bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How to improve the safety of bicortical pedicle screw insertion in the thoracolumbar vertebrae: analysis base on three-dimensional CT reconstruction of patients in the prone position
Authors: Xu Chao , Hou Qingxian , CHU Yanchen , Huang Xiuling , Yang Wenjiu , Ma Jinglong , Wang Zhijie 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundThrough the comparison of three-dimensional CT reconstruction between the supine position and the prone position, the relative position of thoracolumbar great vessels and vertebral body was studied, and the shortest safe distance between them was measured to improve the safety of bicortical pedicle screw insertion and reduce the risk of vascular injury.MethodsForty adults were selected to participate the research. Three-dimensional reconstruction of thoracolumbar (T9-L3) CT was performed in the prone position and the supine position. The relative distance between the Aorta/Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) and vertebral body was obtained as AVD/VVD respectively. The relative angle of the Aorta/ IVC and the vertebral body was calculated as ∠AOY/∠VOY. Self-controlled experiments were carried out in the prone and the supine positions, and the data obtained were analyzed using SPSS 22.0 statistical software.ResultsThe AVD of the prone position and the supine position was the shortest at T12 (3.18 ± 0.68 mm), but the difference was not statistically significant. The aorta of the T9-L3 segment was shifted from the anterolateral to the anteromedial. The ∠AOY of the other groups differed significantly between the prone and supine positions in all vertebrae except T12 and L1 (P < 0.05), and the aorta in the prone position was more anteromedial than that of supine position.With regard to VVD/∠VOY, there was no significant difference between the prone and supine positions (P ≥ 0.05), and the minimum VVD of L3 segment is greater than 5.4 mm. The IVC has no obvious mobility and is fixed in the range of 20 ° ~ 30 ° near the midline.ConclusionWhen using bicortical anchoring of pedicle screws, it is safe to ensure that the protruding tips of the screw is less than 3 mm. Due to the mobility of the aorta in different postures and individual differences in anatomy, the prone position CT can help doctors to make better preoperative plans and decisions.
Mitochondrial GWAS and association of nuclear – mitochondrial epistasis with BMI in T1DM patients
Authors: Ludwig-Słomczyńska Agnieszka H. , Seweryn Michał T. , Kapusta Przemysław , Pitera Ewelina , Handelman Samuel K. , Mantaj Urszula , Cyganek Katarzyna , Gutaj Paweł , Dobrucka Łucja , Wender-Ożegowska Ewa , Małecki Maciej T. , Wołkow Paweł P. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
BMI is a strong indicator of complications from type I diabetes, especially under intensive treatment.

Methods
We have genotyped 435 type 1 diabetics using Illumina Infinium Omni Express Exome-8 v1.4 arrays and performed mitoGWAS on BMI. We identified additive interactions between mitochondrial and nuclear variants in genes associated with mitochondrial functioning MitoCarta2.0 and confirmed and refined the results on external cohorts: the Framingham Heart Study (FHS) and GTEx data. Linear mixed model analysis was performed using the GENESIS package in R/Bioconductor.

Results
We find a borderline significant association between the mitochondrial variant rs28357980, localized to MT-ND2, and BMI (β = − 0.69, p = 0.056). This BMI association was confirmed on 1889 patients from FHS cohort (β = − 0.312, p = 0.047). Next, we searched for additive interactions between mitochondrial and nuclear variants. MT-ND2 variants interacted with variants in the genes SIRT3, ATP5B, CYCS, TFB2M and POLRMT. TFB2M is a mitochondrial transcription factor and together with TFAM creates a transcription promoter complex for the mitochondrial polymerase POLRMT. We have found an interaction between rs3021088 in MT-ND2 and rs6701836 in TFB2M leading to BMI decrease (inter_pval = 0.0241), while interaction of rs3021088 in MT-ND2 and rs41542013 in POLRMT led to BMI increase (inter_pval = 0.0004). The influence of these interactions on BMI was confirmed in external cohorts.

