bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ThePlasmodium falciparuminfection status of two major anopheline vectors in three hyper-, meso-, and hypoendemic districts in Odisha, India
Authors: Pradhan Nitika , Mahapatra Rajani Kanta , Hazra Rupenangshu K. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIn-depth understanding of malaria transmission dynamics in a region can be assessed by identifying the vector populations of infected mosquitoes,Anophelesspp. (Diptera: Culicidae), and by quantifying the infectiousness extent. In this study of malaria transmission dynamics relating to vector incrimination in three districts of Odisha, India – hyperendemic Kalahandi, mesoendemic Bargarh, and hypoendemic Cuttack – we examined how quality and quantity of plasmodial infection rates vary among mosquito species and their organs and among districts. The minimum infection rate ofPlasmodium falciparumsporozoite forAnopheles culicifacieswas highest in Kalahandi and nil in Cuttack. However, forA. annularis, the rate was highest in Cuttack, followed by Kalahandi and Bargarh. In Kalahandi, the gland-positive rate was higher forA. culicifacies, but in Cuttack, it was higher forA. annularis. To quantify plasmodium infection in salivary glands and guts of anopheline vectors, quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed. We observed higher parasite density in glands than in guts of vector mosquitoes in the three districts. The findings demonstrate that plasmodium-infected vectors preferentially bind sporozoites to salivary glands in the three study areas. The results improve understanding of infection status within malaria vectors and how parasite population density may affect transmissibility, which will, in turn, provide baseline evidence to develop intervention measures.
Development and Validation of an Enzyme Immunoassay for Detection and Quantification of SARS-CoV-2 Salivary IgA and IgG
Authors: Costantini Veronica P , Nguyen Kenny , Lyski Zoe , Novosad Shannon , Bardossy Ana C , Lyons Amanda K , Gable Paige , Kutty Preeta K , Lutgring Joseph D , Brunton Amanda , Thornburg Natalie J , Brown Allison C , McDonald L Clifford , Messer William , Vinjé Jan 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Oral fluids offer a noninvasive sampling method for the detection of Abs. Quantification of IgA and IgG Abs in saliva allows studies of the mucosal and systemic immune response after natural infection or vaccination. We developed and validated an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) to detect and quantify salivary IgA and IgG Abs against the prefusion-stabilized form of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein expressed in suspension-adapted HEK-293 cells. Normalization against total Ab isotype was performed to account for specimen differences, such as collection time and sample volume. Saliva samples collected from 187 SARS-CoV-2 confirmed cases enrolled in 2 cohorts and 373 prepandemic saliva samples were tested. The sensitivity of both EIAs was high (IgA, 95.5%; IgG, 89.7%) without compromising specificity (IgA, 99%; IgG, 97%). No cross-reactivity with endemic coronaviruses was observed. The limit of detection for SARS-CoV-2 salivary IgA and IgG assays were 1.98 ng/ml and 0.30 ng/ml, respectively. Salivary IgA and IgG Abs were detected earlier in patients with mild COVID-19 symptoms than in severe cases. However, severe cases showed higher salivary Ab titers than those with a mild infection. Salivary IgA titers quickly decreased after 6 wk in mild cases but remained detectable until at least week 10 in severe cases. Salivary IgG titers remained high for all patients, regardless of disease severity. In conclusion, EIAs for both IgA and IgG had high specificity and sensitivity for the confirmation of current or recent SARS-CoV-2 infections and evaluation of the IgA and IgG immune response.
Identification of Environmental Cleaning and Managerial Best Practices for Integration in Competitive Bidding Documents for Outsourcing of Housekeeping Services in Tertiary Care Hospitals in India
Authors: Mohammad Kausar , Lathwal Amit , Koushal Vipin , Sharma D. K. 
Published: February 2022

Aim:
This study aimed at the identification of environmental cleaning and managerial best practices for integration in competitive bidding documents for outsourcing of housekeeping services in tertiary care hospitals in India.

Materials and Methods:
This study design was cross-sectional. The sample comprised of tender documents of eight government super-specialty hospitals/corporations and housekeeping contract agreements of five private ones. Convenience sampling was used-current tenders of most popular government hospitals available online and housekeeping agreements of consenting popular private hospitals were considered. Excel sheet was used for the analysis.

