bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acetate Ringer's solution versus 0.9% saline for septic patients: study protocol for a multi-center parallel controlled trial
Authors: Liu Fang , Zhang Jing , Zhu Yuan , Su Lianjiu , Li Yiming , He Li , Yu Li , Peng Zhiyong 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Previous study drew different conclusions on significant differences between saline and balanced crystalloid solution infused in critical illness but both the statistical difference in sepsis subgroup. Thus, we will specifically focus on septic patients in this study to compare the effects of saline and balanced solution. We hypothesize that effects of saline on acute kidney injury (AKI) are related to the underline AKI severity and total volumes of infusion.Methods/design: The investigators designed a pragmatic, multi-center parallel controlled trial recruiting 312 patients who are diagnosed with sepsis/septic shock in the intensive care unit (ICU) and will be assigned with either acetate Ringer’s solution or saline in the corresponding month. Patients with an end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or who need renal replacement therapy (RRT) prior to or at the time of enrolment are excluded. Enrolled patients will be regarded as with mild, moderate or severe sepsis on the basis of the severity of their illness, and will be divided into subgroups according to their initial renal function and various intravenous infusion volumes when being analyzed. The primary outcome is major adverse kidney events within 28 days (MAKE28), including the composite of in-hospital death, receipt of new renal replacement therapy, or persistent renal dysfunction. Secondary outcomes include 28 days-mortality, internal environment disturbance, incidence and duration of vasoactive drug treatment, duration of mechanical ventilation, duration of RRT and ICU and hospital length of stay.Results and conclusions: To our knowledge, this study will be the first to focus on septic patients and provide credible and evident data on the comparison of outcome between acetate Ringer’s solution and saline for intravenous infusion in adult septic patients on the basis of baseline renal function and infusion volumes taken into consideration.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, identifiers: NCT03685214. Registered on August 15th, 2018. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03685214
Prevalence and Correlates of Depressive Symptoms Among High School Adolescent Girls in Southern Uganda
Authors: Nabunya Proscovia , Damulira Christopher , Byansi William , Muwanga Joelynn , Bahar Ozge Sensoy , Namuwonge Flavia , Ighofose Eloho , Brathwaite Rachel , Tumwesige Wilberforce , Ssewamala Fred M 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), adolescent girls and young women are three times more likely than boys to have depressive disorders. Understanding adolescents’ unique and common vulnerabilities and protective factors is essential for the development of appropriate interventions and programming focused on child and adolescent mental health. This paper examines the prevalence and predictors of depressive symptoms among high school adolescent girls in southern Uganda. Methods: Baseline data from a longitudinal cluster randomized study involving 1260 adolescent girls (14–17 years), recruited from 47 secondary schools were utilized. Depressive symptoms were estimated using the 21-item Beck’s Depression Inventory. Hierarchical linear regression modelling was utilized to estimate key predictors of depressive symptoms among adolescent girls. Results: Of the total sample, 16.35% (n=206) reported severe depressive symptoms and almost one in every three adolescent girls interviewed (29.68%, n=374) reported moderate symptoms. These symptoms were more prevalent among older adolescents (16 years and above). In addition, family relationships, social support, as well as measures of psychological wellbeing (self-concept and self-esteem) were all associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms. Hopelessness was associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms among adolescent girls. Conclusion: Findings from this study indicate a high prevalence of depressive symptoms, especially among older adolescent girls. In addition, family support factors and adolescents’ psychological wellbeing were associated with low levels of depressive symptoms –pointing to the need to strengthen family functioning and adolescent’s psychological wellbeing to mitigate risks. Taken together, findings support increasing calls for early screening and detection of depressive symptoms to facilitate timely referral to care and treatment. Findings may also inform the development and incorporation of gender-specific mental health components in programming targeting adolescent girls, in low-resource communities in SSA.Trial Registration: This trial was prospectively registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (registrationnumber: NCT03307226) on 11 October 2017.
Improvements in French Risk Stratification Score were Correlated with Reductions in Mean Pulmonary Artery Pressure in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: A Subanalysis of the Japan Pulmonary Hypertension Registry (JAPHR)
Authors: Tamura Yuichi , Kumamaru Hiraku , Abe Kohtaro , Satoh Toru , Miyata Hiroaki , Ogawa Aiko , Tanabe Nobuhiro , Hatano Masaru , Yao Atsushi , Tsujino Ichizo , Fukuda Keiichi , Kimura Hiroshi , Kuwana Masataka , Matsubara Hiromi , Tatsumi Koichiro 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
BackgroundSince there was no previous report, we analyzed the relationship between French Risk Stratification parameters in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and mean pulmonary arterial pressures (mPAP) using Japan PH Registry (JAPHR) national-wide cohort.MethodsWe enrolled 108 patients with PAH from JAPHR from previous reported cohort and analyzed the relations between French Risk Stratification scores and hemodynamic improvements.ResultsThe ratio meeting 0 to 4 French Risk Stratification score was 21.3%, 31.5%, 32.4%, 13.0%, and 1.9% at baseline, and 6.5%, 23.2%, 33.3%, 23.2%, 13.9% at follow-up, respectively. The improvements in the number of criteria met were associated both with mPAP at follow-up (p=0.03) and with the improvements in mPAP (p<0.001).ConclusionThe improvements in French Risk Stratification may become a marker of improved hemodynamics including mPAP.
