bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Occupational exposure to HIV among healthcare workers in PMTCT sites in Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Authors: Akpuh Ndubuisi , Ajayi IkeOluwapo , Adebowale Ayo , Idris Suleiman Hadejia , Nguku Patrick , Dalhat Mahmood , Adedire Elizabeth 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Rivers State is among the states with high HIV prevalence in Nigeria. Occupational exposure to HIV through blood or body fluids of HIV/AIDS patients is a recognised risk factor of HIV infections among healthcare workers. We identified the determinants of occupational exposures to HIV among healthcare workers in Prevention of Maternal to Child Transmission (PMTCT) sites within Port Harcourt metropolis in Rivers State.

Methods
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted and multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 341 healthcare providers from 22 public and 22 private health facilities in PMTCT sites in Port Harcourt metropolis. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square and logistic regression models (p-value = 0.05).

Results
Respondents’ mean age was 35.9 ± SD8.4 years, 270 (80.1%) and 171(50.7%) were females, and from public health facilities respectively. Prevalence of occupational exposure of healthcare workers to HIV in the past 12 months was 153 (45.0%), and 96 (63.3%) experienced such exposure more than once. Contacts with potentially infectious body fluid accounted for the largest proportion 51 (33.3%); followed by needle stick prick 49 (32.6%). About 189 (56.1%) had safety information at their disposal and this serves as a reminder on safety precautions. The likelihood of occupational exposure was significantly higher among doctors (AOR = 2.22, 95% C.I = 1.16–4.25,) but lower among environmental health workers (AOR = 0.10, 95% C.I = 0.02–0.46,) than nurses/midwives when other factors were included in the model.

Conclusion
Occupational exposure to blood and body fluids remains a frequent occurrence among healthcare workers; highest among doctors in PMTCT sites in the study area. Provision of protective safety materials, training and enforcement of adherence to universal precaution strategies are highly recommended.
Foot health among the Roma population of southern Spain according to the foot health status questionnaire
Authors: Coheña-Jiménez Manuel , Chicharro-Luna Esther , Algaba-Del-Castillo José , Páez-Tudela Amanda 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Foot health of the Roma population is a challenge for the health professionals where this minority is significant, as is the case in Spain. At present, little is known about foot health of the Roma population and their knowledge would promote the training of these professionals at the community level. Foot pain is common and a reason for consulting podiatry services. The purpose of this study was to determine foot health among the Roma population according to the Foot Health Status Questionnaire.

Method
An observational, cross-sectional and quantitative study conducted at the Roma population living in Spain in 2018. Self-reported data and the Foot Health Status Questionnaire were recorded. Examining the general health and foot health (foot pain, foot function, footwear and general health) and general (general health, social capacity, physical activity and vigour). This questionnaire is recommended as a valid and reliable patient-reported outcome. The obtained scores were compared.

Results
A sample made up of 624 men and women from the Roma population took part in this study. 45% were Roma men and 55% Roma women. In the first section of the FHSQ, a lower score of values was recorded in the footwear domain (62.5) and in the general foot health domain (60). Gypsy women obtained lower scores in all the domains. In the second section, lower scores were obtained in the vigour (56) domain and in the general health (60) domain. A large effect size (r-Rosenthal) was found by gender in the footwear domain (0.334) and in the vigour domain (0.195). Roma women showed higher values in cardiac disorders, serious illnesses, doctor visits and foot problems. 67.8% reported that they had never been assisted by a podiatrist.

Conclusions
The studied Roma population has foot health problems, and these are more pronounced among women. They show lower values in the footwear and vigour domains. More professional training is required for health workers in this field to avoid cultural diversity stereotypes.
The influence of adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction cells on the treatment of knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Tsubosaka Masanori , Matsumoto Tomoyuki , Sobajima Satoshi , Matsushita Takehiko , Iwaguro Hideki , Kuroda Ryosuke 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells are a mixed cell population that includes cells with multilineage potential, similar to bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Our purpose is to investigate the influence of SVF cells in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) and the short-term treatment effects.

