bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prolonged hyperlipidemia exposure increases the risk of arteriosclerosis in young adults: a cross-sectional study in a cohort of Chinese
Authors: Chen Haojia , Chen Youren , Wu Weiqiang , Chen Zekai , Cai Zefeng , Chen Zhichao , Yan Xiuzhu , Wu Shouling 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Hyperlipidemia is associated with arteriosclerosis. Herein, We examined the effect of prolonged exposure to hyperlipidemia on the risk of arteriosclerosis in young adults.Methods A study cohort (35−55 years old) that received health check-ups in the Kailuan study (2014−2016) were assessed. Hyperlipidemia was defined as a low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ≥160 mg/dL according to the Chinese Guidelines for the Management of Dyslipidemia in Adults. Subjects were divided into three groups based on the number of years with hyperlipidemia: normal (0 years), low exposure (1−5 years), and high exposure (5−10 years) groups. Arteriosclerosis was assessed with brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity. For all subjects and subjects that did not meet statin treatment criteria under guidelines, logistics regression was used to analyze the effect of prolonged hyperlipidemia exposure on arteriosclerosis in different age groups.Results Among 12,431 subjects, the mean age was 46.42±5.34 years with 9,000 men (72.4%). Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity gradually increased with increased exposure duration. Logistic regression analysis showed that hyperlipidemia exposure was a risk factor for arteriosclerosis in the low (1.22 times) and high (1.49 times) exposure groups compared with the normal group. In the different age groups, the risk of arteriosclerosis increased with the duration of hyperlipidemia exposure, apart for the 35−40-year-old population. The effect of hyperlipidemia exposure duration on arteriosclerosis in young adults that did not meet statin treatment criteria under guidelines was similar to the general population.Conclusions Prolonged exposure to hyperlipidemia in young adults increases the risk of arteriosclerosis. Young adults with this condition may benefit from more aggressive primary prevention.
Traditional Healers use of Personal Protective Equipment: a qualitative study in rural South Africa
Authors: Audet Carolyn , Gobbo Elisa , Sack Daniel E , Clemens Elise M , Ngobeni Sizzy , Mkansi Mevian , Aliyu Muktar H , Wagner Ryan G 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Traditional healers are frequently exposed to hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) through the widespread practice of traditional “injections”, in which the healer performs dozens of subcutaneous incisions using a razor blade to rub herbs directly into bloodied tissue. An average healer in Agincourt, a rural northeastern sub-district in Mpumalanga province, South Africa, experiences approximately 1,500 occupational blood exposures over the course of their lifetime. Healers in Agincourt have an HIV prevalence of 30% compared to 19% in the general population, and healers who report exposure to patient blood have an adjusted 2.4-fold higher odds of being HIV-positive than those with no exposure. Although research on appropriate PPE use has been well documented for allopathic care providers, little is known about the practices of traditional healers. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted with 30 traditional healers who practice in the rural Bushbuckridge sub-district of Mpumalanga province, northeastern South Africa. We elicited traditional healer attitudes towards glove use during traditional treatments – including patient baths, injections, or other treatments that exposed healers to patient blood or open sores. Results: While 90% of healers reported using latex gloves during some treatments, the majority do not use them regularly. Most employ a combination of gloves, plastic shopping bags, bread bags, paper, and sticks to prevent blood exposure. Healers reported plastic bags slipping or breaking during procedures, exposing them to patient blood. Only three healers consistently used gloves, regardless of the cost. Conclusions: Inadequate PPE use and high HIV prevalence make traditional healers particularly susceptible to contracting HIV in rural South Africa. Despite positive attitudes, consistent glove use remains low due to financial constraints and glove availability. Addressing issues of accessibility and cost of gloves for traditional healers could have a significant impact on the adherence to PPE and, in turn, reduce new HIV infections among this high-risk group.
The role of a remote knowledge broker from an academic setting using an adaptive approach to implement evidence-based practice in primary care settings: A case study of integrating mood management interventions for treatment seeking tobacco users.
