bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of factors associated with residual malaria transmission using school-based serological surveys in settings pursuing elimination
Authors: Rakotondramanga Jean Marius , Vigan-Womas Inès , Steinhardt Laura C. , Harimanana Aina , Ravaoarisoa Elisabeth , Rasoloharimanana Tsikiniaina L. , Razanatsiorimalala Seheno , Wesolowski Amy , Randrianarivelojosia Milijaona , Roche Benjamin , Garchitorena Andres 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background
Targeted research on residual malaria transmission is important to improve strategies in settings pursuing elimination, where transmission reductions prove challenging. This study aimed to detect and characterize spatial heterogeneity and factors associated with Plasmodium falciparum infections and exposure, P. falciparum apical membrane antigen 1 (PfAMA1) antibody (Ab) response, in the Central Highlands of Madagascar (CHL).

Methods
From May to July 2014, a cross-sectional school-based survey was carried out in 182 fokontany (villages) within 7 health districts of the CHL. Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) and a bead-based immunoassay including PfAMA1 antigen biomarker were used to estimate malaria prevalence and seroprevalence, respectively. Local Moran’s I index was used to detect spatial “hotspots”. Remotely sensed environmental data—temperature, vegetation indices, land covers, and elevation—were used in multivariable mixed-effects logistic regression models to characterize factors associated with malaria infection and cumulative exposure.

Results
Among 6,293 school-children ages 2–14 years surveyed, RDT prevalence was low at 0.8% (95% CI 0.6–1.1%), while PfAMA1 Ab seroprevalence was 7.0% (95% CI 6.4–7.7%). Hotspots of PfAMA1 Ab seroprevalence were observed in two districts (Ankazobe and Mandoto). Seroprevalence increased for children living > 5 km from a health centre (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.6, 95% CI 1.2–2.2), and for those experiencing a fever episode in the previous 2 weeks (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.2–2.4), but decreased at higher elevation (for each 100-m increase, OR = 0.7, 95% CI 0.6–0.8). A clear age pattern was observed whereby children 9–10 years old had an OR of 1.8 (95% CI 1.2–2.4), children 11–12 years an OR of 3.7 (95% CI 2.8–5.0), and children 13–14 years an OR of 5.7 (95% CI 4.0–8.0) for seropositivity, compared with younger children (2–8 years).

Conclusion
The use of serology in this study provided a better understanding of malaria hotspots and associated factors, revealing a pattern of higher transmission linked to geographical barriers in health care access. The integration of antibody-assays into existing surveillance activities could improve exposure assessment, and may help to monitor the effectiveness of malaria control efforts and adapt elimination interventions.
A cross-cultural adaptation and validation of a scale to assess illness identity in adults living with a chronic illness in South Africa: a case of HIV
Authors: Sematlane Neo Phyllis , Knight Lucia , Masquillier Caroline , Wouters Edwin 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThe chronic illness trajectory and its outcomes are well explained by the concept of illness identity; the extent to which ill individuals have integrated their diagnosed chronic illness into their identity or sense of self. The capacity to measure illness identity in people living with HIV (PLHIV) is still relatively unexplored. However, this is potentially useful to help us understand how outcomes for PLHIV could be improved and sustained. This paper aims to explore the cross-cultural adaptation of a Belgian developed Illness Identity Questionnaire (IIQ) and validate the instrument using a sample of South African adults living with HIV. We followed a phased scale adaptation and validation process which included an investigation of conceptual, item, semantic and operational equivalence and also examined the psychometric properties of the IIQ. The concept of illness identity with its four factors; engulfment, rejection, acceptance and enrichment in PLHIV, was found to be relevant within this context. Five items from the original IIQ were excluded from the adapted IIQ due to either semantic insufficiency and/or inadequate measurement equivalence. The mode of administration of the IIQ was changed to accommodate current study participants. The original four factor 25-item model did not fit current data, however, a better contextualized, four-factor, 20-item model was identified and found valid in the current setting. The results showed adequate statistical fit; χ2/d.f. = 1.516, RMSEA = 0.076, SRMR = 0.0893, and CFI = 0.909. Convergent and discriminant validity were also tenable. The cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the IIQ was successful, resulting in the availability of an instrument capable of measuring illness identity in PLHIV in a high HIV prevalence and resource-constrained setting. This therefore addresses the paucity of information and expands on knowledge about illness identity.
Giant aneurysm of left circumflex artery branch with fistula to the coronary sinus: a case report
Authors: Toyoda Yasuyuki , Takemura Takahiro , Shiratori Kazuaki , Yazaki Yoshikazu , Tachibana Takahiro , Niitsu Hirokazu , Kunihara Takashi 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background
Aneurysm of a coronary artery branch with a fistula is extremely rare. Here, we present a case of giant aneurysm of the left circumflex artery branch with a fistula to the coronary sinus treated successfully with aneurysmectomy.

