bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Universal testing for hepatitis B and hepatitis C in the Emergency Department: A cost-effectiveness and budget impact analysis of two urban hospitals in the United Kingdom
Authors: Williams Jack , Vickerman Peter , Smout Elizabeth , Page Emma E , Phyu Khine , Aldersley Mark , Nebbia Gaia , Douthwaite Sam , Hunter Laura , Ruf Murad , Miners Alec 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background Numerous studies have shown the effectiveness of testing for hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) in emergency departments (ED), due to the elevated prevalence amongst attendees. The aim of this study was to conduct a cost-effectiveness analysis of universal opt-out HBV and HCV testing in EDs based on two long-term studies of the real-world effectiveness of testing in two large ED’s in the UK. MethodsA Markov model was used to evaluate ED-based HBV and HCV testing versus no ED testing, in addition to current testing practice. The two EDs had a HBV HBsAg prevalence of 0.5%-0.9% and an HCV RNA prevalence of 0.9%-1.0%. The analysis was performed from a UK health service perspective, over a lifetime time horizon. Costs are reported in British pounds (GBP), and outcomes as quality adjusted life years (QALYs), with both discounted at 3.5% per year. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER) are calculated as costs per QALY gained. A willingness-to-pay threshold of £20,000/QALY was used. The cost-effectiveness was estimated for both infections, in both ED’s. Results HBV and HCV testing were highly cost-effective in both settings, with ICERs ranging from £7,177 to £12,387 per QALY gained. In probabilistic analyses, HBV testing was 89% to 94% likely to be cost-effective at the threshold, while HCV testing was 94% to 100% likely to be cost-effective, across both settings. In deterministic sensitivity analyses, testing remained cost-effective in both locations at ≥0.25% HBsAg prevalence, and ≥0.49% HCV RNA prevalence. This is much lower than the prevalence observed in the two EDs included in this study.Conclusions HBV and HCV testing in urban EDs is highly cost-effective in the UK, and can be cost-effective at relatively low prevalence. These results should be reflected in UK and European hepatitis testing guidelines.
Cost-effectiveness of anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody associated with fludarabine and cyclophosphamide (R-FC) for the first-line treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia in the Brazilian public health system (SUS)
Authors: Azevedo Bruno , Carvalho Adriana , Sasse Andre 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is the most common type of leukemia in the Western world. During the past decade, treatment options have expanded, along with an expressive rise in treatment costs. In Brazil, the overall costs of cancer treatment are rising, mainly due to judicialization lawsuits. The efficacy and safety of rituximab combined with fludarabine and cyclophosphamide (R-FC) for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia has been demonstrated by the CLL8 trial, which was conducted with previously untreated patients, positioning the immunochemotherapy regimen as a standard choice for physically fit patients. Considering this scenario, the objective of the current study is to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the addition of rituximab to the FC protocol in the Brazilian public health system. Methods: We developed a Markov model with three health states to extrapolate the CLL8 trial results. Transition probabilities and adverse event incidences were obtained from published trial data. The costs were assessed using Brazil’s Ministry of Health Pricing database (publicly available). A simplified treatment algorithm was developed according to the currently available treatment options in the Brazilian public health system and assuming the availability of rituximab. Results: The addition of rituximab to the FC regimen results in an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of 8389 USD (45003.86 BRL) per life-year free of progression. The sensitivity analysis results show that from the Brazilian public health system perspective, the combination of rituximab with FC chemotherapy represents a cost-effective approach for the first-line treatment of patients with CLL. Conclusions: Considering the data described in this study, we conclude that the addition of rituximab to the first-line treatment regimen for CLL is a cost-effective strategy for the Brazilian public health system. With the advent of new drugs and new treatment regimens yielding positive clinical outcomes in patients refractory to the R-FC regimen (del17p, p53 mutations), new studies must be conducted to evaluate their cost-effectiveness in this population of patients.Trial registration: Not applicable
Higher versus lower dose corticosteroids for severe to critical COVID-19: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis
Authors: Pitre Tyler , Su Johnny , Mah Jasmine , Helmeczi Wryan , Danhoe Sharef , Plaxton William , Giilck Stephen , Rochwerg Bram , Zeraatkar Dena 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Purpose
Corticosteroids are standard of care for patients with severe COVID-19. However, the optimal dose is uncertain. We compare higher doses of corticosteroids with lower doses in patients with COVID-19.
Methods
We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MedRxiv, and Web of Science from inception to January 7, 2022, for trials that randomized patients with severe-to-critical COVID-19 to corticosteroids, standard care, or placebo. Reviewers, working in duplicate, screened references, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias using a modified version of the Cochrane risk of bias 2.0 tool. We performed a dose-response meta-analysis and used the GRADE framework to assess the certainty of evidence. We present our results in absolute risk difference (RD) per 1000 with 95% confidence intervals (CI).
Results
We included 19 trials, with 9,609 patients. We show that, compared to lower-dose corticosteroids, higher-dose corticosteroids probably reduce mortality (RD 14.8 fewer deaths per 1000 [95% CI 6.0 to 27.9 fewer]; moderate certainty), may reduce the need for mechanical ventilation (RD 10.4 fewer per 1000 [95% CI 19.2 fewer to 3.6 more]; low certainty) and may reduce risk of nosocomial infections (16.7 fewer infections per 1000 [95% CI 5.4 to 25.0 fewer]; low certainty).
Conclusions
Relatively higher doses of corticosteroids may be beneficial in patients with severe-to-critical COVID-19 without increasing the risk of nosocomial infections.
Introduction and rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant and the dynamics of its sub-lineages BA.1 and BA.1.1, December 2021, Finland
