bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Droplet digital PCR vs. quantitative real time-PCR for diagnosis of pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Meregildo-Rodriguez Edinson Dante , Asmat-Rubio Martha Genara , Vásquez-Tirado Gustavo Adolfo 
Published: August 2023

Tuberculosis is a rising global public health emergency. Then, it is a priority to undertake innovations in preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic methods. Improved diagnostic methods for tuberculosis are urgently needed to address this global epidemic. These methods should be rapid, accurate, affordable, and able to detect drug-resistant tuberculosis. The benefits of these new diagnostic technics include earlier diagnosis and treatment, improved patient outcomes, and reduced economic burden. Therefore, we aimed to systematically review the diagnostic performance of droplet digital PCR (ddPCR)—a third-generation PCR—compared with quantitative Real Time-PCR (qPCR) for diagnosing pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis. We included 14 diagnostic accuracy test studies performed in Asia, Europe, and Latin America, 1,672 participants or biological samples, and 975 events (pulmonary or extrapulmonary tuberculosis). Most of the included studies had a low risk of bias (QUADAS-C tool). Sensitivity and specificity were lower for ddPCR [0.56 (95% CI 0.53–0.58) and 0.97 (95% CI 0.96–0.98), respectively] than for qPCR [0.66 (95% CI 0.60–0.71) and 0.98 (95% CI 0.97–0.99), respectively]. However, the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was higher for ddPCR than for qPCR (0.97 and 0.94, respectively). Comparing both AUCs using the Hanley &amp; McNeil method, we found statistically significant differences (AUC difference of 4.40%, p = 0.0020). In the heterogeneity analysis, we found significant differences between both techniques according to the continent of origin of the study and the location of tuberculosis (pulmonary or extrapulmonary disease). The AUCs of both methods were similar in pulmonary tuberculosis. However, for extrapulmonary tuberculosis, the AUC was higher for ddPCR. We found some limitations: (1) significant heterogeneity of the studies, and (2) we could not perform subgroup analyses according to other relevant variables, such as the age and sex of the participants. Nonetheless, this study is the first meta-analysis that shows that ddPCR has a comparable diagnostic performance than qPCR for pulmonary tuberculosis. However, for extrapulmonary tuberculosis, ddPCR has a better discriminant capacity to differentiate between patients with and without extrapulmonary tuberculosis. We conclude that ddPCR is likely the best diagnostic technic for tuberculosis diagnosis, especially for extrapulmonary tuberculosis. More studies are still needed yet.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022382768, CRD42022382768.
Efficacy and functionality of sugarcane original vinegar on mice
Authors: Zheng Feng-Jin , Lin Bo , Yang Yu-Xia , Fang Xiao-Chun , Verma Krishan K. , Chen Gan-Lin 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionDue to their bioactive compounds and beneficial health effects, functional foods and plant-based natural medicines are widely consumed. Due to its bioactivities, vinegar is one of them that helps humans. Sugarcane original vinegar (SOV) is a special vinegar made from sugarcane as a raw material through biological fermentation processes.MethodsThe objective of this study was to assess the effects of sugarcane original vinegar on growth performance, immune response, acute oral toxicity, bacterial reverse mutation, mammalian erythrocyte micronucleus, mouse spermatogonial chromosome aberration, mammalian bone marrow cell chromosome aberration changes, and serum characteristics in mice. Distortion parameters were used to assess its safety, and at the same time, the functionality of SOV was monitored during experimentation.ResultsThe results show that the SOV has no damage or inhibitory effect on the bone marrow red blood cells of mice and no mutagenic or distortion-inducing effects on the bone marrow cell chromosomes or spermatogonia chromosomes, so it is safe to eat. SOV can improve blood lipids and reduce blood lipid content.DiscussionThe study results provide data basis for the intensive processing of sugarcane and the development of high-value SOV products. Sugarcane original vinegar has a beneficial impact on performance, immune response, and chromosomal aberration. The production application influences the vinegar's quality and, consequently, its health benefits.
