bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of an educational intervention to improve tuberculosis infection control among nurses in Ibadan, South-West Nigeria: a quasi-experimental study
Authors: Akande Patrick Aboh 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Background: Nurses are particularly vulnerable to acquiring tuberculosis (TB) because they are in the frontline of patient care. There is inadequate implementation of cost-effective TB infection control (TBIC) measures at most health facilities. Training has been shown to be effective in improving the knowledge and work practices of nurses. This study sought to utilize a multi-method educational intervention to improve the TBIC-related knowledge and practices of nurses in two secondary health facilities in Ibadan, South-West Nigeria. Methods: This quasi-experimental study involved 200 nurses (100 each in the intervention and comparison groups). Baseline data was collected in May 2014. This was followed by training of the nurses in the intervention group. After 6 months, the second wave of data was collected and the nurses in the comparison group also received the training thereafter. The final wave of data collection took place 12 months after the commencement of the study. Mean scores of the nurses were determined and comparison made between both groups at different time points using independent t-test. Results: The nurses in both groups were statistically comparable in their socio-demographic characteristics and baseline mean knowledge (68.6% and 67.7%) and practice scores (79.1% and 80.6%) respectively. After the intervention group received the training, there were appreciable improvements in the post-intervention scores of the group at 6 months (knowledge-85.9%; practice-98.5%), which were significantly different from those of the comparison group (knowledge-69.5%, practice-78.8%). A large effect size was demonstrated in the improvement in knowledge score in the intervention group at 6 months compared with the other group (Cohen’s d = 1.7). Similarly, there were improvements in the scores of the nurses in the comparison group at 12 months after the group had also received the training (knowledge-88.2%, practice-93.5%). At this point, the mean scores between both groups were no longer significantly different. Conclusions: The improvement in post-intervention scores implies that the educational intervention adopted for this study was effective in improving TBIC among the nurses. It also underscores the importance of continuous training/retraining of nurses and other healthcare workers in improving and sustaining TBIC at health facilities.
Heart rate and heart rate variability comparison between postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome versus healthy participants; a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Authors: Swai Joel Dominic , Hu Zixuan , Zhao Xiexiong , Rugambwa Tibera , Ming Gui 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: A number of published literatures have reported that, physiologically, heart rate variability in patients with postural orthostatic tachycardia (POTS) to be greatly confounded by age, sex, race, physical fitness and circadian rhythm. The purpose of this study was to compare between postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) patients versus healthy patients , in terms of heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) after Head-Up tilt test, by systematic review and meta-analysis of available published literature. Methods: MEDLINE (using PubMed interphase), EMBASE and SCOPUS were systematically searched for observational studies comparing between POTS patients versus healthy patients, in terms of heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV). HRV was grouped into Time and frequency domain outcome measurements. Time domain was measured as mean RR- interval and mean square root of mean of squares of successive R-R waves (rMSSD) in milliseconds. Frequency domain was measured as mean values of Low frequency power (LF), High frequency power (HF), LF/HF-ratio, LF-normalized units (LF(n.u)) and HF-normalized units (HF(n.u)). Demographic data, comorbidities, and mean values of HR, RR- interval, rMSSD, LF, HF, LF/HF-ratio, LF-(n.u) and H.F-n.u were extracted from each group and compared, by their mean differences as overall outcome measure. Computer software, RevMan 5.3 was utilized, at 95% significance level. Results: Twenty (20) eligible studies were found to report 717 POTS and 641 healthy participant s. POTS group had higher mean heart rate (p<0.05), lower mean RR-Interval (p<0.05), lower rMSSD (p<0.05) than healthy participants. Furthermore, POTS group had lower mean HF (p>0.05), lower mean LF(p>0.05), and lower mean HF(n.u) (p>0.05), higher LF/HF-Ratio (p>0.05) and higher LF(n.u) (p>0.05) as compared to healthy participants. Conclusion: POTS patients have higher heart rate than healthy patients after HUTT and and lower HRV in terms of time domain measure but not in terms of frequency domain measure. Heart rate and time domain analyses of HRV are more reliable than frequency domain analysis in differentiating POTS patient from healthy participant. We call upon sensitivity and specificity studies.
