bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Gini coefficient as a useful measure of malaria inequality among populations
Authors: Abeles Jonathan , Conway David J. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
Understanding inequality in infectious disease burden requires clear and unbiased indicators. The Gini coefficient, conventionally used as a macroeconomic descriptor of inequality, is potentially useful to quantify epidemiological heterogeneity. With a potential range from 0 (all populations equal) to 1 (populations having maximal differences), this coefficient is used here to show the extent and persistence of inequality of malaria infection burden at a wide variety of population levels.

Methods
First, the Gini coefficient was applied to quantify variation among World Health Organization world regions for malaria and other major global health problems. Malaria heterogeneity was then measured among countries within the geographical sub-region where burden is greatest, among the major administrative divisions in several of these countries, and among selected local communities. Data were analysed from previous research studies, national surveys, and global reports, and Gini coefficients were calculated together with confidence intervals using bootstrap resampling methods.

Results
Malaria showed a very high level of inequality among the world regions (Gini coefficient, G = 0.77, 95% CI 0.66–0.81), more extreme than for any of the other major global health problems compared at this level. Within the most highly endemic geographical sub-region, there was substantial inequality in estimated malaria incidence among countries of West Africa, which did not decrease between 2010 (G = 0.28, 95% CI 0.19–0.36) and 2018 (G = 0.31, 0.22–0.39). There was a high level of sub-national variation in prevalence among states within Nigeria (G = 0.30, 95% CI 0.26–0.35), contrasting with more moderate variation within Ghana (G = 0.18, 95% CI 0.12–0.25) and Sierra Leone (G = 0.17, 95% CI 0.12–0.22). There was also significant inequality in prevalence among local village communities, generally more marked during dry seasons when there was lower mean prevalence. The Gini coefficient correlated strongly with the standard coefficient of variation, which has no finite range.

Conclusions
The Gini coefficient is a useful descriptor of epidemiological inequality at all population levels, with confidence intervals and interpretable bounds. Wider use of the coefficient would give broader understanding of malaria heterogeneity revealed by multiple types of studies, surveys and reports, providing more accessible insight from available data.
Increased prevalence of pfdhfr and pfdhps mutations associated with sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine resistance in Plasmodium falciparum isolates from Jazan Region, Southwestern Saudi Arabia: important implications for malaria treatment policy
Authors: Madkhali Aymen M. , Al-Mekhlafi Hesham M. , Atroosh Wahib M. , Ghzwani Ahmad Hassn , Zain Khalid Ammash , Abdulhaq Ahmed A. , Ghailan Khalid Y. , Anwar Alkhansa A. , Eisa Zaki M. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
Despite significant progress in eliminating malaria from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the disease is still endemic in the southwestern region of the country. Artesunate plus sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine (AS + SP) has been used in Saudi Arabia since 2007 as a first-line treatment for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of mutations associated with resistance to artemisinin and sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine (SP) resistance in P. falciparum parasites circulating in Jazan region, southwestern Saudi Arabia.

Methods
A total of 151 P. falciparum isolates were collected between April 2018 and March 2019 from 12 of the governorates in Jazan region. Genomic DNA was extracted from dried blood spots and amplified using nested PCR. Polymorphisms in the propeller domain of the P. falciparum k13 (pfkelch13) gene and point mutations in the P. falciparum dihydrofolate reductase (pfdhfr) and dihydropteroate synthase (pfdhps) genes were identified by sequencing.

Results
No mutations in the pfkelch13 propeller domain were found in any of the 151 isolates. However, point mutations in the pfdhfr and pfdhps genes were detected in 90.7% (137/151) of the isolates. The pfdhfr double mutations N51I + S108N (i.e. ACICNI haplotype) and triple mutations N51I + C59R + S108N (i.e. ACIRNI haplotype) were detected in 47% and 37.8% of the isolates, respectively. Moreover, the pfdhps single mutation at codon A437G and double mutations A437G + K540E (i.e. SGEAAI haplotype) were observed in 4.6% and 51.7% of the isolates, respectively. Interestingly, 23.8%, 25.1 and 12.6% of the isolates had quintuple, quadruple and triple mutated combined pfdhfr–pfdhps genotypes, respectively. Furthermore, significant associations were found between the prevalence of mutant haplotypes and the age, gender and nationality of the patients (P < 0.05).

