bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of Leishmania (Mundinia) in guinea pigs
Authors: Bečvář Tomáš , Siriyasatien Padet , Bates Paul , Volf Petr , Sádlová Jovana 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background:

Leishmaniasis is a human and animal disease caused by parasites of the genus Leishmania , which is now divided into 4 subgenera – L. (Leishmania) , L. (Viannia) , L. (Sauroleishmania) and L. (Mundinia) . Subgenus Mundinia, established in 2016, is geographically widely dispersed, its distribution covers all continents, except Antarctica. It consists of 5 species - L. enriettii and L. macropodum are parasites of wild mammals while L. martiniquensis , L. orientalis and unnamed L . sp. from Ghana are infectious to humans. There is very little information on natural reservoir hosts and vectors for any Mundinia species.

Methods:

Experimental infections of guinea-pigs with all five Mundinia species were performed. Animals were injected intradermally with 10 7 culture-derived promastigotes into both ear pinnae. The courses of infections were monitored weekly; xenodiagnoses were performed at weeks 4 and 8 post infection using Lutzomyia migonei . The distribution of parasites in different tissues was determined post mortem by conventional PCR.

Results:

No significant differences in weight were observed between infected animals and the control group. Animals infected with L. enriettii developed temporary lesions at the site of inoculation and were infectious to Lu. migonei in xenodiagnoses. Animals infected with L. martiniquensis and L. orientalis developed temporary erythema and dry lesions at the site of inoculation, respectively, but were not infectious to sand flies. Guinea pigs infected by L. macropodum and L . sp . from Ghana showed no signs of infection during experiments, were not infectious to sand flies and leishmanial DNA was not detected in their tissue samples at the end of experiments at week 12 post-inoculation.

Conclusions:

According to our results, guinea pigs are not an appropriate model organism for studying Mundinia species other than L. enriettii. We suggest that for better understanding of L. (Mundinia) biology it is necessary to focus on other model organisms.

Key words:

