bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of contact tracing apps for SARS-CoV-2: an updated systematic review
Authors: Jenniskens Kevin , Bootsma Martin C.J. , Damen Johanna A.A.G. , Ghannad Mona , Oerbekke Michiel S. , Vernooij Robin W.M. , Spijker René , Moons Karel G.M. , Kretzschmar Mirjam E.E. , Hooft Lotty 
Published: May 2022

Objective – To systematically review evidence on effectiveness of contact tracing apps (CTAs) for SARS-CoV-2 on epidemiological and clinical outcomes Design – Update of a systematic review (https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2021-050519) Data sources - EMBASE (OVID), MEDLINE (PubMed), BioRxiv, and MedRxiv were searched up to June 9th 2021 Study selection – Studies, empirical or model-based, assessing effect of CTAs for SARS-CoV-2 on quarantine rate, reproduction number (R), total number of infections, hospitalization, mortality, and other epidemiologically and clinically relevant outcomes, were eligible for inclusion. Data extraction – Empirical and model-based studies were both critically appraised based on dedicated quality and risk of bias assessment checklists. Data on type of study (i.e., empirical or model-based), sample size, (simulated) time horizon, study population, CTA type (and associated interventions), comparator, and outcomes assessed, were extracted. Key findings were extracted and narratively summarized. Specifically for model-based studies, characteristics and values of important model parameters were collected. Results – 5123 studies were identified, of which 27 studies (five empirical, 22 model-based studies) were eligible and included in this review. All empirical studies were observational (non-randomized) studies and either at unclear or high risk of bias, mostly due to uncontrolled confounding. Risk of bias of model-based studies was considered high for 7 of 22 studies. Most studies demonstrated beneficial effects of CTAs on R, total number of infections, hospitalization, and mortality. Effect size was dependent on other model parameter values (e.g., proportion of asymptomatic individuals, testing delays), but in general a beneficial effect was observed at CTA adoption rates of 20% and over. Conclusions – CTAs are potentially effective at reducing SARS-CoV-2 related epidemiological and clinical outcomes, though effect size depends on other model parameter values. Methodologically sound comparative empirical studies on effectiveness of CTAs are lacking and would be desirable to confirm findings from model-based studies.
Case Report: Successful primary percutaneous coronary intervention in octogenarian with acute-on-chronic kidney disease and total atrioventricular block after acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Andrianto Andrianto , Laksmi Ni Putu Anggun , Herdyanto Rio 
Published: May 2022

Myocardial infarction (MI) is frequently complicated by the worsening of renal function. Undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) becomes crucial to a patient with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). With appropriate management of MI, acute-on-chronic kidney disease (ACKD) requiring dialysis post-MI remains an important clinical predictor of elevated in-hospital mortality among patients with MI. In this study, we reported an octogenarian patient suffering from STEMI with ACKD and total atrioventricular block (TAVB). She underwent insertion of a temporary pacemaker and primary PCI. Renal function was improved after dialysis by decreasing the amount of serum creatinine from 8.1 mg/dL at admission to 1.05 mg/dL after primary PCI and dialysis. Primary PCI should still be considered for patients with acute MI, even though these patients have kidney disease, to save the heart muscle and even indirectly improve the kidney function itself.
A method for the sustainable planning and management of ground source heat pump systems in an urban environment, considering the effects of reciprocal thermal interference
Authors: Belliardi Marco , Soma Linda , Perego Rodolfo , Pera Sebastian , Di Sipio Eloisa , Zarrella Angelo , Carnieletto Laura , Galgaro Antonio , Badenes Borja , Pasquali Riccardo , Bertermann David , Sanner Burkhard 
Published: May 2022

