bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oral beta-lactam step down in bacteremic E. coli urinary tract infections
Authors: Saad Stephan , Mina Neil , Lee Colin , Afra Kevin 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background. Literature is scarce regarding oral step down to beta-lactams in bacteremic urinary tract infections. Oral fluoroquinolones are an accepted and common step down for bacteremic urinary tract infections; however, their use is associated with mounting safety concerns. We compared clinical cure in patients with E. coli bacteremic urinary tract infections who were stepped down to oral beta-lactams compared to oral fluoroquinolones.Methods. This multicentre retrospective cohort study included patients with first positive concurrent urine and blood cultures from January 2016 to December 2016. Patients were included if they received empiric intravenous beta-lactam therapy with step down to either oral beta-lactam or fluoroquinolone for treatment completion. The primary outcome was clinical cure. Secondary outcomes were length of hospitalization, all-cause mortality and C. difficile infection. Multivariate analysis and propensity score were used to control for confounding.Results. A total of 207 patients were identified with bacteremic E.coli urinary tract infections. Clinical cure was achieved in 72/77 (94%) in the oral beta-lactam group versus 127/130 (98%) in the oral fluoroquinolone group (absolute difference -4.2%, 95% confidence interval [CI] -10.3% to 1.9%, p=0.13). The adjusted odds ratio (OR) for clinical cure with oral beta-lactams was 0.31 (95% CI 0.05 – 1.90, p=0.21); propensity score adjusted analysis showed a similar result. There was no statistically significant difference in secondary outcomes.Conclusions. Oral beta-lactams appear to be a safe and effective step down option in bacteremic E. coli urinary tract infections compared to oral fluoroquinolones.
Head phantoms for bioelectromagnetic applications: a material study
Authors: Hunold Alexander , Machts René , Haueisen Jens 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Assessments of source reconstruction procedures in electroencephalography and computations of transcranial electrical stimulation profiles require verification and validation with the help of ground truth configurations as implemented by physical head phantoms.. For these phantoms, synthetic materials are needed, which are mechanically and electrochemically stable and possess conductivity values similar to the modeled human head tissues. Typical three-compartment head models comprise a scalp layer with a conductivity range from 0.137 S/m to 2.1 S/m, a skull layer with conductivity values between 0.066 S/m and 0.00275 S/m, and an intracranial volume with an often-used average conductivity value of 0.33 S/m. To establish a realistically shaped physical head phantom with a well-defined volume conduction configuration we here characterize the electrical conductivity of synthetic materials for modeling head compartments. We analyze agarose hydrogel, gypsum, and sodium chloride (NaCl) solution as surrogate materials for scalp, skull, and intracranial volume. We measure the impedance of all materials when immersed in NaCl solution using a four-electrode setup. The measured impedance values, temperature compensated to 25°C, were used to calculate the electrical conductivity values of each material. Further, the conductivities in the longitudinal and transversal directions of reed sticks immersed in NaCl solution were measured to test their suitability for mimicking the anisotropic conductivity of white matter tracts.Results: We obtained conductivities of 0.314 S/m, 0.30 S/m, 0.311 S/m (2 %, 3 %, 4 % agarose), 0.0425 S/m and 0.0017 S/m (gypsum with and without NaCl in the compound), and 0.332 S/m (0.17 % NaCl solution). These values are within the range of the conductivity values used for EEG and TES modeling. The reed sticks showed anisotropic conductivity with a ratio of 1:2.8. Conclusion: We conclude that the tested materials agarose, gypsum, and NaCl solution can serve as stable representations of the three main conductivity compartments of the head scalp, skull, and intracranial volume. An anisotropic conductivity structure such as a fiber track in white matter can be modeled using tailored reed sticks inside a volume conductor.
