bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Family Planning Practices and Women’s Impression of an Adapted Reproductive Life Plan in a Disadvantaged Area in Eswatini
Authors: Engström Ellinor , Målqvist Mats , Hultstrand Jenny Niemeyer 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Family planning in Eswatini is limited and unplanned pregnancies are common. The Reproductive Life Plan (RLP) is a clinical tool formerly evaluated in high-income settings aiming to increase pregnancy planning. Mentor Mothers (MM), i.e. Community Health Workers, were trained in using an adapted RLP and introduced it into family planning (FP) discussions with their clients. This study aimed to evaluate these women’s impression of the RLP and to investigate their FP practices.Method Women were recruited during home visits, purposively selected to cover all areas where the MMs are working. Data were collected in September and October 2018 using anonymous questionnaires filled out by women aged 15-44 years that were either mothers or pregnant mothers-to-be. The questionnaire consisted of 20 questions on background, fertility desires, pregnancy planning as well as quality and perceived need for FP support. Chi-square tests or Fisher’s exact test were used for group comparisons and the need for more FP support.Results A total of 203 women participated. Most women (74% n=148) expressed that FP discussions with their MM using the RLP had helped them ‘very much’. A majority had a perceived need for these discussions; 70% wanted to have more support from their MM and 92% wanted more information about FP. Significantly more women with lower educational level (secondary or lower) and younger women (age 15-24 years) wanted more support compared to women with higher educational level and older women (p<0.001 and p=0.028). The unmet need for contraception was 22%.Conclusion The introduction of the RLP was well received among women but most of them requested more support in FP. Using the RLP may help women in this context achieve their reproductive goals.
Intense and unpredictable perturbations during gait training improve dynamic balance abilities in chronic hemiparetic individuals: a randomized controlled pilot trial
Authors: Esmaeili Vahid , Juneau Andréanne , Dyer Joseph-Omer , Lamontagne Anouk , Kairy Dahlia , Bouyer Laurent , Duclos Cyril 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Previous studies have assessed the effects of perturbation training on balance after stroke. However, the perturbations were either applied while standing or were small in amplitude during gait, which is not representative of the most common fall conditions. The perturbations were also combined with other challenges such as progressive increases in treadmill speed. Objective: To determine the benefit of treadmill training with intense and unpredictable perturbations compared to treadmill walking-only training for dynamic balance and gait post-stroke. Methods: Twenty-one stroke individuals with reduced dynamic balance abilities, with or without a history of fall and ability to walk on a treadmill without external support or a walking aid for at least 1 minute were allocated to either an unpredictable gait perturbation (Perturb) group or a walking-only (NonPerturb) group through covariate adaptive randomization. Nine training sessions were conducted over three weeks. NonPerturb participants only walked on the treadmill but were offered perturbation training after the control intervention. Pre- and post-training evaluations included balance and gait abilities, maximal knee strength, balance confidence and community integration. Six-week phone follow-ups were conducted for balance confidence and community integration. Satisfaction with perturbation training was also assessed. Results: With no baseline differences between groups (p>0.075), perturbation training yielded large improvements in most variables in the Perturb (p<0.05, Effect Size: ES>.46) group (n=10) and the NonPerturb (p≤.089, ES>.45) group (n=7 post-crossing), except for maximal strength (p>.23) in the NonPerturb group. Walking-only training in the NonPerturb group (n=8, pre-crossing) mostly had no effect (p>.292, ES<.26), except on balance confidence (p=.063, ES=.46). The effects of the gait training were still present on balance confidence and community integration at follow-up. Satisfaction with the training program was high. Conclusion: Intense and unpredictable gait perturbations have the potential to be an efficient component of training to improve balance abilities and community integration in chronic stroke individuals. Retrospective registration: ClinicalTrials.gov. March 18th, 2020. Identifier: NCT04314830 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04314830?term=NCT04314830&draw=2&rank=1).
