bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Clinical Efficacy and Adverse Effects of Entecavir plus Thymosin alpha-1 Combination Therapy versus Entecavir Monotherapy in HBV-related Cirrhosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Peng Dan , Xing Hai-Yan , Li Chen , Wang Xian-Feng , Hou Min , Li Bin , Chen Jian-Hong 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background Previous studies have demonstrated the benefits of thymosin alpha-1 (Tα1) in anti-virus, immunological enhancement and anti-inflammation. However, it is controversial about the efficacy and safety of entecavir (ETV) plus T α1 combination therapy versus ETV monotherapy in cirrhotic patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Methods The systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) were performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ETV plus Tα1 combination therapy versus ETV monotherapy in HBV -related patients with cirrhosis. We performed a systematic literature search on seven databases. Relative risk (RR) and standardized mean difference (SMD) with a fixed- or random- effect model were calculated. Heterogeneity was assessed through a Cochrane Q-test and I 2 values. Results Seven RCTs involving 1144 subjects were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. Compared with ETV monotherapy, ETV plus Tα1 combination therapy led to a higher complete response. In post treatment for 24 weeks, the HBV DNA undetectable rate and HBeAg loss rate were higher in ETV plus Tα1 group than in ETV alone group. However, after 48 and 52 weeks of treatment, there was no significant difference between the combination therapy and ETV monotherapy. At week 52 of treatment, the HBsAg loss rate of ETV plus Tα1 group was no significance with that of ETV alone group. In comparison with ETV alone, the some biochemical parameters and liver fibrosis were obviously improved by ETV plus Tα1 , and there was significant heterogeneity. In addition, the number of adverse events was significantly reduced by ETV plus Tα1, compared to ETV alone. Conclusions ETV plus Tα1 might lead to a higher clinical response and a lower comprehensive adverse reaction rate in HBV-related patients with cirrhosis, compared to ETV alone. However, the whole patients included in this meta-analysis were from Chinese mainland, so that more worldwide RCTs with a larger sample size are needed to verify the current findings.
Growth hormone alleviates oxidative stress and improves the IVF outcomes of poor ovarian responders: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Gong Yan , Zhang Kun , Xiong Dongsheng , Wei Jiajing , Tan Hao , Qin Shengfang 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background

Oxidative stress (OS), defined as an imbalance between excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) and/or reactive nitrogen species (RNS) production and antioxidant insufficiency, has been suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of poor ovarian response (POR). Growth hormone (GH) can reduce OS in some cell types. This study investigated whether GH could improve OS in and in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) outcomes of poor ovarian responders.

Methods

This study enrolled 105 patients with POR and 58 patients without POR (controls) who were diagnosed according to the Bologna criteria and underwent conventional IVF-ET. Poor ovarian responders were randomly assigned to two groups: the POR-GH group, which received pretreatment with GH 4 IU/d on day 2 of the previous menstrual cycle before IVF until the trigger day , and the POR-C group, which received no pretreatment. The OS markers in follicular fluid (FF), ROS levels in granulosa cells (GCs), and IVF outcomes of the groups were compared.

Result(s)

The endometrial thickness on trigger day, number of cleaved embryos, number of higher quality embryos, and rates of implantation and clinical pregnancy were significantly increased in the POR-GH group compared with the POR-C group ( P < 0.05). Moreover, compared to those in the non-POR group, the FF malondialdehyde (MDA), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI) and ROS levels in GCs were significantly higher, whereas superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were significantly lower in the POR-C group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, compared with those in the POR-C group, the FF TAC was significantly increased in the POR-GH group, and the TOS, OSI and intracellular ROS levels were significantly reduced ( P < 0.05) .

Conclusion(s)

Pretreatment with GH alleviates OS and improves oocyte quality in and IVF outcomes of poor ovarian responders.

