bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of genetic diversity of Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein in Sudan: the RTS,S leading malaria vaccine candidate
Authors: Mohamed Nouh Saad , AbdElbagi Hanadi , Elsadig Ahad R. , Ahmed Abdalla Elssir , Mohammed Yassir Osman , Elssir Lubna Taj , Elnour Mohammed-Ahmed B. , Ali Yousif , Ali Mohamed S. , Altahir Omnia , Abubakr Mustafa , Siddig Emmanuel Edwar , Ahmed Ayman , Omer Rihab Ali 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe currently used malaria vaccine, RTS,S, is designed based on thePlasmodium falciparumcircumsporozoite protein (PfCSP). Thepfcspgene, besides having different polymorphic patterns, can vary betweenP. falciparumisolates due to geographical origin and host immune response. Such aspects are essential when considering the deployment of the RTS,S vaccine in a certain region. Therefore, this study assessed the genetic diversity ofP. falciparumin Sudan based on thepfcspgene by investigating the diversity at the N-terminal, central repeat, and the C-terminal regions.MethodsA cross-sectional molecular study was conducted;P. falciparumisolates were collected from different health centres in Khartoum State between January and December 2019. During the study period, a total of 261 febrile patients were recruited. Malaria diagnosis was made by expert microscopists using Giemsa-stained thick and thin blood films. DNA samples were examined by the semi-nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Single clonal infection of the confirmedP. falciparumcases, were used to amplify thepfcspgene. The amplified amplicons ofpfcsphave been sequenced using the Sanger dideoxy method. The obtained sequences ofpfcspnucleotide diversity parameters including the numbers of haplotypes (Hap), haplotypes diversity (Hapd), the average number of nucleotide differences between two sequences (p), and the numbers of segregating sites (S) were obtained. The haplotype networks were constructed using the online tcsBU software. Natural selection theory was also tested onpfcspusing Fuand Li’s D, Fuand Li’s F statistics, and Tajima’s D test using DnaSP.ResultsIn comparison with the differentpfcspreference strains, the Sudanese isolates showed high similarity with other African isolates. The results of the N-terminal region showed the presence of 2 different haplotypes with a Hapd of 0.425 ± 0.00727. The presence of the unique insertion of NNNGDNGREGKDEDKRDGNN was reported. The KLKQP motif was conserved in all the studied isolates. At the central repeat region, 11 haplotypes were seen with a Hapd of 0.779 ± 0.00097. The analysis of the genetic diversity in the C-terminal region showed the presence of 10 haplotypes with a Hapd of 0.457 ± 0.073. Several non-synonymous amino acids changes were also seen at the Th2R and the Th3R T-cell epitope regions including T317K, E317K, Q318E, K321N, I322K, T322K, R322K, K324Q, I327L, G352N, S354P, R355K, N356D, Q357E, and E361A.ConclusionsIn this study, the results indicated a high conservation at thepfcspgene. This may further contribute in understanding the genetic polymorphisms ofP. falciparumprior to the deployment of the RTS,S vaccine in Sudan.
Assessment of a website aimed at providing information on mental health to secondary school students in Can Tho city, Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Dat Tan , Pham Tam Thi , Wright E. Pamela , Bunders Joske 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe stigmatization of mental health problems is a primary barrier for young people to approach mental health services when they suspect they might have such problems. Nevertheless, the internet has become a common platform on which they are likely to seek information on mental health. As such, this study aimed to explore responses from secondary school students in Can Tho city regardingsuckhoetre.vnwebsite. This website provided information on health and mental health, and this study assessed the potential relevance, appeal, accessibility, usefulness, and sustainability of the website.MethodsA cross-sectional study included 643 secondary school students in Can Tho city selected by cluster sampling. Two weeks after the students were introduced to the website, they were invited to evaluate it using an anonymous questionnaire. The Chi-squared test was used to assess the significance of differences in the distribution of selected students’ sociodemographic characteristics.ResultsMost (98.6%) participants visited the website in the two-week period, 74% once or twice a week, the others more often, up to once a day. Their activities included reading information (85.8%), seeking help (17.7%), sharing information (15.5%), giving advice to others (11.0%), and chatting or giving comments (9.8%). Most students rated the website very highly in terms of appeal, relevance, accessibility, and usefulness, and wanted to have access to the website in the future. These findings are positive signals to pursue the possible use of a website on mental health for secondary school students to help raise awareness and support good mental health among adolescents in Can Tho city and beyond.ConclusionA website designed to provide information to secondary school students appeared to be a promising way to provide access to information on the topic of mental health. The website should be maintained and introduced widely to students, teachers and parents, with regular evaluation of the effectiveness of this website.
Community acquired Acinetobacter baumannii in pediatric patients under 1 year old with a clinical diagnosis of whooping cough in Lima, Peru
Authors: Peña-Tuesta Isaac , del Valle-Vargas Cristina , Petrozzi-Helasvuo Veronica , Aguilar-Luis Miguel Angel , Carrillo-Ng Hugo , Silva-Caso Wilmer , del Valle-Mendoza Juana 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Objective
This study aimed to determine the prevalence of A. baumannii in children aged less than 1 year admitted with a clinical diagnosis of whooping cough.

