bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The socio-economic and health effects of COVID-19 among rural and urban-slum dwellers in Ghana: A mixed methods approach
Authors: Aberese-Ako Matilda , Immurana Mustapha , Dalaba Maxwell Ayindenaba , Anumu Fidelis E. Y. , Ofosu Anthony , Gyapong Margaret 
Published: July 2022

BackgroundVulnerable populations such as rural and urban-slum dwellers are more likely to suffer greatly from the deleterious effects of the novel Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, in Ghana, most COVID-19 mitigating packages are not focused on vulnerable populations.MethodsConcurrent mixed methods design was used to examine the socio-economic and health effects of COVID-19 among rural and urban-slum dwellers in Ghana. Four hundred respondents were sampled for the quantitative arm of the study, while 46 In-depth Interviews (IDIs) were conducted with community members and government officials. Sixty-four community members participated in Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and non-participant observation was carried out for three months. Quantitative data were analysed using frequencies, percentages, Pearson Chi2 and ordered logistic regression. Interviews were recorded using digital recorders and later transcribed. Transcribed data (IDIs, FGDs) and observation notes were uploaded onto a computer and transferred to qualitative software NVivo 12 to support thematic coding and analysis.ResultsMajority of the respondents confirmed the deleterious socio-economic and health effects of COVID-19 on jobs and prices of food. Other effects were fear of visiting a health facility even when unwell, depression and anxiety. Young people (18–32 years), males, urban-slum dwellers, married individuals, the employed and low-income earners (those who earn GHC10/$1.7 to GHC100/ $17), were more likely to suffer from the socio-economic and health effects of COVID-19. Urban-slum dwellers coped by relying on family and social networks for food and other basic necessities, while rural dwellers created locally appropriate washing aids to facilitate hand washing in the rural communities.ConclusionCOVID-19 and the government’s mitigation measures had negative socio-economic and health effects on vulnerable communities. While vulnerable populations should be targeted for the government’s COVID-19 mitigating packages, special attention should be given to young people (18–32 years), males, urban-slum dwellers, married individuals and low-income earners. Communities should be encouraged to maintain coping strategies adopted even after COVID-19.
Left atrial remodeling in mitral regurgitation: A combined experimental-computational study
Authors: Bouwmeester Sjoerd , van Loon Tim , Ploeg Meike , Mast Thomas P. , Verzaal Nienke J. , van Middendorp Lars B. , Strik Marc , van Nieuwenhoven Frans A. , Dekker Lukas R. , Prinzen Frits W. , Lumens Joost , Houthuizen Patrick 
Published: July 2022

Aims
Progressive changes to left atrial (LA) structure and function following mitral regurgitation (MR) remain incompletely understood. This study aimed to demonstrate potential underlying mechanisms using experimental canine models and computer simulations.

Methods
A canine model of MR was created by cauterization of mitral chordae followed by radiofrequency ablation-induced left bundle-branch block (LBBB) after 4 weeks (MR-LBBB group). Animals with LBBB alone served as control. Echocardiography was performed at baseline, acutely after MR induction, and at 4 and 20 weeks, and correlated with histology and computer simulations.

Results
Acute MR augmented LA reservoir and contractile strain (40±4 to 53±6% and -11±5 to -22±9% respectively, p<0.05). LA fractional area change increased significantly (47±4 to 56±4%, p<0.05) while LA end-systolic area remained unchanged (7.2±1.1 versus 7.9±1.1 cm2 respectively, p = 0.08). LA strain ‘pseudonormalized’ after 4 weeks and decompensated at 20 weeks with both strains decreasing to 25±6% and -3±2% respectively (p<0.05) together with a progressive increase in LA end-systolic area (7.2±1.1 to 14.0±6.3 cm2, p<0.05). In the LBBB-group, LA remodeling was less pronounced. Histology showed a trend towards increased interstitial fibrosis in the LA of the MR-LBBB group. Computer simulations indicated that the progressive changes in LA structure and function are a combination of progressive eccentric remodeling and fibrosis.

Conclusion
MR augmented LA strain acutely to supranormal values without significant LA dilation. However, over time, LA strain gradually decreases (pseudornormal and decompensated) with LA dilation. Histology and computer simulations indicated a correlation to a varying degree of LA eccentric remodeling and fibrosis.
Attitudes towards cardiopulmonary resuscitation situations and associations with potential influencing factors—A survey among in-hospital healthcare professionals
Authors: Silverplats Jennie , Strömsöe Anneli , Äng Björn , Södersved Källestedt Marie-Louise 
Published: July 2022

Introduction
Attitudes towards cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) among in-hospital healthcare professionals (HCPs) are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate attitudes towards CPR situations among in-hospital HCPs and assess associations with potential influencing factors.

