bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Older Children are at Increased Risk of Plasmodium Vivax in South-Central Ethiopia: A Cohort Study
Authors: Gari Taye , Lindtjørn Bernt , Solomon Tarekegn 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Introduction: Better understanding of the distribution of Plasmodium vivax and its risk factors could be used to prevent and control malaria infection. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize the distribution and risk factors of P. vivax, and to compare them with P. falciparum occurrence in south-central Ethiopia.Methods: A cohort of 34,548 individuals were followed for 121weeks between 2014 and 2016 as part of larger cluster randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effect of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS) on malaria prevention in Ethiopia. Weekly home visit (active search) and patient self- report to health post (passive search) between the weekly home visits were used to register malaria cases. A blood sample was collected by finger prick and malaria was diagnosed using rapid diagnostic test (RDT). Generalized estimating equation (GEE) Poisson model that accounts for repeated measure of malaria episodes was applied to assess the risk factors of P. vivax episode. Results: The overall incidence rate of P. vivax was7.4 episodes per 1,000 person-years of observation. The study showed households closer to the lake Zeway and Bulbula river (potential mosquito breeding sites) were more at risk of P. vivax infection (Incidence Rate Ratio (IRR): 1.33; 95% CI = 1.23 –1.45). Furthermore, the age group under 5 years (IRR: 1.40, 95% CI=1.10 –1.79), the age group 5-14 years (IRR: 1.27, 95% CI=1.03 –1.57) and households with less educated household head (IRR: 1.63, 95% CI=1.10 –2.44), house roof made of thatch/leaf (IRR: 1.35, 95% CI = 1.11 -1.65) were at higher risk for P. vivax. Similar explanatory variables such as distance from the breeding sites, age group (under 5 years but not 5-14 years old), educational status and type of housing were also found to be the predictors of P. falciparum incidence. Conclusion: Household living closer to a mosquito breeding site, age group under 15 years, less educated household heads and thatch/leaf roof housing were the risk factor for P.vivax. The result of this study can be used for tailored interventions for malaria control and prevention by prioritizing those living close to potential mosquito breeding site, enhancing bed net use of children less than 15 years of age, and improving housing.
Factors Affecting the Grief Process After Perinatal Loss: A Case Control Study
Authors: Kishimoto Makiko , Yamaguchi Arisa , Niimura Marina , Mizumoto Miki , Hikitsuchi Tatsuo , Ogawa Kohei , Ozawa Nobuaki , Tachibana Yoshiyuki 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Factors associated with the grief process in response to perinatal loss have been investigated. However, few studies focused on the intrapersonal factors, such as developmental and personality traits. To investigate medical and psychosocial risk factors, including inter- and intrapersonal factors for the development of complicated grief following perinatal loss, while considering emotional support.Methods: A total of 50 subjects who were treated for grief due to perinatal loss at the National Center for Child Health and Development were divided into two groups according to the treatment period (<6 months: n = 28; ≥6 months: n = 22). We compared medical and psychosocial variables between the two groups using the χ2 test and t-test. All data were further analyzed using a logistic regression model to adjust for confounding effects.Results: Subjects who had traits of developmental/personality disorders (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 7.21, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.21–42.9, P =.030), and those treated with psychoactive drugs (adjusted OR: 5.77, 95% CI: 1.09–30.5, P =.039) required a longer treatment period (≥6 months).Conclusions: Patients with personality/developmental traits and those with active psychiatric symptoms required a more extended treatment period in response to loss, suggesting the accumulation of negative factors in these patients; thus, more intensive and specialized care is necessary for these patients. Precise analysis of the coping style, attachment style, communication skills, and life history including relationship with the original family of the patients may have implications on the approach toward patients with complicated grief after perinatal loss. Studies with larger sample size are required to increase the reliability of the present findings, and future research should address the effects of the differential attachment and coping styles of patients with developmental/personality traits on the grief process.
The Effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on Resilience of Vulnerable Women at Drop-In Centers in the Southeast of Iran
Authors: Adelian Hamideh , Shahraki Sedigheh Khodabandeh , Miri Sakineh , Farokhzadian Jamileh 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Vulnerable women such as female sex workers and addicted women are among vulnerable groups affecting the social and mental health of societies. They are prone to psychological problems such as anxiety, stress and reduced resilience due to their lifestyles. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is among interventions that many psychotherapists use to treat stress and anxiety. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of MBSR on resilience of the vulnerable women. Methods: The statistical population of this quasi-experimental study consisted of all eligible women referred to the drop-in centers in Kerman in the southeast of Iran. Sixty-three vulnerable women were randomly assigned into two groups of intervention (n=30) and control (n=33). The MBSR intervention was conducted for the intervention group in eight 90-minute sessions. Demographic characteristics questionnaire, and Connor-Davidson resilience scale were used to collect data before and one month after the MBSR intervention.Results: The results showed that the pre-test score of resilience was not significantly different between the intervention (53.40 ± 10.49) and the control (54.5 ± 9.27) groups (t=0.43, p=0.66). The posttest score of resilience in the intervention group (60.66 ± 6.71) was significantly higher than that of the control group (53.88 ± 7.54) (t = 3.58, P = 0.001). Moreover, a comparison of the pretest and posttest scores revealed a significant decrease in resilience of the control group (t=2.81, p=0.009).Conclusion: Since MBSR intervention increased resilience of the vulnerable women, researchers, managers, counselors, community health nurses and psychiatric nurses are suggested to consider such interventions to promote the health of women, especially vulnerable ones.
Organizing Preconception Care for Women Suffering from Chronic Diseases:&nbsp;Patients’ View on the Role of General Practitioners: A Qualitative Study.
Authors: Admiraal Laura , Schonewille Marit , Eugenia Mireina , Schonewille Lydia , Mulders Annemarie , Rosman Ageeth 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Women suffering from chronic diseases should preferably receive specialized individual preconception care (PCC) by an obstetrician before becoming pregnant. For most chronic diseases it is important that the disease is in remission or under control before conception, aiming for optimal pregnancy outcome. Especially, amongst other considerations, medication use should be monitored for toxicity before starting a pregnancy. Specific case findings followed by a referral to an obstetrician for specialized individual PCC by a general practitioner (GP) could be a solution to improve the uptake of PCC. The aim of this study was to explore patients’ views on PCC organized by general practitioners (GP) for women suffering from a chronic disease.Methods: We recruited participants via a public Facebook message. We asked women suffering from a chronic medical condition, aged 18-42 years, living in the Netherlands and planning to become pregnant to contact the researcher by a personal message. Once contacted, women received additional information about the aim of the study. After reading the study information, women were asked for participation and a digital informed consent was sent. Thereafter, an appointment for a semi-structured interview by telephone, the study intervention, was made. The interviews were audio-taped, transcribed verbatim and member checked. The transcripts were coded and analysed on facilitators and barriers for preconception care by GP’s, using NVivo 10.Results: 45 women replied to the public Facebook message. All women were contacted by the researcher. Finally, 23 women consented to participate in a semi-structured interview by telephone. This resulted in a heterogeneous study population. The participants indicated a range of facilitators and barriers for organizing PCC via the GP. The GP was viewed to be trustworthy, to have knowledge about their medical history and to have a coordinating role but limited knowledge about pregnancy. Patients preferred a referral from the GP to an obstetrician to have a face-to-face preconception consultation together with their medical specialist. Conclusions: According to women suffering from a chronic disease, PCC is ideally given by an obstetrician and medical specialist in a face-to-face consultation whereby the GP has a coordinating role.Trial registration: not applicable.
