bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epidemiology of laboratory-confirmed mumps infections in South Africa, 2012-2017: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Sikhosana Mpho Lerato , Kuonza Lazarus , Motaze Nkengefac Villyen 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Data on the burden of mumps in South Africa are limited and the epidemiology of mumps in this setting is not well understood. We present findings of analysis of mumps data in South Africa from 2012 to 2017. Methods This cross-sectional study included secondary data on laboratory-confirmed mumps infections from 2012 to 2017, archived at the South African National Health Laboratory Services’ data repository as well as from four private laboratories. Mumps-specific immunoglobulin M (IgM) and/or viral nucleic acid positive results represented acute infections. We used age-specific mid-year population estimates for each study year as denominators when calculating annual incidence. We calculated seasonality indices to determine seasonality of mumps infections. Results Out of 48580 records obtained from the public and private sectors, 46713 (96.2%) were from the private sector. Over the study period, there were 7494 acute infections, 7085 (94.5%) of which were recorded in the private sector. Of these 7494 infections, 3924 (52.4%) occurred in males. The proportion of samples tested that were IgM positive was 18.6% (1058/5682) in 2012, 15% (1016/6790) in 2013, 15.8% (1280/8093) in 2014, 15.5% (1384/8944) in 2015, 13.1% (1260/9629) in 2016 and 15.8% (1496/9442) in 2017. The cumulative incidence rate per 100000 was highest in children between one and nine years throughout the study period. Infections tended to peak in the October-November months, which represents spring in our setting. Most infections occurred in Gauteng, Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal and this was consistent throughout the study period. Conclusion Mumps infections predominantly occurred in spring, affecting children below 10 years of age and individuals who were male. There were fewer tests performed in the public sector compared to the private sector. Since only laboratory data was analysed our results represent and underestimate of disease burden. Further studies that include clinical data are required to provide better estimates of disease burden in South Africa.
The Effect of Social Norm-based Intervention on Physical Activity among Adolescents: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Lee Jia Jia , Nadkarni Nivedita Vikas , Teo Irene , Ozdemir Semra 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: To evaluate the effectiveness of descriptive norms in promoting physical activity among adolescents by measuring step counts via a randomized controlled trial (NCT03081013). Methods: A total of 311 participants aged 13-16 were randomized into two study arms (Onymous and Anonymous Arms). Each arm consisted of 13 groups of 12 participants. During the trial, participants received weekly short message service (SMS) about their past week’s physical activity performance Participants in the Anonymous Arm received information about step counts of group members ranked from highest to lowest. Participants in the Onymous Arm received the same information with the group members’ full names. Participants’ quality of life, depression, and physical activity social support, self-efficacy and enjoyment before and after the intervention were also evaluated. Results: The number of steps was not higher when descriptive norm message was onymous compared to when it was anonymous. Scores in quality of life, depression, social support, self-efficacy, and enjoyment of physical activity were not significantly different between both arms (p>0.05). Conclusions: Our findings indicated that promotion of physical activity requires a multi-faceted approach. We recommend using a more relevant reference group to use social norms as a tool to increase physical activity among adolescents.
