bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Weight-for-age distributions among children with HIV on antiretroviral therapy in the International epidemiology Databases to Evaluate AIDS (IeDEA) multiregional consortium
Authors:   IeDEA, Jesson Julie , Desmonde Sophie , Yiannoutsos Constantin T. , Patten Gabriela , Malateste Karen , Duda Stephany N. , Kumarasamy Nagalingeswaran , Yotebieng Marcel , Davies Mary-Ann , Musick Beverly , Leroy Valeriane , Ciaranello Andrea 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Objective
Pediatric antiretroviral therapy (ART) for children with HIV (CHIV) must be dosed appropriately for children’s changing weights as they grow. To inform accurate estimates of ART formulations and doses needed, we described weight-for-age distributions among CHIV on ART in the IeDEA global pediatric collaboration between 2004 and 2016, using data from six regions (East, West, Central, and Southern Africa, Asia–Pacific, and Central/South America and the Caribbean).

Results
Overall, 59,862 children contributed to the analysis. Age and weight data were available from 530,080 clinical encounters for girls and 537,894 for boys. For each one-year age stratum from 0 to 15 years, we calculated the proportion of children in each of the weight bands designated by the World Health Organization as relevant to pediatric ART formulations: 0 to  < 3 kg, 3 to  < 6 kg, 6 to  < 10 kg, 10 to  < 14 kg, 14 to  < 20 kg, 20 to  < 25 kg, 25 to  < 30 kg, 30 to  < 35 kg, 35 to  < 40 kg, 40 to  < 45 kg, 45 to  < 50 kg, 50 to  < 55 kg, 55 to  < 60 kg, and ≥ 60 kg. Data are reported for the entire cohort, as well as stratified by sex and IeDEA region, calendar year of ART use, and duration on ART at time of assessment (< 12 or ≥ 12 months), provided in data tables. These data are critical to improve the accuracy of forecasting and procurement of pediatric ART formulations as the pediatric HIV epidemic and pediatric HIV treatment strategies evolve.
Biphasic human insulin 30 thrice daily, is it reasonable?
Authors: Saadeh Nesreen A. , Al-Azzeh Ola Y. , Khader Yousef S. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of thrice daily Biphasic Human Insulin 30 (BHI 30) versus the traditional twice-daily regimen in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. It’s a cross over single clinical study. Twenty-two diabetic patients who were already using BHI 30 in twice or thrice daily regimens with or without metformin were included. At the 1st interval; patients continued on their usual insulin regimen as twice or thrice daily injections with adjustment of insulin doses guided by their glucose readings. On the 2nd interval; patients were switched to the other regimen with the same total daily insulin dose redistributed.ResultsThere was a significant decrease in HbA1c level (p < 0.05) at the end of the first 3 months of trial regardless on which regimen the patient started, but there was no significant difference in the mean HbA1c reduction in patients when they were on twice daily insulin injections (1.1 ± 1.3) versus the time they were on thrice daily insulin injections (0.8 ± 1.71), p > 0.05. On the other hand, patients had lower average blood glucose readings (mg/dl) when they were on thrice daily insulin injections (161.4 ± 62.7) compared to twice daily regimen (166.0 ± 69.5), p < 0.05.
High malaria parasitemia among outpatient febrile children in low endemic area, East-Central Tanzania in 2013
Authors: Chipwaza Beatrice , Sumaye Robert D. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Objective
This study investigated the prevalence and distribution patterns of malaria in Kilosa district as part of non-malaria causes of febrile illnesses in children study. We enrolled febrile patients aged 2–13 years presenting at the outpatient department during the rainy and dry seasons, in 2013. For each participant, we tested for malaria parasites and identified parasite species using microscopy. We then calculated parasite density and estimated geometric mean parasite density.

