bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thalidomide with blockade of co-stimulatory molecules prolongs the survival of alloantigen-primed mice with cardiac allografts
Authors: Zhu Maoshu , Ma Yunhan , Tan Kai , Zhang Liyi , Wang Zhaowei , Li Yongsheng , Chen Yingyu , Guo Junjun , Yan Guoliang , Qi Zhongquan 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Miscellaneous memory cell populations that exist before organ transplantation are crucial barriers to transplantation. In the present study, we used a skin-primed heart transplantation model in mouse to evaluate the abilities of Thalidomide (TD), alone or in combination with co-stimulatory blockade, using monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against memory T cells and alloantibodies to prolong the second cardiac survival.

Results
In the skin-primed heart transplantation model, TD combined with mAbs significantly prolonged the second cardiac survival, accompanied by inhibition of memory CD8+ T cells. This combined treatment enhanced the CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells ratio in the spleen, restrained the infiltration of lymphocytes into the allograft, and suppressed the allo-response of spleen T cells in the recipient. The levels of allo-antibodies also decreased in the recipient serum. In addition, we detected low levels of the constitutions of the lytic machinery of cytotoxic cells, which cause allograft damage.

Conclusions
Our study indicated a potential synergistic action of TD in combination with with mAbs to suppress the function of memory T cells and increase the survival of second allografts in alloantigen-primed mice.
Comparison of methods for the detection of in vitro synergy in multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria
Authors: Gaudereto Juliana Januario , Neto Lauro Vieira Perdigão , Leite Gleice Cristina , Espinoza Evelyn Patricia Sanchez , Martins Roberta Cristina Ruedas , Villas Boa Prado Gladys , Rossi Flavia , Guimarães Thais , Levin Anna Sara , Costa Silvia Figueiredo 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
The use of combined antibiotic therapy has become an option for infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. The time-kill (TK) assay is considered the gold standard method for the evaluation of in vitro synergy, but it is a time-consuming and expensive method.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate two methods for testing in vitro antimicrobial combinations: the disk diffusion method through disk approximation (DA) and the agar gradient diffusion method via the MIC:MIC ratio. The TK assay was included as the gold standard. MDR Gram-negative clinical isolates (n = 62; 28 Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 20 Acinetobacter baumannii, and 14 Serratia marcescens) were submitted to TK, DA, and MIC:MIC ratio synergy methods.

Results
Overall, the agreement between the DA and TK assays ranged from 20 to 93%. The isolates of A. baumannii showed variable results of synergism according to TK, and the calculated agreement was statistically significant in this species against fosfomycin with meropenem including colistin-resistant isolates. The MIC:MIC ratiometric agreed from 35 to 71% with TK assays. The kappa test showed good agreement for the combination of colistin with amikacin (K = 0.58; P = 0.04) among the colistin-resistant A. baumannii isolates.

Conclusions
The DA and MIC:MIC ratiometric methods are easier to perform and might be a more viable tool for clinical microbiology laboratories.
Aggravated endothelial endocrine dysfunction and intimal thickening of renal artery in high-fat diet-induced obese pigs following renal denervation
Authors: Su Enyong , Zhao Linwei , Yang Xiaohang , Zhu Binbin , Liu Yahui , Zhao Wen , Wang Xianpei , Qi Datun , Zhu Lijie , Gao Chuanyu 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Renal denervation (RDN) targeting the sympathetic nerves in the renal arterial adventitia as a treatment of resistant hypertension can cause endothelial injury and vascular wall injury. This study aims to evaluate the risk of atherosclerosis induced by RDN in renal arteries.

Methods
A total of 15 minipigs were randomly assigned to 3 groups: (1) control group, (2) sham group, and (3) RDN group (n = 5 per group). All pigs were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 6 months after appropriate treatment. The degree of intimal thickening of renal artery and the conversion of endothelin 1 (ET-1) receptors were evaluated by histological staining. Western blot was used to assess the expression of nitric oxide (NO) synthesis signaling pathway, ET-1 and its receptors, NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) proteins, and the activation of NF-kappa B (NF-κB).

