bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Strongyloidiasis in northern Vietnam: epidemiology, clinical characteristics and molecular diagnosis of the causal agent
Authors: Van De Nguyen , Minh Pham Ngoc , Van Duyet Le , Mas-Coma Santiago 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Strongyloidiasis is a health problem in Vietnam, but appropriate information is still limited. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, geographical distribution, epidemiological aspects, symptoms and other health indicators of Strongyloides stercoralis infections in patients from 27 provinces of northern Vietnam attending the Hanoi Medical University Hospital during 2016 and 2017.

Methods
Blood samples of 2000 patients were analyzed for S. stercoralis infection with an IgG ELISA test. Seroprevalence was analyzed by gender, age group, locality of origin (rural or urban areas) and symptoms. Stools from the seropositive patients were examined for the detection of worms which were subsequently used for species identification by morphology and rDNA ITS1 sequencing.

Results
A seroprevalence of 20% was detected, showing an increasing prevalence from young to older age groups but without significant gender difference. Seroprevalence was higher in rural areas than in urban areas, both in general and individually in all provinces without exception, and lower in the mountainous areas than in the large valley lowlands. The follow-up of the 400 patients showed eosinophilia in 100% of cases, diarrhoea in 64.5%, digestion difficulties in 58.0%, stomachache in 45.5%, stomach and duodenal ulcers in 44.5%, itching in 28.0% and fever in 9.5%. The prevalence of symptoms and signs were also higher in older age groups than in younger age groups. Worms were detected in stools of 10.5% of the patients. Sequencing of a 501-bp nuclear ribosomal DNA ITS1 fragment allowed for the verification of infection by Strongyloides stercoralis.

Conclusions
To our knowledge, this study is the largest survey of human strongyloidiasis in Vietnam so far and the first molecular identification of this nematode species in this country. Long-term chronicity may probably be usual in infected subjects, mainly in the older age groups.
Fatigue severity in anti-nuclear antibody-positive individuals does not correlate with pro-inflammatory cytokine levels or predict imminent progression to symptomatic disease
Authors: Hafiz Waleed , Nori Rawad , Bregasi Ariana , Noamani Babak , Bonilla Dennisse , Lisnevskaia Larissa , Silverman Earl , Bookman Arthur A. M. , Johnson Sindhu R. , Landolt-Marticorena Carolina , Wither Joan 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Fatigue is a common symptom of systemic autoimmune rheumatic disease (SARD). Patients with SARD have a protracted pre-clinical phase during which progressive immunologic derangements occur culminating in disease. In this study, we sought to determine when fatigue develops and whether its presence correlates with inflammatory factors or predicts disease progression.

Methods
Anti-nuclear antibody (ANA)-negative healthy controls (HCs) and ANA-positive participants with no criteria, at least one clinical criteria (undifferentiated connective tissue disease, UCTD), or meeting SARD classification criteria were recruited. Fatigue was assessed using a modified version of the FACIT-F questionnaire and the presence of fibromyalgia determined using a questionnaire based on the modified 2010 ACR criteria. Peripheral blood expression of five IFN-induced genes was quantified by NanoString and the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, or TNF-α by ELISA.

Results
Fatigue was as prevalent and severe in individuals lacking SARD criteria as it was in UCTD and SARD. Overall, ~ 1/3 of ANA+ subjects met fibromyalgia criteria, with no differences between sub-groups. Although fatigue was more severe in these individuals, those lacking fibromyalgia remained significantly more fatigued than ANA− HC. However, even in these subjects, fatigue correlated with the widespread pain index and symptom severity scores on the fibromyalgia questionnaire. Fatigue was not associated with elevated cytokine levels in any of the ANA+ sub-groups and did not predict imminent disease progression.

Conclusions
Fatigue is common in ANA+ individuals lacking sufficient criteria for a SARD diagnosis, correlates with fibromyalgia-related symptoms, and is not associated with inflammation or predictive of disease progression.
Hypervirulent clade 2, ribotype 019/sequence type 67 Clostridioides difficile strain from Japan
Authors: Saito Ryoichi , Usui Yukino , Ayibieke Alafate , Nakajima Jun , Prah Isaac , Sonobe Kazunari , Aiso Yoshibumi , Ito Shiori , Itsui Yasuhiro , Hadano Yoshiro , Nukui Yoko , Koike Ryuji , Tohda Shuji 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Clostridioides difficile ribotype (RT) 019/sequence type (ST) 67 strains belong to a hypervirulent lineage closely related to RT027/ST1; however, limited data are available for hypervirulent clade 2 lineages in Japan. Herein, we report the draft genome of a C. difficile strain B18-123 belonging to clade 2, RT019/ST67 for the first time in Japan.

