bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of hepatitis C infection among the general population and high-risk groups in the EU/EEA: A systematic review update
Authors: HAN Ru , ZHOU Junwen , François Clément , Toumi Mondher 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Background: Although significant improvement in efficacy measured by a sustained virological response, the high acquisition costs of direct-acting antivirals limit the access for patients and influence the costs of healthcare resource utilisation in hepatitis C. It is important to have the latest estimates of prevalence, especially in high-risk groups, for cost of illness, cost-effectiveness and budget impact studies.
Methods: Original studies on the estimates of the prevalence among general and high-risk populations in the European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA) were retrieved from Medline and Embase for the period from 2015 to 2018. All included studies were evaluated for risk of selection bias and summarised together in a narrative form. Results from previous reviews and updated searches were compared per country among different populations, respectively.
Results: Among the 3871 studies identified, 46 studies were included: 20 studies were used for the estimate of the general population; 3 for men who have sex with men (MSM); 6 for prisoners; and 17 for people who inject drugs (PWID). Compared with the results reported in previous systematic reviews, the updated estimates were lower than previously in most available countries. Anti-HCV general population prevalence estimates ranged from 0.54% to 1.50% by country. The highest prevalence of anti-HCV was found among PWID (range of 7.90% - 82.00%), followed by prisoners (7.00% - 41.00%), HIV-positive MSM (1.80% - 7.10%), HIV-negative MSM (0.20% - 1.80%), pregnant women (0.10% - 1.32%) and first-time blood donors (0.03% - 0.09%).
Conclusions: Our study highlights the heterogeneity in anti-HCV prevalence across different population groups in EU/EEA. The prevalence also varies widely between European countries. There are many countries that are not represented in our results, highlighting the need for the development of robust epidemiological studies.
Pretreatment Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio Predicts Prognosis in Patients with Diabetic Macular Edema Treated with Ranibizumab
Authors: Hu Yuxiang , Cheng Yi , Xu Xiaoxuan , Yang Bo , Mei Feng , Zhou Qiong , Yan Li , Wang Jun , Wu Xiaorong 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Background: To investigate the prognostic value of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) treated monthly with ranibizumab.
Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of all patients who received intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) treatment for DME at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University between December 2015 and December 2017. Clinicopathological parameters, including NLR, were evaluated to identify predictors of better outcomes of IVR monotherapy.
Results: Ninety-one treatment-naïve eyes treated with IVR for DME were retrospectively analyzed in this study. Baseline best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), neutrophils, NLR, monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio, and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio were negatively correlated with the changes in BCVA at 24 weeks compared with the baseline, while baseline central retinal thickness and lymphocytes were positively correlated with the changes in BCVA at 24 weeks compared with the baseline. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that NLR was independently associated with the mean change of BCVA between baseline and week 24. In addition, patients with NLR < 2.27 showed a better improvement in letter score than those with NLR > 2.27.
Conclusion: Pretreatment NLR is independently associated with the BCVA in DME patients treated with IVR, and higher pretreatment NLR may contribute to inferior BCVA outcomes.
Fluensulfone and 1,3-dichloroprene for plant-parasitic nematode management in potato production
Authors: Grabau Zane J. , Noling Joseph W. , Navia Gine Pablo A. 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Florida produces 35% of the spring potato (Solanum tuberosum) crop in the USA, but plant-parasitic nematodes suppress yield in the region. The stubby-root nematodes, Paratrichodorus (Nanidorus) spp. and Trichodorus spp., vectors for corky ringspot disease, and sting nematode (Belonolaimus longicaudatus) are among the most damaging nematodes in Florida potato production. Nematicide application is an important component of nematode management in this system, but relatively few nematicides are currently available. Therefore, pre-plant applications of fluensulfone nematicide at various rates (3, 4, 6, and 8 l/ha) and the commercial standard fumigant 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D) were tested for management of plant-parasitic nematodes in three field trials from 2016 to 2018. Both fluensulfone, at all rates, and 1,3-D consistently decreased sting nematode abundance relative to the untreated control at harvest. Neither fluensulfone nor 1,3-D affected stubby-root nematode abundances at harvest. Efficacy of fluensulfone and 1,3-D for lesion nematode (Pratylenchus sp.) management varied by year. In 2016 and 2018, fluensulfone at most rates and 1,3-D increased marketable potato yield relative to the untreated control with increases by 49 to 66% and 33 to 55% in 2016 and 2018, respectively. In 2017, fluensulfone at lower rates (3, 4, and 6 l/ha) increased marketable potato yield relative to the untreated control by 41 to 61%, but fluensulfone at 8 l/ha and 1,3-D had similar yields to the untreated control. Results suggest that nematicidal activity of fluensulfone and 1,3-D varies by target nematode with both products effective against sting nematode, ineffective against stubby-root nematodes, and inconsistent against lesion nematode. In conclusion, fluensulfone and 1,3-D are effective options for sting nematode management in Florida potato production.
First report of the cactus cyst nematode, Cactodera cacti, from a cactus garden in Idaho
Authors: Skantar Andrea M. , Handoo Zafar A. , Kantor Mihail R. , Hult Maria N. , Hafez Saad. A. 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
