bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Malaria prevention practices and associated factors among households of Hawassa City Administration, Southern Ethiopia, 2020
Authors: Fikrie Anteneh , Kayamo Mihiret , Bekele Henok 
Published: May 2021

Background
Despite it is easily preventable; malaria is still remains to be a major public health problem in globally as well as in Ethiopia. The disease can be easily prevented through individual and societal combined efforts by keeping the environment safe, effective utilization of long lasting Insecticide Nets and early treatment. However, the factors for poor knowledge and practices of malaria prevention is not well studied in Ethiopia; particularly, in the study area. Hence, this study aimed to provide concrete evidence towards malaria prevention practices and associated factors among Households of Hawassa City Administration, Southern Ethiopia, 2020.

Method
A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among a randomly selected 598 households at Hawassa City Administration from April 1–15, 2020. Multistage sampling technique was employed to recruit the study households. Data were collected by trained data collectors through a face-to-face interview with pretested structured questionnaire, which was adapted from previous peer reviewed articles. Then the data were checked for the completeness and consistencies, then, coded and entered into Epi data 3.1 and it was exported to SPSS IBM version 23 for analysis. Descriptive mean with standard deviation was used to summarize the continuous variables. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression model was used to assess factors affecting prevention and control of Malaria. Finally, adjusted odds ratio together with 95% CI and p-value <0.05 was used to declare the statistical significances.

Results
The overall 317 (54.3%) of households practiced good measure of malaria prevention and control measures. Urban residence [AOR = 1.95 (95%CI: 1.17–3.24)], Secondary school completed [AOR = 5.02(95%CI 2.24–12.03)], Tertiary school completed [AOR = 7.27(95%CI: 2.84–18.55)], Positive Attitude [AOR = 8.20(95%CI: 5.31–12.68)] and Good knowledge about malaria [AOR = 2.81(95%CI: 1.78–4.44)] were significantly associated with malaria prevention practices.

Conclusions
Nearly half of the households were still practiced poor measure of malaria prevention and control measures. Hence, health officials and stake holders need attention by providing continuous health education and follow up to control malaria.
Readability of extraspinal organs on scout images of lumbar spine MRI according to different protocols
Authors: You Ja Yeon , Lee Joon Woo , Seo Jiwoon , Chai Jee Won , Chae Hee Dong , Kang Heung Sik 
Published: May 2021

BackgroundScout images of lumbar spine MRI often include the extraspinal organs, which are barely included in routine MRI and can be a potential cause of lumbar pain.PurposeTo evaluate the readability of scout images for extraspinal organs in lumbar spine MRI according to different protocols.Materials and methodsA total of 150 patients who underwent 1.5 T or 3 T lumbar spine MRI from March to September 2015 at three hospitals with different scout image protocols, were selected. Two radiologists independently reviewed the scout images to investigate whether exclusive diagnosis of major diseases involving the femoral head, femoral neck, sacroiliac joint, and kidneys was possible. Readability levels were divided into four categories: definitely, possibly, limited, and non-evaluable. The readability of scout images according to the protocols was compared using Chi-square test. Interobserver agreement for the readability level of scout images was assessed using weighted κ statistics.ResultsOf 150 patients, “definitely evaluable” cases classified by two readers were 50–62 (33.3–41.3%) for femoral head (κ = 0.63–0.71), 37–66 (24.7–44.0%) for femoral neck (κ = 0.41–0.48), 72–93 (48.0–62.0%) for sacroiliac joint (κ = 0.35–0.37), and 63–73 (42.0–48.7%) for kidneys (κ = 0.45–0.47). More than 50% of femoral heads were classified as readable (definitely or possible evaluable) cases by two readers with excellent interobserver agreement. The readability level of scout images was significantly different according to image protocols including the MRI sequence, number of coronal plane slices, and intersection gap of coronal plane slices (p≤0.015).ConclusionScout images of lumbar spine MRI may be readable enough to rule out some major diseases of extraspinal organs. Standardization of the protocol will be needed to validate the potential role of scout images for screening extraspinal organs.
Amelioration of lithiatic injury to renal tissue by candesartan and sodium thiosulfate in a rat model of nephrolithiasis
Authors: El-Ashmawy Nahla E. , El-Bahrawy Hoda A. , Ashmawy Heba H. , Khedr Eman G. 
Published: May 2021

