bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationship Between Vitamin D Level and Platelet Parameters in Children With Viral Respiratory Infections
Authors: Feketea Gavriela , Vlacha Vasiliki , Pop Raluca Maria , Bocsan Ioana Corina , Stanciu Luminita Aurelia , Buzoianu Anca Dana , Zdrenghea Mihnea 
Published: April 2022

Apart from their classical roles, both platelets and vitamin D play important roles in inflammation and infectious diseases. This study evaluated the platelet response to viral respiratory tract infection in children aged 4–16 years, 32 with influenza, 27 with non-influenza viral infection tested by nasopharyngeal swab and 21 healthy children of the same age. Blood count, including platelet count (PLT), mean platelet volume (MPV) and other platelet indices, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP) and vitamin D (vit D) levels were compared. The influenza group showed lower PLT and platelet mass (PLT*MPV), and the non-influenza group showed significantly lower MPV, which was correlated with the vit D levels, but not CRP or ESR, and the value vit D*MPV was significantly lower in this group. These results revealed that platelet activation in viral respiratory tract infections in children, as measured by MPV, is related to the vit D level, with differences between influenza and non-influenza infection.ConclusionsViral respiratory tract infection in children can diminish the platelet size most likely by suppressing the platelet activation. This response is associated with low levels of vit D. Whether the vit D status is associated with the virus-platelet immune/inflammatory process needs further investigation.
Distribution of HbS Allele and Haplotypes in a Multi-Ethnic Population of Guinea Bissau, West Africa: Implications for Public Health Screening
Authors: Martella Maddalena , Campeggio Mimma , Pulè Gift , Wonkam Ambroise , Menzato Federica , Munaretto Vania , Viola Giampietro , Da Costa Sabado P. , Reggiani Giulia , Araujo Antonia , Cumbà Dionisio , Liotta Giuseppe , Sainati Laura , Riccardi Fabio , Colombatti Raffaella 
Published: April 2022

BackgroundSickle Cell Disease (SCD) is an inherited condition that is widespread globally and especially in malaria-endemic West African countries. Limited epidemiological data on SCD are available for Guinea Bissau, where newborn screening is not yet implemented, routine diagnosis is not available, and care is case directed.MethodsDried blood spots were collected from children accessing two hospitals managed by Italian Non-Governmental Organizations in the capital city of Bissau and sent to Padova for Hemoglobin (Hb) quantification through HPLC and molecular analysis. Beta globin gene analysis was performed in all; and Hb haplotype of the HbSS and HbSA patients was performed in South Africa. One hundred samples belonging to the most frequent ethnic groups were randomly selected for detection of G6PD mutations.ResultsSamples from 848 consecutive children (498 males and 350 females, mean age 6.8 years) accessing the two hospitals were analyzed: 6.95% AS (4.42% allelic frequency), 0.94% SS, and 0.23% AC. 376G G6PD allelic frequency was 24%; 14.8% in AS individuals. The Senegal haplotype was the most prevalent (31%), and the proposition of chromosomes with the atypical haplotype was surprisingly high (56%).ConclusionOur study demonstrates a significant frequency of the HbS allele in the population of Guinea Bissau supporting the implementation of screening strategies. The differences among ethnic groups can help guide targeted interventions for SCD awareness campaigns and determine priority areas for public health interventions. The pilot analysis on haplotypes reveals a large proportion of the atypical haplotype, which may be indicative of a genetically heterogeneous population.
Persistent Pulmonary Interstitial Emphysema With Respiratory Infection: A Clinicopathological Analysis of Six Cases and Detection of Infectious Pathogens by Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing (mNGS)
Authors: Zhou Ping , Wang Weiya , Fu Yiyun , Zhang Ying , Liang Zuoyu , Tang Yuan , Jiang Lili 
Published: April 2022

