bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency and Its Relationship with Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Fibromyalgia: a Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Ali Omar M. E. 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Fibromyalgia is a debilitating chronic condition which poses a therapeutic challenge to the clinician. With a large backlog in patient flow subsequent to the COVID-19 pandemic and rising numbers of patients with post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) presenting with fibromyalgia-like clinical features, there is an increasingly pressing need to identify broad cost-effective interventions. Low levels of vitamin D have previously been reported in patients with fibromyalgia, though any causative link has been difficult to establish. A systematic literature review on the association between vitamin D deficiency and fibromyalgia was performed examining retrospective evidence both for and against an association between vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and fibromyalgia and evaluating the therapeutic benefit from supplementation. A group of six studies were selected based on relevance, use of controls, quality of research and citations. Four primary studies assessing the prevalence of VDD in fibromyalgia patients versus controls were evaluated with a total 3,496 subjects. Three included females only and one larger study assessed males. Two (n = 313) concluded the presence of a statistically significant association, and two (n = 161) found none. Two randomised controlled trials assessing the effect of vitamin D supplementation in a total of 80 subjects found conflicting results, with pain reduction in one and none in the other. It is likely there exists an association between VDD deficiency and fibromyalgia in a large subset of patients, although establishing primary causation is difficult. There is a need for larger randomised controlled trial designs with more effective comparison with healthy subjects and control for confounding factors. Given VDD is a major problem in the general population, we recommend supplementation be recommended by healthcare professionals to fibromyalgia patients for the purpose of maintaining bone health given their potentially increased susceptibility to developing deficiency and its sequelae.
Intensified Hyposensitization Is an Effective Treatment of Postorgasmic Illness Syndrome (POIS)
Authors: Wrotynska-Barczynska Joanna , Swat Edyta , Berger Anna , Pawelczyk Leszek , Jedrzejczak Piotr 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Introduction
Postorgasmic illness syndrome (POIS) is an extremely rare urogenital disease which significantly and negatively impacts the functioning and sexual activity.

Aims
A 34-year-old male presented with POIS symptoms and confirmed the allergic component of the POIS. Intensified immunotherapy with autologous semen was recommended.

Methods
The treatment lasted 14 months and included 20 visits. Modified and intensified subcutaneous immunotherapy in both forearms significantly shortened the therapy and improved the outcome, with high-tolerance and no adverse effects or hyperactive responses.

Main Outcome Measure
Improvement in POIS symptoms through the use of intensified immunotherapy with autologous semen.

Results
The improvement was significant enough to allow for higher sexual activity, and gradual resumption of private and professional activity.

Conclusion
Intensified immunotherapy with autologous semen seems an effective and safe option for treating patients with suspected immune-allergenic POIS. To the best of our knowledge, this has been the first such intensive and effective allergen-specific immunotherapy of POIS.
Experiences of Violence Against Lesbian and Bisexual Women in Brazil
Authors: Rufino Andréa Cronemberger , Filho Carlos Eugênio Wall Barbosa de Carvalho , Madeiro Alberto 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Background
Lesbophobia and biphobia are manifestations of homophobic violence directed at lesbian and bisexual women that results in daily violation of rights and social exclusion.

Aim
To describe experiences of the violence against lesbian and bisexual women in Brazil.

Methods
Sequential mixed methods study was carried out in 2 stages. In the first one, quantitative, an electronic questionnaire was applied to women from all regions, with questions about sociodemographic characteristics, self-identification and lesbophobic and biphobic events. In the second one, qualitative, lesbian, and bisexual women were interviewed face to face about the violence suffered.

Outcomes
The chi-square test was applied to compare violence against lesbian and bisexual women (type of violence, place of aggression, gender and age range of the aggressor, bond with the aggressor, repetition of violence, and denunciation of violence) and the content analysis for qualitative data (main categories of analysis were events of violence, denunciation, and consequences of violence).

Results
The report of violence was present in 65% of the answers. There was a predominance of psychological violence (39.8%), in the public environment (63%), practiced by men (73.2%), by strangers (66.2%) and repeatedly (82%). Lesbian women, compared to bisexuals, were more prone to violence in the public environment (59.5% vs 39.5%) and with repetition (84.3% vs 60.6%). The narratives explained intimidating experiences in the family environment (insults, threat of suicide or homicide and false imprisonment) and public (harassment, beatings, and rape). Discriminatory attitudes, insults, and refusal of service in restaurants and bars were recurrent.

Clinical Implications
The data provide information that can serve to improve policy initiatives to reduce these episodes.

Strengths and Limitations
This is the first study of mixed methods, with national coverage, on lesbophobia and biphobia events in Brazil. Future studies should include women underrepresented in this research as trans women, non-white, less educated, and from the most distant regions of the country.

