bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A case report of long treatment with Itraconazole in a patient with chronic Chagas disease
Authors: Bosch-Nicolau Pau , Salvador Fernando , Sánchez-Montalvá Adrián , Sulleiro Elena , Burgos Joaquín , Molina Israel 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Current available treatments (benznidazole and nifurtimox) for Chagas disease (CD) show limited efficacy in chronic phase and frequent undesirable effects. Ergosterol synthesis inhibitors (ESI) had been considered as promising drugs for CD treatment and despite its recent poor results in several clinical trials, different strategies have been proposed to optimize its role in this infection.

Case presentation
We present a case of chronic Chagas disease in patient diagnosed with HIV who received treatment for histoplasmosis with itraconazol during twelve months. Even though T. cruzi rt-PCR was persistently negative during treatment, when itraconazol was stopped she presented with a positive blood rt-PCR.

Conclusion
Several studies using different ESI had been published for CD treatment. Either in vitro or in vivo assays demonstrated activity against T. cruzi of the different triazole derivatives so different clinical trials had been carried out to evaluate its efficacy and safety. Despite contradictory evidence in the animal model, longer treatments along with other treatment strategies previously proposed suggests that ESI failure rates in positive peripheral blood rt-PCR are higher than that obtained with the current treatments of choice.
A novel missense in GLI3 possibly affecting one of the zinc finger domains may lead to postaxial synpolydactyly: case report
Authors: Zou Qianqian , Tian Zhigang , Zheng Jie , Zhi Xiufang , Du Xiaojie , Shu Jianbo , Cai Chunquan 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Polydactyly is one of the most common congenital hand/foot malformations in humans. Mutations in GLI3 have been reported to cause syndromic and non-syndromic forms of preaxial and postaxial polydactylies.

Case presentation
The patient was a 2-year-old boy who underwent surgery in our hospital. The right hand and left foot of the patient were labelled as postaxial polydactyly type B, and there was cutaneous webbing between the 3rd and 4th fingers of the left hand. We identified a novel c. 1622C > T variant in GLI3 leading to an isolated postaxial synpolydactyly.

Conclusions
The patient carries a novel autosomal dominant heterozygous missense mutation. This mutation c.1622C > T;p.(Thr541Met) in the GLI3 gene may affect the normal function of the zinc finger domain (ZFD) in a different way. However, it seems that more research is needed to determine the exact effects of this mutation.
Copy number variation is highly correlated with differential gene expression: a pan-cancer study
Authors: Shao Xin , Lv Ning , Liao Jie , Long Jinbo , Xue Rui , Ai Ni , Xu Donghang , Fan Xiaohui 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Cancer is a heterogeneous disease with many genetic variations. Lines of evidence have shown copy number variations (CNVs) of certain genes are involved in development and progression of many cancers through the alterations of their gene expression levels on individual or several cancer types. However, it is not quite clear whether the correlation will be a general phenomenon across multiple cancer types.

Methods
In this study we applied a bioinformatics approach integrating CNV and differential gene expression mathematically across 1025 cell lines and 9159 patient samples to detect their potential relationship.

Results
Our results showed there is a close correlation between CNV and differential gene expression and the copy number displayed a positive linear influence on gene expression for the majority of genes, indicating that genetic variation generated a direct effect on gene transcriptional level. Another independent dataset is utilized to revalidate the relationship between copy number and expression level. Further analysis show genes with general positive linear influence on gene expression are clustered in certain disease-related pathways, which suggests the involvement of CNV in pathophysiology of diseases.

