bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spectrum of Alpha Thalassemia Alleles in Kuwait
Authors: Adekile Adekunle , Sukumaran Jalaja , Thomas Diana , De Souza Thomas , Haider Mohammad 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: The frequency of alpha thalassemia trait is about 40% in the Kuwaiti population, but there has been no comprehensive study of the prevalent alleles. This is a report of the patients who were referred for molecular diagnosis over a 20-year period. Methods: Blood samples from suspected cases were sent to the Hemoglobin Research Laboratory of the Department of Pediatrics, Kuwait University. A retrospective study of the molecular characterization of samples from 1994 to 2015 was carried out. The alpha globin genotypes were determined by a combination of PCR, allele-specific oligonucleotide hybridization and reverse dot-blot hybridization (Vienna Lab Strip Assay). Results: 400 samples were characterized and analyzed from individuals aged <1 month to 80 years, with a median of 6 years (~60% children and adolescents). Most (90.8%) were Kuwaiti nationals. The common genotype was homozygosity for the polyadenylation-1 mutation (αPA-1α/α PA-1α) in 33.3%, followed by heterozygosity (αα/α PA-1α) for the same mutation in 32.3%. The PA-1 was therefore the most frequent allele (0.733). The frequency of the α0, –MED was 0.19. Rare alleles that were found in very low frequencies included the α0 (--FIL) in a Filipino child, Hb Constant Spring, Hb Adana,and Hb Icaria. Conclusion: There is a wide variety of alpha thalassemia alleles among Kuwaitis, but the nondeletional PA-1 is by far the most common cause of moderate to severe HbH disease phenotype. The α0 (–MED) allele is also encountered, which has implications for pre-marital counselling especially the possibility of having babies with alpha thalassemia major (Barts hydrops fetalis).
Noninvasive Oxygenation Strategies in Adult Patients with Acute Respiratory Failure: A Protocol for a Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis
Authors: Ferreyro Bruno Leonel , Angriman Federico , Munshi Laveena , Sorbo Lorenzo del , Ferguson Niall D , Rochwerg Bram , Ryu Michelle , Saskin Refik , Wunsch Hannah , Costa Bruno R da , Scales Damon C 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Acute hypoxemic respiratory failure is one of the leading causes of intensive care unit admission and associated with high mortality. Non-invasive oxygenation strategies such as high flow nasal cannula, standard oxygen therapy and non-invasive ventilation (delivered by either face mask or helmet interface) are widely available interventions applied in these patients. It remains unclear which of these interventions are more effective in decreasing rates of invasive mechanical ventilation and mortality. The primary objective of this network meta-analysis is to summarize the evidence and compare the effect of non-invasive oxygenation strategies on mortality and need for invasive mechanical ventilation in patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure. Methods: We will search key databases for randomized controlled trials assessing the effect of non-invasive oxygenation strategies in adult patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure. We will exclude studies in which the primary focus is either acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or cardiogenic pulmonary edema. The primary outcome will be all-cause mortality (longest available up to 90 days). The secondary outcomes will be receipt of invasive mechanical ventilation (longest available up to 30 days). We will assess the risk of bias for each of the outcomes using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Bayesian network meta-analyses will be conducted to obtain pooled estimates of head-to-head comparisons. We will report pairwise and network meta-analysis treatment effect estimates as risk ratios and 95% credible intervals. Subgroup analyses will be conducted examining key populations including immunocompromised hosts. Sensitivity analyses will be conducted by excluding those studies with high risk of bias and different etiologies of acute respiratory failure. We will assess certainty in effect estimates using GRADE methodology. Discussion : This study will help to guide clinical decision making when caring for adult patients with AHRF and improve our understanding of the limitations of the available literature assessing noninvasive oxygenation strategies in acute hypoxemic respiratory failure.
Risk Perception and Behavior in Egyptian Adolescent Pesticide Applicators: An Intervention Study
Authors: Rohlman Diane S , Davis Jonathan W , Ismail Ahmed , Rasoul Gaafar Abdel , Hendy Olfat , Olson James R , Bonner Matthew R 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Adolescents are engaged in agricultural work, including pesticide application, around the world. Adolescent pesticide applicators are more likely to be exposed to pesticides than their adult counterparts because of their application practice and hygiene habits surrounding pesticide use. There is a need for low-cost interventions to reduce pesticide exposure. We evaluated a theoretically based educational intervention to change perceptions about the risk of pesticide use and hygiene habits during and after pesticide application for adolescent and young adult pesticide applicators in Egypt.