Predictors of endoscopic prophylaxis for rebleeding in esophageal varices combined type 2 gastroesophageal varices
Authors: Nie Yuan , Jiang Mei-Chun , Zhang Yue , Wan Si-Zhe , Liu Cong , Zhu Xuan 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background and Aim Decompensated cirrhosis patients with esophageal varices (EVs) combined type 2 gastroesophageal varices (GOV2) have rebleeding risk after endoscopic prophylaxis. This study was performed to evaluate the preventive efficacy of endoscopic treatment in patients with EVs combined GOV2, and seek out the risk factor of rebleeding.Methods We performed a single-center, observational, retrospective study of patients with EVs combined GOV2 extracted from hospitalization. The biochemical examination, demographics, endoscopic performance and treatment methods of patients undergoing endoscopic treatment were collected. All patients were observed until 1-year, or loss to follow-up. The predictors parameter of rebleeding were analyzed by logistic regression analysisResults A total of 124 patients underwent endoscopic treatment, including 2 (1.6%) patients failed to stop bleeding, 19 (15.3%) patients loss to follow-up. 103 patients were observed until 1-year, including 11 (10.7%) patients had rebleeding. The results had indicated EVs+GOV2 with GOV1, Age, PTA, Bilirubin, Platelet count, Child-Pugh, MELD were associated with rebleeding at 1-year in patients with EVs combined GOV2. Multivariate logistic analysis defined that Age, EVs+GOV2 with GOV1, Bilirubin, PTA were independent risk factor for rebleeding.
Shear wave elastography (SWE) may be more sensitive and more precise than transient elastography (TE) in predicting significant fibrosis in CHB patients：A prospective comparative study
Authors: Yao Tiantian , Pan Jing , Qian Jiandan , Cheng Hao , Wang Yan , Wang Guiqiang 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background Noninvasive measurements including transient elastography (TE) and the two-dimensional shear wave elastography (SWE) have been clinical used instead of liver biopsy for the regular assessment of liver fibrosis in patients during following-up. We aimed to investigate independent factors of SWE compared with TE and find the optimal cutoff values of these two non-invasive evaluation assessments based on our cohort of treatment-naive CHB patients. Methods Fifty-four treatment-naive CHB patients were enrolled and studied. All of them were performed SWE, TE, serum tests and liver biopsy. Potential factors of SWE and TE values were analysed by linear regression and orthogonal partial least squares (OPLS) discriminant analysis. The agreement, the association, the comparison of the two different methods were implemented based on the results of liver biopsy by using Bland–Altman analysis, spearman’s correlation and areas under the receive operating characteristic curves (AUROCs). Results There were 27 cases (50%) of mild fibrosis (F0-F2) and 27 (50%) cases of significant fibrosis (F3-F6), fibrosis was assessed with the Ishak scoring system. Multivariate linear regression analyses revealed that fibrosis stage was the only factor affecting the values of SWE (P<0.001), whereas total bilirubin levels (P=0.013) and fibrosis stage (P=0.037) were independent factors affecting TE values. OPLS showed the numbers independent factors (VIP>1) were more in TE than SWE. Bland-Altman analysis showed satisfied agreement between LSMs of SWE and TE. Both of SWE and TE could significantly evaluate significant fibrosis (P<0.001). Spearman’s correlation analysis revealed a correlation between liver fibrosis and LSMs of SWE and TE (r=0.65 and 0.50, P<0.001). Areas under receiver operating characteristics curves (AUROCs) of SWE and TE for significant fibrosis (F>2) were 0.786 and 0.714, respectively. The optimal cutoff values of LSMs of SWE and TE were 9.05kPa and 8.15kPa, respectively. Conclusions According to the AUROCs in comparative data, SWE may be more sensitive and more precise than TE in predicting significant fibrosis (>F2) in CHB patients. Compare to TE, the value of SWE is less affected by factors and will be more promising application prospects.
