bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamic assessment of punctate white matter damage in premature infants based on conventional MRI and apparent diffusion coefficient value
Authors: Zhao Jiping , Cui Chunxiao , Lin Haozhi , Ma Minge , Duan Chongfeng , Liu Xuejun 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background The purpose of this study was to observe the distribution of punctate white matter damage (PWMD) in premature infants and the signal characteristics of conventional and diffusion weighted imaging MRI .To explore the application value of routine MRI and ADCvalue in evaluating white matter damage in premature infants. Methods A total of 218 premature infants were enrolled from the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University and divided into a case group (n=110) and a control group (n=108). ADC values of lesions in white matter, areas around lesions (within 5 mm) and contralateral areas of mirror images were measured. ADC values of the same areas were reexamined and measured after 5-7 weeks. ADC values were measured in normal appearing areas of the case group and control group. Results 1. A total of 390 white matter lesions were found in 110 children in the case group.324 lesions (83.1%) had a hyperintense signal in T1WI, 352 (90.3%) had a hyperintense signal in diffusion weighted imaging (DWI), 326 (83.5%) had a hyperintense signal in fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR), and 118 (30.3%) had a low signal on T2WI. 2. The ADC value in the lesion was significantly lower than that in the surrounding area and the contralateral area, and the ADC value in the surrounding area was also lower than that in the contralateral area. At the time of reexamination, the ADC value of the lesions was still significantly lower than that of the surrounding and contralateral areas of the lesion. In the case group, the ADC values of the normal area in the bilateral centrum ovale and in the splenium of the corpus callosum were lower than those in the control group. Conclusion In the early stage, (within 7 days), DWI was the most sensitive to detecting lesions, and the detection rate of lesions on T1WI was the highest as time went on. By measuring the ADC value, we can find the damage in the surrounding area of the lesion and the damage in the normal area ，which can not be detected on a conventional MRI sequence.
SiRNA in MSCs-Derived Exosomes Silences Ctgf&nbsp;Gene for Corticospinal Axon Regeneration and Locomotor Recovery in Spinal Cord Injury&nbsp;Rats
Authors: Huang Wei , Qu Mingjia , Li Lu , Liu Tao , Duan Ruimeng , Lin Miaoman , Yuan Yashuai , Zhang Meng , Gao Junxiao , Yu Xiaobing 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
As RNA interference (RNAi) received solicitous attention by many for its promising performance in gene therapy recently, and how to obtain a choice small interfering RNA (siRNA) vector has become a moot point at this moment. Exosomes (Exo) show advantages of long survival time in vivo, high transmission efficiency and easy penetration across the blood-brain/spinal cord barrier, renowned as excellent carriers of bioactive substances. Previous studies have confirmed the detrimental effect of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) on axonal regeneration after spinal cord injury (SCI) via stimulating the unrestricted growth of glial scars. In this study, we applied mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)-derived Exo as the delivery of synthesized siRNA, which were extracted from rat bone marrow. We constructed exosome-siRNA (Exo-siRNA) that could specifically silence Ctgf gene in the injury sites by electroporation. During the administration, we injected Exo-siRNAs into the tail vein of SCI rats, and their distribution and accumulation in the spinal cord were visualized by in vivo fluorescence imaging. Relevant in vivo and in vitro experiments in this study showed that Exo-siRNA not only effectively inhibited the expressions of Ctgf gene and glial scar formation related proteins, such as GFAP, vimentin fibronectin and laminin, in the injured spinal cord segments, but quenched inflammation, and thwarted neuronal apoptosis and reactive astrocytes and glial scar formation. Besides, it significantly up-regulated several neurotrophic factors and anti-inflammatory factors (e.g., TGF-β1), acting as a facilitator of axon regeneration of nerve-injured motor neurons. Thus, the motor function of SCI rats were remarkably promoted. In conclusion, this study has combined the thoroughness of gene therapy and the excellent drug-loading characteristics of Exo for the precise treatment of SCI, which will shed new light on the drug-loading field of Exo.
