bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of cepheid GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay for Mycobacterium tuberculosis detection and rifampicin resistance in clinical specimen
Authors: Zahoor Danish , Wani Shameem , Wani Zaffer Nowshad 
Published: May 2019

Background: Timely diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis is important to treat the disease and to reduce transmission. The WHO recommends using GeneXpert MTB in developing, high-burden countries. A study was conducted to evaluate the performance of Xpert assay for the detection of M. tuberculosis and rifampicin resistance in clinical specimen.Methods: About 615 consecutive samples were simultaneously subjected to culture and phenotypic drug susceptibility test for M. tuberculosis and analysis by GeneXpert assay. Confirmed Mycobacterium tuberculosis in a positive culture was used as a reference standard for TB diagnosis.Results: The assay achieved a sensitivity of 96.75% (268/277) and 76.47% (26/34) for smear positive and smear negative pulmonary specimen respectively. In extrapulmonary specimen, the sensitivity was 50% (1/2) and 42.8% (3/7) for smear positive and smear negative specimen respectively. An additional 48 M. tuberculosis were detected by Xpert assay which were smear and culture negative. The Xpert assay identified 100% of the phenotypic rifampicin susceptible isolates and 74.19% of the phenotypic rifampicin resistant isolates. Discordant results were seen in 8 (2.76%) isolates. 6 of these isolates were confirmed to be rifampicin resistant by the reference lab.Conclusions: Present study indicates that Xpert MTB/RIF assay is an effective and rapid tool for the rapid diagnosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The sensitivity is comparable to culture in smear positive specimen but less sensitive than culture for smear negative specimen. In cases with high index of suspicion or discordance for rifampicin results, confirmation should be done by other methods due to false negative results on Xpert assay.
Prevalence of hepatitis C in patients with chronic kidney disease at a tertiary care hospital in north India: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Dhar Amrit , Chandail Vijant S. , Sambyal Viney , Jamwal Vinu 
Published: May 2019

Background: Hepatitis C and chronic kidney disease (CKD) both present an unsolved public health problem Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is easily transmitted in haemodialysis units and by kidney transplantation. HCV leads to increased mortality and morbidity due to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, while accelerating the progression of CKD. The aim of the study was to describe the demographic, clinical/biochemical profile and prevalence of patients with CKD who have HCV infection.Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of patients with CKD who presented to out/in patient department of medicine in a tertiary care center in Jammu from a period of Feb 2016 to Nov 2018. Detailed clinical history along with previous lab reports were noted and tests for HCV infection were conducted in all patients. Diagnosis of HCV was made via HCV RNA(RT PCR) and positive Anti HCV IgG serology.Results: Total 67 patients were included with median age of 54 years (range 43-72 years) with majority 76.1% being males, and 71.6% within 41-60 years age group. 31.4% were HCV positive out of which 81% were males. 7 patients were found to have co-infection with HIV and HBsAg. Genotype 1 (72%) was found to be more common than Genotype 3. Ultrasonography and Upper GI endoscopy showcased 57% with dilated spleenoportal axis and oesophageal varices respectively.Conclusions: Prevalence of HCV infection in CKD patients is high with genotype 1 being commonest. False negative Anti HCV antibody is common hence screening with HCV RNA is recommended. Strict universal precautions should be employed in hospitals and dialysis units to prevent transmission.
Study of various reasons for interruption of anti-tubercular treatment in patients of tuberculosis reporting to tertiary care center of west Rajasthan
Authors: Yadav Gulab S. , Jangid Vinod K. , Mathur Brij B. 
Published: May 2019

Background: Tuberculosis is a major cause of death in India. Premature cessation of treatment in tuberculosis patient is a leading cause for developing MDR (multidrug resistant tuberculosis) as well as a major threat to control programs. Despite the easy approach and free of cost, availability to antitubercular medicines the interruptions of the treatment are still on a high. So, we analyzed such various reasons leading to interrupt the antitubercular treatment.Methods: Total 150 patients who interrupted the antitubercular treatment, were interviewed with a predesigned questionnaire and the result was analyzed.Results: Out of total 150 patients 115 (76.7%) male and 35 (23.3%) female were interviewed, who were having history of antitubercular treatment interruption. Out of 150 patients, 79 (52.7%) patients stopped their treatment because of improvement. Total 25 (16.7%) patients had stopped their treatment because of high cost, 16 (10.7%) due to personal/family reason, 17 (11.4%) patients had stopped their treatment due to nausea/vomiting/anorexia, 5 (3.3%) due to alcoholism/drug or other addiction, 2 (1.3%) patients had stopped their treatment because they were advised to stop it by health personnel and long distance travelled to take drugs.Conclusions: Improvement of symptoms was the most common reason in patients who received DOTS treatment and high cost of treatment in patients who received non DOTS treatment. Poor education and socioeconomic status of society are the other reasons for possible treatment interruptions because as soon as the patient improves, they move out to earn their wages to run the family with the unavoidable default from the treatment.
What are they doing? And where? Tracking the Traffic as one of the instruments in an evidence-based redesign of a university library
Authors: Olsen Heidi Kristin 
Published: May 2019