Case presentation
A 58-year-old woman was referred to our hospital due to an abnormal pericardial mass found by multidetector computed tomography. Imaging examination revealed a dilated left circumflex artery branch with a 30-mm aneurysm. Coronary angiography confirmed a left circumflex artery branch aneurysm with a fistula to the coronary sinus. As percutaneous occlusion of the aneurysm by catheterization was considered unsuccessful, the aneurysm was resected, and the fistula was occluded surgically with excellent outcome. Pathological examination suggested that congenital factors may have contributed to the development of the aneurysm. Computed tomography showed no recurrence of the aneurysm at 1-year postoperative follow-up.

Conclusions
We presented a case of giant aneurysm of the left circumflex artery branch with a fistula to the coronary sinus. This is the first report of the combination of a giant coronary artery branch aneurysm with a fistula to the coronary sinus. Surgical aneurysmectomy should be considered in such cases to avoid fatal aneurysmal complications.
A simple algorithm for differential diagnosis in hemodynamic shock based on left ventricle outflow tract velocity–time integral measurement: a case series
Authors: Mercadal J. , Borrat X. , Hernández A. , Denault A. , Beaubien-Souligny W. , González-Delgado D. , Vives M. ,   the Spanish Critical Care Ultrasound Network Group, Carmona Paula , Nagore David , Sánchez Eduardo , Serna Maria , Cuesta Pablo , Bengoetxea Unai , Miralles Francisco 
Published: August 2022

AbstractEchocardiography has gained wide acceptance among intensive care physicians during the last 15 years. The lack of accredited formation, the long learning curve required and the excessive structural orientation of the present algorithms to evaluate hemodynamically unstable patients hampers its daily use in the intensive care unit. The aim of this article is to show 4 cases where the use of our simple algorithm based on VTI, was crucial. Subsequently, to explain the benefit of using the proposed algorithm with a more functional perspective, as a means for clinical decision-making. A simple algorithm based on left ventricle outflow tract velocity–time integral measurement for a functional hemodynamic monitoring on patients suffering hemodynamic shock or instability is proposed by Spanish Critical Care Ultrasound Network Group. This algorithm considers perfusion and congestion variables. Its simplicity might be useful for guiding physicians in their daily decision-making managing critically ill patients in hemodynamic shock.
Plasma apolipoprotein E levels in longitudinally followed patients with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Giannisis Andreas , Al-Grety Asma , Carlsson Henrik , Patra Kalicharan , Twohig Daniel , Sando Sigrid Botne , Lauridsen Camilla , Berge Guro , Grøntvedt Gøril Rolfseng , Bråthen Geir , White Linda R. , Kultima Kim , Nielsen Henrietta M. 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background
Low levels of plasma apolipoprotein E (apoE) and presence of the APOE ε4 allele are associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Although the increased risk of AD in APOE ε4-carriers is well-established, the protein levels have received limited attention.

Methods
We here report the total plasma apoE and apoE isoform levels at baseline from a longitudinally (24 months) followed cohort including controls (n = 39), patients with stable amnestic mild cognitive impairment during 24 months follow up (MCI-MCI, n = 30), patients with amnestic MCI (aMCI) that during follow-up were clinically diagnosed with AD with dementia (ADD) (MCI-ADD, n = 28), and patients with AD with dementia (ADD) at baseline (ADD, n = 28). We furthermore assessed associations between plasma apoE levels with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) AD biomarkers and α-synuclein, as well as both CSF and plasma neurofilament light chain (NfL), YKL-40 and kallikrein 6.

