bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The prevalence and immunological features of anti-glomerular basement membrane antibody in patients with HIV
Authors: Wang Wenjing , Jia Xiao-yu Jia , Cui Zhao , Chen Yan , Wang Wei , Lou Jin-li , Zhao Ming-hui , Ying Sun 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Anti-glomerular basement membrane disease (GBM) is a kind of chronic autoimmune disease caused by the deposition of circulating anti-GBM antibodies. Non-collagen region of α3 chain of type IV collagen (α3(IV)NC1) is one of the main target antigens. And on α3, EA and EB are the most classical antigen epitopes. It has been reported that anti-GBM antibodies can be detected in HIV patients, but its immunological characteristics are still unclear. In this study, the immunological characteristics of the target antigens were clarified. Methods: Total 93 HIV patients and 20 healthy volunteers were selected in Beijing Youan Hospital from 2017 to 2018. Recombinant human α1-α5(IV)NC1, chimeric protein EA and EB were used as solid phase antigens. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure concentrations and subtypes of serum IgG autoantibodies specifically against GBM.Results: Five out of the 93 patients with HIV had low to moderate levels of anti-GBM antibodies. However, these patients presented with no clinical manifestation of any kidney injury or pulmonary hemorrhages. Compared with HIV patients with negative antibodies, there were no significant differences in gender, age, CD4+T cell count and HIV viral load. All sera of five patients recognized non-collagenous domain1 (NC1) of alpha 3 chain of type IV collagen [(α3(IV)NC1] as classic anti-GBM patients, followed by α5(IV)NC1. The antibodies against α3(IV)NC1 were IgG3 predominant, but did not react with either of the classic epitopes on α3 (EA and EB).Conclusion: These data suggest a distinct immunological profile of anti-GBM antibodies in patients with HIV, and might explain the non-pathogenic features of HIV associated anti-GBM antibodies.
Occupational injuries, daily workload, and fitness levels among fitness and swimming instructors.
Authors: Bonato Matteo , Merati Giampiero , Agnello Luca , Grevers Dorothée , Maggioni Martina Anna 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background. Fitness (FI) and swimming instructor (SI) are two different type of trainers that are usually employed in fitness centers and their profession is highly physically demanding because they have to practice while teaching. To date, data on occupational disorders in FI are limited and there is no information about SI. Therefore, the primary outcome of this study was an exploratory analysis of occupational disorders experienced by FI and SI employed in various fitness centers through a self-reported questionnaire, to provide first data on its prevalence. The secondary outcome was to assess fitness levels, workloads and perceived exertion during a typical working day of SI and FI in order to explore the possible factors associated with occupational disorders in these professional activities. Methods. An online cross-sectional survey addressing physical data, frequency, duration and time of class participation and self-reported occupational disorders was conducted among 435 subjects (FI=254; SI=179). Subsequently, 97 subjects (FI=57; SI=42), were enrolled to investigate physical fitness by maximal oxygen consumption ( O2max), and daily workload by heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Results. A total of 621 musculoskeletal disorders and 521 of other disorders were included in the study with 157 and 155 participants that experienced 2 or more injuries during their career respectively. FI exhibited a higher prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries and SI experienced more upper respiratory tract infections. O2max ranged from 47.0±4.0 to 51.9±3.7 ml·kg-1·min-1, and no statistically significant differences between sex and instructor type was found. No statistical differences between instructor type in HRmean and HRmean/HRmax was found. According to sex, female SI displayed significantly higher HRmean and HRmean/HRmax (p=0.018, p=0.022, respectively) than female FI. Conclusions. In conclusion, FI and SI experienced a high prevalence of musculoskeletal and occupational disorders during their professional career. Moreover, data on FI and SI physical fitness and daily workload monitoring will help to set up guidelines regarding maximum weekly teaching load.
