bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing the impact of a novel house design on the incidence of malaria in children in rural Africa: study protocol for a household randomized controlled trial.
Authors: Mshamu Salum , Mmbando Arnold , Meta Judith , Bradley John ,   Thomas Chavalier Bøjstrup5, Day Nicholas PJ , Mukaka Mavuto , Okumu Fredros , Olotu Ally , Pell Christopher , Deen Jacqueline , Knudsen Jakob , Lindsay Steven W , von Seidlein Lorenz 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Background:Traditional rural housing in hot, humid regions of sub-Saharan Africa usually consists of single-level, poorly ventilated dwellings. Houses are mostly poorly screened against malaria mosquitoes and limited airflow discourages the use of bednets resulting in high indoor transmission. This study aims to determine whether living in a novel design house with elevated bedrooms and permeable screened walls reduces malaria among children in rural Tanzania.Methods/study design:This is a household-randomized, controlled study in 60 villages in Mtwara, Tanzania. A total of 550 households are randomly selected, 110 of which are allocated a novel design house and 440 households continue to reside in traditional houses. A dynamic cohort of about 1,650 children under 13 years will be enrolled and followed for 3 years, approximately 330 living in novel design house s and 1,320 in traditional rural houses. The primary endpoint is the incidence of malaria, secondary endpoints are incidences of acute respiratory tract infections and diarrhoea diseases detected by passive and active surveillance. Exposure to malaria mosquitoes will be assessed using light traps in all study houses. Structural, economic, and social science studies will assess the durability, cost-effectiveness and acceptability of the new houses compared with traditional housing. Environmental data will be collected indoors and outdoors in study homes to assess differences between house typologies. Discussion:This is the first randomized-controlled trial to assess protective efficacy of a new house design targeting malaria in sub-Saharan Africa. The findings of this study could influence the future construction of homes in hot and humid zones of Africa. Trial registration: NCT04529434
Prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease &amp; its association with physical function in patients with acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Noda Takumi , Kamiya Kentaro , Hamazaki Nobuaki , Nozaki Kohei , Ichikawa Takafumi , Yamashita Masashi , Uchida Shota , Maekawa Emi , Terada Tasuku , Reed Jennifer , Yamaoka-Tojo Minako , Matsunaga Atsuhiko , Ako Junya 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background and Aims: It is widely known that patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are at increased risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is linked to sarcopenia and physical dysfunction. However, the relationship between metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and physical dysfunction remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of MAFLD in patients with ACS to assess the relationship between MAFLD and muscle strength, walking speed, and 6-minute walking distance (6 MWD).Methods and Results: We reviewed patients with ACS who were assessed for hepatic steatosis using the fatty liver index, and the results were further assessed to determine the presence of MAFLD. Multiple regression analysis was used to examine the association between MAFLD and physical function. Among 479 enrolled hospitalized patients, MAFLD was identified in 234 (48.9%) patients. We conducted a multiple regression analysis in which MAFLD was independently associated with lower leg strength, gait speed, and 6 MWD (leg strength, P = 0.023; gait speed, P = 0.002 and 6 MWD, P = 0.017). Furthermore, having more metabolic impairment was still associated with lower physical function decline (leg strength, P for trend = 0.002; gait speed, P for trend = 0.019 and 6 MWD, P for trend = 0.003).Conclusions: MAFLD is common in hospitalized patients with ACS, and most patients with MAFLD have many overlapping metabolic abnormalities. MAFLD is associated with impaired physical function, and the greater the number of overlapping metabolic abnormalities, the worse the motor function.Registration number: KMEO B18-075
Atorvastatin For Reduction Of 28-Day Mortality In Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients: A Protocol For A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled, Clinical Trial
Authors: Emara Moataz Maher , Elsawy Neamat Hamdy , Abdelaaty Kholoud M. , Elhamaky Amal salah , Eltahan Naglaa Hamdi 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Although mass vaccination has reduced the severity of COVID-19, mortality is still high among hospitalized patients. Being a sepsis-like disease, an anti-inflammatory drug as atorvastatin would reduce mortality and severity in COVID-19. Methods: We designed a randomized clinical trial that recruited 220 COVID-19 patients admitted in the COVID-19 isolation hospital at Mansoura University, Egypt. 110 cases were assigned to receive 40 mg Atorvastatin once daily for 28 days and 110 were assigned to receive placebo. Delta Pharm company supported the study with the drug and the placebo, which mimics the drug as regards the drug package, the tablet color, consistency, and size. All patients received the standard treatment as per the hospital protocol. The Institutional Review Board approval and the informed consent from all participants were obtained. The primary outcome is the 28-day all-cause mortality. Additionally, we will collect the in-hospital mortality, the need for mechanical ventilation, time to clinical improvement, in-hospital thrombo-embolic events, acute kidney injury, and the hospital and the intensive care duration of stay. We plan to follow the patients up for 6 months for reporting mortality and long-term neurological, psychological, and respiratory consequences. We will report the un-adjusted 28-mortality using X2. Then, we will report the adjusted odds ratio with a pre-planned multiple logistic regression model. We will report our results using the point estimate and the 95% confidence interval and the P-value. Discussion: After summarizing the main results of the study, we will discuss the outcomes with the current evidence. In addition to the planned regression model results, we would report any potential effect modifications after the planned subgroup analysis by the disease severity and the invasive mechanical ventilation status. In the end, we will conclude the risk reduction of atorvastatin on the 28-day all-cause mortality and the main secondary outcomes. Trial registration: The study was registered at the Clinical Trial Registry (NCT04952350) on July 1st , 2021. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04952350
Therapeutic Plasma Exchange: Impact on Survival in Patients With Covid-19
Authors: Fonseca-González Gandhi , Alamilla-Sánchez Mario , García-Macas Vanessa , Herrera-Acevedo José , Villalobos-Brito Mauricio , Tapia-Rangel Edgar , Maldonado-Tapia Diana , López-Mendoza Mónica , Cano-Cervantes José Horacio , Orozco-Vázquez Julita , Timarán-Montenegro David , Cortés-Martínez Silvia , Escarela-Serrano Maricela , Muñoz-López Sandra , Montiel-López Luis , Mondragón-Terán Paul , Suárez-Cuenca Juan Antonio 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
BACKGROUND. Five percent of cases of COVID-19 will develop acute respiratory distress syndrome and cytokine storm syndrome, which are leading causes of death in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Plasma exchange therapy (PLEX) effectively removes pro-inflammatory factors, modulating and restoring innate and adaptive immune responses. This clinical trial aimed to evaluate the impact of PLEX on the survival of patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 and the effect on the cytokine release syndrome. METHODS. Hospitalized patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection and cytokine storm syndrome were selected to receive 2 sessions of PLEX or standard therapy. Primary outcome was all-cause 60-days mortality; secondary outcome was requirement of mechanical ventilation, SOFA, NEWs-2 scores modification, reduction of pro-inflammatory biomarkers and hospitalization time. RESULTS. Twenty patients received PLEX were compared against 40 patients receiving standard therapy. PLEX reduced 60-days mortality (50% vs 20%; OR 0.25, 95%CI 0.071 - 0.880; p = 0.029), and this effect was independent from demographic variables and drug therapies used. PLEX significantly decreased SOFA, NEWs-2, pro-inflammatory mediators and increased lymphocyte count, accompanied with a trend to reduce affected lung volume, without effect on SatO2/FiO2 indicator or mechanical ventilation requirement. CONCLUSIONS. PLEX therapy provided significant benefits of pro-inflammatory clearance and reduction of 60-days mortality in selected patients with COVID-19, without significant adverse events.
Feasibility study on the micro-forming of novel metal foil arrays based on submerged cavitating water-jet impingement
Authors: Li Fuzhu , Yan Ying , Zhang Kun , Ren Yi , Ren Lihui , Ma Honglei , Wang Yun , He Peiyu 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

