bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Malaria micro-stratification using routine surveillance data in Western Kenya
Authors: Alegana Victor A , Suiyanka Laurissa , Macharia Peter M , Ikahu-Muchangi Grace , Snow Robert W 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background There is an increasing need for finer spatial resolution data on malaria risk to provide micro-stratification to guide sub-national strategic plans. Here, spatial-statistical techniques are used to exploit routine data to depict sub-national heterogeneities in test positivity rate (TPR) for malaria among patients attending health facilities in Kenya. Methods Routine data from health facilities (n=1,804) representing all ages over 24 months (2018-2019) were assembled across 8 counties (62 sub-counties) in Western Kenya. Statistical model-based approaches were used to quantify heterogeneities in TPR and uncertainty at fine spatial resolution adjusting for missingness, population distribution, spatial data structure, month, and type of health facility. Results The overall monthly reporting rate was 78.7% (IQR 75.0-100.0) and public-based health facilities were more likely than private facilities to report ≥12 months (OR 5.7, 95% CI 4.3-7.5). There was marked heterogeneity in population-weighted TPR with sub-counties in the north of the lake-endemic region exhibiting the highest rates (exceedance probability >70% with 90% certainty) where approximately 2.7 million (28.5%) people reside. At micro-level the lowest rates were in 14 sub-counties (exceedance probability <30% with 90% certainty) where approximately 2.2 million (23.1%) people lived and indoor residual spraying had been conducted since 2017.Conclusion The value of routine health data on TPR can be enhanced when adjusting for underlying population and spatial structures of the data, highlighting small-scale heterogeneities in malaria risk often masked in broad national stratifications. Future research should aim at relating these heterogeneities in TPR with traditional community-level prevalence to improve tailoring malaria control activities at sub-national levels.
Covid-19 in South America: Clinical and epidemiological characteristics among 381 patients during the early phase of the pandemic in Santiago, Chile
Authors: Vial Macarena R. , Peters Anne , Perez Inia , Spencer Maria , Barbe Mario , Porte Lorena , Weitzel Thomas , Aylwin Mabel , Vial Pablo , Araos Rafael , Munita Jose M 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Understanding the characteristics of the Covid-19 pandemic in different geographical regions, ethnic and socioeconomic settings are of emerging importance. This study presents the demographic and clinical features of SARS-CoV-2 infected patients in a large private healthcare center in Santiago, Chile, during the first month of the pandemic.Methods: We analyzed the demographics, laboratory and clinical characteristics including severity and outcome of all patients diagnosed with Covid-19 during the first month of the pandemic. SARS-2-CoV infection was confirmed by RT-PCR in nosopharyngeal samples. The primary outcome was a composite of ICU admission or all-cause, in-hospital mortality. Clinical and laboratory parameters of hospitalized patients were analyzed regarding their association with the primary outcome. Results: From March 3 to April 4, 2020, 3679 individuals were tested for SARS-CoV-2 in our hospital. Of those, 381 had Covid-19 and were included into this analysis. Most patients (99.2%) were Chileans, 12% returning from recent travel. The median age was 39 years (IQR 31-49) and 52% were female. A total of 88 patients (23.1%) were hospitalized; 18 (3.7%) required ICU and/or died. The overall mortality was 0.7%. Increased body mass index (BMI) and elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) were independently associated with ICU care or death.Conclusion: During the first weeks of the pandemic in Chile, most Covid-19 patients were young, with low rates of hospitalization, ICU requirement, and fatality. BMI and CRP on admission were predictors for severity. Our data provide important information on the clinical course and outcome of Covid-19 in a Latin American setting.
Cost-Utility Analysis of Hearing Aid Device for Older Adults in the Community: A Delayed Start Study
Authors: Kaur Palvinder , Chong Sheue Lih , Kannapiran Palvannan , Teo Kelvin WS , Ling Charis Ng Wei , Weichen Chiang Win , Ruling Gan , Yin Lee Sing , Leng Tang Ying , Pei Soo Ying , Kang Then Tze , Han Lim Zhen , Peizhen Lin , Yee Lynne Lim Hsueh , George Pradeep Paul 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundHearing aids (HA) is the primary medical intervention aimed to reduce hearing handicap. This study assessed the cost-effectiveness of HA for older adults who were volunteered to be screened for hearing loss in a community based mobile hearing clinic (MHC).MethodsParticipants with (1) at least moderate hearing loss (≥40 dB HL) in at least one ear, (2) no prior usage of HA, (3) no ear related medical complications, and (4) had a Mini-Mental State Examination score ≥18 were eligible for this study. Using a delayed-start study design, participants were randomized into the immediate-start (Fitted) group where HA was fitted immediately or the delayed-start (Not Fitted) group where HA fitting was delayed for three months. Cost utility analysis was used to compare the cost-effectiveness of being fitted with HA combined with short-term, aural rehabilitation with the routine care group who were not fitted with HA. Incremental cost effectiveness ration (ICER) was computed. Health Utility Index (HUI-3) was used to measure utility gain, a component required to derive the quality adjusted life years (QALY). Total costs included direct healthcare costs, direct non-healthcare costs and indirect costs (productivity loss of participant and caregiver). Demographic data was collected during the index visit to MHC. Cost and utility data were collected three months after index visit and projected to five years.ResultsThere were 264 participants in the Fitted group and 163 participants in the Not Fitted group. No between-group differences in age, gender, ethnicity, housing type and degree of hearing loss were observed at baseline. At 3 months, HA fitting led to a mean utility increase of 0.12 and an ICER gain of S$42,790/QALY (95% CI: S$32, 793/QALY to S$62,221/QALY). At five years, the ICER was estimated to be at S$11,964/QALY (95% CI: S$8,996/QALY to S$17,080/QALY) assuming 70% of the participants continued using the HA. As fewer individuals continued using their fitted HA, the ICER increased.ConclusionsHA fitting can be cost-effective and could improve the quality of life of hearing-impaired older individuals within a brief period of device fitting. Long term cost-effectiveness of HA fitting is dependent on its continued usage.