Conclusion
Lesbophobic or biphobic event has harmful repercussions for multiple aspects of these women's lives, including mental health.
Biofilm matrix cloaks bacterial quorum sensing chemoattractants from predator detection
Authors: Li Shaoyang , Liu Sylvia Yang , Chan Shepherd Yuen , Chua Song Lin 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Microbes often secrete high levels of quorum sensing (QS) autoinducers into the environment to coordinate gene expression and biofilm formation, but risk detection and subsequent predation by bacterivorous predators. With such prominent signaling molecules acting as chemoattractants that diffuse into the environment at alarmingly high concentrations, it is unclear if bacterial cells can mask their chemical trails from predator detection. Here, we describe a microbial-based anti-detection adaptation, termed as “biofilm cloak”, where the biofilm prey produced biofilm matrix exopolysaccharides that “locked” and reduced the leaching of autoinducers into the milieu, thereby concealing their trails to the detection by the bacterivorous Caenorhabditis elegans nematode. The exopolysaccharides act as common good for the non-producers to hide their autoinducers from predator detection. Deficiency in chemosensory gene odr-10 in mutant animals abrogated their ability to detect autoinducers and migrate toward their prey in a directed manner, which led to lower population growth rate of animals. Hence, restriction of bacterial communication activities to the confinements of biofilms is a novel approach for predator evasion, which plays a fundamental role in shaping ecological dynamics of microbial communities and predator-prey interactions.
Porous Ceramic Sternal Prosthesis Implantation in a 13-Year-Old Patient Presenting with Metastatic Ewing's Sarcoma
Authors: Mainard Nicolas , Sharma Dyuti , Fron Damien , Mezel Aurélie , Canavese Federico , Bonnevalle Michel , Nectoux Eric 
Published: January 2022

