bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Safety and feasibility of apheresis to harvest and concentrate parasites from subjects with induced blood stage Plasmodium vivax infection
Authors: ODEDRA Anand , Mudie Kari , Kennedy Glen , Watts Rebecca , Rossignol Emilie , Mitchell Hayley , Gower Jeremy , Rebelo Maria , Pava Zuleima , Pawliw Rebecca , Woolley Stephen , Lalloo David , Robinson Greg , Lynch Sean , Collins Katharine , Amante Fiona , McCarthy James 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background In the absence of a method to culture Plasmodium vivax, the only way to source parasites is ex vivo. This hampers many aspects of P. vivax research. This study aimed to assess the safety of apheresis, a method for selective removal of specific components of blood as a means of extracting and concentrating P. vivax parasites. MethodsAn iterative approach was employed across four non-immune healthy human subjects in single subject cohorts. All four subjects were inoculated with ~564 blood stage P. vivax (HMP013-Pv) and subjected to apheresis 10 to 11 days later. Blood samples collected during apheresis (haematocrit layers 0.5% to 11%) were tested for the presence and concentration of P. vivax by microscopy, flow cytometry, 18S rDNA qPCR for total parasites, and pvs25 qRT-PCR for female gametocyte transcripts. Safety was determined by monitoring adverse events. Malaria transmission to mosquitoes was assessed by membrane feeding assays. ResultsThere were no serious adverse events and no significant safety concerns. Apheresis concentrated asexual parasites by up to 4.9-fold (range: 0.9 - 4.9-fold) and gametocytes by up to 1.45-fold (range: 0.38 - 1.45-fold) compared to pre-apheresis densities. No single haematocrit layer contained >40% of all the recovered P. vivax asexual parasites. Ex vivo concentration of parasites by Percoll gradient centrifugation of whole blood achieved greater concentration of gametocytes than apheresis. Mosquito transmission was enhanced by up to 5-fold in a single apheresis sample compared to pre-apheresis. ConclusionThe modest level of parasite concentration suggests that the use of apheresis may not be an ideal method for harvesting P. vivax.
Partner’s emotional reaction to pregnancy mediates the relationship between pregnancy planning and prenatal mental health
Authors: Kazemi Ashraf , Ghaedrahmati Maryam , Kheirabadi Gholamreza 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: An unplanned pregnancy may be followed by increased depression and anxiety. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the mediating role of partner’s emotional reaction to pregnancy (PERP) on the relationship between pregnancy planning and prenatal mental health.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 303 healthy Iranian pregnant women during their third trimester. The levels of depression and anxiety were measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. The PERP score was also measured using a researcher-made questionnaire. The data were analyzed using the plug-in application PROCESS macro.
Results: The results showed that PERP score was reversely related to pregnancy planning and prenatal depression and anxiety. The direct effect of the pregnancy planning on depression (c=-.05) and anxiety levels (c= -.02) were not significant; but the indirect effect of pregnancy planning on depression (Point Estimate= -.379, CI: -.523 to -.250) and anxiety levels (Point Estimate=-.560, CI: -.741 to -.385) with the mediating role of PERP were significant.
Conclusions: The results indicated that the effect of pregnancy planning on prenatal mental health is mediated by PERP, and in unplanned pregnancy women need to receive positive reaction of their partners toward pregnancy so that they can preserve their mental health.