Emphasise Capability, Not Disability: Exploring public perceptions, facilitators and barriers to living well with dementia in Northern Ireland.
Authors: Mitchell Gary , McTurk Victoria , Carter Gillian , Brown-Wilson Christine 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Improving public knowledge and understanding about dementia has been identified as a priority area by people living with the condition, researchers, educators, and policymakers for several years. Societies that have a better understanding of the condition are more likely to enable people living with dementia to enjoy a better quality of life. The aim of this study was to explore current public perceptions of dementia along with the facilitators and barriers to living well from the perspective of people living with the condition in Northern Ireland.Methods: Four focus group interviews were conducted with a total of 20 people living with dementia across three Northern Irish Counties in June 2019. These interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. Ethical approval was obtained for this study prior to data collection.Findings: Following thematic analysis, three themes emerged in relation to barriers and facilitators to living well with dementia. These were: ‘Emphasis on Disability NOT Capability’, which highlighted societal misconceptions about the activities and modes of life which people with dementia could or could not do; ‘Normalise Dementia – We Don’t Want a Fool’s Pardon’, which focused on how the public could encourage people living with the condition to enjoy greater independence, and ‘Dementia isn’t a Death Sentence’, which considered how professionals, family members and friends treated the person after diagnosis.Conclusions: Public perceptions about dementia have the potential to act as both facilitators and barriers to living well with dementia. People with dementia stated that they are more likely sustain wellbeing when they are valued and can maintain independence. On the contrary, poor public and professional attitudes to dementia had the potential to disempower people living with dementia.
Assessing the association between periodontitis and premature birth : A case control study
Authors: UWAMBAYE Peace , MUNYANSHONGORE Cyprien , RULISA Stephen , Shiau Harlan J , NUHU Assuman , KERR Michael S 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Premature delivery is among the leading causes of perinatal mortality and morbidity in developed societies, which is an important obstetrics problem. Maternal periodontitis is a prevalent condition that has been suspected to be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes such as premature birth. However, there are still conflicting results about this possible relationship, therefore this study was designed to test the association between maternal periodontitis and premature birth. This study also provides the information about a new screening tool recommended for use by nurses and midwives to screen for periodontal diseases during antenatal consultations in order to improve mothers’ and children’s health. Methods: A case-control study was conducted at 12 health facilities in the Southern Province of Rwanda from February to August, 2018. A total of 555 women in the postpartum period were enrolled in the study. Cases and controls were enrolled in a ratio of 1:2; each enrolled case of preterm birth was followed by 2 control subjects that were next on the register and who delivered at term gestation. A total of 185 cases of preterm deliveries and 370 controls of term delivery were enrolled in the study. Multivariate regression analysis was used and the independent variables were hierarchically entered in three groups: The first group involved demographic variables that were put in the regression model as Step 1. The second group was made up of other potential factors that were placed in the regression model as the second step. Periodontitis was entered in the final regression step, as it was hypothesized to be a major predictor variable. Results: A statistically significant association was found between periodontitis and premature birth. Women who had periodontitis had 6 times the odds of giving birth to premature birth infants compared to women who had no periodontitis (p<0.001) (OR=6.360, 95% CI 3.9, 10.4). Conclusion: The study results indicate that periodontitis is strongly associated with premature birth. Preventive solutions including the use of a periodontitis screening tool for nurses and midwives during antenatal care consultations, are highly recommended.