The “Most Easy, Efficient and Low Cost Geothermal Systems for Retrofitting Civil and Historical Buildings” (GEO4CIVHIC) project aims to accelerate the deployment of shallow geothermal systems for heating and cooling purposes when retrofitting existing and historical buildings. Analyzing the implementation process of borehole heat exchangers (BHEs), allows the understanding of how to promote the long-term sustainability of shallow geothermal energy systems. The thermal interference between BHE systems represents a problem, especially due to the increasing deployment of this technology and its spread in densely built-up areas. The main goals of this paper are: a) to analyze the design phase of a BHE system in order to prevent mutual thermal interference, b) to propose a model that encloses phases to adopt an integrated approach for preventing long term thermal interferences, c) to give technical and management suggestions to minimize thermal interference between closed-loop geothermal systems. The method developed follows the following steps: 1) literature review to determine what are the main drivers for thermal interference between shallow geothermal systems, in the context of the GEO4CIVHIC project case study sites; 2) to create a conceptual model to limit thermal interference at both design and operational phases; 3) to apply the developed method to real and virtual case studies in countries with different regulatory frameworks and to test its main strengths and weaknesses. The application of this conceptual model to specific case studies provides evidence of critical planning and operational characteristics of GSHP systems and allows the identification of measures to mitigate impacts of thermal interference to be identified.
A multi-parameter diagnostic clinical decision tree for the rapid diagnosis of tuberculosis in HIV-positive patients presenting to an emergency centre
Authors: van Hoving Daniël Jacobus , Meintjes Graeme , Maartens Gary , Kengne Andre Pascal 
Published: May 2022

Background: Early diagnosis is essential to reduce the morbidity and mortality of HIV-associated tuberculosis. We developed a multi-parameter clinical decision tree to facilitate rapid diagnosis of tuberculosis using point-of-care diagnostic tests in HIV-positive patients presenting to an emergency centre. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in a district hospital emergency centre in a high-HIV-prevalence community in South Africa. Consecutive HIV-positive adults with ≥1 WHO tuberculosis symptoms were enrolled over a 16-month period. Point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) and urine lateral flow lipoarabinomannan (LF-LAM) assay were done according to standardized protocols. Participants also received a chest X-ray. Reference standard was the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis using Xpert MTB/RIF or culture. Logistic regressions models were used to investigate the independent association between prevalent microbiologically confirmed tuberculosis and clinical and biological variables of interest. A decision tree model to predict tuberculosis was developed using the classification and regression tree algorithm. Results: There were 414 participants enrolled: 171 male, median age 36 years, median CD4 cell count 86 cells/mm3. Tuberculosis prevalence was 42% (n=172). Significant variables used to build the classification tree included ≥2 WHO symptoms, antiretroviral therapy use, LF-LAM, PoCUS independent features (pericardial effusion, ascites, intra-abdominal lymphadenopathy) and chest X-ray. LF-LAM was positioned after WHO symptoms (75% true positive rate, representing 17% of study population). Chest X-ray should be performed next if LF-LAM is negative. The presence of ≤1 PoCUS independent feature in those with ‘possible or unlikely tuberculosis’ on chest x-ray represented 47% of non-tuberculosis participants (true negative rate 83%). In a prediction tree which only included true point-of-care tests, a negative LF-LAM and the presence of ≤2 independent PoCUS features had a 71% true negative rate (representing 53% of sample). Conclusions: LF-LAM should be performed in all adults with suspected HIV-associated tuberculosis (regardless of CD4 cell count) presenting to the emergency centre.
Glaucoma - the significant challenge for the healthcare system in Poland
Authors: Osial Natalia , Kaczyńska Agnieszka , Gorecka Adrianna , Stępień Piotr , Pożarowska Dorota , Żarnowski Tomasz 
Published: May 2022

Introduction
Glaucoma is a group of optic neuropathies characterized by progressive degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and visual field loss. Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in the world. The World Health Organization classifies it as a social and civilization disease and emphasizes the need to improve ophthalmic care systems in order to meet the constantly growing challenge for public health, which is glaucoma. The aim of this article is to identify the main problems that affect the health care system of patients with glaucoma in Poland.
Review methods
The review of literature on glaucoma was performed using the PubMed and Google Scholar databases. The latest available epidemiological data and the current legal acts concerning the health care system of patients with glaucoma in Poland were also analyzed.
Abbreviated description of the state of knowledge
The incidence of glaucoma in Poland is constantly increasing, due to the aging of the population. The insidious course of the disease, low public awareness and difficulties in access effective ophthalmic services mean that the disease is diagnosed too late, when significant damage to the optic nerve has already occurred. In addition, the poor mental health of patients, treatment difficulties related to the frequent comorbidity of general diseases and the use of other drug therapies, complicate the course of glaucoma and make it difficult to inhibit its progression.
Summary
Glaucoma is a significant challenge for public health and the healthcare system in Poland. Therefore, it is very important to take systemic measures as soon as possible that contribute to improve public awareness of eye diseases, increase the availability of ophthalmic care, early detection and appropriate monitoring of the course of glaucoma.
Performance Evaluation of New Energy Vehicles with Human-Machine Interaction in Intelligent Transportation Systems
Authors: Zhang Peng , Guan Zhiwei , Sun Jingjing 
Published: May 2022

