bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neglected malaria parasites in hard-to-reach areas of Odisha, India: implications in elimination programme
Authors: Bal Madhusmita , Rana Ramakanta , Das Arundhuti , Khuntia Hemant Kumar , Somalkar Nilam , Sahoo Niranjan , Ghosal Jyoti , Pati Sanghamitra , Dutta Ambarish , Ranjit Manoranjan 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
Information on the foci of Plasmodium species infections is essential for any country heading towards elimination. Odisha, one of the malaria-endemic states of India is targeting elimination of malaria by 2030. To support decision-making regarding targeted intervention, the distribution of Plasmodium species infections was investigated in hard-to-reach areas where a special malaria elimination drive, namely Durgama Anchalare Malaria Nirakaran (DAMaN) began in 2017.

Methods
A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2228 households during July to November 2019 in six districts, to evaluate the occurrence of Plasmodium species. The species were identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by sequencing, in case of Plasmodium ovale.

Results
Of the 3557 blood specimens tested, malaria infection was detected in 282 (7.8%) specimens by PCR. Of the total positive samples, 14.1% were P. ovale spp. and 10.3% were Plasmodium malariae infections. The majority of P. ovale spp. (75.8%) infections were mixed with either Plasmodium falciparum and/or Plasmodium vivax and found to be distributed in three geophysical regions (Northern-plateau, Central Tableland and Eastern Ghat) of the State, while P. malariae has been found in Northern-plateau and Eastern Ghat regions. Speciation revealed occurrence of both Plasmodium ovale curtisi (classic type) and Plasmodium ovale wallikeri (variant type).

Conclusions
In the present study a considerable number of P. ovale spp. and P. malariae were detected in a wide geographical areas of Odisha State, which contributes around 40% of the country’s total malaria burden. For successful elimination of malaria within the framework of national programme, P. ovale spp. along with P. malariae needs to be incorporated in surveillance system, especially when P. falciparum and P. vivax spp. are in rapid decline.
A cost–benefit analysis framework for preventive health interventions to aid decision-making in Australian governments
Authors: Ananthapavan Jaithri , Moodie Marj , Milat Andrew , Veerman Lennert , Whittaker Elizabeth , Carter Rob 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
Australian governments are increasingly mandating the use of cost–benefit analysis (CBA) to inform the efficient allocation of government resources. CBA is likely to be useful when evaluating preventive health interventions that are often cross-sectoral in nature and require Cabinet approval prior to implementation. This study outlines a CBA framework for the evaluation of preventive health interventions that balances the need for consistency with other agency guidelines whilst adhering to guidelines and conventions for health economic evaluations.

Methods
We analysed CBA and other evaluation guidance documents published by Australian federal and New South Wales (NSW) government departments. Data extraction compared the recommendations made by different agencies and the impact on the analysis of preventive health interventions. The framework specifies a reference case and sensitivity analyses based on the following considerations: (1) applied economic evaluation theory; (2) consistency between CBA across different government departments; (3) the ease of moving from a CBA to a more conventional cost-effectiveness/cost-utility analysis framework often used for health interventions; (4) the practicalities of application; and (5) the needs of end users being both Cabinet decision-makers and health policy-makers.

Results
Nine documents provided CBA or relevant economic evaluation guidance. There were differences in terminology and areas of agreement and disagreement between the guidelines. Disagreement between guidelines involved (1) the community included in the societal perspective; (2) the number of options that should be appraised in ex ante analyses; (3) the appropriate time horizon for interventions with longer economic lives; (4) the theoretical basis and value of the discount rate; (5) parameter values for variables such as the value of a statistical life; and (6) the summary measure for decision-making.

