bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Higher titer hepatitis B core antibody predicts a higher risk of liver metastases and worse survival in patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Li Ziyao , Li Shaofei , Tao Hangbo , Zhan Yixiang , Ni Kemin , Gong Jianfeng , Li Guoxun 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
There have been controversial voices on if hepatitis B virus infection decreases the risk of colorectal liver metastases or not. This study aims to the find the association between HBV infection and postoperative survival of colorectal cancer and the risk of liver metastases in colorectal cancer patients.

Methods
Patients who underwent curative surgical resection for colorectal cancer between January 2011 and December 2012 were included. Patients were grouped according to anti-HBc. Differences in overall survival, time to progress, and hepatic metastasis-free survival between groups and significant predictors were analyzed.

Results
Three hundred twenty-seven colorectal cancer patients were comprised of 202 anti-HBc negative cases and 125 anti-HBc positive cases, and anti-HBc positive cases were further divided into high-titer anti-HBc group (39) and low-titer anti-HBc group (86). The high-titer anti-HBc group had significantly worse overall survival (5-Yr, 65.45% vs. 80.06%; P < .001), time to progress (5-Yr, 44.26% vs. 84.73%; P < .001), and hepatic metastasis-free survival (5-Yr, 82.44% vs. 94.58%; P = .029) than the low-titer group. Multivariate model showed anti-HBc ≥ 8.8 S/CO was correlated with poor overall survival (HR, 3.510; 95% CI, 1.718–7.17; P < .001), time to progress (HR, 5.747; 95% CI, 2.789–11.842; P < .001), and hepatic metastasis-free survival (HR, 3.754; 95% CI, 1.054–13.369; P = .041) in the anti-HBc positive cases.

Conclusions
Higher titer anti-HBc predicts a potential higher risk of liver metastases and a worse survival in anti-HBc positive colorectal cancer patients.
Tunneling a crosstown highway: a natural experiment testing the longitudinal effect on physical activity and active transport
Authors: Stappers Nicole E. H. , Schipperijn Jasper , Kremers Stef P. J. , Bekker Marleen P. M. , Jansen Maria W. J. , de Vries Nanne K. , Van Kann Dave H. H. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
In the city of Maastricht in the Netherlands, a highway crossing several deprived neighborhoods was tunneled in 2016. The vacant space on top of this tunnel was redesigned and prioritized for pedestrians and cyclists. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of this major infrastructural change, named the Green Carpet, on total and transport-based physical activity (PA) levels.

Methods
Participants (≥18 years) were part of one of three area-based exposure groups. The maximal exposure group lived in neighborhoods directly bordering the Green Carpet. The minimal exposure group consisted of individuals living at the other side of the city, and the no exposure group consisted of individuals living in a nearby city. Actual use of the new infrastructure was incorporated as a second measure of exposure. Data were collected before and 3-15 months after the opening of the Green Carpet. Device-based measurements were conducted to obtain PA levels and collect location data. Changes in PA over time and intervention effects were determined using linear mixed models.

Results
PA levels in the Green Carpet area increased for the maximal and minimal exposure groups, but did not lead to an increase in total or transport-based PA. For the no exposure group, transport-based MVPA decreased and transport-based SB increased. The significant interaction (time x exposure) for transport-based SB, indicated differences in trends between the no exposure and maximal exposure group (B=-3.59, 95% CI - 7.15; -0.02) and minimal exposure group (B= -4.02, 95% CI -7.85, -0.19). Trends in the results based on analyses focusing on actual use and non-use of the new infrastructure were similar to those of the area-based analyses.

Conclusions
Results suggest that the Green Carpet led to more PA in this specific area, but did not increase the total volume of PA. The area-based differences might reflect the differences between users and non-users, but we should be careful when interpreting these results, due to possible interference of selective mobility bias. This paper reflects that the relationship between infrastructure and PA is not unambiguous.

