bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hydrogel-load exosomes derived from dendritic cells improve cardiac function via Treg cells and the polarization of macrophages following myocardial infarction
Authors: Zhang Youming , Cai Zichun , Shen Yunli , Lu Qizheng , Gao Wei , Zhong Xin , Yao Kang , Yuan Jie , Liu Haibo 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Backgroud
Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the leading causes of global death. Dendritic cell-derived exosomes (DEXs) provide us with the possibility of improving cardiac function after MI but are limited by low retention times and short-lived therapeutic effects. In this study, we developed a novel drug delivery system incorporating alginate hydrogel that continuously releases DEXs and investigated the mechanisms underlying the action of DEXs in the improvement of cardiac function after MI.

Results
We incorporated DEXs with alginate hydrogel (DEXs-Gel) and investigated controlled released ability and rheology, and found that DEXs-Gel release DEXs in a sustainable mammer and prolonged the retention time of DEXs but had no detrimental effects on the migration in vivo. Then DEXs-Gel was applicated in the MI model mice, we found that DEXs-Gel siginificantly enhanced the therapeutic effects of DEXs with regards to improving cardiac function after MI. Flow cytometry and immunofluorescence staining revealed that DEXs significantly upregulated the infiltration of Treg cells and M2 macrophages into the border zoom after MI, and DEXs activated regulatory T (Treg) cells and shifted macrophages to reparative M2 macrophages, both in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusion
Our novel delivery method provides an innovative tool for enhancing the therapeutic effects of DEXs after MI. Further analysis revealed that DEXs exert effect by activating Treg cells and by modifying the polarization of macrophages.

Graphic Abstract
Single-cell analysis of a tumor-derived exosome signature correlates with prognosis and immunotherapy response
Authors: Wu Jiani , Zeng Dongqiang , Zhi Shimeng , Ye Zilan , Qiu Wenjun , Huang Na , Sun Li , Wang Chunlin , Wu Zhenzhen , Bin Jianping , Liao Yulin , Shi Min , Liao Wangjun 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundTumor-derived exosomes (TEXs) are involved in tumor progression and the immune modulation process and mediate intercellular communication in the tumor microenvironment. Although exosomes are considered promising liquid biomarkers for disease diagnosis, it is difficult to discriminate TEXs and to develop TEX-based predictive biomarkers.MethodsIn this study, the gene expression profiles and clinical information were collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, IMvigor210 cohorts, and six independent Gene Expression Omnibus datasets. A TEXs-associated signature named TEXscore was established to predict overall survival in multiple cancer types and in patients undergoing immune checkpoint blockade therapies.ResultsBased on exosome-associated genes, we first constructed a tumor-derived exosome signature named TEXscore using a principal component analysis algorithm. In single-cell RNA-sequencing data analysis, ascending TEXscore was associated with disease progression and poor clinical outcomes. In the TCGA Pan-Cancer cohort, TEXscore was elevated in tumor samples rather than in normal tissues, thereby serving as a reliable biomarker to distinguish cancer from non-cancer sources. Moreover, high TEXscore was associated with shorter overall survival across 12 cancer types. TEXscore showed great potential in predicting immunotherapy response in melanoma, urothelial cancer, and renal cancer. The immunosuppressive microenvironment characterized by macrophages, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells was associated with high TEXscore in the TCGA and immunotherapy cohorts. Besides, TEXscore-associated miRNAs and gene mutations were also identified. Further experimental research will facilitate the extending of TEXscore in tumor-associated exosomes.ConclusionsTEXscore capturing tumor-derived exosome features might be a robust biomarker for prognosis and treatment responses in independent cohorts.
Bufalin suppresses tumour microenvironment-mediated angiogenesis by inhibiting the STAT3 signalling pathway
Authors: Fang Kai , Zhan Yueping , Zhu Ruiqiu , Wang Yuqian , Wu Chengqi , Sun Min , Qiu Yanyan , Yuan Zeting , Liang Xin , Yin Peihao , Xu Ke 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
Antiangiogenic therapy has increasingly become an important strategy for the treatment of colorectal cancer. Recent studies have shown that the tumour microenvironment (TME) promotes tumour angiogenesis. Bufalin is an active antitumour compound whose efficacy has been indicated by previous studies. However, there are very few studies on the antiangiogenic effects of bufalin.

