bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The association between protection motivation and hepatitis b vaccination intention among migrant workers in Tianjin, China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Liu Cai , Nicholas Stephen , Jian Wang 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Migrant workers are a susceptible population to the hepatitis b virus (HBV) and a vulnerable spot in China’s immunization procedures. There is no free HBV immunization program for migrant workers in China, so understanding migrant workers’ motivation to receive the HBV vaccine is the first step in designing effective immunization policies.Methods: A fully specified protection motivation theory (PMT) model of HBV vaccination intention among migrant workers was specified. Data were collected through a cross-sectional survey of 406 migrant workers in three migrant-dense industries in Tianjin, China. Principal component factor analysis was used to produce PMT factors and nested binary logistic regression modeling was applied to assess the associations between protection motivation and HBV vaccination intention of migrant workers.Results: The nested binary logistic regression model suggested that the severity factor and self-efficacy factor were positively related to HBV vaccination intention (OR=2.15, 95% CI: 1.25-3.71; OR=2.75, 95% CI: 1.62-4.66) while the response costs was negatively related to the HBV vaccination motivation (OR=0.50, 95% CI: 0.29-0.83). The socio-demographic variables showed that younger, married and good self-rated health status participants were statistically associated with the intention of taking the HBV vaccine. Sex, education level and income group were not significantly associated with vaccination intention. The migrant-industry variables showed that migrant location had a strong effect on migrant workers’ vaccination intention.Conclusion: Socio-demographic, migrant-industry variables and PMT factors (severity, self-efficacy and response costs) were statistically associated with migrant workers’ intention to vaccinate. Our results suggest that health policy makers should provide more information to migrants on HBV severity; inform migrant workers on where, when and how to get the HBV vaccine; tap into work organizations as a location for vaccinations; and identify migrant worker subgroups for targeted interventions.
Genetic profile of African swine fever virus responsible for the 2019 outbreak in northern Malawi
Authors: Hakizimana J.N. , Kamwendo G. , Chulu J.L.C. , Kamana O. , Nauwynck H.J. , Misinzo G. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background

African swine fever (ASF) is an infectious transboundary animal disease which causes high mortality, approaching 100% in domestic pigs and it is currently considered as the most serious constraint to domestic pig industry and food security globally. Despite regular ASF outbreaks within Malawi, few studies have genetically characterized the causative ASF virus (ASFV). This study aimed at genetic characterization of ASFV responsible for the 2019 outbreak in northern Malawi. The disease confirmation was done by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by molecular characterization of the causative ASFV by partial genome sequencing and phylogenetic reconstruction of the B646L (p72) gene, nucleotide alignment of the intergenic region (IGR) between I73R and I329L genes and translation of the central variable region (CVR) coded by B602L gene.

Results

All thirteen samples collected during this study in Karonga district in September 2019 were ASFV-positive and after partial genome sequencing and phylogenetic reconstruction of the B646L (p72) gene, the viruses clustered into ASFV p72 genotype II. The viruses characterized in this study lacked a GAATATATAG fragment between the I173R and the I329L genes and were classified as IGR I variants. Furthermore, the tetrameric amino acid repeats within the CVR of the B602L gene of the 2019 Malawian ASFV reported in this study had the signature BNDBNDBNAA, 100% similar to ASFV responsible for the 2013 and 2017 ASF outbreaks in Zambia and Tanzania, respectively.