Methods: Young adult and adolescent male pesticide applicators were given a one-hour educational intervention to inform them about the risk of pesticide use and how to reduce pesticide exposure. The median age of participants was 18 years old. Changes in perceived susceptibility and effectiveness were measured with a survey pre and post-intervention (n=119) on the same day. The same survey (n=95) was given 8-month post-intervention to identify sustained effects. Observational checklists of pesticide application practice were also completed during application seasons before and after the intervention.
Results: There was an increase in the proportion of individuals who viewed pesticides as being a long-term health risk (74.7% pre-intervention to 97.9% post-intervention, McNemar test p<0.001). This change remained significant when surveyed at the 8-month follow-up (90.5%, p<0.001). There was also a sustained improvement in regard to participant’s view of proper hygiene practice surrounding pesticide application. Applicators were observed wearing goggles, shoes, and mask more frequently post-intervention.
Conclusion: This theoretically based intervention is an example of a low-cost solution that can improve adolescent and young adult’s practices regarding pesticide application and personal hygiene practice during and after pesticide application. The intervention can be applied in other countries with similar safety culture surrounding pesticide application.
The impact of informing diagnosis on quality of life in patients with cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wan Miao , Luo Xianggui , MVOGO Louis.B NDZANA , Wang Juan , Chang Chen , Li Zhenfen , Zhang Jianglin 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Objective

To assess the impact of informing diagnosis and disease status on the quality of life in patients with cancer

Method

We searched the follow databases, Pubmed, CENTRAL(Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), PsycINFO, WEB OF SCIENCE, Embase, CBM (Chinese Biomedical Literature database), WANFANG database (Chinese Medicine Premier), and CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure). And the terms used are as follows: neoplasm, cancer, tumour, tumor, carcinoma, disclosure, truth telling, breaking bad news, knowledge, knowing, awareness, quality of life, QOL. Pairs of reviewers independently screened documents and extracted the data. Meta-analysis was conducted by Revman 5.0 software.

Results

There were 11740 records retrieved from databases and 23 studies were included finally. Meta-analysis of informed and uniformed cancer patients revealed no differences in both the general quality of life and symptoms of fatigue, pain, dyspnea, insomnia, appetite loss and diarrhea (P>0.05). Additionally, no difference in physical function, role function, cognitive activity and emotional function between the above 2 groups(P>0.05) were found. On the vitality area, the patients who were totally informed about their diagnosis had higher vitality than the uniformed patients. However, patients aware about their illnesses seemed to get lower scores in social function. Between the partly informed of the diagnosis and uninformed cancer patients, there were no differences in general quality of life, function domains and disease-related symptoms (P>0.05).

Conclusion

Informing the cancer patients their diagnosis may not have a bad effect on their quality of life.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42017060073.
Nurses’ and family caregivers’ perception of dignity in burns patients: a qualitative study
Authors: Tehranineshat Banafsheh , Rakhshan Mahnaz , Torabizadeh Camellia , Fararouei Mohammad , Gillespie Mark 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: A focus of nursing care is the preservation of patients' human dignity. The aggressive nature of burn injuries is a threat to the integration of the patient's existential dimensions and dignity, however, previous studies have not examined the experience of dignity about this client group. The present study was aimed to define and explain the concept of dignity for burn patients from the perspective of their caregivers .Methods: This study was a qualitative research design. The data were collected by using semi-structured in-depth individual interviews. Also, data analysis was performed using conventional content analysis. Nurses and family caregivers of the biggest burn injury hospital in southeastern Iran were selected based on purposeful sampling method (n=18) to reach data saturation from October 2017 to August 2018.Results: According to the findings obtained from interviews, three main themes were identified, including the creation of an intimate atmosphere, respect, and comprehensive support.Conclusions: Burn patients need to be provided with care in a cordial and friendly atmosphere facilitated through empathetic caregiver-patient communication, as well as enough time to allow them to express their feelings and concerns. Also, patients' intrinsic values and beliefs and all aspects of existence should be taken into crucial account to preserve the dignity of these individuals. Therefore, the establishment of training interventions based on these indicators may improve the quality of nursing care.
