bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thriving Traditional Birth Attendants in the Nigerian Church: Gate-way to Maternal and Perinatal Mortality - A Typical Example of Conflict in the Church. Review of Practices of Traditional Birth Attendants across the 23 Local Government Areas in Rivers State – South South Nigeria
Authors: Eli S. , Kalio D. G. B. , Okagua K. , Briggs N. C. T. , Wekere F. C. C. , Kua P. 
Published: September 2020

Background: There is need to educate the pastors and the church congregation for the need for skilled birth attendants to handle pregnancy and labour related challenges in other to reduce maternal and perinatal mortality.
This is because, in some “maternities” in Nigeria traditional birth attendants (TBAs) attend to pregnancy related cases and in some instances these unconventional practices are extended to the local churches.
Aim: To determine cases of TBAs practicing in churches and help prevent these unconventional obstetrics practices thus preventing maternal and perinatal motality.
Methods: It was a cross-sectional study of TBAs across all 23 local government areas of Rivers State in a lecture to prevent maternal death in the month of June 2019 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Information was coded and analyzed using SPSS version 25.
Results: Forty questionnaires were distributed and 37 retrieved. The mean age was 44 years.
They were all females. All of them were Christians.
Their modal age of practice was 1 – 5 years. As regards TBAs educational status, those with no formal education were 4 (10.8%), primary 6(16.2%), secondary 20 (54.1%) and tertiary 7 (18.9%).
Eleven (29.7%) of the TBAs have ante natal care in the church out of which 6 (16.2%) conducts delivery in the church. Perinatal and maternal deaths recorded by the TBAs in the past 1 year were 7 (18.9%) and 1 (2.7%) respectively.
Conclusion: There is need for our Pastors and churches in Nigeria to recognize the place of skilled birth attendants in attending to pregnancy and labour in other to reduce maternal /perinatal mortality and discourage TBAs from practicing in the church.
n addition, the study revealed that majority of the TBAs had secondary level of education (54.1%).
There is need for churches to encourage their members to seek the pre-requisite training by emphasizing acquiring the necessary education to improve their vocation as birth attendants.
Decision-Delivery Interval for Emergency Caesarean Section at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital
Authors: Eli S. , Kalio D. G. B. , Jumbo A. Dan- , Ikimalo J. 
Published: September 2020

Decision-Delivery interval when carrying out emergency caesarean section (EmCS) cannot be over-emphasized especially with regards to maternal and fetal outcome.
There are variety of factors that may contribute to these intervals such as logistics, personal delay, delay in obtaining of informed consent, lack of blood, and availability of theatre space.
Aim: To determine the decision-delivery interval and causes of delay in EmCS at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH).
Methods: It was prospective study conducted at the RSUTH between July 1, 2018 to January 31, 2019. Information was obtained using a self structured questionnaire and analyzed using version SPSS 25.
Results: There were 481 patients admitted into labour ward for the period under review of which 71(14.8 %) had EmCS. The mean age was 31 years. The commonest indication for EmCS was Cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD) represented by 23 (32.4%) of the subjects.
The average time for decision - delivery interval was 1 to 2 hours represented by 29 (40.8%). The shortest decision - delivery interval was less than 30 minutes 1(1.3%).The decision – delivery interval time greater than 5 hours were 9 (12.7%). The 3 commonest reasons for delay with respect to average decision – delivery intervals were personal delay 21 (20.8%), logistics 19 (18.8%) and lack of blood 13 (12.9%).
Conclusion: The study revealed that the average decision - delivery interval was 1 – 2 hours represented by 40.5% of the subjects. This was relatively long when compared to developed countries of the world. The commonest reason for delay in carrying out EmCS was personal delay (20.8%). The commonest indication for EmCS was CPD (32.4%). Addressing the reasons for the decision – delivery interval will help improve our practice and reduce adverse effects to mother and baby.
