bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Global prevalence of Ascaris infection in humans (2010–2021): a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Holland Celia , Sepidarkish Mahdi , Deslyper Gwendoline , Abdollahi Ali , Valizadeh Soghra , Mollalo Abolfazl , Mahjour Sanaz , Ghodsian Sahar , Ardekani Ali , Behniafar Hamed , Gasser Robin B. , Rostami Ali 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background
Ascariasis is one of the most important neglected tropical diseases of humans worldwide. The epidemiology of Ascaris infection appears to have changed with improvements in sanitation and mass drug administration, but there is no recent information on prevalence worldwide. Here, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the global prevalence of human Ascaris infection from 2010 to 2021.

Methods
We searched MEDLINE/PubMed, and Scopus databases for studies measuring prevalence of Ascaris infection, published between 1 January 2010 and 1 January 2022. We included studies of the general human population in endemic regions, which used accepted coprodiagnostic methods, and excluded studies of people with occupations with an increased risk or probability of ascariasis and/or specific diseases other than ascariasis. We applied random-effects models to obtain pooled prevalence estimates for six sustainable development goal regions of the world. We extrapolated the prevalence estimates to the global population in 2020, to estimate the number of individuals with Ascaris infection. We conducted multiple subgroup and meta-regression analyses to explore possible sources of heterogeneity, and to assess relationships between prevalence estimates and demographic, socio-economic, geo-climatic factors.

Results
Of 11,245 studies screened, we analysed 758 prevalence estimates for a total number of 4,923,876 participants in 616 studies from 81 countries. The global prevalence estimated was 11.01% (95% confidence interval: 10.27–11.78%), with regional prevalences ranging from 28.77% (7.07–57.66%) in Melanesia (Oceania) to 1.39% (1.07–1.74%) in Eastern Asia. We estimated that ~ 732 (682–782) million people harboured Ascaris worldwide in 2021. The infected people in Latin America and the Caribbean region had a higher prevalence of high intensity infection (8.4%, 3.9–14.1%). Prevalence estimates were higher in children, and people in rural communities or in countries or regions with lower income and human development indices. There was a trend for a higher prevalence in regions with increasing mean annual relative humidity, precipitation and environmental temperature.

Conclusions
Our findings indicate that, despite a renewed commitment by some communities or authorities to control ascariasis, a substantial portion of the world’s human population (> 0.7 billion) is infected with Ascaris. Despite the clinical and socioeconomic importance of ascariasis, many past routine surveys did not assess the intensity of Ascaris infection in people. We propose that the present findings might stimulate the development of customised strategies for the improved control and prevention of Ascaris infection worldwide.
Effect of vaccination against Covid-19 one year after its introduction in Brazil
Authors: Percio Jadher , Cabral Cibelle Mendes , Fantinato Francieli Fontana Sutile Tardetti , de Assis Dalva Maria , Guzmán-Barrera Lely Stella , de Araújo Wildo Navegantes 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background
Worldwide, several efforts have been made to develop, distribute and administer safe and effective vaccines to reduce morbidity and mortality and control the Covid-19 pandemic. This study aimed to analyze the effect of vaccination against Covid-19, one year after its introduction in Brazil.

Methods
An ecological study that analyzed the general effect of vaccination against Covid-19 on disease morbidity and mortality indicators among the Brazilian population aged 18 years or older per epidemiological week (EW), comparing the pre and postvaccination period. Morbidity and mortality indicators were calculated from secondary databases (hospitalization rate, severity, case fatality rate and mortality) and vaccination coverage by age groups (18 to 59 years and 60 years or older). Morbimortality trends were estimated using the JoinPoint model and their association with vaccine coverage using the Poisson model.

Results
The average weekly percentage change (AWPC) of morbidity and mortality indicators reduced after the introduction of Covid-19 vaccination: hospitalization rate (from 15.3% to -6.0%), severity (from 0.4% to -0.2%), case fatality rate (from 0.3% to -0.2%) and mortality (from 20.5% to -4.3%). The following indicators were inversely associated with the increase in vaccine coverage against Covid-19: hospitalization (IRR: 0.974), mortality (IRR: 0.975) and lethality for people aged 60 years or older (IRR: 0.997).

