bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Utility of ultra-sensitive qPCR to detect Plasmodium species infections under different malaria transmission intensities
Authors: Gruenberg Maria , Moniz Clara Antunes , Hofmann Natalie E. , Koepfli Cristian , Robinson Leanne J , Nate ELma , Monteiro Wuelton Marcelo , Melo Gisely Cardoso , Kuehn Andrea , Siqueira Andre M , Nguitragool Wang , Bassat Quique , Lacerda Marcus , Sattabongkot Jetsumon Prachumsri , Mueller Ivo , Felger Ingrid 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: The use of molecular diagnostics has revealed an unexpectedly large number of asymptomatic low-density malaria infections in many malaria endemic areas. This study compared the gains in parasite prevalence obtained by the use of ultra-sensitive (us)-qPCR as compared to standard qPCR in cross sectional surveys conducted in Thailand, Brazil and Papua New Guinea (PNG). The compared assays differed in the copy number of qPCR targets in the parasite genome.Methods: Plasmodium falciparum ( Pf ) and P. vivax ( Pv ) parasites were quantified by qPCR amplifying the low-copy Pf_ and Pv _18SrRNA genes or the multi-copy targets Pf _varATS and Pv_mtCOX1. Cross sectional surveys at the three study sites included 2252 participants of all ages and represented different transmission intensities.Results: In the two low-transmission areas, Pf positivity was 1.3% (10/773) (Thailand) and 0.8% (5/651) (Brazil) using standard Pf _18SrRNA qPCR. In these two countries, Pf positivity by Pf_ varATS us-qPCR increased to 1.9% (15/773) and 1.7% (11/651). In PNG, an area with moderate transmission intensity, Pf positivity significantly increased from 8.6% (71/828) by standard qPCR to 12.2% (101/828) by us-qPCR. The proportions of Pf infections not detected by standard qPCR were 33%, 55% and 30% in Thailand, Brazil and PNG. Pv was the predominating species in Thailand and Brazil, with 3.9% (30/773) and 4.9% (32/651) positivity by Pv _18SrRNA qPCR. In PNG, Pv positivity was similar to Pf , at 8.0% (66/828). Use of Pv _mtCOX1 us-qPCR led to a significant increase in positivity to 5.1% (39/773), 6.4% (42/651) and 11.5% (95/828) in Thailand, Brazil, and PNG. The proportions of Pv infections missed by standard qPCR were similar at all three sites, with 23%, 24% and 31% in Thailand, Brazil and PNG.Conclusion: The proportional gains in Plasmodium infections by ultra-sensitive diagnostic assays were substantial for Pf and Pv at all three study sites. Thus, us-qPCR yields more precise prevalence estimates for both Pf and Pv at all levels of endemicity and represents a significant diagnostic improvement. Improving sensitivity in Pv surveillance by us-qPCR is of particular benefit, because the additionally detected Pv infections signal the potential presence of hypnozoites and subsequent risk of relapse and further transmission.
Effectiveness over 10 years (2004-2014) of the echinococcosis control progamme in China: Impact on humans and dogs population interventions
Authors: Yu Qing , Han Shuai , Tian Tian , Xiao Ning , Zhou Xiaonong 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
A national control program for echinococcosis has been in effect since 2005 in China. This program has applied a comprehensive strategy, and good control results have been achieved. The objective of this study is focusing on the effectiveness of the programme with two indices, including patients treatment and registered dogs deworming, in endemic areas of echincoccosis control over the period of 10 years (2004–2014) in China.
Methods
10 provinces and autonomous regions of China were chosen for this study and a database was established that included demography at county and township levels, grouping available patients into those subjected to surgery and those receiving drug treatment after population screening. All statistical analyses were performed using Microsoft Excel software and SPSS software and the results are shown as percentages with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).
