bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and Pathology of Trichomonas gallinae in Domestic Pigeon (Columba livia domestica) of Assam, India
Authors: Saikia M. , Bhattacharjee K. , Sarmah P.C. , Deka D.K. , Upadhyaya T.N. , Konch P. 
Published: December 2020

Background: Trichomonas gallinae is a flagellated protozoa, infects the upper digestive system of pigeon and causing a condition called canker, characterized by development of granulomatous lesions in the buccal cavity, crop, proventriculus, gizzard and liver of affected birds causing mortality upto 90% in squabs. Systemic research on prevalence and pathology of T. gallinae in pigeons are scant in India. The present work was carried out to document the prevalence and pathology of T. gallinae in pigeons of Assam. Methods: During the one- year study period, throat swab samples were collected from households, market places and temple premises in 4 districts of Assam. A total of 324 birds were examined by wet mount and Giemsa staining methods for detection of T. gallinae. Naturally died carcasses were studied for gross and histopathological alteration in different organs. Result: In the present study prevalence of T. gallinae was found 26.85% and squabs were highly susceptible with 56.25 percent. Sex wise, comparatively higher prevalence was observed in females (33.54%) than in the males (20.48%). Seasonality study revealed highest prevalence during winter. Gross pathological alteration characterized by yellowish white caseo-necrotic haemorrhagic lesion in the upper digestive tract beginning with the oral cavity and lesions also found in liver and lungs. Histopathological alteration also recorded in different organs. In the liver sinusoidal congestion and kupffer cell hyperplasia were observed. Infiltration of polymorphonuclear cells in the thickened inter alveolar space of lungs also recorded. Further study is required to identify the prevalent strains of T. gallinae on the basis of pathogenicity in this geographic region and immunology of T. gallinae in pigeons and other hosts remain to be explored.
Teachers’ perceptions, practices and challenges of active learning strategies utilisation at secondary schools in Ethiopia
Authors: Amare Yayachew , Dagnew Asrat Kelkay 
Published: December 2020

The purpose of this study was to investigate teachers’ perceptions, practices and challenges of active learning strategies utilisation at secondary schools in Ethiopia. Its specific purposes were to examine the perception of teachers towards active learning strategies utilisation, to explore whether active learning strategies utilisation are being practiced by teachers or not and to identify factors that hinder teachers in implementing active learning strategies in secondary schools. To conduct this study, descriptive survey design was employed. A total of 109 teachers participated in the study through systematic sampling technique. The study was complemented by the mixed method approach that employed both qualitative and quantitative data collection tools, such as observation checklists, questionnaires and interviews. The quantitative data were analysed using frequency, percentage, mean value, grand mean and mean ranking, and the qualitative data were analysed by organising, summarising and interpreting narrative description. The findings of the study reported that most of the respondents perceived active learning strategies positively. In spite of their good perceptions, their practices of active learning strategies were low. The major factors affecting the effective implementation of active learning strategies were large class size, students’ lack of interest, shortage of time, teachers’ lack of commitment, students’ beliefs and perceptions and diversity of student interest, which were among the most influential factors hindering its implementation. Finally, it is recommended that responsible bodies should reorganise the conditions and facilitate necessary inputs for the implementation of active learning strategies.

Keywords: Active learning, challenges, perceptions, practices, secondary schools, strategies, utilisation.
Genomic landscapes reveal post-transcriptional modifier disruption in cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Li Xiangcheng , Zhang Yaodong , Ma Zijian , Li Changxian , Wang Cheng , Jiang Wangjie , Chang Jiang , Han Sheng , Lu Zefa , Shao Zicheng , Wang Yirui , Wang Hongwei , Jiao Chenyu , Wang Dong , Wu Xiaofeng , Shen Hongbing , Wang Xuehao , Hu Zhibin 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Molecular variation of different geographic populations and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) subtypes indicate CCA’s potential genomic heterogeneity and novel genomic features. We analyzed exome-sequencing data of 87 perihialr cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA) and 261 intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) from 3 Asian centers (including 43 pCCAs and 24 iCCAs from our center). Patients with iCCA presented higher tumor mutation burden and copy number alteration burden (CNAB) than pCCA patients, and CNAB indicated a poorer pCCA prognosis. In our newly identified 12 significantly mutated genes and 5 focal CNA regions, post-transcriptional modification-related novel driver genes METTL14 and RBM10 are prone to occur in pCCA. We demonstrated the tumor-suppressing functional role of METTL14, a major RNA N6-adenosine methyltransferase (m6A), and its loss-of-function mutation R298H may function through m6A modification on new driver gene MACF1. Our results may be valuable for better understanding of post-transcriptional modification effects CCA development, and similarities and differences between pCCA and iCCA.