Results
The overall malaria prevalence in febrile children was 23.7% (n = 609). Plasmodium falciparum accounted for 98.6% of malaria positives. There was a heterogeneous distribution of malaria cases among the 17 wards constituting the catchment area. A high proportion (69.4%, n = 144) of malaria positive individuals had high parasite densities. Individuals who were enrolled in the rainy season had higher geometric mean parasite density (15415.1 parasites/µl, 95% CI 10735.3–22134.9) compared to the dry season (6115.3 parasites/µl, 95% CI 4237.8–8824.6). The relatively high malaria prevalence recorded in Kilosa, an area considered low endemicity, calls for concerted effort in documenting malaria burden at fine geographical scales and tailor preventive and control strategies that target hotspots of high malaria transmission.
Preliminary study on HIV status disclosure to perinatal infected children: retrospective analysis of administrative records from a pediatric HIV clinic in the southern United States
Authors: Budhwani Henna , Mills Lori , Marefka Lauren E. B. , Eady Sequoya , Nghiem Van T. , Simpson Tina 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Objective
The World Health Organization recommends disclosing HIV-status between 6 and 12 years; American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children are informed at “school age.” Neither suggests an optimal age when children should learn of their status to improve viral load suppression. Considering that virally suppressed people do not transmit HIV and that interrupting the transmission cycle is critical to ending the HIV epidemic, our objective is to examine the relationship between age of disclosure and viral load suppression by evaluating data from a pediatric HIV clinic in the southern United States. Records from perinatal infected patients seen between 2008 and 2018 were analyzed (N = 61).

Results
Longitudinal suppression was low across all groups when benchmarked against the UNAIDS 90% global target; black patients were less likely to achieve suppression compared to white patients (41% vs. 75%, p = 0.04). Adopted children were more likely to achieve suppression than children living with biological family (71% vs. 44%, p < 0.05). Children who learned of their status between 10 and 12 had the highest rate of suppression (65%) compared to peers who learned of their status younger (56%) or older (38%). Our preliminary study is designed to spark research on refining the current recommendations on HIV-status disclosure to perinatal infected children.
Novel visualized quantitative epigenetic imprinted gene biomarkers diagnose the malignancy of ten cancer types
Authors: Shen Rulong , Cheng Tong , Xu Chuanliang , Yung Rex C. , Bao Jiandong , Li Xing , Yu Hongyu , Lu Shaohua , Xu Huixiong , Wu Hongxun , Zhou Jian , Bu Wenbo , Wang Xiaonan , Si Han , Shi Panying , Zhao Pengcheng , Liu Yun , Deng Yongjie , Zhu Yun , Zeng Shuxiong , Pineda John P. , Lin Chunlin , Zhou Ning , Bai Chunxue 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Epigenetic alterations are involved in most cancers, but its application in cancer diagnosis is still limited. More practical and intuitive methods to detect the aberrant expressions from clinical samples using highly sensitive biomarkers are needed. In this study, we developed a novel approach in identifying, visualizing, and quantifying the biallelic and multiallelic expressions of an imprinted gene panel associated with cancer status. We evaluated the normal and aberrant expressions measured using the imprinted gene panel to formulate diagnostic models which could accurately distinguish the imprinting differences of normal and benign cases from cancerous tissues for each of the ten cancer types.

Results
The Quantitative Chromogenic Imprinted Gene In Situ Hybridization (QCIGISH) method developed from a 1013-case study which provides a visual and quantitative analysis of non-coding RNA allelic expressions identified the guanine nucleotide-binding protein, alpha-stimulating complex locus (GNAS), growth factor receptor-bound protein (GRB10), and small nuclear ribonucleoprotein polypeptide N (SNRPN) out of five tested imprinted genes as efficient epigenetic biomarkers for the early-stage detection of ten cancer types. A binary algorithm developed for cancer diagnosis showed that elevated biallelic expression (BAE), multiallelic expression (MAE), and total expression (TE) measurements for the imprinted gene panel were associated with cell carcinogenesis, with the formulated diagnostic models achieving consistently high sensitivities (91–98%) and specificities (86–98%) across the different cancer types.