Hemopneumothorax Detection Through the Process of Artificial Evolution - A Feasibility Study
Authors: Sommer Adir , Mark Noy , Gerasi Rafi , Avraham Linn Wagnert , Fan-Marko Ruth , Eisenkraft Arik , Nachman Dean 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background : Tension pneumothorax is one of the leading causes of preventable death on the battlefield. Current prehospital diagnosis relies on a subjective clinical impression complemented by a manual thoracic and respiratory examination. These techniques are not fully applicable in field conditions and on the battlefield, where situational and environmental factors may impair clinical capabilities. We aimed to assemble a device able to sample, analyze, and classify the unique acoustic signatures of pneumothorax and hemothorax. Methods : Tested on an ex-vivo porcine model, we have assembled a device consisting of two sensitive digital stethoscopes and sampled 12 seconds of mechanical ventilation breathing sounds over the animals’ thorax. The thoracic cavity was injected with increasing volumes of 200, 400, 600, 800, and 1000 ml of air and saline to simulate pneumothorax and hemothorax, respectively. The data was analyzed using a multi-objective genetic algorithm that was used to develop an optimal mathematical detector through the process of artificial evolution, a cutting-edge approach in the artificial intelligence discipline. Results : The algorithm was able to classify the signals according to their distinctive characteristics and to accurately predict, in up to 80% of cases, the presence of pneumothorax and hemothorax, starting from 400 ml, and regardless of background noise. Conclusions : We present a potential objective and rapid diagnosis modality that can overcome independent and subjective factors that may delay diagnosis and treatment of potentially lethal thoracic injuries, with emphasis on field conditions. A future diagnostic device could be embedded with the algorithm and provide real-time detection and monitoring of pneumothorax and hemothorax.
Diversified crop rotations enhance groundwater and economic sustainability of food production
Authors: Yang Xiaolin , Steenhuis Tammo , Davis Kyle , Werf Wopke van der , Ritsema Coen , Chen Yuanquan , Pacenka Steven , Zhang Fusuo , Siddique Kadambot 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Earth’s water resources are critical for supporting livelihoods and food security but are being
increasingly overexploited to support global agriculture. Diversifying cropping systems could potentially resolve unsustainable water use but trade-offs with other aspects of sustainability and food security have not yet been assessed. We perform a detailed meta-analysis to systematically compare 31 different crop rotations in China– in terms of actual evapotranspiration (ETa), effect on groundwater depth, grain yield, economic output, and water use efficiency (WUE) – and identify configurations that can achieve co-benefits across multiple dimensions. We find that a combination of lowering the cropping index (i.e., harvest frequency), incorporating fallow periods, and introducing higher value crops into the currently dominant winter wheat-summer maize double cropping system can reduce growing season ETa by as much as 31%, mitigate groundwater decline by 19% or more, and increased economic output and economic WUE by more than 11% and 3%, respectively. We also find that multiple diversified wheat-maize–based rotations– all with rotation lengths greater than two years– achieve co-benefits across all evaluated dimensions. This study provides new empirical evidence of the opportunities for diversified crop rotations to balance the multiple objectives of food production, sustainable groundwater use and farmer profitability. Extending this solution to other water-stressed agricultural regions could be an effective strategy in achieving more sustainable food production globally.
Comparison of Irinotecan and Oxaliplatin as the First-Line Therapies for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Kawai Sadayuki , Takeshima Nozomi , Hayasaka Yu , Notsu Akifumi , Yamazaki Mutsumi , Kawabata Takanori , Yamazaki Kentaro , Mori Keita , Yasui Hirofumi 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundIrinotecan (IRI) and oxaliplatin (Ox) are standard therapeutic agents of the first-line treatments for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Previous meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) showed that treatment with Ox-based compared with IRI-based regimens was associated with better overall survival (OS). However, these reports did not include trials of molecular targeting agents and did not take methods for the administration of concomitant drugs, such as bolus or continuous infusion of 5-fluorouracil, into account. A systematic literature review was performed to compare the efficacy and toxicity profiles between IRI- and Ox-based regimens as the first-line treatments for mCRC.MethodsThis meta-analysis used data from the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, and SCOPUS. The primary endpoint was OS, and the secondary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), and adverse events (AEs).ResultsNineteen trials involving 4,571 patients were included in the analysis. No statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of OS, PFS, and ORR. There was no significant heterogeneity. Regarding ≥ grade 3 AEs, IRI-based regimens were associated with a high incidence of leukopenia, febrile neutropenia, and diarrhea. Moreover, there was a high incidence of thrombocytopenia and peripheral sensory neuropathy in patients who received Ox-based regimens. In a subgroup analysis, IRI combined with bevacizumab was correlated with a better PFS (HR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.82–0.98, P = 0.02), but not with OS.ConclusionAlthough the safety profiles of IRI- and Ox-based regimens varied, their efficacy did not significantly differ. Therefore, both regimens could be used as the first-line treatments for mCRC with consideration of the patients’ condition or toxicity profiles.
