bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Universal test and treat in relation to HIV disease progression: results from a stepped‐wedge trial in Eswatini
Authors: Boeke CE , Khan S , Walsh F , Hettema A , Lejeune C , Spiegelman D , Okello V , Harwell J , Mazibuko S , Bärnighausen T 
Published: September 2020

ObjectivesUniversal test and treat (UTT) is recommended for people living with HIV (PLHIV) to reduce morbidity/mortality and minimize transmission. However, concerns exist that this strategy may lead to more crowded hospitals, longer wait times and poorer service, adversely impacting health outcomes for clients with severe disease. We assessed how UTT was related to markers of disease progression in PLHIV overall and specifically among clients with low CD4 count/high World Health Organization (WHO) stage.MethodsThe analysis was conducted using data from a stepped‐wedge trial of UTT in 14 government‐managed health facilities in Eswatini from 2014 to 2017. Disease progression was defined as CD4 count falling below 200 cells/µL or baseline value, > 10% weight loss, body mass index (BMI) dropping below 18.5, incident tuberculosis (TB) or HIV‐related death; these outcomes also were assessed individually. We assessed multivariate Cox proportional hazard models overall and specifically among clients with CD4 count < 350 cells/μL or WHO stage 3–4 at enrolment.ResultsEight hundred and seven of 3176 clients demonstrated at least one marker of disease progression over 2339 person‐years of follow‐up. Overall, 62.4% of clients were female; 57.2% were < 35 years old. Compared to clients not exposed to UTT, those exposed to UTT had a lower rate of disease progression overall [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 0.60; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.46–0.78] and a lower rate of CD4 decline (aHR 0.40; 95% CI 0.27–0.58). When the analysis was limited to clients with CD4 count < 350 cells/μL or WHO stage 3–4, UTT was not associated with disease progression (aHR 0.92; 95% CI 0.66–1.29).ConclusionsUTT reduced HIV disease progression overall and was not detrimental for clients with more severe disease.
The Arts, Rehabilitation or Both? Experiences of Mentoring Artists in Prison and Beyond
Authors: ROBINSON‐EDWARDS SHONA , YARDLEY ELIZABETH , KENNEDY MORAG CLAIRE , KELLY EMMA 
Published: September 2020

AbstractMentoring within the criminal justice system plays an important role in rehabilitative and desistance processes. The experiences of arts‐based mentors are scarcely documented. This study discloses the narratives of eleven trained arts mentors who support ex‐offenders in continuing their artistic engagement. Findings show a number of benefits and challenges for those who mentor ex‐offenders, and their experiences convey a message to new recruits. Reasons for becoming a mentor, limitations and constraints, and mentee‐focused factors are discussed.
Evaluation of the biological properties of two experimental calcium silicate sealers: an in vivo study in rats
Authors: Silva E.C.A. , Tanomaru‐Filho M. , Silva G.F. , Lopes C.S. , Cerri P.S. , Guerreiro Tanomaru J.M. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAimTo evaluate the biological properties of experimental sealers based on tricalcium silicate and dicalcium silicate, manipulated with polyethylene glycol (CE‐1) and with the addition of calcium hypochlorite (CE‐2) compared to AH Plus (AHP) and TotalFill BC Sealer (TBC).MethodologyThe tissue reaction caused by the materials in the subcutaneous tissue of rats was evaluated after implantation of polyethylene tubes filled with the materials at 7, 15, 30 and 60 days. Sections were stained with haematoxylin and eosin (HE) for morphological analysis and to evaluated number of inflammatory cells/mm2 (ICs). Sections were used for immunohistochemical detection of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and osteocalcin (OC). The von Kossa method was used to identify calcium precipitation in the capsules. The data were submitted to anova and Tukey’s tests, with 5% significance level.ResultsAt 7 days, CE‐1, CE‐2 and AHP had higher numbers of ICs. AHP presented higher immunolabelling for IL‐6. After 15 days, regarding IL‐6, there was no difference between CE‐2 and the control group. At 30 days, AHP exhibited the highest number of IC (P < 0.05) and CE‐2 and the control group presented the lowest ICs and IL‐6‐positive cells. After 60 days, all materials exhibited decreases in ICs. CE‐2, TBC and the control had the lowest values (P < 0.05). No significant difference was detected between CE‐1 and TBC, and between CE‐2 and control considering the immunoexpression of IL‐6. In this period, AHP had the greatest number of IC and IL‐6 (P < 0.05). In all periods, CE‐1, CE‐2 and TBC sealers had von Kossa‐positive structures and OC‐immunolabelled cells. CE‐2 had higher number of OC‐positive cells than the CE‐1 and TBC sealers (P < 0.05), in all periods. OC immunolabelling was not observed in the capsules of AH Plus and the control groups.ConclusionsThe experimental sealer and its association with calcium hypochlorite, in addition to TotalFill BC Sealer, were biocompatible and had bioactive potential.
