bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between serum vitamin D and uric acid in the eastern Chinese population: a population-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Chen Yingchao , Cheng Jing , Chen Yi , Wang Ningjian , Xia Fangzhen , Chen Chi , Han Bing , Lu Yingli 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background

Uric acid (UA) is the end product of purine metabolism, which is thought to be related to many human diseases, such as nephrolithiasis, gout, cardiovascular disease (CVD), type 2 diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome. However, the relationship between serum UA (SUA) and 25(OH)D is still unclear in the eastern Chinese population.

Methods

We did a population-based observational investigation, which included 12,770 residents living in eastern China. Ultimately, data from 9,220 subjects were analyzed. Serum 25(OH)D, SUA, fasting plasma glucose(FPG), fasting insulin, HbA1c and other metabolic parameters were tested. Waist circumference (WC), weight and height were also measured. Questionnaires were collected from these subjects for information on smoking and drinking status.

Results

We enrolled 9,220 Chinese adults, including 3,681 males (age 55.57±13.23 years) and 5,539 females (age 54.31±12.83 years). The levels of SUA were 352.07±79.25 nmol/L and 269.29±64.68 nmol/L in males and females, respectively. The proportion of adults with hyperuricemia (HUA) was 12.26% in the total population. Levels of SUA were positively associated with 25(OH)D, and the incidence of HUA increased 9.4% for every 10 nmol/L increase in 25(OH)D (P<0.001).

Conclusions

SUA was positively associated with 25(OH)D in the eastern Chinese population. Higher levels of serum 25(OH)D may be a potential predictor of HUA.
Ventriculoperitoneal shunt insertion in human immunodeficiency virus infected adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Loan James JM , Poon Michael TC , Tominey Steven , Mankahla Ncedile , Meintjes Graeme , Fieggen Graham 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background Hydrocephalus is a common, life threatening complication of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related central nervous system opportunistic infection which can be treated by insertion of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS). In HIV-infected patients there is concern that VPS might be associated with unacceptably high mortality. To identify prognostic indicators, we aimed to compare survival and clinical outcome following VPS placement between all studied causes of hydrocephalus in HIV infected patients.Methods The following electronic databases were searched: The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, CINAHL Plus, LILACS, Research Registry, the metaRegister of Controlled Trials, ClinicalTrials.gov, African Journals Online, and the OpenGrey database. We included observational studies of HIV-infected patients treated with VPS which reported of survival or clinical outcome. Data was extracted using standardised proformas. Risk of bias was assessed using validated domain-based tools. Results 723 unique study records were screened. Nine observational studies were included. Three included a total of 75 patients with tuberculous meningitis (TBM) and six included a total of 49 patients with cryptococcal meningitis (CM). All of the CM and two of the TBM studies were of weak quality. One of the TBM studies was of moderate quality. One-month mortality ranged from 62.5-100% for CM and 33.3-61.9% for TBM. These pooled data were of low to very-low quality and was inadequate to support meta-analysis between aetiologies. Pooling of results from two studies with a total of 77 participants indicated that HIV-infected patients with TBM had higher risk of one-month mortality compared with HIV non-infected controls (odds ratio 3.03; 95% confidence-interval 1.13- 8.12; p=0.03). Conclusions The evidence base is currently inadequate to inform prognostication in VPS insertion in HIV-infected patients. A population-based prospective cohort study is required to address this, in the first instance.
Reaching hard-to-reach men through home-based couple HIV testing among pregnant women and their male partners in Western Kenya: A qualitative study
Authors: Krakowiak Daisy , Makabong’o Pamela , Goyette Marielle , Kinuthia John , Osoti Alfred Onyango , Asila Victor , Gone Molly Ann , Mark Jennifer , Farquhar Carey 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Globally only 79% of HIV positive adults know their status and men in sub-Saharan Africa are considered a particularly hard-to-reach population for HIV testing. Home-based HIV couple testing during the antenatal period is a safe and effective method that has been used to test male partners of pregnant women. The goal of this qualitative study was to identify elements that made couple testing successful and describe important characteristics of this home-based intervention from couples’ perspectives.

