bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regional differences in short stature in England between 2006 and 2019: A cross-sectional analysis from the National Child Measurement Programme
Authors: Orr Joanna , Freer Joseph , Morris Joan K. , Hancock Caroline , Walton Robert , Dunkel Leo , Storr Helen L. , Prendergast Andrew J. 
Published: September 2021

BackgroundShort stature, defined as height for age more than 2 standard deviations (SDs) below the population median, is an important indicator of child health. Short stature (often termed stunting) has been widely researched in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), but less is known about the extent and burden in high-income settings. We aimed to map the prevalence of short stature in children aged 4–5 years in England between 2006 and 2019.Methods and findingsWe used data from the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) for the school years 2006–2007 to 2018–2019. All children attending state-maintained primary schools in England are invited to participate in the NCMP, and heights from a total of 7,062,071 children aged 4–5 years were analysed. We assessed short stature, defined as a height-for-age standard deviation score (SDS) below −2 using the United Kingdom WHO references, by sex, index of multiple deprivation (IMD), ethnicity, and region. Geographic clustering of short stature was analysed using spatial analysis in SaTScan. The prevalence of short stature in England was 1.93% (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.92–1.94). Ethnicity adjusted spatial analyses showed geographic heterogeneity of short stature, with high prevalence clusters more likely in the North and Midlands, leading to 4-fold variation between local authorities (LAs) with highest and lowest prevalence of short stature. Short stature was linearly associated with IMD, with almost 2-fold higher prevalence in the most compared with least deprived decile (2.56% (2.53–2.59) vs. 1.38% (1.35–1.41)). There was ethnic heterogeneity: Short stature prevalence was lowest in Black children (0.64% (0.61–0.67)) and highest in Indian children (2.52% (2.45–2.60)) and children in other ethnic categories (2.57% (2.51–2.64)). Girls were more likely to have short stature than boys (2.09% (2.07–2.10) vs. 1.77% (1.76–1.78), respectively). Short stature prevalence declined over time, from 2.03% (2.01–2.05) in 2006–2010 to 1.82% (1.80–1.84) in 2016–2019. Short stature declined at all levels of area deprivation, with faster declines in more deprived areas, but disparities by IMD quintile were persistent. This study was conducted cross-sectionally at an area level, and, therefore, we cannot make any inferences about the individual causes of short stature.ConclusionsIn this study, we observed a clear social gradient and striking regional variation in short stature across England, including a North–South divide. These findings provide impetus for further investigation into potential socioeconomic influences on height and the factors underlying regional variation.
Predictive symptoms for COVID-19 in the community: REACT-1 study of over 1 million people
Authors: Elliott Joshua , Whitaker Matthew , Bodinier Barbara , Eales Oliver , Riley Steven , Ward Helen , Cooke Graham , Darzi Ara , Chadeau-Hyam Marc , Elliott Paul 
Published: September 2021