Results
The study showed that over this period, the coverage rate of surgical patient treatment had increased with 32.4% and with 81.3% for medical treatment with albendazole. Meanwhile, it increased by 58.6% for the deworming of registered dog since 2007. The accumulated costs amounted to US$ 27.03 million after discount for patients and registered dog treatment, which is 1/4 (27.03/110.67) of the total accumulated financial inputs (US$ 110.67 million from the Chinese Government. Since the implementation of the national program, it has increased 57 times (1705.9/30.1 = 57) with respect to the annual financial inputs and 368 times (11,067.9/30.1 = 368) with respect to all accumulated financial inputs.
Conclusions
As found through this study, it is suggested that more attention should be paid to controlling stray dogs during the ongoing program period and sustainable follow-up evaluations are crucial for success and continued implementation of the national program, which will be necessary until the disease is under control and has been eliminated in all endemic areas of China.
Impact of COVID-19 confinement on the time and intensity of physical activity in the Spanish population
Authors: Castañeda-Babarro Arkaitz , Arbillaga-Etxarri Ane , Gutiérrez-Santamaria Borja , Coca Aitor 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background

The lockdown and social distancing caused by COVID-19 may influence common healthy behaviour. Due to the unprecedent worldwide confinement in which Spain has been one of the most affected with severe rules governing confinement, physical activity and sedentarism may change due to prolonged stays at home. The aim of this study is to evaluate how physical activity and sedentary time have changed during confinement in the Spanish population.
Methods

3800 healthy adults (age ≥ 18 - ≤64 years) residing in Spain were asked during confinement. Sociodemographic data and self-reported physical activity data were collected twice by an International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short (IPAQ-S) between 23rd March and 1st April, and the analysis was carried out considering the achievement of general physical activity recommendations, different age ranges and baseline physical activity levels.
Results

Physical activity decreased significantly during confinement in all population. Vigorous activities and walking time decreased by 16.8% (p-value > 0.001) and 58.2% (p-value > 0.001) respectively, whereas sedentary time increased by 23.8% (p-value > 0.001). The fulfilment of 75 min/week of vigorous activity recommendation decreased by 10.7% (p-value < 0.001) while the amount of people who reached to 150 min/week of moderate activity barely changed (1.4%, (p-value 0.117)). The group that performed more vigorous physical activities before confinement showed the greatest decrease (30.5%, p-value > 0.001). Men reduced more the time in vigorous activity than women (21% vs 9%, respectively) who even increased time in moderate physical activity by 11% (p-value < 0.05) and showed less increase in sitting time than men (35% vs 25.3%, respectively). Young people and students showed the highest decrease in all physical activities.
Conclusions

The Spanish adult population, especially young people, students and very active men, decreased daily physical activity and increased sedentary time during COVID-19 confinement.
The Antibiotic Resistance Profiles of Escherichia Coli Isolated from Pre and Post Treated Hospital Sewage
Authors: Akya Alisha , Shavise-Zadeh Jila , Bozorgomid Arezoo , Zargaran Fatemeh Nemati , Chegenelorestani Roya 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: The dissemination of resistant strains of bacteria into the environment through hospital sewage has been recognized as a public health concern. We investigated the antibiotic resistance profile of E. coli isolated from hospital sewage.Methods: E. coli strains were isolated from the hospital sewage system from both pre and post treatment phases in a general hospital of Kermanshah city (west of Iran). Resistance to antibiotics (clindamycin, ceftriaxone, Co-trimoxazole, penicillin, ciprofloxacin, amikacin, gentamicin, imipenem, and piperacillin) was determined by disc diffusion. Isolates were screened phenotypically for extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) production. The frequency of common antibiotic resistance genes (bla CTX-M, bla TEM, bla SHV, and qnr) were detected by PCR and data was statistically analyzed.Results: Sixty E. coli strains (30 for pre treatment and 30 for post treatment sewage) were randomly selected from isolates. All ESBL-producing isolates showed resistance to three antibiotic classes and were MDR. For non-ESBL isolates, 70 and 90 percent were MDR for pre and post treatment sewage, respectively. Of isolates tested, 100% had at least one of resistance genes. The frequency of bla CTX-M-1 gene was significantly higher in isolates of post treatment sewage. The bla TEM gene was more common than other genes in ESBL-producing isolates.Conclusion: The high rate of antibiotic resistance and resistance genes in E. coli isolates of hospital sewage, especially in post treatment is alarming. These data suggest that despite the widespread use of active sludge system to treat hospital sewage, they may not capable to adequately eliminate or reduce the antibiotic resistance strains of E.coli.