Comparative transcriptome analysis of two Cercospora sojina strains reveals differences in virulence under nitrogen starvation stress
Authors: Gu Xin , Yang Shuai , Yang Xiaohe , Yao Liangliang , Gao Xuedong , Zhang Maoming , Liu Wei , Zhao Haihong , Wang Qingsheng , Li Zengjie , Li Zhimin , Ding Junjie 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Cercospora sojina is a fungal pathogen that causes frogeye leaf spot in soybean-producing regions, leading to severe yield losses worldwide. It exhibits variations in virulence due to race differentiation between strains. However, the candidate virulence-related genes are unknown because the infection process is slow, making it difficult to collect transcriptome samples. Methods: In this study, virulence-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained from the highly virulent Race15 strain and mildly virulent Race1 strain under nitrogen starvation stress, which mimics the physiology of the pathogen during infection. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was then used to find co-expressed gene modules and assess the relationship between gene networks and phenotypes. Results: Upon comparison of the transcriptomic differences in virulence between the strains, a total of 378 and 124 DEGs were upregulated, while 294 and 220 were downregulated in Race 1 and Race 15, respectively. Annotation of these DEGs revealed that many were associated with virulence differences, including scytalone dehydratase, 1,3,8-trihydroxynaphthalene reductase, and β-1,3-glucanase. In addition, two modules highly correlated with the highly virulent strain Race 15 and 36 virulence-related DEGs were found to contain mostly β-1,4-glucanase, β-1,4-xylanas, and cellobiose dehydrogenase. Conclusions: These important nitrogen starvation-responsive DEGs are frequently involved in the synthesis of melanin, polyphosphate storage in the vacuole, lignocellulose degradation, and cellulose degradation during fungal development and differentiation. Transcriptome analysis indicated unique gene expression patterns, providing further insight into pathogenesis.
Time to develop tuberculosis and predictors of incidence among anti-retroviral therapy children on two selected hospitals at benishangule Gumuz region, North West Ethiopia: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Bizuneh Fassikaw kebede , Daba Tadese Tolossa , Mitiku Belayneh Mengist , Fikretsion Tamrat shewano 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Currently, tuberculosis (TB) incidence in peadtrics and children living with human immune-deficiency virus (HIV) is an emerging global concern. Although, the incidence of TB among adult HIV patients is exhaustively studied; the incidence of TB among children on ART is overlooked. Knowledge of the time when TB develops among children on ART could be helpful to develop time relevant intervention strategies.Methods: This was a hospital based retrospective cohort study conducted among 429 children on ART from 2009-2018. Time to develop TB was defined as time from enrollment for ART care until development of TB among children on ART. Proportional hazard assumption was checked for each variable and no variable was found with Schoenfeld test <0.05. Variables with P-value <0.25 at bivariate Cox regression analysis were entered into multivariable Cox model. Multivariable Cox regression model with 95%CI and AHR was used to identify significant predictor variables to develop TB at P< 0.05Result: 421 children were followed for a total of 662.5 Person Years of observation (PYO). The maximum and minimum follow up time on ART was 0.37 and 4.49 years, respectively. The median age of the children on ART at enrollment was 9 years (SD=3.36). The Overall incidence density of tuberculosis in HIV infected children was 9.6/ 100 PYOs 95%CI (8.06-10.3). Tuberculosis occurrence among HIV infected children was significantly associated within TB history of contact AHR=3.7, 95%CI (2.89-7.2), not started on cotrimoxazole(CPT) AHR=2.4: 95%CI (1.84-4.74), incomplete vaccination AHR=2.4, 95%CI (1.32-4.5), sever stunting AHR =2.99:95%CI (1.2-7.81), having hemoglobin (Hgb) ≤10 mg/dl AHR = 4.02, 95%CI (2.01-8.1)Conclusion: More than 80% of TB incidences occurred during two years of follow up after ART started. So intensified screening of CPT& therapeutic feeding is highly recommended for all children
Correlation between Fasting Blood Glucose Level at Admission and Mortality in COVID-19 Patients: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Zhu Bin , Jiang Chunguo , Feng Xiaokai , Zheng Yanfei , Yang Jie , Wang Feng , Liu Shi , Xu Fenghua , Zhang Liming , Zhao Zhigang , Tang Ziren 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) has spread rapidly, with a growing number of cases confirmed around the world. This study explores the relationship of fasting blood glucose (FBG) at admission with mortality.Methods: In this retrospective, single-center study, we analyzed the clinical characteristics of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Wu Han from 29 January 2020 to 23 February 2020. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between FBG and mortality.Results: A total of 107 patients were enrolled in our study. The average age was 59.49 ± 13.33 and the FBG at admission was 7.35 ± 3.13 mmol/L. There were 16 people died of COVID-19 with an average age 68.1 ± 9.5 and the FBG was 8.94 ± 4.76 mmol/L. Regression analysis showed that there were significant association between FBG and death (HR = 1.13, 95%CI: 1.02-1.24). After adjusting for covariables, the significance still exists. In addition, our result showed that FBG > 7.0 mmol/L or diabetic mellitus can significantly increase mortality after adjusting for the age and gender.Conclusions: This study suggests that FBG at admission is an effective and reliable indicator for disease prognosis in COVID-19 patients.
