bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cox regression of factors associated with the onset of chronic kidney disease in HIV/AIDS patients in Albert Luthuli Municipality of South Africa
Authors: Bengura Pepukai , Ndlovu Principal , Managa Mulalo Annah 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Current research indicates that chronic kidney disease is a global problem which poses a major health threat to people of poor countries with HIV/AIDS and on antiretroviral treatment. In this study, the prevalence of chronic kidney disease and the factors associated with it were investigated among the HIV/AIDS patients in a rural community of South Africa. Methods: A cohort of HIV+ terminal ill patients was retrospectively followed from 2010 to 2017 until chronic kidney disease was diagnosed or until the end of the observation period at two hospitals (Carolina and Embhuleni). Patient information was obtained from the routine hospitals’ records, and the data were analysed using Cox regression and survival analysis (Kaplan-Meier hazard functions and ratios, and log-rank tests) methods. Results: Out of a random sample of 320 HIV/AIDS patients, 51 patients (15.9%) had chronic kidney disease. The factors associated with chronic kidney disease were: Gender (p-value=0.0356), Age (p-value=0.00077), Baseline creatinine (p-value=0.00253), Follow-up alanine transaminase (p-value=0.0152), ART treatments (p-value<0.00193) and Hospital (p-value=0.00258). Discussion: Whilst antiretroviral treatment is associated with some improvement in virology and immunology in HIV-infected patients, research is still needed for the assessment of the impact of ART and other risk factors on renal function in marginalised communities in Africa. Conclusion: The research findings on HIV+ patients in Albert Luthuli Municipality concurred with several previous research findings on risk factors to CKD. The expected action to alleviate the health threat due to CKD in South Africa is to educate the nation on prevention, early detection and on the management of the disease.
Social Distancing Intentions to Reduce the Spread of COVID-19: The Extended Theory of Planned Behavior
Authors: Adiyoso Wignyo , Wilopo Wilopo 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
The novel SARS-CoV-2 virus pandemic has caused over a hundred thousand deaths and has affected countries and economies worldwide. Due to the absence of a vaccine, the most effective way to reduce transmission of the virus is by applying social distancing practices. Exploring factors that determine whether people adopt social distancing measures is, therefore, critical to reducing the spread of the virus. This study aimed to investigate people’s intentions to socially distance based on the extended Theory of Planned Behavior. An online survey of 823 individuals was conducted and their responses analyzed using partial least square structural equation modeling.
Results
Study found that the factors influencing the intention to perform social distancing were subjective norms and perceived behavior control. Risk perception affected attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. Media exposure was found to determine attitudes, subjective norms, and risk perceptions. The relationship between attitudes and intentions, and media use and perceived behavior control were not significant. The better and effective risk communication that can change the level of risk perception, raise family and religious leader as well as increase to control behavior are the keys to people’s perform social distancing. Results from a multigroup analysis revealed partial differences across demographic variables. Younger individuals showed a stronger relationship between the influence of risk perception and PBC and media use on risk perception. The predictive strength of subjective norms from risk perception and risk perception from media use was more strongly associated with rural populations.
Conclusions
The results of study provide an initial understanding of the level of the public’s risk perception to reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Findings also revealed the role of media use in determining risk perception, attitudes and subjective norms. Effective risk communication can change the level of risk perception, attitudes and subjective norms and, in turn, change people’s intention to socially distance. This study may add to the literature, as it explores notions of behavioral changes in the context of an infectious disease pandemic. These results provide a framework for both policymakers and practitioners to formulate interventions for effective social distancing practices in the future.
