bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Absolute lymphocyte count as marker of cytomegalovirus and allograft rejection: Is there a “Safe Corridor” after kidney transplantation?
Authors: El Helou Guy , Lahr Brian , Razonable Raymund 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe contrasting outcomes of lymphocyte manipulation after solid organ transplantation are allograft rejection and infections, commonly with cytomegalovirus (CMV). Peripheral blood absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) may serve as a predictive marker for these outcomes. Using a retrospective review of clinical and laboratory dataset, we aimed to determine whether a range of ALC (termed “safe ALC corridor”) exists where CMV infection and rejection outcomes are minimal in a cohort of 381 kidney transplant recipients. In an extended Cox model using a time‐dependent covariate for peripheral blood ALC, a value below the cut‐off of 610 cells/uL was associated with the development of CMV infection both in the overall cohort (Hazard Ratio [HR] 2.25 (95% confidence internal [CI] 1.02‐4.96; P = .043) and the subgroup of high‐risk CMV D+/R‐ mismatch patients (HR 2.91 [95% CI 1.09‐7.77]; P = .033). In contrast, a time‐dependent Cox analysis did not show any significant association between ALC and rejection (per IQR decrease, HR 1.2 [95% CI: 0.76‐1.9]; P = .434). Accordingly, a “safe ALC corridor” could not be defined. In conclusion, a low peripheral blood ALC (ie, threshold of 610 cells/uL) can be used to stratify the risk of CMV disease after kidney transplantation.
Safety and efficacy of Sofosbuvir and Velpatasvir in children with active hepatitis C virus infection undergoing haploidentical transplantation
Authors: Jaiswal Sarita Rani , Bhakuni Prakash , Soni Mayank , Gupta Mahesh , Thatai Atul , Chakrabarti Suparno 
Published: October 2020

AbstractDirect Acting Antivirals (DAA) have changed the landscape of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection with high cure rates across genotypes. However, the use of these agents in the setting of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) has been limited. In this context, we report the outcome of five children (5‐12 years) with relapsed and refractory leukemia and active HCV infection (genotype 1b), who underwent urgent haploidentical HCT and were treated with Sofosbuvir and Velpatasvir (Sof‐Vel) from initiation of treatment to 24 weeks post‐HCT. All achieved complete virologic response (VR) at a median of 2 weeks, with normalization of liver enzymes. There were no adverse events related to the use of Sof‐Vel, with no major fluctuations in cyclosporine levels. Two of the patients developed chronic GVHD and one relapsed. Sof‐Vel was continued in one of them along with sirolimus without affecting drug levels. With a median follow‐up of 15 months, four patients are disease free with sustained VR. Our study shows that combination of Sof‐Vel might be effective in inducing rapid complete and sustained VR during HCT without any major untoward drug interaction.
Imaging O2 dynamics and microenvironments in the seagrass leaf phyllosphere with magnetic optical sensor nanoparticles
Authors: Elgetti Brodersen Kasper , Kühl Michael , Trampe Erik , Koren Klaus 
Published: October 2020

