bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Laboratory culture and life cycle of Thelazia callipaeda in intermediate and definitive hosts
Authors: Wang Lingjun , Li Di , Tang Hongri , Lo Bo , Yan Rong , Shen Yujuan , Liu Hui , Yin Changzhu 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background: Human thelaziasis caused by Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida, Thelaziidae) is being increasingly reported worldwide. Notably, it shows an epidemic trend in Guizhou Province, Southwest China. Whether Phortica okadai distributed in Southwest China can act as a vector of T. callipaeda and human-derived T. callipaeda animal infections have not been widely reported, there is also limited literature on animal models with T. callipaeda infection.Methods: T. callipaeda was isolated from cases of human infection and identified by morphological and molecular analyses. P. okadai was cultured in a laboratory and experimentally infected with first-stage larvae (L1) collected from adult worms. Dead P. okadai were subjected to PCR assay and dissected every two days to detect T. callipaeda. Live flies were then used to infect a rabbit using a special device. The infection procedures were performed once a day (20 min) for two weeks. The infected rabbit was examined every two days for worms in the eyes. Results: The nematode causing parasitic infection in the patient's eyes was identified as T. callipaeda. L1 collected from adult T. callipaeda successfully parasitized P. okadai captured in Zunyi, a city in Southwest China, and developed into L3. Experimentally infected P. okadai, as a vector of T. callipaeda, could then be used to transmit L3 to rabbits. A rabbit was successfully infected with T. callipaeda using P. okadai as the intermediate host. Conclusions: The present study demonstrates a human-derived T. callipaeda infection in rabbits, through P. okadai, under laboratory conditions for the first time. These results indicate that there is a transmission cycle of T. callipaeda and suggest a likely epidemic risk due to an increasing trend of this zoonotic nematode in southwest China.
Cross-cultural translation, adaptation, and validation of the stroke- specific quality of life scale into Amharic language
Authors: Wayessa Dechasa Imiru , Chala Mulugeta Bayisa , Demissie Solomon Fasika , Abebe Abey Bekele , Janakiraman Balamurugan , Deme Sisay , Gashaw Moges 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background: The stroke-specific quality of life 2.0 (SSQOL 2.0) scale is a valid, reliable instrument which has been widely used as a patients reported outcome measure among stroke survivors However, the SSQOL scale has not been validated and used in any Ethiopian language. This study aimed to translate, adapt, and test the psychometric properties of the SSQOL scale 2.0 in Amharic, the official language of the federal democratic republic of Ethiopia among Amharic speaking post-stroke Ethiopian people. Methods: The adapted English version of the SSQOL 2.0 scale was translated into Amharic and then back-translated to English. An expert committee translated and created a final Amharic version of SSQOL (SSQOL-AM) scale. Pre-field testing (pilot & cognitive debriefing) was conducted with 15 post-stroke subjects. The SSQOL-Am was administered to 245 stroke survivors from four referral hospitals to determine the psychometric properties. Cronbach’s alpha and Intra-class correlation coefficient were used to calculate the internal consistency and test-retest reliability, spearman’s correlation for the convergent construct validity of the SSQOL-Am scale. The Standard Error of Measurement (SEM), Minimum Detectable Change (MDC), Bland Altman Limit of Agreement (LOA), and Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) were also determined.Results: The SSQOL-Am demonstrated excellent test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.93), internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.96), SEM 0.857, MDC 1.94, and good LOA. As postulated, the mobility domain of the tool demonstrated a significantly strong correlation with the physical function domain of the SF-36 (rho = 0.70, p < 0.001).Conclusions: The SSQOL-Am is a valid and reliable outcome measure. The tool can be used in both clinical practice and research purposes with post-stroke Ethiopian survivors.
