bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
GRP78 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells is a new predictive marker for the benefit of taxanes in breast cancer neoadjuvant treatment
Authors: Raiter Annat , Lipovetzki Julia , Lubin Ido , Yerushalmi Rinat 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Breast cancer treatment is tailored to the specific cancer subtype. Often, systemic treatment is given prior to surgery. Chemotherapy induces significant endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-mediated cell death and upregulation of 78-kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP78). We hypothesized that chemotherapy induces ER stress not only in the tumor tissue but also in immune cells, which may affect the response to anti-cancer treatment.

Methods
We determined the surface expression of GRP78 on 15 different peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) subpopulations in 20 breast cancer patients at three time points of the neoadjuvant treatment, i.e., at baseline, after anthracycline treatment, and after taxanes treatment. For this purpose, we performed flow cytometric analyses and analyzed the data using ANOVA and the Tukey test. Serum cytokine levels were also evaluated, and their levels were correlated with response to treatment using the t-test after log transformation and Mann-Whitney U Wilcoxon W test.

Results
A significant increase in GRP78 expression in PBMCs was documented during the taxane phase, only in patients who achieved pathological complete response (pCR). GRP78-positive clones correlated with increased serum levels of interferon gamma (IFNγ).

Conclusions
The presence of GRP78-positive clones in certain PBMC subpopulations in pCR patients suggests a dynamic interaction between ER stress and immune responsiveness. The correlation of GRP78-positive clones with increased levels of IFNγ supports the idea that GRP78 expression in PBMCs might serve as a new predictive marker to identify the possible benefits of taxanes in the neoadjuvant setting.
Evaluation of microvascular network with optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO)
Authors: Chen Lulu , Yuan Mingzhen , Sun Lu , Wang Yuelin , Chen Youxin 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
To evaluate changes of microvascular network of macular and peripapillary regions and to provide a quantitative measurement of foveal avascular zone (FAZ) in unilateral BRVO patients.

Methods
Forty-seven unilateral BRVO patients and forty-seven normal controls were enrolled. A 3*3 mm scan centered on fovea followed by a 4.5*4.5 mm scan centered on optic nerve head (ONH) were obtained in BRVO eyes, fellow eyes and control eyes of each individual using OCTA (Optovue Inc., Fremont, CA, USA). Vessel density (VD) in superficial (SVC) and deep vascular complex (DVC) of macula and radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) were automatically calculated. Parameters of FAZ region including size, perimeter, acircularity index (AI) and foveal vessel density 300 (FD-300) were measured.

Results
VDs of SCV and DVC were significantly lower, especially in affected regions, in BRVO eyes compared with fellow eyes (P < 0.05). BRVO affected eyes has larger FAZ size, FAZ perimeter, AI and lower FD-300 compared with fellow eyes (all P < 0.05). VD of SVC and FD-300 were lower in fellow eyes compared with normal control eyes (P < 0.05). The average vessel density in whole area and peripapillary area in BRVO eyes were significantly lower compared with fellow eyes (P < 0.05). VD of inside disc in fellow eyes was lower than normal eyes (P < 0.05).

Conclusions
OCTA provided quantitative information of vascular changes in BRVO. FAZ in BRVO eyes showed significant morphological alterations and decreases of VD in surrounding area. Decreases of VD existed not only in SVC and DVC in macular region but also in RPCs in BRVO eyes. Unaffected eyes of unilateral BRVO showed vascular abnormalities in superficial retinal layer, peri-FAZ area and also peripapillary regions.
Acute retinal detachment after Nd:YAG treatment for vitreous floaters and postertior capsule opacification: a case report
Authors: Liu Xiuduo , Wang Qian , Zhao Jie 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Modern laser surgery uses Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy for posterior capsule opacification (PCO) and Nd:YAG laser vitreolysis for symptomatic vitreous floaters (VF). We report a case of acute retinal detachment seven days after Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy combined with Nd:YAG laser vitreolysis and analyze the cause of this complication.

