bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk of Hospital Encounters With Kidney Stones in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease: A Cohort Study
Authors: Kalatharan Vinusha , Welk Blayne , Nash Danielle M. , Dixon Stephanie N. , Slater Justin , Pei York , Sarma Sisira , Garg Amit X. 
Published: March 2021

Background: There is a perception that patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) are more likely to develop kidney stones than the general population. Objective: To compare the rate of hospital encounter with kidney stones and the rate of stone interventions between patients with and without ADPKD. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: Ontario, Canada. Patients: Patients with and without ADPKD who had a prior hospital encounter between 2002 and 2016. Measurements: Rate of hospital encounter with kidney stones and rate of stone intervention. Methods: We used inverse probability exposure weighting based on propensity scores to balance baseline indicators of health between patients with and without ADPKD. We followed each patient until death, emigration, outcomes, or March 31, 2017. We used a Cox proportional hazards model to compare event rates between the two groups. Results: Patients with ADPKD were at higher risk of hospital encounter with stones compared with patients without ADPKD (81 patients of 2094 with ADPKD [3.8%] vs 60 patients of 1902 without ADPKD [3.2%]; 8.9 vs 5.1 events per 1000 person-years; hazard ratio 1.6 [95% CI, 1.3-2.1]). ADPKD was not associated with a higher risk of stone intervention (49 of 2094 [2.3%] vs 47 of 1902 [2.4%]; 5.3 vs 3.9 events per 1000 person-years; hazard ratio 1.2 [95% CI = 0.9-1.3]). Limitations: We did not have information on kidney stone events outside of the hospital. There is a possibility of residual confounding. Conclusion: ADPKD was a significant risk factor for hospital encounters with kidney stones.
Effectiveness of Chitosan Nanohydrogel as a Bone Regenerative Material in Intrabony Defects in Patients With Chronic Periodontitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Meenakshi S. Swarna , Sankari M. 
Published: March 2021

Aim: Different procedures have been attempted to regenerate intrabony defects in periodontitis but complete regeneration is still a herculean feat. Nanoparticles could prove to be advantageous because of their small size and increased surface area. The aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of a chitosan nanohydrogel as a periodontal regenerative material in the management of intrabony defects. Materials and Methods: Twenty patients within the age group of 30 to 60 years with intrabony defects >3 mm and clinical attachment levels >5 mm were selected. They were divided randomly into two groups: group-1, which received only open flap debridement with bone graft and acted as control, and group-2, which received open flap debridement, bone graft mixed with a chitosan nanohydrogel, and acted as the test site. Clinical and radiographic measurements were recorded at baseline, three months, and six months. Intragroup comparison was done using a paired t-test and intergroup comparison was done using an unpaired t-test with the statistical value set at P < .05. Results: Chitosan hydrogel incorporated bone grafts showed improved bone regenerative potential. The mean reduction in clinical attachment level in group-2 (8.7 ± 0.6 to 1.6 ± 0.8) was significantly higher than that of group-1 (8.6 ± 0.5 to 2.4 ± 0.7). The mean reduction in probing depths in group-2 (test group) was significantly higher (8.3 ± 0.9 to 1.6 ± 0.8) when compared to group-1 (8 ± 0.8 to 2.3 ± 0.7). Significant amount of defect fill was obtained in both the groups from baseline to six-month period. Conclusion: Organic materials such as chitosan could have potential bone regenerative capacity.
PCR-reverse blot hybridization assay in respiratory specimens for rapid detection and differentiation of mycobacteria in HIV-negative population
Authors: Zhang Qing , Xiao Heping , Yan Liping 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Rapid identification of pathogenic Mycobacterium species is critical for a successful treatment. However, traditional method is time-consuming and cannot discriminate isolated non-tuberculosis mycobacteria (NTM) at species level. In the retrospective study, we evaluated the clinical applicability of PCR-reverse blot hybridization assay (PCR-REBA Myco-ID) with clinical specimens for rapid detection and differentiation of mycobacterial species.

