bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Morphometric and molecular analysis of Schistosomes eggs recovered from human urines in communities along the shore-line of Oyan-dam in Ogun State, Nigeria
Authors: Bayegun Adedotun Ayodeji , Omitola Olaitan Olamide , Umunnakwe Uche Cynthia , Akande Adedayo Foluke , Akinwale Olaoluwa P. , Mogaji Hammed Oladeji , Ademolu Kehinde O. , Gyang Pam Vincent , Odoemene Nnayere Simon , Ekpo Uwem Friday 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundThere are growing concerns that communities characterized with surface water, where both humans and livestock interact for agricultural, domestic, cultural, and recreational purposes, are likely to support hybridization between schistosome species infecting humans and livestock. This study therefore investigated the possible human infections with hybrid schistosomes in four schistosomiasis endemic communities along the banks of Oyan dam in Ogun State, Nigeria.MethodsHuman urine samples were collected in Imala-Odo, Abule-Titun, Apojula and Ibaro-Oyan communities. Recovered eggs were counted, photographed, and measured with IC Measure™ for Total Length, Maximum Width, and a ratio of egg shape. Eighty-seven unusual Schistosoma eggs shaped were molecularly characterised by PCR amplification of Schistosoma specific Dra1 gene. The amplicons were further subjected to PCR amplification of schistosome ITS-2 rDNA and right representative samples with varying gel band sizes were sequenced.ResultsA total of 1,984 Schistosoma eggs were analysed. The egg morphometrics were within the range of 70.90 - 262.30 μm and 30.10 - 102.60 μm for total length and width respectively. The length to width ratio was 1.60 - 4.06μm. Majority of the eggs have the typical round-to-oval shaped eggs (1345, 67.8 %), followed by eggs with atypical spindle-shaped (639, 32.2 %) and eggs without spines (22, 1.1 %). Egg morphotypes were significantly different (p = 0.017). PCR amplification of Dra1 gene and ITS2 confirmed 54 (62.1%) of the eggs and 33 (61.1%) of Schistosoma origin. Sequencing of two of the DNA samples produced sequences similar to vertebrate S. magrebowiei (accession number UZAI01000474.1) and Asian S. japonicum (accession number SKCS01001458.1).ConclusionThese findings suggest possibly that hybrids schistosome may be circulating in the human population in the study areas.Author summaryHuman schistosomiasis is one of the most common neglected tropical diseases in Africa. The disease is caused by a water-borne trematode parasite, and transmission among human requires contact with infested water bodies. There are growing concerns that communities characterized with infested surface water, where both humans and livestock interact are likely to support hybridization between schistosome species infecting humans and livestock. We therefore screened human urine samples using morphological and molecular methods, for the presence of hybrid schistosomes in four communities along the banks of Oyan dam in Ogun State, Nigeria. Our findings show the possible occurrence of hybrid schistosomes in the study area, which call for urgent public health interventions.
