bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A training manual for event history analysis using longitudinal data
Authors: Bocquier Philippe , Ginsburg Carren , Collinson Mark A. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Objective: This research note reports on the activities of the Multi-centre Analysis of the Dynamics of Internal Migration And Health (MADIMAH) project aimed at collating and testing of a set of tools to conduct longitudinal event history analyses applied to standardised Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) datasets. The methods are illustrated using an example of longitudinal micro-data from the Agincourt HDSS, one of a number of open access datasets available through the INDEPTH iShare2 data repository. The research note documents the experience of the MADIMAH group in analysing HDSS data and demonstrates how complex analyses can be streamlined and conducted in an accessible way. These tools are aimed at aiding analysts and researchers wishing to conduct longitudinal data analysis of demographic events. Results: The methods demonstrated in this research note may successfully be applied by practitioners to longitudinal micro-data from HDSS, as well as retrospective surveys or register data. The illustrations provided are accompanied by detailed, tested computer programs, which demonstrate the full potential of longitudinal data to generate both cross-sectional and longitudinal standard descriptive estimates as well as more complex regression estimates.
eNACT: A protocol for a randomised placebo-controlled trial investigating the efficacy and mechanisms of action of adjunctive N-acetylcysteine for first episode psychosis
Authors: Cotton Sue , Berk Michael , Watson Amity , Wood Stephen , Allott Kelly , Bartholomeusz Cali , Bortolasci Chiara , Walder Ken , O'Donoghue Brian , Dean Olivia , Chanen Andrew , Amminger Paul , McGorry Patrick , Ratheesh Aswin , Dodd Seetal 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background First episode psychosis (FEP) may lead to a progressive, potentially disabling and lifelong chronic illness; however, evidence suggests that the illness course can be improved if appropriate treatments are given at the early stages. Nonetheless, the efficacy of antipsychotic medications is suboptimal, particularly for negative and cognitive symptoms, and more efficacious and benign treatments are needed. Previous studies have shown the antioxidant amino acid N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) reduces negative symptoms and improves functioning in chronic schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Research is scarce as to whether NAC is beneficial earlier in the course of illness. The primary aim of this study is to determine the efficacy of treatment with adjunctive NAC (2g/day for 26 weeks) compared with placebo to improve psychiatric symptoms in young people experiencing FEP. Secondary aims are to explore the neurobiological mechanisms underpinning NAC and how they relate to various clinical and functional outcomes at 26- and 52-week follow-up. Methods ENACT is a 26-week randomised controlled trial of adjunctive NAC versus placebo, with a 26-week non-treatment follow-up period, for FEP. We will be recruiting 162 young people aged 15-25 years who have recently presented to, and are being treated at, the Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centre, Melbourne, Australia. The primary outcome is the Total Score on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale which will be administered at baseline, and weeks 4, 8, 12, 26 (primary endpoint), and 52 (end of study). Secondary outcomes include: symptomatology, functioning, quality of life, neurocognition, blood-derived measures of; inflammation, oxidative and nitrosative stress, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy measures of glutathione concentration. Discussion Targeted drug development for FEP to date has generally not involved the exploration of neuroprotective agents. This study has the potential to offer a new, safe, and efficacious treatment for people with FEP, leading to better treatment outcomes. Additionally, the neuroprotective dimension of this study may lead to a better long-term prognosis for people with FEP. It has the potential to uncover a novel treatment that targets the neurobiological mechanisms of FEP and, if successful, will be a major advance for psychiatry.
Whole-transcriptome RNA sequencing reveals the global molecular responses and ceRNA regulatory network of mRNAs, lncRNAs, miRNAs and circRNAs in response to Cu toxicity in Ziyang xiangcheng (Citrus junos Sieb. ex Tanaka)
Authors: fu xing-zheng , Zhang Xiao-Yong , Qiu Jie-Ya , Zhou Xue , Yuan Meng , He Yi-Zhong , Chun Chang-Pin , Cao Li , Ling Li-Li , Peng Liang-Zhi 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background

Copper (Cu) toxicity has become a potential threat for citrus production, but little is known about related mechanisms. This study aims to uncover the global landscape of mRNAs, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) in response to Cu toxicity so as to construct a regulatory network of competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) and to provide valuable knowledge pertinent to Cu response in citrus.

