bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Covid-19 e saúde mental de universitários: um estudo sobre o Centro de Ciências de Imperatriz da Universidade Federal do Maranhão
Authors: Pessoa Brenda Leticia de Sousa , De Freitas Adriana Crispim , Lima Ticiana de Sousa , Fernandes Maria Neyrian de Fatima 
Published: May 2023

O ano de 2020 foi marcado pelo surgimento da COVID-19, que resultou em uma quarentena a nível mundial como uma das medidas de contenção da disseminação da doença. O distanciamento físico, imposto pela COVID-19, resultou em efeitos negativos para a saúde mental de estudantes universitários. Nesse sentido, o presente estudo tem como objetivo avaliar a saúde mental de estudantes universitários durante a quarentena imposta pela COVID-19 em uma instituição de ensino superior no estado do Maranhão, Brasil. Para a coleta de dados acerca da saúde mental dos estudantes, utilizou-se a versão reduzida da Escala de Depressão, Ansiedade e Estresse (DASS-21), na forma de questionário online. A maioria dos participantes era do sexo feminino (64,3%). No que refere aos sintomas de estresse, a maioria dos estudantes apresentaram níveis considerados normais. Já em relação aos níveis de ansiedade e depressão, a maior parte dos estudantes apresentaram sintomas extremamente severos. A prevalência de depressão, ansiedade e estresse foi significativamente diferente entre homens e mulheres, sendo as mulheres as mais afetadas. Os resultados evidenciam a necessidade de implementação de projetos pedagógicos político-institucionais voltados para a saúde mental dos estudantes, bem como o diagnóstico precoce, tratamento e acompanhamento de possíveis transtornos mentais durante e após a pandemia da COVID-19.
Higher serum β2-microglobulin is a predictive biomarker for cognitive impairment in spinal cord injury
Authors: Cui Zhonghao , Wang Shuai , Hao Yanke , Chen Yuanzhen 
Published: May 2023

Objective
Recent studies have suggested that high levels of β2-microglobulin are linked to cognitive deterioration; however, it is unclear how this connects to spinal cord injury (SCI). This study sought to determine whether there was any association between cognitive decline and serum β2-microglobulin levels in patients with SCI.

Methods
A total of 96 patients with SCI and 56 healthy volunteers were enrolled as study participants. At the time of enrollment, specific baseline data including age, gender, triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), fasting blood glucose (FBG), smoking, and alcohol use were recorded. Each participant was assessed by a qualified physician using the Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) scale. Serum β2-microglobulin levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) reagent for β2-microglobulin.

Results
A total of 152 participants were enrolled, with 56 in the control group and 96 in the SCI group. There were no significant baseline data differences between the two groups (p > 0.05). The control group had a MoCA score of 27.4 ± 1.1 and the SCI group had a score of 24.3 ± 1.5, with the difference being significant (p < 0.05). The serum ELISA results revealed that the levels of β2-microglobulin in the SCI group were considerably higher (p < 0.05) than those in the control group (2.08 ± 0.17 g/mL compared to 1.57 ± 0.11 g/mL). The serum β2-microglobulin level was used to categorize the patients with SCI into four groups. As serum β2-microglobulin levels increased, the MoCA score reduced (p < 0.05). After adjustment of baseline data, further regression analysis showed that serum β2-microglobulin level remained an independent risk factor for post-SCI cognitive impairment.

Conclusions
Patients with SCI had higher serum levels of β2-microglobulin, which may be a biomarker for cognitive decline following SCI.
Histological Effect of Ethanolic Extracts of Fruits of Acacia nilotica and Flowers of Calotropis procera on Aspirin Induced Stomach Ulcer in Male Albino Rats
Authors: Muhammad Zuhairah Ismail , Imo Chinedu , Arowora Kayode Adebisi , Shadrach Philip 
Published: May 2023