Conclusions

The results of this study confirm an ASF outbreak in Karonga district in northern Malawi in September 2019. The virus was closely related to other p72 genotype II ASFV that caused outbreaks in neighboring eastern and southern African countries, emphasizing the possible regional transboundary transmission of this ASFV genotype. These findings call for a concerted regional and international effort to control the spread of ASF in order to improve nutritional and food security.
Propensity for COVID-19 severe epidemic among the populations of the neighborhoods of Fortaleza, Brazil, in 2020
Authors: Braga Jose Ueleres , Ramos Alberto Novaes , Ferreira Anderson Fuentes , Lacerda Victor Macêdo , Freire Renan Monteiro Carioca , Bertoncini Bruno Vieira 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: The state of Ceará (Northeast Brazil) has shown a high incidence of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), and most of the cases that were diagnosed during the epidemic originated from the capital Fortaleza. Monitoring the dynamics of the COVID-19 epidemic is of strategic importance and requires the use of sensitive tools for epidemiological surveillance, including consistent analyses that allow the recognition of areas with a greater propensity for increased severity throughout the cycle of the epidemic. This study aims to classify neighborhoods in the city of Fortaleza according to their propensity for a severe epidemic of COVID-19 in 2020. Methods: We conducted an ecological study within the geographical area of the 119 neighborhoods located in the city of Fortaleza. To define the main transmission networks (infection chains), we assumed that the spatial diffusion of the COVID-19 epidemic was influenced by population mobility. To measure the propensity for a severe epidemic, we calculated the infectivity burden (ItyB), infection burden (IonB), and population epidemic vulnerability index (PEVI). The propensity score for a severe epidemic in the neighborhoods of the city of Fortaleza was estimated by combining the IonB and PEVI. Results: The neighborhoods with the highest propensity for a severe COVID-19 epidemic were Aldeota, Cais do Porto, Centro, Edson Queiroz, Vicente Pinzon, Jose de Alencar, Presidente Kennedy, Papicu, Vila Velha, Antonio Bezerra, and Cambeba. Importantly, we found that the propensity for a COVID-19 epidemic was high in areas with differing socioeconomic profiles. These areas include a very poor neighborhood situated on the western border of the city (Vila Velha), neighborhoods characterized by a large number of subnormal agglomerates in the Cais do Porto region (Vicente Pinzon), and those located in the oldest central area of the city, where despite the wealth, low-income groups have remained (Aldeota and the adjacent Edson Queiroz).Conclusion: Although measures against COVID-19 should be applied to the entire municipality of Fortaleza, the classification of neighborhoods generated through this study can help improve the specificity and efficiency of these measures.
Homeobox proteins are potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in gastric cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Jin Xiao , Dai Lu , Ma lan Yi , Wang yan Jia , Yan hao Hai , Jin Ye , Zhu juan Xiao , Liu Zheng 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background : An increasing number of studies have described the aberrant expression of homeobox (HOX) proteins in gastric cancer (GC), which is critically associated with the prognosis and clinicopathological characteristics of GC. This study was conducted to investigate the clinical value and potential mechanisms of HOX proteins in GC. Methods : A comprehensive search of PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane Library was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement . The pooled hazard ratio (HR) with its 95% confidence interval (95% CI ) and the pooled odds ratio (OR) with its 95% CI were used to assess the effects of HOX protein expression on the prognosis and clinicopathological features of GC, respectively. Results : Nineteen studies involving 3775 patients were selected for this study. Heterogeneity among HRs of overall survival (OS) was markedly high (I 2 =90.5%, p=0.000). According to the subgroup analysis, increased expression of HOX proteins in the downregulated subgroup was associated with a good prognosis for patients with GC (pooled HR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.36-0.59, I 2 =3.1%, p=0.377), while the overexpression of HOX proteins in the upregulated subgroup correlated with a reduced OS (pooled HR: 2.59, 95% CI: 1.79-3.74, I 2 =73.5%, p=0.000). The aberrant expression of HOX proteins was crucially related to the TNM stage, depth of tumour invasion, tumour size, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, vascular invasion, histological differentiation and Lauren classification in patients with GC . In addition , the molecular mechanisms by which HOX proteins regulate the tumorigenesis and development of GC were also explored. Conclusions : HOX proteins play vital roles in GC progression and might serve as prognostic markers for GC. Novel therapeutic strategies targeting HOX proteins are promising for GC prevention and therapy.
