bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of improved housing on indoor mosquito density and exposure to malaria in the rural community of Minkoameyos, Centre Region of Cameroon.
Authors: Nguela Rachel Laure , Bigoga Jude D. , Armel Tedjou N. , Esther Tallah Tayie Ngobiyo , Dongmo Line Leukou , Boris Njeambosay A. , Frederic Tchouine , Kazi Riksum , Williams Peter , Mbacham Wilfred F. , Leke Rose G. F. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background This study evaluated the effectiveness of improved housing on indoor residual mosquito density and exposure to malaria-carrying anophelines in Minkoameyos, a rural community in southern forested Cameroon. Methods Following the identification of housing factors affecting malaria prevalence in 2013, 218 houses were improved by screening the doors and windows, installing plywood ceilings on open eaves and closing holes on walls and doors. Monthly entomological surveys were conducted in a sample of 21 improved and 21 non-improved houses from November 2014 to October 2015. Mosquitoes sampled from night collections on human volunteers were identified morphologically and their parity status determined. Mosquito infectivity was verified through Plasmodium falciparum CSP ELISA and the average entomological inoculation rates determined. A Reduction Factor (RF), defined as the ratio of the values for mosquitoes collected outdoor to those collected indoor was calculated in improved houses (RFI) and non-improved houses (RFN). An Intervention Effect (IE=RFI/RFN) measured the true effect of the intervention. Chi-square test was used to determine variable significance. The threshold for statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Results A total of 1113 mosquitoes were collected comprising Anopheles sp (58.6%), Culex sp (36.4%), Aedes sp (2.5%), Mansonia sp (2.4%) and Coquillettidia sp (0.2%). Amongst the anophelines were An. gambiae s.l. (95.2%), An. funestus (2.9%), An. ziemanni (0.2%), An. brohieri (1.2%) and An. paludis (0.5%). An. gambiae s.s. was the only Anopheles gambiae siblings found. The intervention reduced the indoor Anopheles density by 1.8 folds (RFI=3.99; RFN=2.21; P=0.001 ). The indoor density of parous Anopheles reduced by 1.7 folds (RFI=3.99; RFN=2.21; P=0.04 ) and that of infected Anopheles by 1.8 folds (RFI=3.26; RFN=1.78; P=0.04 ). Indoor peak biting rates were observed between 02am to 04am in non-improved houses and from 02am to 06am in improved houses. Conclusion Housing improvement contributed to reducing indoor residual anopheline density and malaria transmission. This highlights the need for policy specialists to further evaluate and promote aspects of house design as a complementary control tool that could reduce indoor human–vector contact and malaria transmission in similar epidemiological settings.
Characterisation of proliferation, differentiation potential, and gene expression among clonal cultures of human dental pulp cells
Authors: Kobayashi Tomoko , Torii Daisuke , Iwata Takanori , Izumi Yuichi , Nasu Masanori , Tsutsui Takeo W. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
The authors have withdrawn the journal submission associated with this preprint and requested that the preprint also be withdrawn.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization among HIV-infected patients in Taiwan: prevalence, molecular characteristics and associated factors with nasal carriage
Authors: Hsu Yi-Yu , Wu David , Hung Chien-Ching , Huang Shie-Shian , Yuan Fang-Hsueh , Lee Ming-Hsun , Huang Ching-Tai , Shie Shian-Sen , Huang Po-Yen , Yang Chien-Chang , Cheng Chun-Wen , Leu Hsieh-Shong , Wu Ting-Shu , Huang Yhu-Chering 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Objective To evaluate nasal carriage, antibiotic susceptibility and molecular characteristics of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), as well as the risk factors of MRSA colonization, in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients in northern Taiwan. Methods From September 2014 to November 2015, HIV-infected patients seeking outpatient care at four hospitals were eligible for this study. A nasal specimen was obtained from each subject for the detection of S. aureus and a