bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic Trem2 activation ameliorates amyloid-beta deposition and improves cognition in the 5XFAD model of amyloid deposition
Authors: Price Brittani R. , Sudduth Tiffany L. , Weekman Erica M. , Johnson Sherika , Hawthorne Danielle , Woolums Abigail , Wilcock Donna M. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundTriggering receptor expressed on myeloid cell-2 (TREM2) is a lipid and lipoprotein binding receptor expressed by cells of myeloid origin. Homozygous TREM2 mutations cause early onset progressive presenile dementia while heterozygous, point mutations triple the risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Although human genetic findings support the notion that loss of TREM2 function exacerbates neurodegeneration, it is not clear whether activation of TREM2 in a disease state would result in therapeutic benefits. To determine the viability of TREM2 activation as a therapeutic strategy, we sought to characterize an agonistic Trem2 antibody (AL002a) and test its efficacy and mechanism of action in an aggressive mouse model of amyloid deposition.MethodsTo determine whether agonism of Trem2 results in therapeutic benefits, we designed both intracranial and systemic administration studies. 5XFAD mice in the intracranial administration study were assigned to one of two injection groups: AL002a, a Trem2-agonizing antibody, or MOPC, an isotype-matched control antibody. Mice were then subject to a single bilateral intracranial injection into the frontal cortex and hippocampus and euthanized 72 h later. The tissue from the left hemisphere was histologically examined for amyloid-beta and microglia activation, whereas the tissue from the right hemisphere was used for biochemical analyses. Similarly, mice in the systemic administration study were randomized to one of the aforementioned injection groups and the assigned antibody was administered intraperitoneally once a week for 14 weeks. Mice underwent behavioral assessment between the 12- and 14-week timepoints and were euthanized 24 h after their final injection. The tissue from the left hemisphere was used for histological analyses whereas the tissue from the right hemisphere was used for biochemical analyses.ResultsHere, we show that chronic activation of Trem2, in the 5XFAD mouse model of amyloid deposition, leads to reversal of the amyloid-associated gene expression signature, recruitment of microglia to plaques, decreased amyloid deposition, and improvement in spatial learning and novel object recognition memory.ConclusionsThese findings indicate that Trem2 activators may be effective for the treatment of AD and possibly other neurodegenerative disorders.
Barriers of access and utilization of reproductive health services by adolescents-Khartoum state-Sudan-2020: study protocol
Authors: Elnimeiri Mustafa Khidir Mustafa , Satti Shahenaz Seifaldeen Mustafa , Ibrahim Mohanad Kamaleldin Mahmoud 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundAdolescence is widely defined as the time in life when the developing individual attains the skills and attributes necessary to become a productive and reproductive adult. Most adolescents are healthy, but there is still substantial premature death, illness, and injury among adolescents. Illnesses can hinder their ability to grow and develop to their full potential. Alcohol or tobacco use, lack of physical activity, unprotected sex and/or exposure to violence can jeopardize not only their current health, but also their health as adults or even health of their future children.MethodCommunity and institutional-based cross sectional study will be conducted in Khartoum State the seven localities will be included. This state is the national capital of Sudan, which has an area of 22,122 km2. The sample size of participant is estimated using the population formula (n = N/1+ (n*d2)). The sample will be drawn using multistage cluster sampling. Also the concerned bodies involved in the delivery of reproductive health services for adolescents included in this study. Data will be collected using interviews with key informants and administered pre-coded, pretested closed ended questionnaire with community participants. Data will be managed and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 21. Analysis is mostly univariate descriptive and bi-variate with Chi Square & Fischer Exact test analysis to find associations between variables of interest.DiscussionThe census of adolescents mounted to 25% of the population and thus it is important to care for such significant portion of the population to document their reproductive health problems and their access to health care services. The study is expected to generate base-line indicators about barriers of access to reproductive health services by adolescents that can be used for better planning, monitoring and evaluation of the delivered services. The research about barriers of access to reproductive health services by adolescents in Sudan is still limited and the information is scanty and scattered. Thus, it is necessary to conduct such study to enrich the current database.
