bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of High-risk Human Papillomavirus Infection Among Prisoners in the Nsawam Medium Security Prison, Ghana
Authors: Acheampong Lawrence Kofi , Effah Kofi , Amuah Joseph Emmanuel , Tekpor Ethel , Wormenor Comfort Mawusi , Gedzah Isaac , Kemawor Seyram , Kachana Ateba Cynthia , Danso Peace Afi , Essel Nana Owusu Mensah , Asomaning Mabel , Agyiri Dominic , AKAKPO PATRICK KAFUI 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: The Ghana Prisons Service has a Health Directorate that ensures delivery of healthcare to people in their custody under the Ghana Association of Quasi Health Institution (GAQHI) which is one of the agencies under the Ministry of Health. Across Ghana, females comprise 1.2% of the entire prison population (n=15,463). Cervical cancer screening services are however nonexistent and the prevalence of cervical precancer is undocumented. Our aim was to determine the prevalence of high-risk HPV infection and associated cervical abnormalities during a cervical cancer screening outreach. Methods: After informed consent and counselling, women underwent a structured questionnaire-based interview. Responses were recorded directly into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. Inmates were co-tested for cervical pre-cancer by two trained nurses using dry brush cervical samples for 15 high risk HPV types using the AmpFire HPV test after which mobile colposcopy with the EVA system was performed. EVA images were reviewed by a gynecologist. Frequencies and percentages were used to describe categorical data while means and standard deviations or medians and interquartile ranges were used to describe continuous data. Results: The majority (75%) of the inmates were convicts with a median sentence of 5 years. Their mean age was 41.1 years (range, 19–97). Out of the 14% that had ever been screened for cervical cancer, 75% had only been screened once. The self-reported prevalence rate of HIV among the inmates was 13.1%, all of who were receiving treatment. The high-risk HPV prevalence rate was 47.6% in the general population of inmates and 63.6% among HIV positive inmates. Using the EVA system, 5(6%) had lesions on the cervix of which 3(3.6%) were treated with thermal coagulation and 2(2.4%) were treated with LEEP. The average age of high-risk HPV positive inmates was 37.8 years. These inmates were also more likely to have been in prison for a shorter duration. Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of high-risk HPV infection among women in custody. These women will benefit from structured cervical cancer prevention services, including treatment for abnormalities that are picked up during such screening.
Silencing MASTL Inhibits Cell Proliferation and Migration of Gastric Cancer MGC-803 Cells Via Suprressing AKT, mTOR, p38 Signal Pathways
Authors: An caixia , li hailong , Niu Rong , liu xiaoguang , Hu Yonghua , Wang Zhuanxiong , Chen Xi , Zhou Yongning 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Microtubule-associated serine/threonine kinase (MASTL) functions to regulate chromosome condensation and mitotic progression. Emerging reports showed that aberrant MASTL expression is commonly implicated in various human cancers and act as an oncogene. This study aimed to discover the potential significance of MASTL in gastric cancer, and to uncover relevant mechanisms. Methods: Lentivirus MASTL-shRNA was constructed and infected into MGC-803 cells to analysis its influences on cell proliferation by Green fluorescent protein (GFP)-based cellomics and colony formation assay, cell invasion and migration by transwell assay, apoptosis and cell cycle by flow cytometry detection, respectively. Nude mice and fluorescence imaging were used to characterize the regulation of tumor growth in vivo. Affymetrix mRNA microarray assay combined KEGG enrichment analysis were used to screen relevant molecules related to MASTL silencing. Finally，several aberrantly expressed genes were validated by quantitative reverse transcription PCR(RT-qPCR)and western blot detection. Results: Silencing MASTL significantly inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion, arrested cell cycle at G1 stage. Silencing MASTL reduced tumor growth in nude mice, and fluorescence imaging indicated that the total radiant efficiency of mice in the Lv-shMAST group was markedly reduced compared with in mice in the Lv-shCtrl group in vivo. Affymetrix mRNA microarray assay revealed that 124 genes upregulated, 167 genes downregulated. RT-qPCR and western blotting validation showed that cyclin dependent kinase 6(CDK6), bone morphogenetic protein 2(BMP2), snail family transcriptional repressor 2(SNAI2), phosphorylation-mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase (p-mTOR), phosphorylation-AKT serine/threonine kinase (p-AKT) and phosphorylation-p38 kinase (p-p38) are downregulated, and cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 1A (CDKN1A) is upregulated. Conclusions: Silencing MASTL could significantly inhibit cell growth, migration ability, induce apoptosis, arrest cell cycle at G1 stage, and the mechanisms of which were mediated via inactivation of mTOR, AKT, p38 signal pathways.
