bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Knowledge and sources of accessing sexual and reproductive health information among visually impaired women in Ghana
Authors: Badu Eric , Mensah Isaac , Gyamfi Naomi , Agyei-Okyere Elvis , Abodey Eric , Adusei-Nkrumah Josephine 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Objective: This study aims to explore the knowledge and sources of accessing sexual and reproductive health services and care information among visually impaired women in Ghana. Qualitative data involving in-depth interviews and focus group discussions were conducted among 21 visually impaired women selected through purposive and snowballing sampling techniques. Thematic Analysis was used to analyse the data.
Results: The study showed that visually impaired women were active seekers of SRH information (knowledgeable about SRH information and understand the relevance of accessing such information) and passive recipient of SRH information (through formal and informal sources). However, some contextual factors (lack of family and caregivers support services) created barriers for visually impaired women when accessing SRH information. Government advocacy and awareness campaigns on SRH services should consider both formal and informal sources. Family caregivers and SRH health centres should provide adequate support services for visually impaired women regarding information on SRH service.
Blood Biomarkers as Surrogate Endpoints of Treatment Responses to Aerobic Exercise and Cognitive Training (ACT) in Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment: The Blood Biomarkers Study Protocol of a Randomized Controlled Trial (The ACT Trial)
Authors: Li Danni , Mielke Michelle M , Bell W Robert , Reilly Cavan , Zhang Lin , Lin Feng Vankee , Yu Fang 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an epidemic with tremendous public health impacts because there are currently no disease-modifying therapeutics. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for prevention of AD dementia often use clinical endpoints that take years to manifest (e.g., cognition) or surrogate endpoints that are costly or invasive (e.g., magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]). Blood biomarkers represent a clinically applicable alternative surrogate endpoint for RCTs that would be both cost-effective and minimally invasive, but little is known about their value as surrogate endpoints for treatment responses in the prevention of AD dementia. Methods: The objective of this study is to investigate blood neuropathological, neurodegenerative, and neurotrophic biomarkers as surrogate endpoints for treatment responses to 3 interventions in older adults with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI, a prodromal stage of AD): aerobic exercise; cognitive training; and combined aerobic exercise and cognitive training (ACT). We chose these three sets of biomarkers for their unique mechanistic associations with AD pathology, neurodegeneration and neurogenesis. This study is built on the ACT Trial (1R01AG055469), a single-blinded, multi-site, 2×2 factorial Phase II RCT that examines the synergistic effects of a 6-month ACT intervention on cognition and MRI biomarkers (AD-signature cortical thickness and hippocampal volume) (n=128). In this ACT Trial Blood Biomarkers Study, we will enroll 120 ACT Trial aMCI participants and measure blood biomarkers at baseline, 3, 6, 12 and 18 months. The goals are to: (1) Determine the effect of interventions on blood biomarkers over 6 months; (2) Evaluate blood biomarkers as surrogate endpoints for predicting cognitive responses to interventions over 18 months; and (3; exploratory) Examine blood biomarkers as surrogate endpoints for predicting brain MRI biomarker responses to interventions over 18 months. Discussion: This study aims to identify new blood biomarkers that can track cognitive decline or AD-related brain atrophy among aMCI patients subjected to a regimen of aerobic exercise and cognitive training. Findings from this study will drive the further use of blood biomarkers in developing effective prevention and treatment strategies for AD dementia. Trial registration number: This study is an ancillary study of the ACT Trial which was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03313895.
Treatment outcomes and factors associated with “successful treatment” among tuberculosis patients at peripheral health settings of Northern Ethiopia: a registry-based retrospective case-series analysis.
