bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hepatitis B Virus Infection and Its Associated Factors Among Medical Waste Collectors at Public Health Facilities in Eastern Ethiopia: A Facility-based Cross-Sectional Study.
Authors: Mengiste Degu , Dirbsa Abebe , Ayele Behailu , Hailegiyorgis Tewdros 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe risk of Hepatitis B Virus infection among medical waste handlers who undergo collection, transportation, and disposal of medical wastes in the health institutions is higher due to frequent exposure to contaminated blood and other body fluids. There are limited evidence on the seroprevalence of hepatitis B among medical waste handlers in eastern Ethiopia.ObjectivesThe study was aimed at studying the seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Virus and associated risk factors among medical waste collectors at health facilities of eastern Ethiopia Methodsa facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected medical waste collectors from public health facilities in eastern Ethiopia from March to June 2018. A pre-tested and well-structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics and Hepatitis B infection risk factors. A 5ml venous blood was also collected, centrifuged and the serum was analyzed for Hepatitis B surface antigen using the Instant Hepatitis B surface antigen kit. Descriptive summary measures were done. Chi-square and Fisher exact tests were used to assess the risk of association. Multivariate logistic regression was conducted with 95% CI and all value at P-value < 0.05 was declared statistically significant. ResultsFrom a total of 260 (97.38%) medical waste collectors participated, HBV was detected in 53 (20.4%) of the participants [95%CI; 15.8, 25.6]. No significant differences were observed in the detection rates of HBV with respect to socio-demographic characteristics. In both bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis, being unvaccinated (AOR= 6.35; 95%CI = [2.53-15.96], P=0.001), history of blood transfusion (receiving) (AOR; 3.54; 95%CI; [1.02-12.24], P=0.046), history of tattooing (AOR= 2.86; 95%CI=[1.12-7.27], p=0.03), and history of multiple sexual partner (AOR= 10.28; 95%CI=[4.16-25.38], P=0.001) remained statistically significantly associated with HBsAg positivity. ConclusionThis cross-sectional study identified that HBV infection is high among medical waste collectors in eastern Ethiopia. Immunization and on job health promotion and disease prevention measures should be considered in order to control the risk of HBV infection among medical waste collectors.
Growth Arrest and DNA Damage-Ind­ucible Proteins (GADD45) in Psoriasis
Authors: Rodríguez-Jiménez Pedro , Fernández-Messina Lola , Ovejero-Benito María , Chicharro Pablo , Vara Alicia , Cibrian Danay , Martínez-Fleta Pedro , Jiménez-Fernández María , Sánchez-García Inés , Llamas-Velasco Mar , Abad-Santos Francisco , Sánchez-Madrid Francisco , Dauden Esteban , Fuente Hortensia de la 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
The interplay between T cells, dendritic cells and keratinocytes is crucial in the development and maintenance of inflammation in psoriasis. GADD45 proteins mediate DNA repair in many cells including keratinocytes. In the immune system, GADD45a and GADD45b regulate the function and activation of both T lymphocytes and dendritic cells and GADD45a links DNA repair and epigenetic regulation by mediating demethylation. Here, we analyzed the expression of GADD45a and GADD45b in the skin, dendritic cells and circulating T cells from psoriasis patients and their regulation by inflammatory signals. Psoriasis patients exhibited a lower expression of GADD45a at the epidermis but a higher expression in dermal infiltrating T cells in lesional skin. Expression of GADD45a and GADD45b was also higher in peripheral T cells from psoriasis patients, although no differences were observed in p38 activation. The expression and methylation state of the GADD45a target UCHL1 were evaluated, revealing a hypermethylation of its promoter in lesional skin compared to non-lesional skin and controls. Furthermore, hypermethylation correlated with lower levels of both GADD45a and UCHL1 in lesional skin. The demethylase function of GADD45a may account for its pleiotropic effects, and the complex and heterogeneous pattern of expression observed in psoriatic disease.
