bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The analysis of Upper tract Urinary Stone Composition in HIV-positive Patients: a single center experience
Authors: Menghua Wu , Xin Zheng , Bohan Fan , Yu Zhang , Jimao Zhao 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background

To appraise the most common stone composition, serum and urinary biochemical features in HIV-positive patients with urolithiasis.
Methods

We retrospectively searched the records of HIV-positive patients in our stone registry. A retrospective study was generated from our registry. Collecting statistics about fundamental indexes and analyzing them is our basic procedure. Medications were considered. Groups were compared using the Student t and chi-square/Fisher exact tests with significance considered at p < 0.05.
Results

In total of 101 patients were included age, gender, Body Mass Index(BMI), serum calcium, serum uric acid(UA), stone position, and operative method were statistically described. The serum UA of HIV-positive group was higher than that of the negative group (P = 0.028). Patients with HIV-infected had a higher incidence of calcium oxalate dehydrate (CaODH) (p < 0.001). The evaluation of overall stone composition showed that the number of CaODH was higher in HIV-positive group (21.4% vs 8.5%, p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in single calcium oxalate monohydrate(CaOMH) (p = 0.146), and UA (p = 0.7) between the two groups.
Conclusions

In our study the highest stone proportion in HIV patients is calcium oxalate (CaO). HIV positive patients should pay attention to the diet, especially the food containing more calcium. In HIV-positive patients, the level of serum UA should be controlled accordingly. In the development of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HARRT), for low-risk patients, it may not be necessary to consider too much the factors of protease inhibitors (PIs) and other drugs forming urinary calculus.
Hematological and immunological abnormalities among children receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy at Hawassa University College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Fenta Demissie Assegu , Wube Temesgen Bizuayehu , Nuru Metsihet Mohammed 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic remains a serious challenge and continues to take its roll, on vulnerable populations such as children. Hematological and immunological abnormalities are common complications in children infected with human immunodeficiency virus. They are associated with an increased risk of disease progression and death. Hence; specific diagnosis and determination of these parameters are required for monitoring of treatment to avert disease progression. Therefore, this study was aimed to determine hematological and immunological parameters among HAART-experienced children at Hawassa University comprehensive specialized Hospital. METHODS A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 273 HIV-infected children from July to December 2019. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that included variables related to sociodemographic characteristics and clinical conditions of the study individuals. Blood samples for hematological and immunological parameters were collected and analyzed using SPSS version 20. P-Value < 0.05 considered statistically significant.RESULTSA total of 273 HAART-experienced children were enrolled. Of whom 139 (50.9%) and 134 (49.1%) were females and males respectively. The baseline means hemoglobin level of the study participants was 12mg/dl and 40.7% of children were anemic. A baseline CD4+ T-cell median percentage was 18.4% and increased to 29.2% and the mean hemoglobin level at baseline was 12 mg/dl and increased to 13.1mg/dl after treatment. The prevalence of anemia, thrombocytopenia, Leucopenia, Pancytopenia, and neutropenia was 11.4, 4%, 14.3%, 2.9%, and 18.3%, respectively. All forms of hematological abnormalities were highly prevalent in children with a CD4-cell percentage <15%. It was statistically significant with leucopenia (P=0.02), Leucocytosis (P=0.02), and lymphopenia (P=0.001). Similarly, they were highly prevalent with children who had a viral load greater than 150 viral copies /mm3. It was statistically significant with anemia (P=0.002), Lymphopenia (P=<0.001), and pancytopenia (P=0.001).Prevalence of anemia (25%) and Leucocytosis (18.8%) were high among children of age group <5 years.CONCLUSION:Hematologic and immunological abnormalities were common problems among children taking highly active antiretroviral therapy. Therefore, clinicians need to routinely investigate for hematological and immunological changes with appropriate therapeutic interventions for hematological and immunological abnormalities after treatment. Furthermore, large scale and longitudinal studies are recommended to strengthen and explore the problem in-depth
The IFN-γ-IDO1-Kynureine Pathway-Induced Autophagy in Cervical Cancer Cell Promotes Phagocytosis of Macrophage
