bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long-term renal graft outcome after parathyroidectomy - a retrospective single centre study
Authors: Patecki Margret , Scheffner Irina , Haller Hermann , Gwinner Wilfried 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundSurgical correction of hyperparathyroidism after kidney transplantation has been associated with significant graft function decline. We examined the effects of parathyroidectomy on short- and long-term graft function and its potential predictors.MethodsFor this retrospective, monocentric study we identified 48 (5.5%) out of 892 patients from our protocol biopsy program who received renal transplantation between 2000 and 2007, with parathyroidectomy after transplantation. Data from up to three years after parathyroidectomy was collected and analyzed with multivariable linear regression analyses.ResultsMain indications for parathyroidectomy were hypercalcemia and graft calcifications. Parathyroidectomy was successful in 47 patients, with a median drop in serum intact parathormone (iPTH) from 394 to 21 pg/ml. Mean estimated glomerular fitration rate (eGFR) before parathyroidectomy was 60 ± 26 ml/min. At three months after parathyroidectomy, the eGFR was 46 ± 18 ml/min (p < 0.001) but remained stable at one and three years (50 ± 20; 49 ± 20 ml/min). The median annual eGFR change was − 0.5 ml/min before and + 1.0 ml/min after parathyroidectomy.Multivariable modeling identified high iPTH levels and higher eGFR before parathyroidectomy as predictors of the eGFR drop after parathyroidectomy. Lower graft function twelve months after parathyroidectomy was predicted by the eGFR before and the iPTH drop after surgery.ConclusionsThese results indicate that the extent of parathyroidectomy is critical and too much lowering of iPTH should be avoided by timely parathyroidectomy, before reaching extreme high iPTH values. In view of the observed loss of eGFR, parathyroidectomy can be considered safe in patients with an eGFR above 30 ml/min.
An unusual presentation of neuropathic pain following cervical spinal cord injury: a case report
Authors: Chang Min Cheol , Boudier-Revéret Mathieu , Choo Yoo Jin , Hsiao Ming-Yen 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
We report a patient with unusual occipital neuropathic pain (at-level neuropathic pain) due to a small central cervical spinal cord injury (SCI).

Case presentation
A 50-year-old man presented with severe bilateral occipital pain after falling from a height of 2 m, 2 weeks ago. The degree of pain was evaluated to be 9 out of 10 using the numeric rating scale (NRS). The nature of the pain was tingling, burning, and piercing, and hyperalgesia was present over the bilateral posterior head regions. Greater occipital nerve block with bupivacaine and dexamethasone was not effective. On axial T2-cervical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a focal high signal change was observed in the central portion of the spinal cord at the C2 level. We deliberated that the patient’s pain was due to the SCI observed on MRI, and after administration of oral medications, the NRS pain score reduced from 9 to 2.

Conclusions
Neuropathic pain caused by SCI varies according to the location and degree of injury of the pain-related neural tracts; therefore, clinicians should closely observe the pain patterns and findings on imaging in patients with SCI to determine the cause of pain accurately.
Muslim women’s experiences of maternity services in the UK: qualitative systematic review and thematic synthesis
Authors: Firdous Tasneema , Darwin Zoe , Hassan Shaima M. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
This review aimed to identify and synthesise evidence of Muslim women’s experiences of maternity services in the UK. A systematic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative evidence, unrestricted by type of publication was conducted. Muslim women who had accessed maternity services in the UK, regardless of obstetric or medical history were included.

Method
Databases were searched from 2001 to 2019 and screened for inclusion using pre-determined criteria. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Qualitative Research Checklist was used to assess study quality and findings were synthesised using thematic synthesis, as described by Thomas and Harden.

Results
Six studies were included. The following five themes were identified: Islamic practices and Individualised care; Talk, Teach and Translate; Injustice, Inequity and Intolerance; If Allah wills; and, ‘It’s not all that bad’. Synthesis highlighted the significance of Islam in shaping many of the women’s decision-making relating to antenatal screening and medication, which was contrasted with healthcare professionals’ limited awareness of the importance of Islam for motherhood. The majority of women experienced poor maternity care which at times indicated stereotypical and discriminatory behaviour.

