bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of virulence factors and antibiotic resistance genes in Group B Streptococcus from clinical samples
Authors: Mudzana Raymond , Mavenyengwa Rooyen T , Gudza-Mugabe Muchaneta 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Streptococcus agalacticae (Group B Streptococcus, GBS) is one of the most important causative agents of serious infections among neonates. This study was carried out to identify antibiotic resistance and virulence genes associated with GBS isolated from pregnant women.Methods: A total of 43 GBS isolates were obtained from 420 vaginal samples collected from HIV positive and negative women who were 13-35 weeks pregnant attending Antenatal Care at Chitungwiza and Harare Central Hospitals in Zimbabwe. Identification tests of GBS isolates was done using standard bacteriological methods and molecular identification testing. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was done using the modified Kirby-Bauer method and E-test strips. The boiling method was used to extract DNA and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was used to screen for 13 genes. Data was fed into SPSS 24.0.Results: Nine distinct virulence gene profiles were identified and hly-scpB-bca-rib 37.2% (16/43) was common. The virulence genes identified were namely hly 97.8% (42/43), scpB 90.1% (39/43), bca 86.0% (37/43), rib 69.8% (30/43) and bac 11.6% (5/43). High resistance to tetracycline 97.7% (42/43) was reported followed by 72.1% (31/43) cefazolin, 69.8% (30/43) penicillin G, 58.1% (25/43) ampicillin, 55.8% (24/43) clindamycin, 46.5% (20/43) ceftriaxone, 34.9% (15/43) chloramphenicol, and 30.2% (13/43) for both erythromycin and vancomycin using disk diffusion. Antibiotic resistance genes among the resistant and intermediate-resistant isolates showed high frequencies for tetM 97.6% (41/42) and low frequencies for ermB 34.5% (10/29), ermTR 10.3% (3/29), mefA 3.4% (1/29), tetO 2.4% (1/42) and linB 0% (0/35). The atr housekeeping gene yielded 100% (43/43) positive results, whilst the mobile genetic element IS1548 yielded 9.3% (4/43).Conclusion: The study showed high prevalence of hly, scpB, bca and rib virulence genes in S. agalactiae strains isolated from pregnant women. Tetracycline resistance was predominantly caused by the tetM gene, whilst macrolide resistance was predominantly due to the presence of erm methylase, with the ermB gene being more prevalent. Multi-drug resistance coupled with the recovery of resistant isolates to antimicrobial agents such as penicillins indicates the importance of GBS surveillance and susceptibility tests. It was also observed that in vitro phenotypic resistance is not always accurately predicted by resistance genotypes.
The current status of gender equity in medicine in Korea: An online survey
Authors: Shin Hyun-Young , Lee Hang Aie 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Although the number of women doctors has increased in South Korea, and efforts to improve gender awareness have gained importance in recent years, the issue of gender equity in the medical field has not been fully evaluated. The aim of this study was to determine the current status of gender equity in the medical profession in Korea. Methods: An online survey on gender discrimination was conducted for two months, with both men and women doctors participating. The results were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 1,170 doctors responded to the survey (9.2% response rate). The survey found that 47.3% of the women respondents and 18.2% of the men had experienced gender discrimination in the resident selection process (p value<0.001); 17.2% of the women and 8.7% of the men had experienced discrimination during the fellowship application process (p value<0.001); and 36.2% of the women and 8.0% of the men had experienced discrimination during the professorship application process (p value<0.001). Both men and women cited the issue of childbirth and parenting as the number one cause of gender discrimination against women doctors.Conclusions: This study revealed the presence of gender discrimination in the Korean medical society. To address discrimination, a basic approach is necessary to change the working environment so that it is flexible for women doctors, and to change the current culture where the burden of family care, including pregnancy, childbirth, and childcare, is the primary responsibility of women.
Does Gender Influence the Outcomes of Total Ankle Arthroplasty in Patients with Ankle Osteoarthritis?
