bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long-term GH Therapy Does Not Advance Skeletal Maturation in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Nwosu Benjamin Udoka , Jasmin Gabrielle , Parajuli Sadichchha , Rogol Alan D , Wallace Ellen Christine , Lee Austin F 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Context
There is no consensus on the effect of recombinant human GH (rhGH) therapy on skeletal maturation in children despite the current practice of annual monitoring of skeletal maturation with bone age in children on rhGH therapy.

Aims
To investigate the effects of long-term rhGH therapy on skeletal age in children and explore the accuracy of bone age-predicted adult height (BAPAH) at different ages based on 13 years of longitudinal data.

Methods
A retrospective longitudinal study of 71 subjects aged 2 to 16 years, mean 9.9 ± 3.8 years, treated with rhGH for nonsyndromic short stature for a duration of 2 to 14 years, mean, 5.5 ± 2.6 years. Subjects with syndromic short stature and systemic illnesses such as renal failure were excluded.

Results
Bone age minus chronological age (BA-CA) did not differ significantly between baseline and the end of rhGH therapy (-1.05 ± 1.42 vs -0.69 ± 1.63, P = 0.09). Piecewise regression, however, showed a quantifiable catch-up phenomenon in BA of 1.5 months per year of rhGH therapy in the first 6.5 years (P = 0.017) that plateaued thereafter (P = 0.88). BAPAH overestimated near-adult height in younger subjects but became more accurate in older subjects (P &lt; 0.0001). IGF-I levels correlated significantly with increases in child’s height and BA-CA.

Conclusion
Long-term rhGH therapy demonstrated an initial catch-up phenomenon in skeletal maturation in the first 6.5 years that plateaued thereafter with no overall significant advancement in bone age. These findings are reassuring and support strategic, but not the insurance company mandated reflexive annual monitoring of skeletal maturation with bone age in children receiving rhGH therapy.
Clinical trial of a rehabilitation device based on electrical stimulation for patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA): a study protocol
Authors: Moscoso-Barrera William D. , Agudelo‑Otalora Luis Mauricio , Moreno-Giraldo Angélica María , Burguete Javier , Fernández Secundino , Urrestarazu Bolumburu Elena , Gómez Diego Fernando , Pérez-Perdomo María Alejandra , Paipa José Miguel , Bazurto María Angélica , Gelvez Natalia , Bermúdez Carolina , Giraldo-Cadavid Luis F. 
Published: March 2021

Obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnoea syndrome (OSA) is a respiratory disorder characterised by repetitive obstruction of the upper airway, leading to several interruptions during sleep. It is currently one of the main public health problems worldwide and one of the main cardiovascular risk factors in developed and intermediate developing countries, whose populations are increasing in rates of obesity and age. One of the common treatments for OSA is a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device, which pumps air through a hose, reaches a mask that the patient has over his or her nose and travels the airway, keeping the upper airway open during sleep and avoiding episodes of airway collapse. The problem is that CPAP is not accepted by some patients due to a lack of adaptation, so alternative treatments may be needed. For some years, there have been explorations of treatments related to electrical stimulation of the muscles of the upper airway as therapy to reduce the number of episodes of apnoea (measured through the apnoea–hypopnoea index) during the night, strengthening these muscles through stimulation. This is the protocol of the first clinical study of a rehabilitation device for home use that not only provides functional stimulation of the upper-airway dilator muscles but also provides sensory stimulation. This device works by strengthening the dilating muscles of the upper respiratory tract and improving the sensory capacity of the laryngo-pharyngeal tract and is based on existing publications on the effectiveness of functional and somatosensory neurostimulation through neuroplasticity in the recovery of neurological deficits. Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT04607343 (29/10/2020)
XENOBREAST Trial: A prospective study of xenografts establishment from surgical specimens of patients with triple negative or luminal b breast cancer
Authors: Veyssière Hugo , Passildas Judith , Ginzac Angeline , Lusho Sejdi , Bidet Yannick , Molnar Ioana , Bernadach Maureen , Cavaille Mathias , Radosevic-Robin Nina , Durando Xavier 
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Patient-derived xenografts (PDX) can be used to explore tumour pathophysiology and could be useful to better understand therapeutic response in breast cancer. PDX from mammary tumours are usually made from metastatic tumours. Thus, PDX from primary mammary tumours or after neoadjuvant treatment are still rare. This study aims to assess the feasibility to establish xenografts from tumour samples of patients with triple negative or luminal B breast cancer in neoadjuvant, adjuvant or metastatic setting. Methods: XENOBREAST is a single-centre and prospective study. This feasibility pilot trial aims to produce xenografts from tumour samples of patients with triple negative or luminal B breast cancer. Patient enrolment is expected to take 3 years: 85 patients will be enrolled and followed for 28 months. Additional blood samples will be taken as part of the study. Surgical specimens from post-NAC surgery, primary surgery or surgical excision of the metastases will be collected to establish PDX. Histomolecular characteristics of the established PDX will be investigated and compared with the initial histomolecular profile of the collected tumours to ensure that they are well-established. Ethics and dissemination: XENOBREAST belongs to category 2 interventional research on the human person. This study has been approved by the Sud Méditerranée IV – Montpellier ethics committee. It is conducted notably in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Study data and findings will be published in peer-reviewed medical journals. We also plan to present the study and all data at national congresses and conferences. Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT04133077; registered on October 21, 2019.
Global prevalence and pathogenesis of headache in COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mutiawati Endang , Syahrul Syahrul , Fahriani Marhami , Fajar Jonny Karunia , Mamada Sukamto S. , Maliga Helnida Anggun , Samsu Nur , Ilmawan Muhammad , Purnamasari Yeni , Asmiragani Annisa Ayu , Ichsan Ichsan , Emran Talha Bin , Rabaan Ali A. , Masyeni Sri , Nainu Firzan , Harapan Harapan 
Published: March 2021

Background: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of headache in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and to assess its association as a predictor for COVID-19. This study also aimed to discuss the possible pathogenesis of headache in COVID-19. Methods: Available articles from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched as of September 2nd, 2020. Data on characteristics of the study, headache and COVID-19 were extracted following the PRISMA guidelines. Biases were assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. The cumulative prevalence of headache was calculated for the general population (i.e. adults and children). The pooled odd ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) was calculated using the Z test to assess the association between headache and the presence of COVID-19 cases. Results: We included 104,751 COVID-19 cases from 78 eligible studies to calculate the global prevalence of headache in COVID-19 and 17 studies were included to calculate the association of headache and COVID-19. The cumulative prevalence of headache in COVID-19 was 25.2% (26,464 out of 104,751 cases). Headache was found to be more prevalent, approximately by two-fold, in COVID-19 patients than in non-COVID-19 patients (other respiratory viral infections), OR: 1.73; 95% CI: 1.94, 2.5 with p=0.04. Conclusion: Headache is common among COVID-19 patients and seems to be more common in COVID-19 patients compared to those with the non-COVID-19 viral infection. No definitive mechanisms on how headache emerges in COVID-19 patients but several possible hypotheses have been proposed. However, extensive studies are warranted to elucidate the mechanisms. PROSPERO registration: CRD42020210332 (28/09/2020)
Current status of insecticide resistance in malaria vectors in the Asian countries: a systematic review
Authors: Susanna Dewi , Pratiwi Dian 
Published: March 2021