Seven Tumor-Associated Autoantibodies as a Eerum Biomarker for Primary Screening of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Tingting Chen , Wei Lu , Ping Chen 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Objective: Tumor-associated autoantibodies (TAAbs) are produced by the organism in response to peptides at the surface of tumor cells or proteins released by tumors. The purpose of this study is to analyze the expression of TAAbs in different pathological stages and determine their diagnostic value in early non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the expression of 7-TAAbs in 216 newly diagnosed NSCLC patients, 202 patients with lung benign diseases and 137 healthy cases. The expression of a panel of 7-TAAbs, including p53, GAGE7, PGP9.5, CAGE, MAGE A1, SOX2, GBU4-5, was measured by ELISA. Results: The serum levels of p53, GAGE7, PGP9.5, CAGE, MAGE A1, SOX2 and GBU4-5 were not statistically significant (P>0.05) in NSCLC, benign and healthy groups. The area under the curve (AUC) of 7-TAAbs were all lower than 0.70. The sensitivity of combined detection was the highest (26.39%), while the specificity was the lowest (88.62%). PGP9.5, SOX2, GAGE7, MAGE A1 and combined detection were significantly different among the three groups (P < 0.05). PGP9.5, GAGE7, MAGE A1 and combined detection were significantly different between the NSCLC and benign groups (P < 0.05). PGP9.5, SOX2, GAGE7 and combined detection were significantly different between the NSCLC and healthy groups (P < 0.05). The positive rate of the combined detection of 7-TAAbs was 44.44% in NSCLC stage IV, while that in the other three stages was less than 30.00%. Conclusions: The sensitivity of 7-TAAbs in early NSCLC was not high, so it cannot be used alone as a screening method for NSCLC. In view of the differences of positive rate between the NSCLC and non- NSCLC groups, 7-TAAbs can be used as a supplementary mean of NSCLC screening.
Ag2Se Nanowire Network as an Effective In-Materio Reservoir Computing Device
Authors: Kotooka Takumi , Lilak Sam , Stieg Adam , Gimzewski James , Sugiyama Naoyuki , Tanaka Yuichiro , Tamukoh Hakaru , Usami Yuki , Tanaka Hirofumi 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Modern applications of artificial intelligence (AI) are generally algorithmic in nature and implemented using either general-purpose or application-specific hardware systems that have high power requirements. In the present study, physical (in-materio) reservoir computing (RC) implemented in hardware was explored as an alternative to software-based AI. The device, made up of a random, highly interconnected network of nonlinear Ag2Se nanojunctions, demonstrated the requisite characteristics of an in-materio reservoir, including but not limited to nonlinear switching, memory, and higher harmonic generation. As a hardware reservoir, the devices successfully performed waveform generation tasks, where tasks conducted at elevated network temperatures were found to be more stable than those conducted at room temperature. Finally, a comparison of voice classification, with and without the network device, showed that classification performance increased in the presence of the network device.
Healthcare Workers’ Experiences of Working on the Frontline and Views About Support During COVID-19 and Previous Pandemics: A Systematic Review and Qualitative Meta-Synthesis&nbsp;
Authors: Billings Jo , Ching Brian Chi Fung , Gkofa Vasiliki , Greene Talya , Bloomfield Michael 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Healthcare workers across the world have risen to the demands of treating COVID-19 patients, potentially at significant cost to their own health and wellbeing. There has been increasing recognition of the potential mental health impact of COVID-19 on frontline workers and calls to provide psychosocial support for them. However, little attention has so far been paid to understanding the impact of working on a pandemic from healthcare workers’ own perspectives or what their views are about support. Methods: We searched key healthcare databases (Medline, PsychINFO and PubMed), reviewed relevant grey literature, screened pre-print servers and hand searched reference lists of key texts for all published accounts of healthcare workers’ experiences of working on the frontline and views about support during COVID-19 and previous pandemics/epidemics. Final searches took place on September 28, 2020. We conducted a meta-synthesis of all qualitative results to synthesise findings and develop an overarching set of themes and sub-themes which captured the experiences and views of frontline healthcare workers across the studies. Results: This review identified 46 qualitative studies which explored healthcare workers’ experiences and views from pandemics or epidemics including and prior to COVID-19. Meta-synthesis derived eight key themes which largely transcended temporal and geographical boundaries. Participants across all the studies were deeply concerned about their own and/or others’ physical safety. This was greatest in the early phases of pandemics and exacerbated by inadequate PPE, insufficient resources, and inconsistent information. Workers struggled with high workloads and long shifts and desired adequate rest and recovery. Many experienced stigma. Healthcare workers’ relationships with families, colleagues, organisations, media and the wider public were complicated and nuanced and could be experienced concomitantly as sources of support but also sources of stress. Conclusions: The experiences of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic are not unprecedented; the themes that arose from previous pandemics and epidemics were remarkably resonant with what we are hearing about the impact of COVID-19 globally today. We have an opportunity to learn from the lessons of these previous crises, mitigate the negative mental health impact of COVID-19 and support the longer-term wellbeing of the healthcare workforce worldwide.
