bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of Meat Consumption With NAFLD&nbsp;Risk and Liver-related Biomarkers in Older Chinese: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Peng Hewei , Xie Xiaoxu , Pan Xinting , Zheng Jing , Zeng Yidan , Cai Xiaoling , Hu Zhijian , Peng Xian-E 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: High meats intake contributes to unhealthy status. The present study aims to evaluate the association of meat consumption with non-alcohol fatty liver disease (NAFLD) risk and liver-related biomarkers in middle-aged and elderly Chinese.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in individuals who were 45 years or older and underwent physical examination from April 2015 to August 2017 in Southeast China. NAFLD was evaluated by abdominal ultrasonography. Results: High consumptions of red meat (28.44-49.74 and >71.00 g/day) was positively associated with NAFLD risk on inverse probability of treatment weighting analysis, adjusting for smoking, tea intake, weekly hours of physical activity and presence of hypertension, dyslipidemia and diabetes (ORadjusted=1.948 and 1.1.716, respectively). Exposure-response relationship analysis presented that red meat intake was positively associated with NAFLD risk. Significant associations of red meat intakes with serum levels of γ-glutamyl transferase, alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, total triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were found (rs=0.176, 0.128, 0.060, 0.085 and -0.074, respectively). Conclusions: These findings suggest that reduction of meat consumption may decrease NAFLD risk and should warrant further investigations. Meat consumptions were measured by a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire.
MiR-25 Protects Against Apoptosis of Nucleus Pulposus Cells by Targeting SUMO2 in Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
Authors: Changbin Lei , Jiang Li , Guang Tang , Jiong Wang , Lin Hongsheng 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background MiR-25 was reported to be down-regulated in patients with intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). However, the potential role of miR-25 in IDD remained unclear. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of miR-25 on human intervertebral disc nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs).Methods We evaluated the expression of miR-25 and small ubiquitin-related modifier 2 (SUMO2) in human nucleus pulposus (NP) tissues by real-time PCR and western blotting. Then, the target relationship between miR-25 and SUMO2 was validated by luciferase reporter assay and biotin-coupled miRNA pulldown assay. The potential roles of miR-25 in NPC proliferation and apoptosis were confirmed using CCK-8 assay, EdU incorporation assay, and flow cytometry.Results MiR-25 was lowly expressed in the patients with IDD. In addition, miR-25 facilitated the growth of NPCs by increasing cell proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis. Furthermore, we elucidated that SUMO2 was a target gene of miR-25, and was regulated by miR-25 through p53 signaling pathway. Restore of SUMO2 expression abrogated the effects of miR-25 on NPCs.Conclusion MiR-25 promoted the proliferation, inhibited the apoptosis of NPCs, and suppressed the development of IDD via SUMO2-mediated p53 signaling axis.
Reduction of chronic malnutrition risk and chronic malnutrition through a public health intervention in children under one year of age in Bogotá, Colombia
Authors: Prieto Paula Andrea Castro , Ramírez Kenny Margarita Trujillo , López Sergio Moreno , Holguín Juan Sebastián , Pineda Diana María , Tomasi Simon , Varela Andrea Ramírez 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: As Bogotá is one of the regions with the highest prevalence of chronic malnutrition (13%) in Colombia, exceeding the national figure of 10.8%, a public-private alliance was established to address this situation within the framework of intersectoral action: the private organizations Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá and Fundación Éxito, local government agencies of the Mayor's Office of Bogotá (Secretaría Distrital de Salud and the Secretariat de Integración Social) and agencies at the national level (Instituto Colombiano de Bienestar Familiar [Colombian Institute of Family Welfare], including its regional office in Bogotá). Therefore, the objective was to determine the effectiveness of an intersectoral public health intervention with the population under one year of age, classified as at risk of chronic malnutrition and with chronic malnutrition by anthropometry, residing in 3 prioritized territories of the Capital District. Methods: Pre-experimental, before and after study that sought to determine the magnitude of the change in nutritional status in children under one-year-old residing in 3 prioritized territories of Bogotá through a ten months public health nutrition intervention. Results: The intervention comprised 1126 children living in the following territories in Bogotá: Kennedy, San Cristóbal, and Engativá. A total of 43.3% children presented delay in height for age, and 56.7% presented risk of short stature. In the final measurement, data were obtained from 686 children, identifying that 17% of the children progressed from stunting to a stunting risk and that 4.5% recovered their growth trajectory, achieving an adequate height for their age. Conclusions: That children classified as at risk or stunting at the beginning of the intervention showed an increased probability of approaching or being in the appropriate growth trajectory according to the height-for-age indicator after the intervention. In addition, the risk of stunting is a reversible condition if interventions are implemented in a timely manner and with intersectoral action for which it is imperative to link the community itself as a key sector for direct action and to organize all actors and sectors having missionary purposes with this population.
