bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular detection of drug resistant polymorphisms in&nbsp;Plasmodium falciparum&nbsp;isolates from Southwest, Nigeria.
Authors: Tola Monday , Ajibola Olumide , Idowu Taiwo Emmanuel , Omidiji Olusesan , Awolola Samson Taiwo , Amambua-Ngwa Alfred 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
ObjectiveNigeria bears 25% of global malaria burden despite concerted efforts towards its control and elimination. The emergence of drug resistance to first line drugs, artemisinin combination therapies (ACTs), indicates an urgent need for continuous molecular surveillance of drug resistance especially in high burden countries where drug interventions are heavily relied on. This study describes mutations in Plasmodium falciparum genes associated with drug resistance in malaria; Pfk13, Pfmdr1, PfATPase6 and Pfcrt in isolates obtained from 83 symptomatic malaria patients collected in August 2014, aged 1-61 years old from South-west Nigeria. ResultsTwo Pfmdr1, N86 and Y184 variants were present at a prevalence of 56% and 13.25% of isolates respectively. There was one synonymous (S679S) and two non-synonymous (M699V, S769M) mutations in the PATPase6 gene, while Pfcrt genotype (CVIET), had a prevalence of 45%. The Pfk13 C580Y mutant allele was suspected by allelic discrimination in two samples with mixed genotypes although this could not be validated with independent isolation or additional methods. Our findings call for robust molecular surveillance of antimalarial drug resistance markers in west Africa especially with increased use of antimalarial drugs as prophylaxis for Covid-19.
Water hardness influenced reproductive potential in two freshwater fish species; Poecilia reticulata and Betta splendens
Authors: Krishnakumar Abarna , Patrick Anton , Jayawardena Uthpala 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Objective: Hardness of water in the form of CaCO3 affect reproductive potential in various fish species, differently. The study evaluates the effect of water hardness on growth and reproduction of two aquarium fishes, Poecilia reticulata (Ovo-viviparous sp.) and Betta splendens (Oviparous sp.) by growing them under 150 (control), 320, 540 and 900 ppm CaCO3 levels in semi natural aquaria. Results: Growth increased with increasing water hardness, reporting a significant growth of P. reticulata (p=0.005) at 900ppm. Similarly, the reproductive potential of P. reticulata was improved significantly, recording the highest fecundity (16.22 ± 3.90) and Gonadosomatic Index (GSI-2.48 ± 0.597) at 900ppm. However, in B. splendens water hardness adversely affected the reproduction by reporting a significantly low hatchability and disturbed bubble nests at 900ppm, compared to the largest bubble nest formed at the control (108.58 ± 16.19 cm2). Thus, study revealed differential effects of water hardness on reproductive potential of the test species, by increasing the potential of P. reticulata while decreasing that of B. splendens. Though larval survival was affected in both species, larval growth was improved significantly in P. reticulata at 900ppm level. Understanding reproductive potential of aquarium fishes in natural waters is crucial for their propagation purposes. .
iTRAQ-based comparative proteomic analysis of differences in the protein profiles of stems and leaves from two alfalfa genotypes
Authors: Sun Hao , Yu Jie , Zhang Fan , Kang Junmei , Li Mingna , Wang Zhen , Liu Wenwen , Zhang Jiaju , Yang Qingchuan , Long Ruicai 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: To explore the molecular regulatory mechanisms of early stem and leaf development, proteomic analysis was performed on leaves and stems of F genotype alfalfa, with thin stems and small leaves, and M genotype alfalfa, with thick stems and large leaves.Results: Based on fold-change thresholds of >1.20 or <0.83 (p<0.05), a large number of proteins were identified as being differentially enriched between the M and F genotypes: 249 downregulated and 139 upregulated in stems and 164 downregulated and 134 upregulated in leaves. The differentially enriched proteins in stems were mainly involved in amino acid biosynthesis, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, carbon fixation, and phenylalanine metabolism. The differentially enriched proteins in leaves were mainly involved in porphyrin and chlorophyll metabolism, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, starch and sucrose metabolism, and carbon fixation in photosynthetic organisms. Six differentially enriched proteins were mapped onto the porphyrin and chlorophyll metabolism pathway in leaves of the M genotype, including five upregulated proteins involved in chlorophyll biosynthesis and one downregulated protein involved in chlorophyll degradation. Eleven differentially enriched proteins were mapped onto the phenylpropanoid pathway in stems of the M genotype, including two upregulated proteins and nine downregulated proteins. Conclusion: Enhanced chlorophyll synthesis and decreased lignin synthesis provided a reasonable explanation for the larger leaves and lower levels of stem lignification in M genotype alfalfa. This proteomic study aimed to classify the functions of differentially enriched proteins and to provide information on the molecular regulatory networks involved in stem and leaf development.
