bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
COMPUTATIONAL STUDIES OF POTENTIAL EBOLA VP40 INHIBITORS USING BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS FROM MEDICINAL PLANTS OF MALAYSIA
Authors: Abd Halim Khairul Bariyyah , Samin Noor Atikah , Mohamad Yussof Mohamad Ariff 
Published: June 2022

Ebola virus (EBOV) belongs to Filoviridae family, a deadly virus that can cause severe viral haemorrhagic fevers (VHF) with a high fatality rate between 25 to 90 percent. Amongst EBOV proteins, the EBOV matrix protein VP40 is crucial in facilitating the transcription of the viral gene in the early stage of infection. To date, there is no cure for EBOV and available chemical drugs were known to cause severe side effects. It is known that bioactive compounds from natural products can potentially combat this viral disease with fewer side effects. Therefore, this study aims to screen 15 bioactive compounds of medicinal plants from Malaysia. These compounds were docked against the RNA active site (Phe125 and Arg134) on VP40 matrix protein using AutoDock Vina. The ADMET properties and the toxicity class of the compounds were predicted computationally, and the compounds with good oral bioavailability were chosen for docking simulations. The top three docked compounds namely apigenin, epiexcelsin and kaempferol have a binding affinity of -4.6, -4.4 and -4.3 kJ/mol respectively. Our MD simulation study showed that epiexcelsin is the best candidate among the three selected compounds. Binding free energy calculation via molecular-mechanics Poisson Boltzmann surface area (MM-PBSA) method showed that epiexcelsin has the lowest binding free energy of -56.503 kJ/mol compared to apigenin (-40.344 kJ/mol) and kaemferol (-27.329 kJ/mol). Our results suggest that epiexcelsin from local herbal plants can potentially be explored as a good candidate for further development of EBOV inhibitor targeting VP40.
Specific Adaptations to 0%, 15%, 25%, and 50% Velocity-Loss Thresholds During Bench Press Training
Authors: Rodiles-Guerrero Luis , Cornejo-Daza Pedro Jesús , Sánchez-Valdepeñas Juan , Alcazar Julian , Rodriguez-López Carlos , Sánchez-Moreno Miguel , Alegre Luis María , León-Prados Juan A. , Pareja-Blanco Fernando 
Published: June 2022

Purpose: To compare the effect of 4 velocity-loss (VL) thresholds—0% (VL0), 15% (VL15), 25% (VL25), and 50% (VL50)—on strength gains, neuromuscular adaptations, and muscle hypertrophy during the bench press (BP) exercise using intensities ranging from 55% to 70% of 1-repetition maximum (1RM). Methods: Fifty resistance-trained men were randomly assigned to 4 groups that followed an 8-week (16 sessions) BP training program at 55% to 70% 1RM but differed in the VL allowed in each set (VL0, VL15, VL25, and VL50). Assessments performed before (pre) and after (post) the training program included (1) cross-sectional area of pectoralis major muscle, (2) maximal isometric test, (3) progressive loading test, and (4) fatigue test in the BP exercise. Results: A significant group × time interaction was found for 1RM (P = .01), where all groups except VL0 showed significant gains in 1RM strength (P < .001). The VL25 group attained the greatest gains in 1RM strength and most load–velocity relationship parameters analyzed. A significant group × time interaction was observed for EMG root mean square in pectoralis major (P = .03) where only the VL25 group showed significant increases (P = .02). VL50 showed decreased EMG root mean square in triceps brachii (P = .006). Only the VL50 group showed significant increases in cross-sectional area (P < .001). Conclusions: These findings indicate that a VL threshold of about 25% with intensities from 55% to 70% 1RM in BP provides an optimal training stimulus to maximize dynamic strength performance and neuromuscular adaptations, while higher VL thresholds promote higher muscle hypertrophy.
Immersive Real-Time Biofeedback Optimized With Enhanced Expectancies Improves Motor Learning: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Williams Ashley M. , Hogg Jennifer A. , Diekfuss Jed A. , Kendall Samantha B. , Jenkins Colton T. , Acocello Shellie N. , Liang Yu , Wu Dalei , Myer Gregory D. , Wilkerson Gary B. 
Published: June 2022