Authors: Minian Nadia , Ahad Sheleza , Zawertailo Laurie , Ravindran Arun , Oliveira Claire de , Baliunas Dolly , Mulder Carol , Selby Peter 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Knowledge brokering is an emerging knowledge translation strategy used within healthcare to bridge the gap between evidence and practice. Reported studies indicate that the day-to-day role of a knowledge broker often involves in-person communication with frontline workers and decision makers. However, travelling to primary care sites can be cost- and resource-intensive and thus not feasible. In this paper, we describe the role and experience of a remote knowledge broker (rKB) working in an academic health sciences centre, delivering tailored one-on-one support to end-users using phone and email communications. Methods: A rKB was hired to support (n = 62) English-speaking Family Health Teams (FHTs) across Ontario with implementing mood management interventions as part of an existing smoking cessation program, the Smoking Treatment for Ontario Patients (STOP) program. We describe the eight categories of tasks performed by the rKB over a 12-month period, as well as their experience communicating via technology to develop relationships with healthcare providers (HCPs). Results: Sixty-one of the 62 FHTs (n = 73 HCPs) were provided rKB services. The total number of successful phone and email communications with the rKB ranged from 3-98 interactions over 12 months. Common barriers to implementation reported by FHTs were associated with the Inner and Outer Setting domains of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) and included lack of time, resources, and patient engagement. Conclusions: The role of the rKB involved building relationships with HCPs, identifying and helping to problem solve barriers, and building capacity in the field. Similar to traditional knowledge brokering, this analysis shows that developing a meaningful relationship between a remotely situated KB and HCPs could take anywhere between 1-6 months. Using implementation frameworks such as CFIR can help the rKB identify barriers and be ready to address them. In addition, hiring a rKB with previous engagements and knowledge of the local context may facilitate clinical practice change. Our future work will evaluate the cost-effectiveness of rKBs to inform its potential to be scaled up.
Dolphinfish Movements in the Eastern Pacific Ocean of Mexico Using Conventional and Electronic Tags
Authors: Perle Christopher R. , Snyder Stephanie , Merten Wessley , Simmons Melinda , Dacey Justina , Rodriguez-Sanchez Ruben , O’Sullivan John , Ortega-Garcia Sofia 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Dolphinfish, Coryphaena hippurus , are fast-swimming, predatory fish that exhibit fast growth and early maturation. It is an important and potentially renewable recreational and commercial resource throughout their global subtropical to tropical range. While understanding habitat utilization and migratory behavior in these wide-ranging fish is critical to proper regional and international fisheries management, studies have historically relied heavily upon fisheries reported data. This study uses tagging data to explore the vertical and horizontal movements of dolphinfish, focusing on two regions in the Eastern Pacific Ocean (EPO) - west coast of Baja California Peninsula (WBC) and Oaxaca (OAX) coasts of Mexico. Results Adult dolphinfish (fork length 66 cm - 129 cm) were tagged with conventional (n = 132 tags) and electronic tags (n = 30 tags, miniPAT) between 2010 and 2014. Total recapture rate was 3.7%, and greater for males (5.1%) than females (2.4%). Twenty of 30 deployed electronic tags reported, but all did so before the programmed release date, with days at liberty ranging from 3 to 74 (mean = 42 d). Fish remained within their tagging region with the exception of one fish tagged in WBC which exhibited a large southerly displacement, and one fish tagged in OAX which was recovered to the north. Latitudinal (N-S) and longitudinal (E-W) extents of fish movements increased with days at liberty. In general, fish remained near the surface with short excursions below the isothermal layer but larger OAX fish inhabiting warm waters (sea surface temperatures (SST) > ~26 °C) spent more time below the isothermal layer than smaller fish inhabiting colder waters in WBC (SST > ~22 °C). Conclusions This study examines the dynamics of the vertical and horizontal movements of dolphinfish. These movements evoke questions about the size-structure of the dolphinfish’s realized thermal niche, its population stock structure, and its spatiotemporal connectivity patterns in the multinational EPO. Longer tag deployments could show larger displacements and observed differences in orientation of seasonal displacement patterns suggest such long-distance movements would provide opportunities for reproductive mixing through trans-national migrations.
