bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Community knowledge, perceptions, and practices regarding malaria and its control in Jabi Tehnan district, Amhara Region, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Asale Abebe , Abro Zewdu , Enchalew Bayu , Teshager Alayu , Belay Aklilu , Kassie Menale , Mutero Clifford Maina 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundUse of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs), indoor residual spraying (IRS), community-based malaria education, prompt diagnosis and treatment are key programme components of malaria prevention and control in Ethiopia. However, the effectiveness of these interventions is often undermined by various challenges, including insecticide and drug resistance, the plasticity of malaria vectors feeding and biting behaviour, and certain household factors that lead to misuse and poor utilization of LLINs. The primary objective of this study was to document households’ perceptions towards malaria and assess the prevalence of the disease and the constraints related to the ongoing interventions in Ethiopia (LLINs, IRS, community mobilization house screening).MethodsThe study was conducted in Jabi Tehnan district, Northwestern Ethiopia, from November 2019 to March 2020. A total of 3010 households from 38 villages were randomly selected for socio-economic and demographic survey. Focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted in 11 different health clusters considering agro-ecological differences. A total of 1256 children under 10 years of age were screened for malaria parasites using microscopy to determine malaria prevalence. Furthermore, 5-year malaria trend analysis was undertaken based on data obtained from the district health office to understand the disease dynamics.ResultsMalaria knowledge in the area was high as all FGD participants correctly identified mosquito bites during the night as sources of malaria transmission. Delayed health-seeking behaviour remains a key behavioural challenge in malaria control as it took patients on average 4 days before reporting the case at the nearby health facility. On average, households lost 2.53 working days per person-per malaria episode and they spent US$ 18 per person per episode. Out of the 1256 randomly selected under 10 children tested for malaria parasites, 11 (0.89%) were found to be positive. Malaria disproportionately affected the adult segment of the population more, with 50% of the total cases reported from households being from among individuals who were 15 years or older. The second most affected group was the age group between 5 and 14 years followed by children aged under 5, with 31% and 14% burden, respectively.ConclusionDespite the achievement of universal coverage in terms of LLINs access, utilization of vector control interventions in the area remained low. Using bed nets for unintended purposes remained a major challenge. Therefore, continued community education and communication work should be prioritized in the study area to bring about the desired behavioural changes.
Implementing a low-threshold audio-only telehealth model for medication-assisted treatment of opioid use disorder at a community-based non-profit organization in Washington, D.C.
Authors: Yeo Ellis Jaewon , Kralles Hannah , Sternberg David , McCullough Dana , Nadanasabesan Ajetha , Mayo Richard , Akselrod Hana , Catalanotti Jillian 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
The COVID-19 pandemic has had especially devastating effects on people who use drugs. Due to pandemic protocols in the USA, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) regulations became more flexible, permitting our community-based nonprofit organization to transition its low-threshold MAT clinic to an audio-only telehealth model of care in 2020. Lessons learned have the potential to improve MAT delivery to people with OUD.

Case presentation
This case study describes our transition from a low-threshold community-based in-person MAT clinic to an audio-only telehealth model. We extracted data from electronic health records to describe patient characteristics and to calculate treatment retention rates. Patients were predominantly male (74.4%) and black (90.6%). The mean age was 53 years old with more than half of the clients aged 55 or older. Less than half (42.3%) of the patients lived in stable housing. Patients commonly had self-reported comorbid conditions such as hypertension (35.4%), hepatitis C (23.5%), diabetes (11.9%), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (7.2%). A majority of patients (68.6%) reported engagement with behavioral health care. We measure the success of our intervention relative to published retention rates, both overall as well as for in-person and telehealth care. In-person retention rates at 90- and 180-days were substantially higher than telehealth retention rates (93.9% vs 68.4% and 91.5% vs 51.9%, respectively).

