bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endovascular Treatment for Acute Basilar Artery Occlusion: A Single Center Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: sun xuan , tong xu , gao feng , lao huiting , miao zhongrong 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background and purpose: Endovascular treatment (EVT) is now considered the gold standard for select patient populations with anterior circulation stroke; however, data on the treatment of posterior circulation stroke are less clear. This study aims to determine the characteristics and treatment outcomes of patients with acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO) and to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of EVT for patients with acute BAO in a high-volume stroke center. Methods: This study included 187 consecutive patients with acute BAO who underwent EVT from January 2012 to July 2018 in Beijing Tiantan Hospital. The baseline characteristics, procedure parameters, and functional outcome were assessed. Results: Among the 187 patients, 138 (73.8%) underwent mechanical thrombectomy with a stent retriever, 33 (17.6%) underwent direct intracranial angioplasty (balloon dilation and/or stent implantation) for underlying severe intracranial atherosclerotic disease, and 91 (48.7%) underwent combined mechanical thrombectomy and angioplasty. Successful recanalization [modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) grade 2b-3] was achieved in 158 patients (84.5%). Overall, the rates of functional independence [modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0-2] and favorable outcome (mRS 0-3) at 90 days were 36.4% and 49.2%, respectively, and 90- day all-cause mortality was 20.3%. Conclusion􀀌􀀁EVT was effective and safe for treating patients with acute BAO.
High fecal carriage of Extended Beta Lactamase producing Enterobacteriaceae among adult patients admitted in Referral Hospitals in Dar es salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Kibwana Upendo Ozeniel , Majigo Mtebe , Kamori Doreen , Manyahi Joel 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background Multi-drug resistance pathogens such as Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-PE) are of great global health concern, since they are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Even in the absence of infections caused by these pathogens, colonization is a great threat and can lead to cross transfer among hospitalized patients. To date data on carriage of these pathogens is still limited in Tanzania. Therefore, this study aimed to determine ESBL-PE fecal carriage rate and associated factors among hospitalized patients at Referral hospitals in Dar es Salaam. Methods This was a cross sectional study conducted from May to July 2017 among patients admitted in three referral hospitals in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Rectal swabs were collected and screened for ESBL production using MacConkey agar supplemented with Ceftazidime 2mg/ml. Phenotypic confirmation of ESBL-PE was done by double disk diffusion method. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPPS) software version 20. Results Of the 196 enrolled participants, 59.7% (117/196) were confirmed to carry ESBL-PE. Diarrheic patients (57/79) had statistically significant high prevalence of ESBL-PE colonization compared to those without diarrhea (60/117) ( p = 0.01). A total of 131 ESBL-PE were isolated from 117 patients, whereby, Escherichia coli accounted for 68.7%, Klebsiella pneumoniae 28.2% and Citrobacter species 0.8%. ESBL-PE carriage was significantly higher in patients with diarrhea compared to those without diarrhea (72% vs 53.1%, p=0.01). Recent antibiotic use was independently associated with carriage of ESBL-PE (aOR 14.65, 95%CI 3.07-69.88, p=0.01). Conclusions High fecal carriage of ESBL-PE was observed in patients admitted in tertiary hospitals in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The use of antibiotics was associated with carriage of ESBL producers among the study population.
Molecular characterization of Blastocystis subtypes in HIV-positive patients and evaluation of risk factors for colonization
Authors: Sulekova Lucia Fontanelli , Gabrielli Simona , Furzi Federica , Milardi Giovanni Luigi , Biliotti Elisa , De Angelis Maurizio , Iaiani Giancarlo , Fimiani Caterina , Maiorano Myriam , Mattiucci Simonetta , Taliani Gloria 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background
Blastocystis is one of the most common intestinal protozoa in human faecal samples with uncertain impact on public health . Studies on the prevalence of Blastocystis in HIV-positive patients are limited and dated.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was carried out involving 156 HIV- positive patients to evaluate the prevalence of Blastocystis -subtypes by molecular amplification and sequencing of the SSU rDNA gene, to identify the risk factors for its transmission, to examine the relationship between the presence of the protist and gastrointestinal disorders. Furthermore, the evaluation of the faecal calprotectin by immunoassay from a sample of subjects was performed to evaluate the gut inflammation in Blastocystis- carriers.
Results
Blastocystis- subtypes ST1, ST2, ST3, ST4 were identified in 39 HIV-positive patients (25%). No correlation was found between the presence of the protist and virological or epidemiological risk factors. Blastocystis was more frequently detected in homosexual subjects (p=0.037) infected by other enteric protozoa (p= 0.0001) and with flatulence (p=0.024). No significant differences in calprotectin level was found between Blastocystis- carriers and free ones.
Conclusions
Blastocystis is quite common in HIV-positive patients on ART showing in examined patients 25% prevalence. Homosexual behaviour may represent a risk factor for its transmission, while CD4 count and viremia didn’t correlate with the presence of the protist. The pathogenetic role of Blastocystis remains unclear and no gut inflammation status was detected in Blastocystis- carriers. The only symptom associated with Blastocystis was the flatulence, evidencing a link between the presence of the protist and the composition and stability of gut microbiota.
Factors generating ambivalent feelings in women who gave birth after receiving a negative result on non-invasive prenatal testing: A qualitative study
Authors: Yotsumoto Junko , Sekizawa Akihiko , Inoue Satomi , Suzumori Nobuhiro , Samura Osamu , Yamada Takahiro , Miura Kiyonori , Masuzaki Hideaki , Sawai Hideaki , Murotsuki Jun , Hamanoue Haruka , Kamei Yoshimasa , Endo Toshiaki , Fukushima Akimune , Katagiri Yukiko , Takeshita Naoki , Ogawa Masaki , Okamoto Yoko , Tairaku Shinya , Kaji Takashi , Maeda Kazuhisa , Nishizawa Haruki , Matsubara Keiichi , Ogawa Masanobu , Osada Hisao , Ohba Takashi , Kawano Yukie , Sasaki Aiko , Sago Haruhiko 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: Some women with negative results on non-invasive prenatal genetic testing (NIPT) may have ambivalent feelings later. This study aimed to investigate the factors generating ambivalent feel-ings among women who gave birth after having received negative results on NIPT.

