bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predicting the Incidence of Brucellosis in Western Iran using Markov switching model
Authors: Mohammadian-Khoshnoud Maryam , Sadeghifar Majid , Cheraghi Zahra , Hosseinkhani Zahra 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Objective Brucellosis is a zoonosis almost chronic disease. Brucellosis bacteria can remain in the environment for a long time. Thus, climate irregularities could pave the way for the survival of the bacterium Brucellosis. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of climatic factors as well as predicting the incidence of Brucellosis in Qazvin province using the Markov switching model. This study is a secondary study of data collected from 2010 to 2019 in Qazvin province. The data include Brucellosis cases and climatic parameters. Two state Markov switching model with time lags of zero, one and two was fitted to the data. The Bayesian information criterion was used to evaluate the models. Results According to the Bayesian information criterion, the two-state Markov switching model with a one-month lag is a suitable model. The month, the average wind speed, the minimum temperature have a positive effect on the number of Brucellosis, the age and rainfall have a negative effect. The results show that the probability of an outbreak for the third month of 2019 is 0.30%.
When to resume bariatric surgery after COVID-19 pandemic? – results of patients’ and surgeons’ survey.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Authors: Dudek Alicja , Wysocki Michał , Walędziak Maciej , Szeliga Jacek , Proczko-Stepaniak Monika , Pedziwiatr Michał , Major Piotr 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundCoronavirus Disease 2019 is affecting most countries around the world, including Poland. In response, all elective surgeries have been postponed. We asked patients and surgeons when they want bariatric surgery to resume after pandemic. The main aim of the study was to determine patients’ and surgeons’ expectations about when to resume bariatric surgery regarding COVID-19 pandemic state.MethodsThe study was conducted in two groups: Group 1 – bariatric patients; Group 2 – bariatric surgeons. Two online surveys were distributed.Results A total of 895 patients, 299 before, 596 after surgery and 32 surgeons took part in survey. All patients and surgeons declared willingness to resume bariatric surgeries after pandemic and responded that they should be resumed immediately the World Health Organization announces end of pandemic (42%). The majority of patients before surgery answered that bariatric procedures should be resumed immediately the number of daily incidents begins to decrease (53%). In the patient group, current body mass index (p<0.001) and contact with COVID+/quarantined persons (p<0.001) had impact on the response to resumption of bariatric procedures. ConclusionsPatients opted to wait for bariatric surgery until the oncological queue has become shorter. Surgeons presented a readiness to resume both procedures in parallel. Trial registration: 1072.6120.103.2020
Hydration Status, Body Composition and Anxiety Status in Aeronautical Military Personnel from Spain: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Carretero-Krug Alejandra , Velasco Carlos , Medina-Font Juan , Laguna Trinidad Trujillo , Varela-Moreiras Gregorio , Úbeda Natalia , Montero Ana 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: An adequate hydration status is critical to ensure efficiency during mental and physical activities. Our goal was to assess the hydration status of a Spanish group of aeronautical military men and to determine the association of hydration status with body composition and anxiety.Methods: 188 men were evaluated through a validated hydration questionnaire, anthropometric and biochemical parameters, and an anxiety questionnaire. According to that, criteria of hydration was established.Results: 81% of the total sample met hydration criteria (urine color = Well hydrated, Water Balance ≥ 0 mL, and total water intake/weight ≥35 mL/kg) and 19% did not meet hydration criteria (urine color = Not enough hydrated or Dehydrated, Water Balance < 0 mL, and total water intake/weight < 35 mL/kg). Subjects not meeting the hydration criteria had lower urine pH, negative water balance, and lower water intake. The latter also had higher anxiety status (score= 4 vs 3, p=0.026), weight (84.7 ± 10.5 vs 80.5 ± 10.2 Kg), Body Mass Index (26.3 ± 3.1 vs 25.2 ± 2.8 kg/m2), body fat (22.3 ± 5.6 vs 18.3 ± 6.5 %), urine specific gravity and urine color. The Hydration Status, in a logistic binary regression model was related significantly with the percentage of body fat (p=0.004), but no relation was found with age, comorbidity and medication. Furthermore, total water intake/weight was positively correlated with percentage of body water (rho=0.357, p=0.000) and negatively with body fat (kg) (rho= -0.427, p=0.000), percentage of body fat (rho= -0.405, p=0.000) and waist/hip ratio (rho= -0.223, p=0.002). The total water intake/weight, in a linear regression model was related significantly with the percentages of body fat (p=0.019) and body water (p= 0,035). No relation was found, however, with waist/hip ratio, age, comorbidity and medication.Conclusion: All these findings suggest a relationship between hydration status and body composition, but also set the bases for future studies that relate hydration status and anxiety status. These results can be used to improve the hydration status and body composition of military personnel.