Background:The application of insecticides for malaria vector control has remained a global problem, due to the current trend of increased resistance against these chemicals. This study aims to determine the insecticide-resistant status in Asia and how to implement the necessary interventions. Moreover, the implications of resistance in malaria vector control in this region were studied.Methods:This systematic review was conducted using a predefined protocol based on PRISMA-retrieved articles from four science databases, namely ProQuest, Science Direct, EBSCO, and PubMed in the last ten years (2009 to 2019). The searching process utilized four main combinations of the following keywords: malaria, vector control, insecticide, and Asia. In ProQuest, malaria control, as well as an insecticide, were used as keywords. The following criteria were included in the filter, namely full text, the source of each article, scholarly journal, Asia, and publication date as in the last ten years.Results:There were 1408 articles retrieved during the initial search (ProQuest=722, Science Direct=267, EBSCO=50, PubMed=285, and Scopus=84). During the screening, 27 articles were excluded because of duplication, 1361 based on title and abstract incompatibility with the inclusion criteria, and 20 due to content differences. In the final screening process, 15 articles were chosen to be analyzed. From the 15 articles, it is known that there was dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and pyrethroids resistance in several anopheles species with a mortality rate of less than 80%.Conclusions:The report on the pyrethroid resistance was complicated, since this insecticide was considered effective in malaria vector control. Therefore, several strategies were required, including the management plans in selecting insecticides, using a rotation system during interventions in the field, regular monitoring, and integrating vector control based on physics, chemistry, and biology. All of these need to be supported by cross-sector policies and cooperation in achieving the 2030 malaria-free target.
Tetanus vaccine coverage in recommended and more than recommended doses among mothers in a West Cameroon health district: a cross sectional study
Authors: Nguemouo Nguegang Igor , Nguetsop Martin , Eba Ze Linda Evans , Anyambod Mboh Trevor , Omokolo Dominique Majoric , Noutakdie Fossi Ruth , Guenou Etienne , Ateudjieu Jerome 
Published: March 2021

Background: Vaccination is the best way to protect newborns and mothers against tetanus. The number of doses of Td vaccine recommended by the Expanded Program of Immunization is based on documented protective immune response. During this decade, the Foumban Health District (FHD) was the seat of an epidemic despite the satisfactory administrative immunization coverage. This study was conducted in 2019 in the FHD to assess tetanus vaccine coverage among mothers for their last pregnancy and the cumulative number of vaccine doses administered to the mothers. Method: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in the FHD in 2019. Mothers living in the district with at least one child younger than five years were included and were selected by random stratified cluster sampling. Trained surveyors used a face-to-face questionnaire, data extraction grid and data-tracking grid to review and collect data from antenatal care booklets, vaccination cards and the women’s own reports of immunization. The immunization coverage per vaccine dose and vaccination completeness rate were estimated. Results: From 621 women visited, 602 (96.9%) responded. A total of 176/511 women (34.4%) had evidence of vaccination. For the last pregnancy, the two-dose immunization proportion was 21.7% (111/511) for documented coverage and 47.6% (243/511) for undocumented coverage. 306/570 women (53.7%) had received more than the recommended five doses necessary for lifetime protection. The recruitment, two and five doses completeness rates were 99.9% (569/570), 95.8% (546/570) and 65.3% (372/570), respectively. Conclusion: More than half of mothers received more doses of tetanus toxoid vaccine than necessary in FHD. This increased the resources needed and the cost of vaccination. Health personnel should be trained and supervised to assess pregnant women’s vaccination status before planning the number of vaccine doses to be administered during pregnancy.
Characterization of Multiphase Polypyrrole/Vanadium Oxide Nano Composites for a.c. Conductivity and Dielectric Properties
Authors: B Kottan Nihal , M Laxmeesha Prajwal , Ganesh K M Purnachandra , BV Chaluvaraju , M V Murugendrappa 
Published: March 2021

Vanadium oxide: Phase-1 and Phase-2 nano powers were synthesized from vanadium pentoxide in the presence of glucose using hydrothermal technique. The polypyrrole/vanadium oxide (PV P-1 and PV P-2) nano composites were synthesized with 15, 30, 45 and 60 weight percents of vanadium oxide: Phase-1 and Phase-2 in pyrrole, by the chemical polymerization (oxidation) method. The SEM micrographs of vanadium oxide: Phase-1 and Phase-2 nano powders have shown mixture of nano belts & rods and PV P-1 & PV P-2 nano composites indicate that the composites have cluster formation with almost spherical nature particles and form elongated chains at some places. Conductivity versus frequency plots shown that exponential increase for conductivity. The value of s increases to 1.13x10-3 S/cm for 15 wt. % of VO2 P-1 in polypyrrole & to 2.43x10-3 S/cm for 30 wt. % of VO2 P-2 in polypyrrole at 1 MHz.
Bernstein Polynomials
Authors: Mandyam N Anandaram 
Published: March 2021

