bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The value of dynamic MRI in the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy: a protocol for a prospective randomized clinical trial
Authors: Xu Nanfang , Zhang Youyu , Zhou Guangjin , Zhao Qiang , Wang Shaobo 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is the most severe type of cervical spondylosis and the most common cause of spinal cord dysfunction among adults over 55 years old. MRI plays an important role in the diagnosis and evaluation of CSM, which can directly demonstrate the correlation between disc, spinal cord, posterior structures and abnormal signal in spinal cord. Static MRI can only show the static and neutral position of spinal cord, which is not enough to understand the pathogenesis of CSM. Dynamic MRI demonstrating the extension and flexion position of spinal cord can be a better tool for the treatment of CSM, especially the surgical decision making.

Method
A total of 180 CSM patients who have indications for surgery will be recruited in outpatient of Peking University Third Hospital and assigned to three groups (Group A, B and C) based on their static MRI after consent. Group A (incomplete dura compression) means the signal of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) is still visible. Group B (complete dura compression) means no CSF signal and no shape change of spinal cord. Group C (spinal cord compression) means shape change of spinal cord. Two surgical plans will be made for each participant by one professional surgeon according to the static MRI and dynamic MRI respectively and we will randomly choose one to perform via a random number system. Follow-up will be maintained at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery through outpatient or telephone interview, including mJOA score, 10-s G&R (grip and release) and 10-s step test, SF-36 score, radiographic examination and complications. Finally, data collection and statistical analysis will be finished by researchers who are blinded to recruitment and treatment.

Discussion
This study will help us to explore the indication of dynamic MRI and the value of dynamic MRI in the treatment of CSM, especially the surgical decision making. Dynamic MRI can be a useful tool in the treatment of CSM patients.

Trial registration
ChiCTR1900023014. Registered on May 7th, 2019.
A cross-sectional evaluation of HIV testing practices among women in the rural Dominican Republic
Authors: Montgomery Madeline C. , Alholm Zachary , Almonte Alexi , Sykes Kevin J. , Rudolph Gregory , Cusick Brandon , Castello Laura , Sowemimo-Coker Genoviva , Tang Irene , Haberlack Sarah , Chan Philip A. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
The Dominican Republic (DR) ranks among nations with the highest burden of HIV in the Caribbean. Cultural and gender roles in rural areas of the DR may place women at increased HIV risk. However, little is known about sexual health and HIV testing behaviors among women in the rural DR.

Methods
We conducted a needs assessment among a systematic sample of adult women in a rural DR community in 2016. Demographic and behavioral attributes related to HIV testing, sexual health, and healthcare utilization were evaluated. Poisson regression analysis was used to identify demographics and behaviors associated with having had a previous HIV test. Significance was defined as a p-value < 0.05.

Results
Among 105 women evaluated, 77% knew someone with HIV and 73% of women reported that they would be very or extremely likely to take an HIV test if offered. Only 68% reported a previous HIV test, including 47% who were tested over 2 years prior. Barriers to HIV testing included low risk perception (23%), distance or requisite travel (13%), and discomfort being tested (11%). Women who had never been tested for HIV were more likely than those who had been tested to be older (p = 0.03), to have a lower level of education (p = 0.04), and to have never been tested for other sexually transmitted infections (STI; p <  0.01). In the Poisson multiple regression model, the only significant predictor of having had an HIV test was having had an STI test (p = 0.03).

Conclusions
In the rural DR, numerous barriers contribute to low prevalence of HIV testing among women. Most women report willingness to have an HIV test and many engage in routine health care, indicating that this population may benefit from incorporating HIV testing and other sexual health promotion activities into routine medical care.
The methanol extract of Guettarda speciosa Linn. Ameliorates acute lung injury in mice
Authors: Kim Kyun Ha , Lee Ji Yeon , Ahn Seonju , Won Ran , Kim Sang-Jun , Jeong Seung-Il , Lee Jung Ju , Kim Jong-In , Choi Jun-Yong , Joo Myungsoo 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Guettarda speciosa is mainly found in tropical areas in Asia. Although G. speciosa is traditionally used to treat some of the inflammatory disorders, the experimental evidence supporting the anti-inflammatory effect of G. speciosa is limited. Here, we sought to obtain evidence that G. speciosa has anti-inflammatory activity using an acute lung injury (ALI) mouse model and to explore possible underlying mechanisms for the activity.