Overestimation of School-Based Deworming Coverage Resulting from School-Based Reporting
Authors: Sheahan William , Anderson Roy , Aruldas Kumudha , Avokpaho Euripide , Galagan Sean , Goodman Jeanne , Houngbegnon Parfait , Israel Gideon John , Janagaraj Venkateshprabhu , Kaliappan Saravanakumar Puthupalayam , Means Arianna Rubin , Morozoff Chloe , Pearman Emily , Ramesh Rohan Michael , Roll Amy , Schaefer Alex , Ajjampur Sitara S. R. , Bailey Robin , Ibikounlé Moudachirou , Kalua Khumbo , Luty Adrian J.F. , Pullan Rachel , Walson Judd L. , Ásbjörnsdóttir Kristjana Hrönn 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundSoil Transmitted Helminths (STH) infect over 1.5 billion people globally and are associated with anemia and stunting, resulting in an annual toll of 1.9 million Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs). School-based deworming (SBD), via mass drug administration (MDA) campaigns with albendazole or mebendazole, has been recommended by the World Health Organization to reduce levels of morbidity due to STH in endemic areas. DeWorm3 is a cluster-randomized trial, conducted in three study sites in Benin, India, and Malawi, designed to assess the feasibility of interrupting STH transmission with community-wide MDA as a potential strategy to replace SBD. This analysis examines data from the DeWorm3 trial to quantify discrepancies between school-level reporting of SBD and gold standard individual-level survey reporting of SBD.Methodology/Principal FindingsPopulation-weighted averages of school-level SBD calculated at the cluster level were compared to aggregated individual-level SBD estimates to produce a Mean Squared Error (MSE) estimate for each study site. In order to estimate individual-level SBD coverage, these MSE values were applied to SBD estimates from the control arm of the DeWorm3 trial, where only school-level reporting of SBD coverage had been collected.In each study site, SBD coverage in the school-level datasets was substantially higher than that obtained from individual-level datasets, indicating possible overestimation of school-level SBD coverage. When applying observed MSE to project expected coverages in the control arm, SBD coverage dropped from 89.1% to 70.5% (p-value < 0.001) in Benin, from 97.7% to 84.5% (p-value < 0.001) in India, and from 41.5% to 37.5% (p-value < 0.001) in Malawi.Conclusions/SignificanceThese estimates indicate that school-level SBD reporting is likely to significantly overestimate program coverage. These findings suggest that current SBD coverage estimates derived from school-based program data may substantially overestimate true pediatric deworming coverage within targeted communities.
Aging in India: Comparison of Conventional and Prospective Measures, 2011
Authors: Srivastava Ankita , Nandita Saikia 
Published: April 2022

AbstractConventional measurements of aging do not take into account the dynamic nature of aging-related characteristics over time. Therefore, in order to refine the estimates of aging, demographers have proposed prospective measures based on remaining life expectancy, Sanderson and Scherbov (2007). We compared these new measures with conventional aging measures using the data from the Census of India 2011 and Sample Registration System life tables 2009–2013. In conventional aging measures, we used life expectancy at age 60 and the old age dependency ratio (OADR), whereas for new measures of aging, we applied the threshold of old age based on the remaining life expectancy and prospective old age dependency ratio (POADR). Both measures of aging provided different estimates of the aging population at the national and subnational levels. At national level, application of prospective measures increased the number of older dependents from 66.4 million to 71.8 million (OADR: 8.6% vs. POADR: 10.6%). We observed profound variation at sub-national level in India. We also observed that the prospective ageing measures not only provided higher estimates of ageing burden in India, but also altered the gender and rural urban differential in ageing. Considering the heterogeneity of life expectancies across Indian states, prospective measures provide more accurate refined estimates of aging burden in India as they are based on length of life expectancy. Application of these measures has great policy relevance in India.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF SOCIO-CULTURAL FACTORS ON PAIN MANAGEMENT APPROACHES IN SUB- SAHARAN AFRICA
Authors: Dompreh Henrietta Obaabeng , Lynch Mary , Longworth Mary 
Published: April 2022

AbstractAimThe experience and expression of pain are influenced by numerous factors of which culture and the society plays a major role especially in SSA. However, few studies have focused on the impact of cultural influences on pain assessment and management in SSA. This systemic review examines pain prevalence and its intensity/severity, the socio-cultural factors that affect pain management and the extent to which socio-cultural practices influence pain assessment and management in SSA.MethodsApplying the Preferred Reporting Items for Systemic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a systematic literature search was conducted. Seven electronic databases were searched, and a strict inclusion and exclusion criteria applied to the retrieve articles along with a robust filtering to identify eligible peer reviewed literature. The review process concluded with 24 eligible articles and following the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was applied to assess the quality of the included literature and thematic narrative analysis was conducted.ResultsThe analysis findings identified that there are sociocultural barriers to effective pain management from the perspective of different subcultures in SSA. The evidence suggests that religious/spiritual and inherited beliefs, along with limited knowledge and health literacy influence the experience and pain management approaches applied in SSA. In addition, results indicate that, resource constraints and cultural and societal norms impact on access and use of pain management among the population in SSA.ConclusionHealthcare professionals should be aware of how the society, cultural and beliefs of their patients influence their expression of pain and subsequent pain management. Under-treatment or over-treatment might occur if health workers are unaware or do not consider the cultural norms associated with pain and pain expression, due to the subjective and individual nature of pain.
