bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Infrared dermal thermometry is highly reliable in the assessment of patients with Charcot neuroarthropathy
Authors: Dallimore Sarah M. , Puli Nicholas , Kim Daniel , Kaminski Michelle R. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundCharcot neuroarthropathy (Charcot foot) is a serious limb‐threatening complication most commonly seen in individuals with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Although dermal thermometry is widely used by clinicians to assist in the diagnosis, monitoring, and management of the disease, there is limited high‐quality evidence to support its reliability. Therefore, this study investigated the intra‐rater and inter‐rater reliability of infrared dermal thermometry in patients with Charcot neuroarthropathy.MethodsWe collected clinical, demographic, health status, and foot examination information on 32 adults with Charcot neuroarthropathy from a metropolitan high‐risk foot service in Melbourne, Australia. Infrared dermal thermometry assessments were conducted by two independent raters at 10 anatomical sites of the Charcot foot using both a (i) touch and (ii) non‐touch technique. Intra‐rater and inter‐rater reliability of the two assessment techniques were evaluated using intra‐class correlation coefficients (ICCs), limits of agreement, standard error of measurement, and minimal detectable change statistics.ResultsMean age was 59.9 (standard deviation [SD], 10.5) years, 68.8% were male, average duration of diabetes was 20.6 (SD, 15.1) years, 71.9% had type 2 diabetes, 93.8% had peripheral neuropathy, 43.8% had peripheral arterial disease, and 50% had previous foot ulceration. Charcot foot most commonly affected the tarsometatarsal joints (38.9%), had a median duration of 2.8 (interquartile range [IQR], 1.3 to 5.9) months, and a large proportion were being treated with total contact casting (69.4%). Overall, there was good to excellent intra‐rater and inter‐rater relative reliability for the ‘touch’ technique (ICC, 0.87 to 0.99; ICC, 0.83 to 0.98, respectively), and excellent intra‐rater and inter‐rater relative reliability for the ‘non‐touch’ technique (ICC, 0.93 to 0.99; ICC, 0.91 to 0.99, respectively). In addition, measurement error was found to be relatively low across the 10 anatomical sites.ConclusionsInfrared dermal thermometry can now be used with confidence in clinical and research settings to provide a reliable assessment of skin temperature in patients with Charcot neuroarthropathy, using either a touch or non‐touch technique at 10 commonly used testing sites. A non‐touch technique, however, was observed to have slightly higher reliability indicating it may be associated with less measurement error than the touch technique.
Improving diagnosis for rare diseases: the experience of the Italian undiagnosed Rare diseases network
Authors: Salvatore Marco , Polizzi Agata , De Stefano Maria Chiara , Floridia Giovanna , Baldovino Simone , Roccatello Dario , Sciascia Savino , Menegatti Elisa , Remuzzi Giuseppe , Daina Erica , Iatropoulos Paraskevas , Bembi Bruno , Da Riol Rosalia Maria , Ferlini Alessandra , Neri Marcella , Novelli Giuseppe , Sangiuolo Federica , Brancati Francesco , Taruscio Domenica 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundFor a number of persons with rare diseases (RDs) a definite diagnosis remains undiscovered with relevant physical, psychological and social consequences. Undiagnosed RDs (URDs) require other than specialised clinical centres, outstanding molecular investigations, common protocols and dedicated actions at national and international levels; thus, many “Undiagnosed RDs programs” have been gradually developed on the grounds of a well-structured multidisciplinary approach.MethodsThe Italian Undiagnosed Rare Diseases Network (IURDN) was established in 2016 to improve the level of diagnosis of persons with URD living in Italy. Six Italian Centres of Expertise represented the network. The National Centre for Rare Diseases at the Istituto Superiore di Sanità coordinates the whole project. The software PhenoTips was used to collect the information of the clinical cases.ResultsOne hundred and ten cases were analysed between March 2016 and June 2019. The age of onset of the diseases ranged from prenatal age to 51 years. Conditions were predominantly sporadic; almost all patients had multiple organs involvements. A total of 13/71 family cases were characterized by WES; in some families more than one individual was affected, so leading to 20/71 individuals investigated. Disease causing variants were identified in two cases and were associated to previously undescribed phenotypes. In 5 cases, new candidate genes were identified, although confirmatory tests are pending. In three families, investigations were not completed due to the scarce compliance of members and molecular investigations were temporary suspended. Finally, three cases (one familial) remain still unsolved. Twelve undiagnosed clinical cases were then selected to be shared at International level through PhenomeCentral in accordance to the UDNI statement.ConclusionsOur results showed a molecular diagnostic yield of 53,8%; this value is comparable to the diagnostic rates reported in other international studies. Cases collected were also pooled with those collected by UDNI International Network. This represents a unique example of global initiative aimed at sharing and validating knowledge and experience in this field. IURDN is a multidisciplinary and useful initiative linking National and International efforts aimed at making timely and appropriate diagnoses in RD patients who still do not have a confirmed diagnosis even after a long time.
The clinical potential of GDF15 as a “ready-to-feed indicator” for critically ill adults
Authors: Van Dyck Lisa , Gunst Jan , Casaer Michaël P. , Peeters Bram , Derese Inge , Wouters Pieter J. , de Zegher Francis , Vanhorebeek Ilse , Van den Berghe Greet 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
Circulating growth-differentiation factor-15 (GDF15), a cellular stress marker, abruptly increases during critical illness, but its later time course remains unclear. GDF15 physiologically controls oral intake by driving aversive responses to nutrition. Early parenteral nutrition (PN) in ICU patients has overall been shown not beneficial. We hypothesized that low GDF15 can identify patients who benefit from early PN, tolerate enteral nutrition (EN), and resume spontaneous oral intake.