SUMMARYEutrophication leads to epiphyte blooms on seagrass leaves that strongly affect plant health, yet the actual mechanisms of such epiphyte‐induced plant stress remain poorly understood. We used magnetic optical sensor nanoparticles in combination with luminescence lifetime imaging to map the O2 concentration and dynamics in the heterogeneous seagrass phyllosphere under changing light conditions. By incorporating magnetite into the sensor nanoparticles, it was possible to image the spatial O2 distribution under flow over seagrass leaf segments in the presence of a strong magnetic field. Local microniches with low leaf surface O2 concentrations were found under thick epiphytic biofilms, often leading to anoxic microhabitats in darkness. High irradiance led to O2 supersaturation across most of the seagrass phyllosphere, whereas leaf microenvironments with reduced O2 conditions were found under epiphytic biofilms at low irradiance, probably driven by self‐shading. Horizontal micro‐profiles extracted from the O2 images revealed pronounced heterogeneities in local O2 concentration over the base of the epiphytic biofilm, with up to 52% reduction in O2 concentrations in areas with relatively thick (>2 mm), compared with thin (≤1 mm), epiphyte layers in darkness. We also present evidence of enhanced relative internal O2 transport within leaves with epiphyte overgrowth, compared with bare seagrass leaves, in light as a result of limited mass transfer across thick outward diffusion pathways. The local availability of O2 was still markedly reduced in the epiphyte‐covered leaves, however. The leaf phyllosphere is thus characterized by a complex microlandscape of O2 availability that strongly affects microbial processes occurring within the epiphytic biofilm, which may have implications for seagrass health, as anoxic microhabitats have been shown to promote the microbiological production of reduced toxic compounds, such as nitric oxide.
Dominant immune response to HLA‐B57/B58 molecules after platelet transfusion
Authors: Coombs Justine , Ben Hassen Latifa , Leclerc Mathieu , Tamagne Marie , Pannetier Louise , Khelfa Mehdi , Delorme Adèle , Bocquet Thibaut , Maury Sébastien , Pirenne France , Ansart‐Pirenne Hélène , Vingert Benoît 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundPatients with hematologic malignancies require prophylactic or curative platelet transfusions to prevent or treat bleeding. Treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation cause persistent thrombocytopenia, necessitating platelet transfusions. However, class I HLA antibodies can cause a serious complication: immune‐mediated platelet refractoriness. The mechanisms of alloimmunization are incompletely understood. We explored the immunogenicity of HLA molecules and the phenotype of the HLA‐specific CD4+ T cells involved in alloimmunization.Study Design and MethodsWe investigated the role of HLA molecules in platelet transfusion immunogenicity in a retrospective cohort study on men with specific anti‐HLA who had undergone transfusion. We investigated the presence and phenotypic profile of HLA‐specific CD4+ T cells in alloimmunized patients included in long‐term platelet transfusion programs for hematologic malignancies.ResultsMore than 50% of the transfused subjects displayed an antibody response against HLA‐B57 or ‐B58. HLA‐B57–specific CD4+ T‐cell responses were observed in patients alloimmunized against HLA‐B57. Following specific stimulation, the patients presented HLA‐specific CD4+ T cells producing tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin (IL)‐13, IL‐17A, IL‐2, IL‐10, and IL‐21.ConclusionThese results shed light on posttransfusion class I anti‐HLA alloimmunization mechanisms and constitute a first step toward developing new strategies for reducing refractoriness.
Significant association of serum autoantibodies to TYMS, HAPLN1 and IGFBP5 with early stage canine malignant mammary tumours
Authors: Chang Shih‐Chieh , Yuan Stephen Hsien‐Chi , Li Chia‐Yin , Chang Huan‐Ming , Wang Heng‐Cian , Pan Yun‐An , Hsueh Pei‐Chun , Wu Chih‐Ching , Yang Youngsen , Liu Hao‐Ping 
Published: October 2020

