bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The roles of the gut microbiota–miRNA interaction in the host pathophysiology
Authors: Li Meihong , Chen Wei-Dong , Wang Yan-Dong 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
The gut microbiota regulates the biological processes of organisms acting like ‘another’ genome, affecting the health and disease of the host. MicroRNAs, as important physiological regulators, have been found to be involved in health and disease. Recently, the gut microbiota has been reported to affect host health by regulating host miRNAs. For example, Fusobacterium nucleatum could aggravate chemoresistance of colorectal cancer by decreasing the expression of miR-18a* and miR-4802. What’s more, miRNAs can shape the gut microbiota composition, ultimately affecting the host's physiology and disease. miR-515-5p and miR-1226-5p could promote the growth of Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn) and Escherichia coli (E.coli), which have been reported to drive colorectal cancer. Here, we will review current findings of the interactions between the gut microbiota and microRNAs and discuss how the gut microbiota–microRNA interactions affect host pathophysiology including intestinal, neurological, cardiovascular, and immune health and diseases.
Assessment of knowledge, practice and attitude towards prostate cancer screening among male patients aged 40 years and above at Kitwe Teaching Hospital, Zambia
Authors: Gift Sakala , Nancy Kasongo , Victor Mwanakasale 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Prostate cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in men. Evaluating knowledge, practice and attitudes towards the condition is important to identify key areas where interventions can be instituted.

Methods
This was a hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study aimed at assessing knowledge, practice and attitude towards prostate cancer screening among male patients aged 40 years and above at Kitwe Teaching Hospital, Zambia.

Results
A total of 200 men took part in the study (response rate = 100%). Of the 200 respondents, 67 (33.5%) had heard about prostate cancer and 58 (29%) expressed knowledge of prostate cancer out of which 37 (63.8%) had low knowledge. Twenty-six participants (13%) were screened for prostate cancer in the last 2 years. 98.5% of the participants had a positive attitude towards prostate cancer screening. Binary logistic regression results showed that advanced age (p = 0.017), having secondary or tertiary education (p = 0.041), increased knowledge (p = 0.023) and family history of cancer (p = 0.003) increased prostate cancer screening practice. After multivariate analysis, participants with increased knowledge (p = 0.001) and family history of cancer (p = 0.002) were more likely to practice prostate cancer screening.

Conclusion
The study revealed low knowledge of prostate cancer, low prostate cancer screening practice and positive attitude of men towards prostate cancer screening. These findings indicate a need for increased public sensitization campaigns on prostate cancer and its screening tests to improve public understanding about the disease with the aim of early detection.
Prediction of enhancer–promoter interactions using the cross-cell type information and domain adversarial neural network
Authors: Jing Fang , Zhang Shao-Wu , Zhang Shihua 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Enhancer–promoter interactions (EPIs) play key roles in transcriptional regulation and disease progression. Although several computational methods have been developed to predict such interactions, their performances are not satisfactory when training and testing data from different cell lines. Currently, it is still unclear what extent a across cell line prediction can be made based on sequence-level information.

Results
In this work, we present a novel Sequence-based method (called SEPT) to predict the enhancer–promoter interactions in new cell line by using the cross-cell information and Transfer learning. SEPT first learns the features of enhancer and promoter from DNA sequences with convolutional neural network (CNN), then designing the gradient reversal layer of transfer learning to reduce the cell line specific features meanwhile retaining the features associated with EPIs. When the locations of enhancers and promoters are provided in new cell line, SEPT can successfully recognize EPIs in this new cell line based on labeled data of other cell lines. The experiment results show that SEPT can effectively learn the latent import EPIs-related features between cell lines and achieves the best prediction performance in terms of AUC (the area under the receiver operating curves).

