bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differential response to intravitreal dexamethasone implant in naïve and previously treated diabetic macular edema eyes
Authors: Zarranz-Ventura Javier , Romero-Nuñez Barbara , Bernal-Morales Carolina , Velazquez-Villoria Daniel , Sala-Puigdollers Anna , Figueras-Roca Marc , Copete Sergio , Distefano Laura , Boixadera Anna , García-Arumí Jose , Adan Alfredo 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
To identify different response patterns to intravitreal dexamethasone implants (IDI) in naïve and previously treated diabetic macular edema (DME) eyes in a real-life setting.
Methods
342 IDI injections (203 DME eyes) were included. Number of IDI injections, percentage (%) of eyes with 1, 2, 3 and ≥ 4 injections, time to reinjections, visual acuity (VA), intraocular pressure (IOP) and central retinal thickness (CRT) were evaluated for naïve and previously treated (PT) DME eyes over 24 months.
Results
Mean number of injections was significantly lower in naïve vs PT DME eyes (1.40 ± 0.9 vs 1.82 ± 0.9, p < 0.001). The percentage of eyes receiving 1 (76.1 vs 47.7), 2 (16.4 vs 29.4), or 3 injections (1.4 vs 17.6) was significantly lower in naïve vs PT DME eyes (p < 0.001), however no differences were observed in eyes receiving ≥4 injections (5.9 vs 5.1 respectively, p = 0.80). Mean time to reinjection was not significantly different between both groups for the second, third and fourth injection (9.6 ± 4.0 vs 10.0 ± 5.5, p = 0.75, 13.2 ± 4.0 vs 16.0 ± 3.5, p = 0.21 and 21.7 ± 3.8 vs 19.7 ± 5.8, p = 0.55). VA scores were consistently better in naïve vs PT DME eyes at all studied timepoints, with no significant differences in CRT reduction or adverse effect rates.
Conclusion
Naïve DME eyes required lower number of IDI injections and maintained better VA levels than PT DME eyes for 24 months in a real-world setting. This data supports the IDI use in early DME stages and provide further evidence of better IDI performance when used as first-line therapy.
Profiles of Odd- and Branched-Chain Fatty Acids and Their Correlations With Rumen Fermentation Parameters, Microbial Protein Synthesis and Bacterial Populations Based on Pure Carbohydrate Incubation in Vitro
Authors: Xin Hangshu , Liu Xin , Jiang Xin , Liu Chunlong , Zhang Shuzhi , Li Yang , Sun Yukun , Wu Haonan , Zhang Yonggen 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the profiles of odd- and branched-chain fatty acids (OBCFA; including C15:0, iso-C15:0, anteiso-C15:0, iso-C16:0, C17:0, iso-C17:0 and anteiso-C17:0) during pure carbohydrates incubation in vitro and whether they correlated with ruminal fermentation parameters, microbial crude protein (MCP) synthesis, and bacterial populations. The pure substrates containing five different ratios of fiber and starch (F:S; 0:100, 25:75, 50:50, 75:25 and 100:0) were incubated for 6 h, 12 h, 18 h and 24 h. Results: Except iso-C17:0, OBCFA concentrations were interacted by F:S and incubation time. The highest concentration of total OBCFA was found in the fermented mixture after 24 h of incubation when the F:S = 0:100; while the lowest level was 1.65 mg/g DM produced after 6 h of incubation with F:S = 50:50. The concentrations of total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) and MCP remarkably decreased linearly as the inclusion of fiber in the substrates increased, as expected. The proportions of investigated cellulolytic bacteria in our study were increased linearly (or linearly and quadratically) while those of R. amylophilus and S. bovis were decreased as fiber inclusion increased. The correlation analysis indicated that iso-C16:0 concentration might have potential as a marker of productions of TVFA and MCP with ρ being 0.78 and 0.82 respectively. Compared to starch degrading bacteria, cellulolytic bacteria had more correlations with OBCFA profiles, and the strongest association was found on the population of R. flavefaciens with C15:0 concentration (ρ = 0.70). Conclusions: Our study shows there might be scope for iso-C16:0 to predict rumen productions of VFA and MCP. Notedly, this is the first paper reporting linkage of OBCFA with rumen function based on pure carbohydrate in vitro incubation, which would avoid confounding interference from dietary protein and fat presence. However, more in-depth experiments are needed to substantiate the current findings.
