bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
First detection of mutated ERG11 gene in vulvovaginal Candida albicans isolates at Ouagadougou/Burkina Faso
Authors: Dovo Essi Etonam , Zohoncon Théodora Mahoukèdè , Tovo Sessi Frida , Soubeiga Serge Théophile , Kiendrebeogo Isabelle Touwendpoulimdé , Yonli Albert Théophane , Ouedraogo Rogomenona Alice , Dabire Amana Mètuor , Djigma Florencia Wendkuuni , Nadembega Christelle Wendyam , Belemgnegre Marius , Ouedraogo Paul , Obiri-Yeboah Dorcas , Simpore Jacques 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background
Vulvovaginal candidiasis is an important cause of morbidity among women due to Candida species. In the last decades, resistance to azoles, first-line antifungals has increased. One molecular mechanism of azole resistance by Candida involves mutations in the ERG11 gene encoding lanosterol 14-α-demethylase, the target enzyme. This study was conducted to identify the clinical Candida species associated in vulvovaginal candidiasis; to determine the rate of antifungal resistance among Candida albicans isolates and to determine mutated ERG11 gene at Saint Camille Hospital in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

Methods
Antifungals susceptibility were performed using Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method. ERG11 gene was detected using conventional PCR in C. albicans isolates resistant to at least one azole.

Results
Out of 262 clinical strains isolated, C. albicans accounted for 59.90%, followed by Candida glabrata 27.86%, Candida famata 7.25%, Candida tropicalis 3.05% and Saccharomyces cerevisiae 1.91%. Resistance rate of fluconazole to C. albicans was 59.54%. ERG11 gene was found in 9.79% of 92 C. albicans strains resistant to azoles.

Conclusions
This detection of mutated ERG11 gene in C. albicans is the first in Burkina Faso and may be a cause of azole resistance in recurrent Candida vulvovaginitis.
RSV testing practice and positivity by patient demographics in the United States: integrated analyses of MarketScan and NREVSS databases
Authors: Tran Phuong T. , Nduaguba Sabina O. , Diaby Vakaramoko , Choi Yoonyoung , Winterstein Almut G. 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background
RSV-incidence estimates obtained from routinely-collected healthcare data (e.g., MarketScan) are commonly adjusted for under-reporting using test positivity reported in national Surveillance Systems (NREVSS). However, NREVSS lacks detail on patient-level characteristics and the validity of applying a single positivity estimate across diverse patient groups is uncertain. We aimed to describe testing practices and test positivity across subgroups of private health insurance enrollees in the US and illustrate the possible magnitude of misclassification when using NREVSS to correct for RSV under ascertainment.

Methods
Using billing records, we determined distributions of RSV-test claims and test positivity among a national sample of private insurance enrollees. Tests were considered positive if they coincided with an RSV-diagnosis. We illustrated the influence of positivity variation across sub-populations when accounting for untested acute respiratory infections.

Results
Most tests were for children (age 0–4: 65.8%) and outpatient encounters (78.3%). Test positivity varied across age (0–4: 19.8%, 5–17: 1.8%, adults: 0.7%), regions (7.6–16.1%), settings (inpatient 4.7%, outpatient 14.2%), and test indication (5.0–35.9%). When compared to age, setting or indication-specific positivity, bias due to using NREVSS positivity to correct for untested ARIs ranged from − 76% to 3556%.

Conclusions
RSV-test positivity depends on the characteristics of patients for whom those tests were ordered. NREVSS-based correction for RSV-under-ascertainment underestimates the true incidence among children and overestimate rates among adults. Demographic-specific detail on testing practice and positivity can improve the accuracy of RSV-incidence estimates.
“I am alive because of her”: factors affecting adherence to combination antiretroviral therapy among people living with HIV in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Authors: Loveday Marian , Furin Jennifer , Hlangu Sindisiwe , Naidoo Tasneem 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background
People living with HIV need to take lifelong, combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), but there have been only limited explorations of how factors affecting adherence can change over the course of an individual’s lifetime.

Methods
We carried out a qualitative study of men and women living with HIV in KwaZulu, Natal, South Africa who were prescribed cART and who had periods of higher and lower adherence.

Results
18 individuals participated in open-ended interviews. Using a dynamic theory of adherence, we identified factual, relational, and experiential factors that were associated with adherence and non-adherence to cART. Periods of non-adherence were commonly reported. Participants described relationships and experiences as being important influences on their ability to adhere to cART throughout their treatment journeys.