Aim: This study examined the histological effect of ethanolic extracts of fruits of Acacia nilotica and flowers of Calotropis procera on aspirin-induced stomach ulcer in male albino rats. Acacia nilotica fruits and Calotropis procera flowers are among the plant parts which are used in the treatment of ulcers by local folks in Wukari, Nigeria.
Study Design: Seventy healthy male albino rats were used in this study; they were randomly distributed into 7 groups of 10 animals each. The test animals were induced with ulcer using 500 mg/kg body weight of aspirin and then treated with Acacia nilotica fruits and Calotropis procera flowers for 5 and 14 days respectively.
Methodology: This study was carried out in two phases: stomach ulcer was induced in test animals using aspirin and treated for a period of 5 days and 14 days using ethanolic extracts of fruits of Acacia nilotica and flowers of Calotropis procera before sacrifice. The stomach of the animals was harvested, processed for histological investigation and photomicrographs taken.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, Federal University Wukari, between August 2022 and January 2023.
Results: Photomicrograph of the gastric tissue of normal rats showed normal epithelial lining with mucosa and submucosa appearing unremarkable. Photomicrograph section of gastric tissue of rat administered aspirin only showed moderate ulceration of the epithelial lining. Photomicrograph of gastric tissues of rats administered both plant extracts showed moderate to severe ulcerations of the epithelial lining with unremarkable mucosa and submucosa.
Conclusion: The results of this study showed that treatment of stomach ulcer in albino rats caused by administration of excess dose of aspirin with ethanolic extracts of fruits of Acacia nilotica and flowers of Calotropis procera did not heal the stomach ulcer in the albino rats after 5 days and 14 days treatment.
Green Business/ Marketing: A Journey towards Ecofriendly and Sustainable Approaches?
Authors: Sirohi Aakash 
Published: May 2023

During the last two decades, green and sustainable business models (GnSBMs) have become a popular topic of discussion among researchers, practitioners and policymakers. Preponderance of research and an expanding worldwide push to use GnSBMs need a full grasp of the state of research on GnSBMs. "Business should not be detrimental to society nor a parasite on society; rather, it should solely contribute positively to the well-being of society". As a result of this realization, sustainable business development has prompted a significant shift in the way that developing nations extend their business goals to include consideration of the global ecosystem and human development in accordance with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This review focuses on the understanding o green business and marketing, history of green business models, practices of green business and various other aspects of green business.
Assessment of X-ray Irradiation on the Morphological Performance of Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas [L.] Lam)
Authors: Edu Ndem E. , Agu Reuben C. , Nwachukwu Augusta A. , Osondu-Anyanwu Chinyere , Nkang Nkoyo A. , Egbaji Covenant I. 
Published: May 2023

Aim: Sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas [L.] Lam) were studied to assess the influence of x-ray irradiation on the morphological performance.
Place and Duration of Study: Samples were collected from National Root Crop Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike, irradiation was done in the x-ray unit of a medical laboratory, planting and data analysis were done at the experimental farm and laboratory of the Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, University of Calabar.
Methodology: Stems of Sweet potatoes were grouped and non-control groups irradiated at different x-ray doses, planted and morphological parameters analyzed.
Results: The results showed no significant difference in the treatments for parameters such as number of leaves, leaf area, leaf length, plant height, leaf width and days to sprouting when kilo voltage (kV) was constant at 40kV and milli Amperes per second (mAs) varied from 1.6mAs to 3.2mAs. There was also no significant difference in the treatments for parameters such as leaf area, leaf length, leaf width and days to sprouting when mAs was constant at 1.6mAs and kilo voltage (kV) varied from 40kV to 100kV. The results also showed that the low doses of x-ray irradiation did not cause aberrations in the morphological performance of sweet potato.
Conclusion: These findings necessitate the need for adequate irradiation doses in the use of ionizing radiations on crops in order to maintain and improve their varieties.
Correlation of Entrance Skin Dose with Body Mass Index of Patients Undergoing Routing X-Ray Examination at Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe, North-Eastern Nigeria
Authors: Rabiu J. A. , Raheem I. O. , Kolawole A. A. , Yushau Y. 
Published: May 2023

