bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A pilot case-control study using a one health approach to evaluate behavioral, environmental, and occupational risk factors for chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology in Sri Lanka
Authors: Pry Jesse , Jackson Wendi , Rupasinghe Ruwini , Lishanthe Guneratne , Badurdeen Zied , Abeysekara Tilak , Chandrajith Rohana , Smith Woutrina , Wickramasinghe Saumya 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) was first recognized in Sri Lanka in the early 1990s, and since then it has reached epidemic levels in the North Central Province of the country. The prevalence of CKDu is reportedly highest among communities that engage in chena and paddy farming, which is most often practiced in the dry zone including the North Central and East Central Provinces of Sri Lanka. Previous studies have suggested varied hypotheses for the etiology of CKDu; however, there is not yet a consensus on the primary risk factors, possibly due to disparate study designs, sample populations, and methodologies. The goal of this pilot case-control study was to evaluate the relationships between key demographic, cultural, and occupational variables as risk factors for CKDu, with a primary interest in pesticide exposure both occupationally and through its potential use as an ingredient in brewed kasippu alcohol. A total of 56 CKDu cases and 54 control individuals were surveyed using a proctored, self-reported questionnaire. Occupational pesticide exposure and alcohol consumption were not found to be significant risk factors for CKDu. However, a statistically significant association with CKDu was observed with chewing betel (OR: 6.11, 95% CI: 1.93, 19.35), age (OR: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.13), owning a pet dog (OR: 3.74, 95% CI: 1.38, 10.11), water treatment (OR: 3.68, 95% CI: 1.09, 12.43) and pests in the house (OR: 5.81, 95% CI: 1.56, 21.60). The findings of this study suggest future research should focus on practices associated with chewing betel, potential animal interactions including pests in the home and pets, and risk factors associated with water.
Study on the measurement method of environmental pollution loss based on shadow price model of waste gases emission from energy consumption in China's industrial parks
Authors: Han Xiuyan , Sun Tao , Cao Taiyi 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: China's industrial parks are areas where energy consumption is relatively concentrated and air pollution is relatively serious. Air pollution threatens the living environment, health and even life of the residents around the industrial park. Therefore, the measurement of air pollution loss and its application have been raised, and gradually become an important problem to be solved.Results: In order to explore the measurement method of environmental pollution loss from energy consumption waste gas emission in industrial parks, this paper, based on literature review, draws lessons from the latest research results at home and abroad, fully considers the actual situation of energy consumption waste gas emission and environmental pollution control in China's industrial parks, and constructs the shadow price measurement model of environmental pollution loss from energy consumption waste gas emission. Taking Nanjing MV industrial park as an example, the application test of environmental pollution loss of energy consumption waste gas emission is carried out by using the relevant statistical data of the park, and the validity of the model is verified.Conclusions: The results show that the shadow price model is more effective for the Measurement of environmental pollution loss of exhaust gas emissions from energy consumption in industrial parks. The research results are of great significance to guide exhaust emission enterprises to strengthen environmental pollution loss control and support local governments to formulate energy consumption and exhaust emission standards and relevant policies for industrial parks
Carbonaceous composite materials from calcination of azo dye-adsorbed layered doubled hydroxide with enhanced photocatalytic efficiency for removal of Ibuprofen in water
Authors: Shen Xiaolin , Zhiliang ZHU , Zhang Hua , Di Guanglan , Chen Ting , Qiu Yanling , Yin Daqiang 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: The discard of used adsorbents may pose a great threat to human health and ecological environment. This work herein reported a facile and feasible method, with aims of (i) reusing the calcined layered double hydroxide (CLDH) adsorbent after azo dye adsorption, and (ii) being further used as a photocatalyst to enhance the degradation of typical pharmaceuticals. Calcination under inner gas flow has been utilized to carbonize adsorbed azo dye and a kind of novel carbonaceous CLDH composite material (CM-CLDH) was synthesized. This fabricated material was used as a catalyst for Ibuprofen removal in water samples under simulated sunlight irradiation.Results: According to our experimental results, combination of carbonaceous material with CLDH showed an enhanced photocatalytic performance compared to original CLDH materials. More than 90% of Ibuprofen could be removed in less than 180 min. Photoluminescent spectra and transient photocurrent examination confirmed that suppressed recombination of photo-induced electrons and holes led to higher photocatalytic activities. Furthermore, conduct band potential (E CB ) of the CM-CLDH became lower (-1.31 V), manifesting higher oxidation ability of accumulated electrons, leading to better photocatalytic activity. Under experimental conditions, the removal efficiency of Ibuprofen by CM-CLDH composite kept above 90% during five cycles.Conclusion: Calcination under inner gas flow can transform organic pollutant-adsorbed CLDH to CM-CLDH composite with higher photocatalytic performance. A feasible way to reuse spent LDH adsorbents was proposed, which is benefit to reduce second pollution of spent adsorbents in environment.
