bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of Schistosoma haematobium infection morbidity and severity on co-infections in pre-school age children living in a rural endemic area in Zimbabwe
Authors: Mduluza-Jokonya Tariro L. , Naicker Thajasvarie , Jokonya Luxwell , Midzi Herald , Vengesai Arthur , Kasambala Maritha , Choto Emilia , Rusakaniko Simbarashe , Sibanda Elopy , Mutapi Francisca , Mduluza Takafira 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
Individuals living in Schistosoma haematobium endemic areas are often at risk of having other communicable diseases simultaneously. This usually creates diagnostic difficulties leading to misdiagnosis and overlooking of schistosomiasis infection. In this study we investigated the prevalence and severity of coinfections in pre-school age children and further investigated associations between S. haematobium prevalence and under 5 mortality.

Methods
A community based cross-sectional survey was conducted in Shamva District, Zimbabwe. Using random selection, 465 preschool age children (1–5 years of age) were enrolled through clinical examination by two independent clinicians for the following top morbidity causing conditions: respiratory tract infections, dermatophytosis, malaria and fever of unknown origin. The conditions and their severe sequels were diagnosed as per approved WHO standards. S. haematobium infection was diagnosed by urine filtration and the children were screened for conditions common in the study area which included HIV, tuberculosis, malnutrition and typhoid. Data was analysed using univariate and multinomial regression analysis and relative risk (RR) calculated.

Results
Prevalence of S. haematobium was 35% (145). The clinical conditions assessed had the following prevalence in the study population: upper respiratory tract infection 40% (229), fever of unknown origin 45% (189), dermatophytosis 18% and malaria 18% (75). The odds of co-infections observed with S. haematobium infection were: upper respiratory tract infection aOR = 1.22 (95% CI 0.80 to 1.87), dermatophytosis aOR = 4.79 (95% CI 2.78 to 8.25), fever of unknown origin aOR = 10.63 (95% CI 6.48–17.45) and malaria aOR = 0.91 (95% CI 0.51 to1.58). Effect of schistosomiasis coinfection on disease progression based on the odds of the diseases progressing to severe sequalae were: Severe pneumonia aOR = 8.41 (95% CI 3.09–22.93), p < 0.0001, complicated malaria aOR = 7.09 (95% CI 1.51–33.39), p = 0.02, severe dermatophytosis aOR = 20.3 (95% CI 4.78–83.20):p = 0.03, and fever of unknown origin aOR = 1.62 (95%CI 1.56–4.73), p = 0.02.

Conclusion
This study revealed an association between schistosomiasis and the comorbidity conditions of URTI, dermatophytosis, malaria and FUO in PSAC living in a schistosomiasis endemic area. A possible detrimental effect where coinfection led to severe sequels of the comorbidity conditions was demonstrated. Appropriate clinical diagnostic methods are required to identify associated infectious diseases and initiate early treatment of schistosomiasis and co-infections in PSAC.
Risk perception related to COVID-19 among the Iranian general population: an application of the extended parallel process model
Authors: Jahangiry Leila , Bakhtari Fatemeh , Sohrabi Zahara , Reihani Parvin , Samei Sirous , Ponnet Koen , Montazeri Ali 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has emerged as a major global public health challenge. This study aimed to investigate on how people perceive the COVID-19 outbreak using the components of the Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM) and to find out how this might contribute to possible behavioral responses to the prevention and control of the disease.

Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted in Iran during March and April 2020. Participants were recruited via online applications using a number of platforms such as Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram asking people to take part in the study. To collect data an electronic self-designed questionnaire based on the EPPM was used in order to measure the risk perception (efficacy, defensive responses, perceived threat) related to the COVID-19. Descriptive statistics, chi-square, t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA), were used to explore the data.

Results
A total of 3727 individuals with a mean age (SD) of 37.0 (11.1) years participated in the study. The results revealed significant differences in efficacy, defensive responses and perceived threat among different population groups particularly among those aged 60 and over. Women had significantly higher scores than men on some aspects such as self-efficacy, reactance, and avoidance but men had higher perceived susceptibility scores compared to women. Overall 56.4% of participants were engaged in danger control (preventive behavior) while the remaining 43.6% were engaged in fear control (non-preventive behavior) process.