Conclusions
Here, we have shown that variants in the mitochondrial genome as well as additive interactions between mitochondrial and nuclear SNPs influence BMI in T1DM and general cohorts.
5-methoxytryptophan: an arsenal against vascular injury and inflammation
Authors: Wu Kenneth K. , Kuo Cheng-Chin , Yet Shaw-Fang , Lee Chii-Ming , Liou Jun-Yang 
Published: July 2020

Abstract5-methoxytryptophan (5-MTP) is an endothelial factor with anti-inflammatory properties. It is synthesized from L-tryptophan via two enzymatic steps: tryptophan hydroxylase-1 (TPH-1) and hydroxyindole O-methyltransferase. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and pro-inflammatory cytokines suppress endothelial 5-MTP production by inhibiting TPH-1 expression. 5-MTP protects endothelial barrier function and promotes endothelial repair, while it blocks vascular smooth muscle cell migration and proliferation by inhibiting p38 MAPK activation. 5-MTP controls macrophage transmigration and activation by inhibiting p38 MAPK and NF-κB activation. 5-MTP administration attenuates arterial intimal hyperplasia, defends against systemic inflammation and prevents renal fibrosis in relevant murine models. Serum 5-MTP level is depressed in human sepsis as well as in mice with sepsis-like disorder. It is reduced in chronic kidney disease and acute myocardial infarction in humans. The reported data suggest that serum 5-MTP may be a theranostic biomarker. In summary, 5-MTP represents a new class of tryptophan metabolite which defends against inflammation and inflammation-mediated tissue damage and fibrosis. It may be a valuable lead compound for developing new drugs to treat complex human inflammatory disorders.
Airway-invasion-associated pulmonary computed tomography presentations characteristic of invasive pulmonary Aspergillosis in non-immunocompromised adults: a National Multicenter Retrospective Survey in China
Authors: Liu Zhibo , Li Yuping , Tian Xinlun , Liu Qinghua , Li Erran , Gu Xiaoying , Liu Min , Xu Jiuyang , He Zhiyi , Huang Yi , Xu Shuyun , Lai Guoxiang , Chen Yusheng , Zhang Xiangyan , Zhang Tiantuo , Xu Jinfu , Zhu Lanyan , Qu Jieming , Cao Bin 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer/Mycoses Study Group (EORTC/MSG) criteria are widely used in the diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA), but they only apply to immunocompromised patients. We here aimed to identify clinical characteristics helpful to the diagnosis of IPA in non-immunocompromised patients.

Methods
This is a multicenter retrospective study. Data were collected from adult patients with IPA admitted to 15 tertiary hospitals in China from 2010 to 2016.

Results
We included 254 patients in the study, of whom 66 (26.0%) were immunocompromised, and 188 (74.0%) were not. Airway-invasion-associated computed tomography (CT) signs including patchy exudation along the airway (67.6% vs. 45.5%, P = 0.001) and thickened airway wall (42.0% vs. 16.7%, P < 0.001) were more common in non-immunocompromised patients than in immunocompromised ones, and angio-invasive CT signs were more common in immunocompromised patients (55.3% vs.72.7%, P = 0.013). Typical angio-invasive CT signs were delayed in non-immunocompromised IPA patients, whereas airway-invasive signs appear earlier. Host immunocompromised condition was associated with ICU admission and/or intubation (OR 1.095; 95% CI 1.461–6.122; P = 0.003). Poor prognosis (35.5% vs. 21.1%, P = 0.005) was more common in immunocompromised patients.

Conclusion
Airway-invasion-associated CT presentations at early stages of the disease are characteristic of IPA in non-immunocompromised hosts.
C-phycocyanin inhibits epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in Caski cells
Authors: Ji Huanhuan , Liu Guoxiang , Han Jingjing , Zhu Feng , Dong Xiaolei , Li Bing 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
In cervical cancer, most patients die of metastasis. The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a pivotal and intricate process that increases the metastatic potential of cervical cancer. C-phycocyanin (C-PC) is a natural marine product isolated and purified from Spirulina platensis, has been investigated that has anti-cancer function. The aim of this study was to explore the inhibitory effect of C-phycocyanin on the migration and invasion of cervical cancer cells induced by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), so as to provide a new idea for the treatment and prognosis of cervical cancer.