The prevalence of malnutrition and impact on patient outcomes among older adults presenting at an Irish emergency department: a secondary analysis of the OPTI-MEND trial
Authors: Griffin Anne , O´Neill Aoife , O´Connor Margaret , Ryan Damien , Tierney Audrey , Galvin Rose 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BackgroundMalnutrition is common among older adults and is associated with adverse outcomes but remains undiagnosed on healthcare admissions. Older adults use emergency departments (EDs) more than any other age group. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with malnutrition on admission and with adverse outcomes post-admission among older adults attending an Irish ED.MethodsSecondary analysis of data collected from a randomised trial exploring the impact of a dedicated team of health and social care professionals on the care of older adults in the ED. Nutritional status was determined using the Mini Nutritional Assessment- short form. Patient parameters and outcomes included health related quality of life, functional ability, risk of adverse health outcomes, frailty, hospital admissions, falls history and clinical outcomes at index visit, 30-day and 6-month follow up. Aggregate anonymised participant data linked from index visit to 30-days and 6-month follow-up were used for statistical analysis.ResultsAmong 353 older adults (mean age 79.6 years (SD=7.0); 59.2% (n=209) female) the prevalence of malnutrition was 7.6% (n=27) and ‘risk of malnutrition’ was 28% (n=99). At baseline, those who were malnourished had poorer quality of life scores, functional ability, were more frail, more likely to have been hospitalised or had a fall recently, had longer waiting times and were more likely to be discharged home from the ED than those who had normal nutrition status. At 30-days, those who were malnourished were more likely to have reported another hospital admission, a nursing home admission, reduced quality of life and functional decline than older adults who had normal nutrition status at the baseline ED visit. Differences between the MNA SF and 6-month outcomes were similar but not statistically significant.ConclusionOver one-third of older adults admitted to an Irish ED are either malnourished or at risk of malnourishment. Malnutrition was associated with a longer stay in the ED, functional decline, poorer quality of life, increased risk of hospital admissions and a greater likelihood of admission to a nursing home at 30 days.Trial registration: Protocol registered in ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT03739515, first posted November 13, 2018. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03739515
Guided endodontic treatment of multiple teeth with dentin dysplasia: a case report
Authors: Krug Ralf , Volland Julian , Reich Sebastian , Soliman Sebastian , Connert Thomas , Krastl Gabriel 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background To report the outcome of guided endodontic treatment (GET) of a case of dentin dysplasia with pulp canal calcification (PCC) and apical periodontitis based on the use of a 3D-printed template designed by merging cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and surface scan data.Case presentation A 12-year old female with radicular dentin dysplasia type I (DD-1) presented for endodontic treatment. Radiography revealed PCC in all teeth and apical radiolucency in seven teeth (15, 12, 26, 36, 32, 31 and 46). Tooth 36 had the most acute symptoms and was thus treated first by conventional access cavity preparation and root canal detection. Despite meticulous technique, the distal and mesiolingual canals were perforated. The perforations were immediately repaired with mineral trioxide aggregate, and the decision was made to switch to guided endodontic treatment for the remaining 6 teeth. CBCT and intraoral surface scans were acquired and matched using coDiagnostix planning software (Dental Wings Inc.), the respective drill positions for root canal location were determined, and templates were virtually designed and 3D-printed. The template was positioned on the respective tooth, and a customized drill was used to penetrate the calcified part of the root canal and perform minimally invasive access cavity preparation up to the apical region. All root canals were rapidly and successfully located with the templates. At 1-year follow-up, clear signs of apical healing were present in all treated teeth. Conclusions In patients with dentin dysplasia, conventional endodontic therapy is challenging. GET considerably facilitates the root canal treatment of teeth affected by dentin dysplasia.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriage among janitors working in hospital and non-hospital areas: a comparative cross-sectional study
