bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Emergency admissions due to secondary health conditions after spinal cord injury: A population-based description of determinants of length of stay.
Authors: Eriks-Hoogland Inge , Jedrusik Anna , Müller Lorena , Meier Susanna , Brinkhof Martin 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Study Design:
Population-based prospective study.
Objective
To provide a population-based description of length of stay (LOS) and person-related risk factors following emergency hospital admission due to a secondary health condition (SHC) in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI).
Setting:
Specialized SCI hospital and rehabilitation center in Switzerland.
Methods
Descriptive analysis of LOS using routine clinical data of persons with SCI, who were acutely hospitalized between 01.01.2017–30.06.2018. Multivariable regression analysis was used to derive marginal predictions of LOS by emergency SHCs and person characteristics.
Results
The study included 183 persons, 83% were male, and the median age was 57 years (interquartile range, IQR, 49–67 years). SCI cause was traumatic in 160 (88.4%) cases, 92 (50.3%) were persons with tetraplegia, 147 (80.3%) were classified as motor complete lesions (American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) A or B) and median time since injury (TSI) was 24 (IQR 13–34) years. Median LOS was 19 (IQR 9–39) days, varying from 74 (IQR 39–92) days for pressure ulcers, 13 (IQR 8–24) days for urinary tract infections (UTI), to 27 (IQR 18–47) days for fractures. LOS was prolonged in persons with multiple co-morbidities or those developing complications during hospitalization. Sex, SCI etiology and lesion level were not associated with LOS.
Conclusion
This population-based description identified substantial variation in LOS between emergency SHCs and clinical complications as the main, potentially modifiable, person-related risk factors for extended hospital stay.
Utilization of modern contraceptive methods and associated factors among postpartum women in Ambo rural district, Ethiopia, 2021: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Nugussa Bushura , Solomon Tesfaye , Tadelu Hailu 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background
The first year after a woman has given birth is crucial for use of contraceptives even though many women do not realize that they are at a risk for pregnancy and contraceptive use is low during this period. This study was conducted to assess the utilization of modern contraceptives and associated factors among postpartum women in Ambo rural district, central Ethiopia.
Methods
A community-based cross-sectional study involving randomly selected 394 postpartum women was conducted from May 20, 2021 to June 10, 2021. Data were collected through interview, entered into EPI Data version 3.1, and analyzed by SPSS version 25.0. Adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were computed using multivariable binary logistic regression and p < 0.05 was used to declare statistical significance.
Results
The prevalence of postpartum modern family planning was 72.5% (95% CI: 68%, 77%). It was significantly associated with women's self-decision making (AOR = 6.43, 95% CI: 1.98, 20.90), counseling on family planning during antenatal (AOR = 9.71, 95% CI: 3.83, 24.61), visiting health facility after delivery (AOR = 5.24, 95% CI: 2.32, 11.84), ever heard modern contraceptives (AOR = 5.17, 95% CI: 1.88, 14.23), perceived partner approval (AOR = 4.31, 95% CI: 1.62, 11.47), and the lowest income (AOR = 0.12, 95% CI: 0.02, 0.68).
Conclusions
The utilization of modern postpartum family planning in Ambo rural was promising. Therefore, family planning providers should strengthen making awareness of the women and counseling of their partners integrated with other services at a continuum of points of contact.
Potential mechanism of CD47 in Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia
Authors: Yu Yixue , Chu Chu , Zhang Dandan , Li Yuqin , Shi Jinjin , Zhou Wei-fang , Luo Yali 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background
Children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) exhibit decreased CD47 expression, which correlates with disease. CD47 expression is suppressed by miR-222-3p, which is elevated in MPP, and CD47 interaction with receptor SIRPα promotes phagocytosis. We hypothesized that suppressed CD47 expression contributes to the development of MPP.
Methods
Ninety-three children hospitalized at Children’s Hospital of Soochow University and requiring bronchoscopy were enrolled in the study; 65 were diagnosed with MPP (MPP group) and 28 presented with a bronchial foreign body (control group). Blood tests/biochemistry and cellular/humoral immunity markers were evaluated. miR-222-3p, CD47 and SIRPα expressions in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were determined using RT-qPCR and IL-4, IL-6, and IL-8 using ELISA.