Fate simulation and risk assessment of TBT and TPhT considering water level fluctuations in the TGR before and after AFS Convention implementation in China
Authors: Gao Jun-min , Fu Ping-ting , Chen Xiao-ling , Guo Jin-song , Hou Xian-yu , Zeng Jie , Chen Zhu-man 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: The Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) is the largest freshwater reservoir in China. Previous studies showed that organotin pollution is present in the TGR. In June 2011, the AFS Convention went into effect in China. In order to explore the pollution evolution processes of tributyltin (TBT) and triphenyltin (TPhT) before and after implementation of the AFS Convention and their variations with water level fluctuations in the TGR, the characteristic parameters of the TGR and the physicochemical parameters of TBT and TPhT were used to develop a level IV multimedia fugacity model considering water level fluctuations to simulate the fate, transfer, and transport of TBT and TPhT in the TGR. Based on the simulation results, exposure concentrations of TBT and TPhT were then used to assess the ecological and health risks in the TGR region (TGRR). Results: The simulation results showed that the average concentrations of both TBT and TPhT decreased in all compartments except the sediment, whereas the total content of the system continued to increase after the AFS Convention was implemented. The concentration of TBT in the sediment was higher than that in fish, while the concentration of TPhT in fish was much greater than that in the sediment. The total contents of both TBT and TPhT were highest in the sediment phase. In addition, variations in water level of the TGR significantly affected the distribution and transport of TBT and TPhT in the TGR. Conclusions: Sediment is an important source and sink of TBT and TPhT, and the water level regulation of the TGR strengthened the two roles of sediment. Both TBT and TPhT in surface water, but especially TBT, carried significant chronic exposure risks to the aquatic community of the TGR. Intake of TPhT, mainly through eating fish, posed a potential health risk to the population in the TGRR.
Early cognitive function changes after dexmedetomidine added to propofol-based sedation for gastrointestinal endoscopy
Authors: Chen Lei , Lin Bi , Wu Fangyuan , Zhao Xiyue , Jin Lida , Lin Lina 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Propofol usually used for sedation for gastrointestinal endoscopy, result in short-term, reversible decline in cognitive function. This prospective cohort trial aimed to propofol plus dexmedetomidine can improve cognitive function for elective outpatient gastrointestinal endoscopy. Methods: Patients undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopy were included. Patients were randomized allocation into group C (groupC30 and groupC60), and group D. The group D was The group D was a continuous intravenous pumping of dexmedetomidine at a dose of 0.3μg/kg within 10min before anaesthesia; the group C were given an equal volume of normal saline instead. Patients underwent a MoCA test before sedation and at discharge. Results: The MoCA scores were similar at baseline in each group. Compared to baseline before gastrointestinal endoscopy, the MoCA scores were decreased each group ( group C30: p<0.001; group C60: p<0.001; group D: p=0.002). Compared to group C30, the MoCA scores were better in group C60 (p=0.03) and group D (p<0.001), and those in group D were higher than those in group C60 (p<0.001). Incidence of cognitive impairment in group C30 is 56.6% which ranks the highest among the three groups, and those in group D is 7.8% which ranks the lowest among the three groups, the difference is significant statistically (p<0.001). The MoCA scores were similar between the genders in each group (p>0.05). Conclusions: Dexmedetomidine added to sedation for gastrointestinal endoscopy can improve early cognitive function and reduce incidence of cognitive impairment.
Predictive risk score model for severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome mortality based on qSOFA and SIRS scoring system
Authors: Wang Li , Ding Kun , Hou Chunguo , Zou Zhiqiang , Qin Song 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is a severe systemic virus infectious disease usually having multi-organ dysfunction which resembles sepsis.Methods: A total of 321 patients with laboratory-confirmed SFTS from May 2013 to July 2017 were retrospectively analysed. Demographic and clinical characteristics, calculated quick sequential organ failure assessment (qSOFA) score and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) criteria for survivors and nonsurvivors were compared. Independent risk factors associated with in-hospital mortality were obtained using multivariable logistic regression analysis. Risk score models containing different risk factors for mortality in stratified patients were established whose predictive values were evaluated using area under ROC curve (AUC).Results: Of 321 patients, 87 died (27.1%). Age (p<0.001) and percentage numbers of patients with qSOFA≥2 and SIRS≥2 (p<0.0001) were profoundly greater in nonsurvivors than in survivors. Age, qSOFA, SIRS score and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were independent risk factors for mortality for all patients. And qSOFA score was the only common risk factor in all patients, those of age≥60 years and those enrolled in intensive care unit (ICU). A risk score model containing all these risk factors (Model1) has high predictive value for in-hospital mortality in these three groups with AUCs (95% CI): 0.919 (0.883-0.946), 0.929 (0.862-0.944) and 0.815 (0.710-0.894), respectively. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed a strong difference between high-risk and low-risk groups at a cutoff value > 9.22 (log-rank c2 = 126.3, p <0.0001) Conclusions: qSOFA and risk models containing qSOFA have high predictive validity for SFTS in-hospital mortality.
