bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inequalities, harm reduction and non-combustible nicotine products: a meta-ethnography of qualitative evidence
Authors: Lucherini Mark , Hill Sarah , Smith Katherine 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background We sought to review qualitative evidence on how smokers in different socioeconomic groups engage with non-combustible nicotine products (NCNP), including electronic cigarettes and nicotine replacement therapies, in order to provide insight into how these products might impact on smoking inequalities. Methods We searched ten electronic databases in February 2017 using terms relating to NCNP and socioeconomic status. We included qualitative studies that were published since 1980 and were available in English. We used guidelines adapted from the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme for appraising qualitative research.Results The review only identified studies exploring the attitudes of socioeconomically disadvantaged smokers towards NCNP for harm reduction or cessation purposes (i.e. we did not identify any relevant studies of more advantaged socioeconomic groups). Using a lines-of-argument meta-ethnographic approach, we identified a predominantly pessimistic attitude to NCNP for harm reduction or cessation of smoking due to: wider circumstances of socio-economic disadvantage; lack of a perceived advantage of alternative products over smoking; and a perceived lack of information about relative harms of NCNP compared to smoking. Optimistic findings, although fewer, suggested the potential of NCNP being taken up among smokers experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage. Conclusions Overall, our review highlights the importance of considering the social, cultural and economic circumstances that influence experiences of smoking and of alternative product use.
Exploring characteristics of COPD patients with clinical improvement after integrated disease management or usual care: post-hoc analysis of the RECODE study
Authors: Meijer Eline , Eeden Annelies E. van , Kruis Annemarije L. , Boland Melinde R.S. , Assendelft W. J.J. (Pim) , Tsiachristas Apostolos , Mölken Maureen P.M.H. Rutten-van , Kasteleyn Marise J. , Chavannes Niels H. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: The cluster randomized controlled trial on (cost-)effectiveness of integrated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) management in primary care (RECODE) showed that integrated disease management (IDM) in primary care had no effect on quality of life (QOL) in COPD patients compared with usual care (guideline-supported non-programmatic care). It is possible that only a subset of COPD patients in primary care benefit from IDM. We therefore examined which patients benefit from IDM, and whether patient characteristics predict clinical improvement over time.Method: Post-hoc analyses of the RECODE trial among 1086 COPD patients. Logistic regression analyses were performed with baseline characteristics as predictors to examine determinants of improvement in QOL, defined as a minimal decline in Clinical COPD Questionnaire (CCQ) of 0.4 points after 12 and 24 months of IDM. We also performed moderation analyses to examine whether predictors of clinical improvement differed between IDM and usual care.Results: Regardless of treatment type, more severe dyspnea (MRC) was the most important predictor of clinically improved QOL at 12 and 24 months, suggesting that these patients have most room for improvement. Clinical improvement with IDM was associated with female gender (12-months) and being younger (24-months), and improvement with usual care was associated with having a depression (24-months).Conclusions: More severe dyspnea is a key predictor of improved QOL in COPD patients over time. More research is needed to replicate patient characteristics associated with clinical improvement with IDM, such that IDM programs can be offered to patients that benefit the most, and can potentially be adjusted to meet the needs of other patient groups as well.Trial registration: Netherlands Trial Register, NTR2268. Registered 31 March 2010, https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/2144.
Prognostic role of the preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and albumin for 30-day mortality in patients with postoperative acute pulmonary embolism
Authors: Liu Chuan , Zhan Hui-lu , Huang Zhang-Heng , Hu Chuan , Tong Yue-Xin , Fan Zhi-Yi , Zheng Meng-Ying , Zhao Cheng liang , Ma Gui-Yun 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: This retrospective study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and albumin for 30-day mortality in patients with postoperative acute pulmonary embolism (PAPE).Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 101 patients with PAPE admitted from September 1, 2012, to March 31, 2019. The characteristics, surgical information, admission examination data and mortality within 30 days after PAPE were obtained from our electronic medical recording system and follow-up. The associations between the NLR, PLR, and other predictors and 30-day mortality were analyzed with univariate and multivariate analyses. Then, the nomogram including the independent predictors was established and evaluated.Results: Twenty-four patients died within 30 days, corresponding to a 30-day mortality rate of 23.8%. The results of the multivariate analysis indicated that both the NLR and albumin were independent predictors for 30-day mortality in patients with PAPE. The probability of death increased by approximately 17.1% (OR=1.171, 95% CI: 1.073–1.277, P=0.000) with a one-unit increase in the NLR, and the probability of death decreased by approximately 15.4% (OR=0.846, 95% CI: 0.762c–0.939, P=0.002) with a one-unit increase in albumin. The area under the curve of the nomogram was 0.888 (95% CI: 0.812-0.964).Conclusion: Our findings showed that an elevated NLR and decreased albumin were related to poor prognosis in patients with PAPE. The NLR and albumin were independent prognostic factors for PAPE.
