bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Perspectives on health examination for asylum seekers in relation to health literacy – focus group discussions with Arabic and Somali speaking participants
Authors: Wångdahl Josefin , Westerling Ragnar , Lytsy Per , Mårtensson Lena 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Asylum seekers coming to most countries are offered a specific health examination. A previous study concluded that a considerable proportion of those taking part of it in Sweden had poor experiences of the communication in and the usefulness of this examination and had poor health literacy. The aim of this study was to explore in greater depth the experiences of the health examination for asylum seekers among Arabic- and Somali-speaking participants in Sweden. A secondary aim was to examine experiences and discuss findings using a health literacy framework.

Methods
Seven focus group discussions were conducted with 28 Arabic and Somali speaking men and women that participated in a health examination for asylum seekers. Data were analyzed by latent content analysis.

Results
One overarching theme - beneficial and detrimental - was found to represent the participants’ experiences of the health examination for asylum seekers. Three categories were identified that deal with those experiences. The category of “gives some good” describes the examination as something that “gives support and relief” and “cares on a personal level.” The category of “causes feelings of insecurity” describes the examination as something that “lacks clarity” and that “does not give protection.” The category “causes feelings of disappointment” views the examination as something that “does not fulfil the image of a health examination” and “does not focus on the individual level.”

Conclusion
The health examination for asylum seekers was experienced as beneficial and detrimental at the same time. The feelings were influenced by the experiences of information and communication before, during and after the examination and on how health literate the organizations providing the HEA are. To achieve more satisfied participants, it is crucial that all organizations providing the HEA become health literate and person-centered.
A qualitative appraisal of stakeholders’ perspectives of a community-based primary health care program in rural Ghana
Authors: Kushitor Mawuli K. , Biney Adriana A. , Wright Kalifa , Phillips James F , Awoonor-Williams John Koku , Bawah Ayaga A. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
The Ghana Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) initiative is a national strategy for improving access to primary health care services for underserved communities. Following a successful trial in the North Eastern part of the country, CHPS was adopted as Ghana’s flagship programme for achieving the Universal Health Coverage. Recent empirical evidence suggests, however, that scale-up of CHPS has not necessarily replicated the successes of the pilot study. This study examines the community’s perspective of the performance of CHPS and how the scale up could potentially align with the original experimental study.

Method
Applying a qualitative research methodology, this study analysed transcripts from 20 focus group discussions (FGDs) in four functional CHPS zones in separate districts of the Northern and Volta Regions of Ghana to understand the community’s assessment of CHPS. The study employed the thematic analysis to explore the content of the CHPS service provision, delivery and how community members feel about the service. In addition, ordinary least regression model was applied in interpreting 126 scores consigned to CHPS by the study respondents.

Results
Two broad areas of consensus were observed: general favourable and general unfavourable thematic areas. Favourable themes were informed by approval, appreciation, hard work and recognition of excellent services. The unfavourable thematic area was informed by rudeness, extortion, inappropriate and unprofessional behaviour, lack of basic equipment and disappointments. The findings show that mothers of children under the age of five, adolescent girls without children, and community leaders generally expressed favourable perceptions of CHPS while fathers of children under the age of five and adolescent boys without children had unfavourable expressions about the CHPS program. A narrow focus on maternal and child health explains the demographic divide on the perception of CHPS. The study revealed wide disparities in actual CHPS deliverables and community expectations.

Conclusions
A communication gap between health care providers and community members explains the high and unrealistic expectations of CHPS. Efforts to improve program acceptability and impact should address the need for more general outreach to social networks and men rather than a sole focus on facility-based maternal and child health care.
Reasons for prolonged time for diagnostic workup for stage I-II lung cancer and estimated effect of applying an optimized pathway for diagnostic procedures
Authors: Stokstad Trine , Sørhaug Sveinung , Amundsen Tore , Grønberg Bjørn H. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Minimizing the time until start of cancer treatment is a political goal. In Norway, the target time for lung cancer is 42 days. The aim of this study was to identify reasons for delays and estimate the effect on the timelines when applying an optimal diagnostic pathway.

Methods
Retrospective review of medical records of lung cancer patients, with stage I-II at baseline CT, receiving curative treatment (n = 100) at a regional cancer center in Norway.