An intelligent transport system is a sophisticated platform developed to provide new solutions related to transport administration, enabling people to be increasingly aware and make infrastructures secure, more synchronized, and more sophisticated utilization. Energy vehicles in intelligent transportation have additional positive benefits to society. However, handling mobility, connectivity, and communication infrastructure are significant challenges in integrating the energy vehicle in intelligent transport systems. This paper proposed an energy vehicle with a human interaction framework (EVHIF) to enhance the intelligent transportation system. The EVHIF provides human-machine interaction through a voice-over interface, and the natural language processing made the interface more flexible. The voice-over interaction framework adopts the advanced user interface, mobility problems and becomes more accessible. Static language program modifies the user voice interaction to the energy vehicles.
If correctly designed and executed, ITS can save a great deal of time, money, and even lives. ITS encompasses the information analysis and data transmission programs that enable the operation and maintenance of surface transportation modes to increase the safety and efficiency of conveying people and commodities. People, safety officers, and government also use its benefits.
Experimentation is done by focusing on the performance of EVHIF in an intelligent transportation system. Evaluation results prove that EVHIF is efficient at 98.56% and advisable for transportation systems with advanced interaction frameworks.
Changing Climatic Conditions Affect Snow Cover in Annapurna Region of Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Susmita , Poudel Durga D. , Duex Timothy W. , Yantis Rodney B. 
Published: May 2022

Changing climatic conditions affecting the physical environment, hydrology, forest and wildlife, agriculture, and other sectors of the economy has become a major concern worldwide. The Annapurna Range in the Central Himalayas in Nepal is experiencing impacts of climate change on various fronts, including temperature increase and change in snow cover area (SCA). The objectives of this study were to assess spatio-temporal variation in temperature, precipitation, and SCA in the Annapurna massif and establish a relationship between these variables. This study analyzed the daily maximum and minimum temperature and precipitation records of six weather stations in the region, and performed a long-term analysis (1990–2020) of snow cover over Annapurna massif analysing Satellite images from the past three decades provided by satellite 5 through 8 of the Landsat program and Geographic Information System (GIS) technology. The SCA was determined through Landsat images using the Normalized Difference Snow Index (NDSI). Temperature analysis showed that the northeast (Chame) and northwest (Jomsom) parts of the massif were undergoing a consistent increase in average temperature at the rate of 0.07 and 0.03∘∘C per year, respectively. A north-south gradient was observed in total annual precipitation with total precipitation increasing in Ghandruk and Ranipauwa (Muktinath) at 50 mm and 4.8 mm per year, respectively, and decreasing in Manang Bhot at 4.7 mm per year. The precipitation events increased during spring in the west (Lete), northwest (Jomsom), and south (Ghandruk) of the massif, whereas it decreased in the north (Manang Bhot) and northeast (Chame) for all seasons. The SCA varied from 397 km22 to 1735 km22 with a significantly decreasing trend in December. There was a non-significant SCA increase during March, indicating that more snow coverage could appear in the spring in the future. These results could help local communities, government agencies, tourism industries, and other stakeholders develop resource management plans and climate change adaptation strategies.
Study on the Efficiency Treatment of Polluted Water by Biofilm Process Filled with Bamboo Filler
Authors: Hong Qiankun , Zhang Hangli , Zhang Shixia 
Published: May 2022

