bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antivenin plants used for treatment of snakebites in Uganda: ethnobotanical reports and pharmacological evidences
Authors: Omara Timothy , Kagoya Sarah , Openy Abraham , Omute Tom , Ssebulime Stephen , Kiplagat Kibet Mohamed , Bongomin Ocident 
Published: February 2020

AbstractSnakebite envenomation is a serious public health concern in rural areas of Uganda. Snakebites are poorly documented in Uganda because most occur in rural settings where traditional therapists end up being the first-line defense for treatment. Ethnobotanical surveys in Uganda have reported that some plants are used to antagonize the activity of various snake venoms. This review was sought to identify antivenin plants in Uganda and some pharmacological evidence supporting their use. A literature survey done in multidisciplinary databases revealed that 77 plant species belonging to 65 genera and 42 families are used for the treatment of snakebites in Uganda. The majority of these species belong to family Fabaceae (31%), Euphorbiaceae (14%), Asteraceae (12%), Amaryllidaceae (10%) and Solanaceae (10%). The main growth habit of the species is shrubs (41%), trees (33%) and herbs (18%). Antivenin extracts are usually prepared from roots (54%) and leaves (23%) through decoctions, infusions, powders, and juices, and are administered orally (67%) or applied topically (17%). The most frequently encountered species were Allium cepa, Carica papaya, Securidaca longipedunculata, Harrisonia abyssinica, and Nicotiana tabacum. Species with global reports of tested antivenom activity included Allium cepa, Allium sativum, Basella alba, Capparis tomentosa, Carica papaya, Cassia occidentalis, Jatropa carcus, Vernonia cinereal, Bidens pilosa, Hoslundia opposita, Maytensus senegalensis, Securinega virosa, and Solanum incanum. There is need to identify and evaluate the antivenom compounds in the claimed plants.
Lactobacillus pentosus S-PT84 and Rubus suavissimus leaf extract suppress lipopolysaccharide-induced gut permeability and egg allergen uptake
Authors: Kanouchi Hiroaki , Majumder Kaustav , Shibata Hiroshi , Mine Yoshinori 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIncreased gut permeability facilitates the uptake of food allergens into the bloodstream and triggers allergenic reactions. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of Lactobacillus pentosus S-PT84 (S-PT84) and Rubus suavissimus leaf extract (RSLE) against egg ovomucoid (OVM)-uptake in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced increased gut-permeability mice model of food allergy. Six-eight weeks old, female C57BL6 mice were continuously fed with LPS (300 μg/kg BW), for 3 months to increase gut permeability. Reduction in the expression of sealing claudin-4, increase in the expression of pore-forming claudin-2, and increase in D-mannitol absorption into the blood plasma in the LPS treated groups suggested the increase in gut permeability after LPS treatment. The oral administration of major egg allergen, OVM, after LPS intervention, significantly increased the plasma mast cell protease-1 and OVM-specific IgE compared to the negative control group. These results indicated that continuous LPS intervention developed OVM-induced food allergy. However, both the treatment of S-PT84 and RSLE suppressed the claudin-2 expression and the gut permeability induced by LPS. Furthermore, S-PT84 and RSLE treatment also reduced the plasma mast cell protease-1 and OVM-specific IgE, indicating the potential beneficial effect against LPS intervention developed OVM-induced food allergy. These findings suggest that S-PT84 and RSLE ameliorated LPS induced gut permeability and food allergic reactions.
Pulmonary bullet embolism following cardiac gunshot wound: case report of a bullet that traversed the heart twice
Authors: Bakir Delan Ahmed , Othman Yad N. , Taha Abdulsalam Y. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Cardiac gunshot wounds with bullet embolism (BE) into the pulmonary artery are rare. Most pulmonary BE follow injuries of peripheral veins without concomitant cardiac injury. Herein, we describe a case of cardiac gunshot injury in which the bullet migrated from right atrium through the inferior vena cava down to right internal iliac vein and back to the left pulmonary artery. Such bullet migration is too rare and unusual and to our knowledge not reported before.

Case presentation
On March 4, 2019, a man of 39 had a bullet injury during celebratory gunfire. He was clinically stable with entrance on right posterior chest but no exit. Chest CT scan showed a bullet in the right atrium. The next day, the bullet migrated to the right pelvis as shown by plain chest and pelvic radiographs. CT angiography 3 weeks afterwards displayed the bullet in the right internal iliac vein. Meanwhile, the patient was asymptomatic, thus discharged home. However, 3 months later, he was readmitted because of chest pain, dyspnea, and sweating. A repeat chest CT scan showed the bullet in the left lower lobe pulmonary artery. Hence, pulmonary BE was suspected and eventually a 0.36 bullet was removed via left thoracotomy.