Conclusions
SEPT is an effective method for predicting the EPIs in new cell line. Domain adversarial architecture of transfer learning used in SEPT can learn the latent EPIs shared features among cell lines from all other existing labeled data. It can be expected that SEPT will be of interest to researchers concerned with biological interaction prediction.
Design and methodology of the Aging Nephropathy Study (AGNES): a prospective cohort study of elderly patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Coelho Venceslau A. , Santos Giovani GN. , Avesani Carla M. , Bezerra Cicero Italo L. , Silva Luana Cristina A. , Lauar Julia C. , Lindholm Bengt , Stenvinkel Peter , Jacob-Filho Wilson , Noronha Irene L. , Zatz Roberto , Moysés Rosa M. A. , Elias Rosilene M. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundRenal replacement therapy (RRT) is usually indicated for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) with glomerular filtration rate below 10 ml/ml/min/1.73m2. However, the need for RRT and timing of dialysis initiation are debatable for patients aged 70 years or older. We here describe the study design and methodology of the Aging Nephropathy Study (AGNES) protocol that aims at evaluating to what extent geriatric-related conditions such as frailty, cognitive dysfunction, and presence of comorbidities have an impact on survival and RRT initiation in this group of patients. In this manuscript we provide detailed information about the AGNES study design and methodology.MethodsAGNES is a prospective observational cohort that aim to investigate clinical, biochemical and demographic factors associated with RRT initiation and mortality of patients with CKD stage 4 or 5 who are aged 70 years and older. We plan to include 200 patients over 5 years. Clinically stable outpatients on conservative management for at least 6 months will be recruited from the Nephrogeriatric Clinic at theHospital das Clinicas da Universidade de Sao Paulo, Brazil. Eligible patients are submitted to a full clinical examination, geriatric assessment, and blood test at baseline. Following the baseline visit the patients are being monitored during an observational follow up period of at least 12 months during which patients will be contacted in the clinic at their regular follow up or by phone until either RRT initiation or death occurs. This cohort includes evaluation of cognition by the education-adjusted 10-point Cognitive Screener (10-CS), frailty by Fried index score, a complete nutritional assessment (by body composition assessment, global subjective assessment and dietary intake), comorbidities by Charlson comorbidity index and biochemical markers including FGF-23 and Klotho.DiscussionThe AGNES cohort, a real-world study of current clinical practice in elderly patients with advanced CKD prior to dialysis initiation, will shed light into progression of CKD and its complications, indications of RRT and factors determining survival. This investigation will elucidate to what extent geriatric conditions, nutritional status and clinical factors are associated with survival, quality of life and RRT initiation in elderly CKD patients not yet on dialysis.Trial registrationRegistered onClinicalTrials.govon 18 October 2019 (NCT04132492).
Birth weight and renal markers in children aged 5–10 years in Cameroon: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kaze Francois Folefack , Nguefack Seraphin , Asong Constantine Menkoh , Assob Jules Clement Nguedia , Nansseu Jobert Richie , Kowo Mathurin Pierre , Nzana Victorine , Kalla Ginette Claude Mireille , Halle Marie Patrice 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
A relationship exists between birth weight (BW) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in postnatal kidney. Willing to fill a gap of knowledge in sub-Saharan Africa, we assessed the effect of BW on blood pressure (BP), proteinuria and GFR among Cameroonians children.

Methods
This was a cross-sectional hospital-based study from January to April 2018 at the Yaounde Gynaeco-Obstetric and Paediatric Hospital (YGOPH). We recruited low BW (LBW) [< 2500 g], normal BW (NBW) [2500-3999 g] and high BW (HBW) [> 4000 g] children, aged 5–10 years, born and followed-up at YGOPH. We collected socio-demographic, clinical (weight, height, BP), laboratory (proteinuria, creatinine), maternal and birth data. The estimated GFR was calculated using the Schwartz equation.

Results
We included 80 children (61.2% boys) with 21 (26.2%) LBW, 45 (56.2%) NBW and 14 (15.5%) HBW; the median (interquartile range) age was 7.3 (6.3–8.1) years and 17 (21.2%) were overweight/obese. Two (2.5%) children, all with a NBW (4.4%), had an elevated BP whereas 2 (2.5%) other children, all with a LBW (9.5%), had hypertension (p = 0.233). Seven (8.7%) children had proteinuria with 19, 2.2 and 14.3% having LBW, NBW and HBW, respectively (p = 0.051). Equivalent figures were 18 (22.5%), 14.3, 24.2 and 28.6% for decreased GFR, respectively (p = 0.818). There was a trend towards an inverse relationship between BW and BP, proteinuria and GFR (p > 0.05).

