bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Macular Structure and Microvasculature Changes in AIDS-Related Cytomegalovirus Retinitis Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography
Authors: Du Kui-Fang , Huang Xiao-Jie , Chen Chao , Kong Wen-Jun , Xie Lian-Yong , Wei Wen-Bin 
Published: August 2021

Background: Cytomegalovirus retinitis (CMVR) is a crucial blind-causing disease of AIDS-related ocular opportunistic infection. The CMVR lesions produced retinal necrosis. It is not entirely clear whether CMVR eyes without macular-involved necrotic lesions may have subtle macular damage. In this study, we conducted a cross-sectional study using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) to evaluate macular microvasculature and structure in eyes with AIDS-related CMVR.Methods: Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related CMVR patients (active and inactive CMVR) and healthy controls treated in the Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University between August 25, 2019, and October 18, 2019, were recruited. All OCTA parameters, including the foveal avascular zone (FAZ), retinal vessel density (VD), choroidal vascularity index (CVI), retinal thickness, and choroidal thickness, were compared between groups after the signal strength was corrected.Results: Signal strength in the 3 × 3 and 6 × 6 mm scan patterns was significantly weaker in the inactive CMVR group than in the control group (both p &lt; 0.001). After adjusting for signal strength, heterogeneity in the central fovea and parafoveal quadrants was present with a shift toward lower macular chorioretinal vasculature, decreased full choroidal thickness, and thicker retinal thickness in the active and inactive CMVR groups. The retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and inner nuclear layer (INL) were significantly thicker in the active and inactive CMVR groups than in the control group (all p &lt; 0.05). For photoreceptor-retinal pigment epithelium (PR-RPE) thickness, no significant differences were found in any quadrant between groups. Foveal avascular zone areas were not significantly different among the three groups (p = 0.053).Conclusions: Subtle macular structure and microvasculature damage still existed in CMVR eyes without macular-involved necrotic lesions. The results of our study are helpful for a deep understanding of the damage caused by CMVR.
Enhanced Chitin Deacetylase Production Ability of Rhodococcus equi CGMCC14861 by Co-culture Fermentation With Staphylococcus sp. MC7
Authors: Ma Qinyuan , Gao Xiuzhen , Tu Linna , Han Qi , Zhang Xing , Guo Yabo , Yan Wenqin , Shen Yanbing , Wang Min 
Published: August 2021

Graphical AbstractGRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Delivery Mode Affects Intestinal Microbial Composition and the Development of Intestinal Epithelial Cells
Authors: Lyu Linzheng , Zhou Xiaohong , Zhang Meng , Liu Li , Niu Haiyue , Zhang Jiliang , Chen Shiwei , Gong Pimin , Jiang Shilong , Pan Jiancun , Li Yuanyuan , Han Xue , Cheng Dayou , Zhang Lanwei 
Published: August 2021

BackgroundThe infant’s intestine contains diverse microbiota, which play an important role in an infant’s health.ObjectiveThis study aimed to analyze the different intestinal microbiota and their function in two delivery modes [vaginal delivery and cesarean section (C-section)] and to investigate the proprieties of bacteria associated with vaginal delivery on the development of intestinal epithelial cells in rat pups.Materials and MethodsWe evaluated the intestinal microbial diversity of the stool samples of 51 infants of subjects who underwent vaginal delivery and C-section by sequencing the V4 regions of the 16S rRNA gene and predicted the function of the microbiotas. The infant stool microbiota in the vaginal delivery group was associated with the digestive system and cell growth and death, whereas that of the C-section group was associated with membrane transport. Then, we isolated the strains based on function prediction.ResultsA total of 95 strains were isolated in the vaginal delivery group. Bifidobacterium bifidum FL-228.1 (FL-228.1) was screened and selected owing to its good surface hydrophobicity, bacterial survivability in the simulated gastrointestinal condition and adhesion ability to the IEC-6 cell line as well as owing to the development of intestinal epithelial cells. Furthermore, in vivo experiments revealed that FL-228.1 exhibited favorable effects on the development of intestinal epithelial cells in rat pups.ConclusionThe results of this study indicate an apparent difference in the bacterial composition of the stool samples collected from infants of the two delivery modes. By analyzing and screening the bacteria in infant stool samples, we found that one strain, i.e., B bifidum FL-228.1, exhibited favorable effects on the development of intestinal epithelial cells.
Effects of Adaptive Non-linear Frequency Compression in Hearing Aids on Mandarin Speech and Sound-Quality Perception
Authors: Qi Shuang , Chen Xueqing , Yang Jing , Wang Xianhui , Tian Xin , Huang Hsuanyun , Rehmann Julia , Kuehnel Volker , Guan Jingjing , Xu Li 
Published: August 2021

