bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-3 is associated with disease activity and progressive joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Matsumoto Haruki , Fujita Yuya , Asano Tomoyuki , Matsuoka Naoki , Temmoku Jumpei , Sato Shuzo , Furuya Makiko Yashiro , Watanabe Hiroshi , migita kiyoshi 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-3 (TIM-3) is a surface molecules expressed on immune cells which play a role in immune regulation. The aims of the present study were to determine whether circulating soluble T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-3 (sTIM-3) is elevated in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, and investigate the relationships between sTIM-3 and clinical features of RA.
Methods
The study included 116 patients with established RA and 27 healthy control subjects. Serum levels of sTIM-3 were measured via the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Correlations between serum sTIM-3 and a range of parameters including ACPA titer, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) were assessed.
Results
Serum sTIM-3 was significantly elevated in RA patients compared with healthy subjects, and it was positively correlated with ACPA titer (r = 0.27 p = 0.005), ESR (r = 0.27, p = 0.004) and MMP-3 (r = 0.35, p < 0.001). In RA patients with high ACPA titers (≥ 200 U/mL), sTIM-3 was not correlated with ESR or MMP-3. Whereas, sTIM-3 was significantly correlated with ESR and MMP-3 in RA patients with low ACPA titers (< 200 U/mL).
Conclusions
Serum sTIM-3 was increased in RA patients, and it was associated with proinflammatory markers and disease activity in RA patients under a particular ACPA status. Our data suggest that circulating sTIM-3 may be a useful biomarker for the determination of disease activity in RA patients.
WITHDRAWN: HIV patient access to healthcare services in post-austerity era in Greece
Authors: Tsiakalakis George , Golna Christina , Dedes Nikos , Athanasakis Kostas , Souliotis Kyriakos 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background The ten-year economic crisis and the ensuing fiscal adjustment that Greece experienced between 2009 and 2018 has had a major impact on patient access to healthcare services and resulted in an increase in unmet population health needs. The present study assesses the impact of economic crisis and ensuing austerity on HIV patient access to healthcare services. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out between February and April 2019 to assess barriers in access to HIV care faced by people living with HIV. 329 HIV-positive individuals participated in the study. An online, self-reporting questionnaire was developed on the basis of the HOPE studies tool (2,3,9,10) and adapted to the specific clinical and societal characteristics of HIV. Results 94.2% of respondents were male and 67.80% lived in Athens. Most of them were diagnosed with HIV 1 to 10 years ago. 37,40% of respondents reported obstacles in accessing HIV care over the past year, such as shortages in antiretroviral medicine, restricted opening hours of pharmacies and delays in booking an appointment with physicians. 24,30% reported they were not tested for viral load in the last six months and received a result. Individuals, who self-evaluate their financial status as very bad or bad, were more likely to be unaware of their viral load (55.60%) compared to individuals with better financial status (33,5%) (P<0.01). Only 33.3% of uninsured participants were aware of their viral load, and this figure rose to 63.30% (P <0.01) amongst insured participants. Conclusion Our study suggests that a critical proportion of HIV patients in Greece face significant barriers to receiving optimal HIV care, according to diagnostic and clinical guidelines. Financial and social insurance status are the main variables that impact on access, despite the comprehensive and universal NHS coverage of antiretroviral treatment and HIV monitoring. Reforming and integrating NHS service provision together with addressing social barriers and discrimination are critical to ensuring care is offered as per standards to all people living with HIV in Greece.
Underweight and associated factors among lactating women in Uganda: evidence from the Uganda demographic health survey 2016.
