bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Advancing Pediatric Palliative Care In a Low-Middle Income Country: An Implementation Study, A challenging but not impossible task
Authors: Garcia-Quintero Ximena , Parra-Lara Luis Gabriel , Claros-Hulbert Angelica , Cuervo-Suarez Maria Isabel , Gomez-Garcia Wendy , Desbrandes Francois , Arias-Casais Natalia 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: The disparities in access to pediatric palliative care and pain management in Latin America remains an unaddressed global health issue. Efforts to improve the development of Palliative Care (PC) provision have traditionally targeted services for adults, leaving the pediatric population unaddressed. Examples of such services are scarce and should be portrayed in scientific literature to inform decision-makers and service providers on models of care available to tackle the burden of Pediatric Palliative Care (PPC) in Low-and middle-income countries (LMIC). The purpose of this study is to describe the implementation of a pediatric palliative care program, “Taking Care of You ” (TCY) , in a tertiary care, university hospital in Cali, Colombia. Methods: A program’s database was built with children between 0 to 18 years old and their families, from year 2017 to 2019. Descriptive analysis was carried out to evaluate the impact of the program and service delivery. A theory-based method was directed to describe the PPC program, according to the implementation of self-designed taxonomy, mapping theoretical levels and domains. Clinical outcomes in patients were included in the analysis. Results: Since 2017 the program has provided PPC services to 1.965 children. Most of them had an oncologic diagnosis and were referred from hospitalization services (53%). The number of ambulatory patients increased by 80% every trimester between 2017-2018. A 50% increase was reported in hospitalization, emergency, and intensive care units during the same time period. Conclusions: The program addressed a gap in the provision of PPC to children in Cali. It shows effective strategies used to implement a PPC program and how the referral times, coordination of care, communication with other hospital services were improved while providing compassionate/holistic care to children with life-limiting and threatening diseases and in end-of-life. The implementation of this program has required the onset of specific strategies and arrangements to promote awareness and education proving it a hard task, yet not impossible.
Whole-brain irradiation differentially modifies neurotransmitters levels and receptors in the hypothalamus and the prefrontal cortex.
Authors: PEREZ JAVIER FRANCO , MONTES SERGIO , SANCHEZ-HERNANDEZ JOSUE , BALLESTEROS-ZEBADUA PAOLA 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Whole-brain radiotherapy is a primary treatment for brain tumors and brain metastasis, but it also induces long-term undesired effects. Since cognitive impairment can occur, research on the etiology of secondary effects has focused on the hippocampus. Often overlooked, the hypothalamus controls critical homeostatic functions, some of which are also susceptible after whole-brain radiotherapy. Therefore, using whole-brain irradiation (WBI) in a rat model, we measured neurotransmitters and receptors in the hypothalamus. The prefrontal cortex and brainstem were also analyzed since they are highly connected to the hypothalamus and its regulatory processes.Methods: Male Wistar rats were exposed to WBI with 11 Gy (Biologically Equivalent Dose= 72Gy). After one month, we evaluated changes in gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glycine, taurine, aspartate, glutamate, and glutamine in the hypothalamus, prefrontal cortex, and brainstem according to an HPLC method. Ratios of Glutamate/GABA and Glutamine/Glutamate were calculated. Through Western Blott analysis, we measured the expression of GABAa and GABAb receptors, and NR1 and NR2A subunits of NMDA receptors. Changes were analyzed comparing results with sham controls using the non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test (p<0.05).Results: WBI with 11Gy induced significantly lower levels of GABA, glycine, taurine, aspartate, and GABAa receptor in the hypothalamus. Also, in the hypothalamus, a higher Glutamate/GABA ratio was found after irradiation. In the prefrontal cortex, WBI induced significant increases of glutamine and glutamate, Glutamine/Glutamate ratio, and increased expression of both GABAa receptor and NMDA receptor NR1 subunit. The brainstem showed no statistically significant changes after irradiation.Conclusion: Our findings confirm that WBI can affect rat brain regions differently and opens new avenues for study. After one month, WBI decreases inhibitory neurotransmission in the hypothalamus and, conversely, increases excitatory neurotransmission in the prefrontal cortex. Increments in Glutamate/GABA in the hypothalamus and Glutamine/Glutamate in the frontal cortex indicate a neurochemical imbalance. Found changes could be related to several reported radiotherapy secondary effects, suggesting new prospects for therapeutic targets.
