bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Knowledge, attitudes and practices towards malaria diagnostics among healthcare providers and healthcare-seekers in Kondoa district, Tanzania: a multi-methodological situation analysis
Authors: Bohle Leah F. , Abdallah Ally-Kebby , Galli Francesco , Canavan Robert , Molesworth Kate 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background
Despite the large-scale rollout of malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) in Tanzania, many healthcare providers (HCPs) continue using blood film microscopy (BFM) and clinical examination to diagnose malaria, which can increase the risk of mal-diagnosis and over-prescribing of anti-malarials. Patients disregarding negative test results and self-treating exacerbate the problem. This study explored the knowledge, attitudes and practices of HCPs and healthcare-seekers regarding RDTs in comparison to BFM testing.

Methods
A situational analysis was, therefore, conducted in Kondoa District, Dodoma Region, Tanzania. A multi-methodological approach was adopted including (i) a health facility inventory and screening of logbooks from May 2013 to April 2014 with 77,126 patient entries from 33 health facilities; (ii) a survey of 40 HCPs offering malaria services; and iii) a survey of 309 randomly selected household members from the facilities’ catchment area. Surveys took place in April and May 2014.

Results
Health facility records revealed that out of 77,126 patient entries, 22% (n = 17,235) obtained a malaria diagnosis. Of those, 45% were made with BFM, 33% with RDT and 22% with clinical diagnosis. A higher rate of positive diagnoses was observed with BFM compared with RDT (71% vs 14%). In the HCP survey, 48% preferred using BFM for malaria testing, while 52% preferred RDT. Faced with a negative RDT result for a patient presenting with symptoms typical for malaria, 25% of HCPs stated they would confirm the result with a microscopy test, 70% would advise or perform a clinical diagnosis and 18% would prescribe anti-malarials. Interviews with household members revealed a preference for microscopy testing (58%) over RDT (23%), if presented with malaria symptoms. For participants familiar with both tests, a second opinion was desired in 45% after a negative microscopy result and in 90% after an RDT.

Conclusions
Non-adherence to negative diagnostics by HCPs and patients continues to be a concern. Frequent training and supportive supervision for HCPs diagnosing and treating malaria and non-malaria febrile illnesses is essential to offer quality services that can instil confidence in HCPs and patients alike. The introduction of new diagnostic devices should be paired with context-specific behaviour change interventions targeting healthcare-seekers and healthcare providers.
The associations between TMAO-related metabolites and blood lipids and the potential impact of rosuvastatin therapy
Authors: Xiong Xiaowei , Zhou Jian , Fu Qiang , Xu Xiaowei , Wei Shaobin , Yang Shenghua , Chen Buxing 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background
Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO)-related metabolites are associated with the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and are known to disrupt lipid metabolism. The aims of this study were to evaluate the associations between TMAO-related metabolites and blood lipids and determine how lowering the lipid profile via rosuvastatin therapy influences TMAO-related metabolites.

Methods
A total of 112 patients with suspected ASCVD were enrolled in this study. The levels of plasma TMAO-related metabolites, including TMAO, choline, carnitine, betaine, and γ-butyrobetaine (GBB), were analyzed by stable isotope dilution liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) before and after rosuvastatin therapy in all patients. Statistical methods were used to detect the associations between TMAO-related metabolites and blood lipids and determine how rosuvastatin therapy alters the levels of these metabolites.

Results
A significant positive correlation was found between TMAO and triglycerides (TG) (r = 0.303, P < 0.05). Furthermore, significant negative correlations were found between TMAO and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) and between betaine and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) (r = − 0.405 and − 0.308, respectively, both P < 0.01). Compared to baseline, significantly lower TMAO levels and higher carnitine, betaine and GBB levels were observed after rosuvastatin therapy, while the lipids decreased significantly (P < 0.05). The significant correlation between TMAO and TG or between betaine and LDL-c disappeared after rosuvastatin therapy (r = 0.050 and − 0.172, respectively, both P > 0.05). However, a significantly positive association between carnitine and TC and a negative association between carnitine and LDL-c or between betaine and TG were found after adjustment for sex, age, body mass index (BMI) and lipids (P < 0.05).

