bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of CVO PLUS CURATIF capsules, Malagasy improved traditional medication for treating COVID-19 a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Rakotosaona Rianasoambolanoro , Mioramalala Sedera A. , Rakotoarisoa Malala Arinomenjanahary , Rakotondrandriana Antsa , Randrianarivo Emmanuel , Rabetokotany Felana , Rakoto Fanomezantsoa , Razafimandimby Dominique , Ravelo Arsène , Maminiaina Fridolin , Rapelanoro Rabenja , Randriamanantany Zely , Rakotoarivelo Rivo , Alson Olivat Rakoto , Ratsimbasoa Arsène 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background There is currently no validated, effective, safe treatment for severe illness caused by SARS-CoV-2. CVO PLUS CURATIF (CVO+C) is a capsule formulation of two compounds of plant origin with anti-inflammatory and antiviral activities in vitro: artemisinin and 1,8-cineole. These compounds have been repurposed for possible use as an oral treatment against COVID-19. Methods We performed a phase 3 randomized clinical trials on patients over the age of 18 years with SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed by RT-PCR and mild-to-moderate symptoms. Patients were randomly assigned to receive CVO+C (3 capsules per day) or placebo for 15 days. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients testing negative for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR on day 28 and an absence of severe and serious adverse events. Recovery time, and biological parameters on days 7, 14, 21 and 28 of the trial were considered as secondary outcomes. The safety outcomes considered were adverse events on treatment. Results In total, 1,576 individuals underwent RT-PCR screening for SARS-CoV-2 infection during the study period. Positive test results were obtained for 591 subjects, 339 of whom met the inclusion criteria for this study. The final analysis included 339 subjects: 132 from the CVO+C arm and 144 from the placebo arm. Treatment efficacy differed significantly (p=0.011) between the CVO+C arm (87.1%, 95% CI: 81.3%-92.9%, with 70.45% of patients cured by day 14) and the placebo arm (75.0%, 95% CI: 67.8% - 82.1%), with an OR of 2.25. The median time to recovery was 14 days for the CVO+C group and 21 days for the placebo group. A total of 72 incidences of mild and moderate adverse events, 14 severe adverse events and no serious adverse events were observed in both groups. ConclusionCVO+C was effective for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19. None of the patients in the CVO+C arm displayed progression to the severe form of COVID-19. Liver kidney and metabolic functions were preserved in all patients.Trial registration: Registered at Pan African Clinical Trials Registry: (No. PACTR202103601407640, date of approval: 24/03/2021) and approved by the ethics committee of the Ministry of Public Health of Madagascar (approval No. 216 MINSANP/SG/AGMED/CERBM, 17/12/2020)
The Cascade of Hypertension Care in Cambodia: Evidence from a Cross-Sectional Population-Based Survey
Authors: Chham Savina , Buffel Veerle , Olmen Josefien van , Chhim Srean , Ir Por , Wouters Edwin 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Hypertension (HTN) is a leading cause of cardiovascular diseases and deaths globally. To respond to the high HTN prevalence (23.5% among adults aged 40–69 years in 2016) in Cambodia, the government (and donors) established innovative interventions to improve access to screening, care, and treatment at different public health system and community levels. We assessed the effectiveness of these interventions and resulting health outcomes through a cascade of HTN care and explored key determinants. Methods: We performed a population-based survey among 5070 individuals aged ≥ 40 years to generate a cascade of HTN care in Cambodia. The cascade, built with conditional approach, shows the patients’ flow in the health system and where they are lost (dropped out) along the steps: (i) prevalence, (ii) screening, (iii) diagnosis, (iv) treatment in the last twelve months, (v) treatment in the last three months, and (vi) HTN being under control. The profile of people dropping out from each bar of the cascade was determined by multivariate logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of HTN (i) among study participants was 35.2%, of which 81.91% had their blood pressure (BP) measured in the last three years (ii). Over 63.72% of those screened were diagnosed by healthcare professionals as hypertensive patients (iii). Among these, 56.19% received treatment in the last twelve months (iv) and 54.26% received follow-up treatment in the last three months (v). Only 35.8% of treated people had their BP under control (vi). Males, those aged ≥ 40 years, and from poorer households had lower odds to receive screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Lower odds to have their BP under-control were found in males, those from poor and rich quintiles, having HTN < five years, and receiving treatment at a private facility.Conclusions: Overall, people with HTN are lost along the cascade, suggesting limited access to appropriate screening, diagnosis, and treatment and resulting poor health outcomes, especially among those who are male, aged 40–49 years, from poorer households, and visiting a private facility. Efforts to improve the quality of facility-based and community-based interventions are needed to prevent inequitable drops along the cascade of care.