Results
The pathogenicity locus carried by B18-123 (19.6 kb) showed higher homology (97.29% nucleotide identity) with strain R20291 (RT027/ST1) than the reference strain 630 (RT012/ST54), and B18-123 harbored 8-nucleotide substitutions in tcdC. However, it did not contain an 18-base pair (bp) deletion or a single-bp deletion at position 117 in tcdC, which was identified in the previous strain R20291. A cytotoxicity assay revealed similar cytotoxicity levels between strains B18-123 and ATCC BAA-1870 (RT027/ST1). The B18-123 strain was found to be susceptible to metronidazole and vancomycin.

Conclusion
Our findings contribute to the further understanding of the characteristics of hypervirulent clade 2 including RT019/ST67 lineages.
Differential expression of CCR2 and CX3CR1 on CD16+ monocyte subsets is associated with asthma severity
Authors: Al-Rashoudi Reem , Moir Gillian , Al-Hajjaj Mohamed S. , Al-Alwan Monther M. , Wilson Heather M. , Crane Isabel J. 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Monocytes play an important role in immune and inflammatory diseases and monocyte subsets are predictors of disease in certain conditions. Expression of the chemokine receptors, CCR2 and CX3CR1 on monocyte subsets relates to their function and can be used in their characterization. Our objective was to determine whether CD14, CD16, CCR2 and CX3CR1 on monocyte subsets are potential indicators of asthma severity.

Methods
Blood samples were collected from Saudi Arabian patients with asthma and normal healthy individuals. Six-color flow-cytometry phenotypic analysis was used to identify human blood monocyte subsets, based on their expression of CD14 and CD16 following CD45 gating. Expression of CCR2 and CX3CR1 was analysed on classical (CD14++CD16−), intermediate (CD14++CD16+) and non-classical (CD14+CD16++) subsets and correlated with disease severity.

Results
We demonstrated a significant increase in percentage of total CD45-positive monocytes in the blood of patients with severe asthma, but the proportion of the individual monocyte subsets was not significantly changed when patients with mild, moderate and severe asthma were compared with healthy individuals. CD16 expression (mean fluorescence intensity, MFI) was decreased on intermediate and non-classical subsets in patients with severe asthma compared to healthy controls. CX3CR1 expression was also lower, with a lower percentage of cells expressing CX3CR1 in the non-classical CD14+CD16++ subset in all patients with asthma and this was inversely related to the percentage of cells expressing CCR2.

Conclusions
CCR2 expression on monocytes indicated a tendency toward more phagocytic monocytes in patients with asthma. The differential expression of CD16, CX3CR1 and CCR2 on monocyte subsets in peripheral blood indicates modulation of the inflammatory response and suggests a role for monocytes in asthma pathogenesis.
Eucalyptus oil poisoning: two case reports
Authors: Ittyachen Abraham M. , George Georgie Rajan , Radhakrishnan Meera , Joy Yetin 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Eucalyptus oil poisoning is rare in adults but is not that uncommon in children. The common side effects in children include depression in the level of consciousness, ataxia, seizures, and vomiting. Unlike in children, seizures are unusual in adult patients with eucalyptus oil poisoning. We report the cases of two patients with eucalyptus oil poisoning, both adults who unintentionally took eucalyptus oil and presented to the emergency room of our institution with seizures.

Case presentation
Two adult Indian men who unintentionally consumed eucalyptus oil presented to the emergency room of our institution with seizures. In both patients, arterial blood gas analysis showed the presence of severe metabolic acidosis. Both the patients were managed in the intensive care unit and received standard supportive care. Metabolic acidosis was corrected with intravenous bicarbonate infusion. They were successfully discharged on the fourth day.

