bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Knowledge, attitudes and practices of South Asian immigrants in developed countries regarding oral cancer: An integrative review
Authors: Saraswat Nidhi , Pillay Rona , Everett Bronwyn , George Ajesh 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Oral cancer is a growing problem worldwide, with high incidence rates in South Asian countries. With increasing numbers of South Asian immigrants in developed countries, a possible rise in oral cancer cases is expected given the high prevalence in their source countries and the continued oral cancer risk behaviours of immigrants. The aim of this review is to synthesise existing evidence regarding knowledge, attitudes and practices of South Asian immigrants in developed countries regarding oral cancer. Methods Four electronic databases were systematically searched to identify original, English language articles focussing on oral cancer risk knowledge, attitudes and practices of South Asian immigrants in developed countries. All studies that met the following inclusion criteria were included: conducted among South Asian immigrants in developed countries; explored at least one study outcome (knowledge or attitudes or practices); used either qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods. No restrictions were placed on the publication date, quality and setting of the study. Results A total of 14 studies involving 4224 participants were reviewed. These studies were mainly conducted in the USA, UK, Italy and New Zealand between 1994-2018. Findings were categorised into themes of oral cancer knowledge, attitudes and practices. General lack of oral cancer knowledge (50%-76%) among participants was reported. More than 50% people were found engaging in one or more oral cancer risk practices like smoking, betel quid/pan/guthka chewing. Some of the participants perceived betel quid/pan/guthka chewing habit good for their health (12%-43.6%). Conclusion This review has shown that oral cancer risk practices are prevalent among South Asian immigrants who possess limited knowledge and unfavourable attitude in this area. Culturally appropriate targeted interventions and strategies are needed to raise oral cancer awareness among South Asian communities in developed countries.
Effects of Astragalus injection and Salvia Miltiorrhiza injection on serum inflammatory markers in patients with stable coronary heart disease: a randomized controlled trial study
Authors: Zhihao Luo , Liu Yuntao , Zhao Zhen , Yan Xia , Wang Dawei , Liu Qing 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a clinical syndrome caused by coronary atherosclerosis (AS) or functional changes of coronary arteries. Our previous experimental study found that the main component of Astragalus, Astragaloside IV, and the main component of Salvia Miltiorrhiza, Tanshinone IIA, can effectively improve myocardial ischemic injury. Methods: This study was a prospective, randomized, blinded, parallel design trial. A total of 160 eligible patients were randomized to a treatment group (in three groups) or the placebo control group in a 1:1:1:1 ratio using a central randomization system. Patients will receive appropriate treatment for 7 days within 24 hours after enrollment and follow-up for 28 days. Main evaluation indicators: cell count, serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) level, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), Interleukin-6(IL-6), IL-1β, IL-8, IL-18, IL-10, Tumor necrosis factor(TNF-α), Oxidized low density lipoprotein(OX-LDL), exosome levels, and angina grade and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) symptom changes scale. Secondary evaluation indicators: B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) level, troponin (cTn), muscle enzyme isoenzyme (CK-MB), heart-type fatty acid binding protein (H-FABP), liver function, renal function, blood coagulation and the like. Adverse events will be monitored throughout the trial. Discussion: This is a randomized controlled trial of Chinese herbal extracts for the treatment of coronary heart disease. The results of this trial will provide valuable clinical evidence for the recommendations for disease management and identify its underlying mechanisms.
Effect of individualized PEEP titration guided by intratidal compliance profile analysis on regional ventilation assessed by electrical impedance tomography – a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Weber Jonas , Gutjahr Jan , Schmidt Johannes , Lozano-Zahonero Sara , Borgmann Silke , Schumann Stefan , Wirth Steffen 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
The application of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) may reduce dynamic strain during mechanical ventilation. Although numerous approaches for PEEP titration have been proposed, there is no accepted strategy for titrating optimal PEEP. By analyzing intratidal compliance profiles, PEEP may be individually titrated for patients.