Osteochondral Live Slices as Physiological in-vitro Model of the Human Joint for High-throughput Applications
Authors: Spinnen Jacob , Rendenbach Carsten , Kühl Anja , Sentürk Ufuk , Kendoff Daniel , Mei Henrik , Sittinger Michael , Dehne Tilo 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Current advances in musculoskeletal research yielded numerous new insights and therapy options for diseases of the joints but preclinical in-vitro testing is currently limited to self-manufactured 2D and 3D cell cultures only remotely mimicking the in-vivo situation in regards of tissue composition and cell configuration. While in-vivo animal models are a lot more lifelike, they are inherently connected with ethical concerns, translation to the human situation, logistic efforts and high costs. Here we explored the use of native human life slice cultures from explanted tibial plateaus upon their feasibility to serve as a highly lifelike and easy-to-handle model of the human joint which can be obtained in masses from few tissue samples.Methods: Osteochondral slices (1cm x 1cm x 500µm) were prepared with a special microtome from 23 human tibial plateaus and subsequently cultivated in hanging inserts over the course of 7 or 21 days. Short-term cultivated slices were stimulated with either 800 pM/1.2 nM TNF-α or 800 pM TGF-β3. During cultivation, viability of tissue cells was assessed via laser microscopy / resazurin assay. After cultivation, gene expression of cartilage ECM Marker proteins was quantified with RT-PCR. TNF-α stimulated slices and their controls were stained with Safranin-O and analyzed via histomorphometry to quantify tissue proteoglycan content. Results: Tissue cell viability remained >90% over the three weeks. Laser scanning microscopy revealed highly conserved spatial alignment of cells inside the cartilage. Incubation of the slice cultures with TNF-α showed a significant, dose dependent decrease in mRNA expression of cartilage proteins collagen II, cartilage oligomeric matrix protein and aggrecan while incubation with TGF-β3 caused a significant increase of early bone formation proteins collagen I and also cartilage oligomeric matrix protein. Histologically, TNF-α incubation caused a 32% reduction of proteoglycans, detachment of collagen fibers and cell swelling.Conclusion: In summary, native osteochondral slice cultures provide a stable and manipulable, physiological model of human joint bone and cartilage biology. The setup is easy to produce and handle, scalable, and contributes to 3R principles in biomedical research, suggesting itself as a platform for preclinical testing especially regarding high-throughput applications.
Can Peripheral Venous Lactate Levels Substitute for Arterial Lactate Levels in The Emergency Department? An Observational Study
Authors: Oi Yasufumi , Mori Kosuke , Yamagata Hidehiro , Nogaki Ayako , Takeda Tomoaki , Watanabe Chikara , Sakaguchi Yusuke , Abe Takeru , Imaki Shouhei , Takeuchi Ichiro 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Arterial lactate (AL) level is an important parameter used to predict patients’ prognosis. AL and peripheral venous lactate (PVL) in blood gas analysis have a low concordance rate, and PVL cannot be used as a substitute for AL. However, if the AL range can be predicted from PVL, PVL may be an alternative method of predicting patient prognosis, and the risk of arterial puncture complications with AL may be reduced. This could become a safe and rapid test method.Methods: This was a retrospective observational study of 143 cases in which blood gas analysis was performed on both arterial blood and venous blood in an emergency department. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (r) and Bland–Altman analysis were performed. Sensitivity, specificity, and the area under the curve (AUC) were calculated for PVL to predict AL < 2 mmol/L or < 4 mmol/L.Results: The median [interquartile range] AL and PVL were 1.82 [1.25–2.58] vs 2.09 [1.57–3.29], respectively, r was 0.799 (p<0.0001), and a strong correlation was observed; however, Bland–Altman analysis showed disagreement. When AL < 2 mmol/L was used as the outcome, AUC was 0.974, the PVL cutoff value was 2.55 mmol/L, sensitivity was 87.9%, and specificity was 94.1%. If PVL < 2 mmol/L was the outcome, the sensitivity for AL < 2 mmol/L was 100%, and for PVL levels ≥ 3 mmol/L, the specificity was 100%. When AL < 4 mmol/L was used as the outcome, AUC was 0.970, the PVL cutoff value was 3.4 mmol/L, sensitivity was 100%, and specificity was 84.5%. When PVL < 3.5 mmol/L was the outcome, the sensitivity for AL < 4 mmol/L was 100%, and for PVL levels ≥ 4 mmol/L, the specificity was 93.8%.Conclusions: This study revealed that PVL and AL levels in the same critically ill patients do not perfectly agree with each other but are strongly correlated. Furthermore, the high accuracy for predicting AL ranges from PVL levels explains why PVL levels could be used as a substitute for AL level ranges.
