bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PAC-mediated AKI protection is critically mediated but does not exclusively depend on cell-derived microvesicles
Authors: Dihazi Hassan , Schwarze Katrin , Patschan Susann , Müller Gerhard Anton , Ritter Oliver , Patschan Daniel 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) significantly worsens the prognosis of hospitalized patients. In recent years, cell-based strategies have been established as reliable option for improving AKI outcomes in experimental AKI. Own studies focused on so-called Proangiogenic Cells (PACs). Mechanisms that contribute to PAC-mediated AKI protection include production / secretion of extracellular vesicles (MV - microvesicles). In addition, the cells most likely act by paracrinic processes (secretome). The current study evaluated whether AKI may be preventable by the administration of either PAC-derived MV and / or the secretome alone.Methods: AKI was induced in male C57/Bl6N mice (8-12 weeks) by bilateral renal ischemia (IRI - 40 minutes). Syngeneic murine PACs were stimulated with either melatonine, Angiopoietin-1 or -2, or with Bone Morphogenetic Protein-5 (BMP-5) for one hour, respectively. PAC-derived MV and the vesicle-depleted supernatant were subsequently collected and i.v. injected post-ischemia. Mice were analyzed 48 hours later.Results: IRI induced significant kidney excretory dysfunction as reflected by higher serum cystatin C levels. The only measure that improved AKI was the injection of MV, collected from native PACs. The following conditions worsened post-ischemic renal function even further: MV+Ang-1, MV+BMP-5, MV+melatonin, and MV+secretome+Ang-1.Conclusion: Together, our data show that PAC-mediated AKI protection substantially depends on the availability of cell-derived MV. However, since previous data showed improved AKI-protection by PACs after cell preconditioning with certain mediators (Ang-1 and -2, melatonine, BMP-5), other than exclusively vesicle-dependent mechanisms must be involved in PAC-mediated AKI protection.
Identification of Novel Nonsense Mutations in Iranian patients suffering from autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease
Authors: Khadangi Fatemeh , Torkamanzehi Adam , Kerachian Mohammad Amin 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the predominant type of inherited kidney disorder, which occurs due to PKD1 and PKD2 gene mutations. ADPKD diagnosis is made primarily by kidney imaging; however, molecular genetic analysis needs to be implicated to confirm the diagnosis. It is critical to perform a molecular genetic analysis when the diagnosis is uncertain, particularly in simplex cases (i.e., a single occurrence in a family), in people with remarkably mild symptoms, or in individuals with atypical presentations. The main aim of this study is to determine the likelihood of PKD1 gene mutations in Iranian patients with ADPKD diagnosis. Methods: Genomic DNA was isolated from blood samples from 26 ADPKD patients, who were referred to the Qaem Hospital in Mashhad, Iran. By using suitable primers, 16 end exons of PKD1 gene that are regional hotspots, were replicated with PCR. Then, PCR products were subjected to DNA directional Sanger sequencing.Results: The results of DNA sequencing in the patients showed that exons 35, 36 and 37 were non- polymorphic, while most mutations had occurred in exons 44 and 45. Only in two patients, exon-intron boundary mutation had occurred in intron 44. Most of the variants were missense and non-synonymous types. Conclusion: In this study, we present nine novel mutations/polymorphisms in PKD1. These data will contribute to an improved diagnostic and genetic counseling in clinical settings. Keywords: Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease; PKD1; mutational analysis; Iranian
Impact of polyclonal antithymocyte globulins on kidney transplant outcomes in real-life: a propensity score analysis
Authors: Bamoulid Jamal , Crepin Thomas , Gaiffe Emilie , Moulin Bruno , Frimat Luc , Rieu Philippe , Mousson Christiane , Durrbach Antoine , Heng Anne-Elisabeth , Rebibou Jean-Michel , Saas Philippe , Courivaud Cécile , Ducloux Didier 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background Randomized studies reported a marginal superiority of polyclonal antithymocyte globulins (ATG) to prevent acute rejection compared to monoclonal anti-CD25 antibodies (IL2Ra). Nevertheless, the representativeness and the generalizability of these studies are questionable. Methods We studied the impact of ATG use in real-life conditions in a multicenter study. Propensity score analysis was performed to address potential confounding by indication. Results 817 patients were included. Logistic regression revealed that age, male gender, a pre-transplant history of cancer, presence of anti-HLA antibodies, previous kidney transplantation, and transplant center were associated with ATG use. The area under the curve of the propensity score was 0.84+0.02. ATG use was not associated with a lower rate of acute rejection (18.2% in ATG-treated patients vs 15.8% in non-ATG-treated patients, p=0.356). Adjustment for propensity score slightly modified the relationship between ATG and acute rejection towards a more neutral effect (p=0.913). Score match analysis recapitulated the previous result. ATG use was associated with the occurrence of opportunistic infection (p=0.034). There was no difference in graft loss or death between the two groups. Conclusions In real-life conditions, ATG does not substantially reduce the risk of acute rejection after kidney transplantation. A better discrimination of patients who may benefit of ATG is required.
