bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intraoperative intra-aortic balloon pump improves 30-day outcomes of patients undergoing extensive coronary endarterectomy
Authors: Wu Zhen , Liu Changcheng , Fang Ying , Wei Hua , Gu Chengxiong 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
The efficacy of intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) has been proven in high-risk patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). However, data on the timing and benefits of IABP support in diffuse coronary artery disease after CABG combined with coronary endarterectomy (CE) remain scarce. This retrospective study assessed the effect of intraoperative or postoperative IABP on 30-day outcomes of off-pump CABG+CE.

Methods
From January 2012 to December 2018, 546 patients undergone off-pump CABG+CE were divided into control group (n = 437) and IABP group (n = 109). Risk factors for 30-day outcomes were evaluated. Subgroup analysis from IABP group was conducted to identify the effect of timing IABP on 30-day outcomes.

Results
CE on left anterior descending branch of coronary artery (LAD) (OR = 3.079, 95% CI 1.077–8.805, P = 0.036), CE with≥2 vessels (OR = 9.123, 95% CI 3.179–26.033, P < 0.001) and length of atherosclerotic plaque ≥3 cm (OR = 16.017, 95% CI 5.941–43.183, P < 0.001) were independent risk factors for postoperative acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and 30-day mortality. Comparing with intraoperative IABP support, postoperative IABP support (OR = 3.987, 95% CI1.194–13.317, P = 0.025) was closely associated with postoperative AMI and 30-day mortality.

Conclusions
For patients undergone off-pump CABG and extensive CE (CE on LAD, CE ≥2 vessels and length of atherosclerotic plaque ≥3 cm), intraoperative IABP support may improve 30-day outcomes.
Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome: a comprehensive update
Authors: Herlin Morten Krogh , Petersen Michael Bjørn , Brännström Mats 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome, also referred to as Müllerian aplasia, is a congenital disorder characterized by aplasia of the uterus and upper part of the vagina in females with normal secondary sex characteristics and a normal female karyotype (46,XX).

Main body
The diagnosis is often made during adolescence following investigations for primary amenorrhea and has an estimated prevalence of 1 in 5000 live female births. MRKH syndrome is classified as type I (isolated uterovaginal aplasia) or type II (associated with extragenital manifestations). Extragenital anomalies typically include renal, skeletal, ear, or cardiac malformations. The etiology of MRKH syndrome still remains elusive, however increasing reports of familial clustering point towards genetic causes and the use of various genomic techniques has allowed the identification of promising recurrent genetic abnormalities in some patients. The psychosexual impact of having MRKH syndrome should not be underestimated and the clinical care foremost involves thorough counselling and support in careful dialogue with the patient. Vaginal agenesis therapy is available for mature patients following therapeutical counselling and education with non-invasive vaginal dilations recommended as first-line therapy or by surgery. MRKH syndrome involves absolute uterine factor infertility and until recently, the only option for the patients to achieve biological motherhood was through gestational surrogacy, which is prohibited in most countries. However, the successful clinical trial of uterus transplantation (UTx) by a Swedish team followed by the first live-birth in September, 2014 in Gothenburg, proofed the first available fertility treatment in MRKH syndrome and UTx is now being performed in other countries around the world allowing women with MRKH syndrome to carry their own child and achieve biological motherhood.

Conclusion
Several advances in research across multiple disciplines have been made in the recent years and this kaleidoscopic review provides a current status of various key aspects in MRKH syndrome and provides perspectives for future research and improved clinical care.
Screening for Fabry disease in unknown origin axonal polyneuropathy: to do or not to do, this is the question!
Authors: Rota Eugenia , Grandis Marina , Di Sapio Alessia , Ghiglione Elisabetta , Fiorentino Pietro , Repetto Alessandra , Giliberto Claudia , Gemelli Chiara , Morelli Nicola , Schenone Angelo , Cocito Dario 
Published: August 2020

AbstractFabry disease (FD) is a systemic X-linked lysosomal disorder. A ‘peripheral nerve variant’ of FD has been hypothesized in subjects with neuropathy, without the early manifestations of the classic phenotype. A cohort of undiagnosed neuropathy patients with chronic polyneuropathy of undetermined aetiology and demyelinating neuropathy, unresponsive to immunomodulating treatment, were screened for FD. A total of 103 patients (64% males), were enrolled. No typical pathogenetic mutations for FD were identified. We are aware that the study sample was very small, but only a large, unfeasible theoretical sample size could demonstrate a statistically significant increased prevalence of FD in neuropathy patients, as peripheral neuropathy of undetermined cause is uncommon and there is a low prevalence of FD in the general population. Therefore, we are of the opinion that including tailored FD screening in the neuropathy diagnostic work-up, particularly when there are additional clinical characteristics, should be considered.
Characterization of virulence genes in Escherichia coli strains isolated from pre-weaned calves in the Republic of Korea
Authors: Ryu Ji-Hyoung , Kim SuHee , Park Jinho , Choi Kyoung-Seong 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Escherichia coli is an important cause of diarrhea in calves and its diarrheagenic properties are related to presence of certain virulence genes. In this study, the prevalence of virulence genes F5, F17, F41, sta, stx1, stx2, eae, and saa in E. coli isolated from pre-weaned calves presenting with (n= 329) or without diarrhea (n= 360) was explored using multiplex polymerase chain reaction. We also evaluated the association between detection of E. coli and the presence of diarrhea.