Conclusions
This is a case of symptomatic venous BE with typical diagnostic criteria (a small low-velocity bullet with inlet but no exit located away from anticipated trajectory with migration proven by serial radiographs). Endovascular removal was preferred but was not available. BE of the heart is exceedingly rare. Hence, diagnosis requires a high degree of clinical awareness.
Cognitive decline and mortality in a community-based sample of homeless and precariously housed adults: 9-year prospective study
Authors: Gicas Kristina M. , Jones Andrea A. , Thornton Allen E. , Petersson Anna , Livingston Emily , Waclawik Kristina , Panenka William J. , Barr Alasdair M. , Lang Donna J. , Vila-Rodriguez Fidel , Leonova Olga , Procyshyn Ric M. , Buchanan Tari , MacEwan G. William , Honer William G. 
Published: February 2020

Background
Homeless and precariously housed individuals experience a high burden of comorbid illnesses, and excess mortality. Cross-sectional studies report a high rate of cognitive impairment. Long-term trajectories have not been well investigated in this group.

Aims
To longitudinally assess risks for premature and/or accelerated cognitive ageing, and the relationship with early mortality in homeless and precariously housed people.

Method
This is a 9-year community-based study of 375 homeless and precariously housed individuals from Vancouver, Canada. Annual cognitive testing assessed verbal learning and memory, and inhibitory control. Linear mixed-effects models examined associations between clinical risk factors (traumatic brain injury, psychotic disorders, viral exposure, alcohol dependence) and cognitive change over 9 years. Cox regression models examined the association between cognition and mortality.

Results
Traumatic brain injury and alcohol dependence were associated with decline in verbal memory. Inhibitory control declined, independent of risk factors and to a greater extent in those who died during the study. Better inhibitory control was associated with a 6.6% lower risk of mortality at study entry, with a 0.3% greater effect for each year of life. For each one-point increase in the Charlson Comorbidity Index score at study entry, the risk of mortality was 9.9% higher, and was consistent across age. Adjusting for comorbidities, inhibitory control remained a significant predictor of mortality.

Conclusions
Findings raise the possibility of a premature onset, and accelerated trajectory, of cognitive ageing in this group of homeless and precariously housed people. Traumatic brain injury, alcohol dependence and cognition could be treatment priorities.
The Application of the High-Velocity Transient Field for the g(2^+_1) Measurement in the Neutron-rich 72Zn
Authors: Mertzimekis T. J. , GANIL E535 Collaboration For the 
Published: February 2020

The first successful application of the recently developed High-Velocity Transient Field Technique (HVTF) on European soil was performed at GANIL. HVTF is an extension of the well established Transient Field (TF) technique, which utilizes immense hyperfine magnetic fields (10-100 kG) capable of inducing a spin precession of an excited nucleus. With the advent of radioactive beams, detailed explorations of such hyperfine fields have been carried out at larger-than-usual ion velocities in an effort to introduce the technique to large radioactive beam facilities. The neutron-rich radioactive 72Zn isotope is an ideal playground for HVTF. Coulomb excitation populated the 2^+_1 state in 72Zn nuclei, produced as fast secondary beams at GANIL and INFN-LNS, aiming to (a) calibrate the hyperfine field at these beam energies and (b) measure the g factor of 2^+_1 directly. The outcome of these experiments are reported and the application of the HVTF to magnetic-moment measurements are briefly described.
Analysis of the binding energies of the Λ- particle in hypernuclei with the RHVT approach and the Gauss potential
Authors: Efthimiou C. A. , Grypeos M. E. , Koutroulos C. G. , Petridou Th. 
Published: February 2020

An analysis is carried out mainly of the ground state binding energies of the Λ-particle in hypernuclei with values of the core mass number AC between 15 and 207 (included) using, as far as possible, recent experimental data.Τhe renormalized (non- relativistic) quantum mechanical hypervirial theorem (RHVT) technique is employed in the form of s- power series expansions and a Gauss single particle potential for the motion of a Λ- particle in hypernuclei is used. Not exact analytic solution is known for the Schrödinger eigenvalue problem in this case. Thus, the approximate analytic expressions (AAE) for the energy eigenvalues which are obtained with the RHVT approach and are quite useful as long as the involved dimensionless parameter s is sufficiently small, are compared only with the numerical solution. The potential parameters are determined by a least-squares fit in the framework of the rigid core model for the hypernuclei. A discussion is also made regarding the determination of the renormalization parameter χ.
Position and Energy Resolution of a γ-Camera based on a Position Sensitive Photomultiplier Tube
Authors: Polychronopoulou A. , Thanasas D. , Giokaris N. , Karabarbounis A. , Maintas D. , Papanicolas C. N. , Stiliaris E. 
Published: February 2020