Differential diagnostic value of total alpha-synuclein assay in the cerebrospinal fluid between Alzheimer's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies from the prodromal stage
Authors: BOUSIGES Olivier , Philippi Nathalie , Lavaux Thomas , Perret-Liaudet Armand , Lachmann Ingolf , Schaeffer-Agalède Caroline , Anthony Pierre , Botzung Anne , Rauch Lucie , Jung Barbara , de Sousa Paulo Loureiro , Demuynck Catherine , Martin-Hunyadi Catherine , Cretin Benjamin , Blanc Frédéric 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Several studies have investigated the value of alpha-synuclein assay in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) patients in the differential diagnosis of these two pathologies. However, very few studies have focused on this assay in AD and DLB patients at the MCI stage.Methods: All patients were enrolled under a hospital clinical research protocol from the tertiary Memory Clinic (CM2R) of Alsace, France, by an experienced team of clinicians. A total of 166 patients were included in this study: 21 control subjects (CS), 51 patients with DLB at the prodromal stage (pro-DLB), 16 patients with DLB at the demented stage (DLB-d), 33 AD patients at the prodromal stage (pro-AD), 32 AD patients at the demented stage (AD-d) and 13 patients with mixed pathology (AD+DLB). CSF levels of total alpha-synuclein were assessed using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for alpha-synuclein (AJ Roboscreen). Alzheimer’s biomarkers (t-Tau, P-Tau, Aβ42 and Aβ40) were also measured.Results: The alpha-synuclein assays showed a significant difference between the AD and DLB groups. Total alpha-synuclein levels were significantly higher in AD patients than in DLB patients. However, the ROC curves show a moderate discriminating power between MA and DLB (AUC = 0.78) which does not improve the discriminating power of the combination of Alzheimer biomarkers (AUC = 0.95 with or without alpha-synuclein). Interestingly, the levels appeared to be altered from the prodromal stage in both AD and DLB.Conclusions: The modification of total alpha-synuclein levels in the CSF of patients occurs early, from the prodromal stage. The adding of alpha-synuclein total to the combination of Alzheimer’s biomarker does not improve the differential diagnosis between AD and DLB.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, (AlphaLewyMa, Identifier: NCT01876459)
Factors affecting bone maturation in Chinese girls aged 4-8 years with isolated premature thelarche
Authors: Su Huiping , Su Zhe , Pan Lili , Wang Li , Xu Zhongwei , Peng Gang , Li Xianglei 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: In isolated premature thelarche (IPT) girls, bone age (BA) is considered consistent with chronological age. However, some IPT girls confirmed by gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulation test could show another trend. We analysed BA and possible potentiating factors in a selected group of girls aged 4-8 years with IPT. Methods: IPT girls confirmed by GnRH stimulation test aged 4-8 years hospitalized from January 2015 to April 2018 at Shenzhen Children's Hospital were included in this retrospective study. They were divided into two groups with advanced BA of 2 years as the cut-off. Body mass index (BMI) and hormone levels were the main outcome measures, and regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors. IPT girls were divided into subgroups according to the levels of BMI standard deviation score (SDS), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) SDS and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) SDS for comparisons of advanced BA. Results: Overall, 423 subjects were included and classified into the advanced BA group (48.7%, n=206) and control group (51.3%, n=217). The advanced BA group had significantly higher BMI SDS, serum DHEAS SDS, IGF-1 SDS, androstenedione and fasting insulin and significantly lower sex hormone binding globulin (all p<0.001). Serum IGF-1 SDS (OR=1.926, p＜0.001), BMI SDS (OR=1.427, p=0.001) and DHEAS SDS (OR=1.131, p=0.005) were independent risk factors for significantly advanced BA. In the multiple linear regression model, serum IGF-1 SDS, BMI SDS and DHEAS SDS were the strongest predictors of advanced BA, accounting for 19.3% of the variance. According to BMI, 423 patients were classified into three groups: normal weight (56.03%, n=237), overweight (19.15%, n=81) and obesity (24.82%, n=105). The proportion of advanced BA in obesity group was significantly higher than those of normal weight and overweight groups (χ2=18.088, p＜0.001). In the subgroup with normal weight, higher serum IGF-1 SDS (p=0.009) and DHEAS SDS (p=0.003) affected BA advancement independent of BMI SDS. Conclusions: Girls with IPT confirmed by GnRH stimulation test aged 4-8 years might have significantly advanced BA. Obesity was highly associated with advanced BA. Age-specific serum IGF-1 SDS and DHEAS SDS were risk factors for BA advancement independent of BMI.