Dynamic Conversion of Cell Sorting Patterns in Aggregates of Embryonic Stem Cells with Differential Adhesive Affinity
Authors: Tse Jeffrey D , Moore Robert , Meng Yue , Tao Wensi , Smith Elizabetg R , Xu Mike Xiang-Xi 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Mammalian early development comprises the proliferation, differentiation, and self-assembly of the embryonic cells. The classic experiment undertaken by Townes and Holtfreter demonstrated the ability of dissociated embryonic cells to sort and self-organize spontaneously into the original tissue patterns. Here, we further explored the principles and mechanisms underlying the phenomenon of spontaneous tissue organization by studying aggregation and sorting of mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells with differential adhesive affinity in culture. Results: As observed previously, in aggregates of wild-type and E-cadherin-deficient ES cells, the cell assemblies exhibited an initial sorting pattern showing wild-type cells engulfed by less adhesive E-cadherin-deficient ES cells, which fits the pattern predicted by the differential adhesive hypothesis proposed by Malcom Steinberg. However, in further study of more mature cell aggregates, the initial sorting pattern reversed, with the highly adhesive wild-type ES cells forming an outer shell enveloping the less adhesive E-cadherin-deficient cells, contradicting Steinberg’s sorting principle. The outer wild-type cells of the more mature aggregates did not differentiate into endoderm, which is known to be able to sort to the exterior from previous studies. In contrast to the naive aggregates, the mature aggregates presented polarized, highly adhesive cells at the outer layer. The surface polarity was observed as an actin cap contiguously spanning across the apical surface of multiple adjacent cells, though independent of the formation of tight junctions. Conclusions: Our experimental findings suggest that the force of differential adhesive affinity can be overcome by even subtle polarity generated from strong bilateral ligation of highly adhesive cells in determining cell sorting patterns.
Understanding transmission and control of the pork tapeworm with CystiAgent: a spatially explicit agent-based model
Authors: Pray Ian Wright , Wakeland Wayne , Pan William , Lambert William E. , Garcia Hector H. , Gonzalez Armando E. , O’Neal Seth E. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background The pork tapeworm (Taenia solium) is a serious public health problem in rural low-resource areas of Latin America, Africa, and Asia, where the associated conditions of nuerocysticercosis (NCC) and porcine cysticercosis cause substantial health and economic harms. An accurate and validated transmission model for T. solium would serve as an important new tool for control and elimination, as it would allow for comparison of available intervention strategies, and prioritization of the most effective strategies for control and elimination efforts. Methods We developed a spatially-explicit agent-based model (ABM) for T. solium (“CystiAgent”) that differs from prior T. solium models by including a spatial framework and behavioral parameters such as pig roaming, open human defecation, and human travel. In this article, we introduce the structure and function of the model, describe the data sources used to parameterize the model, and apply sensitivity analyses (Latin hypercube sampling–partial rank correlation coefficient (LHS-PRCC)) to evaluate model parameters. Results LHS-PRCC analysis of CystiAgent found that the parameters with the greatest impact on model uncertainty were the roaming range of pigs, the infectious duration of human taeniasis, use of latrines, and the set of “tuning” parameters defining the probabilities of infection in humans and pigs given exposure to T. solium.Conclusions CystiAgent is a novel ABM that has the ability to model spatial and behavioral features of T. solium transmission not available in other models. There is a small set of impactful model parameters that contribute uncertainty to the model and may impact the accuracy of model projections. Field and laboratory studies to better understand these key components of transmission may help reduce uncertainty, while current applications of CystiAgent may consider calibration of these parameters to improve model performance. These results will ultimately allow for improved interpretation of model validation results, and usage of the model to compare available control and elimination strategies for T. solium.