Results

Tolerance of four commonly used rootstocks to Cu toxicity was evaluated, and ‘Ziyang Xiangcheng’ (Citrus junos ) was found to be the most tolerant genotype. Then the roots and leaves sampled from ‘Ziyang Xiangcheng’ with or without Cu treatment were used for whole-transcriptome sequencing. In total, 5734 and 222 mRNAs, 164 and 5 lncRNAs, 45 and 17 circRNAs, and 147 and 130 miRNAs were identified to be differentially expressed (DE) in Cu-treated roots and leaves, respectively, in comparison with the control. Gene ontology enrichment analysis showed that most of the DEmRNAs and targets of DElncRNAs and DEmiRNAs were annotated to the categories of ‘oxidation-reduction’, ‘phosphorylation’, ‘membrane’, and ‘ion binding’. The ceRNA network was then constructed with the predicted pairs of DEmRNAs-DEmiRNAs and DElncRNAs-DEmiRNAs, which further revealed regulatory roles of these DERNAs in Cu toxicity.
Conclusions

A large number of mRNAs, lncRNAs, circRNAs, and miRNAs in ‘Ziyang Xiangcheng’ were altered in response to Cu toxicity, which may play crucial roles in mitigation of Cu toxicity through the ceRNA regulatory network in this Cu-tolerant rootstock.
Impact of Early Chimerism Status on Clinical Outcome in Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia after Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Lejman Monika , Zaucha-Prażmo Agnieszka , Zawitkowska Joanna , Mroczkowska Aleksandra , Grabowski Dominik , Kowalczyk Jerzy Roman , Drabko Katarzyna 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: The significance of very early chimerism assessment before day +28, which is considered the moment of engraftment, is still unclear. In this retrospective study, we evaluated the clinical impact of very early chimerism on the clinical outcome after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) in children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL).
Methods: The study group included 38 boys and 18 girls. Very early chimerism was evaluated on days +7, +14, +21 and +28 after the transplant. Short tandem repeat polymerase chain reaction (STR PCR) was used to analyse chimerism.
Results: Overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) were 84% and 80%, respectively. OS in the group of 24 patients with complete donor chimerism on day +14 was 83%, and it did not differ statistically compared to the 32 patients with mixed chimerism on day +14 (OS was 84%). The donor type (matched unrelated) and sex (male), number of transplanted cells (above 4.47 x 10 6 kg; on day +14) and serotherapy (without anti-thymocyte globulin)ATG were statistically related to a higher level of donor chimerism. Acute graft versus host disease grades II-IV was diagnosed in 23 patients who presented with donor chimerism levels above 60% on day 7.
Conclusion: The data presented in this study provide valuable insight into the analysis of very early chimerism in children with ALL treated with HSCT.
Quantitative Bone SPECT/CT: High Specificity for Identification of Prostate Cancer Bone Metastases
Authors: Tabotta Flavian , Jre Mario , Schaefer Niklaus , Geldhof Christine , Becce Fabio , Prior John O. , Nicod-Lalonde Marie 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Purpose: Bone scintigraphy with 99mTc-labeled diphosphonates can identify prostate cancer bone metastases with high sensitivity, but relatively low specificity, because benign conditions such as osteoarthritis can also trigger osteoblastic reactions. We aimed to investigate the diagnostic performance of 99mTc-2,3-dicarboxy propane-1,1-diphosphonate (99mTc-DPD) uptake quantification by single-photon emission computed tomography coupled with computed tomography (SPECT/CT) for distinguishing prostate cancer bone metastases from spinal and pelvic osteoarthritic lesions.
Methods: We retrospectively assessed 26 bone scans from 26 patients with known prostate cancer bone metastases and 13 control patients with benign spinal and pelvic osteoarthritic changes without known neoplastic disease. Quantitative SPECT/CT (xSPECT, Siemens Symbia Intevo, Erlangen, Germany) was performed and standardized uptake values (SUVs) were quantified with measurements of SUVmax and SUVmean (g/mL) in all bone metastases for the prostate cancer group and in lumbar and pelvic osteoarthritic changes for the control group. We used receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves to determine the optimum SUVmax cutoff value to distinguish between bone metastases and benign spinal and pelvic lesions.
