bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Characteristics and Social Functioning of Pathological Social Withdrawal, “Hikikomori,” in a Secondary Care Setting: A One-Year Cohort Study
Authors: Imai Hissei , Takamatsu Toko , Mitsuya Hideaki , Yoshizawa Hajime , Mitsuya Hidehiko , Furukawa Toshi A 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Pathological social withdrawal, named “Hikikomori,” is a Japanese culture-bound syndrome and a serious social problem in Japan. The number of Hikikomori cases in Japan was estimated at about 563,000 in 2016 according to governmental surveys. However, no studies have reported how many Hikikomori have access to community-based psychiatry clinics, and how different they are from non-Hikikomori patients regarding their baseline characteristics and outcomes.　The aim of the present study is to evaluate the baseline characteristics, clinical attendance, and social functioning of community psychiatric clinic patients treated for social withdrawal at one-year follow-ups.Method: Participants (n = 304) were all patients (aged under 65) of a psychiatric clinic in a one-year period. Baseline patient characteristics were compared among “current” Hikikomori patients, “past” Hikikomori,” and “other” patients. Logistic regression analysis of “clinic attendance status” and “social functioning” at one-year follow-ups was used to assess patient outcomes. Independent variables were age, gender, Hikikomori status, and support from clinical staff.Results: Numbers of “current”, “past” Hikikomori, and “other” patients were 60 (19.7%), 81 (26.6%), and 163 (53.6%), respectively. The percentage of “current” Hikikomori who attended in person (56.7%) was significantly smaller than for “past” (92.6%) and “other” (92.6) (p < .001). The age distribution of “current” Hikikomori patients was bimodal, peaking at 20 and 40–45 years. The “current” state predicted significantly fewer regular visits (OR = 0.43; 95% CI = 0.22–0.83; p = .012); support from psychiatric social workers increased visits (OR = 2.35; 95% CI = 1.14–4.86; p = .021). Among the “current” Hikikomori patients, first visit attendance in-person predicted regular attendance; no factor consistently predicted working/schooling status.Conclusion: A sizable percentage of community clinic patients experienced Hikikomori. The “current” Hikikomori state corresponded with low clinic attendance and social function; “support from clinical staff” may increase visit regularity; no factors consistently improved social functioning. Further multi-site study is warranted to examine the generalizability of the findings from the current single-center study.
Stigma and utilization of treatment for adolescent perinatal depression in Ibadan Nigeria
Authors: Kola Lola , Bennett Ian M , Bhat Amritha , Ayinde Olatunde O. , Oladeji Bibilola D. , Abiona Dolapo , Abdulmalik Jibril , Faregh Neda , Collins Pamela Y. , Gureje Oye 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background. Depression is a common and severe disorder among low-income adolescent mothers in low-and middle-income countries where resources for treatment are limited. We wished to identify factors influencing health service utilization for adolescent perinatal depression, in Nigeria to inform new strategies of care delivery.Methods. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were conducted among purposively selected low-income young mothers (with medical histories of adolescent perinatal depression), and separately with primary care clinicians treating this condition in Ibadan, Nigeria. Participants from this community-based study were from the database of respondents who participated in a previous randomized control trial (RCT) conducted between 2014 and 2016 in 28 primary health care facilities in the 11 Local government areas in Ibadan. Semi-structured interview guides, framed by themes of the Behavioral Model for Vulnerable Populations, was developed to obtain views of participants on the factors that promote or hinder help-seeking and engagement (see additional files 1 & 2). FGDs were conducted, and saturation of themes was achieved after discussions with six groups. Transcripts were analyzed using content analysis.Results. A total of 42 participants, 17 mothers (who were adolescents at the time of the RCT), and 25 care providers participated in 6 FGDs. The availability of care for perinatal depression at the primary care level was an important enabling factor in healthcare utilization for the adolescents. Perceived health benefits of treatment received for perinatal depression were strong motivation for service use. Significant stigma and negative stereotypes expressed by care providers towards adolescent pregnancy and perinatal depression were obstacles to care. However, individual patient resilience was a major enabling factor, facilitating service engagement. Providers trained in the management of perinatal depression were perceived to deliver more tolerant and supportive care that adolescent mothers valued. Conclusions. Participants identified unsupportive and stigmatizing clinic environments towards pregnant and parenting adolescents as significant barriers to accessing available care. Interventions to reduce stigma among healthcare providers may improve services for this vulnerable population.