Methods
Fifty-seven patients were enrolled and treated with intra-articular injection of 2.5 × 107 SVF cells into the knee joint between September 2017 and March 2018. All patients were followed up for 12 months or longer. Mean age at treatment and follow-up period were 69.4 ± 6.9 years and 13.7 ± 2.0 months, respectively. The mean preoperative hip-knee-ankle angle was 6.7 ± 3.6°. SVF cells were prepared using the Celution®800/CRS system from the patients’ abdominal or breech subcutaneous fat. The mean SVF cell viability was 90.6 ± 2.7%. Clinical evaluations were performed for range of motion, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, and the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Score (KOOS). Imaging evaluations, which included the hip-knee-ankle angle assessed via radiography, and T2 mapping value using a 1.5-T magnetic resonance imaging unit were also assessed. Both clinical and imaging evaluations were performed preoperatively, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively, and compared among all timepoints (p < 0.05).

Results
Knee extension angle at 6 and 12 months postoperatively was significantly better than the preoperative angle. Total WOMAC, VAS, and KOOS scores at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively were significantly better than preoperative scores. There was no significant difference in hip-knee-ankle angle among the five time periods. T2 mapping values of lateral femur and tibia were significantly higher 12 months postoperatively than preoperatively.

Conclusions
The short-term clinical effects of intra-articular SVF cell injection on knee OA were excellent. Intra-articular SVF cell injection is a novel and innovative approach for treating patients with knee OA.
Minimally invasive versus conventional fixation of tracer in robot-assisted pedicle screw insertion surgery: a randomized control trial
Authors: Yongqi Li , Dehua Zhang , Hongzi Wu , Ke Zhang , Rui Yang , Zhou Fang , Shaobo Wang , Yi Liao 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
This study evaluated the minimal invasiveness, safety, and accuracy of robot-assisted pedicle screw placement procedure using a modified tracer fixation device.

Methods
Patients were randomly assigned to conventional fixation group (25 patients) and modified fixation group (27 patients).

Results
No baseline statistical difference was observed between the groups (P > 0.05). The length of unnecessary incision, amount of bleeding, and fixation duration for tracer fixation respectively were 6.08 ± 1.02 mm, 1.46 ± 0.84 ml, and 1.56 ± 0.32 min in the modified fixation group and 40.28 ± 8.52 mm, 12.02 ± 2.24 ml, and 5.08 ± 1.06 min in the conventional group. The difference between both groups was significant (P < 0.05). However, no significant difference between the two groups was observed in terms of the accuracy of pedicle screw placement (P > 0.05).

Conclusions
The modified minimally invasive procedure for tracer fixation results in minimal trauma and is simple, reliable, and highly safe. Additionally, the procedure does not compromise the accuracy of pedicle screw placement. Thus, it has great clinical applicable value.

Trial registration
Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: Registration number, ChiCTR1800016680; Registration Date, 15/06/2018.
Knowledge and practices regarding tuberculosis infection control among nurses in Ibadan, south-west Nigeria: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Akande Patrick Aboh 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Nurses are particularly vulnerable to nosocomial tuberculosis (TB) infection because, being in the frontline of healthcare provision, they are frequently exposed to patients with infectious TB disease. Although cost-effective measures are available for TB infection control (TBIC), they are often poorly implemented. Knowledge of TBIC is known to positively influence the practice of the measures. There is, however, paucity of data on the knowledge and practices regarding TBIC among nurses in Nigeria. This study was aimed at determining the levels of TBIC-related knowledge and practices of nurses in Ibadan, and their associated socio-demographic factors.

Methods
This cross-sectional study utilized a self-administered questionnaire to collect data from 200 nurses in two secondary health facilities, in May 2014. The mean knowledge and practice scores of the nurses were determined and logistic regression was utilized to explore the association between the scores and socio-demographic characteristics.