Conclusions
Education for healthcare professionals is warranted, to enhance the quality and cultural competency in providing appropriate care that acknowledges and meets Muslim women’s needs.
The societal economic burden of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease in the United States
Authors: Cloutier Martin , Manceur Ameur M. , Guerin Annie , Aigbogun Myrlene Sanon , Oberdhan Dorothee , Gauthier-Loiselle Marjolaine 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is one of the most common inherited kidney diseases characterized by progressive development of renal cysts and numerous extra-renal manifestations, eventually leading to kidney failure. Given its chronic and progressive nature, ADPKD is expected to carry a substantial economic burden over the course of the disease. However, there is a paucity of evidence on the impact of ADPKD from a societal perspective. This study aimed to estimate the direct and indirect costs associated with ADPKD in the United States (US).

Methods
A prevalence-based approach using data from scientific literature, and governmental and non-governmental organizations was employed to estimate direct healthcare costs (i.e., medical services, prescription drugs), direct non-healthcare costs (i.e., research and advocacy, donors/recipients matching for kidney transplants, transportation to/from dialysis centers), and indirect costs (i.e., patient productivity loss from unemployment, reduced work productivity, and premature mortality, caregivers’ productivity loss and healthcare costs). The incremental costs associated with ADPKD were calculated as the difference between costs incurred over a one-year period by individuals with ADPKD and the US population. Sensitivity analyses using different sources and assumptions were performed to assess robustness of estimates and account for variability in published estimates.

Results
The estimated total annual costs attributed to ADPKD in 2018 ranged from $7.3 to $9.6 billion in sensitivity analyses, equivalent to $51,970 to $68,091 per individual with ADPKD. In the base scenario, direct healthcare costs accounted for $5.7 billion (78.6%) of the total $7.3 billion costs, mostly driven by patients requiring renal replacement therapy ($3.2 billion; 43.3%). Indirect costs accounted for $1.4 billion (19.7%), mostly driven by productivity loss due to unemployment ($784 million; 10.7%) and reduced productivity at work ($390 million; 5.3%). Total excess direct non-healthcare costs were estimated at $125 million (1.7%).

