bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Geographically weighted regression modelling of the spatial association between malaria cases and environmental factors in Cameroon.
Authors: Tewara Marlvin Anemey , Yunxia Liu , Ling Weiqiang , Barong Binang Helen , Mbah-Fongkimeh Prisca Ngetemalah , Zhaolei Zheng , Xinhui Liu , Miao Zhou , Liu Xiaojuan , Xue Fuzhong 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Studies have illustrated the association of malaria cases with environmental factors in Cameroon but limited in addressing how these factors vary in space for timely public health interventions. Thus, we want to find the spatial variability between malaria hotspot cases and environmental predictors using Geographically weighted regression (GWR) spatial modelling technique.Methods: The global Ordinary least squares (OLS) in the modelling spatial relationships tool in ArcGIS 10.3. was used to select candidate explanatory environmental variables for a properly specified GWR model. The local GWR model used the global OLS candidate variables to examine, predict and explore the spatial variability between environmental factors and malaria hotspot cases generated from Getis-Ord Gi* statistical analysis. Results: The OLS candidate environmental variable coefficients were statistically significant (adjusted R2 = 22.3% and p < 0.01) for a properly specified GWR model. The GWR model identified a strong spatial association between malaria cases and rainfall, vegetation index, population density, and drought episodes in most hotspot areas and a weak correlation with aridity and proximity to water with an overall model performance of 0.243 (adjusted R2= 24.3%).Conclusion: The generated GWR maps suggest that for policymakers to eliminate malaria in Cameroon, there should be the creation of malaria outreach programs and further investigations in areas where the environmental variables showed strong spatial associations with malaria hotspot cases.
The association between ambient air pollution and scarlet fever in Qingdao, China, 2014-2018: a quantitative analysis
Authors: Hu Xiaowen , Wei Tao , Han Yalin , Jia Jing , Pan Bei , Jiang Fachun , Ni Wei 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: We conducted a distributed lag non-linear time series analysis to quantify the association between air pollution and scarlet fever in Qingdao city during 2014-2018. Methods: A generalized additive Mixed Model (GAMM) combined with a distributed lag non-linear model (DLNM) was applied to quantify the distributed lag effects of air pollutions on scarlet fever, with daily incidence of scarlet fever as the dependent variable and air pollutions as the independent variable adjusted for potential confounders. Results: A total of 6,316 cases of scarlet fever were notified, and there were 376 days occurring air pollution during the study period. Scarlet fever was significantly associated with air pollutions at a lag of 7 days with different RRs of air pollution degrees (1.172, 95%CI: 1.038-1.323 in mild air pollution; 1.374, 95%CI: 1.078-1.749 in moderate air pollution; 1.610, 95%CI: 1.163-2.314 in severe air pollution; 1.887, 95%CI: 1.163-3.061 in most severe air pollution). Conclusions: Our findings show that air pollution is positively associated with scarlet fever in Qingdao, and the risk of scarlet fever could be increased along with the degrees of air pollution. It contributes to developing strategies to prevent and reduce health impact from scarlet fever and other non-vaccine-preventable respiratory infectious diseases in air polluted areas.
Clinical and prognostic role of Vasohibin-1 expression in solid tumors: An evidence from a meta-analysis
Authors: Tian Ye , Miao Chenkui , Ren Xiaohan , Xu Aiming , Zhu Shenhao , Gu Qi , Hou Chao , Qin Chao , Wang Zengjun 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background

The role of Vasohibin-1 (VASH1) expression in solid tumors remains controversial. We thus performed this meta-analysis to elucidate the associations between VASH1 expression and the prognosis of solid tumors.
Methods

We searched relevant literature in PubMed, Web of Science and EMBASE. The hazard ratio (HR) or odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were measured by fixed-effects or random-effects models. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plots and Egger's regression test.