Methods: A questionnaire was sent to women who received a negative NIPT result, and a contents analysis was conducted for those 1562 women who responded to the open-ended question. The con-tents of these qualitative data were analyzed using the N-Vivo software package.

Results: Environmental factors, genetic counseling-related factors, and increased anticipatory anxiety affected the feeling of ambivalence among pregnant women. Furthermore, pregnant women desired more information regarding the detailed prognosis for individuals with Down syndrome and living with them and/or abortion, assuming the possibility that they were positive.

Conclusions: Three major interrelated factors affected the feeling of ambivalence in women. High-lighting and discussing such factors during genetic counseling may resolve some of these ambivalences, thereby enhancing the quality of decisions made by pregnant women.
Serum Erythropoietin Concentration And Its Correlation With Stage Of Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Davidović Sofija , Nikola Babić , Sandra Jovanović , Sava Barišić , Desanka Grković , Aleksandar Miljković 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Summary: Background: Erythropoietin (Epo) is one of systemic angiogenic factors, and its role in ocular angiogenesis and in diabetic retinopathy (DR) is not yet fully understood. Latest research data reveal possible correlation of higher EPO concentrations of erythropoietin in blood and in the eye, with more severe of stages of DR. The main aim of this work was to examine the possible influence of serum concentrations of erythropoietin on the development and stages of diabetic retinopathy in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2. Methods: The research involved 90 patients examined at University Eye Clinic in Clinical Center of Vojvodina in Novi Sad, Serbia. First group comprised of 60 patients with diabetes mellitus lasting 10 years or more, with diabetic retinopathy. Second, control group, consisted of 30 healthy individuals. In the first group of 60 diabetic patients, 30 of them had non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR), and 30 had proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). Laboratory EPO serum levels were determined, and they were correlated to the stage of DR. Concentration of EPO was assessed by ELISA method at the end of the study. Results: The highest average concentration of EPO in serum (9.95 mIU/ml) was determined in group of diabetics with PDR. The lowest average concentration of EPO in serum (6.90 mIU/ml) was found in control group. The average concentration of Epo in serum in group of diabetics with NPDR was 7.00 mIU/ml. EPO concentration in serum was elevated in group of PDR, and it was directly proportional to the level of clinical stadium of PDR, being significantly higher in moderate and severe subgroup of PDR comparing to control healthy subjects, NPDR and mild PDR (h=9.858, p=0.007). Conclusions: Significantly elevated serum concentration of EPO in advanced stages of DR, and positive correlation between EPO serum concentration and clinical stadium of PDR, suggest that erythropoietin presents one of the important growth factors from blood, which plays role in retinal ischemia and angiogenesis in diabetic retinopathy, especially in the proliferative stage of this disease. Keywords: diabetic retinopathy; erythropoietin; glycated hemoglobin; non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy; proliferative diabetic retinopathy.
Surgical treatment to multiple primary lung cancer patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Ting-Fei , Xie Chun-Ying , Rao Bing-Yu , Shan Shi-Chao , Zhang Xin , Zeng Bo , Lei Yi-Yan , Luo Hong-He 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background As there is no consensus on the optimal surgery strategy for multiple primary lung cancer (MPLC), we conducted this study to address this issue by comparing the prognosis of MPLC patients underwent different surgical strategies including sublobar resection and the standard resection through a systemic review and meta-analysis. Methods Relevant literature was obtained from three databases including PubMed, Embase and Web of Science. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were set for the screening of articles to be selected for further conduction of systemic review and meta-analysis. The HRs of OS of the sublobar group compared with standard resection group were extracted directly or calculated indirectly from included researches. Result s: Ten researches published from 2000 to 2017 were included in this study, with 468 and 445 MPLC cases for the standard resection group and sublobar resection group respectively. The result suggested that OS of MPLC patients underwent sublobar resection (segmentectomy or wedge resection for at least one lesion) was comparable with those underwent standard resection approach (lobectomy or pneumonectomy for all lesions), with HR 1.07, 95% CI 0.67 - 1.71, p = 0.784. Further analysis found no difference in subgroups of synchronous and metachronous (from second metachronous lesion), different population region and dominant sex type. Conclusions This study may reveal that sublobar resection is acceptable for patients with MPLC at an early stage, because of the equivalent prognosis to the standard resection and better pulmonary function preservation. Further research is needed to validate these findings.
CRISPR-cas system in the acquisition of virulence genes in dental-root canal and hospital-acquired isolates of Enterococcus faecalis
Authors: Gholizadeh Pourya , Aghazadeh Mohammad , Ghotaslou Reza , Rezaee Mohammad Ahangarzadeh , Pirzadeh Tahereh , Lanotte Philippe , Ganbarov Khudaverdi , Bastami Milad , Yousefi Mehdi , Kafil Hossein Samadi 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Introduction

Enterococcus faecalis is one of the important causative agents of nosocomial and life-threatening infections in human. Several studies have demonstrated that the presence of CRISPR- cas is associated with antibiotic susceptibility and lack of virulence traits. In this study, we aimed to assess the phenotypic and genotypic virulence determinants in relation to CRISPR elements from the dental-root canals and hospital-acquired isolates of E. faecalis .Methods and materials

Eighty-eight hospital-acquired and 73 dental-root canal isolates of E. faecalis were assessed in this study. Phenotypic screening of the isolates included biofilm formation, and gelatinase and hemolysis activities. Genotypical screening using PCR was further used to evaluate the presence of CRISPR elements and different virulence-associated genes such as efaA , esp , cylA , hyl , gelE , ace , ebpR , and asa1 .Results

Biofilm formation, and gelatinase and hemolysis activity were detected in 93.8%, 29.2% and 19.2% of the isolates, respectively. The most prevalent virulence-associated gene was ace , which was followed by efaA , whereas cylA was the least identified. The presence of CRISPR1- cas , orphan CRISPR2 and CRISPR3- cas was determined in 13%, 55.3% and 17.4% of the isolates, respectively. CRISPR elements were significantly more prevalent in the dental-root canals isolates. An inverse significant correlation was found between CRISPR- cas loci, esp and gelE , while direct correlations were observed in the case of cylA , hyl , gelE (among CRISPR-loci 1 and 3), asa1 , ace , biofilm formation, and hemolysis activity.Conclusion