Authors: sserwanja quraish , Mukunya David , Mutisya Linet M. , Musaba Milton , Kagwisagye Mathew , Kato Ivan Arinda , Tuke Robert , Habumugisha Theogene , Kawuki Joseph 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
BackgroundLactating mothers are at increased risk of underweight due to physiological changes that lead to disproportionately higher energy and nutrient requirements than non-pregnant and non-lactating women. Maternal underweight has been shown to negatively affect the secretion of nutrients in breast milk leading to increased risk of child morbidity and mortality. We aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with underweight among lactating women in Uganda.MethodsWe used the Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS) 2016 data of 1,356 women aged 20 to 49 years. Multistage stratified sampling was used to select study participants and data were collected using validated questionnaires. We used multivariable logistic regression to determine factors associated with underweight among 20 to 49-year-old lactating women in Uganda.ResultsThe prevalence of underweight was 8.2% (111/1356) (95% CI: 7.0–10.0). Women who were working were more likely to be underweight compared to those who were not working (AOR = 0.51; 95% CI: 0.28–0.96). Women in the Northern region were more likely to be underweight compared to women in the Western (AOR = 0.14; 95% CI: 0.06–0.29), Eastern (AOR = 0.34; 95% CI: 0.18–0.64) and Central (AOR = 0.24; 95% CI: 0.10–0.57) regions. Women who had no education (AOR = 9.27; 95% CI: 1.61–53.52) or, primary education (AOR = 6.00; 95% CI: 1.13–31.98) were more likely to be underweight compared to those who had higher (post-secondary) education level.ConclusionOur study established that the factors associated with underweight among Ugandan lactating women were level of education, working status and region. Based on the findings of this and other studies, it is important for the government to design targeted underweight reduction programs with special emphasis on working, women from the Northern region and those whose highest level of education is primary.
Risk of knee replacement after anterior cruciate ligament injury: a systematic review
Authors: Nguyen Milan Duong , Årøen Asbjørn 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUND: It is recognized that patients suffering rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are prone to accelerated osteoarthritis (OA), thus, this patient group is at increased risk of undergoing knee replacement (KR) at a younger age compared to the general population. There are limited data directly determining the risk of KR in ACL-injured patients. The purpose of this study is to estimate the risk of undergoing KR in patients with a history of primary ACL injury (ACLi).STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review.METHODS: A systematic literature search with keywords and MeSH terms was performed using PubMed and Cochrane Library. We identified all studies reporting KR as an outcome in individuals with primary ACLi. Individuals with concomitant and secondary intra-articular injuries were included. A modified version of the Coleman Methodology Score (CMS) was used to evaluate the quality of the included studies. The risk was estimated by using the total number of ACL-injured patients and the total number of KRs within this cohort, consisting of both patients with reconstruction and patients with non-operative treatment.RESULTS: A total of 152 390 ACL-injured patients and a total of 1071 KRs were assembled from 5 prospective and 7 retrospective studies, which revealed a mean modified CMS of 70. Mean follow-up time was 16 years (ranging from 4.6 to 30 years). Mean age among the patients was 29.8 years. Estimated risk of undergoing KR after ACLi was 0.7 % with values between 0.54 % and 9.5 % among the included studies.CONCLUSION: This systematic review suggests an estimated risk of KR among ACL-injured patients to be 0.7 %. Our findings are based on the results from the included studies, which, to some degree, showed divergence. The discrepancy may be due to variability in several factors, both research variables and patient factors, including follow-up time, sample size, subsequent injuries, obesity, sex, age and activity level. No consensus about OA development after ACLi has been established, however, OA is a common topic in the conversation between the doctor and the patient. This data may be helpful for physicians and clinicians when informing patients about the long-term risk of symptomatic OA, eventually requiring KR.
Developing Physical Activity Interventions for the School and Home Settings: Lessons Learned from a Community-Academic Partnership
Authors: Ramsey Zachary , Northrup Karen , Workman Charlotte , Jarrett Traci , Tompkins Nancy O’Hara , Cottrell Lesley 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background

Physical activity interventions designed for children living in the rural setting, particularly those that are cost effective and utilize common resources, are increasingly requested. Interventions for school and home settings are available but can be complicated and expensive to deliver.
Methods

In this study, we developed two physical activity interventions to be implemented in the school and home environments within rural settings of varying sizes and resources. This study, Activate!, was based on the socioecological model (SEM) and informed by local school personnel, families, and community health workers. Community members contributed to the development and implementation of the program.