Results

The results showed that VASH1 expression exhibited a significantly decreased overall survival (OS) time (HR = 1.85; 95% Cl = 1.27–2.69) and disease-free survival (DFS) (HR = 1.80; 95% Cl = 1.41–2.29) time. Meanwhile, VASH1 expression was found significantly associated with TNM stage (OR = 1.96; 95% CI = 1.57–2.46), tumor stage (OR = 2.35; 95% CI = 1.88–2.93), lymph node metastasis (OR = 2.02; 95% CI = 1.37–2.98), venous invasion (OR = 1.63; 95% CI = 1.00-2.65), tumor grade (OR = 1.74; 95% CI = 1.13–2.67) and microvessel density (MVD) (OR = 4.30; 95% CI = 2.31–8.03). However, no significant association was found between the VASH1 expression and distant metastasis (OR = 1.81; 95% Cl = 0.74–1.41).
Conclusion

This study demonstrated that VASH1 expression was relevant to more aggressive clinicopathological parameters and might predict inferior DFS and OS in solid tumor patients.
Quantifying the clinical characteristics of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) of different age segments based on 60 patients
Authors: Weiwei Gao , Xia Zhang , Zhiliang Hu , Yun Chi , shan Zheng Yi , mei Hu Chun , Xiang Yi Yong , Yi Zeng 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: To observe the clinical characteristics of the novel coronavirus pneumonia of different age segments infected with novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), to increase awareness of the clinical features of COVID-19, and improve diagnosis and treatment. Methods: By 15 February 2020, 60 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 had been admitted our hospital. We prospectively analyzed the clinical features of different age segments infected with COVID-19, including epidemiological, clinical, laboratory, and radiological characteristics, and treatment, clinical outcomes, and prognosis of this part of patients. Results: We included 29 male and 31 female (median age = 46.18 years old (18–97). Fifty-five (91.7%) patients had a clear epidemiological contact history. The average incubation period is 7.92 days. The most common clinical manifestations are fever (85%) and cough (75). Peripheral white blood cell counts were mostly normal at admission, 7 days, and 14 days, with no difference in patients of different ages. The lymphocyte count was in the normal range on admission, but decreased after 7 days of disease treatment, especially in patients > 65 years old; the lymphocyte count increased again after 14 days. The lymphocyte count in >65-year-old patients was less than that in the <40 and 40–65 years old groups after 7 and 14 days, respectively. At admission, the CD4 T lymphocyte count was within the normal; however, after 14 days the CD4 T lymphocyte count was 723.46 ± 243.82/ml, 640.00 ± 242.30/ml, and 399.88 ± 256.16/ml in the three age segments, respectively. The > 65 years old group had higher levels of lactate dehydrogenase (269.83 ± 73.36 vs. 208.52 ± 35.67 and 243.83 ± 76.66) after 14 days. Imaging revealed more lesions in the 40–65 and > 65 years old groups. The days after the nucleic acid detection turned negative in the three age groups were : 9.19 ± 3.93 (<40), 10.04 ± 4.10 (40–65), and 13.57 ± 2.76 (>65). Conclusion: Patients with COVID-19 pneumonia generally had an epidemiological history. Older patients showed more extensive lesions upon admission, more severe illness, slower recovery of immune function, the longer viral nucleic acid persistence.
Usefulness of ECG to differentiate apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy from non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Tao Yirao , Xu Jing , Bako Samira Yerima , Yao Xiaobo , Yang Donghui 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Objective: Apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (ApHCM) is a phenotypic variant of nonobstructive HCM. ApHCM is characterized by left ventricular hypertrophy involve the distal apex. The electrocardiographic character of ApHCM can mimic non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTEACS) which triggers a series of studies and treatments that may be unnecessary. This study aimed to clarify the ECG differences between the two diseases.Methods: Initial electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings of 41 patients with ApHCM and 72 patients with NSTEACS were analyzed retrospectively. We analyzed the voltage of negative T (neg T) wave, R wave and the change of ST-segment in the 12-lead ECGs as well as the number of leads with neg T waves.Results: Across the 12-lead ECGs, the magnitude of R wave significantly differed between ApHCM and NSTEACS in 10 leads excluding leads aVR and V1. ApHCM was associated with a greater maximal amplitude of R wave in lead V5 (3.13±1.08 vs. 1.38±0.73, P=0.000). The magnitude of T wave significantly differed between ApHCM and NSTEACS in 10 leads excluding leads II and V1. ApHCM was associated with a greater maximal amplitude of neg T wave in lead V4 (0.85±0.69 vs. 0.35±0.23, P=0.000). The frequency of giant neg T (1mv or more) wave was higher in ApHCM (36.5% vs. 0%, P=0.000). The magnitude of ST-segment deviation significantly differed between ApHCM and NSTEACS in 10 leads excluding leads aVF and V2. ApHCM was associated with a greater maximal amplitude of ST-segment depression in lead V5 (0.19±0.07 vs. 0.03±0.06, P=0.000). The number of leads with neg T waves also differed between ApHCM and NSTEACS (6.75±1.42 vs. 6.08±1.51, P=0.046). The sum of R wave in lead V5, neg T wave in lead V6 and ST-segment depression in lead V4>2.585 mV identified ApHCM with 90.2% sensibility and 87.5% specificity, representing the highest diagnostic accuracy.Conclusions: Compared with NSTEACS patients, ApHCM patients presented higher R waves and neg T wave voltage as well as a greater ST-segment depression in the 12-lead ECGs.
