bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Treatment of protoscoleces with gamma radiation: Potential immunoprotective effect against experimental murine echinococcosis
Authors: Hadj Rabia Samia , Debib Aicha , Mezaguer Meriem , Yefsah Rabah , Soufli Imene , Hamrioui Bousaad , Touil‐Boukoffa Chafia , Baz Ahsene , Giaimis Jean , Mameri Saâdia 
Published: August 2022

AbstractCystic echinococcosis (CE) is one of the most important zoonotic diseases with a worldwide distribution. It is caused by the larval stage of the dog tapeworm “Echinococcus granulosussensu lato” and constitutes a major economic and public health problem in several countries. Protoscoleces are one component of this larval stage that can interact with both definitive and intermediate hosts. The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential role of using a radio‐attenuated form of these protoscoleces for immunoprophylaxis against experimental murine echinococcosis. However, mice were immunized twice at 15‐day intervals with gamma (γ) irradiated protoscoleces at doses of 0.4, 0.8, 1.2 and 1.4 kGy then challenged with the intact parasites. Macroscopic and histological analyses with cytokine measurements were performed in order to estimate the number and diameter of cysts, microscopic changes and cytokine profile. An improvement in protection against the challenge dose was observed with increasing dose, giving percentages of 47.7, 49, 55.23 and 70.6%, for the 0.4, 0.8, 1.2 and 1.4 kGy‐groups respectively. These data suggest that immunization with radio‐attenuated protoscoleces may induce satisfactory protective immunity by reducing successfully the formation of cysts, caused by challenge infection.
Feasibility and usability of a non‐immersive virtual reality tele‐cognitive app in cognitive rehabilitation of patients affected by Parkinson's disease
Authors: Maggio Maria Grazia , Luca Antonina , D'Agate Concetta , Italia Marta , Calabrò Rocco Salvatore , Nicoletti Alessandra 
Published: August 2022

BackgroundCognitive impairment is one of the most common non‐motor features of Parkinson's disease (PD). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability/usability of a protocol using a non‐immersive virtual reality tele‐cognitive app, performed remotely in a sample of Italian patients with PD.MethodsNon‐demented patients with mild PD were included in the study. Patients performed the cognitive rehabilitation in a remote way, at home (three training sessions lasting 20 min/week for 6 weeks) using the NeuroNation app, downloaded for free on the patients' smartphones. The usability and feasibility of the tele‐cognitive rehabilitation program were assessed with the System Usability Scale (SUS) and the Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS).ResultsSixteen patients (9 men and 7 women; mean age 58.4 ± 8.3 years; mean disease duration 4.6 ± 2.1 years) were included in the study. At the end of the study, the mean SUS was 83.4 ± 11.5. The GAS score recorded at the end of the study (65.6 ± 4.2) was significantly higher than at baseline (38.5 ± 2.4; P‐value <0.001).ConclusionIn our sample, good feasibility and usability were observed for a 6‐week cognitive rehabilitation protocol based on the non‐immersive virtual reality tele‐cognitive app NeuroNation. Our data support the usefulness of cognitive rehabilitation performed in a remote way in PD patients.
