bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intermittent preventive treatment of malaria delivered to primary schoolchildren provided effective individual protection in Jinja, Uganda: secondary outcomes of a cluster-randomized trial (START-IPT)
Authors: Rehman Andrea M. , Maiteki-Sebuguzi Catherine , Gonahasa Samuel , Okiring Jaffer , Kigozi Simon P. , Chandler Clare I. R. , Drakeley Chris , Dorsey Grant , Kamya Moses R. , Staedke Sarah G. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background
Intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) of malaria is recommended as policy for certain high-risk populations, but not currently for schoolchildren. A cluster-randomized trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of IPT with dihydroartemisinin–piperaquine (DP) on primary schoolchildren in Jinja, Uganda. Results of the impact of IPT of schoolchildren on community-level transmission have been reported previously. Here, secondary outcomes from a school-based survey are presented.

Methods
Eighty-four clusters (one primary school plus 100 households) were randomized to intervention and control (1:1 ratio). Participants from intervention schools received monthly IPT with DP for up to 6 rounds (June–December 2014). At endline (November–December 2014), randomly selected children from all 84 schools were surveyed (13 per school) and thick blood smears were done. Those with fever or history of fever were tested with rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for malaria. Haemoglobin was measured in every fifth participant. Outcome measures included prevalence of asexual parasites and gametocytes (by microscopy), and prevalence of anaemia. Prevalence outcomes were analysed using generalized linear Poisson models with log link function, incorporating a cluster-level random intercept and quantified using prevalence risk ratios.

Results
Among 23,280 students listed on the 42 intervention school registers, 10,079 (43.3%) aged 5–20 years were enrolled into the IPT intervention and received at least one dose of DP; of these, 9286 (92.1%) received at least one full (3-day) course. In total, 1092 children were enrolled into the final school survey (546 per arm) and had a thick blood smear done; of these, 255 had haemoglobin measured (129 intervention, 126 control). Children in the intervention arm were less likely to have asexual parasites (9.2% intervention vs 44.1% control, adjusted risk ratio [aRR] 0.22 [95% CI 0.16–0.30] p < 0.001), gametocytes (3.1% intervention vs 9.5% control, aRR 0.34 [95% CI 0.20–0.56] p < 0.001), fever (20.2% intervention vs 56.2% control, aRR 0.35 [95% CI 0.25–0.50] p < 0.001), or symptomatic malaria (5.1% intervention vs 35.7% control, aRR 0.14 [95% CI 0.08–0.26] p < 0.001). Prevalence of anaemia and mean haemoglobin were similar in both study arms.

Conclusions
School-aged children are a major reservoir of malaria parasites. Delivering IPT to schoolchildren would benefit individual children and may reduce transmission. School-based IPT could help to intensify malaria control toward elimination, and should be considered for policies and programmes.
Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02009215), Registered 11 December 2013. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02009215
A two-colour multiplexed lateral flow immunoassay system to differentially detect human malaria species on a single test line
Authors: Kim Jinsu , Cao Xiangkun Elvis , Finkelstein Julia L. , Cárdenas Washington B. , Erickson David , Mehta Saurabh 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Malaria continues to impose a tremendous burden in terms of global morbidity and mortality, yet even today, a large number of diagnoses are presumptive resulting in lack of or inappropriate treatment.

Methods
In this work, a two-colour lateral flow immunoassay (LFA) system was developed to identify infections by Plasmodium spp. and differentiate Plasmodium falciparum infection from the other three human malaria species (Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale, Plasmodium malariae). To achieve this goal, red and blue colours were encoded to two markers on a single test line of strips, for simultaneous detection of PfHRP2 (red), a marker specific for P. falciparum infection, and pLDH (blue), a pan-specific marker for infections by all species of Plasmodium. The assay performance was first optimized and evaluated with recombinant malarial proteins spiked in washing buffer at various concentrations from 0 to 1000 ng mL−1. The colour profiles developed on the single test line were discriminated and quantified: colour types corresponded to malaria protein species; colour intensities represented protein concentration levels.