Development, validation, and visualization of a novel nomogram to predict stroke risk in patients
Authors: Wu Chunxiao , Xu Zhirui , Wang Qizhang , Zhu Shuping , Li Mengzhu , Tang Chunzhi 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundStroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide and a major cause of long-term neurological disability, imposing an enormous financial burden on families and society. This study aimed to identify the predictors in stroke patients and construct a nomogram prediction model based on these predictors.MethodsThis retrospective study included 11,435 participants aged &gt;20 years who were selected from the NHANES 2011–2018. Randomly selected subjects (n = 8531; 75%) and the remaining subjects comprised the development and validation groups, respectively. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) binomial and logistic regression models were used to select the optimal predictive variables. The stroke probability was calculated using a predictor-based nomogram. Nomogram performance was assessed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and the calibration curve with 1000 bootstrap resample validations. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was performed to evaluate the clinical utility of the nomogram.ResultsAccording to the minimum criteria of non-zero coefficients of Lasso and logistic regression screening, older age, lower education level, lower family income, hypertension, depression status, diabetes, heavy smoking, heavy drinking, trouble sleeping, congestive heart failure (CHF), coronary heart disease (CHD), angina pectoris and myocardial infarction were independently associated with a higher stroke risk. A nomogram model for stroke patient risk was established based on these predictors. The AUC (C statistic) of the nomogram was 0.843 (95% CI: 0.8186–0.8430) in the development group and 0.826 (95% CI: 0.7811, 0.8716) in the validation group. The calibration curves after 1000 bootstraps displayed a good fit between the actual and predicted probabilities in both the development and validation groups. DCA showed that the model in the development and validation groups had a net benefit when the risk thresholds were 0–0.2 and 0–0.25, respectively.DiscussionThis study effectively established a nomogram including demographic characteristics, vascular risk factors, emotional factors and lifestyle behaviors to predict stroke risk. This nomogram is helpful for screening high-risk stroke individuals and could assist physicians in making better treatment decisions to reduce stroke occurrence.
Plasticity of face–hand sensorimotor circuits after a traumatic brachial plexus injury
Authors: Torres Fernanda de Figueiredo , Ramalho Bia Lima , Rodrigues Marcelle Ribeiro , Schmaedeke Ana Carolina , Moraes Victor Hugo , Reilly Karen T. , Carvalho Raquel de Paula , Vargas Claudia D. 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundInteractions between the somatosensory and motor cortices are of fundamental importance for motor control. Although physically distant, face and hand representations are side by side in the sensorimotor cortex and interact functionally. Traumatic brachial plexus injury (TBPI) interferes with upper limb sensorimotor function, causes bilateral cortical reorganization, and is associated with chronic pain. Thus, TBPI may affect sensorimotor interactions between face and hand representations.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate changes in hand–hand and face–hand sensorimotor integration in TBPI patients using an afferent inhibition (AI) paradigm.MethodThe experimental design consisted of electrical stimulation (ES) applied to the hand or face followed by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to the primary motor cortex to activate a hand muscle representation. In the AI paradigm, the motor evoked potential (MEP) in a target muscle is significantly reduced when preceded by an ES at short-latency (SAI) or long-latency (LAI) interstimulus intervals. We tested 18 healthy adults (control group, CG), evaluated on the dominant upper limb, and nine TBPI patients, evaluated on the injured or the uninjured limb. A detailed clinical evaluation complemented the physiological investigation.ResultsAlthough hand–hand SAI was present in both the CG and the TBPI groups, hand–hand LAI was present in the CG only. Moreover, less AI was observed in TBPI patients than the CG both for face–hand SAI and LAI.ConclusionOur results indicate that sensorimotor integration involving both hand and face sensorimotor representations is affected by TBPI.
