bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of PfDHFR and PfDHPS Mutations Associated with Drug Resistance Among Pregnant Women Receiving IPTp-SP at Msambweni County Referral Hospital, Kwale County, Kenya
Authors: Gikunju Stella Wanjiku , Agola Eric L. , Ondondo Raphael Omusebe , Kinyua Johnson Kangethe , Kimani Francis , LaBeaud Angelle Desiree , Malhotra Indu , King Charles H. , Thiong’o Kelvin , Mutuku Francis 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Prevention and treatment of malaria during pregnancy is crucial in dealing with maternal mortality and adverse fetal outcomes. WHO’s recommendation to treat all pregnant women with sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) through antenatal care structures was implemented in Kenya in the year 1998 but concerns about its effectiveness in preventing malaria in pregnancy has arisen due to the spread of parasites resistant to SP. We aimed to determine the prevalence of SP resistance markers in Plasmodium falciparum parasites isolated from pregnant women seeking antenatal care at Msambweni County Referral Hospital, located in coastal Kenya, between the year 2013 and 2015. Methods: This hospital-based study included 106 malaria positive whole blood samples for analysis of SP resistance markers within the PfDHFR gene (codons 51,59 &108) and PfDHPS gene (codons 437 & 540). The venous blood collected from all pregnant women was tested for malaria via light microscopy, then thereafter separated into plasma and red cells and stored in a -86⁰ freezer for further studies. Archived red blood cells were processed for molecular characterization of SP resistance markers within the PfDHFR gene and PfDHPS using real time PCR platform. Results: All samples had at least one mutation in the genes associated with drug resistance; polymorphism prevalence of PfDHFR51I, 59R and 108N was at 88.7%, 78.3% and 93.4%, respectively, while PfDHPS polymorphism accounted for 94.3% and 91.5% at 437G and 540K, respectively. Quintuple mutations (at all the five codons) conferring total SP resistance had the highest prevalence of 86%. Quadruple mutations were observed at a frequency of 10.4%, and 24.5% had a heterogeneous outcome with both wildtype and mutant genotypes in the genes of interest. Conclusion: The data suggest a high prevalence of Pf genetic variations conferring resistance to SP among pregnant women, which may explain reduced efficacy of IPTp treatment in Kenya. There is need for extensive SP resistance profiling in Kenya to inform IPTp drug choices for successful malaria prevention during pregnancy.
In vivo curative antimalarial effects of the aqueous extract of Entandrophragma angolense bark on Plasmodium berghei infection in mice
Authors: Kamkumo Raceline Gounoue , Betene Abel Narcisse Messi , Fokou Patrick Valère Tsouh , Donfack Jean Hubert , Nangap Marius Jaures Tsakem , Ngako Albertine , Fokou Roberto , TchatatTali Brice Mariscal , Tsofack Florence Ngueguim , Dimo Théophile , Boyom Fabrice Fekam 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background Research for new antimalarial drugs remains a permanent quest for the control of malaria disease due to the emerging parasite resistances. The present study investigates the effects of the aqueous extract of Entandrophragma angolense (E. angolense) bark on Plasmodium. berghei-induced malaria in mice. Methods Eight weeks old female mice, were intraperitoneally infested with 200 μL of mouse blood, containing 1x106 P. berghei-infected-erythrocytes. Parasitaemia was determined using a 10% giemsa stained blood smear read under optical microscope (x100). The infected animals were randomized into 5 groups of 10 animals each and daily treated for 5 days with the plant extract at 125, 250 and 500 mg / kg. The malaria control received distilled water (10 mL / kg) while the chloroquine control was treated with 10 mg / kg of chloroquine. A group of healthy mice was used as the normal control and received distilled water. Body weight, parasitaemia and survival time were monitored daily during treatment and follow up periods. Five animals from each group were sacrificed under anaesthesia at the end of treatment (d8) and after the follow up period (d28). Venous blood was used for haematological and biochemical tests. Organs (liver, kidneys and spleen) were also collected for biochemical and histological analyses. Results Administration of the aqueous extract of E. angolense bark to infected mice significantly inhibited parasite development (p < 0.001) with ED50 estimated at 25.32 mg / kg. The extract prevented animal from death, body weight loss, anaemia, leucocytosis, high transaminases (ALT and AST), high bilirubin, creatinine and MDA levels, oxidative stress and anatomical alteration in organs as compared to the malaria control. Conclusions The E. angolense bark possesses antimalarial properties, supporting its use in traditional medicine to treat malaria.
