bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors Associated with the Performance of Routine Health Information System in Yaoundé-Cameroon: A cross-sectional survey
Authors: Nguefack-Tsague Georges , Tamfon Brian Bongwong , Ngnie-Teta Ismael , Ngoufack Marie Nicole , Keugoung Basile , Bataliack Serge Marcial , Ndongo Chanceline Bilounga 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Routine Health Information Systems (RHIS) of low-income countries function below the globally expected standard, characterised by the production and use of poor-quality data, or the non-use of good quality data for informed decision making. This has negatively influenced the health service delivery and uptake. This study focuses on identifying the factors associated with the performance of RHIS of the health facilities (HF) in Yaoundé, so as to guide targeted RHIS strengthening.
Methods
A HF-based cross-sectional study in the 6 health districts (HDs) of Yaoundé was conducted. HFs were chosen using stratified sampling with probability proportional to size per HD. Data were collected, entered into Microsoft Excel 2013 and analysed with IBM- SPSS version 25. Consistency of the questionnaire was measured using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Pearson’s chi-square (and Fisher exact where relevant) tests were used to establish relationships between qualitative variables. Associations were further quantified using unadjusted Odd ratio (OR) for univariate analysis and adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for multivariate analysis with 95% confidence interval (CI). A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results
Of 111 selected HFs; 16 (14.4%) were public and 95 (85.6%) private. Respondents aged 24–60 years with an average of 38.3 ± 9.3 years; 58 (52.3%) male and 53(47.7%) female. Cronbach’s alpha was 0.96 (95%CI: 0.95–0.98, p < 0.001), proving that the questionnaire was reliable in measuring RHIS performances. At Univariate level, the following factors were positively associated with good performances: supportive supervision (OR = 3.03 (1.1, 8.3); p = 0.02), receiving feedback from hierarchy (OR = 3.6 (0.99, 13.2); p = 0.05), having received training on health information (OR = 5.0 (1.6, 16.0); p = 0.003), and presence of a performance evaluation plan (OR = 3.3 (1.4, 8.2), p = 0.007). At multivariate level, the only significantly associated factor was having received training on health information (aOR = 3.3 (1.01, 11.1), p = 0.04).
Conclusions
Training of health staff in the RHIS favors RHIS good performance. Hence, emphasis should be laid on training and empowering staff, frequent and regular RHIS supervision, and frequent and regular feedback mechanisms, for an efficient RHIS strengthening in Yaoundé.
'Going off track': The consequences of barriers to Ghanaian midwives’ ability to provide quality care.
Authors: Ismaila Yakubu , Bayes Sara , Geraghty Sadie 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Despite global efforts to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality rates, the problem continues to persist, especially in Lower- and Middle-Income Countries like Ghana. For years it has been acknowledged that the deployment of well-trained and regulated midwives could provide a cost-efficient way of reducing maternal and neonatal mortality. However, multiple factors including; recently increasing demands made by birthing women, the growing complexity of midwifery work and a shortage of midwives as well as other barriers have affected the ability of midwives to provide quality maternal and neonatal care. This study aims to provide insight into some of the consequences of these barriers that midwives face in their workplaces.MethodsGlaserian Grounded Theory was applied in this study. Semi structured interviews were conducted with twenty-nine (29) midwives and four (4) other workers whose roles impacts on the work of midwives. In accordance with the requirements of grounded theory, data collection and analysis occurred concurrently while building on the data that has already been analyzed. Constant comparison was used throughout the data analysis.ResultsThe analysis of the data indicated that barriers to midwives’ ability to provide quality care have physiological, psychological and socioeconomic consequences on midwives thereby affecting the quality of the care that they offer to women and newborns. ConclusionThe effects of the barriers to midwives’ abilities to provide quality care are intertwined and have consequences on both the midwives as well as on the quality of the care that they provide to patients. By implementing measures to ameliorate or mitigate the effects of the barriers that midwives face in their work, the quality of the care that they provide to women and neonates will be enhanced, which in turn will positively affect the retention of midwives and maximize the benefits of implementing the midwifery model of care.
