bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Perceived risk factors for adolescent pregnancy in rural Paraguay
Authors: Palmer Sheri Patten , Matthews Rachel T , Heaston Sondra , Reed Shelly 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Purpose

Adolescent pregnancy creates challenges worldwide and manifests in both developing and developed countries. Little research has been done on factors contributing to adolescent pregnancy in Paraguay, especially among rural populations that also include indigenous people. Anecdotal information from these areas typifies adolescent pregnancy as high as 50–80%.
Methods

A qualitative study including a semi-structured interview was conducted to explore perceived risks for adolescent pregnancy in Paraguay. Adults who work closely with adolescents in school, community activities, or health clinics were interviewed. Thematic analysis was used to identify the most common factors leading adolescents to become pregnant.
Results

The factors identified include school non-attendance, inadequate sex education, social pressure, widespread cultural acceptance, limited life opportunities, and poor communication. In addition, participants identified possible interventions to mitigate the perceived risk factors.
Conclusions

Among possible interventions, the most voiced method was to provide culturally appropriate school-based comprehensive sex education. Such education based on the internationally acclaimed guidelines from the WHO and UNESCO could be culturally modified. It is appropriate to include families in the teaching as the Paraguayan minister of education has proclaimed the traditional family will play a role in the upcoming reform of sex education.
Atherogenic index of plasma is an independent predictor of ultrasound-proven nonalcoholic fatty liver disease among non-obese populations
Authors: Ye Hua-Jun , Chen Xu-Yan , He XiXi 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background & AimsEvidence regarding the association between atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in non-obese populations is limited. Our study aimed to investigate whether AIP predicts NAFLD in non-obese Chinese populations.MethodsThe present study was a population-based longitudinal study, including 16 173 non-obese participants who underwent health examinations in a tertiary hospital from January 2010 to December 2014. The primary outcome was developing NAFLD during the follow-up period. AIP was calculated as Log (Triglycerides/ high-density lipoprotein cholesterol).ResultsThe mean age of the included participants was 43.2 ± 15.0 years old, and about 52.5% of them were male. During the follow-up period, 2 322 of 16 173 (14.3%) participants developed NAFLD. In the fully-adjusted model, for every one standard deviation increased in AIP levels, the incidence of NAFLD increased by 52% (1.52, 95%CI 1.43, 1.60). The optimal cut-off point of AIP for incident NAFLD was 0.00 (receiver operator characteristic 0.76 [95% CI 0.75–0.77], sensitivity 0.68, specificity 0.72). Individuals with AIP values in the positive range had two-fold increased odds of developing NALFD compared with those with values in the negative range. After propensity score matching, for every one-SD increased in AIP levels, the incidence of NAFLD increased by 34% (HR 1.34, 95%CI 1.27, 1.41).ConclusionAIP is an independent predictor of incident NAFLD among Chinese non-obese populations.
Temporal Lobe Activation Predicts Episodic Memory Following Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Taing Abbie , Mundy Matthew , Ponsford Jennie , Spitz Gershon 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The temporal lobes are critical for episodic memories and are preferentially affected following a traumatic brain injury (TBI). As such, episodic memory difficulties are common following TBI; however, the underlying neural changes that precipitate or maintain these difficulties in the early phase of recovery remains poorly understood. Here, we use functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to interrogate the relationship of temporal lobe activation in response to face, scene, and animal stimuli. Twenty-five patients with moderate to severe TBI were recruited an average of 2 months’ post-injury and compared with 21 demographically similar healthy controls. Findings indicate that memory for faces was preferentially impaired, compared to scene and animal stimuli. Decreased activity in temporal lobe structures was present for both face (right transverse temporal gyrus) and scene stimuli (right fusiform gyrus), but not for animals. Greater activation in these structures was associated with better long-term recognition. These findings provide evidence to suggest that TBI: a) preferentially affects memory for complex stimuli such as faces and scenes, and b) causes aberrant neuronal processes despite lack of evidence of significant impairment in behavioural performance. The mechanisms underpinning these findings are discussed in terms of differences in verbalisation during encoding and reduced neural efficiency.