During the last decade we have seen an increased focus on the future use of academic libraries, both in terms of their legitimacy and the use of the physical library space itself.
Prior to a planned, major rebuilding of the Humanities and Social Sciences Library at the University of Oslo (HumSam library), a thorough study was required to establish the current use of the library space, as well as users’ wishes and needs for change.
Several different methods were used to collect this data. One was the method Tracking the Traffic (TTT), developed by Tord Høivik. This is a purely quantitative method, where the users in the library are counted several times during the opening hours. This registration takes place over a set period, for example, at fixed hours every day over a minimum time span of two weeks. The activities of the users are also registered, but without talking to the user, so one can register that one user is reading a book or using a laptop, but not what kind of book or what the laptop is being used for. Other methods used were a user survey, different kinds of interview and photo documentation.
This article aims at demonstrating how the use of the TTT method contributed when the HumSam library conducted studies to ensure an evidence-based renewal of the library. The experiences with this type of data collection are described, and a discussion of the methodology based on our experiences is presented. There are also examples for how this data affected the rebuilding and renewal of the HumSam library. The TTT method needs to be a part of a suite of methods to give an adequate profile of library use. Being a method based on observation, it is necessary to compliment it with other qualitative methods to fill in the picture of library users and to ensure library development soundly based on full evidence (Evidence-based Practice – EBP).
Of course, the library staff had many pre-assumptions about the library use; however, documenting use in this way may lead to more accurate knowledge.
When visiting the redesigned HumSam library today, the responses to the results of the TTT and the other studies mentioned in this article can be clearly seen. The most obvious are the number and variation of seating facilities, the number of group rooms and the reduced height and number of shelves for the physical collection. Scenes and special places for events have also been created, opening hours in exam periods have been increased and the library counters have a more inviting design than before.
THE ROLE OF SOCIAL AWARENESS OVER THE SUCCESS OF CROWDFUNDING PLATFORM
Authors: Imam Wahjono Sentot , Marina Anna , Shahmi Sezeli Shaiful , Mahardika Budi Wahyu 
Published: May 2019

Purpose of Study: Crowdfunding as alternative funding for creative businesses and SMEs is expected to be implemented in the business world due to low access to funding from banks and other financial institutions to both business groups. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of regulation and legal aspect, technology readiness, social awareness, and entrepreneurial culture on the success of a crowdfunding platform.
Methodology: This research uses a quantitative approach with survey method spread the questionnaire through google form to creative businessman and SMEs in Malaysia. 350 sets of questionnaires were sent to respondents, 300 accepted and 269 were analyzed.
Results: The finding of this research is that the four variables influence the success of crowdfunding platform significantly, the most dominant influence is the social awareness variable.
Implications/Applications: The implication of this research finding is that more active engagement is needed in order for individuals within a country to be actively involved in online social networks as this is a major driver of crowdfunding activity.
PRODUCT ASPECTS OF MARKETING EFFORT AND PURCHASE INTENTION
Authors: Wiyadi Wiyadi , Ayuningtyas Nalendrawati Ariska 
Published: May 2019

