cometadata/datacite-titles-descriptions-related-identifiers huggingface dataset:
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.20008583
title: Could serum total cortisol level at admission predict mortality due to coronavirus disease 2019 in the intensive care unit? A prospective study

description: ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Critical diseases usually cause hypercortisolemia via activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between serum total cortisol level and mortality among coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients in the intensive care unit (ICU), at the time of their admission. DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective study developed in a pandemic hospital in the city of Şırnak, Turkey. METHODS: We compared the serum total cortisol levels of 285 patients (141 COVID-19-negative patients and 144 COVID-19-positive patients) followed up in the ICU. RESULTS: The median cortisol level of COVID-19-positive patients was higher than that of COVID-19 negative patients (21.84 μg/dl versus 16.47 μg/dl; P &lt; 0.001). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, mortality was associated with higher cortisol level (odds ratio: 1.20; 95% confidence interval: 1.08-1.35; P = 0.001). The cortisol cutoff point was 31 μg/dl (855 nmol/l) for predicting mortality among COVID-19-positive patients (area under the curve 0.932; sensitivity 59%; and specificity 95%). Among the COVID-19 positive patients with cortisol level ≤ 31 μg/dl (79%; 114 patients), the median survival was higher than among those with cortisol level &gt; 31 μg/dl (21%; 30 patients) (32 days versus 19 days; log-rank test P &lt; 0.001). CONCLUSION: Very high cortisol levels are associated with severe illness and increased risk of death, among COVID-19 patients in the ICU.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.20008583.v1
title: Could serum total cortisol level at admission predict mortality due to coronavirus disease 2019 in the intensive care unit? A prospective study

description: ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Critical diseases usually cause hypercortisolemia via activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between serum total cortisol level and mortality among coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients in the intensive care unit (ICU), at the time of their admission. DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective study developed in a pandemic hospital in the city of Şırnak, Turkey. METHODS: We compared the serum total cortisol levels of 285 patients (141 COVID-19-negative patients and 144 COVID-19-positive patients) followed up in the ICU. RESULTS: The median cortisol level of COVID-19-positive patients was higher than that of COVID-19 negative patients (21.84 μg/dl versus 16.47 μg/dl; P &lt; 0.001). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, mortality was associated with higher cortisol level (odds ratio: 1.20; 95% confidence interval: 1.08-1.35; P = 0.001). The cortisol cutoff point was 31 μg/dl (855 nmol/l) for predicting mortality among COVID-19-positive patients (area under the curve 0.932; sensitivity 59%; and specificity 95%). Among the COVID-19 positive patients with cortisol level ≤ 31 μg/dl (79%; 114 patients), the median survival was higher than among those with cortisol level &gt; 31 μg/dl (21%; 30 patients) (32 days versus 19 days; log-rank test P &lt; 0.001). CONCLUSION: Very high cortisol levels are associated with severe illness and increased risk of death, among COVID-19 patients in the ICU.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.20178085.v1
title: Quality of Oral Anticoagulation in Atrial Fibrillation Patients at a Tertiary Hospital in Brazil

description: Abstract Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) affects 0.5% to 2.0% of the general population and is usually associated with cardiac structural diseases, hemodynamic damage, and thromboembolic complications. Oral anticoagulation prevents thromboembolic events and is monitored by the international normalized ratio (INR). Objectives To evaluate INR stability in nonvalvular AF patients treated with warfarin anticoagulation, to evaluate thromboembolic or hemorrhagic complications, and to identify the group at higher risk for thromboembolic or hemorrhagic events. Methods Data from the medical records of 203 patients who received medical care at a tertiary hospital in Brazil were reviewed, and the time in therapeutic range (TTR) was calculated using the Rosendaal method. The possible TTR influencing factors were then analyzed, and the relationship between the TTR and thromboembolic or hemorrhagic events was calculated. The level of significance was 5%. Results The mean TTR was 52.2%. Patients with INR instability in the adaptation phase had a lower mean TTR (46.8%) than those without instability (53.9%). Among the studied patients, 6.9% suffered hemorrhagic events, and 8.4% had a stroke. The higher risk group for stroke and bleeding consisted of patients with INR instability in the adaptation phase. Conclusions The quality of anticoagulation in this tertiary hospital in Brazil is similar to that in centers in developing countries. Patients with greater INR instability in the adaptation phase evolved to a lower mean TTR during follow-up, had a 4.94-fold greater chance of stroke, and had a 3.35-fold greater chance of bleeding. Thus, for this patient group, individualizing the choice of anticoagulation therapy would be advised, considering the cost-benefit ratio.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.20178085
title: Quality of Oral Anticoagulation in Atrial Fibrillation Patients at a Tertiary Hospital in Brazil