AbstractEwing's sarcoma is the second most frequent primary malignant bone tumor in adolescents and young adults. Locations on the thoracic wall represent up to 20% of primary and secondary locations. We present the case of a 13-year-old patient treated with the use of a radiolucency porous bioceramic prosthesis as a sternal replacement for a wide tumor resection in an oncologic context. Focal radiation therapy was not possible due to the high risk of severe myocardial injuries caused by the sternal location of the tumor. The sternum CERAMIL® (I.CERAM, Limoges, France), in porous alumina (Al2O3) has already been implanted into adults in sternal replacement during its invasion by a tumor or its infectious destruction. There were no complication concerning the surgery. The last follow-up at 2 years postoperatively reveals a satisfactory clinical situation with any functional thoracic complaint and nor any functional respiratory symptoms. The porous alumina sternal prosthesis offers a reliable alternative for sternal replacement indications for children in an oncologic context.
Esophageal Motility Disorders: Are We Missing in Our Busy Endoscopy Practice?
Authors: Elhence Anshuman , Ghoshal Uday C. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractEsophageal motility disorders (EMDs) form a significant part of a busy endoscopist's practice. Endoscopy plays an all-encompassing role in the diagnosis and management of EMDs including achalasia cardia. The focus on in-vogue third-space endoscopic procedures such as per-oral endoscopic myotomy often digresses the important role of endoscopy. Endoscopic evaluation forms the part of standard first-line evaluation of any dysphagia and serves to rule out a secondary cause such as an esophagogastric junction malignancy and eosinophilic esophagitis. Moreover, endoscopic evaluation may itself provide corroborative evidence that may contribute to the diagnosis of the motility disorder. Achalasia cardia may present with a wide spectrum of endoscopic findings from being entirely normal and the well-known and pathognomonic dilated sigmoid-shaped esophagus with food residue, to lesser-known ornate signs. The evidence on the role of endosonography in EMDs is conflicting and largely restricted to evaluation of pseudoachalasia. High-resolution manometry (HRM) remains the gold standard in the diagnosis of EMDs. Endoscopists must also keep abreast of the latest iteration of the Chicago classification version 4.0, which differs significantly from its predecessor in being more stringent in making diagnosis of esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction and disorders of peristalsis since these manometric findings may be seen in normal individuals and may be mimicked by opioid use and gastroesophageal reflux. The latest rendition also includes the use of provocative maneuvers and testing in both supine and sitting posture. Despite being the gold standard, there are certain lacunae in the use and interpretation of the Chicago classification of which the users should be well aware. Emerging technologies such as functional lumen imaging probe and planimetry, and timed barium esophagogram fill the lacuna in diagnosis of these motility disorders, which at times is beyond the resolution of HRM.
Impact of Mobile Endoscopy Unit for Rendering Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Services at Two Community Health Centers in Western India
Authors: Maydeo Amit , Thakare Shivaji , Vadgaonkar Amol , Patil Gaurav , Dalal Ankit , Kamat Nagesh , Vora Sehajad 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background Patients with gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in remote areas do not have access to standard medical care with the issues related to cost of medical care, transportation, health literacy, lack of healthcare insurance—all preventing healthcare access in a timely manner. To overcome this, we designed a mobile endoscopy van with the intent to provide free essential medical services to the rural population.
Methods This is a retrospective study of patients with predominantly upper GI symptoms at two community health centers (each 2 days camp). This is an audit of endoscopy findings in a community set up using a Mobile Endoscopy Unit (MEU). Patients' details were collected in a pre-designed questionnaire. Only those patients with alarm symptoms and suspicion of any pathological state underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) in MEU. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics.
Results A total of 724 patients (424 [58.5%] males; mean [SD] age 48.5 [5.2] years) were included. The commonest presenting symptom was heartburn in 377 (52.1%) patients. The median duration of symptoms was 6.5 (range: 2–36) months. Gastroesophageal reflux disease was seen in 16 (6.8%) patients, ulceroproliferative growth was noted in the stomach in 3 (1.3%) patients. Eighteen (7.6%) patients had a positive rapid urease test and received Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy. The most commonly prescribed drugs were proton-pump inhibitors in 692 (95.6%) patients. Nine (1.2%) patients had chronic liver disease secondary to alcoholism and were counseled for abstinence. All procedures were safely performed without any immediate adverse events.
Conclusions Community outreach strategies such as the use of mobile endoscopy unit were found to be very useful in the diagnosis of GI symptoms. More research is needed in low-income countries to treat complex pathological states in rural patients.
Development of climate smart agriculture in Africa.
Authors: Mrabet Rachid , Moussadek Rachid 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Climate change, food system complexity and changing international demands are creating new realities, challenges and opportunities. In this respect, unlocking Africa's agricultural potential is both a vital and a daunting aspiration to achieve commitments to the climate and development of the visionary and optimistic framework of Agenda 2063. In response to these challenges and drivers, climate smart agriculture (CSA) was promoted by governments and international organizations to functionally contribute to reducing vulnerability and increasing adaptation to climate change while ensuring sustainable progress in living standards, value chains and mitigation capacities of farming systems. Remarkable benefits in terms of increased productivity and performances of farming systems, enhanced farmers' resilience, environment and value chain sustainability, and developments of CSA in Africa and lock-in barriers exclusion are under way. These are because of investment in policy formulation and planning, approaches, alliances, incentives, capacity development, research, knowledge sharing, networking and engagement in bold regional and local initiatives. Side benefits from CSA are numerous for Africans in general and for producers and growers in particular. They include poverty alleviation through green growth, just and ethical transformation, gender equity and empowerment, shared prosperity and entrepreneurship via innovation. Overall, investing in CSA and particularly in Conservation Agriculture may greatly enhance a country's strategic thinking and capacity to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Mainstreaming of the conservation agriculture paradigm in Africa.
Authors: Kassam Amir , Mkomwa Saidi 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

This chapter provides a justification for mainstreaming Conservation Agriculture (CA) in Africa. It describes the rationale for total transformation of agriculture that is needed in the future. Mainstreaming CA requires not only nation-wide adoption of the new paradigm of agriculture but also the necessary policy and institutional alignment to ensure that CA maintains its quality and full range of benefits to the farmers and to society. CA is a core component of climate smart agriculture and has been endorsed by the Malabo Declaration and Agenda 2063 for agricultural development. Thus, it is essential that everything possible is done by all stakeholders to support the implementation of Agenda 2063 with CA at its core. The chapter elaborates five major areas of change that are necessary to create the appropriate conditions for mainstreaming CA in Africa.
Conservation agriculture in the southern highlands of Tanzania: learnings from two decades of research for development.
Authors: Shetto Richard , Mkomwa Saidi , Mlengera Ndabhemeye , Mwakimbwala Remmy 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Since its introduction into the Southern Highlands of Tanzania by researchers 25 years ago, Conservation Agriculture (CA) has been well received, researched and the concept proven to be increasing productivity and incomes, enhancing resilience of livelihoods and contributing to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. CA research, as defined by the three interlined principles, was introduced into the Southern Highlands by the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) Uyole, formerly Agricultural Research Institute (ARI) Uyole around 1995. Research results showed a labour saving of up to 70% in CA compared to conventional tillage, yield increases of 26%-100% and 360% for maize and sunflower, respectively, partly attributed to higher moisture content (18%-24%) in CA systems. CA was also found to be much more effective in mitigating dry spells and increasing productivity in maize production in areas where average annual rainfall is less than 770 mm. Economic analysis of maize production showed that profits in CA were three times more than in conventional tillage production at US$526.9 ha-1 and US$ 176.6 ha-1, respectively. Profits were twice as much for beans under CA at US$917.4 ha-1 compared to US$376.3 ha-1 for conventional practice. Studies confirm that 5% of farmers in the Southern Highlands have adopted CA. Increased uptake requires addressing challenges including resistance to change in mindset, inaccessibility of appropriate mechanization and cover crop seeds, traditions of free-range communal grazing of livestock (which makes it difficult for farmers to retain crop residue in their farms) and shortage of investment capital. A holistic value chain approach is recommended in CA interventions, bringing together various stakeholders including scientists, trainers, extension workers, administrators, policy makers, agro-inputs and machinery dealers, machinery service providers, agro-processors and financial institutions. The innovations adaptation set-up brings service providers closer to farmers for co-innovation. Long-term CA programmes are recommended, with farmers being taken through the complete learning cycle in testing CA technologies under their own farm environments. This should be complemented by entrepreneurial CA machinery hire services provision to increase the availability of farm power to smallholders unlikely to have the capital or skills to buy and manage their own machinery. The proof of application of the CA concept in the Southern Highlands has set the stage for further scaling the adoption of CA through support from national policies and programmes.
Historical review and future opportunities for wider scaling of conservation agriculture in Tunisia.
Authors: M'hamed Hatem Cheikh , Bahri Haithem , Annabi Mohamed , Frija Aymen , Idoudi Zied 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