Authors: Yang Shao-Liang , Tan Hai-Xia , Niu Tian-Tian , Liu Yu-Kai , Gu Chun-Jie , Li Da-Jin , Li Ming-Qing , Wang haiyan 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Bachground: Cervical cancer is a common malignant disease in female patients accompanied by active autophagy in tumor cells. However, much remains unknown about the regulatory factors of autophagy and its effect on immune response.Methods: Autophagy in HeLa and SiHa cells treated with IFN-γ, tryptophan depletion, kynurenine, and epacadostat was detected by western blot and autophagy detection kit. After co-cultured with pre-treated HeLa and SiHa cells, U937 was detected by flow cytometry to analyze the CD80, CD86, CD163, CD206 expression and the phagocytosis. Results: IFN-γ could significantly increase the autophagy level of HeLa and SiHa cells by promoting the indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase-1 (IDO1) expression. HeLa and SiHa cells treated with recombinant human IFN-γ could significantly increase the phagocytosis and CD80, CD86 expression of U937, and this effect was associated with the autophagy in tumor cells. IFN-γ treatment and IDO1 overexpression promote tryptophan depletion and kynurenine accumulation in cervical cancer cells, and the latter was proved to be more potent in inducing autophagy of cervical cancer cells and promoting phagocytosis of macrophage. In vivo, IDO1 overexpression could significantly restrict the tumor growth in C57 mice, and the phagocytosis of macrophage was enhanced.Conclusions: IFN-γ promotes the autophagy of cervical cancer cell possibly through IDO1 expression and kynurenine metabolism, and further promotes macrophage phagocytosis in cervical cancer.
Using Regions of Homozygosity to Evaluate the Use of Dogs as Preclinical Models in Human Drug Development
Authors: Smieszek Sandra Paulina , Polymeropoulos Mihael 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUND Animals are used as preclinical models for human diseases in drug development. Dogs, especially, are used in preclinical research to support the clinical safety evaluations during drug development. Comparisons of patterns of regions of homozygosity (ROH) and phenotypes between dog and human are not well known. We conducted a genome-wide homozygosity analysis (GWHA) in the human and the dog genomes.RESULTS We calculated ROH patterns across distinct human cohorts including the Amish, the 1000 genomes, Wellderly, Vanda 1 k genomes, and Alzheimer’s cohort. The Amish provided a large cohort of extended kinships allowing for in depth family oriented analyses. The remaining human cohorts served as statistical references. We then calculated ROH across different dog breeds with emphasis on the beagle - the preferred breed used in drug development. Out of five studied human cohorts we reported the highest mean ROH in the Amish population. We calculated the extent of the genome covered by ROH (FROH) (human 3.2 Gb, dog 2.5 Gb). Overall FROH differed significantly between the Amish and the 1000 genomes, and between the human and the beagle genomes. The mean FROH per 1 Mb was ~ 16 kb for Amish, ~ 0.6 kb for Vanda 1 k, and ~ 128 kb for beagles. This result demonstrated the highest degree of inbreeding in beagles, far above that of the Amish, one of the most inbred human populations. ROH can contribute to inbreeding depression if they contain deleterious variants that are fully or partially recessive.CONCLUSIONS The differences in ROH characteristics between human and dog genomes question the applicability of dog models in preclinical research, especially when the goal is to gauge the subtle effects on the organism’s physiology produced by candidate therapeutic agents. Importantly, there are huge differences in a subset of ADME genes, specifically cytochrome P450 family (CYPs), constituting major enzymes involved in drug metabolism. We should use caution when generalizing from dog to human, even if human and beagle are relatively close species phylogenetically
A Simple Ecological Model Captures the Transmission Pattern of COVID-19 Outbreak in China
Authors: Zhang Feng , Zhang Jinmei , Cao Menglan , Hui Cang 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background The rapid spread of the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), initially reported in the city of Wuhan in China, and quickly transmitted to the entire nation and beyond, has become an international public health emergency. Estimating the final number of infection cases and the turning point (time with the fastest spreading rate) is crucial to assessing and improving the national and international control measures currently being applied.Methods We develop a simple model based on infectious growth with a time-varying infection rate, and estimate the final number of infections and the turning point using data updated daily from 3 February 2020, when China escalated its initial public health measures, to 10 February.Results Our model provides an extremely good fit to the existing data and therefore a reasonable estimate of the time-varying infection rate that has largely captured the transmission pattern of this epidemic outbreak. Our estimation suggests that (i) the final number of infections in China could reach 78,000 with an upper 95% confidence limit of 88,880; (ii) the turning point of the fastest spread was on the 4th or the 5th of February; and (iii) the projected period for the end of the outbreak (i.e., when 95% of the final predicted number of infection is reached) will be the 24th of February, with an upper 95% confidence limit on the 19th of March.Conclusions Our results suggest that the current control measures in China are excellent, and more than sufficient to contain the spread of this highly infectious novel coronavirus, and that the application of such measures could be considered internationally for the global control of this outbreak.