Utility of ultra-sensitive qPCR to detect Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax infections under different transmission intensities
Authors: Gruenberg Maria , Moniz Clara Antunes , Hofmann Natalie E. , Koepfli Cristian , Robinson Leanne J. , Nate ELma , Monteiro Wuelton Marcelo , Melo Gisely Cardoso , Kuehn Andrea , Siqueira Andre M. , Nguitragool Wang , Bassat Quique , Lacerda Marcus , Sattabongkot Jetsumon Prachumsri , Mueller Ivo , Felger Ingrid 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: The use of molecular diagnostics has revealed an unexpectedly large number of asymptomatic low-density malaria infections in many malaria endemic areas. This study compared the gains in parasite prevalence obtained by the use of ultra-sensitive (us)-qPCR as compared to standard qPCR in cross sectional surveys conducted in Thailand, Brazil and Papua New Guinea (PNG). The compared assays differed in the copy number of qPCR targets in the parasite genome. Methods: Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) and P. vivax (Pv) parasites were quantified by qPCR amplifying the low-copy Pf_ and Pv_18S rRNA genes or the multi-copy targets Pf_varATS and Pv_mtCOX1. Cross sectional surveys at the three study sites included 2252 participants of all ages and represented different transmission intensities.Results: In the two low-transmission areas, Pf positivity was 1.3% (10/773) (Thailand) and 0.8% (5/651) (Brazil) using standard Pf_18S rRNA qPCR. In these two countries, Pf positivity by Pf_varATS us-qPCR increased to 1.9% (15/773) and 1.7% (11/651). In PNG, an area with moderate transmission intensity, Pf positivity significantly increased from 8.6% (71/828) by standard qPCR to 12.2% (101/828) by us-qPCR. The proportions of Pf infections not detected by standard qPCR were 33%, 55% and 30% in Thailand, Brazil and PNG. Pv was the predominating species in Thailand and Brazil, with 3.9% (30/773) and 4.9% (32/651) positivity by Pv_18S rRNA qPCR. In PNG, Pv positivity was similar to Pf, at 8.0% (66/828). Use of Pv_mtCOX1 us-qPCR led to a significant increase in positivity to 5.1% (39/773), 6.4% (42/651) and 11.5% (95/828) in Thailand, Brazil, and PNG. The proportions of Pv infections missed by standard qPCR were similar at all three sites, with 23%, 24% and 31% in Thailand, Brazil and PNG. Conclusion: The proportional gains in the detection of Pf and Pv infections by ultra-sensitive diagnostic assays were substantial at all three study sites. Thus, us-qPCR yields more precise prevalence estimates for both Pf and Pv at all studied levels of endemicity and represents a significant diagnostic improvement. Improving sensitivity in Pv surveillance by us-qPCR is of particular benefit, because the additionally detected Pv infections signal the potential presence of hypnozoites and subsequent risk of relapse and further transmission.
Pulse oximetry curves in healthy children living at moderate altitude: a cross-sectional study from the Ecuadorian Andes
Authors: Mayorga Vinicio Andrade , Andrade Felipe , Riofrío Pablo , Nedel Fulvio , Martin Miguel , Romero Natalia 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background In populations above 3,000 meters above sea level (m.a.s.l.) normal values of oxygen saturation (SpO2) above 90% have been reported. Few studies have been conducted in cities of moderate altitude (between 2,500 and 3,000 m a.s.l). We set out to describe the range of SpO2 values measured with a pulse oximeter in healthy children between 1 month and 12 years of age living in an Ecuadorian Andean city.Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out in Quito, Ecuador, located at 2,800 m a.s.l. SpO2 measurement in healthy children of ages ranging from 1 month to 12 years of age residents in the city were recorded by pulse oximetry. Age and gender were recorded, and median and 2.5th and 5th percentile were drawn. Non parametric tests were used to compare differences in SpO2 values by age and gender.Results 1,378 healthy children were included for the study, 719 (52.2%) males. The median SpO2 for the entire population was 94.5%. No differences were observed between SpO2 median values by age and gender. The 2.5th percentile for global SpO2 measurements was 90%, in children under 5 years of age was 91% and it was 90% in children older than 7. Conclusions Our results provide SpO2 values for healthy children from 1 to 12 years old residents in Quito, a city of moderate altitude. The SpO2 percentile curve could contribute as a healthy range for the clinical evaluation of children residing at this altitude.
Mechanical wear analysis helps understand a mechanism of failure in retrieved magnetically controlled growing rods: a retrieval study