Methods
Herein, human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) tube formation, migration and adhesion tests were used to assess angiogenesis in vitro. Western blotting and quantitative PCR were used to detect relevant protein levels and mRNA expression levels. A subcutaneous xenograft tumour model and a hepatic metastasis model were established in mice to investigate the influence of bufalin on angiogenesis mediated by the TME in vivo.

Results
We found that angiogenesis mediated by cells in the TME was significantly inhibited in the presence of bufalin. The results demonstrated that the proangiogenic genes in HUVECs, such as VEGF, PDGFA, E-selectin and P-selectin, were downregulated by bufalin and that this downregulation was mediated by inhibition of the STAT3 pathway. Overexpression of STAT3 reversed the inhibitory effects of bufalin on angiogenesis. Furthermore, there was little reduction in angiogenesis when bufalin directly acted on the cells in the tumour microenvironment.

Conclusion
Our findings demonstrate that bufalin suppresses tumour microenvironment-mediated angiogenesis by inhibiting the STAT3 signalling pathway in vascular endothelial cells, revealing that bufalin may be used as a new antiangiogenic adjuvant therapy medicine to treat colorectal cancer.
Virologic outcomes of switching to boosted darunavir plus dolutegravir with respect to history of drug resistance
Authors: Wolf Eva , Boesecke Christoph , Balogh Annamaria , Bidner Helen , Cordes Christiane , Heiken Hans , Krznaric Ivanka , Kümmerle Tim , Stellbrink Hans-Jürgen , Schneider Jochen , Spinner Christoph D. ,   the DUALIS Study Group
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Objective
The DUALIS study showed that switching to boosted darunavir (bDRV) plus dolutegravir (DTG; 2DR) was non-inferior to continuous bDRV plus 2 nucleoside/nucleotide reverse-transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs; 3DR) in treatment-experienced virologically suppressed people living with HIV (PLWH). We analyzed virologic outcomes with respect to treatment history and HIV drug resistance.

Design
Post hoc analysis of a randomized trial.

Methods
Main inclusion criteria were an HIV RNA level < 50 copies/mL for ≥ 24 weeks and no resistance to integrase strand transfer inhibitors or bDRV. Resistance-associated mutations (RAMs) were interpreted using the Stanford HIVdb mutation list. Outcomes measures were 48-week virologic response (HIV RNA < 50 copies/mL, FDA snapshot) and HIV RNA ≥ 50 copies/mL (including discontinuation due to a lack of efficacy or reasons other than adverse events and HIV RNA ≥ 50 copies/mL, referred to as snapshot non-response).

Results
The analysis population included 263 patients (2DR: 131, 3DR: 132): 90.1% males; median age, 48 years; CD4 + T-cell nadir < 200/µl, 47.0%; ≥ 2 treatment changes, 27.4%; NRTI, non-NRTI (NNRTI), and major protease inhibitor (PI) RAMs in 9.5%, 14.4%, and 3.4%, respectively. In patients with RAMs in the 2DR and 3DR groups, virologic response rates were 87.8% and 96.0%, respectively; the corresponding rates in those without RAMs were 85.7% and 81.8%. RAMs were unrelated to virologic non-response in either group. No treatment-emergent RAMs were observed.

Conclusions
DTG + bDRV is an effective treatment option without the risk of treatment-emergent resistance for PLWH on suppressive first- or further-line treatment with or without evidence of pre-existing NRTI, NNRTI, or PI RAMs.
Trial registration: EUDRA-CT Number 2015-000360-34; registered 07 April 2015; https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/ctr-search/trial/2015-000360-34/DE.
In vitro efficacy of Artemisia extracts against SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Nie Chuanxiong , Trimpert Jakob , Moon Sooyeon , Haag Rainer , Gilmore Kerry , Kaufer Benedikt B. , Seeberger Peter H. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
Traditional medicines based on herbal extracts have been proposed as affordable treatments for patients suffering from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Teas and drinks containing extracts of Artemisia annua and Artemisia afra have been widely used in Africa in efforts to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection and fight COVID-19.

Methods
The plant extracts and Covid-Organics drink produced in Madagascar were tested for plaque reduction using both feline coronavirus and SARS-CoV-2 in vitro. Their cytotoxicities were also investigated.

