bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Seasonal variation of decompensated heart failure admissions and mortality rates in sub-Saharan Africa, Cameroon
Authors: Nganou-Gnindjio Chris Nadège , Epoupa Anais Romanne Awah , Wafeu Guy Sadeu , Njeunje Donald Paulin Tchapmi , Endomba Francky Teddy , Boombhi Jerome , Mfeukeu-Kuate Liliane , Amougou Sylvie Ndongo , Hamadou Bâ , Menanga Alain Patrick 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Decompensated heart failure (HF) and related deaths are common in cardiology units. Epidemiological data in north hemisphere suggest higher rates during winter.
Objective
We aimed to describe the seasonal variation of decompensated HF admission and mortality rates in a country with equatorial climate.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study from 2016 to 2018 in cardiology unit of the Yaoundé Central Hospital, collecting data on HF morbidity and mortality from registers and patients’ files. Climate data of the corresponding period were obtained from the meteorology office of the Cameroonian ministry of transports. Analysis of variance and Chi square test were respectively used to compare the continuous and categorical data between seasons. Correlation between continuous data was assess with the Pearson correlation coefficient.
Results
Of the 1,755 patients admitted in the unit during the study period, 636 (36.2%) had decompensated HF, among which 115 (18%) died. Decompensated HF admission, mortality and lethality rates – respectively 38.2%, 6.7% and 17.9%- were higher during long rainy season (p > 0.05). We observed an inverse linear correlation between monthly temperatures and admission rate (r = -0.301; p = 0.070), lethality rate (r = − 0.361; p = 0.030) and mortality rate (r = − 0.385; p = 0.020). There was no significant difference of the distribution of precipitating factors between seasons.
Conclusion
Decompensated HF admissions and deaths increases in rainy season where the temperature is lower. This suggest a need of effective methods to mitigate the effect of cold on cardiovascular diseases.
Decontamination Methods for Respiratory Protection Mask Model N95: A Rapid Review
Authors: Probst Livia Fernandes , Guerrero Ana Tereza Gomes , Cardoso Andréia Insabralde de Queiroz , Grande Antônio José , Croda Mariana Garcia , Venturini James , Fonseca Maria Cristina de Camargo , Paniago Anamaria Mello Miranda , Barreto Jorge Otávio Maia , de Oliveira Sandra Maria do Valle Leone 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: N95 respiratory protection masks are used by healthcare professionals to prevent contamination with infectious microorganisms transmitted by droplets or aerosols. Methods: We conducted a rapid review of the literature analyzing the effectiveness of decontamination methods for mask reuse. The review was carried out in April 2020 using a simplification of the formal systematic review process. A total of 166 articles were retrieved of which 17 laboratory-based studies were selected. Results: Two of the studies only examined the effectiveness of decontamination methods, seven only reported on the maintenance of mask integrity, and eight considered both outcomes. Twelve decontamination methods were included in the studies. Conclusions: Positive results should be considered with caution as they represent a small number of studies, reflect ideal laboratory conditions, and may have limited applicability in realistic situations and for health systems. Nonetheless, five methods appear promising: hydrogen peroxide vapor, ultraviolet irradiation, dry heat, wet heat/pasteurization, and microwave ovens.
Establishment of a Rapid and Stable Transgenic System by Agrobacterium-Mediated Transformation of the Germination Seeds in Diploid Strawberry.