Conclusions
In spite of the three epidemic waves and the circulation of variants of concern, the general effect of vaccination against Covid-19 in reducing the trend of morbidity and mortality from the disease in Brazil was demonstrated. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the mass vaccination program against Covid-19 and may inform future public health policies.
Attitudes towards mental health problems in a sample of United Arab Emirates’ residents
Authors: Andrade Gabriel , Bedewy Dalia , Elamin Ahmed Banibella Abdelmagid , Abdelmonem Khadiga Yasser Abdelraouf , Teir Hajar Jamal , Alqaderi Nour 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background
Mental health issues are still stigmatized in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), possibly due to cultural reasons. This implies that some mental health conditions (most notably depression and anxiety) are not properly treated, due to resistance to seek help. It is therefore important to assess attitudes towards mental health in the UAE and their possible association with other variables.

Results
In this study with 201 participants, attitudes towards mental health were assessed. Results came out showing no association with gender, nationality, age, or emirate of residency. A correlation was found with traditional family values, and in turn, this adherence varied across genders, with males having higher levels.

Conclusions
Mental health issues in the United Arab Emirates are still stigmatized, although some improvement is evident. Given that stronger values predict more negative attitudes towards mental health problem, it is recommended authorities in the United Arab Emirates attempt some cultural progressive reforms in order to remove the stigma from mental health problems.
Three-Year Update of Tisagenlecleucel in Pediatric and Young Adult Patients With Relapsed/Refractory Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in the ELIANA Trial
Authors: Laetsch Theodore W. , Maude Shannon L. , Rives Susana , Hiramatsu Hidefumi , Bittencourt Henrique , Bader Peter , Baruchel André , Boyer Michael , De Moerloose Barbara , Qayed Muna , Buechner Jochen , Pulsipher Michael A. , Myers Gary Douglas , Stefanski Heather E. , Martin Paul L. , Nemecek Eneida , Peters Christina , Yanik Gregory , Khaw Seong Lin , Davis Kara L. , Krueger Joerg , Balduzzi Adriana , Boissel Nicolas , Tiwari Ranjan , O'Donovan Darragh , Grupp Stephan A. 
Published: November 2022

Clinical trials frequently include multiple end points that mature at different times. The initial report, typically based on the primary end point, may be published when key planned co-primary or secondary analyses are not yet available. Clinical Trial Updates provide an opportunity to disseminate additional results from studies, published in JCO or elsewhere, for which the primary end point has already been reported. In the primary analysis of the global phase II ELIANA trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02435849 ), tisagenlecleucel provided an overall remission rate of 81% in pediatric and young adult patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (R/R B-ALL), with 59% of responders remaining relapse-free at 12 months. Here, we report an update on efficacy, safety, and patient-reported quality of life in 79 pediatric and young adult patients with R/R B-ALL following a median follow-up of 38.8 months. The overall remission rate was 82%. The median event-free survival was 24 months, and the median overall survival was not reached. Event-free survival was 44% (95% CI, 31 to 57) and overall survival was 63% (95% CI, 51 to 73) at 3 years overall (most events occur within the first 2 years). The estimated 3-year relapse-free survival with and without censoring for subsequent therapy was 52% (95% CI, 37 to 66) and 48% (95% CI, 34 to 60), respectively. No new or unexpected long-term adverse events were reported. Grade 3/4 adverse events were reported in 29% of patients > 1 year after infusion; grade 3/4 infection rate did not increase > 1 year after infusion. Patients reported improvements in quality of life up to 36 months after infusion. These findings demonstrate favorable long-term safety and suggest tisagenlecleucel as a curative treatment option for heavily pretreated pediatric and young adult patients with R/R B-ALL.
Shorter Radiation Regimens and Treatment Noncompletion Among Patients With Breast and Prostate Cancer in the United States: An Analysis of Racial Disparities in Access and Quality
Authors: Dee Edward Christopher , Taunk Neil K. , Chino Fumiko L. , Deville Curtiland , McClelland Shearwood , Muralidhar Vinayak , McBride Sean N. , Gillespie Erin F. , Yamoah Kosj , Nguyen Paul L. , Mahal Brandon A. , Winkfield Karen M. , Vapiwala Neha , Santos Patricia Mae G. 
Published: November 2022