This study was conducted to assess the amount of dose received by patients undergoing routine x-ray examinations at Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe in Gombe State, Nigeria. Entrance skin doses (ESDs) for different kinds of x-ray procedures, include Posterior Anterior (PA) and Lateral (Lat) chest, Anterior Posterior (AP) Abdomen, AP pelvis, AP and Lat lumber spine and PA and Lat skull were assessed using standard exposure parameters. Data were obtained from eighty (80) patients who were exposed to diagnostic X-ray during their regular X-ray examinations. The patients’ age ranged from 1 to 80 years, while the weight was between 20kg and 100kg and height of these patients was between 95.0cm and 171cm. The skin dose of each patient was evaluated using a formula, based on the radiographic exposure parameters of kVp, mAS, SSD, the X-ray tube and the total filtration of the beams. The mean entrance skin dose ranged from 0.016 mGy to 3.168 mGy. Eventually, the ESDs measured for these x-ray procedures were found to be below the maximum permissible limits set by Nigeria Basic Ionizing Radiation Regulation and all the examinations conducted showed that there is a good correlation between the entrance skin doses and body mass index for the studied subjects. This implies that patients with higher body mass index will received more dose than the patients with low body mass index.
Association of Weight Loss in Ambulatory Care Settings With First Diagnosis of Lung Cancer in the US
Authors: Kessler Larry G. , Nicholson Brian D. , Burkhardt Hannah A. , Oke Jason , Thompson Matthew J. 
Published: May 2023

ImportanceLung cancer, the US’s leading cause of cancer death, is often diagnosed following presentation to health care settings with symptoms, and many patients present with late-stage disease.ObjectiveTo investigate the association between weight loss and subsequent diagnosis of incident lung cancer in an ambulatory care population and to assess whether recorded weight change had higher odds of lung cancer diagnosis than objective measurements.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis case-control study included patients visiting a US academic medical center between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2019. Data were derived from US ambulatory care electronic health records from the University of Washington Medical Center linked to the local Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results cancer registry. Cases were identified from patients who had a primary lung cancer diagnosis between 2012 and 2019; controls were matched on age, sex, smoking status, and presenting to the same type of ambulatory clinic as cases. Data were analyzed from March 2022 through January 2023.ExposureContinuous and categorical weight change were assessed.Main Outcomes and MeasuresOdds ratios estimating the likelihood of a diagnosis of lung cancer were calculated using univariable and multivariable conditional logistic regression.ResultsA total of 625 patients aged 40 years or older with a first primary lung cancer diagnosis and 4606 matched controls were included (1915 [36.6%] ages 60 to 69 years; 418 [8.0%] Asian, 389 [7.4%] Black, 4092 [78.2%] White). In unadjusted analyses, participants with weight loss of 1% to 3% (odds ratio [OR], 1.12; 95% CI, 0.88-1.41), 3% to 5% (OR, 1.36; 95% CI, 0.99-1.88), or 5% to 10% (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 0.82-1.85) over a 2-year period did not have statistically significantly increased risk of lung cancer diagnosis compared with those who maintained a steady weight. However, participants with weight loss of 10% to 50% had more than twice the odds of a lung cancer diagnosis (OR, 2.27; 95% CI, 1.27-4.05). Most categories of weight loss showed significant associations with an increased risk of lung cancer diagnosis for at least 6 months prior to diagnosis. Patients who had weight loss both recorded in clinicians’ notes and measured had higher odds of lung cancer compared with patients who had only recorded (OR, 1.26; odds; 95% CI, 1.04-1.52) or measured (OR, 8.53; 95% CI, 6.99-10.40) weight loss.Conclusions and RelevanceIn this case-control study, weight loss in the prior 6 months was associated with incident lung cancer diagnosis and was present whether weight loss was recorded as a symptom by the clinician or based on changes in routinely measured weight, demonstrating a potential opportunity for early diagnosis. The association between measured and recorded weight loss by clinicians presents novel results for the US.
Feasibility and Safety of Diffusing Alpha-Emitter Radiation Therapy for Recurrent or Unresectable Skin Cancers
Authors: D’Andrea Mark A. , VanderWalde Noam A. , Ballo Matthew T. , Patra Pradeep , Cohen Gil’ad N. , Damato Antonio L. , Barker Christopher A. 
Published: May 2023