WeChat can be a potential way to deliver infant and young child feeding recommendations in rural areas in China: A mixed quantitative and qualitative study
Authors: Wu Qiong , Huang Yiwen , Velthoven Michelle Helena van , Wang Wei , Chang Suying , Zhang Yanfeng 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Appropriate infant and young child feeding practices are the basis for child nutrition, which can be influenced by mothers’ exposure to health promotion messages. In China, WeChat is gradually changing the channels people receive information. This paper aims to explore the feasibility of using WeChat as an intervention to improve Infant and young child feeding in rural China. Methods A mixed-methods study was carried out in Huzhu County, Qinghai province, China. Quantitative data were from two cross-sectional surveys with children aged 6-23 months and their caregivers to collected feeding knowledge and practices, caregiver’s use of smartphones and WeChat in 2012 (N=1804) and 2018 (N=754), respectively. Qualitative data were from 33 semi-structured interviews with pregnant women and mothers. In addition, we developed a WeChat feeding health education platform and asked women for their using experiences. Results In both surveys, less than 10% of caregivers knew that breastfeeding can be continued up to two years, less than 50% knew the accurate duration of exclusive breastfeeding, and only around 20% knew meat should be given to children from the age of 6-8 months. Similarly, the feeding practices were suboptimal and most key infant feeding practices did not change over the years. In both surveys, only around 30% of caregivers ever received feeding information during pregnancy or after delivery. Among them, around 50% of caregivers received from their relatives and friends, followed 30% from health facilities and communities. More than 80% of mothers were currently using both a smartphone and the WeChat app. Mothers could easily access the internet on their smartphones (90.8%), as WiFi was available at home or at the workplace. Furthermore, 75.4% of them were willing to receive feeding information from WeChat official accounts. The WeChat feeding health education platform was generally accepted by pregnant women and mothers. Conclusions Caregivers’ feeding knowledge and practices were poor in Huzhu County, and there was an absence of accurate information sources on infant feeding and child nutrition. WeChat could be a potential way to deliver infant feeding recommendations to mothers in rural China.
Transforming growth factor beta 1 induces endogenous expression of Interferon gamma in palmar connective tissues
Authors: Seyhan Harun , Akkermann Oke , Dooley Steven , Arkudas Andreas , Horch Raymund E. , Fuchs Paul C. , Schultze-Mosgau Stefan , Kopp Jürgen 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Fibrosis is characterized by transdifferentiation of quiescent fibroblasts to myofibroblasts that results in overexpression and deposition of extracellular matrix proteins that subsequently leads to organ impairment or dysfunction. Dupuytren's disease, a benign fibroproliferative disorder of the palmar fascia, represents an ideal model to study tissue fibrosis. Fibroblasts isolated from nodules and cords of Dupuytren’s disease (DF) served as model of fibrosis. Here we report that DF and control fibroblasts (CF) derived from tendon pulleys of the hand express endogenous Interferon gamma (IFNG).

Application of recombinant transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFB1) resulted in upregulation of profibrotic proteins and subsequent elevated expression levels of SMAD7. Surprisingly, TGFB1 additionally induced transcription of IFNG in stimulated DF and CF. As a consequence, IFNG signaling is presumably enhanced by an autocrine mechanism leading to upregulation of SMAD7, thereby indicating a new negative feedback mechanism of TGFB1 signaling. On the other hand cell infection with adSMAD7, an adenovirus coding for SMAD7, leads to downregulation of IFNG and subsequent signaling, indicating a further novel negative feedback mechanism of IFNG signaling. AdIFNG, an adenovirus coding for human IFNG, in combination with recombinant TGFB1 initiate higher levels of IFNG than separate stimulation, thus indicating a co-inducing effect of TGFB1 on IFNG transcription. Therefore, our results point to new perspectives concerning IFNG-TGFB1-crosstalking and its possible relevance in a standard model of fibrosis.
Correlation between bone turnover and metabolic markers with age and gender: a cross-sectional study of hospital information system data
Authors: Ju Shao , Zhou Shaosong , Qu Yuan , liang bibo , Yu Qing-Hong , Wu Jing 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background : Bone turnover and metabolic indicators are related to age and gender. Age and gender should be matched in subjects in disease control research of bone turnover and metabolism, but strict matching of gender and age increases the difficulty and cost of the research. Therefore, the aim of this study was to solve the question of whether it is necessary to strictly match age and gender in clinical research in bone metabolism. METHODS: Patient data were extracted from the HIS of ZhuJiang Hospital, Southern Medical University. From these data, a cross-sectional study was conducted. Data relating to seven bone turnover and metabolic indicators from 1036 patients between January 2018 and October 2019 were analyzed. A total of 156 patients aged under 20 were identified and analyzed separately. RESULTS: P1NP, β-CTx and VitD 3 were significant different in individuals younger than 20 years of age. ALP was significantly higher in those under 20 years of age and lower at age 20-39 compared with other age groups. The concentrations of Ca and P were different among the groups aged 0-19, 20-39, and 40-59 years of age groups but exhibited no difference above 60 years of age. PTH expression was not dependent on age. P1NP, β-CTx and PTH concentrations were not significantly different between the genders within the same age group. ALP was significantly different between genders within the age range 20-59 years. Ca and VitD 3 were significantly different between the genders for those older than 60. Serum P was significantly different in the two genders for those aged 40-79. CONCLUSION: P1NP and β-CTx were highly correlated with age. If these two indictors require analysis in a case control study, the patients and controls should be strictly matched by age under 20 years. The demarcation point for ALP was 40 years of age. Ca and P were strongly recommended strict matching according to age in disease research. The difference in P1NP, β-CTx, VitD3 and ALP between genders depends on age differences.
