bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Limitations in Health-Care System Resources Affecting Adherence of Patient With Psoriasis to Topical Drugs: A Focus Group Study
Authors: Svendsen Mathias Tiedemann , Feldman Steven R. , Tiedemann Sylvia Naiga , Sørensen Anne Sofie Stochholm , Rivas Cecilie Marie Ringgaard , Andersen Klaus Ejner 
Published: March 2020

Background: Topical therapy is first-line treatment for patients with mild-to-moderate psoriasis, but low adherence to topical drugs is a barrier to treatment success. Health-care system resources are considered to have an impact on adherence of patient with psoriasis to topical drugs. Objective: To investigate dermatology nurses’ perception of the impact of health-care system resources on topical therapy adherence in patients with psoriasis. Methods: A semistructured focus group study was performed with 6 dermatology nurses and 2 student nurses. Participants were recruited from a dermatology outpatient hospital clinic. The study focused on the dermatology nurses’ perception of the effect health-care system resources (including health-care services provided to patients, how clinics are organized, and how the health-care personnel communicate) have on adherence of patients with psoriasis to topical treatment. The focus group discussion was divided into 3 areas: communication with patients and intercollegial communication, follow-up visits and admissions to consultations by other health-care professions, and how to establish consultations to support adherence of patients with psoriasis to topical drugs. Data were analyzed by a systematic text condensation method based on a phenomenological–hermeneutic approach. Results: Nurses identified a number of health-care system resources that may affect adherence of patients with psoriasis, primarily professional collaboration and communication, continuity of care, and the establishment of nurse consultations. Conclusion: Adherence may by negatively affected by contradictory information about topical drugs due to inadequate interprofessional collaboration among health-care professionals. Improving communication between health-care professionals and patients, ensuring continuity of care, and establishing nurse consultations may improve topical therapy outcomes.
Comorbidity and its impact on 1590 patients with COVID-19 in China: a nationwide analysis
Authors: Guan Wei-jie , Liang Wen-hua , Zhao Yi , Liang Heng-rui , Chen Zi-sheng , Li Yi-min , Liu Xiao-qing , Chen Ru-chong , Tang Chun-li , Wang Tao , Ou Chun-quan , Li Li , Chen Ping-yan , Sang Ling , Wang Wei , Li Jian-fu , Li Cai-chen , Ou Li-min , Cheng Bo , Xiong Shan , Ni Zheng-yi , Xiang Jie , Hu Yu , Liu Lei , Shan Hong , Lei Chun-liang , Peng Yi-xiang , Wei Li , Liu Yong , Hu Ya-hua , Peng Peng , Wang Jian-ming , Liu Ji-yang , Chen Zhong , Li Gang , Zheng Zhi-jian , Qiu Shao-qin , Luo Jie , Ye Chang-jiang , Zhu Shao-yong , Cheng Lin-ling , Ye Feng , Li Shi-yue , Zheng Jin-ping , Zhang Nuo-fu , Zhong Nan-shan , He Jian-xing 
Published: March 2020

BackgroundThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak is evolving rapidly worldwide.ObjectiveTo evaluate the risk of serious adverse outcomes in patients with COVID-19 by stratifying the comorbidity status.MethodsWe analysed data from 1590 laboratory confirmed hospitalised patients from 575 hospitals in 31 provinces/autonomous regions/provincial municipalities across mainland China between 11 December 2019 and 31 January 2020. We analysed the composite end-points, which consisted of admission to an intensive care unit, invasive ventilation or death. The risk of reaching the composite end-points was compared according to the presence and number of comorbidities.ResultsThe mean age was 48.9 years and 686 (42.7%) patients were female. Severe cases accounted for 16.0% of the study population. 131 (8.2%) patients reached the composite end-points. 399 (25.1%) reported having at least one comorbidity. The most prevalent comorbidity was hypertension (16.9%), followed by diabetes (8.2%). 130 (8.2%) patients reported having two or more comorbidities. After adjusting for age and smoking status, COPD (HR (95% CI) 2.681 (1.424–5.048)), diabetes (1.59 (1.03–2.45)), hypertension (1.58 (1.07–2.32)) and malignancy (3.50 (1.60–7.64)) were risk factors of reaching the composite end-points. The hazard ratio (95% CI) was 1.79 (1.16–2.77) among patients with at least one comorbidity and 2.59 (1.61–4.17) among patients with two or more comorbidities.ConclusionAmong laboratory confirmed cases of COVID-19, patients with any comorbidity yielded poorer clinical outcomes than those without. A greater number of comorbidities also correlated with poorer clinical outcomes.
β2-integrin LFA1 mediates airway damage following neutrophil transepithelial migration during respiratory syncytial virus infection
Authors: Herbert Jenny Amanda , Deng Yu , Hardelid Pia , Robinson Elisabeth , Ren Luo , Moulding Dale , Smyth Rosalind Louise , Smith Claire Mary 
Published: March 2020

