bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of Telepharmacy Versus Face-to-Face Anticoagulation Services in the Ambulatory Care Setting: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Tran Rebecca J. C. , Yamzon Joycelyn , Stewart Tania L. , Hernandez Elvin A. , Cao Diana X. 
Published: January 2021

Background: Effectiveness of anticoagulation services managed via telepharmacy (TP) has not been clearly demonstrated. Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis compares the effectiveness of TP anticoagulation services to face-to-face (FTF) anticoagulation services in the ambulatory care setting. Methods: A literature search for studies assessing the effectiveness of TP services was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central databases, from inception through November 18, 2020. Studies that compared TP with FTF anticoagulation services in the ambulatory care setting were included. Outcomes of interest included thromboembolic events, major bleeding, minor bleeding, any bleeding, warfarin international normalized ratio (INR) time in therapeutic range (TTR), frequency of extreme INR, anticoagulation-related emergency department visits, anticoagulation-related hospitalization, any hospitalization, and mortality. Relative risk (RR) and weighted mean difference were calculated using the DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model. Results: Overall, 11 studies involving 8395 patients were included in the systematic review, and 9 studies were included in the pooled meta-analysis. Compared with FTF service, TP was associated with a lower risk of any bleeding and any hospitalization, with RRs of 0.65 (95% CI = 0.47 to 0.90; P = 0.01) and 0.59 (95% CI = 0.39 to 0.87; P = 0.01), respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in TTR or the risk of extreme supratherapeutic INR, major bleeding, minor bleeding, or thromboembolic events between the 2 groups. Conclusions: TP appears to be at least as effective as FTF anticoagulation services. Findings from this study support the utilization of TP practice models in ambulatory care anticoagulation management.
Association of Exposure to Cattle with Self-Reported History of TB Among Dairy Workers
Authors: Rodriguez Anabel , Douphrate David I. , Hagevoort Robert , Cienega Leeroy , Gimeno Ruiz de Porras David , Perez Adriana , Nonnenmann Matthew 
Published: January 2021

Background: Mycobacterium bovis (bTB) is a potential health hazard to dairy workers. This study uses the One Health wholistic framework for examining bovine tuberculosis (TB) and its relationship to human health. This approach can help bridge surveillance data gaps and contribute to disease control and prevention programs for dairy farm workers, cattle, and the environment. The primary objective of this study was to compare the self-reported history of TB among dairy workers in Bailey County, Texas, with occupational categories of risk and exposure to TB. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among dairy workers. Job positions were used as a proxy for exposure to cattle—high and medium/low. We employed bivariate analyses to examine differences between groups using both the chi-square test and the nonparametric Kruskal–Wallis test. Results: Of the 293 dairy workers invited, 77.0% ( n = 225) participated. No statistically significant associations were found between job categories and reported history of TB exposure. Workers in the high group were younger, Guatemalan males with lower levels of formal education, more likely to be single with no children, and cohabitating with coworkers compared with the medium/low group. Conclusion/Application to Practice: Self-reported TB history among dairy workers is an imprecise measure of being previously diagnosed with TB. Dairy workers at risk for occupationally acquired TB could be tested for TB before employment and tested periodically thereafter, and more expeditiously treated if a positive test is obtained. Future studies should focus on the feasibility of offering on-farm health services, such as TB screening.
Prevalence and associated factors of vision loss in the South African National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (SANHANES-1)
Authors: Addo Emmanuel Kofi , Akuffo Kwadwo Owusu , Sewpaul Ronel , Dukhi Natisha , Agyei-Manu Eldad , Asare Akosua Kesewah , Kumah David Ben , Awuni Moses , Reddy Priscilla 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Vision loss is a major public health concern that significantly affects developing countries, including South Africa. Although existing literature have reported on the prevalence, causes, and impact of vision loss on the quality of life of affected individuals (children and adults) in parts of South Africa, there is no evidence of the prevalence and associated factors of vision loss in the general population. Hence, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of vision loss and its associated factors in South Africa using a population-based survey.

Methods
Secondary analyses were conducted using data from the South African National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (SANHANES-1), a population-based national health survey conducted from 2011 to 2012. Vision loss was defined as presenting visual acuity (PVA) worse than Snellen 6/12 in the better eye. Visual acuity was assessed by clinicians and participants’ subjective response to vision-related questions. Univariate and multiple logistic regression models were used to examine the association of the independent variables with vision loss.

