bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum microRNA-204 Levels are Associated with Long-Term Cardiovascular Diseases Risk Using Framingham Risk Score in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: Results From an Observational Study
Authors: Wang Rui , Ding Yaodong , Pei Yuqiang , Zhao Yingxin , Liu Xiaoli , Shen Hua , Zhang Shuo , Yu Lei , Ge Hailong 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: The basic studies have demonstrated that microRNA-204 (miRNA-204) was involved in the process of atherosclerosis and vascular calcification. However, the value of miRNA-204 as a predictive biomarker for cardiovascular disease (CVD) is still controversial. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the association between circulating miRNA-204 level and the 10-year cardiovascular disease risk score, Framingham risk score (FRS).Method: The subjects consecutively enrolled 194 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus without cardiovascular disease at Anzhen Hospital from January 2015 to September 2016. We used the Framingham Risk Score (FRS) to evaluate the risk of cardiovascular disease. Circulating miRNA-204 levels were measured by quantitative Real-Time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).Result: The circulating miRNA-204 levels were significantly lower in high risk group of CVD (FRS > 20%) of patients (0.49 ± 0.13) compared with that in low risk group (FRS < 10%) and intermediate risk group (FRS = 10%-20%) (0.87 ± 0.19, 0.75 ± 0.25, Respectively, p < 0.001). FRS was negatively correlated with miR-204 levels (r=-0.421, p < 0.001). According to multivariate logistic analyses, miRNA-204 levels were still significantly and independently associated with the high risk of CVD after adjusting the conventional risk factor. Receiver-operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis also showed that circulating miRNA-204 level can predict the high risk of CVD, and the specificity was higher than traditional risk factors SBP and protective factor HDL-C of CVD.Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that patients with lower circulating miRNA-204 levels were at a high risk for the progression of CVD. After adjustment for potential confounders, miRNA-204 was independently associated with CVD in patients with T2DM.
Rich production media as a platform for CHO cell line development
Authors: Kim Yong Jae , Han Sang Kyul , Yoon Seongtae , Kim Chan-Wha 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Recent cell culture media for mammalian cells can be abundantly formulated with nutrients supporting production, but such media can be limited to use in host cell culture, transfection, cell cloning, and cell growth under the low cell density conditions. In many cases, appropriate platform media are used for cell line development, and then replaced with rich media for production. In this study, we demonstrate rich chemically defined media for Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells that are suitable as basal media both for cell line development and for final production of culture process. Set up for transfection, semi-solid media optimization, mini-pool screening, and single cell cloning media development were performed, and final clones were obtained with higher productivity in fed-batch culture mode using rich formulated media comparing with lean formulated media. Developed methods may remove the requirements for cell adaptation to production media after cell line development, and relieve the clonality issues associated with changing the culture media. Furthermore, established methods have advantages over traditional approaches, including saving resources and decreasing the time and the effort required to optimize the production process.
Rapid structure based identification of potential Covid-19 main protease inhibitors
Authors: Sobhia M. Elizabeth , Kumar Siva , Sivangula Srikanth , Ghosh Ketan , Haokip T. , Gibson J. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
“India fights Corona”, proclaims the media. ‘Stay home’, ‘social distancing’, ‘lock down’ are the phrases ringing in every home. The Corona pandemic has drawn the attention of many scientists to fight against the virus. We report herein, a set of newly identified molecules which can presumably act as potential inhibitors of Covid-19 main protease. A fast mode approach using a combinatorial structure based strategy which includes high throughput virtual screening, molecular docking, water map calculations and data base search was applied to identify these molecules. The PDB structures, 5R82, 6Y2G were used as the basis for this study. Data bases viz., Enamine, Drug Bank, Natural product, Specs and few antiviral drugs were used for screening. Water map analysis yielded insights into the design of more potential molecules. Considering the need of the hour, this study may help in the discovery and development of anti-viral drugs against Covid-19.