New&nbsp;PTEN&nbsp;mutation identified in a patient with rare bilateral choroidal ganglioneuroma
Authors: Jiang Zhaoxin , Zhang Ting , Chen Chonglin , Sun Limei , Li Songshan , Ding Xiaoyan 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Choroidal ganglioneuroma is an extremely rare tumor, and there is little knowledge regarding its pathogenesis. We aimed to investigate the phenotypic and genetic alterations in one sporadic patient with a rare case of bilateral choroidal ganglioneuroma.Methods: A 6-year-old boy with histological diagnosis of bilateral ganglioneuroma was recruited for the study. Comprehensive ophthalmic examinations were performed. Genomic DNA was extracted from the peripheral blood samples collected from the patient, his unaffected family members, and 200 unrelated control subjects from the same population. Whole exome sequencing was performed and raw reads were aligned to the human genome reference (hg19) using Burrows-Wheeler Aligner. DNA from all available family members was Sanger sequenced for segregation analysis.Results: Extensive bilateral retinal detachments were observed via optical coherence tomography. Diffuse thickening of choroid was identified with ultrasound B scan and magnetic resonance imaging. Genetic analysis revealed the presence of a novel heterozygous PTEN frameshift mutation, c.498delA (p.Thr167LeufsTer16), in exon 6. It was present in the affected individual, but not in any of the family members. Genetic analysis revealed that there was no mutation in neurofibromatosis-related genes in the family. Upon performing comprehensive systemic examinations, no obvious abnormalities in other organs were observed.Conclusions: A novel de novo PTEN mutation was identified in a patient with bilateral choroidal ganglioneuroma. Although PTEN mutations are known to induce multiple abnormalities, choroidal ganglioneuroma can be the first manifestation without abnormalities in other organs. Further studies are needed to confirm the association between choroidal ganglioneuroma and PTEN mutation.
Prediction of prolonged mechanical ventilation in critically ill obstetric patients: Ten years of data from a tertiary teaching hospital in mainland China
Authors: Zhao Huiying , Wang Guangjie , Lyu Jie , Zhang Xiaohong , An Youzhong 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Maternal admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) during pregnancy or in the postpartum period is a marker of severe acute maternal morbidity. Mechanical ventilation is an important and basic method of maintaining life support in the ICU, but prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) is associated with a prolonged length of hospital stay and other adverse outcomes. Therefore, we conducted this retrospective study to describe morbidity and further try to identify the risk factors for PMV in critically ill obstetric women.Methods: The clinical data were obtained from a single-centre retrospective comparative study of 143 critically ill obstetric patients at a tertiary teaching hospital in mainland China between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2019. Clinical and obstetric parameters were collected to analyse the risk factors for PMV. Patients were separated into groups with and without PMV. Potential risk factors were identified by univariate testing. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate independent predictors of PMV.Results: Out of 29,236 hospital deliveries, 265 critically ill obstetric patients entered the ICU. One hundred forty-five (54.7%) of them were treated with mechanical ventilation. Two were excluded because of death within 24 hours. Sixty-five critically ill obstetric patients (45.5%) underwent PMV. The independent risk factors for PMV included estimated blood loss (odds ratio (OR) =1.296, P=0.029), acute kidney injury (AKI) (OR=4.305, P=0.013), myocardial injury (OR=4.586, P=0.012), and PaO2/FiO2 (OR=0.989, P<0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve based on the predicted probability of the logistic regression was 0.934.Conclusions: Estimated blood loss, AKI, myocardial injury, and PaO2/FiO2 were independent risk factors for PMV in critically ill obstetric patients.
Radiological evaluation of malignant pleural mesothelioma&nbsp;- defining distant metastatic disease
Authors: Collins Dearbhaile Catherine , Sundar Raghav , Constantidinou Anastasia , Dolling David , Yap Timothy Anthony , Popat Sanjay , O’Brien Mary E , Banerji Udai , de Bono Johann Sebastian , Lopez Juanita Suzanne , Tunariu Nina , Minchom Anna 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
BackgroundMalignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is traditionally characterized by local destructive spread of the pleura and surrounding tissues. Patient outcomes in MPM with distant metastatic dissemination are lacking. MethodsIn this retrospective study, we reviewed a cohort of 164 MPM patients referred to a Phase I trials unit, aiming to describe identified metastatic sites, and correlate with clinical outcomes. Results67% of patients were diagnosed with distant metastatic disease with a high incidence of bone (19%), visceral (14%), contralateral lung (35%) and peritoneal metastases (22%). Peritoneal metastases were more likely in epithelioid versus biphasic/ sarcomatoid MPM (p=0.015). Overall survival was 23.8 months with no statistical difference in survival between those with distant metastases and those without.ConclusionsThis report highlights the frequency of distant metastases and encourages further radiological investigations in the presence of symptoms. In particular, given the relatively high incidence of bone metastases, bone imaging should be considered in advanced MPM clinical workflow and trial protocols. The presence of distant metastases does not appear to have prognostic implications under existing treatment paradigms. This cohort of MPM patients gives an indication of patterns of metastatic spread that are likely to become prevalent as prognosis improves with emerging treatment paradigms.
Epidemiological situation of leprosy in a province in China: a long time to diagnosis and a high rate of deformity.
