bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Potential therapeutic effects of endothelial cells trans-differentiated from Wharton’s Jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells on altered vascular functions in aged diabetic rat model
Authors: Motawea Shaimaa M. , Noreldin Rasha I. , Naguib Yahya M 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
BackgroundDiabetes mellitus in elderly represents an exceptional subset in the population vulnerable to cardiovascular events. As aging, diabetes mellitus and hypertension share common pathways, an ideal treatment should possess the ability to counter more than, if not all, the underlying mechanisms. Stem cells emerged as a potential approach for complicated medical problems. We tested here the possible role of trans-differentiated endothelial cells (ECs) in the treatment of diabetes mellitus in old rats.MethodsMesenchymal stem cells where isolated from umbilical cord Wharton’s Jelly and induced to differentiate into endothelial like-cells using vascular endothelial growth factor-enriched media. Thirty aged male Wistar albino rats were used in the present study. Rats were divided (10/group) into: control group (18–20 months old, weighing 350–400 g, received single intraperitoneal injection as well as single intravenous injection via tail vein of the vehicles), aged diabetic group (18–20 months old, weighing 350–400 g, received single intraperitoneal injection of 50 mg/kg streptozotocin, and also received single intravenous injection of saline via tail vein), and aged diabetic + ECs group (18–20 months old, weighing 350–400 g, received single intraperitoneal injection of 50 mg/kg streptozotocin, and also received single intravenous injection of 2*106 MSC-derived ECs in 0.5 ml saline via tail vein) groups. Assessment of SBP, aortic PWV, and renal artery resistance was performed. Serum levels of ET1, ANG II, IL-6, TNF-α, MDA, ROS, and VEGF were evaluated, as well as the aortic NO tissue level and eNOS gene expression. Histopathological and immunostaining assessments of small and large vessels were also performed.ResultsInduction of diabetes in old rats resulted in significant increase in SBP, aortic PWV, renal artery resistance, and serum levels of ET1, ANG II, IL-6, TNF-α, MDA, ROS, and VEGF. While there was significant decrease in aortic NO tissue level and eNOS gene expression in the aged diabetic group when compared to aged control group. ECs treatment resulted in significant improvement of endothelial dysfunction, inflammation and oxidative stress.ConclusionWe report here the potential therapeutic role of trans-differentiated ECs in aged diabetics. ECs demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, gene modifying properties, significantly countered endothelial dysfunction, and improved vascular insult.
Estimating restricted mean survival time and expected life-years lost in the presence of competing risks within flexible parametric survival models
Authors: Mozumder Sarwar Islam , Lambert Paul , Rutherford Mark 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
We present various measures, specifically the expected life-years list due to a cause of death, that can be predicted for a specific covariate pattern. These can also be summarised at the population-level using standardisation to obtain marginal measures. The restricted mean survival time (RMST) measure can be obtained in the presence of competing risks using Royston-Parmar flexible parametric survival models (FPMs). Royston-Parmar FPMs can be fitted on either the cause-specific hazards or cumulative incidence scale in the presence of competing risks. An advantage of modelling within this framework for competing risks data is the ease at which other alternative predictions to the (cause-specific or subdistribution) hazard ratio can be obtained. The RMST estimate is one such measure. This has an attractive interpretation, especially when the proportionality assumption is violated. In addition to this, compared to similar measures, fewer assumptions are required and it does not require extrapolation. Furthermore, one can easily obtain the expected number of life-years lost, or gained, due to a particular cause of death, which is a further useful prognostic measure. We describe estimation of RMST after fitting a FPM on either the log-cumulative subdistribution, or cause-specific hazards scale. As an illustration of reporting such measures to facilitate interpretation of a competing risks analysis, models are fitted to English colorectal data.