Context: An Optimizing Performance through Intrinsic Motivation and Attention for Learning theory-based motor learning intervention delivering autonomy support and enhanced expectancies (EE) shows promise for reducing cognitive-motor dual-task costs, or the relative difference in primary task performance when completed with and without a secondary cognitive task, that facilitate adaptive injury-resistant movement response. The current pilot study sought to determine the effectiveness of an autonomy support versus an EE-enhanced virtual reality motor learning intervention to reduce dual-task costs during single-leg balance. Design: Within-subjects 3 × 3 trial. Methods: Twenty-one male and 24 female participants, between the ages of 18 and 30 years, with no history of concussion, vertigo, lower-extremity surgery, or lower-extremity injuries the previous 6 months, were recruited for training sessions on consecutive days. Training consisted of 5 × 8 single-leg squats on each leg, during which all participants mimicked an avatar through virtual reality goggles. The autonomy support group chose an avatar color, and the EE group received positive kinematic biofeedback. Baseline, immediate, and delayed retention testing consisted of single-leg balancing under single- and dual-task conditions. Mixed-model analysis of variances compared dual-task costs for center of pressure velocity and SD between groups on each limb. Results: On the right side, dual-task costs for anterior–posterior center of pressure mean and SD were reduced in the EE group (mean Δ = −51.40, Cohen d = 0.80 and SD Δ = −66.00%, Cohen d = 0.88) compared with the control group (mean Δ = −22.09, Cohen d = 0.33 and SD Δ = −36.10%, Cohen d = 0.68) from baseline to immediate retention. Conclusions: These findings indicate that EE strategies that can be easily implemented in a clinic or sport setting may be superior to task-irrelevant AS approaches for influencing injury-resistant movement adaptations.
Evidence for a lithospheric step and pervasive lithospheric thinning beneath southern New England, northeastern USA
Authors: Goldhagen Gillian B. , Ford Heather A. , Long Maureen D. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractIn this study, we use data from the SEISConn seismic experiment to calculate Sp receiver functions in order to characterize the geometry of upper-mantle structure beneath southern New England (northeastern United States). We image robust negative-velocity-gradient discontinuities beneath southern New England that we interpret as corresponding to the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary (LAB) and identify a well-defined step of 15 km in LAB depth at a longitude of 73°W, which we interpret to be the boundary between Laurentian and Appalachian lithosphere, although the offset may be larger if the putative LAB phase is reinterpreted to be a mid-lithospheric discontinuity. We infer that the lithosphere throughout the region is substantially thinner than elsewhere in the continental interior, consistent with regional tomographic studies and previously published Sp receiver function results. The presence of thinned lithosphere suggests that the low-velocity Northern Appalachian Anomaly (NAA) in the upper mantle may extend as far south as coastal Connecticut. The presence of regionally thinned lithosphere and a step in lithospheric thickness suggests that inherited structure may be preserved in present-day lithosphere, even in the presence of more recent dynamic processes associated with the NAA.
Impact of peripapillary retinoschisis on visual field test results in glaucomatous eyes
Authors: Kim Ji-Ah , Lee Eun Ji , Kim Tae-Woo 
Published: June 2022

Background/AimsTo investigate the influence of peripapillary retinoschisis (PRS) on visual field (VF) test results in patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG).MethodsThirty eyes of 30 patients with POAG who had PRS at least once were included. All eyes were followed-up for a minimum 5 years at 4–6-month intervals. The occurrence of PRS was determined by circumpapillary retinal nerve fibre layer B-scan on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT). The global and regional VF deviations just prior to and immediately after PRS formation, or just prior to and immediately after PRS resolution (if it occurred), were compared. VF sensitivity within the region corresponding to the OCT sector where PRS occurred was determined according to the Garway-Heath map.ResultsGlobal MD (p=0.345) and regional VF deviations (p=0.255) did not differ significantly between immediately after and just prior to PRS formation. Global MD (p=0.846) and regional VF deviations (p=0.758) were also similar between immediately after and just prior to PRS resolution.ConclusionPRS has no short-term effect on the VF sensitivity. Therefore, VF test can still be useful for evaluating glaucomatous damage even in the presence of PRS compared with OCT.
Fatty Liver Index is a valid predictor of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in pregnancy
Authors: Koralegedara Iresha Sandamali , Warnasekara Janith Niwanthaka , Rathnayake Ashani , Dayaratne Korale Gedara , Agampodi Suneth Buddhika 
Published: June 2022

