bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between Aminotransferase/alanine Aminotransferase Ratio and Cardiovascular Disease mortality in Patients on Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Feng Xiaoran , Wen Yueqiang , Peng FenFen , Wang Niansong , Zhan Xiaojiang , Wu Xianfeng 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Elevated aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase (AST/ALT) ratio is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) among the general population. However, an association between AST/ALT ratio and CVD mortality in patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD) has received little attention.Methods: A total of 2224 incident PD patients from multi-centers were enrolled from November 1, 2005, to June 30, 2017, in this retrospective cohort study. The primary endpoint was CVD mortality. Eligible patients were divided into high and normal groups according to the AST/ALT ratio cut-off for CVD mortality with the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The associations between the AST/ALT ratio and CVD mortality were evaluated by the Cox regression model.Results: Of eligible 1579 patients with a mean age of 49.3±14.6 years, 55.4% of patients were male, 18.1% of patients had diabetes, and 64.2% of patients had hypertension. The prevalence of a high AST/ALT ratio was 76.6% in the cohort population. During a follow-up period with 4659.6 patient-years, 316 patients died, of which 193 (61.1%) deaths were caused by CVD episodes. The incidence of CVD mortality in the high group was significantly higher than that in the normal group (13.1% versus 9.2%, P=0.024). Cumulative CVD mortality rates were significantly different between the two groups by Kaplan-Meier analysis [hazards ratio (HR)=1.50, 95% confidence index (CI) 1.09-2.07, P=0.014]. After adjusting for confounding factors, a higher AST/ALT ratio was independently associated with an increased risk of CVD mortality compared with their counterparts (HR=1.43, 95%CI 1.08-2.41, P=0.002). Conclusions: PD patients with high baseline AST/ALT ratio levels may be at a significant risk of CVD mortality.
Reduction of ureteral stent encrustation by modulating the urine pH and inhibiting the crystal film with a new oral composition: a m ulticenter, placebo controlled, double blind, randomized clinical trial
Authors: Torrecilla Carlos , Fernández-Concha Jaime , Cansino José R. , Mainez Juan A. , Amón José H. , Costas Simbad , Angerri Oriol , Emiliani Esteban , Martín Miguel Arrabal , Polo Miguel Arrabal , García Ana , Reina Manuel C. , Sánchez Juan F. , Budía Alberto , Pérez-Fentes Daniel , Grases Félix , Costa-Bauzá Antonia , Cuñé Jordi 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Encrustation of ureteral double J stents is a common complication that may affect its removal. The aim of the proposed study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a new oral composition to prevent double J stent encrustation in indwelling times up to 8 weeks.
Methods: A double-blinded, multicenter, placebo-controlled trial was conducted with 105 patients with indwelling double J stents enrolled across 9 public hospitals in Spain. The patients were randomly assigned (1:1) into intervention (53 patients) or placebo (52 patients) groups for 3 to 8 weeks and both groups self-monitored daily their morning urine pH levels. The primary outcome of analysis was the degree of stent ends encrustation, defined by a 4-point score (0 – none; 3 – global encrustation) using macroscopic and electron microscopy analysis of crystals, after 3 to 8-w indwelling period. Score was exponentially transformed according to calcium levels. Secondary endpoints included urine pH decrease, stent removal, and incidence of adverse events.
Results: The intervention group benefits from a lower global encrustation rate of stent ends than placebo group (1% vs 8.2%; p < 0.018). Mean encrustation score was 85.12 (274.5) in the placebo group and 18.91 (102.27) in the intervention group (p < 0.025). Considering the secondary end points, treated patients reported greater urine pH decreases (p = 0.002). No differences in the incidence of adverse events were identified between the groups.
Conclusions: Our data suggest that the use of this new oral composition is beneficial in the context of ureteral double J indwelling by decreasing mean, as well as global encrustation.
Trial registration: This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov under the name “Combined Use of a Medical Device and a Dietary Complement in Patient Urinary pH Control in Patients With an Implanted Double J Stent” with date 2nd November 2017, code NCT03343275, and URL:
https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/record/NCT03343275?term=NCT03343275&draw=2&rank=1

Keywords: double J stent; encrustation; nutraceutical; L-methionine; phytin; pH.