Usefulness of the Degree of Blood–brain Barrier Disruption to Predict Neurological Prognosis in Cardiac Arrest Survivors who Wnderwent Target Temperature Management: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Jeon Ga Ram , Ahn Hong Joon , Park Jung Soo , Yoo Insool , You Yeonho , Min Jin Hong , Jeong Wonjoon , Cho Yong Chul , Kang Changshin , Lee Byung KooK 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: This study aimed to compare the day-specific association of blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption with neurological outcomes in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) survivors treated with target temperature management (TTM).Methods: This retrospective single-center study included 68 OHCA survivors, who underwent TTM between April 2018 and December 2019. The albumin quotient (QA) was calculated as [albuminCSF] / [albuminserum] immediately (day 1), and at 24 h (day 2), 48 h (day 3), and 72 h (day 4) after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). The degree of BBB disruption was weighted using the following scoring system: 0.07 ≥ QA (normal), 0.01 ≥ QA > 0.007 (mild), 0.02 ≥ QA > 0.01 (moderate), and QA > 0.02 (severe). This system gave it 0 (normal), 1 (mild), 4 (moderate), and 9 (severe) points. Poor neurological outcome was determined at six months after ROSC and was defined as cerebral performance categories 3–5.Results: We enrolled 68 patients (males, 48; 71%); 37 (54%) of them had a poor neurological outcome. The distributions of this outcome at six months in patients with moderate and severe BBB disruption versus the other groups were 19/22 (80%) vs. 18/46 (50%) on day 1, 31/37 (79%) vs. 6/31 (32%) on day 2, 32/37 (81%) vs. 5/31 (30%) on day 3, and 32/39 (85%) vs. 5/29 (30%) on day 4 (P < 0.001). Using ROC analyses, the optimal cutoff values of QA levels for prediction of neurological outcomes were determined as: day 1, > 0.009 (sensitivity 56.8%, specificity 87.1%); day 2, > 0.012 (sensitivity 81.1%, specificity 87.1%); day 3, > 0.013 (sensitivity 83.8%, specificity 87.1%); day 4, > 0.013 (sensitivity 86.5%, specificity 87.1%); sum of all time points, > 0.039 (sensitivity 89.5%, specificity 79.4%); and scoring system, > 9 (sensitivity 91.9%, specificity 87.1%). Conclusions: Our results suggested that QA is a useful tool for predicting neurological outcomes in OHCA survivors treated with TTM. However, the prediction of poor neurological outcome using QA showed low sensitivity at 100% specificity. Thus, it could be used as part of a multimodal approach than as a single prognostic prediction tool.
Aβ-Induced Damage Memory in hCMEC/D3 Cell Mediated by Sirtuin-1
Authors: Liu Haochen , Zhang Yixuan , Zhang Hong , Xu Sheng , Zhao Huimin , liu Xiaoquan 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: It is well accepted that accumulation of beta-amyloid (Aβ) may involve in endothelial dysfunction during the Alzheimer’s disease (AD) progression. However, anti-Aβ antibodies, which remove Aβ plaques, do not improve cerebrovascular function in AD animal models. The reasons for these paradoxical results still remain to be further investigated. We hypothesize that Aβexposure may cause persistent damage to cerebral endothelial cell even after Aβ is removed (termed as cerebrovascular endothelial damage memory). The aim of this study is to investigate whether cerebrovascular endothelial damage memory exists in endothelial cells. Method: The hCMEC/D3 cells are treated with Aβ1-42 for 12h and then withdraw Aβ1-42 for another 12h incubation to investigate whether cerebrovascular endothelial damage memory exists in endothelial cells. A mechanism based kinetics progression model is developed to investigate the dynamic characters of the cerebrovascular endothelial damage. Results: After Aβ1-42 was removed, the level of sirt-1 recovered but the cell vitality did not improved which suggested that the cerebrovascular endothelial damage memory may exist in endothelial cells. Sirt-1 activator SRT2104 and NAD+ supplement may relieve the cerebrovascular endothelial damage memory dose dependently. sirt-1 inhibitor EX527 may exacerbate the cerebrovascular endothelial damage memory. Kinetics analysis suggested that sirt-1 involves in initiating the cerebrovascular endothelial damage memory otherwise NAD+ exhaustion plays a vital role in maintaining the cerebrovascular endothelial damage memory. Conclusions: This study provides a novel feature of cerebrovascular endothelial damage induced by Aβ.