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis is the most common cause of infant hospital admissions, but there is limited understanding of the mechanisms of disease, and no specific antiviral treatment. Using a novelin vitroprimary transepithelial neutrophil migration model and innovative imaging methods, we show that RSV infection of nasal airway epithelium increased neutrophil transepithelial migration and adhesion to infected epithelial cells, which is associated with epithelial cell damage and reduced ciliary beat frequency, but also with a reduction in infectious viral load.Following migration, RSV infection results in greater neutrophil activation, degranulation and release of neutrophil elastase into the airway surface media compared to neutrophils that migrated across mock-infected nasal epithelial cells. Blocking of the interaction between the ligand on neutrophils (the β2-integrin LFA-1) for intracellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 on epithelial cells reduced neutrophil adherence to RSV-infected cells and epithelial cell damage to pre-infection levels, but did not reduce the numbers of neutrophils that migrated or prevent the reduction in infectious viral load.These findings have provided important insights into the contribution of neutrophils to airway damage and viral clearance, which are relevant to the pathophysiology of RSV bronchiolitis. This model is a convenient, quantitative preclinical model that will further elucidate mechanisms that drive disease severity and has utility in antiviral drug discovery.
The role of phosphatidylserine recognition receptors in multiple biological functions
Authors: Naeini Mehri Bemani , Bianconi Vanessa , Pirro Matteo , Sahebkar Amirhossein 
Published: March 2020

AbstractApoptotic cells are rapidly engulfed and degraded by phagocytes through efferocytosis. Efferocytosis is a highly regulated process. It is triggered upon the activation of caspase-dependent apoptosis, which in turn promotes the expression of “eat me” signals on the surface of dying cells and the release of soluble “find me” signals for the recruitment of phagocytes. To date, many “eat me” signals have been recognized, including phosphatidylserine (PS), intercellular adhesion molecule-3, carbohydrates (e.g., amino sugars, mannose) and calreticulin. Among them, PS is the most studied one. PS recognition receptors are different functionally active receptors expressed by phagocytes. Various PS recognition receptors with different structure, cell type expression, and ability to bind to PS have been recognized. Although PS recognition receptors do not fall into a single classification or family of proteins due to their structural differences, they all share the common ability to activate downstream signaling pathways leading to the production of anti-inflammatory mediators. In this review, available evidence regarding molecular mechanisms underlying PS recognition receptor-regulated clearance of apoptotic cells is discussed. In addition, some efferocytosis-independent biological functions of PS recognition receptors are reviewed.
Characterisation of the gut microbial community of rhesus macaques in high-altitude environments
Authors: Wu Yuhan , Yao Yongfang , Dong Mengmeng , Xia Tianrui , Li Diyan , Xie Meng , Wu Jiayun , Wen Anxiang , Wang Qin , Zhu Guangxiang , Ni Qingyong , Zhang Mingwang , Xu Huailiang 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
The mammal intestinal microbiota is involved in various physiological processes and plays a key role in host environment adaption. However, for non-human primates (NHPs), little is known about their gut microbial community in high-altitude environments and even less about their adaption to such habitats. We characterised the gut microbial community of rhesus macaques from multiple high-altitude environments and compared it to those of low-altitude populations.