Impact of Q.Clear reconstruction algorithm on the interpretation of PET/CT images in patients with lymphoma
Authors: Wyrzykowski Michał , Siminiak Natalia , Kaźmierczak Maciej , Ruchała Marek , Czepczyński Rafał 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background. Q.Clear is a new Bayesian penalised-likelihood PET reconstruction algorithm. It has been documented that Q.Clear increases SUVmax values of different malignant lesions. Purpose. As SUVmax values are crucial for interpretation of PET/CT images in patients with lymphoma, particularly when early and final response to treatment is evaluated, aim of the study was to systematically analyze the impact of the use of Q.Clear on interpretation of PET/CT in patients with lymphoma. Methods. 280 18F-FDG PET/CT scans in patients with lymphoma performed for staging (sPET), for early treatment response (iPET), after the end of treatment (ePET) and when a lymphoma relapse was suspected (rPET) were retrospectively analyzed. Scans separately reconstructed with two algorithms: Q.Clear and OSEM were compared. Results. The lymphoma stage was concordantly diagnosed in 69/70 patients with both algorithms in sPET. Discordant assessment of Deauville score (p < 0.001) was found in 11 cases (15.7%) of 70 iPET scans and in 11 cases of 70 ePET scans. An upgrade from negative to positive scan by Q.Clear resulted in case of 3 (4.3%) iPET scans and 7 (10.0%) ePET scans that resulted in alteration of management. Results of all 70 r-PET scans were concordant. SUVmax values of the target lymphoma lesions measured with Q.Clear were higher than with OSEM in 88.8% scans. Conclusion. Although the Q.Clear algorithm may alter interpretation of PET/CT only in a small proportion of patients, we recommend to use standard OSEM reconstruction for assessment of treatment response.
Impacts and Lessons Learnt From Local Production of WHO-Recommended Alcohol Based Hand Rub During Covid-19 Pandemic in Uganda
Authors: Fred Tusabe , Otita Morgan , Kesande Maureen , Fred Twinomugisha 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
The Government of Uganda through the Ministry of Health and other partners have promoted hand washing and hand rubbing using ABHS as one of the key preventive measures against person-to-person spread of the Covid-19 virus. The people of Uganda have greatly heeded to these messages and as a result, the demand for ABHS has increased because of high consumption rates.Methods: A district multi modal design was established in 2019 in Kabarole and Kasese districts in Western Uganda Part of the strategy was to set up an ABHS production units. The prevailing COVID-19 outbreak has instigated set up at centrally located Kasangati HCIV. We analysed the demand and production of ABHS produced before and during the COVID-19 outbreak.Objective: To establish the impacts and lessons from local Production of WHO-recommended alcohol based hand rub during Covid-19 PandemicResults: 2060 litres were produced in Fort Portal in March 2020 around the time Uganda registered her first case of COVID-19 compared to monthly average production of 141 litres before the outbreak. In Kasese around 3020 litres were produced compared to the average 1500litres while 2000 litres produced in Kasangati HCIV a newly set production unit and a total of 8 people trained on Local production of ABHS.Conclusion; With high demand for ABHS during this pandemic, prices for commercial hand sanitizers have escalated, therefore, there is need to roll out local production of ABHS in other parts of the country since its saves more than 45% of the costs compared to commercial Hand Sanitizer. The production units should be embedded in Regional Referral Hospitals or IPC guidelines to major health facilities for the benefit of healthcare workers and patients who are at risk of the pandemic.
Intraoperative ultrasound in neurosurgical procedures
Authors: Kumar V A Kiran , Kiran N A Sai , Kumari Girija , Pal Ranabir , Reddy V Umamaheswar , Agrawal Amit 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
The objective of the present study was to study the utility and the effectiveness of intraoperative ultrasound in neurosurgical procedures and to assess the outcome.Material and MethodsIn this prospective study, operative procedures by a single surgeon under intraoperative ultrasound localization for basal ganglia/thalamic haematoma or traumatic brain contusions or brain tumours were included. Ultrasound scanning of the brain was performed before and after the excision of the lesion and during the procedure to verify the extent of removal of the lesion.Results74 patients underwent surgery for brain tumor/basal ganglia bleed/head injury with hemorrhagic contusion with the help of intraoperative ultrasound. Gross tumor resection was noted in 25 out of 36 cases of brain tumors (69.44%), complete evacuation of hematoma was noted in 14 out of 34 cases(41.2%) of basal ganglia bleed and in 2 out of 4 cases (50%) of intracerebral contusion. As per Modified Rankin scale (MRS)score, among the brain tumor cases, all patients had fared well in recovery and had better MRS scores except in one patient who expired during postoperative period.ConclusionsIoUS is a widely accessible, cheap, portable and less space occupying and reliable imaging tool to follow and modify the surgical plan in real time, and is more accurate and helpful in complete tumor resection, evacuation of intracerebral bleeds and contusions, and biopsy of deep seated lesions. It is easy and safe to handle with no risk of radiation.