Results
The analytic sample comprised 4346 individuals with a mean age of 39.1 years. Female sex accounted for 55.6% of the participants. The prevalence of vision loss among participants was 9.2% (95% CI: 7.7–10.9). Older age (45–54 years, OR = 2.99, p < 0.001; 55–64 years, OR = 5.78, p < 0.001 and ≥ 65 years, OR = 5.12, p < 0.001), female sex (OR = 1.50, p = 0.016), and previous diabetes diagnosis (OR = 2.28, p = 0.001) were significantly associated with increased odds of vision loss. Further, secondary school education (OR = 0.71, p = 0.031), white ethnicity (OR = 0.11, p = 0.007), residing in Mpumalanga province (OR = 0.12, p < 0.001) and having never had an eye examination (OR = 0.56, p = 0.003) were significantly associated with reduced odds of vision loss.

Conclusion
Almost one in ten participants had vision loss. Adopting strategies targeted at reducing barriers to the utilization of eye care services will promote early detection and management of blinding conditions, and thereby, decrease the burden of vision loss in South Africa.
Potential natural inhibitors of xanthine oxidase and HMG-CoA reductase in cholesterol regulation: in silico analysis
Authors: Marahatha Rishab , Basnet Saroj , Bhattarai Bibek Raj , Budhathoki Prakriti , Aryal Babita , Adhikari Bikash , Lamichhane Ganesh , Poudel Darbin Kumar , Parajuli Niranjan 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Hypercholesterolemia has posed a serious threat of heart diseases and stroke worldwide. Xanthine oxidase (XO), the rate-limiting enzyme in uric acid biosynthesis, is regarded as the root of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that generate atherosclerosis and cholesterol crystals. β-Hydroxy β-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGR) is a rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis. Although some commercially available enzyme inhibiting drugs have effectively reduced cholesterol levels, most of them have failed to meet potential drug candidates’ requirements. Here, we have carried out an in-silico analysis of secondary metabolites that have already shown good inhibitory activity against XO and HMGR in a wet lab setup.

Methods
Out of 118 secondary metabolites reviewed, sixteen molecules inhibiting XO and HMGR were selected based on the IC50 values reported in in vitro assays. Further, receptor-based virtual screening was carried out against secondary metabolites using GOLD Protein-Ligand Docking Software, combined with subsequent post-docking, to study the binding affinities of ligands to the enzymes. In-silico ADMET analysis was carried out to explore their pharmacokinetic properties, followed by toxicity prediction through ProTox-II.

Results
The molecular docking of amentoflavone (GOLD score 70.54, ∆G calc. = − 10.4 Kcal/mol) and ganomycin I (GOLD score 59.61, ∆G calc. = − 6.8 Kcal/mol) displayed that the drug has effectively bound at the competitive site of XO and HMGR, respectively. Besides, 6-paradol and selgin could be potential drug candidates inhibiting XO. Likewise, n-octadecanyl-O-α-D-glucopyranosyl (6′ → 1″)-O-α-D-glucopyranoside could be potential drug candidates to maintain serum cholesterol. In-silico ADMET analysis has shown that these sixteen metabolites were optimal within the categorical range compared to commercially available XO and HMGR inhibitors, respectively. Toxicity analysis through ProTox-II revealed that 6-gingerol, ganoleucoin K, and ganoleucoin Z are toxic for human use.

Conclusion
This computational analysis supports earlier experimental evidence towards the inhibition of XO and HMGR by natural products. Further study is necessary to explore the clinical efficacy of these secondary molecules, which might be alternatives for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia.
Evidence that seasonal malaria chemoprevention with SPAQ influences blood and pre-erythrocytic stage antibody responses of Plasmodium falciparum infections in Niger
Authors: Mahaman Moustapha Lamine , Adamou Rafiou , Ibrahim Maman Laminou , Abdoulaye Louis Padounou Mariama , Diallo Abdoulaye , Courtin David , Testa Jean , Ndiaye Jean Louis Abdourahim 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
In endemic areas, children develop slowly and naturally anti-Plasmodium antibodies and become semi-immune. Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine + amodiaquine (SPAQ) is a new strategy to reduce malaria morbidity in West African young children. However, SMC may impact on the natural acquisition of anti-Plasmodium immunity. This paper evaluates the effect of SMC with SPAQ on antibody concentration in young children from Niger.

