bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lack of knowledge and misperceptions about thalassaemia among college students in Bangladesh: a cross-sectional baseline study
Authors: Hossain Mohammad Sorowar , Hasan Md. Mahbub , Raheem Enayetur , Islam Muhammad Sougatul , Al Mosabbir Abdullah , Petrou Mary , Telfer Paul , Siddiqee Mahbubul H. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundThalassaemia is a potentially life-threatening yet preventable inherited hemoglobin disorder. Understanding local socio-cultural context and level of public awareness about thalassaemia is pivotal for selecting effective prevention strategies. This study attempted to assess knowledge and perceptions about thalassaemia among college students in Bangladesh.MethodsA supervised cross-sectional survey was conducted on 1578 college students using a self-administered structured questionnaire. The survey took place from 15 February 2018 to 17 March 2018 in the Jamalpur district in Bangladesh. Besides the attitude-related questions, the study asked a total of 12 knowledge-related questions, which were scored on a scale of 0–12 points.ResultsOver two-thirds (67%) of the college students had never heard of thalassaemia. The urban-rural dichotomy was observed among those familiar with the term; (46.4% from urban vs. 25.8% from rural colleges). A similar pattern was observed for knowledge score; 5.07 ± 1.87 for students from the urban colleges compared to 3.69 ± 2.23 for rural colleges. Students from the science background had the highest knowledge score (5.03 ± 1.85), while those from arts and humanities background scored lowest (3.66 ± 2.3). Nearly 40% of the students were not sure or did not want to be a friend of a thalassaemia patient. Whereas 39% either declined or remained hesitant about helping thalassaemia patients by donating blood. However, most of the respondents (88%) showed a positive attitude towards ‘premarital’ screening to prevent thalassaemia.ConclusionsThis study has identified critical knowledge gaps and societal misperceptions about thalassaemia. A better understanding of these aspects will be pivotal for disseminating thalassaemia related information. As the first study of this kind in Bangladesh, findings from this study has generated baseline data that would contribute to developing effective intervention strategies in Bangladesh and other countries with a comparable socio-cultural setting.
Partnership for the implementation of mental health policy in Nigeria: a case study of the Comprehensive Community Mental Health Programme in Benue State
Authors: Ryan G. K. , Nwefoh E. , Aguocha C. , Ode P. O. , Okpoju S. O. , Ocheche P. , Woyengikuro A. , Abdulmalik J. , Eaton J. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
71% of countries in the World Health Organisation’s (WHO’s) African Region have a stand-alone mental health policy or plan, but only 14% have fully implemented it. In Nigeria, integration of mental health into primary care has been a stumbling block to the implementation of the 1991 National Mental Health Policy, 2013 Policy on Mental Health Services Delivery and the National Mental, Neurological and Substance Use Programme and Action Plan. A partnership between public and private not-for-profits in Benue State, the Comprehensive Community Mental Health Programme (CCMHP) has successfully integrated mental health into primary care in alignment with the national mental health policy and the WHO’s mental health Gap Action Programme Intervention Guide (mhGAP-IG). There is a need to document such examples in order to inform policy implementation in Nigeria and other low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Methods
We followed the Case Study Methodology to Monitor and Evaluate Community Mental Health Programmes in LMICs. Four field visits were conducted between 2013 and 2017 to document the first phase of activities of CCMHP, covering the period of January 2011 through June 2016.

Results
In its first phase, CCMHP trained 19 community psychiatric nurses and 48 community health extension workers in mhGAP-IG, establishing 45 new mental health clinics in primary care facilities across Benue, a state more populous than many countries. As a result, 13,785 clients (55% male, 45% female) were enrolled in mental health services either in primary care or in one of two pre-existing community-based rehabilitation facilities. Most are adults over age 18 (82.75%), and present to services with epilepsy (52.38%) or psychosis (38.41%).

Conclusion
The case of CCMHP demonstrates it is possible to rapidly scale-up mental health services in line with national mental health policy using the mhGAP-IG, even in a challenging, low-resource setting. Multi-sectoral partnerships may help to overcome some of the barriers to successful integration of mental health into general healthcare by capitalising on the resources and expertise of both state and non-state actors. However, a difficult political context could threaten the sustainability of the programme if funder requirements force a rapid transition to full government ownership.
Surgical site infection and pathogens in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Birhanu Yeneabat , Endalamaw Aklilu 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Surgical site infection is a common complication in patients who underwent surgery. The prevalence is higher in low-income countries. In Ethiopia, prevalence and pathogens of surgical site infection (SSI) reported are variable. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to find the pooled prevalence of SSI. Besides, it aimed to find pathogens of surgical site infection in Ethiopia.

Methods
The databases for the search were PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar by the date 21/08/2018. To assess publication bias Egger’s test regression analysis was applied. Subgroup analysis was conducted based on the study population and region.

