bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of HIV, syphilis, and assessment of the social and structural determinants of sexual risk behaviour and health service utilisation among MSM and TG in Terai highway districts of Nepal: Findings based on an Integrated Biological and Behavioural Surveillance survey using respondent driven sampling
Authors: Storm Margrethe , Deuba Keshab , Damas Jose , Shrestha Upendra , Rawal Bir , Bhattarai Rajan , Marrone Gaetano 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background: Men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender people are disproportionately affected by HIV and sexually transmitted infections. MSM and transgender people in Nepal experience considerable discrimination and marginalisation, they are subject to abuse from legal authorities and suffer from mental health issues. This study aims to assess the prevalence of HIV and syphilis, and how individual and socio-structural factors influence sexual risk behaviour and health care service uptake, among MSM and transgender women in the Terai highway districts of Nepal. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in June 2016 in eight Terai highway districts of Nepal, recruiting 340 MSM and transgender women through respondent driven sampling. The primary outcome variables were HIV and syphilis prevalence. The secondary outcome variables were sexual risk behaviour and health care service uptake. Logistic regression models were used to assess the individual and socio-structural determinants of sexual risk behaviour and health care service uptake. Results: The prevalence of HIV among MSM was 5%, whereas it was 13% in transgender women. The prevalence of active syphilis was 4% in MSM and 11% among transgender women. Among transgender women, 76% were involved in sex work, and 51% had experienced discrimination in one or more settings. In multivariable analysis, having visited an outreach centre was positively associated with condom use in the last sexual encounter among both MSM (AOR: 5.37, 95% CI: 2.42 - 11.94, p<0.001) and transgender women (AOR: 2.37, 95% CI: 1.12 – 5.02, p=0.025). Moreover, transgender women who reported being open towards family about sexual identity/behaviour were 2.4 more likely to have visited an outreach centre (AOR: 2.40, 95% CI: 1.04 – 5.57, p=0.041). Conclusions: The high prevalence of HIV and syphilis, as well as indicators of marginalisation and discrimination among transgender women, highlights the increased burden transgender women in Nepal are facing and the need for tailored interventions. Moreover, since health care service uptake is an important factor in determining sexual risk behaviour among MSM and transgender women in Nepal, outreach services should be scaled up.
Association of PD-1 polymorphisms with the risk and prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma in the northeastern Chinese Han population
Authors: huang Kun , Hu Erqiang , Li Wan , Lv Junjie , He Yuehan , Deng Gui , Xiao Jinling , Yang Chengcheng , Zhao Xinyu , Chen Lina , Wang Xinyan 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Introduction Lung cancer is a leading cause of death from cancer worldwide, especially non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The marker of progression in lung adenocarcinoma has been rarely studied. PD-1 is an effective drug target for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. The study of the effect of polymorphism on the progression of lung adenocarcinoma in the Han population of Northeast China may provide a valuable reference for the research and application of these drugs. Methods Chi-square test, Wilcoxon rank sum test, and classification efficacy assessment were used to teste SNPs of PD-1 in 287 patients and combined with clinical information. Results We successfully identified biomarkers (rs2227981, rs2227982, and rs3608432) that could distinguish the early stages and late stages of lung adenocarcinoma. Multiple clinical indicators showed significant differences among different SNP typing and cancer stages. Furthermore, this gene was confirmed to effectively distinguish the staging of lung adenocarcinoma with RNA-seq data in TCGA. Conclusions This indicated that the PD-1 gene and the SNPs on it could be used as markers for distinguishing lung adenocarcinoma staging in the Northeast Han population.