Purpose of Study: This article aims to analyze the effect of product aspects of marketing effort consisting of brand image, product quality, and service quality on consumer purchase intention. The sample of research is 100 consumer of Honda motorcycle in Surakarta city.
Methodology: The sampling technique uses convenience sampling. Data analysis tools use multiple linear regression.
Results: The results showed that brand image, product quality, and service quality significantly influence consumer purchase intention.
Implications/Applications: For further research, it is necessary to add other independent variables, such as price aspect, promotion aspect, distribution aspect, and consumer characteristic.
Measuring Clinical Uncertainty and Equipoise by Applying the Agreement Study Methodology to Patient Management Decisions
Authors: FAHED Robert , DARSAUT Tim E. , FARZIN Behzad , CHAGNON Miguel , Raymond Jean 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Background: Clinical dilemmas in the treatment of patients translate into disagreements in decision-making. Such disagreements can reveal clinical uncertainty that should be addressed through care research. Our goal was to explore the use of reliability study methods to measure the degree of clinical uncertainty and equipoise regarding the use of rival management options prior to the conduct of randomized trials.
Methods: The study design resembles an inter-/intra-observer diagnostic reliability study. A portfolio of a sufficient number of diverse individual patients sharing a similar clinical problem and covering a wide spectrum of clinical presentations can be independently submitted to a variety of clinicians who manage that problem. Clinicians are asked to choose one of the predefined management options that are involved in the clinical dilemma. Intra-rater agreement can be assessed at a later time with a second evaluation.
Results: Descriptive statistics are presented, and results analyzed using kappa statistics. Interpretation of results can be facilitated by providing examples or by translating the results into clinically meaningful summary sentences. Reporting should follow standard guidelines.
Conclusion: Measuring the uncertainty regarding management options for clinical problems may reveal disagreements, provide an empirical foundation for the notion of equipoise, and inform or facilitate the design/conduct of clinical trials to address the clinical dilemma.
Comparison of Two Management Strategies, "Endoscopy First" and "Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy First", for Patients with Gallbladder Stones and Intermediate Risk for Choledocholithiasis: Study Protocol for a Randomized Trial
Authors: Aleknaite Ausra , Simutis Gintaras , Stanaitis Juozas , Jucaitis Tomas , Drungilas Mantas , Valantinas Jonas , Strupas Kestutis 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Background: The optimal approach for patients with gallbladder stones and intermediate risk for choledocholithiasis still remains undetermined. Use of diagnostic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography should be minimized as it carries considerable risk of post-procedural complications. This study compares two different management strategies: intraoperative cholangiography and endoscopic ultrasound before laparoscopic cholecystectomy for patients with symptomatic cholecystolithiasis and intermediate risk for choledocholithiasis. • Methods: It is a prospective randomized single-centre clinical trial enrolling adult patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy due to symptomatic gallbladder stones with intermediate risk for choledocholithiasis. The risk for choledocholithiasis is calculated using an original prognostic score – Vilnius University Hospital Index. A total of 106 participants will be included and randomized into two groups. Evaluation of bile ducts using endoscopic ultrasound and endoscopic retrograde cholangiography on demand will be performed before laparoscopic cholecystectomy for one arm (“Endoscopy first”). Intraoperative cholangiography during laparoscopic cholecystectomy and postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography on demand will be administered in another arm (“Cholecystectomy first”). Postoperative follow-up is 6 months. The primary endpoint is the length of hospital stay. Secondary endpoints will include accuracy of the different management strategies, adverse events of interventions, duct clearance and technical success of interventions (intraoperative cholangiography, endoscopic ultrasound, endoscopic retrograde cholangiography), costs of treatment. • Discussion: This trial is planned determine which strategy is better approach for a patient with intermediate common bile duct stones risk and to define a simple to calculate and safe algorithm on managing choledocholithiasis. • Trial registration: The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, identification number NCT03658863.
Images of Russians and Americans as Seen by Russian Adolescents
Authors: Marin E. B. 
Published: May 2019

The present research features the image of "the typical Russian" and "the typical American" as perceived by Russian adolescents (students of the Far Eastern Federal University). The images were reconstructed using methods of psychosemantics, e.g. verbal associations. The data were processed using the methods of mathematical statistics. The semantic analysis helped to define the ideas and emotional attitude of the respondents to "the typical Russian" and "the typical American", as well as the semantic contrast of the content in some categories. The Fisher criterion revealed significant differences in the content of certain categories of associations. The stereotype displayed a predominantly positive orientation, while the orientation of the heterostereotype was ambivalent. The image of "the typical Russian" reflected primarily such positive qualities as kindness, openness, and patriotism. Both positive (activity, tact) and negative qualities (hypocrisy and lies) were manifested in the ideas about the "typical American". The positive personal characteristics included activity, charisma, and communicative skills. However, the personal qualities of the "American" clearly expressed some negative traits, e.g. hypocrisy and lies. The generalized image of "the typical American" is outwardly pleasant, active, and sociable but internally hypocritical, deceitful and selfserving. The content of the heterostereotype reflected a certain distrust of young people to "the typical American". The negative characteristics of the heterostereotype may reduce tolerance of young people to the USA and its representatives. The results of the study may be useful to representatives of public authorities and educational institutions. The obtained data can be used to shape multicultural educational environment in Russian universities.
Eating Disorders and the Risk of their Development in Students according to the Level of Personal Anxiety
Authors: Proskuryakova L. A. 
Published: May 2019

The research examined eating disorders and the risk of their development in students according to the level of personal anxiety from a gender perspective. An analysis showed a connection between the level of personal anxiety and compulsive and external types of eating behavior in female students. The sample group consisted of 70 people, of whom 52,9 % had a high level of personal anxiety (the proportion of girls was 83,8 %). 95,7 % of students had either compulsive (64,2 %) or external (21,4 %) eating disorder. At this age, an eating disorder does not affect body weight. However, if the level of personal anxiety increases, it escalates the risk of developing at least three types of eating disorders by 11,5 times. With an increase in the level of personal anxiety, the risk of developing external overeating increases by 12,5 times and the risk of developing a compulsive type of eating behavior increases by 1,5 times. The research revealed some gender features of eating disorders development: girls with a high level of personal anxiety proved to have a 5,68 times higher risk of developing various eating disorders. However, a study in the ability to cope with stress in students with different levels of personal anxiety with regard to gender did not show any statistically significant differences in the study groups. The research demonstrated that there is a need in psycho-preventive measures that would shape rational nutrition stereotypes in students.
Lifeworld Stability in Qualified Athletes with Various Levels of Professional Success: Comparative Analysis
Authors: Loginova I. O. , Sevost’yanova M. S. 
Published: May 2019

