bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tuberculosis (TB) in the Refugee Camps in Ethiopia: Trends of Case Notification, Profile, and Treatment Outcomes, 2014 to 2017
Authors: Legesse Tsegay , Admenur Goitom , Gebregzabher Selemawit , Woldegebriel Eyob , Fantahun Bexabeh , Tsegay Yemane , Bayssa Abeyot , Darge Berihu , Denbu Yidnekachew , Michalel Hayelom , Abera Kibebew , Alemayeh Abraham , Kebede Dejene , Kassa Desta 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Severity of TB increases in refugee populations. Monitoring TB case notification and treatment outcomes are essential to evaluate the effectiveness of TB programs. This study aimed to determine trends in TB case notification and treatment outcomes and explore factors associated with unsuccessful treatment outcome in refugee camps in Ethiopia. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted from October 2018-June 2019. Demographic and clinical data of all TB cases registered from 2014 to 2017 in 25 refugee camps located in seven refugee areas (Shire, Afar, Gambella, Asossa, Mizam, Jijiga, and Dollo Ado) were extracted using pre-tested data extraction format. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to calculate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for factors associated with unsuccessful outcomes.Results. A total of 1553 TB cases, mean age 27.7 years, were registered (2014-2017). Of these notified cases 54.7% were men, 27.7% children (< 15 years), 71.2% pulmonary TB (PTB), 27.8% Extra-PTB (EPTB) and 98.3% new and relapse. From 2014 to 2017: there was consistent increase in the number of notified TB cases (138 to 588 cases), in the percentage of EPTB (23.2% to 32.7%), bacteriologically confirmed pulmonary new and relapse (43.8% to 64.8%), and contribution of children to total TB cases (18.8% to 30.1%) and to EPTB (40.6% to 65.1%). Treatment success rates for all TB cases remained lower at 72.7%-79.4% (on average 11.7% were not evaluated, 8.0% lost to follow-up (LTFU), 4.8% died, and 0.5% failed). Unsuccessful treatment was significantly associated with pretreatment weight below 40 Kg, age over 45 years, and being HIV positive.Conclusions: This study has provided valuable evidences that can help to improve the TB programs. There was increased trend in number of notified TB cases, and in proportion of EPTB, childhood TB, and bacteriologically confirmed pulmonary new and relapse cases. Treatment success rate (2014-2017) was far below global target (90%), and “not evaluated” and LTFU treatment outcomes were higher, which need to be improved. Special socio-economic support and monitoring is required for patients with pretreatment weight below 40 Kg, age over 45 years and HIV positives who at risk for unsuccessful treatment.
Volatile metal emissions from volcanic degassing and lava-seawater interactions at Kīlauea Volcano, Hawai’i
Authors: Mason Emily , Wieser Penny , Liu Emma , Edmonds Marie , Ilyinskaya Evgenia , Whitty Rachel , Mather Tamsin , Elias Tamar , Nadeau Patricia , Wilkes Thomas , McGonigle Andrew , Pering Tom , Mims Forrest , Kern Christoph , Schneider David , Oppenheimer Clive 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Volcanoes represent one of the largest natural sources of metals to Earth’s surface. Emissions of these pollutants and/or nutrients have important implications for the biosphere. We compare gas and particulate chemistry, including metals, of the substantial magmatic (≥200 kt/day SO2) and lava-seawater interaction (laze) plumes from the 2018 eruption of Kīlauea, Hawai’i. The magmatic plume contains abundant volatile chalcophile metals (e.g. Se), whereas the laze is enriched in seawater components (e.g. Cl), yet Cu concentrations are 105 times higher than seawater. High-temperature speciation modelling of magmatic gases at the lava-air interface emphasises chloride’s critical role in metal/metalloid complexation during degassing. In the laze, concentrations of moderately (Cu, Zn, Ag) to highly volatile (Bi, Cd) metals are elevated above seawater. These metals have an affinity for chloride and are derived from late-stage degassing of distal lavas, potentially facilitated by the HCl gas formed as seawater boils. Understanding these processes yields insights into the environmental impacts of volcanism in the present day and geological past.