AbstractCanine mammary tumours (CMTs) are the most prevalent neoplasms in female dogs. Despite the high incidence of such tumours, a lack of easily accessible biomarkers still impedes early diagnosis of malignant CMTs. Herein we identify thymidylate synthetase (TYMS), hyaluronan and proteoglycan link protein 1 (HAPLN1) and insulin‐like growth factor‐binding protein 5 (IGFBP5) as CMT antigens eliciting corresponding autoantibodies in CMT cases. We establish enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) to detect autoantibodies to TYMS (TYMS‐AAb), HAPLN1 (HAPLN1‐AAb) and IGFBP5 (IGFBP5‐AAb) in sera from 81 dogs with malignant CMTs (41 in Stage I), 24 with benign CMTs and 35 healthy controls. Levels of all the three autoantibodies are elevated in the malignant group compared with the healthy or the benign group; notably, the elevated autoantibody levels significantly correlate with the stage‐I CMTs. For discriminating malignant CMTs from healthy control, the area under curve (AUC) of TYMS‐AAb is 0.694 with specificity of 82.9% and sensitivity of 50.6%. The AUC of utilising HAPLN1‐AAb for distinguishing the stage‐I CMTs from healthy controls is 0.711 with specificity of 77.1% and sensitivity of 58.5%. In differentiating malignant CMTs from the benign, the AUC of IGFBP5‐AAb reaches 0.696 with specificity of 70.8% and sensitivity of 67.9%, and a combination of IGFBP5‐AAb and TYMS‐AAb increases the AUC to 0.72. Finally, the AUC of combined HAPLN1‐AAb and IGFBP5‐AAb in discriminating the stage‐I CMTs from the benign achieves 0.731. Collectively, this study highlights a significant association of the three serum autoantibodies with early stage malignant CMTs.
Preliminary evaluation of the efficacy of intravenous magnesium sulfate for the treatment of ventricular arrhythmias in 16 dogs
Authors: Schoeller Amber B. , Rudloff Elke , Waldner Cheryl L. , Klose Tyler C. , Linklater Andrew K. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of IV magnesium sulfate in decreasing the number of ventricular ectopic beats or convert ventricular tachyarrhythmia to sinus rhythm in dogs.DesignProspective, observational feasibility study.SettingPrivate referral center.AnimalsSixteen client‐owned dogs exhibiting 1 or more of the following: (1) sustained or paroxysmal ventricular tachycardia (heart rate > 180/min), (2) single or multiform ventricular complexes at > 60 ectopies/min.InterventionsPretreatment (T1) blood creatinine and electrolyte concentrations were measured. A 60‐second lead II ECG strip and systolic arterial blood pressure (SABP) were recorded. Magnesium sulfate 0.1 mmol/kg (0.2 mEq/kg) was administered IV over 5 minutes. Five minutes after completion of the magnesium sulfate injection (T2), electrolyte concentrations were measured again. A second 60‐second lead II ECG strip and SABP were recorded. The number of ectopic ventricular and supraventricular beats (sinus beats) that occurred in 60 seconds during the T1 and T2 ECG recordings was compared. T1 and T2 electrolytes and SABP were also compared.ResultsThere was an increase in the ionized magnesium concentration, a decrease in the heart rate and the number of ventricular ectopic beats, and an increase in the number of supraventricular beats at T2. Two dogs converted to a sinus rhythm at T2 that was not sustained.ConclusionsIntravenous administration of 0.1 mmol/kg (0.2 mEq/kg) magnesium sulfate in dogs with ventricular ectopy decreased the number of ventricular beats and heart rate. However, a specific conclusion regarding the use of magnesium sulfate as a first‐line therapy for dogs with ventricular tachyarrhythmias at the investigated dose cannot be made.
Evaluation of the accumulation of heavy metals in water, sediments and plants of a coastal zone of Mexico
Authors: Gómez‐Bernal Juan Miguel , Ruiz‐Huerta Esther Aurora , Armienta Hernández María Aurora , Ramírez Romero Patricia , Gallegos‐Martínez Margarita Elizabeth 
Published: October 2020

AbstractA preliminary environmental assessment of four heavy metals (Mn, Pb, Zn and Fe) on the coast of Campeche, Mexico was carried out. Surface sediments (0–10 cm), water and plants were collected in four sites of the coastline to obtain information about the levels and spatial distribution of the selected elements. The bioconcentration factor (BCF) was calculated for plants, where the BCF of Mn (3.375–3.558) and Zn (0.291–0.888) were high for Conocarpus erectus (button mangrove) and the BCF of Fe ranged from 0.022 to 0.023 in Laguncularia racemosa (white mangrove). This study showed that a significant source of metal contamination in the coastline of Campeche could be the discharge of municipal sewage. The relationship among metals, water, sediments and plants revealed a distinct behaviour of metals transportation in the marine environment. Mangroves operated as excluder species for nonessential metals (Pb) and accumulators for essential metals (Zn). Results showed that mangroves could be employed as a phytostabiliser of heavy metals.
Parathyroid cyst: differential diagnosis
Authors: Silva Rita , Cavadas Daniela , Vicente Carla , Coutinho Jose 
Published: October 2020

Parathyroid cysts are rare lesions of the cervical region and less frequently of the mediastinum. They occur mostly in women and are usually asymptomatic. They generally occur in the fourth and fifth decades of life and mainly are non-functioning. They commonly present as a neck mass that is found incidentally during surgery or in imaging test. Its importance lies in the difficulty in diagnosis, often confusing itself with thyroid pathology. The diagnosis is usually made intraoperatively, confirmed by histopathological examination.The aim of this paper is to report a case of parathyroid cyst that mimics a thyroid nodule.
Aphasia and confusion – influenza encephalopathy: atypical presentation of influenza
Authors: Obata Reiichiro , Ernst Kristina 
Published: October 2020