Conclusions
This study suggests that TMAO-related metabolites are significantly associated with blood lipids, although some of them are changed postrosuvastatin therapy. Lower TMAO and higher TMAO precursors were observed after rosuvastatin therapy compared to baseline. This study indicates that elevated TMAO precursors after rosuvastatin therapy and their potential impact on ASCVD should be considered in the clinic.
Neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio as a potential marker for differential diagnosis between spinal tuberculosis and pyogenic spinal infection
Authors: Liu Hao , Li Yin , Yi Jiang , Zhou Wei , Zhao Shujie , Yin Guoyong 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Objective
Distinguishing spinal tuberculosis and pyogenic spinal infection is extremely important. The neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR), a simple indicator, has been shown to be a novel inflammatory marker. The objective of our study was to determine whether the NLR could be a potential indicator for discriminating spinal tuberculosis (STB) from pyogenic spinal infection (PSI).

Methods
We compared the clinical and laboratory characteristics of 146 patients diagnosed with STB and 60 participants with PSI from the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University. The NLR's diagnostic ability for differential diagnosis was assessed and compared to other hematological indicators, including the platelet–lymphocyte ratio (PLR).

Results
The NLR in STB patients was considerably lower than that in PSI patients [3.85 (2.70–5.71) vs. 10.82 (6.79–17.62), P < 0.001]. An NLR of 6.742 was proposed as an optimal cutoff value for distinguishing patients with STB from those with PSI (sensitivity 78.33%, specificity 83.56%). However, the NLR's area under the curve [0.87, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.81–0.92] was considerably higher than that of the PLR (0.73, 95% CI 0.65–0.80; P < 0.0001).

Conclusion
NLR levels could be a valuable laboratory diagnostic for distinguishing patients with STB from those who have PSI.
The mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt): shielding against toxicity to mitochondria in cancer
Authors: Inigo Joseph R. , Chandra Dhyan 
Published: July 2022

AbstractMitochondria are essential for tumor growth and progression. However, the heavy demand for mitochondrial activity in cancer leads to increased production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS), accumulation of mutations in mitochondrial DNA, and development of mitochondrial dysfunction. If left unchecked, excessive mtROS can damage and unfold proteins in the mitochondria to an extent that becomes lethal to the tumor. Cellular systems have evolved to combat mtROS and alleviate mitochondrial stress through a quality control mechanism called the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt). The UPRmtsystem is composed of chaperones and proteases, which promote protein folding or eliminate mitochondrial proteins damaged by mtROS, respectively. UPRmtis conserved and activated in cancer in response to mitochondrial stress to maintain mitochondrial integrity and support tumor growth. In this review, we discuss how mitochondria become dysfunctional in cancer and highlight the tumor-promoting functions of key components of the UPRmt.
A novel initial wiring technique for chronic total occlusion of the superficial femoral artery using the structural features of a polymer jacket guidewire
Authors: Karashima Eiji , Soga Yoshimitsu , Arima Takeshi , Noda Hirotaka , Yasuda Shioto , Kaneko Takeo 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background
To evaluate the efficacy of the GLadIus MG drilLINg technique (GLIMGLIN), a novel initial wiring technique using the Gladius MG™ structural features, for crossing the superficial femoral artery (SFA) with chronic total occlusion (CTO).

Methods
This retrospective, single-center study enrolled 27 symptomatic patients (mean age 77.4 ± 8.5 years; 20 men) with de novo SFA CTO (mean CTO length 16.1 ± 8.9 cm) who underwent GLIMGLIN as the initial wiring between January 2020 and December 2021. The success of GLIMGLIN was defined when the wire crossing was completed using a Gladius MG™ and a microcatheter without any additional devices and techniques.