Explore the recycling of bioleaching functional bacteria and sulfur substrate using the sulfur-covered biochar particles
Authors: Wu Chuncheng , Jiang Mengying , Ye Zhe , Cai Yuchen , Shen Yutao , Wang Haizhen , Lin Qi , Shen Chaofeng , Hu Baolan , Lou Liping 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background

Bioleaching has been attracting attention recent years as an emerging sediment heavy metal pollution remediation technology. However, the use of sulfur powder as sulfur substrate causes the problem of “post-acidification”, and the free bioleaching functional bacteria which are susceptible to environmental impact during reactor operation cannot be used efficiently for multiple rounds. These problems can be solved if the sulfur substrate and the bioleaching functional bacteria can be recycled simultaneously after bioleaching. A new kind of sulfur substrate, the laboratory-made sulfur-covered biochar particles, were used in the bioleaching experiment, compared with sulfur powder and sulfur powder mixed with the surfactant rhamnolipid.

Results

The sulfur-covered biochar particles exhibited superior bioleaching performance, including faster acidification rate, SO 4 2- production rate and heavy metal bioleaching rate, and higher heavy metal solubilization percentage (Ni 33.76%; Cu 66.16%; Zn 65.494%), which was resulted from the acceleration of bioleaching reaction by the bioleaching functional bacteria immobilized on the biochar surface. Otherwise, the sulfur-covered biochar particles could be reused in the second round, and the heavy metal solubilization percentage (Ni32.84%, Cu69.93%, Zn67.17%) was comparable with that of the first round. Nevertheless, the sulfur content became the main limiting factor causing poor bioleaching performance during the third round. The sulfur mixed with the surfactant rhamnolipid did not show significant effect in promoting acidification and heavy metal solubilization due to high levels of organic matter and the impact of the low pH value.

Conclusion

The research indicated the laboratory-made sulfur-covered biochar particles could realize the dual immobilization of the bioleaching functional bacteria and the sulfur substrate to support their recycling and reuse in the second bioleaching round. In the future research, the way to maintain the reuse of the sulfur-covered biochar particle for more rounds will be explored.
Mitochondrial tRNA methylation in Alzheimer’s disease and progressive supranuclear palsy
Authors: Silzer Talisa K. , Pathak Gita A. , Phillips Nicole 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background. Methylation of mitochondrial tRNAs (mt-tRNA) at the 9th position (“p9 site”) is known to impact translational efficiency and downstream mitochondrial function; however, direct assessment of mt-RNA methylation is challenging. Recent RNA sequence-based methods have been developed to reliably identify post-transcriptional methylation. Though p9 methylation has been studied in healthy human populations and in the context of cancer, it has not yet been analyzed in neurodegenerative disease, where mitochondrial dysfunction is a prominent and early hallmark of disease progression. Results. Here we show variable methylation at 11 p9 sites in post-mortem cerebellar tissue of elderly subjects who were either healthy or diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) or pathological aging (PA). Similarities in degree of methylation were observed between AD and PSP. Expression of 5300 genes was significantly correlated with p9 methylation, with AD and PSP subjects exhibiting similar expression profiles. Overrepresentation and enrichment testing using the top transcripts revealed enrichment for a number of molecular processes, terms and pathways including many of which were mitochondrial-related. Conclusion. With mitochondrial dysfunction being an established hallmark of neurodegenerative disease pathophysiology, this work sheds light on the potential molecular underpinnings of this dysfunction. Here we show overlap in cerebellar pathophysiology between common tauopathies such as Alzheimer’s disease and progressive supranuclear palsy. Whether p9 hypermethylation is a cause or consequence of pathology remains an area of focus.