Influenza encephalopathy, a rare manifestation of influenza infection in the adult population which is not widely recognised, can present with confusion and focal neurological symptoms, including aphasia. The aim of this report is to illustrate the unique presentation of influenza encephalopathy and discuss the need for close attention to and monitoring of this rare but highly fatal disease.A 28-year-old woman was admitted with acute-onset confusion and incoherent speech. CT of the head was unremarkable. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed elevation of protein, but was otherwise unremarkable. A detailed history revealed recent upper respiratory symptoms which prompted a rapid influenza test which was positive and oseltamivir was started. The patient’s confusion and aphasia gradually improved and her speech was back to her baseline by the next day.
Effects of walkability on physical activity and obesity: a prospective observational study protocol
Authors: Zhang Yalan , Chen Siyu , Shi Jiayang , Chen Zongtao 
Published: October 2020

IntroductionThe prevalence of overweight and obesity is increasing worldwide, which could lead to a set of chronic and metabolic diseases. Physical activity is a modifiable factor for obesity, which was reported to be correlated with the built environment. However, the effects of the built environment on physical activity are not consistent. Walkability is a convenient way to assess the built environment. We aim to prospectively explore the relationship among walkability, physical activity and obesity in Chinese participants in Chongqing, a hilly city and provide evidence for future urban planning.Methods and analysisParticipants will be recruited from people who receive health examination in the Health Management Centre, the First Affiliated Hospital to Army Medical University. Exposure variables are WalkScores calculated within the areas around workplace and residential addresses of participants. The primary outcomes are body mass index measured through health examination at baseline and follow-ups, and daily walking steps recorded by WeChat mini application for 30 days after every time of health examination. Other health-related data of the participants will also be collected. Multivariate regression analysis will be performed to examine the relationship between exposure variables and outcomes.Ethics and disseminationThe Protocol is approved by the Ethics Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital to Army Medical University (KY201839). The results will be actively disseminated through peer-review journals and conference publications.Registration numberChinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR1800017680).
Evidence for Better Lives Study: a comparative birth-cohort study on child exposure to violence and other adversities in eight low- and middle-income countries - foundational research (study protocol)
Authors: Valdebenito Sara , Murray Aja , Hughes Claire , Băban Adriana , Fernando Asvini D , Madrid Bernadette J. , Ward Catherine , Osafo Joseph , Dunne Michael , Sikander Siham , Walker Susan P , Thang Vo Van , Tomlinson Mark , Fearon Pasco , Shenderovich Yulia , Marlow Marguerite , Chathurika Deshanie , Taut Diana , Eisner Manuel 
Published: October 2020

IntroductionViolence against children is a health, human rights and social problem affecting approximately half of the world’s children. Its effects begin at prenatal stages with long-lasting impacts on later health and well-being. The Evidence for Better Lives Study (EBLS) aims to produce high-quality longitudinal data from cities in eight low- and middle-income countries—Ghana, Jamaica, Pakistan, the Philippines, Romania, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Vietnam—to support effective intervention to reduce violence against children. EBLS-Foundational Research (EBLS-FR) tests critical aspects of the planned EBLS, including participant recruitment and retention, data collection and analysis. Alongside epidemiological estimates of levels and predictors of exposure to violence and adversity during pregnancy, we plan to explore mechanisms that may link exposure to violence to mothers’ biological stress markers and subjective well-being.Methods and analysesEBLS-FR is a short longitudinal study with a sample of 1200 pregnant women. Data are collected during the last trimester of pregnancy and 2 to 6 months after birth. The questionnaire for participating women has been translated into nine languages. Measures obtained from mothers will include, among others, mental and physical health, attitudes to corporal punishment, adverse childhood experiences, prenatal intimate partner violence, substance use and social/community support. Hair and dry blood spot samples are collected from the pregnant women to measure stress markers. To explore research participation among fathers, EBLS-FR is recruiting 300 fathers in the Philippines and Sri Lanka.Ethics and disseminationThe study received ethical approvals at all recruiting sites and universities in the project. Results will be disseminated through journal publications, conferences and seminar presentations involving local communities, health services and other stakeholders. Findings from this work will help to adjust the subsequent stages of the EBLS project.
Non-pharmacological approaches to procedural anxiety reduction for patients undergoing radiotherapy for cancer: systematic review protocol
Authors: Forbes Erin , Baker Amanda L , Britton Ben , Clover Kerrie , Skelton Eliza , Oultram Sharon , Oldmeadow Christopher , McCarter Kristen 
Published: October 2020