Authors: Abdulkader Mahmud , Aken Ischa van , Niguse Selam Sahle , Hailekiros Haftamu , Spigt Mark 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Objective

Evidence on treatment outcomes and identifying factors facilitating treatment success through a register based retrospective study have significant contribution in the improvement of a National Tuberculosis Program. However there is a scarcity of data from peripheral health settings in Ethiopia. Therefore this study was aimed at determining treatment outcomes and factors associated with “successful treatment” outcomes among tuberculosis patients.Results

A total of 3445 patient records were included. More than half, (58%) were males and the mean age was 33.88 ± 16.91 (range: 0-90). Majority, 1471 (42.7%) had extra-pulmonary TB. From the total TB patients, 18.8% were HIV co infected. The overall treatment success rate was 89.5%. The treatment outcome of TB patients were 371 (10.8%) cured, 2234 (64.8) treatment completed, died 119 (3.5%) died, 9 (0.3%) failed, 178 (5.1%) defaulted and 534 (15.5%) were transferred out. A successful treatment outcome was achieved in 2605 (89.3%). Multinomial regression analysis revealed that being new treatment case (AOR 1.76; 95% CI: 1.19 to 2.60, p=0.005) and age less than 17 years old (AOR 1.65; 95% CI: 1.01 to 2.68, p=0.045) to be statistically associated with favorable treatment outcome.
Magnitude of Enteropathogens and Associated Factors Among Apparently Health Food Handlers at Wolkite University Student’s Cafeteria, Wolkite, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Bafa Temesgen Abera , Muktar Ebrahim , Haile Adimasu , Garedew Gashaw 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Abstract
Objective : The study aimed to assess enteropathogens carriage rate and risk factors among apparently healthy food handlers at Wolkite University cafeteria, Southern Ethiopia.
Results : Cross-sectional study was conducted among 170 food handlers to collect socio-demographic and related data by using structured questionnaires. Stool samples were collected and subjected to microscopic examination and cultured to determine intestinal parasites. Among the total study participants, 66% of them were found to be carriers of enteropathogens: bacteria ( Salmonella typhi , Shigella species), and intestinal parasites ( Ascaris lumbricoides , Taenia species, Giardia lamblia , Entameoba histolytica/dispar , Enterobius vermicularis , Hook worm and Trichuris trichiura) . All Salmonella and Shigella isolates were sensitive to ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, and gentamicin. A significant association was found between hand washing practice before food preparation and isolated pathogens [p = 0.013]. A significant proportion of food handlers were found to be carriers of pathogens which require a periodic screening and antibiotic therapy monitoring.
Keywords : Food handlers, Intestinal parasites, Salmonella, Shigella
An automated high throughput solution for DNA extraction and bisulfite-conversion from high volume liquid biopsy specimens – sample preparation for epigenetic analysis
Authors: Rausch Sebastian , Hasinger Oliver , König Thomas , Schlegel Anne , Weiss Gunter 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Objective: DNA methylation analysis via real-time PCR or other analytical techniques requires purified bisulfite converted DNA. We report on an automated high throughput solution for DNA extraction, bisulfite-conversion, and purification of 96 samples with an input volume of up to 3.5mL of plasma or urine, using reagents from the commercially available Epi BisKit. Results: Magnetic bead-based DNA extraction, bisulfite conversion at high temperature, and efficient DNA purification was conducted on a customized commercially available liquid-handling platform. A highly interlaced 4x24 sample protocol was implemented for DNA extraction, elution in a 96-well plate, efficient bisulfite-conversion and extensive purification. The resulting bisulfite-converted DNA was stored in a 96-well format, ready for PCR set-up or other down-stream applications. The automated method is a walk-away solution for processing 96 samples in 7h30min. Performance of the method was validated by comparison with the standard manual method of the Epi BiSKit using technical and biological samples. Overall DNA yield was assessed with a standardized ß-actin assay. The automated workflow demonstrated equivalent performance to the manual method for technical, plasma and urine samples. It may provide a new standard for effective high-throughput preparation of bisulfite-converted DNA from a variety of high volume liquid biopsy specimens.
