bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pathogen-reduced PRP blocks T-cell activation, induces Treg cells, and promotes TGF-β expression by cDCs and monocytes in mice
Authors: Tran Johnson Q. , Muench Marcus O. , Jackman Rachael P. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAlloimmunization against platelet-rich plasma (PRP) transfusions can lead to complications such as platelet refractoriness or rejection of subsequent transfusions and transplants. In mice, pathogen reduction treatment of PRP with UVB light and riboflavin (UV+R) prevents alloimmunization and appears to induce partial antigen-specific tolerance to subsequent transfusions. Herein, the in vivo responses of antigen-presenting cells and T cells to transfusion with UV+R-treated allogeneic PRP were evaluated to understand the cellular immune responses leading to antigen-specific tolerance. Mice that received UV+R-treated PRP had significantly increased transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) expression by CD11b+ CD4+ CD11cHi conventional dendritic cells (cDCs) and CD11bHi monocytes (P &lt; .05). While robust T-cell responses to transfusions with untreated allogeneic PRP were observed (P &lt; .05), these were blocked by UV+R treatment. Mice given UV+R-treated PRP followed by untreated PRP showed an early significant (P &lt; .01) enrichment in regulatory T (Treg) cells and associated TGF-β production as well as diminished effector T-cell responses. Adoptive transfer of T-cell–enriched splenocytes from mice given UV+R-treated PRP into naive recipients led to a small but significant reduction of CD8+ T-cell responses to subsequent allogeneic transfusion. These data demonstrate that pathogen reduction with UV+R induces a tolerogenic profile by way of CD11b+ CD4+ cDCs, monocytes, and induction of Treg cells, blocking T-cell activation and reducing secondary T-cell responses to untreated platelets in vivo.
Recipient and renal allograft survival following living related-donor transplantation: a single center experience
Authors: Sharafeldeen Mohamed , Elgebaly Omar , Abou Youssif Tamer , Fahmy Ahmed , Elsaqa Mohamed , Abdelsalam Mohamed Said 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Despite improvements in surgical techniques of renal transplantation, still surgical complications remain a big challenge that might affect the post-transplant recipient and graft outcome. The aim of the current study was to retrospectively assess the surgical complications following living related kidney transplants in our center from 1990 to 2012 and determine their impact on long term recipient and graft survival.

Methods
We conducted a retrospective study of all live related-donor kidney transplants performed at our tertiary referral center between June 1990 and December 2012. Data regarding recipient demographics, details of surgical techniques, any reported complications and cumulative recipient and graft survival was analyzed.

Results
One hundred and four patients were included in the study whom we had access to their complete hospital records and they didn’t miss follow up. There were 41 surgical complications reported in 37 recipients, prevalence of 35.5%. Vascular and urologic complications were reported in 17(16.3%) and 11 (10.5%) recipients respectively. Lymphocele was post-operatively diagnosed in nine (8.7%) recipients. Recipient survival at 1 year and 5-year were 100% and 97% respectively. Graft survival at 1 year and at 5 years were 96% and 85.5% respectively. Surgical complications mentioned, other than renal artery thrombosis, had no statistically significant impact on the graft and recipient survival.

Conclusion
Although surgical complications post-transplantation are not rare, the resulting morbidity can be minimized by prompt management of complications. In general, the existence of surgical complications did not impact recipient or graft survival.
Impact of weight on stone-free rate during percutaneous nephrolithotomy
Authors: Abdrabuh Abdrabuh M. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
To assess Impact of weight on stone-free rate during percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

Methods
Hundred and twenty-three PNL procedures were done between January 2016 and July 2017. The patients were divided into four groups according to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification of body mass index (BMI): < 25 ((group 1, average)), 25–29.9 (group 2, overweight), 30–39.9 (group 3, obese), and ≥ 40 kg/m2 (group 4, morbidly obese). All groups were compared as regarding preoperative variables, intra-operative procedure and postoperative results.