The impact of procalcitonin to C-reactive protein ratio (PCR) kinetics as a predictor of mortality in nosocomial bloodstream infections
Authors: Hakyemez Ismail Necati , Aslan Turan , Durdu Bulent 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Purpose: To investigate the combination of serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) kinetics in predicting mortality in nosocomial blood stream infections (BSIs).Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients ≥ 18 years of age with nosocomial BSIs hospitalized in intensive care units (ICU). Clinical, microbiological and biochemical data were compared in patients who survivors and deaths. Binary logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent risk factors. The kinetic changes were defined the as difference between level on 5th day and level at 1st day of BSI.Results: Of the 84 included patients, 49 (58.4%) had survivors and 35 (41.6%) had deaths. In univariate analysis, renal disease (p=0.007), cardiac disease (p=0.042), septic shock (p=<0.001), SOFA (p=<0.001) and APACHE-II (p <0.001), ΔCRP (p=0.004), ΔPCT (p=<0.001), and ΔPCR (p=0.025) were significantly higher in non-survivors. In the logistic regression analysis, APACHE-II score (OR=1.46, 95% CI=1.20-1.78, p <0.001), ΔCRP (OR=1.18, %95 CI =1.04-1.34, p=0.009), ΔPCT (OR=0.87, 95% CI=0.79-0.95, p=0.001), and ∆PCR (OR=36.78, 95%C = 4.52-299.01, p=0.001) were independent predictors of 28-day mortality.Conclusions: The ∆PCR kinetic was a strong independent predictor of mortality in nosocomial BSIs in ICUs.
Risk Factors of Secondary Infections in Severe and Critical Patients Hospitalized with COVID-19: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Li Jie , Cao Jingchao , Cai Peishan , Shi Baoxia , Cao Jie , Zhang Yu , Wang Junwei 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Severe patients hospitalized with COVID-19 suffered secondary infections which greatly increased the length of hospital stay and the mortality. We aimed to explore risk factors of secondary infections that can help clinicians early implement preventive measures to dispose of severe and critical inpatients with COVID-19.Methods: A case-control study enrolled 238 severe and critical patients with COVID-19. Characteristics of cases and controls were compared.Results: Severity of illness on admission, ICU admission, ventilator, central venous catheterization were common in the cases, however almost none of these factors was observed in the controls. Multivariable regression showed risk factors of secondary infections included male (OR 4.08; 95% CI 1.58-10.50), age 65 or older (OR 3.11; 95% CI 1.25-7.76), heart diseases (OR 3.96; 95% CI 1.40-11.27), hypoproteinemia on admission (OR 6.41; 95% CI 1.65-24.92) and corticosteroids (OR 19.83; 95% CI 7.3-53.55) and proton-pump inhibitors (OR 3.96; 95% CI 1.51-10.37).Conclusions: male, older age, heart diseases, hypoproteinemia, corticosteroid and proton-pump inhibitors were independent risk factors of secondary infections. Inpatients needing ICU admission and invasive devices still need to be given optimal cares and to be minimized the duration.
Covid-19 and low molecular weight heparin therapy: retrospective study of 257 patients.
