bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of sputum suction at different decubitus of low muscle strength patients with ventilators
Authors: Luo Yang , Wan Jia , Feng Lijuan , Li Sisi , He Jingting 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUND
Sputum suction with ventilators is a method to save the life of respiratory failure patients. However, the effect of different decubitus in the process of sputum suction on low muscle strength patients is not understood.
METHODS
The low muscle strength patients received the sputum suction using orotracheal intubation were randomly divided into 0°decubitus group and 30°decubitus group. The clinical indicators and blood gas analysis were used to compare the advantages of the two groups. In addition, 11 main complications and incidents were selected to evaluate the safety of the 0°decubitus group and 30°decubitus group.
RESULTS
There was no significant difference between 0°decubitus group and 30°decubitus group in baseline characteristics and safety assessments. For clinical indicators, the 0°decubitus group displayed the earlier appearance of pulmonary infection control (PIC) window, shorter time of invasive ventilation and hospital stay, shorter total time of ventilation, lower reintubation rate and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) rate, and higher weaning success rate compared with the 30°decubitus group. In addition, the blood gas analysis showed that the concentrations of O2 (PaO2) and oxygen saturation (SaO2) were higher in 0°decubitus group than in 30°decubitus group, while the concentrations of CO2 (PaCO2) was lower in 0°decubitus group than that in 30°decubitus group.
CONCLUSIONS
The sputum suction at 0°decubitus had more advantages than at 30°decubitus for the low muscle strength patients with ventilators.
Neonatal Mortality in Jordan: Rate, Determinants, and Causes Using Jordan Stillbirth and Neonatal Surveillance System
Authors: Al-sheyab Nihaya A , Khader Yousef S. , Shattnawi Khulood K. , Alyahya Mohammad S. , Batieha Anwar 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background It has been estimated that 27.8 million neonates will die between 2018 and 2030 if no improvements in neonatal mortality take place. The aim was to determine the rate, determinants, and causes of neonatal mortality in Jordan.Methods In August 2019, an electronic stillbirths and neonatal deaths surveillance system (JSANDS) was established in in three large cities through five hospitals. Data on all births, neonatal mortality and their causes, and other characteristics in the period between August 2019 – January 2020 were exported from the JSANDS and analysed.Results A total of 10328 births were registered in the study period, with a rate of 14.1 deaths per 1000 LBs; 76% were early neonatal deaths and 24% were late deaths. 25%of all deaths occurred in the first day of life. Multivariable analysis showed that the odds of neonatal deaths was 20.8 (95% CI 2.8,153.1) in Ministry of Health hospitals compared to private hospitals, OR 31.8 (95% CI 18.8,53.8) for very low birth (< 1500gram) neonates, OR 13 (95% CI 7.8,21.6) in preterm births compared to full-term births, and OR 2.7 (95% Cl 1.2,6.0) among housewives compared to employed women. Main causes of neonatal deaths that occurred pre-discharge were respiratory and cardiovascular disorders (43%) and low birthweight and preterm (33%). The main maternal conditions that attributed to these deaths were complications of the placenta and cord, complications of pregnancy, and medical and surgical conditions. The main cause of neonatal deaths that occurred post-discharge were low birthweight and preterm (42%).Conclusions The rate of neonatal mortality have not decreased since 2012 and the majority of neonatal deaths occurred could have been prevented. Regular antenatal visits, in which any possible diseases or complications of pregnant women or foetal anomalies, need to be fully documented and monitored with appropriate and timely medical intervention to minimize such deaths.
