bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of noninvasive methods for assessing stable non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis
Authors: Chen Feng-jia , Lin Geng-peng , Yi Hui , Huang Xin-yan , Liu Yang-li , Xie Can-mao , Guo Yu-biao , Luo Yi-feng 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Bronchiectasis is characterized by the abnormal dilation of lung airways. Only some patients with bronchiectasis may clinically benefit from the treatment recommended in the guidelines of the European Respiratory Society. The value of noninvasive methods for assessing the clinical phenotypes of stable-state non-cystic ﬁbrosis (non-CF) bronchiectasis for treatable characteristics has not been adequately studied.Methods: Eighty-nine patients with stable non-CF bronchiectasis were retrospectively enrolled. Patient characteristics, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) values, and the results of blood tests for inflammatory markers, pulmonary function test, high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), and bronchial hyper-responsiveness test or bronchodilator reversibility test were obtained. These data were used to assess the factors associated with the clinical phenotype of bronchiectasis.Results: The majority of the patients were female (60.67%) and have an average age of 59.08±15.09 years old. The predicted percentages of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and the ratio of FEV1 and forced vital capacity were 56.17%±23.16% and 65.58%±15.26%, respectively. Eighteen (20.22%) of the patients with bronchiectasis had emphysema. The presence of emphysema in bronchiectasis was associated with a high airflow obstruction level. Seventeen (10.10%) of the patients with bronchiectasis had asthma. FeNO was signiﬁcantly higher in the group of patients with bronchiectasis and asthma than in the other two groups (p < 0.01). The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) of the bronchiectasis alone group was higher than those of the other two groups. Signiﬁcant negative correlations were found between ERS and FeNO levels (p = 0.02, r = −0.338), between HRCT score and FeNO levels (p = 0.04, r = −0.229), and between FEV1 (% predicted) and HRCT scores (p = 0.0007, r = −0.3629). A signiﬁcant positive correlation was found between ERS and HRCT scores (p = 0.0001, r = 6326).Conclusion: A remarkable proportion of patients with bronchiectasis have emphysema or asthma. Biomarkers, such as FeNO, and conventional lung function tests should be routinely used for phenotyping bronchiectasis for potential targeted therapy. ESR can be used as a biomarker to reflect the level of systemic inﬂammation and the severity of bronchiectasis. These approaches will provide a better understanding of patients with bronchiectasis and their clinical phenotypes and lead to a more individualized and effective therapy.
Sleep Disturbance and Associated Factors among Adult People Living with HIV/AIDS at Dessie Referral Hospital Antiretroviral therapy clinic, Northeast, Ethiopia
Authors: Degu Fatuma , Birhanu Yeneabat , Azagew Abere 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background

Sleep disturbance is the leading health problem in the era of HIV/AIDS. The exact cause of sleep disturbance was not well known, but it is related to HIV itself, antiretroviral drugs side effect, and other HIV related disorders. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of sleep disturbance and associated factors among adult people living with HIV/AIDS.
Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 419 study participants participated in the study. A systematic random sampling method was employed. An interviewer-administered a method of data collection with a chart review was used. Pittsburg Sleep Quality of Index for assessing sleep disturbance was used. A binary logistic regression was conducted. The variables having a p-value < 0.05 with 95% CI were used to declare an association.
Results

The prevalence of sleep disturbance was 36% (95% CI: 31–41%). The study revealed that being female (AOR = 3.45, 95% CI: 1.52–7.79), viral loads ≥ 1000 copies /ml (AOR = 6.88, 95% CI: 2.79–16.9), CD4 cell count < 200 cells/mm3 (AOR = 6.85, 95% CI: 2.42–19.39), WHO stage II and III(AOR = 4.29, 95%CI: 1.05–17.53), having anxiety (AOR = 10,95% CI: 4.21–23.9), having depression (AOR = 4.4, 95% CI: 1.95–10.1), having not a separated bedroom (AOR = 3.94, 95% CI: 1.86–8.36), and living alone (AOR = 6, 95% CI: 2.81–13.12) were found to be factors associated with sleep disturbance.
Conclusion