Predictive value of cerebrospinal fluid lactate for the diagnosis and treatment efficacy of post-neurosurgery bacterial meningitis
Authors: Wang Yufang , Li Jingchao , Yao Mingli , Wang Lingyan , Ouyang Bin 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Post-neurosurgical bacterial meningitis (PNBM) is a severe complication with high morbidity and mortality. Rapid and accurate diagnosis of PNBM is difficult. Therefore, it is necessary to find more reliable markers to assist the diagnosis. This study aims to evaluate the predictive value of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) lactate for PNBM diagnosis and treatment efficacy.Methods: Total 105 cases were enrolled in patients with clinically suspected PNBM who underwent neurosurgeries during October 2015 to December 2016. CSF lactate as well as CSF routine and biochemistry test was measured. Receivers operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostie power of CSF lactate for PNBM. To assess the predictive value of CSF lactate for treatment efficacy, a linear regression was used and tendency diagrams of CSF lactate and glucose for each patient were drawn.Results: Fifty-four of 105 patients were diagnosed with PNBM. CSF lactate level was significantly higher in PNBM than in non-PNBM patients (p < 0.001). The ROC curve analysis showed a great diagnostic power of CSF lactate for PNBM, and the cut-off value was 4.15 mmol/L (AUC = 0.92, sensitivity, 92.6%; specificity, 74.5%). The combination of CSF lactate and glucose showed better diagnostic efficacy (AUC = 0.97, sensitivity, 94.4%; specificity, 90.2%). The linear regression showed thatΔCSF lactate inversely correlated with ΔCSF glucose and directly correlated with ΔCSF leucocyte (both p < 0.001). The tendency diagrams showed CSF lactate a better predictor for PNBM treatment efficacy than CSF glucose.Conclusion: Our study showed CSF lactate had an excellent discriminatory power in distinguishing between PNBM and non-PNBM. The combination of CSF lactate and glucose had a better diagnostic accuracy than other CSF parameters alone. CSF lactate was a reliable predictor of treatment efficacy in PNBM patients.
Spatial analysis of care-seeking behavior among malaria patients in China’s Malaria Eradication Program: A Geographic Information System Analysis
Authors: Li Gang , Zhang Donglan , Chen Zhuo , Feng Da , Chen Xiaoyu , Tang Shangfeng , Son Heejung , Wang Zhenhua , Xi Yuanhang , Feng Zhanchun 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: China launched a new round of National Malaria Eradication Program (NMEP) in 2010 that sets the goal to eliminate malaria by 2020, while it has been challenged by the large-scale frequent population migration. To assess the influence of geographic mobility of population on the epidemiology of malaria, we conducted a comprehensive study about the care-seeking behavior among malaria patients. Methods: The malaria cases were identified within a national database from the National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China. All health institutions and facilities reported malaria patient records during the period from January 2014 to December 2016. Overall 1633 malaria patients were selected in six provinces located in eastern, central and western China that saw most severe malaria epidemic using stratified sampling. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to investigate the distribution of malaria patients in various medical institutions, and the chi-square test was used to compare the cross-regional visit rates of different types of hospitals. Colored maps were drawn to visualize the spatial distribution of hospitals and spatial flow of malaria patients by using the ArcGIS software. Results: The proportions of malaria patients who sought medical care in general hospitals, township hospitals, and professional public health institutions were 81.7%, 14.7% and 3.6%, respectively. For those who visited hospitals, the percentages who chose provincial, prefecture-level and county-level hospitals for malaria treatment were 17.4%, 60.5% and 22.1%, correspondingly; the proportions of malaria patients who sought medical care in tertiary hospitals, secondary hospitals, and primary hospitals were 59.8%, 39.9% and 0.3%, respectively. Moreover, the proportions of inter-provincial, inter-city and inter-county patients were 3.9%, 82.4% and 80.2%, respectively. In addition, we also found that the percentage of malaria patients who sought treatment in designated hospitals was high. Conclusion: With the implementation of National Malaria Control Program (NMCP), malaria patients tended to seek medical care in designate tertiary hospitals, and slightly more than half of patients could be treated in health institutions and facilities in prefectural area. In the post-stage of malaria elimination, it is necessary to establish prompt response grassroots hospitals to refer malaria patients to designated malaria treatment hospitals.
