bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Radial Endobronchial Ultrasonography with a Guide Sheath for the Diagnosis of Diffuse Parenchymal Lung Diseases
Authors: Inomata Minoru , Kuse Naoyuki , Awano Nobuyasu , Tone Mari , Yoshimura Hanako , Jo Tatsunori , Moriya Atsuko , Bae Yuan , Kumasaka Toshio , Takemura Tamiko , Izumo Takehiro 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background
Radial-endobronchial ultrasonography (R-EBUS) is a useful bronchoscopic tool for the diagnosis of solitary pulmonary peripheral lesions. However, the utility of R-EBUS for the diagnosis of diffuse parenchymal lung disease (DPLD) remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the characteristics of R-EBUS patterns in association with computed tomography (CT) findings in diagnosing DPLD.

Methods
Transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) was performed using R-EBUS and a guide sheath (GS) in consecutive 35 patients with suspected DPLD on chest CT between March–November 2017. Consolidation, ground glass opacity (GGO), reticular, and nodular patterns were diagnosed, and the mean CT Hounsfield units in the sampled area were measured in patients with consolidation. R-EBUS characteristics and their association with CT findings and pathological diagnostic yield were evaluated.

Results
R-EBUS showed a dense pattern only in patients with consolidation, and a blizzard pattern in patients with consolidation, GGO, reticular, and nodular patterns on CT. The biopsied area’s mean CT value was significantly higher in patients with dense than with blizzard patterns (p < 0.0001), and pathological findings were also dense in patients with R-EBUS dense pattern. The pathological diagnostic yield was significantly higher in patients with overt R-EBUS patterns than in patients without R-EBUS patterns by obtaining better lung tissue samples with the GS (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions
Dense and blizzard R-EBUS patterns were novel findings in diagnosing DPLD, and TBLB with R-EBUS-GS may be a valuable tool in diagnosing DPLD
Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke and respiratory morbidity among adolescents in a Middle-Eastern country
Authors: Booalayan Hussain , Abdulrasool Mosa , Al-Shanfari Saad , Boujarwa Abdulwahab , Al-Mukaimi Abdullah , Alkandery Omar , Akhtar Saeed 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background: There is increasing evidence linking exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) at homes to the development of respiratory morbidity including asthma among adolescents. Few studies have addressed this issue in the Middle-Eastern countries including Kuwait. Therefore, this study cross-sectional assessed the prevalence of ETS exposure at home, prevalence of asthma and other respiratory morbid conditions and examined the ETS exposure and personal smoking status as risk factors for asthma among high-school students in Kuwait.
Methods: During October 2015, a cross-sectional study design was implemented using a self-administered, modified version of the ISAAC (International study of asthma and allergies in childhood) questionnaire among students enrolled in nine high-schools of Hawally Governorate of Kuwait. Prevalence of ETS exposure, and eczema were computed. Multivariable log-binomial regression models were used to evaluate association between exposures of interest and asthma status.
Results: Of 800 invited students, 746 (92.2%) participated, of whom 74.8% were Kuwaiti and 50.1% were female with a mean (SD) age of 16.8 (0.68) years. ETS exposure prevalence at home was 54% and personal current smoking was 12.4%. Asthma prevalence was 20.5%. Furthermore, the prevalence of physician-diagnosed asthma, wheezing during the last 12 months and wheezing ‘ever’ was 16.4%, 20.1% and 26.2%, respectively. Final multivariable log-binomial regression model showed that compared to the adolescents without asthma, adolescents with asthma tended to be current smokers (adjusted prevalence ratio (adjusted PR) = 1.86; 95% CI: 1.37 – 2.53; p < 0.001) or significantly more likely to have had ETS exposure at home (adjusted PR = 1.64; 95% CI: 1.21 – 2.23; p = 0.002).
Conclusions: We recorded high prevalence of ETS exposure at home, high prevalence of asthma and identified ETS exposure at home and being a current smoker as strong risk factors for asthma among adolescents. Voluntary household smoking bans may substantially minimize the ETS exposure among adolescents. Additionally, such restriction may inculcate an antismoking attitude and prevent smoking initiation among adolescents. Such efforts are likely to pay dividends in terms of reduction in ETS exposure and associated asthma risk and other smoking-related morbidities in this and other similar settings.
Preschool environment and preschool teacher’s physical activity and their association with children’s activity levels at preschool
Authors: Chen Chu , Ahlqvist Viktor H. , Henriksson Pontus , Magnusson Cecilia , Berglind Daniel 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background

