bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Questing abundance of adult taiga ticks Ixodes persulcatus and their Borrelia prevalence at the north-western part of their distribution
Authors: Pakanen Veli-Matti , Sormunen Jani J. , Sippola Ella , Blomqvist Donald , Kallio Eva R. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundBecause ixodid ticks are vectors of zoonotic pathogens, includingBorrelia, information of their abundance, seasonal variation in questing behaviour and pathogen prevalence is important for human health. As ticks are invading new areas northwards, information from these new areas are needed. Taiga tick (Ixodes persulcatus) populations have been recently found at Bothnian Bay, Finland. We assessed seasonal variation in questing abundance of ticks and their pathogen prevalence in coastal deciduous forests near the city of Oulu (latitudes 64–65°) in 2019.MethodsWe sampled ticks from May until September by cloth dragging 100 meters once a month at eight study sites. We calculated a density index (individuals/100 m2) to assess seasonal variation. Samples were screened forBorrelia burgdorferi(sensu lato) (includingB. afzelii,B. garinii,B. burgdorferi(sensu stricto) andB. valaisana),Borrelia miyamotoi,Anaplasma phagocytophilum,Rickettsiaspp.,Neoehrlichia mikurensis,Francisella tularensisandBartonella spp.,Babesiaspp. and for the tick-borne encephalitis virus.ResultsAll except one nymph were identified asI. persulcatus.The number of questing adults showed a strong peak in May (median: 6.5 adults/100 m2), which is among the highest values reported in northern Europe, and potentially indicates a large population size. After May, the number of questing adults declined steadily with few adults still sampled in August. Nymphs were present from May until September. We found a striking prevalence ofBorreliaspp. in adults (62%) and nymphs (40%), withB. garinii(51%) andB. afzelii(63%) being the most common species. In addition, we found that 26% of infected adults were coinfected with at least twoBorreliagenospecies, mainlyB. gariniiandB. afzelii, which are associated with different host species.ConclusionsThe coastal forest environments at Bothnian Bay seem to provide favourable environments forI. persulcatusand the spread ofBorrelia. High tick abundance, a low diversity of the host community and similar host use among larvae and nymphs likely explain the highBorreliaprevalence and coinfection rate. Research on the infestation of the hosts that quantifies the temporal dynamics of immature life stages would reveal important aspects of pathogen circulation in these tick populations.
Mesenchymal stem cells inhibited the differentiation of MDSCs via COX2/PGE2 in experimental sialadenitis
Authors: Qi Jingjing , Tang Xiaojun , Li Wenchao , Chen Weiwei , Yao Genhong , Sun Lingyun 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can regulate innate and adaptive immune systems through interacting with immune cells directly and secreting multiple soluble factors. Due to their immunosuppressive properties, MSC transplantation has been applied to treat many clinical and experimental autoimmune diseases. However, the therapeutic effects and mechanisms by which MSCs regulate myeloid cells in Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) still remain elusive.

Methods
The number and immune-suppressive activity of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), polymorphonuclear MDSCs (PMN-MDSCs), and monocytic MDSCs (M-MDSCs) were determined in non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice with sialadenitis and in NOD mice with human umbilical cord-derived MSC (UC-MSC) transplantation. Bone marrow cells were cultured with MSC-conditioned medium (MSC-CM) for 4 days. The number and immune-suppressive gene of MDSCs were detected by flow cytometry or qRT-PCR.

Results
The results showed that the number of MDSCs and PMN-MDSCs was higher and M-MDSCs were lower in NOD mice with sialadenitis. UC-MSCs ameliorated SS-like syndrome by reducing MDSCs, PMN-MDSCs, and M-MDSCs and promoting the suppressive ability of MDSCs significantly in NOD mice. UC-MSCs inhibited the differentiation of MDSCs. In addition, UC-MSCs enhanced the suppressive ability of MDSCs in vitro. Mechanistically, MSCs inhibited the differentiation of MDSCs and PMN-MDSCs via secreting prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and inhibited the differentiation of M-MDSCs through secreting interferon-β (IFN-β).