The burden of anxiety among people living with HIV during the COVID-19 pandemic in Pune, India
Authors: Marbaniang Ivan , Sangle Shashikala , Nimkar Smita , Zarekar Kanta , Salvi Sonali , Chavan Amol , Gupta Amita , Suryavanshi Nishi , Mave Vidya 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Introduction: Globally, India has the third largest population of people living with HIV (PLHIV) and the second highest number of COVID-19 cases. Anxiety is associated with antiretroviral therapy (ART) nonadherence. It is crucial to understand the burden of anxiety and its sources among Asian Indian PLHIV during the COVID pandemic, but data are limited.Methods: During the first month of government mandated lockdown, we administered an anxiety assessment via telephone among PLHIV registered for care at a publicly funded antiretroviral therapy (ART) center in Pune, India. Generalized anxiety was defined as GAD-7 score ≥10. Sociodemographic and clinical variables were compared by anxiety status (GAD-7 score≥10 vs GAD-7 score<10). Qualitative responses to an open-ended question about causes of concern were evaluated using thematic analysis. Results: Among 167 PLHIV, median age was 44 years (IQR 40–50); the majority were cisgender women (60%) and had a monthly family income <200 USD (81%). Prior history of tuberculosis and other comorbidities were observed in 38% and 27%, respectively. Overall, prevalence of generalized anxiety was 25% (n=41). PLHIV with GAD-7 score ≥10 had fewer remaining doses of ART than those with lower GAD-7 scores (p=0.05). Thematic analysis indicated that concerns were both health related and unrelated, and stated temporally. Present concerns were often also projected as future concerns. Conclusions: The burden of anxiety was high during COVID lockdown in our population of socioeconomically disadvantaged PLHIV in Pune and appeared to be influenced by concerns about ART availability. The burden of anxiety among PLHIV will likely increase with the worsening pandemic in India, as sources of anxiety are expected to persist. We recommend the regular use of short screening tools for anxiety to monitor and triage patients as an extension of current HIV services.
Diagnostic capability of different morphological parameters for primary open-angle glaucoma in the Chinese population.
Authors: Li Ruoshi , Wang Xia , Wei Yahui , Fang Yuan , Tian Tian , Kang Lei , Li Mei , Cai Yu , Pan Yingzi 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: To assess the diagnostic capability of novel Bruch’s membrane opening (BMO)-based disc parameters, the BMO-minimum rim width (BMO-MRW) and the BMO-minimum rim area (BMO-MRA) in the Chinese population and compare them to the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) from optical coherence tomography (OCT) and the rim area (RA) from the Heidelberg retinal tomograph-III (HRT-III).Methods: In total, 200 eyes of 77 healthy and 123 primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) subjects were included in this cross-sectional study. All participants underwent the visual field test and structural measurements by OCT and HRT-III. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) of different structural parameters were calculated to assess their diagnostic power and compared using the DeLong test.Results: In populations with different characteristics, the BMO-MRW and BMO-MRA had better diagnostic power than the RA. In discriminating between all POAG subjects and healthy controls and between early-stage patients and controls, the global BMO-MRW had comparable AUCs with the RNFL, but the BMO-MRA had lower AUCs than the RNFL. In healthy subjects with macrodiscs, both the global and sectoral BMO-MRW were thinner than those in healthy subjects with normal disc size. The AUCs of BMO-MRA, BMO-MRW and RNFL in subjects with macrodiscs were comparable. Additionally, in the myopic population, the BMO-MRA and BMO-MRW had comparable AUCs with the RNFL.Conclusions: The BMO-MRW had comparable diagnostic power with the RNFL, and compared with BMO-MRW, the BMO-MRA might have advantages in certain populations, such as macrodiscs. All OCT-derived parameters exceeded the RA in diagnostic capability.
