bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mentorship on Malaria Microscopy Diagnostic Service in Ethiopia: Baseline Competency of Microscopists and Performance of Health Facilities
Authors: Gidey Bokretsion , Nega Desalegn , Abera Adugna , Abebe Abnet , Mekasha Sindew , Tasew Geremew , Haile Mebrahtom , Dillu Dereje , Mehari Degu , Assefa Ashenafi , Liknew Wondimeneh , G/tsadik Abeba , Mohammed Hussien , Woldie Ermias , Getachew Tsegaye , Ararso Desaelegn , Yenealem Dereje , Kebede Adisu , Etana Kebede , Kedida Gizachew , Solomon Hiwot , Tollera Getachew , Woyessa Adugna , Abate Ebba 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: In Ethiopia, malaria case is declining as a result of proven interventions and the country launched malaria elimination strategy in targeted settings since 2017. Accurate malaria diagnosis and prompt treatment are the key components of the strategy to prevent morbidity and stop continuation of the transmission. However, the quality of microscopic diagnosis in general is deteriorating as malaria burden declines. Therefore, this study was carried out toevaluate the competency of microscopists and the performance of health facilities on malaria microscopic diagnosis.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from August 01 to September 30, 2019 in nine Regional States and one city administration. A standard checklist was used for on-site evaluation, archived patient slides were re-checked and proficiency of microscopists was tested using WHO certified slides from national slide bank in public health institute. Strength of agreement, sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values were calculated.Results: In this study, 102 health facilities (84 health centers and 18 hospitals) were included; from which, 202 laboratory professionals participated. In slide re-checking, moderate agreement (Agreement: 76.0%; Kappa: 0.41) was observed between experts and microscopists on malaria detection in all health facilities. The sensitivity and specificity of routine slide reading and the rechecking results were 78.1% and 80.7%, respectively. Likewise, positive predictive value of 65.1% and negative predictive value of 88.8% were scored in the routine diagnosis. By panel testing, a substantial overall agreement (A: 91.8%; K: 0.79) was observed between microscopists and experts in detecting malaria parasites. The sensitivity and specificity in detection of malaria parasites was 92.7% and 89.1%, respectively. Furthermore, in identifying species, slight agreement (A: 57%; K: 0.18) was observed between microscopists and experts. Conclusion: The study found significant false positive and false negative results in routine microscopy on slide re-checking of Plasmodium parasites. Moreover, reduced grade in parasite species identification was reported on the panel tests. Therefore, implementing comprehensive malaria microscopy mentorship, in-service training and supportive supervision are the key strategies to improve the overall performance of health facilities in malaria microscopy.
Molecular Surveillance of Antimalarial Resistance Pfcrt, Pfmdr1 and Pfk13 Polymorphisms in African Plasmodium Falciparum Imported Parasites to Wuhan, China
Authors: Weijia Cheng , Song Xiaonan , Tan Huabing , Wu Kai , Li Jian 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: The development of drug resistance in Plasmodium falciparum becomes a severe problem for malaria control globally. Before finding a practical solution, monitoring the susceptibility of P. falciparum resistance-related genes is crucial. It will offer valuable information on the drug resistance in malaria-endemic areas and guides the rational clinical use of antimalarial drugs.Methods：Filter paper blood was taken from patients with positive P. falciparum during 2017-2019 in Wuhan, China. The target fragments from pfcrt, pfmdr1, and k13 propeller (pfk13) genes of P. falciparum were amplified and sequenced. Subsequently, the polymorphisms of pfcrt, pfmdr1, and pfk13 and the haplotypes of Pfcrt and Pfmdr1 were analyzed.Results: Totally, 106 samples were collected. Subsequently, 98.11% (104/106), 100% (106/106), and 86.79% (92/106) of these samples were successfully amplified and sequenced for the pfcrt, pfmdr1, and pfk13 genes, respectively. The prevalence of Pfcrt K76T, Pfmdr1 N86Y, and Pfmdr1 Y184F mutation were 9.62%, 4.72%, and 47.17%, respectively. At codons 72-76 of pfcrt gene locus were showed three haplotypes, including CVMNK (wild-type), CVIET (mutation type), CV M/I N/E K/T (mixed type), with 87.50%, 9.62%, and 2.88% prevalence, respectively. For the pfmdr1 gene, including NY (wild type), NF and YF (mutant type), N Y/F, Y Y/F, and N/Y Y/F (mixed type), accounted for 34.91%, 43.40%, 3.77%, 15.09%, 0.94%, and 1.89%, respectively. A total of eleven Pfcrt/Pfmdr1 combined haplotypes, including six types of combined haplotypes, and five combined haplotypes with mixed-type, For pfk13, no mutation was detected. Conclusions: The wild-type SNPs and haplotypes for the pfcrt, and pfmdr1 genes become predominant in the current study. It indicates these isolates entirely or partly recovery their susceptibility to antimalarial drugs, including chloroquine, amodiaquine, and mefloquine. Moreover, it demonstrates these drugs can continue to be effective drugs for P. falciparum malaria cases treatment in Africa. Although no mutation is detected in pfk13, continuous molecular surveillance is still urgently necessary.