Results
Several extracts as well as Covid-Organics inhibited SARS-CoV-2 and FCoV infection at concentrations that did not affect cell viability.

Conclusions
Some plant extracts show inhibitory activity against FCoV and SARS-CoV-2. However, it remains unclear whether peak plasma concentrations in humans can reach levels needed to inhibit viral infection following consumption of teas or Covid-Organics. Clinical studies are required to evaluate the utility of these drinks for COVID-19 prevention or treatment of patients.
Genomic and functional characterization of five novel Salmonella-targeting bacteriophages
Authors: Kuźmińska-Bajor Marta , Śliwka Paulina , Ugorski Maciej , Korzeniowski Paweł , Skaradzińska Aneta , Kuczkowski Maciej , Narajaczyk Magdalena , Wieliczko Alina , Kolenda Rafał 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe host-unrestricted, non-typhoidalSalmonella entericaserovar Enteritidis (S. Enteritidis) and the serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) are major causative agents of food-borne gastroenteritis, and the host-restrictedSalmonella entericaserovar Gallinarum (S. Gallinarum) is responsible for fowl typhoid. Increasing drug resistance inSalmonellacontributes to the reduction of effective therapeutic and/or preventive options. Bacteriophages appear to be promising antibacterial tools, able to combat infectious diseases caused by a wide range ofSalmonellastrains belonging to both host-unrestricted and host-restrictedSalmonellaserovars.MethodsIn this study, five novel lyticSalmonellaphages, named UPWr_S1-5, were isolated and characterized, including host range determination by plaque formation, morphology visualization with transmission electron microscopy, and establishment of physiological parameters. Moreover, phage genomes were sequenced, annotated and analyzed, and their genomes were compared with referenceSalmonellaphages by use of average nucleotide identity, phylogeny, dot plot, single nucleotide variation and protein function analysis.ResultsIt was found that UPWr_S1-5 phages belong to the genusJerseyviruswithin theSiphoviridaefamily. All UPWr_S phages were found to efficiently infect variousSalmonellaserovars. Host range determination revealed differences in host infection profiles and exhibited ability to infectSalmonella entericaserovars such as Enteritidis, Gallinarum, Senftenberg, Stanley and Chester. The lytic life cycle of UPWr_S phages was confirmed using the mitomycin C test assay. Genomic analysis revealed that genomes of UPWr_S phages are composed of 51 core and 19 accessory genes, with 33 of all predicted genes having assigned functions. UPWr_S genome organization comparison revealed 3 kinds of genomes and mosaic structure. UPWr_S phages showed very high sequence similarity to each other, with more than 95% average nucleotide identity.ConclusionsFive novel UPWr_S1-5 bacteriophages were isolated and characterized. They exhibit host lysis range within 5 different serovars and are efficient in lysis of both host-unrestricted and host-restrictedSalmonellaserovars. Therefore, because of their ability to infect variousSalmonellaserovars and lytic life cycle, UPWr_S1-5 phages can be considered as useful tools in biological control of salmonellosis.
Prelacteal feeding practice and its associated factors among mothers having children less than 2 years of age in East Africa: a multilevel analysis of the recent demographic and health surveys
Authors: Teshale Achamyeleh Birhanu , Worku Misganaw Gebrie , Tessema Zemenu Tadesse , Tesema Getayeneh Antehunegn 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
Prelacteal feeding is a major public health problem that increases the risk of morbidity and mortality in children. It also result delayed breastfeeding initiation and interferes with exclusive breastfeeding. Although numerous studies have been done on prelacteal feeding in individual East African countries, most of them did not consider community-level factors that could affect the likelihood of prelacteal feeding. This study, thus, aimed to assess the pooled prevalence and associated factors of prelacteal feeding practice in East Africa.

Methods
We used pooled data from the 12 east Africa countries Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS). A total weighted sample of 33,423 women was included in the final analysis. We employed multilevel logistic regression analysis to assess factors associated with prelacteal feeding practice. Finally, the Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% Confidence (CI) interval was reported and variables with p value< 0.05, in the multivariable analysis, were declared to be significant predictors of prelacteal feeding practice.