Longwall Top Coal Caving Design for Thick Coal Seam in Very Poor Strength Surrounding Strata
Authors: Jangara Hossein , Ozturk C. Atilla 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Alpu lignite field is an important coal deposit with nearly 2 billion tons of coal resources located in the middle of Turkey. The mine deposit consists of three main seams. The thickness of two of them vary from 4 m to 30 m. The surrounding rock mass is very poor in terms of strength. The high clay content and weak rock mass make mechanized mining difficult. In this research, applicability of the longwall top coal caving method was investigated. The very weak strength behavior of the coal and the surrounding strata increases the importance of research in the mine site in terms of ground control. The aim is to design the mechanized longwall mine based on ground control principles. First of all, classification of the roof, coal, inter-burden, and floor strata were classified based on geotechnical aspects. Then, cavability index, shield, and floor bearing capacity were investigated. Different methods were applied to understand the limitations of a mechanized system that is very critical due to the very low strength strata. According to the main results, roof strata was classified as immediately caving while mining height was calculated as 5 m to 6 m. Finally, the relations among geotechnical characterizations of roof and floor strata, cutting and caving heights, and required shield capacity were presented based on analytical and numerical applications. The proposed approach can be used as a ground control method for the applicability as well as the limitations of mechanized longwall mining design in weak strata conditions.
Microbiome dynamics during the HI-SEAS IV mission, and implications for future crewed missions beyond Earth
Authors: Mahnert Alexander , Verseux Cyprien , Schwendner Petra , Koskinen Kaisa , Kumpitsch Christina , Blohs Marcus , Wink Lisa , Brunner Daniela , Goessler Theodora , Billi Daniela , Moissl-Eichinger Christine 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background Human health is closely interconnected with its microbiome. Resilient microbiomes in, on and around the human body will be key for safe and successful long-term space travel. However, longitudinal dynamics of microbiomes inside confined built environments are still poorly understood. Herein we used the Hawaii Space Exploration Analog and Simulation IV (HI-SEAS IV) mission, a one year-long isolation study, to investigate microbial transfer between crew and habitat, in order to understand adverse developments which may occur in a future outpost on the Moon or Mars. Results Longitudinal 16S rRNA gene profiles, as well as quantitative observations, revealed significant differences in microbial diversity, abundance and composition between samples of the built environment and its crew. The microbiome composition and diversity associated with abiotic surfaces was found to be rather stable, whereas the microbial skin profiles of individual crewmembers were highly dynamic, resulting in an increased microbiome diversity at the end of the isolation period. The skin microbiome dynamics were especially pronounced by a regular transfer of the indicator species Methanobrevibacter between crewmembers within the first 200 days. Quantitative information was used to track the propagation of antimicrobial resistance in the habitat. Together with functional and phenotypic predictions, quantitative and qualitative data supported the observation of a delayed longitudinal microbial homogenization between crew and habitat surfaces which was mainly caused by a malfunctioning sanitary facility. Conclusions This study highlights main routes of microbial transfer, interaction of the crew and origins of microbial dynamics in an isolated environment. We identify key targets of microbial monitoring, and emphasize the need for defined baselines of microbiome diversity and abundance on surfaces and crew skin. Targeted manipulation to counteract adverse developments of the microbiome could be a highly important strategy to ensure safety during future space endeavors.
