bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Scale Development and an Educational Program to Reduce the Stigma of Schizophrenia Among Community Pharmacists: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Fujii Tomoo , Hanya Manako , Murotani Kenta , Kamei Hiroyuki 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
BackgroundStigma associated with mental disorders is rooted among many pharmacists, and represents a major barrier to patient support in community-based psychiatry. In the current study, we firstly developed an assessment scale that is specifically designed to assess the level of stigma that pharmacists may have toward patients with schizophrenia, and then examined the effects of reducing stigma with an educational program that focuses on communication with schizophrenic patients using a newly developed Stigma Scale towards Schizophrenia for Community Pharmacists (SSCP).MethodsSSCP was developed by exploratory factor analysis with promax rotation based on responses from 822 randomly selected community pharmacists. Furthermore, a randomized controlled trial was conducted for 115 community pharmacists to clarify the effects of reducing the stigma of schizophrenia using an educational program for them with a focus on communication with patients with schizophrenia. Participants were individually allocated to two groups: a lecture group (56; only attending a lecture on schizophrenia) or communication group (59; communicating with patients and attending the lecture). The stigma assessment using SSCP was conducted immediately before and after the educational intervention.ResultsA total of 4 factors and 27 items were extracted from the exploratory factor analysis as SSCP.Cronbach’s α of SSCP was 0.89; specifically, Cronbach’s α for social distance at work (factor I), recognition of patients with schizophrenia (factor II), self-disclosure (factor III), and social distance in daily life (factor IV) were 0.88, 0.76, 0.62, and 0.62, respectively. Educational program-related changes of the median (interquartile range) total SSCP score from baseline were −9.0 (−16.0 – −5.0) in the communication group and −3.0 (−7.0 – 1.0) in the lecture group, reflecting a significant reduction of stigma levels in the communication group. On examining the SSCP subscales, scores for factor I and factor II significantly improved. The educational program was more effective for pharmacists aged 20-39 years or with negligible experience of communicating with schizophrenic patients at work and/or in private life.ConclusionsSSCP and the educational program for community pharmacists that focuses on communication with patients were useful for assessing and reducing, respectively, the stigma attached by these pharmacists to schizophrenia.CONSORT extension for abstractNot applicableTrial registrationNot applicable
Assessment of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Service Availability in Healthcare Facilities in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area, Uganda
Authors: Kayiwa Denis , Mugambe Richard K. , Mselle Jane Sembuche , Isunju John Bosco , Ssempebwa John C. , Wafula Solomon Tsebeni , Ndejjo Rawlance , Kansiime Winnie K , Nalugya Aisha , Wagaba Brenda , Zziwa Jude. B. , Bwire Constance , Buregyeya Esther , Radooli Martin Othieno , Kimbugwe Ceaser , Namanya Emily , Bateganya Najib Lukooya , McGriff Joanne A. , Wang Yuke , Ssekamatte Tonny , Yakubu Habib 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Improved Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in Healthcare facilities (HCFs) is of significant public health importance. It is associated with a reduction in the transmission of healthcare acquired infections (HAIs), increased trust and uptake of healthcare services, cost saving from infections averted, increased efficiency and improved staff morale. Despite these benefits, there is limited evidence on availability of WASH services in HCFs in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area (GKMA). This study assessed the availability of WASH services within HCFs in the GKMA in order to inform policy and WASH programming.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 60 HCFs. Availability of WASH services in the study HCFs was assessed using a validated WASH Conditions (WASHCon) tool comprising of structured interviews, HCF observations and microbial water quality analysis. Data were analysed using Stata 14 software and R software.Results: Overall, 84.5% (49/58) and 12.1% (7/58) of HCFs had limited and basic WASH service respectively. About 48.3% (28/58) had limited water service, 84.5% (49/58) had limited sanitation service, 50.0% (29/58) had limited environmental cleanliness service, 56.9% (33/58) had limited hand hygiene service, and 51.7% (30/58) had limited waste management service. About 94.4% of public HCFs had limited WASH service compared to only 68.2% of private not for profit facilities. More health centre IIIs, 92.5% and health centre IVs (85.7%) had limited WASH service compared to hospitals (54.5%).Conclusions: Our findings indicate that provision of water, sanitation, hand hygiene, environmental cleanliness, and health care waste management services within HCFs is largely hindered by structural and performance limitations. In spite of these limitations, it is evident that environmental cleanliness and treatment of infectious waste can be attained with better oversight and dedicated personnel. Attaining universal WASH coverage in HCFs will require deliberate and strategic investments across the different domains.
