bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Renal Function and Nutritional Status at the Start of Chronic Dialysis Treatment
Authors: JANSEN MAARTEN A. M. , KOREVAAR JOHANNA C. , DEKKER FRIEDO W. , JAGER KITTY J. , BOESCHOTEN ELISABETH W. , KREDIET RAYMOND T. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract.
Early start of dialysis has been hypothesized to prevent deterioration of nutritional status and to lead to a better clinical outcome. According to the National Kidney Foundation/Dialysis Outcomes Quality Initiative guidelines, dialysis should be started when renal Kt/Vurea falls below 2.0/wk or the protein equivalent of total nitrogen appearance normalized to body weight (nPNA) falls below 0.8 g/kg per d. The present study was performed 0 to 4 wk before the start of dialysis treatment in 114 incident Dutch patients with chronic renal failure who all had received pre-end-stage renal disease care. The objectives were (1) to analyze the relationship of different levels of residual renal function with parameters of nutritional status and (2) to investigate the relationship of renal Kt/Vurea and nPNA in this population. The mean GFR at the start of dialysis treatment was 6.2 ml/min per 1.73 m2, and the Kt/Vurea was 1.3/wk. Only 10% of the patients fulfilled the Dialysis Outcomes Quality Initiative criterion of Kt/Vurea > 2.0/wk. In contrast, 69% met the nPNA norm of 0.8 g/kg per d. Seventy-one percent of these patients had a normal nutritional status as scored by subjective global assessment and also other parameters of nutritional status, such as body mass index, and serum albumin fell within the normal range in the majority of the patients. Dutch predialysis patients reached a higher nPNA with the same level of Kt/Vurea compared with U.S. predialysis patients. Implications of these findings are that guidelines on the initiation of dialysis treatment derived from one population are not necessarily valid in other populations.
Long-Term Results of TPMT Activity Monitoring in Azathioprine-Treated Renal Allograft Recipients
Authors: THERVET ERIC , ANGLICHEAU DANY , TOLEDANO NATHALIE , HOULLIER ANNE-MARIE , NOEL LAURE-HÉLE[Combining Grave Accent]NE , KREIS HENRI , BEAUNE PHILIPPE , LEGENDRE CHRISTOPHE 
Published: May 2021

Abstract.
Thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT) is implicated in the metabolism of azathioprine. The consequences of differential TPMT activity induction by azathioprine on the long-term results after renal transplantation were investigated. The erythrocyte TPMT activity in 82 patients on days 0, 7, and 30 was prospectively evaluated. Because various patterns of TPMT activity variation were noted, the population was subsequently divided between inductors (n = 47) and noninductors (n = 35). Data regarding patient and graft survival and acute rejection episodes were collected. Renal allograft assessment was performed at 3 mo and 2 yr to evaluate the renal function and the histologic lesions on routine biopsies. Data regarding azathioprine-related toxicity also were collected. In a subgroup of patients (n = 19), azathioprine blood levels were determined at day 7 and day 30. The graft survival censoring death was statistically improved in TPMT inductor patients when compared with non-TPMT inductors (P < 0.05). Among TPMT inductors, an acute rejection episode was observed in 34% of the patients versus 69% among non-TPMT inductors (P = 0.002). At 3 mo, serum creatinine was significantly lower among TPMT inductors when compared with non-TPMT inductors (123.1 ± 7.6 and 161.4 ± 13.9 μmol/L, respectively; P = 0.01). On routine allograft biopsies at 2 yr (n = 61), grade 2 or 3 chronic lesions were present in 19% versus 25%, respectively (P = NS). At days 7 and 30, the azathioprine blood levels were higher among patients who experienced acute rejection (P < 0.02). TPMT activity induction was observed in 57% of renal transplant recipients who received azathioprine. This induction was associated with better graft outcome. The appropriate conversion from azathioprine, which is a pro-drug, into 6-mercaptopurine could explain both better graft outcome and TPMT induction. Assessing the ability of azathioprine metabolism at an individualized level before transplantation may allow a more accurate choice among the different immunosuppressive treatments.