Authors: Abie Seid , Tiruneh Moges , Abebe Wondwossen 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Nasal colonization of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) plays a key role in the epidemiology and pathogenesis of both healthcare-associated and community-acquired MRSA infections in various populations. Screening of MRSA nasal colonization is important in the prevention and control of infection and may provide useful information to guide antimicrobial therapy. This study aimed to determine nasal carriage of MRSA, its antimicrobial susceptibility pattern, and associated factors among janitors working in hospital & non-hospital areas at the University of Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia.Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was carried out in a total of 436 study participants (221 hospital and 215 non-hospital janitors) from January to May 2019. The study participants were sampled using a simple random sampling technique. Data on socio-demographic characteristics and associated factors were collected through face to face interviews using a structured questionnaire. Nasal swabs were collected and inoculated into Mannitol salt agar. MRSA was detected using cefoxitin (30µg) disc and an antibiotic susceptibility test was done using the disc diffusion method. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20 statistical package. P-value ≤ 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.Results: The overall prevalence of S. aureus was 101/436 (23.2%, [95% CI: 19.3-27.8], of which, 29.4% (65/221) were isolated from hospital and 16.7% (36/215) non-hospital janitors. The prevalence of MRSA was 4.8% (21/436) [95% CI: 3.0-6.9]; of these, 8.1% (18/221) of the isolates were from the hospital and 1.4% (3/215) non-hospital janitors, while methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) in hospital & non-hospital janitors were 49 (22.2%) and 31 (14.4%), respectively. Among the MRSA isolates, 52.4% (11/21) were multi-drug resistant. Of these, 42.9% (9/18) were isolated from hospital and 66.7% (2/3) non-hospital janitors. Hence, nasal carriage of MRSA was significantly associated with hospitalization within the preceding year (AOR = 3.15, CI = 1.13-8.71).Conclusion: The present study revealed that high MSSA and MRSA were isolated from the hospital as compared to non-hospital janitors and high rates of antibiotics resistance were recorded in the hospital janitors. Consequently, hospitalizations were significantly associated with MRSA. Accordingly, regular screening of carriers in apparently healthy janitors is required for the prevention of nosocomial infections.
Technology Intervention to Support Caregiving for Alzheimer's Disease (I-CARE): Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial
Authors: Braly Tyler , Muriathiri Doris , Brown Janetta C. , Taylor Britain M. , Boustani Malaz A. , Holden Richard J. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Informal caregivers of patients with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) manage a complex spectrum of patient behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Mobile health information technologies have quickly become sources for modern social support and chronic disease management. These technologies can improve our understanding of how to care for patients with ADRD and their informal caregivers. A mobile telehealth intervention could help reduce caregiver burden and BPSD. Methods: This is a pilot randomized controlled trial of 60 dyads of patients living with ADRD and their caregivers, to test the feasibility and estimate the effect of the Brain CareNotes (BCN) mobile telehealth system. Participants will be recruited from two health systems. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the BCN intervention arm or usual care comparator. Data will be collected at baseline, 3- and 6-month follow-up. The primary objectives of this trial are to assess feasibility outcomes: (a) recruitment rate; (b) data completion; (c) BCN usability; (d) BCN acceptance; and (e) BCN use, assessed either on an ongoing basis or at 3- and 6-months post-intervention. A secondary objective was to estimate the intervention’s effects on caregiver burden and patient BPSD outcomes at 3 and 6 months, assessed by the Neuropsychiatric Inventory.Discussion: The study will assess the intervention feasibility and effect size of the BCN telehealth system as a potentially scalable and lower-cost solution for addressing the ADRD public health crisis.Trial Registration: Clinical Trials. NCT03119259. Registered 4/18/2017. Clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03119259