Conclusion
More than half of all participants motivated by danger control. This indicated that more than half of participants had high perceived efficacy (i.e., self-efficacy and response efficacy). Self-efficacy scores were significantly higher among participants who were older, female, single, lived in rural areas, and had good economic status. The results suggest that socioeconomic and demographic factors are the main determinants of the COVID-19 risk perception. Indeed, targeted interventions are essential for controlling the pandemic.
Analysis of low-dose estrogen on callus BMD as measured by pQCT in postmenopausal women
Authors: Jäckle K. , Kolb J. P. , Schilling A. F. , Schlickewei C. , Amling M. , Rueger J. M. , Lehmann W. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
Osteoporosis affects elderly patients of both sexes. It is characterized by an increased fracture risk due to defective remodeling of the bone microarchitecture. It affects in particular postmenopausal women due to their decreased levels of estrogen. Preclinical studies with animals demonstrated that loss of estrogen had a negative effect on bone healing and that increasing the estrogen level led to a better bone healing. We asked whether increasing the estrogen level in menopausal patients has a beneficial effect on bone mineral density (BMD) during callus formation after a bone fracture.

Methods
To investigate whether estrogen has a beneficial effect on callus BMD of postmenopausal patients, we performed a prospective double-blinded randomized study with 76 patients suffering from distal radius fractures. A total of 31 patients (71.13 years ±11.99) were treated with estrogen and 45 patients (75.62 years ±10.47) served as untreated controls. Calculated bone density as well as cortical bone density were determined by peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) prior to and 6 weeks after the surgery. Comparative measurements were performed at the fractured site and at the corresponding position of the non-fractured arm.

Results
We found that unlike with preclinical models, bone fracture healing of human patients was not improved in response to estrogen treatment. Furthermore, we observed no dependence between age-dependent bone tissue loss and constant callus formation in the patients.

Conclusions
Transdermally applied estrogen to postmenopausal women, which results in estrogen levels similar to the systemic level of premenopausal women, has no significant beneficial effect on callus BMD as measured by pQCT, as recently shown in preclinical animal models.

Trial registration
Low dose estrogen has no significant effect on bone fracture healing measured by pQCT in postmenopausal women, DRKS00019858. Registered 25th November 2019 - Retrospectively registered. Trial registration number DRKS00019858.
In vitro osteogenesis of rat bone marrow mesenchymal cells on PEEK disks with heat-fixed apatite by CO2 laser bonding
Authors: Kawasaki Sachiko , Inagaki Yusuke , Akahane Manabu , Furukawa Akira , Shigematsu Hideki , Tanaka Yasuhito 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
Polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK) is increasingly being used for spinal applications. However, because of its biologically inactive nature, there are risks of false joint loosening and sinking. PEEK materials are coated with apatite to enhance the osteoconductive properties. In this study, we aimed to evaluate whether strontium apatite stimulate osteogenesis on the surface of PEEK by using the CO2 laser technique.

Methods
We prepared non-coated disks, laser-exposed disks without apatite, and four types of apatite-coated by laser PEEK disks (hydroxyapatite (HAP), strontium hydroxyapatite (SrHAP), silicate-substituted strontium apatite (SrSiP), and silicate-zinc-substituted strontium apatite (SrZnSiP)). A part of the study objective was testing various types of apatite coatings. Bone marrow mesenchymal cells (BMSCs) of rats were seeded at a density of 2 × 104/cm2 onto each apatite-coated, non-coated, and laser-irradiated PEEK disks. The disks were then placed in osteogenic medium, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and Alizarin red staining of BMSCs grown on PEEK disks were performed after 14 days of culture. The concentrations of osteocalcin (OC) and calcium in the culture medium were measured on days 8 and 14 of cell culture. Furthermore, mRNA expression of osteocalcin, ALP, runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), collagen type 1a1 (Col1a1), and collagen type 4a1 (Col4a1) was evaluated by qPCR.