The preschool environment presents an ideal opportunity to promote early development of healthy physical activity (PA) and sedentary time (ST) habits in young children. However, less is known about how environmental and structural characteristics of preschools are associated with preschool children’s objectively assessed levels of PA and ST during preschool hours. The aim of the current study was to investigate to what extent preschool playground size, formalized PA policies, time spent outdoors and preschool teacher’s levels of PA were associated with children’s objectively assessed levels of PA and ST during preschool hours.

Methods

In total, 369 children and 84 preschool teachers from 27 preschools in Södermalm municipally, Stockholm Sweden wore an Actigraph GT3X+ accelerometer during 7 consecutive days. Preschool environmental and structural characteristics were measured via the Environment and Policy Evaluation Self-Report (EPAO-SR). Instrument and time in- and outdoors was recorded by preschool teachers on all days during the PA measurements. Weight and height of participating children were measured via validated scales and parents filled out a questionnaire on demographical and descriptive variables. Analyses were adjusted for age of the child, sex and BMI.

Results

The mean child age was 4.7 years (SD 0.8) and 45% were girls. We found that children were more active in preschools with a formalized PA policy, compared to schools without such a policy, but not less sedentary. The association between policy and activity seemed to be more pronounced when accounting for other environmental factors. Preschool teachers light PA (LPA) (ß=0.25, P=0.004) and steps (ß=0.52, P<0.001) were associated with children’s LPA and steps while the preschool playground size showed no association with PA in children.

Conclusion

The current study showed that preschool structural characteristics such as formalized PA policies and more time spent outdoors were positively associated with children’s PA. These findings suggest that formalized PA policies and time outdoors may be of importance for promoting children’s PA during preschool hours.
Tobacco use and associated risk factors in Burkina Faso: Results from a nationwide population-based cross-sectional survey.
Authors: Bonnechère Bruno , Kadari Cissé , Tiéba Millogo , Gautier Ouédraogo H. , Franck Garanet , Mariam Ouedraogo A. , Gabriela Boyle , Sékou Samadoulougou , Seni Kouanda , Fati Kirakoya 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background

Tobacco is a leading preventable cause of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Studies that characterize prevalence of tobacco use in low-income countries are lacking. This study describes the prevalence of tobacco use in Burkina Faso and its associated factors.

Methods

Data were analyzed from the 2013 Burkina Faso WHO Stepwise approach to Surveillance (STEPS) survey that NCDs risk factors. Prevalence of any tobacco product use, cigarette smoking and other tobacco use were calculated. Logistic regression analyses identified factors associated with tobacco use.

Results

The prevalence of any tobacco use was 19.8% (95% CI: 18.4 – 21.2). Tobacco use was higher for men (29.2% [27.0 – 31.5]) than women (11.8% [10,3 – 13.4]). The prevalence of smoked tobacco was 11.3% (10.3 – 12.4), with significantly higher prevalence among men (24.5% [22.1-27.0]) than women (0.1% [0.01-0.3]). The overall prevalence of other tobacco use was 8.9% (7.4-10.7) with lower values for men (5.6% [4.2-7.4]) compared to women(11.7% [9.5-14.3]. Tobacco smoking among men was significantly associated with increased age and alcohol consumption. Analysis of risk factors for other tobacco use stratified by gender show that age, education, residence and alcohol consumption were significantly associated with consumption for women.

