bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and factors associated with intestinal parasitic infections among food handlers working at higher public University student’s cafeterias and public food establishments in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Alemnew Birhan , Gedefaw Getnet , Diress Gedefaw , Bizuneh Asmamaw Demis
Published: January 2020

Background: Intestinal infection is still an important public health problem in low-income countries. Food handlers may be infected by a wide range of enteropathogens and have been implicated in the transmission of many infections to the public. Therefore, the aim of this review was to produce the pooled prevalence and factors associated with intestinal parasitic infections among food handlers working at higher public University student’s cafeterias and public food establishments in Ethiopia.

Methods: Articles published in PubMed/Medline, Hinari, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Google Scholar were used using a search strategy. Observational studies (cross-sectional) revealing the prevalence and factors associated with intestinal parasitic infections at higher public University student’s cafeterias and public food establishments were incorporated. Meta-analysis was computed using STATA version 14 statistical software. Heterogeneity of the study was assessed using Cochrane Q test statistics and I2 test. The pooled prevalence of the intestinal parasitic infection and associated factors among food handlers was calculated by the random-effect model.

Results: Out of 138 reviewed studies, 18 studies were included to estimate the pooled prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among food handlers in Ethiopia. All the eighteen articles were included in the analysis. This study revealed that the pooled prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was 28.5% (95%CI: 27.4, 29.7). E. hystolitica /E. dispar complex 6.38 (95%Cl: 5.73, 7.04), A.lumbricodes 4.12 (95%Cl: 3.56, 4.67), and G. lamblia 3.12(95%Cl: 2.65, 3.60) were the most common intestinal parasitic infections in this study. Untrimmed fingernail 3.04 (95% CI: 2.19, 4.22), do not washing hands after defecation 2.71 (95%CI: 1.93, 3.82), do not washing hands after touching any body parts 2.41 (95%CI: 1.64, 3.56), do not made medical checkup 2.26 (95%CI: 1.57, 3.25), and do not receive food safety training 1.79 (95%CI: 1.30, 2.45) were factors significantly and positively associated with intestinal parasitic infections.

Conclusion: Parasitic infections among food handlers were significantly high. Untrimmed fingernail, do not washing hands after defecation, do not washing hands after touching any body parts, do not made regular medical checkup and do not receive food safety training were factors that increase the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections.
Simplified Molecular Classification of Lung Adenocarcinomas Based on EGFR, KRAS, and TP53 Mutations
Authors: Ruiz-Cordero Roberto , Ma Junsheng , Khanna Abha , Lyons Genevieve Ray , Rinsurongkawong Waree , Bassett Roland , Guo Ming , Routbort Mark J , Zhang Jianjun , Skoulidis Ferdinandos , Heymach John Victor , Roarty Emily B , Tang Zhenya , Medeiros L. Jeffrey , Patel Keyur P , Luthra Rajyalakshmi , Roy-Chowdhuri Sinchita
Published: January 2020

Background: Gene expression profiling has consistently identified three molecular subtypes of lung adenocarcinoma that have prognostic implications. To facilitate stratification of patients with this disease into similar molecular subtypes, we developed and validated a simple, mutually exclusive classification. Methods: Mutational status of EGFR , KRAS , and TP53 was used to define seven mutually exclusive molecular subtypes. A development cohort of 283 cytology specimens of lung adenocarcinoma was used to evaluate the associations between the proposed classification and clinicopathologic variables including demographic characteristics, smoking history, fluorescence in situ hybridization and molecular results. For validation and prognostic assessment, 63 of the 283 cytology specimens with available survival data were combined with a separate cohort of 428 surgical pathology specimens of lung adenocarcinoma. Results: The proposed classification yielded significant associations between these molecular subtypes and clinical and prognostic features. We found better overall survival in patients who underwent surgery and had tumors enriched for EGFR mutations. Worse overall survival was associated with older age, stage IV disease, and tumors with co-mutations in KRAS and TP53 . Interestingly, neither chemotherapy nor radiation therapy showed benefit to overall survival. Conclusions: The mutational status of EGFR , KRAS , and TP53 can be used to easily classify lung adenocarcinoma patients into seven subtypes that show a relationship with prognosis, especially in patients who underwent surgery, and these subtypes are similar to classifications based on more complex genomic methods reported previously.
Knowledge, attitudes and practices of South Asian immigrants in developed countries regarding oral cancer: An integrative review
Authors: Saraswat Nidhi , Pillay Rona , Everett Bronwyn , George Ajesh
Published: January 2020