Results
The limit of detection (the lowest concentrations of malaria antigens that can be distinguished from blank samples) and the limit of colour discrimination (the limit to differentiate pLDH from PfHRP2) were defined for the two-colour assay from the spiked buffer test, and the two limits were 31.2 ng mL−1 and 7.8 ng mL−1, respectively. To further validate the efficacy of the assay, 25 human whole blood frozen samples were tested and successfully validated against ELISA and microscopy results: 15 samples showed malaria negative; 5 samples showed P. falciparum positive; 5 samples showed P. falciparum negative, but contained other malaria species.

Conclusions
The assay provides a simple method to quickly identify and differentiate infection by different malarial parasites at the point-of-need and overcome the physical limitations of traditional LFAs, improving the multiplexing potential for simultaneous detection of various biomarkers.
Enhancing the value of women’s reproductive rights through community based interventions in upper Egypt governorates: a randomized interventional study
Authors: Metwally Ammal M. , Saleh Rehan M. , El-Etreby Lobna A. , Salama Somia I. , Aboulghate Ahmed , Amer Hala A. , Fathy Asmaa M. , Yousry Reham , El-Deeb Sherif E. , Abdel-Latif Ghada A. , Elmosalami Dalia M. , Ibrahim Nihad A. , Azmy Osama M. , Taha Tamer , Imam Hanaa M. , Abdel Rahman Mohamed , Hemeda Samia A. R. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
In 2012, the WHO described the quality of health care as the route to equity and dignity for women and children.

Aim of the work
To provide community based support and empowerment to women in childbearing period to seek optimal prenatal, natal and postnatal healthcare. Achieving this is anticipated to decrease maternal morbidity and mortality in Egypt.

Subjects and methods
An interventional study was conducted among women in childbearing period in the poorest two governorates of Upper Egypt. The study passed through three stages over three and a half years; pre-interventional assessment of awareness (n = 1000), educational interventions targeting the health providers and all women in childbearing period in their communities (n = 20,494), and post-intervention evaluation of change in awareness of their rights for prenatal, natal and postnatal care (no = 1150).

Results
The studied indicators relating to receiving care in pregnancy, labor, and puerperium have changed dramatically as a result of the study interventions. Results of the study showed that before interventions, the surveyed women had inaccurate knowledge regarding most of the items related to their rights. The percentages of women aware of their right to have pregnancy card increased and those who possessed a pregnancy card were doubled with a significant percent change of more than 25%. Some indicators showed more than 75% improvement, including; percent of surveyed women who knew that it’s their right to follow up their pregnancy and to deliver with a specialized doctor, a trained nurse or at an equipped health facility, and those who knew their right to have at least two home preparations necessary for safe delivery at home.