Methods
Couples who received scheduled home-based couple testing during pregnancy in Kisumu, Kenya, were purposively sampled based on HIV status from January to May 2015. An interviewer administered all of the in-depth interviews and two coders were directly involved in the data analysis and reconciled codes several times in the process.

Results
Twenty-one couples were enrolled: 9 concordant HIV-negative couples, 8 HIV discordant couples, 3 HIV concordant HIV-positive couples, and 1 whose concordance status was unknown. Median age at the time of home-based couple testing was 24 and 28 years for women and men, respectively. Median relationship duration was 3 years and couples had a median of two pregnancies. The major themes that emerged were that home-based couple testing 1) removed the female burden of requesting couple testing, 2) overcame logistical barriers associated with clinic-based testing, 3) encouraged participants to overcome their fear of testing and disclosure, 4) provided privacy in the home, and 5) provided quality time with the health advisors. Importantly, some women appreciated individual testing at the clinic before couple testing and some couples preferred skilled, anonymous health advisors delivering the intervention rather than known community health workers.

Conclusions
The results of this qualitative study suggest that home-based couple testing during pregnancy overcame many of the barriers that limit men’s access to and uptake of clinic-based testing. It encouraged participants to overcome their fear of testing and disclosure through a setting that afforded privacy and quality time with skilled health advisors. These qualitative results may help design effective partner and couple HIV testing programs in the antenatal setting and alongside or within other assisted partner notification services.
One-Bone Forearm Reconstruction and Distal Radioulnar Joint Fusion for Emergency One-stage Operation in Traumatic Major Bone Defect of Forearm
Authors: Wang Yapeng , Zhou Ming , Wu Yongwei , Ma Yunhong , Liu Jun , Rui Yongjun 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
B ackground : Major bone defects in forearm caused by severe trauma is a real challenge for orthopedic surgeons. This study aimed to evaluate the role of one-bone forearm (OBF) reconstruction combined with distal radioulnar joint fusion (DRUJF) as a rescue option under this difficult situation.
Methods: In total, 18 patients with major bone defects in forearm caused by severe trauma were selected from 2003 to 2017 and followed up for 2 to 16 years. All patients were managed in the Emergency Department and received emergency one-stage OBF combined with DRUJF. In addition, patient demographics, surgical techniques, clinical outcomes and complications were collected from the medical records.
Results: The mean age of patients was 41.5 years (ranging from 23 to 58 years), with 11 males and 7 females. The mean time to union was 5.8 months; 17 patients had complete union, and 1 patient had infection with nonunion requiring secondary procedures. According to the criteria of Chen, 3 patients had a grade-I functional outcome, 14 patients had a grade-II functional outcome, and 1 patient had a grade-III functional outcome. Based on the Peterson scoring system, the outcome was excellent for 3 patients, good for 13 patients, fair for 1 patient, and poor for 1 patient.
Conclusion: OBF construction combined with DRUJF was an alternative surgical procedure as the emergency stage-one intervention for the treatment of traumatic major bone defects in forearm, which may be more functionally and cosmetically superior than forearm amputation.
A comparison among PCNL, Miniperc and Ultraminiperc for lower calyceal stones between 1 and 2 cm : A prospective, comparative, multicenter and randomised study.
Authors: Bozzini Giorgio , Aydogan Tahsin B , New Alexander Müller , Sighinolfi Maria Chiara , Besana Umberto , Calori Alberto , Lorenzo Berti , Govorov Alexander , Pushkar Dmitry Y , Pini Giovannalberto , Pastore Antonio Luigi , Romero-Otero Javier , Rocco Bernardo , Buizza Carlo 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Conventional Percutaneous Lithotripsy (PCNL) has been an effective, successful and easy approach for especially >1 cm sized calyceal stoneshowever risks of complications and nephron loss are inevitable. Our aim is to compare the efficacy and safety of PCNL, MiniPerc(MP) and UltraMiniPerc(UMP) for lower calyceal stones between 1 and 2 cm with a multicenter prospective randomized study.
Methods
