bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in the dynamics of dengue incidence in South and Central America are possibly due to cross‐population immunity after Zika virus epidemics
Authors: Mugabe Vánio A. , Borja Lairton S. , Cardoso Cristiane W. , Weaver Scott C. , Reis Mitermayer G. , Kitron Uriel , Ribeiro Guilherme S. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractObjectiveWe tested the hypothesis that Zika virus (ZIKV) immunity may protect against dengue virus (DENV) infection, disease severity or human amplification, based on analysis of epidemiological data from our long‐term surveillance study (2009–2016) in the city of Salvador, Brazil, that indicated a substantial reduction in the frequency of laboratory‐confirmed dengue cases following the Zika outbreak. To assess whether similar patterns were observed across the Americas, we did a broader explorative investigation of historical series (2004 to 2019) of suspected cases of dengue fever, covering 20 DENV‐endemic South and Central American countries.MethodsWe used segmented linear regressions of single group interrupted time series (ITS) analysis to evaluate whether the Zika epidemic had a statistical effect on the trends of annual dengue incidence.ResultsWe observed in our 16‐year historical series that in all countries, the incidence of dengue exhibited periodic oscillations over time, with a general trend of statistically significant increase during the pre‐Zika period overall and for 11 of the 20 countries. Following the peak of the first population exposure to ZIKV in the Americas, in 2016, the overall rate of reported dengue cases in 2017 and 2018 in the countries under study sharply dropped (P < 0.05) and was the lowest reported since 2005. Individually in each country, a statistically significant reduction in the annual dengue incidence beginning in 2016 or in 2017–2018 occurred in 13 of the 20 studied countries. However, in 2019, reports of suspected dengue cases increased across the Americas. In Brazil, Dominican Republic, Guatemala and Honduras, dengue incidence was >5 times higher in 2019 than in 2017 and 2018, and, in 2019, they had the greater dengue incidence than in all previous years throughout the historical series.ConclusionsThe widespread decline in suspected dengue cases recorded in 2017 and 2018 lends further support to our previous epidemiological hypothesis of ZIKV‐induced cross‐species immunity to DENV. However, the cross‐protection appears to be transient (around 2 years). Long‐term, prospective follow‐ups of dengue reports are needed to confirm (or refute) these findings, which could have significant public health implications, in particular regarding DENV vaccine development and application.
Disruption of EARLY LESION LEAF 1, encoding a cytochrome P450 monooxygenase, induces ROS accumulation and cell death in rice
Authors: Cui Yuanjiang , Peng Youlin , Zhang Qiang , Xia Saisai , Ruan Banpu , Xu Qiankun , Yu Xiaoqi , Zhou Tingting , Liu He , Zeng Dali , Zhang Guangheng , Gao Zhenyu , Hu Jiang , Zhu Li , Shen Lan , Guo Longbiao , Qian Qian , Ren Deyong 
Published: November 2020

SummaryLesion‐mimic mutants (LMMs) provide a valuable tool to reveal the molecular mechanisms determining programmed cell death (PCD) in plants. Despite intensive research, the mechanisms behind PCD and the formation of lesions in various LMMs still remain to be elucidated. Here, we identified a rice (Oryza sativa) LMM, early lesion leaf 1 (ell1), cloned the causal gene by map‐based cloning, and verified this by complementation. ELL1 encodes a cytochrome P450 monooxygenase, and the ELL1 protein was located in the endoplasmic reticulum. The ell1 mutant exhibited decreased chlorophyll contents, serious chloroplast degradation, upregulated expression of chloroplast degradation‐related genes, and attenuated photosynthetic protein activity, indicating that ELL1 is involved in chloroplast development. RNA sequencing analysis showed that genes related to oxygen binding were differentially expressed in ell1 and wild‐type plants; histochemistry and paraffin sectioning results indicated that hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and callose accumulated in the ell1 leaves, and the cell structure around the lesions was severely damaged, which indicated that reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulated and cell death occurred in the mutant. TUNEL staining and comet experiments revealed that severe DNA degradation and abnormal PCD occurred in the ell1 mutants, which implied that excessive ROS accumulation may induce DNA damage and ROS‐mediated cell death in the mutant. Additionally, lesion initiation in the ell1 mutant was light dependent and temperature sensitive. Our findings revealed that ELL1 affects chloroplast development or function, and that loss of ELL1 function induces ROS accumulation and lesion formation in rice.
Platelet transfusion is associated with 90‐day and 1‐year mortality for adult patients requiring veno‐arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Esper Stephen A. , Wallisch William John , Ryan John , Sanchez Pablo , Sciortino Christopher , Murray Holt , Arlia Peter , D'Cunha Jonathan , Mahajan Aman , Triulzi Darrell , Subramaniam Kathirvel 
Published: November 2020

