bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Poor housing construction is associated with contracting malaria in a rural area south of Zimbabwe: A Case-control Study
Authors: Mundagowa Paddington Tinashe , Chimberengwa Pugie T. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Ninety percent of the global annual malaria mortality cases emanate from the African region. About 80-90% of malaria transmissions in sub-Saharan Africa occur indoors during the night. In Zimbabwe, 79% of the population are at risk of contracting the disease. Although the country has made significant progress towards malaria elimination, isolated seasonal outbreaks persistently resurface. In 2017, Beitbridge District was experiencing a second malaria outbreak within twelve months prompting the need for investigating the outbreak. Methods An unmatched 1:1 case-control study was conducted to establish the risk factors associated with contracting malaria in Ward 6 of Beitbridge District from week 36 to week 44 of 2017. The sample size constituted of 75 randomly selected cases and 75 purposively selected controls. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and Epi Info version 7 was used to conduct descriptive, bivariate and multivariate analyses of the factors associated with contracting malaria. Results Fifty-two percent of the cases were females and the mean age of cases was 29±13 years. Cases were diagnosed using rapid diagnosed tests. Sleeping in a house with open eaves (OR: 2.97; 95%CI: 1.44-6.16; p<0.01), spending the evenings outdoors (OR: 2.24; 95%CI: 1.04-4.85; p=0.037) and sleeping in a poorly constructed house (OR: 4.33; 95%CI: 1.97-9.51; p<0.01) were significantly associated with contracting malaria while closing eaves was protective (OR:0.45; 95%CI: 0.20-1.02; p=0.055). After using backward stepwise logistic regression, sleeping in a poorly constructed house was still associated with getting sick from malaria (AOR: 5.88; 95%CI: 1.11-31.30; p=0.038). Those who had mosquito nets did not use them consistently. The district health team and the rural health center were well prepared for an outbreak response despite having limited human resources. Conclusion Health promotion messages should emphasize the importance of closing the entry points of the malaria vector, and the construction of better houses in the future. Residents had to be educated in the importance of consistent use of mosquito nets. The district had to improve malaria preventive measures like distribution of mosquito nets and lobby for more human resources to assist with malaria surveillance thus, curbing the recurrence of malaria outbreaks.
Atrial septal defect closure in a young patient presenting with recurrent cryptogenic stroke: A case report
Authors: Nazer Rakan 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background : Having an inter-atrial shunt in the form of a patent foramen ovale or atrial septal defect increases the risk of developing a cryptogenic stroke. Prompt action is required in order to prevent stroke recurrence. The source of embolization may not be clear on stroke workup. Case presentation : A young female acutely presented with recurrent embolizations to the eye and brain. She was found to have an atrial septal defect. No clear intra-cardiac source of embolization was detected on workup including trans-esophageal echocardiography. Given the options between surgical versus device closure, the attending team opted for the surgical closure which yielded on direct left heart inspection small organized clots adherent to the tips of the mitral valve leaflets. Conclusions : The case report illustrates the potential advantages of the direct surgical closure in detecting and extracting the embolization source in patients who present with recurrent cryptogenic stroke.