Methods
This research was conducted in areas benefitting from SMC since 2014 (Zinder district), without SMC (Dosso district), and with 1 year of SMC since 2016 (Gaya district). To assess the relationship between SMC and Plasmodium falciparum IgG antibody responses, the total antibody concentrations against two P. falciparum asexual stage vaccine candidate antigens, circumsporozoite protein (CSP) and glutamate-rich protein R2 (GLURP-R2), in children aged 3 to 59 months across the three areas were compared. Antibody concentrations are quantified using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay on the elution extracted from positive and negative malaria Rapid Diagnostic Test cassettes.

Results
The analysis concerns two hundred and twenty-nine children aged from 3 to 59 months: 71 in Zinder, 77 in Dosso, and 81 in Gaya. In Zinder (CSP = 17.5 µg/ml and GLURP-R2 = 14.3 µg/ml) median antibody concentration observed are higher than in Gaya (CSP = 7.7 µg/ml and GLURP-R2 = 6.5 µg/ml) and Dosso (CSP = 4.5 µg/ml and GLURP-R2 = 3.6 µg/ml) (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion
The research reveals some evidences which show that seasonal malaria chemoprevention with SPAQ has an effect on blood stage antibody responses and pre-erythrocytic stage of P. falciparum infections in Niger. Increased antibody titres with increased SMC/SPAQ implementation. This contradicts hypothesis that SMC/SPAQ could reduce immunity to erythrocyte and liver-stage antigens. Further studies are necessary to provide better understanding of the SMC effect on malaria immunity.
Assessing burden, risk factors, and perceived impact of uterine fibroids on women’s lives in rural Haiti: implications for advancing a health equity agenda, a mixed methods study
Authors: Millien Christophe , Manzi Anatole , Katz Arlene M. , Gilbert Hannah , Smith Fawzi Mary C. , Farmer Paul E. , Mukherjee Joia 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundUterine fibroids, the most common cause of gynecologic surgery, have a reported cumulative incidence of 59% among Black women in the U.S. Uterine fibroids negatively impact the quality of women’s lives. No study has been found in the literature about fibroids in Haiti. We conducted a mixed methods study to assess the burden and risk factors of uterine fibroids, as well as their effects on women’s quality of life.MethodsA convergent mixed methods study was conducted between October 1, 2019 and January 31, 2020 at MUH’s (Mirebalais University Hospital) OB-GYN outpatient department. Quantitatively, in a cross-sectional study 211 women completed consecutively a structured questionnaire. In-depth interviews with 17 women with fibroids and 7 family members were implemented for the qualitative component. Descriptive statistics were calculated for clinical and social demographic variables. Logistic regression was performed to examine associations between fibroids and related risk factors. An inductive thematic process was used to analyze the qualitative data. A joint display technique was used to integrate the results.ResultsOf 193 women analyzed 116 had fibroids (60.1%). The mean age was 41.3. Anemia was the most frequent complication— 61 (52.6%). Compared to women without uterine fibroids, factors associated with uterine fibroids included income decline (AOR = 4.7, 95% CI: 2.1–10.9, p = < 0.001), excessive expenses for transport (AOR = 4.4, 95% CI: 1.6–12.4,p = 0.005), and family history with uterine fibroids (AOR = 4.6, 95% CI: 1.6–13.6, p = 0.005). In contrast, higher level of education and micro polycystic ovarian syndrome were associated with lower prevalence (AOR = 0.3, 95% CI: 0.1–0.9,p = 0.021) and (AOR = 0.2, 95% CI: 0.1–0.97,p = 0.044), respectively. The qualitative findings delineate how contextual factors such as health system failures, long wait times, gender inequality and poverty negatively affect the quality of women’s lives. The poverty cycle of uterine fibroids emerged.ConclusionsA vicious cycle of poverty negatively impacts access to care for uterine fibroids in Haiti. Health insurance, social support, and income generating activities may be keys to promote social justice through access to adequate care for women with uterine fibroids in Haiti.
Evaluation of small hydropower plant at Ribb irrigation dam in Amhara regional state, Ethiopia
Authors: Bezabih Addisu Worku 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Energy is the main requirement for economic growth in any country and supports the modern economy. The energy sector is considered a vital element in developing countries because it meets energy needs. This article addresses the production of electricity using small hydroelectric power plants for rural applications. The main objective of this study was to assess the potential of the Ribb dam for small hydroelectric plants. The flow is very important for the production of hydroelectricity as the height of a proposed site is constant and the available flow is very variable.