Results
Irrespective of clinical diagnosis, the highest versus the lowest apoE levels were found in APOE ε2/ε3 versus APOE ε4/ε4 subjects, with the most prominent differences exhibited in females. Total plasma apoE levels were 32% and 21% higher in the controls versus MCI-ADD and ADD patients, respectively. Interestingly, MCI-ADD patients exhibited a 30% reduction in plasma apoE compared to MCI-MCI patients. This decrease appeared to be associated with brain amyloid-β (Aβ42) pathology regardless of disease status as assessed using the Amyloid, Tau, and Neurodegeneration (A/T/N) classification. In addition to the association between low plasma apoE and low levels of CSF Aβ42, lower apoE levels were also related to higher levels of CSF total tau (t-tau) and tau phosphorylated at Threonine 181 residue (p-tau) and NfL as well as a worse performance on the mini-mental-state-examination. In MCI-ADD patients, low levels of plasma apoE were associated with higher levels of CSF α-synuclein and kallikrein 6. No significant correlations between plasma apoE and the astrocytic inflammatory marker YKL40 were observed.

Conclusions
Our results demonstrate important associations between low plasma apoE levels, Aβ pathology, and progression from aMCI to a clinical ADD diagnosis.
A new way forward? Examining the potential of quantitative analysis of IgE datasets
Authors: King Felix , Kaczmarczyk Robert , Zink Alexander , Biedermann Tilo , Brockow Knut 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background
Allergies constitute an important public health problem, and epidemiological data is crucial to developing strategies for its prevention and therapy. Few population-based studies are available for data on allergies and sensitization. However, as these studies are expensive and time-consuming, novel approaches are searched for.

Objectives
A large monocentric IgE dataset was used to analyse quantitative sensitization data in different age and gender groups and compared the results to available epidemiological data.

Methods
A total of 14,370 patients who sought medical care at the Department for Dermatology and Allergology at the Technical University of Munich, Germany was analysed. Total IgE and sensitization measured in specific IgE levels to common food allergens and aeroallergens were compared between females and males, age groups, and the year of testing (2003–2021).

Results
8283 females (57.6%) and 6087 males (42.4%) were tested. The average number of specific IgE tests per patient was 12.3 ± 11.4. Total IgE increased after birth with age and reached a peak between 4–6 years in males and 10–12 years in females. Males had higher specific IgE for all common aeroallergens (house dust mite, birch, mugwort and timothy grass pollen) and food allergens (milk protein, chicken egg white, peanut, wheat flour, cod) except for cat epithelia. Data closely reflected results of population-based studies in the literature.