Purification of water from heavy metal of lead by nanocomposite of Ce‐TZP/Al2O3
Authors: Vahdat Armin , Ghasemi Behrooz , Yousefpour Mardali 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn this study, nanocomposites of Ce‐TZP/Al2O3 with four different mole percent of alumina from 20% to 80% were prepared by aqueous combustion synthesis method and effects of alumina mole fraction on the adsorption of lead ions were investigated. Lead (Pb2+) ion adsorption process was performed at the temperature of 25°C, contact time of 100 minutes for all the samples. The results showed that as the alumina content increases in the nanocomposite, the adsorption capacity of lead increases which was 63.72% for the nanocomposite containing 80% alumina. X‐ray diffractometry and scanning electron microscopy were applied to characterize the powders and the samples after the adsorption reaction.
Trends in prescribing anti‐obesity pharmacotherapy for paediatric weight management: Data from the POWER Work Group
Authors: Borzutzky Claudia , King Eileen , Fox Claudia K , Stratbucker William , Tucker Jared , Yee Jennifer K , Kumar Seema , Cuda Suzanne , Sweeney Brooke , Kirk Shelley , on behalf of the POWER Work Group  
Published: September 2020

SummaryIntroductionTo better inform the field of obesity medicine, we set out to describe the current use of pharmacotherapy meant to improve patient weight status among a group of clinicians connected through the Paediatric Obesity Weight Evaluation Registry (POWER), as well as reasons behind clinicians' use or non‐use of the medications.MethodsPaediatric weight management (PWM) programs participating in POWER were asked to complete a program profile survey in 2014 (n = 30) and 2017 (n = 33); questions about pharmacotherapy use were included. Descriptive statistics were used to identify: (a) the proportion of PWM programs offering obesity pharmacotherapy; (b) the medications most commonly prescribed; and (c) reasons among non‐prescribers for not offering pharmacotherapy.ResultsThe 2014 and 2017 surveys were completed by 29 PWM programs (97%) and 30 PWM programs (91%), respectively. Twenty‐one programs completed both surveys. In 2014, 10 (34%) programs reported offering pharmacologic agents specifically for weight control, whereas in 2017, 16 (53%) reported offering pharmacotherapy for a primary indication of weight loss. Metformin was reported as the most commonly used agent in 2014, and topiramate in 2017. Largest reported increases in use over time were for topiramate and phentermine.DiscussionOur survey results demonstrate that a majority of this group of PWM programs offered pharmacotherapy to promote weight loss in patients with complications or associated medical conditions. There was a trend indicating increasing use over time, despite the significant gap regarding pharmacotherapy use in the literature.ConclusionsThese data suggest the need for (a) additional robust paediatric drug trials to further develop the evidence base guiding use or non‐use of pharmacotherapy in paediatric weight management, and (b) increased understanding of both facilitators and barriers to prescribing anti‐obesity pharmacotherapy for youth with obesity.
Combination of urease inhibitor and antiseptic inhibits urea decomposition‐induced ammonia production by Proteus mirabilis
Authors: Mugita Yuko , Nakagami Gojiro , Minematsu Takeo , Kitamura Aya , Sanada Hiromi 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe decomposition of urea into ammonia by urease‐producing bacterium shows an elevation in the pH level, which can lead to incontinence‐associated dermatitis (IAD). This study aimed to examine the efficacy of a combination of antiseptic and urease inhibitor in inhibiting the decomposition of urea by the urease‐producing bacterium Proteus mirabilis. We performed in vitro assays to compare the effects of a combination of antiseptic and urease inhibitor, antiseptic only, urease inhibitor only, and an untreated control with the effects of a urea‐containing solution. Cultured P. mirabilis was mixed with urea‐containing solution, followed by the addition of antiseptic and/or urease inhibitor. The main outcome used to assess the efficacy of the different treatments was ammonia concentration at 4‐hours post‐treatment initiation, and multiple comparison analysis was performed using Dunnett's test to compare the results between groups. Ammonia concentrations in samples treated with either antiseptic or urease inhibitor were lower than those in the untreated control, while the combination of antiseptic and urease inhibitor resulted in decreased ammonia concentrations compared with either treatment alone. Therefore, the application of both urease inhibitor and antiseptic is more effective for the inhibition of urea decomposition by urease‐producing bacteria. Novel preventive strategies using these reagents may be effective for preventing IAD.
