bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Environmental influence on the choice of medicinal animals: a case study from northeastern Brazil
Authors: da Silva Policarpo Brito Iamara , Borges Anna Karolina Martins , de Faria Lopes Sérgio , Dias Thelma Lúcia Pereira , Alves Rômulo Romeu Nóbrega 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundAnimals from various taxonomic groups are commonly used in folk medicine, and their selection seems to be directly linked to their availability and accessibility. In the present study, we analyzed the use of animals as a source of folk medicines in a community in northeastern Brazil with access to aquatic and terrestrial animals. We hypothesize that the medicinal fauna is well represented by species of both habitat types.MethodsFor the collection of information, semi-structured questionnaires were applied to local residents.ResultsWe recorded the use of 22 animals used as medicinal resources in the community, distributed among eight taxonomic categories, which are used to treat 38 types of diseases. Of the therapeutic animals, 14 species are terrestrial and 8 species can be considered aquatic occurring in marine or estuarine habitats.ConclusionsOur data confirm the tendency of human communities to use affordable medicinal animals in local ecosystems. We also found that medicinal use represents a strategy of optimizing the use of resources and is related to the economic, historical, social, cultural, and ecological contexts in which the community is inserted.
Where tulips and crocuses are popular food snacks: Kurdish traditional foraging reveals traces of mobile pastoralism in Southern Iraqi Kurdistan
Authors: Pieroni Andrea , Zahir Hawre , Amin Hawraz Ibrahim M. , Sõukand Renata 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background
Iraqi Kurdistan is a special hotspot for bio-cultural diversity and for investigating patterns of traditional wild food plant foraging, considering that this area was the home of the first Neolithic communities and has been, over millennia, a crossroad of different civilizations and cultures. The aim of this ethnobotanical field study was to cross-culturally compare the wild food plants traditionally gathered by Kurdish Muslims and those gathered by the ancient Kurdish Kakai (Yarsan) religious group and to possibly better understand the human ecology behind these practices.

Methods
Twelve villages were visited and 123 study participants (55 Kakai and 68 Muslim Kurds) were interviewed on the specific topic of the wild food plants they currently gather and consume.

Results
The culinary use of 54 folk wild plant taxa (corresponding to 65 botanical taxa) and two folk wild mushroom taxa were documented. While Kakais and Muslims do share a majority of the quoted food plants and also their uses, among the plant ingredients exclusively and commonly quoted by Muslims non-weedy plants are slightly preponderant. Moreover, more than half of the overall recorded wild food plants are used raw as snacks, i.e. plant parts are consumed on the spot after their gathering and only sometimes do they enter into the domestic arena. Among them, it is worth mentioning the consumption of raw wild crocus corms, also still common in Turkish Kurdistan and that of wild tulip bulbs, which was documented to be popular until the beginning of the twentieth century in the Middle East. Comparison with other ethnobotanical field studies recently conducted among surrounding populations has shown that Kurds tend to gather and consume the largest number of non-weedy wild vegetables.

Conclusion
The collected data indicate robust traces of nomadic pastoralism in Kurdish traditional foraging. This finding confirms that studies on wild food plant gathering in the Fertile Crescent and Turco-Arabic-Iranic regions of the Middle East are crucial for understanding the possible evolution of wild food plant gathering through history within the post-Neolithic continuum between pastoralism and horticulturalism.
Depression negatively affects patient-reported knee functional outcome after intraarticular hyaluronic acid injection among geriatric patients with knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Chen Yu-Pin , Huang Yu-Yun , Wu Yueh , Kuo Yi-Jie , Lin Chung-Ying 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Purpose
Intraarticular hyaluronic acid injection (IAHA) is a popular treatment for knee osteoarthritis (OA). This study investigates whether depression, anxiety, and pain affect self-reported knee function in geriatric OA people who have received IAHA.

Methods
Through convenience sampling, 102 geriatric patients (mean age = 70.91 ± 7.19; 28 males) with knee OA who had undergone IAHA participated in this study. All participants self-reported depression using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), anxiety using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), knee function using the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and the International Knee Documentation Committee subjective knee evaluation form (IKDC), and pain severity using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). They completed the aforementioned questionnaires at baseline before injection and then again at 2-, 4-, and 6-month follow-ups.