Results
Escherichia coli was detected in 56.3% (388/689) of the fecal samples and showed the highest prevalence (66.5%) in 21–40-day-old calves and the lowest (46.3%) among those that were 1–20 days old. The prevalence of the enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) pathotypes was detected in 73.9% and 15.9%, respectively. The results showed no association between diarrhea and the presence of E. coli in general, ETEC or STEC. The F17 gene was the most frequently detected virulence factor in E. coli of calves of all ages regardless of diarrhea. Interestingly, the results show that the calves aged 41–60 days with F17-positive E. coli are at a higher risk for production of Shiga toxin (Stx1; 95% confidence intervals: 1.86–31.95; P = 0.005) compared to calves aged 1–20 days; no association between this finding and diarrhea was observed among the calves of this age group. Moreover, the virulence genes associated with the ETEC and STEC strains were not significantly associated with pathogenicity in this study cohort.

Conclusions
These results suggest that while the incidence of E. coli is age-related, there was no relationship linking E. coli virulence genes to calf age and diarrhea. Furthermore, the present study demonstrated that detection of E. coli strains either with or without virulence factors was not associated with diarrhea in pre-weaned calves.
Applying a general systems theory framework in mental health treatment pathways: the case of the Hellenic Center of Mental Health and Research
Authors: Katrakazas Panagiotis , Grigoriadou Aliki , Koutsouris Dimitrios 
Published: August 2020

AbstractLanguage, socio-emotional and cognitive development in children and adolescents with mental health issues is getting increased attention over the last years. Establishing communication patterns and addressing behavioural diversities among this population should be of priority, along with a better understanding in a large variety of patient characteristics within the operational framework of mental healthcare centers. Therefore, the relationships between provided services and operational capability should become more evident. As integrated systems’ approaches are still missing to predict the efficiency of treatment services in a macroscopic scale, a General Systems Theory framework is hereby proposed. This framework is applied and tested against the operational framework of the Hellenic Center of Mental Health and Research, in order to identify the need of such an approach and the strong cooperation between medical and population interactions. Using such frameworks as a prerequisite to identify important factors affecting population states can lead to evaluating their impact on the treatment outcome and depict the complexity of pathways potentially related to the children’s development.
Daratumumab, bortezomib, and dexamethasone in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma: subgroup analysis of CASTOR based on cytogenetic risk
Authors: Weisel Katja , Spencer Andrew , Lentzsch Suzanne , Avet-Loiseau Hervé , Mark Tomer M. , Spicka Ivan , Masszi Tamas , Lauri Birgitta , Levin Mark-David , Bosi Alberto , Hungria Vania , Cavo Michele , Lee Je-Jung , Nooka Ajay , Quach Hang , Munder Markus , Lee Cindy , Barreto Wolney , Corradini Paolo , Min Chang-Ki , Chanan-Khan Asher A. , Horvath Noemi , Capra Marcelo , Beksac Meral , Ovilla Roberto , Jo Jae-Cheol , Shin Ho-Jin , Sonneveld Pieter , Casneuf Tineke , DeAngelis Nikki , Amin Himal , Ukropec Jon , Kobos Rachel , Mateos Maria-Victoria 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Multiple myeloma (MM) patients with high cytogenetic risk have poor outcomes. In CASTOR, daratumumab plus bortezomib/dexamethasone (D-Vd) prolonged progression-free survival (PFS) versus bortezomib/dexamethasone (Vd) alone and exhibited tolerability in patients with relapsed or refractory MM (RRMM).

Methods
This subgroup analysis evaluated D-Vd versus Vd in CASTOR based on cytogenetic risk, determined using fluorescence in situ hybridization and/or karyotype testing performed locally. High-risk patients had t(4;14), t(14;16), and/or del17p abnormalities. Minimal residual disease (MRD; 10−5 sensitivity threshold) was assessed via the clonoSEQ® assay V2.0. Of the 498 patients randomized, 40 (16%) in the D-Vd group and 35 (14%) in the Vd group were categorized as high risk.