ABT-263 enhanced bacterial phagocytosis of macrophages in aged mouse through Beclin-1-dependent autophagy
Authors: Zhang Yu , Tang Li-hua , Lu Jia , Xu Li-ming , Cheng Bao-li , Xiong Junyu 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Sepsis is a critical challenge for the elderly population as the immune function is less responsive by aging. Although cell numbers seem preserved in the elderly, macrophages present age-related function decline, which including reduced chemokines, phagocytosis, and autophagy. ABT-263, an inhibitor of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, is reported had a senolytic effect which can selectively clear the senescent cells in vivo and rejuvenate the aged tissues.Methods: We treated the aged (12-16 months) and young (4-6 months) C57BL/6 mouse with ABT-263, then gave the animals cecal slurry injection to induce sepsis to observe the effect of senolytic compound ABT-263 on the survival rate of sepsis. Additionally, we isolated peritoneal macrophages from the aged mouse to investigate the cell function and molecular mechanism. 3-methyladenine (3-MA), a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3K) inhibitor, and rapamycin, an autophagy-enhancer, were used to block or mimic the autophagy, respectively. RT-PCR and Western Blot were used to detect autophagy related gene and protein changes in sepsis. EGFP-expressing E. Coli was used as a marker to evaluate the phagocytic ability of macrophages. Results: The results showed ABT-263 treatment improved the survival rate of sepsis in the aged mouse which related to autophagy, while blocking the autophagy can eliminate this effect. It is revealed that ABT-263 enhanced the phagocytic ability of the peritoneal macrophages by increasing the Trem-2 receptor. Additionally, ABT-263 blocked the binding of Bcl-2 to Beclin-1, thus induced Beclin-1-dependent autophagy. Conclusion: ABT-263 enhanced the macrophage function in aged mouse by increasing the Trem-2 receptors and inducing a beclin-1-dependent autophagy, consequently, protected the aged mouse from sepsis.
Scope of a weekly infection control team rounding in an acute-care teaching hospital: a pilot study
Authors: Jeong Yeon Su , Kim Jin Hwa , Lee Seungju , Lee So Young , Oh Sun Mi , Lee Eun Jung , Kim Tae Hyong , Park Se Yoon 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Regular and well-organized inspection of infection control is an essential element of an infection control program. The aim of this study was to identify the functional scope of weekly infection control team rounding (ICTR) in an acute care hospital. We conducted weekly ICTR between January 18 and December 26, 2018 to improve the compliance to infection control and prevention measures at a 734-bed academic hospital in the Republic of Korea and analyzed the results retrospectively. We categorized the results into five groups: “well maintained,” “improvement needed,” “long-term support, such as space or manpower, needed,” “not applicable,” or “could not be observed”. A total of nine categories and 85 sub-elements of infection control and prevention practices were evaluated. The median number of infection control team (ICT) visits per department was 7 (interquartile range [IQR]: 6-7). The ICT assessed a median of 16 elements (IQR: 12-22), and a total of 7,452 results were obtained. Of those, 75% were monitored properly, 22% were “not applicable”, and 4% were difficult to observe. The most common practices that were difficult to observe were strategies to prevent catheter-related surgical site infections, pneumonia, and occupationally acquired infections as well as injection safety practices. Although the ICTR was able to maintain regular visits to each department, further strategies beyond regular ICTR are needed to reduce category of “could not observed”. This pilot study may provide an important reference for institutional infection prevention practices as it is the first study to investigate the functional coverage of ICTR.
