bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tucuxi-BLAST: Enabling fast and accurate record linkage of large-scale health-related administrative databases through a DNA-encoded approach
Authors: Araujo José Deney , Santos-e-Silva Juan Carlo , Costa-Martins André Guilherme , Sampaio Vanderson , de Castro Daniel Barros , de Souza Robson F. , Giddaluru Jeevan , Ramos Pablo Ivan P. , Pita Robespierre , Barreto Mauricio L. , Barral-Netto Manoel , Nakaya Helder I. 
Published: July 2022

Background
Public health research frequently requires the integration of information from different data sources. However, errors in the records and the high computational costs involved make linking large administrative databases using record linkage (RL) methodologies a major challenge.

Methods
We present Tucuxi-BLAST, a versatile tool for probabilistic RL that utilizes a DNA-encoded approach to encrypt, analyze and link massive administrative databases. Tucuxi-BLAST encodes the identification records into DNA. BLASTn algorithm is then used to align the sequences between databases. We tested and benchmarked on a simulated database containing records for 300 million individuals and also on four large administrative databases containing real data on Brazilian patients.

Results
Our method was able to overcome misspellings and typographical errors in administrative databases. In processing the RL of the largest simulated dataset (200k records), the state-of-the-art method took 5 days and 7 h to perform the RL, while Tucuxi-BLAST only took 23 h. When compared with five existing RL tools applied to a gold-standard dataset from real health-related databases, Tucuxi-BLAST had the highest accuracy and speed. By repurposing genomic tools, Tucuxi-BLAST can improve data-driven medical research and provide a fast and accurate way to link individual information across several administrative databases.
A Comparison of Ivermectin and Non Ivermectin Based Regimen for COVID-19 in Abuja: Effects on Virus Clearance, Days-to-discharge and Mortality
Authors: Thairu Y. , Babalola O. E. , Ajayi A. A. , Ndanusa Y. , Ogedengbe J. O. , O. Omede 
Published: July 2022

Aim: To compare outcomes from ivermectin (IVM) - and non-ivermectin (NIVM)-based treatments for COVID-19 in Abuja, Nigeria.
Methods: Sixty-one consecutive virology-proven cases were recruited and managed with IVM-based regimes. A subsequent cohort of 26 patients was treated with NIVM due to physician preference, with varying combinations of lopinavir/ritonavir (Alluvia), remdesivir, azithromycin, and enoxapramin. All patients received zinc sulfate, vitamin C and supportive therapy. Propensity matching was carried out as indicated, and Repeat Measures Analysis of Variance (RMANOVA) allowing for time*treatment interaction was carried out for time dependent variables, deriving Likelihood Ratio (LR) and P values.
Main Outcome Measures: Change in cycle threshold (viral load) over time, positivity status by day 5, improvement in clinical status using myalgia scores, days to discharge (DTD), change in SpO2 and death.
Results: IVM was associated with a greater and faster reduction in viral clearance (LR=64.2 p< 0.0001 for the N gene): 31% and 95% were negative by days 5 and 14, respectively, versus 0% on NIVM. The mean DTD on IVM was 8.8 days versus 19.4 days, p< 0.0001. IVM proved significantly superior for Myalgia scores, LR= 23.45, P=0.0007. The mortality rate was 0/61 (0%) in IVM but 4/26 (15.3%) in NIVM. Three of the 4 deaths were in females, and 2 had been vaccinated, one fully. The SP02% increased significantly more on IVM (p < 0.0001 RMANOVA) than the NIVM group. C-reactive protein and D-dimer levels dropped significantly more sharply during IVM (P= 0.0068, 0.063), suggesting anti-inflammatory and antifibrinolytic activity.
Conclusions: The IVM-based regimen caused earlier discharge from treatment and reduced mortality, in addition to clinical and laboratory improvements. Vaccination did not protect some patients from SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infection and mortality.
Placebo‐controlled comparison of candoxatril, an orally active neutral endopeptidase inhibitor, and captopril in patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Northridge David B. , Currie Peter F. , Newby David E. , McMurray John J.V. , Ford Michael , Boon Nicholas A. , Dargie Henry J. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractAims:To compare the effects on exercise capacity of the neutral endopeptidase inhibitor candoxatril, and the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor captopril, in patients with mild to moderate heart failure.Methods:In this multi‐centre double‐blind placebo controlled study, 60 patients with NYHA Class I–III heart failure were randomised to candoxatril 200 mg b.d. (n = 22), captopril 25–50 mg b.d. (n = 23) or placebo (n = 15), Treadmill exercise tests were carried out weekly during a 5‐week single‐blind placebo run‐in phase until a stable baseline was achieved, and repeated at 4 weekly intervals during the 12‐week double‐blind treatment phase.Results:Nine patients withdrew from the study — four candoxatril and five captopril. The placebo‐adjusted increase in exercise duration after 12 weeks was 56 s (95% CI, −26 to + 137 s; P = 0.12) with candoxatril and 37 s (− 40 to + 117 s; P = 0.29) with captopril.Conclusions:Both candoxatril and captopril were well tolerated and treadmill exercise duration appeared to increase during 12 weeks of therapy but this did not achieve statistical significance. This study tentatively suggests that in patients with heart failure, neutral endopeptidase inhibition may provide similar symptomatic benefits to angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition.
Glass Transition and Thermal Stability of Lactase in Low‐Moisture Amorphous Polymeric Matrices
Authors: Mazzobre María Florencia , del Pilar Buera María , Chirife Jorge 
Published: July 2002

