bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Financial Burden Reportedly Impact Quality of Life Among Lymphatic Filariasis Pathology Patients in Ghana
Authors: Asiedu Samuel Opoku , Amewu Emmanuel Kobla Atsu , Kini Priscilla , Aglomasa Bill Clinton , Forkuor John Boulard , Kwarteng Alexander 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
BackgroundHuman lymphatic filarial pathology is the main cause of disability and poverty among people living with the infection. The second goal of the Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF) is to manage the morbidity associated with the disease with the purpose of improving the quality of life of the patients. Consequently, the current study assessed the overall quality of life of lymphatic filariasis (LF) pathology patients in some selected endemic communities in rural Ghana. MethodIn the present study, the Lymphatic Filariasis Quality of Life Questionnaires (LFSQQ) was used to evaluate the effect of lymphatic filariasis on the quality of life of people with the disease in ten (10) communities in the Ahanta West District of the Western Region of Ghana where, mass drug administration is being implemented for the past twenty years. ResultsOf the 155 study participants recruited, 115 (74.19%) were females and 40 (25.81%) males. A greater proportion of the study participants (40, 25.8%) were presented with stage two (2) lymphedema while only 2 patients had stage seven (7) lymphedema. The average of the overall quality of life scores of study participants was 68.24. There was a negative Pearson correlation (r = -0.504, p-value < 0.0001) between the stage of lymphedema (severity of the disease) and the quality of life of the LF patients. In addition, a clear pattern of positive correlation (r = 0.71, p-value < 0.001) was observed between the disease burden and pain/discomfort domains of the study participants. Whereas, the highest domain specific score (85.03) was observed in the domain of self-care, we noted that the environmental domain, which consist of the financial status was the lowest (45.94) among the study participants. ConclusionOur findings support previous works on the reduced quality of life among lymphatic filariasis patients with pathology. In this study, our results reveal a depressing financial condition among people presenting with late stages of LF pathologies, which eventually reduces their wellbeing.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Clients towards COVID-19 at Primary Healthcare Facilities in Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Edet Clement Kevin , Wegbom Anthony Ike , Kiri Victor Alangibi 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Introduction: The outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) has impacted the lifestyles of people all over the globe as well as the economies of virtually every country. Several control measures have been introduced by both the State and Federal governments to fight the disease since its outbreak in Nigeria. In spite of all the measures, the disease is still ravaging the country. Therefore, this study investigated the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of the clients who attended public primary healthcare facilities (PHFs) in Rivers State, Nigeria about COVID-19.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving the clients seeking care at the 92 PHFs across the 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Rivers State, Nigeria. The respondents were selected using simple random sampling and data were analysed using mean and standard deviation, percentages, chi-square test and binary logistic regression. Results: A total of 434 respondents voluntarily participated in the study out of 460 questionnaires that were distributed, indicating a high response rate of 94.3%. The proportions of respondents with scores moderate and above in KAP were 86.6% (62.9+23.7), 80.6% (57.6+23.0), and 58.0% (30.8+27.2) respectively. Occupation, educational level, and senatorial district of respondents were significantly associated with knowledge and attitude (P<0.05). Preventive practice against COVID-19 was influenced by age and senatorial district among patients attending primary health facilities (P<0.05). Also, the knowledge level was significantly associated with both attitude and COVID-19 related practices (P=0.000). The multiple logistic regression results revealed some demographics with significant association with KAP. Respondents who have sufficient knowledge about COVID-19 were significantly less likely to have a negative attitude and to adopt poor COVID-19 related practices than those that had insufficient knowledge.Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, we suggest public health education programs on COVID-19 should principally be targeted at individuals with low knowledge level, lower educational attainment, and those residing in the Rivers South-East senatorial zone. Such efforts may mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on the target population in Rivers State.
Prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthiases among pre-school age children (12-59 months) and WASH condition in Mkuranga, Tanzania: a cross-sectional study
Authors: MUSTAFA UMMUL-KHAIR , Tarimo Donath Samuel 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background

National efforts for STH control have hitherto been concentrated on school age children (SAC) excluding pre-school age children (PSAC). Though Preventive Chemotherapy (PC) for PSAC has been going on during deworming and vitamin A supplementation campaigns in the Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) clinics since 2004, it has not been optimal because not all PSAC receive PC thus remaining vulnerable to STH infections and potential source of community transmission. This study examined the prevalence and intensity of STHs infections among PSAC and the associated water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) factors in Mkuranga district, Tanzania.