Conclusion and recommendations
More work is needed in order to achieve the targeted reduction of maternal mortality. This could be achieved by ensuring accessible and high quality care provided by the governmental health facilities together with increasing the awareness of women regarding their rights in receiving such care.
Effects of an empowerment program for survivors of sexual violence on attitudes and beliefs: evidence from the Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Quattrochi John , Biaba Rosalie , Nordås Ragnhild , Østby Gudrun , Alldén Susanne , Cikara Aline , Namegabe Esther , Amisi Christina 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundWomen’s empowerment may require women to change their beliefs and views about their rights and capabilities. Empowerment programs often target women who have survived sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), with the justification that these women may develop disempowered beliefs as a coping mechanism, or face greater barriers to, or derive greater benefits from, the adoption of empowered beliefs and preferences. We investigated an intensive, six-month residential empowerment program (“City of Joy”) for SGBV survivors in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where more than one in five women have experienced SGBV.MethodsWe asked 175 participants about their beliefs and preferences pertaining to political, financial, and domestic empowerment. Interviews took place immediately before and after participation in the program, and we tested for differences in views of empowerment between entry and exit using paired t-tests and McNemar’s test. We also conducted 50 semi-structured interviews about empowerment with an additional 30 women who had completed the program up to 5 years earlier and then returned to their home community.ResultsPrior to enrolling in the program, participants had fairly empowered views regarding politics, less empowered views regarding finances, and still less empowered views regarding the domestic sphere. After completing the program, participants had significantly more empowered views in all three domains, particularly regarding domestic violence, how families should treat men and women, and women’s economic rights. Participants in their home communities reported taking a more active role in community affairs and speaking out against the mistreatment of women.ConclusionThis study adds to the evidence that women’s empowerment programs can change participants’ beliefs and thus increase the confidence with which they participate in their communities and support one another.
Pharmacological and functional similarities of the human neuropeptide Y system in C. elegans challenges phylogenetic views on the FLP/NPR system
Authors: Gershkovich Miron Mikhailowitsch , Groß Victoria Elisabeth , Kaiser Anette , Prömel Simone 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe neuropeptide Y system affects various processes, among others food intake, and is frequently discussed in the context of targeting obesity. Studies in model organisms are indispensable to enable molecular studies in a physiological context. Although the NPY system is evolutionarily conserved in all bilaterians, in the widely used modelCaenorhabditis elegansthere is controversy on the existence of NPY orthologous molecules. While the FMRFamide-like peptide (FLP)/Neuropeptide receptor-Resemblance (NPR) system in the nematode was initially suggested to be orthologous to the mammalian NPY system, later global phylogenetic studies indicate that FLP/NPR is protostome-specific.MethodsWe performed a comprehensive pharmacological study of the FLP/NPR system in transfected cells in vitro, and tested for functional substitution inC. elegansknockout strains. Further, we phenotypically compared differentflploss-of-function strains. Differences between groups were compared by ANOVA and post-hoc testing (Dunnett, Bonferroni).ResultsOur pharmacological analysis of the FLP/NPR system including formerly functionally uncharacterized NPY-like peptides fromC. elegansdemonstrates that G protein-coupling and ligand requirements for receptor activation are similar to the human NPY system. In vitro and in vivo analyses show cross-reactivity of NPY with the FLP/NPR system manifesting in the ability of the human GPCRs to functionally substitute FLP/NPR signaling in vivo. The high pharmacological/functional similarities enabled us to identifyC. elegansFLP-14 as a key molecule in avoidance behavior.ConclusionsOur data demonstrate the pharmacological and functional similarities of human NPY andC. elegansNPR systems. This adds a novel perspective to current phylogenetic reconstructions of the neuropeptide Y system. NPY and NPR receptors are pharmacologically so similar that the human receptors can functionally compensate for theC. elegansones, suggesting orthologous relationships. This is also underlined by the presence of NPY-like peptides and parallels in peptide requirements for receptor activation. Further, the results presented here highlight the potential of this knowledge for physiological as well as molecular studies on neuropeptide GPCRs such as the NPY system in the future.
Discrimination of indoor versus outdoor environmental state with machine learning algorithms in myopia observational studies
Authors: Ye Bin , Liu Kangping , Cao Siting , Sankaridurg Padmaja , Li Wayne , Luan Mengli , Zhang Bo , Zhu Jianfeng , Zou Haidong , Xu Xun , He Xiangui 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Wearable smart watches provide large amount of real-time data on the environmental state of the users and are useful to determine risk factors for onset and progression of myopia. We aim to evaluate the efficacy of machine learning algorithm in differentiating indoor and outdoor locations as collected by use of smart watches.

Methods
Real time data on luminance, ultraviolet light levels and number of steps obtained with smart watches from dataset A: 12 adults from 8 scenes and manually recorded true locations. 70% of data was considered training set and support vector machine (SVM) algorithm generated using the variables to create a classification system. Data collected manually by the adults was the reference. The algorithm was used for predicting the location of the remaining 30% of dataset A. Accuracy was defined as the number of correct predictions divided by all. Similarly, data was corrected from dataset B: 172 children from 3 schools and 12 supervisors recorded true locations. Data collected by the supervisors was the reference. SVM model trained from dataset A was used to predict the location of dataset B for validation. Finally, we predicted the location of dataset B using the SVM model self-trained from dataset B. We repeated these three predictions with traditional univariate threshold segmentation method.