Results
Only 40% started treatment within 42 days. The most important delays were late referral to PET CT (n = 27) and exercise test (n = 16); repeated diagnostic procedures because bronchoscopy failed (n = 15); and need for further investigations after PET CT (n = 11). The time from referral to PET CT until the final report was 20.5 days in median. Applying current waiting time for PET CT (≤7 days), 48% would have started treatment within 42 days (p = 0.254). “Optimal pathway” was defined as 1) referral to PET CT and exercise test immediately after the CT scan and hospital visit, 2) tumor board discussion to decide diagnostic strategy and treatment, 3) referral to surgery or curative radiotherapy, 4) tissue sampling while waiting to start treatment. Applying the optimal pathway, current waiting time for PET CT and observed waiting times for the other procedures, 80% of patients could have started treatment within 42 days (p < 0.001), and the number of tissue sampling procedures could have been reduced from 112 to 92 (− 16%).

Conclusion
Changing the sequence of investigations would significantly reduce the time until start of treatment in curative lung cancer patients at our hospital and reduce the resources needed.
Haplotype-resolved genomes of geminivirus-resistant and geminivirus-susceptible African cassava cultivars
Authors: Kuon Joel-E. , Qi Weihong , Schläpfer Pascal , Hirsch-Hoffmann Matthias , von Bieberstein Philipp Rogalla , Patrignani Andrea , Poveda Lucy , Grob Stefan , Keller Miyako , Shimizu-Inatsugi Rie , Grossniklaus Ueli , Vanderschuren Hervé , Gruissem Wilhelm 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Cassava is an important food crop in tropical and sub-tropical regions worldwide. In Africa, cassava production is widely affected by cassava mosaic disease (CMD), which is caused by the African cassava mosaic geminivirus that is transmitted by whiteflies. Cassava breeders often use a single locus, CMD2, for introducing CMD resistance into susceptible cultivars. The CMD2 locus has been genetically mapped to a 10-Mbp region, but its organization and genes as well as their functions are unknown.

Results
We report haplotype-resolved de novo assemblies and annotations of the genomes for the African cassava cultivar TME (tropical Manihot esculenta), which is the origin of CMD2, and the CMD-susceptible cultivar 60444. The assemblies provide phased haplotype information for over 80% of the genomes. Haplotype comparison identified novel features previously hidden in collapsed and fragmented cassava genomes, including thousands of allelic variants, inter-haplotype diversity in coding regions, and patterns of diversification through allele-specific expression. Reconstruction of the CMD2 locus revealed a highly complex region with nearly identical gene sets but limited microsynteny between the two cultivars.

Conclusions
The genome maps of the CMD2 locus in both 60444 and TME3, together with the newly annotated genes, will help the identification of the causal genetic basis of CMD2 resistance to geminiviruses. Our de novo cassava genome assemblies will also facilitate genetic mapping approaches to narrow the large CMD2 region to a few candidate genes for better informed strategies to develop robust geminivirus resistance in susceptible cassava cultivars.
Effects of truck transportation and slaughtering on the occurrence of prednisolone and its metabolites in cow urine, liver, and adrenal glands
Authors: Capra Pierluigi , Leporati Marta , Nebbia Carlo , Gatto Stefano , Attucci Alberto , Barbarino Gandolfo , Vincenti Marco 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
The recognition of illegal administration of synthetic corticosteroids in animal husbandry has been recently challenged by the case of prednisolone, whose occasional presence in the urine of bovines under strong stressful conditions was attributed to endogenous biosynthesis, not to exogenous administration. The study of the natural stress sources possibly inducing endogenous prednisolone production represents a stimulating investigation subject. The biochemical effects of transportation and slaughtering were verified in untreated cows by studying the possible occurrence of prednisolone and its metabolites in urine, liver and adrenal glands, and the cortisol/cortisone quantification.

Results
Cortisol, cortisone, prednisolone and its metabolites were measured in urine, collected at farm under natural micturition and then at the slaughterhouse. The study was performed on 15 untreated cows reared in different farms at the end of their productive cycle. 2–3 days after the first urine collection, the animals were transported by trucks to the abattoir, slaughtered, and subjected to a second urine sampling from the bladder. Specimens of liver and adrenal gland were also collected and analysed by means of a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) validated method. The stressful conditions of transportation and slaughtering proved to increase considerably the urinary levels of cortisol and cortisone as compared to those collected at farm. Prednisolone was detected in the urine collected at the slaughterhouse of two cows only, at a concentration level (≈0.6 μg L− 1) largely below the official cut off (5.0 μg L− 1) established to avoid false non-compliances. These two animals exhibited the highest urinary cortisol levels of the series. Prednisolone and prednisone were also detected in the adrenal glands of a different cow. Prednisolone metabolites were not detected in any urine, liver, and adrenal gland sample.

