bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multiple waves of freshwater colonization of the three-spined stickleback in the Japanese Archipelago
Authors: Kakioka Ryo , Mori Seiichi , Kokita Tomoyuki , Hosoki Takuya K. , Nagano Atsushi J. , Ishikawa Asano , Kume Manabu , Toyoda Atsushi , Kitano Jun 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) is a remarkable system to study the genetic mechanisms underlying parallel evolution during the transition from marine to freshwater habitats. Although the majority of previous studies on the parallel evolution of sticklebacks have mainly focused on postglacial freshwater populations in the Pacific Northwest of North America and northern Europe, we recently use Japanese stickleback populations for investigating shared and unique features of adaptation and speciation between geographically distant populations. However, we currently lack a comprehensive phylogeny of the Japanese three-spined sticklebacks, despite the fact that a good phylogeny is essential for any evolutionary and ecological studies. Here, we conducted a phylogenomic analysis of the three-spined stickleback in the Japanese Archipelago.ResultsWe found that freshwater colonization occurred in multiple waves, each of which may reflect different interglacial isolations. Some of the oldest freshwater populations from the central regions of the mainland of Japan (hariyo populations) were estimated to colonize freshwater approximately 170,000 years ago. The next wave of colonization likely occurred approximately 100,000 years ago. The inferred origins of several human-introduced populations showed that introduction occurred mainly from nearby habitats. We also found a new habitat of the three-spined stickleback sympatric with the Japan Sea stickleback (Gasterosteus nipponicus).ConclusionsThese Japanese stickleback systems differ from those in the Pacific Northwest of North America and northern Europe in terms of divergence time and history. Stickleback populations in the Japanese Archipelago offer valuable opportunities to study diverse evolutionary processes in historical and contemporary timescales.
Usefulness of sialic acid for diagnosis of sepsis in critically ill patients: a retrospective study
Authors: Yao Bo , Liu Wen-juan , Liu Di , Xing Jin-yan , Zhang Li-juan 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Early diagnosis of sepsis is very important. It is necessary to find effective and adequate biomarkers in order to diagnose sepsis. In this study, we compared the value of sialic acid and procalcitonin for diagnosing sepsis.

Methods
Newly admitted intensive care unit patients were enrolled from January 2019 to June 2019. We retrospectively collected patient data, including presence of sepsis or not, procalcitonin level and sialic acid level. Receiver operating characteristic curves for the ability of sialic acid, procalcitonin and combination of sialic acid and procalcitonin to diagnose sepsis were carried out.

Results
A total of 644 patients were admitted to our department from January 2019 to June 2019. The incomplete data were found in 147 patients. Finally, 497 patients data were analyzed. The sensitivity, specificity and area under the curve for the diagnosis of sepsis with sialic acid, procalcitonin and combination of sialic acid and procalcitonin were 64.2, 78.3%, 0.763; 67.9, 84.0%, 0.816 and 75.2, 84.6%, 0.854. Moreover, sialic acid had good values for diagnosing septic patients with viral infection, with 87.5% sensitivity, 82.2% specificity, and 0.882 the area under the curve.

Conclusions
Compared to procalcitonin, sialic acid had a lower diagnostic efficacy for diagnosing sepsis in critically ill patients. However, the combination of sialic acid and procalcitonin had a higher diagnostic efficacy for sepsis. Moreover, sialic acid had good value for diagnosing virus-induced sepsis.
Resolution of post-anaesthesia aortic regurgitation by repair of a ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm: 5 case reports
Authors: Xue Qian , Yang Chun , Han Xiu 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm (SVA) is a rare cardiovascular disease in which some patients exhibit aortic valve insufficiency. SVA repair and valve replacement are usually required for treatment. Here, we report 5 cases of ruptured SVA with severe post-anaesthesia aortic regurgitation (AR). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of ruptured SVA with severe post-anaesthesia AR.
Case presentation:
From 2018 to 2020, there were 5 cases of ruptured SVA with severe AR after anaesthesia in our hospital. The main symptoms were palpitation and shortness of breath. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) with colour-flow Doppler showed ruptured aortic sinus aneurysms without AR. Post-anaesthesia echocardiography showed severe AR. Direct patch closure of the ruptured aneurysm resolved the left-to-right shunt and AR, and the aortic valve was not replaced.