Intensive Home Treatment for adolescents in psychiatric crisis
Authors: Muskens Jet , Herpers Pierre C.M. , Hilderink Caroline , Deurzen Patricia A.M. van , Buitelaar Jan K. , Staal Wouter G. 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Adolescents with acute psychiatric disorders are typically treated with long-term clinical admission. However, long term admission may be associated with a variety of negative outcomes. This pilot study presents a new model of care, that is, the combined application of intensive home treatment and the possibility of short term stay at a psychiatric high & intensive care. Methods In total 112 referred adolescents with mixed diagnoses participated in this longitudinal observational design. Clinical outcome was measured by the Health of the Nation Outcome Scales for Children and Adolescents (HoNOSCA) which measures the severity of multiple mental health problems. The HoNOSCA was clinician-rated at intake, after two months and after four months at discharge. Change in HoNOSCA total score was analysed with paired t-tests. Outcome moderators were gender, age, primary diagnosis, clinical admission, home treatment-time, medication and additional therapies. Follow up data were completed for 62 patients after two months and for 53 after four months. Results Participants aged between 11 and 18 years (M = 14.8 years, SD = 0.3; 52% female). Mean HoNOSCA total score at intake was 18.8 (SD = 5.2), after two months 13.0 (SD = 5.0); after four months resulting in a score of 9.3 (SD = 5.2). None of the moderators tested showed a significant effect on HoNOSCA scores. However, a control group could not be used because of the severe psychopathology and high risk for suicidality and the lack of an effective treatment intervention for a comparable study group. Conclusion With a symptom decrease of over 50% within four months as measured by the HoNOSCA, including less risk for hospitalization, this new model appears promising and of clinical relevance. Nevertheless, further research regarding stability of treatment outcome is warranted and evaluation of long-term effects of this model in follow-up studies is needed.
Downregulation of lncRNA DANCR promotes osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells
Authors: Wang Zhuo , Huang Yuanliang , Tan Luanjun 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Backgrounds: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been widely known to have an appreciable effect in physiology and pathology. In tooth regeneration, periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) are regarded as a key effector, whereas, how lncRNA acts in the osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs have not been completely understood. This study aims to find out the relationship between lncRNA DANCR and the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs. Method: Microarray was used to observe the different expression of lncRNAs in differentiated and undifferentiated PDLSCs. And then osteogenic-related lncRNA, DNACR was screened out. To explore its effects on proliferation and osteogenic differentiation by constructing an overexpression and inhibition model. qRT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of osteogenesis related genes. MTT assay was performed to assess the effects of DNACR on cell growth curve. To quantify the effects of DNACR on osteogenic differentiation of PDLCs, ALP staining and alizarin red was performed in basic culture medium and osteogenic medium. Data were statistically processed. Results: Compared with the undifferentiated PDLSCs, the alizarin red staining level was higher in differentiated PDLSCs. And the expressions of osteogenic differentiation marker genes Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), osteocalcin (OCN) and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP-2) were significantly increased in the differentiated PDLSCs. Furthermore, we noticed that comparing with control groups, the expression of LncRNA DANCR decreases markedly in osteogenically induced PDLSCs. DANCR promoted proliferation of PDLSCs, as evidenced by cell viability. Further investigation has proven that the downregulation of DANCR shows in the calcium sediment forming, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activation and some osteogenic-related gene markers’ upregulation including Runx2, OCN and BMP-2, which finally results in the osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs following the transfection and induction. Conversely, DANCR upregulation was shown to repress the osteogenic differentiation potential of PDLSCs. Conclusions: The osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs has proven to related to the down regulation of lncRNA DANCR. And this paper throws light on the effects of DANCR in the process of PDLSCs’ osteogenic differentiation.
Lower serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 concentration is associated with higher pain and disability in subjects with low back pain: a case-control study
Authors: Pishgahi Alireza , Dolatkhah Neda , Shakouri Seyed Kazem , Hashemian Maryam , Amiri Atefeh , Reihany Morteza Delkhosh , Jahanjou Fatemeh 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Objectives: Low back pain (LBP) is a common medical problem worldwide. The aim of this study is to evaluate the association between serum concentration of 25-hydroxivitamin D3 and functional disability in patients suffering from LBP in a sample of Azeri middle-aged subjects, North West of Iran .