CircC3P1 attenuated pro‐inflammatory cytokine production and cell apoptosis in acute lung injury induced by sepsis through modulating miR‐21
Authors: Jiang Wen‐Yang , Ren Jie , Zhang Xing‐Hua , Lu Zi‐Long , Feng Hao‐Jie , Yao Xiao‐Li , Li Dong‐Hang , Xiong Rui , Fan Tao , Geng Qing 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAcute lung injury (ALI) induced by sepsis is characterized by an inflammatory process related to the up‐regulation of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. In the present study, we explored the role of circC3P1 in sepsis‐induced ALI in vitro and in vivo. The caecal ligation and puncture (CLP)‐induced sepsis model was established through CLP surgery. Forty adult male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned into sham, CLP, CLP + vector and CLP + circC3P1 (each n = 10). Primary murine pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (MPVECs) were transfected with circC3P1 or empty vector 24 hours prior to LPS treatment via Lipofectamine 2000. The expressions of circC3P1, tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and IL‐1β were evaluated after 6‐h LPS treatment. Cell apoptosis was evaluated via flow cytometry. The CLP group demonstrated pulmonary morphological abnormalities, increased concentrations of TNF‐α, IL‐6 and IL‐1β in the lung tissue, compared with the sham group. MPVECs treated with LPS significantly elevated TNF‐α, IL‐6 and IL‐1β levels and increased cell apoptosis than that in the control group. The circC3P1 overexpression in sepsis‐induced ALI mice attenuated pulmonary injury, inflammation and apoptosis. Besides, circC3P1 revealed anti‐inflammatory and anti‐apoptotic effect in MPVEC‐treated LPS. CircC3P1 overexpression reduced cell apoptosis and pro‐inflammatory cytokines levels via down‐regulating miR‐21. CircC3P1 attenuated pro‐inflammatory cytokine production and cell apoptosis in ALI induced by sepsis through modulating miR‐21, indicating that circC3P1 is a promising therapeutic biomarker for sepsis‐induced ALI.
Communication barriers between basic scientists and clinicians in regenerative medicine: A qualitative study from Iran
Authors: Bidkhori Hamid Reza , Bahrami Ahmad Reza , Mehrzad Shadi , Bakhshi Hamed , Miri Rahele , Hedayati‐Moghaddam Mohammad Reza , Shabani Bardia , Hasanzadeh Halimeh , Danaee Majid , Shamsian Seyed Aliakbar , Akhavan‐Rezayat Arash , Mohebbi Parisa , Rohani Farahnaz , M. Matin Maryam 
Published: September 2020

AbstractRationale, aims, and objectivesCell‐based therapeutics are among the latest advances in health care technologies. The rapid evolution of stem cell science in Iran has necessitated the application of scientific achievements in clinical settings. However, various issues hindered their translation, in particular, impediments in the interactions of basic stem cell scientists and clinicians. We highlighted the impediments in the interactions of stem cell scientists and physicians involved in the opinion of professionals from both groups.MethodThis qualitative research was conducted with thematic analysis, performed by purposive sampling. Thirty‐two distinguished stem cell scientists and clinicians were interviewed to identify their perspectives on this matter. MAXQDA 2018 was used to classify the axial codes based on factors related to communications inefficiencies. The analysis of coded data recognized 18 subthemes and six major themes.ResultsCentral themes include different registers of the two parties, counterproductive clusters hampered networking, external communication barriers, the competition to access resources, leadership conflicts, and the dissatisfaction of stakeholders with their share.ConclusionsMost of the impediments were seemingly global, for example, the incoherent medical and basic science educational systems, the vulnerable career path of physician‐scientists, and an increasing tendency towards overspecialization. However, some local specific issues were also described, for example, limited funding opportunities and the negative impacts of the division of medical education from the ministry of science, research, and technology in Iran. Proposed interventions include the reinforcement of physician‐scientist programs, designing a distributed leadership model, and bringing back the scientific integrity to higher education in Iran.