Early triage of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 based on predicted prognosis: A Korean national cohort study
Authors: An Chansik , Oh Hyun Cheol , Chang Jung Hyun , Oh Sung Jin , Lee Jung Mo , Han Chang Hoon , Kim Seong Woo 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
We developed a tool for early triage of a COVID-19 patient based on a predicted prognosis, using a Korean national cohort of 5,596 patients. Predictors chosen for our model were older age, male sex, subjective fever, dyspnea, altered consciousness, temperature ≥ 37.5°C, heart rate ≥ 100 bpm, systolic blood pressure ≥ 160 mmHg, diabetes mellitus, heart disease, chronic kidney disease, cancer, dementia, anemia, leukocytosis, lymphocytopenia, and thrombocytopenia. Our model was better in predicting prognosis than protocols that are not based on data. The AUC of our model utilizing all the selected predictors was 0.907 in predicting whether a patient will require at least oxygen therapy and 0.927 in predicting whether a patient will need critical care or die from COVID-19. Even with age, sex, and symptoms alone used as predictors, AUCs were ≥ 0.88. In contrast, the protocols currently recommended in Korea showed AUCs less than 0.75.
Extra-Esophageal Symptoms in Individuals With and Without Erosive Esophagitis: A Case-Control Study in Albania
Authors: Sadiku Edite , Hasani Eqerem , Këlliçi Indrit , Mone Iris , Kraja Fatjona , Kraja Bledar , Burazeri Genc 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Introduction: Erosive reflux esophagitis caused a large clinical spectrum of symptoms. Our aim was to assess the prevalence of extra-esophageal symptoms in individuals with and those without erosive esophagitis in Albania.Methods: A case-control study was conducted at the Regional Hospital of Durres, the second main district in Albania, a transitional country in South Eastern Europe, including 248 patients with erosive esophagitis (aged 46.5±16.3 years) and 273 controls (aged 46.4±16.0 years; response rate: 70%) enrolled during the period January 2013 – June 2014. Both cases and controls underwent upper endoscopy. Information on socio-demographic characteristics and lifestyle factors was also collected. Binary logistic regression was used to assess the association of erosive esophagitis and extra-esophageal symptoms. Results: Patients with erosive esophagitis had a higher prevalence of excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, sedentarity, non-Mediterranean diet and obesity compared to their control counterparts (9% vs. 5%, 70% vs. 49%, 31% vs. 17%, 61% vs. 49% and 22% vs. 9%, respectively). Upon adjustment for all socio-demographic characteristics and lifestyle/behavioral factors, there was evidence of a strong association of erosive esophagitis with chronic cough (OR=3.2, 95%CI=1.7-5.8), and even more so with laryngeal disorders (OR=4.4, 95%CI=2.6-7.5). In all models, the association of erosive esophagitis with any extra-esophageal symptoms was strong and mainly consistent with each of the symptoms separately (fully-adjusted model: OR=4.6, 95%CI=2.9-7.3). Conclusion: Our findings indicate that the prevalence of extra-esophageal symptoms is higher among patients with erosive esophagitis in a transitional country characterized conventionally by employment of a Mediterranean diet.
Phylogenetic and Ultrastructural Characterization of Bed Bugs in the Southwest of Iran
Authors: Bahrami Somayeh , Alizadeh Ismaeil , Pazhoom Fatemeh , Cork Susan , O.Nzelu Chukwunonso , Alborzi Ali Reza 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Bed bugs belong systematically to Order Hemiptera; Suborder Heteroptera; Family Cimicidae are of public health importance as ectoparasites of mammals and birds, however, only a few species are the putative ectoparasites of humans. Bed bugs are a wingless bloodsucking hemipterous bug (Cimex spp.) sometimes infesting houses and especially beds and feeding on human blood. Correct species identification is very important in order to design targeted strategies for surveillance and control of bed bugs in a given area. Methods: Adult bed bugs were collected from houses located in the southwest of Iran. The specimens were morphologically identified to the species level and then confirmed using molecular methods. Results: The mtDNA 16S rRNA sequences obtained from the specimens, and phylogenetic tree derived, showed that all the sequences belong to Cimex hemipterus. The Disparity Index among results showed that all the specimens were of a heterogeneous population. To the best of our knowledge, the leg structure of this species has not previously been documented and this is the first report of an open-closed rack system in the legs of C. hemipterus.Conclusions: Previous studies claimed that C. lectularius is the abundant species of Cimicids in Iran. But this investigation showed that C. hemipterus is the prevalent species in the southwest of Iran.