WITHDRAWN: Germination of Six Indonesian Brown Rice: Evaluation of Antioxidant, Bioactive Compounds, Fatty Acids and Pasting Properties
Authors: Munarko Hadi , Sitanggang Azis Boing , Kusnandar Feri , Budijanto Slamet 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BackgroundGermination can improve the palatability and alter physicochemical, nutritional, and nutraceutical value of brown rice. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant, bioactive compounds, fatty acids, and pasting profiles from six Indonesian brown rice varieties during germination. The germination was carried out through a complete soaking method for up to 120 h, and the samples were taken every 24 h germination. ResultsThe results showed that germination increased GABA content in brown rice. The highest level of GABA, up to 126.55 mg/100g, obtained in rice var. Inpari 43, after 120 h. Germination also affected the phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, and γ-oryzanol content, but no consistent trends were observed among the varieties. Fatty acid compositions of germinated brown rice showed no changes during germination. The pasting properties of samples changed significantly after germination, especially in peak viscosity, final viscosity, breakdown, and setback value. ConclusionIn conclusion, the changes in brown rice characteristics during germination, especially for increased GABA content and shifting of pasting properties, are valuable information for developing functional rice-based food products.
Nomogram for predicting complicated appendicitis and aiding decision-making regarding antibiotic therapy for acute appendicitis
Authors: zhang peng , Xu Tianlei , Zhang Qian , Zhao Hongwei , Meng Yiting , Wang Feng , Li Yuanxin 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background

Antibiotic therapy is a feasible treatment option for uncomplicated appendicitis, but the preoperative diagnosis of uncomplicated appendicitis is challenging. This study aimed to develop a nomogram to predict complicated appendicitis based on laboratory data and CT features and to guide antibiotic treatment decision-making.
Methods

Patients with pathologically confirmed acute appendicitis (AA) were randomly split into the primary and validation cohorts. The nomogram model for predicting complicated appendicitis was constructed based on the results of the multivariate logistic analysis in the primary cohort and transformed into a nomogram risk score. The nomogram was validated in a validation cohort and an independent antibiotic therapy cohort.
Results

A total of 375 patients were included in the primary cohort, 168 patients were included in the validation cohort, and 169 patients were included in the antibiotic treatment cohort. In the primary cohort, multivariate analysis confirmed that periappendiceal fat stranding (PFS, p < 0.001, OR = 67.80), the C-reactive protein level (CRP ≥ 38, p < 0.001, OR = 5.77) and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR ≥ 7, p < 0.001, OR = 3.51) were independent risk factors for complicated appendicitis. The PFS, CRP and NLR scores were 10.0, 4.0 and 3.0 points, respectively, based on the nomogram. Each patient was assigned a score obtained with the nomogram, called the nomogram risk score, and the best cutoff value for the nomogram risk score was 11.0 points. Fourteen patients (3.7%, 14/375) and seven patients (4.2%, 7/168) with complicated appendicitis were classified as having uncomplicated appendicitis in the primary and validation cohorts, respectively. When the nomogram risk score was greater than 11, the failure rate of antibiotic treatment was 49.2%; when the nomogram risk score was less than 11, the failure rate of antibiotic treatment was only 5.3%. Furthermore, the predictive accuracy of the nomogram risk score for antibiotic treatment failure as measured by the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.823 (95% CI: 0.757–0.878).
Conclusion

We found that the proposed nomogram risk score based on clinical and CT features not only enables the accurate identification of complicated appendicitis patients before surgery but also serves to guide management decisions.
Spatial Distribution and Factors Associated with Low birth weight in Ethiopia using data from Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey 2016; Spatial and Multilevel analysis
Authors: Liyew Alemneh Mekuriaw , Sisay Malede Mequanent , Muche Achenef Asmamaw 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
Low birth weight (LBW) is a leading cause of neonatal mortality. In Ethiopia, it is a public health problem that contributes to the majority of newborn deaths. To date, the effect of contextual factors on LBW was largely overlooked in Ethiopia. Besides, there is also limited evidence on the geographic variation of low birth weight in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to explore spatial distribution as well as individual and community-level factors associated with low birth weight in Ethiopia.
