bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
3D culture platform of human iPSCs-derived nociceptors for peripheral nerve modelling and tissue innervation
Authors: Malheiro Afonso , Harichandan Abhishek , Bernardi Joyce , Seijas-Gamardo Adrian , Konings Gonda , Volders Paul , Romano Andrea , Mota Carlos , Wieringa Paul , Moroni Lorenzo 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Functional humanized in vitro nerve models are coveted as an alternative to animal models due to their ease of access, lower cost, clinical relevance and no need for recurrent animal sacrifice. To this end, we developed a sensory nerve model using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)-derived nociceptors that are electrically active and exhibit a functional response to noxious stimuli. The differentiated neurons were co-cultured with primary Schwann cells on an aligned microfibrous scaffold to produce biomimetic peripheral nerve tissue. Compared to glass coverslips, our scaffold enhances tissue development and stabilization. Using this model, we demonstrate that myelin damage can be induced from hyperglycemia exposure (glucose at 45 mM) and mitigated by epalrestat (1µM) supplementation. Through fibrin embedding of the platform, we were able to create 3D anisotropic myelinated tissue, reaching over 6.5 mm in length. Finally, as a proof-of-concept, we incorporated pancreatic pseudoislets and endometrial organoids into our nerve platform, to build nociceptor innervation models. In summary, we propose here an improved tool for neurobiology research that permits pathology modelling, drug screening and target tissue innervation.
A Prospective Observational Study of Urinary Cytokines and Inflammatory Response in Patients With Overactive Bladder Syndrome
Authors: Gill Kiren , Horsley Harry , Swamy Sheela , Khasriya Rajvinder , Malone-Lee James 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background Contemporary studies have discredited the methods used to exclude urinary tract infection (UTI) when treating overactive bladder (OAB). Thus we must revisit the OAB phenotype to check that UTI has not been overlooked.Aims To examine the differences in urinary cytokines IL6 and lactoferrin in OAB patients compared to controls, with references to microscopy of urine and enhanced quantitative urine culture.Methods A blinded, prospective cohort study with normal controls using six repeated measures, achieved two-monthly, over 12 months.Results There were clinically significant between groups differences in urine IL6 (F =49.0, p<.001) and lactoferrin (F =228.5, p<.001). These differences were for lactoferrin correlated to symptoms (9.3, p=.003); for both to pyuria (IL6 F = 66.2, p<.001, Lactoferrin F=73.9, p<.001); and for IL6 microbial abundance (F = 5.1, P=.024). The pathological markers had been missed by urinary dipsticks and routine MSU culture.Conclusion The OAB phenotype may encompass patients with UTI that is being overlooked because of the failure of standard screening methods
Measuring Health Behavior Problems in Chinese Adolescents: Scale Development and Preliminary Validation
Authors: Dai Shengting , Qiu Qian , Yan Jingfei 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Health behaviors shape health and well-being, improve life quality, and provide economic benefit. Adolescence is a life phase in which the opportunities for health are great. Adolescent health brings not only the benefits of the present but also the well-being of the future and the next generation. We aimed to develop a reliable and valid scale that was used to evaluate the health behavior of the late adolescent, namely, the senior high school student. Methods: In this study, we conducted two surveys: For the first survey, we recruited 526 senior high school students (318 boys, 208 girls; Mage = 16.5), and the data were used for item analysis and exploratory factor analysis. For the second survey, we recruited 542 senior high school students (249 boys, 293; girls; Mage = 15.5), and the data were used for confirmatory factor analysis and internal consistency reliability analysis.Results: In exploratory factor analysis, we extracted four factors with 23 items in all: exercise awareness and habits (5 items), master and apply healthy behavior knowledge (10 items), emotional regulation (4 items), and environment adaptation (4 items). The Cronbach’s alpha values of the factors ranging from 0.863 to 0.937. A satisfactory goodness of fit model was achieved (CMIN/DF=3.18, RMR=0.04, GFI=0.90, CFI=0.92, TLI=0.91, RMSEA=0.06).Conclusions: These results suggest that the Chinese version of the Health Behavior Scale is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing the health behavior of senior high school students.
