bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation of TAp63 gene Expression and Follicle Count Using Melatonin in Cisplatin-induced Ovarian Toxicity
Authors: Şahin Hacı Öztürk , Duran Mehmet Nuri , Sılan Fatma , Sılan Ece , Sıddıkoglu Duygu , Kılınç Nihal 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Premature ovarian failure is among the most important side effects of chemotherapy during reproductive period. Preserving ovarian function is gradually gaining importance during oncologic treatment. The present study aims to investigate the potential of melatonin to protect from cisplatin-induced ovarian toxicity in rats. Twenty nine female rats were divided to three groups: Saline control group (Group 1), cisplatin group (Group 2), and cisplatin+melatonin group (Group 3). While the rats in Groups 2 and 3 were administered 5 mg/kg single dose of cisplatin via intra-peritoneal (IP) route, the rats in Group 3 were started on melatonin (20 mg/kg IP) before cisplatin administration and continued during 3 consecutive days. Ovaries were removed one week after cisplatin administration in all groups. Blood samples were obtained before the rats were decapited. Histological evaluation, follicle count, and classification were performed. TAp63 mRNA expression was evaluated using mRNA extraction and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Serum estradiol (E2) and anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) values were measured with enzyme immune-assay technology. Results: While primordial follicles were seen to decrease in Group 2 as compared to Group 1 (p:0.023), primordial follicle count was observed to be preserved significantly in melatonin group as compared to Group 2 (p:0.047). Moreover, cisplatin-induced histo-pathological morphology was preserved in favor of normal histology in melatonin group. A significant difference was not observed between groups with regard to mean serum AMH and E2 values (p:0.102 and p:0.411, respectively). While TAp63 gene expression significantly increased in Group 2 as compared to control group (p:0.001), we did not detect a statistically significant difference in cisplatin+melatonin group, although gene expression decreased (p:0.34). Conclusion: We conclude that concurrent administration of melatonin and cisplatin may protect from ovarian damage.
Left Atrial Functional Assessment and Mortality in Patients with Severe Aortic Stenosis
Authors: Ferreira João , Gonçalves Valdirene , Marques-Alves Patrícia , Martins Rui , Monteiro Sílvia , Teixeira Rogério , Gonçalves Lino 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Aortic valve stenosis (AS) is the most common primary valvular heart disease leading to surgical or percutaneous aortic valve replacement (AVR) in Europe and its prevalence is growing. While other risk factors in severe AS are well documented, less is known about the association between left atrial (LA) function and prognosis in AS. Our aim is to clarify the relationship between LA function measured at severe AS diagnosis (evaluated by means of volumetric assessment) and all-cause mortality during follow-up.Methods: We retrospectively evaluated patients diagnosed with severe AS for the first time at our echocardiography laboratory. We evaluated LA reservoir, conduit and pump function by measuring LA volumes at different timings of cardiac cycle. Treatment strategy was decided according to heart team consensus and patient decision. We divided patients into groups according to terciles of LA reservoir, conduit and pump function. Primary outcome was defined by the occurrence of all-cause mortality during follow-up.Results: A total of 451 patients were included in the analysis, with a median follow-up time of 73 months (interquartile range 44.5). 55.8% of patients underwent AVR and 45.5% of patients registered the primary outcome during follow-up. Left atrial emptying fraction (LAEF) was the best LA functional parameter and the best overall parameter in discriminating primary outcome (AUC 0.840, 95% CI 0.803-0.872, p<0.001). After adjustment for clinical, demographic and echocardiographic variables, cumulative survival of patients with LAEF <37% and LAEF 37 to 53% relative to patients with LAEF ≥54% remained significantly lower (hazard ratio 19.04, 95% CI 8.30-43.67, P<0.001 and hazard ratio 4.09, 95% CI 1.85-9.06, p=0.001, respectively). After adjustment for AVR, excess risk of LAEF <37% and LAEF 37 to 53% relative to LAEF ≥54% remained significant (hazard ratio 13.95, 95% CI 5.98-32.54, P<0.001 and hazard ratio 3.97, 95% CI 1.80-8.78, P=0.001, respectively).Conclusions: In patients with a first diagnosis of severe AS, LA function, evaluated by means of volumetric assessment, is an independent predictor of all-cause mortality and a more potent predictor of death compared to classical severity parameters. These data can be useful to identify high-risk patients who might benefit of AVR.
