bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Availability of the laboratory diagnosis of gonorrhea and its meaning in case reporting in Shandong Province, China
Authors: Chen Xinlong , Mi Xiongfei , Gan Yanling , Chang Degui , Liu Dianchang 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Gonorrhea, which is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhea (NG), is a major public health concern worldwide. The aim of this study is to understand the availability of the laboratory diagnosis of gonorrhea in Shandong Province and its meaning in case reporting. Methods: Two surveys were conducted among hospitals providing clinical services for patients with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Shandong Province in 2012 and 2018. The availability of laboratory tests for NG and the distribution of reported gonorrhea cases among different hospitals providing clinical services for patients with STIs in Shandong Province were compared. Descriptive analysis and chi-square test were used for statistical analysis. Results: Smear, culture, and PCR tests for NG were used in 301 (74.69%), 123 (30.52%), and 43 (10.67%) hospitals in 2012 and in 356 (74.48%), 176 (36.82%), and 73 (15.27%) hospitals in 2018. Significant differences were observed in the availability of smear tests among hospitals with different levels (X2 = 12.159, p = 0.000) and with different affiliations (X2 = 4.551, p = 0.033) in 2018. Significant differences were observed in the availability of culture and PCR tests among hospitals at different levels in 2012 (X2 = 34.532, p = 0.000; X2 = 7.380, p = 0.007) and 2018 (X2 = 49.820, p = 0.000; X2 = 21.658, p = 0.000). The availability of culture and PCR tests for NG in hospitals in 2018 was higher than that in 2012 (X2 = 3.870, p = 0.049; X2 = 4.050, p = 0.044). More hospitals reported gonorrhea cases in 2018 than that in 2012 (X2 = 6.768, p = 0.009). A significant difference was observed in the distribution of case reporting among hospitals at different levels in 2018 (X2 = 6.975, p = 0.008) and among different types of hospital in 2012 (X2 = 52.362, p = 0.000) and 2018 (X2 = 74.478, p = 0.000). Conclusions: The poor availability of NG laboratory tests affects case reporting and is a crucial reason that leads to the high sex ratio and under-reporting of gonorrhea cases in Shandong Province.
Assessment of perceived stress and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Arba Minch town governmental health institutions, southern Ethiopia, 2020
Authors: Bane Abdi Deksisa , Madebo Wubshet Estifanos , Endashaw Gisila , Bezabih Wondu Abera , Workie Kasahun Beyene , Wosenyelehu Teklu 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Introduction: Perceived stress is a real or apparent inconsistency between environmental demands required for survival and an individual’s capacity to adjust to these requirements. Worldwide stress is a very common problem. Females are at increased risk to develop perceived stress in antepartum period. Stress during pregnancy has serious effects for both the mother and newborn. However this problem doesn’t get adequate attention during antenatal care in Ethiopia. Objective: To assess the magnitude of perceived stress and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Arba Minch town governmental health institutions, Southern Ethiopia, 2020 Methods : Institution based cross-sectional study was employed from March 16 to April 23, 2020. A total of 460 mothers were included in the study. Systematic sampling was used to select participants. Data were collected using structured pretested questionnaire, entered in to epi data version 3.1 and then exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. A bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with outcome variable and variables with P value <0.05 in the final model were considered statistically significant. Result: The magnitude of perceived stress during pregnancy was 23.1% (95% CI; 19.16-26.96%). Multigravida (AOR= 3.95, 95% CI; 1.94 – 8.02), ANC initiation <16 weeks of gestation (AOR= 2.05, 95% CI; 1.18 – 3.57), first trimester (AOR= 3.03, 95% CI; 1.34 – 6.85) and unplanned pregnancy (AOR= 4.32, 95% CI; 2.55 – 7.31) were associated factors of perceived stress during pregnancy. Conclusion and recommendation: The findings showed that the magnitude of perceived stress during pregnancy is high. Gravidity, time of ANC initiation, gestational age and status of pregnancy were statistically significant associated factors of perceived stress during pregnancy. Assessment and provision of emotional support for pregnant women is very crucial. Key words : Antenatal care, Ethiopia, Perceived stress, Pregnant women
The relationship between cardiac injury, inflammation and coagulation in predicting COVID-19 outcome