The Intrinsically Disordered Region of GCE Protein Adopts a More Fixed Structure by Interacting With the LBD of the Nuclear Receptor FTZ-F1
Authors: Kolonko Marta , Bystranowska Dominika , Taube Michał , Kozak Maciej , Bostock Mark , Popowicz Grzegorz , Ożyhar Andrzej , Greb-Markiewicz Beata 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
The Drosophila melanogaster Germ cell-expressed protein (GCE) is a paralog of the juvenile hormone (JH) receptor - Methoprene tolerant protein (MET). Both proteins mediate JH function, preventing precocious differentiation during D. melanogaster development. Despite that GCE and MET are often referred to as equivalent JH receptors, their functions are not fully redundant and show tissue specificity. Both proteins belong to the family of bHLH-PAS transcription factors. The similarity of their primary structure is limited to defined bHLH and PAS domains, while their long C-terminal fragments (GCEC, METC) show significant differences and are expected to determine differences in GCE and MET protein activities. In this paper we present the structural characterization of GCEC as a coil-like intrinsically disordered protein (IDP) with highly elongated and asymmetric conformation. In comparison to previously characterized METC, GCEC is less compacted, contains more molecular recognition elements (MoREs) and exhibits a higher propensity for induced folding. The NMR shifts perturbation experiment and pull-down assay clearly demonstrated that the GCEC fragment is sufficient to form an interaction interface with the ligand binding domain (LBD) of the nuclear receptor Fushi Tarazu factor-1 (FTZ-F1). Significantly, these interactions can force GCEC to adopt more fixed structure that can modulate the activity, structure and functions of the full-length receptor. The discussed relation of protein functionality with the structural data of inherently disordered GCEC fragment is a novel look at this protein and contributes to a better understanding of the molecular basis of the functions of the C-terminal fragments of the bHLH-PAS family.
Role of Plastic Surgeons in the Trauma Center: National Level I Trauma Center Startup Experience in South Korea&nbsp;
Authors: Lee Il Jae , Cha Bo Hwan , Hahn Hyung Min 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Although it is well-recognized that other surgical specialties perform various procedures related to trauma care, there is a lack of analyses focusing on the role of plastic surgical management in trauma centers in Korea. This retrospective study was designed to investigate the scope of plastic surgery services in acute trauma care, using clinical data obtained from a single, regional, level I, trauma center.Methods: This study included patients who presented to a single, regional, level I, trauma center in March 2016. Of them, patients with acute trauma to the facial soft tissue and skeleton, soft tissue of the upper and lower limbs, trunk and perineum, and other areas requiring plastic surgical procedures were included in the analysis. Data on patients’ demographics and detailed surgical procedures were acquired from electric medical records.Results: A total of 1,544 patients underwent surgery, and 2,217 procedures were recorded during the 2-year study period. In 2016, 1,062 procedures on 690 patients, and, in 2017, 1,155 procedures on 787 patients were registered. The head and neck region was the most commonly observed anatomical area that was operated on. The facial bone requiring the largest degree of surgical intervention was the mandible, followed by the zygomatic bone, nasal bones, orbital floor, and maxilla. Microsurgical procedures, such as flap surgery and microsurgery, were performed in 121 cases. Conclusion: Plastic surgeons work alongside experts from various specialties to restore the appearance and function of a specific anatomical area. Thus, plastic surgeons are an essential part of trauma centers.Trial registration: Not applicable.
