cometadata/datacite-titles-descriptions-related-identifiers huggingface dataset:
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.22132280
title: In Vitro Antimicrobial Efficacy Assessment of Ethanolic and Aqueous Extracts of Cinnamon (Cinnamomum Verum) Bark against Selected Microbes

description: ABSTRACT To combat pathogens and reduce the major public health problem of antibiotic residues in animal products, scientists are looking for natural antibiotic substitutes that are effective against drug-resistant pathogenic microbes and spoilage fungi. The antimicrobial activity of three Cinnamomum verum extracts prepared with three different solvents (absolute ethanol, 50% ethanol, and aqueous extracts) was determined against two Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes) and two Gram-negative bacteria (Salmonella Typhimurium and Escherichia coli) as well as two fungal strains. The antimicrobial activities of various Cinnamomum verum extracts against selected microbes were evaluated using the disc diffusion test, minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC), minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFC), and the poisoned food technique. Cinnamomum verum bark (CVB) extracts inhibited and killed microbial growth to varying degrees. Our findings also revealed that extracts prepared with alcoholic solvents, particularly absolute ethanol-CVB extract, were more active compared with aqueous solvents, suggesting that the cinnamon plant is a promising natural antimicrobial agent for food preservation.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.22132280.v1
title: In Vitro Antimicrobial Efficacy Assessment of Ethanolic and Aqueous Extracts of Cinnamon (Cinnamomum Verum) Bark against Selected Microbes

description: ABSTRACT To combat pathogens and reduce the major public health problem of antibiotic residues in animal products, scientists are looking for natural antibiotic substitutes that are effective against drug-resistant pathogenic microbes and spoilage fungi. The antimicrobial activity of three Cinnamomum verum extracts prepared with three different solvents (absolute ethanol, 50% ethanol, and aqueous extracts) was determined against two Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes) and two Gram-negative bacteria (Salmonella Typhimurium and Escherichia coli) as well as two fungal strains. The antimicrobial activities of various Cinnamomum verum extracts against selected microbes were evaluated using the disc diffusion test, minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC), minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFC), and the poisoned food technique. Cinnamomum verum bark (CVB) extracts inhibited and killed microbial growth to varying degrees. Our findings also revealed that extracts prepared with alcoholic solvents, particularly absolute ethanol-CVB extract, were more active compared with aqueous solvents, suggesting that the cinnamon plant is a promising natural antimicrobial agent for food preservation.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.22132283
title: Subclinical signs of podocyte injury associated with Circulating Anodic Antigen (CAA) in Schistosoma mansoni-infected patients in Brazil

description: ABSTRACT Background: The long-term effects of schistosomiasis on the glomerulus may contribute to the development of chronic kidney disease. This study aimed to investigate baseline Schistosoma mansoni-Circulating Anodic Antigen (CAA) levels and their association with kidney biomarkers related to podocyte injury and inflammation in long-term follow-up after praziquantel (PZQ) treatment. Methods: Schistosoma infection was diagnosed by detecting CAA in urine using a quantitative assay based on lateral flow using luminescent up-converting phosphor reporter particles. A cutoff threshold of 0.1 pg/mL CAA was used to diagnose Schistosoma infection (baseline) in a low-prevalence area in Ceará, Northeast, Brazil. Two groups were included: CAA-positive and CAA-negative individuals, both of which received a single dose of PZQ at baseline. Urinary samples from 55 individuals were evaluated before (baseline) and at 1, 2, and 3 years after PZQ treatment. At all time points, kidney biomarkers were quantified in urine and adjusted for urinary creatinine levels. Results: CAA-positive patients had increased baseline albuminuria and proteinuria and showed greater associations between kidney biomarkers. CAA levels correlated only with Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) (podocyte injury) levels. Increasing trends were observed for malondialdehyde (oxidative stress), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (inflammation marker), and VEGF. In the follow-up analysis, no relevant differences were observed in kidney biomarkers between the groups and different periods. Conclusions: S. mansoni-infected individuals presented subclinical signs of glomerular damage that may reflect podocyte injury. However, no causal effect on long-term renal function was observed after PZQ treatment.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.22132283.v1
title: Subclinical signs of podocyte injury associated with Circulating Anodic Antigen (CAA) in Schistosoma mansoni-infected patients in Brazil