The Impact of Dehydration on Short-Term Postoperative Complications in Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Lung Brandon , Callan Kylie , McLellan Maddison , Kim Matthew , Yi Justin , McMaster William , Yang Steven , So David 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background: As healthcare economics shifts towards outcomes based bundled payment models, providers must understand the evolving dynamics of medical optimization and fluid resuscitation prior to elective surgery. Dehydration is an overlooked modifiable risk factor that should be optimized prior to elective total knee arthroplasty (TKA) to reduce postoperative complications and inpatient costs. Methods: All primary TKA from 2005-2019 were queried from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Project (NSQIP) database, and patients were compared based on dehydration status: BUN/Cr < 20 (non-dehydrated), 20 ≤ BUN/C ≤ 25 (moderately-dehydrated), 25 < BUN/Cr (severely-dehydrated). A sub-group analysis involving only elderly patients >65 years and normalized gender-adjusted creatinine (Cr) values was also performed. Results: The analysis included 344,744 patients who underwent TKA. Adjusted multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the severely dehydrated cohort had a greater risk and rate of overall complications, postoperative deep vein thrombosis (DVT), urinary tract infections (UTI), progressive renal insufficiency, postoperative anemia requiring transfusion, nonhome discharge, and increased length of stay (LOS) (all p<0.01). Among the elderly, dehydrated patients had a greater risk of postoperative transfusion, cardiac complications, and nonhome discharge (all p<0.01). Conclusions: BUN/Cr>20 is an important preoperative diagnostic tool to identify at-risk dehydrated patients. Providers should optimize dehydration to prevent complications, decrease costs, and improve discharge planning. Level of evidence: Level III; Retrospective Case-Control Design; Prognosis Study
TERT promoter mutation as an independent prognostic marker in Glioblastoma: a prospective comparative study
Authors: Alimohamadi Maysam , Larijani Amirhossein , Pour-Rashidi Ahmad , Farzin Mostafa , Rahmani Mohamad , Hendi Kasra , Yarandi Kourosh Karimi , Shirani Mohammad 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Introduction: Glioblastoma is the most common intrinsic malignant brain tumor in adults and it has a dismal prognosis. This study aims to evaluate the impact of the TERTp mutation as an independent prognostic biomarker in glioblastoma patients. Materials and Methods: Newly diagnosed cases of glioblastoma who have undergone surgical treatment were enrolled from 2018 to 2020. All patients undergone maximal safe resection accompanied by adjuvant therapy. The preoperative clinical and paraclinical data were documented and then regularly during the follow up. The Genetic profiling of the tumors included IDH-1 and IDH-2 mutation, MGMT promotor methylation, EGFR gene amplification and TERTp mutation. Results: The mean age of patients under study was 42.01±11.36 years; 41 patients were male (57.70%). The overall mean OS and PFS were 14.45±5.13 months and 10.66±4.87 months. The biomarker assessment showed IDH1 and TERTp mutation in 56.34% and 30.98%. The preoperative KPS and EOR>95% were related with OS and PFS. The TERTp mutant group had a lower OS and PFS than TERTp wildtype group (P=0.00). In the TERT mutant group, those with concomitant IDH1 wildtype tumor had significantly shorter OS and PFS. In multivariate analysis, EOR>95%, preoperative KPS≥80, IDH-1 mutation and TERTp-wildtype were predictive of longer PFS. The OS was determined by IDH-1 mutation, TERTp mutation and preoperative KPS. Conclusion: this study reveals that TERTp mutant glioblastoma patients have shorter OS & PFS than the TERTp-wildtype independently. The worst prognostic biomarker constellation in this study was TERTp mutation and concomitant IDH1 wildtype tumors.