Results

The resulting intervention package included several resources that were either already available in the school or home settings or could be easily collected by facilitators. Recommendations for frequency of use, capturing whether it is working, and methods for encouraging children and families were included in the packaging.
Conclusions

In this project, we successfully incorporated community (school and home) needs from a largely rural state within Appalachia to develop physical activity interventions for children. The Activate! interventions were designed for easy implementation by community members directly in both the school and home environments using common materials and easily reviewed packaging and guidance.
Does free of charge policy increase care-seeking for children under five in Sierra Leone? Evidence from population-based studies from 2008-2016
Authors: Bognini Joel Dofinissery , Bogninni Joel Dofinissery , Samadoulougou Sekou , Smart Francis , Kangoye David Tiga , Sankoh Osman , Kirakoya-Samadoulougou Fati 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background

In 2010, the Government of Sierra Leone has implemented the Free Health Care Initiative (FHCI) in the country with the objective to reduce under five mortality. The biggest share of this mortality in the country is attributable to infectious diseases. Care-seeking for children under five is a key point to reduce mortality due to infectious diseases as it permits early diagnosis and prompt and correct treatment. The objective of this study was therefore to assess the trend in the prevalence of care-seeking as well as to identify determinants of utilization of healthcare services by under-five (U5) caregivers under the policy initiative.
Methods

The analysis of care-seeking behavior was done using data from three population-based studies in Sierra Leone (2008-before FHCI and 2013, and 2016-After FHCI). Care-seeking behavior was assessed through care-seeking of caregivers of children U5 with a history of fever in the 2 weeks prior to the survey. We compared the percentages of care-seeking and performed modified Poisson modeling to evaluate the determinants of care-seeking during the period of FHCI (2013–2016).
Results

In 2008, a total of 1,208 feverish children were identified, as compared with 2,823 children in 2013, and 1,633 in 2016. Fewer children had seeking care for fever in 2008 (51% [95% CI (46.4–55.5)]) than in 2013 (71.5% [95% CI (68.4–74.5)]) and in 2016 (70.3% [95% CI (66.6–73.8)] (p < 0.001)). Care-seeking was low when the household head was a man, when the head of the household was 15–24 years old, when the child was living in a poorest household, in north or west region and when the child was more than one year old.
Conclusions

The increase of care-seeking in children under five with fever coincided with the initiation of the FHCI in Sierra Leone. Effective interventions to improve the health facilities’ visitation of the children under five should target the identified factors.
Clinical Analysis of 123 Cases of Acute Colonic Diverticulitis
Authors: Chen Zhi , Zhang Bing , wu dan , Jin Ye 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Objective: To study the characteristics of acute colonic diverticulitis and the differences between different treatment options.Methods: A retrospective analysis of 123 patients with acute colonic diverticulitis treated in our hospital from April 2013 to April 2020, including operation group (n = 30) and non-operation group (n = 93). The characteristics of acute colonic diverticulitis were analyzed, and the therapeutic effects of acute colonic diverticulitis were compared between the operation group and the non-operation group.Results:111 cases of Caecal and ascending colonic diverticulitis (proportion 90.2%, male to female ratio 2.26: 1, average age 39.6 ± 14.4 years, surgery ratio 24.3%, mean hospital stay 7.4 ± 4.3 days, recurrence rate 3.6%); 3 cases of transverse colonic diverticulitis; 3 cases of descending colonic diverticulitis; 6 cases of Sigmoid diverticulitis (proportion 4.9%, male: female 1: 1, average age 67.7 ± 4.5 years, surgery ratio 33.3%, mean hospital stay 11.7 ± 5.5 Days, recurrence rate 0%).30 patients received surgical treatment, including 15 cases of abdominal drainage, 14 cases of colonic diverticulectomy and repair, and 1 case of sigmoidectomy. There was a statistically significant difference in the length of hospitalization between the operative group and the non- operative group (P = 0.018), and the length of hospitalization was longer in the operative group. There was no significant difference in the recurrence rate between the operative group and the non-operative group of colonic diverticulitis (P = 0.595). Colonic diverticulitis usually relapsed within 1 year. The total recurrence rate was 4.1%.Conclusions: The right-sided colonic diverticulitis is more common in young and middle-aged. There is a higher incidence in males. The effect of non-operative treatment of acute diverticulitis is better than that of surgical treatment. Resection and repair of the diverticulum or abdominal drainage can be used in patients with acute uncomplicated diverticulitis.