In Tunisia, rainfed agriculture is facing the major challenges of low and irregular rainfall, as well as natural resources degradation. These are further accentuated by climate change. Changes in technical and management paradigms are needed to boost agricultural productivity. Since the early 1990s in Tunisia, a Conservation Agriculture (CA) system has been proposed as an adapted set of management principles to ensure more efficient and resilient agricultural production systems. In the last 20 years several research and development (R&D) projects have been implemented. Research findings in Tunisia show that the long-term adoption of CA allows increased crop yields and water use efficiency of cereals, enhanced soil biological life and soil organic carbon and reduced energy costs at farm level. Despite promising research results, adoption and up-scaling of CA in Tunisia has been rather modest (currently some 16,000 ha are managed under CA systems). The purpose of this book chapter is to summarize the previous R&D projects dealing with CA in Tunisia. It also aims to provide better insights into the complexity and potential ongoing solutions for integrating crops and livestock into CA systems. Crop-livestock systems dominate a large part of northern and central Tunisia where most of the rainfed field crops are produced.
Moving paradigms - conservation agriculture with alternative agronomics to minimize inputs.
Authors: Goddard Tom , Kassam Amir , Mkomwa Saidi 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

The African Union Malabo Declaration outlines goals to achieve sustainable production practices for economic growth in the agriculture sector by 2025. Conservation Agriculture (CA) practices represent a climate smart and resource friendly sustainable production system, and these need to be adopted and refined. This will be a paradigm shift for academics, experts and farmers who are embedded in the intensive external-input monoculture tillage systems. From our review of literature, recent history has shown that CA systems are successful and profitable while using less external inputs and expending less energy. Energy use can be reduced by 40% and labour needs by 50%-90%. Research has shown that CA farming is superior in terms of enhancing soil functions, biodiversity, beneficial insects, energy consumption, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and resilience to extreme climate events. Nitrogen and other essential elemental crop needs can be reduced by 10%-70% through CA systems. African research and farm testing have shown integrated CA cropping systems can control insect and weed pests while providing more diverse economic crops. For the paradigm shift to occur quickly, efficiently and economically, institutions need to lead change. Policy makers need to start strategic changes to research and institutions by initiating support programmes identified by innovative researchers and agricultural leaders that can move the Malabo dial towards the 2025 goals.
Economic and yield comparisons of different crop and crop-pasture production systems.
Authors: Strauss Johann A. 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Over the past 15 years the adoption rate of Conservation Agriculture (CA) in southern South Africa has increased at a fast rate, although the adoption of the three pillars of CA was to varying degrees. The adoption of CA happened in the absence of any policy support framework directed to CA. The market drove the adaptation rate with a handful of local producers being the first to adopt no-till (NT) strategies. Long-term field experiments demonstrate that the effects of crop rotation include increased yields from the main wheat crop so that two-thirds of the present total wheat production may be achieved with only half the cropped area under the main crop, and gross margins are better - and dramatically better - with integration of cropping and livestock. This chapter presents an overview of the benefits to yield and economic sustainability of including alternative cash and pasture crops into CA farming systems in the winter rainfall region of southern South Africa.