bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Layer‐specific strain and dyssynchrony index alteration in new-onset systemic lupus erythematosus patients without cardiac symptom
Authors: Luo Tingting , Wang Zhenhua , Chen Zhen , Yu Ermei , Fang Chenglong 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background

Layer-specific speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) is a noninvasive approach assessing subclinical left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. We aimed to investigate: (I) layer‐specific strain and dyssynchrony index alteration; (II) disease parameters associated with layer-specific STE change; (III) effects of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) therapy on layer-specific STE parameters in drug-naïve patients with new-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) without cardiac symptoms.
Methods

35 drug-naïve patients with new-onset SLE and 25 age-and-sex-matched healthy controls were enrolled. All individuals received both conventional echocardiographic and two-dimensional STE assessment. Layer-specific global longitudinal strain (GLS), global circumferential strain (GCS) and peak systolic dispersion (PSD) were acquired in layer-specific STE. The effect of HCQ monotherapy on GLS parameters and PSD was assessed in 7 SLE patients with stable disease.
Results

All patients had normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Conventional echocardiographic parameters were comparable between patients and controls. Decreased layer-specific GLS and elevated PSD were observed in SLE patients. In contrast, there’s no difference of layer-specific GCS at the basal level, papillary muscle level and apical level between patients and controls. More severely impaired GLS was observed in patients with higher disease activity, high-risk aPL profile or renal involvement. PSD increased in patients with higher disease activity or high-risk aPL profile. Correlational analysis showed that GLS at three layers and PSD correlated with high-sensitivity CRP (hsCRP) levels. PSD correlated with epicardial GLS, when treating hsCRP level, renal involvement, profile of aPL and disease activity as control variables. Multivariate regression showed hsCRP level and epicardial GLS are the predictors of layer-specific GLS impairment and elevated PSD, respectively. No change of GLS at three layers or PSD was observed in the first 6 months of HCQ treatment, compared with baseline. During the second 6 months of HCQ treatment, increase of endocardial GLS and whole layer GLS, and decrease of PSD were detected. There was no change of epicardial GLS during follow-up.
Conclusion

