bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epidemiological Studies Of Malaria In Gboko Metropolis, Gboko Local Government Area Of Benue State, Nigeria
Authors: Ogbuefi Emmanuel Okwudili , Aribodor Dennis Nnanna , Joe-Ikechebelu Ngozi Nneka , Aribodor Ogechukwu Benedicta , Okechukwu Ifeoma Chizoba , Orjichukwu Obinna Ndubueze 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
We carried out an epidemiological study of malaria in Gboko metropolis in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State, North - Central Nigeria to determine the malaria prevalence, risk factors and perception to malaria control among patients attending the hospital clinics between April and June, 2021. We used Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT), thin blood and thick blood film microscopy to sample the blood of 415 patients to determine specie, prevalence and intensity of malaria parasites. Also, structured questionnaire was administered to 400 individuals to obtain information on malaria management practices of the people. Chi-square test P<0.05 was used to check for relationships between prevalence of malaria and other parameters in the study. The prevalence rate was found to be (55.7%) 231/415 and all (100%) were infections of Plasmodium falciparum. There was significant difference (p<0.05) in the prevalence by age with the age groups 20-29 years having the highest prevalence of 68.9% (51/74). General Hospital Gboko recorded the highest prevalence of 74.3% (92/124) while Royal Hospital Gboko recorded the lowest prevalence of 31.6% (12/38) with a significant difference. The intensity of malaria infection showed that 45.9% (106/231) had moderate infection with no significant difference. In the administration of questionnaire, the respondents in Gboko demonstrated a good knowledge of malaria, 93.2% (373/400) opined that they have heard about malaria before. Respondents who do not sleep under LLINs recorded that 32.6% (30/92) do not have the mosquito net recorded, 17.4% (16/92) had no money to buy mosquito net while 10.9% (10/92) averred that it’s not comfortable sleeping under the net. Malaria public enlightenment efforts should be intensified to make malaria elimination not just possible but also achievable in Gboko Metropolis, Benue State.
Efficiency of gestational diabetes mellitus screening and socio-demographics of pregnant subjects attending antenatal care.
Authors: Chukwunyere Chibuike , Awonuga David , Adesina Olubiyi , Udenze Ifeoma 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a glucose intolerance of variable severity that can have devastating effect on the fetus.1 Aim: To determine the efficiency of GDM screening and the sociodemograhic variables of mothers among population at risk.Methods: A cross-sectional study among pregnant women booked for antenatal care (ANC) at Federal Medical Centre Abeokuta, Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 100 pregnant women attending ANC. The subjects were screened with World Health Organization (WHO) diagnostic criteria2 for gestational diabetes mellitus using 75g Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) with either fasting plasma glucose ≥ 5.1 mmol, or the 2 hour post glucose load ≥ 8.5 mmol or both. To determine if gestational diabetes is present in pregnant women, a standard OGTT was performed after overnight fasting (8–12 hours) by giving 75 g anhydrous glucose in 250–300 ml. The pregnant subjects that met the inclusion criteria were scheduled to have overnight fasting of between 8 to 12hours before fasting plasma glucose (FPG) testing, having done random plasma glucose (RPG) test at first presentation. Samples of venous blood were collected into sodium fluoride container. The glucose oxidase method of estimation of plasma glucose was used to assay the samples3. It involved the use of the enzyme glucose oxidase that reacts with glucose, water and oxygen to form gluconic acid and hydrogen peroxide. The hydrogen peroxide produced oxidizes a chromogen (or the consumption of oxygen) which is measured to estimate the amount of glucose present.Results: During this study, a total of 100 eligible pregnant women were screened for GDM using FPG, RPG and the 75-OGTT. The mean age ± standard deviation (sd) of the participants was 34.81±4.04 yrs; mean BMI was 31.46±7.29 kg/m2 and modal parity was 1 (32%) (Table I). The majority of the pregnant subjects, 74 (74%) had tertiary level of education.The RPG cut off values of ≥7.8 mmol/l gave PPV of 66% and NPV of 72.3% with PLR and NLR of 4.76 and 0.89 respectively. The efficiency of RPG ≥7.8 mmol/l in diagnosing GDM was 72%. Also increasing the cut-off point of RPG to ≥11.1 mmol/l gave efficiency of 72% while the highest efficiency was achieved using FPG of ≥5.1 mmol/l which gave the efficiency of 95%. The greatest positive predictive value of 100% was given by FPG value ≥7.0 mmol/l and RPG value of ≥11.1 mmol/l.Conclusion: GDM screening with FPG revealed high efficiency of 95% at threshold of 5.1 mmol/l. Maternal age of 35-40 yrs had the highest incidence of GDM in our population.