Hyperglycemia primes NETosis, which exacerbates ischemic brain damage
Authors: Deng Jiangshan , Zhao Fei , Zhang Yunlong , Zhou Yajun , Xu Xiaofeng , Zhang Xiaojie , Wang Feng , Zhao Yuwu 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background：Hyperglycemia is common and associated with poor outcomes in acute ischemic stroke patients. It is not well understood how hyperglycemia exacerbates brain damage in ischemic stroke. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) have shown an emerging role in noninfectious diseases. We aimed to determine the role of NETs in acute ischemic stroke with hyperglycemia. Methods: NETs were immunostained using NET markers (citrullinated histone H3 (H3Cit)) and quantified in thrombi retrieved from ischemic stroke patients undergoing endovascular treatment. BKS-db/db and wild-type mice were used to establish the permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO) model. Wild-type mice were injected with glucose to simulate acute hyperglycemia after middle cerebral artery occlusion. NETs were detected in the peri-ischemic brain tissue. After inhibition of NET formation, infarction volume, neurological function and inflammatory factors in pMCAO mice were evaluated. Results: H3Cit, a marker of NETs, was observed in almost all thrombi. H3Cit was much more abundant in thrombi from diagnosed diabetic patients and acute hyperglycemic patients compared with those in normglycemic patients. In pMCAO mice, NETs were induced by chronic diabetes and acute hyperglycemia. Inhibition of NET formation with the peptidylarginine deiminase 4 (PAD4) inhibitor Cl-amidine decreased the infarction volume both in db/db and wild-type mice with hyperglycemia. Neurological function deficits were alleviated by blocking NET formation, as shown in the grip strength and rotarod tests. The levels of TNF-α and IL-1β but not IL-6 coincided with NET formation. Conclusions: Hyperglycemia may exacerbate brain damage in ischemic stroke through NETs. The underlying mechanisms deserve to be further studied.
Tight blood pressure control versus standard blood pressure control on the incidence of myocardial infarction and stroke: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Park Bumsoo , Budzynska Katarzyna , Almasri Nada , Islam Sumaiya , Alyas Fanar , Carolan Rachel L. , Abraham Benjamin E. , Castro-Camero Pamela A. , Shreve Maria E. , Rees Della A. , Lamerato Lois 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background The 2017 American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association guideline defined hypertension as blood pressure (BP) ≥ 130/80 mmHg compared to the traditional definition of ≥ 140/90 mmHg. This change raised much controversy. We conducted this study to evaluate incidences of myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke comparing tight (TBPC) and standard BP control (SBPC).Methods The data were collected and analyzed in 2018. We retrospectively identified hypertensive patients for 1 year at our institution who were classified by BP rate across 3 years into 2 groups of TBPC (< 130 mmHg) and SBPC (130-139 mmHg). We compared the incidence of new MI and stroke between the 2 groups across a 2-year follow-up. Multivariate analysis was done to identify independent risk factors.Results Of 5640 study patients, the TBPC group showed significantly less incidence of stroke compared to the SBPC group. No differences were found in MI incidence between the 2 groups. Multivariate analysis showed that increased age independently increased the incidence of both MI and stroke, and TBPC independently decreased the incidence of stroke but not of MI.Conclusions Our study showed that TBPC had a significant benefit in less stroke incidence compared to SBPC but did not affect the incidence of MI.
An improved HIV care cascade to assess HIV control programs among people who inject drugs.