Rosaceae, Brassicaceae and Pollen Beetles: exploring relationships and evolution in an anthophilous beetle lineage (Nitidulidae, Meligethes-complex of genera) using an integrative approach
Authors: LIU MEIKE , HUANG MIN , CLINE ANDREW RICHARD , MANCINI EMILIANO , SCARAMUZZI ANDREA , PARADISI SIMONE , AUDISIO PAOLO , BADANO DAVIDE , Sabatelli Simone 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Meligethes are pollen-beetles associated with flowers of Rosaceae as larvae. This genus currently consists of 63 known species in two subgenera, Meligethes and Odonthogethes, predominantly occurring in the eastern Palaearctic. We analyzed 74 morphological and ecological characters (169 states) of all species, as well as of 11 outgroup species from 7 Meligethinae genera (including Brassicogethes), to investigate their phylogeny. We also conducted a parallel molecular analysis on 9 Meligethes, 9 Odonthogethes, 3 Brassicogethes and 2 Meligethinus species based on DNA sequence data from mitochondrial (COI, 16S) and nuclear (CAD) genes.Results: Morphological phylogenetic reconstructions supported the monophyly of the whole genus and clades corresponding to purported subgenera Meligethes s.str. and Odonthogethes. Main species-groups were mostly confirmed, however some unresolved polytomies remained. Molecular data placed members of Brassicogethes (including 42 mostly W Palearctic species associated with Brassicaceae) as sister to Odonthogethes, with this clade being sister to Meligethes s.str. This phylogenetic scenario suggests that monophyletic Meligethes s.str., Odonthogethes and Brassicogethes should be regarded alternatively as three subgenera of a monophyletic Meligethes, or three genera in a monophyletic genus-complex, with mutually monophyletic Brassicogethes and Odonthogethes. Molecular analyses estimated the origin of this lineage at ca. 14-15 Mya from a common stem including Meligethinus. Conclusions: We hypothesize that the ancestor of Meligethes specialized on Rosaceae in the Middle Miocene (likely in Langhian Age) and subsequently radiated during Late Miocene and Plio-Pleistocene maintaining a trophic niche on this plant family. This radiation was primarily due to geographic isolation in E Asiatic mountain systems. Combined evidence from morphology, ancestral state parsimony reconstruction of host-plant associations and molecular evidence suggested that Rosoideae (Rosa spp.) represented the ancestral hosts of Meligethes s.str., followed by an independent shift of ancestral Odonthogethes (ca. 9-15 Mya) on Rubus (Rosoideae) and members of Rosaceae Spiraeoideae. Other ancestral Odonthogethes probably shifted again on the unrelated plant family Brassicaceae (maybe 8-14 Mya in S China), allowing a rapid westward radiation of the Brassicogethes clade.
Temperament and character of patients with alcohol toxicity during COVID -19 pandemic
Authors: Estedlal AliReza , Mani Arash , Vardanjani Hossein Molavi , Kamali Mahsa , Zarei Leila , Heydari Seyed Taghi , Lankarani Kamran B 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Corona virus epidemic may be acts as a stressor or trauma that affects both physical health and mental health. People exhibited various reactive behaviors to confront with this stressful situation. In Iran, one of the common motives for alcohol consumption is to scape problems and cope with stresses. It has been shown that personality factors influence alcohol consumption, since they are associated with drinking motives. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between temperament and character and alcohol abuse. Methods: This cross-section study was conducted on 135 alcohol intoxicated patients admitted to emergency room in March 2020 and 255 participants who were randomly selected from public in Shiraz. A questionnaire consisted of TCI (Temperament and character inventory) and several questions about COVID-19 pandemic. It was completed by a trained interviewer using the matched answer technique. Demographic factors were self-reported. Results: Among the alcohol intoxicated group, 117 (86.7%) were males and 18(13.3%) were females. The mean age of the participants was 32.43±10.81 years. Among control group, 99 (38.8%) were males and 156 (61.2%) were females. The mean age of control group was 33.12±14.77 years. Alcohol toxicity was mostly observed among the young males (male/female ratio was 6.45). According to temperament and character index, mean scores of novelty seeking, harm avoidant, and self-transcendence were higher in the alcohol toxicity group than normal population (P<0.01). Mean scores of reward dependent, cooperativeness, and self-directedness were higher in normal population than the alcohol toxicity group (P<0.001). The mean score of persistence was not significantly different between methanol intoxicated and normal population groups (P=0.718). Conclusion: Alcohol intoxicated patients had higher scores of novelty-seeking and self-transcendence and lower scores of reward-dependency scores, cooperativeness and self-directedness. These scores are associated with higher likelihood of personality disorders.