Results: In total, 264 prostate cancer bone metastases were analyzed, showing a mean SUVmax and SUVmean of 34.6±24.6 and 20.8±14.7 g/mL, respectively. In 24 spinal and pelvic osteoarthritic lesions, mean SUVmax and SUVmean were 14.2±3.8 and 8.9±2.2 g/mL, respectively. SUVmax and SUVmean were both significantly different between the bone metastases and osteoarthritic groups (p≤0.0001). Using a SUVmax cutoff of 19.5 g/mL for prostate cancer bone metastases in the spine and pelvis, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were 87%, 92%, 99% and 49%, respectively.
Conclusion: This study showed significant differences in quantitative 99mTc-DPD uptake on bone SPECT/CT between prostate cancer bone metastases and spinal and pelvic osteoarthritic changes, with higher SUVmax and SUVmean in metastases. Using a SUVmax cutoff of 19.5 g/mL, high specificity and positive predictive value for metastases identification in the spine and pelvis were found, thus increasing accuracy of bone scintigraphy.
Factors influencing contracted services of Chinese family doctors from the perspective of medical staff and consumers: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Wang Huanyan , Shi Lei , Han Xuanye , Zhang Jinchan , Fan Lihua 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: The family doctor system has gained rapid ground worldwide. In recent years, China has been actively exploring family doctor-type contracted services. This study aimed to explore the factors influencing Contracted Family Doctors Services (CFDS) from the perspectives of medical staff and consumers, and to provide a stronger basis for the development and promotion of CFDS.
Methods: This study used a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods. A self-reported questionnaire was designed through a literature analysis, group discussions, expert consultations and a pre-survey. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among community health service providers and administrators in 12 community health service centres across four provinces of China. A total of 389 people participated, and 320 valid questionnaires were obtained, with an effective response rate of 82.3%. A total of 36 consumers participated in in-depth interviews, and the total effective rate was 100.0%. Exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, inductive methods, and expert consultations were used to analyse the factors influencing CFDS.
Results: The factors influencing CFDS from the perspectives of medical staff were divided into four dimensions, with the following weighting coefficients: national government (31.87%), community health service agency factors (24.73%), consumer-related factors (22.58%), and contracted doctor-related factors (20.82%). The factors influencing CFDS from the perspectives of patients/consumers were national policy factors, contracted team factors, and consumer-related factors.
Conclusions: National governments, community health agencies, community health workers, and consumers play important roles in the advancement of CFDS. Therefore, the development of CFDS is based on the rights and interests of all stakeholders involved.
The Prevalence, Awareness, Management and Control of Hypertension in Men and Women in Benin, West Africa: the TAHES study.
Authors: DESORMAIS ILEANA , Amidou Salimanou Ariyoh , Houehanou Yessito Corine , Houinato Stephan Dismand , Gbagouidi Gwladys Nadia , Preux Pierre Marie , Aboyans Victor , Lacroix Philippe 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background Sub-Saharan Africa is facing a growing burden of non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), due to epidemiological transitions. Among their risk factors, hypertension is a major determinant of CVDs, but the prevalence and level of awareness and management of this condition are poorly studied in African populations. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of hypertension and identify its associated risk factors as well as the awareness and management of this condition in a community-dwelling cohort in Benin. Methods A cross-sectional door-to-door study was conducted in the population over the age of 25 years in Tanve, a rural setting in Benin. The questionnaire and anthropometric measurements of the World Health Organization STEPWISE survey were used. Blood pressure was measured using standard procedures. Results The sample included 1777 subjects (60.9% females, mean age was 42.5±16.5 years). The prevalence of hypertension was 32.9%, similar in men (32.8%) and women (33.0%, p=0.9342). Age and obesity were significantly associated with hypertension. Less than half (42%) of hypertensive people were aware about their condition and only 46.3% of them were treated. Awareness ratios differed between men and women (respectively 32.9% vs. 47.5%; p= 0.0039) and was not influenced by age, education, occupation, marital status or income. Female sex was the only factor associated with better controlled HTN, independent of socio-economic parameters. Conclusion This large population-based study confirms the high prevalence, low awareness, and low control of hypertension in men and women in sub-Saharan Africa. Only half of the populations with hypertension are aware of their hypertension, indicating a high burden of undiagnosed and un-controlled high blood pressure in these populations.
Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice towards rabies and associated factors among household heads in Mekelle city, Ethiopia
Authors: Hagos Weldegerima Gebremedhin , Muchie Kindie Fentahun , Gebru Goyitom Gebremedhn , Mezgebe Gebreamlak Gebremariam , Reda Kebede Ambaye , Dachew Berihun Assefa 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: Rabies has a worldwide distribution in continental regions of Africa, Asia and the Latin America. Globally, the case fatality rate is 100% once a clinical sign is developed. Poor public awareness towards rabies is one of the major obstacles in any prevention and control scheme of the diseases. The aim of this study was to assess knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) about rabies and associated factors among household heads in Mekelle city, Northern Ethiopia, 2016.
Methods: A community based cross sectional study was conducted from October to November 2016 with a total of 633 study participants. Data were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire in Enderta district, Tigray regional state, Ethiopia. Data was entered to EPI-Info 3.5.4 and coded, cleaned and analyzed using SPSS version 20 software. Bivariable and multivariable analysis was done to identify factors associated with knowledge, attitude and practice about rabies. Variables having p< 0.05 was considered as statistically significant at 95%CI.
Results: Of 633 study participants, 357 (56.4%) were females and 239 (37.8%) were 18-35 years old. Among the study participants, 56.1% (95%CI=52.2, 59.9), 56.2% (95%CI=52.4, 60.1) and 61.3% (95%CI=57.5, 65.1) had good level of knowledge, attitude and practice on the prevention and control of rabies respectively. Being female (AOR=1.50, 95%CI=1.05, 2.13), dog owner (AOR=1.68, 95%CI=1.17, 2.41) and participants who had training on rabies (AOR=2.22, 95%CI=1.53, 3.21) were found to have good knowledge. Married participants (AOR=2.19, 95%CI=1.16, 4.16), participants who owned dog (AOR=2.64, 95%CI=1.80, 3.86) and those encountered dog bite (AOR=2.24, 95%CI=1.23, 4.10) were found to have positive attitude towards rabies. Similarly dog ownership (AOR=11.85, 95%CI=7.16, 19.6) was found to be associated with good practice.
Conclusion: This study showed that more than half of the respondents had good knowledge, attitude and practice about the prevention and control of rabies.
Key words: Attitude, Knowledge, Practice, House hold, Rabies
A pilot study: a possible implication of Candida as an etiologically endogenous pathogen for oral lichen planus
Authors: He Hong , Zhang Mengyun , Xia Xinyu , Yang Haiping , Peng Qiao 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Objectives：This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and genotypic profiles of Candida albicans from patients with oral lichen planus (OLP). Materials andMethods：Genotypic profiles of Candida albicans strains from OLP patients and healthy controls were analyzed. Random amplified polymorphic DNA and internal transcribed spacer of ribosome DNA polymerase chain reaction were used to sequence the DNA of these strains, and then their genetic similarity was measured using BLAST, UIV Band, and Vector NTI Suite Sequence Analyses Software. Results：The prevalence of C. albicans strains detected from erosive-OLP, non-erosive OLP, and normal individuals was 18.87%, 18.75%, and 7.92%, respectively. Four different genotypes were revealed by the two methods. To be specific, type I was found only in the healthy subjects; type II a and II b were found in non-erosive OLP, and type III was identified in erosive OLP. Intragroup similarity coefficients S AB were 100%, and inter-groups similarity coefficients S AB were less than 30%. Conclusions：The genotypic evidence of C. albicans in OLP might inferred an endogenous infection and some etiologic sense contributing to professional recognition on the development and progression of OLP for more suitable diagnose and treatment.
Recurrence of HEr2+ pAtients: evaluation of Long term outcome In patients receiving trastuzumab TherapY
Authors: Saghatchian Mahasti , Curtit Elsa , Coeffic David , Flinois Alain , Levy Christelle 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background