PURPOSE: Compared with conventional external-beam radiation therapy (cEBRT) for patients with breast cancer (BC) and prostate cancer (PC), shorter radiation regimens may be associated with lower treatment noncompletion rates. We assess disparities in receipt of shorter radiation regimens and treatment noncompletion for BC and PC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The 2004-2017 National Cancer Database was queried for adjuvant cEBRT or hypofractionated EBRT (hEBRT) for nonmetastatic BC; and definitive cEBRT, moderate hypofractionation (mEBRT), or stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for localized PC. Multivariable logistic regression identified factors associated with treatment noncompletion and receipt of shorter regimens. FINDINGS: We identified 170,386 men with PC (median age [interquartile range], 70 [64-75] years; Black, 17.5%; White, 82.5%) and 306,846 women with BC (61 [52-69] years; Black, 12.3%; White, 87.7%). Among patients who received cEBRT for PC, Black men had higher treatment noncompletion rates compared with White (14.1% v 13.0%; odds ratio [95% CI] 1.07 [1.03 to 1.12]; P < .001). In contrast, treatment noncompletion was not disparate with SBRT (Black 1.6% v White 1.3%; 1.20 [0.72 to 2.00], P = .49) or mEBRT (Black 9.0% v White 7.1%; 1.05 [0.72 to 1.54], P = .79). From 2004 to 2017, SBRT (0.07% to 11.8%; 1.32 [1.31 to 1.33]) and mEBRT (0.35% to 9.1%; 1.27 [1.25 to 1.28]) increased (both P < .001); however, Black men were consistently less likely to receive SBRT (7.4% v White, 8.3%; 0.84 [0.79 to 0.89], P < .001). Among women with BC, there were no racial differences in treatment noncompletion; however, hEBRT was associated with lower treatment noncompletion rates (1.0% v cEBRT 2.3%; 0.39 [0.35 to 0.44], P < .001). Although hEBRT for BC increased (0.8% to 35.6%) between 2004 and 2017, Black women were less likely to receive hEBRT (10.4% v 15.3%; 0.78 [0.75 to 0.81], P < .001). INTERPRETATION: Black patients were consistently less likely to receive hypofractionated radiation for PC or BC, despite evidence suggesting that shorter regimens may lower rates of treatment noncompletion with similar oncologic outcomes.
The mechanical cell – the role of force dependencies in synchronising protein interaction networks
Authors: Goult Benjamin T. , von Essen Magdaléna , Hytönen Vesa P. 
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACTThe role of mechanical signals in the proper functioning of organisms is increasingly recognised, and every cell senses physical forces and responds to them. These forces are generated both from outside the cell or via the sophisticated force-generation machinery of the cell, the cytoskeleton. All regions of the cell are connected via mechanical linkages, enabling the whole cell to function as a mechanical system. In this Review, we define some of the key concepts of how this machinery functions, highlighting the critical requirement for mechanosensory proteins, and conceptualise the coupling of mechanical linkages to mechanochemical switches that enables forces to be converted into biological signals. These mechanical couplings provide a mechanism for how mechanical crosstalk might coordinate the entire cell, its neighbours, extending into whole collections of cells, in tissues and in organs, and ultimately in the coordination and operation of entire organisms. Consequently, many diseases manifest through defects in this machinery, which we map onto schematics of the mechanical linkages within a cell. This mapping approach paves the way for the identification of additional linkages between mechanosignalling pathways and so might identify treatments for diseases, where mechanical connections are affected by mutations or where individual force-regulated components are defective.
Added value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound to conventional ultrasound for characterization of indeterminate soft-tissue tumors
Authors: Hu Yu , Li Ao , Wu Meng-Jie , Ma Qian , Mao Cui-Lian , Peng Xiao-Jing , Ye Xin-Hua , Liu Bo-Ji , Xu Hui-Xiong 
Published: November 2022

Objective:
To assess the added value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) to conventional ultrasound in differentiating benign soft-tissue tumors from malignant ones.

Methods:
197 soft-tissue tumors underwent ultrasound examination with confirmed histopathology were retrospectively evaluated. The radiologists classified all the tumors as benign, malignant, or indeterminate according to ultrasound features. The indeterminate tumors underwent CEUS were reviewed afterwards for malignancy identification by using individual and combined CEUS features.

