bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Distribution and Prevalence of Plasmodium Knowlesi Among Macaques In Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
Authors: Zamzuri Mohd 'Ammar Ihsan Ahmad , Hassan Mohd Rohaizat , Hod Rozita 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background

Plasmodium knowlesi infection has significant morbidity and mortality impact in Malaysia. This zoonotic malaria parasite is naturally transmissible from macaque to humans in the presence of a competent vector. Human encroachment towards the habitat of macaque has further increased the risk. Stratifying the potential risk of transmission based on the burden of parasite among macaque in a particular area can be the first step for public health intervention. Thus, the study aimed to estimate the prevalence of Plasmodium knowlesi parasite among macaque in Negeri Sembilan and determine its associated factors.
METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study using a non-probabilistic sampling technique. A total of 212 blood samples from macaques in Negeri Sembilan were collected from seven districts. The Plasmodium spp. infecting the macaques were identified using Real-Time PCR assays on DNA extracted from these blood samples. Statistical tests were done to examine the factors associated with Plasmodium knowlesi infection in the macaque population.
RESULT

The overall prevalence of Plasmodium knowlesi among macaque in Negeri Sembilan state was 36.3%. Both long-tailed macaque and short-tailed macaque harboured the parasite within them. Co-infection with several malaria parasites were seen in 35.5% of Plasmodium spp positive results. The only significant associated factors in the prevalence of Plasmodium knowlesi were the type of locality (rural vs. urban) and the districts where the macaques were trapped.
CONCLUSION

The prevalence of Plasmodium knowlesi infection among macaques varied between districts in Negeri Sembilan. The presence of zoonotic malaria parasites among the population of macaque that live in close proximity with the community possesses a potential risk of transmission. Therefore, robust public health advocacy targeting high-risk areas is deemed necessary.
Clinical Characteristics, Risk Factors and Predictive Value of COVID-19 Pneumonia: A Retrospective Study of 173 Patients in Wuhan, China
Authors: Zhang Yang , Xue Jun , Yan Mi , Chen Jing , Liu Hai , Wang Shao-Bo , Luo Jian-Xing , Yang Fang , Tang Jian-Yuan , Hu Xiao-Yu 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: COVID-19 is a globally emerging infectious disease. As the global epidemic continues to spread, the risk of COVID-19 transmission and diffusion in the world will also remain. Currently, several studies describing its clinical characteristics have focused on the initial outbreak, but rarely to the later stage. Here we described clinical characteristics, risk factors for disease severity and in-hospital outcome in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia from Wuhan. Methods: Patients with COVID-19 pneumonia admitted to Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology from February 13 to March 8, 2020, were retrospectively enrolled. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for disease severity and in-hospital outcome and establish predictive models. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to assess the predictive value of above models.Results: 106 (61.3%) of the patients were female. The mean age of study populations was 62.0 years, of whom 73 (42.2%) had underlying comorbidities mainly including hypertension (24.9%). The most common symptoms on admission were fever (67.6%) and cough (60.1%), digestive symptoms (22.0%) was also very common. Older age (OR: 3.420; 95%Cl: 1.415-8.266; P=0.006), diarrhea (OR: 0.143; 95%Cl: 0.033-0.611; P=0.009) and lymphopenia (OR: 4.769; 95%Cl: 2.019-11.266; P=0.000) were associated with severe illness on admission; the area under the ROC curve (AUC) of predictive model were 0.860 (95%CI: 0.802-0.918; P=0.000). Older age (OR: 0.309; 95%Cl: 0.142-0.674; P=0.003), leucopenia (OR: 0.165; 95%Cl: 0.034-0.793; P=0.025), increased lactic dehydrogenase (OR: 0.257; 95%Cl: 0.100-0.659; P=0.005) and interleukins-6 levels (OR: 0.294; 95%Cl: 0.099-0.872; P=0.027) were associated with poor in-hospital outcome; AUC of predictive model were 0.752 (95%CI: 0.681-0.824; P=0.000).Conclusion: Older patients with diarrhea and lymphopenia need early identification and timely intervention to prevent the progression to severe COVID-19 pneumonia. However, older patients with leucopenia, increased lactic dehydrogenase and interleukins-6 levels are at a high risk for poor in-hospital outcome.Trial registration: ChiCTR2000029549