BackgroundStudies examining one‐year mortality respecting component blood transfusion are sparse. We hypothesize that component blood product transfusions are negatively associated with 90‐day and 1‐year survival for all patients requiring veno‐arterial (VA) or veno‐venous (VV) ECMO.Study Design and MethodsThis was an IRB‐approved retrospective cohort analysis of 676 consecutive patients requiring ECMO at the University of Pittsburgh between 2005 and 2016. Patients were analysed both as an entire cohort and as two subsets with respect to ECMO modality (VA vs. VV). Additional data collected and analysed included patient characteristics, laboratory values and blood product transfusion.ResultsMultivariable analysis revealed that platelet transfusion was associated with 90‐day mortality (OR: 1·05, P = 0·037) and one‐year mortality for the entire cohort (OR = 1·05, P = 0·046,). Platelet transfusion volume was also associated with mortality in the VA‐ECMO subset of patients at both 90 days (OR = 1·08, P = 0·03) and one year (OR: 1·11, P = 0·014). Age, peak International Normalized Raton ECMO, nadir haemoglobin (on ECMO) and final haemoglobin (after ECMO) were significantly associated with mortality for patients requiring VA‐ECMO. For VV‐ECMO patients, age, INR and peak creatinine on ECMO were associated with mortality. No individual component blood product was associated with one‐year mortality for patients requiring VV‐ECMO.ConclusionPlatelet transfusion was associated with increased 90‐day and 1‐year mortality for patients requiring VA‐ECMO.
Experimental design approach for the removal of the antidiabetic drug, metformin at a high concentration by photocatalytic processes
Authors: Estrada‐Arriaga Edson Baltazar , García‐Sánchez Liliana , Falcón‐Rojas Axel 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe metformin, is an emerging contaminant and one of the most consumed drugs in the world that has a high power of endocrine disruption across species in the ecosystem. The focus of this study was to determine the best photocatalytic processes through the study of TiO2‐based photocatalytic, photo–Fenton and photo–ferrioxalate reactions for the metformin removal. The experimental results demonstrated that a high removal of metformin is obtained using TiO2‐based photocatalytic (97 %), followed by photo–Fenton (66%) and photo–ferrioxalate (41%). The zero‐order rate constant (k) for TiO2‐based photocatalytic, photo–Fenton and photo–ferrioxalate reaction was 2.36, 1.95 and 1.92 mg/L.min, respectively. The metformin was transformed into NH4+‐N, NO2−‐N and NO3−‐N. According to results obtained, the proposed Box–Behnken experimental design can be used in photocatalytic processes to obtain the optimum conditions of the significant variables (H2O2 concentration, catalytic concentration, pH and reaction time) for removal of metformin in a few runs.
Seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus in dogs in Switzerland
Authors: Veronesi Rebecca , Morach Marina , Hübschke Ella , Bachofen Claudia , Stephan Roger , Nüesch‐Inderbinen Magdalena 
Published: November 2020

