bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic management of acute type A aortic intramural hematoma
Authors: Yang Jue , Yu Changjiang , Li Xin , Kuang Juntao , Chen Zerui , Xiao Fei , Sun Tucheng , Fang Miaoxian , Fan Ruixin 
Published: June 2021

AbstractObjectivesThe proper therapeutic management for acute type A aortic intramural hematoma (IMH) is still controversial. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes following emergency surgery or conservative treatment for patients with this disease.MethodsFrom January 2015 to December 2018, 124 consecutive patients were diagnosed with an acute type A aortic IMH and were included in this study. According to our surgical indications, they were divided into two groups: an operation group (OG) and a conservative treatment group (CG).ResultsOf 124 patients, 83 (66.9%) patients accepted emergency surgery and 41 (33.1%) patients accepted strict conservative treatment. There were no differences between these two groups in early mortality and complications. However, the late mortality of patients in the CG was significantly higher than for patients in the OG. A maximum aortic diameter in the ascending aorta and aortic arch ≥ 45 mm and maximum thickness of IMH in the same section ≥ 8 mm were risk factors for IMH related death in patients undergoing conservative treatment.ConclusionsThe mortality associated with emergency surgery for patients with acute type A aortic IMH was satisfactory. In clinical centers with well-established surgical techniques and postoperative management, emergency surgical treatment may provide a better outcome than medical treatment for patients with acute type A aortic IMH.
Adiponectin protects obesity-related glomerulopathy by inhibiting ROS/NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammation pathway
Authors: Xu Xiaohong , Huang Xiaolin , Zhang Liexiang , Huang Xiaoli , Qin Zihan , Hua Fei 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
Adiponectin is an adipocytokine that plays a key regulatory role in glucose and lipid metabolism in obesity. The prevalence of obesity has led to an increase in the incidence of obesity-related glomerulopathy (ORG). This study aimed to identify the protective role of adiponectin in ORG.

Methods
Small-interfering RNA (siRNA) against the gene encoding adiponectin was transfected into podocytes. The oxidative stress level was determined using a fluorometric assay. Apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry. The expressions of podocyte markers and pyrin domain containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome-related proteins were measured by qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot.

Results
Podocytes treated with palmitic acid (PA) showed downregulated expressions of podocyte markers, increased apoptosis, upregulated levels of NLRP3 inflammasome-related proteins, increased production of inflammatory cytokines (IL-18 and IL-1β), and induced activation of NF-κB as compared to the vehicle-treated controls. Decreased adiponectin expression was observed in the serum samples from high fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. Decreased podocin expression and upregulated NLRP3 expression were observed in the kidney samples from high fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. Treatment with adiponectin or the NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor, MCC950, protected cultured podocytes against podocyte apoptosis and inflammation. Treatment with adiponectin protected mouse kidney tissues against decreased podocin expression and upregulated NLRP3 expression. The knockout of adiponectin gene by siRNA increased ROS production, resulting in the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and the phosphorylation of NF-κB in podocytes. Pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate, an NF-κB inhibitor, prevented adiponectin from ameliorating FFA-induced podocyte injury and NLRP3 activation.

Conclusions
Our study showed that adiponectin ameliorated PA-induced podocyte injury in vitro and HFD-induced injury in vivo via inhibiting the ROS/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway. These data suggest the potential use of adiponectin for the prevention and treatment of ORG.
Evaluating essential medicines for treating childhood cancers: availability, price and affordability study in Ghana
Authors: Mensah Kofi Boamah , Mensah Adwoa Bemah Boamah , Bangalee Varsha , Padayachee Neelaveni , Oosthuizen Frasia 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Introduction
Access to childhood cancer medicines is a critical global health challenge. There is a lack of sufficient context-specific data in Ghana on access to essential medicines for treating childhood cancers. Here, we present an analysis of essential cancer medicine availability, pricing, and affordability using the pediatric oncology unit of a tertiary hospital as the reference point.

Method
Data on prices and availability of 20 strength-specific essential cancer medicines and eight non-cancer medicines were evaluated using the modified World Health Organization (WHO)/Health Action International method. Two pharmacies in the hospital and four private pharmacies around the hospital were surveyed. We assessed their median price ratio using the WHO international reference price guide. The number of days wages per the government daily wage salary was used to calculate the affordability of medicines.

Results
The mean availability of essential cancer medicines and non-cancer medicines at the hospital pharmacies were 27 and 38% respectively, and 75 and 84% respectively for private pharmacies. The median price ratio of cancer medicines was 1.85, and non-cancer medicines was 3.75. The estimated cost of medicines for treating a 30 kg child with Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia was GHȻ 4928.04 (US$907.56) and GHȻ 4878.00 (US$902.62) for Retinoblastoma, requiring 417 and 413-days wages respectively for the lowest-paid unskilled worker in Ghana.

