bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Burden of Paediatric Kidney Diseases in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Harare, Zimbabwe
Authors: Makanda-Charambira PD , Mujuru HA , Ticklay I , Muchemwa L 
Published: August 2023

Background: The pattern of paediatric kidney diseases across different regions is influenced by genetic, racial, and environmental differences. Objectives: The aim of this study was to review the current spectrum and outcome of childhood kidney diseases at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals and highlight the challenges of care. Design: Retrospective observational study. Methods: Data on all children below 16 years of age hospitalised for any kidney disease over an 8-month period (1 January-31 August 2022) were retrieved and retrospectively analysed. Kidney diseases were categorised as per standard definitions. Results: Kidney disease accounted for 2.2% (n = 50) of all 2264 admissions in the paediatric unit, with males constituting 60% (n = 30). Age ranged from 2 weeks to 13 years (mean 5.5 ± 3.5 years) with 58.0% being under 5 years. The commonest diagnoses in the unit were acute kidney injury (AKI) (n = 16, 32%) nephrotic syndrome (n = 16, 32%), hypertension (n = 12, 24%) and end stage kidney disease (ESKD) (n = 11, 22%) with some children presenting with more than 1 diagnosis. Only 3 out of 11 children with ESKD and 3 out of 8 children with AKI who required dialysis could be offered dialysis due to limited resources. Overall mortality rate was 32% (16/50): 5 children with AKI, 2 with nephrotic syndrome and normal kidney function, 8 with ESKD and 1 with Fanconi syndrome. Conclusion: Childhood kidney disease contributes significantly to hospitalisations at our institution with highest mortality among children with ESKD. The study highlighted the need for provision of essential drugs and kidney replacement therapy for children with kidney disease at our institution.
Gram-negative Late Onset Neonatal Sepsis in a Tertiary Care Center From Central India: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Pataskar Akangksha , Chandel Anuragsingh , Chauhan Varsha , Jain Manish 
Published: August 2023

Background: Neonatal sepsis has been a major cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity globally. Late onset sepsis is on the rise mostly due to better health care services and improved survival of premature neonates. Gram-negative sepsis has emerged as a major public health problem constituting significant morbidity and mortality. There is limited data on gram-negative late onset sepsis from the central part of India, therefore this study was conducted at a tertiary care center from rural part of India. Objectives: To determine the clinical profile and outcome among neonates with gram-negative late onset sepsis. Design: It is a retrospective analysis conducted among neonates with gram-negative late onset sepsis at a tertiary care center from central India. Methods: All neonates below 28 days of age suspected to have late onset sepsis were enrolled in the study. The data for the period of January 2019 to December 2021 was collected and analyzed using software SPSS version 29. The outcome variables studied were discharge (good outcome) and death (poor outcome). Results: In the present study, overall prevalence of gram-negative late onset sepsis was 4.8%. Respiratory distress (52.2%), seizure (18.9%), jaundice (15.6%), and lethargy (15.6%) were common clinical symptoms among neonates with sepsis. The most common organism isolated was Klebsiella spp. (36.7%) followed by Acinetobacter spp. (31.1%) and E. coli (17.8%). Low gestational age (n = 20 vs n = 7, P = .002) and low birth weight (n = 33 vs n = 4, P = .02) were associated with poor outcomes in neonates with gram negative LOS. The overall mortality rate was found to be 30% among neonates with gram negative sepsis. Conclusion: The prevalence of gram-negative sepsis was found to be 4.8%. Factors associated with poor outcome in gram-negative sepsis were low birth weight, and prematurity. Klebsiella spp. was found to be a common cause of gram-negative LOS, therefore, the empiric antibiotic policy must provide coverage against these micro-organisms.
Effect of MWCNT on CFRP impregnated with shear thickening fluids under high strain rate impact
Authors: Huang Zhiping , Wei Minghai , Zhu Fang , Gu Wanjin , Chen Junyu 
Published: August 2023

