bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
IL11 is elevated in systemic sclerosis and IL11-dependent ERK signalling underlies TGFβ-mediated activation of dermal fibroblasts
Authors: Adami Eleonora , Viswanathan Sivakumar , Widjaja Anissa A , Ng Benjamin , Chothani Sonia , Zhihao Nevin , Tan Jessie , Lio Pei Min , George Benjamin L , Altunoglu Umut , Ghosh Kakaly , Paleja Bhairav S , Schafer Sebastian , Reversade Bruno , Albani Salvatore , Ling Andrea Low Hsiu , O'Reilly Steven , Cook Stuart A 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Objectives
Interleukin 11 (IL11) is highly upregulated in skin and lung fibroblasts from patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Here we tested whether IL11 is mechanistically linked with activation of human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) from patients with SSc or controls.

Methods
We measured serum IL11 levels in volunteers and patients with early diffuse SSc and manipulated IL11 signalling in HDFs using gain- and loss-of-function approaches that we combined with molecular and cellular phenotyping.

Results
In patients with SSc, serum IL11 levels are elevated as compared with healthy controls. All transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) isoforms induced IL11 secretion from HDFs, which highly express IL11 receptor α-subunit and the glycoprotein 130 (gp130) co-receptor, suggestive of an autocrine loop of IL11 activity in HDFs. IL11 stimulated ERK activation in HDFs and resulted in HDF-to-myofibroblast transformation and extracellular matrix secretion. The pro-fibrotic action of IL11 in HDFs appeared unrelated to STAT3 activity, independent of TGFβ upregulation and was not associated with phosphorylation of SMAD2/3. Inhibition of IL11 signalling using either a neutralizing antibody against IL11 or siRNA against IL11RA reduced TGFβ-induced HDF proliferation, matrix production and cell migration, which was phenocopied by pharmacological inhibition of ERK.

Conclusions
These data reveal that autocrine IL11-dependent ERK activity alone or downstream of TGFβ stimulation promotes fibrosis phenotypes in dermal fibroblasts and suggest IL11 as a potential therapeutic target in SSc.
ESTABLISHING LOCAL DIAGNOSTIC REFERENCE LEVELS FOR ROUTINE COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY EXAMINATIONS IN JIMMA UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER SOUTH WEST ETHIOPIA
Authors: Zewdu Mesfin , Kadir Elias , Tesfaye Million , Berhane Melkamu 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The main purpose of this study was to determine local diagnostic reference level (LDRL) for Routine Computed Tomography (CT) examination in, Jimma University Medical Center (JUMC) South West Ethiopia. Retrospective study was conducted to determine LDRL for routine CT examination in JUMC. We have considered CTDIvol and DLP as dosimetric quantity based on the recommended guidelines to determine LDRLs by different international legal Authorities. The 75th percentile values of the calculated CTDIvol and DLP were proposed as LDRL. LDRL was obtained as CTDIvol, 42.97mGy, 7.76mGy, 14.32mGy, and 10.86mGy for routine brain CT, routine chest CT, routine thoraco-lumbar CT and routine abdomen CT examination respectively. Similarly the determined LDRL from DLP was 1364.15mGycm, 368.96mGycm, 853.18mGycm, and 1568.96mGycm for brain, chest, thoraco-lumbar and abdomen examination respectively. The LDRL obtained for DLP was higher compared with international DRLs; it can be reduced by coordinating effort between radiologists, technologists and medical physicist.
Micropatterned Coculture With 3T3-J2 Fibroblasts Enhances Hepatic Functions and Drug Screening Utility of HepaRG Cells
Authors: Ware Brenton R , Liu Jennifer S , Monckton Chase P , Ballinger Kimberly R , Khetani Salman R 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Human liver models are useful for assessing compound metabolism/toxicity; however, primary human hepatocyte (PHH) lots are limited and highly variable in quality/viability. In contrast, cell lines, such as HepaRG, are cheaper and more reproducible surrogates for initial compound screening; however, hepatic functions and sensitivity for drug outcomes need improvement. Here, we show that HepaRGs cocultured with murine embryonic 3T3-J2 fibroblasts, previously shown to induce PHH functions, could address such limitations. We either micropatterned HepaRGs or seeded them “randomly” onto collagen-coated plates before 3T3-J2 coculture. Micropatterned cocultures (HepaRG-MPCCs) secreted 2- to 4-fold more albumin and displayed more stable cytochrome P450 activities than HepaRG conventional confluent monocultures (HepaRG-CCs) and HepaRG micropatterned hepatocytes (HepaRG-MPHs) for 4 weeks, even when excluding dimethyl sulfoxide from the medium. Furthermore, HepaRG-MPCCs had the most albumin-only positive cells (hepatic), lowest cytokeratin 19 (CK19)-only positive cells (cholangiocytic), and highest mean albumin intensity per cell than HepaRG random cocultures and monocultures; however, 80%–84% of HepaRGs remained bipotential (albumin+/CK19+) across all models. The 3T3-J2s also induced higher albumin in HepaRG spheroids than HepaRG-only spheroids. Additionally, although rifampin induced CYP3A4 in HepaRG-MPCCs and HepaRG-CCs, only HepaRG-MPCCs showed the dual omeprazole-mediated CYP1A2/3A4 induction as with PHHs. Lastly, when treated for 6 days with 47 drugs and evaluated for albumin and ATP to make binary hepatotoxicity calls, HepaRG-MPCCs displayed a sensitivity of 54% and specificity of 100% (70%/100% in PHH-MPCCs), whereas HepaRG-CCs misclassified several hepatotoxins. Ultimately, HepaRG-MPCCs could be a more cost-effective and reproducible model than PHHs for executing a tier 1 compound screen.
Mycetoma spatial geographical distribution in the Eastern Sennar locality, Sennar State, Sudan
Authors: Ganawa El Taib S , Bushara Mesoud A , Musa Abdelrahman E A , Bakhiet Sahar M , Fahal Ahmed H 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Background
Mycetoma is a unique neglected tropical disease caused by a substantial number of different fungi or bacteria. Many of the disease's epidemiological characteristics are an enigma. Hence, understanding the spatial geographic distribution of mycetoma may clarify the association between the local environmental indicators, the spatial geographical distribution of mycetoma and its epidemiology.