Highly Stabilized Flexible Transparent Capacitive Photodetector Based on Silver Nanowire/Graphene Hybrid Electrodes
Authors: Hwang Yooji , Hwang Young Hyun , Choi Kwang Wook , Lee Seungwon , Park Soo Jong , Ju Byeong-Kwon 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The need for photodetectors in various fields has gradually emerged, and several studies in this area are therefore being conducted. For photodetectors to be used in various environments, their transparency, flexibility, and durability must be ensured. However, the development of flexible photodetectors based on the current measurement techniques of conventional photodetectors has been difficult owing to the limitations of semiconductor materials. In this study, a new type of flexible and transparent capacitive photodetector was fabricated to address the shortcomings of conventional photodetectors. In addition, by introducing graphene electrodes to a new type of manufactured photodetector, devices with excellent overall chemical, thermal, and mechanical durability have been developed. Compared to photodetectors based on pristine Ag nanowire (AgNW) electrodes, AgNW/graphene hybrid electrode-based photodetectors exhibit a 20% higher photosensitivity. Also, the hybrid AgNW/graphene electrode on the dielectric layer exhibited low sheet resistance (~8 W/sq) and relatively high transmittance (~45%).
Cortical Reorganization in Unilateral Deafness Revealed by Auditory Evoked Response
Authors: Han Ji-Hye , Lee Jihyun , Lee Hyo-Jeong 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Profound unilateral deafness reduces the ability to detect the location of sounds, which is achieved with binaural hearing. Furthermore, the findings from previous studies have shown that unilateral deafness can cause a substantial change in the pattern of cortical activation, thereby leading to central reorganization in the whole brain. In the present study, we compared N1/P2 auditory cortical activities and the pattern of hemispheric asymmetry of normal hearing, unilaterally deaf, and simulated acute unilateral hearing loss groups during passively listening to speech sounds at different locations. The results show that P2 latencies were prolonged for left-side stimulation with greater angles in the horizontal plane. In the source analysis, a differential lateralization pattern was revealed such that the N1 source activation in the normal hearing subjects was greater in the left hemisphere, while contralateral activity was found in response to the stimulated side for the right-sided deaf and simulated acute hearing loss groups. However, no hemispheric lateralization was found for the left-sided deaf or simulated acute hearing loss groups. In addition, the cortical N1/P2 activities were inversely related to the duration of deafness in the right auditory region. These findings indicate that the cortical reorganization induced by monaural hearing deprivation differs depending on the side and duration of deafness.
Thrombopoietin receptor agonist eltrombopag prevents insulin resistance-mediated synaptic pathology via HIF1α/GSK3β/Sirt1 pathway
Authors: Yu He , Wang Xuebao , Liu Leping , Chen Baihui , Feng Shuya , Lu Xiaoai , You Ruimin , ding saidan 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background

Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is characterized by impaired cognitive function and memory loss, which are often the result of synaptic pathology. Insulin resistance has been reported to be closely correlated with the pathogenesis of MHE.
Methods

The effect of thrombopoietin receptor agonist eltrombopag (ELT) on neurodegeneration and insulin resistance was examined in the primary rat neurons and an MHE rat model.
Results

We found that the level of thrombopoietin receptor c-MPL (MPL) expression was decreased in MHE brains, and ELT administration improved insulin resistance, alleviated the destruction of synaptic formation and enhanced learning and memory in the MHE rats, indicating the relationship between dowregulated ELT and insulin resistance. Then in vitro, ELT treatment ameliorated the impairment of glucose uptake, indicating the reduction of insulin resistance. High dose of glucose inhibited insulin-stimulated downregulation of Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF1α) expression, the phosphorylation of GSK3β (pGSK3 β), upregulation of sirtuin-1 (Sirt1), destruction of synaptic formation and activity, which were all reversed by ELT treatment in insulin resistant neurons.
Conclusions

These results indicate that ELT is a promising potential therapeutic agent for insulin resistance and defect in learning and memory.
Use of PrimeStore® Molecular Transport Medium and Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra for Rapid Detection of Mycobacterium Bovis in African buffaloes (Syncerus Caffer).
