bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Host DNA contents in fecal metagenomics as a biomarker for intestinal diseases and effective treatment
Authors: Jiang Puzi , Lai Senying , Wu Sicheng , Zhao Xing-Ming , Chen Wei-Hua 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Compromised intestinal barrier (CIB) has been associated with many enteropathies, including colorectal cancer (CRC) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We hypothesized that CIB could lead to increased host-derived contents including epithelial cells into the gut, change its physio-metabolic properties, and globally alter microbial community and metabolic capacities. Results: Consistently, we found host DNA contents (HDCs), calculated as the percentage of metagenomic sequencing reads mapped to the host genome, were significantly elevated in patients of CRC and Crohn’s disease (CD). Consistent with our hypothesis, we found that HDC correlated with microbial- and metabolic-biomarkers of these diseases, contributed significantly to machine-learning models for patient stratification and was consequently ranked as a top contributor. CD patients with treatment could partially reverse the changes of many CD-signature species over time, with reduced HDC and fecal calprotectin (FCP) levels. Strikingly, HDC showed stronger correlations with the reversing changes of the CD-related species than FCP, and contributed greatly in classifying treatment responses, suggesting that it was also a biomarker for effective treatment. Conclusions: Together, we revealed that association between HDCs and gut dysbiosis, and identified HDC as a novel biomarker from fecal metagenomics for diagnosis and effective treatment of intestinal diseases; our results also suggested that host-derived contents may have greater impact on gut microbiota than previously anticipated.
Clinical characteristics of Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Hangzhou, China: the combination of lopinavir/ritonavir, interferon, and arbidol may be a well choice for antiviral therapy in common cases
Authors: Yu Jianhua , Wang Meihua , Zhou Kexing , Zhang Siquan , Xiang Bo , Zhang Yan , Chen Zuhua , Huang Jinsong , Cai Zhaobin , Liu Shourong , Yan Dingyan , Yang Zongxing 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background

Since December 2019, when Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) emerged in Wuhan, China, it is currently causing outbreaks in many countries worldwide. No specific therapeutics have yet been proven effective for the treatment of COVID-19.
Methods

A retrospective, single-center case series study was conducted in a designated hospital for special treatment of COVID-19 in Hangzhou, China. Clinical characteristics of COVID-19 patients were described and compared between the common and severe groups. Multiple linear regression and sensitivity analysis was conducted to evaluate the antiviral effects of the 3-drug combination therapy (lopinavir/ritonavir, interferon, and arbidol).
Results

One hundred and ten confirmed COVID-19 patients were enrolled, including 99 common cases and 11 severe cases. The mean age was 43.1 years and 54.5% were female. Severe patients might be older (P < 0.01), and have more coexisting disorders (P < 0.01), lower levels of lymphocyte counts (P = 0.016), blood sodium (P = 0.039) and chloride (P < 0.01), and higher levels of C reactive protein and procalcitonin (both P < 0.01). Multiple linear regression and sensitivity analysis indicated that both in Model 1 and Model 2, after adjusted by confounding factors, significant associations between completing the 3-drug combination antiviral therapy (vs. incompleting) and a shorter hospital staying time could be seen (B = -5.970, 95% CI, -9.222, -2.718, P < 0.01, in Model 1; and B = -5.948, 95% CI, -10.622, -1.274, P = 0.014, in Model 2).
Conclusions

Severe patients might be older and have more comorbidities. The combination of lopinavir/ritonavir, interferon, and arbidol may be a well choice for antiviral therapy, especially in adult common cases.
Efficacy of Isolated Bacteriophage Against Biofilm Embedded Colistin-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Ebrahimi Saeedeh , Sisakhtpour Behnam , Mirzaei Arezoo , Karbasizadeh Vajihe , Moghim Sharareh 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Objective: Acinetobacter baumannii is responsible for most nosocomial infections in hospitals. It has the ability to form biofilms and has a high degree of antibiotic resistance. Colistin is one of the last therapeutic options for the treatment of Multi Drug Resistance infections. Recently, strains of this pathogen resistance to the colistin were reported increasingly. Therefore, alternative antibacterial methods such as phage therapy are being researched. Results: From 15 MDR A. baumannii clinical isolates, 26.6% were resistant to colistin, 80% were able to produce strong biofilm, and 20% produce weak biofilm. The isolated lytic phage (IsfAB78) was able to reduce the biofilm by up to 87%. Since most of the MDR colistin-resistant strains produce biofilm, and MDR A. baumannii infections are difficult to treat, development of phage therapy could be an alternative in the future. Phage IsfAB78 is a good candidate for this purpose.
