bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Early detection and persistent positivity of anti-Leishmania antibodies using a recombinant protein-based ELISA in naturally infected dogs in Brazil
Authors: de Jesus Matheus Silva , Cruz João Victor Andrade , Coelho Lívia Brito , Borja Lairton Souza , da Silva Edmilson Domingos , Solcà Manuela da Silva , Brodskyn Claudia Ida , Fraga Deborah Bittencourt Mothé 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundVisceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a zoonotic disease caused byLeishmania infantum, for which dogs constitute the main urban parasite reservoir. Control measures and the treatment of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) are essential to reduce VL cases. Early and accurate detection ofL. infantum-infected dogs is crucial to the success of VL control. To improve the serological detection ofL. infantum-exposed dogs, we evaluated the early diagnosis capacity of a recombinant protein (rLci5) in an immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect naturally infected dogs. Additionally, we evaluated the persistence of the positive results obtained by rLci5 ELISA in comparison to other conventional diagnostic test methods.MethodsSerum samples obtained from 48L. infantum-infected dogs involved in a cohort study were evaluated using different diagnostic methods (qPCR, EIE-LVC, DPP-LVC and splenic culture). The results were compared to rLci5 ELISA to determine its capacity to diagnoseL. infantuminfection at earlier infection time points. The persistence of positive diagnostic test results was also compared for each dog evaluated.ResultsrLci5 ELISA presented higher rates of positive results at early time points compared to the other diagnostic tests employed in the cohort study, as early as 24 months prior to detection by other tests. rLci5 ELISA positivity was 52.1% (25/48) at baseline, while qPCR was 35.4% (17/48), DPP-LVC 27.1% (13/48), EIE-LVC 22.9% (11/48) and culture only 4.2% (2/48). In at least one of the time points of the 24-month cohort study, rLci5 ELISA was positive in 100% (48/48) of the dogs, versus 83% (40/48) for qPCR, 75% (36/48) for DPP-LVC, 65% (31/48) for EIE-LVC and 31% (15/48) for culture. Investigating clinical signs in association with diagnostic test positivity, rLci5 ELISA successfully detected CVL in 62.9% (95/151) of the clinical evaluations with a score of 0–3, 64.3% (45/70) with scores between 4 and 7, and 73.7% (14/19) with scores > 7, providing higher rates of positivity than all other methods evaluated. Moreover, rLci5 ELISA presented the greatest persistence with respect to test positivity: 45.8% of the dogs evaluated.ConclusionFour diagnostic tests were compared to rLci5 ELISA, which presented earlier infection diagnosis and a greater persistence of positive test results. Accordingly, the use of the rLci5 ELISA can improve CVL diagnostic performance by detecting infected dogs sooner than other testing methods, with enhanced persistence of positive results over the course of the infection.Graphic abstract
Tau-PET and in vivo Braak-staging as prognostic markers of future cognitive decline in cognitively normal to demented individuals
Authors: Biel Davina , Brendel Matthias , Rubinski Anna , Buerger Katharina , Janowitz Daniel , Dichgans Martin , Franzmeier Nicolai ,   for the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI)
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
To systematically examine the clinical utility of tau-PET and Braak-staging as prognostic markers of future cognitive decline in older adults with and without cognitive impairment.

Methods
In this longitudinal study, we included 396 cognitively normal to dementia subjects with 18F-Florbetapir/18F-Florbetaben-amyloid-PET, 18F-Flortaucipir-tau-PET and ~ 2-year cognitive follow-up. Annual change rates in global cognition (i.e., MMSE, ADAS13) and episodic memory were calculated via linear-mixed models. We determined global amyloid-PET (Centiloid) plus global and Braak-stage-specific tau-PET SUVRs, which were stratified as positive(+)/negative(−) at pre-established cut-offs, classifying subjects as Braak0/BraakI+/BraakI–IV+/BraakI–VI+/Braakatypical+. In bootstrapped linear regression, we assessed the predictive accuracy of global tau-PET SUVRs vs. Centiloid on subsequent cognitive decline. To test for independent tau vs. amyloid effects, analyses were further controlled for the contrary PET-tracer. Using ANCOVAs, we tested whether more advanced Braak-stage predicted accelerated future cognitive decline. All models were controlled for age, sex, education, diagnosis, and baseline cognition. Lastly, we determined Braak-stage-specific conversion risk to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia.