BackgroundPersistent pulmonary interstitial emphysema (PPIE) is known to be related to mechanical ventilation and preterm. However, PPIE is also reported rarely in non-ventilated and full-term infants. Its relationship with respiratory infection is rarely reported in the literature. PPIE is difficult to diagnose and always mimics other congenital thoracic malformations (CTMs), such as congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM).ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to evaluate clinicopathological and radiographic features of PPIE with respiratory infection and to detect the possible infectious pathogens.MethodsFrom January 2011 to December 2019, six cases were confirmed pathologically with PPIE from a large cohort of 477 resected CTMs in West China Hospital of Sichuan University. Clinical and radiographic features were obtained from patients' medical records and follow-up. The present study aimed to analyze clinicopathological and radiographic features and to detect the infectious pathogens by metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS).ResultsThe six PPIE cases included four girls and two boys, ranging from 2 months to 5 years; 100% (5/5) of the available cases were full-term and without mechanical ventilation. CCAM were suspected in 66.7% (4/6) patients; 66.7% (4/6) cases affected a single lobe, and 33.3% (2/6) cases affected both lung lobes. Clinically, all six PPIEs were presented with symptoms of respiratory infection and diagnosed with pneumonia. All six patients were treated by surgery after anti-infective treatment. The pathologic characteristics showed lung cysts with variable size along the bronchovascular bundles, the cysts had a discontinuous fibrotic wall with a smooth inner surface lined with uninucleated and/or multinucleated macrophages. Streptococcus pneumoniae was detected in patient No. 1. Human beta-herpesvirus 5 was detected in patient No. 2. Neisseria mucosa, Neisseria sicca, Prevotella melaninogenica, Prevotella histicola, and Fusobacterium nucleatum were detected in patient No. 5, and no infectious pathogen was detected in 50% (3/6, No. 3, No. 4, and No. 6) of cases.ConclusionSix rare cases of PPIE with respiratory infection were treated by surgery after anti-infective treatment. All five available cases were full-term infants without mechanical ventilation. The histological characteristics of PPIE were the wall of cysts composed of a thin layer of discontinuous fibrous tissue and lined with uninucleated or/and multinucleated macrophages.
The First United Arab Emirates National Representative Birth Cohort Study: Study Protocol
Authors: Mutare Sharon , Feehan Jack , Cheikh Ismail Leila , Ali Habiba I. , Stojanovska Lily , Shehab Abdullah , Khair Howaida , Ali Raghib , Hwalla Nahla , Kharroubi Samer , Hills Andrew P. , Fernandes Michelle , Al Dhaheri Ayesha Salem 
Published: April 2022

BackgroundIn recent years, the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) has escalated. Evidence suggests that there are strong associations between nutrition in early life and the risk of disease in adulthood. This manuscript describes the study protocol of the First United Arab Emirates National Representative Birth Cohort Study (UAE-BCS), with the objective of investigating nutrition and lifestyle factors in the first 1,000 days of life. The main aims of the study are (1) to address critical issues relating to mother and child nutrition and their effect on growth and development, (2) to profile maternal nutrition, child growth, health, and development outcomes in early life, and (3) to study the associations between these factors among the Emirati population in the UAE.Methods/DesignIn this study, a multidisciplinary team of researchers was established including credible researchers from the UAE, Lebanon, Australia, and the United Kingdom to launch the First United Arab Emirates 3-year birth cohort study. We aim to recruit 260 pregnant Emirati women within their first trimester, which is defined by the study as from 8 to 12 weeks pregnant, from obstetrics and gynecology clinics in the UAE. Participants will be recruited via face-to-face interviews and will receive a total of 11 visits with 1 visit in each trimester of pregnancy and 8 visits after delivery. Maternal data collection includes, socio-demographic and lifestyle factors, dietary intake, anthropometric measurements, physical activity, maternal psychological state, and blood samples for biochemical analysis. Post-partum, visits will take place when the child is 0.5, 4, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months old, with data collection including infant anthropometric measurements, young child feeding practices, dietary intake, supplement use and the eating environment at home, as well as all maternal data collection described above, apart from blood samples. Additional data collection for the child includes early child developmental assessments taking place at three timepoints: (1) within 2 weeks of birth, (2) at 10–14 months and (3) at 22–26 months of age. Early child developmental assessments for the infant include vision, hearing, cognition, motor skills, social-emotional reactivity, neurodevelopmental, and sleep assessments.DiscussionThe United Arab Emirates Birth Cohort study protocol provides a standardized model of data collection methods for collaboration among the multisectoral teams within the United Arab Emirates to enrich the quality and research efficiency in early nutrition, thereby enhancing the health of mothers, infants, and children.
Caregivers' Attitudes Toward COVID-19 Vaccination in Children and Adolescents With a History of SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Buonsenso Danilo , Valentini Piero , Macchi Marina , Folino Francesco , Pensabene Carola , Patria Maria Francesca , Agostoni Carlo , Castaldi Silvana , Lecce Maurizio , Giannì Maria Lorella , Marchisio Paola , Milani Gregorio P. ,   The CHICO Study Group
Published: April 2022