Authors: Wei Jack Z. , Hothi Harry S. , Morganti Holly , Bergiers Sean , Gal Elisabetta Dal , Likcani Doris , Henckel Johann , Hart Alister J. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: To assess the relationship between mechanical wear and the failure of the internal lengthening mechanism in retrieved MAGnetic Expansion Control (MAGEC) growing rods. Methods: This study included 34 MAGEC rods retrieved from 20 patients. The state of the internal mechanism and mechanical wear were assessed in all the rods using plain radiographs and visual inspection. Metrology was then performed to assess the topography and mechanical wear of the telescopic bars, using a Talyrond 365 (Taylor Hobson, Leicester, UK) roundness measuring machine. Results: Plain radiographs showed evidence of a broken internal mechanism in 29% of retrieved rods. Single-side wear marks were found in 97% of retrieved rods. Material loss was found to significantly increase in rods with a damaged internal mechanism (p<0.05) and rods with longer time in situ (r=0.692, p<0.05). Conclusions: We found an association between damage to the internal mechanism of the rods and (1) patterns of single-side longitudinal wear marks and (2) increased material loss. As the material loss was also found to increase over time of rod in situ, we emphasise the importance of early detection and revision of failed MAGEC rods in clinical practice.
Immunological and clinicopathological characteristics of C1RL in 2120 glioma patients
Authors: Wang Junyou , Tong Luqing , Lin Gaojun , Wang Hui , Zhang Liang , Yang Xuejun 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background Glioma is a deadly and immunosuppressive brain tumour. Complement C1r subcomponent like (C1RL), a prognostic biomarker in several kinds of tumours, has attracted increasing attention from oncologists. However, the role of C1RL in glioma remains unclear. Methods Through analysis of 2120 glioma patients from 5 public datasets, the relationships between C1RL expression and clinicopathological characteristics were evaluated. Furthermore, the C1RL-associated genes were screened, and Gene Ontology (GO) analysis was conducted to investigate biological process enrichment. In addition, tumour purity, leukocyte infiltration and overall survival were evaluated based on C1RL expression. Results We found that C1RL expression was upregulated in glioblastoma (GBM), especially mesenchymal GBM and primary GBM. Increased C1RL expression accompanied the IDH1-wt phenotype in both lower grade glioma (LGG) and GBM. C1RL- associated genes were mainly enriched in biological processes related to the immune response. C1RL expression was also correlated with reduced tumour purity and increased M2 macrophage infiltration. Higher C1RL expression predicted unfavourable survival in patients with glioma and therapeutic resistance in GBM. Conclusions Our results imply that C1RL is involved in immunological activities and is an independent unfavourable prognostic biomarker in patients with glioma. C1RL is a potential clinical immunotherapeutic target for glioma treatment in the future.
Atherosclerotic plaque locations may be related to different ischemic lesion patterns
Authors: Woo Ho Geol , Heo Sung Hyuk , Kim Eui Jong , Chang Dae-il , Song Tae Jin , Kim Bum Joon 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Atherosclerosis of the internal carotid artery (ICA) is an important cause of ischemic stroke. Artery-to-artery embolism is the major stroke mechanism in patients with atherosclerotic carotid disease. This study hypothesized that the atherosclerotic ICA geometry and plaque location would be associated with lesion pattern in patients with acute ischemic stroke.Methods: Ischemic stroke patients with symptomatic proximal ICA disease (>50% diameter stenosis) were enrolled. The carotid plaque location was divided into high-apical and low-body types. The geometric parameters of the ICA (angles between arteries) were measured, and ischemic lesion patterns were classified according to the number, location, and size of the lesions. Factors associated with plaque location and lesion pattern, dichotomized by size, were investigated.Results: Of the 93 acute ischemic stroke patients enrolled, 31 had high-apical and 62 had low-body plaques. Hyperlipidemia was more prevalent and the common carotid artery (CCA)-ICA angle was wider (167.7 ± 10.4° vs 162.3 ± 9.8°, p = 0.019) in patients with low-body than high-apical plaques. Low-body plaques were more frequently associated with small scattered or cortical lesions (54.8% vs. 32.3%, p = 0.040), whereas high-apical plaques were more frequently associated with large lesions having additional lesions (38.7% vs. 11.3%, p = 0.002). The presence of low-body plaques (odds ratio: 3.106, 95% confidence interval: 1.105–8.728, p = 0.032) was independently associated with the small lesion-only pattern.Conclusions: Low-body plaques are more frequently associated with small scattered lesions, whereas high-apical plaques are more frequently associated with large lesions having additional lesions. A wide CCA-ICA angle is associated with low-body plaque of the carotid artery.
Diagnostic Value of Clusterin Immunostaining in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Li Yuan , Liu Fangfang , Zhou Wendi , Zhang Sharon , Chu Peiguo , Lin Fan , Wang Hanlin 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background