Results:
Ultrasound analysis classified 62 soft-tissue tumors as benign, 111 tumors as indeterminate and 24 tumors as malignant. There 104 indeterminate tumors were subject to CEUS. Three CEUS features including enlargement of enhancement area, infiltrative enhancement boundary, and intratumoral arrival time difference were significantly associated with the tumor nature in both univariable and multivariable analysis for the indeterminate tumors (all p &lt; 0.05). When at least one out of the three discriminant CEUS features were present, the best sensitivity of 100% for malignancy identification was obtained with the specificity of 66.7% and the AUC of 0.833. When at least two of the three discriminant CEUS features were present, the best area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.924 for malignancy identification was obtained. The combination of at least two discriminant CEUS features showed much better diagnostic performance than the optimal combination of ultrasound features in terms of AUC (0.924 vs 0.608, p &lt; 0.0001), sensitivity (94.0% vs 42.0%, p &lt; 0.0001), and specificity (90.7% vs 79.6%, p = 0.210) for the indeterminate tumors.

Conclusion:
The combination CEUS features of enlargement of enhancement area, infiltrative enhancement boundary and intratumoral arrival time difference are valuable to improve the discriminating performance for indeterminate soft-tissue tumors on conventional ultrasound.

Advances in knowledge:
The combination of peritumoral and arrival-time CEUS features can improve the discriminating performance for indeterminate soft-tissue tumors on conventional ultrasound.
Analysis of adolescents' views on the role of vaccination and limitations in psychosocial functioning during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Horoszkiewicz Krzysztof , Horoszkiewicz Bartosz 
Published: November 2022

Background.
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced entering numerous changes and restrictions on daily psychosocial functioning.
The purpose of our research was to explore the views of adolescents aged 14-20 years attending secondary schools on the role of vaccination and the restrictions put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Material and methods. The study was conducted with 504 secondary school students in a small town in Poland. Students were aged between 14 and 20 years (M = 16.6, SD = 1.3). The groups were homogeneous in terms of age and gender. 250 males (M = 16.5; SD = 1.3) and 254 females (M = 16.7; SD = 1.4) completed the sheets. The survey took place between January 7 and 11, 2022. The study used the author's “Pandemic and My Life” survey method. It contained 7 closed-ended questions covering adolescents' attitudes towards COVID-19.
Results. More than half of the students have been vaccinated against COVID-19, and they are convinced of the effectiveness of the vaccines. Females were more likely to reveal anxiety before infection. Despite the presence of the COVID-19 virus in many families’ homes, concerns about infection were rather small. A great number of the respondents assessed restrictions as “more burdensome than beneficial”. Males were more prone to accepting distant education. There was a relationship between students' fear of the COVID-19 infection and the anxiety observed by pupils in their families.
Conclusions. The majority of the adolescents surveyed have been vaccinated against COVID-19 and have positive opinions about the effectiveness of the vaccines. There is a strong polarisation of views on some issues. The results obtained can be helpful in building preventive programmes and shaping pupils' health-promoting attitudes.
The diversity of agromorphological characters of Portulaca grandiflora in the MV8 population deriving from recurrent irradiation
Authors: AISYAH SYARIFAH IIS , SARASWATI REGINA AGRITENIA MAYRISCHA , YUDHA YOSHUA SHANDY , NURCHOLIS WARAS 
Published: November 2022

Abstract. Aisyah SI, Saraswati RAM, Yudha YS, Nurcholis W. 2022. The diversity of agromorphological characters of Portulaca grandiflorain the MV8 population deriving from recurrent irradiation. Biodiversitas 23: 4432-4439. A multipurpose ornamental plant, Portulaca grandiflora has the value of attractiveness and uniqueness, which lies in various agromorphological characters, primarily in flowers. The potential of P. grandiflora in qualitative characters such as new and unique shapes and colors of the morphology must be enhanced further to increase its economic and aesthetic significance as a floriculture commodity. The induced mutation technique has been proven to improve plants' morphological diversity, and even numerous novel cultivars are produced from artificial mutations. The recurrent irradiation technique was applied in the P. grandiflora mutation breeding program and produced new morphological variations of P. grandiflora until the MV7 generation (seventh generation of the mutation breeding program). The current study aimed to evaluate the diversity of morphological characters of P. grandiflora mutants in the MV8 population resulted from reccurent irradiation technique. Fifty-three selected mutants of P. grandiflora generation MV7 were multiplied by stem cuttings to create an MV8 population. The total MV8 population of P. grandiflora, the result of vegetative propagation, was 1104 plants. The diversity of morphological characters of P. grandiflora in the MV8 population was identified quantitatively (measurement) and qualitatively (visual observation). The results of this study reveal that several P. grandiflora mutants in the MV8 population have a new phenotypic appearance, chiefly in the qualitative characters of flowers. Besides, most of the P. grandiflora MV8 mutant population has inherited identical morphological characters from the previous generation (MV7 population). Further morphological analysis in the next generation needs to be conducted to evaluate the morphological stability of P. grandiflora mutants to develop new cultivars and to investigate the possibility of new phenotypic variations caused by recurrent irradiation treatments.
Investigation of the genetic diversity of jewel orchid in Vietnam using RAPD and ISSR markers
Authors: TRAN THI KIM PHUONG , PHAM MINH HAC , TRINH THI HUONG , WIDIARSIH SASANTI , HO VIET THE 
Published: November 2022