Materials and methods
A questionnaire was distributed to 3,085 HCPs in 2009 and 2,970 HCPs in 2015–2016. The associations of influencing factors were analyzed using binary logistic regression.

Results
In the event of a possible cardiac arrest situation, 61% of the HCPs would feel confident in their CPR knowledge, 86% would know what to do, and 60% would be able to take command if necessary. In the latest real-life CPR situation, 30% had been worried about making mistakes or causing complications, 57% had been stressed, and 27% had been anxious. A short time since the latest real-life CPR performance and a high number of previous real-life CPR performances were associated with lower odds of worrying about making mistakes/causing complications, lower odds of feeling stressed or anxious, and higher odds of feeling calm. Regardless of previous real-life CPR experience, there were differences in attitudes between groups of professions, where physicians showed increased odds of worrying about making mistakes/causing complications and nurses showed increased odds of stress. Working on a non-monitored ward meant increased odds of stress and worrying about making mistakes/causing complications. Twelve months or more having passed since the latest CPR training course was associated with increased odds of anxiety.

Conclusions
Despite HCPs’ generally positive attitudes towards performing CPR in the event of a possible cardiac arrest situation, feelings of stress and anxiety were common in real-life CPR situations. Regular CPR training among all HCPs is a key factor to maintain competence and reduce anxiety. The possible effects of attitudes on performing CPR need to be studied further.
Effect of E-Commerce Models on Financial Sustainability of Deposit Money Banks in Akure, Nigeria
Authors: Bedu Adenike Adekiitan , Abayomi Muftau Adesina , Ajayi Modupe Olayinka 
Published: July 2022

It is a widely held belief that adequate and appropriate technology infrastructure may determine the rate at which Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) in Nigeria leverage e-commerce for financial sustainability. This study investigated the effect of e-commerce models on financial sustainability of DMBs in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. The study adopted the survey research design. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select 200 respondents to whom the questionnaires were administered. The primary data obtained were subjected to both validity and reliability tests. Financial sustainability (proxied by net income growth) was used as the dependent variable, while accessibility, availability and usability of e-commerce models were the independent variables. Using the mean score, the study found that consumer-to-consumer, business-to-consumer, and business-to-business e-commerce models were all rated high in terms of accessibility, availability and usability. A multiple linear regression analysis showed that e-commerce models’ accessibility (β =0.161, p = 0.176); availability (β =0.139, p = 0.141); and usability (β = -0.017, p=0.874) did not individually exert a significant effect on financial sustainability. However, accessibility, availability and usability of e-commerce models jointly exerted a significant positive effect [F (3, 130) =5.226; p= .002] on financial sustainability of DMBs at 1% level in the study area. The study concluded that e-commerce models matter towards financial sustainability of DMBs. Finally, the study recommended that the accessibility, availability, and usability of e-commerce models should be continually strengthened in order to enhance their joint effect on financial sustainability of DMBs. Furthermore, the management of DMBs should focus on other critical success factors for achieving financial sustainability of DMBs in the study area.
Cultivation and the dual process of dangerous and competitive worldviews – A theoretical synthesis
Authors: Abdallah Saamah , Jöckel Sven 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Cultivation research suggests that media use, particularly TV, is associated with a wide range of politically relevant views and attitudes, including perceptions of the world as a mean and dangerous place, authoritarianism, and perceived meritocracy. However, little attempt has been made to understand how these effects relate to one another and to broader models of political psychology. We present a new Cultivation–Political Psychology Interface Model, which uses Duckitt’s Dual Process Model (2001) of political psychology as a lens to understand cultivation research. Many seemingly distinct cultivation effects related to political attitudes can thus be reduced to two overall dimensions: dangerous and competitive worldviews. We identify evidence gaps, particularly in terms of competitive-worldview effects and related political attitudes. Our model generates a landscape of attitudes and beliefs, whereby some attitudes are hypothesized to be more upstream than others, leading to testable hypotheses for future research.
On the complexity of implementation of a system of two monomials by composition circuits
Authors: Korneev Sergey A. 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
The complexity of implementation of systems of monomials by composition circuits is studied. In such a model, the complexity is understood as the smallest number of composition operations required for computation of a system of monomials. The main result is an exact formula which, for an arbitrary pair of monomials, gives the complexity of their joint implementation by composition circuits.
Size distribution of the largest component of a random A-mapping
Authors: Yakymiv Arsen L. 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Let