Methods
In secondary analyses of the EPaNIC-RCT on timing of PN initiation (early PN versus late PN) and the prospective observational DAS study, we documented the time course of circulating GDF15 in ICU (N = 1128) and 1 week post-ICU (N = 72), compared with healthy subjects (N = 65), and the impact hereon of randomization to early PN versus late PN in propensity score-matched groups (N = 564/group). Interaction between upon-admission GDF15 and randomization for its outcome effects was investigated (N = 4393). Finally, association between GDF15 and EN tolerance in ICU (N = 1383) and oral intake beyond ICU discharge (N = 72) was studied.

Results
GDF15 was elevated throughout ICU stay, similarly in early PN and late PN patients, and remained high beyond ICU discharge (p < 0.0001). Upon-admission GDF15 did not interact with randomization to early PN versus late PN for its outcome effects, but higher GDF15 independently related to worse outcomes (p ≤ 0.002). Lower GDF15 was only weakly related to gastrointestinal tolerance (p < 0.0001) and a steeper drop in GDF15 with more oral intake after ICU discharge (p = 0.05).

Conclusion
In critically ill patients, high GDF15 reflected poor prognosis and may contribute to aversive responses to nutrition. However, the potential of GDF15 as “ready-to-feed indicator” appears limited.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT00512122, registered 31 July 2007, https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00512122 (EPaNIC trial) and ISRCTN, ISRCTN 98806770, registered 11 November 2014, http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN98806770 (DAS trial)
Effects of kinesio tape on kinesiophobia, balance and functional performance of athletes with post anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a pilot clinical trial
Authors: Gholami Milad , Kamali Fahimeh , Mirzeai Maryam , Motealleh Alireza , Shamsi MohammadBagher 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
Anterior cruciate ligament trauma is one of the most common knee injuries in professional athletes. This study aimed to investigate the effects of kinesio taping on kinesiophobia, balance, and functional performance in athletes after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Methods
This randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed on 20 athletes with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (mean age 32.3 ± 6.2 years) at the time of return to sport. The subjects were randomly assigned to the kinesio tape (KT) group (n = 10) or placebo KT group (n = 10).
While subjects under taped, the following outcomes were measured at baseline, 10 minutes after the intervention, and 2 days later. Kinesiophobia, balance, strength, and functional / agility performance were assessed by the Tampa Scale, Y balance test (YBT), single-leg hops, and 10-yard extremity functional test, respectively.

Results
The results did not show a significant difference between-group post-intervention differences in kinesiophobia (Mean between-group difference = − 6.30, 95% CI = − 4.35 to 1.42, P-value = 0.17). Likewise, no significant statistical difference was observed between two study groups in terms of YBT scores (Mean between-group difference ranged over = − 6.30, 95% CI = − 1.1 to 4.7, the effect sizes ranged over = 0.01 to 0.31), P-value > 0.05), Single Leg Hop (Mean between-group difference = − 0.48, 95% CI for difference ranged over = − 10.3 to 9.3, effect size = 0.001, P-value = 0.918), and 10 Yard test scores (Mean between-group difference = − 0.30, 95% CI = (− 1.3 to 0.75), effect size = 0.02, P-value = 0.55) at 2 days after the KT. In the KT and placebo KT groups, RMANOVA indicated that the differences in all variables scores were significant over time with large effect sizes (effect size ranged over = 0.94–0.99; all P-value < 0.001).