BackgroundRapid detection, isolation, and contact tracing of community COVID-19 cases are essential measures to limit the community spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We aimed to identify a parsimonious set of symptoms that jointly predict COVID-19 and investigated whether predictive symptoms differ between the B.1.1.7 (Alpha) lineage (predominating as of April 2021 in the US, UK, and elsewhere) and wild type.Methods and findingsWe obtained throat and nose swabs with valid SARS-CoV-2 PCR test results from 1,147,370 volunteers aged 5 years and above (6,450 positive cases) in the REal-time Assessment of Community Transmission-1 (REACT-1) study. This study involved repeated community-based random surveys of prevalence in England (study rounds 2 to 8, June 2020 to January 2021, response rates 22%–27%). Participants were asked about symptoms occurring in the week prior to testing. Viral genome sequencing was carried out for PCR-positive samples with N-gene cycle threshold value < 34 (N= 1,079) in round 8 (January 2021). In univariate analysis, all 26 surveyed symptoms were associated with PCR positivity compared with non-symptomatic people. Stability selection (1,000 penalized logistic regression models with 50% subsampling) among people reporting at least 1 symptom identified 7 symptoms as jointly and positively predictive of PCR positivity in rounds 2–7 (June to December 2020): loss or change of sense of smell, loss or change of sense of taste, fever, new persistent cough, chills, appetite loss, and muscle aches. The resulting model (rounds 2–7) predicted PCR positivity in round 8 with area under the curve (AUC) of 0.77. The same 7 symptoms were selected as jointly predictive of B.1.1.7 infection in round 8, although when comparing B.1.1.7 with wild type, new persistent cough and sore throat were more predictive of B.1.1.7 infection while loss or change of sense of smell was more predictive of the wild type. The main limitations of our study are (i) potential participation bias despite random sampling of named individuals from the National Health Service register and weighting designed to achieve a representative sample of the population of England and (ii) the necessary reliance on self-reported symptoms, which may be prone to recall bias and may therefore lead to biased estimates of symptom prevalence in England.ConclusionsWhere testing capacity is limited, it is important to use tests in the most efficient way possible. We identified a set of 7 symptoms that, when considered together, maximize detection of COVID-19 in the community, including infection with the B.1.1.7 lineage.
Platelet mitochondrial respiration and coenzyme Q10 could be used as new diagnostic strategy for mitochondrial dysfunction in rheumatoid diseases
Authors: Gvozdjáková Anna , Sumbalová Zuzana , Kucharská Jarmila , Szamosová Monika , Čápová Lubica , Rausová Zuzana , Vančová Oľga , Mojto Viliam , Langsjoen Peter , Palacka Patrik 
Published: September 2021

Introduction
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimunne disorder affecting both small and large synovial joints, leading to their destruction. Platelet biomarkers are involved in inflammation in RA patients. Increased circulating platelet counts in RA patients may contribute to platelet hyperactivity and thrombosis. In this pilot study we evaluated platelet mitochondrial bioenergy function, CoQ10 levels and oxidative stress in RA patients.

Methods
Twenty-one RA patients and 19 healthy volunteers participated in the study. High resolution respirometry (HRR) was used for analysis of platelet mitochondrial bioenergetics. CoQ10 was determined by HPLC method; TBARS were detected spectrophotometrically.

Results
Slight dysfunction in platelet mitochondrial respiration and reduced platelet CoQ10 levels were observed in RA patients compared with normal controls.

Conclusions
The observed decrease in platelet CoQ10 levels may lead to platelet mitochondrial dysfunction in RA diseases. Determination of platelet mitochondrial function and platelet CoQ10 levels could be used as new diagnostic strategies for mitochondrial bioenergetics in rheumatoid diseases.
Hydroxychloroquine for the treatment of severe respiratory infection by COVID-19: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hernandez-Cardenas Carmen , Thirion-Romero Ireri , Rodríguez-Llamazares Sebastián , Rivera-Martinez Norma E. , Meza-Meneses Patricia , Remigio-Luna Arantxa , Perez-Padilla Rogelio ,   on behalf of the Research Group on hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19
Published: September 2021

IntroductionThe novel coronavirus pandemic (COVID–19) represents a major public health problem and it is key to find a treatment that reduces mortality. Our objective was to estimate whether treatment with 400 mg/day of Hydroxychloroquine for 10 days reduces in-hospital mortality in subjects with severe respiratory disease due to COVID-19 compared with placebo.Material and methodsA double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Hydroxychloroquine for the treatment of severe disease by COVID-19 through an intention-to-treat analysis. Eligible for the study were adults aged more than 18 years with COVID-19 confirmed by RT-PCR and lung injury requiring hospitalization with or without mechanical ventilation. Primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Secondary outcomes: days of mechanical ventilation, days of hospitalization and cumulative incidence of serious adverse events.ResultsA total of 214 patients with COVID-19 were recruited, randomized and analyzed. They were hypoxemic with a mean SpO2of 65% ± 20, tachycardic (pulse rate 108±17 min-1) and tachypneic (32 ±10 min-1); 162 were under mechanical ventilation at randomization. Thirty-day mortality was similar in both groups (38% in Hydroxychloroquine vs. 41% in placebo, hazard ratio [HR] 0.88, 95% Confidence Interval [95%CI] 0.51–1.53). In the surviving participants, no significant difference was found in secondary outcomes.ConclusionNo beneficial effect or significant harm could be demonstrated in our randomized controlled trial including 214 patients, using relatively low doses of Hydroxychloroquine compared with placebo in hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19.
Prevalence and severity of secondary traumatic stress and optimism in Indian health care professionals during COVID-19 lockdown
Authors: K. N. Manohar , Parashar Neha , Kumar C. R. Satish , Verma Vivek , Rao Sanjiv , Y. Sekhar , K. Vijay Kumar , A. Amalselvam , T. R. Hemkumar , B. N. Prem Kumar , K. Sridhar , S. Pradeep Kumar , K. Sangeeta , Shivam  , Kumar Chetan , Judith  
Published: September 2021

