bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A meta-analysis and systematic review on subtypes of gastric intestinal metaplasia and neoplasia risk
Authors: Wei Ning , Zhou Mengyue , Lei Siyu , Zhong Zhiheng , Shi Ruihua 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Gastric intestinal metaplasia (GIM) is a significant risk factor for gastric cancer. Risk of gastric cancer/dysplasia between complete intestinal metaplasia (CIM) and incomplete intestinal metaplasia (IIM) was controversial. Our study aimed to pool relative risk (RR) of cancer/dysplasia of IIM compared with CIM in GIM patients.

Methods
PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and Web of Science were searched for studies concerning cancer/dysplasia in GIM patients. Random-effects or fixed-effects model was utilized for pooling RR. Sensitivity and publication bias analyses were conducted. Stability of results would be evaluated in case of publication bias.

Results
12 studies were included. Compared with CIM, pooled RR of cancer/dysplasia in IIM patients was 4.48 (95% CI 2.50–8.03), and the RR was 4.96 (95% CI 2.72–9.04) for cancer, and 4.82 (95% CI 1.45–16.0) for dysplasia. The pooled RR for cancer/dysplasia in type III IM was 6.27 (95% CI 1.89–20.77) compared with type II + I IM, while it was 5.55 (95% CI 2.07–14.92) compared with type II IM. Pooled RR between type II IM and type I IM was 1.62 (95% CI 1.16–2.27). Subgroup analyses showed that IIM was associated with a higher risk of gastric cancer/dysplasia in Western population (pooled RR = 4.65 95% CI 2.30–9.42), but not in East Asian population (pooled RR = 4.01 95% CI 0.82–19.61).

Conclusions
IIM was related to a higher risk of cancer/dysplasia compared with CIM. Risk of developing cancer/dysplasia from type I, II, and III intestinal metaplasia increased gradually.
Identifying SLC27A5 as a potential prognostic marker of hepatocellular carcinoma by weighted gene co-expression network analysis and in vitro assays
Authors: Zhang Fan , Xue Mengjuan , Jiang Xin , Yu Huiyuan , Qiu Yixuan , Yu Jiaming , Yang Fan , Bao Zhijun 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
The incidence and mortality rates of hepatocellular carcinoma are among the highest of all cancers all over the world. However the survival rates are relatively low due to lack of effective treatments. Efforts to elucidate the mechanisms of HCC and to find novel prognostic markers and therapeutic targets are ongoing. Here we tried to identify prognostic genes of HCC through co-expression network analysis.

Methods
We conducted weighted gene co-expression network analysis with a microarray dataset GSE14520 of HCC from Gene Expression Omnibus database and identified a hub module associated with HCC prognosis. Function enrichment analysis of the hub module was performed. Clinical information was analyzed to select candidate hub genes. The expression profiles and survival analysis of the selected genes were performed using additional datasets (GSE45267 and TCGA-LIHC) and the hub gene was identified. GSEA and in vitro experiments were conducted to further verify the function of the hub gene.

Results
Genes in the hub module were mostly involved in the metabolism pathway. Four genes (SLC27A5, SLC10A1, PCK2 and FMO4) from the module were identified as candidate hub genes according to correlation analysis with prognostic indicators. All these genes were significantly down-regulated in tumor tissues compared with non-tumor tissues in additional datasets. After survival analysis and network construction, SLC27A5 was selected as a prognostic marker. GSEA analysis and in vitro assays suggested that SLC27A5 downregulation promoted tumor cell migration via enhancing epithelial-mesenchymal transition.

Conclusion
SLC27A5 is a potential biomarker of HCC and SLC27A5 downregulation promoted HCC progression by enhancing EMT.
Community and healthcare providers’ perceptions of quality of private sector outpatient malaria care in North-western Ethiopia: a qualitative study
Authors: Argaw Mesele Damte , Mavundla Thandisizwe Redford , Gidebo Kassa Daka 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Malaria is one of the most important public health problems in Ethiopia contributing to significant patient morbidity and mortality. Prompt diagnosis and effective malaria case management through public, private and community health facilities has been one of the key malaria prevention, control and elimination strategies. The objective of this study was to evaluate adult malaria patients and healthcare providers’ perception of the quality of malaria management at private sector outpatient facilities.

