bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatial-temporal patterns of malaria incidence in Uganda using HMIS data from 2015 to 2019
Authors: Kigozi Simon , Kigozi Ruth N , Sebuguzi Catherine M , Cano Jorge , Rutazaana Damian , Opigo Jimmy , Bousema Teun , Yeka Adoke , Gasasira Anne , Sartorius Benn , Pullan Rachel L 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background. As global progress to reduce malaria transmission continues, it is increasingly important to track changes in malaria incidence rather than prevalence. Risk estimates for Africa have largely underutilized available health management information systems (HMIS) data to monitor trends. This study uses national HMIS data together with environmental and geographical data, to assess spatial-temporal patterns of malaria incidence at facility catchment level in Uganda over a recent 5-year period.Methods. Data reported by 3446 health facilities in Uganda, between July 2015 and September 2019 was analysed. To assess the geographic accessibility of the health facilities network, AccessMod was employed to determine a three-hour cost-distance catchment around each facility. Using confirmed malaria cases and total catchment population by facility, an ecological Bayesian conditional autoregressive spatial-temporal Poisson model was fitted to generate monthly posterior incidence rate estimates, adjusted for caregiver education, rainfall, land surface temperature, night-time light (an indicator of urbanicity), and vegetation index.Results. An estimated 38.8 million (95% Credible Interval [CI]: 37.9 – 40.9) confirmed cases of malaria occurred over the period, with a national mean monthly incidence rate of 20.4 (95% CI: 19.9 - 21.5) cases per 1000, ranging from 8.9 (95% CI: 8.7 – 9.4) to 36.6 (95% CI: 35.7 – 38.5) across the study period. Strong seasonality was observed, with June-July experiencing highest peaks and February-March the lowest peaks. There was also considerable geographic heterogeneity in incidence, with health facility catchment relative risk during peak transmission months ranging from 0 to 50.5 (95% CI: 49.0 – 50.8) times higher than national average. Both districts and health facility catchments showed significant positive spatial autocorrelation; health facility catchments had global Moran’s I = 0.3 (p<0.001) and districts Moran’s I = 0.4 (p<0.001). Notably, significant clusters of high-risk health facility catchments were concentrated in Acholi, West Nile, Karamoja, and East Central – Busoga regions.Conclusion. Findings showed clear countrywide spatial-temporal patterns with clustering of malaria risk across districts and health facility catchments within high risk regions, which can facilitate targeting of interventions to those areas at highest risk. Moreover, despite high and perennial transmission, seasonality for malaria incidence highlights the potential for optimal and timely implementation of targeted interventions.
Individual-based dengue virus surveillance in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes concurrently collected with suspected patients in Tarlac City, Philippines
Authors: Balingit Jean Claude , Carvajal Thaddeus M. , Saito-Obata Mariko , Gamboa Maribet , Nicolasora Amalea Dulcene , Sy Ava Kristy , Oshitani Hitoshi , Watanabe Kozo 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Vector control measures are critical in the prevention and reduction of dengue virus (DENV) transmission. In this context, an effective vector control is reliant not only on the knowledge of mosquito abundance, but also on the timely and accurate detection of mosquito infection. Mosquito-based virus surveillance programs typically rely on a pool-based mosquito testing, although whether individual-based mosquito testing could represent a feasible alternative is not largely studied. Applying an individual-based mosquito testing approach, we conducted a one-month DENV surveillance of adult Aedes (Ae.) aegypti mosquitoes around households of suspected dengue patients during the 2015 dengue peak season in Tarlac City, Philippines to more accurately assess the mosquito infection rate and identify the DENV serotypes and genotypes concurrently co-circulating in mosquitoes and patients.Methods: We performed a one-step multiplex real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay for the simultaneous DENV detection and serotyping in patients and individual female Ae. aegypti mosquito. Additionally, we performed sequencing and phylogenetic analyses to further characterize the detected DENVs in mosquitoes and patients at the genotype level.Results: We collected a total of 583 adult Ae. aegypti mosquitoes; of which, we individually tested 359 female mosquitoes for the presence of DENV. Ten (2.8%) among the 359 female mosquitoes were positive for the presence of DENV. We detected DENV-1, DENV-2, and DENV-4 in the field-collected mosquitoes, which were consistent with the serotypes concurrently infecting patients. Sequencing and phylogenetic analyses of the detected DENVs based on the partial envelope (E) gene revealed three genotypes concurrently present in the sampled mosquitoes and patients during the study period, namely: DENV-1 genotype IV, DENV-2 Cosmopolitan genotype, and DENV-4 genotype II.Conclusions: In this study, we demonstrate the utility of the one-step multiplex real-time RT-PCR assay in the individual-based DENV surveillance of mosquitoes. Our findings reinforce the significance of detecting and monitoring virus activity in local mosquito populations, which is critical for dengue prevention and control activities.