Exogenous L‐arginine administration improves uterine vascular perfusion, uteroplacental thickness, steroid concentrations and nitric oxide levels in pregnant buffaloes under subtropical conditions
Authors: El‐Sherbiny Hossam R. , Samir Haney , El‐Shalofy Amr S. , Abdelnaby Elshymaa A. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractHeat stress (HS) during pregnancy adversely affects uterine vascular perfusion and foetal development. L‐arginine (L‐Arg), a nitric oxide (NO) precursor, has been proven to enhance an organ's vascular perfusion. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effect of L‐Arg administration on the pregnant buffaloes' uterine haemodynamics and uteroplacental thickness under environmental HS conditions. For this purpose, pluriparous (n = 12) HS‐pregnant buffaloes (mid‐gestation, 180–190 days; temperature humidity index >85) were haphazardly assigned into two groups, either administered a single intravenous (IV) bolus of 5 mg/kg BW of L‐Arg Hcl (n = 6; ARG) or received normal saline (0.9%; IV; 25 ml) that served as a control group (n = 6; CON). Combined uteroplacental thickness (CUPT, mm), middle uterine arteries' (MUA) diameter (mm) and uterine Doppler haemodynamics (ipsilateral and contralateral to the pregnant horn) were examined utilizing B‐mode and colour Doppler ultrasonography, respectively. The serum levels of progesterone (P4), estradiol 17β (E2), nitric oxide (NO) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were assayed using commercial kits. The experimental time points were − 1, 0, 2, 4, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 h post‐L‐Arg administration. The ARG group showed higher (p < .05) CUPT and MUA diameter values starting at 24 h post‐treatment and onward than the control buffalo cows. In addition, there were improvements (p < .05) in the blood flow parameters in the ipsilateral MUA after L‐Arg treatment evidenced by lower values of pulsatility and resistive indices starting at 48 and 4 h, respectively and onward, and higher values of peak systolic velocity, coloured areas towards the pregnant uterine horn (both 24–72 h). Increases in the NO levels were found during the period between 4 and 120 h in the ARG group compared to the CON group. Moreover, significant increases in the E2 and P4 means were noted in the ARG group, especially at 24 h onward, respectively compared to the CON group. Concerning the TAC status, neither the administration nor the hours affected serum TAC levels in the HS pregnant buffaloes (CON and ARG). In conclusion, L‐Arg administration improved uteroplacental thickness and enhanced uterine haemodynamics, NO levels, and steroids production in mid‐pregnant buffalo cows under environmental heat stress conditions which could improve foetal growth and development.
Estimating the Number of Persons with HIV in Jails Via Web Scraping and Record Linkage
Authors: Shook-Sa Bonnie E. , Hudgens Michael G. , Kavee Andrew L. , Rosen David L. 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
This paper presents methods to estimate the number of persons with HIV in North Carolina jails by applying finite population inferential approaches to data collected using web scraping and record linkage techniques. Administrative data are linked with web-scraped rosters of incarcerated persons in a non-random subset of counties. Outcome regression and calibration weighting are adapted for state-level estimation. Methods are compared in simulations and are applied to data from the US state of North Carolina. Outcome regression yielded more precise inference and allowed for county-level estimates, an important study objective, while calibration weighting exhibited double robustness under misspecification of the outcome or weight model.
Electricity outages and residential fires: Evidence from Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Lawson Kerianne 
Published: August 2022

AbstractAt the end of 2014, South Africa was unexpectedly required to implement load shedding, which is electricity blackouts aimed at relieving strain on the electrical grid. Soon after, it was revealed that the nationally owned power company, Eskom, had been neglecting infrastructure maintenance and that the people should expect load shedding to continue for many more years. The article considers the prevalence of fires as a potential consequence of load shedding. In addition to power surging that increases fire risk, this article investigates changes in household energy consumption as a mechanism by which load shedding would increase house fires. After load shedding started, there is evidence that households substituted away from using electricity to alternative energy sources for cooking and lighting that have increased fire risks. Using a novel data set, this article exploits plausibly exogenous variation in the timing and spacing of load shedding, estimates show that likelihood of residential fires increases when load shedding occurs in an area.
