bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Kidney-specific lymphangiogenesis increases sodium excretion and lowers blood pressure in mice
Authors: Balasubbramanian Dakshnapriya , Baranwal Gaurav , Clark Mary-Catherine C. , Goodlett Bethany L. , Mitchell Brett M. , Rutkowski Joseph M. 
Published: January 2020

Objective:
Hypertension is associated with renal immune cell accumulation and sodium retention. Lymphatic vessels provide a route for immune cell trafficking and fluid clearance. Whether specifically increasing renal lymphatic density can treat established hypertension, and whether renal lymphatics are involved in mechanisms of blood pressure regulation remain undetermined. Here, we tested the hypothesis that augmenting renal lymphatic density can attenuate blood pressure in established hypertension.

Methods:
Transgenic mice with inducible kidney-specific overexpression of VEGF-D (’KidVD+’ mice) and KidVD− controls were administered a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, l-NAME, for 4 weeks, with doxycycline administration beginning at the end of week 1. To identify mechanisms by which renal lymphatics alter renal Na+ handling, Na+ excretion was examined in KidVD+ mice during acute and chronic salt loading conditions.

Results:
Renal VEGF-D induction for 3 weeks enhanced lymphatic density and significantly attenuated blood pressure in KidVD+ mice whereas KidVD− mice remained hypertensive. No differences were identified in renal immune cells, however, the urinary Na+ excretion was increased significantly in KidVD+ mice. KidVD+ mice demonstrated normal basal sodium handling, but following chronic high salt loading, KidVD+ mice had a significantly lower blood pressure along with increased urinary fractional excretion of Na+. Mechanistically, KidVD+ mice demonstrated decreased renal abundance of total NCC and cleaved ENaCα Na+ transporters, increased renal tissue fluid volume, and increased plasma ANP.

Conclusion:
Our findings demonstrate that therapeutically augmenting renal lymphatics increases natriuresis and reduces blood pressure under sodium retention conditions.
Detection of Embedded Low-level Radioactive Shrapnel after the Explosion of a Radiological Dispersal Device in Radiological Emergency Imaging
Authors: Majewski Matthäus , Nestler Kai , Veit Daniel A. , Diekmeyer Birte , Waldeck Stephan , Port Matthias , Becker Benjamin V. 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Concern about the threat of a terrorist attack with a Radiological Dispersal Device has increased considerably over the last few years, and this comes along with an immense challenge, especially regarding medical treatment of combined injuries with incorporated radioactive fragments. In such scenarios, the identification and surgical exploration of radioactive fragments is a major issue to prevent further radiation-induced effects like wound healing disorders, onset of acute radiation syndrome, and as a late-effect cancer. However, in a usual emergency setting, it is unclear how this task can be achieved. Within this study, we evaluated the feasibility of different radiological methods to identify and locate an incorporated radioactive fragment. We placed two different 137Cs sources and several non-radioactive fragments representing sham control samples within a human spine phantom. Standard emergency imaging procedures were performed, including plane radiography and different CT scans (64 row, 384 row dual energy, 320 row without iterative metal artifact reduction), respectively. Eight radiologists were blinded toward the results and asked to identify the radioactive fragments within the provided images. For both sources, correct identification was rather low (15.63%). Furthermore, none of the questioned radiologists (N = 0) stated that they were able to identify the radioactive shrapnel distinctly. Positive predictive value was accordingly low (15.63%). Most participants recommended a scintigraphy-based technique for identification (26.67%) rather than radiographic procedures (6.67%). Identification and location of incorporated small radioactive fragments with low energies by standard radiological procedures prior to surgical exploration is not promising. Nevertheless, procedures that can achieve this aim are needed direly in the case of a terrorist attack with a radiological dispersal device and should be available in an emergency department.
Gutted! Unraveling the Role of the Microbiome in Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Bastiaanssen Thomaz F. S. , Cussotto Sofia , Claesson Marcus J. , Clarke Gerard , Dinan Timothy G. , Cryan John F. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractMicroorganisms can be found in virtually any environment. In humans, the largest collection of microorganisms is found in the gut ecosystem. The adult gut microbiome consists of more genes than its human host and typically spans more than 60 genera from across the taxonomic tree. In addition, the gut contains the largest number of neurons in the body, after the brain. In recent years, it has become clear that the gut microbiome is in communication with the brain, through the gut–brain axis. A growing body of literature shows that the gut microbiome plays a shaping role in a variety of psychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder (MDD). In this review, the interplay between the microbiome and MDD is discussed in three facets. First, we discuss factors that affect the onset/development of MDD that also greatly impinge on the composition of the gut microbiota—especially diet and stressful life events. We then examine the interplay between the microbiota and MDD. We examine evidence suggesting that the microbiota is altered in MDD, and we discuss why the microbiota should be considered during MDD treatment. Finally, we look toward the future and examine how the microbiota might become a therapeutic target for MDD. This review is intended to introduce those familiar with the neurological and psychiatric aspects of MDD to the microbiome and its potential role in the disorder. Although research is in its very early days, with much yet to be the understood, the microbiome is offering new avenues for developing potentially novel strategies for managing MDD.
Comparison of Thickness-Function and Vessel Density-Function Relationship in the Superior and Inferior Macula, and in the Superotemporal and Inferotemporal Peripapillary Sectors
Authors: Holló Gábor 
Published: January 2020