Methods

A quantitative community based cross-sectional study was conducted between April and June 2019. Stool samples from 525 PSAC were examined for STH infections. This was complemented with a questionnaire interview of mothers/caretakers of the PSAC to obtain their socio-demographic characteristics and WASH practices. An observation check list was used to gather environmental WASH practices. Data were analyzed by statistical computer package (SPSS version 23), and summarized by descriptive statistics; proportions were compared by the Chi-square test at the significance level of 0.05.
Results

The overall prevalence of STH infection was very low (1.3%) and was significantly associated with condition of child finger nails (P = 0.001) and place of disposal of faecal matter (P = 0.031). Latrine coverage was very high (97.3%), while disposal of children faeces was 100% hygienic. Less than a half (43.6%) of households were using improved latrines. Majority (95%) of households had access to improved water sources; however, only few (5.3%) treated drinking water. Very few (1.3%) households owned hand washing facilities, conceivably leading to a low practice of hand washing with soap at food preparation (12.8%), child feeding (13%), after defecation (34.1%) and after handling children faeces (23%). Nail trimming habit was very good as a large majority (83.8%) of caretakers and corresponding children (87.2%) had their finger nails trimmed at time of survey.
Conclusion

PSAC are a reservoir of STHs infections, which coupled with the prevalent risk factors of transmission, form a potential source of continuity of transmission in the community, hence the need for a national deworming program extending to PSAC
The epidemiological characteristics and profile of drug-resistant tuberculosis among children with tuberculosis in Sichuan, China, 2015-2018: A retrospective study
Authors: Xu Yuanhong , Li Qingfeng , Zhu Ma , Wu Xueqi , Wang Dongmei , Luo Jia , Li Yingjie , Zhong Jing , Zeng Peibin 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiological characteristics and profile of drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) among children with TB in Sichuan province of China.Methods: From January 2015 to December 2018, microbiological culture-confirmed child TB cases (aged<15 years old) were enrolled retrospectively. Epidemiological and clinical information from these cases, and the drug susceptibility testing (DST) results of the isolates were collected and analyzed.Results: Of 317 culture-confirmed child TB cases, 16.7% (53/317) were aged under 5 years old. 54.9% were Tibetans, and 31.9% had clear history of contact with TB patients. More than half (53.9%) weren’t vaccinated by Calmette–Guérin bacillus (BCG). 30% (n=95) were diagnosed as severe TB, and 92.4% (n=293) were new cases. The ratio of severe TB in BCG vaccinated group was significant lower than that observed in unvaccinated group (p<0.01). Significantly higher proportion of severe TB among Tibetans than Han child TB cases was observed in BCG unvaccinated group (p<0.01). The overall rate of DR-TB in this study was 24.3% (77/317) and 17 multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) cases were identified with rate of MDR-TB at 5.4% (17/317). No XDR case was found. 13 out of 17 MDR-TB cases (76.4%) were Tibetan children. The ratio of any resistance to four first-line drugs identified were: INH, 15.5%; RIF, 9.1%; EMB, 0.6% and SM, 6.0%, respectively. More than half of MDR patterns were resistant to INH+RIF (9/17), followed by at least resistance to INH+RIF+SM (n=7). Conclusions: This was the first investigation on the epidemiological characteristics and profiles of DR-TB among child TB cases in Southwest of China. Our findings indicated a potentially high risk of TB infection to Tibetan children in the concentrated Tibetan communities of Sichuan.
