bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endemic and epidemic human alphavirus infections in Eastern Panama; An Analysis of Population-based Cross-Sectional Surveys
Authors: Carrera Jean-Paul , Cucunubá Zulma M. , Neira Karen , Lambert Ben , Pittí Yaneth , Jackman Carmela , Liscano Jesus , Garzón Jorge L. , Beltran Davis , Collado-Mariscal Luisa , Saenz Lisseth , Sosa Néstor , Rodriguez-Guzman Luis D. , González Publio , Lezcano Andrés G. , Pereyra-Elías Reneé , Valderrama Anayansi , Weaver Scott C. , Vittor Amy Y. , Armién Blas , Pascale Juan-Miguel , Donnelly Christl A. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundMadariaga virus (MADV), has recently been associated with severe human disease in Panama, where the closely related Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) also circulates. In June, 2017, a fatal MADV infection was confirmed in a community of Darien province.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional outbreak investigation with human and mosquito collections in July 2017, where sera were tested for alphavirus antibodies and viral RNA. Additionally, by applying a catalytic, force-of-infection statistical model to two serosurveys from Darien province in 2012 and 2017, we investigated whether endemic or epidemic alphavirus transmission occurred historically.ResultsIn 2017, MADV and VEEV IgM seroprevalence was 1.6% and 4.4%, respectively; IgG antibody prevalences were MADV: 13.2%; VEEV: 16.8%; Una virus (UNAV): 16.0%; and Mayaro virus (MAYV): 1.1%. Active viral circulation was not detected. Evidence of MADV and UNAV infection was found near households — raising questions about its vectors and enzootic transmission cycles. Insomnia was associated with MADV and VEEV infection, depression symptoms were associated with MADV, and dizziness with VEEV and UNAV. Force-of-infection analyses suggest endemic alphavirus transmission historically, with recent increased human exposure to MADV and VEEV in some regions.ConclusionsThe lack of additional neurological cases suggest that severe MADV and VEEV infections occur only rarely. Our results indicate that, over the past five decades, alphavirus infections have occurred at low levels in eastern Panama, but that MADV and VEEV infections have recently increased — potentially during the past decade. Endemic infections and outbreaks of MADV and VEEV appear to differ spatially.Author summaryPrior to 2010, it was believed that the Madariaga virus (MADV) was primarily associated with equine disease. However, an outbreak reported in Panama, in an endemic area where Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) also circulates, suggested a change in its epidemiological profile. We aimed to reconstruct the epidemiological dynamics of MADV and VEEV, as well as additional alphaviruses known to circulate in the region in order to understand MADV emergence. For this, cross-sectional serosurveys were used to demonstrate that the Alphaviruses MADV, VEEV and Una virus have repeatedly infected humans in eastern Panama over the past five decades. Whilst their historical transmission has been low, we confirm that the transmission has recently increased for both MADV and VEEV.
Fertility factors affect the vaginal microbiome in women of reproductive age
Authors: Xu Jieying , Bian Gaorui , Zheng Min , Lu Gang , Chan Wai‐Yee , Li Weiping , Yang Kaiping , Chen Zi‐Jiang , Du Yanzhi 
Published: January 2020

AbstractProblemFor women of reproductive age, achieving a successful pregnancy requires both the normal functioning of reproductive endocrine and the health of the reproductive tract environment. We aimed to study how these fertility factors, such as female age, baseline sexual hormone levels, tubal patency, and vaginal pH, affect the composition of vaginal microbiome.Method of studyThe 16S rRNA sequencing was carried on vaginal microbiome samples from 85 women of reproductive age without vaginal infections or reproductive endocrine diseases. The detailed correlations between fertility factors and vaginal microbiome were quantified by Spearman's rank tests. A linear discriminant analysis was carried out to explore the effects of fertility factors on the relative abundances of vaginal bacterial species.ResultsThe vaginal pH, levels of basal E2, LH, and FSH all had significant effects on the distribution of vaginal microbiome. The relative abundances of vaginal bacterial species, includingEscherichia coli,Streptococcus agalactiae, andPrevotella intermedia, were significantly different due to the host's state of reproductive endocrine and tubal patency. It was worth noting that women with tubal obstruction, or prolonged menstrual cycle, or antral follicle count >15, or vaginal pH > 4.5 all had a higher abundance ofEscherichia coliin vagina.ConclusionThe fertility factors associated with the reproductive endocrine and the genital tract environment affected vaginal microbiome in women of reproductive age. The speciesEscherichia coli,Streptococcus agalactiae,Prevotella intermedia, etc could be used as biomarkers to reflect the pathological state of reproductive endocrine and genital tract.