Aim
Nephrolithiasis is a chronic metabolic condition affecting 10% of population worldwide. The present study aimed to investigate the possible protective role of candesartan (CAND) and sodium thiosulfate (STS) in ameliorating ethylene glycol (EG) induced nephrolithiasis.

Methods
One hundred male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: Normal control group, nephrolithiasis (EG) group (1% EG in drinking water), Cystone (CYS) group (EG + 750 mg/kg CYS, orally, once daily), STS group (EG + 0.4 gm/kg STS, intraperitoneally, 3 times/week) and CAND group (EG + 70 μg/mL CAND in drinking water). Treatments and EG administration commenced on the same day and continued for 28 days. CYS was used as reference drug. Urine, blood, and renal tissues were collected at the end of the experiment for assessment of kidney function tests (serum creatinine and urea), urinary (8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), calcium and oxalate), inflammatory and oxdative stress biomarkers (transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), osteopontin (OPN) and ratio of reduced glutathione to oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG)) in renal tissue.

Results
Serum (creatinine and urea), urinary (8-OHdG and oxalate) and renal (OPN and TGF-β) were significantly reduced in CAND and STS groups compared to EG group. Furthermore, renal GSH/GSSG and urinary calcium were significantly increased in CAND and STS groups compared to EG group. Histopathological results support the biochemical findings; CAND and STS groups showed less retention of crystals and necrotic damage in kidney. Also, microscopic examination of urine revealed less crystal for CAND and STS groups.

Conclusion
Candesartan and sodium thiosulfate exhibited protective effect against nephrolithiasis.
The use of 33 MHz ultra-high-frequency ultrasonography for the evaluation of sweat glands in the axilla with osmidrosis
Authors: Shinaoka Akira , Nakahara Ryuichi , Saeki Masanori 
Published: May 2021

Background
This study aimed to assess the use of 33 MHz ultra-high-frequency ultrasonography (33MHz-UHFUS) for evaluating axillary sweat glands with osmidrosis in comparison with histological techniques. Axillary osmidrosis is a common problem in Asian societies, and the number and size of apocrine sweat glands have a strong relationship with osmidrosis severity. Currently, there are no methods to evaluate sweat gland distribution non-invasively.

Methods
In this study, 35 skin specimens from 10 fresh human cadavers without osmidrosis and retrospective ultrasonographic images from 20 patients with osmidrosis were used. Skin specimens were embedded in paraffin, thinly sliced, and finally stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Histologically, the apocrine and eccrine glands were evaluated, and the top and bottom depths of follicles were measured from the skin surface. In 33 MHz ultrasonography images, the depths of sweat glands were measured, and the mean grey value was calculated using Image J.

Results
Compared to histological data, 33MHz-UHFUS could be used to identify sweat glands as a hyperechoic structure between the dermis and fat layer. Furthermore, it could evaluate sweat gland distribution but could not distinguish between types of sweat glands.

Conclusions
The distribution of sweat glands in the axilla can be non-invasively evaluated via 33MHz-UHFUS.
Programa Institucional de Bolsa de Iniciação à Docência (PIBID) e os licenciados: uma análise sobre as experiências formadoras
Authors: Santos Sonia Regina Mendes dos , Maneschy Patricia , Moraes João Marcos de Oliveira 
Published: May 2021