Results
The success rate of GLIMGLIN was 48.1%. Intravascular ultrasound findings showed complete true lumen passage in the GLIMGLIN success group. Compared to the failure group, the proximal (6.3 ± 0.8 vs. 5.5 ± 0.9 mm, p = 0.02) and distal (5.9 ± 0.5 vs. 5.4 ± 0.6 mm, p = 0.02) reference vessel diameters were significantly larger, and the rate of calcium angle > 180° was significantly lower (30.8 vs. 71.4%, p = 0.04) in the success group. No significant difference was shown in the CTO length between two groups. Total wiring time, total procedure time, and fluoroscopic time were significantly shorter in the success group.

Conclusions
GLIMGLIN may enable operators to perform CTO wiring easily and efficiently in selected cases.
COVID-19 and liver diseases
Authors: Elghannam Maged T. , Hassanien Moataz H. , Ameen Yosry A. , ELattar Gamal M. , ELRay Ahmed A. , Turky Emad A. , ELTalkawy Mohammed D. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractCoronavirus causes an outbreak of viral pneumonia that spread throughout the world. Liver injury is becoming more widely recognized as a component of the clinical picture of COVID-19 infection. Hepatitis with serum ALT elevation has been reported in up to half of patients. Patients with CLD were at a higher risk of decompensation with liver failure, hospitalization, and mortality. The percentage of acute liver injury (ALI) varied from 5 to 28%. COVID-19 hinders HCV elimination by 2030. It is recommended to continue treatment of chronic HCV and chronic HBV if already receiving treatment. Consider using antiviral therapy to prevent viral flare-ups in patients with occult or resolved HBV and COVID-19 who are receiving immunosuppressive agents. Patients with AIH do not have an increased risk of adverse outcomes even in high-risk areas. There is an association between MAFLD and disease progression. Patients with any type of cancer are at a higher risk of infection and are more likely to develop more severe clinical outcomes. Most societies advise against immunosuppressant modifications in patients with mild COVID-19, whereas in rare cases such as severe lymphopenia, worsening pneumonia, or bacterial or fungal superinfection, reduction or discontinuation of antiproliferative agents and lymphocyte-depleting therapies has been suggested.
Role of Liver Enzymes in the Relationship Between Particulate Matter Exposure and Diabetes Risk: A Longitudinal Cohort Study
Authors: Wang Xing , Guo Bing , Yang Xianxian , Li Jingzhong , Baima Yangji , Yin Jianzhong , Yu Jianhong , Xu Huan , Zeng Chunmei , Feng Shiyu , Wei Jing , Hong Feng , Zhao Xing 
Published: July 2022

Abstract

Context
Particulate matter (PM) is an important risk factor for diabetes. However, its underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Although liver-derived biological intermediates may play irreplaceable roles in the pathophysiology of diabetes, few studies have explored this in the association between PM and diabetes.

Objective
We investigated the role of liver enzymes in mediating the relationship between PM exposure and diabetes.

Methods
We included a total of 7963 participants from the China Multi-Ethnic Cohort. Residential exposure to PM was assessed using a validated spatial-temporal assessment method. Diabetes was diagnosed according to the criteria from American Diabetes Association. Associations between PM, liver enzyme [including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT)], and diabetes were estimated using multivariable regression models. The function of liver enzymes in the relationship between PM and diabetes was assessed using mediation analysis.

Results
PM exposure was positively associated with the odds of diabetes, with odds ratios of 1.32 (95% CI 0.83, 2.09), 1.33 (95% CI 1.07, 1.65), and 1.18 (95% CI 1.02, 1.36) for every 10-μg/m3 increment in ≤1 μm (PM1), ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5), and ≤10 μm (PM10) PM, respectively. ALT (4.47%) and GGT (4.78%) exhibited statistically significant mediation effects on the association between PM2.5 and diabetes, and the ALT (4.30%) also had a mediating role on PM10. However, none of the liver enzymes had a significant mediating effect on PM1.