Conclusions
The QCIGISH method provides an innovative way to visually assess and quantitatively analyze individual cells for cancer potential extending from hyperplasia and dysplasia until carcinoma in situ and invasion, which effectively supplements standard clinical cytologic and histopathologic diagnosis for early cancer detection. In addition, the diagnostic models developed from the BAE, MAE, and TE measurements of the imprinted gene panel GNAS, GRB10, and SNRPN could provide important predictive information which are useful in early-stage cancer detection and personalized cancer management.
Separating mouse malignant cell line (EL4) from neonate spermatogonial stem cells utilizing microfluidic device in vitro
Authors: Ashtari Behnaz , Shams Azar , Esmaeilzadeh Narges , Tanbakooei Sara , Koruji Morteza , Moghadam Mojtaba Johari , Ansari Javad Mohajer , Moghadam Adel Johari , Shabani Ronak 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundSome children who have survived cancer will be azoospermic in the future. Performing isolation and purification procedures for spermatogonial stem cells (SSC) is very critical. In this regard, performing the process of decontamination of cancerous cells is the initial step. The major objective of the present study is to separate the malignant EL4 cell line in mice and spermatogonial stem cells in vitro.MethodsThe spermatogonial stem cells of sixty neonatal mice were isolated, and the procedure of co-culturing was carried out by EL4 which were classified into 2 major groups: (1) the control group (co-culture in a growth medium) and (2) the group of co-cultured cells which were separated using the microfluidic device. The percentage of cells was assessed using flow cytometry technique and common laboratory technique of immunocytochemistry and finally was confirmed through the laboratory technique of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).ResultsThe actual percentage of EL4 and SSC after isolation was collected at two outlets: the outputs for the smaller outlet were 0.12% for SSC and 42.14% for EL4, while in the larger outlet, the outputs were 80.38% for SSC and 0.32% for EL4; in the control group, the percentages of cells were 21.44% for SSC and 23.28% for EL4 (based onttest (p ≤ 0.05)).ConclusionsThe present study demonstrates that the use of the microfluidic device is effective in separating cancer cells from spermatogonial stem cells.
Preconditioning is an effective strategy for improving the efficiency of mesenchymal stem cells in kidney transplantation
Authors: Zhao Lingfei , Hu Chenxia , Han Fei , Cai Fanghao , Wang Junni , Chen Jianghua 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe inevitable side effects caused by lifelong immunosuppressive agents in kidney transplantation patients spurred the exploration of novel immunosuppressive strategies with definite curative effects and minimal adverse effects. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have become a promising candidate due to their role in modulating the immune system. Encouraging results obtained from experimental models have promoted the translation of this strategy into clinical settings. However, the demonstration of only marginal or transient benefits by several recent clinical controlled studies has made physicians hesitant to adopt the routine utilization of this procedure in clinical settings. Impaired MSC function after infusion in vivo was thought to be the main reason for their limited effects. For this reason, some preconditioning methods were developed. In this review, we aim to outline the current understanding of the preconditioning methods being explored as a strategy to improve the therapeutic effects of MSCs in kidney transplantation and promote its clinical translation.
Human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes stimulate cutaneous wound healing mediates through TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway
Authors: Jiang Tiechao , Wang Zhongyu , Sun Ji 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Cutaneous wound healing represents a morphogenetic response to injury and is designed to restore anatomic and physiological function. Human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (hBM-MSC-Ex) are a promising source for cell-free therapy and skin regeneration.

Methods
In this study, we investigated the cell regeneration effects and its underlying mechanism of hBM-MSC-Ex on cutaneous wound healing in rats. In vitro studies, we evaluated the role of hBM-MSC-Ex in the two types of skin cells: human keratinocytes (HaCaT) and human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) for the proliferation. For in vivo studies, we used a full-thickness skin wound model to evaluate the effects of hBM-MSC-Ex on cutaneous wound healing in vivo.

Results
The results demonstrated that hBM-MSC-Ex promote both two types of skin cells’ growth effectively and accelerate the cutaneous wound healing. Interestingly, we found that hBM-MSC-Ex significantly downregulated TGF-β1, Smad2, Smad3, and Smad4 expression, while upregulated TGF-β3 and Smad7 expression in the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway.

Conclusions
Our findings indicated that hBM-MSC-Ex effectively promote the cutaneous wound healing through inhibiting the TGF-β/Smad signal pathway. The current results provided a new sight for the therapeutic strategy for the treatment of cutaneous wounds.
On the formation of centreline shrinkage porosity in the continuous casting of steel
Authors: Vynnycky Michael 
Published: May 2020

AbstractA recent asymptotic model for solidification shrinkage-induced macrosegregation in the continuous casting of binary alloys is extended for the purposes of understanding the link between solute segregation and centreline shrinkage porosity, a defect that commonly occurs in the continuous casting of steel. In particular, the analysis elucidates the relationship between microsegregation, mushy-zone permeability, heat transfer and centreline pressure, yielding an inequality that constitutes a criterion for whether or not centreline porosity will form. The possibilities for developing this approach to take account of gas porosity and the implementation of mechanical soft reduction to reduce macrosegregation and shrinkage porosity are also discussed.
Neuron-specific enolase has potential value as a biomarker for [18F]FDG/[68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 PET mismatch findings in advanced mCRPC patients
Authors: Rosar Florian , Ribbat Kalle , Ries Martin , Linxweiler Johannes , Bartholomä Mark , Maus Stephan , Schreckenberger Mathias , Ezziddin Samer , Khreish Fadi 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
PSMA-targeted radioligand therapy (PSMA-RLT) yielded impressive results in the metastasized castration-resistant prostate carcinoma (mCRPC) setting. High expression of PSMA is essential for successful PSMA-RLT. However, some patients develop [18F]FDG-avid lesions with low or no PSMA expression ([18F]FDG/[68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 mismatch findings on PET/CT) in the course of treatment. Those lesions are not affected by PSMA-RLT and a change in therapy management is needed. To enable early mismatch detection, possible blood parameters as indicators for the occurrence of [18F]FDG/[68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 mismatch findings on PET/CT were evaluated.