Effect of Oxalic Acid Leaching on Photocatalytic Activity of Natural Sphalerite
Authors: Onyenanu Chukwunonso , Emembolu Lovet 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Photocatalytic activity of the natural semiconducting sphalerite mineral from Abuni, Nasarawa State, Nigeria was studied for the degradation of methylene blue (MB). Natural Sphalerite as a visible – light responsive photocatalyst was characterized by X ray diffraction (XRD), X ray fluorescence (XRF) and surface area analysis. To further enhance the photocatalytic activity of natural Sphalerite, the chemical composition of the sphalerite was varied via leaching with oxalic acids. The photocatalytic activity of the Natural sphalerite, leached sphalerite and as well as the calcined leachates was tested for MB degradation under visible light illumination. The result shows a very high percentage of MB degradation by natural sphalerite after 60mintues of light irradiation time. A composite of ZnO -α –Fe2O3 -ϒ-Fe2O3 with traces amount of MoO and MnO2 was synthesized by calcination of the obtained leachates at 1000°C for 4hours. The photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye follows pseudo first order kinetics.
Community Residents’ Awareness of Family Doctor Contract Services, Signing With Family Doctor, Willingness to Use Community Health Care Centers: A Community-Based Analysis in Shenzhen, China
Authors: Zheng Qingming , Shi Lu , Pang Tiantian , Leung Willie 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Family doctor contracted services (FDCS) began in China in 2016. Shenzhen, one of the most developed cities in China, implemented a family doctor (FD) policy in 2017. The objectives of this study were to identify the impact of the awareness of the FD and signing with a FD on health care seeking behavior, as well as the impact of chronic disease status on the awareness of FDs and signing with a FD. Methods: Cross-sectional secondary data based on residents living in Luohu district was used for analysis. Linear probability models (LPM) were used to determine the relationship between willingness to use community health care centers (CHCs) and awareness of the FDCS, as well as the association between willingness to use CHCs and signing with a FD. LPM was also used to estimate the association between chronic disease status and awareness of the FDCS, as well as the association between chronic disease status and signing with a FD.Results: Among 1205 adults included in analysis, 27% of the participants knew the FDCS, 5% signed with FD, and 20% had chronic disease. Both awareness of the FDCS and signing with a FD significantly increased the probability of using CHCs. The results indicated that participants with chronic disease were more likely to be aware of the FDCS and sign with a FD.Conclusions: Consequently, this study provided evidence that awareness of FDCS and signing with a FD had positive impact on utilization of primary health care services in the at community level. Also, individuals with chronic disease tend to use FDCS. More interventions to improve awareness of FDCS can help to increase the utilization of primary health care services.
Isolation and Identification of Pathogenic Staphylococci and E. Coli From Raw Bovine Milk Collected From Milk Cooperative Centers in Hawassa, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Yenealem Alemayehu 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Pathogenic microorganisms commonly isolated from milk and milk products pose a serious threat to human health. Escherichia coli and Staphylococci are the major pathogens isolated from milk. The objective of this study was to isolate and identify pathogenic Staphylococci and E.coli from raw bovine milk collected from milk cooperative centers found in Hawassa City, southern Ethiopia. Result: The overall prevalence of pathogenic species of Staphylococci and E. coli was found to be35.16 % and 8.59 % (n=384), respectively. From the total 384 raw milk samples examined, 1.56 %was found to be positive for both pathogenic species of Staphylococci and E. coli. The prevalence of pathogenic species of Staphylococci was found to be 33.33 %, 36.05 % and 39.21 % milk collected from Arsi Negele, Hawassa, and Shashemene, respectively. Whereas the prevalence of E. coli was found to be 9.68 %, 8.84 % and 3.92 %) milk collected from Arsi Negele, Hawassa and Shashemene, respectively. The study results showed a relatively higher prevalence of pathogenic species of staphylococci in raw milk collected from Shashemene than raw milk collected from Arsi Negele andHawassa. However, the difference was statistically insignificant (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Higher isolation rate of E. coli and pathogenic species of Staphylococci in raw milk samples collected from different milk cooperative centers in Hawassa could be associated to mastitis, poor udder preparation, poor milker’s hygiene, poor milk handling practices, poor environmental sanitation and sanitation of milking equipment. Overall, this study showed that pathogenic species of staphylococcus and E. coli are prevalent in raw milk produced and consumed in the area. Therefore, awareness should be created to producers and raw milk collecting cooperatives on strict preventive measures of raw milk contamination.
