bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Brucella melitensis B115-based ELISA to Implement Diagnosis of Bovine Brucellosis: A Field Study
Authors: Trotta Adriana , Marinaro Mariarosaria , Cirilli Margie , Sposato Alessio , Adone Rosanna , Beverelli Matteo , Buonavoglia Domenico , Corrente Marialaura 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Background: Brucellosis is a zoonosis whose incidence is not declining worldwide despite the global effort to control the disease. Accurate and precise diagnosis is a crucial step in any prophylaxis program but single tests to unequivocally detect animals infected with Brucella spp. are currently unavailable. In Italy, serological diagnosis of bovine brucellosis is performed with two official tests: a rapid agglutination test (i.e., Rose Bengal Plate test, RBPT) and a complement fixation test (CFT) that detect antibodies directed mainly to the smooth lipopolysaccharide (S-LPS). Neither of the two tests is able to avoid the detection of false positive serological reactions (FPSRs) caused by bacteria sharing S-LPS components with Brucella spp. and responsible for the single reactors (SR) phenomenon. An ELISA based on a R strain of Brucella, i.e., Brucella melitensis B115, was employed to measure specific IgG responses in a collection of bovine sera (n=648). Sera were obtained from 180 farms (either officially brucellosis-free or not brucellosis-free) recruited during an extended period of time (2014-2018) and were preliminarily assayed with the official tests by the Italian Reference Centers and then subjected to the ELISA.
Results: Negative sera, when subjected to the ELISA, gave an O.D. value below the cutoff (i.e., 0.143); SR sera, i.e. RBPT positive and CFT negative, as well as double positive sera, i.e. RBPT and CFT positive, gave O.D. values that were below the cutoff. All positive sera, i.e. from Brucella-infected animals, were RBPT positive and CFT positive (ICFTU ranging from 20 to 1280) and gave ELISA O.D. values above the cutoff.
Conclusions: Neither of the two official tests is able to avoid the detection of FPSRs caused by bacteria sharing S-LPS components with Brucella spp. The B. melitensis B115-based ELISA systematically unravelled all false positive (FP) sera while confirming the diagnosis, so the test employed in the present study may complement official tests to avoid the costly slaughter of FP animals and consequently the economic losses.
Treatment of simple bone cysts of humerus by intramedullary decompression and drainage with elastic stable intramedullary nailing combined with intralesional injections of steroids
Authors: Zhang Peng , Zhu Naiqiang , Du Lilong , Zheng Jihui , Hu Sibin , Xu Baoshan 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Background: Simple bone cysts (SBCs) are common benign lytic bone lesions in children. This study focused on exploring a clinical treatment method, minimally invasive intramedullary decompression and drainage with elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) combined with intralesional injections of steroids, and evaluated its effectiveness, complications and morbidity through functional and radiographic outcomes.
Methods: The postoperative recovery of 18 children who suffered from SBCs of humerus was evaluated (mean follow-up, 40 months) from January 2009 to December 2016. These patients (11 males, 7 females; 8 in the left, 10 in the right; mean age, 10.9 years old) were treated with minimally invasive intramedullary decompression and drainage with ESIN combined with intralesional injections of steroids. The diagnosis was based on not only pre-operative typical medical images (X-rays/CT/MRI) but also surgical findings and pathological diagnosis. Radiological and functional outcomes were evaluated according to Capanna and Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score. The interclass differences were analyzed by t-test.