S

n

$ \mathfrak S_n $

be a semigroup of all mappings from the n-element set X into itself. We consider a set

S

n

(
A
)

$ \mathfrak S_n(A) $

of mappings from

S

n

$ \mathfrak S_n $

such that their contour sizes belong to the set A ⊆ N. These mappings are called A-mappings. Let a random mapping τ

n
have a distribution on

S

n

(
A
)

$ \mathfrak S_n(A) $

such that each connected component with volume i ∈ N have weight ϑ

i
⩾0. Let D be a subset of N. It is assumed that ϑ

i
→ ϑ>0 for i ∈ D and ϑ

i
→ 0 for i ∈ N∖ D as i → ∞. Let μ(n) be the maximal volume of components of the random mapping τ

n
. We suppose that sets A and D have asymptotic densities ϱ>0 and ρ>0 in N respectively. It is shown that the random variables μ(n)/n converge weakly to random variable ν as n → ∞. The distribution of ν coincides with the limit distribution of the corresponding characteristic in the Ewens sampling formula for random permutation with the parameter ρ
ϱ
ϑ/2.
Diagnostic tests under shifts with fixed filling tuple
Authors: Antiufeev Grigorii V. 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
We consider a fault source under which the fault functions are obtained from the original function f(x̃

n
) ∈

$\begin{array}{}
\displaystyle
P_2^n
\end{array}$

by a left shift of values of the Boolean variables by at most n. For the vacant positions of the variables, the values are selected from a given filling tuple γ̃ = (γ
1, γ
2, …, γn
) ∈

$\begin{array}{}
\displaystyle
E^n_2
\end{array}$

, which also moves to the left by the number of positions corresponding to a specific fault function. The problem of diagnostic of faults of this kind is considered. We show that the Shannon function

$\begin{array}{}
\displaystyle
L_{\tilde{\gamma}}^{\rm shifts, diagn}(n),
\end{array}$

which is equal to the smallest necessary test length for diagnostic of any n-place Boolean function with respect to a described fault source, satisfies the inequality

$\begin{array}{}
\displaystyle
\left\lceil \frac{n}{2} \right\rceil \leq L_{\tilde{\gamma}}^{\rm shifts, diagn}(n) \leq n.
\end{array}$
Self-estimation of phenylketonuria patients on therapeutic diet. Psychological support
Authors: Iakovou Kostas Konstantinos , Schulpis Kleopatra 
Published: July 2022

Abstract

Objectives
Self-esteem is the degree to which the qualities and characteristics contained in one’s self-concept are perceived to be positive. The aim of this study was to evaluate the self-esteem scores in phenylketonuria (PKU) patients on “strict”, “loos” and “off diet”. Sixty PKU patients were divided in three equal groups.

Methods
Group a: “on strict”, group b: “on loos” and group c: “off diet”. A special questionnaire for self-esteem scores was created for these patients.

Results
Before psychological support, group a patients demonstrated 6/20 (30%) very high self-esteem, 9/20 (45%) high and 5/25 (25%) moderate. After support 14/20 (70%) were turned to very high, 5/20 (25%) represented high except one whose degrees remained an altered. group b 4/20 (20%) were very high, 7/20 (35%) were high, 3/20 (15%) moderate and the rest of them showed low self-esteem degrees, after support, 10/20 (50%) showed very high, 5/20 (25%) became high, 3/20 (15%) turned to moderate and 2/20 (10%) remained unaltered. Group c, 1/20 (5%) were very high self-esteemed, 7/20 (35%) were high, 6/20 (30%) were moderate and 6/20 (30%) with low self-esteemed, at the end of support, 6/20 (30%) become very high, 8/20 (40%) with high, 4/20 (20.0%), moderate self-esteem whereas the rest were unaltered.