Conclusion
Within the constraints of the condition adopted, this study confirms the sporadic presence of prednisolone traces (2 samples out of 15) and the consistently increased concentration of cortisone and cortisol in the urines collected from cows subjected to truck transportation and subsequent slaughtering. No prednisolone metabolites were detected in any liver and adrenal gland samples, nor in urine specimens, unlike what was previously reported for cows artificially stressed by pharmacological treatment.
Association of circulating adipokine concentrations with indices of adiposity and sex in healthy, adult client owned cats
Authors: Williams Maggie C. , McMillan Chantal J. , Snead Elisabeth R. , Takada Kanae , Chelikani Prasanth K. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundBoth diabetes mellitus (DM) and obesity are common in cats. The adipokines leptin, adiponectin, resistin and omentin are thought to have important roles in human obesity and glucose homeostasis; however, their functions in the pathophysiology of feline diabetes mellitus and obesity are poorly understood. We determined whether sexual dimorphism exists for circulating concentrations of these adipokines, whether they are associated with adiposity, and whether they correlate with basic indices of insulin sensitivity in cats. Healthy, client-owned male and female cats that were either ideal weight or obese were recruited into the study. Fasting blood glucose, fructosamine, cholesterol, triglycerides, insulin and plasma concentrations of adipokines were evaluated.ResultsObese cats had greater serum concentrations of glucose and triglycerides than ideal weight cats, but fructosamine and cholesterol concentrations did not differ between groups. Body weight and body mass index were greater in male than female cats, but circulating metabolite cocentrations were similar between sexes of both the ideal weight and obese groups. Plasma concentrations of insulin and leptin were greater in obese than ideal weight cats, with reciprocal reduction in adiponectin concentrations in obese cats; there were no sex differences in these hormones. Interestingly, plasma omentin concentrations were greater in male than female cats but with no differences between obese and ideal weight states.ConclusionTogether our findings suggest that rather than gender, body weight and adiposity are more important determinants of circulating concentrations of the adipokines leptin and adiponectin. On the contrary, the adipokine omentin is not affected by body weight or adiposity but instead exhibits sexual dimorphism in cats.
Associations between clinical canine leishmaniosis and multiple vector-borne co-infections: a case-control serological study
Authors: Attipa Charalampos , Solano-Gallego Laia , Leutenegger Christian M. , Papasouliotis Kostas , Soutter Francesca , Balzer Jörg , Carver Scott , Buch Jesse S. , Tasker Séverine 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Dogs that have clinical leishmaniosis (ClinL), caused by the parasite Leishmania infantum, are commonly co-infected with other pathogens, especially vector-borne pathogens (VBP). A recent PCR-based study found that ClinL dogs are more likely to be additionally infected with the rickettsial bacteria Ehrlichia canis. Further information on co-infections in ClinL cases with VBP, as assessed by serology, is required. The research described in this report determined if dogs with ClinL are at higher risk of exposure to VBP than healthy control dogs using a case-control serology study.

Results
Of the 47 dogs with ClinL, anti-E. canis/ Ehrlichia ewingii antibodies were detected in 17 (36.2%), anti-Anaplasma phagocytophilum/Anaplasma platys antibodies in 5 (10.6%) and antigen for Dirofilaria immitis in 2 (4.3%). Of the 87 control dogs, anti-E. canis/E. ewingii antibodies were detected in 14 (16.1%) and anti-A. phagocytophilum/A. platys antibodies in 2 (2.3%). No anti-Borrelia burgdorferi antibody tests were positive. No statistical differences between the ClinL dogs and control dogs regarding lifestyle or use of ectoparasitic prevention, were identified. The ClinL was significantly associated with anti-E. canis/E. ewingii antibodies (odds ratio = 2.9, 95% confidence interval: 1.3–6.7, P = 0.010) compared to controls by both multivariable logistic regression and structural equation modelling.