Between January 2015 and June 2018, 132 consecutive patients with single lower calyceal stone were enrolled.Patients were randomized in three groups; A: PCNL; B: MP; C: UMP. 44 patients for the Group A, 47 for Group B and 41 for Group C.Exclusion criteriaswere the presence of coagulation impairments, age of <18 or >75, presence of infection or serious comorbidities. Patients were controlled with computerized tomography scan after 3 months. A negative CTor an asymptomatic patient with stone fragments < 3 mm size were the criteria to assess the stone-free status. Patient characteristics, stone free rates (SFR)s, complications and re-treatment rates were analyzed.
Results
The mean stone size were 16.38, 17.82 and 15.23mm respectively in Group A, B and C(p=0.34). The overall SFR was significantly higher in Group A (86.3%) and B (82.9%) as compared to Group C (78%)(p<0.05). The re-treatment rate was significantly higher in Group C (12.1%) and complication rates was higher in Group A (13.6%) as compared to others(p<0.05). The hospitalization was significantly shorter in Group C compared to Group A(p=0.04).
Conclusions
PCNL and MP showed higher efficacythan UMP to obtain a better SFR. Auxiliary and re-treatment rates were higher in UMP. On the other hand for such this kind of stones PCNL had more complications. Overall evaluation favors MP as a better indication in stones 1-2 cm size.
Micronutrient-rich dietary intake is associated with a reduction in the effects of particulate matter on blood pressure among electronic waste recyclers at Agbogbloshie, Ghana
Authors: Takyi Sylvia Akpene , Basu Nil , Arko-Mensah John , Botwe Paul , Nti Afua Asabea Amoabeng , Kwarteng Lawrencia , Acquah Augustine , Tettey Prudence , Dwomoh Duah , Batterman Stuart , Robins Thomas , Fobil Julius N. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Informal recycling of electronic waste (e-waste) releases particulate matter (PM) into the ambient air. Human exposure to PM has been reported to induce adverse effects on cardiovascular health. However, the impact of PM on the cardiovascular health of e-waste recyclers in Ghana has not been studied. Although intake of micronutrient-rich diet is known to modify these PM-induced adverse health effects, no data are available on the relationship between micronutrient status of e-waste recyclers and the reported high-level exposure to PM.Objectives: We investigated whether intake of micronutrient-rich diets ameliorates the adverse effects of ambient exposure to PM2.5 on blood pressure (BP).Methods: This study was conducted from March 2017 to October 2018; involving the measurement of breathing zone PM2.5 using real-time monitor. Dietary micronutrient (Fe, Ca, Mg, Se, Zn, and Cu) intake was assessed using a 2-day 24-hour recall, whiles cardiovascular indices such as systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) and pulse pressure (PP) were measured using a sphygmomanometer. Ordinary least-squares regression models were used to estimate the joint effects of ambient exposure to PM2.5 and dietary micronutrient intake on cardiovascular health outcomes. The results: Fe was consumed in adequate quantities. However, Ca, Se, Zn, Mg, and Cu were inadequately consumed among e-waste recyclers and controls. Dietary Ca and Fe intake were associated with reduced SBP and PP of e-waste recyclers. Although PM2.5 levels were higher in e-waste recyclers, the controls exceeded the WHO 24-hour guideline value (25µg/m3). Exposure to 1µg/m3 of PM2.5 was associated with increased HR of e-waste recyclers by 0.06 bpm; implying informal recycling of e-waste may be a risk factor for tachycardia. Also, dietary Fe intake was associated with a reduction in systolic blood pressure levels of e-waste recyclers.Conclusions: Consistent adequate dietary Fe intake was associated with reduced effects of PM2.5 on SBP of e-waste recyclers overtime. However, as all other micronutrients are essential in ameliorating adverse effects of PM on cardiovascular health, nutrition-related policy dialogues are necessary to educate informal e-waste recyclers and the general population on specific nutrients of concern and their impact on the exposure to ambient air pollutants.
Impacts of hydraulic fracturing on surface and groundwater water resources: A case study from Louisiana, USA.