Authors: Molès Jean-Pierre , Peries Marianne , Huong Duong Thi , Lien Truong Thi Xuan , Vallo Roselyne , Barrail-Tran Aurélie , Giang Hoang Thi , Thanh Nham Thi Tuyet , Khue Pham Minh , Vinh Vu Hai , Arasteh Kamyar , Rapoud Delphine , Quillet Catherine , Feelemyer Jonathan , Michel Laurent , Oanh Khuat Thi Hai , Jarlais Don Des , Laureillard Didier , Nagot Nicolas 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background Achievement of HIV control among key populations through universal access to antiretroviral treatment (ART) requires a precise evaluation of the cascade of care. One of the main difficulties in obtaining an accurate community-based cascade of care is misreporting, which could represent one of the most important bias for people suffering from stigma. The primary objective was to estimate the added value of plasma antiretroviral concentration to improve the estimation of HIV cascade of careMethods We constructed the cascade of HIV care among persons who inject drugs (PWID) living in Hai Phong, Vietnam, using a community-based survey. First and second line HIV treatment contained fixed dose of lamivudine. Misreporting of HIV status and ART were identified by plasma lamivudine detection. We then compared the two methods for estimating the cascade of HIV careResults The proportion of misreporting was estimated at 30% among PWID. No specific PWID profile could be identified as associated with misreporting.Conclusions Adding plasma ARV detection to the routine data collection strongly improved the accuracy of the HIV cascade of care.
Complexity of Gender Dependent Contributing Factors on the Number of Lifetime Sexual Partners among Smartphone Application Users: A Path Analysis Model
Authors: Zarei Nooshin , Khaksar Elahe , Roosta Fatemeh , Joulaei Hassan 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background Smartphone apps provide a more accessible way for people to find friends and potential sexual partners. This study aimed to investigate the effects of contributing factors on the number of lifetime sexual partners and its gender differences among smartphone application users.Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in the summer of 2017 in Southwest of Iran via an online web-based questionnaire. Out of 414 smartphone users who completed the questionnaire, 169 were excluded due to not using mobile or apps to access sexual information and 245 were finally studied. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 25.0 and Mplus version 6.12. The path analysis was run for both men and women separately. The significant level was considered to be < 0.05 in all analysis. In addition, goodness of fit models were used by determining several indices.Results For both genders, the most effective variables on the number of lifetime sexual partners was the attitude toward the premarital relationship and more permissive attitude was accompanied with more number of sexual partner. Other similar contributing factors in both genders were calling by the Internet, duration of the Internet usage, marital relationship, employment status, birth place, emotional instability, and openness to experience personality. Intimacy with parents was another effective factor, which was only effective for females.Conclusion Due to the necessity of using smartphones, pre-puberty training and informing about the potential risks of the virtual environment should be considered. In this way, the role of parents should not be ignored.
Knowledge Level of Cancer Symptoms and Risk Factors in the Gaza Strip: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Elshami Mohamedraed , Elshami Alaa , Alshorbassi Nabeela , Alkhatib Mohammed , Ismail Iyad , Abu-Nemer Khitam , Hana Mustafa , Qandeel Ahmed , Abdelwahed Ahmed , Yazji Hamza , Abuamro Hisham , Matar Ghadeer , Alsahhar Ahmed , Abolamzi Ahmed , Baraka Obay , Elblbessy Mahmood , Samra Tahani , Bottcher Bettina 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background In low-income settings, cancer is often diagnosed in advanced stages due to late presentation. Good public awareness of cancer signs and symptoms has a positive impact on the time patients take before they present to healthcare professionals. Therefore, this study examined public knowledge and awareness of cancer signs and symptoms as well as risk factors in the Gaza Strip. Methods This was a cross-sectional study. Participants were recruited from adult visitors (≥18 years) to governmental hospitals covering all five governorates of the Gaza Strip, and adolescent students (15 to 17 years) from ten high schools in corresponding locations. Visitors to oncology departments were excluded. An Arabic version of the Cancer Awareness Measure (CAM) questionnaire was completed