bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Correlation between Follow-up MRI Findings and Laboratory Results in Pyogenic Spondylodiscitis
Authors: Ahn Kyung-Sik , Kang Chang Ho , Hong Suk-Joo , Kim Baek Hyun , Shim Euddeum 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Although MRI is the gold-standard imaging method in the diagnosis of spondylodiscitis, role of follow-up imaging is debated and there can be discrepancies with regard to the significance of bony or soft tissue responses to treatment. Purpose of our study is to test whether the MRI changes on follow-up imaging correlate with laboratory findings of treatment response. Methods A total of 48 patients with pyogenic spondylodiscitis who underwent baseline and follow-up MRI were retrospectively reviewed. The extent of bone marrow edema, paravertebral soft tissue inflammation, and disc height were compared on baseline and follow-up MRIs with the C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) levels obtained from the medical records at baseline and on follow-up. Relationships between the MRI and laboratory changes were analyzed using the Spearmann correlation test. Results The mean MRI follow-up period was 42.25 days. Based on the CRP (resolved: n=19, resolving: n=19, and aggravated: n=10), there was significant correlation between the laboratory results and the changes in the bone and soft tissues (p < 0.01, both). The correlation was best with soft tissue changes (rho: 0.48) followed by bony changes (rho: 0.41). Based on the ESR (resolved: n=8, resolving: n=22, and worsened: n=18), the correlation was stronger with bone changes (rho: 0.45, p < 0.01) than it was with soft tissue changes (rho: 0.39, p = 0.01). Conclusion Follow-up MRI findings of pyogenic spondylodiscitis show variable tissue responses. CRP was best correlated with soft tissue changes, while ESR showed the best association with bony changes.
Influences of high-heeled shoe parameters on gait cycle, center of pressure trajectory, and plantar pressure in young females during treadmill walking
Authors: Shang Jiangyinzi , Geng Xiang , Wang Chen , Chen Li , Zhang Chao , Huang Jiazhang , Wang Xu , Yan Alan , ma xin 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Between 39% and 69% of women wear high-heeled shoes. Previous studies have shown that high heels can induce adverse biomechanical effects, but variables, such as walking speed, structure, style, and material of the shoes, have not been strictly controlled. The purpose of this study is to investigate the influences of high-heeled shoe parameters on gait cycle, center of pressure trajectory, and plantar pressure in young females. Methods Twenty healthy adult females were recruited to participate in this study. Subjects walked on a treadmill at a fixed speed (1 m/s). Overall, six pairs of high-heeled shoes were evaluated, which consisted of two heel types (thin and thick) and three different heel heights (low (3 cm), medium (6 cm), and high (8.2 cm)). Subjects also wore one pair of flat shoes (with 0.6 cm heel height) as the control group, while they walked on the treadmill at the same speed. Results and their significance were evaluated using a Heel Height × Heel Type Two way repeated ANOVA Test. Results The main parameters measured were the gait cycle, center of pressure parameters, peak pressure (PP), maximum force, contact area (CA), and the force time integral (impulse). The comparison of these parameters, conducted when the volunteers wore thick heel and flat shoes at different walking conditions, indicated that thin heels caused significant increases in the preswing parameter, CA, and PP exerted on the first toe and first metatarsus. Increased heel heights yielded smaller gait line lengths, single support lines, and smaller hindfoot areas. By contrast, increased anterior–posterior positions and plantar pressure parameter values were noted in the case of the forefoot. Conclusions Data analyses showed significant differences in plantar pressure distribution associated with the heel height and heel type at increased pressure in the central forefoot region and decreased pressure in the midfoot and heel sections, which consisted of the increased anterior shift. The implication of this study is to provide scientific advice to women for their choices of high heel shoes.