Validation of family planning tool in the pastoralist community
Authors: Alemayehu Mussie , Medhanyie Araya Abrha , Reed Elizabeth , Bezabih Afework Mulugeta 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundPastoralist community, Afar, women felt that they are embedded in strong cultural and religious perspectives which promotes a high number of children, and discourages family planning (FP) use. They are multifaced factors which hinder women not to use FP and it is time to develop a context-based tool to understand the situation at the ground. However, we have a dearth of evidence on a reliable and valid tool. Therefore, this study aims in developing a reliable and valid tool that considers the women’s knowledge, male involvement, attitude, and belief about whether most people approve or disapprove of the behavior to use or not use of FP.MethodsA total of 891 married women participated in the study. Reviewing the literature, piloting, pretesting, and collecting the actual data were the steps we used to develop a reliable and valid tool. We used the integrated behavioral model (IBM) as a conceptual framework for developing the tool. The developing tool consists of 1) knowledge 2) perceived male involvement and 3) constructs of integrated behavioral model (IBM); expressional and instrumental attitude, subjective norm, self-efficacy, perceived control and intention to use of FP. The IBM items composed of direct and indirect measurement. In the analysis of the data, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis was done. Independent t. test with cohen’s d was used to calculate the effect size. The correlation coefficient was carried between the direct and indirect measurements of the items of the integrated behavioral model (IBM).ResultsA total of 891 pastoralist married women were included in the analysis of the reliability and validity of the tool. The mean age of the participants was 26.74(±6.45). The KMO value for all items was greater than 0.83 with a Bartlett test of sphericity of (p < 0.00). Thirteen items were used to measure the knowledge of the respondent towards FP use. The tool had 64.92 variances explained and Cronbach alpha of 0.85. Acceptable values of the fitness indices were obtained in the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) The items of knowledge towards FP had normed chi-square of 4.5, RMSEA with 90% CI of 0.064(0.056,.0.071), SRMR of 0.039, CFI of 0.969 and TLI of 0961. All the developed items had a Cohen’sdranges from 0.5 to 2. Moreover, the correlation test of the IBM ranges from 0.6 to 0.7 which shows a higher correlation between the measurement direct and indirect items.ConclusionThe pastoralist community version of the FP questionnaire is a valid and reliable tool and can be used to measure future family planning use. The indirect measurement of the IBM constructs was a good item to measure FP. However, as a limitation of the study respondents may face difficulty in realizing the difference one item to another especially when items on the scale look so similar to her.
Lumbar degenerative disease after oblique lateral interbody fusion: sagittal spinopelvic alignment and its impact on low back pain
Authors: Li Jia , Zhang Di , Shen Yong , Qi Xiangbei 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundWe determined the incidence and risk factors of low back pain (LBP) in patients with lumbar degenerative disease after single-level oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF).MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 120 lumbar degenerative disease patients who underwent single-level OLIF. We compared preoperative and postoperative radiographic parameters, including segmental lordosis (SL), lumbar lordosis (LL), disk height (DH), pelvic incidence (PI), pelvic tilt (PT), sacral slope (SS), thoracic kyphosis (TK), and C7-sagittal vertical axis (SVA). Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores and visual analog scale (VAS) scores for back and leg pain. All patients were followed up for at least 2 years.ResultsThirty-eight patients had postoperative LBP (VAS score for back pain ≥3; LBP group); the remaining 82 patients were in the non-LBP group. Age (P= 0.082), gender (P= 0.425), body mass index (P= 0.138), diagnosis (degenerative spondylolisthesis vs. lumbar spinal stenosis;P= 0.529), surgical level (P= 0.651), blood loss (P= 0.889), and operative time (P= 0.731) did not differ between the groups. In both groups, the ODI and VAS scores for back pain and leg pain significantly improved at the final follow-up compared with the preoperative scores (P= 0.003). Except for the VAS score for back pain (P= 0.000), none of the scores significantly differed between the two groups at the final follow-up (P> 0.05). In the non-LBP group, LL, SL, DH, TK, and SS significantly improved, while PT and C7-SVA significantly decreased at the final follow-up as compared with the preoperative values. In both groups, DH significantly improved postoperatively, with no significant between-group difference (P= 0.325). At the final follow-up, LL, PI-LL mismatch, PT, and C7-SVA showed significantly greater improvement in the non-LBP group than in the LBP group (P< 0.05). Multivariate analysis identified PT, PI-LL mismatch, and C7-SVA as significant risk factors for LBP after OLIF.ConclusionOLIF for single-level lumbar degenerative disease had satisfactory clinical outcomes. PT, PI-LL mismatch, and C7-SVA were significant risk factors for postoperative LBP. Patients with appropriately decreased PT, improved C7-SVA, and PI-LL match experienced less LBP.