Conclusions
Our findings suggested that MSCs alleviated SS-like symptoms by suppressing the aberrant accumulation and improving the suppressive function of MDSCs in NOD mice with sialadenitis.
The effect of aging on the biological and immunological characteristics of periodontal ligament stem cells
Authors: Li Xiaoyu , Zhang Bowen , Wang Hong , Zhao Xiaolu , Zhang Zijie , Ding Gang , Wei Fulan 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundPeriodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) have many applications in the field of cytotherapy, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. However, the effect of age on the biological and immunological characteristics of PDLSCs remains unclear.MethodsIn this study, we compared PDLSCs isolated from young and adult individuals. PDLSC proliferation was analyzed by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) staining, and apoptosis level was detected by Annexin V-PE/7-ADD staining. PDLSC osteogenic/adipogenic/chondrogenic differentiation potentials were assessed by alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Alizarin Red, Oil Red O, Alcian Blue staining, and related quantitative analysis. PDLSC immunosuppressive capacity was determined by EdU and Annexin V-PE/7-ADD staining. To explore its underlying mechanism, microarray, quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and western blot analyses were performed to detect differentially expressed genes and proteins in PDLSCs.ResultsOur results demonstrated that with aging, the proliferation and osteogenic/adipogenic/chondrogenic differentiation potential of PDLSCs decreased, whereas apoptosis of PDLSCs increased. Moreover, the immunosuppressive ability of PDLSCs decreased with aging. Compared with PDLSCs from young subjects, analysis of mRNA expression revealed an upregulation ofCCND3andRC3H2, and a downregulation ofRunx2,ALP,COL1A1,PPARγ2,CXCL12,FKBP1A,FKBP1B,NCSTN,P2RX7,PPP3CB,RIPK2,SLC11A1, andTP53in those from adult individuals. Furthermore, protein expression levels of Runx2, ALP, COL1A1, and PPARγ2 in the adult group were decreased, whereas that of CCND3 increased.ConclusionsTaken together, aging influences the biological and immunological characteristics of PDLSCs, and thus, it is more appropriate to utilize PDLSCs from young individuals for tissue regeneration, post-aging treatment, and allotransplantation.
Severe recurrent Streptobacillus moniliformis endocarditis in a pregnant woman, and review of the literature
Authors: Crofton Kathryn R. , Ye Jiqing , Lesho Emil P. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Rat bite fever is a systemic febrile illness caused by infection with the Gram-negative bacillus Streptobacillus moniliformis following a bite, scratch, or contact with excrement. Only 26 cases of native valve endocarditis have been reported to date. We could find no other reports of severe Streptobacillus endocarditis requiring valve replacement in a young, pregnant patient.

Case presentation
A pregnant patient sought care for right leg pain, fevers, left upper quadrant pain, generalized weakness, fatigue, and inability to bear weight on her right leg. She had a syncopal episode 9 months earlier, resulting in a mandibular fracture and internal fixation hardware. Her pregnancy was complicated by hyperemesis and weight loss. Her pets included a rescued wild bird, a cat, and four rats. Her parents rescued stray cats, and she recalled multiple cat bites and scratches since childhood. She denied injection drug use. Ultrasound indicated a right popliteal artery thrombus. Transesophageal echocardiogram revealed a 2 cm × 0.7 cm vegetation. Angiography demonstrated multiple splenic infarcts and bilateral renal infarcts. She underwent mitral valve repair. The mitral valve Gram stain demonstrated 2+ Gram-negative rods, rare Gram-positive rods, and moderate white blood cells. Propionibacterium spp. was isolated from the mitral valve tissue on Columbia agar incubated anaerobically. Anaerobic and aerobic cultures of the valve tissue on all other broths and agars remained negative at 14 days. Hematoxylin and eosin stains showed a fibro-inflammatory vegetation. Aggregates of rod-shaped bacteria were identified on Warthin Starry/Steiner stain. Bartonella titers were positive for B. henselae IgG 1:256, IgM < 1:20. Brown-Hopps Gram stain, AFB, and GMS stains for bacterial and fungal microorganisms were negative. Broad range bacterial PCR and sequencing of a segment of 16 s rRNA gene of the valve tissue matched to Streptobacillus sp. (genus level) and most closely related to Streptobacillus moniliformis.