Conclusion
This study revealed a high prevalence of point mutations in the pfdhfr and pfdhps genes of P. falciparum isolates from Jazan region, with quintuple and quadruple mutant pfdhfr–pfdhps genotypes reported for the first time in Saudi Arabia and the Arabian Peninsula. Despite the absence of the pfkelch13 mutation in the isolates examined, the pfdhfr and pfdhps mutations undermine the efficacy of SP partner drug, thereby threatening the main falciparum malaria treatment policy in Saudi Arabia, i.e. the use of AS + SP. Therefore, the continuous molecular and in-vivo monitoring of ACT efficacy in Jazan region is highly recommended.
Association between commensality with depression and suicidal ideation of Korean adults: the sixth and seventh Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2013, 2015, 2017
Authors: Son Yoon Hee , Oh Sarah Soyeon , Jang Sung-In , Park Eun-Cheol , Park So-Hee 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Objectives
This study investigated whether commensality (eating a meal with others) is associated with mental health (depression, suicidal ideation) in Korean adults over 19 years old.

Methods
Our study employed data from the sixth and seventh Korea National Health and Nutritional Examination Surveys (KNHANES) for 2013, 2015, and 2017. The study population consisted of 14,125 Korean adults (5854 men and 8271 women). In this cross-sectional study, data were analyzed with the Rao-Scott chi-square test and multiple logistic regression to evaluate the association between commensality(0[includes skipping meals] to 3 times eating meals together) and both depression and suicidal ideation using select questions from the Mental Health Survey. By setting socioeconomic factors, health conditions, and behavioral factors as confounders, we conducted a subgroup analysis to reveal the effect on depression and suicidal ideation commensality.

Results
Commensality was significantly associated with depression and suicidal ideation (p < 0.05). In both sexes, people who ate fewer meals together had poorer mental health. In a subgroup analysis, we revealed greater odds of developing depression in men when living in rural areas and belonging to low-income groups. In contrast, greater odds of suicidal ideation in men who ate alone when living in the city and belonging to high-income groups. On the other hand, Women in every region had greater odds of being depressed if they ate alone. And greater odds of suicidal ideation in women who ate alone when living in the city and belonging to medium-high income groups.

Conclusions
Our analysis confirmed that Korean adults with lower chance of commensality had greater risk of developing depression and suicidal ideation. And it could be affected by individuals’ various backgrounds including socioeconomic status. As a result, to help people with depression and prevent a suicidal attempt, this study will be baseline research for social workers, educators and also policy developers to be aware of the importance of eating together.
Dexamethasone and lidocaine suppress eosinophilopoiesis from umbilical cord blood cells
Authors: Muraki Masato , Kita Hirohito , Gleich Gerald J. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundEosinophils play an important role in allergic inflammation. Glucocorticosteroids have been used as an anti-inflammatory medication for inflammatory diseases involving eosinophil infiltration. Some effect of nebulized lidocaine has been reported when treating certain patients with asthma, which is also an inflammatory disease. The goal of this study was to examine the effects of dexamethasone and lidocaine on eosinophil proliferation and differentiation using a model of human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells (UCMC) cultured with IL-5.MethodsUCMC were cultured with IL-5 (5 ng/mL) for 4 weeks. The effects of dexamethasone and lidocaine on the number and morphology of eosinophilic cells were visualized with Wright-Giemsa and cyanide-resistant peroxidase stains. Moreover, the effect on eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (EDN) and eosinophil peroxidase (EPX) contents in cultured cells were evaluated using radioimmunoassay.ResultsThe number of eosinophilic cells and EDN and EPX content in cultured cells increased in a time-dependent manner in the presence of IL-5. Dexamethasone treatment slightly decreased the number of eosinophilic cells in one week, but this effect was lost in 2–4 weeks. Macrophages in cultured UCMC treated with dexamethasone contained more eosinophil granule proteins. Both EDN and EPX content in cultured cells were reduced by dexamethasone. Lidocaine decreased the number of eosinophilic cells and reduced both EDN and EPX contents in cultured cells.ConclusionsDexamethasone suppressed the production of eosinophil granule proteins and may also induce apoptosis of eosinophils, while lidocaine suppresses eosinophilopoiesis.
Predictors of skin and soft tissue infections among sample of rural residents who inject drugs
Authors: Baltes Amelia , Akhtar Wajiha , Birstler Jen , Olson-Streed Heidi , Eagen Kellene , Seal David , Westergaard Ryan , Brown Randall 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Introduction
Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality for people who inject drugs (PWID). Studies demonstrate that certain injection practices correlate with SSTI incidence among PWID. The opioid epidemic in the USA has particularly affected rural communities, where access to prevention and treatment presents unique challenges. This study aims to estimate unsafe injection practices among rural-dwelling PWID; assess treatments utilized for injection related SSTIs; and gather data to help reduce the overall risk of injection-related SSTIs.