Financial burden impact quality of life among Lymphatic Filariasis Patients
Authors: Asiedu Samuel Opoku , Kwarteng Alexander , Amewu Emmanuel Kobla Atsu , Kini Priscilla , Aglomasa Bill Clinton , Forkuor John Boulard 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BackgroundHuman lymphatic filarial pathology is the leading cause of disability and poverty among people living with the infection. The second goal of the Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF) is to manage the disease's morbidity to improve patients' quality of life. Consequently, the current study assessed the overall quality of life of lymphatic filariasis (LF) pathology patients in some selected endemic communities in rural Ghana. MethodIn the present study, the Lymphatic Filariasis Quality of Life Questionnaire (LFSQQ) was used to evaluate the effect of lymphatic filariasis on the quality of life of people, with the disease in nine (9) communities in the Ahanta West District of the Western Region of Ghana where mass drug administration is being implemented for the past twenty years. Pearson’s correlation, linear regression, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) analyses were used to assess the associations between the LFSQQ instrument domains.ResultsOf the 155 study participants recruited, 115 (74.19%) were females, and 40 (25.81%) males. A greater proportion of the study participants (40, 25.8%) were presented with stage two (2) lymphoedema, while only two patients had stage seven (7) lymphoedema. The average of the overall quality of life scores of study participants was 68.24. There was a negative Pearson correlation (r = -0.504, p-value < 0.001) between the stage of lymphoedema (severity of the disease) and the quality of life of the LF patients. In addition, a clear pattern of positive correlation (r = 0.71, p-value < 0.001) was observed between the disease burden and pain/discomfort domains of the study participants. Whereas the highest domain-specific score (85.03) was observed in the domain of self-care, we noted that the environmental domain, which consists of the financial status, was the lowest (45.94) among the study participants. ConclusionOur findings support previous works on the reduced quality of life among lymphatic filariasis patients with pathology. In this study, our results reveal a depressing financial condition among people presenting with late stages of LF pathologies, which eventually reduces their well-being.
Comparison of the predictive value of progesterone-related indicators for pregnancy outcomes of women undergoing the short-acting GnRH agonist long protocol: a retrospective study
Authors: Zhang Yangyang , Xu Yang , Wang Yuqiong , Xue Qing , Shang Jing , Yang Xiuli , Shan Xuemin 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: There are many progesterone (P) elevation-related indicators for predicting pregnancy outcomes, including the serum P, P-to-oestradiol ratio (P/E2), P-to-follicle index (PFI), and P-to-mature oocyte index (PMOI); however, due to inconsistencies in study populations and controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) protocols among studies, these indicators are controversial. Moreover, no researchers have included these four commonly used indicators in one study to compare their predictive efficacies. The objective of this study was to compare the predictive value of P-related indicators for pregnancy outcomes of women undergoing the short-acting GnRH agonist long protocol. Methods: A total of 612 infertile women undergoing IVF/ICSI were recruited for this study. Serum samples were obtained on the morning of HCG injection for serum P and E2 measurements. Transvaginal ultrasound was performed to determine the follicle count (≥ 14 mm in diameter). The number of mature oocytes was observed in the embryo laboratory after oocyte retrieval.Results: In cases of P<2.5 ng/ml, there was no significant difference in the serum P level or P/E2 between the pregnant group and the non-pregnant group. The PFI and PMOI of the pregnant group were significantly lower than those of the non-pregnant group. According to the stratified analysis of the ovarian response, only the PMI and PMOI of the pregnant women in the normal ovarian response group were lower than those of the non-pregnant women. To compare the predictive value of the PFI and PMOI in IVF/ICSI outcomes, the patients were divided into four groups. The good-quality embryo rate and clinical pregnancy rate were highest in Group A (low PFI and low PMOI) and lowest in Group D (high PFI and high PMOI). In the two groups with discordant PFI and PMOI, namely Group B (low PFI and high PMOI) and Group C (high PFI and low PMOI), the good-quality embryo rate and clinical pregnancy rate were not significantly different.Conclusions: The PFI and PMOI had equal value in predicting clinical pregnancy outcomes in the normal ovarian response group undergoing the short-acting GnRH agonist long protocol. Each clinical centre can choose one of the indicators according to their actual situation in clinical practice and establish individual cut-off values for PFI and PMOI based on their own hormonal measurements.