Results
Baseline global tau-PET SUVRs explained more variance (partial R2) in future cognitive decline than Centiloid across all cognitive tests (Cohen’s d ~ 2, all tests p < 0.001) and diagnostic groups. Associations between tau-PET and cognitive decline remained consistent when controlling for Centiloid, while associations between amyloid-PET and cognitive decline were non-significant when controlling for tau-PET. More advanced Braak-stage was associated with gradually worsening future cognitive decline, independent of Centiloid or diagnostic group (p < 0.001), and elevated conversion risk to MCI/dementia.

Conclusion
Tau-PET and Braak-staging are highly predictive markers of future cognitive decline and may be promising single-modality estimates for prognostication of patient-specific progression risk in clinical settings.
A primer on deep learning and convolutional neural networks for clinicians
Authors: Iglesias Lara Lloret , Bellón Pablo Sanz , del Barrio Amaia Pérez , Fernández-Miranda Pablo Menéndez , González David Rodríguez , Vega José A. , Mandly Andrés A. González , Blanco José A. Parra 
Published: August 2021

AbstractDeep learning is nowadays at the forefront of artificial intelligence. More precisely, the use of convolutional neural networks has drastically improved the learning capabilities of computer vision applications, being able to directly consider raw data without any prior feature extraction. Advanced methods in the machine learning field, such as adaptive momentum algorithms or dropout regularization, have dramatically improved the convolutional neural networks predicting ability, outperforming that of conventional fully connected neural networks. This work summarizes, in an intended didactic way, the main aspects of these cutting-edge techniques from a medical imaging perspective.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: GDF11 enhances therapeutic functions of mesenchymal stem cells for angiogenesis
Authors: Zhang Chi , Lin Yinuo , Zhang Ke , Meng Luyang , Hu Xinyang , Chen Jinghai , Zhu Wei , Yu Hong 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
The efficacy of stem cell therapy for ischemia repair has been limited by low cell retention rate. Growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) is a member of the transforming growth factor-β super family, which has multiple effects on development, physiology and diseases. The objective of the study is to investigate whether GDF11 could affect the efficacy of stem cell transplantation.

Methods
We explored the effects of GDF11 on proangiogenic activities of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for angiogenic therapy in vitro and in vivo.

Results
Mouse bone marrow-derived MSCs were transduced with lentiviral vector to overexpress GDF11 (MSCGDF11). After exposed to hypoxia and serum deprivation for 48 h, MSCGDF11 were significantly better in viability than control MSCs (MSCvector). MSCGDF11 also had higher mobility and better angiogenic paracrine effects. The cytokine antibody array showed more angiogenic cytokines in the conditioned medium of MSCGDF11 than that of MSCvector, such as epidermal growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor-BB, placenta growth factor. When MSCs (1 × 106 cells in 50 μl) were injected into ischemic hindlimb of mice after femoral artery ligation, MSCGDF11 had higher retention rate in the muscle than control MSCs. Injection of MSCGDF11 resulted in better blood reperfusion and limb salvage than that of control MSCs after 14 days. Significantly more CD31+ endothelial cells and α-SMA + smooth muscle cells were detected in the ischemic muscles that received MSCGDF11. The effects of GDF11 were through activating TGF-β receptor and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Conclusion
Our study demonstrated an essential role of GDF11 in promoting therapeutic functions of MSCs for ischemic diseases by enhancing MSC viability, mobility, and angiogenic paracrine functions.
Rendering neuronal state equations compatible with the principle of stationary action
Authors: Fagerholm Erik D. , Foulkes W. M. C. , Friston Karl J. , Moran Rosalyn J. , Leech Robert 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe principle of stationary action is a cornerstone of modern physics, providing a powerful framework for investigating dynamical systems found in classical mechanics through to quantum field theory. However, computational neuroscience, despite its heavy reliance on concepts in physics, is anomalous in this regard as its main equations of motion are not compatible with a Lagrangian formulation and hence with the principle of stationary action. Taking the Dynamic Causal Modelling (DCM) neuronal state equation as an instructive archetype of the first-order linear differential equations commonly found in computational neuroscience, we show that it is possible to make certain modifications to this equation to render it compatible with the principle of stationary action. Specifically, we show that a Lagrangian formulation of the DCM neuronal state equation is facilitated using a complex dependent variable, an oscillatory solution, and a Hermitian intrinsic connectivity matrix. We first demonstrate proof of principle by using Bayesian model inversion to show that both the original and modified models can be correctly identified viain silicodata generated directly from their respective equations of motion. We then provide motivation for adopting the modified models in neuroscience by using three different types of publicly availablein vivoneuroimaging datasets, together with open source MATLAB code, to show that the modified (oscillatory) model provides a more parsimonious explanation for some of these empirical timeseries. It is our hope that this work will, in combination with existing techniques, allow people to explore the symmetries and associated conservation laws within neural systems – and to exploit the computational expediency facilitated by direct variational techniques.
Substances use between early and later stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in Israel
Authors: Bonny-Noach Hagit , Cohen-Louck Keren , Levy Inna 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Aims
Only several empirical studies have examined substance use during the COVID-19 pandemic in general populations. Most of these studies compared self-reported substances use before the pandemic and during the pandemic's early stages. This study aims to identify the changes in substance use between the early and later waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in Israel.