Result
The flow duration curve is constant and it will vary from 20 to 50% from the nominal flow. Further, it will decrease when the percentage of the nominal flow increases. The best size of a small hydroelectric plant producing a maximum of electricity in the context of future projected flows in the study region. Further, the Ribb dam concluded that the average flow of 14.6331 m3/s, the smooth head of 70.37 m, and the average nominal power of 5.53 MW.

Conclusion
Small hydro system (SHP) is a promising alternative for the production of cheap and renewable energy in rural or developing areas.
Focal mechanisms and the stress field in the aftershock area of the 2018 Hokkaido Eastern Iburi earthquake (MJMA = 6.7)
Authors:   The Group for the Aftershock Observations of the 2018 Hokkaido Eastern Iburi Earthquake, Susukida Yuki , Katsumata Kei , Ichiyanagi Masayoshi , Ohzono Mako , Aoyama Hiroshi , Tanaka Ryo , Takada Masamitsu , Yamaguchi Teruhiro , Okada Kazumi , Takahashi Hiroaki , Sakai Shin’ichi , Matsumoto Satoshi , Okada Tomomi , Matsuzawa Toru , Miyamachi Hiroki , Hirano Shuichiro , Yamanaka Yoshiko , Horikawa Shinichiro , Kosuga Masahiro , Katao Hiroshi , Iio Yoshihisa , Nagaoka Airi , Tsumura Noriko , Ueno Tomotake 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe tectonic stress field was investigated in and around the aftershock area of the Hokkaido Eastern Iburi earthquake (MJMA = 6.7) occurred on 6 September 2018. We deployed 26 temporary seismic stations in the aftershock area for approximately 2 months and located 1785 aftershocks precisely. Among these aftershocks, 894 focal mechanism solutions were determined using the first-motion polarity of P wave from the temporary observation and the permanent seismic networks of Hokkaido University, Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), and High Sensitivity Seismograph Network Japan (Hi-net). We found that (1) the reverse faulting and the strike-slip faulting are dominant in the aftershock area, (2) the average trend of P- and T-axes is 78° ± 33° and 352° ± 51°, respectively, and (3) the average plunge of P- and T-axes is 25° ± 16° and 44° ± 20°, respectively: the P-axis is close to be horizontal and the T-axis is more vertical than the average of the P-axes. We applied a stress inversion method to the focal mechanism solutions to estimate a stress field in the aftershock area. As a result, we found that the reverse fault type stress field is dominant in the aftershock area. An axis of the maximum principal stress (σ1) has the trend of 72° ± 7° and the dipping eastward of 19° ± 4° and an axis of the intermediate principal stress (σ2) has the trend of 131° ± 73° and the dipping southward of 10° ± 9°, indicating that both of σ1- and σ2-axes are close to be horizontal. An axis of the minimum principal stress (σ3) has the dipping westward of 67° ± 6° that is close to be vertical. The results strongly suggest that the reverse-fault-type stress field is predominant as an average over the aftershock area which is in the western boundary of the Hidaka Collision Zone. The average of the stress ratio R = (σ1 − σ2)/(σ1 − σ3) is 0.61 ± 0.13 in the whole aftershock area. Although not statistically significant, we suggest that R decreases systematically as the depth is getting deep, which is modeled by a quadratic polynomial of depth.
Passive smoking exposure and the risk of hypertension among non-smoking adults: the 2015–2016 NHANES data
Authors: Akpa Onoja Matthew , Okekunle Akinkunmi Paul , Asowata Jeffery Osahon , Adedokun Babatunde 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundHypertension is a major public health problem and a prominent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. However, whether passive smoking exposure (PSE) is associated with the risk of hypertension is scarcely understood. This study assessed the association between PSE and the risk of hypertension among adults (≥18 years) in the United States of America.MethodsThree thousand and sixty-seven adults were identified from the 2015–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and the association between PSE and hypertension (adjusting for relevant confounders) was examined using multivariable adjusted-logistic regression analysis atP < 0.05.ResultsMean age of respondents was 46.5 ± 17.9 years. Overall, 23.7% of respondents reported PSE and 32.6% were hypertensives (of which only 14.3% were aware of their hypertensive state) Also, adjusted odds of hypertension for participants with PSE was 1.038 (1.037, 1.040),P < 0.0001, in the overall population. Also, PSE aggravated odds of hypertension among young adults – < 60 years (aOR: 1.095, 95CI%: 1.094 to 1.097),P < 0.0001, and old adults – ≥60 years (aOR: 1.110, 95% CI: 1.108 to 1.113),P < 0.0001. Similarly, PSE was associated with increased odds of hypertension among women (aOR: 1.240, 95% CI: 1.238 to 1.242),P < 0.0001 but not among men (aOR: 0.755, 95% CI: 0.754 to 0.757),P < 0.0001.ConclusionsPSE was independently associated with the risk of hypertension particularly among women, young and old adults. A multi-ethnic longitudinal cohort may help ascertain causality and provide more evidence for appropriate interventions.
Ingestion of bacteria expressing dsRNA to maggots produces severe mortality and deformities in fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Mohanpuria Prashant , Govindaswamy Mohan , Sidhu Gurupkar Singh , Singh Sandeep , Kaur Simranpreet , Chhuneja Parveen 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
The oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), is the world’s most damaging (30–100%) pest infesting important fruits and vegetables. Its control is highly challenging due to its polyphagous, multivoltine nature, and unexposed developmental stages. No known fruit fly-resistant guava germplasm is reported so far worldwide. RNAi approach in guava against fruit fly can provide an attractive alternative to overcome this problem.