In this study, more than one - thirds of the study participants were developed sleep disturbance. Being female, low CD4 cell counts, viral load ≥ 1000copies/ml, WHO stage II and III, having depression and anxiety, living alone, and have not a separate bedroom have increased the experience of sleep disturbance.
Prevalence of psychiatric disorders among patients with Multiple Sclerosis: a cross-sectional study.
Authors: Błachut Michał , Szczegielniak Anna Rebeka , Świerzy Krzysztof , Tarska Magdalena Zając- , Kubicka-Bączyk Katarzyna , Sowa Monika Adamczyk- , Gorczyca Piotr 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Multiple Sclerosis is one of the leading autoimmune disorders causing disability among young adults. Various types of mood, affect, and behaviour disorders along with cognitive impairment can be manifested in a course of MS, with affective and anxiety disorders being the most prevalent. Mental health challenges, in addition to the neurological burden of MS, significantly affect quality of life and the course of the underlying disease. Objective: The aim of this work was to determine the prevalence of mental disorders in a sample of MS patients during outpatient treatment in Zabrze, Poland, with a focus on those with mood and anxiety disorders, and to compare the results obtained in these groups with clinical and sociodemographic data. Method: The study was conducted between 2017 and 2018 on 103 MS patients of the Neurological Outpatient Clinic of the Medical University of Silesia Hospital No.1 in Zabrze, Poland. During the study, sociodemographic data were collected, as well as the type and course of the underlying disease, comorbidities, and medicines used. The MINI-international neuropsychiatric interview and a psychiatric examination were utilized to assess the occurrence of mental disorders. Result: 68% of all patients received a psychiatric diagnosis at some point in their life with only 4% having been hospitalized before; 49.5% met the diagnostic criteria for various psychiatric disorders. Measured by the MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview, 33% of patients reported a past episode of major depression while 8.7% met the criteria for a current episode. The same number of patients admitted ongoing treatment due to recurrent depressive disorder. In regards to anxiety disorders, the most common was generalized anxiety disorder (10.7%), followed by agoraphobia (8.7%), panic disorder (7.8%), and social phobia (4.9%). Most of the patients (94.2%) at the time of the psychiatric evaluation presented a low level of suicide risk, while 1.9% of the patients presented a medium risk, and 3.9% - a high risk. Conclusion(s): The study confirmed a significantly higher prevalence of mental disorders among MS patients; thus, the psychiatric state of patients in this group should be investigated systematically, simultaneously with the assessment of their neurological state. Trial registration: N/A Key words: Multiple Sclerosis, psychiatric disorders, comorbidity, psychiatric care, clinical characteristics.
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on gynecological oncology care: Glimpse into Association of Gynecological Oncologists of India (AGOI) perspective
Authors: Bhandoria Geetu , TS Shylasree , Bhandarkar Prashant , Ahuja Vijay , Maheshwari Amita , Sekhon Rupinder , SP Somashekhar 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Purpose: The notorious COVID 19 pandemic has caused rapid and drastic changes in cancer care all over the world in 2020. This online survey aims to assess the extent to which the pandemic has affected cancer care in gynecological oncology amongst members of Association of Gynecological Oncologists of India (AGOI), a registered professional society, founded in 1991. Methods: We developed and administered a cross-sectional, flash survey to members of The Association of Gynecological Oncologists of India (AGOI) in the first week of April 2020. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Office Excel 2016. Results were expressed as percentages of total responses excluding blank or unattended response. Overall theme-specific responses were expressed as a spectrum of finding and related inferences were drawn.Results: Among approached practitioners, 90 responded to the survey, more than 80 % were practicing consultants and more than 50 % from academic institutions. Results of the survey showed that the ongoing pandemic had severely affected gynecological oncology practice and care amongst all responders. There were modifications in diagnostic pathways, interventions and follow ups across all organ sites. There was near unanimous opinion on use of general safety measures to combat the virus and to use complete PPEs in high risk situation. There was mixed responses to alternative educational activities especially using electronic technology and distant learning methods. There was an optimism among responders with regards to the current situation normalizing in 3 to 6 months. Conclusion: This study documents the pandemic affected scenario of gynecological cancer care and perceptions of Gynecological Oncologists in India. Significant effect on all aspects of cancer care were observed. Technological learning methods both for patient care and educational activities were being adopted by many responders. Keywords: COVID-19, pandemic, gynecological oncology care, survey, AGOI
Automated custom-fitted 3D-printed masks using free software and face scans
Authors: Sammut Edward J , Yeap Yin Chien , Yeap Jonathan Quan-Hui , Mendonca Gustavo , Cortes Arthur Rodriguez Gonzalez 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic a global shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) made necessary the development of techniques to rapidly design and adapt filtering masks for local manufacturing using 3D printed methods to help protect healthcare workers. Several Standard Tessellation Language (STL) files of 3D-printed masks have become available in the internet and some models have got approval from regulatory organisations such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This technical report aimed at describing a straightforward methodology for custom-fitting 3D-printed filtering masks to 3D face scans using free software. This article presents modifications of an open-source add-on program (My Face Mask, Wasp, Massa Lombarda, Italy) developed for a free computer aided-design (CAD) software (Blender 2.82, Amsterdam, Netherlands) to design a 3D-printed face mask with polylactic acid (PLA) filament, for P3 filters (99.95% filtration of airborne particles) from face scan STL files. Preliminary results demonstrated that a dental clinician was able to digitally design and 3D-print a mask that provided satisfactory comfort and adaptation. The use of online application for a face scan and an open source software can be used to custom fit a 3D-printed mask to on individuals face.