Clinical Trial Registration Number

ChiCTR1900021269 (Chinese Clinical Trial Registry).
Quantitative evaluation of range and metabolic activity of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis lesion microenvironment using PET/CT and multi-site sampling method
Authors: Aini Abudusalamu , Yimingjiang Maiweilidan , Yasen Aimaiti , Ran Bo , Jiang Tiemin , Li Xiaohong , Wang Jian , Aihaiti Kasimu , Ainiwa Aisika , Abulizi Aubuduaini , Shao Yingmei , Aji Tuerganaili , Wen Hao 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) lesion microenvironment (LME) is crucial site where parasite-host interactions happen and of great significance during surgery and obtaining liver samples for basic research targeting immunology. However, little is known about quantification of LME range and its’ metabolic activity regarding different lesion types.Methods: A prospective analysis of LME from consecutive surgical AE cases with relevant imaging results was performed. Patients (n=39) received abdominal computed tomography (CT) and position emission tomography/computed tomography using 18F-fluodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG-PET/CT) within one week prior to surgery. Tumor to background ratios (TBRs) of standard uptake value (SUV) in PET/CT was calculated for corresponding LME regions. Multi-site sampling method (MSS, n=26) was introduced to obtain histological slides from LME at different levels off the lesion to evaluate immune cell infiltrative ranges quantitatively. At last, data was statistically analyzed from the perspective of different lesion types.Results: Altogether six major lesion categories have been identified based on different morphology and calcification pattern (A: non-calcified uniform density lesion; B: diffuse calcified solid lesion; C: half necrotic and half solid lesion with minor calcification; D: half necrotic and half solid lesion with obvious calcification; E: subtotal necrotic lesion with minor calcification; F: total necrotic lesion with obvious calcification). Statistical significances were resulted from TBRs calculation (A>B, A>D, A>F, B<C, B<E, A+C+E>B+D+F, etc.). Less calcified lesions were evidenced with higher TBRs, however, not much was valuable for necrosis. The 95% CI of LME ranges were (10.0, 12.1) mm and (9.9, 14.0) mm by PET/CT and MSS. And, weak regressions between TBRs and LME ranges indicated by PET/CT or MSS (r2 respectively were 0.2436 and 0.3171) were observed.Conclusions: PET/CT showed distinct TBRs for different lesion types with heterogenic calcification. PET/CT and MSS had similar discoverability for LME ranges, which also varied among different lesion types. Higher activity meant wider LME range within certain limit. This pioneering study would be able to provide references for both surgical removal of lesions and sample acquisitions more accurately for basic research targeted to immunology.
Macrolide and fluoroquinolone associated mutations in Mycoplasma genitalium in a retrospective study of male and female patients seeking care at an STI Clinic in Guangzhou, China, 2016-2018.
Authors: Ke Wujian , Li Dongling , Tso Lai Sze , Wei Ran , Lan Yinyuan , Chen Zhengyu , Zhang Xiaohui , Wang Liuyuan , Liang Chunmei , Liao Yuying , Chen Huiru , Liu Yahui , Zheng Heping , Yang Ligang 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
BackgroundAntimicrobial resistance in M. genitalium is a growing clinical problem. We investigated the mutations associated with macrolide and fluoroquinolone resistance, two commonly used medical regimens for treatment in China. Our aim is to analyze the prevalence and diversity of mutations among M. genitalium-positive clinical specimens in Guangzhou, south China.MethodsA total of 154 stored M. genitalium positive specimens from men and women attending a STI clinic were tested for macrolide and fluoroquinolone mutations. M. genitalium was detected via TaqMan MGB real-time PCR. Mutations associated with macrolide resistance were detected using primers targeting region V of the 23S rRNA gene. Fluoroquinolone resistant mutations were screened via primers targeting topoisomerase IV (parC) and DNA gyrase (gyrA).Results98.7% (152/154), 95.5% (147/154) and 90.3% (139/154) of M. genitalium positive samples produced sufficient amplicon for detecting resistance mutations in 23S rRNA, gyrA and parC genes, respectively. 