bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endogenous endophthalmitis caused by group B streptococcus; case reports and review of 35 reported cases
Authors: Yoshida Masaaki , Yokokura Shunji , Nishida Takashi , Mochizuki Kiyofumi , Suzuki Takashi , Maruyama Kazuichi , Otomo Takaaki , Nishiguchi Koji M , Kunikata Hiroshi , Nakazawa Toru 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Background: Group B streptococcus (GBS), a gram-positive coccus that occasionally causes neonatal sepsis or invasive infection in the elderly, has been considered a rare cause of endogenous bacterial endophthalmitis (EBE). However, the number of invasive GBS infections is increasing, particularly in elderly patients with underlying conditions such as diabetes mellitus (DM), cardiovascular disease and cancer. We report 6 cases of EBE caused by GBS and review the literature. Methods: Retrospective case series and literature review Results: In the current case series, 6 eyes of 6 patients developed EBE caused by GBS. The average age was 73.5 years. The focus of infection included the urinary tract, cellulitis, arthritis, peritonitis, catheter-associated infection and endocarditis. Four patients had DM. While all 6 strains were sensitive to β-lactams (penicillins and cephems), 4 strains were resistant to levofloxacin (no data for 1 isolate). Each case was treated with the systemic antibiotic to which the individual strain was sensitive. All cases showed poor visual acuity at presentation (decimal visual acuity: less than 0.03). Vitrectomy with intravitreal antibiotics injection was performed in 4 cases. Visual acuity recovered in 4 cases and did not recover in 2 cases, even after vitrectomy. The literature review of 53 eyes of 41 patients revealed that 60% of eyes finally lost all vision, and death occurred in 2 cases. Initial visual acuity of less than counting fingers was associated with a final outcome of lost vision. Of 41 patients, 13 (32%) had DM as an underlying medical condition. The most common extra-ocular infection focus was endocarditis (37%). Conclusions: DM is common in patients with EBE caused by GBS. While the 4 cases in the current report had a relatively good visual acuity outcome, despite poor initial visual acuity, the literature review indicated that EBE caused by GBS is generally a severe condition with a poor prognosis. The current study also indicates the importance of considering the possibility of endocarditis on encountering EBE caused by GBS.
Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practices and the analysis of Risk Factors regarding Schistosomiasis Among Fishermen and Boatmen in the Dongting Lake Basin, P.R. China
Authors: Guan Zhou , Dai Si-Min , Zhou Jie , Ren Xiao-Bing , Qin Zhi-Qiang , Li Yin-Long , Lv Shan , Li Shi-Zhu , Zhou Xiao-Nong , Xu Jing 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Fishermen and boatmen are a risk population for contracting schistosomiasis due to their high frequency of water contact in endemic areas of schistosomiasis in the People’s Republic of China (P. R. China). To develop specific interventions towards this population, our present study was designed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAPs) towards schistosomiasis of fishermen and boatmen, and to identify the risk factors associated with schistosome infection using molecular technique in the selected area of Hunan Province in P.R. China.Methods: A cross sectional survey was conducted in the Dongting Lake Basin of Yueyang County, Hunan Province, P. R. China. A total of 601 fishermen and boatmen were interviewed between October and November 2017. Information regarding socio-demographic details and KAPs towards schistosomiasis were collected using a standardized questionnaire. Fecal samples of participants were collected and tested by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), and logistic regression analysis was conducted to explore the risk factors related to the positive results of PCR. Results: Of the 601 respondents, over 90% knew schistosomiasis and how the disease was contracted, the intermediate host of schistosomes and preventive methods. The majority of respondents had a positive attitude towards schistosomiasis prevention. However, only 6.66% (40/601) of respondents had installed a latrine on their boats, while 32.61% (196/601) of respondents defecated in the public toilets on shore. In addition, only 4.99% (30/601) respondents protected themselves while exposed to freshwater. The prevalence of schistosomiasis, as determined by PCR, among fishermen and boatmen in Yueyang County was 13.81% (83/601). Age, years of performing the current job, number of times receiving treatment, and whether they were treated in past three years were the main influencing factors of PCR results among this population.Conclusions: Fishermen and boatmen are still at high risk of infection in P.R. China and gaps exist in KAPs towards schistosomiasis in this population group. Chemotherapy, and health education encouraging behavior change in combination with other integrated approaches to decrease the transmission risk in environments should be improved.
