bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of neurocognitive changes among newly diagnosed tuberculosis patients with and without dysglycaemia
Authors: Yorke Ernest , Boima Vincent , Dey Ida Dzifa , Ganu Vincent , Nkornu Norah , Acquaye Kelvin Samuel , Mate-Kole C. Charles 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundDiabetes often occurs together with tuberculosis (TB) and both may affect each other negatively. Diabetes may be associated with neurocognitive dysfunctioning in affected patients and may negatively impact treatment adherence and outcomes. This study compared the neurocognitive status between newly diagnosed smear positive tuberculosis patients with dysglycaemia and those with normoglycaemia.MethodsThe current study was a cross-sectional study involving one hundred and forty-six (146) newly diagnosed smear positive TB patients. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed and the results were categorized as either normoglycaemia, impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), impaired fasting glucose (IFG) or diabetes.Neurocognitive functioning among study participants was assessed at the time of TB diagnosis using Cognitive Failure Questionnaire (CFQ), Montreal Cognitive Assessment tool (MoCA), California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT), Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) and the Spitzer Quality of Life Index (QLI).ResultsThe mean age of the participants (n = 146) was 38.7 years with 78.8% being males and 21.2% females. Using the fasting blood glucose test, the prevalence of impaired fasting glucose and diabetes were 5.5 and 3.4% respectively, both representing a total of 13 out of the 146 participants; whilst the prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes using 2-h post-glucose values were 28.8 and 11.6% respectively, both representing a total of 59 out of the 146 participants.There were no significant differences in the mean scores on the neurocognitive measures between the dysglaycaemia and normoglycamic groups using fasting plasma glucose (FPG). However, there were significant differences in the mean scores between the dysglycaemia and normal groups using 2-h postprandial (2HPP) glucose values on Phobic Anxiety (Normal, Mean = 0.38 ± 0.603; dysglycaemia, Mean = 0.23 ± 0.356;p = 0.045), and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores (17.26 ± 5.981 vs. 15.04 ± 5.834,p = 0.037).ConclusionNewly diagnosed smear positive patients with dysglycaemia were associated with significantly lower mean cognitive scores and scores on phobic anxiety than those with normoglyacaemia. The latter finding must be further explored.
How can we support best practice? A situational assessment of injury prevention practice in public health
Authors: Richmond Sarah A. , Carsley Sarah , Prowse Rachel , Manson Heather , Moloughney Brent 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
To effectively impact the significant population burden of injury, we completed a situational assessment of injury prevention practice within a provincial public health system to identify system-wide priorities for capacity-building to advance injury prevention in public health.

Methods
A descriptive qualitative study was used to collect data on the current practice, challenges and needs of support for injury prevention. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews (n = 20) and focus groups (n = 19). Participants included a cross-section of injury prevention practitioners and leadership from public health units reflecting different population sizes and geographic characteristics, in addition to public health researchers and experts from academia, public health and not-for-profit organizations. Thematic analysis was used to code all of the data by one reviewer, followed by a second independent reviewer who coded a random selection of interview notes. Major codes and sub codes were identified and final themes were decided through iterations of coding comparisons and categorization. Once data were analysed, we confirmed the findings with the field, in addition to participating in a prioritization exercise to surface the top three needs for support.

Results
Major themes that were identified from the data included: current public health practice challenges; capacity and resource constraints, and; injury as a low priority area. Overall, injury prevention is a broad, complex topic that competes with other areas of public health. Best practices are challenged by system-wide factors related to resources, direction, coordination, collaboration, and emerging injury public health issues. Injury is a reportedly under prioritized and under resourced public health area of practice. Practitioners believe that increasing access to data and evidence, and improving collaboration and networking is required to promote best practice.