Enteroviral and Herpes Simplex Virus Central Nervous System Infections in Infants &lt;90 Days Old: A Paediatric Investigators’ Collaborative Network on Infections in Canada (PICNIC) Study
Authors: Petel Dara , Barton Michelle , Renaud Christian , Ouchenir Lynda , Brophy Jason , Bowes Jennifer , Khan Sarah , Bitnun Ari , McDonald Jane , Boisvert Andrée-Anne , Ting Joseph , Roberts Ashley , Robinson Joan 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background The relative contribution of viruses to central nervous system (CNS) infections in young infants is not clear. For viral CNS infections, there are limited data on features that suggest HSV etiology or on predictors of unfavorable outcome. Methods In this cross-sectional retrospective study, seven centers from the Pediatric Investigators Collaborative Network on Infections in Canada identified infants <90 days of age with CNS infection proven to be due to enterovirus (EV) or herpes simplex virus (HSV) January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2014. Results Of 174 CNS infections with a proven etiology, EV accounted for 103 (59%) and HSV for 7 (4%). All HSV cases and 41 (40%) EV cases presented before 21 days of age. Four HSV cases (57%) and 5 EV cases (5%) had seizures. Three (43%) HSV and 23 (23 %) EV cases lacked cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pleocytosis. HSV cases were more likely to require ICU admission (p=0.010), present with seizures (p=0.031) and have extra-CNS disease (p<0.001). Poor long-term outcomes were more common in infants who had seizures. Conclusions Viruses accounted for approximately two-thirds of proven CNS infections in the first 90 days of life. Empiric therapy for HSV should be considered in suspected CNS infections in the first 21 days even in the absence of CSF pleocytosis unless CSF parameters are suggestive of bacterial meningitis.
Still careless: Findings from a cross-sectional study of young pedestrians’ risky road crossing behaviors
Authors: Hashemiparast Mina , Sharma Manoj , Jafarabadi Mohammad Asghari , Hosseini Zahra 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Pedestrian-vehicle collision is one of the most common traffic injuries worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the determinants of pedestrians' road crossing beliefs and behaviors in potentially risky situations using the Theory of Planned Behavior among Iranian young adults.Methods: This was a population-based study on a sample of 562 young adults aged 18 to 25 years living in Tehran, Iran. Data were collected by using a self-administered validated questionnaire including constructs of the theory of planned behavior and items of perceived risk and severity. The data were analyzed using independent t-test, analysis of covariance and multivariate analysis of variance.Results: From all the respondents, 17.8% reported that they had previous experience of vehicle-collision. Among the participants, those who had previous experience of vehicle-collision reported less safety behaviors in crossing the road than those who had not experience an accident. It was found significant differences between participants with and without a history of vehicle-collision for perceived risk (mean difference, adjusted multivariate P-value: -5.77, 0.027) and perceived severity (-6.08, 0.003), attitude toward traffic regulations (-6.34, 0.006), attitude toward behavior (-7.56, 0.005), perceived behavioral control (-5.20, 0.018), behavioral intention (-5.35, 0.046) and road crossing behavior in potentially risky situations (-5.37, 0.004). Conclusions: Previous unpleasant experience of vehicle-collision is not the only determinant of self-protective behaviors in road- crossing which indicate the role of cognitive and motivational factors such as, subjective norms, attitudes towards risk, feelings of invulnerability in case of facing with vehicle collision.