Comparing the efficacy and safety of direct oral anticoagulants versus Vitamin K antagonists in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wu Xiaoling , Cao Shaobo , Yu Bo , He Tao 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundThromboprophylaxis is the cornerstone strategy for thrombotic antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Data comparing direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) to Vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) in the secondary prevention of thrombosis in APS patients remain contentious.ObjectivesWe aim to review and analyze literature on the efficacy and safety of DOACs compared to VKAs in treating patients with APS. A literature search was performed from inception to March 1, 2022. Subgroups were analyzed based on the risk stratification of APS profiles and different DOAC types.ResultsA total of 9 studies with 1131 patients were included in the meta-analysis. High-risk APS patients (triple positive APS) who used DOACs displayed an increased risk of recurrent thrombosis (RR=3.65, 95% CI:1.49-8.93; I2=29%, P=0.005) compared to those taking VKAs. Similar risk of recurrent thrombosis or major bleeding was noted in low-risk APS patients (single or double antibody-positive) upon administering DOACs or VKAs. The utilization of Rivaroxaban was associated with a high risk of recurrent thromboses (RR=2.63; 95% CI, 1.56-4.42; I2 =0, P=0.0003), particularly recurrent arterial thromboses (RR=4.52; 95% CI, 1.99-10.29; I2 =0, P=0.18) in overall APS patients. Comparisons of the rate of recurrent thrombosis events and major bleeding events when using dabigatran or apixaban versus VKAs yielded no statistical differences.ConclusionsIn the absence of contraindications, this meta-analysis suggests that VKAs remain the first-choice treatment for high-risk APS patients, with DOACs a more appropriate option for low-risk APS patients. Different DOACs may exhibit different levels of efficacy and safety for thromboprophylaxis in APS patients and require further exploration.
Prioritisation of Informed Health Choices (IHC) Key Concepts to be included in lower-secondary school resources: a consensus study
Authors: Agaba Joseph Jude , Chesire Faith , Michael Mugisha , Nandi Pamela , Njue Jane , Nsangi Allen , Nsengimana Venuste , Oyuga Cyril , Rutiyomba Florian , Semakula Daniel , Ssenyonga Ronald , Uwimana Innocent , Oxman Andrew D 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe Informed Health Choices Key Concepts are principles for thinking critically about healthcare claims and deciding what to do. The Key Concepts provide a framework for designing curricula, learning resources, and evaluation tools.ObjectivesTo prioritise which of the 49 Key Concepts to include in resources for lower-secondary schools in East Africa.MethodsTwelve judges used an iterative process to reach a consensus. The judges were curriculum specialists, teachers, and researchers from Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. After familiarising themselves with the concepts, they pilot tested draft criteria for selecting and ordering the concepts. After agreeing on the criteria, nine judges independently assessed all 49 concepts and reached an initial consensus. We sought feedback on the draft consensus from teachers and other stakeholders. After considering the feedback, nine judges independently reassessed the prioritised concepts and reached a consensus. The final set of concepts was determined after user-testing prototypes and pilot-testing the resources.ResultsThe first panel prioritised 29 concepts. Based on feedback from teachers, students, curriculum developers, and other members of the research team, two concepts were dropped. A second panel of nine judges prioritised 17 of the 27 concepts. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and school closures, we have only been able to develop one set of resources instead of two, as originally planned. Based on feedback on prototypes of lessons and pilot-testing a set of 10 lessons, we determined that it was possible to introduce nine concepts in 10 single-period (40 minute) lessons. We included eight of the 17 prioritised concepts and one additional concept.ConclusionUsing an iterative process with explicit criteria, we prioritised nine concepts as a starting point for students to learn to think critically about healthcare claims and choices.