This study investigates the effect of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) on the high strain rate properties of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) fabric impregnated with shear thickening fluids (STF). Three GFRP-STF and twelve GFRP-MWCNT/STF composite specimens were conducted using a split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB). Spherical silica nanoparticles (20.0 wt%) and polyethylene glycol were used to prepare silicon-based-STF (SiO2/STF). On this basis, MWCNT with 0.4, 0.8, and 1.2 wt% were further used to synthesize the MWCNT/STF, respectively. The SHPB test showed that MWCNT/STF has a more significant strain rate effect, with stress increases of 71.1%, 57.5%, and 26.0% under 3800 s−1, 5100 s−1, and 6100 s−1, respectively. The results also showed that MWCNT significantly improved the yield stress and strain energy absorption of SiO2/STF under a high strain rate. The maximum yield stress increase was 71.1%, and the maximum increase in strain energy absorption was 229.1%. The results of CFRP-MWCNT/STF revealed that MWCNT/STF treatment enhanced the high strain rate impact properties of CFRP-SiO2/STF. The improved effect is up to 27.9%, 133.6%, and 165.7% in yield stress, impact toughness, and energy absorption efficiency, respectively. The mass fraction of MWCNT significantly affects the impact properties of CFRP-MWCNT/STF under high strain rate loading, but this effect decreases with the increase of strain rate. Thus, CFRP-MWCNT/STF is more suitable for application in a high strain rate impact environment than CFRP-SiO2/STF.
Role of intravascular ultrasound in endovascular management of nutcracker syndrome: A case report
Authors: Satchell Emma K , Senapathi Sri H , Ballehaninna Umashankar K 
Published: August 2023

Purpose Here, we describe nutcracker syndrome management using intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) during endovascular stent placement of the renal vein. Case Report A 60-year-old woman with a known Factor V Leiden mutation, long-standing smoking history, and family history of pancreatic cancer presented with 2 years of intermittent left upper quadrant pain (LUQ) and a 15 lb unintentional weight loss. Work-up included abdominal ultrasound (US) and abdominal computerized tomography (CT) scan. Abdominal US and Chest CT scan were negative while the abdominal CT scan revealed severe compression of the left renal vein by the superior mesenteric artery, consistent with nutcracker syndrome. Renal venogram and endovascular stent placement performed under IVUS guidance. IVUS was used to determine stent size and measure flow and assess patency after stent placement. Conclusions Post-renal vein stent placement, the patient had resolution of her symptoms with follow-up duplex renal ultrasound exam demonstrating restored blood flow in the left renal vein with improved patency.
Optimizing the pre-analytical phase for accurate HPV detection in skin disorders: insights from a cutaneous warts case study
Authors: Redzic Nina , Pereira A. Rita , Vanden Broeck Davy , Bogers Johannes P. 
Published: August 2023

Background: In previous years, several cutaneous disorders have been associated with human papillomavirus (HPV); however, the exact role of HPV remains largely unknown. The lack of optimization and standardization of the pre-analytical phase forms a major obstacle. The aim of this study was to develop an accurate/patient-friendly sampling method for skin disorders, with cutaneous warts as a case study. Methods: Various sample processing techniques, pre-treatment protocols and DNA extraction methods were evaluated. Several sampling methods were examined, that is, skin scrapings, swabs and a tape-based method. Quantification of DNA yield was achieved by beta-globin real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and a wart-associated HPV genotyping qPCR was used to determine the HPV prevalence. Results: All samples tested positive for beta-globin. Skin scrapings had significantly higher yield than both swab and tape-based methods ( p < 0.01), the latter two did not significantly differ from each other ( p > 0.05). No significant difference in DNA yield was found between cotton and flocked swabs ( p > 0.05). All swabs were HPV positive, and although there were some discrepancies in HPV prevalence between both swabs, an overall good strength of agreement was found [κ = 0.77, 95% CI (0.71–0.83)]. Conclusion: Although skin scrapings produced the highest DNA yield, patient discomfort was an important limitation of this method. Considering that in combination with our optimized DNA extraction procedure, all samples gave valid results with the less invasive swab methods preferred. Standardization of the pre-analytical phase is the first step in establishing a link between HPV and specific skin disorders and may have significant downstream diagnostic as well as therapeutic implications.
Efficacy of Interventions in Reducing the Risks of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Healthcare Workers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Abdul Halim Nur Shuhaidatul Sarmiza , Mohd Ripin Zaidi , Ridzwan Mohamad Ikhwan Zaini 
Published: August 2023

Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are prevalent among healthcare professionals, including nurses, therapists, doctors, and paramedics, due to the potential injuries incurred during patient transfer and handling. This review aimed to assess the effectiveness of existing interventions in reducing the risks of WMSDs in this population. Methods: Four databases including PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and ScienceDirect were searched to identify randomized and nonrandomized controlled trials, as well as studies with pre-post design. Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed the quality of the included studies using the Effective Public Health Practice Project criteria. A meta-analysis was performed to obtain quantitative results. Results: A total of 40 studies were included in the review. Among the interventions, motorized assistive devices showed the most significant relative reduction in WMSD risks ( p < .0000; standardized mean difference [ SMD] = −3.32, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [−4.53, −2.12]), followed by combined interventions of cognitive and exercise ( p < .0001; SMD = −0.62, 95% CI = [−0.91, −0.33]), combined intervention of cognitive and assistive device intervention ( p = .02; SMD = −0.77, 95% CI = [−1.42, −0.12]), nonmotorized assistive device ( p = .02; SMD = −0.63, 95% CI = [−1.15, −0.12]), cognitive intervention ( p < .0001; SMD = −0.62, 95% CI = [−0.91, −0.33]), and physical exercise ( p = .06; SMD = −0.16, 95% CI = [−0.32, 0.00]) intervention. Conclusion: The overall evidence indicates that interventions have a significant effect in reducing the risk of WMSDs among healthcare workers, with motorized assistive devices showing the most promising results. The findings from this review can provide valuable guidance for hospital administrators, policymakers, and other experts in implementing effective strategies to prevent WMSDs among healthcare professionals.
Tracing the Evolution of Alternative Care for Children in India in the Last Decade and the Way Forward
Authors: Kaur Maninder , Mehta Nilima , Adhikary Subhadeep , Viswanath Anamika 
Published: August 2023