Conclusions
This study shows the close correlation between CNV and differential gene expression revealing the qualitative relationship between genetic variation and its downstream effect, especially for oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. It is of a critical importance to elucidate the relationship between copy number variation and gene expression for prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
Pattern of renal amyloidosis in South Africa
Authors: Hassen Muhammed , Bates William , Moosa Mohammed Rafique 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundKidney disease is a serious manifestation of systemic amyloidosis and a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Tuberculosis (TB) occurs up to 27 times more commonly in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected patients and is also an important cause of renal amyloid; there are however no reports of renal amyloidosis in South Africa in the HIV era.MethodsThis was a retrospective record review of cases of amyloidosis diagnosed on renal biopsies at our tertiary referral hospital between January 1985 and December 2016.ResultsForty-six cases of amyloidosis were identified over the study period. The calculated biopsy prevalence was 1.38 per 100 non-transplant renal biopsies (95% Confidence Interval 1.02–1.86). AL amyloidosis was identified in 26 (57%) cases and AA in 20 (43%). The median age at presentation was 51 years and 52% of cases were female. Patients with AA amyloidosis were significantly younger compared to their AL counterparts (age 42 years vs. 58 years,p = < 0.001) and were all significantly non-white. The main clinical presentation was nephrotic syndrome (85%) and 52% of cases also had a serum creatinine value of greater than 120 μmol/L. Of the 20 cases of AA amyloidosis, 12 (60%) were associated with tuberculosis. HIV infection was noted in only two (10%) of the 20 AA cases. Median survival after diagnosis was 2 months.ConclusionAmyloidosis is a rare cause of kidney disease and typically presents with nephrotic syndrome. A similar number of AA and AL types were observed, and outcomes are worse in cases of AA amyloid. While TB remains the major underlying disease in this type, HIV infection was infrequent in cases of AA renal amyloidosis.
Optimal treatment for elderly patients with resectable proximal gastric carcinoma: a real world study based on National Cancer Database
Authors: Wang Xuefei , Zhao Junjie , Fairweather Mark , Yang Tingsong , Sun Yihong , Wang Jiping 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
High perioperative morbidity, mortality, and uncertain outcome of surgery in octogenarians with proximal gastric carcinoma (PGC) pose a dilemma for both patients and physicians. We aim to evaluate the risks and survival benefits of different strategies treated in this group.

Methods
Octogenarians (≥80 years) with resectable proximal gastric carcinoma who were recommended for surgery were identified from National Cancer Database during 2004–2013.

Results
Patients age ≥ 80 years with PGC were less likely to be recommended or eventually undergo surgery compared to younger patients. Patients with surgery had a significantly better survival than those without surgery (5-year OS: 26% vs. 7%, p < 0.001), especially in early stage patients. However, additional chemotherapy (HR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.82–1.08, P = 0.36) or radiotherapy (HR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.84–1.13, P = 0.72) had limited benefits. On multivariate analysis, surgery (HR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.51–0.86, P = 0.002) was a significant independent prognostic factor, while extensive surgery had no survival benefit (Combined organ resection: HR: 1.88, 95% CI: 1.22–2.91, P = 0.004; number of lymph nodes examined: HR: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.97–1.00, P = 0.10). Surgery performed at academic and research (AR) medical center had the best survival outcome (5-year OS: 30% in AR vs. 18–27% in other programs, P < 0.001) and lowest risk (30-day mortality: 1.5% in AR vs. 3.6–6.6% in other programs, P < 0.001; 90-day mortality: 6.2% in AR vs. 13.6–16.4% in other programs, P < 0.001) compared to other facilities.

Conclusions
Less-invasive approach performed at academic and research medical center might be the optimal treatment for elderly patients aged ≥80 yrs. with early stage resectable PGC.
Visual impairment in children with a brain tumor: a prospective nationwide multicenter study using standard visual testing and optical coherence tomography (CCISS study)
Authors: Nuijts M. A. , Degeling M. H. , Stegeman I. , Schouten-van Meeteren A. Y. N. , Imhof S. M. 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Children with a brain tumor have a high risk of impaired vision. Up to now, visual acuity measurement, visual field testing and orthoptic testing are the most informative diagnostic investigations for the assessment of visual function. Evaluating vision in children can be challenging given the challenges in cooperation, concentration and age-dependent shifts in visual tests. Since visual loss due to a brain tumor can be progressive and irreversible, we must aim to detect visual impairment as early as possible. Several studies have shown that optical coherence tomography facilitates discovery of nerve fiber damage caused by optic nerve glioma. Consequently, early detection of potential ocular damage will effect treatment decisions and will provide timely referral to visual rehabilitation centers.