Analysis of erroneous data entries in paper based and electronic data collection
Authors: Ley Benedikt , Rijal Komal Raj , Marfurt Jutta , Adhikari Nabaraj , Banjara Megha , Shrestha Upendra Thapa , Thriemer Kamala , Price Ric N. , Ghimire Prakash 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Objective: Electronic data collection (EDC) has become a suitable alternative to paper based data collection (PBDC) in biomedical research even in resource poor settings. During a survey in Nepal, data were collected using both systems and data entry errors compared between both methods.
Collected data were checked for completeness, values outside of realistic ranges, internal logic and date variables for reasonable time frames. Variables were grouped into 5 categories and the number of discordant entries were compared between both systems, overall and per variable category.
Results: Data from 52 variables collected from 358 participants were available. Discrepancies between both data sets were found in 12.6% of all entries (2352/18,616). Differences between data points were identified in 18.0% (643/3,580) of continuous variables, 15.8% of time variables (113/716), 13.0% of date variables (140/1,074), 12.0% of text variables (86/716), and 10.9% of categorical variables (1,370/12,530). Overall 64% (1,499/2,352) of all discrepancies were due to data omissions, 76.6% (1,148/1,499) of missing entries were among categorical data. Omissions in PBDC (n=1002) were twice as frequent as in EDC (n=497, p<0.001).
Data omissions, specifically among categorical variables were identified as the greatest source of error. If designed accordingly, EDC can address this short fall effectively.
Reducing underreporting of stigmatized pregnancy outcomes: results from a mixed-methods study of self-managed abortion in Texas using the list-experiment method
Authors: Moseson Heidi , Filippa Sofia , Baum Sarah E. , Gerdts Caitlin , Grossman Daniel 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background Accurately measuring stigmatized experiences is a challenge across reproductive health research. In this study, we tested a novel method – the list experiment – that aims to reduce underreporting of sensitive events by asking participants to report how many of a list of experiences they have had, not which ones. We applied the list experiment to measure “self-managed abortion” - any attempt by a person to end a pregnancy on one’s own, outside of a clinical setting – a phenomenon that may be underreported in surveys due to a desire to avoid judgement. Methods We administered a double list experiment on self-managed abortion to a Texas-wide representative sample of 790 women of reproductive age in 2015. Participants were asked how many of a list of health experiences they had experienced; self-managed abortion was randomly added as an item to half of the lists. A difference in the average number of items reported by participants between lists with and without self-managed abortion provided a population level estimate of self-managed abortion. In 2017, we conducted cognitive interviews with women of reproductive age in four states to understand how women (1) interpreted the list experiment question format, and (2) interpreted the list item on prior experiences attempting to self-manage an abortion. Results Results from this list experiment estimated that 8% of women of reproductive age in Texas have ever self-managed an abortion. This number was higher than expected, thus, the researchers conducted cognitive interviews to better understand how people interpreted the list experiment on self-managed abortion. Some women interpreted “on your own” to mean “without the knowledge of friends or family”, as opposed to “without medical assistance”, as intended. Conclusion The list experiment may have reduced under-reporting of self-managed abortion; however, the specific phrasing of the list item may also have unintentionally increased reporting of abortion experiences not considered “self-managed.” High participation in and comprehension of the list experiment, however, suggests that this method is worthy of further exploration as tool for measuring stigmatized experiences.
Fibrin-Associated Large B-Cell Lymphoma: First Case Report Within A Cerebral Artery Aneurysm And Literature Review
Authors: Zanelli Magda , Zizzo Maurizio , Montanaro Marco , Gomes Vito , Martino Giovanni , De Marco Loredana , Orcioni Giulio Fraternali , Martelli Maria Paola , Ascani Stefano 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: Fibrin-associated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (FA-DLBCL) is a rare Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) positive lymphoproliferative disorder included in the current World Health Organization (WHO) classification. It arises within fibrinous material in the context of hematomas, pseudocysts, cardiac myxoma or in relation with prosthetic devices. In these clinical settings the diagnosis requires an high index of suspicion, because it does not form a mass itself, being composed of small foci of neoplastic cells. Despite overlapping features with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma associated with chronic inflammation, it deserves a separate classification, being not mass-forming and often following an indolent course. Case presentation: A 64-year-old immunocompetent woman required medical care for cerebral hemorrhage. Computed Tomography (CT) angiography identified an aneurysm in the left middle cerebral artery. A FA-DLBCL was incidentally identified within thrombotic material in the context of the arterial aneurysm. After surgical removal, it followed a benign course with no further treatment. Conclusions: The current case represents the first report of FA-DLBCL identified in a cerebral artery aneurysm, expanding the clinicopathologic spectrum of this rare entity. A complete literature review is additionally made.