Methods
This study set out to determine the spatial geographical distribution of mycetoma in the Eastern Sennar locality, Sennar State, one of the highly endemic states in Sudan. It included 594 patients with confirmed mycetoma seen at the Mycetoma Research Centre, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan, from 1991 to 2020. The spatial geographical distribution of these mycetoma patients was studied. The study area geographic information system data, which included geological, soil, temperature and land cover details, were collected in different geographic information forms. Different geographical analytical techniques were used.

Results
The patients' demographic characteristics were similar to those of the general characteristics of mycetoma patients in Sudan. Eumycetoma was the predominant type of mycetoma encountered in the studied patients. The data studied showed that most patients were located in the southern part of the locality along the Blue Nile river. The study showed an association between patients' spatial geographical distribution and soil types. Most patients’ localities had light clay soil (475 patients [80%]), followed by sandy loam soil (79 [13%]) then loam soil (40 [6.71%]). Also, 85% of patients' localities had the same land cover and vegetation. There was no significant correlation between patients' localities with temperature or any other geological characteristic.

Conclusion
The present study showed certain associations between mycetoma spatial geographical distribution and certain environmental indicators. However, a further in-depth study to provide greater insight into the disease's epidemiological characteristics is needed.
Prevention, control and management of leptospirosis in India: an evidence gap map
Authors: Beri Deepti , Moola Sandeep , Jagnoor Jagnoor , Salam Abdul , Bhaumik Soumyadeep 
Published: February 2021

AbstractLeptospirosis is an emerging public health problem in India. We developed an evidence gap map (EGM) on prevention, control and management of leptospirosis in India to inform research priorities. The EGM framework was developed in consultation with stakeholders and noted key parameters to influence state and national level research priorities. We searched six electronic databases and three relevant websites and included 27 studies (humans, 23; animals, 4; both, 0). Most studies (17/27 [63%]) were from three high-burden states. Controlled clinical trials (non-randomised, 6/27 [22%]; randomised, 2/27 [7%]) and pre–post studies (6/27 [22%]) suitable for evaluating interventions were sparse. Only 26% studies (6/23 human studies) included high-risk groups like animal caretakers, tribal people, relief/sanitation workers, pregnant women and people from slums. Nearly 56% of studies (15/27) evaluated pharmacological interventions at an individual level. Community-level interventions were limited (4/27 [15%]) with no studies on vaccination, personal protection, antibiotic policy or water, sanitation and hygiene interventions. Health systems and policy or multicomponent studies were rare (5/27 [19%]) with no reporting of key outcomes like healthcare coverage, quality of care and other relevant outcomes to evaluate interventions. There is a need for prioritising research to evaluate prevention and control interventions, including the One Health approach. Embedding national-level EGMs for research prioritisation exercises should be considered.
Thoracic actinomycetoma: a retrospective clinical-epidemiological study of 64 cases
Authors: Bonifaz Alexandro , Tirado-Sánchez Andrés , Araiza Javier , Fierro-Arias Leonel , Martínez-Gamboa Areli , Ponce-de-León Alfredo 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Background
Actinomycetoma is a chronic granulomatous infection that follows traumatic implantation. Thoracic actinomycetoma (TA) is rare and may lead to severe complications.