questionnaire was completed by each subject. MRSA isolates once identified were characterized. Results Of 553 patients surveyed, methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) was detected in 119 subjects (21.5%) and MRSA in 19 subjects (3.4%). Female gender, injection drug use, smoking, hepatitis C virus carrier, cancer and antibiotic use within one year were positively associated with MRSA colonization. By multivariate analysis, only cancer (adjust odds ratio (aOR) 7.78, [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.909-31.731]) and antibiotic use within one year (aOR 3.89, [95% CI, 1.219-12.433]) were significantly associated with MRSA colonization. Ten isolates were characterized as sequence type (ST) 59/staphylococcal chromosome cassette (SCC) IV or V T , endemic community strains in Taiwan, four isolates as ST 8/SCC mec IV (USA 300) and one isolate as ST 239/SCC mec IIIA, a hospital strain. All the community-associated MRSA isolates were susceptible to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX). Conclusions Nasal MRSA carriage in HIV-infected patients seeking outpatient care was low (3.4%) in northern Taiwan. Most of the colonizing isolates were genetically endemic community strains and exhibited high susceptibility to TMP-SMX and fluoroqinolones. Cancer and antibiotic use within one year were associated with MRSA colonization.
Implementation of the WHO Hand Hygiene Strategy in Faranah Regional Hospital, Guinea
Authors: Müller Sophie Alice , Diallo Alpha Oumar Karim , Wood Rebekah , Bayo Mouctar , Eckmanns Tim , Tounkara Ousmane , Arvand Mardjan , Diallo Mamadou , Borchert Matthias 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Healthcare-associated infections are the most frequent adverse events in healthcare worldwide, with limited available evidence suggesting highest burden in resource-limited settings. Recent Ebola epidemics emphasize the disastrous impact that spread of infectious agents within healthcare facilities can have, accentuating the need for improvement of infection control practices. Hand hygiene (HH) measures are considered to be the most effective tool to prevent healthcare-associated infections. However, HH knowledge and compliance are low, especially in vulnerable settings such as Guinea.

The aim of PASQUALE (Partnership to Improve Patient Safety and Quality of Care) was to assess knowledge and compliance with HH and improve HH by incorporating the WHO HH Strategy within the Faranah Regional Hospital (FRH), Guinea.

Methods: In a participatory approach, a team of FRH staff and leadership was invited to identify priorities of the hospital prior to the start of PASQUALE. The local hygiene committee was empowered to increase its activities and take ownership of the HH improvement strategy. A baseline assessment of knowledge, perception and compliance was performed months before the intervention. The main intervention consisted of local alcohol-based-hand-rub (ABHR) production, with final product efficacy testing, in conjunction with a training adapted to the needs identified in the baseline assessment. A follow-up assessment was conducted directly after the training. Effectiveness of the intervention was assessed via uncontrolled before-and-after comparison.

Results: Baseline knowledge score (13.0/25) showed a significant increase to 19.0/25 in follow-up. Baseline-Compliance was 23.7% and increased significantly to 71.5% in follow-up. Compliance rose significantly across all professional groups except for midwifes and in all indications for HH, with the largest in the indication “Before aseptic tasks”. The increase in compliance was associated with the intervention and remained significant after adjusting for confounders. The local pharmacy successfully supplies the entire hospital. The local supply resulted in a ten-fold increase of monthly hospital disinfectant consumption.

Conclusion: The WHO HH strategy is an adaptable and effective method to improve HH knowledge and compliance in a resource-limited setting. Local production is a feasible method for providing self-sufficient supply of ABHR to regional hospitals like the FRH. Participatory approaches like hygiene committee ownership builds confidence of sustainability.