Evaluation of the Efficacy of Unipolar and Bipolar Spinal Dorsal Root Ganglion Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation in the Treatment of Postherpetic Neuralgia: a Retrospective Study
Authors: Zhu Jianjun , Xie Keyue , Liu Songlei , He Qiuli , Luo Ge , Tao Jiachun , Wang Tingting , Xu Miao , Fu Jie , Huang Bin , Yao Ming 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: At present, different views have been proposed on the radiofrequency treatment modes and parameters of radiofrequency thermocoagulation of the spinal dorsal root ganglion for the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia. It is urgent to identify a novel and more effective radiofrequency therapy for patients with postherpetic neuralgia. Methods: A total of 60 patients who underwent radiofrequency thermocoagulation therapy for postherpetic neuralgia in the pain department of our Hospital were retrospectively reviewed from January 2013 to November 2017. According to the different surgical methods, the patients were divided into the following groups: unipolar group (CRF) and bipolar group (DCRF). Subsequently, the pain scores (NRS) were evaluated at the following specific time points: before the operation, on the 1st day after the operation, in 3 and 6 months after the operation and in 1 and 2 years after the operation. Moreover, the incidence of intraoperative and postoperative complications and the degree of pain relief were evaluated in order to assess the efficacy and prognosis of radiofrequency thermocoagulation in the two groups. The in vitro ovalbumin experiment was used to indicate the effects of unipolar and bipolar radiofrequency thermocoagulation.Results: In this study, the intra-group comparison indicated that compared with the preoperative NRS, the postoperative NRS decreased significantly; the inter-group comparison demonstrated that the NRS of the DCRF group was lower than that of the CRF group at all time points from 6 months to 2 years following the operation. The total effective rate of the DCRF group was significantly higher than that of the CRF group in 2 years following the operation. The incidence of numbness in the DCRF group was higher than that noted in the CRF group at each time point following the operation. The ovalbumin experiments in vitro indicated that the effects of radiofrequency thermocoagulation were optimal when the distance between the two needles was 5 mm.Conclusion: Bipolar spinal root ganglion radiofrequency thermocoagulation exhibits a longer duration and higher effective rate in the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia and it’s a treatment method worth promoting.
Driving Force of Covid-19 Among People Living With HIV/AIDS in Wuhan, China
Authors: Guo Wei , Ming Fangzhao , Dong Yu , Zhang Qian , Liu Lian , Gao Ming , Zhang Xiaoxia , Mo Pingzheng , Feng Yong , Tang Weiming , Liang Ke 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Even people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) were considered to be at increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, the driving force among this group of individuals is still not clear. Methods: We investigated 1,701 PLWHA through a telephone interview and found 11 COVID-19 patients in four districts of Wuhan, China. The demographic features and major clinical characteristics of these patients were retrieved from the information management systems for COVID-19 patients of four districts’ CDC. Statistical analysis was performed to find out the driving force of COVID-19 among PLWHA.Results: The incidence proportion of COVID-19 in PLWHA is 0.6% (95% CI: 0.2% - 1.0%), which is comparable to the overall population incidence rate in Wuhan city (0.6%). Nine out of the 11 COVID-19/AIDS patients had relatively high CD4+ T lymphocyte count (>200/μl) and undetectable HIV viral load (＜20 copies/ml), and ten of them were on antiretroviral therapy. PLWHA who were old, had low CD4+ T lymphocyte count, infected HIV through homosexual activity, and had been diagnosed for HIV for a long time, were more likely to develop COVID-19.Conclusions: PLWHA has comparable COVID-19 morbidity rates as the general population, and older age, low CD4 count, long length since HIV diagnosis, and treatment-naive were potential driving forces of COVID-19 occurrence among PLWHA. Strategies in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection among PLWHA with worse immune responses are needed. Article Summary Line: As COVID-19 continues to spread around the world, people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) are also at risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2. We investigated the factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection among PLWHA in Wuhan, China.
