bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effect of the Mobile ‘Blood Pressure Management Application’ on Hypertension Self-Management Enhancement: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Bozorgi Ali , Hosseini Hamed , Eftekhar Hassan , Majdzadeh Reza , Yoonessi Ali , Ramezankhani Ali , Mansouri Mehdi , Ashoorkhani Mahnaz 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Self-management of hypertension is of great significance given its increasing incidence and its associated disabilities. With the increased use of mobile health in medicine, the present study evaluated the effect of a self-management application on patient adherence to hypertension treatment. Methods: This clinical trial was performed on 120 hypertensive patients who were provided with a mobile intervention for 8 weeks and followed-up until the24th week. Data on the primary outcome (adherence to treatment) and secondary outcomes(adherence to the DASH diet, regular monitoring of blood pressure, and physical activity) were collected using a questionnaire and a mobile application, respectively. The inter-group change difference over time was analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA (General Linear Model). Results: The treatment adherence score increased by an average of 5.9 (95% CI: 5.0-6.7) in the intervention group compared to the control group. Scores of 'adherence to the low-fat and low-salt diet plans' were 1.7 (95% CI: 1.3-2.1) and 1.5 (95% CI: 1.2-1.9), respectively. Moreover, moderate physical activity increased to 100.0 minutes (95% CI: 61.7-138.3) per week in the intervention group. Conclusion: The treatment and control of blood pressure require a multifaceted approach given its complexity and multifactorial nature. Considering the widespread use of smartphones, mHealth interventions can be effective in self-management and better patient adherence to treatments. Our results showed that this application can be used as a successful tool for hypertension self-management in patients attending public hospitals in developing countries. Trial registration: This study was registered in the Iran Randomized Clinical Trial Center under the number IRCT2015111712211N2 on January 1st2016.
Identification of the Differences in Olfactory System Between Male and Female Oriental Tobacco Budworm Helicoverpa assulta&nbsp;
Authors: Li Haichao , Li Weizheng , Miao Changjian , Wang Gaoping , Zhao Man , Yuan Guohui , Guo Xianru 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: The olfactory system of insects facilitates their search for host and mates, hence it plays an essential role for insect survival and reproduction. Insects recognize odor substances through olfactory neurons and olfactory genes. Previous studies showed that there are significant sex-specific differences in how insects identify odorant substances, especially sex pheromones. However, whether the sex-specific recognition of odorant substances is caused by differences in the expression of olfaction-related genes between males and females remains unclear. Results: In order to clarify this problem, the whole transcriptome sequence of the adult Helicoverpa assulta, an important agricultural pest of tobacco and other Solanaceae plants, was obtained using PacBio sequencing. RNA-seq analysis showed that there were 27 odorant binding proteins (OBPs), 24 chemosensory proteins (CSPs), 4 pheromone-binding proteins (PBPs), 68 odorant receptors (OR) and 2 sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs) genes that were expressed in the antennae of male and female H. assulta. Females had significantly higher expression of GOBP1-like, OBP, OBP3, PBP3 and SNMP1 than males, while males had significantly higher expression of GOBP1, OBP7, OBP13, PBP2 and SNMP2. Conclusions: Our findings improve our understanding of olfactory genes in H. assulta, and can be used to further study pheromone identification, mate search, and sex differences in an insect’s ability to search for hosts. These results improve our understanding of mate search and host differentiation in H. assulta.
Access to Oral Health Care: A Focus on Dental Caries Treatment Provision in Enugu Nigeria
Authors: Uguru Nkolika , Onwujekwe Obinna , Udochukwu Ogu Ugochukwu , Uguru Chibuzo 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Dental caries, despite improvement in oral health across the globe, is still a large contributor to the global burden of oral diseases and a major public health concern. In Enugu state Nigeria, there is minimal access to adequate and proper oral health care. This study examined the determinants of dental caries treatment provision and the challenges of providing equitable access to oral health care. Method This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in three local government areas in Enugu state Nigeria. The study was conducted using both qualitative and quantitative research methods. The determinants of supply of dental caries treatment services were explored with a focus on provider behaviour, cost of dental services, human resource availability and availability of dental equipment. Results Five factors determine what dental caries treatment service is provided viz: cost of raw materials (100%), human resources (98.1%), geographical location (98.1), Government policies (88%) and price of other goods (80.8%). Inadequate awareness and knowledge, high cost of treatment services, inadequately skilled staff, poor government funding and policy for oral health, limited primary healthcare facilities offering dental treatment services and poor knowledge of dental caries treatment options are factors that determine dental service provision and equally influence access to oral health care. There are still a limited number of dental facilities in the country with a growing need for dental caries treatment/services and other dental issues. Conclusion Adequate access to oral health care services is a major concern that affects all aspects of healthcare and a determining factor in the country’s drive to achieve universal health coverage. In order to address this, there is a need to incorporate oral health into the general health care system. Dental health facilities need to be strategically located and properly equipped with materials, equipment and adequate skilled staff.
