bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical diagnostic evaluation of HRP2 and pLDH-based rapid diagnostic tests for malaria in an area receiving seasonal malaria chemoprevention in Niger
Authors: Coldiron Matthew E. , Assao Bachir , Langendorf Céline , Sayinzoga-Makombe Nathan , Ciglenecki Iza , de la Tour Roberto , Piriou Erwan , Yarima Bako Mahaman , Mumina Ann , Guindo Ousmane , Page Anne-Laure , Grais Rebecca F. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) for malaria are common, but their performance varies. Tests using histidine-rich protein 2 (HRP2) antigen are most common, and many have high sensitivity. HRP2 tests can remain positive for weeks after treatment, limiting their specificity and usefulness in high-transmission settings. Tests using Plasmodium lactate dehydrogenase (pLDH) have been less widely used but have higher specificity, mostly due to a much shorter time to become negative.

Methods
A prospective, health centre-based, diagnostic evaluation of two malaria RDTs was performed in rural Niger during the high malaria transmission season (3–28 October, 2017) and during the low transmission season (28 January–31 March, 2018). All children under 5 years of age presenting with fever (axillary temperature > 37.5 °C) or history of fever in the previous 24 h were eligible. Capillary blood was collected by finger prick. The SD Bioline HRP2 (catalog: 05FK50) and the CareStart pLDH(pan) (catalog: RMNM-02571) were performed in parallel, and thick and thin smears were prepared. Microscopy was performed at Epicentre, Maradi, Niger, with external quality control. The target sample size was 279 children with microscopy-confirmed malaria during each transmission season.

Results
In the high season, the sensitivity of both tests was estimated at > 99%, but the specificity of both tests was lower: 58.0% (95% CI 52.1–63.8) for the pLDH test and 57.4% (95% CI 51.5–63.1) for the HRP2 test. The positive predictive value was 66.3% (95% CI 61.1–71.2) for both tests. In the low season, the sensitivity of both tests dropped: 91.0% (95% CI 85.3–95.0) for the pLDH test and 85.8% (95% CI 79.3–90.9) for the HRP2 test. The positive predictive value remained low for both tests in the low season: 60.5% (95% CI 53.9–66.8) for the pLDH test and 61.9% (55.0–68.4) for the HRP2 test. Performance was similar across different production lots, gender, age of the children, and, during the high season, time since the most recent distribution of seasonal malaria chemoprevention.

Conclusions
The low specificity of the pLDH RDT in this setting was unexpected and is not easily explained. As the pLDH test continues to be introduced into new settings, the questions raised by this study will need to be addressed.
Malnutrition impairs mitochondrial function and leukocyte activation
Authors: Bañuls Celia , de Marañon Aranzazu M. , Veses Silvia , Castro-Vega Iciar , López-Domènech Sandra , Salom-Vendrell Christian , Orden Samuel , Álvarez Ángeles , Rocha Milagros , Víctor Víctor M. , Hernández-Mijares Antonio 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
The aim of this study was to evaluate markers of inflammation, oxidative stress and endothelial function in a disease-related malnutrition (DRM) outpatient population.

Methods
For this cross-sectional study, a total of 83 subjects were included and clustered in 3 groups: 34 with normonutrition (NN), 21 with DRM without inflammation (DRM-I) and 28 with DRM and inflammation (DRM + I). Nutritional diagnosis was conducted for all subjects according to ASPEN. Biochemical parameters, proinflammatory cytokines, reactive oxygen species production, glutathione, mitochondrial membrane potential, oxygen consumption, adhesion molecules and leukocyte-endothelium interactions were evaluated.

Results
DRM + I patients showed lower albumin, prealbumin, transferrin, and retinol-binding protein levels with respect to the NN group (p < 0.05), differences that were less noticeable in the DRM-I group. DRM + I was associated with a significant increase in hsCRP and IL6 vs the NN and DRM-I groups, and TNFα was increased in both DRM vs NN. DRM was characterised by increased oxidative stress, which was marked by a significant increase in ROS levels and a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential in the DRM + I group. An evident reduction in mitochondrial oxygen consumption and glutathione concentration was observed in both DRM groups, and was accompanied by increased leukocyte adhesion and adhesion molecules and decreased rolling velocity in the DRM + I group. Furthermore, percentage of weight loss was negatively correlated with albumin, prealbumin, transferrin, O2 consumption, glutathione and leukocyte rolling velocity, and positively correlated with hsCRP, IL6, TNFα, ROS, leukocyte adhesion, and VCAM-1.