Methods
After obtaining informed consent, 60 consecutive patients undergoing general anesthesia were randomly allocated to mechanical ventilation with PEEP 5 cmH2O (control group) or PEEP individually titrated, guided by an analysis of the intratidal compliance profile (intervention group). The primary endpoint was the frequency of each nonlinear intratidal compliance (CRS) profile of the respiratory system (horizontal, increasing, decreasing, and mixed). The secondary endpoints measured were respiratory mechanics, hemodynamic variables, and regional ventilation, which was assessed via electrical impedance tomography.
Results
The frequencies of the CRS profiles were comparable between the groups. Besides PEEP [control: 5.0 (0.0), intervention: 5.8 (1.1) cmH2O, p < 0.001], the respiratory and hemodynamic variables were comparable between the two groups. The compliance profile analysis showed no significant differences between the two groups. The loss of ventral and dorsal regional ventilation was higher in the control [ventral: 41.0 (16.3)%; dorsal: 25.9 (13.8)%] than in the intervention group [ventral: 29.3 (17.6)%; dorsal: 16.4 (12.7)%; p (ventral) = 0.039, p (dorsal) = 0.028].
Conclusions
Unfavorable compliance profiles indicating tidal derecruitment were found less often than in earlier studies. Individualized PEEP titration resulted in slightly higher PEEP. A slight global increase in aeration associated with this was indicated by regional gain and loss analysis. Differences in dorsal to ventral ventilation distribution were not found.
Expansion of sweet taste receptor genes in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) coincided with vegetarian adaptation
Authors: Yuan Xiao-Chen , Liang Xu-Fang , Cai Wen-Jing , He Shan , Guo Wen-Jie , Mai Kang-Sen 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Taste is fundamental to diet selection in vertebrates. Genetic basis of sweet taste receptor in the shaping of food habits has been extensively studied in mammals and birds, but scarcely studied in fishes. Grass carp is an excellent model for studying vegetarian adaptation, as it exhibits food habit transition from carnivory to herbivory. Results: We identified six sweet taste receptors (gcT1R2A-F) in grass carp. The four gcT1R2s (gcT1R2C-F) have been suggested to be evolved from and paralogous to the two original gcT1R2s (gcT1R2A and gcT1R2B). All gcT1R2s were expressed in taste organs and mediated glucose-, fructose- or arginine-induced intracellular calcium signaling, revealing they were functional. In addition, grass carp was performed to prefer fructose to glucose under a behavioral experiment. Parallelly, compared with gcT1R2A-F/gcT1R3 co-transfected cells, gcT1R2C-F/gcT1R3 co-transfected cells showed a higher response to plant-specific fructose. Moreover, food habit transition from carnivory to herbivory in grass carp was accompanied by increased gene expression of certain gcT1R2s.Conclusions: We suggested that the gene expansion of T1R2s in grass carp was an adaptive strategy to accommodate the change in food environment. Moreover, the selected gene expression of gcT1R2s might drive the food habit transition from carnivory to herbivory in grass carp. This study provided some evolutional and physiological clues for the formation of herbivory in grass carp.