Global Health in Preconception, Pregnancy and Postpartum Alliance: Development of an International Consumer and Community Involvement Framework.
Authors: Bergmeier Heidi , Vandall-Walker Virginia , Skrybant Magdalena , Teede Helena J , Bailey Cate , Baxter Jo-Anna B , Borges Ana Luiza Vilela , Boyle Jacqueline A , Everitt Ayesha , Harrison Cheryce L , Herrera Margely , Hill Briony , Jack Brian , Jones Samuel , Jorgensen Laura , Lim Siew , Montanaro Cynthia , Redman Leanne , Stephenson Judith , Sundseth Hildrun , Thangaratinam Shakila , Thynne Paula , Walker Ruth , Skouteris Helen 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: The goal of the Global Health in Preconception, Pregnancy and Postpartum (HiPPP) Alliance, comprising consumers and leading international multidisciplinary academics and clinicians, is to generate research and translation priorities and build international collaboration around healthy lifestyle and obesity prevention among women across the reproductive years. In doing so, we actively seek to involve consumers in research, implementation and translation initiatives. There are limited frameworks specifically designed to involve women across the key obesity prevention windows before (preconception), during and after pregnancy (postpartum). The aim of this paper is to outline our strategy for the development of the HiPPP Consumer and Community (CCI) Framework, with consumers as central to co-designed, co-implemented and co-disseminated research and translation. Method: The development of the framework involved three phases: In Phase 1, 21 Global HiPPP Alliance members participated in a CCI workshop to propose and discuss values and approaches for framework development; Phase 2 comprised a search of peer-reviewed and grey literature for existing CCI frameworks and resources; and Phase 3 entailed collaboration with consumers (i.e., members of the public with lived experience of weight/lifestyle issues in preconception, pregnancy and postpartum) and international CCI experts to workshop and refine the HiPPP CCI Framework (guided by Phases 1 and 2).Results: The HiPPP CCI Framework’s values and approaches identified in Phases 1-2 and further refined in Phase 3 were summarized under the following five key principles: 1. Inclusive, 2. Flexible, 3. Transparent, 4. Equitable, and 5. Adaptable. The HiPPP framework describes values and approaches for involving consumers in research initiatives from design to translation that focus on improving healthy lifestyles and preventing obesity specifically before, during and after pregnancy; importantly it takes into consideration common barriers to partnering in obesity research during perinatal life stages, such as limited availability associated with family caregiving responsibilities.Conclusion: The HiPPP CCI Framework aims to describe approaches for implementing meaningful CCI initiatives with women in preconception, pregnancy and postpartum periods. Evaluation of the framework is now needed to understand how effective it is in facilitating meaningful involvement for consumers, researchers and clinicians, and its impact on research to improve healthy lifestyle outcomes.
Comparison of Bayesian and frequentist methods for prevalence estimation under misclassification
Authors: Flor Matthias , Weiβ Michael , Selhorst Thomas , Müller-Graf Christine , Greiner Matthias 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Various methods exist for statistical inference about a prevalence that consider misclassifications due to an imperfect diagnostic test. However, traditional methods are known to suffer from truncation of the prevalence estimate and the confidence intervals constructed around the point estimate, as well as from under-performance of the confidence intervals' coverage.

Methods: In this study, we used simulated data sets to validate a Bayesian prevalence estimation method and compare its performance to frequentist methods, i.e. the Rogan-Gladen estimate for prevalence, RGE, in combination with several methods of confidence interval construction. Our performance measures are (i) error distribution of the point estimate against the simulated true prevalence and (ii) coverage and length of the confidence interval, or credible interval in the case of the Bayesian method.

Results: Across all data sets, the Bayesian point estimate and the RGE produced similar error distributions with slight advanteges of the former over the latter. In addition, the Bayesian estimate did not suffer from the RGE's truncation problem at zero or unity. With respect to coverage performance of the confidence and credible intervals, all of the traditional frequentist methods exhibited strong under-coverage, whereas the Bayesian credible interval as well as a newly developed frequentist method by Lang and Reiczigel performed as desired, with the Bayesian method having a very slight advantage in terms of interval length.