Conclusions
This paper addresses some of the methodological challenges that have hindered the use of CBA in prevention by outlining a framework that is consistent with treasury department guidelines whilst considering the unique features of prevention policies. The effective use and implementation of a preventive health CBA framework is likely to require considerable investment of time and resources from state and federal government departments of health and treasury but has the potential to improve decision-making related to preventive health policies and programmes.
The cost-effectiveness of B-type natriuretic peptide-guided care in compared to standard clinical assessment in outpatients with heart failure in Tehran, Iran
Authors: Rezapour Aziz , Palmer Andrew J. , Alipour Vahid , Hajahmadi Marjan , Jafari Abdosaleh 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundB-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is commonly used as a diagnostic method for patients with heart failure. This study was designed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of BNP compared to standard clinical assessment in outpatients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) in Tehran, Iran.MethodsThis study was a cost-effectiveness analysis carried on 400 HFrEF outpatients > 45 years who were admitted to Rasoul Akram General Hospital of Tehran, Iran. A Markov model with a lifetime horizon was developed to evaluate economic and clinical outcomes for BNP and standard clinical assessment. Quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), direct, and indirect costs collected from the patients.ResultsThe results of this study indicated that mean QALYs and cost were estimated to be 2.18 QALYs and $1835 for BNP and 2.07 and $2376 for standard clinical assessment, respectively. In terms of reducing costs and increasing QALYs, BNP was dominant compared to standard clinical assessment. Also, BNP had an 85% probability of being cost-effective versus standard clinical assessment if the willingness to pay threshold is higher than $20,800/QALY gained.ConclusionBased on the results of the present study, measuring BNP levels represents good value for money, decreasing costs and increasing QALYs compared to standard clinical assessment. It is suggested that the costs of the BNP test be covered by insurance in Iran. The result of the current study has important implications for policymakers in developing clinical guidelines for the diagnosis of heart failure.
Targeted cognitive game training enhances cognitive performance in multiple sclerosis patients treated with interferon beta 1-a
Authors: Menascu Shay , Aloni Roy , Dolev Mark , Magalashvili David , Gutman Keren , Dreyer-Alster Sapir , Tarpin-Bernard Franck , Achiron Ran , Harari Gil , Achiron Anat 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
Prevention of cognitive decline in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is of major importance. We explored the effect of a 6 months computerized game training program on cognitive performance in MS patients with mild cognitive impairment.

Methods
This was a single-center, randomized prospective study. We enrolled in this study 100 eligible MS patients treated with Interferon-beta-1a (Rebif). All had mild cognitive impairment in either executive function or information processing speed. Patients were randomized 1:1 to either use the cognitive games platform by HappyNeuron (HN) or receive no intervention. Executive function and information processing speed scores were measured at 3 and 6 months from baseline to evaluate the effect of game training on cognitive scores.

Results
In both executive function and information processing speed, the game Training group showed significant improvement after 3 and 6 months. The Non-Training group showed mild deterioration in both domains at 3 months, and further deterioration that became significant at 6 months in executive function. Furthermore, at 6 months, the percent of patients in the Training group that improved or remained stable in both cognitive domains was significantly higher compared to the Non-Training group.

Conclusions
Our findings suggest that cognitive game training has a beneficial effect on cognitive performance in MS patients suffering from mild cognitive impairment. While further evaluation is required to assess the longevity of that effect, we nonetheless recommend to MS patients to be engaged in cognitive gaming practice as part of a holistic approach to treating their condition.
The biology of medicinal resource substitution in Salvia
Authors: Cui Ning , Chen Tiezhu , Liao Baosheng , Xu Jiang , Li Xiwen 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
The decrease of wild reserves and the sharp increase of market demand have led to resource substitution, but it is still not clear how to discover medicinal alternative resources. Here we reveal the biology of medicinal resource substitution in the case of Salvia.

Methods
A hypothesis was put forward that phylogeny and ecology were the main factors which determined alternative species selection. Phylogenetic analysis was performed based on chloroplast genomes. Spatial climatic pattern was assessed through three mathematical models.

Results
Salvia miltiorrhiza and alternative species were mainly located in Clade 3 in topology, and their growth environment was clustered into an independent group 3 inferred from principal component analysis. Correlation and Maxent major climate factor analyses showed that the ecological variations within each lineage were significantly smaller than the overall divergent between any two lineages. Mantel test reconfirmed the inalienability between phylogeny and ecology (P = 0.002). Only the species that are genetically and ecologically related to S. miltiorrhiza can form a cluster with it.

Conclusions
Phylogenetic relationship and geographical climate work together to determine which species has the potential to be selected as substitutes. Other medicinal plants can learn from this biology towards developing alternative resources.
Effects of the peripherally acting μ-opioid receptor antagonist methylnaltrexone on acute pancreatitis severity: study protocol for a multicentre double-blind randomised placebo-controlled interventional trial, the PAMORA-AP trial
Authors: Knoph Cecilie Siggaard , Cook Mathias Ellgaard , Fjelsted Camilla Ann , Novovic Srdan , Mortensen Michael Bau , Nielsen Liv Bjerre Juul , Hansen Mark Berner , Frøkjær Jens Brøndum , Olesen Søren Schou , Drewes Asbjørn Mohr 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
Moderate to severe acute pancreatitis (AP) is associated with a high rate of complications and increased mortality, yet no targeted pharmacologic treatment currently exists. As pain is a dominant symptom in AP, patients are exposed to excess levels of both endo- and exogenous opioids, which may have harmful effects on the course of AP. This trial investigates the effects of the peripherally acting μ-opioid receptor antagonist (PAMORA) methylnaltrexone on disease severity and clinical outcomes in patients with moderate to severe AP.