The Progression of Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ICH) Is Related to the Expression of Integrin Β1 (ITGB1)
Authors: Ma Hai-Yang , Xu Yan , Qiao Chun-You , Peng Yi , Ding Qi , Wang Li-Zhong , Yan Jun-Fei , Hou Yuan , Di Fei 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is fatal and detrimental to quality of life. Clinically, options for monitoring are often limited, potentially missing subtle neurological changes. Integrin β 1 (ITGB1) and β 3 (ITGB3) are the main components of integrin family receptors, which regulate the formation and stability of blood vessels. This study explored the relationship between expression of ITGB1, ITGB3 in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) to analyze their functional and clinical relevance.Methods: The expression of ITGB1 and ITGB3 in ICH was accomplished by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining and western blotting (WB) analysis, respectively. Results: Furthermore, the results demonstrated that ITGB1 was expressed in ICH tissues, but ITGB3 was not expressed in ICH tissues. Conclusions: In summary, the clinical progression of ICH was related to the expression of ITGB1. ITGB1 may be a potential biomarker and contribute to the treatment of ICH.
T cell phenotypes associated with insulin resistance: Results from the Berlin Aging Study II
Authors: Sbierski-Kind Julia , Goldeck David , Buchmann Nikolaus , Spranger Joachim , Volk Hans-Dieter , Steinhagen-Thiessen Elisabeth , Pawelec Graham , Demuth Ilja , Spira Dominik 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background Obesity is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation leading to metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, but a subset of obese individuals is considered insulin sensitive (IS) and metabolically healthy. The underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms remain elusive and clinical studies on the relationship between inflammatory markers and metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) are scarce. Methods In this cross-sectional analysis, we included a sample of 437 older participants (60-84 years) from the Berlin Aging Study II (BASE-II). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated, immune cell subsets were analyzed with multiparameter flow cytometry and systemic cytokine levels were measured. Immune cell parameters were correlated with metabolic measures and multiple linear regression analysis was conducted and adjusted for various demographic and clinical factors. Results We found that frequencies of naïve and memory CD4+ and CD8+ T cells inversely correlated with measures for insulin sensitivity in the older population. Moreover, the percentages of naïve CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were significantly higher, whereas activated T cells and IL-6 levels were lower in IS compared to insulin resistant (IR) obese individuals. The percentages of naïve CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were predictive for impaired insulin sensitivity (ß=0.16, p=0.01 and ß=0.11, p=0.04), and the association of naïve CD4+ T cells with insulin sensitivity persisted after multivariate adjustment (ß=0.14, p=0.02). Conclusions These findings support the hypothesis that parameters of systemic inflammation can differentiate IS from IR obese individuals that are at higher risk for cardiometabolic diseases and may have clinical implications with regard to obesity treatment stratification. Trial registration: DRKS00009277. Registered 31 August 2015 - Retrospectively registered, https://www.base2.mpg.de/de
Trophic states regulate assembly processes and network structures of small chromophytic phytoplankton communities in subtropical coastal ecosystem
Authors: Chen Xing , Zhao Huaxian , Jiang Gonglingxia , Tang Jinli , Xu Qiangsheng , Chen Si , Zou Shuqi , Dong Ke , Hou Weiguo , Pan Lianghao , Wang Pengbin , Li Nan 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Small chromophytic phytoplankton (SCP) are anticipated to be more important for a significant proportion of primary production in estuarine-coastal ecosystems. However, responses of SCP community to coastal eutrophication are still unclear. In this study, we investigated diversity, co-occurrence and assembly features of SCP communities, as well as their relationship with environmental factors in the subtropical Beibu Gulf. The results exhibited that the alpha diversity (ANOVA, p < 0.001) and beta diversity (ANOSIM, p < 0.001) of SCP communities were significantly different among eutrophic states. Co-occurrence network analysis revealed a complex interaction between SCP community and environmental factors. Most OTUs in modules of the network were specific to trophic states. Further, phylogenetic based β-nearest taxon distance analyses revealed that stochastic processes mainly provided 69.26% contribution to SCP community assembly, whereas deterministic processes dominated community assembly in a heavy eutrophic state. Importantly, increased environmental disturbances, such as nitrogen and phosphorus nutrients, could alter SCP community structure and disrupt ecological processes. Overall, our findings elucidate the mechanism of diversity and assembly in marine SCP community and promote the understanding of SCP ecology related to subtropical coastal eutrophication.