Onset features and time to diagnosis in Friedreich's Ataxia
Authors: Indelicato Elisabetta , Nachbauer Wolfgang , Eigentler Andreas , Amprosi Matthias , Gothe Raffaella Matteucci , Giunti Paola , Mariotti Caterina , Arpa Javier , Durr Alexandra , Klopstock Thomas , Schöls Ludger , Giordano Ilaria , Bürk Katrin , Pandolfo Massimo , Didszdun Claire , Schulz Jörg , Boesch Sylvia 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: In rare disorders diagnosis may be delayed due to limited awareness and unspecific presenting symptoms. Herein, we address the issue of diagnostic delay in Friedreich´s Ataxia (FRDA), a genetic disorder caused by homozygous GAA-repeat expansions.Methods: 611 genetically confirmed FRDA patients were recruited within a multicentric natural history study conducted by the EFACTS (European FRDA Consortium for Translational Studies, ClinicalTrials.gov-Identifier NCT02069509). Age and symptoms at onset as well as age at suspicion of FRDA were collected retrospectively at the baseline visit.Results: In 554 of cases (90.7%), disease presented with gait or coordination disturbances. In the others (n=57, 9.3%), non-neurological features such as scoliosis or cardiomyopathy predated ataxia. Before the discovery of the causal mutation in 1996, median time to diagnosis was 4(IQR=2-9) years and it improved significantly after the introduction of genetic testing (2(IQR=1-5) years, p <0.001). Still after 1996, time to diagnosis was longer in patients with a) non-neurological presentation (mean 6.7, 95%CI[5.5,7.9] vs 4.5, [4.2,5] years, p =0.001) as well as in b) patients with late-onset (3(IQR=1-7) vs 2(IQR=1-5) years compared to early onset <25 years of age, p =0.03). Age at onset significantly correlated with GAA-repeat length in case of neurological onset (r=-0,6; p <0,0001), but not in patients with non-neurological presentation (r=-0,1; p =0,4). Across 54 siblings’ pairs, differences in age at onset did not correlate with differences in GAA-repeat length (r=-0,14, p =0,3).Conclusions: In the genetic era, presentation with non-neurological features or in the adulthood still leads to a significant diagnostic delay in FRDA. Well-known correlations between GAA and disease milestones are not valid in case of atypical presentations or positive family history.
