bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tuberculosis Treatment Outcomes Among Prisoners and General Population in Zomba, Malawi
Authors: Singano Victor Hamilton , Kip Esther , Ching’ani Wilson , Chiwaula Lawrence 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background TB remains a major global health problem. it is particularly prevalent in prisons in sub-Saharan Africa. Prisoners have experienced worse TB treatment outcomes than the general population. The researchers investigated the TB treatment outcomes and pre d ictors of unsuccessful treatment outcomes among prisoners and the general population. Methods We retrospectively reviewed TB registers of prisoners and the general population diagnosed with TB from January 2011 to December 2016 at Zomba Maximum Central Prison and Zomba Central Hospital, Malawi. The study used routinely collected data extracted from national, standardized TB treatment monitoring tools. Successful treatment outcome was classified as the total for cured and completed treatment while unsuccessful treatment outcome was classified as the total of deaths and treatment failures. We used descriptive statistics to compare the demographics and TB treatment parameters among prisoners and non – prisoners and computed multivariate analysis to predict the independent factors of unsuccessful treatment outcomes. Results Of 1652 registered cases, 27% were prisoners (all males) and 72% were non-prisoners (58 % males). The median age was 35 years (IQR: 29 - 42); 76 % were Pulmonary TB cases (78 % among prisoners vs 75% among non-prisoners); 83 % were new TB cases (77% among prisoners vs 86% among non-prisoners); and 65 % were HIV positive (50 % among prisoners vs 71% among non – prisoners). Regarding treatment outcome, 1472 (89%) were cured and/or completed treatment (93% among prisoners vs 88 % among non – prisoners), 2 (0.2%) were treatment failures, 122 (8%) died (5 % among prisoners vs 8 % among non – prisoners) and 55 (3%) were not evaluated (1% among prisoners vs 4% among non – prisoners). Unsuccessful TB treatment outcomes were associated with age greater than 35 years (aOR = 0.68: 95% C.I: 0.58 – 0.80), Extra-Pulmonary TB (aOR=1.69: 95% C.I: 1.08 – 2.63) andHIV positive status (aOR = 0.63: 95 % C.I: 0.42 – 0.94). Conclusion Maximum prisons provide a stable population that can be easily monitored during TB treatment. Good TB treatment outcomes comparable to the general population can be achieved among prisoners despite the challenging prison conditions.
Effect of rTMS on Parkinson's Cognitive Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Jiang Yi , Guo Zhiwei , McClure Morgan A. , He Lin , Mu Qiwen 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: To evaluate the effects and optimal parameters of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on cognition function of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and to estimate which cognitive function may obtain more benefits from rTMS. Method: The articles dealing with rTMS on cognition of PD patients were retrieved from the databases until April 2019. Two researchers selected research papers, evaluated their quality, extracted data, and cross-checked them according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95 % confidence interval (CI) of cognitive outcome for different parameters, scales, and cognitive functions were estimated. Results: Fourteen studies involving 173 subjects were included in the study. A significant effect size was observed with the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) for the global cognitive outcome based on the evidence of four published articles. Further subtests for different cognitive domains demonstrated prominent effect for the executive function. The significant effect sizes for executive function were found with multiple sessions of high-frequency rTMS over frontal cortex, especially over dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). All of the other cognitive domains including memory, attention, and language ability did not obtain significant effects. Conclusions: Multiple sessions of high-requency rTMS over the DLPFC may have positive effect on executive function in PD patients. Further well designed studies with large sample sizes are needed to verify our results and ascertain the long-term effects of rTMS.