Initial Predictors for Short-Term Prognosis in Anti-Melanoma Differentiation-Associated Protein-5 Positive Patients
Authors: Yang Qihua , Li Tianfang , Zhang Xin , Lyu Kunlong , Wu Shujun , Chen Yan , Liu Shengyun , Yu Zujiang 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Anti-melanoma differentiation-associated protein-5 (anti-MDA5) positive patients are characterized by the high mortality rate caused by interstitial lung disease (ILD). We conducted a retrospective study to summarize the clinical features and identify the initial predictors for death in anti-MDA5 positive patients.Methods: We designed a retrospective cohort of anti-MDA5 positive patients. The demographic and clinical data recorded on first admission, as well as the outcomes during the first six months follow-up, were collected. Predictors of rapidly progressive ILD (RPILD) and poor outcomes were calculated using logistic regression models and Cox proportional hazard regression models, respectively.Results: A total of 90 anti-MDA5 positive patients were included in this study. Eighty-one (90%) patients presented ILD on admission and 35 (38.9%) patients developed RPILD subsequently. During the first six months of follow-up, 22 (24.4%) patients died of respiratory failure at an average time of 6.6 ± 5.9 weeks. Factors including disease duration < 2 months (OR 6.1, 95% CI 1.7-22.4, P = 0.007), serum ferritin ≥ 1500 ng/ml (OR 12.3, 95% CI 3.1-49.6, P <0.001), CRP≥13mg/L (OR 4.6, 95% CI 1.3-16.9, P = 0.021) and total GGO score≥4 (OR 6.3, 95% CI 1.8-21.9, P = 0.003), were identified as independent predictors for RPILD. Cox regression model showed that total CT GGO score ≥ 4 (HR 4.8, 95% CI 1.3-17.9, P = 0.020), KL-6 > 1600 U/ml (HR 3.7, 95% CI 1.5-9.1, P = 0.004) and CRP > 5.8 mg/L (HR 3.7, 95% CI 1.0-12.8, P = 0.044) were poor prognostic risk factors, however initial combined treatment (HR 0.3, 95% CI 0.1-0.8, P = 0.019) predicted good prognosis in anti-MDA5 positive patients.Conclusion: Anti-MDA5 positive patients demonstrated a high prevalence of ILD on admission, leading to a high short-term mortality rate. Higher total GGO score, higher levels of initial KL-6 and CRP predict poor outcome in anti-MDA5 positive patients. However, initial intensive treatment may improve the prognosis.
Identification of Potential Serum Exosomal microRNAs Involved in Acinar-Ductal Metaplasia That is A Precursor of Pancreatic Cancer Associated with Chronic Pancreatitis
Authors: Sheng Li-Ping , Han Chao-Qun , Nie Chi , Xu Tao , Zhang Kun , Li Xuan-Ji , Xie Xin-Ru , Lin Rong , Ding Zhen 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Backgrounds Due to difficulty in early diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis (CP), it is urgent to find novel biomarkers to detect CP. Exosomal microRNAs (Exo-miRNAs) located in the serum may be potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets for CP. In our study, we performed a bioinformatics analysis to identify differentially expressed Exo-miRNAs (DE-Exo-miRNAs) in the serum of CP patients. Methods The dataset GSE128508 was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The analysis was carried out using BRB-ArrayTools and Significance Analysis of Microarrays (SAM). The target genes of DE-S-Exo-miRNAs were predicted by miRWalk databases. Further gene ontology (GO) term and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were performed with plug-in ClueGO in Cytoscape software 3.7.0. Subsequently, the interaction regulatory network between encoded proteins of target genes was performed with the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING) database and analyzed using plug-in MCODE and cytoHubba in Cytoscape software 3.7.0. Results We identified 227 DE-Exo-miRNAs in the serum. Further analysis using the miRWalk database identified 5164 target genes of these miRNAs. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) regulatory network of 1912 potential target genes for hub 10 up-regulated miRNAs with high degrees and one down-regulated miRNAs were constructed using the STRING database and Cytoscape software. The functional analysis using Cytoscape software tool highlighted that target genes involved in pancreatic cancer. Acinar-ductal metaplasia (ADM) in the inflammatory environment of CP is a precursor of pancreatic cancer. Subsequently, we constructed a network of target genes associated with ADM and their miRNAs. Conclusions Exo-miRNAs in the serum as well as their target genes may be promising targets for the early diagnosis and treatment of CP. In addition, we identified potential Exo-miRNAs involved in ADM that is a precursor of pancreatic cancer associated with CP.
