bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gastrointestinal peptides in children before and after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Skoczeń Szymon , Rej Magdalena , Kwiecińska Kinga , Pietrys Danuta , Tomasik Przemysław J. , Wójcik Małgorzata , Strojny Wojciech , Dłużniewska Agnieszka , Klimasz Katarzyna , Fijorek Kamil , Korostyński Michał , Piechota Marcin , Balwierz Walentyna 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Gastrointestinal tract function and it’s integrity are controlled by a number of peptides whose secretion is influenced by severe inflammation. In stomach the main regulatory peptide is ghrelin. For upper small intestine cholecystokinin and lower small intestine glucagon-like peptide- 1 are secreted, while fibroblast growth factor-21 is secreted by several organs, including the liver, pancreas, and adipose tissue [12]. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation causes serious mucosal damage, which can reflect on this peptides.

Methods
The aim of the study was to determine fasting plasma concentrations of ghrelin, cholecystokinin, glucagon- like peptide-1, and fibroblast growth factor-21, and their gene expressions, before and 6 months after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.27 children were studied, control group included 26 healthy children.

Results
Acute graft versus host disease was diagnosed in 11 patients (41%, n = 27). Median pre-transplantation concentrations of gastrointestinal peptides, as well as their gene expressions, were significantly lower in studied group compared with the control group. Only median of fibroblast growth factor-21 concentration was near-significantly higher before stem cell transplantation than in the control group. The post–hematopoietic transplant results revealed significantly higher concentrations of the studied peptides (except fibroblast growth factor-21) and respective gene expressions as compare to pre transplant results. Median glucagone like peptide-1 concentrations were significantly decreased in patients with features of acute graft versus host disease. Moreover, negative correlation between glucagone like peptide-1 concentrations and acute graft versus host disease severity was found.

Conclusions
Increased concentrations and gene expressions of gastrointestinal tract regulation peptides can be caused by stimulation of regeneration in the severe injured organ. Measurement of these parameters may be a useful method of assessment of severity of gastrointestinal tract complications of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
Characterization of LGR5 expression in poorly differentiated colorectal carcinoma with mismatch repair protein deficiency
Authors: Nakajima Tomoyuki , Uehara Takeshi , Iwaya Mai , Kobayashi Yukihiro , Maruyama Yasuhiro , Ota Hiroyoshi 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptor 5 (LGR5) is a promising intestinal stem cell and carcinoma stem cell marker. We examined the relationship between mismatch repair (MMR) protein deficiency and LGR5 expression in poorly differentiated (PD) colorectal carcinoma (CRC).

Methods
In 29 cases of PD-CRC, deficiencies in MMR proteins (MLH1, PMS2, MSH2, MSH6) and β-catenin expression were identified by immunohistochemistry (IHC). LGR5 expression was examined by the RNAscope assay in tissue microarrays.

Results
LGR5 H-scores in MMR-deficient (MMR-D) cases were significantly lower than those in MMR-proficient (MMR-P) cases (P = 0.0033). Nuclear β-catenin IHC scores in MMR-D cases were significantly lower than those in MMR-P cases (P = 0.0024). In all cases, there was a positive correlation between LGR5 H-score and nuclear β-catenin IHC score (r = 0.6796, P < 0.001). Even in MMR-D and MMR-P cases, there was a positive correlation between LGR5 H-score and nuclear β-catenin IHC score (r = 0.7180, P < 0.0085 and r = 0.6574, P < 0.003, respectively). MMR-D CRC cases showed low expression of LGR5, which may be due to low activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Conclusions
Our results reveal the relationship between LGR5 expression and MMR protein profiles in PD-CRC. A further study is warranted to confirm these findings.
Identification of CELSR2 as a novel prognostic biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Xu Mingxing , Zhu Shu , Xu Ruiyun , Lin Nan 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
CELSR2 is postulated to be a receptor involved in contact-mediated communication; however, the specific function of this particular member has not been determined in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods
Here, we explored the expression and function of CELSR2 in HCC patients through data mining and examined the results using clinical samples and in vitro experiments.