To solve the problems of high cost and complex technology in the current plastic forming method of metal foil, a micro-forming method of submerged cavitation water-jet metal foil array with cavitation collapse shock wave loading is presented in this paper, which has advantages of high efficiency, flexibility, low cost and environmental protection. 304 stainless steel foil array micro-pore formation was taken as an example in this paper. The mixing nozzle was designed and three regions where the cavitation water-jet acts on were analysed. The influence law of target distance, impact time on the forming depth and uniformity of metal foil array was examined and the optimal position of array micro-forming in the impact zone of vacuoles collapse was revealed. Results indicate that the depth and uniformity of array micro-pores in the impact zone of cavitation collapse increases with time. However, with the increase of the target distance, it will increase first and then decrease; the depth of the array micro-pores on the radius r=13.6 mm can reach 166.4 μm, and the variance is only 5.9 μm under the condition of impact time of 5 min, target distance of 120 mm and pressure of 20 MPa; the maximum surface roughness is 1.54 μm and the thinning rate is between 2% and 10%.
Erbil Basin Groundwater Recharge Potential Zone Determination Using Fuzzy-Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP)
Authors: Hamad Rahel 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Context: Severe water scarcity has occurred in the Erbil Basin (EB) due to climate change and mismanagement of water resources during the past three decades. Assessment of the potential area of groundwater recharge is extremely significant for the protection and management of groundwater systems and water quality. Objectives: This research aims to use the Fuzzy-Analytic Hierarchy Process (F-AHP) technique to recharge the aquifer in places in the EB that are likely to be groundwater recharge areas in a geographic information system (GIS) environment. Methods: GIS, remote sensing (RS), and F-AHP techniques were used to map the groundwater recharge potential zone in EB. Eight different geo-environmental factors were used to determine potential groundwater areas, namely; rainfall, lithology, geology, soil, slope, lineament density, land use/land cover (LULC), and Drainage density (Dd). Then, the weights of the different thematic layers were assigned using a pairwise comparison matrix through the F-AHP. Results: The total groundwater potential zone was shown to cover a very high area of 210.85 square kilometers (km2), a high area of 188.94 km2, a moderate area of 573.06 km2, a low area of 1956.48 km2, and a very low area of 216.34 km2, according to the groundwater recharge potential zones (GWRPZs) map. As a result, nearly one-third of the areas investigated were found to have moderate-to-very high groundwater recharge potential. Conclusions: This type of research can provide decision-makers and local governments with a broad perspective on current and future planning groundwater scarcity.
Bias In Algorithms Of AI Systems Developed For COVID-19: A Scoping Review
Authors: Delgado Janet , de Manuel Alicia , Parra Iris , Moyano Cristian , Rueda Jon , Gueresenzvaig Ariel , Ausín Txetxu , Cruz Maite , Casacuberta David , Puyol Angel 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Objective: to analyze which ethically relevant biases have been identified by academic literature in artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms developed either for patient risk prediction and triage, or for contact tracing to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, to specifically investigate whether the role of social determinants of health (SDOH) have been considered in these AI developments or not. Methods: we conducted a scoping review of the literature, which covered publications from March 2020 to April 2021. ​Studies mentioning biases on AI algorithms developed for contact tracing and medical triage or risk prediction regarding COVID-19 were included.Results: from 1054 identified articles, 20 studies were finally included. We propose a typology of biases identified in the literature based on bias, limitations and other ethical issues in both areas of analysis. Results on health disparities and SDOH were classified into five categories: racial disparities, biased data, socio-economic disparities, unequal accessibility and workforce, and information communication. Discussion: SDOH needs to be considered in the clinical context, where they still seem underestimated. Epidemiological conditions depend on geographic location, so the use of local data in studies to develop international solutions may increase some biases. Gender bias was not specifically addressed in the articles included. Conclusions: the main biases are related to data collection and management. Ethical problems related to privacy, consent, and lack of regulation have been identified in contact tracing while some bias-related health inequalities have been highlighted. There is a need for further research focusing on SDOH and these specific AI apps.