Safety analysis of early oral feeding after esophagectomy in patients complicated with diabetes
Authors: Jiang Zhisheng , Luo Jing , Xu Mengqing , Cong Zhuangzhuang , Ji Saiguang , Diao Yifei , Xu Yang , Shen Yi 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Objective To evaluate the safety of early oral feeding in patients with type II diabetes after radical resection of esophageal carcinoma. Methods The clinical data of 121 patients with type II diabetes who underwent radical resection of esophageal carcinoma in the department of cardiothoracic surgery of Jinling Hospital from January 2016 to December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the median time of starting postoperative oral feeding, the patients were divided into early oral feeding group (EOF, 67 cases) and late oral feeding group (LOF, 54 cases). Postoperative blood glucose level, incidence of complications, nutritional index (ALB, PA, TRF, Hb), immune indexes (IgA, IgG, IgM), inflammatory indexes(CRP, IL-6), normalized T12-SMA, and QLQ-C30 (Quality Of Life Questionnaire) scores were recorded and compared in the two groups. Results There was no statistical difference in preoperative nutritional index and postoperative complication rates between the two groups (p>0.05). The postoperative nutritional index (ALB, PA, TRF, Hb) and immune index (IgA, IgG, IgM) of the EOF group were higher than those of the LOF group (p<0.05), and the inflammatory indicators (CRP, IL-6) of the EOF group were significantly lower than those of the LOF group (p<0.05). Moreover, postoperative T12-SMA variation and QLQ-C30 scores of the EOF group were better than those in LOF group (p<0.05). Conclusions Early oral feeding is safe and feasible for patients with type II diabetes after radical resection of esophageal cancer, and it can improve short-term nutritional status and postoperative life quality of the patients.
Statistical field theory of the transmission of nerve impulses
Authors: Balzo Gianluigi Zangari del 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Stochastic processes leading voltage-gated ion channel dynamics on the nerve cell membrane are a su cient condition to describe membrane conductance through statistical mechanics of disordered and complex systems.Results Voltage-gated ion channels in the nerve cell membrane are described by the Ising model. Stochastic circuital elements called ”Ising machines” are introduced. Action potentials are described as quasi-particles of a statistical field theory for the Ising system.Conclusions The corpuscolar description of action potentials is a new powerful tool to describe the generation and propagation of nerve impulses, especially when conventional electrophysiological models break down. It allows us to develop new hardware and software devices based on particle physics to study neurodegenerative and demyelinating diseases (Multiple Sclerosis), even integrated by connectomes. It is also suitable for the study of complex networks, cryptography, machine learning, quantum computing and many other applications of medical, physical and engineering interest.
EZH2 inhibitors-mediated epigenetic reactivation of FOSB inhibits triple-negative breast cancer progress
Authors: Zhang Ruishan , Li Xiang , Liu Zhuangkai , Wang Yuying , Zhang Hao , Xu Hong 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUND Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive subtype of breast cancer that lacks expression of estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) and the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) gene. Chemotherapy remains the standard of care for TNBC treatment, but considerable patients are very resistant to chemotherapy. Mutations or aberrant upregulation of EZH2 occur frequently, and EZH2 inhibitor (EZH2i) showed some preclinic antitumor effects in TNBC. METHODS RNA-seq data of 3 TNBC cell lines either treated with 2 μM GSK343, or stably transduced with shEHZ2, compared to untreated controls (GSE112378) were analyzed by Limma R package. The Kaplan Meier plotter (KM plotter) database was used to assess the relevance of FOSB mRNA expression to relapse-free survival (RFS) in TNBC. Cell number counting and colony formation assays were used to detect the biological effect of FOSB on the growth of TNBC cells in vitro. The effect of FOSB on TNBC tumor growth in vivo was investigated in a mice tumor xenograft model. Luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation (Chip) assays were used to determine the regulatory roles of C/EBPβ on FOSB expression. RESULTS We found that FOSB, a member of the activator protein-1 complex, was a direct downstream target of EZH2. FOSB was significantly decreased in TNBC samples and associated with better relapse-free survival (RFS). EZH2-mediated histone 3 trimethylated on lysine 27 (H3K27me3), a marker of silent chromatin conformation, at the FOSB promoter inhibited it expression. Depletion of FOSB in TNBC cells promoted cell proliferation in vitro and tumor growth in vitro by inactivating the p53 pathway and conferred resistant to EZH2 inhibitor (EZH2i). Mechanistically, EZH2i promotes the shift from H3K27me3 to H3K27ac at the FOSB promoter, and recruits the transcription factor C/EBPβ to activate FOSB gene transcription. CONCLUSION Together, our results suggest that EZH2-mediated epigenetic inactivation of FOSB promotes TNBC expression and demonstrate that reactivation of FOSB expression by C/EBPβ underlies the anti-TNBC action of EZH2is.