Conclusion
This case demonstrates diagnostic and therapeutic challenges associated with a relatively uncommon cause of endocarditis. The diagnosis of rat bite fever was delayed due to symptoms of a concomitant pregnancy. Other confounders included possible alternative sources or co-infections with another zoonosis from multiple pets, and an odontogenic source due to presence of exposed jaw hardware.
Recommendations from the Canadian Association of Head and Neck Surgical Oncology for the Management of Head and Neck Cancers during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: O'Connell Daniel A. , Seikaly Hadi , Isaac Andre , Pyne Justin , Hart Robert D. , Goldstein David , Yoo John ,   Canadian Association of Head and Neck Surgical Oncology
Published: July 2020

Introduction The SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID19) pandemic has placed extreme pressures on the Canadian Healthcare system. Many health care regions in Canada have cancelled or limited surgical and non-surgical interventions on patients to preserve healthcare resources for a predicted increase in COVID19 related hospital admissions. Also reduced health interventions may limit the risk of possible transmission of COVID19 to other patients and health care workers during this pandemic. The majority of institutions in Canada have developed their own operational mandates regarding access to surgical resources for patients suffering from Head and Neck Cancers during this pandemic. There is a large degree of individual practitioner judgement in deciding access to care as well as resource allocation during these challenging times. The Canadian Association of Head and Neck Surgical Oncology (CAHNSO) convened a task force to develop a set of guidelines based on the best current available evidence to help Head and Neck Surgical Oncologists and all practitioners involved in the care of these patients to help guide individual practice decisions. Main body The majority of head and neck surgical oncology from initial diagnosis and work up to surgical treatment and then follow-up involves aerosol generating medical procedures (AGMPs) which inherently put head and neck surgeons and practitioners at high risk for transmission of COVID19. The aggressive nature of the majority of head and neck cancer negates the ability for deferring surgical treatment for a prolonged period of time. The included guidelines provide recommendations for resource allocation for patients, use of personal protective equipment for practitioners as well as recommendations for modification of practice during the current pandemic. Conclusion Enhanced triaging should be used to identify patients with aggressive malignancies. These patients should be prioritized to reduce risk of significant disease progression in the reduced resource environment of COVID19 era. Enhanced triaging including aggressive pre-treatment COVID19 testing should be used to identify patients with high risk of COVID19 transmission. Enhanced personal protective equipment (PPE) including N95 masks and full eye protection should be used for any AGMPs performed even in asymptomatic patients. Enhanced PPE including full eye protection, N95 masks and/or powered air purifying respirators (PAPRs) should be used for any AGMPs in symptomatic or presumptive positive COVID 19 patients.
Novel technique to repair a bronchopleural fistula after esophagectomy using wide intercostal muscle flap fixed by azygos vein and bronchus: a case report
Authors: Honda Yohei , Taira Akihiro , Hirai Ayako , Kuroda Koji , Ichiki Yoshinobu , Tanaka Fumihiro 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Post-esophagectomy bronchopleural fistulas can be life-threatening in patients who are exhausted, for example, by surgical stress and pleural infection; therefore, establishment of a reliable surgical procedure is extremely important. We here report a novel procedure entailing muscle flap closure for bronchopleural fistula.

Case presentation
A 64-year-old man developed a right bronchopleural fistula after esophagectomy. Because he was exhausted by surgical stress and malnourished, we considered reliable surgical closure of the fistula essential. Intraoperatively, it was found to connect with the membranous portion of the right main bronchus. We decided to close the fistula with a pedicled fourth and fifth intercostal muscle flap. After separating the intercostal muscles near the angle of the rib, we passed a muscle flap between the azygos vein and bronchus and sutured it securely to the fistula. The postoperative course was uneventful, and there was no thoracic infection. Postoperative bronchoscopy confirmed the muscle flap had securely closed the fistula.