Single impact injury of Vertebral Endplates, without Structural Disruption Initiates Disc Degeneration In Vitro
Authors: Sun Zhengang , Wang Xiaoshuai , Jiang Yongjie , Chen Guoliang , Ling Zenmin , Yang Jiaming , Pan Ximin , Liu Xizhe , Liu Shaoyu , Ye Wei , Wei Fuxin 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background : Intervertebral disc degeneration is usually attributed to ageing, genetic, mechanical, and nutritional factors et al. It has been acknowledged that the degenerative process is associated with an aberrant cell-medicated response to structural failures, such as vertebral burst fracture, radial fissures, and endplate fracture. Vertebral endplate trauma, due to, Kirschner wire use or drill holes, can induce degenerative changes of the intervertebral disc (IVD). However, whether a single impact injury of the endplates without structural disruption, which is common seen in the clinic, is sufficiently to initiate disc degeneration is still controversial. This study is to further evolve an in vitro impact injury model of IVD and to investigate if a single impact injury of the endplates without structural disruption can initiate intervertebral disc degeneration(IVDD). Methods. Rats spinal segments (from L1/2 to L5/6, n=54) were harvested and randomly assigned into three groups: Control (n=18), Low Impact (12 J/cm 3 , n=18) and High Impact (25 J/cm 3 , n=18). Samples in both of the impact groups were subjected pure axial impact loading using a custom-made apparatus, and cultured for 14 days. The degenerative process was investigated by using histomorphology and real-time PCR. Results: The discs in both of the impact groups showed significant degenerative changes at 14 days, both of which showed much higher histological scores and up-regulation of the catabolic (MMP-9, MMP-13) genes transcription than that of the control group ( P ＜0.05). The discs with endplate fracture compared to that with intact endplate also showed strongly up-regulated catabolic (MMP-9, MMP-13) genes transcription, and more significant degenerative changes based on the histological scoring ( P ＜0.05). No significant difference of anabolic (TGF-β, Col1α1, Col3α1) genes transcription was found between different groups( P ＞0.05). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that a single impact loading (12 J/cm 3 ) on the spinal segments of the rats could initiate IVDD at 14 days after injury and not only endplate impairment but also a single impact loading without structural disruption could also promote IVDD.
