bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Perception of healthcare and health information professionals on the usage of HIS for administrative and clinical work processes
Authors: Okronipa Amanda Q , Aboagye-Darko David , Nyame Jones Yeboah 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Purpose: Health information systems (HISs) now make up a significant part of every healthcare system. While the HIS is generally embraced and used in many wealthy regions of the world, many developing nations are faced with huge challenges. For the recognition, adoption, and implementation of HIS to be successful, its utility must be perceived as such. In Ghana, the use of HIS for management and clinical operations will be analyzed in this study to determine how health workers perceive and hold these thoughts.
Method: Eighty (80) respondents were conveniently sampled from the research population of healthcare professionals in Ghanaian health facilities (hospitals) for quantitative cross-sectional survey design research
Results: The study showed that Ghanaian health workers were exposed to health information systems. The results showed that the majority of health workers perceived HIS to be working quite well, and they were easy to use and satisfied with its usefulness. Health workers perceived HIS to facilitate their work processes through the optimization of patient health information management which includes variouselements such as recording, sharing, storing, and transferring.
Conclusions: Ghana’s HIS is largely perceived to be a positive advantage to health facilities’ work processes. Most health workers lean towards the adoption of HIS due to its perceived usefulness and ability to facilitate work processes. There is a need to incorporate crucial factors that may impact users (health workers) to enhance a positive perception and increase acceptance and usage of HISs. Policymakers may need to consider the application of HISs within the healthcare infrastructure of Ghana.
Interaction between hypertension and frailty and its impact on the death risk among the elderly: a follow-up study
Authors: Shi Jing , Tao Yongkang , Chen Shuqiang , Zhou Ziyi , Meng Li , Duan Chunbo , Zhou Baiyu , Yu Pulin 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Hypertension and frailty are often occur together and are becoming more prevalent among elderly patients .Our study analyzed the frailty status in the elderly with hypertension and the impact of its interaction on the death risk.
Method
Frailty index (FI) model was used to assess the frailty status in the elderly based on the baseline data conducted in 2009; and death as outcome variables collected in 2020 were analyzed. The effects of hypertension prevalence on the frailty of the elderly with age and on the mortality of were analyzed. Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier curves were applied to evaluate the influence on the risk of death.
Results
Ultimately, 1197 elderly people were included in the analysis, and by 2020, there were 443 deaths, with a mortality rate of 37.0% (443/1197); 593 of them had hypertension, with a prevalence rate of 49.5% (593/1197). At any age, the FI values were higher and the mortality rate was higher in the elderly with hypertension than in those without hypertension. Cox regression analysis showed that the death risk was highest in the elderly with hypertension and frailty compared to those without hypertension and frailty (HR = 1.792, P = 0.000), followed by those without hypertension but with frailty (HR = 1.484, P = 0.000), and finally those with hypertension but without frailty (HR = 1.406, P = 0.005). The results of the survival time analysis showed that the median survival time of the elderly with hypertension and frailty was the shortest at 38.98 (95%CI: 35.64–42.32) months, which was lower than that of 52.94 (95%CI: 46.61–59.27) months in those without hypertension but with frailty, 102.71 (95%CI: 98.65-106.78) months in those with hypertension but without frailty, and 127.90 (95%CI: 113.54-134.69) months in those without hypertension and frailty (Log-rank = 999.686, P = 0.000).
Conclusion
Frailty is common among elderly patients suffering from hypertension, and there is an increased risk of poor health outcomes among elderly patients suffering from hypertension and frailty. For elderly patients with hypertension, attention should be paid to screening and assessing frailty in hopes of identifying it early so that appropriate measures of intervention can be taken to avoid or delay the resulting adverse effects.
