bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quality of life and associated factors among HIV positive patients after completion of treatment for Cryptococcal meningitis
Authors: Kitonsa Jonathan , Kiwanuka Julius , Anywaine Zacchaeus , Kansiime Sheila , Katumba Kenneth , Aeron Namirembe , Beardsley Justin , Kibengo Freddie , Gray Alastair , Kaleebu Pontiano , Day Jeremy 
Published: March 2021

Background
Cryptococcal meningitis (CCM) remains one of the leading causes of mortality among HIV infected patients. Due to factors such as the severity of CCM pathology, the quality of life (QOL) of patients post-treatment is likely to be poor. Few studies have reported on QOL of CCM patients post treatment completion. We used data collected among patients in the CryptoDex trial (ISRCTN59144167) to determine QOL and associated factors at week 10 and six months from treatment initiation.

Methodology
CryptoDex was a double-blind placebo-controlled trial of adjunctive dexamethasone in HIV infected adults with CCM, conducted between 2013 and 2015 in six countries in Asia and Africa. QOL was determined using the descriptive and Visual Analog Scales (VAS) of the EuroQol Five-Dimension-Three-Level (EQ-5D-3L) tool. We derived index scores, and described these and the VAS scores at 10 weeks and 6 months; and used linear regression to determine the relationship between various characteristics and VAS scores at both time points. VAS scores were interpreted as very good (81–100), good (51–80), normal (31–50) and bad/very bad (0–30).

Results
Of 451 patients enrolled in the trial, 238 had QOL evaluations at week 10. At baseline, their mean age (SD) was 35.2(8.5) years. The mean index scores (SD) were 0.785(0.2) and 0.619(0.4) among African and Asian patients respectively at week 10, and 0.879(0.2) and 0.731(0.4) among African and Asian patients respectively at month six. The overall mean VAS score (SD) at 10 weeks was 57.2 (29.7), increasing significantly to 72(27.4) at month six (p<0.001). At week 10, higher VAS score was associated with greater weight (p = 0.007) and being African (p<0.001), while lower VAS score was associated with positive yeast culture at day 14 (p = 0.026). At month six, higher VAS score remained associated with African origin (p = 0.006) while lower VAS score was associated with positive yeast culture (p = 0.006). Lower VAS scores were associated with higher number of inpatient days at 10 weeks and 6 months (p = 0.003 and 0.002 respectively).

Conclusion
QOL was good among patients that had completed therapy for CCM, but below perfect. Strategies to improve QOL among CCM survivors are required.
A multicenter, community-based, mixed methods assessment of the acceptability of a triple drug regimen for elimination of lymphatic filariasis
Authors: Krentel Alison , Basker Nandha , Beau de Rochars Madsen , Bogus Joshua , Dilliott Daniel , Direny Abdel N. , Dubray Christine , Fischer Peter U. , Ga Adriani Lomi , Goss Charles W. , Hardy Myra , Howard Cade , Jambulingam Purushothaman , King Christopher L. , Laman Moses , Lemoine Jean Frantz , Mallya Shruti , Robinson Leanne J. , Samuela Josaia , Schechtman Ken B. , Steer Andrew C. , Supali Taniawati , Tavul Livingstone , Weil Gary J. 
Published: March 2021

Background
Many countries will not reach elimination targets for lymphatic filariasis in 2020 using the two-drug treatment regimen (diethylcarbamazine citrate [DEC] and albendazole [DA]). A cluster-randomized, community-based safety study performed in Fiji, Haiti, India, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea tested the safety and efficacy of a new regimen of ivermectin, DEC and albendazole (IDA).

Methodology/Principal findings
To assess acceptability of IDA and DA, a mixed methods study was embedded within this community-based safety study. The study objective was to assess the acceptability of IDA versus DA. Community surveys were performed in each country with randomly selected participants (>14 years) from the safety study participant list in both DA and IDA arms. In depth interviews (IDI) and focus group discussions (FGD) assessed acceptability-related themes. In 1919 individuals, distribution of sex, microfilariae (Mf) presence and circulating filarial antigenemia (CFA), adverse events (AE) and age were similar across arms. A composite acceptability score summed the values from nine indicators (range 9–36). The median (22.5) score indicated threshold of acceptability. There was no difference in scores for IDA and DA regimens. Mean acceptability scores across both treatment arms were: Fiji 33.7 (95% CI: 33.1–34.3); Papua New Guinea 32.9 (95% CI: 31.9–33.8); Indonesia 30.6 (95% CI: 29.8–31.3); Haiti 28.6 (95% CI: 27.8–29.4); India 26.8 (95% CI: 25.6–28) (P<0.001). AE, Mf or CFA were not associated with acceptability. Qualitative research (27 FGD; 42 IDI) highlighted professionalism and appreciation for AE support. No major concerns were detected about number of tablets. Increased uptake of LF treatment by individuals who had never complied with MDA was observed.