Intra-aortic balloon pump placement in coronary artery bypass grafting patients by day of admission
Authors: del Carmen Gabriel A. , Axtell Andrea , Chang David , Melnitchouk Serguei , Sundt Thoralf M. , Fiedler Amy G. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIntroductionIntra-Aortic Balloon Pumps (IABPs) can be utilized to provide hemodynamic support in high risk patients awaiting coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). There are many indications for IABP and institutional practice patterns regarding the placement of IABPs is variable. As a result, the preoperative placement of an IABP in a patient awaiting CABG is not standardized and may vary according to non-clinical factors. We hypothesize that the rate of IABP placement varies by day of the week.MethodsA retrospective cohort analysis of the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development database from 2006 to 2010 was performed. All patients admitted for CABG were included. Patients who died within 24 h of admission and those who had absolute contraindications to IABP placement were excluded. The primary outcome was preoperative IABP placement versus non-placement. A multivariable logistic regression analysis to identify predictors of IABP placement was performed, adjusting for patient demographics, clinical factors, and system variables.ResultsA total of 46,347 patients underwent CABG, of which 7695 (16.60%) had an IABP placed preoperatively. On unadjusted analysis, IABP rates were significantly higher on weekends versus weekdays (20.83% vs. 15.70%,p < 0.001). On adjusted analysis, patients awaiting CABG were 1.30 times more likely to have an IABP placed on weekends than on weekdays (OR: 1.30, 95% CI 1.20–1.40,p < 0.001).ConclusionThe odds of preoperative IABP placement prior to CABG is significantly increased on weekends compared to weekdays, even when controlling for clinical factors. Further exploration of this phenomenon and its associations are warranted.
Auxora versus standard of care for the treatment of severe or critical COVID-19 pneumonia: results from a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Miller Joseph , Bruen Charles , Schnaus Michael , Zhang Jeffrey , Ali Sadia , Lind April , Stoecker Zachary , Stauderman Kenneth , Hebbar Sudarshan 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Calcium release-activated calcium (CRAC) channel inhibitors stabilize the pulmonary endothelium and block proinflammatory cytokine release, potentially mitigating respiratory complications observed in patients with COVID-19. This study aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of Auxora, a novel, intravenously administered CRAC channel inhibitor, in adults with severe or critical COVID-19 pneumonia.

Methods
A randomized, controlled, open-label study of Auxora was conducted in adults with severe or critical COVID-19 pneumonia. Patients were randomized 2:1 to receive three doses of once-daily Auxora versus standard of care (SOC) alone. The primary objective was to assess the safety and tolerability of Auxora. Following FDA guidance, study enrollment was halted early to allow for transition to a randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled study.

Results
In total, 17 patients with severe and three with critical COVID-19 pneumonia were randomized to Auxora and nine with severe and one with critical COVID-19 pneumonia to SOC. Similar proportions of patients receiving Auxora and SOC experienced ≥ 1 adverse event (75% versus 80%, respectively). Fewer patients receiving Auxora experienced serious adverse events versus SOC (30% versus 50%, respectively). Two patients (10%) receiving Auxora and two (20%) receiving SOC died during the 30 days after randomization. Among patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia, the median time to recovery with Auxora was 5 days versus 12 days with SOC; the recovery rate ratio was 1.87 (95% CI, 0.72, 4.89). Invasive mechanical ventilation was needed in 18% of patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia receiving Auxora versus 50% receiving SOC (absolute risk reduction = 32%; 95% CI, − 0.07, 0.71). Outcomes measured by an 8-point ordinal scale were significantly improved for patients receiving Auxora, especially for patients with a baseline PaO2/FiO2 = 101–200.