Psychosocial interventions for autistic children and adolescents delivered by non-specialists in low- and middle-income countries: a scoping review
Authors: Cherewick Megan , Daniel Christina , Shrestha Catherine Canavan , Giri Priscilla , Dukpa Choden , Cruz Christina M. , Rai Roshan P. , Matergia Michael 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundMost autistic individuals reside in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) and have limited access to medical providers and specialists. Support for delivery of psychosocial interventions by non-specialists is growing to address this mental health care gap. This scoping review involved a systematic analysis of studies of non-specialist delivered psychosocial interventions for children and adolescents diagnosed with autism and living in low- and middle-income countries.MethodsThe primary objective of this review was to identify psychosocial interventions for autistic children and adolescents in LMIC delivered by non-specialists (parent, teacher, peer, community, multi-level) and to summarize resulting effects on targeted outcomes. The search strategy was completed in four databases with predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The systematic search generated 3,601 articles. A total of 18 studies met inclusion/exclusion criteria. Data extraction was completed, and results summarized by; (1) participant sample; (2) intervention procedures; (3) implementation by non-specialists; (4) effect on evaluated outcomes; and (5) assessment of risk of bias. Studies examined a range of child and adolescent outcomes including assessment of communication skills, social skills, motor skills, functional and adaptive behaviors, emotional regulation, attention and engagement, sensory challenges, depression, anxiety, and quality of life. Several studies also evaluated intervention effects on family relationships, parent/caregiver stress and parent/caregiver mental health.ResultsCollectively, the 18 studies included a total of 952 ASC participants ranging in age from 2 to 16 years. Of the included studies, 8 studies were parent/caregiver-mediated, 1 study was peer-mediated, 2 studies were teacher-mediated, and 7 studies included multi-level non-specialist mediated components. Effects on evaluated outcomes are reported.ConclusionNon-specialist delivered interventions for autistic children and adolescents are effective for an array of outcomes and are particularly well suited for low- and middle-income countries. Implications for future research are discussed.
Effects of Tai Chi combined with tDCS on cognitive function in patients with MCI: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Xu Ying , Zhu Jingfang , Liu Hong , Qiu Zhijie , Wu Mengyuan , Liu Jiao , Wu Jingsong , Huang Jia , Liu Zhizhen , Liu Weilin , Tao Jing 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundMild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a critical stage of dementia. Previous reviews have suggested that physical exercise combined with non-invasive brain stimulation is more beneficial for improving cognitive function. However, no targeted studies have confirmed the effect of Tai Chi combined with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on the improvement of cognitive function in patients with MCI. Thus, this randomized trial was conducted to assess the effect of Tai Chi combined with tDCS on the cognitive performance of patients with MCI.MethodsFrom April 2018 to February 2020, a randomized, single-blind clinical trial was conducted, involving 180 participants with MCI who were divided into four intervention groups: Tai Chi combined with tDCS (TCT), Tai Chi combined with sham tDCS (TCS), walking combined with tDCS (WAT), and walking combined with sham tDCS (WAS). All participants were assessed at baseline and 12 weeks for global cognitive function, memory, attention, and executive function.ResultsAt baseline, there were no significant differences in age, gender, education duration, body mass index, or the Baker Depression Inventory among the four groups (P ≥ 0.05). After 12 weeks of intervention, the TCT group showed greater improvements in MOCA scores, memory quotient scores, and digit-symbol coding task reaction time compared to the TCS, WAS, and WAT groups (P &lt; 0.05). The TCT group also had a shorter Stroop test color reaction time compared to the WAS and WAT groups (P &lt; 0.05), a higher increase in Auditory Verbal Learning Test-immediate recall than the TCS and WAT groups (P &lt; 0.05), a shorter visual reaction time than the TCS group (P &lt; 0.05), and a shorter sustained attention time compared to the WAT group (P &lt; 0.05).ConclusionTai Chi combined with tDCS effectively improves global cognitive performance, memory, execution function, and attention in patients with MCI. These findings suggest the potential clinical use of Tai Chi combined with tDCS as a physical exercise combined with a non-invasive brain stimulation intervention to improve cognitive function in older adults with MCI.Clinical trial registrationChiCTR1800015629.