Association of IL-1β, IL-1α and IL-10 single nucleotide polymorphisms with Mini-Mental State Examination and event-related potentials
Authors: Leko Mirjana Babić , Perković Matea Nikolac , Skorić Magdalena Krbot , Klepac Nataša , Štrac Dubravka Švob , Borovečki Fran , Pivac Nela , Hof Patrick R. , Simic Goran 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Neuroinflammation is enhanced in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) brain. Its association with both amyloid and tau pathology is well documented. Activated microglia in the AD brain release pro-inflammatory cytokines that can damage neurons, while anti-inflammatory cytokines are also released to oppose this process. Association of IL-1β -1473C/G, IL-1α -889C/T and IL-10 -1082G/A polymorphisms with AD has been amply documented previously. In this study we assessed whether people carrying certain genotypes in these polymorphisms were more prone to disease progression as tested by the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores and event-related potentials (ERP). Methods: After blood collection, isolation of DNA and determination of polymorphisms, 226 subjects were tested neuropsychologically using MMSE (including AD patients, mild cognitive impairment patients, patients with other causes of dementia, and healthy controls). ERP were measured by electroencephalography (EEG) in this cohort. Results: MMSE scores were significantly lower in patients carrying the G allele in the IL-1β -1473, T allele in the IL-1α -889, and A allele in the IL-10 -1082 polymorphism. The P300 latency was significantly prolonged in patients carrying the G allele in the IL-1β -1473 polymorphism. Conclusions: Patients carrying risk genotypes in IL-1β -1473, IL-1α -889 and IL-10 -1082 polymorphisms may be susceptible to faster disease progression. Additionally, IL-1β -1473 polymorphism may represent a strong genetic biomarker of AD.
The association of dietary antioxidants intake with the risk of cardiovascular disease: Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study
Authors: Mirmiran Parvin , Esfandiar Zohreh , Hosseini-Esfahani Firoozeh , Hosseinpour-Niazi somayeh , Azizi Fereidoun 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Aim: This study investigated the association between daily consumption of dietary vitamins A, E, C and zinc and the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Methods: Eligible adults (n=5102) were selected from among participants of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study with an average follow-up of 5.3 years. Dietary intakes were assessed using a valid and reliable semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Anthropometrics and biochemical variables were evaluated at baseline and follow-up examinations. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to estimate the development of CVD in relation to total intakes of vitamins A, E, C and zinc. Results: This study was conducted on 2253 men and 2849 women, aged 47.0±11.6 and 45.6±10.5 years, respectively. Main source of dietary vitamins A, E, C and zinc was fruits, vegetables and legumes in our study. Risk of CVD decreased from quartiles 1 to 4 for vitamin E intake (HR (95% CI): 1.00, 0.91, 0.77, 0.57, P trend =0.03). The association between risk of CVD and the quartiles of vitamin A, vitamin C and zinc intake was not significant. Conclusion : Our study suggests an inverse association between vitamin E intake and the risk of CVD, results emphasizing the potential protective role of fruits and vegetables in the prevention of CVD.
Predicting factors of adjacent segment degeneration after long-segment spinal fusion: spinopelvic parameters analysis
Authors: Chiu Ping-Yeh , Kao Fu-Cheng , Chen Wen-Jer , Yu Chia-Wei , Niu Chi-Chien , Lai Po-Liang , Tsai Tsung-Ting , Hsieh Ming-Kai 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Purpose We investigated whether spinopelvic parameters are important prognostic factors for adjacent segment degeneration after long instrumented spinal fusion for degenerative spinal disease. Methods This uncontrolled, randomized, single arm retrospective study included patients who underwent long instrumented lumbar fusion (fusion levels≥ 4) in the past 5 years with follow-up for at least 2 years. The inclusion criteria included adult patients (≥40 years of age) with a diagnosis of spinal degeneration who underwent instrumented corrective surgery. The exclusion criteria included preexisting adjacent disc degeneration, combined anterior reconstructive surgery, and distal ASD. Clinical and operative characters were evaluated. Lumbar lordotic angle (LLA), sacral slope angle (SSA), pelvic tilt angle (PTA) and pelvic incidence angle (PIA) were compared preoperatively, postoperatively and at the final follow-up. Results From 2009 to 2014, 60 patients (30 ASD and 30 non-ASD patients) were enrolled. The average age was 66.82 ± 7.48 years for the study group and 67.97 ± 7.81 years for the control group. There was no statistically significant difference in clinical and operative characteristics. Among all spinopelvic parameters, only pre-, post-operative and final follow-up PIA in ASD group (53.9±10.4ﾟ, 54.6±14.0ﾟ, 54.3±14.1ﾟ) and non-ASD group (60.3±13.0ﾟ, 61.8±11.3ﾟ, 62.5±11.2ﾟ) showed statistically significant differences (p<0.05). Conclusion This study confirms that preoperative, postoperative and final follow-up PIA is a significant factor contributing to the development of adjacent segment degeneration after long instrumented spinal fusion.
