bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluating Field Performance of Highly Sensitive Malaria RDT: Detection of Infection Among Febrile Patients, Asymptomatic Pregnant Women and Household Contacts in Mpigi, Uganda
Authors: Kyabayinze Daniel , Kajungu Dan , Nambuya Proscovia M. , Okiira Christopher , Ndawula Bbaale , Kawooya Moses , Ssewanyana Isaac , Amutuhaire Maureen , Rutazaana Damian , Opigo Jimmy , Nabadda Susan.N. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
BackgroundWorld Health Organisation recommends that malaria case management be based on parasite-based diagnosis in all cases, but currently available tools for clinical use have limitations, including the inability to detect low-level infections. Currently, next-generation highly sensitive rapid diagnostic tests (hsRDT) for Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) are commercially available, but require field-based validation. This study evaluated the performance of the highly sensitive NxTek™ Eliminate Malaria Pf (NxTek) diagnostic test in health facilities and community settings in Mpigi district, Uganda in comparison to the conventional rapid diagnostic tests (cRDTs).MethodsBetween April and December 2019, symptomatic and asymptomatic participants were randomly enrolled from the Outpatient Department (OPD), Antenatal Care (ANC), and community settings. The participants were tested with both cRDTs and an hsRDT to detect Plasmodium falciparum HRP2 antigen and quality assured results with PCR as a reference. Geo-coded real time data were transmitted by health facility and community-based providers using a smartphone with custom designed software.ResultsAt the OPD, the parasite positivity rate was 13.3% for HS-RDT, compared to 6.4% with cRDT. The HS-RDT detected twice the number of positives compared to cRDT. At ANC, 11% (384/3,490) of the pregnant women were malaria parasite positive. HS-RDT detected more positive cases (10.4%) than cRDT (7.0%). At the community setting, 79.7% (2,397/3,009) of the under-five age group were positive for malaria parasites. Index clients in households resulted in a detection of 21.1% (1,877) asymptomatic positive especially among school going children. Health workers were able to learn how to effectively perform the HS-RDT, from a one-day training session. The additional support supervision was provided for VHTs to enable all to transmit results through the android phones. ConclusionUse of HS-RDTs increased case findings of low parasite density infections compared to cRDTs in study populations and provides the opportunity to eliminate malaria reservoirs through treatments. There were minimal additional training requirements when the HS-RDT kits were introduced. The observed increased positivity rates among school-age children call for integrating targeted interventions into school health programs.
Absolute Eosinophil Count May be an Optimal Peripheral Blood Marker to Identify Risk of Immune-Related Adverse Events in Advanced Malignant Tumors Treated with PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitors: A Retrospective Analysis.
Authors: Ma Yan , Ma Xiao , Wang Jingting , Wu Shanshan Shan , Wang Jing , Cao Bangwei 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background This study aimed to investigate the predictive values of serum biomarkers including absolute eosinophil count (AEC), neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet–lymphocyte ratio (PLR) with respect to immune-related adverse events (irAEs) during anti-PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor treatment in patients with advanced malignant tumors.Methods We retrospectively analyzed 95 patients with advanced cancer who were treated with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors from January 1, 2017 to May 1, 2020, in our cancer center. We then analyzed associations between irAEs and anti-PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor responses and evaluated the predictive values of serum biomarkers with respect to risk of irAEs.Results The incidence of irAEs was 55.8%. There were no statistically significant differences between the irAEs and no-irAEs groups in objective response rate (ORR) or disease control rate (DCR). However, landmark analysis showed that the irAEs group had better survival after 120 days following the initiation of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor treatment, compared with the no-irAEs group. The incidences of irAEs were greater in the high-AEC and low-NLR groups than in the low-AEC and high-NLR groups. Univariate logistic analysis showed that low NLR, ECOG performance status (0–1), and high AEC were risk factors for irAEs. Multivariate logistic analysis showed that high AEC and good ECOG performance status were independent predictors for irAEs.Conclusions irAEs may be associated with a survival benefit. Baseline AEC is a strong predictor of irAEs in patients undergoing treatment with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors.
Incongruence of neurophysiological manifestations as reflection of disturbances in synaptic pruning of the cortex in paranoid schizophrenia
Authors: Arkhipov Andrei Yurevich , Nurbekov Malik Kubanichbekovich , Strelets Valeria Borisovna 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Current study provides a comprehensive analysis of neurophysiological and molecular genetic data concerning the etiology of hallucinatory-paranoid syndrome in schizophrenia. The level of cortical excitation and inhibition was determined by analysis of event-related potential (ERP) parameters: latency and amplitude of intermediate (P200) and late (P300, N400) ERP components. The results showed the impossibility to determine the level of different cortical areas activation during perceiving stimuli of different significance in patients with hallucinatory-paranoid syndrome due to unidirectional shift of both ERP parameters to significant stimuli. The observed simultaneous increase of both amplitude and latency of these components in frontal regions is associated with an excessive number of aberrant synapses, and a decrease in the central regions is associated with synaptic deficit, this is due to disturbances in synaptic pruning of the cortex. Thus, the inhomogeneity of number and quality of synapses in central and frontal cortical areas was revealed, caused by inhomogeneity of their elimination process, which may be an essential condition for hallucinatory-paranoid syndrome emergence. An epigenetic analysis was also performed to assess the methylation level of gene expressing an extracellular matrix protein and playing a key role in neural connections distribution in ontogenesis. The detected epigenetic disorders in form of demethylation of RELN gene cause pathological synaptic pruning and elimination diversity in different brain areas.
Comparison of Robot-assisted versus Conventional Laparoscope on Incidence and Risk Factors of Postoperative Delirium for Patients undergoing radical prostatectomy: A single-center retrospective analysis
Authors: Hu Gangjun , Shao Weidong , Li Bixi , Rotem Naftalovich , Mia Castiglione , Ming Xiong , Xu Bo 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background

Robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy ( RALRP) has better effects than conventional laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP). However, limited data is available regarding the incidence and risk factors for developing postoperative delirium in patients undergoing these two procedures. This study aimed to assess the incidence of postoperative delirium in patients undergoing RALRP and LRP, and evaluated the risk factors for developing postoperative delirium
Methods

From June 2013 to December 2019, 81 cases of RALRP patients and 71 cases of LRP patients were included in this study. The unpaired Student t tests, repetitive measure analysis of variance and chi-square test were used to compare several different parameters. The binary logistic regression analysis was used to explore the independent risk factors of postoperative delirium .
Results

The incidences of postoperative delirium in group RALRP and LRP were (17.3% VS 32.4%, P = 0.03), IAP was (12.72 ± 1.87 VS 13.37 ± 1.12 mmHg; P = 0.01), PaCO2 at post-pneumoperitoneum and after loosening pneumoperitoneum were (47.89 ± 10.89 VS 38.65 ± 16.32 mmHg; P < 0.001; 40.77 ± 5.34 VS 43.57 ± 4.54 mmHg; P = 0.001), the overall cost was (8.29 ± 5.55 VS 5.18 ± 1.51 Ten thousand RMB, P < 0.001). The incidence of postoperative delirium increased 1.17 times, 1.13 times, and 1.66 times for each unit increase recovery time (Tr), post-pneumoperitoneum PaCO2 and IAP.
Conclusion

The RALRP group had a lower IAP, lower incidence of postoperative delirium and shorter recovery time compared with the LRP group, but the overall cost was higher. IAP was the main factor affecting the incidence of postoperative delirium.
A Study Depicting Histomorphology of Third Trimester Placenta in SARS-Cov-2 Positive Women
Authors: Jain Neelanjali , Malik Reeni , Balani Sharda 
Published: September 2021

Background: This study aims to detect association of SARS-COV-2 infection in terms of histopathological changes in the third trimester placenta.
Methods: SARS COV 2 positive placenta cases received in Department of Pathology, Gandhi Medical College and Hamidia Hospital, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. 7 cases were sent for histopathological examination. Clinical details, history, details of relevant investigation like D-dimer, blood reports etc. was taken from the electronic medical records and requisition form received in the Department of Pathology. Histopathological findings were analyzed and recorded.
Result: This is a case series depicting various histopathological changes in term placenta of 7 SARS Corona Virus 2 (COV-2) positive women in the age group of 20 years to 35 years exhibiting symptoms ranging from mild to severe degree. The major histopathological finding noticed is under perfusion of placenta of maternal side in greater extent as compared to fetal side under perfusion followed by signs of inflammation of membranes viz chorionitis and chorioamnionitis. Hence, through the study, we want to highlight micro vasculopathy as one of the pathophysiological features of SARS Corona Virus 2 (COV-2) which might be leading to these histopathological findings and its correlation with elevated levels of D – Dimer.
Conclusion: Covid 19 positive women with third trimester of placenta do not express any specific histomorphological findings. Our study shows only signs of maternal and fetal vascular under perfusion with mild acute chorionitis which might have a relationship to a microvascular disease induced by SARS COVID 19 virus, yet this cannot be ruled out consistently proven several associated factors.
2020 survey of Australian orthodontists’ procedures
Authors: Miles Peter , Freer Elissa , Ong Desmond 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Aim
This second survey of Australian Society of Orthodontists members was conducted to assess their treatment preferences and compare with the results of the 2013 survey.