Assessment of novel Lehmann’s Funnel Entry Trap prototypes performance to control malaria mosquito populations
Authors: Sanou Roger , Maïga Hamidou , Bilgo Etienne M. , Sawadogo Simon P. , Sow Bazoumana D. , Ouema Adama , Bayili Koama , Belem Adrien Marie Gaston , Paré Léa Melanie , Dabiré Roch K. , Diabaté Abdoulaye 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: There is a global consensus that new intervention tools are needed to make the final steps toward malaria elimination/eradication. In a recent study in Burkina Faso, the Lehmann Funnel Entry Trap (LFET) has shown promising results in the reduction of mosquito densities, even in areas where insecticide resistance is as high as 80%. The LFET requires no chemicals and is self-operated. However, one of the issues with the original LFET is the size of the funnel, which often occupies too much space within users’ homes. Here, we compared the performance of three new, smaller-sized LFET prototypes that combine a screening and killing effect on mosquitoes. Methods: The study was carried out over three months during the rainy season in low and high malaria vector density sites, Soumousso and Vallée du Kou, respectively. The original LFET (or ‘Prototype 1’/’P1’) was modified to produce three new prototypes, which we will refer to as Prototype 2 (‘the Medium’ or ‘P2’), Prototype 3 (P3) and Prototype 4 (P4). Each of the new prototypes was tested on eight days per month over the three-month period to assess their effectiveness in trapping and killing mosquitoes entering houses through the windows compared to the original LFET. Results: Overall, 78,435 mosquitoes (mainly Anopheles gambiae s.l.) were collected in the two study sites, both in the traps and in the houses. A total of 56,430 (72%) mosquitoes were collected from the traps. In Vallée du Kou, the original LFET caught a greater number of mosquitoes than the Medium (prototype 2), whereas no difference was observed between the other new prototypes (3 and 4) and the Medium. In Soumousso, both the original and Medium LFETs collected significantly greater numbers of mosquitoes compared to prototypes 3 and 4. Conclusion: This study has shown that the new LFET prototypes are effective in trapping mosquitoes in high mosquito density settings. A large-scale study with one of the prototypes will be needed to assess community acceptance of the traps and their ability to control malaria vectors.
Transcatheter closure for patent ductus arteriosus in patients with Eisenmenger syndrome: to do or not?
Authors: Xu Jing , Wang Liang , Shen Yunli , Geng Liang , Chen Fadong 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Patent ductus arteriosus ( PDA) complicated by Eisenmenger syndrome (ES) remains to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Giving increasing evidence of benefit from targeted therapies, ES patients once thought to be inoperable may have increasing options for management. This study aims to explore whether PDA in patients with ES can be treated with transcatheter closure (TCC). Methods: Between August 2014 and July 2016, four out of fifteen PDA-ES patients whose Qp/Qs improved significantly and Qp/Qs>1.5 after acute vasodilator testing with 100% oxygen were selected to receive TCC and pulmonary vasodilator therapy. PAH-targeted drugs were prescribed before and after occlusion for all patients. Trial occlusion was performed before permanent closure.Results: The first TCC failed after the initiation of PAH-targeted drugs for 6 months in four patients. After the medication was adjusted and extended to 12 months, TCC was performed for all without hemodynamic intolerances during perioperative period. Pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) was significantly decreased (≥ 40%) immediately after TCC. During a mean follow-up period of 48±14.70 months, there was a further decrease of PASP in two patients, the other two showed improved pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), WHO functional class and six-minute walking distance despite deteriorated PASP.Conclusion: Some selected PDA-ES patients with PVR<15Wood U and Qp/Qs>1.5 at baseline might benefit from TCC and combined PAH-targeted drugs pre- and post-occlusion play a crucial role.