Double Peak Axial Length Measurement Signal in Cataract Patients with Epiretinal Membrane
Authors: Chonpimai Pratuangsri , Chirapapaisan Chareenun , Srivannab Sabong , Loket Siriwan , Nujoi Waree , Dongngam Somthin 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Purpose: To evaluate the accuracy of axial length (AL) measurement for intraocular lens (IOL) calculation in patients with cataract and epiretinal membrane (ERM).Methods: This prospective, cross-sectional study was performed in cataract patients with ERM. All subjects were sent for standard optical biometry, prepared for cataract surgery. Signals of AL measurement were detected as double peaks and recorded as AL1 (first peak), and AL2 (second peak). The IOL power was calculated from AL1 and AL2, and reported as IOL1 and IOL2. The IOL2 was chosen for cataract surgery in all cases. Postoperative predictive errors were compared between IOL1 and IOL2. Results: Thirty-seven eyes from 37 patients were included. Mean AL1 was significantly shorter than AL2 (23.13±1.28 vs. 23.60±1.34 mm, p<0.001), resulting in higher power of IOL1 than IOL2 (mean difference was 1.53±0.96 diopters, p<0.001). At 3-months post-operation, twenty-nine eyes (78.4%) (95% CI: 62.8%–88.6%) showed refractive error within ±0.5 diopter and all eyes were within ±1.0 diopter. Postoperative predictive errors including mean arithmetic error (ME) and mean absolute error (MAE) of IOL2 were significantly lower than those of IOL1 (ME: IOL1 vs. IOL2, -0.94±0.91 vs. 0.08±0.51; MAE: 0.97±0.88 vs. 0.39±0.33 diopter, all p<0.001). Conclusions: AL measurement in ERM can be detected as a double peak signal during biometric measurement. The IOL power calculated from the first and second peak signals are significantly different. However, the IOL power derived from the second peak signal provides better refractive outcomes. The results suggest that the second peak signal represent an accurate AL measurement.
Recyclable Grease-Proof Cellulose Nanocomposites with Enhanced Water Resistance for Food Serving Applications
Authors: Hossain Rakibul , Tajvidi Mehdi , Bousfield Douglas , Gardner Douglas J. 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Recyclable cellulose nanofibril (CNF) and lignin-containing cellulose nanofibril (LCNF) coated wood flour composites were fabricated using a vacuum-filtration process for food serving applications. The coated cellulose nanofibril composites had excellent mechanical, and oil, and grease barrier properties compared to a commercial container. However, the composites with both LCNF and CNF coating layers had poor performance in wet conditions compared to the commercial container. The addition of 1 wt.% aluminum sulfate (alum) to the CNF and LCNF coating layer significantly improved the water-resistance of the composites. CNF +1% alum coated composites had inferior water resistance and lower mechanical strength in wet conditions compared to the commercial container. However, the LCNF +1% alum coated composites had comparable water resistance and higher wet mechanical properties than the commercial container. The recyclability of the composites was assessed through the disintegration of the samples in water and subsequent reformation, and it was found that the composites were fully recyclable. The composites could fully retain their mechanical and excellent oil and grease barrier properties after each recycling level. These recyclable fully bio-based nanocomposites can be an eco-friendly alternative for currently used food container systems that use harmful chemicals.