Effects of Preservatives on Corneal Collagen Parameters Measured by Small Angle X-Ray Scattering Analysis
Authors: Kelly Susyn , duPlessis Lizette , Soley John , Noble Frazer , Wells Hannah Carolyn , Kelly Patrick John 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Objective: Small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) analysis is a sensitive method for determining the ultrastructure of collagen in various tissues. Little is known about how parameters measured by SAXS are affected by preservatives, commonly used to prevent autolysis and strengthen sample tissues. We determined the effects of formalin, glutaraldehyde, Triton X and saline on measurements of fibril diameter, fibril diameter distribution, and D-spacing of corneal collagen using SAXS analysis. Results: Compared to control sheep and cats’ corneas, frozen at -80 °C, those preserved in 5% glutaraldehyde and 10% formalin had significantly larger mean collagen fibril diameters, increased fibril diameter distribution and decreased D-spacing. Corneas preserved in Triton X had significantly increased collagen fibril diameters and decreased fibril diameter distribution. Corneas preserved in 0.9% saline had significantly increased mean collagen fibril diameters and decreased diameter distributions. Subjectively, the corneas preserved in 5% glutaraldehyde and 10% formalin maintained their transparency but those in Triton X and 0.9% saline became opaque. Subjective morphological assessment of transmission electron microscope images of corneas supported the SAXS data. Workers using SAXS analysis to characterize collagen should be alerted to changes that can be introduced by common preservatives in which their samples may have been stored.
Thermal and Mechanical Activation of Dynamically Stable Ionic Interaction toward Self-Healing Strengthening Elastomers
Authors: Peng Yan , Hou Yujia , Wu Qi , Ran Qichao , Huang Guangsu , Wu Jinrong 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Biological tissues can grow stronger after mechanical damage and self-healing. However, artificial self-healing materials usually show decreased mechanical properties after repairing mechanical damage. Here, a self-healing strengthening elastomer (SSE) is developed by engineering kinetic stability in elastomeric ionomers through introduction of large steric hindrance. Elastomeric ionomers are usually thermodynamically instable due to the none-directionality and none-saturation of electrostatic interaction and the high mobility of molecular chains; thus, their mechanical properties change with time in an uncontrollable manner. However, the large steric hindrance on the cationic groups prevents the formation of new ionic bonds and rearrangement of ionic aggregates under room temperature, thus SSE is kinetically stable. Once heat or external force is applied, the kinetic stability is disrupted and the material becomes stronger driven by the thermodynamic instability. Consequently, the self-healing efficiency of fractured SSE is as high as 143%. This work provides controllable and universal strategy to fabricate biomimetic self-healing strengthening materials.
EGFL6 Promotes Colorectal Cancer Cell Growth and Mobility and the Anti-cancer Property of Anti-EGFL6 Antibody
Authors: Sung Ting-Yi , Huang Han-Li , Cheng Chun-Chun , Chang Fu-Ling , Wei Po-Li , Cheng Ya-Wen , Huang Cheng-Chiao , Lee Yu-Ching , HuangFu Wei-Chun , Pan Shiow-Lin 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundA reliable cancer biomarker will be critical for advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) therapeutic approaches since current treatments are limited to certain patient characteristics, such as age, sex, comorbidities and patients received self-expandable metal stents implantations. The association of epidermal growth factor-like domain 6 (EGFL6) with cancer development has been reported. Here, we focused on the role of EGFL6 in CRC progression and its clinical relevance. MethodsAn anti-EGFL6 antibody was generated by phage display technology to investigate the potential therapeutic efficacy in CRC. Methylene blue staining was applied to investigate the EGFL6 expression in CRC patients and animal tissue. Protein and DNA level of EGFL6 expression as well as related pathway investigation were determined by western blot and quantitative real time PCR. Silence EGFL6 by siRNA transfection, transwell migration and invasion assay were performed to verify EGFL6 function. Student t test, Kruskal-Wallis test and multiple comparisons were used to statistical analysis results. ResultsSignificant EGFL6 expression was found in colon tissues from patients and spontaneous tumorigenesis mouse but not in normal tissue. Furthermore, we found EGFL6 could enhance cancer cell migration, invasion and proliferation in CRC via up-regulating ERK/ AKT pathway, as well as reducing ADAMTS1 and Snail expression. We also found EGFL6 regulates cell abilities through EGFR/αvβ3 integrin receptors. By conducting animal experiments, our anti-EGFL6 antibody, EGFL6-E5-IgG, showed tumor inhibition and anti-metastasis ability. Furthermore, no impact on angiogenesis and wound healing by using EGFL6-E5-IgG were observed. ConclusionsWe demonstrated that EGFL6 plays a role in CRC tumorigenesis and tumor progression, indicating that EGFL6 is a potential cancer biomarker and therapeutic target worth further investigation.