Methods
An exploratory, descriptive, contextual and qualitative research methodology was conducted with 101 participants (33 in-depth interviews (INIs) and ten focus group discussions (FGDs) with 68 participants). All interview and focus group discussions were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed, using eight steps of Tesch.

Results
During data analysis a single theme, two categories and six sub-categories emerged, namely (1) perceived quality of malaria management at outpatient facilities; (a) essential resources; (a1) safe outpatient services; (a2) anti-malarial drugs and supplies; (a3) health workers; (b) factors influencing service utilization; (b1) physical accessibility; (b2) “art of care’’; and (b3) efficient malaria diagnosis and treatment services. Both FGDs and INIs participants had a positive perception of the quality of malaria outpatient services at private health facilities. The positive perceptions include safe and clean facility; availability of supplies and comprehensive services; convenient working hours; short waiting hours and motivated, competent and compassionate health workers. However, some participants raised their safety concerns due to perceived poor infection control practices, small working areas, interruption of anti-malarial supplies and inefficient malaria diagnosis and treatment services.

Conclusion
Both community members and healthcare providers had more positive perceptions towards outpatient malaria services offered at private health facilities. However, positive behaviour must be maintained and concerns must be dealt with by enhancing functional public private partnership for malaria care services to improve private sector malaria case management; build the service providers’ capacity; ensure uninterrupted anti-malarial supplies and empower the community with early health-seeking behaviour.
Anopheles arabiensis hotspots along intermittent rivers drive malaria dynamics in semi-arid areas of Central Ethiopia
Authors: Eba Kasahun , Habtewold Tibebu , Yewhalaw Delenasaw , Christophides George K. , Duchateau Luc 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Understanding malaria vector’s population dynamics and their spatial distribution is important to define when and where the largest infection risks occur and implement appropriate control strategies. In this study, the seasonal spatio-temporal dynamics of the malaria vector population and transmission intensity along intermittent rivers in a semi-arid area of central Ethiopia were investigated.

Methods
Mosquitoes were collected monthly from five clusters, 2 close to a river and 3 away from a river, using pyrethrum spray catches from November 2014 to July 2016. Mosquito abundance was analysed by the mixed Poisson regression model. The human blood index and sporozoite rate was compared between seasons by a logistic regression model.

Results
A total of 2784 adult female Anopheles gambiae sensu lato (s.l.) were collected during the data collection period. All tested mosquitoes (n = 696) were identified as Anopheles arabiensis by polymerase chain reaction. The average daily household count was significantly higher (P = 0.037) in the clusters close to the river at 5.35 (95% CI 2.41–11.85) compared to the clusters away from the river at 0.033 (95% CI 0.02–0.05). Comparing the effect of vicinity of the river by season, a significant effect of closeness to the river was found during the dry season (P = 0.027) and transition from dry to wet season (P = 0.032). Overall, An. arabiensis had higher bovine blood index (62.8%) as compared to human blood index (23.8%), ovine blood index (9.2%) and canine blood index (0.1%). The overall sporozoite rate was 3.9% and 0% for clusters close to and away from the river, respectively. The overall Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax entomologic inoculation rates for An. arabiensis in clusters close to the river were 0.8 and 2.2 infective bites per person/year, respectively.

Conclusion
Mosquito abundance and malaria transmission intensity in clusters close to the river were higher which could be attributed to the riverine breeding sites. Thus, vector control interventions including targeted larval source management should be implemented to reduce the risk of malaria infection in the area.
Translation and validation of the Arabic version of the osteoarthritis quality of life questionnaire (OAQoL) in Saudi patients with osteoarthritis
Authors: AlAjmi Mansour , Al-Ghamdi Sameer 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a debilitating multifactorial degenerative rheumatic disease affecting millions of people around the globe. The osteoarthritis quality of life scale (OAQoL), originally produced in the English language, is an important tool used to assess the overall impact of OA and its treatment on the patient’s quality of life.