Subjective sleep quality and association with depression syndrome, chronic disease and health-related physical fitness in middle-aged and elderly
Authors: Ho Shu-Chuan , Hsu Min-Fang , Lee Kang-Yun , Lin Tsung-Ching , Liu Wen-Te 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
BackgroundSleep quality as a complex phenomenon is difficult to define and measure objectively, multiple factors are related to sleep quality, such as age, lifestyle, physical activity, and physical fitness, are prominent in the older adult population. The aim of the present study was to evaluate subjective sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and associate with the health-related physical fitness factors, depression symptom, and chronic disease numbers in middle-aged and elderly.MethodsWe enrolled a total of 283 participants with middle-aged and elderly from a rehabilitation clinic or health examination department. The PSQI was used to evaluate sleep quality. The health-related fitness assessment includes anthropometric and physical fitness. Depressive symptoms were measured by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) short form. Data were analyzed with SPSS 18.0, descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis were performed for analysis.ResultsOverall, 27.9% of the participants in this study demonstrated poor sleep quality (PSQI score> 5), 10.2% of the study participants frequently used sleep medication to help them fall asleep, 6.0% reported having significant depressive symptoms (CES-D ≥ 10). The results have three major foundlings (1) depression symptom, number of chronic disease, self-rate health and arthritis were significantly associated with poor sleep quality, (2) age was associated with sleep disturbance, (3) two-min step was associated with longer sleep latency. This results confirmed two-min step was associated with longer sleep latency among the health-related physical fitness items.ConclusionOur studies found that depressive syndromes, chronic disease numbers, poor self-rated health status and arthritis were the main risk factors that influenced subjective sleep quality.
Palliative Performance Scale: Polish validation in hospice setting - a prospective observational study
Authors: Dzierżanowski Tomasz , Gradalski Tomasz , Kozlowski Michael 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Measuring functional status in palliative care may help clinicians to assess a patient’s prognosis, recommend adequate therapy, avoid futile or aggressive medical care, consider hospice referral, and evaluate provided rehabilitation outcomes. An optimized, widely used, and validated tool is preferable. The Palliative Performance Scale Version 2 (PPSv2) is currently one of the most commonly used performance scales in palliative settings. The aim of this study is the translation and validation process of a Polish translation of this tool (PPSv2-Polish). Methods: Two hundred patients consecutively admitted to a free-standing hospice were evaluated twice during 2 consecutive days for test-retest reliability. In the first evaluation, two different care providers independently evaluated the same patient to establish inter-rater reliability values. PPS-Polish was compared with the Karnofsky Performance Score (KPS), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) Performance Status (ECOG PS), and Barthel Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Index to determine its construct validity. Results: A high level of full agreement between test and retest was seen (63%), and a good intra-class correlation coefficient of 0.85 (P<0.0001) was achieved. Excellent agreement between raters was observed when using PPSv2-Polish (Cohen’s kappa 0.91; P<0.0001). Satisfactory correlations with the KPS and good correlations with ECOG PS and Barthel ADL were noticed. Persons who had shorter prognoses and were predominantly bedridden also had lower scores measured by the PPSv2-Polish, KPS and Barthel ADL. A strong correlation of 0.77 between PPSv2-Polish scores and survival time was noted (P<0.0001). Moderate survival correlations were seen between KPS, ECOG PS, and Barthel ADL of 0.41; -0.62; and 0.58, respectively (P<0.0001). Conclusion: PPSv2-Polish is a valid and reliable tool measuring performance status in a hospice population and can be used in daily clinical practice in palliative care and research.