Access to and Use of Health and Social Services among People who Inject Drugs in two urban areas of Mozambique, 2014: Qualitative Results from a Formative Assessment
Authors: Dengo-Baloi Liliana Candida , Boothe Makini Aida , Semá-Baltazar Cynthia Amino , Sathane Isabel , Langa Denise Chitsondzo , Condula Manuel , Ricardo Helena , Inguane Celso , Teodoro Eugénia , Gouveia Lídia , Raymond Henry F. , Horth Roberta 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Prior to 2014, data about health seeking behaviors or service uptake for People who inject drugs (PWID) in Mozambique did not exist. We present the results from the formative assessment component of the Biological and Behavioral Survey (BBS). Methods: Standardized interview guides were used during key informant interviews (KII) and focus group discussions (FGD) in Maputo and Nampula/Nacala to discuss issues related to risk behaviors and access to and utilization of health and social services by PWID. The target sample size was not defined a priori, but instead KII and FGD were conducted until responses reached saturation. Data analysis was based on the principles of grounded theory related to qualitative research. Results: Eighty-eight respondents, ages 15 to 60, participated in KIIs and FGDs. Participants were majority male from diverse income and education levels and included current and former PWID, non-injection drug users, health and social service providers, peer educators, and community health workers. Respondents reported that PWID engage in high-risk behaviors such as needle and syringe sharing, exchange of sex for drugs or money, and low condom use. According to participants, PWID would rather rent, share or borrow injection equipment at shooting galleries than purchase them due to stigma, fear of criminalization, transportation and purchase costs, restricted pharmacy hours, personal preference for needle sharing, and immediacy of drug need. Barriers to access and utilization of health and social services include distance, requirements to represent identification documents and fear of criminalization, the limited availability of programs for PWID, lack of knowledge of the few programs that exist, concerns about the quality of care provided by health providers, lack of readiness as a result of addiction and perceived stigma related to the use of mental health services offering treatment to PWID. Conclusions: Mozambique urgently needs to establish specialized harm reduction programs for PWID and improve awareness of available resources. Services should be located in hot spot areas to address issues related to distance, transportation and the planning required for safe injection. Specific attention should go to the creation of PWID-focused health and social services outside of state-sponsored psychiatric treatment centers.
ApoE and apoC-III-defined HDL subtypes: A descriptive study of their LCAT and CETP content and activity
Authors: Amaya-Montoya Mateo , Pinzón-Cortés Jairo A , Silva-Bermúdez Lina S , Ruiz-Manco Daniel , Perez-Matos Maria C , Jimenez-Mora Mario A , Mendivil Carlos O 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background High-density lipoproteins (HDL) functionality predicts cardiovascular risk better than HDL concentrations. The apolipoprotein composition of HDL may be a determinant of their function. Lecithin-cholesterol acyl transferase (LCAT) and cholesterol-ester transfer protein (CETP) are key enzymes for HDL-mediated reverse cholesterol transport. We assessed the distribution and activity of LCAT and CETP in HDL subspecies defined by their content of apolipoproteins E (apoE) and C-III (apoC-III) in humans. Methods We isolated in 18 adult humans of both sexes (mean age 55.6, BMI 26.9 Kg/m2, HbA1c 5.4%), four subspecies of HDL containing respectively: No apoE and no apoC-III (E-C-), apoE but not apoC-III (E+C-), apoC-III but no apoE (E-C+) and both apoE and apoC-III (E+C+). In each HDL subspecies, we measured LCAT and CETP concentration and activity using immunoenzymatic and fluorometric methods. Additionally, we determined the size distribution of HDL in each apolipoprotein-defined fraction using non-denaturing electrophoresis and anti-ApoA-I western blot. Results Similar to previous studies, HDL in the E-C- fraction was the predominant subtype. The size distribution of HDL was very similar across all four apolipoprotein-defined fractions. LCAT was most abundant in E-C- HDL (3.58 mg/mL, 59.6 % of plasma LCAT mass), while HDL with apoE or apoC-III had much less LCAT (19.8%, 12.2% and 8.37% of plasma LCAT respectively for E+C-, E-C+ and E+C+). LCAT mass was lower in E+C- HDL relative to E-C- HDL, but LCAT activity was similar in both fractions, signaling a greater activity-to-mass ratio associated with the presence of apoE. Both CETP mass and CETP activity showed only slight variations across HDL subspecies. There was an inverse correlation between plasma LCAT activity and both E-C+ pre-beta HDL (r=-0.55, p=0.017) and E-C- alpha 1 HDL (r=-0.49, p=0.041). Conversely, there was a direct correlation between E-C+ alpha 1 HDL and CETP activity in plasma (r=0.52, p=0.025). Conclusions Our results suggest that LCAT activity in humans is influenced by the presence of small interchangeable apolipoproteins. The presence of apoE in small HDL is correlated with increased LCAT activity and esterification of plasma cholesterol.