Physiologic and Immunologic Hurdles to Xenotransplantation
Authors: SAMSTEIN BENJAMIN , PLATT JEFFREY L. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract.
The major problem in the field of renal transplantation is currently the shortage of available kidneys. However, the use of animals as a source of kidneys, i.e., xenotransplantation, is increasingly being viewed as a potential solution to this problem. One preeminent hurdle to xenotransplantation is the immune response of the recipient against the graft; other hurdles include the physiologic limitations of the transplant, infection, and ethical considerations. This review summarizes what is currently known regarding the obstacles to xenotransplantation and some potential solutions to those problems.
Nicotinic Acid Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate
Authors: CHENG JINGFEI , YUSUFI AHAD N. K. , THOMPSON MICHAEL A. , CHINI EDUARDO N. , GRANDE JOSEPH P. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract.
Nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP), a molecule derived from β-NADP, has been shown to trigger Ca2+ release from intracellular stores of invertebrate eggs and mammalian cell microsomes. NAADP-induced Ca2+ release occurs through a mechanism distinct from that of inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate— or cyclic ADP-ribose—elicited Ca2+ release. This study investigated whether NAADP can be synthesized in rat kidney. Extracts from glomeruli, mesangial cells, and papilla have high NAADP synthetic capacities. Conversely, synthesis of NAADP in kidney cortex was almost undetectable. Furthermore, 9-cis-retinoic acid significantly up-regulated NAADP synthesis in mesangial cells. Authenticity of NAADP biosynthesis in glomeruli was affirmed by HPLC analysis. NAADP stimulated Ca2+ release from mesangial cell microsomes through a pathway distinct from that of inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate or cyclic ADP-ribose. NAADP-triggered Ca2+ release may play an important role in regulation of renal function.
Induction of Metalloproteinases by Glomerular Mesangial Cells Stimulated by Proteins of the Extracellular Matrix
Authors: MARTIN JOHN , EYNSTONE LISA , DAVIES MALCOLM , STEADMAN ROBERT 
Published: May 2021

Abstract.
Human glomerular mesangial cells (HMC) are embedded in the mesangial matrix (MM) and control its turnover through a dynamic equilibrium between synthesis and degradation. Degradation is controlled by matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), whose activity has been causally implicated in the progression of glomerular disease. In other systems, MMP secretion may be directly affected by exposure to specific matrix proteins. The present study, therefore, investigated the effect of different matrix components on the adherence of HMC and on their secretion and activation of the gelatinases MMP2 and MMP9. HMC adhered strongly (quantified using crystal violet staining) to collagen IV and collagen I (P < 0.01, relative to binding to control, bovine serum albumin (BSA)-coated wells) and to a lesser extent to gelatin IV and fibronectin (P < 0.05). Binding to vitronectin and laminin was not statistically different to control wells. After the addition of these matrix proteins (0.1 μg/ml to 100 μg/ml) to growth-arrested HMC for 72 h, zymography of the conditioned medium established that only fibronectin and collagens I and IV dose-dependently increased latent (72 kD) MMP2 secretion and activation. Fibronectin, however, also induced the secretion of MMP9. Membranes from HMC that had been co-cultured with fibronectin for 72 h were prepared to investigate whether the activation of MMP2 in this system was due to the action of membrane-type (MT)-MMP. When incubated with latent MMP2 for times up to 24 h, these membranes activated the enzyme in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The results demonstrate that specific matrix components increased the secretion of MMP2 and MMP9 from HMC. In addition, MT-MMP activity, selectively induced by fibronectin, was implicated in the activation of the secreted proteinases.
Structure and QP–QS Relations in the Seattle and Tualatin Basins from Converted Seismic Phases
Authors: Stone Ian , Wirth Erin A. , Frankel Arthur D. 