Phosphorus application modulates cadmium toxicity in rice (Oryza sativa L.) by affecting the antioxidant defense system and regulating the expression of iron uptake/transport-related genes
Authors: Shao Guosheng , Huang Qina , An Hua , Chen Jiangmin , Li Xiaolin 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Exogenous phosphorus (P) application can affect the degree of cadmium (Cd) accumulation in plants. In this study, a high-Cd accumulating rice cultivar (Fupin 36) was used to investigate the relationship between P and Cd. Pot experiments (hydroponics and soil culture) showed that Cd exposure inhibited increases in plant biomass and interfered with the uptake of nutrient elements. However, application of appropriate levels of P mitigated the deleterious effects of Cd and decreased Cd accumulation in rice, whereas application of a high level of P exacerbated Cd toxicity, indicating that Cd accumulation was P concentration/availability-dependent. Kinetics analysis showed that Cd uptake in the roots was positively correlated with the P absorption pathway. Appropriate levels of exogenous P application increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes (including superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase) and alleviated the effect of lipid peroxidation on plant growth, which ameliorated Cd-associated toxicity. The content of various elements significantly changed in response to P application and Cd stress; Fe accumulation reduced, and the expression of Fe-responsive genes (e.g., OsNRAMP1, OsIRT1, OsYSL15, OsIRO2, and OsNAS2) was altered. These findings indicated that P regulated Cd (im)mobilization by mediating the Fe homeostasis pathway in plants. In conclusion, P contributes to Cd toxicity in rice by modulating antioxidant defense and thus Cd tolerance and by interfering with the Fe uptake-associated pathway (strategy I and II systems). Additionally, appropriate levels of P application can enhance the Cd detoxification process and plant growth and ensure grain production and security.
Is Pollution Haven Hypothesis Valid in Turkey? New Evidence From Fourier Approach
Authors: Cil Nilgun 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows, which have increased rapidly in almost every region of the world since the late 1980s, have been the subject of long and contentious debates about the costs and benefits for the host country, especially for developing countries. In this context, this study investigates the impact of FDI on environmental quality in the case of Turkey which is developing country, for the period 1970-2016. For this purpose, unlike existing studies, we use Fourier approach that is capable of capturing gradual or smooth shifts, in our empirical analysis. The findings of empirical analysis indicate that FDI has a positive impact on environmental degradation, so Pollution Haven Hypothesis (PHH) is valid for Turkey. Our results reveal the inverted U-shape or the environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) relationship between economic growth and CO2 emissions. We also find that energy consumption significantly increases environmental degradation in Turkey.
Two-particle time-domain interferometry in the Fractional Quantum Hall Effect regime.
Authors: Taktak Imen , Kapfer Maelle , Nath Jayshankar , Roulleau Preden , Acciai Matteo , Splettstoesser Janine , Farrer Ian , Ritchie David , Glattli Denis 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
As with like particles in ordinary vacuum, quasi-particles are elementary excitations of the ground state of condensed matter quantum phases. Demonstrating that they keep quantum coherence while propagating is a fundamental issue and an important challenge for their manipulation for quantum information tasks. This is particularly the case for the quasi-particles called anyons of the Fractional Quantum Hall Effect (FQHE), a quantum phase displayed by two-dimensional electronic conductors in high magnetic fields. These fractionally charged quasi-particles obey anyonic statistics intermediate between fermionic and bosonic. Their quantum coherence has been observed by their transmission through the discrete localized states of electronic Fabry-Pérot interferometers [1-5]. Surprisingly, no quantum interference of anyons was observed in electronic Mach-Zehnder interferometers [6-8] for which the quasi-particle transmission occurs via propagating states forming a continuum of states. Here we address this puzzle by demonstrating that FQHE anyons do keep a finite quantum coherence while propagating along extended states by using a different kind of interferometry, namely two-particle time-domain interference [9] using an electronic beam-splitter. By varying the time delay between photo-created electron-hole pairs and measuring cross-correlated noise sensitive to the two-particle Hanbury Brown Twiss (HBT) phase [9], we observe strong quasi-particle interference. Visibilities as high as 53% and 60% are observed for e/5 and e/3 charged anyons propagating on the FQHE chiral edges modes. Our results give a positive message for the challenge of performing controlled quantum coherent braiding of anyons and call for a better understanding of the absence of interference in Mach-Zehnder interferometers.