Background Oral cancer is a growing problem worldwide, with high incidence rates in South Asian countries. With increasing numbers of South Asian immigrants in developed countries, a possible rise in oral cancer cases is expected given the high prevalence in their source countries and the continued oral cancer risk behaviours of immigrants. The aim of this review is to synthesise existing evidence regarding knowledge, attitudes and practices of South Asian immigrants in developed countries regarding oral cancer. Methods Four electronic databases were systematically searched to identify original, English language articles focussing on oral cancer risk knowledge, attitudes and practices of South Asian immigrants in developed countries. All studies that met the following inclusion criteria were included: conducted among South Asian immigrants in developed countries; explored at least one study outcome (knowledge or attitudes or practices); used either qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods. No restrictions were placed on the publication date, quality and setting of the study. Results A total of 14 studies involving 4224 participants were reviewed. These studies were mainly conducted in the USA, UK, Italy and New Zealand between 1994-2018. Findings were categorised into themes of oral cancer knowledge, attitudes and practices. General lack of oral cancer knowledge (50%-76%) among participants was reported. More than 50% people were found engaging in one or more oral cancer risk practices like smoking, betel quid/pan/guthka chewing. Some of the participants perceived betel quid/pan/guthka chewing habit good for their health (12%-43.6%). Conclusion This review has shown that oral cancer risk practices are prevalent among South Asian immigrants who possess limited knowledge and unfavourable attitude in this area. Culturally appropriate targeted interventions and strategies are needed to raise oral cancer awareness among South Asian communities in developed countries.
Effects of Astragalus injection and Salvia Miltiorrhiza injection on serum inflammatory markers in patients with stable coronary heart disease: a randomized controlled trial study
Authors: Zhihao Luo , Liu Yuntao , Zhao Zhen , Yan Xia , Wang Dawei , Liu Qing
Published: January 2020

Background: Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a clinical syndrome caused by coronary atherosclerosis (AS) or functional changes of coronary arteries. Our previous experimental study found that the main component of Astragalus, Astragaloside IV, and the main component of Salvia Miltiorrhiza, Tanshinone IIA, can effectively improve myocardial ischemic injury. Methods: This study was a prospective, randomized, blinded, parallel design trial. A total of 160 eligible patients were randomized to a treatment group (in three groups) or the placebo control group in a 1:1:1:1 ratio using a central randomization system. Patients will receive appropriate treatment for 7 days within 24 hours after enrollment and follow-up for 28 days. Main evaluation indicators: cell count, serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) level, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), Interleukin-6(IL-6), IL-1β, IL-8, IL-18, IL-10, Tumor necrosis factor(TNF-α), Oxidized low density lipoprotein(OX-LDL), exosome levels, and angina grade and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) symptom changes scale. Secondary evaluation indicators: B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) level, troponin (cTn), muscle enzyme isoenzyme (CK-MB), heart-type fatty acid binding protein (H-FABP), liver function, renal function, blood coagulation and the like. Adverse events will be monitored throughout the trial. Discussion: This is a randomized controlled trial of Chinese herbal extracts for the treatment of coronary heart disease. The results of this trial will provide valuable clinical evidence for the recommendations for disease management and identify its underlying mechanisms.
Expressed demand for healthcare services in regional South Australia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Leach Matthew , Walsh Sandra , Muyambi Kuda , Gillam Marianne , Jones Martin
Published: January 2020

The authors have withdrawn this preprint from Research Square.
Effect of individualized PEEP titration guided by intratidal compliance profile analysis on regional ventilation assessed by electrical impedance tomography – a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Weber Jonas , Gutjahr Jan , Schmidt Johannes , Lozano-Zahonero Sara , Borgmann Silke , Schumann Stefan , Wirth Steffen
Published: January 2020

Background
The application of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) may reduce dynamic strain during mechanical ventilation. Although numerous approaches for PEEP titration have been proposed, there is no accepted strategy for titrating optimal PEEP. By analyzing intratidal compliance profiles, PEEP may be individually titrated for patients.
Methods
After obtaining informed consent, 60 consecutive patients undergoing general anesthesia were randomly allocated to mechanical ventilation with PEEP 5 cmH2O (control group) or PEEP individually titrated, guided by an analysis of the intratidal compliance profile (intervention group). The primary endpoint was the frequency of each nonlinear intratidal compliance (CRS) profile of the respiratory system (horizontal, increasing, decreasing, and mixed). The secondary endpoints measured were respiratory mechanics, hemodynamic variables, and regional ventilation, which was assessed via electrical impedance tomography.
Results
The frequencies of the CRS profiles were comparable between the groups. Besides PEEP [control: 5.0 (0.0), intervention: 5.8 (1.1) cmH2O, p < 0.001], the respiratory and hemodynamic variables were comparable between the two groups. The compliance profile analysis showed no significant differences between the two groups. The loss of ventral and dorsal regional ventilation was higher in the control [ventral: 41.0 (16.3)%; dorsal: 25.9 (13.8)%] than in the intervention group [ventral: 29.3 (17.6)%; dorsal: 16.4 (12.7)%; p (ventral) = 0.039, p (dorsal) = 0.028].
Conclusions
Unfavorable compliance profiles indicating tidal derecruitment were found less often than in earlier studies. Individualized PEEP titration resulted in slightly higher PEEP. A slight global increase in aeration associated with this was indicated by regional gain and loss analysis. Differences in dorsal to ventral ventilation distribution were not found.
Expansion of sweet taste receptor genes in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) coincided with vegetarian adaptation
Authors: Yuan Xiao-Chen , Liang Xu-Fang , Cai Wen-Jing , He Shan , Guo Wen-Jie , Mai Kang-Sen
Published: January 2020