Results
The histological staining results suggested that compared to the sham treatment, RDN led to significant intimal thickening and significantly promoted the production of endothelin B receptor (ETBR) in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Western blotting analysis indicated that RDN significantly suppressed the expression of AMPK/Akt/eNOS signaling pathway proteins, and decreased the production of NO, and increased the expression of endothelin system proteins including endothelin-1 (ET-1), endothelin converting enzyme 1 (ECE1), endothelin A receptor (ETAR) and ETBR; and upregulated the expression of NOX2 and 4-HNE proteins and enhanced the activation of NF-kappa B (NF-κB) when compared with the sham treatment (all p < 0.05). There were no significant differences between the control and sham groups (all p > 0.05).

Conclusions
RDN aggravated endothelial endocrine dysfunction and intimal thickening, and increased the risk of atherosclerosis in renal arteries of HFD-fed pigs.
Fear of falling and cognitive impairment in elderly with different social support levels: findings from a community survey in Central Vietnam
Authors: Vo Thi Hue Man , Nakamura Keiko , Seino Kaoruko , Nguyen Hoang Thuy Linh , Van Vo Thang 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Fear of falling (FoF) in the elderly is one of the major public health concerns in this era of aging of the population. As there is limited evidence on how cognitive function may differ by social support level in relation to FoF among the elderly, this cross-sectional study aims to investigate the prevalence of FoF and the associations between cognitive impairment and FoF by the social support level, after adjustments for potential confounders.

Methods
Data from the “Health needs assessment of elderly in Thua Thien Hue Province, Vietnam in 2018” survey of 725 elderly aged 60 years or older were used for analysis. FoF was assessed using the Fall Efficacy Scale-International. High FoF was defined as a score above 28. The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support was used to measure the perception of support. Logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the association between cognitive function and FoF by social support levels (p < 0.05).

Results
The prevalence of high FoF among the elderly was 40.8%. Female gender, advanced age, a marital status of single or formerly married, living alone, history of injury, history of falls, chronic diseases (arthritis and/or hypertension), limitations of the IADL and BADL, visual difficulty and walking difficulty, low social support, and cognitive impairment were all significantly associated with a high FoF. After adjustments for the age, gender, marital status, history of falls and health-related factors, cognitive impairment remained significantly associated with a high FoF among the elderly with a low to moderate social support level (OR = 2.97, 95% CI 1.49–5.89), but not in those with a high social support level.

Conclusions
A high FoF was associated with impairment of cognitive function among the elderly who perceived themselves as having low or moderate support levels, even after adjustments for socio demographic and physical functional factors. However, this association was not observed among the elderly who perceived themselves as having high social support levels. Fall prevention programs for the elderly with various levels of social support should be carefully devised, keeping in mind the cognitive function levels of the target recipients.
Expanded access to viral load testing and use of second line regimens in Haiti: time trends from 2010–2017
Authors: Wang Yu , Barnhart Scott , Francois Kesner , Robin Ermane , Kalou Mireille , Perrin Georges , Hall Lara , Koama Jean Baptiste , Marinho Elisma , Balan Jean Gabriel , Honoré Jean Guy , Puttkammer Nancy 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Haiti initiated the scale-up of HIV viral load (VL) testing in 2015–2016, with plans to achieve 100% coverage for all patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) for treatment of HIV/AIDS. In the absence of HIV drug susceptibility testing, VL testing is a key tool for monitoring response to ART and optimizing treatment results. This study describes trends in expanded use of VL testing, VL results, and use of second-line ART regimens, and explores the association between VL testing and second-line regimen switching in Haiti from 2010 to 2017.

Methods
We conducted a retrospective cohort study with 66,042 patients drawn from 88 of Haiti’s 160 national ART clinics. Longitudinal data from the iSanté electronic data system was used to analyze the trends of interest. We described patients’ VL testing status in five categories based on up to two most recent VL test results: no test; suppressed; unsuppressed followed by no test; re-suppressed; and confirmed failure. Among those with confirmed failure, we described ART adherence level. Finally, we used Cox proportional hazards regression to estimate the risk of second-line regimen switching by VL testing status, after adjusting for other individual characteristics.