Cancer Awareness Among Lebanese Adults, A Cross Sectional Study&nbsp;
Authors: Hatem Georges , Ghanem Diana , Kellen Eliane , AlZaim Ibrahim , Goossens Mathijs 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background Cancer burden in Lebanon is among the highest of countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, but around one third of cases could be avoided by reducing exposure to avoidable risk factors. We explored population awareness of cancer risk factors, predictors of higher awareness and to what extent awareness correlates with behaviour.Methods In 2019, we performed a cross-sectional study (N=726) that consisted of a questionnaire administered in face-to-face interviews.Results On spontaneous recall, pollution and smoking were the most mentioned causes of cancer. On average, 75% of risk factors were correctly recognized, 22% of non-carcinogenic factors, and 75% of protective factors. Woman and older people had better cancer risk awareness. Several non-carcinogenic factors are seen as more potent carcinogens than truly carcinogenic factors. There was a moderate correlation between awareness and behaviour for waterpipe, alcohol and physical activity. There was no such correlation for cigarette smoking.Conclusion Awareness campaigns are important, but need to be embedded into national behaviour change programs so that other barriers to behaviour change are also tackled.
Association of Genetic Variants of ELMO1&nbsp;Gene With Diabetic Nephropathy in the North Indian Population
Authors: Singh Gurvinder , Sharma Rubina , Raina Priyanka , Kalotra Vishali , Sandhu Harkirat , Sethi Itty , Sharma Varun , Sikka Ruhi , Matharoo Kawaljit , Sokhi Jasmine , Marwaha Ajay , Vig Vipin , Kapoor Rohit , Choudhary Manoj , Singh Virinder , Soneja Sapna , Sharma Swarkar , Bhanwer Amarjit 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a major cause of renal failure globally including chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Using comprehensive linkage disequilibrium mapping, we genotyped five polymorphisms from engulfment and cell motility 1 (ELMO1) gene (rs741301, rs7799004, rs1882080, rs11769038 and rs1345365) to evaluate its association with DN. BMI was observed to be low in DN cases as compared to the control groups, which is the result of haemodialysis and high doses of medication. Physical inactivity, lipid profile, urea and creatinine were observed to be the confounding factors correlated with DN. This study comprehensively evaluated ELMO1 in DN patients, T2D without Nephropathy and healthy controls from North Indian population and revealed significant association with DN. Haplotypes G-G-C-C and G-A-T-T provided ~2-fold risk towards DN development. In conclusion, the present study suggests the significant role of ELMO1 gene polymorphisms in the pathophysiology of DN in North-Indian population.