Methods
Thirteen questions specific to SSTIs and injection practices were added to a larger study assessing unmet health care needs among PWID and were administered at six syringe exchange programs in rural Wisconsin between May and July 2019. SSTI history prevalence was estimated based on infections reported within one-year prior of response and was compared to self-reported demographics and injection practices.

Results
Eighty responses were collected and analyzed. Respondents were white (77.5%), males (60%), between the ages 30 and 39 (42.5%), and have a high school diploma or GED (38.75%). The majority of respondents (77.5%) reported no history of SSTI within the year prior to survey response. Females were over three times more likely to report SSTI history (OR = 3.07, p = 0.038) compared to males. Water sources for drug dilution (p = 0.093) and frequency of injecting on first attempt (p = 0.037), but not proper skin cleaning method (p = 0.378), were significantly associated with a history of SSTI. Injecting into skin (p = 0.038) or muscle (p = 0.001) was significantly associated with a history of SSTI. Injection into veins was not significantly associated with SSTI (p = 0.333).

Conclusion
Higher-risk injection practices were common among participants reporting a history of SSTIs in this rural sample. Studies exploring socio-demographic factors influencing risky injection practices and general barriers to safer injection practices to prevent SSTIs are warranted. Dissemination of education materials targeting SSTI prevention and intervention among PWID not in treatment is warranted.
Interplay between endoplasmic reticulum stress and non-coding RNAs in cancer
Authors: Zhao Tianming , Du Juan , Zeng Hui 
Published: December 2020

AbstractTo survive, cancer cells are subjected to various internal and external adverse factors, including genetic mutations, hypoxia, nutritional deficiencies, and drug toxicity. All of these factors result in the accumulation of unfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum, which leads to a condition termed endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress) and triggers the unfolded protein response (UPR). UPR downstream components strictly control transcription and translation reprogramming to ensure selective gene expression, including that of non-coding RNA (ncRNAs), to adapt to adverse environments. NcRNAs, including microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), play important roles in regulating target gene expression and protein translation, and their aberrant expression is related to tumor development. Dysregulation of ncRNAs is involved in the regulation of various cellular characteristics of cancer cells, including growth, apoptosis, metastasis, angiogenesis, drug sensitivity, and tumor stem cell properties. Notably, ncRNAs and ER stress can regulate each other and collaborate to determine the fate of tumor cells. Therefore, investigating the interaction between ER stress and ncRNAs is crucial for developing effective cancer treatment and prevention strategies. In this review, we summarize the ER stress-triggered UPR signaling pathways involved in carcinogenesis followed by the mutual regulation of ER stress and ncRNAs in cancer, which provide further insights into the understanding of tumorigenesis and therapeutic strategies.
Impact of advance directives on the variability between intensivists in the decisions to forgo life-sustaining treatment
Authors: Smirdec Margot , Jourdain Mercé , Guastella Virginie , Lambert Céline , Richard Jean-Christophe , Argaud Laurent , Jaber Samir , Klouche Kada , Medard Anne , Reignier Jean , Rigaud Jean-Philippe , Doise Jean-Marc , Chabanne Russell , Souweine Bertrand , Bourenne Jeremy , Delmas Julie , Bertrand Pierre-Marie , Verdier Philippe , Quenot Jean-Pierre , Aubron Cecile , Eisenmann Nathanael , Asfar Pierre , Fratani Alexandre , Dellamonica Jean , Terzi Nicolas , Constantin Jean-Michel , Van Lander Axelle , Guerin Renaud , Pereira Bruno , Lautrette Alexandre 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
There is wide variability between intensivists in the decisions to forgo life-sustaining treatment (DFLST). Advance directives (ADs) allow patients to communicate their end-of-life wishes to physicians. We assessed whether ADs reduced variability in DFLSTs between intensivists.