Method:
Secondary data analysis was conducted using the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) data. A total of 1502 neonates were included in this study. Spatial autocorrelation analysis was conducted to assess the spatial dependency of LBW. Besides, the spatial scan statistics and ordinary kriging interpolation were done to detect the local level clusters and to assess predicted risk areas respectively. Furthermore, a multi-level logistic regression model was fitted to determine individual and community-level factors associated with low birth weight. Finally, most likely clusters with log-likelihood ratio (LLR), relative risk and p-value from spatial scan statistics, and AOR with 95% CI for multi-level logistic regression model were reported.
Results
Low birth weight was spatially clustered in Ethiopia. Primary (LLR = 11.57; P = 0.002) clusters were detected in the Amhara region. It showed that neonates within the spatial window had 2.66 times higher risk of being LBW baby as compared to those outside the window. Besides, secondary (LLR = 11.4; P = 0.003;LLR = 10.14,P = 0.0075) clusters were identified at Southwest Oromia, north Oromia, south Afar, and Southeast Amhara regions. Neonates who were born from severely anemic (AOR = 1.47;95%CI 1.04,2.01), and uneducated (AOR = 1.82;95%CI1.12,2.96) mothers, as well as those who were born before 37 weeks of gestation (AOR = 5.91;95%CI3.21,10.10) and females (AOR = 1.38;95%CI1.04,1.84), had significantly higher odds of being low birth weight babies.
Conclusion
The high-risk areas of low birth weight were detected in Afar, Amhara, and Oromia regions. Therefore, targeting the policy interventions in those risk areas by focusing on the improvement of maternal education, strengthening anemia control programs and elimination of modifiable causes of prematurity could be vital for reduce the low birth weight disparity in Ethiopia.
Plasma Purification is Associated With Reduced Inflammation Factors and Down-regulation of Lipid Metabolic and ER Stress Proteins in Patients With Hyperlipidemia
Authors: Zhang Xiao Meng , Deng Hao , Xu Zheng Quan , Zhong Ze Yuan , Jin Hui Min , Yang Xiu Hong 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background Hyperlipidemia is a strong risk factor for arteriosclerosis and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Lipid-lowering therapy using drugs often results in many side effects. The aim of our study is to investigate the potential effects of non-drug therapy by double filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP) on lipid metabolic, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and apoptosis related proteins in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) before and after lipid clear out in patients with hyperlipidemia. MethodsLipid metabolic [CD36, propotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) and LDL receptor], ER stress (GRP78, CHOP, ATF4, EIF2a) and apoptosis related (Bcl-2, BAX, and Caspase-3) proteins were assayed by western blot, reactive oxygen species (ROS) measured by flow cytometry (FCM) and serum inflammatory factors were detected by ELISA. Results35 patients with hyperlipidemia were selected into this study. Compared with pre-DFPP, most of lipid metabolic parameters as cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, lipoprotein a [Lp(a)] and small dense LDL cholesterol (sdLDL) reduced. DFPP process was associated with the down-regulation of lipid metabolic, ER stress and apoptosis proteins, also resulted in the decrease in ROS and serum inflammatory factors release. Conclusion DFPP owns the capacity of lipid-lowering, also can regulate lipid metabolic, ER stress and apoptosis related proteins in PBMC and reduce inflammatory factors in patients with hyperlipidemia (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03491956). Footnote: Xiao Meng Zhang and Hao Deng contribute equally to this paper.
Substance Use, and Substance Use Disorder, in Relation to COVID-19: Protocol for a Scoping Review
Authors: Kumar Navin , Janmohamed Kamila , Nyhan Kate , Martins Silvia S , Cerda Magdalena , Hasin Deborah , Scott Jenny , Pates Richard , Ghandour Lilian , Wazaify Mayyada , Khoshnood Kaveh 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is creating severe issues for healthcare and broad social structures, exposing societal vulnerabilities. Among the populations affected by COVID-19 are people engaged in substance use, such as people who smoke, vape (e-cigarette use), use opioids, cannabis, alcohol, psychoactive prescription drugs, or have a substance use disorder (SUD).Monitoring substance use and SUD during the pandemic is essential, as people who engage in substance use or present with SUD are at greater risk for COVID-19, and the economic and social changes resulting from the pandemic may aggravate SUD. There have been several reviews focused on COVID-19 inrelation to substance use and SUD. Reviews generally did not consider on a large range of substance use variants or SUDs. We plan a scoping review that seeks to fill gaps in our current understanding of substance use and SUD, in theCOVID-19 era.Methods: A scoping review focused on substance use and SUD, in relation to COVID-19, will be conducted. Databases such as MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Global Health, and Sociological Abstracts will be searched to capture current literature and preprints. Study selection will conform to Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewers’ Manual 2015 Methodology for JBI Scoping Reviews.Results: N/AConclusions: Original research is urgently needed to mitigate the risks of COVID-19 on substance use and SUD. The planned scoping review will help address this gap.Systematic Review registrations: N/A
Bioactive Nanofiber-based Conduits in a Peripheral Nerve Gap Management- an Animal Model Study.