Environmental factors and spatiotemporal distribution of Japanese encephalitis after vaccination campaign in Guizhou Province, China (2004–2016)
Authors: Zhao Suye , Li Yidan , Fu Shihong , Liu Ming , Li Fan , Liu Chunting , Yu Jing , Rui Liping , Wang Dingming , Wang Huanyu , Tian Huaiyu 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background Although a vaccination campaign has been conducted since 2004, Japanese encephalitis (JE) is still a public health problem in Guizhou, one of the provinces with the highest incidence of JE in China. The aim of this study was to understand the spatiotemporal distribution of JE and its relationship with environmental factors in Guizhou Province in the post-vaccination era, 2004–2016. Methods We collected data on human JE cases in Guizhou Province from 2004 to 2016 from the national infectious disease reporting system. A Poisson regression model was used to analyze the relationship between JE occurrence and environmental factors amongst counties. Results Our results showed that the incidence and mortality of JE decreased after the initiation of vaccination. JE cases were mainly concentrated in preschool and school-age children and the number of cases in children over age 15 years was significantly decreased compared with the previous 10 years; the seasonality of JE before and after the use of vaccines was unchanged. JE incidence was positively associated with cultivated land and negatively associated with gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, vegetation coverage, and developed land. In areas with cultivated land coverage <25%, vegetation coverage >55%, and urban area coverage >25%, the JE risk was lower. The highest JE incidence was among mid-level GDP per capita areas and in moderately urbanized areas. Conclusions This study assessed the relationship between incidence of JE and environmental factors in Guizhou Province. Our results highlight that the highest risk of JE transmission in the post-vaccination era is in mid-level developed areas. Keywords: Japanese encephalitis; spatial analysis; spatial epidemiology;mosquito; vaccine
Can direct smear results that are routinely collected at health centre level be used for monitoring the impact of mass drug administration with praziquantel on schistosomiasis in Burundi? A preliminary assessment.
Authors: BIZIMANA Paul , POLMAN Katja , ORTU Giuseppina , KRIT Meryam , NSABIYUMVA Frédéric , NKESHIMANA Audace , BIJABUKA Urlich , NIBAKIRE Marcelline , GEERTRUYDEN Jean-Pierre VAN 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background : Intestinal schistosomiasis is still a public health problem in Burundi. Since 2008, annual mass drug administration with praziquantel have been rolled out in 11 endemic districts. The national programme relies on school-based surveys with Kato-Katz to monitor the impact of mass drug administration. We explored whether routine data on intestinal schistosomiasis as determined by direct fecal smears at health centre level could be used.

Methods : From the Burundian National Health Information System, we collected routine incidence data on intestinal schistosomiasis as determined by direct smear examination in all 45 sanitary districts between 2011 and 2015. A temporal trends analysis was performed using a mixed negative binomial regression. Sanitary districts with mass drug administration campaigns with praziquantel (n=11) were compared with those without (n=34). In addition, prevalence data on intestinal schistosomiasis based on Kato-Katz results from a school-based national mapping in 2014 were compared with the incidence data in health centres based on direct smear results, in the same 45 sanitary districts.

Findings : In the 11 sanitary districts applying mass drug administration with praziquantel, the incidence rate decreased significantly for the years 2014 (β 2014 =-0.826, p=0.010) and 2015 (β 2015 =-1.294, p<0.001) and for the five-year period (β=-0.286, p<0.001), whereas in the 34 districts where mass drug administration was not delivered, there was no significant decrease over time (β=-0.087, p=0.219). In most of the 45 sanitary districts, the low prevalences based on Kato-Katz in schoolchildren were confirmed by low incidence rates based on direct smear in the health centres.

Conclusions : National Health Information System surveillance data, based on routinely collected direct smear results at health centre level, may be able to monitor the impact of mass drug administration with praziquantel on intestinal schistosomiasis in Burundi. Control and elimination of intestinal schistosomiasis call for integration of adequate diagnosis and treatment into routine activities of primary health care facilities, as recommended by the World Health Organization since more than 20 years. When moving towards elimination, more sensitive tests, such as the Point-of-care Circulating Cathodic Antigen assay are desirable.