A pesquisa analisa a compreensão dos licenciandos do PIBID- Programa Institucional de Bolsa de Iniciação à Docência (PIBID) sob dois aspectos: o processo formativo na IES e a experiência nas escolas tendo como referencial teórico: Tardif (2002), Xavier (2014), Nóvoa (2009, 2017). Apoia-se o estudo no modelo Bottom Up de análise das políticas públicas, identificando o planejado e o realizado na implementação (HILL, 2006, MOREIRA, 2016) por meio de questionário semiestruturado respondido por 28 estudantes. As experiências de iniciação à docência no âmbito da escola auxiliam na compreensão sobre as atividades realizadas, oportuniza as práticas colaborativas entre os docentes e os estudantes. O programa repercute também nas instituições de ensino superior formadoras, oportunizando o repensar do currículo e a qualidade da educação. Destaca-se como resultado do PIBID os efeitos positivos sobre o processo de profissionalização docente e a ampliação da visão crítica sobre a educação no contexto atual.
Enhancing the Thermal and Mechanical Characteristics of Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA)-Hemp Protein Particles (HPP) Composites
Authors: Awad S. A. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis paper aims to describe the thermal, mechanical, and surface properties of a PVA/HPP blend whereby the film was prepared using a solution casting method. The improvements in thermal and mechanical properties of HPP-based PVA composites were investigated. The characterization of pure PVA and PVA composite films included tensile tests, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results of TGA and DSC indicated that the addition of HPP increased the thermal decomposition temperature of the composites. Mechanical properties are significantly improved in PVA/HPP composites. The thermal stability of the PVA composite increased with the increase of HPP filler content. The tensile strength increased from 15.74 ± 0.72 MPa to 27.54 ± 0.45 MPa and the Young’s modulus increased from 282.51 ± 20.56 MPa to 988.69 ± 42.64 MPa for the 12 wt% HPP doped sample. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) revealed that at elevated temperatures, enhanced mechanical properties because of the presence of HPP was even more noticeable. Morphological observations displayed no signs of agglomeration of HPP fillers even in composites with high HPP loading.
The Effect of the Compounding Procedure on the Morphology and Mechanical Properties of PLA/PBAT-Based Nanocomposites
Authors: Saiprasit P. , Schlarb A. K. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT)-based nanocomposites filled with 1 vol.% silicon dioxide nanoparticles (nano-SiO2) were prepared using a co-rotating twin-screw extruder and injection molding. The nanocomposites with various blending sequences were investigated using PLA-based and PBAT-based nanocomposite masterbatches. Morphology of the PLA/PBAT/SiO2 nanocomposites was examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and a focused ion beam (FIB) SEM. It is found that the nano-SiO2 locates in the original polymer phase, in which it is firstly incorporated in the masterbatch process, as well as at the interface between the two polymers. However, as the residence time in the extrusion process increases, the nanoparticles migrate from the original phase to the interface, governed by the thermodynamic driving force. The best optimization of mechanical properties is achieved by using the PBAT-based masterbatches with a one-step process or short residence time. The processing history, therefore, has a tremendous impact on the final properties of the resulting materials.
Understanding Holism in the light of principle underlying practice of Unani Medicine
Authors: Ahmad Wasim , Sofi Ghulamuddin , Alam Md Anzar , Zulkifle Mohd , Ahmad Bilal 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The holistic Unani medicine is fundamentally different from the reductionist conventional medicine. It asserts the self-integration amongst its basic disciplines, without considering them underlying principles of Unani system of medicine cannot be understood. The diagnosis, selection of drugs, and plan of treatment is also overlooked. Unani scholars attribute health to the functions or actions of the body in a normal way. The constitution is considered as the result of need based on the amalgamation of Arkan (primordial essence). Umoor Tabiya (basic principles) interact at many levels and manifest into Kaifiyyat (Mizaj), Akhlat (Humour), Arwaah (Pneuma), Quwa (faculties), and Tabiyat (Physis) which need to be understood properly for effective management and diagnosis of disease in Unani medicine as well as its treatment. Ilmul Asbab is applied in the prevention of disease as well as in disease causation. In Unani medicine, there should be conformity in between, Asbab (causes), Alamaat (symptoms), and therapeutics. Therefore; the treatment strategy needs the knowledge of Ilmul Asbab. This paper will examine the basic relationship amongst disciplines i.e. Basic principles, diagnosis, and principles of treatment. It will attempt to illustrate the need for awareness of the basic principles of health and disease for a physician for effective management of disease which is what Unani medicine claims to be holistic.
Static and dynamic performances of ferrofluid lubricated long journal bearing
Authors: Shah Rajesh C. , Shah Rajiv B. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Due to the advantageous property of reduction of load friction, low wear and good damping characteristics, journal bearings are widely used in industry. They are equipping various rotating machineries like small electrical motors to large generators, internal combustion engines, centrifugal pumps, turbine shaft of most jet engines, crankshaft of an automobile engines, etc. In this paper, static and dynamic performances of ferrofluid (FF) lubricated long journal bearing are studied using rotational and translational approach of the journal. Here, FF is controlled by the transverse uniform magnetic field. The modified Reynolds equation is derived by considering FF flow behaviour given by Shliomis and continuity equation in the film region. The dimensionless expressions for load-carrying capacity, frictional force and coefficient of friction are studied for static case, while the dimensionless expressions for stiffness coefficients and damping coefficients are studied for dynamic case. It is observed that comparing with conventional lubricant the bearing performance is significantly modified in the present analysis.
Rapid Cortical Adaptation and the Role of Thalamic Synchrony during Wakefulness
Authors: Wright Nathaniel C. , Borden Peter Y. , Liew Yi Juin , Bolus Michael F. , Stoy William M. , Forest Craig R. , Stanley Garrett B. 
Published: May 2021