AbstractHepatitis E virus (HEV) is the causative agent of an acute and in most cases self‐limiting hepatitis. Of the four major HEV genotypes that infect humans, genotype 3 and 4 are zoonotic and have been identified in humans but predominantly in pigs and wild boar, which are considered the main reservoirs. However, the known host range of zoonotic HEV may be increasing to comprise additional species, including companion animals. Several studies have identified contact with dogs as a risk factor for HEV infection in humans, yet information on the occurrence of HEV in Swiss dogs is lacking. To examine a possible risk of exposure, this study was designed to assess the seroprevalence of HEV in 84 Swiss dogs. Serum and plasma samples collected from four veterinary clinics were screened for HEV‐specific antibodies by HEV‐antibody ELISA test kit. In addition, information of 22 dogs regarding the country of origin, the type of dog feed and any history of hunting was recorded. Samples from seropositive animals were also screened for the presence of HEV RNA by quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR (qRT‐PCR). Overall, 38% (32 of 84) of the dogs tested seropositive for anti‐HEV, indicating exposure to HEV. Among the 22 dogs for which information was available, HEV‐specific antibodies were detected in three of five dogs that were born abroad, in one of two dogs that were fed a raw meat‐based diet, and in one hunting dog. No viral RNA could be detected in any of the serum and plasma samples; thus, the genotype of the strains remained undetermined. This study provides further evidence for canine exposure and susceptibility to HEV and highlights the need to further assess the risks of HEV transmission to humans with contact to dogs.
Work-based risk factors and quality of life in health care workers providing maternal and newborn care during the Sierra Leone Ebola epidemic: findings using the WHOQOL-BREF and HSE Management Standards Tool
Authors: Jones Susan , White Sarah , Ormrod Judith , Sam Betty , Bull Florence , Pieh Steven , Gopalakrishnan Somasundari , van den Broek Nynke 
Published: November 2020

IntroductionBefore the 2014, Ebola epidemic in Sierra Leone, healthcare workers (HCWs) faced many challenges. Workload and personal risk of HCWs increased but their experiences of these have not been well explored. HCWs evaluation of their quality of life (QoL) and risk factors for developing work-based stress is important in helping to develop a strong and committed workforce in a resilient health system.MethodsCross-sectional study using World Health Organisation Quality of Life (WHOQOL)-BREF and Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Standards Tools in 13 Emergency Obstetric Care facilities to (1) understand the perceptions of HCWs regarding workplace risk factors for developing stress, (2) evaluate HCWs perceptions of QoL and links to risk factors for workplace stress and (3) assess changes in QoL and risk factors for stress after a stress management programme.Results222 completed the survey at baseline and 156 at follow-up. At baseline, QoL of HCWs was below international standards in all domains. There was a significant decrease in score for physical health and psychological well-being (mean decrease (95% CI); 2.3 (0.5–4.1) and 2.3 (0.4–4.1)). Lower cadres had significant decreases in scores for physical health and social relationships (13.0 (3.6–22.4) and 14.4 (2.6–26.2)). On HSE peer-support and role understanding scored highly (mean scores 4.0 and 3.7 on HSE), workplace demands were average or high-risk factors (mean score 3.0). There was a significant score reduction in the domains relationships and understanding of role (mean score reduction (95% CI) 0.16 (0.01–0.31) and 0.11 (0.01–0.21)), particularly among lower cadres (0.83 (0.3–1.4).ConclusionHCWs in low-resourced settings may have increased risk factors for developing workplace stress with low QoL indicators; further exploration of this is needed to support staff and develop their contribution to the development of resilient health systems.
Relationship between role stressors, job tasks and job satisfaction among health surveillance assistants in Malawi: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ntopi Simon , Chirwa Ellen , Maluwa Alfred 
Published: November 2020

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to investigate the role stressors, sociodemographic characteristics and job tasks of health surveillance assistants (HSAs) and to explore major predictors of role stressors and job satisfaction of HSAs in Malawi.SettingData were collected from health centres and hospitals of three Malawi districts of Mangochi, Lilongwe and Mzimba.ParticipantsRespondents were 430 HSAs. 50.20% of them were male, while 49.8% were female.DesignA cross-sectional study of the observational correlational design was carried out.Main outcome measuresRespondents perceptions of job tasks, role stressors and job satisfaction.ResultsThe key findings of this study were role ambiguity and role overload were significantly negatively related to job satisfaction, while role conflict was insignificantly related to job satisfaction. Additionally, the clinical tasks of the HSAs and some of the sociodemographic variables were associated with the role stressors and job satisfaction of the HSAs in Malawi.ConclusionsSince the HSAs clinical tasks were significantly related to all role stressors, there is need by the government of Malawi to design strategies to control the role stressors to ensure increased job performance and job satisfaction among HSAs. Furthermore, studies may be required in the future to assist government to control role stressors among HSAs in Malawi.
Embryo incubation by time-lapse systems versus conventional incubators in Chinese women with diminished ovarian reserve undergoing IVF/ICSI: a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Chen Miaoxin , Wu Yuanyuan , Huang Xin , Li Wentao , Sun Chunyan , Meng Zhenzhen , Ai Ai , Hong Ling , Tang Chuanling , Li Kunming , Fu Yonglun , Chen Zhiqin , Kong Pengcheng , Guo Yi , Liu Wenqiang , Mol Ben W , Teng Xiaoming 
Published: November 2020

