bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Linking insecticide-treated mosquito nets to malaria: The roles of malaria Knowledge and household-income
Authors: Mohammed Mohammed Aliye , Hong Tao 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Drawing on the theory of the health belief model, this study examined the interplay between insecticide-treated mosquito nets, malaria-knowledge, household income, and malaria. The study was premised on the notion that insecticide-treated mosquito nets are positively related to malaria prevalence; and that knowledge mediates the relationship between insecticide-treated mosquito nets and malaria. Furthermore, household-income was hypothesised to have a moderating effect on the direct and indirect relationships (through malaria knowledge) between insecticide-treated mosquito nets and the prevalence of malaria. Methods: The hypothesised relationships were examined using panel data collected from ten regions of Ethiopia during 2011 – 2015. Structural equation modelling and the random effect model were used to test the hypotheses. Statistical analyses were performed using Stata version 13.0. Results: The results were consistent with our proposed hypotheses, showing a significant relationship between the research variables. Accordingly, our findings suggest that malaria knowledge contributes to improving the relationship between insecticide-treated mosquito nets and malaria prevalence. The results revealed a positively significant indirect effect (β = 0.47, p = 0.003) as well as a positively significant direct effect (β = 0.28, p = 0.001). Further, the study showed a positive impact of household-income in strengthening the relationship between insecticide-treated mosquito nets and malaria through knowledge, with a considerable value (β = 0.13, p = 0.000). Conclusion: The findings are potentially useful for the health sector to ensure success in infectious disease prevention and control, particularly malaria, and to explain how various factors contribute to the relationship.
Cardiovascular and all-cause mortality attributable to loneliness in older Swedish men and women.
Authors: Novak Masuma , waern Margda , Johansson Lena , Zettergren Anna , Ryden Lina , Wetterberg Hanna , Gudmundsson Pia , Skoog Ingmar 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background. This study examined whether loneliness predicts cardiovascular- and all-cause mortality in older men and women. Methods. Baseline data from the Gothenburg H70 Birth Cohort Studies, collected during 2000 on 70-year-olds born 1930 and living in Gothenburg were used for analysis (n=524). Mortality data were analyzed until 2012 through Swedish national registers. Results. Perceived loneliness was reported by 17.1% of the men and 30.9% of the women in a face-to-face interview with mental health professional. A total of 142 participants died during the 12-year follow-up period, with 5 334 person-years at risk, corresponding to 26.6 deaths/1000 person-years. Cardiovascular disease accounted for 59.2% of all deaths. The cumulative rates/1000 person-years for cardiovascular mortality were 20.8 (men) and 11.5 (women), and for all-cause mortality 33.8 (men) and 20.5 (women), respectively. In Cox regression models, no significant increased risk of mortality was seen for men with loneliness compared to men without loneliness (cardiovascular mortality HR 1.52, 95% CI 0.78 - 2.96; all-cause HR 1.32, 95% CI 0.77 - 2.28). Increased risk of cardiovascular mortality was observed in women with loneliness compared to those without (HR 2.25 95% CI 1.14 - 4.45), and the risk remained significant in a multivariable-adjusted model (HR 2.42 95% CI 1.04 - 5.65). Conclusions. Loneliness was shown to be an independent predictor of cardiovascular mortality in women. We found no evidence to indicate that loneliness was associated with an increased risk of either cardiovascular- or all-cause mortality in men.