Molecular Characterization of Carbapenemase-Producing Escherichia coli and Salmonella in children with diarrhea in rural Burkina Faso
Authors: DEMBELE Rene , Soulama Issiaka , Kaboré Wendpoulomdé A. D. , Konaté Ali , Kagambèga Assèta , Coulibaly David N'Golo , Traoré Oumar , Seck Abdoulaye , Traoré Alfred S. , Guessennd Nathalie K. , Gassama-Sow Amy , Barro Nicolas 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: In recent years, carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) resistance to antibiotics has dramatically increased leading to limitations of their treatment options. In the present study, we investigated the occurrence of carbapenemase-producing Escherichia coli and Salmonella in rural Burkina Faso. Methods: Salmonella isolates were serotyped according to the Kauffman White scheme. Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) strains was identified using 16-plex Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), whereas antibiotic susceptibility was realized using the disk diffusion method. Furthermore, multiplex PCR assays were carried out using oligonucleotides to detect the presence of genes of the blaKPC, blaVIM, blaIMP, blaTEM, blaSHV, blaOXA and blaCTX-M types in all E. coli and Salmonella strains.Results: The study highlighted high resistance rates of the identified bacteria to common antibiotics. Likewise, two strains of E. coli were imipenem resistant with carbapenemase-encoding genes. The genes detected were Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC), Verona integrin-encoded metallo-β-lactamase (VIM) and Imipenemase (IMP-2) reaching a rate of 40% each in E. coli strains. However, no Salmonella carbapenemases blaKPC, blaVIM or blaIMP were detected.Conclusions: This study showed that for a real-time infection control and prompt application of antimicrobial chemotherapy, characterization of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales in patients is crucial.
The effect of WeChat-based training on improving the village doctors’ knowledge of tuberculosis management: a pre-and-post intervention study from China
Authors: Gao Lei , Xin Henan , Zhang Haoran , Cao Xuefang , Feng Boxuan , Quan Zhusheng , Du Ying , He Yijun , Wang Dakuan , Zhang Bin , Jin Qi , Liu Zisen , Pan Shouguo , Guan Ling , Shen Fei , Liu Jianmin 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: In China, around 70% tuberculosis (TB) cases occurred in rural areas. Village doctors played a crucial role in TB cases referral and management. The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of WeChat-based training program on improving the village doctors’ knowledge on TB management.Methods: A One-year WeChat-based training was conducted by means of releasing original contents (in forms of text, poster, video or cartoon), through WeChat subscription account (WeChat SA) once a week, with the topics of TB detection, treatment, prevention and patient’s management. Based on a self-control design, pre-and post-training offline tests were hold using the same self-administered questionnaire to evaluate the training effect.Results: A total of 467 village doctor registered in Zhongmu County (Henan province, China), who worked in the local village clinic or community health center, were included in the study. During the training, sixty original articles were posted through WeChat SA during the one-year training. There are 19, 26 and 15 were displayed in the form of text, poster and other types (such as video or cartoon), and the corresponding average reading times were 245, 38, 199, respectively. With respect to the two tests, the median score increased from 50 (40.0-60.0) to 60 (53.0-70.0) (p<0.001) after training. The median scores were always higher after training no matter what kind of article contents and forms. In addition, the effectiveness of such training was found to be influenced by gender and education level.Conclusions: Our results indicated that WeChat-based training could improve the knowledge of village doctors on TB management. It is worthy to explore more effective new media-based training methods that might promote TB control work in rural China.