Using Trial Sequential Analysis for estimating the sample sizes of further trials: example using smoking cessation intervention
Authors: Claire Ravinder , Gluud Christian , Berlin Ivan , Coleman Tim , Leonardi-Bee Jo 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background Assessing benefits and harms of health interventions is resource-intensive and often requires feasibility and pilot trials followed by adequately powered randomised clinical trials. Data from feasibility and pilot trials are used to inform the design and sample size of the adequately powered randomised clinical trials. When a randomised clinical trial is conducted, results from feasibility and pilot trials may be disregarded in terms of benefits and harms.MethodsWe describe using feasibility and pilot trial data in the Trial Sequential Analysis software to estimate the required sample size for one or more trials investigating a behavioural smoking cessation intervention. We show how data from a new, planned trial can be combined with data from the earlier trials using trial sequential analysis methods to assess the intervention’s effects.ResultsWe provide a worked example to illustrate how we successfully used the Trial Sequential Analysis software to arrive at a sensible sample size for a new randomised clinical trial and use it in the argumentation for research funds for the trial. ConclusionsTrial Sequential Analysis can utilise data from feasibility and pilot trials as well as other trials, to estimate a sample size for one or more, similarly designed, future randomised clinical trials. As this method uses available data, estimated sample sizes may be smaller than they would have been using conventional sample size estimation methods.
Adoption of water harvesting technologies among agro-pastoralists in semi-arid rangelands of South Eastern Kenya
Authors: Lutta Alphayo , Wasonga Oliver Vivian , Nyangito Moses , Sudan Falendra Kumar , Robinson Lance 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: The arid and semi-arid lands experience inherently unpredictable rainfall and frequent droughts, which are exacerbated by climate change. This consequently leads to deterioration of land resources, and eventually forage and water shortages that negatively impact livestock productivity. In Kenya, development and government agencies have been supporting on-farm adaptation strategies such as water harvesting conservation structures to cope with climate hazards that affect agricultural production and food security in agro-pastoral and pastoral systems. The various water harvesting structures that have been promoted include Zai pits for growing crops and trees, water pans and shallow wells for livestock and domestic use, as well as for irrigation. However, the impact of such interventions with regard to improvement of range productivity and therefore welfare of agro-pastoral and pastoral communities has not been felt owing to low adoption rate by households. Results: This study determined social, economic and institutional factors influencing the adoption of water harvesting technologies by households in pastoral areas of Tana river County of Kenya. The data was collected through household survey, focus group discussions and key informant interviews. The results show that access to extension services and training, level of monthly income, main source of livelihood, land tenure, membership in social groups and availability of active farm labor significantly influenced the adoption of water harvesting structures.Conclusion: Pastoralists therefore need to be mobilized and trained on how to construct and use water harvesting structures and sensitized on the potential socioeconomic benefits of adopting them.
WITHDRAWN: Knowledge, Preventative Practices and Depression of Chinese university students in Korea and China During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Online Cross-sectional Study
Authors: ‍ZHAO BO , Kong Fanlei , Nam Eun Woo 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
(1) Background: To investigate the knowledge, preventative practices, and depression of Chinese university students living in South Korea (‘International Group’) and Mainland China (‘Mainland Group’) during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, and furtherly explore the determinants of depression among these students; (2) Methods: The study was conducted using an online questionnaire tool designed by the Yonsei Global Health Center, with preventative knowledge and practice questions on COVID-19, as well as PHQ-9 (used to diagnose depression for patients). 420 Chinese college students were finally included in the analysis (171 students in South Korea and 249 students in mainland China). This data was collected from March 23 to April 12, 2020; (3) Results: Majority of these students had a good level of knowledge of COVID-19. The ‘International Group’ did better than the ‘Mainland Group’ students regarding preventative practices, but the percentage with moderate-to-severe depression was higher among the ‘International Group’. Highly concerned about family members, highly concerned about getting COVID-19, and having a suspicion of contact with patients increased the depression state among the respondents. Meanwhile, taking preventative behaviors more comprehensively decreased the depression state of both groups; (4) Conclusions: During the pandemic of COVID-19, the depression status of ‘International Group’ students was significantly severer than that in ‘Mainland Group’ (χ2 = 5.50, p < 0.05). While the high-level of depression status of these two groups’ students was affected by highly concerning family members and getting COVID-19 and having a suspicion of contact with patients. Therefore, psychological counseling and education programs are needed in order to support and improve the mental health of ‘International Group’ students.