Conclusion
This study gives no support for any beneficial effect of kinesio taping on the reduction of kinesiophobi or improvement of balance score and functional performance in athletes with post anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Trial registration
This study was registered in the Iranian Clinical Trial Center with the code IRCT20190130042556N1, registered 12 February 2019.
Increasing ventilator surge capacity in COVID 19 pandemic: design, manufacture and in vitro–in vivo testing in anaesthetized healthy pigs of a rapid prototyped mechanical ventilator
Authors: Dhanani Jayesh , Pang George , Pincus Jason , Ahern Benjamin , Goodwin Wendy , Cowling Nicholas , Whitten Grant , Abdul-Aziz Mohd. H. , Martin Steven , Corke Peter , Laupland Kevin B. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Objective
The advent of new technologies has made it possible to explore alternative ventilator manufacturing to meet the worldwide shortfall for mechanical ventilators especially in pandemics. We describe a method using rapid prototyping technologies to create an electro-mechanical ventilator in a cost effective, timely manner and provide results of testing using an in vitro–in vivo testing model.

Results
Rapid prototyping technologies (3D printing and 2D cutting) were used to create a modular ventilator. The artificial manual breathing unit (AMBU) bag connected to wall oxygen source using a flow meter was used as air reservoir. Controlled variables include respiratory rate, tidal volume and inspiratory: expiratory (I:E) ratio. In vitro testing and In vivo testing in the pig model demonstrated comparable mechanical efficiency of the test ventilator to that of standard ventilator but showed the material limits of 3D printed gears. Improved gear design resulted in better ventilator durability whilst reducing manufacturing time (< 2-h). The entire cost of manufacture of ventilator was estimated at 300 Australian dollars. A cost-effective novel rapid prototyped ventilator for use in patients with respiratory failure was developed in < 2-h and was effective in anesthetized, healthy pig model.
Eight enteric-coated 50 mg diclofenac sodium tablet formulations marketed in Saudi Arabia: in vitro quality evaluation
Authors: Hammami Muhammad M. , Hussein Rajaa F. , AlSwayeh Reem , Alvi Syed N. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Objective
To evaluate in vitro quality of enteric-coated 50 mg diclofenac sodium tablet formulations on Saudi market.