Leishmania, Mundinia , guinea pig, Leishmania enriettii, Leishmania martiniquensis, Leishmania orientalis, Leishmania macropodum, animal model
Obstetric outcomes of women referred for delivery to a tertiary hospital in northern Tanzania– a descriptive retrospective study based on a hospital birth registry
Authors: Lissu Carolyn , Volgsten Helena , Mazuguni Festu , Maro Eusebious 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Maternal mortality remains a great challenge in a low-income country like Tanzania, despite global and national efforts to improve women’s reproductive health. Timeliness and appropriateness of referral from a lower- to higher-level health facility comprise an important factor for the obstetrics outcome for pregnant women. This study aimed to determine the obstetric outcomes, such as maternal deaths, of women referred to KCMC, a tertiary hospital in northern Tanzania. Methods: A descriptive retrospective study based on a hospital birth registry was conducted, using consecutive stored data on pregnant women referred while in labor and managed at the KCMC tertiary hospital in northern Tanzania between the years 2000 and 2015. All referred pregnant women whose labor status information was missing during admission were excluded from the study. Results: During the study period, a total of 53662 deliveries were managed at KCMC. Among these, 6066 women were referred from lower health facilities, with 4193 (69.2%) of them being referred while in labor. The main reason for referral was poor progress of labor (31.0%), followed by prolonged labor (27.1%) and obstructed labor (19.5%). For 1859 (44.6%) women, delivery was by caesarean section. A total of 292 maternal deaths occurred between 2000 and 2015. Of these, almost a quarter (22.6%) occurred in women referred from other health facilities while in labor. Conclusions: Most of the maternal complications during labor and delivery were prevalent among women referred from lower health facilities. This underscores the need to strengthen lower health facilities’ ability to detect complications in timely manner and provide effective emergency obstetric care, as well as to refer women to higher-level facility.
Can digitally collected PROMs as intervention for post-treatment adaption improve cost effectiveness: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kuklinski David , Oschmann Laura , Pross Christoph , Busse Reinhard , Geissler Alexander 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: The number of total knee and hip replacements (TKR/THR) has been increasing noticeably in high-income countries, such as Germany. Especially the number of revisions is expected to rise due to higher life expectancy and procedures performed on younger patients, impacting budgets of the health care systems. Quality transparency is the basis of holistic patient pathway optimization. Nevertheless, a nation-wide cross-sectoral assessment of quality from patient perspective does not yet exist. Several studies have shown that the use of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) is effective in measuring quality and for monitoring post-treatment recovery. For the first time in Germany, we test whether early detection of critical recovery paths using PROMs after TKR/THR improves the quality of care in a cost-effective way and can be recommended for implementation into standard care.Methods/design: The study is a two-arm multi-center patient-level randomized controlled trial. Patients from nine hospitals are included in the study. Patient-centered questionnaires are employed to regularly measure digitized PROMs of TKR/THR patients from the time of hospital admission until 12 months post-discharge. An expert consortium has defined PROM alert thresholds at 1, 3, and 6 months to signal critical recovery paths after TKR/THR. An algorithm alerts study assistants if patients are not recovering in line with expected recovery paths. The study assistants then contact patients and their physicians to investigate and, if needed, adjust the post-treatment protocol. By adding sickness funds’ claims data, the cost-effectiveness of the intervention can be analyzed.Discussion: The study is expected to deliver an important contribution to test PROMs as an intervention tool and examine the determinants of high-quality endoprosthetic care. Depending on a positive and cost-effective impact, the goal is to transfer the study design into standard care. During the trial design phase, several insights have been discovered, with opportunities for efficient digital monitoring limited by existing legacy care models. Digitalization in hospital processes and the implementation of digital tools still represents challenges for hospital personnel and patients. Furthermore, data privacy regulations and the separation between the in- and outpatient sector are additional roadblocks to effectively monitor and assess quality along the full patient pathway.Trial registration: German Clinical Trials Register: DRKS00019916. Registered 26 November 2019 – retrospectively registered, https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML& TRIAL_ID=DRKS00019916.
Research on the improvement of allergic rhinitis in asthmatic children after reducing dust mite exposure: a randomized, double-blind, cross-placebo study protocol
