bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High serum VE-cadherin and vinculin concentrations are markers of the disruption of vascular integrity during acute aortic dissection
Authors: Wang Shiyue , He Yuchen , Li Xin , Xin Shijie , Zhang Jian , Jiang Han 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
In the present study, we measured the serum vascular endothelial cadherin (VEC) and vinculin (Vcn) concentrations in patients with acute aortic dissection (AAD) to evaluate their diagnostic value for this condition.
Methods
One hundred patients with AAD and 60 matched controls were included in the study. The serum concentrations of VEC and Vcn were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.
Results
The serum VEC and Vcn concentrations were significantly higher in participants with AAD than in healthy controls. Receiver operating characteristic analysis generated areas under the curves for VEC and Vcn that were diagnostic for AAD (0.604 and 0.665, respectively). The optimal cut-off values were 3.986 ng/µL and 128.1 pg/mL, the sensitivities were 43.0% and 35.0%, and the specificities were 73.3% and 90.0%, respectively. In addition, the use of a combination of serum VEC and Vcn increased the AUC to 0.739, with a sensitivity of 56.0% and a specificity of 76.7%. A high serum Vcn concentration was associated with a higher risk of poor visceral malperfusion in participants with AAD (odds ratio [OR] = 1.007, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.001–1.013, p = 0.014). In participants with refractory pain, the adjusted OR for the serum VEC concentration increased to 1.172 (95% CI: 1.010–1.361; p = 0.036), compared with participants without refractory pain.
Conclusion
This study is the first to show the diagnostic value of serum VEC and Vcn for AAD and their relationships with the clinical characteristics of patients with AAD. Thus, VEC and Vcn are potential serum markers of AD.
Hypertension and Cerebrovascular Diseases: A Large Long Term Followed Up Cohort Hypertension Patients
Authors: li An le , zhu shuai , hu zhi hao , peng qian , xiang fang , zhang yi ying 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Cerebrovascular disease (CVD) is the first cause of death in Chinese residents [1]. Hypertension (HP) has been shown to be the single most important modifiable risk factor among multiple etiologies. The incidence of stroke has increased gradually and has begun occurring at a younger age in recent years [1-2]. There were few related studies on CVD of HP cohort. Objective: To explore CVD distribution and epidemic characteristics in followed-up hypertension patients.Methods: Using the Hypertension Follow-up Management System database in Jiading district in Shanghai. We designed a retrospective cohort study that included all followed-up hypertension patients between 2002 and 2020. The endpoint was the occurrence of CVD confirmed by the hospital; otherwise, the patients were tracked until September 30, 2020. Record information of every patient has been collected in the registration card and each followed-up record.Results: Among 166688 followed-up HP patients, the total cumulative incidence of CVD was 6.68% (male 7.02%, female 6.37%) during follow-up period, cumulative incidence of ischemic CVD, hemorrhagic CVD and unclassified stroke was respectively 4.76%, 0.40% and 1.53%. Cumulative incidence of CVD increased with age, the group under 30 was 0, and the group over 70 was the highest (9.24%). The higher blood pressure was, the higher prevalence of CVD was. The prevalence of CVD increased with duration of HP, 3.76% within one year and 11.34% after 10 years. The proportion of CVD cases in HP patients from April to June was the largest in the four seasons; the proportion of patients from October to December was the minimum.Conclusion: Hypertension patient was prone to falling cerebrovascular disease; the main type of disease was cerebral infarction. Male incidence was higher than female incidence. The cumulative incidence of CVD increased with age, blood pressure and duration of HP patients. It had seasonal characteristics, which was relatively high from April to June within year.