Predictors for the Uptake of Optimal Doses of Sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine for Intermittent Preventive Treatment of Malaria During Pregnancy in Tanzania: Further Analysis of 2015-2016 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey and Malaria Indicator Survey Data
Authors: Mushi Vivian , Mbotwa Christopher H , Zacharia Abdallah , Ambrose Theresia , Moshi Fabiola V 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: In Tanzania, the uptake of optimal doses (≥ 3) of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine for intermittent preventive treatment of malaria (IPTp-SP) during pregnancy has remained below the recommended target of 80%. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the predictors for the uptake of optimal IPTp-SP among pregnant women in Tanzania.Methods: This study used data from the 2015-16 Tanzania demographic and health survey and malaria indicator survey (TDHS-MIS). The study had a total of 4,111 women aged 15 to 49 who had live births 2 years preceding the survey. The outcome variable was uptake of three or more doses of IPTp-SP and the independent variables were age, marital status, education level, place of residence, wealth index, occupation, geographic zone, parity, the timing of first antenatal care (ANC), number of ANC visits and type of the health facility for ANC visits. Predictors for the optimal uptake of IPTp-SP were assessed using univariate and multivariable logistic regression.Results: A total of 327 (8%) women had optimal uptake of IPTp-SP doses. Among the assessed predictors, the following were significantly associated with optimal uptake of IPTp-SP doses; education level [primary (AOR: 2.2, 95% CI 1.26–3.67, P = 0.005); secondary or higher education (AOR: 2.1, 95% CI 1.08–4.22, P = 0.029)], attended ANC at the first trimester (AOR: 2.4, 95% CI 1.20–4.96, P = 0.014), attended ≥ 4 ANC visits (AOR: 1.9, 95% CI 1.34–2.83, P <0.001), attended government health facilities (AOR: 1.5, 95% CI 1.07–1.97, P = 0.017) and geographic zone [Central (AOR: 5, 95% CI 2.08–11.95, P <0.001); Southern Highlands (AOR: 2.8, 95% CI 1.15–7.02, P = 0.023); Southwest Highlands (AOR: 2.7, 95% CI 1.03–7.29, P = 0.043); Lake (AOR: 3.5, 95% CI 1.51–8.14, P = 0.004); Eastern (AOR: 1.5, 95% CI 1.88–11.07, P = 0.001)].Conclusions: The uptake of optimal IPTp-SP doses is still low in Tanzania. The optimal uptake of IPTp-SP was associated with attending ANC in the first trimester, attending more than four ANC visit, attending government health facility for ANC, having primary, secondary or higher education level and geographic zone. Therefore, we recommend health education and behavior change interventions with the emphasis on the optimal use of IPTp-SP doses.
