bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Human and Animal African Trypanosomiasis in Nigeria: a Scoping Review
Authors: Odebunmi Elizabeth O. , Ibeachu Chukwuemeka , Chukwudi Chinwe U. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
African trypanosomiasis affects both humans (HAT) and animals (AAT). HAT is an NTD targeted for elimination in 2030, and has not been officially reported by WHO from Nigeria in the last decade despite frequent reports of animal carriers. Conversely, the burden of AAT continues to increase. This study synthesized published evidence on the prevalence of African trypanosomiasis within human and animal populations in Nigeria, the trypanosome species involved, the spread of animal reservoirs, and the variability in diagnostic methodologies employed.
Methodology/principal findings
A scoping review was performed following the methodological framework outlined in PRISMA-ScR checklist. A total of 16 eligible studies published between 1993 and 2021 were reviewed. 13 studies reported the prevalence of AAT, and 3 for HAT. Varying prevalence rates were recorded depending on the diagnostic methods employed. The overall prevalence of HAT was 3.6%, and AAT 27.3%. The highest incidence of HAT was detected using the Card Agglutination Test for Trypanosomiasis (CATT), and AAT by PCR, followed by microscopy (the most used technique). Domestic animals like cattle, pigs, and dogs were identified as carriers of the human-infective trypanosomes (T. brucei gambiense).
Conclusion
This study highlights the high prevalence and complex epidemiology of African trypanosomiasis in humans and animals in Nigeria. Remarkably, published evidence indicate that HAT is highly prevalent in Nigeria despite not being reported by WHO. However, only few studies have investigated HAT in Nigeria, indicating limited disease surveillance. Unfortunately, diagnostics challenges and disease reporting protocols seem to limit HAT reporting to WHO. Therefore, adequately coordinated epidemiological surveys and targeted intervention policies are imperative to ascertain the true epidemiological status of HAT in Nigeria towards achieving WHO’s elimination targets in 2030. The presence of animal carriers of human-infective trypanosomes underscores the importance of a one-health approach to avoid breeding the next epidemic clone in Nigeria and combat African trypanosomiasis effectively.
Purification effect and microbial community structure characteristics of modular constructed wetlands on rural domestic sewage
Authors: luo yingli , Niu xiaoyin , Xing liqi , Duan zhenhao , Ma yanfei , Li menghong 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Modular artificial wetlands represent an effective engineering approach for purifying domestic sewage. This study investigates the purification efficiency of modular wetlands in treating rural domestic sewage by analyzing water quality indicators and microbial community structures under different inflow methods. The results reveal a subtle relationship between hydraulic retention time and the concentrations of various physicochemical indicators in the effluent, the latter demonstrating a trend of initial decrease followed by stabilization.The static series modular constructed wetlands exhibit removal rates of 86.21% for total phosphorus (TP), 88.68% for total nitrogen (TN), 88.70% for nitrate nitrogen (NO3−-N), 96.80% for ammonium nitrogen (NH4+-N), and 97.62% for chemical oxygen demand (COD). In comparison, the circular series modular artificial wetland achieves removal rates of 86.18%, 91.56%, 89.24%, 96.73%, and 97.39% for TP, TN, NO3−-N, NH4+-N, and COD in rural domestic sewage, respectively. Analysis of the microbial community structures in these modular wetlands demonstrates that the static series exhibits higher microorganism abundance, while the cyclic series shows greater species diversity.These findings emphasize the intricate interplay between microbial communities and the purification processes within modular wetlands.
Optimal breastfeeding practice and associated factors among mothers of children 24-36 months of age in Tehuledere District, Northeast Ethiopia
Authors: Seid Osman , Tadesse Ahmed , Abegaz Nigusie Tadesse , Andargie Endalew Minwuye 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Breastfeeding is among the best and effective ways to promote optimal development of children in early childhood and maternal health. Recent estimates suggested that optimal breastfeeding could prevent around 12% of deaths in under-5 children every year, representing around 800,000 lives in low- and middle-income countries.
Objectives
The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of optimal breastfeeding practice and associated factors among mothers of children 24–36 months of age in Tehuledere District, North East Ethiopia, 2020.