Drug-naïve patients with new-onset SLE, even having normal LVEF, are likely to have subclinical GLS impairment and LV dyssynchrony. SLE-related risk factors are associated with these dysfunctions. Continuous use of HCQ may provide beneficial effects to the silent cardiac impairment.
Bone ingrowth into open architecture PEEK interference screw after ACL reconstruction
Authors: Lind Martin , Nielsen Torsten , Sørensen Ole Gade , Mygind-Klavsen Bjarne , Faunø Peter , Leake-Gardner Stacey 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Purpose Open or fenestrated interference screw design that allow bone ingrowth is a concept for improved bone healing to softtissue graft and bone filling in bone tunnels after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) The aim of the current study was to assess CT scanning evaluated bone ingrowth into an open architecture interference screws in the tibial tunnel of patients undergoing ACL with soft tissue grafts. It was hypothesized that open architecture interference screws would stimulate bone ingrowth into the screw cavities. Methods Twelve patients requiring ACLR were included. They underwent arthroscopic ACLR with semitendinosus-/gracilis tendon graft and an open architecture polyetheretherketone (PEEK) interference screw. The patients were scanned with a multi-slice CT scanner two weeks, six and twelve months postoperatively. On CT reconstruction slices bone ingrowth into the screw was measured. Subjective and objective clinical outcome international knee documentation committee score and instrumented knee laxity determination were collected. Results At six months no implants demonstrated more than 10 % bone ingrowth. At twelve months 42 % (5/12) implants had more than 10 % bone ingrowth (p = 0.009). The average bone filling into the screws was 7.7 %. There was no tunnel widening or cyst formation seen in relation to any of the implants. Subjective IKDC score improved significantly from 50.6 baseline to 80.1 at 24 month follow-up. Preoperative side-to-side knee laxity improved from 3.7 (2.1) to 1.4 (1.2) mm at twelve months. There were no serious adverse events in relation to the new open architecture thread PEEK interference screw during or after hamstring ACL reconstruction. Conclusion The present study demonstrated that open architecture thread PEEK interference screw can stimulate bone ingrowth into the screws after soft tissue ACL reconstruction with at twelve months with an average bone filling into screws was 7.7 %. Knee stability, functional, subjective and objective outcomes were similar to large volume ACL outcome studies. Trial registration The study was registered at ClinicalTrials # NCT023882341.
Complementary NAD+ Replacement Strategies Fail to Functionally Protect Dystrophin-Deficient Muscle
Authors: Frederick David , McDougal Alan V. , Semenas Melisa , Vappiani Johanna , Nuzzo Andrea , Ulrich John C. , Stewart Eugene L. , Sévin Daniel C. , Kramer H. Fritz 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive muscle wasting disorder stemming from a loss of functional dystrophin. Current therapeutic options for DMD are limited, as small molecule modalities remain largely unable to lessen the incidence or mitigate the consequences of repetitive mechanical insults to the muscle during eccentric contractions (ECCs).
Methods
Using a metabolomics approach, we observed distinct and transient molecular phenotypes in muscles of dystrophin-deficient MDX mice subjected to ECCs. Among the most depleted metabolites was nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), an essential metabolic cofactor suggested to protect muscle from structural and metabolic degeneration over time. We tested whether the MDX muscle NAD pool can be expanded for therapeutic benefit by providing a biosynthetic precursor, nicotinamide riboside, or specifically inhibiting the NAD-degrading activity of the ADP-ribosyl cyclase, CD38.
Results
Administering a novel, potent, and orally available CD38 antagonist to MDX mice successfully reverted a majority of the muscle metabolome toward the wildtype state, while supplementing nicotinamide riboside did not significantly affect the molecular phenotype of the muscle. However, neither strategy effectively lessened muscle damage markers or improved hindlimb strength following repeated rounds of eccentric challenge and recovery.
Conclusions
Intramuscular NAD depletion occurs rapidly after eccentic injury, with broad pleitropic effects on the molecular phenotype of the tissue. Currently available means of protecting or replenishing the muscle NAD pool via orally administered small molecules are insufficient to functionally restore dystrophin-deficient muscle.
Exosomes derived from human placental MSCs carrying miR-4450 inhibitor alleviate intervertebral disc degeneration and ameliorate gait disturbances via up-regulation of ZNF121
Authors: Yuan Qiling , Wang Xinyi , Liu Liang , Cai Yongsong , Zhao Xiaoming , Ma Hongyun , Zhang Yingang 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background

Exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as novel drug and gene delivery tools. Current study aimed to elucidate the potential therapeutic role of human placental MSC (hPLMSC)-derived exosomes carrying antagomiR-4450 (EXO-antagomiR-4450) in intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) progression.
Methods

Initially, the differentially expressed miRNAs related to IDD were identified by microarray analysis which provided data predicting the interaction between miR-4450 and ZNF121 in IDD. Next, miR-4450 and ZNF121 were elevated or silenced to determine their effects on the damage of NPCs treated with TNF-α. The therapeutic effects of EXO-antagomiR-4450 on nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) were verified both in vitro and in vivo, especially gait analysis and fluorescent molecular tomopraphy were used in live IDD mice.
Results

Our results revealed that miR-4450 was highly expressed, while ZNF121 was poorly expressed in IDD patients and NPCs treated with TNF-α. Furthermore, miR-4450 was identified to specifically target ZNF121. Additionally, the inhibition of miR-4450 exerted an alleviatory effect on the inflammation, apoptosis and damage of the NPCs by up-regulating ZNF121. Moreover, EXO-antagomiR-4450 retarded damage of NPCs in vitro, alleviated IDD damage and ameliorated gait abnormality in vivo.
Conclusion