Interpersonal Counselling for Adolescent Depression delivered by Youth Mental Health Workers without Core Professional Training: A Feasibility Randomised Controlled Trial study protocol
Authors: Abotsie Gabriel , Cestaro Viktoria , Gee Brioney , Murdoch Jamie , Katangwe Thando , Meiser-Stedman Richard Richard , Shepstone Lee , Turner David , Tulk Susie , Jarret Sharon , Wilson Jon , Clarke Timothy , Bonnie Teague , Wilkinson Paul 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Depression is a common health problem during adolescence and is associated with adverse academic, social and health outcomes. To meet demand for treatment for adolescent depression, there is a need for evidence-based interventions suitable for delivery outside of specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). Interpersonal Counselling for Adolescents (IPC-A), is a brief manualised intervention for adolescent depression suitable for delivery by staff who are not qualified health professionals following participation in a brief training course. While initial piloting within Local Authority services has generated promising results, the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of IPC-A has yet to be established. This study aims to assess the feasibility of a randomised controlled trial (RCT), evaluating the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of IPC-A delivered by staff without core professional training in comparison to current provision. Method: Feasibility RCT with process evaluation using ethnographic methodology. Eligible young people (n=60) will be randomised in a 1:1 ratio to receive either IPC-A or treatment as usual (TAU). Participants will be assessed pre-randomisation (baseline) and followed up at 5, 10 and 23 weeks post-randomisation. A parallel process evaluation will generate understanding of intervention implementation across services and explore the acceptability of the intervention from the perspective of young people and other key stakeholders.Participants: Young people aged 12-18 years presenting to non-specialist services with symptoms of depression. Youth workers, young people and stakeholders will participate in the process evaluation.Discussion: The need for effective and accessible interventions for young people with mild/sub-threshold depression who in most cases, do not meet the threshold for mainstream mental health services is long overdue. The primary output of this feasibility trial will be the design of the subsequent full-scale trial. If the results of the current study indicate that this would be feasible, we intend to progress to a multi-site, assessor-blind, superiority RCT of the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of IPC-A in comparison to TAU for adolescents presenting to non-specialist services with depressive symptoms. If satisfactory solutions to any problems encountered cannot be identified, alternative research designs will be considered. If proven effective, an IPC-A training programme could be implemented.Trial registry: ISRCTN registry, ISRCTN82180413. Registered 31 December 2019, https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN82180413
Knowledge, socio-cognitive perceptions and the practice of hand hygiene and social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study of UK university students
Authors: Barrett Christine , Cheung Kei Long 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
BackgroundDuring the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing and hand hygiene have been the primary means of reducing transmission in the absence of effective treatments or vaccines, but understanding of their determinants is limited. This study aimed to investigate knowledge and socio-cognitive perceptions, and their associations with such protective behaviours, in UK university students. MethodsA cross-sectional online survey of 293 students was undertaken on 13 May 2020. Survey questions addressed demographics, knowledge of the disease and effectiveness of the protective measures, risk perception, socio-cognitive perceptions (e.g. attitude, social support, and self-efficacy), habit, time factors and trust, as well as the hand hygiene and social distancing behaviours. Multiple linear regression was used to identify the strongest associations of potential determinants with behaviour.ResultsParticipants reported high levels of social distancing with 88.9 % answering “Mostly” or “Always” for every activity, but only 42.0% reporting the same for all hand hygiene activities. Knowledge of the effectiveness of each activity in preventing transmission was high, with 90.7% and 93.5% respectively identifying at least 7 of 8 hand hygiene or 9 of 10 social distancing activities correctly. Habit (β = 0.39, p =0.001) and time factors (β = 0.28, p =0.001) were the greatest contributors to unique variance in hand hygiene behaviour, followed by ethnicity (β = -0.13, p =0.014) and risk perception (β = 0.13, p = 0.016). For social distancing behaviour, the determinants were self-efficacy (β = 0.25, p <0.001), perceived advantages (β = 0.15, p = 0.022), trust in policy (β = 0.14, p = 0.026) and gender (β = -0.14, p = 0.016). Regression models explained 40% hand hygiene and 25% social distancing variance.ConclusionsThis study indicated that communications about effectiveness of hand hygiene and social distancing behaviours had been effective in terms of knowledge acquisition. However, in the light of likely second waves of COVID-19, attention to maintaining social distancing behaviour and improving hand hygiene behaviour may need to address more difficult areas of changing habits, overcoming time factors and building trust, as well as interventions to increase self-efficacy and address risk perception concerns.