Shockwave Treatment Enhances the Extracellular Matrix Production in Articular Chondrocyte Through Activation of the ROS/MAPK/Nrf2 Signaling Pathway.
Authors: Shen Po-Chih , Chou Shih-Hsiang , Lu Cheng-Chang , Huang Hsuan-Ti , Chien Song-Hsiung , Huang Peng-Ju , Liu Zi-Miao , Shih Chia-Lung , Su Shu-Jem , Chen Li-Min , Tien Yin-Chun 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Shockwaves are acoustic pulses that have been widely used in the management of musculoskeletal disease. In current study, we investigated the biological effect of shockwaves on articular chondrocytes and clarified the mechanism by which chondrocytes sense and respond to the mechanical stimulation of shockwave treatment. Methods: Porcine articular chondrocytes and human osteoarthritis (OA) chondrocytes were cultured in a three-dimensional pellet culture model and subjected to shockwaves. Then alamarBlue assay, Hoechest DNA assay, fluorescence-activated cell sorter, real-time polymerase chain reaction immunofluorescence staining, and western blotting were used to determine biological function and signaling transduction of chondrocytes after shockwaves.Results: Shockwaves increased the sulfated glycosaminoglycan (GAG), Col2a1, and Acan production of chondrocytes without affecting cell viability and proliferation. Furthermore, shockwaves increased transient reactive oxygen species (ROS) production primarily through the action of xanthine oxidase and subsequently through phosphorylation of Erk1/2 and p38. Shockwaves also activated the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 and the Nrf2-related downstream gene expression of Ho-1 and Nqo-1. We suppressed the xanthine oxidase activity by allopurinol or speciﬁc siRNA, which signiﬁcantly abrogated shockwave-induced mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation, Nrf2 nuclear translocation, and extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis. U0126 and SB203580, the specific inhibitors of MAPKs MEK1/2 and p38, respectively, significantly abolished shockwave-induced Nrf2 nuclear translocation and ECM synthesis. Inhibition of Nrf2 by both shRNA knockdown and brusatol reduced the shockwave-increased GAG, Col2a1, and Acan production. Conclusions: Maintaining the homeostasis of the ECM of the articular cartilage is crucial for preventing the development OA. Our data indicate that shockwaves enhanced the ECM synthesis of chondrocytes through the activation of the ROS/MAPK/Nrf2 signaling axis. This study demonstrates that shockwaves holds promising therapeutic potential for OA and provides fundamental evidence for developing an optimal therapeutic strategy.
Chromosomal aberration arises during somatic reprogramming to pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Liu Xinyu , Zheng Kang , Zhao Xiaofeng , Xu Xiaofeng , Yang Aifeng , Yi Min , Tao Huaping , Xie Binghua , Qiu Mengsheng , Yang Junlin 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Reprogramming somatic cells to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) has opened new therapeutic possibilities. However, karyotypic abnormalities detected in iPSCs compromised their utility, especially chromosomal aberrations found at early passages raised serious safety concerns. The mechanism underlying the chromosomal abnormality in early-passage iPSCs is not known.Methods: Human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) were stimulated with KMOS (KLF4, cMYC, OCT4 and SOX2) proteins to enhance their proliferative capacity and many vigorous clones were obtained. Clonal reprogramming was carried out by KMOS mRNAs transfection to confirm the ‘chromosomal mutagenicity’ of reprogramming process. Subculturing was performed to examine karyotypic stability of iPSCs after the re-establishment of stemness. And antioxidant N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) was added to the culture medium for further confirmming the mutagenicity in the first few days of reprogramming.Results: Chromosomal aberrations were found in a small percentage of newly induced iPS clones by reprogramming transcription factors. Clonal reprogramming ruled out the aberrant chromosomes inherited from rare karyotypically abnormal parental cell subpopulation. More importantly, the antioxidant NAC effectively reduced the occurrence of chromosomal aberrations at the early stage of reprogramming. Once iPS cell lines were established, they restored karyotypic stability in subsequent subculturing.Conclusions: Our results provided the first line of evidence for the ‘chromosomal mutagenicity’ of reprogramming process.
