bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Frequency of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) among patients with Helicobacter pylori infection
Authors: Rahat Adeel , Kamani Lubna 
Published: February 2021

Background and Objective: Helicobacter Pylori (H. pylori) is a widespread infection across the globe having a high prevalence among the developing countries. Iron Deficiency is anticipated to be the most prevalent micronutrient deficiency globally, the most frequent cause of anemia. Our objective was to determine frequency of Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) among patients with H. Pylori gastritis.
Methods: It was a cross-sectional prospective study. Patients fulfilling inclusion criteria were enrolled at Liaquat National Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. Blood samples were taken for serum iron, transferrin saturation, ferritin, and total iron-binding capacity and H.pylori assessed by urea breath test, stool for antigen, Rapid urease test or histopathology.
Results: 112 patients with H. Pylori infection with anemia were included. 53 (47.3%) were males & 59 (52.7%) were females with mean age of 38.4464 ± 9.00634 years. Iron deficiency anemia was seen in 42 patients (37.5%).
Conclusion: IDA was noted in 37.5% of cases. H. Pylori infection is a frequent cause of iron-deficiency anemia of previously unidentified origin among adults.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.3.3944
How to cite this:Rahat A, Kamani L. Frequency of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) among patients with Helicobacter pylori infection. Pak J Med Sci. 2021;37(3):776-781. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.3.3944
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Measure of unevenness in human genomes, described as a self-affine phase transition in a 'spin-chain’ model
Authors: Feranchuk Sergey 
Published: February 2021

Background: Non-Gaussian distribution of polymorphic positions across a genome can substantially influence the results of any approach to molecular evolution based on a 'classical' probability model. The infinite dispersion of non-Gaussian perturbations is a challenge in an attempt to accept it in a probability-based model of evolution. Methods: Here a model is proposed where non-Gaussian distribution is introduced to an exact solution of the 'Ising model'; it describes a behavior of one-dimensional chain of spins in an approaching to a phase transition. The distribution of fragments which are identical between two genomes is similar to distribution of islands of spins with the same orientation, in the model where non-integer dimension is introduced. Results: Application of this model allows us to compare the relative contributions of non-Gaussian perturbations for pairs of human genomes from different ethnic groups. An evolution of the three human races in a most compact presentation is considered, rates of development on the separated stages of the evolution are assumed to be proportional to a value of relative unevenness between the appropriate groups of genomes. In the resolved model, the meaningful details of the separation between Asian and European races are clarified, in a period around ten thousand years ago; a particular viewpoint to the separation of the African race is also presented. Conclusion: The proposed approximation of non-Gaussian perturbations in human genomes allows to support the statements which are otherwise missed in the scientific investigations of the early history of modern humans.
The Order-Dependent Luce Model
Authors: Tserenjigmid Gerelt 
Published: February 2021

I develop a simple axiomatic model that incorporates the order effect: the ordering of alternatives (e.g., ranking of universities, the location of products in a grocery store, the order of candidates on a ballot) affects choice frequencies. In my model, the probability of choosing an alternative is proportional to the utility of the alternative, similar to the Luce model. However, the utility of the alternative depends on the relative ordering of the alternative in the menu. I characterize this model by two weakenings of Luce’s axiom of independence of irrelevant alternatives. I discuss how to identify the ordering of alternatives from choice data when it is not observed. Finally, I apply my model to an optimal ordering problem and to experimental data on intertemporal choice. This paper was accepted by Manel Baucells, decision analysis.
The Value of Autonomous Vehicles for Last-Mile Deliveries in Urban Environments
Authors: Reed Sara , Campbell Ann Melissa , Thomas Barrett W. 
Published: February 2021