The differences of gut microbiota on schizophrenia with obesity and the potential effects of enterotype on metabolic pathways: cross-sectional study
Authors: Li Zhiyong , Shen Yang , Gao Jiayu , Huang Yichen , Yuan Ye , Zhang Meng , Ying Liang 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Recent studies have shown that gut microbiota has a certain influence on the occurrence of obesity. As a special classification of gut microbiota, different enterotypes have various preferences in metabolism. There is a significant risk of obesity in people with schizophrenia. This work proposed that the disorder of gut microbiota in patients with schizophrenia was based on microbial enterotypes, which promoted the increase of BMI.Methods: 97 schizophrenia patients and 69 matched health controls were recruited. The fresh feces of all subjects were collected to complete 16S rRNA sequence. Statistical analysis was performed using R-3.3.1 and metagenomic data statistical analysis software for identification of enterotypes. The relationships within samples were visualized by principal co-ordinates analysis and significant differences in microbial community composition were detected using analysis of similarities. Results: The BMI of schizophrenia was significantly higher than that of the controls. Patients with enterotype-P had a higher BMI than the others. There’re several differences in the gut microbes of enterotypes-P between patients and controls. Proteobacteria and Firmicutes had significantly higher abundance in patients’ group with enterotypes-P. The Bacteroidetes had higher abundance in health controls with enterotypes-P. There’re several differences in the metabolic pathways of the microbiota which the enterotype P belonged in different BMI intervals.Conclusions: The patients with schizophrenia had a significantly higher BMI than health controls. Patients with enterotype-P have a higher risk of BMI. The enterotype-P might affect a variety of metabolic pathways to disrupt the metabolism of glucose and lipid in human body.
The establishment of a rheumatoid arthritis primate model in Macaca fascicularis
Authors: Na Hyun Sik , Lee Seon-young , Min Hong Ki , Park Wan-je , Lee Jung-hwan , Cho Ka-hee , Hong Shin-hee , Kim Dae-hoon , Jhun Jooyeon , Choi Jeong-Won , Kim Sung-Min , Kwok Seung-Ki , Cho Mi-La , Park Sung-Hwan 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-term autoimmune disorder that mostly affects the joints and leads to the destruction of cartilage. An RA model in non-human primates is especially useful because of their close phylogenetic relationship to humans in terms of cross-reactivity to compounds developed using modern drug technologies.Methods We used a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model in cynomolgus monkeys. CIA was induced by the immunization of chicken type II collagen. Swelling was measured as the longitudinal and transverse axes of 16 proximal interphalangeal joints.Results A new system for visual evaluation was created, with a perfect score of 16. Individual behavioral analysis was also conducted. Serum was collected once a week after the first immunization. Blood chemistry and inflammatory cytokine parameters were higher in the CIA group than in the wild type group.Conclusion In conclusion, we established CIA in cynomolgus monkeys, and the results can be used for drug evaluation models.
Clinical and CT imaging characteristics of COVID-19 cases in Wenzhou city: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Fu Li-ping , Gao Yuan-tong , Zhou Ke , Luo Min , Ma Peng-Cheng , Song Fa-Huan , Li Yong-chou 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: In December 2019, Wuhan witnessed the outbreak of an “unexplained pneumonia” caused by a novel coronavirus strain infection and was dubbed the COVID-19 by the WHO. The disease quickly spread to China. This study aimed to investigate the disease’s evolving epidemiological history, as well as analyze the clinical and CT imaging characteristics, treatment regimens, and patients’ prognosis. Methods: This was a retrospective study whose cases were 64 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19. The clinical data were obtained from patients who were admitted to the isolation ward from 21 January 2020 to 19 February 2020. Results: 60 out of 64 patients had a definitive history of exposure to people who had traveled from Wuhan City. The median time from onset of symptoms to first hospital admission was 3.9±1.9 days. The initial symptoms included fever (46/64), dry cough (38/64), fatigue or myalgia (23/64), sore throat (10/64), diarrhea (3/64) along with late-onset symptoms like chest pains (2/64) and headaches (2/64). The majority of the patients (43/64) had normal white blood cell counts while 29.7 % (19/64) had leukopenia. Only two patients (3.1 %) presented with leukocytosis. 58 of the 64patients had abnormal radiological findings on chest CTs. The first chest CTs (within 2 days) was more sensitive in detecting COVID-19 infection (85.9 %) compared to the initial RT-PCR (56.3 %; p<0.01). The CTs showed lesions in multiple lung lobes in three-quarters of the patients while 15.6 % had lesions localized to one lobe. Most of the lesions were typically dense with ground-glass opacity co-existing with consolidation or cord-like shadows. Most of these patients (50/64) have recovered and got discharged giving a mean length of hospital stay of 13.5±4.8 days. Our hospital unit has not reported any COVID-19 related death so far. Conclusions: Early intervention in COVID-19 disease improves patients’ prognosis. Our data demonstrate the superiority of early radiological tests ahead of RT-PCR. The initial and dynamic CT changes in COVID-19 patients along with other clinical data shared above can better guide clinical decision making.