Case presentation
A 58-year-old myopic woman complained of decreased visual acuity and symptomatic floaters with her left eye for 3 months. We found she had significant PCO and VF in the posterior vitreous. She underwent neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum (Nd:YAG) laser vitreolysis immediately after Nd:YAG capsulotomy. After 7 days, she complained of rapid vision decline and dark shadows in her treated eye. We found she had a acute severe rhegmentogenous retinal detachment (RD) involving the macula. Then she underwent vitrectomy, retinal reattchment and silicone oil tamponade surgery immediately. Six months later, silicone oil was removed and the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of her left eye gradually improved to 10/20 and maintained during a 1-year follow-up period.

Conclusion
As myopic patients are at risk of developing retinal detachment, Nd:YAG vitreolysis and capsulotomy should be performed with caution. The laser energy should be as low as possible and careful focus is necessary to reduce interference to the retina.
The NHS visitor and migrant cost recovery programme – a threat to health?
Authors: Potter J. L. , Burman M. , Tweed C. D. , Vaghela D. , Kunst H. , Swinglehurst D. , Griffiths C. J. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
In April 2014 the UK government launched the ‘NHS Visitor and Migrant Cost Recovery Programme Implementation Plan’ which set out a series of policy changes to recoup costs from ‘chargeable’ (largely non-UK born) patients. In England, approximately 75% of tuberculosis (TB) cases occur in people born abroad. Delays in TB treatment increase risk of morbidity, mortality and transmission in the community. We investigated whether diagnostic delay has increased since the Cost Recovery Programme (CRP) was introduced.

Methods
There were 3342 adult TB cases notified on the London TB Register across Barts Health NHS Trust between 1st January 2011 and 31st December 2016. Cases with missing relevant information were excluded. The median time between symptom onset and treatment initiation before and after the CRP was calculated according to birthplace and compared using the Mann Whitney test. Delayed diagnosis was considered greater or equal to median time to treatment for all patients (79 days). Univariable logistic regression was used to manually select exposure variables for inclusion in a multivariable model to test the association between diagnostic delay and the implementation of the CRP.

Results
We included 2237 TB cases. Among non-UK born patients, median time-to-treatment increased from 69 days to 89 days following introduction of CRP (p < 0.001). Median time-to-treatment also increased for the UK-born population from 75.5 days to 89.5 days (p = 0.307). The multivariable logistic regression model showed non-UK born patients were more likely to have a delay in diagnosis after the CRP (adjOR 1.37, 95% CI 1.13–1.66, p value 0.001).

Conclusion
Since the introduction of the CRP there has been a significant delay for TB treatment among non-UK born patients. Further research exploring the effect of policies restricting access to healthcare for migrants is urgently needed if we wish to eliminate TB nationally.
Informal workplaces and their comparative effects on the health of street vendors and home-based garment workers in Yangon, Myanmar: a qualitative study
Authors: Ko Ko Thant , Dickson-Gomez Julia , Yasmeen Gisèle , Han Wai Wai , Quinn Katherine , Beyer Kirsten , Glasman Laura 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundGlobally, two billion workers are employed informally but there is limited research on the relationship between informal work and health. Existing studies have focused on informality as an employment condition, with little emphasis on the diversity of physical and social contexts in which informal work takes place. The study considers the diversity of informal workplaces and explores the ways in which this diversity might influence health and well-being of two informal occupational groups in Yangon, the former capital of Myanmar.MethodsWe conducted 21 field observations and 47 semi-structured interviews with street vendors and home-based garment workers based in Yangon, Myanmar. A constant comparative method was used to identify and compare how the physical characteristics of their informal workplaces affect their health for these two informal subgroups.ResultsAlthough both street vendors and home-based garment workers work informally, their exposure to occupational health and income risks are specific to the physical features of their informal workplaces. Street vendors, who work in public spaces with minimal coverage, are more likely to experience the direct effects of outdoor pollution, inclement weather and ergonomic risks from lifting, carrying and transporting heavy merchandise while home-based garment workers, many of whom live and work in unsanitary housing and deprived neighborhoods, are more likely to experience pollution in or near their homes, and ergonomic risks from poor posture. Similarly, although both groups face safety challenges, street vendors face urban violence and abuse during their commute and at vending points whereas home-based garment workers felt unsafe in their home-based workplaces due to the presence of crime and violence in their neighborhoods.ConclusionWhile informal employment is universally characterized by lack of social protection, exposure to occupational health and income risks for subpopulations of informal workers is determined by the specific physical and social environments of their workplaces. Efforts to improve the health of informal workers should consider the contexts in which informal work takes place to develop tailored interventions for subpopulations of informal workers.
What are the psychometric properties of a menstrual hygiene management scale: a community-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Ramaiya Astha , Sood Suruchi 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
The last decade has highlighted how menstrual hygiene management (MHM) is a public health issue because of its link to health, education, social justice and human rights. However, measurement of MHM has not been validated across different studies. The objective of this manuscript was to test the psychometric properties of a MHM scale.

