bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimization of whole-genome sequencing of Plasmodium falciparum from low-density dried blood spot samples
Authors: Teyssier Noam , Chen Anna , Duarte Elias , Sit Rene , Greenhouse Bryan , Tessema Sofonias 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) is becoming increasingly useful to study the biology, epidemiology, and ecology of malaria parasites. Despite ease of sampling, DNA extracted from dried blood spots (DBS) has a high ratio of human DNA compared to parasite DNA, which poses a challenge for downstream genetic analyses. We evaluated the effects of multiple methods for DNA extraction, digestion of methylated DNA, and amplification on the quality and fidelity of WGS data recovered from DBS.Results: At 100 parasites/μL, Chelex-Tween-McrBC samples had higher coverage (5X depth = 93% genome) than QIAamp extracted samples (5X depth = 76% genome). The two evaluated sWGA primer sets showed minor differences in overall genome coverage and SNP concordance, with a newly proposed combination of 20 primers showing a modest improvement in coverage over those previously published. Conclusions: Overall, Tween-Chelex extracted samples that were treated with McrBC digestion and are amplified using 6A10AD sWGA conditions had minimal dropout rate, higher percentages of coverage at higher depth, and more accurate SNP concordance than QiaAMP extracted samples. These findings extend the results of previously reported methods, making whole genome sequencing accessible to a larger number of low density samples that are commonly encountered in cross-sectional surveys.
Improvements in HOMA indices and pancreatic endocrinal tissues in type 2-diabetic rats by DPP-4 inhibition and antioxidant potential of an ethanol fruit extract of Withania&nbsp;coagulans&nbsp;
Authors: Ram Heera , Kumar Pramod , Purohit Ashok , Kashyap Priya , Kumar Suresh , Kumar Shivani , Singh Garima , Alqarawi Abdulaziz A. , Hashem Abeer , Abd_Allah Elsayed Fathi , Singh Bhim Pratap 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Context: Withania coagulans (Stocks) Dunal fruits are used in the therapeutics of several ailments due to possessing of potent phytoconstituents which is also used traditionally for curing the diabetes. Objective: The present study was assessing the amelioration potential of the phytochemicals of an ethanol fruit extract of Withania coagulans (Stocks) Dunal in the HOMA (Homeostatic model assessment) indices and pancreatic endocrinal tissues by inhibition of DPP-4 and antioxidants activities.Material and methods: The identification of phytoconstituents of the test extract was performed by LCMS. Further, assessments of in-vitro, in-vivo and in-silico were achieved by following standard methods. In-vivo studies were conducted on type-2 diabetic ratsResults: The chosen extract inhibited DPP-4 activity by 63.2% in an in vitro assay as well as significantly inhibit serum DPP-4 levels. Accordingly, the administration of the ethanol fruit extract resulted in a significant (𝑃≤ 0.001) alterations in the lipid profile, antioxidant levels, and HOMA indices. Moreover, pancreatic endocrinal tissues (islet of Langerhans) appeared to have the restoration of normal histoarchitecture as evidenced by increased cellular mass. Molecular docking (Protein - ligands) of identified phytoconstituents with DPP-4 (target enzyme) shown incredibly low binding energy (Kcal/mol) as required for ideal interactions. ADMET analysis of the pharmacokinetics of the identified phytoconstituents indicated an ideal profile as per Lipinski laws. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the phytoconstituents of an ethanol fruit extract of Withania coagulans have the potential to inhibit DPP-4 which result in improved glucose homeostasis and restoration of pancreatic endocrinal tissues in type-2 diabetic rats.