AbstractThe thermal stability of a commercial preparation of neutral lactase (β‐galactosidase) in low‐moisture amorphous polymeric matrices of maltodextrin (MD dextrose equivalent (D.E.) = 10.9) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP; MW 40 000) stored at various temperatures (T) was studied. The main objective was to analyze the usefulness of the glass transition temperature (Tg) as a parameter for predicting the thermal stability of lactase in low‐moisture glass‐forming matrices. Loss of enzyme activity was observed during storage in glassy conditions (either in PVP or MD matrices), suggesting that, although molecular mobility may be significantly decreased in the glassy state, the protein molecule is still mobile enough to lead to enzyme inactivation. The results indicated that the change from the glassy to the rubbery state of the PVP matrix, where the enzyme was embedded, was not reflected in drastic changes in the temperature dependence of the thermal inactivation rate, as expected if it could be only predicted on the basis of physical changes of the matrices. The plasticizing effect of water is not the only factor to take into account when considering enzymatic stability in heated low‐moisture amorphous systems.
Evaluation of the residual antigenicity and allergenicity of cow's milk substitutes by in vitro tests
Authors: Docena G. , Rozenfeld P. , Fernández R. , Fossati C. A. 
Published: July 2002

Background:  This study aimed the to investigate presence of residual allergenic cow's milk proteins (CMP) in some milk substitutes employed in the treatment of cow's milk allergy (CMA). These allergens may interfere with the treatment, and elicit allergic reactions in sensitized individuals. Methods:  The protein composition of the different extracts was evaluated by Lowry's method and tricine SDS‐PAGE. Different immunoenzymatic methods were used (ELISA, EAST and immunoblotting) to quantify total serum IgE and specific serum IgE, as well as to detect the presence of antigenic and allergenic components. Results:  The results showed a higher protein content in mammalian milks (cow, sheep, mare, goat, and human) than in hydrolyzed substitutes (partially or extensively hydrolyzed casein or whey proteins). Residual native, processed, or contaminant polypeptides have been identified in the moderate hydrolysates, whereas extensive hydrolysates did not show the presence of residual components by immunoblotting. However, specific antibodies with capacity to bind to peptides have been detected by EAST and ELISA, suggesting that extensive hydrolysates contain residual peptides that preserve immunoreactive epitopes. We were unable to demonstrate either residual antigenicity or allergenicity in an amino‐acid‐based formula. Conclusions:  Immunoenzymatic methods were used to detect the presence of cross‐reactive components in mammalian milks. Residual allergenic components from cow's milk could be identified in both the moderate and extensive hydrolysates analyzed. This information may be relevant to the treatment of CMA.
IgE‐mediated allergy to corn: a 50 kDa protein, belonging to the Reduced Soluble Proteins, is a major allergen
Authors: Pasini G. , Simonato B. , Curioni A. , Vincenzi S. , Cristaudo A. , Santucci B. , Peruffo A. Dal Belin , Giannattasio M. 
Published: July 2002