Genome-wide analysis of structures and characteristics of the SPL gene family in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Li Li , Shi Fu , Guan Yanbin , Wang Guoli , Zhang Yufan , Chang Junli , Chen Mingjie , Yang Guangxiao , Wang Yuesheng , He Guangyuan 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: The SQUAMOSA-PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN-LIKE (SPL) genes encode a family of plant-specific transcription factors that contain a conservative SBP domain. SPL proteins play important roles in plant growth and development, such as plant architecture, flowering regulation, and grain yield. However, the systematic analysis of TaSPL gene family in wheat is lacking.Results: In this study, 56 TaSPL genes were identified from wheat genome and divided into eight groups (G1-G8), according to the phylogenetic analysis of TaSPL proteins among numbers of plant species. Bioinformatics method were applied to analyse the gene structure, motif, chromosome localization, segmental duplication and synteny of total TaSPL genes and the results showed that their characteristics were different among group in the exon-intron constitution, conserved and specific motif. The expansion and evolution of the TaSPL genes occurred within the wheat genome. Total 28 of 56 TaSPL genes were predicted to be putative targets for miR156, which revealed the importance of miR156-mediated regulation in wheat. Moreover, transcript level analysis of TaSPL genes in wheat tissues by qRT-PCR discovered the diversified spatiotemporal expression patterns, based on the comparison with reference RNA-seq data. Some TaSPL genes were subject to various stress treatments including drought and hormones, etc. suggesting that these part genes probably involved in responding to hormone signals during different wheat development stages. Conclusions: Our findings show that TaSPL genes may regulate the development of spike and grain, resistance to abiotic stresses, and involve in responding to hormone signals. These results could provide a fundamentally information to further study of the functions of TaSPL genes in wheat growth and development.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Psychological Interventions in Sub-Saharan Africa: Protocol for a Systematic Review of Literature
Authors: Ntlantsana Vuyokazi , Molebatsi Keneilwe , Mashaphu Sibongile , Chiliza Bonginkosi , Akena Dickens H 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: While untreated post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) results in considerable morbidity and higher risk of mortality, little has been done to treat PTSD in low resourced sub-Saharan Africa settings where there is mass exposure of the population to traumatic events. This systematic review aims to summarise available evidence on the efficacy of psychological therapies for PTSD in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).Methods: A systematic search of literature in the PubMed, PsychInfo, EMBASE and Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials electronic databases will be conducted using keywords related to “PTSD”, “psychological therapies” and “SSA”. Two independent researchers will screen for studies eligible for inclusion if set in SSA and randomised controlled trial study design. Data on intervention types, population, comorbidities, comparison group intervention and PTSD outcomes will be extracted from included studies. Risk of bias will be assessed, qualitative synthesis of data will be conducted, and pooled effect estimates calculated.Discussion: Trauma in SSA occurs within the context of unique conditions necessitating applicable interventions. The results of the systematic review will be important in providing a guide for clinicians and researchers in low resource settings in development of effective interventions. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO (CRD42020181638)
Health System Adaptability at Primary Level Care in the Time of COIVD-19: Experiences From Ethiopia
Authors: Abebe Yared , Beshir Ismael Ali , Tsegaye Zergu Tafese , Desta Binyam Fekadu , Kibret Mengistu Asnake , Equar Awala , Deboch Sisay Meselle , Refissa Abera , Sendeku Agegnheu Gebru , Serbessa Feyissa 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundCOVID-19 is a global public health emergency, that has had massive implications on the ability of health systems to avail essential services both during and after the emergency. An effective response thus requires an agile health system that can adjust, reorganize, transform or modify in response to shocks and stress, and to recover quickly in the aftermath. This study aims to identify the major attributes that health systems needed to be adaptable in early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, as observed in selected primary health care facilities in Ethiopia. MethodsThis study employed a retrospective cross-sectional study design based on the ‘ready, willing and able’ framework for health system resilience. The assessment used two independent, concurrently administrated instruments. A total of 163 health centers were visited from April to June 2020. ResultsThe overall mean score for COVID-19 preparedness was 73.1±16.1 standard deviation (SD) and it ranged from 28.9 to 99.9 out of 100. The mean score for the ‘ready’ dimension of preparedness was 75.1±19.1 SD, for the ‘willing’ dimension it was 61.6±24.6 SD and for the ‘able’ dimension the score was 82.8±21.0 SD. Multivariable linear regression analysis showed that levels of functionality of governing, and management systems, integration of emergency responses into the routine system, and prior experience of implementing quality improvement efforts were positively associated with COVID-19 preparedness. ConclusionHealth system resilience is a result of investments made prior to any incidents to ensure that the system is prepared for unpredicted shocks. Early adaptation required to contain the effects of COVID-19 may be considered as a litmus test to understand the capacity of primary health care facilities in Ethiopia to withstand future health system stressors.
