bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimized strategy for real-time qPCR detection of Onchocerca volvulus DNA in pooled Simulium sp. blackfly vectors
Authors: Doherty Mary , Grant Jessica R. , Pilotte Nils , Bennuru Sasisekhar , Fischer Kerstin , Fischer Peter U. , Lustigman Sara , Nutman Thomas B. , Pfarr Kenneth , Hoerauf Achim , Unnasch Thomas R. , Hassan Hassan K. , Wanji Samuel , Lammie Patrick J. , Ottesen Eric , Mackenzie Charles , Williams Steven A. 
Published: December 2023

Background
Onchocerca volvulus is a filarial parasite that is a major cause of dermatitis and blindness in endemic regions primarily in sub-Saharan Africa. Widespread efforts to control the disease caused by O. volvulus infection (onchocerciasis) began in 1974 and in recent years, following successful elimination of transmission in much of the Americas, the focus of efforts in Africa has moved from control to the more challenging goal of elimination of transmission in all endemic countries. Mass drug administration (MDA) with ivermectin has reached more than 150 million people and elimination of transmission has been confirmed in four South American countries, with at least two African countries having now stopped MDA as they approach verification of elimination. It is essential that accurate data for active transmission are used to assist in making the critical decision to stop MDA, since missing low levels of transmission and infection can lead to continued spread or recrudescence of the disease.

Methodology/Principal findings
Current World Health Organization guidelines for MDA stopping decisions and post-treatment surveillance include screening pools of the Simulium blackfly vector for the presence of O. volvulus larvae using a PCR-ELISA-based molecular technique. In this study, we address the potential of an updated, practical, standardized molecular diagnostic tool with increased sensitivity and species-specificity by comparing several candidate qPCR assays. When paired with heat-stable reagents, a qPCR assay with a mitochondrial DNA target (OvND5) was found to be more sensitive and species-specific than an O150 qPCR, which targets a non-protein coding repetitive DNA sequence. The OvND5 assay detected 19/20 pools of 100 blackfly heads spiked with a single L3, compared to 16/20 for the O150 qPCR assay.

Conclusions/Significance
Given the improved sensitivity, species-specificity and resistance to PCR inhibitors, we identified OvND5 as the optimal target for field sample detection. All reagents for this assay can be shipped at room temperature with no loss of activity. The qPCR protocol we propose is also simpler, faster, and more cost-effective than the current end-point molecular assays.
A qualitative exploration of the health system responses to the screening and management of comorbid mental illness and chronic physical illness in Jamaica
Authors: Whitehorne-Smith Patrice , Martin Robyn , Oshi Daniel , Abel Wendel , Milbourn Ben , Smith Kristen , Burns Sharyn 
Published: December 2023

Background
People with comorbid mental illness (MI) and chronic physical illness (CPI) face a range of health and quality of life challenges. The appropriate screening and management of comorbid MI and CPI are crucial to improving outcomes for this population. Despite this, there is a dearth of research exploring the health system response to the screening and management of patients with these comorbidities in public primary care settings, in several jurisdictions including Jamaica. This study explored and described the attitudes, perspectives, experiences, and practices of policymakers, primary care physicians, psychiatrists, and mental health nurses regarding screening and management of comorbid MI and CPI.

Method
Twenty-nine participants representing policymakers, primary care physicians, psychiatrists, and mental health nurses took part in semi-structured interviews. Data was collected over the period April to November 2020 and subject to thematic analysis.

Results
Three overarching themes emerged from the data related to: 1) Policies and Protocols; 2) Clinical Practice; and 3) Personnel. The interplay of these themes illustrated fragmentation and gaps between national policies and guidelines and clinical practice. The findings also identified factors related to personnel, including barriers that limit clinicians’ abilities to adequately screen and manage this patient population.

