bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Development of Task Sharing Policy and Guidelines in Kenya
Authors: Kinuthia Rosemary , Verani Andre , Gross Jessica , Kiriinya Rose , Hepburn Kenneth , Kioko Jackson , Langat Agnes , Katana Abraham , Waudo Agnes , Rogers Martha 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background: The global critical shortage of health workers prevents expansion of healthcare services and universal health coverage. Like most countries in sub-Saharan Africa, Kenya’s healthcare workforce density of 13.8 health workers per 10,000 population falls below the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation of at least 44.5 doctors, nurses, and midwives per 10,000 population. In response to the health worker shortage, the WHO recommends task sharing, which is a strategy to alleviate the burden on certain health workers through the redistribution of tasks. To improve the utilization of human and financial health resources in Kenya for HIV and other essential health services, the Kenya Ministry of Health (MOH) in collaboration with various institutions developed national task sharing policy and guidelines (TSP). To advance task sharing, this article describes the process of developing the Kenya TSP. Methods: The development and approval of Kenya’s TSP occurred from February 2015 to May 2017. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) allocated funding to Emory University through the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) Advancing Children’s Treatment initiative. After obtaining support from leadership in Kenya’s MOH and health professional institutions, the TSP team conducted a desk review of policies, guidelines, scopes of practice, task analyses, grey literature, and peer-reviewed research. Subsequently, a policy advisory committee was established to guide the process and worked collaboratively to form technical working groups to draft the policy.Results: The collaborative, multidisciplinary process led to the identification of gaps in service delivery resulting from health workforce shortages. This facilitated the development of the Kenya TSP, which provides a general orientation of task sharing in Kenya. The guidelines list priority tasks for sharing by various cadres as informed by evidence, such as HIV testing and counseling tasks. The TSP documents were disseminated to all county healthcare facilities in Kenya.Conclusions:Task sharing could increase access to healthcare services in resource-limited settings. To advance task sharing, TSP and clinical practice could be harmonized, and necessary adjustments made to other policies that regulate practice. Revisions to pre-service training curricula could be conducted to ensure health professionals have the requisite competencies to perform shared tasks. Monitoring and evaluation could ensure that task sharing is implemented appropriately to ensure quality outcomes.
Uncovering the Genetic Diversity of Giardia Isolates from Outbreaks in New Zealand
Authors: Ogbuigwe Paul , Biggs Patrick J. , Garcia-Ramirez Juan Carlos , Knox Matthew A. , Pita Anthony , Velathanthiri Niluka , French Nigel P. , Hayman David T. S. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
BackgroundGiardia is one of the most common causes of diarrhoea in the world and is a notifiable disease in New Zealand. Recent advances in molecular techniques, such as PCR and Sanger sequencing, have greatly improved our understanding of the taxonomic classification and epidemiology of this parasite. However, there has been an inability to identify shared subtypes between samples from the same epidemiologically linked cases, due to samples showing multiple dominant subtypes within the same outbreak when characterised using Sanger sequencing. MethodsHere, NGS was employed to uncover the genetic diversity within samples from sporadic and outbreak cases of giardiasis that occurred in New Zealand between 2010 and 2018. ResultsThis strategy exposed the significant diversity of subtypes of Giardia present in each sample. The utilisation of NGS and metabarcoding at the glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh) locus enabled the identification of shared subtypes between samples from shared outbreaks, providing a better understanding of the epidemiology of outbreaks of giardiasis in New Zealand.ConclusionsNext-generation sequencing technologies provides a superior tool, when compared to consensus sequencing technologies, for capturing the genetic diversity of Giardia within hosts. This study showed that infections in humans are frequently mixed, with multiple subtypes present in each host.
Neural Underpinning of Japanese Particle Processing in Non-native Speakers
Authors: Kasai Chise , Sumiya Motofumi , Koike Takahiko , Yoshimoto Takaaki , Maki Hideki , Sadato Norihiro 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Grammar acquisition by non-native learners (L2) is typically less successful and may produce fundamentally different grammatical systems than that by native speakers (L1). The neural representation of grammatical processing between L1 and L2 speakers remains controversial. We hypothesized that working memory is the primary source of L1/L2 differences, and operationalized working memory is an active inference within the predictive coding account, which models grammatical processes as higher-level neuronal representations of cortical hierarchies, generating predictions (forward model) of lower-level representations. A functional MRI study was conducted with L1 Japanese speakers and highly proficient Japanese learners requiring oral production of grammatically correct Japanese particles. Selecting proper particles requires forward model-dependent active inference as their functions are highly context-dependent. As a control, participants read out a visually designated mora indicated by underlining. Particle selection by L1/L2 groups commonly activated the bilateral inferior frontal gyrus/insula, pre-supplementary motor area, left caudate, middle temporal gyrus, and right cerebellum, which constituted the core linguistic production system. In contrast, the left inferior frontal sulcus, known as the neural substrate of verbal working memory, showed more prominent activation in L2 than in L1. Thus, the active inference process causes L1/L2 differences even in highly proficient L2 learners.