Authors: Zhang Qing-Ping , Li Ge , Li Chao , Lin Zhao-Xing , Chen Ping 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: This epidemiological study aimed to analyse both the distribution and characteristics of leprosy in an endemic province in Northwest China.Methods: The medical records of leprosy patients in the province of Shaanxi, China, from 1998-2018 were collected from the Chinese Leprosy Management Information System (LEPMIS). Epidemiological variables were analysed in this study.Results: A total of 477 new cases were diagnosed between 1998 and 2018 in this region. The average annual detection rate was 0.070/100,000 population, and the average annual prevalence was 0.305/100,000 population. The mean age of the newly diagnosed patients was 46.7 years, and the ratio of males to females was 2.5:1. There were 399 cases (83.6%) of multibacillary (MB) leprosy. One hundred forty-eight patients (31.0%) had grade 2 disability. The mean diagnosis time for new cases was 62.0 months.Conclusion: This epidemiological study showed that the characteristics of newly diagnosed leprosy cases in our province were a long time to diagnosis and a high rate of deformity, indicating the need for actions focusing on early diagnosis and treatment and strengthening the detection of leprosy in low-prevalence areas.
Pseudomonas putida as a potential biocontrol agent against Salmonella Java biofilm formation in the drinking water system of broiler houses
Authors: Maes Sharon , De Reu Koen , Weyenberg Stephanie Van , Lories Bram , Heyndrickx Marc , Steenackers Hans 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Environmental biofilms can induce attachment and protection of other microorganisms including pathogens, but can also prevent them from invasion and colonization. This opens the possibility for so-called biocontrol strategies, wherein microorganisms are applied to control the presence of other microbes. The potential for both positive and negative interactions between microbes, however, raises the need for in depth characterization of the sociobiology of candidate biocontrol agents (BCAs). The inside of the drinking water system (DWS) of broiler houses is an interesting niche to apply BCAs, because contamination of these systems with pathogens plays an important role in the infection of broiler chickens and consequently humans. In this study, Pseudomonas putida, which is part of the natural microbiota in the DWS of broiler houses, was evaluated as BCA against the broiler pathogen Salmonella Java.Results: To study the interaction between these species, an in vitro model was developed simulating biofilm formation in the drinking water system of broilers. Dual-species biofilms of P. putida strains P1, P2, and P3 with S. Java were characterized by competitive interactions, independent of P. putida strain, S. Java inoculum density and application order. When equal inocula of S. Java and P. putida strains P1 or P3 were simultaneously applied, the interaction was characterized by mutual inhibition, whereas P. putida strain P2 showed an exploitation of S. Java. Lowering the inoculum density of S. Java changed the interaction with P. putida strain P3 also into an exploitation of S. Java. A further increase in S. Java inhibition was established by P. putida strain P3 forming a mature biofilm before applying S. Java.Conclusions: This study provides the first results showing the potential of P. putida as BCA against S. Java in the broiler environment. Future work should include more complex microbial communities residing in the DWS, additional Salmonella strains as well as chemicals typically used to clean and disinfect the system.
Psychometric evaluation of the Thai version of the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (Th-ECOHIS): a cross sectional validation study
Authors: Leelataweewud Pattarawadee , Jirarattanasopha Varangkanar , Ungchusak Chantana , Vejvithee Warangkana 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Early childhood caries (ECC) is prevalent in Thailand, but no appropriate tool has been available to measure its impact on children’s quality of life. This study translated the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS), a widely used proxy-reported questionnaire developed in the United States for measuring the oral health-related quality of life of preschool children and their families, into Thai (Th-ECOHIS). The scale’s psychometric properties were investigated in Thai caregivers and their children. Methods: Cultural adaptation for the scale development within the Thai context was processed using forward–backward translation by experts. A face and content validation was conducted among 20 Thai caregivers to attain the final Th-ECOHIS. Psychometric testing was done on 3-year-old child-caregiver pairs in Bangkok using the interviewer-administered mode. Children’s oral health was determined by caries experience (decayed, missing and filled primary teeth, dmft) and treatment need. The caregivers answered the Th-ECOHIS and global questions regarding their perception of the children’s oral health. Across-items reliability was assessed by internal consistency using the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Test-retest reliability was managed at a 2-week interval in 10% of the sample using the intraclass correlation coefficient calculated by two-way analysis of variance. The discriminant validity was tested by the relationship between the severity of dental caries, treatment need and Th-ECOHIS scores, using the Kruskal-Wallis test.Results: A total of 214 child-caregiver pairs participated. Twenty-two percent had ECC (dmft 1-3) and 17.3% had severe ECC (dmft 4 or higher) with mean (SD) dmft 1.63 (2.92). All items in the original ECOHIS were retained in the Thai version. The test-retest reliability of Th-ECOHIS was 0.87; internal consistency was 0.85; the total Th-ECOHIS scores were significantly correlated with the global rating of oral health question (r = 0.604). Th-ECOHIS scores in both child and family impact sections and the total were significantly associated with the severity of caries (p < 0.001) and treatment need (p < 0.001).Conclusions: Th-ECOHIS demonstrated good reliability and validity. It could be used on caregivers to assess the impacts of ECC on quality of life of Thai pre-school children and compared to other countries.