bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predictors of mortality in tocilizumab treated severe Covid-19
Authors: Pagkratis Konstantinos , Chrysikos Serafeim , Antonakis Emmanouil , Pandi Aggeliki , Kosti Chrysavgi , Markatis Eleftherios , Hillas Georgios , Digalaki Antonia , Koukidou Sofia , Chaini Eleftheria , Afthinos Andreas , Dimakou Katerina , Papanikolaou Ilias C 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Purpose
Tocilizumab is associated with positive outcomes in severe Covid-19. We wanted to describe the characteristics of non-responders to treatment.
Methods
Retrospective multi-center study in two respiratory departments, investigating adverse outcomes at 90 days from diagnosis in subjects treated with tocilizumab (8mg/kg intravenously single dose) for severe progressive covid-19.
Results
121 subjects, 62% males, 9% fully vaccinated. 96 (79.4%) survived and 25 died (20.6%). Compared to survivors (S), non-survivors (NS) were older (median 57 versus 75 years of age), had more comorbidities (charlson comorbidity index 2 versus 5) and higher rates of intubation/mechanical ventilation (p < 0,05). On admission, NS had lower PO2/FiO2 ratio, higher blood ferritin and higher troponin and on clinical progression (day of tocilizumab treatment) had lower PO2/FiO2 ratio, decreased lymphocytes, increased neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, increased ferritin and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), disease located centrally on computed tomography scan and increased late c-reactive protein. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis identified age and LDH on deterioration as predictors of death; admission PO2/FiO2 ratio and LDH as predictors of intubation; PO2/FiO2 ratios, LDH and central lung disease on radiology as predictors of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) (a < 0,05). Log-rank test of mortality yielded the same results (p < 0,001). ROC analysis of above predictors in a separate validation cohort yielded significant results.
Conclusion
Older age and high serum LDH on deterioration are predictors of mortality in tocilizumab treated severe covid-19. Hypoxia levels, LDH and central pulmonary involvement radiologically are associated with intubation and NIV.
Incidence, Risk Factors, and Clinical Impact of Major Bleeding in Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19: A Sub-analysis of the CLOT-COVID Study
Authors: Nakamura Junichi , Tsujino Ichizo , Yachi Sen , Takeyama Makoto , Nishimoto Yuji , Konno Satoshi , Yamamoto Naoto , Nakata Hiroko , Ikeda Satoshi , Umetsu Michihisa , Aikawa Shizu , Hayashi Hiroya , Satokawa Hirono , Okuno Yoshinori , Iwata Eriko , Ogihara Yoshito , Ikeda Nobutaka , Kondo Akane , Iwai Takehisa , Yamada Norikazu , Ogawa Tomohiro , Kobayashi Takao , Mo Makoto , Yamashita Yugo 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) causes extensive coagulopathy and a potential benefit of anticoagulation therapy has been documented for prevention of thromboembolic events. Bleeding events has also been reported as a notable complication; whereas, the incidence, risks, and clinical impact of bleeding remain unclear.Method: The CLOT-COVID Study was a nationwide, retrospective, multicenter cohort study on consecutive hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in Japan between April 2021 and September 2021. In this sub-analysis, we compared the characteristics of patients with and without major bleeding; moreover, we examined the risk factors for and clinical impact of bleeding events.Results: Among 2882 patients with COVID-19, 57 (2.0%) had major bleeding. The incidence of major bleeding increased with COVID-19 severity as follows: 0.5%, 2.3%, and 12.3% in patients with mild, moderate, and severe COVID-19, respectively. COVID-19 severity, history of major bleeding, and anticoagulant type/dose were independently and additively associated with the bleeding incidence. Compared with patients without major bleeding, those with major bleeding exhibited a longer duration of hospitalization (9 [6-14] vs 28 [19-43] days, P<0.001) and higher mortality during hospitalization (4.9% vs. 35.1%, P<0.001).Conclusions: In the real-world clinical practice, the incidence of major bleeding was not uncommon, especially in patients with severe COVID-19. Independent risk factors for major bleeding included history of major bleeding, COVID-19 severity, and anticoagulant use, which could be associated with poor clinical outcomes including higher mortality. Precise recognition of the risks for bleeding may be helpful for an optimal use of anticoagulants and for better outcomes in patients with COVID-19.