Conclusions
ADPKD carries a considerable economic burden, predominantly attributed to direct healthcare costs, the majority of which are incurred by public and private healthcare payers. Effective and timely interventions to slow down the progression of ADPKD could substantially reduce the economic burden of ADPKD.
Socio-economic impacts of brucellosis on livestock production and reproduction performance in Koibatek and Marigat regions, Baringo County, Kenya
Authors: Lokamar Peter N. , Kutwah Moses A. , Atieli Harrysone , Gumo Sussy , Ouma Collins 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundBrucellosis in Africa is caused by Brucella species transmitted through contaminated or contacts with infected animals or their carcasses. The disease reduces livestock production and reproduction performance evident by frequent episodes of abortion, still births, swollen testes, weak calves/lambs and swollen joints. However, the socio-economic impacts of these brucellosis-associated symptoms on milk, fat, meat and blood production, infertility, sale value, dowry and costs of treatment has not been evaluated extensively in developing countries. In Baringo County, Kenya, there is a continuous movement of cattle as a result of trade and grazing, which predisposes many herds to brucellosis infection. The objective of this study was to investigate the socio-economic impacts of Brucella infection on production systems for sheep, goats, cattle and camels and explore the impact of brucellosis on livestock production and reproduction performance among livestock keeping communities in Baringo County, Kenya. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey using quantitative data collection methods.ResultsResults demonstrated an impact on milk production in suspected brucellosis cases resulting from abortions (OR = 0.151,P < 0.0001) and swollen joints (OR = 2.881,P < 0.0001). In terms of infertility, abortion as a symptom of brucellosis (OR = 0.440,P = 0.002), still birth (OR = 0.628,P = 0.042), and weak calf or lamb (OR = 0.525,P = 0.005) had an impact on infertility. In terms of sale value, abortion (OR = 0.385,P = 0.008), weak calf/lamb (OR = 2.963,P = 0.013) had an impact on sale value. Other analyses demonstrated that for dowry, swollen testes (OR = 5.351,P = 0.032), weak calf and lambs (OR = 0.364,P = 0.019) had a likelihood of reduction of dowry value. Finally, in terms of cost of treatment, abortion (OR = 0.449,P = 0.001), still births (OR = 0.208,P = 0.015), swollen testes (OR = 0.78,P = 0.014), weak calf/lambs (OR = 0.178,P = 0.007) and swollen joints (OR = 0.217,P = 0.003) significantly increased the costs of treatments. There was no impact on fat and meat and blood production.ConclusionEven though there was a huge socio-economic impact on milk production, infertility, sale value, and dowry, it was the costs of treatment that was significantly impacted on all symptoms associated with brucellosis on this community. A ‘One Health’ approach in tackling the brucellosis menace as a holistic approach is recommended for both humans and their livestock.
Empagliflozin improved systolic blood pressure, endothelial dysfunction and heart remodeling in the metabolic syndrome ZSF1 rat
Authors: Park Sin-Hee , Farooq Muhammad Akmal , Gaertner Sébastien , Bruckert Christophe , Qureshi Abdul Wahid , Lee Hyun-Ho , Benrahla Djamel , Pollet Brigitte , Stephan Dominique , Ohlmann Patrick , Lessinger Jean-Marc , Mayoux Eric , Auger Cyril , Morel Olivier , Schini-Kerth Valérie B. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundEmpagliflozin (empa), a selective sodium–glucose cotransporter (SGLT)2 inhibitor, reduced cardiovascular mortality and hospitalization for heart failure in patients with type 2 diabetes at high cardiovascular risk independent of glycemic control. The cardiovascular protective effect of empa was evaluated in an experimental model of metabolic syndrome, the obese ZSF1 rat, and its’ lean control.MethodsLean and obese ZSF1 rats were either non-treated or treated with empa (30 mg/kg/day) for 6 weeks. Vascular reactivity was assessed using mesenteric artery rings, systolic blood pressure by tail-cuff sphygmomanometry, heart function and structural changes by echocardiography, and protein expression levels by Western blot analysis.ResultsEmpa treatment reduced blood glucose levels from 275 to 196 mg/dl in obese ZSF1 rats whereas normoglycemia (134 mg/dl) was present in control lean ZSF1 rats and was unaffected by empa. Obese ZSF1 rats showed increased systolic blood pressure, and blunted endothelium-dependent relaxations associated with the appearance of endothelium-dependent contractile responses (EDCFs) compared to control lean rats. These effects were prevented by the empa treatment. Obese ZSF1 rats showed increased weight of the heart and of the left ventricle volume without the presence of diastolic or systolic dysfunction, which were improved by the empa treatment. An increased expression level of senescence markers (p53, p21, p16), tissue factor, VCAM-1, SGLT1 and SGLT2 and a down-regulation of eNOS were observed in the aortic inner