Clinical impact of advanced chronic kidney disease in patients with non-HIV pulmonary cryptococcosis
Authors: Tashiro Hiroki , Haraguchi Tetsuro , Takahashi Koichiro , Sadamatsu Hironori , Tajiri Ryo , Takamori Ayako , Kimura Shinya , Aragane Naoko 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background Pulmonary cryptococcosis is an uncommon infectious disease that can develop in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients. The severity of chronic kidney disease (CKD) was reported to be one of the risk factors for pulmonary cryptococcosis, but its clinical characteristics have not been fully assessed. The purpose of this study was to clarify the clinical characteristics of advanced CKD in patients with pulmonary cryptococcosis. Methods The present study retrospectively investigated 56 patients who had non-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pulmonary cryptococcosis and were treated at Saga University Hospital between 2005 and 2018.The clinical characteristics were evaluated and compared between patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) >45 mL/min/1.73 m2 (n = 42, early CKD) and those with eGFR <45 mL/min/1.73 m2 (n = 14, advanced CKD. Results Compared with patients with early CKD, those with advanced CKD had significantly higher rate of disseminated cryptococcosis (21.4% vs. 2.4%, p = 0.03); lower percentage of patients who recovered after treatment (63.6% vs. 92.5%, p = 0.02); and more frequent clinical features of fever (57.1% vs. 19.0%, p <0.01), pleural effusion (21.4% vs. 2.4%, p = 0.03), high white blood cell count (8550/mL vs. 6150/mL, p = 0.01) and C-reactive protein (CRP) (2.1 mg/dL vs. 0.2 mg/dL, p = 0.02), and low level of serum albumin (3.0 g/dL vs. 3.8 g/dL, p <0.01). Multivariate analysis adjusted by immunosuppressive drug use indicated the significant factors of fever (odds ratio or β value [95% confidence interval] 6.4 [1.65 – 20.09], p <0.01), high white blood cell count (1293.2 [110.2 – 2476.2], p = 0.03), C-reactive protein (0.89 [0.18 – 1.59], p = 0.01) and low level of serum albumin (- 0.34 [-0.54 – -0.14], p <0.01) in patients with eGFR <45 mL/min/1.73m2. Conclusion Advanced CKD was associated with poor clinical characteristics and outcomes in patients with non-HIV pulmonary cryptococcosis.
Microbial symbiosis and coevolution of an entire clade of ancient vertebrates: the gut microbiota of sea turtles and its relationship to their phylogenetic history
Authors: Scheelings Titus , Moore Robert J. , Van Thi Thu Hao , Klaassen Marcel , Reina Richard D. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background The microbiota plays a critical role in host homeostasis and has been shown to be a major driving force in host evolution. However, our understanding of these important relationships is hampered by a lack of data for many species, and by significant gaps in sampling of the evolutionary tree. In this investigation we improve our understanding of the host-microbiome relationship by obtaining samples from all seven extant species of sea turtle, and correlate microbial compositions with host evolutionary history. Results Our analysis shows that the predominate phyla in the microbiota of nesting sea turtles was Proteobacteria. We also demonstrate a strong relationship between the bacterial phyla SR1 and sea turtle phylogeny, and that sea turtle microbiotas have changed very slowly over time in accordance with their similarly slow phenotypic changes. Conclusions This is one of the most comprehensive microbiota studies to have been performed in a single clade of animals and further improves our knowledge of how microbial populations have influenced vertebrate evolution.
Austerity policy and child health in European countries: a systematic literature review
Authors: Rajmil Luis , Hjern Anders , Spencer Nick , Taylor-Robinson David , Gunnlaugsson Geir , Raat Hein 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: To analyse the impact of austerity measures taken by European governments as a response to the 2008 economic and financial crisis on social determinants on child health (SDCH), and child health outcomes (CHO). Methods: A systematic literature review was carried out in Medline (Ovid), Embase, Web of Science, PsycInfo, and Sociological abstracts in the last 5 years from European countries. Studies aimed at analysing the Great Recession, governments’ responses to the crisis, and its impact on SDCH were included. A narrative synthesis of the results was carried out. The risk of bias was assessed using the STROBE and EPICURE tools. Results: Fourteen studies were included, most of them with a low to intermediate risk of bias (average score 72.1%). Government responses to the crisis varied, although there was general agreement that Greece, Spain, Ireland and the United Kingdom applied higher levels of austerity. High austerity periods, compared to pre-austerity periods were associated with increased material deprivation, child poverty rates, and low birth weight. Increasing child poverty subsequent to austerity measures was associated with deterioration of child health. High austerity was also related to poorer access and quality of services provided to disabled children. An annual reduction of 1% on public health expenditure was associated to 0.5% reduction on Measles-Mumps-Rubella vaccination coverage in Italy.Conclusions: Countries that applied high level of austerity showed worse trends on SDCH and CHO, demonstrating the importance that economic policy may have for equity in child health and development. European governments must act urgently and reverse these austerity policy measures that are detrimental to family benefits and child protection.