ObjectiveThis study was aimed at examining the effects of an adaptive non-linear frequency compression algorithm implemented in hearing aids (i.e., SoundRecover2, or SR2) at different parameter settings and auditory acclimatization on speech and sound-quality perception in native Mandarin-speaking adult listeners with sensorineural hearing loss.DesignData consisted of participants’ unaided and aided hearing thresholds, Mandarin consonant and vowel recognition in quiet, and sentence recognition in noise, as well as sound-quality ratings through five sessions in a 12-week period with three SR2 settings (i.e., SR2 off, SR2 default, and SR2 strong).Study SampleTwenty-nine native Mandarin-speaking adults aged 37–76 years old with symmetric sloping moderate-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss were recruited. They were all fitted bilaterally with Phonak Naida V90-SP BTE hearing aids with hard ear-molds.ResultsThe participants demonstrated a significant improvement of aided hearing in detecting high frequency sounds at 8 kHz. For consonant recognition and overall sound-quality rating, the participants performed significantly better with the SR2 default setting than the other two settings. No significant differences were found in vowel and sentence recognition among the three SR2 settings. Test session was a significant factor that contributed to the participants’ performance in all speech and sound-quality perception tests. Specifically, the participants benefited from a longer duration of hearing aid use.ConclusionFindings from this study suggested possible perceptual benefit from the adaptive non-linear frequency compression algorithm for native Mandarin-speaking adults with moderate-to-profound hearing loss. Periods of acclimatization should be taken for better performance in novel technologies in hearing aids.
Daily Intravoxel Incoherent Motion (IVIM) In Prostate Cancer Patients During MR-Guided Radiotherapy—A Multicenter Study
Authors: Kooreman Ernst S. , van Houdt Petra J. , Keesman Rick , van Pelt Vivian W. J. , Nowee Marlies E. , Pos Floris , Sikorska Karolina , Wetscherek Andreas , Müller Arndt-Christian , Thorwarth Daniela , Tree Alison C. , van der Heide Uulke A. 
Published: August 2021

PurposeDaily quantitative MR imaging during radiotherapy of cancer patients has become feasible with MRI systems integrated with linear accelerators (MR-linacs). Quantitative images could be used for treatment response monitoring. With intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) MRI, it is possible to acquire perfusion information without the use of contrast agents. In this multicenter study, daily IVIM measurements were performed in prostate cancer patients to identify changes that potentially reflect response to treatment.Materials and MethodsForty-three patients were included, treated with 20 fractions of 3 Gy on a 1.5 T MR-linac. IVIM measurements were performed on each treatment day. The diffusion coefficient (D), perfusion fraction (f), and pseudo-diffusion coefficient (D*) were calculated based on the median signal intensities in the non-cancerous prostate and the tumor. Repeatability coefficients (RCs) were determined based on the first two treatment fractions. Separate linear mixed-effects models were constructed for the three IVIM parameters.ResultsIn total, 726 fractions were analyzed. Pre-treatment average values, measured on the first fraction before irradiation, were 1.46 × 10−3 mm2/s, 0.086, and 28.7 × 10−3 mm2/s in the non-cancerous prostate and 1.19 × 10−3 mm2/s, 0.088, and 28.9 × 10−3 mm2/s in the tumor, for D, f, and D*, respectively. The repeatability coefficients for D, f, and D* in the non-cancerous prostate were 0.09 × 10−3 mm2/s, 0.05, and 15.3 × 10−3 mm2/s. In the tumor, these values were 0.44 × 10−3 mm2/s, 0.16, and 76.4 × 10−3 mm2/s. The mixed effects analysis showed an increase in D of the tumors over the course of treatment, while remaining stable in the non-cancerous prostate. The f and D* increased in both the non-cancerous prostate and tumor.ConclusionsIt is feasible to perform daily IVIM measurements on an MR-linac system. Although the repeatability coefficients were high, changes in IVIM perfusion parameters were measured on a group level, indicating that IVIM has potential for measuring treatment response.
The Impact of Smoking, Alcohol Use, Recurrent Disease, and Age on the Development of Neck Fibrosis in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Following Radiation Therapy
Authors: Pratson Connor L. , Larkins Michael C. , Karimian Brandon H. , Curtis Caitrin M. , Lepera Pamela A. , Brodish Brian N. , Ju Andrew W. 
Published: August 2021