Association of macular thickness with parapapillary atrophy in myopic eyes
Authors: Piao Helong , Guo Yue , Ha Jun Young , Sung Mi Sun , Park Sang Woo 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: To investigate whether macular structure could be affected by axial elongation and to determine the association between macular intraretinal thickness and the microstructure of β-zone parapapillary atrophy (PPA) in myopic eyes. Methods: The study recruited 113 healthy myopic subjects (113 eyes). Images of the macula, subfoveal choroid, and optic nerve head were acquired using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). An automatic segmentation algorithm was used to segment the macular images into 7 intraretinal layers. PPA widths with and without Bruch’s membrane (PPA+BM and PPA-BM, respectively) were evaluated. Linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between macular intraretinal thickness and axial length and the microstructure of PPA. Results: An increase in axial length was associated with a decrease in whole macular thickness of the peripheral region and an increase in whole macular thickness of the central region. Thickness alterations of the macular intraretinal layers were most apparent in the peripheral region. A significant correlation was found between PPA-BM width and macular intraretinal layer thickness, whereas no significant correlation was found between PPA+BM width and macular intraretinal layer thickness. Moreover, both PPA+BM and PPA-BM widths significantly correlated with subfoveal choroidal thickness. Conclusions: Macular intraretinal layer thickness may be affected by PPA-BM width. These findings indicate that the microstructure of PPA should be considered when evaluating the macula in patient with myopia and glaucoma.
Explore the recycling of bioleaching functional bacteria and sulfur substrate using the sulfur-covered biochar particles
Authors: Wu Chuncheng , Jiang Mengying , Ye Zhe , Cai Yuchen , Shen Yutao , Wang Haizhen , Lin Qi , Shen Chaofeng , Hu Baolan , Lou Liping 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background

Bioleaching has been attracting attention recent years as an emerging sediment heavy metal pollution remediation technology. However, the use of sulfur powder as sulfur substrate causes the problem of “post-acidification”, and the free bioleaching functional bacteria which are susceptible to environmental impact during reactor operation cannot be used efficiently for multiple rounds. These problems can be solved if the sulfur substrate and the bioleaching functional bacteria can be recycled simultaneously after bioleaching. A new kind of sulfur substrate, the laboratory-made sulfur-covered biochar particles, were used in the bioleaching experiment, compared with sulfur powder and sulfur powder mixed with the surfactant rhamnolipid.

Results

The sulfur-covered biochar particles exhibited superior bioleaching performance, including faster acidification rate, SO 4 2- production rate and heavy metal bioleaching rate, and higher heavy metal solubilization percentage (Ni 33.76%; Cu 66.16%; Zn 65.494%), which was resulted from the acceleration of bioleaching reaction by the bioleaching functional bacteria immobilized on the biochar surface. Otherwise, the sulfur-covered biochar particles could be reused in the second round, and the heavy metal solubilization percentage (Ni32.84%, Cu69.93%, Zn67.17%) was comparable with that of the first round. Nevertheless, the sulfur content became the main limiting factor causing poor bioleaching performance during the third round. The sulfur mixed with the surfactant rhamnolipid did not show significant effect in promoting acidification and heavy metal solubilization due to high levels of organic matter and the impact of the low pH value.

Conclusion

The research indicated the laboratory-made sulfur-covered biochar particles could realize the dual immobilization of the bioleaching functional bacteria and the sulfur substrate to support their recycling and reuse in the second bioleaching round. In the future research, the way to maintain the reuse of the sulfur-covered biochar particle for more rounds will be explored.
Cross-cultural translation, adaptation and validation of a Japanese version of the Functional Index for Hand Osteoarthritis (J-FIHOA)
Authors: Nakagawa Yasunobu , Kurimoto Shigeru , Maheu Emmanuel , Matsui Yuichiro , Kanno Yuri , Menuki Kunitaka , Hayashi Masanori , Nemoto Tetsuya , Nishizuka Takanobu , Tatebe Masahiro , Yamamoto Michiro , Iwatsuki Katsuyuki , Dreiser Renée Liliane , Hirata Hitoshi 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Hand osteoarthritis (OA) has a wide spectrum of clinical presentations and physical function is one of the core domains where patients suffer. The Functional Index for Hand Osteoarthritis (FIHOA) is a leading assessment tool for hand OA-related functional impairment. Our objective was to make a Japanese version of FIHOA (J-FIHOA) and validate it among Japanese hand OA patients. Methods: Forward and backward translation processes were completed to create a culturally adapted J-FIHOA. A prospective, observational multicenter study was undertaken for the validation process. Seventeen collaborating hospitals recruited Japanese hand OA patients who met the American College of Rheumatology criteria. A medical record review and responses to the following patient-rated questionnaires were collected: J-FIHOA, Hand20, Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), numerical rating scale for pain (NRS pain) and Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36). We explored the structure of J-FIHOA using factor analysis. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients and item-total correlations were calculated. Correlations between J-FIHOA and other questionnaires were evaluated for construct validity. Participants in clinically stable conditions repeated J-FIHOA at a one- to two-week interval to assess test-retest reliability. To evaluate responsiveness, symptomatic patients who started new pharmacological treatments had a 1-month follow-up visit and completed the questionnaires twice. Effect size (ES) and standardized response mean (SRM) were calculated with pre- and post-treatment data sets. We assessed responsiveness, comparing ES and SRM of J-FIHOA with other questionnaires (construct approach). Results: A total of 210 patients participated. J-FIHOA had unidimensional structure. Cronbach’s alphas (0.914 among females and 0.929 among males) and item-total correlations (range, 0.508 to 0.881) revealed high internal consistency. Hand20, which measures upper extremity disability, was strongly correlated with J-FIHOA (r=0.82) while the mental and role-social components of SF-36 showed no correlations (r=−0.24 and −0.26, respectively). Intraclass correlation coefficient for test-retest reliability was 0.83 and satisfactory. J-FIHOA showed the highest ES and SRM (−0.68 and −0.62, respectively) among all questionnaires, except for NRS pain. Conclusions: Our results showed J-FIHOA had good measurement properties to assess physical function in Japanese hand OA patients both for ambulatory follow-up in clinical practice, and clinical research and therapeutic trials.
