bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and predictors of work related musculoskeletal disorders among workers of a Gold mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Okello Alfred , Wafula Solomon Tsebeni , Deogratias Deogratias K , Mugambe Richard K 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) are a major constraint to worker performance and health. However, research on their prevalence and associated factors among workers at gold mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is insufficient. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors of WRMSDs among workers of a Gold Mine in South Kivu, DRC. Methods: Cross sectional data was collected using a modified Nordic questionnaire and upper limb Core QX checklist. A generalised linear model of the Poison family with link log and robust error variances was used to generate prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the factors associated with WRMSDS. All analysis were performed in Stata 14 software.Results: Overall, 12-month prevalence of WRMSDs was 25.0% with highest occurrence rate in the lower back (24.6%), followed by thighs/hip (15.3%) and shoulders(13.6%). Prolonged heavy lifting /shovelling shovelling ( P R = 2.26, 95% CI [1.32, 3.86] and longer work shifts (> 9hrs) ( P R = 3.43, 95% CI [1.98, 12.03]) were predictive for WRMSDs while jobs with low demands were protective against WRMSDs ( PR = 0.26, 95% CI [0.16, 0.42]). Conclusion: We recommend lowering workload and job demands and improving work ergonomics to mitigate and prevent the WRMSDs among workers in goldmines.
Factors associated with medial meniscal subluxation in knees with medial meniscus tears: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Liu Xinguang , Ding Ran , Liu Chen , Yang Bin , Wang Weiguo 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background Previous studies have indicated that medial meniscal subluxation (MMS) was associated with special types of medial meniscus tears (MMT) and chondral lesions. However, most of these studies lacked arthroscopic findings and had not adjusted for possible confounders. The purpose of this study was to explore the factors associated with MMS in patients with MMT using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Methods A retrospective analysis of 115 patients who underwent arthroscopic surgery for MMT was conducted. The medial meniscal extrusion (MME) distance was measured on a single mid-coronal MR image, and the MMS group included patients with MME ≥3 mm (55 patients with 55 knees). Other patients were included as the control group (60 patients with 60 knees). Demographic and clinical data were collected as variates. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the factors associated with MMS. Results The MME distance was significantly higher in the MMS group (median distance: 3.5 mm, interquartile range: 3.3–4.1 mm) than in the control group (median distance: 1.8 mm, interquartile range: 1.3–2.3 mm, P<0.001). The Outerbridge classification (P=0.002) and the type of MMT (P=0.001) were significantly different between the MMS group and the control group. According to the multivariate logistic regression analysis, the type of MMT (P=0.015) was the independent factor associated with MMS after adjusting for other variates. Compared with horizontal tears, radial tears, PMMRT and complex tears had an approximately 8-fold (OR 7.592, 95 % CI 1.681–34.295, P=0.008), 11-fold (OR 11.451, 95 % CI 1.763–74.379, P=0.011) and 4-fold (OR 4.387, 95 % CI 1.558–12.355, P=0.005) higher association with MMS, respectively. Conclusion The type of MMT was an independent factor associated with MMS in knees with MMT. Radial tears, PMMRT and complex tears were more likely than horizontal tears to result in MMS. These results suggest that MMT combined with MMS should be noticed when managing MMT, especially radial tears, PMMRT and complex tears. We must not only preserve the meniscus as much as possible but also restore its position to as close to normal as possible.
Ellipse method for measuring Liaw’s anteversion of the acetabular component after total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Yeh Kuei-Lin , Wu Tai-Yin , Ma Hsuan-Hsiao , Hou Sheng-Mou , Liaw Chen-Kun 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Several cup anteversion measurements for post-operative total hip arthroplasty (THA) surgery have been described. We developed the standardized Liaw’s trigonometric method to eliminate the influence of patient position, which is the most accurate method for cup anteversion measurement. We then developed an ellipse method using the Elliversion software and reported an interobserver error reduction in 2013. In our study, we attempted to apply this ellipse method in the clinic and compared its accuracy with the standard trigonometric version.Methods: In the present study, we attempted to incorporate the ellipse method with Liaw’s standardized anteversion in the simulated cup position. We measured standardized Liaw’s anteversion for 434 radiographs in the clinic using the ellipse method. The Repeatedly Standard Deviation (RSD) was applied for accuracy evaluation. Furthermore, paired t-test was used for comparison with the interobserver and intraobserver errors. Results: We found that the standardized Liaw’s anteversion measured using the ellipse method showed lower repeated standard deviation than the radiographic version. RSD was 0.795 in the standardized Liaw’s anteversion with ellipse method group. The p-values of the paired t-test were all higher than 0.05 when measuring the interobserver and intraobserver bias. It indicated that the ellipse method was a precise and simple tool for cup anteversion measurement. Conclusion: We believe that this ellipse measurement can assist surgeons while placing the acetabulum cup into the precise position and enable early diagnosis of acetabulum loosening.