Methods
An embedded mixed-method design was utilized. The girls (age 12–19) were from three districts of Uttar Pradesh (Mirzapur, Jaunpur and Sonebhadra), India. A total of 2212 girls participated in the structured questionnaire. Trained interviewers collected the data on tablets using computer assisted personal interviewing. A total of 36 FGDs were conducted among 309 girls between. Trained moderators collected the data. Factor analysis and thematic analysis was conducted to analyze and triangulate the data.

Results
More than 90% of the girls were from a marginalized caste. Overall, 28% of the girls practiced all six MHM behaviors adequately. The factor analysis found five separate constructs corresponding to menstrual health and hygiene management (MHHM) with a variation of 84% and eigenvalue of 1.7. Preparation of clean absorbent, storage of clean absorbent, frequency of changing and disposal loaded separately, corresponding to menstrual health. Privacy to change and hygiene loaded together (eigenvalue 0.91 each), corresponding to hygiene management. An underlying theme from the FGD was menstruation as a taboo and lack of privacy for changing the absorbent.

Conclusion
MHM is multi-dimensional construct comprising of behaviors which were time-bound by menstruation (menstrual health) and behaviors not time-bound by menstruation (hygiene management). Based on these results, the author recommends that MHHM is used as an acronym in the future and proposes a revised definition for MHHM.
Why is tobacco control progress in Indonesia stalled? - a qualitative analysis of interviews with tobacco control experts
Authors: Astuti Putu Ayu Swandewi , Assunta Mary , Freeman Becky 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundIndonesia shoulders a significant tobacco burden, with almost two million cases of tobacco-related illnesses and more than two hundred thousand tobacco-related deaths annually. Indonesian tobacco control is progressing but lags behind other countries. Our study evaluates factors that contribute to the slow progress of tobacco policy change in Indonesia from the perspective of tobacco control experts (TCEs).MethodWe conducted qualitative interviews with four international and ten national TCEs, who have been active in tobacco control for at least 5 years. Our interview guideline included questions on the current tobacco control situation in Indonesia and explored reasons why tobacco control is progressing so slowly. The interviews were conducted either in English or Bahasa Indonesia, recorded and then transcribed verbatim. We conducted a thematic analysis based on five core causal factors for policy adoption: institutions, networks, socio-economic factors, agendas and ideas.ResultsThe multistage delay of tobacco policy adoption is principally due to political structures and policy hierarchy, complex bureaucracy, unclear roles and responsibilities, and a high degree of corruption. The low bargaining position and lack of respect for the Ministry of Health also contributes. There are contrasting frames of tobacco as a strategic economic asset and tobacco control as a sovereignty threat. There is an imbalance of power and influence between well entrenched and resourced tobacco industry networks compared to relatively young and less established tobacco control networks. The policy agenda is likely influenced by the privileged position of tobacco in Indonesia as a socially acceptable product with high consumption. There are constraints on transferring ideas and evidence to successful policy adoption.ConclusionTobacco companies have substantially influenced both policy decisions and public perceptions, signifying a power imbalance within the government system and broader networks. Acceding to and enforcing the World Health Organization- Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO-FCTC) would enable the Indonesian government to shift the power imbalance towards public health stakeholders. Tobacco control advocates must enhance their network cohesion and embrace other community groups to improve engagement and communication with policymakers.
Determinants of health-related quality of life among human immunodeficiency virus positive (HIV-positive) patients at Ahmadu Bello University teaching hospital, Zaria, Nigeria- 2015
Authors: Suleiman Bello Abdullahi , Yahaya Mohammed , Olaniyan F. A. , Sule A. G. , Sufiyan M. B. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
The advent of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) is associated with improved clinical and laboratory outcomes resulting in prolonged life and well-being of people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (PLHIV). However, the needs for life-long therapy, medications’ side effects and stigma have raised concerns about their quality of life (QOL). This study assessed the determinants of Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among HIV-positive patients at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH) Zaria.

Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional study of 353 HIV-positive adults on HAART attending the HIV clinic of ABUTH, Zaria. The participants were recruited into the study using a systematic sampling technique. Data on socio-demographics, medical parameters, QOL and family functionality were collected using structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire. The World Health Organization (WHO) Quality of Life HIV short form instrument (WHOQOL-HIV BREF) item and Family APGAR tool were respectively used in assessing the QOL and family functionality of the participants. We performed univariate, bivariate and multivariate analysis.

Results
Mean age was 39.1(±10.9) years, 239 (67.7%) were females, 208 (58.9%) were Hausa-Fulani, 240 (68.2%) married and up to 210 (59.4%) had at least a secondary education. The overall mean scores on the scale of 4–20 for HRQOL were similar in three domains: environment domain 14.5(±2.8); social relationship 14.4(±3.1) and level of independence 14.4(±2.5). Lower scores were recorded in spirituality/religion/personal beliefs 12.3(±4.3). Identified determinants of HRQOL were spousal HIV- positive status (AOR = 3.37; CI; 1.46–7.74) and high family function (AOR = 2.57; CI: 1.51–4.39).

Conclusion
Having highly functional family and having HIV-positive partner were the major determinants of HRQOL. Routine family counselling and strengthening the HIV social-support network should be incorporated into the routine patients’ care in HIV treatment centers.
Antibiotic use and resistance: an unprecedented assessment of university students’ knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) in Lebanon
Authors: Sakr Samer , Ghaddar Ali , Hamam Bassam , Sheet Imtithal 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
The emergence and spread of pathogenic bacteria that is resistant to antibiotics has become a major public health concern. The incorrect prescription, inappropriate consumption and excess use of antimicrobial drugs, specifically antibiotics, are possibly the main factors contributing to the widespread of antibiotic resistant bacteria. This study aims to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) towards the use of antibiotics as well as their resistance among Lebanese university students in health and non-health related majors.

Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted between May and June 2019 in Beirut (Lebanon) in which 750 students completed a questionnaire made up of four dimensions: Socio-demographic characteristics, 3 questions; assessment of knowledge, attitude and practices, 7, 10 and 1 question, respectively. The data was collected in spreadsheets and analysed with descriptive statistics. The difference in mean scores in each of the knowledge, attitude and practices dimensions between health and non-health related major students was analysed using t-student tests and the difference in percentages using chi-square tests.

Results
Almost 78% of respondents from the health related majors scored high knowledge compared to only 41% of non-health related majors (mean = 4.26; standard error = 0.05 versus mean = 3.41; standard error = 0.13, respectively). The attitude score of the health related major students (35.42%) was positive and more satisfactory compared to the non-health related students (7.32%); (mean = 9.34; standard error = 0.05 versus mean = 9.10; standard error = 0.21, respectively). However, the difference in the scores of attitudes was not statistically significant.