Geo-ontology model construction for urban flood disaster: a case study of community scale
Authors: Zhu Zhi-Zhou , Zhang Shu-Liang , Gong Zhi-Yan , Yang Qi-Qi 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Urban flooding has become one of the most common natural disasters worldwide due to recent global climate changes. Therefore, disaster simulation and forecasting have become important “non-engineering measures” to manage urban flooding and reduce the effective emergency response time. In this study, an urban flooding-disaster geographic-ontology model (UFD-GOM) was constructed with rainfall, surface, and drainage ontologies as its core, and a Bayesian network model was built after the classes, relationships, and attributes were rationally defined. The Caochangmen Community, Nanjing, China, case-study results showed that the difference between the number of inferred/predicted and actual observed disaster-class grid cells was small. The spatial distribution of the flood-prone monitoring points and the inferred/predicted regional disaster-occurrence intensity were well matched, with the average accuracy being 87.18%, verifying and validating the scientific basis and practicality of the “triple-core” UFD-GOM constructed in this study.
Evapotranspiration Modelling using Artificial Neural Network and Multiple Linear Regression Approach in Semi-Humid Region of Sikkim
Authors: Patle IndiaG. T. , Mandal B. P. , Kumar Mukesh , Jhajharia D. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
This study investigates superiority between multiple linear regression (MLR) and artificial neural network (ANN) approach for prediction of weekly reference evapotranspiration (ET0) in semi-humid region of Sikkim, India. Daily meteorological parameters (1985–2009) were used for the estimation of ET0 using Penman Monteith equation and various combinations of meteorological parameters was used for MLR and ANN model development. Predicted ET0 were compared with ET0 estimated using coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), mean absolute relative error (MARE) and Nash Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE). Among ANN models, ANN model 4 with one hidden layer and four neurons had smallest RMSE (0.62 & 0.49 mm/day) and highest R2 (0.75 & 0.82) for training and testing phase. ANN model 4 had highest NSE compared to MLR model 4. Comparison between MLR and ANN models revealed more accuracy of ANN to predict weekly ET0 for the sub humid region like Tadong in East Sikkim district of North-eastern India. Study show the effectiveness of the both MLR and ANN models for estimation of the ET0 with minimal meteorological variables and increased parameters increases the model prediction efficiency. The findings of the study could be helpful for similar studies in the data scarce northeast Indian part and other identical climatic regions.
Genome sequencing and analysis reveal the biosynthetic mechanism of anticancer drug terpenoid in Aspergillus tubingensis
Authors: Lin Shan , Xu Chunhua , Hu Shiping , Chen Xiaoni , Wu Fenfang 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
In recent years, Aspergillus tubingensis is extremely rich in secondary metabolites, which is a valuable medical fungus needs to be further explored. So far, many small molecular compounds with novel structure and significant biological activity have been discovered from A. tubingensis, among which terpenoids account for about 20%, showing great research potential in anti-cancer. Although more and more new terpenoids have been discovered from A. tubingensis and their structures have been identified, few studies have investigated the biosynthetic pathway of terpenoid. In order to further elucidate the biosynthetic mechanism of terpenoid, the key genes and enzymes involved in terpenoid biosynthesis were successfully mined and further analyzed based on genome sequencing analysis. Subsequently, hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA synthase, mevalonate kinase, phosphomevalonate kinase as well as diphosphomevalonate decarboxylase were annotated, which played important roles in terpenoid biosynthesis of A. tubingensis. Furthermore, the biosynthetic pathway of terpenoid in A. tubingensis has been constructed, which could be applied to develop the metabolic regulation of A. tubingensis. This study would provide more sufficient scientific basis and new ideas for the genetic regulation of anticancer drug terpenoid biosynthesis in A. tubingensis.