Inflammatory M1-like macrophages polarized by NK-4 undergo enhanced phenotypic switching to an anti-inflammatory M2-like phenotype upon co-culture with apoptotic cells
Authors: Kohno Keizo , Koya-Miyata Satomi , Harashima Akira , Tsukuda Takahiko , Katakami Masataka , Ariyasu Toshio , Ushio Shimpei , Iwaki Kanso 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: NK-4 has been used to promote wound healing since the early-1950s; however, the mechanism of action of NK-4 is unknown. In this study, we examined whether NK-4 exerts a regulatory effect on macrophages, which play multiple roles during wound healing from the initial inflammatory phase until the tissue regeneration phase.Results: NK-4 treatment of THP-1 macrophages induced morphological features characteristic of classically-activated M1 macrophages, an inflammatory cytokine profile, and increased expression of the M1 macrophage-associated molecules CD38 and CD86. Interestingly, NK-4 augmented TNF-a production by THP-1 macrophages in combination with LPS, Pam3CSK4, or poly(I:C). Furthermore, NK-4 treatment enhanced THP-1 macrophage phagocytosis of latex beads. These results indicate that NK-4 drives macrophage polarization toward an inflammatory M1-like phenotype with increased phagocytic activity. Efferocytosis is a crucial event for resolution of the inflammatory phase in wound healing. NK-4-treated THP-1 macrophages co-cultured with apoptotic Jurkat E6.1 (Apo-J) cells switched from an M1-like phenotype to an M2-like phenotype, as seen in the inverted ratio of TNF-a to IL-10 produced in response to LPS. We identified two separate mechanisms that are involved in this phenotypic switch. First, recognition of phosphatidylserine molecules on Apo-J cells by THP-1 macrophages downregulates TNF-a production. Second, phagocytosis of Apo-J cells by THP-1 macrophages and activation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway upregulates IL-10 production.Conclusion: It is postulated that the phenotypic switch from a proinflammatory M1-like phenotype to an anti-inflammatory M2-like phenotype is dysregulated due to impaired efferocytosis of apoptotic neutrophils at the wound site. Our results demonstrate that NK-4 improves phagocytosis of apoptotic cells, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic strategy to resolve sustained inflammation in chronic wounds.
Optimization of whole-genome sequencing of Plasmodium falciparum from low-density dried blood spot samples
Authors: Teyssier Noam , Chen Anna , Duarte Elias , Sit Rene , Greenhouse Bryan , Tessema Sofonias 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) is becoming increasingly useful to study the biology, epidemiology, and ecology of malaria parasites. Despite ease of sampling, DNA extracted from dried blood spots (DBS) has a high ratio of human DNA compared to parasite DNA, which poses a challenge for downstream genetic analyses. We evaluated the effects of multiple methods for DNA extraction, digestion of methylated DNA, and amplification on the quality and fidelity of WGS data recovered from DBS. Results: At 100 parasites/μL, Chelex-Tween-McrBC samples had higher coverage (5X depth = 93% genome) than QIAamp extracted samples (5X depth = 76% genome). The two evaluated sWGA primer sets showed minor differences in overall genome coverage and SNP concordance, with a newly proposed combination of 20 primers showing a modest improvement in coverage over those previously published. Conclusions: Overall, Tween-Chelex extracted samples that were treated with McrBC digestion and are amplified using 6A10AD sWGA conditions had minimal dropout rate, higher percentages of coverage at higher depth, and more accurate SNP concordance than QiaAMP extracted samples. These findings extend the results of previously reported methods, making whole genome sequencing accessible to a larger number of low density samples that are commonly encountered in cross-sectional surveys. Keywords: Malaria, P. falciparum, dried blood spots, Tween-Chelex, McrBC, selective whole genome amplification, whole genome sequencing This work was supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Grant Number OPP1132226 This work was supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Grant Number OPP1132226
Interest of treating iron deficiency, diagnosed according to hepcidin quantification, on outcomes after a prolonged ICU stay compared to standard care: a multicenter, randomized, single-blinded trial.
Authors: lasocki sigismond , ASFAR Pierre , JABER Samir , FERRANDIERE Martine , KERFORNE Thomas , ASEHNOUNE Karim , MONTRAVERS Philippe , SEGUIN Philippe , PEOC’H Katell , GERGAUD Soizic , NAGOT Nicolas , LEFEBVRE Thibaud , Lehmann Sylvain , group HEPCIDAN Study 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Anemia is a significant problem in patients on ICU. Its commonest cause, iron deficiency (ID), is difficult to diagnosed in the context of inflammation. Hepcidin is a new marker of ID. We aimed to assess whether hepcidin levels would accurately guide treatment of ID in critically ill anemic patients after a prolonged ICU stay and affect the post-ICU outcomes. Methods: In a controlled, single-blinded, multicenter study, anemic (WHO definition) critically ill patients with an ICU stay ≥5 days were randomized when discharge was expected to either intervention by hepcidin treatment protocol or control. In the intervention arm patients were treated with intravenous iron (1g of ferric carboxymaltose) when hepcidin was <20 μg/l and with intravenous iron and erythropoietin for 20≤ hepcidin <41 μg/l. Control patients were treated according to standard care (hepcidin quantification remained blinded). Primary endpoint was the number of days spent in hospital 90 days after ICU discharge (post-ICU LOS). Secondary endpoints were day 15 anemia, day 30 fatigue, day-90 mortality and one-year survival. Results: Of 405 randomized patients, 399 were analyzed (201 in intervention and 198 in control arm). 220(55%) had ID at discharge (i.e. an hepcidin <41 μg/l). Primary endpoint was not different (medians(IQR) post-ICU LOS 33(13;90) vs 33(11;90) days for intervention and control respectively, median difference -1(-3;1) days, p=0.78). D90 mortality was significantly lower in the intervention arm (16(8%) vs 33(16.6%) deaths, absolute risk difference -8.7 (-15.1 to -2.3)%, p=0.008, OR 95%IC, 0.46, 0.22 to 0.94, p=0.035) and one-year survival was improved (p =0.0394). Conclusion: Treatment of ID diagnosed according to hepcidin levels did not reduce the post-ICU LOS, but may reduce the long-term mortality in critically ill patients about to be discharged after a prolonged stay.
A conversion guide: solar irradiance and lux illuminance
Authors: Michael Peter R. , Johnston Danvers E. , Moreno Wilfrido 
Published: December 2020