description: Abstract Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) affects 0.5% to 2.0% of the general population and is usually associated with cardiac structural diseases, hemodynamic damage, and thromboembolic complications. Oral anticoagulation prevents thromboembolic events and is monitored by the international normalized ratio (INR). Objectives To evaluate INR stability in nonvalvular AF patients treated with warfarin anticoagulation, to evaluate thromboembolic or hemorrhagic complications, and to identify the group at higher risk for thromboembolic or hemorrhagic events. Methods Data from the medical records of 203 patients who received medical care at a tertiary hospital in Brazil were reviewed, and the time in therapeutic range (TTR) was calculated using the Rosendaal method. The possible TTR influencing factors were then analyzed, and the relationship between the TTR and thromboembolic or hemorrhagic events was calculated. The level of significance was 5%. Results The mean TTR was 52.2%. Patients with INR instability in the adaptation phase had a lower mean TTR (46.8%) than those without instability (53.9%). Among the studied patients, 6.9% suffered hemorrhagic events, and 8.4% had a stroke. The higher risk group for stroke and bleeding consisted of patients with INR instability in the adaptation phase. Conclusions The quality of anticoagulation in this tertiary hospital in Brazil is similar to that in centers in developing countries. Patients with greater INR instability in the adaptation phase evolved to a lower mean TTR during follow-up, had a 4.94-fold greater chance of stroke, and had a 3.35-fold greater chance of bleeding. Thus, for this patient group, individualizing the choice of anticoagulation therapy would be advised, considering the cost-benefit ratio.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.20178095
title: Selectivity of herbicides isolated and/or with the addition of adjuvants for Physalis angulata crop

description: ABSTRACT Physalis angulata is a Solanaceae that produces fruits with a high commercial value. The interference of weeds in the cultivation of this species is one of the main factors limiting its growth. There are no herbicides registered for this crop in Brazil. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the selectivity of herbicides and the use of adjuvants for the cultivation of P. angulata. We conducted three experiments: two in pots, evaluating the selectivity of the herbicides fluazifop-p-butyl, metribuzin, fomesafen + fluazifop-p-butyl, trifluralin and clethodim; and one in field conditions using the most selective herbicides from previous experiments. In the pots, we performed assessments of phytotoxicity, height, stem diameter, and total chlorophyll content every seven days up to 42 days after application. At the end of the three experiments, we evaluated leaf area, number of fruits, and dry matter of leaves, stems, and fruits. The herbicides clethodim without adjuvant and fluazifop-p-butyl are selective for P. angulata crop. Under field conditions, the application of fluazifop-p-butyl + fomesafen did not negatively affect crop production and growth, being selective to P. angulata. Metribuzin do not have the potential to be used for this crop.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.20178095.v1
title: Selectivity of herbicides isolated and/or with the addition of adjuvants for Physalis angulata crop