Effect of helping suicidal people using text messaging: An evaluation of effects and best practices of the Canadian suicide prevention Service's text helpline
Authors: Côté Louis‐Philippe , Mishara Brian L. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackgroundEmpirical research on best practices in suicide prevention text intervention is scarce. We present analyses of exchanges concerning suicide on the Canadian Suicide Prevention Service (CSPS) text helpline.ObjectiveTo describe the users of the CSPS text service, explore the perceived impact of the service, and identify intervention characteristics associated with a greater likelihood of positive or negative effects of the exchanges.MethodsWe analyzed data from 112 transcripts using quantitative content analysis, counselor assessments of the calls, and responses by callers to pre‐call questionnaires.ResultsCounselors infrequently conducted a complete suicide risk assessment, but almost always thoroughly explored resources and discussed possible solutions to callers' problems. An operational action plan was rarely developed. Only one technique, reinforcing a strength or a positive action of the caller, was a significant predictor of positive effects of the call. The number of words exchanged during the intervention was positively correlated with the completeness of explorations of resources and solutions and the development of an action plan.ConclusionsHigh‐quality effective interventions can be delivered via text messages. Using reinforcement of strengths and encouraging longer calls is recommended. Intervention effects were comparable to those reported in studies of telephone and chat services.
Epidemiology of severe trauma in cats: An ACVECC VetCOT registry study
Authors: Lee Jack A. , Huang Chien‐Min , Hall Kelly E. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractObjectivesTo identify demographic information, epidemiological factors, and clinical abnormalities that differentiate cats with severe trauma, defined as an Animal Trauma Triage Score (ATTS) ≥3 from those with mild injury (ATTS 0–2).DesignMulticenter observational study utilizing data from the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care (ACVECC) Veterinary Committee on Trauma (VetCOT) registry.SettingACVECC VetCOT Veterinary Trauma Centers.AnimalsA total of 3859 cats with trauma entered into the ACVECC VetCOT registry between April 1, 2017 and December 31, 2019.InterventionsNoneMeasurements and Main ResultsCats were categorized by ATTS 0–2 (mild, 65.1%) and ≥3 (severe, 34.9%). There was no age difference between categories. Male animals, particularly intact animals, were overrepresented. Blunt trauma was more common than penetrating, with blunt trauma and a combination of blunt and penetrating trauma being more common in the severe trauma group. While 96.6% of cats with ATTS 0–2 survived to discharge, only 58.5% with ATTS ≥3 survived. Only 46.8% of cats with severe trauma had a point‐of‐care ultrasound performed, of which 8.9% had free abdominal fluid noted. Hospitalization and surgical procedures were more common in the severe trauma group. Transfusions occurred more frequently in the severe trauma group but only in 4.1% of these cats. Other than ionized calcium, all recorded clinicopathological data (plasma lactate, base excess, PCV, total plasma protein, blood glucose) differed between groups.ConclusionFeline trauma patients with an ATTS ≥3 commonly present to Veterinary Trauma Centers and have decreased survival to discharge compared to patients with ATTS 0–2. Differences exist between these groups, including an increased frequency of blunt force trauma (particularly vehicular trauma), head and spinal trauma, and certain clinicopathological changes in the ATTS ≥3 population. Relatively low incidences of point‐of‐care ultrasound evaluation and transfusions merit further investigation.