Novel Metallochromic Hydrazone-Based Chemosensor Toward Colorimetric Paper Strip For Selective Detection Cu2+
Authors: Sharmoukh Walid , Abdelrahman Meram S. , Elkhabiry Shaban , Khattab Tawfik 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
A solid-state sensor was developed for the determination of copper ions (Cu2+) in aqueous media using tricyanofuranhydrazone as a spectroscopic probe and a paper sheet as the hosting strip. A new tricyanofuranhydrazone-based colorimetric chemosensor (TCFH) was synthesized for selective detection of Cu2+ in aqueous environments. The synthesis strategy of TCFH involved an azo-coupling process between the diazonium salt of 8-aminoquinoline and an active methyl-bearing tricyanofuran (TCF) heterocyclic moiety. The molecular structure of the prepared TCFH chemical sensor was verified with FT-IR, 1H and 13C NMR, as well as elemental analysis. Due to intramolecular charge transfer, TCFH chromophore demonstrated pronounced solvatochromism depending on the solvent polarity. Changes in both color and UV-vis absorption spectra demonstrated by the developed chemosensor proved that TCFH can be utilized to detect Cu2+ in the presence of other competing metallic cations and anions. The synthesized TCFH probe, which contains a hydrazone recognition moiety, demonstrates dramatic solvatochromic activity and high selectivity at the microlevel of copper ions with a color shift from yellow to purple. Mechanisms accounting for both metallochromic and solvatochromic activities were explored. Moreover, test strips of TCFH were successfully developed and applied for the detection of copper ions at different concentrations in aqueous media. The colorimetric properties of the prepared TCFH-immobilized paper strips were investigated by CIE Lab chromogenic parameters, colorimetric strength (K/S) and UV-Vis absorbance spectra. The metallochromic paper strip exhibited a detection limit at the ppm range. The best detection of Cu2+ was achieved in the pH range of 6.6-7.4 demonstrating an immediate color switch from yellow to purple relying on the total content of Cu2+. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was applied to characterize the deposition of tricyanofuranhydrazone onto the surface of the paper strip.
Exploration of Social-economic and Environmental Impacts on Lung Cancer Mortality in 94 Countries With Artificial Neural Network and Random Decision Tree Analysis
Authors: Wu Xiu , Zhang Jinting , Denise Blanchard-Boehm 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
BackgroundSince lung cancer is the biggest killer in cancer families, extremely threatening to human health, an understanding of social-economic and environmental impacts on lung cancer mortality (LCM) is imperative to improve patient psychological health and potentially mitigate lung cancer incidences and multimorbidity. Figuring out key indicators in social-economic and environment impacts which are sensitive to LCM on spatial-temporal scales contributes to preclinical control and systemic treatments for lung cancer with standard chemotherapy agents are still relatively ineffective. MethodsBased on lung cancer mortalities in 94 countries within a decade (2006-2016), this research appropriately dissects social-economic, demographic, and environmental independent variable effects using Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and CRT Random Decision Tree algorithms (CRT-CRT-RDF).ResultsWith the two methods comparison, the similarity is that education and carbon emission were two etiologies. Education in low and middle countries of lung cancer was related with total ecological footprint and total population. Carbon emission in extreme countries was linked to ecological forestland footprint. Spatial-temporal analysis postulated China and the U.S were the two largest countries whereas China and India were the two fastest countries of LCM growth. Both models have a high precision of prediction (96.1% of CRT-CRT-RDF and 98.4% of ANN).ConclusionsThis research will facilitate preventive lung cancer services, prioritize the geographical allocation of lung cancer investment for WHO, and provide evidence for shrinking carbon emission and deforestation.