description: ABSTRACT Physalis angulata is a Solanaceae that produces fruits with a high commercial value. The interference of weeds in the cultivation of this species is one of the main factors limiting its growth. There are no herbicides registered for this crop in Brazil. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the selectivity of herbicides and the use of adjuvants for the cultivation of P. angulata. We conducted three experiments: two in pots, evaluating the selectivity of the herbicides fluazifop-p-butyl, metribuzin, fomesafen + fluazifop-p-butyl, trifluralin and clethodim; and one in field conditions using the most selective herbicides from previous experiments. In the pots, we performed assessments of phytotoxicity, height, stem diameter, and total chlorophyll content every seven days up to 42 days after application. At the end of the three experiments, we evaluated leaf area, number of fruits, and dry matter of leaves, stems, and fruits. The herbicides clethodim without adjuvant and fluazifop-p-butyl are selective for P. angulata crop. Under field conditions, the application of fluazifop-p-butyl + fomesafen did not negatively affect crop production and growth, being selective to P. angulata. Metribuzin do not have the potential to be used for this crop.
DOI: 10.5519/qd.rbbcbmvk
title: Query on the Natural History Museum Data Portal (data.nhm.ac.uk) (5163654 records)
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.20178104
title: Large strain Flory’s decomposition for Lagrangian modeling of viscoleastic solids and compressive fluids

description: Abstract The fundamental difference in the solution of solids and fluids relies on the respective constitutive laws. Based on the Rivlin-Saunders-Düster-Hartmann hyperelastic model and using the Flory’s strain decomposition, we present a new total Lagrangian viscoelastic constitutive model for both Kelvin-Voigt viscoelastic solids and free-surface compressive viscous isothermal fluids. A dissipative viscous virtual work is written as a function of the time rate of isochoric invariants and its relation with the viscous stress is derived. Local time derivatives are solved by backward finite difference, allowing a consistent tangent viscoelastic constitutive tensor. The virtual work principle is used to write the weak equilibrium equation and its position-based finite element counterpart. Dynamic time integration is carried out by the Newmark β method and the Newton-Raphson procedure is used to solve time steps. The formulation is validated against experimental and numerical literature results revealing good precision. Additional examples are shown in order to demonstrate the applicability and future possibilities of the technique.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.20178104.v1
title: Large strain Flory’s decomposition for Lagrangian modeling of viscoleastic solids and compressive fluids

description: Abstract The fundamental difference in the solution of solids and fluids relies on the respective constitutive laws. Based on the Rivlin-Saunders-Düster-Hartmann hyperelastic model and using the Flory’s strain decomposition, we present a new total Lagrangian viscoelastic constitutive model for both Kelvin-Voigt viscoelastic solids and free-surface compressive viscous isothermal fluids. A dissipative viscous virtual work is written as a function of the time rate of isochoric invariants and its relation with the viscous stress is derived. Local time derivatives are solved by backward finite difference, allowing a consistent tangent viscoelastic constitutive tensor. The virtual work principle is used to write the weak equilibrium equation and its position-based finite element counterpart. Dynamic time integration is carried out by the Newmark β method and the Newton-Raphson procedure is used to solve time steps. The formulation is validated against experimental and numerical literature results revealing good precision. Additional examples are shown in order to demonstrate the applicability and future possibilities of the technique.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.20178134
title: Comparison of Novel Martin/Hopkins and Sampson Equations for Calculation of Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol in Diabetic Patients

description: Abstract Background The accurate determination of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is important to reach guideline-recommended LDL-C concentrations and to reduce adverse cardiovascular outcomes in diabetic patients. The commonly used Friedewald equation (LDL-Cf), gives inaccurate results in diabetic patients due to accompanying diabetic dyslipidemia. Recently two new equations – Martin/Hopkins (LDL-Cmh) and Sampson (LDL-Cs) – were developed to improve the accuracy of LDL-C estimation, but data are insufficient to suggest the superiority of one equation over the other one. Objective The present study compared the accuracy and clinical usefulness of novel Martin/Hopkins and Sampson equations in diabetic patients. Methods This study included 402 patients with diabetes. Patients’ cardiovascular risk and LDL-C targets were calculated per European guidelines. Calculated LDL-Cmh, LDL-Cs, and LDL-Cf concentrations were compared with direct LDL-C concentration (LDL-Cd) to test agreement between these equations and LDL-Cd. A p-value &lt;0.05 was accepted as statistically significant. Results Both LDL-Cmh and LDL-Cs had a better agreement with LDL-Cd as compared to LDL-Cf, but no statistical differences were found among novel equations for agreement with LDL-Cd (Cronbach’s alpha 0.955 for both, p=1). Likewise, LDL-Cmh and LDL-Cs showed a similar degree of agreement with LDL-Cd in determining whether a patient was in a guideline-recommended LDL-C target (96.3% for LDL-Cmh and 96.0% for LDL-Cs), which were marginally better than LDL-Cf (94.6%). In patients with a triglyceride concentration &gt;400 mg/dl, agreement with LDL-Cd was poor, regardless of the method used. Conclusion Martin/Hopkins and Sampson’s equations show a similar accuracy for calculating LDL-C concentrations in patients with diabetes, and both equations were marginally better than the Friedewald equation.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.20178134.v1
title: Comparison of Novel Martin/Hopkins and Sampson Equations for Calculation of Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol in Diabetic Patients