Results
A reference and seven generic (G1-7) formulations were commercially available in December 2019/January 2020 and were assessed within 25–75% of manufacture-expiration period. Weight variation (range as% difference from mean, n = 20), active substance content (ASC, mean (SD) as% difference from label, n = 20), hardness (mean (SD), n = 10), and friability (% weight loss, n = 20) were 97–103%, 102.0% (3.4%), 15.4 (1.1) kg, and 0.24%, respectively, for the reference. For G2-7, they were ≤ ±5%, 98.6% (4.0%) to 109.9% (1.8%), 11.9 (0.9) to 18.3 (0.8) kg, and ≤ 0.00 to 0.75%, respectively. G1 ASC, hardness, and friability were 111.3% (1.7%), 20.1 (1.7) kg, and 1.10%, respectively. Disintegration time (n = 6) and dissolution profile (n = 8) were also determined. No formulation disintegrated or released ˃ 0.1% of label ASC in 0.1 N HCl for 2 h. The reference disintegrated in 15:00 min:seconds and released a mean (range) of 100% (99–103%) of label ASC by 45 min in phosphate buffer (pH = 6.8). G1-7 disintegrated in 8:53 to 20:37 min:seconds and released 81% (69–90%) (G1) to 109%. Except for borderline performance of G1, all formulations passed in vitro quality tests according to United States Pharmacopoeia.
DNA methylation mediates the effect of cocaine use on HIV severity
Authors: Shu Chang , Justice Amy C. , Zhang Xinyu , Wang Zuoheng , Hancock Dana B. , Johnson Eric O. , Xu Ke 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundCocaine use accelerates human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) progression and worsens HIV outcomes. We assessed whether DNA methylation in blood mediates the association between cocaine use and HIV severity in a veteran population.MethodsWe analyzed 1435 HIV-positive participants from the Veterans Aging Cohort Study Biomarker Cohort (VACS-BC). HIV severity was measured by the Veteran Aging Cohort Study (VACS) index. We assessed the effect of cocaine use on VACS index and mortality among the HIV-positive participants. We selected candidate mediators that were associated with both persistent cocaine use and VACS index by epigenome-wide association (EWA) scans at a liberalpvalue cutoff of 0.001. Mediation analysis of the candidate CpG sites between cocaine’s effect and the VACS index was conducted, and the joint mediation effect of multiple CpGs was estimated. A two-step epigenetic Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was conducted as validation.ResultsMore frequent cocaine use was significantly associated with a higher VACS index (β= 1.00,p= 2.7E−04), and cocaine use increased the risk of 10-year mortality (hazard ratio = 1.10,p= 0.011) with adjustment for confounding factors. Fifteen candidate mediator CpGs were selected from the EWA scan. Twelve of these CpGs showed significant mediation effects, with each explaining 11.3–29.5% of the variation. The mediation effects for 3 of the 12 CpGs were validated by the two-step epigenetic MR analysis. The joint mediation effect of the 12 CpGs accounted for 47.2% of cocaine’s effect on HIV severity. Genes harboring these 12 CpGs are involved in the antiviral response (IFIT3,IFITM1,NLRC5,PLSCR1,PARP9) and HIV progression (CX3CR1,MX1).ConclusionsWe identified 12 DNA methylation CpG sites that appear to play a mediation role in the association between cocaine use and HIV severity.
Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosome: a promising alternative in the therapy of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Guo Mengtian , Yin Zhenyu , Chen Fanglian , Lei Ping 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAlzheimer’s disease (AD) has been a devastating public health with the development of global aging. Approaches for reducing the current AD epidemic are becoming a primary focus of human healthcare due to the lack of achieved lasting and complete remission strategies to treat AD with the characteristics of heterogeneity and complexity. Exosomes, which is the new emerging approach to intercellular communication, provide novel perspective on identified therapeutic strategies of AD. Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (MSC-exos) are emerging to be an appealing therapeutic tool for AD, with the donor-derived properties and the characteristics of minimal immunogenicity, effortless storage, nature delivery vehicles, and low risks of tumor formation based on the previous researches. In this review, we elaborate the mechanism of MSC-exos in the treatment of AD and discuss limitations in the clinical application.
Influence of rehydration on transcriptome during resuscitation of desiccated Pseudomonas putida KT2440
Authors: López-Lara Lilia I. , Pazos-Rojas Laura A. , López-Cruz Lesther E. , Morales-García Yolanda E. , Quintero-Hernández Verónica , de la Torre Jesús , van Dillewijn Pieter , Muñoz-Rojas Jesús , Baez Antonino 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Purpose
Pseudomonas putida KT2440 is a desiccation-sensitive bacterium that loses culturability after 15 days of air desiccation. We have previously shown that P. putida KT2440 can develop a viable but nonculturable (VBNC) state after being exposed to desiccation stress and eventually recover when desiccated cells are rehydrated for at least 24 h.

Methods
To determine which genes of transport, oxidation-reduction, and transcription processes could be involved in the return of P. putida KT2440 to the culturable state, a transcriptome analysis was carried out comparing the gene expression of non-desiccated samples with samples subjected to desiccation followed by 20 min of rehydration or desiccation followed by 24 h of rehydration.

Results
Desiccation stress triggered a VBNC state of P. putida. The major response was detected after 24 h of rehydration with 148 upregulated and 42 downregulated genes. During the VBNC state, P. putida activated transmembrane transport processes like that of siderophores through a TonB-dependent transporter and putative polyhydric alcohol transport systems. Prolonged rehydration with distilled water resuscitated P. putida KT2440 cells activating the catabolism of phenylalanine/tyrosine to provide energy and carbon for ubiquinone biosynthesis while maintaining a reduced protein synthesis. On the other hand, the interruption of the TonB-dependent receptor gene (PP_1446) increased desiccation survival of the mutant strain.