Conclusion
There is a need for the continued development and revision of policies and protocols that support integrated care for patients with comorbid MI and CPI in primary care settings in Jamaica. Additionally, programs and strategies to improve clinicans knowledge, skills and access to resources are necessary to help them offer improved quality of care around screening and management for this patient population.
Association between kidney measurements and cognitive performance in patients with ischemic stroke
Authors: Zhang Chunyan , Xue Guofang , Hou Yanjuan , Meng Pengfei , Gao Huizhong , Bai Bo , Li Dongfang 
Published: December 2023

Background
Individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at a substantially higher risk for stroke, which may predispose individuals to cognitive impairment. However, the association of low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and albuminuria with poorer cognitive performance in patients with stroke is not fully understood, and the current evidence for this association is contradictory. Our aim was to retrospectively investigate whether low eGFR and albuminuria, as indicated by the urine albumin-creatinine ratio (UACR), are independently or jointly associated with worse cognitive performance in patients with ischemic stroke.

Methods
This retrospective study included 608 patients with acute ischemic stroke. Their UACR and eGFR values were obtained from inpatient medical records. Global cognitive function was assessed with the mini-mental state exam (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) one month after hospital discharge. The relationship between renal measures and cognitive performance was assessed using univariate and multiple linear regression analyses. Potential confounders included age, gender, BMI, education, diabetes and hypertension history, NIHSS score, smoking and alcohol consumption status, serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, fasting glucose, uric acid, homocysteine, systolic blood pressure, and either eGFR or UACR.

Results
Patients had an average age of 66.6±4.1 years, and 48% were females. Average eGFR and UACR were 88.4±12.9 ml/min/1.73m2 and 83.6±314.2 mg/g, respectively. The number of patients with eGFR ≥90, 60–89, and <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 was 371 (61%), 207 (34%), and 30 (5%), respectively, and the percentage of patients with UACR <30 mg/g, 30–300 mg/g, and >300 mg/g was 56%, 39%, and 5%, respectively. Multivariate adjusted models showed that eGFR was independently associated with MMSE (β = -0.4; 95% CI = -0.5,-0.4; p <0.001) and MoCA (β = -0.6; 95% CI = -0.7,-0.5; p <0.001). However, UACR was not significantly correlated with MMSE or MoCA.

Conclusion
In patients with ischemic stroke, reduced eGFR but not albuminuria was associated with lower cognitive performance. These results show that the eGFR decline could be an effective indicator of cognitive impairment after a stroke. Therefore, regular monitoring and early detection of mild renal dysfunction in patients with acute ischemic stroke might be needed.
Phytic acid effect on periodontal ligament fibroblast: An in-vitro study
Authors: Aryal A. C. Smriti , Nassar Mohannad , Rani K. G. Aghila , Al-Rawi Ahmed M. , Nassar Rania , Islam Md. Sofiqul 
Published: December 2023

Objectives
This study evaluated phytic acid (IP6) effect on the viability, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and calcium release of human periodontal ligament (HPDL) cells in optimal (OGL) and elevated glucose level (EGL) in cell culture media.

Materials and methods
Cells were seeded in OGL (1000mg/L) or EGL (4500 mg/L) media. IP6 was added at 0.005%, 0.01% or 0.02% concentrations for 24 or 48h, and XTT assay was performed. Cell differentiation and calcium release in presence of 0.02% IP6 in OGL or EGL in non-osteogenic or osteogenic media were analyzed using ALP assay and alizarin red staining, respectively.

Results
In OGL, IP6 enhanced the viability of the cells at both exposure times (P<0.05). However, IP6 lowered the viability of the cells with the presence of EGL compared to the control at both exposure times, except for 0.02% IP6 which showed comparable viability to the control at 48 h. In OGL and EGL, ALP activity of the cells was not affected by the presence of IP6 in non-osteogenic media; however, in osteogenic media IP6 lowered the ALP activity. Meanwhile, calcium release was the highest with IP6 within osteogenic media of EGL.

Conclusions
IP6 effects on the HPDL cells were dependent on IP6 concentration, time of exposure, glucose levels and the osteogenic condition of the media.