Understanding children with cerebral palsy and bullying: A mixed methods approach
Authors: Stang Kristina , Frainey Brendan , Tann Beverley , Ehrlich‐Jones Linda , Deike Dawn , Gaebler‐Spira Deborah 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAimThe study aims to explore the views of children with cerebral palsy (CP) regarding their experiences being bullied and their perceptions of their primary bully.MethodForty‐three children aged 10–18 with CP were given the California Bullying Victimization Scale. Fourteen of the children shared a bullying experience orally or written after the survey. Using a mixed methods analysis, the survey answers were tabulated with descriptive statistics and analysed by Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level. The comments were coded to determine qualitative responses.ResultsMost bullied children viewed the bully as less than or at least equal to them regarding popularity (73%), performance in schoolwork (85%), and physical strength (56%). Bullied children preferentially told an adult at home. Code words and common categories of bullying were determined from their experiences.InterpretationChildren with CP experience bullying but do not view themselves as inferior to their bully in popularity, intelligence, or physical strength. Most bullied participants confided in an adult at home. Children with GMFCS Levels 1, 2, and 3 seem to be at greater risk for bullying than children with GMFCS Levels 4 and 5. Children with CP demonstrate individualized strategies for resilience with reliance on adults for resources.
Estimated prevalence of disability and developmental delay among preschool children in rural Malawi: Findings from “Tikule Limodzi,” a cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Murphy Rachel , Jolley Emma , Lynch Paul , Mankhwazi Mika , Mbukwa Jenipher , Bechange Stevens , Gladstone Melissa J. , Schmidt Elena 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundEarly childhood development (ECD) is a critical stage in children's lives, influencing future development and social integration. ECD research among children with disability and developmental delay in low‐ and middle‐income countries is limited but crucial to inform planning and delivery of inclusive services. This study is the first to measure and compare the prevalence of disability and developmental delay among children attending preschool centres in rural Malawi.MethodsA cross‐sectional survey was conducted in 48 preschool centres in Thyolo district, Malawi. Data were collected from parents or guardians of 20 children per centre. Disability was ascertained using the Washington Group/UNICEF Child Functioning Module. Child development was measured using the language and social domains of the Malawi Development Assessment Tool.ResultsA total of 960 children were enrolled; 935 (97.4%) children were assessed for disability and 933 (97.2%) for developmental delay; 100 (10.7%) children were identified as having a disability. The prevalence of disability was higher among children 5+ years (n = 60; 29.3%) than children 2–4 years (n = 40; 5.5%); 109 of 933 (11.7%) children were classified as having developmental delay, 41 (4.4%) in “language” and 77 (8·3%) in “social” domains.ConclusionsThis study found that disability and developmental delays are common among preschool children in Malawi. It is one of the first to measure disability and delay among children in a preschool setting in Africa.