We demonstrate that autonomous-assisted delivery can yield significant improvements relative to today’s system in which a delivery person must park the vehicle before delivering packages. We model an autonomous vehicle that can drop off the delivery person at selected points in the city where the delivery person makes deliveries to the final addresses on foot. Then, the vehicle picks up the delivery person and travels to the next reloading point. In this way, the delivery person would never need to look for parking or walk back to a parking place. Based on the number of customers, driving speed of the vehicle, walking speed of the delivery person, and the time for loading packages, we characterize the optimal solution to the autonomous case on a solid rectangular grid of customers, showing the optimal solution can be found in polynomial time. To benchmark the completion time of the autonomous case, we introduce a traditional model for package delivery services that includes the time to search for parking. If the time to find parking is ignored, we show the introduction of an autonomous vehicle reduces the completion time of delivery to all customers by 0%–33%. When nonzero times to find parking are considered, the delivery person saves 30%–77% with higher values achieved for longer parking times, smaller capacities, and lower fixed time for loading packages. This paper was accepted by Vishal Gaur, operations management.
Nursing students' knowledge of palliative care: a short literature review
Authors: Alhamdoun Asala , Al Qadire Mohammad , Aldiabat Khaldoun M , Al-Rawajfah Omar 
Published: February 2021

Background: Health professionals must be knowledgeable and skilled in providing palliative care. This short report reviews the literature that has assessed student nurses' knowledge of palliative care. Method: The following databases were searched: CINHAL, ScienceDirect, Medline, PubMed and Google Scholar for manuscripts published from 2014 to 2020. Only six articles met the inclusion criteria and were thoroughly reviewed. Findings: Students were found to have a poor knowledge of palliative care, especially the management of a patient's symptoms and the definition of palliative care. Conclusion: Integrating palliative care education within nursing curricula is a priority, although the best method to accomplish this is yet to be established.
Effects of deep friction massage and dry needling therapy on night pain and shoulder internal rotation in subacromial pain syndrome: 1-year follow up of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Ekici Gamze , Özcan Şerife , Öztürk Burak Yağmur , Öztürk Başar , Ekici Berkay 
Published: February 2021

Background/AimsShoulder problems are common in the general population. The aim of this research was to compare the short and long-term effects of trigger point deep friction massage and trigger point dry needling therapy on rest, activity, and the intensity of night shoulder pain and shoulder internal rotation in Subacromial Pain Syndrome.MethodsOut of 73 outpatients diagnosed with Subacromial Pain Syndrome, 40 were selected according to agreed criteria and were randomly assigned to two groups. A total of 19 patients received trigger point deep friction massage and 21 received trigger point dry needling therapy. The trigger point deep friction massage group received treatment over 3 weeks and the trigger point dry needling therapy group received treatments over 4 weeks. Both groups received six treatment sessions and a programme of post-treatment exercises. The shoulder internal rotation angle was measured using a goniometer, and pain intensities were measured using a visual analogue scale before the first session, after six sessions and after 1 year.ResultsAccording to both the short- and long-term data, significant improvements were seen in both groups for all parameters. However, when the groups were compared, no significant difference was found between the two interventions, although the trigger point deep friction massage intervention showed earlier improvements as the treatments could be carried out in 3 weeks, rather than the 4 weeks required for the trigger point dry needling therapy sessions.ConclusionsBoth trigger point deep friction massage and trigger point dry needling therapy are effective in improving pain and shoulder internal rotation. Both groups maintained significant clinical improvement throughout the year. Although both interventions produced good results, trigger point deep friction massage treatments were completed in a shorter time and so demonstrated earlier improvements. Therefore, Trigger point deep friction massage may be regarded as the preferred option, particularly as no equipment is needed and is a non-invasive method of treatment.
Establishing and evaluation of a polymerase chain reaction for the detection of Echinococcus multilocularis in human tissue
Authors: Grimm Johannes , Krickl Julian , Beck Annika , Nell Juliane , Bergmann Monika , Tappe Dennis , Grüner Beate , Barth Thomas FE , Brehm Klaus 
Published: February 2021

Background
Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is caused by metacestode larva of the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis. AE diagnostics currently rely on imaging techniques supported by serology, but unequivocal detection of AE is difficult. Although polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based methods to detect tapeworm DNA in biopsies have been suggested for several species, no validated protocol adhering to accepted guidelines has so far been presented for AE diagnostics. We herein established a PCR protocol for metacestode biopsies and technically evaluated the method using isolated parasite DNA and cells, biopsies of clinically relevant material, and formalin fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) human tissue blocks. We compared the results with an immunochemical (IHC) approach using the monoclonal antibody Em2G11 specific for the antigen Em2 of E. mulitlocularis.