Authors: Lee Gun-Woo , Lee Keun-Bae 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Total ankle arthroplasty has progressed as a treatment option for patients with ankle osteoarthritis. However, no studies have been conducted to evaluate the effect of gender on the outcome. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate outcomes, survivorship, and complications rates of total ankle arthroplasty, according to gender differences. Methods: This study included 187 patients (195 ankles) that underwent mobile-bearing HINTEGRA prosthesis at a mean follow-up of 7.5 years (range, 4 to 14). The two groups consisted of a men’s group (106 patients, 109 ankles) and a women’s group (81 patients, 86 ankles). Average age was 64.4 years (range, 45 to 83). Results: Clinical scores on the Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale for pain and disability, and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot score improved and the difference was not statistically significant between the two groups at the final follow-up. There were no significant differences in complication rates and implant survivorship between the two groups. The overall survival rate was 96.4% in men and 93.4% in women at a mean follow-up of 7.5 years (p=0.621). Conclusions: Clinical outcomes, complication rates, and survivorship of total ankle arthroplasty were comparable between men and women. These results suggest that gender did not seem affect outcomes of total ankle arthroplasty in patients with ankle osteoarthritis.
Ovarian Cancer: Diagnostic Accuracy and Tumor Types Distribution in East Africa compared to North America
Authors: Rambau Peter Fabian , Köbel Martin , Tilley Derek , Mremi Alex , Lukande Robert , Muller William 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Ovarian cancer is a spectrum of several histologically distinct tumor types which differ in etiology, response to therapy and prognosis. In a resource-limited settings, the diagnosis of ovarian cancer can be challenging. This study describes the distribution of ovarian cancer tumor types in East Africa as well as assessing the diagnostic accuracy by using contemporary methods.
Methods
Data from 210 women identified from the records with a diagnosis of ovarian cancer in a period of 15 years were included. Two tissue microarrays were constructed and stained with 20 antibodies relevant to ovarian cancer subtyping. An integrated diagnosis was reached by the review of full Haematoxylin and Eosin stained sections, with consideration of immunohistochemical results. The integrated diagnoses were compared with the original diagnoses, and the degree of agreement was evaluated by percentage and Kappa statistics.
Results
The estimated rates of ovarian cancer were much lower in East Africa compared to a North American population from Alberta, Canada. There was a higher proportion of sex cord stromal tumors and germ cell tumors in the East African population. Diagnostic accuracy for main ovarian tumor type categories was substantial (Kappa 0.70), but only fair for specific ovarian carcinoma histotypes (Kappa 0.34). Poor Haematoxylin and Eosin stain was the main factor hindering correct diagnosis, which was not related to tissue processing.
Conclusions
In a resource- limited setting, where immunohistochemistry is not routinely carried out, diagnostic accuracy for the main categories of ovarian carcinoma is substantial and could be further improved by standardization of the basic Haematoxylin and Eosin stain.
STAT3-mediated TH17 cell Differentiation was Related to the Carcinogenesis of Colitis Related Cancer
Authors: Lin Shiyong , Liu Qianwen , Wen Jing , Bai Kunhao , Guo Yandong , Wang Jing 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Inflammation often induces regeneration to repair the tissue damage. However, chronic inflammation can transform temporary hyperplasia into a fertile ground for tumorigenesis. Here, we demonstrate that the miR-124 acts as a safeguard to inhibit the pro-inflammatory production and reparative regeneration.Methods: The expression levels of miR-124 and IL-17, IFN-γ were analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). TH17 or TH1 cells were detected by flow cytometer, respectively. the binding of STAT3 to the promoter region of IL-17 gene was analyzed by Chip assay . miR-124 binding to the 3’UTR of STAT3 gene was detected by reported plasmid construction and luciferase assay. Furthermore, DSS-induced colitis mice model and T cell transfer model were used to confirm the function of miR-124 in vivo. The related gene expression was analyzed by ELISA and western blot experiments.Results: The results indicated that miR-124a deficiency leads to colon tumorigenesis after Citrobacter rodentium infection and AOM/DSS induced colon cancer murine model. In molecular mechanism, miR-124 targets STAT3 to suppress T helper 17 (TH17) cell differentiation and expansion, and keep TH17 polarization in colonic microenvironment.Conclusions: Our study highlights highlight the potential role of miR-124 in the control of immune responses and pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases.