Background: Taste is fundamental to diet selection in vertebrates. Genetic basis of sweet taste receptor in the shaping of food habits has been extensively studied in mammals and birds, but scarcely studied in fishes. Grass carp is an excellent model for studying vegetarian adaptation, as it exhibits food habit transition from carnivory to herbivory. Results: We identified six sweet taste receptors (gcT1R2A-F) in grass carp. The four gcT1R2s (gcT1R2C-F) have been suggested to be evolved from and paralogous to the two original gcT1R2s (gcT1R2A and gcT1R2B). All gcT1R2s were expressed in taste organs and mediated glucose-, fructose- or arginine-induced intracellular calcium signaling, revealing they were functional. In addition, grass carp was performed to prefer fructose to glucose under a behavioral experiment. Parallelly, compared with gcT1R2A-F/gcT1R3 co-transfected cells, gcT1R2C-F/gcT1R3 co-transfected cells showed a higher response to plant-specific fructose. Moreover, food habit transition from carnivory to herbivory in grass carp was accompanied by increased gene expression of certain gcT1R2s.Conclusions: We suggested that the gene expansion of T1R2s in grass carp was an adaptive strategy to accommodate the change in food environment. Moreover, the selected gene expression of gcT1R2s might drive the food habit transition from carnivory to herbivory in grass carp. This study provided some evolutional and physiological clues for the formation of herbivory in grass carp.
Multilocus phylogeny and cryptic diversity of white-toothed shrews (Mammalia, Eulipotyphla, Crocidura) in China
Authors: Chen shunde , Qing Jiao , Liu Zhu , Liu Yang , Tang Mingkun , Murphy Robert W , Pu Yingting , Wang Xuming , Tang Keyi , Guo Keji , Jiang xuelong , Liu shaoying
Published: January 2020

Background:Crocidura, the most speciose mammalian genus, occurs across much of Asia, Europe and Africa. The taxonomy of Chinese representatives has been studied primarily based on cursory morphological comparisons and their molecular phylogenetic analyses remain unexplored. In order to understand the phylogeny of this group in China, we estimated the first multilocus phylogeny and conducted species delimitation, including taxon sampling throughout their distribution range.Results:We obtained one mitochondrial gene (cytb) (~ 1, 134 bp) and three nuclear genes (ApoB,BRCA1,RAG1) (~ 2, 170 bp) for 132 samples from 57 localities. Molecular analyses identified at least 14 putative species that occur within two major well-supported groups in China. PolyphyleticC. wuchihensisappears to be composed of two putative species. Two subspecies,C. rapax rapaxandC. rapax kurodaishould be elevated to full species status. A phylogenetic tree based on mitochondrial gene from AsianCrociduraspecies showedthat theC. rapax rapaxis embedded withinC. attenuata, making the latter a paraphyletic group.Three strongly supported undescribed species (C.sp.1,C.sp.2 andC.sp.3) are revealed from Zada County of Tibet (Western China), Hongjiang County of Hunan Province (Central China) and Dongyang County of Zhejiang Province (Eastern China), Motuo County of Tibet, respectively. The divergence time estimation suggested that China’sCrociduraspecies began to diversify during the late Pliocene (3.66 Ma) and the Early Pleistocene (2.29 Ma), followed by a series of diversifications through the Pleistocene.Conclusions:The cryptic diversity found in this study indicated that the number of species is strongly underestimated under the current taxonomy. We propose that the three undescribed species should be evaluated using extensive taxon sampling and comprehensive morphological and morphometric approaches. Climate change since the late Pliocene and the uplift of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau may result in the diversification and speciation of China’sCrociduraspecies. In short, the underestimated diversity underlines the need for a taxonomic revision of ChineseCrociduraspecies.
Perceptions and practices of general practitioners on providing oral health care to people with diabetes - A qualitative study
Authors: Poudel Prakash , Griffiths Rhonda , Wong Vincent W , Flack Jeff R , Arora Amit , Khoo Chee L , George Ajesh
Published: January 2020

Background Poorly controlled diabetes leads to multiple complications including oral health problems. General practitioners (GPs) are at the forefront of management of chronic diseases in primary health care. Diabetes guidelines encourage a proactive role for GPs in oral health complications management in people with diabetes, yet little is known about this area of care. This study aimed to explore current practices, perceptions and barriers of GPs towards oral health care for people with diabetes. Methods We employed a qualitative research method utilising telephone interviews. Purposive and snowball sampling were used to recruit 12 GPs from Greater Sydney region. A thematic analysis involving an inductive approach was used to identify and analyse contextual patterns and themes. Results A majority of participants were males (n=10), working in group practices (n=11) with a mean±SD age of 55±11.4 years and 25±13.6 years work experience. Three major themes emerged: oral health care practices in general practice settings; barriers and enablers to oral health care; and role of diabetes care providers in promoting oral health. Most GPs acknowledged the importance of oral health care for people with diabetes, identifying their compromised immune capacity and greater risks of infections as risk factors. GPs reported 20-30% of their patients having oral health problems, however their current oral health care practices relating to education, risk assessment and referrals were reported as very limited. GPs identified several barriers including time constraints, absence of referral pathways, and limited knowledge and training in promoting oral health care. They also reported patient barriers including oral health care costs and lower oral health awareness. GPs perceived that resources such as education/training, a standardised assessment tool and patient education materials could support them in promoting oral health care. GPs also perceived that other diabetes care providers such as diabetes educators could play an important role in promoting oral health. Conclusions Despite current recommendations, GPs' current oral health care practices among people with diabetes are limited. Further strategies including capacity building GPs by developing appropriate oral health training programs and simple risk assessment tools along with accessible referral pathways are needed to address the current barriers.
Coronary heart disease mortality is decreasing in Argentina, and Colombia, but keeps increasing in Mexico: a time trend study
Authors: Arroyo-Quiroz Carmen , Barrientos-Gutierrez Tonatiuh , O'Flaherty Martin , Guzman-Castillo Maria , Mejia Lina Sofia Palacio , Saldarriaga Elkin de Jesus Osorio , Rodriguez Andrea Yanira Rodriguez
Published: January 2020