The geno-spatio analysis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in hot and cold spots of Guangxi, China
Authors: Lin Dingwen , Cui Zhezhe , Virasakdi Virasakdi , Palittapongarnpim Prasit , Chaiprasert Angkana , Ruangchai Wuthiwat , Ou Jing , Huang Liwen 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background At present, there are few studies on polymorphism of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) gene and how it affects the TB epidemic. Objective This study aimed to document the differences of polymorphisms between tuberculosis hot and cold spot areas of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. Methods The cold and hot spot areas, each with 3 counties, had been pre-identified by TB incidence for 5 years from the surveillance database. Whole genome sequencing analysis was performed on all sputum Mtb isolates from the detected cases during January and June 2018. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of each isolate compared to the H37Rv strain were called and used for lineage and sub-lineage identification. Pairwise SNP differences between every pair of isolates were computed. Analyses of Molecular Variance (AMOVA) across counties of the same hot or cold spot area and between the two areas were performed. Results As a whole, 59.8% (57.7% sub-lineage 2.2 and 2.1% sub-lineage 2.1) and 39.8% (17.8% sub-lineage 4.4, 6.5% sub-lineage 4.2 and 15.5% sub-lineage 4.5) of the Mtb strains were Lineage 2 and Lineage 4 respectively. The percentages of sub-lineage 2.2 (Beijing family strains) are significantly higher in hot spots. Through the MDS dimension reduction, the genomic population structure in the three hot spot counties is significantly different from those three cold spot counties (T-test p = 0.05). The median of SNPs distances among Mtb isolates in cold spots was greater than that in hot spots (897 vs 746, Rank-sum test p < 0.001). Three genomic clusters, each with genomic distance ≤ 12 SNPs, were identified with 2, 3 and 4 consanguineous strains. Two clusters were from hot spots and one was from cold spots.Conclusion Narrower genotype diversity in the hot area may indicate higher transmissibility of the Mtb strains in the area compared to those in the cold spot area.
Effect of RPR titer of pregnant syphilis on adverse outcome and treatment in 2013-2018, Nanjing, China: a retrospective study
Authors: Wang Genju , Ji Ying , Han Guorong , Jiang Hongxiu , Tang Juan , Ding Yi 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: We aimed to find the relationship among syphilis Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) titer of syphilis infected pregnant women, RPR positive rate of the newborn, the adverse pregnancy outcomes and therapies.Method: A total of 600 syphilis infected pregnant women and their infants were participated in our study. Syphilis RPR Test and Treponema pallidum particle agglutination (TPPA) test screening were performed on mothers and these infants. Mothers were divided into six groups depending on different treatments.Results: The higher the RPR titer of the pregnant mother was, the higher the RPR titer of their newborns after birth. The number of newborns in double negatives (RPR negative and TPPA negative), TPPA positive (RPR negative), RPR < 8 and RPR ≥ 8 groups (P < 0.01) has significantly difference. The infants with TPPA positive and RPR < 1:8 have more possibility to turn double negative than those RPR ≥ 8 infants after 12 months. Among all the adverse events, the number of premature births was significantly higher than others (P < 0.01). The proportion of adverse events achieved highest in RPR ≥ 1:8 group (11.24%), compared with the TPPA positive group (8.41%) and RPR < 1:8 group (2.56%). Therapy efficacy of mothers was better in RPR ≥ 1:8 group than RPR < 8 and TPPA positive groups (P < 0.01).Conclusions: RPR titers of 1:8 could be used as a point of therapeutic induction, which need to be emphasized.
Impact of donor lung pathogenic bacteria detected by next-generation sequencing on early post-transplant outcomes in lung transplant recipients
Authors: Liu Dong , Zhang Ji , Wu Bo , Liu Feng , Ye Shugao , Wang Hongmei , Lv Jian , Weng Xing , Chen Yan , Han Weili , Chen Jingyu 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: The effect of donor lung pathogenic bacteria on the prognosis of lung transplantation is not clear. We used the technique of next-generation sequencing (NGS) to detect the pathogenic bacteria from the lower respiratory tract and analyzed whether the colonized bacteria of donor lung affect the outcomes of lung transplantation.Methods: All patients who underwent lung transplantation from March 2018 to June 2018 at the Wuxi People's Hospital affiliated to Nanjing Medical University were included in this study. Twelve cases of donor lung were obtained, and 17 lung transplants were performed, including 12 single lung transplantation and 5 bilateral lung transplantation. The colonized bacteria in the lower lobe tissue of donor lung were detected by NGS, and the bacteria culture method was used to detect the bacteria in the airway secretion before and after the operation. The information of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support time, mechanical ventilation time, intensive care unit (ICU) stay time,duration of fever and hospital length of staywere collected for prognostic analysis.Results: Compared with bacterial culture methods, the positive rate of bacteriaby using NGS in the lungs were higher (52.9% vs 41.2%). Among the patients who had detected bacteria by NGS in donor lungs before surgery, only one patient (1/9) developed the same bacteria after lung transplantation.Either NGS or bacterial culture methods, there is no association between the colonized colonization bacteria in donor lungs and the patient outcomes of immediate posttransplant period.Conclusion: The detection of bacteria by using NGS is more sensitive than normal bacterial culture. The colonized bacteria in different parts of the lung are inconsistent. There is no association between the colonized bacteria in donor lungs and short-term outcome of lung transplantation patients.