Intra-articular Magnesium to Alleviate Postoperative Pain After Arthroscopic Knee Surgery: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Shi Lijun , Zhu Haiyun , Ma Jinhui , Shi Li-Li , Gao Fuqiang , Sun Wei 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Objective: We evaluated the safety and efficacy of intra-articular (IA) magnesium (Mg) for postoperative pain relief after arthroscopic knee surgery. Methods. We searched PubMed, Embase, Medline, Cochrane library, and Web of Science to identify randomized controlled trials that compared postoperative pain outcomes with or without IA Mg after knee arthroscopy. The primary outcomes were pain intensity at rest and with movement at different postoperative time points and cumulative opioid consumption within 24 hours after surgery. Secondary outcomes included the time to first analgesic request and side effects. Results. In total, 11 randomized controlled trials involving 677 subjects met the eligibility criteria. Pain scores at rest and with movement 2, 4, 12, and 24 h after surgery were significantly lower, doses of supplementary opioid consumption were smaller, and the time to first analgesic requirement was longer in the IA Mg group compared with the control group. No significant difference was detected regarding adverse reactions between the groups. Conclusions. Administering IA Mg following arthroscopic knee surgery is effective for relieving postoperative pain intensity, reducing opioid consumption, and prolonging the time before analgesics are needed without increasing adverse reactions. Protocol registration at Prospero: CRD42020156403.
Severe Leg Length Discrepancy after Total Hip Arthroplasty: Where is the Problem- Cup or Stem? A Retrospective Controlled Study
Authors: Ma Jimin , Lu Hanli , Chen Xinxing , Wang Dasai , Wang Qiang 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: The factors that contribute to the severe leg length discrepancy (LLD) after total hip arthroplasty (THA) are presently unclear. In the current study, we investigated whether the acetabular cup position and femoral stem are related to the patients with severe LLD by comparing with patients who had the leg length equality.Materials and Methods: Between June 2013 and July 2019, patients undergoing unilateral primary THA in the Department of Orthopaedics at our institution were screened. According to the postoperative leg length difference, a total of 178 patients were included in the study. A group of 107 patients had leg length equality (LLD≤3 mm) and the other group of 71 patients had severe LLD (LLD≥15 mm). A standardized protocol for evaluation of anteroposterior hip radiographs was used to measure the postoperative LLD. The difference of acetabular cup position (vertical centre of rotation (VCR), horizontal centre of rotation (HCR)) and the femoral stem(stem height; stem size; femoral neck osteotomy level) between the two groups. We also assessed whether there was a difference in proximal femur morphology between the two groups.Results: On the femoral side, the mean stem height of (70.82±5.49) mm in the severe LLD group was significantly different from the (67.35±6.88) mm mean discrepancy in the leg length equality group (P < .001). Stem size and femoral neck osteotomy level showed no statistically differences between the two groups (P>0.05). On the acetabular side, there was no significant difference between the two groups in the VCR and HCR (P>0.05) . There was also no statistical difference in proximal femur morphology between the two groups (P>0.05).Conclusion: The main reason for the occurrence of severe LLD may be due to improper treatment of the femur side. Although preoperative template could choose a better stem size and femoral neck osteotomy level, surgeons need to pay more attention to the whole operation process of the femur stem.
Texture Analysis to Differentiate Anterior Cruciate Ligament in Patients After Surgery With Platelet-Rich Plasma
Authors: Alves Allan Felipe Fattori , Miranda José Ricardo de Arruda , Souza Sérgio Augusto Santana de , Pereira Ricardo Violante , Silvares Paulo Roberto de Almeida , Yamashita Seizo , Deffune Elenice , Pina Diana 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
BackgroundPlatelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) has been used to favor Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) healing after reconstruction surgeries. However, clinical data are still inconclusive and subjective about PRP. Thus, we propose a quantitative method to demonstrate that PRP produced morphological structures changes.MethodsThirty-four patients undergoing ACL reconstruction surgery were evaluated and divided into Control Group (sixteen patients) without PRP application and Experiment Group (eighteen patients) with intraoperative application of PRP. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans were performed three months after surgery. We used Matlab® and Machine Learning (ML) in Orange Canvas® to Texture Analysis (TA) features extraction. Experienced radiologists delimited the regions of interest (RoIs) in the T2-weighted images. 62 texture parameters were extracted, including Gray-Level Co-occurrence Matrix and Gray Level Run Length. We used the algorithms Logistic Regression (LR), Naive Bayes (NB) and Stochastic Gradient Descent (SGD).ResultsThe accuracy of the classification with NB, LR, and SGD was 83.3%, 75%, 75%, respectively. For the area under the curve: NB, LR, and SGD presented values of 91.7%, 94.4%, 75%, respectively. In clinical evaluations, the groups show similar responses in terms of improvement in pain and increase in the IKDC index (International Knee Documentation Committee) and Lysholm Score indices differing only in the assessment of flexion, which presents a significant difference for the group treated with PRP.ConclusionsHere, we demonstrated quantitatively that patients who received PRP presented texture changes when compared to the control group. Thus, our findings suggest that PRP interferes with morphological parameters of the ACL.Trial RegistrationProtocol no. CAAE 56164316.6.0000.5411.