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACTWe use converted body-wave phases from local earthquakes to constrain depth to basement and average attenuation relations for the Seattle basin in Washington and the Tualatin basin in Oregon. P-, P-to-S-(Ps), S-to-P-(Sp), and S-wave arrivals are present in three-component recordings of magnitude 2.5–4.0 earthquakes at seismic stations located in these basins. Based on their relative travel times, these phases are attributed to body-wave conversions at the basement-to-basin contact or to high-impedance interfaces within the basins. Depth to basement values are calculated using the differential travel times between direct and converted phases, as well as average P- and S-wave velocity values. We also identify a high-impedance layer in the Tualatin basin that likely represents a laterally extensive deposit of volcanic materials embedded between the basement contact and the Columbia River Basalt Group. In addition, the average QP–QS attenuation relation is calculated for each station by taking the spectral ratio of converted phases to their parent body-wave arrivals. For the Seattle basin, our analysis yields an average QP value of 73 and an average QS value of 60 for seismic waves with frequencies between 2 and 25 Hz. In the Tualatin basin, a much reduced QP–QS relation suggests that average body-wave attenuation is likely higher than in the Seattle basin. The converted phase techniques presented here provide a reliable way to develop estimates of basin depth and attenuation structure for undercharacterized regions using simple passive source seismic records.
The Extended Integrated Particle Filter Method (IPFx) as a High-Performance Earthquake Early Warning System
Authors: Yamada Masumi , Tamaribuchi Koji , Wu Stephen 
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACTAn earthquake early warning (EEW) system rapidly analyzes seismic data to report the occurrence of an earthquake before strong shaking is felt at a site. In Japan, the integrated particle filter (IPF) method, a new source-estimation algorithm, was recently incorporated into the EEW system to improve the source-estimation accuracy during active seismicity. The problem of the current IPF method is that it uses the trigger information computed at each station in a specific format as the input and is therefore applicable to only limited seismic networks. This study proposes the extended IPF (IPFx) method to deal with continuous waveforms and merge all Japanese real-time seismic networks into a single framework. The new source determination algorithm processes seismic waveforms in two stages. The first stage (single-station processing) extracts trigger and amplitude information from continuous waveforms. The second stage (network processing) accumulates information from multiple stations and estimates the location and magnitude of ongoing earthquakes based on Bayesian inference. In 10 months of continuous online experiments, the IPFx method showed good performance in detecting earthquakes with maximum seismic intensity ≥3 in the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) catalog. By merging multiple seismic networks into a single EEW system, the warning time of the current EEW system can be improved further. The IPFx method provides accurate shaking estimation even at the beginning of event detection and achieves seismic intensity error &lt;0.25  s after detecting an event. This method correctly avoided two major false alarms on 5 January 2018 and 30 July 2020. The IPFx method offers the potential of expanding the JMA IPF method to global seismic networks.
Hepatitis C Virus Epidemiology in Yemen: Systematic Review
Authors: ALMAHBASHI Amtalsaboor 
Published: May 2021

Aim: To identify and well-characterize the prevalence of hepatitis c virus infection in different populations in Yemen. Also, to determine the future epidemiological study areas in Yemen.
Methods: A systematic review was conducted with the use of the PRISMA guidelines. Between 1980 to 2020, a comprehensive search was done for any epidemiological data on hepatitis C in Yemen that were conducted in each PubMed, web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar.
Results: Forty-nine (49) studies were matching the inclusion and exclusion criteria from the four databases. After analyzing these 49 studies we found that In the general group of the population the prevalence was ranged between 0.07%-8.5%. Where the highest prevalence was in pregnant women (up to 8.5%) then the public (up to 6%) then blood donors and children up to 3% and 2.8% respectively. In the intermediate-risk group, HCV prevalence was ranged between 1.03%-3.5% where all population was from the health department workers. In the high-risk group, the range was between 6.4%-62.7%, and the highest prevalence was recorded in liver disease patients .in the patient's group the range of HCV prevalence was between 0%-46%, while the sickle cell anemia patients were the lowest prevalence the chronic renal failure patients had the highest prevalence.
Conclusion: This systemic review demonstrates a high prevalence of hepatitis C infection in Yemen. There is also a need to expand the scope of research and pay attention to new research groups and other cities to get a more comprehensive idea of the prevalence of the hepatitis C virus in Yemen.