Multistate reptile‐ and amphibian‐associated salmonellosis outbreaks in humans, United States, 2009–2018
Authors: Waltenburg Michelle A. , Perez Ariana , Salah Zainab , Karp Beth E. , Whichard Jean , Tolar Beth , Gollarza Lauren , Koski Lia , Blackstock Anna , Basler Colin , Nichols Megin 
Published: August 2022

AbstractNon‐typhoidal Salmonella cause an estimated 1.4 million human illnesses, 26,000 hospitalizations and 400 deaths annually in the United States. Approximately 11% of these infections are attributed to animal contact. Reptiles and amphibians are known sources of salmonellosis; young children (aged <5 years) are disproportionately affected by reptile‐ and amphibian‐associated salmonellosis (RAAS) outbreaks. We describe multistate RAAS outbreaks to characterize illnesses and inform prevention efforts. RAAS outbreaks were defined as ≥2 culture‐confirmed human Salmonella infections with similar pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis patterns and epidemiologic, laboratory or traceback evidence linking them to a common reptile/amphibian exposure. Data sources included the Animal Contact Outbreak Surveillance System; CDC Outbreak Response and Prevention Branch's outbreak management database; PulseNet, the national molecular subtyping network for foodborne disease surveillance in the United States; and the National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System. Twenty‐six RAAS outbreaks were reported during 2009–2018, resulting in 1465 illnesses and 306 hospitalizations. The outbreaks were associated with turtles (19), lizards (5), snakes (1) and frogs (1). Sixteen (61.5%) outbreaks were linked to small turtles (<4 inches), resulting in 914 illnesses. Forty‐nine percent of outbreak‐associated patients were aged <5 years. Of 362 patients/caregivers interviewed, 111 (30.7%) were aware that reptiles/amphibians can carry Salmonella. Among 267 patient isolates with antimicrobial susceptibility information, 20 (7.5%) were non‐susceptible to ≥1 antibiotic used to treat human salmonellosis. RAAS outbreaks result in considerable morbidity, particularly among young children. Illnesses linked to small turtles are preventable through education, targeted outreach to caregivers and paediatricians, and when appropriate, enforcement. Historically, individual states and jurisdictions have enforced existing or promulgated new authorities to address outbreaks. Preventing future RAAS outbreaks requires addressing challenges related to the illegal sale/distribution of small turtles; and for legal reptile sales, providing information on RAAS risk to consumers at point of sale to support informed pet ownership decisions.
Changes in cellular Ca2+ and Na+ regulation during the progression towards heart failure
Authors: MacLeod Kenneth T. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractIn adapting to disease and loss of tissue, the heart shows great phenotypic plasticity that involves changes to its structure, composition and electrophysiology. Together with parallel whole body cardiovascular adaptations, the initial decline in cardiac function resulting from the insult is compensated. However, in the long term, the heart muscle begins to fail and patients with this condition have a very poor prognosis, with many dying from disturbances of rhythm. The surviving myocytes of these hearts gain Na+, which is positively inotropic because of alterations to Ca2+ fluxes mediated by the Na+/Ca2+ exchange, but compromises Ca2+‐dependent energy metabolism in mitochondria. Uptake of Ca2+ into the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) is reduced because of diminished function of SR Ca2+ ATPases. The result of increased Ca2+ influx and reduced SR Ca2+ uptake is an increase in the diastolic cytosolic Ca2+ concentration, which promotes spontaneous SR Ca2+ release and induces delayed afterdepolarisations. Action potential duration prolongs because of increased late Na+ current and changes in expression and function of other ion channels and transporters increasing the probability of the formation of early afterdepolarisations. There is a reduction in T‐tubule density and so the normal spatial arrangements required for efficient excitation–contraction coupling are compromised and lead to temporal delays in Ca2+ release from the SR. Therefore, the structural and electrophysiological responses that occur to provide compensation do so at the expense of (1) increasing the likelihood of arrhythmogenesis; (2) activating hypertrophic, apoptotic and Ca2+ signalling pathways; and (3) decreasing the efficiency of SR Ca2+ release.
image
Large Amplitude Free and Forced Vibrations of Functionally Graded Timoshenko Beams Using Coupled Displacement Field Method
Authors: Sathujoda Prabhakar , Obalareddy Bharath , Meera Saheb K. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThe large amplitude vibrations of functionally graded (FG) beams consisting of metal rich layers at the bottom, ceramic rich layers at the top, and a concentrated mass at the mid-span have been studied using coupled displacement field method. Unlike traditional methods, the coupled displacement field method reduces the 2n undetermined coefficients problem, one each for total rotation and transverse displacement distribution of the beam at n modes, to n undetermined coefficients using a coupling equation obtained from the minimization of potential energy principle. A suitable admissible function having single undetermined coefficient has been assumed for total rotation distribution and the corresponding transverse displacement distribution of the beam has been obtained at each mode for hinged-hinged and clamped-clamped FG beams. The equations of motion for large amplitude vibrations of FG beams at each mode in terms of the undetermined coefficients are derived from the conservation of total energy principle. The free vibration problem is solved using harmonic balance method whereas the forced vibration problem is solved using the Newmark-β method to obtain the time response of the undetermined coefficients and the dynamic response of the beam has been computed from the modal superposition method. The proposed coupled displacement field approach has been successfully applied for the first time to study the large amplitude vibrations of FG beams with suitable validations, and the influence of power law index, slenderness ratio, harmonic load, and concentrated mass has been investigated.