[18F]FDG PET/CT for evaluating early response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in pediatric patients with sarcoma: a prospective single-center trial&nbsp;
Authors: Polverari Giulia , Ceci Francesco , Passera Roberto , Crane Jacquelyn , Du Lin , Li Gang , Fanti Stefano , Bernthal Nicholas , Eilber Fritz C , Allen-Auerbach Martin , Czernin Johannes , Calais Jeremie , Federman Noah 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Introduction: This is a prospective, single-center trial in pediatric patients with sarcoma aiming to evaluate [18F]FDG PET/CT as a tool for early response assessment to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (neo-CTX).Methods: Bone or soft tissue sarcoma patients with i) baseline [18F]FDG PET/CT within four weeks prior to the start of neo-CTX (PET1), ii) early interim [18F]FDG PET/CT (six weeks after the start of neo-CTX (PET2), iii) evaluation of neo-CTX response by histology or MRI, and iv) definitive therapy after neo-CTX (surgery or radiation) were included. Semi-quantitative PET parameters (SUVmax, SUVmean, SUVpeak, MTV and TLG) and their changes from PET1 to PET2 (ΔPET) were obtained. The primary endpoint was to evaluate the predictive value of PET1, PET2 and ΔPET parameters for overall survival (OS) and time to progression (TTP). The secondary outcome was to evaluate if [18F]FDG PET/CT can predict the response to neo-CTX assessed by histopathology or MRI. Primary and secondary outcomes were also evaluated in a sub-population of patients with bone involvement only.Results: Thirty-four consecutive patients were enrolled (10 females; 24 males; median age 15.1 years). 17/34 patients (50%) had Osteosarcoma, 13/34 (38%) Ewing Sarcoma, 2/34 (6%) synovial sarcoma and 2/34 (6%) embryonal liver sarcoma. Median follow-up was 39 months (range 16-84). Eight of 34 patients (24%) died, 9/34 (27%) were alive with disease and 17/34 (50%) had no evidence of residual/recurrent disease. Fifteen of 34 (44%) and 19/34 (56%) were responders and non-responders, respectively. PET2-parameters were associated with longer TTP (p <0.02). ΔMTV was associated with tissue response to neo-CTX (p=0.047). None of the PET1, PET2 or ΔPET parameters were associated with OS. Conclusion: [18F]FDG PET/CT performed six weeks after the start of neo-CTX can serve as an early interim biomarker for TTP and pathologic response but not for OS in pediatric patients with sarcoma.
We have the program, what now? Development of an implementation plan to bridge the research-practice gap prevalent in exercise oncology
Authors: Kennedy Mary Ann , Bayes Sara , Newton Robert U. , Zissiadis Yvonne , Spry Nigel A. , Taaffe Dennis R. , Hart Nicolas H. , Davis Michael , Eiszele Aileen , Galvão Daniel A. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background Exercise has emerged as a promising therapy for people with cancer. Novel programs have been developed to translate research into practice; however, implementation barriers have limited their success in part because successful translation of exercise oncology research into practice requires context-specific implementation plans. The aim of this study was to employ the implementation mapping protocol to develop an implementation plan to support programming of a co-located exercise clinic and cancer treatment center.Methods The Implementation Mapping protocol, which consists of five specific iterative tasks, was used. A stakeholder advisory group advised throughout the process.Results A comprehensive needs assessment was used to identify the organization’s general manager as the program adopter; oncologists, center leaders, and various administrative staff as program implementers; and the operations manager as the program maintainer. Twenty performance objectives were identified. The theoretical domains framework was used to identify likely determinants of change, which informed the selection of eight individual implementation strategies across the individual and organizational levels. Finally, an evaluation plan was developed which will be used to measure the success of the implementation plan in the project’s next phase. Conclusion The Implementation Mapping protocol provided a roadmap to guide development of a comprehensive implementation plan that considered all ecological domains, was informed by theory, and demonstrated an extensive understanding of the implementation context. Strong research-practitioner partnerships and effective stakeholder engagement were critical to development of the plan.