Results
We collected faecal samples of rhesus macaques from four high-altitude populations (above 3000 m) and three low-altitude populations (below 500 m). By calculating the alpha diversity index, we found that high-altitude populations exhibited a higher diversity. Statistical analysis of beta diversity indicated significant differences between high- and low-altitude populations. Significant differences were also detected at the phylum and family levels. At the phylum level, the high-altitude gut microbial community was dominated by Firmicutes (63.42%), while at low altitudes, it was dominated by Bacteroidetes (47.4%). At the family level, the high-altitude population was dominated by Ruminococcaceae (36.2%), while the low-altitude one was dominated by Prevotellaceae (39.6%). Some families, such as Christensenellaceae and Rikenellaceae, were consistently higher abundant in all high-altitude populations. We analysed the overlap of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) in high-altitude populations and determined their core OTUs (shared by all four high-altitude populations). However, when compared with the low-altitude core OTUs, only 65% were shared, suggesting a divergence in core OTUs. Function prediction indicated a significant difference in gene copy number of 35 level-2 pathways between high- and low-altitude populations; 29 of them were higher in high altitudes, especially in membrane transport and carbohydrate metabolism.

Conclusions
The gut microbial community of high-altitude rhesus macaques was significantly distinct from that of low-altitude populations in terms of diversity, composition and function. High-altitude populations were dominated by Firmicutes and Ruminococcace, while in low-altitude populations, Bacteroidetes and Prevotellaceae were dominant. The difference in gut microbiota between these two populations may be caused by differences in host diet, environmental temperature and oxygen pressure. These differentiated gut microbial microorganisms may play a critical role in the adaptive evolution of rhesus macaques to high-altitude environments.
Dopamine response gene pathways in dorsal striatum MSNs from a gene expression viewpoint: cAMP-mediated gene networks
Authors: Babenko Vladimir N. , Galyamina Anna G. , Rogozin Igor B. , Smagin Dmitry A. , Kudryavtseva Natalia N. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
Medium spiny neurons (MSNs) comprise the main body (95% in mouse) of the dorsal striatum neurons and represent dopaminoceptive GABAergic neurons. The cAMP (cyclic Adenosine MonoPhosphate)—mediated cascade of excitation and inhibition responses observed in MSN intracellular signal transduction is crucial for neuroscience research due to its involvement in the motor and behavioral functions. In particular, all types of addictions are related to MSNs. Shedding the light on the mechanics of the above-mentioned cascade is of primary importance for this research domain.

Results
A mouse model of chronic social conflicts in daily agonistic interactions was used to analyze dorsal striatum neurons genes implicated in cAMP-mediated phosphorylation activation pathways specific for MSNs. Based on expression correlation analysis, we succeeded in dissecting Drd1- and Drd2-dopaminoceptive neurons (D1 and D2, correspondingly) gene pathways. We also found that D1 neurons genes clustering are split into two oppositely correlated states, passive and active ones, the latter apparently corresponding to D1 firing stage upon protein kinase A (PKA) activation.
We observed that under defeat stress in chronic social conflicts the loser mice manifest overall depression of dopamine-mediated MSNs activity resulting in previously reported reduced motor activity, while the aggressive mice with positive fighting experience (aggressive mice) feature an increase in both D1-active phase and D2 MSNs genes expression leading to hyperactive behavior pattern corresponded by us before.
Based on the alternative transcript isoforms expression analysis, it was assumed that many genes (Drd1, Adora1, Pde10, Ppp1r1b, Gnal), specifically those in D1 neurons, apparently remain transcriptionally repressed via the reversible mechanism of promoter CpG island silencing, resulting in alternative promoter usage following profound reduction in their expression rate.

Conclusion
Based on the animal stress model dorsal striatum pooled tissue RNA-Seq data restricted to cAMP related genes subset we elucidated MSNs steady states exhaustive projection for the first time. We correspond the existence of D1 active state not explicitly outlined before, and connected with dynamic dopamine neurotransmission cycles. Consequently, we were also able to indicate an oscillated postsynaptic dopamine vs glutamate action pattern in the course of the neurotransmission cycles.
Incidence and predictors of tuberculosis occurrence among adults on antiretroviral therapy at Debre Markos referral hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: retrospective follow-up study
Authors: Aemro Agazhe , Jember Abebaw , Anlay Degefaye Zelalem 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
In resource limited settings, Tuberculosis (TB) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among patients on antiretroviral treatment. Ethiopia is one of the 30 high TB burden countries. TB causes burden in healthcare system and challenge the effectiveness of HIV care. This study was to assess incidence and predictors of Tuberculosis among adults on antiretroviral therapy at Debre Markos Referral Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia, 2019.