Conclusions
All physicians should be aware of the toxic effects of eucalyptus oil, which is used often in daily life in India. Supportive care in an intensive care unit, including rapid correction of metabolic acidosis and adequate maintenance of hemodynamic parameters, will lead to a rapid recovery. Warning labels should be made mandatory on all products that contain eucalyptus oil.
Comparative analysis of cellular expression pattern of schizophrenia risk genes in human versus mouse cortex
Authors: Zhang Hai-Long , Long Jia-Wen , Han Wei , Wang Jiuzhou , Song Weichen , Lin Guan Ning , Yin Dong-Min 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Schizophrenia is a common psychiatric disease with high hereditary. The identification of schizophrenia risk genes (SRG) has shed light on its pathophysiological mechanisms. Mouse genetic models have been widely used to study the function of SRG in the brain with a cell type specific fashion. However, whether the cellular expression pattern of SRG is conserved between human and mouse brain is not thoroughly studied.

Results
We analyzed the single-cell transcription of 180 SRG from human and mouse primary visual cortex (V1). We compared the percentage of glutamatergic, GABAergic and non-neuronal cells that express each SRG between mouse and human V1 cortex. Thirty percent (54/180) of SRG had significantly different expression rate in glutamatergic neurons between mouse and human V1 cortex. By contrast, only 5.6% (10/180) of SRG showed significantly different expression in GABAergic neurons, which is similar with the ratio of SRG (15/180) with species difference in total cell populations. Strikingly, the percentage of non-neuronal cells expressing all SRG are indistinguishable between human and mouse V1 cortex. We further analyzed the biological significance of differentially expressed SRG by gene ontology. The species-different SRG in glutamatergic neurons are highly expressed in dendrite and axon. They are enriched in the biological process of response to stimulus. However, the differentially expressed SRG in GABAergic neurons are enriched in the regulation of organelle organization.

Conclusion
GABAergic neurons are more conserved in the expression of SRG than glutamatergic neurons while the non-neuronal cells show the species conservation for the expression of all SRG. It should be cautious to use mouse models to study those SRG which show different cellular expression pattern between human and mouse cortex.
Precise time and frequency transfer combined BeiDou’s RDSS and RNSS signals
Authors: Liu Wenxue , Yuan Hong , Ge Jian , Xu Ying 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Unlike other satellite navigation systems such as GPS (Global Positioning System), the BeiDou satellite navigation system broadcasts RDSS (Radio Determination Satellite Service) and RNSS (Radio Navigation Satellite Service) signals simultaneously on its GEO (geostationary earth orbit) satellites and provides related navigation services. This paper studies the method of using the RDSS and RNSS signals of BeiDou to achieve accurate frequency and time transmission. We analyze the generation mechanism of RDSS signal and RNSS signal of BeiDou GEO satellite, establish a mathematical model of RDSS and RNSS signal frequency transfer, and derive an equation based on BeiDou’s RDSS and RNSS signals for accurate frequency and time transmission. We also verified the relevant performance of the method through computer simulation. The results show that the combination of RDSS and RNSS signals from the BeiDou satellite system provides a new solution for its application in precise time and frequency transmission. This method is different from other satellite navigation systems such as GPS and is unique to the BeiDou system, with high accuracy and low dependence on satellite orbit accuracy.
Strategies for increasing participation in mail-out colorectal cancer screening programs: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Goodwin Belinda C. , Ireland Michael J. , March Sonja , Myers Larry , Crawford-Williams Fiona , Chambers Suzanne K. , Aitken Joanne F. , Dunn Jeff 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Population mail-out bowel screening programs are a convenient, cost-effective and sensitive method of detecting colorectal cancer (CRC). Despite the increased survival rates associated with early detection of CRC, in many countries, 50% or more of eligible individuals do not participate in such programs. The current study systematically reviews interventions applied to increase fecal occult blood test (FOBT) kit return, specifically in population mail-out programs.

Methods
Five electronic databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, CINAHL, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses) were searched for articles published before the 10th of March 2018. Studies were included if they reported the results of an intervention designed to increase the return rate of FOBT kits that had been mailed to individuals’ homes. PRISMA systematic review reporting methods were applied and each study was assessed using Cochrane’s Risk of Bias tool. Pooled effect sizes were calculated for each intervention type and the risk of bias was tested as a moderator for sensitivity analysis.