Authors: Vauhkonen Hanna , Truong Phuoc , Kant Ravi , Plyusnin Ilja , Erdin Mert , Kurkela Satu , Liimatainen Hanna , Ikonen Niina , Blomqvist Soile , Liitsola Kiirsi , Lindh Erika , Helve Otto , Jarva Hanna , Longinov Raisa , Palva Aino , Hannunen Tiina , Hannula Sari , Parry Mikko , Kauppi Paula , Vaheri Antti , Sironen Tarja , Lappalainen Maija , Savolainen-Kopra Carita , Smura Teemu , Vapalahti Olli 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Multiple introductions of SARS-COV-2 Omicron variant BA.1. and BA.1.1. lineages to Finland were detected early December 2021, and comprised the majority over Delta variant in 3 weeks in the capital region. Our sequence analysis demonstrates emergence of a large cluster of BA.1.1 in community transmission.
Acute Effect of Caffeine-based Multi-Ingredient Supplement on Reactive Agility and Jump Height In Recreational Handball Players
Authors: Kaczka Piotr , Kubicka Katarzyna , Batra Amit , Maciejczyk Marcin , Jastrząb Rafał , Kopera Edyta , Bira Justyna , Zakliczyńska Halina , Zając Tomasz 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study was to examine the acute effect of a caffeine-based multi-ingredient supplement (MS) on the reactive agility and jump performance in recreational handball male players. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, crossover study involved twenty-four male handball players. All participants were tested under three conditions: placebo, caffeine, or MS ingestion 45 minutes before exercise tests. Participants performed a reactive agility test (Y-test: 1-1-2 test) and countermovement jump (CMJ).Results: None of the supplements improved countermovement jump height. The time needed to complete the 1-1-2 test was significantly shorter in MS condition compared to placebo. The differences in agility between PL vs. caffeine and MS vs. caffeine conditions were not statistically significant.Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that the caffeine-based multi-ingredient performance was effective in improvement in reactive agility but not in jump height in recreational handball male players. A similar effect was not observed with caffeine ingestion alone. Further comparative studies (MS ingestion vs. only caffeine ingestion) and MS with different compositions are needed.
Isolated Congenital Giant Fetal Upper Limb and Trunk Haemangioma Diagnosed Antenatally Using 4D Ultrasonography and Regressed by Age of Five Months. A Case Report
Authors: Farag Amr Hassaan , Sadek Heba , El-Deen Mohamed Nasr 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Introduction: Congenital haemangiomas are benign vascular tumours that are the most common of all congenital anomalies. Case presentation: A rare condition of isolated fetal upper limb and trunk haemangioma suspected with antenatal 4D ultrasound scan at 28 weeks gestation. The baby was delivered through an emergency caesarean section at 36 weeks gestation followed by postnatal diagnosis and medical treatment with complete regression at five months of age. Conclusion: Expectant approach of congenital haemangiomas with propranolol can result in rapid regression as early as five months of age.
Post-processing of hydrological model simulations using the convolutional neural network and support vector regression
Authors: Liu Songnan , Wang Jun , Wang Huijun , Wu Yuetao 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Post-processing methods can be used to reduce the biases of hydrological models. In this research, six post-processing methods are compared: quantile mapping (QM) methods, which include four kinds of transformations, and two newly established machine learning frameworks [support vector regression (SVR) and convolutional neural network (CNN)] based on meteorological data and variation mode decomposition (VMD)-decomposed streamflow. These post-processing methods are applied to a distributed model (WRF-Hydro), and the evaluation is carried out over five watersheds with different areas in South China. The post-processing methods are separately applied to calibrated and uncalibrated models. The results show that the SVR- and CNN-based post-processing methods perform better than the QM methods in terms of daily streamflow simulations in different areas with different topographies in the Xijiang River basin. There are large uncertainties in the QM post-processing methods. The CNN-based post-processing performs slightly better than the SVR-based post-processing, but both methods can markedly improve the simulated streamflow. The CNN- and SVR-based post-processing frameworks are suitable for both calibration and test periods. The differences between post-processing with uncalibrated and calibrated models are quite small for SVR- and CNN-based post-processing, but large for QM post-processing. For WRF-Hydro, the CNN- and SVR-based post-processing methods consume much less time and computational resources than model calibration.
Impact of climate change on groundwater potential and recharge in the drought prone Runde catchment of Zimbabwe
Authors: Gona Liberty S. , Gumindoga Webster , Rwasoka Donald T. , Owen Richard J. Stuart 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Groundwater provides critical freshwater supplies for most rural communities living in drought-prone areas. Such is the case for Runde catchment in Zimbabwe, whose rural communities depend on groundwater. Climate change and increased variability pose a threat to water availability by affecting groundwater potential and recharge, but the full extent of the threat is not well understood. Thus, the main objective of this study was to assess the impact of climate change on groundwater potential and recharge in the catchment. The groundwater potential mapping was performed using a spatially weighted overlay method with inputs: soil type, geology, land use, observed precipitation, topographic wetness index and elevation. This mapping produced a groundwater potential index, classified into groundwater potential zones and cross-validated with borehole yield data, r=0.63 and n=62. The groundwater potential validation showed 1.6 and 4.8% of the total boreholes were in the high (&gt;7 L/s) to very high (4–7 L/s) while 43.5 and 50.1% moderate (1–4 L/s), and low (&lt;1 L/s) groundwater potential zones respectively. The simulated precipitation increased by 23% for 2020–2080. Climate change impacts decreased average groundwater potential by 30.8% (13,062.90 km2) low, 5.8% (2433.25 km2) moderate and increased by 34.8% (14,707 km2) high by 1.8% (789.15 km2) very high groundwater potential. For sustainable groundwater management, a holistic approach informs climate change adaptation and mitigation policies.
Preparation of Levothyroxine Transdermal Gels and Preliminary Pharmacokinetic Study in Hypothyroidism Rat Model
Authors: Bai Qingshuang , Tan Jian , Chai Jinyan , Shen Linna , Li Ning , Wu Cailan 
Published: March 2022