Methods
A retrospective study of cases of TA diagnosed from 1985 to 2019 was carried out. Each case underwent direct examination, culture and biopsy.

Results
Sixty-four cases (12.8%) were included, with a male predominance (84.3%); the main occupation was peasant farmer (71.8%) and the main site was the back (76.5%). Vertebral involvement was observed in 21.8% and pulmonary involvement in 7.8%. Nocardia brasiliensis was the main aetiological agent (53 cases, 74.5%).

Conclusions
TA is a poorly studied disease that can cause neurological and lung complications.
Comparing various scoring systems in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma with ALPPS
Authors: Xu Yan , Hu Xiaoling , Li Jiangbin , Dong Rui 
Published: February 2021

Introduction:
Associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) results in a vast increase in the volume of the future liver remnant (FLR) in a short period of time. Although ALPPS has expanded the surgical scope of hepatectomy, its high mortality and complication rate are not to be ignored. Preoperative evaluation of the growth rate of FLR and liver function after ALPPS is necessary. In this article, we compared the predictive effects of various scoring systems on the growth rate of FLR and liver function after the stage-1 of ALPPS.

Methods:
A retrospective study of all patients undergoing ALPPS for hepatocellular carcinoma from January 2015 to August 2019 at Tang Du hospital was performed. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to compare the predictive effects of various scoring systems on the growth rate of FLR and liver function after the stage-1 of ALPPS.

Results:
Platelet-albumin-bilirubin (PALBI) score has statistical significance for predicting the growth rate of FLR after stage-1 of ALPPS. The area under ROC curve is 0.917, P=0.033, <0.05. Albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) score has statistical significance for predicting posthepatectomy liver failure after stage-1 of ALPPS. The area under ROC curve is 0.917, P=0.033, <0.05.

Conclusions:
PALBI can predict the growth rate of FLR after the stage-1 of ALPPS, while ALBI can predict the liver function.
Descemet-Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty
Authors: Gorovoy Mark S. 
Published: February 2021

Purpose:
To evaluate the speed of visual recovery in 16 consecutive patients with corneal endothelial dysfunction who received Descemetstripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK).

Methods:
This is a retrospective study of a novel method for smallincision endothelial transplantation (DSAEK). Endothelial replacement was accomplished with Descemet stripping of the recipient and insertion of a posterior donor tissue that had been prepared with a microkeratome. Best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) by manifest refraction, endothelial counts, and dislocation rates were measured up to 12 months after DSAEK.

Results:
Sixteen consecutive patients underwent uncomplicated DSAEK. Three patients had known optic nerve or macular disease precluding vision better than 20/200. Of the remaining 14 patients, 11 had BSCVA of 20/40 by postoperative week 12 (7 by week 6). The remaining 2 were 20/50 by weeks 6 and 12. All 14 patients were 20/40 or better at 1 year. One patient had a primary graft failure, and surgery was repeated with 20/40 BSCVA at 1 year. The dislocation rate was 25%. The average cell count between 7 and 10 months was 1714. The average pachymetry was 682.

Conclusion:
DSAEK surgery allows rapid, excellent BSCVAvisual recovery. The rate of visual recovery is more rapid than usually found with penetrating keratoplasty.
COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Pate Kimberly , Shaffer Kathy , Belin Latasia , Brelewski Kiersten , Fuller Kayla , Gold Charles , Golden Leslie , Raynor Nora , Rutledge Sarah , Spangler Lacey , Weaver Kelley 
Published: February 2021

Purpose/Objectives
The goal of this article is to describe how a high-functioning clinical nurse specialist (CNS) team rapidly responded to the needs of the patients, nursing staff, and organization as a whole to address the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis.