The Reliability and Validity of Turkish Version of the School-based Asthma and Allergy Screening Questionnaires
Authors: KILIC Mahmut , Ede Ghaniya , Uzuncakmak Tugba 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the school-based asthma and allergy screening questionnaireBackground: Asthma is an important public health problem affecting children, causing school absenteeism and hospitalization. The aim of this study is to assess the validity and reliability for diagnostic accuracy of the Turkish version of the asthma and allergy screening questionnaire.Methods: This study included primary and secondary school students from grades 2 to 7, and their parents or caregivers. For validity, 40 children with asthma and 39 children with allergy diagnosed by the questionnaire were used to determine the sensitivity, and specificity was calculated by using the data of 100 children without asthma and allergies. For reliability, the Spearman correlation was used for dependent groups, for validity, the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis was used. Results: When the questionnaire cut-off point was 2/3 for asthma, according to the student and parent form, the sensitivity was 80.0% and 82.5%, and the specificity was 56.6% and 76.8%, respectively. When the questionnaire cut-off point was 0/1 for allergies, according to the student and parent questionnaire, the sensitivity was 74.4% and 84.6%, and the specificity was 66.3% and 54.2%, respectively. The reliability of the asthma and allergy questionnaires test-retest correlation values (≥0.68) of both questionnaires were found to be statistically significant. Conclusion: According to the Turkish questionnaire of the students and their parents, questionnaire sensitivity for asthma and allergy was similar in proportion to the original questionnaire. The Turkish version of the questionnaire can be used for asthma and allergy screening in schools.
Qingchang Mixture Prevents the Intestinal Ischemia-reperfusion Injury Through TLR4/NF-kB&nbsp;Pathway
Authors: Wang Meng , Zhu Yong , Liu Shujuan , Tian Zhaochun , Zhu Pengfei , Zhang Yunjie , Zhou Yongkun 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: This study was performed to determine the protection and molecular responses of Chinese medicine Qingchang mixture on intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury.Methods: The rat intestinal IR model was prepared. Intestinal ischemic injury was evaluated by the HE staining, biochemical assay and western blot. In addition, human intestinal epithelial cells (IEC-6) hypoxia-reoxygenation (HR) in vitro model was prepared. The viability and apoptosis of IEC-6 cells were measured by CCK8 and apoptosis detection. TAK242 or PDTC was used as the small molecule inhibitor of TLR4 or NF-κB.Results: Compared with the IR group, the pretreatment of Qingchang mixture relieved the morphological damage, oxidative stress, inflammatory response and barrier function damage of small intestine tissue. IR significantly increased the expression of TLR4 and NF-κB, while the pretreatment of Qingchang mixture inhibited the expression of TLR4 and NF-κB. Furthermore, the pretreatment of Qingchang mixture, TAK242 or PDTC effectively improved the viability, and hindered apoptosis of the HR-induced IEC-6 cells.Conclusions: Chinese medicine Qingchang mixture prevents the intestinal IR injury through TLR4/NF-kB pathway.
White Matter Alterations in Heart-kidney Imbalance Insomnia and Jiao-tai-wan Treatment: A Diffusion-tensor Imaging Study
Authors: Chen Jie , Li Yanxuan , Xia Nengzhi , Wen Caiyun , Xia Tianyi , Zhuang Yuandi , Jiang Mengmeng , Xiang Yilan , Zhang Mingyue , Zhan Chenyi , Yang Yunjun , Huang Qun , Yuan Zhengzhong 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Previous studies have reported changes in white matter (WM) microstructures in patients with insomnia. However, few neuroimaging studies have focused specifically on WM tracts in insomnia patients after having received treatment. In this prospective study, diffusion-tensor imaging was used in two samples of heart-kidney imbalance insomnia patients (HKIIPs) who were treated with Jiao-Tai-Wan (JTW) or a placebo to assess the changes in WM tracts.Methods: Tract-based spatial statistical analyses were first applied to compare the changes in mean diffusivity (MD) and fractional anisotropy (FA) of WM between 75 HKIIPs and 41 healthy control participants. In subsequent randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, comparisons of MD and FA were also performed in 24 HKIIPs (8 males; 16 females; 42.5 ± 10.4 years) with JTW and 26 HKIIPs (11 males; 15 females; 39.7 ± 9.4 years) with a placebo, with age and sex as covariates.Results: HKIIPs showed lower MD and FA values of several WM tracts than healthy control participants, such as the bilateral anterior limb of internal capsule, bilateral superior longitudinal fasciculus and bilateral posterior corona radiata. Specifically, FA values in left corticospinal tract (CST) were increased in HKIIPs. After being treated with JTW, HKIIPs showed a trend towards reduced FA values in the left CST.Conclusions: These results suggest that JTW may reverse WM alterations caused by heart-kidney imbalance insomnia.Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1800019239; registered on 1 November 2018-retrospectively registered, http://www.chictr.org.cn/listbycreater.aspx, more than a month after the start of the experiment. The delay was due to lack of experience regarding trail, registration with a data sharing website.