"We can’t carry the weight of the whole world": illness experiences among Peruvian older adults with symptoms of depression and anxiety
Authors: Flores-Flores Oscar , Zevallos-Morales Alejandro , Carrión Ivonne , Pawer Dalia , Rey Lorena , Checkley William , Hurst John , Siddharthan Trishul , Parodi Jose , Gallo Joseph , Pollard Suzanne 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Despite the high levels of depression and anxiety symptoms in old age, the use mental health services in this population is low. Help-seeking behaviors are shaped by how an individual perceives and experiences their illness. The objective of this study was to characterize the illness experiences of Peruvian older adults with depression and anxiety symptoms in order to lay the foundation for tailored community-based mental health interventions.Methods: In this qualitative study, we conducted in-depth interviews with a purposively selected sample of older adults (≥ 60 years) from peri-urban areas of Lima, Peru. We included individuals with only depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 ≥ 10), only anxiety symptoms (Beck Anxiety Inventory ≥ 16), with depressive and anxiety symptoms, and older adults who mentioned they had received mental health treatment/care. The interview guide included the following topics: perceptions and experiences about depression and anxiety; perceptions about the relationship between physical chronic diseases and mental health; experiences with mental health professionals and treatments, and coping mechanisms. Data collection was conducted between October 2018 and February 2019. Results: We interviewed 38 participants (23 women, 15 men) with a mean age of 67.9 years. Participants’ ideas and perceptions of depression and anxiety showed considerable overlap. Participants attributed depression and anxiety mainly to familial and financial problems, loneliness, loss of independence and past traumatic experiences. Coping strategies used by older adults included ‘self-reflection and adaptation’ to circumstances, ‘do your part’, and seeking ‘emotional support’ mainly from non-professionals (relatives, friends, acquaintances, and religion). Conclusions: Illness experiences of depression and anxiety set the pathway for tailored community-based mental health interventions for older adults. Overlapping narratives and perceptions of depression and anxiety suggest that these conditions should be addressed together. Mental health interventions should incorporate addressing areas related to depression and anxiety such as prevention of loss of independence, trauma, and loneliness. Good acceptability of receiving emotional support for non-professionals might offer an opportunity to incorporate them when delivering mental health care to older adults.
The relationship between immune status as measured by stimulated ex-vivo tumour necrosis factor alpha levels and the acquisition of nosocomial infections in critically ill mechanically ventilated patients.
Authors: Levin Gabrielle , Boyd J. Gordon , Day Andrew , Hunt Miranda , Maslove David , Norman Patrick , Callaghan Nicole O' , Sibley Stephanie , Muscedere John 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Introduction: Immunological dysfunction is common in critically ill patients but its clinical significance and the optimal method to measure it are unknown. The level of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) after ex-vivo whole blood stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) has been proposed as a possible method to quantify immunological function. We hypothesized that in a cohort of critically ill patients, those with a lower post-stimulation TNF-α level would have increased rates of nosocomial infections (NIs) and worse clinical outcomes. Methods: A secondary analysis of a phase 2 randomized, multi-centre, double-blinded placebo-controlled trial. As there was no difference between treatment and control arms in outcomes and NI rate, all the patients were analyzed as one cohort. On enrolment, whole blood was incubated with LPS ex-vivo and TNF-α level was measured. Patients were grouped in tertiles according to delta and peak TNF-α level. The primary outcome was the association between NIs and tertiles of TNF-α level post LPS stimulation; secondary outcomes included 90-day mortality. Results: Data was available for 201 patients. Patients in the highest tertile for post LPS stimulation delta TNF-α compared to the lowest tertile were younger [61.1 years ± 15.7 vs. 68.6 years ± 12.8 standard deviations (SD) in the lowest tertile], had lower acuity of illness (APACHE II 25.0 ± 9.7 vs. 26.7 ± 6.1) and had lower baseline TNF-α (9.9 pg/mL ± 19.0 vs. 31.0 pg/mL ± 68.5). When grouped according to peak post-stimulation TNF-α levels, patients in the highest tertile had higher serum TNF-α at baseline (21.3 pg/mL ± 66.7 compared to 6.5 pg/mL ± 9.0 in the lowest tertile). Neither the post LPS stimulation delta TNF-α group nor the peak TNF-α post-stimulation group were associated with the development of NIs or clinical outcomes. Conclusion: In this prospective multicenter study, ex-vivo stimulated TNF-α level was not associated with the occurrence of NIs or clinical outcomes. Further study is required to better ascertain how TNF levels and ex-vivo stimulation can best be used to characterize immune function in critical illness, and whether other assays might be better suited to this task.