Authors: Stabile Marco , Aschieri Daniela , Maestri Cristina , Rosato Luca , Novara Paola , Lanati Gianluca , Dio Mariateresa Di , Franco Cosimo , Bisceglie Giuseppina , Leddi Giuseppe , fabrizi Enrico , Rucci Paola , Taliani Gloria 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
A hypercoagulability state with fatal thrombosis events seems to characterize the clinical worsening of COVID-19 pneumonia. The benefit and safety of anticoagulant doses of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) in COVID-19 are still unknown. We evaluated in a retrospective cohort study 257 COVID-19 patients consecutively admitted to our COVID-Hospital from February 29, to April 7, 2020. We compared the in-hospital mortality between patients treated with prophylactic or therapeutic doses of LMWH. Of the 257 patients enrolled, 49 (19.1%) died during the hospitalization. Hospital mortality was significantly lower in patients treated with therapeutic doses of LMWH (enoxaparin 70-100 I.U./kg twice daily) (17/126, 13.5%), than in patients treated with prophylactic doses (60-90 I.U./kg once daily) (32/131, 24.4%; χ²=4.98, p = 0.02). In a stratified analysis by ventilation type, the only subgroup of patients who benefited from therapeutic LMWH was that requiring noninvasive mechanical ventilation (OR=0.099, 95% CI 0.028-0.354, p<0.001). No fatal bleedings were observed. In this retrospective study the treatment with therapeutic LMWH is safe and seems to reduce mortality in COVID-19 patients, especially among those who need noninvasive mechanical ventilation. Authors Daniela Aschieri and Marco Stabile contributed equally to this work.
Retropharyngeal Abscess in an adult with Pneumonia during COVID-19 Outbreak in China
Authors: Wang Tianyu , Liu Haibin , Liang Caiquan , Zhang Hang , Liao Jianchun , Liu Huanhai 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Retropharyngeal abscesses are rarely reported in adults and occur mostly in patients with immunocompromise or as a foreign body complication. Admittedly, the treatment of retropharyngeal abscesses frequently involves surgical drainage to achieve the best results. However, when retropharyngeal abscesses occurred in a highly suspected patient with COVID-19, the managements and treatments should be caution in order to prevent the spread of the virus. Case presentation: On Feb. 13, a 40-year-old male with retropharyngeal abscesses turned to our department complaining dyspnea and dysphagia. In addition, his chest CT scan shows a suspected COVID-19 infection, thus making out Multiple Disciplinary Team (MDT) determine to perform percutaneous drainage and catheterization through left anterior cervical approach under the guidance of B-ultrasound. Finally, the patient recovered and was discharged from the hospital on Feb. 27 after 14 days of isolation. There was no recurrence after half a year follow-up. Conclusions: By presenting this case, we aim at raising awareness of different surgical drainage methods and summarizing our experience in the management of retropharyngeal abscesses during the outbreak of COVID-19.
Clinical profiles, Outcomes and Risk Factors among Type 2 Diabetic Inpatients with Diabetic Ketoacidosis and Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar State: A Hospital-Based Analysis over a 6-Year Period
Authors: Wu Xiao-yan , She Dun-min , Wang Fang , Guo Gang , Li Ran , Fang Ping , Li Ling , Zhou Yun , Zhang Ke-qin , Xue Ying 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Objective：Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS) are the two most common hyperglycemic emergencies (HEs) associated with diabetes mellitus. Individuals with HEs can present with combined features of DKA and HHS. The objective of this study is to assess the clinical characteristics, therapeutic outcomes, and associated predisposing factors of type 2 diabetic patients with isolated or combined HEs in China. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of 158 patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), complicated with DKA, HHS, or DKA combined with HHS (DKA-HHS) in Shanghai Tongji Hospital, China from 2010 to 2015. Admission clinical features, therapeutic approaches and treatment outcomes of those patients were extracted and analyzed.Results: Of the 158 patients with T2DM, 65 (41.1%) patients were DKA, 74 (46.8%) were HHS, and 19 (12.0%) were DKA-HHS. The most common precipitants were infections (111, 70.3%), newly diagnosed diabetes (28,17.7%) and non-compliance to medications (9, 5.7%). DKA patients were divided into mild, moderate and severe group, based on arterial blood gas. Spearman correlation analysis revealed that C-reaction protein (CRP) was positively correlated with severity of DKA, whereas age and fasting C peptide were inversely correlated with severity of DKA (P<0.05). The mortality was 10.8% (17/158) in total and 21.6% (16/74) in the HHS group, 5.9% (1/17) in DKA-HHS. Spearman correlation analysis indicated that lethal outcome of HHS patients was positively correlated to effective plasma osmolality (EPO), renal function indicators and hepatic enzymes, while inversely associated with the continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) therapy. Logistic regression analysis suggested that elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) on admission was an independent predisposing factor of mortality in HHS, while CSII might be a protective factor for patients with HHS. Furthermore, the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis indicated that BUN had the largest area under the ROC curves for predicting lethal outcome in patients with HHS.Conclusions: Our findings showed elevated CRP and decreased fasting C-peptide might serve as indicator for severe DKA. Elevated BUN might be an independent predictor of mortality in patients with HHS, whereas CSII might be a protective factor against lethal outcome in HHS.