There is a paucity of information regarding the demographic factors associated with the development of neck fibrosis in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients following radiotherapy. A retrospective review of all patients being treated for HNC at a tertiary care center between 2013 and 2017 was performed. Chi-squared and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to identify differences in incidence and grade of fibrosis, respectively, between populations. A total of 90 patients aged 19 to 99 years were included. Factors associated with an increased incidence of fibrosis included smoking during radiotherapy (p &lt; 0.001), alcohol use (p = 0.026), recurrent disease (p = 0.042), and age less than 60 (p &lt; 0.001) on univariate analysis. Factors associated with increased grade of fibrosis in HNC patients included recurrent HNC (p = 0.033), alcohol use (p = 0.013), patient age younger than 60 years (p = 0.018), smoking during radiotherapy (p &lt; 0.001), and non-Caucasian race (p = 0.012). Identification and intervention directed at patients that possess risk factors associated with fibrosis prior to treatment has the potential to improve the long-term quality of life for HNC patients.
Population Pharmacokinetics of Vancomycin and Meropenem in Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support
Authors: Zylbersztajn Brenda , Parker Suzanne , Navea Daniel , Izquierdo Giannina , Ortiz Paula , Torres Juan Pablo , Fajardo Cristian , Diaz Rodrigo , Valverde Cristian , Roberts Jason 
Published: August 2021

Objective:Describe primary pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) parameters of vancomycin and meropenem in pediatric patients undergoing ECMO and analyze utilized dosing to reach PK/PD target.Design:Prospective, multicentric, population PK analysis.Setting:Two hospitals with pediatric intensive care unit.Patients:Pediatric patients (1 month - 15 years old) receiving vancomycin and meropenem for empiric or definitive infection treatment while ECMO support.Measurements and Main Results:Four serum concentration were obtained for patients receiving vancomycin (n= 9) and three for meropenem (n= 9). The PK/PD target for vancomycin was a ratio of the area under the curve to the minimal inhibitory concentration (AUC/MIC) of &gt;400, and for meropenem was 4 times above MIC for 50% of the dosing interval (fT50%&gt; 4xMIC). Pharmacokinetic modeling was performed using PMetrics 1.5.0. We included nine patients, with 11 PK profiles for each antimicrobial. The median age of patients was 4 years old (2 months - 13 years) and 45% were male. Creatinine clearance (CL) was 183 (30–550) ml/min/1.73 m2. The median dose was 13.6 (range 10–15) mg/kg every 6–12 h and 40 mg/kg every 8–12 h for vancomycin and meropenem, respectively. Two compartment models were fitted. Weight was included as a covariate on volume of the central compartment (Vc) for meropenem. Weight was included as a covariate on both Vc and clearance (CL) and serum creatinine was also included as a covariate on CL for vancomycin. The pharmacokinetic parameters CL and Vc were 0.139 ± 0.102 L/h/kg and 0.289 ± 0.295 L/kg for meropenem and 0.060 ± 0.055 L/h/kg and 0.419 ± 0.280 L/kg for vancomycin, respectively. Across each dosing interval 91% of patients achieved the PK/PD targets for adequate exposure for meropenem and 63.6% for vancomycin.Conclusion:Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic objectives for vancomycin were achieved partially with conventional doses and higher dosing with extended infusion were needed in the case of meropenem.
(E)-7-Ethylidene-lithocholic Acid (7-ELCA) Is a Potent Dual Farnesoid X Receptor (FXR) Antagonist and GPBAR1 Agonist Inhibiting FXR-Induced Gene Expression in Hepatocytes and Stimulating Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Secretion From Enteroendocrine Cells
Authors: Stefela Alzbeta , Kaspar Miroslav , Drastik Martin , Kronenberger Thales , Micuda Stanislav , Dracinsky Martin , Klepetarova Blanka , Kudova Eva , Pavek Petr 
Published: August 2021