Knowledge and practices of infection prevention among healthcare workers during the COVID 19 pandemic: a descriptive cross-sectional study
Authors: Orji Bright , Oliveras Elizabeth , Odio Bartholomew , Anoke Charity , Onuoha Herbert , Ugwa Emmanuel , Howard Madeleine , Idris Ibrahim , Akpan Edima , Okoh Festus , Nwani Chinyere , Adetiloye Oniyire , Lawrence Nwankwo , Oduenyi Chioma , Ogharu Emmanuel , Enne Joseph , Abolaji Folayan W. , Adegbulu Rosemary S. , Bryce Emily 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
BackgroundEmergence of the COVID-19 pandemic created unexpected challenges for health care workers. The global and national supply chain system was disrupted, and affected infection, prevention and control practices. This study aimed at documenting health workers knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) on IPC in Nigeria during the COVID-19 pandemic. MethodsThe descriptive, mixed-methods cross-sectional study was conducted in Ebonyi, Ondo and Niger states in October 2020. A structured questionnaire that asked healthcare providers about their current knowledge, attitudes and practices and changes among them following the start of the pandemic was complemented by semi-structured interviews that were audio recorded, transcribed and analysed in Atlas.ti. Quantitative data were entered into REDCap and cleaned, transformed and analysed using descriptive statistics in SPSS version 25.0 Findings from the qualitative interviews were used to explain the trends observed from quantitative study.ResultsThere were demographic differences between community and facility-based health workers in our population. CHIPS that agreed to have not attended IPC training were 54.9% and 71.4% for HCWs, compared to those that attended IPC training during COVID-19 pandemic (CHIPS – 62.8%, HCWs – 53.4%). Health care workers had good knowledge of general IPC, attitude and practice of IPC during COVID-19 pandemic. However, the knowledge of the relative effectiveness of prevention measures was low. The mean knowledge scores were greater among facility-based workers compared to community based healthcare workers (p= 0.001). Self-reported IPC practices increased during the pandemic compared to prior to the pandemic, with the exception of the use of N-95 masks and hand sanitizer.ConclusionThis study found good general IPC knowledge and practices in our study population. There is need for continued support for correct hand hygiene, and to reinforce the relative importance of different IPC practices to ensure adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures. The study recommends sustained training and supply of PPEs and other materials needed for IPC reminds policy makers that budget line specific to COVID-19 response across all the levels of health
HIV Self-Testing Acceptability among Injured Persons Seeking Emergency Care in Nairobi, Kenya
Authors: Aluisio Adam R. , Bergam Scarlett J. , Sugut Janet , Kinuthia John , Bosire Rose , Ochola Eric , Ngila Beatrice , Guthrie Kate M. , Liu Tao , Mugambi Mary , Katz David A. , Farquhar Carey , Mello Michael J. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Emergency Department-based HIV self-testing (ED-HIVST) could increase HIV testing services to under-reached key groups. Injury patients presenting to the Kenyatta National Hospital Accident and Emergency Department were enrolled from March-May 2021. Likert item data on HIVST assessing domains of general acceptability, personal acceptability, and acceptability to distribute to social and/or sexual networks were collected. Ordinal regression was performed yielding adjusted odds ratios (aOR) to identify characteristics associated with high HIVST acceptability across domains. Of 600 participants, 88.7% were male, and the median age was 29. Half reported having primary care providers (PCPs) and 86.2% reported prior HIV testing. For each Likert item, an average of 63.5% of participants reported they “Agree Completely” with positive statements about ED-HIVST in general, for themselves, and for others. In adjusted analysis for general acceptability, those < 25 (aOR = 1.67, 95%CI:1.36–2.08) and with prior HIV testing (aOR = 1.68, 95%CI:1.27–2.21) had greater odds of agreeing completely. For personal acceptability, those with a PCP (aOR = 3.31, 95%CI:2.72–4.03) and prior HIV testing (aOR = 1.83, 95%CI:1.41–2.38) had greater odds of agreeing completely. For distribution acceptability, participants with a PCP (aOR = 2.42, 95%CI:2.01–2.92) and prior HIV testing (aOR = 1.79, 95%CI: 1.38–2.33) had greater odds of agreeing completely. ED-HIVST is perceived as highly acceptable, and young people with prior testing and PCPs had significantly greater favorability. These data provide a foundation for ED-HIVST program development in Kenya.