Association Between Diffusion Weighted-Imaging (DWI) and Simultaneous 18F-FDG-PET/MRI Parameters with a Comparison of their Diagnostical Role in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC)
Authors: FREIHAT Omar , TÓTH Zoltán , PINTER Tamas , KEDVES András , SIPOS Dávid , CSELIK Zsolt , REPA Imre , KOVÁCS Árpád 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Focal Mechanisms and the Stress Field in the Aftershock Area of the 2018 Hokkaido Eastern Iburi Earthquake (MJMA = 6.7)
Authors: Susukida Yuki , Katsumata Kei , Ichiyanagi Masayoshi , Ohzono Mako , Aoyama Hiroshi , Tanaka Ryo , Takada Masamitsu , Yamaguchi Teruhiro , Okada Kazumi , Takahashi Hiroaki , Sakai Shin'ichi , Matsumoto Satoshi , Okada Tomomi , Matsuzawa Toru , Miyamachi Hiroki , Hirano Shuichiro , Yamanaka Yoshiko , Horikawa Shinichiro , Kosuga Masahiro , Katao Hiroshi , Iio Yoshihisa , Nagaoka Airi , Tsumura Noriko , Ueno Tomotaka 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
The tectonic stress field was investigated in and around the aftershock area of the Hokkaido Eastern Iburi earthquake (MJMA = 6.7) occurred on 6 September 2018. We deployed 26 temporary seismic stations in the aftershock area for approximately 2 months and located 1785 aftershocks precisely. Among these aftershocks 818 focal mechanism solutions were determined using the first motion polarity of P wave from the temporary observation and the permanent seismic networks of Hokkaido University, Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), and High Sensitivity Seismograph Network Japan (Hi-net). We found that (1) the reverse faulting and the strike-slip faulting are dominant in the aftershock area, (2) the average azimuths of P- and T-axes are N78° ± 33°E and N3° ± 52°W, respectively, and (3) the average dips of P- and T-axes are 25° ± 16° and 46° ± 20°, respectively: the P-axis is close to be horizontal and the T-axis is close to be vertical. We applied a stress inversion method to the focal mechanism solutions to estimate a stress field in the aftershock area. As a result, we found that the reverse fault type stress field is dominant in the aftershock area. An axis of the maximum principal stress (σ1) has the azimuth of N73° ± 8°E and the dipping eastward of 17° ± 6° and an axis of the medium principal stress (σ2) has the azimuth of N126° ± 91°E and the dipping southward of 16° ± 13°, indicating that both of σ1- and σ2-axes are close to be horizontal. An axis of the minimum principal stress (σ3) has the dipping westward of 64° ± 9° that is close to be vertical. The results strongly suggest that the reverse-fault-type stress field is predominant as an average over the aftershock area which is in the western boundary of the Hidaka Collision Zone. Although the average of the stress ratio is R = 0.6 ± 0.2 in the whole aftershock area, R decreases systematically as the depth is getting deep, which is modeled by a quadratic polynomial of depth.
Comparison of the Characteristics of Hepatitis B Virus Whole Genomes Derived From Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Chronic Hepatitis B Infection
Authors: Zhang Shuang , Wang Feng , Liu He , Su Qiudong , Qiu Feng , Zhang Guomin , Wang Fuzhen , Zheng Hui , Shen Liping , Bi Shengli 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a serious public health problem in China. The aims of the present study was to report HCC prevalence in China and characterize the whole gene sequences of HBV derived from patients diagnosed with HCC as well as those with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infections.Methods: Patients in the HCC group and the CHB group were recruited from national HBV surveillance sites, which were matched by age, gender, and region. All serum samples were tested for serological markers. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify the HBV complete genome sequences. Then the analysis of the full-length HBV genomes was performed with bioinformatics and statistical software.Results: Serum samples were collected from 51 patients with HBV-related HCC and 76 patients with CHB. All patients were from six provinces (Guangxi, Hebei, Henan, Hunan, Qinghai, and Shanghai) in China. Sequencing and analysis of the full-length HBV genomes revealed the presence of four genotypes (B, C, CD, and I). The distribution of HBV genotypes and the positivity rate of the hepatitis B e antigen differed between the two groups. A total of 148 substitution sites deemed statistically significant were identified between the HCC and CHB groups. In addition, three mutational sites associated with HCC, (F22I/L/P in the pre-S2 region, P33S/T and S144A/T/V in the X region) were identified. Deletions to the pre-S and X regions were found in both HCC and CHB patients. However, deletions to the X region were more common in the HCC group than the CHB group.Conclusions: In this study the hotspot mutations associated with high risk of HCC mostly occurred in the sequences and some substitutions (C1470A/T, T1803A/G, and C1804T) that have not been previously reported. It was implicated that aa33 and aa144 substitution in X region may be new predictive markers for HCC. The results of our study would provide important basic information for HCC prevention.