Bile acids (BAs) are key signaling steroidal molecules that regulate glucose, lipid, and energy homeostasis via interactions with the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and G-protein bile acid receptor 1 (GPBAR1). Extensive medicinal chemistry modifications of the BA scaffold led to the discovery of potent selective or dual FXR and GPBAR1 agonists. Herein, we discovered 7-ethylidene-lithocholic acid (7-ELCA) as a novel combined FXR antagonist/GPBAR1 agonist (IC50 = 15 μM/EC50 = 26 nM) with no off-target activation in a library of 7-alkyl substituted derivatives of BAs. 7-ELCA significantly suppressed the effect of the FXR agonist obeticholic acid in BSEP and SHP regulation in human hepatocytes. Importantly, 7-ELCA significantly stimulated the production of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), an incretin with insulinotropic effect in postprandial glucose utilization, in intestinal enteroendocrine cells. We can suggest that 7-ELCA may be a prospective approach to the treatment of type II diabetes as the dual modulation of GPBAR1 and FXR has been supposed to be effective in the synergistic regulation of glucose homeostasis in the intestine.
Dyslipidemia Is Negatively Associated With the Cumulative Live-Birth Rate in Patients Without PCOS Following IVF/ICSI
Authors: Liu Zhenteng , Cong Jianxiang , Liu Xuemei , Zhao Huishan , Lai Shoucui , He Shunzhi , Bao Hongchu 
Published: August 2021

Objective: To evaluate the effect of dyslipidemia on the cumulative live-birth rate (cLBR) in patients without polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) undergoing in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection–embryo transfer (IVF/ICSI–ET) cycles.Methods: A total of 1,132 patients from the Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University from January 2016 to December 2017 were retrospectively included. The subjects were distributed into two groups based on their lipid profiles, namely, dyslipidemia group (n = 195) and control group (n = 937). The clinical and laboratory parameters of the two groups were analyzed, and a multivariate logistic regression analysis of the cLBR was conducted. In addition, subgroup analysis was carried out to avoid deviation according to the body mass index (BMI).Results: Patients with dyslipidemia had significantly greater BMI and longer duration of infertility, as well as lower antral follicle count and basal follicle-stimulating hormone level compared with patients without dyslipidemia. Stratified analysis showed that dyslipidemia was associated with a significantly higher total gonadotrophin dosage required for ovarian stimulation as well as lower number of oocytes retrieved, independent of obesity. The live-birth rate in fresh cycle and cLBR were higher in the control group, although the difference between the groups was not significant (54.9% vs. 47.3%, p = 0.116; 67.6% vs. 62.1%, p = 0.138). However, multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusting for potential confounders showed that dyslipidemia was negatively associated with cLBR (OR, 0.702, 95% CI, 0.533–0.881, p = 0.044).Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate for the first time that dyslipidemia has a deleterious impact on cLBR, independent of obesity, in non-PCOS population considered to have good prognosis. Assessment of serum lipid profiles as well as the provision of nutritional counseling is essential for increasing successful outcomes in assisted reproductive techniques.
Physical Activity and Attitudes Toward Social Media Use of Active Individuals During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Saudi Arabia: Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: AlMarzooqi Mezna A. 
Published: August 2021

