bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Performance of the point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen test in the diagnosis of schistosomiasis japonica in a human cohort from Northern Samar, the Philippines
Authors: Cai Pengfei , Mu Yi , Weerakoon Kosala G. , Olveda Remigio M. , Ross Allen G. , McManus Donald P. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
Zoonotic schistosomiasis, caused by Schistosoma japonicum, remains a major public health problem in the Philippines. This study aimed to evaluate the commercially available rapid diagnostic point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen (POC-CCA) test in detecting individuals infected with S. japonicum in a human cohort from an endemic area for schistosomiasis japonica in the Philippines.

Methods
Clinical samples were collectedin 18 barangays endemic for S. japonicum infection in Laoang and Palapag municipalities, Northern Samar, the Philippines, in 2015. The presence of CCA in filter-concentrated urine samples (n = 412) was evaluated using the commercial kits and the results were converted to images, which were further analyzed by ImageJ software to calculate R values. The diagnostic performance of the immunochromatographic POC-CCA test was compared using the Kato-Katz (KK) procedure, in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and droplet digital (dd) PCR assays as reference.

Results
The POC-CCA test was able to detect S. japonicum-infected individuals in the cohort with an eggs per gram of faeces (EPG) more than or equal to 10 with sensitivity/specificity values of 63.3%/93.3%. However, the assay showed an inability to diagnose schistosomiasis japonica infections in all cohort KK-positive individuals, of which the majority had an extremely low egg burden (EPG: 1–9). The prevalence of S. japonicum infection in the total cohort determined by the POC-CCA test was 12.4%, only half of that determined by the KK method (26.2%). When compared with the ELISAs and ddPCR assays as a reference, the POC-CCA assay was further shown to be a test with low sensitivity. Nevertheless, the assay exhibited significant positive correlations with egg burden determined by the KK technique and the target gene copy number index values determined by the ddPCR assays within the entire cohort.

Conclusions
By using in silico image analysis, the POC-CCA cassette test could be converted to a quantitative assay to avoid reader-variability. Because of its low sensitivity, the commercially available POC-CCA assay had limited potential for determining the status of a S. japonicum infection in the target cohort. The assay should be applied with caution in populations where schistosome parasites (especially S. japonicum) are present at low infection intensity.

Graphic abstract
Comparing learners’ knowledge, behaviors, and attitudes between two instructional modes of computer programming in secondary education
Authors: Sun Dan , Ouyang Fan , Li Yan , Zhu Caifeng 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundUnplugged programming is proved to be an effective means to foster the learner-centered programming learning. In addition to the final tests, learners’ programming knowledge, skills, and capacities are primarily demonstrated throughout the programming process, particularly in the situation when they encounter challenges and problems. However, few studies examine how learners engage in the programming processes and to what extent unplugged programming fosters learning. This research used a quasi-experimental design to investigate two instructional modes in China’s secondary education, namely, the instructor-directed lecturing and the learner-centered unplugged programming. Based on an analytical framework, this research used mixed methods to compare learners’ knowledge, behaviors, and attitudes under these two instructional modes.ResultsThe research results revealed discrepancies between two instructional modes. First, learners in the unplugged programming class achieved significantly higher scores on the programming knowledge assessment, compared to learners in the traditional lecturing class. Second, compared to the traditional lecturing class, learners in the unplugged programming class had higher test scores of the computational thinking skills, particularly on the cooperativity dimension. Next, discrepancies of in-class behaviors showed that learners in the unplugged programming class had frequent behaviors of listening to the instructor’s instructions and discussing with peers, while learners in the instructor-directed class had frequent behaviors of listening to instructor, taking notes, and irrelevant activities. Learners’ self-reported attitudes in the unplugged programming indicated a higher level of confidence than learners in the traditional lecturing class. Overall, this research revealed that the learner-centered unplugged programming had potential to improve learners’ programming knowledge, behaviors, and attitudes compared to the traditional instructor-directed lecturing of programming.ConclusionsAs a feasible and easy-to-use instructional activity in computer science education, unplugged programming is encouraged to be integrated in formal education to increase learners’ programming interests, motivations, and qualities. This quasi-experimental research compared learners’ programming knowledge, behaviors, and attitudes under two instructional modes. The results revealed critical discrepancies between two instructional modes on learners’ knowledge gains, in-class behaviors, and changes of attitudes towards programming. Pedagogical and analytical implications were provided for future instructional design and learning analytics of computer programming education.
Safety assessment of bio-synthesized iodine-doped silver nanoparticle wound ointment in experimental rats
Authors: Shittu Oluwatosin Kudirat , Oluyomi Olawale Issac , Gara Theresa Yebo 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
In the wake of antibiotic resistance, treatment of intractable wound have been very challenging and any alternative treatment which may lead to less use of antibiotics deserves further exploitation. Nanoparticle conjugates has potentially not only reduce antibiotic use but it has been considered safe and effectively disinfect wounds already colonized with resistant bacteria as well as promoting granulation tissue formation. In this study, Iodine-doped silver nanoparticle Ointment (Ag-I NPs) was investigated for its toxicological effect on excisional wound of albino rats.