High Hip Center Technique in Total Hip Arthroplasty for Crowe Type II-III Developmental Dysplasia: Results of Midterm Follow-up
Authors: Shen Junmin , Sun Jingyang , Ma Haiyang , Du Yinqiao , Li Tiejian , Zhou Yonggang 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: High hip center technique is still controversial about the survivorship of prothesis and postoperative complications. We aimed to show the utility of high hip center technique used in patients with Crowe II-III developmental dysplasia of the hip at the midterm follow-up and evaluated the clinical and radiographic results between different heights of hip center.Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 69 patients (85 hips) with Crowe II-III dysplasia who underwent a high hip center cementless total hip arthroplasty at a mean follow up of 8.9 years (range, 6.0-14.1years). The patients were divided into two groups according to the height of hip center, respectively group A (≥22mm and <28mm) and group B (≥28mm). Radiographic, functional and survivorship outcomes were evaluated.Results: The mean location of the hip center from the inter-teardrop was 25.1mm vertically and 30.0mm horizontally in the group A, and 33.1mm vertically and 31.4mm horizontally in the group B. There were no statistically significant differences between two groups in postoperative femoral offset, abductor lever arm, leg length discrepancy and cup inclination. At the final follow up, the mean WOMAC and Harris hip score were significantly improved in both groups. Of the 85 hips, 7 hips (8.2%) showed a positive Trendelenburg sign. Additionally, 6 patients (8.7%) presented with a limp. No significant differences were shown regarding the Harris hip score, WOMAC score, Trendelenburg sign and limp between two groups. The Kaplan-Meier implants survivorship rates at the final follow-up for all-causes revisions in the group A and group B were similar (96.7% [95% confidence interval, 90.5%-100%] and 96.2% [95% confidence interval, 89.0%-100%], respectively).Conclusions: The high hip center technique is a valuable alternative to achieve excellent midterm results for Crowe II-III developmental dysplasia of the hip. Further, we reported good results and could not demonstrate any significant differences in outcomes or survivorship between the groups with differing degrees of HHC in our study, however the relatively small sample size must be considered and larger comparative studies are required to confirm the value of high hip center technique.
Modified retrograde tendon flap technique for reconstructing the extensor tendon defect in zone Ⅱ of a finger
Authors: Wang Li , Zhang Jingyu , Feng Linjie , Yuan Guoyong 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Purpose: To evaluate the effect of the modified retrograde tendon flap technique for reconstructing the extensor tendon defect in zone Ⅱ of a finger.Methods: 12 patients with the extensor tendon defect in zone Ⅱ were investigated retrospectively. They were all treated surgically by the modified retrograde tendon flap technique, featuring the creation of a new terminal slip to bridge the extensor tendon defect using extensor tendon inner lateral bands. At the final follow-up, the range of motion at each joint of the injured finger was recorded.Results: Average follow-up was 18 months (ranging from 11 to 26 mos). Eight patients achieved full active DIPJ extension, whereas one patient had an extensor lag of 10° and three had a lag of 5°. All patients achieved normal active flexion ranges and full passive motion ranges of DIPJ compared with their uninjured side. All the involved finger joints were clinically stable, with no tenderness, pain, nail deformity, or limitation using their hands for daily life.Conclusions: The modified retrograde tendon flap technique, which is easy to operate and popularize, may be the procedure of choice in patients with a gap deficiency in Zone Ⅱ of the extensor tendon of a finger.