Partnership Among Hospitals To Reduce Healthcare Associated Infections: A Quasi-Experimental Study In Brazilian ICUs
Authors: de Melo Ladjane Santos Wolmer , de Abreu Maria Verônica Monteiro , Santos Bernuarda Roberta de Oliveira , Carreteiro Maria das Graças Washington Casimiro , de Albuquerque Maria Carolina Andrade Lins , de Souza Maria Fernanda Aparecida Moura , Vidal Claudia Fernanda de Lacerda , Lacerda Heloisa Ramos 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are relevant in developing countries where frequencies can be at least 3 times higher than in developed countries. The purpose of this research was to describe the intervention implemented in intensive care units (ICUs) to reduce HAIs through collaborative project and analyze the variation over 18 months in the incidence density (ID) of the three main HAIs: ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP), central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) and catheter-related urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) and also the length of stay and mortality in these ICUs. Methods: A quasi-experimental study in 5 public adult clinical-surgical ICUs, to reduce HAIs, through interventions using the BTS-IHI “Improvement Model”, during 18 months. In the project, promoted by the Ministry of Health, Brazilian philanthropic hospitals of excellence (HE), those mostly private, certified as excellence and exempt from security contributions, regularly trained and monitored public hospitals in diagnostics, data collection and in developing cycles to improve quality and to prevent HAIs (bundles). In the analysis regarding the length of stay, mortality, the IDs of VAP, CLABSIs and CAUTIs over time, a Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) model was applied for continuous variables, using the constant correlation (exchangeable) between assessments over time. The model estimated the average difference (β coefficient of the model) of the measures analyzed during two periods: a period in the year 2017 (prior to implementing the project) and in the years 2018 and 2019 (during the project).Result: A mean monthly reduction of 0.427 in VAP ID (p = 0.002) with 33.8% decrease at the end of the period and 0.351 in CAUTI ID (p = 0.009) with 45% final decrease. The mean monthly reduction of 0.252 for CLABSIs was not significant (p = 0.068). Length of stay and mortality rates had no significant variation. Conclusions: Given the success in reducing VAP and CAUTIs in a few months of interventions, the achievement of the collaborative project is evident. This partnership among public hospitals/HE may be applied to other ICUs including countries with fewer resources.Trial registration: Promoted by Brazilian Ministry of Health. Approved by the Hospital das Clínicas – UFPE Ethics Committee (No. 3,307,293).
Predictors associated with neurological recovery after anterior decompression with fusion for degenerative cervical myelopathy
Authors: Inose Hiroyuki , Hirai Takashi , Yoshii Toshitaka , Kimura Atsushi , Takeshita Katsushi , Inoue Hirokazu , Maekawa Asato , Endo Kenji , Furuya Takeo , Nakamura Akira , Mori Kanji , Kanbara Shunsuke , Imagama Shiro , Seki Shoji , Takahashi Kunihiko , Matsunaga Shunji , Okawa Atsushi 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Anterior decompression with fusion (ADF) has often been performed for degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) in patients with poor cervical spine alignment and/or anterior cord compression. We aimed to identify clinical and radiological predictors associated with neurological recovery after ADF.Methods: This post-hoc analysis from a prospective multicenter study included patients who were scheduled for ADF for DCM. The patients who received other surgeries (laminoplasty, posterior decompression and fusion) were excluded. The associations between baseline clinical and radiographic variables (age, sex, body mass index, etiology, cervical lordosis, range of motion, C7 slope, C2-7 sagittal vertical axis [SVA], thoracic kyphosis [TK], lumbar lordosis, sacral slope, SVA, pelvic tilt, T1 pelvic angle [TPA], the Japanese Orthopedic Association score for the assessment of cervical myelopathy [C-JOA], European Quality of Life Five Dimensions Scale [EQ-5D], Neck Disability Index [NDI], Physical Component Summary of the SF-36 [PCS], and Mental Component Summary of the SF-36) and the recovery rates as the outcome variables were investigated in the univariate regression analysis. Then, the independent predictors for increased recovery rates were evaluated using a stepwise multiple regression analysis.Results: In total, 37 patients completed the 1-year follow-up. The recovery rate was significantly correlated with SVA (p = 0.001) and TPA (p = 0.03). Univariate regression analyses showed that age (r = -0.92, p = 0.049), SVA (r = -0.57, p = 0.004) and PCS (r = -0.80, p = 0.03) score were significantly associated with recovery rate. Then, a stepwise multiple regression analysis identified the independent predictors of recovery rate after ADF as TK (p = 0.01), PCS (p = 0.03), and SVA (p = 0.03). According to this prediction model, the following equation was obtained: recovery rate = –8.26 + 1.17 × (TK) – 0.45 × (SVA) + 0.85 × (PCS) (p = 0.002, R2 = 0.44).Conclusion: Patients with lower TK, lower PCS score, and higher SVA were more likely to have poor neurological recovery after ADF. Therefore, patients with DCM and these predictors who undergo ADF should be warned about poor recovery and be required to provide adequate informed consent.