Proprioception and neuromuscular control after the modified Broström procedure at the timing of a return to sports: A retrospective study
Authors: Lee Jin Hyuck , Jung Hae Woon , Jang Woo Young 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: The modified Broström procedure (MBP) is an initial treatment in symptomatic chronic ankle instability (CAI) patients. However, there was a deficiency of studies regarding the recovery of proprioception and neuromuscular control at the timing of a return to sports after MBP. This study aimed to compare the proprioception and neuromuscular control of both affected and unaffected ankles at the timing of a return to sports after MBP in CAI patients with those of normal controls. Methods: Totally, 75 patients (40 who underwent MBP vs. 35 normal controls) participated. Proprioception and neuromuscular control were measured by postural stability and time to peak torque, respectively. Postural stability tests included static and dynamic balance and the star excursion balance test (SEBT). Static and dynamic balance were tested using a postural stabilometry system, and time to peak torque was measured using an isokinetic device. Results: The dynamic balance test was significantly higher in the affected ankle of the MBP group than in controls (1.5 ± 0.6 vs. 1.1 ± 0.4, p < 0.003). SEBT was significantly lower in the affected ankle of the MBP group compared to controls (anterior: 70.9±16.4 vs. 80.3±11.7, p < 0.006; posterior: 49.2 ± 10.0 vs. 62.2 ± 19.0, p < 0.000; lateral: 49.9 ± 12.7 vs. 57.3 ± 17.7, p < 0.040). Time to peak torque was significantly increased in the affected ankle of the MBP group compared to controls (dorsiflexion: 608.3 ± 139.4 vs.522.9 ± 175.8, p < 0.022; eversion: 689.1 ± 191.6 vs. 593.1 ± 211.2, p < 0.043). Conclusion: Dynamic balance, SEBT, and time to peak torque in CAI patients remained significantly reduced at the timing of a return to sports after MBP. Keywords : Proprioception; Neuromuscular control; Modified Broström procedure; Postural stability; Star excursion balance test
The ratio of mechanical axis shift to the correction angle differs in preoperative planning, but actual postoperative alignment is comparable between opening wedge and closed wedge high tibial osteotomy
Authors: Ogino Takahiro , Kumagai Ken , Yamada Shunsuke , Akamatsu Tomotaka , Nejima Shuntaro , Sotozawa Masaichi , Inaba Yutaka 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the bony correction angle and mechanical axis change and their differences between closed wedge high tibial osteotomy (CWHTO) and open wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO). Methods: A total of 100 knees of 89 patients who underwent OWHTO (50 knees) or CWHTO (50 knees) were investigated. The femorotibial angle (FTA), % mechanical axis deviation (MAD), % anatomical tibial axis deviation (ATAD), % mechanical tibial axis deviation (MTAD), mechanical medial proximal tibial angle (mMPTA), and joint line convergence angle (JLCA) were measured on preoperative and postoperative radiographs. The amount of change from preoperative to postoperative in each measurement is represented as Δ. Results: CWHTO resulted in a greater increase of Δ(%MTAD - %ATAD)/ΔmMPTA than OWHTO (P<0.05), and a greater decrease of ΔJLCA/ΔmMPTA than OWHTO (P<0.05). However, no significant difference was found in the Δ%MAD/ΔmMPTA between CWHTO and OWHTO. When the osteotomy was planned with the same bony correction angle, %MA passed more laterally in OWHTO than in CWHTO (P<0.05). These results suggested a lesser valgus bony correction ratio due to greater medial shift of the tibial axis and greater valgus compensation of the soft tissue in CWHTO compared to OWHTO. Conclusions: The ratio of mechanical axis shift to the correction angle differed in preoperative planning, but postoperative alignment was comparable between opening wedge and closed wedge high tibial osteotomy.
Influence of donors’ cigarette smoking on recipients’ postoperative survival and complications after simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation
Authors: Gu Yang-Jun , Zhou Jie , Xiang Jie , Mei Shengmin , Li Zhiwei , Huang Zhichao , Dong Yinlei , Chen Zheng , Xu Fangshen , Hu Zhenhua , Zheng Shusen 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Many pancreatic transplant donors have smoking history. We aimed to evaluate the effect of donors’ smoking on recipient survival rates and postoperative complications. Methods Patients(N=6564) from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients database who underwent simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplants (SPK) were divided into a cigarette group (n=5465) and non-cigarette group (n=799) based on their donors’ smoking history. Patients’ rates of overall and graft survival were compared and analyzed using the log-rank test. Hazard ratios were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models, and postoperative complications and dialysis times were evaluated using logistics analysis. Results The overall survival and graft survival of the patients in the non-cigarette group were significantly higher compared to those in the cigarette group ( P <0.05 for both log-rank tests). Cigarette smoking among the donors was associated with a significant difference in the recipients’ rate of pancreas graft survival and kidney graft survival ( P <0.05 for both log rank-tests). However, multivariate analyses indicated that donors’ smoking history was not an independent factor, while the donors’ age was associated with reduced survival (hazard ratio [HR], 1.09; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.93-1.28; P =0.287). The cigarette group had a higher postoperative infection rate than the non-cigarette group (HR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.02-2.06; P =0.038). Conclusions Donors’ smoking history has no overall effect on rates of overall or graft survival of SPK transplant recipients. However, it should be evaluated before transplantation because of its higher rate of postoperative complications.