“The Health Equity Curse”: Ethical Tensions in Promoting Health Equity
Authors: Pauly Bernie , Revai Tina , Marcellus Lenora , Martin Wanda , Easton Kathy , MacDonald Marjorie 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Public health (PH) practitioners have a strong moral commitment to health equity and social justice. However, PH values often do not align with health systems values, making it challenging for PH practitioners to promote health equity. In spite of a growing range of PH ethics frameworks and theories, little is known about ethical concerns related to promotion of health equity in PH practice. The purpose of this paper is to examine the ethical concerns of PH practitioners in promoting health equity in the context of mental health promotion and prevention of harms of substance use.Methods: As part of a broader program of public health systems and services research, we interviewed 32 PH practitioners. Results: Using constant comparative analysis, we identified four systemic ethical tensions: [1] biomedical versus social determinants of health agenda; [2] systems driven agendas versus situational care; [3] stigma and discrimination versus respect for persons; and [4] trust and autonomy versus surveillance and social control.Conclusions: Naming these tensions provides insights into the daily ethical challenges of PH practitioners and an opportunity to reflect on the relevance of PH frameworks. These findings highlight the value of relational ethics as a promising approach for developing ethical frameworks for PH practice.
Phospholipid Composition of APOE Lipoproteins Affects Microglia Activation in an Isoform-specific Manner
Authors: Fitz Nicholas , Nam KyongNyon , Wolfe Cody , Letronne Florent , Playso Brittany , Iordanova Bistra , Kozai Takashi , Biedrzycki Richard , Kagan Valerian , Tyurina Yulia , Han Xianlin , Lefterov Iliya , Koldamova Rada 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Apolipoprotein E4 (APOE) is the strongest genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Our lipidomic analysis identified a common phospholipid signature with a high level of correlation between APOEε3/3 and APOEε4/4 AD postmortem brain samples and native lipoproteins isolated from astrocyte conditioned media of mice expressing human APOE3 or APOE4. Behavioral testing demonstrated that native E3 lipoproteins were more effective than E4 at ameliorating the harmful effects of Aβ on cognition. We posit that APOE isoform-specific differences in the phospholipid composition of native lipoproteins prompt a differential microglial response. Using time-lapse in vivo two-photon imaging we compared the effect of E3 or E4 infused with Aβ and determined that E3 lipoproteins induced a faster microglial migration towards Aβ. To determine how E3 and E4 lipoproteins affect microglial transcriptome in response to Aβ we performed bulk and single cell RNA-seq of WT and Trem2ko mice. We show that compared to E4, cortical infusion of E3 lipoproteins upregulated a higher proportion of genes associated with an activated immune response accompanied by a downregulation of homeostatic genes. scRNA-seq identified microglia-specific clusters affected by Trem2 deficiency suggesting that lack of Trem2 impairs the transition of microglia from homeostatic to an activated state. Compared to E3, E4-expressing microglia showed a reduced Aβ uptake that was additionally aggravated by Trem2 deficiency. Together, our findings have elucidated unique phenotypic and transcriptional differences in the microglial response to Aβ in the presence of E3 or E4 lipoproteins which could impact AD pathogenesis.