Conclusion: The Bayesian prevalence estimation method should be prefered over traditional frequentist methods. An acceptable alternative is to combine the Rogan-Gladen point estimate with the Lang-Reiczigel confidence interval.
Clinical Evaluation of Toric Intraocular Lens Implantation Based on iTrace Wavefront Keratometric Astigmatism
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Li Hui , Zhou Jing , Zhang Yaqin , Zhang Suhua 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: There was no standard technique for measuring corneal astigmatism. The iTrace wavefront aberrometry of cornea calculated steep power and axis based on the best Zernike mathematical fit from all topo data within 4 mm circle. It was supposed to be more accurate than iTrace simulated keratometry which was calculated based on only 4 points on the circle of 3 mm. This study evaluated visual outcomes, rotational stability after performing toric intraocular lens (IOL) implantation planning based on the wavefront aberrometry of the cornea with iTrace. Setting: Single site in China, Shanxi Eye Hospital, Shanxi, China.Design: Prospective case series.Methods: The study included 85 eyes of 63 patients undergoing phacoemulsification and toric IOL implantation. The IOL power and cylinders were chosen with the help of the iTrace toric planning program using wavefront keratometric astigmatism. Over a 3-month follow-up period, astigmatic changes were assessed using the Alpins vector method. Results: Preoperative mean corneal topographic astigmatism was 1.91 diopters (D) ± 0.69 (standard deviation). Postoperative mean refractive astigmatism decreased significantly to 0.48 D ± 0.34. Surgical induced astigmatism was 1.73 D ± 0.77 and the mean correction index was 0.89 ± 0.22, showing a slight undercorrection. The proportion of astigmatism ≤ 0.50 D increased from 0 to 71.8% postoperatively.Conclusions: This is the first study evaluating the clinical outcomes of using iTrace wavefront keratometric readings to plan a toric IOL implantation. The findings show that the iTrace built-in toric calculator with wavefront keratometric astigmatism for toric IOL planning is safe and effective.Trial registration: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN94956424, Retrospectively registered (Date of registration: 05 February 2020). http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN94956424.
Seed characterization and early Nitrogen metabolism performance of seedlings from Altiplano and Coastal ecotypes of Quinoa
Authors: Pinto/Irish Katherine , Pena Teodoro Coba de la , Ostria-Gallardo Enrique , Ibanez Cristian , Vriones Vilbett , Vergara Alexander , Alvarez Rodrigo , Castro Catalina , Sanhueza Carolina , Castro Patricio , Bascunan-Godoy Luisa 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Early seed germination and a functional root system development during establishment are crucial attributes contributing to nutrient competence under marginal nutrient soil conditions. Chenopodium quinoa Willd (Chenopodiaceae) is a rustic crop, able to grow in marginal areas. Altiplano and Coastal/Lowlands are two representative zones of quinoa cultivation in South America with contrasting soil fertility and edaphoclimatic conditions. In the present work, we hypothesize that the ecotypes of Quinoa from Altiplano (landrace Socaire) and from Coastal/Lowland (landrace Faro) have developed differential adaptive responses in order to survive under conditions of low availability of N in their respective climatic zones of Altiplano and Lowlands. In order to understand intrinsic differences for N competence between landraces, seed metabolite profile and germinative capacity were studied. Additionally, in order to elucidate the mechanisms of N uptake and assimilation at limiting N conditions during establishment, germinated seeds of both landraces were grown at either sufficient nitrate (HN) or low nitrate (LN) supply. We studied the photosynthetic performance, protein storage, root morphometrical parameters, activity and expression of N-assimilating enzymes, and the expression of nitrate transporters of roots in plants submitted to the different treatments. Results: Seeds from Socaire landrace presented higher content of free N-related metabolites and faster seed germination rate compared to Faro landrace. Seedlings of both ecotypes presented similar physiological performance at HN supply, but at LN supply their differences were exalted. At LN, Socaire plants showed an increased root biomass (including a higher number and total length of lateral roots), a differential regulation of a nitrate transporter (a NPF6.3 -like homologue) belonging to the Low Affinity Transport System (LATS), and an upregulation of a nitrate transporter (a NRT2.1 -like homologue) belonging to the High Affinity nitrate Transport System (HATS) compared to Faro. These responses as a whole could be linked to a higher amount of stored proteins in leaves, associated to an enhanced photochemical performance in Altiplano plants, in comparison to Lowland quinoa plants. Conclusions: These differential characteristics of Socaire over Faro plants could involve an adaptation to enhanced nitrate uptake under the brutal unfavorable climate conditions of Altiplano.