Acute hospital staff’s attitudes towards dementia and perceived dementia knowledge: a cross-sectional survey in Ireland
Authors: Keogh Brian , To Wing Ting , Daly Louise , Hynes Geralyn , Kennelly Siobhan , Lawlor Brian , Timmons Suzanne , O’Reilly Susan , Bracken-Scally Mairead , Ciblis Aurelia , Cole Natalie , Drury Amanda , Pittalis Chiara , Kennelly Brendan , McCarron Mary , Brady Anne-Marie 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Little is known about staff’s attitudes in Irish acute hospital settings towards people living with dementia and their perceived dementia knowledge. The aim objective of this study was to understand the general level of dementia knowledge and attitudes towards dementia in different types of hospital staff, as well as to explore the potential influence of previous dementia training and experience (having a family member with dementia) and the potential moderating effects of personal characteristics. This data was required to plan and deliver general and targeted educational interventions to raise awareness of dementia throughout the acute services. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out among a diverse range of hospital staff (n = 1795) in three urban acute general hospitals in Ireland, including doctors, nurses, healthcare attendants, allied professionals, and general support staff. Participants’ perceived dementia knowledge and attitudes were assessed as well as their previous dementia training and experience. To measure participant’s attitude towards dementia, the validated Approaches to Dementia Questionnaire (ADQ) was used.Results: Hospital staff demonstrated positive attitudes towards people living with dementia, and believed they had a fair to moderate understanding of dementia. Both ‘having previous dementia training’ and ‘having a relative living with dementia’ predicted attitude towards dementia and perceived dementia knowledge. Interestingly, certain personal staff characteristics did impact dementia training in predicting attitude towards dementia and perceived dementia knowledge.Conclusion: This study provides a baseline of data regarding the attitudes towards dementia and perceived dementia knowledge for hospital staff in Irish acute hospitals. The results can inform educational initiatives that target different hospital staff, in order to increase awareness and knowledge to improve quality of dementia care in Irish hospitals.
Antimicrobial resistance and toxigenic profiles of bacteria isolated from tropical shrimps (Farfantepenaeus notialis and Penaeus monodon) in Cameroun
Authors: OMBEDE Sabine Ninelle NGA , DOUGNON Victorien Tamègnon , KOUDOKPON Hornel , DEGUENON Esther , NGOMO Rajeunie Pernelle Jaelle MINDZIE , TCHIBOZO Carine , GNIMATIN Jean Pierre , TCHOUMBOUGNANG François , YADOULETON Anges , DOUGNON Jacques 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Objective: Post-harvest shrimp losses are a big problem due to the proliferation of spoilage bacteria. Presence and multiplication of these bacteria promotes the emergence of food-borne illnesses. This study was carried out to characterize specifics spoilage bacteria from tropical brackish water shrimp and black tiger shrimp shrimps. Result: 22 Bacillus spp ; 09 SCNs staphylococcus and 04 enterobacteria such as 01 Pantoea genus ; 01 Serratia plymutica and 02 Serratia rubidaea have been identified. Resistance and virulence genes were searched. All isolates expressed resistance to at least three of antibiotics tested. 03 strains of enterobacteria were sensible to cetfazidim and Amoxicillin-Clavulanic Acid . Bacillus showed complete susceptibility to Cefixim, ertapenem and cetfazidim. Staphylocococci were susceptible to clyndamycine. Pantoea spp was resistant to all antibiotics but exhibited intermediate susceptibility to Amoxycyclin-Clavulanic Acid. 04 strains of Staphycolocci were positive to mecA genes. None enterobacteria were positives to tetracycline resistance genes. All the strains of Bacillus contained enterotoxin genes, high prevalence of 21 strain to hemolytic enterotoxins and 17 strains to cell-lyse factor production like sphingomyelinase activities. The majority of Bacillus strains present in the study poses a potential risk of food poisoning due to the prevalence of toxin genes found.
Impact of prematurity and the CTG repeat length on outcomes in congenital myotonic dystrophy
Authors: Saito Yu , Matsumura Kenta , Kageyama Misao , Kato Yuichi , Ohta Eiji , Sumi Kiyoaki , Futatani Takeshi , Yoshida Taketoshi 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Objective: Patients with congenital myotonic dystrophy (CDM) tend to be born preterm. Although the CDM severity generally depends on the CTG repeat length, prematurity may also affect the prognosis in patients with CDM. Given that preterm birth is expected to increase the risk of CDM in newborns, we investigated the outcomes of newborns with CDM according to gestational age to assess prematurity and the CTG repeat length for predicting prognosis. Results: We assessed the outcomes of 54 infants with CDM using data collected from our hospitals and previously published studies. The patients were divided into mild and severe groups based on clinical outcomes. Logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate odds ratios (ORs) for CDM prognosis according to gestational age and the CTG repeat length and to construct a predictive model. Logistic regression analysis showed both the CTG repeat and gestational age were significantly associated with severe outcomes in patients with CDM (OR: 32.27, 95% CI: 3.45–300.7; p = .002 and OR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.58–0.93; p = .0094, respectively). This predictive model for CDM prognosis exhibited good sensitivity (63%) and specificity (86%). Both prematurity and the CTG repeat length were significantly associated with the CDM severity.