Overexpression of TGFβ1 in murine mesenchymal stem cells improves lung inflammation by impacting the Th17/Treg balance in LPS-induced ARDS mice
Authors: Chen Jianxiao , Zhang Xiwen , Xie Jianfeng , Xue Ming , Liu Ling , Yang Yi , Qiu Haibo 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: T helper 17 cells (Th17) /regulatory T cells (Treg), as subtypes of CD4+ T cells, play an important role in the inflammatory response of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, there is still a lack of effective methods to regulate the differentiation balance of Th17/Treg. It was proven that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) could regulate the differentiation of CD4+ T cells, but the mechanism is still unclear. TGFβ1, a paracrine cytokine of MSCs, could also regulate the differentiation of Th17/Treg but is lowly expressed in MSCs. Therefore, mouse MSCs (mMSCs) overexpressing TGFβ1 were constructed by lentivirus transfection and intratracheally transplanted into LPS-induced ARDS mice in our study. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effects of mMSCs overexpressing TGFβ1 on inflammation and immunoregulation by impacting the Th17/Treg balance in LPS-induced ARDS mice.Methods: mMSCs overexpressing TGFβ1 were constructed using lentiviral vectors. Then, mouse bone-marrow-derived MSCs (mBM-MSC) and mBM-MSC-TGFβ1 (mBM-MSC overexpressing TGFβ1) were transplanted intratracheally into ARDS mice induced by lipopolysaccharide. At 3 d and 7 d after transplantation, the mice were sacrificed, and the homing of the mMSCs was assayed by ex vivo optical imaging. The relative numbers of Th17 and Treg in the lungs and spleens of mice were detected by FCM. IL-17A and IL-10 levels in the lungs of mice were analysed by western blot. Permeability and inflammatory cytokines were evaluated by analysing the protein concentration of BALF using ELISA. Histopathology of the lungs was assessed by haematoxylin and eosin staining and lung injury scoring. Alveolar lung fibrosis was assessed by Masson’s trichrome staining and Ashcroft scoring. The mortality of ARDS mice was followed until 7 days after transplantation.Results: The transduction efficiencies mediated by the lentiviral vectors ranged from 82.3-88.6%. Overexpressing TGF-β1 inhibited the proliferation of mMSCs during days 5-7 (p<0.05) but had no effect on mMSCs differentiation or migration (p>0.05). Compared to that in the LPS+mBM-MSC-NC group mice, engraftment of mMSCs overexpressing TGFβ1 led to much more differentiation of T cells into Th17 or Treg (p<0.05), improved permeability of injured lungs (p<0.05) and ameliorative histopathology of lung tissue in ARDS mice (p<0.05). Moreover, IL-17A content was also decreased while IL-10 content was increased in the LPS+mBM-MSC-TGFβ1 group compared with those in the LPS+mBM-MSC-NC group (p<0.05). Finally, mMSCs overexpressing TGFβ1 did not aggravate lung fibrosis in ARDS mice (p>0.05).Conclusion: MSCs overexpressing TGFβ1 could regulate lung inflammation and attenuate lung injuries by modulating the imbalance of Th17/Treg in the lungs of ARDS mice.
The prognosis of hepatoid adenocarcinoma of the stomach: a propensity score-based analysis
Authors: Zhou Kai , Wang Anqiang , Ao Sheng , Chen Jiahui , Ji Ke , He Qifei , Ji Xin , Wu Xiaojiang , Zhang Ji , Li Zhongwu , Bu Zhaode , Ji Jiafu 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: To investigate whether there is a distinct difference in prognosis between hepatoid adenocarcinoma of the stomach (HAS) and non-hepatoid adenocarcinoma of the stomach (non-HAS) and whether HAS can benefit from radical surgery. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 722 patients with non-HAS and 75 patients with HAS who underwent radical gastrectomy between 3 November 2009 and 17 December 2018. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was used to eliminate the bias among the patients in our study. The relationships between gastric cancer type and overall survival (OS) were evaluated by the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression.Results: Our data demonstrate that there was no statistically significant difference in the OS between HAS and non-HAS {K-M, P=log rank (Mantel-Cox), (before PSM P=0.397); (1:1 PSM P=0.345); (1:2 PSM P=0.195)}. Moreover, there were no significant differences in the 1-, 2-, or 3-year survival rates between patients with non-HAS and patients with HAS (before propensity matching, after 1:1 propensity matching, and after 1:2 propensity matching).Conclusion: HAS was generally considered to be an aggressive gastric neoplasm, but its prognosis may not be as unsatisfactory as previously believed.