Conclusion
This study shows that, despite potential patient and test selection bias, the results of the quantitative IgE-dataset analysis closely reflect results of population-based data. Thus, as large cohorts can be examined with a minute amount of effort, this surrogate method appears promising to supplement epidemiology research.
Correct approach in urticarial vasculitis made early diagnosis of lupus nephritis possible: a case report
Authors: Smets Kyra , Van Baelen Anne , Sprangers Ben , De Haes Petra 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackgroundUrticarial vasculitis is a clinicopathologic entity defined by recurrent episodes of urticarial lesions that persist > 24 hours and demonstrate the histopathologic features of leukocytoclastic vasculitis. The most important prognostic feature is the presence of normo- or hypocomplementemia. In the latter, patients are much more likely to have systemic manifestations. Urticarial vasculitis is most often idiopathic, but it can arise in association with autoimmune connective diseases, cryoglobulinemia, infections, medications, and hematologic malignancies.Case presentationWe present the case of a 61-year-old Caucasian woman with a skin eruption that consisted of erythematous plaques on the trunk and limbs that lasted > 24 hours but were asymptomatic. The skin eruption had an acute onset and persisted for 3 months upon initial presentation in our dermatology department. A punch biopsy showed signs of a leukocytoclastic vasculitis in the superficial dermis. On laboratory examination, signs of activation of the complement system were found with low complement C3, C4, and C1q, and with a high anti-C1q antibody titer. The clinical, histological, and lab results fit the diagnosis of hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis. There was also a positive antinuclear factor with elevated U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein and high double-stranded DNA determined by Farr method. On urinalysis, marked proteinuria and massive hematuria were found. Kidney biopsy showed focal crescentic and focal mesangial type of glomerular damage with a full-blown positivity of immunoglobulin A, immunoglobulin G, and C1q, leading to lupus nephritis class III-A (according to the International Society of Nephrology/Renal Pathology Society 2003 classification of lupus nephritis). The patient was treated with hydroxychloroquine, corticosteroids, and low-dose intravenous cyclophosphamide (Euro-Lupus regimen) as remission-inducing agent, followed by azathioprine as remission-maintaining agent. This treatment regimen gave good results, with total clearance of the skin lesions and remission of the lupus nephritis.ConclusionClinicopathologic recognition of urticarial vasculitis with correct screening for extracutaneous disease can lead to early diagnosis of serious organ involvement and thereby improve prognosis for the patient.
Postoperative kinetics of pentraxin 3 (PTX3) after congenital heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass in pediatric patients
Authors: Jaworski Radoslaw , Dzierzanowska-Fangrat Katarzyna , Grzywa-Czuba Renata , Kansy Andrzej 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background
Pentraxins are inflammatory proteins and markers of acute-phase responses. They are divided into short and long subgroups based on the length of the N-terminal region. The most studied short pentraxin is the C-reactive protein (CRP), which is known to be expressed in various inflammatory conditions, including surgical procedures. On the other hand, much less is known about the kinetics of long pentraxin 3 (PTX3) in surgical patients, especially in the pediatric population.
The aim of this prospective study was to determine the early postoperative kinetics of PTX3 in relation to procalcitonin (PCT) and CRP levels in children undergoing congenital heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).

Methods
A total of 21 children (9 boys and 12 girls, mean age 12 months) were included in the study. Blood samples for determination of CRP, PCT, and PTX3 levels were collected before the surgery and then immediately after its completion (postoperative day 0, POD 0) and subsequently at POD 1, 2, and 3.

Results
Serum PTX3 concentrations increased significantly between POD 0 and POD 1 (mean values were 12.2 and 72.4 ng/ml, respectively, p<0.001), decreased between POD 1 and POD 2 (mean values were 72.4 and 23.6 ng/ml, respectively, p<0.001), and normalized on POD 3 (the mean value was 1.2 ng/ml).

Conclusions
PTX3 concentrations are markedly elevated during the first postoperative day. Under normal circumstances, PTX3 rises and falls quickly, and its second rise in the early postoperative period may be abnormal, however, further studies are necessary.
Virtual simulation of Yue Opera costumes and fashion design based on Yue Opera elements
Authors: Liu Kaixuan , Zhou Shunmuzi , Zhu Chun , Lü Zhao 
Published: August 2022

AbstractYue Opera is known as the second most important national opera in China. The costume is an important part of the performance of Yue Opera, which carries the culture and history of Yue Opera. The purpose of this paper is to attempt a virtual simulation of Yue Opera costumes through an understanding and analysis of Yue Opera costumes, as well as to use the extracted elements related to Yue Opera costumes for modern fashion design based on Yue Opera costume style. The research method of this paper is to draw 12 sets of traditional costumes of Yue Opera by understanding and studying the costume culture of Yue Opera and transform them into a 3D digital virtual presentation of the costumes. The costume elements are then extracted for costume design so that the designed fashions can reflect the cultural characteristics of Yue Opera, and then virtual simulation technology is used for costume display to realize the dissemination of Yue Opera costume culture. The use of three-dimensional virtual simulation technology to digitize costumes contributes to the preservation and dissemination of Yue Opera costume culture. Secondly, the design of modern fashion using the concept of Yue Opera plays a role in the preservation and dissemination of Yue Opera costume culture.
Stabilization of expansive black cotton soil using bioenzymes produced by ureolytic bacteria
Authors: Mekonnen Eshetu , Amdie Yared , Etefa Habtamu , Tefera Nurelign , Tafesse Mesfin 
Published: August 2022