IntroductionThe time-lapse imaging system (TLS) is a newly developed non-invasive embryo assessment system. Compared with conventional incubators, a TLS provides stable culture conditions and consistent observations of embryo development, thereby potentially improving embryo quality and selection of the best quality embryo. Although TLSs have been routinely used in many in vitro fertilisation (IVF) centres globally, there is insufficient evidence to indicate that TLSs result in higher cumulative live birth rates over conventional incubators. The purpose of this study is to compare the cumulative live birth rates and safety including miscarriage in infertile patients with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) from both TLSs and conventional incubators.Methods and analysisThis study is a double-blind randomised controlled clinical trial (1:1 treatment ratio of TLSs vs conventional incubator). A total of 730 patients with DOR undergoing the first or second cycle of IVF or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) will be enrolled and randomised into two parallel groups. Participants will undergo embryo culture in the TLSs (group A) or the conventional incubators (group B), respectively. Embryos are selected for transfer in both groups by the morphological characteristics. The embryo selection algorithm software is not used in the TLSs. The primary outcome is the cumulative live birth rate of the trial IVF/ICSI cycle within 12 months after randomisation. This study is powered to detect an absolute difference of 10% (35% vs 25%) at the significance level of 0.05% and 80% statistical power based on a two-sided test.Ethics and disseminationThis trial has been approved by the Institutional Ethical Committee of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital (KS1958). All participants in the trial will provide written informed consent. The study will be conducted according to the principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki and its amendments. Results of this study will be disseminated in peer-reviewed scientific journals.Trial registration numberChinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR1900027746).
Vascular and metabolic risk factor differences prior to dementia diagnosis: a multidatabase case–control study using European electronic health records
Authors: Perera Gayan , Rijnbeek P R , Alexander Myriam , Ansell David , Avillach Paul , Duarte-Salles Talita , Gordon Mark Forrest , Lapi Francesco , Mayer Miguel Angel , Pasqua Alessandro , Pedersen Lars , van Der Lei Johan , Visser Pieter Jelle , Stewart Robert 
Published: November 2020

ObjectiveThe objective of the study is to compare body mass index (BMI), systolic/diastolic blood pressure (SBP/DBP) and serum total cholesterol levels between dementia cases and controls at multiple time intervals prior to dementia onset, and to test time interval as a modifying factor for these associations.DesignCase–control study.SettingSix European electronic health records databases.Participants291 780 cases at the date of first-recorded dementia diagnosis, compared with 29 170 549 controls randomly selected from the same databases, age matched and sex matched at this index date.ExposureThe following measures were extracted whenever recorded within each dataset: BMI (kg/m2), SBP and DBP (mm Hg) and serum total cholesterol (mmol/L). Levels for each of these variables were defined within six 2-year time intervals over the 12 years prior to the index date.Main outcomesCase–control differences in exposures of interest were modelled for each time period and adjusted for demographic and clinical factors (ischaemic/unspecified stroke, type 2 diabetes mellitus, acute myocardial infarction, hypertension diagnosis, antihypertensive medication, cholesterol-lowering medication). Coefficients and interactions with time period were meta-analysed across the six databases.ResultsMean BMI (coefficient −1.16 kg/m2; 95% CI –1.38 to 0.93) and SBP (−2.83 mm Hg; 95% CI –4.49 to –1.16) were lower in cases at diagnosis, and case–control differences were greater in more recent time periods, as indicated by significant case-x-time interaction and case-x-time-squared interaction terms. Time variations in coefficients for cholesterol levels were less consistent between databases and those for DBP were largely not significant.ConclusionRoutine clinical data show emerging divergence in levels of BMI and SBP prior to the diagnosis of dementia but less evidence for DBP or total cholesterol levels. These divergences should receive at least some consideration in routine dementia risk screening, although underlying mechanisms still require further investigation.
Relationships among shift work, hair cortisol concentration and sleep disorders: a cross-sectional study in China
Authors: Zhang Yu , Shen Jiayang , Zhou Ziqi , Sang Lingli , Zhuang Xun , Chu Minjie , Tian Tian , Xiao Jing , Lian Yulong 
Published: November 2020