Trauma team conformation in a war-influenced middle-income country in South America: is it possible?
Authors: Carvajal Sandra , URIBE FRANCISCO , Angel Ana Maria , Lopez Maria Camila , Gonzalez Andres , Chica Julian , Benitez Manuel , Garcia Alberto 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Introduction: Trauma teams (TTs) improve outcomes in trauma patients. A multidisciplinary TT was conformed in September 2015 in a tertiary Level I trauma university hospital in southwestern Colombia, a middle-income war-influenced country. Objective: To evaluate the impact of a TT in admission-tomography and admission-surgery times as well as mortality in a tertiary center university hospital in a middle income country war influenced country. Material & Methods: Retrospective analytical study. Patients older than 17 years, admitted to the emergency room 15 months prior and 15 months after the TT implementation were included. Patients prior to the TT implementation were taken as controls. No exclusion criteria. 464 patients were included, 220 before the TT implementation (BTT) and 244 after (ATT). Demographic data, trauma characteristics, admission-tomography, and admission-surgery time interval as well as mortality were recorded. Requirement of CT scan or surgery was based on physician decision. The analysis was made on Stata 15.1®. Categorical variables were described as quantities and proportions, continuous variables as mean and standard deviation or median and interquartile range (IQR). Categorical variables were compared using Chi2 or Fisher's test and continuous variables using Student's T-test or Wilcoxon-Mann-Withney. A multiple logistic regression model was created to evaluate the impact of being treated in the ATT group on mortality, adjusted by age, trauma severity, and physiological response upon admission.Results: The admission-tomography time interval was 56 min (IQR 39-100) in the BTT group and 40 min (IQR 24-76) in the ATT group, p<0.001. The admission-surgery time interval was 116 min (IQR 63-214) in the BTT group and 52 min (IQR 24-76) in the ATT group, p<0.001. Mortality in the BTT group was 18.1% and 13.1% in the ATT group. Adjusted OR was 0.406 (0.215 - 0.789) P = 0.006Conclusions: A trauma team conformation in a war-influenced middle-income country is feasible and reduces mortality as well as admission-surgery and admission-tomography time intervals in trauma patients.
Surgical implantation of electronic tags does not induce medium-term effect. Insights from growth and stress physiological profile in two marine fish species
Authors: Alfonso Sébastien , Zupa Walter , Manfrin Amedeo , Fiocchi Eleonora , Dioguardi Maria , Dara Mariano , Lembo Giuseppe , Carbonara Pierluigi , Cammarata Matteo 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Telemetry applied to aquatic organisms has recently developed greatly. Physiological sensors have been increasingly used as tools for fish welfare monitoring. However, for the technology to be used as a reliable welfare indicator, it is important that the tagging procedure does not disrupt fish physiology, behaviour and performance. In this communication, we share our medium-term data on stress physiological profile and growth performance after surgical tag implantation in two important marine fish species for European aquaculture, the sea bream (Sparus aurata) and the European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax).Results: Blood samples after surgical tag implantation (46 days for the sea bream and 95 days for the sea bass) revealed no differences between tagged and untagged fish in cortisol, glucose and lactate levels, suggesting that the tag implantation does not induce prolonged stress in these species. Moreover, the specific growth rates were similar in the tagged and untagged fish of both species.Conclusion: Surgical tag implantation does not have medium-term consequences for the stress physiology and growth performance of these two marine fish species in a controlled environment. These observations support the use of accelerometer tags as valuable tools for welfare monitoring in aquaculture conditions. This study also shows that tagged fish can be sampled during experiments and considered a representative portion of the population, as they display growth and physiological parameters comparable to those of untagged fish.