Enhancing respiratory disease diagnosis by bronchoalveolar lavage in Kashmir: an audit of findings
Authors: Bhat Javeed Iqbal , Tramboo Zubair M , Shah Tajamul Hussain , Charoo Bashir Ahmad , Qazi Iqbal Ahmad 
Published: August 2022

ObjectiveTo study bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) findings in various respiratory diseases in children in Kashmir India.DesignProspective observational study.SettingPaediatric department of the tertiary care hospital.PatientsChildren of both genders from 1 month to 17 years of ageInterventionAll studied patients underwent flexible bronchoscopy and BAL.Outcome measureTo observe the BAL findings in various respiratory diseases in the studied population.ResultsA total of 283 patients underwent BAL procedure. The positive BAL report was received in 131 (46%) patients. Out of these, 55 (42%) patients had positive BAL culture/ microscopy for different bacterial (50) and fungal species (Candidaspp (3), Mucormycosis (1) andAspergillus(1)). MTB was isolated in 25 (19%) patients. Twenty-three (17.5%) patients had bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) positive for pulmonary hydatidosis. Foamy macrophages were seen in 13 patients, significant eosinophilia in nine patients and hemosiderin-laden macrophages were seen in three patients.ConclusionWe found BALF a very useful sample for the evaluation of many infective and non-infective respiratory diseases in our region, which otherwise lacks high end diagnostics. 46% of our patients had some abnormalities in the BAL specimen. It provided us with valuable information regarding organism profile and drug sensitivity in case of lung infection. BALF analysis was also found useful in the diagnosis of some non-infective pulmonary disorders like acute eosinophilic pneumonia, aspiration syndromes and bronchial asthma.
Antibiotic use in ambulatory care for acutely ill children in high-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Burvenich Ruben , Dillen Hannelore , Trinh Nhung T H , Freer Joseph , Wynants Laure , Heytens Stefan , De Sutter An , Verbakel Jan Y 
Published: August 2022

ObjectiveTo determine the rate and appropriateness of antibiotic prescribing for acutely ill children in ambulatory care in high-income countries.DesignOn 10 February 2021, we systematically searched articles published since 2000 in MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, Web Of Science and grey literature databases. We included cross-sectional and longitudinal studies, time-series analyses, randomised controlled trials and non-randomised studies of interventions with acutely ill children up to and including 12 years of age in ambulatory care settings in high-income countries. Pooled antibiotic prescribing and appropriateness rates were calculated using random-effects models. Meta-regression was performed to describe the relationship between the antibiotic prescribing rate and study-level covariates.ResultsWe included 86 studies comprising 11 114 863 children. We found a pooled antibiotic prescribing rate of 45.4% (95% CI 38.2% to 52.8%) for all acutely ill children, and 85.6% (95% CI 73.3% to 92.9%) for acute otitis media, 37.4% (95% CI 30.9% to 44.3%) for respiratory tract infections, and 40.4% (95% CI 29.9% to 51.9%) for other diagnoses. Considerable heterogeneity can only partly be explained by differences in diagnoses. The overall pooled appropriateness rate is 68.5% (95% CI 55.8% to 78.9%, I²=99.8%; 19 studies, 119 995 participants). 38.3% of all prescribed antibiotics were aminopenicillins.ConclusionsAntibiotic prescribing rates for acutely ill children in ambulatory care in high-income countries remain high. Large differences in prescription rates between studies can only partly be explained by differences in diagnoses. Better registration and further research are needed to investigate patient-level data on diagnosis and appropriateness.