Results
After a median follow-up of 40.0 months, D-Vd prolonged median PFS versus Vd in patients with standard (16.6 vs 6.6 months; HR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.19-0.37; P < 0.0001) and high (12.6 vs 6.2 months; HR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.21–0.83; P = 0.0106) cytogenetic risk. D-Vd achieved deep responses, including higher rates of MRD negativity and sustained MRD negativity versus Vd, regardless of cytogenetic risk. The safety profile was consistent with the overall population of CASTOR.

Conclusion
These updated data reinforce the effectiveness and tolerability of daratumumab-based regimens for RRMM, regardless of cytogenetic risk status.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02136134. Registered 12 May 2014
DNA polymerase stalling at structured DNA constrains the expansion of short tandem repeats
Authors: Murat Pierre , Guilbaud Guillaume , Sale Julian E. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Short tandem repeats (STRs) contribute significantly to de novo mutagenesis, driving phenotypic diversity and genetic disease. Although highly diverse, their repetitive sequences induce DNA polymerase slippage and stalling, leading to length and sequence variation. However, current studies of DNA synthesis through STRs are restricted to a handful of selected sequences, limiting our broader understanding of their evolutionary behaviour and hampering the characterisation of the determinants of their abundance and stability in eukaryotic genomes.

Results
We perform a comprehensive analysis of DNA synthesis at all STR permutations and interrogate the impact of STR sequence and secondary structure on their genomic representation and mutability. To do this, we developed a high-throughput primer extension assay that allows monitoring of the kinetics and fidelity of DNA synthesis through 20,000 sequences comprising all STR permutations in different lengths. By combining these measurements with population-scale genomic data, we show that the response of a model replicative DNA polymerase to variously structured DNA is sufficient to predict the complex genomic behaviour of STRs, including abundance and mutational constraints. We demonstrate that DNA polymerase stalling at DNA structures induces error-prone DNA synthesis, which constrains STR expansion.

Conclusions
Our data support a model in which STR length in eukaryotic genomes results from a balance between expansion due to polymerase slippage at repeated DNA sequences and point mutations caused by error-prone DNA synthesis at DNA structures.
Nitric oxide debilitates the neuropathogenic schistosome Trichobilharzia regenti in mice, partly by inhibiting its vital peptidases
Authors: Macháček Tomáš , Šmídová Barbora , Pankrác Jan , Majer Martin , Bulantová Jana , Horák Petr 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundAvian schistosomes, the causative agents of human cercarial dermatitis (or swimmer’s itch), die in mammals but the mechanisms responsible for parasite elimination are unknown. Here we examined the role of reactive nitrogen species, nitric oxide (NO) and peroxynitrite, in the immune response of mice experimentally infected withTrichobilharzia regenti, a model species of avian schistosomes remarkable for its neuropathogenicity.MethodsInducible NO synthase (iNOS) was localized by immunohistochemistry in the skin and the spinal cord of mice infected byT. regenti. The impact of iNOS inhibition by aminoguanidine on parasite burden and growth was then evaluatedin vivo. The vulnerability ofT. regentischistosomula to NO and peroxynitrite was assessedin vitroby viability assays and electron microscopy. Additionally, the effect of NO on the activity ofT. regentipeptidases was tested using a fluorogenic substrate.ResultsiNOS was detected around the parasites in the epidermis 8 h post-infection and also in the spinal cord 3 days post-infection (dpi). Inhibition of iNOS resulted in slower parasite growth 3 dpi, but the opposite effect was observed 7 dpi. At the latter time point, moderately increased parasite burden was also noticed in the spinal cord.In vitro, NO did not impair the parasites, but inhibited the activity ofT. regenticathepsins B1.1 and B2, the peptidases essential for parasite migration and digestion. Peroxynitrite severely damaged the surface tegument of the parasites and decreased their viabilityin vitro, but rather did not participate in parasite clearancein vivo.ConclusionsReactive nitrogen species, specifically NO, do not directly killT. regentiin mice. NO promotes the parasite growth soon after penetration (3 dpi), but prevents it later (7 dpi) when also suspends the parasite migration in the CNS. NO-related disruption of the parasite proteolytic machinery is partly responsible for this effect.
Animal models of disuse-induced bone loss: study protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Brent Mikkel Bo , Brüel Annemarie , Thomsen Jesper Skovhus 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Disuse is a cardinal sign of various neurological diseases like stroke, cerebral palsy, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Disuse leads to reduced mechanical loading of the skeleton, and a substantial and significant loss of bone mass quickly materializes. Several animal models have been proposed to investigate the pathogenesis of disuse-induced bone loss and to test new pharmaceutical targets to counteract it. As animal models may overcome several of the limitations in observational studies conducted in patients and allow for measurements not possible in humans, the primary objective of the present study is to provide a comprehensive overview of the available animal models of disuse-induced bone loss.

