bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Socioeconomic inequalities in metabolic syndrome in the French West Indies
Authors: Colombet Zoé , Perignon Marlène , Salanave Benoît , Landais Edwige , Martin-Prevel Yves , Allès Benjamin , Drogue Sophie , Amiot Marie Josèphe , Méjean Caroline 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundObesity and metabolic diseases represent a major health burden in the Caribbean, particularly since a large part of the population is disadvantaged. However, socioeconomic inequalities in chronic diseases are poorly explored in this region. We investigated the association between socioeconomic position and metabolic syndrome (MetS) prevalence and explored the contribution of diet quality to explain this association, among adults in the French West Indies.MethodsThis cross-sectional analysis included 1144 subjects (≥16 y) from a multistage sampling survey conducted in 2013–2014 on a representative sample of the Guadeloupean and Martinican population. MetS prevalence was assessed using the Joint Interim Statement. Dietary intakes were estimated from 24 h-dietary recalls, and diet quality was assessed through the Diet Quality Index-International (DQI-I). Associations between socioeconomic indicators (education, employment, social assistance benefits) and MetS prevalence, and the potential contribution of diet quality in this association were assessed using multivariable logistic regression models, adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics.ResultsMetS prevalence adjusted for age and sex was 21 and 30% among Guadeloupean and Martinican, respectively. Compared to high-educated participants, low-educated subjects were more likely to be at risk of MetS (OR = 2.4; 95%CI = [1.3–4.4], respectively), as were recipients of social assistance benefits compared to non-recipients (OR = 2.0; 95%CI = [1.0–4.0]). The DQI-I explained 10.5% of the overall variation in MetS due to education.ConclusionsSocioeconomic inequalities in MetS prevalence, reflected by education and social assistance benefits, were found. However, diet quality contributed only to socioeconomic inequalities due to education underlining that education may impact health through the ability to generate overall dietary behavior, long-term beneficial. Our work identified subgroups with higher risk of MetS, which is needed when implementing public health measures, particularly in this Caribbean population with of high poverty rates. Further prospective studies are needed to improve our understanding of the mechanisms of social inequalities in MetS in a high poverty rates context.
A study to further develop and refine carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) nerve conduction grading tool
Authors: Hirani Salim 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe severity of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) may be categorised in a number of ways utilising one of a range of presently available grading tools. The grading systems proposed by Bland and Padua are the most commonly used, however, both have limitations, which are discussed in detail in this paper.The aim of this research is to establish, using the best available evidence, a clinically appropriate revision of the current CTS nerve conduction grading tool, and to compare with existing grading tools used in UK Neurophysiology clinics. The revised scale is designed from a clinical physiologist perspective and based on the numerical values of nerve conduction findings.The proposed revised grading system is based on more nuanced, descriptive categories, ranging from Normal to Early, Mild Sensory, Mild Sensory Motor, Moderate Sensory, Moderate Sensory Motor, Severe Sensory Motor, Extremely Severe Sensory Motor, and Complete absence.MethodA total of 1123 patients (2246 hands) were included in this study, with the aim of evaluating the revised grading system. Data was collected based on the extensive and detailed grading systems previously described by Bland and Padua. All data was recorded numerically to ensure methodological reliability.ResultOf the 2246 patients’ hands tested, the nerve conduction was graded as normal in 968 hands; nerve conduction showed early changes in 271 hands; mild sensory changes in 215 hands, mild changes in both motor and sensory response in 51 hands; moderate sensory changes in 134 hands; moderate sensory and motor changes in 356 hands; severe changes in motor and sensory responses in 204 hands; extremely severe sensory and motor changes in 33 hands and complete absence of response in 14 hands.ConclusionThe revised grading tool could offer a more numerical grading to the Clinical Physiologist and could help the surgeon to ascertain the level of severity in order to decide on either a conservative or surgical approach to treatment if they decide to use the proposed grading which could support them to defend their decision in cases of litigation.
A nationwide cross-sectional survey of student experiential practice at community pharmacies in South Korea
Authors: Kim Yejee , Jeong Kyeong Hye , Kim EunYoung 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundIn South Korea, community pharmacy experiential practice (CPEP) is very important because most pharmacists (71.8%) work in community pharmacies, which also employ the majority of students after graduation. The present study investigated student responses to the current CPEP status, suggestions for improvement, and advancement in their competency after practice based on evaluation of Community Pharmacy Experiential Practice Model (CPEPM) outcomes.MethodsA nationwide cross-sectional, self-administered online survey was conducted in 2017 for the sixth-year pharmacy students who completed CPEP, using 50 item questionnaire. The answers were evaluated using the 4-point Likert scale, used a scoring system from 1 (strongly disagree) to 4 (strongly agree). Responses of 1 and 2 were considered negative, and 3 and 4 were considered positive. To identify factors affecting CPEPM outcomes, multivariate linear regression analysis was performed.ResultsInitially, 1138 students participated in the survey. Of these, responses from 492 students were excluded due to missing data and eventually, data from 646 students were included in the analysis. In total, 95% of students responded in the affirmative that practical training influenced their future career decision. In addition, 78.5% of students were satisfied with the training. Further, they responded that their ability improved based on CPEPM outcomes. The most positive capability change was in the subdomain “personal and professional development”, followed by “inter professional collaboration”.ConclusionsStudents responded with the higher rating for satisfaction factor, who regarded CPEP as helpful in future career decision making, and those who wanted to practice elective Advanced Pharmacy Practice Education at a community pharmacy had a positive CPEPM outcome, while age was found to be a negative factor in terms of the regression analysis. These are valuable findings as they represent the current student perception of CPEP nationwide. They provide a basis to improve the quality of CPEP-based education not only in Korea, but in other countries as well.
The research performance of Iranian medical academics: a National Analyses
Authors: Sadeghi-Bazargani Homayoun , Bakhtiary Fahimeh , Golestani Mina , Sadeghi-Bazargani Yasin , Jalilzadeh Nazila , Saadati Mohammad 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Scientometric studies are one of the most important and useful tools to assess the research performance and knowledge impact of researchers. The aim of this study was to map out the scientific performance of the Iranian medical academics with respect to a detailed range of scientometric indicators.