Characterization of a Monanema nematode in Ixodes scapularis
Authors: Tokarz Rafal , Tagliafierro Teresa , Lipkin W. Ian , Marques Adriana R 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background Metagenomic studies have revealed the presence of a filarial nematode in Ixodes scapularis. The phylogeny of this agent, and its potential for human infection, are unknown.Methods We used existing metagenomic data from I. scapularis to determine the phylogeny of this tick-associated nematode and employed quantitative PCR to determine if the presence of this agent had an effect on the burden of Borrelia burgdorferi. We also developed a Luciferase Immunoprecipitation System assay using the Av33 antigen as a target to investigate the presence of antibodies against this nematode in 128 serum specimens from patients with Lyme disease and babesiosis. To demonstrate assay utility, we used 15 sera from patients with onchocerciasis as controls.Results We show that this agent is a new species in the genus Monanema and its presence in vector ticks does not impact the burden of B. burgdorferi. We did not detect IgG antibodies to this agent in 127 of 128 sera from patients with Lyme disease or babesiosis. One sample had reactivity above the threshold, but at the low-level equivalent to the least reactive onchocerciasis sera. This low positive signal could be a result of cross-reacting antibodies, antibodies from a previous infection with a filarial nematode, or, less likely, a exposure to the Ixodes scapularis-associated nematode.Conclusions We found no evidence that this nematode contributes to the spectrum of human tick-borne infections.
Epidemiology of cutaneous leishmaniasis in a newly emerging focus in Gampaha district, Western province of Sri Lanka
Authors: Mallawarachchi Chandana Harendra , Chandrasena Nilmini T. G. A. N , Wijerathna Tharaka , Dalpadado Rasika C.P.D. , Mallawarachchi Maleesha S.M.N.S. , G.A Gunarathna , Gunathilaka Nayana 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background:

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) appears to be spreading to previously non-endemic regions of Sri Lanka. The aim of this study was to describe a newly emerging focus of CL in the district of Gampaha, in Western Sri Lanka.
Methods:

A case based descriptive study was carried out from January 2018 to April 2019 in the Mirigama Medical Officer of Health (MOH) area, which reported the highest number of CL cases in Gampaha District. Laboratory confirmed cases were traced and socio-demographic and clinical data were collected via a validated questionnaire and clinic records respectively. The quality of life (QOL) of study participants was measured using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates of patient residences were recorded using handheld GPS receivers. Sand-flies were collected from four selected sites, using Indoor Hand Collection (IHC) (162 units) and Cattle Baited Net Traps (CBNT) (n = 3) and a battery-operated aspirator.
Results:

Of 73 patients identified in this study, 58.9% were males, with a mean age of 43.6 years (SD 20.1). The lesions included nodules (52.05%) and ulcers (47.9%). Single lesions were seen in 69.86%, while 30.1% had multiple. Except for one mucosal lesion, all others were on skin. Treatment varied from sodium stibogluconate (SSG) + cryotherapy (46.57%), SSG (45.2%) and cryotherapy (8.2%). Patients with multiple lesions were more likely to be treated with combined SSG + cryotherapy (p < 0.05). The mean DLQI score was 8.14 (SD = 7). Most patients engaged in outdoor activities that exposed them to the risk of sand-fly bites Workplaces of 81.1% (27/33) were located within the district. Housing conditions of study participants were of moderate (59%), good (35.6%) and poor (5%) quality. Four households reported multiple cases. Spatial distribution of cases indicated notable clustering in seven adjacently located Public Health Inspector (PHI) areas. Phlebotomus argentipes was detected in all CBNTs and 35.28% of IHC units surveyed.
Conclusions:

CL is emerging in Gamapha district with Mirigama MOH area being the epicentre of infection. The disease had a moderately negative impact on QOL of patients. Minimal migration of cases, clustering of cases within households and in the locality indicates local transmission with P. argentipes as the probable vector.