Performance of IRS on malaria prevalence and incidence using pirimiphos-methyl in the context of pyrethroids resistance in Koulikoro region, Mali
Authors: Kané Fousseyni , Keïta Moussa , Traoré Boïssé , Diawara Sory Ibrahim , Bane Sidy , Diarra Souleymane , Sogoba Nafomon , Doumbia Seydou 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Koulikoro Health District is one of three districts of Mali where the indoor residual spray (IRS) has been implemented from 2008 to 2016. With widespread of resistance to pyrothroide, IRS was shifted from pyrethroid to pirimiphos-methyl in 2014 -2016. We assessed the added value of IRS to LLINs on the prevalence of parasitemia and malaria incidence among children under 10 years old. Methods: We compare these outcomes in two health zones: one where IRS intervention was deployed (zone test, district of Koulikoro) and the neighboring health zone where no IRS was applied (control zone, district of Banamba). In both settings we carried out two cross-sectional surveys at the beginning of the rainy season (June) and the end of the rainy season (October) to assess the effect of IRS on seasonal changes in malaria parasitemia. Results: The incidence of malaria was measured through passive case detection (PCD) from the health facilities. A 50 % increase was observed in malaria parasitemia from June to October in control villages (14.0% to 42.3%) compared to IRS villages 17.9% (9.2% vs 13.2%). The overall malaria incidence rate was 2.7 per 100 person-months in IRS area and 6.8 per 100 person-month in control areas. The Kaplan Meier survival analysis showed that children living in IRS area remain much longer free from malaria than children of the control area (P < 0.001). IRS using pirimiphos-methyl has been successful in reducing substantially the prevalence and the incidence of malaria in children under 10 years old in area of pyrethroids resistance of Koulikoro. Conclusions: As IRS intervention was ended after 2016 campaign, further studies are needed to determine the rebound effect and monitor potential emergence of organophasphate resistance for better management of insecticide resistance
Performance of Indoor Residual Spray on entomological parameters of malaria transmission using pirimiphos-methyl in the context of pyrethroids resistance in Koulikoro region, Mali.
Authors: KEITA Moussa , SOGOBA Nafomon , Traoré Boïssé , Kané Fousseyni , Coulibaly Boubacar , Traoré Sekou Fantamady , Doumbia Seydou 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Following vectors resistance to both pyrethroid and carbamates, organophosphate (pirimiphos-methyl) was used in the Indoor Residual Spray campaigns of 2015 to 2016 in the district of Koulikoro. In this context, we assessed the effect of IRS on malaria transmission by comparing entomological indices in two localities: Koulikoro (LLINs+IRS), and Banamba (LLINs -only) districts. Methods: The study was conducted in two villages of each of Koulikoro and Banamba in 2016. Pyrethroid spray catch and entry window trapping where used to collect mosquitoes monthly WHO bioassay test was used to assess mosquito’s susceptibility to insecticides. Mosquitoes were identified into species by PCR and the infection rate using ELISA. Results: An. coluzii was by far the most frequent species. Its density was rainfall dependent in no-IRS area, and almost independent in IRS area. The IR in the no-IRS area was 1.24%, while in the IRS area, we could not detect infection. In the no-IRS area, the EIR was 0.21 infective bites /person month with the peak in September. High resistance to pyrethroids and carbamates and susceptibility to organophosphates was observed in all sites. Conclusion: A big randomized study is needed to better estimate the added value of the IRS in an integrated malaria control strategy. Key words: Mali, IRS, Long-lasting insecticidal nets, insecticide resistance, transmission.
The role of community leaders on adolescent HIV and Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights in Mulanje, Malawi
Authors: Chimatiro Chancy Skenard , Hajison Precious , Muula Adamson S. 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: We conducted this study to understand roles of community leaders on adolescents HIV and Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) rights in Mulanje-Malawi. We assessed how each role influence health seeking behaviour and improve SRH rights among adolescents from the local perspective. Methods: A qualitative study approach was used. We conducted 12 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and 17 Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with community leaders. Purposive sampling technique was used to select study participants for both KIIs and FGDs. Random sampling technique was used to identify one Traditional Authority (TA) and 12 villages where FGDs were conducted. Inductive thematic content analysis was done guided by the study objectives to generate emerging themes. Results: Community leaders have many roles on adolescents HIV and SRH. These roles include advisory, encouragement, regulating and restricting cultural practices, formulating bye-laws and handling sexual abuse complaints. However, community leaders with religious affiliation have shown to have different views with those representing other institutions not affiliated to religion. In addition, the majority of community leaders indicated low level of knowledge on adolescent’s SRH rights. Conclusion: We suggest that the roles of community leaders differ depending on the position held and institution represented. Those community leaders not affiliated to religious can encourage certain behaviour in adolescents while those from religious background are discouraging it. Stakeholders involved in the fight against HIV and SRH rights should invest more on capacity building among the community leaders.