The standard for measuring solar irradiance utilizes the units of watts per meter squared (W/m2). Irradiance meters are both costly and limited in the ability to measure low irradiance values. With a lower cost and higher sensitivity in low light conditions, light meters measure luminous flux per unit area (illuminance) utilizing the units of lumens per meter squared or lux (lx). An effective conversion factor between W/m2 and lx would enable the use of light meters to evaluate photovoltaic performance under low solar irradiance conditions. A survey of the literature found no definitive and readily available “rule of thumb” conversion standard between solar irradiance and illuminance. Easy-to-find Internet sources contain conflicting and widely varying values ranging from 688449 to 21000 lx for 1000 W/m2 (1 Sun) of solar irradiance. Peer-reviewed literature contains Luminous Efficacy equivalent values ranging from 21 to 131 lx per W/m2. This manuscript explores the relationship and establishes a theoretical and laboratory measurement guide for the conversion between solar irradiance and illuminance. The conversion factor includes standards data, equipment calibration accuracy, and uncertainty estimates. Solar Irradiance of 1 Sun (1000 W/m2) for an LED-based solar simulator is (116 ± 3) klx and (122 ± 1) klx for outdoor sunlight.
Specyfika rozwoju osobniczego Homo sapiens na tle ssaków łożyskowych i Naczelnych
Authors: Kozieł Sławomir , Siniarska Anna 
Published: December 2020