Conclusions
The results of this study suggest that there are several system level needs to support best practice in public health injury prevention in Ontario including reducing research to practice gaps and supporting opportunities for collaboration. Our research contributes to the literature of the complexity of public health practice, and presents several mechanisms of support to increase capacity at a system level to improve injury prevention practice, and eventually lessen the population burden of injury.
Diagnostic procedure for idiopathic eosinophilic pleural effusion: a single-center experience
Authors: Luo Weizhan , Zeng Yunxiang , Shen Panxiao , He Jianxing , Wang Jinlin 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundEosinophilic pleural effusion (EPE) is attributed to several well-recognised causes. However, some patients remain idiopathic, even after thorough clinical work-up. The present study aimed to better characterize idiopathic EPE (IEPE) and to outline the diagnostic procedure for this disease.MethodsComplete clinical data of 11 consecutive patients with IEPE were prospectively collected and analysed. Preliminary diagnostic procedure of IEPE in our hospital was performed.ResultsAll the 11 patients had respiratory symptoms and unilateral pleural effusion (PE) occurred in 4 patients. The mean percentage of eosinophils in PE was 22.4% (range, 12.4–50.5%). Lactate dehydrogenase, adenosine deaminase, proteins and carcinoembryonic antigen in PE were 246.0 U/L (range, 89.8–421.9 U/L), 13.8 U/L (range, 1.8–24.0 U/L), 42.6 g/dl (range, 32.8–52.6 g/dl) and 2.17 mg/mL (range, 0.46–4.31 mg/mL), respectively. Parasite-specific IgG antibody in blood and parasite eggs in stool were both negative. No evidence of tuberculosis or malignancy was observed in pleural biopsy. Symptoms and abnormal pulmonary imaging were eliminated after glucocorticoid use.ConclusionsIEPE is a diagnosis of exclusion. Patients with EPE without a clear cause should be asked to provided complete medical, surgical and drug-related histories. A thorough work-up is essential. Moreover, we recommend follow-up after the use of glucocorticoid until effusion resolves.Trial registrationGYFYY. Registration No: GYFYY20150901221. Registered time: 1 September 2015. Date of enrolment of the first participant to the trial: 22 January 2016.
Delayed gastric emptying after pancreatoduodenectomy: comparison between invaginated pancreatogastrostomy and pancreatojejunostomy
Authors: Hayama S. , Senmaru N. , Hirano S. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
The association between delayed gastric emptying (DGE) after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) and pancreatic reconstruction technique remain unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate whether the occurrence of DGE differs between pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) and pancreaticogastrostomy (PG).

Methods
A total of 83 patients who underwent subtotal stomach-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy was retrospectively analyzed, and the factors associated with clinically relevant DGE were explored. These patients were divided into a PG group and a PJ group according to the pancreatic reconstruction. DGE occurrence and its association with intra-abdominal complications was compared between the two types of pancreatic reconstruction.

Results
The overall incidence of DGE was 27.7%. Intra-abdominal complications including pancreatic fistula were strongly associated with DGE. As to the pancreatic reconstruction, DGE developed more frequently in the PG than in the PJ. In addition, DGE with intra-abdominal complications tended to be more frequent in PG, despite the fact that intra-abdominal complications occurred at a similar frequency in both groups.

Conclusions
Intra-abdominal complications were strongly associated with DGE. As to the pancreatic reconstruction, DGE developed more frequently in the PG than in the PJ. We speculate that intra-abdominal complications affected patients with PG more and resulted in frequent occurrence of DGE.
Periodontal inflamed surface area in patients on haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis: a Croatian cross-sectional study
Authors: Križan Smojver Bojana , Altabas Karmela , Knotek Mladen , Bašić Jukić Nikolina , Aurer Andrej 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
The decision to initiate dialysis treatment via haemodialysis (HD) or peritoneal dialysis (PD) often involves the consideration of complex factors and remains a matter of debate. The purpose of this study was to quantify the inflammatory burden that periodontitis causes in dialysis patients and to examine whether patients on PD and HD differ in terms of the periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA), which can be helpful for selecting the most appropriate dialysis modality.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was performed on 58 consecutive patients on HD and 31 consecutive patients on PD. PISA was calculated using measurements of the clinical attachment level, recession and bleeding on probing. We performed the primary analysis using multivariable robust regression.