Methods
Institution based retrospective follow up study was conducted among adults on ART newly enrolled from 2014 to 2018 at Debre Markos Referral Hospital. Simple random sampling technique was used to select patients chart. Data was entered to EPI- INFO version 7.2.2.6 and analyzed using Stata 14.0. Tuberculosis incidence rate was computed and described using frequency tables. Both bivariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazard models was fitted to identify predictors of TB.

Results
Out of the 536 patients chart reviewed, 494 patient records were included in the analysis. A total of 62 patients developed new TB cases during the follow up period of 1000.22 Person Years (PY); which gives an overall incidence rate of 6.19 cases per 100 PY (95% CI: 4.83–7.95). The highest rate was seen within the first year of follow up. After adjustment base line Hemoglobin < 10 g/dl (AHR = 5.25; 95% CI: 2.52–10.95), ambulatory/bedridden patients at enrolment (AHR = 2.31; 95% CI: 1.13–4.73), having fair or poor ART adherence (AHR = 3.22; 95% CI: 1.64–6.31) were associated with increased risk of tuberculosis whereas taking Isoniazid Preventive Therapy (IPT) (AHR = 0.33; 95% CI: 0.12–0.85) were protective factors of TB occurrence.

Conclusion
TB incidence was high among adults on ART especially in the first year of enrollment to ART. Low hemoglobin level, ambulatory or bedridden functional status, non-adherence to ART and IPT usage status were found to be independent predictors. Hence, continuous follow up for ART adherence and provision of IPT has a great importance to reduce the risk of TB.
Reduced bacterial contamination rates detected on silicone tourniquets compared to conventional tourniquets in clinical routine
Authors: Grohmann Marcus , Schomakers Lena , Wolschendorf Frank , Grosch Janina , Lindner Susan , Witte Anna Kristina 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
Tourniquets used for peripheral venous vascular access such as blood sampling are regularly contaminated in clinical routine. Although most contaminations are harmless, some pose a possible risk for infection. To improve peripheral venous access infection control standards, tourniquets with no or as few as possible bacterial burden should be used. Conventional tourniquets can be reprocessed by autoclaving or by incubating in disinfectants. However, both methods are time-consuming and not suitable for immediate use between patients. In contrast, silicone tourniquets can be quickly and simply reprocessed with wipe disinfection. In vitro studies from the manufacturer have demonstrated reduced bacterial contamination on silicone tourniquets after usage compared to conventional tourniquets. This study aims to independently investigate the bacterial load on both types of tourniquets in clinical routine.

Methods
In a first trial, new conventional and silicon tourniquets were used for blood sampling in one facility with strict guidelines for reprocessing (after each patient or not at all) for 1 day and tested for bacterial contamination. In a second trial, new tourniquets were used in four facilities while the mode and frequency of tourniquets’ reprocessing was defined individually by each facility. The number of treated patients, mode and frequency of reprocessing and other relevant handling measures were documented.

Results
Under controlled conditions, with strictly specified reprocessing, slightly fewer bacteria were found on silicone than on conventional tourniquets. In routine clinical practice the reprocessing frequency was not higher for silicone tourniquets in practice. Yet, in all four facilities, there were significantly fewer bacteria found on silicone than on conventional tourniquets.

Conclusion
Although tourniquets are classified as non-critical medical devices, results show – together with benefits of faster and easier reprocessing – that silicone tourniquets can improve infection control of venous vascular access.
Group problem management plus (gPM+) in the treatment of common mental disorders in Syrian refugees in a Jordanian camp: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors:   on behalf of the STRENGTHS Consortium, Akhtar Aemal , Giardinelli Luana , Bawaneh Ahmad , Awwad Manar , Naser Hadeel , Whitney Claire , Jordans Mark J. D. , Sijbrandij Marit , Bryant Richard A. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
Accessing quality mental health care poses significant challenges for persons affected by adversity, especially in low- and middle-income countries where resources are scarce. To mitigate this, the World Health Organization has developed group problem management plus (gPM+), a low-intensity psychological intervention for adults experiencing psychological distress. gPM+ is a group-based intervention consisting of five-sessions, and can be delivered by non-specialist providers. This paper outlines the study protocol for a trial of gPM+ in Jordan.