Improving linkage to care of hepatitis C: Evaluation of GeneXpert® HCV Viral Load Point-of-Care Assay in Indonesia
Authors: Thedja Meta Dewi , Wibowo Dhita Prabasari , El-Khobar Korri Elvanita , Ie Susan Irawati , Turyadi Turyadi , Setiawan Lyana , Murti Ignatia Sinta , Muljono David Handojo 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Lack of simple, rapid, and reliable point-of-care (POC) test hampers large-scale diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and pose a challenge for its elimination as a public health threat. This study aimed to evaluate Cepheid Xpert® HCV Viral Load performance in comparison to Roche Cobas® TaqMan® HCV Test using HCV-samples with various genotypes in Indonesia.Methods: Viral load (VL) quantification was performed on 243 anti-HCV positive patients’ samples using both Xpert and Roche HCV tests, followed by HCV genotyping by reverse hybridization. Strength of relationship between the assays was measured by Pearson correlation coefficient, while level of agreement was analyzed by Deming regression and Bland-Altman plot analysis using log10-transformed VL values.Results: Quantifiable VL was detected in 180/243 (74.1%), with Xpert sensitivity of 100% (95% CI 0.98, 1.00) and specificity of 98.41% (95% CI 0.91, 0.99), while HCV genotypes were determined in 172/180 (95.6%) samples. There was a very good correlation between both assays (r = 0.97, P < 0.001), overall and per genotype, with good concordance by Deming regression and mean difference of −0.25 log10 IU/mL (95% CI −0.33, −0.18) by Bland-Altman plot analysis.Conclusion: Good performance of Xpert HCV Viral Load test was demonstrated as a POC platform for HCV diagnosis and treatment decision, which would be beneficial for decentralized service in resource-limited areas.
Spatio-Temporal Characteristics and its determinants of Hand, Food and Mouth Diseases in Shaanxi province, China: a county level analysis
Authors: Ding Li , Zhang Ning , Zhu Bin , Liu Jinlin , Wang Xue , Liu Feng , Mao Ying 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD) is one of the common intestinal infectious diseases worldwide, which caused a huge economic and disease burden in many counties. In China, the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention included the HFMD into the Class C reported infectious diseases. The average annual growth rate of HFMD is 16.43%. Shaanxi is a special region which across three temperature zones. Hence, in this study, the spatial-temporal analysis of Shaanxi would reveal the characteristics of distribution of HFMD and explore the related determinants of HFMD.Methods: The county-level and municipal data of Shaanxi province from 2009 to 2018 were applied to research the spatio-temporal characteristics of HFMD and its meteorological determinants. Time series analysis and spatial autocorrelation analysis were applied to analyze the spatial-temporal characteristics of HFMD. This study used spatial econometric panel models to explore the relationship between HFMD and meteorological factors.Results: The incidence rate of HFMD displayed no long-term changing pattern from temporal perspective. The high incidence rate of HFMD were observed from June to September, which is the season with a climate characterized by heavy rain, high temperature, and high humidity. The high spot is mainly located in central region in Shaanxi. The Low-low clusters were mainly found in Northern Shaanxi. As for the meteorological factors analyzed in this study, the waterfall, temperature and humidity in one specific and surrounding region is positive association with incidence rate of HFMD in specific region.Conclusion: The results could be applied by government and general public to take effective measures to prevent diseases. The region-targeted policies could be enacted and implemented in the future. The local government needs take responsible for the health management of immigration and mobile population. The citizen should cultivate good living habits such as hand-washing habit and the eating habit.