Females with Impaired Ovarian Function Could Be Vulnerable to Environmental Pollutants: Identification via Next-Generation Sequencing of the Vaginal Microbiome
Authors: Kim Seongmin , Lee Se Hee , Min Kyung Jin , Lee Sanghoon , Hong Jin Hwa , Song Jae Yun , Lee Jae Kwan , Lee Nak Woo , Lee Eun Il 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: The vaginal microbiome has been widely investigated because of its utility in the diagnosis of vaginitis and its connection to various conditions. However, its relationship with impaired ovarian function and the influence of environmental pollutants have not been evaluated. Here, we conducted a next-generation sequencing study of the vaginal microbiome in young females with normal and decreased ovarian function and analyzed its correlation with various environmental pollutants. Methods: Vaginal swabs were collected from 92 individuals (22 with impaired ovarian function and 70 with normal function), and the vaginal microbiome was analyzed using next-generation sequencing. The 16S rDNA sequences were assembled by Fast Length Adjustment of SHort reads (FLASH) and clustered by Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs). Diversity analysis was performed using Quantitative Insights Into Microbial Ecology (QIIME). Laboratory findings, including hormonal status were measured. Results: Most characteristics of the two groups were similar, except that the impaired function group showed lower AMH and higher FSH (p < 0.01 and p = 0.04, respectively). Among the most abundant taxa, several species differed; however, only two species showed significant differences: Propionibacterium acnes and Prevotella copri. The heat map did not show significant differences between the groups. Canonical correlation analysis revealed that more environmental pollutants were related to changes in the vaginal microbiome in the impaired ovarian function group than in the normal group. Conclusion: The vaginal microbiomes in young women with decreased ovarian function tended to be more sensitive to various environmental pollutants, especially volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Therefore, females with impaired ovarian function could be more vulnerable to VOCs.
Spatiotemporal variations of asthma admission rates and its relationship with environmental factors in Guangxi, China
Authors: Ma Rui , Liang Lizhong , Kong Yunfeng , Chen Mingyang , Zhai Shiyan , Song Hongquan , Hou Yane , Zhang Guangli 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
BackgroundThe association between environmental factors and asthma has attracted much attention. Numerous studies have focused on the effects of air pollution or meteorological factors, but the synergistic effects and regional heterogeneity remain unclear. MethodsBetween 2014 and 2015, 8,563 hospital admissions in 2014 and 7,804 hospital admissions in 2015 due to asthma were collected from 14 regions in Guangxi, China. First, we performed a Spearman correlation coefficient model as the single factor analysis to estimate correlation between environmental factors and asthma hospitalization rates in multiple regions. Second, Generalized Additive Model (GAM) was used to analyze the synergistic effects of environmental factors on asthma hospitalization rates in 14 regions, respectively.ResultsThe results indicated that asthma hospitalization rates were high in spring and autumn. There were all nonlinear relationships between air pollutants, meteorological factors and asthma hospitalization rates, and the relationships were different from region to region. According to the single factor analysis, asthma hospitalizations were related to the daily temperature, daily range of temperature, CO, NO2, and PM2.5 in multiple regions. According to the result of synergistic effects analysis, the adjusted R-square was high in Beihai and Nanning, with values of 0.292 and 0.207, which meant that environmental factors were powerful in explaining changes of asthma hospitalization rates in Beihai and Nanning.ConclusionDaily range of temperature is an important factor impact on asthma, which should be considered in the analysis of environmental factors impact on asthma. It is suggested that the relationship between asthma and risk factors in different regions deserves additional study. Governments should develop targeted protective measures for asthma in different regions.
Detection of human fecal pollution in environmental waters using human mitochondrial DNA and correlation with general and human-associated fecal genetic markers
Authors: Tanvir Pasha A. B. M. , Hinojosa Jessica , Phan Duc , Lopez Adrianne , Kapoor Vikram 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Human mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) genetic markers are abundant in sewage and highly human-specific, suggesting a great potential for the environmental application as human fecal pollution indicators. Limited data are available on the occurrence and co-occurrence of human mtDNA with fecal bacterial markers in surface waters, and how the abundance of these markers is influenced by rain events. A 1-year sampling study was conducted in a suburban watershed impacted by human sewage contamination to evaluate the performance of a human mtDNA-based marker along with the bacterial genetic markers for human-associated Bacteroidales (BacHum and HF183) and Escherichia coli. Additionally, the human mtDNA-based assay was correlated with rain events and other markers. The mtDNA marker was detected in 92% of samples (n = 140) with a mean concentration of 2.96 log10 copies/100 ml throughout the study period. Human mtDNA was detected with greater abundance than human-associated Bacteroidales that could be attributed to differences in the decay of these markers in the environment. The abundance of all markers was positively correlated with rain events, and human mtDNA abundance was significantly correlated with various bacterial markers. In general, these results should support future risk assessment for impacted watersheds, particularly those affected by human fecal pollution, by evaluating the performance of these markers during rain events.
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