bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A pilot study of thiamine and folic acid in hemodialysis patients with cognitive impairment
Authors: Lu Renhua , Fang Yan , Zhou Yijun , Che Miaolin , Shen Jianxiao , Liu Qian , Zhang Haifen , Pan Shuting , Lin Yan , Wang Qin , Mou Shan , Ni Zhaohui , Gu Leyi 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: This study aimed to explore the effectiveness of thiamine and folic acid supplementation on the improvement of the cognitive function in patients with maintenance hemodialysis. Methods: In the present study, we randomly assigned patients undergoing hemodialysis who had the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score lower than 26 to treatment group (n=25, thiamine 90mg/day combined with folic acid 30mg/day) or control group (n=25, nonintervention). All subjects were followed up for 96 weeks. The primary outcome was the improvement of the MoCA score. The secondary outcomes included homocysteine level, survival and safety. Results: Patients in treatment group had an increase of the MoCA score from 21.95±3.81 at baseline to 25.68±1.96 at week 96 (P<0.001, primary outcome), as compared with the MoCA score from 20.69±3.40 to 19.62±3.58 in control group. Thiamine combined with folic acid treatment also resulted in lower level of serum homocysteine in treatment group compare with control group at week 96 (P<0.05, secondary outcome). 3 patients and 9 patients died during follow-up period in treatment and control group respectively (P=0.048). The proportion of adverse events in treatment group was significantly lower than that in control group. Conclusion: Hemodialysis patients with cognitive impairment treated with thiamine and folic acid had a significant improvement in MoCA score. Trial registration: Clinical trial registration number: ChiCTR-IPR-17012210.
Establishment and characterization of a new gastric cancer cell line, XGC-1
Authors: Peng Jigui , Xu Hao , Cai Jianchun 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BackgroundTo establish a primary human gastric cancer cell line.MethodsFresh gastric cancer tissue samples were separated into a cell suspension, and DMEM/F12 medium containing 10% foetal bovine serum was used for primary culture and subculture. The morphology of the cells was observed under a light microscope, and the cell growth curve was plotted. A soft agar colony formation assay was used to detect the colony formation ability of the cell line. Immunohistochemical methods were used to detect cytokeratin, vimentin and Ki-67, the chromosome G banding method was used to analyse the karyotype of the cells, and the tumourigenic ability of the cells was detected by subcutaneous inoculation of BALB/C nude mice.ResultsWe established a gastric cancer cell line from a 68-year-old male patient. This gastric cancer cell line was named XGC-1 and had a doubling time of approximately 48 h. The cell line displayed strong colony formation ability and tumourigenicity in BALB/C nude mice and had complicated chromosomal abnormalities. When nutrients were insufficient, the cells shed and floated in the medium, but adherent growth was observed in nutrient-rich conditions.ConclusionsThe XGC-1 cell line will be useful for future studies of gastric cancer development, progression, metastasis and therapy.
Clinical Characteristics and Predictors of Mortality in Young Adults with Severe COVID-19
Authors: Lu Yanjiao , Huang Zhenli , Wang Meijia , Tang Kun , Wang Shanshan , Gao Pengfei , Xie Jungang , Wang Tao , Zhao Jinping 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background and objective: Little is yet known whether pathogenesis of COVID-19 is different between young and elder patients. Our study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and provide predictors of mortality for young adults with severe COVID-19.Methods: A total of 77 young adults with confirmed severe COVID-19 were recruited retrospectively at Tongji Hospital. Clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, treatment and outcomes were obtained from electronic medical records. The prognostic effects of variables were analyzed using logistic regression model.Results: In this retrospective cohort, non-survivors showed higher incidence of dyspnea and co-existing laboratory abnormalities, compared with young survivals in severe COVID-19. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that lymphopenia, elevated level of d-dimer, hypersensitive cardiac troponin I (hs-CTnI) and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were independent predictors of mortality in young adults with severe COVID-19. Further analysis showed that severely young adults with two or more factors abnormalities above would be more prone to death. The similar predictive effect of above four factors had been observed in all-age patients with severe COVID-19.Conclusion: Lymphopenia, elevated level of d-dimer, hs-CTnI and hs-CRP predicted clinical outcomes of young adults with severe COVID-19.
Hair cortisol-a method to detect chronic cortisol levels in patients with Prader-Willi syndrome