Authors: Gu Xiao-Jiao , Shen Yuanyue 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
BackgroundStrawberry (Fragaria) is regarded as a model plant for both Rosaceae and non-climacteric fruit ripening. Although much progress has been made in the identification of gene function using traditional, stable and transient genetic transformation systems in strawberry, the limitation is, more or less, present. Thus, development of a rapid, efficient, and stable transformation system is required for strawberry research and breeding.ResultsHere, using diploid Hawaii-4 (Fragaria vesca) seeds and a reporter gene of CHLH (the H subunit of magnesium chelatase magnesium chelatase) , we first develop a new, rapid, efficient, and stable transgenic system by the Agrobacterium-mediated seed transformation to silence the reporter gene, obtaining a transformation frequency with 10 % through a series of optimization conditions, including full imbibition and initial germination, shaking infection for 24 h, dark cultivation on MS medium for 3 d at 24 ℃, light culture on MS-Tim medium for 1 week at 24 ℃, and vector construction carried fluorescence label. Taken together, radicle-emergence germination seeds, appropriate Agrobacterium concentration and infection time are critical for successful transformation, obtaining transgenic kanamycin-resistant seedlings within 1 month and T2 generation transgenic plants within 4 months. ConclusionsWe first have successfully established Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of germinating seeds (AMTGS) in diploid strawberry (F. vesca), providing a useful tool for studying non-climacteric fruit ripening and strawberry breeding.
Inhibition of Sphingosine Kinase 2 Down-Regulates ERK/c-Myc Pathway and Reduces Cell Proliferation in Human Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Dai Lan , Song Keqi , Wang Wenjing , Liu Yixuan , Di Wen 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the leading cause of death from female cancers. In our previous study, Sphingosine kinase 2 (SphK2) inhibitor was shown to display anti-EOC activities. The purpose of this study was to further evaluate the expression characteristics and clinical significance of SphK2 in EOC, and to explore the roles and underlying mechanisms of SphK2 in EOC cell survival.Methods: SphK2 expression was examined by Immunohistochemistry and western blot, and its clinical implications and prognostic significance were analyzed. Cellular proliferation assay and mouse xenograft model was established to confirm the roles of SphK2 in vitro and in vivo. Cell cycle analysis, apoptosis assay and western blot were performed to examine cell cycle progression and apoptosis rate. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and western blot was used to investigate the downstream signaling pathways related to SphK2 function.Results: SphK2 expression level was shown to be associated with stage, histological grade, lymph node metastasis and ascite status. More importantly, high SphK2 expression level was a prognostic indicator of overall survival and relapse-free survival. Moreover, knockdown of SphK2 arrested cell cycle progression and inhibited the proliferation of EOC cells both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, ERK/c-Myc, the key pathway in EOC progression, was important for SphK2-mediated mitogenic action in EOC cells.Conclusion: Our findings provided the first evidence that SphK2 played a crucial role in EOC proliferation by regulating ERK/c-Myc pathway. SphK2 may serve as a prognostic marker and potential therapeutic target in EOC.
Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer
Authors: Yuan Zhen , Zhang Ying , Cao Dongyan , Shen Keng , Li Qingshui , Li Guonan , Wu Xiaohua , Cui Manhua , Yue Ying , Cheng Wenjun , Wang Li , Qu Pengpeng , Tao Guangshi , Hou Jianqing , Sun Lixin , Meng Yuanguang , Li Guiling , Li Guozhong , Shi Huirong , Chen Yaqing 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Objective
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of PLD in treating of in patients with epithelial ovarian, tubal, and peritoneal cancer progression within 12 months after the first-line platinum-based therapy.
Methods
This was an open-label, single-arm and multicenter clinical trial. ORR was the interim primary objective and DCR, AEs and QOL were the secondary objectives. The impact of factors on the efficacy outcomes, the change trend of CA125 and the artificial platinum-free interval were exploratory endpoints.
Results
Totally, 115 patients were enrolled in this study and included in the ITT. Moreover, 101 patients were included in the safety analysis. The median follow-up time was 4 months (IQR 2–6). In ITT, the confirmed ORR was 37.4% (95%CI, 28.4%-46.4%), and the DCR was 65.2% (95%CI, 56.4%-74.1%). The previous response status to platinum-based chemotherapy and baseline CA125 levels were statistically correlated with the ORR. The ORR was significantly higher in the patients with a CA125 decrease after the first cycle than in the patients with a CA125 increase. The most common grade 3 or higher AE was hand-foot syndrome (3 [3.0%] of 101 patients). No statistically significant differences existed between the baseline and the postbaseline questionnaires.