Conclusions
Low-threshold medication-assisted treatment in the care of people with opioid use disorder is essential to increasing treatment access and continuity. We found that an audio-only telehealth model was viable. Although we had decreased retention rates following the transition to an audio-only telehealth model, our rates remained excellent compared to published values for in-person MAT care. We call for advocacy and regulations to support continued use of telehealth services throughout and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.
Strengthening the national health information system through a capacity-building and mentorship partnership (CBMP) programme: a health system and university partnership initiative in Ethiopia
Authors: Tilahun Binyam , Gashu Kassahun D. , Mekonnen Zeleke A. , Endehabtu Berhanu F. , Asressie Moges , Minyihun Amare , Mamuye Adane , Atnafu Asmamaw , Ayele Wondimu , Gutema Keneni , Abera Admas , Abera Mulumebet , Gebretsadik Teklit , Abate Biruk , Mohammed Mesoud , Animut Netsanet , Belay Hiwot , Alemu Hibret , Denboba Wubishet , Gebeyehu Abebaw , Wondirad Naod , Tadesse Lia 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
A strong health information system (HIS) is one of the essential building blocks for a resilient health system. The Ministry of Health (MOH) of Ethiopia is working on different initiatives to strengthen the national HIS. Among these is the Capacity-Building and Mentorship Partnership (CBMP) Programme in collaboration with public universities in Ethiopia since November 2017. This study aims to evaluate the outcomes and share experiences of the country in working with universities to strengthen the national HIS.

Methods
The study employed a mixed-methods approach that included 247 health organizations (health offices and facilities) of CBMP-implementing woredas (districts) and 23 key informant interviews. The programme focused on capacity-building and mentoring facilities and woreda health offices. The status of HIS was measured using a connected woreda checklist before and after the intervention. The checklist consists of items related to HIS infrastructure, data quality and administrative use. The organizations were classified as emerging, candidate or model based on the score. The findings were triangulated with qualitative data collected through key informant interviews.

Results
The results showed that the overall score of the HIS implementation was 46.3 before and 74.2 after implementation of the programme. The proportion of model organizations increased from 1.2% before to 31.8% after the programme implementation. The health system–university partnership has provided an opportunity for higher education institutions to understand the health system and tune their curricula to address real-world challenges. The partnership brought opportunities to conduct and produce local- and national-level evidence to improve the HIS. Weak ownership, poor responsiveness and poor perceptions of the programme were mentioned as major challenges in programme implementation.

Conclusion
The overall HIS has shown substantial progress in CBMP implementation woredas. A number of facilities became models in a short period of time after the implementation of the programme. The health system–university partnership was found to be a promising approach to improve the national HIS and to share the on-the-ground experiences with the university academicians. However, weak ownership and poor responsiveness to feedback were the major challenges identified as needing more attention in future programme implementation.
Evaluating cochlear insertion trauma and hearing preservation after cochlear implantation (CIPRES): a study protocol for a randomized single-blind controlled trial
Authors: Jwair Saad , Boerboom Ralf A. , Versnel Huib , Stokroos Robert J. , Thomeer Hans G. X. M. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
In order to preserve residual hearing in patients with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) who receive a cochlear implant (CI), insertion trauma to the delicate structures of the cochlea needs to be minimized. The surgical approach comprises the conventional mastoidectomy-posterior tympanotomy (MPT) to arrive at the middle ear, followed by either a cochleostomy (CO) or the round window (RW) approach. Both techniques have their benefits and disadvantages. Another important aspect in structure preservation is the design of the electrode array. Two different designs are used: a “straight” lateral wall lying electrode array (LW) or a “pre-curved” perimodiolar lying electrode array (PM). Interestingly, until now, the best surgical approach and design of the implant is uncertain. Our hypothesis is that there is a difference in hearing preservation outcomes between the four possible treatment options.

Methods
We designed a monocenter, multi-arm, randomized controlled trial to compare insertion trauma between four groups of patients, with each group having a unique combination of an electrode array type (LW or PM) and surgical approach (RW or CO). In total, 48 patients will be randomized into one of these four intervention groups. Our primary objective is the comparison of postoperative hearing preservation between these four groups. Secondly, we aim to assess structure preservation (i.e., scalar translocation, with basilar membrane disruption or tip fold-over of array) for each group. Thirdly, we will compare objective outcomes of hearing and structure preservation by way of electrocochleography (ECochG).