Characterizing the bacterial community in bioflocs, culture water and intestines of GIFT tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) reared in a biofloc technology (BFT) system
Authors: Zhang Yang , Cao Baoxin , Abakari Godwin , Tan Hongxin , Luo Guozhi 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
GIFT Oreochromis niloticus was cultured in a bio-floc technology (BFT) system to identify the floral structure of the biofloc water and in the intestine of the fish. High-throughput sequencing technology was used to detect the microbes in the culture water, in the intestines and gills of farmed fish. The effective sequence coverage rate of each sample exceeded 99% and the sequencing results were true and reliable. The results show that according to Chao1 and Simpson indices, the microbial richness and diversity of flocs increase with the increase of culture time. Flocs initially favoured the thick-walled bacterium ( Firmicutes ) as the dominant fungi with abundance of 86%, whiles the rest were all less than 10% in abundance. At the end of the experiment the abundance of Chlorofiexi was 43% , Proteobacteria 26%, and Bacteroidetes 12%. During the early stages, Bacillus was the most dominant group of about 86% abundance. However, this declined towards the end of the breeding period and the abundance was recorded to reduce to about 3%. The highest abundance was associated with the bacterial described as unclassified species called N orank-f-caldilineaceae representing 40% and the abundance of Flavobacterium found to be 2%. The dominant bacteria in the intestinal tract of fish were Proteobacteria (35%), Bacillus (16%) and Cetobacterium (13%). The main heterotrophic assimilation functions in the BFT system were bacillus and chlorocampylobacter . However, flavobacterium was found in the BFT system indicating the presence of on-going denitrification
F. prausnitzii and Its Supernatant Increase SCFAs-producing Bacteria to Restore Gut Dysbiosis in TNBS-Induced Colitis
Authors: Zhou Youlian , Xu Haoming , Xu Jing , Zhao Hailan , Chen Ye , Zhou Yongjian , Nie Yuqiang 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
An increasing number of studies have shown that Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (F. prausnitzii) is a promising anti-inflammatory bacterium that colonizes in the gut and that gut microbiota dysbiosis plays an important role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In this study, we report the gut microbiota profile of 2,4,6 trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis mice treated with F. prausnitzii and its supernatant on the basis of high-throughput sequencing. We interestingly found that both F. prausnitzii and its metabolites exerted protective effects against colitis in mice, which ameliorated gut dysbiosis, with an increase in bacterial diversity and the abundance of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) -producing bacteria and a decrease in serum TNF- α and the abundance of Proteinbacteria, Acidobacteria, and Bacteroidetes. These findings will provide further evidence of the anti-inflammatory effect of F. prausnitzii, which presents therapeutic potential for IBD treatment.
Dietary Purslane (Portulaca Oleracea L.) Promotes the Growth Performance of Broilers by Modulation of Gut Microbiota
Authors: Wang Cong , Liu Qing , Ye Fengchun , Tang Hongbo , Xiong Yanpeng , Wu Yongfei , Wang Luping , Feng Xuanbiao , Zhang Shuiyin , Wan Yongmei , Huang Jianhua 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Purslane is a widespread wild vegetable with both medicinal and edible properties. It is highly appreciated for its high nutritional value and is also considered as a high-quality feed resource for livestock and poultry. In this study, Sanhuang broilers were used to investigate the effect of feeding purslane diets on the growth performance in broilers and their gut microbiota. A total of 48 birds with good growth and uniform weight were selected and randomly allocated to four treatment groups A (control), B, C and D. Dietary treatments were fed with basal diet without purslane and diets containing 1%, 2% and 3% purslane. The 16S rDNA was amplified by PCR and sequenced using the Illumina HiSeq platform to analyze the composition and diversity of gut microbiota in the four sets of samples. The results showed that dietary inclusion of 2% and 3% purslane could significantly improve the growth performance and reduce the feed conversion ratio. Microbial diversity analysis indicated that the composition of gut microbiota of Sanhuang broilers mainly included Gallibacterium, Bacteroides and Escherichia-Shigella, etc. As the content of purslane was increased, the abundance of Lactobacillus increased significantly, and Escherichia-Shigella decreased. LEfSe analysis revealed that Bacteroides_caecigallinarum, Lachnospiraceae, Lactobacillales and Firmicutes had significant differences compared with the control group. PICRUSt analysis revealed bacteria mainly enriched in carbohydrate metabolism pathway due to the additon of purslane in the diet. These results suggest that the addition of purslane to feed could increase the abundance of Lactobacillus in intestine, modulate the environment of gut microbiota and promote the metabolism of carbohydrates to improve its growth performance. This study indicates that the effect of purslane on the growth-promoting performance of broilers might depend on its modulation on gut microbiota, so as to provide a certain scientific basis for the application of purslane in the feed industry.