Clinical Significance and Prognostic Value of the Expression of Fibronectin Type III Domain Containing 3B in Pancreatic Carcinoma
Authors: Ma Liqin , Liao Xuehong , Du Kaixin , Li Jinluan , Luo Huihuang , Luo Shuiying , Lin Xiaoyi , Gao Jie , Kong Xiangquan 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Pancreatic carcinoma (PC) is one of the most aggressive cancers affecting human health. Identifying candidate biomarkers is essential for the early diagnosis and good prognosis of PC. Fibronectin type III domain containing 3B (FNDC3B) promotes many types of cancer, but its role in pancreatic cancer is not clear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the expression of FNDC3B and incidence of PC. Methods: We downloaded data related to the levels of FNDC3B mRNA in patients of PC from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, and conducted in-depth research on this data and its clinical significance through the R tools. We used GO and KEGG enrichment analyses to study the genes and signaling pathways that may be regulated by FNDC3B. Results: The results showed that the level of FNDC3B mRNA in PC tissues was higher than that in the normal tissues, and this was associated with proliferation and lymph node metastases of PC. Increased levels of FNDC3B mRNA also predict poor prognosis for the patients with PC. In addition, enhanced levels of FNDC3B mRNA were involved in the regulation of cell junction, tissue and epithelial cell migration, and several signal transduction pathways, including notch, TGF-β, VEGF, and Wnt. Conclusions: In short, high levels of FNDC3B mRNA may be associated with progression of PC and indicate a poor prognosis in patients with PC.
SARS-CoV-2 Serology Results in the First COVID-19 Case in California: A Case Report and Recommendations for Serology Testing and Interpretation
Authors: Lanman Richard B. , Lanman Todd H. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: As countries in COVID-19 pandemic lockdown begin relaxation of shelter-in-place mitigation strategies, the role of serology testing escalates in importance. However, there are no clear guidelines as to when to use qualitative rapid diagnostic serology tests (RDTs) vs. SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA load (PCR) tests as an aid in acute diagnosis of patients presenting with flu-like symptoms, nor how to interpret serology test results in asymptomatic individuals or those with atypical COVID-19 symptomatology. Here we describe, in the context of the likely first case of COVID-19 in California, with an atypical presentation and not tested acutely, who nearly 3 months later was found to be IgM- and IgG+ positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, highlighting the role of RDT-based serology testing and interpretation in retrospective diagnosis.Case Presentation: A 62-year-old male practicing neurosurgeon had onset of flu-like symptoms on January 20 with fatigue, slight cough only on deep inspiration, intermittent pleuritic chest pain unrelated to exertion, dyspnea, and night sweats but without fever, sore throat or rhinorrhea. He had recently traveled abroad but not to China. CT scan revealed right lower lobe infiltrate and effusion. Because of atypical symptoms, and low prevalence of COVID-19 in January, community acquired pneumonia was diagnosed and one week of doxycycline was prescribed without relief, followed by a second week of azithromycin with symptom remission. Three months later the physician-patient (author THL), tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies by a serology point-of-care rapid diagnostic test (RDT).Conclusions: Serology testing may be an aid in acute diagnosis of COVID-19, especially in patients with atypical presentations, as well as in assessment of asymptomatic higher-risk persons such as healthcare workers for prior infection. Recommendations for serology testing and interpretation are explicated.
Chemotherapy is not Necessary for Early-Stage Serous and Endometrioid Ovarian Cancer After Undergoing Comprehensive Staging Surgery
Authors: Li Shuqing , Zhu Zhiling 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: To investigate whether adjuvant chemotherapy was essential for patients with early-stage serous and endometrioid epithelial ovarian cancer，we collected data from the US Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database between 2004 and 2015. All subjects underwent comprehensive staging surgery and their pathological diagnoses were stage IA-IIA, grade 1-2. Ultimately, a total of 2,644 patients were enrolled in the study, among which 1,589 patients received platinum-based chemotherapy. Comparisons of categorical data were done by chi-square tests. Variables with P < 0.05 in univariate analysis were further analyzed using multiple logistic regression. Selection bias from the heterogeneity of demographic and clinical characteristics were avoided by propensity score matching. Cox proportional hazards models were applied to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), exploring the relationship between variables and 5-year overall survival.Results: After propensity score matching, patients with or without chemotherapy were equal number (n=925). Our results indicated that 65 years of age or older increased the hazard and was related to poor prognostic (HR = 1.486, CI = 1.208- 1.827, P < 0.001). Endometrioid carcinoma was associated with better 5-year overall survival than serous cystadenocarcinoma (HR = 0.697, CI = 0.584-0.833, P < 0.001). Chemotherapy could not prolong 5-year overall survival of early-stage serous and endometrioid ovarian cancer patients (HR = 1.092, CI = 0.954-1.249, P = 0.201).Conclusions: These results demonstrated that adjuvant chemotherapy was unnecessary for patients with early-stage serous and endometrioid ovarian cancer after they underwent comprehensive staging surgery.