Knowledge, Attitude and Barriers to Maternal Oral Health Among Expectant Mothers at a Tertiary Hospital in Western Kenya
Authors: Kaba Paulina , Chelegat Dinnah , Ochiba Lukandu 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background Pregnant women are more susceptible to oral health conditions such as gingivitis due to hormonal changes, frequent vomiting, changes in dietary habits as well as changes in their immunity. In addition, lack of information on oral healthcare during pregnancy may contribute to poor oral health seeking behaviour and increased oral disease burden among expectant mothers. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude and barriers to maternal oral healthcare among pregnant women seeking health services at a referral hospital in Western Kenya. The study employed a cross-sectional descriptive study design. Method A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with 379 participants. A total of 309 pregnant women were selected using systematic sampling technique. A census approach was used to recruit 70 nurse-midwives working at the maternal and child health units. The functionalist theory and health belief model were used to generate the conceptual framework for this study. Interviewer administered structured questionnaire were employed for pregnant women and self-administered questionnaires were used in the case of nurse-midwives. Descriptive results were presented in frequency tables, bar charts and pie charts as appropriate. Ordered logistic regressions were conducted to respectively ascertain the predictors of and differences in pregnant mothers’ and nurse-midwives’ knowledge and perceived barriers to maternal oral health. A p value <.05 at 95% confidence level was considered significant. Results A total of 309 pregnant women participated, with a mean age of participants was 28±5 years and a mean parity of 2±1. Almost half 132 (42.7%) of all the participants reported to have some oral disorder such as bleeding gums, sensitive teeth, tooth ache or tooth decay. Only 30 (9.7%) had visited a dentist in the previous 12 months. Majority 266 (86%) had a low level of oral health knowledge by agreeing to the statement that it is normal to have a bleeding gums during pregnancy while 266 (86%) were of the view that dental extraction is unsafe during pregnancy. Women who had basic or secondary education demonstrated poorer knowledge (Coef. =-0.736, p=0.016) and attitude (Coef. =-0.453, p=0.54) compared to women who had tertiary education. Conclusion The greatest barriers to oral healthcare among these expectant mothers was lack of relevant information or oral health 256(83%) and high cost of dental treatment 232(75%). Other perceived barriers included lack of money for transportation and long distance to the nearest health facility.
The association between the level of vitamin D3 and insulin resistance in the general adult population of the United States: A cross-sectional study based on the NHANES database
Authors: Gong Rongpeng , Wang Mingxiang , Yang Lei , Wei Xiaoxing 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background Nowadays, the number of patients with type 2 diabetes is increasing yearly, the leading cause of which is insulin resistance. Therefore, it is imperative to investigate the causes of insulin resistance in the population. Understanding the mechanism of insulin resistance can effectively prevent and control the occurrence of type 2 diabetes. Few studies been conducted from the perspective of the general population previously, now, we used the NHANES public database to analyze the relationship between vitamin D3 and insulin resistance in the general population of the United States (≥18 years old), to provide clinical evidence and try to find a appropriate level of vitamin D3 in the general population. Methods The Health Center conducted a survey from 2008 to 2018, covering five cycles with 49,696 participants who were eligible for the study. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between vitamin D3 and insulin resistance, excluding other potential confounders, and a smooth curve fitting was drawn. Result This study found a significant association between vitamin D3 and insulin resistance, with an odds ratio and 95%CI of 0.89 (0.83, 0.95). The association was most significant at BMI 24-28, with odds ratio and 95%CI of 0.80(0.69, 0.93). Conclusion This study suggests that keeping vitamin D3 levels as high as possible in the general US population can effectively reduce the incidence of insulin resistance.