AbstractSoil stabilization is the art and science of improving the engineering properties of soils. The properties of problematic soils can be improved by blending appropriate amount ofinsitusoil, aggregates and bioenzymes. In the present study, four bacterial strains:Sporosarcina pasteurii, Bacillus paramycoides, Citrobacter sedlakii,andEnterobacter bugadensiswere used to produce bioenzymes using urea supplemented molasses as a substrate via submerged fermentation. The crude bioenzyme was mixed with modified soil blended with 40% black cotton soil, 30% aggregate and 30% river sand; then tested after curing for 7 days. The test results revealed that except soil samples treated with bioenzyme ofEnterobacter bugadensis, all treated soil samples showed improved plasticity index (18–55%) and liquid limit (5–44%). Soil samples treated with bioenzyme ofBacillus paramycoides,Citrobacter sedlakiiandSporosarcina pasteuriishowed higher CBR values of 12.9%, 12.27%, and 11.95% respectively. On the other hand, free swell showed reduction in soil samples treated with bioenzymes ofSporosarcina pasteurii(47.37%),Bacillus paramycoides(30%), andCitrobacter sedlakii(10.53%). The highest percentage improvement of linear shrinkage was recorded for soil sample treated with bioenzymes ofSporosarcina pasteuri(39.65%), followed by Permazyme (10.44%),Citrobacter sedlakii(8.4%) andBacillus paramycoides(8.34%). Whereas, the highest percentage improvement in MDD was recorded in permazyme treated soil (11.92%) followed by molasses (8.29%),Bacillus paramycoides(1.92%), andEnterobacter bugadensis(0.73%). The lowest optimum moisture content (9.3%) was recorded in soil treated with permazyme. Triaxial test analysis also showed improvement in both cohesion and angle of friction in bioenzyme treated soils. From the test results it was concluded that it is possible to treat expansive black cotton soils using bioenzymes produced from low cost substrates such as molasses and reduce the cost of construction and environmental carbon emission.
A multi-country, prospective cohort study to measure rate and risk of relapse among children recovered from severe acute malnutrition in Mali, Somalia, and South Sudan: a study protocol
Authors: King Sarah , D’Mello-Guyett Lauren , Yakowenko Ellyn , Riems Bram , Gallandat Karin , Mama Chabi Sherifath , Mohamud Feysal Abdisalan , Ayoub Khamisa , Olad Ahmed Hersi , Aliou Bagayogo , Marshak Anastasia , Trehan Indi , Cumming Oliver , Stobaugh Heather 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe Community-Based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) model transformed the treatment of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) by shifting treatment from inpatient facilities to the community. Evidence shows that while CMAM programs are effective in the initial recovery from SAM, recovery is not sustained for some children requiring them to receive treatment repeatedly. This indicates a potential gap in the model, yet little evidence is available on the incidence of relapse, the determinants of the phenomena, or its financial implications on program delivery.MethodsThis study is a multi-country prospective cohort study following “post-SAM” children (defined as children following anthropometric recovery from SAM through treatment in CMAM) and matched community controls (defined as children not previously experiencing acute malnutrition (AM)) monthly for six months. The aim is to assess the burden and determinants of relapse to SAM. This study design enables the quantification of relapse among post-SAM children, but also to determine the relative risk for, and excess burden of, AM between post-SAM children and their matched community controls. Individual -, household-, and community-level information will be analyzed to identify potential risk-factors for relapse, with a focus on associations between water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) related exposures, and post-discharge outcomes. The study combines a microbiological assessment of post-SAM children’s drinking water, food, stool via rectal swabs, dried blood spots (DBS), and assess for indicators of enteric pathogens and immune function, to explore different exposures and potential associations with treatment and post-treatment outcomes.DiscussionThis study is the first of its kind to systematically track children after recovery from SAM in CMAM programs using uniform methods across multiple countries. The design allows the use of results to: 1) facilitate understandings of the burden of relapse; 2) identify risk factors for relapse and 3) elucidate financial costs associated with relapse in CMAM programs. This protocol’s publication aims to support similar studies and evaluations of CMAM programs and provides opportunities for comparability of an evidence-based set of indicators for relapse to SAM.