Adsorption selectivity of Jatropha curcas leaves on Pb(II) and Cd(II) mixture contaminant removal in liquid waste
Authors: Zubir Moondra , Muchtar Zainuddin , Mahmud Mahmud , Nasution Hafni Indriati , Syahputra Ricky Andi , Rahmah Siti , Kristanti Esly Gusti , Akma Wan Musta Khairul 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Jatropha leaves from Durian, Labu Beach, North Sumatera was prepared as a biosorbent for the selectivity absorption of Pb2+ and Cd2+ in their mixture system. Jatropha curcas leaves was prepared by heating at 105 oC for 4h, then characterized by XRD and FTIR. FTIR spectra indicate the content of organic groups as -OH, -CN and -CO groups in their function to reduce of Pb and Cd ions in liquid contaminant. Pb2+ and Cd2+ were adsorbed in the single system obtained as optimum amount of Pb2+ at 100 mgL-1 and 60 min contact time is 4.72 mgg-1 which higher than Cd2+ as 4.42 mgg-1 at 100 mgL-1 ion solution for 90 min. Interestingly, in the mixture solution of Pb and Cd ions, Cd2+ was adsorbed as 2.64 mgg-1 which higher than Pb2+ adsorption amount as 2.11 mgg-1 at 100 ppm solution and adsorption time for 90 min. It indicates the mixture content of Pb and Cd ions in liquid solution shows a preferential adsorption properties compared with their single system adsorption.
Uptake and predictors of direct-acting antiviral treatment for hepatitis C among people receiving opioid agonist therapy in Sweden and Norway: a drug utilization study from 2014 to 2017
Authors: Aas Christer F. , Vold Jørn Henrik , Skurtveit Svetlana , Odsbu Ingvild , Chalabianloo Fatemeh , Lim Aaron G. , Johansson Kjell Arne , Fadnes Lars Thore 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background Treatment with direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) offers an opportunity to eliminate hepatitis C virus (HCV) endemic among people who inject drugs (PWID) and people enrolled in opioid agonist therapy (OAT) programs. The objective of this study was to estimate and to compare HCV treatment uptake after the introduction of DAAs among patients receiving OAT in Sweden and Norway. We also aimed to evaluate predictors of DAAs treatment among OAT patients in both countries. Methods This observational study was conducted with data from The Swedish Prescribed Drug Register and The Norwegian Prescription Database. We studied dispensed medications to calculate HCV treatment among OAT patients from 2014 to 2017 in Sweden and Norway. HCV prevalence was estimated from primary and secondary sources. Dispensations of medicines from different therapeutic areas, which served as proxy for co-morbidities in 2017, were conditionally adjusted for age, gender, and OAT medications. Logistic regression was used to evaluate these parameters. Results In total 3,529 individuals were identified with dispensed OAT in the Swedish cohort and 7,739 individuals in the Norwegian cohort. HCV treatment was utilized by 407 persons in Sweden and 920 in Norway during the study period. Annual HCV and DAA treatment uptake increased in both countries. The estimated cumulative HCV treatment uptake at the end of 2017 was 31% in Norway and 28% in Sweden. DAA treatment was associated with increased age (aOR 1.8; 95% CI 1.0-3.2) and dispensation of drugs used for diabetes (aOR 3.2; 95% CI 1.8-5.7) in Sweden. In Norway, lipid modifying agents and antibacterials were associated with decreased odds (aOR 0.4; 95%CI 0.2-0.9, aOR 0.8; 95%CI 0.6-1.0). Conclusions An increase in DAA treatment and HCV treatment uptake was observed among Swedish and Norwegian OAT patients during the introduction period of new direct-acting treatment regimens. However, more than two thirds of the OAT population in Norway and Sweden were untreated at the beginning of 2018. A further scale-up is crucial to be able to control and eliminate the HCV endemic among OAT patients.
Solitary Drinking in South Korea: Are the Drinking Norms, Motives, and Alcohol Consumption of Solitary Drinkers Different from those of Social Drinkers?