Methods
Using scientometric approach, individual and scientific performance data of medical academic staff were extracted from the Iranian Scientometric Information Database (ISID). Total number of publications, total number of citations, citation per paper, h-index, international collaboration, self-citation, SJR decile, i10-Index, Quartile distribution were the studied scientometric variables. Out of the registered 19,023 academic staff, 746 were included in the study through simple random sampling method using random sample extraction function in STATA. Data were analyzed using STATA 14 statistical software package.

Results
Most of the included academicians were men (60%). A total of 13,682 articles were published by them until 2018, being cited 114,928 times with a mean of 5.77 citation per paper. H-index median was three and about 90% of the staff had an H-index below 10. Number of published papers, cite per paper and H-index metrics were significantly different with respect to gender, academic position/degree, and general field of study (p < 0.05). About 2.5% of published articles were contributed through international collaboration. The scientometric performance of academic staff was highly diverse with respect to the employing institution and its national classification group (type 1, 2, 3).

Conclusions
Nevertheless to the great scientific production of medical academics, individual and institutional characteristics were identified as effective variables in academics research performance and should be considered in their assessment. Academicians affiliated with type 2 and 3 universities (based on national ranking of medical universities) had weaker research performance compared to those affiliated with type 1 universities. However, low rate of international research collaborations was a common challenge in medical universities.
Is there a volume-quality relationship within the independent treatment centre sector? A longitudinal analysis
Authors: Kruse Florien Margareth , van Nieuw Amerongen M. C. , Borghans I. , Groenewoud A. S. , Adang E. , Jeurissen P. P. T. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
The number of independent treatment centres (ITCs) has grown substantially. However, little is known as to whether the volume-quality relationship exists within this sector and whether other possible organisational factors mediate this relationship. The aim of this study is to gain a better understanding of such possible relationships.