ImportancePatients with recurrent or unresectable skin cancers have limited treatment options. Diffusing alpha-emitter radiation therapy (DaRT), a novel solid tumor management strategy using alpha-particle interstitial brachytherapy, may address this challenge.ObjectiveTo evaluate the feasibility and safety of using DaRT to manage recurrent or unresectable skin cancers.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis prospective cohort study of patients who received a 2-week to 3-week treatment course and were followed up for 24 weeks after treatment during 2021 and 2022 at 2 sites in the US. Patients with malignant skin tumors or soft tissue tumors were recruited if they had limited treatment options for tumors recurrent after prior surgery or external beam radiotherapy or unresectable tumors.InterventionPatients underwent DaRT to deliver a physical dose of 10 Gy (equivalent weighted dose of 200 CGE) to the tumor.Main Outcomes and MeasuresFeasibility of the DaRT procedure was evaluated based on the ability of investigators to successfully deliver radiation to the tumor. Patients were followed up for adverse events (AEs) for 24 weeks and for tumor response by physicians’ physical examination and imaging 12 weeks after device removal.ResultsThis study included 10 participants with recurrent or unresectable skin cancer (median [IQR] age, 72 [68-75] years; 6 males [60%]; 4 females [40%]). Six patients (60%) had recurrent disease, and 4 (40%) had tumors that were deemed unresectable. Tumors were located on the nose, chin, eyelid, scalp, neck, trunk, and extremities. Median (range) tumor volume before treatment was 2.1 cm3 (0.65-12.65 cm3). The mean (SD) prescription dose coverage of the gross tumor volume was 91% (2.8%) with all tumors having coverage of 85% or more. No device-related grade 3 AEs were noted. Common AEs were grade 1 to 2 erythema, edema, and pruritus. At 12 weeks following treatment, there was a 100% complete response rate. Nine of 10 complete responses (90%) were confirmed by CT imaging.Conclusions and RelevanceThis cohort study suggests the feasibility and preliminary safety of DaRT in the management of recurrent or unresectable skin cancers. The favorable safety profile and high response rates are promising. A US trial for marketing approval based on this pilot study is under way.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04377360
Swab Pressing vs Stromal Hydration to Prevent Incision Leakage and Transient Collapse of Anterior Chamber in Phacoemulsification
Authors: Liu Zitian , Lin Haowen , Jin Ling , Qu Bo , Liu Jianping , Zheng Yingfeng , He Mingguang , Luo Lixia , Liu Yizhi 
Published: May 2023