Sedimentary ancient DNA from the sympagic dinoflagellate Polarella glacialis as a sea-ice proxy
Authors: Hardardottir Sara , Haile James , Ray Jessica , Limoges Audrey , Nieuwenhove Nicolas Van , Lalande Catherine , Grondin Pierre-luc , Jackson Rebecca , Skaar Katrine , Heikkilä Maija , Berge Jorgen , Lundholm Nina , Massé Guillaume , Rysgaard Søren , Seidenkrantz Marit-Solveig , Schepper Stijn , Lorenzen Eline , Lovejoy Connie , Ribeiro Sofia 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Sea ice is a critical component of the Earth’s Climate System and a unique habitat. Sea-ice changes prior to the satellite era are poorly documented, and proxy methods are needed to constrain its past variability. Here, we demonstrate the potential of sedimentary ancient DNA from Polarella glacialis, a sea-ice microalga, for tracing past sea-ice conditions. Our observations confirm that this cyst-forming species is common in first-year sea ice and sinking particulate matter following sea-ice melt. Using species-specific primers targeting the nuclear ribosomal ITS1 region, we quantified Polarella glacialis DNA (Pgla-DNA) by digital PCR in marine and fjord surface sediments. Inferred Pgla-DNA gene copy numbers in sediments reflect the spatial variability of recent sea-ice cover, they increase for sites with 20-80% sea-ice concentration and decrease for sites with concentrations > 80%. Furthermore, Pgla-DNA was detected in a sediment core from northern Baffin Bay spanning ca. 12,000 years. Its detection is more efficient following a molecular approach than standard micropaleontological methods. Given that the species inhabits coastal and marine environments in the Arctic and Antarctic, Pgla-DNA has the potential to become a useful tool for circum-polar sea-ice reconstructions both in marine and glaciated fjord environments, where biomarker and microfossil approaches are limited.
Evaporated fraction of thujopsene from Thujopsis dolabrata starves cancer cells via PKM2 Anti-tumor effect of the volatile components of Thujopsis dolabrata
Authors: Nagata Takuya , Satou Tadaaki , Sasaki Aya , Watanabe Manabu , Saida Yoshihisa 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Objective
Many cancer patients need for new treatment options with lower side effects. Herein, we report on the antitumor effect of thujopsene derived from the volatile components of Thujopsis dolabrata(asunaro).
Methods
The antitumor effect of the asunaro essential oil was analyzed using MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay and in vivo cancer metastasis model. Thujopsene was isolated from asunaro essential oil by liquid chromatography, and the tumor growth inhibitory mechanism of thujopsene was assessed using Western blotting and DARTS (Drug affinity responsive target stability) analysis.
Results
The volatile components of asunaro essential oil exhibited an antitumor effect on MCF7 and SKBR3 breast cancer cells as well as on MKN45 gastric and DLD1 colon cancer cells. Thujopsene was identified as an antitumor factor that tended to have a stronger tumor growth inhibitory effect. Pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) was found to be associated with thujopsene in cancer cells. The reaction of thujopsene with MKN45 cells reduced intracellular lactate production. These results indicate that thujopsene binds to PKM2 in cancer cells and inhibits the nutritional metabolic pathway, and causing apoptosis. In conclusion, thujopsene may suppress tumor growth and metastasis by inhibiting the trophic metabolism pathway of cancer cells.
Miniature landfills: Excavating Seaweeds in Byxelkrok, Öland Island (southeastern Sweden)
Authors: Garazhian Omran , Papoli-Yazdi Leila 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
The acceleration of consumption and trash disposal during the past century is responsible for the quick conversion of natural landscapes into landfills and dumpsites. Among the spots where discarded items land, studying coastlines is vital since these are areas where wind, water, land, and humans interact, causing discarded objects to land, get buried, and undergo other changes. According to the fact that the Baltic Sea is one of the most polluted seas in the world, the authors conducted a garbological survey to explore the patterns of waste disposal and accumulation of garbage in Öland Island (south-eastern Sweden) in 2022–2023. Visiting Byxelkrok on the northern side of the Island, we found out that the seaweeds absorbed pieces of discarded objects. This initial observation was followed by three sets of excavation/extractions of six seaweeds in the summer and autumn of 2022. The primary purpose of this article is to introduce the studied seaweeds as sources of absorbing discarded items and explain the process of identifying and researching them. Our primary method for studying these seaweeds is through garbology, where we inquire about human behaviors that lead to the buildup of waste on beaches and in the sea.