Authors: Chen Ming , Wu YuFen , Yuan Shuhua , Chen Jiande , Li Luanluan , Wu Jinhong , Zhang Jing , Yin Yong 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) in children has become a major respiratory inflammatory disease with a high incidence that is increasing yearly. In China, 54.93% of children with asthma have AR, which often requires synchronous treatment. House dust mites (HDMs) are common allergens that often cause attacks of AR and asthma. Reducing allergen exposure is one of the most important measures to control and treat AR and asthma attacks. Hestelia Mite Bait, containing 0.1% emamectin, is a new tool for trapping and killing dust mites that can reduce the number of dust mites on mattresses, thereby may reduce stimulation by allergens and ultimately improve asthma and rhinitis symptoms. This single-centre, randomized double-blind cross-placebo trial will explore the improvement of allergic rhinitis in asthmatic children after reducing dust mite exposure.Methods: We will recruit 60 children (aged 3-12 years) who have been diagnosed with allergic rhinitis and asthma and are allergic to dust mites as confirmed by a serum allergen test. Participants will randomly receive the Hestelia Mite Bait intervention for 8 weeks and the placebo intervention for 8 weeks. There will be a 4-week washout period between the two interventions. The primary outcome is the v isual analogue scale (VAS) score of AR symptoms; the secondary outcomes include the Rhinitis Control Assessment Test (RCAT) score, Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ) score , changes in the dust mite level, drug usage for asthma and AR , Asthma Control Questionnaire-5 (ACQ-5) score, frequency of acute asthma attacks and emergency visits, and frequency of hospitalization.Discussion: This study will scientifically and objectively evaluate the improvement effect on rhinitis and asthma after reducing dust mite exposure and provide a convenient means for the prevention and treatment of children's airway allergic diseases in the future.Trial registration : ChiCTR1900024688 (www.chictr.org.cn) registration date: July 21, 2019
Morphological parameters of fourth lumbar spinous process palpation: a three-dimensional reconstruction of computed tomography
Authors: Feng Qi , Zhang Lei , Zhang Mengyao , Wen Youliang , Zhang Ping , Wang Yi , Zeng Yan , Wang Junqiu 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: The localization of lumbar fourth spinous process (L4-SP) is an important anatomical landmark, and identifying its accurate position is essential for the diagnosis and treatment of waist diseases. Methods: Five hundred participants were scanned with positive and lateral computed tomography (CT), which aimed to clarify anatomic characteristics of L4-SP. Anatomical parameters of the surface localization of L4-SP were measured and recorded through a three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction Results: Five hundred participates were classified into three types according to the position of BC with the iliac spine. There are just 266 that the line between the highest point of the iliac spine on both sides located on L4-SP (type Ⅰ, 53.20%), 16 above L4-SP (type Ⅱ, 3.20%), and 218 below L4-SP (type Ⅲ, 43.60%). BC in type Ⅰ (15.92±1.30 mm) is longer than type Ⅲ (15.56±1.32 mm). While the angle combined with AB and BC are different in the three groups, the angle in type Ⅰ (173.00±4.83°) is larger than that in type Ⅱ (164.69±5.50°) and type Ⅲ (159.45±8.39°). Other measurements were not found any significant differences between above. Conclusion : The traditional palpation for L4-SP is not absolutely exact. The accuracy rate is only 53.20%, and the errors may cause serious consequences.
Aqueous humour cytokine profiles in eyes with Coats disease and the association with the severity of the disease
Authors: Zhao Peiquan , Liang Tingyi , Xu Yu , Zhu Xiuyu , Zhang Xiang , Li Jing 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: To investigate aqueous humour (AH) cytokine profiles in eyes with Coats disease and analyze the association between cytokine concentrations and the severity of the disease. Methods: The study included 36 patients (36 eyes) with Coats disease and 15 control patients (15 eyes) with congenital cataract. AH samples were obtained preoperatively and the concentrations of 22 different cytokines were measured through Cytometric Bead Array technology. Clinical characteristics of Coats disease, including the extent of retinal exudation and exudative retinal detachment (ERD), were recorded for analysis. Results: The concentrations of 8 cytokines (VEGF, IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, MIP-1α, IP-10, VCAM-1 and ICAM-1) were significantly higher in the Coats disease group than in the control group (all P < 0.002). Except for VCAM-1 and ICAM-1, the concentration of the other cytokines listed above showed a significant increase from stage 2 to stage 3 (all P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the concentrations of VEGF, IL-8, MCP-1 and MIP-1α showed a significant and positive association with the extent of retinal exudation and ERD (all r > 0.4, P < 0.05). Among these, IL-8 showed a strong association with the extent of retinal exudation and ERD (all r > 0.7, P < 0.001). The concentrations of IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-12, Fractalkine, RANTES, G-CSF and GM-CSF were very low in both groups. Conclusions: Various cytokines in the AH, including elevated VEGF, IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, MIP-1α, IP-10, VCAM-1 and ICAM-1, may be involved in the pathogenesis and progression of Coats disease. Increasing severity of Coats disease is significantly associated with the AH concentrations of VEGF, IL-8, MCP-1 and MIP-1α. Further clinical treatment aimed to reduce vascular leakage and antagonize neovascularization and inflammation may be useful in preventing the progression of Coats disease.
High Preoperative Serum sVCAM-1 Concentration as a Predictor of Early Ovarian Cancer Recurrence
Authors: Jakimovska Marina , Černe Katarina , Verdenik Ivan , Kobal Borut 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Role of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) in ovarian cancer is largely unclear. It was shown that mesothelial expression mediates tumour cell invasion and is associated with metastases in advanced ovarian cancer.Results: Mean sVCAM-1 serum concentration in all patients before operation was 1564.68 ± 435.65 ng/ml while mean ascites level was 801.84 ±244.35 ng/ml. Follow up period was minimum 27 and the maximum 58 months. Patients were divided in two groups according to time to recurrence. Group A: 20 patients with disease progress or relapse within 12 months (mean serum level 1660.54±417.93 ng/ml; mean ascites level 827.92±290.36) and group B: 17 patients with tumour relapse after more than 12 months (mean serum level 451.91±441.15ng/ml; mean ascites level 771.16±179.93). There was statistically significant difference in serum concentration and not in ascites concentrations of sVCAM-1, grade, histology and stage and tumour between the groups. There was a correlation between serum and ascites concentrations in group A and not in the patients from group B. Increased sVCAM-1 concentration in serum and ascites relates to advance ovarian cancer.Conclusions: This is the first study demonstrating that higher serum sVCAM-1 concentrations at the time of diagnosis might be predictive for early relapse. Serum sVCAM-1 can be potential marker for ovarian cancer follow-up.