Integrated Metabolic Profiling and Transcriptome Analysis of Pigment Accumulation in Diverse Petal Tissues in the Lily Cultivar 'Vivian'
Authors: Yin Xiaojuan , Lin Xinyue , Liu Yuxuan , Irfan Muhammad , Chen Lijing , Zhang Li 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Petals are the colorful region of many ornamental plants. Quality traits of petal color directly affect the value of ornamental plants. Although the regulatory mechanism of flower color has been widely studied in many plants, that of lily flower color is still worth further exploration.Results: In this study, the pigmentation regulatory network in different regions of the petal of lily cultivar ‘Vivian’ was analyzed through tissue structure, metabolites biosynthesis, and gene expression. We found that cell morphology of the petal in un-pigmented region was differed with in pigmented region. The cell morphology tends to flatten in un-pigmented region where the color is lighter. Moreover, high level anthocyanin was found in the pigmented regions by metabonomic analysis, especially cyanidin derivatives. However, flavanones were accumulated, contrast with anthocyanin in the un-pigmented regions of lily petal. To understand the relationship of these different metabolites and lily flower color, RNA-Seq was used to analyze the differentially expressed genes-related metabolite biosynthesis. Among these genes, the expression levels of several genes-related cyanidin derivatives biosynthesis were significantly different between the pigmented and un-pigmented regions, such as LvMYB5, LvMYB7, LvF3'H, LvDFR, LvANS and Lv3GT.Conclusions: This data will help us to further understand the regulation network of lily petal pigmentation and create different unique color species.
Assessing the Lognormal Distribution Assumption For the Crude Odds Ratio: Implications For Point and Interval Estimation
Authors: Newstein David Douglas 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: The assumption that the sampling distribution of the crude Odds Ratio (ORcrude) is a lognormal distribution with parameters mu and sigma leads to the incorrect conclusion that the expectation of the log of ORcrude is equal to the parameter mu. Here, the standard method of point and interval estimation (I) is compared with a modified method utilizing ORstar where ln(ORstar) = ln(ORcrude )– sigma **2/2. Methods: Confidence intervals are obtained utilizing ln(ORstar) by both parametric bootstrap simulations with a percentile derived confidence interval (II), and a simple calculation done by replacing ln(ORcrude) with ln(ORstar) in the standard formula (III) as well as a method proposed by Barendregt (IV), who also noted the bias present in estimating ORtrue by ORcrude. Simulations are conducted for a “protective” exposure (ORtrue < 1) as well as for a “harmful” exposure (ORtrue >1). Results: In simulations the estimation methods (II and III) exhibited the highest level of statistical conclusion validity for their confidence intervals as indicated by one minus the coverage probability being close to alpha. Also, as demonstrated by the MC simulations, these two methods exhibited the least biased point estimates and the narrowest confidence intervals of the four estimation approaches. Conclusions: Monte Carlo simulations prove useful in validating the inferential procedures used in data analysis. In the case of the odds ratio, the standard method of point and interval estimation is based on the assumption that the crude odds ratio has a sampling distribution that is lognormal. Utilizing this assumption, as well as the formula for the expectation of this distribution function, an alternative estimation method was obtained for ORtrue (but different from a method from the earlier report (Barendregt)), that yielded point and interval estimates that MC simulations indicate are the most statistically valid.
Upregulation of LncRNA SNHG15 indicates an unfavourable prognosis and clinical features of patients in multiple malignancies: a meta-analysis and bioinformatics
Authors: Chen Caizhi , Feng Yeqian , Wang Jingjing , Liang Ye , Zou Wen 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: A snoRNA host gene named SNHG15 which produces a short half-lived lncRNA has been reported to be dysregulated in multiple cancers and correlated with tumor progression in published researches recently. So this meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the generalized prognostic effect of SNHG15 on malignancies because of the discrepant data amongst different studies.Methods: Four public databases were utilized for identifying eligible studies. The association between prognostic indicators and clinical features were extracted and pooled for estimation of the hazard ratios (HRs) or odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Publication bias and the stability of pooled results were measured by Begg’s test, Egger’s test and sensitivity analysis respectively. Additionally, Online database based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) was screened and further validate our results.Results: Totally eleven studies including 1087 patients were ultimately enrolled in our paper. Promoted SNHG15 expression was associted with worse OS and DFS.Moreover, increased SNHG15 expression suggested advanced TNM stage and LNM but not correlated with age, gender and tumor size. No publication bias and instability of result were observed. SNHG15 was significantly upregulated in seven cancers and elevated expression of SNHG15 indicated shorter OS and DFS in five malignancies according to the validation using GEPIA (Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis).Conclusions: Promoted expression of lncRNA SNHG15 was markedly related to worse prognosis and clinical features, suggesting that SNHG15 might serve as a novel factor in various cancers.