The κ-statistics approach to epidemiology
Authors: Kaniadakis Giorgio , Baldi Mauro M. , Deisboeck Thomas S. , Grisolia Giulia , Hristopulos Dionissios T. , Scarfone Antonio M. , Sparavigna Amelia , Wada Tatsuaki , Lucia Umberto 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
A great variety of complex physical, natural and artificial systems are governed by statistical distributions, which often follow a standard exponential function in the bulk, while their tail obeys the Pareto power law. The recently introduced k-statistics framework predicts distribution functions with this feature. A growing number of applications in different fields of investigation are beginning to prove the relevance and effectiveness of k-statistics in fitting empirical data. In this paper, we use k-statistics to formulate a statistical approach for epidemiological analysis. We validate the theoretical results by fitting the derived k-Weibull distributions with data from the plague pandemic of 1417 in Florence as well as partial data (until April 16, 2020) from the COVID-19 pandemic in China. The fact that both the approximate dataset of the Florence plague and the partial data of the Covid-19 pandemic in China are well described by means of the proposed model suggests that the k-deformed Weibull model is relevant and that both datasets faithfully represent the spreading of the epidemics.
No Increased Risk for Scoliosis After Early Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy - A Longitudinal Population-Based Controlled Registry Study from four to 25 years of Age
Authors: Josenby Annika Lundkvist , Westbom Lena 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Spasticity interfering with gross motor development in cerebral palsy (CP) can be reduced with selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR). Although reported, it is unknown if SDR surgery increases the risk for later spine problems. Using CP-registry data from a geographically defined population with the same health care and habilitation services, the objectives were to compare reported scoliosis and spinal pain up to adult age in all SDR-operated with all non-SDR-operated individuals with same medical history, functional abilities, and level of spasticity at four years of age. Method In the total population with CP spastic diplegia in Skåne and Blekinge, born 1990-2006, 149 individuals had moderate to severe spasticity and no medical contraindications against SDR at four years of age and were included; 36 persons had undergone SDR at a median age of 4.0 years (range 2.5 – 6.6 years), and 113 individuals constituting the control group, had not. Data on scoliosis and spinal pain at 10, 15, 20 and 25 years of age were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Fisher’s exact test. Gross motor function classification (GMFCS) levels at four years of age (or pre-operatively) were used for stratification.Result Presence of scoliosis at 15, 20, and 25 years of age was the same in the SDR group as in the control group (p=0.734, 0.735 and 1.0). In severe functional disability (GMFCS IV), the SDR group had later onset and lower occurrence of scoliosis (p=0.004) than the control group. Frequency of reported spinal pain did not differ between the groups. Conclusion Neither scoliosis, nor spinal pain was more frequent after SDR than expected by natural history. On the contrary, in severe CP (GMFCS level IV), scoliosis was less frequently reported and had a later onset in the SDR group than in the same GMFCS-level control group.
Biomass loss in village ecosystem due to human-wildlife interaction in Western Himalayan region, India
Authors: Rawat Sushma , Nagar Bhuvnesh , Pandey Rajiv , Alatalo Juha M , Adhikari Bhupendra Singh 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Conservation faces the challenge of reconciling human activities with the simultaneous presence of wildlife in cultivated landscapes. In attempt to estimate biomass and associated carbon loss due to the removal of agroforestry trees species the present study was carried out in two villages of Pauri Garhwal. The results revealed that due to human-animal interaction caused substantial biomass loss (7.365 and 2.453 t ha-1) and carbon loss (3.386 and 15.133 t ha-1) in the two studied villages Manjgaon and Mald Bada, respectively. The estimates of the present study demands protecting existing forests and planting trees through reforestation and afforestation as a measure to enhance carbon sequestration capacity. The success of these management practices will depend on the potential to minimise human-animal interactions especially in the fringes of the village community and agricultural landscapes.