Laboratory evaluation of vasoreactivity; asymmetric dymethylarginine, nitric oxide, fibrinogen and high sensitive C-reactive protein in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Demir Süreyya , Demir Bulent , Sakar Mehmet Nafi , pasa semir , Atamer Yildiz 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background-Aim We aimed to compare of fibrinogen, high sensitivie C reactive protein (hsCRP), asymmetric dymethylarginine (ADMA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels as laboratory parameters of vasoreactivity in patients with PCOS. Material and Methods Thirty patients with PCOS and 30 women with normal ovulating cycles were enrolled. Serum levels of NO, ADMA, fibrinogen, FSH, LH and hsCRP were assessed and compared with the control group. Results The mean ADMA, fibrinogen and hsCRP levels were significantly higher, and NO concentrations were lower in the patient group. A significant positive correlation was observed between ADMA and NO levels, ADMA and fibrinogen (r=0.838, p<0.001), and ADMA and hsCRP concentrations. Fibrinogen and NO, and NO and hsCRP levels were significantly negatively correlated in the patient group. In the control group, there was a positive correlation between fibrinogen and age, and there was a negative correlation between NO and FSH. Conclusion The present study determined positive relation between ADMA levels and vasoreactive parameters of patients with PCOS. Women with PCOS have elevated levels of ADMA, fibrinogen and decreased NO that make them candidates for cardiovascular disease. Further studies are required to establish the association of ADMA with vascular reactivity.
Poverty reduces maternity waiting home utilization in Sidama Zone, southern Ethiopia
Authors: Tenaw Zelalem , Fikre Rekiku , Gemeda Hirut , Astatkie Ayalew 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background : Maternity waiting home utilization is proved to decrease maternal mortality and morbidity. Maternity waiting home service utilization is a strategy to improve facility-based skilled delivery service in Ethiopia. Though the establishment of maternity waiting homes started in Ethiopia more than three decades back, the utilization of the service seems to low. The objective of this study is to estimate the magnitude of maternity waiting home utilization and identify its associated factors in Sidama Zone, southern Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted on a total of 748 mothers who gave birth in the last one year in selected woredas (districts) of Sidama Zone. Data were collected from April 1- 25, 2019 using pre-tested and structured questionnaires. Data were coded and entered into EpiData version 3.5.1 and exported to Stata Version 13 software for analysis. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with maternity waiting home utilization adjusting for confounders. Results : In this study utilization of maternity waiting home in Sidama Zone was 67.25 % ( 95% CI: 63.79%-70.53%).Maternity waiting home utilization was significantly associated with maternal age of 31-40 (AOR=0.4; 95%CI: 0.28-0.64) related to 20-30 age category, daily laborer occupation of mothers (AOR=0.2; 95%CI: 0.06-0.76), protestant religion (AOR=1.7; 95% CI: 1.00-2.82), monthly income under poverty level(825-1320 EBR) (AOR=0.6; 95%CI: 0.36-0.92)related with extremely under poverty level(<825EBR), lack of knowledge about maternity waiting home (AOR=0.009; 95%CI: 0.002-0.03) and having a spouse who can read and write (AOR=2.0; 95%CI: 1.11-3.66) . Conclusion: Women who had knowledge about maternity waiting home, women who had a husband who can read and write and women who were protestant religion followers have higher probabilities of maternity waiting home utilization, whereas older women (31-40 years old), women who are daily laborers and women whose family income is below poverty have lower probabilities of maternity waiting home utilization. Health education about maternity waiting home utilization, spouse education and women's economic empowerment are crucial to enhance maternity waiting home utilization. Keywords: Maternity waiting home, Utilization, Associated factors, Ethiopia
Development and evaluation of a SYBR Green I RT-qPCR assay for Feline Infection Peritonitis virus detection
Authors: Wang Yuanhong , Wang Yong , Wang Jing , Zhao Liang , Li Chuanfeng , Chen Chen , Zhu Jie , Jiang Shudong , Li Yongdong , Liu Guangqing 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a fatal, systemic disease caused by a mutant form of Feline Infectious Peritonitis virus (FIPV) and has been reported to occur worldwide in domestic cats and massive wild feline species. Meanwhile a definitive diagnosis of FIPV ante mortem remains challenging. The objective was to develop a qPCR for the detection of FIPV in cats and applied the assay to detected the viral loads in different autopsied organs of a cat naturally infected with FIPV. Results: After genetic comparison, We develop a SYBR Green I based quantitative transcription PCR assay (qPCR) targeting the structural protein N of FIPV. The sensitivity of the new assay in detecting FIPV nucleic acids was approximately 1000 times higher than that of the conventional RT-PCR assay (PCR). There were no cross-reactions with other common viruses. Organ assay showed that FIPV were present in the Heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, duodenal and ascites of the autopsied cat. Histological lesions showed that macrophages, non-toxic neutrophils and lymphocytes predominated in different organs which confirmed that the cat was infected with FIPV. Conclusions We developed a quantitative platform for epidemiological investigations study of FIPV that was simple, sensitive, and rapid.