Background: Mortality rates due to coronary heart disease (CHD) have decreased in most countries, but increased in low and middle-income countries. Few studies have analyzed the trends of coronary heart disease mortality in Latin America, specifically the trends in young-adults and the effect of correcting these comparisons for nonspecific causes of death (garbage codes). The objective of this study was to describe and compare standardized, age-specific, and garbage-code corrected mortality trends for coronary heart disease from 1985 to 2015 in Argentina, Colombia, and Mexico. Methods: Deaths from coronary heart disease were grouped by country, year of registration, sex, and 10-year age bands to calculate age-adjusted and age and sex-specific rates for adults aged ≥25. We corrected for garbage-codes using the methodology proposed by the Global Burden of Disease. Finally, we fitted Joinpoint regression models.Results: In 1985, age-standardized mortality rates per 100,000 population were 136.6 in Argentina, 160.6 in Colombia, and 87.51 in Mexico; by 2015 rates decreased 51% in Argentina and 6.5% in Colombia, yet increased by 61% in Mexico, where an upward trend in mortality was observed in young adults. Garbage-code corrections produced increases in mortality rates, particularly in Argentina with approximately 80 additional deaths per 100,000, 14 in Colombia and 13 in Mexico.Conclusions: Latin American countries are at different stages of the cardiovascular disease epidemic. Garbage code correction produce large changes in the mortality rates in Argentina, yet smaller in Mexico and Colombia, suggesting garbage code corrections may be needed for specific countries. While coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality is falling in Argentina, modest falls in Colombia and substantial increases in Mexico highlight the need for the region to propose and implement population-wide prevention policies.
Identification of two recessive etiolation genes (py1, py2) in pakchoi (Brassica rapa L. ssp. chinensis)
Authors: Zhang Kun , Mu Yu , Li Weijia , Shan Xiaofei , Wang Nan , Feng Hui
Published: January 2020

Background:Leaf color is a major agronomic trait, which has a strong influence on crop yields. Isolating leaf color mutants can represent valuable materials for research in chlorophyll biosynthesis and metabolism regulation.Results:In this study, we identified a stably inherited yellow leaf mutant derived from ‘Huaguan’ pakchoi variety via isolated microspore culture and designated aspylm. This mutant displayed yellow leaves after germination. Its etiolated phenotype was nonlethal and stable during the whole growth period. Its growth was weak and its hypocotyls were markedly elongated. Genetic analysis revealed that two recessive nuclear genes, namedpy1andpy2, are responsible for the etiolation phenotype. Bulked segregant RNA sequencing (BSR-Seq) showed thatpy1andpy2were mapped on chromosomes A09 and A07, respectively. The genes were single Mendelian factors in F3:4populations based on a 3:1 phenotypic segregation ratio. Thepy1was localized to a 258.3-kb interval on a 34-gene genome. The differentially expressed geneBraA09004189was detected in thepy1mapping region and regulated heme catabolism. One single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) ofBraA09004189occurred inpylm.A candidate gene-specific SNP marker in 1,520 F3:4yellow-colored individuals co-segregated withpy1. Forpy2, 1,860 recessive homozygous F3:4individuals were investigated and localizedpy2to a4.4-kb interval. Of the five genes in this region,BraA07001774waspredicted as a candidate forpy2.It encoded anembryo defective 1187and a phosphotransferase related to chlorophyll deficiency and hypocotyl elongation. One SNP ofBraA07001774occurred inpylm.It caused a single amino acid mutation from Asp to Asn. According to quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR),BraA07001774was downregulated inpylm.Conclusions:Our study identified a Chl deficiency mutantpylmin pakchoi. Two recessive nuclear genes namedpy1andpy2had a significant effect on etiolation.Candidate genes regulating etiolation were identified asBraA09004189andBraA07001774, respectively. These findings will elucidate chlorophyll metabolism and the molecular mechanisms of the gene interactions controlling pakchoi etiolation.
Tuberculosis Treatment Outcome in Patients with Tb-hiv Co-infection in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Authors: Selimin Diana Safraa , Ismail Aniza , Ahmad Norfazilah , Ismail Rohani , Azman Nurul Farhana Mohd , Azman Amaleena
Published: January 2020