Ardisia japonica inhibits airway remodeling in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in rats through inhibiting Wnt signaling pathway
Authors: Yang Yi , Zhou Xun , Zhang Jun , Li Bo , Wang Xinxing , Luo Xian , Ge Zhenghang 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background The effects of Ardisia japonica (AJ) on airway remodeling in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) rats, and the mechanisms have not been verified. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a Miao medicine, AJ on airway remodeling in COPD rats, and to assess the mechanisms.Methods COPD model was produced by cigarette smoke and intratracheal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The experiments were divided into a normal group, a COPD group, different doses of AJ treatment groups and a positive control group. After treatments, matrix metalloprotein (MMP)-9, platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) levels in inferior lobes of the right lung tissues were detected by ELISA. Expression of Wnt signaling pathway was detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. To verify the function of Wnt signaling pathway in airway remodeling, airway fibroblasts obtained from COPD rats were treated with Wnt signaling pathway agonists. The cell proliferation, apoptosis, and MMP-9, PDGF, TGF-β1 levels were determined.Results The pathological changes of COPD were confirmed by haematoxylin eosin (H&E) staining. MMP-9, PDGF and TGF-β1 levels were promoted in COPD rats, which were significantly reduced by different doses of AJ treatment. Importantly, components of Wnt signaling pathway, including Wnt5a, β-catenin and RhoA were up-regulated in COPD model, which were also significantly reduced by treatment with different doses of AJ. The airway fibroblasts were obtained from COPD rats and verified based on vimentin expression. Wnt signaling pathway agonists, lithium chloride (Licl), 4-Ethyl-5,6-Dihydro-5-methyl-[1, 3] dioxolo[4,5-j] phenanthridine (HLY78), TPA and epidermal growth factor (EGF) promoted cell proliferation, reduced apoptosis, and promoted MMP-9, PDGF and TGF-β1 levels.Conclusions Our data implicated that AJ could prevent airway remodeling in COPD rats, likely via depressing Wnt signaling pathway.
Circulating Cytokine Profiles of Polyparasitized Individuals in Gabon.
Authors: M'Bondoukwé Noé Patrick , Moutongo Reinne , Gbédandé Komi , Ngomo Jacques Mari Ndong , Hountohotegbe Tatiana , Adamou Rafiou , Lengongo Jeanne Vanessa Koumba , Pambou Kowir , Mawili-Mboumba Denise Patricia , Luty Adrian John Frederick , Bouyou-Akotet Marielle Karine 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background Malaria, blood-borne filarial worms and intestinal parasites are all endemic in Gabon. This geographical co-distribution leads to polyparasitism and, consequently, the possibility of immune-mediated interactions between different parasite species. Intestinal protozoa and helminths could modulate anti-malarial immunity, for example, thereby potentially increasing susceptibility to malaria.Methods Blood and stool samples were collected during cross-sectional surveys in five provinces of Gabon. Parasitological diagnosis was performed to detect plasmodial parasites, Loa loa and Mansonella perstans, intestinal helminths (STH) and protozoan parasites. Nested PCR was used to detect submicroscopic plasmodial infection in individuals with negative blood smears. Cytometric Bead Array was used to quantify interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10 and Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-α in plasma of subjects with different parasitological profiles i.e. malaria only, filariasis only, intestinal protozoan only, soil-transmitted helminths (STH) only, malaria/filariasis, malaria/STH, malaria/intestinal protozoa co-infections and in uninfected individuals/control group.Results Median IL-6 (124.5 [36.9–433.9] pg/mL) and IL-10 (224.5 [78.0–657.9] pg/mL) levels and the median IL-10/TNF-α (69.9 [12.5–140-7]) ratio were all significantly higher among individuals with Plasmodium falciparum infection compared to other groups (p < 0.0001). The median TNF-α level (6.5 [3.5–11.7] pg/mL) and IL-10/IL-6 ratio (3.6 [2.0–11.9]) were higher in subjects with STH (p = 0.09) and P. falciparum-intestinal protozoa co-infection (p = 0.04), respectively. IL-6 (rho=-0.37; p < 0.01) and IL-10 (rho=-0.37; p < 0.01) levels, and the IL-10/TNF-α ratio (rho=-0.36; p < 0.01) correlated negatively with age, independently of infectious status. Among children under five years old, the IL-10/TNF-α and IL-10/IL-6 ratios were higher in those with intestinal protozoan infections compared to uninfected children. The IL-10/TNF-α ratio was also higher in children aged 5–15 years and in adults harbouring blood-borne filariae compared to their control counterparts, whereas the IL-10/IL-6 ratio was lower in those aged 5–15 years with filariae and intestinal parasites but higher in adults with intestinal parasitic infections.Conclusions Asymptomatic malaria is associated with a strong polarization towards a regulatory immune response, reflected by high circulating levels of IL-10. Co-infections with P. falciparum and intestinal protozoa are associated with an enhanced IL-10 response. Immunity against malaria could differ according to age and carriage of other parasites.
Lipopolysaccharide-induced premature cervical ripening and inflammation in pregnant mice can be alleviated by nicotine
Authors: Han Xinjia , Ding Wen , Lin Baohua , Chen Juanhua , Zhang Tiansong , Lai Yumian , Yang Jinying 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background

