bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic value of peripheral blood natural killer cells in colorectal cancer
Authors: Tang Yan-ping , Xie Ming-zhi , Li Ke-zhi , Li Ji-lin , Cai Zheng-min , Hu Bang-li 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
The association between natural killer (NK) cells and survival in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients remains controversial. This study aimed to clarify the prognostic value of peripheral blood NK cells in CRC patients.

Methods
A total of 447 CRC patients who underwent radical surgery and chemotherapy were retrospectively analyzed. Cox regression analyses were used to identify independent prognostic indicators. Correlation between NK cell percentage and other clinicopathological features (gender, age, histological grade, tumor stage, immune cells, and inflammatory indicators) was analyzed. The prognostic values of the combinations of NK cell percentage and other clinicopathological features were also determined.

Results
Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that NK cell percentage in the peripheral blood was an independent prognostic indicator in CRC patients. A higher percentage of NK cells indicated a longer survival time than a lower percentage. NK cell percentage was positively correlated to the T and B lymphocyte counts and negatively correlated to the patients’ age and albumin levels. With an area of 0.741 under a receiver operating characteristic curve, NK cells have a moderate predictive value for 3rd-year survival in CRC. This area increased to 0.851 by combining NK cell percentage with the B lymphocyte count. Elderly patients and those at an advanced clinical stage presented a lower percentage of NK cells than younger patients and those at an early clinical stage.

Conclusions
This study demonstrated that NK cells in the blood were an independent predictor of survival in CRC patients, and the combined count of NK cells and B lymphocytes could increase the prognostic value.
Augmented exercise in hospital improves physical performance and reduces negative post hospitalization events: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: McCullagh Ruth , O’Connell Eimear , O’Meara Sarah , Dahly Darren , O’Reilly Eilis , O’Connor Kieran , Horgan N. Frances , Timmons Suzanne 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
To measure the effects of an augmented prescribed exercise programme versus usual care, on physical performance, quality of life and healthcare utilisation for frail older medical patients in the acute setting.

Methods
This was a parallel single-blinded randomised controlled trial. Within 2 days of admission, older medical inpatients with an anticipated length of stay ≥3 days, needing assistance/aid to walk, were blindly randomly allocated to the intervention or control group. Until discharge, both groups received twice daily, Monday-to-Friday half-hour assisted exercises, assisted by a staff physiotherapist. The intervention group completed tailored strengthening and balance exercises; the control group performed stretching and relaxation exercises. Length of stay was the primary outcome measure. Blindly assessed secondary measures included readmissions within 3 months, and physical performance (Short Physical Performance Battery) and quality of life (EuroQOL-5D-5 L) at discharge and at 3 months. Time-to-event analysis was used to measure differences in length of stay, and regression models were used to measure differences in physical performance, quality of life, adverse events (falls, deaths) and negative events (prolonged hospitalisation, institutionalisation).

Results
Of the 199 patients allocated, 190 patients’ (aged 80 ± 7.5 years) data were analysed. Groups were comparable at baseline. In intention-to-treat analysis, length of stay did not differ between groups (HR 1.09 (95% CI, 0.77–1.56) p = 0.6). Physical performance was better in the intervention group at discharge (difference 0.88 (95% CI, 0.20–1.57) p = 0.01), but lost at follow-up (difference 0.45 (95% CI, − 0.43 – 1.33) p = 0.3). An improvement in quality of life was detected at follow-up in the intervention group (difference 0.28 (95% CI, 0.9–0.47) p = 0.004). Overall, fewer negative events occurred in the intervention group (OR 0.46 (95% CI 0.23–0.92) p = 0.03).

Conclusion
Improvements in physical performance, quality of life and fewer negative events suggest that this intervention is of value to frail medical inpatients. Its effect on length of stay remains unclear.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02463864, registered prospectively 26.05.2015.
Association between non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and haemorrhagic transformation in patients with acute ischaemic stroke
Authors: Wang Yanan , Song Quhong , Cheng Yajun , Wei Chenchen , Ye Chen , Liu Junfeng , Wu Bo , Liu Ming 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
It is unclear whether non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (Non-HDL-C) is associated with haemorrhagic transformation (HT) after acute ischaemic stroke (AIS). We aimed to explore the association between Non-HDL-C and HT, as well as compare the predictive values of Non-HDL-C and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) for HT.

