bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trends of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis and rifampicin resistance in Adigrat General Hospital, Eastern Zone of Tigrai, North Ethiopia
Authors: Abay Getachew Kahsu , Hailay Bahlibi 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Tuberculosis is an infectious disease usually caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. The global emergence of mono- or multidrug-resistant tuberculosis and extensively drug-resistant forms of tuberculosis pose a considerable challenge to tuberculosis control programs. There has been no reliable and organized data on trends and drug resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the study area. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the trends of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and rifampicin resistance in the Adigrat General Hospital, eastern Zone of Tigrai, North Ethiopia.Methods: A hospital-based retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Adigrat General Hospital from January 2015 to 2018.Data was collected retrospectively from the GeneXpertTM TB registration book using a data extraction format. Data was entered into Epi-Info 3.1 and subsequently exported and analyzed using SPSS Version 20.The results were summarized using descriptive statistics, tables, and figures. Bivariate and multi-variant regression analysis was employed to measure the association between dependent and independent variables. P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.Result: A total of 5,944 Mycobacterium tuberculosis presumptive patients were included in the study. The majority of the study participants were male (58.1%) with participants’ median age of 40.0 (IQR 26-57) years, the majority were 30-44 years. The overall positive cases of Mycobacterium tuberculosis was 24.3% (1446) with a total of 132 (9.1%) found to be resistant to rifampicin. Of the total confirmed positive cases 8.7 % (103/1188) and 11.2 % (29/258) were rifampicin resistance of presumptive tuberculosis and presumptive drug resistance tuberculosis patients respectively. Age, the reason for diagnosis, site of presumptive tuberculosis, and/or being HIV infected showed significant association with our dependent variable; however, only age and being HIV infected were associated with rifampicin resistance.Conclusion: In our study, the overall trends of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and rifampicin resistance were found to be high. Rifampicin resistance is more common in patients with HIV and presumptive drug resistance tuberculosis individuals. Therefore, maximizing early detection of drug-resistant and strengthening tuberculosis infection control activities are recommended to reduce the burden of this contagious and potentially deadly disease.
Impact of pre-transplant dialysis modality on the outcome and health-related quality of life of patients after simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation
Authors: Scheuermann Uwe , Rademacher Sebastian , Jahn Nora , Sucher Elisabeth , Seehofer Daniel , Sucher Robert , Hau Hans-Michael 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation (SPKT) profoundly improves the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of recipients. However, the influence of the pre-transplant dialysis modality on the success of the SPKT and post-transplant HRQoL remains unknown. Methods: We analyzed the surgical outcome, long-term survival, as well as HRQoL of 83 SPKTs that were performed in our hospital between 2000 and 2016. Prior to transplant, 64 patients received hemodialysis (HD) and nineteen patients received peritoneal dialysis (PD). Physical and mental quality of life results from eight basic scales and the physical and mental component summaries (PCS and MCS) were measured using the Short Form 36 (SF-36) survey.Results: Peri- and postoperative complications, as well as patient and graft survival were similar between the two groups. Both groups showed an improvement of HRQoL in all SF-36 domains after transplantation. Compared with patients who received HD before transplantation, PD patients showed significantly better results in four of the eight SF-36 domains: physical functioning (mean difference HD - PD: -12.4 ± 4.9, P = < 0.01), bodily pain (-14.2 ± 6.3, P < 0.01), general health (-6.3 ± 2.8, P = 0.04), vitality (-6.8 ± 2.6, P = 0.04), and PCS (-5.2 ± 1.5, P < 0.01) after SPKT. In the overall study population, graft loss was associated with significant worsening of the HRQoL in all physical components (each P < 0.01).Conclusions: The results of this analysis show that pre-transplant dialysis modality has no influence on the outcome and survival rate after SPKT. Regarding HRQoL, patients receiving PD prior to SPKT seem to have a slight advantage compared with patients with HD before transplantation.