Authors: Mengozzi Alessandro , Georgiopoulos Georgios , Falcone Marco , Tiseo Giusy , Pugliese Nicola Riccardo , Dimopoulos Meletios A , Ghiadoni Lorenzo , Barbieri Greta , Forfori Francesco , Carrozzi Laura , Santini Massimo , Monzani Fabio , Marco Salvatore De , Menichetti Francesco , Virdis Agostino , Masi Stefano 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Introduction: High sensitivity troponin T (hsTnT) is a strong predictor of adverse outcome during SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, its determinants remain partially unknown. We aimed to assess the relationship between severity of inflammatory response/coagulation abnormalities and hsTnT in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). We then explored the relevance of these pathways in defining mortality and complications risk and the potential effects of the treatments to attenuate such risk.Methods: In this single-center, prospective, observational study we enrolled 266 consecutive patients hospitalized for SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. Primary endpoint was in-hospital COVID-19 mortality. Results: hsTnT, even after adjustment for confounders, was associated with mortality. D-dimer and CRP presented stronger associations with hsTnT than PaO2. Changes of hsTnT, D-dimer and CRP were related but only D-dimer was associated with mortality. Moreover, low molecular weight heparin showed attenuation of the mortality in the whole population, particularly in subjects with higher hsTnT.Conclusions: D-dimer possessed a strong relationship with hsTnT and mortality. Anticoagulation treatment showed greater benefits with regard to mortality. These findings suggest a major role of SARS-CoV-2 coagulopathy in hsTnT elevation and its related mortality in COVID-19. A better understanding of the mechanisms related to COVID-19 might pave the way to therapy tailoring in these high-risk individuals.
Two hyperparasitaemic Plasmodium falciparum cases successfully treated with Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy
Authors: Mukhi Benudhar , Anvikar Anupkumar R. , Srivast Bina , Gupta Himanshu , Ghosh Susanta Kumar 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundHyperparasitaemia is an important event in a cascade of Plasmodium falciparum severe malaria (SM) but requires host responses to cause cerebral malaria (CM) leading to death, if left untreated. Here, we report two hyperparasitaemic patients with no CM.MethodsMalaria diagnosis was performed based on thick and thin smears examination, and immunochromatographic-based rapid diagnostic test assay. Parasitaemia was calculated following World Health Organization (WHO) protocol. Haematological and biochemical investigations were also performed.ResultsThe first patient had 42% parasitaemia (100% asexual parasites). The second one had 9.5% parasitaemia comprising 46% asexual, and 54% sexual stages with 1:1 male to female ratio. On the day of admission, both had presented abnormal haematological and biochemical parameters compared to the reference ranges. Remarkably, both the patients recovered successfully with oral artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) and a single dose of primaquine.ConclusionThe presence of hypergametocytaemia may hinder the elimination efforts, if not treated immediately. This report also signifies the need of accurately estimating the parasitaemia in malaria patients and their timely management to prevent complications and mortality.
Perceived militating factors to the practice of preventive measures for COVID-19 pandemic among health professionals in public health facilities of southern Ethiopia: a phenomenological study
Authors: Mersha Abera , Shibiru Shitaye , Girma Meseret , Ayele Gistane , Bante Agegnehu , Kassa Mekidim , Abebe Sintayehu , Shewangizaw Misgun 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Novel coronavirus is a global pandemic and killed many individuals, including health care professionals. It caused stress on the health care system of all countries. Presently, studies are emerging regarding the COVID-19 pandemic in different aspects. However, a few have explored militating factors that affecting the practice of preventive measures for the COVID-19. As such, the study aimed to fill these research gaps in the study setting.Methods: A semi-structured interview guide used to conduct this phenomenological study among 16 key informants. Key informants recruited by the purposive sampling method. The data analyzed inductively by using a thematic content analysis approach in NVivo 12 Pro software. Results: In this study, six main themes identified with the sub-themes. Overview of COVID-19 pandemic, consequences (with the two sub-theme), perceived practice (with four sub-theme), perceived militating factors (with four sub-theme), newfangled activities (with three sub-theme), and suggestion for improvement (with seven sub-theme) were the major themes. The participants perceived the influence of shortage of personal protective equipment and solutions for hand hygiene, negligence and ignorance, inadequate infrastructure, lack of training, and lack of attention and recognition for the staff on the practice of preventive measures. Conclusions: Conclusions: This study showed that there were gaps in the practice of preventive measures for the COVID-19 among health professionals in the health care system. Community influences, health care provider related factors, institutional factors, and lack of communication and support affect the practice. Hence, attention should give to fulfill the necessary supplies in the health facilities, improve the infrastructures, and equip health professionals by providing capacity-building activities. Besides, health care professionals must recognize, and credit should consider.
Endoscopic Balloon Dilatation for Incomplete Pyloromyotomy – A Case Report
Authors: Jones Niall M , Mierzejewska Jadwiga , Ibrahim Mohammed , Hassan Kamal 
Published: October 2020