Methods
A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 522 mothers of children 24–36 months of age from March 01–26/2020.Multistage sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Interviewer administered structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the study participants. Data were entered using epi data version 3.1 and analyzed by using SPSS version 20.0. Binary logistic regression analysis was computed.
Results
The prevalence of optimal breastfeeding was 44.3%.Access to media (AOR = 2.547[95% CI = 1.203, 5.395]), having male child (AOR = 2.697[95% CI = 1.492, 4.874]), child birth weight < 2.5kg (AOR = 4.864[95% CI = 1.240, 19.080]) and 1–3 times antenatal care(ANC) visits (AOR = .282[95% CI = .154, .518]) were the factors significantly associated with optimal breast feeding practice.
Conclusions and Recommendations
In this study, the prevalence of optimal breastfeeding practice was low. Access to media, sex of the child, weight of the child and number antenatal care visits were significantly associated. Therefore, enhancing the access to information on optimal breast feeding, minimizing sex preference in child care and strengthening focused ANC by health professionals, district health offices and partners is important in order to improve optimal breastfeeding practice.
Genetic etiology analysis of 244 fetal ventricular septal defect in the prenatal setting
Authors: Wei Bo , Ma Wei , Yu Xin-You , Li Mei-Juan , Ma Yi-Jing , Zhan Fu-Shou 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Objective
This study evaluated the application of karyotyping combined with single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array and whole-exome sequencing (WES) of prenatal diagnosis of ventricular septal defect (VSD), and explored the genetic etiology of VSD.
Methods
244 fetuses with VSD diagnosed by prenatal echocardiography were selected, including 59 cases isolated VSD and 185 cases non-isolated VSD, and used for conventional karyotyping and SNP analysis at the same time. Among them, 19 fetuses were used for further Trio-WES detection.
Results
20 chromosomal abnormality were identified by karyotyping/SNP array. Another 21 cases of abnormal copy number variations (CNVs) were identified by SNP array, including 10 cases of pathogenic CNVs and 11 cases of variations of uncertain significance (VUS). 5 cases with (likely) pathogenic genetic variants were identified by Trio-WES. The detection rate of pathogenic chromosomal and gene abnormalities in non-isolated VSD (33/185) was significantly higher than that in isolated VSD (2/59) (17.84% vs 3.39%, p = 0.006). For non-isolated VSD, the detection rate for VSD with extra-cardiac defects (10/20) was significantly higher than that in VSD with cardiac defects (9/45) (50.00% vs 20.00%, p = 0.014) and soft markers (14/116) (50.00% vs 12.07%, p < 0.001). Trisomy 21 and 22q11.2 deletion syndrome were the most common chromosomal abnormalities. Additionally, we found six gene variants might be associated with the causative genetic mechanisms of VSD.
Conclusion
The rational combination of karyotyping, SNP array and Trio-WES can effectively improve the detection rate of chromosomal and gene abnormalities in VSD fetuses. Ultrasound abnormalities, such as VSD with extra-cardiac defects and multiple soft markers added detection of pathogenic abnormalities.
Prevalence and correlates of mental health among COVID-19 patients under the stage of the 2022 Shanghai COVID-19 lockdown
Authors: Mao Xiaofei , Zhang Fan , Zhang Jianguo , Hou Tianya , Ni Chunyan 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background: The 2022 Shanghai COVID-19 lockdown may bring about great psychological problems to COVID-19 patients. We aimed to examine the prevalence and correlates of mental health among COVID-19 patients.
Methods: 208 COVID-19 patients were recruited in Shanghai, China through convenience sampling method. Demographic scales and mental health questionnaires (GAD-7, PHQ-9, ISI, and IES-R) were applied. Binary logistic regression analysis was adopted to detect the associated factors.
Results: The incidence rates of anxiety, depression, insomnia, and PTSD was 6.7%, 12.0%, 9.6%, and 23.1% among COVID-19 patients under the stage of the 2022 Shanghai COVID-19 lockdown, respectively. The results indicated that married subjects (OR=19.69, 95% CI= [2.26-171.86], P<0.01) showed higher levels of anxiety, whereas patients who had college degree or above (OR=0.19, 95% CI= [0.04-0.86], P<0.05) and respondents who had children (OR=0.04, 95% CI= [0.04-0.47], P<0.05) might experience lower levels of anxiety. The female patients may have less problems in insomnia (OR=0.33, 95% CI= [0.12-0.89], P<0.05).