Findings, therefore, indicate that CRISPR- cas might prevent the acquisition of some respective pathogenicity factors in some isolates, though not all; so selective forces could not influence pathogenic traits.
Factors associated with permanent hypothyroidism in infants with congenital hypothyroidism
Authors: Park Eun Sil , Yoon Ju Young 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background

Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is one of the most common endocrine diseases in childhood. A significant proportion of CH cases are transient, but the risk factors for permanent CH (PCH) are not yet well established. The current guidelines suggest using levothyroxine until the age of 3 years, but some studies suggest the possibility of earlier discontinuation. However, few, if any, studies have followed up on the results of early discontinuation. This study aimed to identify predictive factors of transient CH among infants with CH. We also investigated the results in patients who underwent a trial of early discontinuation.

Methods

We gathered data regarding infants diagnosed with CH between July 2005 and July 2014 by retrospective chart review. Among them, early discontinuation subgroup was defined as those who discontinued levothyroxine before 30 months of age.

Results

From the 80 infants (40 males, 40 females) enrolled in this study, 51 were preterm. Nine (11.3%) were diagnosed with PCH. Compared with transient cases, those with PCH were on higher levothyroxine dose at discontinuation (4.3 vs 2.9 µg/kg, P < 0.001). There was no difference in the proportion of permanent cases between preterm and full-term groups. In preterm group,infants with PCH required higher levothyroxine dose at discontinuation than those with transient CH (3.8 vs 2.5 µg/kg, P = 0.018). Levothyroxine discontinuation at a dose of 2.86 µg/kg could suggest PCH (sensitivity, 88.9%; specificity, 71.0%). Among the 9 patients who underwent a trial of early discontinuation, 8 successfully discontinued levothyroxine.