On-Site Personal Protective Equipment Signage and Use by Road Construction Workers in Ghana: A Comparative Study of Foreign- and Locally-Owned Companies
Authors: Yankson Isaac Kofi , Nsiah-Achampong Nana Kwame , Okyere Paul , Afukaar Francis , Otupiri Easmon , Donkor Peter , Mock Charles , Owusu-Dabo Ellis 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Road construction work has its own specific set of risks and safety issues. It has not been adequately addressed in most low- and middle-income countries, especially in Africa. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of personal protective equipment (PPE) use during road construction activities by workers in foreign-owned against locally-owned road construction companies in Ghana.Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional survey was undertaken during January – March, 2020 to study 389 road construction workers who were actively working on site. They were unobtrusively observed to capture whether or not they wore the appropriate PPE at the time of the survey. The PPE of interest were: hard hat, goggles, shoes, nose masks, hearing protection, gloves, and reflective vests/apparel. On-site posted PPE signage was also checked. Results: Majority of workers were labourers (53.5%) and males (96.9%). Similar numbers of workers in foreign-owned (194) and locally-owned (195) companies were studied. Use of PPE varied considerably by type: goggles (11.3%), hard hat (27.0%), safety shoes (78.7%), gloves (30.6%), hearing protection (10.8%), reflective vest (44.5%) and nose mask (17.2%). For all types of PPE, use was higher among workers in foreign-owned companies compared with locally-owned companies: goggles (Odds ratio [OR] 55.2), hard hat (OR 20.2), safety shoes (OR 4.1), gloves (OR 23.7), hearing protection (OR 52.0), reflective vest (OR 5.3) and nose mask (OR 17.8) (p<0.001 for all ORs). No site had any signage to promote PPE use. Conclusions: Majority of workers used safety shoes. Less than half of workers used other types of PPE and use of some types (goggles and hearing protection) was minimal. Workers in foreign-owned companies were significantly more likely to use all of the types of PPE. Although there is still room for improvement in foreign-owned companies, locally-owned companies should be able to attain similar PPE use to that in foreign-owned companies. Road construction companies should place a premium on health and safety issues by hiring safety managers with professional training, providing staff with PPE, and training them on proper usage, as well as adopting safety protocols.
Developmental Delay and its Predictors among Under-Five Uncomplicated Severe Acute Malnourished Children: A Cross-Sectional Study in Rural Areas of Pakistan
Authors: Saleem Javeria , Zakaar Rubeena , Bukhari Gul Mehar Javaid , Fatima Aneela , Fischer Florian 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: In developing countries, malnutrition in children and developmental delays are two major challenges for public health. To achieve the vision of the Sustainable Development Goals in the broader perspective of child health, an early identification of developmental delays and timely intervention is crucial. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of suspected developmental delay and their predictors in under-five uncomplicated severe acute malnourished children in rural areas of Pakistan.Methods: A multicentre cross-sectional study has been conducted among 185 uncomplicated severe acute malnourished children. We screened 6–59 months aged children for their nutritional status and clinical complications. Children fulfilling the inclusion criteria underwent the Denver Development Screening Tool II (DDSTII). The global developmental profile of children was calculated according to established protocols of DDSTII based on four important domains of development: personal and social behaviour, language, gross motor adaptive and fine motor adaptive skills. A pretested structured questionnaire on socio-demographic and nutritional factors was used for assessing predictors of developmental delay, which were analysed in a multivariate logistic regression model.Results: Out of 177 severe acute malnourished children, 69 (38.9%) had normal global development and 108 (61.1%) had delayed global development. Significant associations with global development delay were found for lower aged children (6-24 months vs. 25-59 month; AOR=4.53, 95% CI: 1.56–13.10, p<0.01), not exclusively breastfeed children (AOR=3.07, 95% CI: 1.24–7.56, p=0.01), and a history of contact with tuberculosis smear positive adult (AOR=2.67, 95% CI: 1.30–5.49, p<0.01). Conclusion: With about two thirds of study participants showing delayed or unstable global development, there is a high prevalence of suspected developmental delay among under-five uncomplicated severe acute malnourished children in rural areas Pakistan. Particularly children in their first two years of life with insufficient breastfeeding are at high risk. This emphasizes the need for providing adequate infrastructure and information to parents in remote areas.