Results
The non-obese groups were younger in age than obese and morbid obese groups (P = 0.005). The difference in BMI was statistically significant between non-obese and obese groups (P = 0.0001). Most of females gender were obese and morbid obese (P = 0.0001) and most of the obese patients had left-sided renal stone (P = 0.001). Most of overweight and obese groups had radiopaque stones (P = 0.02). There were no statistically significant differences between all groups as regarding co-morbidity, stone size, stone locations, and hydronephrosis grade. Operative time (P = 0.034), length of hospital stay (P value = 0.014) and fluoroscopy time (P = 0.0001) were statistically significant differences between all groups. Number of accesses, access site, postoperative hemoglobin drop, post- operative complications, fate of residual stones and stone-free rate were not statistically significant differences between all groups. BMI was correlated with mean fluoroscopy time and mean hospitalization duration in our study as the time of hospitalization and time of x-ray exposure increase with obesity.

Conclusion
PNL is a safe and effective procedure for obese patients. BMI do not predict clearance post PNL.
Hepatitis C virus infection in EU/EEA and United Kingdom prisons: opportunities and challenges for action
Authors: Nakitanda Aya Olivia , Montanari Linda , Tavoschi Lara , Mozalevskis Antons , Duffell Erika 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission in the European Union, European Economic Area and United Kingdom is driven by injecting drug use (IDU), which contributes to the high burden of chronic infection among people in prisons. This study aimed to describe the context, epidemiology and response targeting HCV in prisons across the region.

Methods
We retrieved and collated HCV-related data from the World Health Organization’s Health in Prisons European Database and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control’s hepatitis C prevalence database. Prisons population data were obtained from the Council of Europe Annual Penal Statistics on prison populations (SPACE I).

Results
There were 12 to 93,266 people in prisons, with rates of 31·5 to 234·9 per 100,000 population. Median age was between 31 and 40 years, with up to 72% foreign nationals. Average detention time ranged from one to 31 months. Ministries of Health had sole authority over prisons health, budget administration and funding in 27, 31 and 8% of 26 reporting countries, respectively. Seroprevalence of HCV antibodies ranged from 2·3% to 82·6% while viraemic infections ranged from 5·7% to 82%, where reported. Up to 25·8 and 44% reported current and ever IDU, respectively. Eight countries routinely offered HCV screening on an opt-out basis. Needle and syringe programmes were available in three countries. Among the nine countries with data, the annual number of those who had completed HCV treatment ranged between one and 1215 people in prisons.

Conclusions
HCV burden in prisons remains high, amidst suboptimal levels of interventions. Systematic monitoring at both local and regional levels is warranted, to advance progress towards the elimination of HCV in the region.
Medical crowdfunding in a healthcare system with universal coverage: an exploratory study
Authors: Lublóy Ágnes 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundIn recent years, crowdfunding for medical expenses has gained popularity, especially in countries without universal health coverage. Nevertheless, universal coverage does not imply covering all medical costs for everyone. In countries with universal coverage unmet health care needs typically emerge due to financial reasons: the inability to pay the patient co-payments, and additional and experimental therapies not financed by the health insurance fund. This study aims at mapping unmet health care needs manifested in medical crowdfunding campaigns in a country with universal health coverage.MethodsIn this exploratory study we assess unmet health care needs in Germany by investigating 380 medical crowdfunding campaigns launched onLeetchi.com. We combine manual data extraction with text mining tools to identify the most common conditions, diseases and disorders which prompted individuals to launch medical crowdfunding campaigns in Germany. We also assess the type and size of health-related expenses that individuals aim to finance from donations.ResultsWe find that several conditions frequently listed in crowdfunding campaigns overlap with the most disabling conditions: cancer, mental disorders, musculoskeletal disorders, and neurological disorders. Nevertheless, there is no strong association between the disease burden and the condition which prompted individuals to ask for donations. Although oral health, lipoedema, and genetic disorders and rare diseases are not listed among leading causes of disability worldwide, these conditions frequently prompted individuals to turn to crowdfunding. Unmet needs are the highest for various therapies not financed by the health insurance fund; additional, complementary, and animal-assisted therapies are high on the wish list. Numerous people sought funds to cover the cost of scientifically poorly supported or unsupported therapies. In line with the social drift hypothesis, disability and bad health status being associated with poor socioeconomic status, affected individuals frequently collected donations for their living expenses.ConclusionsIn universal healthcare systems, medical crowdfunding is a viable option to finance alternative, complementary, experimental and scientifically poorly supported therapies not financed by the health insurance fund. Further analysis of the most common diseases and disorders listed in crowdfunding campaigns might provide guidance for national health insurance funds in extending their list of funded medical interventions. The fact of numerous individuals launching crowdfunding campaigns with the same diseases and disorders signals high unmet needs for available but not yet financed treatment. One prominent example of such treatment is liposuction for patients suffering from lipoedema; these treatments were frequently listed in crowdfunding campaigns and might soon be available for patients at the expense of statutory health insurance in Germany.
Rare pulmonary barotrauma after explosive decompression: a case report
Authors: Tlapák Jakub , Oniščenko Boris , Došel Petr , Požár Pavel , Chmátal Petr , Hájek Michal 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Pneumothorax as a consequence of pulmonary barotrauma during explosive decompression military crew training in a hypobaric chamber is an extremely rare and sparsely diagnosed complication. Extensive bilateral tissue damage is even more unexpected.