Results
It was found that CELSR2 mRNA and protein expression levels were significantly higher in cancerous tissue than in normal tissue. The increased mRNA expression of CELSR2 was significantly associated with overall survival (OS) in HCC patients. Moreover, the genetic alteration rate of CELSR2 gene in HCC can reach 8%, and these alterations would deeply influence its neighboring genes, then jointly affecting the occurrence and development of tumor through cell adhesion and numerous common carcinogenic pathways. Our in vitro results indicated that the depletion of CELSR2 inhibited liver cancer cell proliferation and invasion. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses showed that CELSR2 could be viewed as an independent risk factor for HCC patients.

Conclusions
This study demonstrated that data mining could efficiently reveal the roles of CELSR2 in HCC and its potential regulatory networks. The CELSR2 protein level may serve as a novel prognostic biomarker for HCC.
Comparing efficacy of reduced-fluence and standard-fluence photodynamic therapy in the treatment of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy
Authors: Ngo Wei Kiong , Chee Wai Kitt , Tan Colin S. , Lim Tock Han 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
The EVEREST II study reported superior polyp closure rates and visual outcomes using combination standard photodynamic therapy (PDT) with intravitreal ranibizumab in the treatment of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). The optimal PDT protocol remains controversial and it is postulated that less intensive PDT strategies may reduce complications. We aimed to compare the efficacy of reduced and standard-fluence PDT.

Methods
Case-control review of 38 consecutive PDT-naïve macular PCV patients who underwent verteporfin PDT using one of two PDT regimens at a tertiary referral centre in an Asian population. Comparison of outcomes between standard-fluence PDT (light dose, 50 J/cm2; dose rate, 600 mW/cm2; wavelength, 689 nm PDT applied to the treatment eye for 83 s) and reduced-fluence PDT (light dose, 25 J/cm2; dose rate, 600 mW/cm2; wavelength, 689 nm PDT applied to the treatment eye for 42 s). Primary outcome measure was best corrected LogMAR visual acuity (VA). Secondary outcome measures included OCT measurements such as central retinal thickness (CRT), height of subfoveal sub-retinal fluid (SRF), central choroid thickness (CCT), mean number of PDT treatments needed, mean number of anti-VEGF injections needed, polyp closure and recurrence rates.

Results
Of these 38 eyes of 38 patients, an equal number of eyes (19 in each arm) were treated with standard-fluence and reduced-fluence PDT. Mean letter gain at 12 months for the standard-fluence group was 6.0 compared to 4.3 letters for the reduced-fluence group (p = 0.61). Similar results were observed at all time points. There was no statistically significant difference between the retinal and choroidal anatomical OCT outcomes, rates of polyp closure and recurrences between the two PDT regimens.

Conclusions
Reduced-fluence PDT was comparable to standard-fluence PDT in the treatment of PCV in terms of visual gains, clinical and anatomical OCT outcomes.
Effects of procedural justice on prospective antidepressant medication prescription: a longitudinal study on Swedish workers
Authors: Persson Viktor , Eib Constanze , Bernhard-Oettel Claudia , Leineweber Constanze 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Procedural justice has been linked to several mental health problems, but most studies have used self-reported data. There exist a need to assess the link between procedural justice and health using outcomes that are not only self-reported. The aim of the current study was to examine whether perceived procedural justice at work is prospectively associated with antidepressant medication prescription.

Methods
Data from 4374 participants from the Swedish Longitudinal Survey of Health (SLOSH) were linked to the Swedish National Prescribed Drug register. Based on their perceived procedural justice at two times (2010 and 2012), participants were divided into four groups: stable low, increasing, decreasing and stable high justice perceptions. Using Cox regression, we studied how the course of stability and change in perceived procedural justice affected the rate of prescription of antidepressant medication over the next 2 years. Participants with missing data and those who had been prescribed antidepressant medication in the period leading up to 2012 were excluded in the main analyses to determine incident morbidity.