Determination of Nephrotoxicity, Hepatotoxicity and Cardiovascular Disturbances following Malayan Pit Viper (Calloselasma rhodostoma) Envenoming: Histopathological study and The Protective Effect of Hemato Polyvalent Snake Antivenom from Thailand
Authors: Chaisakul Janeyuth , Khimmaktong Wipapan , Nuanyaem Nazmi , Lorthong Nissara , Hodgson Wayne C. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Calloselasma rhodostoma (Malayan pit viper) is a medically important snake species found widely distributed across Southeast Asia. Systemic coagulopathy causing severe hemorrhage, and local tissue injury, are commonly found following C. rhodostoma envenoming. However, the unusual nephrotoxicity and congestive heart failure have been reported in a patient who had a long length of hospital stay. In this study, we determined the effect of C. rhodostoma envenoming on cardiovascular disturbances and morphological changes of liver, heart and kidney using animal models. We also evaluated the protective effect of Hemato polyvalent antivenom (HPAV; The Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute (QSMI) of the Thai Red Cross Society, Thailand) to neutralise histopathological effect on C. rhodostoma envenomed tissues. Intravenous administration of C. rhodostoma venom (1000 µg/kg, i.v.) caused rapid decrease in mean arterial pressure (MAP) followed by complete cardiac collapse in anaesthetized rats. Moreover, intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of C. rhodostoma venom (11.1 mg/kg; 3xLD50) for 24 h caused cellular lesions in liver and heart tissues. C. rhodostoma venom also induced nephrotoxicity indicated by the presence of tubular injury, interstitial vascular congestion and inflammatory infiltration in the whole area of kidney. Administration of HPAV at recommended doses by manufacturer 15 min prior to or after experimentally envenoming of C. rhodostoma venom significantly reduced morphological changes of liver, heart and kidneys. This study found that C. rhodostoma envenoming can induce cardiovascular disturbances, hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. We also highlighted the potential broad utility of the HPAV for treating C. rhodostoma envenomings to neutralize histopathological effect of C. rhodostoma venom. However, the early delivery of antivenom in recommended doses by manufacturer appear to capable of preventing envenoming outcomes.
Changes In Retinal Thickness And Vessel Density After Phacoemulsification With OCTA In Cataract
Authors: Jin Ganying , Li Qi , Hu Dongrui , Zeng Qingsen 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Purpose. To study the effects of phacoemulsification combined with intraocular lens implantation on macular thickness, vessel density and optic disc thickness by OCTA.Methods. A retrospective study. Patients with age-related cataract diagnosed were collected, and all of them underwent phacoemulsification combined with intraocular lens implantation. All patients had completed ophthalmologic examinations, including UCVA in logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR), IOP, AL, a slit-lamp microscope, B-scans, corneal endothelioscopy, funduscopic photography and retinal thickness and blood flow drensity were measured by OCTA. Follow-up was 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively.Results. A total of 25 patients (38 eyes) were enrolled in this study. The UCVA and macular inner thickness were increased while IOP was decreased(P＜0.001). This study showed that the thickness of macular and RNFL decreased on the first day postoperative (P＜0.001), and increased at 3 months postoperatively (P＜0.001). Meanwhile, vessel density in macular area and optic disc area decreased on the first postoperative day compared with that before surgery, and then showed an increasing trend. However, there was no statistical significance in the changes of vessel density in deep macular area and optic disc area(P＞0.05).Conclusions. In conclusion, the results of this study indicate that macular thickness, inner retinal thickness, and RNFL decreased on the first day after phacoemulsification and then increased at 3 months. The vessel density in the deep macular and superficial layers, the whole image and inside disc vessel density were increased, while the blood flow density in peripapillary is decreased. As a non-invasive method, OCTA provides a good guide for the decision of cataract surgery.
A Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Model to Predict Pegylated Liposomal Doxorubicin Disposition in Rats and Human
Authors: Montanha Maiara Camotti , Howarth Alice , Mohamed Doaa Ahmed , Loier Estelle , Main Lauren , Rösslein Matthias , Delmaar Christiaan , Prina-Mello Adriele , Siccardi Marco 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
The use of nanoparticles (NPs) can support an enhancement of drug distribution, resulting in increased drug penetration into key tissues. Experimental in vitro data can be integrated into computational approaches to simulate NP absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination (ADME) processes and provide quantitative pharmacokinetic predictions. The aim of this study is to develop a novel mechanistic and physiologically based pharmacokinetic (m-PBPK) model to predict the biodistribution of NPs focusing on Doxil.The main processes underpinning NPs ADME were represented considering molecular and cellular mechanisms such as stability in biological fluids, passive permeability, and uptake activity by macrophages. A whole-body m-PBPK rat and human models were designed in Simbiology v. 9.6.0 (MATLAB R2019a).The m-PBPK models was successfully qualified across doxorubicin and Doxil® in both rat and human since all PK parameters AUC0 − inf, Cmax, t1/2, Vd and Cl were within 2-fold, with an AUC0 − inf absolute average-fold error (AAFE) value of 1.23 and 1.16, and 1.76 and 1.05 for Doxorubicin and Doxil® in rat and human, respectively. The time to maximum concentration in tissues for doxorubicin in both rat and human models was before 30 minutes of administration, while for Doxil® the tmax was after 24 hours of administration. The organs that accumulate most NP are spleen, liver, and lungs, in both models.The m-PBPK represents a predictive platform for the integration of in vitro and formulation parameters in a physiological context to quantitatively predict the NP biodistribution.
Research on predicting the occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma based on Notch signal-related genes using machine learning algorithms
Authors: Zhou Dingzhong , Cao Sujuan , Xie Hui 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background:Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly malignant malignant tumor, and is difficult to diagnose, treat and predict the prognosis. Notch signaling pathway can affect HCC. Therefore, our paper aimed to explore the prediction of the occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma based on Notch signal-related genes using machine learning algorithms.Methods:In our presented study, we downloaded HCC data from TCGA and GEO databases. Firstly, we used machine learning methods to screen the hub Notch signal-related genes. Then, machine learning classification was used to construct a prediction model for the classification and diagnosis of HCC cancer. In our presented study, we also used bioinformatics methods to explore the relationship between the expression of these hub genes in the HCC tumor immune microenvironment to further improve the reliablity of the model.Results:After screening, we identified four hub genes of LAMA4, POLA2, RAD51 and TYMS, which were used as the final variables to construct the model. It was found that AdaBoostClassifie was the best algorithm for the classification and diagnosis model of HCC. The area under curve (AUC), accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and F1 score of this model in the training set were 0.976, 0.881, 0.877, 0.977, 0.996, 0.500 and 0.932; respectively. The AUC, accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and F1 score in the testing set were 0.934, 0.863, 0.881, 0.886, 0.981, 0.489 and 0.926. The AUC in the external validation set was 0.934. In the immune microenvironment, immune cell infiltration played an important role in HCC and was related to the expression of 4 hub genes. Further researches found that patients in the low-risk group of HCC were more likely to have immune escape.Conclusion: Notch signaling pathway were closely related to the occurrence and development of HCC. The HCC classification and diagnosis model established based on this had a high degree of reliability and stability.
Posterior malleolar fractures: Was the incidence of severe adverse 2 events unacceptably high, before increased use of direct posterior 3 fragment fixation?