curvature compared to the outer one in the control lean rats, which were prevented by the empa treatment. In the obese ZSF1 rats, no such effects were observed. The empa treatment reduced the increased body weight and weight of lungs, spleen, liver and perirenal fat, hyperglycemia and the increased levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides in obese ZSF1 rats, and increased blood ketone levels and urinary glucose excretion in control lean and obese ZSF1 rats.ConclusionEmpa reduced glucose levels by 28% and improved both endothelial function and cardiac remodeling in the obese ZSF1 rat. Empa also reduced the increased expression level of senescence, and atherothrombotic markers at arterial sites at risk in the control lean, but not obese, ZSF1 rat.
Metabolic engineering of carbohydrate metabolism systems in Corynebacterium glutamicum for improving the efficiency of l-lysine production from mixed sugar
Authors: Xu Jian-Zhong , Ruan Hao-Zhe , Yu Hai-Bo , Liu Li-Ming , Zhang Weiguo 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe efficiency of industrial fermentation process mainly depends on carbon yield, final titer and productivity. To improve the efficiency of l-lysine production from mixed sugar, we engineered carbohydrate metabolism systems to enhance the effective use of sugar in this study. A functional metabolic pathway of sucrose and fructose was engineered through introduction of fructokinase from Clostridium acetobutylicum. l-lysine production was further increased through replacement of phosphoenolpyruvate-dependent glucose and fructose uptake system (PTSGlc and PTSFru) by inositol permeases (IolT1 and IolT2) and ATP-dependent glucokinase (ATP-GlK). However, the shortage of intracellular ATP has a significantly negative impact on sugar consumption rate, cell growth and l-lysine production. To overcome this defect, the recombinant strain was modified to co-express bifunctional ADP-dependent glucokinase (ADP-GlK/PFK) and NADH dehydrogenase (NDH-2) as well as to inactivate SigmaH factor (SigH), thus reducing the consumption of ATP and increasing ATP regeneration. Combination of these genetic modifications resulted in an engineered C. glutamicum strain K-8 capable of producing 221.3 ± 17.6 g/L l-lysine with productivity of 5.53 g/L/h and carbon yield of 0.71 g/g glucose in fed-batch fermentation. As far as we know, this is the best efficiency of l-lysine production from mixed sugar. This is also the first report for improving the efficiency of l-lysine production by systematic modification of carbohydrate metabolism systems.
Antibacterial activity of iron oxide, iron nitride, and tobramycin conjugated nanoparticles against Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms
Authors: Armijo Leisha M. , Wawrzyniec Stephen J. , Kopciuch Michael , Brandt Yekaterina I. , Rivera Antonio C. , Withers Nathan J. , Cook Nathaniel C. , Huber Dale L. , Monson Todd C. , Smyth Hugh D. C. , Osiński Marek 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundNovel methods are necessary to reduce morbidity and mortality of patients suffering from infections withPseudomonas aeruginosa. Being the most common infectious species of thePseudomonasgenus,P. aeruginosais the primary Gram-negative etiology responsible for nosocomial infections. Due to the ubiquity and high adaptability of this species, an effective universal treatment method forP. aeruginosainfection still eludes investigators, despite the extensive research in this area.ResultsWe report bacterial inhibition by iron-oxide (nominally magnetite) nanoparticles (NPs) alone, having a mean hydrodynamic diameter of ~ 16 nm, as well as alginate-capped iron-oxide NPs. Alginate capping increased the average hydrodynamic diameter to ~ 230 nm. We also investigated alginate-capped iron-oxide NP-drug conjugates, with a practically unchanged hydrodynamic diameter of ~ 232 nm. Susceptibility and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the NPs, NP-tobramycin conjugates, and tobramycin alone were determined in the PAO1 bacterial colonies. Investigations into susceptibility using the disk diffusion method were done after 3 days of biofilm growth and after 60 days of growth. MIC of all compounds of interest was determined after 60-days of growth, to ensure thorough establishment of biofilm colonies.ConclusionsPositive inhibition is reported for uncapped and alginate-capped iron-oxide NPs, and the corresponding MICs are presented. We report zero susceptibility to iron-oxide NPs capped with polyethylene glycol, suggesting that the capping agent plays a major role in enabling bactericidal ability in of the nanocomposite. Our findings suggest that the alginate-coated nanocomposites investigated in this study have the potential to overcome the bacterial biofilm barrier. Magnetic field application increases the action, likely via enhanced diffusion of the iron-oxide NPs and NP-drug conjugates through mucin and alginate barriers, which are characteristic of cystic-fibrosis respiratory infections. We demonstrate that iron-oxide NPs coated with alginate, as well as alginate-coated magnetite–tobramycin conjugates inhibitP. aeruginosagrowth and biofilm formation in established colonies. We have also determined that susceptibility to tobramycin decreases for longer culture times. However, susceptibility to the iron-oxide NP compounds did not demonstrate any comparable decrease with increasing culture time. These findings imply that iron-oxide NPs are promising lower-cost alternatives to silver NPs in antibacterial coatings, solutions, and drugs, as well as other applications in which microbial abolition or infestation prevention is sought.