A cohort study to identify risk factors for Plasmodium falciparum infection in Burkinabe children: implications for other high burden high impact countries
Authors: Yaro Jean Baptiste , Ouedraogo Alphonse , Ouedraogo Z Amidou , Diarra Amidou , Lankouande Malik , Agboraw Efundem , Worrall Eve , Toe Kobié Hyacinthe , Sanou Antoine , Guelbeogo W Moussa , Sagnon N’Fale , Ranson Hilary , Tiono Alfred B. , Lindsay Steven W , Wilson Anne L 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background Progress in controlling malaria has stalled in recent years. Today the malaria burden is increasingly concentrated in a few countries, including Burkina Faso, where malaria is not declining. A cohort study was conducted to identify risk factors for malaria infection in children in southwest Burkina Faso, an area with high insecticide-treated net (ITN) coverage and insecticide-resistant vectors.Methods Incidence of Plasmodium falciparum infection was measured in 252 children aged 5 to 15 years, using active and passive detection, during the 2017 transmission season, following clearance of infection. Demographic, socio-economic, environmental, and entomological risk factors, including use of ITNs and insecticide resistance were monitored. Results During the six-month follow-up period, the overall incidence of P. falciparum infection was 2.78 episodes per child (95% CI= 2.66-2.91) by microscopy, and 3.11 (95% CI= 2.95-3.28) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The entomological inoculation rate (EIR) was 80.4 infective bites per child over the six-month malaria transmission season. At baseline, 80.6% of children were reported as sleeping under an ITN the previous night, although at the last survey, 23.3% of nets were in poor condition and considered no longer protective. No association was found between the rate of P. falciparum infection and either EIR (incidence rate ratio (IRR): 1.00, 95% CI: 1.00-1.00, p=0.08) or mortality in WHO tube tests when vectors were exposed to 0.05% deltamethrin (IRR: 1.05, 95% CI: 0.73-1.50, p=0.79). Travel history (IRR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.45-1.59, p<0.001) and higher socio-economic status were associated with an increased risk of P. falciparum infection (IRR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.00-1.11, p=0.04).Conclusions Incidence of P. falciparum infection remains overwhelmingly high in the study area. The study findings suggest that because of the exceptionally high levels of malaria transmission in the study area, malaria elimination cannot be achieved solely by mass deployment of ITNs and additional control measures are needed.
Influence of environmental factors on the detection of blood in sheep faeces using visible-near infrared spectroscopy as a measure of Haemonchus contortus infection
Authors: Kho Elise Ai Hwee , Fernandes Jill N. , Kotze Andrew C. , Fox Glen P. , Sikulu-Lord Maggy T. , Beasley Anne M. , Moore Stephen S. , James Peter J. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Existing diagnostic methods for the parasitic gastrointestinal nematode, Haemonchus contortus, are time consuming and require specialised expertise, limiting their utility in the field. A practical, on-farm diagnostic tool could facilitate timely treatment decisions, preventing production and welfare loss in the flock. We previously demonstrated the ability of visible-near infrared (vis-NIR) spectroscopy to detect and quantify blood in sheep faeces with high accuracy. Here we investigate whether variation in sheep type and environment affect the prediction accuracy of vis-NIR spectroscopy in quantifying blood in faeces. Methods: Vis-NIR spectra were obtained from worm-free sheep faeces collected from different environments and sheep types in South Australia (SA) and New South Wales (NSW), Australia and spiked with various sheep blood concentrations. Spectra were analysed using principal component analysis (PCA), and calibration models were built around the haemoglobin (Hb) wavelength region (387 – 609 nm) using partial least squares (PLS) regression. Models were used to predict Hb concentrations in spiked faeces from SA and naturally infected sheep faeces from Queensland (QLD). QLD samples were quantified using Hemastix® and FAMACHA © scores. Results: PCA showed that location, class of sheep and pooled/individual samples were factors affecting the Hb predictions. The models successfully differentiated ‘healthy’ SA samples from those requiring anthelmintic treatment with moderate to good prediction accuracy (sensitivity: 57 – 94%, specificity: 44 – 79%). The models were not predictive for blood in naturally infected QLD samples, which may be due in part to variability of faecal background and blood chemistry between samples, or the difference in validation methods used for blood quantification. PCA of QLD samples, however, identified a difference between samples containing high and low quantities of blood. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the potential of vis-NIR spectroscopy for estimating blood concentration in faeces from various types of sheep and environmental backgrounds. However, the calibration models developed here did not capture enough environmental variation to accurately predict Hb in faeces collected from environments different to those used in the calibration model. Consequently, it will be necessary to establish models that incorporate samples that are more representative of areas where H. contortus is endemic.