Methods
Retrospective study of N = 66 advanced mCRPC patients with dual [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 and [18F]FDG PET/CT imaging within 4 weeks, who were referred for or received [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 radioligand therapy. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA), neuron-specific enolase (NSE), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were tested as indicators for the occurrence of [18F]FDG/[68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 mismatch findings. Additional to absolute values, relative changes (ΔPSA, ΔNSE, ΔGGT, ΔALP) over a period of 4 ± 1 weeks prior to [18F]FDG PET/CT were analyzed.

Results
In total, 41/66 (62%) patients revealed at least one [18F]FDG/[68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 mismatch finding on PET/CT. These mismatch findings were detected in 13/41 (32%) patients by screening for and in 28/41 (68%) patients during PSMA-RLT. NSE serum level (55.4 ± 44.6 μg/l vs. 18.5 ± 8 μg/l, p < 0.001) and ΔNSE (93.8 ± 124.5% vs. 2.9 ± 39.5%, p < 0.001) were significantly higher in the mismatch group than in the non-mismatch group. No significant differences were found for serum PSA (p = 0.424), ΔPSA (p = 0.417), serum ALP (p = 0.937), ΔALP (p = 0.611), serum GGT (p = 0.773), and ΔGGT (p = 0.971). For NSE and ΔNSE, the maximum value of the Youden index in ROC analysis was at a cut-off level of 26.8 μg/l (sensitivity 78%, specificity 96%) and at + 13.9% (sensitivity 84%, specificity 75%), respectively. An introduced scoring system of both parameters achieved a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 88% for the occurrence of [18F]FDG/[68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 mismatch.

Conclusion
We observed a significantly higher absolute serum concentration and a higher relative increase of NSE in advanced mCRPC patients with [18F]FDG-avid and insufficient PSMA expressing metastases ([18F]FDG/[68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 mismatch findings on PET/CT) in our cohort. NSE might be used as a potential laboratory indicator for [18F]FDG/[68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 mismatch findings, if this observation is confirmed in future, ideally prospective, studies in larger patient cohorts.
Independent attenuation correction of whole body [18F]FDG-PET using a deep learning approach with Generative Adversarial Networks
Authors: Armanious Karim , Hepp Tobias , Küstner Thomas , Dittmann Helmut , Nikolaou Konstantin , La Fougère Christian , Yang Bin , Gatidis Sergios 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Attenuation correction (AC) of PET data is usually performed using a second imaging for the generation of attenuation maps. In certain situations however—when CT- or MR-derived attenuation maps are corrupted or CT acquisition solely for the purpose of AC shall be avoided—it would be of value to have the possibility of obtaining attenuation maps only based on PET information. The purpose of this study was to thus develop, implement, and evaluate a deep learning-based method for whole body [18F]FDG-PET AC which is independent of other imaging modalities for acquiring the attenuation map.

Methods
The proposed method is investigated on whole body [18F]FDG-PET data using a Generative Adversarial Networks (GAN) deep learning framework. It is trained to generate pseudo CT images (CTGAN) based on paired training data of non-attenuation corrected PET data (PETNAC) and corresponding CT data. Generated pseudo CTs are then used for subsequent PET AC. One hundred data sets of whole body PETNAC and corresponding CT were used for training. Twenty-five PET/CT examinations were used as test data sets (not included in training). On these test data sets, AC of PET was performed using the acquired CT as well as CTGAN resulting in the corresponding PET data sets PETAC and PETGAN. CTGAN and PETGAN were evaluated qualitatively by visual inspection and by visual analysis of color-coded difference maps. Quantitative analysis was performed by comparison of organ and lesion SUVs between PETAC and PETGAN.