Methods
We consecutively enrolled AIS patients within 7 days of stroke onset. Participants were divided into four categories according to quartiles of Non-HDL-C. HT was assessed by follow-up brain imaging. We assessed the association between Non-HDL-C, LDL-C and HT in multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results
A total of 2043 patients were included, among whom 232 were identified as HT. Compared with the highest quartiles, the first, second and third quartiles of Non-HDL-C were associated with increased risk of HT (adjusted odds ratios [ORs] 1.74 [95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09–2.78], 2.01[95% CI 1.26–3.20], and 1.76 [95% CI 1.10–2.83], respectively, P for trend = 0.024). Similar results were found for LDL-C. There was significant interaction between Non-HDL-C and age (P for interaction = 0.021). The addition of Non-HDL-C and LDL-C to conventional factors significantly improved predictive values [Non-HDL-C, net reclassification index (NRI) 0.24, 95%CI 0.17–0.31, P < 0.001; LDL-C, NRI 0.15, 95%CI 0.08–0.22, P = 0.03].

Conclusions
Low Non-HDL-C was associated with increased risks of HT. In addition, Non-HDL-C has similar effects as LDL-C for predicting HT.
Healthcare worker knowledge and skills following coaching in WHO early essential newborn care program in the Solomon Islands: a prospective multi-site cohort study
Authors: Tosif Shidan , Jatobatu Anna , Maepioh Anita , Gray Amy , Sobel Howard , Mannava Priya , Duke Trevor 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Newborn mortality in Oceania declined slower than other regions in the past 25 years. The World Health Organization (WHO) introduced the Early Essential Newborn Care program (EENC) in 2015 in Solomon Islands, a Small Island Developing State, to address high newborn mortality. We explored knowledge and skills retention among healthcare workers following EENC coaching.

Methods
Between March 2015 and December 2017, healthcare workers in five hospitals were assessed: pre- and post-clinical coaching and at a later evaluation. Standardised written and clinical skills assessments for breathing and non-breathing baby scenarios were used. Additionally, written surveys were completed during evaluation for feedback on the EENC experience.

Results
Fifty-three healthcare workers were included in the evaluation. Median time between initial coaching and evaluation was 21 months (IQR 18–26). Median written score increased from 44% at baseline to 89% post-coaching (p < 0.001), and was 61% at evaluation (p < 0.001). Skills assessment score was 20% at baseline and 95% post-coaching in the Breathing Baby scenario (p < 0.001). In the Non-Breathing Baby scenario, score was 63% at baseline and 86% post-coaching (p < 0.001). At evaluation, median score in the Breathing Baby scenario was 82% a reduction of 13% from post-coaching (p < 0.001) and 72% for the Non-Breathing Baby, a reduction of 14% post-coaching (p < 0.001). Nurse aides had least reduction in evaluation scores of − 2% for the Breathing Baby and midwives − 10% for the Non-Breathing Baby respectively from post-coaching to evaluation.

Conclusions
EENC coaching resulted in immediate improvements in knowledge and skills but declined over time. Healthcare workers who used the skills in regular practice had higher scores. Complementary quality improvement strategies are needed to sustain resuscitation skills following training over time.