Conclusions
Our results show that DRM is associated with oxidative stress and an inflammatory state, with a deterioration of endothelial dysfunction in the DRM + I population.
Molecular dynamics simulation of reversible electroporation with Martini force field
Authors: Zhou Cheng , Liu Kefu 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
After the discovery of membrane-reversible electroporation decades ago, the procedure has been used extensively in biology, biotechnology and medicine. The research on the basic mechanism has increasingly attracted attention. Although most research has focused on models that consider all atomic and molecular interactions and much atomic-level information can be obtained, the huge computational demand limits the models to simulations of only a few nanometers on the spatial scale and a few nanoseconds on the time scale. In order to more comprehensively study the reversible electroporation mechanism of phospholipid membrane on the nanoscale and at longer time intervals of up to 100 ns, we developed a dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) phospholipid membrane model with the coarse-grained Martini force field. The model was tested by separately examining the morphology of the phospholipid membrane, the hydrophilic channel size, the distribution of the voltage potential on both sides of the membrane, and the movement of water molecules and ions during electroporation.

Results
The results showed that the process went through several stages: (1) the formation of the pore with defects originating on the surface. (2) The maintenance of the pore. The defects expanded to large pores and the size remains unchanged for several nanoseconds. (3) Pore healing stage due to self-assembly. Phospholipid membrane shrunk and the pore size decreased until completely closed. The pores were not circular in cross-section for most of the time and the potential difference across the membrane decreased dramatically after the pores formed, with almost no restoration of membrane integrity even when the pores started to close.

Conclusions
The mechanism of the reversible electroporation process on the nanoscale level, including defects, expansion, stability, and pore closing stages on a longer time scale of up to 100 ns was demonstrated more comprehensively with the coarse-grained Martini force field, which took both the necessary molecular information and the calculation efficiency into account.
Connecting knowledge with action for health equity: a critical interpretive synthesis of promising practices
Authors: Plamondon Katrina M. , Caxaj C. Susana , Graham Ian D. , Bottorff Joan L. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractConnecting knowledge with action (KWA) for health equity involves interventions that can redistribute power and resources at local, national, and global levels. Although there is ample and compelling evidence on the nature, distribution, and impact of health inequities, advancing health equity is inhibited by policy arenas shaped by colonial legacies and neoliberal ideology. Effective progress toward health equity requires attention to evidence that can promote the kind of socio-political restructuring needed to address root causes of health inequities. In this critical interpretive synthesis, results of a recent scoping review were broadened to identify evidence-informed promising practices for KWA for health equity. Following screening procedures, 10 literature reviews and 22 research studies were included in the synthesis. Analysis involved repeated readings of these 32 articles to extract descriptive data, assess clarity and quality, and identify promising practices. Four distinct kinds of promising practices for connecting KWA for health equity were identified and included: ways of structuring systems, ways of working together, and ways of doing research and ways of doing knowledge translation. Our synthesis reveals that advancing health equity requires greater awareness, dialogue, and action that aligns with the what is known about the causes of health inequities. By critically reflecting on dominant discourses and assumptions, and mobilizing political will from a more informed and transparent democratic exercise, knowledge to action for health equity can be achieved.
Transcatheter MitraClip repair alters mitral annular geometry – device induced annular remodeling on three-dimensional echocardiography predicts therapeutic response
Authors: Kim Jiwon , Palumbo Maria Chiara , Khalique Omar K. , Rong Lisa Q. , Sultana Razia , Das Mukund , Jantz Jennifer , Nagata Yasfumi , Devereux Richard B. , Wong Shing Chiu , Bergman Geoffrey W. , Levine Robert A. , Ratcliffe Mark B. , Weinsaft Jonathan W. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Echocardiography (echo) is widely used to guide therapeutic decision-making for patients being considered for MitraClip. Relative utility of two- (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) echo predictors of MitraClip response, and impact of MitraClip on mitral annular geometry, are uncertain.

Methods
The study population comprised patients with advanced (> moderate) MR undergoing MitraClip. Mitral annular geometry was quantified on pre-procedural 2D transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and intra-procedural 3D transesophageal echocardiography (TEE); 3D TEE was used to measure MitraClip induced changes in annular geometry. Optimal MitraClip response was defined as ≤mild MR on follow-up (mean 2.7 ± 2.5 months) post-procedure TTE.