The article continues a series of studies devoted to the actual problem of increasing sports effectiveness and the growth of professional longevity of highly qualified athletes – members of Russian national sports teams. Not contradicting the methodological foundations of research of sports activities, the authors propose a solution to the problem of psychological and pedagogical support of professional success in sports of higher achievements. The research is based on the systemic anthropological psychology and the theory of human self-realization. The subject of this study is the peculiarities of the stability of the lifeworld in athletes with various levels of professional success. The paper features a comparative analysis, the results of which clearly illustrate the specific features of the manifestation of the lifeworld stability in athletes with various levels of professional success. It was empirically proved that the high degree of life-world stability and the constructive nature of its manifestation are the psychological conditions for the optimal combination of processes of achieving high athletic results and maintaining a high level of mental adaptation. It determines the sustainability of the lifeworld as a systemic psychological characteristic responsible for the effective professionalization in the sport of higher achievements. This allows the authors to conclude that the program of psychological and pedagogical support introduced in this paper will probably improve sports effectiveness and mental adaptation of athletes, contributing to the growth of their professional longevity.
Role of Both Protein C and Antithrombin III as Predictors of Stage of Liver Disease in Chronic Viral Hepatitis B or C Infected Patients
Authors: Abo-Elenein Amany M. , Mabrouk Maaly M. , Abou-Saif Sabry , Saeed Ola M. , Khodeir Samy , Elkadeem Mahmoud , Elashry Heba , Haydara Tamer , Zaghloul Mariam S. , Seleem Waseem M. , Elshweikh Samah A. , Abd-Elsalam Sherief 
Published: May 2019

Background & Aims:
Chronic liver disease is characterized by complex hemostatic disorders
because the liver is the site where most of the coagulation factors and their inhibitors are synthesized.
The aim of this study was the evaluation of protein C and antithrombin III in different stages of
chronic hepatitis B and C and to determine their possible role as markers of liver cell damage in different
clinical stages.

Methods:
The study included 60 subjects who were subdivided into 4 groups: (Group I): 15 patients
diagnosed as chronic viral hepatitis B or C, (Group II): 15 patients with compensated liver cirrhosis,
(Group III): 15 patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis, and (Group IV) (control group): 15 healthy
individuals. History taking, clinical examination and abdominal ultrasonography were made for all
subjects. Investigations were done in the form of liver function tests (ALT, AST, ALP, serum bilirubin,
and serum albumin), PT, PTT, CBC. Plasma levels of Antithrombin III & protein C were estimated by
automated Stago compact coagulation analyzer.

Results:
In all patient groups, the mean value of Protein C showed significant decrease when compared
to control group, mean value of antithrombin III showed a significant decrease in compensated and
decompensated subjects when compared to chronic hepatitis and control groups. Antithrombin III and
protein C showed a significant negative correlation with (ALT, AST, PT, PTT, INR). However, this
correlation was positive with Albumin.

Conclusion:
Antithrombin III and protein C are natural anticoagulants and can be considered as markers
of different stages of chronic liver disease. This is supported further by the comparison between the
levels of these parameters and clinical stages of liver disease. Protein C is more sensitive than ATIII as
a marker of hepatocellular damage.
Imbalance of Steroid Hormones in Hamsters Infected with Schistosoma mansoni
Authors: Oliveira Katia C. , Cardoso Rita , Dos Santos Antonio C. , Fernandes Ruben , Botelho Monica C. 
Published: May 2019

Objective:
Schistosomiasis is a debilitating disease that affects 200 million people worldwide.
Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma mansoni are the major causative agents of this disease.
Cancer-association and infertility-association in Schistosoma haematobium infection have already
been described and it is known that the parasite produces a catechol-estrogen molecule that induces
a hormonal imbalance in the host.

Methods:
In order to better understand the relation of hormonal imbalance in experimental Schistosoma
mansoni infection, we investigated a serum panel of steroid hormones in Schistosoma mansoni
infected hamsters.

Results:
We found a decrease in the serum levels of Estradiol (E2), Testosterone and Progesterone in
infected females and an increase of Testosterone and a decrease in Progesterone in infected males in
comparison with controls.

Conclusion:
These results indicate that S. mansoni alters the levels of steroid hormones in infected
males and females and it will increase the repertoire of data about the host-parasite molecular interplay
and its relation with the endocrine system.