Results:
Hospitals outsourced housekeeping services on performance or human resource basis, use risk classification (23%) of hospital areas for determining intensity of cleaning, and outlined scope of services (50%). Fifteen percent tenders provide comprehensive lists of material. Scrubber requirements ranged from one per 25–250 beds. In 40% tenders, scope included handling of biomedical waste. Workforce included managerial cadres. There is a focus on occupational health and safety. Quality assurance is inbuilt in the contracts including bid evaluation criteria for selecting competent agencies and penal provisions such as in case of adverse report (INR 10,000) and unsatisfactory survey reporting (1% of monthly payment).

Conclusion:
Since successful outsourcing must focus on above-mentioned parameters, this study provides necessary guidance for health-care administrators for patient satisfaction, positive image, reducing hospital-acquired infections, and ensuring provision of quality care services.
Clinical Diversity and Outcome of Dengue Fever Outbreak-2019 Described in a Hospital of Dhaka
Authors: Hasnat Ferdousi , Mutanabbi Mahbub , Noman Farhana , Nurullah Mohammed , Anne Rifat T. , Morshed Jesmeen 
Published: February 2022

Objectives:
This study aimed to discuss demographic profile, variation in clinical feature, laboratory analysis, clinical severity, and consequences of treatment in dengue fever.

Materials and Methods:
This was a prospective observational study. All patients included in the study were admitted with fever and diagnosed with dengue fever either by serological test or antigen test.

Results:
The majority (92.85%) of children came from urban areas. Male children were predominately (59.52%) affected. Common clinical features were fever (100%), vomiting (65.8%), abdominal pain (31.7%), rashes (41.6%), loose motion (34.1%), and bleeding manifestation (30.50%). Tourniquet test was positive in 34.12% of cases. Pleural effusion was present in 15.87% and ascites were present in 13.49% of cases. Peritonitis developed in 2.38% of patients. Approximately 7.93% of the patients had central nervous system involvement and 1.5% of cases came with active convulsion. Regarding investigations, leukopenia (42.85%), thrombocytopenia (69.84%), increased hematocrit (35.7%), and elevated serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) (42.06%) were present. Approximately 43.65% of children came with dengue fever, 30.95% of children came with dengue hemorrhagic fever and 25.39% of children came with DSS. In DSS 100% of patients came with hypotension and tachycardia and 78.12% of patients came with compensated shock. Leukopenia (55.55%) and raised hematocrit (60%), elevated SGPT (45.28%), and decreased albumin level (60%) were prominent in DSS. There was no case fatality.

Conclusion:
Dengue fever's severity and clinical variation increase day by day. As there is no vaccine against dengue in our country, we will try to improve our public awareness for prevention and continuous serological surveillance will be needed to achieve the goal.
Characterization of the Proportion of Clustered Tuberculosis Cases in Guatemala: Insights from a Molecular Epidemiology Study, 2010–2014
Authors: Castellanos María Eugenia , Lau-Bonilla Dalia , Moller Anneliese , Arathoon Eduardo , Samayoa Blanca , Quinn Frederick D. , Ebell Mark H. , Dobbin Kevin K. , Whalen Christopher C. 
Published: February 2022

ABSTRACT.
There is little information about the amount of recent tuberculosis transmission in low-income settings. Genetic clustering can help identify ongoing transmission events. A retrospective observational study was performed on Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates from persons living with HIV (PLHIV) and HIV-seronegative participants who submitted samples to a referral tuberculosis laboratory in Guatemala City, Guatemala from 2010 to 2014. Genotyping results were classified according to the international spoligotyping database, SITVIT2. Spoligotype patterns were categorized as clustered or nonclustered depending on their genotype. The proportion of clustering and the index of recent transmission index (RTIn-1) were estimated. In the RTIn-1 method, clustered cases represent recent transmission, whereas nonclustered cases represent reactivation of older tuberculosis infections. As a secondary aim, the potential risk factors associated with clustering in isolates from the subset of participants living with HIV were explored. From 2010 to 2014, a total of 479 study participants were confirmed as culture-positive tuberculosis cases. Among the 400 available isolates, 71 spoligotype patterns were identified. Overall, the most frequent spoligotyping families were Latin American-Mediterranean (LAM) (39%), followed by T (22%) and Haarlem (14%). Out of the 400 isolates, 365 were grouped in 36 clusters (range of cluster size: 2–92). Thus, the proportion of clustering was 91% and the RTIn-1 was 82%. Among PLHIV, pulmonary tuberculosis was associated with clustering (OR = 4.3, 95% CI 1.0–17.7). Our findings suggest high levels of ongoing transmission of M. tuberculosis in Guatemala as revealed by the high proportion of isolates falling into genomic clusters.
Transcriptomics Applied to the Study of Chagas Disease Vectors
Authors: Borsatto Kelly Cristine , Coronado Monika Aparecida , Galvão Cleber , Arni Raghuvir Krishnaswamy , Alevi Kaio Cesar Chaboli 
Published: February 2022