Intensity of pyrethroid resistance in Anopheles gambiae before and after a mass distribution of insecticide-treated nets in Kinshasa and in 11 provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Wat’senga Francis , Agossa Fiacre , Manzambi Emile Z. , Illombe Gillon , Mapangulu Tania , Muyembe Tamfum , Clark Tiffany , Niang Mame , Ntoya Ferdinand , Sadou Aboubacar , Plucinski Mateusz , Li Yikun , Messenger Louisa A. , Fornadel Christen , Oxborough Richard M. , Irish Seth R. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Between 2011 and 2018, an estimated 134.8 million pyrethroid-treated long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) were distributed nationwide in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for malaria control. Pyrethroid resistance has developed in DRC in recent years, but the intensity of resistance and impact on LLIN efficacy was not known. Therefore, the intensity of resistance of Anopheles gambiae sensu lato (s.l.) to permethrin and deltamethrin was monitored before and after a mass distribution of LLINs in Kinshasa in December 2016, and in 7 sites across the country in 2017 and 11 sites in 2018.Methods: In Kinshasa, CDC bottle bioassays using 1, 2, 5, and 10 times the diagnostic dose of permethrin and deltamethrin were conducted using An. gambiae s.l. collected as larvae and reared to adults. Bioassays were conducted in four sites in Kinshasa province six months before a mass distribution of deltamethrin-treated ITNs and then two, six, and ten months after the distribution. One site in neighbouring Kongo Central province was used as a control (no mass campaign of ITN distribution during the study). Nationwide intensity assays were conducted in six sites in 2017 using CDC bottle bioassays and in 11 sites in 2018 using WHO intensity assays. A sub-sample of An. gambiae s.l. was tested by PCR to determine species composition and frequency of kdr-1014F and 1014S alleles. Results: In June 2016, before LLIN distribution, permethrin resistance intensity was high in Kinshasa; the mean mortality rate was 43% at the 5× concentration and 73% at the 10× concentration. Bioassays at 3 time points after LLIN distribution showed considerable variation by site and time and there was no consistent evidence for an increase in pyrethroid resistance intensity compared to the neighbouring control site. Tests of An. gambiae s.l. in 7 sites across the country in 2017 and 11 sites in 2018 showed all populations were resistant to the diagnostic doses of 3 pyrethroids. In 2018, the intensity of resistance varied by site, but was generally moderate for all three pyrethroids, with survivors at ×5 the diagnostic dose. Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto (s.s.) was the most common species identified across 11 sites in DRC, but in Kinshasa, An. gambiae s.s. (91%) and Anopheles coluzzii (8%) were sympatric.Conclusions: Moderate or high intensity pyrethroid resistance was detected nationwide in DRC and is a serious threat to sustained malaria control with pyrethroid LLINs. Next generation nets (PBO nets or bi-treated nets) should be considered for mass distribution.
Circular RNA hsa_circ_102209 promotes the growth and metastasis of colorectal cancer through miR-761-mediated Ras and Rab interactor 1 signaling
Authors: LI CHI , Zhou Hong 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: The levels of hsa_circ_102209 in colorectal cancer (CRC) specimens and cells, as well as its effects on CRC cells were investigated. Methods: The expression of hsa_circ_102209 in CRC and paired non-cancerous samples, human CRC and normal colonic epithelial cells were examined using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Cells with hsa_circ_102209 knockdown were established using lentiviral vectors. Cell proliferative ability was evaluated using CCK-8 assay; cell migration and invasion were assessed by wound healing and Transwell assay. Cell cycle arrest and apoptosis were determined; apoptosis and EMT markers were examined using RT-qPCR and western blotting. Tumour development and levels of associated proteins were determined in hsa_circ_102209 knockdown mice. Results: Our results revealed that expression of hsa_circ_102209 was remarkably increased in CRC tissues, where the levels of miR-761 were notably reduced (p<0.05). Additionally, the levels of hsa_circ_102209 was associated with histology grade and occurrence of liver metastasis in CRC patients, and the expression of hsa_circ_102209 and miR-761 were negatively correlated (p<0.05). Moreover, hsa_circ_102209 was upregulated in CRC cells compared with normal colonic epithelial cells. Knockdown of hsa_circ_102209 notably inhibited the proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT of CRC cells (p<0.05), whereas enhanced cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase and apoptosis (p<0.05). Furthermore, miR-761/Ras and Rab interactor 1 (RIN1) axis was the putative target of hsa_circ_102209 in CRC and involved in hsa_circ_102209-modulated growth and metastasis in CRC cells (p<0.05). Knockdown of hsa_circ_102209 also remarkably suppressed tumor growth in vivo (p<0.05). Conclusions: our data revealed that the expression of hsa_circ_102209 was elevated in CRC samples and cells. Furthermore, hsa_circ_102209 could promote the progression of CRC through miR-761/RIN1 axis. More importantly, hsa_circ_102209/miR-761/RIN1 signaling may be a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of CRC patients.