DNA methylation abnormalities of imprinted genes in congenital heart disease: A pilot study
Authors: Chang Shaoyan , Wang Yubo , Xin Yu , Wang Shuangxing , Luo Yi , Wang Li , Zhang Hui , Li Jia 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Congenital heart disease (CHD) is resulted from the interaction of genetic aberration and environmental factors. Imprinted genes, which are regulated by epigenetic modifications, are essential for the normal embryonic development. However, the role of imprinted genes in the etiology of CHD remains unclear. Methods: After the samples were treated with bisulfate salt, imprinted genes methylation were measured by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. T test and One-way ANOVA were performed to evaluate the differences among groups. Odds ratios (ORs) were performed to evaluate the incidence risk of CHD in relation to methylation levels.Results: We investigated the alterations of imprinted gene germline differential methylation regions (gDMRs) methylation in patients with CHD. Eighteen imprinted genes that are known to affect early embryonic development were selected and the methylation modification genes were detected by massarray in 27 CHD children and 28 healthy children. Altered gDMR methylation level of 8 imprinted genes was found, including 2 imprinted genes with hypermethylation of GRB10 and MEST and 6 genes with hypomethylation of PEG10, NAP1L5, INPP5F, PLAGL1, NESP and MEG3. Stratified analysis showed that the methylation degree of imprinted genes was different in different types of CHD. Risk analysis showed that 6 imprinted genes, except MEST and NAP1L5, within a specific methylation level range were the risk factors for CHDConclusion: Altered methylation of imprinted genes is associated with CHD and varies in different types of CHD. Further experiments are warranted to identify the methylation characteristics of imprinted genes in different types of CHD and clarify the etiologies of imprinted genes in CHD.
Morbidity associated with Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Preterm Newborns: A Retrospective Case-Control Study
Authors: Terrin Gianluca , Chiara Maria Di , Boscarino Giovanni , Metrangolo Valentina , Faccioli Francesca , Onestà Elisa , Giancotti Antonella , Donato Violante Di , Cardilli Viviana , De Curtis Mario 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Introduction: Association between persistency of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and morbidity in preterm newborns is still controversial. We aimed to investigate the relation between PDA and morbidity in a large retrospective study. Methods: A case-control study including neonates consecutively admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), with gestational age (GA) < 32 weeks or body birth weight (BW) < 1500 g, over a 5-year period. Newborns were divided into Cases and Controls, according with the presence or absence of a hemodynamically significant PDA (hs-PDA). Results: We enrolled 85 Cases and 193 Controls. Subjects with hs-PDA had significantly (p<0.001) lower GA (26.7 w, 95%CI 27.1-28.0 vs. 30.1 w, 95%CI 29.7-30.4), BW (1024 g, 95% CI 952-1097 vs. 1310 g 95%CI 1263-1358) and an increased morbidity (60.0% vs. 18.7%). In a sub-group of extremely preterm newborns (GA ≤ 28 weeks and BW ≤ 1000 g), the rate of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) was significantly increased in Cases (31.7%) compared with Controls (5.9%, p=0.033). Multivariate analysis showed that morbidity significantly depended on hs-PDA, GA and BW, and that, in extremely preterms, the hs-PDA represented an independent risk factor for BPD. Conclusions: Occurrence of the main morbidities of prematurity depended by hs-PDA, in association with GA, BW, and use of prenatal steroids. In extremely premature babies, hs-PDA is a risk factor for BPD, one of the most important morbidity of prematurity, independently by other confounding variables.