A Non-Synonymous Variant rs12614 of Complement Factor B Associated with Risk of Chronic Hepatitis B in a Korean Population
Authors: Seo Jung Yeon , Shin Joong Gon , Youn Byeong Ju , Namgoong Suhg , Cheong Hyun Sub , Kim Lyoung Hyo , Kim Ji On , Shin Hyoung Doo , Kim Yoon Jun 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Hepatitis B is known to cause several forms of liver diseases including chronic hepatitis B (CHB), and hepatocellular carcinoma. Previous genome-wide association study of CHB risk has demonstrated that rs12614 of complement factor B (CFB) was significantly associated with CHB risk. In this study, fine-mapping study of previously reported GWAS single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP; CFB rs12614) was performed to validate genetic effect of rs12614 on CHB susceptibility and identify possible additional causal variants around rs12614 in a Korean population. This association study was conducted in order to identify genetic effects of CFB single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and to identify additional independent CHB susceptible causal markers within a Korean population.Methods: A total of 10 CFB genetic polymorphisms were selected and genotyped in 1,716 study subjects comprised of 955 CHB patients and 761 population controls. Results: A non-synonymous variant, rs12614 (Arg32Trp) in exon2 of CFB, had significant associations with risk of CHB (odds ratio = 0.43, P = 5.91×10-10). Additional linkage disequilibrium and conditional analysis confirmed that rs12614 had independent genetic effect on CHB susceptibility with previously identified CHB markers. The genetic risk scores (GRSs) were calculated and the CHB patients had higher GRSs than the population controls. Moreover, OR was found to increase significantly with cumulative GRS. Conclusions: rs12614 showed significant genetic effect on CHB risk within the Korean population. As such rs12614 may be used as a possible causal genetic variant for CHB susceptibility.
Loss of ATRX Sensitizes HeLa Cells in Response to Ionizing Irradiation in a Manner Dependent on the ATM/Chk2 Pathway
Authors: Tang Geng , Yang Yanming , Liu Yuxin , Han Bing , Xu Weiqiang , Qin Lijing , Fang Fang , Wang Zhicheng 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Alpha-thalassemia/mental retardation X-linked (ATRX), a member of the SWI/SNF-like chromatin remodeling protein family, functions in the maintenance of genomic integrity, alternative lengthening of telomeres, and the regulation of apoptosis and senescence. However, whether ATRX is directly involved in the DNA damage response (DDR) remains unknown. Here, we Identify novel targets for molecular radiosensitization for cancer radiotherapy.Methods: ATRX-depleted HeLa cell lines were obtained by RNAi, after radiation, DNA damage repair were implied by γH2AX foci and expressions of γH2AX and Rad51. The survival fraction (SF), cell proliferation, cell apoptosis and cell senescence were measured to demonstrate the radiosensitization. In addition, IL-6, -8 and CXCL-1 mRNAs and apoptotic protein and cell cycle-regulated protein expressions were measured to analyze the molecular mechanisms. Results: IR-induced DNA damage was greater and G2/M arrest was less efficient in ATRX knockdown cells. ATRX downregulation caused defects in apoptosis and senescence, indicating that ATRX has a biological function in the DDR. ATRX loss led to failure to trigger ataxia telangiectasia-mutated (ATM) auto-phosphorylation, inhibiting the activation of ATM/Chk2 downstream effectors. Conclusions: These data identify ATRX as a novel target for radiosensitization, and its effect depends on inhibition of the ATM/Chk2 pathway in the DDR.