Investigator initiated clinical trials (IICTs): a systematic search in registries comparing Czech Republic and Portugal in terms of funding policies and scientific outcomes
Authors: Madeira Catarina , Hořavová Lenka , Santos Francisco dos , Batuca Joana , Nebeska Katerina , Souckova Lenka , Kubiak Christine , Demotes Jacques , Demlová Regina , Monteiro Emília Carreira 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Clinical trials provide one of the highest level of evidence to support medical practice. Investigator initiated clinical trials (IICTs) answer relevant questions in clinical practice that may not be addressed by industry. This study aims to compare, for the first time, two European Countries in terms of registered IICTs, respective funders, scientific outcome and its impact on the national performance in IICTs. Methods: A retrospective systematic search of registered IICTs, over the past 13 years, using four clinical trials registries was carried out in two European countries with similar population and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) but with different governmental models to fund clinical research. Each completed IICT was screened for sponsors, funders, type of intervention and associated publications. Results: IICTs involving Czech Republic and Portugal were n=439 (42 % with hospitals as sponsors) and n=328 (47 % with universities as sponsors), respectively. Funding agencies (national and international) supported only 25 % and 18 % of the IICTs in Czech Republic and Portugal, respectively. The Czech Ministry of Health, through the Health Research Council, supported 61 IICTs and the Portuguese Ministry of Science, Technology and High Education, through Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia , supported 27 IICTs. Among these, trials with investigational medicinal products represent 52 % (n= 32/61) and 4 % (n=1/27) in Czech Republic and Portugal, respectively. The Czech Republic presented a higher percentage of IICTs´ publications in high impact factor journals (IF>21) with national investigators as authors, when compared to Portugal (86 % vs 15 %). Conclusion: We found a better performance of Czech Republic in terms of number and scientific outcome of IICTs when compared to Portugal. These findings might be related to the existence of specific and periodic funding for clinical research in Czech Republic, although further data still need to be collected to confirm this relationship.
Raman spectroscopy study of manganese oxides: Tunnel structures
Authors: Post Jeffrey E. , McKeown David A. , Heaney Peter J. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Raman spectra were collected for an extensive set of well-characterized tunnel-structure Mn oxide mineral species employing a range of data collection conditions. Using various laser wavelengths, such as 785, 633, and 532 nm at low power levels (30–500 µW), as well as the comprehensive database of standard spectra presented here, it is generally possible to distinguish and identify the various tunnel structure Mn oxide minerals. The Raman mode relative intensities can vary significantly as a function of crystal orientation relative to the incident laser light polarization direction as well as laser light wavelength. Consequently, phase identification success is enhanced when using a standards database that includes multiple spectra collected for different crystal orientations and with different laser light wavelengths. For the hollandite-group minerals, the frequency of the Raman mode near 630 cm–1 shows a strong linear correlation with the fraction of Mn3+ in the octahedral Mn sites. With the comprehensive Raman database of well-characterized Mn oxide standards provided here (and available online as Supplemental Materials1), and use of appropriate data collection conditions, micro-Raman is a powerful tool for identification and characterization of biotic and abiotic Mn oxide phases from diverse natural settings, including on other planets.
Study of groundwater contamination and drinking suitability in basaltic terrain of Maharashtra, India through PIG and multivariate statistical techniques
Authors: Wagh Vasant , Mukate Shrikant , Muley Aniket , Kadam Ajaykumar , Panaskar Dipak , Varade Abhay 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
The integration of pollution index of groundwater (PIG), multivariate statistical techniques including correlation matrix (CM), principal component analysis (PCA), cluster analysis (CA) and various ionic plots was applied to elucidate the influence of natural and anthropogenic inputs on groundwater chemistry and quality of the Kadava river basin. A total of 80 groundwater samples were collected and analysed for major ions during pre- and post-monsoon seasons of 2012. Analytical results inferred that Ca, Mg, Cl, SO4 and NO3 surpass the desirable limit (DL) and permissible limit (PL) of Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in both the seasons. The elevated content of total dissolved solids (TDS), Cl, SO4, Mg, Na and NO3 is influenced by precipitation and agricultural dominance. PIG results inferred that 52.5 and 35%, 30 and 37.5%, 12.5 and 20%, 2.5 and 5% groundwater samples fall in insignificant, low, moderate and high pollution category (PC) in pre- and post-monsoon seasons, respectively. PC 1 confirms salinity controlled process due to high inputs of TDS, Ca, Mg, Na, Cl and SO4. Also, PC 2 suggests alkalinity influence by pH, CO3, HCO3 and F content. PIG and statistical techniques help to interpret the water quality data in an easier way.
Novel Application of Pentabromobenzyl Column for Simultaneous Determination of Eight Antifungal Drugs Using High-performance Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Abou El-Alamin Maha M. , Sultan Maha A. , Atia Mostafa A. , Aboul-Enein Hassan Y. 
Published: February 2020