Methods
A wound-healing assay, an invasion assay, immunofluorescence assay, western blot, flow cytometry and real-time reverse transcriptione polymerase chain reaction were explored in cervical cancer Caski cell lines. TGF-β/smad signaling pathway was evaluated of in Caski cell lines.

Results
Our study indicated that TGF-β1 induced EMT in cervical cancer cells. C-phycocyanin inhibited EMT in Caski cells by down-regulating N-cadherin and up-regulating E-cadherin protein expression. Furthermore, C-phycocyanin could inhibit the expression and proteins Twist, Snail and Zeb1 transcription factors related to EMT. In addition, C-phycocyanin could inhibit the migration and invasion of Caski cells induced by TGF-β1. Besides, C-phycocyanin inhibited EMT through TGF-β/smads signaling pathway. We also found C-phycocyanin induced cell cycle G0/G1 arrest by decreasing protein expression levels of Cyclin D1 and p27.

Conclusions
C-phycocyanin reversed TGF-β1-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in cervical cancer cells and down-regulated the TGF-β/samd signaling pathway induced G0/G1 arrest of tumor cell cycle.
Efficacy of Pidotimod use in treating allergic rhinitis in a pediatric population
Authors: Brindisi Giulia , Zicari Anna Maria , Schiavi Laura , Gori Alessandra , Conte Maria Pia , Marazzato Massimiliano , De Castro Giovanna , Leonardi Lucia , Duse Marzia 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Allergic rhinitis (AR) and adenoidal hypertrophy (AH) are the most frequent causative disorders of nasal obstruction in children, leading to recurrent respiratory infections. Both nasal cavities are colonized by a stable microbial community susceptible to environmental changes and Staphylococcus aureus seems to play the major role. Furthermore, nasal microbiota holds a large number and variety of viruses with upper respiratory tract infections. This local microbiota deserves attention because its modification could induce a virtuous cross-talking with the immune system, with a better clearance of pathogens. Although AR and AH present a different etiopathogenesis, they have in common a minimal chronic inflammation surrounding nasal obstruction; hence it would be challenging to evaluate the effect of an immunomodulator on this minimal chronic inflammation with possible clinical and microbiological effects. The aim of this study is therefore to evaluate the efficacy of an immunomoldulator (Pidotimod) on nasal obstruction in children with AR and/or AH and whether its action involves a variation of nasal microbiota.

Methods
We enrolled 76 children: those with allergic rhinitis (AR) sensitized to dust mites entered the AR group, those with adenoidal hypertrophy (AH) the AH group, those with both conditions the AR/AH group and those without AR ± AH as controls (CTRL). At the first visit they performed: skin prick tests, nasal fiberoptic endoscopy, anterior rhinomanometry, nasal swabs. Children with.
AR ± AH started treatment with Pidotimod.
After 1 month they were re-evaluated performing the same procedures.
The primary outcome was the evaluation of nasal obstruction after treatment and the secondary outcome was the improvement of symptoms and the changes in nasal microflora.

Results
All patients improved their mean nasal flow (mNF) in respect to the baseline. In AR children mNF reached that one of CTRL. In AH children±AR the mNF was lower in respect to CTRL and AR group. We did not find any differences among all the groups at the two different time points in nasal microflora.

Conclusions
Pidotimod is able to give an improvement in nasal obstruction, especially in AR children but this effect seems to be not mediated by changes in nasal microbiota.
Stepped-wedge cluster randomised trial of a smoking cessation counselling training programme for midwives treating women with functional health illiteracy and low socioeconomic status (PROMISE): a study protocol
Authors: Bommelé Jeroen , Springvloet Linda , Abouri Naïma , Djoyoadhiningrat-Hol Karianne , van Laar Margriet , Blankers Matthijs 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
In the Netherlands, midwives are required to use the ‘V-MIS’ (Minimal Intervention Strategy for Midwives) smoking cessation counselling protocol to help pregnant women quit smoking. This counselling protocol is often poorly implemented in midwifery practices. It may also be less suitable for pregnant woman with low socioeconomic status or functional health illiteracy. We created an adapted version of the V-MIS protocol that is intended to facilitate implementation in midwifery practices: PROMISE (PROtocol for growing up smokefree using a Minimal smoking cessation Intervention Strategy in the Early stages of life). For this adapted protocol, midwives use carbon monoxide meters, storyboard leaflets, and specific communication techniques for women with functional health illiteracy. They will receive a face-to-face training in using these materials and communication techniques.