Background
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light the lacunae in the preparedness of healthcare systems across the globe. This preparedness also includes the safety of healthcare providers (HCPs) at various levels. Sudden spread of COVID-19 infection has created threatening and vulnerable conditions for the HCPs. The current pandemic situation has not only affected physical health of HCPs but also their mental health.

Objective
This study aims to understand the prevalence and severity of secondary traumatic stress, optimism parameters, along with states of mood experienced by the HCPs, viz., doctors, nurses and allied healthcare professionals (including Physiotherapist, Lab technicians, Phlebotomist, dieticians, administrative staff and clinical pharmacist), during the COVID-19 lockdown in India.

Methodology
The assessment of level of secondary traumatic stress (STS), optimism/pessimism (via Life Orientation Test-Revised) and current mood states experienced by Indian HCPs in the present COVID-19 pandemic situation was done using a primary data of 2,008 HCPs from India during the first lockdown during April-May 2020. Data was collected through snow-ball sampling technique, reaching out to various medical health care professionals through social media platforms.

Result
Amongst the study sample 88.2% of doctors, 79.2 of nurses and 58.6% of allied HCPs were found to have STS in varying severity. There was a female preponderance in the category of Severe STS. Higher optimism on the LOTR scale was observed among doctors at 39.3% followed by nurses at 26.7% and allied health care professionals 22.8%. The mood visual analogue scale which measures the “mood” during the survey indicated moderate mood states without any gender bias in the study sample.

Conclusion
The current investigation sheds light on the magnitude of the STSS experienced by the HCPs in the Indian Subcontinent during the pandemic. This hitherto undiagnosed and unaddressed issue, calls for a dire need of creating better and accessible mental health programmes and facilities for the health care providers in India.
Cross-national study of communal attitudes toward individuals with intellectual disabilities in sub-Saharan Africa: Cameroon vs. Ghana
Authors: Opoku Maxwell Peprah , Elhoweris Hala , Jiya Alex Nester , Ngoh Nlem Anne-Paule , Nketsia William , Kumi Emmanuel Opoku , Torgbenu Eric Lawer 
Published: September 2021

BackgroundAn intellectual disability (ID) is characterized by a deficit in the functional, cognitive, and adaptive skills required for independent living. Due to the low cognitive capabilities of individuals with IDs, they have become victims of marginalization, exclusion, and denial of their fundamental rights to basic necessities in societies around the world. While efforts are being made to improve service provision to and acceptance of individuals with disabilities, the extent of communal acceptance and recognition of these individuals as equal members of society remains underexplored in sub-Saharan African countries such as Cameroon and Ghana.ObjectiveAs attitudes toward individuals with IDs are pivotal in shaping national policies, this cross-national study examined communal attitudes toward persons with IDs in Cameroon and Ghana.MethodThe Community Living Attitude Scale for Intellectual Disabilities (CLAS-ID) was used to collect data from a total of 741 university students in the two countries. The validity of the scale was assessed using confirmatory factor analysis and principal component analysis. The association between the background variables and attitudes was examined using t-tests, analysis of variance, linear regression, and two-way factor analysis.ResultsThe results showed the validity of the CLAS-ID as a valid tool for measuring communal attitudes toward individuals with IDs in sub-Saharan Africa. The participants appeared ambivalent about attitude towards individuals with ID and other findings showed no association between attitudes and variables such as gender, relation, and contact with individuals with IDs.ConclusionWe discuss the need for innovative approaches aimed at changing attitudes toward individuals with IDs in sub-Saharan Africa as well as other study implications.
Determinants of utilization of antenatal and delivery care at the community level in rural Bangladesh
Authors: Pervin Jesmin , Venkateswaran Mahima , Nu U. Tin , Rahman Monjur , O’Donnell Brian F. , Friberg Ingrid K. , Rahman Anisur , Frøen J. Frederik 
Published: September 2021

Background
Timely utilization of antenatal care and delivery services supports the health of mothers and babies. Few studies exist on the utilization and determinants of timely ANC and use of different types of health facilities at the community level in Bangladesh. This study aims to assess the utilization, timeliness of, and socio-demographic determinants of antenatal and delivery care services in two sub-districts in Bangladesh.