Conclusion
The mean availability of cancer medicines at the public and private pharmacies were less than the WHO target of 80%. The median price ratio for cancer and non-cancer medicines was less than 4, yet the cost of medicines appears unaffordable in the local setting. A review of policies and the establishment of price control could improve availability and reduce medicines prices for the low-income population.
Correlation between body mass index and prostate volume in benign prostatic hyperplasia patients undergoing holmium enucleation of the prostate surgery
Authors: Batai Ken , Phung Michael , Bell Robert , Lwin Aye , Hynes Kieran A. , Price Elinora , Meiklejohn Karleen M. , Bracamonte Erika R. , Funk Joel T. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
Benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a leading cause of morbidity in men over the age of 40. This study examined whether there was an association between body mass index (BMI) and pre-operative prostate volume and whether expression of two genes, alpha-2-macroglobulin (A2M) and transforming growth factor beta 3 (TGFB3), was correlated with BMI, pre-operative prostate volume, and age at surgery.

Methods
Medical records of patients who underwent holmium enucleation of the prostate surgery for treatment of BPO were retrospectively reviewed. Surgical specimens were obtained from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded blocks, and expression of the targeted genes was quantified using a real time PCR approach. Linear regression analysis was performed to assess association between BMI and prostate volume adjusting for demographic characteristics and co-morbidity. Spearman’s correlation was used to examine whether gene expression was correlated with BMI, prostate volume, and age at surgery.

Results
A total of 278 patients were identified, including 62.9% European Americans (n = 175) and 27.7% Hispanic Americans (n = 77). BMI was significantly correlated with prostate volume (Spearman’s rho = 0.123, P = 0.045). In linear regression analysis, BMI was positively associated with prostate volume (β = 0.01, P = 0.004), while hyperlipidemia was negatively associated with prostate volume (β = −0.08, P = 0.02). A trend for a positive association was also observed for diabetes (β = 0.07, P = 0.099). In the race/ethnicity stratified analysis, age at surgery showed a trend for significantly positive association with prostate volume in European Americans (β = 0.005, P = 0.08), but not in Hispanic Americans. Expression of the A2M gene in the stroma was negatively correlated with age at surgery (P = 0.006). A2M expression in the gland was positively correlated with prostate volume among older men (Age ≥ 70, P = 0.01) and overweight men (BMI 25–30, P = 0.04). TGFB3 expression in the gland was positively correlated with BMI (P = 0.007) among older men.

Conclusions
This study demonstrated the positive correlation between BMI and prostate volume. Expression of TGFB3 and A2M was correlated with BMI, prostate volume, and age at surgery.
Access to, use, knowledge, and preferences for information technology and technical equipment among people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Sweden. A cross-sectional survey study
Authors: Sönnerfors Pernilla , Skavberg Roaldsen Kirsti , Ståhle Agneta , Wadell Karin , Halvarsson Alexandra 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe use of information technology can make pulmonary rehabilitation interventions in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) more flexible and thereby has the potential to reach a larger proportion of the population. However, the success of using information technology in pulmonary rehabilitation is dependent on the end-user’s competence in information technology and access to the Internet. The aim was to describe the access to, and the use, knowledge, and preferences of information technology and technical equipment among people with COPD.MethodsTelephone interviews were conducted using a standardised questionnaire on information technology and technical devises addressing the household, access to and usage of the Internet, contact with authorities, e-commerce, security, the workplace, digital competence, and disabilities. Questions were also posed regarding participants’ views on a future eHealth tool for COPD, appropriate content, and the potential likelihood for them to use an eHealth tool for exercise training.ResultsIn total 137 persons agreed to participate, 17 dropped out resulting in 120 included participants (response rate 88%). The participants (86 women) were aged 51 to 92 years (mean: 72.5), and all severity grades of COPD according to GOLD A-D were represented. Over 90% had access to the Internet. Smartphones were used by 81%, and over 90% used apps. Participants had high knowledge of how to use the Internet, 91% had used the Internet during the last 3 months, 85% almost every day. The most common requests for a future eHealth tool for COPD were evidence-based and trustworthy information on COPD, (including medication, exercise training, inhalation and breathing techniques), communication (chat) with others and with health carers. Access to individually adjusted exercise training, and support, (motivation via prompts, chat rooms, digital information board) was also desired.ConclusionsThe present study showed that people with COPD in Sweden have high access and ability to use the Internet and information technology. They are frequent users and most of them take part in the digital society, even to a higher extent than the general population. The results show that the use of an eHealth tool could be a suitable strategy for people with COPD.
Navigating change – managers’ experience of implementation processes in disability health care: a qualitative study
Authors: Granberg Anette , Matérne Marie , Lundqvist Lars-Olov , Duberg Anna 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
Effective implementation processes play a central role in health care organizations and affect the care of patients. Managers are pivotal in facilitating the use of new practices, but their experience and how it affects the implementation outcome are still largely unknown. In the field of disability health care in particular, managers experiences have scarcely been investigated. Therefore, the aim of this study is to explore managers’ experiences of the implementation process when transferring new practices into disability health care settings.