The effect of Helicobacter pylori on the gastric expression of LOX-1 and CD-36: the role of CRP and ox-LDL
Authors: Ghanbariha Gholamreza , Dabiri Reza , MirmohammadKhani Majid , Habibzadeh Mojdeh , Semnani Vahid , Pakdel Abbas 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: This study aimed to investigate the effect of serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) concentrations on the expression of lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LOX-1) and cluster of differentiation 36 (CD-36) genes in gastric biopsies of individuals with and without Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection.Methods and Results: In this cross-sectional study, we investigated 74 subjects based on gastritis and H. pylori infection in three groups. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure serum levels of high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) and ox-LDL. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR was run to compare LOX-1 and CD-36 gene expression.Comparison of LOX-1 gene expression in H. pylori and gastritis positive (P = 0.025) and H. pylori-negative and gastritis-positive (P = 0.010) to H. pylori and gastritis-negative groups showed a significant difference. CD-36 expression levels were lower in the H. pylori and gastritis positive group than in the non-gastritis and H. pylori group (p = 0.051). Although there was a weak correlation between serum hs-CRP concentration and LOX-1 expression (r = 0.219, P = 0.058), there was no correlation between serum levels of ox-LDL and LOX-1 expression and CD-36.Conclusion: Based on the investigation results, two factors, H. pylori, and gastritis increase LOX-1 expression and decrease CD-36 expression. Based on our results, an increase in plasma hs-CRP levels may be associated with an increase in LOX-1 expression.
Photopic Negative Response Recorded with RETevalTM System in Eyes with Optic Nerve Disorders
Authors: Yamashita Tsutomu , Kato Kumiko , Kondo Mineo , Miki Atsushi , Araki Syunsuke , Goto Katsutoshi , Ieki Yoshiaki , Kiryu Junichi 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Electroretinography (ERG) is used to evaluate the physiological status of the retina and optic nerve. The purpose of this study was to determine the usefulness of ERGs recorded with the RETeval system in diagnosing optic nerve diseases.Subjects and methods: Forty-eight patients with optic nerve disorders, including optic neuritis, ischemic optic neuropathy, traumatic optic neuropathy, and dominant optic atrophy, and 36 normal control subjects were studied. The amplitudes of the photopic negative response (PhNR) were recorded with the RETeval system without mydriasis. The circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (cpRNFLT) was determined by optical coherence tomography (OCT). The significance of the correlations between the PhNR and cpRNFLT parameters were determined, and the receiver operating curve (ROC) analyses were performed for the PhNR and cpRNFLT. Results: Patients with optic nerve disorders had a significantly smaller PhNRs compared to the control subjects (P=0.001). The ROC analyses indicated that both PhNR and cpRNFLT had comparable diagnostic abilities of detecting optic nerve disorders with PhNR at 0.857 and cpRNFLT at 0.764.Conclusion: The PhNR components recorded with the RETeval system have comparable diagnostic ability as the cpRNFLT in diagnosing optic nerve disorders.
Machine Learning Model to Identify Prognostic Factors in Glioblastoma: A SEER-Based Analysis
Authors: Bakirarar Batuhan , Egemen Emrah , YAKAR FATİH 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
The aim of this study to create a competing risk model to identify prognostic factors in glioblastoma (GB). The study included 31663 patients diagnosed with GB between 2007 and 2018. The data in the study were taken from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Overall survivals (OS), age, race, gender, primary site, laterality, surgery and tumor size at the time of diagnosis, vital status, and follow-up time (months)were selected for the analyzes. The median OS of the patients was found to be 9.00±0.09 months. In addition, all variables in the table were statistically significant risk factors for survival except gender. Therefore, surgery, age, laterality, primary site, tumor size, race, gender variables were used as independent risk factors, and vital status was used as a dependent variable for ML analysis. Looking at the ML results, Hybrid Model gave the best results according to Accuracy, F-measure, and MCC performance criteria. According to hybrid model, which has the best performance, the diagnosis of alive/dead in 84 and 74 out of 100 patients can be interpreted as correct for 1- and 2-year, respectively. Recognition of the fundamental ideas will allow neurosurgeons to understand BD and help evaluate the extraordinary amount of data within the associated healthcare field.
Regional disparities in SARS-CoV-2 infections by labour market indicators: a spatial panel analysis using German notification data
Authors: Wahrendorf Morten , Reuter Marvin , Hoebel Jens , Wachtler Benjamin , Höhmann Annika , Dragano Nico 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background

