cometadata/datacite-titles-descriptions-related-identifiers huggingface dataset:
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6992204.v1
title: Assessment of the occurrence and richness of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal spores by direct analysis of field samples and trap culture - a comparative study

description: ABSTRACT In this work, we hypothesized that two spore-based methods, direct analysis of field samples and trap cultures, simultaneously used for assessment of occurrence and species richness of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) may vary in their efficiency according to the environmental conditions and the total AMF species richness of the evaluated ecosystem. The performance of both methods was analyzed based on two datasets: 1) a complete site x species matrix compiled from two studies in different land uses in the Amazon using direct analysis of field samples and trap cultures. 2) Total number of AMF morphotypes detected by both methods in published manuscripts across several ecosystems. From dataset 1, direct analysis of field samples revealed 57 morphotypes, whereas only 21 of these were detected by trap culture. Community variation (beta diversity) analysis revealed that field samples are far more sensitive in detecting shifts in AMF community composition among land uses than trap cultures in the Amazon region, with the combined results of both methods being not better than that obtained only by direct analysis of field samples. Analysis of dataset 2 showed that the relative performance of trap cultures, using direct analysis of field sample as reference, was inversely related to the total observed AMF species richness.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6992198
title: Occurrence of South American leaf blight epidemic in escape zones of the Brazil

description: ABSTRACT: In January and February 2013 occurred a South American leaf blight epidemic in regions considered as escape zones, causing concern to rubber tree growers and throughout the rubber industry. A possible adaptation of the fungus to escape zones was raised and the consistency of disease control by the use of the binomial: plants with uniform renewal of leaves + dry season, typical of the escape zones, was questioned. The aim of this work was to bring relevant information to the rubber growers about the interaction climate-pathogen-host and to compare normal climate (historical average) and climatic data of the occurrence period of epidemic (January and February 2013). We conclude that was not the pathogen that has adapted to rubber tree in drier conditions, typical in escape regions, but a more humid climate occurred in these drier regions during this period.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6992195
title: Reliability and validity of MINCIR scale for methodological quality in dental therapy research

description: The clinical paradigm of evidence-based medicine requires a foundation of good quality research upon which clinical and epidemiological decisions can be based. Several instruments have been designed to assess research quality and validated, though most have limitations. The MINCIR scale was designed to determine the methodological quality (MQ) of clinical research, its psychometric properties for dental research involving large-scale evaluations have not yet been determined. The aim of this study was to determine the validity and reliability of the MINCIR scale for assessment of the MQ of dental therapy studies published in journals indexed in Institute for Scientific Information (ISI) databases. A validation study was performed on a sample of 99 articles from four representative ISI dental journals. Criterion validity was determined in relation to level of evidence (LoE) classification as described by the Oxford Center for Evidence-Based Medicine (OCEBM) ranking system, reliability was determined by calculation of intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) values, and internal consistency was determined by calculation of Cronbach’s alpha. Very good inter-observer reliability (ICC = 0.93), excellent temporal stability (ICC = 0.97), good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.77), and a strong (inverse) correlation with OCEBM LoEs (-0.807; p &lt; .0001) were obtained. These results indicate that the MINCIR scale has adequate psychometric properties and therefore is a valid option for use in the assessment of MQ in dental therapy research articles.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6992198.v1
title: Occurrence of South American leaf blight epidemic in escape zones of the Brazil

description: ABSTRACT: In January and February 2013 occurred a South American leaf blight epidemic in regions considered as escape zones, causing concern to rubber tree growers and throughout the rubber industry. A possible adaptation of the fungus to escape zones was raised and the consistency of disease control by the use of the binomial: plants with uniform renewal of leaves + dry season, typical of the escape zones, was questioned. The aim of this work was to bring relevant information to the rubber growers about the interaction climate-pathogen-host and to compare normal climate (historical average) and climatic data of the occurrence period of epidemic (January and February 2013). We conclude that was not the pathogen that has adapted to rubber tree in drier conditions, typical in escape regions, but a more humid climate occurred in these drier regions during this period.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6992195.v1
title: Reliability and validity of MINCIR scale for methodological quality in dental therapy research