Conclusions
Periods of non-adherence to cART are common. While many cART counseling models are based on conveying facts to people prescribed cART, providing opportunities for supportive relationship where people can process their varied experiences is likely important to maintaining health for people living with HIV.
DNA damage repair gene signature model for predicting prognosis and chemotherapy outcomes in lung squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Wang Xinshu , Huang Zhiyuan , Li Lei , Wang Guangxue , Dong Lin , Li Qinchuan , Yuan Jian , Li Yunhui 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background
Lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) is prone to metastasis and likely to develop resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs. DNA repair has been reported to be involved in the progression and chemoresistance of LUSC. However, the relationship between LUSC patient prognosis and DNA damage repair genes is still unclear.

Methods
The clinical information of LUSC patients and tumour gene expression level data were downloaded from the TCGA database. Unsupervised clustering and Cox regression were performed to obtain molecular subtypes and prognosis-related significant genes based on a list including 150 DNA damage repair genes downloaded from the GSEA database. The coefficients determined by the multivariate Cox regression analysis and the expression level of prognosis-related DNA damage repair genes were employed to calculate the risk score, which divided LUSC patients into two groups: the high-risk group and the low-risk group. Immune viability, overall survival, and anticarcinogen sensitivity analyses of the two groups of LUSC patients were performed by Kaplan–Meier analysis with the log rank test, ssGSEA and the pRRophetic package in R software. A time-dependent ROC curve was applied to compare the survival prediction ability of the risk score, which was used to construct a survival prediction model by multivariate Cox regression. The prediction model was used to build a nomogram, the discriminative ability of which was confirmed by C-index assessment, and its calibration was validated by calibration curve analysis. Differentially expressed DNA damage repair genes in LUSC patient tissues were retrieved by the Wilcoxon test and validated by qRT–PCR and IHC.

Result
LUSC patients were separated into two clusters based on molecular subtypes, of which Cluster 2 was associated with worse overall survival. A prognostic prediction model for LUSC patients was constructed and validated, and a risk score calculated based on the expression levels of ten DNA damage repair genes was employed. The clinical utility was evaluated by drug sensitivity and immune filtration analyses. Thirteen-one genes were upregulated in LUSC patient samples, and we selected the top four genes that were validated by RT–PCR and IHC.

Conclusion
We established a novel prognostic model based on DNA damage repair gene expression that can be used to predict therapeutic efficacy in LUSC patients.
Carbon monoxide (CO) correlates with symptom severity, autoimmunity, and responses to probiotics treatment in a cohort of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD): a post-hoc analysis of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Sherman Hannah Tayla , Liu Kevin , Kwong Kenneth , Chan Suk-Tak , Li Alice Chukun , Kong Xue-Jun 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background
Inflammation, autoimmunity, and gut-brain axis have been implicated in the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Carboxyhemoglobin (SpCO) as a non-invasive measurement of inflammation has not been studied in individuals with ASD. We conducted this post-hoc study based on our published clinical trial to explore SpCO and its association with ASD severity, autoimmunity, and response to daily Lactobacillus plantarum probiotic supplementation.

Methods
In this study, we included 35 individuals with ASD aged 3–20 years from a previously published clinical trial of the probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive daily Lactobacillus plantarum probiotic (6 × 1010 CFUs) or a placebo for 16 weeks. The outcomes in this analysis include Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), Aberrant Behavior Checklist second edition (ABC-2), Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scale, SpCO measured by CO-oximetry, fecal microbiome by 16 s rRNA sequencing, blood serum inflammatory markers, autoantibodies, and oxytocin (OT) by ELISA. We performed Kendall’s correlation to examine their interrelationships and used Wilcoxon rank-sum test to compare the means of all outcomes between the two groups at baseline and 16 weeks.

Results
Elevated levels of serum anti-tubulin, CaM kinase II, anti-dopamine receptor D1 (anti-D1), and SpCO were found in the majority of ASD subjects. ASD severity is correlated with SpCO (baseline, R = 0.38, p = 0.029), anti-lysoganglioside GM1 (R = 0.83, p = 0.022), anti-tubulin (R = 0.69, p = 0.042), and anti-D1 (R = 0.71, p = 0.045) in treatment group.