Evaluation of in-vitro antibacterial and antifungal activities of crude extracts and solvent fractions of methanol extract of leaves of Ricinus communis Linn (Euphorbiaceae) against selected pathogens
Authors: Kebede Bedaso , Shibeshi Workineh 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background Impacts of infectious diseases are reduced due to development of antimicrobial agents. However, the effectiveness of the antimicrobial agents is reduced over time because of the emergence of antimicrobial resistance.To overcome these problems scholars have been searching for alternative medicines, particularly focusing on traditionally used medicinal plants. Ricinus communis Linn is used as a traditional treatment for bovine mastitis, wound infection, and other medicinal purposes. Moreover, the antimicrobial activity of Ricinus communis Linn leaf at crude extract level has been confirmed against human originated pathogens in the previous studies. The objective of the present study was to further evaluate the antimicrobial activities of Ricinus communis Linn leaf extracts and fractions. The Ricinus communis Linn leaves were macerated in absolute methanol and acetone solvents. The methanol crude extract was shown best antimicrobial activity and exposed to further fractionation via increasing polarity of solvents (n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and aqueous). Test microorganisms included in the study were six laboratory reference bacteria (E. coli, S. aureus, S. agalactiae, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa, and S. Pyogenes), two clinical isolate bacteria (E. coli and S. aureus), and Candida albicans. The agar well diffusion method was employed to determine antimicrobial activity. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum bactericidal/fungicidal concentrations (MBC/MFC) were determined through broth microdilution method. Results The results indicated that the best antimicrobial activity(based on zone of inhibition) for ethyl acetate fraction ranging from 14.67 mm (clinical E. coli) to 20.33 mm (S. aureus) at 400mg/ml however, n-hexane exhibited lowest antimicrobial activity. Among tested fractions, ethyl acetate fraction was produced lowest MIC values ranging from 1.5625mg/ml (S. aureus) to 16.67 mg/ml (Candida albicans). The ethyl acetate fraction showed bactericidal activity against all tested microorganisms. Conclusion Methanol extract of Ricinus communis Linn leaf exhibited better antimicrobial activity than acetone extract. Hence, ethyl acetate fraction of crude methanol extract exhibited best antimicrobial activity indicating its potential for development of antimicrobial products.
The Treatment and Prophylaxis Usage Profile of Intravenous Vancomycin Medication in Orthopedics
Authors: Wang Liang , Qi Lei , Jiang Yunpeng , Li Mu 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Despite vancomycin has been widely used in orthopedics, the details of vancomycin usage in orthopedics remains unknown. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the usage profile of intravenous vancomycin medication in orthopedics.Methods: The medical records of inpatients receiving intravenous vancomycin medication from January 2015 to December 2019 in a single center of orthopedics department were retrospectively reviewed. The gender, age, diagnosis, surgical information, microbiological data, duration of vancomycin medication were collected. The related data were analyzed and compared between subgroups.Results: A total of 258 cases receiving intravenous vancomycin medication (≥3 days) were enrolled. The mean age was 57.3 years. There were 141 cases in treatment and 117 in Prophylaxis group. The mean duration of vancomycin medication was 11.2 days. The duration was longer in Treatment than Prophylaxis group (14.8 versus 6.9 days, P<0.05). The main reasons for treatment were PJI after TKA (46.7%) and THA (18.2%) in Joint subgroup and SSI after spine surgery (51.5%) for Spine subgroup. For prophylaxis usage, the main reasons were postoperative clinical suspicious infection. The bacteria responsible for infections in Treatment group were S. epidermidis (34.6%), S. aureus (31.8%), other Staphylococcus (12.1%), MRSA (7.5%), Streptococcus (7.5%), Enterococcus faecalis (3.7%) and Bacillus (2.8%).Conclusion: Taken together, our research firstly revealed the treatment and prophylaxis usage profile of intravenous vancomycin medication in orthopedics. It provides the different purposes, main causes, bacteriological data and medication duration for treatment and prophylaxis vancomycin usage in orthopedics.