An Efficient Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP) Protocol for Studying Histone Modifications in Peach Reproductive Tissues
Authors: Canton Monica , Farinati Silvia , Forestan Cristian , Joseph Justin , Bonghi Claudio , Varotto Serena 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
BackgroundPerennial fruit trees display a perennial growth behaviour characterized by an annual cycling between growth and dormancy, with complex physiological features. Rosaceae fruit trees represent excellent models for studying not only the fruit growth/patterning, but also the progression of the reproductive cycle depending upon the impact of climate conditions. In addition, the current development of high‐throughput technologies is starting to have an important impact on Rosaceae tree research for investigating genome structure and function as well as (epi)genetic mechanisms involved in important developmental and environmental response processes during fruit tree growth. Among the epigenetic mechanisms, chromatin remodelling mediated by both histone modifications and other chromatin-related processes play a crucial role in gene modulation, controlling gene expression process. A very useful technique to investigate the chromatin states in plants and their dynamics is chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), generally applied for studies on chromatin states and enrichment in post transcriptional modifications (PTMs) of histone proteins. Results Because peach is a model in Rosaceae family for studies in bud formation, dormancy and organ differentiation for climacteric fruits, in our work, we primarily established specific protocols for chromatin extraction and immunoprecipitation in reproductive tissues of peach Prunus persica. Subsequently focused our investigations on the role of two chromatin marks, namely trimethylation of histone H3 at lysine in position 4 (H3K4me3) and trimethylation of histone H3 at lysine 27 (H3K27me3) on modulating specific gene expression. Bud dormancy and fruit growth were investigated in a nectarine genotype called Fantasia as a model system. ConclusionsHere we presented general strategies to systematically optimize ChIP protocols for buds and mesocarp tissues and analyzed the correlation between gene expression and chromatin mark enrichment/depletion. Confirming like histone modifications are implicated in regulating bud dormancy progression and the core ripening genes.
Acupuncture-Related Therapies for Ovulatory Disorders: A Systematic Review and Bayesian Network Meta-Analysis Protocol
Authors: Zhou Hang , Yan Li , Yang Yi , Zhang ShuGuang , Zheng XiaoYan , Wang Huan , Deng LinWen 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background：Ovulation disorders (ODs) are major cause of infertility. Many clinical studies have shown that acupuncture is potentially useful in the treatment of ODs. In this context, the present study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of different acupuncture therapies through systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA). Methods： A comprehensive literature search until June 2021 will be carried out in the following databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Science Net, EBSCO, EMBASE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang database, VIP database, and China biomedical database (CBM). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) meeting the eligibility criteria based on PICO elements will be included. The main outcomes will be ovulation rate, pregnancy rate and changes in female reproductive hormones. The secondary outcome will be the prevalence of adverse events directly related to acupuncture. Cochrane bias risk assessment tool (RoB 2.0) will be used to evaluate the quality of the selected literature. Stata, Aggregate Data Drug Information System (ADDIS)and BUGS will be used to manage the data. Discussion: The results of this study can provide evidence to the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture therapy for ODs. However, large-scale, case-control studies with rigorous designs are required to provide even more accurate evidence.Systematic review registration: This agreement has been registered in INPLASY（https://inplasy.com/）,the registration ID is INPLASY202160078.
Access to and Barriers to Access for Essential Medicines in Nephrology and Related Non-Communicable Diseases: A Scoping Review Protocol
Authors: Wong Michelle Mon Yee , Calice-Silva Viviane , Tannor Elliot K. , Nakoul Georges , Kumar Vivek , Hafidz Muhammad Iqbal Abdul , Chanchlani Rahul , Chen Titi , Ekrikpo Udeme E. , Francis Anna , Kalyesubula Robert , Karam Sabine , Pereira-Kamath Nikhil , Wijewickrama Eranga , Sanger Stephanie , Jha Vivekanand 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Objective: This scoping review aims to understand the extent of evidence regarding: 1) access to essential medicines, 2) barriers to access, and 3) interventions to improve access for chronic kidney disease (CKD) and related non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Introduction: Access to essential medicines for treatment of NCDs is lacking in low- and low-middle income countries. In nephrology, access to essential medicines is especially important to reduce risk of CKD progression, as kidney replacement therapy is unavailable or cost-prohibitive in many regions of the world. As part of the International Society of Nephrology Emerging Leaders Program’s mandate to improve health promotion and access to prevention and management of kidney diseases globally, this scoping review serves as an initial step towards designing implementation studies to improve access to essential medicines. Inclusion criteria: Articles of any study design involving populations with chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and/or diabetes will be included. The core concept of essential medicines will encompass access to essential medicines, barriers to access, and interventions to improve access. All geographical regions and all World Bank Income categories will be considered. Methods: Methods for this scoping review are based on the Joanna Briggs Manual for Evidence Synthesis. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, CENTRAL will be searched. Included studies will be restricted to English language. Screening of title/abstract of each article and subsequent review of retrieved full-text articles will be performed by one reviewer, followed by a second reviewer checking the excluded lists for accuracy. A data extraction tool will be customized using Covidence software. Data will be summarized narratively, and in tabular and diagrammatic format. Studies assessing barriers to access or interventions to improve access will be categorized by patient-level, provider-level, organization-level, community/regional-level, and national/health policy-level.