A dynamic in-vitro model of the intestinal epithelium for the investigation of P-glycoprotein activity
Authors: Costa Joana , Almonti Vanessa , Cacopardo Ludovica , Poli Daniele , Rapposelli Simona , Ahluwalia Arti 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Multidrug resistance is still an obstacle for chemotherapeutic treatments. One of the proteins involved in this phenomenon is the P-glycoprotein, P-gp, which is known to be responsible for the efflux of therapeutic substances from the cell cytoplasm. To date, the identification of a drug that can efficiently inhibit P-gp activity remains a challenge, nevertheless some studies have identified natural compounds suitable for that purpose. Amongst them, curcumin has shown an inhibitory effect on the protein in in vitro studies using Caco-2 cells. Aiming at understanding the role of physiological flow on the modulation of membrane protein activity, we studied the uptake of a P-gp substrate under static and dynamic conditions. Caco-2 cells were cultured in bioreactors and in Transwells and the basolateral transport of Rhodamine-123 assessed in the two systems as a function of P-gp activity. Experiments were performed with and without pre-treatment of the cells with an extract of curcumin or an arylmethyloxy-phenyl derivative to evaluate the inhibitory effect of the natural substance with respect to a synthetic compound. The results indicated that the P-gp activity of the cells cultured in the bioreactors was intrinsically lower, and that the effect of both natural and synthetic inhibitors was up modulated by the presence of flow. Our study underlies the fact that the use of more sophisticated and physiologically relevant in vitro models can bring new insights on the therapeutic effects of natural substances such as curcumin.
Modulatory effect of Vibrio cholerae toxin co-regulated pilus on mucins, toll-like receptors and NOD genes expression in co-culture model of Caco-2 and Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMC)
Authors: Ghasemi Maryam , Bakhshi Bita , Khashei Reza , Soudi Sara 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Vibrio cholerae, the causative agent of cholera, as a Gram-negative pathogen tend to colonize the small intestine. The intestinal mucus layer forms mucin physical barrier, consisted from high molecular weight proteins. Regarding the role of toxin–coregulated pilus (TCP) as one of the most important colonization factors of V. cholerae, this experimental study was designed to determine the role of TcpA in induction of mucin production and its regulatory effect on innate immunity molecules including TLRs and NODs using Caco2- PBMC cocultures as an interactive model.Materials and methods: The rTcp protein was expressed in pET-28a-tcpA construct and purified using Ni-column chromatography. The identity of rTcp was confirmed by western immunoblotting analysis using anti-poly-histidine antibody. Nontoxic doses of rTcpA was determined on Caco-2 cell lines. The effects of different concentrations of rTcpA (1, 5, 10 and 50 µg/mL) on the expression of mucin 1,3, 4, toll-like receptors (TLR1, 4), and Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing proteins (NOD1, 2) genes were evaluated in a co-culture model of human colon carcinoma cell line (Caco-2) and Peripheral Blood Mononuclear cells (PBMCs).Results:The rTcpA protein of V. choleraewas expressed in BL21 E. coli and confirmed by western blotting. The rTcpA showed a statistically significant effect on the expression of muc genes (MUC3 and MUC4) in a dose-dependent manner.This finding is supposed to facilitate physical adhesion and colonization of V. cholerae in intestinal lumen. The rTcpA moderately stimulated the expression of tlr4 and overexpressed tlr1, both of which are supposed to induce a mucosal protective response against bacterial infection and would help a promising protection in prophylaxis applications. No change in NOD2 expression might be attributed to the non-invasive nature of V. cholerae as an intestinal pathogen.Conclusion: In conclusion, the rTcpA protein of V. cholerae showed a statistically significant modulatory effect on the human gut epithelium gene expression which would help promising protection in prophylaxis applications.
Method to determine the standard deviation of SUV parameters
Authors: Luca Giulia Maria Rita De , Habraken Jan B.A. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Some of the parameters used for the quantification of PET images are the Standardized Uptake Value (SUV)Max, SUVMean and SUVPeak. In order to assess the significance of an increasing or decreasing of these parameters for diagnostic purpose it is relevant to determine their standard deviation. In this study we present a method to determine the standard deviation of the SUV. Our method is based on dividing an original dataset into subsets of shorter time length. The variation between the SUV parameters of the subsets is used to estimate the standard deviation of the of the original acquisition. This method was tested on images of a NEMA quality phantom with acquisition time of 150 s per bed position and foreground to background activity ratio of 10:1. This original dataset has been reconstructed with different reconstruction lengths, generating new data subsets. The SUVMax, Mean and Peak were calculated for each image in the subsets. Their standard deviation has been calculated per subset for the different spheres included in the phantom. The variation of each subset has then been used to estimate the expected variation between images at 150 s reconstruction length. We report the largest standard deviation of the SUV parameters for the smallest sphere, and the smallest variation for the largest sphere. The expected variation at 150 s reconstruction length does not exceed 6% for the smallest sphere and 2% for the largest sphere. We also report a larger variation in SUVMax then in SUVMean and SUVPeak. This is in line with expectations that the standard deviation of the SUV Mean or SUVPeak parameter is lower, since the value of more voxels is included in the calculation, as opposed to the SUVMax, where a single voxel is decisive. With the presented method we are able to determine the standard deviation of SUV parameters and to evaluate the effect of parameter selection and lesion size on the standard deviation, and therefore to evaluate its relevance on the total variation of the SUV value between studies.