Results
The staining for ALP and Alizarin red S was more strongly positive on the apatite-coated PEEK disks compared to that on non-coated or laser-exposed without coating PEEK disks. The concentration of osteocalcin secreted into the medium was also significantly higher in case of the SrHAP, SrSiP, and SrZnSiP disks than that in the case of the non-coated on day14. The calcium concentration in the PEEK disk was significantly lower in all apatite-coated disks than that in the pure PEEK disks on day 14. In qPCR, OC and ALP mRNA expression was significantly higher in the SrZnSiP disks than that in the pure PEEK disks.

Conclusions
Our findings demonstrate that laser bonding of apatite—along with trace elements—on the PEEK disk surfaces might provide the material with surface property that enable better osteogenesis.
Periodic injections of adipose-derived stem cell sheets attenuate osteoarthritis progression in an experimental rabbit model
Authors: Takagi Tomoharu , Kabata Tamon , Hayashi Katsuhiro , Fang Xiang , Kajino Yoshitomo , Inoue Daisuke , Ohmori Takaaki , Ueno Takuro , Yoshitani Junya , Ueoka Ken , Yamamuro Yuki , Tsuchiya Hiroyuki 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
Subcutaneous adipose tissue represents an abundant source of multipotent adult stem cells named as Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs). With a cell sheet approach, ADSCs survive longer, and can be delivered in large quantities. We investigated whether intra-articular ADSC sheets attenuated osteoarthritis (OA) progression in a rabbit anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) model.

Methods
Fabricating medium containing ascorbate-2-phosphate was used to enhance collagen protein secretion by the ADSCs to make ADSC sheets. At 4 weeks after ACLT, autologous ADSC sheets were injected intra-articularly into the right knee (ADSC sheets group), and autologous cell death sheets treated by liquid nitrogen were injected into the left knee (control group). Subsequent injections were administered once weekly. Femoral condyles were compared macroscopically and histologically.

Results
Macroscopically, OA progression was significantly milder in the ADSC sheets than in the control groups. Histologically, control knees showed obvious erosions in the medial and lateral condyles, while cartilage was retained predominantly in the ADSC sheets group. Immunohistochemically, MMP-1, MMP-13, ADAMTS-4 were less expressive in the ADSC sheets than in the control groups.

Conclusions
Periodic ADSC sheets injections inhibited articular cartilage degeneration without inducing any adverse effects. A large quantity of autologous ADSCs delivered by cell sheets homed to the synovium and protected chondrocytes.
Automated identification of the mouse brain’s spatial compartments from in situ sequencing data
Authors: Partel Gabriele , Hilscher Markus M. , Milli Giorgia , Solorzano Leslie , Klemm Anna H. , Nilsson Mats , Wählby Carolina 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
Neuroanatomical compartments of the mouse brain are identified and outlined mainly based on manual annotations of samples using features related to tissue and cellular morphology, taking advantage of publicly available reference atlases. However, this task is challenging since sliced tissue sections are rarely perfectly parallel or angled with respect to sections in the reference atlas and organs from different individuals may vary in size and shape and requires manual annotation. With the advent of in situ sequencing technologies and automated approaches, it is now possible to profile the gene expression of targeted genes inside preserved tissue samples and thus spatially map biological processes across anatomical compartments.

Results
Here, we show how in situ sequencing data combined with dimensionality reduction and clustering can be used to identify spatial compartments that correspond to known anatomical compartments of the brain. We also visualize gradients in gene expression and sharp as well as smooth transitions between different compartments. We apply our method on mouse brain sections and show that a fully unsupervised approach can computationally define anatomical compartments, which are highly reproducible across individuals, using as few as 18 gene markers. We also show that morphological variation does not always follow gene expression, and different spatial compartments can be defined by various cell types with common morphological features but distinct gene expression profiles.