A Cross Sectional Analysis Of Dietary Practices And Nutrition Status Of Female Undergratuate Students At Kenyatta University, Kenya
Authors: Waweru Grace , Chege Peter , Njogu Eunice 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background

The rapid changes in eating habits and lifestyles in Kenya have resulted to the overweight/obesity transition. Students are likely to make poor food choices which may affect their nutrition status during the beginning of college and this may continue throughout their life. This study aimed to establish the dietary practices, assess nutrition status based on body mass index and the relationship between selected dietary practices and nutrition status of female undergraduate students at Kenyatta University, Kenya.Method

s: The study adopted a cross-sectional analytical design involving sample of 422 female undergraduate students randomly selected from Kenyatta University. Food Frequency Questionnaire and the Minimum Dietary Diversity – Women were used to assess dietary practices. Weight and height were measured to assess the nutrition status of the female students.Results

The results showed that 64.0% of the participants had consumed ≥ 5 food groups while 36% had consumed <5 food groups over a period of 24 hours. In terms of nutrition status, 68.4% of the participants had normal BMI while 23.9% were overweight, 5.55% were underweight and 2.3% were obese MDDS-W was significantly associated with nutrition status (p=0.044).Conclusion

The results illustrated unhealthy eating habits and sub-optimal nutrition status among a significant number of the female students. Policy makers should scale up interventions that would help improve dietary practices of women of reproductive age particularly university students.
Energy Balance-Related Factors Associating with Adolescent Weight Loss Intent: Evidence from the 2017 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey
Authors: Burns Ryan Donald 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study was to examine specific energy balance-related behaviors (sedentary behaviors, physical activity, and dietary) associating with adolescent weight loss intent using data from the 2017 US Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS).
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that employeda multi-stage cluster sampling procedure to obtain a representative sample of US adolescents. The target population consisted of public and private high schoolers from grades 9 through 12. The number of sampled adolescents was 18,324 with 14,765 of the 18,324 sampled students (Mean age = 15.9 (1.3) years) submitting questionnaires with usable data (81% response rate). The outcome was intent to lose weight with specific energy-balance related behaviors examined as predictor variables. A weighted logistic regression model was employed to examine the associations between sedentary behaviors, physical activity, and dietary-related variables with weight loss intent controlling for age, sex, BMI percentile, and race/ethnicity.
Results: Variables associating with adolescent intent to lose weight included 3 or more hours of video game playing (OR=1.15, 95%CI: 1.01-1.31, p =0.028), achieving 60 minutes of physical activity daily (OR=0.66, 95%CI: 0.59-0.73, p <0.001), daily breakfast consumption (OR=0.76, 95%CI: 0.67-0.87, p <0.001) and weekly salad consumption (OR=1.30, 95%CI: 1.12-1.52, p =0.001).
Conclusions: Meeting physical activity guidelines and regular breakfast consumption associated with lower odds of weight loss intent and video game playing and salad consumption associated with higher odds of weight loss intent in a representative sample of US adolescents.Therefore, there is a discordance between adolescent weight loss intent and the engagement in specific energy balance-related health behaviors, particularly physical activity.