Methods
Aqueous extraction of Piper guineense leaf was carried out and used for the synthesis of Ag-I NPs. The synthesized Ag-I NPs were characterized by Ultraviolet visible spectrophotometer which confirmed the availability of silver nanoparticles. The particles were then used to prepare a wound healing ointment for treating excision wound inflicted on wistar rat model. Blood samples, liver and kidney biopsies were collected on the 21st day of the experiment from all the rats for hematology, biochemical and histopathological analysis.

Result
In the hematological and biochemical analysis, hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) of experimental rats treated with Ag-I NPs were significantly different (p < 0.05) compared to the untreated group. In the histopathology, the photomicrograph of the liver showed the normal control, PEG, Ag-NP, and Ag-I NP groups remained intact displaying distinctive histo-morphological appearance and stable cell density while the untreated (UTD) group showed fatty liver and reduced cellular density. The kidney photomicrograph of the normal control and Ag- I NP groups were present with intact renal corpuscles while the other photomicrographs displayed corpuscular degeneration marked by the large halo-spaced bowman space.

Conclusion
Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) and iodine-doped silver nanoparticle (Ag-I NP) altered haematological parameters in the rats and also influenced some biochemical changes in the serum of the rats. While in the histopathological study, the antioxidant present in the plant extract used to synthesize Ag NPs and Ag I-NPs may have functioned in synergy to maintain and preserve the integrity of the hepatocytes and renal corpuscles of the rats.
Proposed framework for blockchain technology in a decentralised energy network
Authors: Dzobo Oliver , Malila Bessie , Sithole Lindokhuhle 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe integration of distributed renewable energy sources into the conventional power grid has become a hot research topic, all part of attempts to reduce greenhouse gas emission. There are many distributed renewable energy sources available and the network participants in energy delivery have also increased. This makes the management of the new power grid with integrated distributed renewable energy sources extremely complex. Applying the technical advantages of blockchain technology to this complex system to manage peer-to-peer energy sharing, transmission, data storage and build smart contracts between network participants can develop an optimal consensus mechanism within the new power grid. This paper proposes a new framework for the application of blockchain in a decentralised energy network. The microgrid is assumed to be private and managed by local prosumers. An overview description of the proposed model and a case study are presented in the paper.
Particle reconstruction of volumetric particle image velocimetry with the strategy of machine learning
Authors: Gao Qi , Pan Shaowu , Wang Hongping , Wei Runjie , Wang Jinjun 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThree-dimensional particle reconstruction with limited two-dimensional projections is an under-determined inverse problem that the exact solution is often difficult to be obtained. In general, approximate solutions can be obtained by iterative optimization methods. In the current work, a practical particle reconstruction method based on a convolutional neural network (CNN) with geometry-informed features is proposed. The proposed technique can refine the particle reconstruction from a very coarse initial guess of particle distribution that is generated by any traditional algebraic reconstruction technique (ART) based methods. Compared with available ART-based algorithms, the novel technique makes significant improvements in terms of reconstruction quality, robustness to noise, and at least an order of magnitude faster in the offline stage.
Clinical outcomes of combined anterior cruciate ligament and anterolateral ligament reconstruction: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ariel de Lima Diego , de Lima Lana Lacerda , de Souza Nayara Gomes Reis , de Moraes Perez Rodrigo Amorim , Sobrado Marcel Faraco , Guimarães Tales Mollica , Helito Camilo Partezani 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Objectives
To compare the clinical outcomes of isolated anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with combined reconstruction of the ACL and anterolateral ligament (ALL) of the knee.