Effect of Ultrasound on the Physical, Biochemical, Anti-oxidant, and Antimicrobial Properties of Industrial Iranian Honey
Authors: Rabbani Safa , Anvar Seyed Amir Ali , Allahyaribeik Sara , Jannat Behrooz , Ahari Hamed 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
This study aimed to determine the effect of ultrasound (in two different frequencies of 30, 42 kHz) on the physical, biochemical, anti-oxidant, and antimicrobial properties of industrial Iranian honey. All samples (except control) were treated using 30 or 42 kHz ultrasound at (20 and 45°C for 1, 5, and 10 minutes). Then the changes related to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) content, pH, acidity, proline, total count of aerobic mesophilic bacteria, diastase, moisture, sucrose, fructose, glucose, the ratio of fructose to glucose, 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), osmophile, phenol, regenerating sugars and total sugars were evaluated on days 1, 30, 90, and 180. In both treatment groups (affected by 30 or 42 kHz ultrasound) there were physical, biochemical, antioxidant, and antimicrobial parameter changes. These changes in the group treated with 42 kHz ultrasound were reduced with a decrease in humidity, pH, acidity, glucose-fructose ratio, sugar, clostridium, total microbial count, mold, osmophiles, HMF, and an increase in diastase, proline, and phenol. In both treatment groups, the changes were more significant on days 90 and 180. Using 42 kHz ultrasound at 45 ºC for 10 minutes could lead to an increase in the quality and shelf life of industrial honey. Therefore, this technique can be used in the food industry to provide a higher quality product as well as a more successful export.
Effectiveness of zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) coated on wood blocks to deter termites and optimized concentration and application
Authors: Park Sanha , Koo In Soo , Rhee Seog Woo , Kim Jinkwon 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
This study investigated techniques of coating zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) particles on the surface of blocks of pine (Pinus densiflora) and a method for effectively preventing termite access. ZIF-8 was synthesized by the reaction of 2-methylimidazole (2-MeIm) and Zn2+ in methanol media. Treatment of the wood blocks was carried out by immersing wood blocks in aqueous dispersions of ZIF-8 (0.1 ~ 0.3%) and in aqueous solutions of 2-MeIm (0.01 ~ 0.3%). Subterranean termite (Reticulitermes speratus) prevention experiments were carried out using choice and no-choice tests according to AWPA standard (E1-17). In the no-choice test, termites would not eat the wood block treated with aqueous dispersions of ZIF-8 prepared at a concentration of 0.1% or more, and all died within 28 days of the experiment, 100% mortality. In the choice test performed for 28 days, the termites did not eat the treated block, and ate only the untreated wood block, and showed the same low mortality as the control group, and there was no damage to the treated wood block. The results of experiments performed with wood blocks treated with 2-MeIm aqueous solutions were similar to those of ZIF-8. In conclusion, ZIF-8 and 2-MeIm showed very effective anti-termite agent performance.
Emphysematous change as a red flag sign preceding rapid progressive infectious aortic disease: two case reports
Authors: Higuchi Yusuke , Nomura Tetsuya , Yoshida Shiori , Kitamura Michitaka , Ono Kenshi , Shoji Keisuke , Wada Naotoshi , Keira Natsuya , Tatsumi Tetsuya 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background

Infectious aortic disease is a rare and fatal disease, that requires the appropriate intervention. An accurate diagnosis should be promptly established. However, this is difficult because the clinical manifestations of this disease vary and are non-specific.