Methods
Invitations to participate in an online survey were sent to a total of 481 members of the Australian Society of Orthodontists (ASO) and 142 replies were received (29.5% response).

Results
There is an average of one ASO member orthodontist per approximately 48,653 people in Australia. The average age of orthodontists is decreasing (median age = 49) but there is an increasing proportion of female orthodontists (25% up from 16%). Although practitioners preferred to wait and treat later for Class II cases, the Twin Block remained the most popular appliance for early intervention. TAD supported distalisers showed the biggest increase in popularity of Class II correction appliances although TAD use in general had declined slightly. The median extraction rate decreased from 23% in 2013 to 20% in this survey. Clear aligners were being used in a median 10% of cases (range 0% – 97%) with 18% of respondents producing in-house fabricated aligners. The most common clinical research question ASO members would like examined related to clear aligners.

Conclusion
Orthodontics in Australia has evolved since 2013 with an increase in the use of clear aligners and associated technology.
An in vivo spectrophotometric evaluation of Vivera® and Essix® clear thermoplastic retainer discolouration
Authors: Zafeiriadis Anastasios A , Karamouzos Andreas , Athanasiou Athanasios E , Eliades Theodore , Palaghias George 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Aim
To assess the in vivo colour alterations of two different clear thermoplastic retainers.

Methods
Thirty patients were randomly allocated into two Groups (N = 15) following the completion of active orthodontic treatment. Group 1 received Vivera® and Group 2 Essix® C+ thermoplastic retainers. Each patient was provided with two fabricated retainers (one for use and the other to serve as a control). The CIELAB parameters of the patients’ upper central incisors were measured with a SpectroShade™ spectrophotometer immediately after retainer placement (T0) and again after 15 days (T1), one month (T2) and three months (T3). The measurements were also performed on teeth without the retainer in place. ΔE differences were calculated.

Methods
ΔE changes from T0 to Tp T2 or T3 showed no statistically significant differences between Groups 1 and 2 within any combination of measurements or teeth. ΔEļŢ3-Ţ0ļ changes for used retainers were 1.55 times higher than control appliances (p = 0.002) and 1.44 times higher than for teeth-only (p = 0.004). For used retainers, changes between T3 and T0 were 1.56 times higher than between T and T0 and 1.47 higher than between T2 and T0 (p < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in ΔE between teeth 11 and 21.