BackgroundLimited data are available on the attitudes of caregivers toward COVID-19 vaccination in children and adolescents with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection or Long Covid symptoms. The aim of this study was to investigate the vaccine hesitancy among caregivers of children and adolescents with a documented history of SARS-CoV-2 infection and to explore the possible associations between COVID-19 manifestations and the acceptance of the vaccine.MethodsCaregivers of children or adolescents with a microbiologically confirmed diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection evaluated in two University Hospitals were interviewed.ResultsWe were able to contact 132 caregivers and 9 declined to participate. 68 caregivers (56%) were in favor of COVID-19 vaccination for their child. In the multiple logistic regression, child's age (OR 1.17, 95%CI 1.06–1.28) and hospitalization due to COVID-19 (OR 3.25, 95%CI 1.06–9.95) were positively associated with being in favor of COVID-19 vaccination. On the contrary, the occurrence of child's Long Covid was associated with a higher likelihood of being against the vaccination (OR 0.28, 95%CI 0.10–0.80).ConclusionsThis preliminary study shows that only about half of the interviewed parents of children and adolescents with a previous SARS-CoV-2 infection are willing to vaccinate them to prevent a repeated COVID-19 infection. These findings might help healthcare workers to provide tailored information to caregivers of children with a previous SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Plant Source Derived Compound Exhibited In Silico Inhibition of Membrane Glycoprotein In SARS-CoV-2: Paving the Way to Discover a New Class of Compound For Treatment of COVID-19
Authors: Mahanta Saurov , Naiya Tufan , Biswas Kunal , Changkakoti Liza , Mohanta Yugal Kishore , Tanti Bhaben , Mishra Awdhesh Kumar , Mohanta Tapan Kumar , Sharma Nanaocha 
Published: April 2022

SARS-CoV-2 is the virus responsible for causing COVID-19 disease in humans, creating the recent pandemic across the world, where lower production of Type I Interferon (IFN-I) is associated with the deadly form of the disease. Membrane protein or SARS-CoV-2 M proteins are known to be the major reason behind the lower production of human IFN-I by suppressing the expression of IFNβ and Interferon Stimulated Genes. In this study, 7,832 compounds from 32 medicinal plants of India possessing traditional knowledge linkage with pneumonia-like disease treatment, were screened against the Homology-Modelled structure of SARS-CoV-2 M protein with the objective of identifying some active phytochemicals as inhibitors. The entire study was carried out using different modules of Schrodinger Suite 2020-3. During the docking of the phytochemicals against the SARS-CoV-2 M protein, a compound, ZIN1722 from Zingiber officinale showed the best binding affinity with the receptor with a Glide Docking Score of −5.752 and Glide gscore of −5.789. In order to study the binding stability, the complex between the SARS-CoV-2 M protein and ZIN1722 was subjected to 50 ns Molecular Dynamics simulation using Desmond module of Schrodinger suite 2020-3, during which the receptor-ligand complex showed substantial stability after 32 ns of MD Simulation. The molecule ZIN1722 also showed promising results during ADME-Tox analysis performed using Swiss ADME and pkCSM. With all the findings of this extensive computational study, the compound ZIN1722 is proposed as a potential inhibitor to the SARS-CoV-2 M protein, which may subsequently prevent the immunosuppression mechanism in the human body during the SARS-CoV-2 virus infection. Further studies based on this work would pave the way towards the identification of an effective therapeutic regime for the treatment and management of SARS-CoV-2 infection in a precise and sustainable manner.
Controlling Factors of Gas-Bearing Properties in Permian Tight Sandstone Based on Sealing Corings, Sulige Gas Field, Ordos Basin, Northern China
Authors: Wu Weitao , Wei Xinshan , Zhao Xiaohui , Li Ning , Lu Xiang , Chen Jiawei 
Published: April 2022