66.4% (101/152), 0.7% (1/147) and 77.7% (108/139) samples manifested mutations in 23S rRNA, gyrA and parC genes, respectively. A2072G (59/101, 58.4%) and S83I (79/108, 73.1%) were highly predominating in 23S rRNA and parC genes, respectively. Two samples had amino acid substitutions in gyrA (M95I and A96T, respectively). Two samples had two amino acid substitutions in parC (S83I + D87Y). 48.6% (67/138) of samples harbored both macrolide and fluoroquinolone resistance-associated mutations. The most common combination of mutations was A2072G (23S rRNA) and S83I (parC) (40/67, 59.7%). One sample had three amino acid changes in 23S rRNA, gyrA and parC genes (A2072G + A96T + S83I).ConclusionsThe high antimicrobial resistance rate of M. genitalium in Guangzhou is a very worrying problem and suggests that antimicrobial resistance testing and the development of new antibiotic regimens are crucially needed.
The Vietnamese Version of the Nursing Critical Thinking in Clinical Practice Questionnaire: Translation and Psychometric Evaluation
Authors: Nguyen Tuan Van , Liu Hsueh-Erh 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Many instruments measure critical thinking ability in nursing education. The Nursing Critical Thinking in Clinical Practice Questionnaire (N-CT-4 Practice) is a new tool to measure the level of critical thinking ability of nurses in a clinical setting. However, no study has evaluated the psychometric properties of the N-CT-4 Practice in Vietnam. Therefore, this study translated and evaluated the validity and reliability of the Vietnamese version of the Nursing Critical Thinking in Clinical Practice Questionnaire (V-N-CT-4 Practice). Results: The V-N-CT-4 Practice questionnaire retained the meaning of the original English version and was clear, explicit and easy for nurses to understand. The item content validity index of the V-N-CT-4 Practice was 1.0. The Cronbach’s alpha for the overall scales was .98. The intraclass correlation coefficient was .81. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that this Vietnamese version fit the proposed model. Conclusions: The findings suggested that the V-N-CT-4 Practice has acceptable reliability and validity for Vietnamese nurses in a clinical setting. Nurse managers and educators can use the V-N-CT-4 Practice to measure the level of critical thinking ability of Vietnamese clinical nurses and make international comparisons possible.
Parents’ health information seeking behaviour – does the child’s health status play a role?
Authors: Baumann Isabel , Jaks Rebecca , Robin Dominik , Juvalta Sibylle , Dratva Julia 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Digital media are increasingly abundant and being used to seek health information. To date, very little is known about parental seeking behaviour for child health information outside of English-speaking and Nordic countries. Our study “Digital parental counsellors” examines how parents search for health information in digital media, print media and among “personal contacts”, distinguishing between the search for information about general child health and development and child’s acute illness, and comparing information seeking behaviour by disability status of the child. Methods: The population-based sample consisted of 769 parents with children aged 0-2 in the German-speaking region of Switzerland returning the study questionnaire (30% response rate). We developed a frequency score of use of different information sources and conducted bivariate and multivariate linear regression analyses to describe parental search behaviour and the association with child’s disability status. Results: The sample consists of 88% mothers (mean age: 35.7 years SD 4.33). Children’s mean age is 16 months (SD 7.1), 49% of the children are female and 6% have a disability. Parents use digital media significantly more frequently to search for information about general health and development questions than about an acute child’s illness (p<0.001). In case of acute child’s illness, parents refer to their paediatrician, family members and other personal contacts significantly more frequently than other information sources (p<0.001). The use of digital media and “personal contacts” does not significantly vary between parents with and without a disabled child, whereas the use of print media does (p<0.02). Moreover, irrespective of disability, 45% of parents resort to the Internet prior to a paediatric visit and 27% after a visit when a visit did not answer all questions.Conclusions: Despite the high prevalence of digital media, personal contacts are still the most frequent health information resource for parents with young children. Parents combine all information resources (online, print, personal network) to improve their understanding or check the validity of information received regarding their child’s health. It is thus of utmost importance, that the increasingly accessed digital information parents search for is correct, understandable and addresses parent’s concerns. Trial registration: BASEC Req-2017-00817 (30 October 2017)