Results
The number of patients who had tests done increased annually from 11 in 2010 to 18,828 in the first 9 months of 2017, while the number of second-line regimen switches rose from 21 to 279 during this same period. Compared with patients with no VL test, the hazard ratio (HR) for switching to a second-line regimen was 22.2 for patients with confirmed VL failure (95% confidence interval [CI] for HR: 18.8–26.3; p < 0.005) after adjustment for individual characteristics. Among patients with confirmed VL failure, 44.7% had strong adherence, and fewer than 20% of patients switched to a second-line regimen within 365 days of VL failure.

Conclusions
Haiti has significantly expanded access to VL testing since 2016. In order to promote optimal patient health outcomes, it is essential for Haiti to continue broadening access to confirmatory VL testing, to expand evidence-based initiatives to promote strong ART adherence, and to embrace timely switching for patients with confirmed ART failure despite strong ART adherence.
Mapping lymphatic filariasis in Loa loa endemic health districts naïve for ivermectin mass administration and situated in the forested zone of Cameroon
Authors: Beng Andrew A. , Esum Mathias E. , Deribe Kebede , Njouendou Abdel J. , Ndongmo Patrick W. C. , Abong Raphael A. , Fru Jerome , Fombad Fanny F. , Nchanji Gordon T. , Amambo Glory , Gandjui Narcisse T. V. , Biholong Benjamin , Nko’Ayissi Georges , Mbia Patrick , Akame Julie , Enyong Peter I. , Reid Steven D. , Tougoue Jean J. , Zhang Yaobi , Wanji Samuel 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
The control of lymphatic filariasis (LF) caused by Wuchereria bancrofti in the Central African Region has been hampered by the presence of Loa loa due to severe adverse events that arise in the treatment with ivermectin. The immunochromatographic test (ICT) cards used for mapping LF demonstrated cross-reactivity with L. loa and posed the problem of delineating the LF map. To verify LF endemicity in forest areas of Cameroon where mass drug administration (MDA) has not been ongoing, we used the recently developed strategy that combined serology, microscopy and molecular techniques.

Methods
This study was carried out in 124 communities in 31 health districts (HDs) where L. loa is present. At least 125 persons per site were screened. Diurnal blood samples were investigated for circulating filarial antigen (CFA) by FTS and for L. loa microfilariae (mf) using TBF. FTS positive individuals were further subjected to night blood collection for detecting W. bancrofti. qPCR was used to detect DNA of the parasites.

Results
Overall, 14,446 individuals took part in this study, 233 participants tested positive with FTS in 29 HDs, with positivity rates ranging from 0.0 to 8.2%. No W. bancrofti mf was found in the night blood of any individuals but L. loa mf were found in both day and night blood of participants who were FTS positive. Also, qPCR revealed that no W. bancrofti but L.loa DNA was found with dry bloodspot. Positive FTS results were strongly associated with high L. loa mf load. Similarly, a strong positive association was observed between FTS positivity and L loa prevalence.

Conclusions
Using a combination of parasitological and molecular tools, we were unable to find evidence of W. bancrofti presence in the 31 HDs, but L. loa instead. Therefore, LF is not endemic and LF MDA is not required in these districts.
Development, implementation and user experience of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) dialysis dashboard
Authors: Fischer Michael J. , Kourany Wissam M. , Sovern Karen , Forrester Kurt , Griffin Cassandra , Lightner Nancy , Loftus Shawn , Murphy Katherine , Roth Greg , Palevsky Paul M. , Crowley Susan T. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Adults with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring chronic dialysis continue to suffer from poor health outcomes and represent a population rightfully targeted for quality improvement. Electronic dashboards are increasingly used in healthcare to facilitate quality measurement and improvement. However, detailed descriptions of the creation of healthcare dashboards are uncommonly available and formal inquiry into perceptions, satisfaction, and utility by clinical users has been rarely conducted, particularly in the context of dialysis care. Therefore, we characterized the development, implementation and user experience with Veterans Health Administration (VHA) dialysis dashboard.