Aim:
A new, accurate and sensitive reversed-phase high-performance liquid
chromatography (RP-HPLC) as an analytical method for the quantitative determination of eight
antifungal drugs in spiked human plasma has been described optimized and validated.

Methods and Materials:
The analyzed compounds were voriconazole (VOR), luliconazole (LUL),
clotrimazole (CLO), tioconazole (TIO), posaconazole (POS), ketoconazole (KET), sertaconazole
(SER) and terconazole (TER).

Results:
The separation of the analyzed compounds was conducted using a novel pentabromobenzyl
column known as COSMOSIL PBB-R (150 mm × 4.6 mm I.D., particle size 5 μm). The analysis of
the studied drugs was determined within 14 min using a diode array detector and the mobile phase
consisted of: 10 mM potassium dihydrogen phosphate buffer (pH 2.1): Methanol (2: 98 v/v). A linear
response was observed for all compounds in the range of concentration studied. Sample preparation
was done through liquid-liquid extraction using diethyl ether.

Conclusion:
This proposed method was validated in terms of linearity, limit of quantification, limit
of detection, accuracy, precision and selectivity. The method was successfully applied for the
determination of these drugs in their pharmaceutical formulations and in human plasma samples.
In Silico Discovery of Novel Phytoconstituents of Amyris pinnata as a Mitotic Spindle Kinase Inhibitor
Authors: Parmar Ghanshyam R. , Shah Ashish P. , Sailor Girish U. , Seth Avinash Kumar 
Published: February 2020

Background:Despite many successes in the discovery of numerous cancer chemotherapeutic agents from natural sources, some of the moieties were dropped because of its inefficiency or serious toxicity. Mitosis is an ordered series of fundamentally mechanical events in which identical copies of the genome are moved to two discrete locations within the dividing cell. The crucial role of the mitotic spindle in cell division has identified, which is an important target in cancer chemotherapy. In the present study, we are reporting molecular docking studies and in silico pharmacokinetic profiles of selected phytoconstituents obtained from Amyris pinnata.Methods:Molecular docking studies of selected phytoconstituents were performed using iGEMDOCK. The crystal structure of the protein was exported from the protein data bank (PDB id: 4C4H). In silico pharmacokinetic profile of selected phytoconstituents was performed using the SWISSADME server.Results:Compound AMNP6 showed higher binding affinity as compared to the standard ligand. All the selected phytoconstituents have passed the Lipinski rule of five and shown no violations.Conclusion:: Good binding affinity and drug likeliness of the AMNP6 suggest that it can be further investigated and explored as mitotic spindle kinase inhibitor in cancer disease.