Case presentation
A 26-year-old active duty Air Force pilot was performing an explosive decompression simulation from 8000 ft. (2438.4 m) to 25,000 ft. (7620 m) in a 1.5 s interval. The training was interrupted due to the pilot’s apparent health complications. After transfer to the emergency department, a CT scan showed bilateral lung barotrauma with emphysema.

Conclusions
The case report shows extensive emphysema and pneumothorax after a rapid decompression done for training purposes. It is a possible but rare complication. The cause remains unclear, with suspicion of a predisposed lung disease.
Estimating the effect of optimizing anticancer drug vials on medical costs in Japan based on the data from a cancer hospital
Authors: Matsuo Koichi , Nomura Hisanaga , Uchiyama Masanobu , Miyazaki Motoyasu , Imakyure Osamu 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
The substantial increase in the use of expensive anticancer drugs has been accompanied by an increase in the amount of disposing residual liquid from drug preparations. Many Western countries, including the United States, have implemented drug vial optimization (DVO) to prevent the waste of anticancer drugs and have reported the reductions in the total drug costs. This study was designed to estimate the expected reduction in spending on anticancer drugs by Japanese cancer hospitals when DVO was implemented instead of individual preparations and to test the effectiveness of this approach.

Methods
We investigated the doses of drugs used and quantity specifications for individually prepared vials for patients who received anticancer drug treatment in December 2017 at the Outpatient Treatment Center of the National Cancer Center Hospital East. Based on these findings, we calculated the total quantity of each drug used on a given day, and the minimum cost for preparation of the number of specified combinations corresponding to the total cost (DVO preparation). Based on the differences in these two costs, we estimated the economic impact of implementing DVO.

Results
While the cost for anticancer drugs for the 1-month study period was US$3,305,595 (US$1 = \110) for individual preparations, the estimated cost for DVO preparations was US$3,092,955, equivalent to a reduction of US$212,640.

Conclusions
Based on these study results, implementation of DVO-based preparation of injectable anticancer drugs in Japan in 2017 would have resulted in saving approximately US$460 million. This calculation revealed the need for the Japanese government to modify the methods employed to calculate drug costs in the insurance system and develop policies for the proper and optimal use of medical resources.
Non-utilization of health facility delivery and its correlates among childbearing women: a cross-sectional analysis of the 2018 Guinea demographic and health survey data
Authors: Ahinkorah Bright Opoku 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Many childbearing women in sub-Saharan African countries like Guinea still face challenges accessing and utilizing health facility delivery services and opt to deliver at home. This study examined the non-utilization of health facility delivery and its associated factors among childbearing women in Guinea.