Conclusions
The route and suturing technique of the intercostal muscle flap to a fistula are important, especially in exhausted patients.
Associations of family and social contact with health among Italian grandparents
Authors: Tomassini Cecilia , Zamberletti Jessica , Lallo Carlo , Cavrini Giulia 
Published: July 2020

AbstractPast research has documented the positive influence of frequent interactions with social networks on several health outcomes in later life, with different patterns by gender. In this study, we explore the association of frequent contact with different members of the social network (namely partner, grandchildren, siblings, friends and neighbours) on self-perceived health status and the limitation of illnesses among older grandparents in Italy, using a large national representative survey. Our results confirm the positive association between good health indicators and frequent contact with members of the “horizontal” network (partner, siblings and friends), while a more ambiguous association has been found with frequent face-to-face contact with children and grandchildren. The results hold for both male and female grandparents. The Mediterranean family-focused culture may possibly explain the distinctly Italian results.
Forgotten Joint Score for early outcome assessment after total knee arthroplasty: Is it really useful?
Authors: Lee Qunn Jid , Chang Wai Yee Esther , Wong Yiu Chung 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Forgotten Joint Score (FJS) has become a popular tool for total knee arthroplasty (TKA), but almost all studies had assessment performed 1 year after surgery. There is a need for a sensitive tool for earlier outcome assessment. The aim of this study was to investigate the usefulness of FJS within the first year after TKA.

Methods
This was a cross-sectional study. Patients within the first year after primary TKA were recruited. FJS was translated into the local language with a cross-cultural adaptation and was validated by assessing the correlation with the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index score (WOMAC). Ceiling and floor effects (highest or lowest 10% or 15%) of both scores were compared. Skewness of scores was assessed with a histogram.

Results
One hundred sixty-three subjects were recruited: 84 (51.5%) had evaluation at 3 months after the operation, 56 (34.4%) at 6 months, and 23 (14.1%) at 12 months. FJS had fewer patients at the highest 10% (10.7% vs. 16.1%, P = 0.046) or 15% (19.6% vs. 32.1%, P = 0.027) at 6 months and within the first year overall (6.7% vs. 13.5%, P <0.001; 14.1% vs. 22.7%, P <0.001). Also, it had more patients at the lowest 10% (16.7% vs. 0%, P <0.001) or 15% (21.4% vs. 0%, P <0.001) at 3 months, 6 months (10.7% vs. 0%, P <0.001), and overall (12.9% vs. 0%, P <0.001; 16.6% vs. 0%, P <0.001). The skewness was much less than WOMAC (0.09 vs. −0.56).

Conclusions
FJS has a low ceiling effect but a high floor effect in the first year after TKA. Such characteristics make it less useful for the general assessment of early patient report outcome after operation.
What surgical approach would provide better outcomes in children and adolescents undergoing cholecystectomy? Results of a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Steffens Daniel , Wales Kathryn , Toms Clare , Yeo David , Sandroussi Charbel , Jiwane Ashish 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
There is a lack of evidence on the surgical approach for children and adolescents undergoing cholecystectomy. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review is to compare the safety and efficacy of minimally invasive cholecystectomy to open cholecystectomy in children and/or adolescents.

Main body
A search was conducted on MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane and Embase from inception to October 2018. We included comparative studies investigating outcomes following robotic-assisted, laparoscopic and/or open cholecystectomy in children and/or adolescents. The outcomes of interest included post-operative complication rate, operation time, length of hospital stay, post-operative pain and conversion to open procedure. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess the risk of bias. Meta-analysis was performed using random-effect models.
Twenty-one studies were included involving 927 children and/or adolescents. All, but one, compared outcomes between laparoscopic versus open cholecystectomy. The great majority of the included studies presented a low risk of bias. Patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy had less post-operative complications (RR: 0.57; 95%CI 0.35 to 0.94), reduced length of hospital stay (MD − 3.73; 95%CI − 4.88 to − 2.59), but longer operative time (MD 26.61; 95%CI 9.35 to 43.86) when compared to open cholecystectomy. The average conversion from laparoscopic to open cholecystectomy was 7% across studies.

Conclusions
The current evidence suggested that laparoscopic cholecystectomy in children and/or adolescents is safe resulting in lower rates of postoperative complications and length of stay, but longer operative times, when compared to the open approach.