Authors: Shukur Hasanain Hamid , de Rijke Yolanda B , Rossum Elisabeth FC van , Hussain-Alkhateeb Laith , Höybye Charlotte 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a multisymptomatic, rare, genetic, neurodevelopmental disorder in adults mainly characterized by hyperphagia, cognitive dysfunction, behavioral problems and risk of morbid obesity. Although endocrine insufficiencies are common, hypocortisolism is rare and knowledge on long-term cortisol concentrations is lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate long-term cortisol levels in PWS by measurements of hair cortisol.Methods: Twenty-nine adults with PWS, 15 men and 14 women, median age 29 years, median BMI 27 kg/m2, were included. Scalp hair samples were analyzed for cortisol content using liquid-chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry. In addition, a questionnaire on auxology, medication and stress were included. For comparison, 105 age- and sex-matched participants from the population-based Lifelines Cohort study were included as controls. The mean hair cortisol between the groups were compared and associations between BMI and stress were assessed by a generalized linear regression model.Results: In the PWS group large variations in hair cortisol was seen. Mean hair cortisol was 12.8±25.4 pg/mg compared to 3.8±7.3 pg/mg in controls (p=0.001). The linear regression model similarly showed higher cortisol levels in patients with PWS, which remained consistent after adjusting for BMI and stress (p=0.023). Furthermore, hair cortisol increased with BMI (p=0.012) and reported stress (p=0.014).Conclusion: Long-term cortisol concentrations were higher in patients with PWS compared to controls and increased with BMI and stress, suggesting an adequate cortisol response to chronic stress. Hair cortisol demonstrate promising applications in the context of PWS treatment and disease management.
Interprofessional medication assessment among home care patients: Any impact on functioning? Results from a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Auvinen Kati Johanna , Voutilainen Ari , Jyrkkä Johanna , Lönnroos Eija , Mäntyselkä Pekka 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BackgroundMultimorbidity and polypharmacy are related to the use of potentially inappropriate medicines and negative clinical outcomes including drug-related adverse events and functional declines. Home care clients are a vulnerable patient group often exposed to these risks. The aim of this study was to examine whether an interprofessional medication assessment can influence the functioning of home care patients.MethodsThe FIMA study was a randomised controlled intervention study comparing a general practitioner-led interprofessional medication assessment conducted at the baseline of the study with usual care with a six-month follow-up. We used linear mixed models (LMM) with a random subject effect to detect differences between the usual care and intervention groups in the following outcome measures; Katz index of Activities of Daily Living (ADL), Lawton and Brody scale of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, Timed up and go-test (TUG), Mini-Mental State Examination, Geriatric Depression Scale and the 3-level version of EQ-5D.ResultsHome care patients (n= 512) had major disease burdens and functional limitations. Regarding TUG times, the LMM detected a one second improvement in the FIMA group and 2.4 seconds worsening in the usual care group. However, the result was not statistically significant. The ADL revealed an interaction across time, treatment and gender (p=0.026). The ADL score decreased in both groups; the decline being the steepest among women in the intervention group.ConclusionsIn general, medication assessments may have limited impact on functioning of older people. Nonetheless, the FIMA intervention may prevent worsening of mobility among older home care patients.Trial registrationThe Interprofessional Medication Assessment for Older Patients, Clinical Trials.gov. NCT02398812. First registration, 26 March 2015. Retrospectively registered. https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/how/NCT02398812 .
Topical administration of tacrolimus and corticosteroids with concentration gradients is effective in preventing immune rejection in high-risk keratoplasty: a 5-year follow-up study
Authors: Qi Xiaolin , Wang Lichao , Zhang Xiaoyu , Liu Min , Gao Hua 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUND: To evaluate the efficacy of the topical administration of immunosuppressants and corticosteroids with concentration gradients in the management of patients with high-risk keratoplasty.METHODS: One hundred and six patients treated with topical immunosuppressants (50 eyes in the FK506 group and 56 eyes in the CsA group) and corticosteroid eye drops with concentration gradients were enrolled in the study. The rates of rejection episodes, irreversible rejection, graft survival, and related influential factors were evaluated.RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 48.1±7.9 months (range, 36-60 months). The rates of rejection episodes (P=0.043) and irreversible rejection (P=0.062) were 14.0% and 6.00% in the FK506 group and 37.5% and 7.1% in the CsA group, respectively.Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated a significantly higher graft survival rate in the FK506 group (81.6%±5.3%, 71.1%±6.3%) compared with that in the CsA group (71.1%±6.3%, 57.5%±7.5%) at 3 and 5 years after surgery (P=0.006). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that poor medication compliance with a preoperative risk score ≥ 3 (P=0.016) and endothelial immune rejection (P=0.033) were risk factors associated with graft survival.CONCLUSIONS: Topical administration of tacrolimus and corticosteroids with concentration gradients is effective in decreasing the incidence of immune rejection in high-risk keratoplasty. Careful instruction of patients on the reasonable use of topical tacrolimus is critical to avoid immune rejection induced by sudden discontinuation of medication.
Quick BSI Score to Identify Bloodstream Infection at the Emergency Department
Authors: Phungoen Pariwat , Lerdprawat Nunchalit , Sawanyawisuth Kittisak , Chotmongkol Verajit , Ienghong Kamonwon , Sumritrin Sumana , Apiratwarakul Korakot 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background