Age is not the only risk factor in COVID-19: the role of comorbidities and of long staying in residential care homes.&nbsp;
Authors: D'Ascanio Michela , Innammorato Marta , Pasquariello Lara , Pizzirusso Dario , Guerrieri Giulio , Castelli Silvia , Pezzuto Aldo , De Vitis Claudia , Anibaldi Paolo , Marcolongo Adriano , Mancini Rita , Ricci Alberto , Sciacchitano Salvatore 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: The actual SARS-CoV-2 outbreak caused a highly transmissible disease with a tremendous impact on elderly people. So far, few studies focused on very elderly patients (over 80 years old). In this study we examined the clinical presentation and the outcome of the disease in this group of patients, admitted to our Hospital in RomeMethods: This is a single-center, retrospective study performed in the Sant’Andrea University Hospital of Rome. We included patients older than 65 years of age with a diagnosis of COVID-19, from March 2020 to May 2020, divided in two groups according to their age (Elderly: 65-80 years old; Very Elderly >80 years old). Data extracted from the each patient record included age, sex, comorbidities, symptoms at onset, the Pneumonia Severity Index (PSI), the ratio of the partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood (PaO2) to the inspired oxygen fraction (FiO2) (P/F) on admission, laboratory tests, radiological findings on computer tomography (CT), length of hospital stay (LOS), mortality rate and the viral shedding. The differences between the two groups were analyzed by the Fisher’s exact test or the Wilcoxon signed-rank test for categorical variables and the Mann-Whitney U test for continuous variables. To assess significance among multiple groups of factors, we used the Bonferroni correction. The survival time was estimated by Kaplan-Meier method and Log Rank Test. Univariate and Multivariate logistic regression were performed to estimate associations between age, comorbidities, provenance from long-stay residential care homes (LSRCH)s and clinical outcomes. Results: We found that Very Elderly patients had an increased mortality rate, also due to the frequent occurrence of multiple comorbidities. Moreover, we found that patients coming from LSRCHs appeared to be highly susceptible and vulnerable to develop severe manifestations of the disease. Conclusion: We demonstrate that there were considerable differences between Elderly and Very Elderly patients in terms of inflammatory activity, severity of disease, adverse clinical outcomes. To establish a correct risk stratification, comorbidities and information about provenience from LSRCHs should be considered.
Polytobacco Use Among a Nationally-Representative Sample of Black Adolescents&nbsp;
Authors: Gilreath Tamika D. , Dangerfield Derek T. , Ishino Francisco A. Montiel , Hill Ashley V. , Johnson Renee M. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Introduction. Studies of the patterns of polytobacco use have increased. However, understanding the patterns of using multiple tobacco products among Black adolescents is minimal. This study identified the patterns of polytobacco use among U.S. Black adolescents. Methods. Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to identify patterns of adolescent polytobacco use among a representative sample of Black youth from the 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (n=2,782). Ever and recent (past 30 day) use of cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, cigars, and dip or chewing tobacco were used as latent class indicators. Multinomial regression was conducted to identify the association if smoking adjusting for sex, age, grade, and marijuana use.Results. Most students were in the 9th grade (29%), e-cigarette users (21%) and were current marijuana users (25%). Three profiles of tobacco use were identified: Class 1: Non-smokers (81%), Class 2: E-cigarette Users (14%), and Class 3: Polytobacco Users (5%). Black adolescent Polytobacco users were the smallest class, but had the highest conditional probabilities of recent cigarette use, e-cigarette use, ever smoking cigars or chewing tobacco. Ever and current use of marijuana were associated with increased odds of being in the e-cigarette user versus non-smoker group, and current marijuana use was associated with increased odds of polytobacco use (aOR=24.61, CI=6.95-87.11). Conclusions. Findings suggests the need for targeted interventions for reducing tobacco use and examining the unique effects of polytobacco use on Black adolescents. Findings confirm a significant association of marijuana use with tobacco use.