An observational study of post-operative Volumetric Modulated Arc Radiotherapy (VMAT) of breast cancer by immobilizing patients on All-in-one (AIOTM) solution Breast and Lung Board without usingthermoplastic mask: Risk of collusion of gantry with couch exists if acquisition of Cone-beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)is attempted for set-up verification.
Authors: Kumar Ramaiah Vinay 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background:
Automatic Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) based image matching for set-up verification is recommended as compared to 2-D match for post-operative local / loco-regional radiotherapy of breast cancer patients by Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) technique. However, in supine position, off-midline peripheral body Clinical Target Volume (CTV) of unilateral breast cancer patients immobilized on Breast and Lung board of All-in-One (AIO) positioning systemmay necessitate augmented movement of couch in ‘x’ and ‘z’ axis thereby raising the risk of collusion of x-ray sources / detectors system with couch.
Methods and Materials:
VMAT was planned by a pair of partial arc for whole target volume for seven consecutive post-operative breast cancer patients (five post-mastectomy and two post-breast conservation patients). Tattoo based set-up by shift of treatment table in x-, y- and z-axis as determined by Treatment Planning System followed by X-rays with planar image acquisition and online 2-D imaging matching was performed for set-up verification. In-room 360°rotation of x-ray source and detector system of linear accelerator (linac) was performed before x-ray planar image acquisition.
Results:
Completion of 360°rotation in-room of x-ray source and detector system of linacaround the machine iso-centre was not possible in six out of seven patients due to possibility of collusion of gantry with contralateral side of the couch.
Conclusion:
Performing CBCT for generating 3D images for computed tomography (CT) reconstruction may not be practical for patient set-up verification of post-operative radiotherapy of unilateral breast cancer patients positioned supine on breast and lung board.
Strict bladder filling and rectal emptying during prostate SBRT - does it make a dosimetric or clinical difference?
Authors: Byun David Jaihun , Gorovets Daniel J. , Jacobs Lauren M. , Happersett Laura , Zhang Pengpeng , Pei Xin , Burleson Sarah , Zhang Zhigang , Hunt Margie , McBride Sean , Kollmeier Marisa A. , Zelefsky Michael J. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
To evaluate inter-fractional variations in bladder and rectum during prostate stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and determine dosimetric and clinical consequences.
Methods
Eighty-five patients with 510 computed tomography (CT) images were analyzed. Median prescription dose was 40 Gy in 5 fractions. Patients were instructed to maintain a full bladder and empty rectum prior to simulation and each treatment. A single reviewer delineated organs at risk (OARs) on the simulation (Sim-CT) and Cone Beam CTs (CBCT) for analyses.
Results
Bladder and rectum volume reductions were observed throughout the course of SBRT, with largest mean reductions of 86.9 mL (19.0%) for bladder and 6.4 mL (8.7%) for rectum noted at fraction #5 compared to Sim-CT (P < 0.01). Higher initial Sim-CT bladder volumes were predictive for greater reduction in absolute bladder volume during treatment (ρ=-0.69; P < 0.01). Over the course of SBRT, there was a small but significant increase in bladder mean dose (+ 4.5 ± 12.8%; P < 0.01) but no significant change in the D2cc (+ 0.8 ± 4.0%; P = 0.28). The mean bladder trigone displacement was in the anterior direction (+ 4.02 ± 6.59 mm) with a corresponding decrease in mean trigone dose (-3.6 ± 9.6%; P < 0.01) and D2cc (-6.2 ± 15.6%; P < 0.01). There was a small but significant increase in mean rectal dose (+ 7.0 ± 12.9%, P < 0.01) but a decrease in rectal D2cc (-2.2 ± 10.1%; P = 0.04). No significant correlations were found between relative bladder volume changes, bladder trigone displacements, or rectum volume changes with rates of genitourinary or rectal toxicities.
Conclusions
Despite smaller than expected bladder and rectal volumes at the time of treatment compared to the planning scans, dosimetric impact was minimal and not predictive of detrimental clinical outcomes. These results cast doubt on the need for excessively strict bladder filling and rectal emptying protocols in the context of image guided prostate SBRT and prospective studies are needed to determine its necessity.
OPTimizing Irradiation through Molecular Assessment of Lymph node (OPTIMAL): a randomized open label trial.