A selective p38 MAPK inhibitor alleviates neuropathology and cognitive impairment by modulating microglia function in 5XFAD mouse
Authors: Gee Min Sung , Son Seung Hwan , Jeon Seung Ho , Do Jimin , Kim Namkwon , Ju Yeon-Joo , Lee Soo Jin , Chung Eun Kyoung , Inn Kyung-Soo , Kim Nam-Jung , Lee Jong Kil 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Chronic neuroinflammation, aggressive amyloid beta (Aβ) deposition, neuronal cell loss and cognitive impairment are pathological symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Regarding these symptoms, resolution of neuroinflammation and inhibition of Aβ-driven pathology might be a novel strategy for AD therapy. Efforts to prevent AD progression have identified that p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) is a promising target for AD therapy. However, the actual therapeutic effect of selective p38 MAPK inhibition in AD has not been ascertained yet. Methods: In this study, we explored the therapeutic potential of NJK14047, a selective p38 MAPK inhibitor, using an Alzheimer’s disease mouse model, 5XFAD. The mice were injected 2.5 mg/kg NJK14047 or vehicle every other day for 3 months. Morris water maze task and histological imaging analysis were performed. Protein and mRNA expression levels were measured using immunoblotting and qRT-PCR. In in vitro studies, the cytotoxicity of microglial conditioned medium and astrocyte conditioned medium on primary neurons were measured using MTT assay and TUNEL assay. Results: NJK14047 treatment downregulated phospho-p38 MAPK levels, decreased the amount of Aβ deposits, and improved spatial learning memory in 5XFAD mice. Interestingly, these effects were associated with the decrease of inflammatory responses and the elevation of alternatively activated M2 markers. Furthermore, NJK14047 treatment reduced the number of Fluoro-jade B positive cells, a class of degenerating neurons, in the brains of 5XFAD mice. The neuroprotective effect of NJK14047, achieved via the restoration of microglia function, was further confirmed by in vitro studies. Conclusion: Taken together, our results reveal that inhibition of p38 MAPK in the brain alleviates AD pathology and represents a potential strategy for AD therapy. It also suggests that NJK14047 is a promising candidate for AD treatment. Keywords : Alzheimer’s disease, Amyloid-β, P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, Kinase inhibitor, Microglia
Upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with liver cirrhosis, Is the difference of clinical outcomes depend on the source?
Authors: Mohamed Mohamed Sorour , Elgohary Marwan N , Bassiony Mohamed A A , Hanafy Amr Shaaban 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background and Study Aims Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is the most common gastroenterological emergency in patients with cirrhosis; It increases the hospital length of stay (LOS), and Chance of 30-day hospital readmission. It has not been clarified if there is a difference in the prognosis of UGIB in cirrhosis depending on the source of bleeding. We aimed to investigate clinical outcomes in patients with cirrhosis with either acute variceal bleeding (AVB) or non-variceal bleeding (NVB) and risk factors for prolonged hospital LOS in both groups.Patients and Methods From July 2016 to January 2017, all adult eligible patients hospitalized with cirrhosis and UGIB were enrolled in the retrospective study, we assessed clinical outcomes in both groups and factors associated with prolonged hospital LOS.Results Of the 608 patients included in the study, 416 had variceal and 192 non-variceal bleeding. Mortality was higher in AVB group compared to NVB (12.5% vs. 8.3%, P= 0.023). There was a trend towards increased the length of hospital stay for those who had an AVB compared to NVB (5.84±2.16 vs. 4.33±1.18, p=0.001). Rate of hospital Readmission was also higher in the AVB group. Risk factors for prolonged hospital LOS were in hospital rebleeding, presence of Hepatic encephalopathy or ascites, higher MELD score and Patients with child score B, C.Conclusion Patients with cirrhosis and AVB have higher mortality rate, longer hospital LOS and re-hospitalization rate than those with NVB.