Generating Human Gastruloids from Human Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Moris Naomi , Anlas Kerim , Schroeder Julia , Ghimire Sabitri , Balayo Tina , Brink Susanne C. van den , Alemany Anna , Oudenaarden Alexander van , Arias Alfonso Martinez 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Gastruloids are aggregates of Pluripotent Stem Cells (PSCs) which, when exposed to differentiation medium and plated within defined conditions, undergo trilineage differentiation to all three germ layers (mesoderm, ectoderm and endoderm) with constitutive cell types organised spatiotemporally along 3 axes (Becarri et. al. 2018). They also undergo morphological shape changes including axial elongation through convergent extension cell movements. The gastruloid method has been well-established using mouse Embryonic Stem Cells (mESCs) and mouse induced PSCs (iPSCs) (van den Brink et. al., 2014; Turner et. al. 2016a; Turner et. al. 2016b; Bailie-Johnson et. al. 2015; Turner et. al. 2017a; Turner et. al. 2017b, Beccari et. al., 2018, See method in Girgin et. al., 2018). Here, we describe a new method to generate equivalent gastruloids from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). hPSCs are able to generate axially elongated human gastruloids with evidence of spatially organised germ layers and comparable features to their mouse counterparts (Moris et. al., 2020).
Determinants and risk factors of gastroenteritis in the general population, a web-based cohort between 2014 and 2017 in France
Authors: Ecollan Marie , Guerrisi Caroline , Souty Cécile , Rossignol Louise , Turbelin Clément , Hanslik Thomas , Colizza Vittoria , Blanchon Thierry 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Although it is rarely fatal in developed countries, acute gastroenteritis (AGE) still induces significant morbidity and economic costs. The objective of this study was to identify factors associated with AGE in winter in the general population.Methods: A prospective study was performed during winter seasons from 2014-2015 to 2016-2017. Participants filled an inclusion survey and reported weekly data on acute symptoms. Factors associated with having at least one AGE episode per winter season were analyzed using the generalized estimating equations (GEE) approach. Results: They were 13,974 participants included in the study over the three seasons. On average, 8.1% of participants declared at least one AGE episode during a winter season. People over 60 declared fewer AGE episodes (adjusted OR (aOR)=0.76, 95% CI [0.64; 0.89]) compared to individuals between 15 and 60 years old, as well as children between 10 and 15 (aOR=0.60 [0.37; 0.98]). Overweight (aOR=1.25 [1.07; 1.45]) and obese (aOR=1.47 [1.19; 1.81]) individuals, those having frequent cold (aOR=1.63 [1.37; 1.94]) and those with at least one chronic condition (aOR=1.35 [1.16; 1.58]) had more AGE episodes. Living alone was associated with a higher AGE episode rate (aOR=1.31 [1.09; 1.59]), as well as having pets at home (aOR=1.23 [1.08; 1.41]). Conclusions: Having a better knowledge of AGE determinants will be useful to adapt public health prevention messages.
Clinical and molecular basis of hepatocerebral mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome in Japan: Evaluation of outcomes after liver transplantation
Authors: Shimura Masaru , Kuranobu Naomi , Ogawa-Tominaga Minako , Akiyama Nana , Sugiyama Yohei , Ebihara Tomohiro , Fushimi Takuya , Ichimoto Keiko , Matsunaga Ayako , Tsuruoka Tomoko , Kishita Yoshihito , Umetsu Shuichiro , Inui Ayano , Fujisawa Tomoo , Tanikawa Ken , Ito Reiko , Fukuda Akinari , Murakami Jun , Kaji Shunsaku , Kasahara Mureo , Shiraki Kazuo , Ohtake Akira , Okazaki Yasushi , Murayama Kei 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background Hepatocerebral mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome (MTDPS) is a disease caused by defects in mitochondrial DNA maintenance and leads to liver failure and neurological complications during infancy. Liver transplantation (LT) remains controversial due to poor outcomes associated with extrahepatic symptoms. The purposes of this study were to clarify the current clinical and molecular features of hepatocerebral MTDPS and to evaluate the outcomes of LT in MTDPS patients in Japan.Results We retrospectively assessed the clinical and genetic findings, as well as the clinical courses, of 23 hepatocerebral MTDPS patients from a pool of 999 patients who were diagnosed with mitochondrial diseases between 2007 and 2019. Causative genes were identified in 19 of 23 patients: MPV17 (n = 13), DGUOK (n = 3), POLG (n = 1), and MICOS13 (n = 1). Eight MPV17-deficient patients harbored c.451dupC and all three DGUOK-deficient patients harbored c.143-307_170del335. The most common initial manifestation was failure to thrive (n = 13, 56.5%). The most frequent liver symptom was cholestasis (n = 21, 91.3%). LT was performed on 12 patients, including nine MPV17-deficient and two DGUOK-deficient patients. Among the 12 transplanted patients, five, including one with mild intellectual disability, survived; while seven who had remarkable neurological symptoms before LT died. Five of the MPV17-deficient survivors had either c.149G>A or c.293C>T. Conclusions MPV17 was the most common genetic cause of hepatocerebral MTDPS. The outcome of LT for MTDPS was not favorable, as previously reported, however, patients harboring MPV17 mutations associated with mild phenotypes such as c.149G>A or c.293C>T, and exhibiting no marked neurologic manifestations before LT, had a better prognosis after LT.