Successive Waves of COVID 19: Confinement Effects on Virus-Prevalence with a Mathematical Model
Authors: Abdalla Soliman , Bakhshwain Duaa , Shirbeeny Waleed , Bakhshwain Ahmad , Bahabri Fatema , Bakhshwin Abdulaziz , Alsagaf Samar 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background A pandemic outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (COVID 19) incidence data are largely available online. Until August 17, COVID 19 has hit more than 22 million individuals all over the globe. So, it is urged to get clear information about the prevalence of the virus. Therefore, one can manipulate easily a suitable mathematical model to fit these published data. Methods We propose a mathematical model that considers the total population, in 25 countries, either infected by COVID-19 or confined (safe) during the period from November 17, 2019, to August 17, 2020. The model considers the total population as a complex number; the imaginary part is the number of infected individuals and the real part is the number of confined individuals. This classification combined with mathematical treatments leads to a transmission dynamics of the virus to be as wave-like motion. The virus can hit any country either by one wave or by successive waves (up to eleven waves). Findings We find net discrimination between the twenty-five countries investigated in this report. The immediate response to the first attack is a substantial parameter to determine whether the epidemic attack will be in one wave or it can be in successive waves. For example, the best case such as individuals in China was hit by one wave while the individuals in the USA were attacked by nine waves; it the worst case all over the globe. In addition, the model differentiates between the daily reproduction numbers (Rd0) and the median reproduction number (R0). We have found that Rd0 decreases exponentially with time from high values down to zero at the wave maximum point; and R0 varies from a country to another. For example, the virus hit individuals in Germany in R0 = 1·39 (96% CI 1·01–3·87) and in the USA R0 = 3·81 (91% CI 1·71–5·15). We have found that twice the virus has hit both the USA and Iran. The great protestation of black matter lives in the USA and the great assemblage of the new Iranian year, on March 21, 2020, have been the cause of the second epidemic attack in both countries.Interpretation Our results show that COVID-19 transmission depends on the prompt reaction against the first viral-wave. The reaction depends on both the social behaviour of individuals and on the swift system-decision by the governmental decision maker (s). The Chinese strictly follow the decision-maker and therefore the virus hit by only one wave; while in the USA, the system-decision was different and the American-responses were different, therefore ten waves followed the first wave.
Individual function of the ancestral prohormone convertase PC1/3 in Tribolium larval growth and moulting highlights major evolutionary changes between beetle and fly neuroendocrine systems
Authors: Fritzsche Sonja , Hunnekuhl Vera Sophie 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: The insect neuroendocrine system acts in the regulation of physiology, development and growth. Molecular evolution of this system hence has the potential to allow for major biological differences between insect groups. Two prohormone convertases, PC1/3 and PC2, are found in animals and both function in the processing of neuropeptide precursors in the vertebrate neurosecretory pathway. Whereas PC2-function is conserved between the fly Drosophila and vertebrates , ancestral PC1/3 was lost in the fly lineage and has not been functionally studied in any protostome. Results: In order to understand its original functions and the changes accompanying the gene loss in the fly, we investigated PC1/3 and PC2 expression and function in the beetle Tribolium castaneum. We found that PC2 is broadly expressed in the nervous system, whereas surprisingly, PC1/3 expression is restricted to specific cell groups in the posterior brain and suboesophageal ganglion. Both proteases have parallel but non-redundant functions in adult beetles’ viability and fertility. Female infertility following RNAi is caused by a failure to deposit sufficient nutritive material to the developing oocytes. Larval RNAi of both genes produced moulting defects where the larvae were not able to shed their old cuticle and became ‘locked-in’. Unexpectedly, PC1/3 RNAi larvae went through supernumerary larval moults despite minimal to zero weight gain. Conclusions: Our results indicate a yet unknown molecular mechanism for the coupling of moulting and growth in insect larvae. Conservation of the evolutionary ancient PC1/3 gene in most insect groups suggests conserved function and that its loss in dipterans may have been accompanied by major changes in the coordination of larval growth and moulting.