bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Threshold changeable secret image sharing using bivariate polynomial
Authors: LIU YANXIAO , Wu Ping , Sun Qindong , Zhou Zhili
Published: May 2020

In secret image sharing (SIS) scheme, a confidential image is encrypted into multiple shadows, any group of shadows that reaches the threshold, otherwise nothing can be reconstructed at all. Most existing SIS schemes have a fixed threshold, however in this work, we consider more complicated cases that the threshold may be adjusted due to the changeable security environment. In this paper, we construct a $(k\leftrightarrow h,n)$ threshold changeable SIS (TCSIS) scheme using bivariate polynomial, which has $h-k+1$ possible thresholds $k,k+1,...,h$. During image reconstruction, each participant can update the his shadow according to the current threshold $T$ only based on his initial shadow. Comparing with previous TCSIS schemes, the proposed scheme achieves unconditional security, and can overcome the information disclosure problem caused by homomorphism.
Improvement of a Delayed Swallowing Reflex Following Treatment for Advanced Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Ohkoshi Akira , Kato Kengo , Ogawa Takenori , Nakanome Ayako , Ishii Ryo , Katori Yukio
Published: May 2020

Background: The latency of the swallowing reflex is an important factor causing dysphagia in head and neck cancer patients. Although there are many reports comparing voluntary swallowing function before and after treatment, few studies have focused on the latency of the swallowing reflex, which is a risk factor for pneumonia due to silent aspiration. The aim of this retrospective study was to clarify the changes in the latency of the swallowing reflex before and after treatment. Methods: The latency of the swallowing reflex was quantified using the time from the injection of 1 ml of distilled water into the pharynx through a nasal catheter to the onset of swallowing. Results: The latency time of the swallowing reflex was significantly decreased 3 months after treatment compared to before treatment. A significant reduction was also observed in patients with pharyngeal cancer who underwent chemoradiation therapy. Conclusions: This retrospective study showed that a delayed swallowing reflex improved with treatment in advanced head and neck cancer patients.
A comparison among PCNL, Miniperc and Ultraminiperc for lower calyceal stones between 1 and 2 cm : A prospective, comparative, multicenter and randomised study.
Authors: Bozzini Giorgio , Aydogan Tahsin B , Müller Alexander , Sighinolfi Maria Chiara , Besana Umberto , Calori Alberto , Lorenzo Berti , Govorov Alexander , Pushkar Dmitry Y , Pini Giovannalberto , Pastore Antonio Luigi , Romero-Otero Javier , Rocco Bernardo , Buizza Carlo
Published: May 2020

Background Conventional Percutaneous Lithotripsy (PCNL) has been an effective, successful and easy approach for especially >1 cm sized calyceal stones however risks of complications and nephron loss are inevitable. Our aim is to compare the efficacy and safety of PCNL, MiniPerc(MP) and UltraMiniPerc(UMP) for lower calyceal stones between 1 and 2 cm with a multicenter prospective randomized study.Methods Between January 2015 and June 2018, 132 consecutive patients with single lower calyceal stone were enrolled. Patients were randomized in three groups; A: PCNL; B: MP; C: UMP. 44 patients for the Group A, 47 for Group B and 41 for Group C. Exclusion criterias were the presence of coagulation impairments, age of <18 or >75, presence of infection or serious comorbidities. Patients were controlled with computerized tomography scan after 3 months. A negative CT or an asymptomatic patient with stone fragments < 3 mm size were the criteria to assess the stone-free status. Patient characteristics, stone free rates (SFR)s, complications and re-treatment rates were analyzed.Results The mean stone size were 16.38, 17.82 and 15.23mm respectively in Group A, B and C(p=0.34). The overall SFR was significantly higher in Group A (86.3%) and B (82.9%) as compared to Group C (78%)(p<0.05). The re-treatment rate was significantly higher in Group C (12.1%) and complication rates was higher in Group A (13.6%) as compared to others(p<0.05). The hospitalization was significantly shorter in Group C compared to Group A(p=0.04).Conclusions PCNL and MP showed higher efficacy than UMP to obtain a better SFR. Auxiliary and re-treatment rates were higher in UMP. On the other hand for such this kind of stones PCNL had more complications. Overall evaluation favors MP as a better indication in stones 1-2 cm size.
Global profiles of a cetylated proteins in the brains of scrapie agents 139A- and ME7-infected mice collected at mid-early, mid-late and terminal stage
Authors: Shi qi , Chen Dong-Dong , Adalaiti Maimaitiming , Xiao Kang , Gao Li-Ping , Yang Xue-Hua , Wu Yue-Zhang , Chen Cao , Dong Xiaoping
Published: May 2020