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious health threat to people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Directly observed treatment, short course (DOTS) is one of many efforts done as part of ending TB, in which all confirmed TB sputum smear positive cases properly given treatment and monitored by the healthcare providers or family members to ensure treatment adherence. This study aimed to identify the characteristics, to determine the rate of unsuccessful TB treatment rate and to determine determinants of unsuccessful TB treatment outcome among patients with TB-HIV co-infection in Kuala Lumpur.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. The data of all patients with TB-HIV co-infection in the federal territory of Kuala Lumpur from 2013 to 2017 were collected and reviewed. The data were retrieved from the national database (TB Information System) at the Kuala Lumpur Health Department from 1 March 2018 to 31 May 2018.Results: Out of 235 randomly selected patients with TB-HIV co-infection, TB treatment outcome was successful in 57.9% (cured and completed treatment) and unsuccessful in 42.1% (died, failed or defaulted treatment). Patients who did not receive DOTS (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 21.71; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.36–87.94) and those who received shorter treatment duration of <6 months (aOR 34.54; 95% CI: 5.97–199.93) had higher odds for unsuccessful TB treatment outcome.Conclusions: Nearly half of the patients with TB-HIV co-infection had unsuccessful TB treatment outcome. Therefore, it is important to ensure that such patients receive DOTS and continuous TB treatment of >6 months. It is crucial to strengthen and widen the coverage of DOTS, especially among high-risk groups, in healthcare settings. Strict follow-up by healthcare providers is needed for patients with TB-HIV co-infection to gain treatment adherence and for better rates of successful TB treatment.
Daily Physical Activity and Related Risk Factors in COPD
Authors: Albarrati Ali , Gale NS , Munnery M , Cockcroft JR , Shale Dennis
Published: January 2020

Background : Factors associated with reduced daily physical activity (DPA) in patients with COPD are still controversial. Physical inactivity in COPD increases risk of cardiovascular disease, frequent exacerbations, reduced health status, and increased symptoms. We hypothesised that reduced DPA in patients with COPD is independent of traditional risk factors including age and spirometry. Methods : In this cross-sectional study, DPA (over 7 days) was assessed on 88 community stable patients with COPD and 40 controls free from cardiorespiratory disease. Spirometry, body composition, number of exacerbations, handgrip strength (HGS), modified Medical Research Council (mMRC), arterial stiffness, 6-minute walking distance (6MWD) and BODE index were also determined. Frequent exacerbation was defined as ≥2 and non-frequent exacerbation <2. Results : Patients with COPD had reduced DPA and exercise capacity compared with controls similar in age, BMI and gender, p<0.001. Frequent exacerbators had less DPA than infrequent exacerbators and both less than controls, p<0.001. Patients with higher BODE index were less active than those with lower index. Time spent on moderate activity was related to cardiovascular risk factors including arterial stiffness. The DPA in patients was independent of age, gender, spirometry, body composition and HGS, p>0.05. The level of breathlessness was superior to lung function in predicting the level of DPA. Conclusion : The level of DPA in COPD was independent of traditional risk factors. Breathlessness score is a better predictor of the DPA than lung function and handgrip strength.
Factors associated with seeking post-abortion care among women in Guangzhou, China
Authors: Wang Hui , Liu Yan , Xiong Ribo
Published: January 2020

Background: In China, the vast majority of induced abortion is performed in public hospitals. However, post-abortion care (PAC) services are provided through the national network of family planning clinics, which are independent of the health care system. The integration of PAC services into abortion clinics in public hospitals is a new concept. This study was aimed to assess post-abortion care (PAC) utilization among abortion patients, and identify the possible factors affecting PAC uptake in Guangzhou, China. Methods: A cross-sectional survey study was conducted at the Tianhe district of Guangzhou during the period of June to September, 2018. The multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the factors that influenced PAC utilization.Results: The PAC counseling rate of subjects was noted as 42.1% before left the health care facilities. Meanwhile, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that unmarried women, women with local household registration, women perceive that fertility could return sooner after abortion and women themselves as the main decider on PAC use were significantly associated with PAC utilization. Conclusions: The utilization rate of PAC was low in Guangzhou, China. There’s an urgent need to develop high-quality PAC services. It should be improved to provide better access for migrant women. The involvement of male partners in counseling is also needed.
Height predict incident non-alcoholic fatty liver disease among general adult population in Tianjin, China, independent of body mass index, waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, and metabolic syndrome
Authors: Kumari Shubham , Wang Xuena , Liu Yunyun , Gu Yeqing , Huang Yuhan , Zhang Qing , Liu Li , Meng Ge , Wu Hongmei , Sun Shaomei , Wang Xing , Zhou Ming , Jia Qiyu , Wang Guolin , Song Kun , Niu Kaijun
Published: January 2020

Background : Early-life hormonal and nutritional factors can greatly influence the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Adult height is a simple marker for these factors. This study aimed to investigate the association between adult height and NAFLD. Methods : We performed a prospective cohort study of 35,994 participants aged 25 years or over with measured height at baseline. NAFLD was diagnosed by abdominal ultrasound and self-reported history of alcohol intake. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were conducted to assess the gender-specific association between height and the risk of NAFLD. Results: During a follow-up period of 5.5 years, 6 ,245 of 35,994 subjects developed NAFLD. The adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) of NAFLD for increasing quintiles of height were 1.00 (reference), 0.82 (0.73, 0.92), 0.84 (0.73, 0.97), 0.72 (0.61, 0.85) and 0.63 (0.50, 0.79) ( P for trend < 0.0001) in males, and 1.00 (reference), 1.00 (reference), 0.80 (0.69, 0.91), 0.72 (0.61, 0.85), 0.60 (0.49, 0.74) and 0.45 (0.35, 0.59) ( P for trend <0.0001) in females, respectively. Conclusions: A higher adult height was associated with lower risk of NAFLD among males and females in Tianjin, China.
Ischemic stroke with a preceding Trans ischemic attack(TIA) less than 24 hours and thrombolytic therapy
Authors: Poupore Nicolas , Strat Dan , Mackey Tristan , Snell Ashley , Nathaniel Thomas
Published: January 2020