hPLMSC-derived exosomes could be a feasible nanovehicle to deliver inhibitory oligonucleotides like antagomiR-4450 in IDD.
Variation in the material properties by nickel substitution in copper tellurate
Authors: Mardolkar Sudarshana Dhanarath , Salker A. V. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
A series of pristine and nickel doped copper tellurates possessing a wide range of applications are studied here. Use of a simple wet chemical route that is co-precipitation method has been employed for the first time, which involves the formation of desired compounds at a relatively lower temperature, thus modifying their properties. All the prepared compounds are characterized and investigated by XRD, TG – DTA, XPS, SEM, TEM to examine their phase purity, thermal stability, chemical state, and microstructural properties. The electrical resistivity studies showed an insulator - semiconductor transition behavior. Magnetic studies revealed the paramagnetic nature of the material. Antiferromagnetic to paramagnetic transition was observed at T N ~ 60 K in case of Cu 2.7 Ni 0.3 TeO 6 sample. Thermoelectric studies indicated a change in conduction mechanism with temperature. Dielectric properties with respect to frequency showed an increase in dielectric parameters with increasing dopant content. Photoluminescence property has been studied and found to show emission in the visible region.
Image Contrast Enhancement using Selfish Herd Optimizer
Authors: Guha Ritam , Alam Imran , Bera Suman Kumar , Ghosh Kushal Kanti , Kumar Neeraj , Sarkar Ram 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Contrast enhancement is an important pre-processing task in any Image Analysis (IA) system. In this paper, we formulate the image contrast enhancement problem as an optimization problem where the goal is to optimize the pixel intensity values of an input image to obtain a contrast enhanced version of the same. This optimization task is executed by suitably customizing a nature-inspired optimization algorithm called Selfish Herd Optimizer (SHO). The optimization problem is solved using two different solution representations: pixel wise optimization (SHO(direct)) and transformation function based optimization (SHO(transformation)). Moreover, an ablation study is performed to select the most appropriate parameters which can be used in tness measure for this optimization problem. On experimenting over the popular Kodak image dataset, it has been observed that the proposed methods outperform many existing methods published recently. Further comparisons indicate that the direct approach performs better than its transformation counterpart. This paper further investigates the robustness of SHO(direct) approach by applying it to enhance the degraded document images of H-DIBCO 2018.
Three-dimensional Printing Versus Conventional Machining in the Creation of a Meatal Urethral Dilator: a Cost and Mechanical Strength Analysis
Authors: Chen Michael Yue-Cheng , Skewes Jacob , Daley Ryan , Woodruff Maria Ann , Rukin Nicholas John 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThree-dimensional (3D) printing is a promising technology but the limitations are often poorly understood. We compare different 3D printingmethods with conventional machining techniques in manufacturing meatal urethral dilators which were recently removed from the Australian market. MethodsA prototype dilator was 3D printed vertically orientated on a low cost fused deposition modelling (FDM) 3D printer in polylactic acid (PLA) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). It was also 3D printed horizontally orientated in ABS on a high-end FDM 3D printer with soluble support material, as well as on a SLS 3D printer in medical nylon. The dilator was also machined in stainless steel using a lathe. All dilators were tested mechanically in a custom rig by hanging calibrated weights from the handle until the dilator snapped. ResultsThe horizontally printed ABS dilator experienced failure at a greater load than the vertically printed PLA and ABS dilators respectively (503g vs 283g vs 163g, p < 0.001). The SLS nylon dilator and machined steel dilator did not fail. The steel dilator is most expensive with a quantity of five at 98 USD each, but this decreases to 30 USD each for a quantity of 1000. In contrast, the cost for the SLS dilator is 33 USD each for five and 27 USD each for 1000. ConclusionsAt the current time 3D printing is not a replacement for conventional manufacturing. 3D printing is best used for patient-specific parts, prototyping or manufacturing complex parts that have additional functionality that cannot otherwise beachieved.
Developing and validating the risk perceptions questionnaire for COVID-19 (Risk Precept COVID-19): an application of the extended parallel process model
Authors: Jahangiry Leila , Sarbakh Parvin , Reihani Parvin , Samei Sirous , Sohrabi Zahara , Tavousi Mahmoud , Montazeri Ali 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background

In order to understand how people perceive, process, and respond to COVID-19 risk information, a valid and reliable instrument is needed. This study aimed to develop an instrument to measure the risk perceptions of people about COVID-19 based on the Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM).

