bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Depression among HIV Positive Adults on Anti-Retroviral Therapy in O.R. Tambo, Eastern Cape, South Africa: A cross-sectional descriptive study
Authors: Zimasa Dlulane Yola , Teke Apalata , Abaver Dominic Targema 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background Living with HIV/AIDS is associated with negative emotional and bodily symptoms; however, there is paucity of data on the prevalence and associated factors depression among this population. This study investigate the prevalence and factors contributing to depression among HIV patients on anti-retroviral therapy (ART) in O.R. Tambo Eastern Cape, South Africa. Method This cross-sectional descriptive study involve 334 adults receiving ART in the two Community Health Centers in OR Tambo District, Eastern Cape, South Africa. The Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI-II) was used to collect data, in addition to a semi-structured questionnaire on coping mechanism and challenges in seeking help with depressive symptoms. Multiple logistic regression analysis were used to assess the factors associated with depression among the HIV patients. Results The prevalence of depression among the HIV patients receiving ART was 44%, and the majority of the patient’s depression fall within the borderline and moderate threshold. The prevalence of depression was significantly highest among females (71.0%; p < 0.0003) and unemployed (73.0%; p < 0.0014) HIV patients. Participants not benefiting from any form of social grant exhibited higher prevalence of depression (79%). Race (p=0.590), age (p=0.338) and married participants (p=0.511) show no statistical significant association between HIV and depression. Unadjusted logistic regression model show being female (OR = 1.99, 95% CI: 1.23-3.23; p < 0.003) and unemployed (OR =1.73, 95% CI: 1.08-2.77; p < 0.014) were significantly associated with a likelihood of depression. Majority of the participants who could express their feelings of HIV disease and challenges in accessing ART felt more depressed (85%) compared to those who could not express their feelings. Conclusion The rate of depression among HIV/AIDS patients receiving ART is high. Early detection of depression and the challenges associated with accessing treatment and treating would help in improving the compliance to treatment as well as quality of life.
ZSCAN25 and CYP2E1 Polymorphisms is Risk Factors for Ischemic Stroke in a Chinese Han Population: A Case Control Study
Authors: Yuan Haozheng , Fan Pei , Yao Li , Lv Yuying , Wei Haidong , Zheng Juan , Han Xinsheng 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: We aimed to explore the relationship between ZSCAN25 and CYP2E1 polymorphisms and Ischemic stroke (IS) susceptibility among a Chinese Han population.Methods: We enrolled 477 patients with IS and 480 age- and sex- matched health controls. Genotyping of the ZSCAN25 rs10242455, CYP2E1 rs2070672 and rs2515641 were performed by Agena MassARRAY platform. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated by logistic regression analysis.Results: Rs10242455 (OR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.34–0.93, p = 0.024) was associated with a reduced IS susceptibility, while rs2070672 (OR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.12–1.75, p = 0.003) and rs2515641 (OR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.01–1.64, p = 0.041) with an increased IS occurrence. Rs2070672 was observed to correlate with IS risk (OR = 4.06, p = 0.038) at age > 64 years, and rs10242455 (OR = 0.45, p = 0.021) and rs2070672 (OR = 3.28, p = 0.024) affected IS risk in males. In addition, rs10242455 (OR = 1.72, p = 0.014) was significantly associated with hypertension in IS patients.Conclusion: Our study firstly found that rs10242455 in ZSCAN25, rs2070672 and rs2515641 in CYP2E1 were associated with the occurrence of IS in a Chinese Han population.