Results
Depression was significantly associated with IKDC, WOMAC physical function subscale, and total WOMAC scores. Anxiety was only significantly associated with the WOMAC pain subscale score. Pain severity was significantly associated with IKDC, WOMAC stiffness subscale, WOMAC physical function subscale, and total WOMAC scores.

Conclusion
Given that depression negatively affected patient-reported knee function among geriatric OA patients who had undergone IAHA, further attention should be paid to the depressive status of this population.
Rare aneurysm of anterior mitral valve leaflet-a case report
Authors: Tariq Muhammad , Zahid Ibrahim , Sami Shahid 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background
Mitral valve aneurysm (MVA) is a saccular outpouching of the mitral leaflet which expands on systole and collapses during diastole. The case of MVA was first described in 1729 by Morand. It is one of the rare entities with a reported incidence of only 0.2–0.29% and no such case reported in Pakistan before.

Case presentation
A 51 year old female presented with dyspnea and chest pain for 3 months. Upon investigating, trans-esophageal echocardiography (TEE) revealed thickened anterior mitral valve leaflet with rolled up margins, forming an aneurysm, with severe mitral regurgitation. Subsequently, the valve was evaluated intra-operatively for repair but eventually had to be excised and then successfully replaced with a bioprosthetic valve.

Conclusions
TEE is an excellent technique to confirm the diagnosis of a mitral valve leaflet aneurysm, and depending upon the severity of the defect, valve repair can be attempted but replacement becomes the most suitable treatment modality, once repair is deemed impossible. We hereby report a rare case, where timely diagnosis, appropriate surgical intervention and regular post-operative follow up helped in achieving good prognosis of this rare entity.
Targeted disruption of dual leucine zipper kinase and leucine zipper kinase promotes neuronal survival in a model of diffuse traumatic brain injury
Authors: Welsbie Derek S. , Ziogas Nikolaos K. , Xu Leyan , Kim Byung-Jin , Ge Yusong , Patel Amit K. , Ryu Jiwon , Lehar Mohamed , Alexandris Athanasios S. , Stewart Nicholas , Zack Donald J. , Koliatsos Vassilis E. 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of CNS neurodegeneration and has no disease-altering therapies. It is commonly associated with a specific type of biomechanical disruption of the axon called traumatic axonal injury (TAI), which often leads to axonal and sometimes perikaryal degeneration of CNS neurons. We have previously used genome-scale, arrayed RNA interference-based screens in primary mouse retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) to identify a pair of related kinases, dual leucine zipper kinase (DLK) and leucine zipper kinase (LZK) that are key mediators of cell death in response to simple axotomy. Moreover, we showed that DLK and LZK are the major upstream triggers for JUN N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling following total axonal transection. However, the degree to which DLK/LZK are involved in TAI/TBI is unknown.

Methods
Here we used the impact acceleration (IA) model of diffuse TBI, which produces TAI in the visual system, and complementary genetic and pharmacologic approaches to disrupt DLK and LZK, and explored whether DLK and LZK play a role in RGC perikaryal and axonal degeneration in response to TAI.

Results
Our findings show that the IA model activates DLK/JNK/JUN signaling but, in contrast to axotomy, many RGCs are able to recover from the injury and terminate the activation of the pathway. Moreover, while DLK disruption is sufficient to suppress JUN phosphorylation, combined DLK and LZK inhibition is required to prevent RGC cell death. Finally, we show that the FDA-approved protein kinase inhibitor, sunitinib, which has activity against DLK and LZK, is able to produce similar increases in RGC survival.