Results: According to Capanna and MSTS criteria, after treatment, 14 patients made full recoveries which was presented by all the cysts filled with bone tissue, and 4 patients made partially recoveries, which were presented by cystic spaces partially filled with low density bone. All the cysts responded to treatment method, and there was no cyst recurrence. All except 2 patients had good functional results. One of the two patients had irritation of the end of the nail and one patient had a valgus deformity.
Conclusions: Treatment for SBCs of humerus by minimally invasive intramedullary decompression and drainage with ESIN combined with intralesional injections of steroids is safe, effective and convenient. The clinical effect is satisfactory and worth popularizing.
Comparison of four pharmacological strategies aimed to prevent the lung inflammation and paraquat-induced alveolar damage
Authors: Buendia Jefferson A. , Castro José Armando Justinico , Vela Laura Tapia , Sinisterra Dennis , Villamil Juana Patricia Sanchez , Salazar Andres Felipe Zuluaga 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Objective : The aim of this study was to compare in vivo effect of five pharmacological options on inflammation and pulmonary fibrosis induced by paraquat. Methods: 54 Wistar SPF rats were used. After 2 hours post-intoxication with paraquat ion, groups of 9 animals were randomly assigned to : (1) cyclophosphamide plus dexamethasone (2) low molecular weight heparin (3) unfractionated heparin (4) vitamin C every 24 h , (v) atorvastatin or (vi) placebo with intraperitoneal saline .Lung inflammation, alveolar injury, hepatocyte damage, hepatic regeneration, acute tubular necrosis and kidney congestion were evaluated.
Results: In the control group 100% of animals presented moderate and severe lung inflammation, while in the groups with atorvastatin and intratracheal heparin this proportion was lower (55.5% ; CI 26.6 – 81.3%) (p = 0.025). A lower degree of moderate or severe hepatic regeneration was evident in the treatment groups with atorvastatin (p = 0.009). In this study was demonstrated that statins and heparin may have a protective effect in the paraquat-induced destructive phase. More evidence are needed to evaluated of dose response effects of these drugs before to study in clinical trials.
Association about dietary vitamin C intake on the risk of ovarian cancer: A meta-analysis
Authors: Long Yuhang , Fei Hui , Xu Sumei , Wen Jianzhen , Ye Lihua , Su Zhaojuan 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Background: Changes in dietary vitamin C intake have been related to the risks of various cancers. However, the association between dietary vitamin C intake and the risk of ovarian cancer has not been fully determined. A meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between vitamin C intake and ovarian cancer risk.
Methods: Observational studies that evaluated the association between vitamin C intake and ovarian cancer risk were identified via systematic search of PubMed and Embase databases. A random effect model was used to combine relative risk (RR) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI).
Results: Sixteen studies (5 cohort studies and 11 case-control studies) with 4,553 cases and 439,741 participants were included. Pooled results showed that dietary vitamin C intake had non-significant association on the risk of ovarian cancer (RR=0.95, 95%CI= 0.81-1.11, I2= 52.1%, P for heterogeneity= 0.008). Subgroup analyses according to characteristics including geographic location and study design showed consistent results with the overall result.
Conclusions: In summary, findings from this study indicated that dietary vitamin C intake is not associated with the risk of ovarian cancer.
DEATHS FROM SURGICAL CONDITIONS IN MALAWI A Randomised Cross-sectional Nationwide Household Survey
Authors: Varela Carlos Gomes , Young Sven , Groen Reinou , Banza Leonard Ngoe , Mkandawire Nyengo , Elisabeth Moen Bente , Viste Asgaut 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Back ground