Psychometric Assessment of the Post-Secondary Student Stressors Index (PSSI)
Authors: Linden Brooke , Stuart Heather 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: Previous research has linked excessive stress among post-secondary students to poor academic performance and poor mental health. Despite attempts to ameliorate mental health challenges at post-secondary institutions, there exists a gap in the evaluation of the specific sources of stress for students within the post-secondary setting. Methods: The goal of this study was to develop a new instrument to better assess the sources of post-secondary student stress. Over the course of two years, the Post-Secondary Student Stressors Index (PSSI) was created in collaboration with post-secondary students as co-developers and subject matter experts. In this study, we used a combination of individual cognitive interviews (n = 11), an online consensus survey modeled after a traditional Delphi method (n = 65), and an online pre- (n = 535) and post-test (n = 350) survey to psychometrically evaluate the PSSI using samples of students from Ontario, Canada. We collected four types of evidence for validity, including: content evidence, response processes evidence, internal structure evidence, and relations to other variables. The test-retest reliability of the instrument was also evaluated. Results: The PSSI demonstrated strong psychometric properties. Content validation and response processes evidence was derived from active student involvement throughout the development and refinement of the tool. Exploratory factor analysis suggested that the structure of the PSSI reflects the internal structure of an index, rather than a scale, as expected. Test-retest reliability of the instrument was comparable to existing, established instruments. Finally, the PSSI demonstrated good relationships with like measures of stress, distress, and resilience, in the hypothesized directions. Conclusions: The PSSI is a 46-item inventory that will allow post-secondary institutions to pinpoint the most severe and frequently occurring stressors on their campus. This knowledge will facilitate appropriate targeting of priority areas, and help institutions to better align their mental health promotion and mental illness prevention programming with the needs of their campus.
Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial Examining Multi-level Prediction of Response to Behavioral Activation and Exposure-based Therapy for Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Authors: Santiago Jessica , Akeman Elisabeth , Kirlic Namik , Clausen Ashley , Cosgrove Kelly , McDermott Timothy , Mathis Bailey , Paulus Martin , Craske Michelle , Abelson James , Martell Christopher , Wolitzky-Taylor Kate , Bodurka Jerzy , Thompson Westley , Aupperle Robin 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: Only 40 to 60% of patients with generalized anxiety disorder experience long-lasting improvement with gold-standard psychosocial interventions. Identifying neurobehavioral factors that predict treatment success might provide specific targets for more individualized interventions, fostering more optimal outcomes and bringing us closer to the goal of “personalized medicine.” Research suggests that reward and threat processing (approach/avoidance behavior) and cognitive control may be important for understanding anxiety and comorbid depressive disorders and have relevance to treatment outcomes. This study was designed to determine whether approach-avoidance behaviors and associated neural responses moderate treatment response to exposure-based versus behavioral activation therapy for generalized anxiety disorder. Methods: We are conducting a randomized, controlled trial involving two ten-week, group-based interventions – exposure-based therapy or behavioral activation therapy. These interventions focus on specific and unique aspects of threat and reward processing, respectively. Prior to and after treatment, participants are interviewed and undergo behavioral, biomarker and neuroimaging assessments, with a focus on approach and avoidance processing and decision-making. Primary analyses will utilize mixed models to examine whether hypothesized approach, avoidance, and conflict arbitration behaviors and associated neural responses at baseline moderate symptom change with treatment, as assessed using the GAD-7. Exploratory analyses will examine additional potential treatment moderators and utilize data reduction and machine learning methods. Discussion: This protocol provides a framework for how studies may be designed to move the field towards neuroscience-informed and personalized psychosocial treatments. Results will have implications for approach-avoidance processing in generalized anxiety disorder, relationships between levels of analysis (i.e., behavioral, neural), and predictors of behavioral therapy outcome. Trial registration: The study was retrospectively registered within 21 days of first participant enrollment in accordance with FDAAA 801 at the US National Institutes of Health (ClinicalTrials.gov) #NCT02807480 (registration date: June 21, 2016), pre-results.