Discussion
Cochlear implantation by way of a cochleostomy or round window approach, using different electrode array types, is the standard medical care for patients with severe to profound bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, as it is a relatively simple and low-risk procedure that greatly benefits patients. However, loss of residual hearing remains a problem. This trial is the first randomized controlled trial that evaluates the effect of cochlear insertion trauma of several CI treatment options on hearing preservation.

Trial registration
Netherlands Trial Register (NTR) NL8586. Registered on 4 May 2020. Retrospectively registered; 3/48 participants were included before registration.
Genome-wide methylation and expression analyses reveal the epigenetic landscape of immune-related diseases for tobacco smoking
Authors: Mao Ying , Huang Peng , Wang Yan , Wang Maiqiu , Li Ming D. , Yang Zhongli 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
Smoking is a major causal risk factor for lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cardiovascular disease (CVD), and is the main preventable cause of deaths in the world. The components of cigarette smoke are involved in immune and inflammatory processes, which may increase the prevalence of cigarette smoke-related diseases. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms linking smoking and diseases have not been well explored. This study was aimed to depict a global map of DNA methylation and gene expression changes induced by tobacco smoking and to explore the molecular mechanisms between smoking and human diseases through whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) and RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq).

Results
We performed WGBS on 72 samples (36 smokers and 36 nonsmokers) and RNA-seq on 75 samples (38 smokers and 37 nonsmokers), and cytokine immunoassay on plasma from 22 males (9 smokers and 13 nonsmokers) who were recruited from the city of Jincheng in China. By comparing the data of the two groups, we discovered a genome-wide methylation landscape of differentially methylated regions (DMRs) associated with smoking. Functional enrichment analyses revealed that both smoking-related hyper-DMR genes (DMGs) and hypo-DMGs were related to synapse-related pathways, whereas the hypo-DMGs were specifically related to cancer and addiction. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) revealed by RNA-seq analysis were significantly enriched in the “immunosuppression” pathway. Correlation analysis of DMRs with their corresponding gene expression showed that genes affected by tobacco smoking were mostly related to immune system diseases. Finally, by comparing cytokine concentrations between smokers and nonsmokers, we found that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was significantly upregulated in smokers.

Conclusions
In sum, we found that smoking-induced DMRs have different distribution patterns in hypermethylated and hypomethylated areas between smokers and nonsmokers. We further identified and verified smoking-related DMGs and DEGs through multi-omics integration analysis of DNA methylome and transcriptome data. These findings provide us a comprehensive genomic map of the molecular changes induced by smoking which would enhance our understanding of the harms of smoking and its relationship with diseases.
Successful treatment of refractory status asthmaticus with omalizumab: a case report
Authors: Benes Jan , Skulec Roman , Jilek Dalibor , Fibigr Ondrej , Cerny Vladimir 
Published: December 2021

AbstractRefractory status asthmaticus is the cause of rare cases of in-hospital death due to acute bronchial asthma. The most severe cases unresponsive to first, second and next line treatment may be fatal despite aggressive organ support with invasive ventilation and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Omalizumab, a humanized recombinant monoclonal anti-IgE antibody, is an approved add-on biological treatment for severe asthma. However, it is not indicated in an acute setting. Here, we report the case of a young patient with status asthmaticus fully dependent on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation refractory to any therapy for six days, who was successfully treated with omalizumab.
Translational research approaches to study pediatric polycystic kidney disease
Authors: Liebau Max Christoph , Mekahli Djalila 
Published: December 2021