Reducing burden from respiratory infections in refugees and immigrants: a systematic review of interventions in OECD, EU, EEA and EU-applicant countries
Authors: Lambert Jan-Frederic , Stete Katarina , Balmford James , Bockey Annabelle , Kern Winfried , Rieg Siegbert , Boeker Martin , Lange Berit 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Respiratory diseases are a major reason for recently arrived migrants seeking health care in countries of arrival. The burden of respiratory diseases in refugees is exacerbated by poor living conditions and crowding. The lack of synthesised evidence and guideline-relevant information to reduce morbidity and mortality from respiratory infections endangers this population. Methods A systematic review of all controlled and observational studies assessing interventions targeting the treatment, diagnosis and management of respiratory infections in refugees and immigrants in OECD, EU, EEA and EU-applicant countries published between 2000 and 2019 in MEDLINE, CINAHL, PSYNDEX and Web of Science. Results Nine of 5779 identified unique records met our eligibility criteria. Seven studies reported an increase in vaccine coverage from 2% – 52% after educational multilingual interventions for respiratory-related childhood diseases (4 studies) and for influenza (5 studies). There was limited evidence in one study that hand sanitiser reduced rates of upper respiratory infections and when provided together with face masks also the rates of influenza-like-illness in a hard to reach migrant neighbourhood. In outbreak situations of vaccine-preventable diseases, secondary cases and outbreak hazards were reduced by general vaccination strategies early after arrival but not by serological testing after exposure (1 study). We identified evidence gaps regarding interventions assessing housing standards, reducing burden of bacterial pneumonia and implementation of operational standards in refugee care and reception centres. Conclusions Multilingual health literacy interventions should be considered to increase uptake of vaccinations in refugees and immigrants. Well designed controlled studies on housing and operational standards in refugee population early after arrival as well as adequate ways to gain informed consent for early vaccinations in mass housing is required to inform guidelines.
The efficacy of different treatment approaches for pediatric OSAHS patients with mandibular rethognathia: a study protocol for a multicenter randomized controlled trial
Authors: Li Yuanyuan , Wu Jiali , Guo Jinghan , Yu Liming , Wang Jing , Li Xiaoyan , Xu Shuhua , Zhu Min , Feng Jinqiu , Liu Yuehua 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is a multifactorial syndrome caused by many risk factors, such as craniofacial anomalies, adenotonsillar hypertrophy, obesity and airway inﬂammation. Although new treatment patterns have been recently proposed, treatment methods for children have continued to be particularly challenging and controversial. This randomized controlled trial was designed to investigate the efficacy of adenotonsillectomy and/or orthodontic treatment for mild OSAHS children with mandibular rethognathia.Methods: A sample of 352 children with mild OSAHS and mandibular rethognathia, aged between 7 and 10 years, will be enrolled in the study. They will be randomized into four groups – the drug treatment group, or the surgical treatment group, or the orthodontic treatment group, or the surgery and postoperative orthodontic group. After randomization they will receive treatments within 4 weeks. Outcome assessment will take place at points: (1) at baseline, (2) 7 months after the treatment starting point, (3) 12 months after the treatment starting point, (3) 24 months after the treatment starting point. The primary endpoint of the trial is the mean change of obstructive apnea/hypopnea index. Other endpoints will consist of the lowest oxygen saturation, apnea index, and hypopnea index assessed by polysomnogram, subjective symptoms (assessed by questionnaire OSA-20), cephalometric measurements and Morphologic analysis of upper airway.Discussion: The results of this study will provide valuable evidence for merits and long-term efficacy of different treatment approaches and contribute to facilitate the multidisciplinary treatment of pediatric OSAHS.Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov, ID: NCT03451318. Registered on 2 March 2018 (last update posted 19 April 2018).