Conclusions
For patients with platinum-resistant and platinum refractory relapse, the use of PLD may be a favorite choice because of the associated satisfactory efficacy, low frequency of AEs and high patient QOL. Moreover, a lower CA125 level at baseline and a reduction in CA125 after the first cycle are predictive factors for a better efficacy.
Sero-epidemiology and associated risk factors of brucellosis among sheep and goat population in the mid southern Nepal: A comparative study
Authors: Gompo Tulsi Ram , Shah Rubina , Tiwari Ishwari , Gurung Yam Bahadur 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease of animals and humans caused by the Brucella spps. In Nepal, the presence of brucellosis in small ruminants, e.g., sheep and goats, has impacted the farmers' livelihood and people's food safety. A cross-sectional study was conducted at Rupandehi districts of Nepal to the discover the seroepidemiology and associated risk factors of brucellosis in sheep and goat population. Altogether, 19 sheep and 60 goat farms located in the districts' local units were visited, and the owners were interviewed to get the information on animal characteristics, management, and movement patterns. Three hundred fifty-seven serum samples (80 sheep and 277 goat’s samples) were collected from selected herd based on the probability proportional to their sizes. Each serum sample was tested for Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and ELISA to estimate the seropositivity. Bivariate analysis followed by multivariable logistic regression was applied to calculate corresponding odds ratios of each variable associated with the brucellosis. Results Out of 80 sheep samples, 12 (15%; 95%CI: 8.79%-24.41%, P<0.001) and out of 277 goat samples 3 (1.1%; 0.37%-3.14%, P<0.001) were tested positive to brucellosis. Age of greater than 1.5 years (OR= 6.39, 95%CI: 1.23, 54.67, p= 0.04) was identified as the significant risk factor for brucellosis in sheep population. While in the goat population, none of the variables were identified as the significant risk factors in multivariable regression analysis. However, the goat from the frequent grazing herds had borderline significance (OR = 8.81, 95%CI: 0.44, 174.56, p<0.15). It might be because of the regular movement of sheep herds that get mixed up with the goat populations. Conclusion The study provides evidence that the burden of brucellosis in sheep is significantly higher than goats. The brucellosis control program in sheep should be applied immediately, as the contiguous herds of sheep and goats keep mixing while grazing and selling. Also, the strict biosecurity and biosafety measures should be implemented among the sheepherders to prevent infection of Brucella in them. We suggest further study on both small ruminants and the sheep owners to reveal the transmission dynamics through one health approach.
“We have a ticking time bomb”: A qualitative exploration of the impact of canine epilepsy on dog owners living in England
Authors: Pergande Amy Eliza , Belshaw Zoe , Volk Holger A , Packer Rowena M A 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Idiopathic epilepsy is a common neurological condition in dogs. Previous research has focused on clinical aspects of seizure management in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy with little attention given to the emotional and logistical challenges for their owners. The current study aimed to explore the impacts of owning a dog with idiopathic epilepsy on owner quality of life and lifestyle, using qualitative methods.
Methods
Owners of dogs with idiopathic epilepsy living in England were recruited via social media and word of mouth, and then selected using purposive sampling to participate in face-to-face semi-structured interviews. Epilepsy management was explored through in-depth accounts of owner experiences and influencing factors. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis was used to construct key themes.
Results
Twenty-one interviews were completed. Almost all owners had made lifestyle changes in order to care for their dog, including substantial modifications to routines and, in some cases, employment. Many owners discussed a very emotionally close dog-owner bond, and described experiencing frequent feelings of fear, stress and uncertainty regarding their dog’s health. Friends, family and colleagues did not always understand the magnitude of commitment required to care for a dog with idiopathic epilepsy. This, combined with a fear of leaving their dog unsupervised, had social implications in some instances and lead to increased use of the Internet and online groups for peer support.