Quantifying the information content of lake microbiomes using a machine learning-based framework
Authors: Sperlea Theodor , Kreuder Nico , Beisser Daniela , Hattab Georges , Boenigk Jens , Heider Dominik 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Bacteria and microbial eukaryotes occupy a wide range of ecological niches and are essential for the functioning of ecosystems. The advent of next-generation sequencing methods enabled the study of environmental microbial community compositions. Yet, many questions regarding the stability and functioning of environmental microbiomes remain open. Results: In the current study, we present a methodological framework to quantify the information shared between the microbial community of a habitat and the abiotic parameters of this habitat. It is built on theoretical considerations of systems ecology and makes use of state-of-the-art machine learning techniques. It can also be used to identify bioindicators. We apply the framework to a dataset containing operational taxonomic units (OTUs) as well as more than twenty physico-chemical and geographic parameters measured in a large-scale survey of European lakes. While a large part of variation (up to 61\%) in many physico-chemical parameters can be explained by microbial community composition, some of the examined parameters only share little information with the microbiome. Moreover, we have identified OTUs that act as `multi-task’ bioindicators that could be potential candidates for lake water monitoring schemes. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the benefits of machine learning approaches in microbial ecology. Our results represent, for the first time, a quantification of information shared between the lake microbiome and a wide array of ecosystem parameters. Building on the results and methodology presented here, it will be possible to identify microbial taxa and processes central for the functioning and stability of lake ecosystems.
Communication strategies in the prevention of type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes in vulnerable groups: A scoping review
Authors: Breuing Jessica , Graf Christine , Neuhaus Annika Lena , Heß Simone , Lütkemeier Lena , Haas Fabiola , Spiller Mark , Pieper Dawid 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
The global prevalence of diabetes is nearly 9%, with an upward trend in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and gestational diabetes (GDM). Although evidence shows that vulnerable groups are affected disproportionally, these groups are difficult to reach in terms of preventive measures. Currently, there is no gold standard regarding communication strategies and/or public awareness campaigns.
Methods
We conducted a scoping review in September 2019. Two reviewers independently screened the results of the electronic literature search in several databases, including Medline, EMBASE, and PsycINFO. Extracted data were charted, categorized, and summarized.
Results
All of the included articles (n = 24) targeted T2DM; none targeted GDM. We identified the following five different vulnerable groups within the identified studies: migrants (n = 9), ethnic groups such as African Americans (n = 8), people with low socioeconomic status (n = 3), older people (n = 1) and people in need of care (n = 1). Three categories of communication strategies were identified as follows: adapted diabetes prevention programs (n = 21), community health workers (n = 5), and technical approaches (n = 9).
Conclusion
We found different approaches for preventive interventions for T2DM. Some of these approaches were already adapted to known barriers. Communication strategies should be adapted to barriers and facilitating factors to increase participation and motivation.