Clinical efficacy of single intraoperative 500 mg methylprednisolone management therapy for thoracic myelopathy caused by ossification of the ligamentum flavum﻿
Authors: Huo Xiaoyang , Zhou Jiaming , Liu Shiwei , Guo Xing , Xue Yuan 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: The objective of our study was to compare clinical outcome and postoperative complications between patients with thoracic myelopathy caused by ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF) treated with and without intraoperative methylprednisolone (MP).Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 101 patients who underwent posterior approach surgery for OLF and were followed up at least 1 year. Patients were divided into two groups according to MP use in the operation: MP group (n=47) and non-MP group (n=54). Clinical outcomes and complications were evaluated before and after operation and at the last follow-up. Results: Significant differences were found in modified Japanese Orthopedics Association (mJOA) scores and proportion of Frankel grade (A-C) between the two groups immediately after surgery and at 2-week follow-up. No significant differences were found between the two groups in mJOA score before operation and at the final follow-up. Moreover, no significant differences were observed in recovery rate according to mJOA score at any time points, and there was no significant difference in the proportion of Frankel grade (A-C) between the two groups at final follow-up. There were 13 documented infections: 10 in the MP group and 3 in the non-MP group (P=0.034).Conclusion: Management therapy with intraoperative 500 mg MP showed better recovery of nerve function within 2 weeks in patients with thoracic myelopathy caused by OLF compared with those did not receive MP. However, long-term follow-up results showed that there was no significant difference in neurological recovery between patients with intraoperative MP or not. Moreover, intraoperative MP increased the rate of wound infection.
Comparative Study of the Effect of Macrolide Antibiotics Erythromycin, Clarithromycin, and Azithromycin on the ERG1 Gene Expression in H9c2 Cardiomyoblast Cells
Authors: Hajimirzaei Nima , Khalili Nazila Pour , Boroumand Behshad , Safari Fatemeh , Pourhosseini Armin , Tavakoli Fatemeh 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Macrolides are clinically well-established class of antibiotics. Macrolides induce cardiotoxicity by blocking ether-a-go-go–related gene (ERG) potassium channels in cardiac myocytes. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of erythromycin, clarithromycin and azithromycin on cell viability and expression of ERG1 gene in H9c2 cells. Methods Cell viability and ERG1 gene expression of H9c2 cells in 3 different concentrations, 1, 10 and 25µg/ml, after 48 and 72 hours were determined by MTT test and Real time-PCR method respectively. Results After 48 hours, the growth of H9c2 cells treated with erythromycin, clarithromycin and Azithromycin (except two doses) were inhibited significantly compared to control group (p <0.05). All three groups of antibiotics showed toxic effects on cells after 72 hours in all concentrations. Azithromycin-inhibiting effects were significantly higher than two other groups after 72 hours of treatment. The expression of ERG1 gene increased in all three groups of antibiotics by increasing the concentration and duration of treatment. Azithromycin had the most pronounced effect on ERG1 expression in 48 and 72 hours. Conclusions This study indicated that these macrolides affect ERG1 expression due to their potential cardiac adverse effects. Further investigations are required to understand the exact mechanism of cardiotoxicity associated with macrolides.