Inconsistent Reversal of HIV-1 Latency Ex Vivo by Antigens of HIV-1, CMV, and Other Infectious Agents
Authors: Vollbrecht Thomas , Angerstein Aaron O. , Menke Bryson , Kumar Nikesh M. , Oliveira Michelli Faria , Richman Douglas D. , Guatelli John C 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
BackgroundA reservoir of replication-competent but latent virus is the main obstacle to a cure for HIV-infection. Much of this reservoir resides in memory CD4 T cells. We hypothesized that these cells can be reactivated with antigens from HIV and other common pathogens to reverse latency. ResultsWe obtained mononuclear cells from the peripheral blood of antiretroviral-treated patients with suppressed viremia. We tested pools of peptides and proteins derived from HIV and from other pathogens including CMV for their ability to reverse latency ex vivo by activation of memory responses. We assessed activation of the CD4 T cells by measuring the up-regulation of cell-surface CD69. We assessed HIV-expression using two assays: a real-time PCR assay for virion-associated viral RNA and a droplet digital PCR assay for cell-associated, multiply spliced viral mRNA. Reversal of latency occurred in a minority of cells from some participants, but no single antigen induced HIV-expression ex vivo consistently. When reversal of latency was induced by a specific peptide pool or protein, the extent was proportionally greater than that of T cell activation. ConclusionsIn this group of patients in whom antiretroviral therapy was started during chronic infection, the latent reservoir does not appear to consistently reside in CD4 T cells of a predominant antigen-specificity. Peptide-antigens reversed HIV-latency ex vivo with modest and variable activity. When latency was reversed by specific peptides or proteins, it was proportionally greater than the extent of T cell activation, suggesting partial enrichment of the latent reservoir in cells of specific antigen-reactivity.
A comparative study of dementia knowledge, attitudes and care approach among Chinese nursing and medical students
Authors: Wang Yao , Xiao Lily Dongxia , Huang Rong 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
BackgroundDementia care requires inter-disciplinary collaboration starting from formal health professional education. Yet, little is known about how undergraduate medical and nursing students perceive dementia care in China. The aim of this study was to investigate undergraduate medical and nursing students’ knowledge, attitudes and care approach of dementia in China.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted. Students enrolled in a 5-year Bachelor of Medicine Program and a 4-year Bachelor of Nursing Program from four universities with campuses across Eastern, Western, Southern and Northern China were recruited into the study. Three validated instruments, Alzheimer’s Disease Knowledge Scale, the Dementia Care Attitude Scale and Approach to Advanced Dementia Care Questionnaire, were used to measure students’ dementia knowledge, attitudes and perceived care approach. Data were collected using a self-administered survey.ResultsThe number of medical and nursing students completing the survey was 526 and 467 respectively. Overall dementia knowledge was poor (19.49±2.82), but attitudes were generally positive (29.92±3.35). Medical students demonstrated higher dementia knowledge scores and showed less positive attitude scores than nursing students (p<0.05). We also observed that students would not apply a person-centered care approach. Findings also revealed statistically significant differences in care approach scores between medical and nursing students.ConclusionsStudy results highlight the urgent need to implement an inter-disciplinary approach to increasing dementia education among Chinese medical and nursing students, and ensuring that students have adequate knowledge, attitudes and experience in the care of people with dementia.
Influence of X Ray Computed Tomography (CT) Exposure and Reconstruction Parameters on Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Quantitation
Authors: Shon Ivan Ho , Reece Christopher , Hennessy Thomas , Horsfield Megan , McBride Bruce 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background:The CT of PET CT provides diagnostic information, anatomic localisation and attenuation correction (AC). When only ACis required very lose dose CT is desirable.CT Iterative reconstruction (IR) improves image quality with lower exposures however there is little data on very low dose IR CT for AC of PET. This work aims to assess the impact of CT exposure and reconstruction algorithm on PET voxel values.Method: An anthropomorphic torso phantom was filled with physiologically typical [18]F concentrations in heart, liver and background compartments. A 17mm diameter “tumour” was included in the right lung. PET was acquired followed by 24 CT acquisitions with varying CT exposures (15-50mAs, 80 – 120kVp, pitch 0.671 - 0.828). Each CT was reconstructed twice using filtered back projection (FBP) or IR and these used for AC of PET. Regions of interest (ROIs) were drawn in liver, soft tissue and over “tumour” on each test reconstruction (TR) and compared with the reference reconstruction (RR), (50mAs, 120kVp, pitch 0.828, IR). Comparison of voxel values in each TR compared to the RR was undertaken using a paired t-test and by calculating which and what proportion of voxels in each TR differed by a quantitatively significant difference (QSD) from the corresponding RR voxel.Results: TRs reconstructed using lower dose CTs underestimated mean and maximum ROI activity relative to the RR; greater with IR than FBP. Once CT dose index (CTDI)increased to 1 mGythe differences were less than QSD. On voxel analysis all TRs were significantly different to the RR (p <0.0001). TRs reconstructed at the lowest CT exposure with IR had 6% of voxels that differed by greater than the QSD. Differences were reduced with increasing CTDI and FBP reconstruction. Voxels which exceeded the QSD were spatially localised to regions of high activity, at interfaces between different attenuation and in areas of CT beam hardening.Conclusions: Very low dose CT exposures are feasible for accurate PET AC. Scanner specific validation should be employed prior very low dose CT AC for PET reconstruction.