Conclusions
The commitment required to care for a dog with idiopathic epilepsy, and the lifestyle changes made by their owners, may be far greater than previously estimated. Further consideration of these factors by veterinary professionals and the friends and families of owners of dogs with idiopathic epilepsy could improve owner quality of life, and facilitate the provision of additional support.
Determinants of Low birthweight and Preterm Delivery in the Volta Region of Ghana: Evidence from birth records
Authors: Axame Wisdom Kudzo , Binka Fred Newton , Kweku Margaret 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background:Low birthweight and preterm delivery are birth outcomes that can predict the survival, development and long-term health outcomes of newborns. Though advances in medical research have improved birth outcomes these birth outcomes still remain issues of public health concern. This study assessed the determinants of low birthweight and preterm delivery in the Volta region of Ghana.Methods:This retrospective cross-sectional study analyzed data from 680 birth records of all deliveries between October and December, 2018 at the Ho Teaching Hospital in the Volta Region of Ghana. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to predict determinants of low birthweight and preterm delivery using Stata MP/16.0.Results:Overall, the prevalence of low birthweight was 12.9% and that of preterm delivery was 14.1%. Increasing maternal age (AOR: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.28-0.98), multiparity (AOR: 0.54; 95% CI: 0.30-0.94) and increasing doses of Sulphadoxine pyrimethamine (AOR: 0.43; 95% CI: 0.22-0.84) significantly reduced the odds of low birthweight. However, delivery through caesarean section (AOR: 1.94; 95% CI: 0.1.16-3.27) and hypertension (AOR: 2.06; 95% CI: 1.27-03.33) significantly increased the likelihood of low birthweight. Increasing number of antenatal care visits (AOR: 0.38; 95% CI: 0.18-0.80) and doses of Sulphadoxine pyrimethamine (AOR: 0.43; 95% CI: 0.19-0.97) were significantly associated with decreased odds of preterm delivery while delivery through caesarean section increased the odds of preterm delivery by 2 folds (AOR: 2.14; 95% CI: 1.15-3.99). Conclusion:This study shows maternal age, parity, number of ANC visits, hypertension, SP/IPTp and caesarean section were independent determinants of low birthweight and preterm delivery. These findings add up to literature on the determinants of these adverse birth outcomes particularly in resource-limited environments. Furthermore, this study could serve as a foundation for further research in the study area and for developing public health interventions geared towards reducing the risk and complications of these birth outcomes.
Engineering a Multi Epitope Vaccine Against SARS-CoV-2 By Exploiting Its Non Structural and Structural Proteins
Authors: RAJPUT VIKRANT SINGH , SHARMA RITIKA , KUMARI ANCHALA , VYAS NIDHI , PRAJAPATI VIJAY , GROVER ABHINAV 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent behind the ongoing pandemic exhibits an enhanced potential for infection when compared to its related family members- the SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV; which have caused similar disease outbreaks in the past. The severity of the global health burden, increasing mortality rate and the emergent economic crisis urgently demands the development of next- generation vaccines. Amongst such emergent next generation vaccines are the multi-epitope subunit vaccines, which hold promise in combating deadly pathogens. In this study we have exploited immunoinformatics applications to delineate a vaccine candidate possessing multiple B and T cells epitopes utilizing the SARS-CoV-2 non structural and structural proteins. The antigenicity potential, safety, structural stability and the production feasibility of the designed construct was evaluated computationally. Furthermore, due to the known crucial interactions of human TLR-3 immune receptor with SARS-CoV, the vaccine construct was examined for its binding efficiency using molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation studies, which resulted in strong and stable interactions. Finally, the immune simulation studies suggested an effective immune response on vaccine administration. Overall, the immunoinformatics analysis advocates that the purposed vaccine candidate is safe and immunogenic and therefore can be pushed as a lead for in vitro and in vivo investigations.