Results
The results showed that after adjustment for sex, age, education, socioeconomic position, marital status, and insecure employment a decrease in perceived procedural justice over time was associated with greater receipt of antidepressants compared to people with stable high perceptions of procedural justice (HR 1.76, 95% CI: 1.16 to 2.68). Being female and having insecure employment were also associated with higher hazards of antidepressant prescription.

Conclusions
These findings strengthen the notion that procedural justice at work influences psychological well-being, as well as provide new insights into how procedural justice perceptions may affect mental health.
Knowledge and practice of health extension workers on drug provision for childhood illness in west Gojjam, Amhara, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Befekadu Ager , Yitayal Mezgebu 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
The HEP was established decades ago to address preventive, promotive and selective curative services through Health Extension Workers (HEWs). However, knowledge and practice of HEWs on drug provision for childhood illnesses such as diarrhea, fever, and/or acute respiratory infection have not been well studied. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and practice of HEWs on drug provision for childhood illnesses.

Methods
An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 389 rural HEWs. The districts were selected by using simple random sampling technique, and all the HEWs in the districts were included in the study. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regressions were performed to see the association between knowledge and practice of HEWs on drug provision with the response variables.

Results
The study revealed that 57.5 and 66.8% of HEWs had good knowledge and practice on drug provision for childhood illnesses, respectively. Having college diploma (AOR = 5.59; 95% CI: 1.94, 16.11), 7–9 years (AOR = 2.7; 95% CI: 1.3, 5.5) and 10–12 years (AOR = 2.7; 95% CI: 1.4, 5.4) of experiences, being supervised quarterly (AOR = 0.24; 95% CI: 0.13, 0.47) and biannually (AOR = 0.11; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.30), and having national guideline (AOR = 0.22; 95% CI: 0.06, 0.90) were factors significantly associated with good knowledge. In addition, having college diploma (AOR =3.1; 95% CI: 1.1, 8.8), not receiving refreshment training (AOR = 0.31; 95% CI: 0.11, 0.91), being supervised biannually (AOR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.13, 0.80), and not having national guideline (AOR = 0.16, 95% CI: 0.04, 0.60) were factors significantly associated with good practice.