Bernstein polynomials (aka, B-polys) have excellent properties allowing them to be used as basis functions in many applications of physics. In this paper, a brief tutorial description of their properties is given and then their use in obtaining B-polys, B-splines or Basis spline functions, Bezier curves and ODE solution curves, is computationally demonstrated. An example is also described showing their application to solving a fourth-order BVP relating to the bending at the free end of a cantilever.
Core psychosocial issues for children and adolescents in the context of limb lengthening and reconstruction surgery treatment
Authors: Hamilton Amber A. , Mehta Rena , Sue Epstein B. , Fabricant Peter D. , Fragomen Austin T. , Robert Rozbruch S. 
Published: March 2021

Purpose Addressing the psychosocial needs of adolescents can improve surgical outcomes. The aim of this retrospective comparative study was to understand the core psychosocial factors that shaped the experiences of adolescents who underwent multiple limb lengthening/reconstruction surgeries (LLRS). Methods A novel 62-question survey was developed and administered to 31 patients from the study institution. Data was obtained using a self-report inventory assessing medical care, communication/connection to doctor, peer relations, physical space, self-esteem, counselling/clergy, physical/emotional support, school issues and concerns about future. This survey and demographic questions were administered to young adults (now aged 18 to 30 years) who underwent LLRS treatment between the ages of 11 to 20 years. Results Psychosocial needs were determined to be within the categories of body image/self-esteem, subjective perception of treatment, patient-physician relationship, role of parents, peer interactions, academic performance and hospital experience. Patients valued parental involvement while also wanting their surgeon to speak directly to them. They preferred to be in private rooms on the paediatric floor and to not socialize while in the hospital. They were indifferent to keeping up with friends, speaking to a counsellor and having their surgeon inquire about their emotions. They expressed concern about pain, carrying out activities and the financial impact of surgery. Conclusions Adolescent LLRS patients value focused psychosocial support from their surgeon and caregivers. This perceived level of support influences their ability to cope with their condition. These findings helped us understand the psychological issues and preferences of adolescents who underwent LLRS and can assist orthopaedic surgeons in providing holistic care. Level of Evidence IV
Surface ultrastructure of Blastocystis sp. isolated from cattle
Authors: WIDISUPUTRI NI KOMANG APRILINA , LASTUTI NUNUK DYAH RETNO , SUPRIHATI ENDANG , HASTUTIEK POEDJI , PLUMERIASTUTI HANI , MUFASIRIN MUFASIRIN , PUSPITASARI HENI , Suwanti Lucia Tri 
Published: March 2021

Abstract. Widisuputri NKA, Lastuti NDR, Suprihati E, Hastutiek P, Plumeriastuti H, Mufasirin, Puspitasari H, Suwanti LT. 2021. Surface ultrastructure of Blastocystis sp. isolated from cattle. Biodiversitas 22: 1514-1518. Blastocystis sp is a protozoan parasite commonly detected in the intestinal tract of humans and various animals that causes zoonotic blastocystosis. The pathogenic potential of Blastocystis is still being evaluated, some Blastocystis sp are completely pathogenic, while others can be considered commensal and hypothetical, related to the role of the surface coat of Blastocystis sp. This study aimed to compare the surface ultrastructure of Blastocystis sp. in cattle with diarrhea and non diarrhea by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Four Blastocystis sp. isolates were selected from the faeces of four positives cattle which consisted of two diarrhea and two non-diarrhea cattle. The result showed that Blastocystis sp. in cattle appeared in round shape and reproduced by binary fission. The surface cell of Blastocystis sp. isolates from diarrhea cattle had a rough surface while organism of non diarrhea cattle isolates was very smooth. Bacteria were seen attached to the surface of Blastocystis sp. from diarrhea cattle faeces. In conclusion, the features of the surface structure of Blastocystis sp. correlated with symptomatic appearance. The surface structure of Blastocystis sp. isolates from cattle with diarrhea was rougher than non diarrhea.
The effect of nauplii Artemia sp. enriched with biofloc on the performance of Penaeus monodon and Penaeus vannamei post-larvae
Authors: Supono Supono , Yanti Ayu N , Pertiwi Anggita P , Tarsim Tarsim , Wardiyanto Wardiyanto 
Published: March 2021