Multilocus phylogeny and cryptic diversity of white-toothed shrews (Mammalia, Eulipotyphla, Crocidura) in China
Authors: Chen shunde , Qing Jiao , Liu Zhu , Liu Yang , Tang Mingkun , Murphy Robert W , Pu Yingting , Wang Xuming , Tang Keyi , Guo Keji , Jiang xuelong , Liu shaoying 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Background:Crocidura, the most speciose mammalian genus, occurs across much of Asia, Europe and Africa. The taxonomy of Chinese representatives has been studied primarily based on cursory morphological comparisons and their molecular phylogenetic analyses remain unexplored. In order to understand the phylogeny of this group in China, we estimated the first multilocus phylogeny and conducted species delimitation, including taxon sampling throughout their distribution range.Results:We obtained one mitochondrial gene (cytb) (~ 1, 134 bp) and three nuclear genes (ApoB,BRCA1,RAG1) (~ 2, 170 bp) for 132 samples from 57 localities. Molecular analyses identified at least 14 putative species that occur within two major well-supported groups in China. PolyphyleticC. wuchihensisappears to be composed of two putative species. Two subspecies,C. rapax rapaxandC. rapax kurodaishould be elevated to full species status. A phylogenetic tree based on mitochondrial gene from AsianCrociduraspecies showedthat theC. rapax rapaxis embedded withinC. attenuata, making the latter a paraphyletic group.Three strongly supported undescribed species (C.sp.1,C.sp.2 andC.sp.3) are revealed from Zada County of Tibet (Western China), Hongjiang County of Hunan Province (Central China) and Dongyang County of Zhejiang Province (Eastern China), Motuo County of Tibet, respectively. The divergence time estimation suggested that China’sCrociduraspecies began to diversify during the late Pliocene (3.66 Ma) and the Early Pleistocene (2.29 Ma), followed by a series of diversifications through the Pleistocene.Conclusions:The cryptic diversity found in this study indicated that the number of species is strongly underestimated under the current taxonomy. We propose that the three undescribed species should be evaluated using extensive taxon sampling and comprehensive morphological and morphometric approaches. Climate change since the late Pliocene and the uplift of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau may result in the diversification and speciation of China’sCrociduraspecies. In short, the underestimated diversity underlines the need for a taxonomic revision of ChineseCrociduraspecies.
Perceptions and practices of general practitioners on providing oral health care to people with diabetes - A qualitative study
Authors: Poudel Prakash , Griffiths Rhonda , Wong Vincent W , Flack Jeff R , Arora Amit , Khoo Chee L , George Ajesh 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Poorly controlled diabetes leads to multiple complications including oral health problems. General practitioners (GPs) are at the forefront of management of chronic diseases in primary health care. Diabetes guidelines encourage a proactive role for GPs in oral health complications management in people with diabetes, yet little is known about this area of care. This study aimed to explore current practices, perceptions and barriers of GPs towards oral health care for people with diabetes. Methods We employed a qualitative research method utilising telephone interviews. Purposive and snowball sampling were used to recruit 12 GPs from Greater Sydney region. A thematic analysis involving an inductive approach was used to identify and analyse contextual patterns and themes. Results A majority of participants were males (n=10), working in group practices (n=11) with a mean±SD age of 55±11.4 years and 25±13.6 years work experience. Three major themes emerged: oral health care practices in general practice settings; barriers and enablers to oral health care; and role of diabetes care providers in promoting oral health. Most GPs acknowledged the importance of oral health care for people with diabetes, identifying their compromised immune capacity and greater risks of infections as risk factors. GPs reported 20-30% of their patients having oral health problems, however their current oral health care practices relating to education, risk assessment and referrals were reported as very limited. GPs identified several barriers including time constraints, absence of referral pathways, and limited knowledge and training in promoting oral health care. They also reported patient barriers including oral health care costs and lower oral health awareness. GPs perceived that resources such as education/training, a standardised assessment tool and patient education materials could support them in promoting oral health care. GPs also perceived that other diabetes care providers such as diabetes educators could play an important role in promoting oral health. Conclusions Despite current recommendations, GPs' current oral health care practices among people with diabetes are limited. Further strategies including capacity building GPs by developing appropriate oral health training programs and simple risk assessment tools along with accessible referral pathways are needed to address the current barriers.