Initial Real-life Experience From a Designated COVID-19 Centre in Athens, Greece. A Proposed Therapeutic Algorithm
Authors: Baraboutis Ioannis , Gargalianos Panagiotis , Aggelonidou Eleni , Adraktas Andreas 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
We report our initial experience with the management of a mixed group of patients with COVID-19 infection, admitted and treated in a designated COVID-19 centre in the Athens Metropolitan area over a 4-week period. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic presented a huge challenge to the Greek National Healthcare System and healthcare workers. Their response so far has been miraculously effective. Since there are essentially no therapeutic guidelines yet for this disease, we relied mainly on our medical intuition, our empathy for our patients and team work to do the best possible for 49 people with this infection. We present the therapeutic algorithm we gradually developed (on the job) and applied in our patients, based on continuous creative brainstorming and monitoring of the literature.
Association Between Meat Intake and Semen Parameters Among Iranian Infertile Men: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Ghiasvand Reza , haeri farahnaz , ShariatPanahi SeyyedPayam , Marvast Laleh Dehghan 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Objective: Previous studies have proven the effect of dietary patterns on semen quality indicators, but research on the relationship between meat intake and semen quality is limited. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the relationship between Meat intake with semen quality.Methods: In this cross sectional study, 400 infertile men were recruited into study during their fertility investigation in Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute Diagnosed by an andrologist according to the inclusion criteria. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the relationship between meat intake and semen parameters. All data were analyzed using SPSS V. 22 software.Results: We found that intake of canned tuna can have two different effects on sperm motility in infertile male. Intake of canned tuna according to the serving size stated in quartile 2, leads to a decrease in the percentage of immotile sperm from 52.93 (CI95%, 51.15-54.71) to 46.55 (CI95%, 44.56-48.54)(Ptrend=0.036). On the other hand, there is an increase in the percentage of immotile sperm from 46.55 (CI95%, 44.56-48.54) to 52.88 (CI95%, 50.94-54.82) in the highest quartile of canned tuna intake.Also, no significant relationship was observed between intake other types of meats and sperm quality indices.Conclusions: We found that intake of canned tuna,base on serving size of quartile 2, is associated with lower percentage of immotile sperm, on the other hand high intake of canned tuna increase percentage of immotile sperm in Iranian infertile men. More extensive studies are recommended in this regard.
Weighting National Survey Data: why, how and which weight?
Authors: Hakim Ferdous , Bhuiyan Rijwan , Akter Mst. Khaleda , Kamal Md. Mohit , Alam Md. Faruq , Karim Md. Rizwanul , Zaman Mohammad Mostafa 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Weighting of national data is a procedure that enables the sample to be more representative of the target population. Weighting procedure is a thorough exercise and yields several types of weights. However, considerable variation exists among authors on which weight to use leaving the researchers baffled. In this article we share our experience on weighting for a few recent national surveys in Bangladesh. Methods We generated four weights: the base weight calculated from probabilities of selection, and non-response adjustments, population calibration, and trimmed weights. Finally we checked weighted means, medians, ranges, standard errors, confidence intervals, variances, multiplicative effects, design effects and prevalence of a key variable of the survey to decide on which weight to use. Results Compared to unweighted distribution, weighting makes the sample distribution to conform to the population. Among the four calculated weights, the trimmed weight had narrow standard error and variance, and smallest design and multiplicative effects. It yielded an acceptable prevalence and distribution of a core variable. Conclusion Though weighting is a time intensive exercise, it had a favorable effect on the sample distribution to comply with the Bangladeshi population. Among the four weights, we show that the trimmed weight met all parameters of good quality and precision. Therefore, we recommend to use this weight for national level surveys in Bangladesh.