Conclusions
Post-anaesthesia AR without obvious structural defects may occur in patients with ruptured SVAs. Valve replacement may not be necessary.
Cross-sectoral inter-rater reliability of the clinical frailty scale – a Danish translation and validation study
Authors: Nissen Søren Kabell , Fournaise Anders , Lauridsen Jørgen T. , Ryg Jesper , Nickel Christian H. , Gudex Claire , Brabrand Mikkel , Andersen-Ranberg Karen 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Focus on frailty status has become increasingly important when determining care plans within and across health care sectors. A standardized frailty measure applicable for both primary and secondary health care sectors is needed to provide a common reference point. The aim of this study was to translate the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) into Danish (CFS-DK) and test inter-rater reliability for key health care professionals in the primary and secondary sectors using the CFS-DK.

Methods
The Clinical Frailty Scale was translated into Danish using the ISPOR principles for translation and cultural adaptation that included forward and back translation, review by the original developer, and cognitive debriefing. For the validation exercise, 40 participants were asked to rate 15 clinical case vignettes using the CFS-DK. The raters were distributed across several health care professions: primary care physicians (n = 10), community nurses (n = 10), hospital doctors from internal medicine (n = 10) and intensive care (n = 10). Inter-rater reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), and sensitivity analysis was performed using multilevel random effects linear regression.

Results
The Clinical Frailty Scale was translated and culturally adapted into Danish and is presented in this paper in its final form. Inter-rater reliability in the four professional groups ranged from ICC 0.81 to 0.90. Sensitivity analysis showed no significant impact of professional group or length of clinical experience. The health care professionals considered the CFS-DK to be relevant for their own area of work and for cross-sectoral collaboration.

Conclusion
The Clinical Frailty Scale was translated and culturally adapted into Danish. The inter-rater reliability was high in all four groups of health care professionals involved in cross-sectoral collaborations. However, the use of case vignettes may reduce the generalizability of the reliability findings to real-life settings. The CFS has the potential to serve as a common reference tool when treating and rehabilitating older patients.
Significance of urinary fatty acid-binding protein 4 level as a possible biomarker for the identification of minimal change disease in patents with nephrotic-range proteinuria
Authors: Tanaka Marenao , Furuhashi Masato , Moniwa Norihito , Maeda Takuto , Takizawa Hideki , Matsumoto Megumi , Sakai Akiko , Higashiura Yukimura , Gocho Yufu , Koyama Masayuki , Ogawa Yayoi , Miura Tetsuji 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4), but not FABP1 (liver-type FABP), is ectopically induced in injured glomerular endothelial cells, and urinary FABP4 (U-FABP4) level is associated with proteinuria and renal dysfunction in a general population.

Methods
The clinical significance of U-FABP4 was investigated in 81 patients (male/female: 43/38, age: 57 ± 17 years) who underwent kidney biopsy.

Results
U-FABP4 was negatively correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (r = − 0.56, P < 0.01) and was positively correlated with age, blood pressure, triglycerides, proteinuria (r = 0.58, P < 0.01), plasma FABP4 and urinary FABP1 (U-FABP1) (r = 0.52, P < 0.01). Multivariable regression analysis showed that eGFR, proteinuria and U-FABP1 were independent predictors of U-FABP4. The level of U-FABP4, but not that of proteinuria, eGFR or U-FABP1, in minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS) was significantly lower than the level in membranous nephropathy (MN) and that in diabetic nephropathy. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that U-FABP4 level ≤ 0.78 μg/gCr predicted MCNS in patients who had nephrotic-range proteinuria with a high level of accuracy. When divided by the median value of U-FABP4 at baseline in 33 of the 81 patients who could be followed up, the yearly change (post–pre) in eGFR in the low U-FABP4 group was significantly greater than that in the high U-FABP4 group (median: 11.0 vs. -5.0 mL/min/1.73m2/year).

