and conjugated carbonyl structures in lignin. The reaction pattern in the oxidation of lignin usually involves cleavage of the aromatic ring, the aliphatic side chain or other linkages which will be discussed in this review.