Results
Qualitative analysis revealed no major SUV deviations on PETGAN for most anatomic regions; visually detectable deviations were mainly observed along the diaphragm and the lung border. Quantitative analysis revealed mean percent deviations of SUVs on PETGAN of − 0.8 ± 8.6% over all organs (range [− 30.7%, + 27.1%]). Mean lesion SUVs showed a mean deviation of 0.9 ± 9.2% (range [− 19.6%, + 29.2%]).

Conclusion
Independent AC of whole body [18F]FDG-PET is feasible using the proposed deep learning approach yielding satisfactory PET quantification accuracy. Further clinical validation is necessary prior to implementation in clinical routine applications.
Bacillus subtilis spores as adjuvants against avian influenza H9N2 induce antigen-specific antibody and T cell responses in White Leghorn chickens
Authors: Lee Ji Eun , Kye Yoon-Chul , Park Sung-Moo , Shim Byoung-Shik , Yoo Sungsik , Hwang Eunmi , Kim Hyungkuen , Kim Sung-Jo , Han Seung Hyun , Park Tae Sub , Park Byung-Chul , Yun Cheol-Heui 
Published: May 2020

AbstractLow-pathogenicity avian influenza H9N2 remains an endemic disease worldwide despite continuous vaccination, indicating the need for an improved vaccine strategy. Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis), a gram-positive and endospore-forming bacterium, is a non-pathogenic species that has been used in probiotic formulations for both animals and humans. The objective of the present study was to elucidate the effect of B. subtilis spores as adjuvants in chickens administered inactivated avian influenza virus H9N2. Herein, the adjuvanticity of B. subtilis spores in chickens was demonstrated by enhancement of H9N2 virus-specific IgG responses. B. subtilis spores enhanced the proportion of B cells and the innate cell population in splenocytes from chickens administered both inactivated H9N2 and B. subtilis spores (Spore + H9N2). Furthermore, the H9N2 and spore administration induced significantly increased expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-6 compared to that in the H9N2 only group. Additionally, total splenocytes from chickens immunized with inactivated H9N2 in the presence or absence of B. subtilis spores were re-stimulated with inactivated H9N2. The subsequent results showed that the extent of antigen-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cell proliferation was higher in the Spore + H9N2 group than in the group administered only H9N2. Taken together, these data demonstrate that B. subtilis spores, as adjuvants, enhance not only H9N2 virus-specific IgG but also CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses, with an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokine production. This approach to vaccination with inactivated H9N2 together with a B. subtilis spore adjuvant in chickens produces a significant effect on antigen-specific antibody and T cell responses against avian influenza virus.
The cysteine protease ATG4B of Trichinella spiralis promotes larval invasion into the intestine of the host
Authors: Li Yalan , Wang Baiyan , Zhu Yaxin , Tian Zhihua , Yang Zhuo , Duan Jiaqi , Wang Zhongquan 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe cysteine proteases of parasites are vital contributors that induce parasite migration to and invasion of host tissue. In this study, we analysed the cysteine protease ATG4B of Trichinella spiralis (TsATG4B) isolated from the soluble proteins of Trichinella spiralis (T. spiralis) adult worms to ascertain its biochemical properties and functions during invasion into the intestine of the host. The 43 kDa recombinant cysteine protease ATG4B protein (rTsATG4B) consists of a conserved peptidase_C54 domain and was expressed in Escherichia coli. Gelatine zymography showed that rTsATG4B could hydrolyse gelatine and that the hydrolytic activity was prevented by the cysteine protease inhibitor E-64 (pH 5.2). Immunofluorescence assays showed that TsATG4B is expressed at different stages and is localized at the cuticles and stichosomes of worms. Far-Western blotting and confocal microscopy revealed that rTsATG4B interacts with intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) and that it was subcellularly localized to the membrane and cytoplasm in IECs. Real‑time quantitative PCR (qPCR) results indicated that the transcription level of the TsATG4B gene was the higher in 6-day-old adult worms (6 days AW) than in any other stage. An in vitro larval invasion assay verified that rTsATG4B promoted larval invasion and that invasion was inhibited when rTsATG4B was pre-incubated with E-64, whereas anti-rTsATG4B serum inhibited larval invasion in a dose-dependent manner. Collectively, these results suggested that the enzymatic activity of TsATG4B significantly influences the hydrolysis process, which is necessary for larval invasion of the host intestinal epithelium.