Background Acute ischemic stroke attack with and without a recent TIA within or less than 24 hours may differ in clinical risk factors, and this may affect treatment outcomes following thrombolytic therapy. We examined whether the odds of exclusion or inclusion for thrombolytic therapy are greater in ischemic stroke with TIA less than 24 hours preceding ischemic stroke(TIA-24hr-ischemic stroke patients) as compared to those without recent TIA or non-TIA <24 hours. Methods A retrospective hospital-based analysis was conducted on 6,315 ischemic stroke patients, of whom 846 had proven brain diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) of an antecedent TIA within 24 hours prior to ischemic stroke. The logistic regression model was developed to generate odds ratios (OR) to determine clinical factors that may increase the likelihood of exclusion or inclusion for thrombolytic therapy. The validity of the model was tested using a Hosmer-Lemeshow test, while the Receiver Operating Curve (ROC) was used to test the sensitivity of our model. Results In TIA-24hr-ischemic stroke population, patients with a history of alcohol abuse (OR = 5.525, 95% CI, 1.003-30.434, p = 0.05), migraine (OR=4.277, 95% CI, 1.095-16.703, p=0.037), and increasing NIHSS score (OR=1.156, 95% CI, 1.058-1.263, p = 0.001) were associated with the increasing odds of receiving rtPA, while older patients (OR = 0.965, 95% CI, 0.934‐0.997, P = 0.033) were associated with the increasing odds of not receiving rtPA. Conclusion In TIA-24hr-ischemic stroke patients, older patients with higher INR values are associated with increasing odds of exclusion from thrombolytic therapy. Our findings demonstrate clinical risks factors that can be targeted to improve the use and eligibility for rtPA in in TIA-24hr-ischemic stroke patients.
A predictive model for treatment response in patients with locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma after concurrent chemoradiotherapy: based on SUVmean and NLR
Authors: wang chunsheng , Zhao Kewei , Hu Shanliang , Huang Yong , Ma Li , Song Yipeng , Author) Minghuan Li(New Corresponding
Published: January 2020

Background: We conducted this study to combine the mean standardized uptake value (SUVmean) and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) to establish a strong predictive model for patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) after concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT).
Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 163 newly diagnosed ESCC patients treated with CCRT. Eighty patients (training set) were randomly selected to generate cut-off SUVmean and NLR values by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and to establish a predictive model by using the independent predictors of treatment outcomes. Then, we evaluated the performance of the prediction model regarding treatment outcomes in the testing set (n=83) and in all sets.
Results: A high SUVmean (>5.81) and high NLR (> 2.42) at diagnosis were associated with unfavorable treatment outcomes in patients with ESCC. The prediction model had a better performance than the simple parameters (p<0.05). With a cut-off value of 0.77, the prediction model significantly improved the specificity and positive predictive value for treatment response (88.9% and 92.1% in the training set, 95.8% and 97.1% in the testing set, and 92.2% and 91.8% in all sets, respectively).
Conclusions: The pretreatment SUVmean and NLR were independent predictors of treatment response in ESCC patients treated with CCRT. The predictive model was constructed based on these two parameters and provides a highly accurate tool for predicting patient outcomes.
Individual and community level factors associated with unmet need for contraception among married reproductive age women in Ethiopia. A multilevel analysis using 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Anagaw Melaku Yalew , Desta Bezawit Adane , Abitew Bereket Kefale , Sinishaw Yitayish Damtie
Published: January 2020

Background: There is limited evidence on unmet need to contraceptive among married reproductive age women especially in developing countries like Ethiopia. Thus, this study aimed to assess individual and community level factors associated with unmet need for contraception among married women of reproductive age in Ethiopia, EDHS 2016 dataset, 2019. Method: A secondary analysis was done on Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (2016) dataset by using cross sectional study design. A total of 9125 women who were married, fecund and/or sexually active were included in the analysis. Multilevel mixed-effect logistic regression analysis was done by STATA version 14.0 to identify individual and community level factors. Adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was used to show the strength and direction of association and statistical significance was declared at P value less than 0.05. Result: Factors significantly associated with unmet need were; ages between 15-19 years [AOR=2.25, 95% CI: (1.34, 3.79)], greater than or equal to three living children [AOR=1.87, 95 % CI: (1.40, 2.49)], belong to richer household [AOR=0.73, 95% CI: (0.54, 0.97)], Muslim followers [AOR=1.37, 95% CI: (1.02, 1.83)], married more than once [AOR=1.31, 95 % CI: (1.06, 1.62)]. From community level variables, belong to Somali region [AOR=0.34, 95% CI: (0.19, 0.61)] were significantly associated with unmet need. Conclusion: Both individual and community-level factors were significant determinants of unmet need. From individual level factors; ages of women, number of living children, religion, married more than once and wealth of house hold and from community level variables; region was significantly associated with unmet need for contraception. The findings suggested that health care providers should mainly focus on women nearly on menopauses, who live in the poorest household and who had many number of living children and married more than once to decrease unmet need to contraceptive.
Development of A Guideline for Reporting Mediation Analyses (AGReMA)
Authors: Author) Aidan G Cashin(Former Corresponding , McAuley James H , Lamb Sarah E , Hopewell Sally , Kamper Steven J , Williams Christopher M , Henschke Nicholas , Author) Hopin Lee(New Corresponding
Published: January 2020