Cross cultural adaptation and validation of the Malay Advance Care Planning Questionnaire
Authors: Lim Mun Kit , Lai Pauline Siew Mei , Wong Pei Se , Othman Sajaratulnisah , Mydin Fadzilah Hanum Mohd 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background There is a growing interest among the developing countries on advance care planning (ACP) due to the reported benefits of planning ahead in the developed countries. Validated instruments in various languages have been developed to facilitate study on the views of public prior to its implementation. However, instrument to explore the views on advance care planning (ACP) in Malay has not been developed and validated yet, even though Malay is spoken extensively by approximately 220 million people in the Malay Archipelago. There is also a need for instrument in Malay language to facilitate the assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of Malaysians regarding advance care planning (ACP). Therefore, the purpose of this study is to cross-culturally adapt, and examine the internal consistency and reliability of the Malay Advance Care Planning Questionnaire (ACPQ-M) among the Malay speaking community dwellers.Methods The ACPQ was translated according to international guidelines. This validation study was conducted from January to June 2018. Participants who were ≥21 years old, and able to understand Malay were recruited from an urban primary care clinic and a tertiary education institution in Malaysia. A researcher administered the ACPQ-M to participants via a face-to-face interview at baseline and two weeks later. Each interview took approximately 15-20 minutes.Results A total of 222/232 participants agreed to participate (response rate=96.0%). Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis found that the ACPQ-M was a 4-factor model. The Cronbach’s α values for the four domains ranged from 0.674-0.947. Only 157/222 participants completed the test-retest (response rate=71%). At test-retest, quadratic weighted kappa values for all domains ranged from 0.340-0.674, except for two domains which ranged from -0.200-0.467.Conclusions The ACPQ-M was found to be a 4-factor model, and a valid and reliable instrument to assess the KAP regarding ACP. This instrument can contribute to profound understanding of the KAP of Malaysians regarding ACP, and assist policy makers in determining the readiness for legislation of ACP in Malaysia.
The calcilytic drug Calhex-231 ameliorates vascular hyporesponsiveness in traumatic hemorrhagic shock by inhibiting oxidative stress and mitochondrial fission
Authors: Lei Yan , Peng Xiaoyong , Li Tao , Liu Liangming , Yang Guangming 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background The calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) plays a fundamental role in extracellular calcium homeostasis in humans. Surprisingly, CaSR is also expressed in non-homeostatic tissues and is involved in regulating diverse cellular functions. The objective of this study was to determine if Calhex-231 (Cal), a negative modulator of CaSR, may be beneficial in the treatment of traumatic hemorrhagic shock (THS) by improving cardiovascular function, and investigated its relationship to oxidative stress and the mitochondrial fusion-fission pathway. Methods Rats that had been subjected to traumatic hemorrhagic shock were used as models in this study. Hypoxia-treated vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were also used. The effects of Cal on cardiovascular function, animal survival, hemodynamic parameters, and vital organ function in THS rats were observed, and the relationship to oxidative stress and mitochondrial fusion-fission was investigated. Results Cal significantly improved hemodynamics, elevated blood pressure, increased vital organ blood perfusion and local oxygen supply, and markedly improved the survival outcomes of THS rats. Furthermore, Cal significantly improved vascular reactivity after THS, including the pressor response of THS rats to norepinephrine (NE), and also the contractile response of superior mesenteric arteries, mesenteric arterioles, and isolated VSMCs to NE. Cal also restored the THS-induced decrease in myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation, which is the principal mechanism responsible for VSMC contraction and vascular reactivity. Inhibition of MLC phosphorylation antagonized the Cal-induced restoration of vascular reactivity following THS. Cal decreased oxidative stress indexes and increased antioxidant enzyme levels in THS rats, and also reduced reactive oxygen species levels in hypoxic VSMCs. In addition, THS induced expression of mitochondrial fission proteins Drp1 and Fis1, and decreased expression of mitochondrial fusion protein Mfn1 in vascular tissues. Cal reduced expression of Drp1 and Fis1, but did not affect Mfn1 expression. In hypoxic VSMCs, Cal inhibited hypoxia-induced mitochondrial fragmentation and preserved mitochondrial morphology. Conclusions Calhex-231 exhibits outstanding potential for effective therapy of traumatic hemorrhagic shock, due to its ability to improve hemodynamics, increase vital organ blood perfusion, and markedly prolong animal survival. These beneficial effects result from its protection of vascular function via inhibition of oxidative stress and mitochondrial fission.