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted in Tabriz, Iran. First, a comprehensive literature review was conducted to develop the initial draft of Risk-percept COVID-19. Then, in order to obtain a pre-final version of the instrument, face and content validity were conducted. After that, construct validity (exploratory and confirmatory), internal consistency using test-retest reliability and Cronbach’s alpha of the instrument were measured.

Results

Forty two item were initially generated. During the content validity, it was reduced to 29 items. The exploratory factor analysis (EFA) revealed four factors (perceived response efficacy, perceived threats (severity and susceptibility), perceived self-efficacy, and defensive responses (denial, avoidance and reactance) that accounted for 49.97 of the observed variance. The confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) designated a model with appropriate fitness for the data. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the dimensions ranged from .697 to .793, and the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) ranged from .71 to .80 within acceptable ranges.

Conclusion

the current findings show that the Risk-percept COVID-19 is a valid and reliable instrument to assess the cognitions and perceptions of adults.
Point Prevalence survey of antimicrobial use in three hospitals in North-eastern Tanzania
Authors: Horumpende Pius Gerald , Mshana Stephen Eliatosha , Mouw Elise F , Mmbaga Blandina Theophil , Chilongola Jaffu Othniel , de Mast Quirijn 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Abstract
Background : Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the most urgent global health threats with low-resource countries being disproportionately affected. Targeted interventions require insight in antibiotic prescription practices. A point prevalence survey (PPS) is a well-known tool to get insight in antibiotic dispensing practices in hospitals and identify areas for improvement. Here, we describe the results of a PPS performed in a tertiary, regional and district hospital in Kilimanjaro region in Tanzania.

Methods: A PPS was performed in the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC; tertiary hospital), Mawenzi (regional) and St. Joseph (district) hospital in November and December 2016. Antibiotic use in all patients admitted more than 24 hours and those undergoing surgery was recorded. All clinical wards were included except the pediatrics. Data from a single ward were collected on the same day.

Results : A total of 399 patients were included in the PPS: 232 patients from KCMC, 94 from Mawenzi hospital and 73 patients from St. Joseph hospital. Overall prevalence of antibiotic use was 44.0%: 38% in KCMC, 59% in Mawenzi and 63% in St. Joseph. C eftriaxone (n=94, 29.8%), metronidazole (n=79, 25.1%) and other antibiotics belonging to the penicillin class (n=89, 28.3%) were most commonly prescribed. Antibiotics prescribed for surgical prophylaxis were continued for more than 3 days in 57% of cases.
Conclusion: Our study shows a rate of broad-spectrum antibiotic use in Tanzanian hospitals and prolonged surgical antibiotic prophylaxis being a common practice. PPS is an important tool to improve future antibiotic use in Tanzania hospitals.
Butyrate mediates anti-inflammatory effects of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii in intestinal epithelial cells through Dact3
Authors: Lenoir Marion , Martin Rebeca , Torres-Maravilla Edgar , Chadi Sead , González-Dávila Pamela , Sokol Harry , Langella Philippe , Chain Florian , Humaran Luis G. Bermudez 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe commensal bacterium Faecalibacterium prausnitzii plays a key role in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) pathogenesis and serves as a general health biomarker in humans. However, the host molecular mechanisms that underlie its anti-inflammatory effects remain unknown.MethodsA transcriptomic approach on human intestinal epithelial cells (HT-29) that were stimulated with TNF-α and exposed to F. prausnitzii culture supernatant (SN) was used. Modulation of the most upregulated gene after F. prausnitzii SN contact was validated both in vitro and in vivo.ResultsF. prausnitzii SN upregulates the expression of Dact3, a gene linked to the Wnt/JNK pathway. Interestingly, when we silenced Dact3 expression, the effect of F. prausnitzii SN was lost. Butyrate was identified as the F. prausnitzii effector responsible for Dact3 modulation. Dact3 upregulation was also validated in vivo in both healthy and inflamed mice treated with either F. prausnitzii SN or the live bacteria, respectively. Finally, we demonstrated by colon transcriptomics that gut microbiota directly influences Dact3 expression.ConclusionsOur results provide new clues about the host molecular mechanisms involved in the anti-inflammatory effects of the beneficial commensal bacterium F. prausnitzii.*Contributed equally to this work
Typology of Psychiatric Emergency Services in the United Kingdom: A narrative literature Review
Authors: Odejimi Opeyemi , Bagchi Dhruba , Tadros George 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background