Conclusion
We show that spatial gene expression data can be used for unsupervised and unbiased annotations of mouse brain spatial compartments based only on molecular markers, without the need of subjective manual annotations based on tissue and cell morphology or matching reference atlases.
Pregnant women with COVID-19 and risk of adverse birth outcomes and maternal-fetal vertical transmission: a population-based cohort study in Wuhan, China
Authors: Yang Rong , Mei Hui , Zheng Tongzhang , Fu Qiang , Zhang Yiming , Buka Stephen , Yao Xinan , Tang Zezhong , Zhang Xichi , Qiu Lin , Zhang Yaqi , Zhou Jieqiong , Cao Jiangxia , Wang Youjie , Zhou Aifen 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak is evolving rapidly worldwide. However, little is known about the association between pregnant women with COVID-19 and the risk of adverse birth outcomes.

Method
We conducted a retrospective cohort study based on the Maternal and Child Health Information System (MCHIMS) of Wuhan, China. All pregnant women with singleton live birth recorded by the system between January 13 and March 18, 2020, were included. The adverse birth outcomes were preterm birth, low birth weight, neonatal asphyxia, premature rupture of membrane (PROM), and cesarean section delivery. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the associations between maternal COVID-19 diagnosis and adverse birth outcomes.

Results
Out of 11,078 pregnant women, 65 were confirmed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). No deaths occurred from these confirmed cases or their newborns. Compared to pregnant women without COVID-19, pregnant women with a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis had an increased risk of preterm birth (OR 3.34, 95% CI 1.60–7.00) and cesarean section (OR 3.63, 95% CI 1.95–6.76). There was no statistical difference in low birth weight, neonatal asphyxia, and PROM between the mothers with and without COVID-19. Among these newborns that were born to mothers with confirmed COVID-19, none was tested severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) positive or had abnormal CT results. Only one had diarrhea and three had a fever.

Conclusions
This population-based cohort study suggests that COVID-19 during the later pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of adverse birth outcomes, including iatrogenic preterm birth and cesarean section delivery. Our data provide little evidence for maternal-fetal vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2. It is important to monitor the long-term health effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on pregnant women and their children.
Blood pressure levels and cardiovascular risk according to age in patients with diabetes mellitus: a nationwide population-based cohort study
Authors: Kim Hack-Lyoung , Kim Hyue Mee , Kwon Chang Hee , Shin Jeong-Hun , Jung Mi-Hyang , Lee Chan Joo , Kim Dae-Hee , Kim Woo-Hyeun , Kang Si-Hyuck , Lee Ju-Hee , Cho In Jeong , Cho Iksung , Lee Jun Hyeok , Kang Dae Ryong , Lee Hae-Young , Chung Wook-Jin , Ihm Sang-Hyun , Kim Kwang Il , Cho Eun Joo , Sohn Il-Suk , Kim Hyeon-Chang , Shin Jinho , Kim Ju Han , Ryu Sung Kee , Kang Seok-Min , Pyun Wook Bum , Cho Myeong-Chan , Park Sungha , Sung Ki-Chul 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
Little is known about age-specific target blood pressure (BP) in hypertensive patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). The aim of this study was to determine the BP level at the lowest cardiovascular risk of hypertensive patients with DM according to age.

Methods
Using the Korean National Health Insurance Service database, we analyzed patients without cardiovascular disease diagnosed with both hypertension and DM from January 2002 to December 2011. Primary end-point was composite cardiovascular events including cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction and stroke.

Results
Of 241,148 study patients, 35,396 had cardiovascular events during a median follow-up period of 10 years. At the age of < 70 years, the risk of cardiovascular events was lower in patients with BP < 120/70 mmHg than in those with BP 130–139/80–89 mmHg. At the age of ≥ 70, however, there were no significant differences in the risk of cardiovascular events between patients with BP 130–139/80–89 mmHg and BP < 120/70 mmHg. The risk of cardiovascular events was similar between patients with BP 130–139/80–89 mmHg and BP 120–129/70–79 mmHg, and it was significantly higher in those with BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg than in those with BP 130–139/80–89 mmHg at all ages.