Predictive Value of NLR and Bilirubin Levels in the Readmission of AECOPD
Authors: Dai Lu , Liang Binmiao , Ou Xuemei 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Objective To analyze acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(AECOPD) readmission events and to determine whether neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR) and bilirubin level are associated with readmission after discharge due to AECOPD .Methods A total of 170 patients with AECOPD were included. Patients were stratified into the readmission group if patients have two or more readmission within 2 years of the previous discharge and non-readmission group with one readmission or none within 2 years of the last discharge. Basic characteristics, laboratory examinations and clinical data of them were collected retrospectively and compared between these two groups. Then the patients were separated by the cutoffs of NLR and bilirubin level. The number of all-cause readmission within 2 years, time to first COPD-related readmission, 1-year and 2-year COPD-related readmission, 1-year and 2-year all-cause mortality were compared between groups respectively .Results Compared with readmission group, patients of non-readmission group had shorter length of hospital stay(P=0.034), more systemic corticosteroids use(P=0.007), higher NLR(P=0.001), higher bilirubin levels(P=0.010) and lower eosinophils counts(P=0.001). NLR and bilirubin level at admission can significantly influence the number of all-cause readmission(p=0.002, P<0.001, respectively). Lower bilirubin was associated with an increased risk of 1-year COPD-related readmission(OR 5.063, 95%CI 1.091-23.498) and 2-year COPD-related readmission(OR 4.699, 95% CI 1.269-17.396) .Conclusion For patients with AECOPD, longer hospital stay and less use of systemic corticosteroids may be associated with higher risk of readmission. NLR and bilirubin level at admission may be related to the number of all-cause readmission. Bilirubin can be regarded as a biomarker to predict readmission rates within 2 years after discharged throughout the course of disease.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients On Persistent Moderate Disease Activity On Biologics Have Adverse 5-years Outcome Compared To Persistent Low-remission Status Yet They Represent A Heterogeneous Group: Lower-moderate Has Better Functionality And Fewer Serious Adverse Events Than Higher-moderate Subgroup
Authors: Genitsaridi Irini , Flouri Irini , Plexousakis Dimitris , Marias Konstantinos , Boki Kyriaki , Skopouli Fotini , Drosos Alexandros , Bertsias George , Boumpas Dimitrios , Sidiropoulos Prodromos 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background The long-term outcome of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients who in clinical practice, exhibit persistent moderate disease activity (pMDA) despite treatment with biologics has not been adequately studied. Herein, we analyzed the 5-year outcome of the pMDA group and assessed for within-group heterogeneity. Methods We included longitudinally-monitored RA patients from the Hellenic Registry of Biologic Therapies with persistent (cumulative time ≥50% of a 5-year period) moderate (pMDA, 3.2<DAS28≤5.1) or remission/low (pRLDA, DAS28≤3.2) disease activity. The former was further classified into persistent lower-moderate (plMDA, DAS28<4.2) and higher-moderate (phMDA, DAS28≥4.2) subgroups. Five-year trajectories of functionality (HAQ) was the primary outcome in comparing pRLDA versus pMDA and assessing heterogeneity within the pMDA subgroups through multivariable mixed-effect regression. Results We identified 295 patients with pMDA and 90 patients with pRLDA, the former group comprising of plMDA (n=133, 45%) and phMDA (n=162, 55%). pMDA was associated with worse 5-year functionality trajectory than pRLDA (+0.27 HAQ units, CI 95% +0.22 to +0.33; p<0.0001), while the phMDA subgroup had worse 5-year functionality than plMDA (+0.26 HAQ units, CI 95% 0.18 to 0.36; p<0.0001). Importantly, higher persistent disease activity was associated with more serious adverse events (SAEs) [pRLDA: 0.2±0.48 vs pMDA: 0.5±0.96, p=0.006; plMDA: 0.32 ±0.6 vs phMDA: 0.64 ±1.16, p=0.038). Male gender (p=0.017), lower baseline DAS28 (p<0.001), HAQ improvement >0.22 (p=0.029) and lower average DAS28 during the first trimester since treatment initiation (p=0.001), independently predicted grouping into pRLDA. Conclusions In clinical practice, RA patients with pMDA while on bDMARDs have adverse long-term outcome compared to lower disease activity status, while heterogeneity exists within the pMDA group in terms of 5-year functionality and SAEs. Targeted studies to better characterize pMDA subgroups are needed, in order to assist clinicians in tailoring treatments.