Authors: Unruh Hanz Gunter , Habib Emad Hosny , Borrok David 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Unconventional oil and gas reservoirs, frequently referred to as shale plays , have been gaining more attention in recent years. Hydraulic fracturing is performed to extract fossil fuels from unconventional reservoirs. Besides possible environmental implications, a better understanding of the potential stress that fracking may cause to water resources at the local or regional scale is still needed. The goal of this study is to assess the impact of current and projected future water demands for fracking on water resources in two main shale plays in Louisiana, USA. Methods: The analysis is performed in Louisiana’s two main shale plays, the Haynesville Shale and the Tuscaloosa Marine Shale, using the Water Supply Stress Index (WaSSI) framework. WaSSI is used to evaluate the stress at a fine watershed scale (HUC12) for annual-average conditions. The study analyzes different scenarios of historical and two future projected fracking conditions that simulate different extraction rates. In each fracking scenario, stresses on both surface and groundwater are evaluated separately. The study is based on a multitude of water supply and withdrawals datasets assembled and disaggregated to the watershed scale. Results: Under existing conditions, the impact of fracking water demands on surface water resources is within the low stress category in most watersheds in both shale plays. This impact remains low under more aggressive future fracking scenarios. In contrast, groundwater resources appear to be highly vulnerable under both the historical and projected fracking scenarios, especially in the Haynesville Shale where 20 out of the 94 watersheds become medium or highly stressed. If groundwater resources remained as a main source for fracking water, the number of stressed watersheds increased to 39 and 86 under the two projected future fracking scenarios. The least exploited Tuscaloosa Marine Shale remains mostly under low stress, except in the most aggressive future fracking scenario. Conclusions: Surface water resources in Louisiana’s shale plays seem abundant enough for fracking activities to rely on this source instead of groundwater whenever possible. Groundwater resources in Louisiana are clearly vulnerable to fracking activities, especially for the Haynesville shale play, under current and future projected fracking conditions.
Increase expression of IL-17A, IL6, STAT3, TGF-β and VEGF in Bladder Cancer: potential biomarkers?
Authors: Liu Yanbo , Xiao Zishen , Yang Jijuan , Lin Jiayu , Shen Weigao , An Liping , Ge He , Wang Zhenjiang , Sun Xin , Sun Ying 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Bladder cancer is the most common urinary system malignant disease all over the world. Our former research results showed that IL-17 family relative cytokines involved in the occurrence and development of bladder cancer, moreover A variety of inflammatory cells (such as lymphocyte, macrophage, mast cell and neutrophil ) infiltrated in bladder cancer tissues and were closely related to bladder cancer.Results: Immunohistochemistry (HIS) was employed to measure expression and location of IL-17A, IL-6, STAT3 and VEGF in pathological specimens of bladder cancer patients with different degree of malignancy (n=80), cystitis (n=23) and relative normal adjacent tissues (n=4). ELISA was used for measuring concentrations of MMP-9, TGF-β, VEGF and IFN-γ in serum samples collected from patients with bladder cancer (n=34) and control subjects (n=5). Immunoreactivity for IL-17A, IL-6, STAT3 and VEGF significant increased in tissues of bladder cancer compared with that of cystitis and normal adjacent tissues (p = 0.001. respectively), which was positively associated with the degrees of malignancy of the cancer. Serum concentrations of TGF-β and VEGF were significantly higher in patients with bladder cancer compared with that of controls (p=0.002 and p=0.0001 respectively), while concentrations of MMP-9 and IFN-γ were not significantly different between the groups of subjects. In the meanwhile, serum concentrations of MMP-9, TGF-β, VEGF, but not IFN-γ were significantly higher in patients with high degree of malignancy (stage Ⅲ and Ⅳ) than that of patients with low malignancy (stage Ⅰ and Ⅱ) (p=0.001, p=0.030, and p=0.011 respectively).Conclusion: Elevated expression of IL-17A, IL-6, STAT3 in tissues and of TGF-β, VEGF in serum might be considered as potential biomarkers for clinical stages of bladder carcinoma progress.Trial registration: ISRCTN, ISRCTN2012BH006. Registered 10 January 2012
Impact of three methods of ischemic preconditioning on ischemia-reperfusion injury in a pig model of liver transplantation