Gas saturation (Sg) is an important parameter for studying the gas-bearing properties of tight sandstone; however, there has been limited research on gas-bearing properties based on sealing coring. This study determines the controlling factors of the gas-bearing properties of tight sandstone in the Permian He8 Member of the Sulige Gas Field, Ordos Basin, Northern China, based on sealing coring, logging, drilling, gas testing, and laboratory analysis. The He8 Member Sg distribution is 17.9–63.8% (main range: 30–45%) and shows a downward trend from bottom to top. The Ro and hydrocarbon generation intensity of the source rock, reservoir porosity, and permeability tend to control the Sg in stages. When these parameters are less than 1.8%, 17 × 108 m3/km2, 10%, and 0.5 × 10–3 μm2, respectively, Sg increases significantly. When each parameter is greater than the aove boundary value, the change in Sg is not obvious. Four types of gas-bearing patterns of tight sandstone can be observed according to the distribution of reservoir and source rock conditions: “upper and lower constant,” “upper low–lower high,” “upper high–medium low–lower high,” and “upper high–lower low”; these patterns are mainly controlled by high maturity source rocks, reservoir physical properties, reservoir physical properties and structure, and structure, respectively. The corresponding gas test results reveal the existence of pure gas, pure gas and gas–water, gas–water, and gas-bearing water and pure water layers, respectively.
Handball Training and Competition With Facemasks in Galicia: The FISICOVID-DXTGALEGO Protocols Experience
Authors: Rico-Díaz Javier , Río-Rodríguez Dan , Gómez-Varela Joaquín , Martín-Acero Rafael 
Published: April 2022

ObjectiveCOVID-19 caused a complete stop in non-professional sports. The use of face masks for team sports is not a widely used measure in non-professional sports. The study aimed to evaluate the perception about using the mask and the adaptation difficulties related to training and competition in team sports following the FISICOVID-DXTGALEGO protocol.MethodsSeven hundred eighty-seven handball players from the Galician Handball Federation were followed during their return to participation after months of confinement through an electronic questionnaire of perception and experience on the use of a mask.ResultsThere is an excellent adaptation to the mask in training and competition with medium and high correlations. The 86,41% of players reported an adaptation to the mask in 3 weeks with a three times a week training frequency. The negative opinion on the mask was drastically reduced (-66.86%) after use. The 80,44% of players considered the use of a mask as an essential measure to resume competitions.ConclusionsIt is very feasible to adapt to training and compete with a mask (hygienic or surgical) in a short period. The use of a mask following these protocols changed previous opinions on the disadvantages of the mask during training and competition.
Mindfulness Affects the Level of Psychological Distress in Patients With Lung Cancer via Illness Perception and Perceived Stress: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study
Authors: Tian Xu , Tang Ling , Yi Li-Juan , Qin Xiao-Pei , Chen Gui-Hua , Jiménez-Herrera Maria F. 
Published: April 2022