Methods/design
The CCISS study is a prospective, observational, multicenter cohort study in The Netherlands. Patients aged 0–18 years with a newly diagnosed brain tumor are invited for inclusion in this study. Follow-up visits are planned at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months. Primary endpoints are visual acuity, visual field and optical coherence tomography parameters (retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and ganglion cell layer – inner plexiform layer thickness). Secondary endpoints include the course of visual function (measured by visual acuity, visual field and optical coherence tomography at different follow-up visits), course of the disease and types of treatment.

Discussion
The CCISS study will heighten the awareness of visual impairment in different types of brain tumors in children. This study will show whether optical coherence tomography leads to earlier detection of visual impairment compared to standard ophthalmological testing (i.e. visual acuity, visual field testing) in children with a brain tumor. Furthermore, the systematic approach of ophthalmological follow-up in this study will give us insight in the longitudinal relation between the course of visual function, course of the disease and types of treatment in children with a brain tumor.

Trial registration
The CCISS study is prospectively registered in the Netherlands Trial Register (NTR) since April 2019. Identifier: NL7697.
A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial assessing the efficacy of bedtime buddy® for the treatment of nocturnal enuresis in children
Authors: Schloss Janet , Ryan Kimberley , Reid Rebecca , Steel Amie 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundNocturnal enuresis (NE), or ‘bedwetting’, is a form of night-time urinary incontinence occurring in younger children. A diagnosis of NE can be socially disruptive and psychologically stressful for a child. The most common strategies used by parents to manage NE are waking the child during the night to use the bathroom and limiting the child’s water intake before going to bed. Behavioural or educational therapies for NE such as urotherapy or bladder retraining are widely accepted and considered as a mainstream treatment option for non-neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction in children. Pharmacotherapy also plays an ancillary role. However, there is no gold standard therapy or intervention to effectively manage NE.MethodsThis study aims to determine the efficacy of a herbal combination in the treatment of NE in children. The target population for this study is 80 children aged between 6 and 14 years old (males and females) who have primary nocturnal enuresis ≥3 per week (wet nights). The active group will receive one or two capsules per day containing 420 mg of a proprietary blend of Urox® (Seipel Group, Brisbane, Australia) containing Cratevox™ (Crataeva nurvalaL; Capparidaceae; Varuna) stem bark extract standardised for 1.5% lupeol: non-standardisedEquisetum arvenseL. (Equisetaceae; Horsetail) stem extract; and, non-standardisedLindera aggregataSims. The primary outcome for this study is the frequency of nocturia. Secondary outcomes include safety, quality of life, and daytime incontinence. Each participation will be involved in the trial for 32 weeks including contact with the research team every 2 weeks for the first 8 weeks and then every 8 weeks until trial completion.DiscussionThis study examines a novel treatment for an under-researched health condition affecting many children. Despite the availability of several therapies for NE, there is insufficient evidence to support the use of any one intervention and as such this randomised placebo-controlled phase II trial will be an important contribution to understanding potential new treatments for this condition.Trial registrationAustralian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registration Number:12618000288224.Protocol: 23 February 2018, version 1.1.
The role of internet-based digital tools in reducing social isolation and addressing support needs among informal caregivers: a scoping review