Effect of board quality on the financial performance of conventional and Islamic banks: Comparative study on the international evidence
Authors: HADDAD Achraf , AMMARI Anis EL , BOURI Abdelfattah 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
This article provides the first logical analysis that detailed the process of comparative analysis between the correlation of board determinants’ quality and the financial performance of conventional and Islamic banks. However, in previous research, we have never encountered rewarding studies that compared these impacts. In our study, we distinguished between the impact of the board of directors on the financial performance in conventional and Islamic banks. Settings of the financial performance and board of directors of the conventional and Islamic banks are collected from 30 countries located in four continents: America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Two equal samples were collected that each of them is composed of 112 banks. By using the cylindrical panel method, data were used to explore the impact of the board of directors on the financial performance between both types of banks over the period 2010-2018, giving us 1008 bank-year observations in each sub-sample. On the whole, empirical results have shown that in conventional banks the board of directors has negatively affected the financial performance, while the impact of the board on the financial performance of Islamic banks is ambiguous. Nevertheless, the degree of the positive impact on financial performance is more significant in Islamic banks.
The Indicators and Methods used for Measuring Urban Liveability: A Scoping Review
Authors: khorrami zahra , Ye Tingting , Sadatmoosavi Ali , mirzaee moghaddameh , Davarani Mohammad Mehdi Fadakar , Khanjani Narges 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Purpose Livability is a multi-dimensional and hierarchical concept which consists of various criteria and sub-criteria and may be evaluated in different ways. The aim of this study was to systematically review indicators and methods used for the evaluation of urban liveability in literature. Methods The five-stage methodological framework of Arksey and O'Malley was used to conduct this scoping review. A systematic search of electronic databases, including Scopus, Medline (via PubMed), EMBASE, Web of Science and Ebsco was done until May 29, 2019. Web searching, searching reference lists and hand searching was also conducted to retrieve more relevant articles. Two reviewers screened the papers for eligibility based on the inclusion criteria and extracted their key data and reported them descriptively. Results Sixty seven (67) out of 3599 papers met the selection criteria. This review showed 5 distinct domains considered to be important components of liveability. The domains were Economical, Environmental, Institutional, Social, and Governance (Political). The most important indices which were frequently applied in various studies were Environmental friendliness and Sustainability, Socio-Cultural Conditions and Economic Vibrancy and Competitiveness. We also identified 10 different methodologies used for assessing urban liveability. Conclusion This paper discusses and summarizes the latest indicators and methods used for determining urban liveability. The information offered in the review can help future investigators measure urban liveabilty more systematically than before.