Non-timber forest products and climate change adaptation among forest-dependent communities in Bamboko forest reserve, the southwest region of Cameroon
Authors: Nghogekeh Tieminie Robinson , Loh Chia Eugene , Chupezi Tieguhong Julius , Mayiadieh Nghobuoche Frankline , Mandiefe Piabuo Serge , Tieguhong Mamboh Rolland 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Forests are naturally endowed to combat climate change by protecting people and livelihoods as well as creating a base for sustainable economic and social development. But this natural mechanism is often hampered by anthropogenic activities. It is therefore imperative to take measures that are environmentally sustainable not only for mitigation but also for its adaptation. This study was carried out to assess the role of Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) as a strategy to cope with the impacts of climate change among forest-dependent communities around the Bamkoko Forest Reserve in the South West Region of Cameroon.Methods: Datasets were collected through household questionnaires (20% of the population in each village that constitute the study site was a sample), participatory rural appraisal techniques, transect walks in the 4 corners of the Bamboko Forest Reserve with a square sample of 25 m2 x 25 m2 to identified and record NTFPs in the reserve, and direct field observations. ). SPSS package for social scientists was used. The results were used for the construction of tables.Results: A total of 18 plant species were identified as being harvested as Non-Timber Forest Products by the residents around the Bamkoko Forest Reserve. The majority of the respondents (88%) perceived that there has been a change in climate patterns due to increased temperatures and unpredictable rainfalls. Eru was the most affected NTFPs with an std deviation of 1.66799 and crops was the most livelihood by climate change around Bamboko Forest Reserve with an std deviation of 1.20459 and local population used more than one strategy to cope with these adverse effectsConclusions: The study concluded that with the increasing climate change effects on crop production and other livelihoods, non-timber forest products still play a safety net role to assist communities. The need to ensure sustainable harvesting, improved processing, and access to non-timber forest products markets cannot be over-emphasized.
Baseline Serum Total Cortisol During the Primary Corona Virus Infection in the Beginning of the Pandemic in Cameroon
Authors: Etoga Martine Claude Etoa , Inna Astasselbe Hadja , Guewo-Fokeng Magellan , Dehayem Mesmin , Boli Anne Ongmeb , Manga Jean Arnaud Ndi , Kouanfack Charles , Mfeukeu Liliane Kuate , Fouda Pierre Joseph , Moor Vicky Ama , Sobngwi Eugène 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Introduction: Improvement of critically ill patients Covid 19 positive placed on glucocorticoids may suggest impairment of the adrenal function. Our objective was to evaluate baseline serum cortisol in covid+ patients.Methods: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study conducted in a population of patients infected with 2019-nCoV in Cameroon. Patients receiving corticosteroids irrespective of the route of administration within 3 months prior to recruitment and those with any hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis disease were excluded. We reviewed the medical records of patients to collect socio-demographic and clinical data. Patients were then sampled at 8 am for serum cortisol assay by the competitive ELISA method. Statistical analyses were performed using the Student's test to compare means. The significance level was set at p<0.05. Results: We included 80 covid+ patients, predominantly males (45, 56.3%) with a mean age of 43±13 years. The co-morbidities found were hypertension (9, 11.3%), diabetes mellitus (7, 8.8%), cardiovascular disease (8, 10%) and obesity (4, 5%). The most common symptoms were asthenia (44, 55%), fever (36, 45%) and respiratory symptoms (75, 93.7%). The non-severe form was the most common (70, 87.5%). Only 12.5% (10) of patients received oxygen therapy within our study. The mean baseline serum cortisol in the series was 279.55 nmol/l±128.68 (min 96.1332 nmol/l; max 665.0521 nmol/l). Sixty-nine patients (86.3%) had baseline cortisol ≤413.79nmol/l, suggesting an insufficient response to stress. No statistically significant association was found between serum cortisol and disease severity.Conclusion: The absence of a marked rise of cortisol during COVID-19 suggests possible involvement of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in this infection.