The Potential Toxicity of Silver Nanoparticles After Repeated Oral Exposure and Underlying Mechanisms in Kidney of Rat Model
Authors: Nosrati Hamed , Hamzepoor Manijeh , Sohrabi Maryam , Saidijam Massoud , Assari Mohammad Javad , Shabab Nooshin , Mahmoudian Zahra Gholami , Alizadeh Zohreh 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) can accumulate in various organs after orally exposure. This study evaluated the toxicity of AgNPs in vivo on histological changes, apoptosis and expression of growth factor genes in kidney. Methods: The male Wistar rats were treated orally with 30,125,300, and 700 mg/kg silver nanoparticles solution. After 28 days of exposure, histopatological changes were assessed by hematoxylin-eosin, trichrome Masson, and Pas staining. Apoptosis was quantified by TUNEL and immunohistochemistry of caspase-3, and level of expression of growth factors mRNAs were determined using RT-PCR. Results: Histopathologic examination revealed degenerative changes in the glomeruli, loss of tubular architecture, loss of brush border and interrupted tubular basal laminae. These changes were more noticeable in 30, and 125 mg/kg groups. The collagen intensity was increased in 30 treated groups in both cortex and medulla. Apoptosis was much more evident in middle dose groups (125 and 300 mg/kg). The results of RT-PCR indicated that Bcl-2 and Bax mRNAs upregulated in treated groups (p<0.05) and data of the EGF, TNF-α, and TGF-β1 revealed that AgNPs induced more enormous changes in gene expression in 30 and 700 mg/kg groups compared to control. Conclusion: Our observations showed that the AgNPs played a critical role in their in vivo renal toxicity.
Using the Behaviour Change Wheel to Design an Intervention for Partner Abusive Men in Drug and Alcohol Treatment
Authors: Gilchrist Elizabeth Allison , Johnson Amy , McMurran Mary , Stephens-Lewis Danielle , Kirkpatrick Sara , Gardner Benjamin , Easton Caroline , Gilchrist Gail 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: We aimed to establish what core elements were required in a group therapy programme for men who disclose perpetrating intimate partner abuse in a substance use setting and develop, and test the feasibility of delivering an intervention in this setting. Methods: We describe the theoretical development and feasibility testing of an integrated substance use and intimate partner abuse intervention(“ADVANCE”) for delivery in substance use services. We employed a comprehensive eight stage process to guide this development applying the ‘COM-B’ model for intervention design which specifies: 1) define the problem, 2) select the target behaviour, 3) specify the target behaviour, 4) identify what needs to change, 5) identify intervention functions, 6) identify policy categories, 7) select behaviour change techniques, and 8) design a mode of delivery. The development was informed by primary research conducted by the authors, consulting with organisation steering groups and by those with personal experiences. A feasibility study (ISRCTN 79435190) involving 104 men, 27 female partners and 30 staff at three different locations across the UK was conducted to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention and to refine the content and approach to delivery. Results: Our final intervention, the ADVANCE intervention consisted of a group intervention comprising of up to four pre-group individual interviews, followed by 12 x 2-hour group sessions supported by integrated safety work for victim/survivors, and risk and safety support and integrity support for the professionals. The main targets for change were personal goal planning, self-regulation and attitudes and beliefs supporting intimate partner abuse. The intervention was regarded as very acceptable to both staff and clients in substance use services, with group attendees reported positive behavior changes and development of new skills, that facilitators noted were ‘life-changing’ for some. Conclusion: We have demonstrated the ability to employ a structured eight-step process to develop an integrated intervention to address substance use related intimate partner abuse that is acceptable to staff and clients in substance use services.