Methods
A cross-sectional online survey recruited 750 participants (ages 18–65) in two waves: (1) 427 during and following the first lockdown (April-mid-May, 2020); and (2) 323 following the second lockdown (from October to mid-November, 2020).

Results
Participants who experienced two lockdowns reported more frequent consumption of all alcoholic beverages and cannabis in the last 30 days than those who experienced one lockdown. After controlling for demographic variables, significant differences were found between participants who experienced one lockdown and those who experienced two lockdowns in the consumption of alcoholic beverages (F(1, 742) = 6.90, p = .01, η2 = .01). However, there was no significant association between pandemic duration and other illegal drug consumption.

Conclusions
There is a significant association between pandemic duration and alcohol consumption. Policymakers and practitioners should develop national alcohol and cannabis use prevention and harm reduction interventions during pandemics with a focus on men, singles and youth.
The assessment of general movements in term and late-preterm infants diagnosed with neonatal encephalopathy, as a predictive tool of cerebral palsy by 2 years of age—a scoping review
Authors: Seesahai Judy , Luther Maureen , Church Paige Terrien , Maddalena Patricia , Asztalos Elizabeth , Rotter Thomas , Banihani Rudaina 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe General Movements Assessment is a non-invasive and cost-effective tool with demonstrated reliability for identifying infants at risk for cerebral palsy. Early detection of cerebral palsy allows for the implementation of early intervention and is associated with better functional outcomes. No review to date has summarized the utility of the General Movements Assessment to predict cerebral palsy in term and late-preterm infants diagnosed with neonatal encephalopathy.MethodsWe conducted a scoping review involving infants born greater than or equal to 34 weeks gestational age to identify all available evidence and delineate research gaps. We extracted data on sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values and described the strengths and limitations of the results. We searched five databases (MEDLINE, Embase, PsychINFO, Scopus, and CINAHL) and the General Movements Trust website. Two reviewers conducted all screening and data extraction independently. The articles were categorized according to key findings, and a critical appraisal was performed.ResultsOnly three studies, a cohort and two case series, met all of the inclusion criteria. The total number of participants was 118. None of the final eligible studies included late-preterm neonates. All three studies reported on sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive and negative predictive values. An abnormal General Movement Assessment at 3–5 months has a high specificity (84.6–98%) for cerebral palsy with a similarly high negative predictive value (84.6–98%) when it was normal. Absent fidgety movements, in particular, are highly specific (96%) for moderate to severe cerebral palsy and carry a high negative predictive value (98%) when normal. In the time period between term and 4–5 months post-term, any cramped synchronized movements had results of 100% sensitivity and variable results for specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value.ConclusionsA normal General Movements Assessment at 3 months in a term high-risk infant is likely associated with a low risk for moderate/severe cerebral palsy. The finding of cramped synchronized General Movements is a strong predictor for the diagnosis of cerebral palsy by 2 years of age in the term population with neonatal encephalopathy. The deficit of high-quality research limits the applicability, and so the General Movements Assessment should not be used in isolation when assessing this population.Systematic review registrationTitle registration with Joanna Briggs Institute. URL:http://joannabriggswebdev.org/research/registered_titles.aspx.
Nosocomial infections among COVID-19 patients: an analysis of intensive care unit surveillance data
Authors: Ong Clara Chong Hui , Farhanah Sharifah , Linn Kyaw Zaw , Tang Ying Wei , Poon Chu Ying , Lim Allie Yin , Tan Hui Ru , Binte Hamed Nur Hafizah , Huan Xiaowei , Puah Ser Hon , Ho Benjamin C. H. , Soon Margaret M. L. , Ang Brenda S. P. , Vasoo Shawn , Chan Monica , Leo Yee Sin , Ng Oon Tek , Marimuthu Kalisvar 
Published: August 2021