Authors: Clarke Charlene , Smith Katrin , Goldswain Samantha J , Helm Christopher , Cooper David V , Kerr Tanya J , Kleynhans Léanie , Helden Paul D van , Warren Robin M , Miller Michele A , Goosen Wynand J 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Mycobacterium bovis is the causative agent of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in wildlife. Confirmation of M. bovis infection relies on mycobacterial culture, which is time-consuming. Collection and transportation of infectious material also pose a human health risk. PrimeStore® Molecular Transport Medium (MTM) has been shown to effectively inactivate infectious organisms, making it a safe method for handling infectious samples. This study investigated an in-field sampling technique for rapid, safe detection of M. bovis in buffalo tissues. Potentially infected tissues from bTB test-positive buffaloes were swabbed at post-mortem examination and stored in PrimeStore® MTM at ambient temperature until Xpert® MTB/RIF Ultra testing was performed. Additionally, tissue samples were frozen and transported before homogenisation for culture and Ultra testing. Oral swabs were collected from M. bovis-unexposed buffaloes as a negative control cohort. Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) DNA was detected by Ultra in 13/16 tissue swabs and 9/16 matched tissue homogenates from culture-confirmed M. bovis-positive buffalo tissues. MTBC DNA was not detected in swabs from M. bovis-unexposed animals, showing the potentially high specificity of Ultra with PrimeStore® swabs. PrimeStore® MTM sample processing, in combination with the Ultra assay, has the potential to provide a safe, rapid post-mortem screening test for M. bovis in buffaloes.
Effect of Heat Inactivation for the Detection of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Corona Virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) with Reverse Transcription Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (rRT-PCR): Evidence from Ethiopian Study
Authors: Hailemariam Belete Woldesemayat , Gebremicael Gebremedihin , Zealias Kidist , Yilma Amelework , Adane Sisay , Yimer Mengistu , Gutema Gadissa , Feleke Altaye , Desta Kassu 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) specimen handling needs a major concern due to the virus has a potential of easily transmittable to health care workers and laboratory personnel. Heat inactivation before nucleic acid isolation might permit safe testing, even though, the effect of heat inactivation on SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR detection results needs to be determined. Methods: An experimental study was conducted in Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) from September 25 to October 15, 2020. A total of 188 Oro-pharyngeal swabs were collected from COVID-19 suspected cases, referred to EPHI for SARS COV-2 testing during the study period. One group of the sample was inactivated at 56 °C heat for 30 min, and the other group was stored at 4°C for a similar period of time. RNA extraction and detection were done by DAAN Gene extraction and detection kit. Abbott m2000 RT-PCR was used for amplification and detection. Data analysis was done by using SPSS version 23.0; Chi-square and Pearson correlation test for qualitative and semi-quantitative analysis were used. P-value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.Results: Out of 188 total samples, 117 (62.2 %) and 118 (62.8%) were positive for ORF1a/b and N gene respectively before inactivation. Whereas after inactivation, 111 (59 %) was ORF1a/b and 116 (61.7 %) was N gene positive. Rate of positivity between groups was not statistically significant (p>0.05). The mean CT value difference between the two groups of ORF1a/b gene and N gene was 0.042 (95 % CI, -0.247- 0.331; t= 0.28; p = 0.774) and 0.38 (95% CI, 0.097 - 0.682; t =2.638; p = 0.010) respectively.Conclusion: Heat inactivation at 56 ℃ for 30 min has not statistically significant effect for the qualitative rRT-PCR detection of SARS-CoV-2. However, the finding also showed that there was statistically significant CT value increment after heat inactivation compared to untreated samples. Therefore, false-negative results with high CT value results (CT > 35) were found to be the challenge of this protocol. Hence alternative inactivation methods should be investigated and further studies should be considered.