Results
Used retainers exhibited greater colour change than control appliances or teeth-only readings, and increased commensurate with the duration of use. Vivera® and Essix® retainers exhibited similar colour stability. All differences observed were considered clinically acceptable (ΔE < 3.7), although prolonged use could cause clinically significant colour changes.
Temperature: a driving factor for Meloidogyne floridensis migration toward different hosts
Authors: Leitão Diego A. H. S. , Pedrosa Elvira M. R. , Dickson Donald W. , Oliveira Ana Karina S. , Rolim Mario Monteiro 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
The peach root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne floridensis, is an emerging species and may become a threat to peach growers if contamination and spread are not avoided. The influence of temperature and two plants – tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and French marigold (Tagete patula) – on the vertical migration of second-stage juveniles (J2) of M. floridensis was studied using 14-cm long segmented soil columns. Plants were transplanted into cups attached to the top of each column. Nylon meshes were placed between cups and columns to prevent downward root growth. About 1,000 freshly hatched J2 were injected into the base of the columns and then the columns were transferred to growth chambers at 20 and 26°C under a completely randomized block design with four replicates. The number of J2 in each ring of the columns as well as inside tomato or marigold roots was recorded at 3, 6, 9, and 12 days after injection (DAI). Nematode data were subjected to a repeated measures MANOVA. The presence of plants did not improve J2 migration as compared to control. M. floridensis migration was best at 20°C at first, with J2 migrating more than 13 cm as soon as 3 DAI, while it took 9 DAI for J2 to migrate long distances at 26°C. The distribution of J2 along the columns was similar at both temperatures at 12 DAI. Temperature had no influence on J2 penetration. French marigold did not hinder J2 migration, but fewer J2 penetrated its roots.
Processed Food And Food Additives In The Context Of Dysbiosis And Its Health Consequences
Authors: Szynal Kamila , Polaniak Renata , Górski Michał , Grajek Mateusz , Ciechowska Karolina , Grochowska-Niedworok Elżbieta 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
The intestinal microbiota has many important functions in the human body. Many factors influence its composition, including diet. It is well known that an unhealthy diet and processed food are not indifferent to health. Processed food is the subject of much research, most often in the context of the development of obesity, type II diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Food additives are widely used to improve the taste, texture or attractiveness of food. Due to the proven occurrence of intestinal dysbiosis in many diseases, various types of food additives and their impact on the intestinal microbiome should be tested. Some food additives have been proven to have adverse effects on the composition and quantity of the intestinal microbiota in animals, despite the doses used being in the ADI range.
The Effect of Phytochemical Extracts on Cytokine Gene Expression
Authors: Mashkina Elena V. , Alkhaddour Aziz 
Published: September 2021

Background:
In the last century, nutritional supplements have shown a wide spectrum of biochemical effects, most notably about immunomodulation and countering inflammation.

Objective:
This study investigates the impact of phytochemical compounds that are present in different quantities of pomegranate, grape seeds and garlic extracts on the expression of inflammatory (IL1β and IL6) and anti-inflammatory (IL10) genes, the effects of polymorphisms in these genes on this response.

Methods:
Human peripheral blood leukocyte cultures were treated with pomegranate (1.2% or 2.4%), garlic (0.5% or 1.2%), or grape seed (1.2% or 2.4%) extracts. Gene expression was assessed with real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Polymorphisms of the cytokine genes were analyzed using allele-specific PCR.

Results:
Pomegranate extract (2.4%) reduced the transcription of IL1β by 16-fold in comparison to control. The expression of IL6 relative to the control after the addition of grape seed extract (1.2%) was reduced by 100-fold. The grape seeds extract (1.2%) showed the effect of increasing transcription for IL10 compared to the control. The level of IL1β transcription in culture with garlic extract depends on the genotype of the cell for -31T>C polymorphism (r = 0.67 p = 0.03). There is correlation between polymorphism -174G>C and level gene expression IL6 (r=-0.66, p = 0.04) after adding grape seeds extract.

Conclusion:
The phytochemical compounds in pomegranate extracts and grape seed extracts play the role of anti-inflammatory by decreasing the gene expression of IL1β, IL6 and increasing the transcription of IL10.
Risk Factors of Dengue Fever in Urban Areas of Rawalpindi District in Pakistan During 2017: A Case Control Study
Authors: Awan Najma Javed , Chaudhry Ambreen , Hussain Zakir , Baig Zeeshan Iqbal , Baig Mirza Amir , Asghar Rana Jawad , Khader Yousef , Ikram Aamer 
Published: September 2021

Background
During August 2017, increased numbers of suspected dengue fever cases were reported in the hospitals of Rawalpindi district. A case control study was conducted to determine the risk factors among urban areas, dengue serotype, and recommend preventive measures.

Objective
The objective of the investigation was to determine the risk factors among urban areas, dengue serotype, and recommend preventive measures.

Methods
A case was defined as having acute febrile illness with one or more of the following symptoms: retro-orbital pain, headache, rash, myalgia, arthralgia, and hemorrhage. The cases were residents of Rawalpindi and were confirmed for dengue fever from August 30, 2017, to October 30, 2017. All NS1 confirmed cases from urban areas of Rawalpindi were recruited from tertiary care hospitals. Age- and sex-matched controls were selected from the same community with a 1:1 ratio. Frequency, univariate, and multivariate analyses were performed at 95% CI with P<.05 considered statistically significant.