Trial registration
This research was retrospectively registered at the Netherlands Trial Register (NL8108).
Advanced baseline immunosuppression is associated with elevated levels of plasma markers of fungal translocation and inflammation in long-term treated HIV-infected Tanzanians
Authors: Barabona Godfrey , Mahiti Macdonald , Toyoda Mako , Kamori Doreen , Masoud Salim , Judicate George P. , Sunguya Bruno , Lyamuya Eligius , Ueno Takamasa 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
For over a decade, antiretroviral therapy (ART) in resource-limited countries was only recommended for patients with advanced HIV disease. We investigated this group of patients in order to determine any relationship between degree of immunosuppression during treatment initiation and the subsequent levels of inflammatory biomarkers, reservoir size and plasma marker of fungal translocation after achieving long-term virological control.

Methods
We analyzed 115 virally suppressed (female 83.5%) and 40 untreated (female 70%) subjects from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The size of HIV latent reservoir (proviral DNA copy) was determined using quantitative PCR. Inflammatory biomarkers; IL-6, IL-10, and soluble CD14 (sCD14), were measured using multiplex cytometric beads array. Antibody titers for Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein Barr virus (EBV), plasma level of 1-3-beta-d-Glucan (BDG) was measured using ELISA. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) was measured using nephelometric method.

Results
The median age was 36 (IQR 32-44) and 47 (IQR 43–54) years in untreated and virally suppressed patients respectively. Median duration of treatment for virally suppressed patients was 9 years (IQR 7–12) and median baseline CD4 count was 147 cells/mm3 (IQR 65–217). Virally suppressed patients were associated with significantly lower plasma levels of IL-10, sCD14 and BDG (P < 0.05) when compared to untreated patients. However, plasma level of IL-6 was similar between the groups. Baseline advanced level of immunosuppression (CD4 < 100cells/cm3) was associated with significantly higher plasma level of IL-6 (P = 0.02), hsCRP (P = 0.036) and BDG (P = 0.0107). This relationship was not seen in plasma levels of other tested markers. Degree of baseline immunosuppression was not associated with the subsequent proviral DNA copy. In addition, plasma levels of inflammatory marker were not associated with sex, CMV or EBV antibody titers, treatment duration or regimen.

Conclusions
Our data suggest that advanced immunosuppression at ART initiation is associated with severity of inflammation and elevated fungal translocation marker despite long term virological control. Further studies are needed to evaluate the potential increased burden of non-AIDS comorbidities that are linked to elevated inflammatory and fungal translocation markers as a result of the policy of HIV treatment at CD4 count < 200 cells/cm3 implemented for over a decade in Tanzania.
Advancing sustainable development goals through immunization: a literature review
Authors: Decouttere Catherine , De Boeck Kim , Vandaele Nico 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundImmunization directly impacts health (SDG3) and brings a contribution to 14 out of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as ending poverty, reducing hunger, and reducing inequalities. Therefore, immunization is recognized to play a central role in reaching the SDGs, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Despite continuous interventions to strengthen immunization systems and to adequately respond to emergency immunization during epidemics, the immunization-related indicators for SDG3 lag behind in sub-Saharan Africa. Especially taking into account the current Covid19 pandemic, the current performance on the connected SDGs is both a cause and a result of this.MethodsWe conduct a literature review through a keyword search strategy complemented with handpicking and snowballing from earlier reviews. After title and abstract screening, we conducted a qualitative analysis of key insights and categorized them according to showing the impact of immunization on SDGs, sustainability challenges, and model-based solutions to these challenges.ResultsWe reveal the leveraging mechanisms triggered by immunization and position them vis-à-vis the SDGs, within the framework of Public Health and Planetary Health. Several challenges for sustainable control of vaccine-preventable diseases are identified: access to immunization services, global vaccine availability to LMICs, context-dependent vaccine effectiveness, safe and affordable vaccines, local/regional vaccine production, public-private partnerships, and immunization capacity/capability building. Model-based approaches that support SDG-promoting interventions concerning immunization systems are analyzed in light of the strategic priorities of the Immunization Agenda 2030.ConclusionsIn general terms, it can be concluded that relevant future research requires (i) design for system resilience, (ii) transdisciplinary modeling, (iii) connecting interventions in immunization with SDG outcomes, (iv) designing interventions and their implementation simultaneously, (v) offering tailored solutions, and (vi) model coordination and integration of services and partnerships. The research and health community is called upon to join forces to activate existing knowledge, generate new insights and develop decision-supporting tools for Low-and Middle-Income Countries’ health authorities and communities to leverage immunization in its transformational role toward successfully meeting the SDGs in 2030.
Application of the “telescopic rod” in a combined surgical technique for the treatment of congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia in children
Authors: Liu Yaoxi , Yang Ge , Zhu Guanghui , Tan Qian , Wu Jiangyan , Liu Kun , Tang Jin , Mei Haibo 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
The current surgical treatment of choice is the combination surgical technique, involving tibial intramedullary fixation to maintain the mechanical axis and mechanical stability of tibial pseudarthrosis. In traditional combined surgery, the Williams rod is often used. Long-term intramedullary fixation of the foot and ankle will affect the ankle joint function of children. The intramedullary rod is relatively shorter due to the growth of the distal tibia. In addition, there are some complications such as epiphyseal bone bridge and high-arched foot. The use of a telescopic intramedullary rod may avoid these complications.