Methods
PAMORA-AP is a multicentre, investigator-initiated, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, interventional trial, which will be conducted at four referral centres for acute pancreatitis in Denmark. Ninety patients with early-onset AP (pain onset within 48 h) as well as predicted moderate to severe disease (two or more systemic inflammatory response syndrome criteria upon admission) will be prospectively included. Subsequently, participants will be randomised (1:1) to intravenous treatment with either methylnaltrexone or matching placebo (Ringer’s lactate) during 5 days of admission. The primary endpoint will be the group difference in disease severity as defined and measured by the Pancreatitis Activity Scoring System (PASS) score 48 h after randomisation. Secondary endpoints include daily PASS scores; disease severity according to the Atlanta classification; quantification of need for analgesics, nutritional support, intravenous fluid resuscitation and antibiotics; duration of hospital admissions, readmission rates and mortality. Pain intensity and gut function will be self-reported using validated questionnaires. Exploratory endpoints include circulating levels of pro-and anti-inflammatory markers, polyethylene glycol recovery from the urine, circulating levels of blood markers of intestinal permeability, the prevalence of pancreatic complications on computed tomography (CT) scans, and colon transit time assessed using a CT-based radiopaque marker method.

Discussion
This trial aims to evaluate the PAMORA methylnaltrexone as a novel targeted pharmacotherapy in patients with moderate to severe AP with the potential benefit of improved patient outcomes.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.govNCT04743570. Registered on 28 January 2021. EudraCT 2020-002313-18.
Cast OFF-2: 1 week of plaster cast immobilization for non-reduced distal radius fractures—a study protocol for an implementation study
Authors: Boersma Emily , van de Krol Erik , Tromp Tjarda , van der Sanden Maria Nijhuis - , Edwards Michael 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
The distal radius fracture (DRF) is a common fracture, with the majority of these fractures being stable. Of all diagnosed fractures, 17% is a DRF, of which a large part is extra-articular and one-third is non-displaced. There is a large variation in treatment advisements for non-reduced DRF. Four to 5 weeks of immobilization is often the usual practice. Existing evidence shows that 1 week of immobilization is safe and does not lead to an increase in secondary displacement. Additionally, shorter immobilization periods may lead to less outpatient clinic visits and less home care for elderly people and may lead to earlier return to work and other social activities. Therefore, shorter immobilization periods for non-reduced distal radius fractures may also prove to be cost-effective.
In this study, we aim to successfully implement 1 week of plaster cast immobilization for non-reduced distal radius fractures in twelve medical centers and to evaluate the functional outcome and cost-effectiveness.

Methods
This study will be performed using a multicenter randomized stepped wedge design in 12 centers. We aim to include in the study 440 patients with an isolated non-reduced DRF between the age of 18 and 85 years old. The patients in the intervention group will be treated with plaster cast immobilization for 1 week. Acceptability of the study protocol, patient-reported outcomes, quality of life, complications, pain catastrophizing score, pain and patient satisfaction, and cost-effectiveness will be measured. The total follow-up will be 12 months.

Discussion
The strength of this study is the combination of implementing 1 week of plaster cast immobilization for non-reduced DRF and the evaluation of functional outcome, acceptability of the study protocol, and cost-effectiveness in actual practice.

Trial registration
Netherlands Trial Register NL9278. Registered on 17 February 2021
A survey of knowledge, perceptions and use of core outcome sets among clinical trialists
Authors: Bellucci Chiara , Hughes Karen , Toomey Elaine , Williamson Paula R. , Matvienko-Sikar Karen 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
Core outcome sets (COS) are standardised sets of outcomes, which represent the minimum outcomes that should be measured and reported in clinical trials. COS can enhance comparability across health trials by reducing heterogeneity of outcome measurement and reporting and potentially minimising selective outcome reporting. Examining what researchers involved in trials know and think about COS is essential to increase awareness and promote COS uptake. The aim of this study is therefore to examine clinical trialists’ knowledge, perceptions and experiences of COS.

Methods
An online survey design was used. Participants were clinical trialists, operationalised for the current study as researchers named as the contact person on a trial registered on the International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN) Trial repository between 1 January 2019 and 21 July 2020. Survey items assessed clinical trialists’ familiarity with and understanding of COS, along with experiences of COS use and development.

Results
Of 1913 clinical trialists contacted to participate, 62 (3%) completed the survey. Forty (65%) participants were familiar with COS and, of those familiar with COS, 21 (55%) had been involved in a trial that used a COS. Of clinical trialists who used COS in a trial(s), less than half (n = 9, 41%) reported that all COS outcomes were used. The main barriers to using COS are poor knowledge about COS (n = 43, 69%) and difficulties identifying relevant COS (n = 42, 68%). Clinical trialists also reported perceptions of COS as restrictive and often containing too many outcomes. The main enablers to using COS are clear understanding (n = 51, 82%) and perceived importance of COS (n = 44, 71%).