Mental health, smoking, harm reduction and quit attempts – a population survey in England
Authors: Brose Leonie , Brown Jamie , Robson Debbie , McNeill Ann 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Tobacco control strategies have led to an overall decline in smoking; however, a large gap remains between people with and without mental health problems, leading to substantial health inequalities. We aimed to assess mental health status of cigarette smokers and recent ex-smokers in England, and smoking and harm reduction behaviour and quit attempts by mental health status.Methods Data were collected from 5,637 current and 434 recent ex-smokers in 2016/17 in household surveys of representative samples of adults. We calculated weighted prevalence of different indicators of mental health problem: a) ever diagnosis, b) none, moderate or serious past-month distress, c) past-year treatment. We compared weighted smoking status, cigarette type, dependence, motivation to stop smoking, cutting down, use of nicotine replacement therapy or e-cigarettes, short-term abstinence, and quit attempts according to mental health status.Results Among smokers and recent ex-smokers, 35.9% ever had a diagnosis, 24.3% had experienced moderate, an additional 9.7% serious, past-month distress; 21.9% had had past-year treatment. Those with an indication of a mental health problem were more highly dependent and more likely to smoke roll-your-own cigarettes but also more likely to be motivated to stop smoking, to cut down, use nicotine replacement therapy or e-cigarettes and to have attempted to quit in the past year.Conclusions About a third of cigarette smokers in England have mental health problems. They are more dependent on cigarettes but also more likely to engage in harm reduction behaviours, more motivated to stop and more likely to attempt to stop smoking.
Trends and determinants of HIV transmission among men who inject drugs in the Pokhara Valley, Nepal
Authors: Hogan Sam , Page Andrew , Ogbo Felix , Dixit Sameer , Rajbhandari Rajesh Man , Rawal Bir , Deuba Keshab 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background HIV is a major public health issue around the world, especially in developing countries. Although the overall prevalence of HIV in Nepal is relatively low and the country itself is considered low risk, there are specific sub-populations where the prevalence is far higher than the national average. One of these sub-groups is male injection drug users (IDUs). In order to understand the reasons for the differences in prevalence, a series of socio-demographic, behavioural and knowledge-based risk factors need to be assessed.Methods The study used a series of 7 cross-sectional survey datasets, collected between 2003 and 2017 (N=2,235) to investigate trends in HIV prevalence among male IDUs by key socio-demographic and behavioural and knowledge-based risk factors. A series of logistic regression models were conducted to investigate the association between study factors and HIV in the Pokhara valley, Nepal.Results A lower risk of HIV was associated with younger age (≤24 years compared to >24 years, OR = 0.17, 95% CI = 0.10, 0.31), not being married (OR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.33, 0.80) and shorter duration of drug use (≤4 years compared to >4 years, OR = 0.16, 95% CI = 0.09, 0.29). A higher risk of HIV was associated with low (compared to secondary or higher) education level (OR = 2.76, 95% CI = 1.75, 4.36), a lack of addiction treatment (OR = 2.59, 95% CI = 1.64, 4.08), and recent use of unsterilized injection equipment (OR = 2.22, 95% CI = 1.20, 4.11).Conclusion Although knowledge of HIV is high among male IDUs, the prevalence of individuals who possess comprehensive knowledge and the number of individuals who have received treatment for drug addiction has decreased. This may indicate that addiction treatment and HIV education programs need to be strengthened.