Comparison of Galdieria Growth and Photosynthetic Activity in Different Culture Systems
Authors: carbone dora allegra , Olivieri Giuseppe , Pollio Antonino , Melkonian Michael 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
In the last years, the acidothermophilic red microalga Galdieria sulphuraria has been increasingly studied for industrial applications such as wastewater treatment, recovery of rare earth elements, production of phycobilins. However, even now it is not possible an industrial cultivation of this organism because biotechnological research on G. sulphuraria and allied species is relatively recent and fragmented. Having in mind a possible scale-up for commercial applications, we have compared the growth and photosynthetic performance of G. sulphuraria in four suspended systems (Inclined bubble column, Decanter Laboratory Flask, Tubular Bioreactor, Ultra-flat plate bioreactor) and one immobilized system (Twin Layer Sytem). The results showed that G. sulphuraria had the highest growth, productivity and photosynthetic performance, when grown on the immobilized system, which also offers some economics advantages.
Assessment of Patient Satisfaction and Associated Factors in Postoperative Pain Management at University of Gondar Compressive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia, A Cross Sectional study.
Authors: BELAY YOSEF BELAY , Lema Girmay Fitwi , Fentie Demeke Yilkal , Berhe Yophtahe Woldegerima , Ashagrie Henos Enyew 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: The main aim of this study was to assess the level of patient’s satisfaction and associated factors in post-operative pain management. Methods: An institutional based cross sectional study was conducted from April, 11-May 15, 2018. Data were collected by structured, pre-tested patient interview questionnaire and chart review. Level of patient satisfaction was measured by using five-point Likert scale and checklist. The coded data were entered to Epi-info software version 7 and analyzed using statistical package for social sciences software version 23.The strength of the association was presented using adjusted odd ratio with 95% confidence interval and p-value<0.05 was considered as statistically significant.Results: A total of 418 patients were included in this study with a response rate of 98.58 %. The overall proportion of patients who were satisfied with pain management services was 72.2 % [95%CI:67.7-76.6].ASA1[AOR=3.55:95%CI=1.20-10.55]&ASA2 patients[AOR=3.72:95%CI=1.04-13.28],Patients with no post-operative pain [AOR=1.86:95%CI=1.02-3.39],post-operative nerve block [AOR=9.14:95%CI=3.93-20.86],analgesic before request[AOR=6.90:95%CI=3.72-12.83] and receiving postoperative analgesics [AOR=6.10:95%CI=1.17-33.91)] were significantly associated with level of satisfaction. Conclusion: Pain assessment during immediate postoperative period, providing regular based analgesia before patient request and to promote the practice of post-operative nerve block are important to increase the level of satisfaction.
Epidemiology and outcome of elderly patients requiring renal replacement therapy in the intensive care unit: an observational study
Authors: Salathe Cecile , Poli Elettra , Altarelli Marco , Bianchi Nathan Axel , Schneider Antoine Guillaume 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background Renal replacement therapy (RRT) in critically-ill patients is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The adequacy of its initiation is sometimes questioned in elderly patients particularly those with comorbidities. We therefore sought to evaluate the long-term outcomes and quality of life (QOL) of elderly patients who survived critical illness requiring RRT. Methods We identified all patients > 55 yo who received RRT for acute kidney injury in our intensive care unit (ICU) between January 2015 and April 2018. We assessed their vital status by cross referencing our hospital database and the Swiss national death registry. Patients still alive at the time of the study underwent a phone interview. They were asked about their dialytic status and administered an EQ-5D survey with visual analog scale (VAS). Results were stratified according to patient's age groups (G1: "55-64 yo"; G2: "65-74 yo" and G3: "> 75 yo"). QOL in G3 patients were compared to G1 and G2 and to predicted values (calculated based on a local reference population). Results Among the 352 eligible patients, 171 died during the index hospital admission. After a median follow-up of 2.7 years (IQR 1.6), a further 62 had died (mean time to death for hospital survivors 149.4 days (IQR 450.4). Hence, 119 patients (33.6%) were still alive at the time of the study. We successfully contacted 96 (80.7%) of them and 83 (69.7%) were included in the study (G1: 24, G2: 44 and G3: 15). Only 6 (7.2%) were RRT dependent. Patients in G3 had lower EQ-5D and VAS scores than those in G1 and G2 (p <0.01). These scores were also significantly lower than predicted values (p <0.05). Conclusions Irrespective of age, the need for RRT identifies a population at very high risk of mortality. Among survivors, the rate of RRT dependence is low. Patients >75 yo who survived ICU had a lower quality of life than younger patients. This QOL was also lower than predicted according to age and sex. The adequacy of RRT initiation in elderly patients should be discussed according to their pre-existing QOL and frailty.