Conclusions
Enhancing clinical trialists’ use of all COS outcomes is needed to reduce outcome heterogeneity and enhance comparability across trial findings. Enhancing awareness of COS importance among researchers and funders is needed to ensure that COS are developed and used by clinical trialists. Education and training may further promote awareness and understanding of COS.
Effects of balance training on static and dynamic balance performance in healthy children: role of training duration and volume
Authors: Muehlbauer Thomas 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Objective
Improvements in balance performance through balance training programs in children have been reported in several studies. However, the influence of balance training modalities (e.g., training period, frequency, volume) on the training effectiveness have not yet been studied. To address this shortfall, the present study investigated the effects of balance training duration and volume (i.e., 240 min during 4 weeks versus 360 min during 6 weeks) on measures of static and dynamic balance performance in healthy children (N = 29) aged 10 years.

Results
Irrespective of balance training duration and volume, significant pre- to post-test improvements were found for variables of static (i.e., one-legged stance on foam ground, reduced number of floor contacts: p = .041, ηp2 = .15) and dynamic (i.e., Lower Quarter Y Balance test, increased anterior reach distance: p = .038, ηp2 = .15) balance performance but no group × test interactions were detected. These findings indicate that balance training is effective to improve static and dynamic balance performance in healthy children, but the effectiveness seems unaffected by the applied training duration and volume.
Trial Registration Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN75170753 (retrospectively registered at 12th April, 2021).
An unusual case of bone regeneration of a necrotic mandible with pathologic fracture in an elderly hemodialysis patient with medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Yoshizawa Kunio , Moroi Akinori , Iguchi Ran , Takayama Akihiro , Goto Junko , Takayama Yutaka , Ueki Koichiro 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundBisphosphonates are frequently used for osteoporosis. Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw, a complication of bone-modifying agents, including bisphosphonates or angiogenic inhibitors, can be challenging to treat in elderly patients with numerous preexisting conditions. Achieving good treatment outcomes is especially difficult in patients with pathological fractures accompanied with extraoral fistulae.Case presentationWe report an unusual case of prominent bone regeneration following palliative surgical treatment in a 72-year-old Japanese female patient undergoing hemodialysis. She previously had severe osteoporosis due to renal osteodystrophy and was receiving antiresorptive intravenous bisphosphonate. Computed tomography revealed a discontinuous left lower mandibular margin with a pathologic fracture and extensive, morphologically irregular sequestrum formation (80 × 35 × 20 mm). The patient was diagnosed with stage III medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw and pathologic mandibular fracture. Immediately before the surgery, the anticoagulant used for dialysis was changed from heparin to nafamostat mesylate to reduce the risk of intraoperative bleeding. Sequestrectomy was performed under general anesthesia. Postoperative infection was not observed, the intraoral and submandibular fistula disappeared, and, surprisingly, prominent spontaneous bone regeneration was observed postoperatively at 6 months. Despite the severe systemic condition of the patient, the conservative surgical approach with sequestrectomy has yielded desirable results for more than 6 years since the surgery.ConclusionsThis rare report of spontaneous bone regeneration in a patient of advanced age and poor general condition is the oldest case of mandibular regeneration ever reported.
A narrative review on current duodenoscope reprocessing techniques and novel developments
Authors: Heuvelmans Maarten , Wunderink Herman F. , van der Mei Henny C. , Monkelbaan Jan F. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractDuodenoscopy-associated infections occur worldwide despite strict adherence to reprocessing standards. The exact scope of the problem remains unknown because a standardized sampling protocol and uniform sampling techniques are lacking. The currently available multi-society protocol for microbial culturing by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Society for Microbiology, published in 2018 is too laborious for broad clinical implementation. A more practical sampling protocol would result in increased accessibility and widespread implementation. This will aid to reduce the prevalence of duodenoscope contamination. To reduce the risk of duodenoscopy-associated pathogen transmission the FDA advised four supplemental reprocessing measures. These measures include double high-level disinfection, microbiological culturing and quarantine, ethylene oxide gas sterilization and liquid chemical sterilization. When the supplemental measures were advised in 2015 data evaluating their efficacy were sparse. Over the past five years data regarding the supplemental measures have become available that place the efficacy of the supplemental measures into context. As expected the advised supplemental measures have resulted in increased costs and reprocessing time. Unfortunately, it has also become clear that the efficacy of the supplemental measures falls short and that duodenoscope contamination remains a problem. There is a lot of research into new reprocessing methods and technical applications trying to solve the problem of duodenoscope contamination. Several promising developments such as single-use duodenoscopes, electrolyzed acidic water, and vaporized hydrogen peroxide plasma are already applied in a clinical setting.