Family matters: Skin microbiome reflects the social group and spatial proximity in wild zebra finches
Authors: Engel Kathrin , Pankoke Helga , Jünemann Sebastian , Brandl Hanja B. , Sauer Jan , Griffith Simon C. , Kalinowski Jörn , Caspers Barbara A. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: An animal’s skin is densely populated with a physiological community of bacteria that represents the first barrier to its environment. Investigations on the physiological skin flora have emerged in recent years, but especially in avian taxa our understanding of the ecology and function of these bacteria remains incomplete. The involvement of skin bacteria in intra-specific communication has received attention, and has highlighted the need to understand what information is potentially being encoded in bacterial communities. Using next generation sequencing techniques, we characterized the skin microbiome of wild zebra finches, aiming to understand the impact of sex, age, group composition, spatial distribution among families, and environment on skin bacteria communities. For this purpose, we sampled skin swabs from both sexes and two age classes (adults and nestlings) of 12 different zebra finch families and analysed the bacterial communities. Results: Using 16S rRNA sequencing we found that animals of social groups (families) harbour highly similar bacterial communities on their skin with respect to community composition. Closely related individuals shared significantly more bacterial taxa than non-related animals. While we did not find any effect of sex and age on bacterial diversity, we found that spatial proximity of nest sites, and therefore individuals, correlated with the skin microbiome. Conclusions: Birds harbour very diverse and complex bacterial assemblages on their skin. These bacterial communities are distinguishable and characteristic for intraspecific social groups. Our findings are indicative for a family-specific skin microbiome in wild zebra finches. Genetics and the (social) environment are influential factors shaping the complex bacterial communities. Bacterial communities associated with the skin have a potential to emit volatiles and therefore these communities may play a role in intraspecific social communication, e.g. via signalling social group membership.
Using the strength coefficient(SC) to evaluate the most number of publications in research affiliations involving COVID-19 till April 14, 2020: A bibliometric analysis
Authors: Kan Wei-Chih , Yeh Yu-Tsen , Lin Jui-Chung John , Chien Tsair-Wei 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: When the COVID-19 outbreak spreads to the world, many articles related to it have been published in academics. Since the largest quantity of confirmed cases was reported in China till April 14, 2020, whether the number of Chinese articles of research associated with the COVID-19 topped globally is required to be examined. Thus, an objective measure determining the dominant role in a group should be defined. This study aims to propose an index (strength coefficient, SC) to evaluate the most influential research affiliations in publications of COVID-19. Methods: We simulated data to verify the separation index that can be viable in use for determining the dominant one that has the absolute advantage in a group. We selected 4,369 articles as of April 14, 2020, with abstracts from the Pubmed Central (PMC) based on the keywords COVID-19 or 2019-nCOV. An author-weighted scheme (AWS) was applied to quantify coauthor credits in the article byline. Social network analysis incorporated with SC(from 0 to 1.0 and cutoff=0/70) was applied to display the influential (1) article types, (2)countries, (3)medical subject headings(MeSH terms), and (4) research affiliations. Visual dashboards were created for displaying the results on Google Maps. Results: We observed that the top one(SC) in each topic consists of (1) journal article(0.81), (2) China(0.61),(3) Acad Radol, (4) betacoronavirus (0.66), and (5) Hazhong University of Science and Technology(0.77) in article types, countries, journals, MeSH terms, and research affiliations, respectively. Conclusion: We applied the SC to identify the strength of the top one over the next two. The SC was useful and viable in verifying the dominant role in a group. The implementation and application are worthy of further studies in the future.