Changes in Mental Health of Chinese Army during 1990-2016：A cross-temporal meta-analysis
Authors: Li Fengzhan , Xin Sufei , Lu Wenyu , Yu Xinyue , Liu Lijun , Zhu Xia 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: China has undergone tremendous social changes, which creates a moderately prosperous society. With the reforms of economic and national defense, Chinese armies’ mental health status might also have changed over the past decades. Methods: The present study examined the changes in mean scores on Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL-90) of 358 studies (N=275, 123) from 1990 to 2016 by the cross-temporal meta-analysis. Results: It was found that mental health status of Chinese army has been getting better since the 1990s. Meanwhile, there were significant negative correlations between mental health scores and social indicators (consumption level of residents, military budget, subsidies for military families). Conclusions: This changing trend may be related to the level of social economic development. It indicates that Chinese national defense and military reform are heading in the right direction as well.
Impact guaranteed? Involving potential recipients, implementers and wider stakeholders in the co-production of two school-based relationships and sex education interventions to prevent teenage pregnancy and dating and relationships violence
Authors: Ponsford Ruth , Meiksin Rebecca , Crichton Joanna , Bragg Sara , Emmerson Lucy , Tancred Tara , Tilouche Nerissa , Morgan Gemma , Gee Pete , Young Honor , Campbell Rona , Bonell Chris 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: The benefits of involving intended recipients, implementers and other stakeholders in the co-production of public health interventions are widely promoted. Practical accounts reflecting on the process and value of co-production in intervention design, however, remain scarce. We outline our approach to the co-production of two multi-component, school-based relationships and sex education interventions. We reflect on the utility of involving school staff, students, and other youth, professional and policy stakeholders in intervention design and on some of the challenges we encountered during the process. Methods: Seven consultations were conducted in southeast and southwest England involving 75 students aged 13–15 and 22 school staff. A group of young people trained to advise on public health research were consulted on three occasions. Twenty-three sexual health and sex education practitioners and policy makers shared their views at a stakeholder event. Written summaries of activities were prepared by researchers and shared with the specialist provider agencies for each intervention. Negotiated consensus between researchers and providers was reached about how participant views should inform intervention content, format and delivery models. Results: Consultations confirmed acceptability of intervention aims, components and delivery models, including curriculum delivery by teachers. They sensitised us to the need to ensure content reflected the reality of young people’s experiences; include flexibility for the timetabling of lessons; and to develop prescriptive teaching materials and robust school engagement strategies to reflect shrinking capacity for schools to implement public-health interventions. Accessing and prioritising stakeholder feedback was not always straightforward, however, where specific expertise or capacity for participation was limited or when participant views contradicted best practice, budget or the randomised controlled trial design. Conclusions: Involving potential recipients, implementers and wider stakeholders as co-producers in intervention design can bring valuable insights that can help reduce research waste. Successful co-production can be complex and challenging and requires careful consideration of the topics participants can most usefully speak to; the representativeness of those involved; the capacity available for participation; and how participants will be compensated. Findings also alert us to the importance of having well-defined, transparent procedures for deciding how stakeholder input will be incorporated.
Reducing expression of dynamin-related protein 1 increases radiation sensitivity of glioblastoma cells
Authors: Shen Chiung-Chyi , Cheng Wen-Yu , Chow Kuan-Chih , Chiao Ming-Tsang , Yang Yi-Chi 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1) is a GTPase involved in mitochondrial fission, mitochondrial protein imports, and drug sensitivity, suggesting an association with cancer progression. This study is to evaluate the prognostic significance of DRP1 in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM).
Methods : DRP1 expression was measured by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Correlations between DRP1 expression and clinicopathological parameters were by statistical analysis. Differences in survival were compared by a log-rank test.
Results : DRP1 expression was detected in 87.2% (41/47) patients with GBM. Patients with higher DRP1 levels had worse survival ( p = 0.0398). In vitro , silencing of DRP1 reduced cell proliferation, invasive potential, and radiation resistance. The addition of shikonin inhibited DRP1 expression and increased drug uptake. Moreover, shikonin reduced the nuclear entry of DNA repair-associated enzymes and increased radiation sensitivity, suggesting that to reduce DRP1 expression could inhibit DNA repair and increase the radiation sensitivity of GBM cells.
Conclusions : Our results indicate that DRP1 overexpression is a prospective radio-resistant phenotype in GBM. Therefore, DRP1 could be a potential target for improving the effectiveness of radiation therapy.