Background There are a growing number of studies using mediation analysis to understand the mechanisms of health interventions and exposures. Recent work has shown that the reporting of these studies is heterogenous and incomplete. This problem stifles clinical application, reproducibility, and evidence synthesis. This paper describes the processes and methods that will be used to develop a guideline for reporting studies of mediation analyses (AGReMA). Methods/Design AGReMA will be developed over five overlapping stages. Stage one will comprise a systematic review to examine relevant evidence on the quality of reporting in published studies that use mediation analysis. In the second stage we will consult a group of methodologists and applied researchers by using a Delphi process to identify items that should be considered for inclusion in AGReMA. The third stage will involve a consensus meeting to consolidate and prioritise key items to be included in AGReMA. The fourth stage will involve production of AGReMA and an accompanying explanation and elaboration document. In the final stage we will disseminate the AGReMA statement via journals, conferences, and professional meetings across multiple disciplines. Discussion The development and implementation of AGReMA will improve the standardization, transparency, and completeness in the reporting of studies that use mediation analysis to understand the mechanisms of health interventions and exposures.
Allo-HSCT compared with immunosuppressive therapy for acquired aplastic anemia: Is superiority a one-sided understanding?
Authors: Zhu Yangmin , Gao Qingyan , Hu Jing , Guan Dongrui , Liu Xu , Zhang Fengkui
Published: January 2020

Acquired aplastic anemia (AA) is a rare hematologic disease characterized by a profound pancytopenia and hypocellular bone marrow. To comprehensively compare the efﬁcacy and safety of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) with immunosuppressive therapy (IST) as a front-line treatment for patients with AA. We searched the Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Registry of Controlled Trials databases from January 2000 to March 2019. Studies comparing allo-HSCT with IST as a first-line therapy for patients with AA were included. Fifteen studies including a total of 5336 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled hazard ratio (HR) for overall survival (OS) was 0.4 (95% CI 0.074–0.733, P = 0.016, I2 = 58.8%) and the pooled HR for failure-free survival (FFS) was 1.962 (95% CI 1.43–2.493, P = 0.000, I2 = 0%). The pooled relative risk (RR) for overall response rate (ORR) was 1.691 (95% CI 1.433–1.996, P = 0.000, I2 = 11.6%). Although survival was significantly longer among AA patients undergoing first-line allo-HSCT compared to those undergoing first-line IST, the selection of initial treatment for patients with newly diagnosed AA still requires comprehensive evaluation of donor availability, patient age, expected quality of life, risk of disease relapse or clonal evolution after IST, and potential use of adjunctive eltrombopag.
Outcome of intravitreal bevacizumab injection without pre and postoperative antibiotics
Authors: Shrestha Ruchi , Karki Pratap , Joshi Sagun Narayan
Published: January 2020

Backgound Intravitreal injections are the most common treatment modality for several retinal pathologies. Despite endophthalmitis being the most feared complication, antibioprophylaxis remains controversial in intravitreal injections.Methods This was a retrospective study done for a period of 2 years from 1st January 2017 to 31st December 2018 in BPKLCOS among patients receiving intravitreal bevacizumab. The intravitreal injection was given by a single surgeon. It included 503 eyes which received intravitreal bevacizumab over a period of 2 years without pre and postoperative antibiotics.Results Out of 503 eyes studied over a period of 2 years without antibiotic prophylaxis the rate of endophthalmitis was 0.0019% which is very low compared to the other studies with rate of endophthalmitis between 0.019-0.09%.Conclusion The rate of endophthalmitis doesn’t increase after giving intravitreal injections without the use of preoperative/postoperative prophylactic antibiotics. Intravitreal injection can be given safely without pre-operative and post-operative antibiotics. Trial Registration not applicable as it is a retrospective study.
In vitro transcription and micro-injection of Kdm4a mRNA into mouse oocytes
Authors: SANKAR ADITYA
Published: January 2020

This experiment describes the in vitro transcription of Kdm4a wildtype and H188A catalytic dead mRNA. This details also its subsequent injection into mouse oocytes followed my IVF to track the impact on embryo development. The procedure is technically challenging and performed by the Transgenic Core Facility at the University of Copenhagen. Oocytes have a poorer survival rate following mRNA inject as against zygotes. However the objective was to demonstrate the earliest stage of intervention to rescue developmental failure of KDM4A maternal zygotic mutant embryos
ChIP-Seq data processing, normalization and visualization
Authors: SANKAR ADITYA , Lerdrup Mads
Published: January 2020

This article explains the step-by-step processing of NGS data of ChIPSeq samples for H3K4me3, H3K9me3 and H3K36me3 immunoprecipitations performed in oocytes/embryos. This includes sections on visualization of data, and a comment on normalization.the associated raw data have been deposited at GSE129735 on Gene Expression Omnibus.
Single oocyte/embryo RNASeq data processing
Authors: SANKAR ADITYA , Johansen Jens Vilstrup
Published: January 2020

This procotol details the step-by-step procedures followed to process the single oocyte/embryo mRNASeq and 2-cell embryo Total RNASeq data generated using the SMARTSeq2 technology in the associated publication.
Comparison of power-free-chop and phaco-chop techniques for moderate nucleus
Authors: Bai Haiqing , Yao Lin
Published: January 2020