Modelling Bluetongue Risk in Kazakhstan
Authors: Abdrakmanov Sarsenbay , Kanatzhan Beisembayev , Sultanov Akmetzhan , Mukhanbetkaliyev Yersyn , Kadyrov Ablaikhan , Ussenbayev Altay , Zhakenova Аigerim , Torgerson Paul 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Bluetongue is a serious disease of ruminants transmitted by biting midges (Culicoides spp). Serological evidence from livestock and the presence of at least one vector competent spp of Culicoides suggests that transmission of bluetongue is possible and may have occurred in Kazakhstan. Methods: We estimated the relative risk of transmission using a mathematical model of the reproduction number R0 for bluetongue. This model depends on livestock density and climatic factors which affect vector density. Data on climate and livestock numbers from the 2778 local communities were used. This together with previously published model parameters was used to estimate R0 for each month of the year, which was rescaled to give a relative risk of transmission. These relative risks were mapped using kernal density estimates using R statistical software and mapping tools.Results: The results suggest that transmission of bluetongue in Kazakhstan is not possible in the winter from November to March. Assuming there are vector competent species of Culicoides endemic in Kazakhstan, then low levels of risk first appear in the south of Kazakhstan in April before spreading north and intensifying reaching maximum levels in northern Kazakhstan in August. The risk decline in September with only a low risk of transmission in October.Conclusion: These results should aid in surveillance efforts for the detection and control of bluetongue in Kazakhstan by indicating where and when outbreaks of bluetongue are most likely to occur.
Exposure to Toxic Metals (As, Cd, Hg, Pb) in Two Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining (ASGM) Areas in Zimbabwe
Authors: Rakete Stefan , Moonga Given , Wahl Anna-Maria , Mambrey Viola , Shoko Dennis , Moyo Dingani , Muteti-Fana Shamiso , Tobollik Myriam , Steckling-Muschack Nadine , Böse-O'Reilly Stephan 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: People living and working in ASGM areas are exposed to toxic metals such as arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb). Whereas Hg is purposely used to extract the gold from the ore, the other toxic metals can be liberated from the ore during the mining process. These metals can contaminate drinking water and food and are thus, a source of exposure for people living in these mining areas. However, there is limited to no data about the exposure to toxic metals of people living in ASGM areas. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to conduct biomonitoring of people identifying themselves as artisanal gold miners. Methods: Blood and urine were collected from 207 people living and working in two ASGM areas in Zimbabwe. Hg in whole blood and urine was analyzed by direct mercury analysis, Pb in blood as well as As and Cd in urine were analyzed by GF-AAS. The results were evaluated by descriptive analysis and correlated with the location, age, fish consumption, years living and working in the area. Results: Median As level in urine was 10.0 µg/l (range from below limit of detection to 460 µg/l). Median Cd level in urine was 0.3 µg/l (range from below limit of detection to 11.4 µg/l). Median Hg levels in blood / urine were 2.7 / 5.2 µg/l (range from 0.2 to 167 µg/l / 0.1 to 612 µg/l). Median Pb level in blood was 19.9 µg/l (range from 6.6 to 276 µg/l). As expected, the Hg levels were frequently above international reference values (e. g. NHANES, blood: 34%, urine: 69%). For Pb and Cd, a considerable number of participants (32% and 22% respectively) were above the reference values (NHANES / National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) and for As 33% of the participants were above the reference value (UBA/ German Environment Agency). Conclusions: Hg levels were, as expected in ASGM areas, mainly above reference and threshold values. A high proportion of As, Cd and Pb levels were also above reference levels. Therefore, the exposure to toxic metals in the two ASGM areas in Zimbabwe is relevant for public health.