Combined-complex Decongestive Therapy Reduces Volume and Improves Quality of Life and Functional Status in Patients with Breast Cancer-related Lymphedema
Authors: Borman Pinar , Yaman Aysegul , Yasrebi Sina , Inanli Adeviye Pinar 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of complex decongestive therapy (CDT) in patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL), in regard to volume reduction, functional status and quality of life (QoL).Methods: Fifty patients with unilateral BCRL were included. The demographic variables focusing on lymphedema were recorded. All patients received combined phase 1 CDT including skin care, manual lymphatic drainage, multilayer bandaging and supervised exercises, five times a week for three weeks, as a total of 15 sessions. Patients were assessed by limb volumes and excess volumes according to geometric approximation derived from serial circumference-measurements of the limb, prior and at the end of third week. The functional disability was evaluated by quick disability of arm, shoulder and hand questionnaire (DASH). Quality of life was assessed by the European Organization forResearch and Treatment of Cancer Core Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC-QLQ-C30) and its breast cancer module (EORTC-QLQ-BR23­).Results: Fifty females with mean age of 53.22±11.2 years were included. The median duration of lymphedema was 12 months. There were 22 patients in stage1, 26 in stage2 and 2 patients in stage3. The mean baseline limb and excess volumes were significantly decreased at the end of therapies (3262±753cm³ vs 2943±646.6cm³ and 31.36±16.5% vs 19.12±10.4%, p=0.000,respectively). The DASH and EORTC-QLQ-C30 and BR23 scores were also decreased significantly (p<0.05). The improvements in volumes were related negatively with the duration of lymphedema,and the stage of lymphedema. Conclusion: In conclusion phase 1CDT in a combined manner performed daily for 3 weeks, greatly reduces the volumes as well as improves the disability and QoL, especially when performed earlier.
Development and Characterization of Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) Markers from the Genomic sequence of Sweet potato [Ipomoea batatas L. (Lam) cv. Taizhong6]
Authors: Amoanimaa-Dede Hanna , Zhang Jiacheng , Su Chuntao , Zhu Hongbo 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
The genetic complexity and the lack of genomic resources in sweet potato make genetic improvement extremely challenging. Simple sequence repeats (SSRs) offer an effective molecular marker technology for molecular-based breeding and for locating important loci in crop plants, but only a few have previously been developed in sweet potato. To explore new SSR markers and accelerate its use in sweet potato, we developed a set of 2,431 primer pairs from 133,727 SSRs identified in the sweet potato genome using the Perl script MISA software. The average frequency was one SSR per 6.26 kb with dinucleotides (38.5%) being the most dominant repeat motif. The main motif types in all repeats were AT/AT, AAT/ATT, A/T, AAAT/ATTT, AAAAT/ATTTT and AAAAAT/ATTTTT accounting for 78.29% of the total SSRs. Out of the 100 randomly selected primer pairs, 50% produced clear bands and amplified 251 alleles. On average, the number of alleles was 5.02 per locus for values ranging from 1 to 13 alleles. The UPGMA cluster analysis grouped the 24 sweet potato materials into four clusters at a similarity coefficient of 0.68 showing no relationship between the genotypes and the geographic sources of germplasm. The SSR markers currently developed will provide valuable genetic resources for germplasm identification, and accelerate studies on genetic diversity in sweet potato and related species.