Conclusion: Special attention and interventions in mental health should be paid to the infected patients, especially for people being married, obtaining lower levels of educational degree, having no child, and being male.
A Study of the corrosion inhibition of aluminum in ethanol-gasoline blend by using Annona muricata leaves extract
Authors: Benitez Dinora A. Nogueiron , Galvez Ana K. Larios , Sesenes Roy Lopez , Arteaga America M. Ramirez , Rodriguez José G. Gonzalez 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The effect of Annona muricata leaves extract as an inhibitor of green corrosion of aluminum was investigated 20% cane ethanol and 80% gasoline blend solution for 91 days of immersion. It was evaluated using gravimetric and electrochemical techniques such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), linear polarization resistance (LPR) and electrochemical noise (EN). The studies revealed that Annona muricata extract is an efficient corrosion inhibitor, reaching its highest efficiency at concentrations of 20 and 25 ppm. This decrease in the corrosion rate is because the inhibitor adsorbs to the aluminum surface by physisorption according to the Langmuir adsorption isotherm and demonstrated a more notable protective effect Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyzes were performed, which showed the presence of phenolic compounds, lauric acid, palmitic acid, linoleic acid, vitamin E and other compounds with antioxidant properties. The morphology of the aluminum surface was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), showing the existence of a protective layer of Annona muricata extract that reduces pitting corrosion susceptibility of aluminum.
Ocular Loiasis in France: A Recent Case Report
Authors: KERKOURI Sarah , MONFORT Thomas , QUINIO Dorothée , Cochener-Lamard Béatrice 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

We report the case of a 21-year-old Cameroonian woman residing in France for one year, who presented in our department for left eye discomfort and itching. Examination revealed a mobile translucent cord beneath the nasal-inferior conjunctiva, prompting suspicion of loiasis. Anesthesia was administered for extraction, revealing a 31 mm male Loa loa. Positive serology confirmed the diagnosis and diagnostic workup excluded other locations. Treatment with diethylcarbamazine was well-tolerated. This case highlights the importance of considering loiasis in non-endemic regions and underscores the need for interdisciplinary collaboration in its diagnosis and management.
The effect of birth weight on time to neonatal mortality in Silte Zone, Central Ethiopia: A survival analysis
Authors: Jemal Musa , Kemal Abdurezak , Mohammed Bekri , Bedru Delwana , Kedir Shemsu 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Globally, 2.4 million children died in the first month of life by 2019, approximately 6,700 neonatal deaths every day. Ethiopia is 4th leading country among the top 10 countries with the highest number of neonatal death. On the other hand, prospective studies regarding neonatal mortality are scarce in Ethiopia in general and the central Ethiopia part in particular which necessitates assessing survival status and predictors of mortality among neonates to design evidence-based locally specific intervention strategies.
Methods
An institution based prospective cohort study design was employed from May 01 to July 30, 2022. Data were collected from term neonates enrolled by their order of health facility visit then followed by data collectors in their home. Data were analyzed using STATA version 14.1. Neonatal survival was presented using Kaplan-Meyers survival curve. Crude and adjusted association was evaluated using cox-proportional hazard model and presented with 95% confidence interval and P value < 0.05 was used to declare statistical significance.
Result
1080 term neonates were followed for a total of 27643.6 neonatal day. The study showed a 95% cumulative probability of surviving the neonatal period. The incidence rate of neonatal death was 2.02 per 1000 neonatal days. Maternal history of neonatal death (AHR = 4.03; 95%CI: 2.28–9.52), complication during pregnancy (AHR = 3.08; 95%CI: 1.12–8.25), female sex (AHR = 0.45; 95%CI: 0.25–0.84), birth weight (AHR = 0.27; 95%CI: 0.11–0.63), and low and intermediate Apgar score (AHR = 3.11; 95%CI: 1.23–7.82 and AHR = 5.34; 95%CI: 1.63–17.51 respectively) were independent predictors of neonatal death.