Results
The review identified 53 interventions from 30 published studies from which nine distinct intervention strategy types emerged. Sensitivity analysis showed that the risk of bias marginally moderated the overall effect size. Pooled risk ratios and confidence intervals for each intervention type revealed that telephone contact RR = 1.23, 95% CI (1.08–1.40), GP endorsement RR = 1.19, 95% CI (1.10–1.29), simplified test procedures RR = 1.17, 95% CI (1.09–1.25), and advance notifications RR = 1.09, 95% CI (1.07–1.11) were effective intervention strategies with small to moderate effect sizes. Studies with a high risk of bias were removed and pooled effects remained relatively unchanged.

Conclusions
Interventions that combine program-level changes incorporating the issue of advance notification and alternative screening tools with the involvement of primary health professionals through endorsement letters and telephone contact should lead to increases in kit return in mail-out CRC screening programs.

Systematic review registration
This review is registered with PROSPERO; registration number CRD42017064652
Agrobacterium spp. nosocomial outbreak assessment using rapid MALDI-TOF MS based typing, confirmed by whole genome sequencing
Authors: Casanova Carlo , Lo Priore Elia , Egli Adrian , Seth-Smith Helena M. B. , Räber Lorenz , Ott Daniel , Pflüger Valentin , Droz Sara , Marschall Jonas , Sommerstein Rami 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
A number of episodes of nosocomial Agrobacterium spp. bacteremia (two cases per year) were observed at Bern University Hospital, Switzerland, from 2015 to 2017. This triggered an outbreak investigation.

Methods
Cases of Agrobacterium spp. bacteremias that occurred between August 2011 and February 2017 were investigated employing line lists, environmental sampling, rapid protein- (MALDI-TOF MS), and genome-based typing (pulsed field gel electrophoresis and whole genome sequencing) of the clinical isolates.

Results
We describe a total of eight bacteremia episodes due to A. radiobacter (n = 2), Agrobacterium genomovar G3 (n = 5) and A. pusense (n = 1). Two tight clusters were observed by WGS typing, representing the two A. radiobacter isolates (cluster I, isolated in 2015) and four of the Agrobacterium genomovar G3 isolates (cluster II, isolated in 2016 and 2017), suggesting two different point sources. The epidemiological investigations revealed two computer tomography (CT) rooms as common patient locations, which correlated with the two outbreak clusters. MALDI-TOF MS permitted faster evaluation of strain relatedness than DNA-based methods. High resolution WGS-based typing confirmed the MALDI-TOF MS clustering.

Conclusions
We report clinical and epidemiological characteristics of two outbreak clusters with Agrobacterium. spp. bacteremia likely acquired during CT contrast medium injection and highlight the use of MALDI-TOF MS as a rapid tool to assess relatedness of rare gram-negative pathogens in an outbreak investigation.
Effects of food processing methods on migration of heavy metals to food
Authors: Lee Joon-Goo , Hwang Jeong-Yun , Lee Hye-Eun , Kim Tae-Hun , Choi Jang-Duck , Gang Gil-Jin 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Heavy metals including Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Arsenic (As) and Aluminium (Al) were analysed in oilseeds, noodles, tea leaves and their processed or cooked products to study the effects of food processing methods on migration of heavy metals. The heavy metals were determined with ICP-MS and ICP-OES following microwave-assisted acid digestion. Heavy metals in oilseeds, noodles and teas were reduced by extracting oils, boiling noodles, and infusing teas. And the transfer of heavy metals into boiling water and infusion tea was increased as the boiling and infusion time is increased. Heavy metals in foods are water soluble and heavy metals in foods would be decreased when foods are processed or cooked with water. Furthermore, it is needed to determine the migration rates in other cooked foods and assess the risk of heavy metals with concentrations calculated by the migration rates.
Pancreaticoduodenectomy following total occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery: a case report and literature review
Authors: Ohtsuka Reo , Amano Hodaka , Hashimoto Michiyo , Iwao Toshiyasu 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Patients with chronic occlusion of the celiac artery and superior mesenteric artery (SMA) are often asymptomatic, and occlusion may be caused by arteriosclerosis or median arcuate ligament compression. Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is occasionally performed for patients with celiac artery occlusion; however, reports on patients with SMA occlusion are rare. We report a patient with cholangiocarcinoma and total atherosclerotic occlusion of the SMA without preoperative stenting or bypass.