Suicide Attempt in a Patient with Sibutramine Associated Psychosis
Authors: Câmara Pestana Pedro , Ferreira Carla , Santos Ana Luísa , Jerónimo Joana , Ganança Licínia 
Published: May 2021

Sibutramine is a serotonin-norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor, initially developed as a potential antidepressant and later approved for the management of obesity. Sibutramine use is also associated with psychiatric symptoms, namely mania, panic attacks, and, less frequently, psychosis. We report the case of a 32-year-old man, admitted to our hospital due to a suicide attempt in the context of sibutramine-associated psychosis. The symptoms remitted completely after discontinuation of sibutramine and a brief period of antipsychotic medication. The aim of this manuscript is to highlight the importance of the recognition of sibutramine-associated psychosis, to discuss the possible pathophysiology and the proper clinical and therapeutic management.
Let's put standardisation in practice: accessibility services and interaction
Authors: Oncins Estella , Orero Pilar 
Published: May 2021

There are many international standardisation agencies working actively on producing technical requirements towards accessibility, both for physical environments and for media. Technology is developing at a fast pace to produce new interactions, which turn into new communication barriers: some avoidable. Taking into consideration accessibility standards from the design and requirement definition --the concept of “born accessible”-- would help towards native accessible technology. This article looks at existing standards related to accessibility and media communication. The first part of the article will revise the importance of drafting harmonised standards for accessibility in four main agencies producing accessibility standards: IEC, ITU, ISO and W3C. It will then outline how standards are produced and implemented at a European level by the European Standardisation Organisations (CEN, CENELEC and ETSI). The second part of the article will be organised by media accessibility services: subtitling, audio description, audio subtitling and sign language. Mention to easy to read as a new emerging accessibility modality, will also be made. The final part of the article will provide conclusions and directions for further research.
Keywords: Media Accessibility, Standards, Accessibility services, Subtitling, Audio description, Audio subtitling, Easy to Read.
Estudio de pérdidas y estrategias de reactivación para el sector turístico por crisis sanitaria COVID-19 en el destino Manta (Ecuador).
Authors: Félix Mendoza Angel Guillermo , García Reinoso Nelson 
Published: May 2021

El turismo enfrenta hoy día una de sus mayores crisis de todos los tiempos tras la extensión de la pandemia del COVID-19). Esta difícil situación de supervivencia que atraviesan las empresas y los destinos turísticos debe ser afrontada mediante estudios de diagnóstico turístico que contribuyan a una correcta toma de decisiones por parte de los organismos turísticos competentes. La presente investigación pretende contribuir de forma práctica con una metodología de diagnóstico que permita identificar las problemáticas que conmueven al sector empresarial en un destino ecuatoriano en plena crisis sanitaria mundial. Se emplea para ello un cuestionario para recoger los resultados de una encuesta instrumentada vía online a través de google forms con el objetivo principal de captar impresiones de los empresarios y gestores turísticos del cantón de Manta (Ecuador) en función de los escenarios y proyecciones de evolución del sector turístico en aspectos tales como pérdidas económicas, estabilidad laboral, búsqueda de incentivos y posibles estrategias de reactivación. Respondieron el cuestionario 272 gerentes de establecimientos turísticos, que representan el 48% de la planta turística total registrada en el catastro turístico y la información fue procesada en el programa estadístico SPSS versión 23. Los resultados muestran pérdidas de ingresos importantes por no facturación e incapacidad para solventar los pagos a proveedores de servicios, previéndose como principales estrategias de reactivación la bajada de precios de los servicios turísticos, la promoción en redes sociales y la migración de empresas a la gestión y comercialización mediante modelos on line más efectivos e innovadores.