Self-organizing topology for energy-efficient ad-hoc communication networks of mobile devices
Authors: Banerjee Indushree , Warnier Martijn , Brazier Frances M. T 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
When physical communication network infrastructures fail, infrastructure-less communication networks such as mobile ad-hoc networks (MANET), can provide an alternative. This, however, requires MANETs to be adaptable to dynamic contexts characterized by the changing density and mobility of devices and availability of energy sources. To address this challenge, this paper proposes a decentralized context-adaptive topology control protocol. The protocol consists of three algorithms and uses preferential attachment based on the energy availability of devices to form a loop-free scale-free adaptive topology for an ad-hoc communication network.

The proposed protocol has a number of advantages. First, it is adaptive to the environment, hence applicable in scenarios where the number of participating mobile devices and their availability of energy resources is always changing. Second, it is energy-efficient through changes in the topology. This means it can be flexibly be combined with different routing protocols. Third, the protocol requires no changes on the hardware level. This means it can be implemented on all current phones, without any recalls or investments in hardware changes.

The evaluation of the protocol in a simulated environment confirms the feasibility of creating and maintaining a self-adaptive ad-hoc communication network, consisting of multitudes of mobile devices for reliable communication in a dynamic context.
Acceptability of a role for community health workers in integrated mental health care for perinatal depression: a qualitative study from Surabaya, Indonesia
Authors: Surjaningrum Endang Retno , Minas Harry , Jorm Anthony Francis , Kakuma Ritsuko 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Integrated antenatal care in Indonesia has the potential to extend the role of community health workers (CHWs) to include the identification of perinatal depression in the community and referral to primary health care (PHC) centres, which is an example of task-sharing. This study aimed to examine the acceptability of this type of task-sharing in perinatal depression in Surabaya.Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants from four PHC stakeholder groups. 62 participants were recruited from PHC centres, villages and integrated health service posts, the district health office, and one hospital. Data were analysed using framework analysis.Results: More than ninety percent of participants accepted or conditionally accepted task-sharing in perinatal depression. Acceptability was influenced by the perceived benefits of task-sharing, the convenience of the service delivery, the existence of cases of perinatal depression perceived by stakeholders, personal characteristics of CHWs, and the scope of their responsibility within existing tasks. Acceptability was limited by stigma of mental health problems, confidentiality, CHWs’ perceived self-capacity, lack of confidence in CHWs’ competencies, and the objectives of task-sharing in depression identification.Conclusion: Results indicate the need to enhance CHWs’ knowledge about perinatal depression and the needs of users, and CHWs’ competencies in identifying depression. Stigma influences potential health service users’ attitudes to mental health services and help-seeking and help-providing behaviours among service providers, and can reduce motivation to use and to provide services.
Schizophrenia in the Context of Mental Health Services in Palestine
Authors: Marie Mohammad , Shaabna Zareefa , Saleh Manahel 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Mental health conditions are a significant cause of disability in the Arab World. Palestinians are especially at a higher risk for mental health problems due to their chronic exposure to political violence, prolonged displacement, and others as a limited professional, educational, financial opportunities, and mental health services. Schizophrenia is an overwhelming mental illness that affects nearly one percent of the various populations throughout the world. Studies have shown that people with schizophrenia die prematurely and have lower life expectancy compared to the general population. Moreover, antipsychotic medications and the client’s lifestyle play an important role in increased morbidity and mortality in these clients. The present study undertakes a literature review of research on schizophrenia in the context of mental health services in Palestine.Methods: Studies were identified through PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, CINAHL, Semantic Scholar, Elsevier, and the reading of complementary references from August-November 2019. Results: Twenty-four studies were included in this review. Eleven articles related to schizophrenia and thirteen articles related to mental health services in Westbank and Gaza. Results revealed that the life of schizophrenic patients in Palestine is complicated. Barriers as lacking awareness about mental illness, stigma, inconsistent availability of medications, absence of multidisciplinary teamwork, insufficient specialists, fragmented mental health system, occupation, and other obstacles stand in the face of improving the quality of life among schizophrenic patients.Conclusions Recommendations include ending the occupation as the leading cause of mental illness for Palestinians and implementing efficient and effective mental health nursing care through the multidisciplinary work and raising awareness regarding mental illness to fight the stigma, should be applied.