The prevalence of untreated surgical conditions in Malawi has been estimated at 35% with 24% of the deaths associated with untreated surgical conditions. In SSA, the primary emphasis for health research has been on communicable diseases, and relatively little is known about deaths from surgical conditions in most middle- to low-, income African countries, including Malawi. This study aimed to address this knowledge gap by quantifying and describing the deaths from surgical conditions in Malawi.

Methods

To access the deaths associated with surgical conditions in Malawi, a randomised multi-stage cross-sectional national household survey was carried out using the Surgeons Overseas Assessment of Surgical Need (SOSAS) tool. Randomisation was done on 48 233 settlements, using 50 villages from each district as data collection sites. Two to four household were randomly selected from each village. Two members of each selected household were interviewed. 1487 households were involved in the survey. Data collection was done using an electronic questionnaire.

Results

The total number of reported deaths from all causes was 616 in the 1479 households, ranging from 0 to 9 dead household members. Further data related to the deaths were available for 558 persons, with 294 (52.7%) males and 259 (46.4%) females. A total of 13 women died during pregnancy (5% of deceased women).

Non-surgical conditions accounted for 408 (73.5%) of all the total deaths. Symptoms such as body swelling, abdominal distension and injuries were among the common associations of deaths: (6.0%, 5.3% and 4.6%).

Almost half of the deaths occurred at home (234 persons - 41.9%) while 288 (51.6%) died at a health facility. Thirty persons died on their way to a health facility. Seventy-two persons (12.9%) who died had sought care from a traditional herbalist prior to attending a health facility.

Conclusion

In Malawi, body swelling, abdominal distension and injuries were the main conditions reported to be related to surgical causes of death. These occurred while the patients were either waiting at home or at health centre. Some patients initially consult a traditional herbalist prior to seeking modern health care. This delayed the possibility of timely surgical intervention.
Methylation Analysis in Uygur and Kazak Patients with Hypertension Complicated with Left Ventricular Hypertrophy: Ethnic Difference Based On High-density Genomic DNA Methylation Chips
Authors: Chen Xi , Zhang Na , Xu Xinjuan , Liang Xiaohui , Hu Guangmei 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Background:This study aimed to analyze the methylation level in Uygur and Kazak patientswith hypertension complicated with left ventricular hypertrophy using high-density DNA methylation chips.
Methods: Three Uygur and three Kazak patients with hypertension complicated with left ventricular hypertrophy were selected for DNA extraction and bisulfite conversion. Left ventricular hypertrophy was defined by echo Penn convention as left ventricular mass index≥115 g/m2 in men and ≥95 g/m2 in women. Illumina HD450K Infmium Methylation BeadChip was applied to detect 450,000 methylation sites of the whole human genome.The cluster analysis and significance test were carried out to analyze the different methylation levelsin Uygur and Kazak patients with left ventricular hypertrophy. The Delta Data were screened for statistics.Results: A total of 236genes (including 84 hypermethylated and 152 hypomethylated) showed significant differences in the degree of methylation between Uygur and Kazak patients.The average methylation level of significantly different genes was higher in the experimental group compared with the control group.The chromosome distribution of aberrant methylationgenes was quite even. The cluster analysis of the candidate genes showed thataberrant methylation genes in Uygur and Kazak patients with hypertension complicated with left ventricular hypertrophy mainly participated in cell adhesion,signal transduction, and cell cycle.Conclusions:Different methylation genes were found in Uygur and Kazak patients with hypertension complicated with myocardial hypertrophy, providing the basis for further studies on the molecular mechanism and prevention and treatment ofhypertension complicated with target organ damage among different nationalities in Xinjiang.
Willingness to adopt wearable devices with behavioral and economic incentives by health insurance wellness programs: results of a US cross-sectional survey with multiple consumer health vignettes
Authors: Soliño-Fermández Diego , Ding Alexander , Ding Eric L. , Bayro-Kaiser Esteban 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Background: The number of health-related wearable devices is growing but it is not clear if Americans are willing to adopt health insurance wellness programs based on wearables and the incentives with which they would be more willing to adopt.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study we used a survey methodology, usage vignettes and a dichotomous scale to examine U.S. residents’ willingness to adopt wearables (WTAW) in six use-cases where it was mandatory to use a wearable device and share the resulting data with a health insurance company. Each use-case was tested also for the influence of additional economic incentives on WTAW.

Results: A total of 997 Americans across 46 states participated in the study. Most of them were 25 to 34 years old (40.22%), 57.27% were female, and 74.52% were white. On average, 69.5% of the respondents were willing to adopt health-insurance use-cases based on wearable devices, though 77.8% of them were concerned about issues related to economic benefits, data privacy and to a lesser extent, technological accuracy. WTAW was 11-18% higher among consumers in use-cases involving health promotion and disease prevention. Furthermore, additional economic incentives combined with wearables increased WTAW overall. Notably, financial incentives involving providing healthcare credits, insurance premium discount, and/or wellness product discounts had particularly greater effectiveness for increasing WTAW in the consumer use-cases involving participation: for health promotion (RR=1.06 for financial incentive, 95% CI: 1.01-1.11; P=0.018); for personalized products and services (RR=1.11 for financial incentive, 95% CI: 1.01-1.21; P=0.018); and for automated underwriting discount at annual renewal (RR=1.28 for financial incentive, 95% CI: 1.20-1.37; P<0.001).