Authors: Tomasz Dębski , Kijeńska-Gawrońska Ewa , Zołocińska Aleksandra , Siennicka Katarzyna , Paskal Wiktor , Włodarski Paweł K. , Święszkowski Wojciech , Pojda Zygmunt 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Peripheral nerve injuries (PNI) are trauma with severe squeals for patients’ quality of life. Currently, the gold standard of nerve reconstruction relies on primary coaptation. However, in case of a nerve gap, a reconstructive material for bridging is needed. Nerve conduits are an increasingly popular solution alternative to autografts or processed nerved allografts. The aim of the study was to examine the efficiency of a novel bioactive nanofiber-based tubular scaffold made of poly (L-lactic acid)-co-poly(ϵ-caprolactone), collagen, polyaniline and enriched with adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) as a nerve conduit in a rat model.Methods: Poly (L-lactic acid)-co-poly(ϵ-caprolactone) scaffold was optimized and enriched with collagen (COL) and polyaniline (PANI) to create final (P(LLA-CL)-COL-PANI), tubular-shaped scaffold, manufactured with electrospinning technology. Parallelly, adipose tissue from 10 Lewis rats was harvested for ASC culture. 28 inbred male Lewis rats were divided into four even groups. Each animal underwent sciatic nerve transection and excision of a 10 mm nerve trunk fragment. In group A, nerve gap remained untouched, in B excised trunk was rotated and used as an autograft, in C nerve stumps were secured with P(LLA-CL)-COL-PANI conduit. In the D group gap was reconstructed with P(LLA-CL)-COL-PANI conduit enriched with ASCs. After 6-months of observation rats were sacrificed. Gastrocnemius muscles (operated and non-operated side) and reconstructed sciatic nerves were harvested for analyses. Muscles were weighted and underwent histological analysis. Nerves were processed and stained immunohistochemically with NF-200 to be analyzed with dedicated software for nerve fiber count. Results: No signs of rejection or excessive fibrosis was noted. Muscle mass ratio was highest in group B (0.77±0.05), then in C (0.74±0,04) and D (0.67± 0.07). Group A showed advanced atrophy of the muscle, each intervention prevented muscle mass decrease (p<0.0001), however, ASC addition decreased efficiency vs autograft (p<0.05). Nerve fiber count revealed a superior effect in the nerve fiber density observed in the group with the use of conduit vs autograft (D vs B p<0.0001, C vs B p<0.001). ASC added to the conduit decreased perineurium hyperplasia.Conclusion: P(LLA-CL)-COL-PANI conduits with ASC showed promising results in managing nerve gap by decreasing muscle atrophy and providing a favorable environment for peripheral nerve regeneration.
Identification of Sand Flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) Collected from Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Endemic Focus in the Ho Municipality, Ghana
Authors: Doe Edna Dzifa , Kwakye-Nuako Godwin , Addo Seth Offei , Egyir-Yawson Alexander 
Published: September 2020

Leishmaniasis, is a vector-borne disease transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female sand flies. Active and continuous monitoring of the sand fly is an important aspect of disease control. Thus, the correct identification of its vectors is paramount in this regard. Objective: The study was conducted to morphologically and molecularly identify female sand fly species in a cutaneous leishmaniasis endemic focus collected in three villages in the Ho Municipality of the Volta region. CDC light traps and sticky paper traps was used for the collection of the sand flies. The morphologically identified sand flies was molecularly confirmed by running PCR with the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase gene subunit I (COI) primers and DNA sequenced. A total of 537 sand flies was collected, made up of 363 females and 174 males. Eleven different species of sand flies was morphologically identified – one Phlebotomus species and ten Sergentomyia species. The PCR amplified products showed bands of molecular weights 658 base pairs for the primers. The molecular identification using the 658-bp fragment of the (COI) gene was congruent with the morphological identification.