Purposes
To investigate the initial effect of the “telescopic rod” in a combined surgical technique for the treatment of congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia in children.

Methods
A retrospective study including 15 patients with Crawford type IV CPT who were treated using a combined surgical technique and the telescopic rod from January 2017 to May 2018. The average age at the time of surgery was 43.3 months (16–126 months). Of the 15 patients, 7 had proximal tibia dysplasia and 12 exhibited neurofibromatosis type 1. The combined surgical technique using the telescopic rod included the excision of pseudarthrosis, intramedullary rod insertion, installation of Ilizarov’s fixator, tibia-fibular cross union, and wrapping autogenic iliac bone graft. The incidence of refracture, ankle valgus, tibial valgus, and limb length discrepancy (LLD) in patients were investigated.

Results
All patients achieved primary union with an average follow-up time of 37.3 months (26–42 months). The mean primary union time was 4.5 months (4.0–5.6 months). Nine cases showed LLD (60%), with an average limb length of 1.1 cm (0.5–2.0 cm). Ankle valgus, proximal tibial valgus, telescopic rod displacement, and epiphyseal plate tethering occurred in 1 case (6.6%) (18°), 3 cases (20%) (10°, 5°, and 6°, respectively), 6 cases (40%), and 2 cases (13%), respectively. There were no refractures during the follow-up periods.