Methods
Data originate from the Dutch Health and Youth Care Inspectorate (IGJ) and the Dutch Patients Association. We used longitudinal data from 4 years (2014–2017) including three different quality measures: 1) composite of structural and process indicators, 2) postoperative infections, and 3) patient satisfaction. We measured volume by the number of invasive treatments. We adjusted for three important organisational characteristics: (1) size of workforce, (2) chain membership, and (3) ownership status. For statistical inference, random effects analysis was used. We also ran several robustness checks for the volume-quality relationship, including a fractional logit model.

Results
ITCs with higher volumes scored better on structure, process and outcome (i.e. postoperative infections) indicators compared to the low-volume ITCs – although only marginally on outcome. However, ITCs with higher volumes do not have higher patient satisfaction. There is a decreasing marginal effect of volume – in other words, an L-shaped curve. The effect of the intermediating structural factors on the volume-quality relationship (i.e. workforce size, chain membership and ownership status) is less clear. Our findings suggest that chain membership has a negative influence on patient satisfaction. Furthermore, for-profit providers scored better on the Net Promoter Score.

Conclusions
Our study shows with some certainty that the quality of care in low-volume ITCs is lower than in high-volume ITCs as measured by structural, process and outcome (i.e. postoperative infection) indicators. However, the size of the effect of volume on postoperative infections is small, and at higher volumes the marginal benefits (in terms of lower postoperative infections) decrease. In addition, volume is not related to patient satisfaction. Furthermore, the association between the structural intermediating factors and quality are tenuous.
Are we there yet? The long walk towards the development of efficient symbiotic associations between nitrogen-fixing bacteria and non-leguminous crops
Authors: Pankievicz Vânia C. S. , Irving Thomas B. , Maia Lucas G. S. , Ané Jean-Michel 
Published: December 2019

AbstractNitrogen is an essential element of life, and nitrogen availability often limits crop yields. Since the Green Revolution, massive amounts of synthetic nitrogen fertilizers have been produced from atmospheric nitrogen and natural gas, threatening the sustainability of global food production and degrading the environment. There is a need for alternative means of bringing nitrogen to crops, and taking greater advantage of biological nitrogen fixation seems a logical option. Legumes are used in most cropping systems around the world because of the nitrogen-fixing symbiosis with rhizobia. However, the world's three major cereal crops—rice, wheat, and maize—do not associate with rhizobia. In this review, we will survey how genetic approaches in rhizobia and their legume hosts allowed tremendous progress in understanding the molecular mechanisms controlling root nodule symbioses, and how this knowledge paves the way for engineering such associations in non-legume crops. We will also discuss challenges in bringing these systems into the field and how they can be surmounted by interdisciplinary collaborations between synthetic biologists, microbiologists, plant biologists, breeders, agronomists, and policymakers.
Development and application of an antibody detection ELISA for Haemophilus parasuis based on a monomeric autotransporter passenger domain
Authors: Liu Yunbao , Du Yujiao , Song Yuping , Tian Yang , Qi Yi , Zhang Qinxue , He Qigai , Wang Xiangru , Chen Huanchun , Cai Xuwang , Xu Xiaojuan 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Haemophilus parasuis is a commensal pathogen in the swine upper respiratory tract and causes Glässer’s disease. Surveillance, screening for infection, and vaccination response of H. parasuis is hindered by the lack of a rapid antibody detection method.

Results
In the present study, a monomeric autotransporter was identified as a novel antigen for developing an indirect ELISA. The autotransporter passenger domain (Apd) was expressed, purified, and demonstrated to be specific in ELISA and western blotting. Mouse antiserum of recombinant Apd (rApd) recognized native Apd in the 15 serotype reference strains and five non-typeable isolate stains, but showed no reaction with seven other bacterial pathogens. The rApd ELISA was optimized and validated using 67 serum samples with known background, including 27 positive sera from experimentally infected and vaccinated pigs along with 40 negative sera that had been screened with H. parasuis whole cell ELISA from clinically healthy herds. The rApd ELISA provided positive and negative percent agreements of 96.4 and 94.9%, respectively, and an AUC value of 0.961, indicating that the assay produced accurate results.