description: Abstract Background The accurate determination of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is important to reach guideline-recommended LDL-C concentrations and to reduce adverse cardiovascular outcomes in diabetic patients. The commonly used Friedewald equation (LDL-Cf), gives inaccurate results in diabetic patients due to accompanying diabetic dyslipidemia. Recently two new equations – Martin/Hopkins (LDL-Cmh) and Sampson (LDL-Cs) – were developed to improve the accuracy of LDL-C estimation, but data are insufficient to suggest the superiority of one equation over the other one. Objective The present study compared the accuracy and clinical usefulness of novel Martin/Hopkins and Sampson equations in diabetic patients. Methods This study included 402 patients with diabetes. Patients’ cardiovascular risk and LDL-C targets were calculated per European guidelines. Calculated LDL-Cmh, LDL-Cs, and LDL-Cf concentrations were compared with direct LDL-C concentration (LDL-Cd) to test agreement between these equations and LDL-Cd. A p-value &lt;0.05 was accepted as statistically significant. Results Both LDL-Cmh and LDL-Cs had a better agreement with LDL-Cd as compared to LDL-Cf, but no statistical differences were found among novel equations for agreement with LDL-Cd (Cronbach’s alpha 0.955 for both, p=1). Likewise, LDL-Cmh and LDL-Cs showed a similar degree of agreement with LDL-Cd in determining whether a patient was in a guideline-recommended LDL-C target (96.3% for LDL-Cmh and 96.0% for LDL-Cs), which were marginally better than LDL-Cf (94.6%). In patients with a triglyceride concentration &gt;400 mg/dl, agreement with LDL-Cd was poor, regardless of the method used. Conclusion Martin/Hopkins and Sampson’s equations show a similar accuracy for calculating LDL-C concentrations in patients with diabetes, and both equations were marginally better than the Friedewald equation.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.20178145
title: Use of nasal mucosa graft in tympanoplasty

description: Abstract Introduction Tympanoplasty techniques with different types of graft have been used to close tympanic perforations since the 19th century. Tragal cartilage and temporalis fascia are the most frequently used types of graft. They lead to similar functional and morphological results in most cases. Although little published evidence is present, nasal mucosa has also been shown to be a good alternative graft. Objective Surgical and audiological outcomes at the six-month follow-up in type I tympanoplasty using nasal mucosa and temporalis fascia grafts were analyzed. Methods A total of 40 candidates for type I tympanoplasty were randomly selected and divided into the nasal mucosa and temporalis fascia graft groups with 20 in each group. The assessed parameters included surgical success; the rate of complete closure of tympanic perforation and hearing results; the difference between post- and pre-operative mean quadritonal airway-bone gap, six months after surgery. Results Complete closure of the tympanic perforation was achieved in 17 of 20 patients in both groups. The mean quadritonal airway-bone gap closures were11.9 and 11.1 dB for the nasal mucosa and temporalis fascia groups, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups. Conclusion The nasal mucosa graft can be considered similar to the temporal fascia when considering the surgical success rate of graft acceptance and ultimate audiological gain.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.20178145.v1
title: Use of nasal mucosa graft in tympanoplasty