Mental health crisis requiring emergency access to psychiatric service can occur at any time. Psychiatric Emergency Service (PES) is described as one that provides an immediate response to an individual in crisis within the first 24 hours. Presently, several PESs are available in the United Kingdom (UK) with the aim of providing prompt and effective assessment, management and in some cases treatment and/or referral. Therefore, this study aims to provide a detailed narrative literature review of Psychiatric Emergency Service (PES) currently available in the UK

Method

Electronic search of five key databases (MEDLINE, PsychINFO, EMBASE, AMED and PUBMED) was conducted. Studies were included if it described a service that provides immediate response in mental health crisis within the first 24 hours. Excluded studies did not describe a PES, non-English, and were not conducted in UK.

Results

Nine PESs were found. Amongst the 9 services, more papers described crisis resolution home treatment. Majority of the papers reported services within England than other countries within the UK.

Conclusion

All forms of PES are beneficial, particularly to mental health service users, but not without some shortcomings. There is a need to continue carrying out methodological research that evaluate impact, cost-effectiveness as well as identify methods of optimising the beneficial outcomes of all models of PES. This may help inform researchers, policy makers and commissioners, service users and carers, service providers and many more on how to ensure current and future PES meet the needs as well as aid recovery during crisis.
Reduction of risk of perioperative complications in case of cardiac comorbidity
Authors: Kozlov I. A. , Ovezov A. M. , Pivovarova A. A. 
Published: May 2020

The objective: based on the published data to describe the conceptual issues of the problem of perioperative cardiac complications in non-cardiac surgery.Results: changes made to international guidelines over the past 3–4 years based on evidence-based studies and meta-analyzes have been analyzed. The article presents data on the etiopathogenesis of various postoperative cardiac complications, assessment of their risk based on the evaluation of functional activities of patients, cardiac risk indices, and modern biomarkers (B-type natriuretic peptides, cardiospecific troponins). The contemporary recommendations on adjuvant pharmacological cardioprotection and rational pharmacotherapy in the perioperative period are analyzed. The article describes specific parameters of diagnostic, treatment and prevention tactics in patients with coronary heart disease, hypertension, chronic heart failure, heart defects, and implanted electronic devices. It concludes that the implementation of the comprehensive strategy aimed at the reduction of risk of pulmonary complications should ensure the decrease in their frequency and mortality due to them.
Oral nutritional supplements in nutrition support for cancer surgery
Authors: Potapov A. L. 
Published: May 2020

The objectiveis to present current data about the role of oral nutrition supplements (ONS) in cancer surgery. Results:this type of nutritional support should be considered as an integral part of the enhanced recovery after surgery. Despite the apparent simplicity of prescription, it should be treated as one of the types of medical nutrition with its own indications, providing for the individual selection of specific formulas and evaluation of effectiveness. For the initial assessment of cancer patient nutritional status, European Society for Medical Oncology scale (ESMO, 2008) is the most appropriate. ONS should be combined with diet recommendations and physical activity maintaining. Inability to provide with ONS > 60% of the daily energy requirements within 5–7 days, should be considered as an indication to start artificial nutrition – enteral and/or parenteral.