Conclusion
Proteinuria is more pronounced in childhood with a history of LBW and HBW while LBW children are more prone to develop hypertension. Regular follow-up is needed to implement early nephroprotective measures among children with abnormal BW.
“Real-world” effect of a peer counselor on breastfeeding outcomes in an urban prenatal clinic in the United States
Authors: Martinez Noelle G. , Strohbach Angelina , Hu Fengling , Yee Lynn M. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
One approach for improving breastfeeding support and alleviating breastfeeding disparities is the implementation of a clinic-based peer counselor. Our objective was to assess the “real life” effects of an autonomous peer counselor who provides tailored support to low-income, minority women based on individual needs rather than a pre-determined research protocol.

Methods
This is a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study of women receiving publicly funded prenatal care during the 6 months before and after introduction of a peer counselor in a single prenatal clinic. The peer counselor provided one-on-one antenatal and postpartum lactation support. Electronic medical record and survey data were collected. The primary outcome was breastfeeding continuation at 6 weeks postpartum. Secondary outcomes included breastfeeding comfort, confidence, and training satisfaction, any breastfeeding, and total breastfeeding duration. Bivariable and multivariable analyses were performed.

Results
Peer counselor exposure was not associated with the primary outcome of continued breastfeeding at 6 weeks (55.6% with peer counselor versus 49.1% without; aOR 1.26, 95% CI 0.69–2.31). However, women with peer counselor exposure were more likely to be satisfied with breastfeeding training at the time of delivery (98.2% vs. 83.6%, p = 0.006) and were more likely to have performed any breastfeeding (89.8% vs. 78.9%, p = 0.04), which remained significant on multivariable analysis (aOR 2.85, 95% CI 1.11–7.32).

Conclusions
Peer counselor interventions are a promising approach to increase breastfeeding initiation. Further research is required to inform the most efficacious approach while also allowing peer counselors to operate independently and in line with the specific needs of their clients.
Fear of childbirth among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Arba Minch town, southern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Gelaw Tiruset , Ketema Teklemariam Gultie , Beyene Kassaw , Gurara Mekdes Kondale , Ukke Gebresilasea Gendisha 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Fear of childbirth is one of the life challenges the women encounter during pregnancy. It is an important source of distress for the women and their families and also increases the odds of obstetric complications during childbirth. The aim of this study was to assess the magnitude of fear of childbirth and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care at public health facilities in Arba Minch town, southern Ethiopia.

Methods
Institution-based cross-sectional study was carried out among pregnant women who attended antenatal care at public health facilities in Arba Minch from November 1st − 30th 2019. A systematic random sampling technique was employed to include the participants. Data were collected through a face-to-face interview by using a structured and pretested questionnaire. Wijma Delivery Expectancy Questionnaire was used to score fear of childbirth. Epi Data version 3.1 and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 25.0 software were used for data management. Descriptive and analytic analyses were done and statistical significance was declared at a p-value < 0.05 and 95% confidence level in multivariable analysis.

Results
A total of 387 pregnant women have participated in this study. Forty (10.3%) of the pregnant women had a low degree fear, 154(39.8%) had a moderate degree fear, 98(25.3%) had a high degree fear, and 95(24.5%) had severe degree fear of childbirth. Unplanned pregnancy (AOR = 2.30, 95% CI: 1.12, 4.74), current pregnancy-related complications (AOR = 6.24, 95% CI: 2.72, 14.29), and poor social support (AOR = 1.93, 95%CI: 1.01, 3.68) were factors significantly associated with severe degree fear of childbirth.

Conclusions
Almost three-fourth of the pregnant women in this study area had moderate to severe degree fear of childbirth. Tailoring counseling during antenatal care visits is needed to address those women who are at a high risk of considerable childbirth fear and its health consequences.
Willingness to use HIV prevention methods among vaccine efficacy trial participants in Soweto, South Africa: discretion is important
Authors: Laher Fatima , Salami Taibat , Hornschuh Stefanie , Makhale Lerato M. , Khunwane Mamakiri , Andrasik Michele P. , Gray Glenda E. , Van Tieu Hong , Dietrich Janan J. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Despite multiple available HIV prevention methods, the HIV epidemic continues to affect South Africa the most. We sought to understand willingness to use actual and hypothetical HIV prevention methods among participants enrolled in a preventative HIV vaccine efficacy trial in Soweto, South Africa.