Conclusions
The findings of the present study suggests that the easily administered and non-invasive SpCO test offers a potentially promising autoimmunity and inflammatory biomarker to screen/subgroup ASD and monitor the treatment response to probiotics. Furthermore, we propose that the associations between autoantibodies, gut microbiome profile, serum OT level, GI symptom severity, and ASD core symptom severity scores are specific to the usage of probiotic treatment in our subject cohort. Taken together, these results warrant further studies to improve ASD early diagnosis and treatment outcomes.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03337035, registered November 8, 2017.
Post-partum abdominal wall insufficiency syndrome (PPAWIS): lessons learned from a single surgeon’s experience based on 200 cases
Authors: Śmietański Maciej , Śmietańska Irmina Anna , Zamkowski Mateusz 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background
Post-partum abdominal wall insufficiency (PPAWI) with rectus diastasis is present in over 30% of women after pregnancy. Little is known about how PPAWI affects the social, sexual life and self-esteem of patients. This study was designed to evaluate the safety of onlay mesh combined with abdominoplasty and its impact on the well-being of the patients.

Method
Two hundred patients with PPAWI underwent surgery with onlay mesh and abdominoplasty. The safety of the procedure was assessed by postoperative complications, time of hospitalization and time of drainage. Before the operation and 6 months later, a questionnaire asking about the patient’s sexual and social life and the presence of back pain was completed. The final cosmetic effect was assessed separately.

Results
The onlay procedure with abdominoplasty was found to be safe and fast. The mean operation time was 82 min, and the drainage time was 2.1 days. In this group < 2% postoperative complications were noted. There were no recurrences within the 6 month. Significant improvements in social and sexual life and the level of self-esteem were noted. Back pain was relieved or minimalized in all patients. The final cosmetic effect was insufficient for 2 patients (1%).

Conclusion
PPAWI can be treated safely with onlay mesh and abdominoplasty. The patients’ symptoms were strongly correlated with the morphological status of the front abdominal wall and improved after the procedure. Describing the psychological and social consequences of PPAWI should lead the surgical societies to propose a definition of a new disease called PPAWIS (post-partum abdominal wall insufficiency syndrome).
Timing selection for loosened tooth fixation based on degree of alveolar bone resorption: a finite element analysis
Authors: Ye Zhang-yan , Ye Hao , Yu Xi-xi , Wang Yong , Wu Li-jun , Ding Xi 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Objective
This study aimed to evaluate timing of fixation to retard bone absorption using finite element analysis(FEA).

Methods
Volunteer CT images were used to construct four models of mandibles with varying degrees of alveolar bone resorption. By simulating occlusal force loading, biomechanical analysis was made on the periodontal membrane, tooth root and surrounding bone (both cancellous and cortical) of mandibular dentition.

Results
The von Mises stress value of the periodontal structures was positively related with the degree of alveolar bone resorption, and the von Mises stress at the interface between the periodontal membrane and tooth root was increased significantly in moderate to severe periodontitis models. The von Mises stress at the interface between the periodontal cortical bone and cancellous bone was increased significantly in the severe periodontitis model. And the von Mises stress value with oblique loading showed significantly higher than vertical loading.

Conclusion
Teeth with moderate to severe periodontitis, loosened tooth fixation can be used to retard bone absorption.
Training promotores to lead virtual hereditary breast cancer education sessions for Spanish-speaking individuals of Latin American heritage in California
Authors: Reyna Micaela , Almeida Rebeca , Lopez-Macha Alejandra , Fuller Shannon , Duron Ysabel , Fejerman Laura 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackgroundAwareness about hereditary breast cancer and the preventative steps to minimize disease risk is lower in Hispanic/Latina individuals than non-Hispanic White women in the United States. For this reason, we developed a promotor-based hereditary breast cancer education and risk identification program for self-identified Hispanic/Latina women, which included training promotores in basic genetics and hereditary breast cancer. This study explored promotores’ experiences receiving training and participating in virtual practice sessions as well as changes in knowledge about hereditary breast cancer.MethodsA total of ten promotores underwent a two-week basic training led by the promotores organization and an eight-hour in person hereditary breast cancer training workshop. Demographic information along with pre- and post-training surveys were completed by ten promotores who participated in the training workshop. Surveys were given to determine changes in knowledge of hereditary breast cancer and genetics. Of the ten promotores, two were selected to lead community education sessions and participated in 6 semi-structured interviews. All interviews and practice sessions were conducted using a virtual platform.ResultsThe data revealed that after the 8-h workshop and practice sessions, promotores felt confident about their ability to conduct virtual education sessions with the community. Interviews identified key facilitators to success such as a supportive environment, practice presentations, and personal motivation. Learning the online platform was considered the biggest challenge by the promotores, as opposed to learning complex genetics topics.ConclusionsThese results provide further evidence supporting promotores’ willingness and ability to provide health education on relatively complex topics. It also offers insight into the challenges of presenting information to vulnerable populations using an online platform and the additional support that is required to ensure a positive outcome.
Impact of same day screening mammogram results on women’s satisfaction and overall breast cancer screening experience: a quality improvement survey analysis
Authors: Shah Biren A. , Mirchandani Anicia , Abrol Srishti 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background
Most women undergoing screening examinations in the U.S. do not receive immediate results and for many this results in increased stress, inconvenience, delayed diagnosis, and potential loss to follow-up.