Purpose
The purpose of the study was to translate and validate the OAQoL in the Arabic language in order to use it on the Saudi population.

Methodology
A bilingual panel comprising four healthcare professionals and one external certified medical translator translated the English version of the OAQoL to the Arabic language. A back translation was subsequently performed by two English-speaking translators and any differences were resolved by conferring with the original panel. The qualitative research was performed through cognitive debriefing interviews (CDIs) with 59 native Arabic patients who had clinically and radiologically confirmed osteoarthritis of any joint. The internal consistency of the 22 items was derived by leveraging the Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient.

Results
59 participants were included in the study, and more than half (52.5%) of them were men. The response rate was 100% and the mean time taken to answer the questionnaire was 10.5 min. The average Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) and Cronbach’s Alpha were determined to be 0.93 each, indicating that all the items in the OAQoL were significantly interrelated.

Conclusion
The translated Arabic version of the OAQoL questionnaire used in this study is a reliable and consistent tool that showed good comprehensibility and internal consistency.
The changing demographics of the orthotist/prosthetist workforce in Australia: 2007, 2012 and 2019
Authors: Ridgewell Emily , Clarke Leigh , Anderson Sarah , Dillon Michael P. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Previous Australian workforce analyses revealed a small orthotist/prosthetist workforce with a low number of practitioners per 100,000 Australians. In recent years, initiatives were implemented to increase relative workforce size, including a government-led change in immigration policy to facilitate entry of experienced internationally trained orthotist/prosthetists into the Australian workforce. Given these changes, this project aimed to compare demographics of the orthotist/prosthetist workforce in Australia and each state/territory between 2007, 2012 and 2019.

Methods
This quasi-experiment analysed data from the Australian Orthotic Prosthetic Association (AOPA) database of certified orthotist/prosthetists, to compare changes in the absolute number of practitioners and the number of practitioners per 100,000 population, as well as practitioner age, gender and service location (i.e., metropolitan, regional/remote) across three time points, with a breakdown by each Australian state and territory.

Results
Between 2007 and 2019, the number of orthotist/prosthetists per 100,000 population increased 90%. Average age reduced significantly between 2007 (41.5 years) and 2019 (35 years) (p = 0.001). While the proportion of female practitioners increased significantly between 2007 (30%) and 2019 (49%), and between 2012 (38%) and 2019 (49%) (p < 0.05); only 22% of the female workforce is over 40 years of age. The proportion of practitioners servicing a regional/remote location did not change over time (range 13–14%).

Conclusions
Between 2007 and 2019, the national orthotist/prosthetist workforce increased at a rate that exceeded Australia’s population growth, became younger, and more female. However, the number of practitioners per 100,000 population remains below international recommendations; particularly in states outside of Victoria and Tasmania, and in regional/remote areas. In addition, low numbers of mid-late career female practitioners suggest challenges to retention of this particular cohort. These data can help inform workforce initiatives to retain a younger and more female workforce, and improve access to orthotic/prosthetic services.
Targeting the Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus genome with the CRISPR-Cas9 platform in latently infected cells
Authors: Haddad Coral Orel , Kalt Inna , Shovman Yehuda , Xia Lei , Schlesinger Yehuda , Sarid Ronit , Parnas Oren 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is a transforming gammaherpesvirus. Like other herpesviruses, KSHV infection is for life long and there is no treatment that can cure patients from the virus. In addition, there is an urgent need to target viral genes to study their role during the infection cycle. The CRISPR-Cas9 technology offers a means to target viral genomes and thus may offer a novel strategy for viral cure as well as for better understanding of the infection process. We evaluated the suitability of this platform for the targeting of KSHV.

Methods
We have used the recombinat KSHV BAC16 genome, which contains an expression cassette encoding hygromycin-resistance and a GFP marker gene. Three genes were targeted: gfp, which serves as a marker for infection; orf45 encoding a lytic viral protein; and orf73, encoding LANA which is crucial for latent infection. The fraction of cells expressing GFP, viral DNA levels and LANA expression were monitored and viral genomes were sequenced.