Methods
We conducted a qualitative study with 38 self-reporting HIV-uninfected and consenting 18–35 year olds participating in the HVTN 702 vaccine efficacy trial in Soweto. Using a semi-structured interview guide, five focus group discussions (FGDs) were held, stratified by age, gender and sexual orientation. The FGDs were composed of: (i) 10 heterosexual women aged 18–24 years; (ii) 9 heterosexual and bisexual women aged 25–35 years; (iii & iv) heterosexual men aged 25–35 years with 7 in both groups; and (v) 5 men aged 18–35 years who have sex with men. FGDs were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, translated into English and analysed using thematic analysis.

Results
We present five main themes: (i) long-lasting methods are preferable; (ii) condoms are well-known but not preferred for use; (iii) administration route of HIV prevention method is a consideration for the user; (iv) ideal HIV prevention methods should blend into the lifestyle of the user; and the perception that (v) visible prevention methods indicate sexual indiscretion.

Conclusions
The participants’ candour about barriers to condom and daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use, and expressed preferences for long-lasting, discreet, lifestyle-friendly methods reveal a gap in the biomedical prevention market aiming to reduce sexually acquired HIV in South Africa. Product developers should consider long-acting injectable formulations, such as vaccines, passive antibodies and chemoprophylaxis, for HIV prevention technologies. Future innovations in HIV prevention products may need to address the desire for the method to blend easily into lifestyles, such as food-medication formulations.
Propionibacterium acnes-associated sarcoidosis complicated by acute bird-related hypersensitivity pneumonitis
Authors: Sawahata Michiru , Sakamoto Noritaka , Yamasawa Hideaki , Iijima Yuki , Kawata Hirotoshi , Yamaguchi Tetsuo , Uchida Keisuke , Eishi Yoshinobu , Bando Masashi , Hagiwara Koichi 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
The number of reports on sarcoidosis complicated by hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is limited, and most describe cases complicated by chronic bird-related HP. Here, we present for the first time a case with Propionibacterium acnes-associated sarcoidosis complicated by acute bird-related HP.

Case presentation
A 62-year-old man with a past medical history of sarcoidosis was admitted to our department, and chest computed tomography showed diffuse ground-glass opacities, which appeared as he rapidly increased the number of pigeons he kept for a competition. Random transbronchial lung biopsy revealed well-formed non-caseating epithelioid granulomas, which contained positively stained substances on immunohistochemistry using the PAB antibody, a specific monoclonal antibody against P. acnes lipoteichoic acid. Poorly formed non-caseating granulomas without positively stained substances were also detected.

Conclusion
We describe the successful identification of this exceptionally rare case of sarcoidosis complicated by acute bird-related HP in which two morphologically and immunohistologically different types of granulomas were present in the same lung.
A patients’ view of OA: the Global Osteoarthritis Patient Perception Survey (GOAPPS), a pilot study
Authors: Vitaloni Marianna , Botto-van Bemden Angie , Sciortino Rosa , Carné Xavier , Quintero Maritza , Santos-Moreno Pedro , Espinosa Rolando , Rillo Oscar , Monfort Jordi , de Abajo Francisco , Oswald Elizabeth , Matucci Marco , du Souich Patrick , Möller Ingrid , Romera Baures Montserrat , Vinci Arlene , Scotton Deborah , Bibas Marco , Eakin Guy , Verges Josep 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Globally, osteoarthritis (OA) is the third condition associated with disability. There is still poor treatment in OA but science holds the key to finding better treatments and a cure. It is essential to learn what’s important to patients from them to implement the most effective OA management. The OA Patients Task Force, conducted the Global OA Patient Perception Survey (GOAPPS)-the first global survey made by patients to analize the quality of life (QoL) & patient perceptions of care. The goal was to collect data on OA patients’ perception of OA to understand patients’ needs and expectations to improve OA management.