Methods
A total of 334 sputum and 362 bronchial alveolar lavage fluids (BALF) from 696 patients with mycobacterium pulmonary disease (MPD) and 210 patients with non-mycobacterium pulmonary disease used as controls were analyzed. Sputum or BALF were obtained for MGIT 960-TBc ID test and PCR-REBA Myco-ID assay. High resolution melt analysis (HRM) was used to resolve inconsistent results of MGIT 960-TBc ID test and PCR-REBA Myco-ID assay.

Results
A total of 334 sputum and 362 BALF specimens from 696 MPD patients (292 MTB and 404 NTM) were eventually analyzed. In total, 292 MTBC and 436 NTM isolates (mixed infection of two species in 32 specimens) across 10 Mycobacterium species were identified. The most frequently isolated NTM species were M. intracellulare (n = 236, 54.1%), followed by M. abscessus (n = 106, 24.3%), M. kansasii (n = 46, 10.6%), M. avium (n = 36, 8.3%). Twenty-two cases had M. intracellulare and M. abscessus mixed infection and ten cases had M. avium and M. abscessus mixed infection. A high level of agreement (n = 696; 94.5%) was found between MGIT 960-TBc ID and PCR-REBA Myco-ID (k = 0.845, P = 0.000). PCR-REBA Myco-ID assay had higher AUC for both MTBC and NTM than MGIT 960-TBc ID test.

Conclusion
PCR-REBA Myco-ID has the advantages of rapid, comparatively easy to perform, relatively low cost and superior accuracy in mycobacterial species identification compared with MGIT 960-TBc ID. We recommend it into workflow of mycobacterial laboratories especially in source-limited countries.
Hemodialysis patients perceived exercise benefits and barriers: the association with health-related quality of life
Authors: Ghafourifard Mansour , Mehrizade Banafshe , Hassankhani Hadi , Heidari Mohammad 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Patients on hemodialysis have less exercise capacity and lower health-related quality of life than healthy individuals without chronic kidney disease (CKD). One of the factors that may influence exercise behavior among these patients is their perception of exercise benefits and barriers. The present study aimed to assess the perception of hemodialysis patients about exercise benefits and barriers and its association with patients’ health-related quality of life.

Methods
In this cross-sectional study, 227 patients undergoing hemodialysis were randomly selected from two dialysis centers. Data collection was carried out using dialysis patient-perceived exercise benefits and barriers scale (DPEBBS) and kidney disease quality of life short form (KDQOL-SF). Data were analyzed using SPSS software ver. 21.

Results
The mean score of DPEBBS was 68.2 ± 7.4 (range: 24 to 96) and the mean KDQOL score was 48.9 ± 23.3 (range: 0 to 100). Data analysis by Pearson correlation coefficient showed a positive and significant relationship between the mean scores of DPEBBS and the total score of KDQOL (r = 0.55, p < 0.001). Moreover, there was a positive relationship between the mean scores of DPEBBS and the mean score of all domains of KDQOL.

Conclusion
Although most of the patients undergoing hemodialysis had a positive perception of the exercise, the majority of them do not engage in exercise; it could be contributed to the barriers of exercise such as tiredness, muscle fatigue, and fear of arteriovenous fistula injury. Providing exercise facilities, encouraging the patients by the health care provider to engage in exercise programs, and incorporation of exercise professionals into hemodialysis centers could help the patients to engage in regular exercise.
Macrosomia is a risk factor for incident maternal chronic kidney disease
Authors: Vahidi Mohammad , Asgari Samaneh , Tohidi Maryam , Azizi Fereidoun , Hadaegh Farzad 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and macrosomia are associated with several adverse outcomes including diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases, however, the relationship between GDM/macrosomia with incident chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a matter of debate. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between the history of macrosomia with or without GDM and incident maternal CKD.

Methods
The study population includes 2669 women aged 18–50 years without known diabetes mellitus and CKD from participants of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study. The study population was categorized into 3 groups; group 1: GDM/macrosomia and without diabetes mellitus (n = 204), group 2: newly diagnosed incident diabetes mellitus (NDM) in the presence or abcence of GDM/Macrosomia (n = 113), and, group 3: the reference group including women without prior history of GDM/macrosomia and free of NDM (n = 2352). CKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression adjusted for baseline values of age, body mass index, waist circumference, parity numbers, smoking, educational level, gestational hypertension, eGFR, systolic and diastolic blood pressures (SBP and DBP, respectively), anti-hypertensive medication, and family history of diabetes mellitus was applied for data analyses.