Conclusions
Auxora demonstrated a favorable safety profile in patients with severe or critical COVID-19 pneumonia and improved outcomes in patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia. These results, however, are limited by the open-label study design and small patient population resulting from the early cessation of enrollment in response to regulatory guidance. The impact of Auxora on respiratory complications in patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia will be further assessed in a planned randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled study.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04345614. Submitted on 7 April 2020.

Graphical abstract
Docking-based virtual screening of TβR1 inhibitors: evaluation of pose prediction and scoring functions
Authors: Wang Shuai , Jiang Jun-Hao , Li Ruo-Yu , Deng Ping 
Published: August 2020

AbstractTo improve the reliability of virtual screening for transforming growth factor-beta type 1 receptor (TβR1) inhibitors, 2 docking methods and 11 scoring functions in Discovery Studio software were evaluated and validated in this study. LibDock and CDOCKER protocols were performed on a test set of 24 TβR1 protein–ligand complexes. Based on the root-mean-square deviation (RMSD) values (in Å) between the docking poses and co-crystal conformations, the CDOCKER protocol can be efficiently applied to obtain more accurate dockings in medium-size virtual screening experiments of TβR1, with a successful docking rate of 95%. A dataset including 281 known active and 8677 inactive ligands was used to determine the best scoring function. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to compare the performance of scoring functions in attributing best scores to active than inactive ligands. The results show that Ludi 1, PMF, Ludi 2, Ludi 3, PMF04, PLP1, PLP2, LigScore2, Jain and LigScore1 are better scoring functions than the random distribution model, with AUC of 0.864, 0.856, 0.842, 0.812, 0.776, 0.774, 0.769, 0.762, 0.697 and 0.660, respectively. Based on the pairwise comparison of ROC curves, Ludi 1 and PMF were chosen as the best scoring functions for virtual screening of TβR1 inhibitors. Further enrichment factors (EF) analysis also supports PMF and Ludi 1 as the top two scoring functions.
Bariatric surgery in obese patients with ventricular assist devices
Authors: daSilva-deAbreu Adrian , Alhafez Bader Aldeen , Curbelo-Pena Yuhamy , Lavie Carl J. , Ventura Hector O. , Loro-Ferrer Juan Francisco , Mandras Stacy A. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Objectives
Patients with end-stage heart failure (ESHF) treated with ventricular assist devices (VADs) tend to gain weight, which may prevent them from receiving heart transplantation (HT) if their body mass index (BMI) reaches ≥ 35 kg/m2. The objective was to synthesize all cases available in the literature and describe the most important outcomes of bariatric surgery (BS) in VAD patients, including BMI trends, reaching a BMI < 35 kg/m2, listing for HT, achieving HT, myocardial recovery, and mortality. These data were obtained for an individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis and include available IPD for every case in the scientific literature describing VAD patients undergoing BS during VAD support with documented postoperative BMI (and time of measurement) during follow-up.

Data description
These data include baseline, periprocedural, and long-term outcomes for the 29 patients meeting selection criteria. The composite outcome includes reaching a BMI < 35 kg/m2, listing for HT, receiving HT, and myocardial recovery, indicating significant BMI loss associated with major ESHF outcomes. As multiple centers are becoming more experienced in this field, the present data can be merged with their databases to form larger samples that will allow to perform further statistical analysis to identify outcome predictors and improve clinical protocols and outcomes.