Results
In both datasets, SVM outperformed the univariate threshold segmentation method. In dataset A, the accuracy and AUC of SVM were 99.55% and 0.99 as compared to 95.11% and 0.95 with the univariate threshold segmentation (p < 0.01). In validation, the accuracy and AUC of SVM were 82.67% and 0.90 compared to 80.88% and 0.85 with the univariate threshold segmentation method (p < 0.01). In dataset B, the accuracy and AUC of SVM and AUC were 92.43% and 0.96 compared to 80.88% and 0.85 with the univariate threshold segmentation (p < 0.01).

Conclusions
Machine learning algorithm allows for discrimination of outdoor versus indoor environments with high accuracy and provides an opportunity to study and determine the role of environmental risk factors in onset and progression of myopia. The accuracy of machine learning algorithm could be improved if the model is trained with the dataset itself.
Plasma diamine oxidase level predicts 6-month readmission for patients with hepatitis B virus-related decompensated cirrhosis
Authors: Li Feng-Cai , Fan Yu-Chen , Li Yue-Kai , Wang Kai 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackground and aimsHepatitis B virus-related decompensated cirrhosis is difficult to cure but has a high readmission rate due to multiple complications. Our aim was to investigate the diagnostic potential value of plasma diamine oxidase (DAO) for 6-month readmission of patients with HBV-related decompensated cirrhosis.MethodsA total of 135 patients with HBV-related decompensated cirrhosis were prospectively collected at the onset of discharge of hospital, and then were followed up for at least 6 months with the readmission as the primary outcome. The plasma DAO level was measured using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. In addition, 120 age and sex matched patients with HBV-related compensated cirrhosis were included as controls.ResultsA total of 36 patients (36.7%) with decompensated cirrhosis admitted to hospital during the 6-month follow up. The plasma DAO level of readmission group [21.1 (14.5; 29.0) ng/ml] was significantly higher than that in the non-readmission group [12.7 (9.3; 18.0) ng/mL,P < 0.001]. Multivariate analysis showed that the plasma DAO level (HR = 1.102,P < 0.05) and hepatic encephalopathy (HE) (HR = 5.018,P < 0.05) were independent factors for 6-month readmission of decompensated cirrhosis. DAO level showed higher area under the curve of receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) than HE (0.769 vs. 0.598,P < 0.05) and Child-Pugh-Turcotte (CPT) score (0.769 vs. 0.652,P < 0.05) for predicting 6-month readmission rate, with the best cut-off value as 19.7 ng/mL. Furthermore, plasma DAO level (HR = 1.184,P < 0.05) was an independent factor and has the higher AUROC than CPT score for the onset of recurrent HE (0.905 vs. 0.738,P < 0.05) during the 6-month follow up.ConclusionsPlasma DAO level > 19.7 ng/mL predicts high rate of 6-month readmission in patients with HBV-related decompensated cirrhosis.
Dietary glycemic index and dietary glycemic load is associated with apelin gene expression in visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues of adults
Authors: Yuzbashian Emad , Asghari Golaleh , Aghayan Maryam , Hedayati Mehdi , Zarkesh Maryam , Mirmiran Parvin , Khalaj Alireza 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Apelin, as an adipokine, plays an important role in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. This study aimed to determine whether the quality and quantity of dietary carbohydrates were associated with apelin gene expression in subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissues.

Methods
In this cross-sectional study, 102 adults who underwent minor abdominal surgery were selected. Approximately 100 mg of subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissues were collected during the surgery to measure apelin gene expression. Anthropometric measurment, blood samples, and dietary intakes were collected before surgery. The dietary carbohydrate intake, glycemic index (GI), and glycemic load (GL) were determined.