Trauma care and capture rate of variables of World Health Organisation data set for injury at regional hospitals in Tanzania: first steps to a national trauma registry
Authors: Sawe Hendry Robert , Reynolds Teri A. , Weber Ellen J. , Mfinanga Juma A. , Coats Timothy J. , Wallis Lee A. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background In Tanzania, there is no national trauma registry. The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed a data set for injury that specifies the variables necessary for documenting the burden of injury and patient-related clinical processes. As a first step in developing and implementing a national Trauma Registry, we determined how well hospitals currently capture the variables that are specificed in the WHO injury set. Methods This was a prospective, observational cross-sectional study of all trauma patients conducted in the Emergency Units of five regional referral hospitals in Tanzania from February 2018 to July 2018. Research assistants observed the provision of clinical care in the EU for all patients, and documented performed assessment, clinical interventions and final disposition. Research assistants used a purposefully designed case report form to audit the injury variable capture rate, and to review Ministry of Health (MoH) issued facility Register book recording the documentation of variables. We present descriptive statistics for hospital characteristics, patient volume, facility infrastructure, and capture rate of trauma variables. Results During the study period, 2,891 (9.3%) patients presented with trauma-related complaints, 70.7% were male. Overall, the capture rate of all variables was 33.6%. Documentation was most complete for demographics 71.6%, while initial clinical condition, and details of injury were documented in 20.5% and 20.8% respectively. There was no documentation for the care prior to Emergency Unit arrival in all hospitals. 1430 (49.5%) of all trauma-related visits seen were documented in the facility Health Management Information System register submitted to the MoH. Among the cases reported in the register book, the date of EU care was correctly documented in 77% cases, age 43.6%, diagnosis 66.7%, and outcome in 38.9% cases. Among the observed procedures, initial clinical condition (28.7%), interventions at Emergency Unit (52.1%), investigations (49.0%), and disposition (62.9%) were documented in the clinical charts. Conclusions In the regional hospitals of Tanzania, there is inadequate documentation of the minimum trauma variables specified in the WHO injury data set. Reasons for this are unclear, but will need to be addressed in order to improve documentation to inform a national injury registry.
Plant performance of enhancing licorice with dual inoculating dark septate endophytes and Trichoderma viride mediated via effects on root development
Authors: He Chao , Wang Wenquan , Hou Junling 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
This study aimed to assess whether licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis) can benefit from dual inoculation by Trichoderma viride and dark septate endophytes (DSE) isolated from other medicinal plants. We investigated the influences of three DSE (Paraboeremia putaminum, Scytalidium lignicola, and Phoma herbarum) isolated from other medicinal plants on the performance of licorice at different T. viride densities (1×106, 1×107, and 1×108 CFU/mL). Three DSE strains could colonize the roots of licorice, and they established a positive symbiosis with host plants depending on DSE species and T. viride densities. Inoculation of Paraboeremia putaminum increased the root biomass, length, surface area, and root:shoot ratio. Scytalidium lignicola increased the root length, diameter and surface area and decreased the root:shoot ratio. Phoma herbarum increased the root biomass and surface area. T. viride increased the root biomass, length, and surface area. Structural equation model (SEM) analysis showed that DSE associated with T. viride augmented plant biomass and height, shoot branching, and root surface area. Variations in root morphology and biomass were attributed to differences in DSE species and T. viride density among treatments. Paraboeremia putaminum or Phoma herbarum with low- or medium T. viride density and S. lignicola with low- or high T. viride density improved licorice root morphology and biomass. Our findings support the viewpoint that non-host DSE enhanced the root growth of the host plant under different densities T. viride conditions and may also be used to promote the cultivation of medicinal plants.