Alternative Care is a form of care provided to children by caregivers other than their birth parents. In India, the existing alternative care mechanisms include institutional care, foster care and kinship care. As a continuum of support for care experienced youth, there is a provision of aftercare in the country. Child Protection System and Alternative Care in India have become more structured with relevant laws and policies in place, which guide the service delivery mechanisms to rehabilitate children in vulnerable circumstances, and those separated from their birth parents. In the recent past, India has witnessed pertinent changes in the child protection space, reflected at both policy and practice levels, with a visible move towards family-based alternative care and a focus to prevent unnecessary separation of children from their families. This paper intends to capture the landscape of alternative care and its evolution in India, drawing from the review of the legal and policy framework, existing literature, and detailed discussions with Civil Society Organisations(CSOs) and State functionaries. It brings out the role of stakeholders, good practices and challenges in implementing alternative care over the last decade, and provides recommendations for achieving a safe and nurturing family environment for children in vulnerable situations.
Implementation and Evaluation of a Longitudinal Flipped-Classroom Point-of-Care Ultrasound Curriculum at an Internal Medicine Residency Program
Authors: Elliott Brian P , Berglund Andrew J , Markert Ronald J , Burtson Kathryn M 
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has extensive clinical utility in internal medicine, but formal and uniform curricula in internal medicine are lacking. OBJECTIVE To determine the effectiveness of a longitudinal, flipped-classroom, academic half-day curriculum on internal medicine resident confidence, utilization, and changes in clinical management. METHODS We implemented an asynchronous, flipped-classroom, academic half-day curriculum from November 2020 to November 2021 and conducted an evaluation with a prospective, before-after cohort study. Curriculum included 4 rotating sessions comprised of 20 to 30 min of image interpretation followed by 1.5 to 2 h of image acquisition. Confidence was rated via Likert scale. Utilization was reported via indicating never, 1 to 2, 3 to 4, 5 to 6, or >6 times per month (recorded as 1-5, respectively). Image interpretation was assessed via a 6-question, multiple-choice video assessment. RESULTS Nineteen of 99 potential residents (19%) completed a pre- and post-curriculum evaluation. Residents attended a median of 4 sessions. Confidence improved from 2.47 to 3.53 ( P = .002). Utilization did not improve overall (2.11-2.42, P = .22), but utilization of left ventricular function assessment (1.53-2.00, P = .046) and pulmonary assessment (1.53-2.00, P = .039) increased. The percentage of residents that had ever changed their clinical management by POCUS increased from 47% to 84% after implementation of the curriculum. Cardiac, pulmonary/pleural, volume assessment, and abdominal free fluid exams were reported as the most clinically useful. CONCLUSION Implementation of a longitudinal, academic half-day curriculum for POCUS resulted in improved confidence, increased POCUS utilization for the cardiac and pulmonary examination, and changes in clinical management based on POCUS.
Development and validation of the Teen Moms Child Feeding Questionnaire for Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Sosanya Mercy E. , Beamon Isaiah , Muhammad Raza , Freeland-Graves Jeanne H. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundIn Sub-Saharan Africa, the nutritional status of children born to teenage mothers deserves critical attention. Maternal knowledge and attitudes concerning infant and young child feeding (IYCF) may predict actual practices and child nutritional status. This study created and validated the Teen Moms Child Feeding Questionnaire for Sub-Saharan Africa.MethodsA literature search on IYCF knowledge and attitude gaps in teenage mothers generated scale items. Ten nutrition experts and six teenage mothers assessed content validity and comprehensibility, respectively. Construct validation was conducted by item response theory (IRT) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), in 150 teenage mothers in rural communities of Abuja, Nigeria. Model fit parameters were estimated by standardized chi-square tests. Internal consistency reliability was determined by marginal reliability and Cronbach’s alpha. In a sub-sample of 40 women who completed the questionnaire two weeks later, test–retest reliability was assessed via intraclass correlations.ResultsThe IRT analysis retained 23 knowledge items on infant food type, breastfeeding and complementary feeding, with acceptable discrimination and difficulty. CFA produced a six-factor solution (exclusive breastfeeding, breast milk expression, meal frequency, responsive feeding, dietary diversity, and barriers) with 17 attitude items. Confirmatory fit and Tucker Lewis indices > 0.9; Root Mean Square Errors of Approximation and Standardized Root Mean Square Residuals < 0.08, showed good model fit. Overall Cronbach’s alpha of the attitude scale (0.843), subscales (≥ 0.6) and high intraclass correlation coefficients (> 0.75) indicated reliability.ConclusionThe Teen Moms Child Feeding Questionnaire for Sub-Saharan Africa is a valid assessment tool for IYCF knowledge and attitudes of teenage mothers.
Adaptation and validation of the chronic illness-related shame scale among patients with knee osteoarthritis in Singapore
Authors: Yeo Jia Ying , Lim Chien Joo , Tan Bryan Yijia 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is one of the most common and disabling conditions worldwide. A neglected aspect of knee OA is its psychosocial impact, such as shame. However, assessment tools to measure shame among patients diagnosed with knee OA are lacking. In this study, the psychometric properties of the Chronic Illness-related Shame Scale (CISS) were evaluated among knee OA patients in Singapore.

Methods
Adaptations were made to CISS for use among the knee OA population. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed to analyze the factor structure. Cronbach’s Alpha and corrected item-total correlations were used to evaluate the internal consistency. Spearman correlation coefficient was used to test the correlation between CISS and Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4) to determine the validity of the instrument.

Results
The EFA yielded a one-factor structure, with an eigenvalue of 4.78 explaining 68.25% of variance. Cronbach Alpha was 0.92, which indicated good internal consistency. The Spearman correlation revealed a significant correlation between CISS and PHQ-4.

Conclusions
The adapted CISS is a valid and reliable instrument to measure shame for knee OA patients. Both research and clinical settings can benefit from the use of the adapted CISS for assessing shame among knee OA patients.
Genome-wide identification and analysis of a cotton secretome reveals its role in resistance against Verticillium dahliae
Authors: Li Ran , Ma Xi-Yue , Zhang Ye-Jing , Zhang Yong-Jun , Zhu He , Shao Sheng-Nan , Zhang Dan-Dan , Klosterman Steven J. , Dai Xiao-Feng , Subbarao Krishna V. , Chen Jie-Yin 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
The extracellular space between the cell wall and plasma membrane is a battlefield in plant-pathogen interactions. Within this space, the pathogen employs its secretome to attack the host in a variety of ways, including immunity manipulation. However, the role of the plant secretome is rarely studied for its role in disease resistance.