ABSTRACT.
Chagas disease is a neglected disease caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, and is transmitted mainly by the feces of contaminated triatomines. Knowledge of the biological, ecological, behavioral, genetic, taxonomic, and systematic aspects of these vectors can contribute to the planning of vector control programs, because all species are considered to be potential vectors of Chagas disease. Transcriptomic studies, in general, provided a new view of the physiology of triatomines (aiding in the knowledge of reproductive aspects of the hematophagy process and even the immune system and the sensory apparatus) and even contributed, as a new tool, to the taxonomy and systematics of these insects. Thus, we conducted a review of the transcriptomic studies on Chagas disease vectors.
Prescreening with a Rapid Diagnostic Test Followed by a Confirmatory Qualitative Nucleic Acid Test Can Simplify Hepatitis C Diagnosis
Authors: Wasitthankasem Rujipat , Posuwan Nawarat , Pimsing Napaporn , Phaengkha Wijittra , Ngamnimit Saranya , Vichaiwattana Preeyaporn , Thongpan Ilada , Tongsima Sissades , Vongpunsawad Sompong , Poovorawan Yong 
Published: February 2022

ABSTRACT.
Asymptomatic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection without treatment is associated with chronic liver diseases including hepatocellular carcinoma. A major obstacle to hepatitis C diagnosis leading to antiviral treatment in some developing countries is the complicated HCV testing required before treatment. To simplify an HCV test-to-treat strategy, which could lead to timely diagnosis and treatment at the point-of-care, we evaluated the performance of four anti-HCV rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) (Abon, Blue Cross, Healgen, and SD Bioline). They yielded comparable sensitivity (80–83%), specificity (99–100%), and accuracy (90–91.5%). When we field-tested Abon in 4,769 residents of an HCV-endemic province in Thailand, 306 seropositive individuals (6.4%) were identified. In comparison, laboratory test using an automated commercial chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (ARCHITECT anti-HCV assay, Abbott Diagnostics, Chicago, IL) identified slightly more seropositives (327/4,769 or 6.9%). Field implementation suggests that Abon was sensitive (88.7%), specific (99.6%), and accurate (98.9%). Furthermore, 82% (250/306) of Abon-positive samples had detectable HCV RNA as determined by nucleic acid test (cobas® 4800 HCV assay; Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Mannheim, Germany). The same 250 samples out of 327 reactive in Abbott immunoassay also had detectable HCV RNA (mean RNA level: log 6.28 IU/mL, range: log 3.06– 7.78 IU/mL). The use of RDT followed by qualitative nucleic acid test can cost-effectively identify the majority of HCV seropositive individuals with active infection, which will obviate the need for expensive viral load quantification tests when simplifying HCV diagnosis for the test-to-treat program at the point-of-care.
Ethnobotanical characterization of halophytes with medicinal virtues, Case of the Macta wetland flora: North-West Algeria
Authors: Megharbi Ahmed , Kechairi Réda 
Published: February 2022

Here is an ethnobotanical study on halophytic plants with medicinal virtues traditionally used by the populations surrounding the Macta wetland (north-western Algeria). An ethnobotanical survey was carried out and the data collected were statistically analyzed by using the R software and 150 questionnaire sheets. The results obtained allowed the identification of 53 plants including 32 halophytic species with medicinal virtues belonging to 28 genera and 17 botanical families. On the basis of the ethnobotanical survey, we identified 43.75% of the species that are used as anti-inflammatory, 28% to treat diuretic disorders, 21.87% to treat uro-genital disorders, 18.75% for their effects on the digestive system, and 15% of the plants which are used against diabetes. Multifactorial analysis reveals a good correspondence between the ethnobotanical aspect of plant species and their therapeutic uses. The results obtained indicate the appearance of five typical use profiles specific to medicinal virtues.
Diversity of honey bee Apis mellifera subspecies (Hymenoptera: Apoidae) from the Western Highlands of Cameroon based on morpho-biometry
Authors: Fotso Patrick Romuald Kenmogne , Costa-Maia Fabiana Martins , Keambou Christian Tiambo , Baenyi Simon Patrick , Defang Henry Fualefac , Manjeli Yacouba , Teguia Alexis 
Published: February 2022