Comparative Evaluation of the Diagnostic Performance Characteristics of a One-Step Urine Malaria Test (UMT) against Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDT) in Febrile Patients from Fako Division, Cameroon
Authors: Awah Nforbugwe Achu Che , Nchotu Rengerline Bihnwi , Bongah Agnes Djema , Assob Jules Clement Nguedia 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background : Presently, all malaria diagnostic methods like: microscopy and Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDT) are invasive as they depend on blood samples for malaria diagnosis. Hence this study was aimed at comparing the diagnostic performance characteristics of the novel Urine Malaria Test (UMT) to the currently used Blood RDT, and to find out the efficacy of this UMT in detecting low parasitaemia in the study population. Methodology : A cross sectional study involving 200 febrile participants, with no signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and kidney diseases, no history of hematuria, >15/µl leucocytes and urobilinogens of > 1 mg/dl in their urine, were recruited from the month of April to August 2017 in the Limbe and Buea Regional Hospitals. The main samples requested for analyses were urine and blood. Results : Using the blood smear microscopy as standard, out of the 200 participants, 93 (46.5%) were positive for P . malaria. UMT had a sensitivity and specificity of 82.41% and 83.48 while that of RDT was 84.09% and 83.03 respectively falciparum (CI: 72.80 to 92.05%, Kappa 0.665, p =0.001). The UMT had a lowest limit of detection of 140 parasites/μl which was similar to RDT. The PPV and NPV of UMT and RDT were (81.74% and 85.98%) and (80.04% and 87.28%), respectively. There was a close agreement between the RDT and UMT when compared to microscopy (83.5% and 83.0% respectively). Conclusion : The UMT kit that was evaluated in comparison to the blood based RDT, showed a lot of similarities using the blood smear microscopy as gold standard. Hence, it can be recommended for the prompt and accurate diagnosis of malaria in febrile patients.
Model Predicted Distribution of PM2.5 Exposure-Related Health Effects from Marcellus Shale Gas Development in Pennsylvania, 2005-2017
Authors: Banan Zoya , Gernand Jeremy M. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
BackgroundDevelopment of Marcellus shale gas in recent years has turned into a public concern due to air quality changes and associated health impacts caused by emissions from shale gas development. Controlling standards and regulations were devised to provide health protection from exposure to such emissions, but health impact incidences have been reported in the areas where shale gas activities were prevailing. This study estimates the changes in expected health impacts associated to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) emissions from shale gas development in Pennsylvania between 2005 and 2017.MethodsThe change in incidence rates is estimated using a Gaussian plume model to simulate PM2.5 concentrations over time and distance and a health risk model to calculate the relative risk of exposure associated with different concentration levels.ResultsSimulation results indicate that PM2.5 emissions from shale gas development could increase the incidence of health outcomes at specific locations over the studied timespan and in case of asthma, this increase could be as high as 20,411 persons over 13-years.ConclusionThis study identifies the areas in Pennsylvania where more health risk assessment could be prioritized. An effective health-governing regulation should account for level of development activities as well as spatial characteristics (i.e., climate and population) of their vicinity to successfully provide health protection from air pollutants caused by shale gas development.
Predictive Model for Oral Mucositis of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Patients Receiving Chemo-radiotherapy
Authors: Li Peijing , Li Kaixin , Lin Huaming , Fang Jiaben , Yang Shuangyan , Shen Wei , Chen Jia , Zhang Jiang , Chen Xiaozhong , Hu Qiaoying , Tian Ye , Chen Ming , Chen Yuanyuan 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Purpose To analyze risk factors for severe acute oral mucositis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients (NPCs) receiving chemo-radiotherapy and build predictive models.Methods 270 NPCs receiving radical chemo-radiotherapy were included. Oral mucosa structure was contoured by oral cavity contour (OCC) and mucosa surface contour (MSC) methods. Oral mucositis during treatment was divided into severe mucositis group (grade 3) and non-severe mucositis group (grade = 1, 2) according to RTOG criteria. Statistical analyses were completed by IBM SPSS Statistics 25.0 and IBM SPSS Modeler 18.0.ResultsIntermediate to high Vx (%) were strongly associated with severe oral mucositis (V40-V70(%)). Multivariate analysis showed that V55 (%) was the most important predictor for severe oral mucositis followed by overweight and retropharyngeal lymph node region irradiation (RLN). Two predictive models were built based on these two methods. AUC of OCC and MSC based model in training set were 0.786 both. Higher AUC of MSC-base model was observed in validation set when compared to OCC (0.721 vs. 0.622). Conclusion Dosimetric parameter is the most important predictive factors for severe oral mucositis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients during chemo-radiation. Of the two models generated in this study, performance of MSC-based model in validation data is mildly better than OCC.