Results
Eighty patients with advanced MR underwent MitraClip; 41% had optimal response (≤mild MR). Responders had smaller pre-procedural global left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic size and mitral annular diameter on 2D TTE (both p ≤ 0.01), paralleling smaller annular area and circumference on 3D TEE (both p = 0.001). Mitral annular size yielded good diagnostic performance for optimal MitraClip response (AUC 0.72, p < 0.01). In multivariate analysis, sub-optimal MitraClip response was independently associated with larger pre-procedural mitral annular area on 3D TEE (OR 1.93 per cm2/m2 [CI 1.19–3.13], p = 0.007) and global LV end-diastolic volume on 2D TTE (OR 1.29 per 10 ml/m2 [CI 1.02–1.63], p = 0.03). Substitution of 2D TTE derived mitral annular diameter for 3D TEE data demonstrated a lesser association between pre-procedural annular size (OR 5.36 per cm/m2 [CI 0.95–30.19], p = 0.06) and sub-optimal MitraClip response. Matched pre- and post-procedural TEE analyses demonstrated MitraClip to acutely decrease mitral annular area and circumference (all p < 0.001) as well as mitral tenting height, area, and volume (all p < 0.05): Magnitude of MitraClip induced reductions in mitral annular circumference on intra-procedural 3D TEE was greater among patients with, compared to those without, sub-optimal MitraClip response (>mild MR) on followup TTE (p = 0.017); greater magnitude of device-induced annular reduction remained associated with sub-optimal MitraClip response even when normalized for pre-procedure annular circumference (p = 0.028).

Conclusions
MitraClip alters mitral annular geometry as quantified by intra-procedural 3D TEE. Pre-procedural mitral annular dilation and magnitude of device-induced reduction in mitral annular size on 3D TEE are each associated with sub-optimal therapeutic response to MitraClip.
Coexistence of aortic valve stenosis and cardiac amyloidosis: echocardiographic and clinical significance
Authors: Peskó Gergely , Jenei Zsigmond , Varga Gergely , Apor Astrid , Vágó Hajnalka , Czibor Sándor , Prohászka Zoltán , Masszi Tamás , Pozsonyi Zoltán 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Left ventricular hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction are common echocardiographic features of both aortic valve stenosis (AS) and cardiac amyloidosis (CA). These two different entities therefore may mask each other. From recent years, there is a growing body of evidence about the relatively high incidence of wild-type transthyretin (wtTTR) amyloidosis in AS, but there are scarce data on the prevalence of AS in CA, particularly in AL-type amyloidosis. The echocardiographic approach to these patients is not obvious, and not evidence based. We aimed to study the prevalence, severity, and type of AS in patients with CA and also to evaluate the potential of echocardiography in the diagnostic process.

Methods
Between January 2009 and January 2019, we retrospectively analyzed the clinical and echocardiographic data, and the echocardiographic work up of 55 consecutive CA patients.

Results
80% of our CA patients had AL amyloidosis. We identified 5 patients (9%) with moderate to severe AS: two with moderate AS and three with low-flow, low-grade AS (LFLG AS). Further analysis of the latter three patients with dobutamine stress echocardiography revealed pseudo-severe LFLG AS in two, and true-severe AS in one patient.

Conclusion
The prevalence of moderate to severe AS is 9% in our population of CA patients, the majority of whom have AL amyloidosis. Dobutamine echocardiography seems to be appropriate for the further characterization of patients with LFLG AS, even with normal ejection fraction.
Perceived need, barriers to and facilitators of mental health care among HIV-infected PWID in Hanoi, Vietnam: a qualitative study
Authors: Nguyen Minh X. , Go Vivian F. , Bui Quynh X. , Gaynes Bradley N. , Pence Brian W. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe HIV epidemic in Vietnam has been primarily driven by injection drug use. HIV-infected people who inject drugs (PWID) in Vietnam have very high rates of mental health problems, which can accelerate progression to AIDS and increase mortality rates. No research has explored the barriers and facilitators of mental health care for HIV-infected PWID in Vietnam.MethodsWe conducted 28 in-depth interviews among HIV-infected PWID (n= 16), HIV and MMT (methadone maintenance treatment) providers (n= 8), and health officials (n= 4) in Hanoi. We explored participants’ perceptions of mental health disorders, and barriers and facilitators to seeking and receiving mental health care.ResultsHIV-infected PWID were perceived by both PWID, HIV/MMT providers, and health officials to be vulnerable to mental health problems and to have great need for mental health care. Perceived social, physical, and economical barriers included stigma towards HIV, injection drug use, and mental illnesses; lack of awareness around mental health issues; lack of human resources, facilities and information on mental health services; and limited affordability of mental health services. Social support from family and healthcare providers was a perceived facilitator of mental health care.ConclusionsInterventions should raise self-awareness of HIV-infected PWID about common mental health problems; address social, physical, economic barriers to seeking mental health services; and increase social support for patients.
The outcomes of isolated ureteral resection and reconstruction in non-urologic cancer patients who underwent cytoreductive surgery (CRC) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC)
Authors: Morkavuk Şevket Barış , Güner Murat , Tez Mesut , Ünal Ali Ekrem 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Urinary system resections are performed during the cytoreductive surgery with hypertermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS-HIPEC). However, isolated ureter resection and reconstruction results are uncertain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the postoperative outcomes of isolated ureteral resection and reconstructions in patients who underwent CRC and HIPEC procedure.