Methods
We conducted a multicenter, prospective, simulation study. Eight patients expressed their wishes in ADs after being informed about DFLSTs by an intensivist-investigator. The participating intensivists answered ten questions about the DFLSTs of each patient in two scenarios, referring to patients’ characteristics without ADs (round 1) and then with (round 2). DFLST score ranged from 0 (no-DFLST) to 10 (DFLST for all questions). The main outcome was variability in DFLSTs between intensivists, expressed as relative standard deviation (RSD).

Results
A total of 19,680 decisions made by 123 intensivists from 27 ICUs were analyzed. The DFLST score was higher with ADs than without (6.02 95% CI [5.85; 6.19] vs 4.92 95% CI [4.75; 5.10], p < 0.001). High inter-intensivist variability did not change with ADs (RSD: 0.56 (round 1) vs 0.46 (round 2), p = 0.84). Inter-intensivist agreement on DFLSTs was weak with ADs (intra-class correlation coefficient: 0.28). No factor associated with DFLSTs was identified. A qualitative analysis of ADs showed focus on end-of-life wills, unwanted things and fear of pain.

Conclusions
ADs increased the DFLST rate but did not reduce variability between the intensivists. In the decision-making process using ADs, the intensivist’s decision took priority. Further research is needed to improve the matching of the physicians’ decision with the patient’s wishes.
Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03013530. Registered 6 January 2017; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03013530.
Mutant p53 drives the loss of heterozygosity by the upregulation of Nek2 in breast cancer cells
Authors: Ghaleb Amr , Padellan Malik , Marchenko Natalia 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
Mutations in one allele of the TP53 gene in early stages are frequently followed by the loss of the remaining wild-type p53 (wtp53) allele (p53LOH) during tumor progression. Despite the strong notion of p53LOH as a critical step in tumor progression, its oncogenic outcomes that facilitate the selective pressure for p53LOH occurrence were not elucidated.

Methods
Using MMTV;ErbB2 mouse model of breast cancer carrying heterozygous R172H p53 mutation, we identified a novel gain-of-function (GOF) activity of mutant p53 (mutp53): the exacerbated loss of wtp53 allele in response to γ-irradiation.

Results
As consequences of p53LOH in mutp53 heterozygous cells, we observed profound stabilization of mutp53 protein, the loss of p21 expression, the abrogation of G2/M checkpoint, chromosomal instability, centrosome amplification, and transcriptional upregulation of mitotic kinase Nek2 (a member of Never in Mitosis (NIMA) Kinases family) involved in the regulation of centrosome function. To avoid the mitotic catastrophe in the absence of G2/M checkpoint, cells with centrosome amplification adapt Nek2-mediated centrosomes clustering as pro-survival mutp53 GOF mechanism enabling unrestricted proliferation and clonal expansion of cells with p53LOH. Thus, the clonal dominance of mutp53 cells with p53LOH may represent the mechanism of irradiation-induced p53LOH. We show that pharmacological and genetic ablation of Nek2 decreases centrosome clustering and viability of specifically mutp53 cells with p53LOH.