Desarrollo Turístico y Sostenibilidad en la comunidad de Caibarién (Cuba)
Authors: CRUZ BERMÚDEZ LUIS DANIEL , CONZÁLEZ DAMIÁN ALFONSO 
Published: May 2021

El presente artículo surge de la necesidad de desvelar la influencia del desarrollo turístico en las dimensiones del desarrollo sostenible de la comunidad de Caibarién (Cuba). La información se obtuvo mediante revisión documental y entrevistas semi estructuradas. Los fundamentos teóricos y metodológicos que soportan el tratamiento de este trabajo se estructuran a partir de la producción científica relativa a los temas del desarrollo turístico y el turismo sostenible. Los principales resultados mostraron que la estrategia de desarrollo de Gaviota S.A en los Cayos de Villa Clara, influye indirectamente en la sostenibilidad de la comunidad de Caibarién, lo cual coincide con lo que plantea la literatura académica y presenta su pertinencia también para el caso de Cuba, cuya organización socioeconómica y política se distancia del paradigma neoliberal global. Si bien existen algunas pautas que muestran una tendencia hacia el desarrollo sostenible, aún se identifican aspectos negativos en el modelo de desarrollo turístico que habrán de ser considerados tanto en futuras investigaciones como en sus implicaciones prácticas en la industria turística de Cuba y de otras latitudes.
Palabras clave: Desarrollo turístico; Sostenibilidad; Dimensiones social, económica y ambiental; Cuba.
A molecular test based on RT-LAMP for rapid, sensitive and inexpensive colorimetric detection of SARS-CoV-2 in clinical samples
Authors: Amaral Catarina , Antunes Wilson , Moe Elin , Duarte Américo G. , Lima Luís M. P. , Santos Cristiana , Gomes Inês L. , Afonso Gonçalo S. , Vieira Ricardo , Teles Helena Sofia S. , Reis Marisa , Silva Manuel A. Ramalho , Henriques Ana Margarida , Fevereiro Miguel , Ventura M. Rita , Serrano Mónica , Pimentel Catarina 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Until there is an effective implementation of COVID-19 vaccination program, a robust testing strategy, along with prevention measures, will continue to be the most viable way to control disease spread. Such a strategy should rely on disparate diagnostic tests to prevent a slowdown in testing due to lack of materials and reagents imposed by supply chain problems, which happened at the beginning of the pandemic.
In this study, we have established a single-tube test based on RT-LAMP that enables the visual detection of less than 100 viral genome copies of SARS-CoV-2 within 30 minutes. We benchmarked the assay against the gold standard test for COVID-19 diagnosis, qRT-PCR, using 177 nasopharyngeal RNA samples. For Ct ≤ 32, the RT-LAMP assay had a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 96.1%. Additionally, we set up a RNA extraction-free RT-LAMP test capable of detecting SARS-CoV-2 directly from saliva samples, albeit with lower sensitivity. The saliva was self-collected and the collection tube remained closed until inactivation, thereby ensuring the protection of the testing personnel. As expected, RNA extraction from saliva samples increased the sensitivity of the test. To lower the costs associated with RNA extraction, we performed this step using an alternative protocol that uses plasmid DNA extraction columns. We also produced the enzymes needed for the assay and established an in-house-made RT-LAMP test independent of specific distribution channels. Finally, we developed a new colorimetric method that allowed the detection of LAMP products by the visualization of an evident color shift, regardless of the reaction pH.
Framework for the preservation of ephemeral natural channels through greenswales: Learnings from the case of Chandigarh
Authors: Sood Ankita , Biswas Arindam 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Ephemeral natural channels in cities are reclaimed to provide land for housings and other functions. This is because of limited knowledge about the crucial role played by natural channels in stormwater management. For long, the cities have been dependent upon grey infrastructure to drain out stormwater away from the city. Therefore, it requires a paradigm shift to see the natural channels as a tool for stormwater management. There is a pressing need for the preservation of natural channels because incidences of pluvial flooding are increasing. The inability of existing grey infrastructure to take up the additional stormwater load has forced the planners to think of sustainable alternatives. In this study, the case of accidental preservation of an ephemeral natural channel in Chandigarh city is discussed and analyzed. The symbiotic relationship between Leisure valley (a green belt) and N-choe (a natural channel) offers many learnings in the preservation of natural channels. From careful observations and brainstorming, contributory factors that paved the way for the preservation of the natural channel, the concept of greenswales is evolved. A framework is developed for the sustainable planning of greenswales. It will guide the city planners and managers to have an alternative approach to preserve the natural channels sustainably and use them as a tool for pluvial flood management. This study's significant finding is that ephemeral natural channels in a city can be safeguarded through the judicious superimposition of green spaces over them.