Conclusion

Tobacco use is common in Burkina Faso. To effectively reduce tobacco use in Burkina Faso, a comprehensive tobacco control program should consider associated factors, such as gender, age and alcohol consumption.
Understanding factors influencing care seeking for sick children in Ebonyi and Kogi states, Nigeria
Authors: Dougherty Leanne , Gilroy Kate , Olayemi Abimbola , Ogesanmola Omitayo , Ogaga Felix , Nweze Chinwe , Banerjee Joya , Oduenyi Chioma , Pacqué Michel 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background

Nigeria has one of the highest child mortality rates in the world, with an estimated 750,000 deaths annually among children under age five. The majority of these deaths are due to pneumonia, malaria, or diarrhea. Many parents do not seek sick-child care from trained, biomedical providers, contributing to this high rate of mortality.

Methods

This qualitative study explores factors enabling or preventing parents from seeking care for sick under-five children in Nigeria’s Kogi and Ebonyi states, including gender-related roles and social norms. Interviews were conducted with parents of sick under-five children and service providers, and focus group discussions were held with community leaders to assess how care-seeking behavior was influenced by four modes from the Colvin et al conceptual framework for household decision-making and pathways to care. These include (1) caregivers’ recognition and response to illness, (2) seeking advice and negotiating access within the family, (3) making use of community-based treatment options, and (4) accessing biomedical services.

Results

Parents were found to have a general understanding of illness symptoms but did not always attribute illness to biomedical causes. Intra-household decision-making processes were shaped by gender dynamics between men and women, and were found to have great effects on decisions to seek care. Use of traditional medicine and self-treatment were found to be common first steps in treatment before turning to the biomedical care system. Once the decision to seek biomedical care was taken, the route of seeking care varied between seeking care at chemists and then continuing to health facilities or starting with a health facility and then accessing prescriptions from a chemist.

Conclusion

We conclude that care-seeking decisions do not follow a linear process; that intra-household decision-making processes particularly among parents should not be underestimated in addressing sick-child care seeking; and that, given the role of mothers as primary caregivers, their knowledge in illness recognition and agency in care-seeking decision-making, and seeking biomedical care, is deserving of future study.
Inequalities, harm reduction and non-combustible nicotine products: a meta-ethnography of qualitative evidence
Authors: Lucherini Mark , Hill Sarah , Smith Katherine 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
As a new ‘disruptive’ technology, electronic cigarettes have the potential to interact with socioeconomic differences in smoking attitudes and practices in ways that are distinct from more traditional cessation aids. We sought to review qualitative evidence on how smokers of low socioeconomic status engage with non-combustible nicotine products, including electronic cigarettes and nicotine replacement therapies, in order to provide insight into how these products might impact on smoking inequalities. The review found very few studies exploring the attitudes of disadvantaged smokers towards non-combustible nicotine products for harm reduction or cessation purposes. Using a lines-of-argument meta-ethnographic approach, our analysis suggests that, while nicotine replacement therapies and e-cigarettes are often used in harm reduction or cessation attempts, socio-economic disadvantage makes continued use difficult. This may be exacerbated by a lack of a perceived advantage of alternative products over smoking. Overall, our review highlights the importance of considering the social, cultural and economic circumstances that influence the experience and significance of smoking and the use of alternative products, particularly for smokers of low socio-economic status.
Change in treatment coverage and barriers to mental health care among adults with depression and alcohol use disorder: a repeat cross sectional community survey in Nepal
Authors: Luitel Nagendra Prasad , Garman Emily C , Jord Mark JD , Lund Crick 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background

Despite the availability of evidence-based treatment, there is a substantial gap between the number of individuals in need of mental health care and those who receive treatment. The aim of this study was to assess changes in treatment coverage and barriers to mental health care among adults with depression and alcohol use disorder (AUD) before and after implementation of a district mental health care plan (MHCP) in Nepal.

Methods

The repeat population-based cross-sectional community survey was conducted with randomly selected adults in the baseline (N=1983) and the follow-up (N=1499) surveys, 3 years and 6 months apart. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) were used to screen people with probable depression and AUD. Barriers to seeking mental health care were assessed by using a standardized tool, the Barriers to Care Evaluation Scale (BACE).