Description of the Project
Using the advanced practice knowledge and skills, each CNS moved effortlessly between the 3 spheres of influence, patient, nursing, and organization, to address the unique needs of the COVID-positive patient, as well as the routinely ill who still needed care during a pandemic. In addition to observing and addressing opportunities at the bedside, the CNS team was essential in the development of plans of care, crisis care standards, and a structure for critical care cross-training.

Outcomes
Five themes essential to success were identified: a common motivation and goal, collaboration, the importance of communication in utilizing established groups to create rapid change, power of influence, and the availability of a vast number of resources including professional nursing roles.

Conclusion
Using the expertise of a specially trained team of CNSs, an effective plan was established to ensure safe, optimal care during the COVID-19 pandemic and effectively support frontline nurses.
Clinical Nurse Specialist Collaboration With a Community-Based Palliative Care Program
Authors: Fedel Patrice Renee , Pennington Gwen 
Published: February 2021

Purpose/Objectives
The purpose of the project was to evaluate the impact of a clinical nurse specialist (CNS) collaborating with an established Midwestern community-based palliative care program on the following quality outcomes: care coordination, 30-day readmissions, and emergency department (ED) utilization.

Description of Project
Palliative care services are evolving from the inpatient setting to community-based models to meet the needs of patients in their homes. As community-based programs develop, healthcare systems are examining the various models of care. The evidence-based practice project evaluated a collaborative practice model between a CNS and a community-based palliative care team. Quantitative analysis included 30-day readmissions and ED utilization in a preimplementation and postimplementation design. Qualitative data were obtained from a focus group of the community-based palliative care team to discuss the role of the CNS on the team.

Outcomes
The addition of a CNS did not significantly impact 30-day readmissions or ED visits. An unexpected outcome was that the CNS intervention was associated with an increase in social work visits. Results of the focus groups suggested that the CNS improved care coordination, nursing support, education, and medical management.

Conclusion
Both quantitative and qualitative analyses suggest that the CNS enhanced coordination of care and quality outcomes. Examining the CNS contribution over a longer period will further clarify the CNS's impact to the team.
Telehealth-delivered, Cardioprotective Diet and Exercise Program for Liver Transplant Recipients: A Randomized Feasibility Study
Authors: Hickman Ingrid J. , Hannigan Amy K. , Johnston Heidi E. , Elvin-Walsh Louise , Mayr Hannah L. , Staudacher Heidi M. , Barnett Amandine , Stoney Rachel , Salisbury Chloe , Jarrett Maree , Reeves Marina M. , Coombes Jeff S. , Campbell Katrina L. , Keating Shelley E. , Macdonald Graeme A. 
Published: February 2021

Background.
Rapid excess weight gain and metabolic complications contribute to poor outcomes following liver transplant care. Providing specialist lifestyle intervention with equitable access is a challenge for posttransplant service delivery.

Methods.
This study investigated the feasibility of a 12-wk telehealth delivered lifestyle intervention for liver transplant recipients (randomized controlled trial with a delayed intervention control group). The intervention included 14 group sessions facilitated by nutrition and exercise specialists via video streaming telehealth and participants used their own devices. Feasibility was assessed across session attendance, the adequacy, acceptability, and confidence with the telehealth technology and adherence to diet (Mediterranean Diet Adherence Score). Secondary pooled analysis of effectiveness was determined from changes in quality of life and metabolic syndrome severity score.

Results.
Of the 35 participants randomized, dropout was 22.8% (n = 8) and overall session attendance rate was 60%. Confidence with and adequacy of home technology was rated high in 96% and 91% of sessions, respectively. Participants randomized to the intervention significantly improved Mediterranean Diet Adherence Score (2-point increase [95% confidence interval, 1.5-3.4] versus control 0 point change [95% confidence interval, –1.4 to 1.2]; P = 0.004). Intervention (within group) analysis found the intervention significantly decreased the metabolic syndrome severity score (–0.4 [95% confidence interval, –0.6 to –0.1] P = 0.01), and improved mental health-related quality of life (2.5 [95% confidence interval, 0.4-4.6] P = 0.03).