SEMA6D, Negatively Regulated by miR-7, Contributing to Chondrocyte Catabolic and Anabolic Activities via p38 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhou Xindie , Zhang Yi , Zhang Junjie , Yang Zhicheng , Yang Haoyu , Li Jin , Huang Yong , Xu Nanwei 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: MiR-7 has been recognized as a promoting factor of osteoarthritis (OA), but the specific down-stream pathway of miR-7 still remains unknown. Further investigation of the molecular regulatory mechanism of miR-7 might help develop a novel therapeutic method for OA.Results: Here we revealed that Semaphorin 6D (SEMA6D) was a direct target gene of miR-7, of which presented a negatively regulatory relation in vitro and in vivo. Lucubration of SEMA6D suggested that SEMA6D is validated to promote the anabolic metabolism and reduce the catabolism of chondrocytes via inhibiting the activation of p38 pathway.Conclusions: Present research illustrated that SEMA6D is a negatively regulatory factor of miR-7 and a pivotal mediator of the catabolism and anabolism of chondrocytes. SEMA6D exerts its function via inhibiting the activation of p38 pathway.
Continuum of Care for Older Adults With Concurrent Hearing and Vision Impairment: A Systematic Review Protocol
Authors: Jaiswal Atul , Gupta Shikha , Dupont Patrice , Wittich Walter 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: A recent global report estimates around 2% of the world population (~150 million people) to have concurrent hearing and vision difficulties (referred to as dual sensory impairment/DSI). Older adults with DSI often experience poorer levels of health and barriers to accessing health services in long-term care, home care and hospitals. Yet, the evidence is limited to inform the healthcare planning for this vulnerable population. Understanding the current state of the continuum of care for older adults with DSI is paramount to determine ways to promote healthy ageing. Hence, the objective of this systematic review is to summarize the information available on the continuum of care and synthesize evidence on existing and emergent strategies of screening, assessment and interventions to optimize care for older adults with DSI.Methods: The review will be conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA). Electronic research databases (CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, Global Health and Web of Science), clinical trial registries (ISRCTN Registry, WHO ICTRP, and ClinicalTrials.gov) will be searched. Editorials, conference publications, thesis/dissertations, books or letters will be excluded. There is no date and language restriction applied, and databases are searched since inception.Discussion: Healthcare professionals have little guidance on how to screen, assess, and provide best possible care to older adults with DSI while accommodating for their hearing and vision challenges; thus, the results of this review will be a relevant resource for policymakers, decision-makers, healthcare organizations, clinicians/professionals, and informal care providers of older adults with DSI. This review will document current practices, determine the evidence gaps, synthesize research findings, and make recommendations for future research priorities.Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO registration # CRD42020180545
Effects of the German Renewable Energy Act and Environmental, Social and Economic Factors: Biogas Plants Adoption and Agricultural Landscape Change
Authors: Yang Xueqing , Liu Yang , Thrän Daniela , Bezama Alberto , Wang Mei 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: The German energy transition strategy calls for reform of the German energy sector. Against this background, the Germany Renewable Energy Sources Act, or EEG, was issued in 2000 and is widely regarded as a successful legislation for promoting bioenergy development, as more than 9000 biogas plants were built in Germany until 2017. However, the impact from different EEG periods on regional biogas plants’ development and the long-term influence to regional landscape change are rarely simultaneously studied. Methods: This study aimed to quantitatively analyse the impact of the EEG on promotion the biogas plant development in central Germany (CG) by using the event study econometric technique. A GIS-based spatial analysis was further conducted to provide insight into the changes of the agricultural landscape, which was resulted from the development of biogas plants during the EEG from 2000 to 2014. Results: One of the main findings was that the EEGs had time-varying effects on motivating biogas plants construction and selecting the plants size. The comparison between different EEG emendations suggested that the EEG 2009 was the most successful one in market implementation. Besides, the adoption of the biogas plant in CG was mainly driven by the farmer’s financial incentive and taken as an investment to secure the farming business. At the landscape scale, the expansion of silage maize was remarkable in CG from 2000 to 2014. The silage maize was intensively cultivated in the regions with high biogas plant installed capacity. Since EEG 2009, the regional livestock number increased rapidly, which was also associated with increasing pasture land area in CG. This phenomenon suggested a promising regional animal farming and its potential of manure as biogas feedstock. Conclusions: These findings imply that the policy makers should take the EEG 2009 emendation as reference to promote the marketing of future new renewable energy technologies and cautions should be paid on the potential land conflicts of agricultural-based bioenergy development.