ImportanceDuring phacoemulsification, incision leakage and the subsequent anterior chamber collapse often occur after the withdrawal of the handpiece, which cannot be prevented by current sealing techniques. A new technique called swab pressing is proposed here to apply pressure with a cotton swab to seal the incision immediately, but efficacy remains unknown.ObjectiveTo determine if swab pressing is noninferior to stromal hydration, the current practice, in sealing incisions in phacoemulsification for age-related cataract.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis noninferiority randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted between February 2022 and September 2022 at the Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangzhou, China. Patients aged 60 to 90 years with age-related cataract were enrolled.InterventionsParticipants were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive swab pressing or stromal hydration. All surgeries were performed by a single experienced surgeon who was unmasked to the assignment.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe proportion of closed clear corneal incisions evaluated using intraoperative optical coherence tomography.ResultsA total of 126 eyes of 126 participants were randomized into the swab pressing group (63 [50%]) and stromal hydration group (63 [50%]). The mean (SD) age of participants was 69.2 (6.14) years and 70.1 (7.67) years in the pressing and stromal hydration groups, respectively. A total of 39 participants (61.9%) in the pressing group and 35 (55.6%) in the modified group were female. The proportion of closed incisions was 96.8% (61 of 63) in the swab pressing group and 93.7% (59 of 63) in the stromal hydration group. Noninferiority was met, as the lower 95% CI of −5.83 percentage points was greater than the prescribed noninferiority margin of −6.60 percentage points (difference, 3.17 percentage points; 95% CI, −5.83 to 12.18 percentage points). The rate of anterior chamber collapse (pressing: 0 of 63 vs stromal hydration: 35 of 63 [55.6%]; P &amp;lt; .001) was lower in the swab pressing group. There were no differences between the 2 groups in the proportion of closed incisions and central anterior chamber depth at postoperative hour 1 and day 1.Conclusions and RelevanceIn this study, swab pressing was noninferior to stromal hydration in sealing clear corneal incisions in phacoemulsification for age-related cataract. While this trial involved only 1 surgeon who was not masked to the interventions, the results suggest that swab pressing is feasible and further investigations would be warranted to determine if it prevents the intraoperative transient collapse of anterior chamber or affects visual acuity outcomes.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05242653
Relationship between financial distress and mistreatment of workers regarding the COVID-19 prevention measures: A 1-year prospective cohort study
Authors:   CORoNaWork Project, Sawamoto Naoya , Okawara Makoto , Matsugaki Ryutaro , Odagami Kiminori , Mafune Kosuke , Tateishi Seiichiro , Tsuji Mayumi , Ogami Akira , Fujino Yoshihisa 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Objective
A substantial number of workers’ experience mistreatment in the workplace, impacting workers’ health and companies’ functioning. Vulnerability of those with lower income has been reported, yet little is known about mistreatment during COVID-19. This study aims to examine whether workers in financial distress are particularly prone to mistreatment at the workplace with reference to pandemic-related infection prevention measures.

Methods
An internet-based, year-long prospective cohort study was conducted from 2020 to 2021. Participants were recruited from workers aged 20 and 65 years and currently employed at baseline. In total, 27 036 were included in the analysis and 18 170 responded to the follow-up survey. The odds ratio (OR) of mistreatment at the workplace regarding COVID-19 associated with the financial condition at baseline was estimated using multilevel logistic regression analysis nested by participant residence.

Results
Compared with workers in a comfortable financial condition, those under financial stress showed significantly higher ORs of mistreatment (age- and sex-adjusted model: 2.08, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.75–2.47, P &lt; .001, model adjusted for socioeconomic factors: 2.14, 95% CI 1.79–2.55, P &lt; .001).

Conclusion
Workers in financial distress were shown to be vulnerable to mistreatment at work regarding infection prevention measures in the COVID-19 pandemic, underscoring a double burden of poverty and mistreatment. The perspective of vulnerable groups needs to be taken into account when implementing countermeasures against emerging infectious diseases, such as COVID-19. As unfair treatment in the workplace might distort vulnerable employees’ reactions to infection control (e.g., hiding infection), financial deprivation should be considered a public health issue.
Plant Lectins: Implications in Tolerance and Resistance
Authors: Osman Makarim E. M. , Osman Rieham S. H. , Ghartey‐Kwansah George , Konozy Emadeldin H. E. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractLectins are ubiquitous classes of carbohydrate‐binding proteins. They serve a wide range of physiological functions in Phyto‐organisms. Among many biological significances, they play a crucial role in plant tolerance and resistance against environmental biotic and abiotic challenges. They are a component of the plant's innate immune system and defence mechanism. Lectin‐like receptor kinases (Lec‐RLK) are essential in stress sensing and saccharide signalling. Their expression can be modulated by various hormonal responses; they can also tweak downstream hormonal pathways or signal the expression of stress‐related genes. Other plant lectin families, localized in the vacuole, cytoplasm, and nucleus, could also revamp the response to different stress factors. They participate in the further downstream responses, including the clearance and turnover of accumulated undesired and misfolded nascent proteins triggered by stress, DNA protection, and chromatin modulation. Understanding the genetics, the evolution of gene mechanisms, and the functional roles of Lectins in molecular pathways affecting plant tolerance is essential to reduce the effects of global climate change on food security and the health and well‐being of humans. This review will assist in integrating existing knowledge, with a focus on understanding how plant lectins confer adaptation to challenging environmental conditions, ultimately to assist agricultural scientists in breeding plants with greater adaptive capacities.