Studies on Some Cytokines, CD4, Hepcidin, Iron, and Some Haematological Parameters of Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients Co-infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus on Chemotherapy for 60 Days in Southeast, Nigeria
Authors: Ifeanyi Obeagu, Emmanuel , Uzoma Obeagu, Getrude , Nonyelum Esimai, Bessie , Amaeze Amaeze, Augustine , Ngozi Amaeze, Florence , Stella Ekelozie, Ifeoma , Chukwu Odochi, Ogbu 
Published: September 2020

A study to evaluate the levels of interferon-gamma, interleukins 6 and 10, hepcidin, iron status and some haematological parameters in persons living with human immunodeficiency virus was carried out. A total of 2000 subjects aged 18-60 years were enlisted for this study. The subjects were grouped into: Group A (100 PTB-HIV subjects on baseline) and Group B (100 PTB-HIV subjects on treatment for 60 days). About 7ml of venous blood were collected from each subject; 4.5 ml of blood were placed into plain tubes for assay of interferon gamma, interleukins (6 &10), hepcidin and iron and 2.5 ml for FBC, CD4 count and HIV screening. The cytokines and hepcidin were measured using Melsin ELISA Kits and Teco Diagnostics kits used for iron. Full blood count was determined by automation using Mindray BC-5300, China. The data was analysed with the statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 20 using ANOVA and the level of significance set at P<0.05. The results showed significant difference in IFN-γ (P=0.000), IL-6 (P=0.000) IL-10 (P=0.000), hepcidin (P=0.000), Iron (P=0.004), TIBC (P=0.000), WBC (P=0.029), Neutrophils (P=0.011), Lymphocyes (P=0.000), Monocytes (P=0.000), Basophil (P=0.013), RBC (P=0.000), Haemoglobin (P=0.000), PCV (P=0.000), MCV (P=0.029), MCH (P=0.000), MCHC (P=0.000), Platelets (P=0.000), ESR (P=0.000) and no significant difference in CD4 (P=0.966), %TSA (P=0.998) and Eos (P=0.052) when compared among PTB-HIV on baseline and 60 days on treatment respectively. The study shows that interferon gamma, interleukin 6, interleukin 10 and hepcidin are adjuncts to some of the biomarkers in the pathogenesis of pulmonary TB and HIV infection. The cytokines and hepcidin can be used as prognostic and diagnostic markers as their levels decreased with i60 days of treatment of the patients.The haemtological parameters like haemoglobin, RBC and PCV increased significantly within 60 days of treatment showing improvement in health status of the patients.
A Novel Hybrid Silk Fibroin/Polyurethane Arteriovenous Graft for Hemodialysis: Proof‐of‐Concept Animal Study in an Ovine Model
Authors: Riboldi Stefania Adele , Tozzi Matteo , Bagardi Mara , Ravasio Giuliano , Cigalino Giorgio , Crippa Luca , Piccolo Solange , Nahal Amal , Spandri Mattia , Catto Valentina , Tironi Matteo , Greco Francesco Giovanni , Remuzzi Andrea , Acocella Fabio 
Published: September 2020

AbstractTo solve the problem of vascular access failure, a novel semi‐degradable hybrid vascular graft, manufactured by electrospinning using silk fibroin and polyurethane (Silkothane), has been previously developed and characterized in vitro. This proof‐of‐concept animal study aims at evaluating the performances of Silkothane grafts in a sheep model of arteriovenous shunt, in terms of patency and short‐term remodeling. Nine Silkothane grafts are implanted between the common carotid artery and the external jugular vein of nine sheep, examined by palpation three times per week, by echo‐color Doppler every two weeks, and euthanized at 30, 60, and 90 days (N = 3 per group). At sacrifice, grafts are harvested and submitted for histopathology and/or scanning electron microcopy (SEM). No cases of graft‐related complications are recorded. Eight of nine sheep (89%) show 100% primary unassisted patency at the respective time of sacrifice (flow rate 1.76 ± 0.61 L min−1, one case of surgery‐related thrombosis excluded). Histopathology and SEM analysis evidence signs of inflammation and pseudointima inside the graft lumen, especially at the venous anastomosis; however, endoluminal stenosis never impairs the functionality of the shunt and coverage by endothelial cells is observed. In this model, Silkothane grafts grant safety and 100% patency up to 90 days.