Reproductive Factors and Breast Cancer Risk in Palestine: A Case-control Study
Authors: Sharif Nuha El , Khatib Imtithal 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Background: Early age at menarche, late age at menopause, and late age at first full-term pregnancy are linked to a modest increase in the risk of developing breast cancer (breast ca). Multiparity is related to an increased risk but multiple full-term pregnancies decrease the risk of breast cancers. This study aims to investigate the reproductive determinants of breast cancer among women in the West Bank of Palestine.Methods: A structured questionnaire was used to collect data in a case-control study; 237 registered cases and 237 controls aged 40 years old or more. A multivariate analysis model was used to adjust for the association between women’s reproductive factors and breast ca risk. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) are reported. This study was approved by Al Quds University Ethical Research Committee and the Ministry of Health research unit. All women provided written informed consent.Results: In the multivariate analysis, having menarche after 13 years of age, using oral contraceptives for more than two months, using hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and getting pregnant at an early age (≤18 years) significantly doubled the risk for breast ca. Women who used hormonal contraceptives were significantly associated with higher odds of having breast ca 6.37 compared to those who did not use them (p <0.05). Similarly, nulliparous women showed 6 times the odds of breast ca be compared with women with one or more children (p = 0.005). Also, the mother’s educational level; parental consanguinity marriage; and positive family history of breast ca be strong determinants for breast ca in this study. Conclusions: This study provides clear evidence of the role of using oral contraceptives and hormonal replacement therapy on women's breasts ca. Therefore, reproductive hormones use, whether as a birth control tool or in therapy, must be rationalized. More in-depth investigations are needed to identify the protective role of having children and breastfeeding practices on breast ca protection. Special attention should be considered for the special social and cultural factors related to sexual and reproductive issues among women in Palestine
Whole Genome Analysis of Extensively Drug Resistant Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Strains in Peru&nbsp;
Authors: Lázaro Elias Santos , Chávez Ronnie Gavilán , Zerpa Lely Solari , Tayro Aiko Vigo , Guerra Zully Puyén 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Peru has the highest burden of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in the Americas region, and since 1999, the annual number of extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB) cases has been increasing, becoming a public health challenge. The objective of this study was to perform genomic characterization of Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains obtained from peruvian patients with XDR-TB diagnosed from 2011 to 2015 in Peru.Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was performed on 68 XDR-TB strains from different regions of Peru. 58 (85.3%) strains came from the most populated districts of Lima and Callao. Concerning the lineages, 62 (91.2%) strains belonged to the Euro-American Lineage, while the remaining 6 (8.8%) strains belonged to the East-Asian Lineage. Most strains (90%) had high-confidence resistance mutations according to pre-established WHO-confident grading system. Discordant results between microbiological and molecular methodologies were due to mutations outside the hot spot regions analyzed by commercial molecular assays (rpoB I491F and inhA S94A). Cluster analysis using a cutoff ≤ 10 SNPs revealed that only 23 (33.8%) strains were recent transmission events.This study highlights the relevance and utility of WGS as a high-resolution approach to predict drug resistance, analyse transmission of strains between groups, and determine evolutionary patterns of circulating XDR-TB strains in the country.
Asbestos-Related Malignant Mesothelioma in The South of Iran: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Rezvani Alireza , Jahanshahi Sahar , Fouladi Damoun , Ziaian Bizhan , Fallahi Mohammad Javad , Erfani Amirhossein , Ranjbar Keivan , Shahriarirad Reza 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Malignant Mesothelioma (MM) is a rare malignancy of the serosa membranes with a high mortality rate and long latent period. The relationship between a group of mineral fibers known as asbestos and mesothelioma is now well accepted in which people can be exposed to these fibers by various means during their lifetime. In addition to occupations directly in contact with asbestos such as asbestos mines and factories, certain occupations are much more at risk of MM due to extensive use of asbestos in industry. Several studies have been conducted to identify these occupations.Method: In this study, we analyzed the demographic features and occupations of confirmed cases of MM in Shiraz, southern Iran along with the follow-up of the patients' disease from 2008 to 2018.Results: Among the 35 confirmed cases of MM with an average of 61 years, 9 (25.7%) were female and 26 (74.3%) were male. At the time 12 patients have already died with a mean of 11.26 months after diagnosis. Our results showed a higher prevalence of MM among housekeepers and oil company employees. Compared to the control group, we concluded that employees of the oil company are at a high risk of MM in Iran. Also, individuals living near refinery locations had higher MM rates. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that exposure with asbestos, either through occupation or proximate living location to a source, had a significant correlation with MM occurrence. MM can be prevented if asbestos exposure is reduced.