Methods
We will conduct a single-blind, two-arm, randomized controlled trial in a Syrian refugee camp in Jordan. We aim to enrol 480 adults into the trial. Participants will be eligible for the trial if they screen positive for levels of psychological distress. Following screening, those eligible will be randomly assigned to receive the gPM+ intervention or enhanced treatment as usual. The primary outcome is reduction in levels of psychological distress at 3-months post-treatment. Secondary outcomes include anxiety, depression, prodromal psychotic symptoms, posttraumatic stress disorder, prolonged grief, daily functioning, economic effectiveness, and change in parenting behaviour. Secondary outcomes also include the reduction in psychological distress of the participant’s child.

Discussion
The trial aims to deliver a template for affordable and scalable psychosocial interventions that can readily be implemented in refugee settings, and that can benefit both the participant and their child.

Trial registration
Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12619001386123. Registered prospectively on 10/10/2019.
Barriers and facilitators for individualized rehabilitation during breast cancer treatment – a focus group study exploring health care professionals’ experiences
Authors: Olsson Möller Ulrika , Olsson Ing-Marie , Sjövall Katarina , Beck Ingela , Rydén Lisa , Malmström Marlene 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
Breast cancer (BC) and related treatment are associated with the risk of developing a wide range of persistent disabling impairments. Despite extensive research in the field and an enhanced focus on BC rehabilitation, up to 34–43% of these patients are at risk of developing chronic distress. In addition, it is known that these patients repeatedly report unmet needs, which are strongly associated with reduced quality of life. However, despite knowledge that patients’ needs for support during BC rehabilitation varies greatly, individualized rehabilitation is often lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to explore health care professionals’ (HCPs) experiences of current rehabilitation practice and describe current barriers and facilitators for individualized rehabilitation for patients following BC treatment.

Methods
A total of 19 HCPs were included, representing various professions in BC care/rehabilitation within surgical, oncological and specialized cancer rehabilitation units at a university hospital in Sweden. Five semi structured focus group interviews were conducted and inductively analysed using conventional qualitative content analysis.

Results
Three categories were captured: (1) varying attitudes towards rehabilitation; (2) incongruence in how to identify and meet rehabilitation needs and (3) suboptimal collaboration during cancer treatment. The results showed a lack of consensus in how to optimize individualized rehabilitation. It also illuminated facilitators for individualized rehabilitation in terms of extensive competence related to long-term experience of working with patients with BC care/rehabilitation. Further, the analysis exposed barriers such as a great complexity in promoting individualized rehabilitation in a medically and treatment-driven health care system, which lacked structure and knowledge, and overarching collaboration for rehabilitation.

Conclusion
This study suggests that the cancer trajectory is medically and treatment-driven and that rehabilitation plays a marginal role in today’s BC trajectory. It also reveals that structures for systematic screening for needs, evidence-based guidelines for individualized rehabilitation interventions and structures for referring patients for advanced rehabilitation are lacking. To enable optimal and individualized recovery for BC patients’, rehabilitation needs to be an integrated part of the cancer trajectory and run in parallel with diagnostics and treatment.
Protein assembly systems in natural and synthetic biology
Authors: Chiesa Giulio , Kiriakov Szilvia , Khalil Ahmad S. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe traditional view of protein aggregation as being strictly disease-related has been challenged by many examples of cellular aggregates that regulate beneficial biological functions. When coupled with the emerging view that many regulatory proteins undergo phase separation to form dynamic cellular compartments, it has become clear that supramolecular assembly plays wide-ranging and critical roles in cellular regulation. This presents opportunities to develop new tools to probe and illuminate this biology, and to harness the unique properties of these self-assembling systems for synthetic biology for the purposeful manipulation of biological function.