Results

The proportion of the participants receiving treatment for depression increased by 3.7 points (from 8.1% in the baseline to 11.8% in the follow-up) and for AUD by 5.2 points (from 5.1% in the baseline to 10.3% in the follow-up study), however, these changes were not statistically significant. Significant reductions were found in the overall BACE score (p=0.004) and the specific BACE domains scores pertaining to financial barriers (p<0.001); stigma (p=0.004) and lack of support (p<0.001) among participants with depression. There was also a significant reduction between the baseline and follow-up in the overall BACE score (p=0.011) and the specific BACE domains scores pertaining to financial barriers (p<0.001) and lack of support (p<0.001) in the AUD group.

Conclusion

The study found a non-significant trend for improvements in treatment coverage but significant reductions in barriers to mental health care following implementation of the district mental health care plan. The possible areas for improvement in the current strategy to improve treatment coverage could include establishing a confidential place for consultation in each health facility, and targeted community awareness programs to sensitize community members about mental health problems and the availability of evidence-based treatment in primary and community health care systems.
The Influence of Family Structure Differences on Physical Activity of Children and Adolescents in China —— Taking Social Capital and Health Behavior as Mediating Factors
Authors: Wu Jingtao , Zhang Defa , LYU BEI , Yang Yanchao , Chen Hui 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background: This paper is based on the relationship between family structure and family health.
Methods: This paper applies the method of empirical research to explore the impact of social capital investment and health behavior acquisition on the degree of completion of recommended amount of physical activity for children and adolescents under different family structures.
Results: This paper finds that the 30-minute MVPA and 60-minute MVPA of children and adolescents in joint families and stem families are larger than those in other families, and the overall 60-minute MVPA participation is obviously insufficient. As for the influence of family structure and social capital on the recommended amount of physical activity for children and adolescents, compared with other families, greater expenditure on sports is related with better family-friend interaction, stronger sense of school belongingness, better campus friendship, better social trust, greater likelihood that the recommended physical activity is completed, and more social support for the physical activity of children and adolescents.
Conclusions: Social capital and health behavior served as a way to improve the achievement rate of recommended physical activity for children and adolescents. But the effect of health behavior is not prominent.
A Longitudinal Analysis of Mental and General Health Status of Informal Carers in Australia
Authors: Mohanty Itismita , Niyonsenga Theo 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background

The study investigates the self-assessed mental and general health status of informal carers in Australia. It evaluates the influence of carer’s health behaviours, namely: physical activity, smoking and drinking status; along with their social connectedness and workforce engagement on their health status.

Methods

The study uses a retrospective longitudinal design using data from the Household Income and Labour Dynamics of Australia survey, waves 5-15 (2005-2015). It includes individuals aged 15 years and older from Australian households surveyed over a period of 11 years. The sample consists of 23,251 individuals. The outcome measures include: Mental health, general health and physical functioning, domains of the Short Form 36 Questionnaire, a widely used multi-dimensional measure of health-related quality of life. Using fixed effects regression, the analysis takes care of the issue of individuals self-selecting themselves as carers due to some predisposing factors such as age, poor health, socioeconomic status and sedentary behaviour.

Results

Informal carers suffer from poor mental (Beta = -0.587, p=0.003) and general health (Beta = -0.670, p=0.001) outcomes compared to non-carers in Australia. Increasing age has a modifying impact on carers’ mental and general health outcomes. The older carers are coping better with their caregiving status than the younger ones. Moreover, physical activities have a positive influence on both mental and general health for non-cares, with more activities generating better health outcomes. Also, physical activities have a modifying impact on carers’ mental health compared to non-carers. Furthermore, the study finds that moderate levels of social drinking have beneficial modifying impact on carers’ mental and general health.