The Associations Between Mental Disorders and Cascade of Care in Managing Hypertension, Diabetes, Dyslipidemia, Chronic Kidney Disease in China: A Pooled Cross-Sectional Analysis
Authors: Zhang Zheng , Sum Grace , Qin Vicky Mengqi , Zhao Yang , Haregu Tilahun Nigatu , Oldenburg Brian , Lee John Tayu 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Physical non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and mental disorder are a rapidly increasing health burden in low-and middle-income countries. This study aims to examine the relationships between mental disorder and cascade of care in managing four common physical NCDs (hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, chronic kidney disease) in China. We utilized two waves of nationally-representative China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS 2011, 2015) of older adult population aged 45 and above. A series of multivariate mixed-effect logistic regression was applied to evaluate the association between presence of mental disorder and physical chronic disease awareness, treatment, and control. We found that the odds of dyslipidemia (AOR=2.88, 95% CI=2.21-3.74) and kidney disease awareness (AOR=4.14, 95% CI=2.95-5.81) were higher for individuals with mental chronic conditions, compared to those without mental chronic conditions. The odds of having hypertension treatment was higher for subjects with mental disorder, compared to those without (AOR=1.57, 95% CI=1.23-2.01). The odds of having physical chronic conditions controlled was not significantly associated with having mental chronic conditions. These results indicated that adults with mental disorder have a greater likelihood of awareness of having dyslipidemia and kidney disease, and receiving treatment for hypertension. Strategies to address growing burden of physical-mental NCDs in China should include efforts to improve management of patients with comorbid health condition and improve access to continual high-quality treatment after the first diagnosis.
“I Don't Know if We'll Ever Live in Harmony”: Exploring the Unmet Needs of Syrian Adolescent Girls in Protracted Displacement in Lebanon
Authors: Davison Colleen M , Watt Hayley , Michael Saja , Bartels Susan A 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe current crisis in Syria has led to unprecedented displacement, with neighbouring Lebanon now hosting more than 1.5 million conflict-affected migrants from Syria. In many situations of displacement, adolescent girls are a vulnerable sub-group. This study explores and describes the self-reported unmet needs of Syrian adolescent girls who migrated to Lebanon between 2011 and 2016.MethodsThis qualitative study focusing on the unmet needs of adolescent girls was part of a larger research project on child marriage among Syrian migrants in Lebanon. Participants were recruited using purposive sampling in three field locations in Lebanon by locally trained research assistants. One hundred eighty-eight Syrian adolescent girls chose to tell stories about their own experiences. Using handheld tablets and an application called “Sensemaker” stories were audio-recorded and later transcribed. Participants were asked to then self-interpret their stories by answering specific quantitative survey-type questions. Demographic information was also collected. NVivo was used to undertake deductive coding using Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs as an analytic frame. ResultsAmong the 188 self-reported stories from adolescent girls, more than half mentioned some form of unmet need. These needs ranged across the five levels of Maslow’s Hierarchy from physiological, safety, belonging, esteem and self-actualization. Nearly two thirds of girls mentioned more than one unmet need and the girls’ expressed needs varied by marital status and time since migration. Unmet esteem needs were expressed in 22% of married, and 72% of unmarried girls. Belongingness needs were expressed by 13% of girls who migrated in the last 1-3 years and 31% of those who migrated in the previous 4-5 years. ConclusionMany needs of Syrian adolescent girl migrants remain unmet in this situation of now protracted displacement. Girls most commonly expressed needs for love and belonging followed closely by needs for safety and basic resources. The level and type of unmet need differed by marital status and time since displacement. Unmet needs have been associated elsewhere with physical illness, life dissatisfaction, post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety and even death. These results can inform integrated interventions and services specifically targeting adolescent girls and their families in the protracted migration situation now facing Lebanon.