Background:
Hypothyroidism is a common disorder due to inadequate thyroid hormone secretion.
In patients with hypothyroidism, levothyroxine (LT4) is the treatment of choice, and tablets are the
most common dosage form. However, the main limitation of tablet LT4 is malabsorption.

Objective:
This study intends to develop a new dosage form of percutaneous drug delivery for levothyroxine.
Absorption of levothyroxine sodium through the application of gel formulation was studied using
a hypothyroidism rat model.

Methods:
A formulation of levothyroxine sodium gel was developed and selected. In-vitro transdermal
experiments were performed using the vertical Franz diffusion pool method, and gel formulation was
used for animal research (hypothyroidism rats model). Total 30 rats were randomly divided into 6 groups,
and one was the normal control group. The other 5 groups were prepared as hypothyroidism models. After
applying different doses of gel preparation to the rat model, we measured serum total thyroxine (TT4),
free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) using fluorescence
determination of luminescence immunoassay.

Results:
The optimum formulation of levothyroxine gels comprised 20% polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), 5%
glycerol, 2% azone, and 6% oleic acid. The application of levothyroxine sodium gel resulted in quick and
smooth action so that the predicted level of the normal control group could be reached within 2 weeks,
and it lasted steadily for 8 weeks.

Conclusion:
This research study successfully developed and tested an optimal formulation of levothyroxine
gel with therapeutic benefit on hypothyroidism in rats.
Multifunctional Patented Nanotherapeutics for Cancer Intervention: 2010-
Onwards
Authors: Pandey Parijat , Chopra Hitesh , Kaushik Deepak , Verma, Ravinder , Purohit Deepika , Parashar Jatin , Mittal Vineet , Rahman Md. Habibur , Bhatia Saurabh , Kumar Pradeep , Bhattacharya Tanima , Tagde Priti , Al-Harrasi Ahmed 
Published: March 2022