AbstractSurveillance of nosocomial infections, like catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI), central line-associated bloodstream infection, possible ventilator-associated pneumonia and secondary bloodstream infections were observed to study the impact of COVID-19 outbreak in ICUs from Tan Tock Seng Hospital and National Centre for Infectious Diseases, Singapore between February and June 2020. Higher nosocomial infection rates were observed in COVID-19 patients, although it was not statistically significant. Moreover, COVID-19 patients seem to be more predisposed to CAUTI despite a higher proportion of non-COVID-19 patients having urinary catheters. Thus, continued vigilance to ensure adherence to IPC measures is needed.
Regulation of bone phosphorus retention and bone development possibly by related hormones and local bone-derived regulators in broiler chicks
Authors: Cao Sumei , Li Tingting , Shao Yuxin , Zhang Liyang , Lu Lin , Zhang Rijun , Hou Shuisheng , Luo Xugang , Liao Xiudong 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
Phosphorus is essential for bone mineralization in broilers, however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We aimed to investigate whether bone phosphorus retention and bone development might be regulated by related hormones and local bone-derived regulators in broilers.

Methods
Broilers were fed diets containing different levels of non-phytate phosphorus (NPP) 0.15%, 0.25%, 0.35%, 0.45% and 0.55% or 0.15%, 0.22%, 0.29%, 0.36% and 0.43% from 1 to 21 or 22 to 42 days of age. Serum and tibia samples were collected for determinations of bone phosphorus retention and bone development parameters, related hormones and local bone-derived regulators of broiler chickens on d 14, 28 and 42, respectively.

Results
Tibia ash phosphorus, total phosphorus accumulation in tibia ash (TPTA), bone mineral concentration (BMC), bone mineral density (BMD), bone breaking strength (BBS), and ash on d 14, 28 or 42, serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) on d 28 and 42, mRNA expressions of tibia fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) and dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1) on d 14 and 28 increased linearly or quadratically (P < 0.05), while serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) on d 28, tibia alkaline phosphatase (ALP) on d 14, 28 and 42, bone gal protein (BGP) on d 14, and mRNA expression of tibia phosphate-regulating gene with homologies to endopeptidases on the X chromosome (PHEX) on d 14 and 28 decreased linearly or quadratically (P < 0.04) as dietary NPP level increased. TPTA, BMC, BMD, and ash on d 28 and 42, BBS on d 28, and ash phosphorus on d 42 were positively correlated (r = 0.389 to 0.486, P < 0.03) with serum 1,25(OH)2D3. All of the above parameters were positively correlated (r = 0.380 to 0.689, P < 0.05) with tibia DMP1 mRNA expression on d 14, 28 and 42, but negatively correlated (r = − 0.609 to − 0.538, P < 0.02) with serum PTH on d 28, tibia ALP on d 14, 28 and 42, and BGP on d 14. TPTA, BMC and ash on d 14 and BMD on d 28 were negatively correlated (r = − 0.397 to − 0.362, P < 0.03) with tibia PHEX mRNA expression, and BMD on d 28 was positively correlated (r = 0.384, P = 0.04) with tibia FGF23 mRNA expression.