Conclusion
The activation of the iron transport system (TonB-dependent siderophore receptor) and alcohol transport can be helping the VBNC state of P. putida. Activation of catabolism of phenylalanine/tyrosine and reduced protein synthesis was needed for resuscitation from the VBNC state.
Pancreatic ascites managed with a conservative approach: a case report
Authors: Bhandari Raju , Chamlagain Rajan , Bhattarai Saraswati , Tischler Eric H. , Mandal Rajesh , Bhandari Ramesh Singh 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
Pancreatic ascites refers to the massive accumulation of pancreatic fluid in the peritoneal cavity and is a rare entity. Chronic alcoholic pancreatitis is the most common cause. Ascites is commonly seen in patients with alcoholic liver disease and is usually a consequence of portal hypertension. Biliary pancreatitis, pancreatic trauma and cystic duplications of biliopancreatic ducts, ampullary stenosis, or ductal lithiasis are the remaining causes.

Case presentation
A 53-year-old Chhetri man, a chronic alcoholic, presented with epigastric pain and abdominal distension. He had made several previous visits to a local hospital within the past 6 months for a similar presentation. Serum alkaline phosphatase 248 IU/L, serum amylase 1301 IU/L, and lipase 1311 IU/L were elevated while serum calcium was decreased (1.5 mmol/l). Ascitic fluid amylase was elevated (2801 IU/L). A computed tomography scan of his abdomen revealed features suggestive of acute-on-chronic pancreatitis. The case was managed with a conservative approach withholding oral feedings, starting total parenteral nutrition, paracentesis, octreotide, and pigtail drainage.

Conclusion
Pancreatic ascites is a rare entity. Diagnosis is suspected with raised ascitic fluid amylase in the presence of pancreatic disease. Such cases can be managed by conservative approach or interventional approach. We managed this case through a conservative approach.
Mesenchymal stem cell-based Smad7 gene therapy for experimental liver cirrhosis
Authors: Su Dong-Na , Wu Shi-Pin , Xu Shang-Zhong 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
Bone mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can promote liver regeneration and inhibit inflammation and hepatic fibrosis. MSCs also can serve as a vehicle for gene therapy. Smad7 is an essential negative regulatory gene in the TGF-β1/Smad signalling pathway. Activation of TGF-β1/Smad signalling accelerates liver inflammation and fibrosis; we therefore hypothesized that MSCs overexpressing the Smad7 gene might be a new cell therapy approach for treating liver fibrosis via the inhibition of TGF-β1/Smad signalling.

Methods
MSCs were isolated from 6-week-old Wistar rats and transduced with the Smad7 gene using a lentivirus vector. Liver cirrhosis was induced by subcutaneous injection of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) for 8 weeks. The rats with established liver cirrhosis were treated with Smad7-MSCs by direct injection of cells into the main lobes of the liver. The expression of Smad7, Smad2/3 and fibrosis biomarkers or extracellular matrix proteins and histopathological change were assessed by quantitative PCR, ELISA and Western blotting and staining.

Results
The mRNA and protein level of Smad7 in the recipient liver and serum were increased after treating with Smad-MSCs for 7 and 21 days (P < 0.001). The serum levels of collagen I and III and collagenase I and III were significantly (P < 0.001) reduced after the treatment with Smad7-MSCs. The mRNA levels of TGF-β1, TGFBR1, α-SMA, TIMP-1, laminin and hyaluronic acid were decreased (P < 0.001), while MMP-1 increased (P < 0.001). The liver fibrosis score and liver function were significantly alleviated after the cell therapy.

Conclusions
The findings suggest that the MSC therapy with Smad7-MSCs is effective in the treatment of liver fibrosis in the CCl4-induced liver cirrhosis model. Inhibition of TGF-β1 signalling pathway by enhancement of Smad-7 expression could be a feasible cell therapy approach to mitigate liver cirrhosis.
Mechanisms of sex hormones in autoimmunity: focus on EAE
Authors: Lasrado Ninaad , Jia Ting , Massilamany Chandirasegaran , Franco Rodrigo , Illes Zsolt , Reddy Jay 
Published: September 2020

AbstractSex-related differences in the occurrence of autoimmune diseases is well documented, with females showing a greater propensity to develop these diseases than their male counterparts. Sex hormones, namely dihydrotestosterone and estrogens, have been shown to ameliorate the severity of inflammatory diseases. Immunologically, the beneficial effects of sex hormones have been ascribed to the suppression of effector lymphocyte responses accompanied by immune deviation from pro-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory cytokine production. In this review, we present our view of the mechanisms of sex hormones that contribute to their ability to suppress autoimmune responses with an emphasis on the pathogenesis of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.