in a face-to-face interview. It described demographic data and knowledge of: cancer prevalence, age-related risk, signs and symptoms as well as risk factors both in recall and recognition questions. Results A total of 2886 participants (out of 3033; response rate= 95.2%) with a mean age of 24.9±11.9 years, completed the questionnaire, including 1457 (50.5%) adolescents (781 females; 53.6%) and 1429 (49.5%) adults (702 females; 49.1%). About two thirds (n= 1885) thought about cancer as unrelated to age. Only 196 participants (6.8%) identified colorectal cancer as the most common cancer among men. Awareness of cancer signs/symptoms was poor to fair, where ‘lump’ was most commonly recognized (n= 2227, 77.2%) and ‘change of bowel habit’ the least (n= 670, 23.2%). Only 217 participants (7.5%) had a good level of recognizing risk factors with ‘smoking’ being the most identified and ‘eating less than five portions of fruits and vegetables a day’ the least. Adults were persistently better at identifying most cancer signs/symptoms and risk factors than adolescents, except for recalling ‘unexplained pain’, ‘persistent cough/hoarseness’, ‘non-healing ulcer’, ‘smoking’, and ‘eating less than five portions of fruits and vegetables a day’. Conclusion Public awareness of cancer signs/symptoms and risk factors needs to improve in Gaza to facilitate early presentation and diagnosis. Combining the delivery of public campaigns with tailored education to population groups, including the youth, may increase their knowledge and maintain its impact and sustainability.
Tobacco cessation – as we want it! An interview study with young people.
Authors: Aurin Ingrid Edvardsson , Aurin Ingrid Edvardsson , Haraldsson Katarina , Lendahls Lena 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background Smoking is still common among teenagers and young adults, and about every third young smoker states that he/she wants to quit smoking. There are no obvious evidence-based methods for tobacco cessation for young adults, and therefore, the same methods are used for adolescents and adults. The aim was to study adolescents’ and young adult’s experiences and views about what support they would like for smoking cessation. Methods A qualitative content study using a descriptive and exploratory design was conducted. Young smokers 16 - 29 years old (n=25) were interviewed in five focus groups in southern Sweden. Data were analyzed by content analysis. Results The results illuminate young people’s suggestions to develop a model for tobacco cessation. Four themes emerged; Finding your own motivation – a prerequisite for taking the first step towards giving up smoking. Existing support rejected - existing apps, support by SMS, and self-help brochures did not appeal to the adolescents. Agreement between friends – To sign an agreement between two friends, which included a fee for relapses. Supportive environment - To organize the model with duo groups and give adapted support, and create the opportunity to win simple prizes to celebrate achieved interim goals. Conclusions The participants suggested that the model for tobacco cessation should contain adult support and involve an agreement between friends, as well as have elements of celebration and competition. The challenge will be to implement this model into environments where they live.
Evaluating of the Axivity accelerometers algorithm in measurement of physical activity intensity in boys and girls
Authors: Mansoubi Maedeh , Esser Patrick , Meaney Andy , Metz Renske , Beunder Kyle , Dawes Helen 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Accelerometers are new but popular tools in measurement of physical activity level but most of them use the algorithms which are more suitable for adults rather than adolescents. Also accelerometers accuracy in assessing physical activity intensity in boys and girls is widely unknown. Therefore, purpose the current study was to evaluate the validity of the Axivity accelerometers in relation to establish algorithm in the measurement of physical activity intensity in boys and girls. Methods: A total of 143 participants recruited from a local school in Oxfordshire and 119 of them (84 boys and 35 girls, age (12.71 ± 0.46)) completed the shuttle run test while wearing an AX3 accelerometer. Signal Vector Magnitude (gravity-subtracted) (SVMgs) and Metabolic equivalent (MET) values were calculated for both of boys and girls. Results: The study result showed that girls had significantly higher SVMgs value (P< 0.05) while according to the standard equations, girls have lower VO2max and MET in each shuttle run lap. Conclusion: This study result suggest that different algorithms might be necessary to measure physical activity in different genders.