How do parents deal with their children's chronic kidney disease? A qualitative study for identifying factors related to parent's adaptation
Authors: Khorsandi Fatemeh , Parizad Naser , Feizi Aram , maslakpak Masumeh Hemmati 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Parents’ adaptation affects the health outcomes of children with chronic kidney diseases (CKD). Identifying factors that affect parents’ adaptation is necessary to understand their adaptation status. This study aims to explore factors related to the adaptation of parents who have children with CKD. Methods: This was a qualitative study with a content analysis approach. Seventeen parents of children with CKD were selected by using purposive sampling. One of the researchers performed semi-structured, in-depth, face-to-face interviews to collect data. Conventional content analysis was used to analyze data. Results: Two main categories extracted from the data were “adaptation facilitators” and “adaptation barriers.” Adaptation facilitators supported by three sub-categories: “social support,” “family capability,” “spiritual beliefs.” Four sub-categories of “adaptation barriers” were revealed as follows: “family-related barrier,” “mental stress by others,” “the chronic nature of the disease,” and “unfavorable treatment conditions.” Conclusions: Identifying the factors influencing parental adaptation helps the medical staff to make the necessary interventions to support the parents. According to this study, increasing parent access to the required information, supporting them financially and emotionally, and helping them identify support resources can facilitate their adaptation to their child's chronic illness. Also, identifying and eliminating adaptation barriers can help parents deal better with their child’s chronic disease.
Microparticles derived from human erythropoietin mRNA-transfected mesenchymal stem cells inhibit epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and ameliorate renal interstitial fibrosis
Authors: Lee Mirae , Kim Seok-hyung , Jhee Jong Hyun , Kim Tae Yeon , Choi Hoon Young , Kim Hyung Jong , Park Hyeong Cheon 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis (TIF) plays an important role in the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its pathogenesis involves epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) upon renal injury. Recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) has been shown to display novel cytoprotective effects, in part by inhibiting transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-induced EMT. Here, we evaluated the inhibitory effects of microparticles (MPs) derived from human EPO gene-transfected kidney mesenchymal stem cells (hEPO-KMSCs) against TGF-β1-induced EMT in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells and against TIF in mouse kidneys with unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO).Methods: EMT was induced in MDCK cells by treatment with TGF-β1 (5 ng/mL) for 48 h and then inhibited by co-treatment with rhEPO (100 IU/mL), mock gene-transfected KMSC-derived MPs (MOCK-MPs), or hEPO-KMSC-derived MPs (hEPO-MPs) for a further 48 h. UUO was induced in FVB/N mice, which were then treated with rhEPO (1000 IU/kg, intraperitoneally, every other day for 1 week), MOCK-MPs, or hEPO-MPs (80 mg, intravenously). Alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), fibronectin, and E-cadherin expression were evaluated in MDCK cells and kidney tissues, and the extent of TIF in UUO kidneys was assessed by immunohistochemical staining.Results: TGF-β1 treatment significantly increased α-SMA and fibronectin expression in MDCK cells and decreased that of E-cadherin, while co-treatment with rhEPO, MOCK-MPs, or hEPO-MPs markedly attenuated these changes. In addition, rhEPO and hEPO-MP treatment effectively decreased phosphorylated Smad2 and Smad3, as well as phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) expression, suggesting that rhEPO and rhEPO-MPs can inhibit TGF-β1-induced EMT via both Smad and non-Smad pathways. rhEPO and hEPO-MP treatment also significantly attenuated the extent of renal TIF after one week of UUO compared to MOCK-MPs, with hEPO-MPs significantly reducing myofibroblast and F4/80+ macrophage infiltration as well as EMT marker expression in UUO renal tissues in a similar manner to rhEPO. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that hEPO-MPs modulate TGF-β1-induced EMT in MDCK cells via the Smad2, Smad3, and p38 MAPK pathways and significantly attenuated renal TIF in UUO kidneys.