Depressive Effectiveness of Vigabatrin (y-Vinyl-GABA), an Antiepileptic Drug, in Intermediate-conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels in Human Glioma Cells
Authors: Hung Te-Yu , Huang Huai-Ying Ingrid , Wu Sheng-Nan , Huang Chin-Wei 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Vigabatrin (VGB, y-vinyl-GABA) is an approved non-traditional antiepileptic drug that has been revealed to have the therapeutic propensity for brain tumors; however, its ionic effects in glioma cells remain unclear to a large extent.
Methods
With the aid of patch-clamp technology, we investigated the effects of VGB on various ionic currents in the glioblastoma multiforme cell line 13-06-MG.
Results
In cell-attached configuration, addition of VGB concentration-dependently lessened the activity of intermediate-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (IKCa) channels, while subsequent application of DCEBIO (5,6-dichloro-1-ethyl-1,3-dihydro-2H-benzimidazol-2-one) thwarted the VGB-induced inhibition of IKCa channels. Neither the activity of large-conductance Ca2+-activated (BKCa) nor that of inwardly rectifying K+ (KIR) channels was adjusted by the presence of VGB in human 13-06-MG cells. However, in the continued presence of VGB, the addition of GAL-021 or BaCl2 effectively suppressed BKCa and KIR channels.
Conclusion
The inhibitory effect of VGB on IKCa channels demonstrated in the current study could be an unidentified but important underlying mechanism of VGB-induced antineoplastic (e.g., anti-glioma) actions.
The experience of loneliness among young people with depression: a qualitative meta-synthesis of the literature
Authors: Achterbergh Louis , Pitman Alexandra , Birken Mary , Pearce Eiluned , Sno Herman , Johnson Sonia 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Young people have a higher prevalence of loneliness than other age groups, and they are also at risk of depression. Quantitative studies describe a bidirectional association between loneliness and depression, but there is limited understanding of how these influence each other. Little is known about the experience of loneliness among young people with depression, but qualitative approaches help understand the relationship between loneliness and depression, and how to intervene to improve outcomes. We aimed to conduct a meta-synthesis to understand the complex inter-relationship between loneliness and depression among young depressed people by synthesising evidence from a systematic review of qualitative studies.Methods: We conducted a meta-synthesis of qualitative studies capturing experiences of loneliness among young people with depression. We systematically searched six electronic databases for selected search terms, critically appraised eligible studies, and analysed the data from included studies using the approach of thematic synthesis. We used feedback from an inter-disciplinary research workshop to improve reflexivity. Results: Our inclusion criteria identified fourteen studies. Our analysis identified four themes: (1) social withdrawal due to poor mental health, (2) non-disclosure of depression contributing to social distance, (3) the desire to connect, and (4) paradoxes of loneliness and depression. These illustrated a range of pathways between depression and loneliness, and a sense of how these might be mutually reinforcing. Our findings suggest that where depressed individuals engage in certain behaviours (withdrawing; not confiding) for a range of reasons, this can lead to feelings of loneliness, an awareness of which worsens their mood, thus perpetuating their depression. Conclusions: Young people with depression experience loneliness as an insurmountable distance between themselves and others. Our findings identified non-disclosure of depression, and the debilitating nature of the depressive symptomatology, as factors perpetuating a vicious cycle of loneliness and depression. They suggest that approaches to tackling the problem might include helping young people communicate about their depression to trusted friends, and educating their social networks in how to support them. The wider research literature suggests that cognitive interventions may have a role in shifting maladaptive cognitions about their social world.
Prevalence and Correlates of Gambling Disorder Among Secondary School Students in Mbarara Municipality, Uganda.
Authors: Anyanwu Michael Ugochukwu , Bajunirwe Francis , Tamwesigire Imelda 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background