Methods
The methanol extract of G. speciosa Linn. (MGS) was fingerprinted by HPLC. Cytotoxicity was determined by MTT and flow cytometer. As for an ALI mouse model, C57BL/6 mice received an intratracheal (i.t.) injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The effects of MGS on lung inflammation in the ALI mice were assessed by differential cell counting and FACS of inflammatory cells and hematoxylin and eosin staining of lung tissue. Proteins were analyzed by immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting, and gene expression was by real-time qPCR. Neutrophil elastase activity was measured by ELISA.

Results
MGS did not cause metabolic disarray or produce reactive oxygen species that could induce cytotoxicity. Similar to ALI patients, C57BL/6 mice that received an i.t. LPS developed a high level of neutrophils, increased pro-inflammatory cytokines, and inflicted tissue damage in the lung, which was suppressed by i.t. MGS administered at 2 h after LPS. Mechanistically, MGS activated Nrf2, which was related to MGS interrupting the ubiquitin-dependent degradation of Nrf2. MGS suppressed the nuclear localization of NF-κB induced by LPS, suggesting the inhibition of NF-κB activity. Furthermore, MGS inhibited the enzymatic activity of neutrophil elastase.

Conclusion
MGS could suppress lung inflammation in an ALI mouse model, the effect of which could be attributed to multiple mechanisms, including the activation of Nrf2 and the suppression of NF-κB and neutrophil elastase enzymatic activity by MGS.
Bibliometric analysis of trends and issues in traditional medicine for stroke research: 2004–2018
Authors: Huang Lieyu , Shi Xuefeng , Zhang Nan , Gao Ya , Bai Qian , Liu Liming , Zuo Ling , Hong Baolin 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Stroke is a major cause of death and disability worldwide. Over the years, traditional medicines for stroke treatment have undergone tremendous progress, but few bibliometric studies have been performed. This study explored the trends and issues relating to the application of traditional medicine in stroke research.

Methods
A bibliometric search was performed in the Web of Science Core Collection database to identify studies that investigated the application of traditional medicine in stroke management. CiteSpace VI and Excel 2016 were used to analyze information from the retrieved studies. Activity index and attractive index were used to explore the worldwide development modes.

Results
A total of 1083 English articles published between 2004 and 2018 were identified. Over the last 15 years, the developments in research occurred in three geographic clusters. The development modes were investigated and classified into 4 categories. In mainland China, the number and impact of research showed an increasing trend over the study period. The United States played a leading role in this topic. Three clusters of institutes and the majority of authors mainly came from South Korea, Taiwan and mainland China. Reperfusion injury and angiogenesis were identified as the potential topics likely to dominate future research in this field.

Conclusion
The progress of studies on traditional medicine for stroke could be explained by the global attention to traditional medicine, the geospatial proximity for research collabration, and the increasing resources invested. Based on a large amount of existing research, researchers engaged in this topic should objectively consider the influential studies to identify and solve the common issues worldwide.
Innovation in early medical education, no bells or whistles required
Authors: Rohlfsen Cory J. , Sayles Harlan , Moore Gerald F. , Mikuls Ted R. , O’Dell James R. , McBrien Sarah , Johnson Tate , Fowler Zachary D. , Cannella Amy C. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Despite a paucity of evidence to support a multitude of educational innovations, curricular leaders are pressured to find innovative solutions to better prepare medical students for an evolving twenty-first century health care system. As part of this effort, this study directly compared student-rated effectiveness scores of six different learning modalities.

Methods
Study participants included 286 medical students enrolled in the second-year rheumatology core at a single academic medical center between 2013 and 2017. Students were surveyed at the end of the core with a 15-item questionnaire, and student perceived effectiveness of six different learning modalities were compared.