Results
A total of 225 nasopharyngeal samples from children under 1 year old hospitalized with clinical diagnosis of whooping cough were studied from January 2010 to July 2012. The presence of A. baumannii was detected in 20.89% (47/225) of the nasopharyngeal swab samples. Among the 47 patients with A. baumannii: 5 were diagnosed with A. baumannii monoinfection, 17 co-infection with bacteria, 7 co-infection with virus and 18 co-infection with bacteria + virus. It was observed that 51.6% (116/225) were children between 29 days and 3 months old, this same group had the highest overall prevalence with 53.3%. The most common co-infecting pathogens were Bordetella pertussis in 55.3%, Adenovirus in 42.6% and Mycoplasma pneumoniae in 23.4%.
Comparison of the pre-treatment functional MRI metrics’ efficacy in predicting Locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma response to induction chemotherapy
Authors: Zhao Da-wei , Fan Wen-jun , Meng Ling-ling , Luo Yan-rong , Wei Jian , Liu Kun , Liu Gang , Li Jin-feng , Zang Xiao , Li Meng , Zhang Xin-xin , Ma Lin 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
Functional MRI (fMRI) parameters analysis has been proven to be a promising tool of predicting therapeutic response to induction chemotherapy (IC) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The study was designed to identify and compare the value of fMRI parameters in predicting early response to IC in patients with NPC.

Methods
This prospective study enrolled fifty-six consecutively NPC patients treated with IC from January 2021 to May 2021. Conventional diffusion weighted imaging (DWI), diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI), intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) and dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) protocols were performed before and after IC. Parameters maps (ADC, MD, MK, Dslow, Dfast, PF, Ktrans, Ve and Kep) of the primary tumor were calculated by the Functool post-processing software. The participants were classified as responding group (RG) and non-responding group (NRG) according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors 1.1. The fMRI parameters were compared before and after IC and between RG with NRG. Logistic regression analysis and ROC were performed to further identify and compare the efficacy of the parameters.

Results
After IC, the mean values of ADC(p < 0.001), MD(p < 0.001), Dslow(p = 0.001), PF(p = 0.030) and Ve(p = 0.003) significantly increased, while MK(p < 0.001), Dfast(p = 0.009) and Kep(p = 0.003) values decreased dramatically, while no significant difference was detected in Ktrans(p = 0.130). Compared with NRG, ADC-pre(p < 0.001), MD-pre(p < 0.001) and Dslow-pre(p = 0.002) values in RG were lower, while MK-pre(p = 0.017) values were higher. The areas under the ROC curves for the ADC-pre, MD-pre, MK-pre, Dslow-pre and PRE were 0.885, 0.855, 0.809, 0.742 and 0.912, with the optimal cutoff value of 1210 × 10− 6 mm2/s, 1010 × 10− 6 mm2/s, 832 × 10− 6, 835 × 10− 6 mm2/s and 0.799 respectively.

Conclusions
The pretreatment conventional DWI (ADC), DKI (MD and MK), and IVIM (Dslow) values derived from fMRI showed a promising potential in predicting the response of the primary tumor to IC in NPC patients.