Conclusion
In a heterogeneous tumor population, Nek2 inhibition may alter the selective pressure for p53LOH by contraction of the mutp53 population with p53LOH, thus, preventing the outgrowth of genetically unstable, more aggressive cells.
Computation offloading to edge cloud and dynamically resource-sharing collaborators in Internet of Things
Authors: Mu Siqi , Zhong Zhangdui 
Published: December 2020

AbstractWith the diversity of the communication technology and the heterogeneity of the computation resources at network edge, both the edge cloud and peer devices (collaborators) can be scavenged to provide computation resources for the resource-limited Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices. In this paper, a novel cooperative computing paradigm is proposed, in which the computation resources of IoT device, opportunistically idle collaborators and dedicated edge cloud are fully exploited. Computation/offloading assistance is provided by collaborators at idle/busy states, respectively. Considering the channel randomness and opportunistic computation resource share of collaborators, we study the stochastic offloading control for an IoT device, regarding how much computation load is processed locally, offloaded to the edge cloud and a collaborator. The problem is formulated into a finite horizon Markov decision problem with the objective of minimizing the expected total energy consumption of the IoT device and the collaborator, subject to satisfying the hard computation deadline constraint. Optimal offloading policy is derived based on the stochastic optimization theory, which demonstrates that the energy consumption can be reduced by a proportional factor through the cooperative computing. More energy saving is achieved with better wireless channel condition or higher computation energy efficiency of collaborators. Simulation results validate the optimality of the proposed policy and the efficiency of the cooperative computing between end devices and edge cloud, compared to several other offloading schemes.
Empirical and finite element based stability analysis of highway cut slopes in Uttarakhand Himalayan terrain, India
Authors: Singh Hari Om , Ansari Tariq Anwar , Singh T. N. , Singh K. H. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe present paper deals with different empirical methods and finite element method of slope stability analysis along National Highway (NH)-7, in Uttarakhand, India. The highway is only path in the hilly terrain of Lesser Himalayan for the public transport and have strategic importance due to militaries possession routes. This route is also significant due to having many holistic places, connecting to this. There was numerous landslides happened along the Highway in past due to various natural and anthropogenic activities. Hence, keeping an eye to the socio-economic development of the distant area, slope stability analysis is very crucial along the road cut sections. To identify the vulnerable locations and to collect the geotechnical data, the field investigation was carried out between Shivpuri to Byasi along NH-7 in Garhwal, Uttarakhand. Then geotechnical data was intended followed by rock mass characteristic, kinematic analysis and Qslope stability. Additionally, to review the stability results, numerical simulation (finite element method) was employed and slope mass behavior and failure mechanism of cut slopes were also evaluated. The rock mass characteristic and kinematic analysis illustrate normal and good variety of rock mass mainly wedge mode with flexural toppling of failure. The slope mass rating, continuous slope mass rating and also Qslope stability analysis showed, road cut slopes are critically stable and unstable. The results of different empirical methods shows a decent correlation between them. Further the numerical simulation analysis also evaluates that two cut slopes are unstable and other one is critically stable. This substantial empirical and numerical analysis of cut slopes provides a collective approach to stable and develop the holistic road corridor in Himalayan terrain.
Ultrasound-guided inferior alveolar nerve block for trismus during dental treatment: a case report
Authors: Kojima Yuki , Sendo Ryozo , Ohno Sachi , Sugimura Mitsutaka 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a broad term that encompasses pain and/or dysfunction of the masticatory musculature and TM joints (TMJs). When TMD becomes a chronic condition, the symptoms are extremely difficult to manage and require multiple interventions.

Case presentation
A woman in her 50s developed TMD after a traffic accident 30 years ago. The patient presented with severe trismus due to TMJ pain and a maximum mouth opening of 20 mm. Ultrasound-guided inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) was performed with ropivacaine. After IANB, the pain during mouth opening subsided and the maximum mouth opening improved to 40 mm. Dental treatment could be performed without difficulty and the patient could keep her mouth open throughout the treatment.

Conclusions
Treatments for chronic TMD are limited and it is necessary to identify the precise etiology before choosing a treatment option. In this patient, ultrasound-guided IANB proved to be effective in relieving TMD-related trismus.