Conclusions
U-FABP4 level is independently associated with proteinuria and renal dysfunction in patients with glomerular kidney disease. A low U-FABP4 level may predict MCNS in patients with nephrotic syndrome and would be a useful biomarker for differential diagnosis of MCNS and MN, which are common causes of nephrotic syndrome.
Cervical myelopathy due to neurovascular compression syndrome caused by persistent first intersegmental artery: a case report
Authors: Endo Takuro , Sugawara Taku , Higashiyama Naoki 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Persistent first intersegmental artery (PFIA) is a rare anatomical variation of vertebral arteries and is an asymptomatic finding in most cases. Here we report a rare case of cervical myelopathy caused by spinal cord compression by the PFIA.

Case presentation
The patient was a 52-year-old man who complained of numbness and burning sensation around the neck and left shoulder area, partial weakness in the left deltoid muscle, right side thermal hypoalgesia, and disturbance of deep sensation since the past 1 year, and the symptoms had gradually worsened. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) showed spinal cord compression by the left PFIA at the C1/C2 level. Because conservative treatment was ineffective, microvascular decompression (MVD) of the PFIA was performed. The left PFIA was laterally transposed using polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) bands and anchored to the dura mater using three PTFE bands. To achieve adequate transposition, the small blood vessels bridging the spinal cord and PFIA and the dorsal root nerve had to be sacrificed. Postoperative T2-weighted MRI showed a small hyperintense region in the lateral funiculus of the spinal cord, but no new neurological deficits were identified. In the early postoperative stage, the patient’s deep sensory impairment and motor dysfunction were improved. His numbness and burning sensation almost disappeared, but slight thermal hypoalgesia remained in the lower limb.

Conclusion
MVD is an effective treatment for spinal cord compression caused by the PFIA, but further studies are necessary to help address technical difficulties and avoid complications.
Vitrectomy combined with intravitreal antifungal therapy for posttraumatic fungal endophthalmitis in eastern China
Authors: Zhuang Hong , Ding Xinyi , Zhang Ting , Chang Qing , Xu Gezhi 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
To evaluate the effect and prognostic factors of vitrectomy combined with intravitreal antifungal therapy for posttraumatic fungal endophthalmitis in Eastern China.

Methods
We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who developed fungal endophthalmitis after penetrating ocular trauma at an ophthalmic center in Eastern China. All patients underwent vitrectomy and intravitreal injection of antifungal drugs.

Results
Thirty-five patients (35 eyes) were included. Twelve eyes suffered plant trauma, 17 eyes metal trauma, and 6 eyes other trauma. The culture results for all 35 eyes showed filamentous fungi, including Aspergillus in 26 eyes (74.3%). Twenty-three eyes underwent vitrectomy once and 12 eyes were treated twice. Four eyes were iridectomized because of a fungal lesion behind the iris. Fungal endophthalmitis was effectively controlled in 33 eyes (94.3%), whereas 2 eyes were ultimately enucleated. Visual acuity was significantly better after treatment than before treatment (P = 0.0006). According to the preoperative vision, the affected eyes were divided into two groups: group 1A (light perception) and group 1B (better than light perception). The final visual acuity in group 1B was significantly better than that in group 1A (P = 0.0289).

Conclusions
Vitrectomy combined with intravitreal antifungal therapy is an effective treatment for posttraumatic fungal endophthalmitis. Preoperative visual acuity is a significant factor affecting the prognosis of visual acuity.
Using geo-spatial analysis for assessing the risk of hospital admissions due to community-acquired pneumonia in under-5 children and its association with socially vulnerable areas (Brazil)
Authors: Pina Juliana Coelho , Alves Luana Seles , Arroyo Luiz Henrique , Arcêncio Ricardo Alexandre , Gondim Ellen Cristina , Furtado Maria Cândida de Carvalho , de Mello Débora Falleiros 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
The concentration of under-5 child morbidity and mortality due to pneumonia in developing countries reflects the social inequities. This study aimed to map and assess the spatial risk for hospitalization due to Community-Acquired Pneumonia in children under 5 years of age and its association with vulnerable areas.