Conclusions
Very high and high self-esteem degrees were demonstrated in patients who follow their PKU diet. Moderate and low self-esteem degrees were predominantly found in patients on loos and or off diet. Psychological supports commonly result in amelioration of self-esteem degrees.
Evaluation of the suitability of 19 pharmacogenomics biomarkers for individualized metformin therapy for type 2 diabetes patients
Authors: Xhakaza Lettilia , Abrahams-October Zainonesa , Pearce Brendon , Masilela Charity Mandisa , Adeniyi Oladele Vincent , Johnson Rabia , Ongole Joven Jebio , Benjeddou Mongi 
Published: July 2022

AbstractObjectivesType 2 Diabetes mellitus is a progressive metabolic disease characterized by relative insulin insufficiency and insulin resistance resulting in hyperglycemia. Despite the widespread use of metformin, there is considerable variation in treatment response; with approximately one-third of patients failing to achieve adequate glycemic control. Studies have reported the involvement of single nucleotide polymorphisms and their interactions in genetic pathways i.e., pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. This study aims to investigate the association between 19 pharmacogenetics biomarkers and response to metformin treatment.MethodsMassARRAY panels were designed and optimized by Inqaba Biotechnical Industries, to genotype 19 biomarkers for 140 type 2 diabetic outpatients.ResultsThe CT genotype of the rs12752688 polymorphism was significantly associated with increased response to metformin therapy after correction (OR=0.33, 95% CI [0.16–0.68], p-value=0.006). An association was also found between the GA genotype ofSLC47A2rs12943590 and a decreased response to metformin therapy after correction (OR=2.29, 95% CI [1.01–5.21], p-value=0.01).ConclusionsThis is the first study investigating the association between genetic variants and responsiveness to medication for diabetic patients from the indigenous Nguni population in South Africa. It is suggested that rs12752688 and rs12943590 be included in pharmacogenomics profiling systems to individualize metformin therapy for diabetic patients from African populations.
Genotype-driven pharmacokinetic simulations of warfarin levels in Puerto Ricans
Authors: Reyes-González Stephanie , de las Barreras Camila , Reynaldo Gledys , Rodríguez-Vera Leyanis , Vlaar Cornelis , Mejias Vilmali Lopez , Monbaliu Jean-Christophe M. , Stelzer Torsten , Mangas Victor , Duconge Jorge 
Published: July 2022

Abstract

Objectives
The inter-individual variability of warfarin dosing has been linked to genetic polymorphisms. This study was aimed at performing genotype-driven pharmacokinetic (PK) simulations to predict warfarin levels in Puerto Ricans.

Methods
Analysis of each individual dataset was performed by one-compartmental modeling using WinNonlin®v6.4. The k

e
of warfarin given a cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) genotype ranged from 0.0189 to 0.0075 h−1. K

a
and V

d
parameters were taken from literature. Data from 128 subjects were divided into two groups (i.e., wild-types and carriers) and statistical analyses of PK parameters were performed by unpaired t-tests.

Results
In the carrier group (n=64), 53 subjects were single-carriers and 11 double-carriers (i.e., *2/*2, *2/*3, *2/*5, *3/*5, and *3/*8). The mean peak concentration (Cmax) was higher for wild-type (0.36±0.12 vs. 0.32±0.14 mg/L). Likewise, the average clearance (CL) parameter was faster among non-carriers (0.22±0.03 vs. 0.17±0.05 L/h; p=0.0001), with also lower area under the curve (AUC) when compared to carriers (20.43±6.97 vs. 24.78±11.26 h mg/L; p=0.025). Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference between groups with regard to AUC and CL, but not for Cmax. This can be explained by the variation of k

e
across different genotypes.