Conclusion
The mitogen-activated kinase kinase kinases (MAP3Ks), DLK and LZK, participate in cell death signaling of CNS neurons in response to TBI. Moreover, sustained pharmacologic inhibition of DLK is neuroprotective, an effect creating an opportunity to potentially translate these findings to patients with TBI.
A forgotten group during humanitarian crises: a systematic review of sexual and reproductive health interventions for young people including adolescents in humanitarian settings
Authors: Jennings Lauren , George Asha S. , Jacobs Tanya , Blanchet Karl , Singh Neha S. 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background
Young people including adolescents face barriers to healthcare and increased risk of poor sexual and reproductive health (SRH), which are exacerbated in humanitarian settings. Our systematic review assessed the evidence on SRH interventions for young people including adolescents in humanitarian settings, strategies to increase their utilisation and their effects on health outcomes.

Methods
We searched peer-reviewed and grey literature published between 1980 and 2018 using search terms for adolescents, young people, humanitarian crises in low- and middle- income countries and SRH in four databases and relevant websites. We analysed literature matching pre-defined inclusion criteria using narrative synthesis methodology, and appraised for study quality.

Findings
We found nine peer-reviewed and five grey literature articles, the majority published post-2012 and mostly high- or medium-quality, focusing on prevention of unintended pregnancies, HIV/STIs, maternal and newborn health, and prevention of sexual and gender-based violence. We found no studies on prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT), safe abortion, post-abortion care, urogenital fistulae or female genital mutilation (FGM). Thirteen studies reported positive effects on outcomes (majority were positive changes in knowledge and attitudes), seven studies reported no effects in some SRH outcomes measured, and one study reported a decrease in number of new and repeat FP clients. Strategies to increase intervention utilisation by young people include adolescent-friendly spaces, peer workers, school-based activities, and involving young people.

Discussion
Young people, including adolescents, continue to be a neglected group in humanitarian settings. While we found evidence that some SRH interventions for young people are being implemented, there are insufficient details of specific intervention components and outcome measurements to adequately map these interventions. Efforts to address this key population’s SRH needs and evaluate effective implementation modalities require urgent attention. Specifically, greater quantity and quality of evidence on programmatic implementation of these interventions are needed, especially for comprehensive abortion care, PMTCT, urogenital fistulae, FGM, and for LGBTQI populations and persons with disabilities. If embedded within a broader SRH programme, implementers and/or researchers should include young people-specific strategies, targeted at both girls/women and boys/men where appropriate, and collect age- and sex-disaggregated data to help ascertain if this population’s diverse needs are being addressed.
Interaction between ELMO1 gene polymorphisms and environment factors on susceptibility to diabetic nephropathy in Chinese Han population
Authors: Hou Yi , Gao Yong , Zhang Yan , Lin Si-Tong , Yu Yue , Yang Liu 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background
The association of diabetic nephropathy (DN) risk with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within Engulfment and Cell Motility 1 (ELMO1) gene and gene–environment synergistic effect have not been extensively examined in, therefore, the purpose of this study is to explore the association between multiple SNPs in ELMO1 gene, and the relationship between gene–environment synergy effect and the risk of DN.

Methods
Genotyping for 4 SNPs was performed with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and following restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) methods. Hardy–Weinberg balance of the control group was tested by SNPstats (online software: http://bioinfo.iconologia.net/snpstats). The best combination of four SNPs of ELMO1 gene and environmental factors was screened by GMDR model. Logistic regression was used to calculating the OR values between different genotypes of ELMO1 gene and DN.

Results
The rs741301-G allele and the rs10255208-GG genotype were associated with an increased risk of DN risk, adjusted ORs (95% CI) were 1.75 (1.19–2.28) and 1.41 (1.06–1.92), respectively, both p-values were < 0.001. We also found that the others SNPs-rs1345365 and rs7782979 were not significantly associated with susceptibility to DN. GMDR model found a significant gene–alcohol drinking interaction combination (p = 0.0107), but no significant gene–hypertension interaction combinations. Alcohol drinkers with rs741301-AG/GG genotype also have the highest DN risk, compared to never drinkers with rs741301-AA genotype, OR (95% CI) 3.52 (1.93–4.98).