BackgroundAcetylation is a reversible post-translational modification in eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, actively participating in the regulation for biological functions and in the pathogenesis of diseases.MethodsThe acetylated proteins from the cortex regions of scrapie agents 139A- and ME7-infected mice collected at mid-early (80 days post-infection, dpi), mid-late (120 dpi) and terminal stage (180 dpi) were extracted. The global profiles of the brain acetylated proteins were assayed with proteomic mass spectrometry. The acetylated peptides whose levels were >1.5-fold higher or lower than that of age-matched normal controls were considered as differentially expressed acetylated peptides (DEAPs).ResultsA total of 1,485 acetylated peptides were identified. 118, 42 and 51 DEAPs were in the brains of 139A-80 dpi, 120 dpi and 180 dpi, while 390, 227 and 75 DEAPs were in those of ME7-80 dpi, 120 dpi and 180 dpi, respectively. Overwhelming majority of the DEAPs in mid-early stage was down-regulated, while more portions of DEAPs in mid-late and late stage were up-regulated. Approximately 22.1% (328/1485) acetylated peptides were mitochondrial associated, which were mapped to 74 different proteins. Among them, 44 (59.5%) proteins showed differentially expressed at least at one tested time-point. KEEG pathways analysis identified 39, 13, 10 and 55, 25, 18 pathways in the samples of 80, 120 and 180 dpi of 139A- and ME7-infected mice as significantly changed (P<0.05), respectively. Six pathways were commonly involved in all tested samples, including carbon metabolism, metabolic pathways, biosynthesis of amino acids, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, pyruvate metabolism and citrate cycle (TCA cycle). Moreover, dozens of steps in TAC cycle were affected via down-regulated acetylation for the relevant enzymes in the mid-early stage, while many steps were affected in the mid-late stage via up-regulated acetylation. In the late stage, the affected steps focused on up-regulated acetylation for succinate dehydrogenase, fumarate hydratase and malate dehydrogenase.ConclusionCollectively, Our data here illustrated a picture of global acetylation for brain proteins during prion infection, showing remarkably inhibiting acetylation in the early stage and relatively enhanced acetylation in the late stage.
The use of information and communication technologies in Latin American dentists: A Cross-Sectional Study from Ecuador
Authors: Cherrez-Ojeda Ivan , Vera-Paz Carlos A. , Vanegas Emanuel , Gallardo Juan Carlos , Felix Miguel , Espinoza-Fuentes Fernando , Chedraui Peter , Gavilanes Danilo , Mata Valeria
Published: May 2020

Background: The use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) provide the tools for enabling fast and reliable real-time communications, as well as the transfer of information between dental professionals and their patients. However, little is known about the frequency and preference of ICTs among Latin-American dentists. Our study aims to fill this gap by assessing different aspects related to ICTs, mainly the frequency of use, perceptions, and barriers among Ecuadorian dentists.
Methods: An anonymous, cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted among 342 Ecuadorian dentists. The final questionnaire included 13 items related to the frequency of use, perceptions, and barriers of ICTs. Bivariate analysis was performed by using chi-squared testing to explore the association between the independent variables and the intended use of ICTs, as well as to characterize the perceptions and barriers related to ICTs.
Results: In general, most participants reported the use of ICTs to communicate with colleagues (99.7%), and patients (96.2%), while only 63.5% reported using ICTs to obtain academic information in their daily practice. WhatsApp was rated as the most used ICT for communicating with colleagues and patients. A majority of participants considered that ICTs can be useful for facilitating continuing dental education (92.1%), searching new work opportunities (91.5%), promoting health (90.1%), working with colleagues and other health professionals (91.2%), promoting their professional services (90.6%), and for resolving clinical cases (87.7%). On the subject of barriers, privacy and security concerns about personal and/or patient information was the biggest concern among dentists (65%), followed by lack of time to learn how to use and/or use ICTs (48%), lack of mobile internet access (28.1%), and lack of internet access at work (24.9%).
Conclusion: In our study, we found that Ecuadorian dentists had a high usage rate of ICTs, mainly for communicating with other colleagues and patients, while the academic use of technology remains a comparatively underused application. Most participants had a positive perception towards ICTs, while privacy and security concerns were identified as the main barrier. Older age was associated with a less favourable perception as well as an increased likelihood of reporting barriers related to the use of technology.
The BEACON Study: Protocol for a cohort study as part of an evaluation of the effectiveness of smartphone-assisted problem-solving therapy in men who present with intentional self-harm to Emergency Departments in Ontario
Authors: Hatcher Simon , Heisel Marnin , Ayonrinde Oyedeji , Campbell Julie Kathleen , Colman Ian , Corsi Daniel J. , Edgar Nicole E. , Gillett Lindsay , Kennedy Sidney H. , Hunt Sophia Lakatoo , Links Paul , MacLean Sarah , Mehta Viraj , Mushquash Christopher , Raimundo Alicia , Rizvi Sakina J. , Saskin Refik , Schaffer Ayal , Sidahmed Alaaddin , Sinyor Mark , Soares Claudio , Testa Valerie , Thavorn Kednapa , Thiruganasambandamoorthy Venkatesh
Published: May 2020