The model for large-scale violence against children surveys in middle schools in Yixing, China
Authors: Yue Xiao , Ping Lin , Xujun Zhang , Aiming Zheng , Bo Xu , Yang Yaming 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background Aim to build the model for large-scale violence against children (VAC) surveys in middle schools to get comprehensive prevalence data for intervention strategies and activities in Yixing as the only area focus on exploring VAC control and prevention in ‘2016-2020 children injury prevention program’ funded by United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund. Methods Research protocol and model report underwent rigorous ethical review. Survey teams including investigators, psychological consultants and child health development consultant were recruited and trained in field investigation and intervention, consistently executed seven principle. Crisis cases were defined in full compliance with four criterias. Key considerations for appropriate mode was identified through trial and formal surveys to map crisis cases treatment procedures flow chart. Results Standard model for large-scale VAC surveys in Yixing had been established, called ‘Yixing model’, could offer enough psychological protection and guidance for all children in the VAC research. 20863 children participated and occurred different kinds of respondents. 20509 children were general normal and completed their questionnaires. 208 children rejected questionnaries. 3 and 143 crisis cases respectively occurred in field investigation and questionnaries, got intervention according with standard treatment procedures. Discussion ‘Yixing model’ was not only participation of investigators and psychological consultants in field investigation, but also extended psychological guidance and intervention from local psychological teams ultimately developing the sustainable intervention mechanism. ‘Yixing model’ would deserve to promote and replicate in some other related nations or areas.
The VetMAXTM M. tuberculosis Complex PCR Kit detects MTBC DNA in antemortem and postmortem samples from white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum), African elephants (Loxodonta africana) and African buffaloes (Syncerus caffer)
Authors: Goosen Wynand Johan , Kerr Tanya Jane , Kleynhans Léanie , Buss Peter , Cooper David , Warren Robin Mark , Helden Paul D van , Schröder Björn , Parsons Sven David Charles , Miller Michele Ann 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Bovine tuberculosis and tuberculosis are chronic infectious diseases caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex members, Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, respectively. Infection with M. bovis and M. tuberculosis have significant implications for wildlife species management, public health, veterinary disease control, and conservation endeavours.Results: Here we describe the first use of the VetMAXTM Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) DNA quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) detection kit for wildlife samples. DNA was extracted from tissues harvested from 48 African buffaloes and MTBC DNA was detected (test-positive) in all 26 M. bovis culture-confirmed animals with an additional 12 PCR-positive results in culture-negative buffaloes (originating from an exposed population). Of six MTBC-infected African rhinoceros tested, MTBC DNA was detected in antemortem and postmortem samples from five animals. The PCR was also able to detect MTBC DNA in samples from two African elephants confirmed to have M. bovis and M. tuberculosis infections (one each). Culture-confirmed uninfected rhinoceros and elephants’ samples tested negative in the PCR assay.Conclusions: These results suggest this new detection kit is a sensitive screening test for the detection of MTBC-infected African buffaloes, African elephants and white rhinoceros.
Detection of p53 mutation and serum monitoring alert caused by Marek's disease virus
Authors: Zhang Huixia , Liu Mengda , Zhang Hui , Cao Shengliang , Li Yue , Jiang Shengnan , Song Yinuo , Liu Sidang 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background Marek’s disease (MD), as a chicken neoplastic disease, brings huge economic losses to the global poultry industry. The tumor suppressor gene, wild type P53 plays a key role in blocking cell cycle, promoting apoptosis and maintaining stability of genome. The p53 function could change to that of an oncogene from a tumor inhibitory role, if a mutation happened. It will increase risk of cancer incidence. Results It was found that the mutation rate of p53 was 60 percent in experimentally infected and naturally infected chickens. The mutations included point-mutation and deletions, and mostly located in the DNA-binding domain. The most common point mutation happened in five sites, which were 651, 786, 828, 864 and 879 respectively. The mutated P53 can be expressed in tumors of various tissues in an infected chicken because of the lengthening of the half-life of mutated P53. Due to the loss of nuclear localization function, most of mutated P53 were expressed in cytoplasm. The concentration of P53 was decrease in serum of MD infected chicken. Conclusions Results of the current study suggested that p53 mutations with different types were common in MD, and most of mutated P53 were expressed in cytoplasm. Detecting the concertation of P53 and P53 antibody in serum could be helpful for diagnosis and monitor of MD.