Methods
Semi-structured individual telephone interviews were conducted with managers at disability health care organizations in four administrative regions in central Sweden. A total of 23 managers with formal managerial responsibility from both public and private health care were strategically selected to be interviewed. The interviews were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis with an inductive approach.

Results
The analysis resulted in two themes about factors influencing the implementation process: firstly, Contextual factors set the agenda for what can be achieved, which highlighted aspects that hinder or enable the implementation process, such as internal and external conditions, the workplace culture, the employees and managers’ attitudes and openness to change: secondly, Leadership in the winds of change, which described the challenges of balancing managerial tasks with leading the change, and the importance of a leadership that involves the participation of the employees.

Conclusions
This study explored how and to what extent managers address and manage the implementation process and the many associated challenges. The findings highlight the importance of leadership support and organizational structure in order to transfer new practices into the work setting, and to encourage an organizational culture for leading change that promotes positive outcomes. We suggest that identifying strategies by focusing on contextual factors and on aspects of leadership will facilitate implementation processes.

Trial registration
The SWAN (Structured Water Dance Intervention) study was retrospectively registered on April 9, 2019 and is available online at ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT03908801).
Acute fasciolosis in an alpaca: a case report
Authors: Hayes C. J. , O’Brien P. J. , Wolfe A. , Hoey S. , Chandler C. , Rhodes V. , Carty C. I. , Piras I. M. , Ryan E. G. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
The popularity of new world camelids, particularly alpacas, is growing rapidly in Ireland, presenting a clinical challenge to veterinary practitioners who may not have worked with these species previously. To the authors’ knowledge, the clinical course of a case of acute fasciolosis in an alpaca has not previously been reported, and fasciolosis has not been reported at all in alpacas in Ireland, making this case report a valuable addition to the current literature.

Case presentation
A three-year-old male castrated huacaya alpaca was admitted to UCD Veterinary Hospital with a two-day history of colic and tenesmus. He had been treated with albendazole, dexamethasone and potentiated amoxycillin by the referring veterinary practitioner with no response. On initial clinical exam, sensitivity to abdominal palpation was the only abnormality. However, the alpaca proceeded to show abnormal lying positions, tenesmus and reduced faecal output over the next 24 h. A general blood panel demonstrated moderate anaemia, marked hyperglobulinaemia and moderately increased hepatocellular and hepatobiliary enzyme activity. Abdominal radiography revealed enlargement of the first forestomach compartment without evidence of gastrointestinal obstruction or peritonitis. An abdominal ultrasound exam revealed an elongated, heterogenous mass in the caudoventral abdomen that appeared to be contiguous with the liver. FNA of this mass revealed that it was in fact a liver lobe with biliary stasis and inflammation. Faecal sedimentation demonstrated Fasciola hepatica eggs. In spite of treatment with triclabendazole and supportive treatment including blood transfusion, the alpaca’s condition continued to deteriorate and he was euthanised. On post-mortem exam, acute fasciolosis was diagnosed.

Conclusions
The clinical presentation and course of a case of acute fasciolosis in an individual alpaca is described, including the results of a range of diagnostic tests that were carried out. The final diagnosis is supported by a description of post-mortem findings. This information will serve as a resource for veterinary practitioners involved in the diagnosis and treatment of similar cases.
The analgesic efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave combined with percutaneous vertebroplasty in the treatment of osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fractures in postmenopausal women
Authors: Liu Xiaowei , Wang Hui , Zhang Yang , Wang Mingling , Qiu Yujin , Sun Xiaodong , Wang Sheng 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
To explore the analgesic efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave (ESW) combined with percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) after reduction in overextension position in the treatment of osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fractures in postmenopausal women.

Methods
The data of postmenopausal women with osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fracture admitted in our department from January 2017 to October 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. They were divided into groups of unipedicular percutaneous kyphoplasty (U-PKP n = 21), bipedicular PKP (B-PKP n = 20), and ESW combined with PVP after reduction in overextension position (EP-PVP n = 18). The improvement of pain and vertebral height in three groups was compared.

Results
Postoperative compression rate and Cobb angle of vertebral fractures in the three groups were all lower than those before surgery, and the differences between pre-operation and post-operation were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry dysfunction index (ODI) scores of the three groups decreased significantly after the operation (P < 0.05). The ODI scores of the EP-PVP group in the third months after the operation were significantly improved compared with the other two groups, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05).