Histologic distinction between well differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and benign hepatocellular mass lesions is a known challenging. Existing biomarkers are of limited diagnostic value. Our previous studies observed an enhanced canalicular expression pattern of clusterin (CLU) in HCC, which was not observed in benign hepatocellular mass lesions such as hepatocellular adenoma. The aim of this study was to further investigate its diagnostic value for HCC by examining the expression pattern of CLU in a large number of non-hepatocellular tumors, and by comparing it with two other commonly used hepatocellular markers pCEA and CD10 that also show a canalicular staining pattern in HCC.

Methods

Enhanced canalicular staining patterns of CLU, pCEA and CD10 were analyzed on 54 surgically resected well to moderately differentiated HCCs on whole tissue sections, of which 37 had surrounding regenerative nodules while the remaining 17 had a non-cirrhotic background. CLU immunostaining was also performed on tissue microarray sections that contained 74 HCCs (40 of which were also stained for pCEA and CD10), 55 normal liver tissue samples, and 1305 non-hepatocellular tumors from multiple organs.

Results

Enhanced CLU canalicular staining was observed in 70% (89/128) HCCs but not in regenerative nodules, normal liver tissues or any non-hepatocellular tumors. The sensitivity and specificity for enhanced canalicular staining pattern of CLU in HCCs were 0.70 and 1.00. This enhanced canalicular pattern was observed in only 26% and 23% HCCs for CD10 and pCEA, respectively. These results further demonstrate that the distinctive enhanced canalicular pattern of CLU is unique to HCC.

Conclusions

CLU is superior to pCEA and CD10 as a diagnostic immunomarker in that it can help distinguish well to moderately differentiated HCC not only from non-HCC malignancies but also from benign hepatocellular mass lesions.
Hotspots of female genital mutilation/cutting and associated factors among girls in Ethiopia: a spatial and multilevel analysis
Authors: Geremew Tesfahun Taddege , Azage Muluken , Worku Endalkachew 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is a harmful traditional practice that violates the human rights of girls and women. It is widely practiced mainly in Africa including Ethiopia. There are a number of studies on the prevalence of FGM/C in Ethiopia. However, little has been devoted to its spatial epidemiology and associated factors. Hence, this study aimed to explore the spatial pattern and factors affecting FGM/C among girls in Ethiopia.Methods: A further analysis of the 2016 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey data was conducted, and a total of 6,985 girls nested in 603 enumeration areas were included. Moran's I statistic was employed to test the spatial autocorrelation, and Getis-Ord Gi* as well as Kulldorff’s spatial scan statistics were used to detect spatial clusters of FGM/C. Multilevel logistic regression models were fitted to identify individual and community level factors affecting FGM/C.Results: Spatial clustering of FGM/C was observed (Moran’s I=0.31, p-value < 0.01), and eight significant clusters of FGM/C were detected. The most likely primary cluster was detected in the neighborhood areas of Amhara, Afar, Tigray and Oromia regions (LLR = 279.0, p< 0.01), the secondary cluster in Tigray region (LLR=67.3, p<0.01), and the third cluster in Somali region (LLR=55.5, P<0.01). In About 83% variation in the odds of FGM/C was attributed to both individual and community level factors. At individual level, older maternal age, higher number of living children, maternal circumcision, perceived believes as FGM/C is required by religion, and supporting the continuation of FGM/C practice were factors to increase the odds of FGM/C, whereas, secondary/higher maternal education, better household wealth, and media exposure were factors decreasing the odds of FGM/C. Place of residency, Region and Ethnicity were the community level factors associated with FGM/C.Conclusions: Spatial clustering of FGM/C among girls was observed, and FGM/C hotspots were detected in Afar, Amhara, Tigray, BenishangulGumuz, Oromia, SNNPR and Somali regions including Dire Dawa Town. Both individual and community level factors play a significant role in the practice of FGM/C. Hence, FGM/C hotspots require priority interventions, and it is also better to consider both individual and community level factors.