Upregulated circRNA_100269 suppresses the growth and metastasis of gastric cancer by inactivating PI3K/Akt signaling pathway
Authors: wang zhongli , liu chao 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: The expression of circRNA_100269 in gastric cancer (GC) tissues and cells, together with its regulatory roles on GC cells were investigated. Methods: The levels of circRNA_100269 in GC and matched para-carcinoma tissues, as well as in human GC cell lines and normal gastric epithelial cells were evaluated using RT-qPCR. The models with overexpression or knockdown of circRNA_100269 were generated using lentiviral vectors. Cell viability was examined using MTT assay; cell migration and invasive activity were determined by wound healing and Transwell assay. Cell cycle arrest and apoptosis were assessed; molecules involved in PI3K/Akt signaling, apoptosis and EMT were evaluated using RT-qPCR and immunoblotting. Tumour growth and expression of relevant proteins were examined in circRNA_100269 knockout mice. Results: The results indicated the expression of circRNA_100269 was dramatically decreased in GC samples compared with para-carcinoma tissues (p < 0.05), while the levels of PI3K were notably increased (p < 0.05). Moreover, the level of circRNA_100269 was relevant to histology grade and occurrence of metastasis in GC patients (p < 0.05), where circRNA_100269 and PI3K was inversely correlated (p < 0.05). Additionally, circRNA_100269 was downregulated in GC cells compared with normal gastric epithelial cells. Overexpressed circRNA_100269 remarkably suppressed the proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT of GC cells (p < 0.05), induced cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase and promoted cell apoptosis (p < 0.05). In addition, PI3K/Akt signaling was involved in circRNA_100269-mediated proliferation, migration, invasion, EMT and apoptosis in GC cells (p < 0.05). Knockdown of circRNA_100269 also significantly promoted tumor growth in vivo (p < 0.05). Conclusions: the data of the present study suggested that the expression level of circRNA_100269 was decreased in GC tissues and cells. In addition, circRNA_100269 inhibited the progression of GC by suppressing PI3K/Akt signaling. Therefore, circRNA_100269/PI3K/Akt axis may be a potential therapeutic target for GC treatment.
Effectiveness and safety of intravenous unfractionated heparin before fibrinolytic therapy in patients with STEMI: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Fan Jinshan , Mao Xulong , He Guoqiang , Shi Jiachong , Gu Qiang , Lan Jiang 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: The benefits and risks of administering intravenous unfractionated heparin (UFH) before fibrinolytic therapy in the treatment of patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) remain unclear. This study investigated the effectiveness and safety of intravenous UFH before fibrinolytic therapy in STEMI patients.Methods: A total of 260 STEMI patients were divided into a no-heparin group (n=130) and UFH group (n=130) according to whether they received intravenous UFH before fibrinolytic therapy. The infarction related artery (IRA) patency rate was determined by echocardiography. The primary end point was the clinical patency rate within 120 min after thrombolysis. The safety end point was the occurrence of a severe bleeding event such as gastrointestinal bleeding or stroke. Covariates were balanced by propensity score matching, and the effectiveness of the treatment strategies was compared using a Cox proportional hazard model and subgroup analysis. The safety of intravenous UFH treatment was evaluated using a Cox proportional hazard model.Results: The IRA patency rate was higher in the UFH group than in the no-heparin group. Additionally, UFH as pre-thrombolytic therapy was associated with a significantly lower risk of composite effectiveness outcomes but not a significantly lower risk of composite safety outcomes compared with the no-heparin therapy. Moreover, the 7- and 12-day survival rates were higher in the UFH group than in the no-heparin group. No significant difference in bleeding risk was observed between the two groups.Conclusion: Intravenous UFH administered before fibrinolytic therapy improved the IRA patency rate in STEMI patients with appreciable safety.