The biofilm process has the advantages of strong load impact resistance, low power consumption, easy operation and management, and good treatment effect. The key factor of the biofilm method is the biofilm carrier filler. The performance of the filler will directly affect the operation and treatment effect of the reactor. Aiming at the severely polluted rivers, this paper proposes to use bamboo materials with extensive raw materials, cheap processing, green and pollution-free materials to make biofilm reactor fillers, and conduct laboratory-scale research on them. The results show that, compared with the suspended filler, the bamboo filler has a faster filming speed and a rich microbial population structure on the film, which is beneficial to the removal of pollutants in the water. In addition, the bamboo filler has a degradable carbon source, which helps to further improve the reactor. The denitrification efficiency. The research results will provide technical support for the practical application of bamboo fillers in biofilm reactors and the in-situ remediation of polluted river water quality in my country.
Evaluation of a multi-species Protein A-ELISA assay for plague serologic diagnosis in humans and other mammal hosts
Authors: Bezerra Matheus Filgueira , Xavier Camila Cavalcanti , Almeida Alzira Maria Paiva de , Reis Christian Robson de Souza 
Published: May 2022

BackgroundThe Hemagglutination assay (HA) is widely used in plague diagnosis, however, it has a subjective interpretation and demands high amounts of antigen and other immunobiological supplies. On the other hand, the conventional Anti-IgG ELISA is limited by the need of specific conjugates for multiple plague hosts, which leaves a gap for new diagnostic methods able to cover both the diagnosis of human cases and the epidemiological surveillance of multiple sentinel species.MethodsWe developed an ELISA Protein A-peroxidase method to detect anti-F1 antibodies across several species, including humans. To determine the cut-off and performance rates, HA results from 288 samples (81 rabbits, 64 humans, 66 rodents and 77 dogs) were used as reference. Next, we evaluated the agreement between Protein A-ELISA and Anti-IgG ELISA in an expanded sample set (n = 487).ResultsOptimal conditions were found with 250ng/well of F1 and 1:500 serum dilution. Protein A-ELISA showed high repeatability and reproducibility. We observed good correlation rates between the Protein A and IgG ELISAs optical densities and a higher positive/negative OD ratio for the Protein A-ELISA method. The overall sensitivity, specificity and area under the curve for Protein A-ELISA were 94%, 99% and 0.99, respectively. Similar results were observed for each species separately. In the analysis of the expanded sample set, there was a strong agreement between Protein A and IgG assays (kappa = 0.97). Furthermore, there was no cross-reaction with other common infectious diseases, such as dengue, Zika, Chagas disease, tuberculosis (humans) and ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis and leishmaniasis (dogs).ConclusionsAltogether, the Protein A-ELISA showed high performance when compared both to HA and Anti-IgG ELISA, with a polyvalent single protocol that requires reduced amounts of antigen and can be employed to any plague hosts.
Can floral nectars reduce transmission of Leishmania?
Authors: Palmer-Young Evan C. , Schwarz Ryan S. , Chen Yanping , Evans Jay D. 
Published: May 2022

BackgroundInsect-vectoredLeishmaniaare responsible for loss of more disability-adjusted life years than any parasite besides malaria. Elucidation of the environmental factors that affect parasite transmission by vectors is essential to develop sustainable methods of parasite control that do not have off-target effects on beneficial insects or environmental health. Many phytochemicals that inhibit growth of sand fly-vectoredLeishmania—which have been exhaustively studied in the search for phytochemical-based drugs—are abundant in nectars, which provide sugar-based meals to infected sand flies.Principle findingsIn a quantitative meta-analysis, we compare inhibitory phytochemical concentrations forLeishmaniato concentrations present in floral nectar and pollen. We show that nectar concentrations of several flowering plant species exceed those that inhibit growth ofLeishmaniacell cultures, suggesting an unexplored, landscape ecology-based approach to reduceLeishmaniatransmission.SignificanceIf nectar compounds are as effective against parasites in the sand fly gut as predicted from experimentsin vitro, strategic planting of antiparasitic phytochemical-rich floral resources or phytochemically enriched baits could reduceLeishmanialoads in vectors. Such interventions could provide an environmentally friendly complement to existing means of disease control.
Survey of potentially inappropriate prescriptions for common cold symptoms in Japan: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Nakano Yasuhisa , Watari Takashi , Adachi Kazuya , Watanabe Kenji , Otsuki Kazuya , Amano Yu , Takaki Yuji , Onigata Kazumichi 
Published: May 2022

Background
Common cold is among the main reasons patients visit a medical facility. However, few studies have investigated whether prescriptions for common cold in Japan comply with domestic and international evidence.