More than meets the eye: A shift in the gastropod and trematode communities in Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe
Authors: Muzarabani Kudzai Collete , Carolus Hans , Hammoud Cyril , Schols Ruben , Barson Maxwell , Huyse Tine 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Freshwater gastropod-borne trematodes pose a great public health burden and cause major economic losses in the livestock and fish industries. Knowledge on the composition, diversity and ecology of both gastropods and trematodes communities is key to understand disease transmission dynamics and control trematodiases of economic significance. The objective of this study is to investigate the diversity and spatio-temporal ecological trends of gastropod and trematode communities on the Northern shore of Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe, the largest artificial lake in volume worldwide. Methods: A sampling campaign was undertaken at 16 sites along the lake shoreline of Kariba town. Gastropods and water samples were collected monthly during one year. All 2477 specimens were identified, counted and subjected to shedding experiments; infection status was confirmed by the use of a Rapid Diagnostic PCR (RD-PCR). To explain spatio-temporal trends in gastropod and trematode occurrence, water samples were analysed for different physico-chemical parameters including pH, temperature, nitrates and phosphates. Results: Gastropod species collected include Bulinus truncatus, Bulinus forskalii, Gyraulus sp., Pseudosuccinea columella, Radix sp, Physella acuta, Bellamya sp. and Melanoides tuberculata. Bulinus truncatus was found to be infected with trematode species belonging to the families Notocotylidae, Psilostomstidae, Paramphistomidae and Diplostomatidae. A species of the latter family was also found to infect B. forskalii. As previously reported, lymnaeid species P. columella and Radix sp. were both infected with a species belonging to the Fasciolidae family, while Radix sp. was also infected with amphistomes. Conclusions: We confirm the occurrence of new species of gastropods in Lake Kariba and the absence of the previously reported B. pfeifferi and B. globosus. This explains the absence of human schistosome species, but we report the presence of other trematode families that have not been reported in Lake Kariba or Zimbabwe before. Compared to the latest study in 2001, there is a remarkable shift in the gastropod community, which is likely driven by the introduction of exotic gastropod species that are now abundant in the lake.
Copeptin assessment to predict vasoplegia after cardiopulmonary by-pass. An observational cohort study.
Authors: Pasero Daniela , Berton Alessandro Maria , Motta Giovanna , Raffaldi Riccardo , Fornaro Giancarlo , Costamagna Andrea , Trompeo Anna Chiara , Filippini Claudia , Mengozzi Giulio , Prencipe Nunzia , Zavattaro Marco , Settanni Fabio , Ghigo Ezio , Brazzi Luca , Benso Andrea Silvio 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Post-cardiotomy vasoplegic syndrome is a vasodilatory shock characterized by a decrease of vascular tone with a normal or increased cardiac output. A relative deficit in vasopressin secretion in the postoperative was hypothesized. Copeptin is secreted in equimolar ratio with vasopressin but it is more stable and easier to measure. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether perioperative copeptin was associated with post-cardiotomy vasoplegic syndrome. Methods All patients scheduled for cardiac surgery were evaluated. Exclusion criteria were age < 18 years old, corticosteroids therapy, heart transplantation, extra-circulatory life support, sepsis, preoperative use of vasoactive drugs, off-pump surgery, chronic hepatic and renal failure, paraneoplastic syndrome, lack of informed consent. Post-cardiotomy vasoplegic syndrome was defined as a mean arterial pressure < 60 mmHg, a reduction of systemic vascular resistances < 1200 dyn*s/cm 5 *m 2 and/or the need of nor-epinephrine ³ 0.1 µg/kg/min. All patients underwent a preoperative evaluation of the corticotropin stimulation test; then, before surgery (T0), on day one after surgery (T1) and after 7 days (T2) copeptin and NT-proBNP concentration were measured. Results Among 55 enrolled patients, 9 (16.3%) developed post-cardiac surgery vasoplegia. Patients with vasoplegia had higher preoperative level of copeptin (19.2 pmol/L, IQR 17.89 – 21.29 vs 11.39 pmol/L, IQR 6.33 - 14.78; p < 0.001) and NT-proBNP (1435 pg/ml, IQR 721.75 – 1836.25 vs 365.5 pg/ml, IQR 141 - 977); p = 0.006) compared to the control group. At the multivariable analysis, preoperative copeptin resulted a significant predictor of vasoplegia (OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.002-1.33) and the ROC analysis showed an accurate copeptin cut off able to identify vasoplegic patients (> 16.9 pmol/L, AUC = 0.86, 95% CI 0.73-0.94). Otherwise, a lack of response to the low dose corticotropin test was not a predictor of PCVS; no patient presented a pathological response to the standard dose test. ConclusionsIncreased preoperative copeptin and NT-proBNP levels might be associated with an increased risk to develop post-cardiotomy vasoplegic syndrome. Our results suggest that patients with a decompensated neuroendocrine control of cardiovascular function are more prone to develop postoperative vasoplegia.