Conclusion
Although there are complications such as intramedullary rod displacement while using the telescopic rod in a combined surgery, the primary healing rate of congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia in children is high.
Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) practices in the helicopter emergency medical services in Europe: results of an online survey
Authors: Hilbert-Carius Peter , Struck Manuel F. , Rudolph Marcus , Knapp Jürgen , Rognås Leif , Adler Jörn , Slagt Cor , Jacobsen Lars , Pich Henryk , Christian Michael D. , Dandrifosse Didier , Abu-Zidan Fikri M. ,   POCUS in HEMS collaborators, Maddock Alistair , Truhlar Anatolij , Joaosagla Antonio , Nevin Daniel , Werner Daniel , Moens Didier , Aylagas Diego , Quinn Eimhea , Smrzova Eva , Pernot Frederic , Helliksson Fredrik , van Geffen Geert Jan , Aichinger Gernot , van derde Velde Jason , Chatterjee John , Seifert Jörg , Holm Kirsti Strømmen , Hirner Manfred , de Leeuw Marcel , Kowalski Marcin , Radnai Marton , Rebling Niko , Lakatos Philipp , Ketelaars Rein , Lyon Richard , Galazkowski Robert , Gebei Robert , Tranca Sebastian Daniel , Sollid Stephen , Lampic Uros , Pietsch Urs , Schweigkofler Uwe , Voipio Ville , Voelckel Wolfgang 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe extent to which Point-of-care of ultrasound (POCUS) is used in different European helicopter EMS (HEMS) is unknown. We aimed to study the availability, perception, and future aspects of POCUS in the European HEMS using an online survey.MethodA survey about the use of POCUS in HEMS was conducted by a multinational steering expert committee and was carried out from November 30, 2020 to December 30, 2020 via an online web portal. Invitations for participation were sent via email to the medical directors of the European HEMS organizations including two reminding notes.ResultsDuring the study period, 69 participants from 25 countries and 41 different HEMS providers took part in the survey. 96% (n = 66) completed the survey. POCUS was available in 75% (56% always when needed and 19% occasionally) of the responding HEMS organizations. 17% were planning to establish POCUS in the near future. Responders who provided POCUS used it in approximately 15% of the patients. Participants thought that POCUS is important in both trauma and non-trauma-patients (73%, n = 46). The extended focused assessment sonography for trauma (eFAST) protocol (77%) was the most common protocol used. A POCUS credentialing process including documented examinations was requested in less than one third of the HEMS organizations.ConclusionsThe majority of the HEMS organizations in Europe are able to provide different POCUS protocols in their services. The most used POCUS protocols were eFAST, FATE and RUSH. Despite the enthusiasm for POCUS, comprehensive training and clear credentialing processes are not available in about two thirds of the European HEMS organizations. Due to several limitations of this survey further studies are needed to evaluate POCUS in HEMS.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in parents of children with type 1 diabetes during Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Carducci C. , Rapini N. , Deodati A. , Pampanini V. , Cianfarani S. , Schiaffini R. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Introduction
The Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a group of persistent psychological and physiological symptoms due to a traumatic, severe, event. Only few studies focused on the effects of Covid-19 on psychosocial outcomes in children with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) and their parents.

Aim of the study
The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence PTSD in parents of children with T1D during COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.

Patients and methods
In the period between March and May 2020 we submitted the “Impact of Event Scale – Revised” (IES-R) questionnaire to the parents of 34 children with Type 1 Diabetes, asking them to express their emotions about the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Results
A total of thirty mothers (mean age 43.0 ± 4.2 years) and 25 fathers (mean age 45.6 ± 5.9 years) participated in the survey and completed the questionnaires. 29.1% of parents had a score that allows to define a clinically relevant level of PTSD; ten mothers and 6 fathers had a PTSD clinically relevant score, corresponding, respectively, to 28.4 and 24% of total mothers and fathers. Finally, mothers and fathers, both express PTSD symptoms mainly in the form of intrusion and hyperarousal.

Conclusions
The present study confirms a high prevalence symptoms related to PTSD in mothers and fathers of children with Type 1 Diabetes. We believe that psychosocial outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic should be taken into account in the planning of the next future assistance for children with T1D.
Molecular detection and risk factors for Anaplasma platys infection in dogs from Egypt
Authors: Selim Abdelfattah , Almohammed Hamdan , Abdelhady Abdelhamed , Alouffi Abdulaziz , Alshammari Fahdah Ayed 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
Anaplasma platys is a tick-borne bacterium which infects blood platelets of dogs, causing canine cyclic thrombocytopenia. The disease is distributed worldwide, particularly in the tropics and subtropics, but information on the epidemiology of A. platys infection in dogs is fragmentary in many countries, including Egypt. In this study, we investigated the prevalence and risk factors associated with A. platys infection in dogs from Egypt.

Methods
A conventional PCR targeting a fragment of the 16S rRNA gene of A. platys was used to screen 500 dogs from five North Egyptian governorates. DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis were performed for one of the positive samples.

Results
The overall prevalence of A. platys in the studied dogs was 6.4%. Females of the German shepherd breed without veterinary care had higher odds for A. platys positivity. High tick infestation and lack of anti-tick treatment were also identified as risk factors for A. platys infection. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the sequence obtained herein was closely related to sequences from Egypt, South Africa and Uruguay.