The effect of nutrition and reproductive health education intervention on pregnant women in reducing stunting in Indonesia: A-quasi experimental study
Authors: Permatasari Tria Astika Endah , Rizqiya Fauza , Kusumaningati Walliyana , Suryaalamsah Inne Indraaryani , Hermiwahyoeni Zahrofa 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Almost one-third of children under five suffer from stunting in Indonesia. Stunting can be prevented optimally since the period of pregnancy as the initial phase of the first 1000 days of life. This study aims to determine the effect of nutrition education and reproductive health on pregnant women in Bogor Regency, Indonesia.Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted among 194 pregnant women from August to November 2019. The pregnant women were randomly selected from two different villages that were the stunting locus in Bogor Regency. The intervention group (n=97) received two hours of nutrition and reproductive health education in small groups (4-5 mothers per group) every two weeks for three consecutive months. This interactive education had been given by a facilitator using some techniques such as role-playing, lectures, simulation, and games. The control group (n=97) were to obtain regular health care services. A structured questionnaire was applied to collect data consisting of maternal characteristics, nutritional and reproductive health knowledge, attitudes, and practices in the intervention and control groups. Data were analyzed using t-test and chi-square analysis.Results: Pregnant women in the intervention group indicate a significant increase in knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding nutrition and health reproductive after being given an education. The pretest and posttest mean scores in the intervention group were 55.1 and 83.1; 40.2 and 49.0; and 36.2 and 40.2, for the overall mother's knowledge, attitudes, and practices, respectively. Whereas in the control group, there was no significance between the pretest and posttest mean for these three variables. There was a significant difference (p<0.05) in the posttest mean between the intervention group and the control group, but the diﬀerence was not signiﬁcant (p>0.05) at the pretest.Conclusion: Providing nutrition and reproductive health education through small groups with interactive methods improves the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of pregnant women. This intervention has the potential to be replicated and developed into large-scale implementation by optimizing collaboration between government, non-governmental organizations, and maternal and child health service providers.
Predicting Rifampicin Resistance Mutations in Bacterial RNA Polymerase Subunit Beta Based on Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Ning Qing , Wang Dali , Cheng Fei , Zhong Yuheng , Ding Qi , You Jing 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundMutations in an enzyme target are one of the most common mechanisms whereby antibiotic resistance arises. Identification of the resistance mutations in bacteria is essential for understanding the structural basis of antibiotic resistance and design of new drugs. However, the traditionally used experimental approaches to identify resistance mutations were usually labor-intensive and costly. ResultsWe present a machine learning (ML)-based classifier for predicting rifampicin (Rif) resistance mutations in bacterial RNA Polymerase subunit β (RpoB). A total of 66 resistance mutations were gathered from the literature to form positive dataset, while 53 residue variations of RpoB among a series of naturally occurring species were obtained as negative database. The features of the mutated RpoB and their binding energies with Rif were calculated through computational methods, and used as the mutation attributes for modelling. Classifiers based on four ML algorithms, i.e. decision tree, k nearest neighbors, naïve Bayes and supporting vector machine, were developed, which showed accuracy ranging from 0.69 to 0.76. A majority consensus approach was then used to obtain a new classifier based on the classifications of the four individual ML algorithms. The majority consensus classifier significantly improved the predictive performance, with accuracy, precision, recall and specificity of 0.83, 0.84, 0.86 and 0.83, respectively. ConclusionThe majority consensus classifier provides an alternative methodology for rapid identification of resistance mutations in bacteria, which may help with early detection of antibiotic resistance and new drug discovery.