Newborn Screening for SMA - Results After Two Years of a Large Pilot Project&nbsp;
Authors: Vill Katharina , Schwartz Oliver , Blaschek Astrid , Gläser Dieter , Nennstiel Uta , Wirth Brunhilde , Burggraf Siegfried , Röschinger Wulf , Becker Marc , Czibere Ludwig , Durner Jürgen , Eggermann Katja , Olgemöller Bernhard , Harms Erik , Schara Ulrike , Kölbel Heike , Müller-Felber Wolfgang 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is the most common neurodegenerative disease in childhood. Since motor neuron injury is mostly not reversible, early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent major disability. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of newborn screening (NBS) for SMA on clinical outcome. Methods: The pilot project started in January 2018 in Germany and is still ongoing. Genetic screening via PCR of the SMN1 gene from dried blood spots was implemented in the routine NBS structure. Follow-up included neurophysiological examinations, CHOP INTEND and HINE-2.Results: Among 297,163 screened children, 43 cases of SMA were identified, resulting in an incidence of 1:6910. In 21 patients with ≤3 SMN2 copies, treatment with nusinersen according to the FDA/EMA guidelines was started age 14-39 days. Median follow-up period, regarding motor milestones was 12.3 months (range 1.5-26 months). All pre-symptomatically treated patients remained asymptomatic as far as age at last examination already allows this statement. 41% of patients with 2 SMN2 copies had already early, mostly subtle signs of disease. These patients reached motor milestones, however with a certain delay. None developed respiratory symptoms. Two untreated patients with 2 SMN2 copies died. Four untreated patients with 3 SMN2 copies, one of whom was initially diagnosed with 4 SMN2 copies by a different method, developed proximal weakness at ages 6-11 months. Two siblings of babies with 4 SMN2 copies were identified with a missed diagnosis of SMA 3. Conclusion: Identification of newborns with infantile SMA improves neurodevelopmental outcome enormously. It should be introduced in all countries where therapy is available. Detection of SMA via NBS did not increase the incidence compared to the known incidence rate. Early treatment of patients with 4 SMN2 copies should be considered.
New Detection and Treatment for Chlamydia Psittaci: A Case Report
Authors: Wu Xiaojing , Li Yang , Feng Yingying , Li Min , Tian Ye , Wang Qianlin , Lu Binghuai , Zhan Qingyuan 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: The presentation of psittacosis can vary from subclinical infection to fatal pneumonia with a high mortality rate. Chlamydia psittaci infection during pregnancy is rare and might result in placental involvement, premature delivery or miscarriage. Herein, we report a case of severe pneumonia in a pregnant woman caused by C. psittaci.Case presentation: A 27-year-old female with a pregnancy at 22 weeks was admitted with hyperpyrexia, dry cough and dyspnea. Laboratory tests showed increased white blood cell count and slightly-elevated procalcitonin. Chest computed tomography scan revealed consolidation in the lingual and inferior lobe of the left lung. She suffered rapidly progressing respiratory failure and required mechanical ventilation and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Her sample of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was collected, from which C. psittaci was detected using next-generation sequencing (NGS). The pathogen was further confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with the primers specific for the microorganism. Moreover, paired serum tests showed elevated C. psittaci group titer in both IgG and IgM. She was treated with azithromycin and tigecycline. After 24-day hospitalization, the patient was clinically well and discharged home.Conclusion: We report a case of severe pneumonia in a pregnant woman caused by C. psittaci, which diagnosed by NGS, and was cured without adverse effects on infant with tigecycline. The introduction of NGS and other effective assays might increase the detection rate. C. psittaci infection in pregnant women is very rare, but critical. Early diagnosis and correct treatment may save the mother and fetus. New tetracycline agent, tigecycline, may also be an effective alternative and should be further evaluated in psittacosis.
Intramasseteric Schwannoma Mimicking a Parotid Tumor: Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: cai weixin , Xie Nan , Hu Jing , Wang Cheng 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
BackgroundSchwannoma is a benign neoplasm originating from Schwan cells of peripheral nerves as well as the cranial and spinal roots. It often occurred in head and neck region involving cranial nerves VII, VIII, and XII. However, schwannoma located in intramasseteric region is extremely uncommon. There have been only ten reported cases documented in English literatures to date. Case presentationHere, we report a rare intramasseteric schwannoma case, who presented a painless mass in the left cheek with 2 years evolution and was treated with surgical excision through trans-parotid approach. An uneventful recovery without salivary fistula or facial paralysis was recorded after the surgery. Due to its rarity and clinical significance, we also review intramasseteric schwannoma regarding its clinical characteristics and surgical managements.ConclusionIn a word, intramasseteric schwannoma is a benign lesion with favorable prognosis. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scanning is recommended for evaluation and differential diagnoses for this condition. Surgical excision of the tumor without parotidectomy is considered to be effective.