Bioinspired Strategy for HMX@hBNNS Dual Shell Energetic Composites with Enhanced Desensitization and Improved Thermal Property
Authors: Zhang Shijie , Gao Zhenguo , Jia Qian , Liu Ning , Yao Junyan , Zhang Jiaoqiang , Kou Kaichang 
Published: September 2020

AbstractTo explore the new energetic candidate with high energy and low sensitivity, hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets (hBNNS) are first introduced into the field of energetic materials with a bioinspired strategy, and a novel core@dual shell energetic composite is constructed with 1,3,5,7‐tetranitro‐1,3,5,7‐tetrazocane (HMX) as core, adhesive polydopamine (PDA) as inner shell and hBNNS as exterior shell. The composites are analyzed by several methods to in‐depth investigate the core@dual shell structure and its influence on the performance of energetic crystal. These results indicate adhesive PDA is a crucial bridge between HMX and low contents of hBNNS in core@dual shell structure, and the adhesive PDA is a crucial bridge between the HMX and hBNNS. The coating does not affect the chemical structure and polymorph of HMX. The PDA can stabilize the polymorph of HMX, and hBNNS can increase the thermal stability of HMX. The nonisothermal analysis further shows HMX@PDA@hBNNS composites exhibit better thermal stability than that of HMX and HMX@PDA by increasing the apparent activation energy. Furthermore, the coated PDA and hBNNS can reduce the impact and friction sensitivities significantly, precisely because of the buffering effect of “soft” hBNNS and isolation effect of dual shell.
Reversible Doping and Photo Patterning of Polymer Nanowires
Authors: Bedolla‐Valdez Zaira I. , Xiao Rui , Cendra Camila , Fergerson Alice S. , Chen Zekun , Gonel Goktug , Salleo Alberto , Yu Dong , Moulé Adam J. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractRecent development of dopant induced solubility control (DISC) patterning of polymer semiconductors has enabled direct‐write optical patterning of poly‐3‐hexylthiophene (P3HT) with diffraction limited resolution. Here, the optical DISC patterning technique to the most simple circuit element, a wire, is applied. Optical patterning of P3HT and P3HT doped with the molecular dopant 2,3,5,6‐tetrafluoro‐7,7,8,8‐tetracyanoquinodimethane (F4TCNQ) wires with dimensions of 20–70 nm thickness, 200–900 nm width, and 40 μm length is demonstrated. In addition, optical patterning of wire patterns like “L” bends and “T” junctions without changing the diameter or thickness of the wires at the junctions is demonstrated. The wires themselves show up to 0.034 S cm‐1 conductance when sequentially doped. It is also demonstrated that a P3HT nanowire can be doped, de‐doped, and re‐doped from solution without changing the dimension of the wire. The combined abilities to optically pattern and reversibly dope a polymer semiconductor represents a full suite of patterning steps equivalent to photolithography for inorganic semiconductors.
Evaluation of the body adiposity index against dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry for assessing body composition in children and adolescents
Authors: de Macêdo Cesário Tatianny , de Almeida‐Neto Paulo Francisco , de Matos Dihogo Gama , Wells Jonathan , Aidar Felipe J. , de Araújo Tinôco Cabral Breno Guilherme 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundIt is important to clarify the association of lean and fat mass between children and adolescents considering the rising prevalence of overweight and obesity in this age group. The aim of this study was to verify the association between the body adiposity index (BAI) and dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) methods for analyzing body composition, as well as analyzing the validity of BAI to verify the percentage of fat in children and adolescents.MethodsThe sample was composed of 106 children and adolescents, 44 females (age: 11.5 ± 1.8 years) and 62 evils (13.6 ± 2.6 years). The body fat (%F) was measured using DXA and the doubly indirect BAI body fat estimation technique.ResultsThe BAI and DXA estimates of %F were strongly correlated (boys: r = .71, P < .0001; girls: r = .72, P < .0001). The linear regression analyses showed that BAI is significant to estimate the %F in total sample (P < .0001). For boys, the %F analyzes performed by BAI and DXA did not show any differences when compared (P = .2). In addition, BAI pointed out a significant proportion bias for both sexes (P < .0001), which suggests its inefficiency in the analysis of %F.ConclusionsBAI and DXA correlate; however, there is low reliability and a high proportion bias for the analysis of %F by BAI.