Halophilic Biodegradation of 3-nitro-1,2,4-triazol-5-one (NTO) in Brine
Authors: Zebelean Danielle , Tran Dana , Goel Ramesh , Weidhaas Jennifer 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Production of insensitive munitions (IM) creates wastewater containing 3-nitro-1,2,4-triazol-5-one (NTO). As NTO is an anion in neutral pH wastewaters it can be removed via ion exchange (IX), released during IX brine recharge and may be subsequently degraded by halophiles. IX brine regeneration through halophilic NTO biotransformation was observed over 210 cycles in a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) and averaged 64.8 ± 20.2% NTO removal. NTO formed 3-amino-1,2,4-triazol-5-one (ATO) under sulfate- and nitrate-reducing conditions. Variable NTO reductions were observed over four phases including anaerobic enrichment (80.5 ± 7.7%, cycle 0 to 41); anaerobic followed by aerobic (42.2 ± 23.5%, cycle 42 to 81); anaerobic supplemented with nitrate (64.7 ± 21.5%, cycle 82 to 177); and anaerobic stress test with nitrate and perchlorate (91.0 ± 9.7%, cycle 178 to 210). Sequencing results show most of the genera to be halophiles and sulfate-reducing bacteria and archaea including Desulfovibrio and Halanaerobium. The results of these studies demonstrate that NTO biotransformation by halophiles in brine solutions is feasible.
Contextual factors influencing the roles of Patent Medicine Vendors in the Provision of Injectable Contraception Services in Nigeria
Authors: Adebayo Ayodeji Matthew , Oluwasanu Mojisola Morenike , Okunade Faizah Tosin , Ajayi Olayinka Olufunke , Akindele Akinwunmi Oyewole , Ajuwon Ademola Johnson 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background: Patent Medicine Vendors (PMVs) play vital roles in the delivery of family planning services in Nigeria and other developing countries. There is a growing recognition of the need to integrate them into the formal health care system as a strategy to increase the contraceptive prevalence rate and achieve universal health coverage. Though promising, the success of this proposition is largely dependent on a critical analysis of the factors which influence their operations. This study was designed to identify the contextual factors influencing the provision of injectable contraceptive services by PMVs and the broader effects of their activities on the health system to inform similar interventions in Nigeria.Methods: This was a qualitative study guided by the the Medical Research Council’s framework for Complex Interventions. Twenty-seven in-depth interviews were conducted among officials of the association of PMVs, health workers, government regulatory officers and programme implementers who participated in a phased 3-year (2015-2018) intervention designed to enhance the capacity of PMVs to deliver injectable contraceptive services. The data were transcribed and analyzed thematically using NVIVO software. Results: The contextual factors which had implications on the roles of PMVs were socio-cultural and religious, the failing Nigerian health system coupled with government regulatory policies. Other factors were interprofessional tensions and rivalry between the PMVs and some categories of health care workers and increasing donors’ interest in exploring the potentials of PMVs for expanded healthcare service provision. According to the respondents, the PMVs bridged the Nigerian health system service delivery gaps serving as the first point of contact for injectable contraceptive services and these increased contraceptive uptake in the study sites. A negative effect of their operation is the tendency to exceed their limits in service provision and this has spurred a planned tiered PMV accreditation system.Conclusions: This study has highlighted the contextual factors which define the roles and scope of practice of PMVs involved in injectable contraceptive service provision. Strategies and interventions aimed at expanding the healthcare delivery roles of PMVs must be encompassing and address the broader contextual factors which underpins their capacities and functions.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Training Need Assessment for Medical Laboratory Professionals in Ethiopia
Authors: Gebregzabher Endale H , Tesfaye Firehiwot , Cheneke Waqtola , Edao Abebe , Kedida Gizachew 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background: Continuing professional development (CPD) is required for health workers in practice to update knowledge and skills regularly to match the changing complexity of healthcare needs. The objective of this study was to identify the training needs of Medical Laboratory professionals in Ethiopia. Methods: A total of 457 Medical Laboratory professionals from five region and two city administrations were involved in the study. Data was collected from August 02 to 21, 2021 with structured self-administered online tool with five-point Likert scale. The tool had consent, demography, cross-cutting issues, and main activity area specific to medical laboratory. Results: Majority of the participants were male (80.1%). Participants from Amhara region 110 (24.1%) were the largest groups in the survey followed by Oromia 105(23%) and Addis Ababa 101(22.1%). The study participants comprised of 54.7% with a Bachelor degree, 31.3% with a diploma (Associate degree), and 14% with a Master’s degree. The participants had varying years of service, ranging from less than one year to over 10 years of experience. Most of the participants work as generalists (24.1%) followed by working in microbiology (17.5%) and Parasitology (16%). The majority (96.9%) was working in a public sector or training institutions and the rest were employed in the private sector. Our study showed that the three most important topics selected for training in the cross cutting health issues were health and emerging technology, computer skills and medico-legal issues. Out of the thirteen laboratory specific themes, topics under microbiology, clinical chemistry and molecular diagnostics were selected as the most preferred technical areas for training. Participants have also selected topics under research skill and pathophysiology as most important. When the laboratory specific issues were regrouped based on areas of application as technical competence, research skill and pathophysiology knowledge, thirteen topics under technical competence, four topics under research skill and three topics under pathophysiology were picked as priority topics.Conclusion: In conclusion, our study identified that CPD programs should focus on topics that address technical competence in microbiology, clinical chemistry and molecular diagnostics. Additionally competencies in research skill and updating knowledge in pathophysiology should also receive due attention in designing trainings.