BackgroundDespite the evidence for adverse pregnancy outcomes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is not routinely addressed in early pregnancy. The Fatty Liver Index (FLI) has been proposed as a screening tool for NAFLD in the general population. We aim to develop mathematical models for predicting NAFLD in pregnancy and validate the FLI for first-trimester pregnant women.MethodsBiochemical and biophysical parameters were analysed in pregnant women with period of gestation <12 weeks was done among Rajarata Pregnancy Cohort, Sri Lanka. Fatty liver was graded as (FLG) 0, I or II by ultrasound scan. Binary logistic regression models were employed to identify the factors predicting FLG-II. Six FLIs were developed to predict FLG-II. Validity of the FLIs was compared using the receiver operating characteristic curves.ResultsThe study sample consisted of 632 pregnant women with a mean age of 28.8 years (SD: 5.8 years). Age (OR: 1.6, 95% CI 1.1 to 2.3), body mass index (OR: 1.7, 95% CI 1.1 to 2.5) and gamma-glutamyl transferase levels (OR: 2.1, 95% CI 1.5 to 3.0) were the independent predictors of FLG-II. While the model with liver enzymes provided the best prediction of NAFLD (both FLG I and II) (area under the curve [(AUC]): −0.734), the highest AUC (0.84) for predicting FLG-II was observed with the full model (model with all parameters). The proposed budget model (AUC >0.81) is the best model for screening fatty liver in community health setup.ConclusionFLIs could be used as screening tools for NAFLD based on resource availability in different settings. External validation of the FLI and further investigation of the proposed FLI as a predictor of adverse pregnancy outcomes are recommended.
Indirect impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic at two tertiary neonatal units in Zimbabwe and Malawi: an interrupted time series analysis
Authors: Chimhuya Simbarashe , Neal Samuel R , Chimhini Gwen , Gannon Hannah , Cortina Borja Mario , Crehan Caroline , Nkhoma Deliwe , Chiyaka Tarisai , Wilson Emma , Hull-Bailey Tim , Fitzgerald Felicity , Chiume Msandeni , Heys Michelle 
Published: June 2022

ObjectivesTo examine indirect impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on neonatal care in low-income and middle-income countries.DesignInterrupted time series analysis.SettingTwo tertiary neonatal units in Harare, Zimbabwe and Lilongwe, Malawi.ParticipantsWe included a total of 6800 neonates who were admitted to either neonatal unit from 1 June 2019 to 25 September 2020 (Zimbabwe: 3450; Malawi: 3350). We applied no specific exclusion criteria.InterventionsThe first cases of COVID-19 in each country (Zimbabwe: 20 March 2020; Malawi: 3 April 2020).Primary outcome measuresChanges in the number of admissions, gestational age and birth weight, source of admission referrals, prevalence of neonatal encephalopathy, and overall mortality before and after the first cases of COVID-19.ResultsAdmission numbers in Zimbabwe did not initially change after the first case of COVID-19 but fell by 48% during a nurses’ strike (relative risk (RR) 0.52, 95% CI 0.41 to 0.66, p<0.001). In Malawi, admissions dropped by 42% soon after the first case of COVID-19 (RR 0.58, 95% CI 0.48 to 0.70, p<0.001). In Malawi, gestational age and birth weight decreased slightly by around 1 week (beta −1.4, 95% CI −1.62 to −0.65, p<0.001) and 300 g (beta −299.9, 95% CI −412.3 to −187.5, p<0.001) and outside referrals dropped by 28% (RR 0.72, 95% CI 0.61 to 0.85, p<0.001). No changes in these outcomes were found in Zimbabwe and no significant changes in the prevalence of neonatal encephalopathy or mortality were found at either site (p>0.05).ConclusionsThe indirect impacts of COVID-19 are context-specific. While our study provides vital evidence to inform health providers and policy-makers, national data are required to ascertain the true impacts of the pandemic on newborn health.
Association between retinal markers and cognition in older adults: a systematic review
Authors: Jeevakumar Varshanie , Sefton Rebekah , Chan Joyce , Gopinath Bamini , Liew Gerald , Shah Tejal M , Siette Joyce 
Published: June 2022