Introduction:
This is a report of immediate endoscopic balloon dilatation for incomplete pyloromyotomy in idiopathic hypertrophic pyloric stenosis.

Case Report:
A two-months old boy presented with 6 weeks of projectile vomiting, failure to thrive and severe physiologic disturbance. Following investigation
and resuscitation, he underwent laparoscopic pyloromyotomy. Recovery was delayed due to ongoing projectile vomiting. Contrast studies showed
persisting proximal pyloric obstruction. On the third post-operative day, endoscopic balloon dilatation of the residual proximal pyloric stenosis was
successful, with immediate tolerance of feeds.

Discussion:
We describe the presenting features of his case, the technical details of our management and a review of the relevant literature.
Evaluation of Plasma Free Amino Acid and Carnitine Levels in Patients with Cesarean Scar Pregnancy
Authors: Tammo Omer , Uyanikoglu Hacer , Koyuncu İsmail 
Published: October 2020

Aim and Objective:
This study aimed to explore the plasma free amino acid (FAA) and carnitine levels in pregnant women with cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP), and to compare them with those of healthy pregnant women.

Materials and Methods:
This prospective and randomized controlled study was conducted in patients admitted to Harran
University Medical Faculty Hospital Obstetrics Clinic between January 2018 and January 2019. A total of 60 patients were
included in the study, and the patients were divided into two groups: CSP group (n = 30) and healthy pregnant group as the
control group (n = 30). The blood samples were taken from the participants between 7 - 12 weeks of gestation. Twentyseven carnitines and their esters and 14 FAAs were analysed by liquid chromatography – mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).

Results:
The mean plasma concentrations of some carnitines, including C2, C5, C5-OH, C5-DC, C6, C8-1, C12, C14, C14-
1, C14-2, C16, C16-1, C18, and C18-1 were significantly higher in CSP group than in the control group. However, other
carnitines, including C0, C3, C4, C4-DC, C5-1, C6-DC, C8, C8-DC, C10, C10-1, C18-1-OH, and C18-2 were similar in
both groups. The plasma levels of some FAAs, including Methyl Glutaryl, Leu, Met, Phe, Arg, Orn, and Glu values were
significantly higher in CSP group than in the control group. However, there was no statistically significance in other FAA
levels, including Val, Asa, Tyr, Asp, Ala, Cit, and Gly between the two groups. Additionally, Pearson’s correlation analysis
showed that there were significantly positive correlations between many FAA and carnitine values.