Health seeking behavior of street connected children in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Zewude Bewunetu , Siraw Getahun , Engdawork Kibur , Tadele Getnet 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundStreet children are the most neglected segments of the society with limited access to healthcare services. The vulnerability of street children to various health risks has been found by previous studies but little is known about their perceived susceptibility, preventive behavior and illness responses. Hence, the purpose of this study was to identify the health seeking behavior of street children in Addis Ababa. The study focuses on perceived susceptibility to various health risks, sources of health risks, and behaviors pertaining to responding to perceived risks and experienced health problems among the most marginalized groups in Addis Ababa.MethodsUsing a mixed research approach, quantitative and qualitative data were collected through survey and interview methods from selected street children. SPSS and NVivo software were used to analyze the quantitative and qualitative data, respectively.ResultsWhereas the street children perceive to be susceptible for ill-health risks related with their living situations, responding to the perceived susceptibility mainly by maintaining personal hygiene and undertaking physical exercises have been identified. The study also revealed that street children were found to be vulnerable for the situations affecting their health and wellbeing mainly due to self-reported engagements in risky behaviors such as smoking cigarette (67.3%), sniffing glue or benzene (68.2%), sharing of personal materials having the potential of transmitting diseases from one person to another (25.5%), and unprotected sexual activities (14.1%). Experiences of visiting healthcare facilities in response to illness symptoms have also constituted an aspect of the health seeking behavior of the street children.ConclusionAwareness of the presence of health risks and perceived susceptibility to the risks promoted both preventive behavior and positive compliance in relation to illness response among children of the street in Addis Ababa.
First molecular detection of Babesia vulpes and Babesia capreoli in wild boars from southern Italy
Authors: Sgroi Giovanni , D’Alessio Nicola , Auriemma Clementina , Salant Harold , Gallo Amalia , Riccardi Marita Georgia , Alfano Flora , Rea Simona , Scarcelli Stefano , Ottaviano Martina , De Martinis Claudio , Fusco Giovanna , Lucibelli Maria Gabriella , Veneziano Vincenzo 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionFollowing the increase of wild boar (Sus scrofa) populations in Europe, a potential risk of emerging infections by vector-borne pathogens may occur. Despite this, the circulation of piroplasmid species in these ungulates is still a neglected topic, particularly in the Mediterranean basin. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the presence of Babesia/Theileria spp. in wild boars from southern Italy to assess the epidemiological role of these ungulates in the circulation of piroplasmids.MethodsBy using a citizen science approach among hunters and veterinarians, wild boar spleen samples were collected in the Campania region (southern Italy) between 2016 and 2022. A combined semi-nested PCR/sequencing analysis targeting the V4 hyper-variable region of 18S rRNA was run to detect Babesia/Theileria spp. DNA.ResultsOut of 243 boars, 15 (i.e., 6.2, 95% CI: 3.4–9.9) tested positive to Babesia/Theileria spp., Babesia vulpes (n = 13, 5.3, 95% CI: 3.1–8.9) the most prevalent, followed by Babesia capreoli (n = 2, 0.8, 95% CI: 0.2–2.9). Three different B. vulpes sequence types were identified (i.e., ST1, ST2, ST3), with the most representative as ST1 (60%), and a single B. capreoli sequence type. No statistically significant difference (p &gt; 0.05) were found between the presence of the pathogens and boar age, sex, province and sample collection year.DiscussionData demonstrate for the first time the occurrence of B. vulpes and B. capreoli in wild boars, which may play a role in the biological cycle of piroplasmids. We emphasize the importance of monitoring these ungulates to prevent potential foci of infection. The engagement of hunters in epidemiological scientifically based surveys can constitute a technically sound control strategy of piroplasmids in a One Health perspective.
MicroRNA miR-263b-5p Regulates Developmental Growth and Cell Association by Suppressing Laminin A in Drosophila
Authors: Kim Chae Jeong , Kim Hyun Ho , Kim Hee Kyung , Lee Sojeong , Jang Daegyu , Kim Chanhyeok , Lim Do-Hwan 
Published: August 2023

Basement membranes (BMs) play important roles under various physiological conditions in animals, including ecdysozoans. During development, BMs undergo alterations through diverse intrinsic and extrinsic regulatory mechanisms; however, the full complement of pathways controlling these changes remain unclear. Here, we found that fat body-overexpression of Drosophila miR-263b, which is highly expressed during the larval-to-pupal transition, resulted in a decrease in the overall size of the larval fat body, and ultimately, in a severe growth defect accompanied by a reduction in cell proliferation and cell size. Interestingly, we further observed that a large proportion of the larval fat body cells were prematurely disassociated from each other. Moreover, we present evidence that miR-263b-5p suppresses the main component of BMs, Laminin A (LanA). Through experiments using RNA interference (RNAi) of LanA, we found that its depletion phenocopied the effects in miR-263b-overexpressing flies. Overall, our findings suggest a potential role for miR-263b in developmental growth and cell association by suppressing LanA expression in the Drosophila fat body.
