bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Associating the Scale-Up of Insecticide-Treated Nets and Use With the Decline in All-Cause Child Mortality in the Democratic Republic of Congo From 2005 to 2014
Authors: Karemere Johanna Nzigire , Nana Ismael Ghislain , Andrada Andrew , Kakesa Olivier Muswalu , Sompwe Eric Mukomena , Likwela Joris Losimba , Emina Jacques O , Sadou Aboubacar , Humes Michael , Yé Yazoumé 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background To reduce the malaria burden and improve the socioeconomic status of its citizens, the Democratic Republic of Congo scaled up key malaria control interventions, especially insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), between 2005 and 2014. Since then, the effects of these interventions on malaria mortality and morbidity have not been assessed. This study aims to measure the impact of the National Malaria Control Programme’s efforts and to inform future control strategies.Methods The authors used data from the Demographic and Health Surveys 2007 and 2013-2014 to assess trends in all-cause childhood mortality (ACCM) against trends in coverage of malaria interventions at national and subnational levels. The authors used the plausibility argument to assess the impact of the malaria control interventions and used Kaplan-Meier survival probability and Cox proportional hazard models to examine the effect of ITN ownership on child survival. Contextual factor trends affecting child survival were also considered.Results Countrywide, household ownership of at least one ITN increased, from 9% in 2007 to 70% in 2013-2014. All provinces experienced similar increases, with some greater than the national level. ITN use increased between 2007 and 2013-2014 among children under five (6% to 55%). Severe anaemia (haemoglobin concentration <8g/dl) prevalence among children aged 6–59 months significantly decreased, from 11% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 9–13%) in 2007 to 6% (95% CI: 5–7%) in 2013-2014. During the same period, ACCM declined, from 148 (95% CI: 132-163) to 104 (95% CI: 97-112) deaths per 1,000 live births. The decline in ACCM was greater among children aged 6–23 months (relative reduction of 36%), compared to children aged 24–59 months (relative reduction of 12%). Cox regression indicated that household ownership of at least one ITN reduced the risk of mortality by 24% among children under five (risk ratio=0.76, 95% CI: 0.64–0.90). Contextual factor analysis revealed marginal improvements in socioeconomic indicators and other health interventions.Conclusions Given the patterns of the coverage of malaria control interventions, patterns in ACCM by province, and marginal improvements in contextual factors, the authors conclude that the malaria control interventions have plausibly contributed to the decrease in ACCM in the Democratic Republic of Congo from 2005 to 2014.
Urgent-SQ Implant: Safety and Efficacy, 18 Years After First Implantation.
Authors: Dorsthorst Manon te , Janssen Dick , Martens Frank , Balken Michael van , Heesakkers John 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: To evaluate the long term follow up in terms of safety and usability of the Urgent-SQ system (implantable tibial nerve stimulator) based on 1 year, 9 year follow up and novel results 18 years after first implantation in 2002.Materials & Methods: Since 2002, eight patients were implanted with the Urgent-SQ system. Seven patients were included in previous follow up studies, 1 patient had loss of efficacy before 1 year of follow up. During this study all patients who were included in the previous follow-up studies (n=7) were contacted to be interviewed regarding efficacy, usability and safety. Results: Five out of seven patients were available for assessment, mean age 72 years ± 8 (range 65-82). Two patients were considered lost to follow up. None of the interviewed patients reported safety issues, new adverse events or discomfort. One of the patients was able to visit the hospital for efficacy. However, treatment could not be performed due to deficiency of the external or internal component. All patients did not perform self-stimulation anymore due to external stimulator deficiency (n=2) or loss of effect (n=3). Conclusion: 18 year follow up of the Urgent-SQ implant demonstrates a high safety profile. However efficacy after 18 years is lacking in 60% whereas in 40% the therapy cannot be applied because the external stimulator is deficient. This most likely depicts the end of the lifecycle of the device.