description: The clinical paradigm of evidence-based medicine requires a foundation of good quality research upon which clinical and epidemiological decisions can be based. Several instruments have been designed to assess research quality and validated, though most have limitations. The MINCIR scale was designed to determine the methodological quality (MQ) of clinical research, its psychometric properties for dental research involving large-scale evaluations have not yet been determined. The aim of this study was to determine the validity and reliability of the MINCIR scale for assessment of the MQ of dental therapy studies published in journals indexed in Institute for Scientific Information (ISI) databases. A validation study was performed on a sample of 99 articles from four representative ISI dental journals. Criterion validity was determined in relation to level of evidence (LoE) classification as described by the Oxford Center for Evidence-Based Medicine (OCEBM) ranking system, reliability was determined by calculation of intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) values, and internal consistency was determined by calculation of Cronbach’s alpha. Very good inter-observer reliability (ICC = 0.93), excellent temporal stability (ICC = 0.97), good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.77), and a strong (inverse) correlation with OCEBM LoEs (-0.807; p &lt; .0001) were obtained. These results indicate that the MINCIR scale has adequate psychometric properties and therefore is a valid option for use in the assessment of MQ in dental therapy research articles.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6992189
title: Health Impact Assessment (HIA): analyses and challenges to Brazilian Health Surveillance

description: Abstract This study aims to discuss the Health Impact Assessment (HIA), pointing out the main initiatives of the health sector, challenges and perspectives for its implementation in Brazil. HIA is a methodology recommended by the WHO and is widely used in several countries, but with few initiatives in Brazil. Health issues in the context of large projects are commonly conducted on a timely basis within the environmental licensing processes, unlike HIA, which proposes an integrated approach, with the involvement of social stakeholders in the territory since the beginning of the project. This is an analytical and exploratory research and, thus, a systematic review on the subject was carried out, as well as a survey of government documents on the main initiatives already conducted by the Ministry of Health within Environmental Health Surveillance in the environmental licensing processes of large projects. We sought to analyze the main conceptual frameworks, pointing out possibilities for their implementation in Brazil, as well as new perspectives for Health Surveillance in this area, allowing the health variable to be evaluated during several interventions of a policy, program or project.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6992192
title: Clinical aspects of envenomation caused byTityus obscurus (Gervais, 1843) in two distinct regions of Pará state, Brazilian Amazon basin: a prospective case series

description: Background:Scorpion envenomations are a major public health problem in Brazil, whose most dangerous cases are attributable to the genus Tityus.This study was designed to compare the clinical and demographic features of envenomations by 77tyus obscurus in two areas of the state of Pará located in the Amazon basin. Were compared demographic findings, local and systemic signs and symptoms of human envenomations caused byT. obscurus that occurred in western and eastern areas of the state.Results:Forty-eight patients with confirmed envenomation by T. obscurus were evaluated from January 2008 to July 2011. Most of them came from the eastern region, where male and female patients were present in similar numbers, while males predominated in the west. Median age groups were also similar in both areas. Most scorpion stings took place during the day and occurred significantly more frequently on the upper limbs. The time between the sting and admission to the health center was less than three hours in both areas. Most eastern patients had local manifestations while in the west, systemic manifestations predominated. Local symptoms were similar in both areas, but systemic signs and symptoms were more common in the west. Symptoms frequently observed at the sting site were local and radiating pain, paresthesia, edema, erythema, sweating, piloerection and burning. The systemic manifestations were significantly higher in patients from the west. Futhermore, neurological symptoms such as general paresthesia, ataxia, dysarthria, myoclonus, dysmetria, and electric shock-like sensations throughout the body were reported only by patients from the west.Conclusion:The present study shows that two regions of Para state differ in the clinical manifestations and severity of confirmed envenomation by T. obscurus which suggests a toxicity variation resulting from the diversity of T. obscurus venom in different areas of the Brazilian Amazon basin, and that T. serrulatus antivenom can be successfully used against T. obscurus.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6992189.v1
title: Health Impact Assessment (HIA): analyses and challenges to Brazilian Health Surveillance

description: Abstract This study aims to discuss the Health Impact Assessment (HIA), pointing out the main initiatives of the health sector, challenges and perspectives for its implementation in Brazil. HIA is a methodology recommended by the WHO and is widely used in several countries, but with few initiatives in Brazil. Health issues in the context of large projects are commonly conducted on a timely basis within the environmental licensing processes, unlike HIA, which proposes an integrated approach, with the involvement of social stakeholders in the territory since the beginning of the project. This is an analytical and exploratory research and, thus, a systematic review on the subject was carried out, as well as a survey of government documents on the main initiatives already conducted by the Ministry of Health within Environmental Health Surveillance in the environmental licensing processes of large projects. We sought to analyze the main conceptual frameworks, pointing out possibilities for their implementation in Brazil, as well as new perspectives for Health Surveillance in this area, allowing the health variable to be evaluated during several interventions of a policy, program or project.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6992192.v1
title: Clinical aspects of envenomation caused byTityus obscurus (Gervais, 1843) in two distinct regions of Pará state, Brazilian Amazon basin: a prospective case series