Regional labour markets and their properties are named as potential reasons for regional variations in SARS-CoV-2 infections rates, but empirical evidence is missing.

Methods

Using notification data on laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections, we calculated weekly age-standardised incidence rates (ASIRs) for working-age populations at the regional level of Germany’s 400 districts. Data covered nearly two years (March 2020 till December 2021), including four main waves of the pandemic. For each of the pandemic waves, we investigated regional differences in weekly ASIRs according to three regional labour market indicators: (1) employment rate, (2) employment by sector, and (3) capacity to work from home. We use spatial panel regression analysis, which incorporates geospatial information and accounts for regional clustering of infections.

Results

For all four pandemic waves under study, we found that regions with higher proportions of people in employment had higher ASIRs and a steeper increase of infections during the waves. Further, the composition of the workforce mattered: rates were higher in regions with larger secondary sectors or if opportunities of working from home were comparatively low. Associations remained consistent after adjusting for potential confounders, including a proxy measure of regional vaccination progress.

Conclusions

If further validated by studies using individual-level data, our study calls for increased intervention efforts to improve protective measures at the workplace, particularly among workers of the secondary sector with no opportunities to work from home. It also points to the necessity of strengthening work and employment as essential components of pandemic preparedness plans.
Theoretical Study of Effective Parameters in the Friction Reduction by Ultrasonic Vibrations in Solid Surfaces
Authors: Avati Ali Fattahi , Karafi Mohammad Reza 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Ultrasonic vibrations are used in many fields to reduce friction forces. In this paper, the reasons for the reduction of friction in solid surfaces are investigated by using the friction model of Dahl and the elastic-plastic contact model. Based on the theoretical model, four parameters: relative velocity, contact surface, distance between surfaces, and Young's modulus, are effective in the frictional force reduction. This study is validated using experimental tests. The results showed that the effects of oscillations of the relative velocity and changes of contact surfaces on the friction reduction are 51% and 12%, respectively. The minimum effect, among the factors, was related to Young's modulus with a value of 1%. The reason for the force reduction is the nonlinear behavior of the contact surface, contact stiffness, and the friction force functions. Fluctuations in their input parameters causes an asymmetric oscillation in the value of those functions. This feature changes the average value of these functions and therefore reduces the friction forces.