Conclusion
It has been noted that neonatal mortality is higher than results from national and other study areas and thus needs strict attention, and interventions targeting both pre and post-natal periods. Promoting maternal nutrition thereby normal birth weight of the newborn increases the survival status of neonates.
Sociodemographic and clinical indicators associated with quality of life among parents of autistic children
Authors: John James Rufus , Lam-Cassettari Christa , Dissanayake Cheryl , Eapen Valsamma 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background:Evidence suggests that parents/carers of autistic children have lower subjective physical and mental health which in turn can affect their overall quality of life (QoL). The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between behavioural and emotional profile of autistic preschool children, parental stress, and QoL using a sociodemographic lens.
Methods: A secondary analysis of the data collected from parents of autistic children from six Autism Specific Early Learning and Care Centres (ASELCCs) across six states in Australia. The standardised Quality of Life in Autism scale (QoLA) scale was used as the primary outcome to ascertain the QoL of parents/caregivers. Primary exposure included child’s autism traits as well as cognitive, adaptive, and behavioural profile measured using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-second edition (ADOS-2), Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ), Repetitive Behaviours Scale–Revised (RBS-R), Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales (VABS), Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL), and Mullen Scales of Early Learning (MSEL) whereas parental stress was assessed using Parent Stress Index-4 Short Form (PSI-4-SF). Several key child-specific (child’s age, gender, and other medical conditions) as well as parent-specific (parent’s age, multicultural status, education, occupation, and income) factors were also included. Multivariable linear regression analyses were used to determine the significant predictors associated with parental QoL whilst adjusting for key sociodemographic factors.
Results: Among a sample of 518 participants, the mean (SD) QoLA Part A score was 95.9 (19.9) and mean (SD) QoLA Part B score was 69.8 (21.1). Findings of the regression analyses showed that autism traits as reported by parents (higher SCQ scores) and higher parental stress levels were negatively associated with the parental QoL (Part A) whereas high income had a positive effect on QoL. In terms of parental perceptions of children’s autism-specific difficulties (QoLA Part B), we found that higher internalising and externalising behaviours (CBCL) including repetitive behaviours (RBS-R) are more impactful.
Conclusion: Findings indicate that a child’s level of autism specific traits as reported by parents have an impact on parental QoL. Hence, targeted supports in these areas for families could be expected to have benefits not only for the child’s outcomes but also for parental QoL.
A flow cytometry method for quantitative measurement and molecular investigation of the adhesion of bacteria to yeast cells
Authors: Schiavone Marion , Dagkesamanskya Adilya , Vieu Pierre-Gilles , Duperray Maëlle , Duplan-Eche Valérie , François Jean Marie 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The interaction of bacteria with yeasts deserves great interest in animal and human welfare. To investigate these microbial interactions at the cellular and molecular level, a simple, reliable and quantitative method is proposed. We showed that flow cytometry enables the interaction to be measured at single cell level,by distinguishing single yeast cells with fluorescent bound bacteria from cell aggregates. free fluorescent bacteria Flow cytometry coupled with imaging showed that number of bacteria attached to yeast followed a Gaussian distribution with a maximum of 14, at a high bacteria: yeast ratio. Although the dynamic of adhesion resembles a Langmuir adsorption model, we found that this adhesion is a rapid and almost irreversible process that involves mannose-specific type 1 fimbriae, since mutants lacking these appendages no longer adhered to yeast. Furthermore, attachment of bacteria to yeast likely involved factors in addition to mannosyl sugars of the cell wall since yeast mutants with alteration in mannans content did not show difference in adhesion as compared to wild type. In summary, flow cytometry is an appropriate method for studying the mechanisms of interaction between bacteria and yeast, as well as for the high-throughput screening of candidate molecules likely to promote or counteract this interaction.