Validation of depressive symptoms, social support, and minority stress scales among Gay, Bisexual, and other men who have with men (GBMSM) in Nigeria, Africa: A Mixed Methods Approach
Authors: Ogunbajo Adedotun , Iwuagwu Stella , Williams Rashidi , Biello Katie B , Kahler Christopher W , Sandfort Theodorus , Mimiaga Matthew J 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) in Nigeria experience social marginalization, discrimination and violence due to their sexual identity, which may negatively impact physical, mental, and sexual health outcomes. Studies on GBMSM in Africa utilize measurement scales developed largely for populations in the Global North. The validity and reliability of these instruments—to our knowledge—have never been thoroughly investigated among GBMSM in Nigeria. The aim of the current study was to determine the validity and reliability of the English versions of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD-R), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and LGBT Minority Stress Measure among a large multi-state sample of GBMSM Nigeria.Methods: Between January and June 2019, we conducted cognitive interviews (N=30) and quantitative assessments (N=406) with GBMSM in Nigeria. The cognitive interviews assessed comprehension of scale items and elicited suggestions for scale modifications. The quantitative assessment was used to gather psychosocial health data and to evaluate psychometric properties and construct validity of the modified scales. We utilized confirmatory factor analysis to assess factor structure, correlation coefficients, and Cronbach’s alpha to examine scale validity and internal consistency. Results: Based on participant feedback from the cognitive interviews, we made slight modifications (i.e., culturally appropriate word substitutions) to all three scales. Results of quantitative analyses indicated good psychometric properties including high factor loadings, internal consistency and construct validity among the CESD-R, MSPSS, and LGBT Minority Stress Measure among GBMSM in Nigeria. Conclusion: These results suggests that modifying research scales to be more culturally relevant likely do not jeopardize their validity and reliability. We found that modified scales measuring depressive symptoms, perceived social support, and minority stress among GBMSM in Nigeria remained valid. More research is needed to explore whether the psychometric properties remain if the scales are translated into broken English (Pidgin) and other traditional Nigerian languages (Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa).
Enzymatic activity and brine shrimp lethality of venom from the large brown spitting cobra (Naja ashei) and its neutralization by antivenom
Authors: Okumu Mitchel Otieno , Mbaria James Mucunu , Gikunju Joseph Kangangi , Mbuthia Paul Gichohi , Madadi Vincent Odongo , Ochola Francis Okumu 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Objective: Naja ashei is a snake of medical importance in Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, Uganda, and Tanzania. Little is known about the enzymatic (snake venom phospholipases A2; svPLA2’s) and toxic (lethal) activities of Naja ashei venom and crucially, the safety and capacity of available antivenom to neutralize these effects. This study aimed to determine the enzymatic and toxic activities of Naja ashei venom and the capacity of Indian and Mexican manufactured antivenoms to neutralize these effects. The protein content of the venom and the test antivenoms were also evaluated. A 12-point log concentration-response curve (0.5-22.5 µg/mL) was generated on an agarose-egg yolk model to predict the svPLA2 activity of the venom. The toxicity profile of the venom and antivenoms was evaluated in the brine shrimp lethality assay. Lowry’s method was used for protein estimation. Results: Low and intermediate concentrations of the venom exhibited similar svPLA2 activities. The same was true for concentrations >15µg/mL. Intermediate and high doses of the venom exhibited similar mortalities in brine shrimp and test antivenoms were generally non-toxic but poorly neutralized svPLA2 activity. Mexican manufactured antivenom had lower protein content but neutralized venom-induced brine shrimp lethality much more effectively than Indian manufactured antivenom.