PurposeThe aims of the study were first to investigate the association between illness perception and psychological distress and second to determine whether mindfulness affects psychological distress via illness perception and perceived stress in patients with lung cancer.MethodsAmong 300 patients with lung cancer who participated in this cross-sectional study, 295 patients made valid responses to distress thermometer (DT), the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (B-IPQ), and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) between January and July 2021. The possible pathways of mindfulness affecting psychological distress were analyzed based on the structural equation modeling analysis.ResultsA total of 24.4% patients with lung cancer had DT &gt; 4. Illness perception (β = 0.17, p = 0.002) and perceived stress (β = 0.23, p &lt; 0.001) had a direct effect on psychological distress. Mindfulness had a direct effect on illness perception (β = −0.16, p = 0.006) and mindfulness indirectly influenced psychological distress (β = −0.04, p = 0.009) through affecting illness perception alone or simultaneously affecting both the illness perception and perceived stress in patients with lung cancer.ConclusionLung cancer suffered from varying levels of psychological distress. Mindfulness may alleviate psychological distress by reducing the level of illness perception and perceived stress. We suggest developing a comprehensive factor model to clarify potential mechanisms of mindfulness on psychological distress due to the very low effect of mindfulness on psychological distress via illness perception and perceived stress.
Predicting Personality and Psychological Distress Using Natural Language Processing: A Study Protocol
Authors: Jang Jihee , Yoon Seowon , Son Gaeun , Kang Minjung , Choeh Joon Yeon , Choi Kee-Hong 
Published: April 2022

BackgroundSelf-report multiple choice questionnaires have been widely utilized to quantitatively measure one’s personality and psychological constructs. Despite several strengths (e.g., brevity and utility), self-report multiple choice questionnaires have considerable limitations in nature. With the rise of machine learning (ML) and Natural language processing (NLP), researchers in the field of psychology are widely adopting NLP to assess psychological construct to predict human behaviors. However, there is a lack of connections between the work being performed in computer science and that of psychology due to small data sets and unvalidated modeling practices.AimsThe current article introduces the study method and procedure of phase II which includes the interview questions for the five-factor model (FFM) of personality developed in phase I. This study aims to develop the interview (semi-structured) and open-ended questions for the FFM-based personality assessments, specifically designed with experts in the field of clinical and personality psychology (phase 1), and to collect the personality-related text data using the interview questions and self-report measures on personality and psychological distress (phase 2). The purpose of the study includes examining the relationship between natural language data obtained from the interview questions, measuring the FFM personality constructs, and psychological distress to demonstrate the validity of the natural language-based personality prediction.MethodsPhase I (pilot) study was conducted to fifty-nine native Korean adults to acquire the personality-related text data from the interview (semi-structured) and open-ended questions based on the FFM of personality. The interview questions were revised and finalized with the feedback from the external expert committee, consisting of personality and clinical psychologists. Based on the established interview questions, a total of 300 Korean adults will be recruited using a convenience sampling method via online survey. The text data collected from interviews will be analyzed using the natural language processing. The results of the online survey including demographic data, depression, anxiety, and personality inventories will be analyzed together in the model to predict individuals’ FFM of personality and the level of psychological distress (phase 2).
Comparison of Two Approaches to Enhance Self-Esteem and Self-Acceptance in Chinese College Students: Psychoeducational Lecture vs. Group Intervention
Authors: Qian Yi , Yu Xinnian , Liu Fulian 
Published: April 2022

ObjectiveSelf-esteem and self-acceptance are not only basic features but also influential factors of mental health. The present study aimed at assessing the effects of psychoeducational lecture and group intervention on self-esteem and self-acceptance in Chinese college students.MethodsA total of 149 Chinese college students who participated in a mental health course were randomly class-based assigned into the psychoeducational lecture group (n = 62) and the self-focused intervention group (n = 87). The lecture group received 6-session psychoeducational lectures on overview of mental health, campus adaptation, stress adjustment, self-understanding, emotion management, and interpersonal relationships. The self-focused intervention group was treated with self-related group activities involving aspects of self-knowledge, self-feeling, and self-regulation for six sessions. Pre- and post-intervention measurements were taken with Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and Self-Acceptance Questionnaire for both groups.ResultsSelf-esteem significantly increased in both groups after six sessions. However, the enhancement of self-acceptance was more robust for the self-focused intervention group than the psychoeducational lecture group.ConclusionThe psychoeducational lecture and self-focused intervention were effective approaches to improve self-esteem for Chinese college students. With respect to self-acceptance, self-focused group intervention might have a more prominent effect.