Results
This meta-analysis included a total of 15 studies with 8418 study subjects. The pooled prevalence of surgical site infection was 25.22% (95% CI: 17.30 to 33.14%). Staphylococcus aureus (30.06%) was the most common pathogen identified. Followed by Escherichia coli (19.73%), Klebsiella species (17.27%), and Coagulase-Negative staphylococci (12.43%) were the commonly isolated pathogens.

Conclusions
The national prevalence of surgical site infection was high. The most common identified pathogen was Staphylococcus aureus. Followed by Escherichia coli, Klebsiella species, and Coagulase-Negative staphylococci. Strict adherence to surgical site infection prevention techniques needs to get more attention.
Jakyakgamcho-tang in the relief of delayed-onset muscle soreness in healthy adults: study protocol for a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design clinical trial
Authors: Han Kyungsun , Kwon Ojin , Jung So-Young , Park In-hwa , Hwang Man-Suk , Park Sun-Young , Hwang Eui-Hyoung , Lee Jun-Hwan 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Muscle soreness after exercise, called delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), may cause significant changes in muscle function and may increase the risk of sports injuries. Therefore, various therapeutic strategies have been studied to help recovery after exercise. Jakyakgamcho-tang (JGT) is a widely prescribed herbal medicine to treat muscle pain and cramps in traditional Eastern medicine. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of JGT for reducing pain and improving muscle damage after exercise.

Methods
This study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design clinical trial. A total of 30 healthy male adults will be recruited. Subjects who voluntarily wish to participate in this study will be hospitalized for 4 days. On the first day, the subjects will perform a standardized treadmill exercise for 1 h to induce DOMS. After the exercise, the subjects will take either JGT or a placebo for 3 days. After a more than 1 week wash-out period, the subjects will repeat the same process with the other drug. Pain intensity, calf circumference, and pain threshold will be measured as outcome measures. Blood tests and blood pressure will be measured as safety assessments. In addition, blood tests for muscle damage and inflammation markers, such as creatine kinase, interleukin-6, and C-reactive protein, will be analyzed.

Discussion
This will be the first trial to assess the effect of JGT on exercise-induced muscle soreness. Our findings will provide valuable data to determine the clinical effects of JGT on DOMS.

Trial registration
Clinical Research Information Sevice, KCT0003457. Registered on 29 January 2019.
Medication adherence and survival among hospitalized heart failure patients in a tertiary hospital in Tanzania: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Pallangyo Pedro , Millinga Jalack , Bhalia Smita , Mkojera Zabella , Misidai Nsajigwa , Swai Happiness J. , Hemed Naairah R. , Kaijage Alice , Janabi Mohamed 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Objective
Management of heart failure is complex and multifaceted but adherence to medications remains the cornerstone of preventing avoidable readmissions, premature deaths, and unnecessary healthcare expenses. Despite of evidence-based efficacy on anti-failure drugs, poor adherence is pervasive and remains a significant barrier to improving clinical outcomes in heart failure population.

Results
We enrolled 459 patients with diagnosis of heart failure admitted at a tertiary cardiovascular hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The mean age was 46.4 years, there was a female predominance (56.5%), 67.5% resided in urban areas and 74.2% had primary education. Of the 419 participants eligible for assessment of medication adherence, 313 (74.7%) had poor adherence and 106 (25.3%) had good adherence. Possession of a health insurance was found to be the strongest associated factor for adherence (adjusted OR 8.7, 95% CI 4.7–16.0, p < 0.001). Participants with poor adherence displayed a 70% increased risk for rehospitalization compared to their counterparts with good adherence (adjusted RR 1.7, 95% CI 1.2–2.9, p = 0.04). Poor adherence was found to be the strongest predictor of early mortality (HR 2.5, 95% CI 1.3–4.6, p < 0.01). In conclusion, Poor medication adherence in patients with heart failure is associated with increased readmissions and mortality.
Role of antibiotic stress in phenotypic switching to persister cells of antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Dawan Jirapat , Wei Shuai , Ahn Juhee 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Purpose
This study was designed to evaluate phenotypic and genotypic properties of persister cells formed by Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 15564 (SAWT), oxacillin-induced S. aureus (SAOXA), ciprofloxacin-induced S. aureus (SACIP), and clinically isolated multidrug-resistant S. aureus CCARM 3080 (SAMDR).

Methods
The dose-dependent biphasic killing patterns were observed for SAWT, SAOXA, SACIP, and SAMDR in response to twofold minimum inhibitory concentrate (MIC) of ciprofloxacin. The surviving cells of SAWT, SAOXA, SACIP, and SAMDR after twofold MIC of ciprofloxacin treatment were analyzed using a metabolic-based assay to estimate the fractions of persister cells.