Personal Exposure Levels to O3, NOx, PM10 and the Association to Ambient Levels in two Swedish Cities
Authors: Haga Susanna , Hagenbjörk Annika , Olin Anna-Carin , Forsberg Bertil , Liljelind Ingrid , Carlsen Hanne Krage , Modig Lars 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundExposure to air pollution is of great concern for public health although studies on the associations between exposure estimates and personal exposure are limited and somewhat inconsistent. We aimed to quantify the associations between personal NOx, ozone and PM10 exposure levels to ambient levels, and the impact of climate and time spent outdoors in two cities in Sweden.MethodsSubjects (n=65) from two Swedish cities participated in the study. The study protocol included personal exposure measurements at three occasions, or waves. Personal exposure measurements of NOx, ozone, and PM10, were performed for 10 days and 24 hours respectively, and the participants kept a diary on activities. Stationary monitoring stations provided hourly data of NOx, ozone, and PM, as well as data on air temperature and relative humidity. Data were analysed using mixed linear models with the subject-id as a random effect and stationary exposure and covariates as fixed effects. ResultsPersonal exposure levels of NOx, ozone, and PM10 were significantly associated with levels measured at air-pollution monitoring stations. The associations persisted after adjusting for temperature, relative humidity, city, and wave, but the modelled estimates were slightly attenuated from 2.4% (95% CI 1.8-2.9) to 2.0% (0.97-2.94%) for NOX, from 3.7% (95% CI 3.1-4.4) to 2.1% (95% CI 1.1-2.9%) for O3 and from 2.6% (95% 0.9-4.2%) to 1.3% (95% CI -1.5-4.0) for PM10. After adding covariates, the degree of explanation offered by the model (coefficient of determination, or R2) did not change for NOX (0.64 to 0.63), but increased from 0.46 to 0.63 for O3, and from 0.38 to 0.43 for PM10. ConclusionsPersonal exposure to NOx, ozone and PM have moderate to good association with levels measured at urban background sites. The results indicate that stationary measurements are valid as measure of exposure in environmental health risk assessments, especially if they can be refined using activity diaries and meteorological data. Approximately 50-70% of the variation of the personal exposure was explained by the stationary measurement, implying occurrence of misclassification in studies using more crude exposure metrics, potentially leading to underestimates of the effects of exposure to ambient air pollution
Relationship between O-GlcNAcase Expression and Prognosis of Patients with Osteosarcoma
Authors: Sombutthaweesri Thamonwan , Wu Shuangjiang , Chamusri Nutchapon , Settakorn Jongkolnee , Pruksakorn Dumnoensun , Chaiyawat Parunya , Sastraruji Thanapat , Krisanaprakornkit Suttichai , Supanchart Chayarop 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Several studies have demonstrated a role of O-GlcNAcylation (O-GlcNAc) in tumorigenesis of various carcinomas by modification of tumor-associated proteins. However, its implication in the pathogenesis of osteosarcoma remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the levels of O-GlcNAc and the expressions of O-linked N-acetylglucosamine transferase (OGT) and O-GlcNAcase (OGA) in human osteosarcoma tissues and to find correlations between the levels or expressions and several clinicopathologic parameters.Methods: Immunohistochemistry was conducted in 109 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded bone tissue sections that were derived from 109 first diagnosed osteosarcoma patients, including Enneking stage IIB (n=70) and III (n=39). Correlations between the imunoreactive score (IRS) and clinicopathologic parameters, overall survival, and metastasis- free survival were evaluated. Results: A positive correlation was found between the IRS of OGA and the percentage of post-chemotherapeutic tumor necrosis (r=0.308; P=0.017). Univariate analysis revealed significantly lower OGA IRS in metastatic patients (P=0.020) and poor chemotherapeutic-responder patients (P=0.001). By multivariate analysis, presence of tumor metastasis (P=0.002) and lower OGA IRS (P=0.004) was significantly associated with shorter overall survival. Subgroup analysis in stage IIB osteosarcoma (n=70) demonstrated that male gender (P=0.019), presence of tumor recurrence (P=0.026), poor chemotherapeutic responder (P=0.022), and lower OGA IRS (P=0.019) were significantly correlated with short metastasis-free survival. But, lower OGA IRS was the only independent predictor for short metastasis-free survival (P=0.006).Conclusions: O-GlcNAc pathway, especially OGA, involved in pathogenesis and aggressiveness of osteosarcoma. Low level of OGA expression may be used as a poor prognostic indicator.