Clinical relevance
This study gives insights on the potential therapeutic effect of IP6 as adjunctive periodontal therapy in patients with diabetes.
The impact of estimation methods for alcohol-attributable mortality on long-term trends for the general population and by educational level in Finland and Italy (Turin)
Authors: Van Hemelrijck Wanda Monika Johanna , Martikainen Pekka , Zengarini Nicolás , Costa Giuseppe , Janssen Fanny 
Published: December 2023

Background and aims
This paper assesses the impact of estimation methods for general and education-specific trends in alcohol-attributable mortality (AAM), and develops an alternative method that can be used when the data available for study is limited.

Methods
We calculated yearly adult (30+) age-standardised and age-specific AAM rates by sex for the general population and by educational level (low, middle, high) in Finland and Turin (Italy) from 1972 to 2017. Furthermore the slope index of inequality and relative inequality index were computed by country and sex. We compared trends, levels, age distributions, and educational inequalities in AAM according to three existing estimation methods: (1) Underlying COD (UCOD), (2) Multiple COD (MCOD) method, and (3) the population attributable fractions (PAF)-method. An alternative method is developed based on the pros and cons of these methods and the outcomes of the comparison.

Results
The UCOD and MCOD approaches revealed mainly increasing trends in AAM compared to the declining trends according to the PAF approach. These differences are more pronounced when examining AAM trends by educational groups, particularly for Finnish men. Until age 65, age patterns are similar for all methods, and levels nearly identical for MCOD and PAF in Finland. Our novel method assumes a similar trend and age pattern as observed in UCOD, but adjusts its level upwards so that it matches the level of the PAF approach for ages 30–64. Our new method yields levels in-between UCOD and PAF for Turin (Italy), and resembles the MCOD rates in Finland for females. Relative inequalities deviate for the PAF-method (lower levels) compared to other methods, whereas absolute inequalities are generally lower for UCOD than all three methods that combine wholly and partly AAM.

Conclusions
The choice of method to estimate AAM affects not only levels, but also general and education-specific trends and inequalities. Our newly developed method constitutes a better alternative for multiple-country studies by educational level than the currently used UCOD-method when the data available for study is limited to underlying causes of death.
Legado freireano e educação popular
Authors: Sousa Fabiana Rodrigues de , Magdalena Rafael Augusto Valentim da Cruz 
Published: December 2023

Neste ensaio, são tecidas considerações acerca do processo de democratização da educação superior, na interface com os ataques perpetrados contra a obra e pensamento de Paulo Freire e com os saberes gestados no movimento político de afirmação e visibilidade de seu legado. Para tanto, realizou-se um levantamento bibliográfico da produção de pesquisadoras e pesquisadores ligados ao GT6 de Educação Popular da ANPEd. Como resultados, observou-se que os ataques realizados a obra e memória do educador Paulo Freire intencionam barrar o processo de democratização da educação superior. A análise da produção bibliográfica no campo da Educação Popular desvela que a concretização do direito à educação superior requer a assunção do compromisso da universidade com as demandas populares, implicando uma formação política de educadoras/es, bem como a consolidação de práticas educativas pautadas na dialogicidade, na unidade na diversidade e na problematização das realidades e dos saberes de experiência dos sujeitos envolvidos nos processos de aprender-e-ensinar.
Extração de Corpo Hídrico Usando uma Cena Sentinel-1 e Redes Neurais Artificiais: Estudo de Caso – Barragem de Carpina-PE
Authors: Silva Júnior Juarez Antonio da , Silva Junior Ubiratan Joaquim Da 
Published: December 2023