High-resolution MRI of flexor tendon pulleys using a 16-channel hand coil: disease detection and differentiation of psoriatic and rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Abrar Daniel B. , Schleich Christoph , Nebelung Sven , Frenken Miriam , Radke Karl Ludger , Vordenbäumen Stefan , Brinks Ralph , Schneider Matthias , Ostendorf Benedikt , McGonagle Dennis , Sewerin Philipp 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: To evaluate the value of 3 Tesla (T) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes of flexor tendon pulleys for the differentiation of psoriatic (PsA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), using a novel 16-channel high resolution hand coil.Methods: Seventeen patients with active PsA, 20 patients with active RA and 16 healthy controls (HC) underwent high-resolution 3T MRI using the dedicated 16-channel hand coil. Images were analyzed by three independent readers for the degree of inflammatory changes, thickness of flexor tendon pulleys and comparison to the outcome measures for RA clinical trials (OMERACT) PsA MRI score (PsAMRIS) and to its sub-scores. For correlation analyses Spearman rho correlation was calculated.Results: Flexor tendon pulleys were thicker in PsA than in RA patients (mean difference 0.16 mm, p<0.001) and HC (mean difference 0.2 mm, p<0.001) and showed a higher degree of associated inflammatory changes (mean difference from RA: 4.7, p= 0.048; mean difference from HC: 14.65, p<0.001). Additionally, there was a strong correlation of accessory pulley inflammation and PsAMRIS and its acute-inflammatory sub-scores, flexor tenosynovitis, synovitis and periarticular inflammation (for second digit: synovitis ρ= 0.72, flexor tenosynovitis ρ= 0.7, overall PsAMRIS ρ= 0.72, p< 0.01). Similar robust correlations were evident in digits 3-5. Weaker correlations were evident in RA (synovitis ρ= 0.49, flexor tenosynovitis ρ= 0.49, periarticular inflammation ρ= 0.4).Conclusion: The assessment of MRI changes of flexor tendon pulleys is potentially beneficial for disease detection in PsA, as well as for its distinction from RA and HC.
Inhibition of formyl peptide receptors improves the outcome in a mouse model of Alzheimer disease
Authors: Schröder Nicole , Schaffrath Anja , Welter Josua A. , Putzka Tim , Griep Angelika , Ziegler Patrick , Brandt Elisa , Samer Sebastian , Heneka Michael T. , Kipp Eugenia , Pufe Thomas , Tauber Simone C. , Kipp Markus , Brandenburg Lars-Ove 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: An important hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the increase of Aβ1-42 burden and its accumulation to senile plaques, leading the reactive gliosis and neurodegeneration. The modulation of glia cell function represent an attractive therapeutic strategy, but is currently limited by an incomplete understanding of its relevance for AD. The chemotactic G-protein coupled formyl peptide receptor (FPR), which is known to modulate Aβ1-42 uptake and signal transduction, might be one candidate molecule regulating glia function in AD. Here, we investigate whether the modulation of FPR exerts beneficial effects in an AD preclinical model. Methods: To address this question, APP/PS1 double-transgenic AD mice were treated for 20-weeks with either the pro-inflammatory FPR agonist fMLF, the FPR1/2 antagonist Boc2 or the anti-inflammatory FPR2 agonist Ac2-26. Spatial learning and memory were evaluated using a Morris water maze test. Immunohistological staining, gene expression studies and flow cytometry analyses were performed to study neuronal loss, gliosis and Aß-load in the hippocampus and cortex, respectively. Results: FPR antagonism by Boc2-treatment significantly improved spatial memory performance, reduced neuronal pathology, induced the expression of homeostatic growth factors, and ameliorated microglia, but not astrocyte, reactivity. Furthermore, the elevated levels of amyloid plaques in the hippocampus were reduced by Boc2-treatment, presumably by an induction of amyloid degradation.Conclusions: We suggest that the modulation of FPR signaling cascades might be considered as a promising therapeutic approach for alleviating the cognitive deficits associated with early AD. Additional studies are now needed to address the downstream effectors as well as the safety profile of Boc2.