Conclusions
It was demonstrated that an increased risk for E. canis/E. ewingii seropositivity is present in dogs with ClinL compared to clinically healthy control dogs, despite similar ectoparasitic prevention use and lifestyle. Based on these findings it is suggested that dogs with ClinL should not only be tested for E. canis co-infection using PCR but also serologically for E. canis/E. ewingii.
Serological survey of canine parvovirus 2 antibody titres in breeding kennels in northern Italy
Authors: Rota Ada , Dogliero Andrea , Muratore Elvira , Pregel Paola , Del Carro Angela , Masoero Loretta 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundCurrent guidelines recommend parvovirus revaccination of adult dogs no more frequently than every 3 years. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of dogs showing protective serum antibody titres against canine parvovirus 2 in breeding kennels in Northern Italy and to assess the effect of time from vaccination and the sex of the dog on antibody titres. The study was carried out on 370 animals of different breeds kept in 33 breeding kennels. Antibodies to canine parvovirus 2 in serum samples were measured with an indirect immunoenzymatic assay validated by the manufacturer in relation to the ‘gold standard’ haemagglutination inhibition test. The number of months that had elapsed since the last vaccination was calculated for each animal and categorized into the following classes: < 12 months; 13–24 months; 25–36 months; 37–48 months; and > 49 months.ResultsThe prevalence of ‘unprotected’ dogs was 4.6%. A satisfactory solid herd immunity was present in the majority of breeding kennels, although some vaccination failures were detected. A significant negative correlation was found between antibody titre and months since last vaccination. Comparable antibody titres were found in the first 3 years after vaccination. Although the antibody titre over time was not affected by the sex of the dog, ‘unprotected’ females had been vaccinated more recently than males with analogous low titres.ConclusionsParvovirus revaccination of adult dogs every 3 years, as currently recommended, is also the appropriate recommendation for breeding kennels. Serological tests could be a useful tool to assess the effectiveness of vaccination.
Integrative genomic analyses of APOBEC-mutational signature, expression and germline deletion of APOBEC3 genes, and immunogenicity in multiple cancer types
Authors: Chen Zhishan , Wen Wanqing , Bao Jiandong , Kuhs Krystle L. , Cai Qiuyin , Long Jirong , Shu Xiao-ou , Zheng Wei , Guo Xingyi 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Although APOBEC-mutational signature is found in tumor tissues of multiple cancers, how a common germline APOBEC3A/B deletion affects the mutational signature remains unclear.

Methods
Using data from 10 cancer types generated as part of TCGA, we performed integrative genomic and association analyses to assess inter-relationship of expressions for isoforms APOBEC3A and APOBEC3B, APOBEC-mutational signature, germline APOBEC3A/B deletions, neoantigen loads, and tumor infiltration lymphocytes (TILs).

Results
We found that expression level of the isoform uc011aoc transcribed from the APOBEC3A/B chimera was associated with a greater burden of APOBEC-mutational signature only in breast cancer, while germline APOBEC3A/B deletion led to an increased expression level of uc011aoc in multiple cancer types. Furthermore, we found that the deletion was associated with elevated APOBEC-mutational signature, neoantigen loads and relative composition of T cells (CD8+) in TILs only in breast cancer. Additionally, we also found that APOBEC-mutational signature significantly contributed to neoantigen loads and certain immune cell abundances in TILs across cancer types.

Conclusions
These findings reveal new insights into understanding the genetic, biological and immunological mechanisms through which APOBEC genes may be involved in carcinogenesis, and provide potential genetic biomarker for the development of disease prevention and cancer immunotherapy.
Poverty and food security: drivers of insecticide-treated mosquito net misuse in Malawi
Authors: Berthe Sara , Harvey Steven A. , Lynch Matthew , Koenker Hannah , Jumbe Vincent , Kaunda-Khangamwa Blessings , Mathanga Don P. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Over the past decade, food insecurity, connected to erratic rains and reduced agricultural outputs, has plagued Malawi. Many households are turning to fishing to seek additional sources of income and food. There is anecdotal evidence that insecticide-treated net (ITN) recipients in Malawi are using their nets for purposes other than sleeping, such as for fishing, protecting crops, and displaying merchandise, among others. The objective of this qualitative study was to explore the factors leading residents of waterside communities in Malawi to use ITNs for fishing.

Methods
This study used qualitative and observational methods. Five waterside communities were identified, two each in the North, Central and Southern regions, representing a mix of lakeside and riverside settings. Fifteen focus group discussions were conducted with a total of 146 participants, including men, women, and community leaders.

Results
Respondents stated that they knew that ITNs should be slept under to protect from malaria. Respondents discussed financial hardships their communities were facing due to droughts, poverty, food scarcity, unemployment, and devaluation of the Malawian currency, the kwacha. Many described selling household goods, including clothes and cooking pots, to generate short-term income for their family. Though no respondents admitted to selling an ITN themselves, the practice was commonly known. Participants said that food shortages were forcing them to make difficult choices. Fishing with ITNs was reported to be common in the study sites, as a response to food insecurity, and was widely understood to be harmful over the longer term. Respondents felt that it was everyone’s responsibility to cut down on this practice, but that efforts to confiscate or burn nets and boats of those caught fishing with ITNs were counter-productive since boats, especially, were a required resource for a productive livelihood. Respondents feared that if the health workers, government officials and donors continued to see ITNs being misused for fishing, the distribution of free ITNs would end, which would worsen malaria in their communities.

Conclusions
Faced with economic hardships and food security crises, participants reported being forced to look for alternative incomes to feed their families. This sometimes included selling or repurposing their belongings, including ITNs, for income. This issue is complex and will require a community-led multisectoral response to preserve health, fisheries, and livelihoods.