Keywords : Direct smear, Health centre, Mass drug administration, Monitoring, Praziquantel, Routine data, Schistosomiasis, Burundi
Genome-wide identification and characterization of lectin receptor-like kinase gene family in cucumber and expression profiling analysis under different treatments
Authors: Lv Duo , Wang Gang , Xiong Liang-Rong , Sun Jing-Xian , Chen Yue , Guo Chun-Li , Yu Yao , He Huan-Le , Cai Run , Pan Junsong 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Lectin receptor-like kinases (LecRLKs) are a class of membrane proteins found in plants that are involved in diverse functions, including plant development and stress responses. Although LecRLK families have been identified in a variety of plants, a comprehensive analysis has not yet been undertaken in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). Results: In this study, 46 putative LecRLK genes were identified in cucumber genome, including 23 G-type, 22 L-type and 1 C-type LecRLK genes. They unequally distributed on all 7 chromosomes with a clustering trendency. Most of the genes in the cucumber LecRLK (CsLecRLK) gene family lacked introns. In addition, there were many regulatory elements associated with phytohormone and stress on these genes’ promoters. Transcriptome data demonstrated that distinct expression patterns of CsLecRLK genes in various tissues. Furthermore, we found that each member of the CsLecRLK family had its own unique expression pattern under hormone and stress treatment by the quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis.Conclusion: This study provides a better understanding of the evolution and function of LecRLK gene family in cucumber, and opens the possibility to explore the roles that LecRLKs might play in the life cycle of cucumber.
In vitro and Numerical Simulation of Blood Removal from Cerebrospinal Fluid: Comparison of Lumbar Drain to Neurapheresis Therapy
Authors: Khani Mohammadreza , Sass Lucas , Sharp M. Keith , McCabe Aaron , Verbick Laura Zitella , Lad Shivanand , martin bryn 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Blood removal from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in post-subarachnoid hemorrhage patients may reduce the risk of related secondary brain injury. We formulated a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model to investigate the impact of a dual-lumen catheter-based CSF filtration system, called Neurapheresis TM therapy, on blood removal from CSF compared to lumbar drain.
Methods: A subject-specific multiphase CFD model of CSF system-wide solute transport was constructed based on MRI measurements. The Neurapheresis catheter geometry was added to the model within the spinal subarachnoid space. Neurapheresis flow aspiration and return rate was 2.0 and 1.8 (mL/min), versus 0.2 (mL/min) drainage for lumbar drain. Blood was modeled as a bulk fluid phase within CSF with a 10% initial tracer concentration and identical viscosity and density as CSF. Subject-specific oscillatory CSF flow was applied at the model inlet. The dura and spinal cord geometry were considered to be stationary. Spatial-temporal tracer concentration was quantified based on time-average steady-streaming velocities throughout the domain under Neurapheresis therapy and lumbar drain. To help verify CFD results, an optically clear in vitro CSF model was constructed with fluorescein used as a blood surrogate. Quantitative comparison of numerical and in vitro results was performed by linear regression of spatial-temporal tracer concentration over 24-hours.
Results: After 24-hours, tracer concentration was reduced to 4.9% under Neurapheresis therapy compared to 6.5% under lumbar drain. Tracer clearance was most rapid between the catheter aspiration and return ports. Neurapheresis therapy was found to have a greater impact on steady-streaming compared to lumbar drain. Steady-streaming in the cranial SAS was ~50X smaller than in the spinal subarachnoid space for both cases. CFD results were strongly correlated with the in vitro spatial-temporal tracer concentration under Neurapheresis therapy (R 2 =0.89 with +2.13% and -1.93% tracer concentration confidence interval).
Conclusion: A subject-specific CFD model of CSF system-wide solute transport was used to investigate the impact of Neurapheresis therapy on tracer removal from CSF compared to lumbar drain over a 24-hour period. Neurapheresis therapy was found to substantially increase tracer clearance compared to lumbar drain. The multiphase CFD results were verified by in vitro fluorescein tracer experiments.