Case presentation

(CASE 1) An 87-year-old male, presenting with generalized malaise and weight loss, was admitted for further examination. A chest computed tomography (CT) showed mediastinal emphysema. Empirical intravenous antibiotics were administered to address the non-specific infectious findings in the laboratory data. The treatment was effective, and the patient fully recovered. However, he was in shock due to the impending rupture of a rapidly progressive thoracic infectious aneurysm several days later. An emergency total aortic arch replacement was performed, and the patient was discharged. (CASE 2) An 82-year-old male was admitted due to general malaise and anorexia. The patient underwent Y-graft replacement in the abdominal aorta. Abdominal CT revealed emphysematous changes adjacent to the abdominal aorta. The patient responded favorably to empirical treatment with intravenous antibiotics and was discharged 19 days after admission. Four days after discharge, he was admitted again due to epigastric pain. He suddenly went into a state of shock. After an episode of hematemesis, the patient went into cardiac arrest. Abdominal CT revealed an enlarged stomach and duodenum, filled with massive high-density contents proximal to the abdominal aorta. He died of hemorrhagic shock despite cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Conclusion

Although emphysematous change is rare, it is a red flag sign during the early stage of infectious aortic disease. Thus, physicians should remain vigilant for this kind of critical sign.
Seismic Rehabilitation of Existing Rc School Buildings With Under-designed Joints by Means of Reinforced Jacketing of High Performance Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Composite (HP-FRCC)
Authors: Bianco Vincenzo 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
The existing Reinforced Concrete (RC) School buildings are often characterized by low-rise height, very long beams, and relatively large-valued uniformly distributed loads. Beams present a large amount of longitudinal reinforcement so that they exert huge shear stresses, on the joint panels into which they frame, during a seismic event. For this reason, the main cause of seismic inadequacy of these buildings is often the premature shear failure of the joints. These latter can result either a) completely devoid of reinforcing stirrups, or b) not suitably reinforced, or c) under-dimensioned. In some cases, due to either the results of the feasibility study or to instructions given by the Contracting Authority, the seismic rehabilitation of such buildings must be obtained by local interventions. To rehabilitate an existing RC building with under-dimensioned joints, by means of local interventions, the availability of pourable and self-compacting High-Performance Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Composites (HP-FRCC) renders the RC jacketing the ideal solution. In cases in which an aggressive environment is concomitant with the susceptibility to earthquakes, an Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) designed ad hoc could be an even better option. The RC jacketing of the joint allows to enlarge it, thus making it work in uncracked regime. However, when the joint panel is enlarged, the appropriate hierarchy of resistances must be restored throughout the length of the column, to guarantee the activation of the desired global dissipative mechanism. In this article a calculation strategy to follow in these cases, in compliance with the Building Regulations, is proposed and described by referring to a case-study. Finally, a discussion is provided on some aspects, which are still susceptible to improvement, to refine the intervention technique.
A Different Approach to the Evaluation of the Genotype-Phenotype Relationship in Biotinidase Deficiency: Repeated Measurement of Biotinidase Enzyme Activity
Authors: Kara İlknur Sürücü , Köse Engin , Yekedüz Merve Koç , Eminoğlu Fatma Tuba 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the genotype-phenotype relation in patients with biotinidase enzyme deficiency based on repeated biotinidase enzyme measurements. The hospital file information of patients with biotinidase, enzyme deficiency was assessed retrospectively, and the relationship between the BTD gene mutations analysis results and biotinidase enzyme activity following the first and repeated enzyme activity assessments was analyzed. One-hundred-ten patients were included. In the first enzyme evaluation, profound biotinidase enzyme deficiency was identified in 15 (13.6%), partial biotinidase enzyme deficiency in 63 (57.3%), and heterozygous biotinidase enzyme deficiency in 32 (29.3%) of the patients. The BTD genetic analysis revealed 42 (38.2%) homozygous, 42 (38.2%) heterozygous, and 26 (23.6%) compound heterozygous variants. The most common homozygous variant, p.Asp444His, was evaluated with 130 repeated enzyme measurements and was consistent with a partial biotinidase enzyme deficiency in 55.4% of cases, heterozygous biotinidase enzyme deficiency in 43.8% of cases, and profound biotinidase enzyme deficiency in one (0.8%) case. Clinical symptoms developed in 17 patients during follow-up, of which 70.6% were related to neurodevelopment. The most common variant was homozygous p.Asp444His (29.4%) among the patients who developed symptoms. Conclusion: This is the first study to date to evaluate the genotype-phenotype relationship in patients with biotinidase deficiency through repeated measurements of biotinidase enzyme activity. The study reveals that biotinidase enzyme activity alone is inadequate for diagnosing biotinidase enzyme deficiency or evaluating disease severity, as genetic investigations are also required for a definitive diagnosis of biotinidase enzyme deficiency.