Artemia sp. is a common natural feed for shrimps at the post-larvae stage and is characterized by poor lipid content. Therefore, Artemia is commonly enriched with specific nutrition, including biofloc. This contains some useful nutrients in the form of protein and polyhydroxy butyrate (PHB). The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of Artemia enriched with biofloc on the growth performance of black tiger shrimp, P. Monodon, and whiteleg shrimp P. vannamei. This research used acompletely randomized design (CRD), encompassing three treatments of feed and four replications. The tested treatments include: (a) Artemia sp. without enriched (b) Artemia enriched with biofloc, and (c) biofloc without Artemia, and the treatments were fed on black tiger as well as whiteleg shrimp post-larvae for 15 days. The results showed the significant effect of using Artemia sp. enriched with biofloc on the growth of P. monodon and P. vannamei, but not on the survival rate. However, both parameters were significantly influenced for post-larvae shrimp at a dose of 30 mL biofloc. This served as a nutritional source by providing the best growth of 14.57 mg and 15 mg at a daily growth and survival rate of 0.86 mg day-1: 98% and 1.4 mg day-1: 99% for P. vannamei and P. monodon, respectively.
Gonad maturity of simping Placuna placenta, Linn 1758 (Bivalve: Placunidae) harvested from Kronjo Coastal, Indonesia
Authors: Yonvitner Yon , Setyobudiandi Isdradjad , Dahuri Rokhmin , Jamilah Jamilah 
Published: March 2021

Simping (P. placenta) is a coastal resource found in shallow water with a muddy substrate. Simping widely used as a source of food and as raw material for the decoration. Utilization of simping until now has not yet focused on recruitment, reproductive aspect. This information is important as a basis data for determining the size of the simping catch. This study aimed to find out about of reproduction aspect, determining sex ratio the size of the catch simping. This research was conduct for three months at 3 locations. The number of samples in the analysis is 36 species to determine sex ratio and gonad maturity. Sex ratio indifferent from male and female, but based on the time sex ratio of simping significant, both male and female. The length size of gonads shellfish matures form 5.50 cm and 5.85 cm at 2 TKG conditions. Length of simping mature from 6.08 cm, 6.24 cm, 6.45 cm and 7.11 cm dominant at TKG mature stage 3, and 8.61 cm dominant at 4 TKG conditions. Sex ratio reaches 6 cm shell length and not significant between males and females (M: F=1;1). It is concluded that the level of maturity of gonads increases with increasing of simping size.
A review on the influence of dietary immunobiotics on the performance, intestinal morphology and immune-related gene expression in post-hatched broiler chicks
Authors: Khaskheli Asad A. , Khaskheli Muhammad I. , Khaskheli Allah J. , Khaskheli Arshad A. 
Published: March 2021

The use of antibiotics in the broiler industry is continuously increasing for promoting growth performance, improving the edible meat yield, and preventing microbial infections in the chicks. Due to the extreme misuse of antibiotics, antimicrobial resistance is developing among the broilers and simultaneously to their consumers. Keeping in view these facts current review was planned to understand the effect of different dietary immunobiotics on the performance, intestinal morphology, and immune-related gene expression in post-hatched broiler chicks. The review of the literature indicated that the application of immunobiotics as functional foods and its biological value have been reported by many scientists worldwide. In addition, to develop immunologically functional foods, immunobiotics also help in regulating intestinal immunity. The current review further explored that the immunobiotics regulate intestinal immune homeostasis, cellular and molecular mechanisms. It was also interesting to note that immunobiotics concerning microorganisms stimulate the activation of mucosal immunity in the Gut Associated Lymphoid Tissues (GALT). In vitro studies on the toll-like receptor (TLR) 2-transfected cells showed that immunobiotics can potentially be used to enhance the immune system in the GALT. Keeping in view reviewed studies on immunobiotics it could be concluded that immunobiotics positively influence the performance, intestinal morphology, and immune-related gene expression in post-hatch chicks. They could be used as the best alternative to antibiotics. Keywords: Gut Associated Lymphoid Tissues; Immune system; Prebiotics; Receptors.