Trends in and predictors of pregnancy termination among young women in Nigeria: a multi-level analysis of Demographic and Health Surveys 2003-2018
Authors: Onukwugha Franklin I , Magdi Monica , Sarki Ahmed , Smith Lesley 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Three-quarters of pregnancy terminations in Africa are carried out in unsafe conditions. Unsafe abortion is the leading cause of maternal mortality among young women in Sub-Saharan Africa. Greater understanding of the wider determinants of pregnancy termination in this age group could inform the design and development of interventions to mitigate the harm. Previous research has described the trends in and factors associated with termination of pregnancy for women of reproductive age in Nigeria. However, the wider determinants of pregnancy termination have not been ascertained, and data for all women have been aggregated which may obscure differences by age groups. Therefore, we examined the trends in and individual and contextual-level predictors of pregnancy termination among young women aged 15–24 years in Nigeria.
Methods
We analysed data from the 2003, 2008, 2013 and 2018 Nigerian Demographic and Health Surveys (NDHS) comprising 45,793 women aged 15–24 years. Trends in pregnancy termination across the four survey datasets were examined using bivariate analysis. Individual and contextual predictors of pregnancy termination were analysed using a three-level binary logistic regression analysis.
Results
Trends in pregnancy termination declined from 5.8% in 2003 to 4.2% in 2013 then reversed to 4.9% in 2018. The declining trend was greater for women with higher socioeconomic status. Around 17% of the total variation in pregnancy termination was attributable to community factors, and 7% to state-level factors. Of all contextual variables considered, only contraceptive prevalence (proxy for RH service access by young women) at community level was significant. Living in communities with higher contraceptive prevalence increased odds of termination compared with communities with lower contraceptive prevalence (aOR = 4.2; 95% CI 2.7–6.6). At the individual-level, sexual activity before age 15 increased odds of termination (aOR = 2.3; 95% CI 1.9–2.8) compared with women who initiated sexual activity at age 18 years or older, and married women had increased odds compared with never married women (aOR = 3.0; 95% CI 2.5–3.7).
Conclusion
Our findings highlight the importance of disaggregating data for women across the reproductive lifecourse, and indicates where tailored interventions could be targeted to address factors associated with pregnancy termination among young women in Nigeria.
Cardiovascular safety of the new estrogen-free contraceptive pill containing 4 mg drospirenone alone in a 24/4 regime.
Authors: Palacios Santiago , Colli Enrico , REGIDOR PEDRO ANTONIO 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: A new estrogen-free contraceptive has been approved by both the FDA and more than 15 European authorities. It is composed of drospirenone at a dosage of 4 mg in a regimen 24/4. The molecule is known to have anti-gonadotropic, anti-mineralocorticoid, anti-estrogenic, and antiandrogenic properties.Methods: The purpose of these clinical trials with a new estrogen-free contraceptive was to introduce a method with high efficacy and reducing cardiovascular risks.Study design: Three European and American multicenter clinical trials have been conducted in more than 2.500 patients and more than 25.000 cycles, not only demonstrating an excellent efficacy (Pearl Index of 0.73) but also investigating possible cardiovascular risks. In the USA study, 422 participants (41,9 %) had a risk factor for VTE, while in the European studies, 261 patients (16,6 %) had at least one VTE risk factor. Amount of arterial and venous thromboembolic events, hemostasiological data, blood pressure development, and ECG data were evaluated. Results: No single case of VTE was documented, no changes in hemastosiological parameters were observed, a small decrease in RR in patients with pretreatment values between 130 and 140 and7or 85 to 90 mm HG and no influence on ECG parameters were observed.Conclusions: The introduction of a new estrogen-free contraceptive with 4 mg of non-micronized drospirenone in a 24/4-day regimen expands contraception options for women as not only a high efficacy could be demonstrated during clinical trials but also a very high cardiovascular safety profile was observed even in women with cardiovascular risk factors.EudraCT registration numbers: 2010-021787-15 & 2011-002396-42. Clincaltrials.gov: NCT02269241