Is China Moving Towards Healthy Aging? —A tracking study based on 5 phases of CLHLS data
Authors: Yang Yinan , Meng Yingying 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

BackgroundMost of the countries are entering an aging society in the world. China has the largest number of elderly people in the world and “healthy aging” is the key way for China to cope with the challenges of population aging. This paper aims to investigate whether there is a trend of "healthy aging" in China using the longitudinal data.MethodsThe data used in this study were from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) data of 2002, 2005, 2008, 2011 and 2014. A second-order factor model including four dimensions of physical health, functional status, mental health and social health was constructed to measure a latent variable, “Health_elders” and the structural mean model was further used to the examine the significance of the mean differences in “Health_elders” across five periods.ResultsThe results showed that, with the exception of 2008, the Health_elders in 2002, 2005, 2011 and 2014 displayed an upward trend, and the mean differences in Health_elders across five periods were significant. These findings indicate that on the whole, compared with older people in the past, older people in more recent periods are healthier, which supports the trend of "healthy aging" in China. In terms of groups, the health levels of male, town-residing elderly populations are higher, but the healthy aging trends among female elderly people and rural and urban elderly populations are stronger. Regarding the physical health of the elderly population, the health levels of the 60-74 years old cohort are decreasing, and the participation of elderly individuals in social activities is low, which is the weakness in the healthy aging process in ChinaConclusionThe health status of the elderly population is generally on the rise, indicating that China's aging is moving towards healthy aging. So the government should take more measures to encourage the medical and health system to adapt to the aging situation and requirements as soon as possible.
Psychosocial Support Interventions for Improved Adherence and Retention in ART care for Adolescents and Young People Living with HIV: A Scoping Review
Authors: Okonji Emeka Francis , Mukumbang Ferdinand C. , Orth Zaida , Vickerman-Delport Shelley A. , Wyk Brian Van 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Mental health disorders such as high levels of anxiety, isolation, depression and suicide reported among adolescents and young people living with HIV contribute significantly to poor medication adherence and retention in care. While there is evidence supporting the role of psychosocial support interventions in promoting adherence and retention in antiretroviral treatment (ART) among adults living with HIV, there is little evidence on the role of psychosocial support on medication adherence among adolescents living with HIV. This scoping review was designed to identify and classify the types and effects of psychosocial support interventions designed to improve adherence and retention in ART among adolescents and young people living with HIV globally. Method: We searched six electronic databases (i.e., Scopus, Pubmed and EBSCOHost (Academic Search Premier, CINAHL, Psycarticles and Medline). Six relevant articles published between 2011 and 2019 met our inclusion criteria. We extracted information relevant to the nature and outcomes of the reported interventions using thematic content analysis informed by the Population, Intervention, comparison, outcome, and time (PICOT) framework. Results: Four distinctive treatment modalities that focused on improving ART adherence and retention in care were identified: individual counselling, support groups, family-centered services, and treatment supporters. Conclusion: There is a dearth of psychosocial support interventions to improve adherence and retention in ART amongst adolescents and young adults living with HIV. Future research and programming should seek to address psychosocial support interventions or approaches specifically designed to address the needs of adolescents and young adults living with HIV.
Social support status and associated factors among people living with HIV/AIDS in Kunming city,China
Authors: Li Yi , Zhang Xiao Wen , Liao Bin , Liang Jun , He Wen Jie , Liu Jun , Yang Yao , Zhang Yun Hai , Ma Tao , Wang Jing Ying 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background HIV/AIDS not only need effective treatment to alleviate their physical discomforts, but also need social support to help them solve their life difficulties and relieve their psychological anxiety and uneasiness.Social support network is of great significance to help HIV/AIDS maintain good physical and mental health.This study aims to analyse the social support status among people living with HIV/AIDS in Kunming and explore the associated factors. Method A Social Support Rating Scale(SSRS) was used,and the questionnaire survey was conducted by using the method of convenient sampling to select HIV/AIDS from 14 county of Kunming city.It collected information on general demographic information and social support status.Univariate and multivariate linear regressions models were used to explore the associated factors. Results A total of 990 valid questionnaires were completed.Data from all patients were analyzed. Univariate analysis suggested that the factors associated with social support may include marital status,monthly income,antiretroviral therapy.On the other hand, factors including monthly income and antiretroviral therapy account for social support total score in multivariate analysis. Conclusion The social support of HIV/AIDS in Kunming was generally low. This study identified a number of factors associated with social support among HIV/AIDS.Based on our findings,appropriate interventions should be introduced to provide social support for HIV/AIDS.