Background: Patients who present to Emergency Departments (ED) after intentional self-harm are at an increased risk of dying by suicide. This applies particularly to men, who represent nearly two-thirds of those who die by suicide in Ontario. One way of potentially addressing this gap is to offer a course of blended problem-solving therapy (PST), comprised of a brief course of evidence-based psychotherapy for individuals at-risk for suicide, facilitated by the use of a patient-facing smartphone application and a clinician-facing “dashboard”. This approach has the potential to combine the benefits of face to face therapy and technology to create a novel intervention. Methods: This is a cohort study, nested within a larger pragmatic multicentre pre- and post-design cluster randomized trial (cRCT). Suicidal ideas assessed by the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (BSS) is the primary outcome variable. Secondary outcome measures include: depression (PHQ-9); anxiety (GAD-7); PTSD (PC-PTSD); health-related quality of life (EQ-5D-5L); meaning in life (EMIL); perceived social supports (MSPSS); alcohol use (AUDIT); drug use (DAST-10); problem-solving skills (SPSI-R:S); self-reported health care costs; and, health service use measured using Ontario administrative health data. A process evaluation will also be conducted following study completion. Discussion: The cohort study will test whether better adherence to the intervention results in better outcomes. The value of the cohort study design is that we can examine in more detail certain sub-groups or other variables that are not available in the larger cluster randomised trial. This trial will aim to improve standards by informing best practice in management of men who self-harm and present to hospitals in Ontario. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03473535, Registered on March 22, 2018, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03473535
Exons sequencing identifies a novel mutation in GPR157 in a high myopia family
Authors: Tang Tao , Liu Mohan , Wei Ting , Deng Lin , Zhang Yueyang , Pu Yu , Cai Yan , Song Qiling , Zhang Ting , liu qingsong
Published: May 2020

Background Next-generation sequencing (NGS) and whole exome sequencing (WES) have identified many potential disease-causing loci and genetic mutations of high myopia(HM). However, these known genes can only explain the heritability of a small proportion of HM patients. A large proportion of variants have yet to be discovered. Herein we aimed to investigate the genetic characteristics of HM through a Chinese HM family(the inheritance pattern unknown) . Methods We performed WES on the parent-offspring trio and identified mutations by Sanger sequencing. All the members in this family were sequenced to validate phenotype co-segregated with candidate genes via Sanger sequencing as well. Besides, mutations detected were further evaluated in a cohort of 110 sporadic high myopia controls and 200 unrelated ethically-matched controls. And reverse transcription PCR(RT-PCR) was applied to measure the mRNA expression levels of GPR157 in the 4-week-old KM mice. Results A novel heterozygous nonsense mutation, c.859C>T (p.Arg287*) of GPR157 gene, was detected in the proband and her father by WES. And this disease-associated mutation was not found in 310 control individuals. For the family under study, HM was classified as autosomal dominant inheritance with reduced penetrance. And RT-PCR results showed GPR157 was abundantly expressed in the eye. Conclusion The hybrid nonsense mutation of the GPR157 gene identified in this study may constitute a novel genetic cause of HM. Keywords :high myopia, WES, GPR157
The role of perforating artery pedicled neurotrophic flap in the treatment of compound tissue defect of tibia with Ilizarov technique.
Authors: Wu Yuan-jian , Zhang Yu-bo , Zhang Wen-jun , Zhang Tao , Lou Tengfei , Han Pei
Published: May 2020

Background

The aim of this research is to present our experience with the combined use of pedicled neurotrophic flap and distraction osteogenesis in management of complex lower extremity injuries with composite bone and soft tissue defects and assess the functional and cosmetic results of this method.
Methods

Between 2008 and 2016, soft tissue coverage with pedicled neurotrophic flap followed by distraction osteogenesis using Ilizarov external fixator was performed in 25 patients for reconstruction of segmental bone defects of lower extremity complicated by massive loss of soft tissue. There were 16 men and 9 women: their mean age was 39 years (23 to 57)at the time of surgery. The soft tissue defect after radical debridement ranged from 5 × 9 cm2 to 11 × 14 cm2, and the average size of segmental defect was 5.02 (2.5 to 7.5) cm.
Results

The distally based sural neurovascular flap was performed in 13 patients, and the greater saphenous neurocutaneous perforator flap in 12 patients. All flaps survived completely without complications. The bone defects were corrected by a mean lengthening of 6.74 (4.5 to 9.5) cm. The function was judged to be excellent in 12 patients and good in 13 patients. Bone results were graded as excellent in 18 patients and good in 7 patients. Complications observed in the process of the treatment included pain, pin tract infections (PTI), ankle midfoot joints stiffness, and nonunion of docking sites. All the cases achieved successful limb salvage and satisfactory function recovery without recurrence of infection.
Conclusions

The combined technique of a perforator artery pedicled neurotrophic flap and distraction osteogenesis should be considered to be an effective alternative approach in the salvage treatment of the massively traumatized and chronically infected lower extremity.
Analysis of myocardial enzyme spectrum in 230 COVID-19 patients of Chongqing, China.
Authors: CaiLing Jiao , Fa Li Wen , YeHong Xie , JiaWei Miao , YunFang Wu , WanNing Tan , Jing Li , JianRong Zhang
Published: May 2020

Background

A novel coronavirus disease COVID-19 outbreak caused pandemic in China and worldwide. In addition to pneumonia, Cardiac failure is also a clinical outcome of coronavirus (COVID-19) patients and one of the leading causes for the death of COVID-19 patients. This study focused on a spectrum of cardiac enzymes to provide biomarkers for the severity of cardiomyopathy, and provide guidance of clinical treatment.
Methods