IntroductionProcedural anxiety relates to an affective state of anxiety or fear in relation to a medical procedure. Various treatment-related factors may elicit anxiety among oncology patients, including fear of diagnostic imaging (such as MRI scans) and impending treatment and medical procedures (such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy). It is common in oncology settings to manage acute anxiety relating to medical procedures with anxiolytic medication. However, pharmacological approaches are not suitable for many patients. Despite this, non-pharmacological interventions are infrequently used. The aim of this systematic review is to determine whether non-pharmacological interventions delivered prior to, or during, radiotherapy are effective in reducing procedural anxiety.Methods and analysisData sources will include the bibliographic databases CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled trials (CENTRAL) (from inception onward). Eligible studies will include adult patients with cancer undergoing radiotherapy treatment. Included studies will be those which employ a non-pharmacological intervention, delivered within existing radiotherapy appointments, with the aim of reducing procedural anxiety related to radiotherapy. All research designs with a control or other comparison group will be included. The primary outcome will be change in levels of self-reported procedural anxiety. Secondary outcomes will be changes in scores on physiological measures of anxiety and/or changes in treatment completion and/or changes in treatment duration and/or changes in psychological distress. Two investigators will independently complete title and abstract screening, full-text screening, data extraction and assessment of methodological quality. If appropriate, a meta-analyses will be performed. Any important amendments to this protocol will be updated in the PROSPERO registration and documented in the resulting review publication.Ethics and disseminationNo ethical issues are anticipated from this review. The findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publication and at conferences by presentation.Systematic review registrationCRD42019112941.
Early indicators of disease progression in Fabry disease that may indicate the need for disease-specific treatment initiation: findings from the opinion-based PREDICT-FD modified Delphi consensus initiative
Authors: Hughes Derralynn A , Aguiar Patricio , Deegan Patrick B , Ezgu Fatih , Frustaci Andrea , Lidove Olivier , Linhart Aleš , Lubanda Jean-Claude , Moon James C , Nicholls Kathleen , Niu Dau-Ming , Nowak Albina , Ramaswami Uma , Reisin Ricardo , Rozenfeld Paula , Schiffmann Raphael , Svarstad Einar , Thomas Mark , Torra Roser , Vujkovac Bojan , Warnock David G , West Michael L , Johnson Jack , Rolfe Mark J , Feriozzi Sandro 
Published: October 2020

ObjectivesThe PRoposing Early Disease Indicators for Clinical Tracking in Fabry Disease (PREDICT-FD) initiative aimed to reach consensus among a panel of global experts on early indicators of disease progression that may justify FD-specific treatment initiation.Design and settingAnonymous feedback from panellists via online questionnaires was analysed using a modified Delphi consensus technique. Questionnaires and data were managed by an independent administrator directed by two non-voting cochairs. First, possible early indicators of renal, cardiac and central/peripheral nervous system (CNS/PNS) damage, and other disease and patient-reported indicators assessable in routine clinical practice were compiled by the cochairs and administrator from panellists’ free-text responses. Second, the panel scored indicators for importance (5-point scale: 1=not important; 5=extremely important); indicators scoring ≥3 among >75% of panellists were then rated for agreement (5-point scale: 1=strongly disagree; 5=strongly agree). Indicators awarded an agreement score ≥4 by >67% of panellists achieved consensus. Finally, any panel-proposed refinements to consensus indicator definitions were adopted if >75% of panellists agreed.ResultsA panel of 21 expert clinicians from 15 countries provided information from which 83 possible current indicators of damage (kidney, 15; cardiac, 15; CNS/PNS, 13; other, 16; patient reported, 24) were compiled. Of 45 indicators meeting the importance criteria, consensus was reached for 29 and consolidated as 27 indicators (kidney, 6; cardiac, 10; CNS/PNS, 2; other, 6; patient reported, 3) including: (kidney) elevated albumin:creatinine ratio, histological damage, microalbuminuria; (cardiac) markers of early systolic/diastolic dysfunction, elevated serum cardiac troponin; (CNS/PNS) neuropathic pain, gastrointestinal symptoms suggestive of gastrointestinal neuropathy; (other) pain in extremities/neuropathy, angiokeratoma; (patient-reported) febrile crises, progression of symptoms/signs. Panellists revised and approved proposed chronologies of when the consensus indicators manifest. The panel response rate was >95% at all stages.ConclusionsPREDICT-FD captured global opinion regarding current clinical indicators that could prompt FD-specific treatment initiation earlier than is currently practised.