Methods
Data from the 2018 Guinea Demographic and Health Survey was used in this study. Data of 5406 childbearing women were analysed using STATA version 14.2 by employing a multilevel logistic regression approach. The results were presented using adjusted odds ratios (aOR) at 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results
More than three-quarters (47.6%) of childbearing women in Guinea did not deliver at health facilities. Women who had no formal education (aOR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.09–2.12), those whose partners had no formal education (aOR = 1.25, 95% CI =1.01–1.56), those whose pregnancies were unintended (aOR = 1.40, 95% CI =1.13–1.74) and those who were Muslims (aOR = 2.87, 95% CI =1.17–7.08) were more likely to deliver at home. Furthermore, women with parity four or more (aOR = 1.78, 95% CI =1.34–2.37), those who listened to radio less than once a week (aOR = 5.05, 95% CI =1.83–13.89), those who never watched television (aOR = 1.46, 95% CI =1.12–1.91), those with poorest wealth quintile (aOR = 4.29, 95% CI =2.79–6.60), women in female-headed households (aOR = 1.38, 95% CI =1.08–1.78) and rural dwellers (aOR = 3.86, 95% CI =2.66–5.60) were more likely to deliver at home.

Conclusion
This study has identified low socio-economic status, inadequate exposure to media, having an unplanned pregnancy and religious disparities as key predictors of home delivery among childbearing women in Guinea. The findings call for the need to enhance advocacy and educational strategies like focus group discussions, peer teaching, mentor-mentee programmes at both national and community levels for women to encourage health facility delivery. There is also the need to improve maternal healthcare services utilization policies to promote access to health facility delivery by reducing costs and making health facilities available in communities.
Identification of an immune gene signature for predicting the prognosis of patients with uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma
Authors: Zhou Cankun , Li Chaomei , Yan Fangli , Zheng Yuhua 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC) is a frequent gynecological malignancy with a poor prognosis particularly at an advanced stage. Herein, this study aims to construct prognostic markers of UCEC based on immune-related genes to predict the prognosis of UCEC.

Methods
We analyzed expression data of 575 UCEC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas database and immune genes from the ImmPort database, which were used for generation and validation of the signature. We constructed a transcription factor regulatory network based on Cistrome databases, and also performed functional enrichment and pathway analyses for the differentially expressed immune genes. Moreover, the prognostic value of 410 immune genes was determined using the Cox regression analysis. We then constructed and verified a prognostic signature. Finally, we performed immune infiltration analysis using TIMER-generating immune cell content.

Results
The immune cell microenvironment as well as the PI3K-Akt, and MARK signaling pathways were involved in UCEC development. The established prognostic signature revealed a ten-gene prognostic signature, comprising of PDIA3, LTA, PSMC4, TNF, SBDS, HDGF, HTR3E, NR3C1, PGR, and CBLC. This signature showed a strong prognostic ability in both the training and testing sets and thus can be used as an independent tool to predict the prognosis of UCEC. In addition, levels of B cells and neutrophils were significantly correlated with the patient’s risk score, while the expression of ten genes was associated with immune cell infiltrates.

Conclusions
In summary, the ten-gene prognostic signature may guide the selection of the immunotherapy for UCEC.
New insights into malaria vector bionomics in Lao PDR: a nationwide entomology survey
Authors: Marcombe Sébastien , Maithaviphet Santi , Bobichon Julie , Phommavan Nothasin , Nambanya Simone , Corbel Vincent , Brey Paul T. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
In Laos, the malaria burden remains high despite a significant reduction of cases during the last decade. In the context of the disease elimination by 2030, a nationwide entomological survey was conducted to better understand the distribution, abundance and behaviour of major malaria vectors (Anopheles spp.) in the country.

Methods
Mosquito collections were implemented in ten villages from ten provinces during the rainy and dry seasons of 2014 and 2015 by using human landing catch (HLC) and cow bait collection (CBC) methods. After morphological identification in the field, molecular identification of the sibling species of Anopheles mosquitoes from the Funestus, Leucosphyrus, and Maculatus groups were determined using PCR specific alleles. A screening of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax infections in the vectors was carried out by quantitative PCR assays.