Trial registration
This study was approved by ethics board of the Chinese PLA General Hospital, and registered on January 30, 2021, in Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100042863).
Quantification of Discordant Variant Interpretations in a Large Family-Based Study of Li-Fraumeni Syndrome
Authors: Frone Megan N. , Stewart Douglas R. , Savage Sharon A. , Khincha Payal P. 
Published: November 2021

PURPOSE The use of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics and the Association for Molecular Pathology guidelines has improved germline variant classification concordance, but discrepancies persist, sometimes directly affecting medical management. We evaluated variant discordance between and within families with germline TP53 variants in the National Cancer Institute's Li-Fraumeni syndrome longitudinal cohort study. MATERIALS AND METHODS Germline TP53 genetic testing results were obtained from 421 individuals in 140 families. A discordant test result was defined as a report of pathogenicity that differed between two clinical testing laboratories, between a testing laboratory and the ClinVar database, or between either the laboratory or ClinVar database and variant classification by internal study review. RESULTS There were 141 variants in 140 families (one family had two different TP53 variants). Fifty-four families had discordant interpretations (54 of 140, 39%). Sixteen families had discordant classifications leading to clinically important differences in medical management (16 of 140, 11%). Interfamilial discordance was observed between four families (two different variants). Intrafamilial discordance was observed within six families. One family experienced both intrafamilial and interfamilial discordance. CONCLUSION This large single-gene study found discordant germline TP53 variant interpretations in 39% of families studied; 11% had a variant with the potential to significantly affect medical management. This finding is especially concerning in patients with Li-Fraumeni syndrome because of their exceedingly high risks of multiple cancers and intensive cancer screening and risk-reducing recommendations. Centralized data sharing, gene-specific variant curation guidelines, and provider education for consistent variant interpretation are essential for optimal patient care.
Ecology without Civilization
Authors: Dudley Jack 
Published: November 2021

AbstractWhile Jeff VanderMeer’s Southern Reach Trilogy has been read through the uncanny human traumas and tropes of “contamination” in its first novel, Annihilation, the trilogy’s radical ecological thought emerges more clearly through cosmic and transformative trauma in the final novel, Acceptance. Rather than some contaminated space, Area X is restoring Earth’s ecosystems to a “pristine” state, but in a process of guided succession that traumatizes human life as lived under ecologically destructive neoliberal economies of extraction. Reading the twinned falls of Saul and Control, this article shows how Acceptance reimagines uncanny trauma for a new form that is painful but also familiar, human but also posthuman, and utterly necessary for planetary survival.
Polymer tiles from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) wastes and fly ash: mechanical properties and durability
Authors: Omosebi Taiwo O. , Abass Noor Faisal 
Published: November 2021

Background: Plastic waste (PW) is becoming increasingly hazardous to the environment as a result of its massive production, causing significant damage to both the ecosystem and its inhabitants. Managing plastic waste is a global concern due to its non-biodegradable nature. However, it is important to handle PWs properly to curtail the environmental emissions associated with their incineration and dumping into landfills. This research investigates the possibility of producing tiles from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste bottles and fly ash. The mechanical properties, as well as the chemical resistance of the manufactured PET polymer tiles, are reported in this study. Methods: PET waste was used in varying proportions (from 30% to 100%) by sand weight. The shredded PET waste was heated at 230 oC before being suitably blended with fly ash. It was then poured into the designated mold, removed after one hour, and cooled for 24 hours before testing. Results: The assessment of the physical and mechanical properties of the materials revealed that the tiles produced with 30% PET content performed better in terms of material density and strength compared to the samples with higher PET content. The highest compressive strength being 6.88 MPa. Based on the results of the tests, the produced PET tiles have a low water absorption efficiency of 80% lower when compare to cement and ceramic tiles (the water absorption values are between 0.98% and 0.09%). Conclusions: The results from this study indicate that PET waste bottles can be used to produce long-lasting, durable, and extremely low water absorption eco-friendly tiles for both residential and commercial applications. This prospect of tile production using polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste and fly ash would not only minimize the cost of building products but will also act as a waste diversion to mitigate environmental emissions caused by plastic waste disposal.
Evaluation of the effect of soft drinks on the surface roughness of dental enamel in natural human teeth
Authors: Al-Amri Ibrahim , Albounni Roula , Binalrimal Sultan 
Published: November 2021