Conclusions
The rs741301-G allele and the rs10255208-GG genotype, gene–environment interaction between rs741301 and alcohol drinking were all associated with increased DN risk.
Fasting triglycerides and glucose index: a useful screening test for assessing insulin resistance in patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Contreras-Haro Betsabe , Hernandez-Gonzalez Sandra Ofelia , Gonzalez-Lopez Laura , Espinel-Bermudez Maria Claudia , Garcia-Benavides Leonel , Perez-Guerrero Edsaul , Vazquez-Villegas Maria Luisa , Robles-Cervantes Jose Antonio , Salazar-Paramo Mario , Hernandez-Corona Diana Mercedes , Nava-Zavala Arnulfo Hernan , Gamez-Nava Jorge I. 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background
Insulin resistance (IR) is frequently observed in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In clinical practice, IR assessment is limited to a low proportion of patients due to cost and equipment and technical expertise requirements. The surrogate index of triglycerides and glucose (TyG index) has been validated in non-rheumatic populations, showing adequate sensitivity and specificity for IR, although this index has not yet been used in connective tissue disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of insulin resistance (IR) using the validated surrogate index of triglycerides and glucose (TyG index) and to explore factors associated with IR in Mexican women with RA or SLE.

Methods
Ninety-five female RA and 57 SLE patients were included in a cross-sectional study. Clinical and epidemiological variables were evaluated. IR was assessed using the TyG index with a cutoff value of > 4.68. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with IR excluding confounders.

Results
IR frequency in the entire sample was 50%, higher than the 10% observed in non-rheumatic controls (p < 0.001). The frequency of IR was similar in SLE (49.1%) and RA (50.5%, p = 0.8) patients. IR was associated with a longer duration of hypertension and higher total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Based on multivariate analysis, the duration of hypertension (OR: 1.06; 95% CI 1.002–1.12, p = 0.04), waist circumference (OR: 1.04; 95% CI 1.01–1.08, p = 0.007), uric acid levels (OR: 1.46; 95% CI 1.08–1.97, p = 0.01), RA (OR: 4.87; 95% CI 1.31–18.78, p = 0.01) and SLE (OR: 4.22; 95% CI 1.06–16.74, p = 0.04) were the main risk factors for IR.

Conclusions
This study shows that the TyG index is a useful screening test for IR in RA and SLE patients. Future longitudinal studies should be performed with the aim of identifying the predictive value of TyG index results for identifying complications linked to IR.
Adult-onset linear discoid lupus erythematosus on the forehead mimicking en coup de sabre: a case report
Authors: Sindhusen Sasipaka , Chanprapaph Kumutnart , Rutnin Suthinee 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundLinear cutaneous lupus erythematosus (LE) is an unusual form of LE-specific cutaneous condition, occurring in children and young adults. Due to its rarity, the diagnosis of linear cutaneous LE can be difficult and facial lesions can resemble linear morphea or en coup de sabre. Differential diagnosis of similar conditions along the lines of Blaschko must be differentiated from linear LE.Case presentationWe report a case of linear discoid LE on the forehead of an adult female Thai patient mimicking en coup de sabre. The dermatoscopy, histopathology and direct immunofluorescence findings were consistent with chronic cutaneous LE.ConclusionsAs this patient demonstrated classic dermatoscopic features of LE, we emphasized that the diagnosis of linear cutaneous LE can be made by dermatoscopy. This is particularly beneficial for young self-conscious patients with facial lesions that are reluctant to perform skin biopsy.
PAPR reduction in LTE network using both peak windowing and clipping techniques
Authors: Musabe Richard , Lionel Mafrebo B. , Mugongo Ushindi Victoire , Atupenda Mugisha , Ntaganda James , Bajpai Gaurav 
Published: November 2019

AbstractMulticarrier technique orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) modulation is a solution to provide high-speed and secured data transmission requirement in 4G technologies. Peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) is one major drawback in OFDM system. Researches described several PAPR reduction techniques, notably peak windowing and clipping. The aim of this paper is to use these techniques to reduce PAPR. The research work describes clipping and windowing techniques such as quadratic amplitude modulation (QAM) and additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) as channel condition. The simulation results show that in those techniques with clipping threshold level of 0.7, there is a reduction of PAPR of 8 dB, and the reduction of PAPR for the peak windowing when considering Kaiser window is about 11 dB.
Cluster Randomized Trial to Facilitate Breast Cancer Early Diagnosis in a Rural District of Rwanda
Authors: Pace Lydia E. , Dusengimana Jean Marie Vianney , Shulman Lawrence N. , Schleimer Lauren E. , Shyirambere Cyprien , Rusangwa Christian , Muvugabigwi Gaspard , Park Paul H. , Huang ChuanChin , Bigirimana Jean Bosco , Hategekimana Vedaste , Rugema Vestine , Umwizerwa Aline , Keating Nancy L. , Mpunga Tharcisse 
Published: November 2019

