bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Perspectives and practices of health workers around diagnosis of paediatric tuberculosis in hospitals in a resource-poor setting – modern diagnostics meet age-old challenges
Authors: Oliwa Jacquie Narotso , Odero Sabina Adhiambo , Nzinga Jacinta , Hensbroek Michaël Boele van , Jones Caroline , English Mike , Hoog Anja van't 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background Detection of tuberculosis (TB) in children in Kenya is sub-optimal. Xpert MTB/RIF® assay (Xpert®) has the potential to improve speed of TB diagnosis due to its sensitivity and fast turnaround for results. Significant effort and resources have been put into making the machines widely available in Kenya, but use remains low, especially in children. We set out to explore the reasons for the under-detection of TB and underuse of Xpert® in children, identifying challenges that may be relevant to other newer diagnostics in similar settings. Methods This was an exploratory qualitative study with an embedded case study approach. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews; small-group discussions; key informant interviews; observations of TB trainings, sensitisation meetings, policy meetings, hospital practices; desk review of guidelines, job aides and policy documents. The Capability, Opportunity and Motivation (COM-B) framework was used to interpret emerging themes. Results At individual level, knowledge, skill, competence and experience, as well as beliefs and fears impacted on capability (physical & psychological) as well as motivation (reflective) to diagnose TB in children and use diagnostic tests. Hospital level influencers included hospital norms, processes, patient flows and resources which affected how individual health workers attempted to diagnose TB in children by impacting on their capability (physical & psychological), motivation (reflective & automatic) and opportunity (physical & social). At the wider system level, community practices and beliefs, and implementation of TB programme directives impacted some of the decisions that health workers made through capability (psychological), motivation (reflective & automatic) and opportunity (physical). Conclusion We used comprehensive approaches to identify influencers of TB case detection and use of TB diagnostic tests in children in Kenya. These results are being used to design a contextually-appropriate intervention to improve TB diagnosis, which may be relevant to similar low-resource, high TB burden countries and can be feasibly implemented by the National TB programme.
Retrospective study of quadratus lumborum block for postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy
Authors: Chen Luning , Ji Jingjing , Tian Yali , Sun Qing , Qiu Xuefeng , Li Xiaogong , Li Bingbing 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: The postoperative analgesic effect of transmuscular quadratus lumborum block (QLB-TM) in patients following lower abdominal surgeries has been identified, however, the efficacy of QLB using the lateral approach (QLB-L) is still in debate. Therefore, this retrospective study was conducted to investigate the effect of a single-shot block with QLB-L on postoperative analgesia for patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL).Methods: The medical information of the patients undergoing PCNL was retrieved from the electronic charter system (Medisystem, Suzhou, China) in our Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital during the period of Jan/2019 to Jun/2019. Among the total of 57 patients, there are 17, 18, and 22 patients subjected to QLB-L, QLB-TM, or routine treatment respectively. The primary observational parameter was to assess postoperative pain with visual analog scales (VAS) at rest 30 min after extubation, 24 h, and 48 h after surgery respectively. The secondary observatory endpoints including the consumption of intraoperative opioids, the cumulative dose of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and the incidence of adverse events related to postoperative analgesia were evaluated as well.Results: The static VAS score at 24 h after surgery and the intraoperative consumption of sufentanil were significantly lower in patients receiving either intervention of QLB-L or QLB-TM as compared with those receiving routine treatment. However, one shot of QLB had no impact on VAS scores at 30 min post-extubation, 48 h after PCNL procedure compared with the patients receiving routine treatment. The percentage of non-ambulatory patients within 24 h post-PCNL was significantly higher in the QLB-TM group compared with the routine treatment group (P=0.04). There were no significant differences in the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomit (PONV), respiratory depression, the time for the first defecation and the length of hospital stay (LOS) among the three groups.Conclusions: QLB-L procedure exerts as equivalent as QLB-TM in terms of abrogating postoperative pain within 24 h post-surgery and decreasing intraoperative sufentanil consumption in patients undergoing PCNL procedure as well. The caution should be taken to avoid lower extremities weakness in the patients after QLB-TM within the first 24 h post-PCNL.