Results
The respondents had mean knowledge and practice scores of 68.2 and 79.9% respectively. Using cut-off points of 80 and 100% for good knowledge and practice scores respectively, small proportions of the nurses had good scores – knowledge (10.5%) and practice (6%). Knowledge was not significantly associated with the socio-demographic characteristics of the nurses. Work experience was the only factor that was significantly associated with practices, with the more experienced nurses (> 18 years of work experience) having lower odds of obtaining good practice scores (OR 0.25, 95% CI 0.06–0.94). There was also no significant association between knowledge and practice scores (the nurses were yet to be trained on the newly-introduced TBIC package at the time of the study).

Conclusions
The study revealed that small proportions of the nurses had good knowledge and practice scores. Its findings will be useful for the designing of interventions to improve TBIC among nurses and other healthcare workers, and to benchmark evaluation of the interventions. It is recommended that nurses should be trained on TBIC to equip them with necessary knowledge and skills. This, together with appropriate policy directives, and adequate monitoring and supervision will contribute to optimal implementation of TB preventive measures.
A comparison of psychometric properties of two common measures of caregiving burden: the family burden interview schedule (FBIS-24) and the Zarit caregiver burden interview (ZBI-22)
Authors: Yu Yu , Liu Zi-wei , Li Tong-xin , Zhou Wei , Xi Shi-jun , Xiao Shui-yuan , Tebes Jacob Kraemer 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Purpose
The Family Burden Interview Schedule (FBIS-24) and the Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview (ZBI-22) are among the most widely used measures for assessing caregiving burden, but their psychometric performances have not been compared in the same study of caregivers of people living with schizophrenia (PLS). This is important because the measures assess overlapping constructs- the FBIS-24 assesses objective burden (e.g., completion of manual tasks) and the ZBI-22 assesses subjective burden (e.g., perceived distress, stigma). This study seeks to fill this gap by comparing the reliability and validity of the FBIS-24 and the ZBI-22 in a Chinese community sample of caregivers of PLS.

Methods
A Cross-sectional stud was conducted in a community-based mental health service program in Central South part of China. A total of 327 primary family caregivers of PLS completed face-to-face interviews of the FBIS-24, the ZBI-22, the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), and the Family Adaptation, Partnership, Growth, Affection and Resolve Index scale (APGAR), and PLS were assessed using the Global Assessment of Function scale (GAF).

Results
Our findings show that both the FBIS-24 and ZBI-22 have comparable psychometric performance in terms of the internal consistency, convergent validity and known group’s validity.

Conclusion
Both the FBIS-24 and the ZBI-22 are psychometrically sound measures of caregiving burden but the choice of which measure to use will depend on the research question.
MicroRNA-153 impairs presynaptic plasticity by blocking vesicle release following chronic brain hypoperfusion
Authors: Yan Mei-Ling , Zhang Shuai , Zhao Hong-Mei , Xia Sheng-Nan , Jin Zhuo , Xu Yi , Yang Lin , Qu Yang , Huang Si-Yu , Duan Ming-Jing , Mao Meng , An Xiao-Bin , Mishra Chandan , Zhang Xin-Yu , Sun Li-Hua , Ai Jing 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Chronic brain hypoperfusion (CBH) is closely related to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD). Meanwhile, synaptic pathology plays a prominent role in the initial stage of AD and VaD. However, whether and how CBH impairs presynaptic plasticity is currently unclear.

Methods
In the present study, we performed a battery of techniques, including primary neuronal culture, patch clamp, stereotaxic injection of the lentiviral vectors, morris water maze (MWM), dual luciferase reporter assay, FM1–43 fluorescence dye evaluation, qRT-PCR and western blot, to investigate the regulatory effect of miR-153 on hippocampal synaptic vesicle release both in vivo and in vitro. The CBH rat model was generated by bilateral common carotid artery ligation (2VO).