Bloodstream infection (BSI) is a common and urgent condition at the emergency department (ED). In order to diagnose BSI, the current guideline fails to mention the juncture at which blood cultures ought to be taken. The decision whether or not to obtain hemoculture is solely based upon clinical judgment and outcomes pertaining to inappropriately ordered blood culture. This study aimed to develop predictive bloodstream infection scoring at the ED employing only clinical factors presented on ED arrival.

Methods

This study was conducted retrospectively at the ED, Khon Kaen University Hospital, Thailand. Inclusion criteria encompassed adult patients suspected of infection defined by blood culture collection presented at the ED with intravenous antibiotics initiated during ED visits. Independent positive predictors for positive blood culture were used to create the Quick Bloodstream Infection score (qBSI score) through logistic regression analysis.

Results

A total of 169578 patients visited the ED during the study period. Of those, 12556 patients (7.40%) were suspected of infection. 8177 cases met the study criteria and were categorized according to positive blood culture results, i.e. bloodstream infection (741 patients; 9.06%). Probability of positive blood culture was calculated via aged over 55 years + moderate to severe CKD + solid organ tumor + (2 x liver disease) + (2 x history of fever with chills) + (2 x body temperature of over 38.3 o C). A score of 1 or over rendered 92.98% sensitivity and negative predictive value of 95.65%.