The Role of ARHGAP9: Clinical Implication and Potential Function in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Han Caixia , He Shujiao , Wang Ruiqi , Gao Xuefeng , Wang Hong , Qiao Jingqiao , Meng Xiangyu , Li Yonghui , Yu Li 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Rho GTPase activating protein 9 (ARHGAP9) is expressed in many cancers and can inactivate Rho GTPases that are key regulators of cytoskeletal dynamics. However, the exact role of ARHGAP9 in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is still unclear. Methods: We compared the transcriptional expression, prognosis, differentially expressed genes, function enrichment, and hub genes in AML patients based on published data in UALCAN, GEPIA, Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), the Human Protein Atlas (HPA), Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE), LinkedOmics, Metascape, and String databases. Data from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was used to evaluate the correlations between ARHGAP9 expression and various clinicopathological parameters as well as the significantly different genes associated with ARHGAP9 expression.Results: We found that ARHGAP9 expression was higher in AML patient tissues and cell lines than the corresponding control tissues and other cancer types. Furthermore, ARHGAP9 over-expression was associated with shorter overall survival (OS) in AML patients. Compared with the ARHGAP9low group, ARHGAP9high patients received only chemotherapy showed the significantly worse OS and event-free survival (EFS), but no significant difference after treatment with autologous or allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto/allo-HSCT). In addition, ARHGAP9high patients undergoing auto/allo-HSCT had significantly better prognosis in OS and EFS than those receiving only chemotherapy. Because most of the overlapping gene between the significantly different genes and co-expression genes were enriched in the immune functions, suggesting an immune regulation potential of ARHGAP9 in AML. Thirty-two hub genes were identified from the differently expressed genes, within which the KIF20A had significant prognostic value for AML.Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that ARHGAP9 overexpression was associated with poor OS in AML patients and can be used as a prognosis biomarker. AML patients with ARHGAP9 over-expression could benefit from auto/allo-HSCT rather than chemotherapy.
Prevalence and correlates of sexual violence among adolescent girls and young women: findings from a cross-sectional study in a South African university
Authors: Ajayi Anthony Idowu , Mudefi Elmon , Owolabi Eyitayo Omolara 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: There is a window of opportunity to address the menace of sexual violence in South Africa, given the formation of the ministerial task team commissioned by the president in 2019 following the brutal rape and murder of a female university student in Cape Town. Epidemiological data on the prevalence and factors associated with sexual violence is critical to understanding the magnitude of the problem and designing interventions towards reversing the trend of sexual violence in the country. Drawing from cross-sectional data from a South Africa university, we examined the prevalence and correlates of sexual violence among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW). Methods: We analysed data of 451 AGYW selected using stratified sampling. Sexual violence was defined as any sexual acts, and attempt to obtain a sexual act without consent. We used adjusted and unadjusted logistic regression models to examine the factors associated with exposure to sexual violence while controlling for relevant covariates. Results: The lifetime and past year prevalence of sexual violence was 37.9% and 25.3%, respectively. A higher prevalence of sexual violence was reported by heavy episodic drinkers of alcohol (lifetime 48.4% and past year 34.0%), those who received insufficient financial support (lifetime 58.0% and past year 35.8%) compared to non-users of alcohol and those who received adequate financial support. AGYW who reported heavy episodic use of alcohol were twice more likely to report experiencing sexual violence compared to non-users. However, individuals who received adequate family support were 76% and 65% less likely to report lifetime and past year experience of sexual violence compared to those who received inadequate family support. Also, AGYW who rated themselves as very religious were 80% and 75% less likely to report lifetime and past year experience of sexual violence compared to those who were not religious.Conclusion: Our study shows that sexual violence affects a large proportion of girls, requiring intervention that not only focuses on increasing social support for survivors, facilitating reporting, and ensuring justice is served, but also target alcohol use reduction and poverty alleviation.