Trial registration
Australia New Zealand Trial Registry, Retrospective Registration (12/2/2019), registration number ACTRN12619000201178.
Negotiating support from relationships and resources: a longitudinal study examining the role of personal support networks in the management of severe and enduring mental health problems
Authors: Brooks Helen Louise , Bee Penny , Lovell Karina , Rogers Anne 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundPersonal communities or personal support networks comprise a variety of social ties considered important to individuals in their everyday lives. This set of active and significant ties influence the capacity to manage mental health problems because of the potential to access social support. However, little is known in the context of people’s everyday management of mental health about how relationships with people, places, objects and activities are navigated and negotiated. This study aimed to explore the nature and negotiation of support from personal communities in the everyday management of severe and enduring mental health problems.MethodsA longitudinal qualitative study undertaken in the UK incorporating 79 interviews with 29 participants based on personal network mapping. 29 users of mental health services with a diagnosis of severe and enduring mental illness were interviewed at three time points. Data was analysed using an inductive thematic approach underpinned by the Network Episode Model.ResultsThe presence and maintenance of interpersonal trust was a fundamental condition of the relational work required to develop, undertake and sustain relationships with others. Whilst relationships with spouses, family members and friends were generally viewed positively, the work required to engage human others was contingent, vicarious and overlain with felt and enacted stigma. Developing relationships with others was hindered by a lack of confidence fuelled by the experience of mental illness and a fear of rejection or failure. By contrast, weaker ties and inanimate objects and places offered and provided a sense of reliability and security. Strategies employed by participants in order to garner sufficient support for condition management in the light of these particular challenges are illuminated by the discussion of who and what is relevant and valued in personal support networks.ConclusionsAccess to valued activities, hobbies and things should be considered alongside human relationships in providing a means of ongoing support and resource for the everyday management of life for those experiencing severe and enduring mental health problems.
Post-traumatic stress disorder, psychiatric comorbidities and associated factors among refugees in Nakivale camp in southwestern Uganda
Authors: Bapolisi Achille Mwira , Song Suzan J. , Kesande Claire , Rukundo Godfrey Zari , Ashaba Scholastic 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Armed conflict in Africa has led to displacement of over 24.2 million people, more than 1.4 million of whom are living in Uganda. Studies show that refugees living in Ugandan refugee settlements are at increased risk for post-traumatic stress disorder. However data on the prevalence of other mental health problems among refugees including depression, anxiety and substance use disorder among refugees in Uganda is lacking. Our aim was to determine the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder, its main psychiatric comorbidities and perceived psychosocial needs among refugees in Nakivale refugee camp.

Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional survey of refugee camp residents (n = 387) from nine different countries of origin. Psychiatric disorders were assessed using the MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) and perceived needs by the Humanitarian Emerging Settings Perceived Needs Scale (HESPER).

Results
The prevalence of psychiatric disorders was high among refugees as was the level of perceived needs. The most prevalent psychiatric disorders were generalized anxiety disorders (73%), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (67%), major depressive disorder (58%) and substance use disorders (30%). There was a higher level of comorbidity between PTSD and substance use disorder (OR = 5.13), major depressive disorder (OR = 4.04) and generalized anxiety disorder (OR = 3.27).
In multivariate analysis, PTSD was positively associated with the perception of stress as a serious problem (OR = 6.52; P-value = 0.003), safety and protection for women in the community (OR = 2.35; P-value = 0.011), care for family (OR = 2.00; P-value = 0.035) and Place to live in (OR = 1.83; P-value = 0.04). After applying the Bonferroni correction, the perception of stress remained significantly associated with PTSD.

Conclusion
Our findings suggest a strong association between PTSD, its main comorbidities and basic needs in Nakivale refugee camps. Mental health support should include psychological interventions as well as social assistance to improve the health of refugees.
How men receive and utilise partner support when trying to change their diet and physical activity within a men’s weight management programme
Authors: Tripathee Sheela , Sweeting Helen , Chambers Stephanie , Maclean Alice 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
The impacts of interventions designed to change health behaviours are potentially affected by the complex social systems in which they are embedded. This study uses Scottish data to explore how men receive and utilise partner support when attempting to change dietary practices and physical activity within the context of Football Fans in Training (FFIT), a gender-sensitised weight management and healthy living programme for men who are overweight/obese.

Methods
Separate semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted with 20 men and their cohabiting female partners (total n = 40), 3–12 months after the men had completed FFIT. Data were thematically analysed and individual interviews were combined for dyadic analysis.

