bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long term clinical outcomes of patients with ischemic stroke in primary care – a 9-year retrospective study
Authors: Han Jinghao , Choi Yue Kwan , Leung Wing Kit , Hui Ming Tung , Leung Maria Kwan Wa 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
We aim to document the long-term outcomes of ischemic stroke patients and explore the potential risk factors for recurrent cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality in primary care.

Methods
A retrospective cohort study performed at two general out-patient clinics (GOPCs) under Hospital Authority (HA) in Hong Kong (HK). Ischemic stroke patients with at least two consecutive follow-up visits during the recruitment period (1/1–30/6/2010) were included. Patients were followed up regularly till the date of recurrent stroke, cardiovascular event, death or 31/12/2018. The primary outcome was the occurrence of recurrent cerebrovascular event including transient ischemic stroke (TIA), ischemic stroke or hemorrhagic stroke. The secondary outcomes were all-cause mortality and coronary artery disease (CAD). We fit cox proportional hazard model adjusting death as competing risk factor to estimate the cause-specific hazard ratio (csHR).

Results
A total of 466 patients (mean age, 71.5 years) were included. During a median follow-up period of 8.7 years, 158 patients (33.9%) died. Eighty patients (17.2%) had recurrent stroke and 57 (12.2%) patients developed CAD. Age was an independent risk factor for recurrent stroke, CAD and death. Statin therapy at baseline had a protective effect for recurrent stroke (csHR = 0.476; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.285–0.796, P = 0.005) after adjusting death as a competing risk factor and all-cause mortality (HR = 0.693, 95% CI 0.486–0.968, P = 0.043). In addition, female sex, antiplatelet and a higher diastolic blood pressure (DBP) at baseline were also independent predictors for survival.

Conclusions
Long term prognosis of ischemic stroke patients in primary care is favorable. Use of statin was associated with a significant decrease in stroke recurrence and mortality. Patients who died had a significant lower DBP at baseline, highlighted the need to consider both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in our daily practice.
Health-related quality of life in outpatients with chronic liver disease: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Gazineo Domenica , Godino Lea , Bui Virna , El Mouttaqi Latifa , Franciosi Eugenia , Natalino Alessandra , Ceci Grazia , Ambrosi Elisa 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
The symptoms and complications related to chronic liver disease (CLD) have been shown to affect patient well-being. Currently there is limited research data on how CLD severity may affect both health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and the development of depressive symptoms in CLD patients. Moreover, the ongoing advances in CLD treatment, and its effect on HRQOL, highlight the need for further studies. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate if the CLD severity may affect the HRQOL and the development of depressive symptoms.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted. Patients with CLDs were identified at their regular visits to the outpatient clinic of the Sant’Orsola-Malpighi Hospital in Bologna, between September 2016 and July 2017. HRQOL was measured with Short Form 12 (SF-12) and Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) questionnaires; depressive symptoms were measured with Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI). CLD severity was measured using the MELD score and the sample was stratified into five classes according to it. Group comparisons were conducted using the Kruskal–Wallis test.

Results
Two hundred and fifty-four patients were included. Mean age was 62.84 years (SD 11.75) and 57.9% were male. Most participants were affected by compensated cirrhosis (140.2%) and chronic hepatitis (40.2%), with a disease duration ≥ 5 years (69.3%). Regarding the MELD score, 67.7% of patients belonged to Class I, 29.9% to Class II, and 2.4% to Class III. There were not patients belonging to the Classes IV and V.
No statistically significant differences were found in all SF-12 and NHP domains between the MELD classes, except for CLD impact on sexual life and holidays (p = 0.037 and p = 0.032, respectively). A prevalence rate of 26% of depressive symptoms was reported, no statistically significant differences were found in BDI-II total scores between the three MELD classes.