Two‐year surveillance of tilapia lake virus (TiLV) reveals its wide circulation in tilapia farms and hatcheries from multiple districts of Bangladesh
Authors: Debnath Partho Pratim , Delamare‐Deboutteville Jerome , Jansen Mona Dverdal , Phiwsaiya Kornsunee , Dalia Afsana , Hasan Md. Abir , Senapin Saengchan , Mohan Chadag Vishnumurthy , Dong Ha Thanh , Rodkhum Channarong 
Published: September 2020

AbstractTilapia lake virus (TiLV) is an emerging pathogen in aquaculture, reportedly affecting farmed tilapia in 16 countries across multiple continents. Following an early warning in 2017 that TiLV might be widespread, we executed a surveillance programme on tilapia grow‐out farms and hatcheries from 10 districts of Bangladesh in 2017 and 2019. Among farms experiencing unusual mortality, eight out of 11 farms tested positive for TiLV in 2017, and two out of seven tested positive in 2019. Investigation of asymptomatic broodstock collected from 16 tilapia hatcheries revealed that six hatcheries tested positive for TiLV. Representative samples subjected to histopathology confirmed pathognomonic lesions of syncytial hepatitis. We recovered three complete genomes of TiLV from infected fish, one from 2017 and two from 2019. Phylogenetic analyses based on both the concatenated coding sequences of 10 segments and only segment 1 consistently revealed that Bangladeshi TiLV isolates formed a unique cluster within Thai clade, suggesting a close genetic relation. In summary, this study revealed the circulation of TiLV in 10 farms and six hatcheries located in eight districts of Bangladesh. We recommend continuing TiLV‐targeted surveillance efforts to identify contaminated sources to minimize the countrywide spread and severity of TiLV infection.
An optimal scenario for the emergency solution to protect Hanoi Capital from the Red River floodwater using Van Coc Lake
Authors: Sai Hong Anh , Tabata Toshinori , Hiramatsu Kazuaki , Harada Masayoshi , Luong Ngoc Chung 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe Red River dike system was built, and an emergency solution was implemented to protect Hanoi Capital city from flood disasters. In the solution, floodwater from the Red River is discharged through the Van Coc Gate, with an overflow point into Van Coc Lake, and is drained downstream through the Day Weir. However, an optimal scenario for the operating procedure of the emergency solution, based on a comprehensive evaluation of the flood risk level from the Red River to the residential areas located outside the protected areas of the dike system, has not been adequately addressed to date. In this study, we employed the latest digital elevation map in a high spatial resolution for the first time, and a two‐dimensional depth‐integrated hydrodynamic model was utilised to obtain the optimal operation for the emergency solution. The optimal scenario was determined to minimise the flood risk level to the residential areas and optimise the inflow discharge at the Van Coc Gate and the overflow point, and the outflow discharge at the Day Weir for ensuring the safety of the operating system. This study lays a promising foundation for designing risk‐reduction strategies in Hanoi Capital.