Simvastatin Impairs Hippocampal Synaptic Plasticity and Cognitive Function in Mice
Authors: Guo Yujun , Zou Guichang , Jin Jin , Yao Lei , Qi Keke , Pan Yang , Xiong Wei 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Lipophilic statins which are blood brain barrier (BBB) permeable are speculated to affect the cholesterol synthesis and neural functions in the central nervous system. However, whether these statins can affect cholesterol levels and synaptic plasticity in hippocampus and the in vivo consequence remain unclear. Here, we report that long-term subcutaneous treatments of simvastatin significantly impair mouse hippocampal synaptic plasticity, reflected by the attenuated long-term potentiation of field excitatory postsynaptic potentials. The simvastatin administration causes a deficiency in recognition and spatial memory but fails to affect motor ability and anxiety behaviors in the mice. Mass spectrometry imaging indicates a significant decrease in cholesterol intensity in hippocampus of the mice receiving chronic simvastatin treatments. Such effects of simvastatin are transient because drug discontinuation can restore the hippocampal cholesterol level and synaptic plasticity and the memory function. These findings may provide further clues to elucidate the mechanisms of neurological side effects, especially the brain cognitive function impairment, caused by long-term usage of BBB-permeable statins.
Interaction of Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) Candidate Longevity Gene and Particulate Matter (PM2.5) on All-cause Mortality: a Longitudinal Cohort Study in China
Authors: Yao Yao , Liu Linxin , Guo Guang , Zeng Yi , Ji John S. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe SIRT1 gene was associated with the lifespan in several organisms through inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways. Long-term air particulate matter (PM) is detrimental to health through the same pathways. MethodsWe used the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) to investigate whether there is a gene-environment (G×E) interaction of SIRT1 and air pollution on mortality in an older cohort in China. Among 7,083 participants with a mean age of 81.1 years, we genotyped the SIRT1 alleles for each participant and assessed PM2.5 concentration using 3-year average concentrations around each participant's residence. We used Cox-proportional hazards models to estimate the independent and joint effects of SIRT1 polymorphisms and PM2.5 exposure on all-cause mortality, adjusting for a set of confounders. ResultsThere were 2,843 deaths over 42,852 person-years. The mortality hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for each 10 μg/m³ increase in PM2·5 was 1.08 (1.05-1.11); for SIRT1_391 was 0.77 (0.61, 0.98) in the recessive model after adjustment. In stratified analyses, participants carrying two SIRT1_391 minor alleles had a significantly higher HR for each 10 μg/m³ increase in PM2.5 than those carrying one or none minor allele (1.336 [1.079-1.653] vs. 1.078 [1.049-1.107]; p for interaction = 0.012). Moreover, the interaction of SIRT1 and air pollution on mortality is significant among women but not among men. We did not see significant relationships for SIRT1_366, SIRT1_773, and SIRT1_720. ConclusionWe found a gene-environment interaction of SIRT1 and air pollution on mortality, possibly through the inflammation modulating mechanism of SIRT1 polymorphisms.
Analysis of Rear-End Collision Accident of Urban Traffic Based on Safety Pre-Warning Algorithm
Authors: Wang Sizhuo , Li Wei , Kong Chunyu 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
With the increase of per capita car ownership, traffic accidents frequently occur, in which rear-end collision accounts for 30% to 40% of the total accidents; thus, rear-end collision has become the primary factor of traffic environment deterioration. Therefore, how to improve road traffic safety and reduce the probability of rear-end collision has become a major social concern. In this study, based on the safety pre-warning algorithm, a vehicle collision model was built, and a vehicle anti-collision warning system was established. The calculation was performed based on the sample data to obtain the prediction value of vehicle collision time under different driving speeds, so as to provide drivers with effective response time and reduce the casualties and property losses caused by a vehicle collision. The experimental results showed that the accuracy rate of the pre-warning reached 80% when the speed was regarded as a variable, and the simulation results showed that the early pre-warning or delayed pre-warning rate was very low, and the timeliness rate reached 89%, which enables drivers to react quickly in the appropriate time and effectively reduces the risk of vehicle rear-end collision.
Phosphate Sequestration From Aqueous Solutions Using A Zeolite in The Zinc Form.