Abstract:
Even today, cancer is one of the prominent leading causes of death worldwide. However, there are a couple of treatment options available for management, but the adverse effects are more prominent as compared to therapeutic effects. Therefore, there is a need to design some midway that may help to bypass the negative effects or lower their severity. Nanotechnology has addressed many issues, still many miles are needed to cover before reaching the center stage. The developed nanofor-mulations can target distant organs owing to their multifunctionality and targeting potential. Stimuli-responsive nanomedicine is one of the most exploited formulations. They can encapsulate and release the drugs for a higher period. However, they release a burst mechanism. The other nano-formulations contain dendrimers, micelles, and lipid-based nano-formulations that have been developed and eval-uated for their efficacy in cancer treatment. This review paper highlights some significant patents granted/applied in various patent offices around the globe to treat cancer using the nanotechnology. The Google Patent, United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Escapenet, and many oth-ers were used as the search engine for patent search, and data were collected and analyzed. They used these patented technologies for diagnostic and treatment options, enhancing the absorption, distribu-tion, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) profile of therapeutic molecules.
Study of the Economic and Environmental Effects of Photovoltaic Resources
Location in the Electricity Network Using PSO (Particle Swarm
Optimizers) Algorithm
Authors: Naima Benbouza , Louiza Benfarhi 
Published: March 2022

Background:
Currently, electricity producers are mainly concerned with finding solutions
that make it possible to produce electricity with a low fuel cost and minimize toxic gas emissions
into the atmosphere.

Objective:
This paper aims to demonstrate the economic and environmental impact of connecting
photovoltaic plants on the electricity grid to reduce the cost of electricity production and the emissions
of toxic gas into the atmosphere.

Methods:
The study was carried out under the MATLAB environment using the PSO algorithm
(Particle Swarm Optimizers), which makes it possible to optimize the cost function and the gas
emissions function in two cases: In the first case, the electricity network is considered without photovoltaic
generation; and in the second case with the addition of photovoltaic generation.

Results:
After connecting the photovoltaic plant to the electricity network, we obtained a remarkable
reduction in the cost of production and the quantity of emission of toxic gases.

Conclusion:
The economic and environmental impact of the photovoltaic plant on the electricity
grid has been well demonstrated by applying the method of particle swarm optimization (PSO). We
compared the results obtained before and after connecting the photovoltaic plant to the electricity
grid; we obtained good results in terms of reduction in production costs and greenhouse gas emissions.
Association of Pregnancy With Coronavirus Cytokine Storm: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Muthuka John , Kiptoo Michael , Oluoch Kelly , Nzioki Japheth Mativo , Nyamai Everlyn Musangi 
Published: March 2022

Background
COVID-19 was first identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, spreading to the rest of the globe, becoming a pandemic. Some studies have shown an association between pregnancy status and severe COVID-19 with a cytokine storm, whereas others have shown contrasting results.

Objective
The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between pregnancy status and the clinical COVID-19 severity characterized by the cytokine storm through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods
We searched the Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases to identify clinical studies suitable for inclusion in this meta-analysis. Studies reporting pregnancy status and comparing the COVID-19 severity cytokine storm outcome were included. COVID-19 severity characterized by a cytokine storm was described using parameters such as intensive care unit admission, invasive mechanical ventilation, mechanical ventilation, hospital admission, pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine levels, consolidation on chest computed tomography scan, pulmonary infiltration, extreme fevers as characteristic of a cytokine storm, syndromic severity, higher neutrophil count indicative of a cytokine storm, and severe COVID-19 presentation.

Results
A total of 17 articles including data for 840,332 women with COVID-19 were included. This meta-analysis revealed a correlation between positive pregnancy status and severe COVID-19 with a cytokine storm (random-effects model odds ratio [OR] 2.47, 95% CI 1.63-3.73; P<.001), with a cumulative incidence of 6432 (14.1%) and 24,352 (3.1%) among pregnant and nonpregnant women with COVID-19, respectively. The fixed-effects model also showed a correlation between pregnancy status and severe COVID-19 with a cytokine storm (OR 7.41, 95% CI 7.02-7.83; P<.001). Considerable heterogeneity was found among all pooled studies (I²=98%, P<.001). Furthermore, the updated analysis showed substantially low heterogeneity (I²=29 %, P=.19), and the funnel plot revealed no publication bias. The subanalysis between single-center and multicenter studies demonstrated similar heterogeneity (I2=72% and 98%, respectively). Sensitivity analysis on each subgroup revealed that pregnancy was significantly related to severe COVID-19 with a cytokine storm from single-center studies (fixed-effects model OR 3.97, 95% CI 2.26-6.95; P<.001) with very low heterogeneity (I²=2%, P=.42).

Conclusions
Being pregnant is clearly associated with experiencing a severe course of COVID-19 characterized by a cytokine storm. The COVID-19 pandemic should serve as an impetus for further research on pregnant women diagnosed with COVID-19 to map out the salient risk factors associated with its severity.

Trial Registration
PROSPERO CRD42021242011; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=242011.