PURPOSE Feasible and effective strategies are needed to facilitate earlier diagnosis of breast cancer in low-income countries. The goal of this study was to examine the impact of health worker breast health training on health care utilization, patient diagnoses, and cancer stage in a rural Rwandan district. METHODS We conducted a cluster randomized trial of a training intervention at 12 of the 19 health centers (HCs) in Burera District, Rwanda, in 2 phases. We evaluated the trainings’ impact on the volume of patient visits for breast concerns using difference-in-difference models. We used generalized estimating equations to evaluate incidence of HC and hospital visits for breast concerns, biopsies, benign breast diagnoses, breast cancer, and early-stage disease in catchment areas served by intervention versus control HCs. RESULTS From April 2015 to April 2017, 1,484 patients visited intervention HCs, and 308 visited control HCs for breast concerns. The intervention led to an increase of 4.7 visits/month for phase 1 HCs ( P = .001) and 7.9 visits/month for phase 2 HCs ( P = .007) compared with control HCs. The population served by intervention HCs had more hospital visits (115.1 v 20.5/100,000 person-years, P < .001) and biopsies (36.6 v 8.9/100,000 person-years, P < .001) and higher breast cancer incidence (6.9 v 3.3/100,000 person-years; P = .28). The incidence of early-stage breast cancer was 3.3 per 100,000 in intervention areas and 0.7 per 100,000 in control areas ( P = .048). CONCLUSION In this cluster randomized trial in rural Rwanda, the training of health workers and establishment of regular breast clinics were associated with increased numbers of patients who presented with breast concerns at health facilities, more breast biopsies, and a higher incidence of benign breast diagnoses and early-stage breast cancers.
A Meta-Analysis of Pregnancy Outcomes With Levothyroxine Treatment in Euthyroid Women With Thyroid Autoimmunity
Authors: Sun Xiaodong , Hou Ningning , Wang Hongsheng , Ma Lin , Sun Jinhong , Liu Yongping 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Context
Thyroid autoimmunity (TAI), the most common cause of (sub)clinical hypothyroidism, is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. The benefits of levothyroxine (LT4) intervention in women with TAI remain controversial.

Objective
The purpose of this analysis is to determine the effect of LT4 on pregnancy outcomes in euthyroid women with TAI.

Data sources
Databases were searched up to May 2019.

Study selection
Randomized controlled trails (RCTs) and retrospective studies that reported effects of LT4 administration on pregnancy outcomes in euthyroid women with TAI were screened.

Data extraction
Quality assessment and data extraction were conducted independently by 2 researchers. Conflicts were settled by a third researcher.

Data synthesis
Six trials comprising 2249 women were included. Overall, no beneficial effect on pregnancy outcomes was observed with LT4 supplementation. For women with individualized initial LT4 dosages, the risk of miscarriage decreased (relative risk [RR] 0.62, 95% CI: 0.41-0.93, I2 = 28%); there was no difference among women with fixed LT4 dosages (RR 0.96, 95% CI: 0.74-1.24, I2 = 0%). Women who initiated LT4 treatment in early pregnancy had a significantly lower preterm birth rate (RR 0.54, 95% CI: 0.31-0.92, I2 = 0%) than those who received no treatment or placebo. No improvement was observed among women who initiated treatment before conception (RR 1.14, 95% CI: 0.71-1.84, I2 = 0%).

Conclusion
No definitive evidence showed improvement of pregnancy outcomes with LT4 supplementation in euthyroid women with TAI. However, therapeutic strategies, especially dosages and initial times of intervention, may be of great importance. Additional large RCTs are needed in the future.