Characterisation&nbsp;of serum protein electrophoresis patterns&nbsp;and C-reactive protein in canine tick-borne diseases
Authors: Asawakarn Sariya , Taweethavonsawat Piyanan 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Canine tick-borne diseases are important diseases with a worldwide distribution. In Thailand, the most important canine tick-borne diseases are ehrlichiosis, babesiosis and hepatozoonosis. The aim of this study was to determine the serum protein electrophoresis patterns and C-reactive protein levels associated with E. canis, B. canis or H. canis single infections.Results: In dogs infected with E. canis, B. canis and H. canis single infections, the albumin levels and A/G ratios were significantly decreased, whereas β2-globulin levels were increased (P < 0.05). The γ-globulin level was significantly increased in E. canis and H. canis infections (P < 0.05). A monoclonal gammopathy pattern was observed in E. canis and B. canis single infections while β–γ bridging patterns and increased β- and γ-globulin fractions were found in H. canis single infections. The C-reactive protein level was increased in dogs with blood parasite single infections and may be related to the pathogenesis of the infection.Conclusions: Serum protein electrophoresis patterns and C-reactive protein levels can be used to monitor health status and blood parasite problems in infected dogs.
Characterisation&nbsp;of serum protein electrophoresis patterns&nbsp;and C-reactive protein in canine tick-borne diseases
Authors: Asawakarn Sariya , Taweethavonsawat Piyanan 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background

Canine tick-borne diseases are important diseases with a worldwide distribution. In Thailand, the most important canine tick-borne diseases are ehrlichiosis, babesiosis and hepatozoonosis. The aim of this study was to determine the serum protein electrophoresis patterns and C-reactive protein levels associated with E. canis, B. canis or H. canis single infections.
Results

In dogs infected with E. canis, B. canis and H. canis single infections, the albumin levels and A/G ratios were significantly decreased, whereas β2-globulin levels were increased (P < 0.05). The γ-globulin level was significantly increased in E. canis and H. canis infections (P < 0.05). A monoclonal gammopathy pattern was observed in E. canis and B. canis single infections while β–γ bridging patterns and increased β- and γ-globulin fractions were found in H. canis single infections. The C-reactive protein level was increased in dogs with blood parasite single infections and may be related to the pathogenesis of the infection.
Conclusions

Serum protein electrophoresis patterns and C-reactive protein levels can be used to monitor health status and blood parasite problems in infected dogs.
Biodecolorization of Azo Dye Mixture (Remazol Brilliant Violet 5r and Reactive Red 120) by Indigenous Bacterial Consortium Obtained From Dye Contaminated Soil
Authors: Rajendran R , Kiruthika S , Saranya P , Mohan Arunkumar , Vaishali C V 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Discharge of the untreated wastewater containing dyestuff into the surrounding aquatic environment is of significant environmental concern. These dying effluents not only change the color of water bodies but also has many unfavorable conditions and release toxic by-products, which are mutagenic, carcinogenic, and hazardous to different life forms. The present study investigated the biodegradation and removal of dye mixture (Remazol Brilliant violet 5R and Reactive Red 120) using a new bacterial consortium isolated from dye contaminated soil. Among the total 15 isolates screened, the two most efficient bacterial species (SS07 and SS09) were selected and identified as Enterobacter cloacae (MT573884) and Achromobacter pulmonis (MT573885) through biochemical assays and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The removal efficiency of dye mixture by Enterobacter cloacae and Achromobacter pulmonis at an initial concentration of 100 mg L− 1 was 82.78 and 84.96%, discretely. The bacterial consortium was developed using selected isolates, and the optimum conditions for the removal of dyes were investigated by studying the effects of pH, temperature, carbon and nitrogen sources, dye concentration, and inoculum size. The maximum decolorization efficiency was achieved at pH, 7; temperature, 37°C; dye concentration, 100 ppm; and initial inoculum concentration, 0.5 ml, respectively. Mannitol and Ammonium sulfate was identified as the most suitable carbon and nitrogen sources for better bacterial growth and decolorization. The maximum removal efficiency of 91.3% achieved at the optimal conditions after 72 h of incubation. Decolorization of azo dyestuff by the developed microbial consortia conforms to the zero-order reaction kinetics model. Consortia of Enterobacter cloacae and Achromobacter pulmonis was established as an effective decolorizer for the Remazol Brilliant violet 5R and Reactive Red 120 dye mixture with > 90% color removal.