Conclusions
In our small-sample study, all three treatment schemes can treat osteoporotic compression fracture of thoracolumbar vertebrae in postmenopausal women, relieve pain, and improve quality of life. ESW combined with PVP after reduction in overextension position could achieve a good vertebral reduction rate and improve kyphosis, and may reduce the application of analgesic drugs.
Cellular and molecular mediators of lymphangiogenesis in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Ocansey Dickson Kofi Wiredu , Pei Bing , Xu Xinwei , Zhang Lu , Olovo Chinasa Valerie , Mao Fei 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
Recent studies reporting the intricate crosstalk between cellular and molecular mediators and the lymphatic endothelium in the development of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) suggest altered inflammatory cell drainage and lymphatic vasculature, implicating the lymphatic system as a player in the occurrence, development, and recurrence of intestinal diseases. This article aims to review recent data on the modulatory functions of cellular and molecular components of the IBD microenvironment on the lymphatic system, particularly lymphangiogenesis. It serves as a promising therapeutic target for IBD management and treatment. The interaction with gut microbiota is also explored.

Main text
Evidence shows that cells of the innate and adaptive immune system and certain non-immune cells participate in the complex processes of inflammatory-induced lymphangiogenesis through the secretion of a wide spectrum of molecular factors, which vary greatly among the various cells. Lymphangiogenesis enhances lymphatic fluid drainage, hence reduced infiltration of immunomodulatory cells and associated-inflammatory cytokines. Interestingly, some of the cellular mediators, including mast cells, neutrophils, basophils, monocytes, and lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs), are a source of lymphangiogenic molecules, and a target as they express specific receptors for lymphangiogenic factors.

Conclusion
The effective target of lymphangiogenesis is expected to provide novel therapeutic interventions for intestinal inflammatory conditions, including IBD, through both immune and non-immune cells and based on cellular and molecular mechanisms of lymphangiogenesis that facilitate inflammation resolution.
Ral GTPase is essential for actin dynamics and Golgi apparatus distribution in mouse oocyte maturation
Authors: Sun Ming-Hong , Hu Lin-Lin , Zhao Chao-Ying , Lu Xiang , Ren Yan-Ping , Wang Jun-Li , Cui Xiang-Shun , Sun Shao-Chen 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
Ral family is a member of Ras-like GTPase superfamily, which includes RalA and RalB. RalA/B play important roles in many cell biological functions, including cytoskeleton dynamics, cell division, membrane transport, gene expression and signal transduction. However, whether RalA/B involve into the mammalian oocyte meiosis is still unclear. This study aimed to explore the roles of RalA/B during mouse oocyte maturation.

Results
Our results showed that RalA/B expressed at all stages of oocyte maturation, and they were enriched at the spindle periphery area after meiosis resumption. The injection of RalA/B siRNAs into the oocytes significantly disturbed the polar body extrusion, indicating the essential roles of RalA/B for oocyte maturation. We observed that in the RalA/B knockdown oocytes the actin filament fluorescence intensity was significantly increased at the both cortex and cytoplasm, and the chromosomes were failed to locate near the cortex, indicating that RalA/B regulate actin dynamics for spindle migration in mouse oocytes. Moreover, we also found that the Golgi apparatus distribution at the spindle periphery was disturbed after RalA/B depletion.

Conclusions
In summary, our results indicated that RalA/B affect actin dynamics for chromosome positioning and Golgi apparatus distribution in mouse oocytes.
Surgical site infection prevention and management in immunocompromised patients: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Coccolini Federico , Improta Mario , Cicuttin Enrico , Catena Fausto , Sartelli Massimo , Bova Raffaele , de’ Angelis Nicola , Gitto Stefano , Tartaglia Dario , Cremonini Camilla , Ordonez Carlos , Baiocchi Gian Luca , Chiarugi Massimo 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
Immunocompromised patients are at higher risk of surgical site infection and wound complications. However, optimal management in the perioperative period is not well established. Present systematic review aims to analyse existing strategies and interventions to prevent and manage surgical site infections and other wound complications in immunocompromised patients.

Methods
A systematic review of the literature was conducted.

Results
Literature review shows that partial skin closure is effective to reduce SSI in this population. There is not sufficient evidence to definitively suggest in favour of prophylactic negative pressure wound therapy. The use of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) in transplanted patient needing ad emergent or undeferrable abdominal surgical procedure must be carefully and multidisciplinary evaluated. The role of antibiotic prophylaxis in transplanted patients needs to be assessed.

Conclusion
Strict adherence to SSI infection preventing bundles must be implemented worldwide especially in immunocompromised patients. Lastly, it is necessary to elaborate a more widely approved definition of immunocompromised state. Without such shared definition, it will be hard to elaborate the needed methodologically correct studies for this fragile population.