Influence of specialization from intensive care physicians on outcome in multiply injured patients – a matched-pair analysis at a level I trauma center
Authors: Aktas Gökmen , Rolfes Larissa , Pacha Tarek Omar , Mayor Jorge , Clausen Jan , Sehmisch Stephan , Mommsen Philipp 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The treatment of severely injured trauma patients is a significant challenge for physicians and requires a qualified interprofessional team skilled in critical care medicine. Between 2005 and 2022 all multiple trauma patients admitted to our level I trauma center (age \(&#x003E;\)16 and injury severity score \(\geq\) 16) were enrolled in a retrospective single-center cohort study, using a matched pair analysis to determine how the physicians specialization influences the outcome of these patients. 1.015 patients were included, of which 920 patients (90.6% ) were allocated to the T-ICU and 95 patients (9.4%) to the A-ICU. While no differences in age and gender distribution could be found between the groups. Patients admitted to the A-ICU tended to be in worse medical conditions before trauma (ASA 1.6 ± 0.7 vs. 1.4 ± 0.7, p=0.044). However patients admitted to T-ICU tended to have more severe extremity and pelvic injuries according to the AIS (2.3 ± 1.4 vs. 1.8 ± 1.4, p = 0.006), and showed more often shock (18.9 % vs. 10.5 %, p = 0,043), while also receiving an increased amount of PRBC (10.4 ± 16.3 vs. 7.5 ± 11.3, p = 0.025) and TC (1.2 ± 3.4 vs. 0.7 ± 1.4, p = 0.008). After matching 52 patients remained, equally distributed (n=26) to each study group. No differences were found regarding age, gender distribution, pre-existing medical conditions, injury pattern and injury severity. Treatment parameters regarding duration of mechanical ventilation, intensive care and in-hospital stay were comparable in matched T-ICU and A-ICU group. Transfusion requirements within the first 48 hours and throughout the entire hospital stay were also not different. The mortality in the matched overall population was 13.5 % (n=7) showing no statistically significant difference. Also, no differences were found concerning the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS). The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of the intensive care medical specialty on the treatment and the resulting outcome of severely injured patients.However, the study faces limitations due to its small sample size, retrospective and monocentric design, and extended study duration. Consequently, further research is essential to provide more robust data.
Uptake of ultra-hypofractionated radiation therapy following breast conserving surgery among patients with early-stage breast cancer: A multi-institutional questionnaire survey
Authors: Uezono Haruka , Onoe Tsuyoshi , Shikama Naoto , Onoe Yuka , Hirata Hidenari , Ito Yoshinori , Yasuda Koichi , Imano Nobuki , Kikuchi Koyo , Kashihara Tairo , Kawamoto Terufumi , Nakamura Naoki 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
In patients with early-stage breast cancer following breast surgery, ultra-hypofractionated (UHF) breast/chest wall radiation therapy (RT) has been shown to be non-inferior to a moderate-hypofractionated (MHF) regimen, with a minimal risk of breast induration, in the FAST-Forward trial, and UHF is now becoming the standard regimen in Europe. Herein, we aimed to investigate Japanese patients’ attitudes toward the UHF regimen.
Methods
A questionnaire-based survey was conducted at 13 RT centers in nine prefectures across Japan. All patients underwent breast-conserving surgery, followed by either conventional fractionation (2 Gy/fr) or MHF (2.66 Gy/fr) whole-breast irradiation (WBI) with or without a tumor bed boost. The questionnaire consisted of 12 questions mainly addressing quality of life during RT. Key questions included an 11-point scale (0–10) for rating the patients’ enthusiasm for the UHF regimen and prioritization of the following treatment-related effects: treatment efficacy, acute/late adverse effects, physical/emotional/financial burden, and breast cosmesis. The patient and treatment characteristics were assessed by a physician.
Results
In total, 247 questionnaires were administered between November 2022 and June 2023. The age distribution was as follows: <50:50s:60s:≥70 = 59 (24%):76 (30%):63 (26%):49 (20%). Sixty-nine percent of patients rated their enthusiasm for the UHF regimen at ≥ 6 out of 10 points (45% rated 10/10). Treatment efficacy was the highest priority for most patients (89%), whereas breast cosmesis the lowest priority (53%).
Conclusions
Patients’ enthusiasm for UHF-WBI was observed across the cohort. These results could motivate researchers and clinicians to introduce UHF regimens in clinical practice.