Practice of Malaria Prevention and Control Methods and Associated Factors Among Rural Households in West Belessa District 2019
Authors: Aragie Tsigie Baye , wolde Haileab Fekadu 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: In Ethiopia, the burden of malaria continues to cause a substantial number of morbidity and mortality. Communities’ practices of malaria prevention and control methods contribute immensely to sustainable control of malaria. This evidence is quite limited in the study area. Hence, this study aimed to assess Practice of malaria prevention and control methods and associated factors among rural household in west belessa district, northwest Ethiopia, 2019. Method: Community-based cross-sectional mixed quantitative and qualitative study was conducted from April to June 2019, in West Belessa district, North West Ethiopia. Multistage sampling was used to select a 740 sample size. A structured questionnaire was used for the quantitative component and a semi-structured questionnaire for the qualitative component. Quantitative data collected by interviewing and qualitative data using focus group discussion. Quantitative data was coded and entered using Epi info software and analyzed using SPSS. The binary logistic regression model was fitted to identify the associated factors. Odds Ratio with 95% Confidence Interval was used to assess the strength of association. The qualitative data was transcribed manually using the thematic approach.Result: A total 738 subjects included with 99.7% response rate. 50.9% of respondents had good practice of malaria prevention and control methods. LLINs and IRS were practiced by 21.1% and 80.5% respectively. Poorest wealth quintiles [AOR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.27, 0.76], poor wealth quintiles [AOR=0.51, 95% CI: 0.30, 0.88], medium wealth quintiles [AOR = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.14, 0.42] and wealthy wealth quintile [AOR = 0.21, 95% CI: 0.12, 0.36], living in Menti Kebele [AOR = 3.88, 95% CI: 2.43,6.20], female sex [AOR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.47, 0.90], illiterate educational status [AOR = 0.34, 95% CI 0.16, 0.72] knowledge level poor [AOR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.36, 0.75] were significantly associated with good malaria prevention practice. All of the FGD participants participated at least one malaria prevention method. Conclusion: There were good IRS and environmental management malaria prevention practices, however, LLINs and other malaria prevention methods were poorly practiced. Wealth index, respondents living kebele, female sex, educational status, and respondents’ malaria prevention knowledge are predictors for the practice of malaria prevention.
Exosome-associated Mitochondrial DNA is Elevated in Patients with ME/CFS and Stimulates Human Cultured Microglia to Secrete IL-1β
Authors: Theoharides Theoharis C , Tsilioni Irene , Natelson Benjamin 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a debilitating disease that presents with fatigue, sleep disturbances, malaise and cognitive problems. The pathogenesis of ME/CFS is presently unknown and serum levels of potential biomarkers have been inconsistent. Methods: Exosomes were purified from serum obtained from patients with ME/CFS before and after exercise and their content of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) was determined by quantitative PCR. Exosomes from both patients and controls were incubated with cultured human microglia and release of interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) was measured by ELISA.Results: Here we show that serum mtDNA, associated with exosomes, is increased in ME/CFS after exercise. Moreover, exosomes isolated from patients with ME/CFS stimulate significant secretion of IL-1β from cultured human microglia. Conclusion: These results provide evidence for a potential novel pathogenetic factor and target for treatment of ME/CFS.
The Role of Health, Learning and Leadership Institutions in Schistosomiasis Research Uptake in Ingwavuma Area, uMkhanyakude District, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Authors: Mindu Tafadzwa , Chimbari Moses J. , Msesengwa Rosemary 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: MABISA (Malaria and Bilharzia in Southern Africa) project generated knowledge on schistosomiasis trends, prevalence, intensity and incidence under changing climatic conditions. Uptake of this knowledge may benefit the affected communities in the uMkhanyakude area to develop strategies that may reduce their vulnerability to schistosomiasis. Research uptake (RU) is dependent upon the engagement of various stakeholders who are likely to utilise the generated knowledge. This study purpose is to determine the role of health, learning and leadership institutions in the uptake schistosomiasis research findings. Methods: In-depth interviews with 18 key informants purposively selected from health, educational and social institutions were conducted. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Roles played by each stakeholder in community health communication were determined. The stakeholder’s power to influence the community and their interest for reducing the burden of schistosomiasis were interpreted using the Boston matrix. Results: The stakeholder analysis showed that teachers and nurses have a high influence and interest in solving the problem and can be partnered with in delivering schistosomiasis RU interventions. Councillors and village headmen had high influence but low interest in the problem of schistosomiasis but could participate in intervention activities or be consulted before the interventions are implemented. Health workers had high interest in the problem but had low influential power. They, however, can be consulted or be provided with information to share with the people they interact with in the community. The library had low interest in the problem; however they could assist by disseminating information about schistosomiasis through distribution and display of learning materials to library users.Conclusions: We concluded that knowledge uptake is highly influenced by stakeholder’s choice of communication channels. The role of stakeholders is determined by their interest, influence and ability to implement interventions. Therefore, for effective schistosomiasis knowledge uptake to occur, capacity building in health communication channels and buy-in by stakeholders are essential.