Conclusion
Apd was a universal antigen component among 15 serotype and non-typeable strains of H. parasuis and was also specific to this pathogen. The rApd ELISA could detect antibodies elicited by H. parasuis infection and vaccination, thereby exhibiting the potential to be applied for Glässer’s disease diagnosis, H. parasuis vaccination evaluation, and large-scale serological surveillance.
Prevalence, molecular detection and risk factors investigation for the occurrence of Toxoplasma gondii in slaughter pigs in North India
Authors: Thakur Rashmi , Sharma Rajnish , Aulakh R. S. , Gill J. P. S. , Singh B. B. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Toxoplasma gondii, an important food borne zoonotic parasite, infects almost all warm-blooded animals including pigs. People primarily become infected with T. gondii via consuming meat of infected animals. Status of T. gondii is largely unknown in pigs in India including northern regions. We, therefore, determined the prevalence of T. gondii infection in pigs from North India.

Results
DNA of T. gondii was detected in 6.7% (54/810) of the tested slaughter pigs. Highest prevalence was observed in pigs from Punjab (8.2%) followed by Chandigarh (5.3%) and Uttarakhand (4.8%). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the isolates from pigs had 96–100% nucleotide identity with Type I RH strain (AF179871), 96–99.7% with VEG type III strain (LN714499) and 67–72% with type II ME 49 strain (XM002370240). However, low level of polymorphism in the targeted B1 gene did not allow the determination of the clonal lineages of the isolates. Antibodies against T. gondii was reported in 48.3% (73/151) of the sera obtained from pigs slaughtered at Chandigarh abattoir, and scavenging by pigs was a significant risk factor.

Conclusion
Prevalence of T. gondii DNA was low in pigs in North India, however, presence of the parasite warrants food safety concerns. Further studies are required to identify the clonal lineage of T. gondii circulating in pigs reared in North India. Pig farmers should be educated about the hygienic management practices.
A novel approach to welfare interventions in problem multi-cat households
Authors: Hill Kayleigh , Yates David , Dean Rachel , Stavisky Jenny 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Thousands of injured, stray and relinquished cats are received at the RSPCA Greater Manchester Animal Hospital each year. A significant and challenging proportion of these cats are confiscated from multicat households by RSPCA Inspectors, due to the owners’ inability to care for them. These households share many characteristics of animal hoarding, including poor owner compliance with suggested welfare improvements and recidivism. The relatively poor adoption potential of animals from such households are a perennial problem for the charity.
The aim of this study was to determine if offering female cat neutering assistance to multi-cat owners significantly improved colony welfare.

Results
Ten multicat households with a history of public complaint to the RSPCA were recruited. An RSPCA veterinary surgeon (VS) initially assessed the overall welfare of each household’s cat population, individual cat welfare and the living environment. All entire female cats aged over 8 weeks were neutered and basic animal care education provided. Follow up visits were completed two and 12 months later to reassess welfare parameters and population numbers.
The total number of cats was 176 across ten households (range 7–33, median 16). All owners consented to having all entire female cats spayed. At the first visit, mean individual cat welfare scores ranged from 5.4–8.7/ 16 across the 10 households, where 16 represented best possible welfare.
Overall household mean welfare scores were significantly improved at both the 2 month and 12 month revisits (p = 0.011 and p = 0.01 respectively) when compared to the initial visits. By the end of the study period, three out of the ten households had voluntarily relinquished all of their cats, and overall there was a 40% reduction in the number of cats.

Conclusions
Animal hoarding has previously been an intractable welfare concern with little evidence informing intervention techniques. These results show that positive veterinary engagement on site, focused on preventative care and population control, can yield significant improvement in welfare scoring systems in relatively short timescales. Promptly collecting and neutering all female cats at a site, combined with advice and support, show promise in improving welfare.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Exosomal lncRNA HNF1A-AS1 affects cisplatin resistance in cervical cancer cells through regulating microRNA-34b/TUFT1 axis
Authors: Luo Xiaoqiong , Wei Jingxi , Yang Feng-lian , Pang Xiao-xia , Shi Feng , Wei Yu-xia , Liao Bi-yun , Wang Jun-li 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
There is growing evidence of the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in cervical cancer (CC). The objective was to discuss whether exosomal lncRNA HNF1A-AS1 impacted drug resistance in CC via binding to microRNA-34b (miR-34b) and regulating TUFT1 expression.