Results
Compared to sham rats, 2VO rats presented decreased field excitatory postsynaptic potential (fEPSP) amplitude and increased paired-pulse ratios (PPRs) in the CA3-CA1 pathway, as well as significantly decreased expression of multiple vesicle fusion-related proteins, including SNAP-25, VAMP-2, syntaxin-1A and synaptotagmin-1, in the hippocampi. The levels of microRNA-153 (miR-153) were upregulated in the hippocampi of rats following 2VO surgery, and in the plasma of dementia patients. The expression of the vesicle fusion-related proteins affected by 2VO was inhibited by miR-153, elevated by miR-153 inhibition, and unchanged by binding-site mutation or miR masks. FM1–43 fluorescence images showed that miR-153 blunted vesicle exocytosis, but this effect was prevented by either 2′-O-methyl antisense oligoribonucleotides to miR-153 (AMO-153) and miR-masking of the miR-153 binding site in the 3′ untranslated region (3’UTR) of the Snap25, Vamp2, Stx1a and Syt1 genes. Overexpression of miR-153 by lentiviral vector-mediated miR-153 mimics (lenti-pre-miR-153) decreased the fEPSP amplitude and elevated the PPR in the rat hippocampus, whereas overexpression of the antisense molecule (lenti-AMO-153) reversed these changes triggered by 2VO. Furthermore, lenti-AMO-153 attenuated the cognitive decline of 2VO rats.

Conclusions
Overexpression of miR-153 controls CBH-induced presynaptic vesicle release impairment by posttranscriptionally regulating the expression of four vesicle release-related proteins by targeting the 3’UTRs of the Stx1a, Snap25, Vamp2 and Syt1 genes. These findings identify a novel mechanism of presynaptic plasticity impairment during CBH, which may be a new drug target for prevention or treatment of AD and VaD.

Graphical abstract
The NLRP3 inflammasome in traumatic brain injury: potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target
Authors: O’Brien William T. , Pham Louise , Symons Georgia F. , Monif Mastura , Shultz Sandy R. , McDonald Stuart J. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThere is a great clinical need to identify the underlying mechanisms, as well as related biomarkers, and treatment targets, for traumatic brain injury (TBI). Neuroinflammation is a central pathophysiological feature of TBI. NLRP3 inflammasome activity is a necessary component of the innate immune response to tissue damage, and dysregulated inflammasome activity has been implicated in a number of neurological conditions. This paper introduces the NLRP3 inflammasome and its implication in the pathogenesis of neuroinflammatory-related conditions, with a particular focus on TBI. Although its role in TBI has only recently been identified, findings suggest that priming and activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome are upregulated following TBI. Moreover, recent studies utilizing specific NLRP3 inhibitors have provided further evidence that this inflammasome is a major driver of neuroinflammation and neurobehavioral disturbances following TBI. In addition, there is emerging evidence that circulating inflammasome-associated proteins may have utility as diagnostic biomarkers of neuroinflammatory conditions, including TBI. Finally, novel and promising areas of research will be highlighted, including the potential involvement of the NLRP3 inflammasome in mild TBI, how factors such as biological sex may affect NLRP3 activity in TBI, and the use of emerging biomarker platforms. Taken together, this review highlights the exciting potential of the NLRP3 inflammasome as a target for treatments and biomarkers that may ultimately be used to improve TBI management.
Deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs): DoUBle-edged swords in CNS autoimmunity
Authors: Ruan Jing , Schlüter Dirk , Wang Xu 
Published: April 2020

AbstractMultiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common autoimmune disease of the CNS. The etiology of MS is still unclear but it is widely recognized that both genetic and environmental factors contribute to its pathogenesis. Immune signaling and responses are critically regulated by ubiquitination, a posttranslational modification that is promoted by ubiquitinating enzymes and inhibited by deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs). Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) identified that polymorphisms in or in the vicinity of two human DUB genes TNFAIP3 and USP18 were associated with MS susceptibility. Studies with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of MS, have provided biological rationale for the correlation between these DUBs and MS. Additional studies have shown that other DUBs are also involved in EAE by controlling distinct cell populations. Therefore, DUBs are emerging as crucial regulators of MS/EAE and might become potential therapeutic targets for the clinical treatment of MS.
Astragaloside IV inhibits astrocyte senescence: implication in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Xia Mei-Ling , Xie Xia-Hong , Ding Jian-Hua , Du Ren-Hong , Hu Gang 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Senescent astrocytes have been implicated in the aging brain and neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson’s disease (PD). Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) is an antioxidant derivative from a traditional Chinese herbal medicine Astragalus membraneaceus Bunge and exerts anti-inflammatory and longevity effects and neuroprotective activities. However, its effect on astrocyte senescence in PD remains to be defined.