Conclusions:
Under the adequate economic, data privacy and technical conditions, 2 out of 3 Americans would be willing to adopt health insurance wellness programs based on wearable devices, particularly if they have benefits related to health promotion and disease prevention, and particularly with financial incentives.
Equity in Distribution of Public Subsidy for Noncommunicable Diseases among the Elderly in India: An Application of Benefit Incidence Analysis
Authors: Bose Montu , Banerjee Somdutta 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Background:

Rapid ageing of the population and increasing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among the elderly is one of the major public health challenges in India. To achieve the Universal Health Coverage, ever-growing elderly population should have access to needed healthcare, and they should not face any affordability related challenge. As most of the elderly suffers from NCDs and achieving health-equity is a priority, this paper aims to:
-study the utilization pattern of healthcare services for treatment of NCDs among the elderly;
-estimate the burden of out-of-pocket expenditure for the treatment of NCDs among the elderly and
-analyze the extent of equity in distribution of public subsidy for the NCDs among the elderly.

Methods:

National Sample Survey data (71st round) has been used for the study. Exploratory data analysis and benefit incidence analysis have been applied to estimate the utilization, out-of-pocket expenditure and distribution of public subsidy among economic classes. Concentration curves and indices are also estimated.

Results:

Results show that public-sector hospitalization for NCDs among the elderly has a pro-rich trend in rural India. However, in urban sector, for both inpatient and outpatient care the poorest class has substantial share in utilization of public facilities. Same result is also observed for rural outpatient care. Analysis shows that out-of-pocket expenditure is very high for both medicine and medical care even in public facilities for all economic groups. It is also observed that medicine has the highest-share in total medical expenses during treatment of NCDs among the elderly in both the region. Benefit incidence analysis shows that the public subsidy has a pro-rich distribution for inpatient care treatment in both the sectors. In case of outpatient care, subsidy share is the maximum among the richest in the urban sector and in the rural region the poorest class enjoys the maximum subsidy benefit.

Conclusions:

It is evident that a substantial share of the public subsidies is still going to the richer sections for the treatment of NCDs among the elderly. Evidences also suggest that procuring medicines and targeted policies for the elderly are needed to improve utilization and equity in the public healthcare system.
Increasing uptake of maternal, newborn, and child health interventions through a group-based health education and microfinance program: a prospective matched cohort study in western Kenya
Authors: Maldonado Lauren Yu-Lien , Songok Julia J. , Snelgrove John W. , Ochieng Christian B. , Chelagat Sheilah , Ikemeri Justus E. , Okwanyi Monica A , Cole Donald C. , Ruhl Laura Jane , Christoffersen-Deb Astrid 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Background

We launched Chamas for Change (Chamas), a group-based health education and microfinance program for pregnant women and their infants, to address inequities contributing to high rates of maternal and neonatal mortality in western Kenya. In this prospective matched cohort study, we evaluated Chamas’ impact on improving uptake of evidence-based maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH) interventions.

Methods

We prospectively compared MNCH intervention uptake between a cohort of Chamas participants and controls matched for age, parity, and prenatal care location. Between October-December 2012, government-sponsored community health volunteers (CHV) recruited pregnant women in Busia county attending their first antenatal care (ANC) visit to participate in Chamas and enroll in this study. Upon joining, women agreed to attend bi-monthly group health education and optional microfinance sessions for 12 months. We selected controls among non-Chamas participants who attended the same ANC clinics. We collected baseline sociodemographic and reproductive health data at study enrollment. We used descriptive analyses and adjusted multivariable logistic regression models to compare outcomes across cohorts at 6-12 months postpartum, with α set to 0.05.