Bacillus Subtilis Revives Conventional Antibiotics Against Staphylococcus Aureus Osteomyelitis
Authors: Zhang Fan , Wang Bowei , Liu Shiluan , Lin Yihuang , Liu Zixian , Zhang Xianrong , Yu Bin 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
As treatment of Staphylococcus aureus osteomyelitis is often hindered by the development of antibiotic tolerance, novel antibacterial therapeutics are required. Here we found that the cell-free supernatant of Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis CFS) killed planktonic and biofilm S. aureus, and increased S. aureus susceptibility to penicillin and gentamicin as well. Further study showed that B. subtilis CFS suppressed the expression of the genes involved in adhesive molecules (Cna and ClfA), virulence factor Hla, quorum sensing (argA, argB and RNAIII) and biofilm formation (Ica and sarA) in S. aureus. Additionally, our data showed that B. subtilis CFS changed the membrane components and increased membrane permeabilization of S. aureus. Finally, we demonstrated that B. subtilis CFS increased considerably the susceptibility of S. aureus to penicillin and effectively reduced S. aureus burdens in a mouse model of implant-associated osteomyelitis. These findings support that B. subtilis CFS may be a potential resistance-modifying agent against S. aureus osteomyelitis.
Does Medicaid Broaden the Choices of Patients with Low Socioeconomic Status? An Analysis of Bypassing Behaviors in Brooklyn
Authors: Lee Jae Bok 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BackgroundMany governments worldwide have committed to extending choices in public service delivery. However, the extent to which policies ensure equity is unclear. We investigated whether Medicaid programs in the United States improve hospital accessibility among patients with low socioeconomic status, compared to those with non-low socioeconomic status who are non-Medicaid recipients or uninsured.MethodsWe employed a difference-in-difference-in-differences approach using a rich dataset of information on inpatients and their choice of hospitals from Statewide Planning Research and Cooperative System and information on hospitals from the American Hospital Association in Brooklyn, New York, from 2003 to 2009ResultsThe findings indicated that Medicaid has failed to broaden the range of the hospital choices for patients with low socioeconomic status, assessed in terms of bypassing behaviors. ConclusionsMedicaid is one public program that offers choices driven by purchasing power. The findings of this study imply that this program has some limitations in alleviating existing socioeconomic inequities in available hospital choices.
Early-Onset Sepsis Risk Calculator: A Review Of Its Effectiveness And Comparative Study With Our Evidence-Based Local Guidelines
Authors: Laccetta Gianluigi , Ciantelli Massimiliano , Tuoni Cristina , Sigali Emilio , Miccoli Mario , Cuttano Armando 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
According to most early-onset sepsis management guidelines, approximately 10% of the total neonatal population are exposed to antibiotics in the first postnatal days with subsequent increase of neonatal and pediatric comorbidities. Early-onset sepsis risk calculator has been developed with the purpose of avoiding antibiotic overtreatment among neonates ≥ 34 weeks’ gestational age: a review of literature demonstrates its effectiveness in reducing antibiotic overtreatment, laboratory testing, painful procedures and NICU admission; however, some missed cases of culture-positive early-onset sepsis have also been described.