Background: Although corn is often cited as an allergenic food, very few studies have been devoted to the identification of corn allergens and corn allergy has been rarely confirmed by double‐blind, placebo‐controlled food challenge (DBPCFC). Recently, Pastorello et al. (1) identified some salt‐soluble IgE‐binding proteins of corn flour as potential allergens. One of these, corresponding to corn Lipid Transfer Protein (LTP), appeared to be the major one. The aim of this study was to verify the clinical significance of the skin prick test (SPT) and CAP‐FEIA CAP‐System IgE fluozoenzyme immunosorbent assay (Pharmacia Diagnostic, Uppsala, Sweden) positivities to corn and to identify the presence of IgE‐binding proteins in the corn flour salt‐insoluble protein fractions (comprising up to 96% of the total protein) using sera of patients with DBPCFC‐documented food allergy to corn. In addition the effect of cooking and proteolytic digestion on the corn allergens was investigated. Methods: Sixteen subjects with SPT and CAP‐FEIA positivities to corn flour were examined. Only six of them complained of suffering from urticaria and/or other symptoms after ingestion of corn‐based foods. The patients were food challenged with cooked corn flour (polenta). IgE‐binding proteins were detected by immunoblotting. The digestibility of the IgE‐binding proteins was examined during a pepsin attack followed by a pancreatin digestion performed on a cooked corn flour sample. Results: Oral challenge was positive only for six patients with symptoms after ingestion of corn. A 50 kDa protein, belonging to the corn Reduced Soluble Protein (RSP) fraction was recognized by the serum IgE of all the DBPCFC‐positive subjects and resulted to be resistant to both heating and peptic/pancreatic digestion. SPT with the purified RSP fraction gave positive results for all of the DBPCFC‐positive patients examined. Conclusions: SPT and CAP‐FEIA positivities to corn flour had no clinical significance for most of the patients and food allergy to corn has to be proved by DBPCFC. A salt‐unextractable protein of 50 kDa, belonging to the RSP fraction, represents a potential allergen in food hypersensitivity to corn because of its stability to cooking and digestion.
Diversity patterns in terrestrial dipteran communities
Authors: HO­Vemeyer Klaus. 
Published: July 2002

1. Dipteran communities were studied in five terrestrial habitats [beech forest (BE), oak and hornbeam forest (OH), hedgerow (HE), meadow (ME), alder and willow forest (AW)] using emergence traps and diversity patterns of three trophic groups with soil‐dwelling larvae (zoophages, phytosaprophages and surface scrapers) were analysed in detail. 2. Across habitats, sampling effort was a poor predictor of species richness, and species richness increased more steeply with sample size in the zoophages than in the phytosaprophages and surface scrapers. 3. Point diversity (S/trap) of phytosaprophages and surface scrapers increased (as predicted) with resource heterogeneity in the litter layer, but that of zoophages did not. It is suggested that this may be due to differential resource requirements of the three trophic groups during adult life. 4. Zoophages attained the highest and surface scrapers the lowest values of Shannon diversity, while phytosaprophages were intermediate. 5. Predator:prey ratios differed between habitats; they were particularly high in the meadow and low in the oak and hornbeam forest communities. 6. Species identity (Sorensen index) of soil‐dwelling Diptera arranged habitats in an order of decreasing similarity (BE–OH–HE–ME–AW), but percentage similarity indicated a closer relationship between the meadow and the hedgerow communities [BE–OH–AW–(HE–ME)]. Functional similarity, which was based on the proportional biomass of differently sized trophic groups, was highest between the BE and OH communities, i.e. in the habitats most similar in litter layer and vegetation structure.
The efficiency of systematic sampling in stereology — reconsidered
Authors: GUNDERSEN H. J. G. , JENSEN E. B. V. , KIÊU K. , NIELSEN J. 
Published: July 2002