Hypertension care cascade in Chile: a serial cross-sectional study from national health surveys 2003-2010-2017.
Authors: Passi-Solar Alvaro , Margozzini Paula , Mindell Jennifer S , Ruiz Milagros A , Valencia Carlos , Scholes Shaun 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Data on trends in hypertension prevalence and indicators of attainment at each step of the care cascade are required in Chile. Aim : To quantify trends (2003-2017) in prevalence and in the proportion of individuals with hypertension attaining each step of the care cascade (awareness, treatment and control) among adults aged ≥17 years, and to assess the impact of lowering the blood pressure (BP) threshold on these indicators. Methods: We used data from three Chilean national health surveys (ENS 2003; 2010; 2017). Mean systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) levels, hypertension prevalence (BP≥140/90 mmHg or use of antihypertensive treatment), and levels of awareness, treatment and control were assessed in each year. Logistic regression on pooled data was used to assess trends in hypertension prevalence and in its care cascade; linear regression was used to assess trends in SBP and DBP. We compared levels of hypertension prevalence using two sources to ascertain use of antihypertensive treatment (ATC codes from a detailed medicine inventory and self-reported use). The 2017 ACC/AHA guidelines were used to re-define hypertension using lower thresholds (BP≥130/80 mmHg or use of treatment). Results : Hypertension prevalence was 34.0%, 32.0% and 30.8% in 2003, 2010 and 2017, respectively. Mean SBP and DBP decreased over the 15-year period, except for SBP among females on treatment. Adopting the 2017 ACC/AHA guidelines would increase hypertension prevalence by 17% and 55% in absolute and relative terms, respectively. Levels of treated- and controlled-hypertension were significantly higher in 2017 than in 2003 (65% vs 41% for treatment; 34% vs 14% for control), while levels of awareness were stable (66% vs 59%). Gender disparities were evident, with higher awareness, treatment and control levels among females in 2003, 2010 and 2017. Conclusions: The introduction of universal access to care for hypertension in Chile in 2005 accounted partly for the rise in levels of treated- and controlled-hypertension since 2003. Lowering the BP threshold would substantially increase the financial public health challenge of further improving levels of attainment at each step of the care cascade. Innovative and collaborative strategies are needed to improve the management of hypertension, especially among males.
Triglyceride-glucose index predicts adverse cardiovascular events in patients with diabetes and acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Wang Le , Cong Hongliang , Zhang Jing-xia , Hu Yue-cheng , Wei Ao , Zhang Ying-yi , Yang Hua , Ren Li-bin , Qi Wei , Li Wen-yu , Zhang Rui , Xu Jing-han 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Triglyceride-glucose index (TyG index) has been regarded as a reliable alternative marker of insulin resistance and an independent predictor of cardiovascular outcomes. Whether TyG index predicts adverse cardiovascular events in patients with diabetes and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remains uncertain. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prognostic value of TyG index in patients with diabetes and ACS.Methods: A total of 2531 consecutive patients with diabetes who underwent coronary angiography for ACS were enrolled in the study. Patients were divided into 3 tertiles according to TyG index. The primary outcomes included the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), defined as all-cause death, non-fatal myocardial infarction and non-fatal stroke. The TyG index was calculated as ln (fasting triglyceride level (mg/dL) ×fasting glucose level (mg/dL)/2). Results: The incidence of MACE increased with TyG index tertiles after 3-year follow-up. Kaplan-Meier curves showed significant differences in event-free survival rates among TyG index tertiles (P=0.005). Multivariate Cox hazards regression analysis revealed that TyG index was an independent predictor of MACE (95% CI 1.201-1.746; P<0.001). The optimal TyG index cut-off for predicting MACE was 9.323 (sensitivity 46.0% ; specificity 63.6%; area under the curve 0.560; P=0.001 ).Furthermore, adding TyG index to the prognostic model for MACE improved the C-statistic value (P=0.010), the integrated discrimination improvement value(P=0.001) and the net reclassification improvement value(P=0.019).Conclusions TyG index predicts future recurrent cardiovascular events in patients with diabetes and ACS, independently of known cardiovascular risk factors，suggesting that TyG index may be a useful marker for risk stratification and prognosis in patients with diabetes and ACS.