230 coronavirus patients (182 mild and 48 severe cases) enrolled in Three Gorges Hospital of Chongqing University from January to March 2020 were analyzed for a spectrum of cardiac injury enzymes including α-hydroxybutyric dehydrogenase (αHBDH), lactic acid dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), and creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB).
Results

The severe cases had significantly higher myocardial enzyme levels than mild cases, regardless of male and females. Males appeared to be more susceptible than females to COVID-19 induced heart injury, having higher CK and CK-MB in mild cases, and higher αHBDH and LDH levels in severe cases. Age is also a susceptible factor to COVID-19, but affected males were younger than females.
Conclusions

This study reveals that the heart is also a major target of COVID-19 infection, and myocardial enzyme spectrum assays could help the diagnosis, prognosis and guide the treatments to prevent heart failure in COVID-19 patients.
CCNI2 knockdown inhibits the proliferation, apoptosis and migration of pancreatic cancer cells
Authors: Hu Bingyang , Zhang Wenzhi , Zhang Changsheng , Li Chonghui , Zhang Ning , Pan Ke , Ge Xinlan , Wan Tao
Published: May 2020

Background: Pancreatic cancer has been recognized as one of the most serious malignant tumors in the world, and its molecular mechanism is still not fully understood. Cyclin I-like (CCNI2) is a homolog of Cyclin I (CCNI), and at present its function is largely unknown. Methods: In this study, we aimed to explore the role of CCNI2 in the development of pancreatic cancer. The expression levels of CCNI2 in pancreatic cancer tissues and cells were detected by immunohistochemical analysis and qPCR, respectively. Lentivirus was used to deliver shRNA to pancreatic cancer cells to construct CCNI2 knockdown cell models. MTT and colony formation assays were used to assess cell proliferation capacity, flow cytometry was used to detect apoptosis, wound-healing and Transwell assays were used to determine cell migration. Results: Our results revealed that CCNI2 is not only highly expressed in pancreatic cancer, but also significantly correlated with pathological grade, pathological stage, and survival rate. It was confirmed that knockdown of CCNI2 inhibited the proliferation and cell migration of pancreatic cancer cells while promoting apoptosis. Furthermore, human apoptotic antibody arrays showed that CCNI2 is involved in apoptosis process by up-regulating the pro-apoptotic proteins. Conclusions: In conclusion, CCNI2 may be a prognostic marker for pancreatic cancer and is associated with its development. Thus, CCNI2 possesses potential to act as a therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer treatment.
Day surgery scheduling and optimization in large public hospitals in China: a three-station job shop scheduling problem
Authors: Bai Xue , Zhang Wei , Luo Li , Ma Hong-Sheng , Zhu Ting
Published: May 2020

Background

Efficiency and flexibility constitute the prime performance index that is used to evaluate the Day Surgery Center (DSC). Based on the day surgery service process for large public hospitals in China, we found that the service efficiency of the overall process depends on the utilization of day operating rooms (ORs and could be optimized through key resource management and scheduling. Day surgery scheduling can be described as being a flexible flow shop owing to the three-station nature of surgery. Allocating all types of hospital resources to the three stations and determining the length of time for each stage during surgeries is crucial to improve the efficiency of a hospital’s DSC.
Methods

This paper integrates a three-station job shop scheduling problem (JSSP) into the day surgery scheduling and optimization problem. The JSSP was formulated as a mixed-integer linear programming model, and the elicitation of the model for scheduling surgeries with different priorities in the DSC is discussed. The model illustrated a detailed example of the DSC within West China Hospital. Numerical experiments based on the genetic algorithm design were conducted.
Results

We found that the optimal scheduling strategy could not only minimize the makespan of the whole day surgery process, which would improve the efficiency of the DSC in large public hospitals in China, but also allow for timely scheduling adjustments during the advent of emergency surgeries, which is essential for the efficient management of day surgery rooms in large public hospitals in China.
Conclusions

By further refining the day surgery procedure, the JSSP model dispatches the resources involved in the various processes of the surgery. The switching time is reduced owing to the subdivision of the surgery process, resulting in an increase in OR utilization, promoting the standardization of the surgery process. We found that the JSSP model is more suitable for the efficient management of day surgery rooms of large public hospitals in China. Although this study considered a variety of resource constraints based on the day surgery service process implemented in China, there are still some shortcomings which needs further research.
Metformin Inhibit Cell Proliferation and Secretion Function in NCI-H295R Cells
Authors: Li Chunyan , Wang Fen , Tong Anli , Yan Zhaoli , Li Yuxiu
Published: May 2020