Progressive eye pathology in mucopolysaccharidosis type I mice and effects of enzyme replacement therapy
Authors: Gonzalez Esteban A. , Visioli Fernanda , Pasqualim Gabriela , de Souza Carolina F. M. , Marinho Diane R. , Giugliani Roberto , Matte Ursula , Baldo Guilherme 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundMucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS I) is a lysosomal storage disorder caused by α‐L‐iduronidase deficiency, resulting in accumulation of glycosaminoglycans (GAG). Ophthalmological manifestations are common in MPS I patients and often lead to visual impairment. Accumulation of GAG in corneal or retinal tissues reduces vision causing corneal opacity and neurosensory complications. One available treatment for MPS I patients is enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), but the results of such treatment on eye disease are still debatable. Therefore, we aimed to determine the progression of ocular manifestations as well as the effectiveness of intravenous ERT in MPS I.MethodsCorneal and retinal analyses were perform in eyes from 2‐ to 8‐month normal and MPS I mice. Some MPS I mice received ERT (1.2 mg/kg of laronidase) every 2 weeks from 6 to 8 months and histological findings were compared with controls. Additionally, cornea from two MPS I patients under ERT were evaluated.ResultsMouse corneal tissues had GAG accumulation early in life. In the retina, we found a progressive loss of photoreceptor cells, starting at 6 months. ERT did not improve or stabilize the histological abnormalities. MPS I patients, despite being on ERT for over a decade, presented GAG accumulation in the cornea, corneal thickening, visual loss and needed corneal transplantation.ConclusionWe provide data on the time course of ocular alteration in MPS I mice. Our results also suggest that ERT is not effective in treating the progressive ocular manifestations in MPS I mice and fails to prevent corneal abnormalities in patients.
Systematic literature review of learning curves for colorectal polyp resection techniques in lower gastrointestinal endoscopy
Authors: Rajendran A. , Pannick S. , Thomas‐Gibson S. , Oke S. , Anele C. , Sevdalis N. , Haycock A. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAimThe performance of therapeutic procedures in lower gastrointestinal endoscopy (LGI) can be challenging and carries an increased risk of adverse events. There is increasing demand for the training of endoscopists in these procedures, but limited guidelines exist concerning procedural competency. The aim of this study was to assess the learning curves for LGI polypectomy, colorectal endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD).MethodA systematic review of electronic databases between 1946 and September 2019 was performed. Citations were included if they reported learning curve data. Outcome measures that defined the success of procedural competency were also recorded.ResultsA total of 34 out of 598 studies met the inclusion criteria of which 28 were related to ESD, three to polypectomy and three to EMR. Outcome measures for polypectomy competency (en bloc resection, delayed bleeding and independent polypectomy rate) were achieved after completion of between 250 and 400 polypectomies and after 300 colonoscopies. EMR outcome measures, including complete resection and recurrence, were achieved variably between 50 and 300 procedures. Outcome measures for ESD included efficiency (resection rates and procedural speed) and safety (adverse events). En bloc resection rates of over 80% and R0 resection rates of over 70% were achieved at 20–40 cases and procedural speed increased after 30 ESD cases. Competency in safety metrics was variably achieved at 20–200 cases.ConclusionThere is a paucity of data on learning curves in LGI polypectomy, EMR and ESD. Despite limited evidence, we have identified relevant outcome measures and threshold numbers for the most common LGI polyp resection techniques for potential inclusion in training programmes/credentialing guidelines.
Policy Merchandising and Social Assistance in Africa: Don't Call Dog Monkey for Me
Authors: Adesina Jimi O. 
Published: January 2020

ABSTRACTThe title of this article draws on a Yorùbá aphorism that roughly translates into ‘don't sell me a dummy’. The dark side of social policy, the theme of this Debate, has a distinct character in the African context. The transformation of the African public policy landscape, shaped by the ‘counter‐revolution’ in development thinking, has taken a new form with the donor ‘policy merchandising’ of cash transfer schemes. The stratified and segregated social policy on offer contrasts with the historical experience of ‘donor’ countries themselves. The policy instrument advanced is cast as ‘a silent revolution in development’, embodying the idea of development shifting from structural transformation to poverty alleviation. What is promoted is an impoverished version of development. Within the discourse of ‘working with the grain of African politics’, the politics of social assistance policy merchandising starts with a notion of politics as clientelist. It then deploys the instrumentality of clientelism — within an imperial deployment of power — in the manufacture of civil society and policy coalition, to ensure the local adoption of a policy instrument that the extra‐territorial donor actors offer. This modality of public policy formulation contrasts sharply with the historical experience of public policy making in the ‘donor’ countries themselves. The result is the subversion of the consolidation of democracy in the African client states.