Précis:
In primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), unlogged mean macular hemifield visual field sensitivity correlates significantly better with superficial capillary vessel density (VD) than with ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness of the opposite macular hemifield.

Purpose:
The aim of this study was to compare the relationship of the spatially corresponding superficial retinal capillary VD and retinal thickness parameters with the corresponding visual field sensitivity, for the superior and inferior macula, and the superotemporal and inferotemporal peripapillary sectors, respectively.

Patients and Methods:
One eye of 27 POAG, 14 ocular hypertensive, and 9 healthy participants were subjected to optical coherence tomography angiography imaging with the Angiovue optical coherence tomography and Octopus G2 perimetry on the same day. Superior and inferior unlogged hemifield average macular sensitivity was correlated with the opposite macular hemifield VD and GCC thickness, respectively. Correlation of visual field cluster unlogged average sensitivity with the spatially corresponding sector VD and sector retinal nerve fiber layer thickness were compared for the superotemporal and inferotemporal peripapillary sector, respectively.

Results:
For all participants and the glaucoma population, the correlations for macular hemifield GCC were strong or very strong (r: 0.554 to 0.737, P<0.01). In these groups, the correlations for macular hemifield VD were all very strong (r: 0.823 to 0.838, P<0.0001) and significantly higher than the corresponding correlations for hemifield GCC (P≤0.050). No significant difference between the corresponding correlations was found in the combined normal and ocular hypertensive group for the macular hemifields, or in either population for the peripapillary sectors.

Conclusion:
Our results suggest that, in contrast to superotemporal and inferotemporal peripapillary sectors in which the thickness-function and VD-function relationships are similar, in POAG, for the macular hemifields, the VD-function relationship is stronger than the thickness-function relationship.
Changes in Prostaglandin-associated Periorbital Syndrome After Switch from Conventional Prostaglandin F2α Treatment to Omidenepag Isopropyl in 11 Consecutive Patients
Authors: Nakakura Shunsuke , Terao Etusko , Fujisawa Yasuko , Tabuchi Hitoshi , Kiuchi Yoshiaki 
Published: January 2020

Purpose:
We evaluated the recovery of patients with PAPS for whom the treatment regimen switched from conventional prostaglandin F2α analogues to a new selective prostaglandin-EP2 agonist: omidenepag isopropyl.

Patients and Methods:
From November 2018 to July 2019, we prospectively evaluated 11 patients who had been using conventional PGF2α drugs. Digital photographs of the patients were taken before the start of omidenepag isopropyl therapy and ~3 and 6 months after. Three independent observers used the photographs to judged recovery according to the 5 signs of PAPS: deepening of the upper eyelid sulcus (DUES), flattening of the lower eyelid bags, upper eyelid ptosis, ciliary hypertrichosis, and periorbital skin hyperpigmentation.