Conclusions
Interventions to promote awareness in this area should focus more students in on non-health related majors.
Socioeconomic variations in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment in rural Southwest China
Authors: Cai Le , Wang Xu-Ming , Fan Lu-Ming , Shen Jing-Rong , Liu Ying-Nan , Golden Allison Rabkin 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major and growing cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. However, there remains a limited understanding of the association between individual socioeconomic status (SES) and COPD diagnosis and treatment worldwide, including in China. This study investigates socioeconomic variations in prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment of COPD in rural China.

Methods
The present study employed a cross-sectional survey design. The study population was composed of Han majority as well as Na Xi and Bai ethnic minority individuals 35 years of age and older living in Yunnan Province from 2017 to 2019. In total, 7534 individuals consented to participate in the study and complete a structured interview as well as a post-bronchodilator spirometry test. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the association between individual socioeconomic status variables and the prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment of COPD.

Results
The age-standardized prevalence of COPD in the present study was 14.3%. Prevalence differed by gender: prevalence for men was 17.1%, versus 11.4% for women (P = 0.0001). Overall, levels of diagnosis and treatment of COPD for participants with COPD were 24.2 and 23.1%, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression indicated that higher educational levels and good access to medical services was associated with an overall lower risk of COPD (P = 0.032 vs. P = 0.018) as well as a higher probability of COPD diagnosis among those with COPD (P = 0.0001 vs. P = 0.002). Participants with COPD with higher educational levels (P = 0.0001) and higher annual household incomes (P = 0.0001) as well as good access to medical services (P = 0.016) were more likely to receive COPD medications and treatment than their counterparts. While Na Xi and Bai participants had a higher probability of having COPD (P = 0.0001), they had a lower probability of having received a diagnosis or treatment for COPD than Han participants (P = 0.0001 vs. P = 0.0012).

Conclusions
Future interventions to further control COPD and improve diagnosis and treatment should focus on ethnic minority communities, and those with low education levels, low annual household incomes, and poor access to medical services.
Poncirin attenuates CCL4-induced liver injury through inhibition of oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines in mice
Authors: Ullah Hadayat , Khan Ashrafullah , Baig Muhammad Waleed , Ullah Naseem , Ahmed Naveed , Tipu Muhammad Khalid , Ali Hussain , Khan Salman 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
In the present study, the poncirin which is flavonoid-7-o-glycosides (isolated from the Poncirus trifoliata) in nature was evaluated against the Carbon tetra chloride (CCL4)-induced liver injury. The poncirin have been reported for various anti-inflammatory, analgesic activity etc. Based on the previous studies it was anticipated that the poncirin will ameliorate CCL4-induced liver injury.

Methods
The CCL4-induced acute and chronic liver injury model (albino BALB/c mice) was used. Following the induction of the liver injury various parameters such as food and water intake, body weight and weight to dry ratio changes were assessed. Furthermore, various hematological, biochemical parameters and histological studies such as hemotoxylin and eosin (H and E) staining were performed. The poncirin treatment was also evaluated against the pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) using enzyme link immunosorbant assay (ELISA). The Swiss Target prediction software was used to investigate interaction of the poncirin on the various hepatic enzymes.

Results
The poncirin treatment markedly improved the behavioral parameters such as food and water intake. The liver weight variation was attenuated and total body was improved markedly. The hematological and biochemical parameters were significantly improved compared to the CCL4 treated groups. The anti-oxidants were induced, while oxidative stress markers were reduced promisingly. The H and E staining showed that poncirin treatment significantly improved the histology of liver compared to the CCL4 treated group. Furthermore, the poncirin treatment also evidently decreased the inflammatory mediators.

Conclusions
The poncirin treatment showed marked improvement in behavioral, biochemical and histological parameters following CCL4-induced liver injury. Additionally, the poncirin treatment also markedly improved the antioxidant enzymes, attenuated the oxidative stress markers and inflammatory cytokines.