Determining sample size for progression criteria for pragmatic pilot RCTs: The Hypothesis test Strikes Back!
Authors: Lewis Martyn , Bromley Kieran , Sutton Christopher J , McCray Gareth , Myers Helen Lucy , Lancaster Gillian A 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background The current CONSORT guidelines for reporting pilot trials do not recommend hypothesis testing of clinical outcomes on the basis that a pilot trial is under-powered to detect such differences and this is the aim of the main trial. It states that primary evaluation should focus on descriptive analysis of feasibility/process outcomes (e.g. recruitment, adherence, treatment fidelity). Whilst the argument for not testing clinical outcomes is justifiable, the same does not necessarily apply to feasibility/process outcomes, where differences may be large and detectable with small samples. Moreover, there remains much ambiguity around sample size for pilot trials. Methods Many pilot trials adopt a ‘traffic light’ system for evaluating progression to the main trial determined by a set of criteria set up a priori. We construct a hypothesis-testing approach focused around this system that tests against being in the RED zone (unacceptable outcome) based on an expectation of being in the GREEN zone (acceptable outcome) and choose the sample size to give high power to reject being in the RED zone if the GREEN zone holds true. Pilot point estimates falling in the RED zone will be statistically non-significant and in the GREEN zone will be significant; the AMBER zone designates potentially acceptable outcome and statistical tests may be significant or non-significant.Results For example, in relation to treatment fidelity, if we assume the upper boundary of the RED zone is 50% and the lower boundary of the GREEN zone is 75% (designating unacceptable and acceptable treatment fidelity, respectively), the sample size required for analysis given 90% power and one-sided 5% alpha would be around n=30 (intervention group alone). Observed treatment fidelity in the range of 0-15 participants (0-50%) will fall into the RED zone and be statistically non-significant; 16-22 (51-74%) fall into AMBER and may or may not be significant; 23-30 (75-100%) fall into GREEN and will be significant indicating acceptable fidelity.Discussion In general, several key process outcomes are assessed for progression to a main trial; a composite approach would require appraising the rules of progression across all these outcomes. This methodology provides a formal framework for hypothesis-testing and sample size indication around process outcome evaluation for pilot RCTs.
IL-37 Gene Modification Enhances the Protective Effects of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells on Intestinal Ischemia Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Kong Dejun , Hu Yonghao , Li Xiang , Yu Dingding , Li Hongyue , Zhao Yiming , Qin Yafei , Jin Wang , Zhang Baoren , Wang Bo , Wang Hongda , Li Guangming , Wang Hao 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background : Ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) is the major cause of intestinal damage in clinic. Although either mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) or interleukin 37 (IL-37) showed some beneficial roles to ameliorate IRI, their effects are limited. In this study, the protective effects of IL-37 gene-modified MSCs (IL-37-MSCs) for better prevention of intestinal IRI are investigated. Methods: Intestinal IRI model was established by occluding the superior mesenteric artery for 30min and then reperfusing for 72 hours in rats. Forty adult male SD rats were randomly divided into sham control, IL-37-MSC-treated, MSC-treated, recombinant IL-37 (rIL-37)-treated and untreated groups. Intestinal damage was assessed by H&E staining. The levels of gut barrier function factors (diamine oxidase and D-Lactate) and inflammation reactivity cytokine IL-1β were assayed by ELISA. The expressions of tissue damage-related NLRP3 inflammasome and relative proteins including clevead caspase-1, IL-1β and IL-18 were detected by western blot. As downstream of IL-1β and IL-18, the mRNA levels of proinflammatory mediators IL-6 and TNF-α were determined by qPCR. Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance among groups. Results : IL-37-MSCs were able to migrate to the damaged tissue and significantly inhibit intestinal IRI. As compared with MSCs or rIL-37 monotherapy group, IL-37-MSC treatment not only improved gut barrier function but also decreased local and systemic inflammation reactivity cytokine IL-1β level in IRI rats. In addition, tissue damage-related NLRP3 and relative proteins (cleaved caspase-1, IL-1β and IL-18) were significantly decreased in IRI rats treated with IL-37-MSCs. Furthermore, IL-1β and IL-18 related proinflammatory mediators IL-6 and TNF-α mRNA expressions were markedly decreased following IL-37-MSC treatment. Conclusion : The results suggest that IL-37 gene modification significantly enhance the protective effects of MSCs against intestinal IRI. In addition, NLRP3-related signaling pathways could be associated with IL-37-MSC mediated protection.