Case presentation
A 73-year-old man suspected to have lower bile duct carcinoma was admitted to our hospital for further treatment. Three-dimensional computed tomography (3DCT) showed a common bile duct tumor and total occlusion of the SMA with collateral circulation of the gastroduodenal artery (GDA) and inferior mesenteric artery (IMA). We performed a PD. During the operation, we used test clamping of the GDA, which revealed no bowel ischemia. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day (POD) 30. 3DCT on POD 98 and POD 307 showed development of collateral circulation between the IMA and SMA.

Conclusion
Here, we report the case of a patient with total occlusion of the SMA who subsequently underwent PD. 3DCT was instrumental in gathering vascular collateral information and thus we conclude that the assessment of collateral circulation before surgery is important.
The reporting of progression criteria in protocols of pilot trials designed to assess the feasibility of main trials is insufficient: a meta-epidemiological study
Authors: Mbuagbaw Lawrence , Kosa Sarah Daisy , Lawson Daeria O. , Stalteri Rosa , Olaiya Oluwatobi R. , Alotaibi Ahlam , Thabane Lehana 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Introduction
Pilot and feasibility trials are conducted to determine feasibility or to collect information that would inform the design of a larger definitive trial. Clear progression criteria are required to determine if a definitive or main trial is feasible and how it should be designed. We sought to determine how often progression criteria are reported and the associated factors.

Methods
We conducted a methodological review of protocols for pilot randomised trials published in three journals that publish research protocols (BMJ Open, Trials, Pilot and Feasibility Studies), using a PubMed search (2013–2017). We extracted bibliometric information including the country in which the study was conducted, source of funding, type of intervention, use of a primary feasibility outcome, sample size reporting, and justification. We used generalised linear models to determine the factors associated with reporting progression criteria.

Results
Our search retrieved 276 articles, of which 49 were not eligible. We included 227 articles. Overall, 45/227 (19.8%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 14.8–25.6) reported progression criteria. Protocols published in more recent years were significantly associated with higher odds of reporting progression criteria (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.40; 95% CI 1.03–1.92; p = 0.034). Pilot trials from Europe (aOR 0.19; 95% CI 0.08–0.48; p < 0.001) and the rest of the world (aOR 0.05; 95% CI 0.01–0.18; p < 0.003) compared to North America were significantly associated with lower odds of reporting progression criteria. Journal, source of funding, sample size, intervention type, and having a primary outcome related to feasibility were not significantly associated with reporting progression criteria.

Conclusion
Progression criteria are not often explicitly stated in protocols of pilot trials leaving room for varied interpretation of findings. The development of formal guidance for progression criteria in protocols of pilot trials is warranted.
Postabortion contraceptive use in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia: a cross sectional study
Authors: Mekuria Anteneh , Gutema Hordofa , Wondiye Habtamu , Abera Million 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Although promoting postabortion family planning is very important and effective strategy to avert unwanted pregnancy, less attention was given to it in Ethiopia. Thus, this study aimed to assess contraceptive use and factors which are affecting it among women after abortion in Bahir Dar town.

Methods
Facility based cross-sectional study was conducted in Bahir Dar town. The data was collected using structured interviewer administered questionnaire from women who obtain the abortion services. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the association that demographic factor and reproductive characteristics have with postabortion contracetive use. Findings with p-value of < 0.05 at 95% CI were considered as statistically significant.

Results
A total of 400 women who received abortion service were participated in this study. The proportion of postabortion contraceptive use is 78.5%. Single women are 7.2 times more likely use contraceptive after abortion as compared to their counterpart. Contraceptive use is 2 times higher among women who have previous history of abortion as compared to their counterpart. Women who used contraceptive previously and who used contraception for index pregnancy are 4.73 and 2.64 times more likely to use contraceptive after abortion as compared to their counterpart respectively.

Conclusion
Postabortion contraceptive use is associated with age, marital status, having previous history of abortion, previous contraceptive use and using contraception for index pregnancy. Greater emphasis should be given on providing postabortion contraceptive counselling to increase utilization of postabortion contraceptive use.