Visceral obesity on chronic constipation, inflammation, immune function and cognitive function in patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Wan Yemin , Zhang Dan , Qian Yunzhi , Chang Shuchen , Qian Haihua 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Objective: Obesity has gained attention among patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The impact of visceral obesity on chronic constipation, inflammation, immune function and cognition after diagnosis of IBD is still unknown.Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of 140 IBD patients. Patients’ visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) were measured by abdominal computerized tomography (CT) scans and were grouped according to visceral obesity. Baseline variables, chronic constipation status, inflammation status and immune function were compared. The implications of visceral obesity on cognitive function were evaluated using Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE).Results: The prevalence of visceral obesity was 51% (37 out of 72) for CD patients and 26% for UC patients (18 out of 68 patients). CD patients with visceral obesity has higher incidence of chronic constipation (81% vs. 57%, P = 0.028), higher IL-6 levels (15.28 pg/ml vs. 9.429 pg/ml, P = 0.0073) and lower CD4+ T cells (32.7% vs. 44.0%, P < 0.001). For UC patients, patients with visceral obesity have the tendency of higher IL-6 levels (7.2 vs. 6.0 pg/ml, P = 0.053). VAT/SAT ratio is associated with BMI (r = 0.652, P < 0.001).Conclusions: IBD patients had high risks of visceral obesity. CD Patients with visceral obesity had higher prevalence of chronic constipation, higher inflammation levels, decreased immune function.
Computer-Aided Age-Related Macular Degeneration Diagnosis with the Fusion of Both Color Fundus and Fluorescein Angiography
Authors: Yu Zekuan , Hao Jianchen , Tian Zifeng , Qiu Bin , Zhu Shujin , Zhang Wenbo , Nie Hongping , Zhang Shijie , Li Jun , Yang Liu , Ren Qiushi , Lu Yanye 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the most severe vision-threatening diseases, and yet Fundus Fluorescein Angiography (FFA) is the gold standard for AMD diagnosis. In recent years, many AMD computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) systems have been developed based on either color fundus images or OCT images. However, there is no CAD technique that integrates FFA with other ophthalmic imaging so far. Methods: In order to improve the performance of AMD CAD system, we propose a pioneering CAD pipeline that combines color fundus and FFA photography. This novel pipeline is the first work that incorporates FFA with any other modality. Six deep neural networks (ResNet-18, ResNet-50, ResNet-101, Inception-V3, Inception-ResNetV2, and DenseNet-201) were utilized to extract feature vectors to facilitate five classifiers (Random Forest, K-Nearest Neighbor, and Support Vector Machine with Linear, Gaussian, and Quadratic functions) for AMD diagnosis. The pipeline was validated on 664 pairs of color fundus and FFA images using 10-fold cross-validation. Results and conclusion: The accuracy and area under curve (AUC) value achieves 93.8% and 0.97, respectively. The results demonstrate that combining color fundus images and FFA images in CAD system is beneficial for AMD diagnosis, indicating promising potential to clinical practice in the future.
Weighted Multilevel Models for Malaria Indicator Survey
Authors: Zewude Bereket Tessema , Debusho Legesse Kassa 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: The data generated from malaria indicator surveys have a multilevel structure where children or households are nested within cluster and this may result in dependent data. In a survey, clusters or units within clusters may be selected with unequal probabilities and often surveys are subjected to non-response. Modeling of these data must take into consideration these aspects as these could lead to incorrect inferences. The main purpose of this study is to assess the factors that affect child malaria diagnostic outcomes and to estimate the proportion of overall child-level variation in malaria outcome that is attributable to child and household-level predictors and the cluster-level predictors using various weighted multilevel models. In this study, cluster represents a "Kebele", which is the smallest administrative unit in regional states in Ethiopia. Methods: A sample of 4,384 under five years age children were in this study from three regional states of Ethiopia. Various multilevel models with random cluster effects were used taking into account the survey design weights. These weights are scaled to address unequal probabilities of selection within clusters. Results: The asymptotic chi-square mixture distribution test results suggested the need for the cluster-level random effects in all the models. The findings related to child / household- and cluster-level predictors are consistent with those available in existing literature. The overall variability has been partitioned into child/household-level and cluster-level variability and the results revealed that some of the differences between clusters in under five years age children malaria RDT outcomes explained by child/household factors. Conclusions: The use of weighted multilevel model to examine within- and between cluster variability in malaria RDT outcomes for under five years age children and of the extent to which between clusters variability is explained by child / household and cluster-level factors. The approach used in this paper allows investigation of how individual- and cluster-level factors including the public health authorities’ interventions plans related to health outcomes simultaneously. Such collective assessment approach may lead to more effective public health strategies and could have important policy implications for health promotion and for the reduction of health disparities.