Polyethylene Glycol-Mediated Directional Conjugation of Biological Molecules for Enhanced Immunoassays at the Point-of-Care
Authors: Battalapalli Dheerendranath , Chakraborty Purbali , Jain Disha , Obaro Stephen K. , Gurkan Umut A. , Bonomo Robert A. , Draz Mohamed S. 
Published: August 2023

Rapid and reliable point-of-care (POC) diagnostic tests can have a significant impact on global health. One of the most common approaches for developing POC systems is the use of target-specific biomolecules. However, the conjugation of biomolecules can result in decreased activity, which may compromise the analytical performance and accuracy of the developed systems. To overcome this challenge, we present a polymer-based cross-linking protocol for controlled and directed conjugation of biological molecules. Our protocol utilizes a bifunctional thiol-polyethylene glycol (PEG)-hydrazide polymer to enable site-directed conjugation of IgG antibodies to the surface of screen-printed metal electrodes. The metal surface of the electrodes is first modified with thiolated PEG molecules, leaving the hydrazide groups available to react with the aldehyde group in the Fc fragments of the oxidized IgG antibodies. Using anti-Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase-2 (KPC-2) antibody as a model antibody used for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) testing, our results demonstrate a ~10-fold increase in antibody coupling compared with the standard N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS)-based conjugation chemistry and effective capture (>94%) of the target KPC-2 enzyme antigen on the surface of modified electrodes. This straightforward and easy-to-perform strategy of site-directed antibody conjugation can be engineered for coupling other protein- and non-protein-based biological molecules commonly used in POC testing and development, thus enhancing the potential for improved diagnostic accuracy and performance.
La interculturalidad desde la experiencia y vivencia
Authors: Montes Edilberto Hart , Ramos-Gelvez Carlos Mario , Arzuza Gómez Alfonso Roberto 
Published: August 2023

El presente estudio titulado la interculturalidad desde la experiencia y vivencia, tiene su enfoque en la cultura de los pueblos indígenas y afros. Para ello, se planteó como objetivo preservar la cultura y la tradición de los antecedentes culturales Zenú, Wayuu y Palenquero para el alcance de la interculturalidad desde la vivencia compartida. Como método se acudió a la etnografía y como técnicas investigativas se emplearon la observación participante, encuestas, entrevistas y la interacción. Desde esta perspectiva, las comunidades fueron partícipes de actividades dinámicas y lúdicas aplicadas en el CDI Seledonio Padilla, poblado del Guayabo. Como conclusión, se pudo constatar que la educación puede aprovechar la riqueza de la diversidad cultural para mejorar los procesos de enseñanza-aprendizaje, transformándola en fuente de entendimiento, pluralismo y de cohesión social para la divulgación y preservación tanto de la cultura ancestral como de la riqueza humana de la nación colombiana.
The impact of increased body mass index on the outcomes after valve replacement
Authors: Salem Ehab , Elgazzar Mohammed , Helal Noha , Wahdan Ashraf 
Published: August 2023

Background: The association between obesity and the outcomes of surgery is controversial. This study aimed to assess the effect of body mass index (BMI) on early and late morbidity and mortality after valve replacement surgery.
Methods: The study was conducted on 100 valve replacement patients from 2020 to 2022. The patients were divided according to BMI into two groups: patients with morbid obesity (BMI ≥ 35) (Group A: n = 50) and patients who had BMI< 35 (Group B.; n = 50).
Results: Hospital (9.43 ± 5.93 vs. 7.25 ± 4.05 days, P= 0.034), ICU length of stay (7.32 ± 5.67 vs. 4.52 ± 3.24 days, P= 0.003), and duration of mechanical ventilation (3.58 ± 2.54 vs. 2.342 ± 2.05 days, P= 0.008) were significantly higher in Group A. There was no significant difference in postoperative mortality between both groups (P= 0.678). There was no significant difference in morbidity and mortality after a 3-month follow-up. Hemoglobin was significantly lower in Group A (P =0.034), with no difference in postoperative laboratory investigations.
Conclusions: Morbid obesity was not associated with increased mortality after valve replacement surgery; however, it could increase the duration of ventilation, ICU, and hospital stay.