Conclusions
The results provided useful information for warfarin dosing predictions that take into consideration important individual PK and genotyping data.
Understanding COVID-19 in the light of epidemic disease described in Unani medicine
Authors: Alam Md Anzar , Quamri Mohd Aleemuddin , Sofi Ghulamuddin , Ayman Umme , Ansari Shabnam , Ahad Mariyam 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Unani system of medicine is based on the humoral theory postulated by Hippocrates, according to him the state of body health and disease are regulated by qualitative and quantitative equilibrium of four humours. Amraz-e-Waba is an umbrella term which is used in Unani medicine for all types of epidemics (smallpox, measles, plague, Hameer Saifi, influenza, Nipaha, Ebola, Zika, and 2019 novel coronavirus, etc.) mostly fatal in nature. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a severe acute respiratory infection, and the pathogenesis and clinical features resemble with those of Nazla-e-Wabaiya (influenza) and Zatul Riya (pneumonia) which were well described many years ago in Unani text such as high-grade fever, headache, nausea and vomiting, running nose, dry cough, respiratory distress, alternate and small pulse, asthenia, foul smell from breath, insomnia, frothy stool, syncope, coldness in both upper and lower extremities, etc. The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 as a global emergency pandemic. Unani scholars like Hippocrates (370–460 BC), Galen (130–200 AD), Rhazes (865–925 AD), and Avicenna (980–1037 AD) had described four etiological factors for Amraz-e-Waba viz., change in quality of air, water, Earth, and celestial bodies, accordingly mentioned various preventive measures to be adopted during epidemics such as restriction of movement, isolation or “quarantena”, and fumigation with loban (Styrax benzoin W. G. Craib ex Hartwich.), sandalwood (Santalum album L.), Zafran (Crocus sativus L.), myrtle (Myrtus communis L.), and roses (Rosa damascena Mill.) and use of vinegar (sirka) and antidotes (Tiryaq) as prophylaxis, and avoiding consumption of milk, oil, sweet, meat, and alcohol. This review focuses and elaborates on the concept, prevention, and probable management of COVID-19 in the light of Amraz-e-Waba.
Involvement of GABAergic and nitrergic systems in the anxiolytic and hypnotic effects of Curcuma longa: its interaction with anxiolytic-hypnotics
Authors: Ishola Ismail O. , Katola Folashade O. , Adeyemi Olufunmilayo O. 
Published: July 2022

Abstract

Objectives
Concurrent use of herbs with drugs have become a major healthcare problem. Herb-drug interactions could lead to therapeutic failure or toxicity. Hence, this study seeks to evaluate the impact of combining Curcuma longa rhizome (CL) with selected anxiolytic and hypnotic drugs.

Methods
CL (100, 200 or 400 mg/kg, p.o.) was administered to mice 1 h before subjecting the animals to elevated plus maze (EPM), hole board test (HBT), open field test (OFT) and rotarod test for anxiolytic-like effect as well as hexobarbitone-induced sleeping time (HIST) for hypnotic activity. The involvement of GABAergic and nitrergic systems in CL-induced anxiolytic and hypnotic actions were also evaluated. The effect of concurrent use of CL with midazolam, imipramine, nifedipine, propranolol and carbamazepine were evaluated in anxiolytic-hypnosis models.

Results
The peak anxiolytic-like effect of CL was obtained at 400 mg/kg in the EPM and hole-board test without affecting muscle coordination in the rotarod test while the peak hypnosis-potentiation was observed at 100 mg/kg. CL-induced anxiolytic-hypnotic-like effects were reversed by the pretreatment of mice with flumazenil or NG-nitro-l-arginine.

Conclusions

Curcuma longa possesses anxiolytic and hypnotic effects through its interaction with GABAergic and nitrergic systems. Conversely, co-administration of C. longa with midazolam potentiate barbiturate-induced hypnosis.
Pharmacogenetic algorithm for predicting daily dose of warfarin in Caucasian patients of Czech origin
Authors: Tomek Aleš , Šrámková Tereza , Kaplan Vojtěch , Lacinová Zuzana , Kumstýřová Simona , Šrámek Martin , Olšerová Anna , Janský Petr , Kolářová Tereza , Neumann Jiří , Schwabová Jaroslava Paulasová , Maťoška Václav 
Published: July 2022

Abstract

Objectives
Warfarin use is limited by a low therapeutic index and significant interindividual variability of the daily dose. The most important factor predicting daily warfarin dose is individual genotype, polymorphisms of genes CYP2C9 (warfarin metabolism) and VKORC1 (sensitivity for warfarin). Algorithms using clinical and genetic variables could predict the daily dose before the initiation of therapy. The aim of this study was to develop and validate an algorithm for the prediction of warfarin daily dose in Czech patients.

Methods
Detailed clinical data of patients with known and stable warfarin daily dose were collected. All patients were genotyped for polymorphisms in genes CYP2C9 and VKORC1.

Results
Included patients were divided into derivation (n=175) and validation (n=223) cohorts. The final algorithm includes the following variables: Age, height, weight, treatment with amiodarone and presence of variant alleles of genes CYP2C9 and VKORC1. The adjusted coefficient of determination is 72.4% in the derivation and 62.3% in the validation cohort (p<0.001).

Conclusions
Our validated algorithm for warfarin daily dose prediction in our Czech cohort had higher precision than other currently published algorithms. Pharmacogenetics of warfarin has the potential in the clinical practice in specialized centers.