Results:
The mean age of patients was 61, and 7 patients were female. The original PGF2α drugs were bimatoprost, latanoprost, travoprost, and tafluprost. The mean duration of PGF2α treatment was 65 months. PAPS signs were evaluated in 10 patients after 3 months and in all 11 patients after 6 months: After 3 and 6 months, DUES improved in 3 and 3 patients, respectively; flattening of the lower eyelid bags improved in 1 and 2 patients, respectively; upper eyelid ptosis did not improve in any patients; ciliary hypertrichosis improved in 0 and 2 patients, respectively; and eyelid pigmentation improved in 2 and 8 patients, respectively. The 3 patients who showed improvement in DUES at 6 months had all previously used bimatoprost.

Conclusions:
Some PAPS signs improved after patients started taking omidenepag isopropyl. Our findings will be useful for patients taking antiglaucoma eye drops.
Cutaneous Manifestations of Campylobacter jejuni Infection
Authors: Roberts Scott C. , Stone Samuel M. , Sutton Sarah H. , Flaherty John P. 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
A 51-year-old man with active follicular lymphoma presented with several days of erythematous skin nodules on all extremities 2 weeks after a self-limited diarrheal illness. All serum immunoglobulin levels were found to be low. Blood cultures grew Campylobacter jejuni. The patient was given 1 week of azithromycin with complete resolution of his skin nodules. The literature of skin manifestations seen in active C. jejuni infection is reviewed. The majority of cases occur in immunocompromised hosts, many with low or no serum immunoglobulin levels. Postulated mechanisms include a lack of secretory immunoglobulin A in intestinal mucosa predisposing susceptible patients to translocated enteric pathogens; however, the precise pathogenesis underlying cutaneous manifestations is unknown.
Strength Testing of Definitive Transtibial Prosthetic Sockets Made Using 3D-Printing Technology
Authors: Nickel Eric A. , Barrons Kyle J. , Owen Meredith K. , Hand Barry D. , Hansen Andrew H. , DesJardins John D. 
Published: January 2020

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Unlike endoskeletal connectors and prosthetic feet, prosthetic sockets are not subjected to structural strength testing using internationally recognized test standards, such as International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 10328. Definitive prosthetic sockets fabricated in the traditional manner have been shown to be inconsistent in the ability to withstand the loads applied by these standards. Persistent concerns regarding the strength and durability of 3D-printed prosthetic sockets are a barrier to clinical adoption of 3D-printing technologies in prosthetic socket fabrication. To develop a robust prosthetic socket design based on 3D-printing technology, an iterative development process was used with integral validation testing using the ISO 10328 loading conditions performed independently by two testing centers.

Materials and Methods
Twenty-four 3D-printed transtibial prosthetic sockets were tested using ISO 10328 loading conditions designed to represent the greatest atypical elevated loads a 125-kg user would be expected to place on their prosthesis without failure (ultimate strength test at the P6 load level). Several design iterations and variations were tested. One socket of a design that withstood the ultimate strength loading was reprinted and subjected to cyclic testing, up to 3 million cycles. All tests were conducted under the forefoot loading condition (Condition II of the ISO 10328 standard), which generates greater moments at the distal end of the socket than the heel loading condition.

Results
Early socket designs were unable to withstand the ISO 10328 ultimate strength test to the P6 load level. Successive design improvements increased the strength until a robust final design was achieved. Variations of that final design for different suspension types and a different limb model demonstrated consistent performance. The final design was significantly stronger than the initial design (P = 1.35 × 10−7). The socket that was tested for durability completed the 3 million loading cycles at the P6 load level without damage and withstood the subsequent static proof loads.