Rapid sensory adaptation is observed across all sensory systems, and strongly shapes sensory percepts in complex sensory environments. Yet despite its ubiquity and likely necessity for survival, the mechanistic basis is poorly understood. A wide range of primarilyin vitroand anesthetized studies have demonstrated the emergence of adaptation at the level of primary sensory cortex, with only modest signatures in earlier stages of processing. The nature of rapid adaptation and how it shapes sensory representations during wakefulness, and thus the potential role in perceptual adaptation, is underexplored, as are the mechanisms that underlie this phenomenon. To address these knowledge gaps, we recorded spiking activity in primary somatosensory cortex (S1) and the upstream ventral posteromedial (VPm) thalamic nucleus in the vibrissa pathway of awake male and female mice, and quantified responses to whisker stimuli delivered in isolation and embedded in an adapting sensory background. We found that cortical sensory responses were indeed adapted by persistent sensory stimulation; putative excitatory neurons were profoundly adapted, and inhibitory neurons only modestly so. Further optogenetic manipulation experiments and network modeling suggest this largely reflects adaptive changes in synchronous thalamic firing combined with robust engagement of feedforward inhibition, with little contribution from synaptic depression. Taken together, these results suggest that cortical adaptation in the regime explored here results from changes in the timing of thalamic input, and the way in which this differentially impacts cortical excitation and feedforward inhibition, pointing to a prominent role of thalamic gating in rapid adaptation of primary sensory cortex.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTRapid adaptation of sensory activity strongly shapes representations of sensory inputs across all sensory pathways over the timescale of seconds, and has profound effects on sensory perception. Despite its ubiquity and theoretical role in the efficient encoding of complex sensory environments, the mechanistic basis is poorly understood, particularly during wakefulness. In this study in the vibrissa pathway of awake mice, we show that cortical representations of sensory inputs are strongly shaped by rapid adaptation, and that this is mediated primarily by adaptive gating of the thalamic inputs to primary sensory cortex and the differential way in which these inputs engage cortical subpopulations of neurons.
Complexities surrounding the diagnosis and management of hypercalcaemia in pregnancy
Authors: Rodrigo Natassia , Learoyd Diana , Glastras Sarah J 
Published: May 2021

Summary
Hypercalcaemia in pregnancy is uncommon, with associated adverse obstetric and perinatal outcomes for both the mother and the fetus. Determination of causality is central to its management. Diagnostic imaging techniques are limited during pregnancy and the diagnosis is made more complex by physiological changes in calcium and vitamin D homeostasis in pregnancy. Further, therapeutic options are limited due to safety considerations for the pregnant woman and the developing foetus. Three cases of hypercalcaemia in pregnancy will be presented, highlighting the distinct aetiologies and management strategies for hypercalcaemia in pregnancy and the importance of early measurement of serum calcium in pregnancy screening.