Can Integrated Care Improve the Efficiency of Hospitals? - Research based on 200 Hospitals in China
Authors: Peng Zixuan , Zhu Li , Wan Guangsheng , Coyte Peter C. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Backgrounds:

The shift towards integrated care (IC) represents a global trend towards more comprehensive and coordinated systems of care, particularly for vulnerable populations, such as the elderly. When health systems face fiscal constraints, integrated care has been advanced as a potential solution by simultaneously improving health service effectiveness and efficiency. This paper addresses the latter. There are three study objectives: first, to compare efficiency differences between IC and non-IC hospitals in China; second, to examine variations in efficiency among different types of IC hospitals; and finally, to explore whether the implementation of IC impacts hospital efficiency.
Methods

This study uses Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) to calculate efficiency scores among a sample of 200 hospitals in H Province, China. Tobit regression analysis was performed to explore the influence of IC implementation on hospital efficiency scores after adjustment for potential confounding. Moreover, the association between various input and output variables and the implementation of IC was investigated using regression techniques.
Results

The study has four principal findings: first, IC hospitals, on average, are shown to be more efficient than non-IC hospitals after adjustment for covariates. Holding output constant, IC hospitals are shown to reduce their current input mix by 12% and 4% to achieve optimal efficiency under constant and variable returns-to-scale, respectively, while non-IC hospitals have to reduce their input mix by 26% and 20% to achieve the same level of efficiency; second, with respect to the efficiency of each type of IC, we show that higher efficiency scores are achieved by administrative and virtual IC models over a contractual IC model; third, we demonstrate that IC influences hospitals efficiency by impacting various input and output variables, such as length of stay, inpatient admissions, and staffing; fourth, while bed density per nurse was positively associated with hospital efficiency, the opposite was shown for bed density per physician.
Conclusions

Integrated Care has the potential to promote hospital efficiency by influencing an array of input and output variables. Policies designed to facilitate the implementation of IC in hospitals need to be cognizant of the complex way IC impacts hospital efficiency.
Impaired Effective Functional Connectivity of the Sensorimotor Network in Interictal Episodic Migraineurs Without Aura
Authors: Wei Heng-Le , Chen Jing , Chen Yu-Chen , Yu Yu-Sheng , Guo Xi , Zhou Gang-Ping , Zhou Qing-Qing , He Zhen-Zhen , Yang Lian , Yin Xindao , Li Junrong , Zhang Hong 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (Rs-fMRI) has confirmed sensorimotor network (SMN) dysfunction in migraine without aura (MwoA). However, the underlying mechanisms of SMN causal functional connectivity in MwoA remain unclear. We aimed to explore the association between clinical characteristics and effective functional connectivity in SMN, in interictal patients who have MwoA.Methods: We used Rs-fMRI to acquire imaging data in forty episodic patients with MwoA in the interictal phase and thirty-four healthy controls (HCs). Independent component analysis was used to profile the distribution of SMN and calculate the different SMN activity between the two groups. Subsequently, Granger causality analysis was used to analyze the effective causal connectivity between the SMN and other brain regions.Results: Compared to the HCs, MwoA patients showed higher activity in the bilateral postcentral gyri (PoCG) and supplementary motor areas, but lower activity in left Rolandic operculum/insula. Moreover, MwoA patients showed significantly causal connectivity from the SMN to the left calcarine sulcus, left middle temporal gyrus, right angular gyrus and right precuneus. There was also significant causal connectivity from the left calcarine sulcus, left inferior orbitofrontal cortex, right cuneus, right putamen and left inferior parietal lobule to the SMN. In the interictal period, there was positive correlation between the activity of the left PoCG and headache frequency (r = 0.410, p = 0.013), but negative correlation between the activity of the right PoCG and the impact of headache (r = -0.397, p = 0.016). In addition, the disease duration was directly proportional to the connectivity strength from the left PoCG to the right angular gyrus (r = 0.418, p = 0.011), and from the right PoCG to the left calcarine sulcus (r = 0.377, p = 0.023).Conclusions: These differential, resting-state functional activities of the SMN in episodic MwoA may contribute to the understanding of migraine-related intra- and internetwork imbalances associated with nociceptive regulation and chronification.