Conclusions/Significance
IDA and DA regimens for LF elimination were highly and equally acceptable in individuals participating in the community-based safety study in Fiji, Haiti, India, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. Country variation in acceptability was significant. Acceptability of the professionalism of the treatment delivery was highlighted.
Reassessment of the risk of birth defects due to Zika virus in Guadeloupe, 2016
Authors: Funk Anna L. , Hoen Bruno , Vingdassalom Ingrid , Ryan Catherine , Kadhel Philippe , Schepers Kinda , Gaete Stanie , Tressières Benoit , Fontanet Arnaud 
Published: March 2021

Background
In the French Territories in the Americas (FTA), the risk of birth defects possibly associated with Zika virus (ZIKV) infection was 7.0% (95%CI: 5.0 to 9.5) among foetuses/infants of 546 women with symptomatic RT-PCR confirmed ZIKV infection during pregnancy. Many of these defects were isolated measurement-based microcephaly (i.e. without any detected brain or clinical abnormalities) or mild neurological conditions. We wanted to estimate the proportion of such minor findings among live births of women who were pregnant in the same region during the outbreak period but who were not infected with ZIKV.

Methods
In Guadeloupe, pregnant women were recruited at the time of delivery and tested for ZIKV infection. The outcomes of live born infants of ZIKV non-infected women were compared to those of ZIKV-exposed live born infants in Guadeloupe, extracted from the FTA prospective cohort.

Results
Of 490 live born infants without exposure to ZIKV, 42 infants (8.6%, 95%CI: 6.2–11.4) had mild abnormalities that have been described as ‘potentially linked to ZIKV infection’; all but one of these was isolated measurement-based microcephaly. Among the 241 live born infants with ZIKV exposure, the proportion of such abnormalities, using the same definition, was similar (6.6%, 95%CI: 3.8–10.6).

Conclusions
Isolated anthropometric abnormalities and mild neurological conditions were as prevalent among infants with and without in-utero ZIKV exposure. If such abnormalities had not been considered as ‘potentially linked to ZIKV’ in the original prospective cohort in Guadeloupe, the overall estimate of the risk of birth defects considered due to the virus would have been significantly lower, at approximately 1.6% (95% CI: 0.4–4.1).

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02916732)
Plasma trimethylamine N-oxide and its metabolic precursors and risk of mortality, cardiovascular and renal disease in individuals with type 2-diabetes and albuminuria
Authors: Winther Signe Abitz , Øllgaard Jens Christian , Hansen Tine Willum , von Scholten Bernt Johan , Reinhard Henrik , Ahluwalia Tarunveer Singh , Wang Zeneng , Gæde Peter , Parving Hans-Henrik , Hazen Stanley , Pedersen Oluf , Rossing Peter 
Published: March 2021

Aims
The trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) pathway is related to intestinal microbiota and has been associated to risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). We investigated associations between four plasma metabolites in the TMAO pathway and risk of all-cause mortality, CVD and deterioration in renal function in individuals with type 2-diabetes (T2D) and albuminuria.

Materials and methods
Plasma concentrations of TMAO, choline, carnitine, and betaine were measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry at baseline in 311 individuals with T2D and albuminuria. Information on all-cause mortality and fatal/non-fatal CVD during follow-up was obtained from registries. The association of each metabolite, and a weighted sum score of all four metabolites, with the endpoints were examined. Serum creatinine was measured at follow-up visits and the renal endpoint was defined as eGFR-decline of ≥30%. Associations were analysed using proportional hazards models adjusted for traditional risk factors.

Results
Baseline mean(SD) age was 57.2(8.2) years and 75% were males. Follow-up was up to 21.9 years (median (IQR) follow-up 6.8 (6.1–15.5) years for mortality and 6.5 (5.5–8.1) years for CVD events). The individual metabolites and the weighted sum score were not associated with all-cause mortality (n = 106) or CVD (n = 116) (adjusted p≥0.09). Higher choline, carnitine and the weighted sum score of the four metabolites were associated with higher risk of decline in eGFR (n = 106) (adjusted p = 0.001, p = 0.03 and p<0.001, respectively).