Results
The average apelin concentration was 269.6 ± 98.5(pg/mL), and 16.3% of participants were insulin resistant. There was a correlation between insulin (p-value = 0.043), Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR)(p-value = 0.045) and apelin gene expression in visceral adipose tissue. There was a positive association of apelin gene expression with dietary GI and GL after adjustment for age, sex, and waist circumference in visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues(p < 0.05). Apelin gene expression in visceral(p = 0.002) and subcutaneous(p = 0.003) adipose tissues was directly associated with foods with a higher GI. There was no association between total carbohydrate intake and apelin gene expression in both visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues.

Conclusions
Dietary GI and GL, not total carbohydrate intake, were positively associated with apelin gene expression in both visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues. Future studies are warranted to illustrate the chronic and acute effect of carbohydrate quality on apelin homeostasis.
Spinal epidural hematoma in a patient on chronic anticoagulation therapy performing self-neck manipulation: a case report
Authors: Cooper Jesse , Battaglia Patrick , Reiter Todd 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Spinal epidural hematoma is a rare condition usually secondary to trauma and coagulopathy. To the best of our knowledge, we present the first case of a patient with an iatrogenic hypercoaguable state performing self-neck manipulation, which resulted in a spinal epidural hematoma and subsequent quadriparesis.

Case presentation
A 63-year-old man presented to the emergency department with worsening interscapular pain radiating to his neck 1 day after performing self-manipulation of his cervical spine. He was found to be coagulopathic upon admission, secondary to chronic warfarin therapy for the management of atrial fibrillation. Approximately 48 h after the manipulation, the patient became acutely quadriparetic and hypotensive. Urgent magnetic resonance imaging revealed a multilevel spinal epidural hematoma from the lower cervical to thoracic spine.

Conclusions
Partial C7, complete T1 and T2, and partial T3 bilateral laminectomy was performed for evacuation of the spinal epidural hematoma. Following a 2-week course of acute inpatient rehabilitation, the patient returned to his baseline functional status. This case highlights the risks of self-manipulation of the neck and potentially other activities that significantly stretch or apply torque to the cervical spine. It also presents a clinical scenario in which practitioners of spinal manipulation therapy should be aware of patients undergoing anticoagulation therapy.
Using the behaviour change wheel to explore infant feeding peer support provision; insights from a North West UK evaluation
Authors: Thomson Gill , Crossland Nicola 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundBreastfeeding peer support is advocated in national and international guidelines, but the evidence base is mixed. In the UK, breastfeeding peer support was found to be ineffective in randomised controlled trials, while women report positive impacts on breastfeeding experiences in qualitative studies. A key criticism levied against breastfeeding peer support is the lack of theory underpinning intervention design. Here we use the Behaviour Change Wheel to structure the analysis of evaluation data from an infant feeding peer support service in one area in North West England. We aimed to provide theoretically informed insights into how peer support can be operationalised to influence women’s breastfeeding experiences.MethodsA 2 year mixed-methods evaluation (2014–2016) comprised surveys and interviews (individual or group) with peer supporters, health and community professionals, project leads and women, and routinely collected infant feeding data. We used the three layers (policies, intervention functions and behaviour-related components) of the Behaviour Change Wheel to structure and interpret the data.ResultsOverall data comprised 23 interviews (n = 14 - individual;n = 9 - group) and 409 completed surveys. The findings are presented in three sections. First, the ‘policies’ (outer) layer of the Behaviour Change Wheel provides insights into the existing context, infrastructure and resources that underpinned peer support delivery. Then the second (intervention functions) and inner (behaviour components) layers of the Behaviour Change Wheel are used to present three themes,‘developing capabilities for infant feeding’,‘motivating guidance and support’and‘opportunities for support’.These findings highlight that a peer support service delivered in a context of effective interdisciplinary partnerships, Baby Friendly Initiative accreditation, and flexible service planning, with peer support provided via different types of instrumental, social, practical and emotional support was perceived to be highly beneficial on women’s breastfeeding experiences. In the final section key challenges faced by the service are outlined. ConclusionWhile gaps and areas for development were highlighted, the service enhanced women’s capabilities, motivations and opportunities for breastfeeding. These theoretically informed insights into an organic and responsive peer support service help build the evidence base for breastfeeding peer support and to identify positive delivery features for future testing.