Methodology/Principal findings
Based on tapeworm 12S rDNA sequences we established and validated a PCR protocol for robust detection of as little as 50 parasite cells per specimen and report 127 cases of positive identification of Echinococcus species in samples from humans and animals. For further validation, we analyzed 45 liver, heart, brain, and soft tissue samples as well as cytological probes of aspirates of FFPE-material from 18 patients with clinically confirmed AE. Of each patient we analyzed (i) fully viable lesions with laminated layer; (ii) tissue with mAbEm2G11-positive small particles of E. multilocularis (spems); (iii) mAbEm2G11-negative tissue adjacent to the main lesion; and (iv) lymph node tissue with mAbEm2G11-positive spems. To identify the areas for the PCR-based approach, we performed IHC-staining with the monoclonal antibody Em2G11. Micro-dissected tissue of these areas was then used for PCR-analysis. 9 of 15 analyzed samples with viable E. multilocularis lesions with laminated layer were positive by PCR. Of this group, all samples preserved for less than 6 years (6/6) were tested positive. 11 of 15 samples of spems and 7 of 9 samples of the control group mAbEm2G11-negative tissue were negative by PCR. We further show that all probes from lymph nodes with spems are PCR negative.

Conclusions/Significance
We present a sensitive PCR method for the detection of E. multilocularis in human tissue, particularly in fresh biopsy material and tissue blocks stored for less than 5 years. While the diagnostic sensitivity of material containing only spems was higher using IHC, PCR detection was possible in IHC negative liver tissue and in patients with negative serology. Our results support the view that spems do not contain parasitic DNA or viable cells of the parasite. spems thus most probably do not directly contribute to metastasis formation during AE.
A community’s experience during and after the Ebola epidemic of 2014—2016 in Sierra Leone: A qualitative study
Authors: Murray Rianna T. , Drew Laura Briggs , Memmott Christina , Bangura Ya-Maila , Maring Elisabeth F. 
Published: February 2021

Background
The 2014–2016 Ebola epidemic devastated families and communities throughout West Africa. Due to its high mortality rate and infectious nature, most Ebola research to date has focused on healthcare response and interventions; however, little is known about the experiences of Ebola survivors and communities. This qualitative study aimed to better understand the lived experiences of community members, including children, during and after the Ebola epidemic in Sierra Leone.

Methods
During June 2016 and June 2017, we conducted four focus groups comprised of primary school students, female caretakers, male caretakers, and teachers, and two individual in-depth interviews with local nurses in Calaba Town, a small village outside of Freetown. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded using a modified grounded theory methodology.

Findings
All participants shared that they experienced significant challenges during and after the Ebola epidemic. During the epidemic, participants endured daily life challenges pertaining to fear, financial distress, and school closures. They also experienced suffering, loss, isolation, grief, and compromised culture. Confusion and distrust were also prevalent during the epidemic, with participants reporting confusion around Ebola transmission and distrust in the government and healthcare services. We also found that the struggle for food and grief stemming from the loss of loved ones continued more than a year after the epidemic ended. Despite Sierra Leone being declared Ebola-free, stigma and fear persisted and community members shared their continuing distrust of the government due to their actions during and after the epidemic.