Background: Social media became an integral part of the lives of people because it encourages social relations and shares interests, activities, and real-life connections. As quarantine and lockdown orders are prolonged, many people, as well as those physically active individuals, typically responded to this stressful condition by using social media platforms.Objective: This study aimed to examine the level of physical activity of physically active individuals and their attitudes toward social media use during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among physically active individuals in Saudi Arabia between June 2020 and July 2020. An online survey was employed among eligible participants who completed a self-administered questionnaire that covered reasons for physical activity and attitudes toward social media platforms during the COVID-19 pandemic.Results: Of these 323 participants, 29.1% were in the age group of 18–24 years, 66.6% were women, and 67.8% were single. The proportion of participants whose metabolic equivalent of tasks-min/week from vigorous activity &lt;1,680 was 31.9%, and all of the participants follow people or pages in social media related to sports teams and fitness models. The average number of hours spent on social media per day was 2.95 ± 0.90 h. The majority of the participants showed positive attitudes toward social media used for exercise and physical activity. Of the eight variables, age, level of physical activity, and the average of hours spent on social media emerged as significant predictors of attitudes toward the use of social media (P &lt; 0.05).Conclusions: The present survey results indicate adverse consequences of home quarantine as reflected by a small proportion of participants who had differences in levels of vigorous activities during the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia. Social media appears to be a key avenue to promote and disseminate health interventions to promote physical activity during this COVID-19 pandemic.
Cognitive Training Effectiveness on Memory, Executive Functioning, and Processing Speed in Individuals With Substance Use Disorders: A Systematic Review
Authors: Caetano Tânia , Pinho Maria Salomé , Ramadas Eduardo , Clara Cátia , Areosa Timóteo , Dixe Maria dos Anjos 
Published: August 2021

Background: Cerebral neuroplasticity is compromised due to substance abuse. There is damage to neuronal areas that are involved in memory and executive functioning. Treatments with worse outcomes are often associated with cognitive deficits that have resulted from substance dependence. However, there is evidence that cognitive training can lead to improvements in cognitive functions and can be useful when treating addictions. This systematic review aims to synthesize evidence on the effectiveness of cognitive training in memory, executive functioning, and processing speed in individuals with substance use disorder (SUD).Methods: The Joanna Briggs Institute's PICO strategy was used to develop this systematic literature review. Four databases were searched (PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and PsycINFO) to identify controlled randomized clinical studies and quasi-experimental studies, in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, from 1985 to 2019. The literature found was examined by two independent reviewers, who assessed the quality of studies that met the inclusion criteria. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for the randomized controlled trials and the ROBINS-I tool for non-randomized studies were used to assess the risk of bias. In data extraction, the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews was considered.Results: From a total of 470 studies, 319 were selected for analysis after the elimination of duplicates. According to the inclusion criteria defined, 26 studies were eligible and evaluated. An evaluation was performed considering the participant characteristics, countries, substance type, study and intervention details, and key findings. Of the 26 selected studies, 14 considered only alcoholics, six included participants with various SUD (alcohol and other substances), three exclusively looked into methamphetamine-consuming users and another three into opioid/methadone users. Moreover, 18 studies found some kind of cognitive improvement, with two of these reporting only marginally significant effects. One study found improvements only in measures similar to the training tasks, and two others had ambiguous results.Conclusions: The included studies revealed the benefits of cognitive training with regard to improving cognitive functions in individuals with SUD. Memory was the most scrutinized cognitive function in this type of intervention, and it is also one of the areas most affected by substance use.Systematic Review Registration: [PROSPERO], identifier [CRD42020161039].
Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors Among Children and Adolescents With Depression
Authors: Korczak Daphne J. , Cleverley Kristin , Birken Catherine S. , Pignatiello Tony , Mahmud Farid H. , McCrindle Brian W. 
Published: August 2021

Aim: To examine CVD risk factors among children and adolescents with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).Methods: A cross-sectional study of 77 children and adolescents (mean age 14.1 years, 74% female) referred to a pediatric depression program. MDD was assessed using a semi-structured diagnostic interview. Cardiovascular assessments included family cardiovascular disease (CVD) history, cigarette smoking, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, lipid and glucose concentrations. CVD risk factors among healthy weight and overweight/obese participants were compared.Results: Forty-six percent of participants had a family history of early CVD. On examination, 25% of participants had a BMI in overweight/obese range, and 25% of children had pre-hypertension (14%) or hypertension (11%). Total cholesterol levels were elevated among 28% of participants. Overweight/obese participants had increased non-HDL cholesterol concentrations compared with healthy-weight participants (36 vs. 10%, p = 0.01). There were no significant differences between healthy and overweight/obese groups for other CVD risk factors, including HDL cholesterol concentration, plasma glucose concentration, hypertension, cigarette smoking, and family history of early CVD. More than half (52%) of participants had at least two CVD risk factors.Conclusion: CVD risk factors are prevalent among children and adolescents with MDD. Routine CVD risk factor screening may be warranted among MDD youth, regardless of BMI, and may provide a valuable opportunity for prevention of future CVD.