Objective
To study the impact of same appointment mammogram results on breast cancer screening experience and patient satisfaction.

Materials and methods
A 6-question survey with questions focused on breast cancer screening experience with our new service of same appointment mammogram results was distributed to 200 patients, with 185 patients returning their responses. Patients evaluated their current experience on receiving their screening results during the same appointment with their prior breast cancer screening experience. Patients who did not respond to their satisfaction score either before or after same appointment results were excluded from the patient cohort analyzing satisfaction score. Remaining questions were analyzed separately as additional satisfaction assessment tools.

Results
About 48% of the patients indicated an improvement in their screening experience with same appointment mammography results service, while 47% of the patients reported no significant difference in their experience.

Conclusion
Although not statistically significant, same appointment mammogram results were able to make a positive impact on breast cancer screening experience among 48% of the patients. Further research elucidating barriers to screening and other ways to improve patient satisfaction will be required to increase breast cancer screening compliance.
The magnitude and perceived reasons for childhood cancer treatment abandonment in Ethiopia: from health care providers’ perspective
Authors: Mirutse Mizan Kiros , Tolla Mieraf Taddesse , Memirie Solomon Tessema , Palm Michael Tekle , Hailu Daniel , Abdi Kunuz Abdella , Buli Ermias Dessie , Norheim Ole F. 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background
Treatment abandonment is one of major reasons for childhood cancer treatment failure and low survival rate in low- and middle-income countries. Ethiopia plans to reduce abandonment rate by 60% (2019–2023), but baseline data and information about the contextual risk factors that influence treatment abandonment are scarce.

Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted from September 5 to 22, 2021, on the three major pediatric oncology centers in Ethiopia. Data on the incidence and reasons for treatment abandonment were obtained from healthcare professionals. We were unable to obtain data about the patients’ or guardians’ perspective because the information available in the cancer registry was incomplete to contact adequate number of respondents. We used a validated, semi-structured questionnaire developed by the International Society of Pediatric Oncology Abandonment Technical Working Group. We included all (N = 38) health care professionals (physicians, nurses, and social workers) working at these centers who had more than one year of experience in childhood cancer service provision (a universal sampling and 100% response rate).

Results
The perceived mean abandonment rate in Ethiopia is 34% (SE 2.5%). The risk of treatment abandonment is dependent on the type of cancer (high for bone sarcoma and brain tumor), the phase of treatment and treatment outcome. The highest risk is during maintenance and treatment failure or relapse for acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and during pre- or post-surgical phase for Wilms tumor and bone sarcoma. The major influencing risk factors in Ethiopia includes high cost of care, low economic status, long travel time to treatment centers, long waiting time, belief in the incurability of cancer and poor public awareness about childhood cancer.

Conclusions
The perceived abandonment rate in Ethiopia is high, and the risk of abandonment varies according to the type of cancer, phase of treatment or treatment outcome. Therefore, mitigation strategies to reduce the abandonment rate should include identifying specific risk factors and prioritizing strategies based on their level of influence, effectiveness, feasibility, and affordability.
Experiences of peer support workers supporting individuals with substance use disorders in Egypt: phenomenological analysis
Authors: Ibrahim Nashwa , Selim Abeer , Ng Fiona , Kasaby Muhamed , Ali Amira Mohammed , Eweida Rasha , Almakki Doha , Elaagib Amna , Slade Mike 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackgroundPeer support work for substance use disorders is widely implemented in high-income countries. More research is still needed to understand its applicability in settings which have proportionately low budgets allocated to mental health. Peer Support Workers are individuals who managed to achieve recovery from substance use disorders and help people remain engaged in their recovery and prevent relapse through shared understanding.AimTo investigate the experience of peer support workers providing recovery support to people with substance use disorders in Egypt.MethodsA qualitative phenomenological design was used in which 17 adults working as peer support workers for substance use disorders were recruited by means of purposive and snowball sampling. A semi-structured interview with participants was conducted by phone or video-call. Interviews were transcribed and thematically analysed based on descriptive phenomenology.ResultsThree superordinate themes were identified: role responsibility, Peer Support Workers’ need for organizational and stakeholders’ support, and challenges to the role integrity.Conclusion and recommendationsThe findings indicate the need for national and governmental support to peer support workers engaged with people with substance use disorders in Egypt and educating families and the public about the role of peer support workers in substance use disorders.