Objective
To determine whether prescriptions for common cold complied with domestic and international evidence.

Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted between October 22, 2020, and January 16, 2021. Patients with cold symptoms who visited the two dispensing pharmacies and met the eligibility criteria were interviewed.

Main outcome measure
The pharmacists at each store and a physician classified the patients into two groups: the potentially inappropriate prescribing group and the appropriate prescribing group.

Results
Of the 150 selected patients, 14 were excluded and 136 were included in the analysis. Males accounted for 44.9% of the total study population, and the median patient age was 34 years (interquartile range [IQR], 27–42). The prevalence rates of potentially inappropriate prescriptions and appropriate prescriptions were 89.0% and 11.0%, respectively and the median drug costs were 602.0 yen (IQR, 479.7–839.2) [$5.2 (IQR, 4.2–7.3)] and 406.7 yen (IQR, 194.5–537.2) [$3.5 (IQR, 1.7–4.7)], respectively. The most common potentially inappropriate prescriptions were the prescription of oral cephem antibacterial agents to patients who did not have symptoms of bacterial infections (50.4%) and β2 stimulants to those who did not have respiratory symptoms due to underlying disease or history (33.9%).

Conclusions
Approximately 90% of prescriptions for common cold symptoms in the area were potentially inappropriate. Our findings could contribute to the monitoring of the use of medicines for the treatment of common cold symptoms.
Incidence of tuberculosis among PLHIV on antiretroviral therapy who initiated isoniazid preventive therapy: A multi-center retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kazibwe Andrew , Oryokot Bonniface , Mugenyi Levicatus , Kagimu David , Oluka Abraham Ignatius , Kato Darlius , Ouma Simple , Tayebwakushaba Edmund , Odoi Charles , Kakumba Kizito , Opito Ronald , Mafabi Ceasar Godfrey , Ochwo Michael , Nkabala Robert , Tusiimire Wilber , Kateeba Tusiime Agnes , Alinga Sarah Barbara , Miya Yunus , Etukoit Michael Bernard , Biraro Irene Andia , Kirenga Bruce 
Published: May 2022

Introduction
Isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) is effective in treating tuberculosis (TB) infection and hence limiting progression to active disease. However, the durability of protection, associated factors and cost-effectiveness of IPT remain uncertain in low-and-middle income countries, Uganda inclusive. The Uganda Ministry of health recommends a single standard-dose IPT course for eligible people living with HIV (PLHIV). In this study we determined the incidence, associated factors and median time to TB diagnosis among PLHIV on Antiretroviral therapy (ART) who initiated IPT.

Materials and methods
We conducted a retrospective cohort study at eleven The AIDS Support Organization (TASO) centers in Uganda. We reviewed medical records of 2634 PLHIV on ART who initiated IPT from 1st January 2016 to 30th June 2018, with 30th June 2021 as end of follow up date. We analyzed study data using STATA v.16. Incidence rate was computed as the number of new TB cases divided by the total person months. A Frailty model was used to determine factors associated with TB incidence.

Results
The 2634 individuals were observed for 116,360.7 person months. IPT completion rate was 92.8%. Cumulative proportion of patients who developed TB in this cohort was 0.83% (22/2634), an incidence rate of 18.9 per 100,000 person months. The median time to TB diagnosis was 18.5 months (minimum– 0.47; maximum– 47.3, IQR: 10.1–32.4). World Health Organization (WHO) HIV clinical stage III (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 95%CI: 3.66 (1.08, 12.42) (P = 0.037) and discontinuing IPT (aHR 95%CI: 25.96(4.12, 169.48) (p = 0.001)), were associated with higher odds of TB diagnosis compared with WHO clinical stage II and IPT completion respectively.

Conclusion
Incidence rates of TB were low overtime after one course of IPT, and this was mainly attributed to high completion rates.