Enzymatic Activity And Brine Shrimp Lethality Of Venom From The Large Brown Spitting Cobra (Naja Ashei) And Its Neutralization By Antivenom
Authors: Okumu Mitchel Otieno , Mbaria James Mucunu , Gikunju Joseph Kangangi , Mbuthia Paul Gichohi , Madadi Vincent Odongo , Ochola Francis Okumu 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Objective There has been little focus on the enzymatic and lethal activities of Naja ashei venom and their neutralization by antivenom. This study aimed to determine the snake venom phospholipase A2/svPLA2 activity and brine shrimp lethality of N. ashei venom and their neutralization by two antivenoms (I and II). The venom of other snakes in East Africa including the puff adder (Bitis arietans), green mamba (Dendroaspis angusticeps), black mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis), Egyptian cobra (Naja haje), red spitting cobra (Naja pallida), and the Eastern forest cobra (Naja subfulva) were used for comparison. Results: N. subfulva venom had the highest svPLA2 activity while D. angusticeps venom had the least activity. N. subfulva venom was the most toxic in the 24-hour brine shrimp lethality assay (BSLA), while N. ashei venom was the most toxic in the 48 and 72-hour assays. N. haje venom was the least toxic in all assays. One ml of antivenom I neutralized 0.075 µg of svPLA2 in N. ashei venom compared to 0.051 µg by antivenom II. Antivenom I was ineffective in neutralizing N .ashei venom-induced lethality but 1 ml of antivenom II neutralized 0.21 mg of N. ashei venom.
Perspectives of Scientists on Disseminating Research Findings to Non-Research Audiences
Authors: McNeal Demetria , Glasgow Russell E. , Brownson Ross C. , Matlock Daniel D. , Peterson Pamela N. , Daugherty Stacie L. , Knoepke Christopher E. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Little is known about practices used to disseminate findings to non- research audiences. This study describes the perspectives, experience and activities of dissemination & implementation (D&I) researchers around disseminating their research findings.
Methods
The study explored D&I researchers’ experiences and recommendations for assessment of dissemination activities to non-research audiences. Existing list serves were used to recruit scientist. Respondents were asked three open ended questions on an Internet survey regarding 1) how their dissemination activities are evaluated, 2) how they would recommend changing the system to recognize dissemination activities and 3) how they could improve their own dissemination of their work.
Results
Surveys were completed by 159 scientists reporting some training, funding, and/or publication history in D&I. Three themes emerged across each of the three open ended questions. Question 1 on evaluation generated the themes of: 1a) promotional review; 1b) funding requirements; and 1c) absence of evaluation of dissemination activities. Question 2 on recommended changes generated the themes of: 2a) dissemination as a distinct component of research; 2b) requirement of dissemination plan; and 2c) dissemination metrics. Question 3 on personal changes to improve dissemination generated the themes of: 3a) allocation of resources for dissemination activities; 3b) utilization of non-traditional (or alternative) dissemination mediums; and 3c) identify and address issues of priority for stakeholders.
Conclusions
The findings revealed the different types of issues D&I researchers encounter when disseminating findings to non-academic audiences and their suggestions to improve the process. Future research should consider key requirements which determine academic promotion and grant funding as an opportunity to expand dissemination efforts.
Social support and harm reduction activities in a peer led pilot study with respondent driven sampling and community based participatory action research
Authors: Elkhalifa Sulaf , Jozaghi Ehsan , Marsh Samona , Thomson Erica , Gregg Delilah , Buxton Jane , Jolly Ann 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: People who smoke drugs (PWSD) are at high risk of both infectious disease and overdose. Harm reduction activities organised by their peers in the community can reduce risk by providing education; safer smoking supplies, and facilitate access to other services. Peers also provide a network of people who provide social support to PWSD which may reinforce harm reducing behaviours. We evaluated the numbers of supportive network members and the relationships between received support and participants’ harm reducing activities.Methods: Initial participant-researchers with past or current lived drug use experience were employed from communities in Abbotsford and Vancouver to interview ten friends from their social networks who use illegal drugs mainly through smoking. Contacts completed a questionnaire about people in their own harm reduction networks, and their relationships with each other. We categorised social support into informational, emotional and tangible aspects, and harm reduction into being trained in the use of, or carrying naloxone; assisting peers with overdoses, using brass screens to smoke, obtaining pipes from service organisations and being trained in CPR.Results: Fifteen initial participant-researchers interviewed 149 participants who provided information on up to 10 people who were friends or contacts and the relationships between them. People who smoked drugs in public were 1.46 (95% CI;1.13-1.78) more likely to assist peers with possible overdoses if they received tangible support; women who received tangible support were 1.24(95% CI;1.02-1.45) more likely to carry, and be trained in the use of naloxone. There was no relationship between number of supportive network members and harm reduction behaviours.Conclusions: In this pilot study, PWSD who received tangible support were more likely to assist peers in possible overdoses and be trained in the use of and/or carry naloxone, than those who did not receive tangible support. Future work on the social relationships of PWSD may prove valuable in the search for credible and effective interventions.