Factors contributing to student satisfaction with dental loupes and headlights
Authors: Reinhardt John W. , Romine Jarrett J. , Xu Zheng 
Published: January 2020

AbstractPurposeSurgical loupes and headlights are becoming standard equipment for dental professionals and students. Students often purchase these relatively expensive instruments with limited knowledge of which features will affect their satisfaction with use. The purpose of this study was to measure levels of satisfaction with loupes and headlights amongst dental and dental hygiene students after 1, 2 and 3 years of use, and use those findings to guide first‐year students in making better purchasing decisions.MethodsAn electronic survey was sent to all second, third and fourth year dental students as well as second‐year dental hygiene students at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) in October 2018. The survey asked students to respond to multiple questions with a 5‐level Likert scale measurement of satisfaction and provide open‐ended responses to questions about their loupes and headlights.ResultsNinety‐three percent of eligible students responded. Overall, 68% of students were very satisfied with their loupes and 56% were very satisfied with their headlights. Sixty‐seven percent of dental students chose 3.5× magnification or higher and 96% of dental hygiene students chose 2.5×.ConclusionsOf all characteristics evaluated for loupes, customer service and sales representatives received the lowest satisfaction ratings. For headlights, battery‐related factors (battery life in hours, rate of recharging, size or weight and on/off controls) received the lowest satisfaction scores. Information collected and reported in this way can help future students make better decisions when selecting products, vendors and features that will best meet their needs.
Resistance to fracture of extracted teeth used for pre‐clinical endodontic procedures: Influence of storage conditions
Authors: Mello Isabel , Michaud Pierre‐Luc , Tanner Nicole 
Published: January 2020

AbstractObjectivesThe purpose of this in vitro study was to determine whether different storage conditions used during endodontic procedures affect the fracture resistance of extracted teeth used for pre‐clinical dental education.MethodsFreshly extracted mandibular incisors and canines were sterilised in an autoclave for 40 minutes at 24°F under a pressure of 20 psi and then stored in distilled water at 4°C until use. Specimens were randomly assigned to two groups based on the storage method used whilst undergoing endodontic procedures. Between endodontic sessions, teeth in the Wet Group (n = 16 incisors; n = 4 canines) were stored in distilled water and teeth in the Dry Group (n = 16 incisors; n = 4 canines) were stored in a dry container. All specimens were kept at room temperature and away from sunlight. Endodontic treatments were performed in 3 sessions over a 3‐week period. The specimens were then brought to fracture under compressive forces along the long axis of the tooth in an Instron universal testing machine. The data were analysed using t tests (α = 0.05).ResultsNone of the teeth fractured during endodontic procedures. However, the compressive load required to fracture teeth stored under wet conditions was significantly higher than the load needed for teeth stored dry (P < .05).ConclusionsFracture resistance is affected by storage conditions; teeth stored in water have a higher resistance to fracture than teeth that are stored dry. Fracture resistance was, however, not reduced enough to lead to tooth fracture during pre‐clinical endodontic procedures.
Schools as learning organisations in Greece: Measurement and first indications
Authors: Papazoglou Asimina , Koutouzis Manolis 
Published: January 2020

AbstractSchool context—institutional, community, national socio‐cultural, economic and political—plays an important role in developing the characteristics of a learning organisation. In the last decade, the discussion on the school as a learning organisation (SLO) has emerged in Greece which is characterised by a centralised and highly bureaucratised educational system. However, there is a gap in studying SLOs nationwide in Greece and more importantly in using a valid and tested instrument related specifically to schools. The aim of this study was to examine the validity of the School as Learning Organisations Survey, based on Integrated Model of the School as Learning Organisation, used in a large scale nationwide SLO study in the Greek context and investigate whether two key antecedents, school size and school geographic location, are related to the level of schools' operating as learning organisations (LOs). A quantitative research was conducted in 418 primary schools throughout Greece. Findings showed that the Schools as Learning Organisations scale in the Greek context consisted of six dimensions and 65 items that loaded on these dimensions. Furthermore, “school size” is related to the transformation of schools into LOs. On the contrary, there seems to be no association between school geographic location and the operation of Greek schools as LOs.