Background: The evidence about effects of metformin on adrenocortical carcinoma cell lines is lacking. This study aims to investigate the effects of metformin on proliferation and secretion function of H295R cells.Methods: H295R cells were treated with different doses of metformin for 3 days or with 20 mmol/L metformin for different times. Cell proliferation was detected by MTS method. Cortisol and aldosterone in culture medium was determined by chemiluminescent method and radioimmunoassay, respectively. H295R cells were treated with 20 mmol/L metformin for 24 hours, and mRNA expressions of 11 beta-hydroxylase (CYP11B1) and aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) were detected by real-time quantitative PCR.Results: The results showed that no differences of cell proliferation and secretion of cortisol and aldosterone were detected between control group and metformin group with doses less than 5 mmol/L. Metformin with large doses (≥ 10 mmol/L) significantly inhibited cell proliferation and secretion of cortisol and aldosterone in a dose-dependent pattern. Metformin (20 mmol/L) inhibited cell proliferation after 12 hours’ incubation. And the proliferation inhibitory effects of metformin were in a time-dependent manner. Compared with control group, metformin decreased secretion of cortisol and aldosterone, and mRNA expression of CYP11B1.Conclusions: Metformin can inhibit cell proliferation and secretion of cortisol and aldosterone in H295R cells.
MiR-450 inhibits cell proliferation, migration and invasion and induces apoptosis in gastric cancer via targeting CREB1
Authors: Zhao Ya-Jun , Zhang Jun , Wang Yong-Cang , Wang Liang , He Xin-Yang
Published: May 2020

Background：Gastric cancer seriously affects human health and research on gastric cancer is increasing. In recent years, molecular targets are hot research topics. We aimed to explore the effects and mechanisms of miR-450 on the development and progression of gastric cancer.Methods：We used gain-of-function approaches to investigate the gastric cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion, including, RT-qPCR, CCK-8, colony formation, flow cytometry, western blot, wound healing, transwell chamber, HE, TUNEL, dual luciferase reporter and tumor formation analysis.Results：We found that the expression levels of miR-450 were greatly decreased in gastric cancer cells and overexpression of miR-450 inhibited the gastric cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion, while induced apoptosis in gastric cancer in vitro. Moreover, we demonstrated that ectopic expression of miR-450 inhibited tumor growth in vivo. At the molecular level, overexpression of miR-450 significantly increased the expression levels of apoptosis-associated proteins, including Caspase-3, Caspase-9 and BAX, while inhibited the expression level of Bcl-2. Mechanically, luciferase reporter experiment suggested that CREB1 had a negative correlation with miR-450 expression and knockdown of CREB1 alleviated gastric cancer. Furthermore, we also found that miR-450 inhibited the activation of AKT/GSK-3β signaling pathway to inhibit the progression of gastric cancer.Conclusions：miR-450 repressed gastric cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion and induced apoptosis through targeting CREB1 by modulating AKT/GSK-3β signaling pathway, which may provide a new molecular target for the treatment of gastric cancer.
Prevalence high risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV) in HIV-infected women from Belém, Pará, Amazon region of Brazil: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Monteiro Jacqueline , Fonseca Ricardo Roberto de Souza , Ferreira Tuane , Rodrigues Luana , Silva Andreza , Avelino Maria Eduarda , Menezes Cláudia , Gomes Samara , Silvestre Rodrigo , Silva Andréa da , Pamplona Ilze , Vallinoto Antônio , Ishak Ricardo , Machado Luiz Fernando
Published: May 2020

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the world. Several studies have shown a higher prevalence of HPV infection in HIV-infected women. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and the genotype diversity of HPV infection in HIV-infected women.Methods: From April 2010 to December 2012 cervical specimens were collected from 169 HIV-infected women who screening for cervical cancer at Reference Unit in Belém. The detection of HPV infection was performed by nested PCR and HPV type was performed using the commercial kit.Results: The prevalence of HPV infection was 63,3%. Of the 47 genotyped samples, 40,4% was found positive for high risk-HPV 16 and 12.8% for high risk-HPV 52. HPV infection was predominant in the group of women with no incidence of cytological abnormalities and more prevalent in women of reproductive age, unmarried, low education level and who used condoms during sexual intercourse. It was observed an association between HPV infection and independent variables, such as condom use, multiple sexual partners and history of sexually transmitted diseases.Conclusions: High-risk types of HPV infection were prevalent in our study. Infection with multiple high-risk HPV genotypes may potentiate the development of cervical cancer in HIV-infected women.
Determinants of Adherence to Dental Treatment of Adolescents in Social Vulnerability in Primary Care
Authors: Bulgareli Jaqueline Vilela , Cortellazzi Karine Laura Cortellazzi , Guerra Luciane Miranda , Ambrosano Gláucia Maria Bovi , Kaieda Armando Koichiro , Cunha Inara , Vazquez Fabiana Lima , Pereira Antonio Carlos
Published: May 2020