Procalcitonin levels in children with bloodstream infections caused by different species: a cohort study
Authors: Bejarano José Iván Castillo , Ranero Agustín De Colsa , Rivera Oscar Tamez , Lozoya Andrés Guillen , Saldaña Napoleón González , Anaya Alfonso Huante , Benavente Ismael Herrera , Santos Abiel Mascareñas de los 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Timely diagnosis and accurate identification of the causative microorganism in sepsis is crucial in order to offer directed treatment and increase survival rates. Previous studies have aimed to identify biomarkers that could potentially predict blood culture positivity in patients with bacteremia; however, most of the research has been performed in adult populations. The aim of this study were to analyze procalcitonin levels in confirmed bloodstream infections by species in children and assess its utility in immunocompromised patients. Methods: We included children who met the diagnostic criteria for sepsis, with PCT levels collected within a 72-hour period prior to obtaining a blood culture. Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare differences among groups. Receiver-operating characteristic curves were used to evaluate PCT cut-offs. Results: 120 patients were included, mean age of 55 months. Subjects with immunodeficiency mean PCT was 26.68 mcg/L, compared to 8.78 in immunocompetent hosts. Subjects with Gram-negative bacilli (GNB) had the highest mean PCT levels (18.2 ± 34.2). The difference among microorganisms was significant. Sensitivity and specificity were 78% and 53% for Gram-positive cocci, 60.9% and 33.3% for GNB, and 75% with 25% for yeasts. Subgroup analysis showed 87.5% sensitivity and 16.7% specificity of PCT for predicting GNB blood culture in immunodeficiency children. Conclusions: PCT could be considered as a surrogate biomarker in immunocompromised children and a viable tool to differentiate etiology by species. Key words: Procalcitonin; Sepsis; Bacterial sepsis
Growth differentiation factor 15 is associated with cardiovascular outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease
Authors: Li Man , Duan Lei , Cai Yulun , Li Huiying , Hao Benchuan , Chen Jianqiao , Liu Hongbin 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) is a marker of inflammation, oxidative stress and it is associated with adverse prognosis in cardiovascular disease. The aim of the present cohort study is to investigate the prognostic value of GDF-15 in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) during long-term follow up.Methods: A total of 3641 consecutive patients with CAD were prospectively enrolled into the study and followed up for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) and all-cause death up to 5.3-7.6 years. Plasma GDF-15 was measured and clinical data and long-term events were registered. The patients were subsequently divided into three groups by the levels of GDF-15 and the prognostic value of GDF-15 level with MACEs and all-cause death was evaluated.Results: After a median follow-up at 6.4 years later, 775 patients (event rate of 21%) had developed MACEs and 275 patients died (event rate of 7.55%). Kaplan–Meier analysis indicated that the patients with GDF-15 > 1800 ng/L were significantly associated with an increased risk of MACEs and all-cause death. Cox regression analysis indicated that GDF-15 > 1800 ng/L were independently associated with the composite of MACEs (HR 1.74; 95% CI: 1.44–2.02; P＜0.001) and all-cause death (HR 2.04; 95% CI 1.57–2.61; P＜0.001). For MACEs, GDF-15 significantly improved the C-statistic (area under the curve, 0.583 [95% CI, 0.559-0.606] to 0.628 [0.605-0.651]; P＜0.001), net reclassification index (0.578; P=0.031), and integrated discrimination index (0.021; P=0.027). For all-cause death, GDF-15 significantly improved the C-statistic (0.728 [95% CI, 0.694-0.761] to 0.817 [0.781-0.846]; P＜0.001), net reclassification index (0.629; P=0.001), and integrated discrimination index (0.035; P=0.002).Conclusions: In the setting of CAD, GDF-15 is associated with long-term MACEs and all-cause death, and provides incremental prognostic value beyond traditional risks factors.