A Hybrid Technique Combining Intramedullary Pinning With Extramedullary Plate Fixation in Unstable and Comminuted Radial Head Fractures Following on-Table Reconstruction
Authors: Gao Xu , Li Fei , Sui Yong-Qiang , Huang Rui , Fan Hai-yu , Yin Hai-Lei 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
BackgroundManagement of comminuted radial fractures remains controversial. Currently, the emergence of on-table reconstruction technique has made fixation in comminuted radial head fractures more viable. However, since only a few previous studies have investigated small amounts of patients with conflicting complication rates, the treatment effects of on-table technique may be discrepant in different cases and its reliability needs to be evaluated cautiously in the practical surgical process. The present study reported an intro-operative unstable displacement from the reconstructed radial head to the neck during plate fixation, characterized by a poor radiocapitellar contact and incongruity between the radial head and neck. Subsequently, a hybrid technique combining with intramedullary pining was performed to restore the normal alignment and maintain the stability of fixation. Therefore, the purpose of this article aimed to prove the feasibility of unstable comminuted radial head fractures treated with the extramedullary plate and intramedullary pinning fixation using titanium elastic nails. MethodsFive patients with unstable comminuted radial head fractures (Mason type-III) were selected from January 2012 to May 2018 in this study. All patients were treated with open reduction and internal fixation using extramedullary plate and intramedullary pinning. During follow-up, the radiographic examination was conducted to evaluate the status of bone union, heterotopic ossification and post-traumatic arthritis. The functional assessment was performed to evaluate clinical effects, which included measurements of range of motion in the elbow, Visual Analog Scale score, Elbow Self-Assessment score, Mayo Elbow Performance score, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH)Outcome Measure score.ResultsAfter a mean follow-up of 44 months (range, 36 to 48), the average range of motion in elbow flexion-extension was 125° with supination of 84°and pronation of 74°. Based on the Elbow Self-Assessment score, there was one very good, two good, one satisfied, and one sufficient, respectively. The mean Visual Analog Scale score for pain was 1 (range, 0 to 3) and the mean Mayo Elbow Performance score was 83 (range, 70 to 95). The DASH score revealed good to excellent results with a mean score of 10 (range, 2.3 to 27). Two patients had mild signs of posttraumatic arthritis, and heterotopic ossifications rating as grade I were observed in three patients. However, none of them was affected in daily life. ConclusionCollectively, intramedullary pinning with extramedullary plate fixation is feasible in unstable comminuted radial head fractures, which can be considered as a remedial surgery for on-table reconstruction technique.