Results: In this case-control study, 63 eligible patients with LBP and 55 healthy subjects enrolled in the study. Peripheral venous blood was taken for evaluating the serum concentration of 25-hydroxivitamin D3. We recognized factors related with LBP by multiple regression analyses. The average serum 25-hydroxivitamin D3 concentration in case group was significantly lower than that of the matched controlled group (26.25±15.95 vs. 34.20±14.92, p-value < 0.01 respectively). Subjects with vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency were more likely to exhibit LBP than subjects with normal serum 25-hydroxivitamin D3 concentration [(OR= 2.388, 95% CI (1.114 to 5.119)]. According to the partial correlation analysis, there was a reverse correlation between serum 25-hydroxivitamin D3 concentration with functional disability measured by Modified Oswestry Questionnaire (r = -.307, p = .017) and also with pain intensity according to Visual analogue Scale (VAS) score (r = -.268, p = .040) whilst adjusting for age, sex and body mass index (BMI).
Predicting peripartum blood transfusion: focusing on pre-pregnancy characteristics
Authors: Ouh Yung-Taek , Lee Kyu-Min , Ahn Ki Hoon , Hong Soon-Cheol , Oh Min-Jeong , Kim Hai-Joong , Han Sung Won , Cho Geum Joon 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Obstetric hemorrhage is one of the most common causes of obstetrical morbidity and mortality, and transfusion is the most important management for hemorrhage. The aim of our study was to investigate the pre-pregnancy and pregnancy risk factors for peripartum transfusion. Methods: Women who delivered a baby from 2010 to 2014 and participated in the National Health Screening Program for Infants and Children were included. To analyze pre-pregnant risk factors for peripartum transfusion, an additional analysis was done for women who underwent a National Health Screening Examination within one year before pregnancy, including maternal waist circumference, body mass index, blood pressure, laboratory tests and history of smoking. Results: Of the total 1,980,126 women who met the inclusion criteria, 36,868 (1.86%) were transfused at peripartum. In a multivariable regression model, the pregnancy risk factors for peripartum transfusion included maternal age above 35 years [odds ratio (OR): 1.41; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.32–1.50], preterm birth (OR: 2.39; 95% CI: 2.15–2.65), and maternal hypertension (OR: 2.49; 95% CI: 2.24–2.77). Pre-pregnancy risk factors including fasting glucose level of more than 126 mg/dL (OR: 1.11; 95% CI: 1.02–1.20), current-smoker status (OR: 1.20; 95% CI: 1.06–1.37), and waist-circumference less than 80 cm (OR: 1.18; 95% CI: 1.06–1.30) were independently associated with peripartum blood transfusion. Conclusions: Several pre-pregnancy and pregnancy risk factors were associated with peripartum blood transfusion. Some identified factors are modifiable before conception, and our study validated peripartum blood transfusion as a form of triage. Keywords: Peripartum, Blood transfusion, Postpartum hemorrhage
How heterogeneous are MSM from Brazilian cities? An analysis of sexual behavior and perceived risk and a description of trends in awareness and willingness to use PrEP.
Authors: Torres Thiago S , Marins Luana M. S. , Veloso Valdilea G. , Grinsztejn Beatriz , Luz Paula M. 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background: Brazil has the largest population of individuals living with HIV/AIDS in Latin America, with a disproportional prevalence of infection among gays, bisexuals and other men who have sex with men (MSM). Of relevance to prevention and treatment efforts, Brazilian MSM from different regions may differ in behaviors and risk perception related to HIV. Methods: We report on MSM living in 29 different cities: 26 Brazilian state capitals, the Federal District and two large cities in São Paulo state assessed in three web-based surveys (2016-2018) advertised on Grindr, Hornet and Facebook. Using logistic regression models, we assessed the association of risk behavior with HIV perceived risk as well as factors associated with high-risk behavior. Results: A total of 16,667 MSM completed the survey. Overall, MSM from the North and Northeast were younger, more black/mixed-black, of lower income and lower education compared to MSM from the South, Southeast and Central-west. Though 17% had never tested for HIV (with higher percentages in the North and Northeast), condomless receptive anal sex (previous 6 months) and high-risk behavior as per HIV Incidence Risk scale for MSM were observed for 41% and 64%, respectively. Sexual behaviors and HIV perceived risk had low variability by city and high-risk behavior was strongly associated with high HIV perceived risk. Younger age, being gay/homosexual, having a steady partner, binge drinking, report of sexually transmitted infection (STI) and ever testing for HIV were associated with increased odds of high-risk behavior. Awareness and willingness to use PrEP increased from 2016 to 2018 in most cities. Conclusions: Overall, MSM socio-demographic characteristics were heterogeneous among Brazilian cities, but similarities were noted among the cities from the same administrative region with a marked exception of the Federal District not following the patterns for the Central-West. Combination HIV prevention is most needed among young men who self-identify as gay/homosexual, report binge drinking or prior STI.