Conclusions

The qBSI score presented effective sensitivity and negative predictive value amid positive blood culture in patients at the ED suspected of infection. Resultant of employing this score may facilitate in the determining of those exhibiting the need for blood culture at the ED.
Association between sexual violence and unintended pregnancy among adolescent girls and young women in South Africa
Authors: Ajayi Anthony Idowu , Ezegbe Henrietta Chinelo 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background Unintended pregnancy has dire consequences on the health and socioeconomic wellbeing of adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) (aged 15-24 years). While most studies tend to focus on lack of access to contraceptive information and services, and poverty as the main contributing factor to early-unintended pregnancies, the influence of sexual violence has received limited attention. Understanding the link between sexual violence and unintended pregnancy is critical towards developing a multifaceted intervention to reduce unintended pregnancies among AGYW in South Africa, a country with high teenage pregnancy rates. Thus, we estimated the magnitude of unintended pregnancy among AGYW and also examined the effect of sexual violence on unintended pregnancy. Methods Our study adopted a cross-sectional design, and data were obtained from AGYW in a South African university between June and November 2018. A final sample of 451 girls aged 17-24 years, selected using stratified sampling, were included in the analysis. We used adjusted and unadjusted logistic regression analysis to examine the effect of sexual violence on unintended pregnancy. Results The analysis shows that 41.9% of all respondents had experienced an unintended pregnancy, and 25.9% of those unintended pregnancies ended in abortions. Unintended pregnancy was higher among survivors of sexual violence (54.4%) compared to those who never experienced sexual abuse (34.3%). In the multivariable analysis, sexual violence was consistently and robustly associated with increased odds of having an unintended pregnancy (AOR:1.70; 95% CI: 1.08-2.68). Conclusion Our study found a huge magnitude of unintended pregnancy among AGYW. Sexual violence is an important predictor of unintended pregnancy in this age cohort. Thus, addressing unintended pregnancies among AGYW in South Africa requires interventions that not only increase access to contraceptive information and services but also reduce sexual violence and cater for survivors.
Identification, characterization and functional analysis of AGAMOUS subfamily genes associated with floral organs and seed development in Marigold (Tagetes erecta)
Authors: Zhang Chunling , Wei Ludan , Wang Wenjing , Qi Wenquan , Cao Zhe , Li Hang , Bao Manzhu , he yanhong 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: AGAMOUS (AG) subfamily genes regulate the floral organs initiation and development, fruit and seed development. At present, there has been insufficient study of the function of AG subfamily genes in Asteraceae. Marigold (Tagetes erecta) belongs to Asteraceae family whose unique inflorescence structure makes it an important research target for understanding floral organ development in plants. Results: Four AG subfamily genes of marigold were isolated and phylogenetically grouped into class C (TeAG1 and TeAG2) and class D (TeAGL11-1 and TeAGL11-2) genes. Expression profile analysis demonstrated that these four genes were highly expressed in reproductive organs of marigold. Subcellular localization analysis suggested that all these four proteins were located in the nucleus. Protein-protein interactions analysis indicated that class C proteins had a wider interaction manner than class D proteins. Function analysis of ectopic expression in Arabidopsis thaliana revealed that TeAG1 displayed a C function specifying the stamen identity and carpel identity, and that TeAGL11-1 exhibited a D function regulating seed development and petal development. In addition, overexpression of both TeAG1 and TeAGL11-1 leaded to curling rosette leaf and early flowering in Arabidopsis thaliana. Conclusions: This study provides an insight into molecular mechanism of AG subfamily genes in Asteraceae species and technical support for improvement of several floral traits.
Virologic Response of Treatment Experienced HIV-Infected Ugandan Children and Adolescents on NNRTI Based First-Line Regimen, Previously Monitored Without Viral Load
Authors: Ssemambo Phionah Kibalama , Nalubega-Mboowa Mary Gorrethy , Owora Arthur H. , Serunjogi Robert , Kironde Susan Kizito , Nakabuye Sarah , Ssozi Francis , Nannyonga Maria , Musoke Philippa , Barlow-Mosha Linda 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Many HIV-infected African children gained access to antiretroviral treatment (ART) through expansion of PEPFAR programs since 2004 and introduction of “Test and Treat” WHO guidelines in 2015. As ART access increases and children transition from adolescence to adulthood, treatment failure is inevitable. Viral load (VL) monitoring in Uganda was introduced in 2016 replacing clinical monitoring. However, there’s limited data on the comparative effectiveness of these two strategies among HIV-infected children in resource-limited settings (RLS).Methods: HIV-infected Ugandan children aged 1-12 years from HIV-care programs with >1 year of first-line ART using only immunologic and clinical criteria to monitor response to treatment were screened in 2010. Eligible children were stratified by VL ≤ 400 and >400 copies/ml randomized to clinical and immunological (control) versus clinical, immunological and VL monitoring to determine treatment failure with follow-up at 12, 24, 36, and 48 weeks. Plasma VL was analyzed retrospectively for controls. Mixed-effects logistic regression models were used to compare the prevalence of viral suppression between study arms and identify factors associated with viral suppression. Results: At baseline all children (n=142) were on NNRTI based ART (75% Nevirapine, 25% efavirenz). One third of ART-experienced children had detectable VL at baseline despite high CD4%. Median age was 6 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 5-9) and 43% were female. Overall, the odds of viral suppression were not different between study arms: (arm by week interaction, p=0.63), adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.07; 95%CI: 0.53, 2.17, p=0.57) and did not change over time (aOR: 0 vs 24 week: 1.15; 95% CI: 0.91, 1.46, p=0.24 and 0 vs 48 weeks: 1.26; 95%CI: 0.92, 1.74, p=0.15). Longer duration of a child’s ART exposure was associated with lower odds of viral suppression (aOR: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.42, 0.87, p<.01). Only 13% (9/71) of children with virologic failure were switched to second-line ART, in spite of access to real-time VL.Conclusion: With increasing ART exposure, viral load monitoring is critical for early detection of treatment failure in RLS. Clinicians need to make timely informed decisions to switch failing children to second-line ART. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04489953, 28 Jul 2020. Retrospectively registered.
Geometric accuracy of an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene canine tibia model fabricated using fused deposition modelling and the effects of hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilisation
Authors: Hsu Chi-Pin , Lin Chen-Si , Fan Chun-Hao , Chiang Nai-Yuan , Tsai Ching-Wen , Chang Chun-Ming , Liu I-Li 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Three-dimensional (3D) printing techniques have been used to produce anatomical models and surgical guiding instruments in orthopaedic surgery. The geometric accuracy of the 3D printed replica may affect surgical planning. This study assessed the geometric accuracy of an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) canine tibia model printed using fused deposition modelling (FDM) and evaluated its morphological change after hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) gas plasma sterilisation. The tibias of six canine cadavers underwent computed tomography for 3D reconstruction. Tibia models were fabricated from ABS on a 3D printer through FDM. Reverse-engineering technology was used to compare morphological errors (root mean square; RMS) between the 3D-FDM models and virtual models segmented from original tibia images (3D-CT) and between the models sterilised with H 2 O 2 gas plasma (3D-GAS) and 3D-FDM models o n tibia surface and in cross-sections at: 5%, 15%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 85%, and 95% of the tibia length. Results: The RMS mean ± standard deviation and average positive and negative deviation values for all specimens in E FDM-CT (3D-FDM vs. 3D-CT) were significantly higher than those in E GAS-FDM (3D-GAS vs. 3D-FDM; P < 0.0001). Mean RMS values for E FDM-CT at 5% bone length (proximal tibia) were significantly higher than those at the other six cross-sections ( P < 0.0001). Mean RMS differences for E GAS-FDM at all seven cross-sections were nonsignificant. Conclusions: The tibia models fabricated on an FDM printer had high geometric accuracy with a low RMS value. The surface deviation in E FDM-CT indicated that larger errors occurred during manufacturing than during sterilisation. Therefore, the model may be used for surgical rehearsal and further clinically relevant applications in bone surgery.
The relationship between ambient temperature and FPG: a series of cross-sectional studies in Guangdong Province, China
Authors: Luo Jiali , He Guanhao , Xu Yanjun , Chen Zihui , Xu Xiaojun , Peng Jiewen , Chen Shaowei , Hu Jianxiong , Ji Guiyuan , Liu Tao , Zeng Weilin , Li Xing , Xiao Jianpeng , Guo Lingchuan , Ma Wenjun 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background