description: Background:Scorpion envenomations are a major public health problem in Brazil, whose most dangerous cases are attributable to the genus Tityus.This study was designed to compare the clinical and demographic features of envenomations by 77tyus obscurus in two areas of the state of Pará located in the Amazon basin. Were compared demographic findings, local and systemic signs and symptoms of human envenomations caused byT. obscurus that occurred in western and eastern areas of the state.Results:Forty-eight patients with confirmed envenomation by T. obscurus were evaluated from January 2008 to July 2011. Most of them came from the eastern region, where male and female patients were present in similar numbers, while males predominated in the west. Median age groups were also similar in both areas. Most scorpion stings took place during the day and occurred significantly more frequently on the upper limbs. The time between the sting and admission to the health center was less than three hours in both areas. Most eastern patients had local manifestations while in the west, systemic manifestations predominated. Local symptoms were similar in both areas, but systemic signs and symptoms were more common in the west. Symptoms frequently observed at the sting site were local and radiating pain, paresthesia, edema, erythema, sweating, piloerection and burning. The systemic manifestations were significantly higher in patients from the west. Futhermore, neurological symptoms such as general paresthesia, ataxia, dysarthria, myoclonus, dysmetria, and electric shock-like sensations throughout the body were reported only by patients from the west.Conclusion:The present study shows that two regions of Para state differ in the clinical manifestations and severity of confirmed envenomation by T. obscurus which suggests a toxicity variation resulting from the diversity of T. obscurus venom in different areas of the Brazilian Amazon basin, and that T. serrulatus antivenom can be successfully used against T. obscurus.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.12870020
title: Plotting data - maps

description: Data for plotting maps of metrics regarding the reconstruction of pCO2 for the Large Ensemble Testbed using NN, XGB, and RF.<br>
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6992183
title: Hematology and plasma biochemistry of wild-caught Indian cobra Naja naja(Linnaeus, 1758)

description: Background : Hematology and plasma biochemistry parameters are useful in the assessment and management of snake physiological status. Although reference ranges are readily available for many snake species, they are lacking for most venomous ophidians. We determined hematology and plasma biochemistry reference ranges for the wild-caught Indian cobra, Naja naja.Results : Blood samples, taken from the ventral tail vein, were assessed for erythrocyte count, total leukocyte count, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, considering the sex of snakes. Results revealed the erythrocyte numbers (male, 390000 ± 12503.33/mm3 and female, 347500 ± 7505.55/mm3), shapes and the centrally located oval nuclei. Leukocytes were round, circular or disk-shaped, and the mean size was larger in male than female snakes. The maximum number of leukocytes was found to be 11700 ± 100/mm3 in male and 12100 ±200/mm3 in female snakes, and mean values of differential leukocyte count differed statistically between male and female snakes. The total leukocyte levels were found to be higher in female snakes, but the levels of hemoglobin, hematocrit, and MCV values were higher in male snakes. However, the MCH and MCHC values remained higher in female snakes throughout the study period. Mean protein and cholesterol contents differed significantly between male (45.32 ± 1.76 and 3.76 ± 0.06 mg/mL) and female (12.47 ± 0.82 and 4.72 ± 0.2 mg/mL) snakes.Conclusions : In conclusion, monitoring snake hematological and biochemical parameters can serve as a means to evaluate the physiological and health status of N. najapopulations, which may be a useful indicator of their environmental status.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.12870020.v1
title: Plotting data - maps

description: Data for plotting maps of metrics regarding the reconstruction of pCO2 for the Large Ensemble Testbed using NN, XGB, and RF.<br>
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6992183.v1
title: Hematology and plasma biochemistry of wild-caught Indian cobra Naja naja(Linnaeus, 1758)

description: Background : Hematology and plasma biochemistry parameters are useful in the assessment and management of snake physiological status. Although reference ranges are readily available for many snake species, they are lacking for most venomous ophidians. We determined hematology and plasma biochemistry reference ranges for the wild-caught Indian cobra, Naja naja.Results : Blood samples, taken from the ventral tail vein, were assessed for erythrocyte count, total leukocyte count, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, considering the sex of snakes. Results revealed the erythrocyte numbers (male, 390000 ± 12503.33/mm3 and female, 347500 ± 7505.55/mm3), shapes and the centrally located oval nuclei. Leukocytes were round, circular or disk-shaped, and the mean size was larger in male than female snakes. The maximum number of leukocytes was found to be 11700 ± 100/mm3 in male and 12100 ±200/mm3 in female snakes, and mean values of differential leukocyte count differed statistically between male and female snakes. The total leukocyte levels were found to be higher in female snakes, but the levels of hemoglobin, hematocrit, and MCV values were higher in male snakes. However, the MCH and MCHC values remained higher in female snakes throughout the study period. Mean protein and cholesterol contents differed significantly between male (45.32 ± 1.76 and 3.76 ± 0.06 mg/mL) and female (12.47 ± 0.82 and 4.72 ± 0.2 mg/mL) snakes.Conclusions : In conclusion, monitoring snake hematological and biochemical parameters can serve as a means to evaluate the physiological and health status of N. najapopulations, which may be a useful indicator of their environmental status.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6992165
title: Strongyloidiasis in humans: diagnostic efficacy of four conventional methods and real-time polymerase chain reaction