Methods
This cross-sectional study used data collected through a structured questionnaire in the eRegMat cluster-randomized controlled trial, which enrolled pregnant women between October 2018-June 2020. We undertook univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis to determine the associations of socio-demographic variables with timely first ANC, four timely ANC visits, and facility delivery. We considered the associations in the multivariate logistic regression as statistically significant if the p-value was found to be <0.05. Results are presented as adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results
Data were available on 3293 pregnant women. Attendance at a timely first antenatal care visit was 59%. Uptake of four timely antenatal care visits was 4.2%. About three-fourths of the women delivered in a health facility. Women from all socio-economic groups gradually shifted from using public health facilities to private hospitals as the pregnancy advanced. Timely first antenatal care visit was associated with: women over 30 years of age (AOR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.05–2.19); nulliparity (AOR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.04–1.62); husbands with >10 years of education (AOR: 1.40, 95% CI: 1.09–1.81) and being in the highest wealth quintile (AOR: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.18–1.89). Facility deliveries were associated with woman’s age; parity; education; the husband’s education, and wealth index. None of the available socio-demographic factors were associated with four timely antenatal care visits.

Conclusions
The study observed socio-demographic inequalities associated with increased utilization of timely first antenatal care visit and facility delivery. The pregnant women, irrespective of wealth shifted from public to private facilities for their antenatal care visits and delivery. To increase the health service utilization and promote good health, maternal health care programs should pay particular attention to young, multiparous women, of low socio-economic status, or with poorly educated husbands.

Clinical trial registration
ISRCTN69491836; https://www.isrctn.com/. Registered on December 06, 2018. Retrospectively registered.
Risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection in healthcare workers outside hospitals: A real-life immuno-virological study during the first wave of the COVID-19 epidemic
Authors: Fröberg Maria , Hassan Sadaf Sakina , Pimenoff Ville N. , Akterin Susanne , Conneryd Lundgren Kalle , Elfström K. Miriam , Dillner Joakim 
Published: September 2021

ObjectivesMost COVID-19 related infections and deaths may occur in healthcare outside hospitals. Here we explored SARS-CoV-2 infections among healthcare workers (HCWs) in this setting.DesignAll healthcare providers in Stockholm, Sweden were asked to recruit HCWs at work for a study of past or present SARS-CoV-2 infections among HCWs. Study participants This study reports the results from 839 HCWs, mostly employees of primary care centers, sampled in June 2020.ResultsSARS-CoV-2 seropositivity was found among 12% (100/839) of HCWs, ranging from 0% to 29% between care units. Seropositivity decreased by age and was highest among HCWs <40 years of age. Within this age group there was 19% (23/120) seropositivity among women and 11% (15/138) among men (p<0.02). Current infection, as measured using PCR, was found in only 1% and the typical testing pattern of pre-symptomatic potential “superspreaders” found in only 2/839 subjects.ConclusionsPrevious SARS-CoV-2 infections were common among younger HCWs in this setting. Pre-symptomatic infection was uncommon, in line with the strong variability in SARS-CoV-2 exposure between units. Prioritizing infection prevention and control including sufficient and adequate personal protective equipment, and vaccination for all HCWs are important to prevent nosocomial infections and infections as occupational injuries during an ongoing pandemic.
State of art in quantum computing (QC) with open source platforms
Authors: Cárdenas-Martínez Henry Mauricio , Laverde-Forero Jhonatan Camilo , Castang-Montiel Gerardo 
Published: September 2021