Conclusions
An iterative design process with integral structural testing can result in strong, durable prosthetic sockets made using 3D-printing technology that may be robust to variations in limb size/shape and suspension type.
Liquid biopsy for cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment
Authors: Smania Mary A. 
Published: January 2020

ABSTRACT
The goal of precision medicine in an oncology context is to offer individuals and their families the most effective and efficient methods available to screen, diagnose, and plan treatment. Much like the rapidly expanding use of circulating free DNA testing to screen for chromosomal anomalies during pregnancy, circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) can assess for degraded DNA fragments released into the blood by tumors. Also known as liquid biopsy (LB), this technology has the potential to improve cancer screening and postdiagnosis monitoring, but it can also provide genetic information about evolving tumor characteristics, allowing clinicians to pinpoint the most appropriate treatment options and monitor response in real time. Novel uses for ctDNA are emerging almost daily, and every provider should know at least that earlier diagnosis and more targeted therapy may now be possible for many different cancers because of LB. Patients expect their providers, including nurse practitioners, to have an understanding of genomics and when advances in genomics might directly benefit them. Liquid biopsy techniques have been rapidly adopted by the oncology community, with findings moving quickly into clinical care.
Diurnal rhythm of blood pressure in patients with polycythemia vera
Authors: Akdi Ahmet , Özeke Özcan , Karanfil Mustafa , Ertem Ahmet Göktuğ , Yayla Çağri , Demirtaş Koray , Güney Tekin , Ünal Sefa , Selçuk Mehmet Timur 
Published: January 2020

Aims
Polycythemia vera increases the risk of hypertension, but there is limited information about the effect on daily blood pressure fluctuations. This study aimed to demonstrate how diurnal blood pressure rhythm is affected in polycythemia vera patients.

Methods
Fifty (50) patients (33 men; mean age 48 ± 15 years) with a diagnosis of polycythemia vera and 51 age and sex-matched healthy subjects for the control group were prospectively evaluated. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were evaluated by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) as average 24-hour, daytime and nighttime measures.

Results
Average 24-hour SBP and DBP, daytime SBP and DBP were similar in both groups. However, nighttime SBP and DBP were significantly higher in the polycythemia vera group compared with the control group (125.3 ± 17.2 and 73.7 ± 12.2 vs. 118.9 ± 12.2 and 69.5 ± 8.5; P = 0.034 and P = 0.044). Both nocturnal SBP fall and nocturnal DBP fall were blunted in the polycythemia vera group compared with the control group (−6.9 ± 8.9 and −11.3 ± 12.2 vs. −11.6 ± 7.7 and −16.3 ± 12.0, respectively). Both hemoglobin and hematocrit levels were positively correlated with nocturnal SBP fall (r = 0.306, P = 0.002 and r = 0.355, P < 0.001; respectively) in all patients.

Conclusion
We found that the polycythemia vera group had significantly decreased nocturnal dipping compared with healthy controls. The SBP fall was also positively correlated with hemoglobin and hematocrit levels.
Serial anti-tuberculous immune responses during the follow-up of patients with tuberculous pleurisy
Authors: Zhang Bing-Yan , Yu Zhi-Min , Yang Qing-Luan , Liu Qian-Qian , Chen Hua-Xin , Wu Jing , Wang Sen , Shao Ling-Yun , Weng Xin-Hua , Ou Qin-Fang , Gao Yan , Zhang Wen-Hong 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Little is known about the decay kinetics of interferon (IFN)-γ response and its influencing factors in tuberculous pleurisy. We enrolled thirty-two patients with tuberculous pleurisy prospectively and followed up at month 0, 6, and 9, at which time peripheral venous blood was drawn for interferon gamma release assay (IGRA) by means of QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT-GIT). Demographic and clinical data were captured. To identify significant predictive factors influencing the IFN-γ response, multiple linear regression analyses were performed. Percentage of CD4+, CD8+, Vγ2Vδ2 T cells and Treg cells were measured by flow cytometry. The percentage of QFT-GIT-positive patients at baseline, month 6 and month 9 were 96.9% (30/32), 90.6% (29/32) and 84.4% (27/32), respectively. Quantitative IFN-γ response at baseline were significantly correlated with symptom duration (P = .003, R2 = 0.261) and age (P = .041, R2 = 0.132). Besides, the decreases of the IFN-γ response at month 6 and month 9 were positively correlated with the IFN-γ level at baseline. The dynamic tendency of the percentages of Treg cells was similar to the IFN-γ responses at each time-point. Quantitative IFN-γ response could be influenced by host immune status, instead of disease burden and anti-tuberculosis treatment. IGRA is probably not a useful biomarker of treatment efficacy in tuberculous pleurisy.
Association of Mycoplasma fermentans and the risk of HIV-1 infection
Authors: Liu Yi , Dong Yonghai , Wen Yinghao , Peng Siping , Liao Jie , Liu Yun 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Background:
Previous studies have reported the association between Mycoplasma fermentans (M. fermentans) and the risk of human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) infection, but the results were inconsistent. The present study aims to systematically review reported studies on M. fermentans and its association with HIV-1 infection, as well as to summarize the findings using a meta-analysis.