Conclusion

The majority of CH patients discontinued levothyroxine successfully, including those who underwent a trial of early discontinuation. Higher levothyroxine dose at the time of discontinuation was found to be a predictive factor for PCH.
Assessment of seroepidemic conditions of hepatitis B virus among people under 29 years of age and evaluation of the hepatitis B vaccine after 22 years in Jiangsu Province, China
Authors: Sun xiang , Tang Fenyang , Hu Ying , Deng Xiuying , Wang Zhiguo , Liu Yuanbao , Zhou Minghao 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background This study aims to investigate the epidemiologic characteristics and variational trends following a hepatitis B vaccine (HepB) inoculation programme carried out in children over the last 22 years in Jiangsu province. It also aims to evaluate the effect of hepatitis B vaccine immunisation and to analyse the influential of HBsAg positive carriers. Finally, the study also provides reliable data and a baseline for adjusting future prevention and intervention strategies in Jiangsu province. Methods The incidence rates of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in Jiangsu province from 2004 to 2014 were obtained from the National Notifiable Disease Reporting System (NNDRS). A stratified cluster random sampling method was used to select 3,002 subjects aged 1-29 years across 13 hepatitis B virus monitoring points throughout the province, which had been classified as either urban or rural. HBV was assessed from venous blood samples using Abbott microparticle enzyme immunoassay (MEIA) kits (Abbott Laboratories, Chicago, Illinois). Results HBV incidence in the 1-29 age group showed a significant downward trend since 2004 (P<0.001). Serological assessments showed that the prevalence values of the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) in the 1-29 age group were 1.20% and 5.33%, respectively. And 66.89% tested positive for the hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs). The HBsAg positive rate among participants was significantly lower in subjects who had been vaccinated than in those who had not (0.46% vs 14.93%, p<0.0001). Among persons who had received the full three-dose vaccine regimen, 90.93% received the first dose of the HBV vaccine within 24 hours of the baby’s birth. In this same group, the prevalence rates of HBsAg and anti-HBc were 0.05% and 0.95%, respectively, and the HBV infection rate decreased significantly after 2006. Conclusions The overall rate of Hepatitis B vaccinations and vaccinations administered within 24 hours of the baby’s birth have continuously improved since the HepB vaccine was integrated into the immunisation programme in Jiangsu province. Hepatitis B prevention and control works in the target population has achieved remarkable results.
Cryptococcal antigenemia and its predictors among HIV infected patients in resource limited settings: a systematic review
Authors: Derbie Awoke , Mekonnen Daniel , Woldeamanuel Yimtubeznash , Abebe Tamrat 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background : Cryptococcosis is an opportunistic fungal infection that primarily affects people with advanced Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease and is an important cause of morbidity and mortality around the globe. By far the most common presentation of the disease is cryptococcal meningitis (CM), which leads to an estimated 15-20% of all HIV related deaths worldwide, 3/4 of which are in sub-Saharan Africa. However, to the best of our knowledge there is quite limited reviewed data that on the epidemiology of cryptococcal antigenemia in a large HIV-infected population in resource limited settings. Methods : Articles published in English irrespective of the time of publication were systematically searched using comprehensive search strings from PubMed/Medline and SCOPUS. In addition, Google