Conclusions
In individuals with T2D and albuminuria, higher choline, carnitine and a weighted sum of four metabolites from the TMAO pathway were risk markers for deterioration in renal function during long-term follow-up. Metabolites from the TMAO pathway were not independently related to risk of all-cause mortality or CVD.
The comparative efficiency of denosumab treatment in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis, primary hyperparathyroidism and glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in real clinical practice
Authors: Rozhinskaya Liudmila Ya. , Gronskaia Sofya A. , Mamedova Elizaveta O. , Belaya Zhanna E. , Melnichenko Galina A. 
Published: March 2021

Background: Denosumab is a highly effective and safe first-line treatment for osteoporosis. Primary hyperparathyroidism is a prevalent condition found in patients with osteoporosis. However, data regarding effectiveness of denosumab treatment in patients with PHPT are scarce. Aims: To estimate the comparative effects of denosumab to treat postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO) and osteoporosis caused by primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) or glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) in postmenopausal women in routine clinical practice. Materials and methods: Retrospective study based on the medical card records. Patients over 50 years of age with verified osteoporosis (based on bone mineral density (BMD) T-score ≤ -2.5 SD and/or low-trauma fracture), who had at least 3 denosumab injections were included in the study. Results: 162 patients were included and divided into three groups according to the etiology of osteoporosis. The first group consisted of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis (PMO) [(n=85); median age 70 [64;78]]. Patients with glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) were enrolled in the second group [(n=16); male to female ratio =1:15; median age 60 [57,8; 66,3]]. The third group consisted of patients with PHPT and osteoporosis [(n=61); male to female=2:59; median age 68 [63; 75]]. Among all patients, denosumab treatment significantly increased BMD and decreased serum levels of calcium and CTx compared with baseline. PMO: the median increase in BMD according to the T-score was L1-L4 0,6 (p<0,001), femoral neck 0,2 (p<0,001); serum calcium -0,04 (p=0,004). PHPT: the median increase in BMD according to the T-score was L1-L4 0,6 (p<0,001), femoral neck 0,2 (p<0,001); radius 33% 0,25 (p=0,002), serum calcium -0,04 (p<0,001). In patients with GIOP, denosumab increased BMD in the lumbar spine L1-L4 0,5 (p=0,004). There was no difference in BMD increase or in levels of bone turnover suppression between the groups. A marked decline in levels of serum calcium was noted among patients with GFR less than 60 ml / min / 1.73 m2 (median Δ Са serum=0,24 p<0,001), compared to patients without CKD (median Δ Са serum=0,08 p<0,001).Conclusion: Denosumab treatment is similarly effective for increasing BMD and decreasing bone turnover markers in patients with PMO and PHPT among postmenopausal women. The hypocalciemic effect of denosumab is most significant in subjects with PHPT.
Summary of the draft federal clinical guidelines for osteoporosis
Authors: Belaya Zhanna E. , Rozhinskaya Lyudmila Y. , Grebennikova Tatiana A. , Kanis John A. , Pigarova Ekaterina A. , Rodionova Svetlana S. , Toroptsova Natalya V. , Nikitinskaya Oksana A. , Skripnikova Irina A. , Drapkina Oksana М. , Ershova Olga V. , Biryukova Elena V. , Lesnyak Olga М. , Tsoriev Timur Т. , Belova Kseniya Y. , Marchenkova Larisa А. , Dzeranova Larisa K. , Dreval’ Aleksandr V. , Mamedova Elizaveta O. , Tkacheva Olga N. , Dudinskaya Ekaterina N. , Nikankina Larisa V.  , Farba Leonid Y. , Chernova Tatyana O. , Yureneva Svetlana V. , Yakushevskaya Oksana V. , Ilyukhina Ol’ga B. , Kryukova Irina V. , Tarbaeva Natalya V. , Petryaykin Alexey V. , Zagorodniy Nikolay V. , Mel’nichenko Galina А. , Dedov Ivan I. 
Published: March 2021