Emergency Intubation of Critically Ill Covid-19 Patients Using Conventional Laryngoscope: A Descriptive Observational Study
Authors: Ratnayake Ashani , Rajapakse Ayeshani , Kumarihamy Prabhashini , Jayasinghe Amila 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
Video laryngoscopy is recommended for critically ill COVID-19 patients due to safety concerns and to avoid complications. It is not available in some places forcing the operator to rely on conventional laryngoscope. Intubations in critically ill COVID is challenging and may lead to adverse complications and this may be affected by the laryngoscope used. The aim of the study was to analyse predictors of difficult intubation, complexity of intubation and complications of using conventional laryngoscopy in emergency intubations of COVID- 19 patients.
Methods
A prospective observational study was done in COVID Intensive care unit of Base Hospital- Teldeniya, Sri Lanka from 1st of January 2021 to August 2021. Data was collected using a performa filled by operator at the end of the intubation. Apart from demographic data and clinical parameters, data related to intubation including MACOCHA score which is a validated score predicting difficult intubation in ICU(3) and Intubation difficulty scale (IDS) which measures actual complexity of intubation(4) were collected. The complications related to intubation were also analysed.
Results
84 out of 91 emergency intubations were done using conventional laryngoscope. Out of them 50.72% were male and 49.27% Were female. Mean age was 50.75 years. First pass success rate was 83.3%. 25% had MACOCHA score more than 3. Most patients scored on the desaturation component of the score. Despite this only 50% of the predicted difficult intubations actually had major difficulty in intubation. The commonest complication was hypotension. 12 had suffered cardiac arrest, and 4 of them were fatal.
Conclusions
Intubation of Critically ill COVID-19 patients are challenging, but can be done successfully with conventional laryngoscope. However, one must prepare for complications including cardiac arrest.
Measuring time with stationary quantum clocks
Authors: Strelchuk Sergii , Woods Mischa 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Time plays a fundamental role in our ability to make sense of the physical laws in the world around us. The nature of time has puzzled people — from the ancient Greeks to the present day — resulting in a long running debate between philosophers and physicists alike to whether time needs change to exist (the so-called relatival theory), or whether time flows regardless of change (the so-called substantival theory). One way to decide between the two is to attempt to measure the flow of time with a stationary clock, since if time were substantival, the flow of time would manifest itself in the experiment. Alas, conventional wisdom suggests that in order for a clock to function, it cannot be a static object, thus rendering this experiment seemingly impossible. Here we show, with the aid of counterfactual measurements, the surprising result that a quantum clock can measure the passage of time even while being switched off, thus lending constructive support for the substantival theory of time.
Motion tracking with a human vs. robot partner - performance and learning
Authors: Ivanova Ekaterina , Eden Jonathan , Carboni Gerolamo , Krüger Jörg , Burdet Etienne 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Many tasks such as physical rehabilitation, vehicle co-piloting or surgical training, rely on the physical assistance from a partner. While this assistance may be provided by a robotic interface, how to implement the necessary haptic support to help improve performance without impeding learning is unclear. In this paper, we study the influence of haptic interaction on the performance and learning of a shared tracking task. We compare the interaction with a human partner, the trajectory guidance traditionally used in training robots, and a human-like robotic partner in a tracking task. While trajectory guidance resulted in the best performance during training, it dramatically reduced error variability and hindered learning. In contrast, the reactive human and robot partners did not impede the adaptation and allowed the subjects to learn without modifying their movement patterns. Moreover, interaction with a human partner was the only condition that demonstrated an improvement in retention and transfer learning compared to a subject training alone. These results suggest that for movement assistance and learning, algorithms that react to the user's motion and change their behaviour accordingly are better suited.