description: Abstract Introduction Tympanoplasty techniques with different types of graft have been used to close tympanic perforations since the 19th century. Tragal cartilage and temporalis fascia are the most frequently used types of graft. They lead to similar functional and morphological results in most cases. Although little published evidence is present, nasal mucosa has also been shown to be a good alternative graft. Objective Surgical and audiological outcomes at the six-month follow-up in type I tympanoplasty using nasal mucosa and temporalis fascia grafts were analyzed. Methods A total of 40 candidates for type I tympanoplasty were randomly selected and divided into the nasal mucosa and temporalis fascia graft groups with 20 in each group. The assessed parameters included surgical success; the rate of complete closure of tympanic perforation and hearing results; the difference between post- and pre-operative mean quadritonal airway-bone gap, six months after surgery. Results Complete closure of the tympanic perforation was achieved in 17 of 20 patients in both groups. The mean quadritonal airway-bone gap closures were11.9 and 11.1 dB for the nasal mucosa and temporalis fascia groups, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups. Conclusion The nasal mucosa graft can be considered similar to the temporal fascia when considering the surgical success rate of graft acceptance and ultimate audiological gain.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.20178154
title: Interplay of Oxidative Stress and Nitric Oxide Synthase Gene Expression on Cardiovascular Responses in Preeclampsia

description: Abstract Objective To assess the influence of oxidative stress on the gene expression of nitric oxide synthases (NOS 3 and NOS 2) and, hence, the cardiovascular responses in preeclampsia. Methods This was a case control study in which patients with preeclampsia (PE group) and normal pregnancy controls (NP group) were included according to the guidelines of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). The serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity, and nitric oxide (NO) were estimated, and the heart rate andmean arterial pressure were recorded. The gene profiling of NOS3 and NOS2 was performed through real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The statistical analysis was performed using the Student t-test, and values of p&lt;0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results The serum levels of malondialdehyde were increased (p&lt;0.0001), and the total antioxidant capacity was reduced in the PE group (p=0.034), indicating oxidative stress. In the PE group, themean arterial pressure was significantly higher (p&lt;0.0001), but the serum levels of NO did not show a statistically significant reduction (p=0.20). The gene expression profiling of NOS3 and NOS2 revealed a down regulation in the PE group by 8.49 and 51.05 times respectively. Conclusion Oxidative stress may lead to endothelial dysfunction, which could result in increased mean arterial pressure. Nitric oxide may play a role in this mechanism, but interactions with other vasoactive /biological substances cannot be overlooked, as the gene expression of NOS3 and NOS2 has been reduced.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.20178154.v1
title: Interplay of Oxidative Stress and Nitric Oxide Synthase Gene Expression on Cardiovascular Responses in Preeclampsia

description: Abstract Objective To assess the influence of oxidative stress on the gene expression of nitric oxide synthases (NOS 3 and NOS 2) and, hence, the cardiovascular responses in preeclampsia. Methods This was a case control study in which patients with preeclampsia (PE group) and normal pregnancy controls (NP group) were included according to the guidelines of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). The serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity, and nitric oxide (NO) were estimated, and the heart rate andmean arterial pressure were recorded. The gene profiling of NOS3 and NOS2 was performed through real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The statistical analysis was performed using the Student t-test, and values of p&lt;0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results The serum levels of malondialdehyde were increased (p&lt;0.0001), and the total antioxidant capacity was reduced in the PE group (p=0.034), indicating oxidative stress. In the PE group, themean arterial pressure was significantly higher (p&lt;0.0001), but the serum levels of NO did not show a statistically significant reduction (p=0.20). The gene expression profiling of NOS3 and NOS2 revealed a down regulation in the PE group by 8.49 and 51.05 times respectively. Conclusion Oxidative stress may lead to endothelial dysfunction, which could result in increased mean arterial pressure. Nitric oxide may play a role in this mechanism, but interactions with other vasoactive /biological substances cannot be overlooked, as the gene expression of NOS3 and NOS2 has been reduced.