Prevalence of heavy episodic drinking and associated factors among adults residing in Arba Minch health and demographic surveillance site: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Gutema Befikadu Tariku , Chuka Adefris , Ayele Gistane , Tariku Eshetu Zerhun , Aschalew Zeleke , Baharu Alazar , Degefa Nega , Gurara Mekdes Kondale 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Alcohol consumption is associated with different types of illness, particularly heavy episodic drinking considerably increases the risk of non- communicable diseases burden. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of heavy episodic drinking and associated factors in Arba Minch Health and Demographic Surveillance Site (HDSS).Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 2017 among adult residents of Arba Minch HDSS. Using Arba Minch HDSS database, 3368 individuals were selected by simple random sampling techniques. From WHO STEPS instruments, step one was applied for this study. Variables with a p-value of less than 0.25 for bivariate analysis entered into a multivariable logistic regression model to outline the independent predictors of the heavy episodic drinking. To assess the presence of an association between dependent and independent variables, a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered.Results: The prevalence of heavy episodic drinking was 13.7% (95% CI: 12.6–14.9). The study has shown that heavy episodic drinking was significantly associated with occupation (daily laborer [AOR=0.53; 95% C.I: 0.31–0.91] and housewives [AOR=0.64; 95% C.I: 0.45–0.90] compared with farmers), wealth index (2nd quintiles [AOR =0.56; 95% C.I: 0.41–0.75) and 3rd quintiles [AOR = 0.68; 95% C.I: 0.48–0.96] compared with 1st quintiles), climatic zone (midland [AOR=1.74;95% CI: 1.08–2.82), highland [AOR=1.72;95% CI: 1.05–2.81] compared with lowland) and physical activity level (high physical activity [AOR= 1.59, 95% CI: 1.19 – 2.12] compared with low physical activity). In addition, tobacco use [AOR=4.29;95% CI: 3.39–5.44], and khat use [AOR=4.48; 95% CI: 2.56–8.17) were also associated with heavy episodic drinking among the study participants. Conclusions: More than one in ten adults reported heavy episodic drinking in the study area. Intervention programs that aim to prevent heavy episodic drinking should be designed appropriately for individuals from lower wealth status, and for highlander.
The scope of a weekly infection control team rounding in an acute-care teaching hospital: a pilot study
Authors: Jeong Yeon Su , Kim Jin Hwa , Lee Seungju , Lee So Young , Oh Sun Mi , Lee Eun Jung , Kim Tae Hyong , Park Se Yoon 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Activities of infection control and prevention are diverse and complicated. Regular and well-organized inspection of infection control is essential element of infection control program. The aim of study was to identify strong points and limitations of weekly infection control rounding (ICTR) in an acute care hospital. We conducted infection control rounding weekly to improve the compliance of infection control in the real field at a 734-bed academic hospital in Republic of Korea between January, 18, 2018 to December, 26, 2018. We investigated the functional coverage of a weekly ICTR. The result of the rounding are categorized well maintained, improvement is needed, long-term support such as space or manpower is needed, not applicable and could not observed. ICTR visited median 7 times [interquartile range (IQR) 6–7 times] per department. When visiting a department, ICTR observed median 16 practices (IQR 12–22). There were 7452 results of practices. Of those results, 75% were monitored properly, 22% were not applicable, and 4% were difficult-to-observe. Among applicable practice results, the most common practices that were difficult to observe were strategies to prevent catheter-related surgical site infections and pneumonia, injection safety practices, and strategies to prevent occupationally-acquired infections. The ICTR was able to maintain regular visits to each department; however, additional observation is necessary to eliminate blind spots.* These authors contributed equally
Nurse Professionalism Scale: Development and Psychometric Evaluation
Authors: Braganca Ana Vaz De , Nirmala R. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background

Professionalism is a key trait connecting the nurse and patient, and Code of Professional Conduct, a professional legitimacy in considering nursing as a profession and an essential tool that facilitates nurse practice. This study aims to develop Nurse Professionalism Scale using the Code of Professional Conduct for Nurses in India and test the psychometric properties.