Autologous NK-cell-enrichment: preclinical setting phase, Shiraz experience
Authors: Rezaeifard Somayeh , Heike yuji , Masuyama Junichi , rezvani Alireza , vojdani Reza , Erfani Nasrollah 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: NK cell therapy has proven to be a promising approach for treatment of hematological malignancies and solid tumors. Masuyama et al. have recently introduced a new method for ex-vivo autologous NK cell expansion (Osaki method); resulting in the production of ample active NK cells for a promising cell therapy regimen. In order to start clinical trial phase I at Shiraz University of medical Sciences in collaboration with Masuyama clinic and St. Luck's International University Hospital, this preclinical setting study aimed to evaluate the proliferative efficacy of the method, the activation status of expanded autologous NK cells and the likely unwanted contamination of the final cell product.Methods: PBMCs were isolated from 30 ml of 5 healthy individuals' peripheral blood transferring directly to the specified initial culture bag containing antibodies for CD3, CD52 as well as IL-2 cytokine. The cells were cultured for 14-17 days in incubators; during which the cell received condition media, and underwent several passages into bigger culture bags. All the procedure was carried out in the clean room and associated facilities. Results: Our results indicated that NK cells were expanded 510-fold in average (range 200-1100 fold), and the purity of NK cells per whole lymphocytes exceeded 68%. The expanded cells were highly lytic as indicated by in-vitro cytotoxic assay; with strong expression of NKG2D and CD16. The prepared final cell products were negative for HCV, HBV, HIV, Mycoplasma and endotoxin. Conclusion: In the preclinical setting phase, large numbers of activated and un-contaminated NK cells from 30 ml of healthy individuals' peripheral blood were successfully generated. The method seems to provide ample clean cell product with no contamination; suitable to be infused back to the patients in phase I clinical trial.
Can18F-FDG PET/CT overcome endoscopy in the staging of gastrointestinal involvement in Mantle Cell Lymphoma? A retrospective multi-center cohort analysis.
Authors: Skrypets Tetiana , Nassi Luca , Casaluci Gloria Margiotta , Puccini Benedetta , Mannelli Lara , Kovalchuk Sofya , Filonenko Kateryna , Kryachok Irina , Sciacovelli Angela Monica , Vegliante Maria Carmela , Daniele Antonella , Sacchetti Gianmauro , Ferrari Cristina , Guarini Attilio , Minoia Carla 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background. Mantle-cell lymphoma (MCL) represents the 5-7% of all lymphoid malignancies. In 15-30% of cases by different data, MCL may affect the gastrointestinal tract (GI), but the real frequency by endoscopy and imaging could be significantly higher. Actually, by guidelines there are no recommendations for GI endoscopy in every patient with MCL. Therefore, we conducted the present multi-center study with the aim to evaluate the performance of the 18F-FDG PET/CT in the detection of GI involvement in patients with MCL and establish whether it is possible to omit endoscopy.Methods. We retrospectively evaluated 79 patients with newly diagnosed MCL, who had performed a pretreatment 18F-FDG PET/CT scan and GI endoscopy with biopsy. Results. By PET/CT, overall GI tract involvement was found in 24% of patients. The performance of PET/CT have been evaluated by sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy in the upper and lower GI tract. Using Cohen's k test, PET/CT and EGD with biopsy showed a fair agreement (0.20, 66.6%). However, PET/CT and colorectal biopsy showed a moderate agreement (0.49, 76%). Conclusion. Analyzed data suggest that the performance of 18F-FDG PET/CT is not excellent in the detection of gastric lesions by MCL, and thus EGD with biopsy has yet to be considered a "golden standard" in this subset, while colonoscopy could be omitted due to a higher accuracy and specificity. Taking into account the limit of the retrospective nature of the study, data should be confirmed on larger and prospective cohort.