Incidence and Economic Burden of Infections in Cancer Patients Receiving Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Nalluru Swarna , Piranavan Paramrajan , Narimiti Anvesh , Siddiqui Ahmad D. , Abraham George M. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUNDAlong with antitumor effects, Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (ICPI) have shown great potential in treating chronic infections such as HIV, Hepatitis B and malaria, in ex-vivo studies. However, several case reports and case series have suggested an increased infection risk in cancer patients. The purpose of our study was to assess the risk of infections in cancer patients receiving ICPI. We also attempted to evaluate the role of a multidisciplinary approach (Oncology and Infectious disease specialists) and the cost associated with treatment. METHODS:Records on all cancer patients over age ≥18 years old who had received at least one dose of ICPI between 2015 to 2018 at a major community teaching hospital in the central Massachusetts region were reviewed. Several risk factors associated with infection were identified. A two-tailed, unpaired t-test was used to analyze the association between risk factors and infection. We calculated the cumulative length of stay (LOS) and cost per admission with a multidisciplinary vs. non-multidisciplinary approach. The calculated total average cost per admission was compared to a matched population (without an oncologic diagnosis) admitted with infections similar to that in our study, to compare the economic burden. RESULTSRetrospective chart review of 169 cancer patients receiving ICPI showed sixty-two episodes of infection in thirty-seven (21.8%) patients and a mortality rate of 3.5% due to associated complications. Risk factors like COPD, prior chemotherapy and steroid use were significantly associated (P<0.05) with infections. Further sub-group analysis showed increase in cumulative LOS from 5.9 to 8.1 days but approximately similar average cost per admission ($52,047 vs. $54,510) with non-multidisciplinary vs. multidisciplinary approach. The calculated total cost per admission during an episode of infection in this cohort of patients was $35,484; three-fold higher when matched to similar infections in a general non-oncologic population ($11,527). CONCLUSIONSA significant incidence of infections and associated health care resource utilization continues to prevail in cancer patients despite the utility of ICPI. A multidisciplinary approach to manage the infections and associated complications in cancer patients receiving ICPI increased the cumulative LOS but not the average cost per admission.
The Effectiveness of Partial Versus Radical Nephrectomy for pT3aN0M0 Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Propensity Score Analysis
Authors: Yang Zheuyu , Li Jibin , Liu Zefu , Chen Peng , Bi Xing , Li Zhiyong , Dong Pei , Han Hui , He Xiaobo , Mao Xiaopeng , Guo Shengjie 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background

The survival benefit of partial nephrectomy (PN) in pT3a RCC patients is controversial. Here we aimed to determine the benefit of PN for T3aN0M0 renal cell carcinoma (RCC).
Methods

Data of patients with pT3aN0M0 RCC who were diagnosed between 2010–2012 in the National Cancer Institute Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database were retrospectively collected. We compared overall survival (OS) and cancer specific survival (CSS) using a Cox proportional hazards model between PN and radical nephrectomy (RN) in pT3aN0M0 RCC. Propensity score (–adjusted, –stratified, –weighted, and –matched) analyses were performed to control for imbalances in individual risk factors.
Results

A total of 1277 patients with pT3aN0M0 RCC were identified, of whom 200 patients were treated with PN and 1077 patients were RN. Patients who received PN were more likely to have small tumor size, well/moderately differentiation, peritumoral fat invasion, and less likely to have multiple site invasion and clear cell adenocarcinoma type (p < 0.05). PN showed favorable OS and CSS in 0-4cm pT3aN0M0 RCC (p < 0.05), and similar OS and CSS in 4-7cm pT3aN0M0 RCC, compared with RN using un-adjusted analyses. The Propensity score analyses further demonstrated the survival benefit of PN compared with the RN in 0-4cm pT3aN0M0 RCC (p < 0.05).