Methods

A sample of 1054 registered nurses working in various work areas at different levels and sectors of health care was selected using stratified random sampling. Data were collected through self-report from registered nurses and multi-source feedback from their supervisors and colleagues. A total of 830 self-reported data sets, 687 supervisor and 747 colleague responses were received. Following data cleaning, complete sets of 644 self-supervisor-colleague responses were used for analysis using exploratory factor analysis in SPSS version 25 and confirmatory factor analysis in AMOS 22.
Results

Reliability estimate for internal consistency of the 38 item scale was .910 (self report), .951 (supervisor feedback) and .952 (colleague feedback). Exploratory factor analysis using self-reports extracted five factors with 22 items at Eigen values > 1. Items with communalities ≥ .4 and factor loadings ≥ .5 were retained. Five factors explained total cumulative variance extracted at 51 percent and KMO value of .893 indicated sample adequacy. Bartlett Test of Sphericity was significant (χ2 = 3318, df = 231, p < .000). The factors are labelled with reference to the original code and higher factor loading. CFA using supervisors feedback (CMIN/DF = 2.938; GFI = .926, TLI = .927; CFI = .939 and RMSEA = .055) and colleagues feedback (CMIN/DF = 3.165; GFI = .921, TLI = .908; CFI = .923 and RMSEA = .058) yielded acceptable model fit indices confirming the psychometric properties.
Conclusions

The scale can be used as a tool to evaluate professionalism among nurses across different settings. Multisource feedback from stakeholders can also be considered as an effective method of gathering data on this construct.
Glycerol-based formulations increases ovulation rate in sheep similarly to eCG but red blood cell indices may be affected
Authors: Porcu Cristian , Sotgiu Francesca Daniela , Pasciu Valeria , Cappai Maria Grazia , Fernández Alicia Barbero- , Gonzalez-Bulnes Antonio , Dattena Maria , Gallus Marilia , Molle Giovanni , Berlinguer Fiametta 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: The objective of this study was to investigate the metabolic and osmotic effects of different doses of glycerol or a glycerol – propylene glycol mixture in Sarda sheep with the aim to identify those able to beneficially modify ewe’s metabolic status without harmful changes in red blood cell (RBC) indices. Thereafter, the selected doses were tested for their effects on ewe’s ovarian activity during an induced follicular phase and compared to the effects of a hormonal treatment with equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG). Results: Glycerol was administered alone (G groups: 90% glycerol and 10% water; % v/v) or in combination with propylene glycol (M groups: 70% glycerol, 20% propylene glycol, 10% water; % v/v). Treatments were formulated to provide 100%, 75%, 50% and 25% of the amount of energy supplied in previous experiments. Obtained results showed that the formulations G75 and M75 (22.5% and 18.2% on DM basis, respectively) induce metabolic changes comparable to those induced by M100. The latter dose has been already evaluated for its effects on sheep metabolism and reproductive performance. However, with these high doses, plasma osmolality increased significantly, and RBC indices showed significant alterations. The low dose groups (G25 and M25, 8.6% and 6.9% on DM basis, respectively) did not show any alterations in plasma osmolality and RBC indices, but the metabolic milieu differed markedly from that of M100. Between the medium dose groups, M50 (12.9% on DM basis) showed a more comparable milieu to M100 than G50 (15.9% on DM basis) and no RBC alterations. Therefore, M75, G75 and M50 doses were tested for their effect on ovarian functions and proved to be equally effective as eCG. Conclusion: The results of the present study evidenced an alteration of RBC indices, and possibly of their functions, as a side effect of glycerol administration at high doses in the diet of ewes. Therefore, protocols foreseeing the administration of glycerol should be tested for their effects on RBC indices and functions. In general terms, the medium dose of the glucogenic mixture (12.9% of dietary DM on offer) should be preferred.