Conclusion:
Since several plasma carnitine and FAA levels were higher in CSP group than in the control group, we think
that scar pregnancy increases metabolic need for myometrial invasion. Also, we think that these results may be useful in
clinical practice for CSP diagnosis.
Tumor Angiogenesis and VEGFR-2: Mechanism, Pathways and Current Biological Therapeutic Interventions
Authors: Shah Altaf A. , Kamal Mohammad A. , Akhtar Salman 
Published: October 2020

Background:
Angiogenesis, involving the formation of new blood vessels from preexisting vessels,
caters an important biological phenomenon for the growth and development of bodily structures in the human
body. Regulation of angiogenesis in non-pathological conditions takes place through a well-defined balanced
angiogenic-switch, which upon exposure to various pathological conditions may get altered. This makes the
cells change their normal behavior resulting in uncontrolled division and angiogenesis.

Methods:
The current review tries to present a brief framework of angiogenesis and tumor progression phenomenon
along with the latest therapeutic interventions against VEGFR-2 and its future directions.

Results:
The tumor angiogenic pathways functioning in diverse mechanisms via sprouting angiogenesis, intussusceptive
angiogenesis, vascular co-option, vascular mimicry, and glomeruloid angiogenesis are normally activated
by varied angiogenic stimulators and their receptors are interrelated to give rise to specialized signaling
pathways. Amongst these receptors, VEGFR-2 is found as one of the key, critical mediators in tumor angiogenesis
and is seen as a major therapeutic target for combating angiogenesis. Though a number of anti-angiogenic
drugs like Ramucirumab, Sunitinib, Axitinib, Sorafenib, etc. showing good survival rates have been developed
and approved by FDA against VEGFR-2, but these have also been found to be associated with serious health effects
and adverse reactions.

Conclusions:
An improved or alternative treatment is needed shortly that has a higher survival rate with the
least side effects. Innovative strategies, including personalized medicine, nano-medicine, and cancer immunotherapy
have also been outlined as an alternative treatment with a discussion on advancements and improvements
required for their implementation methods.
Terpenes with Antitumor Activity: A Patent Review
Authors: de Vasconcelos Cerqueira Braz Juliana , Carvalho Nascimento Júnior José Adão , Serafini Mairim Russo 
Published: October 2020

Background:Cancer is a major public health concern, and is one of the leading causes of death globally. Surgical removal, chemotherapy or hormonal therapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of them are treatment for cancer, many of which are ineffective or have serious side effects. In view of this, there is a search for new, more effective alternatives for cancer prevention and treatment. One possible source of compounds are natural products; among them, terpenes, a large class of organic compounds, have shown promise due to their anti-inflammatory, anti-tumorigenic, and hypolipidemic properties, among others recorded in the literature.Objective:The study aims to use a patent review to evaluate the development and use of terpenes, or formulations containing terpenes, in new therapeutic options for the treatment of various types of cancer.Methods:This patent review was carried out using the specialized patent databases of WIPO and Espacenet. The selection of patents was based on the following inclusion criteria which included pre-clinical and/or clinical trials, and demonstrated anti-tumor effects.Results:Eight patents were identified, six from China, and two from Japan. In this review, all patents confirmed having good antitumor activity for many types of cancer cells. In addition, the inventors indicate more studies pre-clinical and clinical trials giving greater clarity and accurate reflection of the activity of the products studied.Conclusion:Natural products are an important source of compounds for use in the fight against cancer that can act synergistically, and help in the treatment of cancer.
Treatment of Hepatitis C Cirrhotic Patients With Directly Acting Antivirals: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Elfert Asem Ahmed , Abd-Elsalam Sherief , Abo-Ali Lobna , Eldemerdash Taher , Abou-Saif Sabry , Elsabagh Hala Mostafa , Ebeid Abla , Badawi Rehab 
Published: October 2020

Background & Aims:
With the introduction of sofosbuvir-based regimens, high cure rates and
decreased duration has been achieved. Several studies showed variances in SVR rates between different
genotypes, with lower rates of SVR among cirrhotic patients. The aim of our study was to assess
the safety and effectiveness of sofosbuvir-based antiviral regimens for the treatment of HCVinfected
Egyptian cirrhotic patients.