Results
During a median follow-up of 11.9 years, 613 incident CKD cases were identified. The multivariable hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) on GDM/macrosomia group was [1.32 (1.02–1.72)]; the risk was more prominent among non-hypertensive women [1.41 (1.07–1.85); P for interaction: 0.046]. Moreover, the history of macrosomia alone also showed a significant risk [1.36 (1.04–1.78)]; however, history of GDM alone did not have a significant risk [0.92 (0.34–2.46)]. Age, current smoking, eGFR, and SBP remained as independent risk factors for incident CKD.

Conclusions
A history of GDM/macrosomia or macrosomia alone, independent of subsequent diabetes mellitus was associated with significant risk for incident maternal CKD. Pregnancy may provide a unique situation to identify high-risk women at risk for CKD that could benefit from regular monitoring of kidney function and providing risk modifying strategies.
An analytical study on the awareness and practice relating toxoplasmosis among pregnant women in Casablanca, Morocco
Authors: Ait Hamou S. , Laboudi M. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Although toxoplasmosis is asymptomatic in most cases among pregnant women, it may cause newborn abortions and birth defects if the infection occurs during pregnancy. Therefore, raising awareness and promoting good practices of pregnant women towards toxoplasmosis disease is essential to avoid infection during pregnancy. The aim of this cross-sectional study is to assess toxoplasmosis awareness and its risk-related behavior pregnant women who attended public health centers in one of the biggest Moroccan cities: Casablanca.

Methods
A structured questionnaire was used to collect data including socio-demographics data, awareness of etiology, modes of transmission and preventive practices towards toxoplasmosis.

Results
This study survey showed that among 390 pregnant women interviewed, 41.2% reported having heard or read information regarding toxoplasmosis. Only 8.1% of them knew that toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii, and 13.7% of those who gave a correct answer were aware that the host of toxoplasmosis is cats. There is a significant statistical association between age, level of education and profession of pregnant women and toxoplasmosis awareness. Despite of the majority of the interviewed pregnant women had had effective preventive practices towards toxoplasmosis, 17.4% of pregnant women were convinced that Toxoplasmosis can transmit to the fetus and 14.3% stated it is asymptomatic in most cases.

Conclusion
This study highlights the low level of knowledge and awareness of toxoplasmosis among pregnant women in Casablanca/Morocco. Therefore, a special education program targeting all women during their reproductive age is necessary.
Angiotensin II-induced upregulation of SGLT1 and 2 contributes to human microparticle‐stimulated endothelial senescence and dysfunction: protective effect of gliflozins
Authors: Park Sin-Hee , Belcastro Eugenia , Hasan Hira , Matsushita Kensuke , Marchandot Benjamin , Abbas Malak , Toti Florence , Auger Cyril , Jesel Laurence , Ohlmann Patrick , Morel Olivier , Schini-Kerth Valérie B. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors reduced cardiovascular risk in type 2 diabetes patients independently of glycemic control. Although angiotensin II (Ang II) and blood-derived microparticles are major mediators of cardiovascular disease, their impact on SGLT1 and 2 expression and function in endothelial cells (ECs) and isolated arteries remains unclear.

Methods
ECs were isolated from porcine coronary arteries, and arterial segments from rats. The protein expression level was assessed by Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence staining, mRNA levels by RT-PCR, oxidative stress using dihydroethidium, nitric oxide using DAF-FM diacetate, senescence by senescence-associated beta-galactosidase activity, and platelet aggregation by aggregometer. Microparticles were collected from blood of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD-MPs).