Methods
A search was conducted on the PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, EMBASE, and Cochrane library databases, in line with the PRISMA protocol. The indexation terms used were “anterior cruciate ligament” OR “acl” AND “anterolateral ligament” AND “reconstruction.” Articles that compared patients submitted to combined ACL and ALL reconstruction with those submitted to isolated reconstruction of the ACL, with levels of evidence I, II, and III, were included. Studies with follow-up of less than 2 years and articles that did not use “anatomical” techniques for ALL reconstruction, such as extraarticular tenodesis, were excluded. A meta-analysis with R software was conducted, with a random effects model, presented as risk ratio (RR) or mean difference (MD), with a 95% confidence level (CI) and statistically significant at p < 0.05.

Results
Ten articles were selected, with a total of 1495 patients, most of whom were men, of whom 674 submitted to ACL and ALL reconstruction and 821 to isolated ACL reconstruction. Combined ACL and ALL reconstruction exhibited a statistically significant advantage in residual pivot shift (RR 0.34, 95% CI 0.24–0.47, I2 = 0%, p < 0.01), rerupture rate (RR 0.34, 95% CI 0.19–0.62, I2 = 0%, p < 0.01), Lachman test (RR 0.59, 95% CI 0.40–0.86, I2 = 21%, p < 0.01), and postoperative Lysholm score (MD 2.28, CI 95% 0.75–3.81, I2 = 73%, p < 0.01).

Conclusions
Combined ACL and ALL reconstruction obtained better postoperative clinical outcomes when compared with isolated ACL reconstruction, especially in reducing residual pivot shift and rerupture rate.
Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric method for trace quantification of ethyl methanesulfonate: a genotoxic impurity in dapoxetine hydrochloride
Authors: Panchakarla Ravi Kiran , Ravi Punna Rao , Kondapalli Venkata Gowri Chandra Sekhar 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
Dapoxetine hydrochloride is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor drug for treating premature ejaculation. This study was designed to develop and validate a sensitive and selective LC–MS/MS method for trace analysis of genotoxic impurity ethyl methanesulfonate in Dapoxetine hydrochloride.

Results
Chromatographic separation was achieved on the Shodex RSpak DS-413 column, 150 × 4.6 mm, 3.0 µm using eluent containing a equal volumes of acetonitrile and 0.1% v/v formic acid in water was used in the isocratic elution mode at a pump flow of 1.0 mL/min. No interference was observed at the retention time of ethyl methanesulfonate, indicating that the developed method is specific and selective for trace level quantification.The developed method was found to be linear in the concentration range of 1–50 ppm with coefficient of regression of 0.9997. Detection limit and quantification limit were determined to be 0.6 ppm and 1.0 ppm respectively. Acceptable RSD values (< 10.0%) and recovery results (> 90%) obtained from the accuracy and precison experiments indicate that the developed method is precise and accurate in the concentration range of 1–50 ppm. Ethyl methanesulfonate solutions were stable for two days when stored at room and refrigerated temperatures.