Impact of a nurse-guided patient self-treatment program in integrative oncology care: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ben-Arye Eran , Balneaves Lynda , Yaguda Susan , Shuman Bella , Gressel Orit , Tapiro Yehudit , Sharabi Ilanit Shalom , Samuels Noah 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Context and objectives: Nurses are increasingly becoming involved in integrative oncology (IO) programs. This study examined the additive effect of nurse-provided guidance for self-administered IO therapies on cancer-related fatigue and quality of life (QoL). Methods: The study was randomized and controlled, enrolling patients undergoing active oncology with IO treatments for fatigue and other QoL-related outcomes. IO practitioner-guidance on self-treatment with manual, relaxation and/or traditional herbal therapies was provided to patients in both the intervention and control arms. However, patients in the intervention arms also received additional guidance on self-treatment by IO-trained palliative care nurses. All participants were assessed for fatigue and QoL at baseline and at 24-hour follow-up, using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS) and the Measure Yourself Concerns and Wellbeing (MYCAW) questionnaire tools. Results: Of 353 patients recruited, 187 were randomized to the intervention and 166 to the control group. Both groups had similar demographic and oncology-related characteristics. Patients in the intervention arm reported significantly greater improvement in ESAS scores for fatigue (p=0.026) and appetite (p=0.003) when compared to controls. Conclusion: The addition of nurse-provided guidance on self-administration of IO treatments to that provided by IO practitioners further reduced short-term scores for fatigue and improved appetite. The relationship between palliative and IO supportive cancer care requires further study.
Association of Social capital with the decline of the cognitive abilities of elderly in India: Evidence from LASI Wave-1
Authors: Pandey Mohit , Goswami Puja , Bramhnakar Mahadevrao 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
A vast literature on successful aging is focused on social networks or social capital on health. Existing literature has shown that social capital directly influences cognitive health, but in the Indian context, there is a dearth of studies confirming the same confirmed, especially among older adults. Thus, this study was conducted to determine the relationship between social capital and other factors affecting cognitive impairment among older adults in India.
Methods
The present study utilizes secondary data from Longitudinal Ageing Study in India [LASI Wave-1] conducted during 2017-18. Cross-tabulation and logistic regressions are used to establish the association between outcome and explanatory variables. Dominance analysis is used to find out the contribution of each variable in cognitive impairment.
Results
Our study reveals that cohabitation increases connectedness, positively contributing to social capital. Being physically active is found to have a favorable impact on social capital. On the other hand, those with low IADL scores are more prone to cognition impairment and a low level of social capital. Interestingly, it was seen that substance abuse among older adults has a positive effect on social capital. Further, we find social capital to be the most dominant factor which explains the variation in cognitive health.
Conclusion
Overall, our study presents evidence-based results advocating a positive sense of social capital, healthy living arrangements, and physical activeness among older adults in India for better cognitive health.
Statistical fluctuation analysis for one-decoy-state quantum key distribution
Authors: Chen Lei , Chen Xiao-Ming , Yan Ya-Long 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
One-decoy-state quantum key distribution with infinite length pulses can even approach the asymptotic case, i.e., infinite decoy states and infinite length pulses. Due to the limitation of experimental time, we must consider the statistical fluctuation caused by the finite number of pulses. The central limit theorem analysis method is an effective method, which can easily give the upper and lower bounds of experimental observations. Combining the central limit theorem method with the theorem that the ratio of two independent normal random variables can be approximated as a normal random variable under certain conditions, we propose a more efficient method to estimate the secure key rate. Compared with using central limit theorem method directly, our method has fewer bounds, smaller estimation deviation and higher estimation accuracy. The simulation results show that our method can significantly improve the secure key rate and transmission distance when considering statistical fluctuation and keeping the pulse number and security parameters unchanged, especially in the case of small pulse number (e.g. 107).
Chromatin accessibility landscape and active transcription factors in primary human invasive lobular and ductal breast carcinomas
Authors: Lee Sanghoon , Osmanbeyoglu Hatce 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background: Invasive lobular breast carcinoma (ILC), the second most prevalent histological subtype of breast cancer, exhibits unique molecular features compared with the more common invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). While genomic and transcriptomic features of ILC and IDC have been characterized, genome-wide chromatin accessibility pattern differences between ILC and IDC remain largely unexplored. Methods: Here, we characterized tumor-intrinsic chromatin accessibility differences between ILC and IDC using primary tumors from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) breast cancer assay for transposase-accessible chromatin with sequencing (ATAC-seq) dataset. Results: We identified distinct patterns of genome-wide chromatin accessibility in ILC and IDC. Inferred patient-specific transcription factor (TF) motif activities revealed regulatory differences between and within ILC and IDC tumors. EGR1, RUNX3, TP63, STAT6, SOX family, and TEAD family TFs were higher in ILC, while ATF4, PBX3, SPDEF, PITX family, and FOX family TFs were higher in IDC. Conclusions: This study reveals the distinct epigenomic features of ILC and IDC and the active TFs driving cancer progression that may provide valuable information on patient prognosis.