Results
The modality that outperformed all others was Live Patient Encounters (LPE), with significantly higher student-rated effectiveness scores when compared to the referent modality of Problem-Based Learning (PBL). Using a 5-point Likert scale with responses ranging from “not effective” to “highly effective,” LPE received a mean effectiveness score of 4.77 followed by Augenblick (4.21), PBL (4.11), Gout Racer video game (3.49), Rheumatology Remedy e-module (3.49), and simulation knee injection (3.09).

Conclusions
Technologically advanced novel learning strategies were outperformed in this study by the more traditional active learning modality of LPE. This finding highlights the importance of testing innovative learning strategies at the level of the learner. Three additional conclusions can be drawn from this result. First, conflation of technology with innovation may lead to a myopic view of educational reform. Second, human factors seem to be responsible for the success of LPE and may have far-reaching educational rewards. Third, further applications of LPE should be tested in non-rheumatologic curricula. The relevance of this study is innately tied to the humanities-based application. While a formal qualitative analysis was not performed in this study, preliminary results suggest that live, structured patient interactions in the pre-clinical years of medical education may not only promote the learning of important educational objectives but also foster professional development, empathy, reflection, leadership, agency, and interpersonal skills. This “win-win” scenario (if true) would stand out as a rarity among strategic educational initiatives.
High copy number and highly stable Escherichia coli–Bacillus subtilis shuttle plasmids based on pWB980
Authors: Zhao XingYa , Xu JianYong , Tan Ming , Zhen Jie , Shu WenJu , Yang ShiBin , Ma YanHe , Zheng HongChen , Song Hui 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
pWB980 derived from pUB110 is a promising expression vector in Bacillus for its high copy number and high stability. However, the low transformation rate of recombinant plasmids to the wild cells limited the application of it. On the basis of pWB980, constructing an E. coli–B. subtilis shuttle plasmid could facilitate the transformation rate to Bacillus cells. Because the insertion site for E. coli replication origin sequence (ori) is not unique in pWB980, in order to investigate the best insertion site, eight shuttle plasmids (pUC980-1 ~ pUC980-8) containing all possible insertion sites and directions were constructed.

Results
The results showed that all the selected insertion sites could be used to construct shuttle plasmid but some sites required a specific direction. And different insertion sites led to different properties of the shuttle plasmids. The best shuttle plasmids pUC980-1 and pUC980-2, which showed copies more than 450 per cell and segregational stabilities up to 98%, were selected for heterologous expressions of an alkaline pectate lyase gene pelN, an alkaline protease spro1 and a pullulanase gene pulA11, respectively. The highest extracellular activities of PelN, Spro1 and PulA11 were up to 5200 U/mL, 21,537 U/mL and 504 U/mL correspondingly after 54 h, 60 h and 48 h fermentation in a 10 L fermentor. Notably, PelN and Spro1 showed remarkably higher yields in Bacillus than previous reports.

Conclusion
The optimum ori insertion site was the upstream region of BA3-1 in pWB980 which resulted in shuttle plasmids with higher copy numbers and higher stabilities. The novel shuttle plasmids pUC980-1 and pUC980-2 will be promising expression vectors in B. subtilis. Moreover, the ori insertion mechanism revealed in this work could provide theoretical guidance for further studies of pWB980 and constructions of other shuttle plasmids.
Moringa oleifera treatment increases Tbet expression in CD4+ T cells and remediates immune defects of malnutrition in Plasmodium chabaudi-infected mice
Authors: Pilotos Jennifer , Ibrahim Kadra Abdu , Mowa Chishimba Nathan , Opata Michael Makokha 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Malaria is a worldwide problem that affects millions of people yearly. In rural areas where anti-malarial drugs are not easily accessible, many people use herbal treatments, such as Moringa oleifera, to treat a variety of diseases and ailments including malaria. While Moringa is reported to possess potent and curative anti-malarial properties, previous studies have mostly been restricted to assessment of parasitaemia. In this study, the effect of Moringa on malaria immunity in a murine model was investigated.