Studies of the spatial- and energy-resolution of a small field, high resolution γ-Camera system currently being developed in our laboratory are presented here. The system is based on a cylindrical Position Sensitive Photo-Multiplier Tube (HAMAMATSU R2486) with 32 crossed-wired anodes, arranged in two orthogonal groups. The anode outputs are connected to a resistive current divider network and after pre-amplification are guided to a local digitizing system. A PCI-Analog to Digital Converter card with a maximum sampling rate of 20 MHz and the rest of the Data Acquisition System is controlled by software running on the LabVIEW environment. Position and induced charge of the incident light pulses can be easily reconstructed through a variety of offline algorithms. In the first part of this study the intrinsic response of the PMT and especially its energy and position resolution is presented. The experimental procedure utilizes the controlled pulse light output of a LED guided through fiber glass directly to the PMT’s entrance. The accumulated charge distribution and charge spread as a function of the incident number of photons is studied. In the second part, the response of the integrated γ-Camera system after the application of typical scintillation crystals for 99Tc radioactive phantoms is measured and analyzed.
Pipeline analysis of a vaccine candidate portfolio for diseases of poverty using the Portfolio-To-Impact modelling tool
Authors: Gunn Alexander , Bandara Shashika , Yamey Gavin , D´Alessio Flavia , Depraetere Hilde , Houard Sophie , Viebig Nicola K , Jungbluth Stefan 
Published: February 2020

Background: The Portfolio-To-Impact (P2I) P2I model is a recently developed product portfolio tool that enables users to estimate the funding needs to move a portfolio of candidate health products, such as vaccines and drugs, along the product development path from late stage preclinical to phase III clinical trials, as well as potential product launches over time. In this study we describe the use of this tool for analysing the vaccine portfolio of the European Vaccine Initiative (EVI). This portfolio includes vaccine candidates for various diseases of poverty and emerging infectious diseases at different stages of development. Methods: Portfolio analyses were conducted using the existing assumptions integrated in the P2I tool, as well as modified assumptions for costs, cycle times, and probabilities of success based on EVI’s own internal data related to vaccine development. Results: According to the P2I tool, the total estimated cost to move the 18 candidates currently in the EVI portfolio along the pipeline to launch would be about US $470 million, and there would be 0.69 expected launches across all six diseases in EVI’s portfolio combined during the period 2019-2031. Running of the model using EVI-internal parameters resulted in a significant increase in the expected product launches. Conclusions: Not all the assumptions underlying the P2I tool could be tested in our study due to limited amount of data available. Nevertheless, we expect that the accelerated clinical testing of vaccines (and drugs) based on the use of controlled human infection models that are increasingly available, as well as the accelerated approval by regulatory authorities that exists for example for serious conditions, will speed up product development and result in significant cost reduction. Project findings as well as potential future modifications of the P2I tool are discussed with the aim to improve the underlying methodology of the P2I model.
A qualitative investigation of surrogacy as a panacea for infertility in Nigeria
Authors: Alabi Oluwatobi Joseph 
Published: February 2020

Background: Up until recently, adoption is the most common alternative to recommended to couples struggling to procreate. However, with the advancement in medical technology, it is now possible to procreate through assisted reproductive technology (ART). Debates continue to ensue on the contentious issues emanating from various ART procedures, for instance regarding surrogacy there are concerns that this fragments womanhood, motherhood and parenthood, and there is a dereliction of the sacredness and cultural sanctity of the family system, most especially in an African context. However, as infertility becomes more prevalent among couples trying to have children in Nigeria, it has become important that alternate mediums of reproduction be examined within the socio-cultural milieu of the country. This study set out to examine surrogacy as a panacea to infertility in Nigeria through a qualitative lens. Methods: 15 stakeholders (traditional birth attendants, medical gynaecologists and legal professionals within the social, medico-legal framework of reproductive health) in Nigeria were engaged in an in-depth interview to unravel the challenges surrogacy might or is encountering as an ART in Nigeria. Results: There are various social, traditional, cultural and religious beliefs that police the reproductive sphere of Nigeria, which has grave implications on fertility treatment. These socio-cultural and religious factors do not provide a fertile ground for surrogacy to thrive in Nigeria. Hence, it is important that the socio-cultural framing of reproducing in Nigeria become receptive to modern medical reproductive alternatives and innovations. Conclusions: For surrogacy to permeate the reproductive terrain of the country there is a need to jettison several socio-cultural and religious sentimental beliefs policing reproduction in Nigeria.
Frequency and associated factors related to sexual addiction in medical students from 16 Latin American cities, 2016: a regional multicentric study
Authors: Mejia-Alvarez Christian Richard , Chacon-I Jhosselyn , Benites-Gamboa Dayanne , Pacheco-Barrios Niels , Castillo-Tarrillo Giancarlo F. , Centeno-Leguia Dercy , Wendell-Cubilla Joseph , Grandez-Urbina J.Antonio 
Published: February 2020