Authors: Loayza Lenin , Guaya Diana 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
This work evaluated the ability of a modified zeolite to adsorb phosphates in aqueous solution. The zeolite used for this study was a modified faujasite impregnated with zinc chloride (Z-Zn) on its surface. The experiments were carried out in different stages. Adsorption was performed at different pH of the solution and the zeolitized material was found to be favorable for phosphate adsorption. The adsorption kinetics occurred after 240 minutes and reach the equilbrium, determining chemisorption reactions with a fit of the particular diffusion model ( Dp ) and pseudo second order, the Langmuir model was best adjusted through the isotherms. The adsorption and desorption process occurs best in the presence of HCl, the formation of residual phosphorous in the fractionation stage evidenced that the highest percentage was bound to metals such as Fe and Al.
Comparison of Three PCR-Based Methods to Detect Loa loa and Mansonella perstans in Long-Term Frozen Storage Dried Blood Spots
Authors: Ta-Tang Thuy-Huong , Febrer-Sendra Begoña , Berzosa Pedro , Rubio José Miguel , Romay-Barja María , Ncogo Policarpo , Agudo Diego , Herrador Zaida , Fernández-Soto Pedro , Muro Antonio , Benito Agustín 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Loa loa and Mansonella perstans are two filarial species very common in Africa, with overlapping geographic distribution in some areas. Microscopy is the traditional diagnostic method for human loiasis and mansonellosis, but is a time-consuming, labor intensive and tedious. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods have emerged as an alternative approach for identification of filarial parasites. Dried blood spot (DBS) has been reported as a convenient way to keep DNA for epidemiological investigations and diagnosis of infectious diseases, and does not require venipuncture. The finding of a highly sensitive DNA extraction method for filarial nematodes is also required for a good molecular performance. The aim of this study was to compare three different molecular methods to diagnose human loiasis and mansonellosis using DBS as a medium of sample collection and storage. The saponin/Chelex method for extracting filarial DNA was also applied. Methods: A total of 100 clinical samples were randomly selected for this study. Microscopy was used as the reference method for diagnosing and calculating the microfilaraemia. Filarial DNA was extracted using saponin/Chelex method from DBS. DNA isolated was assayed by three different molecular methods: qPCR, Filaria-Nested PCR, and cytochrome oxidase I PCR. All PCR-products were subsequently purified and sequenced. Statistical values for each molecular test were computed and compared.Results: Overall, 64 samples were identified as negative by all the tests and 36 samples were positive by at least one of the methods tested. Microscopy detected 27 positive samples, meanwhile qPCR, Filaria-Nested PCR and COI PCR detected 30, 31 and 33 positive samples, respectively. The best overall results were obtained with COI PCR protocol (sensitivity 92.6%; specificity 89.0%; kappa index 76.3%). Conclusions: Despite the good statistical values obtained for COI PCR, this method needs the sequencing of the fragment obtained to identify the filarial species; thus the optimal technique to diagnose filarial infection was qPCR, it was very similar in terms of sensitivity and specificity compared to microscopy and for its capacity to detect a wide range of human filariae. It is an appropriate method for filarial diagnosis in non-endemic settings.
Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis of Trypanosoma brucei in Tsetse Fly Vector
Authors: Mwangi Kennedy W. , Macharia Rosaline W. , Bargul Joel L. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BackgroundTrypanosoma brucei species are motile protozoan parasites that are cyclically transmitted by tsetse fly (genus Glossina) causing human sleeping sickness and nagana in livestock in sub-Saharan Africa. African trypanosomes display digenetic life cycle stages in the tsetse fly vector and in their mammalian host. Experimental work on insect-stage trypanosomes is challenging due to the difficulty in setting up successful in vitro cultures. Therefore, there is limited knowledge on the trypanosome biology during its development in the tsetse fly. Consequently, this limits the development of new strategies for blocking parasite transmission in the tsetse fly. MethodsIn this study, RNA-Seq data of insect-stage trypanosomes were used to construct a T. brucei gene co-expression network using weighted gene co-expression analysis (WGCNA) method. The study identified significant enriched modules for genes that play key roles during the parasite’s development in tsetse fly. Further, potential 3’ untranslated region (UTR) regulatory elements for genes that clustered in the same module were identified using Finding Informative Regulatory Elements (FIRE) tool.ResultsA fraction of gene modules (12 out of 27 modules) in the constructed network were found to be enriched in functional roles associated with cell division, protein biosynthesis, mitochondrion, and cell surface. Additionally, 12 hub genes encoding proteins such as RNA-binding protein 6 (RBP6), Arginine kinase 1 (AK1), brucei alanine rich protein (BARP), among others, were identified for the 12 significantly enriched gene modules. In addition, the potential regulatory elements located in the 3’ untranslated regions of genes within the same module were predicted. ConclusionsThe constructed gene co-expression network provides a useful resource for network-based data mining to identify candidate genes for functional studies. This will enhance understanding of the molecular mechanisms that underlie important biological processes during parasite’s development in tsetse fly. Ultimately, these findings will be key in the identification of potential molecular targets for disease control.