Evaluation of lateral flow immunochromatographic assay for diagnostic accuracy of cryptococcosis
Authors: Xie Li-Min , Lin Geng-ling , Dong Hao-Neng , Liao Ying-Xia , Liu Ye-Ling , Qin Jian-Feng , Guo Xu-guang 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Cryptococcus is a conditional pathogenic fungus causing cryptococcosis, which is one of the most serious fungal diseases faced by humans. Lateral flow immunochromatographic assay (LFA) is successfully applied to the rapid detection of cryptococcal antigens. Methods: Studies were retrieved systematically from the Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library before July 2019. The quality of the studies was assessed by Review Manager 5.0 based on the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Study guidelines. The extracted data from the included studies were analyzed by Meta-DiSc 1.4. Stata 12.0 software was used to detect the publication bias.Results: A total of 15 articles with 31 fourfold tables were adopted by inclusion and exclusion criteria. The merged sensitivity and specificity in serum were 0.98 and 0.98, respectively, and those in the cerebrospinal fluid were 0.99 and 0.99, respectively.Conclusions: Compared to the urine and other samples, LFA in serum and cerebrospinal fluid is favorable evidence for the diagnosis of cryptococcosis with high specificity and sensitivity.
Genome-wide analysis of the citrus B3 superfamily and their association with somatic embryogenesis
Authors: Liu Zheng , Ge Xiao-Xia , Wu Xiao-Meng , Atkinson Ross G. , Guo Wen-Wu 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background In citrus, genetic improvement via biotechnology is hindered by the obstacle of in vitro regeneration via somatic embryogenesis (SE). Although a few B3 transcription factors are reported to regulate embryogenesis, little is known about the B3 superfamily in citrus, and which members might be involved in SE.Results Genome-wide sequence analysis identified 72 ( CsB3 ) and 69 ( CgB3 ) putative B3 superfamily members in the genomes of sweet orange ( Citrus sinensis , polyembryonic) and pummelo ( C. grandis , monoembryonic), respectively. Genome duplication analysis indicated that segmental and tandem duplication events contributed to the expansion of the B3 superfamily in citrus, and that the B3 superfamily evolved under the effect of purifying selection. Phylogenetic relationships were well supported by conserved gene structure and motifs outside the B3 domain, which allowed possible functions to be inferred by comparison with homologous genes from Arabidopsis . Expression analysis identified 23 B3 superfamily members that were expressed during SE in citrus and 17 that may play functional roles at late SE stages. Eight B3 genes were identified that were specific to the genome of polyembryonic sweet orange compared to monoembryonic pummelo. Of these eight, CsARF19 was found to be specifically expressed at higher levels in embryogenic callus (EC), implying its possible involvement in EC initiation.Conclusions This study provides a genome-wide analysis of the citrus B3 superfamily, including its genome organization, evolutionary features and expression profiles, and identifies specific family members that may be associated with SE.
The genetic basis of diurnal preference in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Pegoraro Mirko , Flavell Laura M.M. , Menegazzi Pamela , Colombi Perrine , Dao Pauline , Helfrich-Förster Charlotte , Tauber Eran 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background Most animals restrict their activity to a specific part of the day, being diurnal, nocturnal or crepuscular. The genetic basis underlying diurnal preference is largely unknown. Under laboratory conditions, Drosophila melanogaster is crepuscular, showing a bi-modal activity profile. However, a survey of strains derived from wild populations indicated that high variability among individuals exists, including flies that are nocturnal.Results Using a highly diverse population, we have carried out an artificial selection experiment, selecting flies with extreme diurnal or nocturnal preference. After 10 generations, we obtained highly diurnal and nocturnal strains. We used whole-genome expression analysis to identify differentially expressed genes in diurnal, nocturnal and crepuscular (control) flies. Other than one circadian clock gene ( pdp1 ), most differentially expressed genes were associated with either clock output ( pdf, to ) or input ( Rh3 , Rh2, msn ). This finding was congruent with behavioural experiments indicating that both light masking and the circadian pacemaker are involved in driving nocturnality.Conclusions Our study demonstrates that natural genetic variation in fly wild populations is contributing to substantial variation in diurnal preference. We identified candidate genes associated with diurnality/nocturnality, and the data emerging from our expression analysis and behavioural experiments suggest that both the clock and clock-independent pathways are involved in shaping diurnal preference. The diurnal and nocturnal selection strains provide us with a unique opportunity to understand the genetic architecture of diurnal preference.