Effectiveness of behavioral interventions for autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review
Authors: Bashirian Saeid , Afshari Maryam , Jenabi Ensiyeh , Moradi Ali 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is identified by a group of neurodevelopmental disorders. Given the importance and demand for behavioral interventions in autism disorder as well as the need for new intervention programs, a detailed evaluation of the outcomes of interventions for the ongoing impact of behavioral interventions for autism spectrum disorder is essential. In view of the importance of, and demand for, novel behavioural interventions in autism disorder, a comprehensive evaluation of the outcomes of interventions for the ongoing impact of behavioral interventions for autism spectrum disorder is necessary.Method: A systematic search of the electronic databases including PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Sciencedirect, ISI Web of Science, and Biomedcentral were conducted to find evidences for the effectiveness of behavioral interventions for autism spectrum disorders. The search strategy was based on exploring studies published in different global languages from the earliest to 2019 databases. In addition to the databases mentioned above, relevant studies were searched using forward and backward citation tracing.Results:In the present review, 48 randomized controlled trials (RCTs),and 44 quasi-experimental articles matched the defined evaluation criteria. Eighty-three out of 93 studies were conducted in high-income countries, the results of which raised the challenges associated with acceptability of conducting those studies in low- and middle-income countries. The majority of those studies (93.5%) were classified as having either low or medium quality. From those studies, 32 studies used integrative programs, and 30 studies used social skills development interventions.The majority of the studies were based on integrative programs designed to foster social skills development interventions. The results of the study showed that social skills development interventions were effective in changing the desired outcomes. The results showed that,regardless of the study design and the type of intervention used, the possibility for success of interventions were greater in changing the participants' social skills.Conclusions :There were inconsistent evidence on the effectiveness of interventions in providing changes in targeted outcomes. There is a need for further investigation in behavioral interventions for autism spectrum disorders. Further research is needed to understand the effectiveness of other interventions and finding a quality interventions to achieve more significant results.
Subclinical Hypothyroidism In Childhood, Treatment Or Only Follow-Up?
Authors: Murillo-Vallés Marta , Martinez Santiago , Aguilar-Riera Cristina , Garcia-Martin Miguel Angel , Bel Joan Comós , Granada Maria Luisa Ybern 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Subclinical hypothyroidism is defined as serum levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) above the upper limit with normal concentrations of free T4 (fT4). Its management remains challenging. The aim of the study was to evaluate clinical and laboratory findings as well as clinical course of children with SH followed in a third level hospital. 65 patients aged between 2 and 18 years were retrospectively studied. Methods: The patients were followed for a median period of 9 months (range 6 months to 24 months). Those who normalized TSH levels were discharged (Group 1). If TSH persisted mild elevated (5-10µUI/mL) with normal fT4 and negative TPOAb/TgAb were classified as Group 2 and followed semiannually without treatment. In those patients who’s TSH raised ≥10µUI/mL or maintained TSH 5-10µUI/mL and positive TPOAb/TgAb were considered suitable for thyroxin therapy (Group 3, G3). Results: By ROC curves analysis we tested which initial TSH concentration best discriminated between patients who reverted to normality (Group 1) from those who finally required treatment (Group 3), the best cut-off being a TSH concentration >8.1µUI/mL (93.18% E, 57.14% S, AUC 0.765±0.107, p= 0.01). In 89% of our patients, TSH concentrations spontaneously reverted to normality or remained stable without treatment, whereas less than 11% progressed to clinical hypothyroidism. Conclusion: patients with initial TSH concentrations above 8.1µUI/mL have an increased risk of progression to hypothyroidism.