Results
Patients on PD had a 746 mm2 (93%) lower mean PISA than patients on HD after adjustment for 20 possible confounders, including the duration of dialysis. The type of dialysis was independently correlated with the PISA (semipartial correlation: − 0.50; p = 0.017; false discovery rate < 5%). After adjusting for confounding factors, the correlation between the duration and type of dialysis was not significant (F (2,44) = 0.01; p = 0.994; η2 = 0.00). Differences in the PISA between patients who had undergone dialysis for less than a year, 2–3 years or ≥ 3 years were not significantly different in either of the two dialysis groups.

Conclusions
PISA levels in Croatian patients on dialysis indicate a high need for periodontal treatment. PD is associated with a smaller PISA independent of many sociodemographic, lifestyle, laboratory and clinical factors. The duration of dialysis does not influence PISA levels.

Trial registration
ISRCTN17887630.
A clinical study to investigate gum infection in patients undergoing kidney dialysis.
“Inhibitory effect of Brazilian red propolis on Candida biofilms developed on titanium surfaces”
Authors: Martorano-Fernandes Loyse , Cavalcanti Yuri Wanderley , de Almeida Leopoldina de Fátima Dantas 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Peri-implant inflammation resulting from the presence of Candida biofilms may compromise the longevity of implant-supported dentures. This study evaluated the inhibitory effect of Brazilian red propolis on mono-species biofilms of C. albicans (ATCC 90028) and co-culture biofilms of C. albicans (ATCC 90028) and C. glabrata (ATCC 2001), developed on titanium surfaces.

Methods
Titanium specimens were pre-conditioned with artificial saliva and submitted to biofilm formation (1 × 106 CFU/mL). After 24 h (under microaerophilic conditions at 37 °C) biofilms were submitted to treatment for 10 min, according to the groups: sterile saline solution (growth control), 0.12% chlorhexidine and 3% red propolis extract. Treatments were performed every 24 h for 3 days and analyses were conducted 96 h after initial adhesion. After that, the metabolic activity (MTT assay) (n = 12/group), cell viability (CFU counts) (n = 12/group) and surface roughness (optical profilometry) (n = 6/group) were evaluated. Data from viability and metabolic activity assays were evaluated by ANOVA and Tukey tests. Surface roughness analysis was determined by Kruskal Wallis e Mann Whitney tests.

Results
Regarding the mono-species biofilm, the cell viability and the metabolic activity showed that both chlorhexidine and red propolis had inhibitory effects and reduced the metabolism of biofilms, differing statistically from the growth control (p < 0.05). With regards the co-culture biofilms, chlorhexidine had the highest inhibitory effect (p < 0.05). The metabolic activity was reduced by the exposure to chlorhexidine and to red propolis, different from the growth control group (p < 0.05). The surface roughness (Sa parameter) within the mono-species and the co-culture biofilms statistically differed among groups (p < 0.05).

Conclusions
Brazilian red propolis demonstrated potential antifungal activity against Candida biofilms, suggesting it is a feasible alternative for the treatment of peri-implantitis.
Impact of legislation and public funding on oncofertility: a survey of Canadian, French and Moroccan pediatric hematologists/oncologists
Authors: Affdal Aliya Oulaya , Grynberg Michael , Hessissen Laila , Ravitsky Vardit 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy treatments may cause premature ovarian failure and irreversible loss of fertility. In the context of childhood cancers, it is now acknowledged that possible negative effects of therapies on future reproductive autonomy are a major concern. While a few options are open to post-pubertal patients, the only immediate option currently open to pre-pubertal girls is cryopreservation of ovarian tissue and subsequent transplantation. The aim of the study was to address a current gap in knowledge regarding the offer of fertility preservation by Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation (OTC) for prepubescent girls with cancer, and to explore current practices and attitudes of Canadian, French and Moroccan pediatric heme oncologists. The comparative perspective is relevant since legal frameworks surrounding fertility preservation and funding offered by the healthcare system vary greatly.

Methods
An online survey was sent to the 45 pediatric oncology centers in Canada, France and Morocco.

Results
A total of 39 centers responded (86.6%). OTC is offered by almost all pediatric heme oncologists in France (98%), very few in Canada (5%), and none in Morocco (0%). For pediatric hematologists/oncologists who do not propose fertility preservation in Canada, the reasons are: the technique is still experimental (54%), it is not available locally (26%) and cost of the technique for the family (14%). 97% of Canadian and 100% of Moroccan pediatric hematologists/oncologists think OTC should be funded by the healthcare system as it is in France and in the province of Quebec in Canada.