Over the recent years, gambling has evolved and grown substantially with new activities and facilities being introduced, making gambling products and opportunities more available in our environment than ever. While the growth of gambling industry is considered to have a beneficial impact on the economy, it is increasingly becoming a social and public health issue especially among young people leading to gambling disorder, a gambling behavior that damages personal, family, vocational and academic pursuits.
Objectives

The study determined the prevalence and correlates of gambling disorder among secondary school students in Mbarara Municipality. It also described the gambling activities practiced by students with gambling disorder.
Methods

A cross sectional study was conducted among secondary school students in Mbarara Municipality in 2019. A total of 921 students, from 12 schools, was recruited using random cluster sampling. Logistic regression models were fitted for factors associated with gambling disorder using STATA 12.
Results

A total of 921 participants were enrolled in the study, 362 (40%) reported to have ever gambled and 160 (17.7%) were classified as having gambling disorder. The most gambling activity practiced by the students was sports betting. Bivariate analysis shows that age, gender, peer involvement, class of student, type of school, advertisement, phone ownership, substance use, risky sexual behavior and psychological distress were significant when those that had ever gambled but has no gambling disorder was compared to those with gambling disorder. However, male students and those using substances were significant on multivariate analysis.
Conclusion

This study found a high prevalence of gambling disorder among students. Therefore, there is need to institute public health measures towards raising awareness, prevention and treatment of gambling disorder.
A laparoscopic study investigating 3D vs 2D imaging systems using a pelvitrainer model with experts, non-experts, and students
Authors: Zwimpfer Tibor Andrea , Lacher Dominik , Fellmann Bernhard , Mueller Michel 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Vision is an essential element of laparoscopic surgery that defines the outcome of an operation in regards to time, mistakes and precision. A 3-dimensional (3D) perspective may improve vision during an operation. Therefore, this study was designed to compare 3D versus 2-dimensional (2D) perspectives using a pelvitrainer model.
Methods
Fifty subjects were divided into 3 categories based on different experience levels. The subjects were randomised into two groups, with each group performing the same 4 standardised tasks. Task completion time and the number of mistakes made for each task were recorded. After completing the tasks, participants answered questions concerning the two systems.
Results
Group A was, on average, 20% faster at all four tasks and made approximately 18% fewer mistakes in two of the tasks in comparison to group B. The experts significantly benefited from the 3D system in terms of accuracy compared to non-experts and students. The students demonstrated a significantly greater benefit from the 3D system when performing non-linear, continuous movements. Loss of concentration occurred at the same rate for subjects using the 2D and 3D systems. Nausea and dizziness were reported only when working with the 3D system. 91% found the 3D system advantageous for accomplishing the tasks.
Conclusions
Irrespective of experience level, 3D laparoscopy shows advantages in saving time, increasing accuracy and reducing mistakes. These benefits were also accompanied by subjective advantages that were noted by the participants. However, the more complex the task, the less significant the benefit of the 3D system.
Influential Factors on quality of life in married Iranian women during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020: A Path Analysis
Authors: Zahra Daneshfar , Sadatmahalleh Shahideh Jahanian , Samaneh Youseflu , Mahnaz Bahri Khomami , Anoshiravan Kazemnejad 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between quality of life (QoL) with anxiety, depression, corona disease anxiety, sexual function (SF), and marital satisfaction (MS) in married women during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Methods

We performed a cross-sectional study involving n = 296 married women. We used the Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), Marital Satisfaction Scale (MSS), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and coronary disease anxiety questionnaire, as determinants of QoL for data collection. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient and path analysis.
Results

There was a relationship between the components of QoL with SF, anxiety, depression, MS, general health and contamination obsessions. The results of path analysis also showed that that SF, MS, anxiety, general health and corona-related anxiety have a direct effect on women’s QoL. General health has a more direct effect on QoL.
Conclusion

The results of this study could help to planning to improve the QoL of women during the coronavirus epidemic.
Quantitative Selection Method of Product Conceptual Scheme Based On Bond Graph
Authors: Jiang Shaofei , Xu Qingqing , Li Jiquan , Wang Jianxiang , Jing Liting , Sun Tao , Peng Xiang 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
The optimum conceptual scheme is mostly selected based on qualitative decision-making evaluation methods in conceptual design stage of engineering product, which lacks quantitative verification and evaluation. To solve this problem, quantitative selection method of product conceptual scheme based on bond graph is proposed. Through analyzing the correlation between function, effect and bond element, the bond graph model and corresponding AMESim simulation model of conceptual scheme are constructed to verify the feasibility of conceptual scheme, and the quantitative evaluation index of function-performance requirements is calculated. A conceptual scheme selection method considering quantitative evaluation index and qualitative evaluation by experts is proposed to obtain the optimum scheme. The conceptual scheme selection of transmission system of a shearer cutting unit is taken as an example to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Risk factors for atopic diseases and recurrent respiratory tract infections in children
Authors: Kansen Hannah Maria , Lebbink Melanie A. , Mul Joeri , Erp Francine C. van , Engelen Martine van , de Vries Esther , Prevaes Sabine M.P.J. , Le Thuy-My M. , Ent Cornelis K. van der , Verhagen Lilly M. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background The simultaneous increased prevalence of atopic diseases and decreased prevalence of infectious diseases might point to a link between the two entities. Past work mainly focused on either atopic diseases or recurrent infections. We aim to investigate whether risk factors for atopic diseases (i.e. asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis and/or food allergy) differ from risk factors for recurrent respiratory tract infections (RRTIs) in children. Methods Cross-sectional data were used from 5516 children aged 1-18 years who participated in an Electronic Portal for children between 2011 and 2019. Univariable/multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to determine risk factors for any atopic disease and RRTIs. Results Children aged ≥5 years were more likely to have any atopic disease (adjusted Odds Ratio, OR, 1.49-2.80) and less likely to have RRTIs (OR 0.77-0.82) compared to children aged <5 years. Female sex (OR 0.72; 95% CI 0.64-0.82), low birth weight (OR 0.74; 95% CI 0.56-0.98) and dog ownership (OR 0.79; 95% CI 0.66-0.95) reduced the odds of any atopic disease, but not of RRTIs. Day care attendance (OR 1.31; 95% CI 1.09-1.58) was associated with RRTIs, but not with atopic diseases. A family history of asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis and RRTIs was significantly associated with the same entity in children, with OR varying from 1.58 (95% CI 1.36-1.84) in allergic rhinitis to 2.19 (95% CI 1.85-2.60) in asthma. Conclusions Risk factors for atopic diseases are distinct from risk factors for RRTIs, suggesting that the changing prevalence of both entities is not related to shared risk factors.