Result
In this study, the pooled prevalence of prelacteal feeding practice was 11.85% (95%CI: 11.50, 12.20) with great variation between countries, ranging from 3.08% (95%CI: 2.35, 3.81) in Malawi to 39.21% (95%CI: 36.36, 42.06) in Comoros. Both individual and community-level factors were associated with prelacteal feeding practice. Of the individual-level factors, home delivery, multiple birth, cesarean delivery, non-exposure to media, delayed initiation of breastfeeding, and being a small-sized baby were associated with higher odds of prelacteal feeding practice. Among the community-level factors, rural residence and higher community-level of media exposure were associated with lower odds of prelacteal feeding practice.

Conclusion
In this study, the pooled prevalence of prelacteal feeding is high. Both individual and community level variables were associated with prelacteal feeding practice. Therefore, individual and community-level interventions that encourage mothers to deliver in the health facility and promoting timely initiation of breastfeeding are needed to reduce prelacteal feeding practices in east Africa. Moreover, media campaigns regarding this harmful traditional practice could be strengthened.
Magnetic levitation pump versus constrained vortex pump: a pilot study on the hemolysis effect during minimal invasive extracorporeal circulation
Authors: Condello Ignazio , Santarpino Giuseppe , Serraino Giuseppe Filiberto , Mastroroberto Pasquale , Speziale Giuseppe , Nasso Giuseppe 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundElevated plasma free hemoglobin is associated with multi-organ injury. In this context, minimally invasive extracorporeal technologies represent a way to reduce this complication following cardiac surgery.MethodsWe present a pilot study focused on plasma free hemoglobin levels in 40 patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The same circuits for minimally invasive extracorporeal circulation (MiECC) were used in all patients. The ECMOLIFE magnetic levitation pump was used in the study group (n = 20), and the AP40 Affinity CP centrifugal blood pump was used in the control group (n = 20).ResultsIn the immediate postoperative period, plasma free hemoglobin (PFH) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were significantly lower in the study group than in the control group (10.6 ± 0.7 vs 19.9 ± 0.3 mg/dL,p = 0.034; and 99.16 ± 1.7 vs 139.17 ± 1.5 IU/L,p = 0.027, respectively). Moreover, patients treated with the magnetic levitation pump showed lower creatinine and indirect bilirubin (0.92 vs 1.29 mg/dL,p = 0.030 and 0.6 ± 0.4 vs 1.5 ± 0.9 mg/dL,p = 0.022, respectively) at 24 h after the procedure, and received fewer transfusions during the whole postoperative period (3 vs 9 red blood cell units (RBC),p = 0.017).ConclusionOur pilot study suggests that the use of magnetically levitated centrifugal pumps for extracorporeal circulation support is associated with a lower risk of hemolysis, though larger studies are warranted to confirm our results.
Application of three-dimensional reconstruction combined with dial positioning in small pulmonary nodules surgery
Authors: Zhao Long , Yang Wenyu , Hong Ruofeng , Fei Jianbin 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
With the popularization of HRCT and VATS, the incidence of early stage lung cancer is increasing recent years. About 63% of small pulmonary nodules can not be accurately identified in VATS. We use 3-D reconstruction combined with dial positioning to analyze its accuracy and impact on patients undergoing VATS in our hospital.

Method
All patients underwent HRCT scanning and 3-D reconstruction preoperatively to determine the scope of surgery. The precise positional relationship between the nodule and the nearest rib must be recorded. Locate the plane of pulmonary nodule on CT, rotate the plane to make the affected side upwards, take the highest point of pleura as 12 o'clock on the dial, record the corresponding point of the nodule meticulously, mark the pulmonary nodule on the skin of the patient. A 18G indwelling needle was used to puncture through the marker into the visceral pleura. Electrocautery mark was made on the bleeding point of the lung surface. Then wedge resection or segmental resection was made.

Materials and result
From September 2019 to December 2020, 74 patients underwent VATS pulmonary nodule resection in our institute, with an average age of (56.4 ± 11.7) years old. A total of 83 nodules were resected in 74 patients, 23 nodules received segmentectomy and 60 nodules received wedge resection with 16 benign nodules and 67 malignant nodules. The distance between the nodules and pleura was (0–25) mm, with an average of (8.0 ± 3.9) mm. The target nodules were found in all patients, the positioning accuracy was 97.6%. All patients were satisfied with the positioning method, and there was no scar left at the skin puncture point after operation.