Reparative effect of mesenchymal stromal cells on endothelial cells after hypoxic and inflammatory injury
Authors: Sierra-Parraga Jesus Maria , Merino Ana , Eijken Marco , Leuvenink Henri , Ploeg Rutger J. , Møller Bjarne K. , Jespersen Bente , Baan Carla C. , Hoogduijn Martin J. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: The renal endothelium is a prime target for ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) during donation and transplantation procedures. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) have been shown to ameliorate kidney function after IRI. However, whether this involves repair of the endothelium is not clear. Therefore, our objective is to study potential regenerative effects of MSC on injured endothelial cells and to identify the molecular mechanisms involved.Methods: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were submitted to hypoxia and reoxygenation and TNF-a treatment. To determine whether physical interaction or soluble factors released by MSC were responsible for the potential regenerative effects of MSC on endothelial cells, dose-response experiments were performed in co-culture and transwell conditions and with secretome deficient MSC. Results: MSC showed increased migration and adhesion to injured HUVEC, mediated by CD29 and CD44 on the MSC membrane. MSC decreased membrane injury marker expression, oxidative stress levels and monolayer permeability of injured HUVEC, which was observed only when allowing both physical and paracrine interaction between MSC and HUVEC. Furthermore, viable MSC in direct contact with injured HUVEC improved wound healing capacity by 45% and completely restored their angiogenic capacity. In addition, MSC exhibited an increased ability to migrate through an injured HUVEC monolayer compared to non-injured HUVEC in vitro. Conclusions: These results show that MSC have regenerative effects on injured HUVEC via a mechanism which requires both physical and paracrine interaction. The identification of specific effector molecules involved in MSC-HUVEC interaction will allow targeted modification of MSC to apply and enhance the therapeutic effects of MSC in IRI.
Validation of multiplex PCR sequencing assay of SIV
Authors: Moriarty Ryan V , Fesser Nico , Sutton Matthew S , Venturi Vanessa , Davenport Miles P , Schlub Timothy , O'Connor Shelby L 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: The generation of accurate and reproducible viral sequence data is necessary to understand the diversity present in populations of RNA viruses isolated from clinical samples. While various sequencing methods are available, they often require high quality templates and high viral titer to ensure reliable data. Methods: We modified a multiplex PCR and sequencing approach to characterize populations of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) isolated from nonhuman primates. We chose this approach with the aim of reducing the number of required input templates while maintaining fidelity and sensitivity. We conducted replicate sequencing experiments using different numbers of quantified viral RNA (vRNA) or viral cDNA as input material. We performed assays with clonal SIVmac239 to detect false positives, and we mixed SIVmac239 and a variant with 24 point mutations (SIVmac239-24X) to measure variant detection sensitivity. Results: We found that utilizing a starting material of quantified viral cDNA templates had a lower rate of false positives and increased reproducibility when compared to that of quantified vRNA templates. This study identifies the importance of rigorously validating deep sequencing methods and including replicate samples when using a new method to characterize low frequency variants in a population with a small number of templates. Conclusions: Because the need to generate reproducible and accurate sequencing data from diverse viruses from low titer samples, we modified a multiplex PCR and sequencing approach to characterize SIV from populations from non-human primates. We found that increasing starting template numbers increased the reproducibility and decreased the number of false positives identified, and this was further seen when cDNA was used as a starting material. Ultimately, we highlight the importance of vigorously validating methods to prevent overinterpretation of low frequency variants in a sample.