Methods/design
This is a protocol for a systematic review of animal models of disuse-induced bone loss. An exhaustive search will be performed on PubMed and Embase in order to identify relevant studies. The primary outcome will be the method of disuse induction. The secondary outcomes will be related to bone samples and anatomical sites investigated, methods used to analyze and quantify bone loss, and bibliographic information. The protocol adheres to the current guiding principles of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) 2015 statement. Extracted data will be analyzed with descriptive statistics, and all the methods used to induce disuse will be described in detail with a narrative synthesis.

Discussion
This systematic review will provide an overview of available animal models of disuse-induced bone loss and discuss the different methods used to quantify and analyze the bone loss. Since bone loss caused by disuse is a hallmark of various diseases from different medical specialties, this overview will be of great benefit for all researchers planning to conduct disuse animal studies in the future.

Systematic review registration
PROSPERO CRD42020157452.
Barriers and facilitators to access mental health services among refugee women in high-income countries: study protocol for a systematic review
Authors: DeSa Sarah , Gebremeskel Akalewold T. , Yaya Sanni 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundAccording to the United Nation High Commissioner for Refugee Global Trends report in 2019, on average, there are 2.7 refugees per 1000 national population in high-income countries, where girls and women attributed to 48% of the refugee population. Evidence shows high prevalence of mental health disorder among women refugees in comparison to the general population. To our knowledge, no systematic reviews have addressed access to mental health services for refugee women. The aim of this study will be to examine existing barriers and facilitators to accessing mental health services for refugee women in leading high-income countries for refugee resettlement.MethodsWe designed and registered a study protocol for a systematic review. We will conduct a literature search (from inception onwards) in MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL. Research articles having a qualitative component (i.e., qualitative, mixed, or multi-method) will be eligible. Study populations of interest will be refugee women at any age that can receive mental health services in leading high-income countries for refugee resettlement (e.g., 14 countries from North America, Europe, and Oceania). Eligibility will be restricted to studies published in English. The primary outcome will be all barriers and facilitators related to accessing mental health services. Two reviewers will independently screen all citations, full-text articles, and abstract data. Potential conflicts will be resolved through discussion. The study methodological quality (or bias) will be appraised using appropriate tools. Reporting will follow the Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research (ENTREQ) statement. A narrative synthesis will be conducted, and summary of findings tables will be produced. As it will be a systematic review, without human participants’ involvement, there will be no requirement for ethical approval.DiscussionThe systematic review will present key evidence on barriers and facilitators to access mental health services among refugee women in leading resettlement countries. The findings will be used to inform program developers, policymakers, and other stakeholders to enhance mental health services for refugee women. The final manuscript will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed journal and scientific conferences.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO CRD42020180369.
Blind versus open weighing from an eating disorder patient perspective
Authors: Froreich Franzisca V. , Ratcliffe Sarah E. , Vartanian Lenny R. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundWeighing is a key component in the treatment of eating disorders. Most treatment protocols advocate for open weighing, however, many clinicians choose to use blind weighing, especially during the early phase of treatment. Despite considerable debate about this issue in the literature, there is no empirical evidence supporting the superiority of one weighing approach over the other. In addition, little is known about patients’ perspectives of open and blind weighing and which weighing practice they view as more acceptable and/or beneficial for their treatment.MethodsSemi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 41 women with a current or past diagnosis of Anorexia or Bulimia Nervosa: 26 were undergoing specialist inpatient treatment (n = 13 being blind weighed;n = 13 being open weighed) and 15 were community members who have recovered from an eating disorder. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically using framework methods. Participant demographics, clinical characteristics, weighing anxiety and weight concerns were also assessed.ResultsQualitative analyses yielded five themes:(1) therapy engagement and progress; (2) Control and tolerance of weight uncertainty;(3) treatment team relationships and autonomy; (4) life outside of treatment; and(5) weighing practice preferences and rationale.Participants stated that blind weighing decreased anxiety and eating disorder psychopathology (e.g., weight preoccupation) and increased treatment responsivity. For many, relinquishing control over their weight facilitated body trust and was a necessary step towards recovery. Participants found that not knowing their exact weight helped challenge their overconcern with weight. Lack of support post-discharge was identified as a major difficulty of blind weighing. Overall, the majority of participants preferred blind weighing, particularly at the early, acute stage of treatment, whereas open weighing was viewed as more suitable at later stages of recovery. Quantitative analyses found current blind-weighed patients felt significantly less anxiety around being weighed and had greater tolerance of weight uncertainty than current open-weighed patients.ConclusionsThis study provided in-depth patient insights into open versus blind weighing practices. The next step for future research will be to supplement these insights with treatment outcomes gained from randomised controlled trials comparing the two weighing practices.