Methods
The effectiveness and implementation of PROMISE will be tested in a stepped-wedge cluster randomised controlled trial. We will randomise clusters of midwifery practices and departments in hospitals. We will then train them, subsequently, at regular intervals (‘steps’). At each step, practices that will receive training cross over from the control condition to the experimental condition. We will measure how well the PROMISE protocol has been implemented by assessing the rate of pregnant women that received detailed smoking cessation counselling from their midwives (primary outcome). Our secondary target group is pregnant women with functional health illiteracy and low socioeconomic status. Among them, we will assess smoking status and health-related outcome before and after pregnancy.

Discussion
The PROMISE smoking cessation counselling protocol is intended to help midwives, OB-GYNs, and other obstetrics professionals to support pregnant women with smoking cessation.

Trial registration
Dutch Trial Registry: NTR 6305/NL6158. Registered on 20 December 2016.
Role of human assets in measuring firm performance and its implication for firm valuation
Authors: Maiti Moinak , Vuković Darko 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe purpose of the study is to evaluate the role of human asset in firm performance and its implication for firm valuation. To do so a modified five-factor model with human asset designed for capturing the size, value, profitability and investment in average portfolio returns that performs better than both Fama–French (1993) three- and Fama–French (2015) five-factor model. Study redefines CMA factors as CvMAv that includes human assets in it. The main problem with the modified five-factor model with human asset is the microcap with conservative investment stocks whose returns behave like that low-value unprofitable firms.
Rationales and arguments behind the adoption of self-selection of nonprescription medicines in Denmark
Authors: Jacobsen Solveig Nordahl , Møller-Jensen Simone Eggert , Sporrong Sofia Kälvemark 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Pharmacies in Europe have undergone considerable changes in their regulation over the last decades, also regarding nonprescription medicines (NPMs). In 2001, selected NPMs were released for sale outside pharmacies in Denmark. To ensure consumer safety, it was decided that NPMs must be stored behind the counter. In 2018, an amending act came into force, which allowed self-selection of NPMs. The purpose of this study was to examine the rationales and related arguments, including their validity and relevance, behind the policy on self-selection of NPMs in Denmark.

Methods
A qualitative study design, combining document analysis and individual interviews with key stakeholders, was used. Legislative documents were retrieved from the Parliaments’ homepage. Interviewees were recruited through purposeful sampling. Interviews were analyzed using directed content analysis. Rationales and supporting arguments were identified, thematized and analyzed as to their validity and relevance.

Results
In total, 24 stakeholders (including political parties) were represented in the documents, whereof 7 were interviewed. Ten supported the new policy and 13 were against; 1 was on both sides. Six rationales and 9 supportive arguments were found. The advocates’ main rationale was increased accessibility and arguments related to freedom of choice and discretion. The opponents’ main rationale for not adopting the policy was consumer safety and arguments related to perception of NPMs and counseling. The validity and relevance were questionable in both advocates’ and opponents’ arguments, yet slightly better in the case of the opponents’. Although not mentioned in the documents, economic interests were probably behind some stakeholders’ position.

Conclusion
The formal rationale behind the adoption of self-selection of NPMs was increased accessibility. However, bearing in mind the rationales and their supporting arguments, economic interests and previous changes within the sector, it could be argued that an underlying rationale behind adopting the policy was to liberalize the Danish pharmacy sector even further.
Development and characterization of nuclear microsatellite markers for Eremanthus erythropappus and their transferability across related species
Authors: Rocha Lucas Fernandes , Paula Natália Ribeiro , Nazareno Alison Gonçalves , de Carvalho Dulcinéia 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
We developed simple sequence repeats (SSR) for Eremanthus erythropappus (DC.) MacLeish, an endangered tree species endemic to the Brazilian Savanna and Atlantic Forest biomes, and tested their transferability to two closely related Eremanthus species.