The value of hemoglobin-to-red blood cell distribution width ratio (Hb/RDW), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) for the diagnosis of nasopharyngeal cancer
Authors: Lin Zhongyuan Lin , Zhang Xuan , Zhu Songshan , Luo Yu , Chen Yanyun , Liu Xiaochun 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: The clinical significance of hemoglobin-to-red blood cell distribution width (Hb/RDW) for the diagnosis of nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) has not been reported yet. This study aimed to evaluate the value of preoperative Hb/RDW, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) for the diagnosis of NPC.Methods: A total of 180 NPC patients (NPC group) and 149 healthy subjects (control group) were recruited to assess the value of Hb/RDW, NLR, and PLR for the diagnosis of NPC. Results: It was noted that NLR and PLR were significantly higher in the NPC group than those in the control group (P<0.001), however, Hb/RDW was lower in the NPC group compared with that in the control group (P<0.001). NLR was also remarkably different between patients of stageⅠ+Ⅱ and those of stage Ⅲ+Ⅳ (P=0.043), and that was different in patients with lymph node metastases or not(P=0.030). Besides, PLR was signiﬁcantly different in patients with serosal invasion or not (P=0.031).Compared with Hb/RDW alone (sensitivity, 66.67%; specificity, 85.23%), the sensitivity (67.78%, 72.78%) and specificity (89.62%, 90.6%) of Hb/RDW with NLR and PLR were both increased. Furthermore, Hb/RDW combined with NLR (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) (AUC), 0.824; 95% confidence interval (CI):0.779-0.864, P=0.0080) or PLR (AUC:0.851, 95%CI:0.808-0.888, P=0.0002) had a greater AUC value for the diagnosis of NPC compared with Hb/RDW alone (AUC: 0.781, 95% CI: 0.732-0.824).Conclusion: Hb/RDW can be used as a valuable indicator for the diagnosis of NPC. Preoperative Hb/RDW combined with NLR or PLR had higher value for the diagnosis of NPC.
Maternal health care decision-making process at the family level in Geita Region, Tanzania: A qualitative study
Authors: Kohi Thecla W. , Boniphace Jasintha S. , Dol Justine 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background : Most maternal deaths are preventable if a woman is able to identity danger signs and seek obstetric health care without delay. However, lack of knowledge on obstetric danger signs and a prolonged decision-making process at family level may contribute to the high maternal mortality. Currently, there is little known on how the process of decision-making at family level in seeking obstetric care is being made in Tanzania. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the process on decision-making at family level in seeking maternal health care during pregnancy, delivery and postpartum period in the Geita Region, Tanzania. Methods : A qualitative study using in-depth semi-structured interview was conducted at Chato District Hospital in the Geita Region with seven fathers and seven mothers who were attending the Reproductive Child Health Clinic.Participants were recruited using purposeful sampling and interviews were analyzed using content analysis. Results: Three themes emerged from this study, including recognition of danger signs, decision-making process, and perceived influencers for seeking maternal health care. Almost all participants were aware of obstetric danger signs, yet some gaps remained among husbands. The process of decision-making starts with the woman herself who then communicates to others for discussion but the final decision-making in seeking care is dominated by husbands, parents, or neighbors, rather than mothers alone. Observing danger signs and perceived quality of care available from the health facilities were the most predominate influencers for seeking maternal health care. Conclusion: While the process of decision-making in every family starts with the woman herself, others are consulted for discussion prior to reaching a decision about seeking maternal health care, resulting in delays in accessing care. It is positive that most of the decision makers had good understanding of obstetric danger signs and that observation of those danger signs encourage access of maternal health care. However, continued education on obstetric danger signs in the community is needed as well as quality care needs to be available and known to be provided at health care facilities to encourage early seeking of maternal health care. Keywords : maternal health; decision-making; Tanzania