Methods
A clinical-quality dialysis dashboard was implemented, which displays clinical performance measures (CPMs) for Veterans with ESRD receiving chronic hemodialysis at all VHA facilities. Data on user experience and perceptions were collected via an e-mail questionnaire to dialysis medical directors and nurse managers at these facilities.

Results
Since 2016 the dialysis dashboard reports monthly on CPMs for approximately 3000 Veterans receiving chronic hemodialysis across 70 VHA dialysis facilities. Of 141 dialysis medical directors and nurse managers, 61 completed the questionnaire. Sixty-six percent of respondents did not find the dashboard difficult to access, 64% agreed that it is easy to use, 59% agreed that its layout is good, and the majority agreed that presentation of data is clear (54%), accurate (56%), and up-to-date (54%). Forty-eight percent of respondents indicated that it helped them improve patient care while 12% did not. Respondents indicated that they used the dialysis dashboard for clinical reporting (71%), quality assessment/performance improvement (QAPI) (62%), and decision-making (23%).

Conclusions
Most users of the VHA dialysis dashboard found it accurate, up-to-date, easy to use, and helpful in improving patient care. It meets diverse user needs, including administrative reporting, clinical benchmarking and decision-making, and quality assurance and performance improvement (QAPI) activities. Moreover, the VHA dialysis dashboard affords national-, regional- and facility-level assessments of quality of care, guides and motivates best clinical practices, targets QAPI efforts, and informs and promotes population health management improvement efforts for Veterans receiving chronic hemodialysis.
Lenticulostriate arteries appearance before thrombectomy predicts good outcome in acute middle cerebral artery occlusion
Authors: Liu Feifeng , Chen Chen , Hong Lan , Shen Hao , Cao Wenjie , Dong Qiang , Yang Xinyi , Guo Mengruo , Li Ying , Xiao Yaping , Cheng Xin , Li Gang 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Endovascular therapy is widely used in acute large vessel occlusion. This study investigated whether imaging of lateral lenticulostriate arteries (LSAs) before thrombectomy would potentially be helpful for predicting prognosis of patients with acute M1 segment of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO).

Methods
59 consecutive patients with acute M1 segment of MCAO treated with mechanical thrombectomy at two comprehensive stroke centers were analyzed. Patients were categorized into LSA+ (appearing of lateral LSAs) and LSA- (sparing of lateral LSAs) group according to preprocedural digital substraction angiography (DSA). Baseline data and clinical outcomes were compared. A good clinical outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of 0 to 2 at 3 months. The association between clinical and imaging parameters and functional outcome was evaluated with logistic regression analysis.

Results
LSA+ was shown in 36 patients (61%). LSA+ group had a significantly higher proportion of good outcome (72.2% vs. 8.7%, OR 27.3,95% CI 5.38–138.4, P < 0.001), lower risk of symptomatic intracranial haemorrhages (sICH) (8.3% vs. 47.8%,OR 0.10,95% CI 0.02–0.42, P = 0.001) and lower mortality in hospital (5.6% vs. 34.8%, OR 0.11,95% CI 0.02–0.58, P < 0.004) compared with LSA- group. Patients in LSA+ group had lower baseline NIHSS score(P < 0.01) and NIHSS score at 14 days(P < 0.01) and smaller infarct core volume (P = 0.016) on computed tomography perfusion imaging (CTP) compared to the LSA- group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that a small infarct core volume (OR 6.74,95% CI 1.148–39.569, P = 0.035) and LSA+(OR 22.114,95% CI 3.339–146.470, P = 0.001) were associated with a good clinical outcome.

Conclusions
Our data suggest that appearance of lateral LSAs before mechanical thrombectomy would be potentially helpful for predicting favorable prognosis of patients with acute M1 segment of MCAO.
Impact of some social and clinical factors on the development of postpartum depression in Chinese women
Authors: Li Qing , Yang Shunyu , Xie Ming , Wu Xiaoming , Huang Liping , Ruan Weiqing , Liu Yungang 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Postpartum depression (PPD) is prevalent and may present major adverse impacts on mother and child health. According to previous studies, mostly from the western society, PPD may have complicated etiologies, such as genetic, social and psychological factors. The aim of this study was to explore the associations of some social and clinical factors, particularly those unique in Chinese, with significant PPD symptoms.