Aberrant Activation of the Hedgehog Signaling Pathway in Granulosa Cells from Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Li You , Xiong Guohui , Tan Jun , Wang Shudi , Wu Qiongfang , Wan Lei , Zhang ZiYu , Huang Ouping 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
The molecular mechanism that triggers polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is mysterious. Abnormal development of ovarian granulosa cells(GCs) is one of the causes of PCOS. Herein, we carried out RNA-seq to detect the different gene expression levels in ovarian GCs between 3 patients with PCOS and 4 normal controls, and found that Hedgehog signaling pathway(Hh) members, Ihh and Ptch2 were abnormally highly expressed in the PCOS group. To further verify the above results, GCs from 22 patients with PCOS and 21 controls with normal ovulation were collected to perform the RT-PCR analysis. The qPCR results also indicated that the expression levels of other Hh signaling pathway downstream members, Ptch1, Gli1, and Gli2 in the PCOS group were significantly higher than those in the control group. Besides, the expression of TNF-α mRNA in PCOS patients was higher than that in the control group. Finally, the Hh signaling pathway inhibitor, cyclopamine, can decrease the apoptosis of PCOS ovarian granulosa cells. These results suggest that abnormally activated Hh signaling pathway, especially Ihh signal, may have a profound influence on PCOS.
A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for Craving and Cessation in Marijuana Use Disorder Patients: Feasibility, Acceptability, and Appropriateness
Authors: davoudi Mohammadreza , allame Zahra , Foroughi Aliakbar , taheri Amir Abbas 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Purpose: This study has investigated the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of DBT for Marijuana cessation and craving reduction as a pilot RCT.Methods: Sixty-one participants were randomly assigned to one of the DBT or psycho-education as active control-group with two-month follow-up. Patients completed measures at pre-interventions, post-interventions, and a two-month follow-up.Results: feasibility in DBT is significantly higher than the control group. In the DBT group 29/30 (96% retention) and in control group 24/31 (77% retention) completed all sessions (χ2= 4.95, p = 0.02). Moreover, 29/30 (96%) in the DBT group and 20/31 (64.5%) in the control group completed the two-month follow-up (χ2= 9.97, p = 0.002). For the acceptability of the intervention, results showed 16.57 (agree) in DBT and 9.6 (neither agree nor disagree) in control groups for p < 0.05. For appropriateness, results showed 17.03 (completely agree) in DBT and 10.7 (neither agree nor disagree) in control-groups for p < 0.05. for craving, results confirmed that there is no significant difference between groups (F = 3.52, p > 0.05); however, in “emotionality,” subscale DBT showed a significant reduction rather than the control group (F = 19.94, p < 0.05). For cessation rates, DBT was compared with the control group at the posttest (46% vs. 16%) and follow-up (40% vs. 9.5%), and results proved higher effectiveness in the DBT group for p < 0.05. Furthermore, among those who have lapsed, participation in the DBT group had fewer days than consume for p <0.05.Conclusions: DBT shows feasibility, acceptability, and promise in improving cessation rate in Marijuana use disorder and warrants further investigations.