Conclusion
The relationship between PM and diabetes is partially mediated by liver enzymes, suggesting that lipid accumulation, oxidative stress, and chronic inflammation in the liver may be involved in its pathogenesis.
Case Report: posterior approach with sub-laminar wiring as management of comminuted fracture of the odontoid process of the axis
Authors: Novondo Carlos , Alas-Pineda César , Reyes-Guardado Clarisa L. , Gaitán-Zambrano Kristhel 
Published: July 2022

Background: Odontoid fractures (OF) account for 5-18% and 10-19% of all injuries at C2 and in the cervical region, respectively. According to the Anderson and D'Alonzo classification, there are three main types of OF: Type I, II and III. Most cases involving OF of the axis by high impact trauma result in death. Case presentation: A 21-year-old male patient, with comminuted OF caused by a high impact traffic accident. On admission, the patient reported moderate to severe pain in the posterior craniocervical junction, with significant limitation to lateral rotation of the head and severe cervical muscle spasm. There was evidence of comminuted OF of C2 without apparent displacement in the cervical region. The patient underwent surgery via a posterior approach with double sub-laminar wiring between C1 and C2. The procedure was considered to be completely resolutive with no postoperative complications or sequelae, with total recovery of the patient's functionality. Discussion: The posterior approach is a viable option when the anterior approach is not possible due to the nature of the comminuted fracture and risks of complications, even when it involves a degree of compromise in the rotation of the C1-C2 joint. OF is a medical emergency, requiring individualized treatment tailored to the characteristics of the patient. There are currently no standardized treatment guidelines for OF.
Likely community transmission of COVID-19 infections between neighboring, persistent hotspots in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Mucaki Eliseos J. , Shirley Ben C. , Rogan Peter K. 
Published: July 2022

Introduction: This study aimed to produce community-level geo-spatial mapping of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Ontario Canada in near real-time to support decision-making. This was accomplished by area-to-area geostatistical analysis, space-time integration, and spatial interpolation of COVID-19 positive individuals. Methods: COVID-19 cases and locations were curated for geostatistical analyses from March 2020 through June 2021, corresponding to the first, second, and third waves of infections. Daily cases were aggregated according to designated forward sortation area (FSA), and postal codes (PC) in municipal regions Hamilton, Kitchener/Waterloo, London, Ottawa, Toronto, and Windsor/Essex county. Hotspots were identified with area-to-area tests including Getis-Ord Gi*, Global Moran’s I spatial autocorrelation, and Local Moran’s I asymmetric clustering and outlier analyses. Case counts were also interpolated across geographic regions by Empirical Bayesian Kriging, which localizes high concentrations of COVID-19 positive tests, independent of FSA or PC boundaries. The Geostatistical Disease Epidemiology Toolbox, which is freely-available software, automates the identification of these regions and produces digital maps for public health professionals to assist in pandemic management of contact tracing and distribution of other resources. Results: This study provided indicators in real-time of likely, community-level disease transmission through innovative geospatial analyses of COVID-19 incidence data. Municipal and provincial results were validated by comparisons with known outbreaks at long-term care and other high density residences and on farms. PC-level analyses revealed hotspots at higher geospatial resolution than public reports of FSAs, and often sooner. Results of different tests and kriging were compared to determine consistency among hotspot assignments. Concurrent or consecutive hotspots in close proximity suggested potential community transmission of COVID-19 from cluster and outlier analysis of neighboring PCs and by kriging. Results were also stratified by population based-categories (sex, age, and presence/absence of comorbidities). Conclusions: Earlier recognition of hotspots could reduce public health burdens of COVID-19 and expedite contact tracing.
Contexts and mechanisms relevant to General Practitioner (GP) based interventions to reduce adverse drug events (ADE) in community dwelling older adults: a rapid realist review
Authors: Waldron Catherine , Hughes John , Wallace Emma , Cahir Caitriona , Bennett K. 
Published: July 2022