Audiovisual Educational Intervention for Children and Adolescent with Cancer: A Systematic Review
Authors: Yamaji Noyuri , Suzuki Daichi , Suto Maiko , Ota Erika 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background : Audiovisual materials for children have been widely used for cancer education; however, the effects of the materials remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to clarify the effects of audiovisual educational interventions for children.Methods : We searched PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, PsycINFO, and CINAHL on 3 September 2018. Randomized controlled trials and quasi-randomized controlled trials that evaluated the audiovisual materials for children with cancer were included to identify the effects of the audiovisual interventions. The results of the analysis were evaluated using the Grade of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation to assess the certainty of evidence.Results: From the identified 5,367 studies, we included four reports based on two trials that included 388 children under 18 years old. One trial found that audiovisual educational intervention increased knowledge and self-efficacy (very low certainty of the evidence). The other trial reported that there were no clear differences in perceived stress and health locus of control (very low certainty of the evidence). The result of the meta-analysis indicated that there was no clear difference between the intervention group and the control group for the quality of life (very low certainty of the evidence).Conclusion: Audiovisual interventions might increase knowledge and self-efficacy, but there were no meaningful overall conclusions. Further trials are needed to assess educational interventions used in pediatric cancer treatment. Healthcare professionals should consider whether the materials they are currently using to communicate cancer-related information are sufficient and understandable for children with cancer.Systematic review registration: We registered the protocol to the PROSPERO (Registration: CRD42018110562)
Analysis of risk factors for perioperative mortality in adults with small bowel perforation:a case controlled study
Authors: Shu Ping , Cai Zhe-Zhen , Li He , Gao Xiao-Dong , Fang Yong , Shen Kun-Tang , Sun Yi-Hong , Qin Jing , Qin Xin-Yu 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Convincing evidence on the risk factors for perioperative death of small bowel perforation is lacking. This study aimed to investigate the etiologies of small bowel perforation and risk factors for perioperative mortality.Methods: Consecutive patients with small bowel perforation confirmed by emergency surgery at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University from January 2015 to December 2019 were analyzed retrospectively.Results: Of the 85 patients included in this study, ingestion of foreign bodies (19, 22.4%), lymphoma (17, 20.0%) and metastatic cancer (13, 15.3%) were the most common causes for small bowel perforation. Of them, 23 patients underwent perforation repair, 46 underwent segmental resection with primary anastomosis, and the other 16 underwent small-bowel ostomy. The operation time was the shortest for the perforation repair procedure ( P <0.001), and the hospital stay was the longest for patients undergoing ostomy ( P =0.010). Altogether 11 patients died postoperatively with a perioperative mortality rate of 12.9%. Serum procalcitonin ( P =0.037), blood lactate ( P <0.001) and APACHE II score ( P =0.0032) were higher in the dead than those in survivors.Conclusions: Foreign body ingestion, lymphoma and metastatic neoplasm were the most common causes for small bowel perforation. Serum precalcitonin, blood lactate and APACHE II score seem to be risk factors of perioperative mortality.†These authors contributed equally to this work
GABARAP suppresses EMT and breast cancer progression via the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway
Authors: Liu Ying , Wang Dandan , Lei Mengxia , Gao Jiayi , Cui Yuqing , Jin Xiaoying , Yu Qiujie , Jiang Ying , Guo Yan , Liu Yali , Cai Li , Chen Xuesong 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Recent studies document that γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptor-associated protein (GABARAP) plays an important role in cancer autophagy. However, little is known about its role in tumor invasion, migration and metastasis. Here, the authors investigated the expression and significance of GABARAP in breast cancer.
Method:
A large group of clinical samples was assessed to detect GABARAP expression and its associations with clinicopathological features and prognosis. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments in cell lines and mouse xenograft models were performed to elucidate the function and underlying mechanisms of GABARAP-regulated tumor progression.
Results
We analyzed GABARAP levels in clinical breast cancer samples and cell lines and confirmed that GABARAP was negatively correlated with advanced clinicopathologic features, such as tumor size (P = 0.025) and TNM stage (P = 0.001). Importantly, patients with low GABARAP levels had a poor prognosis (p = 0.0047). Functionally, our data revealed that GABARAP can inhibit proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, low levels of GABARAP induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), one of the most important mechanisms for the promotion of tumor metastasis, in breast cancer cells. Mechanistically, low levels of GABARAP increased the levels of p-AKT (S473) and p-mTOR (S2448), and a specific AKT pathway inhibitor reversed the downregulation of GABARAP-induced tumor progression. In clinical breast cancer specimens, immunohistochemistry (IHC) revealed that the distribution and intensity of GABARAP expression were negatively correlated with those of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2 (P = 0.0013) and MMP14 (P = 0.019).
Conclusions
Collectively, these data indicated that GABARAP suppressed the malignant behaviors of breast cancer cells, illuminating that the possible mechanism acts via the AkT/mTOR pathway. Targeting GABARAP may provide a potential diagnosis and treatment strategy for breast cancer.