Results
The least persister formation was induced in SACIP after twofold MIC of ciprofloxacin treatment, showing 58% of persistence. The lowest fitness cost of resistance was observed for the recovered persister cells of SACIP (relative fitness = 0.95), followed by SAMDR (relative fitness = 0.70), while the highest fitness cost was observed for SAWT (relative fitness = 0.26). The mRNA transcripts were analyzed by RT-PCR assay in recovered persister cells pre-incubated with ciprofloxacin. The highest expression levels of stress-related genes (dnaK and groEL) and efflux pump-related genes (mepR, norA, and norB) were observed in the recovered persister cells of SAOXA and SAMDR.

Conclusion
This study provides valuable information for understanding crosstalk between antibiotic resistance, tolerance, and persistence in different antibiotic-resistant S. aureus strains.
Transplantation of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes improves myocardial function and reverses ventricular remodeling in infarcted rat hearts
Authors: Guan Xumin , Xu Wanzi , Zhang He , Wang Qian , Yu Jiuyang , Zhang Ruyi , Chen Yamin , Xia Yunlong , Wang Jiaxian , Wang Dongjin 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs) have shed great light on cardiac regenerative medicine and specifically myocardial repair in heart failure patients. However, the treatment efficacy and the survival of iPSC-CMs in vivo after transplantation have yielded inconsistent results.

Objectives
The objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of human iPSC-CMs to improve myocardial function in a rat postinfarction heart failure model.

Methods
Eight-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly selected to receive an intramyocardial injection of 5% albumin solution with or without 1 × 107 human iPSC-CMs 10 days after undergoing left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery ligation. Cyclosporine A and methylprednisolone were administered before iPSC-CM injection and until the rats were killed to prevent graft rejection. Cardiac function was evaluated by echocardiography. The survival of grafted cardiomyocytes was confirmed by observing the fluorescent cell tracer Vybrant™ CM-DiI or expression of the enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) in transplanted cells, or survival was demonstrated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based detection of human mitochondrial DNA. Sirius red stain was used to evaluate the fibrosis ratio. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe the formation of teratomas.

Results
Four weeks after intramyocardial injection of iPSC-CMs, animals undergoing iPSC-CM transplantation had lower mortality than the control group. Animals injected with cell-free solution (control group) demonstrated significant left ventricular (LV) functional deterioration, whereas grafting of iPSC-CMs attenuated this remodeling process. In the control group, the ejection fraction deteriorated by 10.11% (from 46.36 to 41.67%), and fractional shortening deteriorated by 9.23% (from 24.37 to 22.12%) by 4 weeks. In the iPSC-CM injection group, the ejection fraction improved by 18.86% (from 44.09 to 52.41%), and fractional shortening improved by 23.69% (from 23.08 to 28.54%). Cell labeling, tracking, and molecular biology techniques indicated that the grafted cardiomyocytes survived in the rat heart 1 month after iPSC-CM transplantation. Myocardial fibrosis was also attenuated in the iPSC-CM treatment group.

Conclusions
Human iPSC-CM grafts survived in infarcted rat hearts and restored myocardial function 4 weeks after transplantation. Cell replacement therapy also reversed ventricular remodeling, indicating the potential of iPSC-CMs for cardiac repair strategies.
A novel multi-enzyme preparation produced from Aspergillus niger using biodegradable waste: a possible option to combat heterogeneous biofilms
Authors: Kaur Arashdeep , Rishi Valbha , Soni Sanjeev Kumar , Rishi Praveen 
Published: February 2020

AbstractExtracellular polymeric substance (EPS) produced by the microorganisms provides protection and stability to them when they are encased within biofilms. Heterogeneous polysaccharides form a major constituent of the EPS and are crucial for the formation and integrity of the biofilms/slime. Thus, breakdown of polysaccharides might help in dispersion of biofilms from abiotic surfaces. In the present study we isolated a fungus, Aspergillus niger APS, capable of concurrently producing a cocktail of carbohydrases and optimized the conditions for higher yields of all the enzymes by one variable at a time (OVAT) approach. The optimization studies resulted in 1.5 to 12 fold augmentation in the enzyme yields using biodegradable waste. Further, keeping in view the heterogeneous nature of polysaccharides in biofilm matrix, the in-house produced enzyme cocktail was used for the dispersal of biofilms formed by Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Treatment with enzyme preparation caused 90.23 ± 4.0, 82.64 ± 5.0 and 76.32 ± 5.0% reduction of the biofilms formed by these organisms respectively which was also evidenced by Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) revealing the loss of biofilm architecture. Interestingly, the enzyme cocktail could also remove viscous slime formed under natural conditions in the kitchen drainage pipe (KDP). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on biotreatment of abiotic surfaces for removal of biofilms/slime formed under natural conditions. The study thus indicates the prospects of using multiple carbohydrases as an anti-biofouling agent on abiotic surfaces like equipments as well as implants/prostheses and pipelines.
Performance management methods and practices among nurses in primary health care settings: a systematic scoping review protocol
Authors: Madlabana Cynthia Zandile , Mashamba-Thompson Tivani Phosa , Petersen Inge 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Nurses make up the largest constituent of the health workforce. The success of health care interventions depends on nurses’ ability and willingness to provide quality health care services. A well-implemented performance management (PM) system can be a valuable asset in ensuring that nurses are motivated, promoted, trained and rewarded appropriately. Despite the significant benefits of effective PM such as improved motivation, job satisfaction and morale, PM systems are highly contested. Therefore, it is important to examine evidence on PM methods and practices in order to understand its consequences among nursing professionals in primary health care (PHC) settings.