In vitro Screening Antiviral Activity of Thai Medicinal Plants Against Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus
Authors: Arjin Chaiwat , Pringproa Kidsadagon , Hongsibsong Surat , Ruksiriwanich Warintorn , Seel-audom Mintra , Mekchay Supamit , Sring Korawan 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) caused by the PRRS virus (PRRSV) results in economic losses in the swine industry globally. Several studies have investigated the use of plant extracts for the prevention and control of PRRS outbreaks. Thai medicinal plants may be useful for treating PRRSV infection in pigs. Therefore, we investigated the in vitro anti-PRRSV and antioxidant properties of seven Thai medicinal plants: Caesalpinia sappan Linn., Garcinia mangostana Linn., Houttuynia cordata , Perilla frutescens , Clinacanthus nutans , Phyllanthus emblica , and Tiliacora triandra .Results In the antiviral screening test, we observed that the T. triandra extract strongly inhibited the infectivity of PRRSV into MARC-145 cells [virus titer 3.5 median tissue culture infectious doses (TCID 50 )/ml (log 10 )] at 24 h post-infection, whereas the C. sappan Linn. extract strongly inhibited PRRSV replication [virus titer 2.5 TCID 50 /ml (log 10 )] at 72 h postinfection. C. sappan Linn. extract had the highest total phenol content [220.52 mM gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g] and the lowest half-maximal inhibitory concentration [IC 50 ; 1.17 mg/ml in 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2.58 mg/ml in 2,2-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazo-line-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS)].Conclusion Our study showed that T. triandra could inhibit the infectivity of PRRSV, whereas C. sappan Linn was the most effective for inhibiting PRRSV replication in MARC-145 cells. This study elucidates the antiviral activities of Thai medicinal plant extracts in vivo . The result promising that the extracts of Thai medicinal plants, especially that of T. triandra and C. sappan Linn, can be developed into pharmaceutical drugs for the prevention of PRRS in pigs.
Nurse-led continuum of care for people with diabetes and pre-diabetes in Nepal (NUCOD): study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Xu Dong (Roman) , Dev Rubee , Shrestha Abha , Zhang Lingling , Shrestha Archana , Shakya Pushpanjali , Hughes James , Shakya Prabin , Li Jinghua , Liao Jing , Karmacharya Biraj 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study will be to improve diabetes prevention, access to care and advocacy through a novel cost-effective nurse-led continuum of care approach that incorporates diabetes prevention, awareness, screening and management for low-income settings, and furthermore utilizes the endeavor to advocate for establishing standard diabetes program in Nepal. Methods: We will conduct a two-arm, open-masked stratified cluster randomized controlled trial of a NU rse-led CO ntinuum of care for people with D iabetes (N1=200) and pre-diabetes (N2=1036) (NUCOD) , with primary care centers (9 Outreach Centers and 17 Government Health Posts) as a unit of randomization. NUCOD will be delivered through the trained diabetes nurses in the community to the intervention group and the outcomes will be compared to the enhanced usual-treatment group at 6 and 12 months of the intervention. The primary outcome will be change in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level among diabetes and progression to type 2 diabetes among prediabetes, and implementation outcomes measured using the RE-AIM (reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance) framework. Outcomes will be analyzed on an intention to treat basis. Discussion: The results of this trial will provide information about the effectiveness of the NUCOD program in improving clinical outcomes for diabetes and prediabetes individuals, and implementation outcomes for the organization. Trial registration: This study was registered in a clinical trials registry via ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04131257) on 18 October 2019. https://bit.ly/34qwIAd
“Kunika women are always sick”: Views from community focus groups on short birth interval (kunika) in Bauchi State, Northern Nigeria
Authors: Ansari Umaira , Pimentel Juan , Omer Khalid , Gidado Yagana , Baba Mohd Chadi , Andersson Neil , Cockcroft Anne 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background In Northern Nigeria, short birth interval is common; the word kunika in the Hausa language describes a woman becoming pregnant before weaning her last child. A sizeable literature confirms an association between short birth interval and adverse perinatal and maternal health outcomes. Yet relatively little is known about how people view short birth interval and its consequences. In support of culturally-safe child spacing in Bauchi State, in North East Nigeria, we explored local perspectives about kunika and its consequences.Methods A qualitative descriptive study included 12 gender-segregated focus groups facilitated by local men and women in