Methods
Observational, cross-sectional study by online survey data collection from six countries, translated into three languages. The questionnaire was comprised of 3 sections: patient demographics and clinical symptomology characteristics; relationship with physicians: perception of attention, treatment, and information provided; and OA impact on daily activity and QoL. The results of the survey were evaluated using the Limited Data Set. The survey results were analyzed using descriptive statistics to characterize the patients’ answers. Additionally, Cronbach’s alpha was calculated to determine internal consistency validity.

Results
A total of 1512 surveys were completed in 6 countries. 84.2% of respondents reported pain/tenderness and 91.1% experienced limitations to physical activities. 42.3% of patients were not satisfied with their current OA treatment. 86% had comorbidities, especially hypertension, and obesity. 51.3 and 78% would like access to additional drug or additional non-drug/non-surgical treatments respectively. 48.2% of patients perceived their QoL to be affected by OA. The Cronbach’s alpha was 0.61.

Conclusions
OA has a significant impact on patients’ daily activities and their desire to play an active role in managing this disease. Patients are seeking additional treatments, especially no pharmacological/no surgical treatments stressing the need for investing in clinical research, implementing OA preventive measures, and managing interventions to improve the healthcare value chain in OA.
Clinical predictors of surgical outcomes of severe carpal tunnel syndrome patients: utility of palmar stimulation in a nerve conduction study
Authors: Sasaki Yuichi , Terao Tohru , Saito Emiko , Ohara Keiichiro , Michishita Shotaro , Kato Naoki , Tani Satoshi , Murayama Yuichi 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common peripheral nerve compression disorder. However, there is no established opinion regarding the predictors of symptom improvement after surgery. This study aimed to identify the predictors of surgical outcomes of severe carpal tunnel syndrome patients.

Methods
In the patients who underwent a carpal tunnel syndrome surgery, we selected the patients who had a preoperative Bland’s classification of grade 5 or 6, and assessed for the changes in Bland’s classification grade before and after surgery. Those who showed improvement from preoperative grades 5–6 to postoperative grades 1–4 comprised the improvement group. In contrast, those who did not show improvement and had postoperative grades 5 or 6 comprised the non-improvement group. In a nerve conduction study, amplitudes of the compound muscle action potential and sensory nerve action potential of the palms were assessed between the improvement and non-improvement groups.

Results
Among the 60 hands of 46 patients who had a preoperative Bland’s classification of grade 5 or 6, 49 hands of 37 patients comprised the improvement group, and 11 hands of 9 patients comprised the non-improvement group. The amplitudes of the compound muscle action potential and sensory nerve action potential of the palms before surgery were significantly higher in the improvement group. The degree of improvement in Bland’s classification grade was correlated with the degree of clinical symptom improvement.

Conclusions
Amplitudes of compound muscle action potential and sensory nerve action potential before surgery induced by palmar stimulation can predict improvements in nerve conduction study scores and clinical findings after surgical treatment.
Isoperistaltic versus antiperistaltic uncut Roux-en-Y anastomosis after distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer: a propensity score matched analysis
Authors: Hangtian Cui , Huabing Huang , Tianhang Luo , Xiaoyi Yin , Guoen Fang 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
The uncut Roux-en-y anastomosis (URYA) has some clinical advantages after distal gastrectomy (DG). Little evidence exists regarding the influence of peristalsis on this anastomosis. We aimed to evaluate short-term outcomes of isoperistaltic URYA (iso-URYA) comparing with antiperistaltic URYA (anti-URYA) after DG.

Method
Patients who underwent URYA for gastric cancer (GC) between January 2016 and December 2018 were selected from Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Navy Medical University. Short-term outcomes were compared between iso-URYA group and anti-URYA group after 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM).

Result
A total of 612 patients were selected. 392 patients underwent iso-URYA and 220 patients underwent anti-URYA. After PSM, 183 patients for each group were included in the final analysis. No differences were found between them in terms of short-term complications, nutritional status and quality of life 1 year after surgery. Endoscopic examination showed that anti-URYA group had more severe gastritis (P = 0.036). In addition, the recanalization rate was significantly higher when the afferent loop was blocked by stapler.

Conclusion
The iso-URYA and anti-URYA group present similar results in short term outcomes. Ligation blocking afferent loop leads to lower recanalization rate.