Methods
Using a high dose (60 mg/mouse) for a short time (7 days) or low dose Moringa (30 mg/mouse) for a longer time (3 weeks), cytokine production, and Tbet expression by effector CD4+ T cells (Teff) were determined. Mice were also treated with Moringa after infection (curatively) or before infection (prophylactically) to determine the effect of the plant extract on parasitaemia and immunity. Given that Moringa also possess many nutritional benefits, the contribution of Moringa on malnourished malaria infected mice was determined. Malnutrition was induced by limiting access to food to only 4 h a day for 4 weeks, while control mice had unlimited access to mouse laboratory chow. All data was collected by flow cytometry and analysed using one-Way ANOVA or two tailed Student’s t test.

Results
Moringa-treated mice had increased numbers of effector CD4+ T cells accompanied by an increase in Tbet expression compared to control untreated mice. Mice that were treated with Moringa curatively also exhibited increased effector CD4+ T cell numbers, IFN-gamma and TNF secretion. Interestingly, the mice that were treated prophylactically had significantly higher Tbet expression. In the absence of adaptive immunity, high parasitaemia was observed in the RAG1 knockout mice. The food limited mice (malnourished) had reduced numbers of CD4+ T cells, TNF proportions, and significantly greater Tbet expression compared to the control group. Supplementation with Moringa in the limited group slightly restored CD4+ T cell activation, IL-2, and IL-10 production.

Conclusions
Taken together, these data suggest that Moringa treatment leads to increased CD4+ T cell activation, Th1 differentiation and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines after malaria infection. Thus, Moringa may be immunologically useful in the treatment of malaria and malnutrition. Further investigations are required to identify the active components in Moringa.
Leptin and psychiatric illnesses: does leptin play a role in antipsychotic-induced weight gain?
Authors: Endomba Francky Teddy , Tankeu Aurel T. , Nkeck Jan René , Tochie Joel Noutakdie 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAntipsychotic-induced weight gain is the most prevalent somatic adverse event occurring in patients treated by antipsychotics, especially atypical antipsychotics. It is of particular interest because of its repercussion on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality especially now that the use of second-generation antipsychotics has been extended to other mental health illnesses such as bipolar disorders and major depressive disorder. The mechanism underlying antipsychotics-induced weight gain is still poorly understood despite a significant amount of work on the topic. Recently, there has been an on-going debate of tremendous research interest on the relationship between antipsychotic-induced weight gain and body weight regulatory hormones such as leptin. Given that, researchers have brought to light the question of leptin’s role in antipsychotic-induced weight gain. Here we summarize and discuss the existing evidence on the link between leptin and weight gain related to antipsychotic drugs, especially atypical antipsychotics.
Higher bodily adiposity, fat intake, and cholesterol serum levels are associated with higher disease activity in psoriatic arthritis patients: is there a link among fat and skin and joint involvement?
Authors: Leite Beatriz Figueiredo , Morimoto Melissa Aparecida , Gomes Carina , Klemz Barbara Nascimento de Carvalho , Genaro Patrícia de Souza , Damasceno Nágila Raquel Teixeira , Szejnfeld Vera Lúcia , Pinheiro Marcelo de Medeiros 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIntroduction/ objectivesAssuming that there is a link between lipid and glucose metabolism and inflammation in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), our aim was to evaluate the relationships among body composition measurements, food intake, and disease activity in patients with PsA.MethodsA total of 97 patients with PsA, according to the CASPAR criteria, were included in this cross-sectional study. Body composition measurements (whole-body DXA, GE-Lunar), food intake (3-day registry) and biochemical and inflammatory serum markers were evaluated. Skin and joint disease activity were assessed by using PASI, BSA, DAS28, and minimal disease activity (MDA). The level of significance was set asp < 0.05.ResultsA higher prevalence of obesity, according to the fat mass index (FMI) (92.7%), and metabolic syndrome (MetS) (54%) were found, but no significant changes regarding lean or bone mass were found. Joint disease activity was positively correlated with total body fat (r = 0.4;p < 0.001), FMI (r = 0.33;p < 0.001), body mass index (r = 0.20;p < 0.049) and waist circumference (r = 0.27;p = 0.009). In addition, joint disease activity was negatively associated with muscle mass (r = − 0.38; p < 0.001). Skin disease activity was positively correlated with total cholesterol (r = 0.3;p = 0.003) and LDL-cholesterol (r = 0.28;p = 0.006). After multiple adjustments, patients with severe joint disease activity had higher body adiposity than patients in remission or with low disease activity. Skin disease activity was associated with higher trans-fat intake and lower omega-6 consumption.ConclusionsOur data suggest a possible harmful link among fat (body adiposity, saturated fat consumption, LDL-cholesterol serum levels) and joint and skin disease activity in patients with PsA.
Analysis of the association between resolution of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and treatment outcomes in post-marketing surveillance of thrombomodulin alpha for DIC with infectious disease and with hematological malignancy by organ failure
Authors: Kawano Noriaki , Wada Hideo , Uchiyama Toshimasa , Kawasugi Kazuo , Madoiwa Seiji , Takezako Naoki , Suzuki Kei , Seki Yoshinobu , Ikezoe Takayuki , Hattori Tsuyoshi , Okamoto Kohji 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Although disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is life-threatening, any organ failure associated with DIC resolution and outcomes have been unclear.