SummaryIn the present paper, we summarize and further develop recent research in the estimation of the variance of stereological estimators based on systematic sampling. In particular, it is emphasized that the relevant estimation procedure depends on the sampling density. The validity of the variance estimation is examined in a collection of data sets, obtained by systematic sampling. Practical recommendations are also provided in a separate section.
Pituitary tuberculoma mimicking adenoma: Magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Kumar Navnit , Singh Surendra , Kuruvilla Asha 
Published: July 2002

SUMMARYA case of a pituitary mass with clinical and MRI findings consistent with adenoma is presented. Transnasal transphenoidal excision biopsy showed it to be a pituitary tuberculoma. The patient was treated with antituberculous drugs, and a follow‐up MRI 18 months later showed good response. MRI features and a review of published reports of the sellar tuberculoma are briefly discussed.
The effect of oral selenium supplementation on human sperm motility
Authors: Scott  , Macpherson  , Yates  , Hussain  , Dixon  
Published: July 2002

Objectives To determine whether the decline in selenium intake and selenium status in men in the West of Scotland might be a contributory factor to male subfertility.Patients and methods Two semen samples were collected from patients attending a subfertility clinic and those patients with samples showing reduced motility were invited to participate in an ethically approved double‐blind clinically controlled trial with informed consent. Sixty‐nine patients were recruited and received either placebo, selenium alone or selenium plus vitamins A, C and E daily for 3 months. A further semen sample was collected at the end of the trial. Plasma selenium status was determined at the beginning and end of the trial period, as was total sperm density and motility.Results Plasma selenium concentrations were significantly (P<0.001) higher in both selenium‐treated groups than in controls. No significant effect of treatment on sperm density was recorded. Sperm motility increased in both selenium‐treated groups, in contrast to a slight decline in the placebo group, but the difference was not significant. However, as the provision of additional vitamins had no effect on any variable measured it was considered justified to combine the two selenium‐treated groups and compare them with the placebo treatment. On this basis, selenium treatment significantly (P<0.002) increased plasma selenium concentrations and sperm motility (P=0.023) but sperm density was again unaffected. Five men (11%) achieved paternity in the treatment group, in contrast to none in the placebo group.Conclusion This trial confirms the result of an earlier study, that selenium supplementation in subfertile men with low selenium status can improve sperm motility and the chance of successful conception. However, not all patients responded; 56% showed a positive response to treatment. The low selenium status of patients not supplemented again highlights the inadequate provision of this essential element in the Scottish diet.
The future of magnetic resonance‐based techniques in neurology
Authors:   European Federation of Neurological Societies Task Force
Published: July 2002

Magnetic resonance techniques have become increasingly important in neurology for defining: 1 brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerve or muscle structure; 2 pathological changes in tissue structures and properties; and 3 dynamic patterns of functional activation of the brain.New applications have been driven in part by advances in hardware, particularly improvements in magnet and gradient coil design. New imaging strategies allow novel approaches to contrast with, for example, diffusion imaging, magnetization transfer imaging, perfusion imaging and functional magnetic resonance imaging. In parallel with developments in hardware and image acquisition have been new approaches to image analysis. These have allowed quantitative descriptions of the image changes to be used for a precise, non‐invasive definition of pathology. With the increasing capabilities and specificity of magnetic resonance techniques it is becoming more important that the neurologist is intimately involved in both the selection of magnetic resonance studies for patients and their interpretation. There is a need for considerably improved access to magnetic resonance technology, particularly in the acute or intensive care ward and in the neurosurgical theatre. This report illustrates several key developments. The task force concludes that magnetic resonance imaging is a major clinical tool of growing significance and offers recommendations for maximizing the potential future for magnetic resonance techniques in neurology.
Possible Medication Errors in Home Healthcare Patients
Authors: Meredith Sarah , Feldman Penny H. , Frey Dennee , Hall Kathi , Arnold Kristina , Brown Nancy J. , Ray Wayne A. 
Published: July 2002