Scholar and Google databases were searched manually for grey literature. Two reviewers independently assessed study eligibility, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. The magnitude of cryptococcal antigenemia and its predictors were presented with descriptive statistics and summary measures. The pooled prevalence of cryptococcal antigenemia was also determined with 95% confidence interval (CI). Result: A mong 2941 potential citations, we have included 22 studies with a total of 8,338 HIV positive individuals. The studies were reported in ten different countries during the year (2007-2018). Most of the articles reported the mean CD4 count of the participants <100 cells/µl. The pooled prevalence of cryptococcal antigenemia at different CD4 count and ART status was at 8% (95%CI: 6-10%) (ranged between 1.7% and 33%). Body mass index (BMI) <18.5kg/m 2 , CD4 count <100 cells, presenting with headache and male gender were reported by two or more articles as an important predictors of cryptococcal antigenemia. Conclusions : Implementing a targeted screening of HIV patients with low BMI, CD4 count <100 cells, having headache and males; and treatment for asymptomatic cryptococcal disease should be considered. Additional data is needed to better define the epidemiology of cryptococcal antigenemia and its predictors in resource limited settings in order to design prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies.
Needs, Aggravation, And Degree of Burnout In Informal Care Providers Of Patients With Chronic Cvd
Authors: Szlenk-Czyczerska Elżbieta , Guzek Marika , Prusaczyk Artur , Bielska Dorota Emilia , Ławnik Anna , Kurpas Donata 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background. A growing number of patients with chronic cardiovascular disease (CVD) creates a growing demand for homecare. Personal and professional limitations, health issues, and lack of systemic support of informal care providers are major causes of insufficient care models for chronically ill patients in home environments. This study aimed to identify the sociodemographic variables that are associated with the needs and increasing occupational burnout observed among home care providers. Methods. This study reports on 161 informal home care providers of patients with CVDs. The research was conducted in the homes of patients, using the Camberwell Assessment of Need Short Appraisal Schedule (CANSAS), the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), and a structured interview questionnaire developed by the authors. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient test and logistic regression were used for analyses. Results. The majority of the participants were female (70.2%; n=113). We found that younger care providers were less likely to report unmet needs ( p = 0.011), and less likely to report burnout as measured by the MBI Emotional Exhaustion ( p = 0.010) and Depersonalization ( p = 0.009) subscales. Care providers with primary education were more likely to report burnout on the MBI Depersonalization subscale ( p = 0.028). In addition, care providers who worked more often reported higher levels of met needs ( p = 0.022), and burnout as measured on the MBI Depersonalization ( p = 0.005) and Emotional Exhaustion ( p = 0.018) subscales. Subjects residing in urban areas were more likely to report unmet needs ( p = 0.007), and were also more likely to report burnout as measured on the MBI Emotional Exhaustion ( p = 0.006) subscale. Conclusion. Older care providers who are unemployed and reside in cities and unemployed should be targeted with directed programmes to determine the category of unmet needs, and for personalized support. Care providers with these demographic characteristics should be targeted for occupational burnout prevention programmes. Keywords: informal caretaker, met and unmet needs, growing burnout.