Results
Men’s and women’s accounts suggested variations in men’s need for, and utilisation of, partner support in order to make changes to dietary practices and physical activity. There were also differences in descriptions of women’s involvement in men’s behaviour changes. Typologies were developed categorising men as ‘resolute’, ‘reliant’/‘receptive’ and ‘non-responsive’ and women as ‘very involved’, ‘partially involved’ and ‘not involved’. Men were more reliant, and women more involved, in changes to dietary practices compared to physical activity. The role of partner involvement in promoting men’s behaviour change seemed contingent on men’s resoluteness, or their reliance on the partner support.

Conclusions
These results highlight how interactions between men’s resoluteness/reliance on cohabiting female partners and the partners’ involvement impact the extent to which female partners influence men’s changes to dietary practices and physical activity following a weight loss intervention. Understanding this interaction could increase the impact of health interventions aimed at one individual’s behaviour by considering other family members’ roles in facilitating those changes. The typologies developed for this study might contribute towards the development of behaviour change theories within the cohabiting couple context.
Evidence of avian influenza virus in seabirds breeding on a Norwegian high-Arctic archipelago
Authors: Lee Megan Marie , Jaspers Veerle L. B. , Gabrielsen Geir Wing , Jenssen Bjørn Munro , Ciesielski Tomasz Maciej , Mortensen Åse-Karen , Lundgren Silje Strand , Waugh Courtney A. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Wild aquatic birds serve as the natural reservoir for avian influenza virus (AIV), a disease with significant implications for avian and mammalian health. Climate change is predicted to impact the dynamics of AIV, particularly in areas such as the Arctic, but the baseline data needed to detect these shifts is often unavailable. In this study, plasma from two species of gulls breeding on the high-Arctic Svalbard archipelago were screened for antibodies to AIV.

Results
AIV antibodies were found in black-legged kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla) samples from multiple years, as well as in glaucous gulls (Larus hyperboreous) samples.

Conclusions
Despite small sample sizes, evidence of exposure to AIV was found among Svalbard gulls. A wider survey of Svalbard avian species is warranted to establish knowledge on the extent of AIV exposure on Svalbard and to determine whether active infections are present.
Mechanical behavior of a titanium alloy scaffold mimicking trabecular structure
Authors: Zhang Chunqiu , Zhang Lan , Liu Lu , Lv Linwei , Gao Lilan , Liu Nian , Wang Xin , Ye Jinduo 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Additively manufactured porous metallic structures have recently received great attention for bone implant applications. The morphological characteristics and mechanical behavior of 3D printed titanium alloy trabecular structure will affect the effects of artificial prosthesis replacement. However, the mechanical behavior of titanium alloy trabecular structure at present clinical usage still is lack of in-depth study from design to manufacture as well as from structure to mechanical function.

Methods
A unit cell of titanium alloy was designed to mimick trabecular structure. The controlled microarchitecture refers to a repeating array of unit-cells, composed of titanium alloy, which make up the scaffold structure. Five kinds of unit cell mimicking trabecular structure with different pore sizes and porosity were obtained by modifying the strut sizes of the cell and scaling the cell as a whole. The titanium alloy trabecular structure was fabricated by 3D printing based on Electron Beam Melting (EBM). The paper characterized the difference between the designs and fabrication of trabecular structures, as well as mechanical properties and the progressive collapse behavior and failure mechanism of the scaffold.

Results
The actual porosities of the EBM-produced bone trabeculae are lower than the designed, and the load capacity of a bearing is related to the porosity of the structure. The larger the porosity of the structure, the smaller the stiffness and the worse the load capacity is. The fracture interface of the trabecular structure under compression is at an angle of 45o with respect to the compressive axis direction, which conforms to Tresca yield criterion. The trabeculae-mimicked unit cell is anisotropy. Under quasi-static loading, loading speed has no effect on mechanical performance of bone trabecular specimens. There is no difference of the mechanical performance at various orientations and sites in metallic workspace. The elastic modulus of the scaffold decreases by 96%–93% and strength reduction 96%–91%, compared with titanium alloy dense metals structure. The apparent elastic modulus of the unit-cell-repeated scaffold is 0.39–0.618 GPa, which is close to that of natural bone and stress shielding can be reduced.