Despite improved prognosis of HER2+ eBC since the introduction of trastuzumab in the adjuvant setting in 2006, disease recurrences still occur in some patients after a few years. We aimed to describe in real life the long-term follow-up to assess disease-free and metastasis-free survival of patients with HER2+ eBC treated with adjuvant trastuzumab.

Methods

This was a multicenter, retrospective, cohort study assessing HER2+ eBC patients diagnosed between 2009 and 2010 and treated with adjuvant trastuzumab. Data were collected from patient’s medical charts. Disease-free survival (DFS), and metastatic-free survival (MFS) were evaluated in the overall population and within subgroups according to hormonal and nodal status.

Results

In the overall population (n=2,311) at 7 years, the DFS rate was 76.3% [95%CI 74.5%-78.2%], and the MFS rate was 84.2% [82.6%-85.8%]. According to hormonal status, the 7-year DFS rate was significantly higher in hormone-receptor positive (HR+) than hormone-negative (HR-) patients [80.5% vs . 69.2%; p <0.001 ], and the 7-year MFS rate [88.0% for HR+ vs . 77.7% HR-]. According to nodal status, the 7-year DFS rate was significantly higher for N- than for N+ patients [87.2% vs . 66.8%; p <0.001], and the 7-year MFS rate [94.7% for N- vs . 74.9% for N+; p <0.001].

Conclusions

Despite introduction of adjuvant trastuzumab, prognosis of HER2+ eBC is still a matter above all in subgroups associated with a higher risk of disease recurrence. Our real-world study pointed out a particularly aggressive profile of N+ and HR- subgroups and the need for more efficient approaches for these particular group of patients.
Development and validation of an instrument to measure physician awareness of bioethics and medical law in Oman
Authors: Al-Busaidi Ahmed S. , Ganesh Anuradha , Al-Adawi Samir , Al-Farsi Yahya M. , Al-Rawahi Maryam K. , Al-Mawali Nusaiba A. , Al-Kharousi Nadiya S. , Al-Alawi Mohammed , Al-Mujaini Abdullah S. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background A different ethos with respect to perception of medical ethics prevails in societies in transition such as those in the Arabian Peninsula, which make it difficult to apply international principles of bioethics in medical practice. This study aimed to develop and psychometrically test an instrument that measures physicians’ awareness of bioethics and medical law and their attitudes towards the practice of medical ethics. Additionally, it examined physician correlates influencing awareness of bioethics.Methods Following a rigorous review of relevant literature by a panel of experts, a 13-items instrument, the Omani physicians’ bioethics and medical law awareness (OBMLA) questionnaire, was developed with the aim of assessing physicians’ awareness of bioethics and medical law. The study tool’s construct validity and internal consistency reliability were examined by exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and Cronbach's alpha. In a cross-sectional study, the questionnaire was distributed among a random sample of 200 physicians at a tertiary hospital in Muscat, Oman. Participant characteristics that may influence awareness of bioethics and medical law were explored.Results EFA of the OBMLA questionnaire resulted in three well-loading factors: (i) Physicians’ bioethics practice subscale (ii) incentive related bioethics subscale and (iii) medical law awareness subscale. Internal consistency reliability ranged between Cronbach’s α: 0.73-0.8. Of total 200 participants, 52% reported that teaching medical ethics during medical school was inadequate. The overall mean (standard deviation, SD) of bioethics awareness score and Omani medical law awareness were 27.6 (3.5) and 10.1 (2.1) respectively. Majority of physicians (73%) reported that they frequently encountered ethical dilemmas in their practice and 24.5% endorsed the view that unethical decisions tended to occur in their practice.Conclusion The study provides insight into practice of bioethics, and awareness of bioethics and medical law among physicians in a teaching hospital in Oman. The OBMLA questionnaire appears to be a valid and reliable tool to assess physician awareness of bioethics and medical law. In this preliminary study, it appears that participants have suboptimal scores of indices measuring practice and awareness of bioethics and medical law.