Methods
Long culture-induced replicative senescence model and lipopolysaccharide/1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (LPS/MPP+)-induced premature senescence model and a mouse model of PD were used to investigate the effect of AS-IV on astrocyte senescence in vivo and in vitro. Immunocytochemistry, qPCR, subcellular fractionation, flow cytometric analyses, and immunohistochemistry were subsequently conducted to determine the effects of AS-IV on senescence markers.

Results
We found that AS-IV inhibited the astrocyte replicative senescence and LPS/MPP+-induced premature senescence, evidenced by decreased senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity and expression of senescence marker p16, and increased nuclear level of lamin B1, and reduced pro-inflammatory senescence-associated secretory phenotype. More importantly, we showed that AS-IV protected against the loss of dopamine neurons and behavioral deficits in the mouse model of PD, which companied by reduced accumulation of senescent astrocytes in substantia nigra compacta. Mechanistically, AS-IV promoted mitophagy, which reduced damaged mitochondria accumulation and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species generation and then contributed to the suppression of astrocyte senescence. The inhibition of autophagy abolished the suppressive effects of AS-IV on astrocyte senescence.

Conclusions
Our findings reveal that AS-IV prevents dopaminergic neurodegeneration in PD via inhibition of astrocyte senescence through promoting mitophagy and suggest that AS-IV is a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of age-associated neurodegenerative diseases such as PD.
Perceived barriers to randomised controlled trials in breast reconstruction: obstacle to trial initiation or opportunity to resolve? A qualitative study
Authors:   on behalf of the iBRA Steering Group, Davies Gareth , Mills Nicola , Holcombe Chris , Potter Shelley 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Implant-based breast reconstruction (IBBR) is the most commonly performed breast reconstruction technique worldwide but the technique is evolving rapidly. High-quality evidence is needed to support practice. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) provide the best evidence but can be challenging to conduct.
iBRA is a four-phased study which aimed to inform the feasibility, design and conduct of an RCT in IBBR. In phase 3, the randomisation acceptability study, an electronic survey and qualitative interviews were conducted to explore professionals’ perceptions of future trials in IBBR. Findings from the interviews are presented here.

Methods
Semi-structured qualitative interviews were undertaken with a purposive sample of 31 health professionals (HPs) who completed the survey to explore their attitudes to the feasibility of potential RCTs in more detail. All interviews were transcribed verbatim and data were analysed thematically using constant comparative techniques. Sampling, data collection and analysis were undertaken iteratively and concurrently until data saturation was achieved.

Results
Almost all HPs acknowledged the need for better evidence to support the practice of IBBR and most identified RCTs as generating the highest-quality evidence. Despite highlighting potential challenges, most participants supported the need for an RCT in IBBR. A minority, however, were strongly opposed to a future trial. The opposition and challenges identified centred around three key themes; (i) limited understanding of pragmatic study design and the value of randomisation in minimising bias; (ii) clinician and patient equipoise and (iii) aspects of surgical culture and training that were not supportive of RCTs.

Conclusion
There is a need for well-designed, large-scale RCTs to support the current practice of IBBR but barriers to their acceptability are evident. The perceived barriers to RCTs in breast reconstruction identified in this study are not insurmountable and have previously been overcome in other similar surgical trials. This may represent an opportunity, not only to establish the evidence base for IBBR, but also to improve engagement in RCTs in breast surgery in general to ultimately improve outcomes for patients.

Trial registration
International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number ISRCTN37664281.