Results
Ang II up-regulated SGLT1 and 2 protein levels in ECs, and caused a sustained extracellular glucose- and Na+-dependent pro-oxidant response that was inhibited by the NADPH oxidase inhibitor VAS-2780, the AT1R antagonist losartan, sotagliflozin (Sota, SGLT1 and SGLT2 inhibitor), and empagliflozin (Empa, SGLT2 inhibitor). Ang II increased senescence-associated beta-galactosidase activity and markers, VCAM-1, MCP-1, tissue factor, ACE, and AT1R, and down-regulated eNOS and NO formation, which were inhibited by Sota and Empa. Increased SGLT1 and SGLT2 protein levels were observed in the rat aortic arch, and Ang II- and eNOS inhibitor-treated thoracic aorta segments, and were associated with enhanced levels of oxidative stress and prevented by VAS-2780, losartan, Sota and Empa. CAD-MPs promoted increased levels of SGLT1, SGLT2 and VCAM-1, and decreased eNOS and NO formation in ECs, which were inhibited by VAS-2780, losartan, Sota and Empa.

Conclusions
Ang II up-regulates SGLT1 and 2 protein expression in ECs and arterial segments to promote sustained oxidative stress, senescence and dysfunction. Such a sequence contributes to CAD-MPs-induced endothelial dysfunction. Since AT1R/NADPH oxidase/SGLT1 and 2 pathways promote endothelial dysfunction, inhibition of SGLT1 and/or 2 appears as an attractive strategy to enhance the protective endothelial function.
A peer coach intervention in childcare centres enhances early childhood physical activity: The Active Early Learning (AEL) cluster randomised controlled trial
Authors: Telford R. M. , Olive L. S. , Telford R. D. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
As numbers of children and time spent in childcare centres increase, so does the potential influence of these centres on early childhood physical activity (PA). However, previous reports indicate little success of interventions aimed at improving PA. The Active Early Learning (AEL) program is a multi-component pragmatic intervention designed to imbed PA into the daily curriculum. Delivered by childcare centre staff, it is directed and supported by a peer coach who works across a network of centres. The objective of the study is to investigate the effect of the AEL program on children’s PA.

Methods
Fifteen childcare centres (8 intervention, 7 control centres; 314 children, 180 boys, 4.3y ± 0.4) participated in a 22-week stratified cluster randomised controlled trial. To be eligible to participate, centres needed to have ≥15 preschool children aged 3 to 5-years. The primary outcome was PA measured by accelerometer (Actigraph GT3X) during childcare centre hours over a 3-day period, calculated in min/h of Total PA and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA). The effect of the intervention was evaluated using linear mixed models adjusted for age, sex, accelerometer wear time and centre clustering.

Results
There was an intervention effect for Total PA (+ 4.06 min/h, 95% CI [2.66 to 5.47], p < .001) and MVPA (+ 2.33 min/h, 95% CI [1.31 to 3.34] p < .001). On average, a child taking part in the intervention attending a childcare centre from 8 am to 3 pm performed 28 min more Total PA and 16 min more MVPA per day than children receiving usual practice care.

Conclusion
In contrast with the findings of previous pragmatic trials in early childcare centres, this study shows that a peer-coach facilitated program, focussed on integrating PA into the daily childcare routine, can elicit increases in preschool children’s PA of practical as well as statistical significance.

Trial registration
Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials registry: ACTRN12619000638134. Registered 30/04/2019.
Effects of lower limb and pelvic pin positions on leg length and offset measurement errors in experimental total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Kawamura Haruo , Watanabe Yasuhiko , Nishino Tomofumi , Mishima Hajime 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Leg length (LL) and offset (OS) are important factors in total hip arthroplasty (THA). Because most LL and OS callipers used in THA depend on fixed points on the pelvis and the femur, limb position could affect measurement error. This study was conducted on a THA simulator to clarify the effects of lower limb position and iliac pin position on LL and OS errors and to determine the permissible range of limb position for accurate LL and OS measurement.

Methods
An LL and OS measurement instrument was used. Two pin positions were tested: the iliac tubercle and the top of the iliac crest intersecting with the extension of the femoral axis. First, the limb was moved in one direction (flexion-extension, abduction-adduction, or internal-external rotation), and LL and OS were measured for each pin position. Next, the limb was moved in combinations of the three directions. Then, the permissible range of combined limb position, which resulted in LL and OS measurement error within ±2 mm, was determined for each pin position.