Results
The MPP group displayed disordered coagulation, increased CD19 + CD23+, and ratio of CD4+/CD8 + cells, and increased IgA, IgG, and IgM concentrations (P < 0.05). The BALF cellular content in the MPP group revealed a decrease in macrophages and an increase in neutrophils (P < 0.05). miR-222-3p, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-8 expression in BALF was greater in the MPP group (P < 0.05) while CD47 and SIRPα expression was suppressed (P < 0.05). CD47 expression positively correlated with SIRPα and negatively correlated with miR-222-3P, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8 (P < 0.05).
Conclusions
Low CD47 and SIRPα expression in children with MPP likely leads macrophages to engulf Mycoplasma pneumoniae and mediate an inflammatory response. IL-4, IL-6, and IL-8 are associated with development of MPP and could be useful as a reference index to judge the degree of inflammation.
Community acceptability of public health measures during the COVID-19 pandemic in Malawi: A cross-sectional survey of Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices
Authors: Chitatanga Ronald , Twabi Hussein H. , Sambani Clara , Mitambo Collins 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background
Global experts estimate that in the absence of intervention, Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) will result into 40 million deaths globally and this burden is likely to be more pronounced in low-income settings. The knowledge, attitudes and practices of people during this pandemic is pivotal to uptake of recommended preventative strategies. This paper describes the Malawian knowledge, attitudes and practices related to COVID-19 and associated public health measures.
Methods
This was a multi-site cross-sectional survey where qualitative data was collected in nine Malawian districts over 3 weeks (5–25 October 2020), 6 months after the first confirmed COVID-19 case. A total of 521 participants (> 18 years) were enrolled to answer a questionnaire delivered through interviews.
Results
We found that all respondents were aware of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic with the majority using the Radio as their main information-source. 75% of participants displayed knowledge of all key symptoms of COVID-19 (cough, fever and shortness of breath) and in addition to this knowledge, the majority of participants (97%) knew enough to take some sort of intervention (calling a COVID hotline or visiting the nearest hospital) if they developed symptoms. Participants also demonstrated a high perception of risk of COVID-19, where > 60% of participants believed to be susceptible to the coronavirus under the current preventative measures and > 50% believed they would die from infection. Communities displayed a high perceived effectiveness of all preventative measures, with “hand hygiene using soap and water” being perceived as effective by the majority of respondents. Although the majority of the participants (> 80%) were willing to self-isolate at home, various barriers to home-isolation were raised which would ultimately influence their ability to do so.
Conclusion
Baseline community psychosocial and behavioral information which influences the adoption of new COVID-19 public health measures in Malawi has been highlighted alongside recommendations for best practices.
Research on the effects of the Juncus inflexus subsp. inflexus extract on the liver damage caused by low dose thioacetamide at the rats
Authors: KAYA Muhittin , KAYMAK Emin , AKİN Ali Tuğrul , YILMAZ Engin , KURŞAT Murat , YAKAN Birkan 
Published: June 2022

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of thioacetimide (TAA) on liver damage by using the extract of the Juncus inflexus subsp. inflexus (JI) plant. Six experimental groups were formed using 42 8-12-weeks Sprague dawley male rats, with seven experimental animals per group. Two doses of normal saline (SF) (i.p) were administered within 120 minutes to each control group. 250 mg/kg single dose of TAA (i.p) was administered 120 minutes after administration of SF in the TAA group. 50 mg/kg single dose of JI extract (i.g) was administered 120 minutes after SF administration to the JI group. TAA+JI group was given 50 mg/kg JI extract 120 minutes after 250 mg/kg TAA was administered. 250 mg/kg of TAA was administered 120 minutes after 50 mg/kg of JI extract was applied to the JI+TAA group. TAA+JI+ group was administered 50 mg/kg JI extract 120 minutes after 250 mg/kg TAA was administered and 2 more 50 mg/kg JI extract were administered after 48 hours. At the end of the trial, blood samples were analyzed for aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) with autoanalyser. Liver tissue sections were examined by staining with hematoxylin eosin (H-E), periodic acid schiff (PAS) and caspase-3. On the other hand, the tissue homogenates were analyzed by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), in terms of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH).In H-E and PAS studies, while a marked damage was detected in TAA group compared to other groups, based on biochemical analysis, only a significant change in parameter AST was determined. Compared to other groups, it was observed that the MDA rose significantly in the TAA group and that the GSH fell and that the expression of the kaspaz-3 was significantly increased.. On the other hand, it was found that lipid peroxidation decreased significantly in the TAA+JI group compared to JI+TAA group.In conclusion, this study has revealed that the extraction obtained from the Juncus inflexus plant has protective and therapeutic properties for the liver.