The study was carried out from August to September 2016 in the Western Highlands of Cameroon. The main objective was to contribute to a better understanding of biodiversity of honeybees for their preservation and genetic improvement. To attain this, samples of 420 workers bees belonging to Apis mellifera subspecies were obtained from 14 localities in the study zone. Body measurements in mm gave the following values: honey bee length (10.98 ± 0.06), abdomen length (6.71 ± 0.03), width of the yellow band on the second (2nd) abdominal tergite (1.48 ± 0.01), width of fourth (4th) abdominal tergite (1.32 ± 0.01), length of cover hair on the fifth (5th) abdominal tergite (0.29 ± 0.00), antenna length (4.27 ± 0.02), proboscis length (4.39 ± 0.11), length of nervure A (0.60 ± 0.00), length of nervure B (0.25 ± 0.00), discoidal shift (-0.13 ± 0.01), anterior right wing length (9.31 ± 0.03), anterior right wing width (3.14 ± 0.01), posterior right wing length (6.38 ± 0.03) and posterior right wing width (1.69 ± 0.01). A correlation coefficient significantly (p<0.01) higher (0.72) was obtained between the length of posterior right wing and the length of the anterior right wing. The cubital index is 2.36 ± 0.04. Populations of honeybees studied consist of three genetic types; genetic types 2 and 3 are closer together. The observed biodiversity suggests that honeybees constitute a natural resource with genetic variability needed for preservation and genetic improvement.
Body weight and Morphometric traits characterization of Some Nigeria Homing Pigeons (Columbia livia).
Authors: Abubakar Ibraheem , Sola-Ojo Foluke , Adeola Adeniyi , Ibiwoye Demilade 
Published: February 2022

Growth traits characterization of Nigeria homing pigeons was done using one hundred and thirty eight (138) birds from three locations (LCT) of different agro-ecological zones in Nigeria [Kebbi (KEB):North West; Ilorin (ILR): North Central and Osogbo (OSG): South West]. Parameters measured were body weight (BW) in gram and morphometric body parameters in cm viz. Head length (HL), beak length (BL), neck length (NL), body length (BL), body girth (BG), wing length (WL), body height (BH), thigh length (TL), drumstick length (DL) and keel length (KL). The results showed that, significant (p<0.05) differences existed between body weight and body parameters measured except BL. ILR pigeons had significantly (p<0.05) higher BW (263.51g) compared to OSG (204.15), but similar (p>0.05) to KEB (249.76g); the morphometric body parameters measured showed that HL, BG and WL values were significantly (p<0.05) higher in ILR; OSG had significantly (p<0.05) higher values for KL, while KEB pigeons had significantly (p<0.05) higher values for BL, NL, BH, TL, DL, and SL. Positive and significant correlations (p<0.01, 0.05) exists between locations, NL, SL and BH; BW was negatively correlated with locations with a significant (0.01) value of -0.58. PCA shows the clustering of growth traits from 18.94 to 25.14% under PC1 and 2, canonical discriminant functions gouped KEB and OSG with 56.60%; ILR and KEB with 43.60% while hierarchical clustering shows that KEB homing piegons are distinct from those of ILR and OSG. This results shows that locations have significant effects on growth traits in Nigeria homing pigeons.
Preliminary results on identification of bacterial flora from the saliva of bats in Algeria
Authors: Louhibi Nazim , Kerboub Yamina , Vitale Maria , Gaouar Semir Bechir Suheil 
Published: February 2022

Bats are among the most remarkable mammals with extraordinary adaptations. They play a key role in the ecosystem. It is well known that bats are also reservoirs for many viruses. However, their bacterial flora is relatively less explored. According to our bibliographic research, very little work has been carried out on the saliva of bats. The present study describes the microbial diversity associated with the saliva of two species of bats (Myotis Punicus and Rhinolophes ferrumequinum) in Sebdou region (Tlemcen), Algeria. The microbiological, biochemical and molecular examination of the bat saliva allowed to identify 14bacterialgenera:Pseudomonas, Chryseomonasluteola, Staphylococcus spp., Shigella, Raoultellaornithinolytica, Enterobacter cloacae, Enteratia fudicariaii, Serrobatia fudicariaii, odorifera, Suterobacter cloacoe, Suterobacter sakazakii, Salmonella charizonae, Salmonella choleraesuis ssp arizone, Klebsiella oxytoca, Proteus Mirabilis and Yersinia. This report give some preliminary results on the microbiota diversity associated with the oral cavity and the saliva of two species of bats, sampled in a determinedregion of Algeria
Sleep Meditation as Auditory Enrichment for Captive Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)
Authors: Obsen Maria Trier , Madsen Sarah Bøgh , Sloth Sanne , Gintberg Marcus Max , Jensen Trine Hammer , Alstrup Aage Kristian Olsen , Pagh Sussie , Pertoldi Cino 
Published: February 2022