Background: Older adults in Ireland are at increased risk of adverse drug events (ADE) due, in part, to increasing rates of polypharmacy. Interventions to reduce ADE in community dwelling older adults (CDOA) have had limited success, therefore, new approaches are required. A realist review uses a different lens to examine why and how interventions were supposed to work rather than if, they worked. A rapid realist review (RRR) is a more focused and accelerated version. The aim of this RRR is to identify and examine the contexts and mechanisms that play a role in the outcomes relevant to reducing ADE in CDOA in the GP setting that could inform the development of interventions in Ireland. Methods: Six candidate theories (CT) were developed, based on knowledge of the field and recent literature, in relation to how interventions are expected to work. These formed the search strategy. Eighty full texts from 633 abstracts were reviewed, of which 27 were included. Snowballing added a further five articles, relevant policy documents increased the total number to 45. Data were extracted relevant to the theories under iteratively developed sub-themes using NVivo software. Results: Of the six theories, three theories, relating to GP engagement in interventions, relevance of health policy documents for older adults, and shared decision-making, provided data to guide future interventions to reduce ADEs for CDOA in an Irish setting. There was insufficient data for two theories, a third was rejected as existing barriers in the Irish setting made it impractical to use. Conclusions: To improve the success of Irish GP based interventions to reduce ADEs for CDOA, interventions must be relevant and easily applied in practice, supported by national policy and be adequately resourced. Future research is required to test our theories within a newly developed intervention.
To Connect and Educate: Why Families Engage in Family-Professional Partnership Training Experiences
Authors: Baumann Stephanie D. , Ronkin Emily , Roach Andrew T. , Crenshaw Mark , Graybill Emily C. , Crimmins Daniel B. 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Successful family-professional partnerships (FPP) have been shown to positively impact both satisfaction with care and health outcomes for children with disabilities and their families. Many healthcare training programs have recognized the benefit of FPP training and often include learning experiences that feature families as teachers or mentors. However, most research on FPP training has focused on professionals' experiences, and not on families' experience in the roles of mentors and experts. The Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program is a graduate-level interdisciplinary training program with sites across the country. LEND programs train future healthcare and service professionals in the disability field and often utilize a Family Mentor Experience (FME) as one aspect of their training. This study used qualitative interviews to examine the experiences of eight family mentors who worked with trainees in one LEND program. Overall, the family mentors expressed positive views regarding the FME, describing how it allowed them to connect with trainees, other families, and community resources, as well as educating trainees. Family mentors also identified several facilitators and barriers to participation. Study findings provide information on the FFP's impact on family mentors and guidance on how programs can support sustainable, effective FPP experiences.
Automatic digital optical heterodyne phase locking loop in the
milliradian domain for spaceborne laser interferometry
Authors: Li Hao-Jie , Qi Hong-Xing , Liang Xin-Dong , Zeng Li-Xiao , Yao Wei-Lai , Yang Yi-Chao , Wang Jian-Yu 
Published: July 2022

We developed a digital optical phase locking loop (OPLL) with three advantages,
including high precision of phase locking, high control bandwidth up
to 2.8 MHz, and automatic laser locking strategy. Spaceborne laser
interferometers will be used to measure tiny displacements caused by
gravitational waves in millions of kilometers range. A slave laser
will be heterodyne phase locked to the incoming weak light at the end
of an arm, emitting a higher power light back to the other satellite
to measure pathlength variations at the picometer level. Such accuracy
requires extremely precise OPLL. We report an experiment to
demonstrate a digital OPLL that can automatically lock two independent
free-running Nd:YAG lasers with residual phase error below

1

m
r
a
d

/

H
z

above 0.01 Hz, which is the best
performance recorded for digital servos, to our knowledge. Such
performance tested under a normal laboratory environment will be
highly improved in a vacuum environment with temperature and vibration
well controlled. Both the digital OPLL and the automatic strategy were
implemented on a field programmable gate array that could be
potentially used for future gravitational-wave detection. Our
experiment might change the thinking of scientists who study
phasemeters of gravitational-wave detection because we are aware that
the digital phase locking loop used for “optical phase tracking” is
differently designed from “optical phase locking.”