A Data Guided Approach for the Evaluation of Zeolites for Hydrogen Storage with the Aid of Molecular Simulations
Authors: Manda Timothy , Barasa Godfrey Okumu , Louis Hitler , Irfan Ahmad , Agumba John Onyango , Lugasi Solomon Omwoma , Pembere Anthony M.S. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Grand Canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulations have been used to evaluate the hydrogen storage performance on 233 zeolites. LTA had the highest capacity with a hydrogen capacity of 4.8%wt. The second ranked zeolite is JBW with a hydrogen uptake capacity of 3.25% wt, while RTH was the third with 2.89% wt. A machine learning algorithm was used to rank the importance of various structural features such as mass (M), density (D), helium void fraction (HVF), accessible pore volume (APV), gravimetric surface area (GSA), and largest overall cavity diameter (Di) and how they affect the capacity of the zeolites. The results show that Di, D and M have a negative effect on the percentage weight capacity, while GSA and VSA have the highest positive contribution to the percentage weight. From this, the best material could be achieved by reducing the mass and density while increasing both gravimetric and volumetric surface area. Further quantum chemical calculations were also performed to calculate the adsorption energy, global reactivity electronic descriptors, and natural bond orbital analysis in order to provide insights into the interaction of the zeolites with hydrogen. This study therefore, provides new insights into the factors that affect their hydrogen storage capacity by exhibiting the importance of considering multiple factors when evaluating the performance of zeolites and demonstrates the potential of combining different computational methods to provide a more comprehensive understanding of materials.
Isolation and characterization of neutralizing monoclonal antibodies from a large panel of murine antibodies against RBD of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein
Authors: D'Acunto Emanuela , Muzi Alessia , Marchese Silvia , Donnici Lorena , Chiarini Valerio , Bucci Federica , Pavoni Emiliano , Ferrara Fabiana Fosca , Cappelletti Manuela , Arriga Roberto , Serrao Silvia Maria , Peluzzi Valentina , Principato Eugenia , Costanzo Antonella , Bulfaro Giovanni , Compagnone Mirco , Pinto Eleonora , Luberto Laura , Stoppoloni Daniela , Lahm Armin , Gross Ruediger , Seidel Alina , Wettstein Lukas , Muench Jan , Goodhead Andrew , Parisot Judicael , De Francesco Raffaele , Marra Emanuele , Aurisicchio Luigi , Roscilli Giuseppe 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emerged in late December 2019 and was declared pandemic in March 2020 by the World Health Organization, causing clinically acute respiratory manifestations and corresponding symptoms, pathological inflammation and multi-organ dysfunctions. The total commitment of the scientific community to develop therapeutics to deal with this global emergency in the shortest possible period was unprecedented. In a very short time, several vaccines were approved by the EMA (European Medicines Agency) and the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). Despite this, it is conceivable that COVID-19 will continue to spread globally through evolving variants in more or less cyclic waves. With these perspectives, it is essential to quickly develop additional therapeutic tools to deal with the next wave of infection.
Methods In the present study we describe the development and characterization of neutralizing mouse monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike (S) protein.
Results The mAbs identified are able to specifically detect the RBD of SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein in all tested applications, including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), flow cytometry (FACS) and bio-layer interferometry. In addition, we show that these mAbs efficiently block entry of both SARS-CoV-2 pseudoparticles carrying the spike protein of the original SARS-CoV-2 strain and a broad set of variants of concern (VOC).
Conclusions Here we report a panel of monoclonal antibodies that target RBD and inhibit SARS-CoV-2 variants infection and enable the isolation of novel therapeutic tools to neutralize SARS-CoV-2 virus