In April 2018, a cyst nematode was discovered from soil samples collected from a cactus garden collection in Meridian, Ada County, Idaho, USA. The cactus garden collection field reported was observed with localized areas of heavily stunted plants. Roots from affected plants displayed moderate numbers of nematode cysts. Living nematode juveniles (J2) recovered from the cysts were examined morphologically and molecularly for species identification which indicated that the specimens were Cactodera cacti. This is the first report of the cactus cyst nematode, C. cacti in Idaho.
Experimental studies on scour of supercritical flow jets in upstream of screens and modelling scouring dimensions using artificial intelligence to combine multiple models (AIMM)
Authors: Sadeghfam Sina , Daneshfaraz Rasoul , Khatibi Rahman , Minaei Omar 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Performances of screens in watercourses are investigated for dissipating energy of supercritical flows, capable of inducing scour or stabilising hydraulic jumps. Subsequent scouring pits are characterised by pit depth and pit length. Inherent processes are studied through laboratory tests by producing a set of empirical data to formulate a model of the scour for explaining subsequent processes. The experimental set-up comprises: (i) Froude number of supercritical flows (range: 3.5–8.0); (ii) particle densimetric Froude number (range: 2–10) using five granular samples; and (iii) two screen porosities (40% and 50%). Trained and tested artificial intelligence models explain the data by expressing depth and length of the pit through the following levels: Level 1: use the experimental data and test the models of: Sugeno fuzzy logic (SFL) and neuro-fuzzy (NF); and Level 2: use outputs of Level 1 models as inputs to support vector machine (SVM). The results reveal that the Level 2 model improves model performances compared with the single models with respect to R2, root mean square error (RMSE), Nash–Sutcliffe coefficient (NSC) and residual errors. While Level 1 models remain fit-for-purpose, the comparative improvement from Level 1 to Level 2 can be as high as 58% in terms of NSC for the testing phase.
A new framework for the optimal management of urban runoff with low-impact development stormwater control measures considering service-performance reduction
Authors: Mani Melika , Bozorg-Haddad Omid , Loáiciga Hugo A. 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
This paper presents a comprehensive framework for the quantitative management of urban runoff. The framework assesses the response of urban catchments to design rainfall events and identifies low-impact development (LID) stormwater control measures (SCMs) for runoff control and flood mitigation. This research's method determines the optimal areas in which to deploy SCMs to control runoff in urban catchments. The optimization method relies on a three-objective simulation-optimization model that (1) minimizes the volume of runoff at the catchment outlet and at flooding nodes, (2) minimizes the implementation and maintenance costs of LID SCMs, and (3) minimizes the service-performance reduction of LID SCMs. The storm water management model (SWMM) is applied for runoff simulation and is coupled with the multi-objective antlion optimization algorithm (MOALOA). The simulation-optimization method is exemplified with an application to District 6 of Tehran's municipality (Iran). The performance of the simulation-optimization method is compared with that of the multi-objective non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGAII), and, after confirming the superior capacity of the MOALOA, the latter algorithm is applied to District 6 of Tehran municipality, Iran. The identified optimal LID SCMs are ranked with the technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) method that reveals the preferences of the runoff managers concerning SCMs choices. The most desirable solution herein found shows the optimal LID SCMs provide a significant reduction in runoff volume at the catchment outlet and flooding nodes.
Harmful algal bloom and associated health risks among users of Lake Victoria freshwater: Ukerewe Island, Tanzania
Authors: Mchau Geofrey J. , Makule Edna , Machunda Revocatus , Gong Yun Yun , Kimanya Martin 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
There is a global concern regarding the occurrences of harmful algal blooms (HABs) and their effects on human health. Lake Victoria (LV) has been reported to face eutrophication challenges, resulting in an increase of bloom-forming cyanobacteria. This study is aimed at understanding the association of HABs and health risks at Ukerewe Island. A cross-sectional study conducted on 432 study subjects and water samples for cyanobacteria species identification were collected at LV shores. The results reveal that concentrations of cyanobacteria cells are beyond (WHO) acceptable limits; species of Microcystis aeruginosa range from 90,361.63 to 3,032.031.65 cells/mL and Anabaena spp. range from 13,310.00 to 4,814,702 cells/mL. Water usage indicates that 31% use lake water, 53% well water and 16% treated supplied pipe water. Vomiting and throat irritation was highly reported by lake water users as compared to wells and pipe water (P &lt; 0.001). Gastrointestinal illness (GI) was significantly elevated among lake water users as compared to pipe and well water users (P &lt; 0.001). Visible blooms in lake water were associated with GI, skin irritation and vomiting as compared to water without visible blooms (P &lt; 0.001). The concentration of cyanobacteria blooms poses greater risks when water is used without treatment.
Removal of an anionic azo dye direct black 19 from water using white mustard seed (Semen sinapis) protein as a natural coagulant
Authors: Tie Jingxi , Zheng Zhihong , Li Guoting , Geng NanNan , Chang Ganfang , Yu Lu , Ji Yifan , Shi Ling , Chang Yangyang , Hu Leilei 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
In this study, standard jar tests were conducted using white mustard seed protein (WMSP) as a natural coagulant to remove direct black 19 (DB-19) from its aqueous solution. Comparative coagulation tests were performed using commercial polyaluminum chloride (PAC). The results showed that DB-19 removal by WMSP increased with increasing settling time and reached the maximum removal at 180 min. The DB-19 removal descended from 98.4 to 46.2% as pH increased from 4 to 10. The most effective temperature for DB-19 removal was 25 °C. The removal of DB-19 was weakened by the presence of Na2S2O4. Overall, WMSP was more efficient than PAC for DB-19 removal in all experiments except at pH 4 and 5. The mechanism of the removal of DB-19 by WMSP could be attributed to adsorption and charge neutralization processes.
COMO SE FAZ UM NEOCLÁSSICO NA SOCIOLOGIA
Authors: Freitas Carlos 
Published: July 2019