Results

Compared to controls (n=115), a significantly higher proportion of Chamas participants (n=211) delivered in a facility with a skilled birth attendant (84.4% vs. 50.4%, p<0.001), attended at least four ANC visits (64.0% vs. 37.4%, p<0·001), exclusively breastfed to six months (82.0% vs. 47.0%, p<0·001), and received a CHV home visit within 48 hours postpartum (75.8% vs. 38.3%, p<0·001). In our adjusted models, Chamas participants were nearly five times as likely as controls to deliver in a health facility (OR 5.07, 95% CI 2.74-9.36, p<0.001). Though not statistically significant, Chamas participants experienced fewer stillbirths than non-participants (n=2 vs. n=6, p=0.083). Our sensitivity analyses revealed no significant difference in the odds of facility delivery based on microfinance participation.

Conclusions

Chamas participation was associated with increased uptake of MNCH interventions among pregnant women in western Kenya. Our findings demonstrate this program’s potential to achieve population-level maternal and infant health benefits; however, a larger study is needed to validate this observed effect.
Role of collateral embolization in addition to uterine artery embolization followed by hysteroscopic curettage for the management of cesarean scar pregnancy
Authors: Zhang Guodong , Li Jijun , Tang Jun , Zhang Lei , Wang Dechao , Sun zengtao 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Purpose

The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility, safety and outcome of the embolization of non-gonadal collateral supplying gestational sac (GS) in addition to uterine artery embolization (UAE), followed by hysteroscopic curettage for the management of cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP).

Methods

A retrospective study was undertaken from January 2012 to September 2018 in 24 CSP patients in whom non-gonadal collaterals supplying GS were identified by arterial angiography performed immediately after UAE. These patients underwent attempt collateral embolization in addition to UAE, followed by hysteroscopic curettage for the management of CSP. The 24 patients were divided into two groups based on whether they underwent technically successful collateral embolization (UAE-SCE group) or failed collateral embolization (UAE-FCE group) in addition to UAE. The baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes including time for serum β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) levels normalization, blood loss, secondary anemia, and pelvic pain were compared between the two groups.

Results

Collateral embolization was techinically successful in 16 (66.7%, 16/24) patients and failed in the other 8 (33.3%, 8/24) patients. There were no significant differences between the two groups in baseline characteristics. The mean blood loss and secondary anemia in the UAE-SCE group were significantly less than UAE-FCE group. No significant difference was found between the two groups in the mean time for β-hCG levels normalization and pelvic pain.

Conclusions

Embolization of non-gonadal collateral supplying GS in addition to UAE, followed by hysteroscopic curettage for the management of CSP may be a feasible, safe and effective treatment in patients with non-gonadal collateral supplying GS, and the additional embolization of the collateral may reduce blood bloss related to hysteroscopic curettage.
Determinants of Low Birth Weight in Rural Areas of North West in Iran: 2013-2017 (A Case-Control Study)
Authors: Rafiemanesh Hosein , Aghdam Seyed Rasoul Hashemi , Safarzadeh Avaz , Chapar Sanaz , Zemestani Alireza , Safarpour Hamid 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Background

Low birth weight (LBW) is one of the main causes of death in children and is an important factor related to the growth and development of children. LBW is associated with causes but some of the risk factors may be due to the country or geographical region. Aim of this study was conducted to investigate the risk factors associated with LBW in the villages of Oskou county, northwest of Iran.

Methods

This study is a population-based case-control study and all the cases of LBW, that have occurred during the five years 2013-2017 in all villages of Oskou county, East Azerbaijan Province, Iran. Controls were selevted based on systematic random sampling in that same village and year. Chi-square and fisher's exact test analysed and then a univariate and multivariate logistic regression model was used to investigate possible factors.

Results

In this study 242 cases and 242 control groups were analyzed. Base on multivariate logistic regression important risk factors were LBW history (OR=25.87), mothers who used natural methods of contraception (OR=29.54), twin's birth (OR=24.04) and gestational age less than 37 weeks (OR=3.89).

Conclusion

According to the result of the present study the most important risk factors of LBW are as follows: Contraception method using, having a history of previous LBW newborn, twin's birth, gestational age, fathers’ occupation, mothers’ education, maternal weight, maternal weight gain during pregnancy and number of of caring during pregnancy.