Results
We found that KSHV episomes can be targeted by CRISPR-Cas9. Interestingly, the quantity of KSHV DNA declined, even when target sites were not functionally important for latency. In addition, we show that antibiotic selection, used to maintain infection, interferes with the outcome of targeting.

Conclusions
Our study provides insights into the use of this fundamental approach for the study and manipulation of KSHV. It provides guidelines for the targeting CRISPR-Cas9 to the viral genome and for outcomes interpretation.
Countries with delayed COVID-19 introduction – characteristics, drivers, gaps, and opportunities
Authors: Li Zheng , Jones Cynthia , Ejigu Girum S. , George Nisha , Geller Amanda L. , Chang Gregory C. , Adamski Alys , Igboh Ledor S. , Merrill Rebecca D. , Ricks Philip , Mirza Sara A. , Lynch Michael 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Three months after the first reported cases, COVID-19 had spread to nearly 90% of World Health Organization (WHO) member states and only 24 countries had not reported cases as of 30 March 2020. This analysis aimed to 1) assess characteristics, capability to detect and monitor COVID-19, and disease control measures in these 24 countries, 2) understand potential factors for the reported delayed COVID-19 introduction, and 3) identify gaps and opportunities for outbreak preparedness, particularly in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). We collected and analyzed publicly available information on country characteristics, COVID-19 testing, influenza surveillance, border measures, and preparedness activities in these countries. We also assessed the association between the temporal spread of COVID-19 in all countries with reported cases with globalization indicator and geographic location.

Results
Temporal spreading of COVID-19 was strongly associated with countries’ globalization indicator and geographic location. Most of the 24 countries with delayed COVID-19 introduction were LMICs; 88% were small island or landlocked developing countries. As of 30 March 2020, only 38% of these countries reported in-country COVID-19 testing capability, and 71% reported conducting influenza surveillance during the past year. All had implemented two or more border measures, (e.g., travel restrictions and border closures) and multiple preparedness activities (e.g., national preparedness plans and school closing).

Conclusions
Limited testing capacity suggests that most of the 24 delayed countries may have lacked the capability to detect and identify cases early through sentinel and case-based surveillance. Low global connectedness, geographic isolation, and border measures were common among these countries and may have contributed to the delayed introduction of COVID-19 into these countries. This paper contributes to identifying opportunities for pandemic preparedness, such as increasing disease detection, surveillance, and international collaborations. As the global situation continues to evolve, it is essential for countries to improve and prioritize their capacities to rapidly prevent, detect, and respond, not only for COVID-19, but also for future outbreaks.
Artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine, current applications and future role with special emphasis on its potential and promise in pathology: present and future impact, obstacles including costs and acceptance among pathologists, practical and philosophical considerations. A comprehensive review
Authors: Ahmad Zubair , Rahim Shabina , Zubair Maha , Abdul-Ghafar Jamshid 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
The role of Artificial intelligence (AI) which is defined as the ability of computers to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence is constantly expanding. Medicine was slow to embrace AI. However, the role of AI in medicine is rapidly expanding and promises to revolutionize patient care in the coming years. In addition, it has the ability to democratize high level medical care and make it accessible to all parts of the world.

Main text
Among specialties of medicine, some like radiology were relatively quick to adopt AI whereas others especially pathology (and surgical pathology in particular) are only just beginning to utilize AI. AI promises to play a major role in accurate diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of cancers. In this paper, the general principles of AI are defined first followed by a detailed discussion of its current role in medicine. In the second half of this comprehensive review, the current and future role of AI in surgical pathology is discussed in detail including an account of the practical difficulties involved and the fear of pathologists of being replaced by computer algorithms. A number of recent studies which demonstrate the usefulness of AI in the practice of surgical pathology are highlighted.