Conclusion
The developed method has the ability to quantify ethyl methanesulfonate in dapoxetine hydrochloride. Thus, the anticipated method has high probability to adopt in the quality testing laboratories of pharmaceutical industry.
My Cancer Genome: Coevolution of Precision Oncology and a Molecular Oncology Knowledgebase
Authors: Holt Marilyn E. , Mittendorf Kathleen F. , LeNoue-Newton Michele , Jain Neha M. , Anderson Ingrid , Lovly Christine M. , Osterman Travis , Micheel Christine , Levy Mia 
Published: September 2021

PURPOSE The My Cancer Genome (MCG) knowledgebase and resulting website were launched in 2011 with the purpose of guiding clinicians in the application of genomic testing results for treatment of patients with cancer. Both knowledgebase and website were originally developed using a wiki-style approach that relied on manual evidence curation and synthesis of that evidence into cancer-related biomarker, disease, and pathway pages on the website that summarized the literature for a clinical audience. This approach required significant time investment for each page, which limited website scalability as the field advanced. To address this challenge, we designed and used an assertion-based data model that allows the knowledgebase and website to expand with the field of precision oncology. METHODS Assertions, or computationally accessible cause and effect statements, are both manually curated from primary sources and imported from external databases and stored in a knowledge management system. To generate pages for the MCG website, reusable templates transform assertions into reconfigurable text and visualizations that form the building blocks for automatically updating disease, biomarker, drug, and clinical trial pages. RESULTS Combining text and graph templates with assertions in our knowledgebase allows generation of web pages that automatically update with our knowledgebase. Automated page generation empowers rapid scaling of the website as assertions with new biomarkers and drugs are added to the knowledgebase. This process has generated more than 9,100 clinical trial pages, 18,100 gene and alteration pages, 900 disease pages, and 2,700 drug pages to date. CONCLUSION Leveraging both computational and manual curation processes in combination with reusable templates empowers automation and scalability for both the MCG knowledgebase and MCG website.
Impact of Mobile Technologies on Cervical Cancer Screening Practices in Lagos, Nigeria (mHealth-Cervix): A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Okunade Kehinde S. , Soibi-Harry Adaiah , John-Olabode Sarah , Adejimi Adebola A. , Allsop Matthew J. , Onyeka Tonia C. , Akaba Godwin O. , Oshodi Yusuf A. , Salako Omolola , Ugwu Aloy O. , Adefemi Ayodeji , Anorlu Rose I. , Berek Jonathan S. 
Published: September 2021

PURPOSE We assessed the impact of mHealth on Pap test screening uptake and also determined the factors that affect screening uptake among women in Lagos, Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS A randomized controlled trial was carried out among women in two tertiary health institutions in Lagos, Nigeria, between July 2020 and March 2021. Participants were randomly assigned to either a text message (mHealth) intervention or usual care arm. The main study outcome was the uptake of Pap smear testing within 6 months of enrollment in the study. We tested the associations between two groups of continuous variables using the unpooled independent-sample t-test (normal distribution) and that of two groups of categorical variables with the chi-square (χ2) test. Using a multinomial logistic regression model, we adjusted for relevant sociodemographic and clinical predictors of uptake of Pap smear screening. Statistical significance was defined as P < .05. RESULTS There was a significantly higher rate of uptake of Pap smear screening among women in the mHealth arm compared with those in the usual care arm (51.0% v 35.7%, P = .031). Following adjustment in the final multivariate model, level of income (odds ratio [OR] = 5.13, 95% CI, 1.55 to 16.95), awareness of Pap smear (OR = 16.26; 95% CI, 2.49 to 76.64), General Outpatient clinic attendance, and introduction of mHealth intervention during follow-up (OR = 4.36; 95% CI, 1.44 to 13.22) were the independent predictors of Pap smear uptake. CONCLUSION The use of mHealth technologies intervention via short-text message services is a feasible solution for cervical cancer prevention in low- and middle-income countries, and thus, the widespread use of mHealth services by health care providers and policymakers could contribute to the implementation of cervical cancer prevention services in Nigeria and in the settings of other low- and middle-income countries.
Book Review: M. HESLOP, Medieval Greece: encounters between Latins, Greeks and others in the Dodecanese and the Mani [ser. Variorum Collected Studies]; foreword by Jonathan HARRIS [xvi-xviii] (London & New York: Routledge-Francis & Taylor Group, 2021)
Authors: ΠΕΡΡΑ ΦΩΤΕΙΝΗ Β. 
Published: September 2021