ObjectiveThe present study was designed to demonstrate the relationships among shift work, hair cortisol concentration (HCC) and sleep disorders.DesignA cross-sectional study.SettingThree petroleum administrations in Karamay city of Xinjiang, China.Participants435 individuals including 164 males and 271 females participated in the research.Outcome measuresInformation on shift work was collected by a self-administered questionnaire. HCC was determined using an automatic radioimmunoassay instrument. Sleep quality was measured on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scale.ResultsShiftwork was associated with an increased prevalence of sleep disorders compared with the fixed day shift (two shifts: OR 3.11, 95% CI 1.57 to 6.19; three shifts: OR 2.87, 95% CI 1.38 to 5.98; four shifts: OR 2.22, 95% CI 1.17 to 4.18; others: OR 3.88, 95% CI= 1.36 to 11.08). Workers with different shift patterns had higher HCC levels than day workers ((fixed day shift: geometric mean±geometric SD=2.33±1.65; two shifts: 3.76±1.47; three shifts: 3.15±1.64; four shifts: 3.81±1.55; others: 3.60±1.33) ng/g hair, η2=0.174) and high HCC was associated with the higher prevalence of sleep disorders (OR 4.46, 95% CI 2.70 to 7.35). The mediating effect of HCC on the relationship between shift work and sleep disorders was 0.25 (95% CI 0.09 to 0.41).ConclusionWe found that, when compared with the fixed day shift, shiftwork was associated with both the higher HCC, and also with an increased risk of sleep disorders. High HCC was associated with the occurrence of sleep disorders. In addition, HCC had mediating effect in shift work and sleep disorders. Thus, HCC can be considered as an early marker of shiftwork circadian disruption to early detection and management of sleep disorders.
Leaving no one behind: using action research to promote male involvement in maternal and child health in Iringa region, Tanzania
Authors: Maluka Stephen , Japhet Paul , Fitzgerald Sian , Begum Khadija , Alexander May , Kamuzora Peter 
Published: November 2020

IntroductionMale involvement has been reported to improve maternal and child health (MCH) outcomes. However, most studies in low-income and middle-income countries have reported low participation of men in MCH-related programmes. While there is a growing interest in the involvement of men in MCH, little is known on how male involvement can be effectively promoted in settings where entrenched unequal gender roles, norms and relations constrain women from effectively inviting men to participate in MCH.Methods and analysisThis paper reports participatory action research (PAR) aimed to promote male participation in pregnancy and childbirth in Iringa Region, Tanzania. As part of the Innovating for Maternal and Child Health in Africa project, PAR was conducted in 20 villages in two rural districts in Tanzania. Men and women were engaged separately to identify barriers to male involvement in antenatal care and during delivery; and then they were facilitated to design strategies to promote male participation in their communities. Along with the PAR intervention, researchers undertook a series of research activities. A thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. The common strategies designed were: engaging health facility committees; using male champions and male gatekeepers; and using female champions to sensitise and provide health education to women. These strategies were validated during stakeholders’ meetings, which were convened in each community.DiscussionThe use of participatory approach not only empowers communities to diagnose barriers to male involvement and develop culturally acceptable strategies but also increases sustainability of the interventions beyond the life span of the project. More lessons will be identified during the implementation of these strategies.