INNO-406 inhibit the growth of chronic myeloid leukemia and promote its apoptosis via targeting PTEN
Authors: Sun Jiandong , Wang Yilin , Sun Lirong 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm. INNO-406 is a novel tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) that possess specific Lyn kinase inhibitory activity with no or limited activity against other sarcoma (Src) family member kinases. The present study aimed to confirm the anti-tumor effect of INNO-406 on CML cells, and elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying its effect. Methods The cell proliferation and apoptosis were detected by MTT, western blot and flow cytometry respectively. Results As suggested by the findings, INNO-406 significantly inhibited the proliferation and induced apoptosis of CML cells. In addition, INNO-406 promoted the expression level of PETN. Rescue experiment revealed that PTEN knockdown reversed the effect of INNO-406 which indicated the correlation between INNO-406 and PTEN. Further study determined that PTEN inhibited the phosphorylation of AKT and 4EBP1 and subsequently altered the expression of apoptotic protein expressions including bax, cytochrome c (cyto-c), cleaved caspase3 and bcl-2. In vivo study further confirmed that INNO-406 inhibited the growth of CML cells in vivo by targeting PTEN. Conclusion Based on the above findings, this work extended our understanding of INNO-406 in the chemotherapy of CML and its molecular mechanism.
Socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, multi-morbid conditions and depressive symptoms among Nepalese older adults
Authors: Yadav Uday , Thapa Tarka Bahadur , Mistry Sabuj Kanti , Pokhrel Roshan , Harris Mark Fort 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Depressive symptoms (DS) are a well-recognized public health problem across the world. There is limited evidence with regard to DS and its associates, such as socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors and chronic conditions in low-income countries like Nepal. In this study, we aimed to assess the level of DS and its relationship with socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors and chronic disease conditions among community dwelling older people in Nepal. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study of 794 older adults aged 60 or above residing in the rural setting of the Sunsari and Morang districts of eastern Nepal between January and April 2018. Multi-stage cluster sampling was adopted to select the study participants. Data included socio-demographics, lifestyle factors, self-reported chronic disease conditions and the Geriatric depression scale. Determinants of DS were estimated through the generalized estimating equation (GEE) approach by considering exchangeable correlation structure among clusters. Results In our study samples, nearly 55.8% of the older adults were found to be suffering from DS. We found a significant association between DS and being female (aOR: 1.25, 95% CI: 0.89-2.09), Buddhism (aOR: 1.95, 95% CI: 1.58-2.42), Dalits (aOR: 2.60, 95% CI: 1.19-5.65), unemployed, low family income (aOR: 1.77, 95% CI: 1.07-2.92), smokers (aOR: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.01-2.20) and having chronic multi-morbid conditions (aOR: 1.67, 95% CI: 1.09-2.55). Conclusions The prevalence of DS was high among community-dwelling older adults in eastern Nepal. Our findings suggest the need for mental health prevention and management programs targeting the older population in rural Nepal.
The clinical significance of serum free DNA concentration detection in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Chen Ling-yun , Qi Jing , Xu Hong-lei , Lin Xiang-yun , Sun Ya-jun , Ju Shao-qing 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Cell-free DNA(cf-DNA) has been described as an effectived biomarker in autoimmune disease, which mainly due to the release of apoptotic cells. In this study, we hypothesized and explored the relationship between cf-DNA and the influencing factors of the appearance and development of schizophrenia, so as to provide the basis for further research, prevention and treatment. Methods: We analysed and compared the concentration of cf-DNA in 174 schizophrenia patients and matched 100 healthy controls using quantitative real-time PCR by amplifying the Alu repeats. Results: We found that cf-DNA levels in peripheral blood reliably distinguished schizophrenia from a normal control group. In addition, we found by tracking the median absolute concentration of serum cf-DNA in primary cases, we found a distinct increase at prior treatment and it then decreased progressively at post treatment. Conclusions: Our study quantified cf-DNA in SZ patients serum by using conventional RT-qPCR. The detection of cf-DNA concentration was valuable for monitoring disease duration of SZ patients and laid a foundation for the study of the molecular mechanism of SZ disease. Keywords: schizophrenia, circulating cell-free DNA, Alu