Smear Microscopy Examination for Malaria and Tuberculosis at Primary Health Care Unit Level of Guragae Zone, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Gebi Teha Shumbej , Sofia Menu , Gebru Teklemichael , Absra Solomon , Daniel Kahase , Mihret Alemayehu , Nuriye Keyredin , Dereje Mesfin , Tadele Girum , Fitsum Bekele 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Accurate early diagnosis and prompt treatment is one of the core strategies employed to address malaria and tuberculosis related problems. Laboratory confirmation improves disease management most efficiently within well-managed health laboratory systems. External quality assurance participation is associated with improved laboratory performance over time as it is a system for objectively checking a laboratory’s performance. However, many professionals in Sub Saharan Africa countries are unable to effectively implement a quality assurance program. This study aimed to assess the quality of smear microscopy in Guragae zone primary health care unit, Southern Ethiopia. Methods: Health institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted to recruit twenty-one primary health care units between May and August 2019. Blind rechecking was used to collect data. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values, and negative predictive values were calculated by considering the final re-reading result as the gold standard. The level of agreement was measured using Kappa value. SPSS version 21 was used for data management and analysis. Result: A total of 860 and 318 stained slides for tuberculosis and malaria were collected, respectively. From total collected slides for tuberculosis, about 13.1 % of them were reported positive and from total malaria slides collected, half were positive for Plasmodium species at the peripheral laboratory while about 36.1% and 13% were confirmed positive for Plasmodium species and tuberculosis, respectively during re-reading at Wolkite University laboratory. Referring to the final result, the surveyed health facilities achieved “moderate agreement”(K=0.6) on malaria slide detection and “almost perfect agreement” (K=0.9) on slides for acid-fast bacilli. Only 4.4% of the surveyed health facilities incorporate malaria parasite count estimation in their report as per the current guideline. Conclusion: Now is the time to build sustainable laboratory capacity in resource-poor settings like Ethiopia that can be used to manage existing infectious diseases including malaria and tuberculosis. Malaria related technical problems were identified in this study. Thus, the authors believe that a continuous and strong malaria quality assurance schemes should be implemented at each laboratory to ensure reliable results.
Related factors to Integrated Management of Childhood illnesses at 18 Colombian Cities
Authors: Sierra Andrés Mauricio García , Cañas Jovana Alexandra Ocampo 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses (IMCI) is a strategy developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF in 1992. It was deployed as an integrated approach to improve children's health in the world. This strategy is divided into three components: organizational, clinical, and communitarian. If the related factors to Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses in low- and middle-income countries are known, the likelihood of decreasing infant morbidity and mortality rates could be increased. Objective: To identify, from the clinical component of the strategy, the related factors to Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses at 18 Colombian cities. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was performed with a secondary analysis of databases of a study conducted at Colombia by the Public Health group of Universidad de Los Andes in 2016. An Integrated Care Index was calculated as a dependent variable and descriptive bivariate and multivariate analyses to find the relationship between this index and the relevant variables from literature. Results: Information was obtained from 165 medical appointments made by nurses, general practitioners, and pediatricians. Health access is given mainly in the urban area, in the first level care and outpatient context. Essential medicines availability, necessary supplies, second level care, medical appointment periods longer than 30 minutes and care to child under 30 months are often related to higher rates of Integrated Care Index Conclusion: Health care provided to children under five remains incomplete because it does not present the basic minimums for the adequate IMCI´s implementation in the country. It is necessary to provide integrated care that provides medicine availability and essential supplies that reduce access barriers and improve the system's fragmentation. Keywords Health care, infant mortality, IMCI, Primary health care.
Arctigenin upregulates apoptosis through the AKT/MTOR pathway, inhibiting the proliferation of glioma
Authors: yongan jiang , yu Liu Jia , Wangwang Hong , Xiaowei Fei , ru'en Liu 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Arctigenin (ARG) is a natural lignan compound extracted from arctium lappa and has displayed anticancer functions and effective treatments in a variety of cancers.Studies had shown that Arctigenin(ARG) inhibits tumors through the AKT/MTOR pathway and mediates autophagy.However,the role in glioma cellshave not still fully understood.This study was designed to investigate whether Arctigenin(ARG) can mediateAKT/mTOR pathway in glioma to regulate autophagy,and affected glioma cells growth and survival.We found that the dose-dependent downregulation of Arctigenin(ARG),reducing cell proliferation,migration and invasion in two human glioblastoma cell lines (U87, T98G),These phenomena were reversed after the administration of the AKT agonist (SC79). Arctigenin(ARG) also affected other autophagy markers such as p62, LC3B.In addition, the apoptotic molecules cleaved-PARP,caspase-9, and cleaved-caspase3 were also dose-dependently altered.