A summary of the draft federal clinical guidelines on osteoporosis developed by members of the Russian Association of Endocrinologists, the Russian Association for Osteoporosis, the Association of Rheumatologists of Russia, the Association of Traumatologists and Orthopedists of Russia, the Russian Association for Menopause and the Russian Association of Gerontologists and Geriatrics is presented. The recommendations were developed from the perspective of evidence-based medicine, in accordance with the requirements for compiling clinical recommendations of the Ministry of Health of Russia published in 2019. A significant place is given to screening of primary osteoporosis in adults, differential diagnosis with other metabolic diseases of the skeleton, modern methods of diagnosing osteoporosis, principles of prescribing pathogenetic treatment, features of sequential and combination therapy, disease prevention and rehabilitation. Clinical recommendations will be useful both to general practitioners and physicians, as well as to narrow specialists, primarily endocrinologists, rheumatologists, orthopedic traumatologists, nephrologists, obstetrician-gynecologists and neurologists, since osteoporosis is a multifactorial and multidisciplinary disease.
Properties of a bovine collagen type I membrane for guided bone regeneration applications
Authors: Brum Igor S. , Elias Carlos N. , de Carvalho Jorge J. , Pires Jorge L. S. , Pereira Mario J. S. , de Biasi Ronaldo S. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Dental implant treatment requires an available bone volume in the implantation site to ensure the implant’s mechanical stability. When the bone volume is insufficient, one must resort to surgical means such as guided bone regeneration (GBR). In GBR surgery, bone grafts and membranes are used. The objective of this work is to manufacture and characterize the in vitro and in vivo properties of resorbable collagen type I membranes (Green Membrane®) for GBR. Membrane surface morphology was characterized by SEM and roughness was measured using an interferometric noncontact 3D system. In vivo skin sensitization and toxicity tests have been performed on Wistar rats. Bone defects were prepared in 24 adult male rats, filled with biomaterials (Blue Bone® and Bio Oss®) and covered with collagen membranes to maintain the mechanical stability of the site for bone regeneration. The incisions were closed with simple stitches; and 60 days after the surgery, the animals were euthanized. Results showed that the analyzed membrane was homogeneous, with collagen fiber webs and open pores. It had no sign of cytotoxicity and the cells at the insertion site showed no bone morphological changes. There was no tissue reaction and no statistical difference between Blue Bone® and Bio Oss® groups. The proposed membrane has no cytotoxicity and displays a biocompatibility profile that makes it suitable for GBR.
Writing a compelling integrated discussion: a guide for integrated discussions in article-based theses and dissertations
Authors: Lewis Krystina B. , Graham Ian D. , Boland Laura , Stacey Dawn 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Article-based theses and dissertations are increasingly being used in nursing and the health sciences as an alternate format to the traditional five-chapter monograph. A unique chapter in the article-based thesis is the integrated discussion, which differs in breadth and depth as compared to the discussion for a traditional thesis monograph or journal article. For many students and faculty, the integrated discussion is a challenging chapter to write, with minimal or no published guidance available. In this article, we offer a four-step approach with templates for planning and writing an integrated discussion. We also share several lessons learned with examples from published theses and dissertations. Writing an integrated discussion can be facilitated and written more efficiently by developing a clear and detailed outline of the chapter and broad discussion points prior to drafting the text, to achieve a higher-level synthesis, analysis, and interpretation of the overall significance of the thesis findings.
Short-term effects of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue treatment on leptin, ghrelin and peptide YY in girls with central precocious puberty
Authors: Wijarn Piyathida , Poomthavorn Preamrudee , Khlairit Patcharin , Pongratanakul Sarunyu , Chailurkit Laor , Mahachoklertwattana Pat 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Objectives
To determine appetite-regulating hormone levels in girls with central precocious puberty (CPP) before and after 20 weeks of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue (GnRH-A) treatment.

Methods
Eighteen newly diagnosed CPP girls were enrolled. Body composition measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis and GnRH-A test were performed with fasting serum leptin, ghrelin and peptide YY (PYY) measurements at baseline (before) and after 20 weeks of GnRH-A treatment.

Results
Following GnRH-A treatment, all patients had prepubertal gonadotropin and estradiol levels. Mean (SD) fat mass index (FMI) was significantly increased from 4.5 (1.7) to 5.0 (1.8) kg/m2 after treatment. Also, median (IQR) serum leptin level was significantly increased from 6.9 (4.2–8.6) to 7.4 (5.3–13.1) ng/mL. FMI had a positive correlation with serum leptin level (r=0.64, p=0.004). In contrast, no significant changes of serum ghrelin and PYY levels were observed.