Conclusions
All domains of HRQOL and depression were altered in CLDs patients, nevertheless CLD severity was not confirmed as an affecting factor for HRQOL.
Revisiting the dengue epidemic of 2011 in Paraguay: molecular epidemiology of dengue virus in the Asuncion metropolitan area
Authors: Rojas Alejandra , Moreira Soares Adriana , Mendoza Laura Patricia , Acosta María Eugenia , Aria Laura , Páez Malvina , Herebia Lilian , Vallejos María Asunción , de Guillén Yvalena , Aquino Victor Hugo 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundDengue is one of the most important re-emerging viral diseases and the most common human arthropod-borne viral infection worldwide. Any of the fourDengue virusserotypes (DENV-1 to 4) can cause asymptomatic infections or clinical manifestations that range in severity from a mild, self-limited illness, to a severe disease characterized by a shock syndrome that can lead to death. Paraguay suffers periodic epidemic outbreaks of dengue since 1988 when the DENV-1 was introduced in the country. Epidemics caused by all four serotypes have been reported and the country. Although dengue is endemic in Paraguay, few studies have described the molecular epidemiology of DENV in the country, which is important to understand the local and global spread, as well as the evolution of this pathogen.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study of a convenience sample. Suspected dengue patients of any age were recruited from the Emergency Laboratory of the Central Hospital of the Institute of Social Welfare, Asuncion, Paraguay, from February to June of 2011. A DENV antigen test was used to confirm the infection. The protein E gene sequences of isolated viruses were sequenced for phylogenetic analysis.ResultsDengue was confirmed in 55.1% of the participants (n = 98/178). The most frequent clinical findings were fever, headache, and myalgia. Identity analyses of the protein E gene sequence of 56 viruses isolated showed the circulation of DENV-1 (n = 45) and DENV-2 (n = 11) in the Asuncion metropolitan area in 2011. Molecular epidemiology analyses suggest that DENV-1 was introduced into Paraguay from Argentina, while the DENV-2 from Brazil, replacing previous virus lineages.ConclusionsWe have analyzed the molecular epidemiology of DENV-1 and DENV-2 isolated in Paraguay in 2011. We found strong evidence that DENV-1 was introduced into Paraguay from Argentina, while the DENV-2 from Brazil, replacing previous virus lineages. Molecular epidemiology studies are of great interest to analyze the dynamic of DENV spread, which are useful for early implementation of containment measures to reduce the risk of explosive epidemics caused by this virus.
The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on HIV care continuum in Jiangsu, China
Authors: Shi Lingen , Tang Weiming , Hu Haiyang , Qiu Tao , Marley Gifty , Liu Xiaoyan , Chen Yuheng , Chen Yunting , Fu Gengfeng 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
The COVID-19 pandemic seriously threatens general public health services globally. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the HIV care continuum in Jiangsu province, China.

Methods
Data on newly diagnosed HIV persons for analysis were retrieved from Chinas’ web-based Comprehensive Response Information Management System (CRIMS) for HIV/AIDS from 2016 to 2020. We recorded data for the first 3 months (January to March, 2020) of strictly implementing COVID-19 measures from publicly available disease databases of the Jiangsu provincial Health Committee. We used seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA) and exponential smoothing in forecasting the parameters. Subgroup differences were accessed using Chi-square tests.

Results
Compared to the estimated proportions, the HIV testing rates decreased by 49.0% (919,938) in the first three months of implementing COVID-19 measures. Of an estimated 1555 new HIV diagnosis expected in the same period, only 63.0% (980) new diagnoses were recorded. According to actual data recorded during the said period, 980 positively tested persons received confirmatory tests, of which 71.4% (700) were reportedly linked to care. And only 49.5% (235) out of the expected 475 newly diagnosed HIV persons received CD4 cell count testing. Meanwhile 91.6% (208) of newly diagnosed HIV persons who received CD4 count tests reportedly initiated antiretroviral therapy (ART) compared to the 227 expected. Compared to the same period from 2016 to 2019, PLWH less than 30 years old and migrants were more likely to be affected by the COVID-19 policies.