Genetic diversity of Plasmodium falciparum in Grande Comore Island
Authors: Mze Nasserdine Papa , Bogreau Hervé , Diedhiou Cyrille K. , Herdell Vendela , Rahamatou Silai , Bei Amy K. , .Volkman Sarah K , BASCO Leonardo , Mboup Souleymane , Ahouidi Ambroise D. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background Despite several control interventions resulting in a considerable decrease in malaria prevalence in the Union of the Comoros, the disease remains a public health problem with high transmission in Grand Comore compared to neighboring islands. In this country, only a few studies investigating the genetic diversity of Plasmodium falciparum have been performed so far. For this reason, this study aims to examine the genetic diversity of P. falciparum by studying samples collected in Grande Comore in 2012 and 2013, using merozoite surface protein 1 ( msp1 ), merozoite surface protein 2 ( msp2 ) and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genetic markers. Methods A total of 151 positive rapid diagnostic test (RDT) samples from Grande Comore were used to extract parasite DNA. Allelic families K1, Mad20 and RO33 of the msp1 gene as well as allelic families IC3D7 and FC37 of the msp2 gene were determined by using nested PCR. Additionally, 50 out of 151 samples were genotyped to study 24 SNPs by using high resolution melting (HRM). Results Two allelic families were predominant, the K1 family of msp1 gene (55%) and the FC27 family of msp2 gene (47.4%). Among 50 samples genotyped for 24 SNPs, 42 (84%) yielded interpretable results. Out of these isolates, 36 (85%) were genetically unique and 6 (15%) grouped into two clusters. The genetic diversity of Plasmodium falciparum calculated from msp gene ( msp1 and msp 2) and SNPs was 0.82 and 0.6 respectively. Conclusion In summary, a large genetic diversity of P. falciparum was observed in Grande Comore. This may favor persistence of malaria, and might be one of the reasons for the high malaria transmission compared to neighboring islands. Further surveillance of P. falciparum isolates, mainly through environmental management / vector control, is warranted until complete elimination is attained.
Reliable and rapid smooth extubation after Ketofol for induction of general anesthesia in Laparoscopic Drilling of polycystic ovary: A randomized controlled trial.
Authors: Mahmoud Atef Mohamed Sayed , Ragab Safaa Gaber , Botros Joseph Makram 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background : the outcome of ketofol on the hemodynamics and the airway response during induction of general anesthesia has been studied before. Its effect on the smoothness of extubation has not been studied before. So, we aimed to assess the effect of ketofol on the smoothness of extubation and compare it with propofol only for the induction of general anesthesia. Methods: This double-blind, randomized, and controlled study was conducted on one hundred and six American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical status ''ASA PS'' class I and II female patients aged 18-40 years old and scheduled for laparoscopic drilling for polycystic ovary disease under general anesthesia. The patients were assigned into one of two groups (53) patients each; group KP = ketofol and group P = propofol. Results: There was a good sedation score during suction and extubation in the ketofol group. Airway response and smoothness of extubation were better in the ketofol more than the propofol group. Conclusion: Ketofol as an induction anesthetic agent was effective in attenuating the airway response during extubation more than profofol only. Trial registration: This trial was retrospectively registered at the Clinical Trial.gov with the Identification Number: NCT04365686.
Upstream Region of OprD Mutations in Imipenem-Resistant and Imipenem-Sensitive Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Isolates
Authors: Kiani Masoumeh , Astani Akram , Afkhami Hamed , Khaledi Mansoor , Fathi Javad , Rostami soodabeh , Zarei Mohadeseh , Zandi Hengameh 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: The current study was aimed to investigate the prevalence of the mutations of the oprD gene among imipenem-resistant and -sensitive Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from educational hospitals in Yazd, Iran.Methods: In this study, 90 P. aeruginosa isolates were collected from different clinical samples and transferred to the Department of Microbiology, Shahid Sadoghi University of Medical Science, during 2015 to 2016. All isolates were identified by the conventional biochemical tests and antibiotic resistance was determined using disk diffusion method. E. test was performed to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of imipenem. The mutations of upstream of the oprD coding region and its promoters and 54 primary nucleotide of this gene were recognized by the amplification of this region and subsequently sequenced.Results: Seventy (77.7%) of isolates had MIC≥16 and were resistant to imipenem. The results showed that the rate of resistance to imipenem is increasing. Mutations of the upstream of the oprD gene and its promoters were seen in 25 (86.2%) of isolates and 4 strains had no mutation. All of the imipenem-resistant isolates had mutations. One isolate had a base substitution A→ C at nt 25 in coding region and this isolate had a point mutation leading to an amino acid change at positions 9 (I→L). Conclusion: The results showed that imipenem resistance is increasing in P. aeruginosa, also indicated that the point mutations were the most common cause of the inactivation of upstream of the oprD coding region among P. aeruginosa isolates, it seems this mechanism is effective in resistance of isolates to imipenem.