Effect of Anionic Group [SiO4]4-/[PO4]3- on the Luminescence Properties of Dy3+-Doped Tungstate Structural Compounds
Authors: Liu Ning , Mei Lefu , Bin Jianxiong , Peng Zhijian 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The novel scheelite structures of Li2Ca(WO4)2 , Li2Ca2(WO4)(SiO4), and LiCa2(WO4)(PO4) fluorescent materials were successfully prepared using a high-temperature solid-phase method. The compounds were characterized by XRD, EDS, and XRF. The test results showed that the substitution of [WO4]2- by [SiO4]4- /[PO4]3- tetrahedron in tungstate had no significant influence on the crystal structure of the Li2Ca(WO4)2. When Dy3+ ions were introduced as an activator at an optimum doping concentration of 0.08% mol, all of the as-prepared phosphors generated yellow light emissions, and the emission peak was located close to 576 nm. Replacing [WO4]2- with [SiO4]4- /[PO4]3- tetrahedron significantly increased the luminescence of the Li2Ca(WO4)2 phosphors. In addition, the LiCa2(WO4)(PO4):zDy3+ phosphors had the best luminescence properties, decay life (τ = 0.049 ms), and thermal stability (87.8%).
A Retrospective Study on The Usefulness of The JJ Risk Engine for Predicting Complications in Type 2 Diabetes Patients
Authors: Yamashita Yasunari , Kitajima Rina , Matsubara Kiyoshi , Inoue Gaku , Matsubara Hajime 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Objective: The JJ risk engine, developed in 2012, is an algorithm that predicts the 19 incidence of diabetes complications that may develop after 5 to 10 years. However, 20 studies validating the JJ risk engine have not yet been reported;we aimed to verify the 21 JJ risk engine. In 2013, we conducted a retrospective survey using medical records of 22 484 patients with type 2 diabetes. The observed value of coronary heart disease (CHD) 23 complicationsafter 5 years and the predicted value by the JJ risk engine as of 2013 were 24 compared and verified using the discrimination and calibration values.25Results: Among the total cases analyzed, the C-statistic was 0.588,and the calibration 26 was p <0.05; thus, the JJ risk engine could not correctly predict the risk of CHD. However, 27 in the group expected to have a low frequency of hypoglycemia, the C-statistic was 0.646; 28 the predictability of the JJ risk engine was relatively accurate. Further, in the group of 29 patients using high-dose insulin, segregated from the group expected to have a high 30 frequency of hypoglycemia, the C-statistic was 0.866; thus, the JJ risk engine correctly 31 predicted the risk of CHD. Hence, the above results were not consistent in trend.
SARS-CoV2 infection in Symptomatic patients: interest of Serological tests and Predictors of Mortality. Experience of DR Congo
Authors: Makulo Jean-Robert Rissassy , Mandina Madone Ndona , Mbala Placide Kingebeni , Wumba Roger Dimosi , Akilimali Pierre Zalagile , NLANDU Yannick Mayamba , Odio Jerome Ossam , Bepouka Ben Izizag , Longokolo Murielle Mashi , Mukenge Eric Kasongo , Kamwiziku Guyguy , Muamba Jonathan Mutombo , Longo Augustin Luzayadio , Lufu Crispin Muanza , Keke Hervé Letin , Mbula Marcel Mambimbi , Situakibanza Hippolyte Nanituma , Sumaili Ernest Kiswaya , Kayembe Jean-Marie Ntuma 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: In symptomatic patients, the diagnostic approach of Covid-19 should be holistic. We aimed to evaluate the concordance between RT-PCR and serological tests (IgM/IgG), and identify the factors that best predict mortality (clinical stages or viral load).Methods: The study included 242 patients referred to the University hospital of Kinshasa for suspected Covid-19, dyspnea or ARDS between June 1st, 2020 and August 02, 2020. Both antibody-SARS-CoV2 IgM/IgG and RT-PCR method were performed on the day of admission to hospital. The clinical stages were established according to the Covid-19 WHO classification. The viral load was expressed by the CtN2 (cycle threshold value of the nucleoproteins) and the CtE (envelope) genes of SARS- CoV-2 detected using GeneXpert. Kappa test and Cox regression were used as appropriate.Results: The GeneXpert was positive in 74 patients (30.6%). Seventy two patients (29.8%) had positive IgM and 34 patients (14.0 %) had positive IgG. The combination of RT-PCR and serological tests made it possible to treat 104 patients as having Covid-19, which represented an increase in cases of around 41% compared to the result based on GeneXpert alone. The comparison between the two tests has shown that 57 patients (23.5 %) had discordant results. The Kappa coefficient was 0.451 (p <0.001). We recorded 23 deaths (22.1 %) among the Covid-19 patients vs 8 deaths (5.8 %) among other patients. The severe-critical clinical stage increased the risk of mortality vs. mild-moderate stage (aHR: 26.8, p < 0.001). The values ​​of CtE and CtN2 did not influence mortality significantly. Conclusion: in symptomatic patients, serological tests are a support which makes it possible to treat a greater number of Covid-19 patients. WHO Clinical classification seems to predict mortality better than SARS-Cov2 viral load.