Authors: Malmberg Catarina , Tengberg Peter , Karimi Dennis , Frederiksen Jonas , Troelsen Anders , Terndrup Mads 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: Fixation of posterior malleolar (PM) fragments remains a controversial topic in ankle fracture management. Our objective was to examine the incidence of severe adverse events (AEs) associated with surgical management of patients with ankle fractures involving the posterior malleolus before increased use of direct PM fragment fixation.Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study including patients from a level III trauma center in the Capital region of Denmark. Adult patients (age >18 years) with ankle fractures involving a PM fragment treated surgically with a minimum of 18 months follow-up were included. The main outcome measurements were adverse events (graded using the Orthopaedic Surgical Adverse Events Severity (OrthoSAVES) System) requiring revision in the first 12 months after surgery. Results: In 75 out of 421 included patients (17.8%), PM fragments were surgically fixed. During the first twelve months after surgery, 34 patients (8.1% (95% CI [5.9–11.1%])) experienced AEs requiring revision. 17 patients (4%) were revised due to deep infection, 10 patients (2.4%) due to malpositioned implants, and 3 patients (0.7%) due to postoperative loss of reduction. Additional causes of revision were impingement of intraarticular fragment, non-union, postoperative joint dislocation, and postoperative vascular insufficiency leading to transmetatarsal amputation. Conclusions: The incidence of AEs requiring revision within the first twelve months after surgery was 8.1%, and the overall risk of severe AEs seemed unacceptably high. If direct PM fragment fixation can decrease the risk of severe AEs, then a change of practice could be justified. Further prospective studies are needed to establish generalizability, safety and efficacy before direct PM fragment fixation can be recommended in clinical guidelines.
African Swine Fever Detection and Transmission Estimates Using Homogeneous Versus Heterogeneous Model Formulation in Stochastic Simulations Within Pig Premises
Authors: Ssematimba Amos , Malladi Sasidhar , Bonney Peter J. , Charles Kaitlyn M. St. , Boyer Timothy C. , Goldsmith Timothy , cardona Carol J , Corzo Cesar A. , Culhane Marie R. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
This study aimed to assess the impact on within-herd transmission dynamics of African swine fever (ASF) when the models used to simulate transmission assume there is homogeneous mixing of animals within a barn. Barn-level heterogeneity was explicitly captured using a stochastic, individual pig-based, heterogeneous transmission model that considers three types of infection transmission, 1) within-pen via nose-to-nose contact; 2) between-pen via nose-to-nose contact with pigs in adjacent pens; and 3) both between- and within-pen via distance independent mechanisms (e.g., via fomites). Predictions were compared between the heterogeneous and the homogeneous Gillespie models. Results showed that the predicted mean number of infectious pigs at specific time points differed greatly between the homogeneous and heterogeneous models for scenarios with low levels of between pen contacts via distance independent pathways and the differences between the two model predictions were more pronounced for the slow contact rate scenario. The heterogeneous transmission model results also showed that it may take significantly longer to detect ASF, particularly in large barns when transmission predominantly occurs via nose-to-nose contact between pigs in adjacent pens. The findings emphasize the need for completing preliminary explorations when working with homogeneous mixing models to ascertain their suitability to predict disease outcomes.
Synthesis and characterization of copper deposited on MCM-41 synthesized by co-condensation and post-synthesis grafting methods for the synthesis of 5‑substituted 1H‑tetrazoles in water
Authors: Ghadermazi Mohammad , Molaei Somayeh , Khorami Shida 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Cu-functionalized mesoporous MCM-41 materials were synthesized via two different types of post-functionalization modification of MCM-41, without the ligand (MCM-41@Cu) and with ligand (MCM-41@Histidine@Cu). Cu-functionalized mesoporous MCM-41 sample was also prepared directly via co-condensation of CuCl2 and decyltrimethylammonium bromide (DTAB) with tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) (Cu-MCM-41). The textural properties of the samples were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR) spectra, nitrogen adsorption − desorption, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results show that the structure of MCM-41 persisted after modification. These catalysts are efficient catalysts for the synthesis of 5-substituted 1Htetrazoles in water. Cu-functionalized mesoporous MCM-41 materials displayed high catalytic performance at low-temperature. Cu-functionalized MCM-41 sample synthesized with direct co-condensation method displayed better catalytic activity compared to Cu-functionalized mesoporous MCM-41 materials prepared with post-synthesis grafting methods. These catalysts can be easily recovered.