The nurse anesthetist perioperative dialog
Authors: Abelsson Anna , Nygårdh Annette 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: In the perioperative dialogue, pre-, intra- and post-operatively, the patient shares their history. In the dialogue, nurse anesthetist (NA) gets to witness the patient's experiences, and can alleviate the patients’ suffering while waiting for, or undergoing surgery. The aim of this study was to describe the certified registered nurse anesthetist experiences of the perioperative dialogue. Methods: The study had a qualitative design. Interviews were conducted with 12 NA and analyzed with interpretive content analysis. The methods were conducted in accordance with the COREQ guidelines. Results: In the result, two categories emerge: A mutual meeting (the preoperative dialogue) where the patient and the NA through contact creates a relationship. The NA is present and listens to the patient, to give the patient confidence in the NA. In the category, On the basis of the patient's needs and wishes (the intraoperative dialogue), the body language of the NA, as well as the ability to read the body language of the patient, is described as important. Conclusion: The patient is met as a person with their own needs and wishes. It includes both a physical and a mental meeting. In a genuine relationship, the NA can confirm and unreservedly talk with the patient. When the patients leave their body and life in the hands of the NA, they can help the patients to find their inherent powers, which allows for participation in their care. Understanding the patient is possible when entering in a genuine relationship with the patient and confirm the patient. The perioperative dialogue forms a safety for the patients in the operating environment.
The Comparative Study of Clinical Competence of Emergency Nurses Using Self-Assessment and Evaluation Methods by Head Nurses
Authors: Ghahfarokhi Motahareh Musavi , Mehrafruz Elina , Radmehr Arman , Kiarsi Maryam , Shamloo Marziyeh Beigom Bigdeli 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Clinical competency is the ability of nurses in playing a professional role in a clinical environment specially emergency department as the quality of the services provided. The present study aimed to compare the clinical competence of the emergency nurses using self-assessment and evaluation methods by head nurses. Method: The study was designed in a descriptive-analytical way, collecting self-assessment questionnaire and evaluation methods by head nurse’s data. 70 nurses working in Emergency Departments of 3 Hospitals were selected and studied for 3 months based on entry requirements to the census. The instrument was a clinical competency questionnaire with questions in 7 functional fields and 63 skills. The data obtained from descriptive and inferential statistics were analyzed by SPSS-16. Result: The viewpoints of nurses and head nurses on the clinical competencies of nurses were assessed at a moderate level in the majority of domains. Nurses defined their clinical competencies at a significantly higher level compared to the head nurses (P<0.05). conclusion : The periodic assessment of emergency nurses as a critical part and the turning point of the hospital can guide the managers and nursing managers to pay attention to professional competence and promote continuing education programs for improving their competencies in this section.
Rationale and design of individualized quality improvement based on the Computer Analysing system to improve Stroke management quality Evaluation (CASE): a multicentre historically controlled study
Authors: Chen Yi , Zhong Wansi , Gong Xiaoxian , Hu Haitao , Yan Shenqiang , Zhang Xuting , Chen Zhicai , Zhou Ying , Lou Min 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Guideline-based medical care has been identified to improve outcomes in stroke. However, data acquisition and medical quality management during hospital stay still need to be improved in China. We have developed a computer-based medical data collecting system, together with automated calculation of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and regular individualized education, and thus aim to explore whether it can improve the medical care quality of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) during hospital stay in stroke centers.Methods: The individualized quality improvement based on the Computer Analysing system to improve Stroke management quality Evaluation (CASE) trial is a prospective, multi-center, historical control study among 30 stroke centers in China. In this trial, the data is directly extracted from the saved original medical record of each AIS patient during hospital stay, regardless of different Electronic Medical Record System (EMRS) in each center. Then the automated calculation of KPIs and the regular education via tele-conference per month allows the clinicians to examine the causes of non-compliance of guideline-based care and develop programs to decrease their frequency. Discussion: We compare KPIs between pre-intervention stage and post-intervention stage (without or with education) among stroke centers. If proved effective, this approach might be generalized around China and even worldwide, where a unified EMRS is difficult to be applied and in-patient care needs to be improved.