Results
Here, we examined the secretome of Verticillium wilt-resistant Gossypium hirsutum cultivar Zhongzhimian No.2 (ZZM2, encoding 95,327 predicted coding sequences) to determine its role in disease resistance against the wilt causal agent, Verticillium dahliae. Bioinformatics-driven analyses showed that the ZZM2 genome encodes 2085 secreted proteins and that these display disequilibrium in their distribution among the chromosomes. The cotton secretome displayed differences in the abundance of certain amino acid residues as compared to the remaining encoded proteins due to the localization of these putative proteins in the extracellular space. The secretome analysis revealed conservation for an allotetraploid genome, which nevertheless exhibited variation among orthologs and comparable unique genes between the two sub-genomes. Secretome annotation strongly suggested its involvement in extracellular stress responses (hydrolase activity, oxidoreductase activity, and extracellular region, etc.), thus contributing to resistance against the V. dahliae infection. Furthermore, the defense response genes (immunity marker NbHIN1, salicylic acid marker NbPR1, and jasmonic acid marker NbLOX4) were activated to varying degrees when Nicotina benthamiana leaves were agro-infiltrated with 28 randomly selected members, suggesting that the secretome plays an important role in the immunity response. Finally, gene silencing assays of 11 members from 13 selected candidates in ZZM2 displayed higher susceptibility to V. dahliae, suggesting that the secretome members confer the Verticillium wilt resistance in cotton.

Conclusions
Our data demonstrate that the cotton secretome plays an important role in Verticillium wilt resistance, facilitating the development of the resistance gene markers and increasing the understanding of the mechanisms regulating disease resistance.
Decreased TMIGD1 aggravates colitis and intestinal barrier dysfunction via the BANF1-NF-κB pathway in Crohn’s disease
Authors: Zhou Longyuan , Zhu Liguo , Wu Xiaomin , Hu Shixian , Zhang Shenghong , Ning Min , Yu Jun , Chen Minhu 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Disrupted intestinal epithelial barrier is one of the major causes of Crohn’s disease (CD). Novel molecular targets for intestinal epithelial barrier are essential to treatment of CD. Transmembrane and immunoglobulin domain-containing protein 1 (TMIGD1) is an adhesion molecule that regulates cell adhesion, migration, and enterocyte differentiation. However, the function and mechanism of TMIGD1 in CD and intestinal epithelial barrier has rarely been studied. Furthermore, the association between TMIGD1 and the clinical features of CD remains unclear.

Methods
Transcriptome analysis on colonic mucosa from CD patients and healthy individuals were performed to identify dysregulated genes. Multi-omics integration of the 1000IBD cohort including genomics, transcriptomics of intestinal biopsies, and serum proteomics identified the association between genes and characteristics of CD. Inflammation was assessed by cytokine production in cell lines, organoids and intestinal-specific Tmigd1 knockout (Tmigd1INT-KO) mice. Epithelial barrier integrity was evaluated by trans-epithelium electrical resistance (TEER), paracellular permeability, and apical junction complex (AJC) expression. Co-immunoprecipitation, GST pull-down assays, mass spectrometry, proteomics, and transcriptome analysis were used to explore downstream mechanisms.

Results
Multi-omics integration suggested that TMIGD1 was negatively associated with inflammatory characteristics of CD. TMIGD1 was downregulated in inflamed intestinal mucosa of patients with CD and mice colitis models. Tmigd1INT-KO mice were more susceptible to chemically induced colitis. In epithelial cell lines and colonic organoids, TMIGD1 knockdown caused impaired intestinal barrier integrity evidenced by increased paracellular permeability and reduced TEER and AJC expression. TMIGD1 knockdown in intestinal epithelial cells also induced pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Mechanistically, TMIGD1 directly interacted with cytoplasmic BAF nuclear assembly factor 1 (BANF1) to inhibit NF-κB activation. Exogenous expression of TMIGD1 and BANF1 restored intestinal barrier function and inhibited inflammation in vitro and in vivo. TMIGD1 expression predicted response to anti-TNF treatment in patients with CD.

Conclusions
Our study demonstrated that TMIGD1 maintained intestinal barrier integrity and inactivated inflammation, and was therefore a potential therapeutic target for CD.