description: Abstract INTRODUCTION: Strongyloides stercoralis is an intestinal parasitic nematode that causes hyperinfection and/or a dissemination syndrome in hosts, which is often difficult to diagnose. This study aims to compare the diagnostic efficacy of four conventional methods used to diagnose strongyloidiasis with real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to detect S. stercoralis in fecal samples. METHODS: We analyzed 143 fecal samples collected from Colombian regions with varying degrees of risk for intestinal infections caused by S. stercoralis to assess the validity, performance, overall efficiency, and concordance of the qPCR using a direct stool test, modified Ritchie concentration technique, agar plate culture, and Harada-Mori technique as reference tests. RESULTS While four fecal samples were positive for S. stercoralis using conventional methods, 32 were positive via qPCR. The diagnostic sensitivity of the qPCR was 75% [95% confidence interval (CI): 20.07-100%], whereas its specificity, negative predictive value, negative likelihood ratio, and Youden’s J index were 78.42% (95% CI: 71.22-85.62%), 99.09% (95% CI: 96.86-100%), 0.32 (95% CI: 0.06-1.74), and 0.53, respectively. In addition, the estimated kappa index between the qPCR and the conventional methods was 0.12 (95% CI: -0.020-0.26). CONCLUSIONS: The diagnostic sensitivity of qPCR to detect strongyloidiasis is analogous to that of conventional parasitology methods, with an additional advantage of being capable of identifying the parasite DNA at low sample concentrations.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6992165.v1
title: Strongyloidiasis in humans: diagnostic efficacy of four conventional methods and real-time polymerase chain reaction

description: Abstract INTRODUCTION: Strongyloides stercoralis is an intestinal parasitic nematode that causes hyperinfection and/or a dissemination syndrome in hosts, which is often difficult to diagnose. This study aims to compare the diagnostic efficacy of four conventional methods used to diagnose strongyloidiasis with real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to detect S. stercoralis in fecal samples. METHODS: We analyzed 143 fecal samples collected from Colombian regions with varying degrees of risk for intestinal infections caused by S. stercoralis to assess the validity, performance, overall efficiency, and concordance of the qPCR using a direct stool test, modified Ritchie concentration technique, agar plate culture, and Harada-Mori technique as reference tests. RESULTS While four fecal samples were positive for S. stercoralis using conventional methods, 32 were positive via qPCR. The diagnostic sensitivity of the qPCR was 75% [95% confidence interval (CI): 20.07-100%], whereas its specificity, negative predictive value, negative likelihood ratio, and Youden’s J index were 78.42% (95% CI: 71.22-85.62%), 99.09% (95% CI: 96.86-100%), 0.32 (95% CI: 0.06-1.74), and 0.53, respectively. In addition, the estimated kappa index between the qPCR and the conventional methods was 0.12 (95% CI: -0.020-0.26). CONCLUSIONS: The diagnostic sensitivity of qPCR to detect strongyloidiasis is analogous to that of conventional parasitology methods, with an additional advantage of being capable of identifying the parasite DNA at low sample concentrations.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6992153
title: Do it yourself: rain sensor

description: Abstract The construction and operation of a simple didactic device is presented, designed to detect water droplets (rain), from the total internal reflection of light. The device is simple to construct, low cost, and can be used even in environments with large numbers of students.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6992153.v1
title: Do it yourself: rain sensor

description: Abstract The construction and operation of a simple didactic device is presented, designed to detect water droplets (rain), from the total internal reflection of light. The device is simple to construct, low cost, and can be used even in environments with large numbers of students.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6992141
title: Brazilian science communication research: national and international contributions

description: ABSTRACT Science communication has emerged as a new field over the last 50 years, and its progress has been marked by a rise in jobs, training courses, research, associations, conferences and publications. This paper describes science communication internationally and the trends and challenges it faces, before looking at the national level. We have documented science communication activities in Brazil, the training courses, research, financial support and associations/societies. By analyzing the publication of papers, dissertations and theses we have tracked the growth of this field, and compared the level of activity in Brazil with other countries. Brazil has boosted its national research publications since 2002, with a bigger contribution from postgraduate programs in education and communication, but compared to its national research activity Brazil has only a small international presence in science communication. The language barrier, the tradition of publishing in national journals and the solid roots in education are some of the reasons for that. Brazil could improve its international participation, first by considering collaborations within Latin America. International publication is dominated by the USA and the UK. There is a need to take science communication to the next level by developing more sophisticated tools for conceptualizing and analyzing science communication, and Brazil can be part of that.