Authors: Newman Kristine , Wang Angel He , Wang Arthur Ze Yu , Hanna Dalia 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundIn Canada, 8.1 million people informally provide care without payment, primarily to family members; 6.1 million of them are employed at a full-time or part-time job. Digital technologies, such as internet-based tools, can provide informal caregivers’ access to information and support. This scoping review aimed to explore the role of internet-based digital tools in reducing social isolation and addressing support needs among informal caregivers.MethodsA systematic search for relevant peer-reviewed literature was conducted of four electronic databases, guided by Arksey and O’Malley’s framework. An extensive search for relevant grey literature was also conducted.ResultsThe screening process yielded twenty-three papers. The following themes were generated from the reviewed studies: searching for and receiving support; gaining a sense of social inclusion and belonging; and benefits and challenges of web-based support. The studies noted that, to connect with peers and obtain social support, informal caregivers often turn to online platforms. By engaging with peers in online communities, these caregivers reported regaining a sense of social inclusion and belonging.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that internet-based digital tools can be a cost-effective and convenient way to develop programs that help unpaid caregivers form communities, gain support, and access resources. Service providers can leverage digital tools to deliver support to caregivers within online communities.
The association between social capital and quality of life among a sample of Iranian pregnant women
Authors: RezaeiNiaraki Masoumeh , Roosta Sadaf , Alimoradi Zainab , Allen Kelly-Ann , Pakpour Amir H. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundQuality of life (QoL) is a multidimensional concept that is affected by various factors. According to the literature, social capital is one of the key determinants of QoL that improves the living conditions of the entire community. This study aimed to investigate the association between social capital and QoL in pregnant women.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 240 pregnant women with a mean age of 27.98 years who were referred to healthcare centers in Qazvin, Iran. A two-stage random sampling method was used to select the health centers and participants. Social capital, QoL, demographic and obstetric characteristics were assessed.ResultsThe mean scores of social capital, physical and mental dimensions of quality of life were 67.43, 70.2 and 71.88 respectively. All dimensions of social capital except for family and friends’ connection and tolerance of diversity had positive significant correlations with the physical and mental health dimensions of quality of life (r = 0.17 to 0.28p < 0.05). A univariate regression model revealed that social capital had a significant association with both the physical health (B = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.19–0.61,p < 0.001) and mental health (B = 0 .44, 95% CI: 0.18–0.58, p < 0.001) dimensions of pregnant women’s quality of life. In the adjusted model, each unit increase of social capital increased pregnant women’s QoL in both the physical health and mental health dimensions.ConclusionSocial capital has a significant association with women’s QoL during pregnancy. Therefore, QoL during pregnancy could be improved by considering physical, psychological and social components of their healthcare.
Associations between ambient air pollution and cancer incidence in Taiwan: an ecological study of geographical variations
Authors: Su Shih-Yung , Liaw Yung-Po , Jhuang Jing-Rong , Hsu Shu-Yi , Chiang Chun-Ju , Yang Ya-Wen , Lee Wen-Chung 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Air pollution is a global public health concern. The World Health Organization has recently set up a goal of saving 7 million people globally by 2030 from air pollution related death. We conducted an ecological study of geographical variation to explore the association between air pollution (specifically, particulate matter <2.5 μm in aerodynamic diameter [PM2.5], particulate matter <10 μm in aerodynamic diameter, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, nitric oxide, and ozone) and cancer incidence in Taiwan, from 2012 to 2016.

Methods
In this study, the yearly average concentrations of each air pollutant at 75 air quality monitoring stations were calculated, and using the kriging method, the concentrations were extrapolated to each and every geographical central point of 349 local administrative areas of Taiwan. Spearman rank correlation coefficients between the age-adjusted cancer incidence rates and various air pollutants were calculated by stratifying genders and urbanization degrees of the local administrative areas. A total of 70 correlation coefficients were calculated.

Results
In total, 17 correlation coefficients were significantly positive at an alpha level of 0.05. Among these, four correlation coefficients between the age-adjusted cancer incidence rates and PM2.5 levels remained significant after Bonferroni correction. For men in developing towns, general towns, and aged towns and for women in aged towns, the age-adjusted cancer incidence rates increased 13.1 (95% confidence interval [CI], 8.8–17.6), 11 (95% CI, 5.6–16.4), 16.7 (95% CI, 6.9–26.4), and 11.9 (95% CI, 5.6–18.2) per 100,000 populations, respectively, for every 1 μg/m3 increment in PM2.5 concentrations.