Conclusion

Findings suggest that some targeted support programs for young carers and, in general, carer focused community physical activities programs, could help to improve the poor health profiles of carers. Moreover, improved informal carer’s health would help to reduce the institutional demand for carers and could bridge the gap in carers’ demand and supply. Finally, the study identified a link between moderate levels of social drinking and carer health that needs to be further explored with more targeted future research.
Incidence and Predictors of Tuberculosis Occurrence among Adults on Antiretroviral Therapy at Debre Markos Referral Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: Retrospective Follow-up Study
Authors: Aemro Agazhe , Jember Abebaw , Anlay Degefaye Zelalem 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Abstract
Background: In resource limited settings, Tuberculosis (TB) is the major cause of morbidity and mortality among patients on antiretroviral treatment. Ethiopia is one of the 30 high TB burden countries and it causes burden in healthcare system and challenge the effectiveness of HIV care. This study was to assess incidence and predictors of Tuberculosis among adults on antiretroviral therapy at Debre Markos Referral Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia, 2019.
Methods: Institution based retrospective follow up study was conducted among adults on ART newly enrolled from 2014 to 2018 at Debre Markos Referral Hospital. Simple random sampling technique was used to select charts. Data was entered to EPI- INFO version 7.2.2.6 and analyzed using Stata 14.0. Tuberculosis incidence rate was computed and described using frequency tables. Both bivariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazard models was fitted to identify predictors of TB.
Results: Out of the 536 charts reviewed, 494 patient records were included in the analysis. A total of 62 patients have developed new TB cases during the follow up period of 1000.22 Person Years (PY); which gives an overall incidence rate of 6.19 cases per 100 PY (95% CI: 4.83 - 7.95). The highest rate was seen within the first year of follow up. TB free survival probability for the total cohort decreased with follow up year. Base line Hemoglobin < 10 g/dl (AHR= 5.25; 95% CI: 2.52 - 10.95), ambulatory/bedridden patients at enrolment (AHR = 2.31; 95% CI: 1.13 - 4.73), having fair or poor ART adherence (AHR = 3.22; 95% CI: 1.64 – 6.31) were increase the risk of tuberculosis whereas taking Isoniazid Preventive Therapy (IPT) (AHR = 0.33; 95% CI: 0.12 - 0.85) were protective factors of TB occurrence.
Conclusion: TB Incidence was high among adults on ART especially in the first year of enrollment to ART. Low hemoglobin level, ambulatory or bedridden functional status, non-adherence to ART and IPT usage status were found to be independent predictors. Hence, continuous follow up for ART adherence and provision of IPT has a great importance to reduce the risk of TB.
Key words: Ethiopia, Incidence, HIV Infection, TB/HIV infection
Combined RNA-seq, small RNA and degradome sequencing approaches insights into salt-stress responses in Beta vulgaris
Authors: Li Junliang , Cui Jie , Cheng Dayou , Dai Cuihong , Liu Tianjiao , Wang Congyu , Luo Chengfei 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background

Salinity is one of the most serious threat to agriculture worldwide. Sugar beet is an important sugar-yielding crop and has a certain tolerance to salt. While a genome-wide analysis of genes involved in salt-stress remains largely unknown in B. vulgaris.

Results

Three high-throughput sequencing approaches, namely, RNA-seq, small RNA and degradome sequencing were used to exploring the molecular basis of salt-resistance in beta vulgaris. A total of 12 230 differentially expressed genes were identified, which were mainly related to transcription factors, protein kinases, and enzymes. The small RNA sequencing resulted in the identification of 476 miRNAs included 219 known and 257 novel miRNAs, of which 130 were differentially expressed under salt-stress. A total of 2534 targets were predicted for 317 miRNAs by bioinformatics and degradome sequencing. Functional analysis of these targets suggested that miRNA-mediated post-transcriptional regulation plays a crucial role in transcriptional reprogramming under stress. The combination analysis of multi-omics revealed 209 negative correlation mRNA-miRNA pairs. All these data were used to construct a hypothetical regulatory network of beta vulgaris in response to salt stress.

Conclusion

These components and the preliminary network provides better insights into the molecular mechanism of salt-stress response, and also offers candidate genes for beet improvement.