Results
Only 4° of abduction/adduction caused 5–7 mm error in LL and 2–4 mm error in OS, irrespective of pin position. The effects of flexion–extension and internal–external rotation on LL error were smaller for the top of the iliac crest than for the iliac tubercle, though OS error was similar for both pin positions. For LL, the permissible range of the combined limb position was wider for the top of the iliac crest than for the iliac tubercle.

Conclusion
To minimize LL and OS measurement errors in THA, adduction–abduction must be maintained. The iliac pin position in the top of the iliac crest is preferred because it provides less LL measurement error and a wider permissible range of combined limb position for accurate LL measurement.
What is the impact of preserving the endothelium on saphenous vein graft performance? Comments on the ‘NO’ touch harvesting technique
Authors: Samano Ninos , Loesch Andrzej , Dashwood Michael R. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractSaphenous veins used for coronary artery bypass surgery are subjected to considerable vascular trauma when harvested by conventional methods. This vascular damage is responsible, at least in part, for the inferior patency of the saphenous vein when compared with the internal thoracic artery. The performance of saphenous vein grafts is improved when this conduit is harvested atraumatically using the no-touch technique. There is growing evidence that the success of the no-touch technique is due to the preservation of a number of vascular structures including the endothelium, vasa vasorum and perivascular fat. There is conflicting evidence regarding the degree of endothelial damage to the endothelium of conventional versus no-touch saphenous vein grafts. In general, it has been shown that this single layer of cells lining the lumen exhibits considerable damage associated with a combination of vascular trauma and high pressure intraluminal distension. Increased platelet aggregation and thrombus formation at the exposed subendothelial membrane is due to a local reduction of endothelium-derived factors including nitric oxide. In addition, damage to the vasa vasorum of conventionally-harvested veins will reduce transmural blood flow, a condition shown to promote neointimal hyperplasia and atheroma formation. By stripping off the perivascular fat during conventional harvesting, mechanical support of the graft is reduced and the source of adipocyte-derived factors potentially beneficial for graft patency removed. While most agree that endothelial damage to the saphenous vein affects graft patency, the contribution of other tissue-derived factors affected by vascular damage at harvesting need to be considered.
Hepatoprotective effect of Qushihuayu formula on non-alcoholic steatohepatitis induced by MCD diet in rat
Authors: Lan Qingping , Ren Zhitao , Chen Yan , Cui Guozhen , Choi I. Cheong , Ung Carolina Oi Lam , Yu Hon Ho , Lee Simon Ming-Yuen 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundNon-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is an advanced form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) for which there is yet any standard pharmacotherapy. Traditional Chinese medicine formula such as Qushihuayu (QSHY) composing of multiple bioactive compounds has been used to treat NAFLD and NASH and shows beneficial effects over single compound treatment. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of hepatoprotective effect of QSHY formula using a rat model.MethodsSix-weeks old male Wistar rats were given methionine/choline supplemented (MCS) diet for 8 weeks and used as the blank control. Another 7 rats, which received methionine/choline deficient (MCD) diet in the first 6 weeks and a MCS&MCD (1:1) mixture diet in the last 2 weeks, were used as the model group. The groups of QSHY pre-treatment, low dosage, medium dosage and high dosage were given the same diet as the model group. Except for pre-treatment group (1 week in advanced of other groups), all QSHY treatment groups received QSHY formula by gavage every day since the MCD diet started.ResultsIn the MCD diet group, the QSHY formula decreased the serum ALT and AST levels, lipid droplets, inflammation foci, FAS and α-SMA protein expression than MCD diet group. MAPK pathways phospharylation were markedly depressed by the QSHY formula. Moreover, QSHY formula enhanced PPAR-γ and p-p65 translocating into nucleus. The administration of QSHY increased hepatic mRNA levels of Transcription Factor 1 alpha (HNF1A), Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 4 alpha (HNF4A) and Forkhead box protein A3 (FOXA3) which play a pivotal role in Hepatic stellate cell (HSCs) reprogramming.ConclusionThese findings suggest that QSHY formula exerts a hepatoprotective effect against steatosis and fibrosis presumably via depressed MAPK pathways phosphorylation, reinforcement of PPAR-γ and p-p65 translocating into nucleus and enhanced HSCs reprogramming.