Abstract. Tran TKP, Pham MH, Trinh TH, Widiarsih S, Ho VT. 2022. Investigation of the genetic diversity of jewel orchid in Vietnam using RAPD and ISSR markers. Biodiversitas 23: 4816-4825. Jewel orchid is a general name for several genera belonging to the Orchidaceae family, namely Anoectochilus, Doddinia, Goodyera, Ludisia, and Macodes. These plants are generally used as medicinal herbal for common diseases in Vietnam. Due to over-exploitation, the natural resources of jewel orchids are gradually depleted. Therefore, genetic resource research for proper development of this medicinal plant is necessary. This study aimed to investigate the genetic diversity of jewel orchids in Vietnam using RAPD and ISSR markers to provide basic data conservation of genetic resources and the development of this medicinal plant. A total of 20 jewel orchid samples were genetically characterized by using 10 RAPD and 10 ISSR primers. The amplified bands were binary coded and used to construct phylogenetic trees with NTSYSpc 2.1 software. Each RAPD primer produced 5-11 bands with an average of 8.0, and similarity coefficients ranged from 0.52 to 0.81. Each ISSR primer produced 5-10 bands with an average of 7.6, and the similarity coefficients ranged from 0.54 to 0.87. Combined RAPD and ISSR markers produced similarity coefficients ranging from 0.53 to 0.83. Based on the PIC values, the primers used by both markers are highly informative. However, the topology of cluster analysis of 20 jewel orchid accessions does not correspond to the taxa studied. The findings could be potential to employ in future classification, conservation, and development of this plant.
Characterization and identification of agarwood-producing plants (Aquilaria spp.) from North Aceh, Indonesia, based on morphological and molecular markers
Authors: LUKMAN LUKMAN , DINARTI DINY , SIREGAR ULFAH JUNIARTI , TURJAMAN MAMAN , SUDARSONO SUDARSONO 
Published: November 2022

Abstract. Lukman, Dinarti D, Siregar UJ, Turjaman M, Sudarsono. 2022. Characterization and identification of agarwood-producing plants (Aquilaria spp.) from North Aceh, Indonesia, based on morphological and molecular markers. Biodiversitas 23: 4861-4871. Agarwood is one of the non-timber export commodities important as raw materials for bioindustry. There are 26 agarwood-producing plant species in Indonesia belonging to three families (Thymelaeaceae, Euphorbiaceae, and Fabaceae). This study aims to identify the agarwood-producing plant species in North Aceh District, Aceh Province, Indonesia, based on their morphological and molecular characters. The evaluated morphological characteristics include the bark and leaf structures of endemic plants. Molecular characterization was carried out by sequencing of matK, ITS, and trnL-trnF genes. The collected data were analyzed using the appropriate software, such as R software, BlastX, Geneious Prime and MEGA X. The evaluated 66 accessions were clustered into two major groups based on their morphology. Group 1 consisted of 10.61% of the evaluated accessions is identified as Aquilaria beccariana. Group 2 was further classified into two subclusters (Group 2a and 3b). Group 2a consisted of 10,61% of the accessions as A. malaccensis and Group 2b consisted of 78,79% of the accessions as A. microcarpa. All samples are identified as A. malaccensis based on the matK DNA sequences. Meanwhile, Groups 1 are identified as A. beccariana and Group 2a and 2b as A. microcarpa based on the ITS sequences. Based on the trnL-trnF sequences, Groups 1 and 2a was identified as A. malaccensis and Group 2b as A. microcarpa.