Inhibition of Type I Interferon Signaling Abrogates Early Mycobacterium bovis Infection
Authors: Wang Jie , Hussain Tariq , Zhang Kai , Liao Yi , Yao Jiao , Song Yinjuan , Sabir Naveed , Cheng Guangyu , Dong Haodi , Li Miaoxuan , Ni Jiamin , Mangi Mazhar Hussain , Zhao Deming , Zhou Xiangmei 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background: Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) is the principal causative agent of bovine tuberculosis; however, it may also cause serious infection in human being. Type I IFN is a key factor in reducing viral multiplication and modulating host immune response against viral infection. However, the regulatory pathways of Type I IFN signaling during M. bovis infection are not yet fully explored. Here, we investigate the role of Type I IFN signaling in the pathogenesis of M. bovis infection in mice. Methods: C57BL/6 mice were treated with IFNAR1-blocking antibody or Isotype control 24 hour before M. bovis infection. After 21 and 84 days of infection, mice were sacrificed and role of Type I IFN signaling in the pathogenesis of M. bovis was investigated. ELISA and qRT-PCR was performed to detect the expression of Type I IFNs and related genes. M. bovis induced lung lesions were assessed by histopathological examination and viable bacterial count was determined by CFU assay. Results: We observed an abundant expression of Type I IFNs in the serum and lung tissues of M. bovis infected mice. In vivo blockade of Type I IFN signaling reduced the recruitment of neutrophils to the lung tissue, mediated the activation of macrophages leading to an increased pro-inflammatory profile and regulated the inflammatory cytokine production. However, no impact was observed on T cell recruitment and activation in the early acute phase of infection. Additionally, blocking of type I IFN signaling reduced bacterial burden in the infected mice as compared to untreated infected mice. Conclusions: Altogether, our results reveal that Type I IFN mediates a balance between M. bovis-mediated inflammatory reaction and host defense mechanism. Thus, modulating Type I IFN signaling could be exploited as a therapeutic strategy against a large repertoire of inflammatory disorders including tuberculosis.
Reliability and validity of miniscrews as references in cone-beam computed tomography and intraoral scanner digital models: study on goat heads
Authors: JIANG YIRAN , CHEN GUI 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Miniscrews have been used to superimpose three-dimensional (3D) craniofacial images as well as explore stable structures in jaws. Our purpose was to evaluate the reliability and validity of linear and angular measurements made with miniscrews on a 3D cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) at two voxel sizes and compared to models created by an intraoral scanner (IOS). Methods: Altogether, 64 miniscrews were placed in 12 goat jaws. The jaws were scanned by CBCT machine at 0.12 mm and 0.3 mm voxels and by the IOS. Linear and angular measurements between miniscrews on CBCT at the two voxel settings and the IOS were compared with actual measurements and with each other. Results: An intra-and inter-class correlation of 0.961–1.000 were obtained by each method. Linear measurements showed significant overestimations of 0.27±0.24, 0.14±0.22 and 0.15±0.26 mm, and angular measurements showed non-significant differences of 0.11±1.97°, 0.15±2.79° and 0.41±2.34° for the CBCT at 0.12-mm, 0.3-mm voxels and the IOS, respectively. Equal magnification of linear measurements was on homolateral and contralateral sides using CBCT, whereas significantly greater magnification on the homolateral side than on the opposite was observed using the IOS. There was no significant difference with angular measurements between digital CBCT models at two voxels and IOS. In addition, all angular measurements were comparable to actual measurement results. Conclusions: Miniscrews in CBCT and IOS are reliable and clinical valid when used as a reference measuring tooth movement. However, when miniscrews are involved in high precision measurement in CBCT or IOS image, systematic error should be taken into consideration. When comparing CBCT images, using the same voxel size is recommended for miniscrew related measurements to reduce error.