Why do healthcare professionals fail to escalate as per the Early Warning System (EWS) protocol? A qualitative evidence synthesis of the barriers and facilitators of escalation
Authors: Neill Sinead M O , Clyne Barbara , Bell Miriam , Casey Avilene , Leen Brendan , Smith Susan M , Ryan Mairin , O’Neill Michelle 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Early warning systems (EWSs) are used to assist clinical judgment in the detection of acute deterioration to avoid or reduce adverse events including unanticipated cardiopulmonary arrest, admission to the intensive care unit and death. Sometimes healthcare professionals (HCPs) do not trigger the alarm and escalate for help according to the EWS protocol and it is unclear why this is the case. The aim of this qualitative evidence synthesis was to answer the question ‘why do HCPs fail to escalate care according to EWS protocols?’ The findings will inform the update of the National Clinical Effectiveness Committee (NCEC) National Clinical Guideline No. 1 Irish National Early Warning System (INEWS). Methods: A systematic search of the published and grey literature was conducted (until February 2018). Data extraction and quality appraisal were conducted by two reviewers independently using standardised data extraction forms and quality appraisal tools. A thematic synthesis was conducted by two reviewers of the qualitative studies included and categorized into the barriers and facilitators of escalation. GRADE CERQual was used to assess the certainty of the evidence.Results: Eighteen studies incorporating a variety of HCPs across seven countries were included. The barriers and facilitators to the escalation of care according to EWS protocols were developed into five overarching themes: Governance, Rapid Response Team (RRT) Response, Professional Boundaries, Clinical Experience, and EWS parameters. Barriers to escalation included: Lack of Standardisation, Resources, Lack of accountability, RRT behaviours, Fear, Hierarchy, Increased Conflict, Over confidence, Lack of confidence, and Patient variability. Facilitators included: Accountability, Standardisation, Resources, RRT behaviours, Expertise, Additional support, License to escalate, Bridge across boundaries, Clinical confidence, Empowerement, Clinical judgment, and a tool for detecting deterioration. These are all individual yet inter-related barriers and facilitators to escalation. Conclusions: The findings of this qualitative evidence synthesis provide insight into the real world experience of HCPs when using EWSs. This in turn has the potential to inform policy-makers and HCPs as well as hospital management about emergency response system-related issues in practice and the changes needed to address barriers and facilitators and improve patient safety and quality of care.
ACTN1&nbsp;supports&nbsp;tumor growth by&nbsp;inhibiting&nbsp;Hippo signaling&nbsp;in&nbsp;hepatocellular carcinoma&nbsp;
Authors: Chen Qian , Zhou Xiao-Wei , Zhang Ai-Jun , He Kang 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Alpha actinins (ACTNs) are major cytoskeletal proteins and exhibit many non-muscle functions. Emerging evidence have uncovered the regulatory role of ACTNs in tumorigenesis, however, the expression pattern, biological functions, and underlying mechanism of ACTN1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain largely unexplored. Methods: Immunohistochemical analysis of a HCC tissue microarray (n = 157) was performed to determine the expression pattern and prognostic value of ACTN1 in HCC. In vitro loss-of-function study in HCC cells were carried out to investigate ACTN1 knockdown on cell proliferation. In vivo subcutaneous xenograft model and intrahepatic transplantation model were generated to decipher the contribution of ACTN1 in the tumor growth of HCC. Gene set enrichment analysis, quantitative real-time PCR, Co-immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence and western blotting were performed to identify the underlying molecular mechanism. Results: It was found that ACTN1 was significantly upregulated in HCC tissues and closely related to llpha-fetoprotein level, tumor thrombus, tumor size, TNM stage and patient prognoses. Knockdown of ACTN1 suppressed in vitro cell proliferation and in vivo tumor growth of HCC cells. Mechanistically, knockdown of ACTN1 increased Hippo signaling pathway activity and decreased Rho GTPases activities. Mechanistically, ACTN1 could competitively interact with MOB1 and decrease the phosphorylation of LATS1 and YAP. The growth-promoting effect induced by ACTN1 was significantly abrogated by pharmacological inhibition of YAP with verteporfin or super-TDU. Conclusions: ACTN1 is highly expressed in HCC tissues and acts as a tumor promoter by suppressing Hippo signaling via physical interaction with MOB1. ACTN1 may serve as a potential prognostic marker and therapeutic target for HCC.