Conclusions
Decreased estrogen following short-term GnRH-A treatment in CPP girls may cause an increase in appetite and consequently an elevation of FMI. Increased serum leptin may be a result of having increased FMI secondary to an increase in appetite.
Police Interactions, Perceived Respect, and Longitudinal Changes in Depression in African Americans
Authors: Leib Sophie I. , Faith Emma C. , Vincent Samuel R. , Miller Steven A. 
Published: March 2021

Introduction: We examined police exchanges' and feelings of discrimination's impact on changes in adolescent depression symptoms. Relative to other races, police speak more disrespectfully to African Americans and often exert unnecessary force. We investigated the impact of these exchanges on depression. Methods: Adolescent Health Study data were analyzed. Latent growth curve modeling with mediation illustrated relationships between police exchanges, perceived discrimination, and depression changes. Results: African American adolescents had significantly higher levels of initial depression than other racial/ethnic identity groups. For African Americans, police exchanges predicted depression changes. Perceived respect predicted levels and changes of depression for both groups, but mediated the relationship between police exchanges and depression changes only in the “other” racial/ethnic identity group. Discussion: Police stoppings impacted depression changes for African Americans independent of perceived respect. Findings highlight a potentially unique relationship between depression and police exchanges among African Americans. Future studies may investigate roles of individual differences.
Uncertainty at the Limits of Viability: A Qualitative Study of Antenatal Consultations
Authors: Kaemingk Bethany D. , Carroll Katherine , Thorvilson Megan J. , Schaepe Karen S. , Collura Christopher A. 
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:Antenatal consultation between a neonatologist and expectant parent(s) may determine if resuscitation is provided for or withheld from neonates born in the gray zone of viability. In this study, we sought to gain a deeper understanding of uncertainties present and neonatologists’ communication strategies regarding such uncertainties in this shared decision-making.METHODS:A prospective, qualitative study using transcriptions of audio-recorded antenatal consultations between a neonatologist and expectant parent(s) was conducted. Pregnant women were eligible if anticipating delivery in the gray zone of viability (22 0/7–24 6/7 weeks’ gestation). Over 18 months, 25 of 28 pregnant women approached consented to participate. Applied thematic analysis was used to inductively derive and examine conceptual themes.RESULTS:Inductive analysis of consult transcripts revealed uncertainty as a central theme. Several subthemes relating to uncertainty were also derived, including the timing of delivery, NICU course, individual characteristics (of physician, expectant parent(s), and fetus or neonate), and consequences of the decision for the expectant parent(s). Analysis revealed that uncertainty was actively managed by neonatologists through a variety of strategies, including providing more information, acknowledging the limits of medicine, acknowledging and accepting uncertainty, holding hope, and relationship building.CONCLUSIONS:Uncertainty is pervasive within the antenatal consultation for periviable neonates and likely plays a significant role in decision-making toward postnatal resuscitative efforts. Uncertainty complicated, or even paralyzed, decision-making efforts while also providing reassurance toward a positive outcome. Directions for future study should consider whether advanced communication training modulates the impact that uncertainty plays in the shared decision-making encounter.
Pyogenic Extensor Tenosynovitis of the Wrist—A Cause of Spontaneous Extensor Tendon Rupture
Authors: Crutcher William L. , Iannuzzi Nicholas P. 
Published: March 2021

Cases:
We present 2 cases of spontaneous extensor tendon rupture in the setting of pyogenic extensor tenosynovitis of the wrist caused by penetrating wounds—a cat bite and injection drug use in patients 1 and 2, respectively. Patient 1 underwent reconstruction of the extensor digitorum communis tendons with palmaris longus autograft. Patient 2 declined surgical reconstruction.

Conclusions:
These cases highlight a rare but severe complication of dorsal hand/wrist infection. Early surgical intervention should be considered to prevent this complication, which may have permanent functional consequences and requires complex reconstructive and rehabilitative efforts.
Diaphyseal Both-Bone Forearm Fracture Due to a Grip Lock Injury in a Female Pediatric Gymnast
Authors: Colon Roberto , Olivella Gerardo , Pinci Marcantonio , Rivera Claribel , Ramírez Norman , Guzmán Humberto 
Published: March 2021

Case:
A 13-year-old female gymnast sustained a diaphyseal both-bone forearm fracture due to a grip lock injury.

Conclusion:
This is a report of a diaphyseal both-bone forearm fracture due to a grip lock injury in a female pediatric gymnast, successfully treated with closed reduction and cast immobilization. The rare mechanism of injury, education, and treatment have been discussed.