Computational identification and characterization of glioma candidate biomarkers through multi-omics integrative profiling
Authors: Liu Lin , Wang Guangyu , Wang Liguo , Yu Chunlei , Li Mengwei , Song Shuhui , Hao Lili , Ma Lina , Zhang Zhang 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Glioma is one of the most common malignant brain tumors and exhibits low resection rate and high recurrence risk. Although a large number of glioma studies powered by high-throughput sequencing technologies have led to massive multi-omics datasets, there lacks of comprehensive integration of glioma datasets for uncovering candidate biomarker genes.Results: In this study, we collected a large-scale assemble of multi-omics multi-cohort datasets from worldwide public resources, involving a total of 16,939 samples across 19 independent studies. Through comprehensive molecular profiling across different datasets, we revealed that PRKCG (Protein Kinase C Gamma), a brain-specific gene detectable in cerebrospinal fluid, is closely associated with glioma. Specifically, it presents lower expression and higher methylation in glioma samples compared with normal samples. PRKCG expression/methylation change from high to low is indicative of glioma progression from low-grade to high-grade and high RNA expression is suggestive of good survival. Importantly, PRKCG in combination with MGMT is effective to predict survival outcomes in a more precise manner.Conclusions: PRKCG bears the great potential for glioma diagnosis, prognosis and therapy, and PRKCG-like genes may represent a set of important genes associated with different molecular mechanisms in glioma tumorigenesis. Our study indicates the importance of computational integrative multi-omics data analysis and represents a data-driven scheme toward precision tumor subtyping and accurate personalized healthcare.
Factors facilitating trained NIMART nurses’ adherence to treatment guidelines: A vital matter in the management of TB/HIV treatment in South Africa
Authors: Makhado Lufuno , Davhana-Maselesele Mashudu , Lebese Rachel Tsakani , Maputle Sonto Maria 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Globally the burden of tuberculosis or human immunodeficiency virus (TB/HIV) is at 24% with 3% global health workforce and this an alarming rate that World Health Organization (WHO) declared African region as critical workforce shortage area. To facilitate adherence to treatment guidelines, WHO recommended a strategy of task shifting for these countries with high health workforce shortages. The strategy aimed at redistribution of health care tasks to available workers. The purpose of the study was to determine factors facilitating trained NIMART nurses’ adherence to TB/HIV treatment guidelines in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and North West (NW) Provinces of South Africa.Design: The study was qualitative, explorative and descriptive in nature. Population comprised of 24 participants who were purposively selected. In-depth one-on-one interview was conducted. Data analysis was through the used of ATLAS T.I. software program (version 7.0) and followed the basic steps of notice-collect-think (NCT) analysis. Trustworthiness and ethical consideration were ensured.Results: The following one theme namely; marked identified needs to be met in order to promote adherence to treatment guidelines and sub-themes emerged from raw data: Expected positive attitudinal needs outlined and an outline of a positive behavioural change. Conclusion: Factors such as continuous training, support supervision and improved relationships with colleagues need to be enhanced to enable NIMART nurses to adhere to treatment guideline.
Multilevel resistive switching memory based on a CH3NH3PbI3-xClx film with potassium chloride additives
Authors: Lv Fengzhen , Ling Kang , Zhong Tingting , Liu Fuchi , Liang Xiaoguang , Zhu Changming , Liu Jun , Kong Wenjie 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
High-quality CH3NH3PbI3-xClx (MAPIC) films were prepared using potassium chloride (KCl) as an additive on indium tin oxide(ITO)-coated glass substrates using a simple one-step and low-temperature solution reaction. The Au/KCl-MAPIC/ITO/Glass devices exhibited obvious multilevel resistive switching behavior, moderate endurance, and good retention performance. Electrical conduction analysis indicated that the resistive switching behavior of the KCl-doped MAPIC films was primarily attributed to the trap-controlled space-charge-limited current conduction that was caused by the iodine vacancies in the films. Moreover, the modulations of the barrier in the Au/KCl-MAPIC interface under bias voltages were thought to be responsible for the resistive switching in the carrier injection trapping/detrapping process.
Use of traditional medicine for dental care by different ethnic groups in New Zealand
Authors: Guo Jun , Low Karson , Mei Li , Li JiaHui , Qu Wenwen , Guan Guangzhao 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Objective To explore the views, use of and access to traditional medicine (TM) among different ethnicities living in New Zealand. Methods Qualitative study and in depth interviews were used. An individual semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analysed using an inductive approach to identify the main themes. Results Three main themes were extracted from interviews with 14 participants from diverse cultural backgrounds: (1) the perspectives of TM varied among different ethnic groups, and included the involvement of spirituality, the environment, knowledge and usage of TM. (2) The TM that was used by different ethnic groups included plants, herbs, massage, and other forms of healing. Reasons for choosing traditional or western medicines generally included family tradition, access to TM, and finding a competent traditional healer. (3) The barriers in accessing TM included the paucity of traditional healers, difficulty accessing plants and cost, therefore most would look for substitution or alternative treatment. Conclusion Even though the access to these TM in New Zealand was a challenge for the majority of the participants, they are still considered the first-line treatment for the majority. This study provided dental practitioners an insight into the different sort of TM used by the population. By understanding and acknowledging the use of TM, dental practitioners could create a supportive environment for patients to disclose their use of TM and allow them to educate patients on the use of TM.