TNF-α inhibitors can increase the risk of respiratory infection when used in rheumatism: a meta-analysis and systematic review
Authors: Luo Wenwen , Wenwen Luo , Jialian Zhu , Xuan Cheng , Yun Li , Qizhi Zhang , Wenxing Peng 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background The risk of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) inhibitors (infliximab, etanercept, adalimumab) for the treatment of rheumatic diseases leading to infection events has not yet been established. This meta-analysis aims to assess the risk of developing serious infections of three TNF-α inhibitors for rheumatic diseases.Methods A systematic literature search of Pubmed, Embase and Cochrane Library was conducted through December 2018. Selecting the RCTs which subjects were diagnosed as rheumatoid diseases according to ACR criteria or other authoritative diagnostic criteria and over 18-year-old. Finally, RCTs with Jadad score greater than or equal to 4 were included in this meta-analysis. The Odds Ratio (OR), Confidence Interval (CI) and p value were calculated to assess the risk of serious infections. Results 34 RCTs involving 14166 subjects were included, including 11 RCTs for infliximab, 7 RCTs for etanercept, and 16 for adalimumab. Meta-analysis demonstrated that, with the pooled OR of 1.29 (95%CI 1.04 to 1.60), the TNF-α inhibitors group had a higher risk of serious infection than control group. In the subgroup analysis, infliximab and adalimumab had a higher risk of serious infection than control group, and the pooled ORs were 1.48 (p=0.03) and 1.47 (p=0.03), respectively. For other infections including pneumonia, upper respiratory infection, and nasopharyngitis, the risks of these adverse events were higher in experimental group than control group, while the risk of tuberculosis were not, with the pooled OR of 2.31 (p=0.08）.Conclusions TNF-α inhibitors, especially infliximab and adalimumab, can increase the risk of infections. Among the infections, pneumonia, upper respiratory infection and nasopharyngitis have higher risks in TNF-α inhibitors group than control group. As a result, we summarized that TNF-α inhibitors can increase the risks of respiratory infection when used in rheumatic disease. It is suggested that clinicians should pay attention to the prevention of respiratory infections when using TNF-α inhibitors, so as to achieve a better prognosis for patients with rheumatism.
Increased levels of VCAM-1 in sera and VLA-4 expression on neutrophils in dermatomyositis with interstitial lung disease
Authors: Lin Meiyi , Liu Xudong , Yang Chunshu , Zhao Shan , Tian Bailing , Hou Xiaoyu , Xu Jingyi , Yang Pingting 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1(VCAM-1) and its ligand very late antigen (VLA-4) play important roles in many autoimmune diseases. Our study aimed to investigate serum VCAM-1 level and VLA-4 expression on peripheral blood neutrophil surface in patients with dermatomyositis (DM), especially focusing on patients with interstitial lung disease(ILD). Methods: Blood specimens of 30 patients with DM and 30 healthy controls matched for age and gender were recruited. Total serum VCAM-1 level was measured using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the percentages of VLA-4 expression on the surface of neutrophils were analyzed by flow cytometry. We divided patients into subgroups according to whether they had ILD and whether they exhibited diffuse alveolar damage (DAD) via high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT).Results: Serum VCAM-1 levels were increased in DM patients compared with healthy controls (p<0.001). Patients with DM-ILD had higher serum VCAM-1 levels than those with none-ILD (p=0.015). The VCAM-1 levels were significantly increased in the DM-DAD group compared to the none-DAD group (p=0.002). The percentages of VLA-4 expression on neutrophils surface in DM patients were significantly elevated than that in healthy controls (p<0.001). The percentage of VLA-4 expression on neutrophils in DM patients with ILD were higher than none-ILD group(p=0.013). In the patients with ILD, DAD group had higher percentage of VLA-4 expression on neutrophils than none-DAD group (p=0.008).Conclusions: Our findings indicated that serum VCAM-1 level could be used as a potential serological biomarker for DM-ILD.