Determining the Necessity of Applying N and P Fertilizer in a Mature Subtropical Torreya Grandis Orchard
Authors: Han Yini , Wang G.Geoff , Wu Tonggui , Ji Yongliang , Chen Wenjing , Jin Songheng 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background In managed orchards, fertilizer treatments facilitate both high productivity and environmental pollution. Because economic profit takes priority over environmental cost, increasing amounts of chemical nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer have been used in mature subtropical Torreya grandis orchards. However, given the magnitude of global nitrogen deposition, it’s worth considering whether heavy fertilizer treatment is necessary.Methods To elucidate the balance between T. grandis nutrient demands and the fertilizer supply, we determined the C, N, and P foliar and soil concentrations ([C], [N], [P]) at five orchards undergoing long-term varied intensity fertilizer treatments.Results After documenting the dynamic variation of available plant nutrients and the corresponding resorption efficiency, we found that increasing the fertilizer supply elevated foliar [P], yet foliar [C] and [N] remained stable. Because T. grandis was already equipped with a high nutrient content, the increased foliar [P] levels decreased C:P and N:P ratios. These results demonstrate that extra fertilizer in the N-saturated environment disturbs P-limitation. Furthermore, we also found that fertilizer supply failed to improve carbon accumulation, which in addition to soil nutrient content and leaf [P], highly impacted productivity.Conclusions Thus, based on the results of this study, there are ample reasons to propose rejecting N addition in the present orchards, and we recommend organic management as a more conducive method to realize sustainable development.
Multidisciplinary approach to acute cholecystitis in a severely cardiopathic patient. Case report and review of literature
Authors: Pantalone Desire , Alemanno Giovanni , Stefàno PierLuigi , Pace Stefano Del , Romagnoli Stefano , Boninsegni Paolo , Maltinti Gherardo , Bruscino Alessandro , Bergamini Carlo , Martellucci Jacopo , Bonacchi Massimo , Talamucci Luca , Mondaini Francesco , Prosperi Paolo 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background. Acute cholecystitis in severely cardiopathic patient after major cardiac surgery represent a challenge for surgeons. Treatment with cholecystostomy could represent a chance for patients even if there are many topics of greatest debate about it: the technique of performing it (if transhepatic or transpapillary), the timing of optimal duration, the timing of drain removal, the need of further examinations before the removal as well as the timing for definitive surgery. We therefore deemed important to share our experience in the treatment of acute cholecystitis in a severe cardiopathic patient, while attempting to clarify all the major topics related to the management of percutaneous cholecystostomy through a literary review.Case presentation. A 58-year-old severly cardiopathic patient who had undergone surgery for hip replacement, developed an acute calcolous cholecystitis a few days after surgery to resolve which a percutaneous cholecystostomy was the chosen strategy. Two weeks after discharge, a cholangiography through the cholecystostomy and a MRI cholangiopancreatography revealed the presence of stones in the cystic duct and in the ductus choledochus. The definitive treatment was decided after consulting with a multidisciplinary team. An open cholecystectomy with simultaneous removal of the cholecystostomy, endoscopic removal of stones and sphincterotomy of the Oddi papilla was performed. The patient is currently healthy and his heart function is satisfactory. Conclusion. Although early cholecystectomy is the recommended choice for acute cholecystitis, a critically ill patients may benefit from a bridging therapy before definitive surgery. The multidisciplinary approach provided a safer solution for this frail patient.
Solitary mucosal neuroma in the maxillary incisor gingival papilla without multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B (MEN 2B): a case report and literature review
Authors: Qiu Che , Wang Lizhen , Chen Huiwen , Song Zhongchen 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background

Mucosal neuroma (MN) is a benign neural tumor of peripheral nerves histologically characterized by irregular tortuous bundles of nerve cells with prominent perineurium that lie scattered throughout the submucosa. The tumor is usually associated with the multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B (MEN 2B) but rarely occurs without the other components of MEN 2B. We present a case of solitary MN without MEN 2B that occurs in the maxillary incisor gingival papilla that has not been reported yet and review the literature.
Case presentation:

A 29-year-old woman presented to our outpatient department with an upper anterior teeth gingiva painless mass for 2-year. Intraoral examination revealed a small, tough, basal wide, well-defined mass in the labial gingival papilla between maxillary central incisor. Excisional biopsy showed that it was characterized by nerve bundles in various sizes surrounded by normal connective tissue in the submucosa under HE staining; Immunohistochemically, the mass showed strongly positive staining of S-100 protein, NSE,NF and weakly positive of EMA. The Laboratory examination and ultrasonography showed no signs of MEN 2B. In the first 6 months of follow-up, there was no evidence of recurrence and other components of MEN 2B. The patient was asymptomatic and she is still being followed up every 6 months. Based on these features, the lesion was finally diagnosed as a solitary gingival MN.