Clinical treatment of preterm birth (PTB) is usually dependent on inhibiting uterine contractions. Such therapy is only effective in the short-term and cannot fundamentally low the incidence of PTB. Premature cervical maturation is another important cause of PTB; it is associated with invasion of macrophages, which produce proinflammatory cytokines. We previously found that activation of the alpha-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) by nicotine alleviates the systemic inflammatory response in murine models of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced PTB, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.
Methods

Cervical tissues were collected from women in preterm and term labor. An animal model of PTB was established by administering 25 µg/kg lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to normal pregnant C57BL/6 mice on gestational day 16 (GD16). PTB animals received 1 mg/kg of α7nAChR agonist nicotine or nicotine combined with 1 µg/kg α7nAChR antagonist α-bungarotoxin (α-BGT) from GD14 to GD17. The gestational age, the rates of preterm birth and the survival rate of pups were recorded. Immunofluorescence staining were utilized for the quantification of α7nAChR expression on cervical macrophages and changes in macrophage polarization, RT-PCR was used to determine the mRNA levels of M1 and M2 macrophage biomarkers. Elisa assay was used to detect changes in fetal inflammation. Immunofluorescence staining and western blotting were used to investigate the signaling pathways underlying nicotine’s promoting LPS-induced conversion of M1 macrophage to M2 in the cervix of PTB animals.
Results

α7nAChR expression on cervical macrophages and cervical collagen content was decreased in PTB patients and murine models of LPS-induced PTB. The number of M1 cervical macrophages, other pro-inflammatory mediators in the cervix and fetal inflammation was unregulated in pregnant mice following LPS administration. Nicotine treatment reduced the rate of PTB, decreased fetal inflammation, improved maternal and neonatal outcome; nicotine also increased polarization of cervical macrophages toward the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype possibly by suppressing activation of the MAP kinases JNK and ERK1/2 and nuclear translocation of NF-κB and rescuing the inhibited JAK2/STAT3 and PI3K/AKT pathways. The effects of nicotine were reversed by the selective α7nAChR antagonist α-bungarotoxin (α-BGT).
Conclusions