Conclusions
A significantly positive correlation was observed between the PM2.5 level and cancer incidence rate after multiple testing correction.
Planting a seed - child health care nurses’ perceptions of speaking to parents about overweight and obesity: a qualitative study within the STOP project
Authors: Sjunnestrand My , Nordin Karin , Eli Karin , Nowicka Paulina , Ek Anna 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Nurses in child health care (CHC) centers in Sweden play a key role in the early detection and management of childhood overweight/obesity, through meeting families early, regularly and over many years. However, research focusing on CHC nurses’ perceptions of their role in childhood overweight/obesity management is scarce. As part of the EU-funded project “Science and Technology in childhood Obesity Policy” (STOP), this study examines CHC nurses’ perceptions of speaking to parents about children’s overweight/obesity and of their role in referring children to treatment for overweight/obesity.

Methods
All registered CHC nurses in Stockholm County (n = 442) received an email invitation letter explaining the study. Individual face-to-face visits (n = 15) in selected centers, and phone calls (n = 24) to nurses working in these centres were also conducted. In total, 17 CHC nurses (all female, average work experience 6.7 years (SD ± 4.9 years)) from 10 municipalities (including four of the top five municipalities with the highest prevalence of overweight and obesity) in Stockholm County were interviewed. The interviews were conducted by phone, transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results
Two main themes were developed through the analysis: 1) The relationship between the nurse and the parent and 2) Glitch in the system. Under the first theme, nurses reported that weight-related discussions were facilitated by building and maintaining trust with parents. However, nurses also said they were reluctant to address children’s weights if this could compromise parents’ trust. Under the second theme, nurses highlighted several organizational barriers to addressing a child’s weight with parents, including insufficient cooperation with other healthcare providers and limited time for visits. Nurses also identified lack of sufficient knowledge about what to offer the family and lack of confidence in their communication skills as additional barriers.

Conclusions
We found that pediatric nurses perceive relational and organizational factors as barriers to address childhood obesity with parents. To improve care, it is necessary to provide nurses with continuing education about obesity and communication skills and organizational support to improve communication within the healthcare system.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03800823; 11 Jan 2019, prospectively registered.
Survival of Chinese people with type 2 diabetes and diabetic kidney disease: a cohort of 12 -year follow-up
Authors: Zhao Zihou , Huo Lili , Wang Lianying , Wang Lijuan , Fu Zuodi , Li Yufeng , Wu Xiaohong 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
The prevalence of type 2 diabetes has grown significantly in China. However, little is known about the survival outcome of people with type 2 diabetes and diabetic kidney disease (DKD). The purpose of this study is to examine the survival of this population and the risk factors for mortality in one suburb cohort of Beijing, China.

Methods
Four hundred and forty-five people with DKD (48.8% male, age at onset of diabetes 48.8 ± 11.0 years, age at enrollment 57.5 ± 11.6 years) were enrolled in one suburb of Beijing, China between January 1st, 2003 and December 31st, 2015. Mortality ascertainment was censored by December 31st, 2015. Survival analysis was performed by Kaplan–Meier analysis, and Cox proportional hazards regression models were served for risk factor analysis of mortality. The Chiang method was used to estimate life expectancy by age.

Results
A total of 78 deaths were identified during the 3232 person-years of follow-up. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed significantly higher risks of mortality with respect to older age, higher systolic blood pressure (SBP), lower body mass index (BMI) and lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). The life expectancy at age of 50 was estimated to be 12.3 (95%, CI: 9.0–16.1) years. Circulatory disease was the leading cause of death in this population (accounting for 43.6% of all deaths), followed by diabetic complications (33.3%) and respiratory disease (6.4%).

Conclusions
Data from one Chinese cohort from 2003 through 2015 showed that people with DKD faced higher risk of death and shorter life expectancy. Factors significantly increasing risk of death included older age, higher SBP, lower BMI and lower eGFR. There is an urgent need to early detection, closely monitoring and effective intervention on DKD.