Methods
All neonates with birth weight ≤ 1500 g, 34–36 weeks’ gestational age neonates with suspected intraamniotic infection and neonates with three clinical signs of early-onset sepsis or two signs and one risk factor for early-onset sepsis receive empirical antibiotics. Neonates ≥ 34 weeks’ gestational age with risk factors for early-onset sepsis or with one clinical indicator of early-onset sepsis undergo serial measurements of C-reactive protein and procalcitonin in the first 48–72 hours of life; they receive empirical antibiotics in case of abnormalities at blood exams with one or more clinical signs of early-onset sepsis. We therefore compared the number of patients for which antibiotics were needed, based on early-onset sepsis calculator, and the number of patients we treated with antibiotics during the study period. Comparisons between the groups were performed using McNemar’s test and statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results
During the study period (1st January 2018-31st December 2018) 32/265 (12.1%) neonates ≥ 34 weeks’ gestational age at risk for early-onset sepsis received antibiotics within the first 12 hours of life. According to early-onset sepsis calculator: 55/265 (20.7%) patients would have received antibiotics with early-onset sepsis incidence 2/1000 live births (p < 0.0001); 44/265 (16.6%) patients would have received antibiotics with early-onset sepsis incidence 0.1/1000 live births (p < 0.025). One patient with culture-negative early-onset sepsis would not have received antibiotics with an early-onset sepsis incidence of 0.1/1000 live births.
Conclusion
Our evidence-based protocol for treatment decision-making of neonatal early-onset sepsis entails a further decrease of antibiotic overtreatment compared to early-onset sepsis risk calculator. No negative consequences for patients were observed.
Role of Interferon Therapy in Severe COVID-19: The COVIFERON Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Darazam Ilad Alavi , Pourhoseingholi Mohamad Amin , Shokouhi Shervin , Irvani Seyed Sina Naghibi , Mokhtari Majid , Shabani Minoosh , Amirdosara Mahdi , Torabinavid Parham , Golmohammadi Maryam , Hashemi SayedPayam , Azimi Arsalan , Maivan Mohammad Hossein Jafarzadeh , Rezaeimirghaed Omidvar , Zali Alireza , Hajiesmaeili Mohammadreza , Dehbsneh Hadiseh Shabanpour , Kusha Akram Hoseyni , Shoushtari Maryam Taleb , Khalili Negar , Soleymaninia Azam , Gachkar Latif , Khoshkar Ali 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Type 1 Interferons (IFNs) have been associated with positive effects on Coronaviruses. Previous studies point towards the superior potency of IFNβ compared to IFNα against viral infections. We conducted a three-armed, individually-randomized, open-label, controlled trial of IFNβ1a and IFNβ1b, comparing them against each other and a control group. Patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to IFNβ1a (subcutaneous injections of 12,000 IU on days 1, 3, 6), IFNβ1b (subcutaneous injections of 8,000,000 IU on days 1, 3, 6), or the control group. All three arms orally received Lopinavir/Ritonavir (400mg/100 mg twice a day for ten days) and a single dose of Hydroxychloroquine 400 mg on the first day. Our utilized primary outcome measure was Time To Clinical Improvement (TTCI) defined as the time from enrollment to discharge or a decline of two steps on the clinical seven-step ordinal scale, whichsoever came first. A total of 60 severely ill patients with positive RT-PCR and Chest CT scans underwent randomization (20 patients to each arm). In the Intention-To-Treat population, IFNβ1a was associated with a significant difference against the control group, in the TTCI; (HR; 2.36, 95% CI=1.10-5.17, P-value=0.031) while the IFNβ1b indicated no significant difference compared with the control; HR; 1.42, (95% CI=0•63-3•16, P-value=0•395). The median TTCI for both of the intervention groups was five days vs. seven days for the control group. The mortality was numerically lower in both of the intervention groups (20% in the IFNβ1a group and 30% in the IFNβ1b group vs. 45% in the control group). There were no significant differences between the three arms regarding the adverse events. In patients with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, as compared with the base therapeutic regiment, the benefit of a significant reduction in TTCI was observed in the IFNβ1a arm. This finding needs further confirmation in larger studies. Trial Registration Number: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04343768. (Submitted: 08/04/2020; First Online: 13/04/2020) (Registration Number: NCT04343768)