Conclusion
3-D reconstruction combined with dial positioning method can reduce patients' anxiety preoperatively, avoid various complications, reduce hospitalization expenses, and has an acceptable accuracy and short learning curve, which can be further promoted and applied in clinic.
Successful treatment of bilateral multiple pulmonary arteriovenous malformations in a patient with brain abscess and severe hypoxemia using a combination of transcatheter embolotherapy and surgical resection: a case report
Authors: Ochi Takahiro , Chiyo Masako , Ito Takamasa , Furumoto Hideharu , Sugiura Toshihiko , Saitoh Yukio 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
A pulmonary arteriovenous malformation is an abnormal dilated blood vessel that makes direct communication between a pulmonary artery and pulmonary vein and can be associated with hypoxemia or neurological complications, including brain abscess and cerebral infarction. Treatment of pulmonary arteriovenous malformation includes surgical resection and transcatheter embolotherapy, however the adaptation of therapies should be considered when a patient is in bad condition.

Case presentation
A 51-year-old man was admitted after developing fever, consciousness disorder, and hypoxemia. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed a brain abscess. Bilateral pulmonary arteriovenous malformations were found by contrast computed tomography. Because of a family history of pulmonary arteriovenous malformation, a history of epistaxis, and the existence of oral mucosa telangiectasia, he was diagnosed with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia and brain abscess caused by intrapulmonary right-to-left shunt. The brain abscess improved with antibiotic treatment; however, the administration of oxygen did not ameliorate his hypoxemia. His hypoxemia was exacerbated by positive pressure ventilation. Considering his systemic and respiratory condition, we considered surgery to involve a high degree of risk. After controlling his brain abscess and pneumonia, transcatheter embolotherapy was performed. This improved his systemic condition, enabling surgical treatment.

Conclusions
This middle-aged patient suffering from brain abscess and severe hypoxemia with multiple pulmonary arteriovenous malformations was successfully treated by a combination of transcatheter embolotherapy and surgery. The adaptation and combination of therapies, as well as the sequence of treatments, should be considered depending on the patient status and lesions.
An assessment of the quality of care provided at primary health care centres in camps for internally displaced persons in Iraq in 2018
Authors: Khan Muhammad Fawad , Jeannetot Daniel , Olleri Kamal Sunil , Bakker Mirjam , Musani Altaf Sadrudin , Abdel Moneim Adham Rashad Ismail , Hatahit Wael , Zwanikken Prisca 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Introduction
The humanitarian crisis in Iraq remains one of the largest and most unstable in the world. In 2014, over 2.5 million civilians were displaced in Iraq; between 2015 and 2017 more than 3 million people continued to be displaced. While health-related research concerning internally displaced persons (IDPs) population has been conducted in many settings, very few have looked at the quality of care delivered in primary health care centres (PHCC) inside camps. The objective of this operational research is to assess the quality of health care services at PHCC in operational IDP camps supported by local and international NGOs (humanitarian partners) as well as the Directorate of Health (DoH) in Iraq at baseline and after 6 months.

Method
A framework based on five components was used to assess quality of care by assigning a quality-of-care index score. Using a longitudinal design; data were collected through observations of facilities and of patient consultations, as well as health worker and patient exit interviews, in static PHCC in operational IDP camps of Iraq during two different phases: in June (n = 55), and December 2018 (n = 47). These facilities supported more than 500,000 IDPs. Descriptive and statistical analyses were conducted, and the results compared.

Result
For all camps (n = 47), the average overall quality of care index score increased between the two phases. No specific type of organisation consistently provided a better quality of care. The camp size was unrelated to the quality of care provided at the respective facility. The domain indicators “Client Care” and “Environment and Safety” mostly related to the variation in the general assessment of quality. Patient satisfaction was unrelated to any other domain score. Compared at 0 and after 6-months, the quality of care index score between the type of organisation and governorate showed that feedback positively impacted service delivery after the first assessment. Positive differences in scores also appeared, with notable improvements in Client care and Technical competence.

Conclusion
Humanitarian partners and the DoH are able to provide quality care, independent of camp size or the number of camps managed, and their cooperation can lead to quick improvements. This research also shows that quality of care assessment in emergency settings can be carried out in formal IDP camps using non-emergency standards.