Knowledge and Attitudes Regarding Amblyopia Among Parents in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: a Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Basheikh Ahmed , Alhibshi Nizar , Bamakrid Motaz , Baqais Rasha , Basendwah Mohammed , Howldar Sara 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Objectives: To assess parents’ perceptions about amblyopia and its causes, symptoms, risk factors, treatments, and the importance of follow-up and to evaluate their awareness regarding the consequences and critical complications.Results: Parents or their companions (n=401) were surveyed, and 52.9% were mothers, 81.8% of mothers and 85.7% of fathers were highly educated (diploma, college or university degree), and 58 (14.5%) had a child who was afflicted with amblyopia. The knowledge subscale (nine items) showed acceptable reliability. Twenty percent of the participants declared having knowledge about amblyopia, but assessment by item showed low percentages of an adequate knowledge level, ranging from 0% for amblyopia causes, 35.9% for definition, and 59.9% for whether amblyopia is a hereditary disease. Thus, the rate of adequate knowledge (KS≥8) was 25.9%, and was associated with parents’ nationality (p<0.05) and self-declared knowledge about amblyopia (p<0.001). No significant difference was observed among respondents who had a child with amblyopia. There was a lack of knowledge about basic information and different aspects of the disease, which emphasized the relevance of school-based screening programs and adequate use of trustworthy internet resources using easily understood medical information.
Prognostic value of Onodera’s Nutritional Index for intermediate and high risk gastrointestinal stromal tumors treated with or without Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors
Authors: Wang Feng , Tao Tingting , Yu Heng , Xu Yingying , Yang Zhi , Xia Xuefeng , Wang Meng , Zong Liang , Guan Wenxian 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
Immunoinflammatory and nutritional markers such as peripheral blood neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and onodera’s prognostic nutritional index (OPNI) have gained considerable attention and revealed preliminaryly as prognostic markers in gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST).
Methods
In this study, we firstly investigated the prognostic value of OPNI in GIST treated with or without TKIs based on the propensity score matching (PSM) method. All of the patients had received surgical resection for primary GIST, the data from 2010 to 2018 were initially and retrospectively identified from our gastrointestinal center. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) was calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method and compared by the log-rank test.
Results
These patients who were treated with TKIs and those who did not were divided into two groups, and we used propensity score matching method to make them have more unified baseline data. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models were applied to identify associations with outcome variables. A total of 563 GISTs were initially chosen and 280 of them were included for analysis under an inclusion criteria. After PSM, there were 200 patients included. Multivariate analyses identified OPNI was an independent prognostic marker, and was associated with primary site, tumor size, mitotic index, tumor rupture, necrosis, and modified NIH risk classification. Low OPNI (< 42.6; HR 0.315; P༜0.001) were associated with worse RFS.
Conclusions
Preoperative OPNI is a novel and useful prognostic marker for GISTs both treated with or without TKIs.
Integration of 3D interconnected sodium hydroxide modified biochar with the tile-like architecture of cobalt oxides for asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Norouzi Omid , Pourhoseini Seyed Esmaeil Mohammadi , Naderi Hamid Reza , Maria Francesco Di , Dutta Animesh 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Two state-of-the-art electrodes were successfully synthesized and used to assemble both symmetric and asymmetric type supercapacitors. 3DFAB was fabricated by direct pyrolysis of green macroalgae in the presence of NaOH. Possible mechanisms of NaOH activation is proposed, which explains the formation of oxygen functional groups through quick penetration of OH- and NaOH into the vacancies. To obtain CoTLM, the tile-like architecture of cobalt oxides was introduced to the 3D interconnected functional algal biochar (3DFAB) by a simple one-pot hydrothermal method under mild conditions. For the symmetric supercapacitors, the maximum specific capacitance of RAB, 3DFAB, and CoTLM were 177 F g− 1, 322 F g− 1, and 529 F g− 1 at a scan rate of 5mVs− 1. Regarding cobalt-based asymmetric systems, the maximum capacitance for the RAB//CoTLM and 3DFAB//CoTLM were ∼300 F g− 1 and 400 F g− 1, respectively. The 3DFAB//CoTLM showed a higher energy density compared with RAB//CoTLM, while the RAB//CoTLM exhibited better cycling performance (99.1% of its initial capacitance after 4 k cycles at the current density of 4 A g 1).