Learning points

There are complex physiological changes in calcium balance in pregnancy, including increased calcium intestinal absorption and renal excretion.

Hypercalcaemia in pregnancy is uncommon but has important potential maternal and foetal complications, making a compelling argument for routine antenatal, calcium screening.

Identifying the cause of hypercalcaemia in pregnancy can be challenging due to the complex placental interplay in biochemical test interpretation and due to safety constraints restricting imaging and surgery.

Acute medical management of hypercalcaemia must be considered in the context of both maternal and foetal well-being, along with gestational age and specific consideration for the safety of the developing fetus in late gestation.
Environmental Attitudes and Recycling Behaviour in Primary School Age: The Role of School and Parents
Authors: Šorytė Dovilė , Pakalniškienė Vilmantė 
Published: May 2021

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between environmental attitudes and recycling behaviour in primary school age, and to evaluate the role that school and parents play in the prediction of children’s attitudes and behaviour. Primary school pupils aged 8–11 years (n = 116), their parents and their class teachers participated in the study. During the structured face-to-face interviews, children answered questions about their recycling behaviour and environmental attitudes (i.e. eco-affinity and eco-awareness). Parents provided answers on their recycling behaviour, verbal modelling of the behaviour, incentives used when a child recycles waste, and environmental attitudes, while class teachers provided information about the recycling in children’s school. Structural equation models were tested with a purpose to evaluate the role of different independent variables, i.e. only school, only parental factors, or both, when predicting child recycling behaviour. Results of the study showed that children’s environmental attitudes had no significant links to their recycling behaviour. The only factor that appeared to be significant in the prediction of child behaviour was parental recycling behaviour. Furthermore, recycling in schools predicted pupils’ eco-awareness. Based on the study findings, it would be worthwhile to promote more practical training of pro-environmental behaviour, and to strengthen children’s eco-affinity.
Early Determination of Prognosis in Neonatal Moderate or Severe Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy
Authors: Ambalavanan Namasivayam , Shankaran Seetha , Laptook Abbot R. , Carper Benjamin A. , Das Abhik , Carlo Waldemar A. , Cotten C. Michael , Duncan Andrea F. , Higgins Rosemary D. 
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
Early determination of prognosis is important in neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Our objective was to test scoring systems developed earlier (original scoring system) and develop new prognostic models.

METHODS:
Secondary analysis of data from the multicenter randomized controlled trial of longer, deeper, or usual care cooling in neonatal HIE (NCT01192776) that enrolled 364 neonates diagnosed with moderate or severe HIE. The primary outcome was death or moderate or severe disability at 18 to 22 months, and secondary outcome was death during initial hospitalization. Testing of early neurologic clinical examination (&lt;6 hours of age) and the original scoring system for prognostic ability was done, followed by development of new scoring systems and classification and regression tree (CART) models by using early clinical variables (&lt;6 hours of age).

RESULTS:
For death or disability, the original scoring system correctly classified 75% (95% confidence interval: 69%–81%), whereas the new scoring system correctly classified 78% (73%–82%), and the CART model correctly classified 76% (72%–81%). Early neurologic clinical examination also had a correct classification rate of 76% (71%–80%). Depth and duration of cooling did not affect prediction. Only a few components of the early neurologic examination were associated with poor outcome. For death, the original scoring system correctly classified 72% (66%–77%), the new scoring system 68% (63%–72%), the new CART model 87% (83%–90%), and early neurologic evaluation 81% (77%–85%).

CONCLUSIONS:
The 3 models (scoring system, CART, and early neurologic evaluation) were comparable in predicting death or disability. For in-hospital death, CART models were superior to scoring systems and early neurologic examination.