AbstractPolycystic kidney diseases (PKD) are severe forms of genetic kidney disorders. The two main types of PKD are autosomal recessive and autosomal dominant PKD (ARPKD, ADPKD). While ARPKD typically is a disorder of early childhood, patients with ADPKD often remain pauci-symptomatic until adulthood even though formation of cysts in the kidney already begins in children. There is clinical and genetic overlap between both entities with very variable clinical courses. Subgroups of very early onset ADPKD may for example clinically resemble ARPKD. The basis of the clinical variability in both forms of PKD is not well understood and there are also limited prediction markers for disease progression for daily clinical life or surrogate endpoints for clinical trials in ARPKD or early ADPKD.As targeted therapeutic approaches to slow disease progression in PKD are emerging, it is becoming more important to reliably identify patients at risk for rapid progression as they might benefit from early therapy. Over the past years regional, national and international data collections to jointly analyze the clinical courses of PKD patients have been set up. The clinical observations are complemented by genetic studies and biorepositories as well as basic science approaches to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms in the PKD field. These approaches may serve as a basis for the development of novel therapeutic interventions in specific subgroups of patients. In this article we summarize some of the recent developments in the field with a focus on kidney involvement in PKD during childhood and adolescence and findings obtained in pediatric cohorts.
Epidemiological trends of urinary tract infections, urolithiasis and benign prostatic hyperplasia in 203 countries and territories from 1990 to 2019
Authors: Zhu Cong , Wang Dan-Qi , Zi Hao , Huang Qiao , Gu Jia-Min , Li Lu-Yao , Guo Xing-Pei , Li Fei , Fang Cheng , Li Xiao-Dong , Zeng Xian-Tao 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundUrinary tract infections (UTI), urolithiasis, and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are three of the most common nonmalignant conditions in urology. However, there is still a lack of comprehensive and updated epidemiological data. This study aimed to investigate the disease burden of UTI, urolithiasis, and BPH in 203 countries and territories from 1990 to 2019.MethodsData were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease 2019, including incident cases, deaths, disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) and corresponding age-standardized rate (ASR) from 1990 to 2019. Estimated annual percentage changes (EAPC) were calculated to evaluate the trends of ASR. The associations between disease burden and social development degrees were analyzed using a sociodemographic index (SDI).ResultsCompared with 1990, the incident cases of UTI, urolithiasis, and BPH increased by 60.40%, 48.57%, and 105.70% in 2019, respectively. The age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) of UTI increased (EAPC = 0.08), while urolithiasis (EAPC = − 0.83) and BPH (EAPC = − 0.03) decreased from 1990 to 2019. In 2019, the age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) of UTI and urolithiasis were 3.13/100,000 and 0.17/100,000, respectively. BPH had the largest increase (110.56%) in DALYs in the past three decades, followed by UTI (68.89%) and urolithiasis (16.95%). The burden of UTI was mainly concentrated in South Asia and Tropical Latin America, while the burden of urolithiasis and BPH was recorded in Asia and Eastern Europe. Moreover, the ASIR and SDI of urolithiasis in high-SDI regions from 1990 to 2019 were negatively correlated, while the opposite trend was seen in low-SDI regions. In 2019, the ASIR of UTI in females was 3.59 times that of males, while the ASIR of urolithiasis in males was 1.96 times higher than that in females. The incidence was highest in the 30–34, 55–59, and 65–69 age groups among the UTI, urolithiasis, and BPH groups, respectively.ConclusionOver the past three decades, the disease burden has increased for UTI but decreased for urolithiasis and BPH. The allocation of medical resources should be based more on the epidemiological characteristics and geographical distribution of diseases.
Evaluation of autonomic nervous system in children with spastic cerebral palsy: clinical and electophysiological study
Authors: Azouz Hanan G. , AbdelMohsen Ali M. , Abdel Ghany Hayam M. , Mohamed Rana M. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most prevalent severe motor disability among children. The aim of this work was to assess autonomic dysfunction in children with cerebral palsy clinically and electrophysiologically.