Conclusions
This is the first large-scale epidemiological study of A. platys in Egypt, where female German shepherd dogs without veterinary care, as well as dogs with high tick infestation and without anti-tick treatment are at a higher risk of infection.

Graphical abstract
Human reference gut microbiome catalog including newly assembled genomes from under-represented Asian metagenomes
Authors: Kim Chan Yeong , Lee Muyoung , Yang Sunmo , Kim Kyungnam , Yong Dongeun , Kim Hye Ryun , Lee Insuk 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
Metagenome sampling bias for geographical location and lifestyle is partially responsible for the incomplete catalog of reference genomes of gut microbial species. Thus, genome assembly from currently under-represented populations may effectively expand the reference gut microbiome and improve taxonomic and functional profiling.

Methods
We assembled genomes using public whole-metagenomic shotgun sequencing (WMS) data for 110 and 645 fecal samples from India and Japan, respectively. In addition, we assembled genomes from newly generated WMS data for 90 fecal samples collected from Korea. Expecting genome assembly for low-abundance species may require a much deeper sequencing than that usually employed, so we performed ultra-deep WMS (> 30 Gbp or > 100 million read pairs) for the fecal samples from Korea. We consequently assembled 29,082 prokaryotic genomes from 845 fecal metagenomes for the three under-represented Asian countries and combined them with the Unified Human Gastrointestinal Genome (UHGG) to generate an expanded catalog, the Human Reference Gut Microbiome (HRGM).

Results
HRGM contains 232,098 non-redundant genomes for 5414 representative prokaryotic species including 780 that are novel, > 103 million unique proteins, and > 274 million single-nucleotide variants. This is an over 10% increase from the UHGG. The new 780 species were enriched for the Bacteroidaceae family, including species associated with high-fiber and seaweed-rich diets. Single-nucleotide variant density was positively associated with the speciation rate of gut commensals. We found that ultra-deep sequencing facilitated the assembly of genomes for low-abundance taxa, and deep sequencing (e.g., > 20 million read pairs) may be needed for the profiling of low-abundance taxa. Importantly, the HRGM significantly improved the taxonomic and functional classification of sequencing reads from fecal samples. Finally, analysis of human self-antigen homologs on the HRGM species genomes suggested that bacterial taxa with high cross-reactivity potential may contribute more to the pathogenesis of gut microbiome-associated diseases than those with low cross-reactivity potential by promoting inflammatory condition.

Conclusions
By including gut metagenomes from previously under-represented Asian countries, Korea, India, and Japan, we developed a substantially expanded microbiome catalog, HRGM. Information of the microbial genomes and coding genes is publicly available (www.mbiomenet.org/HRGM/). HRGM will facilitate the identification and functional analysis of disease-associated gut microbiota.
Camera-based objective measures of Parkinson’s disease gait features
Authors: van Kersbergen Jannis , Otte Karen , de Vries Nienke M. , Bloem Bastiaan R. , Röhling Hanna M. , Mansow-Model Sebastian , van der Kolk Nicolien M. , Overeem Sebastiaan , Zinger Svitlana , van Gilst Merel M. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Objective
Parkinson’s disease is a common, age-related, neurodegenerative disease, affecting gait and other motor functions. Technological developments in consumer imaging are starting to provide high-quality, affordable tools for home-based diagnosis and monitoring. This pilot study aims to investigate whether a consumer depth camera can capture changes in gait features of Parkinson’s patients. The dataset consisted of 19 patients (tested in both a practically defined OFF phase and ON phase) and 8 controls, who performed the “Timed-Up-and-Go” test multiple times while being recorded with the Microsoft Kinect V2 sensor. Camera-derived features were step length, average walking speed and mediolateral sway. Motor signs were assessed clinically using the Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale.

Results
We found significant group differences between patients and controls for step length and average walking speed, showing the ability to detect Parkinson’s features. However, there were no differences between the ON and OFF medication state, so further developments are needed to allow for detection of small intra-individual changes in symptom severity.