Health‐related quality of life of patients with colorectal neoplasms in China: A multicenter cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Huang Hui‐Yao , Wang Hong , Shi Ju‐Fang , Bai Ya‐Na , Wang Le , Liu Cheng‐Cheng , Yan Xin‐Xin , Liu Guo‐Xiang , Liao Xian‐Zhen , Shi Dian , Mao A‐Yan , Ren Jian‐Song , Sun Xiao‐Jie , Guan Hai‐Jing , Huang Wei‐Dong , Lei Hai‐Ke , Gong Ji‐Yong , Liu Yun‐Yong , Zhu Lin , Song Bing‐Bing , Du Lin‐Bing , Guo Lan‐Wei , Liu Yu‐Qin , Ren Ying , Lan Li , Zhou Jin‐Yi , Qi Xiao , Sun Xiao‐Hua , Lou Pei‐An , Wu Shou‐Ling , Tang Yu , Li Ni , Zhang Kai , Li Ning , Chen Wan‐Qing , Dai Min , He Jie 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackground and AimThis study aimed to clarify health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with colorectal precancer and colorectal cancer (CRC) in China and to better understand related utility scores.MethodsA hospital‐based cross‐sectional survey was conducted in precancer and CRC patients from 2012 to 2014, covering 12 provinces in China. HRQoL was assessed with EuroQol 5‐Dimensions 3‐Levels. Utility scores were derived using Chinese value set. A multivariate regression model was established to explore potential predictors of utility scores.ResultsA total of 376 precancer (mean age 58.7 years, 61.2% men) and 2470 CRC patients (mean age 58.6 years, 57.6% men) were included. In five dimensions, there was a certain percentage of problem reported among precancer (range: 12.0% to 36.7%) and CRC (range: 32.4% to 50.3%) patients, with pain/discomfort being the most serious dimension. Utility scores of precancer and CRC patients were 0.870 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.855–0.886) and 0.751 (95% CI, 0.742–0.759), both of which were lower than those of general Chinese population (0.960 [95% CI, 0.960–0.960]). Utilities for patients at stage I to stage IV were 0.742 (95% CI, 0.715–0.769), 0.722 (95% CI, 0.705–0.740), 0.756 (95% CI, 0.741–0.772), and 0.745 (95% CI, 0.742–0.767), respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that therapeutic regimen, time point of the interview, education, occupation, annual household income, and geographic region were associated with utilities of CRC patients.ConclusionHealth‐related quality of life of both precancer and CRC patients in China declined considerably. Utility scores differed by sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, and findings of these utilities may facilitate implementation of further cost–utility evaluations.
Clinicopathological and prognostic significance of ubiquitin‐specific peptidase 15 and its relationship with transforming growth factor‐β receptors in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Jiang Bolun , Zhou Li , Lu Jun , Wang Yizhi , Liu Chengxi , Liang Zhiyong , Zhou Weixun , You Lei , Guo Junchao 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackground and AimUbiquitin‐specific peptidase 15 (USP15) has been correlated to aggressive oncogenic behavior in several types of carcinomas, but its function in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has not been clarified. This study aimed to evaluate the clinicopathological and prognostic value of USP15 and its relationship with transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) receptors (TβRs) in PDAC.MethodsBy immunohistochemical staining of tissue microarrays, the expression patterns of USP15 and TβRs were retrospectively analyzed in 287 PDAC patients who underwent radical surgical resection without neoadjuvant therapy. Cancer‐specific survival was compared based on USP15 expression, and the correlations between USP15 and TβRs were analyzed.ResultsUbiquitin‐specific peptidase 15 expression in tumor tissues was significantly higher than that in para‐tumor tissues (P < 0.0001), and high USP15 expression was associated with the pathological N (pN) stage (P = 0.033). In addition, high USP15 expression was significantly associated with shorter cancer‐specific survival (P = 0.019). Univariate analyses showed that high USP15 expression (P = 0.024), a poor histopathological grade (P = 0.003), and the pN1 stage (P = 0.009) were significantly correlated with shorter survival. Although the independent prognostic value of USP15 alone was not established, the combination of USP15 and the histological grade was identified as an independent prognostic factor in multivariate analyses (P = 0.015). USP15 expression was correlated with TβR‐I, TβR‐II, or TβR‐III expression in PDAC.ConclusionsHigh USP15 expression is a potential prognostic indicator in patients with PDAC, and it might affect the TGF‐β signaling pathway in PDAC.
The Eurovision Song Contest – A Continent (still) Divided?
Authors: Piotrowska Anna G. 
Published: September 2020

ABSTRACTCredited as one of the most successful major televised music events held annually in Europe, the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) still serves as a battlefield between Eastern and Western European aesthetic paradigms. Although the Western paradigm has long been regarded as an almost universal criterion of success, the contemporary ESC presents a unique opportunity for post‐communist acts to contest that hegemony while playing with its conventions. This article examines how, in the post‐1989 situation, the most successful Eastern European acts purposely exploited, juxtaposed and subverted several aesthetic categories, demonstrating their understanding of the conventions promoted at the ESC on the one hand, while undermining and contesting them on the other. The article argues for greater attention to such strategies as over‐exploitation of stereotypes and auto‐stereotypes, as well as mocking the prevailing aesthetics by playing with such notions as authenticity, folklore, nationalism, essentialism, camp, kitsch or hyper‐reality and challenging the contest's utopian and nostalgic ideals.