Conclusions
The findings of this qualitative study reveal that the Ebola epidemic was a traumatizing period for the Calaba Town community, and that confusion and distrust toward the government health care system have continued. Future studies should explore the extended impact of the epidemic on communities, including long-term psychological, social, and economic consequences of this outbreak.
Determinants of intention to improve oral hygiene behavior among students based on the theory of planned behavior: A structural equation modelling analysis
Authors: Shitu Kegnie , Alemayehu Mekuriaw , Buunk-Werkhoven Yvonne A. B. , Handebo Simegnew 
Published: February 2021

Introduction
The prevalence of oral hygiene behaviors (OHB) is very low among school children in Ethiopia. However, the determinants of student’s readiness/intention to perform those behaviors have been remained unstudied.

Objective
This study aimed to identify the determinants of oral hygiene behavioral intention (OHBI) among preparatory school students based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB).

Methods and materials
An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 393 students. A 98-item self-administered questionnaire was used to evaluate oral hygiene knowledge (OHK), oral hygiene behavior (OHB), and OHBI based on TPB variables [attitude (ATT), subjective norms (SN) and perceived behavioral control (PBC)]. Descriptive statistics and structural equation modeling analysis (SEM) were employed to confirm relationships and associations among study variables. A p-value of less than 0.05 and a 95% confidence interval were used to declare statistical significance.

Results
A total of 393 students were participated with a response rate of 97.5%. The mean age of the participants (54% females) was 18 (± 1.3) with an age range of 16 to 24. The TPB model was well fitted to the data and explained 66% of the variance in intention. ATT (β = 0.38; 95% CI, (0.21, 0.64)), SN (β = 0.33; 95% CI, (0.05, 0.83)) and PBC (β = 0.29; 95% CI, (0.13, 0.64)) were significant predictors of OHBI, where ATT was the strongest predictor of OHBI.

Conclusion
The TPB model explained a large variance in the intention of students to improve their OHB. All TPB variables were significantly and positively linked to stronger intent, as the theory suggests. Furthermore, these results suggest that the model could provide a framework for oral hygiene promotion interventions in the study area. Indeed, these interventions should focus on changing the attitudes of students towards OHB, creation of positive social pressure, and enabling students to control over OHB barriers.
Fatigue following COVID-19 infection is not associated with autonomic dysfunction
Authors: Townsend Liam , Moloney David , Finucane Ciaran , McCarthy Kevin , Bergin Colm , Bannan Ciaran , Kenny Rose-Anne 
Published: February 2021

BackgroundThe long-term clinical and physiological consequences of COVID-19 infection remain unclear. While fatigue has emerged as a common symptom following infection, little is known about its links with autonomic dysfunction. SARS-CoV-2 is known to infect endothelial cells in acute infection, resulting in autonomic dysfunction. Here we set out to test the hypothesis that this results in persistent autonomic dysfunction and is associated with post-COVID fatigue in convalescent patients.MethodsWe recruited 20 fatigued and 20 non-fatigued post-COVID patients (median age 44.5 years, 36/40 (90%) female, median time to follow up 166.5 days). Fatigue was assessed using the Chalder Fatigue Scale. These underwent the Ewing’s autonomic function test battery, including deep breathing, active standing, Valsalva manoeuvre and cold-pressor testing, with continuous electrocardiogram and blood pressure monitoring, as well as near-infrared spectroscopy-based cerebral oxygenation. 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring was also conducted, and patients completed the generalised anxiety disorder-7 questionnaire. We assessed between-group differences in autonomic function test results and used unadjusted and adjusted linear regression to investigate the relationship between fatigue, anxiety, and autonomic test results.ResultsWe found no pathological differences between fatigued and non-fatigued patients on autonomic testing or on 24-hour blood pressure monitoring. Symptoms of orthostatic intolerance were reported by 70% of the fatigued cohort at the time of active standing, with no associated physiological abnormality detected. Fatigue was strongly associated with increased anxiety (p <0.001), with no patients having a pre-existing diagnosis of anxiety.ConclusionsThese results demonstrate the significant burden of fatigue, symptoms of autonomic dysfunction and anxiety in the aftermath of COVID-19 infection, but reassuringly do not demonstrate pathological findings on autonomic testing.
Awareness of and willingness to use pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among people who inject drugs and men who have sex with men in India: Results from a multi-city cross-sectional survey
Authors: Belludi Ashwin , McFall Allison M. , Solomon Sunil Suhas , Celentano David D. , Mehta Shruti H. , Srikrishnan A. K. , Kumar M. Suresh , Solomon Suniti , Lucas Gregory M. 
Published: February 2021