Background Different studies with adolescents refers to the difficulty they have to adhere to oral dental treatments. Therefore, better understanding the processes involved in adherence to treatment in this population is necessary. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors that influence adherence to dental treatment in social underprivileged adolescents in primary care.Methods A longitudinal analytical study was conducted in Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil, between 2014 and 2015.The sample consisted of 1179 adolescents whom were examined in family health units, these 474 were referred for treatment (40,2%) and these 325 (68,6%) teenagers were reevaluated after 18 months. Adherence to dental treatment was the dependent variable. Independent variables were: individual (clinical, socio demographic, access to the service, reporting pain, oral impacts on daily perfomance, family cohesion) and the contextual (percentage of families in the neighborhood with income of 0.5 to 1 minimum wage).Results Non-adherence rate to treatment was high in the studied sample (49.5%).Family income (p = 0.039) and household crowding (p = 0.003) were associated with non-adherence to dental treatment.Conclusions It is concluded that the condition of social vulnerability of adolescents resulted in competing situations with adherence, a fact that makes it difficult dental treatment and action planning health services.
Eosinophil clusters in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): a multicenter study
Authors: Zucchi José William , Franco Estefânia Aparecida Thomé , Schreck Thomas , Silva Maria Helena Castro e , Migliorini Sandro Rogerio dos Santos , Garcia Thaís , Mota Gustavo Augusto Ferreira , Morais Bruna Evelyn Bueno de , Machado Luiz Henrique Soares , Batista Ana Natália Ribeiro , Paiva Sergio Alberto Rupp de , Godoy Irma de , Tanni Suzana Erico
Published: May 2020

The authors have removed this preprint from Research Square.
Abdominal obesity phenotypes outcomes: protocol for a systematic review
Authors: doustmohamdian soraya , hosseinpanah farhad , momeni marjan
Published: May 2020

Background: The prevalence of obesity is increasing worldwide. Obesity is associated with severe health effects. Abdominal obesity has a strong association with metabolic dysfunction, diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2), dyslipidemia, hypertension, and coronary artery events. Methods: We will search PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and ProQuest (from inception onwards). Additional studies will be identified through manual searching of reference lists. Quantitative studies evaluating abdominal obesity phenotype outcomes in adults will be included. Primary results will be assaying abdominal obesity phenotype results, including DM2 incidence, cardiovascular disease risk, and all-cause mortality. Two reviewers will independently screen full-text articles and abstract data. Potential conflicts will be resolved through discussion. The study methodological quality (or bias) will be appraised using appropriate tools. If feasible, we will conduct a random-effects meta-analysis. The two researchers will also assess the quality of the articles independently based on CASP. Discussion: This systematic review will summarize evidence regarding the association between abdominal obesity phenotypes with DM2,cardiovascular disease and all cause mortality.The results of this review will provide a useful reference for the importance of abdominal obesity on metabolic dysfunction and mortality
Effects of Iron Therapy on the reduction of anemia among women of reproductive age in developing countries: A protocol for systematic review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Ali Sumera Aziz , Aziz Savera , Allana Ahreen , Ali Arzina Aziz , Raheman Fazal Ur-
Published: May 2020

Background Iron deficiency anemia is a major public health issue among women of reproductive age (WRA), as it leads to high maternal and infant morbidity and mortality. The WHO recommends the distribution of iron supplements to all women in populations in which the prevalence of anemia (in women) exceeds 20%. Interventional studies have been carried out in developing countries regarding the efficacy and safety of iron in reducing anemia among women of reproductive age. However, the findings from randomized controlled trials have not been systematically synthesized. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs to both qualitatively and quantitatively assess the evidence for the efficacy and effectiveness of iron as an intervention for reducing anemia among women of reproductive age in developing countries. Methods This review and meta-analysis will focus on assessing the efficacy and effectiveness of iron as an intervention for reducing anemia among women of reproductive age. PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct will be explored using a detailed search strategy. A study will be considered eligible if it is a randomized controlled trial determining the efficacy and effectiveness of iron in anemia reduction among WRA (15-49 years) in developing countries and published in the English language in a peer-reviewed local or international journal from 2000 to 2020. We will perform a meta-analysis to measure the effect of individual studies as well as the pooled effect of all studies by generating forest plots. Heterogeneity will be assessed using I 2 statistics and a funnel plot will be developed to assess the publication bias. Discussion This systematic review will provide an opportunity to synthesize and critically appraise the findings from individual studies on the efficacy and effectiveness of iron as an intervention for reducing anemia among women of reproductive age to generate a comprehensive summary. These aggregated findings, in turn, can guide clinical practice and help clinicians, researchers and policymakers make evidence-based decisions to address this pressing health concern among women of reproductive age residing in developing countries. The findings of the review will be disseminated through presentations and peer-reviewed publications.
Effects of Pollution on Child and Adolescent Mental Health: A Protocol for a Systematic Review
Authors: Theron Linda , Abreu-Villaça Yael , Augusto-Oliveira Marcus , Brennan Caroline , Crespo-Lopez Maria Elena , Arrifano Gabriela de Paula , Glazer Lilah , Lin Liyuan , Mareschal Isabelle , Sartori Luke , Stieger Liesl , Trotta Andres , Hadfield Kristin
Published: May 2020

Background Whilst there is little uncertainty about the deleterious impact of pollution on human and planetary health, pollution’s impact on child and adolescent mental health is less well understood. This is particularly true for young people in underdeveloped and developing world contexts, about whom research is generally lacking. Furthermore, although child and adolescent resilience continues to be a research priority, little attention has been paid to child and adolescent pathways of resilience in the face or aftermath of pollution exposure. Methods We will conduct a systematic review that adheres to PRISMA guidelines. Its purpose is to document what is known about how pollution affects child and adolescent mental health, along with what protects children and adolescents against these effects and associations across diverse contexts. Discussion Systematic insights are likely to support psychologists and other mental health practitioners to better support child and adolescent wellbeing globally regardless of exposure to pollution. Systematic review registration We have registered the review protocol in PROSPERO (registration: CRD42020176664).
Efficacy of four hollow nail rhombic fixation for the treatment of patients with femoral neck fractures: A protocol of systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ji Qing-hui , Xue Yu , Miao Jie , Reng Zhi-xin , Yuan Yu-fei , Li Yan-bao
Published: May 2020