A cost analysis to address issues of budget constraints on the implementation of the indoor residual spray programme in two districts of Maputo Province, Mozambique
Authors: Canana Neide 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background It is frequently said that funding is essential to ensure optimal results from a malaria intervention control. However, in recent years, the capacity of the government of Mozambique to sustain the operational cost of Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) is facing numerous challenges due to restrictions of the Official Development Assistance. The purpose of the study was to estimate the cost of IRS operationalization in two districts of Maputo Province (Matutuíne and Namaacha) in Mozambique. The evidence produced in this study intends to provide decision-makers with insight into where they need to pay close attention in future planning in order to operationalize IRS with the existent budget in the actual context of budget restrictions. Methods Cost information was collected retrospectively from the provider perspective, and both economic and financial costs were calculated. A “one-way” deterministic sensitivity analysis was performed. Results The average economic costs totaled US$117,351.34, with an average economic cost per household sprayed of US$16.35, and an average economic cost per person protected of US$4.09. The average financial cost totaled US$69,174.83, with an average financial cost per household sprayed and per person protected of US$9.84 and US$2.46, respectively. Vehicle, salary, and insecticide costs were the greatest contributors to overall cost in the economic and financial analysis, corresponding to 52%, 17%, and 13% in the economic analysis and 21%, 27%, and 22% in the financial analysis, respectively. The sensitivity analysis was adapted to a range of ± (above and under) 25% change. There was an approximate change of 14% in the average economic cost when vehicle costs were decreased by 25%. In the financial analysis, the average financial cost was lowered by 7% when salary costs were decreased by 25%. Conclusion Altogether, the current cost analysis provides an impetus for the consideration of targeted IRS operationalization within the available governmental budget, by using locally-available human resources as spray operators to decrease costs and having IRS rounds be correctly timed to coincide with the build-up of vector populations.
Czy radykalna histerektomia uwzględniająca morfogenezę tkanek (total mesometrial resection-TMMR) z terapeutyczną limfadenektomią (therapeutic lymph node dissection-tLND) wg M.Höckel znajdzie swoje miejsce w chirurgicznym leczeniu raka szyjki macicy
Authors: Kaźmierczak Kamila , Cholewiński Witold , Nowakowski Błażej 
Published: January 2021

Koncepcja i technika radykalnego wycięcia macicy została stworzona pod koniec XIX wieku na podstawie ówczesnej wiedzy na temat szerzenia się nowotworów.
Na przestrzeni lat celem ograniczenia skali objawów ubocznych następowały kolejne modyfikacje techniki radykalnej histerektomii, jednak wciąż na podstawie tego samego modelu rozprzestrzeniania się nowotworu odnoszącego się do przypadkowego naciekania okolicznych tkanek promowanego zmniejszonym oporem mechanicznym.
W 2003 roku po raz pierwszy prof. M.Höckel przedstawił nową koncepcję radykalnej histerektomii, która powstała w wyniku badań nad miejscowym rozwojem guza.
Technika radykalnej histerektomii uwzględniająca morfogenezę tkanek-TMMR wg M.Höckel z terapeutyczną limfadenektomią -tLND w porównaniu do innych sposobów radykalnego leczenia operacyjnego poza utrzymaniem zakresu skuteczności onkologicznej z jednoczesnym oszczędzeniem unerwienia wegetatywnego pozwala na poprawę indeksu terapeutycznego w guzach z niekorzystnymi czynnikami prognostycznymi, jednocześnie dając małą liczbę pooperacyjnych powikłań.
Należy także podkreślić, że zasadniczą cechą wyróżniającą TMMR z tLND w porównaniu do klasycznej radykalnej histerektomii jest możliwość odstąpienie od leczenia uzupełniającego promieniami bez wpływu na wyniki odległe.
Empirical equation for the correction of fluorescence quenching of proteinaceous substance by Suwannee river natural organic matter
Authors: Saipetch Kornravee , Khanal Rajendra , Yoshimura Chihiro 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Fluorescence quenching of proteinaceous substances by natural organic matter is a well-known phenomenon, but there are no known methods for correcting it. The main objective of this research was to develop an empirical equation to correct the fluorescence quenching of different concentrations of bovine serum albumin (BSA – 0.15, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.25 μmol/L (μM)) by Suwannee river natural organic matter (SWNOM - 0,2,4,6,8,10 mg-C/L) using the fluorescence titration method. The excitation emission matrix (EEM) data were analyzed by parallel factor analysis with inner filter effect removal. With increasing SWNOM concentration, BSA peak intensity quenching was in the range 29–85%, with a linear relationship for increment of either BSA or SWNOM concentration. A higher ratio of SWNOM to BSA resulted in greater BSA peak intensity quenching. The unquenched BSA peak (BSA (RU)) is given by the empirical equation.