Methods
A sample of 556 pregnant women in their 36th to 40th gestational week were randomly recruited in a cross-sectional study using a self-reported questionnaire, which collected maternal sociodemographic and clinical information. During their 2nd to 4th postpartum months, 522 participants responded to our screening of significant PPD symptoms, based on a score of Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale ≥9.

Results
A total of 90 (17.3%) participants were identified with significant PPD symptoms, and the following factors were observed more frequently in women with significant PPD symptoms (PPD+) than with fewer symptoms (PPD−): intensive involvement of parents-in-law in a participant’s life (living together with her, taking care of her, or discriminating against a female baby), lack of support from husband, cesarean delivery, and breast milk insufficiency (supplemented with formula). After multiple logistic regression analysis, parents-in-law’s preference to baby boy while devaluing baby girl, dissatisfaction with husband’s support, cesarean delivery, and mixed feeding were strongly associated with significant PPD symptoms.

Conclusion
The potential risk factors for significant PPD symptoms, i.e., “son preference” custom, cesarean delivery and mixed feeding, deserve confirmation in continued, especially clinical diagnosis-based longitudinal studies.
Treatment-related changes in neuroendocrine tumors as assessed by textural features derived from 68Ga-DOTATOC PET/MRI with simultaneous acquisition of apparent diffusion coefficient
Authors: Weber Manuel , Kessler Lukas , Schaarschmidt Benedikt , Fendler Wolfgang Peter , Lahner Harald , Antoch Gerald , Umutlu Lale , Herrmann Ken , Rischpler Christoph 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) frequently overexpress somatostatin receptors (SSTRs), which is the molecular basis for 68Ga-DOTATOC positron-emission tomography (PET) and radiopeptide therapy (PRRT). However, SSTR expression fluctuates and can be subject to treatment-related changes. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess, which changes in PET and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) occur for different treatments and if pre-therapeutic 68Ga-DOTATOC-PET/MRI was able to predict treatment response to PRRT.

Methods
Patients with histopathologically confirmed NET, at least one liver metastasis > 1 cm and at least two 68Ga-DOTATOC-PET/MRI including ADC maps were eligible. 68Ga-DOTATOC-PET/MRI of up to 5 liver lesions per patients was subsequently analyzed. Extracted features comprise conventional PET parameters, such as maximum and mean standardized uptake value (SUVmax and SUVmean) and ADC values. Furthermore, textural features (TFs) from both modalities were extracted. In patients with multiple 68Ga-DOTATOC-PET/MRI a pair of 2 scans each was analyzed separately and the parameter changes between both scans calculated. The same image analysis was performed in patients with 68Ga-DOTATOC-PET/MRI before PRRT. Differences in PET and ADC maps parameters between PRRT-responders and non-responders were compared using Mann-Whitney test to test differences among groups for statistical significance.

Results
29 pairs of 68Ga-DOTATOC-PET/MRI scans of 18 patients were eligible for the assessment of treatment-related changes. In 12 cases patients were treated with somatostatin analogues between scans, in 9 cases with PRRT and in 2 cases each patients received local treatment, chemotherapy and sunitinib. Treatment responders showed a statistically significant decrease in lesion volume and a borderline significant decrease in entropy on ADC maps when compared to non-responders. Patients treated with standalone SSA showed a borderline significant decrease in mean and maximum ADC, compared to patients treated with PRRT. No parameters were able to predict treatment response to PRRT on pre-therapeutic 68Ga-DOTATOC-PET/MRI.

Conclusions
Patients responding to current treatment showed a statistically significant decrease in lesion volume on ADC maps and a borderline significant decrease in entropy. No statistically significant changes in PET parameters were observed. No PET or ADC maps parameters predicted treatment response to PRRT. However, the sample size of this preliminary study is small and further research needed.