Background : This study aims to assess the efficacy of four hollow nail rhombic fixation (FHNRF) for the treatment of patients with femoral neck fractures (FNF). Methods : A literature search in MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, ProQuest, Thesis and Dissertation Catalog, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and China National Knowledge In­frastructure will be performed from inception through February 29, 2020. This study will not apply limitations to the language and publication date. All potential randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that identify the efficacy and safety of FHNRF for the treatment of patients with FNF. Two contributors will separately examine searched records, extract essential data, and assess study quality using Cochrane risk of bias tool. Any opposition between two authors will be settled by a third contributor. We will employ RevMan 5.3 software for statistical analysis. Discussion : This study will summarize high quality RCTs to assess the efficacy and safety of FHNRF for the treatment of patients with FNF. It will help to determine whether or not FHNRF is effective and safety for the treatment of patients with FNF. Systematic review registration CRD42020168378.
Glenoid Failure after Total Shoulder Arthroplasty, cemented all-polyethylene versus metal-backed: A Systematic Review Protocol
Authors: Zan Renato Aroca , Lazarini Rafael Fuchs , Matsunaga Fábio Teruo , Netto Nicola Archetti , Belloti João Carlos , Tamaoki Marcel Jun Sugawara
Published: May 2020

BackgroundAnatomical Total Shoulder Arthroplasty (TSA) is an effective treatment adopted in patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis. The glenoid component failure is the main risk that occurs in this therapeutic choice; however, doubts remain, regarding the selection of the best implant in order to avoid such complication.MethodsA systematic review of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) or quasi will be carried out, applying the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) protocols, comparing polyethylene (keeled and pegged) versus metal back implants in adult patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis.Our search strategy will be carried out in the MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, Web of Science. Data management and extraction will be performed using a data withdrawal form and by analyzing study method characteristics, participant characteristics, intervention characteristics, results, methodological domains. The summaries of research evidence will be accessed by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). Shoulder function through functional scores such as Constant-Murley (CM) and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), pain (Visual Analogue Scale), infection, procedure failure, radiograph radiolucency and loosening, are the selected outcomes. Another analysis such as subgroup, heterogeneity, sensitivity and statistical are going to be performed whenever possible.DiscussionThis systematic review aims to analyze how glenoidal implants behave in Total Shoulder Arthroplasties and therefore provide evidence concerning the best clinical practice to avoid complication. Systematic review registrationPROSPERO, CRD 42018079537.
Lipid Profile in Alcoholic and Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Patients
Authors: Shahi Aakash , Gautam Narayan , Rawal Sanju , Sharma Uday , Jayan Archana
Published: May 2020

Background: Fatty liver disease is a common and major chronic liver disease. It has been implicated that patients have disorders of lipid metabolism and involved in the pathogenesis of fatty liver. Lipid profile plays a very important role in diagnosis of liver diseases hence it was designed to observe relationship between lipid profile and fatty liver disease (FLD) based on ultrasonography (USG).Method and methodology: This Cross-sectional and analytical study was undertaken in the Department of Internal Medicine with collaboration of Department of Radiology and Department of Biochemistry, Universal College of Medical Sciences-Teaching Hospital (UCMS-TH), Bhairahawa, Nepal from March 2019 to February 2020 in total 100 patients diagnosed with FLD by USG.Result: In 100 cases, the male to female ratio was 1.8:1. 56% of the total cases presented with alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD) while remaining 44% with non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The spectrum of lipid abnormality was observed with increased total cholesterol (TC), Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL), increased triglycerides (TG) and Very Low Density Lipoprotein (VLDL) in AFLD cases as compared to NAFLD cases. However, it has been observed that TG/HDL and Non-HDL/HDL were higher in NAFLD as compared to AFLD. There was statistical significant difference in HDL (p-value: 0.019) between alcoholic fatty liver disease grade 1 (AFLG1) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease grade 1 (NAFLG1). Moreover, it was observed statistical significant difference in HDL between AFLG2 and NAFLG2 (p-value: 0.012).Conclusion:Elevated level of TG and decreased HDL has been implicated in the precipitation of the occlusive vascular disease. These parameters in conjunction with Non-HDL/HDL and TG/HDL can be useful in early screening and monitoring of dyslipidemia in the fatty liver patients to prevent cardiovascular diseases.
Associations between length of stay and municipal characteristics for a large Norwegian stroke unit
Authors: Barra Mathias , Dahl Fredrik A. , Faiz Kashif Waqar , Lurås Hilde
Published: May 2020