A cross-sectional study of breastfeeding practices and complementary feeding in Ecuador: implications for localized policy applications and promotion of breastfeeding
Authors: Freire Wilma B. , Waters William F. , Roman Diana , Belmont Philippe , Wilkinson-Salamea Emily , Diaz Adrian , Palacios Ivan , Bucheli Enrique 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Best practices in breastfeeding are often not followed despite appropriate levels of knowledge and positive attitudes regarding the benefits of human milk. For many reasons, some women do not initiate breastfeeding, suspend breastfeeding early, or initiate complementary feeding earlier than recommended. Usual measurement methods use large sample surveys at a national scale, which are not well suited for monitoring sub-national differences. Methods: In order to understand how local infant feeding practices could influence policy and promotion practices, this paper uses data pooling methodology to analyse breastfeeding patterns in different Ecuadorian settings: Cumbayá parish, located near Quito, the Ecuadorian capital; the city of Macas and rural surroundings in the Amazon basin province of Morona Santiago; and the province of Galapagos. Using a cross-sectional design, we compiled and analysed data derived from three surveys of mothers of infants between 0 and 59 months of age. The surveys were conducted independently between August 2017 and August 2018. While the surveys are representative of each respective setting, sampling designs and survey methods differ, but the same demographic information and data based on standard breastfeeding indicators established by WHO were collected. In order to account for differences in the different settings, the design effect of each survey was considered in the analysis. Results: Significant differences were found in breastfeeding practices, particularly between the suburban parish near Quito and Galapagos on one hand and urban and rural parts of Morona Santiago province, on the other. For instance, initiation of breastfeeding in the first hour after birth occurs in only 36.2 percent of cases in Cumbayá but in 75.4 percent of cases in urban Morona. Conclusions: Differences among population segments reflect specific opportunities and barriers to practices related to promoting optimal infant health and nutrition. Consequently, regional or local conditions that often are not apparent in national-level data should orient policies and promotion activities in specific populations.
A mixed methods analysis of Mozambique’s HPV vaccine delivery network actors.
Authors: Soi Caroline , Shearer Jessica , Chilundo Baltazar , Muchanga Vasco , Matsinhe Luisa , Gimbel Sarah , Sherr Kenneth 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Global health partnerships have expanded exponentially in the last two decades with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance considered the model’s pioneer and leader because of its vaccination programs’ implementation mechanism. Gavi, relies on diverse domestic and international partners to carry out the programs in low- and middle-income countries under a partnership engagement framework (PEF). In this study, we utilized mixed methods to examine Mozambique’s Gavi driven partnership network which delivered human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine during the demonstration phase.Methods: Qualitative tools gauged contextual factors, prerequisites, partner performance and practices while a social network analysis (SNA) survey measured the partnership structure and perceived added value in terms of effectiveness, efficiency and country ownership. 40 key informants who were interviewed included frontline Ministry of Health workers, Ministry of Education staff and supporting partner organization members, of whom 34 participated in the social network analysis survey.Results: Partnership structure SNA connectivity measurement scores of reachability (100%) and average distance (2.5), were high, revealing a network of very well-connected HPV vaccination implementation collaborators. Such high scores reflect a network structure favorable for rapid and widespread diffusion of information, features necessary for engaging and handling multiple implementation scales. High SNA effectiveness and efficiency measures for structural holes (85%) and low redundancy (30%) coupled with high mean perceived effectiveness (97.6%) and efficiency (79.5%) network outcome scores were observed. Additionally, the tie strength average score of 4.1 on a scale of 5 denoted high professional trust. These are all markers of a collaborative partnership environment in which disparate institutions and organizations leveraged each entity’s comparative advantage. Lower perceived outcome scores for country ownership (24%) were found, with participants citing the prominent role of several out-of-country partner organizations as a major obstacle.Conclusions: While there is room for improvement on the country ownership aspects of the partnership, the expanded, diverse and inclusive collaboration of institutions and organizations that implemented the Mozambique HPV vaccine demonstration project was effective and efficient. We recommend that the country adapt a similar model during national scale up of HPV vaccination.
Microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of in situ nano Ta4HfC5 reinforced SiBCN composite ceramics
Authors: Wang Bingzhu , Daxin Li , Yang Zhihua , Jia Dechang , Guan Jingyi , Peng Hao , Cai Delong , He Peigang , Duan Xiaoming , Zhou Yu 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
In this paper, the in situ nano Ta4HfC5 reinforced SiBCN-Ta4HfC5 composite ceramics were prepared by a combination of two-step mechanical alloying and reactive hot-pressing sintering. The microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of the resulting SiBCN-Ta4HfC5 were studied. After the first-step milling of 30 h, the raw materials of TaC and HfC undergone crushing, cold sintering and short-range interdiffusion to finally obtain the high pure nano Ta4HfC5. A hybrid structure of amorphous SiBCN and nano Ta4HfC5 was obtained by adopting a second-step ball-milling. After reactive hot-pressing sintering, amorphous SiBCN has crystallized to nano SiC and turbostratic BN(C) phases while Ta4HfC5 retained the form of nano structure. With the in situ generation of 2.5 wt% Ta4HfC5, Ta4HfC5 is preferentially distributed within the turbostratic BN(C); however, as Ta4HfC5 content further raised to 10 wt%, it mainly distributed in the grain-boundary of BN(C) and SiC. The introduction of Ta4HfC5 nanocrystals can effectively improve the flexural strength and fracture toughness of SiBCN ceramics, reaching to 344.1 MPa and 4.52 MPam1/2, respectively. This work has solved the problems of uneven distribution of ultra-high temperature phase in ceramic matrix, which is beneficial to the real applications of SiBCN ceramics.
Synthesis of a novel 89Zr labeled HER2 affibody and its application study in tumor PET imaging
Authors: Xu Yuping , Wang Lizhen , Pan Donghui , Yan Junjie , Wang Xinyu , Yang Runlin , Li Mingzhu , Liu Yu , Yang Min 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background:
Human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) is an essential biomarker for tumor treatment. Affibody is an ideal vector for preparing HER2 specific probes because of high affinity and rapid clearance from normal tissues etc. Zirconium-89 is a PET imaging isotope with a long half-life and suitable for monitoring biological processes for more extended periods. In this study, a novel 89 Zr-labeled HER2 affibody, [ 89 Zr]Zr-DFO-MAL-Cys-MZHER2, was synthesized, and its imaging characters were also assessed.
Results:
The precursor, DFO-MAL-Cys-MZHER2, was obtained with a yield of nearly 50%. The radiochemical yield of [ 89 Zr]Zr -DFO-MAL-Cys-MZHER2 was 90.2±1.9% , and the radiochemical purity was higher than 95%. The total synthesis time was only 30 minutes. The probe was stable in PBS and serum. The tracer accumulated in HER2 overexpressing human ovarian cancer SKOV-3 cells. In vivo studies in mice bearing tumors showed that the probe highly retained in SKOV-3 xenografts even for 48 hours. The tumors were visualized with good contrast to normal tissues. ROI analysis revealed that the average uptake values in the tumor were greater than 5%IA/g during 48 hours postinjection. On the contrary, the counterparts of MCF-7 tumors kept low levels（~1%IA/g）. The outcome was consistent with the immunohistochemical analysis and ex vivo autoradiography. The probe quickly cleared from the normal organs except kidneys and mainly excreted through the urinary system.
Conclusion:
The novel HER2 affibody for PET imaging was easily prepared with satisfactory labeling yield and radiochemical purity. [ 89 Zr]Zr-DFO-MAL-Cys-MZHER2 is a potential candidate for detecting HER2 expression. It may play specific roles in clinical cancer theranostics.