Methods
The search strategy of this systematic scoping review will involve various electronic databases which include Academic Search Complete, PsycARTICLES. PsycINFO, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Applied Health Literature, Medline and Cochrane Library from the EbsocHost Database Platform. Electronic databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar, Union catalogue of theses and dissertations via SABINET online and WorldCat dissertations will be incorporated. A grey literature search will be conducted on websites such as the World Health Organization and government websites to find relevant policies and guidelines. The period for the search is from 1978 to 2018. This time period was chosen to coincide with the Declaration of Alma-Ata on PHC adopted in 1978. All references will be exported to Endnote library. Two independent reviewers will begin screening for eligible titles, abstracts and full articles. During title and abstract screening, duplicates will be removed. The Mixed Method Appraisal Tool will determine the quality of included studies. Thematic analysis will be used to analyse the included articles.

Discussion
Evidence of preferences on PM methods and practices will generate insight on the use of PM systems in PHC and how this can be used for the purpose of improving nurses’ performance and in turn, the provision of quality health care. We hope to expose knowledge gaps and inform future research.
Torsional Strengthening of RC Beams with Continuous Spiral Near-Surface Mounted Steel Wire Rope
Authors: Askandar Nasih Habeeb , Mahmood Abdulkareem Darweesh 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe strength of reinforced concrete members can be enhanced using externally bonded reinforcement (EBR) and near surface mounted (NSM) methods. However, small number of studies has adopted the NSM method for torsional strengthening. To date, no study has examined the use of spiral NSM steel wire rope and epoxy adhesives for torsional strengthening. Therefore, this study examines the behaviour of RC beams subjected to the combined actions of torsion and bending moment when they are strengthened with spiral NSM steel wire rope (Ø8 mm) in different configurations. For this purpose, six beams of 15 cm × 25 cm × 200 cm were casted. One of these beams was conventional, whereas all the other beams were strengthened with spiral NSM steel wire rope. During the testing process, the twist angle at the torque intervals, first cracking torque, ultimate torque and ultimate twist angle of the conventional beam were compared with those of the strengthened beams. The torsional performance of the RC beams was significantly improved using spiral NSM steel wire rope in various spiral NSM configurations.
Development of rosuvastatin flexible lipid-based nanoparticles: promising nanocarriers for improving intestinal cells cytotoxicity
Authors: Ahmed Tarek A. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Rosuvastatin (RSV) is a poorly water-soluble drug that has an absolute oral bioavailability of only 20%. The aim of this work was to prepare a positively charged chitosan coated flexible lipid-based vesicles (chitosomes) and compare their characteristics to the corresponding negatively charged flexible liposomal nanoparticles (NPs) in order to develop new RSV nanocarrier systems.

Methods
Three formulation factors affecting the development of chitosomes nano-formulation were optimized for their effects on the particles size, entrapment efficiency (EE) and zeta potential. The optimized flexible chitosomes and their corresponding liposomal NPs were characterized for morphology, in vitro release, flexibility and intestinal cell viability. The half maximum inhibitory concentrations (IC50) for both formulations were calculated.

Results
The drug to lipid molar ratio, edge activator percent and the chitosan concentration were significantly affecting the characteristics of NPs. The optimized chitosomes nano-formulation exhibited larger size, higher EE and greater zeta potential value when compared to the corresponding liposomal NPs. Both formulations showed a spherical shape nanostructure with a marked outer shell for the chitosomes nano-formulation. Chitosomes illustrated an extended drug release profile when compared with the corresponding liposomal NPs and the prepared drug suspension. Flexibility of both vesicles was confirmed with superiority of liposomal NPs over chitosomes. RSV loaded chitosomes nano-formulation exhibited lower IC50 values and higher therapeutic window while liposomal NPs were compatible with the intestinal cells.

Conclusions
RSV loaded chitosomes nano-formulation could be considered as a promising nanocarrier system with a marked cytotoxic activity while, RSV loaded liposomal NPs are suitable nanocarrier to improve RSV activity in treatment of cardiovascular disorders.