Envisioning the future of work to safeguard the safety, health, and well‐being of the workforce: A perspective from the CDC's National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Authors: Tamers Sara L. , Streit Jessica , Pana‐Cryan Rene , Ray Tapas , Syron Laura , Flynn Michael A. , Castillo Dawn , Roth Gary , Geraci Charles , Guerin Rebecca , Schulte Paul , Henn Scott , Chang Chia‐Chia , Felknor Sarah , Howard John 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe future of work embodies changes to the workplace, work, and workforce, which require additional occupational safety and health (OSH) stakeholder attention. Examples include workplace developments in organizational design, technological job displacement, and work arrangements; work advances in artificial intelligence, robotics, and technologies; and workforce changes in demographics, economic security, and skills. This paper presents the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's Future of Work Initiative; suggests an integrated approach to address worker safety, health, and well‐being; introduces priority topics and subtopics that confer a framework for upcoming future of work research directions and resultant practical applications; and discusses preliminary next steps. All future of work issues impact one another. Future of work transformations are contingent upon each of the standalone factors discussed in this paper and their combined effects. Occupational safety and health stakeholders are becoming more aware of the significance and necessity of these factors for the workplace, work, and workforce to flourish, merely survive, or disappear altogether as the future evolves. The future of work offers numerous opportunities, while also presenting critical but not clearly understood difficulties, exposures, and hazards. It is the responsibility of OSH researchers and other partners to understand the implications of future of work scenarios to translate effective interventions into practice for employers safeguarding the safety, health, and well‐being of their workers.
Evidence of pathogenicity for the leaky splice variant c.1066‐6T>G in ATM
Authors: Schröder Simone , Wieland Britta , Ohlenbusch Andreas , Yigit Gökhan , Altmüller Janine , Boltshauser Eugen , Dörk Thilo , Brockmann Knut 
Published: September 2020

AbstractMild clinical phenotypes of ataxia‐telangiectasia (variant A‐T) are associated with biallelic ATM variants resulting in residual function of the ATM kinase. At least one regulatory, missense, or leaky splice site mutation resulting in expression of ATM with low level kinase activity was identified in subjects with variant A‐T. Studies on the pathogenicity of the germline splicing ATM variant c.1066‐6T>G have provided conflicting results. Using whole‐exome sequencing, we identified two splice site ATM variants, c.1066‐6T>G; [p.?], and c.2250G>A, [p.Ile709_Lys750del], in a compound heterozygous state in a 27‐year‐old woman who had been diagnosed as having congenital ocular motor apraxia type Cogan in her childhood. Reappraisal of her clinical phenotype revealed consistency with variant A‐T. Functional analyses showed reduced expression of ATM protein and residual activity of the ATM kinase at a level consistent with variant A‐T. Our results provide evidence for pathogenicity of the leaky ATM splice site variant c.1066‐6T>G.
Preliminary results of posterior contralateral cervical 7 nerve transposition in the treatment of upper limb plegia after a stroke
Authors: Guan Jingyu , Lin Jun , Guan Xueqing , Jin Qiang , Chen Lei , Shan Qiao , Wu Jianheng , Cai Xiaodong , Zhang Doudou , Tao Wei , Chen Fuyong , Chen Yili , Yang Shaofeng , Fan Youwu , Wu Heming , Zhang Han 
Published: September 2020

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to explore a shorter and safer contralateral C7 transposition pathway for the treatment of central upper limb paralysis.MethodsFrom July 2018 to March 2019, 10 patients with central upper limb paralysis underwent posterior cervical 7 nerve transposition. The age of these patients ranged within 31–58 years old (average: 44 years old). These patients comprised of eight male patients and two female patients. Nine patients had cerebral hemorrhage, and one patient had a cerebral infarction. Furthermore, nine patients presented with spastic paralysis of the upper limbs and one patient presented with nonspastic paralysis. The duration of plegia before the operation ranged from 6 to 60 months (average: 26 months). The surgical procedure included transposition of the contralateral cervical 7 nerve root via a posterior vertebral approach under general anesthesia, and the distal part of the contralateral cervical 7 nerve was anastomosed with the proximal part of the ipsilateral cervical 7 nerve.ResultsThe length of the contralateral cervical 7 nerve was 5.16 ± 0.21 cm, which was directly anastomosed with the ipsilateral cervical 7 nerve. Neither case needed nerve transplantation. Most patients had temporary numbness in their healthy fingers, which all disappeared within three months. Up to now, the follow‐up results are as follows: The spasticity of the affected upper limbs in five patients is lower than that before the operation, the pain and temperature sensation of the affected upper limbs in six patients are better than before the operation.ConclusionThe distance of nerve transposition can be shortened by a posterior vertebral approach operation, where the contralateral C7 nerve can be anastomosed directly with the ipsilateral C7 nerve which may be effective for nerve regeneration and functional recovery. However, this conclusion still needs further research and verification.