Conclusion
AI has the potential to transform the practice of surgical pathology by ensuring rapid and accurate results and enabling pathologists to focus on higher level diagnostic and consultative tasks such as integrating molecular, morphologic and clinical information to make accurate diagnosis in difficult cases, determine prognosis objectively and in this way contribute to personalized care.
The use of bone turnover markers for monitoring the treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal females undergoing total knee arthroplasty: a prospective randomized study
Authors: Ma Rui , Wu Mengjun , Li Yongwei , Wang Jialin , Yang Pei , Chen Yuanyuan , Wang Wei , Song Jinhui , Wang Kunzheng 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Osteoporosis (OP) and osteoarthritis (OA) commonly coexist in postmenopausal females. The decrease in bone density and increase in bone resorption in postmenopausal females with OP may consequently affect the surgical outcome of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, clinicians often ignore monitoring the treatment of OP in the perioperative management of TKA. Bone turnover marker (BTM) can timely and accurately reflect bone metabolism to monitor the treatment of OP. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of BTM monitoring to guide the treatment of OP in postmenopausal females undergoing TKA.

Methods
Postmenopausal females with OP who underwent primary unilateral TKA were randomly divided into two groups (monitoring group and control group), given oral medication (alendronate, calcitriol, and calcium), and followed for 1 year. In the monitoring group, serum BTMs (C-telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX-I), N-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PINP), and 25(OH)D) were assessed preoperatively and repeated postoperatively; alendronate was withdrawn when CTX-I and PINP reached the reference interval; and calcitriol and calcium were withdrawn when 25(OH)D reached the reference interval. In the control group, oral medication was implemented for a uniform duration of 3 months. During the 1-year follow-up, the mean maximum total point motion (MTPM) of the tibial component, bone mineral density (BMD), visual analog scale (VAS) score, range of motion, and Oxford Knee Score (OKS) score were obtained.

Results
In the monitoring group, BTM monitoring prolonged the medication duration, but did not cause more adverse reactions than in the control group. The mean MTPM values at 6 m and 12 m in the monitoring group were lower than those in the control group, and the BMD at 12 m in the monitoring group was significantly higher than that in the control group. Patients in the monitoring group had lower VAS scores at 6 m and higher OKS scores at 6 m and 12 m than those in the control group.

Conclusion
In postmenopausal females with osteoporosis undergoing primary TKA, the application of BTM monitoring to guide the treatment of osteoporosis can enhance bone density, maintain prosthesis stability, and improve surgical outcome.

Trial registration
ChiCTR ChiCTR-INR-17010495. Registered on 22 January 2017
Assessment of spino cranial angle of cervical spine sagittal balance system after multi-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion
Authors: Wang Zheng , Wang Zhi-Wei , Fan Xi-Wen , Gao Xian-Da , Ding Wen-Yuan , Yang Da-Long 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
To analyze the impact of spino cranial angle (SCA) on alteration of cervical alignment after multi-level anterior cervical discectomy fusion (ACDF) and explore the relationship between SCA and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) scores.

Material and methods
In total, 49 patients following multi-level ACDF for multi-level cervical spondylotic myelopathy (MCSM) with more than 2 years follow-up period were enrolled. Radiographic data including SCA were measured. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis was applied to confirm the optimal cut-off values of SCA for predicting sagittal balance. Patients were divided into two groups on the basis of the cut-off value of preoperative SCA. Correlation coefficients were analyzed between SCA and HRQOL scores.

Results
Optimal cut-off values for predicting sagittal balance was SCA of 88.6°. Patients with higher SCA, no matter preoperatively, postoperatively and at follow-up, got lower T1-Slope (T1s), C2–C7 lordosis angle (CA) and higher △SCA (pre vs post: p = 0.036, pre vs F/U: p = 0.022). Simultaneously, pre-SCA, post-SCA, and F/U-SCA in the high SCA group were positively correlated with the pre-NDI, post-NDI, and F/U-NDI scores respectively (pre: p < 0.001, post: p = 0.015, F/U: p = 0.003). However, no correlation was performed in the low SCA group.

Conclusion
An excessive SCA can be considered to cause poorer clinical outcomes at preoperative and better correction after surgery. The SCA could be used as a new reference value to determine sagittal balance parameters of the cervical spine and to assess the quality of life.