Performance Evaluation of Direction Cosine Matrix and Madgwick’s as 3D Orientation Estimation Algorithm for Estimating Ground Contour
Authors: Wibowo Eri Prasetyo , Purwanto Imam , Christie Dennis Aprilla , Musa Purnawarman , Soerowirdjo Busono 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Contour interval is elevation difference between two contour lines that are adjacent and parallel. Ground Contour interval is an important information that must be provided in a construction. Ground contour interval estimation problem could be viewed as a 3D trajectory estimation problem. One framework, called dead reckoning, is often used for motion (position and orientation) tracking of a mobile systems over time. Dead reckoning requires a precise 3D orientation estimation algorithm. Two competing algorithms are Direction Cosine Matrix and Madgwick’s. To ensure the 3D trajectory estimation gives an accurate result, these two algorithms must be carefully and thoroughly evaluated. This research is part of a complete research on the development of a ground contour estimation and only focuses on comparison between two 3D orientation estimation algorithm.
Proteomic Profiling Reveals Differentially Expressed Proteins Associated with Amylose Accumulation During Rice Grain Filling
Authors: Zhang Hengdong , Chen Jiana , Shah Shuanglü , Cao Fangbo , Chen Guanghui , Zou Yingbin , Huang Min , Abou-Elwafa Salah Fatouh 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
BackgroundAmylose accumulation in rice grains is controlled by genetic and environmental factors. Amylose content is a determinant factor of rice quality in terms of cooking and eating. Great variations in amylose content in indica rice cultivars have been observed. The current study was to identify differentially expressed proteins in starch and sucrose metabolism and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathways and their relationships to amylose synthesis using two rice cultivars possess contrasting phenotypes in grain amylose content.ResultsSynthesis and accumulation of amylose in rice grains significantly affected the variations between rice cultivars in amylose contents. The high amylose content variety have three down-regulated differentially expressed proteins, i.e., LOC_Os01g62420.1, LOC_Os02g36600.1, and LOC_Os08g37380.2 in the glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathway, which limit the glycolytic process and decrease the consumption of glucose-1-phosphate. In the starch and sucrose metabolic pathway, an up-regulated protein, i.e., LOC_Os06g04200.1 and two down-regulated proteins, i.e., LOC_Os05g32710.1 and LOC_Os04g43360.1 were identified (Figure 4). Glucose-1-phosphate is one of the first substrates in starch synthesis and glycolysis that are catalyzed to form adenosine diphosphate glucose (ADPG), then the ADPG is catalyzed by granule-bound starch synthase Ⅰ (GBSS I) to elongate amylose.ConclusionsThe results indicate that decreasing the consumption of glucose-1-phosphate in glycolytic process is essential for the formation of ADPG and UDPG, which are substrates for amylose synthesis. In theory, amylose content in rice can be regulated by controlling the fate of glucose-1-phosphate.
Qingfei Tongluo formula attenuated pulmonary inflammation and embolism in mycoplasma pneumonia mice
Authors: Jiang Yong-hong , xiao Zhen , Jiang Zhi-Yan , Zhao Xiao-Yang , Lv Jia-jia , Li Qian 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background

Qingfei Tongluo formular (QT) is a homemade agent for the Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) treatment developed by pediatrics of Shanghai Longhua hospital, which combining with AZM(azithromycin) has better clinical curative effect. This study aims at exploring the chemical components and clarifying the possible mechanism involved in.
Methods

LC-MS was used for chemical analysis. The mycoplasma pneumoniae infected mice were treated with AZM and QT (46.25 and 92.5 mg/g) for 3 days. Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) and monocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were measured by haemacytometer. IL-6, IL-10, IL-1β and IL-13 in BALF were identified by ELISA assay. HE staining was employed for histological examination. TLR4, COX-2 and NF-κB expressions were assessed by western blot.Student‘s t test was used to compared the differences between two groups, while one-way analysis of variance was used when more than two groups were compared. P < 0.05 was taken as statistical significance.