Na teoria sociológica contemporânea, com frequência, a oposição entre universalismo e particularismo reaparece como uma questão de difícil resolução científica. Além da preocupação em se entender as condições de gênese dos valores, também se coloca a questão das condições objetivas de universalizaçãode determinados valores particulares. Em que medida os agentes sociais se guiam por critérios valorativos particularistas ou universalistas e sob quais condições, posições morais particulares podem se universalizar? Como se sabe, essa preocupação com a generalização dos valores recebeu na sociologia de Talcott Parsons o estatuto de problemática sociológica e foi explorada pelo sociólogo estadunidense ao longo de sua obra. Convém assinalar sua aplicação ao estudo dos quatro imperativos funcionais dos sistemas sociais. No entanto, recentemente, a problemática da generalização de valores vem recebendo diferentes atualizações teóricas em obras de nomes contemporâneos da sociologia. Em Habermas, a generalização dos valores é situada dentro de sua discussão sobre o processo de “linguistificação do sagrado”. Por conseguinte, em Hans Joas, reaparece vinculada ao tema da “comunicação referente a valores”. Não obstante, os dois sociólogos alemães convergem nos esforços de extrair o conceito de generalização de valores da moldura funcionalista onipresente na sociologia parsoniana. Mas a partir de estratégias diferenciadas. Neste ensaio, interessa-me examinar em particular o modo como Joas atualiza o conceito parsoniano de generalização de valores. E, na sequência, argumentar em defesa da atualidade de Parsons como um neoclássico das ciências sociais.
Palavras-chave: Sociológica Contemporânea. Neoclássico. Talcott Parsons. Generalização de valores.
"NÃO BATI NELA, BATI NO ATREVIMENTO DELA"
Authors: Morais Andressa 
Published: July 2019