DSDU-Net: Segmentation of Brain Tumor Subregions with Depthwise Separable Dense U-NET
Authors: Nehru V , V Prabhu 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Brain tumors are one of the most dangerous medical conditions. The dispersed extremities and non-uniform structure of the tumors are the basis of why techniques of traditional segmentation have grown to be inefficient. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is one of the most widely used scanning procedures for tumors. However, to ameliorate the survival rate, the detection of tumors alone does not suffice, and there are other effective procedures. One of the most pivotal procedures for diagnosing the condition is the process of the brain tumor segmentation is a laborious and cumbersome process. As a result, a Deep Learning (DL) based solution is used to extract tumor subregions like Enhancing Tumor (ET), Tumor Core (TC), and Whole Tumor (WT). The proposed model involves novel DSDU-Net: Depth-wise Separable Dense U-NET (DSDU-NET) that precise outputs are acquired by retaining the low-level features. In the preprocessing stage, a methodology called Multi-Scale Patch extraction is used to segregate tumor regions, and a grouping of Gaussian Filter, Unsharp Masking, and Histogram Equalization is carried out on the data set to get significantly better performance.The proposed DSDU-NET network performed better in terms of performance, specificity, sensitivity, dice similarity index, and Hausdorff Distance for segmented image sub-regions when validated on BraTS 2018 and 2019 datasources When particularly in comparison to other models.
Longitudinal Association Between Periodontitis and the Risk of Hypertension
Authors: Aremu John B , Pérez Cynthia M. , Joshipura Kaumudi 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Objectives
Hypertension poses major public health challenge due to its association with increased risk of heart disease, chronic kidney disease, and death. The objective of this study is to evaluate the longitudinal association between periodontitis and risk of hypertension.
Methods
540 participants free of diagnosed hypertension/prehypertension in the San Juan Overweight Adults Longitudinal Study (SOALS) and with complete 3-year follow-up data were included. Periodontitis was classified according to 2012 CDC/AAP definition. Participants were considered to have developed hypertension if they reported physician-diagnosed hypertension over the follow-up period or had average systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥ 140 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥ 90 mm Hg at follow-up. Participants free of diagnosed hypertension or prehypertension and normal BP at baseline (SBP < 120 mm Hg and DBP < 80 mm Hg) were considered to develop prehypertension if they had SBP between 120–139 mm Hg or DBP between 80–89 mm Hg at follow up. An additional (secondary) outcome was defined as the development of prehypertension/hypertension over the follow-up period among participants who had normal BP at baseline. We used Poisson regression adjusting for age, sex, smoking status, physical activity, alcohol intake, diabetes, waist circumference, and family history of hypertension.
Results
One hundred and six (19.6%) participants developed hypertension, and 58 of the 221 with normal BP (26%) developed prehypertension/hypertension. There was no consistent association between periodontitis and the risk of developing hypertension. However, people with severe periodontitis had an increased incidence of prehypertension/hypertension (multivariate IRR:1.47; 95% CI: 1.01, 2.17) than people without periodontitis, after adjusting for confounders.
Conclusion
There was no association between periodontitis and hypertension in this cohort study. However, severe periodontitis was associated with an increased risk of prehypertension/hypertension.