Conclusions.
A cardioprotective lifestyle intervention delivered via telehealth is feasible for liver transplant recipients and may improve access to specialist care to support metabolic health and wellness after transplant.
SARS-CoV-2 RBD-Tetanus toxoid conjugate vaccine induces a strong neutralizing immunity in preclinical studies
Authors: Valdes-Balbin Yury , Santana-Mederos Darielys , Quintero Lauren , Fernández Sonsire , Rodriguez Laura , Ramirez Belinda Sanchez , Perez Rocmira , Acosta Claudia , Méndez Yanira , Ricardo Manuel G. , Hernandez Tays , Bergado Gretchen , Pi Franciscary , Valdes Annet , Carmenate Tania , Ramirez Ubel , Oliva Reinaldo , Soubal Jean-Pierre , Garrido Raine , Cardoso Felix , Landys Mario , Gonzalez Humberto , Farinas Mildrey , Enriquez Juliet , Noa Enrique , Suarez Anamary , Fang Cheng , Espinosa Luis A. , Ramos Yassel , González Luis Javier , Climent Yanet , Rojas Gertrudis , Relova-Hernández Ernesto , Infante Yanelys Cabrera , Losada Sum Lai , Boggiano Tammy , Ojito Eduardo , Monzon Kalet Leon , Chiodo Fabrizio , Paquet Françoise , Chen Guang-Wu , Rivera Daniel G. , Garcia-Rivera Dagmar , Verez-Bencomo Vicente 
Published: February 2021

AbstractControlling the global COVID-19 pandemic depends, among other measures, on developing preventive vaccines at an unprecedented pace. Vaccines approved for use and those in development intend to use neutralizing antibodies to block viral sites binding to the host’s cellular receptors. Virus infection is mediated by the spike glycoprotein trimer on the virion surface via its receptor binding domain (RBD). Antibody response to this domain is an important outcome of the immunization and correlates well with viral neutralization. Here we show that macromolecular constructs with recombinant RBD conjugated to tetanus toxoid induce a potent immune response in laboratory animals. Some advantages of the immunization with the viral antigen coupled to tetanus toxoid have become evident such as predominant IgG immune response due to affinity maturation and long-term specific B-memory cells. This paper demonstrates that subunit conjugate vaccines can be an alternative for COVID-19, paving the way for other viral conjugate vaccines based on the use of small viral proteins involved in the infection process.
Arboreal aperitifs: Space use and activity of a major songbird nest predator in a tropical Thailand forest
Authors: D’souza Anji , Gale George , Marshall Benjamin Michael , Khamcha Daphawan , Waengsothorn Surachit , Strine Colin Thomas 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACTPredator-prey interactions are fundamental drivers of population dynamics, yet rarely are both predator and prey species simultaneously studied. Despite being significant, widespread avian nest predators, research on the ecology of Southeast Asian snakes in relation to birds remains scarce. The green cat snake (Boiga cyanea) is a primary nest predator, responsible for ≈24% of forest songbird depredation in Northeast Thailand. We explored both diurnal and nocturnal movements of 14 (5 male, 9 female) adultB. cyaneawith radio-telemetry for an average of 68 ± 16 days per individual, between 21 October 2017 and 8 June 2019 in the dry evergreen forest of the Sakaerat Biosphere Reserve (SBR). We quantified area of space use (ha) and activity through motion variance (Ϭm2) during the study period using dynamic Brownian bridge movement models, and linked our findings to a simultaneously-run avian nest monitoring study, initiated in 2013 within the same forest fragment. On average, movements, space use and activity differed between males and females, and between the avian nesting and non-nesting seasons. Males moved 51.37 m/day farther than females. They used areas 15.09 ha larger than females, and their activity was 3.91 Ϭm2higher than that of females. In general, individuals moved 50.30 m/day farther during the nesting season than the non-nesting season. The snakes used areas 9.84 ha larger during the nesting season than the non-nesting season, and their activity during the nesting season was 3.24 Ϭm2higher than that during the non-nesting season. All individuals were exclusively nocturnal, moving throughout the night, and often descending from higher diurnal refugia (>2 m) to forage closer to the ground after sunset.Boiga cyaneaactivity followed a similar trend to that of the recorded nest depredations at SBR. Our study links snake activity to nest depredations in SBR. Our openly-available data may yield further insight when combined with other major avian nest predator species like the congeneric invasive brown tree snake (Boiga irregularis) on the island of Guam.