Patients and methods
A total of 2795 DIC patients (infection: 1990, hematological malignancy: 805) were analyzed in the post-marketing surveillance of thrombomodulin alpha (TM-α). The background factors of sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) and antithrombin (AT) were investigated in DIC with infectious disease for their association with DIC resolution and outcome using κ statistics, indicating DIC resolution and survival or DIC non-resolution and non-survival. The same analyses were performed for total bilirubin, creatinine, lactate dehydrogenase, and underlying disease in DIC with hematological malignancy.

Results
In DIC with infectious disease, higher SOFA score severity was closely correlated with lower overall survival in both the DIC resolution and non-resolution groups, but AT activity was not. κ coefficients were 0.234, 0.295, and 0.311 for the SOFA score 0–6, 7–12, and 13–24 groups, respectively. In DIC with hematological malignancy, κ coefficients of total bilirubin were 0.251 and 0.434, and those of creatinine were 0.283 and 0.437 in the normal and abnormal groups, respectively, showing better concordance in the abnormal group than in the normal. Other factors had poor concordance.

Conclusion
In DIC with infectious disease, DIC resolution is an important therapeutic target in patients who have higher SOFA score severity. In DIC with hematological malignancy, DIC resolution is similarly important in patients with abnormality of bilirubin and/or creatinine.

Trial registration
The clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of patients with DIC treated with TM-α between May 2008 and April 2010 were retrospectively analyzed by subgroup analysis of the post-marketing surveillance data.
Glial remodeling enhances short-term memory performance in Wistar rats
Authors: De Luca Simone N. , Soch Alita , Sominsky Luba , Nguyen Thai-Xinh , Bosakhar Abdulhameed , Spencer Sarah J. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Microglia play a key role in neuronal circuit and synaptic maturation in the developing brain. In the healthy adult, however, their role is less clear: microglial hyperactivation in adults can be detrimental to memory due to excessive synaptic pruning, yet learning and memory can also be impaired in the absence of these cells. In this study, we therefore aimed to determine how microglia contribute to short-term memory in healthy adults.

Methods
To this end, we developed a Cx3cr1-Dtr transgenic Wistar rat with a diphtheria toxin receptor (Dtr) gene inserted into the fractalkine receptor (Cx3cr1) promoter, expressed on microglia and monocytes. This model allows acute microglial and monocyte ablation upon application of diphtheria toxin, enabling us to directly assess microglia’s role in memory.

Results
Here, we show that short-term memory in the novel object and place recognition tasks is entirely unaffected by acute microglial ablation. However, when microglia repopulate the brain after depletion, learning and memory performance in these tasks is improved. This transitory memory enhancement is associated with an ameboid morphology in the newly repopulated microglial cells and increased astrocyte density that are linked with a higher density of mature hippocampal synaptic spines and differences in pre- and post-synaptic markers.

Conclusions
These data indicate that glia play a complex role in the healthy adult animal in supporting appropriate learning and memory and that subtle changes to the function of these cells may strategically enhance memory.