Conclusions
The results of this study show tremendous diversity in the provision of OTC across countries, whereby its offer is correlated with legislation and funding. We argue that the current reality, in which this technology is often not offered to families, raises ethical issues related to justice and equity of access, as well as informed consent and future reproductive autonomy.
Evaluation of a multibody kinematics optimization method for three-dimensional canine pelvic limb gait analysis
Authors: Lin Cheng-Chung , Wu Ching-Ho , Chou Po-Yen , Wang Shi-Nuan , Hsu Wei-Ru , Lu Tung-Wu 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Skin marker-based three-dimensional kinematic gait analysis were commonly used to assess the functional performance and movement biomechanics of the pelvic limb in dogs. Unfortunately, soft tissue artefact would compromise the accuracy of the reproduced pelvic limb kinematics. Multibody kinematics optimization framework was often employed to compensate the soft tissue artefact for a more accurate description of human joint kinematics, but its performance on the determination of canine pelvic limb skeletal kinematics has never been evaluated. This study aimed to evaluate a multibody kinematics optimization framework used for the determination of canine pelvic limb kinematics during gait by comparing its results to those obtained using computed tomography model-based fluoroscopy analysis.

Results
Eight clinically normal dogs were enrolled in the study. Fluoroscopy videos of the stifle joint and skin marker trajectories were acquired when the dogs walked on a treadmill. The pelvic limb kinematics were reconstructed through marker-based multibody kinematics optimization and single-body optimization. The reference kinematics data were derived via a model-based fluoroscopy analysis. The use of multibody kinematics optimization yielded a significantly more accurate estimation of flexion/extension of the hip and stifle joints than the use of single-body optimization. The accuracy of the joint model parameters and the weightings to individual markers both influenced the soft tissue artefact compensation capability.

Conclusions
Multibody kinematics optimization designated for soft tissue artefact compensation was established and evaluated for its performance on canine gait analysis, which provided a further step in more accurately describing sagittal plane kinematics of the hip and stifle joints.
The landscape of alternative splicing in HIV-1 infected CD4 T-cells
Authors: Byun Seyoun , Han Seonggyun , Zheng Yue , Planelles Vicente , Lee Younghee 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Elucidating molecular mechanisms that are altered during HIV-1 infection may provide a better understanding of the HIV-1 life cycle and how it interacts with infected T-cells. One such mechanism is alternative splicing (AS), which has been studied for HIV-1 itself, but no systematic analysis has yet been performed on infected T-cells. We hypothesized that AS patterns in infected T-cells may illuminate the molecular mechanisms underlying HIV-1 infection and identify candidate molecular markers for specifically targeting infected T-cells.

Methods
We downloaded previously published raw RNA-seq data obtained from HIV-1 infected and non-infected T-cells. We estimated percent spliced in (PSI) levels for each AS exon, then identified differential AS events in the infected cells (FDR < 0.05, PSI difference > 0.1). We performed functional gene set enrichment analysis on the genes with differentially expressed AS exons to identify their functional roles. In addition, we used RT-PCR to validate differential alternative splicing events in cyclin T1 (CCNT1) as a case study.

Results
We identified 427 candidate genes with differentially expressed AS exons in infected T-cells, including 20 genes related to cell surface, 35 to kinases, and 121 to immune-related genes. In addition, protein-protein interaction analysis identified six essential subnetworks related to the viral life cycle, including Transcriptional regulation by TP53, Class I MHC mediated antigen, G2/M transition, and late phase of HIV life cycle. CCNT1 exon 7 was more frequently skipped in infected T-cells, leading to loss of the key Cyclin_N motif and affecting HIV-1 transcriptional elongation.