Background: Exposing enamel to soft drinks and beverages causes changes in the microscopical morphology. Changes in the physical characteristics, like hardness and surface roughness, were studied with various parameters. Factors such as pH, exposed duration, and other content of the soft drinks have different effects on the enamel. Methods: Thirty-six human premolar teeth were randomly divided into three groups (n=12). Group 1 consisted of teeth which were immersed in artificial saliva (control), group 2 consisted of teeth which were immersed in Pepsi, and group 3 consisted of teeth which were immersed in Mirinda. After the preparation of samples and necessary measures, surface roughness was measured using the profilometer. Baseline measurements were taken. Reading two and reading three were taken after exposing the specimens for three days and 15 days, respectively. All of the collected data were compared statistically using SPSS and presented in tables and graphs. Results: At the baseline, the surface roughness value was the same for all three groups. On the 3rd day, the Mirinda group showed more surface roughness compared to that of the test and Pepsi groups, which was statistically significant. On the 15th day, both the Pepsi and Mirinda groups showed increased surface roughness compared to that of the control, which was statistically significant. Conclusions: Within the limitation of this study, it can be concluded that surface roughness increased when teeth were exposed to both soft drinks
Fragilidade do pluralismo democrático, uma abordagem a partir de Tocqueville
Authors: Dos Reis Helena Esser 
Published: November 2021

Resumo: Desde a concepção iluminista de tolerância, a desconfiança em relação às certezas irretorquíveis e o acolhimento do outro passaram a orientar relações sociais e políticas pluralistas e democráticas, tendo em vista a proteção da pessoa e a promoção da justiça e da paz. Contudo, há uma permanente tensão entre reivindicações de direitos e conquistas garantidas, que se enraíza em questões sociais e culturais associadas à noção do tolerável ou do que pode ser admitido como equiparável, simétrico e, portanto respeitável, apesar de diferente. No âmbito deste artigo, partindo de uma concepção de tolerância religiosa como origem do pluralismo democrático, quer-se investigar, a tênue fronteira que separa o aceitável do não-aceitável, o cidadão daquele que, apesar de se assim chamado, não pode exercer sua cidadania, sua voz não é ouvida, não participa. A discussão acerca da fragilidade do pluralismo democrático será feita a partir da análise do pensamento de Alexis de Tocqueville. A análise de seu pensamento é bastante importante porque, tendo caracterizado a democracia pela confluência entre condições sociais de igualdade e condições políticas de liberdade, quando visitou os Estados Unidos em 1830 explicita, com certa ironia, existência de democracia exclusivamente entre os “anglo-americanos”. Narrando a situação social e política vivida pelos negros e indígenas que habitavam a América do Norte, repudia e denuncia a exclusão e a violência às quais estavam submetidos. Embora Tocqueville afirme que a exclusão de negros e indígenas da democracia norte-americana seja uma ameaça à própria democracia, sua concepção parece admitir a integração pela assimilação da cultura democrático-européia por parte dos negros e indígenas. A tensão entre “anglo-americanos”, negros e indígenas existente, será objeto de análise a fim de discutir a possibilidade de inclusão do outro e os limites do pluralismo democrático confrontando ideias presentes em A Democracia na América e Cartas Mexicanas, escritas por Tocqueville na mesma época de sua viagem aos Estados Unidos, e outros escritos referentes à discursos políticos proferidos na Assembleia Francesa.
Survival and predictors of death in tuberculosis/HIV coinfection cases in Porto Alegre, Brazil: A historical cohort from 2009 to 2013
Authors: Brand Évelin Maria , Rossetto Maíra , Hentges Bruna , Winkler Gerson Barreto , Duarte Erica Rosalba Mallmann , Silva Lucas Cardoso da , Leal Andrea Fachel , Knauth Daniela Riva , Silva Danielle Lodi , Mantese George Henrique Aliatti , Volpato Tiane Farias , Bobek Paulo Ricardo , Dellanhese Amanda Pereira Ferreira , Teixeira Luciana Barcellos 
Published: November 2021

Background
Tuberculosis is a curable disease, which remains the leading cause of death among infectious diseases worldwide, and it is the leading cause of death in people living with HIV. The purpose is to examine survival and predictors of death in Tuberculosis/HIV coinfection cases from 2009 to 2013.

Methods
We estimated the survival of 2,417 TB/HIV coinfection cases in Porto Alegre, from diagnosis up to 85 months of follow-up. We estimated hazard ratios and survival curves.