Conclusions
The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted HIV healthcare systems in Jiangsu, China. Further measures that can counter the impact of the pandemic are needed to maintain the HIV care continuum.
The causes and frequency of kidney allograft failure in a low-resource setting: observational data from Iraqi Kurdistan
Authors: Ali Alaa Abbas , Almukhtar Safaa E. , Abd Kais H. , Saleem Zana Sidiq M. , Sharif Dana A. , Hughson Michael D. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
In the developing world, transplantation is the most common long-term treatment for patients with end-stage renal disease, but rates and causes of graft failure are uncertain.

Methods
This was a retrospective outcomes study of renal transplant patients seen in Iraqi Kurdistan nephrology clinics in the year 2019. In 2019, 871 renal transplant patients were registered and outcomes followed through 12/31/2020. Indicated renal biopsies were obtained on 431 patients at 1 day to 18 years post-transplantation. Outcomes were compared with United States Renal Data System (USRDS) living donor reports.

Results
All donors were living. The recipient age was 38.5 ± 13.3 years, 98.2% were < 65 years old, 3.7% had previous transplants, and 2.8% had pretransplant donor-specific antibodies (DSA). Gehan-Breslow estimated failure rates for all-cause, return to HD, and death with functional graft were 6.0, 4.2, and 1.9% at 1 year and 18.1, 13.7, and 5.1% at 5 years post-engraftment (USRDS 2000; 1 year: 7.0, 5.0, 2.6%; 5 year: 22.3, 15.2, 10.6%. USRDS 2010; 1 year: 3.7, 2.4, 1.4%; 5 year: 15.3, 9.6, 7.3%). The median graft survival was 15 years. Acute tubular injury (ATI), infarction, and acute T cell-mediated rejection accounted for 22.2% of graft loss, with > 75% of these failures taking place in the first year. Most graft failures occurred late, at a median post-transplant time of 1125 (interquartile range, 365–2555) days, and consisted of interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IF/TA) (23.8%), transplant glomerulopathy (13.7%), and acquired active antibody-mediated rejection (12.0%). The significant predictors of graft loss were C4d + biopsies (P < 0.01) and advanced IF/TA (P < 0.001).

Conclusions
Kurdistan transplant patients had graft failure rates similar to living donors reported by the USRDS for the year 2000 but higher than reported for 2010. Compared to USRDS 2010, Kurdistan patients had a moderate excess of HD failures at one and 5 years post-engraftment. Nevertheless, prolonged survival is the norm, with chronic disorders and acquired DSA being the leading causes of graft loss.
Acceptability of mentor mother peer support for women living with HIV in North-Central Nigeria: a qualitative study
Authors: Odiachi Angela , Al-Mujtaba Maryam , Torbunde Nguavese , Erekaha Salome , Afe Abayomi J. , Adejuyigbe Ebun , Galadanci Hadiza S. , Jasper Tongdiyen L. , Cornelius Llewellyn J. , Sam-Agudu Nadia A. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
Mentor mothers provide psychosocial and other support to pregnant and post-partum women living with HIV (WLHIV), which has been shown to enhance maternal-infant outcomes in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT). Our objective was to assess the acceptability of mentor mothers as a PMTCT intervention, and to explore opinions on mentor mother program composition and delivery among stakeholders in North-Central Nigeria.

Methods
We conducted nine focus group discussions and 31 in-depth interviews with 118 participants, including WLHIV, pregnant women, male partners, health workers, traditional birth attendants, community leaders, PMTCT program implementers, and policymakers. Participants were purposively recruited from health facilities and surrounding communities in the Federal Capital Territory and Nasarawa State. Transcripts were manually analysed using a Grounded Theory approach, where theory was derived from the data collected.