Chemical Composition of Leaves and Hull from Pistacia Vera L. an Evaluation of Phenolic Content and Antioxidant Properties of their Extracts
Authors: Elakremi Manel , Sillero Leyre , Ayed Lazher , Labidi Jalel , Moussaoui Younes 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The pistachio industry in Tunisia generates a high amount of waste every year due to the large pistachio production. This, together with the good properties of the compounds that can be extracted from these by-products, makes it necessary a comprehensive study of their potential. Because of that, the aim of this work was to analyze the chemical characterization of male and female leaves and hull of Pistacia vera L. and their ethanol-water extracts. With that purpose, the total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the extracts were determined and their antioxidant activities were investigated using DPPH, ABTS and FRAP methods. The total phenolic content varied from 218to533mg GAE/g DE, and the total flavonoid content varied from119to 397 mg CE/g DE. In general, the antioxidant activity showed significant values. The DPPH assay and the ABTS assay were in the range of 332–704 mg TE/g DE and 427and 1394 mg TE/g DE, respectively .In the case of FRAP, male leaves extract had the best result, being the TE value 808 mg TE/g DE. All the extracts were rich in phenolic compounds and possess valuable antioxidant activities. Therefore, leaves and hull of Pistacia vera L. could be used as cheap natural antioxidant in different applications.
Prevotella Copri Increases fat Accumulation in Pigs fed by Formula Diets
Authors: Chen Congying , Fang Shaoming , Wei Hong , He Maozhang , Fu Hao , Xiong Xinwei , Zhou Yunyan , Wu Jingyuan , Gao Jun , Yang Hui , Huang Lusheng 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Excessive fat accumulation of pigs is undesirable. It severely affects economic return of modern pig industry. Studies in humans and mice have examined the role of the gut microbiome in host energy metabolism. Commercial Duroc pigs are often fed formula diets with high energy and protein. Whether and how the gut microbiome under this type of diets regulates swine fat accumulation is largely unknown.Results: In the present study, we systematically investigated the correlation of gut microbiome with pig lean meat percentage (LMP) in a total of 698 commercial Duroc pigs. We demonstrate that the gut microbiome of fat pigs was dominated by P. copri which occupied 23.53% and 5.76% of relative abundance in average in the discovery and validation cohort, respectively. High abundance of P. copri in the gut resulted in a higher abundance of serum metabolites associated with chronic inflammation, e.g., branched chain amino acids, aromatic amino acids, the metabolites of arachidonic acid metabolism and lipopolysaccharides. Host intestinal barrier permeability and chronic inflammation response were increased. A gavage experiment using germ-free mice confirmed that the P. copri isolated from experimental pigs was a causal species increasing host fat accumulation. Host colon, adipose tissue, and muscle transcriptomes indicated that P. copri colonization significantly upregulated the expression of the genes related to immune and inflammatory responses, lipogenesis, and fat accumulation, but attenuated the genes associated with lipolysis, lipid transport, and muscle growth.Conclusions: Taken together, we identified and confirmed that P. copri in the gut microbial communities of pigs fed by commercial formula diets results in the significantly increased fat deposition of pigs, and proposed a possible mechanism of P. copri affecting fat accumulation. The results provided fundamental knowledges for reducing pig fat accumulation through regulating the gut microbial composition in pig industry.