Methods:
Studies meeting the inclusion criteria in the PubMed, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang Data, and Chongqing VIP databases up to March 2019 were identified. Cochran Q and I
2 statistics were used to assess heterogeneity. Additionally, pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated and displayed by Forest plots. Also, the funnel plot, Begg test, and Egger test were used to evaluate potential publication bias. In addition, the source of heterogeneity was investigated by subgroup and sensitivity analyses.

Results:
A total of 11 studies comprising 1028 HIV-1-positive patients and 1298 controls were ultimately included in this meta-analysis. Our results indicated that M. fermentans could increase the risk of HIV-1 infection among humans (OR = 3.66, 95%CI 1.26–10.64). Subgroup analysis showed that the risk of HIV-1 infection associated with M. fermentans was, based on the geographical distribution, 1.19 (95%CI 0.33–4.33) in Europe, 2.83 (95%CI 0.94–8.52) in United States, 11.92 (95%CI 3.93–36.15) in Asia; based on the source of the sample, 2.97 (95%CI 0.89–9.95) in blood samples, 4.36 (95%CI 1.63–11.68) in urine samples; based on the detection method, 2.80 (95%CI 0.72–10.96) with the polymerase chain reaction method, 5.54 (95%CI 1.21–25.28) with other detection methods; based on the source of controls, 1.91 (95%CI 0.53–6.89) in sexually transmitted diseases individuals, and 8.25 (95%CI 2.16–31.60) in health individuals.

Conclusion:
Our study revealed evidence of the association between M. fermentans and HIV-1 infection. Considering the heterogeneity, further studies are warranted to understand the relationship between M. fermentans and HIV-1 infection.
Towards ending the human immunodeficiency virus epidemic in the US
Authors: Olatosi Bankole , Siddiqi Khairul Alam , Conserve Donaldson Fadael 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing is important for prevention and treatment. Ending the HIV epidemic is unattainable if significant proportions of people living with HIV remain undiagnosed, making HIV testing critical for prevention and treatment. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends routine HIV testing for persons aged 13 to 64 years in all health care settings. This study builds on prior research by estimating the extent to which HIV testing occurs during physician office and emergency department (ED) post 2006 CDC recommendations.
We performed an unweighted and weighted cross-sectional analysis using pooled data from 2 nationally representative surveys namely National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey and National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey from 2009 to 2014. We assessed routine HIV testing trends and predictive factors in physician offices and ED using multi-stage statistical survey procedures in SAS 9.4.
HIV testing rates in physician offices increased by 105% (5.6–11.5 per 1000) over the study period. A steeper increase was observed in ED with a 191% (2.3–6.7 per 1000) increase. Odds ratio (OR) for HIV testing in physician offices were highest among ages 20 to 29 ([OR] 7.20, 99% confidence interval [CI: 4.37–11.85]), males (OR 1.34, [CI: 0.91–0.93]), African-Americans (OR 2.97, [CI: 2.05–4.31]), Hispanics (OR 1.80, [CI: 1.17–2.78]), and among visits occurring in the South (OR 2.06, [CI: 1.23–3.44]). In the ED, similar trends of higher testing odds persisted for African Americans (OR 3.44, 99% CI 2.50–4.73), Hispanics (OR 2.23, 99% CI 1.65–3.01), and Northeast (OR 2.24, 99% CI 1.10–4.54).
While progress has been made in screening, HIV testing rates remains sub-optimal for ED visits. Populations visiting the ED for routine care may suffer missed opportunities for HIV testing, which delays their entry into HIV medical care. To end the epidemic, new approaches for increasing targeted routine HIV testing for populations attending health care settings is recommended.