Results

10 compounds were identified in QT. After QT treatment, PMNs and monocytes in BALF were reduced and release of inflammatory cytokines was also mediated. HE staining showed that QT effectively arbitrated the inflammation and embolism in lung tissue. QT also blocked the TLR4-NF-κB-COX-2 signaling.
Conclusions

QT showed favorable effect in MPP treatment by diminishing the inflammation symptoms and regulating the TLR4-NF-κB-COX-2 signaling, which could act as a new agent for MPP therapy.
China&#x2019;s bottom trawl fisheries and their global impact
Authors: Zhang Xiong , Vincent Amanda 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
China dominates the world’s highly destructive bottom trawl fisheries (BTF), active in 30 countries and landing 28% of BTF catch. We created the first time series for China’s BTF, from 1950 to 2018, and examined their national and global impacts. Between 1978 and 1997, China’s BTF fleet increased 47 fold (in numbers) and 26 fold (in engine power), driving enormous acceleration in Asia’s fishing capacity. China embarked on BTF globally from 1985, particularly in East Asia and Africa. Such distant water fisheries (DWF) absorb about 20% of China’s BTF capacity. China’s rampant BTF raises significant concerns: fish availability plummeted wherever China fished, domestically and in DWF; there are strong indications of fishing through the food web and fishing indiscriminately in China’s EEZ; and the mean trophic level of catch eaten by humans has declined. Urgent management interventions are needed to stem such ‘slash-and-burn’ fishing practices in China and worldwide.
The Quiet Crisis of PhDs and COVID-19: Reaching the financial tipping point.
Authors: Johnson Rebecca L. , Coleman Ross A. , Batten Nicole H. , Hallsworth Djuna , Spencer Emma E. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Before the COVID-19 crisis, existing high levels of financial concerns amongst PhD students increased their vulnerability to disruptive events. Impacts from the pandemic have increased their financial stress to the point that may result in many being forced to exit research studies. An exodus of doctoral students now would impact our future research capacity. The effects of the unfolding crisis on research students at a research-intensive Australian university was documented by a group of doctoral candidates who received 1,020 survey responses from their cohort. Here we show that the pandemic has severely affected research candidates and argue that these results have notable implications for a future research workforce. We found that 75% of students expect to experience financial hardship as a result of the pandemic. Consequently, 45% report being pushed beyond their financial capacities and expect to be forced to disengage from their research within six months. Comparative pre-COVID data from an Australian national survey, reports research student disengagement of 20% over four years. The 25% increase of expected disengagement, in a much-reduced period, signals a deeper PhD crisis. Swift intervention is required to avert substantial impacts to the pipeline of research talent.
Single atom dispersion of silicon as advanced versatile electrode material
Authors: Yang Ze , Song Yuwei , Zhang Chunfang , He Jianjiang , Li Xiaodong , Wang Xin , Wang Ning , Huang Changshui , Li Yuliang 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Silicon (Si) exhibits highest theoretical charge capacity and low discharge potential, but the associated volume expansion cannot be neglected. Here we report a single atom dispersion strategy to prepare a well distributed Si single atom based electrode material, which can effectively inhibit the volume expansion even when the storage sites are fully occupied. The dispersion of Si single atoms are achieved by bonding Si atom with acetylenic carbon atom, forming a three-dimensional diamond-like skeleton. Owing to the combination of Si and diyne in the stable diamond-like skeleton, the as-prepared material, named as silicon-diamondyne (Si-DY), exhibits extraordinary electrochemical performance. Si-DY has been predicted to exhibit ultrahigh theoretical specific capacity of 3674 mA h g-1, 2810 mA h g-1, and 1945 mA h g-1 in lithium-ion battery (LIB), sodium-ion battery (SIB) and potassium-ion battery (KIB), respectively. Especially, the as-prepared Si-DY samples also achieve very stable measured specific capacity in LIB (2350 mA h g−1), SIB (812 mA h g-1) and KIB (512 mA h g-1), as well as ultra-long cycling stability (up to 5000 charge/discharge cycles). Those excellent results demonstrate the single atom dispersion technology of Si atoms can be an efficient way to prepare high-utilization Si based electrochemical materials.