Study on the Age of SARS-CoV-2 in Respiratory and Digestive Tract Samples: A Retrospective Study guixian-wu1,dongqin-lv*,susu-He,qian-chen,lin-ling,shaungquan-yan,xiaomai-wu,yongpo-jiang
Authors: Wu Guixian , He Susu , Chen Qian , Ling Lin , Yan Shuangquan , Wu Xiaomai , Jiang Yongpo , Lv Dongqing 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: An acute respiratory disease, caused by a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2, previously known as 2019-nCoV), the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has spread throughout China and received worldwide attention. After nearly 2 months efforts by the Chinese government and people from all walks of life, the epidemic in China has gradually been controlled. The awareness of the disease has gradually increased. We have detected the SARS-CoV-2 gene in the patient's sputum, throat swabs and feces, blood and even urine samples, but whether the SARS-CoV-2 RNA is detected in the upper and lower respiratory tracts and the extrapulmonary age is unknown.Methods: We collected data from 146 patients admitted to the Public Health Center of Taizhou Hospital, Zhejiang University, China from January 23, 2020 to March 11, 2020, and confirmed the diagnosis of new-type coronavirus pneumonia by RT-PCR. The final selection was made after screening. For a total of 134 confirmed patients, we collected their clinical data and sputum, nasopharyngeal swabs or throat swabs, fecal nucleic acid test results, and calculated the age of each specimen.Results: A total of 134 confirmed patients were included in the study; of them, 93 were of the common type, and 41 were critically ill. There were no significant differences between males and females, P = 0.853) and their epidemiological history (P = 0.441). The average age of severe patients was 55.85 ± 13.28 years, which was higher than that of common patients at 44.06 ± 12.86 years (P = 0.00). The results showed that the time of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the upper respiratory tract was 15.1 ± 7.23 days for common patients and 20.56 ± 6.59 days for severe patients, which was longer than that of common patients (P = 0.00). The time of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the lower respiratory tract was 27.45 ± 10.06 days for common patients and 29.78 ± 10.11 days for severe patients. There was no statistical difference (P = 0.328); SARS-CoV-2 RNA existed in the digestive tract. The time was 22.6 ± 7.69 days for common patients and 27.24 ± 7.86 days for severe patients, which was longer than that of common patients (P = 0.01). SARS-CoV-2 existed for a shorter time in the upper respiratory and digestive tracts than in the lower respiratory tract.CONCLUSION: SARS-CoV-2 is present in the lower respiratory tract for longer than the upper respiratory　and digestive tracts, and there were no statistical differences in the lower respiratory tract between common and severe patients.
Intermittent versus daily dosing of meropenem in haemodialysis patients – A retrospective observational exploratory study
Authors: Ho Vanda , Tay Felecia , Wu Jia En , Lum Lionel , Tambyah Paul 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
BackgroundExtended microbial resistance is very common in patients on haemodialysis, often needing long courses of carbapenems. This results in increased length of stay in hospital and its complications. However, carbapenems can be given intermittently and avoid this problem.We aim to describe the clinical outcomes of intermittent versus daily meropenem in thrice weekly haemodialysed patients.Methods: 125 records were examined retrospectively. Data collected includes patient demographics, clinical interventions such as source control, meropenem dose and regime, and clinical outcomes such as length of hospital stay (LOS), 30-day readmission rates and adverse events.Results: Mean age was 62.6±1.3 years, 56% were male. 65.6% were on haemodialysis secondary to diabetic nephropathy, and 84% were on thrice-weekly regime. Most common bacteria cultured was Klebsiella pneumoniae (14.4%), the most common indication for meropenem was pneumonia (32%) and mainly used for cure (65%). Mean duration of therapy on meropenem was 11.5±1.2 days, 8 patients needed more than 30 days of meropenem. 59.2% did not have intervention for source control.87.2% received daily dosing of meropenem. 6.4% patients received intermittent dosing of meropenem only, 4.8% patients received both types of dosing regimens. Dosing was variable across both arms.LOS of the index admission was shorter for the intermittent arm, 15.5±2.7 days compared to daily arm, 34.7±2.7 days. Though 30-day readmission was higher (50% in the intermittent arm versus 33.1%), total LOS in the year was still lower (49±18.0 days in the intermittent arm versus 53.3±14.9 days). There were few adverse events in both arms.Conclusion: Our study suggests that intermittent dosing of meropenem may be helpful for reducing hospital length of stay. We suggest for randomised controlled trials to prove its safety and efficacy.