Alteplase for Treating Thrombosis in Kawasaki Disease Patients with CAA Should Not be Limited to 12 Hours of Illness: A Single-Center Study Report
Authors: chu yanqiu , xu yunming , wang ce , yu xiaona , ma quanmei , wang hong 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Objective
The most severe complication associated with giant coronary aneurysm in children with Kawasaki disease is ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) caused by thrombolysis. Effective thrombolytic therapy has a significant impact on patients’ quality of life in long term.
Methods
To describe the effects of alteplase for once + heparin for 1 week/ then continue warfarin + aspirin + clopidogrel oral treatment for KD children with central thrombus in coronary aneurysm. These patients were treated in pediatric cardiology department of Shengjing hospital, China medical university, between 2020 Jan to 2021 August.
Results
Total 4 boys (7 times) had CAA complicated with central thrombosis. 5 times treatment with alteplase and heparin/ warfarin/ aspirin/ clopidogrel for 10 days to 2 months, all succeed.
Conclusion
1. In KD pediatric patients complicated with coronary aneurysm thrombosis, small but convexity lumen thrombus with strong echo less than one month and large thrombus with strong and weak mixed echo, coronary artery blood flow can be improved or completely recovered after the above treatment. 2. Alteplase should not be strictly limited to within 12 hours of thrombosis. 3. Children with KD complicated with coronary aneurysm thrombosis are prone to thrombosis again.
Analysis of Expression Levels and Functions of MDK and PTN Genes in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Jiang Fengqin , Huang Huilian , Liu Yang 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Purpose Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common and the fourth most lethal type of cancer. Current therapies for CRC mainly include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery. However, the therapeutic effects of these therapies are not satisfactory for advanced CRC patients. Therefore, there has been ongoing research looking for better diagnostic targets that may give rise to more efficient interventions. Midkine (MDK) and pleiotrophin (PTN) are two important heparin-binding cytokines. These proteins are highly expressed in many human tumor cells, but have low or no expression in normal tissues. Methods To identify novel diagnostic targets for CRC, we herein analyzed the expression patterns of MDK and PTN genes in colorectal cancer and normal samples by using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and tumor immune estimation resource (TIMER) databases. Results We found that both genes were abnormal expressed in CRC samples and involved in the regulation of immune response and cell metabolism, and the expression levels of these two genes had significant prognostic value. Conclusions In conclusion, our results provide a comprehensive understanding of the functions of MDK and PTN genes in colorectal cancer.
Genomic prediction in plants: opportunities for machine learning-based approaches
Authors: Farooq Muhammad , Dijk Aalt D.J. van , Nijveen Harm , Mansoor Shahid , de Ridder Dick 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Many studies have demonstrated the utility of machine learning (ML) methods for genomic prediction (GP) of various plant traits, but a clear rationale for choosing ML over conventionally used, often simpler parametric methods is still lacking. Predictive performance of GP models might depend on a plethora of factors including sample size, number of markers, population structure and genetic architecture. Here, we investigate which problem and dataset characteristics are related to good performance of ML methods for genomic prediction. We compare the predictive performance of two frequently used ensemble ML methods (Random Forest and Extreme Gradient Boosting) with parametric methods including genomic best linear unbiased prediction (GBLUP), reproducing kernel Hilbert space regression (RKHS), BayesA and BayesB. To explore problem characteristics, we use simulated and real plant traits under different genetic complexity levels determined by the number of Quantitative Trait Loci (QTLs), heritability (h2 and h2e), population structure and linkage disequilibrium between causal nucleotides and other SNPs. Results show that ML methods are a better choice for nonlinear phenotypes and still comparable to Bayesian methods for linear phenotypes in the case of large effect QTNs. Furthermore, we find that ML methods are susceptible to confounding due to population structure and less sensitive to low linkage disequilibrium than linear parametric methods. Overall, this provides insights into the role of ML in GP as well as guidelines for practitioners.