PROSPERO registration
CRD42017067641

Level of evidence
Level III
Integrated Item Response Theory Modeling of Multiple Patient-Reported Outcomes Assessing Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Associated with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Authors: Lyauk Yassine Kamal , Lund Trine Meldgaard , Hooker Andrew C. , Karlsson Mats O. , Jonker Daniël M. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIn clinical trials within lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH-LUTS), the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) is commonly the primary efficacy outcome while the Quality of Life (QoL) score and the BPH Impact Index (BII) are common secondary efficacy markers. The current study aimed to characterize BPH-LUTS progression using responses to the IPSS, the QoL, and the BII in an integrated item response theory (IRT) framework and assess the Fisher information of each scale. The power of this approach to detect a drug effect was compared with an IRT approach considering only IPSS responses. A unidimensional and a bidimensional pharmacometric IRT model, based on item-level IPSS responses in a clinical trial with 403 patients, were extended by incorporating patients’ QoL and summary BII scores over the 6-month trial period. In the developed unidimensional integrated model, the QoL score was found to be the most informative, representing 17% of the total Fisher information, while the combined information content of the seven IPSS items represented 70.6%. In the bidimensional model, “storage” and both storage and “voiding” disability drove QoL and summary BII responses, respectively. Sample size reduction of 16% to detect a drug effect at 80% power was obtained with the unidimensional integrated IRT model compared with its counterpart IPSS IRT model. This study shows that utilizing the information content across the IPSS, QoL, and BII scales in an integrated IRT framework results in a modest but meaningful increase in power to detect a drug effect.
Expression of the Insulin-like Growth Factor System in First- and Second-Trimester Human Embryonic and Fetal Gonads
Authors: Mamsen Linn Salto , Zafeiri Aikaterini , Bøtkjær Jane Alrø , Hardlei Jonna Rasmussen , Ernst Erik , Oxvig Claus , Fowler Paul A , Andersen Claus Yding 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Context
Insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling is crucial for sex differentiation and development of Leydig and Sertoli cells in fetal mice testes. No such information is available for human embryonic and fetal testes and ovaries.

Objective
To investigate presence and activity of the IGF signaling system during human embryonic and fetal ovarian and testicular development.

Design
Human embryonic and fetal gonads were obtained following legal terminations of pregnancies. Gene expression was assessed by microarray and qPCR transcript analyses. Proteins of the IGF system components were detected with immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence analyses. Specimens were included from 2010 to 2017.

Setting
University Hospital.

Patients/Participants
Ovaries and testes from a total of 124 human embryos and fetuses aged 5 to 17 postconception weeks were obtained from healthy women aged 16 to 47 years resident in Denmark or Scotland.

Main Outcome Measures
Gene expression analysis using microarray was performed in 46 specimens and qPCR analysis in 56 specimens, both sexes included. Protein analysis included 22 specimens (11 ovaries, 11 testes).

Results
IGF system members were detected in embryonic and fetal testes and ovaries, both at gene transcript and protein level. A higher expression of IGF regulators was detected in testes than ovaries, with a preferred localization to Leydig cells.

Conclusions
These data indicate that the IGF system is active during very early gestation, when it may have a regulatory role in Leydig cells.
Hydration Structure and Dynamics of the Favipiravir Antiviral Drug: A Molecular Modelling Approach
Authors: Skarmoutsos Ioannis , Maurin Guillaume , Guardia Elvira , Samios Jannis 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
The hydration structure of the Favipiravir antiviral drug, at infinite dilution in water, was investigated by employing a systematic molecular modelling approach. An effective interaction potential model was employed for Favipiravir, using the intramolecular geometry and charge distribution from quantum chemical calculations performed in the present treatment and adopting well-established Lennard-Jones parameters. The hydration structure and related dynamics were further investigated by means of classical molecular dynamics simulations. These calculations have revealed the existence of different types of hydrogen bonds between Favipiravir and the surrounding water molecules, with continuous lifetimes in the sub picosecond range and intermittent lifetimes in the range of 0.8–5.4 ps. The self-diffusion coefficient of Favipiravir at 298.15 K was found to be three times lower than the value obtained for water in solution, while comparable to the values measured for other common painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics and corticosteroids for asthma treatment. It was also revealed that the rotational motions of Favipiravir are more retarded in comparison with water and this is reflected in the calculated reorientational correlation times of specific intramolecular vectors. The results obtained could be useful for further pharmacokinetic and computer-aided docking studies to evaluate the efficiency of this antiviral drug.