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of possible medication errors in a population of older home healthcare patients according to expert panel objective criteria.DESIGN: A cross‐sectional survey.SETTING: Two of the largest urban home healthcare agencies in the United States.PARTICIPANTS: Home healthcare patients age 65 and older admitted to selected offices of these agencies between October 1996 and September 1998.MEASUREMENTS: We used two sets of consensus‐based expert panel criteria to define possible medication errors. The Home Health Criteria identify patients with patterns of medication use and signs and symptoms that indicate sufficient likelihood of a medication‐related problem to warrant reevaluating the patient. The Beers criteria identify medications that experts have deemed generally inappropriate for older patients.RESULTS: The 6,718 study subjects took a median of five drugs; 19% were taking nine or more medications. A possible medication error was identified for 19% of patients according to Home Health Criteria, 17% according to the Beers criteria, and 30% according to either. Possible errors increased linearly with number of medications taken. When patients taking one to three medications were compared with those taking nine or more drugs, the percentages with possible errors were, respectively, 10% and 32% for the Home Health Criteria, 8% and 32% for the Beers criteria, and 16% and 50% for both.CONCLUSION: Nearly one‐third of the home healthcare patients surveyed had evidence of a potential medication problem or were taking a drug considered inappropriate for older people. More‐effective methods are needed to improve medication use in this vulnerable population. J Am Geriatr Soc 49:719–724, 2001.
Computational study of formation dynamics and structure of amorphous ice condensates
Authors: Zhang Q. , Buch V. 
Published: July 2002

Condensation dynamics and structure of low temperature ≤100 K amorphous ices is studied using the classical trajectory simulation technique. Specifically, classical equations of motion are solved for a sequence of H2O molecules impinging at random on an initial nucleus of ten water molecules. The sticking probability to the cluster is found to be unity. Using this technique we accumulated three amorphous clusters of 100–300 water molecules. The analysis of the results included collision dynamics and molecular structure. Upon collision with the cluster, the impinging H2O molecule forms typically two hydrogen bonds. The two new bonds are almost always asymmetric, i.e., one bond is via an O atom of the new molecule, and the other via one of its H atoms. We identified two distinct types of collision trajectories—‘‘simple’’ trajectories and ‘‘complex’’ ones. In a simple trajectory, a new molecule is attached to the surface, without disrupting the preexisting hydrogen bond network in the cluster. In a complex trajectory, the preexisting bond network is modified significantly during the collision. Up to ∼15 hydrogen bonds can be changed (formed or destroyed) during such a trajectory; and the spatial extent of the changes can be as large as ∼20 Å.
The complex trajectories comprise 60%∼70% of all the collision trajectories. Thus, the hydrogen bond network evolves continuously during the growth of the ice sample; the net trend being towards the four coordinated molecular configuration around each molecule. The average coordination number of a molecule in the final clusters is 3.5∼3.7, despite the fact that most of the water molecules are on the exposed surface of the cluster. The main features of the local molecular structure in the clusters are (a) ordering of OO and OH distances within hydrogen bonds (b) very significant disorder in O–O–O angles between adjacent hydrogen bonds; the width of the O–O–O angle distribution is ∼40°. The molecular structure seems to be closely related to that of liquid water. The experimental electron diffraction patterns of amorphous clusters are reproduced very well by our models. Comparison was also made with the radial distribution functions derived for bulk amorphous ice from x-ray and neutron diffraction experiments. Reasonable agreement was obtained within the range ≲4 Å, while at larger distances finite size effects become important.