Associations Between I/ D polymorphism in the ACE gene and lung cancer: an updated systematic review and a meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Junjian , Sun Mao , Zhou Min , Lu Renfu 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThis study has evaluated the association between the I/D polymorphism in the ACE gene and lung cancer risk by constructing a meta-analysis.MethodsThe heterogeneity in the study was tested by the Q-test and I2, and then the random ratio or fixed effect was utilized to merge the odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI), to estimate the strength of the association between ACE polymorphisms and susceptibility to lung cancer. We have performed Sensitivity analysis. Using funnel plot and Begger’s regression test investigated the publication bias. All data Statistical analyses were performed using Stata 12.0 and Revman 5.3.ResultsA total of 4307 participants (2181 patients; 2126 controls) were included in twelve case-control studies selected. No significant association was found between the ACE I/D polymorphism and lung cancer risks (II vs ID + DD: OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 0.89–1.68; II + ID vs DD: OR = 1.21, 95% CI = 0.90–1.63; I vs D: OR =1.15, 95% CI = 0.95–1.39). In the subgroup analysis by ethnicity, no significant association between this polymorphism and lung cancer risks was also found among Asia and Caucasian populations for the comparison of II vs ID + DD, II + ID vs DD and I vs D genetic models.ConclusionOur study indicated that the ACE I/ D polymorphism was not associated with the risk of lung cancer.
A pelvic cavity malignant solitary fibrous tumor with dedifferentiation and multifocal cytokeratin expression
Authors: He Yan , Huang Guan , Lin Wensong , Zheng Zhaohui , Zhao Haiyan 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Solitary fibrous tumor is an uncommon mesenchymal neoplasm that originates from fibroblasts and occurs predominantly in the visceral pleura. Pelvic cavity small sized malignant solitary fibrous tumor is very rare; it is easily misjudged by surgeons as a benign lesion and resected by laparoscopic surgery. When accompanied by dedifferentiation, malignant solitary fibrous tumor is difficult to diagnose by pathologists. Here, we describe a challenging case.Case presentation: A 47-year-old man was accidentally found to have a pelvic mass for three months, with pain and distension for seven days. The mass was adhered and compressed to the ureter and bladder. The right side of the pelvic cavity had a palpable and substantial mass, with no obvious associated pain. With an assumed diagnosis of a benign tumor, the patient underwent laparoscopic surgery to resect the tumor. Histologically, spindle cell areas and dedifferentiated areas were observed. Immunohistochemical analysis of dedifferentiated regions revealed cytokeratin showed multifocal expression. Vimentin and CD34 were abnormal negative. This case was diagnosed as a MSFT with dedifferentiation. The patient was well after the operation, but, unfortunately, he had a recurrence one year later.Conclusion: Pelvic cavity malignant solitary fibrous tumor is a rare tumor that is in frequently dedifferentiated and exhibiting cytokeratin expression. The diagnosis of this type of tumor can be confusing, and it should be distinguished from Synovial Sarcoma, Liposarcoma, and other malignant tumors. The expression of cytokeratin and the absence of vimentin and CD34 are pitfalls to diagnosis. In this case, there was still a high degree of malignancy despite the small size of the tumor. Clinical-image-pathological multidisciplinary analysis has a great effect on diagnosis and therapy of diseases. This case is a cautionary tale for surgeons and pathologists.