Early open reduction of dislocated hips using a modified Smith-Petersen approach in arthrogyposis multiplex congenita
Authors: Miao Mingyuan , Cai Haiqing , Wang Zhigang , Hu Liwei , Bian Jingxia , Cai Haoqi 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) is a rare syndrome with multiple joint contractures. Within the medical community, there is controversy surrounding AMC in terms of the ideal surgical approach and age for performing a reduction of dislocated hips. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of early open reduction of infant hip dislocation with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita following a modified Smith-Petersen approach that preserves the rectus femoris.
Methods: From 2010 to 2017, we performed this procedure on 28 dislocated hips in 20 infants under 12 months of age with AMC. The clinical and radiology data were reviewed retrospectively. The mean age at surgery was 6.9 ± 5.1 months, with a mean follow-up of 42.4 ± 41.1 months.
Results: After open reduction, the average hip acetabular index (AI), the international hip dysplasia institute classification (IHDI), and the hip range of motion significantly improved (all P<0.001). After the surgery, 16 patients were community walkers, and four patients were home walkers. Three hips in two patients required secondary revision surgery for residual acetabular dysplasia with combined pelvic osteotomy and femoral osteotomy. Seven of the hips that had been operated on showed signs of avascular necrosis (AVN). Among them, four were degree II, two were degree III, and one was degree IV. Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that greater age (in months) heightened the risk for secondary revision surgery (P=0.032).
Conclusions: The modified Smith-Petersen approach preserving the rectus femoris is an encouraging and safe option for treating hip dislocation in young AMC patients (before 12 months). If surgery takes place at less than 12 months of age for patients with AMC, this earlier open reduction for hip dislocation may reduce the chances of secondary revision surgery.
Mode of delivery and weight shape the intestinal microbiome composition progression in preterm infants: results of a prospective study
Authors: Heida Fardou , Kooi Elisabeth , Nguyen Thi-Yen , Hulscher Jan , Zoonen Anne van , Bos Arend , Harmsen Hermie , Goffau Marcus de 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: In preterm infants the intestinal microbiome differs markedly from term infants. However, it is unclear whether the microbiome follows infant specific maturation patterns or whether it is mainly characterized by varying states of dysbiosis. We investigated the development of the intestinal microbiome in extremely preterm infants over time by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. We analysed the first meconium and faecal samples from the 2 nd , 3 rd and 4 th weeks, and (clinical) metadata to identify the main factors influencing the microbiota composition development. Results: The study included 41 extremely preterm infants (gestational age 25-30 weeks; birth weight (BW) 430-990g). Birth via Caesarean section (CS) was associated with placental insufficiency during pregnancy and lower BW. In meconium and in weeks 2 and 3 an increased combined abundance of Escherichia and Bacteroides (maternal aerotolerant fecal bacteria) was associated with vaginal delivery (p=0.039, p=0.0002, p=0.034, respectively) while Staphylococcus epidermidis (skin bacterium) was associated with CS (p=0.001, p=0.0003 p=0.048, respectively). Secondly, a switch was observed from a microbiome dominated by S. epidermidis (Bacilli) towards a microbiome dominated by Enterobacteriaceae (Gammaproteobacteria, mainly represented by Klebsiella and Escherichia ), in which the stage of progression appeared to be dependent upon the current weight of the infant, irrespective of the week of sampling or the mode of birth. Conclusions: Our data shows that the mode of delivery does affect the meconium microbiome composition. It also suggests that the weight of the infant at the time of sampling is a better predictor for the stage of progression of the intestinal microbiome development/maturation than gestational/postnatal age. We hypothesize that impaired growth, for example due the effects of diminished placental function during pregnancy, is a key factor in the maturation of the intestinal microbiome in extreme premature infants.