KLF15 Negatively Regulates Cardiac Fibrosis and SDF-1β Attenuates Cardiac Fibrosis Through KLF15 Pathway in Type 2 Diabetic Mice
Authors: Tian Yuanyuan , Wang Zhenyu , Zheng Xiangyu , Cheng Shihuan , Song Wenjing , Jing Zhe , Cai Lu , Rane Madhavi , Zhao Yuguang 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a common complication in diabetic patients. Cardiac fibrosis is the major pathologic changes, for which the effective and safe approaches remain not available. Methods: Wild-type mice and conditional knockout of cardiac specific Klf15 gene (Klf15-cKO) mice were fed with either high fat diet (HFD, 60% kcal from fat) or normal diet (ND, 10% kcal from fat) for 3 months and then injected with streptozotocin or vehicle. Five days later mice with hyperglycemia (3 h fasting blood glucose level ≥ 250 mg/dL) were defined as type 2 diabetes (T2D). All T2D and age-matched control mice that were continually received their HFD or ND for 6 months were treated with or without SDF-1β at 5 mg/kg body-weight twice a week for 3 months. At the end of 9-month study, after cardiac functions measured, mice were euthanized, for collecting heart tissue. For the in vitro study, H9C2 cells were exposed to palmitate to mimic in vivo condition of T2D.Results: SDF-1β treatment attenuated T2D-induced cardiac dysfunction and fibrosis and down-regulated KLF15 expression in wild type diabetic mice. The inhibitory effect of SDF-1β on cardiac fibrosis was abolished in Klf15-cKO/T2D mice, demonstrating the KLF15-dependence for this protection. Pre-treatment of H9C2 cells with the relevant siRNAs, followed by treatment with palmitate or SDF-1b or palmitate/SDF-1b demonstrated that SDF-1β inhibited palmitate-induced myocardial fibrosis through its receptor CXCR7 mediated activation of p38β MAPK and subsequent blockade of KLF15 down-regulation. Conclusions: T2D-promoted cardiac fibrosis and dysfunction were prevented with SDF-1β treatment by up-regulating KLF15 expression. Conditional knockout of cardiac specific Klf15 gene abolishes SDF-1β prevention of cardiac fibrosis but not cardiac dysfunction. The SDF-1β’s anti-fibrosis effect in the heart of T2D is probably mediated through CXCR7-mediated p38β MAPK activation of KLF15 function.
The Gut Microbiome as a Promising Biomarker of Cancer Progression Among Female Never-smokers With Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Otoshi Takehiro , Nagano Tatsuya , Park Jonguk , Hosomi Koji , Yamashita Tomoya , Tachihara Motoko , Tabata Tokiko , Sekiya Reina , Tanaka Yugo , Kobayashi Kazuyuki , Mizuguchi Kenji , Itoh Tomoo , Maniwa Yoshimasa , Kunisawa Jun , Nishimura Yoshihiro 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
The gut microbiome plays an important role in the immune system and has attracted attention as a biomarker of diseases, including cancer. As such, in this study, we examined the relationship between the gut microbiome and lung cancer progression. Female never-smokers diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma were consecutively enrolled between May 2018 and August 2019, and fecal samples were collected. Principal coordinate analyses were retrospectively performed using Bray-Curtis distance matrices to investigate the effects of clinical variables (age, body mass index, Tumor-Node-Metastasis stage, T category, N category, M category, primary tumor size, performance status, and EGFR mutation status) on the gut microbial community. A total of 37 patients were enrolled. T category and primary tumor size were significantly correlated with the gut microbial community (p=0.018 and 0.041, respectively). At the genus level, the relative abundance of Faecalibacterium was positively correlated with both T category and primary tumor size, whereas the relative abundances of Fusicatenibacter and Bacteroides were negatively correlated with these variables. This is the first study identifying the gut microbiome as a promising biomarker of lung cancer progression. Further elucidation of the role of the gut microbiome in lung cancer progression could facilitate development of new treatments for lung cancer.
Untuned broadband spiral micro-coils achieve sensitive multi-nuclear NMR TX/RX from microfluidic samples
Authors: Davoodi Hossein , Nordin Nurdiana , Munakata Hirokazu , Korvink Jan , MacKinnon Neil , Badilita Vlad 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
The low frequency plateau in the frequency response of an untuned micro-resonator permits broadband radio-frequency reception, albeit at the expense of optimal signal-to-noise ratio for a particular nucleus. In this contribution we determine a useful figure-of-merit for broadband microcoils, and thereby explore the parametric design space towards acceptable simultaneous excitation and reception of a microfluidic sample over a wide frequency band ranging from 13C to 1H, i.e., from 125-500 MHz in an 11.74 T magnet. The detector achieves 37 % of the performance of a comparably sized, tuned & matched resonator, and a linewidth of 16.6 ppb using standard magnet shims. The use of broadband detectors circumvents numerous difficulties introduce by multi-tuned RF detector circuits, including sample loading effects in matching, channel isolation, and field distortion.