Enhancement of the nutritional value, antioxidant properties and growth performance in mono-sex Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus fries by pomegranate peel supplementation
Authors: Hussein Ebtehal E. , Fatan Nurulhuda , El-Betagy Alaa El Din , Naeem Mohamed Ahmed 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Diet supplemented with pomegranate peel (3, 6, and 9 g/kg diet) as identified as POM3, POM6 and POM9 were fed to Nile Tilapia fries for 84 days to evaluate the nutritional values, antioxidant activity, histology of liver and intestine and growth of mono-sex Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fries. No significant changes (P ≥ 0.05) in the final weight, weight gain, and specific growth rate (SGR) were seen in all treatments. Meanwhile, a decreasing trend was detected in feed intake by increasing the pomegranate peel inclusion. When compared to the other groups, POM9 diet had the worst (2.02) (P ≤ 0.05) feed conversion ratio (FCR value). While POM3 diet had the best FCR (1.63) without significant differences (P ≥ 0.05) from the other groups except POM9. The survival rates did not differ significantly (P ≥ 0.05) in all treatments but increased pomegranate peel resulted in a modest rise. Pomegranate peel powder contains significant phenolic acid concentrations, resulted a high DPPH scavenging activity (81.72). Pyrogallol was the first abundant phenolic acid (927.45 mg/100gm powder). Increased pomegranate peel consumption also resulted in a significant increases (P ≤ 0.05) in superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), catalase (CAT), besides glutathione peroxidase (GSH). Additional pomegranate peel dosage led to a considerable decreasing trend (P ≥ 0.05) in malondealdihye (MDA) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Compared with the control group, fish fed diet supplemented with pomegranate peel had shown normal appearance of liver and intestine Therefore, Pomegranate peel supplementation may enhance growth performance as well as the health of mono sex Nile tilapia fry.
Exogenous foliar spray of selenium (Se) alleviates cold stress by promoting photosynthesis and antioxidant defense in waxy maize
Authors: Cao Qingjun , Wang Wangtian , Akhtar Saqib Saleem , Yang Fentuan , Kong Fanli , Cui Zhengguo , Jiang Xiaoli , Zhang Enping , Li Gang 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Exogenous application of selenium (Se) is an effective approach to improve abiotic stresses under climate change scenario. To investigate the effects of Se-induced improvement of cold tolerance, waxy maize seedlings sprayed with varied Se dose (0, 30, 60, 90 mg L -1 ) were exposed to low temperature (13 °C, LT) and ambient temperature (25 °C, NT) for ten days. The plant growth performances, such as net photosynthetic rate (A n ), oxidative damage, enzymes activities and related gene expression, and non-enzymatic levels of AsA and GSH were evaluated. The results showed that LT induced higher levels of hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2) , superoxide (O 2 •−), and decreased membrane stability index (MSI), An, leaf area (LA) and shoot dry weight (SDW) compared to NT, while Se-sprayed plants displayed higher antioxidant enzymes activities of SOD, CAT, APX and GR, and up-granulated genes encoding these four proteins, as well the increased contents of AsA, GSH and GSH+GSSG under LT, thereby decreased the accumulation of H 2 O 2 and O 2 •− content, which in turn maintained higher MSI, An and subsequent SDW. The results indicated that Se-induced low temperature tolerance might be associated the improved photosynthetic capacity, as well as enhanced antioxidant defense system.