Conclusions

This study showed a rare solitary MN in the gingiva papilla without MEN 2B that has not been reported yet. The histopathological evaluation can be helpful in the differential diagnosis of MN. It is hoped that a greater understanding of solitary MN without MEN 2B in the oral cavity will avoid potential misdiagnosis, and contribute to determining the correct management, which appears to be complete surgical excision with close follow-up for recurrence and other components of MEN 2B surveillance.
Spared nerve injury causes sexually dimorphic mechanical allodynia and differential gene expression in spinal cords and dorsal root ganglia in rats
Authors: Ahlström Fredrik H.G. , Mätlik Kert , Viisanen Hanna , Blomkvist Kim B. , Liu Xiaonan , Lilius Tuomas , Sidorova Yulia , Kalso Eija Anneli , Rauhala Pekka V. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuropathic pain (NP) is more prevalent in women. However, females are under-represented in animal experiments, and the mechanisms of sex differences remain inadequately understood. Using the spared nerve injury (SNI) model in rats, we characterized sex differences in behaviour, analysed dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and spinal cord (SC) tissues with transcriptomics and immunohistochemistry assays, and examined the proteome of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). METHODS The study comprised two experiments, with male and female Sprague-Dawley rats subjected to SNI- and sham-surgeries. Mechanical and cold allodynias were assessed using von Frey filaments and the acetone test, respectively. Samples were extracted on Day 21 for CSF proteome and DRG and SC analysis for neuronal markers (IB4 and CGRP) and glial cell markers (IBA1 and GFAP), respectively, in Experiment I. Lumbar 4-5 DRGs and SC segments were collected for RNA-seq analysis on Day 7 in Experiment II. Differential gene expression in DRG and SC was calculated using DESeq2, and pathway analyses were conducted using iPathwayguide. RESULTS Females developed stronger mechanical allodynia in both experiments. Equivalent decreases in CGRP and IB-4 positive cell counts in DRG and increases in glial cells markers in the SC were seen in both sexes. No CSF protein showed change following SNI in any group. RNASeq of DRG and SC showed abundant changes in gene expression. Sexually dimorphic responses were found in genes related to T-cells (cd28, ctla4, cd274, cd4, prf1), other immunological responses (dpp4, c5a, cxcr2 and il1b), neuronal transmission (hrh3, thbs4, chrna4 and pdyn), plasticity (atf3, c1qc and reg3b), and others (bhlhe22, mcpt1l, trpv6). Analyses of biological processes revealed differences in T and B cell functions in DRG and neuronal processes in both DRG and SC. CONCLUSIONS We observed significantly stronger mechanical allodynia in females and many sexually dimorphic changes in gene expression, following SNI in rats. Several genes have previously been linked to NP, while some are novel. Our results suggest gene targets for further studies in the development of new, possibly sex-specific, therapies for NP and underline the importance of investigating NP in both sexes.
Unmet Needs and Quality of Life of Caregivers of Korean Breast Cancer Survivors: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Lee Jong Won , Lee Jihyoun , Lee Min Hyuk , Lee Se Kyung , Kim Wan Sung , Jung So-Youn , Kim Zisun , Lee Juhyung , Youn Hyun Jo 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Backgroud: As the survival rates of cancer patients have been increasing due to early diagnosis and technological advances in treatment, their caregiver burden has also emerged as an important issue. In view of this situation, this study aims to investigate the unmet needs and quality of life of caregivers of Korean breast cancer survivors.Methods: A multicenter cross-sectional interview survey was performed among 160 caregivers of Korean breast cancer survivors. Caregivers who gave written informed consent to participate completed the Comprehensive Needs Assessment Tool for Cancer Caregivers and EuroQol-5 Dimensions. Data were analyzed using the t-test, ANOVA and multiple regression analysis.Results: The mean age of the caregivers was 46.4 years, 44.4% (71/160) were spouses of patients, and 52.5% (84/160) were personally taking care of cancer survivors. Unmet needs were highest in the ‘healthcare staff’ domain (mean ± SD: 1.69 ±1.11), and the item with the highest level of unmet needs was ‘needed information about the current status of the patient’s illness and its future courses’ (1.98 ± 1.04). Unmet needs were correlated with age, educational level, marital status, employment, religion and psychosocial status. Poorer quality of life was closely related to higher levels of unmet needs. In multiple regression analysis, age, employment, religion, and levels of stress and despair were closely associated with unmet needs.