Conclusions
Our findings may provide new insight into systemic host AS regulation under HIV-1 infection and may provide useful initial candidates for the discovery of new markers for specifically targeting infected T-cells.
Association of small dense low-density lipoprotein with cardiovascular outcome in patients with coronary artery disease and diabetes: a prospective, observational cohort study
Authors: Jin Jing-Lu , Zhang Hui-Wen , Cao Ye-Xuan , Liu Hui-Hui , Hua Qi , Li Yan-Fang , Zhang Yan , Wu Na-Qiong , Zhu Cheng-Gang , Xu Rui-Xia , Gao Ying , Li Xiao-Lin , Cui Chuan-Jue , Liu Geng , Sun Jing , Dong Qian , Guo Yuan-Lin , Li Jian-Jun 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Elevation in small dense low-density lipoprotein (sdLDL) is common in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), which has already been reported to be associated with incidence of coronary artery disease (CAD). The aim of the present study was to investigate the prognostic value of plasma sdLDL level in patients with stable CAD and DM.

Methods
A total of 4148 consecutive patients with stable CAD were prospectively enrolled into the study and followed up for major cardiovascular events (MACEs) up to 8.5 years. Plasma sdLDL level was measured in each patient by a direct method using automated chemistry analyzer. The patients were subsequently divided into four groups by the quartiles of sdLDL and the association of sdLDL level with MACEs in different status of glucose metabolism [DM, Pre-DM, normal glycaemia regulation (NGR)] was evaluated.

Results
A total of 464 MACEs were documented. Both Kaplan–Meier analysis and Cox regression analysis indicated that the patients in quartile 4 but not quartile 2 or 3 of sdLDL level had significantly higher rate of MACEs than that in lowest quartile. When the prognostic value of high sdLDL was assessed in different glucose metabolism status, the results showed that the high sdLDL plus DM was associated with worse outcome after adjustment of confounding risk factors (hazard ratio: 1.83, 95% confident interval: 1.24–2.70, p < 0.05). However, no significant association was observed for high sdLDL plus Pre-DM or NGR.

Conclusions
The present study firstly indicated that elevated levels of plasma sdLDL were associated with increased risk of MACEs among DM patients with proven CAD, suggesting that sdLDL may be useful for CAD risk stratification in DM.
Co-prevalence of human Papillomaviruses (HPV) and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) in healthy blood donors from diverse nationalities in Qatar
Authors: Gupta Ishita , Nasrallah Gheyath K. , Sharma Anju , Jabeen Ayesha , Smatti Maria K. , Al-Thawadi Hamda A. , Sultan Ali A. , Alkhalaf Moussa , Vranic Semir , Moustafa Ala-Eddin Al 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Infections by both human oncoviruses, human Papillomaviruses (HPV) and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) are very common in the adult human population and are associated with various malignancies. While HPV is generally transmitted sexually or via skin-to-skin contact, EBV is frequently transmitted by oral secretions, blood transfusions and organ transplants. This study aims to determine the prevalence and circulating genotypes of HPV and EBV in healthy blood donors in Qatar.

Methods
We explored the co-prevalence of high-risk HPVs and EBV in 378 males and only 7 females blood donors of different nationalities (mainly from Qatar, Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Pakistan, and India) residing in Qatar, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). DNA was extracted from the buffy coat and genotyping was performed using PCR and nested-PCR targeting E6 and E7 as well as LMP-1 of HPV and EBV, respectively.

Results
We found that from the total number of 385 cases of healthy blood donors studied, 54.8% and 61% of the samples are HPVs and EBV positive, respectively. Additionally, our data revealed that the co-presence of both high-risk HPVs and EBV is 40.4% of the total samples. More significantly, this study pointed out for the first time that the most frequent high-risk HPV types in Qatar are 59 (54.8%), 31 (53.7%), 52 (49.1%), 51 (48.6%), 58 (47%) and 35 (45.5%), while the most commonly expressed low-risk HPV types are 53 (50.6%), 11 (45.5), 73 (41.7%) and 6 (41.3%), with all the cases showing multiple HPVs infection.

Conclusion
In this study, we demonstrated for the first time that HPV and EBV are commonly co-present in healthy blood donors in Qatar. On the other hand, it is important to highlight that these oncoviruses can also be co-present in several types of human cancers where they can cooperate in the initiation and/or progression of these cancers. Therefore, more studies regarding the co-presence of these oncoviruses and their interaction are necessary to understand their cooperative role in human diseases.