Circulating tumor HPV DNA complements PET‐CT in guiding management after radiotherapy in HPV‐related squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck
Authors: Tanaka Hidenori , Takemoto Norihiko , Horie Masafumi , Takai Erina , Fukusumi Takahito , Suzuki Motoyuki , Eguchi Hirotaka , Komukai Sho , Tatsumi Mitsuaki , Isohashi Fumiaki , Ogawa Kazuhiko , Yachida Shinichi , Inohara Hidenori 
Published: September 2020

AbstractPositron emission tomography and computed tomography (PET‐CT) is widely used to assess the response to radiotherapy. However, the ability of PET‐CT to predict treatment failure in human papillomavirus (HPV)‐related squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC) is unsatisfactory. We quantified circulating tumor HPV type16 DNA (ctHPV16DNA) using optimized droplet digital PCR in 35 patients with HPV16‐related HNSCC, who received radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy, and prospectively correlated ctHPV16DNA and metabolic response with treatment failure. After a median follow‐up of 21 months, ctHPV16DNA and PET‐CT had similar negative predictive values (89.7% vs 84.0%), whereas the positive predictive value was much higher in ctHPV16DNA than in PET‐CT (100% vs 50.0%). Notably, six patients who had detectable posttreatment ctHPV16DNA all had treatment failure irrespective of metabolic response, whereas none of five patients who had partial metabolic response without detectable posttreatment ctHPV16DNA had treatment failure. The risk of treatment failure was high in patients who had incomplete metabolic response with detectable posttreatment ctHPV16DNA (hazard ratio [HR], 138.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 15.5‐3366.4; P < .0001) and intermediate in patients who had discordant results between metabolic response and posttreatment ctHPV16DNA (HR, 4.7; 95% CI, 0.8‐36.2, P = .09) as compared with patients who had complete metabolic response without detectable posttreatment ctHPV16DNA. One‐year event‐free survival rates of each risk group were 0%, 88% (95% CI, 46‐98) and 95% (95% CI, 72‐99), respectively (P < .0001). In conclusion, posttreatment ctHPV16DNA complements PET‐CT and helps guide decisions managing patients with HPV16‐related HNSCC after radiotherapy.
Exploration of continuous‐flow benchtop NMR acquisition parameters and considerations for reaction monitoring
Authors: Maschmeyer Tristan , Prieto Paloma L. , Grunert Shad , Hein Jason E. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis study focused on fundamental data acquisition parameter selection for a benchtop nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) system with continuous flow, applicable for reaction monitoring. The effect of flow rate on the mixing behaviors within a flow cell was observed, along with an exponential decay relationship between flow rate and the apparent spin–lattice relaxation time (T1*) of benzaldehyde. We also monitored sensitivity (as determined by signal‐to‐noise ratios; SNRs) under various flow rates, analyte concentrations, and temperatures of the analyte flask. Results suggest that a maximum SNR can be achieved with low to medium flow rates and higher analyte concentrations. This was consistent with data collected with parameters that promote either slow or fast data acquisition. We further consider the effect of these conditions on the analyte's residence time, T1*, and magnetic field inhomogeneity that is a product of continuous flow. Altogether, our results demonstrate how fundamental acquisition parameters can be manipulated to achieve optimal data acquisition in continuous‐flow NMR systems.
VIVA (vinorelbine, ifosfamide, vincristine, actinomycin‐D): A new regimen in the armamentarium of systemic therapy for high‐risk rhabdomyosarcoma
Authors: Ferrari Andrea , Chiaravalli Stefano , Zecca Marco , Recupero Santina , Pascale Silvia , Bergamaschi Luca , Casanova Michela 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe study reports the treatment feasibility, and secondly efficacy, of a novel chemotherapy regimen, which adds vinorelbine to the ifosfamide‐vincristine‐actinomycin‐D combination (VIVA regimen), used in four patients with high‐risk rhabdomyosarcoma. All patients received nine cycles of the VIVA regimen followed by maintenance chemotherapy with vinorelbine and cyclophosphamide. All patients experienced significant hematological toxicity, but no other major complications (in particular neurotoxicity) or required treatment dose modifications. We observed a major response after three cycles in all patients, and they remained alive after a median follow up of 11 months from diagnosis.