Comparing two methods for deriving dietary patterns associated with risk of metabolic syndrome among middle-aged and elderly Taiwanese adults with impaired kidney function
Authors: Kurniawan Adi Lukas , Hsu Chien-Yeh , Lee Hsiu-An , Rau Hsiao-Hsien , Paramastri Rathi , Syauqy Ahmad , Chao Jane C-J 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Dietary patterns were associated with the risk of chronic disease development and outcome-related diseases. In this study, we aimed to compare the correlation between dietary patterns and metabolic syndrome (MetS) using two methods for identifying dietary patterns.Methods: The participants (n = 25,569) aged ≥ 40 years with impaired kidney function were retrieved from Mei Jau (MJ) Health Screening database from 2008 to 2010. Dietary patterns were identified by principal component analysis (PCA) and reduced rank regression (RRR) from twenty-two food groups using PROC FACTOR and PROC PLS functions.Results: We identified two similar dietary pattern characteristics (high intakes of deep fried foods, preserved or processed foods, dipping sauce, meat, sugary drinks, organ meats, jam/honey, fried rice/flour products, instant noodles and eggs) derived by PCA and RRR. Logistic regression analysis revealed that RRR-derived dietary pattern scores were positively associated with an odds ratio (OR = 1.70, 95% CI: 1.56, 1.86) of having MetS than PCA-derived dietary pattern scores (OR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.27, 1.51). The correlations between RRR-derived dietary pattern scores and elevated systolic and diastolic blood pressure (OR = 1.30 for both) or low high density lipoprotein cholesterol in women (OR = 1.32) were statistically significant but not significant in PCA-derived dietary pattern scores.Conclusions: Our findings suggest that RRR gives better results when studying behavior related dietary patterns in association with MetS. RRR may be more preferable to provide dietary information for developing dietary guidelines among people with MetS. Further studies with prospective measurements are needed to verify whether RRR is a useful analytic tool for the association between dietary patterns and other chronic diseases.
IUD Contraceptive Use Among Women of Reproductive Age: Experiences, Motivators and barriers in a General Hospital, Uganda
Authors: Teddy Nambalirwa , Olwit Connie , Osingada Charles , Kiguli Juliet , Nyashanu Mathew , Mbalinda Scovia Nalugo 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
BackgroundDespite availing contraceptives, IUD uptake remains low in family planning service provision. Yet there is evidence that access to family planning reduces Maternal mortality especially in developing countries like Uganda. The study explored the reasons for low uptake of IUD among women of reproductive age.MethodologyFocus-groups and in-depth interviews with women in reproductive was employed to explore experiences, barriers and for low use of IUD. A thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.ResultsThis study explored women’s experiences, their motivations and barriers to IUD use. The positive experiences reported included; IUD is a long-term method of family planning; un affected libido, body image, reassurance from the health providers. The negative experiences included; pain on insertion; discomfort and bleeding and fear of strings. The motivators were; availability of IUD services at the facility, unaffected body image, information from the health workers and the barriers included; mistrust of health providers, financial constraints, myth and misconceptions and lack of social support.ConclusionThe experiences were both positive and negative, the motivators were their drivers to use the method and barriers were reported to influence the IUD use. There is need for mothers who have used IUD and are satisfied with the method to talk to other mothers so that we can increase IUD use as a method of family planning and health care providers have role to play to demystify the myth and misconceptions the mother have.