Coptidis Rhizome inhibits cell growth in HONE-1 cell line by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis
Authors: Leu Kim Fey , Subramaniam Menaga , Wang Xinghua , Yang Zao , Yap Lee Fah , Lo Kwok Wai , Lim Yang Mooi 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is among the most common head and neck malignancies seen among adults in Malaysia. Therefore, discovery of novel anti-cancer herbal drugs is of importance. In this study, the cytotoxic effect was conducted on a traditional Chinese herbal prescription (Xiao Xian Xiong Decoction (XXXD) that is made up of 3 Chinese herbal medicines, namely Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizome), Banxia (Pinellia Rhizome), Gualuo (Fructus Trichosanthis).Methods The cytotoxic effect of the individual herb and in combination of two and three herbs was studied on 8 nasopharyngeal cancer cell lines. Global gene expression analysis was carried on extracted RNA using nCounter XT Gene Expression Assay.Results TWO-1, TWO-4, HONE-1, SUNE-1, CNE-2, HK-1, CNE-1 and C666-1 treated with Huanglian, the IC50 values obtained were 24.48, 11.77, 4.48, 10.72 6.32, 11.10, 6.77 and 27.30 µg/ml, respectively. For combination of Huanglian and Banxia, the IC50 values obtained were 74.09 µg/ml (TWO-1), 25.80 µg/ml (TWO-4), 38.10 µg/ml (HONE-1), 29.46 µg/ml (SUNE-1), 19.0 µg/ml (CNE-2) and 20.12 µg/ml (HK-1) but did not exert 50% cell killing in CNE-1 and C666-1 cell lines. The IC50 value attained for the combination of Huanglian and Gualuo was 40.70 µg/ml in HONE-1 cell line. The IC50 values obtained for XXXD (triple combination of Huanglian, Banxia and Gualuo)-treated in HONE-1 and CNE-2 cell lines were 88.55 and 92.42 µg/ml, respectively. Out of all these 7 groups of herbal samples, Huanglian showed the highest cytotoxicity against 8 NPC cell lines with the lowest IC50 value of 4.48 µg/ml recorded in HONE-1. Global gene expression showed Huanglian significantly downregulated genes associated with cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, and thus inhibit HONE-1 cell growth.Conclusions This study suggest that Huanglian could be a potent anticancer herb targeting HONE-1 cancer cell line.
A qualitative evaluation of Southwark Council’s public health approach for mitigating the mental health impact of the 2017 London Bridge and Borough Market terror attack
Authors: Jumbe Sandra , Milner Adrienne , Clinch Megan , Kennedy Jonathan , Pinder Richard J , Sharpe Carolyn A , Fenton Kevin 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Over recent years there have been several major terror attacks in cities across Europe. These attacks result in deaths, physical injuries, and pose long-term threats to mental health and wellbeing of large populations. Despite this, the mental health and wellbeing impacts of such attacks have been comparatively less examined in academic literature than the acute health response to physical injuries. This paper reflects on Southwark Council’s pioneering public health response to the June 2017 terror attack at London Bridge and Borough Market. It aims to understand the mental health and wellbeing impact of the incident, and evaluate Council led efforts to minimise mental health and wellbeing sequelae following the attack.
Methods
A rapid qualitative evaluation informed by the logic underpinning Southwark Council’s response was conducted. Nineteen in-depth semi-structured interviews with consenting Southwark Council employees, residents and workers from the London Borough of Southwark affected by the 2017 terror attack were conducted. Seven interviews were with actors involved in developing and delivering the response to ascertain the logic that underpinned it. Twelve interviews were with residents, business owners and council employees to examine the mental health and wellbeing impacts of the attack and the effectiveness of the response. A thematic analysis of transcribed interviews was undertaken.