Network Analysis of Assistive Technology Stakeholders in Malawi
Authors: Smith Emma M , Ebuenyi Ikenna D. , Kafumba Juba A , Jamali-Phiri Monica , Munthali Alister , MacLachlan Malcolm 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background Assistive technologies promote participation and quality of life for people with disabilities and other functional limitations. There is a global call to develop and implement policies to improve access to assistive technologies. In response, a stakeholder led initiative in Malawi is working towards the development of such a policy. The objective of this study was to assess the existing network of stakeholders, and the strength of relationship between organizations who deliver assistive products and related services. We conducted a survey-based network analysis of assistive technology stakeholder organizations in Malawi.Results Stakeholders (n = 19) reported a range of connections, from no awareness to collaboration with organizations within the assistive technology network. No single organization or government ministry was most central to the network. International NGOs were less central to the network than local organizations for disabled people, service providers, and ministries.Conclusions The assistive technology stakeholder network in Malawi is distributed, with a range of responsibility across a variety of stakeholders, including three government ministries. An effective assistive technology policy must engage all stakeholders and may benefit from a collective leadership approach that spans the inter-sectoral need for a cohesive assistive technology system.
Does the Gap Between Health Workers’ Expectations and the Realities of Implementing a Performance-Based Financing Project in Mali Create Frustration?
Authors: ZITTI Tony , FILLOL Amandine , LOHMANN Julia , COULIBALY Abdourahmane , RIDDE Valéry 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) have seen a shift in the health financing architecture in recent years, particularly in Africa. Performance-Based Financing (PBF) is one of these recent initiatives. Motivating health workers is one of the mechanisms through which PBF is assumed to improve the quality of care. Our study offers the opportunity to identify and understand, from the first days of implementation of PBF in Mali, how the expectations of health workers related to implementation realities of the first cycle of PBF subsidy payment, and how correspondences and discrepancies affected health worker motivation.Methods: We adopted a qualitative approach using multiple explanatory and contrasting case studies with nested levels of analysis. We conducted 53 semi-structured interviews with health workers in three of ten district hospitals in the Koulikoro region. Data was analyzed in a mixed deductive and inductive manner.Results: The results show that the PBF subsidies led to health workers feeling more motivated to perform their tasks overall. Beyond financial motivation, this was primarily due to PBF allowing them to work better. However, respondents perceived a discrepancy between the efforts made and the subsidies received. The fact that their expectations were not met led to a sense of frustration and disappointment. Similarly, the way in which the subsidies were distributed and the lack of transparency in the distribution process led to feelings of unfairness among the vast majority of respondents. The results show that frustrations can build up in the early days of the intervention.Conclusion: The PBF implementation in Mali left health workers initial frustrations. The short overall implementation period did not allow actors to adjust their initial expectations and motivational responses, neither positive and negative. This underlines how short-term interventions might not just lack impact, but instill negative sentiments likely to carry on into the future.
Varicella Zoster Virus Induced Acute Retinal Necrosis Following Acute Meningoencephalitis in a Patient with Presumed COVID-19
Authors: Hassanpour Kiana , Khorasanizadeh Faezeh , Ahmadieh Hamid , Nabavi Mahmood , Daftarian Narsis , Ramezani Alireza 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: To report the coincidence of acute retinal necrosis syndrome (ARN) following acute meningoencephalitis and presumed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in an immunocompetent patient. Case presentation: A 58-year old female presented to our emergency department complaining of sudden unilateral visual loss following a recent hospitalization for a viral meningoencephalitis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of the aqueous humor, reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of the nasopharyngeal swab specimen, chest computed tomography (CT), and fundus photography were performed for the patient. Ophthalmic examination revealed severe ocular inflammation and yellowish patches of necrotizing retinitis in the right eye compatible with the diagnosis of ARN. The result of PCR on the aqueous humor was positive for VZV. The patient received one intravitreal ganciclovir injection and 10 days intravenous ganciclovir followed by oral acyclovir. The patient underwent COVID-19 screening tests; chest CT-scan showed the features highly suggestive for COVID-19 while the RT-PCR was negative two times. Two months later, BCVA reached 20/70 in the right eye. The anterior chamber reaction and KPs resolved and the vitreous haziness significantly decreased Conclusion: A case of VZV induced ARN following acute meningoencephalitis was observed in association with presumed COVID-19. This could be an incidental finding in the pandemic era of COVID-19; however, it could also suggest that COVID-19 might trigger ARN in cases having latent herpes family viruses.