Analysis of serum levels of organochlorine pesticides and related factors in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Xu Shaoqing , Yang Xiaodong , Qian Yiwei , Wan Dayong , Sun Fenghua , Luo Qian , Song Yanyan , Xiao Qin 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: There is evidence that genetic and environmental factors contribute to the onset and progression of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Pesticides are a class of environmental toxins that are linked to increased risk of PD. However, few studies have investigated the interaction between specific pesticides and genetic variants related to PD in the Chinese population.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 19 serum levels of pesticides were measured. In addition, we also analyzed the interaction between specific pesticides and candidate genetic variants for PD. Finally, we investigated the mechanistic basis for the association between pesticides and increased risk of PD.Results: Serum levels of organochlorine pesticides including α-hexachlorocyclohexane (α-HCH), β-HCH, γ-HCH, δ-HCH, propanil, heptachlor, dieldrin, hexachlorobenzene, p,p’-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (p,p’-DDE) and o,p’-dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (o,p’-DDT) were higher in PD patients than in controls. α-HCH and propanil levels were associated with increased PD risk. Serum levels of dieldrin were associated with Hamilton Depression Scale and Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores in PD patients. Interactions between high pesticide levels and polymorphisms in rs11931074 and rs16940758 (α-HCH or β-HCH interacted with TT genotype in rs11931074 and δ-HCH interacted with TT genotype in rs16940758) were associated with the risk of PD. In cell model, α-HCH and propanil increased the level of reactive oxygen species and decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential. Propanil but not α-HCH induced the aggregation of α-synuclein.Conclusions: Elevated serum levels of α-HCH and propanil are associated with increased risk of PD. Serum levels of dieldrin were associated with depression and cognitive function in PD patients. The interaction between genetic variants and pesticides also increased the risk of PD. Effects of genetic variants and pesticides on the risk of PD should be studied in more detail with a larger sample size to further understand the mechanisms involved.
Dietary seaweed-derived polysaccharides improve growth performance of weaned pigs through maintaining intestinal barrier function and modulating gut microbial populations
Authors: Zou Tiande , Yang Jin , Guo Xiaobo , He Qin , Wang Zirui , You Jinming 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Seaweed-derived polysaccharides (SDP) represent an attractive source of prebiotic nutraceuticals for the food and animal husbandry industry. However, the mechanism by which SDP from Enteromorpha mediates pig growth are not fully understood. This study aimed to investigate how SDP supplementation influences the growth performance and intestinal health in weaned pigs.Results: In Exp. 1, 240 weaned pigs were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments and fed with a basal diet or a basal diet containing 200, 400 or 800 mg/kg SDP, respectively, in a 21-d trial. Pigs on the 400 or 800 mg/kg SDP-supplemented group had greater ADG and lower F/G ratio than those on the control group (P＜0.05). In Exp. 2, 20 male weaned pigs were randomly assigned to two treatments and fed with a basal diet (CON group) or a basal diet supplemented with 400 mg/kg SDP (the optimum does from Exp. 1), in a 21-d trial. Pigs fed the SDP diet had greater ADG, the concentrations of serum IL-6 and TNF-α and the activities of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase (P＜0.05), and lower F/G, diarrhea rate, as well as serum D-lactate concentrations and diamine oxidase activity (P＜0.05). Moreover, dietary SDP supplementation enhanced secretory immunoglobulin A content, villus height and villous height: crypt depth ratio in small intestine, as well as the lactase and maltase activities in jejunum mucosa (P＜0.05). SDP supplementation elevated the mRNA levels of inflammatory response-related genes (IL-6, TNF-α, TLR4, TLR6 and MyD88), and the mRNA and protein levels of ZO-1, Claudin-1 and Occludin in jejunum mucosa (P＜0.05). Importantly, SDP not only increased the Lactobacillus population but also reduced the Escherichia coli population in cecum (P＜0.05). Furthermore, SDP increased acetic acid and butyric acid concentrations in cecum (P＜0.05).Conclusions: These results not only suggest a beneficial effect of SDP on growth performance and intestinal barrier functions, but also offer potential mechanisms behind SDP-facilitated intestinal health in weaned pigs.