A Lei Maria da Penha207 entrou em vigor em setembro de 2006 a fim de punir os atos de violência praticados contra as mulheres. Maria da Penha é uma mulher real de 74 anos, cearense, farmacêutica e bioquímica, que deu nome à Lei nº 11.340/2006 por ter sido vítima de violência doméstica praticada por seu ex-marido durante 23 anos. Em 1983 sofreu duas tentativas de assassinato, a primeira através de um tiro com arma de fogo que deixou Maria da Penha paraplégica. Na segunda tentativa, o marido de Maria tentou eletrocutá-la e afogá-la. Em decorrência disto Maria decide denunciá-lo, no entanto a punição para tais atos de violência contra a mulher só ocorreu após 19 anos. Este ano a Lei Maria da Penha completará 13 anos, mas histórias como a de Maria de Penha continuam se reproduzindo. Essas e outras questões serão discutidas na entrevista com Érica Canuto, Promotora de Justiça do Ministério Público do estado do Rio Grande do Norte.
Highly Significant Scaffolds to Design and Synthesis Cholinesterase Inhibitors as Anti-Alzheimer Agents
Authors: Pourshojaei Yaghoub , Eskandari Khalil , Asadipour Ali 
Published: July 2019

:Alzheimer, a progressive disease, is a common term for memory loss which interferes with daily life through severe influence on cognitive abilities. Based on the cholinergic hypothesis, and Xray crystallographic determination of the structure of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme, the level of acetylcholine (ACh, an important neurotransmitter associated with memory) in the hippocampus and cortex area of the brain has a direct effect on Alzheimer. This fact encourages scientists to design and synthesize a wide range of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) to control the level of ACh in the brain, keeping in view the crystallographic structure of AChE enzyme and drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).:AChEIs have slightly diverse pharmacological properties, but all of them work by inhibiting the segregation of ACh by blocking AChE. We reviewed significant scaffolds introduced as AChEIs. In some studies, the activity against butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) has been evaluated as well because BuChE is a similar enzyme to neuronal acetylcholinesterase and is capable of hydrolyzing ACh. In order to study AChEIs effectively, we divided them structurally into 12 classes and briefly explained effective AChEIs and compared their activities against AChE enzyme.
Study of Serum Soluble Programmed Death Ligand 1 as a Prognostic Factor in Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Egyptian Patients
Authors: El-Gebaly Fatma , Abou-saif Sabry , Elkadeem Mahmoud , Helmy Amal , Abd-Elsalam Sherief , Yousef Mohamed , Elkhouly Reham Abdelkader , Amer Ibrahim Fathi , El-Demerdash Taher 
Published: July 2019

Background:
The expression of programmed cell death ligands on tumor cells has a role
in the suppression of antitumor immunity, resulting in tumor immune evasion.

Objective:
In this study, we evaluated the prognostic value of the soluble form of programmed
death-ligand1 (sPD-L1) in Egyptian hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients.

Methods:
This prospective cohort study was performed between November 2016 to November 2018
on 85 individuals (25 HCC patients, 25 HCC with vascular invasion and/or extrahepatic metastasis,
25 patients with liver cirrhosis, 10 healthy controls). The levels of sPD-L1 were determined in all
subjects and compared in different groups and stages of cirrhosis and HCC. The association between
sPD-L1 levels and overall survival (OS) was assessed.