Results
Most participants were female (n = 78, 67%), and married (n = 110, 94%). All participant groups found mentor mothers acceptable as women providing care to pregnant and postpartum women, and as WLHIV supporting other WLHIV. Mentor mothers were uniquely relatable as role models for WLHIV because they were women, living with HIV, and had achieved an HIV-negative status for their HIV-exposed infants. Mentor mothers were recognized as playing major roles in maternal health education, HIV treatment initiation, adherence, and retention, HIV prevention for male partners and infants, and couple HIV disclosure. Most WLHIV preferred to receive mentor mothers’ services at health facilities rather than at home, due to concerns about HIV-related stigma and discrimination through association with mentor mothers. Key mentor mother needs were identified as training, remuneration, and validation as lay health workers.

Conclusions
Mentor mothers are an acceptable PMTCT intervention among stakeholders in North-Central Nigeria. However, stigma and discrimination for both mentor mothers and their clients remain a critical challenge, and mentor mother needs such as training, pay, and a sustainably supported niche in health systems require focused attention.

Trial registration
Clinicaltrials.gov registration number (NCT 01936753), registered on September 3, 2013 (retrospectively registered).
Antenatal dexamethasone use and respiratory distress in late preterm infants: results from first Vietnamese matched cohort study
Authors: Ho Tran Tuan Hung , Truong Quang Vinh , Nguyen Thi Kim Anh , Le Minh Tam , Nguyen Vu Quoc Huy 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundRespiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is one of the leading causes of early neonatal morbidity and mortality in late preterm infants (LPIs) worldwide. This matched cohort study aimed to assess how the antenatal dexamethasone use affect the respiratory distress (RD) proportion in preterm newborns between 34 0/7 weeks and 36 6/7 weeks of gestation.MethodsThis was a prospective cohort study on 78 women with singleton pregnancy who were in threatened preterm birth and had not received prior dexamethasone, who were admitted between 34 0/7 weeks and 36 6/7 weeks at Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital from June 2018 to May 2020. The matched control group without dexamethasone use included 78 pregnant women diagnosed with threatened late preterm births who were at similar gestational ages and estimated fetal weights as the treatment group. The treatment group received 6 mg intramuscular dexamethasone every 12 h for a total of 4 doses or until delivery. Primary outcome was the rate of neonatal RD. Secondary neonatal outcomes included the need for respiratory support, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, hypoglycemia, necrotizing enterocolitis, intraventricular hemorrhage, and neonatal death. Statistical analyses were performed by using SPSS software, version 26.0.ResultsThe proportion of RD in LPI was significantly lower in the treatment group than in the matched control group (10.3% vs. 23.1%, respectively), adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR] 0.29; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.10 – 0.83 and p = 0.021. Neonatal hypoglycemia was more common in the dexamethasone group than in the matched group (25.6% vs. 12.8%, respectively; aOR, 2.59; 95% CI, 1.06 – 6.33; p = 0.037). There were no significant between-groups differences in the incidence of respiratory support, NICU admission or length of hospital stay.ConclusionsAdministration of antenatal dexamethasone to women at risk for late preterm birth could help to lower the proportion of respiratory distress in late preterm infants.
The combined effect of dichloroacetate and 3-bromopyruvate on glucose metabolism in colorectal cancer cell line, HT-29; the mitochondrial pathway apoptosis
Authors: Nikravesh Hojatolla , Khodayar Mohammad Javad , Behmanesh Babak , Mahdavinia Masoud , Teimoori Ali , Alboghobeish Soheila , Zeidooni Leila 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is regarded as the first line treatment for colorectal cancer; however, its effectiveness is limited by drug resistance. The ultimate goal of cancer therapy is induction of cancer cell death to achieve an effective outcome with minimal side effects. The present work aimed to assess the anti-cancer activities of mitocans which can be considered as an effective anticancer drug due to high specificity in targeting cancer cells.

Methods
MTT (3–4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay was performed to determine the effects of our mitocans on cell viability and cell death. Apoptosis and necrosis, caspase 3 activity, mitochondrial membrane potential and ROS production in HT29 cell lines were analyzed by ApopNexin™ FITC/PI Kit, Caspase- 3 Assay Kit, MitoTracker Green and DCFH-DA, respectively. Moreover, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed to detect the expression level of pro-apoptotic (Bax) and anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2) genes in HT29 cell lines.