The calculated unquenched BSA peak intensities using the empirical equation agreed well with the actual unquenched peak values (R2 = 0.98, mean absolute error = 0.33 RU). The equation is expected to help in rapid estimation of the quenching effect of SWNOM on BSA.
Biosorption of cationic and anionic dyes using the biomass of Aspergillus parasiticus CBS 100926T
Authors: Bouras Hadj Daoud , RédaYeddou Ahmed , Bouras Noureddine , Chergui Abdelmalek , Favier Lidia , Amrane Abdeltif , Dizge Nadir 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Aspergillus parasiticus (A. parasiticus) CBS 100926T was used as a biosorbent for the removal of Methylene Blue (MB), Congo Red (CR), Sudan Black (SB), Malachite Green Oxalate (MGO), Basic Fuchsin (BF) and Phenol Red (PR) from aqueous solutions. The batch biosorption studies were carried out as a function of dye concentration and contact time. The biosorption process followed the pseudo-first-order and the pseudo-second-order kinetic models and the Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm models. The resulting biosorbent was characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-Ray Diffractometer and Fourier Transformer Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) techniques. The results of the present investigation suggest that A. parasiticus can be used as an environmentally benign and low cost biomaterial for the removal of basic and acid dyes from aqueous solution.
Análise da eficiência dos municípios sergipanos: comparação entre notas da prova Brasil e recursos destinados à educação
Authors: Galvão Nadielli Maria dos Santos 
Published: January 2021

Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar o nível de eficiência dos municípios sergipanos em promover bons índices educacionais com os recursos destinados a esse setor.
Método: Para tal, realizou-se uma pesquisa com metodologia quantitativa aplicando a Análise Envoltória de Dados como técnica para mensuração do desempenho das cidades investigadas.
Resultados: Os resultados apontaram para o fato de que gastar mais não garante um bom desempenho educacional, pois municípios com orçamentos mais enxutos conseguem alcançar melhores resultados no setor discutido. Com os alvos traçados pela análise, a proposta para os municípios ineficientes foi manter os recursos ou até diminuir, mas sempre aumentar as notas no Prova Brasil.
Contribuições do estudo: O estudo pode ser considerado uma ferramenta de consulta para que os gestores municipais tracem estratégias visando a eficiência no consumo de recursos e também a entrega de melhores serviços à comunidade. Adicionalmente serve de apoio para que a sociedade perceba como tem sido o desempenho de sua localidade e assim ter subsídios para cobrar das autoridades uma maior transparência.
Características associadas ao nível de evidenciação das receitas de contratos com clientes das companhias de capital aberto brasileiras
Authors: Aparecida Augusto Joice , Melo de Souza Maíra 
Published: January 2021

Objetivo: Esta pesquisa tem por objetivo identificar características associadas com o nível de evidenciação das receitas de contratos com clientes nas companhias de capital aberto brasileiras.
Metodologia: Visando mensurar o nível de evidenciação, foi elaborada uma lista de verificação com base nos itens de exigências de divulgação estabelecidos pelo CPC 47. Posteriormente, foram analisadas as notas explicativas integrantes às demonstrações contábeis de 309 companhias listadas na Bolsa de Valores Brasil, Bolsa e Balcão (B3). As características utilizadas para analisar possível associação com o nível de evidenciação das receitas de contratos com clientes foram: valor da receita líquida, setor de atuação, nível de governança corporativa, empresa de auditoria e companhias brasileiras listadas na New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). A pesquisa se classifica como qualitativa, descritiva e a obtenção dos dados foi por meio documental.
Resultados: Os resultados demonstraram que o nível de evidenciação das companhias é relativamente baixo na maioria dos itens da lista de verificação. Já em relação as características analisadas, o setor que apresentou a maior média de nível de evidenciação foi o de telecomunicações. As empresas que participam de algum dos segmentos governança corporativa, as auditadas pelas Big Four e aquelas que são listadas na NYSE, indicaram, na amostra analisada, uma tendência de associação com o nível de evidenciação. Em relação ao valor da receita líquida, constatou-se que as companhias que possuem uma maior receita líquida obtiveram um maior nível de evidenciação das receitas de contratos com clientes.