Coronary heart disease mortality is decreasing in Argentina, and Colombia, but keeps increasing in Mexico: a time trend study
Authors: Arroyo-Quiroz Carmen , Barrientos-Gutierrez Tonatiuh , O'Flaherty Martin , Guzman-Castillo Maria , Mejia Lina Sofia Palacio , Saldarriaga Elkin de Jesus Osorio , Rodriguez Andrea Yanira Rodriguez 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Mortality rates due to coronary heart disease (CHD) have decreased in most countries, but increased in low and middle-income countries. Few studies have analyzed the trends of coronary heart disease mortality in Latin America, specifically the trends in young-adults and the effect of correcting these comparisons for nonspecific causes of death (garbage codes). The objective of this study was to describe and compare standardized, age-specific, and garbage-code corrected mortality trends for coronary heart disease from 1985 to 2015 in Argentina, Colombia, and Mexico. Methods: Deaths from coronary heart disease were grouped by country, year of registration, sex, and 10-year age bands to calculate age-adjusted and age and sex-specific rates for adults aged ≥25. We corrected for garbage-codes using the methodology proposed by the Global Burden of Disease. Finally, we fitted Joinpoint regression models.Results: In 1985, age-standardized mortality rates per 100,000 population were 136.6 in Argentina, 160.6 in Colombia, and 87.51 in Mexico; by 2015 rates decreased 51% in Argentina and 6.5% in Colombia, yet increased by 61% in Mexico, where an upward trend in mortality was observed in young adults. Garbage-code corrections produced increases in mortality rates, particularly in Argentina with approximately 80 additional deaths per 100,000, 14 in Colombia and 13 in Mexico.Conclusions: Latin American countries are at different stages of the cardiovascular disease epidemic. Garbage code correction produce large changes in the mortality rates in Argentina, yet smaller in Mexico and Colombia, suggesting garbage code corrections may be needed for specific countries. While coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality is falling in Argentina, modest falls in Colombia and substantial increases in Mexico highlight the need for the region to propose and implement population-wide prevention policies.
Identification of two recessive etiolation genes (py1, py2) in pakchoi (Brassica rapa L. ssp. chinensis)
Authors: Zhang Kun , Mu Yu , Li Weijia , Shan Xiaofei , Wang Nan , Feng Hui 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Background:Leaf color is a major agronomic trait, which has a strong influence on crop yields. Isolating leaf color mutants can represent valuable materials for research in chlorophyll biosynthesis and metabolism regulation.Results:In this study, we identified a stably inherited yellow leaf mutant derived from ‘Huaguan’ pakchoi variety via isolated microspore culture and designated aspylm. This mutant displayed yellow leaves after germination. Its etiolated phenotype was nonlethal and stable during the whole growth period. Its growth was weak and its hypocotyls were markedly elongated. Genetic analysis revealed that two recessive nuclear genes, namedpy1andpy2, are responsible for the etiolation phenotype. Bulked segregant RNA sequencing (BSR-Seq) showed thatpy1andpy2were mapped on chromosomes A09 and A07, respectively. The genes were single Mendelian factors in F3:4populations based on a 3:1 phenotypic segregation ratio. Thepy1was localized to a 258.3-kb interval on a 34-gene genome. The differentially expressed geneBraA09004189was detected in thepy1mapping region and regulated heme catabolism. One single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) ofBraA09004189occurred inpylm.A candidate gene-specific SNP marker in 1,520 F3:4yellow-colored individuals co-segregated withpy1. Forpy2, 1,860 recessive homozygous F3:4individuals were investigated and localizedpy2to a4.4-kb interval. Of the five genes in this region,BraA07001774waspredicted as a candidate forpy2.It encoded anembryo defective 1187and a phosphotransferase related to chlorophyll deficiency and hypocotyl elongation. One SNP ofBraA07001774occurred inpylm.It caused a single amino acid mutation from Asp to Asn. According to quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR),BraA07001774was downregulated inpylm.Conclusions:Our study identified a Chl deficiency mutantpylmin pakchoi. Two recessive nuclear genes namedpy1andpy2had a significant effect on etiolation.Candidate genes regulating etiolation were identified asBraA09004189andBraA07001774, respectively. These findings will elucidate chlorophyll metabolism and the molecular mechanisms of the gene interactions controlling pakchoi etiolation.