Examining the factorial validity of the Quality of Life Scale
Authors: Reeves Ashley J. , Baker Russell T. , Casanova Madeline P. , Cheatham Scott W. , Pickering Michael A. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundQuality of life (QoL) is important to assess in patient care. Researchers have previously claimed validity of the Quality of Life Scale (QOLS) across multiple samples of individuals, but close inspection of results suggest further psychometric investigation of the instrument is warranted. Therefore, the purposes of this study were to: 1) evaluate the proposed five-factor, 15-item and three-factor, 16-item QOLS; 2) if the factor structure could not be confirmed, re-assess the QOLS using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and covariance modeling to identify a parsimonious refinement of the QOLS structure for future investigation.MethodsParticipants varying in age, physical activity level, and identified medical condition(s) were recruited from clinical sites and ResearchMatch. Confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) were performed on the full sample (n = 1036) based on proposed 15- and 16-item QOLS versions. Subsequent EFA and covariance modeling was performed on a random subset of the data (n1 = 518) to identify a more parsimonious version of the QOLS. The psychometric properties of the newly proposed model were confirmed in the remaining half of participants (n2 = 518). Further examination of the scale psychometric properties was completed using invariance testing procedures across sex and health status sub-categories.ResultsNeither the 15- nor 16-item QOLS CFA met model fit recommendations. Subsequent EFA and covariance modeling analyses revealed a one-factor, five-item scale that satisfied contemporary statistical and model fit standards. Follow-up CFA confirmed the revised model structure; however, invariance testing requirements across sex and injury status subgroups were not met.ConclusionsNeither the 15- nor 16-item QOLS exhibited psychometric attributes that support construct validity. Our analyses indicate a new, short-form model, might offer a more appropriate and parsimonious scale from some of the original QOLS items; however, invariance testing across sex and injury status suggested the psychometric properties still vary between sub-groups. Given the scale design concerns and the results of this study, developing a new instrument, or identifying a different, better validated instrument to assess QoL in research and practice is recommended.
Levels of sex steroid hormones and their receptors in women with preeclampsia
Authors: Lan Kuo-Chung , Lai Yun-Ju , Cheng Hsin-Hsin , Tsai Ni-Chin , Su Yu-Ting , Tsai Ching-Chang , Hsu Te-Yao 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Pregnant women have high serum concentrations of sex steroid hormones, which are major regulators of paracrine and autocrine responses for many maternal and placental functions. The main purpose of this study was to compare patients with preeclampsia and patients with uncomplicated pregnancies in terms of serum steroid hormones (estradiol [E2], progesterone [P4], dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate [DHEAS], and testosterone [T]) throughout pregnancy and the levels of cord blood and placental steroid receptors during the third trimester.

Methods
Quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry were used to determine the levels of steroid hormones in the serum and cord blood and the placental levels of estrogen receptor-α (ERα), ERβ, androgen receptor (AR), and progesterone receptor (PR).

Results
There were 45 women in the uncomplicated pregnancy group and 30 women in the preeclampsia group. Serum levels of T were greater and serum levels of E2 were reduced in the preeclampsia group, but the two groups had similar levels of P4 and DHEAS during the third trimester. Cord blood had a decreased level of DHEAS in the preeclampsia group, but the two groups had similar levels of P4, E2, and T. The two groups had similar placental mRNA levels of ERα, ERβ, AR, and PR, but the preeclampsia group had a higher level of ERβ protein and a lower level of ERα protein. Immunohistochemistry indicated that the preeclampsia group had a greater level of ERβ in the nucleus and cytoplasm of syncytiotrophoblasts and stromal cells.

Conclusions
Women with preeclampsia had lower levels of steroid hormones, estrogen, and ERα but higher levels of T and ERβ. These molecules may have roles in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.