Structural equation modelling the ‘control of gut overgrowth’ in the prevention of ICU acquired Gram-negative infection.
Authors: Hurley James C 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Conceptually, the ‘control of gut overgrowth’ (COGO) is key in mediating prevention against infection with Gram-negative bacilli by topical antibiotic prophylaxis, a common constituent of Selective Digestive Decontamination (SDD) regimens. However, the relative importance of the other SDD components; enteral and protocolized parenteral antibiotic prophylaxis, versus other methods of infection prevention and versus other contextual exposures cannot be resolved within individual studies. Methods: Seven candidate generalized structural equation models founded on COGO concepts were confronted with Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter bacteremia as well as ventilator associated pneumonia data derived from >200 infection prevention studies. The following group level exposures were included in the models; use and mode of antibiotic prophylaxis, antiseptic and non-decontamination methods of infection prevention; proportion receiving mechanical ventilation; trauma ICU; mean length of ICU stay and concurrency versus non-concurrency of topical antibiotic prophylaxis study control groups. Results: In modelling Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter gut overgrowth as latent variables, anti-septic interventions had the strongest negative effect against Pseudomonas gut overgrowth but no intervention was significantly negative against Acinetobacter gut overgrowth. Strikingly, protocolized parenteral antibiotic prophylaxis and concurrency each have positive effects in the model, enteral antibiotic prophylaxis is neutral and Acinetobacter bacteremia incidences are high within topical antibiotic prophylaxis studies, moreso with protocolized parenteral antibiotic prophylaxis exposure. Paradoxically, topical antibiotic prophylaxis (moreso with protocolized parenteral antibiotic prophylaxis) appears to provide the strongest summary prevention effects against overall bacteremia and overall VAP. Conclusions: Structural equation modelling of published Gram-negative bacilli infection data enables a test of the COGO concept. Paradoxically, Acinetobacter and Pseudomonas bacteremia incidences are unusually high among studies of topical antibiotic prophylaxis.
Relationship Between The Place Of Living And Mortality In Patients With Advanced Heart Failure.
Authors: Munoz Miguel-Angel , Garcia Raquel , Navas Elena , Duran Julio , Val-Garcia José-Luis Del , Verdú-Rotellar Jose-Maria 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background Social and environmental factors in advanced heart failure (HF) patients may be crucial to cope with the end stages of the disease. This study analyzes health inequalities and mortality according to place of residence (rural vs urban) in HF patients at advanced stages of the disease.Methods Population-based cohort study including 1148 adult patients with HF attended in 279 primary care centers. Patients were followed for at least one year after reaching New York Heart Association IV functional class, between 2010 and 2014.Data came from primary care electronic medical records. Cox regression models were applied to determine the hazard ratios (HR) of mortality. Results Mean age was 81.6 (SD 8.9) years, and 62% were women. Patients in rural areas were older, particularly women aged >74 years (p=0.036), and presented lower comorbidity. Mortality percentages were 59% and 51% among rural and urban patients, respectively (p=0.030). Urban patients living in the most socio-economically deprived neighborhoods presented the highest rate of health service utilization, particularly with primary care nurses (p-trend <0.001). Multivariate analyses confirmed that men (HR 1.60, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.34-1.90), older patients (HR 1.05, 95% CI 1.04-1.06), Charlson comorbidity index (HR 1.16, 95% CI 1.11-1.22), and residing in rural areas (HR 1.35, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.67) was associated with higher mortality risk.Conclusions Living in rural areas determines an increased risk of mortality in patients at final stages of heart failure.