M. Heslop, Medieval Greece: encounters between Latins, Greeks and others in the Dodecanese and the Mani [ser. Variorum Collected Studies]; foreword by Jonathan HARRIS [xvi-xviii] (London & New York: Routledge-Francis & Taylor Group, 2021)
Ineffective humoral anti-tick IgY-response in birds: reaction against pathogen constituents?
Authors: Heylen Dieter , Bisaglia Beatrice , Fracasso Gerardo , Prinsen Els , Müller Wendt , Matthysen Erik 
Published: September 2021

Background:Variation in parasite burdens among hosts is typically related to differences in adaptive immunity. Comprehension of underlying mechanisms is hence necessary to gain better insights into endemic transmission cycles. Here we investigate whether wild songbirds that have never been exposed to ticks develop adaptive humoral immunity against endemicIxodes ricinusticks.Methods: Blue tits were exposed three times in succession to wildIxodes ricinusticks. For each infestation, serum samples were obtained. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was developed, using tick salivary antigens, in order to quantify the bird’s IgY response against ticks. In addition, at every sampling occasion the birds’ body weight (corrected for body size) and haematocrit level was determined.Results:Individual IgY levels against the ticks’ salivary proteins increased over three consecutive tick infestations, and large among-individual variation was observed. The responses were specifically directed againstI. ricinus; cross-reactivity against the congeneric tree-hole tickIxodes arboricolawas negligibly low. IgY responses did not impinge on tick feeding success (engorgement weight and attachment success). Yet, those birds with the highest immune responses were more capable to reduce the acute harm (blood depletions) by compensating erythrocyte loss. Furthermore, at the end of the experiment, these birds had gained more body weight than birds with lower IgY levels.Conclusions:Latter observations can be considered as an effect of host quality and/or tolerance mechanisms. Birds anticipate the (future) costs of the activation of the immune system by ticks and/or ongoing tick-borne pathogen infections. Furthermore, although unsuccessful against tick feeding, the IgY responses may indirectly protect birds against tick-borne disease by acting against salivary protein secretions on which pathogens rely for transmission.
Frailty in people with rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review of observational studies
Authors: Hanlon Peter , Morrison Holly , Morton Fraser , Jani Bhautesh D , Siebert Stefan , Lewsey Jim , McAllister David , Mair Frances S 
Published: September 2021

Background: Frailty, an age-related decline in physiological reserve, is an increasingly important concept in the management of chronic diseases. The implications of frailty in people with rheumatoid arthritis are not well understood. We undertook a systematic review to assess the prevalence of frailty in people with rheumatoid arthritis, and the relationship between frailty and clinical outcomes. Methods: We searched three electronic databases (January 2001 to April 2021) for observational studies assessing the prevalence of frailty in adults (≥18 years) with rheumatoid arthritis, or analysing the relationship between frailty and clinical outcomes in the context of rheumatoid arthritis. Titles, abstracts and full texts were assessed independently by two reviewers. Study quality was assessed using an adapted Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Results: We identified 17 analyses, from 14 different sample populations. 15/17 were cross-sectional. These studies used 11 different measures of frailty. Frailty prevalence ranged from 10% (frailty phenotype) to 36% (comprehensive rheumatologic assessment of frailty) in general adult populations with rheumatoid arthritis. In younger populations (<60 or <65 years) prevalence ranged from 2.4% (frailty phenotype) to 19.9% (Kihon checklist) while in older populations (>60 or >65) prevalence ranged from 31.2% (Kihon checklist) to 55% (Geriatric 8 tool). Frailty was associated with higher disease activity (10/10 studies), lower physical function (7/7 studies), longer disease duration (2/5 studies), hospitalization (1/1 study) and osteoporotic fractures (1/1 study). Conclusion: Our review found that frailty is common in adults with rheumatoid arthritis, including those aged <65 years, and is associated with a range of adverse features. However, these is substantial heterogeneity in how frailty is measured in rheumatoid arthritis. We found a lack of longitudinal studies making the impact of frailty on clinical outcomes over time and the extent to which frailty is caused by rheumatoid arthritis unclear.