Cardiac atrial metabolism quantitative assessment with analog and digital TOF-PET/CT
Authors: Hesse Michel , Marchandise Sébastien , Gerber Bernhard , Roelants Véronique 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background:Evaluation of left atrial (LA) remodeling is becoming increasingly relevant in understanding several pathological cardiac conditions. While 18F-FDG-PET/CT is currently the gold standard for metabolic evaluation of the left ventricle, it could be extended to LA metabolism evaluation using the latest PET technologies. We sought to perform a phantom study in order to determine the most appropriate advanced reconstruction algorithm in this context.Methods:The liver, heart cavity and walls of an anthropomorphic phantom were filled with typical patient 18F-FDG activity concentrations. Acquisitions were performed on an analog and on a digital TOF-PET/CT, and reconstructed with and without resolution recovery (RR). For the RR the Richardson-Lucy method was used, either as a post processing of the reconstructed images through a third-party plug-in software, or through the algorithm implemented by the PET/CT manufacturer. Activity recoveries in the atria and ventricles and signal-to-noise ratios were evaluated to rate the reconstructions and identify the best reconstruction and RR parameters. The same methodology was applied on a patient cardiac study to validate the phantom results.Results:Analog PET/CT with third-party RR cannot improve the activity recovery without markedly degrading the image quality. For the digital PET/CT, the manufacturer RR reconstruction improved LA activity recovery from about 58% to about 70% when using 4 iterations and 15 subsets combined with a 5 RR iterations, while preserving images of diagnostic quality. Similar results were obtained on the SUV values for the patient study.Conclusions:The digital TOF-PET/CT combined with the manufacturer reconstruction with 4 iterations and 15 subsets together with 5 RR iterations can be used to quantitatively analyze the LA uptake in patient 18F-FDG heart studies while still preserving image reading quality. This may lead to more precise cardiovascular disease status evaluation, especially when atria are concerned.
Prevalence and risk factors of delirium in psychiatric patients with critical illness
Authors: Ren Lina , Wang Yongjun 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Purpose: Delirium is a serious neuropsychiatric syndrome, which can lead to poor outcomes, especially among patients with critical illness, but is easily missed among psychiatric patients. Some delirium-associated risks have been confirmed for critical patients and psychiatric patients. Nevertheless, the research about delirium in psychiatric patients with critical illness is rare.Methods: This study aims to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of delirium in psychiatric patients with critical illness. We assessed 425 patients diagnosed with critical illness from Shenzhen Kangning hospital from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2021, and registered their demographic information, medical history and comorbidities. Patients underwent a psychiatric examination using the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM).Results: Among the 425 critical illness inpatients, 143 had delirium (prevalence of 33.6%). The most common associations were infectious disease (46.9%), electrolyte disturbance (48.3%), cerebrovascular disease (39.9%), and liver or kidney dysfunction (26.6%). The married status (OR = 3.450, p < 0.001), infectious diseases (OR = 2.862, p < 0.001), electrolyte disturbances (OR = 1.991, p = 0.009) and the organic mental disorder (OR = 5.611, p < 0.001) were independent non-modifiable factors associated with an increased risk of delirium. Conclusions: According to the study results, the delirium prevalence was about 33%. The organic mental disorder, infectious disease, electrolyte disturbance, cerebrovascular disease, and liver or kidney dysfunction were the risk factors for delirium in psychiatric patients with critical illness. Unexpectedly, the use of olanzapine or haloperidol showed no relevance to delirium.
Anaesthetic depth monitoring decreases the incidence of postoperative delirium in elective non-cardiac surgical patients receiving intravenous patient-controlled analgesia: A prospective observational study
Authors: Wang Kuei-Fen , Lin Yao-Tsung , Lan Kuo-Mao , Chen Jen-Yin , Wang Li-Kai , Chang Chia-Yu , Hung Kuo-Chuan 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background
To identify the impact of processed electroencephalogram (pEEG)-guided anesthesia on postoperative delirium (POD), postoperative analgesic requirements, and the incidence of postoperative nausea/vomiting (PONV) in the elective non-cardiac surgical patients with intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IVPCA) in the wards.
Methods
In this prospective observational study, the anesthesiologists were free to use M-Entropy™, an pEEG device, to monitor the depth of anesthesia intraoperatively during the period (September 2015 ~ February 2018). Acute pain service team assessed the analgesic/side effects of IVPCA and POD at least twice daily for 3 days postoperatively. POD was screened by Nursing Delirium Screening Scale (NuDESC) (0–10). A psychiatrist or neurologist was consulted to confirm suspected POD if NuDESC ≧ 1. Pain severity was measured by an 11-point verbal numerical rating scale (0–10).