Methods
Ecological study in the city of Ribeirão Preto, state of São Paulo, Brazil. The study population consisted of hospitalized under-5 children, diagnosed with community-acquired pneumonia, in Ribeirão Preto-São Paulo-Brazil, from 2012 to 2013. Data were collected in different databases, by a trained team, between March 2012 and August 2013 and from the 2010 Demographic Census of the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics. The 956 urban census tracts were considered as the units of analysis. The incidence of cases per 10,000 inhabitants was calculated by census tracts during the study period. For the identification of the spatial risk clusters, the Kernel density estimator and the Getis-Ord Gi* technique were performed. Generalized additive models were used to verify the association between areas with social vulnerability and the occurrence of childhood pneumonia.

Results
The study included 265 children under the age of five, hospitalized due to community-acquired pneumonia. A concentration of cases was identified in the regions with greater social vulnerability (low income, poor housing conditions and homelessness), as well as a lower occurrence of cases in the most developed and economically privileged area of the city. The majority of the children lived in territories served by traditional primary healthcare units, in which the health surveillance and family and community focus are limited. It is important to highlight that the tracts with the highest degrees of vulnerability, such as those identified as high vulnerability (urban) and very high vulnerability (subnormal urban clusters).

Conclusions
The results contribute to the comprehension of the social factors involved in child hospitalization due to pneumonia, based on the analysis of the spatial distribution. This approach revealed a strategic tool for diagnosing the disparities as well presenting evidences for the planning in health and strength health care system in achieving equity, welfare and social protection of children.
Sharing whilst caring: solidarity and public trust in a data-driven healthcare system
Authors: Horn Ruth , Kerasidou Angeliki 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
In the UK, the solidaristic character of the NHS makes it one of the most trusted public institutions. In recent years, the introduction of data-driven technologies in healthcare has opened up the space for collaborations with private digital companies seeking access to patient data. However, these collaborations appear to challenge the public’s trust in the.

Main text
In this paper we explore how the opening of the healthcare sector to private digital companies challenges the existing social contract and the NHS’s solidaristic character, and impacts on public trust. We start by critically discussing different examples of partnerships between the NHS and private companies that collect and use data. We then analyse the relationship between trust and solidarity, and investigate how this relationship changes in the context of digital companies entering the healthcare system. Finally, we show ways for the NHS to maintain public trust by putting in place a solidarity grounded partnership model with companies seeking to access patient data. Such a model would need to serve collective interests through, for example, securing preferential access to goods and services, providing health benefits, and monitoring data access.

Conclusion
A solidarity grounded partnership model will help establish a social contract or licence that responds to the public’s expectations and to principles of a
solidaristic healthcare system.
The practice of evaluating epidemic response in humanitarian and low-income settings: a systematic review
Authors: Warsame Abdihamid , Murray Jillian , Gimma Amy , Checchi Francesco 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Epidemics of infectious disease occur frequently in low-income and humanitarian settings and pose a serious threat to populations. However, relatively little is known about responses to these epidemics. Robust evaluations can generate evidence on response efforts and inform future improvements. This systematic review aimed to (i) identify epidemics reported in low-income and crisis settings, (ii) determine the frequency with which evaluations of responses to these epidemics were conducted, (iii) describe the main typologies of evaluations undertaken and (iv) identify key gaps and strengths of recent evaluation practice.

Methods
Reported epidemics were extracted from the following sources: World Health Organization Disease Outbreak News (WHO DON), UNICEF Cholera platform, Reliefweb, PROMED and Global Incidence Map. A systematic review for evaluation reports was conducted using the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Global Health, Web of Science, WPRIM, Reliefweb, PDQ Evidence and CINAHL Plus databases, complemented by grey literature searches using Google and Google Scholar. Evaluation records were quality-scored and linked to epidemics based on time and place. The time period for the review was 2010–2019.