Microbial dynamics and soil physicochemical properties explain large‐scale variations in soil organic carbon
Authors: Zhang Haicheng , Goll Daniel S. , Wang Ying‐Ping , Ciais Philippe , Wieder William R. , Abramoff Rose , Huang Yuanyuan , Guenet Bertrand , Prescher Anne‐Katrin , Viscarra Rossel Raphael A. , Barré Pierre , Chenu Claire , Zhou Guoyi , Tang Xuli 
Published: January 2020

AbstractFirst‐order organic matter decomposition models are used within most Earth System Models (ESMs) to project future global carbon cycling; these models have been criticized for not accurately representing mechanisms of soil organic carbon (SOC) stabilization and SOC response to climate change. New soil biogeochemical models have been developed, but their evaluation is limited to observations from laboratory incubations or few field experiments. Given the global scope of ESMs, a comprehensive evaluation of such models is essential using in situ observations of a wide range of SOC stocks over large spatial scales before their introduction to ESMs. In this study, we collected a set of in situ observations of SOC, litterfall and soil properties from 206 sites covering different forest and soil types in Europe and China. These data were used to calibrate the model MIMICS (The MIcrobial‐MIneral Carbon Stabilization model), which we compared to the widely used first‐order model CENTURY. We show that, compared to CENTURY, MIMICS more accurately estimates forest SOC concentrations and the sensitivities of SOC to variation in soil temperature, clay content and litter input. The ratios of microbial biomass to total SOC predicted by MIMICS agree well with independent observations from globally distributed forest sites. By testing different hypotheses regarding (using alternative process representations) the physicochemical constraints on SOC deprotection and microbial turnover in MIMICS, the errors of simulated SOC concentrations across sites were further decreased. We show that MIMICS can resolve the dominant mechanisms of SOC decomposition and stabilization and that it can be a reliable tool for predictions of terrestrial SOC dynamics under future climate change. It also allows us to evaluate at large scale the rapidly evolving understanding of SOC formation and stabilization based on laboratory and limited filed observation.
Compartmentalized cytotoxic immune response leads to distinct pathogenic roles of natural killer and senescent CD8+ T cells in human cutaneous leishmaniasis
Authors: Covre Luciana Polaco , Devine Oliver Patrick , Garcia de Moura Renan , Vukmanovic‐Stejic Milica , Dietze Reynaldo , Ribeiro‐Rodrigues Rodrigo , Guedes Herbert Leonel de Matos , Lubiana Zanotti Raphael , Falqueto Aloisio , Akbar Arne N. , Gomes Daniel Claudio Oliveira 
Published: January 2020

SummaryCytotoxic activity mediated by CD8+ T cells is the main signature of the immunopathogenesis of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). Here, we performed a broad evaluation of natural killer (NK) cell phenotypic and functional features during cutaneous leishmaniasis. We demonstrate for the first time that CL patients present the accumulation of circulating NK cells with multiple features of replicative senescence including low proliferative capacity and shorter telomeres, elevated expression of CD57, KLRG1 but diminished CD27 stimulatory receptor expression. Moreover, they exhibited higher cytotoxic and inflammatory potential than age‐matched controls. The accumulation of circulating senescent NK cells (CD56dim CD57bright) correlated positively with skin lesion size in the same patients, suggesting that they, like circulating senescent CD8+ T cells, may contribute to the immunopathology of CL. However, this senescent population had lower cutaneous lymphocyte antigen expression and so had diminished skin‐homing potential compared with total or senescent CD8+ T cells. This was confirmed in CL skin lesions where we found a predominance of CD8+ T cells (both senescent and non‐senescent) that correlated with the severity of the disease. Although there was also a correlation between the proportions of senescent NK cells (CD56+ CD57+) in the skin and lesion size, this was less evident. Collectively our results demonstrate first‐hand that senescent cytotoxic cells may mediate skin pathology during human cutaneous leishmaniasis. However, as senescent cytotoxic CD8+ T cells predominate in the skin lesions, they may have a greater role than NK cells in mediating the non‐specific skin damage in CL.