Assessment of the Seric Calcium and Parathormone Levels in Patients Underwent Hemithyroidectomy.
Authors: Palop Isabel Fernández , Martínez Cristina Fernández , Giménez María Jesús Segura , Samper María del Carmen Azorín , Fuster Rafael García 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background and objective: Hypocalcemia is one of the main complications that patients undergoing thyroid surgery can suffer. We believe that there may be an impact on serum parathormone and calcium values, despite only one thyroid cell is manipulated in thyroid lobectomy. The former explanation is the reason because we carried out a measurement and analised a potential correlation between them. Methods: This is a prospective study of 53 patients underwent thyroid lobectomy. The serum parathormone value was determined in the preoperative period, 15 min after extraction of the surgical piece, 24 hours and 3 weeks after surgery. Ionic calcium was also measured at 6 hours, 24 hours and 3 weeks. Postoperative parathormone values were compared as well as their gradient descent respect to the postoperative calcium value. The appearance of the parathyroid glands was described during surgery. Results: In none of the patients did the ionic calcium drop below 4mg / dl. The decrease in preoperative calcemia compared with the values at 6 and 24 hours had statistical significance, there were no differences compared to 3 weeks experiment. An analogous trend was observed between the percentage values of decrease in parathormone and postoperative calcemia. Conclusions: Although the calcemia decreased after a lobectomy, it always remained above 4 mg / dl. We conclude that hemithyroidectomy is a safe technique regarding the appearance of hypocalcemia in the postoperative period.
Emergence of Babesia Conradae Infection in Coyote-hunting Greyhounds in Oklahoma, USA
Authors: Stayton Erin M , Lineberry Megan , Thomas Jennifer , Bass Tina , Allen Kelly , Chandrashekar Ramaswamy , Yost Gene , Reichard Mason , Miller Craig 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Babesia species are intraerythrocytic Apicomplexan parasites that infect a wide range of vertebrate hosts. These pathogens are typically transmitted either by tick vectors or by direct blood-to-blood contact, and may cause life-threatening clinical disease such as thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia, and acute renal failure in canine hosts. While Babesia vogeli and Babesia gibsoni infections have both been reported in Oklahoma, reports of B. conradae infections have been limited to California. Methods: Whole blood samples were collected in EDTA tubes from all dogs in four separate kennels in Oklahoma. DNA was extracted from each blood sample and a nested PCR was performed using general Apicomplexan primers for the partial 18S rRNA gene. PCR products were electrophoresed in agarose matrix and appropriately sized amplicons were sequenced. Sequences were compared to reference 18S rRNA sequences available in GenBank, and samples with >98% homology to B. conradae (GenBank MK256976) were considered positive. B. conradae positive dogs were then treated with atovaquone (13.5 mg/kg TID) and azithromycin (10 mg/kg SID) for 10 days and retested at 30 and 60 days post treatment by PCR. Results: Fifteen of 40 dogs tested positive for B. conradae with 98–100% sequence homology to B. conradae from California. All positive cases were coyote-hunting Greyhounds. Treatment of clinically ill dogs with atovaquone and azithromycin resulted in complete clinical recovery in clinically ill dogs and all treated dogs had negative follow-up PCR at 30 and 60 days post treatment. Conclusions: Collectively, this study (i) documents the occurrence of B. conradae in Oklahoma, (ii) highlights this pathogen as a differential to be considered when clinical signs are present, and (iii) supports the use of atovaquone and azithromycin as effective treatment in these cases.