Introduction
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is effective in reducing HIV transmission among key populations. In India, where PrEP is not currently part of the national HIV program, little is known about PrEP awareness, willingness to use PrEP, and barriers to uptake among people who inject drugs (PWID) and men who have sex with men (MSM).

Methods
We used respondent-driven sampling to accrue PWID and MSM in 22 sites from August 2016 to May 2017. Participants were asked about awareness of PrEP, willingness to use PrEP (following a brief description) and reasons why they might not be willing to use PrEP. Participants were also queried on preferences for PrEP delivery modality (oral vs. injectable). Multi-level logistic regression models were used to determine participant correlates of willingness to use PrEP. Estimates were weighted for the sampling method.

Results
A total of 10,538 PWID and 8,621 MSM who self-reported being HIV-negative were included in the analysis. Only 6.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.9, 6.3) of PWID and 8.0% of MSM (95% CI: 7.7, 8.4) were aware of PrEP. However, willingness to use PrEP was substantially higher in both groups: 52.4% of PWID and 67.6% of MSM. Participants commonly cited a perceived low risk for acquiring HIV infection, being perceived by others as being HIV-positive, and side effects as reasons why they would be unwilling to use PrEP. Among PWID, sharing needles and hazardous alcohol use were associated with increased willingness to use PrEP. Among MSM, having a main male partner and injection drug use were associated with increased willingness to use PrEP. Preference for daily oral or monthly injectable PrEP was similar among MSM (39.6%% vs. 41.7%,), while PWID were more likely to prefer oral to injectable administration routes (56.3% vs. 31.1%).

Conclusions
As India plans to roll-out of PrEP in the public sector, our multi-city survey of PWID and MSM highlights the need for key population-focused education campaigns about PrEP and self-assessment of risk.
A dataset of human and robot approach behaviors into small free-standing conversational groups
Authors: Yang Fangkai , Gao Yuan , Ma Ruiyang , Zojaji Sahba , Castellano Ginevra , Peters Christopher 
Published: February 2021

The analysis and simulation of the interactions that occur in group situations is important when humans and artificial agents, physical or virtual, must coordinate when inhabiting similar spaces or even collaborate, as in the case of human-robot teams. Artificial systems should adapt to the natural interfaces of humans rather than the other way around. Such systems should be sensitive to human behaviors, which are often social in nature, and account for human capabilities when planning their own behaviors. A limiting factor relates to our understanding of how humans behave with respect to each other and with artificial embodiments, such as robots. To this end, we present CongreG8 (pronounced ‘con-gre-gate’), a novel dataset containing the full-body motions of free-standing conversational groups of three humans and a newcomer that approaches the groups with the intent of joining them. The aim has been to collect an accurate and detailed set of positioning, orienting and full-body behaviors when a newcomer approaches and joins a small group. The dataset contains trials from human and robot newcomers. Additionally, it includes questionnaires about the personality of participants (BFI-10), their perception of robots (Godspeed), and custom human/robot interaction questions. An overview and analysis of the dataset is also provided, which suggests that human groups are more likely to alter their configuration to accommodate a human newcomer than a robot newcomer. We conclude by providing three use cases that the dataset has already been applied to in the domains of behavior detection and generation in real and virtual environments.
A sample of the CongreG8 dataset is available at https://zenodo.org/record/4537811.