Tick Distribution and Detection of Babesia and Theileria Species in the East and South regions of Kazakhstan
Authors: Sang Chunli , Yang Meihua , Xu Bin , Liu Guangyuan , Yang Yicheng , Makhatov Bolatkhan , Hazihan Wurelihazi , Hornok Sándor , Wang Yuan-Zhi 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Piroplasmosis, caused by Theileria and Babesia species, is an economically important tick-borne disease worldwide. However, little is known about the presence of Babesia spp. and Theileria spp. in ticks from different host species in Kazakhstan. Method: We collected adult ticks at 26 sampling sites in 16 districts in the East and South regions of Kazakhstan during 2016 - 2019. Tick species were identified according to morphological and molecular characteristics. Two fragments of the 18S ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) were used to determine the species of piroplasms. The genotype characteristics of Babesia caballi and Theileria equi were analyzed further. Results: A total of 6107 adult ticks were collected, including 2920 Dermacentor marginatus, 1442 Argas persicus, 903 Hyalomma asiaticum, 464 Hyalomma scupense, 225 Hyalomma anatolicum, 122 Rhipicephalus turanicus, 16 Haemaphysalis erinacei and 15 Dermacentor reticulatus. In these ticks five species of piroplasms, i.e. Babesia occultans, Babesia caballi, Theileria ovis, Theileria annulata and Theileria equi, were detected. Theileria equi and Babesia caballi belonged to their E and A genotype, respectively.Conclusions: Apart from Dermacentor marginatus, three Hyalomma species predominate among ticks infesting herbivorous livestock in East and South regions of Kazakhstan. 16S ribosomal DNA (16S rDNA) phylogenic analysis showed that several tick species in Kazakhstan, as exemplified by D. marginatus and Ha. erinacei, were clustered together with conspecific ticks reported from China. Babesia occultans was found for the first time in D. marginatus in Kazakhstan. Altogether five piroplasm species were detected, indicating that enhanced control measures are necessary to prevent piroplasm infection of domestic animals in this region.
Pre-clinical Evaluation of a Variable Length and Conforming Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter Weighted Anchor: In Vitro Analysis and Cadaver Feasibility Study
Authors: Morris Christopher Scott , Johnston Gregory P. , DeSarno Michael J. , Badireddy Appala Raju 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
PurposePeritoneal dialysis (PD) catheters function best when residing within the retrovesical space of the peritoneal cavity, but they frequently migrate and fail. A novel variable length and conforming PD catheter weighted anchor to prevent migration has been evaluated.MethodsTest devices were placed in normal saline for 21 months. The effluent was periodically measured for heavy metals, including tungsten. The water-tight property of the device was also tested separately. Four cadavers were subjected to three-dimensional imaging and maneuvering to evaluate percutaneous insertion, function, stability within the retrovesical space, and percutaneous retrievability in 10 test devices.ResultsLiquid leakage was low, with a mean absorbance of the test device effluent saline of 0.015. Mean methylene blue absorbance of the test device was significantly lower than the positive control (p-value = 0.01). Leakage of tungsten from devices made with medical grade Silastic tubing was also low, with a mean of 0.362 µg/L in the effluent saline, compared to a background concentration of 0.166 µg/L. Each test device was successfully inserted into the retrovesical space and retrieved percutaneously and remained completely intact following placement and insertion. No test device migrated as shown on axial cone beam CT imaging. Mean flow times and volumes were satisfactory at 3 minutes and 0.92L, respectively, for all test devices. For all catheters, the mean flow rate was 312 cc/min. No significant difference was found between the pre-roll and post-roll mean flow rates of the test devices (p-value = 0.35).ConclusionThis PD catheter weighted anchor showed stability, with minimal leakage of tungsten. All test devices were successfully inserted and retrieved percutaneously, with no damage or migration, and mean flow rates were satisfactory. Further investigation is warranted.