Methods
The expression of HNF1A-AS1 in normal cervical epithelial cells, cisplatin (DDP)-sensitive cell line (HeLa/S) and DDP-resistant cell line (HeLa/DDP) cells were detected. HeLa/S and HeLa/DDP cells were interfered with HNF1A-AS1 to determine IC50, proliferation, colony formation and apoptosis of CC cells. The exosomes were isolated and identified. Subcellular localization of HNF1A-AS1, expression of miR-34b and TUFT1 in receptor cells were also verified. The binding site between HNF1A-AS1 and miR-34b, together with miR-34b and TUFT1 were confirmed. Tumorigenic ability of cells in nude mice was also detected.

Results
HNF1A-AS1 was upregulated in DDP-resistant cell line HeLa/DDP. Silencing HNF1A-AS1 suppressed CC cell proliferation and promoted its apoptosis. HNF1A-AS1 was found to act as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) of miR-34b to promote the expression of TUFT1. Exosomes shuttled HNF1A-AS1 promoted the proliferation and drug resistance of CC cells and inhibited their apoptosis by upregulating the expression of TUFT1 and downregulating miR-34b. Furthermore, suppressed exosomal HNF1A-AS1 in combination with DDP inhibited tumor growth in nude mice.

Conclusion
Our study provides evidence that CC-secreted exosomes carrying HNF1A-AS1 as a ceRNA of miR-34b to promote the expression of TUFT1, thereby promoting the DDP resistance in CC cells.
Identification and analysis of long non-coding RNA related miRNA sponge regulatory network in bladder urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Wang Jiawu , Zhang Chengyao , Wu Yan , He Weiyang , Gou Xin 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate the regulatory network of lncRNAs as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNA) in bladder urothelial carcinoma (BUC) based on gene expression data derived from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA).Materials and methodsRNA sequence profiles and clinical information from 414 BUC tissues and 19 non-tumor adjacent tissues were downloaded from TCGA. Differentially expressed RNAs derived from BUC and non-tumor adjacent samples were identified using the R package “edgeR”. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis was performed using the “clusterProfiler” package. Gene ontology and protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks were analyzed for the differentially expressed mRNAs using the “STRING” database. The network for the dysregulated lncRNA associated ceRNAs was then constructed for BUC using miRcode, miRTarBase, miRDB, and TargetScan. Cox regression analysis was performed to identify independent prognostic RNAs associated with BUC overall survival (OS). Survival analysis for the independent prognostic RNAs within the ceRNA network was calculated using Kaplan–Meier curves.ResultsBased on our analysis, a total of 666, 1819 and 157 differentially expressed lncRNAs, mRNAs and miRNAs were identified respectively. The ceRNA network was then constructed and contained 59 lncRNAs, 23 DEmiRNAs, and 52 DEmRNAs. In total, 5 lncRNAs (HCG22, ADAMTS9-AS1, ADAMTS9-AS2, AC078778.1, and AC112721.1), 2 miRNAs (hsa-mir-145 and hsa-mir-141) and 6 mRNAs (ZEB1, TMEM100, MAP1B, DUSP2, JUN, and AIFM3) were found to be related to OS. Two lncRNAs (ADAMTS9-AS1 and ADAMTS9-AS2) and 4 mRNA (DUSP2, JUN, MAP1B, and TMEM100) were validated using GEPIA. Thirty key hub genes were identified using the ranking method of degree. KEGG analysis demonstrated that the majority of the DEmRNAs were involved in pathways associated with cancer.ConclusionOur findings provide an understanding of the important role of lncRNA–related ceRNAs in BUC. Additional experimental and clinical validations are required to support our findings.