Evaluating the Impact of Financial Incentives on SNAP Transactions Shopping at Mobile Produce Markets
Authors: Rummo Pasquale , Lyerly Reece , Rose Jennifer , Malyuta Yelena , Cohen Eliza Dexter , Nunn Amy 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background. Offering financial incentives promotes increases in fruit and vegetable purchases in farmers’ markets and supermarkets. Yet, little is understood about whether food-insecure adults purchase more fruits and vegetables as a result of receiving financial incentives in mobile produce market settings.Methods. In 2018-2019, Food on the Move provided a 50% discount to customers using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to purchase fruit and vegetables from 16 market locations in Rhode Island (n=412 market occasions). We used mixed multivariable linear regression to estimate the difference in total dollar sales per transaction per month between SNAP customers and non-SNAP customers. We also estimated the difference in out-of-pocket dollar sales per transaction per month between SNAP and non-SNAP customers, less the 50% discount. This reflects the actual amount spent on fresh fruits and vegetables purchased per visit. In both models, we controlled for the number of market sites per month, with fixed effects for quarter and year.Results. In 2018-2019, the majority of market transactions (n=13,165) were SNAP transactions [n=8,293 (66.0%)]. On average, customers spent $17.32 (SD=16.61) on fruits and vegetables per transaction per month. However, SNAP customers spent significantly more on FVs per transaction per month [$21.68 (SD=17.87)] compared to non-SNAP customers [$9.89 (SD=10.71)] (β=$10.54; 95% CI: 9.85, 11.23). Similarly, out-of-pocket dollar sales per transaction per month (i.e., less the 50% discount) were significantly higher among SNAP customers [$11.47 (SD=9.44)] relative to non-SNAP customers [$9.48 (SD=9.36)] (β=$1.86; 95% CI: 1.44, 2.27).Conclusions. Financial incentives contributed to higher fruit and vegetable purchases among low-income customers who shop at mobile produce markets compared to non-eligible customers. Higher spending on fruits and vegetables may promote healthy diet behaviors and reduce chronic disease risk among food-insecure adults.
Treatment Preference Among Patients With Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA): A Discrete Choice Experiment
Authors: Monnette Alisha , Chen Er , Hong Dongzhe , Bazzano Alessandra , Dixon Stacy , Arnold W. David , Shi Lizheng 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To examine patient/caregiver preference for key attributes of treatments for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). BACKGROUND: In the rapidly evolving SMA treatment landscape, it is critically important to understand how attributes of potential treatments may impact patient/caregiver choices.DESIGN/METHODS: A discrete choice experiment survey was developed based on qualitative interviews. Patients with SMA (18 years) and caregivers of patients were recruited through a U.S. patient organization. Respondents made choices in each of 12 sets of hypothetical treatments. The relative importance of five treatment characteristics was compared (measured by regression coefficients [RC] of conditional logit models): (1) improvement or stabilization of motor function, (2) improvement or stabilization of breathing function, (3) indication for all ages or pediatric patients only, (4) route of administration (repeated intrathecal [IT] injections, one-time intravenous [IV] infusion, daily oral delivery) and (5) potential harm (mild, moderate, serious/life threatening).RESULTS: Patient ages ranged from less than 1 to 67 years (n=101, 65 self-reported and 36 caregiver-reported) and 64 were female. Total SMA subtypes included: type 1 (n=21), type 2 (n=48), type 3 (n=29), other (n=3). Prior spinal surgery was reported in 47 patients. Nusinersen and onasemnogene abeparvovec-xioi use were reported in 59 and 10 patients, respectively. Improvement in motor and breathing function was highly valued (RC: 0.65, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.47–0.83 and RC: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.60–0.98, respectively). Oral medication and one-time infusion were strongly preferred over repeated IT injections (RC: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.60–0.98 and RC: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.30–0.73, respectively). Patients least preferred an age-restricted label/approved use ( 2 years of age) (RC: -1.28, 95% CI: -1.47 to -1.09). Cross-attributes trade-off decision suggested a lower willingness for a high-risk therapy despite additional efficacy gain. For some patients, there may be willingness to trade off additional gains in efficacy for a change in route of administration from repeated intrathecal administration to oral medication.CONCLUSIONS: Improvements in motor/breathing function, broad indication, oral or one-time infusion, and minimal risk were preferred treatment attributes. Treatment decisions should be made in clinical context and be tailored to patient needs.