Results
A total of 429 epidemics were identified, primarily in sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia. A total of 15,424 potential evaluations records were screened, 699 assessed for eligibility and 132 included for narrative synthesis. Only one tenth of epidemics had a corresponding response evaluation. Overall, there was wide variability in the quality, content as well as in the disease coverage of evaluation reports.

Conclusion
The current state of evaluations of responses to these epidemics reveals large gaps in coverage and quality and bears important implications for health equity and accountability to affected populations. The limited availability of epidemic response evaluations prevents improvements to future public health response. The diversity of emphasis and methods of available evaluations limits comparison across responses and time. In order to improve future response and save lives, there is a pressing need to develop a standardized and practical approach as well as governance arrangements to ensure the systematic conduct of epidemic response evaluations in low-income and crisis settings.
The relationship between body mass index and health-related quality of life in COPD: real-world evidence based on claims and survey data
Authors: Huber Manuel B. , Kurz Christoph , Kirsch Florian , Schwarzkopf Larissa , Schramm Anja , Leidl Reiner 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Body mass index (BMI) is an important parameter associated with mortality and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, informed guidance on stratified weight recommendations for COPD is still lacking. This study aims to determine the association between BMI and HRQoL across different severity grades of COPD to support patient management.

Methods
We use conjunct analysis of claims and survey data based on a German COPD disease management program from 2016 to 2017. The EQ-5D-5L visual analog scale (VAS) and COPD Assessment Test (CAT) are used to measure generic and disease-specific HRQoL. Generalized additive models with smooth functions are implemented to evaluate the relationship between BMI and HRQoL, stratified by COPD severity.

Results
11,577 patients were included in this study. Mean age was 69.4 years and 59% of patients were male. In GOLD grades 1–3, patients with BMI of around 25 had the best generic and disease-specific HRQoL, whereas in GOLD grade 4, obese patients had the best HRQoL using both instruments when controlled for several variables including smoking status, income, COPD severity, comorbidities, emphysema, corticosteroid use, and days spent in hospital.

Conclusion
This real-world analysis shows the non-linear relationship between BMI and HRQoL in COPD. HRQoL of obese patients with mild to severe COPD might improve following weight reduction. For very severe COPD, a negative association of obesity and HRQoL could not be confirmed. The results hint at the need to stratify COPD patients by disease stage for optimal BMI management.
DARS-AS1 accelerates the proliferation of cervical cancer cells via miR-628-5p/JAG1 axis to activate Notch pathway
Authors: Chen Yihong , Wu Qiumei , Lin Jing , Wei Juanbing 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Growing evidence has indicated the vital parts of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in modulating the progression of assorted human cancers, including cervical cancer (CC). Nevertheless, the role and mechanism of aspartyl-tRNA synthetase antisense RNA 1 (DARS-AS1) have been not comprehensively illustrated in CC yet.

Methods
Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was exploited for assessing RNA expression while western blot for protein expression in CC cells. The cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), colony formation and TdT-mediated dUTP Nick-End Labeling (TUNEL) assays, as well as flow cytometry analysis, were employed to evaluate the modulation of DARS-AS1 on the proliferation and apoptosis of CC cells. In addition, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), RNA pull down assay and luciferase reporter assay confirmed the interactivity among DARS-AS1, miR-628-5p and jagged canonical Notch ligand 1 (JAG1). RBP-JK luciferase reporter assay determined the activity of Notch pathway.

Results
DARS-AS1 level was significantly increased in CC cells. Moreover, down-regulation of DARS-AS1 hampered cell the proliferation and accelerated the apoptosis of CC cells. Importantly, DARS-AS1 was a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to elevate JAG1 level through sequestering miR-628-5p, leading to activated Notch pathway to aggravate CC tumorigenesis.

Conclusions
DARS-AS1/miR-628-5p/JAG1/Notch signaling accelerates CC progression, indicating DARS-AS1 as a novel therapeutic target for patients with CC.