Unpack the Salt: An Assessment of the Victorian Salt Reduction Partnership’s Media Advocacy Activities to Highlight the Salt Content of Different Foods
Authors: Rosewarne Emalie , Trieu Kathy , Farrand Clare , Reimers Jenny , Potter Jane , Davidson Chelsea , Darrigan Natasha , Joldeski Elizabeth , Armstrong Sian , Webster Jacqui 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
BackgroundAustralians are consuming almost double the recommended maximum salt intake. The Victorian Salt Reduction Partnership was established to coordinate efforts to reduce salt intake in the state of Victoria. As part of an intervention strategy, media and advocacy strategies were used to raise public awareness and stimulate industry and government action on salt reduction. This study aimed to assess the Victorian Salt Reduction Partnership’s media advocacy activities by collating the key findings of product category reports, identifying characteristics of press statements and assessing the media coverage and industry engagement.MethodsKey findings, including means and ranges of sodium levels, were extracted from product category reports, and one-way ANOVAs were used to determine trends in sodium levels over time. Themes from press statements were identified through inductive qualitative analysis. Indicators of media coverage (media items, cumulative audience reach, advertising space rate) and food industry engagement (number of meetings, number and type of follow up actions) were tracked.Results8460 products were analysed from six product category reports (bread, cooking sauces, ready meals, dips and crackers, processed meats and Asian-style sauces). Qualitative analysis of the press statements revealed three main themes: general information on salt and health, salt levels in foods, and calls to action. 759 media items (print and online news, radio and TV) were generated (range: 36–274 items), and an average cumulative audience reach of over 5.6 million was achieved (range: 2.3–7.5 million). One to three food manufacturers were met with per media release.ConclusionsDisseminating sodium-monitoring data through media releases can be used as a tool to reach consumers with salt reduction messages and to engage food manufacturers in discussions about salt reduction. Characteristics of advocacy strategies can influence media and industry engagement. When planning future nutrition interventions that include advocacy strategies, external factors outside the of control of the program implementers, should be considered.
Aneuploid circulating tumor endothelial cells (CTECs) affect the detection of CTC, but they are fundamentally different
Authors: Lei Yuanyuan , Zhang Guochao , Liu Chengming , Lu Zhiliang , Huang Jianbing , Zhang Chaoqi , Zang Ruochuan , Che Yun , Mao Shuangshuang , Fang Lingling , Wang Xinfeng , Zheng Sufei , Sun Nan , He Jie 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background

Aneuploidy is an important criterion for tumor cell identification. Like CTCs (circulating tumor cells), many CTECs (circulating tumor endothelial cells) have chromosomal aneuploidy. Affected by tumor microenvironment and detection method, the only identification index CD31 may not be comprehensive enough, which greatly affects the accuracy of CTCs detection.
Methods

Here, we explored the number distribution, expression of surface tumor markers and chromosome ploidy differences of aneuploid CTECs and CTCs in a total of 98 peripheral blood from normal volunteers, benign nodules and lung cancer patients, trying to find the differences between the two and the clinical significance of CTEC.
Results

We found that CTCs were mainly dominated by triploid and hyperploid (pentaploid or above), The former was mainly small CTCs, and the latter was mainly large CTCs. While the aneuploid CTECs were mostly large tetraploid cells. Combined detection of total CTC and CTEC numbers helped identify benign and malignant nodules. Furthermore, tetraploid CTC and CTEC had more obvious advantages than other ploids in identifying benign and malignant nodules.
Conclusions

Our findings indicated that the traditional method of distinguishing tumor and non-tumor cells by aneuploidy was not accurate. The presence of aneuploidy CTECs greatly interfered with the detection of CTCs, but they were different form CTC in cell size, chromosome ploidy distribution and had certain clinical significance. Combining CTC and CTEC had better diagnostic advantages