Authors: Algara Manuel , Rodríguez Elvira , Flaquer Amanda , Beato Inmaculada , Martínez Francisco José , Salinas Juan , Rodrígez Jose Reyes , Sanz Xavier , Soler Ana , Juan Germán , Frias Andere , Aurea Manso , Calín Ana , Diaz Inma , Guimon Elena , Meireles Pedro 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
BackgroundConservative surgery followed by breast and nodal irradiation is the standard loco-regional treatment for early breast cancer (BC) patients with four or more involved lymph nodes. However, the treatment strategy when fewer nodes are involved remains unclear, especially when lymphadenectomy has not been performed. Sensitive molecular techniques for nodal status assessment such as the OSNA (One-Step Nucleic Acid Amplification) assay can contribute to the definition and standardization of the treatment strategy. Therefore, the OPTIMAL study aims to demonstrate the feasibility of the incidental irradiation of axillary nodes in patients with early-stage BC and limited involvement of the SLN.MethodsBC patients with conservative surgery and a total tumour load of sentinel lymph nodes assessed with OSNA ranged between 250–15.000 copies/µL will be eligible. Patients will be randomized to receive irradiation on breast, tumour bed, axillary and supraclavicular lymph node areas (intentional arm) or only on breast and tumour bed (incidental arm). All areas, including the internal mammary chain, will be contoured. The mean, median, D5% and D95% doses received in all volumes will be calculated. The primary endpoint is the non-inferiority of incidental irradiation of axillary nodes compared with the intentional irradiation in terms of 5-year disease free survival. Secondary endpoints comprise the comparison of acute and chronic toxicity, loco-regional and distant disease recurrence rates.DiscussionStandardizing the treatment and diagnosis of BC patients with few nodes affected is crucial due to the lack of consensus on the therapeutic strategies in these patients. Hence, the quantitative score for metastatic burden of SLN provided by OSNA can contribute to improve the discrimination of BC patients with a limited nodal involvement who can benefit from incidental radiation as an adjuvant treatment strategy.Trial registrationClinicalTrial.gov, NCT02335957; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02335957
Antibiotic resistance pattern of bacterial isolates retrieved from febrile neutropenic patients with hematological disorders
Authors: Prajapati Gayatri , Poudyal Bishesh Sharma , Maharjan Krishna Kumar , Prajapati Sunita , Dhungana Janak Raj 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background

Antibiotic resistance is nowadays becoming a threat in the treatment of immunosuppressed patients. The aim of this study was to find out the antibiotic resistance pattern of bacteria isolated from febrile neutropenic patients with hematological disorders so that it would help to select the empirical antibiotic for prompt effective treatment of the febrile neutropenic patients.
Methods

A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital of Nepal from October 2018 to November 2019. Blood was drawn aseptically in blood culture bottles. The bacteria were identified by standard microbiological methods with observation of colony morphology, gram staining and biochemical tests of bacteria. The antibiotic susceptibility tests were done by Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method. Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase (ESBL) and Metallo Beta Lactamase (MBL) producers, and Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) were detected by phenotypic methods.
Results

Of the total 214 blood samples, 33.9% (71) yielded the bacterial growth. Gram negative bacteria were isolated from 23.8% of total samples and Gram-positive bacteria were isolated from 9.3% of the total samples. The Gram negative bacteria isolated were Escherichia coli (7.9%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (4.7%), Citrobacter spp. (4.7%), Acinetobacter spp. (3.7%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (2.8%). The Gram-positive bacteria isolated were Staphylococcus aureus (5.6%), Coagulase Negative Staphylococcus (2.3%) and Enterococcus spp. (1.4%). About 66.7% of the total Gram-negative bacteria isolated and 50% of the total Gram-positive bacteria were MDR (Multidrug-resistant). About 19.6% of the total Gram-negative bacteria were ESBL producers and 19.6% of them were MBL producers. About 41.6% of Staphylococcus aureus isolated were MRSA (Methicillin Resistant S. aureus). In our institution, piperacillin-tazobactam is the preferred first choice empirical antibiotic. But 58.8% of the Gram negative organisms were found to be resistant towards piperacillin-tazobactam. Hence there is a prompt necessity to switch to another antibiotic with high sensitivity for effective treatment of the febrile neutropenic patients in our institution.
Conclusion

Antibiotic surveillance data should be evaluated periodically to select the empirical therapeutic antibiotic for effective treatment of febrile neutropenic patients.