Are supplemental appraisal/reimbursement processes needed for rare disease treatments? An international comparison of country approaches
Authors: Nicod Elena , Whittal Amanda , Drummond Michael , Facey Karen 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUND There is increasing recognition that conventional appraisal approaches may be unsuitable for assessing the value rare disease treatments (RDTs). This research examines what supplemental appraisal/reimbursement processes for RDTs are used internationally and how they can be characterised. A qualitative research design was used that included (1) documentation of country appraisal/reimbursement processes for RDTs via questionnaires, desk research and iterative interactions with country experts to produce country vignettes, and (2) a cross-country analysis of these processes to identify and characterise features in supplemental processes for RDTs, and compare them to countries without supplemental processes. RESULTS Thirty-two of the 37 invited countries participated in this research. Forty-one percent (13/32) use supplemental processes for RDTs. Their level of integration within standard processes ranged from low to high, characterised by whether they are separate or partially separate from the standard process, adapted or accelerated standard processes, or standard processes that may be applied to RDTs. They are characterised by features implemented throughout the appraisal process. These features are mechanisms that allow application of different standards to assess the value of the medicine, support to the appraisal/decision-making process, overcome the issues of lack of cost-effectiveness, or exempt from part of/the full appraisal/reimbursement process. They increase the likelihood of reimbursement by adjusting and/or foregoing part of the assessment process, or accepting to pay more for the same added benefit as for common conditions. A large proportion of countries with standard processes include one or more of these features (formally or informally) or are discussing potential changes in their systems. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest revealed preferences to treat RDTs differently than conventional medicines. Some of the challenges around uncertainty and high price remain, but supplemental process features can support decision-making that is more flexible and consistent. Many of these processes are new and countries continue to adjust as they gain experience.
How to choose kinematic or mechanical alignment individually according to preoperative characteristics of patients?
Authors: Luan Chong , Xu Dong-Tan , Chen Ning-Jie , Wang Fei-Fei , Tian Kang- Song , Wei Chao , Wang Xian-Bin 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background Making decisions in alignment techniques in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remains controversial. This study aims to identify the potential patients who were suitable for the kinematic (KA) or mechanical alignment (MA). Methods We reviewed 296 consecutive patients (296 TKAs, including 114 KA-TKAs and 182 MA-TKAs) who underwent unilateral TKA using a computer-assisted navigation from 2016 to 2018 in our prospectively maintained database. The minimum followup was one year. Clinical outcomes including the range of motion (ROM) and knee society score (KSS) were compared between KA-TKAs and MA-TKAs. Multiple regression models were used to evaluate the relationship between alignment techniques and KSS at the 1-year followup. Interaction and stratified analyses were conducted according to gender, age, body mass index (BMI), preoperative hip-knee-ankle (HKA) angle, ROM and KSS.Results ROM and KSS at the 1-year followup didn't differ between MA-TKAs and KA-TKAs (all p>0.05). Alignment techniques did not associate with postoperative ROM (Adjusted β=0.4, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.3, 1.6; p=0.752) or 1-year KSS (Adjusted β=2.2, 95%CI: -0.7, 5.6; p=0.107). Patients with a BMI more than 30 kg/m^2 achieved better 1-year KSS when using MA than KA (p for interaction<0.05). Additionally, patients with preoperative HKA angle more than 10 degrees varus benefited more from KA than MA (p for interaction<0.05).Conclusions Patients with severe varus deformity may be suitable for the KA technique, whereas MA should be used in obese patients.