There existed evidence that the prevalence and glycemic control rate of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have seasonal variation. The present study aimed to examine the associations between ambient temperature exposure and FPG among different groups (total, non-T2DM, old T2DM and new T2DM groups) and calculate temperature adjusted prevalence and glycemic control rate of T2DM.

Methods

Four cross-sectional health surveys with 26,350 respondents were conducted in Guangdong Province from 2007 to 2015. Multistage cluster sampling was used to recruit study participants. Generalized additive model was employed to evaluate the associations between daily mean temperature and FPG among different groups. The prevalence and glycemic control rate of T2DM were calculated based on the exposure-response association between temperature and FPG.

Results

The exposure-response curves of temperature and FPG were downward parabola in total, non-T2DM and old-T2DM groups, while it was “U”-shaped without statistically significant for new T2DM cases. When temperature decreased from 30°C to 4°C, the FPG significantly increased 0.59 (95%CI: 0.49, 0.68) mmol/L, 0.47 (95%CI: 0.43, 0.52) mmol/L and 1.59 (95%CI: 0.59, 2.59) mmol/L in total, non-T2DM and old-T2DM groups, respectively. When the ambient temperature increased from 5°C to 30°C, the prevalence of T2DM slowly decreased from 10.03% to 9.39%, and the glycemic control rate of T2DM greatly increased from 31.9% to 58.5%.

Conclusion

The prevalence and glycemic control rate of T2DM are associated with ambient temperature, which suggests temperature should be considered and adjusted when estimating T2DM prevalence and developing clinical management of T2DM.