Airway Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Density in Mechanically Ventilated Patients: Clinical Impact and Relation to Therapeutic Efficacy of Antibiotics
Authors: Migiyama Yohei , Sakata Shinya , Iyama Shinji , Tokunaga Kentaro , Saruwatari Koichi , Tomita Yusuke , Saeki Sho , Okamoto Shinichiro , Ichiyasu Hidenori , Sakagami Takuro 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: The bacterial density of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) is closely related to its pathogenicity. We evaluated the effect of airway PA density on the clinical course of mechanically ventilated (MV) patients and the therapeutic efficacy of antibiotics.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data of intensive care unit (ICU) MV patients with PA isolated from endotracheal aspirates (ETAs). Patients were divided into three groups according to the peak PA density during ICU stay: low-PA (≤104 cfu/mL), moderate-PA (105‒106 cfu/mL), and high-PA (≥107 cfu/mL) groups. The relationship between PA density and weaning from MV, risk factors for high-PA isolation, and antibiotic efficacy were investigated using multivariate and propensity score-matched analyses.Results: Four-hundred-and-sixty-one patients were enrolled. Patients with high-PA had higher inflammation and developed more severe respiratory infections. High PA was independently associated with few ventilator-free days on day 28 (P < 0.01) and increased ICU mortality (P = 0.047). Risk factors for high PA were prolonged MV (odd ratio [OR] 3.07 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.35‒6.97), non-antipseudomonal cephalosporins (OR 2.17, 95% CI 1.35‒3.49), hyperglycemia (OR 2.01, 95% CI 1.26‒3.22) during ICU stay, and respiratory diseases (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.12‒3.23). Isolation of normal respiratory flora was associated with lower risks of high PA (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.26‒0.73). Propensity score-matched analysis revealed that antibiotic therapy for patients with ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis (VAT) improved weaning from MV only in the high-PA group.Conclusions: High PA significantly affected the clinical course of MV patients and could be a good therapeutic indicator for VAT treatment.
Patterns and patient factors associated with loss to follow-up in the Muhimbili Sickle Cell Cohort, Tanzania
Authors: Masamu Upendo , Sangeda Raphael Zozimus , Kandoga Daniel , Ondego Jesca , Ndobho Florah , Mmbando Bruno , Nkya Siana , Msami Khadija , Makani Julie 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Monitoring patient's clinical attendance is a crucial means of improving retention in care and treatment programmes. Sickle cell patients' outcomes are improved by participation in comprehensive care programmes, but these benefits cannot be achieved when patients are lost from clinical care. In this study, patients are defined as loss to follow-up when they did not attend clinic for more than nine months. Precise information on the retention rate and characteristics of those who are not following their clinic appointments is needed to enable the implementation of interventions that will be effective in increasing the retention to care. Method: This was a retrospective study involving sickle cell patients registered in the Muhimbili Sickle Cohort in Tanzania. Descriptive and survival analysis techniques both non-parametric methods (Kaplan-Meier estimator and Log-rank test) and semi-parametric method (Cox’s proportional hazard model), were used. A p-value of 0.05 was considered significant to make an inference from the analysis.Results: A total of 5476 patients were registered in the cohort from 2004 to 2016. Of these, 3350 (58.13%) were actively participating in clinics, while 2126 (41.87%) were inactive, of which 1927 (35.19%) were loss to follow-up. We used data from 2004-2014 because between 2015-2016, patients were referred to other government hospitals. From the survival analysis results, pediatric (HR: 14.29,95% CI: 11.0071-18.5768, p <0.001) and children between 5-17 years [HR:2.61,95% CI:2.2324 - 3.0705, p< 0.001] patients were more likely to be loss to follow-up than the adult (18 and above years) patients. It was found that patients with above averages for hematocrit (HR: 2.38, 95% CI: 1.0076 - 1.0404, p=0.0039) or mean cell volume (HR: 4.28, (95% CI: 1.0260 - 1.0598, p<0.001) were more likely to be loss to follow-up than their counterparts. Conclusion: Loss to follow-up is evident in the cohort of patients in long term comprehensive care. It is, therefore, necessary to design interventions that improve patients’ retention. Suggested solutions include refresher training for health care workers and those responsible for patient follow-up on techniques for retaining patients and comprehensive transition programs to prepare patients who are moving from pediatric to adult clinics