Evaporating Potential
Authors: Fang Sunmiao , Li Jidong , Xu Yin , Shen Chun , Guo Wanlin 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Evaporation induced electric potential in functional materials has been promoting the emergence of a new discipline, hydrovoltaics1,2, but the phenomena have been widely ascribed to streaming potential related classic electrokinetic effects3,4. Here we show that evaporation in ambient environment can directly generate a sustainable voltage of up to 1 V with a current density of around 20 nA cm-2 from a porous carbon black film without contribution from streaming potential. Multi-electrode measurements confirm that the evaporating potential is generated mainly within the precursor ahead of the main capillary front. Detailed theoretical and experimental analyses indicate that the evaporating potential following the quadratic distribution arises from molecule evaporation induced carrier transfer in the precursor film. This new finding should lay a solid foundation for the emerging hydrovoltaics.
Longevity factor klotho and resistance to cognitive deficits in a transgenic mouse model and in individuals with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Moreno Arturo , Luthra Nijee , Bonham Luke , Lin Jonathan , Broestl Lauren , Betourne Alexandre , Sehgal Rohan , Wang Dan , Lesne Sylvain , Ostrem Jill , Yokoyama Jennifer , Dubal Dena 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Aging is the primary risk factor for Parkinson’s disease (PD) and cognitive impairment from PD is a major and unmet biomedical challenge. Klotho, a pleiotropic protein, extends lifespan and enhances cognition. Whether longevity factors such as klotho can counteract PD-related mortality and deficits in mice or associate with resistance to PD in humans is unknown. Here we show that transgenic elevation of klotho increased lifespan, improved synaptic and cognitive, but not motor, functions in mice, and decreased steady state α-synuclein levels in the brains of mice that express wildtype human α-synuclein. In humans, a genetic variant of KLOTHO that increases circulating klotho levels associated with better executive cognition and less CSF abnormalities of α-synuclein in individuals with PD. Thus, klotho can counteract cognitive deficits related to PD, possibly modulating α-synuclein levels – and these findings may be relevant to new therapeutic pathways for human PD.
Study on the Mechanism of Tiaogan Yunpi Decoction in Treating Diarrhea-Irritable Bowel Syndrome Based on Network Pharmacology
Authors: Yan Jing , Ge Fei , Miao Zhi-wei , Liu Li-na , Lu Jun , Liu Feng , Shang Wen-bin , Zhao Juan , Yu Xi-zhong , Sun Zhi-guang , Ning Li-qin , Lu Dong-xue 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Tiaogan Yunpi Decoction (TGYPD) is a clinical experience commonly used by tutors to treat diarrhea-irritable bowel syndrome (D-IBS); it has been commonly employed to treat ulcerative colitis and chemotherapy-induced intestinal mucositis. However, the mechanism of TGYPD in D-IBS treatment remains unclear. In the present study, the potential mechanism of TGYPD for irritable bowel syndrome was tested by network pharmacology combined with the IBS rat model. On the whole, 56 active ingredients were screened out, and 238 assessed targets were identified; 1934 known disease targets regarding the occurrence and development of irritable bowel syndrome were successfully searched from the disease database. GO biological processes primarily impact cytokine receptor binding, transcription factor activity, cytokine activity, antioxidant activity, biosynthesis regulation, cell cycle regulation and other cellular active sites of irritable bowel syndrome. Besides, the mentioned processes are involved in AGE- RAGE signaling pathway, TNF and IL-17 signaling pathway, Toll-like receptor (TLRs) signaling pathway, multiple cancer signaling pathways, and viral key signaling pathways of infection, hepatitis and endocrine resistance. As reported by the protein interaction network (PPI), IL-6, CXCL8, VEGFR, JUN, MAPK3 and AKT1 are likely to act as the critical targets for TGYPD to treat IBS. Moreover, in the model of IBS-D rats, TGYPD is capable of significantly reducing stool Bristol type and AWR scores, as well as effectively decreasing TNF-αand IFN-γ. As revealed from colon pathological section, TGYPD can relieve intestinal damage and mitigate intestinal mucosal immune inflammation. As suggested from the results of the Western blotting assay, TGYPD is capable of suppressing the expression of TLR4-MYD88-NF-kB signaling pathway in intestines. In brief, the results achieved in this study suggest that TGYPD can significantly mitigate immune inflammation and protect against intestinal mucosal barrier in the intestines of the IBS-D rat model. This study provides novel insights that can be referenced by other TCM studies.