Pregnant women’s knowledge, perceived severity, and perceived controllability of the COVID-19 and their associations with emotional and behavioral reactions: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Khazaeian Somayyeh , Khazaeian Safoura , Fathnezhad-kazemi Azita 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: COVID-19 pandemic has caused a tidal wave of anxiety and stress among Iranians, especially pregnant women. In order to control this unpleasant situation, it is indispensable to examine such issues as the level of Knowledge, emotions, and health behaviors. This study aimed to assess the association between knowledge, perceived severity, and perceived controllability of covid-19 with emotional and behavioral reactions in pregnant women.Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 440 pregnant women who were selected via the multistage sampling method from four different cities of Sistan-Baluchestan province, Iran. Data were collected using demographic-obstetrics characteristics form, as well as the questionnaires of knowledge, perceived severity, and perceived controllability of the COVID-19, health anxiety, and self-care. Results: Based on the results, self-care was positively correlated with knowledge, perceived severity, and perceived controllability of the COVID-19. Nonetheless, health anxiety had a significant and inverse association with knowledge and perceived controllability, while there was a positive and significant correlation between perceived severity and health anxiety. Based on linear regression, three variables of knowledge, perceived severity, and perceived controllability of the COVID-19 could explain 46.3 and 17.5 % of variations in self-care and health anxiety, respectively. Finally, people with higher education and knowledge obtained higher scores on self-care and lower scores on health anxiety.Conclusion: As evidenced by the obtained results, it is suggested that due to the critical importance of prenatal care, managers, and health officials promote the use of such methods as telehealth and home-based caregivers, especially in areas with inadequate access to health care. In so doing, the pregnant women can be followed up and receive medical care devoid of any stress and anxiety and without a physical presence in healthcare centers.
Microsatellite instability leads to poor prognosis in patients with early-stage endometrial cancer? a meta-analysis
Authors: Xiao Jingping , Wang Jisheng , Zhao Yuanyu , He Miaoquan , Du Jiang , Wang Yunzi 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background

Poor prognosis of early-stage endometrial cancer (EC) is often accompanied by microsatellite instability (MSI). We hypothesized that MSI is an independent marker for poor prognosis of early-stage EC. To demonstrate this hypothesis, we evaluated the correlation between MSI and early-stage EC prognosis by meta-analysis.
Methods

Databases such as PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Cooperative Library were searched from inception to October 2020, respectively. The disease-free survival (DFS), the overall survival (OS), and the progression-free survival (PFS) were pooled to analyze the correlation between MSI and prognosis in patients with early-stage EC. Besides, Egger's regression and Begg's test were used to detect Publication bias.
Results

There were 7 studies met the inclusion criteria and were enrolled in our meta-analysis with a sample size of 1150, and the included patients with early-stage EC were all endometrioid endometrial cancer (EEC). The pooled hazard ratios (HRs) in early-stage EC shows that MSI is significantly associated with lower DFS [HR = 3.90, 95%CI (2.81–6.99), p = 0.000], OS [HR = 1.48, 95%CI (1.12–1.96), p = 0.006], and PFS [HR = 2.41, 95%CI (1.05–5.52), p = 0.038]. There was no significant heterogeneity in the studies pooled analysis of DFS, OS, and PFS. There was also no statistical publication bias, the P-value of Egger`s test of OS and DFS is p = 0.535 and p = 0.639 respectively.
Conclusion

MSI is most likely an independent marker of poor prognosis in early-stage EC, and this correlation is even more significant in patients with EEC.