Conclusions
In a cohort of hypertensive patients who had DM but no history of cardiovascular disease, lower BP was associated with lower risk of cardiovascular events especially at the age of < 70. However, low BP < 130–139/80–89 mmHg was not associated with decreased cardiovascular risk, it may be better to keep the BP of 130–139/80–89 mmHg at the age of ≥ 70.
Protective effects of Olyset® Net on Plasmodium falciparum infection after three years of distribution in western Kenya
Authors: Tamari Noriko , Minakawa Noboru , Sonye George O. , Awuor Beatrice , Kongere James O. , Hashimoto Muneaki , Kataoka Masatoshi , Munga Stephen 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundSeveral types of insecticides, treating technologies and materials are available for long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs). The variations may result in different efficacies against mosquitoes and correspondingly infection risks for thePlasmodium falciparummalaria parasite. This cross-sectional study investigated whether infection risk varied among children who slept under different LLIN brands in rural villages of western Kenya.MethodsChildren sleeping under various types of LLINs were tested forP. falciparuminfection using a diagnostic polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Data were collected for other potential factors associated with infection risk: sleeping location (with bed/without bed), number of persons sharing the same net, dwelling wall material, gap of eaves (open/close), proportional hole index, socio-economic status, and density of indoor resting anophelines. Bed-net efficacy against theAnopheles gambiaesusceptible strain was estimated using the WHO cone test and the tunnel test. The residual insecticide content on nets was measured.ResultsSeven LLIN brands were identified, and deltamethrin-based DawaPlus® 2.0 was the most popular (48%) followed by permethrin-based Olyset® Net (28%). The former LLIN was distributed in the area about six months before the present study was conducted, and the latter net was distributed at least three years before. Of 254 children analysed,P. falciparumPCR-positive prevalence was 58% for DawaPlus® 2.0 users and 38% for Olyset® users. The multiple regression analysis revealed that the difference was statistically significant (adjusted OR: 0.67, 95% credible interval: 0.45–0.97), whereas the confounders were not statistically important. Among randomly selected net samples, all DawaPlus® 2.0 (n = 20) and 95% of Olyset® (n = 19) passed either the cone test or the tunnel test.ConclusionsOlyset® was more effective in reducing infection risk compared with DawaPlus® 2.0. Although the data from the present study were too limited to explain the mechanism clearly, the results suggest that the characteristics of the former brand are more suitable for the conditions, such as vector species composition, of the study area.
The microneedles carrying cisplatin and IR820 to perform synergistic chemo-photodynamic therapy against breast cancer
Authors: Fu Ji-jun , Li Chu-wen , Liu Yang , Chen Ming-yue , Zhang Qiang , Yu Xi-yong , Wu Bo , Li Jie-xia , Du Ling-ran , Dang Yuan-ye , Wu Dan , Wei Min-yan , Lin Zhi-qiang , Lei Xue-ping 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Backgrounds
Surgical resection and adjunct chemotherapy or radio-therapy has been applied for the therapy of superficial malignant tumor in clinics. Whereas, there are still some problems limit its clinical use, such as severe pains and side effect. Thus, it is urgent need to develop effective, minimally invasive and low toxicity therapy stagey for superficial malignant tumor. Topical drug administration such as microneedle patches shows the advantages of reduced systemic toxicity and nimble application and, as a result, a great potential to treat superficial tumors.

Methods
In this study, microneedle (MN) patches were fabricated to deliver photosensitizer IR820 and chemotherapy agent cisplatin (CDDP) for synergistic chemo-photodynamic therapy against breast cancer.

Results
The MN could be completely inserted into the skin and the compounds carrying tips could be embedded within the target issue for locoregional cancer treatment. The photodynamic therapeutic effects can be precisely controlled and switched on and off on demand simply by adjusting laser. The used base material vinylpyrrolidone—vinyl acetate copolymer (PVPVA) is soluble in both ethanol and water, facilitating the load of both water-soluble and water-insoluble drugs.

Conclusions
Thus, the developed MN patch offers an effective, user-friendly, controllable and low-toxicity option for patients requiring long-term and repeated cancer treatments.