ObjectivesTo appraise the existing literature reporting an association between retinal markers and cognitive impairment in adults aged 65 years and over and to provide directions for future use of retinal scanning as a potential tool for dementia diagnosis.DesignSystematic review of peer-reviewed empirical articles investigating the association of retinal markers in assessing cognitive impairment.Data sourcesThree electronic databases, Medline, PsycINFO and EMBASE were searched from inception until March 2022.Eligibility criteriaAll empirical articles in English investigating the association between retinal markers and cognition in humans aged ≥65 years using various retinal scanning methodologies were included. Studies with no explicit evaluation of retinal scanning and cognitive outcomes were excluded. Risk of bias was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies tool.Data extraction and synthesisData extraction was conducted by two authors (VJ, RS) and reviewed by another author (JS). Results were synthesised and described narratively.ResultsSixty-seven eligible studies examining 6815 older adults were included. Majority of studies were cross-sectional (n=60; 89.6%). Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was the most commonly used retinal scanning methodology to measure the thickness of retinal nerve fibre layer, the ganglion cell complex, choroid and macula. 51.1% of cross-sectional studies using OCT reported an association between the thinning of at least one retinal parameter and poor cognition. Longitudinal studies (n=6) using OCT also mostly identified significant reductions in retinal nerve fibre layer thickness with cognitive decline. Study quality was overall moderate.ConclusionRetinal nerve fibre layer thickness is linked with cognitive performance and therefore may have the potential to detect cognitive impairment in older adults. Further longitudinal studies are required to validate our synthesis and understand underlying mechanisms before recommending implementation of OCT as a dementia screening tool in clinical practice.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020176757.
Psychosocial determinants of adherence to public health and social measures (PHSMs) in 18 African Union Member States during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic: results of a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Murukutla Nandita , Gupta Ashish K , Maharjan Meena , Fabrizio Cecilia , Myers Emily W , Johnson Andrew , Nkwanzi Virginia , Wilkason Colby A , Lacey Natalie , Tshangela Akhona , Djoudalbaye Benjamin , McClelland Amanda 
Published: June 2022

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to gain a better understanding of the psychosocial and sociodemographic factors that affected adherence to COVID-19 public health and social measures (PHSMs), and to identify the factors that most strongly related to whether citizens followed public health guidance.DesignCross-sectional study.Setting and participantsNationally representative telephone surveys were conducted from 4–17 August 2020 in 18 African Union Member States. A total of 21 600 adults (mean age=32.7 years, SD=11.4) were interviewed (1200 in each country).Outcome measuresInformation including sociodemographics, adherence to PHSMs and psychosocial variables was collected. Logistic regression models examined the association between PHSM adherence (eg, physical distancing, gathering restrictions) and sociodemographic and psychosocial characteristics (eg, risk perception, trust). Factors affecting adherence were ranked using the Shapley regression decomposition method.ResultsAdherence to PHSMs was high, with better adherence to personal than community PHSMs (65.5% vs 30.2%, p<0.05). Psychosocial measures were significantly associated with personal and community PHSMs (p<0.05). Women and older adults demonstrated better adherence to personal PHSMs (adjusted OR (aOR): women=1.43, age=1.01, p<0.05) and community PHSMs (aOR: women=1.57, age=1.01, p<0.05). Secondary education was associated with better adherence only to personal PHSMs (aOR=1.22, p<0.05). Rural residence and access to running water were associated with better adherence to community PHSMs (aOR=1.12 and 1.18, respectively, p<0.05). The factors that most affected adherence to personal PHSMs were: self-efficacy; trust in hospitals/health centres; knowledge about face masks; trust in the president; and gender. For community PHSMs they were: gender; trust in the president; access to running water; trust in hospitals/health centres; and risk perception.ConclusionsPsychosocial factors, particularly trust in authorities and institutions, played a critical role in PHSM adherence. Adherence to community PHSMs was lower than personal PHSMs since they can impose significant burdens, particularly on the socially vulnerable.
Validation of a delirium predictive model in patients admitted to surgical intensive care units: a multicentre prospective observational cohort study
Authors: Chaiwat Onuma , Chittawatanarat Kaweesak , Mueankwan Sirirat , Morakul Sunthiti , Dilokpattanamongkol Pitchaya , Thanakiattiwibun Chayanan , Siriussawakul Arunotai 
Published: June 2022