Health Literacy and its Effect on Chronic Disease Prevention: Evidences from China’s Data
Authors: Liu Lefan , Qian Xujun , Chen Zhuo , He Tianfeng 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background Improving health literacy is an important public health goal in many countries. Although many studies have suggested that low health literacy has adverse effects on an individual’s health outcomes, confounding factors are often not accounted. This paper examines the interplay between health literacy and chronic disease prevention. Methodology A population-based sample of 8194 participants aged 15-69 years old in Ningbo were used from China’s 2017 National Health Literacy Surveillance Data. We use multivariate regression analysis to disentangle the relationship between health literacy and chronic disease occurrence. Results We find the association between health literacy and the occurrence of the first chronic condition is attenuated after we adjust the results for age and education. This might arise because having one or more chronic conditions is associated with better knowledge about chronic diseases and thus improve health literacy on chronic disease prevention. More importantly, we find health literacy is associated with a reduction in the occurrence of a new chronic condition. However, this protective effect is only found among urban residents, suggesting health literacy might be a key factor explaining the rural-urban disparity in health outcomes. Conclusion Our findings highlight the important role of health literacy in reducing occurrence of comorbidities rather than preventing the first chronic condition. Moreover, family support could help improve health literacy and result in beneficial effects on health.
Trends and determinants of HIV transmission among men who inject drugs in the Pokhara Valley, Nepal: Analysis of cross-sectional studies
Authors: Hogan Sam , Page Andrew , Ogbo Felix , Dixit Sameer , Rajbhandari Rajesh Man , Rawal Bir , Deuba Keshab 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background HIV is a major public health issue around the world, especially in developing countries. Although the overall prevalence of HIV in Nepal is relatively low and the country itself is considered low risk, there are specific sub-populations where the prevalence is far higher than the national average. One of these sub-groups is male injection drug users (IDUs). In order to understand the reasons for the differences in prevalence, a series of socio-demographic, behavioural and knowledge-based risk factors need to be assessed. Methods The study used a series of 7 cross-sectional survey datasets, collected between 2003 and 2017 (N=2,235) to investigate trends in HIV prevalence among male IDUs by key socio-demographic and behavioural and knowledge-based risk factors. A series of logistic regression models were conducted to investigate the association between study factors and HIV in the Pokhara valley, Nepal. Results Overall HIV prevalence has decreased from the levels seen in 2003 (22.0%) and 2005 (21.7%), with the lowest prevalence recorded in 2015 (2.6%), however prevalence has increased in the most recent period (4.9%). A lower risk of HIV was associated with younger age (less than or equal to 24 years compared to greater than 24 years, OR = 0.17, 95% CI = 0.10, 0.31), not being married (OR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.33, 0.80) and shorter duration of drug use (less than or equal to 4 years compared to greater than 4 years, OR = 0.16, 95% CI = 0.09, 0.29). A higher risk of HIV was associated with low (compared to secondary or higher) education level (OR = 2.76, 95% CI = 1.75, 4.36), a lack of addiction treatment (OR = 2.59, 95% CI = 1.64, 4.08), and recent use of unsterilized injection equipment (OR = 2.22, 95% CI = 1.20, 4.11). Conclusion Although knowledge of HIV is high among male IDUs, the prevalence of individuals who possess comprehensive knowledge and the number of individuals who have received treatment for drug addiction has decreased. This may indicate that addiction treatment and HIV education programs need to be strengthened.