Results
A total of 14,146 adult mosquitoes representing 25 different Anopheles species were collected and morphologically identified. Molecular identification revealed the presence of 12 sibling species within the main primary vector groups, including Anopheles maculatus, Anopheles rampae, Anopheles sawadwongporni, Anopheles pseudowillmori, Anopheles dravidicus, Anopheles minimus, Anopheles aconitus, Anopheles pampanai, Anopheles harrisoni, Anopheles dirus, Anopheles baimaii, Anopheles nemophilous. Anopheles maculatus and An. minimus were predominant during both the dry and rainy seasons, but showed highly zoophilic preferences (Zoophilic index of 98% and 95%, respectively). Overall, 22% of the total malaria vectors were collected between 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM indoors when people are sleeping. Twenty-seven percent of primary and secondary vectors were collected outdoors before 10:00 PM or after 5:00 AM, times when people are usually awake and outdoors. Only two specimens were positive for P. falciparum, one An. aconitus from Phongsaly and one An. minimus from Vientiane Province

Conclusions
The results indicate that people living in rural areas in Laos are constantly exposed to malaria vectors throughout the year and specifically outdoors. The use of LLINs/IRS remains important but innovative tools and new strategies are needed to address locally, the early and outdoor malaria transmission. Lack of expertise in general entomological methods may further exacerbate the situation.
Emerging agents and regimens for multiple myeloma
Authors: Yang Yang , Li Yi , Gu Huiyao , Dong Mengmeng , Cai Zhen 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe outcomes of multiple myeloma (MM) have been improved significantly with the therapies incorporating proteasome inhibitors (PI), immunomodulatory drugs, monoclonal antibodies (MoAb) and stem cell transplantation. However, relapsed and refractory MM (RRMM) remains a major challenge. Novel agents and regimens are under active clinical development. These include new PIs such as ixazomib, marizomib, and oprozomib; new MoAbs such as isatuximab and MOR202; novel epigenetic agent ricolinostat and novel cytokines such as siltuximab. Recently, the first XPO-1 inhibitor, selinexor, was approved for RRMM. BCMA-targeted BiTE, antibody–drug conjugates and CAR-T cells have the potential to revolutionize the therapy for RRMM. In this review, we summarized the latest clinical development of these novel agents and regimens.
Combination of SB431542, Chir9901, and Bpv as a novel supplement in the culture of umbilical cord blood hematopoietic stem cells
Authors: Zarrabi Morteza , Afzal Elaheh , Asghari Mohammad Hassan , Ebrahimi Marzieh 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Small molecule compounds have been well recognized for their promising power in the generation, expansion, and maintenance of embryonic or adult stem cells. The aim of this study was to identify a novel combination of small molecules in order to optimize the ex vivo expansion of umbilical cord blood-derived CD34+ cells.

Methods
Considering the most important signaling pathways involved in the self-renewal of hematopoietic stem cells, CB-CD34+ cells were expanded with cytokines in the presence of seven small molecules including SB, PD, Chir, Bpv, Pur, Pμ, and NAM. The eliminativism approach was used to find the best combination of selected small molecules for effective ex vivo expansion of CD34+ cell. In each step, proliferation, self-renewal, and clonogenic potential of the expanded cells as well as expression of some hematopoietic stem cell-related genes were studied. Finally, the engraftment potential of expanded cells was also examined by the mouse intra-uterine transplantation model.

Results
Our data shows that the simultaneous use of SB431542 (TGF-β inhibitor), Chir9901 (GSK3 inhibitor), and Bpv (PTEN inhibitor) resulted in a 50-fold increase in the number of CD34+CD38− cells. This was further reflected in approximately 3 times the increase in the clonogenic potential of the small molecule cocktail-expanded cells. These cells, also, showed a 1.5-fold higher engraftment potential in the peripheral blood of the NMRI model of in utero transplantation. These results are in total conformity with the upregulation of HOXB4, GATA2, and CD34 marker gene as well as the CXCR4 homing gene.

Conclusion
Taken together, our findings introduce a novel combination of small molecules to improve the yield of existing protocols used in the expansion of hematopoietic stem cells.