Conclusion
The study indicated that a considerable number of HEWs had poor knowledge and practice on drug provision. Socio-demographic factors such as educational status, and work experience; and health systems and support related factors such as training, supervision, and availability of national guidelines, and training had a significant association with HEWs’ knowledge and practice on drug provision. Therefore, designing appropriate strategy and providing refreshment training, and improving supervision and availability of national guidelines for HEWs might improve the knowledge and practice of HEWs on drug provision.
Active play in ASP –a matched-pair cluster-randomized trial investigating the effectiveness of an intervention in after-school programs for supporting children’s physical activity
Authors: Riiser Kirsti , Richardsen Kåre Rønn , Haugen Anders L. H. , Lund Siv , Løndal Knut 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundInterventions directed at after school programs (ASPs) have the potential to support physical activity (PA) in young children. Research has indicated that interventions that emphasize competence building among the ASP staff can lead to increased PA among the children. The present study evaluates the effectiveness of theActive Play in ASPintervention—a program for ASP staff aimed at supporting physical activity among first graders in ASP.MethodsWe used a matched-pair cluster randomized design and included 456 first graders from 14 schools in Norway. From these, 7 ASPs received the intervention (N = 229), while 7 acted as controls (N = 227). Measurements were taken at baseline, immediately post intervention (7 month follow-up) and after a year (19 month follow-up). The primary outcome was moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), which was estimated with predefined cut points of counts per minute (CPM) and expressed as minutes/hour. Secondary outcomes were vigorous and light intensity physical activity (VPA and LPA) and sedentary behavior. The analyses of intervention effects were based on between-group differences in outcome changes between the 3 measurement points and were conducted using a mixed-effects model for repeated measures using categorical time. In exploratory analyses, we investigated gender, baseline body mass index, and baseline CPM as potential effect modifiers.ResultsNo significant intervention effects was observed on MVPA (0.55 min/hour [99% CI -0.55:1.64]) or on the secondary outcomes, min/hour of LPA, VPA or sedentary behavior. Exploratory analyses indicated that among the 50% least physically active children at baseline, children in intervention ASPs reduced sedentary time from baseline to 19 months follow up by 1.67 min/hour (95% CI -3.12:-0.21) compared to the controls.ConclusionsAlthough the intervention did not significantly increase the mean MVPA among the children in the intervention ASPs compared to controls, it did seem to have a small effect by reducing sedentary behavior time among the least active children. An even stronger emphasis on how to identify less active children and support their activity may be needed in order to increase their PA and further reduce sedentary behavior time.Trial registrationClinicalTrials;NCT02954614, Registered 3 November 2016, −Retrospectively registered, first participant enrolled August 2016
Forecasting the 2017/2018 seasonal influenza epidemic in England using multiple dynamic transmission models: a case study
Authors: Birrell Paul J. , Zhang Xu-Sheng , Corbella Alice , van Leeuwen Edwin , Panagiotopoulos Nikolaos , Hoschler Katja , Elliot Alex J. , McGee Maryia , Lusignan Simon de , Presanis Anne M. , Baguelin Marc , Zambon Maria , Charlett André , Pebody Richard G. , Angelis Daniela De 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Since the 2009 A/H1N1 pandemic, Public Health England have developed a suite of real-time statistical models utilising enhanced pandemic surveillance data to nowcast and forecast a future pandemic. Their ability to track seasonal influenza and predict heightened winter healthcare burden in the light of high activity in Australia in 2017 was untested.

Methods
Four transmission models were used in forecasting the 2017/2018 seasonal influenza epidemic in England: a stratified primary care model using daily, region-specific, counts and virological swab positivity of influenza-like illness consultations in general practice (GP); a strain-specific (SS) model using weekly, national GP ILI and virological data; an intensive care model (ICU) using reports of ICU influenza admissions; and a synthesis model that included all data sources. For the first 12 weeks of 2018, each model was applied to the latest data to provide estimates of epidemic parameters and short-term influenza forecasts. The added value of pre-season population susceptibility data was explored.

Results
The combined results provided valuable nowcasts of the state of the epidemic. Short-term predictions of burden on primary and secondary health services were initially highly variable before reaching consensus beyond the observed peaks in activity between weeks 3–4 of 2018. Estimates for R0 were consistent over time for three of the four models until week 12 of 2018, and there was consistency in the estimation of R0 across the SPC and SS models, and in the ICU attack rates estimated by the ICU and the synthesis model. Estimation and predictions varied according to the assumed levels of pre-season immunity.

Conclusions
This exercise successfully applied a range of pandemic models to seasonal influenza. Forecasting early in the season remains challenging but represents a crucially important activity to inform planning. Improved knowledge of pre-existing levels of immunity would be valuable.
The yield of immediate post lung biopsy CT in predicting iatrogenic pneumothorax
Authors: Brzezinski Rafael Y. , Vigiser Ifat , Fomin Irina , Israeli Lilach , Shenhar-Tsarfaty Shani , Bar-Shai Amir 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
The most prevalent complication of percutaneous lung biopsy is pneumothorax (PNX). A routine immediate post-procedure CT scan (ICT) to spot PNX is done in many centers. However, the diagnostic yield of this practice has not been studied broadly. We sought to evaluate whether an ICT could replace the routine follow-up chest X-ray (CXR) in detecting procedure related PNX.