The impact of 100 days of Covid-19 lock-down on the emotional health of school children in Chennai, India
Authors: John Cheri Mathews , Mathew Deepa Elizabeth , John Natasha Susan , Johnson Joe , George Sanju 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Introduction: Public health measures taken to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic can potentially impact the mental health of children.Aims: To assess the prevalence and risk factors of childhood depression during the Covid-19 lock-down.Methods: After 100 days of lock-down, a survey questionnaire was sent by WhatsApp to parents of school-aged children (5-16 years) in Chennai. The Short Mood and Feelings questionnaire was employed as an objective screening tool to assess depression, with a score of 12 used as the cut-off.Results: There were 874 responses. The incidence of childhood depression was 13.7%. Boys were less likely to be depressed than girls. Eleven- to 16-year-olds were more likely to be depressed than 5- to 10-year-old children. Children who had more than 4 hours online education had a higher likelihood of depression. Children who used a cell phone for online classes had a higher likelihood of depression compared to other devices, such as tabs or laptops. Children who slept less than 8 hours a day had a higher likelihood of depression. Children who either did not sleep in the afternoon or slept less than 1 hour had a lower likelihood of depression. Children who were interacting with family over 1 hour per day had a lower likelihood of depression.Conclusions: Overzealous online education, lack of adequate sleep and failure to spend quality time with the family can negatively impact the mental health of children. The impact of Covid-19 on the emotional health of children should be addressed by public policy makers and health care professionals.
Pan(dem)ic Reactions in Turkish Stock Market: Evidence from share repurchases
Authors: Pirgaip Burak 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Share repurchases have been widely used in global markets for years for various purposes such as to pay out cash, to stabilize stock prices, and so on. However, their use has recently been challenged due to the economic and financial uncertainty imposed by the COVID-19 outbreak. Not only governments have put bans or restrictions on the repurchasing transactions but also some major companies themselves have suspended their buyback programmes to preserve cash. On the other hand, repurchase activity has manifested itself in Turkish capital markets somewhat unexpectedly under uncertain market conditions. This study is one of the first attempts to explore the impact of share repurchase transactions on stock returns in an emerging market severely hit by COVID-19. Event study analyses reveal that market reaction to repurchase activity in the aftermath of the pandemic declaration of March 11, 2020 was significantly positive. Moreover, short-term stock performance of repurchasing firms was far greater than that of their non-repurchasing peers. These results have important policy implications in terms of corporate payout decisions which have recently been challenged by the new coronavirus.
Zdrowie jako wartość ogólnospołeczna
Authors: Konstańczak Stefan 
Published: September 2020

The starting point of the article is the thesis that Hippocrates’ rule: “the health of an ill person is the highest right” is not only the main rule of the conduct of medical staff but also includes a defined method of evaluation. According to the author, the consequence of such evaluation is a detailed rule “Firstly, not to harm”. This rule has got a universal character and cannot only be restricted to medical staff. Healthcare is not the domain of doctors alone. It is everybody’s obligation, as it is to ensure that people don’t risk their own health or others’. In support of this approach, Władysław Tatarkiewicz’s considerations have been mentioned in the article, especially those that combine an individual sense of happiness with a state of health. In the end, the author refers to empirical research, which shows dependence on the state of health on andacquired lifestyle and points to the greater rationale of health prevention rather than institutional medical care.