The “Trauma Pitch”: How stigma emerges for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans seeking disability compensation
Authors: Hooyer Katinka 
Published: April 2022

AbstractPosttraumatic Stress Disorder continues to be a highly stigmatized disease for the veteran population and stigma continues to be identified as the main deterrent in treatment seeking. Little attention has been paid to how the process of obtaining service-connected disability status can amplify veterans’ perceptions of being stigmatized. The following ethnographic study identified how combat veterans experienced stigma in processing through Veterans Affairs care and the effects of linking a Posttraumatic Stress Disorder diagnosis with disability compensation to perceived stigmas. Stigma was identified in two inter-related areas: 1) the structural level in the Veterans Affairs disability claims process and 2) the individual level in interactions with Veterans Affairs service providers. Results based on veterans’ narratives suggest that the disability claims process, requiring multiple repetitions of personal trauma, coupled with perceptions of institutional stigmas of malingering, created bureaugenic effects: a worsening of symptoms caused by bureaucratic protocols intended to help veterans. This process influenced first time treatment users of the Veterans Affairs by deterring treatment-seeking behavior but was not found to affect veterans who had already initiated treatment. Despite the experience of stigma and commodification of their suffering through disability and diagnostic screening, veterans still sought disability compensation. Veterans viewed this compensation as acknowledgment of their loss and validation of their sacrifice.
Heterogeneity of resting-state EEG features in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy and controls
Authors: Shakeshaft Amy , Laiou Petroula , Abela Eugenio , Stavropoulos Ioannis , Richardson Mark P. , Pal Deb K. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractAbnormal EEG features are a hallmark of epilepsy, and abnormal frequency and network features are apparent in EEGs from people with idiopathic generalised epilepsy in both ictal and interictal states. Here, we characterise differences in the resting-state EEG of individuals with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) and assess factors influencing the heterogeneity of these EEG features. We collected EEG data from 147 participants with JME through the Biology of Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy (BIOJUME) study. 95 control EEGs were acquired from two independent studies (Chowdhury et al. (2014) and EU-AIMS Longitudinal European Autism Project). We extracted frequency and functional network-based features from 10-20s epochs of resting-state EEG, including relative power spectral density (PSD), peak alpha frequency, network topology measures and Brain Network Ictogenicity (BNI): a computational measure of the propensity of networks to generate seizure dynamics. The influence of covariates such as age, sex, antiseizure medication, EEG time and epoch length were investigated for each EEG feature prior to testing for differences between JME and control EEGs using univariate, multivariable and receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis. Additionally, associations of clinical phenotypes (seizure type, seizure control) with EEG features were investigated in the JME cohort. P-values were corrected for multiple comparisons. Univariate analysis showed significant differences in PSD in delta (2-5Hz) (p=0.0007, hedges’ g=0.55) and low-alpha (6-9Hz) (p=2.9×10-8, g=0.80) frequency bands, peak alpha frequency (p=0.000007, g=0.66), functional network mean degree (p=0.0006, g=0.48) and BNI (p=0.00006, g=0.56) between JME and controls. Since age (p=0.009) and epoch length (p=1.7×10-8) differed between the two groups and were potential confounders, we controlled for these covariates in multivariable analysis where disparities in EEG features between JME and controls remained. ROC analysis showed low-alpha PSD was optimal at distinguishing JME from controls, with an area under the curve of 0.72. Lower average normalized clustering coefficient and shorter average normalized path length were associated with poorer seizure control in JME patients. To conclude, individuals with JME have increased power of neural oscillatory activity at low-alpha frequencies, along with increased BNI compared to controls, supporting evidence from studies in other epilepsies with considerable external validity. In addition, the impact of confounders on different frequency-based and network-based EEG features observed in this study highlights the need for careful consideration and control of these factors in future EEG research in IGE particularly for their use as biomarkers.