Predictive value of clinical toxicities of chemotherapy with fluoropyrimidines and oxaliplatin in colorectal cancer by DPYD and GSTP1 gene polymorphisms
Authors: Deng Xunwei , Hou Jingyuan , Deng Qiaoting , Zhong Zhixiong 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Fluoropyrimidines and platinum are still widely used for colorectal cancer (CRC) management. Several studies have reported that mutations of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPYD) and glutathione S-transferase pi-1 (GSTP1) polymorphisms are related to Chemotherapy-related adverse events. In the present study, we purposed to assess the impact of DPYD and GSTP1 variants on toxicity of chemotherapy risk among the Hakka population, minimize adverse events, and to maximize therapy outcome for individualized treatment.Methods: Genotyping was examined in 104 patients diagnosed with CRC cases and receiving fluoropyrimidine and platinum drugs based chemotherapy regimen by direct sequencing of DPYD and GSTP1 polymorphisms. Three DPYD variants including *2A, *5A, *9A, and GSTP1 c.313A>G were analyzed and clinical outcomes were assessed. Results: The data suggest that the incidence of DPYD*5A, DPYD*9A, and GSTP1 c.313A>G variants were 37.5%, 24%, and 31.7%, respectively. DPYD*2A variant was not found. A total of 38 patients (36.5%) suffered severe neutropenia and 23 patients (22.1%) suffered severe vomiting. DPYD*5A polymorphism was found significantly associated with grade 3/4 ulceration (p = 0.001). GSTP1 was determined to be an independent risk factor for severe neutropenia and ulceration (p = 0.010 and p = 0.034, respectively). Patients with GSTP1 c. 313A>G wild type contributed to a higher risk for grade severe toxicity compared with A/G + G/G genotype (p = 0.024). Nevertheless, no significant difference was found between patients with DPYD*9A T/T and T/C + C/C genotype for chemotherapeutic toxicity.Conclusions: The results demonstrated that DPYD*5A and GSTP1 polymorphisms were useful predictors of severe events. Screening of single nucleotide polymorphisms of DPYD and GSTP1 in colorectal cancer patients prior to chemotherapy may help to realize personalized therapy.
Laparoscopic Bridge Choledochoduodenostomy as a Novel Reliable Palliative Procedure for Advanced Malignant Obstructive Jaundice
Authors: Zou Xuxiang , Xiao Hongsheng , Lei DaZhao , Tao Lianyuan , Li Deyu 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to introduce a novel surgical procedure called laparoscopic bridge choledochoduodenostomy (LBCDD) for patients with advanced malignant obstructive jaundice (AMOJ).Methods: Patients with AMOJ who had LBCDD between January 2017 and August 2020 were identified from databases of two institutions in China. Results: A total of 35 patients (male 12; female 23) with an average age of 64 (±10.65) years were enrolled. All patients undertook LBCDD within an average operation time of 75(±31) min with a mean blood loss of 32(±14) ml. One patient had controlled bile leakage after operation and two developed SSI involving the epigastric orifices. All of them were solved by conservative treatment. All patients were discharged smoothly after an average hospital stay of 5.5 days, and no conversion to open surgery required. Conclusion: LBCDD is a safe and efficient palliative surgery, which has a good therapeutic effect on patients with AMOJ.
Mortality Rate and Years of Life Lost, Due to Premature Death Caused by COVID-19, In Iran, Ahwaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences
Authors: Azarbakhsh Habibollah , Mirahmadizadeh Alireza , Rostami Maryam , vali Mohebat 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: The emerging and evolving situation of COVID-19 threatens the health of all human beings.The aim of this study is to measure the mortality rate and years of life lost, due to premature death caused by COVID-19 in Iran, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences.Materials and Methods: In this study, all definite deaths due to COVID-19 were used. First, descriptive analysis including mean and standard deviation and number were performed, then raw and age-standardized (ASR) mortality rates were calculated. The analysis of the number of years of life lost due to premature death due to COVID-19 was performed using the YLL template of 2015, from the World Health Organization, in the Excel spreadsheet software version 2007.Results: During the study period (from March 2020 to June 2020), 629 definite deaths due to COVID-19 occurred (men 59.14% and women 40.86 %). The mortality rate due to COVID-19 in men and women was 16.24 and 17.17 per 100,000 persons, respectively. Total years of life lost (YLL) during the study period was 4722 (3.06 per thousand persons) in men, 3691 (2.46 per thousand persons) in women and 8413 (2.77 per thousand persons) in both sexes.Conclusion: This study is one of the first studies to measure the years of life lost due to COVID-19 in Iran. The results of this study show that due to the high mortality of this disease, decision makers should focus on reducing mortality in order to stop the possibly next waves of COVID-19.