Growth and survival of the abalone Haliotis asinina fed seaweed Gracilariopsis heteroclada, formulated diet, and a combination of both
Authors: Lebata-Ramos Ma. Junemie Hazel L. , Solis Ellen Flor D. , Biñas Joseph B. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
This paper compares the effect of feeding the abalone Haliotis asinina with seaweed (SW), formulated (FD), and mixed (SW + FD) diets. The feeding experiment, in six replicates, was conducted in a tank facility and lasted for ten months. At the end of the experiment, abalone fed mixed diets had significantly the highest mean shell length and body weight (45.90 ± 0.19 mm, 22.82 ± 0.31 g), followed by those fed seaweeds (43.47 ± 0.17 mm, 18.25 ± 0.26 g), and lastly, by those fed formulated diet (41.78 ± 0.18 mm, 15.76 ± 0.22 g). Mean growth rates were significantly higher when abalone were fed with mixed diets at 1.48 ± 0.03 mm and 1.69 ± 0.04 g mo− 1, respectively, than those fed seaweeds (1.26 ± 0.03 mm, 1.27 ± 0.06 g mo− 1) or formulated diet (1.06 ± 0.09 mm, 1.00 ± 0.11 g mo− 1). Survival was consistent one month from the start of culture until harvest—highest in abalone fed mixed diets (78.81 ± 2.48%), followed by those fed seaweeds (70.12 ± 4.07%), and lastly formulated diet (64.53 ± 4.61%). Moreover, feed conversion ratios (FCR) were significantly lower in abalone fed mixed diets (15.48 ± 0.69) and formulated diet (18.07 ± 3.50) compared with those fed seaweeds (41.31 ± 2.36). Pearson correlation analysis did not show any correlation between growth rates and the environmental variables tested, except for survival in all treatment diets, which showed significantly moderate positive correlations with temperature. Based on the results of this experiment, giving abalone a mix of formulated and natural diets is the best feeding regime. The importance of a balanced and more nutritional diet on the well-being of the abalone was observed in this study.
An invasive plant does not escape negative soil feedback near the northern limit of its invaded range
Authors: Zhang Vicki Mengyuan , Kotanen Peter M. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
In the Canadian subarctic, the non-native plant Linaria vulgaris has invaded human-disturbed soils in and around the town of Churchill, Manitoba (58.8ºN), but has failed to spread into nearby tundra and taiga communities. This lack of spread over decades suggests that interactions with native soil communities might be a barrier to L. vulgaris, in contrast to areas where this plant has been long established; however, no local evidence for plant-soil feedbacks yet exists. In one of the first studies to investigate the role of plant-soil feedbacks in an invasion at high latitudes, we planted L. vulgaris in soil serially inoculated with live and sterilized field-collected soil that was sampled either from invaded or uninvaded plots, and measured plant performance (biomass) over three greenhouse generations. We also conducted soil chemical analyses on all soil samples to determine whether pH, and carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorous contents may contribute to feedbacks. There was no significant difference in soil chemistry detected between invaded and uninvaded areas. Additionally, there was no initial difference in plant biomass between soil treatments in the first two generations. However, by generation three, we found that sterilization significantly increased L. vulgaris biomass in invaded soils, indicating feedback gradually becomes more negative in invaded soils compared to uninvaded soils. These results suggest both that this non-native plant is not modifying the soil biota to its benefit in invaded soils, and that feedbacks in native-dominated soils do not represent a barrier to further range expansion. Thus, explanations for the restriction of this species to anthropogenically modified areas must lie elsewhere.
Predictors of Anemia among Pregnant Teenagers Presenting at a Tertiary Level Teaching Hospital in Mid-western Uganda
Authors: Hassan Sadiq Mohamoud , Byonanuwe Simon , Fajardo Yarine , Okello Maxwell , Almenares Ubarnell , Kajabwangu Rogers 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Objective
To establish the predictors of anemia among pregnant teenagers presenting at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, mid-western Uganda
Methods
This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the months of August 2021 to October 2021. A total of 288 pregnant teenagers aged between 13 and 19 years attending antenatal care (ANC) at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital (HRRH) were consecutively enrolled. Interviewer-administered questionnaires and laboratory report forms were used to obtain data. Descriptive statistics followed by binary logistic regression were conducted. All data analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS 23.