Patterns of impaired neurocognitive performance on Global Neuropsychological Assessment (GNA), and their brain structural correlates in recent-onset and chronic schizophrenia: A pilot study
Authors: Mohan Vineeth , Parekh Pravesh , Lukose Ammu , Moirangthem Sydney , Saini Jitender , Schretlen David J , John John P 
Published: April 2022

AbstractCognitive deficits are established as a fundamental feature of schizophrenia; however, their pattern and how they are affected by chronicity are still unclear. Although a generalized stable impairment affecting multiple cognitive domains is commonly seen from the onset, some longitudinal studies have shown evidence of neuroprogression, and selective deterioration in certain cognitive domains. We assessed cognitive performance in patients with recent-onset (n= 17, duration of illness ≤ 2 years) and chronic schizophrenia (n= 14, duration ≥ 15 years), and healthy adults (n= 16) using the Global Neuropsychological Assessment and examined correlations between cognitive scores and gray matter volumes computed from T1-weighted MRI images. We also measured and analyzed differences between patient groups for negative and positive symptoms, psychotic exacerbations, and medication exposure, and studied their correlations with cognitive performances. We observed cognitive deficits affecting multiple domains in both recent-onset and chronic schizophrenia samples. Selectively greater impairment of perceptual comparison/processing speed was found in adults with chronic schizophrenia (p= 0.009, η2partial= 0.25). In the full sample (n= 47), perceptual comparison speed correlated significantly with gray matter volumes in the anterior and medial temporal lobes, predominantly on the left side (TFCE, FWEp< 0.01). These results indicate that along with generalized deficit across multiple cognitive domains, selectively greater impairment of perceptual comparison/processing speed appears to characterize chronic schizophrenia. This pattern might indicate an accelerated or premature cognitive aging. Gray matter volumetric deficits in the anterior-medial temporal lobes especially of left side might underlie the impaired perceptual comparison/processing speed seen in schizophrenia.
Comparative and Integrated Analysis of Plasma Extracellular Vesicles Isolations Methods in Healthy Volunteers and Patients Following Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Paget Daan , Checa Antonio , Zöhrer Benedikt , Heilig Raphael , Shanmuganathan Mayooran , Dhaliwal Raman , Johnson Errin , Jørgensen Maléne Møller , Bæk Rikke ,   Oxford Acute Myocardial Infarction Study (OxAMI), Wheelock Craig E. , Channon Keith M. , Fischer Roman , Anthony Daniel C. , Choudhury Robin P. , Akbar Naveed 
Published: April 2022

AbstractPlasma extracellular vesicle (EV) number and composition are altered following myocardial infarction (MI), but to properly understand the significance of these changes it is essential to appreciate how the different isolation methods affect EV characteristics, proteome and sphingolipidome. Here, we compared plasma EV isolated from platelet-poor plasma from four healthy donors and six MI patients at presentation and 1-month post-MI using ultracentrifugation, polyethylene glycol precipitation, acoustic trapping, size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) or immunoaffinity capture. The isolated EV were evaluated by Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis, Western blot, transmission electron microscopy, an EV-protein array, untargeted proteomics (LC-MS/MS) and targeted sphingolipidomics (LC-MS/MS). The application of the five different plasma EV isolation methods in patients presenting with MI showed that the choice of plasma EV isolation method influenced the ability to distinguish elevations in plasma EV concentration following MI, enrichment of EV-cargo (EV-proteins and sphingolipidomics) and associations with the size of the infarct determined by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging 6 months-post-MI. Despite the selection bias imposed by each method, a core of EV associated proteins and lipids was detectable using all approaches. However, this study highlights how each isolation method comes with its own idiosyncrasies and makes the comparison of data acquired by different techniques in clinical studies problematic.