Comparison of Japanese and German nursing homes: Implications of demographic and policy differences
Authors: Karmann Alexander , Sugawara Shinya 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background This research provides a comparative study of Japanese and German nursing homes. Although these two aging countries share similar long-term care policies based on social insurance, descriptive statistics show the existence of a large difference in the outcomes of their nursing home sectors. This research pursues the reason behind these observations, looking at demographic and policy differences between the two countries. Methods To shed light from multiple angles, we conduct empirical analysis using three methods: regression, the Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition, and data envelopment analysis using regional data from the past decade. Results Our empirical results find that different outcomes are driven by both demographic and policy differences.Conclusions The results from the demographic elements indicate that the process of ageing will have a severer consequence for Germany than for Japan when Germany would catch up with the age profile of Japan. Among the policy elements, our result is consistent to the existence of moral hazard in Germany due to a generous welfare program.
Monitoring process barriers and enables towards universal health coverage within the Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Derakhshani Naser , Doshmangir leila , Ahmadi Ayat , Fakhri Ali , Sadeghi-Bazarghani Homayuon , Gordeev Vladimir S 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background This study builds on previous successes of using tracer indicators in tracking progress towards UHC and complements them by offering a more detailed framework that would allow to identify potential factors that impede or advance such progress. This tool was designed accounting for possibly available data in low and middle income counties.Methods A systematic review of relevant studies was carried out using PubMed, ISI Web of Science, Embase, Scopus and ProQuest databases with no time period restriction. The search was complemented by a scoping review of grey literature, using the World Bank and WHO official reports depositories. Next, an inductive content analysis identified determinants influencing the progress towards UHC and its relevant indicators. The conceptual proximity between indicators and categorized themes were explored through three focus group discussion with 18 experts in UHC. Finally, a comprehensive list of indicators was converted into an assessment tool and refined following three consecutive expert panel discussions and two rounds of email surveys.Results 416 themes (including indicators and determinants factors) were extracted from 170 eligible articles and documents. Based on conceptual proximity, the number of factors was reduced to 119. These were grouped into seven domains: social infrastructure and social sustainability, financial and economic infrastructures, population health status, service delivery, coverage, stewardship/governance and global movements. The final assessment tool included 20 identified subcategories and 88 relevant indicators.Conclusion All identified factors in progress towards UHC are interrelated. The developed tool can be adapted and used in whole or in part in any country. Periodical use of the tool to understand progress towards UHC is recommended.
Barriers to vaccine uptake in the fishing and island communities of Uganda: a qualitative study
Authors: Bakibinga Pauline , Kisia Lyagamula , Lodda Charles Clarke , Namwanja Paul , Ibembe John Daniel 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Despite global and local initiatives to increase vaccine uptake, timeliness of vaccinations and vaccine uptake remain low among residents of islands and fishing communities in Uganda. Vaccine coverage (all vaccines) among island communities stands at 37.1% compared to 55%, the national level. This qualitative study was conducted to (i) understand key barriers to vaccine uptake among residents of islands and fishing communities of Lake Victoria, Buganda sub-region, Uganda and (ii) identify specific needs of the communities; ahead of implementation of a mobile health intervention to promote vaccine uptake. Methods: Explorator y qualitative. Data were collected through focus group discussions with women of reproductive age and village health teams (VHT) and key informant interviews with the health coordinators and health service providers. Data were analysed through content analysis, by coding pre-established and recurrent themes.Results: Under the barriers, seven themes were identified: Opportunity cost of seeking vaccines versus making a living, Distance/Cost to health facility, Availability of service provider, Attitudes towards vaccines, Decision making regarding the use of vaccines, Knowledge of availability of services, and Attitudes of service providers. Participants suggested strategies to improve uptake: 1) more health education and regular reminders using VHTs, public address systems and mobile technology; 2) bring services closer to people through scheduled vaccination campaigns to reduce on cost of seeking services; and 3) strengthening public-private partnerships in the health sector for delivery of vaccine services. Conclusion: In light of the current barriers to vaccine uptake, innovations to increase the utilisation of vaccination services in remote underserved settings need to be multi-pronged, responding to user, structural and supply-side factors. The use of mobile technology and public-private partnerships for health have the potential to bridge existing vaccine delivery and uptake gaps.