Humoral immune response against Anopheles bites as a measure of exposure to Plasmodium falciparum in asymptomatic infections in a malaria endemic area of Colombia
Authors: Montiel Jehidys , Carbal Luisa Fernanda , Tobón-Castaño Alberto , Vásquez Gissella M. , Fisher Michael L. , Londono Berlin L. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background The humoral immune response against Anopheles salivary glands proteins in the vertebrate host can reflect the intensity of exposure to Anopheles bites and the risk of Plasmodium infection. In Colombia, the identification of exposure biomarkers is necessary due to the several Anopheles species circulating. The purpose of this study was to evaluate human exposure to Anopheles bite by measuring antibody responses against salivary glands extracts from An. albimanus and An. darlingi and also against the gSG6-P1 peptide of An. gambiae in asymptomatic P. falciparum infections in the Colombian Pacific coast.Methods We eluted dried blood spots samples to measure the IgG antibodies against salivary gland extracts of An. albimanus and An. darlingi and the gSG6-P1 peptide by ELISA in uninfected people and microscopic and submicroscopic Plasmodium carriers from the Colombia Pacific Coast. A multiple linear mixed regression model, Spearman correlation, and Mann-Whitney U-test were used to analyze IgG data.Results Significant differences in specific IgG levels were detected between infected and uninfected groups for salivary glands extracts from An. albimanus and for gSG6-P1, also IgG response to CTG and gSG6-P1 peptide were positively associated with the IgG response to P. falciparum in the mixed model.Conclusion The CTG and STE An. albimanus salivary glands extracts are a potential source of new Anopheles salivary biomarkers to identify exposure to the main malaria vector in the Colombian Pacific coast. Also, the gSG6-P1 peptide has the potential to quantify human exposure to the subgenus Anopheles vectors in the same area.
Incidence and Determinants of Transfusion-Transmissible Infections in Voluntary Blood Donors in Malawi, 2005-2015
Authors: Kinge Constance Wose , Kagura Juliana , M’baya Bridon , Njolomole Stephen , Chasela Charles 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background Blood transfusion has been associated with a high risk of transfusion-transmissible infections (TTIs). These infections pose great threats to the availability and safety of blood supply for transfusion, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) where the burden of disease is alarmingly high. We describe the incidence and determinants of TTIs to help target interventions for safety and increased access to safe blood. Methods This was secondary data analysis of a cohort of blood donors from the Malawi Blood Transfusion Service (MBTS) who donated blood from 2005–2015. Incidence was obtained by dividing the number of new cases by the total person-years at risk and survival probabilities computed by Kaplan-Meier estimates. Logistic regressions were used for risk factors. Results We analysed data from 47,075 registered blood donors of which the majority were male (84%) with a median age of 22 years (IQR=18–22). Of the registered donors, 3,439 (7.31%) were infected with at least one TTI (HIV, HCV or HBV). HBV was the most common TTI with 2.63% (n=1,238), followed by HIV with 1.74% (n=818) and HCV with 1.28% (n=602). Overall, TTI incidence was 43.4 per 10,000. Donors aged 20–24 (OR= 2.15, 95% CI= 1.35–3.40), and 30–34 (OR= 2.68, 95% CI= 1.67–4.32), males (OR= 1.65; 95% CI= 1.47–1.85), and married donors (OR= 1.93; 95% CI= 1.38–2.69) had significantly higher odds of TTI in the multivariate logistic model. Infection with syphilis was a common significant risk factor for incident HIV (OR= 2.62, 95% CI= 1.57–4.38), HCV (OR= 2.03, 95% CI= 1.04–3.98), and HBV (OR= 1.71, 95% CI= 1.01–2.89). Conclusion The overall incidence of TTIs in the Malawian donor population is comparatively low. The incidence of HIV, HCV and HBV is high in males, the unemployed, donors living in the Central Region, involved in high-risk sexual behaviour, and co-infected with syphilis. HBV is most common among supposedly healthy donors, followed by HIV and HCV. TTI therefore, remains a cause for concern toward availability and safe blood supply. Implementation of strict and proper donor selection criteria and continuous screening for TTI indicators can help maximise safe blood supply and transfusion.