Methods:
This was a retrospective, observational, and comparative study. A total of nine hundred
and forty-six cirrhotic patients with chronic HCV genotype 4 infection, who were eligible for direct
acting drugs (DAAs) therapy, were enrolled. The primary outcome measures were the number
of patients with successful eradication of the virus evidenced by SVR at 12 weeks after discontinuation
of therapy (SVR12), and the secondary outcome measures were the incidence of adverse effects
associated with the tested HCV therapy.

Results:
Among the 946 patients enrolled in the study, 527 patients (55.7%) were males and 419
patients (44.3%) were females with a mean age of 54.00±8.88 years. 20.2% were diabetics and
19.1% were hypertensive. Patients were classified according to Child-Pugh classifications; 818 patients
(86.46%) were Child-Pugh class A cirrhosis, while 28 patients (13.53%) were Child-Pugh
class B cirrhosis. The SVR12 rate was 96.93% (917 /946). Treatment response in the Child-Pugh
class A cirrhosis was 794 (97%) after 12 weeks, while treatment response in the Child-Pugh class
B cirrhosis was 123 (96%). Mild side effects were observed in 76 patients.

Conclusions:
Sofosbuvir based regimens were effective and safe in the treatment of cirrhotic patients
with chronic hepatitis C genotype 4.
The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Health Care Workers’ Anxiety Levels: Protocol for a Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhang Lunbo , Yan Ming , Takashima Kaito , Guo Wenru , Yamada Yuki 
Published: October 2020

Background
The COVID-19 pandemic has been declared a public health emergency of international concern; this has caused excessive anxiety among health care workers. In addition, publication bias and low-quality publications have become widespread, which can result in the dissemination of unreliable findings.

Objective
This paper presents the protocol for a meta-analysis with the following two aims: (1) to examine the prevalence of anxiety among health care workers and determine whether it has increased due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and (2) to investigate whether there has been an increase in publication bias.

Methods
All related studies that were published/released from 2015 to 2020 will be searched in electronic databases (Web of Science, PubMed, PsyArXiv, and medRxiv). The risk of bias in individual studies will be assessed using the STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) checklist. The heterogeneity of the studies will be assessed using the I2 statistic. The effect size (prevalence rates of anxiety) and a 95% CI for each paper will also be calculated. We will use a moderator analysis to test for the effect of COVID-19 on health care workers’ anxiety levels and detect publication bias in COVID-19 studies. We will also assess publication bias using the funnel plot and Egger regression. In case of publication bias, if studies have no homogeneity, the trim-and-fill procedure will be applied to adjust for missing studies.

Results
Database searches will commence in November 2020. The meta-analysis will be completed within 2 months of the start date.

Conclusions
This meta-analysis aims to provide comprehensive evidence about whether COVID-19 increases the prevalence of anxiety among health care workers and whether there has been an increase in publication bias and a deterioration in the quality of publications due to the pandemic. The results of this meta-analysis can provide evidence to help health managers to make informed decisions related to anxiety prevention in health care workers.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)
PRR1-10.2196/24136
Mensch - Maske - Tier. Zu den Entstehungsbedingungen der Karikatur
Authors: Voegtle Simone 
Published: October 2020

Das Tier kann nicht nur auf eine lange und vielfältige Präsenz als Motiv der bildenden Kunst zurückblicken, sondern übte darüber hinaus einen grossen Einfluss auf die Darstellung der menschlichen Gestalt im antiken Griechenland aus. Dieser mehr oder weniger direkte Bezug zwischen der tierischen und der menschlichen Form zeigte sich vor allem in zwei Bereichen – der Maske und der Karikatur. Während im einen das Raubtiergesicht die Gestaltung früher griechischer Masken beeinflusste, griff der andere auf tierische Charakteristika zur Verzerrung der menschlichen Gestalt zurück.

The animal has not only a longue and diverse presence as a motive in the visual arts, but above that has influenced in a important way the representation of the human figure in Greek antiquity. This more or less direct connection between the animal and the human form becomes particularly apparent in two domains – the mask and the caricature. While the face of the feline predator influenced the configuration of the early Greek mask, the caricature used animal characteristics to distort the human figure.