Enteral Nutrition Practices in Children with Cancer admitted into a Paediatric Intensive Care Unit and Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Afonso Wanelia , Peres Wilza , Pinho Nivaldo , Martucci Renata , Saraiva Daúbia , Padilha Patricia 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background and Aim: Delays in both the prescription of, as well as interruptions in the administration of ENT, have been widely investigated. The most common reasons for damage in the nutritional impairment in children in a PICU are the presence of gastrointestinal disorders, together with medical and nursing procedures. This study aims to describe enteral nutrition practices in children with cancer and to evaluate the factors related to clinical outcomes, hospitalisation time (HT) and mechanical ventilation time (MVT), in a Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) of an Oncological Treatment Centre in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.Method: It is a retrospective longitudinal study, with children that were admitted into the PICU during 2013. Those children who had been diagnosed with a malignancy, aged 1 to 18 years, HT > 72 h, as well as with the use of enteral nutrition therapy (ENT) during their hospitalisation in the PICU, were included in the study. The controlled variables were severity, age, caloric deficiencies, cumulative proteins, gastrointestinal symptoms and the early initiation of ENT. The odds ratios between the exposure factors were estimated with a confidence interval (CI) of 95% and a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: The study selected 54 patients; the median age was 8.02 (2.35–12.79) years. The cumulative deficiencies of calories and proteins were 21.5 (14.0–29.6) kcal / kg / day and 0.60 (0.33–0.97) g / kg / day, respectively. Diarrhoea and younger age and the cumulative caloric deficiencies were HT predictors. Abdominal distention and younger age were associated with a higher MVT. Conclusions: Changes in the gastrointestinal tract, with evaluation of the cumulative caloric deficiencies in critically ill children with cancer, should be monitored more continuously, as well as with the impact of these variables on the HT and MVT outcomes.
Latent Tuberculosis Infection Prevalence and Characteristics in the HIV disease population in Two Major Medical Centers in Tegucigalpa, Honduras
Authors: Castro-Lainez Mirams T , Varela-Martinez Cecilia , Rivera Rebeca , Diaz-Romero Jose A , Solorzano-Flores Leticia N , Howell Alan , Sierra-Hoffman Miguel , Stevens Mark L , Palou-Garcia Elsa , Deliz Rafael J 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background

In Honduras, thirteen percent of patients with tuberculosis are coinfected with HIV, but the prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection among people with HIV infection is unknown. The goal of this study is to determine the prevalence and characteristics of latent tuberculosis infection among HIV diagnosed patients.
Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2015 to December 2015 in two major clinical centers in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. This study used an adapted questionnaire-based clinical algorithm from the World Health Organization, procedures described by the Pan American Health Organization, and the Honduran National Norms for Tuberculosis Control included in the supplement material. There were two hundred ten individuals interviewed. Laboratory testing included tuberculin skin testing with absolute CD4 counts.
Results

There was a statistically significant higher risk of latent tuberculosis infection with HIV disease in the subgroups with a lower level of education (p = 0.002) and prior history of tuberculosis (p < 0.001).
Conclusion

The prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection is lower than in high-prevalence regions in different countries. The tuberculin skin test continues to identify patients with latent tuberculosis with HIV disease and intervene with concurrent antiretroviral therapy and tuberculosis chemoprophylaxis. A low education level is probably related to low socioeconomic status and access to healthcare. The findings of this study represent an opportunity to reach underserved areas, test the HIV population with the tuberculin skin test, and administer chemoprophylaxis.