Lanthanide Europium MOF Nanocomposite as the Theranostic Nanoplatform for Microwave Thermo-Chemotherapy and Fluorescence Imaging
Authors: Zhao Lirong , Zhang Wei , Wu Qiong , Fu Changhui , Ren Xiangling , Lv Kongpeng , Ma Tengchuang , Chen Xudong , Tan Longfei , Meng Xianwei 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Backgrounds:
Microwave sensitization nanoplatform, integrating multiple functional units for improving tumor selectivity, is of great significance for clinical tumor microwave therapy. Lanthanide europium metal organic framework materials (EuMOF) are expected to be a theranostic nanoplatform owing to its specific luminescent properties and microwave sensitization properties. However, it is difficult to be applied to complex biological systems for EuMOF due to its rapid degradation induced by the solvent molecular and ionic environment. In this work, a luminescent EuMOF nanocomposite (EuMOF@ZIF/AP-PEG, named EZAP) was designed, which brought the multifunctional characteristics of microwave sensitization, fluorescence imaging and drug loading.
Results
Lamellar EuMOF was synthesized by a hydrothermal method. Through the charge adsorption mechanism, the zeolite imidazole framework (ZIF) structure was densely assembled on the surface of EuMOF to realize the protection. Then, through in-situ apatinib drug loading and PEG modification, EZAP nanocomposite was finally obtained. Apatinib (AP) was a kind of chemotherapy drug approved by Food and Drug Administration for clinical use. PEG modification increased long-term circulation of EZAP nanocomposite. The physical and chemical structure and properties of EuMOF@ZIF (EZ) were systematically represented, indicating the successful synthesis of the nanocomposite. The toxic and side effects were negligible at a safe dose. The growth of human liver cancer cells and murine liver cancer cells in vitro was significantly inhibited, and the combined microwave-thermal therapy and chemotherapy in vivo achieved high anti-cancer efficacy. Moreover, EZAP nanocomposite possessed bright red fluorescence, which had good ability for tumor imaging in tumor-bearing mice in vivo.
Conclusion
Therefore, EZAP nanocomposite showed high microwave sensitization, excellent fluorescence properties and good drug loading capacity, establishing a promising theranostic nanoplatform for tumor therapy and fluorescence imaging. This work proposes a unique strategy to design for the first time a multifunctional nanoplatform with lanthanide metal organic frameworks for tumor treatment and diagnosis in the biological application.
Changes in the Number of Newly Diagnosed Lung Cancer Patients Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A single-Center Experience
Authors: Gul Sule , Uysal Mehmet Atilla , Çifter Atilla , Niksarlıoğlu Elif Yelda Özgün , Bilici Deniz 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
This study was conducted to determine whether there was an effect on the hospital admissions of newly diagnosed lung cancer (NDLC) patients in Turkey during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this retrospective study, NDLC patients were recorded from the Hospital Information Management System between January,1 2015-December, 31, 2020, at our tertiary hospital. The number of NDLC patients diagnosed in 2020 was compared with each year of 2017-2019. Between 2017 and 2020, 15,150 NDLC cases were analyzed. The number of NDLC patients by year were; 4,030 patients in 2017, 4,004 patients in 2018, 4,391 patients in 2019, and 2,725 in 2020, respectively. In 2020, NDLC patients decreased by 38%, 32%, 32% compared to 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. The late admission of lung cancer patients might result in the advanced stage, missing the chance for surgery, and decreased survival. Precautions should be considered to diagnose and treat lung cancer patients in specialized centers during a pandemic due to epidemic diseases such as COVID-19.
Expectation Identity of the Hypergeometric Distribution and Its Application in the Calculations of High-Order Origin Moments
Authors: Wang Yuan-Quan , Zhang Ying-Ying , Liu Jia-Lei 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
We provide a novel method to analytically calculate the high-order origin moments of a hypergeometric distribution, that is, the expectation identity method. First, the expectation identity of the hypergeometric distribution is discovered and summarized in a theorem. After that, we analytically calculate the first four origin moments of the hypergeometric distribution by using the expectation identity. Furthermore, we analytically calculate the general kth (k=1,2,…) origin moment of the hypergeometric distribution by using the expectation identity, and the results are summarized in a theorem. Moreover, we use the general kth origin moment to validate the first four origin moments of the hypergeometric distribution. Next, the coefficients of the first ten origin moments of the hypergeometric distribution are summarized in a table containing Stirling numbers of the second kind. Moreover, the general kth origin moment of the hypergeometric distribution by using the expectation identity is restated by another theorem involving Stirling numbers of the second kind. Finally, we provide some numerical and theoretical results.