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation for Grade IV Steroid Refractory GI-GvHD: Interim Results a Non-randomized, Open-label, Phase 1 Clinical Study
Authors: Zhao Ye , Li Xue-wei , Zhou Yu-jing , Ma Xiao , Chen Feng , Hu Xiao-hui , Jin Song , He Xue-feng , Gao Jin , Zhu Bao-li , Wu De-pei , qi xiaofei 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
BackgroundGastrointestinal (GI) tract graft-vs-host disease (GvHD) is a major cause of post-allo-HCT morbidity and mortality. Patients with steroid-refractory GI-GvHD face a poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options. Here, we report an interim analysis on the safety and efficacy of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in treating steroid-refractory GI-GvHD.MethodsWe did a non-randomized, open-label, phase 1 clinical study on patients with grade IV steroid-refractory GI-GVHD. FMT efficacy was evaluated using indexes of abdominal pain, diarrhea and bloody purulent stool at 14 and 21 days after the diagnosis of steroid-refractory GI-GvHD. The primary outcomes referred to clinical complete remission or partial remission. Secondary outcomes referred to PFS and OS at Day 90 and the end of the research. Safety was evaluated according to adverse events during FMT and the whole follow-up period. The study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov as #NCT03148743.ResultsA total of 56 patients with steroid-refractory GI-GvHD were enrolled. Of them, 24 patients with grade IV steroid-refractory GI-GvHD were assigned to FMT and 18 to the control group. The characteristics of the two group patients at baseline were similar. At Day 14 after FMT, 13 (54.2%) patients in FMT group and none (0%) of 18 control group achieved clinical remission (p<0.05), while 20(83%) patients in FMT group and 7(39%) in control group showed effective response (clinical remission+partial remission) (RR 7.86, 95% CI 1.88–32.9; p=0.005). At Day 21, the clinical remission was significantly greater in FMT group than in control group (14 (58.3%) of 24 vs 3(16%) of 18; RR 6.0, 95% CI 1.22–29.45; p=0.027). Within a follow up of 90 days, the FMT group showed better OS (HR, 7.0; 95% CI, 1.53-32.08; p=0.012). At the end of the research, the median survival time was >600 days in FMT group and 107 days in control group (HR, 4.73; 95% CI, 1.58-14.14; p=0.005). Both the PFS (HR, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.06-0.95; p=0.055) and OS (HR, 5.97; 95% CI, 1.52-23.43; p=0.01) kept increasing during the follow-up in FMT group. Overall, the mortality rate was lower in FMT group (HR, 5.97; 95% CI, 1.52-23.43; p=0.01). No difference was observed in the occurrence of other side effects, such as hemorrhagic cystitis, infection of bacteria & fungi, CMV&EBV, septicemia, TMA, cardiac events, thrombocytopenia and epilepsy.ConclusionsThe diversity of intestinal microbiota can be affected by allo-HSCT. FMT is effective and safe in treating grade IV steroid refractory GI–GvHD.
Animalcules: Interactive Microbiome Analytics and Visualization in R
Authors: Zhao Yue , Federico Anthony , Faits Tyler , Manimaran Solaiappan , Monti Stefano , Johnson W. Evan 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Microbial communities that live in and on the human body play a vital role in health and disease. Recent advances in sequencing technologies have enabled the study of microbial communities at unprecedented resolution. However, these advances in data generation have presented novel challenges to researchers attempting to analyze and visualize these data.Results: To address some of these challenges, we have developed Animalcules, an easy-to-use interactive microbiome analysis toolkit for 16S rRNA sequencing data, shotgun DNA metagenomics data, and RNA-based metatranscriptomics profiling data. This toolkit combines novel and existing analytics, visualization methods, and machine learning models. For example, traditional microbiome analyses such as alpha/beta diversity and differential abundance analysis are enhanced in the toolkit, while new methods such as biomarker identification are introduced. Powerful interactive and dynamic figures generated by Animalcules enable users to understand their data and discover new insights. Animalcules can be used as a standalone command-line R package or users can explore their data with the accompanying interactive R Shiny interface.Conclusions: We present Animalcules, an R package for interactive microbiome analysis through either an interactive interface facilitated by R Shiny or various command-line functions. It is the first microbiome analysis toolkit that supports the analysis of all 16S rRNA, DNA-based shotgun metagenomics, and RNA-sequencing based metatranscriptomics datasets. Animalcules can be freely downloaded from GitHub at https://github.com/compbiomed/animalcules or installed through Bioconductor (https://www.bioconductor.org/packages/release/bioc/html/animalcules.html).