BackgroundDeterminants of length of stay (LOS) on hospital wards is important in many planning, policy, and decision problems. Furthermore, LOS is an important parameter for cost containment, and health managers maintain a strong focus on monitoring and reducing hospital LOS. In addition to being costly, excess LOS also expose the patient to unnecessary risk of in-hospital complications. MethodsWe analysed a data set of N = 1922 admissions to the stroke unit (SU) at Akershus University Hospital between February 2012 and March 2013, which contains high quality variables pertaining to each stay, including patient characteristics and municipality residency. We explored regression models with (log-)LOS as the dependent variable, economic and demographic characteristics of the patients’ municipalities as the main predictors, controlling for several patient and admission parameters, like sex, age, and time of arrival. ResultsThe analyses showed that the municipality variables ‘share of inhabitants below the age of 67 years who are female’ and ‘nurse full time equivalents per 1000 inhabitants’ were negatively associated with LOS. ConclusionsAlthough a regression model cannot prove causal relations, a reasonable interpretation is that the given predictors capture some aspects of a municipality’s capacity for home care, which makes it possible for the SU to discharge patients relatively early.
Predictive Risk Factors of Hypertension in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Fixed Effect Modelling Study in Burundi
Authors: IRADUKUNDA Arnaud , Odjidja Emmanuel Nene , IZERE Cheilla , NTAKABURIMVO Nestor , AKIMANA Arlene
Published: May 2020

BackgroundHypertension, signalled by persistently high systolic and diastolic blood pressure is a major threat to public health globally. Especially in sub-Saharan African countries, this coexists with high burden of other infectious diseases, creating a complex public health situation which is difficult to address. Tackling this will require targeted public health intervention based on evidence that well defines the at risk population. In this study, using retrospective data from two referral hospitals in Burundi, we model the risk factors associated with hypertension in Burundi MethodsRetrospective data of a sample of 353 randomly selected from a population of 4,380 patients admitted in 2019 in two referral hospitals in Burundi: Military and University teaching hospital of Kamenge. The predictive risk factors were carried out by fixed effect logistic regression. Model performance was assessed by Area under Curve (AUC). Model was internally validated via bootstrapping with 2000 replications. All analysis were conducted in R.ResultsOverall, 16.7% of the patients were found to be hypertensive. After adjustment of the model for cofounding covariates, associated risk factors found were advanced age (40 years) AOR: 6.03, 95% CI: 1.86- 17.19) and above 60 years, (AOR: 12.76, 95% CI: 3.30 – 14.26). Patients comorbid with chronic kidney failure were 4.95 times more (95% CI: 1.83-15.82) to be hypertensive and among those with family history of hypertension, the adjusted risk were twice. Compared to non-smokers, smokers were 2.87 times more likely to develop hypertension (95% CI: 0.87 – 9.15).The highest probabilities are observed to patients who are at the same time smokers, overweight, with chronic kidney failure, family history with hypertension with secondary or university as highest educational level. The model had an excellent predictive performance (AUC), accurately predicting 88.71% (95% CI: 84.17%-92.5%) of all observations Conclusion The relatively high prevalence and associated risk factors of hypertension in Burundi raises a call for concern especially in this context where there exist an equally high burden of infectious diseases, other chronic diseases including chronic malnutrition. Targeting interventions based on these identified risk factors will allow judicious channel of resources and effective public health planning.
Antibiotic resistance among the Lahu hill tribe people in northern Thailand: a cross-sectional study
Authors: INTAHPHUAK SOPHAPHAN , APIDECHKUL TAWATCHAI , KUIPIAPHUM PATITA
Published: May 2020

Background
Antibiotic resistance is often reported and is of major concern as a public health problem. The hill tribe people in Thailand are considered populations vulnerable to antibiotic resistance due to their poor economic and educational status. The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of, the factors associated with, and the major species of bacteria involved in antibiotic drug resistance among the Lahu hill tribe people in northern Thailand.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted to gather information from participants between March and September 2019. A validated questionnaire was used for data collection. Participants who presented an illness related to infectious diseases were eligible to participate in the study and were asked to obtain specific specimens. Antibiotic susceptibility was tested by the Kirbey-Bauer disk diffusion test. Chi-square tests and logistic regression were used to detect the associations between variables at the significance level of α = 0.05.
Results
A total of 240 participants were recruited into the study; 70.4% were females, 25.4% were aged 30–40 years. More than half worked in the agricultural sector (55.4%) and had an education level of less than primary school (45.8%). The majority had urinary tract infections (67.9%) with two major pathogenic species of the infection: Escherichia coli (12.8%) and Enterobacter cloacae (8.0%). The prevalence of antibiotic resistance was 16.0%. Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae species were found to have multidrug resistance that was greater than that of other species, while ampicillin was found to have the greatest drug resistance. In the multivariate model, it was found that those who had poor knowledge of antibiotic use had a 2.56-fold greater chance (95% CI = 1.09–5.32) of having antibiotic resistance than did those who had good knowledge of antibiotic use, and those who had poor antibiotic use behaviors had a 1.79-fold greater chance (95% CI = 1.06–4.80) of having antibiotic resistance than did those who had good antibiotic use behaviors.
Conclusion
Effective public health interventions are urgently needed to reduce antibiotic drug resistance among the Lahu people by improving their knowledge and skills regarding the proper use of antibiotics and eventually minimizing antibiotic resistance.