Modulation of atypical brain activation during executive functioning in autism: a pharmacological MRI study of tianeptine
Authors: Wichers Robert , Findon James , Jelsma Auke , Giampietro Vincent , Stoencheva Vladimira , Roberton Dene , Murphy Clodagh , Blainey Sarah , McAlonan Grainne , Ecker Christine , Rubia Katya , Murphy Declan , Daly Eileen 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
BackgroundAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with deficits in executive functioning (EF), and these have been suggested to contribute to core as well as co-occuring psychiatric symptoms. The biological basis of these deficits is unknown but may include the serotonergic system, which is involved in both regulating EF in neurotypical populations and in the pathophysiology of ASD. We previously demonstrated that reducing serotonin by acute tryptophan depletion (ATD) ‘normalizes’ differences in brain function during performance of EF tasks. However, ATD cannot be easily used in the clinic, and we therefore need to adopt alternative approaches to challenge the serotonin system. Hence, we investigated the role of the serotonergic modulator tianeptine on EF networks in ASD. MethodWe conducted a pharmacological magnetic resonance imaging (phMRI) study to compare the effect of an acute dosage of 12.5 mg tianeptine and placebo on brain activation during during two EF tasks (of response inhibition and sustained attention) in 38 adult males; 19 with ASD and 19 matched controls. ResultsUnder placebo, compared to controls, individuals with ASD had atypical brain activation in response inhibtion regions including inferior frontal cortex, premotor regions and cerebellum. During sustained attention, individuals with ASD had decreased brain activation in right middle temporal cortex, right cuneus and left precuneus. Most of the case-control differences in brain function observed under placebo conditions were abolished by tianeptine administration. Also, within ASD individuals, brain functional differences were ‘normalized’ during response inhibition in inferior frontal and premotor cortices.LimitationsOur sample only consisted of high functioning male adults. Therefore, our findings may not be generalizable to other autistic subgroups (e.g. children or women). ConclusionsOur findings provide the first evidence that tianeptine can ‘normalize’ atypical brain activation during EF in adults with ASD. Future studies should investigate whether this shift in the biology of ASD is maintained after prolonged treatment with tianeptine; and if it improves clinical symptoms.
A Research Protocol for a Systematic Review of Automatic Literature Screening in Medical Evidence Synthesis
Authors: Zhang Yuelun , Liang Siyu , Feng Yunying , Wang Qing , Sun Feng , Chen Shi , Yang Yiying , He Xin , Zhu Huijuan , Pan Hui 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Systematic review is an indispensable tool for optimal evidence collection and evaluation in evidence-based medicine. However, the explosive increase of the original literatures makes it difficult to accomplish critical appraisal and regular update. Artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms have been applied to automate the literature screening procedure in medical systematic reviews. In these studies, different algorithms were used and results with great variance were reported. It is therefore imperative to systematically review and analyse the developed automatic methods for literature screening and their effectiveness reported in current studies.Methods: An electronic search will be conducted using PubMed, Embase and IEEE Xplore Digital Library databases, as well as literatures found through supplementary search in Google scholar, on automatic methods for literature screening in systematic reviews. Two reviewers will independently conduct the primary screening of the articles and data extraction, in which nonconformities will be solved by discussion with a methodologist. Data will be extracted from eligible studies, including the basic characteristics of study, the information of training set and validation set, the function and performance of AI algorithms, and summarised in a table. The risk of bias and applicability of the eligible studies will be assessed by the two reviewers independently based on Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2). Quantitative analyses, if appropriate, will also be performed.Discussion: Automating systematic review process is of great help in reducing workload in evidence-based practice. Results from this systematic review will provide essential summary of the current development of AI algorithms for automatic literature screening in medical evidence synthesis, and help to inspire further studies in this field. Registration: PROSPERO registration number CRD42020170815 (28 April 2020).