Main body
Escherichia coli-based dsRNA expression strategy was used to investigate its potential in control of B. dorsalis via targeting its two vital genes, ecr (ecdysone receptor) and rpl19 (a ribosomal protein L19). Effects of feeding E. coli, HT115 (DE3) expressing dsRNA of Bdecr and Bdrpl19 with artificial diet to maggots of B. dorsalis resulted in severe mortality and deformities in treated maggots, emerged pupae, and adults. Total mortality (including deformity) of maggots, pupae, and adult fruit flies was 86.3% and 87.9% and was highest in 700 μl (× 200 of 3.5 × 108 cells) dsRNAs of Bdecr and Bdrpl19 bacterial treatment respectively, compared to 350 and 200 μl bacterial treatments. Severe defects in terms of developmental changes like melanisation and deformities of maggots and pupae, absence of wings, underdeveloped abdomen/absence of complete abdomen, absence of legs, severely curled wings, malformed legs, and incomplete eclosion, and suppression of these target genes expression were observed in emerged adults.

Short conclusion
The study provides a proof of concept of feasibility to silence two potential genes by feeding bacteria expressing dsRNA in all developmental stages of B. dorsalis to step further to perform RNAi-based pest control.
Caudal epidural steroid injection ultrasound-guided versus fluoroscopy-guided in treatment of refractory lumbar disc prolapse with radiculopathy
Authors: Elashmawy Mohamed Ahmed , Shaat Reham M. , Abdelkhalek A. M. , El Boghdady Ebrahim 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundLumbar disc prolapse is a localized herniation of disc beyond intervertebral disc space and is the most common cause of sciatica; the aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of ultrasound (US)-guided caudal epidural steroid injection (CESI) compared with fluoroscopy (FL)-guided CESI in treatment of patients with refractory lumbar disc prolapse (LDP) with radiculopathy.ResultsAt the beginning of the study, there was no significant difference between both groups in all parameters. (a) Group 1 had significantly improved the straight leg raising and modified Schober tests, VAS, and ODI at 1-month and 3-month post-injection evaluation in comparison to baseline recordings (p< 0.001); (b) Group 2 had significantly improved the straight leg raising and modified Schober tests, VAS, and ODI at 1-month and 3-month post-injection evaluation in comparison to baseline recordings (p< 0.001); and (c) US-guided CESI was not statistically different from the FL-guided CESI in the improvement of the straight leg raising (p= 0.87, 0.82) and modified Schober tests (p= 0.87, 0.82) as well as VAS (p= 0.40, 0.43) and ODI (p= 0.7, 0.2) at 1-month and 3-month post-injection evaluation. In a multivariate analysis using CI = 95%, the significant predictors for a successful outcome were duration<6 months (p= 0.03, OR = 2.25), target level not L2-3/L3-4 (p< 0.001, OR = 4.13), and LDP other than foraminal type (p= 0.002, OR = 3.78). However, age < 40 years was found to be non-significant in predicting a successful outcome (p= 0.38, OR = 0.98).ConclusionUS is excellent in guiding CESI with similar treatment outcomes as compared with FL-guided CESI.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:NCT03933150.