Exploring transcriptomic landscapes in red blood cells, in their extracellular vesicles and on a single-cell level
Authors: Kerkelä Erja , Lahtela Jenni , Larjo Antti , Impola Ulla , Mäenpää Laura , Mattila Pirkko 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Circulating human red blood cells (RBCs) consist of mature erythrocytes and immature reticulocytes. Being anucleated, RBCs lack typical transcriptomes, but are known to contain small amounts of diverse long transcripts and microRNAs. However, the exact role and importance of these RNAs is lacking. Results To study this further, we explored the transcriptomes of RBCs and extracellular vesicles (EVs) of RBCs using next-generation sequencing. Furthermore, to understand the dynamics of the RBC transcriptome, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing on RBCs. An analysis of the single-cell transcriptomes revealed that approximately 10% of the cells contained detectable levels of mRNA and fell into three subpopulations based on their transcriptomes. Decrease in the mRNA quantity was observed across the populations. Qualitative changes included the differences in the globin transcripts and changes in the expression of ribosomal genes. A specific short splice form of a long non-coding RNA, Metastasis Associated Lung Adenocarcinoma Transcript 1 (MALAT1), was the most enriched marker in one subpopulation of RBCs, co-expressing with ribosomal structural transcripts. MALAT1 expression was confirmed by qPCR in CD71-enriched reticulocytes, which were also characterized with imaging flow cytometry at single cell level. Conclusions Analysis of the RBC transcriptome shows enrichment of pathways and functional categories required for the maturation of reticulocytes and erythrocyte functions. The RBC transcriptome was detected in their EVs, proposing vesiculation as a mechanism to remove the cellular contents from RBCs throughout their life cycle. Our experiments on single cell level revealed that lncRNA MALAT1 is the marker for one of the three RBC populations co-expressing with a group of ribosomal protein transcripts.
Seasonal variations in the occurrence of acute appendicitis and their relationship with the presence of fecaliths in children
Authors: Hsu Yao-Jen , Fu Yu-Wei , Chin Taiwai 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background
Acute appendicitis (AA) is the most common surgical condition in children. Although a higher incidence of AA in summer has been reported, the reason for this observation remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical findings of AA patients who underwent appendectomies during the summer months with those who underwent the procedure during the non-summer months.
Methods
The clinical data of 171 patients who underwent appendectomy from January 2013 to December 2016 were reviewed. The patients were divided into a summer group (from May to October) and a non-summer group (from November to April) based on the month when appendectomy was performed. All patients were under 18 years of age at the time of surgery. The medical records including laboratory data, computed tomography scans, pathology reports and operative notes were reviewed.
Results
The number of patients with AA was higher in the summer group than in the non-summer group (101 vs. 70 patients). No significant differences in the laboratory results between the two groups of patients were observed. The percentage of AA patients who presented with a fecalith was significantly lower in the summer group (33.6%) than in the non-summer group (55.7%). No significant differences in the incidence of appendiceal perforations and abscesses, as well as postoperative complications were observed between the two groups.
Conclusions
The percentage of AA patients with fecaliths in summer was lower than that in the non-summer months. The increase in the number of AA patients in summer may be due to the increased occurrence of lymphoid hyperplasia, which may be correlated with the yearly outbreak of enterovirus infection during this period.