Results
A total of 1178 patients ( ≧ 60 years) were enrolled and divided to Entropy (749 patients) vs. non-Entropy group (429 patients). Multivariate logistic analysis showed that age ≧ 70, surgical types and the POD incidence were independent predictors for group differences (multiple odds ratio and 95% confidence interval: 9.49, 6.99–12.89; 0.47, 0.35–0.63; 0.11, 0.06–0.21). The POD incidence in Entropy group (2.2%, 17 patients) was significantly lower than that in non-Entropy group (6.7%, 29 patients) (p < 0.001). However, pEEG-guided anesthesia did not affect the duration and phenomenological characteristics of POD. In addition, intraoperative pEEG-guided anesthesia did not reduce total daily morphine dose of IVPCA, the incidence of PONV and inadequate postoperative pain management.
Conclusions
Processed EEG-guided anesthesia decreased POD incidence in IVPCA patients undergoing elective non-cardiac surgery returning to the ward. In addition, it did not reduce postoperative pain severity, postoperative analgesic requirements and postoperative nausea/vomiting. More research is needed to investigate the effects of pEEG-guided anesthesia on POD and the other postoperative conditions.
Test concordance of three serological assays for detection of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody: Result from a population-based sero-epidemiological study in Delhi
Authors: Misra Puneet , Kant Shashi , Guleria Randeep , Ahmad Mohammad , Mandal Suprakash , Chaturvedi P K , Medigeshi Guruprasad R , Meena Suneeta , Rai Sanjay K , Rahman Anisur , Sangral Meenu , Yadav Kapil , Bairwa Mohan , Haldar Partha 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background
Several methodological tests are available to detect SARS-CoV-2 antibody. Tests are mostly used in the aid of diagnosis or for serological assessment. No tests are fully confirmatory and have variable level of diagnostic ability. We aimed at assessing agreement with three serological tests: quantitative anti receptor binding domain ELISA (Q-RBD), qualitative ELISA (WANTAI SARS-CoV-2 Ab) and qualitative chemiluminiscence assays (CLIA).
Methods
This study was a part of a large population based sero-epidemiological cohort study. Participants aged 1 year or older were included from 25 randomly selected clusters each in Delhi urban (urban resettlement colony of South Delhi district) and Delhi rural (villages in Faridabad district, Haryana). Three type of tests were applied to all the baseline blood samples. Result of the three tests were evaluated by estimating the total agreement and kappa value.
Results
Total 3491 blood samples collected from March to September, 2021, out of which 1700 (48.7%) from urban and 1791 (51.3%) from rural. Overall 44.1% of participants were male. The proportion of sero-positivity were 78.1%, 74.1% and 31.8% by Wantai, QRBD and CLIA tests respectively. The total agreement between Wantai and QRBD was 94.2%, 53.1% between Wantai and CLIA, and 56.6% between QRBD and CLIA. The kappa value between these three tests were 0.84 (95% CI: 0.80–0.87), 0.22 (95% CI: 0.19–0.24) and 0.26 (95% CI: 0.23–0.28).
Conclusions
There was strong concordance between Wantai and QRBD test. Agreement between CLIA with other two tests was low. Wantai and QRBD may be used interchangeably.
Utilization of maternal perceptions of “person-centred maternal care” to plan better service delivery: a quality improvement study in a tertiary care center in Sri Lanka
Authors: Mohamed Rishard , Ziyad Fathima Aysha Mohamed , De Abrew Ashwini , Walpita Yasaswi , Senanayake Hemantha , Lazzerini Marzia 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background
There is a lack of studies documenting the utilization of mothers’ views on person centred maternal care (PCMC) for improving quality of care (QOC). We collected women’s perceptions on PCMC and used them to develop interventions for improving QOC in a tertiary maternity care center in Sri Lanka.
Methods
Focus group discussions (FGDs) were carried out with 39 mothers in post-delivery. Transcripts were thematically analyzed and findings presented in two meetings with 25 healthcare providers.
Results
FGDs revealed five key topics: 1) Mothers complained a lack of supportive care such as pain management, and staff in insufficient number; 2) Nearly all mothers lacked a companion in labor; 3) Most had some experience of lack of respect, dignity, privacy, and poor communication; 4) Most lacked awareness on the concept of autonomy; 5) Unsatisfactory cleanliness and lack of an adequate number of washrooms. Stakeholder meetings generated 10 possible interventions to improve QOC, with the top priority being workshops to improve communication skills and empowering women on their rights.
Conclusions
This study revealed gaps in PCMC, but showed that in settings such as Sri Lanka, women’s views can be used to develop consensus among hospital staff regarding context-specific interventions for improving QOC.
Trial registration:
Not Applicable