Tuberculosis Treatment Outcome in Patients with Tb-hiv Co-infection in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Authors: Selimin Diana Safraa , Ismail Aniza , Ahmad Norfazilah , Ismail Rohani , Azman Nurul Farhana Mohd , Azman Amaleena 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious health threat to people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Directly observed treatment, short course (DOTS) is one of many efforts done as part of ending TB, in which all confirmed TB sputum smear positive cases properly given treatment and monitored by the healthcare providers or family members to ensure treatment adherence. This study aimed to identify the characteristics, to determine the rate of unsuccessful TB treatment rate and to determine determinants of unsuccessful TB treatment outcome among patients with TB-HIV co-infection in Kuala Lumpur.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. The data of all patients with TB-HIV co-infection in the federal territory of Kuala Lumpur from 2013 to 2017 were collected and reviewed. The data were retrieved from the national database (TB Information System) at the Kuala Lumpur Health Department from 1 March 2018 to 31 May 2018.Results: Out of 235 randomly selected patients with TB-HIV co-infection, TB treatment outcome was successful in 57.9% (cured and completed treatment) and unsuccessful in 42.1% (died, failed or defaulted treatment). Patients who did not receive DOTS (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 21.71; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.36–87.94) and those who received shorter treatment duration of <6 months (aOR 34.54; 95% CI: 5.97–199.93) had higher odds for unsuccessful TB treatment outcome.Conclusions: Nearly half of the patients with TB-HIV co-infection had unsuccessful TB treatment outcome. Therefore, it is important to ensure that such patients receive DOTS and continuous TB treatment of >6 months. It is crucial to strengthen and widen the coverage of DOTS, especially among high-risk groups, in healthcare settings. Strict follow-up by healthcare providers is needed for patients with TB-HIV co-infection to gain treatment adherence and for better rates of successful TB treatment.
Daily Physical Activity and Related Risk Factors in COPD
Authors: Albarrati Ali , Gale NS , Munnery M , Cockcroft JR , Shale Dennis 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background : Factors associated with reduced daily physical activity (DPA) in patients with COPD are still controversial. Physical inactivity in COPD increases risk of cardiovascular disease, frequent exacerbations, reduced health status, and increased symptoms. We hypothesised that reduced DPA in patients with COPD is independent of traditional risk factors including age and spirometry. Methods : In this cross-sectional study, DPA (over 7 days) was assessed on 88 community stable patients with COPD and 40 controls free from cardiorespiratory disease. Spirometry, body composition, number of exacerbations, handgrip strength (HGS), modified Medical Research Council (mMRC), arterial stiffness, 6-minute walking distance (6MWD) and BODE index were also determined. Frequent exacerbation was defined as ≥2 and non-frequent exacerbation <2. Results : Patients with COPD had reduced DPA and exercise capacity compared with controls similar in age, BMI and gender, p<0.001. Frequent exacerbators had less DPA than infrequent exacerbators and both less than controls, p<0.001. Patients with higher BODE index were less active than those with lower index. Time spent on moderate activity was related to cardiovascular risk factors including arterial stiffness. The DPA in patients was independent of age, gender, spirometry, body composition and HGS, p>0.05. The level of breathlessness was superior to lung function in predicting the level of DPA. Conclusion : The level of DPA in COPD was independent of traditional risk factors. Breathlessness score is a better predictor of the DPA than lung function and handgrip strength.
Factors associated with seeking post-abortion care among women in Guangzhou, China
Authors: Wang Hui , Liu Yan , Xiong Ribo 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: In China, the vast majority of induced abortion is performed in public hospitals. However, post-abortion care (PAC) services are provided through the national network of family planning clinics, which are independent of the health care system. The integration of PAC services into abortion clinics in public hospitals is a new concept. This study was aimed to assess post-abortion care (PAC) utilization among abortion patients, and identify the possible factors affecting PAC uptake in Guangzhou, China. Methods: A cross-sectional survey study was conducted at the Tianhe district of Guangzhou during the period of June to September, 2018. The multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the factors that influenced PAC utilization.Results: The PAC counseling rate of subjects was noted as 42.1% before left the health care facilities. Meanwhile, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that unmarried women, women with local household registration, women perceive that fertility could return sooner after abortion and women themselves as the main decider on PAC use were significantly associated with PAC utilization. Conclusions: The utilization rate of PAC was low in Guangzhou, China. There’s an urgent need to develop high-quality PAC services. It should be improved to provide better access for migrant women. The involvement of male partners in counseling is also needed.