Results:
Significant statistical difference in sPD-L1 was detected between different study groups.
The cut-off value for normal sPD-L1 was defined by high sPD-L1 levels determined in a healthy
control cohort. It was 2.522 ng/ml. In HCC patients, cut-off value was 7.42 ng/ml (sensitivity 88%,
specificity 100%). In HCC with vascular invasion or metastasis, cut–off value was 9.62 ng/ml (sensitivity
88%, specificity 88%). Patients with high serum sPD-L1 or serum bilirubin concentrations
had an increased risk of mortality.

Conclusion:
High sPD-L1 level could be a possible prognostic indicator for a poor outcome in liver
cirrhosis and HCC patients. The predictive value of sPD-L1 levels for a successful anti- PD1/PD-L1
therapy should be investigated in the future.
Scabies: A Neglected Global Disease
Authors: Leung Alexander K.C. , Lam Joseph M. , Leong Kin F. 
Published: July 2019

Background:Scabies is a skin disease caused by an obligate human parasite mite Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis. Children under the age of two and elderly individuals are at the greatest risk. Knowledge of this condition is important for an early diagnosis to be made and treatment to be initiated.Objective:The review aimed to familiarize physicians with the clinical manifestations, diagnosis, evaluation, and management of scabies.Methods:A search was conducted using Pubmed with the built-in "Clinical Queries" tool. The search term "Scabies" was used. The categories of "epidemiology", "diagnosis", "therapy", "prevention" and "prognosis" had a limited scope for primary clinical studies. Meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, clinical trials, observational studies, and reviews were included. Only papers published in the English language were included. A descriptive, narrative synthesis was provided of the retrieved articles.Results:Worldwide, scabies affects 200 to 300 million individuals annually. The average prevalence is estimated to be 5 to 10% in children of developing countries. Transmission usually occurs after close prolonged skin-to-skin contact. Classic scabies is characterized by an erythematous papular eruption, serpiginous burrows, and intense pruritus. Sites of predilection include the webs of the fingers, volar wrists, lateral aspects of fingers, extensor surfaces of elbows and knees, waist, navel, abdomen, buttocks, groins, and, genitals. A clinical diagnosis of classic scabies can be made on the basis of the history and clinical findings. Other clinical variants include crusted scabies, nodular scabies, and bullous scabies. Finding the mite, ova, or fecal pellets on microscopic examination of scrapings taken from skin lesions confirms the diagnosis of scabies infestation. For eradication of scabies mites, the drugs of choice are topical permethrin and oral ivermectin.Conclusion:Scabies is a highly contagious parasitic cutaneous disease that is stigmatising and debilitating. Increased awareness, accurate diagnosis, and prompt treatment are essential for the effective control of scabies and for the prevention of the spread of the disease.
Transthyretin Cardiac Amyloidosis and Aortic Stenosis: Connection and Therapeutic Implications
Authors: Penalver Jorge , Ambrosino Maxwell , Jeon Hee D. , Agrawal Akanksha , Kanjanahattakij Napatt , Pitteloud Marie , Stempel Jessica , Amanullah Aman 
Published: July 2019

Background:
There is a growing interest in the observed significant incidence of
transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis in elderly patients with aortic stenosis. Approximately, 16% of
patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing aortic valve replacement have transthyretin cardiac
amyloidosis. Outcomes after aortic valve replacement appear to be worst in patients with concomitant
transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis.

Method:
Publications in PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases were systematically
searched from January 2012 to September 2018 using the keywords transthyretin, amyloidosis, and
aortic stenosis. All studies published in English that reported the prevalence, association and outcomes
of transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis in patients with aortic stenosis undergoing were included.

Results/Conclusion:
The relationship between aortic stenosis and transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis
is not well understood. A few studies have proven successful surgical management when both
conditions coexist. This systematic review suggests that transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis is
common in elderly patients with aortic stenosis and tend to have high mortality rates after AVR.
The significant incidence of the two diseases occurring simultaneously warrants further
investigation to improve management strategies in the future.