Contribuições do Estudo: A realização da presente pesquisa contribui com o tema evidenciação contábil, visto que demonstra como as companhias de capital aberto brasileiras estão evidenciando suas receitas de contratos de clientes, mediante a adoção do pronunciamento CPC 47.
A adequação dos grandes municípios brasileiros na divulgação das informações de margem de expansão das despesas conforme a LRF
Authors: Simões Belote Guilherme , Rocha de Azevedo Ricardo 
Published: January 2021

Objetivo: O objetivo do estudo é verificar a adequação dos grandes municípios do Brasil na divulgação das informações no anexo da margem de expansão das despesas obrigatórias de caráter continuado (DOCC), previsto pela Lei de Responsabilidade Fiscal (LRF).
Metodologia: Foi realizada uma análise dos anexos de despesas obrigatórias (DOCC) publicados no portal da transparência dos municípios com população superior a 500 mil habitantes (41 municípios) entre 2017 a 2019. A análise observou: (i) a adequação das despesas em relação às receitas; (ii) notas explicativas dos anexos; (iii) variação das informações do relatório ao longo dos três anos e (vi) o conteúdo informacional presente nos anexos. Adicionalmente, foi desenvolvido um índice de adequação do demonstrativo, para apoiar a resposta da questão de pesquisa proposta.
Resultados: Os resultados indicam que a adequação do demonstrativo é baixa e não houve melhora ao longo dos períodos considerados entre os casos analisados. A proporção de prefeituras com utilização de notas explicativas sobre essas informações é baixa (51%), e dentre aqueles que apresentaram algum tipo de informação detalhada, apenas 31% explicaram as origens das receitas que serviram como base de cálculo para a margem de expansão das despesas.
Contribuições do Estudo: As conclusões apontam que o relatório vem sendo divulgado cerimonialmente, para fins de cumprimento de prazos. Como esse anexo acompanha o projeto de lei da LDO anual, sua aprovação pelo Poder Legislativo mesmo o baixo conteúdo informacional, ou seja, sem que seja possível compreender seu conteúdo, indica baixa atenção do Legislativo na importância desse controle. Os resultados trazem implicações para a gestão fiscal dos municípios, na medida em que as evidências apontam as fragilidades em seu planejamento fiscal, ao não controlar o crescimento de despesas obrigatórias.
Uma análise da eficiência dos gastos públicos com educação nos municípios do Estado do Amazonas no período de 2013 a 2017
Authors: De Sousa Mayara Guimarães , Macedo Velloso dos Santos Carla , Teixeira Alves Adenes , Martins do Carmo Filho Manoel 
Published: January 2021

Objetivo: Este artigo teve como objetivo avaliar a eficiência dos gastos públicos dos municípios do Estado do Amazonas com o ensino fundamental nos anos de 2013 a 2017 por meio da construção de um ranking da eficiência dos municípios relacionando os resultados obtidos no Ideb por cada município no período, sob a contrapartida dos valores das despesas liquidadas com educação fundamental, média de alunos matriculados no período, gasto médio por aluno e PIB per capita de cada município.
Metodologia: Para avaliar a eficiência dos 37 municípios amazonenses da amostra, utilizou-se a técnica Análise Envoltória de Dados (DEA). As variáveis analisadas compreendem os dados municipais referentes ao Produto Interno Bruto (PIB), número de habitantes, número de estudantes matriculados, gasto com educação e as notas do Ideb para o período.
Resultados: Os resultados mostraram que somente oito municípios (21,6%) foram classificados como eficientes e que esses municípios foram aqueles com as piores condições de partida, em termos de riqueza média e desempenho educacional, e que realizaram os menores gastos por aluno matriculado, o que reafirma a constatação de retornos decrescentes de escala em educação. Já os municípios menos eficientes foram aqueles com a melhor condição de partida em termos de PIB per capita e que apresentaram elevados gastos por aluno, mas que alcançaram os piores desempenhos no Ideb de 2017.
Contribuições do Estudo: Considerando os valores gastos pelos municípios amazonenses com educação fundamental, levando em consideração o porte e o desempenho no Ideb de cada município no período em análise, a pesquisa procura demonstrar a eficiência na aplicação dos gastos com educação fundamental, fornecendo informações úteis e relevantes para uma alocação mais qualificada e eficiente dos recursos públicos em educação proporcionando melhorias nos aspectos sociais da população.