A água de superfície é o recurso e fator ambiental mais importante para manter a sobrevivência humana e a estabilidade dos ecossistemas, portanto, informações precisas e oportunas sobre águas superficiais são urgentemente necessárias. Neste estudo foi proposto uma abordagem de classificação de imagens por Redes Neurais Artificiais para o mapeamento da extensão da água de superfície da Barragem de Carpina-PE usando dados (SAR) do satélite Sentinel-1, bem como suas polarizações (VH e VV) e os índices polarimétricos de água gerados (SDWI e SWI). Todos os conjuntos de dados apresentaram limitações na detecção de pequenos corpos hídricos, como rios estreitos, e superestimação em áreas de pastagem, gerando erros de comissão variando de 16,5 % a 28,9% e erros de omissão variando entre 1,47% e 3,5%, com destaque para as polarizações VH e VV. A precisão geral da classificação variou de 96% a 98% e valores de R² chegaram próximo de 1, onde o melhor desempenho foi visto para o SDWI e o SWI. Os experimentos comparativos indicaram que, as polarizações unitárias de radar com índices polarimétricos de água, foram úteis para melhorar a precisão da extração de corpos hídricos em locais com muitas nuvens, sem variações significativas, além de fornecer informações detalhadas, com potencial de monitoramento contínuo.
Modelagem da dependência do consumo de coagulante dos parâmetros brutos da água: ajuste de um modelo de regressão linear
Authors: Jann Leite Bruna , Kehrwald Zimmermann Nilo Eduardo , Duarte Ferreira Vera Lúcia , Dias Fernando Luis 
Published: December 2023

O crescimento da demanda por água potável vem aumentando gradativamente e consequentemente a necessidade de melhorias no tratamento também. Um dos fatores determinantes da qualidade da água potável, tanto no ponto de vista de saúde quanto no ambiental, é a quantidade de coagulante utilizada no processo de tratamento da água, visto que a dosagem pode variar de acordo com características físico-químicas da água bruta. Neste sentido, este trabalho apresenta o desenvolvimento inicial de um modelo capaz de predizer quantidades de coagulante para um determinado volume de água bruta, contemplando como variáveis independentes características específicas da água. Adotou-se como estratégia metodológica a análise de regressão linear múltipla realizada via software R em três etapas principais: coleta e separação dos dados, modelagem e validação do modelo. Os dados foram disponibilizados pela empresa CORSAN/RS, com recorte temporal do ano de 2015 a 2019 correspondentes a duas cidades. Os resultados mostraram a existência de uma relação estatisticamente considerável entre a variável dependente, consumo do coagulante (sulfato de alumínio) e as variáveis independentes (turbidez, cor, alcalinidade, matéria orgânica e volume aduzido). O valor de R² ajustado de 0,95 indica que modelo de predição está estatisticamente satisfatório. Ou seja, as facilidades de ajuste aliadas ao bom desempenho dos fenômenos estudados mostra que o modelo apresentado inicialmente pode ser aplicado para melhorar os processos de tratamento de água em estações de porte e processos similar.
On crescent-shaped objects of the early Bronze Age in southern Siberia and the surrounding areas
Authors: Wang Peng 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Crescent-shaped objects are a special type of artifact commonly found among early Bronze Age archaeological cultures in southern Siberia and the surrounding areas. Based on typology, burial context, and accompanying assemblages, in addition to related iconographic evidence, this study shows that these crescent-shaped objects, in the form of single or double birds, were religious representations once suspended from sacred attire. Crescent-shaped objects in southern Siberia and the surrounding areas might have originated in the Baikal region during the first half of the third millennium BCE, and likely began to influence regions of northern China toward the end of the third or the beginning of the second millennium BCE.
Research on the pottery decorations and manufacturing techniques of the Houtaomuga Phase I culture
Authors: Li Penghui , Wang Lixin 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The Houtaomuga Phase I culture represents the earliest Neolithic remains found in Northeast China heretofore, thus filling an over 10,000-year gap in early pottery distribution. Pottery decorations and manufacturing techniques from this culture are unique. The pattern application methods seen are stamping, rolling, and incising. The emergence of flat-bottomed pottery and coiling techniques serves as a prelude to the later ceramic tradition of cylindrical jars with flat bottoms. Comb-teeth decorations along with plant fiber temper indicate similarity with pottery remains in Eastern Siberia and the Russian Far East.
A comprehensive approach of evolving electric vehicles (EVs) to attribute “green self-generation” – a review
Authors: De Debalina , Das Uttara , Nandi Champa 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The population growing faster than before, and availability of transportation options is increasing. Automobiles require combustion engines, which require fuel obtained from underground storage. This underground fuel storage is limited and depleting day-by-day. Many nations have set deadlines up to 2040 to stop producing automobiles that run on underground fuels. Researchers have concentrated on alternative modes of fuel for transportation. The world’s largest Sedan marketplaces will transition to all-electric vehicles by 2035, providing a glimpse of greener future other than a significant financial prospect. Not only Sedan, the entire world is focussing on only green electric vehicles to maintain sustainability. However, electric vehicle charging stations are operated by using many conventional resources. Therefore, this paper aims to show how self-charging electric vehicles can help to reduce emissions caused by the direct use of conventional resources in charging stations along with the up-to-date status quo of the EV market. The key descriptions of electric vehicles on top of the battery’s type which is randomly used in EVs, how the batteries are proficient in preserving and supplying power continuity itself in vehicles are talked about. Finally, the paper is consulting about charging-discharging system of electric vehicles to make the environment cleaner.
Climate Change, Compensation and Unpredictable or Uninsurable Loss: A Possible Path Forward Using Compensation Funds
Authors: Watts Kim , Vansweevelt Thierry , Weyts Britt 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Climate change has created existential challenges for current models of natural hazard insurance, and it may be difficult going forward for these models to consistently, fairly and coherently manage the compensation challenges associated with climate change impacts in Europe. This paper analyses the application of a comprehensive no-fault compensation fund framework to the problem of presently uninsured and technically uninsurable losses that are currently inadequately covered by other compensation mechanisms, and for which compensation may be difficult to recover using tort law mechanisms. The proposed structure includes consideration of the purpose and form of the fund, eligibility and categories of loss covered, quantum of compensation, and funding sources. There is also a preliminary consideration of the impact of such a fund on questions of liability. The proposed model illustrates potential ways for a compensation fund to support and complement existing compensation structures such as insurance and civil liability, and provide the necessary stabilisation in European society. Further legal research in this area will require qualitative and quantitative empirical data on how existing compensation frameworks (including innovative insurance instruments like parametric insurance) have so far positively and negatively impacted the ability of victims of climate change to prepare for and recover from loss incidents, in comparison with tort law and existing insurance.
The association between obesity and the success of trial of labor after cesarean delivery (TOLAC) in women with past vaginal delivery
Authors: Shalabna Eiman , Kedar Reuven , Assaf Wisam , Nahshon Chen , Kugelman Nir , Lavie Ofer , Sagi-Dain Lena 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Objectives
To evaluate the effect of overweight (body mass index; BMI 25.0–29.9 kg/m2), and obesity (BMI>30 kg/m2), on the success of trial of labor after cesarean delivery (TOLAC), with consideration of successful past vaginal birth.