Once is rarely enough: Can social prescribing facilitate adherence to non-clinical community and voluntary sector health services? Empirical evidence from Germany
Authors: Golubinski Veronika , Wild Eva-Maria , Winter Vera , Schreyögg Jonas 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Non-clinical health interventions provided by the voluntary and community sector can improve patients’ health and well-being and reduce pressure on primary and secondary care, but only if patients adhere to them. This study provides novel insights into the impact of doctor referrals to such services, known as social prescribing, on patients’ adherence to them.Methods: Using a negative binomial model, we analysed electronic visitor records from a community health advice and navigation service in Germany between January 2018 and December 2019 to determine whether social prescribing was associated with greater adherence to the service (measured in terms of return visits) compared to patients who self-referred. We also explored whether this effect differed according to patient characteristics.Results: Based on 1,734 observations, we found that social prescribing was significantly associated with a greater number of return visits compared to patient self-referrals (p<0.05). For patients who visited the service because of psychological concerns, the effect of social prescribing was lower. For all other patient characteristics, the effect remained unchanged, suggesting relevance to all other patient groups.Conclusions: The results of our study indicate that social prescribing may be an effective way to facilitate adherence to non-clinical community and voluntary sector health services. This knowledge is important for policy makers who are deciding whether to implement or expand upon social prescribing schemes. Trial registration: Not applicable
Estimation of the LDL Subclasses in Ischemic Stroke as a Risk Factor in a Chinese population
Authors: Duan Ruisheng , Xue Wenjun , Wang Kunpeng , Yin Nan , Hao Hongyu , Chu Hongshan , Wang Lijun , Meng Peng , Diao Le 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is one of the leading causes of mortality and long-term disability worldwide. Our study aims to clarify the role of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) subclasses in the occurrence of AIS and develop a risk prediction model based on these characteristics to identify high-risk people.Methods: Five hundred and sixty-six patients with AIS and 197 non-AIS controls were included in this study. Serum lipids and other baseline characteristics including fasting blood glucose (GLU), serum creatinine (Scr), and blood pressure were investigated in relation to occurrence of AIS. The LDL subfractions were classified and measured with the Lipoprint System by a polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis technique.Results: Levels of LDL-3, LDL-4 and LDL-5 subclasses were significantly higher in the AIS group compared to the non-AIS group and lower level of LDL-1 was prevalent in the AIS patients. Consistently, Spearman correlation coefficient demonstrated that sd‐demonevels, especially LDL-3 and LDL-4 levels, were significantly positively correlated with AIS. Furthermore, there is a significant positive correlation between small dense LDL (sd-LDL, that is LDL-3 to 7) levels and serum lipids including total cholesterol (TC), Low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), and Triglyceride (TG). Increased LDL-3 and LDL-4 as well as decreased LDL-1 and LDL-2 were correlated to the occurrence of AIS, even in the people with normal LDL-C levels. A new prediction model including 12 variables can accurately predict the AIS risk in Chinese patients (AUC=0.82±0.04).Conclusions: Levels of LDL subclasses should be considered in addition to serum LDL-C in assessment and management of AIS. A new prediction model based on clinical variables including LDL subtractions can help clinicians identify high of AIS, even in the people with norm.