Methods
We examined case-records of 453 patients who underwent lung biopsy at our medical center. We analyzed findings from CXR performed 2-h after biopsy and from CT images at the site of biopsy acquired immediately after the procedure (ICT). Multivariate analysis was used to identify the risk factors for PNX, and we examined the concordance between ICT and CXR-2-h post-procedure.

Results
A total of 87 patients (19%) were diagnosed with PNX on CXR-2-h post-procedure. ICT detected 80.5% of diagnosed PNX (p <  0.01). However, ICT demonstrated a negative predictive value of only 94%, meaning 17 patients (6%) with a negative ICT did eventually develop PNX seen on CXR. Furthermore, bleeding surrounding the puncture area spotted on ICT negatively predicted the development of PNX (OR = 0.4 95% CI; 0.2–0.7).

Conclusions
We conclude that a CT scan performed immediately after percutaneous lung biopsy cannot replace the routine follow-up CXR in predicting iatrogenic PNX. Bleeding in the needle’s tract may lower the risk for procedure-related PNX.
Radiographic characteristics of wrists in idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome patients
Authors: Ikeda Kazuhiro , Yoshii Yuichi , Ogawa Takeshi , Ishii Tomoo 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundTo determine the radiographic characteristics of wrists in idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome patients, we compared the radiographic parameters of the wrists between carpal tunnel syndrome patients and non-symptomatic controls.MethodsWe evaluated radiographic parameters of 94 wrists of 62 idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome patients and 94 asymptomatic wrists of 94 controls. Carpal tunnel syndrome was diagnosed by clinical findings and nerve conduction studies. The lack of symptoms was confirmed with the medical records and interviews for the controls. X-ray images of the postero-anterior and lateral views of the wrist were taken. Using the obtained X-ray images, the indices of radial inclination, volar tilt, ulnar variance, and transverse and antero-posterior diameters of the wrists were measured. Two raters independently performed the measurement. One rater measured without information of clinical symptoms. Inter-rater reliabilities for each parameter were evaluated by the intra-class correlation coefficients. The averages of the measurements of two raters were compared between the carpal tunnel syndrome patients and the controls.ResultsThe intra-class correlation coefficients were 0.58 for radial inclination, 0.77 for ulnar variance, 0.99 for transverse diameter, 0.60 for volar tilt, and 0.91 for antero-posterior diameter. Statistically significant correlations were found for all parameters (P < 0.01). The ulnar variance was significantly larger in the carpal tunnel syndrome patients compared to the controls (1.7 +/− 1.8 mm and 0.8 +/− 1.5 mm for the patients and controls, respectivelyP < 0.01). There were no significant differences in the other parameters.ConclusionsSignificant differences in the ulnar variance were observed between carpal tunnel syndrome patients and controls. This suggests that the imbalance of radioulnar bone length is one of the risk factors to develop carpal tunnel syndrome. The positive ulnar variance may be an index that needs attention to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome.Level of evidencelevel III, a case control study.
Simultaneous bilateral femoral neck fractures in a dialysis-dependent patient: case report and literature review
Authors: Zhu Yunyun , Hu Jingtao , Han Wenlun , Lu Jianwei , Zeng Yuqing 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background

Simultaneous bilateral femoral neck fractures are extremely rare without obvious injury. Herein, we report the case of a patient on dialysis presenting with bilateral femoral neck fractures, which is a condition with high complication and mortality rates according to a review of the pertinent literature.

Case presentation

We report the case a 47-year-old female with a history of 8 years of haemodialysis due to polycystic kidney disease who presented with bilateral hip pain during walking. The clinical history and results of physical and radiographic examinations of this patient are shown. Single-stage bilateral hemiarthroplasty was performed after a multidisciplinary team consultation. Three days after the operation, she could ambulate with a walker. The woman gradually regained her previous ability to walk over 6 months after surgery.

Conclusions
A multidisciplinary team consultation for perioperative management is necessary and effective in patients on dialysis. Early diagnosis with prompt surgical treatment could lead to favourable recovery.