The Effect of 0.01% Atropine Eye Drops Combined with Auricular Acupoint Stimulation on Myopia Progression and Choroidal Thickness: The Preliminary Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kong Xie-He , Zhao Yue , Chen Zhi , Zeng Li , Han Rong , Dong Xiao-Qing , Guo Xiao-Cong , Shi Zheng , Yang Guang , Yang Yan-Ting , Zhang Dan , Zhou Xing-Tao , Ma Xiao-Peng 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Use of 0.01% atropine eye drops (0.01%A) is one of the most common treatments for myopia control for children in Asia. Auricular acupoint stimulation (AAS) was reported to enhance the effect of higher-concentration atropine (0.25%, 0.125%) on myopia control. This study was designed to compare the effect of 0.01%A combined with AAS and 0.01%A alone on myopia progression and choroidal thickness in children.Methods: A total of 104 children were stratified by age and randomly assigned at 1:1 to receive 0.01%A or 0.01%A+AAS treatment for 6 months. Repeated measurements of cycloplegic spherical equivalent (SE) autorefraction, axial length (AL), and choroidal thickness were performed at baseline, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months.Results: The adjusted mean SE change over the 6 months was −0.38 ± 0.04 D in the 0.01%A group (n = 50) and −0.25 ± 0.04 D in the 0.01%A+AAS group (n = 50), demonstrating a significant between-group difference (P = 0.02). There was no statistically significant difference in the change of AL or choroidal thickness between the two groups (both P > 0.05).Conclusion: Compared with 0.01%A monotherapy, AAS as adjunctive treatment slowed myopic progression in Chinese children by a small, statistically amount during this 6-month observation. Future follow-up study is needed to verify its effects on axial elongation or choroidal thickness.Trial registration: Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1900021316. Registered 13 February 2019, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=35435
Exploration of the Potential Mechanisms of Lingqihuangban Granule for Treating Diabetic Retinopathy Based on Network Pharmacology
Authors: He Shuai , Gu Chufeng , Su Tong , Zhou Chuandi , Lhamo Thashi , Draga Deji , Yin Lili , Qiu Qinghua 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: The Lingqihuangban Granule (LQHBG), a remarkable Chinese herbal compound, has been used for decades to treat diabetic retinopathy (DR) in Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases) with obvious effects. Through the method of network pharmacology, the present study constructed bioactive component-relative targets and protein-protein interaction network of the LQHBG and implemented gene function analysis and pathway enrichment of targets, discussing the mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine LQHBG in treating DR. Materials and methods: The bioactive ingredients of LQHBG were screened and obtained using TCMSP and ETCM databases, while the potential targets of bioactive ingredients were predicted by SwissTargetPrediction and ETCM databases. Compared with the disease target databases of TTD, Drugbank, OMIM and DisGeNET, the therapeutic targets of LQHBG for DR were extracted. Based on DAVID platform, GO annotation and KEGG pathway analyses of key targets were explored, combined with the screening of core pathways on Omicshare database and pathway annotation on Reactome database. Results: A total of 357 bioactive components were screened from LQHBG, involving 86 possible targets of LQHBG treating DR. In PPI network, INS and ALB were identified as key genes. The effective targets were enriched in multiple signaling pathways, such as PI3K/Akt and MAPK pathways. Conclusion: This study revealed the possible targets and pathways of LQHBG treating DR, reflecting the characteristics of multicomponent, multitarget and multipathway treatment of a Chinese herbal compound, and provided new ideas for further discussion.