Results
Treatment with mitocans (3Br-P + DCA) inhibited the growth of HT29. Moreover, 3Br-P + DCA significantly induced apoptosis and necrosis, activation of caspase 3 activity, depolarize the mitochondrial membrane potential, and ROS production. At a molecular level, 3Br-P + DCA treatment remarkably down-regulated the expression of Bcl-2, while up-regulated the expression of Bax.

Conclusion
Mitocans, in particular the combined drug, 3Br-P + DCA, could be regarded and more evaluated as a safe and effective compound for CRC treatment. Targeting hexokinase and pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase enzymes may be an option to overcome 5-FU -mediated chemo-resistant in colorectal cancer.
Elevated serum lactate as a predictor of outcomes in patients following major abdominal surgery at a tertiary hospital in Uganda
Authors: Henry Kiyemba , Merab Kadondi , Leonard Muyanja , Ronald Kintu-Luwaga , Nasser Kakembo , Moses Galukande 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Introduction
Major abdominal surgery is still a great contributor to postoperative morbidity and mortality in developing countries. Major abdominal surgery leads to hypoperfusion, which has an impact on postoperative morbidity and mortality. Lactate, a biomarker for hypoperfusion is under utilized in Uganda. The study aimed to investigate the association between elevated serum lactate and outcomes (in-hospital mortality, SSI and length of hospital stay) in patients following major abdominal surgery.

Methods
A prospective observational cohort study was done with 246 eligible patients recruited. Stratified sampling was carried out till desired sample size was achieved. Demographic and perioperative data were collected, serum lactate levels were measured at induction and immediately after surgery with serial measurements being done after 12, 24 h post operatively. Participants were followed up to assess outcomes. Data analysis was done using STATA version 14.0.

Results
A total of 130 patients (52.8%) had elevated serum lactate levels. Elevated serum lactate predicted in-hospital mortality and surgical site infection. The accuracy of elevated serum lactate to predict mortality with AUROC of 0.7898 was exhibited by the 24 h lactate values. Elevated serum lactate predicted surgical site infection accurately with AUROC 0.6432. Length of hospital is strongly associated with elevated serum lactate with p-value of 0.043. Patients with elevated serum lactate on average have a longer length of hospital stay at 5.34 ± 0.69.

Conclusion
Elevated serum lactate was associated with in-hospital mortality, surgical site infection and longer length of hospital stay. Serum lactate levels done at 24 h were most predictive of mortality and surgical site infection.
Palliative care providers’ use of digital health and perspectives on technological innovation: a national study
Authors: Mills Jason , Fox Jennifer , Damarell Raechel , Tieman Jennifer , Yates Patsy 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
While the need for digital health capability and technological innovation in palliative care services is growing rapidly, relatively little is known about the current uptake and views of individual palliative care practitioners. This study aims to explore palliative care practitioners’ current use of and perspectives on digital health innovation in palliative care.

Methods
A descriptive cross-sectional survey with a web-based questionnaire was used. Participants were multidisciplinary palliative care practitioners in Australia.

Results
Surveys were returned by 170 medical, nursing, and allied health practitioners working in palliative care. Most respondents reported using a variety of digital health technology associated with clinical information systems, mobile devices, SMS text messaging, teleconferencing, and Wi-Fi. These technologies were used for the purpose of communicating with other health professionals, accessing web-based or mobile health palliative care resources, collecting or managing patient data, and providing information or education. However, few reported electronic access to patients’ advance care planning documentation or could update these data. Respondents were moderately confident in their ability to use digital health, held positive beliefs that palliative care could be enhanced through digital health, and were generally supportive of ongoing innovation through digitally-enable models of care. Palliative care providers would most like to see digital health innovations in the areas of client health records, telehealth, and personal health tracking.

Conclusion
This is the first national study of digital health in Australian palliative care providers. It contributes new knowledge in this important area of palliative care practice to guide policy and education, whilst informing future directions for research.