Results
Totally 373 cases were recruited. The mean age was 36 (SD 2.9) years (range 10-69 years), and 280 cases (75%) were male. The most affected age group was 21-30 years (n=151, attack rate [AR] 40%), followed by 31-40 years (n=66, AR 23%). Further, 2 deaths were reported (case fatality rate of 0.53%). The most frequent signs or symptoms were fever (n=373, 100%), myalgia and headache (n=320, 86%), and retro-orbital pain (n=272, 73%). Serotype identification was carried out in 322 cases, and DEN-2 was the dominant serotype (n=126, 34%). Contact with a confirmed dengue case (odds ratio [OR] 4.27; 95% CI 3.14-5.81; P<.001), stored water in open containers at home (OR 2.04; 95% CI 1.53-2.73; P<.001), and travel to a dengue outbreak area (OR 2.88; 95% CI 2.12-3.92; P<.001) were the main reasons for the outbreak, whereas use of mosquito repellents (OR 0.12; 95% CI 0.09-0.18; P<.001) and regular water supply at home (OR 0.03; 95% CI 0.02-0.04; P<.001) showed protective effects. The geographical distribution of cases was limited to densely populated areas and all the 5 randomly collected water samples tested positive for dengue larvae.

Conclusions
Stored water in containers inside houses and subsequent mosquito breeding were the most probable causes of this outbreak. Based on the study findings, undertaking activities to improve the use of mosquito repellents and removing sources of breeding (uncovered water stored indoors) are some recommendations for preventing dengue outbreaks.
PIVC Best Practices: A Path to Performance Improvement
Authors: Davidson Erin , Arora Prachi 
Published: September 2021

Highlights

Abstract
Background: Insertion of peripheral vascular access devices (PIVC) is fundamental to patient care and may affect patient outcomes. Baseline data of PIVC insertions at a large medical center revealed that catheters required multiple insertion attempts, catheter hubs were manipulated to place extension sets, increasing the risk of complications, dwell times did not meet current standards, nurses experienced blood-exposure risk, and overall compliance with the hospital documentation policy was suboptimal. A 3-phase quality improvement project was conducted to address these concerns.
Methods: In Phase 1, an assessment of the current state of PIVC insertions and care was conducted using a mixed-methods approach consisting of an observational audit of insertion and maintenance practices, and retrospective chart reviews. In Phase 2, PIVC policies and practices were updated to reflect current standards. A new advanced design PIVC device was adopted, and education was provided to all staff. In Phase 3, the impact of these changes on key PIVC measures was assessed 1 year later.
Results: The analysis of the data found several improvements following implementation of an integrated IV catheter system: first-stick success rate increased from 73% to 84%, staff blood exposure was reduced from 46.67% to 0% (P = .01), improper securement of PIVC catheters was reduced from 11% to 0% (P = .002), and documentation compliance rate increased from 68% to 80%. The median PIVC dwell time doubled (from 2 days to 4 days).
Conclusion: Changes to policy, practices, and products plus education can improve the PIVC first-stick success, dwell time, documentation, and staff safety.
PELATIHAN PENYUSUNAN, PEMBUATAN, DAN PENGGUNAAN MEDIA PEMBELAJARAN BAGI GURU DI KECAMATAN LEMONG
Authors: Miswar Dedy , Basri Muhammad , Yarmaidi Yarmaidi , Aristoteles Aristoteles 
Published: September 2021

Kemampuan dan keterampilan guru baik menggunakan maupun mengadakan media pembelajaran dalam proses belajar mengajar di dalam kelas bukan lagi merupakan suatu hal yang dapat diabaikan, akan tetapi ini merupakan suatu keharusan, mengingat dalam era pembangunan pendidikan di masa sekarang dan mendatang bertitik tolak pada kualitas keluarannya. Tujuan dalam pelatihan ini untuk meningkatkan pengetahuan, kemampuan dalam membuat dan kemampuan dalam menggunakan media pembelajaran. Metode yang digunakan dalam pelatihan ada 2, yaitu: ceramah (40%) dan praktik (60%) dengan jumlah peserta sebanyak 65 orang guru. Hasil pengabdian menunjukkan bahwa tingkat pemahaman berupa sikap, penguasaan, dan pembuatan media pembelajaran oleh peserta dilakukan dengan semangat yang ditunjukkan dari hasil post test yang memperoleh nilai yang baik para peserta sebanyak 65 orang atau 76,47%.