Methods
This retrospective cohort study was performed using electronic database of obstetrics department at a university-affiliated tertiary medical center. All women admitted for TOLAC at 37–42 weeks of gestational age, carrying a singleton live fetus at cephalic presentation, with a single previous low segment transverse cesarean delivery between 1/2015 and 5/2021 were included. Primary outcome was the rate of cesarean delivery during labor, and subgroup analysis was performed for the presence of past vaginal birth.

Results
Of the 1200 TOLAC deliveries meeting the inclusion criteria, 61.9 % had BMI in the normal range, 24.6 % were overweight (BMI 25.0–29.9 kg/m2), and 13.4 % were obese (BMI of 30 kg/m2 and over). Using a multivariate analysis, BMI≥30 kg/m2 was associated with increased risk of cesarean delivery compared to normal weight. However, in the subgroup of 292 women with a history of successful vaginal birth BMI did not affect TOLAC success.

Conclusions
BMI does not affect the success of TOLAC in women with previous vaginal birth. This information should be considered during patients counselling, in order to achieve a better selection of mode of delivery and higher patients’ satisfaction.
Approximate solvability method for nonlocal impulsive evolution equation
Authors: Ma Weifeng , Li Yongxiang 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
In this article, without assuming the compactness of semigroup, we deal with the existence and uniqueness of a mild solution for semilinear impulsive evolution equation with nonlocal condition in a reflexive Banach space by applying the approximate solvability method and Yosida approximations of the infinitesimal generator of C
0-semigroup.