Results
The prevalence of anemia was 26%, with 53% having mild anemia, 40% moderate anemia, and 7% severe anemia. The key predictors of anemia among pregnant teenagers attending ANC at HRRH were lack of formal education (aOR = 17.39, CI:4.655–64.988; p < 0.001), nulliparity (aOR = 0.47, CI:0.225–0.989; p = 0.047) and ANC visits less than four times (aOR = 8.80, CI:2.888–27.811; p < 0.001)
Conclusion
The prevalence of anemia among pregnant teenagers at HRRH was higher than the estimated national anemia prevalence in this age group. Lack of formal education and poor ANC attendance are the key predictors of anemia at HRRH. Nulliparity is a protective factor for this obstetric complication in this age group of women at this facility.
Could ozone become a complementary therapeutic approach to improve metabolic and endocrine response of ALS patients?
Authors: Rodríguez-Sánchez Sara , Valiente Nicolas , Seseña Susana , Cabrera-Pinto Marta , Rodriguez Ana , Aranda Alfonso , Palop Llanos , Fernandez-Martos Carmen M. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a devastating progressive neurodegenerative disease, has no effective treatment. Recent evidence supports a strong metabolic component in ALS pathogenesis, raising additional therapeutic targets against ALS. At this respect, improvements in motor deficits and disease-associated weight loss after repeated exposures to ozone (O3) in the mouse model of ALS based on TDP-43 proteinopathy (TDP-43A315T mice) have been reported. Here, the underlying molecular mechanisms to determine whether O3 exposure induces metabolic changes in ALS have been investigated. Molecular biology analysis demonstrated that O3 significantly modified the expression profile of hypothalamic neuropeptides, altering phosphorylation levels of the signal transducer and activator transcription 3 (STAT3) and protein kinase B (Akt), concomitantly to increase the expression of genes involved in metabolism and thermogenesis in the brown adipose tissue (BAT) of TDP-43A315T mice. Composition of fecal gut microbiome of exposed TDP-43A315T mice varied significantly compared to wild type (WT) controls. Densitometric analysis of neuromuscular junction, indicated that O3 does not impaired the progression of disease in the skeletal muscle. Our findings suggest the effectiveness of O3 exposure to induce metabolic effects in the hypothalamus and BAT of this ALS mouse model and may be a new complementary non-pharmacological approach for ALS therapy.
Sintomatología depresiva y relación con la actividad física en estudiantes de una universidad con enfoque deportivo
Authors: Lopez-Salamanca David Eliecer , Tonguino-Rosero Stefanie , Agudelo-Orozco Alexander 
Published: May 2022

Introducción: La depresión es una problemática de salud pública responsable de alta carga de mortalidad, afecta principalmente a jóvenes universitarios. La evidencia sugiere que la participación en actividad física genera beneficios en salud mental. Resulta importante estudiar esta asociación teniendo en cuenta otra serie de factores como variables sociodemográficas y el tipo de carrera universitaria. Objetivo: Estimar la prevalencia de sintomatología depresiva y evaluar si el nivel de actividad física podría ser un factor protector en estudiantes de una universidad con enfoque deportivo. Materiales y métodos: Estudio transversal con muestra representativa de 291 estudiantes. Se aplicó cuestionario Beck II y versión larga del International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Se realizó análisis univariado y bivariado con razones de prevalencia para depresión, según nivel de actividad física ajustadas mediante modelos de regresión generalizados con vínculo logarítmico de distribución binomial. Resultados: Las prevalencias de síntomas de depresión e inactividad física son respectivamente 27% y 22%. La prevalencia de síntomas de depresión es 46% mayor en quienes no son suficientemente activos (RP: 1,46 IC95%:0,95–2,25). Conclusiones: La prevalencia de síntomas de depresión e inactividad física más bajas comparadas con poblaciones similares, probablemente se relacionan con el enfoque deportivo de la institución.