six communities from the Toro Local Government Area in Bauchi State. Facilitators conducted the groups in the Hausa language and translated the reports of the discussions into English. After an inductive thematic analysis, the local research team reviewed and agreed the themes in a member-checking exercise.Results Some 49 women and 48 men participated in the 12 focus groups, with an average of eight people in each group. All participants were married with ages ranging from 15-45 years. They explained their understanding of kunika , often in terms of pregnancy while breastfeeding. They described many disadvantages of kunika , including health complications for the mother and children, economic consequences, and adverse impact on men’s health and family dynamics. The groups concluded that some people still practise kunika , either intentionally (for example, in order to increase family size or because of competition between co-wives) or unintentionally (for example, because of frequent unprotected sex), and explained the roles of men and women in this.Conclusion Men and women in our study had a clear understanding of the concept of kunika . They recognized many adverse consequences of kunika beyond the narrow health concerns reported in quantitative studies. Their highlighted impacts of kunika on men’s wellbeing can inform initiatives promoting the role of men in addressing kunika .
Effect of Sequence Padding on the Performance of Protein-Based Deep Learning Models
Authors: Rio Angela Lopez-del , Martin Maria , Perera-Lluna Alexandre , Saidi Rabie 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background The use of raw amino acid sequences as input for protein-based deep learning models has gained popularity in recent years. This scheme obliges to manage proteins with different lengths, while deep learning models require same-shape input. To accomplish this, zeros are usually added to each sequence up to a established common length in a process called zero-padding. However, the effect of different padding strategies on model performance and data structure is yet unknown. Results We analysed the impact of different ways of padding the amino acid sequences in a hierarchical Enzyme Commission number prediction problem. Our results show that padding has an effect on model performance even when there are convolutional layers implied. We propose and implement four novel types of padding the amino acid sequences. Conclusions The present study highlights the relevance of the step of padding the one-hot encoded amino acid sequences when building deep learning-based models for Enzyme Commission number prediction. The fact that this has an effect on model performance should raise awareness on the need of justifying the details of this step on future works. The code of this analysis is available at https://github.com/b2slab/padding_benchmark.
Preparing for the delivery of PrEP: Lessons from the implementation of integrated reproductive health and HIV services in Kenya
Authors: Evens Emily McDonald , Hoke Theresa , Eichleay Margaret , Olsen Patrick , Olawo Alice , Githuka George 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: In 2015, the WHO issued guidelines recommending oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for individuals at substantial risk of HIV. Given their role in health service delivery, ministries of health are assuming major responsibility for PrEP services in sub-Saharan Africa. However, these are often strained and under-resourced. We measured the delivery of selected integrated services and identified the factors that impede effective delivery of integrated services to prepare for the integration of PrEP into health services for women. Methods: Three services were examined: 1) HIV testing within family planning, 2) HIV testing within general outpatient services, and 3) care and prevention services for HIV-positive clients not eligible for antiretrovirals (“Pre-ART”). Descriptive, mixed-methods research was conducted in three Kenyan counties using: service delivery observations (n = 3246) and client exit interviews (n = 3257) in public facilities, and semi-structured interviews with providers, managers and officials (n = 112). Results: Integrated services were not consistently implemented. HIV testing was not systematically offered or received; most clients were not aware testing was available, and tests were largely unavailable. Pre-ART services did not systematically deliver mandated services. Rates of cervical cancer and tuberculosis screening were especially low; a concerning gap given the elevated risk for HIV-positive women. Supply-side challenges of staffing, infrastructure and commodity shortages were common. Conclusions: In an era of significant demands on treatment resources and decreasing funding for prevention, the identification of the technical, material, and human resources required for successful and sustainable delivery of integrated services must be addressed to support successful PrEP implementation. Key words: Pre-exposure prophylaxis, Kenya, Integrated health, HIV