ObjectiveTo internally and externally validate a delirium predictive model for adult patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) following surgery.DesignA prospective, observational, multicentre study.SettingThree university-affiliated teaching hospitals in Thailand.ParticipantsAdults aged over 18 years were enrolled if they were admitted to a surgical ICU (SICU) and had the surgery within 7 days before SICU admission.Main outcome measuresPostoperative delirium was assessed using the Thai version of the Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU. The assessments commenced on the first day after the patient’s operation and continued for 7 days, or until either discharge from the ICU or the death of the patient. Validation was performed of the previously developed delirium predictive model: age+(5×SOFA)+(15×benzodiazepine use)+(20×DM)+(20×mechanical ventilation)+(20×modified IQCODE>3.42).ResultsIn all, 380 SICU patients were recruited. Internal validation on 150 patients with the mean age of 75±7.5 years resulted in an area under a receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.76 (0.683 to 0.837). External validation on 230 patients with the mean age of 57±17.3 years resulted in an AUROC of 0.85 (0.789 to 0.906). The AUROC of all validation cohorts was 0.83 (0.785 to 0.872). The optimum cut-off value to discriminate between a high and low probability of postoperative delirium in SICU patients was 115. This cut-off offered the highest value for Youden’s index (0.50), the best AUROC, and the optimum values for sensitivity (78.9%) and specificity (70.9%).ConclusionsThe model developed by the previous study was able to predict the occurrence of postoperative delirium in critically ill surgical patients admitted to SICUs.Trial registration numberThai Clinical Trail Registry (TCTR20180105001).
Effects of the maternal and child health handbook and other home-based records on mothers’ non-health outcomes: a systematic review
Authors: Carandang Rogie Royce , Sakamoto Jennifer Lisa , Kunieda Mika Kondo , Shibanuma Akira , Yarotskaya Ekaterina , Basargina Milana , Jimba Masamine 
Published: June 2022

ObjectiveThis review aimed to investigate the effects of the maternal and child health (MCH) handbook and other home-based records on mothers’ non-health outcomes.DesignSystematic review.Data sourcesPubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, Academic Search Complete, PsycArticles, PsycINFO, SocINDEX, CENTRAL, NHS EED, HTA, DARE, Ichuushi and J-STAGE through 26 March 2022.Eligibility criteria for selecting studiesOriginal research articles examining home-based records and mothers’ non-health outcomes published in English or Japanese across various study designs.Data extraction and synthesisTwo independent reviewers extracted relevant data and assessed the risk of bias. We assessed the certainty of evidence for each study using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. Due to the heterogeneity of the included studies, we conducted a narrative synthesis of their findings.ResultsOf the 4199 articles identified, we included 47 articles (20 in Japanese) in the review. Among the different types of home-based records, only the MCH handbook provided essential information about the mother–child relationship, and its use facilitated the mother–child bonding process. Mothers reported generally feeling satisfied with the use of home-based records; although their satisfaction with health services was influenced by healthcare providers’ level of commitment to using these records. While home-based records positively affected communication within the household, we observed mixed effects on communication between mothers/caregivers and healthcare providers. Barriers to effective communication included a lack of satisfactory explanations regarding the use of home-based records and personalised guidance from healthcare providers. These records were also inconsistently used across different health facilities and professionals.ConclusionsThe MCH handbook fostered the mother–child bond. Mothers were generally satisfied with the use of home-based records, but their engagement depended on how these records were communicated and used by healthcare providers. Additional measures are necessary to ensure the implementation and effective use of home-based records.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020166545.