Background: To compare intraoperative and postoperative effects of power-free-chop and phaco-chop techniques for moderate nucleus in phacoemulsification sugery. Methods: Sixty patients were evaluated in 2 groups prospectively. The power-free-chop technique was performed in Group 1 (30 eyes) and the phaco-chop technique in Group 2 (30 eyes). There were no significant differerces between these 2 groups. The cumulative dissipated energy (CDE), time to achieve maximum vision, corneal thickness variation, and time to return to the preoperative values were collected. All parameters were statistically compared in these 2 groups by using the chi-square test and the independent-sample t test. Results: The CDE was 5.53±1.92J in Group 1 and 7.02±1.77J in Group 2. After the operation, the mean time to recover to the maximum vision was 2.80±1.42 days in Group 1 and 3.80±1.92 days in Group 2 respectively. The mean postoperative corneal thickness increased 36.9±14.74μm in Group1 and 46.20±20.67μm in Group 2. And the mean time to return to preoperative pachymetry values were 3.73±1.70 days and 4.83±2.11 days, in Group 1 and Group 2 respectively. There were significant differences in these parameters between both groups. Conclusions: The power-free-chop technique had fewer negative effects on the corneal endothelium as less ultrasound power was used for moderate nucleus cases. This can accelerate the functional healing process and the return to preoperative physiologic values.
Long-term ambient air pollutant exposure and risk of migraine and recurrent headache in children: A 12-year cohort study
Authors: Hong Syuan-Yu , Wan Lei , Lin Hui-Ju , Lin Cheng-Li , Wei Chang-Ching
Published: January 2020

Background Although research has suggested environmental factors to be triggers of headache, the contribution of long-term air pollution exposure to migraine and recurrent headaches (migraine/headaches) is poorly understood. Hence, we executed this nationwide cohort study to investigate the association of levels of ambient air pollution with the incidence and the risk of migraine/headaches in Taiwan children from 2000 to 2012. Methods We collected data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database and linked them to the Taiwan Air Quality Monitoring Database. Overall 218,008 children aged <18 (0-17) years old were identified from January 1, 2000 and then followed until they were diagnosed by a physician >=3 times with migraine/headaches or until December 31, 2012. We categorized the annual average concentration of each air pollutant (fine particulate matter, total hydrocarbon, methane, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide) into quartiles (Q1-Q4). We measured the incidence rate, hazard ratios (HRs), and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals for migraine/headaches stratified by the quartiles. Results A total of 28037 children (12.9%) were identified with migraine/headaches. The incidence rate and adjusted HR for migraine/headaches increased with higher-level exposure of air pollutants, except sulfur dioxide. Conclusions We herein demonstrate that long-term ambient air pollutant exposure might be a risk factor for childhood migraine/headaches.
Physical activity and 4-year changes in body weight in 52,498 non-obese people: The Lifelines Cohort
Authors: Byambasukh Oyuntugs , Vinke Petra , Kromhout Daan , Navis Gerjan , Corpeleijn Eva
Published: January 2020

Objectives: We investigated associations between daily-life physical activity (PA) and prospective weight gain in non-obese people. We also examined whether these associations were independent of other lifestyle factors and changes in muscle mass and whether they were age-dependent and changed over a person’s life course. Methods: The data were extracted from the Lifelines cohort study (N=52,498; 43.5% men) and excluded obese individuals (BMI>30kg/m 2 ). We used the validated SQUASH questionnaire to estimate moderate-to-vigorous (MVPA; MET≥4), moderate (MPA; MET between 4 and 6.5) and vigorous PA (VPA; MET≥6.5) within non-occupational (commuting and leisure) and occupational domains. Body weight was objectively measured and changes were standardized to a 4-year period. Separate analyses, adjusted for age, educational level, diet, smoking, alcohol consumption and changes in creatinine excretion (a marker of muscle mass), were performed for men and women. Results: The average weight gain was +0.45±0.03 kg in women. Relative to each reference groups (No-MVPA, No-MPA and No-VPA), non-occupational MVPA (Beta (95%CI): -0.34 kg (-0.56;-0.13)), MPA (-0.32 kg (-0.54;-0.10)) and VPA (-0.30 kg (-0.43;-0.18)) were associated with less gain in body weight in women after adjusting for potential confounders, described above. These associations were dose-dependent when physically active individuals were divided in tertiles. Beta-coefficients (95%CI) for the lowest, middle, and highest MVPA tertiles relative to the ‘No-MVPA’ were, respectively, -0.24 (-0.47;-0.02), -0.31 (-0.53;-0.08), and -0.38 (-0.61;-0.16) kg. The average weight gain in men was +0.13±0.03 kg, and only non-occupational VPA was associated with less body weight gain. Beta-coefficients (95%CI) for the VPA tertiles relative to the ‘No-VPA’ group were, respectively, -0.25 (-0.42;-0.09), -0.19 (-0.38;-0.01) and -0.20 (-0.38;-0.02) kg. However, after adjusting for potential confounders, the association was no longer significant in men. The potential benefits of non-occupational PA were age-stratified and mainly observed in younger adults (men: <35 years; women: <55 years). Moreover, occupational MVPA was not associated with favourable changes in body weight in males and females. Conclusion: Higher non-occupational MVPA, MPA, and VPA were associated with less weight gain in women <55 years. In younger men (<35 years), only non-occupational VPA was associated with less weight gain.