description: ABSTRACT Background: The long-term effects of schistosomiasis on the glomerulus may contribute to the development of chronic kidney disease. This study aimed to investigate baseline Schistosoma mansoni-Circulating Anodic Antigen (CAA) levels and their association with kidney biomarkers related to podocyte injury and inflammation in long-term follow-up after praziquantel (PZQ) treatment. Methods: Schistosoma infection was diagnosed by detecting CAA in urine using a quantitative assay based on lateral flow using luminescent up-converting phosphor reporter particles. A cutoff threshold of 0.1 pg/mL CAA was used to diagnose Schistosoma infection (baseline) in a low-prevalence area in Ceará, Northeast, Brazil. Two groups were included: CAA-positive and CAA-negative individuals, both of which received a single dose of PZQ at baseline. Urinary samples from 55 individuals were evaluated before (baseline) and at 1, 2, and 3 years after PZQ treatment. At all time points, kidney biomarkers were quantified in urine and adjusted for urinary creatinine levels. Results: CAA-positive patients had increased baseline albuminuria and proteinuria and showed greater associations between kidney biomarkers. CAA levels correlated only with Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) (podocyte injury) levels. Increasing trends were observed for malondialdehyde (oxidative stress), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (inflammation marker), and VEGF. In the follow-up analysis, no relevant differences were observed in kidney biomarkers between the groups and different periods. Conclusions: S. mansoni-infected individuals presented subclinical signs of glomerular damage that may reflect podocyte injury. However, no causal effect on long-term renal function was observed after PZQ treatment.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.22132284
title: Cardiac Masses: Pathological and Surgical Features - A Multicenter Study

description: Abstract Introduction: This study aimed to review the surgical excision results and pathological diagnostic features of rarely observed intracardiac masses in the light of the literature. Diagnosis and treatment approaches and complications were evaluated. Methods: Forty patients (26 females, mean age 52.1±18.1 years, and 14 males, mean age 48.1±20.5 years), who had undergone surgery for intracardiac mass between January 2008 and December 2018, were included in this study. The patients’ data were analyzed retrospectively from the medical records of both centers. Results: When the pathological diagnoses were examined, 85.8% of the masses (n=35) were observed to be benign (benign tumor + hydatid cyst) and 14.2% (n=5) were malignant tumors. The masses were most commonly located in the left atrium (75%, n=30), and this was followed by the right ventricle (12.5%, n=5), right atrium (7.5%, n=3), and left ventricle (5%, n=2). Of the patients, 7.5% (n=3) died during the early postoperative period, while the remaining 92.5% (n=37) were discharged with healing. In the histopathological diagnosis of the patients, in whom in-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events were observed, there was malignancy in two cases. Conclusion: Intracardiac masses, which have pathological features, are severe life-threatening problems. In-hospital mortality is frequent, especially in malignant tumors.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.22132284.v1
title: Cardiac Masses: Pathological and Surgical Features - A Multicenter Study

description: Abstract Introduction: This study aimed to review the surgical excision results and pathological diagnostic features of rarely observed intracardiac masses in the light of the literature. Diagnosis and treatment approaches and complications were evaluated. Methods: Forty patients (26 females, mean age 52.1±18.1 years, and 14 males, mean age 48.1±20.5 years), who had undergone surgery for intracardiac mass between January 2008 and December 2018, were included in this study. The patients’ data were analyzed retrospectively from the medical records of both centers. Results: When the pathological diagnoses were examined, 85.8% of the masses (n=35) were observed to be benign (benign tumor + hydatid cyst) and 14.2% (n=5) were malignant tumors. The masses were most commonly located in the left atrium (75%, n=30), and this was followed by the right ventricle (12.5%, n=5), right atrium (7.5%, n=3), and left ventricle (5%, n=2). Of the patients, 7.5% (n=3) died during the early postoperative period, while the remaining 92.5% (n=37) were discharged with healing. In the histopathological diagnosis of the patients, in whom in-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events were observed, there was malignancy in two cases. Conclusion: Intracardiac masses, which have pathological features, are severe life-threatening problems. In-hospital mortality is frequent, especially in malignant tumors.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.22132286
title: Autonomy of individuals with alcohol-related disorders: informed consent

description: Abstract Informed consent, as a way to ensure involvement and treatment adherence, is part of the therapeutic approach to individuals with alcohol-related disorders. Autonomy, as a core ethical value, and its immanence for informed consent presents ethical-clinical challenges in the case of individuals seeking treatment due to coercion, anxiety, or depression. Between April 2018 and June 2019, a prospective longitudinal observational study was conducted with 150 people with alcohol-related disorders attending a specialized treatment facility. The goal was to verify whether consent obtained under coercion, or influenced by anxiety disorder or depression determines therapeutic participation. Absence of judicial coercion and anxious symptomatology and the greater value placed on perceived autonomy in informed consent were related to participation. The study proposes contributions to strengthen the practice of obtaining informed consent based on the recognition and promotion of autonomy.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.22132286.v1
title: Autonomy of individuals with alcohol-related disorders: informed consent