Open discectomy versus microscopic discectomy for lumbar disc herniation
Authors: Hamawandi Sherwan , Sulaiman Injam Ibrahim , Al-Humairi Ameer Kadhim 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Discectomy for symptomatic lumbar disc herniation is the most common surgical procedure in spine surgery. Lumbar discectomy can be done by traditional open method or by varieties of minimal invasive techniques mainly microscopic or endoscopic procedures. This study evaluates the effectiveness of microdiscectomy compared with open discectomy in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation as a relation to the relief of leg pain, post-operative back pain, postoperative hospital stay and returns to daily activity. Methods Sixty patients were included in this study, 30 patients underwent an open discectomy and 30 patients underwent microdiscectomy. Those patients were followed up for 12 months after surgery. Each patient was evaluated for the postoperative back pain, leg pain, duration of hospital stay postoperatively and return to sedentary daily activity. The methods used to evaluate each patient are Visual analogue scale for back pain and leg pain and Oswestry disability index. Results Results showed that there is a significant difference in the postoperative back pain, duration of postoperative hospital stay and the time of return to sedentary daily activities between open discectomy and microdiscectomy with superiority for microdiscectomy while there is no significant difference in the relieving leg pain between the open discectomy and microdiscectomy. Conclusion Microdisctomy is effective as open discectomy in the aspect of relieving the leg pain with the advantage of less postoperative back pain, less postoperative hospital stay and early return to sedentary daily activities.
Bayesian factor analysis in primary care: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Zhang Hao , Schuster Tibor 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Bayesian factor analysis allows for efficient use of preliminary data and information that corresponds to the increasing needs of questionnaire construct validation in primary care research. This systematic review will summarise evidence on the current use of Bayesian factor analysis in primary care.Methods: We will adopt a comprehensive search strategy to identify relevant literature (research studies in primary care) indexed in PubMed, Medline, Scopus, EMBASE, CINAHL and Cochrane Library. The search strategy will include terms (and synonyms) for Bayesian statistics, factor analysis and primary care. We will conduct forward and backward searches manually on the references of articles that meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria to further identify eligible studies. Multiple reviewers will conduct data extraction independently. The analyses will include descriptive synthesis summarizing features about the use and reporting of the respective Bayesian factor analysis approach.Discussion: This systematic review will provide a bird view of the current use of Bayesian factor analysis in primary care and provide recommendations for its proper future use in primary care and beyond. Systematic review registration : PROSPERO registration number: CRD42018114978 Keywords: Bayesian, factor analysis, primary care, family medicine
Pre-treatment De Ritis ratio serves as a potential prognostic biomarker in renal cell carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Jinze , Peng Lei , Li Jinming , Cheng Bo , Gou Haocheng , Li Yunxiang 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Previous studies have evaluated the associations of aspartate transaminase to alanine transaminase (De Ritis) ratio with clinical outcome of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), but the findings are inconsistent. We therefore performed this meta-analysis to explore the prognostic value of the pre-treatment De Ritis ratio in patients with RCC.Methods PubMed, EMBASE, Science and Cochrane Library were searched systematically to identify all eligible studies as of February 2020. The hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were extracted to evaluate their correlation.Results A total of 5,025 patients from 8 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Patients with an increased pre-treatment De Ritis ratio had worse overall survival (HR = 1.52, 95% CI 1.27 to 1.82, P < 0.001), cancer-specific survival (HR = 1.81, 95% CI 1.47 to 2.23, P < 0.001), progression-free survival (HR = 1.24, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.47, P = 0.011), and metastasis-free survival (HR = 1.61, 95% CI 1.25 to 2.07, P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis according to disease stage and cut-of value revealed that De Ritis ratio had a significant prognostic value for OS and PFS in all subgroups.Conclusion The available evidence suggests that an increased De Ritis ratio was significantly correlated with worse survival in patients with RCC. Pre-treatment De Ritis ratio may serve as a potential prognostic biomarker in patients with RCC, but further studies are warranted to support these results.