Results
The adjusted risk ratio (aRR) for death, by age, hospitalization, and Directly Observed Treatment was 4.58 for new cases (95% CI: 1.14–18.4), 4.51 for recurrence (95% CI: 1.11–18.4) and 4.53 for return after abandonment (95% CI: 1.12–18.4). The average survival time was 72.56 ± 1.57 months for those who underwent Directly Observed Treatment and 62.61 ± 0.77 for those who did not.

Conclusions
Case classification, age, and hospitalization are predictors of death. The occurrence of Directly Observed Treatment was a protective factor that increased the probability of survival. Policies aimed at reducing the mortality of patients with TB/HIV coinfection are needed.
Surviving SARS and living through COVID-19: Healthcare worker mental health outcomes and insights for coping
Authors: Styra Rima , Hawryluck Laura , Mc Geer Allison , Dimas Michelle , Sheen Jack , Giacobbe Peter , Dattani Neil , Lorello Gianni , Rac Valeria E. , Francis Troy , Wu Peter E. , Luk Wing-Si , Ng Enoch , Nadarajah Jeya , Wingrove Kaila , Gold Wayne L. 
Published: November 2021

Objective
Explore how previous work during the 2003 Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak affects the psychological response of clinical and non-clinical healthcare workers (HCWs) to the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods
A cross-sectional, multi-centered hospital online survey of HCWs in the Greater Toronto Area, Canada. Mental health outcomes of HCWs who worked during the COVID-19 pandemic and the SARS outbreak were assessed using Impact of Events—Revised scale (IES-R), Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7), and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9).

Results
Among 3852 participants, moderate/severe scores for symptoms of post- traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (50.2%), anxiety (24.6%), and depression (31.5%) were observed among HCWs. Work during the 2003 SARS outbreak was reported by 1116 respondents (29.1%), who had lower scores for symptoms of PTSD (P = .002), anxiety (P < .001), and depression (P < .001) compared to those who had not worked during the SARS outbreak. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed non-clinical HCWs during this pandemic were at higher risk of anxiety (OR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.19–2.15, P = .01) and depressive symptoms (OR, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.34–3.07, P < .001). HCWs using sedatives (OR, 2.55; 95% CI, 1.61–4.03, P < .001), those who cared for only 2–5 patients with COVID-19 (OR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.06–2.38, P = .01), and those who had been in isolation for COVID-19 (OR, 1.36; 95% CI, 0.96–1.93, P = .05), were at higher risk of moderate/severe symptoms of PTSD. In addition, deterioration in sleep was associated with symptoms of PTSD (OR, 4.68, 95% CI, 3.74–6.30, P < .001), anxiety (OR, 3.09, 95% CI, 2.11–4.53, P < .001), and depression (OR 5.07, 95% CI, 3.48–7.39, P < .001).

Conclusion
Psychological distress was observed in both clinical and non-clinical HCWs, with no impact from previous SARS work experience. As the pandemic continues, increasing psychological and team support may decrease the mental health impacts.
Effects of Prosopis africana (Guill. & Perr.) Taub. and Ficus mucoso Ficalho ethanolic leaves extract in the control of Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabricius, 1775) in stored cowpea
Authors: OJUYEMI Tosin Damilola , UDDIN II Robert Omotayo , AWOLOLA Gbonjubola Victoria , MUSTAPHA Suleiman , LAWAL AbdRahaman Adebowale 
Published: November 2021

The study investigated the effectiveness of Prosopis africana and Ficus mucoso ethanolic leave extract in the control of Callosobruchus maculatus infesting cowpea. Treatments were applied at different concentrations (10 %, 30 % , 50 %, and 0 %) on cowpea. Five pairs of newly emerged adult C. maculatus were introduced into each treatment. The two botanicals were evaluated on the insecticidal effects it has on the insect and data were recorded on adult mortality, oviposition rate, larvae, pupae, and adult emergence, seed viability, and phytochemicals present in both botanicals. Results revealed that both treatments had insecticidal potentials, adversely reducing the number of eggs, larvae, and pupae of C. maculatus with P. africana having the highest mean mortality rate at 50 % concentration. Observations further indicated that the botanicals had no negative effect on seed viability. The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of some bioactive compounds such as terpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponin, steroids, and tannin, P. africana mostly rich in them than F. mucoso. Though both extracts were effective, P. africana performed better in the control of the bruchid beetle indicating plausible usefulness in sustainable pest management by smallholder farmers and consumers of cowpea in environments where the plants are in abundance.