Results
Age of the studied children ranged from 4 to 12 years. Quadriplegic type of spastic cerebral palsy constituted 82.5% of CP children while diplegic type constituted 17.5%. Based on Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), the majority of children were in levels 4 and 5. The prevalence of autonomic dysfunction symptoms were 80% for thermoregulatory abnormalities (cold extremities), 65% for chronic constipation, 52.5% for sleep disturbance, 47.5% for loss of appetite, 40% for sweating abnormalities, 25% for recurrent nausea and/or vomiting, 22.5% for increased sensitivity to light or dark and 15% for bloating. As regards sympathetic skin response, 19 CP children had unobtainable response in both upper and lower limbs while 5 children had unobtainable response in lower limbs only. All of them were in levels 4 and 5 of GMFCS. Postural hypotension was present in 20% of CP children. Mean Heart rate of CP children was significantly increased more than healthy children upon head tilt test.

Conclusions
Autonomic dysfunction has been objectively proven in CP children through absent sympathetic skin response, presence of orthostatic tachycardia and postural hypotension.
Intraoperative cardiac function assessment by transesophageal echocardiography versus FloTrac/Vigileo™ system during pectus excavatum surgical repair
Authors: Fiorelli Silvia , Capua Gelsomina , Menna Cecilia , Andreetti Claudio , Giorni Elisabetta , Riva Ettore , Agostini Elisabetta , D’Andrea Fabrizio , Massullo Elisa , Peritore Valentina , Rocco Monica , Massullo Domenico 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
Pectus excavatum (PE), a congenital deformity of the chest wall, can lead to cardiac compression and related symptoms. PE surgical repair can improve cardiac function. Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has been successfully employed to assess intraoperative hemodynamic variations in patients undergoing PE repair. FloTrac/Vigileo™ system (Edwards Life-sciences Irvine, CA) (FT/V) is a minimally invasive cardiac output monitoring system. This retrospective study aimed to assess hemodynamic changes in surgical repair of PE using FT/V and concordance with parameters measured by TEE.

Results
N=19 patients submitted to PE repair via Ravitch or Nuss technique were enrolled. Intraoperative cardiac assessments simultaneously obtained via TEE and FT/V system were investigated. The agreement between TEE-derived cardiac output (CO-TEE) and FT/V system parameter (COAP) was evaluated. The relationship between COTEE and COAP was analyzed for all data using linear regression analysis. A significant correlation between COAP and COTEE values (R = 0.65, p < 0.001) was found. Bland-Altman analysis of COAP and COTEE showed a bias of 0.13 L/min and a limit of agreement of − 2.33 to 2.58 L/min, with a percentage error of 48%. Intraoperative measurements by TEE and FT/V both showed a significant increase in CO after surgical correction of PE (p < 0.005).

Conclusions
FT/V system compared to TEE in hemodynamic monitoring during PE surgery yielded clinically unacceptable results due to a high percentage error. After surgical correction of PE, CO, measured by TEE and FT/V, significantly improved.
One-loop calculations in Lorentz-breaking theories and proper-time method
Authors: Ferrari Alysson , Furtado Neto Job , Assunção Jose F. , Mariz Tiago , Petrov Albert Yu. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
We discuss applications of the proper-time method in various minimal	Lorentz violating modifications of QED and present new results obtained	with its use. Explicitly we calculate the complete one-loop Heisenberg-Euler	effective action involving all orders in $F_{\mu\nu}$, for two of	the most studied minimal Lorentz-violating extensions of QED, the	one characterized by the axial vector $b^{\mu}$ and the one involving	the second-rank constant tensor $c^{\mu\nu}$.
Mental Health Aspects of Voluntary and Involuntary Sport Retirement
Authors: Coleman Nailah , Roberts William O. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Sports participation is an important factor in the mental health of athletes. A change in sports participation affects athlete mental health, in addition to other components of the athlete's life, including overall health and fitness, future career plans, current and future financial status, and available social network. Athletes should be encouraged to develop balanced lives that involve rewarding activities outside their sport. Clinicians should evaluate the mental health of athletes leaving sport for any reason, develop protocols to address any concerns, and assist with postsport career and life planning.