Risk Factors for Revisiting After Emergency Department Discharge: a Longitudinal Retrospective Chart Review
Authors: Teramoto Chie , Nagata Satoko , Naruse Takashi , Nakajima Susumu , Yokota Shinichiroh , Gunshin Masataka , Sonoo Tomohiro , Iwai Satoshi , Yamamoto-Mitani Noriko 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Emergency department (ED) patients are often discharged after treatment for minor illnesses. However, many of these patients revisit the ED. This study aimed to describe ED revisit rate and investigate the risk factors for 3-day/30-day ED revisit. Methods: A longitudinal retrospective chart review was used to extract data regarding predisposing factors (e.g. gender, age), enabling factors (e.g. economic status, ambulance use) and need factors (e.g. diagnosis at ED discharge, history of diseases), from the medical charts of patients discharged from an ED in Tokyo, Japan, from February to December 2013. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to predict 3-day/30-day ED revisit based on initial visit information. Results: During the studied period, 8,754 patients were discharged from the ED, of whom 48.8% were men, and the mean age was 39.7 years. Of these, 338 (3.9%) revisited the ED within three days and 682 (7.8%) revisited the ED within 30 days of discharge. In the multiple logistic regression analysis, risk factors for 3-day ED revisits were: having a history of same hospital use, arriving by ambulance, having a common problem (e.g. fever), and history of asthma. Risk factors for 30-day ED revisits were using health care services and having a history of same hospital use. Conclusions: In this study, the rate of ED revisit was less than that reported by other studies, which might be because most patients included in this study usually visited the hospital. Our results show that the predictive factors for 3-day/30-day ED revisit in Japan were similar to those in other countries. Patients with the abovementioned factors should be carefully screened on their initial ED visit, and some follow-up care in clinical and community settings should be arranged.
Effect of Different Thermal Stimuli on Improving Microcirculation in the Contralateral foot
Authors: Ren Weiyan , Xu Liqiang , Zheng Xuan , Pu Fang , Li Deyu , Fan Yubo 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Backgroud: The lower extremities of the body often suffer from impaired microcirculation, particularly in the elderly or people with underlying conditions such as diabetes. Especially for people suffering from peripheral vascular diseases, skin lesions or wearing an external fixator in one side of limbs, direct contact treatments are not suitable for them to improve microcirculation. Heating the contralateral limb has been reported to improve blood flow in the impaired limb. However, its effect on microvascular responses has not been previously investigated. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore how heating by warm bath and infrared radiation affects the circulations in the contralateral foot. Twelve healthy adults participated in this study and were randomly assigned to either placing the left foot in a warm bath or exposing it to infrared radiation every other day. The temperature (Temp) and skin blood flow (SBF) in the second metatarsal head of the contralateral foot were measured before and after the intervention. Results: The results showed that both Temp (Bath: from 29.05±3.56 °С to 31.03±4.14 °С; Infrared: from 29.98±3.86 °С to 31.07±3.92 °С) and SBF (Bath: from 62.26±48.12 PU to 97.76±63.90 PU; Infrared: from 63.37±39.88 PU to 85.27±47.62 PU) in the contralateral foot were significantly increased after heating in both tests (P<0.05). However, the increase in contralateral SBF lasted 5 minutes after heating in a warm bath, but only lasted for 1 minute after infrared exposure. Moreover, the increase in Temp from the baseline in the first minute of the Recovery stage was significantly greater when using the warm bath than infrared radiation. Conclusions: The results of this study show that both heating methods are the effective at increasing contralateral Temp and SBF, but the warm bath has a stronger residual thermal effect.