Results
When establishing a health and wellbeing response, public health expertise and capacity provides an opportunity to dynamically identify and respond to emerging mental health and wellbeing needs. A comprehensive systematic approach to health needs assessment which draws on knowledge and relationships of key Council workers and community stakeholders is imperative. This improves communication and working relationships between statutory organisations and community stakeholders, and ensures all groups in the community are reached and supported in a manner appropriate for them. It is also critical that mental health needs of Council staff involved in delivering such a response are met. Failure to do this risks extending the negative impacts of such events.
Conclusions
This article highlights the potential of taking a public health approach in the aftermath of terror attacks. This approach has already influenced the response to the Christchurch mosque shooting in 2019.
The Effect of Temperature and Humidity May Reduce the Growth Rate of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Epidemic
Authors: Qin Lei , Sun Qiang , Shao Jiani , Chen Yang , Zhang Xiaomei , Li Jian , Chen Mingchih , Shia Ben-Chang , Wu Szu-Yuan 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: The effects of temperature and humidity on the epidemic growth of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)remains unclear.Methods: Daily scatter plots between the epidemic growth rate (GR) and average temperature (AT) or average relative humidity (ARH) were presented with curve fitting through the “loess” method. The heterogeneity across days and provinces were calculated to assess the necessity of using a longitudinal model. Fixed effect models with polynomial terms were developed to quantify the relationship between variations in the GR and AT or ARH.Results: An increased AT dramatically reduced the GR when the AT was lower than −5°C, the GR was moderately reduced when the AT ranged from −5°C to 15°C, and the GR increased when the AT exceeded 15°C. An increasedARH increased theGR when the ARH was lower than 72% and reduced theGR when the ARH exceeded 72%.Conclusions: High temperatures and low humidity may reduce the GR of the COVID-19 epidemic. The temperature and humidity curves were not linearly associated with the COVID-19 GR.
The Weibull Distribution on Reliability Evaluation of Mechanical Property for Impaction Bone Grafting
Authors: Yishake Mumingjiang , Tang Lan , Ye Chenyi , He Rongxin 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: The mechanical properties of bone grafts used to reconstruct defects during revision surgery, and their long-term reliability, are important in terms of treatment outcomes. However, few relevant studies have appeared. Herein, we use a new method, the Weibull distribution, to evaluate reliability.Methods: We created impacted bone grafts of two distinct sizes (7–10 mm and small slurry) using an impacting apparatus. The elastic moduli were evaluated in vitro and the Weibull moduli (m values) were calculated.Results: The elastic moduli fitted the Weibull distribution well. Large bone grafts (7–10 mm) exhibited high elastic moduli but low Weibull moduli, suggestive of poor reliability.Conclusions: The Weibull distribution was useful to evaluate the reliability of bone graft mechanical properties. A high Weibull modulus indicated high reliability and thus low variability. Both the values and reliability of mechanical properties must be considered when contemplating bone grafting.
Effect of facet-joint degeneration on the in vivo motion of the lower lumbar spine
Authors: Yin Jun , Liu Zhang , Li Chao , Luo Shiwei , Lai Qi , Wang Shaobai , Zhang Bin , Wan Zongmiao 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Objective
This research studied the in vivo motion characteristics of the L3-S1 lumbar spine with facet-joint degeneration during functional activities.
Methods
Thirteen male and 21 female patients with facet-joint degeneration at the L3-S1 spinal region were included in the study. The L3-S1 lumbar segments of all the patients were divide into 3 groups according to the degree of facet joints degeneration (mild, moderate or severe). The ranges of motion (ROM) of the vertebrae was analyzed using a combination of computed tomography and dual fluoroscopic imaging techniques. During functional postures, the ROMs were compared between the 3 groups at each spinal level (L3-L4, L4-L5, and L5-S1).
Results
At L3-L4 level, the primary rotations between the mild and moderate groups during left-right twisting activity were significantly different. At L4-L5 level, the primary rotation of the moderate group was significantly higher than the other groups during flexion-extension. During left-right bending activities a significant difference was observed only between the moderate and severe groups. At L5-S1 level, the rotation of the moderate group was significantly higher than the mild group during left-right bending activity.