Knowledge, attitude and practice of the Sudanese people towards COVID-19: An online survey
Authors: Mohamed Amal , Elhassan Eilaf , Mohamed Abdelrahim O. , Mohammed Awab Aldow , edris Hassan Alshaikh , Mahgoop Mohamed Alhadi , Sharif Mohamed Emadaldin , Bashir Maab Imadeldin , Abderlahim Rania Bashir , Idriss Wegdan Ibraheim , Malik Elfatih Mohamed 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: The Novel Corona Virus (SARS-CoV-2) had emerged to affect the human population in 2019 causing COVID-19 pandemic. The disease has no vaccine and no definitive treatment; the only preventive measures available are social distancing, hand washing and masks. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of the Sudanese people towards COVID-19.Methods: A cross-sectional study targeting adult Sudanese people was conducted out in Sudan in April 2020. The study used an online self-administered questionnaire and utilized social media such as Facebook and WhatsApp. The total number of eligible questionnaires was 987.Results: The mean (SD) age of respondents was 30.13 (9.84) years with males representing 55.4%. The majority were university and higher educated (95.2%) and residing in Khartoum (71.7%). The knowledge of the participants was rated as good in 90.6% and was found to be associated with education level (p-value = 0.001). The attitude was found good in 81.8% and was associated with females gender (p=0.02). The practice related to COVID-19 preventive measures was found good in 89.8% of the participants and was associated with sex and area of residence (p= 0.003, and p = 0.001 respectively).Conclusions: This study showed that there was good knowledge, attitude and practices among the participants who are mostly young and educated. Females tend to be superior in their attitudes and practices.
Estimation of the basic reproduction number of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Bangladesh: A 65-day outbreak data-driven analysis
Authors: Hasan Md. , Hossain Akhtar , Bari Wasimul , Islam Syed Shariful 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe outbreak of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), started from Wuhan, China, at the end of December 2019, hits almost the entire world. In Bangladesh, the first case was officially reported on March 8, 2020. We estimated the basic reproductive number, R0, of COVID-19 for Bangladesh using the first 65-day data of the outbreak.MethodsWith time-varying disease reporting rate, epidemic curves were estimated using the exponential growth model utilizing daily COVID-19 diagnosis data in Bangladesh from March 8 to May 11, 2020. We estimated R0 using the estimated intrinsic growth rate (γ). Serial intervals (SI) have been used from two well-known coronaviruses’ outbreaks, SARS and MERS; and the early estimate of SI of COVID-19 in Wuhan, China.ResultsThe COVID-19 epidemic in Bangladesh followed an exponential growth model. We found the R0 to be 1.84 [95% CI: 1.82–1.86], 1.82 [95% CI: 1.81–1.84], and 1.94 [95% CI: 1.92–1.96], for MERS, COVID-19, and SARS SI respectively without adjusting reporting rate. With the adjusted reporting rate, R0 reduced to 1.63 [95% CI: 1.62–1.65], 1.62 [95% CI: 1.61–1.64], and 1.71 [95% CI: 1.70–1.73] for a five-fold increase. Inverse association between the reporting rate and the basic reproduction number was observed.ConclusionThe R0 was found to be 1.87 for existing cases and was reduced to 1.65 for the five-fold increase of the early reporting rate. Findings suggest a continued COVID-19 outbreak in Bangladesh and immediate steps need to be taken to control.