Authors: Park Jumoon , Aeree Sohn 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: This study aimed to clarify the differences in drinking norms and motives among different groups (non/light, solitary, and social drinkers) in a representative sample of Korean adults. We also examined which group—solitary or social drinkers—was more likely to engage in heavy drinking. Methods: The study used nationwide cross-sectional data collected in 2018. A total of 3,000 subjects aged 19 to 60 years were sampled for this study, including 1,532 men and 1,469 women. The data were analyzed with SPSS 23.0. Results: Solitary drinkers are more likely to be divorced or separated, less educated, and marginally employed (people with temporary jobs, rather than regular; the self-employed; and people with service- and sales-related jobs). Solitary drinkers peaked in their 30s (18.5%) and social drinkers in their 50s (68.1%). Solitary drinkers drank more frequently than social drinkers (Mean=6.1 vs. 3.6 per month, p<.001) and consumed a significantly larger quantity of alcohol (Mean=69.5 g vs. 46.8 g per week). S olitary drinkers were more accepting of drinking-related behaviors in a variety of situations than were social drinkers. The regression analysis revealed that personal motives for drinking were the most important factor of drinking frequency and drinking consumption for both solitary and social drinking. Conclusion: These findings suggest that people who drink alone may be more vulnerable to alcohol abuse than social drinkers.
Preparation of copper aluminum-biochar composite as adsorbent of malachite green in aqueous solution
Authors: Palapa Neza Rahayu , Taher Tarmizi , Mohadi Risfidian , Rachmat Addy , Lesbani Aldes 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
In this work, CuAl/Biochar (BC) composite was prepared by the coprecipitation method. The materials were applied to remove malachite green in aqueous solution. These materials were characterized using XRD, FTIR, BET and SEM-EDX analyses. The composite material was confirmed by X-ray diffractograms with reflection (002) at 24o and the appearance of new peaks at 1095 cm -1 . The BET result of CuAl/BC composite has larger surface area is 168 m 2 /g than 46 m 2 /g for LDH. The morphologies of composite materials show agglomeration and micro particle size. The result of the adsorption study indicated the composite material follows pseudo-second-order (PSO) and Langmuir isotherm models. The maximum adsorption capacity of malachite green using CuAl/BC uptake is 164.316 mg/g. The thermodynamic analysis indicates that the malachite green adsorption is spontaneous, endothermic. Regeneration study of adsorbent CuAl/BC composite shows after four times reused, it still has high removal efficiency at 89%.
Ibutilide is efficacy but not safe in cardioversion of atrial fibrillation for patients aged over 75 years
Authors: Huang Chunxia , Zhang ZhiMin , Li Bin , Li YunTian 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the common arrhythmia resulting in high morbidity and mortality. Ibutilide is used to convert AF to sinus rhythm pharmacologically. We aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of ibutilide for patients over 75 years old with recent onset AF.Methods: 81 patients over 75 years old with recent onset AF less than 72 hours, range from 75 to 85 years, were analyzed retrospectively from January 2015 to January 2019. 40 patients received ibutilide, and another 41 patients received propafenone as the control group. In ibutilide group, patients weighing over 60 kg were received 1 mg of ibutilide, and ibutilide at 0.01 mg / kg were administrated when the patient’s body weight was less than 60 kg. If cardioversion failed, 1 mg or 0.01 mg/kg of ibutilide would be given after 10 minutes. In control group, patients were received propafenone at 75mg. If there was no effect on cardioversion, 35 mg of propafenone would be given after 10 minutes.Results: In control group 26 patients (63.4%) converted to sinus rhythm, and in ibutilide group, 35(87.5%) converted to sinus rhythm (p<0.05, vs control group). The converting time of ibutilide group was shorter than control group(13.5±9.27s vs 43.72±10.27s,P<0.05 ). The corrected QT (QTc) intervals was significantly prolonged in patients after the administration of ibutilide(P<0.05). In ibutilide group, five patients (12.5%) appeared torsades de pointes (TdP) and converted to sinus rhythm via electrical cardioversion. Six patients (14.6%) developed severe bradycardia in control group, and the bradycardia alleviated after discontinuation of propafenone. Nine patients (21.9%) who failed in cardioversion with 24 hours by propafenone converted to sinus rhythm via electrical cardioversion.Conclusion: Ibutilide could effectively convert recent onset (<72 hours) AF in patients aged over 75 years. However, it was worth noting that the high rate of TdP emerged in these elderly patients after the treatment of ibutilide.