Foot Care Knowledge and Practices among Japanese Nurses and Care Workers in In-home Service Providers: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Fujii Kashiko , Komoda Takuyuki , Maekawa Atsuko , Nishikawa Mariko 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Aging increases the likelihood for developing foot problems and reduces an individual’s ability for foot care. Hence, foot care knowledge and practices among nurses and care workers in the community greatly impact foot health maintenance and prevention of foot-related problems among older people. This study aimed to explore and examine the current foot care knowledge, practices, and perceptions among nurses and care workers in in-home service providers, along with their demographic characteristics and daily number of clients. Methods: This study analyzed 232 randomly selected front-line nurses and care workers across 35 in-home service providers in N City, A Prefecture, Japan. Data were obtained using questionnaires and subsequently analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, Chi-square tests, Wilcoxon rank-sum tests, and Spearman’s rank correlation tests. Results: Among the 305 providers surveyed, 232 (76.1%; 63 nurses; 170 care workers) provided data. Although 57 nurses (91.9%) and 142 care workers (83.5%) showed interest in foot care, 33 nurses (53.2%) and 133 care workers (78.2%) stated that foot care education was insufficient. Knowledge and practice scores were associated with working status. Significant differences in items related to early detection of foot problems (34.2%) and skin tears on lower limbs (25.5%) were observed between nurses and care workers. Both groups had low accuracy rates in the Shoes and Socks subscale. For practice, both nurses and care workers had low mean scores for checking client’s shoes (2.0/5.0 and 2.1/5.0, respectively), method for reducing ingrown nail pain (2.6/5.0 and 1.9/5.0, respectively), and opportunity for discussing foot care with others (2.7/5.0 and 2.2/5.0, respectively). A significant correlation between knowledge and practice scores was observed among nurses (0.331, p < 0.05) and care workers (0.339, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Despite the presence of several barriers toward enhanced care delivery to clients needing it most, nurses and care workers clearly understood the importance of foot care. Basic knowledge on early detection of foot problems and foot care, as well as other aspects, such as shoes and socks, dangers of sedentary behavior, and maintaining and improving clients’ foot health, is imperative.
Education in professional identity formation enhances self-regulated learning: a mixed-method exploratory study from a community-based clinical clerkship in Japan
Authors: Matsuyama Yasushi , Okazaki Hitoaki , Kotani Kazuhiko , Asada Yoshikazu , Ishikawa Shizukiyo , Lebowitz Adam Jon , Leppink Jimmie , Vleuten Cees van der 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Previous studies indicate professional identity formation (PIF), or formation of self-identity with internalized values and norms of professionalism, might influence self-regulated learning (SRL). However, it remains unclear whether or not PIF-oriented education can improve SRL in medical students. Methods: Rural community-based clinical clerkships (rCBCC) for Year 5 (Y5) students in Jichi Medical University (JMU) provide a learning environment where undergraduates will work in future with alumni directly mentoring them. To make rCBCC more PIF-oriented, we created a learning platform using Google Forms and a PIF-oriented teaching manual for mentors. These were designed to help undergraduates articulate future ‘self’ images as professionals, and have in-depth communication with mentors as role models pertaining to medical professionalism. Forty-one Y5 JMU students experienced PIF-oriented rCBCC, while 41 Y5 control subjects experienced the original format rCBCC. Changes in SRL between the two groups were compared using 15 categories of motivated strategies for learning questionnaire (MSLQ). We also explored how the PIF-oriented rCBCC changed their SRL by thematic analysis of questionnaire and interview data.Results: A moderate improvement of intrinsic goal orientation (p = 0.005, ε2 = 0.096) and a mild improvement of critical thinking (p = 0.041, ε2 = 0.051) were observed in the PIF-oriented rCBCC. Qualitative analysis revealed they started viewing ‘professional responsibility’ as self-study motivator. Awareness of ‘responsibility’ led to pursuit of authenticity and medical knowledge applicability, and fostered critical thinking about learning contents. They also began elaborating learning contents in line with processes. Conclusion: This is the first study showing some effects of PIF-oriented education on SRL improvement. Fostering PIF may be important for stimulating learners’ intrinsic SRL behaviors.