Conclusions

In this observational study, PN was associated with improved survival compared with RN in 0-4cm pT3aN0M0 RCC. Moreover, survival was comparable between PN and RN in 4-7cm pT3aN0M0 RCC. These data provided evidence that PN is an alternative choice for T3aN0M0 RCC less than 7 cm. Patients with 0-4cm pT3aN0M0 RCC may benefit from PN.
A Prospective Phase II Study on The Use Of Convalescent Plasma Monotherapy For The Treatment of Severe Covid-19 Disease: A Preliminary Report.
Authors: Pappa Vasiliki , Politou Marianna , Papageorgiou Sotirios G , Antoniadou Anastasia , Kotanidou Anastasia , Bouchla Anthi , Pagoni Maria , Korompoki Eleni , Poulakou Garyfalia , Grouzi Elissavet , Mentis Andreas , Stamoulis Konstantinos , Matsouka Chara , Panagiotakopoulos George , Bamias Aristotelis , Tsiodras Sotirios , Terpos Evangelos , Dimopoulos Meletios-Athanasios 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Currently, there are no effective treatments for novel corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In this study, we report the preliminary results on the efficacy and safety of convalescent plasma (CP) infusion, as monotherapy in 9 patients with severe COVID-19 disease. The median time from symptom onset to CP transfusion was 6 days. All symptoms improved significantly after a median of 8 days. In 6/9 patients, symptomatic improvement was observed already after the 1st dose of CP transfusion. Laboratory parameters associated with disease severity tended to significantly decrease over time and lymphocyte counts significantly increased on day 14. All patients exhibited significant increases in SARS-CoV-2 IgA and IgG antibodies starting on day 7 through day 21 after CP infusion with concurrent reduction of SARS-CoV-2 RNA on days 7 and 14 with 44.4% % of the patients having undetectable SARS-CoV-2 RNA on day 14. After a median follow-up of 66 days, all patients remain alive. Eight patients recovered completely and were discharged from hospital after a median duration of hospitalization of 21 days. No severe adverse events were observed. In conclusion, this preliminary report suggests that CP infusion monotherapy administered early in the disease course may be a safe and effective strategy for patients with severe COVID-19 disease. Trial registration: NCT04408209. Registered 05 May 2020- Retrospectively registered, (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04408209?term=NCT04408209&draw=2&rank=1).
Coronavirus Disease 2019 Induced Inflammatory Response are Associated with Changes in Lipid Profiles
Authors: Li Chuanwei , Zhang Wen , Xu Chunmei , Tan Hu , Cao Guoqiang , Li Li , Sun Qidi , Wu Gengze , Hu Mingdong , Wu Shuang , Li Qi , Wang Guansong , Zhang Xiaohua , Zeng Chunyu 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Previous studies have found some evidence of association between changes in lipids and lipoprotein and viral pneumonia. No data are available about the effect of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) on lipids. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between lipid profiles and inflammation markers among patients with Covid-19. Methods: In this retrospective analysis, Covid-19 patients in Jin-yin-tan Hospital and healthy individuals from Daping Hospital were enrolled. The clinical and biochemical characteristics of Covid-19 patients and healthy controls were compared. We correlated lipid parameters to disease severity and inflammatory markers. The severity of Covid-19 for all patients were stipulated according to the diagnostic and treatment guideline for Covid-19 issued by Chinese National Health Committee (the 7th edition).Results: A total of 242 Covid-19 patients and 242 sex-age matched controls were enrolled. Compared with controls, Covid-19 patients had lower lymphocyte counts as well as total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein (HDL-c), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-c) and apoA-I levels on admission. Whereas apolipoprotein B (apoB) and apoB/apoA-I ratio were slightly higher in patients with Covid-19. There was no difference in lipid levels between the moderate and severe groups. The total lymphocytes were weakly positively associated with TC, LDL-c and apoA-I. Conclusion: Patients with Covid-19 are associated with decreased lipid and lipoprotein levels. Covid-19 infection induced inflammation response and cytokine storm were associated with a shift of lipids, lipoproteins toward a more atherogenic lipid profile.