Clinical characteristics of 57 patients infected with COVID-19 in Baodi area of Tianjin, China
Authors: Zhang Yingchao , Lin Zhentao , Wang Lijing , Shan Shuxiang 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
BackgroundCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been spreading worldwide.Objective﻿To study the clinical characteristics of COVID-19, we included 57 real-time RT-PCR confirmed patients in Baodi area of Tianjin, China, admitted to hospital from 31 January 2020 and 22 February 2020.MethodsEpidemiological, demographic, clinical, and radiological features and laboratory data were analyzed. Patients were confirmed by real-time RT-PCR with pharyngeal swab and/or sputum samples. Some patients that presented positive results with sputum samples yielded negative results with multiple swab tests, suggesting sputum samples RT-PCR tests may be a more reliable means of positively diagnosing infected individuals.ResultsOf the 57 patients studied, three were mild and 54 were moderate in severity. None of the patients infected traveled to Wuhan indicating all studied cases were infected by human to human transmission. The most common symptoms at onset of illness were included fever (86%), cough (29.8%), myalgia or fatigue (14%), chest tightness (5.3%), sore throat (5.3%), and diarrhea (5.3%).ConclusionCompared with patients of COVID-19 in Wuhan, the symptoms of patients in Baodi area of Tianjin province are relatively mild.
A CBCT image noise reduction method based on cGAN
Authors: Miao Yu , Ding Yifei , Zhu Xianchun , Shi Weili , Zhao Jiashi , Zhang Ke , Jiang Zhengang , Yang Huamin 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: As an imaging modality, cone beam CT (CBCT) is widely used in dentistry, which can help dentists to observe tissues such as roots and jaws without confusion. CBCT has the advantages of convenience and low radiation dose, however low contrast and large noise are the serious points in the images. These disadvantages make it extremely difficult for doctors to accurately identify target tissues. Due to the differences in scanning methods and reconstruction algorithms between CBCT and multi-row detector spiral CT (MDCT)，the current CT noise reduction models have significant shortcomings when reduce the noise on CBCT images. Methods: In this paper, we propose a method of image noise reduction based on conditional generative adversarial network to improve the quality of CBCT images. The normal-dose MDCT images are used as the ground truth images to train the model to generate the denoise images. Results: In order to increase the model’s sensitivity to the gradient information, a gradient loss function is involved in our proposed method. The verification experiments on the simulated data set and the real data set show that our model effectively generates the denoise images as well as preserves the quality of the images. Conclusions: We compared the denoising effect between our model and other models with different loss functions. The scores by PSNR, MS-SSIM and GMSD showed that our model had better edge characteristics and denoising effect.
Development and validation of the 10-item Social Provisions Scale (SPS-10) Japanese version
Authors: Katsuki Fujika , Yamada Atsurou , Kondo Masaki , Sawada Hanayo , Watanabe Norio , Akechi Tatsuo , Rucci Paola 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Objective: The Social Provisions Scale is one of the most widely used measures of perceived social support. Our aim was to develop and validate the Japanese version of the 10-item Social Provisions Scale (SPS-10) to be able to evaluate the social support of individuals easily in Japan. Results: The English version of the SPS-10 questionnaire was translated to Japanese and cross-culturally adapted. The SPS-10 Japanese version was administered to 72 mothers (age, mean ± standard deviation, 55.1 ± 6.7 years) of patients with eating disorders. The construct validity of the SPS-10 Japanese version was examined by comparing their scores with the scores on other scales: Pearson’s correlation coefficient was -0.79 with the UCLA Loneliness Scale, -0.44 with the Beck Depression Inventory, and -0.39 with the K6. Cronbach’s α as a measure of internal consistency was good at 0.89. Structural validity was tested using confirmatory factor analysis. The confirmatory factor analysis model showed satisfactory goodness-of-fit indices except for RMSEA (CFI=0.894, GFI=0.871, AGFI=0.716, RMSEA=0.14). All items had high loadings on the respective factors, ranging from 0.48 to 0.88. Our findings supported the construct validity, structural validity, and reliability of the SPS-10 Japanese version in Japanese people as a measure of social provisions.