During ontogeny, there are many phenomena which significantly differentiate humans from other mammals, including Primates. The present considerations and analysis of regression applied for many species to illustrate allometric relations of developmental spurts of height and weight to final values of these parameters in adults, allow to compare processes of growth of Homo sapiens with other Primates and to submit the following results: In Homo sapiens, the maximal rate of growth in length and body mass exists at the prenatal period (during gestation), and after birth, it decelerates. In the evolution of human ontogeny, two new stages occurred: The first one is „childhood" which is manifested by slow body growth and intense brain development. The second one is named „adolescence" and includes pubertal spurt of many body variables. In Humans, as compare with other Primates, the infancy and juvenile stages had been shortened. Human puberty begins when the postnatal rate of growth in height and weight is the lowest since birth and there is a considerable delay in puberty and sexual maturation than in other Primates. The adolescent growth spurt shortens the time needed to reach sexual maturity, which could have been much longer as the result of a slow growth that childhood. Sexual dimorphism in the intensity of pubertal spurt of body mass is smaller in Humans than in other Primates. On the contrary, sexual dimorphism in onset of puberty and growth rate in height at this stage is rather well manifested. The adolescent stage is divided into two parts because there is a delay of years between puberty and the onset of the adult reproductive stage of life.
Development of 186/188 Re-Chitosan as an Effective Therapeutic Agent for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Ahmadi Nahid , Yousefnia Hassan , Bahrami-Samani Ali , Zolghadri Samaneh , Alirezapour Behrouz , Ghazi Fatemeh Mohammadpour 
Published: December 2020