Background: Examples of addiction problems that have been reported in growing populations are those related to sexual impulses and addictions. However, such studies have not been carried out in Latin America. The aim of this study was to characterize and identify possible associations of sexual addiction in medical students in Latin America. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out among the university students of a medical school in 16 cities; students of medical schools were interviewed during the first semester of 2016. To define sexual addiction, the multi-cage cad-4 test was used, categorizing individuals as possibly or not a potential problem. Additionally, associations with several social and educational variables were obtained. Results: In our study, 6% (221) of the 3691 respondents exhibited a possible problem of sexual addiction; men had 95% more problems (95% confidence interval (95%CI): 21-214, p=0.006), for each year of age it increased by 9% (95%CI: 1-18%, p=0.034 ), those who had a partner were 67% more likely to exhibit sexual addiction (95%CI: 1.34-2.08%, p <0.001) and those who professed a religion present 44% less frequency (95%CI: 20-60%, p: 0.001). When adjusted for marital status, having children, year of studies, and the university where the respondent studied were not associated. Conclusion: Although the percentage of students who had problems with sexual addiction is minimal, screening programs should be created to find students who suffer from these problems, to avoid the possible consequences that may arise.
Evaluation of a pilot program for task sharing short and long-acting contraceptive methods in Burkina Faso
Authors: Chin-Quee Dawn S. , Ridgeway Kathleen , Onadja Yentéma , Guiella Georges , Bai Guy Martial , Brennan Claire , Page Georgina 
Published: February 2020

Background: The Family Health Directorate of the Ministry of Health and Marie Stopes Burkina Faso, with implementing partners, Association Burkinabè pour le Bien-être Familial and Equilibres & Populations collaboratively conducted a pilot project in Burkina Faso focused on “increasing access to family planning (FP) services through task-sharing short- and long-acting family planning methods to primary care cadres.” Four cadres of providers provided intrauterine devices (IUDs) and implants, while community health workers (CHWs) provided pills and subcutaneous injectables. FHI 360 and the Institut Supérieur des Sciences de la Population evaluated the project’s impact on method uptake, client satisfaction, safety, acceptability and the feasibility of task sharing. Methods: The evaluation employed FP service statistics on new users and conducted 425 client exit interviews and 27 in-depth interviews . New FP clients, community representatives, MoH officials, and pilot project-trained FP providers from Dandé and Tougan districts participated in these interviews. Results: Providers, community representatives and government officials all spoke favorably of the pilot project and considered it a boon to women and the communities in which they lived. FP clients were satisfied with their methods and the services they received from their respective providers, and they reported no safety concerns. However, service statistics did not show a clear and steady increase in method uptake for the four methods beyond spikes coinciding with pre-existing free contraceptive weeks. Conclusions: A scale-up plan for 2020-2022 is in place and will purposefully implement sensitization and demand generation activities to improve FP uptake beyond free contraceptive weeks.
Barriers and enablers to screening and diagnosing depression and diabetes distress in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus; protocol of a qualitative evidence synthesis
Authors: McGrath Niamh , McHugh Sheena , Kearney Patricia M. , Toomey Elaine 
Published: February 2020

Background: Depression and diabetes distress are common in people with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). These conditions are independently associated with poorer T2DM outcomes and increased healthcare utilisation and costs. Questions remain regarding the most appropriate ways of initially detecting depression and diabetes distress in this group. Diabetes guidelines recommend depression screening in primary care for people with T2DM but their implementation in practice is suboptimal. As health care professionals influence detection practices, their perceptions and experiences of these guidelines can improve understanding of aspects of the guidelines that work, and those which are more difficult to implement in practice. This study describes the protocol for a qualitative evidence synthesis of primary care health professionals’ perceived barriers and enablers to screen for and diagnose depression and diabetes distress in people with T2DM. Methods and analysis: Primary qualitative studies will be identified using a systematic search of electronic databases and supplementary searching. We selected ‘best-fit framework synthesis’ as the approach to synthesise primary data using the RETREAT (Review question-Epistemology-Time/Timescale-Resources-Expertise-Audience and purpose-Type of Data) framework. Quality appraisal of primary studies and confidence in the overall review findings will be determined using the CASP (Critical Appraisal Skills Programme) and the GRADE-CERQual (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research), respectively. Discussion: The planned review will provide the first, single point of reference of the available synthesised qualitative evidence on this topic. It will apply recommended approaches to ensure rigor and robustness of study and contribute meaningfully to understanding of how depression and diabetes distress can be initially detected in people with T2DM. This protocol is registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) [registration number: CRD42019145483].