description: Abstract Informed consent, as a way to ensure involvement and treatment adherence, is part of the therapeutic approach to individuals with alcohol-related disorders. Autonomy, as a core ethical value, and its immanence for informed consent presents ethical-clinical challenges in the case of individuals seeking treatment due to coercion, anxiety, or depression. Between April 2018 and June 2019, a prospective longitudinal observational study was conducted with 150 people with alcohol-related disorders attending a specialized treatment facility. The goal was to verify whether consent obtained under coercion, or influenced by anxiety disorder or depression determines therapeutic participation. Absence of judicial coercion and anxious symptomatology and the greater value placed on perceived autonomy in informed consent were related to participation. The study proposes contributions to strengthen the practice of obtaining informed consent based on the recognition and promotion of autonomy.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.22132290
title: Humoral responses to the CoronoVac vaccine in healthcare workers

description: ABSTRACT Background: This study aimed to assess the immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody response rate in emergency department (ED) healthcare workers (HCWs) and potential adverse effects after CoronaVac vaccination. Methods: All included HCWs were grouped based on the previous history of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the number of vaccinations. Furthermore, the IgG antibody response was evaluated based on the sex and smoking status of HCWs. Those with a cut-off index of ≥1.00 after vaccination with CoronaVac were considered to have had COVID-19 and had an adequate humoral response. Results: Among 224 ED HCWs, 18% experienced the adverse effects of CoronaVac vaccine, the most prevalent being pain in the injection site. The IgG antibody response rate was 20% after the first dose of vaccine, while the response rate increased to 90% after the second dose. Female HCWs had higher IgG response rates compared with male HCWs (53.8 [15.9-147.0] vs 31.2 [4.5-124.0]). Non-smokers had higher IgG response rate compared with smokers (49.0 [11.5-160.5] vs 23.1 [7.4-98.5]). Conclusion: A single dose of CoronaVac does not produce a sufficient antibody response; hence, two doses are recommended. Men have a lower IgG response compared with women. Smokers had a lower IgG response rate compared with non-smokers. Therefore, it may be necessary to carefully assess the humoral responses of men and smokers when implementing a community vaccination program.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.22132290.v1
title: Humoral responses to the CoronoVac vaccine in healthcare workers

description: ABSTRACT Background: This study aimed to assess the immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody response rate in emergency department (ED) healthcare workers (HCWs) and potential adverse effects after CoronaVac vaccination. Methods: All included HCWs were grouped based on the previous history of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the number of vaccinations. Furthermore, the IgG antibody response was evaluated based on the sex and smoking status of HCWs. Those with a cut-off index of ≥1.00 after vaccination with CoronaVac were considered to have had COVID-19 and had an adequate humoral response. Results: Among 224 ED HCWs, 18% experienced the adverse effects of CoronaVac vaccine, the most prevalent being pain in the injection site. The IgG antibody response rate was 20% after the first dose of vaccine, while the response rate increased to 90% after the second dose. Female HCWs had higher IgG response rates compared with male HCWs (53.8 [15.9-147.0] vs 31.2 [4.5-124.0]). Non-smokers had higher IgG response rate compared with smokers (49.0 [11.5-160.5] vs 23.1 [7.4-98.5]). Conclusion: A single dose of CoronaVac does not produce a sufficient antibody response; hence, two doses are recommended. Men have a lower IgG response compared with women. Smokers had a lower IgG response rate compared with non-smokers. Therefore, it may be necessary to carefully assess the humoral responses of men and smokers when implementing a community vaccination program.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.22132289
title: The effects of infrastructure and public investment on the elasticity of private investment: an empirical investigation for Brazil

description: ABSTRACT This study estimates the determinants of the elasticities of private investment and total investment for the Brazilian economy for the period between 1960 and 2013. It uses a Bayesian model averaging and weighted-average least-squares approach with a flexible accelerator model of investment equation and Kalman filtering techniques. We conclude that the aggregate infrastructure index (taken from the main component analysis) and public investment crowd-in private investment. The results indicate that private investment is constrained by the availability of bank credit. Furthermore, we find that infrastructure stock and public investment are two of the main determinants of the elasticities of private investment. This demonstrates that public investment, mainly in infrastructure, is of great importance in raising the sensitivity of private investment in the Brazilian economy.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.22132289.v1
title: The effects of infrastructure and public investment on the elasticity of private investment: an empirical investigation for Brazil