Use of the Maternal Foetal Triage Index: Addressing the Third Delay in Obstetrics
Authors: Vora Nirzarini Mukul , Maitra Nandita Krishnakant 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
PURPOSE: While several scales have been developed specifically for obstetric triage, the Maternal Foetal Triage Index (MFTI), a five-tier scale designed by Ruhl et al (2015) has been evaluated for women attending the triage area of a tertiary hospital. This study intends to evaluate the effect of MFTI score on third delay and maternal and neonatal outcomes.METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted over a convenience sample of 1000 subjects who attended the Labour and Delivery Unit of a tertiary care hospital over a period of one year. Assessment included maternal history, baseline vital signs and obstetric examination. The woman was categorised as per the MFTI scale and directed to the appropriate area for further management. Evaluation of the MFTI score was assessed based on predefined maternal and neonatal outcomes within 24h of attendance.RESULTS: A priority wise distribution of subjects based on their clinical diagnosis was found to be statistically significant for anaemia, previous caesarean section, postpartum haemorrhage, miscarriage and hypertensive disorders. Sixty seven percent of the subjects belonged to Priority 3-4 and the mean hospital stay duration varied from 8.26±7.68 days for Priority 1 to 3.82±2.74 days for Priority 4 (p<0.0001). The average time spent in the triage room was 30±17minutes. Maternal and neonatal outcomes were analysed according to priority based on OBICU admissions, mortality, NICU admissions and stillbirths and found to be significant.CONCLUSION: The MFTI scale significantly reduced the third delay, which is crucial in a high-volume, low-resource emergency obstetric setting. This also simplified handover of subjects, improved documentation and decreased time to secondary healthcare provider assessment.
Can Rheumatoid factor and Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptides predict true remission in rheumatoid arthritis patients? Study of relationship between autoantibodies levels and muskuloskelatal ultrasound findings in a sample cohort of Egyptian patients in clinical remission
Authors: Sayed Eman Hassan Al , Amin Doaa Shaker 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
BackgroundTrue remission is the ultimate goal for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) therapy. Our aim was to investigate the relationship between serum levels of rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptides (Anti-CCP) and ultrasonographic (US) findings in Egyptian RA patients in clinical remission.MethodsUsing data from a cross-sectional study on 50 RA patients in clinical remission or low disease activity (LDA) as defined by disease activity score (DAS28-ESR) cutoff points, performed in Alexandria University Hospital; we analyzed statistical relationships and correlations between RF, Anti-CCP) and Gray Scale (GS) and Power Doppler (PD) US using US7 score. US remission was defined as on a GS ≤ 1 and PD = 0. ResultsAmong 34 patients in clinical remission, 61.8% (21) of patients in clinical remission were in ultrasonographic remission, and 38.2% (13) of patients in clinical remission had subclinical ultrasonographic activity. Patients in clinical remission with US remission had significantly higher Anti-CCP (p= 0.006) but not RF (p= 0.086), than those in clinical remission with US subclinical activity. Anti-CCP positively correlated with synovitis score by power Doppler US (PDUS) (rs= 0.553, p= 0.001), and tenosynovitis/paratenonitis score by gray scale US(GSUS) (rs=0.389, p= 0.023).ConclusionWe demonstrated that patients in clinical RA remission with subclinical US activity had higher serum levels of Anti-CCP, but not RF. Such an association should guide further treatment decisions for those patients.