Applying SF-6D to measure Health State Utilities among the Middle and Old Aged Patients with Hypertension in China
Authors: Liu Xiaohan , Bai Guannan , Li Hui , Li Shunping 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Purpose: Hypertension is a growing public health problem in China; however, little is known about health-related quality of life (HRQoL) especially health state utility (HSU) of patients with hypertension in rural China. This study aimed to examine the HSU as measured by SF-6D and to investigate its associated factors among middle and old aged patients with hypertension in rural China.Methods: Data were collected from twelve villages in Shandong Province in 2016. SF-36 was administrated to measure HRQoL of middle and old aged patients with hypertension and was got to the SF-6D values using Hong Kong’s tariff. Descriptive analyses, such as demographic characteristics, socio-economic status, and utility, were stratified by hypertension classification. Multiple linear regression models were applied to assess the associated factors of HSU.Results: A total of 933(response rate:86.4%) middle and old aged patients (69.1±8.2 years) with hypertension participated in the study. 39.4% of participants were male; 44.2% had stage I hypertension; 26.4% had stage II and above. The mean score of SF-6D utility score was 0.743 (SD: 0.14, range: 0.32-1.00, median: 0.756, Interquartile range:0.634-0.859). Being female (β=-0.046), having two or more comorbidities (2 vs 1 β=-0.066; >3 vs 1 β=-0.098) and the health expenditure higher than 2000 RMB (2000-3999 vs<2000 β=-0.042; 4000-5999 vs<2000 β=-0.046; >6000 vs <2000 β=-0.071) were significantly associated with lower SF-6D overall score; while being farmer (β=0.032), having high household income (10000-14999 vs <5000 β=0.045; ＞15000 vs <5000 β=0.064) and having stage I and above hypertension (stage I vs Normotensive β=0.047; stage II vs Normotensive β=0.079; stage III vs Normotensive β=0.095) were significantly associated with higher SF-6D overall score.Conclusion: SF-6D was capable to measure quality of life middle and old aged patients with hypertension in China. And multiple factors were demonstrated to be significantly associated with quality of life.
Decoding semi-automated title-abstract screening: a retrospective exploration of the review, study, and publication characteristics associated with accurate relevance predictions
Authors: Gates Allison , Gates Michelle , DaRosa Daniel , Elliott Sarah A. , Pillay Jennifer , Rahman Sholeh , Vandermeer Ben , Hartling Lisa 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background. We evaluated the benefits and risks of using the Abstrackr machine learning (ML) tool to semi-automate title-abstract screening, and explored whether Abstrackr’s predictions varied by review or study-level characteristics.Methods. For a convenient sample of 16 reviews for which adequate data were available to address our objectives (11 systematic reviews and 5 rapid reviews) we screened a 200-record training set in Abstrackr and downloaded the relevance (relevant or irrelevant) of the remaining records, as predicted by the tool. We retrospectively simulated the liberal-accelerated screening approach. We estimated the time savings and proportion missed compared with dual independent screening. For reviews with pairwise meta-analyses, we evaluated changes to the pooled effects after removing the missed studies. We explored whether the tool’s predictions varied by review and study-level. Results. Using the ML-assisted liberal-accelerated approach, we wrongly excluded 0 to 3 (0 to 14%) records that were included in the final reports, but saved a median (IQR) 26 (9, 42) hours of screening time. One missed study was included in eight pairwise meta-analyses in one systematic review. The pooled effect for just one of those meta-analyses changed considerably (from MD (95% CI) -1.53 (-2.92, -0.15) to -1.17 (-2.70, 0.36)). Of 802 records in the final reports, 87% were correctly predicted as relevant. The correctness of the predictions did not differ by review (systematic or rapid, P=0.37) or intervention type (simple or complex, P=0.47). The predictions were more often correct in reviews with multiple (89%) vs. single (83%) research questions (P=0.01), or that included only trials (95%) vs. multiple designs (86%) (P=0.003). At the study level, trials (91%), mixed methods (100%), and qualitative (93%) studies were more often correctly predicted as relevant compared with observational studies (79%) or reviews (83%) (P=0.0006). Studies at high or unclear (88%) vs. low risk of bias (80%) (P=0.039), and those published more recently (mean (SD) 2008 (7) vs. 2006 (10), P=0.02) were more often correctly predicted as relevant. Conclusion. Our screening approach saved time and may be suitable in conditions where the limited risk of missing relevant records is acceptable. As several of our findings are paradoxical, and require further study to fully understand the tasks to which ML-assisted screening is best suited.