Hepatic encephalopathy increases the risk of hip fracture: a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Yeh Kuang-Ting , Yu Tzai-Chiu , Lee Ru-Ping , Wang Jen-Hung , Liu Kuan-Lin , Peng Cheng-Huan , Chen Hao-Wen , Chen Ing-Ho , Hsu Chung-Yi , Wu Wen-Tien 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Osteoporotic hip fracture is a common general health problem with significant impact of human life because it debilitates the patients and largely decrease their life quality. Early prevention of the fracture is essential in the recent decades by finding out the related risk factors as reference of further intervention, especially for the vulnerable patient group with comorbidities. Hepatic encephalopathy, a major complication of liver cirrhosis, may increase the rate of falling down and weaken the bone quality. This paper is aimed to finding out the correlation between hepatic encephalopathy and osteoporotic hip fracture in the aged patients from our national population.Methods: This retrospective cohort study used data from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database between 2000 and 2012. We focus on people who were older than 50 years old, using hepatic encephalopathy as compare grouping accordance, and finding the influence of the other common chronic illness. Patients with and without hepatic encephalopathy were matched at a ratio of 1:4 for age, sex, and index year. The incidence and hazard ratios of comorbidities related to aging and poor lifestyle were calculated using Cox proportional hazard regression modelsResults: The average age of the enrolled patients was approximately 66.5 years. The incidence ratio of hip fracture in HE group was 68/2496 (2.7 %), which was significantly higher than that in non-HE group as 98/9984 (0.98 %). Patients with hepatic encephalopathy were 2.15-times more likely to develop osteoporotic hip fractures than patients without hepatic encephalopathy in the whole group and the risk ratio was also significantly higher in female and older patients. The results were also similar in the comorbidity subgroups of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, senile cataract, gastric ulcer and depression.Conclusions: Hepatic encephalopathy is significantly associated with an increased risk of osteoporotic hip fractures and the significance was not affected by the comorbidities in people aged more than 50 years old from the results of our study, and the risk cumulated steadily through time goes by. These patients would benefit from controlling their hepatic encephalopathy and reducing the subsequent osteoporotic hip fractures.
Remote ischaemic preconditioning influences the levels of acylcarnitines in vascular surgery: a randomised clinical trial
Authors: Kasepalu Teele , Kuusik Karl , Lepner Urmas , Starkopf Joel , Zilmer Mihkel , Eha Jaan , Vähi Mare , Kals Jaak 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background Vascular surgery patients have reduced tissues` blood supply , which may lead to mitochondrial dysfunction and accumulation of acylcarnitines (ACs). It has been suggested that remote ischaemic preconditioning (RIPC) has its organ protective effect via promoting mitochondrial function. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of RIPC on the profile of ACs in the vascular surgery patients.Methods This is a randomised, sham-controlled, double-blinded, single-centre study.Patients undergoing open surgical repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm , surgical lower limb revascularisation surgery or carotid endarterectomy were recruited non-consecutively. The RIPC protocol consisting of 4 cycles of 5 minutes of ischaemia, followed by 5 minutes of reperfusion, was applied. A blood pressure cuff was used for RIPC or a sham procedure. Blood was collected preoperatively and approximately 24 hours postoperatively. The profile of ACs was analysed using the AbsoluteIDQp180 kit (Biocrates Life Sciences AG, Innsbruck, Austria).Results Ninety-eight patients were recruited and randomised into the study groups and 45 patients from the RIPC group and 47 patients from the sham group were included in final analysis. There was a statistically significant difference between the groups regarding the changes in C3-OH (p=0.023) - there was a decrease (-0.007 µmol/L, ± 0.020 µmol/L, p=0.0233) in the RIPC group and increase (0.002 µmol/L, ±0.015 µmol/L, p=0.481) in the sham group. Additionally, a decrease from baseline to 24 hours after surgery (p<0.05) was detected both in the sham and the RIPC group in the levels of following ACs: C2, C8, C10, C10:1, C12, C12:1, C14:1, C14:2, C16, C16:1, C18, C18:1, C18:2. In the sham group, there was an increase (p<0.05) in the levels of C0 (carnitine) and a decrease in the level of C18:1-OH. In the RIPC group, a decrease (p<0.05) was noted in the levels of C3-OH, C3-DC (C4-OH), C6:1, C9, C10:2.Conclusions It can be concluded that RIPC may have an effect on the levels of ACs and might therefore have protective effects on mitochondria in the vascular surgery patients. Further larger studies conducted on homogenous populations are needed to make more definite conclusions about the effect of RIPC on the metabolism of ACs.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov database, NCT02689414. Registered 24 February 2016 - Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02689414.
Dendritic cells transduced with TIPE-2 recombinant adenovirus induces T cells suppression
Authors: Liu Shudong , wang jie , Li Wenyan , Shi Hui , Zhou Changlong , Tang Ge , Zhang Jiangwei , yang zhao 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Introduction: TIPE-2 has been identified as a negative regulator of both innate and adaptive immunity and is involved in several inflammatory diseases. However, the role of immune suppression of dendritic cells (DCs) transduced with TIPE-2 has not been well studied. Methods: In this study, DCs were transduced with TIPE-2 recombinant adenovirus, and then were cocultured with allogeneic CD4+ or CD8+T cells. The proliferation, cytokine production and activation marker levels of CD4+ or CD8+T cell were detected. Results: The data demonstrated that T cell proliferation, cytokine production and activation marker levels were attenuated after treated with TIPE-2 transduced DCs. Conclusions: These results suggested that TIPE-2 transduced DCs are capable of inducing allogeneic CD4+ or CD8+T cell immune suppression, which provide a promising way for the therapeutical strategies of transplantation or autoimmune diseases.
The treatment strategy of R0 resection in colorectal cancer with synchronous para-aortic lymph node metastasis
Authors: Ushigome Hajime , Yasui Masayoshi , Ohue Masayuki , Haraguchi Naoaki , Nishimura Junichi , Sugimura Keijirou , Yamamoto Kazuyoshi , Wada Hiroshi , Takahashi Hidenori , Omori Takeshi , Miyata Hiroshi , Takiguchi Shuji 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Synchronous metastatic para-aortic lymph node (mPALN) dissectionin colorectal cancer has relatively good oncological outcomes, though many patients develop recurrence. Universal prognostic factor remain unclear and no definitive perioperative chemotherapy is available, making the treatment of mPALN controversial. In the present study, we aimed to establish a treatment strategy for synchronous mPALN.Methods: This retrospective study involved 20 patients with pathological mPALN below the renal vein who underwent R0 resection. Long-term outcomes, recurrence type, and prognostic factors for survival were investigated.Results: The 5-year overall survival and recurrence-free survival rates were 39% and 25%, respectively. Seventeen patients (85%) developed recurrence, including 13 (76%) within 1 year after surgery, and ~70% of all recurrences were multiple recurrences. Four patients (20%) survived >5 years. Pathological T stage (p=0.011), time to recurrence (p=0.007), and recurrence resection (p=0.009) were identified as prognostic factors for long-term survival.Conclusions: R0 resection of synchronous mPALN in colorectal cancer resulted in acceptable oncological outcomes, though we found a high rate of early unresectable recurrence. If the recurrence occurs late or isolated, surgical resection should be considered for longer survival.