Authors: Belon Alessandro Rodrigo , Tannuri Ana Cristina Aoun , Moreira Daniel Albuquerque , Silva Alessandra Matheus , Serafini Suellen , Guimarães Raimundo Renato , Faria Caroline Silverio , Alexandre Alcione Sanches , Gonçalves Josiane de Oliveira , Paes Vitor Ribeiro , Tannuri Uenis 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background. Ischemic preconditioning (IPC), either direct (DIPC) or remote (RIPC), is a procedure aimed at reducing the harmful effects of ischemia-reperfusion injury. Aims. To assess the local and systemic effects of DIPC, RIPC, and both combined, in the pig liver transplant model. Methods. Twenty-four pigs underwent orthotopic liver transplantation and were divided into 4 groups according to the procedures applied: direct donor preconditioning; indirect preconditioning at the recipient and a group with direct donor and indirect recipient preconditioning. The following parameters were recorded: donor and recipient weight, graft-to-recipient weight ratio (GRWR), surgery time, hot and cold ischemia time, and intraoperative hemodynamic values. Blood samples were collected before native liver removal (BL) and at 0h, 1h, 3h, 6h, 12h, 18h, and 24h post-reperfusion and the following biochemical tests were performed: aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), creatinine, BUN, lactate, total and direct bilirubin. Histopathological examination of liver, gut, kidney, and lung fragments were performed, as well as molecular analyses for expression of the apoptosis-related BAX (pro-apoptotic) and Bcl-XL (anti-apoptotic) genes, eNOS (endothelial nitric oxide synthase) gene, and IL-6 gene related to inflammatory ischemia-reperfusion injury, using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results. There were no differences between the groups regarding biochemical and histopathological parameters. We found a reduced ratio between the expression of the pro-apoptotic BAX gene and the expression of the anti-apoptotic Bcl gene in the livers of animals with IPC versus the control group. Conclusions. DIPC, RIPC or a combination of both produce local beneficial effects only at the molecular level but do not translate into biochemical or histological changes.
Fast Auto-Align ment Underwater Wireless Optical Communications Employing Orbital Angular Momentum Modes
Authors: Cai Chengkun , Zhao Yifan , Zhang Jieying , Wang Lulu , Wang Jian 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Underwater wireless communication plays an increasingly important role in more and more emerging ocean and sea activities. Traditional underwater acoustic communication is limited by low transmission capacity (tens of Kbit/s). Underwater wireless optical communication (UWOC) provides high bandwidth (GHz). Yet the challenge is not only its continuous capacity scaling, but its resistance to environment disturbance, which is an intrinsic weakness of wireless optical communications with high directivity. Here, we propose and demonstrate fast auto-alignment underwater wireless optical communications employing orbital angular momentum (OAM) modes. The OAM multiplexing, an alternative approach of space-division multiplexing, enables capacity scaling. The fast auto-alignment system, having two stages for thorough alignment, facilitates stable and reliable communication link against vibration. Two OAM modes multiplexing transmission link with 4-Gbit/s aggregate capacity is demonstrated in the experiment under four different vibration conditions assisted by the fast auto-alignment system with a response time of 244 Hz. The demonstrations may open up new perspective to robust stable underwater wireless optical communications exploiting spatial modes in practical environment.
Novel flexible cap for application of transcranial electric stimulation: a usability study
Authors: Hunold Alexander , Ortega Daniela , Schellhorn Klaus , Haueisen Jens 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background﻿Advances in transcranial electric stimulation (TES) were hampered by the conventional rubber electrodes manually attached to the head with rubber bands. This procedure limited montages to a few electrodes, was error prone with respect to electrode configurations and was burdensome for participants and operators. A newly developed flexible cap with integrated textile stimulation electrodes was compared to the conventional setup of rubber electrodes fixated by rubber bands, with respect to usability and reliability. Two operators applied both setups to twenty healthy volunteers participating in the study. Electrode position and impedance measures as well as subjective evaluations from participants and operators were obtained throughout the stimulation sessions. ResultsOur results demonstrated the superiority of the flexible cap by means of significantly higher electrode configuration reproducibility and a more efficient application. Both, operators and volunteers evaluated the flexible cap as easier to use and more comfortable to wear when compared to the conventional setup. ConclusionIn conclusion, the new cap improves existing and opens new applications scenarios for TES.