Conclusion
We have systematically studied the structural design, fabrication and mechanical behavior of a 3D printed titanium alloy scaffold mimicking trabecula bone. This study will be benefit of the application of prostheses with proper structures and functions.
Habitat characteristics and insecticide susceptibility of Aedes aegypti in the Ifakara area, south-eastern Tanzania
Authors: Kahamba Najat F. , Limwagu Alex J. , Mapua Salum A. , Msugupakulya Betwel J. , Msaky Dickson S. , Kaindoa Emmanuel W. , Ngowo Halfan S. , Okumu Fredros O. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Aedes-borne diseases such as dengue and chikungunya constitute constant threats globally. In Tanzania, these diseases are transmitted by Aedes aegypti, which is widely distributed in urban areas, but whose ecology remains poorly understood in small towns and rural settings.

Methods
A survey of Ae. aegypti aquatic habitats was conducted in and around Ifakara, a fast-growing town in south-eastern Tanzania. The study area was divided into 200 × 200 m search grids, and habitats containing immature Aedes were characterized. Field-collected Ae. aegypti were tested for susceptibility to common public health insecticides (deltamethrin, permethrin, bendiocarb and pirimiphos-methyl) in the dry and rainy seasons.

Results
Of 1515 and 1933 aquatic habitats examined in the dry and rainy seasons, 286 and 283 contained Aedes immatures, respectively (container index, CI: 18.9–14.6%). In the 2315 and 2832 houses visited in the dry and rainy seasons, 114 and 186 houses had at least one Aedes-positive habitat, respectively (house index, HI: 4.9–6.6%). The main habitat types included: (i) used vehicle tires and discarded containers; (ii) flowerpots and clay pots; and (iii) holes made by residents on trunks of coconut trees when harvesting the coconuts. Used tires had highest overall abundance of Ae. aegypti immatures, while coconut tree-holes had highest densities per habitat. Aedes aegypti adults were susceptible to all tested insecticides in both seasons, except bendiocarb, against which resistance was observed in the rainy season.

Conclusions
To our knowledge, this is the first study on ecology and insecticide susceptibility of Ae. aegypti in Ifakara area, and will provide a basis for future studies on its pathogen transmission activities and control. The high infestation levels observed indicate significant risk of Aedes-borne diseases, requiring immediate action to prevent potential outbreaks in the area. While used tires, discarded containers and flowerpots are key habitats for Ae. aegypti, this study also identified coconut harvesting as an important risk factor, and the associated tree-holes as potential targets for Aedes control. Since Ae. aegypti mosquitoes in the area are still susceptible to most insecticides, effective control could be achieved by combining environmental management, preferably involving communities, habitat removal and insecticide spraying.
SERT and BDNF polymorphisms interplay on neuroticism in borderline personality disorder
Authors: Salinas Valeria , Villarroel Juana , Silva Hernán , Herrera Luisa , Jerez Sonia , Zazueta Alejandra , Montes Cristián , Nieto Rodrigo , Bustamante M. Leonor 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Objective
Genetic factors underlying different personality traits are not entirely understood, particularly how genes interact to modulate their effect. We studied 76 patients diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD), characterized by extreme levels of personality traits, especially neuroticism (N), in which we genotyped two polymorphisms, the 5HTTLPR of the Serotonin transporter (SERT) gene, and the Val66Met of the Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene.

Results
We found an association with SERT, where S-allele carriers had significantly higher levels of N than L-homozygous. Furthermore, we found that the protective effect of L-homozygosity is only evident on A-allele carriers of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism. Genetic constitution in SERT and BDNF seems to be important in neuroticism, the most relevant personality trait on BPD.