Potential therapeutic application of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes in SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia
Authors: Akbari Ali , Rezaie Jafar 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe outbreak of a new virus known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has now become the main health concern all over the world. Since effective antiviral treatments have not been developed until now, SARS-CoV-2 is severely affecting countries and territories around the world.MethodsAt the present review, articles in PubMed were searched with the following terms: mesenchymal stem cells, exosomes, coronavirus, and SARS-CoV-2, either alone or in a combination form. The most relevant selected functions were mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes and SARS-CoV-2 virus infection.ResultsSARS-CoV-2 could damage pulmonary cells and induce secretion of different types of inflammatory cytokines. In the following, these cytokines trigger inflammation that damages the lungs and results in lethal acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The main characteristic of ARDS is the onset of inflammation in pulmonary, hyaline formation, pulmonary fibrosis, and edema. Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (MSC-Exo) are believed to have anti-inflammatory effects and immune-modulating capacity as well as the ability to induce tissue regeneration, suggesting a significant therapeutic opportunity that could be used to SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia treatment. Besides, exosomes may serve as a biomarker, drug delivery system, and vaccine for the management of the patient with SARS-CoV-2.ConclusionMSC-Exo may serve as a promising tool in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. However, further work needs to be carried out to confirm the efficacy of exosomes in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia.
Johne’s disease in Irish dairy herds: considerations for an effective national control programme
Authors: Jordan A. G. , Citer L. R. , McAloon C. G. , Graham D. A. , Sergeant E. S. G. , More S. J. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe Irish dairy industry has established a reputation for the production of safe and healthy dairy products and is seeking to further expand its export market for high value dairy products. To support its reputation, stakeholders aim to control Johne’s disease. To assist decision-makers determine the most appropriate design for an Irish programme, a narrative review of the scientific literature on the epidemiology of Johne’s disease, and selected control programmes throughout the world was undertaken. Two modelling studies specifically commissioned by Animal Health Ireland to assess testing methods used to demonstrate confidence of freedom in herds and to evaluate a range of possible surveillance strategies provided additional information. The majority of control programmes tend to be voluntary, because of the unique epidemiology of Johne’s disease and limited support for traditional regulatory approaches. While acknowledging that test performance and sub-clinical sero-negative shedders contributes to the spread of infection, a range of socio-political issues also exist that influence programme activities. The paper provides a rationale for the inclusion of a Veterinary Risk Assessment and Management Plan (VRAMP), including voluntary whole herd testing to identify infected herds and to support assurance-based trading through repeated rounds of negative testing, national surveillance for herd-level case-detection, and improved understanding of biosecurity management practices. Identification and promotion of drivers for industry and producer engagement in Ireland is likely to guide the future evolution of the Irish Johne’s Control Programme (IJCP) and further enhance its success. The provision of training, education and extension activities may encourage farmers to adopt relevant farm management practices and help them recognize that they are ultimately responsible for their herd’s health and biosecurity.
On a system of fractional coupled hybrid Hadamard differential equations with terminal conditions
Authors: Buvaneswari Karthikeyan , Karthikeyan Panjaiyan , Baleanu Dumitru 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIn this manuscript, we study the existence of solutions for a coupled system of nonlinear hybrid differential equations of fractional order involving Hadamard derivative with nonlocal boundary conditions. By using suitable fixed point theorems we establish sufficient conditions for the existence result. An example is provided to illustrate our main result.
“Microbiota, symbiosis and individuality summer school” meeting report
Authors: Ronai Isobel , Greslehner Gregor P. , Boem Federico , Carlisle Judith , Stencel Adrian , Suárez Javier , Bayir Saliha , Bretting Wiebke , Formosinho Joana , Guerrero Anna C. , Morgan William H. , Prigot-Maurice Cybèle , Rodeck Salome , Vasse Marie , Wallis Jacqueline M. , Zacks Oryan 
Published: August 2020

AbstractHow does microbiota research impact our understanding of biological individuality? We summarize the interdisciplinary summer school on “Microbiota, symbiosis and individuality: conceptual and philosophical issues” (July 2019), which was supported by a European Research Council starting grant project “Immunity, DEvelopment, and the Microbiota” (IDEM). The summer school centered around interdisciplinary group work on four facets of microbiota research: holobionts, individuality, causation, and human health. The conceptual discussion of cutting-edge empirical research provided new insights into microbiota and highlights the value of incorporating into meetings experts from other disciplines, such as philosophy and history of science.