The idea behind the QC paradigm lies in the information storage capacity in amplitude values that use systems based on Qubits or quantum bits -not in bits-, and in the processing of it when transformations are required to change these amplitudes in a precise and controlled way. Therefore, the description of the states in a computer evolves obeying different algorithms than the known ones: correcting errors and digitizing arbitrarily precise calculations through limited resources. The present documentary research, carried out by the Orion research group in 2018, establishes a state of the art of knowledge in QC oriented to education as a baseline for future research whose development platforms are open source kind.
A methodology based on indexes is established to categorize and subcategorize the QC, as are: fundamentals and background, QC history, concept and operation, companies that implement the QC field, applications, platforms that are managed in QC, architecture, and finally the programming languages. Source databases such as IEEE-Xplore, EBSCO, and websites, were used to illustrate the fundamental concepts and developments that companies have specified in applications using this new paradigm.
Pengaruh Simvastatin Terhadap Kadar Nitric Oxide Makrofag Mencit Balb/C yang Diberi Lipopolisakarida
Authors: Nugroho Taufik Eko , Harahap Mohamad Sofyan , Jatmiko Heru Dwi 
Published: September 2021

Latar belakang: Nitric oxide (NO) berperan dalam patogenesis terjadinya hipotensi sistemik pada syok septik. Pajanan endotoksin akan menyebabkan peningkatan pelepasan NO yang dipengaruhi oleh aktivasi sitokin proinflamasi. Simvastatin diduga menekan produksi sitokin proinflamasi akibat pajanan lipopolisakarida (LPS), sehingga pembentukan NO dapat dihambat.Tujuan: Membuktikan pengaruh pemberian simvastatin dosis 0,03 mg, 0,06 mg dan 0,12 mg peroral dapat menyebabkan kadar NO mencit yang diberi lipopolisakarida intraperitoneal menjadi lebih rendah.Metode: Penelitian eksperimental laboratorik dengan desain randomized post test only controlled group pada 20 ekor mencit Balb/c yang disuntik lipoplisakarida intraperitoneal dan simvastatin dosis 0,03 mg; 0,06 mg dan 0,12 mg peroral. Mencit dibagi menjadi 4 kelompok secara random, yaitu K1 sebagai kontrol, K2 yang mendapat simvastatin 0,03 mg, K3 yang mendapat simvastatin 0,06 mg, dan K4 yang mendapat simvastatin 0,12 mg. Pemeriksaan NO diambil dari kultur makrofag intraperitoneal setelah 6 jam pemberian simvastatin dengan metode Griess. Uji statistik yang digunakan adalah parametrik ANOVA dan dilanjutkan uji Posteriori.Hasil: Kadar rerata NO pada kelompok K1(0,680±0,116), K2(0,313±0,136), K3 (0,109±0,005) dan K4(0,091±0,011). Terdapat penurunan yang bermakna kadar NO pada kelompok K2, K3 dan K4 dibanding K1 dengan p <0,05. Tidak terdapat perbedaan yang bermakna antara kadar NO kelompok K2 dengan kelompok K3 dan K4, serta kelompok K3 dibanding K4 (p > 0,05).Simpulan: Simvastatin secara bermakna dapat menyebabkan kadar NO makrofag intraperitoneal mencit yang diinduksi lipopolisakarida menjadi lebih rendah.
Diabetic Status of People Affected by Leprosy in Donorojo Leprosy Recovered Village: A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Beladina Nadhila , Adisasmita Asri 
Published: September 2021

Background: Just like diabetes, leprosy also cause painless neuropathic ulcers which process is mediated by Schwann-cell. Biochemical changes on leprosy patients presumed to have role on pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus. Methods: This study is cross-sectional study aimed to know further about diabetic status on population of people affected by leprosy, as the preliminary study to prove the association between diabetes mellitus and leprosy. Data, such as diabetic status, type of leprosy, grade of disability, and other variables are collected from 127 people affected by leprosy in Donorojo leprosy recovered village.Result: Result showed that 19.7% are having diabetes mellitus, and other 23.6% are in pre-diabetic condition. This number is higher than prevalence of diabetes mellitus in Central Java (2.09%) and Indonesia (2%).Conclusion : Further research is needed to prove the association between leprosy and diabetic status. All leprosy patients should be recommended to be routinely screened for diabetes mellitus.