Open versus endoscopic carpal tunnel release: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Li Yueying , Luo Wenqi , Wu Guangzhi , Cui Shusen , Zhang Zhan , Gu Xiaossong 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR) and open carpal tunnel release (OCTR) both have advantages and disadvantages for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). We compared the effectiveness and safety of ECTR and OCTR based on evidence from a high-level randomized controlled trial. Methods: We comprehensively searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Medline to identify relevant articles published until August 2019. Data regarding operative time, grip strength, Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire scores, digital sensation, patient satisfaction, key pinch strength, return to work time, and complications were extracted and compared. All mean differences (MD) and odds ratios (OR) were expressed as ECTR relative to OCTR. Results: Twenty-eight studies were included in our meta-analysis. ECTR was associated with significantly higher satisfaction rates (MD, 3.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.43 to 4.82; P = 0.0003), greater key pinch strengths (MD, 0.79 kg; 95% CI, 0.27 to 1.32; P = 0.003), earlier return to work times (MD, -7.25 days; 95% CI, -14.31 to -0.19; P = 0.04), higher transient nerve injury rates (OR, 4.87; 95% CI, 1.37 to 17.25; P = 0.01), and a lower incidence of scar-related complications (OR, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.07 to 0.59; P = 0.004). There were no significant differences between the two methods in terms of permanent nerve injury (OR, 1.93; 95% CI, 0.58 to 6.40; P = 0.28). Conclusions: Overall, evidence from randomized controlled trials indicates that ECTR results in better recovery of daily life functions than OCTR, as revealed by higher satisfaction rates, greater key pinch strengths, earlier return to work times, and fewer scar-related complications. Our findings suggest that patients with CTS can be effectively managed with ECTR.
Intracellular expression of arginine deimimase activates the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway through inhibiting cytosolic ferritin and inducing chromotin autophagy
Authors: Feng Qingyuan , Bian Xuzhao , Liu Xuan , Wang Ying , Zhou Huiting , Ma Xiaojing , Quan Chunju , Yao Yi , Zheng Zhongliang 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background Based on its low toxicity, arginine starvation therapy has the potential to treat those malignant tumors that can’t be treated by surgery. Arginine deiminase (ADI; EC 3.5.3.6) gene is indicated to be an ideal cancer-suppressor gene. ADI expressed in cytosol displayed higher oncolytic efficiency than ADI-PEG20 (Pegylated Arginine Deiminase by PEG 20,000)[1]. However, it is still unknown whether cytosolic ADI has the same function mechanism as ADI-PEG20 or other underlying mechanisms in cells. Methods The interaction of ADI and other protein factors was screened by yeast hybrid, and verified by co-immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescent staining. The effect of ADI inhibiting ferritin light-chain domain (FTL) on mitochondria damage was evaluated by site-directed mutation and flow cytometry. The apoptosis pathway of mitochondria control was analyzed by Western Blot and real-time PCR. The effect of p53 expression on cancer cell death was assessed by siTP53 transfection. The chromatin autophagy was explored by immunofluorescent staining and Western Blot. Results ADI expressed in cytosol inhibited the activity of cytosolic ferritin through interacting with FTL. The inactive mutant of ADI still aroused the apoptosis of some cells through mitochondria damage. Arginine deprivation also induced the expression increase of p53 and p53AIP1, which aggravated cellular mitochondria damage. Chromatin autophagy appeared at the later stage of arginine deprivation. DNA damage came along with the whole process of arginine starvation. Histone 3 (H3) was found in autophagosomes, which implied that cancer cells try to utilize the arginine in histones to survive during arginine starvation. Conclusions Mitochondria damage is the major mechanism for ADI expressed in cytosol to induce cancer cell death. Chromatophagy accumulation not only drives cancer cell to utilize histone arginine but also speeds up cancer cell death at the later time point of arginine deprivation.
Occurrence of anterior uveitis in patients with spondyloarthritis treated with tumor necrosis factor inhibitors: comparing the soluble receptor to monoclonal antibodies in a large observational cohort
Authors: khoury Gisèle , Morel Jacques , Combe Bernard , Lukas Cédric 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: The objective of this study was to compare in real life the occurrence of anterior uveitis in patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA), including psoriatic arthritis (PsA), treated with the soluble-receptor etanercept (ETA) or monoclonal antibodies (mAb). Methods: This was an observational, retrolective study. Patients with SpA who were prescribed anti-TNF agents between 2000 and 2014 were included. The risk of uveitis was interpreted qualitatively (number of subjects with at least one uveitis) and quantitatively (number of uveitis flares for each individual). Models were adjusted for propensity score of receiving preferentially mAbs or ETA.Results: 429 patients were included (302 with SpA and 127 with PsA); 203 received a mAb and 226 ETA as a first TNF-a inhibitor. Probability of uveitis occurring during the first year of treatment was lower with ETA than mAbs but not significantly (odds ratio 0.94 [95% confidence interval 0.35; 2.54], p=0.90, on qualitative analysis and relative risk 0.62 [0.26; 1.46], p=0.27, on quantitative analysis) after adjustment for the propensity score. The over-time risk of uveitis was numerically higher with ETA than mAbs, but the differences were not statistically significant. Conclusion: In this observational study, the risk of uveitis in patients with SpA does not appear to be greater with ETA than mAbs treatment. The occurrence of uveitis in patients receiving an anti-TNF-a agent seems linked more to history of uveitis than the prescribed molecule.