description: ABSTRACT This study estimates the determinants of the elasticities of private investment and total investment for the Brazilian economy for the period between 1960 and 2013. It uses a Bayesian model averaging and weighted-average least-squares approach with a flexible accelerator model of investment equation and Kalman filtering techniques. We conclude that the aggregate infrastructure index (taken from the main component analysis) and public investment crowd-in private investment. The results indicate that private investment is constrained by the availability of bank credit. Furthermore, we find that infrastructure stock and public investment are two of the main determinants of the elasticities of private investment. This demonstrates that public investment, mainly in infrastructure, is of great importance in raising the sensitivity of private investment in the Brazilian economy.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.22132293
title: Health inequalities in cause-specific mortality in Costa Rica: a population-based cohort study

description: ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To analyze health inequalities in cause-specific mortality in Costa Rica from 2010 to 2018, observing the main causes for inequality in the country. METHODS The National Electoral Rolls were used to follow-up all Costa Rican adults aged 20 years or older from 2010 to 2018 (n = 2,739,733) in an ecological study. A parametric survival model based on the Gompertz distribution was performed and the event death was classified according to the ICD-10. RESULTS After adjustment for urbanicity, the poorest districts had a higher mortality than the wealthier districts for most causes of death except neoplasms, mental and behavioral disorders, and diseases of the nervous system. Urban districts showed significantly higher mortality than mixed and rural districts after adjustment for wealth for most causes except mental and behavioral disorders, diseases of the nervous system, and diseases of the respiratory system. Differences according to wealth were more frequent in women than men, whereas differences according to urbanicity were more frequent in men than in women. CONCLUSIONS The study’s findings were consistent, but not fully similar, to the international literature.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.22132293.v1
title: Health inequalities in cause-specific mortality in Costa Rica: a population-based cohort study

description: ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To analyze health inequalities in cause-specific mortality in Costa Rica from 2010 to 2018, observing the main causes for inequality in the country. METHODS The National Electoral Rolls were used to follow-up all Costa Rican adults aged 20 years or older from 2010 to 2018 (n = 2,739,733) in an ecological study. A parametric survival model based on the Gompertz distribution was performed and the event death was classified according to the ICD-10. RESULTS After adjustment for urbanicity, the poorest districts had a higher mortality than the wealthier districts for most causes of death except neoplasms, mental and behavioral disorders, and diseases of the nervous system. Urban districts showed significantly higher mortality than mixed and rural districts after adjustment for wealth for most causes except mental and behavioral disorders, diseases of the nervous system, and diseases of the respiratory system. Differences according to wealth were more frequent in women than men, whereas differences according to urbanicity were more frequent in men than in women. CONCLUSIONS The study’s findings were consistent, but not fully similar, to the international literature.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.22132295
title: Assessment of the impact of e-learning of theoretical anesthesiology for medical students

description: Abstract: Introduction: Due to the high contamination rate and number of cases of the SARS-Cov-2, local authorities decreed the closure of universities and schools, which has forced these institutions to come up with innovative solutions for the continuation of their activities. Objective: The aim of this study is to assess both the impact and level of satisfaction amongst undergraduate students of the online teaching of theoretical anesthesiology as an alternative method to the face-to-face teaching as the latter is currently impaired by the difficulties imposed by the pandemic. Methodology: The teaching method chosen consisted of conducting online classes taught by a specialist using the Microsoft Teams platform. The level of knowledge of the participants was assessed through the application of questionnaires before and after each term of the course. Results: A total of 812 questionnaires were completed, with a significant increase of 41.61% in the average of correct answers (3.94 vs 5.57; p &lt;0.001). Conclusion: The main focus of this study is that the e-learning of theoretical anesthesiology and its results showed considerable increase in the students’ knowledge. Also, it was observed that the levels of satisfaction were higher than the expectation levels.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.22132295.v1
title: Assessment of the impact of e-learning of theoretical anesthesiology for medical students

description: Abstract: Introduction: Due to the high contamination rate and number of cases of the SARS-Cov-2, local authorities decreed the closure of universities and schools, which has forced these institutions to come up with innovative solutions for the continuation of their activities. Objective: The aim of this study is to assess both the impact and level of satisfaction amongst undergraduate students of the online teaching of theoretical anesthesiology as an alternative method to the face-to-face teaching as the latter is currently impaired by the difficulties imposed by the pandemic. Methodology: The teaching method chosen consisted of conducting online classes taught by a specialist using the Microsoft Teams platform. The level of knowledge of the participants was assessed through the application of questionnaires before and after each term of the course. Results: A total of 812 questionnaires were completed, with a significant increase of 41.61% in the average of correct answers (3.94 vs 5.57; p &lt;0.001). Conclusion: The main focus of this study is that the e-learning of theoretical anesthesiology and its results showed considerable increase in the students’ knowledge. Also, it was observed that the levels of satisfaction were higher than the expectation levels.