Conclusions
These results suggested that bone phosphorus retention and bone development parameters had moderate to strong correlations with serum PTH and 1,25(OH)2D3 and tibia DMP1, PHEX, FGF23, ALP and BGP in broilers during the whole growth period, and thus they might be partly regulated by these related hormones and local bone-derived regulators.
Identification and attribute analysis of key stakeholders who influence multidrug-resistant tuberculosis prevention and control in China
Authors: Chen Bin , Bao Hongdan , Chen Xinyi , Liu Kui , Peng Ying , Wang Wei , Wang Fei , Jiang Jianmin , Xu Biao 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
There could be various stakeholders who influencing multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) policy development and implementation, yet their attributes and roles remain unclear in practice. This study aimed to identify key stakeholders in the process of policy-making for MDR-TB control and prevention and to analyse the attributes and relationships of the stakeholders, providing evidence for further policy research on MDR-TB control.

Methods
This study was conducted from October 2018 to March 2019 and applied the stakeholder analysis guidelines and domestic stakeholder analysis. An initial candidate stakeholder list was developed by policy scanning. Ten experts were invited to identify these candidate stakeholders. The major attribute of these stakeholders were analysed using the Michell scoring method. Based on these results, the intertwined relationships among groups of stakeholders were analysed and mapped through a systematic scan of the policy and literature on MDR-TB control, as well as information obtained from the interviews.

Results
A list of 21 types of candidate stakeholders was developed after a literature review and policy scanning, of which 11 received 100% approval. After expert evaluation and identification (the total expert authority was 0.80), 19 categories of stakeholders were approved and included in the stakeholder analysis. We categorized all of the stakeholders into three groups: (i) definitive stakeholders who are mainly involved in administrative departments and the Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); (ii) expectant stakeholders who are mainly involved with MDR-TB patients, clinical departments of TB hospitals at different levels, community health care facilities, prefectural CDC and charity organizations; and (iii) latent stakeholders who mainly involved family members and neighbours of MDR-TB patients and TB related products manufacturers. Government departments and higher-level CDCs have strong decision-making power in developing MDR-TB control policies whereas the recommendations from service providers and the concerns of patients should be considered.

Conclusions
The MDR-TB prevention system was a multistakeholder cooperation system that was mainly led by government stakeholders. Enhancing communications with front-line service providers and patients on their unmet needs and evidence-based suggestions would highly benefit policy-making of MDR-TB prevention and control.

Graphical abstract
Outcomes of endoscopic chemo- and laser-cauterizations and open fistulectomy for pyriform sinus fistula
Authors: Masuoka Hiroo , Miyauchi Akira , Sasaki Takahiro , Sano Tsutomu , Miya Akihiro 
Published: August 2021

Background Acute suppurative thyroiditis through the congenital pyriform sinus fistula (PSF) often recurs if the fistula is not resected. Although endoscopic chemo-cauterization (ECC) to obliterate the orifice of the fistula is less invasive than open fistulectomy, it may require repeated treatments. We recently adopted an endoscopic diode laser-cauterization (ELC) system with the intention of improving treatment outcomes in PSF. Here, we describe ELC and compare the outcomes of these three modalities. Methods We evaluated 83 patients with PSF who underwent treatment between 2007 and 2018 at Kuma Hospital, a tertiary thyroid treatment hospital. ECC and ELC were implemented in 2007 and 2015, respectively. Patients who were ineligible for the endoscopic procedures underwent open fistulectomy. Barium swallow studies and computed tomography scan under a trumpet maneuver were performed after treatment to evaluate obliteration or removal of the fistula. Results In total, 70 of the 81 (86%) patients who underwent barium swallow studies after the first treatment achieved obliteration or removal of the fistula. The success rates for open fistulectomy, ECC, and ELC were 100% (9/9), 83% (49/59), and 100% (13/13), respectively. ECC and ELC had significantly shorter operative times and lower blood loss than open fistulectomy. Insufficient opening of the mouth was the major reason for converting endoscopic procedures to open fistulectomy. Conclusions ELC may yield superior outcomes and is therefore the optimal treatment modality for PSF. However, it is still associated with certain limitations. Thus, treatment selection remains dependent on the shape and size of the PSF and the mouth opening of the individual patient. Graphical Abstract