Our findings indicate that nicotine prevents LPS-induced cervical ripening and inflammatory response by inducing M2 macrophage polarization, and nicotine may serve as potential anti-premature cervical maturation agents for treatment of PTB.
Nintedanib inhibits the development and progression of peritoneal fibrosis
Authors: Liu Feng , Yu Chao , Qin Huan , Zhang Shenglei , Fang Lu , Wang Yi , Wang Jun , Cui Binbin , Hu Susie , Liu Na , Zhuang Shougang 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background

Nintedanib, an FDA approved triple tyrosine kinase inhibitor, exhibits an antifibrotic effect in idiopathic pulmonary and renal fibrosis. Its effect on peritoneal fibrosis remains unexplored.
Methods

The present study investigated the effect of nintedanib on the development and progression of peritoneal fibrosis by administration fo nintedanib immediately after peritoneal injury or starting at day 21 of the injury in a in a mouse model of chlorhexidine gluconate-induced peritoneal fibrosis. Peritoneal fibrosis and associated mechanisms were examined by immunohistochemistry and immunoblot analysis.
Results

Administration of nintedanib immediately after peritoneal injury attenuated peritoneal fibrosis, whereas delayed administration of nintedanib not only halted the progression of peritoneal fibrosis, but also in part reversed the established fibrosis. Mechanistically studies showed that nintedanib inhibited injury-induced mesothelial-to-mesenchymal transition, expression of several cytokines/chemokines, vascularization and infiltration of macrophages to the injured peritoneum. Nintedanib also blocked phosphorylation of platelet derived growth factor receptor, fibroblast growth factor receptor, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor, and Src, downregulated expression of Snail and Twist, two transcription factors and inactivated several signaling pathways associated with peritoneal fibrosis, including Smad3, signal transducer and Activator of transcription 3, and nuclear factor-κB. Moreover, late treatment with nintedanib promoted expression of matrix metallopeptidase 2 and reduced expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 2 in the injured peritoneum. Finally, nintedanib abrogated transforming growth factor β1–induced mesothelial-to-mesenchymal transition and phosphorylation of aforementioned signaling molecules in cultured human peritoneal mesothelial cells.
Conclusions

These results suggest that nintedanib may inhibit peritoneal fibrosis development and progression by blocking mesothelial-to-mesenchymal transition, inflammation, and angiogenesis, and partially reversed established peritoneal fibrosis through metalloproteinases-mediated extracellular matrix degradation. Therefore, nintedanib holds therapeutic potential for the prevention and treatment of peritoneal fibrosis.
Experimental design of a culture approach for corneal endothelial cells
Authors: Montalvo-Parra Maria Dolores , Vidal-Paredes Isaac Alejandro , Calzada-Rodriguez Cesar E. , Cárdenas-Rodríguez Italia Tatnaí , Guerrero Guiomar Farid Torres , Elizondo Daniela Gomez , Martínez Mariana Lopez , Zavala Judith , Valdez-García Jorge E. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background

The harvesting of corneal endothelial cells (CECs) has received special attention given its potential as therapy for corneal blindness. The main challenges to overcome for this purpose are related to the culture media formulation, cellular density at the primary isolation, and the number of passages in which CECs can retain their functional characteristics. The alternance of different media formulations to harvest CECs has an impact on the cellular yield and morphology. We herein analyzed eight different sequences of growth factor-supplemented proliferative (P) and non-supplemented resting (R) media upon passages to find the optimal P/R culture media sequence in regards of cell yield, morphology, procollagen I production, ATPase function, and the expression of ZO-1 and ATPase.
Results

PRPR and PRRR sequences showed the higher cell yield and hexagonal morphology rate. CECs cultured in the PRRR sequence produced procollagen I, showed Na/K-ATPase function, and expression of ZO-1 and Na/K-ATPase by immunocytochemistry. Our study sets a culture approach to guarantee CECs expansion, as well as functionality for their potential use in tissue engineering and in vivo analyses.
Conclusions

Alternation of P and R culture media improves CECs culture. PRRR sequence demonstrated to be effective and for CECs proliferation lowering the cost implied in PRPR sequences. We discarded the use of pituitary extract and ROCK inhibitors as essential for CECs proliferation.