Assessment of D-dimer for ruling out peripherally inserted central catheter-associated upper extremity venous thrombosis: a diagnostic accuracy study
Authors: Liu Wanli , He Lianxiang , Zeng Wenjing , Yue Liqing , Wei Jie , Zeng Shuangshuang , Wang Xiang , Gong Zhicheng 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: With the extensive use of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC), PICC-associated venous thrombosis (VT) has become one of the most important complications in the hospital. To reduce unnecessary Color Doppler Ultrasound (CDU) or imaging tests, D-dimer values are usually used to exclude VT for patients with low VT risk. There is little evidence for the usefulness of the D-dimer level as an independent diagnostic marker for excluding PICC-associated VT.Aims: To examine the effectiveness of D-dimer values to be used as an independent diagnostic marker for excluding PICC-associated Upper Extremity Venous Thrombosis(UEVT).Methods:Records were reviewed for 281 patients who underwent PICC insertion over the two years period in Xiangya Hospital Central South University.The patients were categorized into the UEVT unlikely group (<2 points) and the UEVT likely group (≥2 points) according to the Constans Clinical Decision Score( Constans score) post PICC insertion, before extubation. After the score was determined, the patients underwent a D-dimer test and CDU within 7 days after D-dimer test.Results: Among 281 patients, 180 patients (36%, 95%CI:30.6%-41.8%) had negative D-dimer results, 39 of 180 patients had VT despite having a negative D-dimer result, resulting in a failure rate of 21.7% (95% CI: 16.3–28.3%).The NPV of PICC-associated VT in the cancer group (80.0%,95% CI: 73.2–85.4%) was higher than that of the non-cancer group (60.0%,95% CI: 35.7–80.2%). The NPV of PICC-associated DVT(Deep Venous Thrombosis) (84.9%,95% CI: 78.7–89.6%) was lower than that of the PICC-associated SVT(Superficial Venous Thrombosis) (91.0% ,95% CI: 85.4–94.6%).Conclusion: The D-dimer levels maybe should not be used as a diagnostic index to rule out PICC-associated VT to avoid missed diagnosis of PICC-related VT, which may cause adverse consequences.
Removal of fermentation inhibitors from pre-hydrolysis liquor using polystyrene divinylbenzene resin
Authors: Huang Caoxing , Zheng Yayue , Lin Wenqian , Shi Yuxuan , Huang Guohong , Yong Qiang 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: The presence of soluble lignin, furfural and hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) in industrial pre-hydrolysis liquor (PHL) from the pulping process can inhibit its bioconversion into bioethanol and other biochemicals. Although various technologies have been developed to remove these inhibitors, certain amounts of sugars are also inevitably removed during the treatment process. Hence, polystyrene divinylbenzene (PS-DVB) resin was used as an adsorptive material to simultaneously remove fermentation inhibitors while retaining sugars with high yields to improve the fermentability of PHL after acid-hydrolysis by enriching its xylose concentration. The fermentability of acid-hydrolyzed PHL (A-PHL) was evaluated by the bioconversion into ethanol and xylosic acid (XA) after treatment with PS-DVB resin.Results: The results showed that the highest xylose concentration (101.1 g/L) in PHL could be obtained by acid-hydrolysis at 100 oC for 80 min with 4% acid, while the concentration of fermentation inhibitors (furfural, HMF and lignin) in PHL could also be significantly improved during the acid-hydrolysis process. After treatment with PS-DVB resin, not only were 97% of lignin, 92% of furfural, and 97% of HMF removed from A-PHL, but also 96% of xylose was retained for subsequent fermentation. With resin treatment, the fermentability of A-PHL could be improved by 162-282% for ethanol production from A-PHL containing 30-50 g/L xylose and by 18-828% for XA production from A-PHL containing 90-150 g/L xylose. Conclusions: These results confirmed that PS-DVB resin can remove inhibitors from PHL before producing value-added products by bioconversion. In addition, this work will ideally provide a concept for producing value-added chemicals from pre-hydrolysis liquor, which is regarded as the waste stream in the pulping process.