The genome-wide supported CACNA1C gene polymorphisms and the risk of schizophrenia: an updated meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Yongping , Wu Xue , Xia Xi , Yao Jun , Wang Bao-jie 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: The CACNA1C gene was defined as a risk gene for schizophrenia in a large genome-wide association study of European ancestry performed by the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium. Previous meta-analyses focused on the association between the CACNA1C gene rs1006737 and schizophrenia. The present study focused on whether there was a racial difference in the effect of the CACNA1C gene rs1006737 on schizophrenia. rs2007044 and rs4765905 were analyzed for their effect on the risk of schizophrenia. Methods: Pooled, subgroup, sensitivity, and publication bias analysis were conducted.Results: A total of 18 studies met the inclusion criteria, including fourteen rs1006737 studies (15,213 cases, 19,412 controls), three rs2007044 studies (6,007 cases, 6,518 controls), and two rs4765905 studies (2,435 cases, 2,639 controls). An allele model study also related rs2007044 and rs4765905 to schizophrenia. The overall meta-analysis for rs1006737, which included the allele contrast, dominant, recessive, codominance, and complete overdominance models, showed significant differences between rs1006737 and schizophrenia. However, the race-based subgroup analysis for rs1006737 found that the genotypes GG and GG + GA were only protective factors for schizophrenia in European populations. In contrast, the rs1006737 GA genotype only reduced the risk of schizophrenia in Asian populations. Conclusions: Rs1006737, rs2007044, and rs4765905 of the CACNA1C gene were associated with susceptibility to schizophrenia. However, the influence model for rs1006737 on schizophrenia in Asian and European populations demonstrated both similarities and differences between the two populations.
Pretreatment Thrombocytosis as an Independent Predictive Factor for Chemoresistance and Poor Survival in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Nakao Sari , Minaguchi Takeo , Itagaki Hiroya , Hosokawa Yoshihiko , Shikama Ayumi , Tasaka Nobutaka , Akiyama Azusa , Ochi Hiroyuki , Matsumoto Koji , Satoh Toyomi 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background Thrombocytosis is related to tumor stage and survival in ovarian cancer in addition to the common complications of malignant diseases, such as anemia and inflammation. The aim of our study was to clarify the precise prognostic impact of pretreatment thrombocytosis in epithelial ovarian cancer. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 280 consecutive patients who were treated for epithelial ovarian cancer at our institution between 2001 and 2011. Results Pretreatment thrombocytosis was observed in 18.9% of all patients and was associated with advanced FIGO stage, primary treatment, operation achievement, histologic subtype, microcytic hypochromic anemia (MHA), and nonmalignant inflammatory condition ( P =0.0018, 0.0028, 0.00050, 0.034, 0.00090 and 0.0022). In the patients who relapsed after primary adjuvant chemotherapy (n=126), thrombocytosis was associated with a shorter treatment-free interval (TFI) ( P =0.0091). The univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that thrombocytosis was independently associated with TFI and MHA ( P =0.021 and 0.0091). Patients with thrombocytosis had worse progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) than those without thrombocytosis ( P <0.0001 and <0.0001). The multivariate analyses for prognostic factors demonstrated that thrombocytosis was significant for poor PFS and OS ( P =0.0050 and 0.022) independent of stage, histology, primary treatment, operation achievement, nonmalignant inflammatory condition and MHA. Conclusions The current findings indicate that the detrimental survival impact of pretreatment thrombocytosis in epithelial ovarian cancer may be independent of tumor extent but rather attributed to chemoresistance, further supporting the therapeutic potential of targeting thrombopoietic cytokines in the disease.