Background:
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory chronic disease characterized
by inflammation, pain, swelling and disability, and radiosynovectomy is one of the disease
treatment lines. In this study, the possibility of providing rhenium-186/rhenium-188 chitosan radiopharmaceuticals,
optimization of conditions for their production and bio-distribution are reported.

Objective:
In order to build perrhenic acid for labeling, natural rhenium was exposed to radiation.
Radionuclidic and radiochemical purities of (186/188Re)-NaReO4 were examined by gamma spectroscopy and paper
chromatography methods, respectively.

Methods:
Labeling of chitosan with rhenium was done in different acidic situations. The radiochemical
purity 186/188Re-chitosan was applied by radio thin layer chromatography (RTLC). Lastly,
the bio-distribution of the radiolabeled chitosan was studied in various organs after intra articular
injection of the complex to lab rats. Gamma spectrometry confirmed the high rhenium radionuclidic
purity. Chromatography results showed that perrhenic acid was produced with purity greater
than 97% and rhenium chitosan labeling was done over 98% in pH = 3. Dissection results showed
a high bio-distribution of 186/188Re-chitosan after injection into the joint with no leakage to surrounding
organs.

Conclusion:
According to the results, there is a possibility of labeling rhenium with chitosan in very
high radiochemical purity. Regarding the high retention of these radiopharmaceuticals in joints with no leakage to
surrounding organs, 186/188Re-chitosan can be applied as new radiosynovectomy drugs for rheumatoid arthritis treatment.
Lógicas do imaginário pós-humano na produção literária e cultural de recepção juvenil
Authors: Baseio Maria Auxiliadora , Da Cunha Maria Zilda 
Published: December 2020

É fato que a revolução tecnológica dos últimos tempos tem potencialmente provocado mutações inauditas nos mais diversos domínios da vida humana.. As transformações operadas afetam profundamente as condiçoes sociais, culturais e antropológicas; novas subjetividades são geradas e as tecnologias da inteligência tornam-se cada vez mais aptas a abrigá-las, no contexto de comunidades adaptativas. São desafios que vêm motivando a busca de caminhos para compreensão das complexidades que esse novo contexto evoca. No estreito diálogo com essa realidade, projetam-se representações, sobretudo nas artes. As produções literárias e culturais voltadas à recepção juvenil mostram-se como território privilegiado para manifestações de um imaginário que se alia a representações de um estágio que está sendo denominado de pós-humano. Em narrativas que abrigam esse universo ficcional, proliferam robôs e inúmeros engenhos tecno-mecânicos e protagonistas que cada vez mais derivam e povoam ambientes digitais. Tais manifestações do imaginário, notadamente, provocam reflexões sobre a realidade vivida. Neste sentido, procuraremos recensear nas produções literárias e culturais endereçadas ao público juvenil algumas figurações desse universo do pós-humano.
Biohackeando o amor
Authors: Quental Luiza 
Published: December 2020

Presente texto busca discutir como a trajetória da medicalização no ocidente, a virada cultural contra expertise médica, a emergência de novas subjetividades científicas e o surgimento de práticas marginais de ciência e tecnologia ajudam a contextualizar novas relações todo-meio-parte com a ciência, tecnologia, arte, e mundo mais amplo a partir do conceito de heterotopia. Usando como estudo de caso o experimento científico-artistico-afetivo de uma artista que reprogramou seu cérebro para desapaixonar-se por um ex-namorado, exploramos como as práticas marginais de ciência, além de serem locais privilegiados para tanto iluminar as atividades da ciência institucional quanto observar as novas relações e correlações que estas ganham ao associar-se ao mundo maior, também possibilitam um reordenamento de valores e locais de poder e podem compor projetos culturais diversos.
FORMULASI DAN UJI SIFAT FISIK SEDIAAN GEL TUNGGAL DAN KOMBINASI EKSTRAK ETANOLIK DAUN SIRIH MERAH (Pipper crocatum) dan MINYAK KAYU MANIS (Cinnamon oil)
Authors: Emelda Emelda 
Published: December 2020

<p>Sirih merah memiliki kandungan senyawa aktif seperti minyak atsiri, alkaloid, saponin, tanin dan flavonoid. Minyak atsiri yang terkandung di dalamnya memiliki aktivitas sebagai antiseptik. Tanaman lain yang juga memiliki banyak manfaat adalah kayu manis. Minyak kayu manis diketahui memiliki aktivitas sebagai anti inflamasi. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah membuat formulasi sediaan gel kombinasi ekstrak etanol daun sirih merah dan minyak kayu manis dan mengetahui sifat fisik sediaan tersebut.</p><p>Penelitian ini adalah eksperimental laboratoris dengan. Daun sirih merah diekstraksi dengan pelarut etanol kemudian diformulasikan dalam bentuk gel dan dikombinasikan dengan minyak kayu manis. Uji sifat fisik sediaan krim dan salep, meliputi organoleptik, uji homogenitas, pH dengan indikator pH universal, uji daya lekat, daya sebar dan uji konsistensi.</p><p>Hasil penelitian menunjukkan sediaan gel kombinasi ekstrak etanol daun sirih merah dan minyak kayu manis memiliki warna hijau kecoklatan, dan kayu manis tunggal berwarna putih, memiliki bau khas, berbentuk semipadat, homogen, daya lekat lebih dari 1 detik, daya sebar masih berada dalam rentang 5-7 cm dan uji konsistensi menunjukkan tidak terjadi pemisahan.</p><p>Sediaan gel kombinasi ekstrak etanol daun sirih merah dan minyak kayu manis memenuhi persyaratan uji fisik, meliputi uji organoleptik, homogenitas, pH, daya lekat daya sebar dan uji konsistensi.</p><p> </p><p>Kata Kunci: <em>Daun sirih merah, minyak kayu manis, gel, uji sifat fisik</em></p>