Results
Using a genomic library enriched with tandem repeat motifs, we identified 16 primer pairs, and characterized them in two populations. Nine primers amplified the expected size fragments and seven SSRs were polymorphic, providing a total of 38 alleles and an average of 4.22 alleles per marker. The polymorphic information content (PIC) ranged from 0.44 to 0.94 with an average of 0.65. The average observed heterozygosity across all loci varied from 0.61 to 1.00. The observed (HO) and expected (HE) heterozygosity within the two populations varied from 0.65 to 1.00 and from 0.31 to 1.00, respectively.

Conclusions
These newly developed SSR markers are a powerful tool for population genetic analyses and may be useful in studies on species ecology, evolution, and taxonomy.
Volunteer-led behavioural activation to reduce depression in residential care: a feasibility study
Authors: Bryant Christina , Brown Lydia , Polacsek Meg , Batchelor Frances , Capon Hannah , Dow Briony 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Objectives
Symptoms of depression are highly prevalent and under-treated in residential aged care facilities. Behavioural activation is a simple, cost-effective psychosocial intervention that might be appropriate to help reduce depression and improve well-being in this setting. The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility and efficacy of an 8-week, volunteer-led behavioural activation intervention designed for depressed aged care residents.

Method
This feasibility study employed a single-arm design, where outcomes were measured at baseline, post-intervention and 3-month follow-up. Aged care residents with depressive symptoms were invited to participate, and healthy volunteers were trained to deliver the intervention. Intervention feasibility was assessed on six a priori-determined domains. Depression, anxiety and flourishing were included as outcomes using intention-to-treat analysis.

Result
Seventeen aged care residents with depressive symptoms and 13 volunteers were successfully recruited within the expected 6-month timeframe. Both residents and volunteers were satisfied with the intervention (7/8), and there was a high (87%) completion rate. The intervention was associated with a large and statistically significant reduction in resident depressive symptoms, d = − 1.14, with the effect increasing to d = 2.82 when comparing baseline to 3-month follow-up. Anxiety reduced from mild symptoms at baseline mean = 6.17 (5.12) to the subclinical range post-intervention, mean = 3.53 (4.29) (g = 0.61, p = 0.03).

Conclusion
This 8-week volunteer-led behavioural activation intervention was found to be feasible and acceptable to depressed aged care residents. The intervention was effective in ameliorating depression. A larger randomized controlled trial is warranted.
Quercus infectoria fruit hulls and galls and female genital disorders
Authors: Mahboubi Mohaddese 
Published: July 2020

AbstractQuercus infectoria (Fagaceae family) is traditionally used for treatment of vaginal discharge, prolapse, laxity, and many other female genital disorders. Two important parts of plant including oak fruit hulls (Jaft-E-Baloot) and oak galls (Mazo) are recommended to use for female genital disorders, although, they have many other medicinal applications on skin, urinary and respiratory tract. Tannins as the main ingredients of this genus are the main characteristic for their medicinal properties. Therefore, the aim of this review article was chosen in order to increase the information on Jaft-E-Baloot or Mazo in management of female genital disorders. For preparing the manuscript, the information was gathered from electronics resources (PubMed, Science Direct, Wiley, Magiran, and Springer), books, thesis, etc. up to Feb 2020. Our results exhibited that Jaft-E-Baloot is the thin inner woody hulls of oak fruits, while Mazo is produced in reaction of plant to insect bite. Mazo is a popular compound in different traditional medicines, while Jaft-E-Baloot is known only in Iran. There is any investigation on these two parts in European countries. In Traditional medicine, the same applications are for these two parts especially for female genital disorders, while the majority of modern investigations are on the efficacy of Mazo on cancer, vaginal infections, cervicitis, utero-vaginal prolapse, and there is one clinical study for Jaft-E-Baloot on vaginal laxity. The safety doses of two parts are high and due to their good potency in management of female genital disorders especially vulvovaginitis, they can be the subject of further clinical studies.