Studies suggest that the welfare of captive chimpanzees can be improved by providing different kinds of enrichments. Sensory enrichment has gotten more attention lately, by e.g. using sounds and images. The purpose of this study was to examine the differences in behavior, using asleep meditationpodcast asenrichment.An ethogram wasmade to categorizethe different behaviors. The difference between the medians of each behaviorwas then tested with a Mann-Whitney U test. Furthermore, the personalities of the chimpanzees were analyzed, byfirst plotting X-Y graphs of the median, kurtosis, skewness, and IQR.Afterward, χ2 tests were performed on the slopes, todetermineif there were any significant differences in the chimpanzee’s personalities.Additionally, behavioral diversity was calculated and compared with χ2 tests. Based on these tests, it was not possible to conclude whether the sleep meditation causedachange in behavior in the enrichmenttestperiod. It is however possible to conclude that the study showed a significant difference in the personalities, between some of thechimpanzees.
Impact of heat stress on Holstein breeding performance conducted in a semi-arid Mediterranean climate. Case of Western Algeria.
Authors: YEROU Houari , BELGHERBI Benamar , HOMRANI Abdelkader 
Published: February 2022

The dairy cattle husbandry systems in semi arid climate require adapting as a response to climate change. In this study, we focus on semi arid climate of Mediterranean region to assess the effect of heat stress on productive and physiological parameters of Holstein cows. The temperature-humidity index (THI), calculated as a combination of ambient temperature and relative humidity, was used to characterize heat stress. The averages of index (THI) are 71.7, 83.6 and 72.6 respectively for spring; summer and autumn. when the THI increased from average value 12 unit between spring and summer, the cows decreased their daily milk production (DMP) and dry matter intake (DMI) by 17.6 % kg/day and 22 % respectevelly. THI value was negatively correlated to DMP with regression equation DMP (kg /day) = -0,36THI+40.8 (r2 =0.72). in semi arid condition a daily increase was observed for RT, RR an HR respectively when the THI value increased from 71.7 to 83.6 (RT 38.6˚C to 39.1˚C; RR 49.3 inspiration/min to 71.6 inspiration/min and HR 52.6beat/min to 72.7 beat/min for spring and summer respectively) with positive correlation between THI and RR, HR and RT. significant seasonal variation was detected for all physiological parameters for spring, summer and autumn period. Summer heat stress affected the physiological functions of lactating Holstein cows reared under semi arid Mediterranean climatic conditions. The Holstein breed cows are sensitive to heat stress in semi arid conditions. In the context of cow breeding practiced in conditions of semi-arid heat stress, it is necessary to find alternatives in terms of management or genetic improvement, in order to alleviate the impact of climatic stress on performance and physiological parameters.
Morphological characterization and the significance of sexual differences in size among Lipochromic Mosaic Canary bird raised in the Wilaya of Tlemcen Northwest of Algeria
Authors: Haddam Hadi Youssouf , Benbachir Belkacem , Hamel Wissem , Abdelbari Hanaa , Benhammadi Mohamed El-Amine 
Published: February 2022

The lipochromic mosaic canary is a cage bird breed present with different coat colors, red, and yellow, this breed presents a significant sexual dichromatism. Dichromatism in lipochromic mosaic canaries is explained by differential carotenoid degradation in the integument, rather than sex-specific variation in physiological functions such as pigment uptake or transport. Males have an intense color compared to females and especially at the shoulders and head. We studied sexual size dimorphism (SSD) because this study aimed to investigate whether gender has an impact on thirteen body measurements which are (Head Length, Head Width, Distance Between the Eyes, Beak Length, Beak Width, Chest Circumference, Body Length, Body Width, Wing Length, Sternum Length, Upper Tarsus Length, Lower Tarsus Length, and Tail Length) in 40 native lipochromic mosaic canaries (19 males and 21 females) raised in the Wilaya of Tlemcen Northwest of Algeria. The results showed that there were differences between genders for three characters that are CC (Chest Circumference), BL (Body Length), and WL (Wing Length). Males had more developed measurable traits than females.