Methods
A total of 257 patients that underwent CRC and HIPEC between 2015 and 2017 in the Department of Surgical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, were retrospectively analyzed. Twenty patients that had undergone isolated ureteral resection and reconstruction were included in the study. Predisposing factors were investigated in patients who developed postoperative complications.

Results
The mean age of the patients was 55.1 years. The mean follow-up time of all the patients was 11.6 months. Postoperative mortality occurred in two patients. The mean PCI score was 13.9. Postoperative urologic complications were observed in eight patients after ureter reconstruction. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of reconstruction techniques and postoperative complications (P = 302). There was no correlation between age (P = 0.571) and gender (P = 0.161) with complications. CRS-HIPEC was performed mostly due to gynecologic malignancy. However, there was no correlation between the primary cancer diagnosis and the development of complications (P = 0.514). The hospital stay duration was higher in the group with complications (16.3 vs 8.8 days, P = 0.208).

Conclusions
Ureteral resections and reconstructions can be performed for R0/1 resections in CRS-HIPEC operations. It leads to an increase in hospital stay. But there is no significant difference in the development of complications. In the management of complications, conservative approach was sufficient.
Pathological complete response by advanced hepatocellular carcinoma with massive macrovascular invasion to hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy: a case report
Authors: Sano Shusei , Nakata Shinji , Wada Shuichi , Kuroiwa Masatsugu , Sakai Hiroki , Kusama Kei , Machida Taiichi , Nishio Akihito , Ito Ichiro , Sodeyama Harutsugu 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with macrovascular invasion has an extremely dismal prognosis. We report a rare case of multiple HCC with tumor thrombosis in the portal vein and inferior vena cava that was initially treated with hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC); later resection revealed pathological complete response.

Case presentation
A 75-year-old man presented with HCC in his right liver, with tumor thrombosis growing to the right portal vein and the inferior vena cava, and bilateral intrahepatic liver metastases. He underwent HAIC (5-fluorouracil [170 mg/m2] + cisplatin [7 mg/m2]) via an indwelling port. Although the tumor shrank and tumor marker levels decreased rapidly, we abandoned HAIC after one cycle because of cytopenia. We resumed HAIC 18 months later because of tumor progression, using biweekly 5-fluorouracil only [1000 mg] due to renal dysfunction. However, after 54 months, the HAIC indwelling port was occluded. The patient therefore underwent a right hepatectomy to resect the residual lesion. Histopathological findings showed complete necrosis with no viable tumor cells. The patient has been doing well without postoperative adjuvant therapy for more than 10 years after initially introducing HAIC and 6 years after the resection, without evidence of tumor recurrence.

Conclusions
HAIC can be an effective alternative treatment for advanced HCC with macrovascular invasion.
Violence against health care workers in China, 2013–2016: evidence from the national judgment documents
Authors: Cai Ruilie , Tang Ji , Deng Chenhui , Lv Guofan , Xu Xiaohe , Sylvia Sean , Pan Jay 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Incidents of patient-initiated workplace violence against health care workers have been a subject of substantial public attention in China. Patient-initiated violence not only represents a risk of harm to health care providers but is also indicative of general tensions between doctors and patients which pose a challenge to improving health system access and quality. This study aims to provide a systematic, national-level characterization of serious workplace violence against health care workers in China.

Methods
This study extracted data from the China Judgment Online System, a comprehensive database of judgment documents. Three key phrases, “criminal case,” “health care institution,” and “health care worker” were used to search the China Judgment Online System for relevant cases between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2016. Data extracted from identified cases was used to document the occurrence, the degree of risk, and the factors associated with serious workplace violence.

Results
In total, 459 criminal cases involving patient-initiated workplace violence against health care workers in China were reported and processed. The analysis revealed geographic heterogeneity in the occurrence of serious workplace violence, with lower incidence in western provinces compared to central and eastern provinces. Primary hospitals experienced the highest rates of serious workplace violence and emergency departments and doctors were at higher risk compared with other departments and health workers. Perpetrators were primarily male farmers aged 18 to 44 with low levels of education. The most frequently reported reasons of serious patient-initiated workplace violence included perceived medical malpractice by the perpetrator after the death of a patient, death of a patient with no other reason given, failures of the compensation negotiations after the death of a patient, and dissatisfaction with the treatment outcomes.

Conclusions
Serious workplace violence against providers varies across regions and types of health care institutions in China. Perception of low-quality care is the most reported reason for violence. Efforts should be made to improve quality of care in the low-level health institutions and strengthen the doctor-patient communication during the whole course of service.