Conclusions
Degeneration of the facet joint alters the ROMs of the lumbar spine. As the degree of facet-joint degeneration increased, the ROMs of the lumbar vertebra that had initially increased, declined. However, when there was severe facet-joint degeneration, the ROMs of lumbar spine declined to levels comparative to the moderate group. The relationship between the stability of the lumbar vertebra and the degree of facet-joint degeneration requires further study.
Combined posterior percutaneous pedicle screw fixation with delayed anterior monosegmental column reconstruction for unstable thoracolumbar burst fractures
Authors: Lou Chao , Yu Weiyang , Chen Zhenzhong , Jin Kangtao , Gao Jiawei , Pan Bin , Liu Feijun , He Dengwei 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to assess the feasibility as well as the clinical and radiological outcomes of posterior percutaneous pedicle screw fixation (PPSF) combined with anterior monosegmental column reconstruction in unstable thoracolumbar burst fractures. Methods: From January 2011 to August 2017, thirty-five patients with unstable thoracolumbar burst fractures were enrolled in this study. The patients underwent posterior PPSF combined surgery with delayed anterior monosegmental reconstruction utilizing titanium mesh cages. Clinical outcomes, radiological parameters, and treatment-related complications were assessed. Results: The mean age of the patients was 44.8 years. The mean operative time and blood loss were 205 min and 560 ml, respectively. The mean follow-up period was 25.2 months. The Visual analog scale (VAS) pain score was significantly improved postoperatively, and the improvement was maintained until the final follow-up. The mean sagittal kyphosis was corrected from 16.3 preoperatively to 1.5 postoperatively, which increased slightly to 2.6 at the final follow-up. In 24 patients with neurologic dysfunction, 21 (87.5 %) patients had improvement after surgery. None obvious subsidence of the titanium mesh cage and none dislodgement, loosening or breakage of the instrumentation was observed in any patient during the follow-up period. Solid bony fusion was achieved in all patients. Conclusions: Combined posterior PPSF with delayed anterior monosegmental column reconstruction for unstable thoracolumbar burst fractures can produce good clinical and radiological outcomes.
A new surgical treatment for post-tubercular thoracic kyphosis, a retrospective study.
Authors: Hu Wenhao , Liu Huawei , Hu Fangqi , Wang Qi , Li Teng , Wang Yan , Zhang Xuesong 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: In the late stage of Spinal tuberculosis, the bony destruction and vertebral collapse often leads to significant kyphosis, presenting clinically as a painful gibbus deformity, with increased instability, vertebral body translations. Deformity more commonly occurs and rapidly progresses in the thoracic spine. The surgical treatment of deformity in the thoracic region poses a challenge to the spine surgeon because its high neurological risk. Vertebral column decancellation，a new spinal osteotomy technique, is thought to be suitable for most patients with severe rigid kyphosis. In the current study, we report VCD technique as another surgical strategy for correction of post-tubercular thoracic kyphosis and evaluate the clinical and radiographic patient results.Methods: Between January 2016 and January 2018, 16 patients with post-tubercular thoracic kyphosis underwent the Vertebral column decancellation. Preoperative and postoperative Konstam’s angle were measured. Oswestry Disability Index(ODI) ,Visual analog scale(VAS) and American Spinal Injury Association(ASIA) were documented. The mean follow-up was 31.4 months Results: The average operation time was 226 minutes (range, 200–260 minutes) with a mean intraoperative blood loss of 466 mL (range, 400–580 mL).The Konstam’s angles decreased from 88.8°(range, 76°–103°)preoperatively to 19.0°(range, 9°–32°)at the final follow-up (P<0.01). The mean VAS score was reduced from preoperative 7.0(range, 6–8) to 1.7 (range, 1–3, P<0.01) and the ODI improved from 67.6% (range, 59%–77%) to 20.7% (range, 15%–33%, P<0.01). At final follow-up, there was radiographic evidence of solid fusion at the osteotomy site and fixed segments in all patients. Neurological function improved from ASIA scale D to E in 6 patients, C to D in 3 patients.Conclusion: Our results suggest that VCD is a safe and effective treatment option for post-tubercular thoracic kyphosis. This technique achieves higher correction and fusion rates with adequate decompression of neurological elements.